The Coiled Dragon’s Legacy

The forest grew darker as Li Feng, Mei Lian, and Master Zheng Wei moved deeper into the dense woods. Each step forward felt heavier, the distant echoes of pursuit keeping them on edge. Birds scattered from the trees, disturbed by the unnatural presence sweeping through the land.

"They're tracking us," Mei Lian muttered, her grip tightening on her dagger. "I can feel it."

Zheng Wei barely glanced back. "Of course they are. Shen Longwei doesn't let things slip through his fingers so easily."

Li Feng swallowed the tension rising in his throat. "What do we do?"

"We turn the trap on them," Mei Lian said, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "They think they're closing in. Let's make them believe it."

Zheng Wei stopped abruptly, scanning the trees. "There." He pointed toward a steep incline covered in thick roots and underbrush. "If we lead them through that pass, they'll be forced into a bottleneck. Their numbers won't help them there."

Mei Lian smirked. "That's more like it."

Without another word, the three of them shifted their path, heading toward the narrow pass. The terrain was rugged, forcing them to move carefully. Branches scraped against their arms, and loose dirt slid beneath their feet.

Behind them, the distant rustle of armor and murmured orders signaled their enemies' approach.

Mei Lian motioned for them to move faster. "We'll set up here. Li Feng, stay behind that rock. Use the ring if anything goes wrong."

Li Feng hesitated, the ring pulsing warm against his skin. He clenched his fist. "I won't let you fight alone."

"And you won't," she assured him. "But if we fall, you have to keep moving."

The words stung, but Li Feng understood. He nodded.

A moment later, the first of the Scarlet Iron Sect scouts appeared at the edge of the pass. Their crimson armor glowed ominously in the dim light. The lead soldier, taller than the rest and carrying a massive halberd, signaled to his men to fan out.

Mei Lian tensed, her body coiled like a predator waiting to strike. Zheng Wei remained still, observing. Li Feng, heart hammering, gripped the cool metal of the ring and braced himself.

The lead soldier took a cautious step forward.

Then the trap was sprung.

Mei Lian moved first, a blur of motion as she struck low, slicing through the unguarded leg of one scout. He collapsed with a grunt of pain. Before another could react, she twisted around, using his falling body as a shield against the next attack.

Zheng Wei acted next. With a flick of his wrist, he struck his staff against the ground. A shockwave of energy rippled through the earth, knocking two soldiers off balance. He moved with a grace that defied his age, dodging an incoming strike and countering with a sharp blow to the attacker's ribs.

Li Feng barely had time to process before one of the soldiers lunged at him. He ducked instinctively, rolling away from the deadly blade. He clenched his fist, feeling the ring throb in response. A sudden gust of wind erupted from his palm, pushing his opponent back.

The soldier's eyes widened in shock—just before Mei Lian's dagger found his throat.

The battle lasted only minutes, but to Li Feng, it felt like an eternity. When the last of the soldiers fell, Mei Lian wiped the blood from her blade and exhaled sharply. "That was the scout unit. The real trouble is coming soon."

Zheng Wei nodded. "We should move. If they know where we are, Shen Longwei won't be far behind."

Li Feng took one last look at the fallen soldiers, his pulse still racing. He had fought before, but something about this battle felt different. More real. More final.

"Come on," Mei Lian urged. "We're not done yet."

As they disappeared into the trees, the shadows stirred behind them, and unseen eyes watched their every move.