Chapter 8: Old Wounds Beneath the Lamp, The Unfathomable Heart
Inside the outpost's wooden cabin, a charcoal fire crackled in the earthen stove. The leaping, orange-red flames cast shadows that stretched and shrank across the walls. The biting chill of the mountain dusk seeped through the cracks in the wooden window, barely held at bay by the warmth of the fire. Spread across the wooden table was a piece of coarse hemp cloth, bearing dried and chopped medicinal herbs, a clay medicine pot, rolls of clean white linen, and a half-jar of strong liquor for disinfecting wounds. The bitter scent of herbs mingled with a faint, lingering stench of blood, swirling endlessly within the confined space of the small cabin.
Two escort guards crouched on the floor, carefully treating the piercing wound on A-Shi's shoulder. A-Shi leaned half against the wooden wall, his back propped up by a bundle of dry hay. His face was as pale as if covered in frost, his lips entirely devoid of color. The massive blood loss had drained every ounce of his strength. His eyelids were so heavy he could barely keep them open, yet he stubbornly forced himself to stay conscious, occasionally murmuring Chen Yi's name in a weak voice. Every time the strong liquor was poured onto his wound, his body convulsed violently. He clenched his jaw tight, swallowing the muffled groans deep in his throat, refusing to scream and alarm the others.
On the other side, Lin Yan sat on a long wooden bench against the wall, his arm resting flat on the table. An older guard was bent over, using a mixture of water and herbs to meticulously clean the long gash on Lin Yan's forearm, torn open by gravel. Bits of stone were embedded in the flesh, the edges of the wound turned outward, and mud mixed with scabs clung to the surrounding skin.
"Little brother, I need to wash out the dirt inside with strong liquor. It's going to hurt. Brace yourself," the older guard warned, raising his eyes briefly before picking up a clay bowl.
The instant the liquor splashed onto the wound, a burning agony shot straight up his nerves to the top of his head. Lin Yan's fingers clenched instantly, his knuckles turning white as the muscles in his back tensed. But he didn't flinch or make a sound. He simply stared at the dancing charcoal fire, his thoughts drifting far away from the cabin.
Ever since his consciousness had plummeted into this Jianghu and stepped into that slaughter, an indescribable, hazy intuition had lingered in his heart. It wasn't the raw instinct to survive, nor was it a sudden urge to fight injustice. It felt as if, destined by some unseen force, he had arrived in this world bearing a hidden burden. He had to find someone and fulfill the deepest wish in that person's heart. Only when that wish was realized would he be able to leave this realm.
But who was this person? What exactly was the wish buried in their heart?
There was no voice to tell him, no clues to guide him. All the answers had to be pieced together, recognized bit by bit, amidst the endless disputes of this Jianghu.
Was risking his life to cover A-Shi's breakout, tangling with Green Face, and protecting the token truly the necessary path to fulfilling that wish? Lin Yan couldn't be sure. He could only vaguely sense that an invisible membrane separated him from this Jianghu. Others were born and raised here, while he was merely a fleeting visitor. If he ultimately failed to find or fulfill that wish, he feared he would be trapped here forever, with no chance of ever leaving. This thought lay buried deep in his heart, a vague premonition he hadn't breathed a word of to anyone.
"All right, the wound is clean. I'll apply some golden wound-healing powder and wrap it tightly in linen. Don't let it touch water or exert yourself too much recently. If the wound tears open out here in these desolate mountains, it could easily lead to disaster," the guard said, carefully spreading the herbs evenly over the wound and wrapping the linen in tight circles, his movements skilled and steady.
Lin Yan nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble."
On the other side of the table, Zhou Wu was leaning over, his fingers tracing a rough, hand-drawn map on sheepskin. The map had been drawn by the outpost guards themselves, marking mountains, trails, rivers, and villages in hasty strokes, with several dangerous areas circled in cinnabar red. Two uninjured guards stood beside Zhou Wu, the three of them speaking in hushed tones as they discussed their next move.
