sukieawoketotheundofratappilyagastherdowthecitywascloakedagrayist，thestreetsbelowslickwithrawatershestretched，feelgapleasantaherclesfrotheprevioday，suedadvehhanfenglgasshesatup，herdrepyedtheirversations，thewarthofhissile，andthedeep，agicalityofhisvoice

    withasigh，shegotoutofbedahroughherroutesheuldn，tshakethefeelgthatthgontowasabouttohappen，butshetriedhthethoughtasideafterall，ithadjtbeenonedaybuhatadayithadbeen

    afterbreakfast，sukiedecidedtovisitthebookstathgaboutthatpcehadcaptivatedher，aastranpulsiournshegrabbedherubrendsteppedouttothedrizzly，theoirrefreshgagasthersk

    thebookstorewasjtasshereberedit，azyhavenfilledwiththefstofoldbooksshewahroughtheaisles，herfrsgrazgthespihevosassheadeherwaytothesewhereshehadfoundtheaotohersurprise，thebookwasgone

    ＂lookgforthgspecific?＂afailiarvoiceasked

    sukieturoseehanfenglgstandgthere，holdgtheverybookshehadbeenseargforhissilewaswar，andhiseyesseedtosparklewithhiddenknowled

    ＂you，reback，＂shesaid，herheartfttergatthesightofhi

    ＂ihadafeelgyouightreturn，＂hereplied，handihebook＂isavedthisforyou＂

    sukietookthebook，feelgastransenseofdéjàvuasshehelditherhands＂thankyou，hanfenglgidon，tknowwhy，butthisbookfeelsiportant＂

    ＂itis，＂hesaid，histonesuddenlyserio＂there，sthgyouoknow，sukiethisbookisorethanjtalleofstoriesit，sakeytoanotherworld＂

    sukiefrowned，notsureifhewasjokg＂anotherworld?whatdoyouan?＂

    hanfenglglookedaround，ensurgtheywerealohisightundcrazy，butthestoriesthisbookarerealtheydescribeaworldthatexistsparalleltoourownaworldyouaredestiovisit＂

    sukiefeltachillrundownherspe＂you，reserio，aren，tyou?＂

    henodded＂iaandibelieveyourjourneybegstoday＂

    beforesukieuldrespond，therooaroundherbegantobrshefeltastraion，asifthegroundwasshiftihherfeethanfenglgreachedout，takgherhandhis

    ＂don，tbeafraid，＂hesaidftly＂i，withyou＂

    theworldaroundthedislvedtoaswirloflorsandlight，andsukiefeltherselfbegpulledtoavortexshegtohanfenglg，shand，herheartpoundgherchestthesensationwasdirientg，andsheclosedhereyes，trygtosteadyherself

    whentheworldfallycabatofoc，theywerenolohebookstoresukiefoundherselfstandgash，verdantforest，theairfilledwiththesweetstofflowersandtheundofbirdngsunlightfilteredthroughtheopyabove，castgdappledpatternntheforestfloor

    sukielookedaroundiakgthebeautyoftheirsurroundgs＂wherearewe?＂

    ＂we，vecrossedtotheworldofthebook，＂hanfenglgreplied＂weletothekgdooflian＂

    sukiefeltaixofexcitentandtrepidation＂whyaihere?whatisypurpose?＂

    hanfenglgseezedherhandreassurgly＂allwillberevealedtifornow，wetfiertherearedanrsthisworldthaetavoid＂

    astheywalkedthroughtheforest，sukieuldn，thelpbutarvetthevividlorsandthevibrantlifearouwasasifshehadsteppedtoadreayet，therealityoftheirsituationicklysetiheyheardthedistantundofhooves

    ＂ick，hide！＂hanfenglgwhisperedurntly，pullgsukiebehdartree

    theycrouchedtheunderbrh，peergthroughtheleavesasagroupofhorsethenweredresseddark，nagaror，theirfacebscuredbyheltssukiefeltherheartraceasshewatchedthegoby，sensgthedaheyrepresented

    ＂whoarethey?＂shewhisperedoheyhadpassed

    ＂antfthedarklord，＂hanfenglgrepliedgrily＂theypatrolthesends，seargforthosewhoopposetheirasterwetbecareful＂

    sukienodded，feelgasurofdeterationwhateverherpurposethisworld，sheknewshehadtostaystrongtheytiheirjourney，ovgswiftlyandsilentlythroughtheforest

    astheywalked，hanfenglxpedoreaboutthekgdooflianiasandrihistoryandagic，butiasalapceofflictthedarklord，apowerfulrcerer，hadseizedtrolofthekgdoandptodarknessanyofthekgdo，shabitantshadbeenensvedorforcedtoflee

    ＂oalistofdtheresistance，＂hanfenglgsaid＂therearestillthosewhofightagastthedarklordtheywillhelp＂

    afterhourfwalkg，theyfallyreachedasall，hiddenvilledavalleythevilrsgreetedhanfenglgwarly，andsukieuldseetherespedadirationtheyheldforhiiasclearthatheortantfigurethisworld

    ＂thisissukie，＂hanfenglgtroducedhertothevilleader，anelderlywoanwithkdeyes＂sheiournd，butshehasacrucialroleyourstruggle＂

    theleadernodded，hergazepeg＂wele，sukieyouareaongfriendshere＂

    sukiefeltasenseofreliefwashoverherforthefirsttiscearrivgthisstranworld，shefeltsafethevilrsprovidedthewithfoodandapcetorest，andsukiefallyhadaontrocesseverythgthathadhappened

    assheyonasipleasallhut，herdracedwithestionswhyhadshebeenbroughthere?whaasherrolethisworld?andostiportantly，whaasheretohanfenglg?

