Third Person's POV
The first night had come. Lai Guanlin was alone in the forest, his only warmth coming from the flickering bonfire he had managed to start. With no shelter in sight, he rested his head against a large rock nearby. The forest offered no comfort, only cold winds and loneliness—but he had no choice. For the sake of his dying mother, he had to endure.
Elsewhere, hidden by distance but equally surrounded by trees, Zhong Jinxiao had chosen to rest alone as well. Though known across some lands and feared by many, he preferred solitude over the bustling grounds.
Zhong Jinxiao's POV
As I wandered deeper into the woods, a massive tree caught my attention.
Maybe this will do.
I climbed it effortlessly, making my way to a sturdy branch near the top. Perched there, I stared up at the moon, its glow soft and quiet. My thoughts drifted—until I noticed smoke rising not far from where I sat.
I was tempted to investigate, but quickly reminded myself—it's none of my business. I have my own path to follow. I need to reach Yuzhong. I still remember the nice people that lived there when I visited once before.
I let out a quiet breath and closed my eyes. Sleep came easily.
The Next Day
The chirping of birds stirred me awake. I climbed down the tree and resumed my journey through the forest. Before long, I spotted the remnants of a bonfire—its embers dead, but smoke still curling faintly into the air.
"They're not far from here yet," I assumed, but I didn't stop.
Eventually, I emerged from the woods and into the streets of Yuzhong. It had taken me an entire day to get here. Far in the distance, towering above everything else, stood Huemiang Mountain—the tallest peak in all of Yuzhong.
That was where the pure ravens lived, the ones who never descended to the lower lands
As I entered the bustling streets, merchants shouted, trying to draw attention to their stalls.
"Buy our sugar-coated fruits! Fresh and sweet!"
But I had no interest in any of it. I came here for one thing—the blood of the ravens. I adjusted my direction toward the mountain, when someone bumped into me. My sword clattered to the ground.
The stranger quickly picked it up and bowed. "I'm sorry!" he said before hurrying off—headed the same way I was.
I glanced at him briefly, but let it go. I had more important things to worry about.
Lai Guanlin's POV
I can't believe I just bumped into one of the Jade Palace's assassins. What is he doing here alone?
It was an embarrassing encounter, especially since we're both from the same land. But I didn't recognize his face. Regardless, I had other things to focus on—the mountain was within reach, at least the base of it.
After some walking, I finally arrived at the foot of Huemiang Mountain. An old man was passing by, so I approached him.
"Uncle," I asked politely, "do you know how to reach the top of the mountain?"
He paused and looked at me.
"Humiang Mountain? Only a few have ever made it to the top. Why go now? It's freezing up there in the morning. There's a staircase nearby, but it'll take you hours."
With that, he left. I stared up at the peak.
The first cure is within reach. Just a little more.
Despite the freezing conditions at the summit, my thoughts were only on my mother. I couldn't afford to wait until nightfall.
Third Person's POV – Golden Palace
"Zhao Lianyu," the Emperor started.
"Yes, Emperor Zheng?" Lianyu bowed deeply.
"I heard what happened to Zhong Jinxiao. Why would you send him alone to gather the cures?" Zheng Zhayu scolded.
"I accept full responsibility, Your Majesty. I deserve any punishment you see fit." Lianyu kept his head lowered.
"You couldn't even send one assassin with him? You know how the poison reacts in the cold—it's painful!" Zhayu said sternly.
"I will send someone immediately to aid him," Lianyu replied, rising to his feet.
"Zhao Yao!" he called.
"Yes, Young Lord?" Shen Yao answered.
"Send Wen Lu at once to find Jinxiao. Have him accompany him until the cures are secured."
"Yes, Young Lord!" Shen Yao bowed and departed quickly.
The Emperor sighed heavily. "With Wuren's return, our kingdom is vulnerable. The Qi Clan won't ignore this. They'll come back—for the Jade Crystal."
Lianyu's expression hardened. "That won't happen. As long as the Jade Crystal remains in the Jade Temple, it will be safe."
"Send word to Meng Fei in Huding and Wen Hangzhuan in Zhongyin," Zhayu commanded. "The three of you must meet. Danger is coming—I can feel it."
"I'll inform them right away." Lianyu bowed and exited.
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Far from the Golden Palace – Pingyong (Qi Clan Territory)
"Young Leader Qi! Young Leader Qi!" A guard burst into the room.
"What is it?" Qi Huaisang asked, eyes narrowing.
"We've received news from the Golden Palace. It's said that Xue Wuren has reappeared, though he vanished again soon after."
"Wuren?" Huaisang chuckled darkly. "He's back? How convenient."
"No one knows why he returned. His last known location was in Zhongyin. Several assassins have already perished."
Huaisang laughed louder. "Good. That means they're weaker than ever. We'll wait for Wuren to show himself again... and then we strike. I'll let my father know about this."
Lai Guanlin's POV
I hadn't even reached halfway up the mountain, and already the cold was unbearable. I wrapped my arms around myself as my body trembled.
I—I can't.
I scrambled back down the slope, huddling at the base while trying to warm my limbs. Nightfall would be even worse—I needed a plan.
My stomach growled. I checked the map again—there was a river nearby. Maybe I could catch some fish and prepare a meal.
I glanced one last time toward the mountain peak, then made my way toward the river.
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Zhong Jinxiao's POV
I stood at the base of Humiang Mountain, staring at the summit hidden in clouds. The cold was biting, and my body was already reacting. My legs trembled, and sharp pain pulsed through my chest.
Damn it... The poison—it's worse in the cold.
I clenched my fists, trying to suppress it. I remembered the doctor's warning.
Cold will worsen the poison.
Nearby, I spotted a clothing vendor. I rushed in, grabbed three robes, and tossed a gold coin on the counter before stepping out. I put the robes on immediately.
There was no time to waste. I had to find Xue Wuren before he poisoned anyone else.
I drew two fingers into the air and traced the heating technique taught by my uncle Zhao. It would only last for a while—but it was better than nothing.
Then, I pressed forward—climbing toward the peak.
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Third Person's POV – Jade Palace
"Master Gu Huailin!" Shen Yao called out.
"What is it?" Huailin asked calmly.
"Young Lord has ordered Wen Lu to search for Master Jinxiao and accompany him in gathering the cures."
Huailin's brows furrowed. "Why? What happened?"
"He was poisoned by Wuren and left alone to find the cure," Shen Yao replied.
Huailin nodded worriedly as he tried to hide it, he quickly turned to the side. "Wen Lu."
Wen Lu stepped forward. "Yes, Master Zhao?"
"You're to locate Jinxiao and assist him until the mission is complete."
"Yes, Master Gu!" Wen Lu bowed, then hurried off.