The Coiled Dragon’s Legacy

The dense forest was quieter now, save for the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the gentle mountain wind. Li Feng and Mei Lian had stopped to rest, their breathing heavy from the relentless pursuit that had driven them deep into the wilderness. They sat near the base of an ancient tree, its sprawling roots providing a sense of cover. The dim light of the setting sun filtered through the canopy, casting long shadows on the forest floor.

Li Feng's fingers idly traced the edge of the jade ring hanging from his neck. It felt heavier than usual, a constant reminder of the burden he carried. His mind swirled with unanswered questions—about the ring, the visions, and the enigmatic woman who had saved his life more than once now.

"You're staring," Mei Lian said without looking at him. Her tone was sharp, though not unkind.

Li Feng blinked, startled. "I wasn't—"

"You were." She shifted slightly, resting her back against the tree trunk. Her dark eyes glanced at him, guarded but curious. "What is it?"

He hesitated, unsure how to phrase his thoughts. "I just… I don't understand why you're helping me. You don't even know me."

Mei Lian chuckled softly, the sound devoid of humor. "You think I'm doing this out of charity?"

"Then why?" he pressed.

She sighed, her gaze drifting to the distant horizon. "Let's just say I have my reasons."

Li Feng frowned but didn't push further. Instead, he tried a different approach. "You're good at this," he said, motioning vaguely toward her. "Fighting, surviving… everything. How did you learn?"

For a moment, she didn't respond. Her fingers idly played with the edge of her sleeve, her expression unreadable. Then, she spoke, her voice quieter than before. "When you've lost everything, you learn fast. Or you die."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken pain. Li Feng watched her carefully, noticing the subtle tension in her shoulders and the way her gaze seemed to harden as she spoke.

"Was it Shen Longwei?" he asked softly.

Mei Lian's jaw tightened. "Not directly. But he's responsible." She paused, her fingers clenching into fists. "My family lived in the Frosted Peaks, near a village like yours. We were… ordinary. Farmers, mostly. Until Lady Yuexiang came."

Li Feng felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of the sorceress. He stayed silent, letting Mei Lian continue.

"She came looking for something—some artifact tied to the Azure Dragon Clan. When my father refused to help her, she…" Mei Lian's voice broke slightly, but she quickly steadied herself. "She killed him. And my mother. Burned our home to the ground."

"I'm sorry," Li Feng said quietly.

She shook her head, her lips curving into a bitter smile. "Don't be. Pity won't change anything. That's when I learned to fend for myself. I've been surviving ever since."

Li Feng studied her, seeing the layers of strength and vulnerability in her words. "And now you're here. Helping me."

Mei Lian turned to face him fully, her gaze piercing. "Don't mistake this for kindness, Li Feng. I have my reasons for opposing Shen Longwei and Lady Yuexiang. And if you happen to be a part of that, so be it."

He nodded slowly, understanding that her trust was hard-earned and fragile. "Still, thank you. For everything."

She waved a hand dismissively, though her expression softened ever so slightly. "Don't get sentimental. We're not out of this yet."

Before Li Feng could respond, a faint whistle pierced the stillness of the forest. Both of them froze, their instincts sharp. Mei Lian's hand went to the dagger at her side, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the trees.

"That sound…" Li Feng whispered. "What is it?"

Mei Lian's lips pressed into a thin line. "A signal. They're close."

The weight of the moment settled over them like a storm cloud. Mei Lian rose to her feet, her movements fluid and deliberate. "We need to move. Now."

Li Feng followed suit, the jade ring around his neck pulsing faintly as if responding to the tension. As they slipped into the shadows of the forest, the faint whistle sounded again, closer this time. The chase wasn't over.