"Green Face's words were no empty threat. This outpost at the foot of the mountain has open terrain, thin walls, and too few men. We can't withstand a large-scale siege. The token absolutely cannot stay here. We must head south immediately and deliver it to the Jiangnan headquarters." Zhou Wu's finger slid slowly down the southern river route on the map, his brow deeply furrowed. "Taking the official road makes us vulnerable to ambushes. Green Face will most likely have men stationed at key passes and ferry crossings along the way to intercept us. We'll take the water route instead. We'll charter a small cargo boat and navigate the river under the cover of darkness, avoiding towns to minimize exposure."
A young guard looked troubled, his finger tapping the northern valley marked on the map. "Brother Zhou, but Brother Chen Yi is still back in the valley, holding the line. When Green Face was chasing us with all his might, Brother Chen Yi stayed behind alone to stop him. We don't know if he's alive or dead. If we take the token south and abandon Brother Chen Yi, how will we ever explain ourselves to the headquarters? How can we face the man who sacrificed his life to cover our escape?"
The moment those words fell, the cabin plunged into absolute silence.
The charcoal fire continued to crackle. Outside, the mountain wind swept through the pine forest, carrying a continuous, mournful howl, like the weeping of countless souls.
Leaning against the wall, A-Shi heard Chen Yi's name. His previously unfocused eyes suddenly sharpened. He struggled to push himself up against the wall, but the movement pulled at his shoulder wound. A wave of searing pain hit him, and he gasped sharply before collapsing back heavily. His voice was weak, yet unyielding: "No. We can't leave Brother Chen Yi behind. He chose to stay and block the pursuers, trading his life so we could escape with the token. No matter what, we must go back and check. If he's alive, we must see him. If he's dead, we must see his body."
Zhou Wu's face was heavy with sorrow as he let out a long, heavy sigh. How could he not want to lead men back to the valley to rescue Chen Yi immediately? But he bore the heavy responsibility of escorting the token south. If the token fell into Green Face's hands, the Jiangnan headquarters would face total annihilation, and countless people tied to the escort agency would be dragged into ruin. Both matters weighed equally heavy, yet they were in direct conflict. No matter which choice he made, the cost would be immense.
"I understand how you feel," Zhou Wu said in a low, steady voice. "But the risks are right in front of us. Green Face's martial arts are unfathomable. There is a high chance he has left men hidden in ambush in the valley area. If our main force rashly turns back and catches Green Face's attention, the token will be lost. If anything happens to the token, Chen Yi's desperate sacrifice to hold the line will have been entirely in vain."
The impossible dilemma pressed down on everyone's hearts. No one could easily offer a solution that satisfied both sides.
Lin Yan listened quietly to their discussion, the scenes of the bloodbath in the valley replaying endlessly in his mind. Chen Yi, standing alone with his sword, blocking Green Face's path and urging A-Shi to flee with the token. In that moment, what was foremost in Chen Yi's heart? Was it the safe delivery of the token to the Jiangnan headquarters? Or was it the hope that A-Shi and the others could escape alive?
If Chen Yi was the person he was meant to find, then whether Chen Yi's wish could be fulfilled would directly determine whether Lin Yan could leave this Jianghu. This speculation swirled in his mind, but without any evidence to support it, it remained nothing more than a guess. It was also possible that the target wasn't Chen Yi, but A-Shi, or even someone he had never met.
After a moment of thought, Lin Yan spoke, breaking the silence in the cabin: "Perhaps we can split our forces. The main team will take the token and head south via the water route tonight. Since Green Face's primary target is the token, the main team's departure will draw the vast majority of his attention. Meanwhile, select two or three experts skilled in stealth and familiar with the mountain trails to form a small reconnaissance team. They will travel light, take the hidden mountain paths back to the valley, and search for any trace of Chen Yi's fate. With fewer people, the team will have a smaller profile. As long as they avoid the main roads, the chances of being discovered will be much lower. Once the reconnaissance is complete, they can head south immediately to rejoin the main team."
