It had been two months—
Since Wu Jinhai left home.
Two long months of travel.
Mountains, villages, unknown paths—
And endless roads ahead.
That night—
The village was quiet again.
She let out a soft sigh.
"I miss home…"
Her voice was low.
Almost lost in the silence.
The warmth of her house—
Her mother's voice—
The familiar comfort—
All of it felt so far now.
Footsteps approached slowly.
Qiao Yu Zhen stopped beside her.
He had heard her.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then quietly—
"You can go back."
Wu Jinhai shook her head.
"No."
Her voice was firm.
"I cannot."
She looked ahead.
"The Crown Princess needs the cure."
There was no hesitation in her words.
Qiao Yu Zhen watched her.
Then said softly—
"You are strong."
Wu Jinhai gave a small smile.
"But I am still human."
Her voice carried a hint of sadness.
Qiao Yu Zhen understood.
He sat down beside her.
"You will return," he said.
His tone was calm.
Certain.
"And when you do—"
He paused slightly.
"Everything will still be there."
Wu Jinhai looked at him.
Her eyes softened.
"Do you think so?"
Qiao Yu Zhen nodded.
"Yes."
There was no doubt in his voice.
Wu Jinhai's expression eased slightly.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
The silence between them returned—
But it felt warmer now.
Comforting.
Morning came quickly.
The soft light of the sun spread across the village.
At the village gate—
Wu Jinhai and Qiao Yu Zhen stood ready to leave.
Across from them—
Moyan Jue and Mo Xiaoqi stood calmly.
The moment had come.
To part ways.
Wu Jinhai looked at them.
"You are leaving now?" she asked.
Moyan Jue nodded.
"Yes."
Mo Xiaoqi remained silent.
Qiao Yu Zhen stepped forward slightly.
"Take care," he said.
Moyan Jue gave a faint smile.
"You too."
There was a brief silence.
Then Moyan Jue added—
"We will meet again."
His tone was calm.
But meaningful.
Qiao Yu Zhen looked at him for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Yes."
Wu Jinhai gave a small bow.
"Thank you… for your help."
Moyan Jue simply nodded.
No more words were needed.
Mo Xiaoqi glanced once more at them.
Then turned.
Moyan Jue followed.
The two of them walked away—
Without looking back.
Wu Jinhai watched them disappear into the distance.
Then turned to Qiao Yu Zhen.
"Let's go."
He nodded.
And the two of them continued forward.
On their own path.
Back in the capital—
Inside General Wu's residence—
Wu Feiyan stood in the courtyard.
His expression serious.
Wei Zhenyu stood beside him.
"The investigation is clear," Wei Zhenyu said.
Wu Feiyan's eyes darkened slightly.
"Who was it?"
Wei Zhenyu did not hesitate.
"The man who attacked you…"
He paused briefly.
"…was sent by the Crown Prince."
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Wu Feiyan clenched his fist slightly.
"I knew it."
His voice was cold.
Controlled.
Wei Zhenyu looked at him.
"What will you do now?"
Wu Feiyan did not answer immediately.
His thoughts moved quickly.
Then he said—
"We wait."
The same word—
Spoken once again.
"But not idly."
His gaze sharpened.
"We watch."
Wei Zhenyu nodded.
"I understand."
Wu Feiyan turned slightly.
Looking toward the distance.
"The Crown Prince…"
His voice lowered.
"…has already made his move."
The tension in the air grew heavier.
Something had begun.
And there was no turning back.
....