WHOOSH—
Countless rifts tore open the lead-gray sky, unleashing a torrential downpour of sulfur-scented acid rain.
The raindrops hammered the scorched-black rocks, throwing up corrosive spray. A disheveled, slender figure stumbled along the muddy mountain path.
Nangong Jin's simple robes were soaked through, clinging to her body and outlining her frail frame. She clutched a bundle of wet firewood bound with vines to her chest.
"Please, be safe..."
Nangong Jin muttered, biting her lower lip. She worried that the sudden storm would drive the forest's beasts to seek shelter in the cave, threatening the still-unconscious Brother Pei.
Her heart pounding, Nangong Jin forced her exhausted body to move faster.
Ignoring the thorns that tore at her and the mud that stained her clothes, she scrambled toward a hidden cave.
Nangong Jin let out a long sigh of relief when she saw that the traps she had set at the mouth of the cave remained untouched.
