Escape to Xiyan

The night in the forest grew colder. The wind whispered softly, carrying the scent of damp earth and dry leaves. Li Mei sat by the small fire that Feng Wei had built, her hands close to the flames to keep warm. She silently observed him, trying to understand who he really was.

Feng Wei, sitting across from her, sharpened his sword with an expression devoid of emotion. The firelight flickered in his sharp eyes, reflecting the resolve of a warrior accustomed to living in the shadows.

"We must leave at dawn," he said without looking up. "The longer we stay here, the greater the chance they'll find us."

Li Mei nodded slowly. Though her body was tired and her mind in turmoil, she knew the danger still lurked behind them. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"To the trading city of Xiyan," Feng Wei replied curtly. "We can blend into the crowds there. I have a few contacts."

Li Mei stared into the fire. A big city like Xiyan was something she had only heard about from merchants passing through her village. But now, she would see it for herself not as an ordinary village girl, but as someone being hunted.

At dawn, Li Mei and Feng Wei hurriedly left the cave. They moved swiftly and cautiously through the dense forest. Feng Wei's eyes remained vigilant, scanning every movement around them.

"Follow me and don't fall behind," he said sternly. "The road to Xiyan isn't easy, and there are many Tianxu spies along the way."

Li Mei could only nod and follow his lead. The journey through the forest was not easy for her, with thick undergrowth and rocky paths that hurt her feet. But she didn't complain she knew her life depended on the mysterious man before her.

After several hours of walking, they reached the edge of a wide river. Feng Wei stopped, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to cross here," he said, pointing at a fallen tree stretched across the rushing water.

Li Mei swallowed hard. "Can't we find a bridge?" she asked hesitantly.

"Too risky," Feng Wei replied. "The bridges are guarded by Tianxu patrols."

Taking a deep breath, Li Mei carefully stepped onto the log. The wind blew strongly, nearly throwing her off balance. Feng Wei stood behind her, ready to catch her if she fell. After a few tense steps, they made it across safely.

"You're too slow," Feng Wei remarked, moving on without waiting.

Li Mei sighed in frustration and hurried to keep up. They continued their journey through valleys, hills, and small forests until the sun began to set. Along the way, they passed by several merchants traveling to Xiyan. Feng Wei ensured they stayed off the main road, avoiding the eyes of potential Tianxu informants.

As dusk approached, they arrived at a small roadside village. Feng Wei decided to rest briefly at a simple roadside inn. He sat in a corner while Li Mei sipped warm tea to ease her exhaustion.

The innkeeper, an elderly woman with a kind face, eyed them curiously. "Where are you from?" she asked.

"A long journey," Feng Wei replied briefly. "We're just stopping for a while."

The woman nodded. "Be careful on the road. The Tianxu forces have tightened their patrols in this area. They're looking for someone with a strange mark on their body." Her gaze lingered on Li Mei, who instinctively lowered her head in fear.

Feng Wei quickly placed a few silver coins on the table, pulling Li Mei away before more questions could be asked. "We can't stay in one place for too long," he said.

Li Mei was beginning to realize how heavy this journey was there was no place where she could feel safe.

They traveled through the night until they finally reached the gates of Xiyan the next morning. The city was bustling and crowded with merchants from all over the region. Carts loaded with goods rumbled past, the voices of traders hawking their wares filled every corner of the street. The scent of food mixed with the aroma of spices and incense drifting from distant temples.

Feng Wei walked ahead with a calm demeanor, but Li Mei could feel the tension in the air. "Don't talk to anyone," he said in a low voice. "And don't draw attention."

Li Mei nodded and tried to blend into the crowd.

As they walked through the main market, a thin man in a tattered red robe approached them with a sly grin. "Sir, Miss, do you need charms for protection against evil spirits?" he said, pulling out a few suspicious-looking talismans from his pouch. "Only five gold coins!"

Feng Wei looked at him sharply. "Fake charms," he said flatly. "We're not interested."

The man, who introduced himself as Zhang Rui, narrowed his eyes. "Ah, a smart one," he chuckled. "But I have other things that might interest you. I can read your fate… for the right price."

Li Mei noticed the cunning glint in Zhang Rui's eyes. But before she could refuse, Feng Wei grabbed the man's arm tightly. "You're more than just a street scammer, aren't you?"

Zhang Rui smiled nervously, trying to free himself from Feng Wei's grip. "You have sharp eyes, warrior. I might be able to help you… for a fair price, of course."

Feng Wei raised an eyebrow. "Help us, or I'll tell the city guards you're a wanted sorcerer."

Zhang Rui let out a nervous laugh. "Alright, alright. I'll help. What do you need?"

Feng Wei glanced at Li Mei briefly, then back at Zhang Rui. "We need someone who can help control… powers that can't be explained."

Zhang Rui's interest in Li Mei grew stronger. "Ah… I see. Of course, I can help." But inside, he was already plotting something else. If this girl was truly the Phoenix child, he could sell this information to the Tianxu Dynasty for a great reward.

Feng Wei seemed to read his thoughts and said coldly, "Don't try anything foolish, or you'll regret it."

Zhang Rui just smiled slyly. "Of course, of course. Let's begin our journey, my friends."

Li Mei could only sigh. Her adventure had just begun, and she wasn't sure who she could truly trust.