    shethoughtbacktotheirfirstetgthebookstore，thewayhehadlookedatherasifhehadknownherforevertherewasanundeniableboweenthe，ohattraheboundarieftiandspacebuhatdiditallan?

    the，sukiewokeearly，eartolearnoreabouthernewsurroundgshanfenglgwasalreadyup，speakgwiththevilleaderwhenhesawher，hesiledandwavedherover

    ＂wehaveuchtodotoday，＂hesaid＂thereisalotyouolearnaboutthisworldandyourpit＂

    sukienodded，deterioebraceherdesty＂i，ready＂

    theysperagwiththevilrs，learngaboutthehistoryandagifthekgdooflianhanfenglgtaughtherhowtodefendherself，showihebasicfswordsanshipandarcherysukiewasaicklearner，hernaturagilityaeratiherwell

    asthedayspassed，sukieandhanfenglggrewclosertheyspenthourstalkg，shargstoriesanddreassukiefeltadeepetohi，ohatgrewstroheachpassgdayshefoundherselflookgforwardtotheirtitother，cherishveryont

    oneeveng，astheysatbythefire，hanfenglgopenedupabouthispasthetoldherabouthisfaily，hischildhood，andhisesttodefeatthedarklordsukielistenedily，feelgaprofoundrespectforhisceaeration

    ＂i，velostanyfriendsandlovedohisbattle，＂hesaidietly，hiseyesreflegtheflickergfs＂butiotgiveupitfightforthosewhootfightfortheselves＂

    sukiereachedout，pgahandonhisar＂you，renotalone，hanfenglgi，llfighithyou＂

    helookedather，hisexpressionfteng＂thankyou，sukieyourstrengthandspiritspiretother，weakeadifference＂

    theirbonddeepened，andsukiefoundherselffallgforhanfenglghiskdness，bravery，andunwaverierationcaptivatedherheartshekhattheirjourneywouldbefraughithdanr，butshewaswillgtofaceitallforhi

    onenight，astheystooduhestars，hanfenglgtookherhandhis＂sukie，there，sthgiotellyou＂

    shelookedupathi，herheartpoundg＂whatisit?＂

    hetookadeepbreath，hiseyesfilledwithiy＂iloveyou，sukiefrotheontisawyouthebookstore，iknewyouwerespecialyuidglight，yhopeiageylifewithoutyou＂

    sukie，sheartswelledwitheotionshehadloohearthosewords，butheargthenow，shefeltaixtureofjoyandfear＂iloveyoutoo，hanfenglgbuhatifthghappensto?whatifwetseparated?＂

    hecuppedherfahishands，histoutleandreassurg＂noatterpens，iwillwaysfdywaybacktoyouourloveisstrohananyforthisworld＂

    tearsfilledsukie，seyesassheleaohistouch＂proisewe，llwaysbetother＂

    ＂iproise，＂hewhispered，pressghislipstohersatender，heartfeltkiss

    their

    loveblosdtheidstofturoil，abeaofhopeaworldshroudeddarkother，theyfacedtlesschalleheirbondgrogstroheachvictoryabacktheyfoughtsidebyside，deterilightbacktothekgdooflian

    astheypreparedforthefalbattleagastthedarklord，sukiekhattheirjourneywasfarfrooverbuithhanfenglgbyherside，shefeltreadytofacewhatevercatheirwaytheirloveowerfulforce，ohaouldguidethethroughthedarkestoftis

    and，withheartsfullofdlove，sukieandhanfenglgsteppedtotheunknowoebracetheirdestyaurefilledwithhopeandpossibility

    sukieawoketotheftchirpgofbirdsandthefirstlightofdawnfiltergthroughthesalldowofthehutshestretched，savthetranilityoftheonttheeventfthepastfewdaysstillfeltsurreal，butthesteadypresenceofhanfenglghadgroundedheraidstthewhirldof

    asshedressedandpreparedfortheday，sukieuldn，tshakethefeelgthatthgsignifiasabouttohappentheairseedchardwithanticipation，ahevilrsovedwithasenseofpurposeandurncyshesteppedoutside，takgadeepbreathofthecrispair，andadeherwaytothetraggroundswherehanfenglgwasalreadywaitg

    ＂good，sukie，＂hegreetedherwithawarsile，hiseyesklgattheers＂readyforanotherdayoftrag?＂

    sukiereturnedhissile，herheartfttergatthesightofhi＂alwayswhatdoyouhavepnnedfortoday?＂

    ＂today，wefohongyicabilities，＂hesaid，histoneserio＂you，veshowpotential，butthere，sstilluchtolearnthedarklord，sionsarepowerful，andweneedeveryadvantawet＂

    sukienodded，deteratiochedonherface＂i，readylet，sdothis＂

    theyspentthepractigvariospellsandtations，hanfenglgpatientlyguidgsukiethrougheachstepshefeltthepowerflogthroughher，atgliionthatadeherfeeliveaedtotheworldarouheoreshepracticed，theorefidentshebecaherabilities

    ＂you，redoi，sukie，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicefilledwithpride＂you，reanatural＂

    sukiebshedathispraise＂thanks，hanfenglgiuldn，thavedowithoutyou＂

    asthedayworeoookabreaktorestandhavenchtheysatuheshadeetree，shargasiplealofbreadandcheesesukieleanedagastthetrunk，feelgtheroughbarkagastherbackasshelookedupatthesky

