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🌪️ Chapter 21: Mountain City Shan Yuan
(Far from the Flame Valley, the group slowly moves toward the mysterious mountain city of Shan Yuan — a place whispered about in many tales, known as one of the most dangerous and enigmatic locations in the region.)
(Everyone is a bit tired and worried, but their spirits remain high. Suddenly, the familiar lazy footsteps and grumbling voice are heard.)
🐶 Gu Lang (with energetic but slightly grumbling tone):
— "Hey! Did you forget I'm still here? I'm alive, just resting… mostly looking for a bite to eat!"
(Xiao Feng turns his head and smiles.)
🔊 Xiao Feng:
— "You're always hungry, you gluttonous dog. But this time, we need to be more careful. Shan Yuan isn't a safe place."
🔊 Xilià (with a smirk):
— "Gu Lang, if you want to survive, you better keep your head in the game. Not just your stomach!"
🐶 Gu Lang:
— "Alright, alright, but first let's find a good meal, then do whatever you want."
(From afar, the sounds of a commotion and people shouting reach them. The group gradually approaches the gates of Shan Yuan.)
🔊 Gu Tang (in a serious voice):
— "Shan Yuan is infamous for not being safe. The Jie family hunters operate here. We must be prepared."
🔊 Xiao Feng:
— "Then we need full bellies and sharp swords."
(Everyone steels themselves as they enter the shadowy city full of secrets. In the corners, eyes filled with anger and jealousy watch them closely.)
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(As the group walks through Shan Yuan, the damp smell of the mountain air fills the atmosphere. Old stone buildings with sloped roofs fade into a heavy mist. The distant cries and shouts of a marketplace echo.)
🔊 Xilià (glancing around cautiously):
— "Shan Yuan… it's a special place. Full of strange people. Be careful, someone might stab you in the back."
🐶 Gu Lang (sniffing eagerly):
— "But something smells good here… warm, delicious food! I'm sure there's a great spot for my stomach."
(Xiao Feng heads toward the marketplace, but suddenly a loud shout draws everyone's attention.)
🔊 Unknown Voice:
— "Thief! They caught a thief!"
(People rush toward the sound with excitement. The group quickly follows.)
(In the middle of the crowd, a young man in dark clothes is being held. His eyes are filled with fear and confusion.)
🔊 Xiao Feng (quietly to Gu Tang):
— "What's going on here? Why is this happening?"
🔊 Gu Tang:
— "The Jie family hunters are always looking for chances to tighten control over the city. Maybe this kid is a spy or a thief."
(Xilià looks sharply at the young man, her expression suddenly changing.)
🔊 Xilià (whispering):
— "There's something in his eyes… I can't explain it."
🐶 Gu Lang (quietly sighing):
— "This city is more complicated than I thought…"
(Xiao Feng tightens his grip on his cooking knife and looks at the crowd.)
🔊 Xiao Feng:
— "We need to be ready. This is only the beginning."
(The group slowly moves through the crowd, feeling the heavy atmosphere around them. More shadows appear in the dark alleys, and unknown footsteps echo.)
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🔥 End of Chapter 21