WE ARE ONE OF THIS GENERATION

Shouchan Country, Early Morning

The soft glow of dawn stretched across the sky, illuminating the quiet streets of Shouchan Country. The city was still in slumber, save for the occasional flicker of lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Deng Min Chi and his team were preparing to leave, their figures silhouetted against the fading night.

Lin Bai Yu tightened the strap of her sword across her back, her eyes glinting with determination. "Finally, we're heading to Daling City," she said, her voice breaking the stillness. "I've had enough of this place."

Deng Min Chi turned to face her, his tone calm but firm. "Stay vigilant," he cautioned. "Leaving Shouchan doesn't mean we're out of danger. If anything, the road ahead is fraught with more risks."

Lin Xuxu, the youngest among them, glanced at the distant horizon. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Every step closer to Daling City feels like we're walking into something darker, something far more dangerous."

The group mounted their horses, their movements swift and precise. Their supplies were packed tightly, each member prepared for the challenges ahead. The cool morning air carried a hint of unease as the team rode away from Shouchan, their minds heavy with the unknown dangers awaiting them.

---

Deng Mansion, Kingdom of Chan

Far away, in the serene Deng Mansion, the atmosphere was starkly different. Deng Ren sat in the courtyard, a letter resting in his hands. His wife, Deng Pei, watched him with an anxious expression.

Deng Pei exhaled softly, her voice tinged with relief. "He's safe. That's all I needed to know."

Deng Ren nodded, folding the letter carefully. "Min Chi is resourceful. He's always been. But with the rising tensions, I'm glad Jun will be there to support him if it comes to that."

The couple shared a moment of silence, the weight of their concerns temporarily eased. The rustling leaves in the courtyard seemed to echo their thoughts—peaceful on the surface but brimming with undercurrents of worry.

Dense Forest, Afternoon

The dense forest enveloped Zhong Xinling as he rode ahead of the group. The sunlight barely penetrated the canopy, casting eerie shadows on the ground. The sudden crack of a branch broke the silence, and he instinctively halted. His hand hovered near the hilt of his sword as a figure emerged from the shadows.

Xiong Gong stood tall, his cruel grin reflecting malice. His sword gleamed menacingly in the dappled light. "Zhong Xinling," he drawled, his tone mocking. "The famed prodigy of the Black Shadow Foundation. You've been meddling in matters far beyond your reach."

Zhong Xinling's expression remained impassive. "What do you want, Xiong Gong?"

Xiong Gong's sneer deepened. "Liu Xiatian. She was mine, yet she chose you. That was your first mistake. Now, you'll pay for it."

Before Zhong Xinling could respond, Xiong Gong lunged at him, his blade slicing through the air. The clash of steel reverberated through the forest as the two warriors engaged in a fierce duel. Zhong Xinling fought with precision, but Xiong Gong's relentless strikes began to overwhelm him.

The sound of the skirmish reached Lin Xuxu and the others, who immediately rushed to the scene. Lin Xuxu didn't hesitate, drawing her Phoenix Sword as she leaped into the fray. Her blade deflected Xiong Gong's attack with a burst of sparks.

"You can't die here," she told Zhong Xinling firmly. "Stay back!"

The two of them fought side by side, their movements a blur of calculated strikes and parries. Eventually, Xiong Gong retreated, his face twisted with anger. But the victory came at a cost. Lin Xuxu clutched her shoulder, blood seeping through her robes.

Deng Min Chi reached her side in an instant, his voice filled with concern. "Lin Xuxu! Are you hurt?"

"It's just a scratch," she replied weakly, though the pain was evident in her expression.

Zhong Xinling's gaze dropped, guilt weighing heavily on him. "Why did you risk yourself for me?" he asked quietly.

Lin Xuxu's eyes met his, unwavering. "We're on the same side," she said simply. "Isn't that reason enough?"

The Northern Kingdom's Army Strikes

As the group tended to their wounds, the distant sound of galloping hooves sent a chill down their spines. The noise grew louder, closer, until a troop of soldiers burst through the trees. Their armor bore the insignia of the Northern Kingdom, and their swords gleamed with deadly intent.

Wu Feng drew his weapon, his voice sharp. "Why are they attacking us?"

The soldiers charged without hesitation, their movements coordinated and precise. Deng Min Chi and his team fought back fiercely, their martial skills pushed to the limit. Lin Bai Yu's blade danced through the chaos, while Zhong Xinling and Wu Feng held the flanks. Despite their efforts, the soldiers' attacks were unnervingly strategic, as if guided by an unseen hand.

Deng Min Chi gritted his teeth as he parried a particularly aggressive strike. "This isn't random," he muttered. "Someone's orchestrating this."

After what felt like an eternity, the soldiers began to retreat, their formation still unnervingly disciplined. The group stood amidst the aftermath, battered but alive.

Lin Bai Yu sheathed her sword, her breath heavy. "First the attack on Zhong Xinling, now this. The conspiracy runs deeper than we thought."

Deng Min Chi knelt beside one of the fallen soldiers, examining the insignia on their armor. His expression darkened. "We need answers," he said, his voice resolute. "And we won't find them standing here."

Lin Xuxu, still clutching her injured shoulder, nodded. "Then let's keep moving. Daling City isn't far."

As they mounted their horses once more, the weight of their journey pressed down on them. The forest, once a place of solace, now felt like a labyrinth of dangers. With each step closer to Daling City, the threads of conspiracy tightened around them.

To Be Continued...