Lian Yue's approach was not sudden but it was deliberate.
Even before her feet touched the steps, people were clearing space without being asked.
That was the effect of reputation.
Young Mistress of the Divine Pearl Sect, a woman whose name was etched onto dozens of ancient treasure bids and whispered across the upper floors of every auction house in the eastern provinces. She collected rare weapons like they were candy. If she didn't want something, it probably wasn't worth owning.
And tonight, she clearly wanted a better look at Damien Bloodbane.
She descended the stairs in flowing jade robes that shimmered like dew on a lotus leaf, each step measured, her expression unreadable beneath eyes that gleamed with interest and calculation.
Her six masked guards remained perfectly still behind her, but their body language shifted slightly. Protective, alert, and just a little bit curious themselves.
Damien barely looked up as she approached.
