The scarred commander’s words echoed through the clearing, and Shi Xiu’s hand instinctively fell till his sword. The palace guards darted towards him like wolves, their blades glinting coldly in the dappled sunlight. “Stay close, Your Highness,” Shi Xiu whispered without taking his eyes off their attackers.
The drums of war reverberated within Jin’s chest. He glanced to his left, watching as the palace guards converged on him and Shi Xiu.
The close one thrusted his blade at Shi Xiu’s torso. The dingshe pivoted left and transitioned into a low, defensive stance.
He twisted his torso, deflecting the strike with a sharp flick of his wrist before countering with a swift slash that maimed his hand off from the shoulder. The guard staggered back, gritting his teeth in pain.
Shi Xiu spun, decapitated him in one fluid motion, then narrowed his eyes in anticipation.
“LAO!” A man shouted out as the man sagged to the ground.
The assailants took turns, making their attacks seem like endless waves were burrowing down on Shi Xiu. He managed to keep them at bay, but the fact he had saved Jin a few times, only exposed his weakness, the prince.
Shi Xiu moved like water, precise and fluid. He sidestepped a sword aimed for his neck, then brought his own sword up in a sharp arc, forcing his attacker to recoil. He then charged towards two men to his left, each blocked his attack forming into their own counterattack, each strike just as powerful as the last.
He didn’t waver, but the pressure from their attacks were weighing in on him.
Fatigued blossomed within his hands and feet. He opened his Soul and Core Dantian and swirled Qi into this meridians, alleviating his muscles of fatigue.
A blade skimmed past his guard, slicing into his shoulder. The pain flared like a jolt and all the Qi he was thrumming went to the injury to alleviate the pain. He hissed, as he shifted his stance, but the guards sensed his fatigue, closing in with renewed fervour. I can’t use the Wandering Sword Style…it’ll expose the prince, its too wild and broad, must keep the prince safe!
Another wild slash passed Shi Xiu’s head from the right. He parried into the thrust, then deflect another incoming blade slash aimed at his abdomen. He pivoted into a counter, then twisted his blade cutting through the air.
Shi Xiu severed one of the assailants’ airs and kicked him off, a trail of blood followed and he slapped it away with the flat side of his sword, burying it into another someone who’d exposed his back to him.
The Prince Jin watched wide-eyed in fright, clutching the saddlebag with the Imperial Seal inside. He wanted to help, he wanted to do something, but his body froze, keeping him rooted in place.
A guard noticed Jin, he feinted off Shi Xiu and slid across the ground, arching his sword back. He brought his sword down the moment he was out of Shi Xiu’s range.
The guard’s blade whistled through the air toward Prince Jin’s neck. Time seemed to slow as Shi Xiu's eyes widened in horror. No! The prince!
In that instant, something primal awakened within him. The exhaustion in his muscles, the burning pain in his shoulder – all of it vanished beneath a surge of desperate resolve.
Wandering Blade Style: Eighth Slash - Cornered Tiger Strike.
Qi exploded through Shi Xiu’s meridians. His sword became a silver maelstrom, creating overlapping rings of protective steel around himself and the prince. The blade moved so fast it left afterimages in the air, like a tiger’s claws raking through space itself.
The first ring of slashes caught the nearest guard’s blade, not just parrying but shattering the inferior steel. The second ring cleaved through his armour and flesh before he could even register his weapon’s destruction.
Shi Xiu wasn’t done.
As he began to move, each step placed him exactly where he needed to be. Three more guards rushed in, thinking to overwhelm him with numbers. Instead, they ran headlong into the third ring of slashes. Blood sprayed in elegant arcs as limbs separated from bodies. Their screams were cut short by the fourth ring, which took their heads in a single fluid motion.
The remaining guards stumbled backward, their earlier confidence evaporating as they witnessed the devastating technique. But retreat was no longer an option. The fifth ring expanded outward like a ripple in a pond, catching two more guards across their torsos. The sixth and seventh rings ensured none would rise again.
The momentary victory came at a cost. Another guard seized the opportunity, swinging his sword down toward Shi Xiu’s exposed back. Shi Xiu spun, just barely managing to bring his blade up in time, but the force of the blow knocked him off balance, his feet slipping on the damp forest floor.
He stumbled back, struggling to catch his footing, and a guard’s fist crashed into his ribs, the impact driving the air from his lungs. He fell to one knee, gritting his teeth against the pain, but as he raised his gaze, determination blazed in his eyes.
