Chapter 69: Hey, Are You... Xue Taiyang?
Reon, all too aware of the shift in the atmosphere, felt his Instinctual Awareness flare. It was a subtle twinge at first, an eerie sensation prickling the back of his neck, but it quickly sharpened into something far more sinister. Killing intent... he realized, his body tensing involuntarily.
It was the same as when he had encountered the Ironclaw Direwolf—though the beast emitted a different kind of pressure, one colder and more chilling, the sensation was unmistakably familiar.
Up until now, he had sensed malice from the group, but it had never reached the level of true threat. Now, however, the intent was unmistakable—a cold, murderous resolve aimed squarely at him.
His mind raced. They've confirmed something from the Mystic Vision Stone just now. And they want to take action.
Though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, one thing was clear—they wanted him dead, either for the white cat or something else entirely. Reon's heart raced, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword.
Without hesitation, he unsheathed Moonlit Fang, the Dark Blue Sword gleaming even in the bright day light. It was a beautiful sword, its elegant design marred by countless scratches and nicks—marks of its frequent use and battles.
Despite its worn and weathered appearance, the sword exuded an undeniable elegance, its craftsmanship evident in the intricate silver filigree etched along its hilt and the faint glow that seemed to ripple along its edge when drawn.
At first glance, it appeared more ornamental than practical, a blade that had seen far better days. The visible nicks and a slight fissure along its core made it seem fragile, as though it could shatter with a single powerful strike.
To the untrained eye, it might seem like nothing more than a stylish, worn weapon. But to those with a discerning eye, it was clear that the sword, despite its scars, held an unyielding spirit, much like its wielder.
The leader's eyes narrowed as he watched Reon unsheathe his sword, the faint hum of the blade cutting through the tense silence.
The aura surrounding the young man shifted, no longer just guarded but now sharp and resolute, like a drawn bowstring ready to snap.
The leader's suspicion deepened. His own killing intent had clearly been detected. He smirked faintly, though his eyes glinted with a dangerous edge. "Well, well," he said, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "You noticed, didn't you?"
He took a slow step forward, his posture commanding and unrelenting. "Tell me, boy," he continued, his voice low and deliberate, "are you... Xue Taiyang?"
Though phrased as a question, the weight of his tone carried an accusation. The leader's gaze bore into Reon, searching for a crack in his composure, any flicker of confirmation.
His men shifted uneasily behind him, their hands inching toward their weapons, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Reon's eyes flickered over the group, his expression composed, but there was a subtle tension in his posture.
He gripped the hilt of his Moonlit Fang a little tighter, ready to act if necessary. Outwardly, he seemed calm—collected even—but inside, his thoughts churned like a storm.
"They know Xue Taiyang? How? Are they after him too? No... it can't be a coincidence. If they're looking for him, and I make a wrong move, I'll expose myself. I can't afford that. Not now."
He measured his words carefully, but just as he was about to speak, a faint, melodious chime echoed in his mind—a sound as familiar to him as his own heartbeat.
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[Ding! The Host has been given four options to choose from. Please select one option carefully.]
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[Option 1: Run away from them silently without engaging.
Reward: Cultivation Stage+1.]
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[Option 2: Admit you are Xue Taiyang and surrender the White Tiger to them.
Reward: Qi Enhancement Pill (Uncommon Grade).]
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[Option 3: Reveal your identity as Xue Taiyang and eliminate the group entirely.
Reward: A Healing Pill (Uncommon Grade).]
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[Option 4: Acknowledge you are Xue Taiyang, defeat the group without killing them, and safeguard the White Tiger.
Reward: A Footwork Technique (Rare Grade).]
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Reon's eyes flickered as he scanned the translucent system panel hovering in the air before him—visible only to him. Four options glowed faintly, each paired with enticing rewards, but his focus sharpened on the first one.
His mind raced as he considered it. Run? Against Inner Sect disciples? These cultivators were at least in the Low Stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
They have the ability to soar through the skies on their Spirit Swords. Even if he tried to flee, they would catch up to him in moments, and once he showed them his back, they would attack without hesitation.
Running would only make me an easier target, Reon thought grimly. No, that's not an option he could choose.
He dismissed the thought, his gaze shifting to the other choices, weighing each one carefully.