Attacked

In Yangzhai

The team arrived in Yangzhai, a serene town nestled between towering mountains, its quiet streets lined with quaint houses and vibrant cherry blossoms. The tranquility was a stark contrast to the storm of emotions and chaos they had endured. Zhou Sheng, gravely injured from the skirmish in the forest, was immediately taken to the local inn. The healers, skilled in their craft, worked tirelessly to tend to his wounds. Lin Bai Yu stayed by his side, her heart heavy with worry.

She sat by the bed, her gaze fixed on Zhou Sheng's pale face. His labored breathing and the beads of sweat forming on his forehead only deepened her concern.

"Why did you push yourself so hard?" she murmured, her voice barely audible. "You should have stayed back… with the others."

Zhou Sheng stirred slightly, but his eyes remained closed. Lin Bai Yu reached out, gently wiping the sweat away with a damp cloth. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of fear and confusion, emotions she rarely allowed herself to feel. She hated seeing him like this—so vulnerable, so unlike the strong and confident man she had come to rely on.

The Weapon Mine in Yangzhai

Elsewhere in Yangzhai, Deng Min Chi and the rest of the team infiltrated a weapon mine rumored to be at the center of a growing conspiracy. The air inside was thick with the acrid smell of molten metal, and the sound of hammers echoed through the dimly lit tunnels. The mine's leader, a grizzled man with a hardened expression, was cornered in his office. His defiance faltered under Deng Min Chi's relentless interrogation.

"Who is behind this?" Deng Min Chi demanded, his voice like steel. "Speak now, and you might still have a chance to live."

The mine leader's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape that didn't exist. Finally, with a defeated sigh, he spoke.

"It's… Zhou Hong, the First Prince of the Northern Kingdom," he confessed. "He's been using the weapon mines to fund his ambitions—to overthrow the throne."

The revelation hung in the air like a thunderclap. Zhou Xiaolu, standing nearby, gasped, her face a mixture of disbelief and horror.

"My brother… Zhou Hong?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Deng Min Chi turned to her, his expression unreadable but his eyes filled with a grim understanding. "Yes. His ambitions are far greater—and far darker—than we ever imagined."

Before they could delve deeper into the implications of this revelation, chaos erupted. A group of armed assailants stormed the room, their movements swift and deadly. The team fought valiantly, but the attackers were ruthless. In the midst of the battle, Lin Xuxu was struck down, a blade slicing across her side. She crumpled to the ground, her blood pooling beneath her.

"Lin Xuxu!" Deng Min Chi shouted, his voice breaking as he rushed to her side.

He knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he pressed against the wound, trying to stem the bleeding. Her breathing was shallow, her face ghostly pale. Fear clawed at his chest, threatening to consume him.

"Don't leave me," he pleaded, his voice barely a whisper. "Please… I can't lose you."

The Inn in Yangzhai

Hours passed, and Lin Xuxu remained unconscious. Deng Min Chi refused to leave her side, his exhaustion evident but his resolve unwavering. He watched her fragile form, the rise and fall of her chest the only sign that life still lingered within her.

Finally, as the first light of dawn crept through the window, he leaned closer, his emotions overwhelming him. "Lin Xuxu," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you. I've always loved you. I never realized how much until now. Please… wake up."

For a moment, the room was silent, save for the faint sound of her breathing. Then, her eyes fluttered open. She gazed up at him, her vision blurry but her lips curving into a faint smile.

"Deng Min Chi…" she murmured, her voice barely audible.

He couldn't hold back any longer. Leaning in, he kissed her, pouring all his fear, relief, and love into that single moment. She responded weakly, her hand reaching up to touch his face, grounding him in the reality of her survival.

As they pulled apart, the door creaked open. Zhou Xiaolu stood there, her expression a mixture of shock and understanding.

"So… it's true," she said softly. "You two…"

Deng Min Chi straightened, his face a mask of determination. "We'll talk later," he said firmly. "Right now, we have more pressing matters."

Zhou Xiaolu nodded, though her eyes lingered on them for a moment longer. There was no time for personal feelings when the stakes were this high.

A New Resolve

The team regrouped later that evening, their faces etched with exhaustion and determination. The revelation about Zhou Hong's involvement weighed heavily on them all. The once-clear mission to uncover corruption had transformed into something far more dangerous—a battle against a prince with ambitions to destabilize an entire kingdom.

Despite the gravity of their situation, there was a newfound strength within the group. Deng Min Chi and Lin Xuxu's bond, now openly acknowledged, served as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Their love, forged in the crucible of danger and uncertainty, reminded everyone of what they were fighting for—a future free from tyranny and bloodshed.

As the team strategized their next move, the air was charged with determination. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with peril, but they were ready to face it together.

To Be Continued...