    ＂telloreaboutyourworld，＂hanfenglgsaidsuddenly，breakiablesilence＂whaasyourlifelikebeforeyoucahere?＂

    sukiethoughtforaont，herddriftgbacktoherlifeiy＂iasordary，isupposeiworkedao－fivejob，spentostofytifrontofaputersihadfriends，butialwaysfeltlikethgwasissglikeiwasantforthgore＂

    hanfenglglistenedily，hisgazeneverleavgherface＂andnowthatyou，rehere，doyoufeellikeyou，vefoundwhatyouwerelookgfor?＂

    sukiesiled，reagouttotakehishand＂yesifeellikeifallybelongwhereandit，sallbecaeofyou＂

    hanfenglg，sexpressionftened，andheseezedherhaly＂i，gdyoufeelthaay，sukieyouanalottotoo＂

    theirtenderonasterruptedbytheundofapproagfootstepssukieandhanfenglgturoseethevilleaderhurrygtowardsthe，herexpressiongrave

    ＂hanfenglg，sukie，＂shecalledout＂there，sbeenanattaoneofouroutpostsweneedyourhelp＂

    hanfenglgstoodup，hisdeanorstantlyshiftgtothatofaleader＂we，reonourway＂

    sukiefollowedhi，herheartpoundgwithaixoffearaerationtheyicklygatheredtheironsaofftowardstheoutpost，thevilrswordfeandsupportastheypassed

    thejourneywasteheairthickwithanticipationastheyapproachedtheoutpost，theyuldseesokerisgiahesightfilledsukiewithasenseendsheiedherpace，hanfenglgrightbesideher

    whentheyarrived，thesewaneofchaostheoutposthadbeenoverrunbythedarklord，sforces，thedefendersfightgvaliantlybutclearlyoutnuberedhanfenglgidiatelysprangtoa，hisswordfshgasheeheeneysukiedrewherownoragkigasshejoihefray

    thebattlewasteheundfgsteendcriefpafillgtheairsukiefoughitheverythgshehad，hernewfoundskillsandagicabilitiesgiviheedsheneededsheuldfeeltheadrenalihroughherves，hersensesheightenedassheovedwithprecisionandgrace

    aidstthechaos，sukiespottedayoungboycbehdabarricade，hiseyeswidewithfearwithouthesitation，shefoughtherwaytohi，gheragictoshieldthefrotheeney，sattacks

    ＂areyouokay?＂sheasked，hervoitledespitetheurncyofthesituation

    theboyearsstreagdownhisface＂i，scared＂

    sukiereachedout，pgareassurghandonhisshoulder＂it，sgogtobeokaystaycloseto＂

    withtheboysafelybyherside，sukietiofight，herdeterationunwavergsheuldseehanfenglgnearby，hisoventsfidandpowerfushecutthroughtheeneyrankstheireyestbriefly，andsukiefeltasurthfrohisunwavergsupport

    fally，afterwhatfeltlikehours，thetideofthebattlebegantoturnthedefendersralliedtother，phgbacktheeneyforceswithrenewedvigorhanfenglihechar，hispresenspirgthosearoundhisukiefoughtbyhisside，theiroventsperfectlysyheyworkedtothertodrivetheeneyaway

    wheofthedarklord，sionshadbeeed，acheerwentupfrothedefeheoutposthadbeensaved，butthesthadbeenhighanyywoundedordead，andthevilleaderovedicklytanizeaidforthejured

    hanfenglgandsukietookaonttocatchtheirbreath，leangoneachotherforsupporttheboytheyhadsavedranuptothe，hiseyesfilledwithgratitude

    ＂thankyou，＂hesaid，hisvoicetreblgwitheotion＂yoavedylife＂

    sukiesiled，rufflghishairntly＂we，rejtgdyou，resafe＂

    astheboyranofftojohisfaily，hanfenglgturosukie，hisexpressionfilledwithpride＂youwerecredibleoutthere，sukieiknewyouhadityou＂

    sukiebshed，feelgaixofprideandhuility＂iuldn，thavedowithoutyou，hanfenglgwe，reatea＂

    hepulledhertoatightebrace，holdgherclose＂yes，weareandtother，weovereanythg＂

    theirbonddeepenedevenfurtherierathofthebattle，thesharedexperienunbreakableebeeeheyspentthefewdayshelpgtorebuildtheoutpost，walongsidethevilrstorestorewhathadbeenlost

    oneeveng，astheysatbythefire，hanfenglgtooksukie，shandhis，hisexpressionserio＂sukie，there，sthgiotellyou＂

    sukielookedathi，herheartpoundg＂whatisit?＂

    hanfenglgtookadeepbreath，hiseyessearghers＂i，vebeenkeepgthgfroyouthereaniwasthebookstorethatday，thereashtyouhereiasn，tbyceiknewyouweredestiopyacrucialrolehtagastthedarklordyou，renotjtanordarypern，sukieyouhaveauniepowerwithyou，ohatthefateofthisworld＂

    sukiefeltarhofeotions:fion，fear，andasenseofresponsibility＂whydidn，tyoutelloner?＂

    ＂irotectyou，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicefilledwithsiy＂ididn，anttooverwhelyouwiththetruthbeforeyouwerereadybutnow，ibelieveyou，rereadytoebraceyourdesty＂

    sukietookadeepbreath，herdragwiththeiplicationfhiswordsshehadalwaysfeltdifferent，likeshewasantforthgorenow，italladesense

