Xingcheng Ridge skirted the border between Wenzhou and Dengzhou. In terms of distance alone, this route was even shorter than the official road.
But the mountain paths were rough, and the untouched forest was difficult to cross. Even caravans pressed for time avoided it—one wrong step could cost them both their goods and their lives.
Naturally.
No one would expect Zhou You and his companions, who had not even brought bedrolls, to choose this route.
As the light faded, Yan Feidie trudged through the forest floor, stumbling with every other step. After nearly falling flat on her face, she finally cried out to Zhou You.
"Lord Zhou, I—I really can't walk anymore. Could we... could we rest for a while?"
Heaven knew she had spent years navigating the circles of evil cultivators, but she had always lived in comfort. She had never suffered like this. The fact that she had lasted this long before speaking up showed remarkable endurance.
Lin Yunshao shot her a cold glance.
The young girl was clearly struggling with the mountain terrain too, but she forced herself onward without complaint. She said nothing, yet her meaning was clear.
Bear it if you can. If you can't, leave.
Overcome with misery, Yan Feidie dropped to the ground and muttered as though she were on the verge of breaking down.
"I really can't go on... What kind of people have I gotten mixed up with? Yes, I was wrong to use the Heaven-Piercing Sword's name to swindle people all these years. I was wrong to claim I was your lover and throw your weight around. But you can't treat me like this..."
Zhou You suddenly stopped.
He glanced at the sky, then said.
"This should do. We'll stop here."
"...Here? Do what?"
Yan Feidie looked around in disbelief.