Chapter Six: The Mysterious Figure

That night, Han Tianyue did not sleep at all. It was the first time since leaving school that he had heard news of Crown Prince Mao, and he was both excited and a little nervous. The thought of reuniting with the Crown Prince filled him with an inexplicable emotion.

At dawn, Han Tianyue leaped out of bed to wake everyone up.

“You’re leaving so soon?” the village chief said as he came to see them off.

“Our friend is just ahead; we must go find her!” Han Tianyue gazed in the direction where Crown Prince Mao had departed.

“Then you’d better hurry. If you move swiftly, I believe you’ll catch up to the Prince in three or five days at most!” The village chief had already learned from Han Tianyue’s group that the young woman who saved them was called the Prince, and he vowed that the villagers would never forget the immense kindness she had shown them.

Bidding farewell to everyone in the village, Han Tianyue and his companions continued on in the direction Crown Prince Mao had taken. Meanwhile, somewhere deep within the mountain range, the sky suddenly darkened with thick clouds, lightning crackled, and a gigantic face sprang open in the heavens, roaring, “My Clearwind! Give me back my Clearwind!”

The wild birds and beasts of the mountains, startled by this furious bellow, scattered in all directions.

A murder of crows cawed overhead as they flew past Han Tianyue and his friends, followed by droves of birds and beasts racing past them, vanishing into the distance.

“It’s not the time of year for migration—why are the animals running wild like this?” Fang Zhe asked in confusion.

“Maybe they’re just hungry!” Feng Shang didn’t care about the cause. Taking advantage of the commotion, he attacked a deer, slaughtered it, and slung it over his shoulder. “Who knows if we’ll get another chance like this on the road. Better bag a deer now for provisions!”

In truth, Han Tianyue knew there must be some monster or fierce predator up ahead, which was why the birds and beasts were fleeing in panic. But since Crown Prince Mao had gone that way, he was determined not to lose her trail just because of a little danger.

Mao Xuanzi also understood this, and like Han Tianyue, was willing to take the risk for Crown Prince Mao.

Fang Zhe, despite his question, knew there was danger ahead, but, like Han Tianyue, decided to press on.

As for Feng Shang, he was completely in the dark. With three against one, even if he had known, there was nothing he could do.

With every step forward, Han Tianyue grew more tense; no one could predict what might be waiting for them. They traveled on until nightfall, the world around them utterly silent, devoid of even the faintest sign of life.

“Not even a cricket’s chirp!” Feng Shang remarked, still oblivious to any looming threat, simply puzzled.

Han Tianyue scanned the surroundings and, finding no immediate danger, said, “Let’s rest here for the night.”

At the mention of rest, Feng Shang brightened considerably. He gathered some sticks from the woods nearby and handed them to Mao Xuanzi. “Lend me a little fire, would you?”

Mao Xuanzi took the wood, drew his palm across it, and flames sprang to life.

“Fantastic, we’re having roast venison tonight!” Feng Shang cheered as he set up the campfire and began carefully roasting the deer he’d caught.

The aroma of roasting meat wafted through the air, causing everyone’s stomachs to rumble with hunger.

Though all of them were eager to eat, Han Tianyue patrolled the area alone, keeping watch for their safety.

Seeing Han Tianyue on guard by himself, Mao Xuanzi stood up and joined him. “Go have something to eat. I’ll keep watch.”

Just then, a shadow flickered in the darkness. Han Tianyue shouted, “Who’s there?”

Mao Xuanzi was instantly ready for battle.

Fang Zhe rose to his feet as well.

Feng Shang, with a mouthful of meat, didn’t dare to swallow.