Btth: Xiao yan with killing system

Xiao Yan and Su Mei traveled through the harsh, unforgiving terrain of the Black-Corner Region, heading toward Zhi Yi's stronghold. The air grew colder as they moved deeper into the mountain range. Xiao Yan's mind was consumed with thoughts of power, the rush of every victory still pulsing through his veins. Yet, despite the growing strength the system offered him, a deep sense of unease began to settle within his chest.

Su Mei walked silently beside him, her eyes flickering between him and the road ahead. It was clear that her concerns were growing with each passing day. The closer they got to Zhi Yi, the colder Xiao Yan became—not just physically, but emotionally. His once-burning desire to protect those he cared for seemed to fade, replaced by an insatiable hunger for strength.

They finally reached Zhi Yi's fortress—an enormous structure carved into the side of a mountain, surrounded by a sea of dense fog. It was a stronghold befitting a Dou Zong, and Xiao Yan could feel the pressure in the air as they approached.

"We'll have to be careful," Su Mei murmured. "Zhi Yi is a master of illusion techniques. He can manipulate the very environment around us."

Xiao Yan nodded curtly, his thoughts elsewhere. The system had already calculated their chances of success.

> "Host Level: 9-Star Dou Ling. Target: Zhi Yi, 8-Star Dou Zong. Success Probability: 45%."

The number didn't faze him. The system's warnings had become nothing more than background noise to his mind, drowned out by the growing desire for more. He activated Void Step, the skill he had gained from his last victory, to enhance his speed and agility as they approached the fortress.

Once inside, the environment twisted, warping and shifting in impossible ways. Shadows seemed to stretch and writhe as the very walls of the fortress seemed alive. It was as Su Mei had warned—Zhi Yi's illusions were powerful, but Xiao Yan was not afraid.

He had something even more powerful on his side.

> "Warning: Host's life force reserve at critical levels. Recommended immediate rest."

Ignoring the system's warnings, Xiao Yan pressed forward. The thrill of the hunt filled his senses, blocking out the nagging feeling that something inside him was beginning to crack.

"Stay close," he ordered Su Mei, his voice colder than it had ever been. "I'll deal with Zhi Yi."

But as they neared the heart of the fortress, Xiao Yan couldn't shake the nagging thought that perhaps, just perhaps, he had already lost something far more important than strength.

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