The young man called out, handing him a sealed letter. Then snatched the letter and tore it open with urgency. As he scanned the contents, disbelief washed over his face.

  "Han'er is gone?!"

  Without a second thought, he folded the letter back up and quickly commanded, "Prepare the carriage! We must return back to the clan!"

  “Understood!”

  ...

  Xu Hanyu gradually opened his eyes, squinting as the bright sky came into view. Gentle light streamed through the tall cliffs surrounding them. With the lady lay comfortably in his arms, her head resting on his chest.

  They seemed to be in what appeared to be an old nest—soft ground beneath them instead of rocks. His body was covered in dry dirt.

  As he slowly looked around, he realized they were in a fault scarp nestled between two cliffs. One cliff loomed high above, steep and unreachable, whilst the other was easier to reach from their location.

  He tried to move, but a piercing agony shot through him, causing him to cry out. It felt as if his entire body was disintegrating, and each movement only worsened the pain.

  He peered over the shallow fault scarp. It wasn't deep enough to trap them for long, but the situation was dire. With no way to get back up, he called for aid, hoping that someone would hear.

  "Is anyone up there?" he exclaimed, cupping his hands to magnify his voice.

  Silence followed, and he tried again. Meanwhile, the girl in the abandoned nest slowly opened her eyes and Xu Hanyu noticed her, murmuring, “Oh? She’s awake?”

  The lady looked dazed, touching her head and scanning her surroundings.

  "Where am I...?"

  The girl blinked, still processing her mind. Xu Hanyu stepped closer as she tried to comprehend her situation, but before he could do it, her expression suddenly shifted into an alarm as she focused on him.

  "Who are you—?! And where are we?!" She quickly manifested her sword, pushing the cold blade on his neck before he could react. Fear washed over him as her gaze locked onto a mark on his arm. There was a silence as he froze in the spot, instinctively raising his hand to shield himself.

  Surprised by the question, he raised his hands defensively and replied nervously, "I- I'm Xu Hanyu. We... we fell from that cliff," pointing to the tall cliff behind them.

  With that, the lady followed the direction his fingers were pointing, but remained fierce in her stance as she looked back into him again.

  "Please, calm down... I won’t hurt you, trust me… okay?" he said, stepping back cautiously.

  "Trust? What a joke," she scoffed. "I can't afford that, especially from you." Meanwhile, she noticed that there was no presence of a wuqi energy around his body. She thought it was strange.

  Xu Hanyu stood tense but calm, not wanting to escalate things.

  "Oh my, what should I do..? I’m just trying to help here..” he whispered.

  Then the lady who had heard him whisper something, “What did you say–!?” She moved the tip of his blade closer to his skin causing him to gasp.

  “Hey–! Shouldn’t you be grateful? I saved your life or else you would have been caught by those men. Is this how you show gratitude to someone who just helped you?"

  Hearing his words, she didn’t respond but her eyes softened a bit as she remembered a flashback from that night when she was chased down, she remembered she was being held by him. With that, she fully lowered her sword slowly.

  Though still cautious, she wasn’t attacking. At least now, a small crack had formed in her defenses.

  “Good…” Xu Hanyu whispered, relieved.

  The young lady turned and walked to the abandoned nest, sitting down with a distant gaze. Then she thought, I need to heal before leaving this place.

  She then settled into a meditative pose as Xu Hanyu watched her in the distance. With a back straight, eyes closed, her right hand forming a precise mudra.

  It took hours until the lady finished her healing, slowly separating her hands and taking a deep breath. Though my injuries weren't fully healed, she thought, it’s a good thing that the ‘Eye’ hadn’t taken over my body.

  At the same time, Xu Hanyu sensed a change and turned to her, and saw her eyes open slowly.

  “Are you all better now?” he asked.

  But instead of looking at Xu Hanyu directly, her attention was focused on the dark archway, saying, “Why do you care?” while her gaze still remained in that direction.

  For some reason, she felt it was suspicious. With an intent on exploring, she then slowly walked toward it.

  Meanwhile Xu Hanyu, who couldn't help but let out an uncomfortable laugh after hearing her words, nervously said, “I-i’m just concerned since you were hurt. And... you shouldn’t go in there. We don’t know what’s inside.”

  Yet still, she was so determined to figure it out.