Another guard lunged at him. Shi Xiu rose to meet him, summoning every ounce of strength he had left. His blade flashed in a series of rapid strikes; each swing filled with desperate precision.
The guard faltered, forced back by the sheer ferocity of Shi Xiu’s assault, but it was clear that Shi Xiu was running out of Qi.
The men circled closer, their expressions wary but resolute. They had seen the wounds accumulating on his body and the exhaustion seeping into his movements. They knew he was weakening, and they moved in to press their advantage.
Shi Xiu raised his sword, breathing hard as he met their gaze. He knew he couldn’t keep this up much longer, that the wounds and fatigue would eventually overtake him. But he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the single goal that mattered—to protect Prince Jin at all costs. “Is this all you have?” Shi Xiu taunted; his voice rough but defiant. “Come, show me YOUR BEST!”
“This is disappointing,” a calm voice rang out. The warriors stopped, then turned to where the voice came from.
Ban Susu sat astride a horse at the edge of the clearing, her posture relaxed but her presence commanding. A young girl sat in in front of her, a veil wrapped around her face.
Susu slid off the horse, releasing the reins. Her eyes swept over the scene. An injured swordsman protecting a terrified boy, whilst twelve men wearing black still circled them like predators. “Twelve against one,” She sighed, shaking her head, “and a child no less? Where is your honour?”
“Honor is for the dead,” The scarred commander growled, raising his sword in warning. “This doesn’t concern you, stranger. Leave, unless you wish to join him.”
Susu smirked, uncoiling Scourge and rolled her neck. She looked up at Li’er, handing her reins. “Stay here, Li’er.”
“But—” Zhao Li began.
“Stay,” Susu repeated, her tone firm “I won’t be long.”
“Who are you?” the commander demanded.
Susu didn’t answer, she glanced at Shi Xiu, who was bloodied and barely standing. His sword raised in a shaky guard. She met his eyes briefly, offering him a small nod before addressing the guards. “You’ve bitten off more than you can chew.”
Shi Xiu furrowed his brow, unsure whether to trust this sudden ally, but he had no choice. He staggered upright, his grip tightening on his sword.
“Get her!” the commander barked.
Three darted towards Susu. Their swords gleaming as they slashed toward her. With a flick of her wrist, Scourge came alive, the whip uncoiling like a serpent. It cracked through the air, intercepting the nearest blade and yanking it free from the man’s grip.
The second guard swung low, but Susu twisted elegantly. The tip of Scourge hit him in chest, which forced him to stumbled back. Two guards tried to pounce on her, but she performed an instantaneous step, disappearing from their sight.
The Guiding Star Fist: Ninth Strike - Ecliptic Path.
As Susu reappeared, Qi enshrouded around her arm. She rocked it back, then buried it into the assailants back, the Qi exploded from her arm and unto the Assailant’s back, forming into an eclipse-like scar, shredding away his clothes. He howled out in agony as he sank to the ground dead.
Susu pivoted to her left, raising Scourge in a defensive posture. She flicked her wrist in an oscillating motion, deflecting and parrying the wayward attacks of the two assailants. “You know you can’t win.” Susu said coldly. “The heavens won’t allow men of such statute to win…how else would I be here?”
Shi Xiu brought her sword down in an obtuse angle. An Assailant shoulder went flying, blood spraying as the man crumpled, He pivoted right, deflecting a blow aimed at his side, then kick that bastard in the chest, floating into the air.
As Zhao Li watched from the tree line, her hands trembled as she clutched the reins. This was her second time watching Susu fight, it was scary watching fights like this…but it was more frightening not being able to protect yourself.
Prince Jin crouched low, his eyes darting between Shi Xiu and Susu. He clutched the saddlebag tightly, his breath coming in shallow gasps. “She fights like a demon…” he whispered to himself.
Shi Xiu landed into a slide and grunted as he parried another strike, his muscles screamed in protest as his strength was beginning to wane. The presence of the whip-wielding stranger bought him time. The two of them moved in unspoken coordination—Susu’s whip keeping the guards at bay while Shi Xiu’s blade struck with surgical precision.
An assailant managed to slip past Susu’s defences, his sword arcing toward her side. She twisted, narrowly avoiding the strike. She flicked her wrist lashing Scourge out. The whip wrapped around the man’s wrist and disarming him. Shi Xiu stepped in, driving his blade into the man’s chest before he could recover.
“Don’t falter! They’re just two!” The scarred commander cursed, rallying his men.
“Yet you won’t join the fight!” Susu chided.
