Chapter 17

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Chapter 17: Sudden Crisis

The endless green meadow stretched like an emerald carpet reaching the horizon. You You’s group had walked all day without seeing its edge. Though the grass felt cool, the blazing sun made everyone sweat.

You You remained unfazed, but her teammates showed fatigue. She squinted at the harsh sunlight, about to ask their remaining distance when cool shade suddenly covered her.

She turned to find Xun Rong beside her, holding an oiled paper umbrella over her head. He smiled disarmingly, concern in his voice. "The summer sun is cruel, Lady You. Take care not to fall ill." He angled the umbrella completely over her.

"Thanks!" She smiled back, eyeing his frail frame. "Why walk? Shouldn’t you stay in the horse-drawn carriage? Is your health alright?"

Xun Rong’s smile faltered briefly before he coughed lightly. "Worry not, Lady You. Moving about helps circulation more than sitting idle."

"Really?" She eyed his sickly pallor. "You’re sure?"

"Certain."

"Absolutely?"

"Absolutely."

"No carriage return?"

"No."

"Fine then…"

He stepped closer with deepened warmth. "Your care touches my…"

You You abruptly turned and called to the group: "Brothers! Anyone injured? We’ve got an empty carriage seat!"

Xun Rong: "……"

(￣△￣；)

His face twitched as Lin Feng halted the group. "Stop!" The leader crouched to inspect faint footprints on the official road, then stiffened. "These… these are our own tracks! We’re circling!"

"What?!" Liu Qing exclaimed. "We followed the border city’s official road!"

"This meadow shouldn’t take a day to cross." Lin Feng’s voice hardened. "This isn’t a real road."

Weapons rasped from scabbards as tension spiked.

"Fog ahead!" someone shouted.

"Fog under blazing sun?" Liu Qing frowned.

"Stay alert!" Lin Feng barked. "This meadow’s cursed!"

Thunderous rumbling answered him. The ground shuddered violently, grass ripping apart as giant cracks split the earth.

"Earthquake!" The team rushed to protect You You.

She easily dodged the widening cracks, preparing to leap clear when—

Suddenly, there was weight pressing down from behind. Xun Rong, still holding the umbrella over her, couldn’t dodge in time as the umbrella collapsed, dragging them both downward. "Ah! You You—"

Before he finished, You You swiftly grabbed him, steadying herself while catching him mid-fall.

"Lady You!" The nearest Yin Fan noticed their predicament and rushed over in panic.

You You strained to pull Xun Rong from the crack when cool energy erupted from below. White mist exploded outward, blinding everyone like thick fog before violent tremors shook the ground.

Thud!

Though steady moments before, You You’s feet sank through crumbling earth. Blinding light pierced through the mist, making her shut her eyes reflexively.

Her feet abruptly met solid ground without any falling sensation.

What’s happening?

Opening her eyes revealed only dimness – both light and mist had vanished. Her vision adjusted slowly to the darkness.

A familiar voice came through: "Lady You…"

"Xun Rong!" You You groped blindly, clasping a warm hand. "You okay?"

The hand stiffened briefly before replying, "I’m… fine."

"The others?" She called out, "Lin Feng! Liu Qing! Anyone here?"

Only echoes answered.

"They likely didn’t fall here," Xun Rong said guiltily. "My apologies for involving you."

"Not your fault." She rubbed her eyes, peering around. "Let’s check for others."

Xun Rong scanned the empty space. "This open area seems to contain only us—"

"Lady You!" Dirt cascaded as a figure burst from a soil mound behind them. "Where are you? Don’t scare me!"

"Yin Fan!" Releasing Xun Rong’s hand, You You hurried toward the voice.

Xun Rong’s freed hand clenched briefly, fingers brushing his sleeves.

Yin Fan emerged mud-caked, having been buried during the collapse.

"You hurt?" You You asked.

"Lady You! Did you fall? Get injured? How bad?" he rapid-fired.

"Completely fine."

"Oh good!" He sighed heavily. "Just mud-plastered!" Brushing dirt off, he pushed against the ground before wincing. "Um… Lady You?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you… pull me out? I’m stuck." The mud held him tight.

You You: "……"

Xun Rong: "……"