VALLEY SHADOW

The Shanghai train station swallowed them whole, a cavern of echoing announcements and hurried footsteps beneath the vaulted ceiling of steel and glass, Xu's single large backpack felt like an anchor against the tide of humanity surging towards platforms, Li Na clung to her arm, a fierce, temporary bulwark against the impending separation, her usual sharpness softened by the occasion, "Remember the deal, Linxue, radish updates mandatory, and if that mountain man grunts more than three times a day, I want a transcript," she tried for levity, but her grip tightened, Xu squeezed back, the city's din already feeling distant, muffled by the certainty thrumming in her veins, "No flannel, I promise, and pictures of every mushroom, edible or suspicious," she managed, the whistle blew, a sharp, final sound, Li Na pulled her into a crushing hug smelling of expensive perfume and city dust, "Go mend your roots, you crazy hermit," she whispered fiercely before releasing her, Xu shouldered her pack, the weight familiar now, a promise of stone foundations and east-facing dawns, she turned without looking back, the train doors hissed shut behind her, sealing her into a world of rattling windows and shared compartments, the sprawling urban monster gradually yielding to patchwork fields and the hazy silhouettes of distant hills as the train devoured the miles south.

Dawn in Yúnzhī Cūn was a silent affair, mist clinging thick and cold to the pines as Anze eased the modified ATV from its hidden lean-to behind Mòfáng, the engine's initial cough sounded obscenely loud in the pre-dawn hush, a violation of the mountain's deep breath, he winced, glancing towards the shuttered windows of the closest houses, Granny Wen's especially, no lights flickered on, no curious faces appeared at the Ancestral Hall's heavy doors, the village slept on, oblivious to his departure, he'd gassed the ATV the night before, checked the tires, the winch cable coiled neatly, the tools secured, everything ready for the descent he always made alone, the Soul's Path unwound before him in the grey light, a narrow, treacherous ribbon of gravel and packed earth reinforced with Da Chun's bamboo lattices snaking along the ridge line, disappearing into the forest shadows where Uncle Bo's hidden guardian totems watched from the gloom, he navigated by instinct, the fog a tangible thing he parted with the machine, the journey down was a slow, jarring ballet demanding absolute focus, negotiating slick patches where mist condensed, skirting sheer drops camouflaged by Trader Zhang's strategically planted shrubs, the angry bear rumble of the engine was swallowed by the vastness, a mechanical heartbeat against the ancient stone, it took hours, the sun climbing higher, burning off some mist as he finally reached the valley floor, leaving the hidden path's mouth disguised behind a screen of young bamboo, the transition to the bumpy valley road towards the distant railway station felt jarringly mundane.

The valley station platform was a stark contrast to Shanghai's grandeur, a low concrete building baking under the midday sun, dust motes dancing in the hot air smelling of diesel and dry earth, Xu stepped off the train, the sudden quiet after the journey's rhythmic clatter momentarily disorienting, she scanned the sparse crowd, the handful of waiting taxis, the dusty patch of shade where a few vendors sold lukewarm water and greasy buns, no sign of Anze, no familiar lean figure leaning against the ATV she pictured parked nearby, a flicker of unease, quickly dismissed, the descent took time, the ATV wasn't silent, he'd be here, she adjusted the strap of her large backpack, her smaller purse, containing her phone, wallet, the precious jade pendant, and the last of Li Na's emergency city cash, hung diagonally across her body outside her jacket, a practical habit from navigating crowded subways, she walked towards the station entrance, seeking a spot out of the direct sun to wait, the relative emptiness felt peaceful after Shanghai, she didn't see the three figures detached from the shade of a parked truck, moving with casual purpose, converging on her path.

It happened fast, a blur of movement from her left, a hard yank on the purse strap cutting into her shoulder, "Hey!" she gasped, instinctively grabbing the bag itself, the strap stretched taut, the masked man pulling hard, his eyes wide and frantic above the cheap fabric, Xu planted her feet, the brace on her ankle a sudden, sharp reminder of vulnerability, "Let go!" she yelled, more shock than command, the other two were there instantly, flanking the first, one grabbing her arm roughly, the other trying to pry her fingers from the bag, the world narrowed to the straining leather, the hot smell of unwashed clothes and panic, the metallic taste of fear in her mouth, the braced ankle protested violently as she was dragged a step, the name ripped from her throat without thought, pure instinct, "Anze!"

