Escaping the Valley of Death

In this dense jungle, a verdant expanse stretches endlessly, teeming with fresh greenery and the occasional scurrying of small creatures. The warm, humid breeze stirs the air, while birds flit about, creating a scene that, on this originally tranquil night, transforms into a heart-pounding spectacle. 

Pursuit and flight ensue as Lan Yixuan clutches Xuan Yue, and the pair races ahead, relentlessly pursued by a throng of individuals armed with shovels, hoes, and forks, hunting them down like prey.

Lan Yixuan and Xuan Yue move swiftly, and had they been mere ordinary mortals, they would have been long left behind. However, the people here are different. For over three hours, they have chased without so much as slowing their pace. The inhabitants of this humid jungle have honed an endurance that ordinary people cannot fathom through years of battling with the animals. In this contest of speed, they demonstrate an unyielding resolve against Lan Yixuan and Xuan Yue.

Despite the night and the thick fog, no matter how quickly they run, they cannot evade their pursuers. This is a band gathered for survival; years of unspoken understanding allow them to cooperate seamlessly without uttering a word. They spread out in various directions, seemingly in no rush to block Lan Yixuan and Xuan Yue's escape. Instead, they leave a path open ahead, breathing heavily as they watch the fleeing couple's retreating figures, their eyes brimming with triumph.

To desecrate their deity and slay their leader is an affront that can never be forgiven. They are not angry over their fallen leader but incensed by the perceived violation of their god. Such an insult ignites a fury within them.

Xuan Yue, nestled in Lan Yixuan's embrace, glances back at those relentlessly pursuing them, scattered across the forest's every corner, tools of capture in hand. To her, they seem woefully primitive, their burly frames stable and agile, their sun-kissed skin marking them as the jungle's fleet-footed beasts. Suddenly, she pivots, her instincts kicking in, honed from years in the wilderness, sharpening her senses akin to those of the animals that surround them.

This place is unlike the bustling streets of the Zhou Dynasty; there is not just one path but surely many. In her time on Pear Blossom Mountain, she learned that one need not adhere to old trails, for alternate paths abound. Those who have lived here for generations cannot be ignorant of this fact. As her hand rests on Lan Yixuan's neck, the wind whistles past her ears, echoing the distant sound of rushing water, reminiscent of crashing waves violently battering rocks.

A jolt of realization strikes Xuan Yue, her eyes narrowing into a sharp line as she gazes ahead. Sensing her unease, Lan Yixuan tightens his hold around her, his palm stained with her blood. Looking down at her, concern furrows his brow. "Ahead lies a river with a fierce current," she states.

The booming sound resembles a thousand galloping horses, an overwhelming force. "They've left us only that path," she observes, her brow furrowing deeper. The people behind them are not the weak commoners of the Zhou Dynasty; they are strong, fierce, and combative, akin to the formidable beasts that inhabit this jungle.

Two fists cannot fend off four hands, and given that both she and Lan Yixuan bear injuries, their prolonged escape has already sapped her strength. With her arm losing too much blood today, the warm, damp wind feels like a frostbite against her skin. Even nestled in Lan Yixuan's embrace, she cannot shake the cold, her body drained of energy.

In the Zhou Dynasty, if a group attacked a single individual, that person could slay one or two and set an example to deter the rest; they cower in fear of death. Here, however, the people are undeterred by death and will not yield to threats. Unless they are all eliminated, there is no possibility for her and Lan Yixuan to escape. Killing thousands of these strong men is beyond their capability. 

Lan Yixuan's steps begin to falter as he meets her gaze, pressing his lips together as if weighing their options. Soon, he quickens his pace again. If they fall into the water, there may still be a chance for survival, but if captured, both he and Xuan Yue will meet certain death, perhaps leaving no remains at all.

The sound of rushing water grows louder and clearer, drowning out the rushing wind. As they approach the seemingly endless river, both their hearts tremble and their faces pale. They want to turn back, to seek another escape, but it is too late. The indigenous people behind them close in, surrounding them completely. Apart from the thunderous roar of the cascading waterfall behind them, the path ahead is entirely blocked.

What lies behind is not merely a river but a roaring waterfall, towering forty meters high, steam rising from its surface. To either side, lush green mountains obscure the river's width. Below must be a bed of jagged rocks; if they leap into the torrent, they would lose their balance and be thrown into the depths, risking severe injury or even death.

