Flames towered into the sky, thick smoke roiling as crimson firelight engulfed the entire Harem. The heat was oppressive.
The search party ventured deeper into the palace. Looking at the paths branching in every direction, Ukyo proposed the most efficient search plan.
"Let's split up." His gaze swept over their surroundings. "We can cover more ground separately, which will be faster and give us a much better chance of finding Li Xiang. Staying together will only waste time."
Ryusui laughed heartily and snapped his fingers. "Haha, you've got a point. Let's keep the teams simple. I'll go alone."
He turned to the two beside him. "Ginro, take Watermelon. You two go together."
Finally, his gaze returned to Ukyo. "Ukyo, will you be all right on your own?"
Ukyo's lips curved slightly. "Of course."
The three teams quickly reached an agreement.
Everyone would spread out to search. If anyone found Li Xiang, getting her out would be their immediate priority.
If they encountered enemies or an unexpected crisis along the way, they were not to play the hero. Their own safety came first; they were to retreat and regroup immediately.
With all the rules settled, the four split up at once, each searching in a different direction.
Meanwhile, beneath the shadows of the trees, Li Xiang was resting alone after finally escaping her cage.
After sliding down a cloth rope from the tall building, she had dodged the soldiers fleeing in panic and hidden beneath the trees to catch her breath.
Repeatedly rubbing her palms against the large rock had left them raw and red, covered in tiny cuts and specks of blood that throbbed faintly.
The only unfortunate thing was that the thin chain wound around her wrists remained firmly locked.
Li Xiang lowered her eyes to the troublesome iron