Zhou Wu raised his eyes to look at Lin Yan, a hint of surprise in his gaze. Throughout their journey, this youth who had inexplicably appeared on the battlefield had been calm, observant, and always capable of devising unexpected solutions in desperate situations. He didn't seem like an ordinary person with no Jianghu experience at all.
"Splitting our forces carries too much risk," Zhou Wu said, shaking his head cautiously. "Once separated, both teams lose the ability to support each other. If the reconnaissance team runs into Green Face, no one will be able to save them. If the main team is ambushed halfway, they'll lack the manpower to resist. Green Face is highly calculating. He might very well anticipate our decision to split and set up traps in advance."
"But this is the only way to address both issues right now," Lin Yan replied calmly. "All of Green Face's schemes revolve around seizing the token. The main team carrying the token will be the most obvious bait. The reconnaissance team won't carry the token. They won't have anything worth Green Face deploying his main forces to intercept. As long as they conceal their movements carefully, they have a chance to reach the valley."
A-Shi turned to look at Zhou Wu, forcing himself to continue pleading: "Brother Zhou, I want to join the reconnaissance team and go back. Brother Chen Yi stayed behind to protect me. I can't just walk away and leave him."
"Absolutely not," Zhou Wu rejected immediately. "You've lost too much blood, and your injuries are too severe. You can barely stand for long periods. The mountain paths to the valley are rugged, and you'll need to move in stealth. Your body can't handle it. If your condition worsens along the way, not only will you be unable to help, but you'll also drag down the entire team. You must stay at the outpost and rest."
Zhou Wu stood up and paced slowly around the small cabin, weighing the pros and cons repeatedly. The firelight illuminated his weathered, deeply lined face as he constantly measured the cost behind each choice. After a long while, he stopped, let out a heavy sigh, and finally made his decision.
"Very well. We'll proceed with this plan," Zhou Wu said in a deep voice. "I will personally lead the escort of the token south. I'll select three capable guards who are familiar with the river to accompany us. We'll depart at the third watch tonight, quietly head to the downstream ferry crossing, and prepare a small cargo boat in advance. As for the reconnaissance team, I'll select two guards who know these mountains well and excel at stealth and tracking. They will depart in the latter half of the night when the moon sets in the west, take the uninhabited wild paths on the north side, and infiltrate the valley to search for Chen Yi. Remember, the reconnaissance team's primary objective is to determine Chen Yi's whereabouts. If you spot any trace of Green Face's men, do not engage. Retreat immediately. Do not fight recklessly."
Having said that, Zhou Wu turned to look at Lin Yan. "Little brother, what are your plans? Will you head south with us to escort the token, or stay at the outpost to rest and wait for news from the reconnaissance team?"
Lin Yan glanced down at his freshly bandaged arm. Beneath the linen, the wound still throbbed dully. That hazy intuition in his heart surfaced once more. The valley was the last place Chen Yi had been. Clues lay hidden there, clues that might help him find the person whose wish he needed to fulfill.
"I'll join the reconnaissance team and return to the valley," Lin Yan said slowly.
Everyone in the cabin was startled by his words.
"Think this through carefully!" Zhou Wu frowned, trying to dissuade him. "The valley just went through a bloodbath. Although Green Face has left, he may have hidden lookouts behind. That place is rife with lethal dangers. You're still injured. Venturing back into such a perilous place is a gamble with death. Staying at the outpost to recover is much safer."
"I've thought it through," Lin Yan replied in a steady voice, without a hint of hesitation. "I saw the situation in the valley with my own eyes. I'm slightly more familiar with the terrain there than anyone else. Perhaps I can be of help to the reconnaissance team."
Zhou Wu stared into Lin Yan's eyes. Seeing that his resolve was firm, he knew further persuasion was useless and could only nod. "Since you've made up your mind to go, I won't stop you. The reconnaissance team's operation relies on stealth. Don't carry heavy weapons, and only bring enough rations and water for three days. Remember, if the situation turns sour, prioritize your own survival. Do not throw your life away recklessly."
