WE ARE ONE OF THIS GENERATION

Dense Forest near the Northern Kingdom, Midday

The sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting shifting patches of light onto the forest floor. The sound of galloping hooves echoed through the trees as Crown Prince Zhou Xin rode his black stallion. His bow rested snugly over his shoulder, and his quiver bounced lightly against his back. He relished the tranquility of the forest, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves. But as he neared a bend in the path, a faint cry shattered the calm.

Zhou Xin reined in his horse, ears straining. The sound came again, louder this time—a girl's scream, filled with terror. Instantly alert, he spurred his horse forward, his pulse quickening.

Breaking into a clearing, Zhou Xin's sharp eyes caught sight of the scene ahead. A young girl, no older than ten, was cornered by a snarling cheetah. The animal's golden coat glistened in the sunlight, its eyes locked on its prey. The girl, her tattered clothes clinging to her thin frame, trembled as tears streaked her dirt-smeared face.

Zhou Xin didn't hesitate. Drawing an arrow from his quiver, he notched it swiftly and took aim. With practiced precision, he released the arrow, and it flew true, striking the cheetah in its side. The predator let out a pained snarl before retreating into the shadows, leaving the clearing silent once more.

Zhou Xin dismounted, his boots crunching softly on the forest floor as he approached the girl. She shrank back slightly, but her wide eyes betrayed a mix of fear and awe.

"Are you alright?" Zhou Xin asked, his voice gentle. He extended a hand toward her. "You're safe now."

The girl hesitated, then slowly reached out, her small hand trembling in his. "Thank you… I thought I was going to die," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What's your name?" Zhou Xin asked, crouching to meet her gaze.

"FeiFei," she replied, her voice quivering.

Zhou Xin gave her a reassuring smile before lifting her onto his horse. "Come with me, FeiFei. You'll be safe at the palace."

As they rode back, FeiFei clung to Zhou Xin's waist, her head resting against his back. Despite her ordeal, a glimmer of hope flickered in her heart.

Shouchan Country, Evening

The sun dipped below the horizon as Deng Min Chi and his companions entered Shouchan. The streets were eerily quiet, the faint glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the cobbled roads. The group moved with purpose, their weary faces betraying the toll of their journey.

They found a modest inn on the outskirts of the town, its wooden sign swaying gently in the evening breeze. Inside, the innkeeper greeted them warmly and showed them to their rooms.

Later, in the courtyard, Deng Min Chi and Lin Xuxu sat together on a wooden bench. The cool night air carried the sweet scent of jasmine, and the stars twinkled brightly above.

"Shouchan seems peaceful," Lin Xuxu remarked, her gaze fixed on the heavens. "But appearances can be deceiving."

Deng Min Chi nodded, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Every place we've been to has had its secrets. This will be no different."

A silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Deng Min Chi turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "You've been strong throughout this journey," he said quietly. "I admire that."

Lin Xuxu's lips curved into a soft smile. "I could say the same about you," she replied. "Your determination is inspiring."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the weight of their mission seemed to fade, replaced by a growing bond that neither dared to fully acknowledge.

Inn, Late Night

From the shadows of the courtyard, Zhong Xinling watched the interaction between Deng Min Chi and Lin Xuxu. His jaw tightened, his heart a storm of conflicting emotions. He gripped the hilt of his sword, the cold steel grounding him in his inner turmoil.

"This isn't how it's supposed to be," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible. "He's falling for her… and I'm supposed to kill her. What am I going to do?"

His allegiance to the Black Shadow Foundation clashed violently with his loyalty to Deng Min Chi, a man he had come to respect deeply. The weight of his mission pressed heavily on his shoulders, and he knew that every moment he delayed, the danger grew.

Inn, Same Night

Elsewhere in the inn, Lin Bai Yu paced nervously outside Zhong Xinling's room. Summoning her courage, she knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in," came Zhong Xinling's curt reply.

Lin Bai Yu stepped inside, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Zhong Xinling," she began tentatively, "can we talk?"

Zhong Xinling barely glanced at her, his eyes distant. "I'm busy," he said flatly.

Undeterred, Lin Bai Yu took a step closer. "You've been distant since we met," she said, her voice tinged with hurt. "Did I do something wrong?"

Zhong Xinling sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not you," he said, his tone softer but no less firm. "I just don't have time for distractions."

Lin Bai Yu's shoulders slumped, her heart sinking. "I see," she said quietly.

As Zhong Xinling turned away, she watched him leave, his retreating figure filling her with unanswered questions and a growing sense of frustration.

To Be Continued...