Another wave of guards charged in. Susu spun, Scourge slicing through the air in wide arcs, forcing the men to scatter. One guard lunged low, aiming for her legs, but she leapt using her qinggong, then landed on someone’s chest with a kick that sent him sprawling.
Shi Xiu intercepted another attacker, his sword clashing against the men with a resounding clang. A guard’s blade found its mark, cutting a shallow gash across his thigh, forcing him to stumble backwards, barely managing to block the follow-up slash.
“Hold on,” Susu barked, trying to encourage Shi Xiu. “I’ll cover you.”
As Zhao Li’s watched her heart thumped like a war drum. She clenched the reins so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. She followed every movement, every clash of steel and crack of the whip.
Prince Jin was still enamoured by the woman’s movement. The way she fought, made him wary, scared even. She fights like a demon possessed, but so graceful, none of her attacks were wasted, she’s too precise.
The tide of the battle shifted as the remaining guards regrouped, their formation tightening. The scarred commander stepped forward, his blade gleaming with Qi. “Enough of this. Kill them both!”
Shi Xiu gritted his teeth, raising his sword despite the pain radiating through his body. Susu’s eyes narrowed, her grip on Scourge tightening. They exchanged a momentary glance, once they were satisfied, they nodded.
“On my mark,” Susu said quietly.
Shi Xiu nodded, adjusting his stance.
The men in black surged forward, Susu moved first, Scourge lashing out in a sweeping arc that forced the front line to scatter. Shi Xiu lunged into the opening, his blade cutting through the nearest guard’s defences.
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Blood sprayed as the man fell, and Shi Xiu spun, parrying a blow aimed at his back. Scourge coiled around another guard’s sword, yanking it from his hands. She pivoted, then sent Qi through Scourge, she oscillated her wrist feeling it smash into two knees of assailants.
Shi Xiu stepped in, his sword finding its mark in the man’s chest. The scarred commander growled, his Qi flaring as he charged at Susu. She sidestepped his chaotic sword slash. Scourge cracked at his wrist, but he was faster than the others. He twisted, his blade slicing toward her neck.
Shi Xiu intercepted, his sword clashing against the commanders with a deafening ring. The impact sent vibrations up his arm, but he held firm, his gaze locked with the commander’s.
“Your fight is with me!” Shi Xiu growled!
The commander snarled, pushing against Shi Xiu’s blade. “You’re already dead, swordsman. You just don’t know it yet.”
Susu took advantage of the distraction, her whip striking out in a blur. The tip wrapped around the commander’s ankle, pulling him off balance. Shi Xiu surged forward, his blade slicing toward the man’s exposed side.
The scarred commander twisted away at the last moment. Then barked an order at his men. The remaining guards formed into a formation, then he barked another order, and his men surged forward like a tide, their blades gleaming with deadly intent.
Scourge snaked out, snapping like a bone-constrictor through the air with a sharp crack that sent two guards reeling back. The air seemed to hum the song of scorpions.
Shi Xiu, despite his wounds and exhaustion, drew on reserves of sheer will. He deflected an incoming strike with a sharp parry, his blade countering in a downward arc that cleaved through the guard’s shoulder.
Another attacker lunged toward him from the side, but Shi Xiu twisted, the assailant lunged forward too much and Shi Xiu spun around, thrusting his blade into his abdomen, killing him instantly.
“You’ll regret this interference, BITCH!” The scarred commander snarled, but that only made Susu chuckle.
She narrowed her as she sidestepped his heavy slash, Scourge coiled around his wrist. Susu spun and with a sharp tug, she forced him off balance, twisting the whip to disarm him.
Shi Xiu stepped in, his blade slashing upward to meet the commander’s follow-up strike. Sparks flew as steel met steel, and the two men locked eyes in a silent battle of wills. Shi Xiu gritted his teeth, pushing back against the commander’s overwhelming strength. You’ll need more than brute force to bring me down,” he growled.
Another guard was dispatched by Susu, she sent him flying along with hiss flying before the tip of Scourge crushed his face. She pivoted to her right, noticing two guards were thrusting their swords at her waist. Scourge lashed out in a wide arc, the whip snapping one sword clean in half before coiling around the leg of another attacker, a smirk appeared on her face and tugged Scourge with all of her might, sending him sprawling.
Zhao Li clutched the reins tightly, her heart pounding as she watched her martial sister move with deadly precision
Prince Jin stood there in awe, his hands trembling as he gripped the saddlebag. “Wh…who is she?” he whispered.
