Trailing the Villainess does no good!

"Keep in mind, Seraphina," Isabella said thoughtfully, "that the Rising Phoenix Auction might attract a diverse array of individuals, some of whom may be tied to the underground Sect or possess valuable information. It could be an opportunity to gather more clues."

Seraphina nodded, her mind already considering the possibilities. "You're right. The auction could serve as a focal point for their activities. I'll attend and keep a vigilant eye on any suspicious attendees."

Alexander leaned forward, his gaze intense. "But don't underestimate them. If they're as connected and secretive as you suspect, they might have their means of masking their true identities."

"You have my word," Seraphina replied earnestly.

[A while later]

After the discussion, Seraphina navigated the bustling streets of Serenity Peak City, her senses remained finely attuned to her surroundings as she used the special ability of her eyes.

Subtle movements at the edge of her vision caught her attention - fleeting shadows that seemed to mirror her every step. Whoever was tailing her was skilled at maintaining a discreet distance while keeping her within their sight.

Seraphina's lips curved into a half-smile. She had faced skilled trackers before, adversaries who excelled in the art of pursuit. It was a dance she knew well - one that demanded both caution and strategy.

Slowing her pace slightly, Seraphina allowed the distance between herself and her pursuers to close. She feigned interest in the wares of a nearby street vendor, her gaze focused on the vibrant array of trinkets and artifacts on display. But her peripheral vision remained sharp, tracking the movements of those who shadowed her.

With a casual grace, Seraphina continued her stroll through the city streets. She led her pursuers on a winding path, navigating through bustling marketplaces, narrow alleyways, and hidden courtyards.

At last, Seraphina came to a halt in a quiet corner of the city, a secluded courtyard adorned with delicate cherry blossom trees. She turned to face her pursuers, her expression a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

"Following someone requires skill and determination," Seraphina's voice carried across the space, her words directed at her shadowy companions. "But it seems our paths have crossed for a reason. Care to shed some light on your intentions?"

The figures tensed, clearly caught off guard by her acknowledgment. The taller of the two, a man with sharp features, regarded her with a wary gaze. "You're perceptive," he admitted, his tone guarded.

Seraphina's lips curved into a faint smile. "Perception is a skill one hones when dealing with matters that thrive in shadows. Now, who sent you?"

The second figure, a woman with an air of cautious determination, finally spoke. "We have no intention of revealing our employer."

Seraphina arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, and she decided to test the waters. "And what is it that your mysterious employer hopes to gain from tailing me? Is it about the underground Sect?"

The pursuers widened their eyes and looked at each other for confirmation. The woman they were trailing knew too much.

With a burst of speed, both darted forward with poisoned daggers in hand.

Seraphina's response was swift and decisive. With a subtle gesture, she summoned tendrils of ethereal energy that coalesced into protective barriers around her. The pursuers, undeterred, launched a rapid series of strikes.

'Let's test out my new speed~' Seraphina reckoned she was much faster than before.

With a subtle shift of her weight, Seraphina moved into a defensive stance, her body poised to react. She watched as one of the pursuers charged forward first. As he lunged at her, she sidestepped with effortless grace, her body becoming a blur of motion. His fist sliced through the air where she had stood a moment ago, his surprise evident on his face.

Before he could fully recover from his missed strike, Seraphina closed the distance between them in an instant. Her hand shot out with lightning speed, her palm connecting with his sternum. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, and he staggered backward, gasping for air before falling unconscious.

'Oh shit! Was that a tad too fast?' Seraphina thought as she looked at the pitiful state of her pursuer.

'Well, I still have a second one for information.' She mused and dodged a poison shot at her face.

Seraphina closed the distance with a burst of speed that left an afterimage in her wake. The second pursuer barely had time to react as Seraphina's hand clasped around his wrist, immobilizing him. The pursuer's struggles were in vain as Seraphina's grip tightened, her ethereal energy flowing into her touch.

"Now, let's have that conversation you seemed so keen to avoid."

The pursuer's defiant façade wavered, his eyes narrowing in reluctant acknowledgment. "What do you want to know?"

Seraphina's voice was measured, her words a mixture of sternness and curiosity. "Start by telling me who sent you to spy on me and why."

The man's lips pressed into a thin line, but he ultimately relented. "Claude Fallar sent us. He wanted to assess your abilities and determine if you posed a threat to his family's interests."

Seraphina's eyebrows furrowed, her thoughts racing. Claude Fallar, the young master of the Fallar family, was already on her radar. His involvement in surveilling her raised more questions about his intentions.

"And what exactly are his family's interests?" Seraphina pressed, her tone unyielding.

The man hesitated, his resolve faltering. "I... I don't know the specifics. Just that he believes you might disrupt their plans."

Seraphina's mind churned with the implications of this revelation. She needed more information and was prepared to go to greater lengths to get it.

Her gaze shifted to his unconscious partner. "You will tell me everything you know, willingly or not."

The man's eyes widened in apprehension, realizing the conversation's direction. "You wouldn't dare."

"I assure you, I am capable of much more than you realize," Seraphina answered coldly.

The man's voice carried a note of urgency as he interjected, "Wait! I'll talk."

Seraphina's gaze shifted back to him, her blade still poised. "Speak."