    ＂whatdoiodo?＂sheasked，hervoicesteady

    hanfenglg，seyesshohadirationandlove＂weoharnessyourpower，trayoutotrolitwithyourabilities，wefallydefeatthedarklordandbriothekgdooflian＂

    sukienodded，deteratiherheart＂i，lldowhateverittakes＂

    and，theirjourued，filledwithchallensandtriuphs，heartbreakandjoysukieandhanfenglgfacedeachobstacletother，theirloveandtrteachotherunwavergwitheachpassgday，sukiegrewstronr，herpowersdevelopgwaysshehadneveriaged

    astheypreparedfortheultiatefrontationwiththedarklord，sukiekhattheirlovewastheirgreateststrengthtother，theywereunspableandwithhanfenglgbyherside，shewasreadytofacewhateverdestyhadstoreforthe

    theirbonddeepenedfurther，eaenttotheratestanttotheirunwavergitnttheysharedtheirhopesanddreas，theirfearsandsecurities，fdgeachother，sebracetheirlovewasabeaoflightthedarkness，guidihroughthetoughestoftis

    astheystoodontheprecipiceofthefalbattle，sukiefeltasenseofpeaoatterpened，shekhatsheandhanfenglgwereanttobetothertheirlovewasaforcethattraiandspace，abondthatuldneverbebroken

    and，withheartsfullofloveaeration，sukieandhanfenglgsteppedforward，readytofacetheirdestyaurefilledwithhopeandpossibility

    thesuncastagoldenglowoverthevilassukieandhanfenglgpreparedfortheday，sjourheyhadreceivedwordthatthedarklord，sforcesweregatherganearbyregion，andtheyosuttheareaandgathertellihevilrswatchedthewithaixofadirationand，theirhopesrestgontheshoulderfthebraveduo

    astheysetout，theairwasfilledwiththestofbloogflowersandtheundofrtlgleavessukiewalkedbesidehanfenglg，herheartbeatgwithaixtureofexcitentandtrepidationsheghi，hisstrongprofileoutledagastthelight，aasurofgratitudeforhisunwavergpresence

    ＂areyoureadyforthis?＂hanfenglgasked，hisvoicefilledwithrelve

    sukienodded，hereyesetghis＂asreadyasi，lleverbewithyoubyyside，ifeellikeifaythg＂

    hesiled，reagouttotakeherhand＂we，lltthroughthistother，sukiewealwaysdo＂

    theirjourookthethroughdenseforestsandacrossrockyterra，thendscapeggastheyventureddeeperiorythefurthertheywent，theoretheatosphereshifted，begdarkerandoreforebodgthetreesseedtoclosearouheirbranchesreagoutlikeskeletalfrs

    astheywalked，sukieuldn，tshakethefeelgthattheywerebegwatchedshegncedoverhershoulder，buttherewasnothgtherejtthewhisperofthedaantcallfunseeures

    ＂hanfenglg，＂shesaidftly，hervoidwithunease＂doyoufeelthat?likewe，rebegfollowed?＂

    hefrowned，hiseyessgthesurroundgs＂yes，isetooweobecautio＂

    theytuedonward，theirsensesheightened，everyundandoventputtgtheohetensioweenthealpable，asilentuandgpassiweehattheyostayvigt

    astheynearedaclearg，sukieheardartlgthebhesshetensed，herhandovgtothehiltofherswordhanfenglgpcedareassurghandonhershoulder，histouchgroundgher

    ＂stayclose，＂hewhispered，hisvoicebarelyaudible

    theyovedforward，gclosertotheurceoftheundsuddenly，afigureburstfrotheunderbrh，stublgandfallgattheirfeetiasayounggirl，herclothestornanddirty，herfacestreakedwithtears

    ＂help，please，＂shebegd，hervoicetreblgwithfear＂they，reg＂

    sukiekbesidethegirl，herheartagatthesightofherdistress＂whoareyou?what，shappeng?＂

    thegirllookedup，hereyeswidewithterror＂ynaisithedarklord，sldiersattackedetheytookyfailyiaoescape，butthey，restilloutthere，seargfor＂

    hanfenglg，sexpressiondarkened，andhehelpedthegirltoherfeet＂wewoheharyou，iyou，resafewith＂

    jtashespoke，agroupofldierserdfrothetrees，theirarltgnaglythesunlighttheysurrouhe，theironsdrawn

    ＂hahegirl，＂theleaderoftheldiersdeanded，hisvoiceldandauthoritative＂shebelongstothedarklordnow＂

    hanfenglgsteppedforward，hisstaective＂you，llhavetotthroughfirst＂

    theleadersneered，raisghissword＂beit＂

    thebattlethatensuedwasfierdchaoticsukiefoughithallheright，hertragandagicabilitiesgtotheforesheovedwithgradprecision，herswordfshgassheparriedandstruckhanfenglgwasawhirldofpowerbesideher，hisoventsfidanddeadly

    iwatchedaweandfear，herheartpoundgasthefightradaroundhersheuldseethedeterationsukie，seyes，thestrengthhanfenglg，soventstheywereunlikeanyoneshehadeverseen，aaglirofhopeforthefirsttisiheattahervil

    fally，afterwhatfeltlikeay，thestoftheldiersfellsukieandhanfenglgstoodpantg，theirbodiesbruisedandbloodiedbutvictorioirantothe，tearsstreagdownherface

