Autumn Chill (Part 1)

Everything before his eyes seemed blurry.

His body was cold, as though he were lying amid ice and snow.

Yet at that very moment, a warm current wrapped around his body. It was as if he had returned to spring, to that season when flowers bloomed in riotous splendor, as if there were a warm sun in the sky shining upon him at every moment, making him feel wonderfully comfortable.

In his dazed state, Blue gradually woke up.

His hand lightly touched the area around him. It felt warm and soft, unlike lying on filthy, icy ground.

Blue slowly opened his eyes. What came into view was a narrow space.

The light in this space was somewhat dim, and it was very cramped. Judging from the constant swaying around him, he should currently be inside a moving carriage.

Sunlight streamed in through the square little window beside him. A faint herbal scent hung in the air; perhaps this carriage had carried medicinal herbs before.

His head hurt a little, while his chest throbbed with waves of numb soreness. It seemed all the strength in his body had been exhausted, but Blue still forced himself upright. At the same time, he lifted a corner of the curtain before him and looked outside.

"You're awake? Hey! Don't move around! Your injuries are serious—you've only just been bandaged!" The driver was an old man who looked somewhat like a merchant. Hearing the movement behind him, he turned and saw that the young man he had rescued had awakened. Worried about his injuries, he hurriedly stopped him from trying to get out.

"Mm..." Blue nodded and did not move again. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but a sudden burst of pain from his chest made him groan. His