The Emperor’s Wrath

The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of crimson and gold as Yue Rin and her companions moved swiftly through the dense forest. The battle against the scouts had been swift, but its consequences loomed. If even one of the enemy had escaped, the Emperor would know of their movements.

Jiang Yun walked beside her, his expression unreadable. "The Emperor won't sit idle," he muttered. "He'll send his elite."

Yue Rin nodded. "Then we make the first move."

Liang Wei, scouting ahead, raised a hand for them to stop. His voice was low but urgent. "We have company."

A rustle in the trees. A trap.

Before anyone could react, a barrage of arrows rained down upon them. Yue Rin dove to the side, rolling behind a fallen log as steel-tipped shafts embedded themselves in the ground where she had stood.

"AMBUSH!" Liang Wei shouted, drawing his twin swords.

From the treetops, black-clad assassins leaped down, their curved blades flashing in the morning light.

The Emperor's Shadow Guards.

The Battle Begins

One of the assassins lunged at Yue Rin, his blade whistling toward her throat. She ducked, twisting her body as she drew her sword in a fluid motion. Steel met steel. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed.

Zhen Xiu parried an attack from another assassin, his movements precise and calculated. "They're faster than the scouts."

Jiang Yun grinned as he sidestepped an incoming strike, driving his dagger into his opponent's ribs. "That makes this fun."

Liang Wei cut down an attacker with a powerful slash. "We need to break their formation!"

Yue Rin's mind raced. They were surrounded. More assassins emerged from the shadows, their movements eerily synchronized.

She narrowed her eyes. They weren't just here to kill. They wanted to capture her.

A Deadly Gamble

Yue Rin locked blades with another attacker, their strength evenly matched. But she was faster. She twisted her sword, disarming the assassin before driving her knee into his gut.

An arrow whistled past her, grazing her shoulder. She hissed in pain but didn't slow down.

"Zhen Xiu! Cover me!" she called.

Without hesitation, he moved to her side, deflecting a strike aimed at her back. "What's the plan?"

She glanced at the towering trees above them. "We turn their numbers against them."

With a sharp whistle, she signaled the others. Liang Wei and Jiang Yun understood immediately.

Jiang Yun threw a smoke bomb to the ground, covering the battlefield in thick mist. Yue Rin took advantage of the momentary confusion, scaling a nearby tree with ease.

From her elevated position, she loosed an arrow. A perfect shot. One assassin fell, clutching his throat.

Below, Liang Wei and Zhen Xiu moved as one, cutting down enemies with ruthless efficiency.

Jiang Yun fought like a specter, weaving through the chaos and striking when least expected.

The Turning Point

Despite their skill, the Shadow Guards were relentless. More were coming.

Yue Rin's eyes darted toward the ridge overlooking the battlefield. If they could get there, they could escape.

She signaled the retreat. "TO THE RIDGE!"

Liang Wei blocked an incoming strike. "Go! We'll hold them off!"

"No," Yue Rin said firmly. "We leave together."

With a fierce battle cry, they pushed forward. Strike. Dodge. Kill. The assassins fell one by one, but the enemy's numbers were endless.

Zhen Xiu grabbed Yue Rin's arm. "We have to go, NOW!"

She hesitated for only a second before nodding. Together, they sprinted toward the ridge.

A Shocking RevelationJust as they reached the top, Yue Rin's heart stopped.

A lone figure stood there, waiting for them. Dressed in regal black robes, golden embroidery shimmering in the light.

The Crown Prince.

He smirked. "Going somewhere?"

The wind howled as the battlefield fell silent.