Beneath the night sky, ravines crisscrossed the wilderness.
Behind them, pursuers swarmed from every direction, their torches stretching into an unbroken sea.
Cries of slaughter shook the heavens.
Xie Jinghan and the tall man raced through the mountain forest.
They ran dozens of miles along mountain trails, finally shaking off their pursuers completely.
Only then did the two slow their pace and bound up a barren mountain.
At its summit, they found a secluded spot.
After regulating his breathing, Xie Jinghan looked at the tall, powerfully built man and praised him:
"Brother, your might truly has no equal!"
"I am Xie Jinghan."
"May I ask your name?"
The tall man had also finished regulating his breathing. He raised his eyes to meet Xie Jinghan's gaze, admiration in their depths.
He cupped his fist in return, his voice deep and resonant:
"I am Yan Xiong."
"Brother Xie, the lightning and flames you wielded just now were exquisite beyond compare. Truly impressive techniques."
"You flatter me, you flatter me."
Xie Jinghan spoke modestly.
The two exchanged glances. Without many words, they had already developed a mutual respect.
The night wind howled across the summit!
"Brother Xie, what do you intend to do next?"
Yan Xiong asked.
Xie Jinghan pondered for a moment, then shook his head gently and said:
"The situation changed abruptly tonight. I still need to think things through carefully."
At those words, Yan Xiong's expression grew solemn, and he spoke frankly:
"Brother Xie, to tell you the truth."
"I have already uncovered the truth. My senior brother, Chu Xunfang, was framed."
"I, Yan Xiong, will never stand by and watch him die under a false accusation."
"I will do everything in my power to rescue him."
"But this undertaking is perilous. We must plan carefully."
"Three days from now,