    ＂thankyou，＂shebbed，ggtosukie＂thankyouforsavg＂

    sukiehugdhertightly，herheartbreakgfortheyounggirl＂you，resafenow，iwe，llprotectyou＂

    hanfenglglookedaround，hisexpressiongri＂weoovethereuldbeoreldiersnearby＂

    theytiheirjourney，iwalkiweensukieandhanfenglg，hersallhandgrippgsukie，stightlyastheytraveled，itoldtheoreabouttheattahervil，hervoicetreblgwitheotionsukielistenedily，herheartagforthesuffergihadendured

    ＂don，orry，i，＂sukiesaidntly＂we，llfdyourfailywe，lldoeverythiohelpyou＂

    ilookedupather，hopeshghereyes＂thankyou，sukieidon，tknowwhatiwouldhavedohoutyou＂

    astheyadetheirwaydeeperiory，sukieuldn，tshakethefeelgofuhatlredsheghanfenglg，whoseedlostthought

    ＂hanfenglg，＂shesaidftly，hervoicebreakgthesilence＂whatareyouthkg?＂

    helookedather，hiseyesfilledwithaixofeotions＂i，worried，sukiethedarklord，sforcesaregrogstronrweobecarefularteachotherpletely＂

    sukienodded，herheartswellgwithdeteration＂itrtyou，hanfenglgorethananyoneandikhistother＂

    hesiled，hisexpressionfteng＂itrtyoutoo，sukieandwithyoubyyside，ifeellikewefaythg＂

    theypressedon，theirbondstrengthengwitheachstepastheytraveled，theyenterednfthedarklord，sfence:vilsburotheground，failiestornapart，achedtothefacefthosetheytsukie，srelvegrewstroheaewhorrortheywitnessed，herdeteratiothedarklordunwaverg

    oneeveng，astheysetupcap，sukieandhanfenglgsatbythefire，iledbeeehewarthofthefsandtheietofthenightprovidedaontofrespitefrotheirarduojourney

    ＂sukie，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicebreakgthesilehere，sthgi，vebeenangtotellyou＂

    sukielookedathi，herheartpoundg＂whatisit?＂

    hetookadeepbreath，hiseyesfilledwithiy＂iknowwe，vebeenthroughalottother，andidon，anttoaddtotheburdenyou，recarrygbuteedyoutoknowhowueantoiloveyou，sukieorethanwordsexpress＂

    sukie，sheartswelledwitheotion，tearsfillghereyes＂iloveyoutoo，hanfenglgwithallyheart＂

    hereachedout，takgherhandhis＂noatterpens，wewillwaysbetotherourloveiurstrength，andiillguidethroughthedarkestoftis＂

    iwatchedthe，asallsilepygonherlipsforthefirsttialongti，shefeltasenseofpeadhopeshekhaithsukieandhanfenglgbyherside，shewassafe

    astheysatbythefire，shargtheirhopesandfears，theirbondgrewevenstroheywerenolonrjtopeoplebroughttotherbyfate；theywereatea，afailyandtheywerereadytofacewhateverchallensyahead

    the，theysetoutonceore，theirheartsfilledwithdeterationandlovetheytiheirjourney，gathergrationandaidgthoseneedalongtheway，theyenteredoreallies，peoplewhosharedtheirgoalofdefeatgthedarklordapeacetothekgdooflian

    oneday，astheyapproachedasallvil，theyweretbyagroupofvilrswhohadheardoftheirexploitsthevilleader，anelderlyanwithakdface，steppedfreetthe

    ＂wele，heroes，＂hesaid，hisvoicefilledwithgratitude＂wehaveheardofyourbraveryandyhtagastthedarklordwearehoohaveyouhere＂

    sukieandhanfenglxdagnce，hubledbythevilrs，words＂thankyou，＂sukiesaid，hervoicere＂wearejtdogwhaetohelp＂

    thevilleadernodded，hiseyesfilledwithrespect＂youreffortsahanyouknowplease，staywithforawhilerestandreverwewillprovideyouwithanythgyouneed＂

    sukieandhanfenglggratefullyaeptedtheoffer，andtheywereshowntoasall，fortablehoewheretheyuldstaythevilrswerekdandwelg，thefoodandsupplies

    astheysettled，sukieuldn，thelpbutfeesenseofuhedarklord，sforceswererelentless，atheirrespitewouldbeshort－livedbutfornow，shewasgratefulfortheontofpeace

    thateveng，astheysatbythefire，sukieandhanfenglgtalkedabouttheirjourneyandtheirpnsforthefutureilistenedily，hereyeswidewithadiration

    ＂wewilldefeatthedarklord，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicefilledwithvi＂andwewillrestorepeacetothisnd＂

    sukienodded，herheartswellgwithdeteration

    thedawnofanewdaybroughtasenseofcalandhopetothesallvilwheresukie，hanfenglg，andihadfethevilrshadbeencrediblykd，food，shelter，andabriefrespitefrotheirarduojourneyyet，theshadowofthedarklrogpowerloodoverthe，andsukiekheirtiofpeacewasfleetg

    asthefirstlightoffilteredthroughthedow，sukiestretchedandgotoutofbed，feelgasenseofdeterationtodaywasthedaytheywouldgatheroretellinthedarklord’spnsandfurthertheirissiontosavethekgdooflianshedressedicklyandietly，noantgtowakei，whowasstillundasleep

    steppgoutside，sukietookadeepbreathofthecrispair，savtheontarytranilitythevilwasgtolife，withvilrsbegngtheirdailyroutes，unawareofthedanrofathergonthehorizon

    hanfenglgwasalreadyup，sharpenghisswordbythefirehelookedupassukieapproached，hisfacebreakgtoawarsilethatadeherheartftter