No one argued further. They immediately began preparing in separate directions. Some went outside to check their weapons and sharpen their short blades; some packed dry rations, water canteens, and medicine; others prepared dark, coarse cloaks for night travel to help conceal their figures in the forest's shadows. Footsteps echoed back and forth inside and outside the cabin. The previously quiet outpost suddenly bustled with activity.
Night slowly swallowed the entire mountain forest. The last glimmer of twilight faded completely, and a thick, heavy darkness blanketed the peaks. The mountain wind grew increasingly biting, making the escort flags outside the outpost rattle fiercely.
Lin Yan walked out of the cabin alone and stood by the fence, raising his head to gaze at the pitch-black night sky. Stars were scattered sparsely across the celestial canopy, their faint light mostly obscured by heavy clouds.
He recalled that inexplicable intuition in his heart once more. Coming to this Jianghu, he hadn't simply been dragged into a fight for survival. He had to find someone, fulfill the wish buried in their heart, and only then could he leave this place.
Would this person be Chen Yi? Or someone else entirely? There were no answers to any of this. He could only step into the valley and seek out the truth himself.
Slowly, footsteps approached from behind. A-Shi supported himself against a wooden pillar, enduring the searing pain in his shoulder as he shuffled to the doorway. Looking at Lin Yan's back, his voice carried a slight rasp: "Brother Lin, be careful out there. If you see Brother Chen Yi... please tell him for me that the token has been delivered to the outpost. We haven't let his sacrifice down. I pray he is still alive."
"I will," Lin Yan replied, turning to look at A-Shi and solemnly accepting the request.
A-Shi nodded gently before being supported by a guard beside him, turning back into the cabin to rest.
As the night deepened, the reconnaissance team's gear was fully prepared. Two guards, dressed in dark, fitted clothing with short blades at their waists and small cloth packs on their backs, stood quietly in the shadows of the cabin, waiting for Lin Yan.
The northern valley remained shrouded in boundless darkness. The blood from the recent battle had not yet dried, and danger still lurked among the scattered rocks and trees. The hidden lookouts left by Green Face, along with unknown perils, waited silently for their arrival.
Lin Yan gripped the short dagger he had picked up at his waist, took a deep breath, and strode toward the two waiting guards.
The journey to scout the valley was about to begin.
Two escort guards crouched on the floor, carefully treating the piercing wound on A-Shi's shoulder. A-Shi leaned half against the wooden wall, his back propped up by a bundle of dry hay. His face was as pale as if covered in frost, his lips entirely devoid of color. The massive blood loss had drained every ounce of his strength. His eyelids were so heavy he could barely keep them open, yet he stubbornly forced himself to stay conscious, occasionally murmuring Chen Yi's name in a weak voice. Every time the strong liquor was poured onto his wound, his body convulsed violently. He clenched his jaw tight, swallowing the muffled groans deep in his throat, refusing to scream and alarm the others.
On the other side, Lin Yan sat on a long wooden bench against the wall, his arm resting flat on the table. An older guard was bent over, using a mixture of water and herbs to meticulously clean the long gash on Lin Yan's forearm, torn open by gravel. Bits of stone were embedded in the flesh, the edges of the wound turned outward, and mud mixed with scabs clung to the surrounding skin.
"Little brother, I need to wash out the dirt inside with strong liquor. It's going to hurt. Brace yourself," the older guard warned, raising his eyes briefly before picking up a clay bowl.
The instant the liquor splashed onto the wound, a burning agony shot straight up his nerves to the top of his head. Lin Yan's fingers clenched instantly, his knuckles turning white as the muscles in his back tensed. But he didn't flinch or make a sound. He simply stared at the dancing charcoal fire, his thoughts drifting far away from the cabin.
