The girl sat upright on the bed, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders, her expression guarded yet composed. Her silver-white aura still faintly shimmered around her, like moonlight reflecting off still water. When her eyes lifted to meet his, they held the calm intensity of someone used to command.

"You're awake," Tian Lei said simply, closing the door behind him.

The girl's gaze flicked toward him, assessing—measuring. "You saved me." Her tone was even, but there was a trace of disbelief under the composure. "Why?"

Tian Lei shrugged lightly, walking over to the small table and setting down the pouch of coins. "You were about to die. I dislike watching capable people die for nothing."

That earned him a faint, dry chuckle. "A pragmatic hero, then."

"Not heroic—now pay up," Tian Lei said flatly, standing with his hands crossed.

The girl blinked at him in confusion. "What?" she asked, staring at him oddly.

"My service fee," he replied casually. "I saved you. From your clothes and accessories, it's clear you're from a wealthy family. So… pay up."

He wasn't joking. Tian Lei had no intention of being anyone's savior for free. He'd just thought he could make some extra money if he helped her.

The girl, Su Liyue, looked at him with wide eyes, completely thrown off. It was the first time in her life someone had spoken to her like that—especially after saving her.

"My name is Su Liyue," she said finally, regaining her composure. "And you are?"

"Tian Lei," he replied calmly.

Su Liyue studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Then, Immortal Lei," she said with a faint, almost playful smile, "I'll pay you once you escort me safely back to my home. When we arrive, I'll settle your reward."

She spoke with calm confidence, though inwardly she was still shaken. The assassins who had attacked her were powerful—strong enough to kill even cultivators above her level. Yet this man, who looked her age, had slain them easily.

It was clear to her now—he wasn't from any noble family or great clan. His clothes and manner made that obvious. A commoner mercenary, perhaps—but one with frightening power.

Su Liyue made a quiet decision: she would bring him to her side, no matter what it took.

"Sorry, but I'm here to take part in the competition," Tian Lei said, folding his arms. "I can't escort you back to your family. Just give me the money right now."

"I don't have it on me," Su Liyue admitted, her shoulders stiffening. "I ran away from my residence. I'm sure those assassins—or their associates—have already torn the place apart by now. I'm completely broke. But rest assured, my father is a powerful third-stage Heaven-rank cultivator. Once he learns you rescued me, he'll reward you handsomely."

She clasped her hands together, her tone softening. "Just… escort me back home, please."

Tian Lei exhaled slowly and shook his head. "The Grand Competition starts in a month. Who knows how long it'll take to go to your home and come back? That's a big risk to my schedule."

Su Liyue hesitated, then said quickly, "It's fine! I'll ask my father to lend you a temporary flying ship—it'll make your travel faster." She looked at him earnestly, trying to convince him.

But Tian Lei raised a hand. "Let's not rush into that. If we move now, we'll only attract more trouble. I'm certain the assassins and their backers are still watching for you. Most of their attention will be focused on the path back to your family estate. If we head there now, we'll walk right into an ambush."

He folded his arms, his tone firm but calm. "Let me participate in the competition first. Once it's over, we'll travel to your home together—safely, and with proper preparation."

Su Liyue paused, thinking it over. Then she nodded slowly. "Maybe you're right… I should lay low for a while."

"Good," Tian Lei said.

She gave a faint, weary smile. "Then you can stay here at the inn. I'll book myself a different room—it's better if we don't draw attention."

Tian Lei nodded in agreement. "That's fine."

Su Liyue turned to leave, pausing at the door. For a brief second, she looked back at him—curiosity flickering behind her tired eyes. Then she left quietly, disappearing into the dimly lit hallway.

Tian Lei watched her go, expression unreadable. "Trouble just keeps finding me," he muttered under his breath. Then, with a soft sigh, he closed the door behind him and began sorting through his gains for the night.

As the door shut with a muted click, Tian Lei rolled his shoulders, tension slowly bleeding from his muscles. The room was quiet—save for the faint hum of spiritual energy still lingering from the night's battle. He sat cross-legged on the floor, pulling out the storage pouches he had taken from the assassins.

"Let's see what kind of guests came knocking tonight…" he murmured, a sly grin creeping across his face.

He poured the contents onto the bed—gleaming spirit stones, vials of healing elixirs, a few bloodstained daggers, and several jade slips engraved with strange runic markings.

"Not bad," he said, inspecting one of the pouches. "For a group of killers, they were certainly well-funded."

As he probed deeper with his spiritual sense, his gaze caught on something pulsing faintly—a folded talisman sealed with a sliver of gold thread. The aura it emitted was sharp, refined… dangerous.

When he unsealed it, a wave of condensed energy spread through the room, like the echo of thunder before a storm. His eyes narrowed.

"This… a Heaven-rank movement technique?"

He traced his fingers over the ancient runes inscribed on the jade slip beneath the talisman. The characters shimmered faintly, spelling the name out in archaic script:

"[Heavenstride Mirage Steps]."

"Tch — why would mere assassins carry a Heaven-rank technique?" he muttered. He didn't linger on the question. He slid the jade slip into his Expansive Space, then tucked the emptied storage rings into the same private pocket of void. Only the spirit coins stayed on his visible spirit ring — the one he wore for show and small purchases.

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