Stelle wandered through the bustling streets of the city, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds of the vibrant marketplace. The scent of spices and the chatter of merchants filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that enveloped her in its embrace.

As she strolled along, her gaze was drawn to a figure sitting by the roadside, shrouded in a dark cloak. The figure seemed to be playing a haunting melody on a stringed instrument, the music drifting through the air like a gentle breeze. Stelle couldn't help but be captivated by the beautiful sound, her curiosity piqued by the mysterious musician.

Approaching the figure, Stelle noticed that they wore a cover over their eyes, obscuring their face from view. Assuming them to be a blind beggar, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of coins, intending to offer them as a gesture of kindness.

"Here you go," Stelle said cheerfully, tossing the coins into the hat at the musician's feet. "I hope this helps."

The figure fell silent, the music abruptly cutting off as they turned their head towards Stelle. Underneath the cover, Stelle couldn't see their expression, but she could sense the tension radiating from them.

"Excuse me?" the figure replied, their voice low and tinged with annoyance. "What do you think you're doing?"

Stelle blinked in confusion, taken aback by the sudden hostility in the musician's tone. "I-I'm sorry, I thought you were... um, in need of assistance. Are you not...?"

The figure let out a frustrated sigh, pushing back the cover to reveal piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Stelle. "Do I look like a beggar to you?"

Stelle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized her mistake. "Oh, I... I didn't mean to offend you. I just... I thought..."

"You thought wrong," the figure interrupted, their voice sharp with irritation. "I am Jinglu, a swordmaster, not some pauper begging for scraps."

Stelle's eyes widened in surprise, her embarrassment deepening as she realized her blunder. "Oh! I-I'm so sorry, I had no idea. Please forgive me."

Jinglu sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. "It's fine. Just... be more mindful next time. Not everyone you see on the streets is in need of charity."

Stelle nodded fervently, her cheeks still burning with shame. "Of course. I'll remember that." Stelle couldn't help but feel a mischievous impulse bubble up within her as she watched Jinglu prepare to leave. With a playful grin, she reached into her pocket and pulled out another coin, tossing it towards Jinglu's feet.

"There you go, Jinglu! A little something for your troubles," Stelle quipped, her voice laced with amusement.

But instead of laughter or a light-hearted response, Jinglu's reaction was swift and unexpected. With a calm demeanor that sent shivers down Stelle's spine, she rose to her feet and removed the blindfold covering her eyes. What lay beneath was a pair of eyes ablaze with anger, their intensity piercing through Stelle like daggers.

Stelle's playful expression faltered, replaced by one of sheer terror as Jinglu's words cut through the air like a chilling wind. "You're dead, child."

The blood drained from Stelle's face as she realized the gravity of her mistake. She had pushed too far, crossed a line she didn't even know existed. Panic surged through her veins as she turned on her heels and dashed off, fear propelling her forward with every step.

But Jinglu was not far behind.