Lu Xueqi (55)

The mountain wind swept past, stirring the sleeves of the three travelers and blowing toward Heyang City in the distance, a place where prosperity and danger coexisted.

They did not choose to fly high in the air; that would have been far too conspicuous.

Instead, they skimmed low through the forests at the foot of the mountains. Their pace was neither fast nor slow, allowing them to travel while regulating their breathing and consolidating the cultivation they had only just recovered.

Su Han stayed in the middle, with Lu Xueqi to his left. Her figure was graceful, her white robes pure as snow, and the tips of her feet lightly touched the branches and leaves as though she were an immortal maiden walking upon waves.

Bi Yao was on his right, her green-clad form as nimble as a fox as she darted through the trees. From time to time, she deliberately circled ahead of Su Han, then glanced back with a smile, mischief flickering in her eyes.

They spoke not a word along the way, yet the atmosphere was even subtler than it had been inside the cave.

Daylight filtered through the dense branches overhead, scattering fragments of light across the three of them, flickering between brightness and shadow.

After traveling for roughly an hour, they came upon an official road ahead. The tracks of carriages and horses grew more numerous, showing that they were nearing an important thoroughfare.

"This should be the official road leading to Heyang City. There are too many people and too many eyes here. Let's enter the city on foot," Su Han suggested, slowing down.

Lu Xueqi gave a slight nod and landed soundlessly on the grass beside the road, untouched by even a speck of dust.

Bi Yao made a light flip and landed