Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 24 : An Intruder Who is a Visitor

The streets of Tiandu City came alive in a kaleidoscope of colors, laughter and glowing lanterns. Every corner brimmed with joy as the city celebrated the Lantern Destival. Meanwhile, in the quiet solitude of the Demon Hunting Bureau, Zhuo Yichen sat on the balcony of his quarters, a cup of freshly brewed tea cradled in his hands.

He had sent the elite team to enjoy the festival, an order they had grudgingly obeyed. After overusing his powers in the last mission, Yichen's body demanded rest. Yet, solitude hung heavy. Even Zhu Yan had gone, a decision that surprised YiChen.

He sipped his tea, gazing at the sky full of stars. The faint aroma of the brew reminded him of times long gone—tea with his father and brother, their glasses clinking, now lost to memory. A pang of nostalgia tugged at him. He adjusted his grip on the cup as his gaze fell to the Cloud Light Sword beside him. Its hilt crystal began glowing, faint at first, then intensifying to a radiant azure.

"I didn't think a death-seeking demon cared for festivals" Yichen mused aloud. He lifted the tea to his lips but something in his mind snapped. His instincts screamed.

The next moment was a blur. He dropped the cup, reaching for the glowing sword.

A hand, cold and unyielding, clamped onto his wrist. Another seized his opposite hand before he could react. Yichen's heart sank as his eyes met the intruder's.

Pitch-black irises stared back, their depths so similar to Zhu Yan's yet infinitely darker, steeped in malice. The man's smirk was a dagger cloaked in charm.

"We meet again, Zhuo Yichen" the man said, his voice a silken menace.

"Li Lun" Yichen growled through gritted teeth. "Let go."

Li Lun tilted his head, feigning consideration. "I'm afraid not, Zhuo Yichen. The Cloud Light Sword is out of reach for now." His face inched closer, his breath brushing Yichen's cheek.

Li Lun's gaze roved over Yichen, a slow, deliberate scrutiny that made Yichen's blood run cold.

"What do you want, Li Lun?" Yichen asked, his voice sharp, cutting through his unease.

Li Lun straightened, releasing Yichen's wrists. "A simple tea, nothing more" he said with mock innocence, gesturing toward the teapot.

Yichen's eyes narrowed. In a swift motion, he lunged for the sword again.

Li Lun anticipated the move. His hand shot out, this time closing around Yichen's throat. The force lifted Yichen slightly off the ground.

"Predictable" Li Lun said, his voice low and chilling. Yichen struggled against the grip but his weakened state betrayed him. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he glared, defiant even in pain.

Li Lun's smirk widened as he wiped the blood from Yichen's lips with his thumb, an unsettling tenderness in the gesture. "Still so stubborn" he mused, finally releasing Yichen.

Coughing, Yichen collapsed back into the ground, wiping his mouth with a silk handkerchief. Adjusting his robes, he sat upright, refusing to show weakness.

Li Lun poured tea into two cups, sliding one across the table toward Yichen. "Drink" he said, his tone almost playful.

Yichen hesitated, then lifted the cup, studying his adversary. "Is this your true body or are you possessing another poor soul?"

Li Lun chuckled. "Do you think I'd come to see you in a fragile human shell? How insulting."

Yichen's eyes narrowed. "We've met before, haven't we?"

Li Lun raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"You saved me from that demon two years ago" Yichen said, fragments of memory surfacing.