“PAY ATTENTION!” Shi Xiu growled snapping the prince out of his daze as he deflected another blow. He pivoted left and countered and upward slash; he left a deep gash across an opponent’s chest.
The scarred commander surged toward him, his blade glowing faintly with Qi as he aimed for Shi Xiu’s heart. Shi Xiu met the thrust head-on, he shifted right and deflected the thrust with ease, then sidestepped, creating an opening for a counterattack. The but the commander anticipated the counterattack and pivoted by bringing his sword down in a sweeping arc, deflecting Shi Xiu’s attack and forcing sent him stumbling back.
The commander pressed forward, but Susu appeared between him and Shi Xiu. Scourge coiling toward his exposed right side. The commander twisted, narrowly avoiding the strike, but Susu’s relentless assault forced him to retreat. “You talk a big game,” Susu said coolly, “but you’re all bluster.”
The remaining assailants were stunned. Their confidence was shaken by the sheer ferocity of Susu. Shi Xiu was injured and was still killing them one by one, they didn’t know what to do. “Commander, we’re being eviscerated!”
Susu cracked her whip once more, sending a thunderous crack echoing through the forest. Hesitation, doubt, fright, all the enemies of victory blossomed across their faces, which only made Susu smile.
“Cowards! Attack them together! Overwhelm them!” The scarred commander roared in frustration trying his best to rally his men. The assailants surged forward as one, flashing and slashing swords wildly. Susu and Shi Xiu moved in perfect synchronization, their attacks complementing each other as they held the line. Shi Xiu parried a trio of strikes aimed at his chest, countering with a spinning slash that sent two men sprawling. Susu’s whip cracked in a sweeping arc, forcing the others to keep their distance.
The commander, seeing his men faltering, charged at Susu with a roar, his blade glowing with concentrated Qi. Susu met his gaze, her eyes sharp and unyielding. She sidestepped his initial strike, Scourge snapping toward his legs, but he leapt over the whip, bringing his blade down in a powerful overhead slash.
Susu twisted, narrowly avoiding the slash, the ground where she had stood cracked from the force of the commander’s strike. She skipped back, giving herself enough room and unleashed a flurry of whip strikes that forced him back, each crack echoing through the clearing like thunder. “Is this the best you’ve got?” she taunted.
Shi Xiu took advantage of the commander’s distraction, closing the distance with a sudden burst of speed. He brought his sword down at the commander’s chest, but the scarred man twisted at the last moment, his sword clashing against Shi Xiu with a deafening ring.
As their eyes locked, it seemed as though their strength were evenly matched, but that’s something Shi Xiu would never admit, not in a million years, especially with the prince standing in the short distance. The clash between Shi Xiu and the scarred commander rang out like thunder, their blades grinding together as they struggled for dominance. The commander bared his teeth in a snarl, sweat streaking down his scarred face. “You’re tenacious, swordsman, but you’ll die like the rest!”
Shi Xiu narrowed his eyes, refusing to dignify the taunt with a response. He shifted his weight subtly, then charged forward. Their locked swords, and he sidestepped, forcing the commander to readjust his stance, then lunged with a lightning-fast strike aimed at his midsection.
The commander parried, but the force of the blow drove him back a step.
Susu weaved through the remaining assailants like a phantom. Scourge hitting them in chest and neck through deadly arcs, hitting with unerring precision. One man’s blade was ripped from his hand, spinning through the air before embedding itself in a tree trunk. Another lunged at her, only for the whip to coil around his ankle. With a sharp tug, Susu sent him crashing to the ground, his head striking a rock with a sickening thud.
As Shi Xiu continued his duel with the commander. Their swords clashed in a blur of motion, sparks flying as they traded strikes. Shi Xiu’s breaths came in ragged gasps, and the wound on his thigh slowed his movements. He gritted his teeth, using every ounce of his remaining Qi to keep up with the relentless assault.
The commander feinted left, then swung his blade in a wide arc toward Shi Xiu’s side. Shi Xiu parried, but the force of the strike sent a jarring shock through his arms. He countered with a quick upward slash, forcing the commander to step back.
Four deathly cries groaned out into the air, followed by four subtle thuds. Susu stood above the remaining assailants, alive, whilst they were dead. Fury. Anger and Disgust appeared on the commander’s face. His entire team was eviscerated by one woman, a woman with a whip and she stood there, cold and uncaring.
