The storm had long passed, leaving the world shrouded in a heavy mist. Dawn broke over the valley in soft shades of gold, filtering through the trees as Jiang Feng and Li Xue resumed their journey toward Lotus Pier.
The night's revelations still lingered in Jiang Feng's mind. The massacre of the Cloudveil Sword Pavilion—his sect—had not been an accident. Nor had it been a mere betrayal. Someone had orchestrated it from the shadows, and the Iron Thorn Society was involved.
And now, fate had thrown this woman into his path.
Li Xue. The woman with the jade lotus birthmark. The woman every assassin in the region seemed desperate to kill.
But why?
And more importantly—who was she, really?
She moved ahead of him, her posture deceptively relaxed, but Jiang Feng had already noted her sharp instincts. The way her eyes flicked to the treetops, scanning for threats. The way her fingers hovered near the dagger hidden in her robes.
She was a survivor.
Just like him.
As they climbed a narrow path through the cliffs, Li Xue suddenly halted.
Jiang Feng tensed. "What is it?"
Instead of answering, she knelt by a small pool of water that had gathered in a rock crevice. She studied her reflection, then reached up, pulling her damp hair over one shoulder.
Jiang Feng blinked. "You stopped for… your hair?"
Li Xue shot him a side glance. "A woman's appearance is important."
Jiang Feng exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "We're being hunted by assassins, and you're worried about looking pretty?"
She smirked. "Would you prefer an ugly wife?"
Jiang Feng choked on air. "Wife?"
Li Xue's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You did say we'd travel together. A lone man and woman, wandering the world side by side… what else would people assume?"
Jiang Feng opened his mouth, then closed it. Was she joking?
Before he could argue, she turned away. "Come on. We need to keep moving."
Jiang Feng stared at her retreating figure, half tempted to just leave her there.
And yet… he found himself following.
---
By midday, they reached the outskirts of a small village nestled by the river. The scent of fresh rice and burning firewood filled the air, a stark contrast to the cold emptiness of the wilderness.
Jiang Feng pulled his hood lower. "We should keep a low profile."
Li Xue, of course, completely ignored him.
She strode confidently into the village, drawing attention with every step. Even with her worn clothes, her beauty was striking. Villagers whispered as she passed.
Jiang Feng sighed. So much for low profile.
They entered a modest tea house near the river. The place was warm, filled with the soft murmur of conversations.
As soon as they sat down, Jiang Feng caught movement in the corner of his vision. A group of men at a nearby table—rough-looking, with the unmistakable air of mercenaries. One of them leaned toward his companion, whispering.
Jiang Feng tensed. Were they recognized?
He turned to Li Xue. She was calmly pouring tea, as if completely unaware.
But then, without looking up, she murmured, "They're watching us."
Jiang Feng frowned. "You noticed."
She smirked. "They're not very subtle."
The mercenaries weren't assassins—at least, not from the Iron Thorn Society. Their movements lacked discipline. Bounty hunters, perhaps?
"Can you fight?" Jiang Feng asked quietly.
Li Xue sipped her tea. "Better than you."
Jiang Feng nearly laughed. This woman…
Before he could respond, the largest of the mercenaries stood and strode toward them. He was built like an ox, scars crisscrossing his forearms. His companions followed, their expressions wary.
"Travelers," the leader greeted, voice rough. "A moment of your time?"
Jiang Feng's fingers twitched toward his sword. "Depends on what you want."
The man hesitated, glancing at Li Xue. "We… we are seeking someone."
Li Xue tilted her head. "Oh?"
"A celestial maiden," the man said, his tone almost reverent. "A woman said to possess divine power. Some say she fell from the heavens."
Jiang Feng frowned. "And?"
The man's gaze locked onto Li Xue. "Rumors say she bears a jade lotus birthmark on her wrist."
Silence fell over the table.
Li Xue didn't blink. "And if you find her?"
The mercenary hesitated. "There are… many who seek her. Some wish to capture her. Others…" He swallowed. "Others seek to worship her."
Jiang Feng's grip tightened on his sword. What nonsense was this?
Li Xue exhaled softly. "I see."
Then, to Jiang Feng's complete shock, she turned to him and said,
"Looks like you were right, husband. I really am a god."
Jiang Feng nearly spat out his tea. What!?