Chapter Eight: Strangers on the Road

Another three years passed.

The evening breeze gently caressed her body, cool and refreshing, filling her with comfort until every pore seemed to breathe freely. Her lips curved upward without her realizing it—how long had it been since she last smiled so genuinely?

High atop a tall tree, a woman clad in azure gauze stood, her head tilted to gaze at the moon hanging in the sky, its gentle light casting a soft glow. The smile that had just blossomed faded in an instant; her expression stiffened, a trace of sorrow flickered in her eyes, only to vanish quickly, leaving her face once more calm and detached. A mist seemed to veil her vision, rendering her somewhat lost.

Yet deep within her eyes, brilliance flared, tinged with a thirst for blood. She took out a silver mask from her bosom, studied it closely for a while, then carefully tucked it away. Next, she retrieved a red mask covering the right half of her face and gently put it on.

The mask was light, fitting seamlessly to her features. Upon it, a lifelike serpent coiled, its tongue flickering.

Yinyao strolled to the entrance of an official residence, presented a red invitation to the guards, and walked in with unmatched grace. The gatekeepers, realizing too late, hurriedly offered her a smile, as if chastising themselves for their lack of discernment—how could they fail to recognize the renowned Snake Woman, the heroine who had shaken the martial world in recent years!

Inside, the residence was bustling. Famous and obscure figures from the martial world gathered, raising cups and exchanging stories. Today was the grand gathering held once every three years, a tradition among martial artists. No matter how busy one was, none would miss this event; all grudges were to be set aside for the day, and any debts postponed.

"Snake Woman, what a rare sight," called a young man, raising his cup and striding toward Yinyao.

Yinyao was legendary in the martial world, though she kept a low profile and none knew her true name. Her blood-red whip, supple and swift as a serpent, was as deadly as it was quick; none who fell beneath its lash survived, earning her the title—Snake Woman.

To hear someone call out to her upon arrival was unexpected.

Yinyao looked over—it was the infamous Master Thief. His reputation was mixed: he stole from the wealthy to aid the poor, and was notorious for flirting with women regardless of their status, approaching any who caught his fancy. Such a man was not worth befriending; she merely nodded in acknowledgment.

"Snake Woman, have a drink!" The thief, holding two cups, approached with a genteel air.

Yinyao turned away, uninterested in drinking with anyone.

Seeing her retreat, the thief teleported to her side, leaned in, and whispered softly in her ear, "I've taken a liking to you. Wait for me, Snake Woman." He deliberately breathed against her ear, an overtly suggestive gesture.

Anger rose within her. "There’s a road to heaven, yet you refuse it; you rush into hell though it has no gate!" she said coldly, and her whip flashed red, instantly coiling around the thief’s neck.

Surprised at first, he then grinned wickedly, almost provocatively: "Go ahead, if you dare—kill me here and now!"

Her teeth clenched. Yinyao knew well that killing was forbidden today, especially within these walls; this was a rule passed down for generations. No matter her usual arrogance, today she had to restrain herself, lest she provoke the ire of the martial world.

"Then I won’t kill you," she replied, her cold face breaking into a faint smile.

Her right hand tightened slightly, leaving a bloody mark on the man's neck. She withdrew the whip, sparing his life for the sake of tradition, content with teaching him a lesson.

Just as she was about to leave, a deep, magnetic voice sounded behind her, "Shen Yu, what’s wrong?"

She turned instinctively. A man in white, plain at first glance, but when Yinyao saw his serene, alluring eyes, the world seemed to blossom with color. Her heart skipped a beat, thundering erratically—almost as if...

"Su Yi, it’s been a long time." So the thief’s name was Shen Yu; what a pity such a fine name—but "Su Yi," perhaps she was reading too much into it. She smiled at the name, but a moment later felt a pang of loss. A sudden loneliness overtook her.

Supporting Shen Yu, Su Yi glanced at the woman wearing a half mask. Her delicate features shone with an ethereal grace and proud bearing—her identity was obvious.

"Snake Woman, Shen Yu has offended you. I apologize on his behalf." Su Yi, the perfect gentleman, was gentle and refined—a scion of a noble house, no doubt, for to be so close with the master thief, his family could not be ordinary.

Yinyao smiled indifferently, letting the matter rest.

"Snake Woman, would you care to share a drink and a conversation?" Su Yi smiled mildly, still supporting his injured friend.

Shen Yu touched the bloody mark on his neck, his hand stained red. He raised it, licking the blood from his palm with a hint of enjoyment—a small act revealing his sanguine nature.

"In that case, perhaps you should tend to your friend’s wounds. Though I held back, if you let him bleed further, don’t blame me for what may happen," Yinyao said, turning and casting a sidelong smile.

That smile swept away all light from the two men’s eyes; for a moment, they were spellbound.

"Su Yi, let’s go. If you keep staring, I might really bleed to death as Snake Woman warned," Shen Yu joked, his face pale from blood loss—poor soul.

Su Yi snapped back, glanced at Shen Yu, "You’ll be fine, I doubt you’re that fragile. It’s just a bit of blood; later I’ll find something good to help you recover." Su Yi’s teasing made Shen Yu grit his teeth.

"Good! Make sure you find something to replenish my blood." "Yes, yes," Su Yi chuckled at his friend’s antics.

"Aren’t you curious why I approached Snake Woman?" Shen Yu became serious, gazing at Su Yi.

Su Yi understood—his friend would not flirt without reason, especially with such a renowned woman. "I’m listening."

"Snake Woman’s reputation has soared in so short a time; one can’t help but want to find out why," Shen Yu replied, glancing at her as she mingled in the courtyard—a response that was yet not a response.

"Heh, yes, her rise is remarkable, and her reputation in the martial world is outstanding. Even if they call her ruthless, everyone knows what kind of person she truly is," Su Yi said, watching Yinyao’s retreating form thoughtfully.

A single step apart, strangers on the road.