  I sense something inside, she thought. It might be a treasure or something that might be able to strengthen my core.

  She then took a step closer to the arch while Xu Hanyu noticed and tried to stop her. "Hey, wait!" But she quickened her pace, heading toward the threshold. Before he could reach her, she had already crossed into the arch.

  With a shot of a cold glance, "Stay back," She then stepped deeper into the darkness, completely disappeared from the view.

  Xu Hanyu stood frozen in the spot, muttering, “She didn’t listen... What is she thinking?”

  With that, he just decided to stay outside and didn’t follow her. “I think it would be best to stay here and wait for her.”

  Approaching the nest slowly, he lies down there for a brief nap.

  Just a few moments later, Xu Hanyu snapped his eyes open as he heard a loud noise inside the dark archway. It was as if a loud metal echoed from the inside, making him feel uneasy and worried since the lady went there.

  “I need to check on her–!”

  Without hesitation, he quickly entered the dark archway, it was wide inside almost like a cavern yet there were metallic shining matters clinging in the walls but he walked further with no fear.

  Just later on, he saw the lady on the ground clutching her waist, and eventually noticed him.

  “!!!” At the same time, there was a beast on a silver scale almost resembling a basilisk standing in front of her.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “What creature is that–?!” He knew at this moment that this creature was not a simple one as it looked terrifying with its shining silver skin and huge size. Its claws were strong enough to sever flesh, and its silver eyes gave the impression that it was blind.

  Danger!

  That’s why he needed a quick plan–!

  He quickly scanned the cavern floor, spotting jagged rocks scattered around. He thought that if he made enough noise, he might distract the creature for a while by messing with its hearing in order to reach the young lady.

  Now rushing off picking up a stone that sizes his fist and hurled it at the cave wall. As the thunderous clap reverberated throughout the space, the basilisk shifted its attention, its enraged white eyes fixed on the noise.

  And it was successful. He got it distracted–!

  Now or never!

  Xu Hanyu sprinted ahead, tossing a stone to distract the beast once more. The creature paused, giving him the moment he needed.

  When he reached the young lady, he urgently said, “Wrap your arms around my neck! We need to go—NOW!” urging her as he dropped to his knees and helped to support her to stand.

  With that, the two of them began to sprint with their best while the beast was still distracted. With their legs beginning to burn, the basilisk roared as its claws scraped the stone.

  Meanwhile, Xu Hanyu, who looked very panicked and concerned, said, “Didn’t I tell you, it’s dangerous! But you didn’t listen–!”

  "You–!" It almost seemed as though Xu Hanyu was berating her at that moment, talking to her like a child. The chipping of her pride prevented her from speaking, yet she opened her mouth to do so. "Hmmph!"

  Without any more words to speak of, the two of them just continued sprinting straight ahead.

  Faster!

  It was almost there, the exit loomed ahead as the faint light beckoning them.

  Then another deafening screech pierced the air from behind.

  Move, move, MOVE!

  With just a few meters away…

  BANG! Trapped.

  The sound of the sharp bump made from the beast was loud as a pale blue seal barrier appeared behind them, sending shockwaves through the ground.

  Finally they were out!

  Xu Hanyu stumbled a little while sweat was streaming down his face. They glanced back at the beast, still thrashing against the seal.

  BANG! BANG!

  The beast slammed its tail against the barrier, but the seal held firm. Its silver eyes glowed with fury, but after a few moments, it retreated into the darkness, its rage simmering into reluctant surrender.

  Xu Hanyu let out a sigh in relief, turning his head and for the first time, he saw something different on the lady’s face. Emotion. A flicker of exhaustion and guilt.

  But then she spoke as she looked away, and her voice was softer than before. “Thank you… Xu Hanyu.”

  Carefully, she slowly let go of him and walked slowly towards the nest but before she could reach it, the lady gripped her waist where blood seeped through her fingers. Which made Xu Hanyu’s eyes flashed.

  “You’re bleeding–! Let me help you…!”

  “No need…” She said signaling not to move, then continued to walk away, forcing herself forward.

  Stubborn. Even when she was barely standing. He thought while observing her.

  She pushed toward the abandoned nest, but her steps were faltering and her vision swam. The world tilted, making her lose her balance.

  Then—darkness.