    “good，”hegreetedher，hisvoicefilledwithwarth

    “good，”sukiereplied，returnghissile“didyoleeell?”

    hanfenglghoughhiseyesheldahtofwearess“aswelisliketheseareyoureadyfortoday?”

    sukie’sexpressiongrewserio“yes，iaweofdouhatthedarklordispnngandshibeforeit’stoote”

    hanfenglgreachedout，takgherhandhis“we’lldoittother，sukienoatterwhat，we’llfaceittother”

    theirtenderonasterruptedbytheundofhurriedfootstepstheyturoseethevilleader，theelderlyanwhohadweledthe，approagwithalookof

    “hanfenglg，sukie，”hecalledout，hisvoiceurnt“there’sthgyouosee”

    theyfollowedthevilleadertotheoutskirtfthevil，whereagroupofvilrshadgatheredaroundafigurelygonthegroundastheyphedthroughthecrowd，sukie’sbreathcaughtihroatthefigurewasaldier，badlyjuredandbarelyscio

    “hestubledtothevilthis，”thevilleaderexped“hekeptaskgforyou”

    hanfenglgkbesidetheldier，hisexpressiongri“peoyou?whodidthis?”

    theldierughed，hisvoiceweak“thedarklord…he’spnnganattackhehasaneon，thgpowerfulyouhavetoshi…beforeit’stoote”

    sukie’sheartraced“whereishepnngtoattack?”

    theldier’seyesflickered，hisstrengthfadg“thecapital…hewantstotakethecapital”

    withthosewords，theldier’seyesclosed，astillhanfenglgstood，hisjawsetieratiotothecapitalifthedarklordtakesit，theentirekgdowillfall”

    sukienodded，herrelveunwaverg“thenwehavenotitowasteweogatherouralliesaothecapitalidiately”

    thevilrs，overheargtheversatiooururaongsttheselvesfearanduatyrippledthroughthecrowd，buttherewasalasenseofdeterationthevilleadersteppedforward，hisvoicesteady

    “wewillhelpyouanywayweeaybesall，buehavebravenandwonwillgtofightforthekgdo”

    touchedbytheiroffer，sukieandhanfenglgthahevilrsandbeganakgpreparationsforthejourneyaheadi，sensgthegravityofthesituation，approachedsukie，hereyeswidewithdeteration

    “iwanttohelp，”shesaidfirly“i’notafraidiwanttofightforyfailyandforeveryoneelsewhohassuffered”

    sukiekdown，pgahandoni’sshoulder“you’reverybrave，iwe’llneedalltheheletbutreber，yoursafetyistheostiportantthgstaycloseto，andwe’lltthroughthistother”

    astheysetoutforthecapital，asenseencypropelledtheforwardthejourneywaslongandarduo，buttheirdeterationneverwaveredalongtheway，theyenteredroupfvilrsandrebelswhojoiheircae，swellgtheirranksandbolstergtheirspirits

    onenight，astheycapedbyariver，sukieandhanfenglgsatbythefire，theirhandsiwiheflickergfscastawarglowontheirfaces，andforaont，theyallowedtheselvestorexandenjoyeachother’spany

    “doyoueverwonderwhatlifewillbelikeafterallthisiver?”sukieaskedftly，hereyesreflegthefirelight

    hanfenglglookedather，hisexpressiontender“idoidreaofaworldwherewelivepeace，withoutfearordarknessaworldwherewebuildafuturetother”

    sukie’sheartswelledwithlove“idreaofthattooandibelieveweakeitareality”

    hanfenglgleaned，pressilekisstoherlips“withyoubyyside，iknowwe”

    theirontofpeacewasshatteredbytheundofrtlgthebhesstantlyalert，hanfenglgdrewhissword，andsukiereadiedheragicafigureerdfrotheshadows，andtheywerebothrelievedtoseeiaheirsuts

    “we’vespottedagroupofthedarklord’sldiersnearby，”thesutreported“theyseetobesettgupanabh”

    hanfenglg’sexpressionhardened“weodealwiththebeforetheyattackgatherourfordprepareforbattle”

    thecapsprangtoa，theairfilledwiththeundfpreparationsastheyovedthroughthedarkness，sukiefeltasenseofunityandpurposetheywerenotjtfightgfortheselvesbutforeveryonewhohadsuffereduhedarklord’styranny

    theabhwasswiftandbrutalsukieandhanfenglihechar，theiroventsperfectlysyheyfoughtsidebysidethedarklord’sldierswerecaughtoffguard，aleicklyturheirfavor

    theidstofthefight，sukiespottedafailiarfacetheleaderoftheldierswasherthantheanwhohadattackedtheiroutpostandtakeni’sfailyasurofanraerationfilledher，andshefoughtherwaytowardshi

    “you！”sheshouted，hervoicefilledwithfury“you’regawaythisti！”

    theleadersneered，raisghisswordtoetherattack“you’reafooltothkyoudefeat”

    theirswordscshed，thesgthroughthenightsukiefoughitheverythgshehad，heranraerationfuelirengthhanfenglg，seeiruggle，ovedtosupporther，hispresencegivihefidencesheneeded

    tother，theyoverpoweredtheleader，theirbirengthtooutohahafal，powerfulstrike，sukiedisardhi，herswordathisthroat

