The Empresses Improvement

The road narrowed as another batch of soldiers appeared, circling around the group's carriage. They brought their horses to a stop, forming a tight ring around Zenki, Meiying, Zhenyue, Zhen Yi, and Elara, trapping them in an uneasy standoff.

Meiying's face reflected concern, her gentle features showing a touch of worry as she glanced at each soldier, trying to discern their intentions. Zhenyue's empathic abilities heightened her sensitivity to the soldiers' emotions, and she could sense the undercurrent of aggression and suspicion.

Zhen Yi's jaw tightened in response to the encirclement, his determined expression unwavering as he calculated their odds and potential strategies. Zenki's brows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of frustration at the sudden confrontation that could jeopardize their covert mission.