The roar of the ATV was her answer, a furious mechanical bellow tearing through the station's lethargy, Anze had just rounded the corner, the station building coming into view, the scene registering instantly – Xu struggling, three men converging, the predatory tension radiating off them, he killed the engine, the sudden silence more shocking than the noise, and was moving before the ATV fully rocked to a stop, a silent, deadly blur covering the distance, his boot connected with stunning precision against the knee of the man holding Xu's arm, a sickening crack followed by a choked scream as the man crumpled, the purse-snatcher whirled, releasing the bag, fumbling for something in his waistband, Anze didn't give him the chance, a vicious chop to the throat sent him staggering, gasping soundlessly, the third robber, bigger, lunged with a crude knife flashing in the sun, Anze flowed sideways, the blade passing harmlessly, his hand shot out, seizing the wrist, a brutal twist and downward slam onto his rising knee shattered bone with an audible crunch, the knife clattered to the dust, the man's howl cut short as Anze's elbow snapped back into his face, dropping him like a sack of grain beside his choking companion, the whole thing lasted less than ten seconds, brutal, efficient, utterly devoid of wasted motion, leaving three men writhing or unconscious in the dust, Xu stood frozen, clutching her purse, breathing ragged, staring at Anze who stood poised, scanning the immediate area, his expression cold, assessing, a soldier still in that terrifyingly focused moment.

Passersby who had frozen now murmured, pointing, a station attendant came running, a whistle shrill in the sudden quiet, someone had already called the police, their arrival was swift, two officers in crisp uniforms pushing through the small crowd that had gathered, taking in the scene – the groaning men, the dust, Xu pale and shaking, Anze standing protectively beside her, his posture relaxed now but radiating a dangerous calm, the officers took brief statements, Xu's voice trembled as she explained the attempted robbery, Anze simply nodded confirmation, his answers clipped, "They attacked her, I intervened," one officer, younger, eyed Anze's worn fatigues and the powerful ATV with suspicion, demanding identification, Anze produced his retired military ID card, the older officer took it, his eyes widening slightly as he read the details, the rank, the unit designation – Snow Leopard Special Forces, he snapped a crisp salute, respect replacing the initial wariness, "Captain Li," he said, his tone deferential, "Our apologies for the inconvenience, sir, we'll handle this filth," he gestured dismissively at the moaning thieves being loaded into the back of their van, "No need for further statements from you or the lady, clearly justified defense," he handed the ID back, "Safe journey," Anze gave a curt nod, "Thank you, Officer," he placed a hand lightly on Xu's back, guiding her firmly away from the gawking crowd and the police van, towards the waiting ATV.

Outside the station gate, the relative quiet felt immense, Xu leaned against the warm metal flank of the ATV, taking deep, shuddering breaths, the adrenaline crash making her legs feel weak, the dusty air tasted clean suddenly, "Thank you," she managed, the words inadequate but all she could grasp, "I didn't see them," Anze was checking the ATV, securing her large backpack onto the rear rack with practiced efficiency, his movements precise, controlled, the soldier receding but not gone, "City habits," he said, his voice low, gravelly, "Hard to break, purse outside," he glanced at her, his dark eyes holding hers for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable – concern, anger, relief, "You're unhurt," it was a statement, not a question, but she nodded anyway, "Just shaken, the ankle's okay," he finished securing the pack, handed her a sturdy helmet, "Long ride up," he said, swinging his leg over the machine, "Hold on," Xu climbed on behind him, the engine rumbled to life beneath them, a deep, powerful vibration, she wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling the solid muscle beneath his jacket, the reality of the mountain, the journey, finally beginning as they pulled away from the dusty station and its lingering chaos.

