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The royal carriage came to a gentle stop, its red silk curtains swaying in the breeze. The air grew heavier, thick with unspoken tension as a beautiful young woman with flowing brown hair stepped out. She carried herself with regal grace, a soft smile on her lips, yet something in her eyes made the atmosphere feel suffocating.
Madam Li's heart skipped a beat. She recognized her instantly.
The princess tilted her head slightly, her smile widening, but her gaze lingered a fraction too long.
"Aunt Li," she said warmly, voice like honeyed silk, "do you remember me?"
Madam Li's throat tightened. Memories flooded back — the imperial court, the battles, the betrayal. She bowed her head slightly, her voice steady but laced with quiet emotion.
"Of course, Your Highness. How could I ever forget your grace?"
The princess stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with feigned delight.
"So… how have you been here, Aunt Li?"
Madam Li forced a calm smile, though her hands trembled slightly at her sides. "I was traveling across this continent. There are many things I wanted to see."
"Oh, indeed," the princess replied, her tone light but her eyes sharp. "If I weren't bound by duty, I would love to join you."
Her gaze shifted to Lin Yun, studying him with open curiosity.
"Now, why don't you introduce this young man to me?"
Madam Li froze for a moment, her mind racing. What should I say? How much does she know?
Lin Yun noticed her hesitation and stepped forward calmly.
"I am her traveling companion, Your Highness."
The princess raised an eyebrow, her smile never wavering, though a flicker of suspicion passed through her eyes.
"Hmm… a traveling companion?"
She observed him carefully, as if peeling back layers.
"So… where are you from?"
Lin Yun answered without hesitation. "I lived in a small village near Stoneheart City."
The princess tilted her head. "And how did you meet?"
Lin Yun replied evenly, "We met when I had just started my travels. I was wandering, looking for food, when this kind lady offered me a meal. Our friendship grew from there, and I expressed my desire to explore the continent."
The princess nodded slowly, but her smile turned slightly sharper.
"But Aunt Li… I remember you had a scar on your face after that accident."
Lin Yun's eyes flicked to Madam Li for a fraction of a second. So there was an accident.
Madam Li's voice remained steady, though a shadow of pain crossed her face.
"I met a miracle medicine master on my journey. He healed me."
The princess leaned forward slightly, her voice dripping with interest.
"Can you tell me more about this master?"
Madam Li hesitated, her fingers tightening on her sleeve. "He was a middle-aged man, mostly in his thirties, wearing Taoist robes. I don't know anything more about him."
The princess sighed dramatically, though her eyes remained calculating.
"Such an interesting man. Do you know where he headed?"
Madam Li shook her head. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I don't know anything more than that."
The princess waved her hand lightly. "It's a pity."
Then her tone softened, almost nostalgic.
"Anyway… where are you heading now, Aunt Li?"
Madam Li's mind raced. I cannot say we were going to the imperial city. After a moment's thought, she answered, "We were heading toward the west, near the Five Great Mountains. I heard the scenery there is mesmerizing."
The princess smiled. "Yes, that is indeed a beautiful place."
She paused, then added, "Oh, I almost forgot — I have to leave for Stoneheart City soon."
Madam Li asked carefully, "Your Highness… may I ask why you are going to that remote city?"
The princess's smile remained, but her eyes grew distant.
"Aunt Li, please forgive me. It is related to imperial family matters, and you are no longer part of it. I cannot say more."
Madam Li bowed her head. "I understand. Then I shall take my leave now."
The royal caravan began moving again, heading toward Stoneheart City. Lin Yun watched them disappear into the distance.
"News sure travels fast," he murmured.
He turned to Madam Li. "What do you think — how many cultivators are there in the imperial family?"
Madam Li's voice carried a trace of sadness. "Only the main family has permission to practice cultivation arts."
Lin Yun's eyes narrowed. "So what status do you think these soldiers have? I can sense more than one cultivator in the convoy. The main guard was also a cultivator."
Madam Li's face paled in shock. "Are you sure?"
"I can say he was around Qi Level 3."
Lin Yun looked at the sky, his voice low. "Where did these endless troubles come from, one after another?"
Bai Yun flapped its wings gently and landed on his shoulder, rubbing its head against his cheek in a comforting gesture.
Lin Yun sighed. "Oh, so you know how to console someone. Unfortunately, that trick doesn't work on me. You cheated in the game, so you won't get any food tonight. Let's continue on our way."
In his mind, he thought, I need to increase my power quickly.
He turned to Madam Li. "So… what are these Five Great Mountains?"
Madam Li's voice softened with nostalgia. "They are five mountains in the west. People say many natural phenomena can be seen there. The scenery is mesmerizing."
Lin Yun nodded. "Do you want to go there?"
Madam Li thought for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Yes. But it's completely opposite to the imperial city."
Lin Yun's tone remained calm. in his mind -"Actually… I feel sorry. Because of me, you were in trouble before."
Madam Li's eyes softened with quiet emotion. "It's okay. I think it's a good place for sightseeing… and for hiding from the imperial family."
She paused, then added with gentle resolve, "Yes. Let's go then."
"Sorry for the delay, everyone! Thank you for waiting—I'll do my best to bring better chapters from now on."