Chapter 8: A Dangerous Encounter
"You're still too loud," she said, her voice low but firm. "A blind man could hear you coming."
Li Feng grimaced, adjusting his footing. "Not all of us were born sneaking through forests."
Mei Lian smirked. "You'll learn. If you don't, you'll die. Simple as that."
Her words stung, but he couldn't deny the truth in them. He tightened his grip on the stick he'd been using as a makeshift weapon, its rough surface a constant reminder of how unprepared he was for the battles ahead. His mind replayed the vision of the Azure Dragon, the weight of its message pressing down on him like a physical burden.
"Stop," Mei Lian whispered suddenly, raising a hand. She crouched low, her eyes scanning the dense underbrush ahead. Li Feng froze, his breath catching in his throat.
"What is it?" he whispered back, his voice barely audible.
She pointed silently. Through the trees, he saw them: three Scarlet Iron Sect scouts moving in a tight formation, their crimson armor muted in the forest's shadows. They moved with precision, their eyes sweeping the terrain. It was clear they were searching for something. Or someone.
"They're too close," Mei Lian murmured, her tone grim. "We need to move. Now."
Li Feng nodded, his heart pounding as they began to retreat, keeping low and silent. But his foot caught on a hidden root, and he stumbled, the sound of his fall snapping through the quiet like a whip.
"Over there!" one of the scouts shouted, drawing his weapon.
"Run!" Mei Lian hissed, shoving him forward.
They bolted through the trees, the shouts of the scouts growing louder behind them. Li Feng's lungs burned as he pushed himself to keep up with Mei Lian, her movements swift and purposeful. The forest seemed to close in around them, branches clawing at their clothes and faces.
"This way!" Mei Lian called, veering sharply to the left. Li Feng followed, his legs aching with the effort. They burst into a small clearing, and Mei Lian skidded to a stop, her dagger already in hand.
"No time to run," she said, her eyes blazing. "We fight."
Li Feng's stomach twisted. "We're outnumbered!"
"Better odds than getting caught," she snapped. "Keep them off me."
Before he could protest, the first scout emerged from the trees, his blade gleaming. Mei Lian met him head-on, her movements a blur of precision and speed. Her dagger found its mark, and the scout crumpled to the ground.
Li Feng barely had time to react before another scout lunged at him. He raised his stick, blocking the blow clumsily. The impact sent a jolt through his arms, but he held firm, gritting his teeth. The scout pressed forward, his strength overwhelming.
"Focus, Feng!" Mei Lian shouted, fending off another attacker. "Use your head!"
Desperation fueled him. Li Feng shifted his weight, letting the scout's momentum carry him forward. He sidestepped and swung the stick, catching the man's leg and sending him sprawling. Without thinking, Li Feng grabbed a fallen rock and struck, the makeshift weapon connecting with the scout's helmet. The man went still.
Breathing hard, Li Feng looked up to see Mei Lian dispatch the last scout with a swift, efficient strike. She turned to him, blood staining her sleeve where a blade had grazed her.
"Not bad," she said, though her tone was more pragmatic than complimentary. "But don't get cocky. That was nothing compared to what's coming."
Li Feng nodded, his chest heaving. His hands trembled as he dropped the stick, the adrenaline leaving him shaky and lightheaded. "Are you… okay?" he asked, gesturing to her arm.
Mei Lian glanced at the wound as if noticing it for the first time. "It's fine. Just a scratch."
She moved to the nearest scout, rifling through his belongings. Li Feng watched, confused. "What are you doing?"
"Looking for information," she said curtly. "These guys don't move without orders."
After a moment, she pulled a small scroll from the scout's pouch. She unrolled it, her eyes scanning the text quickly. Her expression darkened.
"What is it?" Li Feng asked, stepping closer.
Mei Lian handed him the scroll. "They know where we are. And they're not the only ones looking. Shen's forces are spreading out, covering the entire forest."
Li Feng's stomach sank as he read the scout's orders. "They're closing in," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Which means we need to move faster," Mei Lian said, already packing her things. "And you need to get stronger."
Li Feng looked at her, the weight of her words pressing down on him. "How? I—"
"You fight," she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You learn. You survive. There's no other way."
He swallowed hard, his hands clenching into fists. The vision of the Azure Dragon flickered in his mind, its golden eyes filled with expectation. He couldn't afford to falter. Not now.
"Let's go," Mei Lian said, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "We're not out of this yet."
As they disappeared into the forest once more, the weight of the jade ring grew heavier against his chest. And in the distance, faint echoes of pursuit reminded him that the danger was far from over.