The faces of those who have pursued Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan for over three hours are filled with smug satisfaction. Clearly, this has been a trap from the start, leading them to this precipice. No rational person would jump from a place that rivals a sheer cliff. The pursuers watch Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan as if observing cornered beasts, aware that no matter how fiercely they struggle, they will ultimately fall into their hands. They possess cunning, a form of intelligence that allows them to manipulate human nature. Bloodthirsty creatures might strive to devour their prey, but these humans take pleasure in prolonging their suffering before the end.

They fixate on Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan, their legs bending slightly, bodies poised for a counterattack. They surround the couple in layers, methodically adjusting their positions so that everyone can see Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan in their current predicament, their bloodlust boiling as if the very water within them reaches a rolling boil.

With her shoulder pressed against Lan Yixuan's chest, Xuan Yue extends the snow-white blade she wields toward him. Without hesitation, Lan Yixuan accepts it. These people maintain contact with the outside world; there must be an exit somewhere. They cannot kill everyone, but they can carve a bloody path through their ranks. These hunters are sensitive to scents, yet they are not animals. If they can create enough distance and mask their scent with something stronger, there remains a chance to find an escape.

Xuan Yue thinks this, and Lan Yixuan shares the sentiment. With so many enemies, how can they hope to defeat them all? Those who thrive in such a perilous environment must possess exceptional skills and should not be underestimated.

As the indigenous people notice Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan preparing to strike, their dark skin gleams with amusement, mocking the couple's naivety. Suddenly, the crowd parts, revealing ferocious beasts—tigers, lions, and leopards—mighty and menacing, echoing the people around them.

Cursed be it, Xuan Yue silently curses. These people may still dwell in a primitive society, but their manipulation of human nature is far more advanced than that of the 21st century, epitomizing ancestral cunning. The fierce animals seem to channel the anger of the local inhabitants, their roars reverberating through the jungle as if the very ground trembles beneath them.

To charge or not to charge?

She and Lan Yixuan might carve a bloody path to survival, yet the animals' sense of smell has always been exceedingly acute. They are akin to the voracious army ants, capable of remembering the scent upon their bodies, relentlessly pursuing their prey. Even submerged in water, with such a pack of wild beasts guarding the shore, they find themselves with no other choice. 

The notion that man can conquer nature is contingent upon circumstances.

"Lan Yixuan, do you know why I suddenly distanced myself from you after we left the royal tomb?" 

Xianyue cast a wary gaze ahead, gently pushing against Lan Yixuan's chest as she asked softly.

"In my dreams, there were many people—my brother, Father, you, Bai Zhanfeng, Jun Pinyu, Ning Yunya. All those I knew were present. Initially, it was truly beautiful: snowflakes blossomed, and plum blossoms flourished. I sat on the swing in the Snow Mulberry Hall, while my brother tenderly pushed me. Uncle Fu, who had passed away, suddenly appeared, his face adorned with a loving smile, contentedly following Jun Pinyu. Father sincerely apologized to me, saying that I should not bear the blame for Mother's death; he felt remorse for her, having vowed to marry only her, yet still taking other concubines. Jun Pinyu claimed he had discovered a method to heal my brother, assuring me that once healed, he would live like a normal person. And you, you came to our Phoenix Kingdom to propose to me, which my brother accepted. Bai Zhanfeng was not angry; he smiled and wished us well, as he must now shoulder his responsibilities. Old Master Bai found him a match from Chu, a woman of gentle and virtuous nature. Nian Xiaoyu and Luo Cheng stood together; she was pregnant and though she still cherished Bai Zhanfeng, she had found peace and looked genuinely happy. Then there was Ning Yunya, who had fallen for Xuanyuan Hao and claimed to be living blissfully. And you— you said we would have a brood of children who would constantly cling to me. You expressed that in this world, there exists only one Feng Xianyue, and for me, you were willing to forsake this splendid kingdom, even your life. I truly believed it. In this lifetime, if I do not marry you, who else could possibly want me?" 

"And then?" 

Noticing Xianyue had paused, Lan Yixuan gently inquired. This dream was perhaps her aspiration. Deep down, she wished for everyone to live well, including Ning Yunya, who once wished to harm her. She held goodwill toward all, yet this was merely the beginning. If this dream were truly so idyllic, how could she bear to depart? How could she wear such a fearful expression?

"Then…" 

Xianyue managed a smile, though it was more sorrowful than joyful, her thoughts drifting along with that dream. 

