By the time we finally reached the top, everyone was exhausted.
The hill was wide and open, much broader than it had looked from below. On the left side, far down the slope, a huge river stretched across the land, its surface catching the last light of the day. On the right, a narrow path continued forward, winding away into the distance. That path, according to the guards, would lead straight to Wu Village.
The head guard looked around once, then raised his voice.
"This is where we rest for the night," he announced. "Tomorrow morning, we head for Wu Village. Settle down properly. Food will be distributed later."
With that, he turned and walked away with his men, choosing a spot a short distance away to set up their own camp.
Only then did everyone truly relax.
Fu Fong slowly carried me to a large rock near the edge of the clearing and gently set me down. The moment my foot touched the ground, a dull ache shot through my ankle again, and I couldn't help but inhale sharply.
