Third chapter: The whip of Fate

As night fell over Fengxiang, the Festival of Unity lit up the bustling marketplace with colorful lights and joyful sounds. But beneath the festive cheer, something dark lingered in the air.

Li Ancheng, a young general known for her incredible skills with a whip, moved carefully through the crowd, her instincts sharp. By her side was Huo Wushang, the commander of the Great Huo Army, who had fought in many battles since he was just fifteen years old.

"We need to keep everyone safe tonight," Ancheng said, her voice serious. "With the crown prince out here, danger could strike at any moment."

Wushang nodded, looking around cautiously. "My assistant is gathering information. We'll know if anything goes wrong."

Ancheng's younger sister, Li Anning, followed closely. "I feel something isn't right," she said, her eyes darting around. "Like something big is about to happen."

As they walked, Ancheng couldn't shake the feeling of dread settling in her stomach. Just then, a loud commotion erupted nearby. People shouted in panic, and Ancheng's instincts kicked in.

"Stay alert!" Wushang commanded, turning toward the noise.

Among the crowd, Zhao Yang, the crown prince, was laughing and mingling with the townsfolk. When their eyes met, Ancheng felt a warmth in her heart, but the unease remained.

"Your Highness!" Ancheng called out, trying to warn him. "You need to be careful!"

Zhao Yang nodded, his smile fading as he saw her serious expression. "I know, but we can't let fear ruin the festival."

Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air, and chaos erupted. A masked figure appeared, aiming a poisoned arrow directly at Zhao Yang. Time seemed to freeze as Ancheng's instincts took over. Without thinking, she threw herself in front of the prince, and the arrow struck her.

Pain exploded in her side as she fell to the ground, blood spilling from her lips. Zhao Yang's eyes widened in horror. "Ancheng!" he cried, rushing to her side. "What did you do?"

"I couldn't let it… hit you," she gasped, feeling the poison burning through her veins.

"Get help!" Wushang shouted, pushing through the crowd, while Anning rushed to her sister's side. "No! Ancheng!" she yelled, her face pale with fear.

Zhao Yang held Ancheng tightly, his heart racing. "Stay with me! Help is coming!"

Ancheng struggled to keep her eyes open as darkness closed in. "I'm… sorry," she whispered, sensing her strength fading. "I knew… something was wrong."

"Don't give up, Ancheng! You're strong!" Zhao Yang pleaded, tears filling his eyes. He couldn't bear to see her in pain.

A sudden flash of lightning lit up the sky, and Ancheng felt a surge of power deep inside her, but the poison was too strong.

The royal guards rushed in, ready to handle the chaos. "Get her to safety!" Wushang ordered. "Anning, you know how to counter the poison!"

"Let me help her!" Anning cried, determination burning in her eyes.

As they hurried back to the palace, Zhao Yang's heart sank. He admired Ancheng's bravery, but now he felt utterly helpless. He would do anything to save her.

Inside the palace, the tension was thick. Anning worked quickly, gathering herbs to fight the poison, while Wushang and Zhao Yang stayed close, their hearts heavy with worry.

"Please, Ancheng, stay with us," Zhao Yang urged, holding her hand tightly. "You're not alone. We'll get through this together."

Ancheng writhed in pain, her face pale, but her will remained strong. Wushang stood guard, ready to protect them.

Zhao Yang stayed by Ancheng's side, feeling gratitude and love for the brave general who had risked everything for him. The room was filled with uncertainty, but their bond would be tested in the face of danger.

In that moment, they all knew: the fight for their kingdom had just begun.