Killing aura spilled out from the commander, which formed into black mist swirling around him. He deflected a wayward slash from Shi Xiu, then turned into him hitting with the hilt of his sword. “You killed my men,” He rasped, but Susu didn’t answer, she just stared at him unbothered.
“Don’t worry,” Susu said calmly, “You’ll be joining them next!”
The commander broke off from Shi Xiu then charged at Susu, his blade glowing faintly with Qi. Susu stood there calmly; Scourge coiled at her side waiting to strike. As the commander closed the distance, she performed an Instantaneous Step appearing behind him.
Scourge wrapped itself around the commander’s blade, and with a sharp twist of her wrist, Susu disarmed him. She did an instantaneous step distancing herself from the warrior and rocked her shoulder back. She channelled Qi into Scourge and felt her should crackled with energy. She blinked for half-second, then exhaled.
As the cold wisps of her exhale left her lips, she could feel her Dantians thrum with Qi all around her. This wasn’t a normal act for her, but the last few months after returning to Huaxia were down right frustrating.
Coming home to find Zhao Li behind abused and ignored were the tip of it. However, she couldn’t help but understand her elder Martial Brother’s intent of ensuring she have a relationship with the villagers, despite her being an Axsumite.
She knew though, that was a long shot, especially as a Parsonian. They are certain cities that she needed her veil, and some cities didn’t care who you were, as long as you as abide by the law…and that was all Zhao Li needed. “This is over,” Susu said coldly. “Let me show the difference between a Qi Perception practitioner and a Divination Realm practitioner.”
Dance of the Scorpion Maiden: Second Dance - One Thousand Venom Strike.
Scourge sprang to life, coiling and snapping with lightning speed. The whip seemed to multiply, its movements so rapid that it blurred into countless arcs of flashing light.
The first strike landed on the commander’s left shoulder, a sharp snap that shattered bone. The second whipped across his chest, leaving a cavity in his chest. The third strike shattered his knees, forcing him to keel over.
The flurry of strikes continued becoming a storm. The speed that Scourge was like the wind against dust, eviscerating everything in its site.
Despite being everything, the commander fought off each Qi-infused attack as best as he could, but Susu’s venomous strikes had done what needed to be done.
The black mist of his killing aura dissipated entirely, replaced by the crimson spray of his blood. His screams echoed through the clearing, a harrowing symphony to Susu’s deadly performance.
“BITCH YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’VE DONE!” the commander choked, dropping his sword as he buckled to the ground, his body riddled with deep gashes.
The blood pooled around him, and his eyes widened in disbelief as Susu advanced, Scourge snapping ominously at her side.
Susu stopped a few paces away, her expression cold and unreadable. She raised Scourge one final time, the whip coiling in the air like a striking viper. “A man who preys on the weak. I’ve done nothing but bring JUSTICE!” Susu said, voice laced with disdain. “This is the fate you deserve.”
With a flick of her wrist, the whip struck the commander’s throat, the force snapping his head back. His body slumped lifelessly to the ground, his final breath escaping in a faint, gurgling rasp.
The clearing fell silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze. Scourge returned to Susu’s side, coiled neatly as if it had never moved at all.
Zhao Li emerged from her hiding spot, her small hands trembling as she clung to the reins of their horse. She looked at Susu with wide, awe-filled eyes, her voice barely a whisper. “Don’t move Li’er.”
Susu walked out to her and placed reassuring hand on the girl’s shoulder. “I’m sorry you have to see such things. I know I promised to protect, but this is the only way for me to do it…forgive me.”
Zhao Li didn’t say anything, she nodded meekly. The sound of crunched grassed blossomed behind Susu, making her turn. Shi Xiu approached, his steps slow and unsteady. He surveyed the carnage, his gaze lingering on the commander’s lifeless body. “Thank you for saving my nephew and I.”
Susu’s eyes narrowed as Shi Xiu approached, bloodied and staggering. She could see the tension in his posture, the way he leaned just slightly on his sword for support. “You’re welcome,” Susu finally said, “But don’t thank me yet. I’m not done with you.”
Shi Xiu furrowed his brow in confusion as he looked at Susu. Susu appeared in front of him in a flash, which made his open from shock. Susu stepped on his sheath and the sword flipped upward toward her, she snatched it out of the air, the stabbed him with the bottom of the sheath.
He roiled out in agony, as he tried to sooth the pain away. He gnashed his teeth at Susu, but she looked down at him unfazed by his defiance. “You were a fool to fight them with this wound. Have you even eaten? You’re paler than inside of an apple.”
