Ch 6

The trio resumed their journey the next morning, moving cautiously through the dense forest. The earlier encounter with the bandits left an uneasy silence hanging over them. Shu Yi kept her alchemy pouch within arm's reach, ready for anything, while Xiao Fang trailed close behind, clutching a stick he'd picked up as a makeshift weapon.

Chen Wei, however, seemed utterly unbothered. He walked with an air of calm, occasionally humming a tune as though they were merely out for a stroll.

"Do you ever worry about anything?" Shu Yi finally snapped, unable to contain her irritation.

Chen Wei glanced at her with a bemused smile. "Worry? About what? I've already got two skilled companions looking out for me."

Shu Yi rolled her eyes. "You're either too trusting or too clueless. Either way, it's going to get you killed."

"I'll take my chances," Chen Wei said with a shrug. "After all, life's more interesting when you embrace the unknown."

Shu Yi muttered something under her breath about "reckless scholars" and kept walking.

---

A Strange Encounter

By midday, they reached a clearing with a narrow stream running through it. Shu Yi knelt by the water, filling their flasks while Xiao Fang splashed around, enjoying the brief respite.

Chen Wei wandered off a little, examining the nearby trees and murmuring to himself. Shu Yi watched him out of the corner of her eye.

"What's his deal?" Xiao Fang asked, sitting on a rock and kicking his feet in the water.

"No idea," Shu Yi replied. "But I don't trust him."

Xiao Fang frowned. "He doesn't seem bad. Just… weird."

"Weird can be dangerous," Shu Yi said, standing up and handing Xiao Fang his flask. "Stay alert."

Suddenly, Chen Wei called out from a short distance away. "Shu Yi! Come here for a moment."

She exchanged a wary glance with Xiao Fang before walking over to him. Chen Wei was crouched by the base of a tree, studying something on the ground.

"What is it?" Shu Yi asked.

"Tracks," Chen Wei said, pointing to a set of faint footprints in the dirt.

Shu Yi frowned. "Bandits?"

Chen Wei shook his head. "No. These are too light. Probably a scout—or a hunter."

"Great," Shu Yi muttered. "Just what we need. More people sneaking around."

Chen Wei stood, brushing dirt off his hands. "We should move quickly. Whoever made these tracks might still be nearby."

---

An Unexpected Guest

As they pressed on, Shu Yi couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, set her nerves on edge.

"Something's not right," she whispered to Xiao Fang, who nodded, gripping his stick tightly.

Just as the path curved around a cluster of rocks, a figure stepped out from behind a tree. Shu Yi reacted instantly, pulling out a vial and holding it ready.

"Relax," the figure said, raising their hands. It was a young woman, clad in simple leather armor and carrying a bow slung over her shoulder. Her expression was calm but guarded.

"Who are you?" Shu Yi demanded.

"My name is Lin Mei," the woman said. "I'm a hunter from the nearby village. I mean you no harm."

Shu Yi didn't lower the vial. "If you mean no harm, why were you following us?"

Lin Mei sighed. "I saw you camped near the stream last night. It's rare to see travelers in these parts, so I kept an eye on you. I wanted to make sure you weren't… trouble."

"Funny," Shu Yi said. "We were thinking the same about you."

Chen Wei stepped forward, his smile as easy as ever. "Well, Lin Mei, it seems we're all just a little cautious. Perhaps you could guide us to your village. We could use some rest."

Lin Mei hesitated, her eyes flicking between the three of them. Finally, she nodded. "Alright. But if you try anything…"

"We won't," Chen Wei said smoothly.

---

The Village of Secrets

Lin Mei led them through the forest to a small village nestled in a valley. The houses were simple but sturdy, with smoke curling from chimneys and people going about their daily tasks.

Shu Yi noticed the wary looks they received as they entered. The villagers whispered among themselves, their eyes darting toward Chen Wei in particular.

"Why do I feel like we're not welcome here?" Shu Yi muttered.

"Because we're not," Lin Mei said bluntly. "This village doesn't trust outsiders. You'll find shelter and food, but don't expect warm hospitality."

Chen Wei seemed unbothered by the tension. "Fair enough. I'm just grateful for a roof over my head."

Lin Mei directed them to a small inn at the edge of the village. The innkeeper, an elderly woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, showed them to a single room with three straw mats.

"It's not much, but it's better than sleeping outside," she said gruffly.

"Thank you," Chen Wei said with a polite bow.

---

Whispers in the Night

As night fell, Shu Yi found herself unable to sleep. The village's unease had rubbed off on her, and the faint murmurs of conversation from outside only heightened her suspicion.

She glanced over at Chen Wei, who was sitting cross-legged on his mat, seemingly lost in thought.

"Do you ever sleep?" Shu Yi asked, keeping her voice low.

"Occasionally," Chen Wei said with a small smile. "But tonight feels… strange, doesn't it?"

Shu Yi nodded. "This village is hiding something."

Chen Wei's expression darkened slightly. "Most villages like this are. But it's not our concern unless it becomes our problem."

Shu Yi frowned, her instincts telling her otherwise. Something about Lin Mei, the villagers, and even Chen Wei felt off.

"Stay on your guard," she said finally.

"I always do," Chen Wei replied, his smile returning.

As the whispers outside grew louder, Shu Yi tightened her grip on her pouch, ready for whatever the night might bring.

---