The sun peeked through the dense canopy of the forest, its rays casting fractured patterns of light across the ground. Lin Xuan, Yu Mei, and Li Fengxian moved in silence, the events of the previous night still weighing heavily on their minds. Despite their victory, the attack had left them with more questions than answers.
The shard in Lin Xuan's pouch seemed to hum faintly, a subtle vibration that only he could sense. It was as though the artifact was alive, guiding them, whispering secrets he could not yet understand.
"We should find shelter soon," Yu Mei said, breaking the silence. Her eyes scanned the surrounding woods, wary of any potential ambush. "Those assassins might not be the last. If they've tracked us this far, others might be close behind."
Li Fengxian nodded in agreement, his hand resting on the shaft of his spear. "We can't keep fighting like this without rest. And we need answers—about the shard, about who sent those men, and why."
Lin Xuan's gaze remained fixed on the path ahead. "We'll head to the nearest town. It's only a day's journey from here. If anyone knows about this shard or the ones who attacked us, it's the merchants and informants there."
Yu Mei frowned. "A town means crowds, and crowds mean prying eyes. Are you sure that's wise?"
Lin Xuan's expression hardened. "We don't have a choice. If we keep wandering aimlessly, we'll be easy targets. At least in a town, we can gather information—and disappear if we need to."
By midday, the trio emerged from the forest and found themselves on a dirt road leading to a bustling town nestled in a valley. Smoke from chimneys rose into the clear blue sky, and the distant sounds of trade and conversation reached their ears.
The town of Stonebridge was a modest settlement, its sturdy wooden buildings and cobblestone streets a testament to its resilience. It sat at the crossroads of several trade routes, making it a hub for merchants, travelers, and the occasional rogue.
As they approached the town gates, Yu Mei tugged her hood over her head, concealing her striking features. "We should stay inconspicuous. The less attention we draw, the better."
Li Fengxian smirked. "Inconspicuous? With Lin Xuan around? Good luck with that."
Lin Xuan shot him a dry look. "Let's just focus on finding information. We'll split up once we're inside. Keep your eyes and ears open, but don't do anything reckless."
The guards at the gate gave them a cursory glance before waving them through. Once inside, the trio was enveloped by the vibrant chaos of the town. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted through the crowds, and the clinking of coins echoed from every corner.
Lin Xuan made his way to a secluded tea house, its quiet atmosphere a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. He settled into a corner table, his sharp eyes scanning the patrons. This wasn't just a place for tea—it was a hub for whispers, rumors, and secrets.
A middle-aged man with a weathered face approached his table. "You're not from around here," the man said, his tone neutral. "What brings you to Stonebridge?"
Lin Xuan placed a small pouch of coins on the table. "Information. I'm looking for someone—or something."
The man's eyes flicked to the pouch, then back to Lin Xuan. "Depends on what you're looking for. And how much you're willing to pay."
Lin Xuan leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Have you heard of a group targeting cultivators? Skilled, coordinated, and working in the shadows."
The man hesitated, glancing around before replying. "There are whispers of a faction operating in the area. They're called the Shadow Veil. Mercenaries, assassins, spies—you name it. They don't work for just anyone, though. Whoever hired them has deep pockets and an agenda."
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed. "And their target?"
The man shrugged. "Who knows? But if they've come after you, it means you're in possession of something valuable. Something worth killing for."
Meanwhile, Yu Mei wandered through the marketplace, her keen senses picking up snippets of conversation as she browsed the stalls. A merchant's offhand remark about strange travelers caught her attention.
"They were dressed all in black," the man was saying to another merchant. "Didn't buy anything, just passed through. Gave me the chills."
Yu Mei stepped closer, pretending to examine a piece of jewelry. "These travelers—when were they here?" she asked casually.
The merchant glanced at her, his eyes wary. "Yesterday, just before dusk. Why do you ask?"
Yu Mei smiled faintly. "No reason. Just curious."
Li Fengxian, on the other hand, found himself in a local tavern. The rowdy atmosphere was filled with laughter, arguments, and the occasional brawl. He kept his ears open, listening for anything out of the ordinary.
A grizzled old man at the bar caught his attention. "You looking for trouble, boy?" the man asked, his voice slurred but sharp.
Li Fengxian smirked. "Not trouble. Information."
The man laughed, slapping his knee. "Information, eh? Well, let me tell you something—trouble has a way of finding those who look for it."
As night fell, the trio regrouped at a secluded spot near the town's edge. They shared what they had learned, piecing together the fragments of information.
"The Shadow Veil," Lin Xuan said, his tone grim. "It seems they're the ones after us. And if they're involved, it means whoever hired them isn't just wealthy—they're powerful."
Yu Mei nodded. "The fact that they passed through this town means they're close. We need to stay vigilant."
Li Fengxian crossed his arms. "So what's our next move? Do we lay low, or do we confront them head-on?"
Lin Xuan's gaze hardened. "We keep moving. But first, we'll set a trap of our own. If the Shadow Veil is watching us, we'll make them reveal themselves."
Yu Mei raised an eyebrow. "You have a plan?"
Lin Xuan smirked. "Always."
As the trio prepared for what lay ahead, the air seemed to grow heavier, charged with the promise of danger and discovery. The storm was gathering, and Lin Xuan knew that they would need every ounce of strength and cunning to weather it.