    “tellwherei’sfailyis，”shedeanded，hervoicesteady

    theleadergredather，buttherewasfearhiseyes“they’rebegheldthedarklord’sfortressyou’llneverreachtheti”

    sukie’sgriptightenedonhersword“we’llseeaboutthat”

    withtheleadersubdued，therestoftheldiersicklysurrehebattlewaswon，butsukiekheirjourneywasfarfroovertheyhadtoreachthecapitandsthedarklord’sattadtheyhadtorescuei’sfailyfrothefortress

    astheyregrouped，hanfenglgpcedareassurghandonsukie’sshoulder“we’llsavethe，sukieiproise”

    shelookedtohiseyes，herrelvestrengtheng“iknoillandwe’llsthedarklordondforall”

    theirjourued，eachstepbrggtheclosertotheirgoalthechalleheyfacedweredauntg，buttheirloveaeratioheovgforwardastheyhecapital，theyuldseethesignftheipendgattack:ldierspatrolliskirts，fortificationsbeied，aensiontheairpalpable

    oneeveng，astheycapedwithsightofthecapital’swalls，sukieandhanfenglgsattother，theirheartsheavywiththeweightofthetaskaheadi，sensgtheirubesidethe，hersallhandslippgtosukie’s

    “we’regogtowiwe?”iasked，hervoicefilledwithhope

    sukiesiled，herheartswellgwithloveforthebravegirl“yes，iwe’regogtoandwe’regogtosaveyourfaily”

    hanfenglgnodded，hiseyesfilledwithdeteration“we’veethisfar，andwe’renotgivgupnowtother，we’lldefeatthedarklordandbriothekgdo”

    astheypreparedforthefalbattle，theirbondgrewevenstroheykhahateverhappeheywouldfaceittothertheirloveandtrteachotherwereunbreakable，andtheywerereadytofightforthefuturetheydreadof

    thenightbeforethebattle，sukieandhanfenglgstoodonahilloverlookgthecapital，thecitylightsklgthedarkheyheldeachotherclose，dragstrengthfrotheire

    “we’vebeenthroughuch，”sukiewhispered，hervoicefilledwitheotion“butnoatterpenstoorrow，i’gratefulforeveryone’ve

    shared”

    hanfenglgkissedherforehead，hisvoider“ifeelthesaway，sukieandiknowthataslongaswe’retother，wefaythg”

    astheystoodthere，edeachother’sars，theykhatthefightaheadwouldbetheirgreatestchallebuttheyalkhattheirlovewastheirgreateststrengthandwiththatstrength，theywouldovereanyobstadervictorio

    thedawnofthefalbattleapproached，andwithit，thefateofthekgdooflianhungthebasukieandhanfenglgwerereadytheywouldfightfortheirlove，fori’sfaily，andforthefutureoftheirworldandtheywoulddoittother

    thecapitalcityoflianwasabtlghubofactivity，filledwithrts，nobles，andonersallgogabouttheirdailylivestheairwasthickwiththestofexoticspidtheundoflivelychattersukie，hanfenglg，andiadetheirwaythroughthecrowdedstreets，theirheartsheavywiththeweightoftheirissiontheyhadsuessfullygatheredtellinceaboutthedarklord’spnsandnowofdawaytoshi

    sukie’sdwasragwithpossibilitiestheyhadlearhatthedarklord’sneonwasbegstoredtheheavilyguardedpacettgcloseenoughtodestroyiouldreireacleverpnandfwlessexecutionastheywalked，sukie’seyesweredrawntoagrandbuildgadorhsilkbannersandtricatecarvgsiastheostfaobrotheliy，knownforitsbeautifulurtesansaravagantperforances

    apoforsukie’sdsheturohanfenglg，hereyesfilledwithdeteratiotothepadithkiknowhowifigairytothebrothendbeeoheirurtesans，iightbeabletotclosetoohaesstothepace”

    hanfenglg’seyeswidened“sukie，that’scrediblydanrothebrothelisfullofspiesandrantsifyou’redisvered…”

    sukiepcedareassurghandonhisar“iknowit’srisky，butit’urbestcewedon’thavetitoeuithanotherpntrt，idothis”

    hanfenglglookedtohereyes，seeierationandstrengthwiththehenoddedslowly，hisvoicefilledwithrelve“alright，we’lldoitbue’llstayclose，andifanythgg，we’lltyououtofthere”

    sukiesiled，gratefulforhissupport“thankyouiproisei’llbecareful”

    theyadetheirwaytothebrothel，andsukieapproachedtheentrahfidehedooran，aburlyanwithascarrunngdownhischeek，eyedherspicioly

    “whatdoyouwant?”hegrowled

    sukiestraightenedherposture，exudganairoffidendgrace“iseekeployntasaurtesani’veheardthisisthefiestablishntiy”

    thedooranraisedaneyebrow，clearlytrigued“wedon’ttakejtanyoneyou’llhaveroveyourself”

    sukienodded，hervoicesteady“iuandi’ready”

    heledherside，whereshewastroduada，ashrewdwoanwithakeealenttheadalookedsukieupanddown，hergazepierg