The valley road quickly gave way to rougher tracks, then vanished entirely as Anze guided the ATV towards the almost invisible entrance to the Soul's Path, marked only by a specific, seemingly dead-end cluster of boulders he navigated around with ease, the path narrowed dramatically, the world closing in with dense, damp forest, the air cooling instantly, smelling of pine resin, wet earth, and decaying leaves, the ATV jolted and bucked over roots and rocks, Anze handling it with an effortless grace that spoke of deep familiarity, Xu held on tight, her cheek pressed against his back, the rhythmic thrum of the engine vibrating through her, the terror of the station receding with each meter climbed into the green embrace, "The train," she began, needing to fill the space, to ground herself in the mundane, "It was fine, crowded, noisy, Li Na cried at the station, pretended she had dust in her eye," Anze made a low sound, perhaps acknowledgement, perhaps understanding, "She worries," Xu continued, shouting slightly over the engine and the crunch of gravel, "Thinks I'll turn feral up here, forget how to use chopsticks," Anze shifted slightly, adjusting their path around a particularly sharp bend where the bamboo lattice reinforcement was visible, holding back the steep slope, "City folk," he said, the words carrying a dry hint of amusement, "Think mountains erase things," Xu felt a small smile touch her lips, "She sent anti-vampire spray, industrial strength, for the mosquitoes," this time, she felt the faint rumble of a chuckle against her cheek, "Granny Wen has better," he said simply, the path steepened, the engine labouring harder, the views opening sporadically through the trees – glimpses of the deep gorge falling away on one side, mist clinging to distant, jagged peaks, the sheer scale and primal beauty stealing Xu's breath, replacing the last dregs of city anxiety with awe.

Hours bled into the climb, the sun dipping lower, painting the high canopy gold, the air grew colder, damper, the mist thickening into tendrils that curled around the ancient pines like spectral fingers, Xu's arms ached from holding on, her legs stiff, but she felt no desire for it to end, cocooned in the roar and vibration, the solid presence of Anze navigating the hidden way, the sense of leaving one world entirely and entering another, deeper, older one, finally, the gradient eased, the path widened slightly, weaving through terraced fields now, dark earth patterned with rows of hardy greens, buckwheat, the village lights appeared suddenly through the mist, warm pinpricks against the deepening twilight, nestled on their high terrace, Anze slowed the ATV as they approached the outskirts, navigating past the silent stone mill, the covered well, the path worn smooth by generations of feet, they rounded the final bend, and there was Mòfáng, its wide wooden terrace glowing with the warm light of oil lamps and candles, the door open, spilling golden light onto the packed earth, figures clustered in the doorway, spilling out onto the terrace, waiting.

Granny Wen, tiny and wrapped in layers despite the cool evening, stood supported by Little Yan whose face was alight with excitement, Auntie Mei hovered nearby, wiping her hands on her apron, Uncle Bo leaned against a post, whittling something small, Da Chun stood a little apart, his solid frame a silhouette against the light, Village Head Chen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, even Trader Zhang lurked near the back, adjusting his glasses, the low murmur of their voices ceased as the ATV's rumble grew louder, then cut off, silence rushed in, filled only by the drip of water from the eaves and the distant sigh of wind in the pines, Xu slid off the ATV, her legs unsteady after the long ride, she pulled off her helmet, the cool, mist-laden air hitting her face, smelling of woodsmoke and damp earth and something sweet – Auntie Mei's cloud cakes, she looked at the waiting faces, their expressions a mixture of quiet welcome, deep curiosity, and the profound stillness of the mountains themselves, Anze dismounted beside her, his presence a solid anchor, he didn't speak, just gave a single, slow nod towards the gathered villagers, Granny Wen took a small step forward, her clouded eyes seeming to find Xu unerringly in the lamplight, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her wrinkled face, "Ánzǐ brought the snow down the mountain," she rasped, her voice carrying clearly in the quiet, "Come inside, child, the kettle sings," it wasn't a grand welcome, no cheers, no fanfare, but in the soft light of Mòfáng, surrounded by weathered faces and the scent of pine and baking, Xu felt the last knot of tension dissolve, replaced by a profound sense of arrival, the alcove with its east-facing view awaited, the silent room offered refuge, her mountain life, forged in city resignation and sealed by a valley station's violence, had truly begun.