Shi Xiu quivered his lips as he tried to hiss wind into his mouth. “I did what was necessary…”
“Necessary?” Susu scoffed. “Bleeding out in the middle of nowhere with no Qi reserves left and no food in your stomach? If that’s your idea of protecting someone?”
Prince Jin stood in the short distance, flinched at the venom in Susu’s tone. He clutched the saddlebag tighter, his wide eyes darting between the two adults. “You don’t know me,” Shi Xiu said firmly
“I don’t have to Mr. Accentuation Realm.” Susu said coldly, her gaze sweeping over him as her lips curling into a cold smile. Shi Xiu’s jaw tightened in frustration.
“You don’t have to worry. I’m not interested in you or that pup you carry with you. I only stepped in because my daughter asked me to help.
Shi Xiu didn’t answer, but his eyes drifted to Zhao Li, as if he were thankful. Susu walked into his eyesight, ensuring he didn’t look at her for too long. “There’s no need to thank her. Mr. Accentuation Realm.”
“I am thankful non-the less,”
“As you should be.”
A grudging silence brewed between Susu and Shi Xiu. The swordsman was flustered, he was a dingshe of the black cauldron, yet, this woman from Jianghu called him out for who he was. A weakling. She’s right, He murmured, if they weren’t passing, the prince and I would be dead.
“You’re aren’t ordinary swordsman,” Susu said coldly, killing the silence. “You didn’t need my help to handle those men. But you’re injured, exhausted, and starving—and it’s because of your own stupidity.”
Susu leaped toward Zhao Li landing with a thud, she reached into their satchel, pulled out a small pouch filled with medicinal herbs and bandages. She tossed it to Shi Xiu, the pouch landing at his feet with a soft thud. “Treat your wounds before they get infected. You’re no use to anyone dead…especially that boy you’re protecting.”
Shi Xiu bent to pick up the pouch, wincing as the movement pulled at his injured thigh. “Thank you,” he said grudgingly.
“I’m not finished,” Susu snapped “its clear that boy is some noble man’s son. And with the Emperor’s death, civil war is brewing. If you want to protect him start acting like you want to. Eat. Rest. Heal. Use the strength you have wisely, instead of wasting it trying to play the hero.”
Susu reached into her satchel again and pulled out a wrapped bundle of food. She tossed it to Shi Xiu with the same casual precision, her expression never softening. “Eat. Now. You’ve lost too much blood, and your Qi reserves are practically non-existent.”
Shi Xiu hesitated for a moment before unwrapping the bundle, revealing dried meat and steamed buns. He bit into one reluctantly, his pride clearly bruised. “And another thing,” Susu continued, her tone biting. “Don’t hide your injuries. You’re no good to anyone if you collapse in the middle of a fight because you were too proud to admit you were hurt.”
“You’re harsh.” Shi Xiu swallowed the bite he had taken, meeting her gaze with a mixture of irritation and respect.
“I’m honest,” Susu shot back. “And if you’re smart, you’ll listen.”
The tension between them hung heavy in the air, but it was clear that Susu’s words had struck a chord. Shi Xiu lowered his gaze, nodding slightly. “I’ll heed your advice…lady?”
“I’m no lady,” Susu barked by, “but I’m known as Susu the Scorpion Maiden.”
Susu stepped back, brushing her hands against her robes as if to rid herself of the conversation entirely. She turned to Zhao Li, her expression softening as she mounted the horse. “Li’er, let’s go. We have a long journey ahead.”
The prince watched as they both left, awe-stricken. He ran over to Shi Xiu fright flashed across his face “Master Xiu,” He said, “are you truly hurt?”
“It’s nothing young prince,” He whispered hissing the words out.
“Is that why you’ve been letting me eat all the food?”
“You need your strength. We’re miles off from the Faizou, I can’t have you week when you meet your uncle.”
“…but I can’t make it you’re dead.”
A bitter smile flashed Shi Xiu’s face, he knew the prince was right, and so was Susu. He had overestimated himself in gauging how far off the men were. His original plan was to fight them a fifteen-minute ride before Faizou, but they were quicker than he anticipated.
“My prince, I failed you…I’m sor—“
“Stop apologising if we don’t get to Faizou than everything we went through was for naught!”
“You’re right…” He whispered, “you’re right…”
Shi Xiu finished the last of the food, his strength already beginning to return. As Susu and Zhao Li disappeared into the forest, the clearing fell silent once more. But the echoes of their encounter lingered, leaving both Shi Xiu and Prince Jin with much to ponder.