Chapter Seven: Take More

"Who goes there!" Han Tianyue roared once more.

The figure flickered again.

Mao Xuanzi thrust out a blazing palm print.

"Wait!" At that moment, the figure leapt out from the darkness, raising both hands and standing perfectly still, his exhaustion visible even from a distance.

"Who are you?" Han Tianyue approached and asked.

"My name is Dona. I swear, I'm a good man!" Dona showed no sign of resistance.

Everyone relaxed, and someone continued, "What are you doing here?"

At this, Dona's eyes welled up with tears. He glanced at the roasted meat, smacking his lips.

"Looks like he's hungry. Here, have some meat!" Fang Zhe tossed a piece to Dona. But Dona didn't eat right away. Instead, he wrapped it up, thanked them profusely, and said, "Thank you all!"

"Why aren't you eating?" Fang Zhe asked in confusion.

Dona quickly explained, "I haven't told you yet—my companions came here with me. They're all injured, and I'm useless, unable to find food. They're still starving right now!"

"Your companions?" Han Tianyue asked with interest. "Where are they?"

Dona pointed to a nearby cliff. "They're in a cave at the base of that cliff."

Mao Xuanzi went to the fire, cut another piece of meat, and handed it to Dona. "You look famished yourself. Eat something first. We have plenty here—take as much as you need for your companions."

At Mao Xuanzi's words, Dona began devouring the meat ravenously, expressing his gratitude between mouthfuls.

"Have you all been staying here this whole time?" Han Tianyue continued.

"Yes, we've been here nearly a year. A while back, we tried to cross this place, but were defeated by that monster!" Dona replied as he ate.

"Have you seen a girl pass by, her hair like fire, but she's deaf?" Han Tianyue pressed.

Dona shook his head. "You’re the first people I've seen in a year."

"Could it be that we've lost the prince's trail?" Han Tianyue shook his head and said to the others, "Get some rest, everyone. Tomorrow we cross the mountain!"

Hearing this, Dona hurriedly objected, "You'd better take a different route!"

"Why?" everyone asked in confusion.

"Didn't you hear me? My companions were crippled trying to cross that mountain. They're still lying in a cave, unable to move!" Dona explained.

"What kind of monster is hidden in those mountains?" Han Tianyue pressed.

Dona shook his head. "But my companion knows what it is!"

"Then take us to your companion," Han Tianyue said.

Dona looked at the four of them, a hint of wariness on his face.

"Don't worry," Han Tianyue reassured him, "we're good people too."

"Do we look like villains to you?" Feng Shang stepped forward, asking with exaggerated seriousness.

Seeing Feng Shang, Dona took a half-step back.

"Enough, Feng Shang! Who would dare lead you anywhere acting like that?" Han Tianyue scolded, sending Feng Shang sulking back to the fire, where he grumbled, "I hunted that deer, and now that boy eats it, but in the end, I'm the villain and they're all good men!"

After a fierce internal struggle, Dona finally decided to lead Han Tianyue and his group to his companions. "Come with me," he said.

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