"Later, Hua Chuxue arrived, seemingly frenzied, shouting at everyone, declaring you were hers and no one else could take you. She charged at me, dagger in hand, and my brother shielded me from her attack." 

Lan Yixuan wrapped his arms around Xianyue, gently patting her. Compared to the time just after leaving the royal tomb, her mood had significantly calmed. "Jun Pinyu was helpless; I confronted him, and he coldly remarked that the person was dead—how could I possibly save them? Bai Zhanfeng swiftly declared that my fate, life or death, was of no concern to him anymore. Father looked ferocious, accusing me of being the cause of Mother's death, claiming I had caused my brother's demise as well. I was a jinx; anyone who associated with me would meet misfortune. You appeared suddenly, cradling Hua Chuxue, and I demanded to know why you were holding her. You replied that Feng Jiulan was dead, that in the Phoenix Kingdom, you had nothing left. You told me to stop clinging to you. At that moment, I felt my brother truly was my entire world; only he could provide me with security. Without him, I was nothing, and without him, what was the point of living? Master Lan, you must agree, right? So if I hadn't dazedly heard you call my name, if I hadn't uttered those words, I might have truly fainted."

Lan Yixuan gazed at her with compassion, fully aware of the tremendous toll such psychological torment could take. No matter how resilient or powerful one might be, being struck at their Achilles' heel could render them utterly shattered.

"Feng Jiulan will be fine, and I will never leave you."

Such words, in the past, Lan Yixuan might not have dared to utter, but now, after enduring so much together, through life and death, he felt she should believe in his unwavering commitment to her. Those haunting dreams might unsettle her, but deep down, she ought to understand that in this lifetime, he would remain steadfastly by her side.

Night enveloped them in silence, the starry sky sparkling above, while the full moon hung, seemingly there to bear witness to this moment. 

Soon, the sun would rise, dispersing the mist from the forest, and everything would be illuminated. 

"When I was unconscious, I dreamt of you drinking the sap of the man-eating tree and then climbing it. No matter how much I called, you could not hear me." 

Lan Yixuan nodded softly, tightly grasping Xianyue's hand. "You are not with me out of gratitude. You would not survive without me. Feng Xianyue, those are your true feelings, aren't they?" 

Xianyue turned, locking her gaze with Lan Yixuan's warm eyes, filled with an intensity that rivaled the rushing water. There was no hint of girlish shyness; she simply looked at him earnestly and nodded with a smile.

"Yes, so Master Lan, once we return to Lan Kingdom, remember to propose in Phoenix Kingdom."

Xianyue linked her arm with Lan Yixuan's, and they approached the magnificent waterfall. The thunderous roar resonated, almost inducing a sense of dread. Standing there, it felt as if the very ground trembled beneath them. 

"It's truly a matter of living or dying together now."

Lan Yixuan's gaze remained fixed on Xianyue, his seemingly light-hearted smile weighed down by seriousness.

"Master Lan, that's far too pedestrian. You ought to say, 'In life or death, I vow to stand by you; hand in hand, we shall grow old together.'"

Having faced numerous brushes with death, both were now more open to the decisions of life and death. 

Lan Yixuan chuckled, tightly embracing Xianyue at the waist with his left arm while gripping the Xuepo with his right. Xianyue mirrored his action, intertwining her fingers with his, their fingers locked like iron chains, gazing at the thunderous waterfall and listening to its deafening roar.

"Do not let go." 

Xianyue gently murmured her agreement, nodding resolutely. She would not let go.

The ferocious beasts behind them slowly closed in, yet it mattered not; they had already determined their escape route. The two soared through the air, merging as one, while gasps and sobs erupted behind them, though they could no longer hear them. 

As they reached mid-air, a torrent of water crashed against them, piercing their bodies like steel, eliciting soft gasps as they sank. The anticipated sensation of weightlessness enveloped them, akin to a bird that had lost its wings, spiraling uncontrollably downward. Xian Yue clenched her teeth, gripping Lan Yi Xuan's hand tightly; the freshly formed blood on her left hand was swept away by the overwhelming force of the water, as if the wound had been reopened, driving deep into her flesh. Blood flowed profusely, soon mingling with the crystalline droplets, leaving no trace behind. 

Xian Yue could distinctly feel the arm encircling her waist tightening, as if seeking to meld into her very being. They wished to utter something, yet the torrent was too fierce; all they could do was press their lips together to stave off drowning. Their eyes, barely open, peered through a narrow slit, yet the cascading water blurred their vision, drowning out all else except the deafening roar of the rushing river, reminiscent of thunder. 

