---
---
---
The journey after the come across on the hotel was marked through an uneasy silence. The institution's senses have been heightened, every step occupied with caution, understanding that enemies lurked in every shadow. they'd become the hunted, their route fraught with hazard as they moved in the direction of their last aim.
Xuan Zhan led the group via a dense wooded area, the trees towering above them like silent sentinels. His sharp eyes scanned the location continuously, each rustle of leaves or snap of a twig putting him on alert. The others followed carefully at the back of, their normal banter subdued by the tension within the air.
Feng Yulan, with *Oblivion's edge* at her facet, walked with an air of quiet self assurance. Her presence was both reassuring and intimidating, a reminder of the power she held and the threat all of them confronted. She could sense the unease of her comrades however selected to remain silent, her thoughts centered on the task beforehand.
Shen Lan, constantly the mischief-maker, tried to lighten the mood with a comic story. "you realize, I once heard of a sect that fought off a whole army using nothing but chopsticks. maybe we must deliver that a strive subsequent time."
Lei Zhiyin raised an eyebrow, her lips curling right into a small smile. "Chopsticks, Shen Lan? I suppose you might be underestimating our enemies just a piece."
"Oh, come on, Zhiyin," Shen Lan grinned, "consider the appearance on their faces. Utter confusion earlier than they're taken down by way of a well-positioned noodle."
Yun Xi chuckled softly. "And whilst that fails, we are able to constantly motel to fortune cookies. 'you'll meet a quick and painful cease.'"
Even Bai Hu couldn't withstand becoming a member of in. "If nothing else, we can blind them with overly complex dinner orders. 'I'll take the sweet and sour melancholy with a aspect of overwhelmed desires, please.'"
The laughter turned into brief-lived, however it served its motive. The tension eased barely, and the organization endured on with a renewed experience of willpower. They knew what lay in advance, however at the least for now, they might find some solace in each other's organisation.
Tian Mei, who had been taking walks in silence, ultimately spoke up. "We want to discover a place to rest soon. The longer we journey with out sleep, the extra inclined we end up."
Xuan Zhan nodded. "There have to be a clearing up in advance. we will installation camp there for the night time."
once they reached the clearing, the group moved quick to set up a makeshift camp. Xuan Zhan and Shen Lan scouted the perimeter, making sure there have been no instant threats, while the others installation tents and amassed firewood.
As night fell, the group amassed across the fire, the flames casting flickering shadows on their faces. The mood changed into somber, the load of their venture heavy on their shoulders. every of them knew that the battles ahead would best get harder, and the stakes could simplest get better.
Feng Yulan stared into the fireplace, her thoughts drifting to the weapon she now carried. *Oblivion's edge*—a call that resonated with electricity and mystery. She had only all started to faucet into its genuine ability, and the concept of what it could do both pleased and frightened her.
Lei Zhiyin observed the contemplative look on Feng Yulan's face and leaned in barely. "What are you considering, Yulan?"
Feng Yulan's eyes met Lei Zhiyin's, and for a second, she hesitated. "This sword… it's in contrast to anything I've ever wielded before. Its energy is substantial, however it feels… incomplete. as though it's looking ahead to some thing."
"perhaps it's ready so that it will free up its genuine ability," Lei Zhiyin suggested.
"perhaps," Feng Yulan murmured. "however i will't shake the sensation that there's extra to it. some thing I'm lacking."
before Lei Zhiyin may want to reply, Xuan Zhan again to the group, his expression extreme. "We're clean for now, however we ought to hold watch in shifts. we can't afford to be caught off guard."
The organization agreed, and the watch changed into divided amongst them. as the others settled in for what little sleep they may get, Feng Yulan took the primary watch. She stood at the edge of the clearing, *Oblivion's aspect* in hand, her eyes scanning the darkness.
The night was quiet, the handiest sounds the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of leaves. but Feng Yulan's mind turned into a long way from relaxed. She could feel a hurricane brewing at the horizon, a experience of imminent doom that she couldn't shake.
as the hours exceeded, she notion approximately the path that had led her here—the battles fought, the enemies defeated, and the bonds solid along with her comrades. they'd come so far, but the journey was some distance from over.
when her watch ended, she woke Shen Lan to take over and returned to the fireplace. The flames had died down to embers, casting a smooth glow at the snoozing sorts of her pals. She lay down, ultimate her eyes, but sleep did not come without difficulty.
in the darkness, Feng Yulan felt the weight of her responsibility pressing down on her. She was their leader, their protector, and she or he couldn't have enough money to reveal weak spot. now not now, no longer ever.
however as sleep ultimately claimed her, one idea lingered in her mind—a promise to herself and to her comrades. regardless of the future held, anything demanding situations they confronted, she could stand via them. collectively, they would face the storm and emerge effective.
---
---
---