The Black Eagle headquarters loomed ahead, a fortress of dark stone and iron gates. Ling Feng, Xiao Han, and Ruyan crouched in the shadows, their eyes scanning the perimeter for guards.

“This is it,” Ruyan whispered. “The Dragon Vein is deep inside. If we can destroy their plans here, we can stop them.”

Ling Feng nodded, his grip tightening on the Frostmoon Blade. “Let’s move.”

They slipped through the gates, their movements swift and silent. But as they reached the inner courtyard, a voice rang out. “Well, well, what do we have here?”

A man stepped into the light, his face cold and calculating. It was Ruyan’s father, the leader of the Black Eagle Syndicate. His eyes fell on Ruyan, and a sneer twisted his lips. “You betrayed me, daughter.”

Ruyan stepped forward, her voice trembling but firm. “I won’t let you destroy Yunzhou.”

Ling Feng’s heart sank as the truth hit him. Ruyan was the daughter of the man he had sworn to kill. He turned to her, his eyes filled with confusion and anger. “You… you lied to us?”

Ruyan’s eyes filled with tears. “I wanted to stop him. I thought if I helped you, I could make up for what he’s done.”

Before Ling Feng could respond, the Black Eagle leader raised his hand, and a dozen assassins emerged from the shadows. “Kill them,” he ordered.

The battle was fierce. Ling Feng and Xiao Han fought back-to-back, their blades cutting through the enemy with deadly precision. But the assassins were relentless, and the group was quickly overwhelmed.

In the chaos, one of the assassins lunged at Ling Feng, his blade aimed straight for his heart. Ruyan saw the attack and, without hesitation, threw herself in front of Ling Feng. The blade pierced her chest, and she collapsed into his arms.

“Ruyan!” Ling Feng cried, his voice breaking.

She smiled weakly, her hand reaching up to touch his face. “Go… stop him…” she whispered before closing her eyes.

Ling Feng’s grief turned to rage. He rose to his feet, the Frostmoon Blade glowing with an icy light. With a roar, he charged at the Black Eagle leader, his blade cutting through the air like a storm.