Their bodies, now devoid of balance, continued to plummet. Under the moonlight, the jagged rocks concealed beneath the crystalline water came into sharp focus, gleaming like drawn swords. If they continued this way, the relentless current would surely inflict harm upon them. 

In an instant, the tide turned. Lan Yi Xuan took a deep breath, his right hand thrusting Snowblade deep into the rocks of the waterfall. Xian Yue followed suit, her seemingly fragile jade flute also embedding itself within the stone, remarkably unyielding against the violent currents. 

They faced each other, an unspoken understanding passing between them; this was but a temporary reprieve. The thundering waterfall would not relent due to their presence, and under such forceful torrents, they could not endure for long. 

Narrowing their eyes, they peered through the minuscule gap, Xian Yue felt her senses dulling under the relentless onslaught of the water. The cold seeped into her bones, and amidst the darkness, the water droplets appeared almost white, creating an illusion of daylight. She gasped weakly, her complexion turning ashen, lips pale, rendering her utterly fragile. 

Lan Yi Xuan fought to maintain his composure, feeling a creeping numbness enveloping him, the hand gripping the sword trembling uncontrollably. Panic surged within him as clarity slipped away, the soup from the man-eating tree inducing a dangerous drowsiness. 

This thought chilled him to the core. One hand clutched Xian Yue tightly while the other sliced inward with a gentle motion. Despite the subtlety, the wound opened wider, releasing a flood of crimson that soon mingled with the river's flow, an intensifying scent of blood permeating the air. 

"Lan Yi Xuan!" Xian Yue cried out, but the rushing water quickly engulfed her, filling her mouth and nose. Bowing her head, she squeezed her eyes shut, struggling to regain her breath amidst violent coughs. She dared to glance downward; the depths were unfathomably deep, the rocks lurking below. Maintaining her balance seemed paramount to survival. 

She could not see the pallor of her face, but she perceived Lan Yi Xuan's weakening state, his partially opened eyes fixed upon her with unwavering vigilance. With a determined pout directed at the abyss below, she caught his nod in response. 

Regarding the jade flute and Snowblade embedded in the rocks, Lan Yi Xuan drew out his soft sword while Xian Yue's flute remained stubbornly lodged, deeper than anticipated. However, she cast one last glance, devoid of longing, and jumped alongside Lan Yi Xuan into the unknown. 

Those objects were merely lifeless relics; nothing could outweigh the value of their lives. 

They inhaled deeply, striving to maintain their balance in the turbulent waters, the current's ferocity waning somewhat. Suddenly, Lan Yi Xuan's limbs began to cramp; fear gripped him, a sensation even more terrifying than the moments spent suspended in the air. 

His fingers around Xian Yue loosened momentarily before tightening again. Gritting his teeth, he refused to release her hand, yet his body abruptly lost balance, plummeting faster. Xian Yue gasped, her body helplessly dragged along by his descent. Both were caught within the waterfall's embrace, the torrent crashing upon them as jagged rocks lay below, ready to inflict injury. 

Lan Yi Xuan felt an increasing numbness seize his limbs, rendering him powerless. With no eyes on his back, he could not gauge the sharp stones beneath. His peripheral vision caught sight of three large boulders, smoothed by years of river flow; one particularly flat stone seemed innocuous, while the one to the left jutted high like a mountain, a perilous elevation compared to the surrounding rocks. Should Xian Yue fall upon it, she would be gravely injured. 

At this moment, Xian Yue had already reached a state of profound exhaustion. She had surpassed her limits, her strength waning, and the continuous loss of blood made her dizzy as the torrents battered her head. She was lost in a fog, unable to evade danger, her willpower weakened. 

Her heart and lungs ached painfully, and even breathing became a challenge. As Xian Yue succumbed to the depths, Lan Yi Xuan clutched her tightly, pulling her toward him. The half-conscious Xian Yue lay heavily against him, the chilling river water contrasting starkly with her faint warmth. She kept her eyes closed, her lashes heavy with droplets, and amidst the chaos, she faintly heard muffled sounds and the sickening crunch of bones breaking. Yet at that moment, she lacked the strength to open her eyes, surrendering to the safety of Lan Yi Xuan's embrace. 

Feeling her cool form against him, he could still sense the warmth radiating from her body and her fragile breaths. Relieved, he tightened his hold on her and succumbed to unconsciousness.