The night had taken hold, and the trio needed a place to stay. Zhen Jian, glancing ahead, said, "There's a motel up ahead. Let's spend the night there." The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the path, casting shadows.

Huanxin, ever the curious one, asked, "How do you know every place? You knew about the restaurant, the shed, and the motel."

Jian smiled knowingly. "Lianfeng, I memorized the map from Jinggu to Tianle and planned our way. The world is vast, but I like to keep a few important landmarks in mind."

Lianfeng nodded, appreciating the meticulousness of her companions. It made her feel safer in this unfamiliar land.

As they entered the motel, the warm hum of laughter and clinking glasses wrapped around them, momentarily easing their burdens. The motel, with two floors, exuded a cozy charm. A bar filled with laughter occupied the first floor, and to their left, a group was engrossed in a game of mahjong, their voices mingling with the intoxicating aroma of food wafting from the kitchen.

They approached the reception, where a woman in her 40s stood behind the counter. Her face bore the marks of hard work, but her voice, surprisingly pleasant, welcomed them. "It's just 70 coins for one night."

"Okay," said Lian Jun, pulling out coins from his pocket.

But Jian interjected, glancing at the lady. "Wait. We will pay 40."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow. "60."

"50," Jian countered firmly.

"Done. Show the masters their room," she called out to a servant, her tone shifting as she regarded Huanxin's ragged clothes. "Is that girl going to stay with you?"

A flush of discomfort crept over Huanxin at the remark. I don't belong here, not in this world that judges by appearances, she thought, choosing to remain silent.

Lian Jun instinctively stepped closer, his body language shielding her from the judgmental gaze of the receptionist, and replied "Yes"

Jun handed over the 50 coins, and the servant led them to their room on the second floor. The small room was illuminated by flickering candles, revealing two beds at opposite corners—one larger than the other—and a small cupboard. A familiar fragrant scent lingered in the air, reminiscent of blooming jasmine.

Jian, with a warm smile, said, "You can take the smaller one, Lianfeng. Jun and I will share the bigger one."

Huanxin nodded gratefully and made her way to the bed, lying down and closing her eyes. The scent of jasmine enveloped her, pulling her into a memory of her mother's gentle smile.

She remembered asking her mother, "Mother, why don't we ever go outside the tribe?"

Her mother had smiled gently. "Why do you ask? Don't you like it here?"

"I like our place, but I also want to see the outside world."

Stolen story; please report.

"You can see the outside world when you grow up."

That flashback ended abruptly, replaced by the reality of her current life. She had seen the outside world, but it was not as she had imagined. What would it be like to feel that safe again? The tribe and her home were now echoes in her heart. She wanted to return, but she couldn't.

Morning arrived, and they continued their journey after a quick breakfast at the motel. The sun hung high as they passed a small town bustling with activity. A merchant's stall caught their attention, filled with exquisite items—exotic fabrics, handcrafted jewelry, and vibrant pendants.

Huanxin's gaze was drawn to a small dagger nestled among the treasures. It looked sharp and beautiful, its hilt adorned with intricate designs. Lian Jun noticed her interest and approached the merchant, asking, "How much is the dagger worth?"

"60 coins. Don't try to bargain. I have a fixed price policy," the merchant replied, his voice booming with authority.

"Okay. I will buy it," said Jun, turning to Lianfeng with a smile. "This is our gift to you, Lianfeng." He extended the dagger toward her.

Lianfeng hesitated, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I can't take it."

"You have to. You can't refuse a gift," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Finally, she smiled, accepting the dagger with her tiny hands, feeling a rush of joy.

Suddenly, two women appeared, drawn to a stall brimming with beautiful ornaments. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they examined the delicate pieces, but their conversation quickly caught Huanxin's attention.

"Did you hear about the tribe's massacre?" one woman exclaimed, her voice low but urgent as if she feared being overheard.

"Which tribe?" the other replied, a hint of skepticism in her tone.

"The one that went into hiding—the one we thought was just a myth. It's real! They were massacred by someone. God knows who did it. Rumor has it the enemy launched a surprise attack. The news has spread like wildfire."

The second woman gasped, her face pale. "I always thought they were just stories. Are you sure it's true?"

"Absolutely! My cousin travels to the east and says people are terrified. They claim there are no survivors."

Huanxin's heart pounded in her chest. Her childhood memories flooded back—her mother's soothing voice recounting tales of their hidden tribe, the warmth of family, and the lessons learned about the dangers beyond their borders. She felt a chill creep over her, and the cozy market suddenly felt oppressive.

"What would drive someone to attack a tribe that has been hidden for so long?" the second woman wondered aloud, her voice trembling.

"Desperation, maybe," the first woman replied, her expression grave. "Or a desire to erase them from history. It's terrifying to think that even legends can bleed."

Huanxin stood frozen, grappling with the weight of the women's words. The world she had longed to explore now felt fraught with peril. The longing for the innocence of her childhood clashed with the harsh reality of survival.

With a deep breath, Huanxin stepped away from the stall, the vibrant colors around her blurring as the weight of her memories pressed heavily on her heart. She couldn't afford to be absorbed in memories, not now.

"Let's go," she suggested casually, brushing off her thoughts.

They continued their journey, reaching the outskirts of Tianle as the sun dipped below the horizon. The city, surrounded by towering walls, pulsed with life. Huge banners from different sects fluttered in the evening breeze, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

"This is as far as we can take you, Lianfeng," Zhen Jian said, his voice serious yet gentle, looking at Huanxin. She remembered hiding her identity and accepted it.

"Thank you both for taking me this far. I will search for my parents. I'm sure I'll find them," she replied, smiling.

Lian Jun embraced her tightly in a hug "Goodbye, Lianfeng. If destiny has it, we will meet again."

She hugged him back, feeling warmth amidst the uncertainty. Zhen Jian joined in, and the trio shared a heartfelt farewell before Jian and Jun turned away, blending into the bustling crowd.

Alone again, Huanxin—now Lianfeng—watched their figures fade. She didn't want to linger in the crowd any longer, so she purchased some dumplings and slipped into a narrow alleyway.

That night, she plotted her next steps. She needed to find a deserted hut or risk sleeping on the streets again. Tomorrow, she would begin her search for a sect that would accept her. She had to move forward with her plan.