Chapter 21: Shadows of Pursuit
The old man sat alone in his dimly lit chamber, his eyes closed as he concentrated on the unease gnawing at him. It was a sensation he hadn't felt in years, a disturbance that signaled something—or someone—was slipping beyond his grasp.
"They are alive," he muttered, his voice low but resolute. "Those two... they are protected by something powerful."
Opening his eyes, he called for his most trusted guard. A figure cloaked in dark armor entered the room, bowing low before the elder.
"Strengthen the security around the borders," the old man ordered. "Double the patrols. Paste their faces in every town and city. Close all routes leading out of the country. No one leaves without passing the border checkpoints."
"Yes, my lord," the guard replied before disappearing into the shadows.
The elder's gaze lingered on the map of Tianxian spread before him. His hand trembled slightly as he traced a finger over the forest where his men had searched and found nothing.
"They escaped," he murmured, his tone filled with a mix of frustration and dread. "And I... I've lost something vital."
The unease persisted, tightening around him like a vice. He could not shake the feeling that whatever they carried—whatever protected them—was more significant than he had anticipated.
---
Three days had passed within the serene confines of Lin Yue's magical space. Li Wei, now recovered, stood at the edge of the fields, watching the vibrant fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Lin Yue approached him, her footsteps light as she admired the transformed space.
Li Wei look at her and said. "Let's move. But we must be cautious."
The two stepped out of the space, finding themselves near the outskirts of Tianxian's bustling border city. The air was thick with tension as soldiers patrolled the streets in pairs, their sharp eyes scanning every face.
As they walked cautiously through the crowded streets, they noticed a gathering near a wall. Moving closer, they saw crude sketches of their faces pasted alongside wanted posters.
Lin Yue squinted at the drawings and frowned. "Is that supposed to be me? This doesn't look anything like us. How do they expect anyone to recognize us with this?"
Li Wei stifled a chuckle but quickly sobered when a group of patrolling soldiers approached their direction. He grabbed Lin Yue's hand, pulling her toward the shadow of a nearby tavern.
They slipped inside, sitting at an empty corner table. The air inside was thick with the aroma of stewed meats and spices, though Lin Yue immediately noticed the lack of refinement in the dishes being served.
A waiter approached, his expression stern. "No loitering. If you don't order something, you'll have to leave."
Lin Yue reached into her hair and removed a delicate jade hairpin. "Will this cover a meal?"
The waiter's eyes widened at the sight of the hairpin. He nodded eagerly, quickly ushering them a tray of what he claimed to be the tavern's finest dishes.
Lin Yue took a cautious bite of the food, only to grimace as the overly savory taste filled her mouth. Swallowing quickly, she glanced around and noticed the other patrons eating with enthusiasm.
"Have I been spoiled by modern food?" she thought with a sigh, pushing the plate toward Li Wei.
Li Wei didn't even touch his spoon, his sharp eyes trained on the entrance of the tavern. The soldiers outside seemed to have moved on, but he wasn't willing to take any risks.
"Let's go," he whispered, rising from his seat.
They exited the tavern and slipped into a narrow alley. After ensuring no one was watching, Lin Yue opened the portal to her space, and the two disappeared inside, leaving behind the chaos of the city.
---
Back in the elder's chamber, the guard returned, bowing low once again.
"My lord," he said, "the city borders are secured. No one can leave without passing through the checkpoints. We've posted their faces everywhere, as you commanded."
The old man leaned back, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "Good. But don't underestimate them. Those two... they're not ordinary fugitives. Double the patrols. If they're still in the country, I want them found."
"Yes, my lord," the guard said, disappearing into the shadows once more.
The elder stared at the flickering flame of a nearby candle, his thoughts heavy. "They have something I cannot afford to lose. And I will have it, no matter the cost."