The lantern's flickering light danced across the courtyard, illuminating the solemn expressions of Li Wei and Feng Rui. Despite the heaviness of their earlier conversation, the air between them now carried a fragile sense of understanding, as though an invisible thread had begun to weave their fates together.
Li Wei sat on the bench, his hands clasped tightly together, his gaze fixed on Feng Rui. "If I'm in danger because of this book, then I deserve to know why. What is in it that could be worth so much bloodshed?"
Feng Rui hesitated, the guarded mask slipping back over his face. "Some secrets are better left undiscovered," he said cryptically, turning his gaze to the night sky. "But I suppose it's too late for that now."
He opened the book again, his fingers tracing the delicate calligraphy of the page. The symbols seemed to glow faintly under the lantern's light, their meaning still elusive. "These codes," Feng Rui began, his voice measured, "were written by a group known as the Hidden Sect. They were scholars, but also revolutionaries. They hid their knowledge in riddles, poetry, and art to protect it from those who sought to destroy it."
Li Wei frowned. "And someone believes I hold the key to understanding it?"
Feng Rui nodded. "Or at least, they think you know someone who does." He closed the book and looked directly at Li Wei. "The truth is, Li Wei, people like you—brilliant, curious, and unassuming—are the perfect targets for manipulation. They probably think you're an easy pawn in a game you don't even realize you're part of."
Li Wei's chest tightened. "I'm no pawn," he said firmly, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his uncertainty.
Feng Rui smiled faintly, his eyes softening. "I didn't say you were. But that doesn't mean they won't try to make you one."
The weight of Feng Rui's words settled heavily on Li Wei's shoulders. He looked down at his hands, his mind racing with questions. Why him? Why now? And why did Feng Rui, a stranger with secrets of his own, seem so determined to protect him?
Before he could voice his thoughts, Feng Rui stood abruptly, his movements sharp and deliberate. "We need to move," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's only a matter of time before they find us again."
Li Wei rose to his feet, clutching the book tightly. "Where will we go?"
Feng Rui's eyes gleamed with determination. "There's someone I know—a contact who might be able to decipher these codes. But it's a dangerous path, and I can't promise it'll lead to answers."
Li Wei hesitated but then nodded. "I'll follow you."
A flicker of surprise crossed Feng Rui's face, followed by a small smile. "You're braver than you look, scholar."
The two of them slipped out of the courtyard, their footsteps muffled by the soft dirt of the narrow alleyways. The city was eerily quiet, the usual hum of life replaced by an oppressive stillness.
As they moved, Li Wei couldn't help but steal glances at Feng Rui. There was something magnetic about the way he carried himself—confident yet cautious, as though he was always two steps ahead of whatever danger lay in wait.
"Feng Rui," Li Wei said after a long stretch of silence.
"Hm?"
"Why are you helping me?"
Feng Rui glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Let's just say I've made it my business to protect those who can't protect themselves."
"That's not the whole truth, is it?" Li Wei pressed.
Feng Rui smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "No, it's not. But it's all you need to know for now."
Li Wei frowned but didn't push further. There was something comforting about Feng Rui's presence, even if his motives were shrouded in mystery.
They continued in silence until they reached the outskirts of the city. A dense forest loomed ahead, its towering trees casting long shadows under the pale moonlight. Feng Rui paused at the edge of the woods, his eyes scanning their surroundings.
"This way," he said, motioning for Li Wei to follow.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew colder, and the sound of rustling leaves filled the silence. Li Wei's heart raced with every step, the weight of the book in his arms feeling heavier with each passing moment.
"Feng Rui," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Do you think we're being followed?"
Feng Rui stopped abruptly, his body tensing. "Probably."
Li Wei's breath hitched. "What do we do?"
Feng Rui turned to him, his expression serious. "Stay close to me. No matter what happens, don't let go of that book. Understand?"
Li Wei nodded, his hands tightening around the book's worn cover.
As they pressed on, the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind them, growing louder with each passing moment. Feng Rui's hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning the darkness.
"Keep moving," he whispered to Li Wei, his voice steady. "I'll handle this."
"But—"
"Go!" Feng Rui's sharp tone left no room for argument.
Li Wei hesitated but then turned and ran, his heart pounding in his chest. The sound of clashing steel rang out behind him, followed by a grunt of pain.
He stopped abruptly, torn between fear and the overwhelming urge to turn back. His grip on the book tightened as he took a deep breath and whispered to himself, "Feng Rui, please be safe."