The pale light of dawn crept over the canyon walls, brushing the encampment in hues of gold and amber. A chill breeze whispered through the bushes, stirring loose strands of Zhu Zhuqing hair where she lay wrapped in her cloak. One by one, the Shrek group began to rise, their bodies rested but their expressions subdued, marked by the weight of recent trials.
Flender stood at the center of the camp, arms crossed, his expression stern but composed. "We're one day out," he announced. "By nightfall, we will reach the outer perimeter of a Spirit Hall-controlled city. No mistakes. No drama. Once we cross the pass, keep your heads down."
Zhu Zhuqing rose slowly from her resting spot, brushing dust off her legs. "I can walk today," she said firmly, voice steady despite the faint tremble in her limbs.
Li Wei was immediately at her side, brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure?"
"Even just for a bit. I need to." Her eyes met his, unwavering.
He gave a nod, brief but respectful. "Then I'll walk with you."
She smiled faintly, grateful.
_________________
The sun climbed higher as the group set off, winding their way through the narrowing canyon path. Shadows played along the stone walls, a quiet backdrop to murmured conversations.
Xiao Wu walked beside Ning Rongrong, arms folded behind her head, face lit with forced cheer. "Zhuqing sure is stubborn, huh? I'd be milking that injury for all the pampering I could get."
Ning Rongrong chuckled softly. "You say that, but you'd be back on your feet even faster than she was."
Xiao Wu gave a lazy shrug, eyes flicking ahead toward Li Wei and Zhu Zhuqing walking side by side. "Maybe."
Behind them, Meng Yiran fell into step beside Li Wei. "We'll hit city terrain soon. Urban areas shift spirit beast behavior patterns as they will not easily approaching the city. We'll have to adjust scouting formations."
He nodded. "Noted. Good thinking."
She glanced sideways at him. "I meant to say—I trust your decisions. Even when they're emotional."
His lips curved slightly. "Thanks, Yiran."
Further back, Flender walked with Liu Erlong and Zhao Wuji.
"He's changed the rhythm of the group," Liu Erlong noted, glancing ahead.
"They follow him more naturally than they will ever followed Tang San or Dai Mubai," Zhao Wuji said. "No orders. Just presence."
"We need to be ready," Flender muttered. "Spirit Hall doesn't play games. And neither should we."
_____________________
By midday, the group paused near a shaded outcrop. The canyon opened slightly, revealing a patch of green and a flat stone ledge.
Li Wei helped Zhu Zhuqing onto the ledge, crouching beside her as she sat with a sigh.
"Thanks," she murmured. "Again."
"Don't mention it."
She turned to face him, eyes dark with something deeper than fatigue. "I was scared yesterday. Not just of being hurt. Of becoming weak again. And afraid of slowing you down."
Li Wei was quiet for a moment. Then, softly: "You've never slowed me down. And you've never been weak. Not once."
She looked at him, something fragile and open in her gaze. "I don't want to lose you."
"You won't," he said simply. "As long as I breathe."
Their hands brushed, then lingered.
__________________
Later, as they resumed their journey, Xiao Wu drifted toward the back of the group, walking in silence.
She watched the landscape shift around her, but her thoughts were far away—back to the moments with Tang San. Training sessions. Shared laughter. Quiet promises. All distant now.
She looked ahead again. Zhu Zhuqing was laughing at something Li Wei had said. He never laughed like that with her.
Her steps slowed.
She remembered how Li Wei had carried Zhu Zhuqing without hesitation. How Zhu Zhuqing had looked up at him.
Her chest tightened.
"I don't even know when it started," she murmured. "Just... one day, I cared too much."
__________________
By dusk, the terrain began to change. The canyon walls opened, revealing a flatter path that led toward distant lights on the horizon.
They camped at a dry clearing, setting a low fire with careful shielding.
Flender addressed them in a low tone. "That city ahead is no friend to Shrek. You will keep your heads down. Let me and Erlong handle any conversations. Understood?"
A chorus of nods followed.
Zhao Wuji added, "No spirit power flares. No challenges. If someone bumps into you, walk away."
__________________
Dinner was sparse—dried meat, rice, and a hint of herb together. But it was shared in a calm circle, with no bickering for once.
Meng Yiran poked at her bowl. "Rongrong, I saw you sneak extra rice."
"What?! I did not!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, mouth still full.
Xiao Wu giggled. "You totally did."
"I'll share," Zhu Zhuqing offered quietly.
"See? The noble lady becomes generous," Meng Yiran teased.
Laughter warmed the camp.
Zhu Zhuqing leaned lightly against Li Wei shoulder. He didn't move away.
No one commented. They didn't need to.
From where he sat, Flender watched the group. His eyes lingered on Li Wei, then shifted to the others.
"They're changing," he murmured. "Growing up."
____________________
As night deepened, the camp dimmed into quiet pairs and soft conversations. One by one, they turned in.
Li Wei took first watch, seated at the edge of the camp where canyon stone met open plains.
He stared toward the city lights.
'Spirit Hall lies ahead.' It's more like walking toward his home as he come from Spirit City.
Behind him, Zhu Zhuqing approached, wrapped in her cloak. She sat beside him silently.
No words passed between them.
Under the blanket she carried, her hand found his.
Fingers twined. No declarations. No promises.
Just quiet trust in the space between them.
Above, the stars blinked on, as if bearing witness.