They walked along a path, and in the darkness, only the sounds of their footsteps and breathing could be heard.
Xu Yuehuai felt the air around her becoming increasingly oppressive, as if an invisible force was constantly approaching.
Suddenly, a cold light flashed, and an arrow pierced the air. Xu Yuehuai was startled, and she immediately pulled Aqi to the ground.
The arrows flew over their heads and landed in the roadside grass.
"An attack!" Xu Yuehuai shouted. "Run!"
The two men got up and ran, arrows shooting from behind them continuously.
Xu Yuehuai felt Ah Qi's body trembling slightly beside him, but he did not stop walking.
They turned into a narrow valley, where the arrows could no longer pursue them.
The two finally stopped and leaned against the mountain wall, panting.
Xu Yuehuai felt her heart pounding like a drum.
"Who are these people?" she asked breathlessly. "Why did they attack us?"
Ah Qi was silent for a moment. "I don't know," he said in a low voice, "but I sense that they are not ordinary soldiers."
Xu Yuehuai's heart tightened. "You mean someone is deliberately targeting us?"
Ah Qi didn't answer her question. He looked up at the sky and said, "We have to get out of here quickly. We can't stay here any longer."
Xu Yuehuai knew he was right. She stood up and asked, "So what should we do next?"
Ah Qi was silent for a moment. "I need to find the person the wizard asked me to find," he said. "Perhaps he can tell us the truth."
Next, Xu Yuehuai and Aqi embarked on a mountain journey to find the map left behind by the wizard, carrying an unknown mission.
The map depicted a mysterious valley. Xu Yuehuai gripped the map tightly in her hand, as if she could feel the ancient aura, and a strange excitement welled up in her heart.
Ah Qi followed silently behind her, his eyes shining with determination.
The mountain road was rugged and the ancient trees were towering. The two of them trekked through mountains and rivers, enduring many hardships.
Along the way, they traversed dense bamboo forests, crossed rushing streams, and climbed steep mountains.
Whenever exhaustion strikes, they look towards the distant, faintly visible valley, and their unwavering faith dispels their fatigue like a gentle breeze.
Finally, at sunset, they arrived at the mouth of the valley. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the mountains in a golden light.
Just as the two were about to enter the valley, suddenly, a group of armored soldiers blocked their way.
Their arrival instantly filled the once tranquil valley with an atmosphere of tension.
Ah Qi gently patted Xu Yuehuai's shoulder, signaling her not to be nervous.
Then, he calmly took out the keepsake left by the wizard from his pocket—a ring inlaid with a ruby.
Upon seeing the token, the soldiers showed expressions of surprise, then stepped back to make way for it.
Guided by the soldiers, Xu Yuehuai and Aqi arrived at an open area deep in the valley.
There, a majestic general awaited their arrival.
He was clad in armor, wielding a long spear, and exuded an extraordinary aura.
The moment General Song saw Ah Qi appear, he quickly stepped forward and tore open Ah Qi's right shoulder. When he saw the mark of a red leaf on Ah Qi's shoulder, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.
He immediately ordered the surrounding soldiers to kneel down and shouted, "Greetings, Young Master!"
The sound echoed through the valley, deeply moving.
Xu Yuehuai and Aqi were stunned by this sudden change.
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.
Ah Qi slowly walked up to the general and asked softly, "Why do you call me Young Master?"
The general replied respectfully, "We are the people left behind by Princess Chuchu for our young master. She sent someone to tell us that only those who possess the mark of the red leaf can become our masters. We have been waiting for a long time, and finally your appearance has arrived."
Xu Yuehuai watched all this, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She was happy for Ah Qi, and also surprised by the detailed arrangements Princess Chu Chu had made before her death.
At that moment, she realized that her mission with Ah Qi had only just begun.
As night fell, a roaring bonfire was lit in the valley.
The general and soldiers prepared a sumptuous meal and warm accommodations for Xu Yuehuai and Aqi.
By the firelight, they sat together, sharing their stories and experiences.
Xu Yuehuai and Aqi also told the general about their adventures and the wizard's letter.
Upon hearing this, a hint of respect flashed in the general's eyes. He said, "The wizard told us to wait here and said that when the master of the Red Leaf Mark appears, he will lead us to prosperity."
"Moreover, the former King of Mingyue left a will before his death, which did not designate Wu Hanqing as his successor!"
At this moment, General Song walked towards Ah Qi, his eyes filled with endless respect and trust.
“Ah Qi, you are the hope of our Mingyue Kingdom.” General Song said, his voice full of strength. “I believe you will definitely reclaim the throne, lead us back to the capital, and restore the former glory of Mingyue Kingdom.”
Ah Qi took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "I will, General. I will take back what is rightfully mine and rebuild our home."
At this moment, the guards beside him also stepped forward to express their gratitude and respect to Ah Qi.
They were proud to have such a leader. "Seven, we, the Moon Guard, will swear our loyalty to you to the death."
General Song raised his long sword, the tip pointing to the sky, "As long as you don't fall, we will not give up."
Ah Qi took the longsword, his hand trembling slightly, but his eyes were unusually firm. "I will fight alongside you and face all difficulties together. We must unite as one, find the imperial edict, and reclaim our throne."
At this moment, Xu Yuehuai also stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination. "Aqi, I will do everything I can to help you. Let's fight together for the future of the Mingyue Kingdom."
At that moment, everyone felt a powerful force surging within them.
They knew that as long as they were united, nothing could stop them from moving forward.
As night fell, the campfire burned in the darkness. Ah Qi, General Song, the guards, and Xu Yuehuai sat around the fire, discussing their plans and hopes for the future.
Their faces were filled with longing for victory and yearning for home.
On this war-torn land, they are a united and powerful group, fighting for a common goal.
Ah Qi stood up and looked at everyone with a firm gaze. "I know the journey will be full of hardships and challenges, but I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties."
General Song nodded. "Ah Qi is right. We are a whole, and no one can be missing. Only by uniting can we achieve victory."
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