Once outside, they found themselves in a narrow alley. "Where to now?" Mei asked, glancing back nervously.
"Over the wall!" Lila pointed to a nearby structure, scrambling up a pile of crates. "I'll go first!"
Alex followed, using the adrenaline of the moment to propel himself upwards. They reached the top of the wall, peering down at the bustling street beyond.
"Come on! Jump!" Lila urged, leaping down gracefully.
"Easy for you to say!" Alex exclaimed, his heart racing as he followed suit.
They landed in a roll, quickly regaining their feet. But their moment of relief was short-lived. The emissaries had followed them out, and the sound of their shouts echoed through the alley.
"Split up!" Lianhua commanded. "Meet back at the old mill!"
The group scattered, each taking different routes through the winding streets of Fenghua.