The dirt road stretched before Li Xueyan, winding through rolling hills and dense forests. She pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders as a cool evening breeze whispered through the trees. The journey had been quiet so far—too quiet.
Hei Yue, the silver-furred wolf spirit, padded beside her. His golden eyes gleamed in the fading sunlight, ears twitching as he listened to the sounds of the forest. He hadn't said much since they left the ruined temple, but Xueyan could tell he was on edge.
She was too.
The road to the capital was long, and she was still recovering. If she ran into a skilled fighter now, she wasn't sure she would survive.
And yet, trouble had a way of finding her.
A sharp scream tore through the silence.
Xueyan froze, hand gripping the hilt of her Moonshadow Blade. Hei Yue's fur bristled, his low growl rumbling in the air.
"Bandits," he muttered.
Xueyan didn't hesitate.
"Let's go."
---
The Bandits of Broken Ridge
She sprinted through the trees, weaving between thick trunks and tangled roots. The shouts and laughter of men echoed ahead, mingling with the frightened cries of their victims.
When she reached the clearing, she saw a group of five bandits surrounding a broken-down carriage. A man—older, dressed in fine but tattered robes—stood protectively in front of a young woman, shielding her with his body. The woman clutched a small dagger, but her hands were shaking so badly it was clear she had never used it before.
The bandits were taking their time, taunting them. Playing with their prey.
Xueyan's grip on her sword tightened.
She had seen this before. The strong preying on the weak.
And she hated it.
Hei Yue sighed. "I know that look. You're going to interfere."
She didn't bother answering. She was already moving.
The first bandit never even saw her coming.
She slammed the hilt of her sword into the back of his skull, and he crumpled to the ground without a sound.
The second turned just in time for her to grab his wrist, twist it sharply, and drive her knee into his stomach. He doubled over, gasping for air.
The remaining three spun around, startled.
"Who the hell are you?" one of them barked.
Xueyan flicked her blade, the metal catching the light.
"Just a passerby."
The leader, a burly man with a jagged scar across his cheek, sneered. "You think you can take us all?"
She smiled coldly. "Yes."
He lunged.
She sidestepped effortlessly, slicing across his arm. Blood splattered onto the dirt. The bandit stumbled back with a roar of pain.
The other two hesitated. That was their mistake.
Hei Yue moved like a shadow, leaping onto one of them with a feral snarl. His claws raked across the man's shoulder, sending him tumbling to the ground.
The last bandit dropped his weapon and ran.
The fight was over in seconds.
Xueyan exhaled slowly, shaking the blood off her blade before sheathing it.
The young woman stared at her in disbelief. "You… You saved us!"
Xueyan shrugged. "They were weak."
The older man, still trembling, bowed deeply. "Miss, we are forever in your debt. Please, allow us to repay you."
She waved a hand dismissively. "I don't need anything. Just be more careful next time."
The young woman hesitated before speaking. "At least… let us give you a ride to the capital. We were headed there before the attack."
Xueyan considered it. Traveling alone had its advantages, but it also made her an easy target. And she needed to reach the capital quickly.
"Fine," she said. "Let's go."
---
Whispers of the Prince
The repaired carriage rattled along the uneven road as they continued toward the capital.
The older man, who introduced himself as Uncle Bai, was a merchant from a distant province. His daughter, Mei, was his only child.
"The roads have become dangerous," Uncle Bai said. "Rumors of beasts, assassins, and even demons lurking in the shadows."
Xueyan listened quietly.
"The capital has changed," he continued. "The Emperor is losing power, and the Seven Great Sects are growing stronger."
That was expected. The Emperor had always been a figurehead. The true rulers of Tianxia were the martial sects, and they respected only strength.
Mei leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity. "Have you heard the rumors about the prince?"
Xueyan glanced at her. "Which prince?"
Mei's voice dropped to a whisper. "Feng Zhiwei. The forgotten prince."
Xueyan stayed silent, waiting.
"Some say he's dead. Others say he's been training in secret, preparing for something big. And a few claim he's the strongest fighter in Tianxia."
Uncle Bai snorted. "Nonsense. If he was truly that strong, why would he stay hidden?"
Xueyan didn't answer. She already knew the truth.
The prince was real.
And soon, she would meet him.
---
Arrival at the Capital
By the time they reached the capital gates, night had fallen. The towering walls loomed over them, torches casting flickering shadows on the stone. Guards patrolled the entrance, checking travelers before allowing them through.
Xueyan pulled her hood lower, keeping her face hidden. She couldn't afford to draw attention. Not yet.
Uncle Bai sighed in relief. "We've finally made it."
He turned to Xueyan with a warm smile. "Miss, I know you said you wanted no reward, but if you ever need anything, come find us in the eastern market. We will always be in your debt."
Mei looked hesitant. "Will we see you again?"
Xueyan gave a small smile. "Maybe."
Then, without another word, she stepped into the bustling streets of the capital, disappearing into the crowd.
The capital was alive with power, secrets, and danger.
And somewhere in this city, hidden from the world—was the prince.
She would find him.
And when she did, her real journey would begin.