Ever since his consciousness had plummeted into this Jianghu and stepped into that slaughter, an indescribable, hazy intuition had lingered in his heart. It wasn't the raw instinct to survive, nor was it a sudden urge to fight injustice. It felt as if, destined by some unseen force, he had arrived in this world bearing a hidden burden. He had to find someone and fulfill the deepest wish in that person's heart. Only when that wish was realized would he be able to leave this realm.
But who was this person? What exactly was the wish buried in their heart?
There was no voice to tell him, no clues to guide him. All the answers had to be pieced together, recognized bit by bit, amidst the endless disputes of this Jianghu.
Was risking his life to cover A-Shi's breakout, tangling with Green Face, and protecting the token truly the necessary path to fulfilling that wish? Lin Yan couldn't be sure. He could only vaguely sense that an invisible membrane separated him from this Jianghu. Others were born and raised here, while he was merely a fleeting visitor. If he ultimately failed to find or fulfill that wish, he feared he would be trapped here forever, with no chance of ever leaving. This thought lay buried deep in his heart, a vague premonition he hadn't breathed a word of to anyone.
"All right, the wound is clean. I'll apply some golden wound-healing powder and wrap it tightly in linen. Don't let it touch water or exert yourself too much recently. If the wound tears open out here in these desolate mountains, it could easily lead to disaster," the guard said, carefully spreading the herbs evenly over the wound and wrapping the linen in tight circles, his movements skilled and steady.
Lin Yan nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble."
On the other side of the table, Zhou Wu was leaning over, his fingers tracing a rough, hand-drawn map on sheepskin. The map had been drawn by the outpost guards themselves, marking mountains, trails, rivers, and villages in hasty strokes, with several dangerous areas circled in cinnabar red. Two uninjured guards stood beside Zhou Wu, the three of them speaking in hushed tones as they discussed their next move.
"Green Face's words were no empty threat. This outpost at the foot of the mountain has open terrain, thin walls, and too few men. We can't withstand a large-scale siege. The token absolutely cannot stay here. We must head south immediately and deliver it to the Jiangnan headquarters." Zhou Wu's finger slid slowly down the southern river route on the map, his brow deeply furrowed. "Taking the official road makes us vulnerable to ambushes. Green Face will most likely have men stationed at key passes and ferry crossings along the way to intercept us. We'll take the water route instead. We'll charter a small cargo boat and navigate the river under the cover of darkness, avoiding towns to minimize exposure."
A young guard looked troubled, his finger tapping the northern valley marked on the map. "Brother Zhou, but Brother Chen Yi is still back in the valley, holding the line. When Green Face was chasing us with all his might, Brother Chen Yi stayed behind alone to stop him. We don't know if he's alive or dead. If we take the token south and abandon Brother Chen Yi, how will we ever explain ourselves to the headquarters? How can we face the man who sacrificed his life to cover our escape?"
The moment those words fell, the cabin plunged into absolute silence.
The charcoal fire continued to crackle. Outside, the mountain wind swept through the pine forest, carrying a continuous, mournful howl, like the weeping of countless souls.
Leaning against the wall, A-Shi heard Chen Yi's name. His previously unfocused eyes suddenly sharpened. He struggled to push himself up against the wall, but the movement pulled at his shoulder wound. A wave of searing pain hit him, and he gasped sharply before collapsing back heavily. His voice was weak, yet unyielding: "No. We can't leave Brother Chen Yi behind. He chose to stay and block the pursuers, trading his life so we could escape with the token. No matter what, we must go back and check. If he's alive, we must see him. If he's dead, we must see his body."
Zhou Wu's face was heavy with sorrow as he let out a long, heavy sigh. How could he not want to lead men back to the valley to rescue Chen Yi immediately? But he bore the heavy responsibility of escorting the token south. If the token fell into Green Face's hands, the Jiangnan headquarters would face total annihilation, and countless people tied to the escort agency would be dragged into ruin. Both matters weighed equally heavy, yet they were in direct conflict. No matter which choice he made, the cost would be immense.
