Chapter 106: Perilous Expedition into the Tiger's Den, a Heroine's Wit and Courage Break the Deadlock

Chapter 106: Perilous Exploration of the Tiger’s Den, the Heroine’s Wisdom and Courage Break the Deadlock

As nightfall descended, Lin Shiya stood outside the eerie manor, her heart a tumult of emotions.

The air around seemed to freeze, the silence suffocating.

A few crows circled the withered trees, their chilling cries adding an uncanny aura.

Lin Shiya gazed at the tightly shut gate; though uneasy, her eyes burned with steadfast resolve.

She took a deep breath, gathering strength from the darkness, ready to face the forthcoming challenge.

She knew that behind this gate lurked countless conspiracies and dangers, but to uncover the truth, she had to take the risk.

She pressed close to the gate, listening intently to any sounds beyond.

The silence was terrifying, broken only by the occasional whisper of the night wind.

Unexpectedly, the heavily guarded entrance was unguarded.

This anomaly heightened her vigilance.

“This can’t be a coincidence,” Lin Shiya thought warily. “The villain must have set a trap.” She scanned the surroundings cautiously; the darkness seemed to conceal countless watching eyes.

A penetrating chill seeped into her bones, sending shivers down her spine.

She retreated a few steps, weighing her options swiftly.

The stillness unsettled her further; she resolved not to rush in blindly but to investigate first.

From her pocket, she drew a slender wire, gently inserting it into the lock, attempting to unlock the gate quietly.

At that moment, a faint breeze carried a subtle scent of blood.

Lin Shiya’s heartbeat quickened; she drew a deep breath, suppressing her fear, and slowly pushed open the heavy door.

Inside was pitch black, save for a faint glimmer of light in the distance.

She stepped in cautiously, every footfall deliberate.

Her heartbeat thundered loudly in her chest; she felt countless eyes fixed upon her from behind.

Just as she crossed the threshold, a low voice sounded from the darkness: “Who goes there? Halt!”

Lin Shiya’s heart jolted, but she did not stop. Instead, she quickened her pace, alert to the danger. “This is a trap; I must be more careful!”

The voice grew nearer. By the faint light, she saw a figure not far off—a guard with a fierce expression, gripping a sharp long knife.

The guard’s gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s, clearly a well-trained enforcer.

“Stop! If you don’t halt, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” His voice dripped with menace; the blade gleamed coldly under the dim light.

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened, yet she quickly composed herself, a cold smile curling her lips.

Softly, she replied, “I’m lost and accidentally wandered here. Please spare me.”

The guard frowned, clearly doubtful of her words.

He advanced slowly, the blade swaying lightly, stirring a chill wind—ready to strike at any moment.

Lin Shiya calculated swiftly; she could not be cowed by his intimidation.

She adjusted her breathing, centered herself, and at the moment the guard closed in, she struck with a fierce punch, landing squarely on his jaw.

Surprise flashed across his face as Lin Shiya crouched down, unfastened the keyring from his waist, and hastened deeper into the manor.

She navigated the dim corridors with utmost caution.

Finally, she reached an iron door and found the imprisoned witness.

The witness was curled in a corner, battered and bruised, eyes brimming with terror.

“Don’t be afraid; I’m here to rescue you,” Lin Shiya whispered, inserting the key into the lock and turning hard. The iron door creaked open.

She helped the witness to his feet, preparing to leave when suddenly a cold voice echoed nearby, “Lin Shiya, so you really came.”

Lin Shiya’s heart tightened as she scanned her surroundings.

A figure clad in black emerged from the shadows, eyes as cold as ice, a long sword shimmering ominously in the night.

“That’s the villain’s personal assassin,” she realized—the same one who had ambushed her outside the city.

A chill rose from her feet; she knew a fierce battle was inevitable.

Shielding the witness behind her, Lin Shiya assumed a defensive stance, her gaze sharp and unwavering, tracking every movement of the assassin.

Without wasting words, the assassin lunged like an arrow unleashed.

Swordlight flashed fiercely, accompanied by a biting cold wind, aiming straight for her vital points.

Lin Shiya dared not confront the blade head-on; she dodged nimbly, narrowly evading each strike.

The sword’s edge barely grazed the hem of her clothes, slicing through the air with a harsh whistle.

A cold shiver ran down her spine; each dodge quickened her heartbeat, sweat trickling down her brow.

She knew the assassin’s skills were extraordinary—every move deadly, a single mistake fatal.

The bound witness trembled in fear, pale and softly sobbing.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze, pierced only by the shrill clash of steel and Lin Shiya’s labored breaths.

Just as she began to falter, a shadow flickered like a ghost into the fray, a silver long sword intercepting the assassin’s blow.

“Shiya, I’m here,” Murong Fu’s voice was steady and magnetic, laced with concern and tenderness.

Lin Shiya looked up to see Murong Fu standing tall, eyes resolute, warmth flooding her heart.

His arrival seemed to ease the mounting pressure.

Their eyes met; no words were needed—their silent understanding spoke volumes.

“We fight side by side!” Lin Shiya whispered, trust and determination evident in her tone.

Back to back, they faced the assassin together.

Murong Fu’s swordsmanship was fierce and grand, each strike thunderous as a storm.

Their coordination flawless; one attacking, the other defending, they neutralized the assassin’s onslaught seamlessly.

Their forms intertwined, sword glints flickering like a dark ballet.

Frustrated by his failures, the assassin intensified his assault, sword strikes pouring like a tempest.

Lin Shiya and Murong Fu gradually weakened, their bodies marked with cuts and bruises, blood seeping, staining their garments.

Yet their eyes burned brighter with resolve; their trust in one another was their greatest strength.

“Looks like neither of you will be leaving tonight,” the assassin sneered, pride lacing his words.

Before he could strike a fatal blow, a mechanism clicked, and a hidden door slowly opened.

From the doorway stepped a man clad in splendid robes, his face twisted into a sinister smile.

That smile was as venomous as a serpent’s, chilling to the bone.

He was the mastermind behind it all.

“Lin Shiya, Murong Fu, I didn’t expect you to actually come,” the villain spoke slowly, his tone mocking. “Seems my plan is unfolding better than anticipated.”

The two exchanged a glance, unease settling in their hearts.

They could not fathom what greater schemes awaited them.

The villain approached, his gaze sweeping over them before resting on the keys in Lin Shiya’s hand.

“Looks like you’ve found my secret,” he said in a low, hoarse voice, like the call of a night owl, eerie and unsettling.

He extended his hand. “Give me the keys.”

Lin Shiya clenched the keys tightly, remaining silent.

The villain’s smile vanished, replaced by a frigid murderous intent.

“Seems you have no intention to cooperate.”

He clapped his hands, and several black-clad men emerged from the shadows, encircling Lin Shiya, Murong Fu, and the witness.

The villain looked upon them with a cruel grin.

“Then don’t blame me for being ruthless.”