The mountain paths were difficult to travel at night, especially in the bitter depths of winter.
Xun Xing raised his free hand to his lips and breathed warmth into it.
Worried that an overly bright light would draw the attention of the court's men, he held his Fire Starter carefully as he struggled onward.
The mountain wind was cold, the path slick, and venomous snakes or wild beasts could appear at any moment. Yet Xun Xing had not the slightest desire to turn back. His eyes gleamed as he pressed on along his chosen route.
The family heirloom he had coveted for years would finally belong to him alone. The very thought filled his body with seemingly inexhaustible strength.
As long as he could return to that cave, he could...
Suddenly-
An exceedingly faint, crisp crack came from behind him-as though something had stepped on a dry twig.
Xun Xing's scalp prickled. He immediately turned and barked, "Who's there?!"
Yet there was no one behind him, only the wind whipping through his surroundings. Xun Xing stood still and watched for a while before cautiously deciding to move closer and check-
The matter of the Ao Family's heirloom had been thoroughly exposed. By now, everyone in the Valley of Villains probably knew that he had "remembered" where the treasure was...
Xun Xing's heart tightened, and his steps grew increasingly cautious-
Whoosh-
A squirrel darted out from behind a tree, moving so fast that he caught only a blur.
Completely reassured, Xun Xing resumed his determined march in his original direction.
When the first light of dawn pierced the clouds and fell upon him, Xun Xing finally stood at the entrance to that familiar cave.
At such a crucial moment, he actually felt a strange apprehension, like a traveler suddenly afraid