"I understand how you feel," Zhou Wu said in a low, steady voice. "But the risks are right in front of us. Green Face's martial arts are unfathomable. There is a high chance he has left men hidden in ambush in the valley area. If our main force rashly turns back and catches Green Face's attention, the token will be lost. If anything happens to the token, Chen Yi's desperate sacrifice to hold the line will have been entirely in vain."
The impossible dilemma pressed down on everyone's hearts. No one could easily offer a solution that satisfied both sides.
Lin Yan listened quietly to their discussion, the scenes of the bloodbath in the valley replaying endlessly in his mind. Chen Yi, standing alone with his sword, blocking Green Face's path and urging A-Shi to flee with the token. In that moment, what was foremost in Chen Yi's heart? Was it the safe delivery of the token to the Jiangnan headquarters? Or was it the hope that A-Shi and the others could escape alive?
If Chen Yi was the person he was meant to find, then whether Chen Yi's wish could be fulfilled would directly determine whether Lin Yan could leave this Jianghu. This speculation swirled in his mind, but without any evidence to support it, it remained nothing more than a guess. It was also possible that the target wasn't Chen Yi, but A-Shi, or even someone he had never met.
After a moment of thought, Lin Yan spoke, breaking the silence in the cabin: "Perhaps we can split our forces. The main team will take the token and head south via the water route tonight. Since Green Face's primary target is the token, the main team's departure will draw the vast majority of his attention. Meanwhile, select two or three experts skilled in stealth and familiar with the mountain trails to form a small reconnaissance team. They will travel light, take the hidden mountain paths back to the valley, and search for any trace of Chen Yi's fate. With fewer people, the team will have a smaller profile. As long as they avoid the main roads, the chances of being discovered will be much lower. Once the reconnaissance is complete, they can head south immediately to rejoin the main team."
Zhou Wu raised his eyes to look at Lin Yan, a hint of surprise in his gaze. Throughout their journey, this youth who had inexplicably appeared on the battlefield had been calm, observant, and always capable of devising unexpected solutions in desperate situations. He didn't seem like an ordinary person with no Jianghu experience at all.
"Splitting our forces carries too much risk," Zhou Wu said, shaking his head cautiously. "Once separated, both teams lose the ability to support each other. If the reconnaissance team runs into Green Face, no one will be able to save them. If the main team is ambushed halfway, they'll lack the manpower to resist. Green Face is highly calculating. He might very well anticipate our decision to split and set up traps in advance."
"But this is the only way to address both issues right now," Lin Yan replied calmly. "All of Green Face's schemes revolve around seizing the token. The main team carrying the token will be the most obvious bait. The reconnaissance team won't carry the token. They won't have anything worth Green Face deploying his main forces to intercept. As long as they conceal their movements carefully, they have a chance to reach the valley."
A-Shi turned to look at Zhou Wu, forcing himself to continue pleading: "Brother Zhou, I want to join the reconnaissance team and go back. Brother Chen Yi stayed behind to protect me. I can't just walk away and leave him."
"Absolutely not," Zhou Wu rejected immediately. "You've lost too much blood, and your injuries are too severe. You can barely stand for long periods. The mountain paths to the valley are rugged, and you'll need to move in stealth. Your body can't handle it. If your condition worsens along the way, not only will you be unable to help, but you'll also drag down the entire team. You must stay at the outpost and rest."
Zhou Wu stood up and paced slowly around the small cabin, weighing the pros and cons repeatedly. The firelight illuminated his weathered, deeply lined face as he constantly measured the cost behind each choice. After a long while, he stopped, let out a heavy sigh, and finally made his decision.
"Very well. We'll proceed with this plan," Zhou Wu said in a deep voice. "I will personally lead the escort of the token south. I'll select three capable guards who are familiar with the river to accompany us. We'll depart at the third watch tonight, quietly head to the downstream ferry crossing, and prepare a small cargo boat in advance. As for the reconnaissance team, I'll select two guards who know these mountains well and excel at stealth and tracking. They will depart in the latter half of the night when the moon sets in the west, take the uninhabited wild paths on the north side, and infiltrate the valley to search for Chen Yi. Remember, the reconnaissance team's primary objective is to determine Chen Yi's whereabouts. If you spot any trace of Green Face's men, do not engage. Retreat immediately. Do not fight recklessly."
