Led by Huang Shan, the group left the main road and headed southwest along a rutted dirt track.
The night grew darker. Occasional insect calls rose from the weeds on either side of the road, while distant mountains loomed like ink and scattered lights flickered in the darkness.
After roughly the time it took an incense stick to burn, a modest-sized village gradually came into view.
An old pagoda tree stood at the village entrance, a wooden sign hanging from its trunk. Three large, crooked characters were written on it-Sanyuan Village.
Before they entered, several village dogs rushed out barking, only to be chased off by villagers who came hurrying over.
Upon learning that Mo Yun and the others were from Crouching Tiger Manor, the villagers hurried toward the village head's house.
Before long, a white-haired old man came briskly toward them with a lantern.
He was short and slightly stooped, his face furrowed with wrinkles as deep as knife-carved gullies, but his eyes were remarkably bright.
"Are you the honored masters from Crouching Tiger Manor?" His voice trembled with excitement and apprehension.
Mo Yun dismounted and cupped his hands. "I am Mo Yun, a Manor Guard of Crouching Tiger Manor. I'm escorting a shipment through here under orders, and we'd like to stay the night. Could you accommodate us, sir?"
"Of course! Of course we can!" The old man hastily returned the greeting, then turned and called loudly into the village. "The masters from Crouching Tiger Manor are here! Everyone, come help!"
That single shout instantly brought the quiet village to life.
Men and women, young and old, hurried out of their homes. Some carried lanterns, others held torches, and a few half-grown boys came running barefoot.
In less than half the time it took to drink a cup