  Before she could hit the ground, Xu Hanyu quickly approached, catching her just in time. “I told you, you’re bleeding.” His grip tightened. “You need my help to support you.” She stiffened in his hold, trying to get away but she couldn’t as she lost her strength.

  At that moment, their eyes met, and this time, instead of pushing him away, she held his gaze but eventually looked away. Without another word, Xu Hanyu pulled her close, securing her against him as he guided her forward to the nest. Ambling together while her face still looking troubled.

  “Slowly…” said Xu Hanyu softly.

  Now settling down, the lady thought: Curse it, I would have gotten the egg but that creature was too stiff. I still need to heal up so I can have enough strength to float up there and leave this place as soon as possible. I'll be coming back when I'm strong enough to face it.

  Then with a jerk of her head towards Xu Hanyu, there was a worry in his face. Saying, “Thank… you…” at once.

  Xu Hanyu then replied, “Ah.. T-there’s no problem… I only do what I have to do…” looking flustered all of the sudden as he scratches his neck.

  The girl was obviously guilty, but deep inside her she was also grateful that he had saved her. If he hadn't been there to check inside, she would have died right away.

  “I’m Chan Chan… Xu Hanyu…” an unexpected introduction of her name.

  With a pause, “Chan Chan…” Xu Hanyu murmured, testing the name. It felt right and so much softer, as it was an unexpected contradiction to her fierce personality.

  Followed by a silence, he let out a small smile, trying to ease the growing awkwardness in the atmosphere. “Um... You should take a rest here... I’ll just look around.”

  She nodded with a “Hm”, her gaze met him briefly once more before she settled into a meditation pose.

  Unable to help her beyond healing, and with no bandages, Xu Hanyu stepped back, scanning the area. But his thoughts kept drifting back to her softer and vulnerable side. With that, he shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

  Focus.

  But as he sat quietly and observed Chan Chan as she focused on her healing.

  Hours later, Chan Chan finally opened her eyes and thought: I’m not completely healed. The bleeding is too severe. I’ll have to continue tomorrow… I still need to rest before I leave.

  Xu Hanyu turned to her and asked, “Are you alright now?”

  “No…” she answered.

  With the cold seeped into them, and the night grew darker as well. Xu Hanyu looked up at the sky and then turned his gaze to her. “I see… It’s getting late. We should rest up.”

  Then Chan Chan nodded slightly.

  But starting to realize their current situation. With an awkward exchange of glance, Xu Hanyu looked into the nest that Chan Chan is in.

  “...”

  He then cleared his throat to lighten the mood, forming a faint smile. “Ahh…It’s fine. I can sleep sitting up. You can take the nest.”

  Looking into her reaction, Chan Chan seems to be hesitating with a remaining guilt in her face. Meanwhile, “Umm… just sleep here," the young man was about to turn but his attention was caught by her words.

  “Just… don’t get too close to me,” she continued.

  “You… Are you really alright with that?”

  Chan Chan just nodded as her response without meeting his gaze and lay down, facing away from him.

  At the same time, Xu Hanyu who was also hesitating, finally said, “alright..” and he slowly settled beside her, facing outward as well.

  Both could feel the distance between them shrinking, yet the unspoken tension lingered in the cool, quiet air.

  Thankfully, the nest was large enough to put a considerable distance between them as they lay down.

  It’s alright no one will happen. Just sleep. Xu Hanyu thought.

  But even in the stillness of the night, his thoughts refused to settle.

  Xu Hanyu was about to close his eyes when Chan Chan’s voice broke the silence.

  “What happened to your arm?”

  His eyes snapped open, unsure whether to ignore her or answer. Is she talking about the cursed mark on my left arm…?

  With a hesitation, “Y-you really wanna know?”

  She didn’t reply, but her quiet attention made him continue.

  “It’s a curse.”

  “Curse?”

  “Yeah…”

  “Does it hurt?”

  “No, but I suffer.” he whispered, feeling the weight of his words.

  “Suffer… to what?” she repeated, her voice barely audible.

  "I suffer in a crippled body."

  He’s crippled, is this why I can't trace a single wuqi energy in his body?

  Hearing this, Chan Chan’s eyes widened with empathy, but she didn’t press for more. She understood his meaning, though it was unexpected to meet someone like him.

  Neither of them spoke, yet for some reason, a strange connection lingered between them.