The cold dawn broke over the Whispering Peaks, its light casting long shadows across the shrine. Li Wei stirred awake, his body stiff from the uneven ground. Beside him, Feng Rui was already up, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon.
The strangers from the previous night were gone, leaving only faint footprints in the frost-covered dirt. Li Wei felt a mixture of relief and unease.
"They left before first light," Feng Rui said, as if sensing Li Wei's thoughts. "Didn't want to overstay their welcome, I suppose."
Li Wei nodded, pulling his cloak tighter around him. "Do you think they were really just travelers?"
Feng Rui's expression darkened. "Hard to say. But it's best we don't find out."
---
The journey resumed in tense silence. The trail twisted and turned through jagged rocks and dense forests, the peaks towering above them like silent sentinels. Feng Rui led the way, his movements fluid and confident despite the treacherous terrain.
Li Wei followed close behind, his thoughts a whirlwind. The book felt heavier in his pack, its mysteries pressing against his mind. And then there was Feng Rui—his protector, his enigma, the one person who seemed to understand the danger they were in.
As they reached a narrow ridge, Feng Rui suddenly stopped, holding up a hand.
"Quiet," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Li Wei froze, his heart pounding. He strained to hear what Feng Rui had noticed. A faint rustling came from the trees below them, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of whispers.
"They're tracking us," Feng Rui murmured, his grip tightening on his sword.
Li Wei's blood ran cold. "The strangers?"
Feng Rui shook his head. "No. These are professionals."
---
The ambush came swiftly. Arrows whizzed past, embedding themselves in the rocky path. Feng Rui lunged forward, grabbing Li Wei and pulling him behind a boulder.
"Stay here!" Feng Rui ordered, his voice firm but laced with urgency.
Li Wei barely had time to nod before Feng Rui darted back into the fray. The attackers emerged from the trees—masked figures clad in dark robes, their movements precise and deadly.
Feng Rui moved like a storm, his sword a blur as he deflected their attacks. Despite being outnumbered, he fought with a skill and ferocity that left Li Wei in awe.
But it wasn't enough. One of the attackers broke through Feng Rui's defenses, heading straight for Li Wei.
Li Wei scrambled back, his hands fumbling for something—anything—to defend himself. Just as the assailant lunged, Feng Rui appeared, his blade slicing through the air with lethal precision.
The masked figure fell, but more were closing in. Feng Rui's breathing was labored, his movements slowing.
Li Wei's fear gave way to determination. He couldn't just stand by while Feng Rui risked everything for him. Summoning his courage, he grabbed a fallen branch and swung it at an approaching attacker.
It wasn't graceful or powerful, but it was enough to catch the assailant off guard. Feng Rui took advantage of the distraction, dispatching the attacker with a swift strike.
---
When the last of the masked figures fled, the ridge was eerily silent. Feng Rui leaned on his sword, his chest heaving. Blood stained his sleeve, but he seemed unfazed.
"You're hurt," Li Wei said, rushing to his side.
"It's nothing," Feng Rui replied, his voice weary. "More importantly, are you alright?"
Li Wei nodded, though his hands were still trembling. "I… I didn't think I could do it."
Feng Rui's lips curved into a faint smile. "You did good, scholar. But next time, try not to get yourself killed."
Despite the gravity of the situation, Li Wei couldn't help but smile back.
---
As they moved further up the trail, Feng Rui finally allowed them to rest in a hidden alcove. Li Wei insisted on tending to Feng Rui's wound, despite the latter's protests.
"You're not invincible, you know," Li Wei said as he carefully wrapped a bandage around Feng Rui's arm.
Feng Rui winced but said nothing, his dark eyes watching Li Wei intently.
"What?" Li Wei asked, his cheeks flushing under Feng Rui's gaze.
Feng Rui smirked, his usual playful demeanor returning. "You're full of surprises, scholar. Maybe you're braver than you think."
Li Wei looked away, focusing on the bandage. "I'm not brave. I just… didn't want to lose you."
The words hung in the air, heavier than either of them expected. Feng Rui's smirk faded, replaced by something softer, something vulnerable.
"You won't lose me," Feng Rui said quietly. "Not if I can help it."
Li Wei's heart raced, the sincerity in Feng Rui's voice leaving him breathless. For a moment, the dangers they faced seemed distant, overshadowed by the bond growing between them.
But the moment was fleeting. Feng Rui's expression hardened as he glanced at the book resting beside them.
"We're not safe yet," he said, his tone serious. "Whatever's in that book, it's worth killing for. And I won't let them take it—or you."
Li Wei nodded, his resolve strengthening. "Then we'll face it together."
Feng Rui's gaze softened, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Together, then."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the two of them prepared to continue their journey, the weight of their mission binding them closer with every step.