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As Yang Kai led Yun Xuan and Ruan Xin Yu away from the collapsed mine, the tension of their harrowing escape lingered in the air. Each of them felt the weight of their near-death experience but couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened in the cave.
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A Shared Burden
Ruan Xin Yu (exhales deeply): "I can't believe we made it out! Those Metal Devouring Beasts were relentless."
Yun Xuan (nodding slowly): "It feels like we narrowly escaped something terrible. I can't quite remember everything…"
Yang Kai: "It's natural after such an ordeal. We need to keep moving."
Yun Xuan frowned, sensing there was more to her fragmented memories but unable to piece it together.
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An Unexpected Gift
As they walked, Ruan Xin Yu reached into her pocket and pulled out a Qiankun bag.
Ruan Xin Yu (smiling): "I found this while searching the mine. Here, it's yours."
Yang Kai (surprised): "What's inside?"
Ruan Xin Yu: "Open it and see!"
He accepted the bag and examined it closely.
Yang Kai: "Refined minerals, I assume?"
Ruan Xin Yu (grinning): "Exactly! You're quite perceptive!"
Yun Xuan glanced at them, intrigued but still lost in thought.
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The Road to Fire City
As they approached Fire City, the conversation shifted to their immediate plans.
Yang Kai: "We should find a place to rest and regroup. It'll be safer there."
Ruan Xin Yu (enthusiastically): "Fire City is bustling! We can gather supplies and information about what's next."
Yun Xuan smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in their camaraderie.
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Connection in the Carriage
They arrived in Fire City and rented a carriage. Yang Kai insisted that Yun Xuan and Ruan Xin Yu sit inside while he took the reins.
As they rode through the lively streets, Yun Xuan watched Yang Kai with admiration.
Yun Xuan (softly): "You've been so strong for us. Thank you."
Yang Kai (glancing back): "We're in this together. I'll make sure you're safe."
Ruan Xin Yu observed their interaction, a teasing smile forming on her lips.
Ruan Xin Yu: "You two make quite the team."
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An Unexpected Silence
The atmosphere in the carriage became comfortable, yet Yun Xuan felt something unspoken hanging between her and Yang Kai.
Yun Xuan (hesitantly): "I… I feel like there's something I need to understand about myself.
As they approached the town square, Yun Xuan's heart raced. There was a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead, but also a growing connection with Yang Kai that she could not ignore.
Once they arrived at their destination, Yang Kai turned to Yun Xuan and Ruan Xin Yu.
Yang Kai: "Let's stock up on supplies and then we can discuss our next steps."
Yun Xuan: "Sounds good. I feel like we have much to plan."