Having said that, Zhou Wu turned to look at Lin Yan. "Little brother, what are your plans? Will you head south with us to escort the token, or stay at the outpost to rest and wait for news from the reconnaissance team?"
Lin Yan glanced down at his freshly bandaged arm. Beneath the linen, the wound still throbbed dully. That hazy intuition in his heart surfaced once more. The valley was the last place Chen Yi had been. Clues lay hidden there, clues that might help him find the person whose wish he needed to fulfill.
"I'll join the reconnaissance team and return to the valley," Lin Yan said slowly.
Everyone in the cabin was startled by his words.
"Think this through carefully!" Zhou Wu frowned, trying to dissuade him. "The valley just went through a bloodbath. Although Green Face has left, he may have hidden lookouts behind. That place is rife with lethal dangers. You're still injured. Venturing back into such a perilous place is a gamble with death. Staying at the outpost to recover is much safer."
"I've thought it through," Lin Yan replied in a steady voice, without a hint of hesitation. "I saw the situation in the valley with my own eyes. I'm slightly more familiar with the terrain there than anyone else. Perhaps I can be of help to the reconnaissance team."
Zhou Wu stared into Lin Yan's eyes. Seeing that his resolve was firm, he knew further persuasion was useless and could only nod. "Since you've made up your mind to go, I won't stop you. The reconnaissance team's operation relies on stealth. Don't carry heavy weapons, and only bring enough rations and water for three days. Remember, if the situation turns sour, prioritize your own survival. Do not throw your life away recklessly."
No one argued further. They immediately began preparing in separate directions. Some went outside to check their weapons and sharpen their short blades; some packed dry rations, water canteens, and medicine; others prepared dark, coarse cloaks for night travel to help conceal their figures in the forest's shadows. Footsteps echoed back and forth inside and outside the cabin. The previously quiet outpost suddenly bustled with activity.
Night slowly swallowed the entire mountain forest. The last glimmer of twilight faded completely, and a thick, heavy darkness blanketed the peaks. The mountain wind grew increasingly biting, making the escort flags outside the outpost rattle fiercely.
Lin Yan walked out of the cabin alone and stood by the fence, raising his head to gaze at the pitch-black night sky. Stars were scattered sparsely across the celestial canopy, their faint light mostly obscured by heavy clouds.
He recalled that inexplicable intuition in his heart once more. Coming to this Jianghu, he hadn't simply been dragged into a fight for survival. He had to find someone, fulfill the wish buried in their heart, and only then could he leave this place.
Would this person be Chen Yi? Or someone else entirely? There were no answers to any of this. He could only step into the valley and seek out the truth himself.
Slowly, footsteps approached from behind. A-Shi supported himself against a wooden pillar, enduring the searing pain in his shoulder as he shuffled to the doorway. Looking at Lin Yan's back, his voice carried a slight rasp: "Brother Lin, be careful out there. If you see Brother Chen Yi... please tell him for me that the token has been delivered to the outpost. We haven't let his sacrifice down. I pray he is still alive."
"I will," Lin Yan replied, turning to look at A-Shi and solemnly accepting the request.
A-Shi nodded gently before being supported by a guard beside him, turning back into the cabin to rest.
As the night deepened, the reconnaissance team's gear was fully prepared. Two guards, dressed in dark, fitted clothing with short blades at their waists and small cloth packs on their backs, stood quietly in the shadows of the cabin, waiting for Lin Yan.
The northern valley remained shrouded in boundless darkness. The blood from the recent battle had not yet dried, and danger still lurked among the scattered rocks and trees. The hidden lookouts left by Green Face, along with unknown perils, waited silently for their arrival.
Lin Yan gripped the short dagger he had picked up at his waist, took a deep breath, and strode toward the two waiting guards.
The journey to scout the valley was about to begin.