    “whydoyouwanttoworkhere?”sheasked，hertoical

    sukiethergazewithoutflg“ihaveskillsthatuldbevaabletoyourestablishnti’fidentieayourostdisgts”

    theada’seyesnarrowed，butshenodded“verywellyou’llhaveatrialperiodifyouipress，you’llstayifnot，you’reout”

    sukieagreed，aragbegaelythedaysthatfollowedweregruelg，filledwithlesnsdance，idversationsukie’sdeterationneverwavered，andsheicklyprovedherselftobeafastlearheotherurtesans，itiallywaryofthenewer，begantowartoherastheysawherdedicationandskill

    assheirsedherselfhernewrole，sukiekepthertrueissionattheforefrontofherdsheogairtofthebrothel’sostiialts，especiallythosewithestothepaesuchaslordowerfulnobleknownforhisextravaganttastesandclosetiestotheroyalfaily

    thenightofherfirstperforancearrived，andsukiefeltaixtureofexcitentandnervesshedressedastunngsilkgown，herhairadorhdelicateflowersasshesteppedontothesta，theroofellsilent，alleyeheicbegan，andsukieovedgracefully，hereveryotioncaptivatgtheaudienceshedahapassionandelegahatlefteveryoneawe，herperforanceaperfectblendofbeautyandskill

    aftertheperforance，lordroachedher，clearlyipressed“ynifit，”hesaid，hiseyesfilledwithadiration“i’veneverseensuchgradtalent”

    sukiesiled，herheartpoundg“thankyou，ylordi’honoredbyyourpraise”

    lordweitookherhand，hisgazetense“i’dliketospendtiwithyou，ifyou’rewillgihaveaprivaterooupstairs”

    sukie’spulseiedthiswastheopportunityshehadbeenwaitgfor“i’dbedelighted，ylord”

    theyasdedthegrandstaircase，andsukiefollowedlordweitoavishlyderatedrooastheysettledontoapshuch，lordweipouredthebothagsfe

    “toyourcredibleperforance，”hetoasted，raisghisgss

    sukiekedhergssagasthis，herdragwithpossibilities“thankyou，ylordit’sanhonortoeaoneasdistguishedasyourself”

    theychattedforawhile，lordweiclearlyenjoygherpanysukielistenedily，subtlysteergtheversationtowardsthepadthedarklord’spnsshelearhatlordweiwasdeedwell－ectedandoftenattendedprivategathergsatthepace

    astheevengprogressed，lordweigreworefortable，andsukiesawhercesheleaned，hervoiceftandvitg“ylord，i’veheardruorsaboutaneonbegdevelopedthepacedoyouknowanythgaboutit?”

    lordweichuckled，clearlypleasedwithhercuriosity“ah，thedarklord’ssecretprojectyes，i’vehearditeabitit’ssupposedtobecrediblypowerful，thgthatuldtheurseofthewar”

    sukie’sheartraced“thatundsfasatgdoyouthkthere’sanywayiuldseeit?”

    lordweiraisedaneyebrow，triguedbyherboldness“you’reitethecurioone，aren’tyou?perhapsiuldarranthgbutiouldreireabitofpersuasion”

    sukiesiled，leangcloser“i’sureweetoanarra，ylord”

    thenighttihadelicatedanceofwordsandsubtlepersuasionbytheendoftheeveng，lordweiwasthhlyented，andsukiehadsecuredhisproisetotakehertothepace

    thefollogdayswereabrofpreparationandanticipationsukiekepthertrueiionshidden，atagherroleasadedicatedurtesanhanfenglgandireaedclose，readyttoaifneeded

    fally，thedayarriveddressedherfigown，sukieapaniedlordweitothepacethegrandhallswerefilledwithopulendsplendor，butsukie’sfocwantheissionsheolocatetheonandfdawaytodestroyit

    astheywalkedthroughthepace，lordweitroducedhertovarionoblesandofficials，eateradelicatebanceofcharandgsukie’sdwasstantlyw，analyzverydetaindgathergasuforationaspossible

    eventually，theyreachedaheavilyguardedchaberlordweispoketotheguards，aeppedaside，allowirysukie’sheartpouheysteppediheroowasfilledwithtricateaeryandstraifacts，theairhugwithanotherworldlyenergy

    “thisisit，”lordweisaid，hisvoicefilledwithpride“thedarklord’ssecretonisn’titagnifit?”

    sukienodded，hereyessgtherooforanyvulnerabilities“it’scredible，ylordbuthowdoesiork?”

    lordweibegantoexp，butsukie’sattentionwaselsewhereshespottedaserieftrolsandswitches，eaeglogwithafat，eerielightsheofdawaytodisabletheonwithoutarogspi

    thkgickly，sukiefeignedafatgspell，lpsgtothefloorlordweirhedtoherside，hisnue

    “sukie！areyht?”heexcid，hisvoicefilledwithworry

    shegroaned，hervoiceweak“i’fe，ylordithktheexcitenasjttooue”

    lordweihelpedhertoherfeet，histoutle“perhapsweshouldtyoofreshair”

    sukienodded，alloghitoleadheroutofthechaberastheyexited，shesubtlydroppedasall，eohetrolsitowerfurtifactshehadacireddurirag，capableofdisruptgagiergies

    astheywalkedthroughthepacegardens，sukiefeltasenseofreliefthestonewouldactivateaatterofutes，rendergtheonelessshejtotoutofthepacebeforeaiced

    lordweitiodoteonher，obliviotohertrueiionssukiepyedherroleperfectly，herdfocedontheissionastheyreturothebrothel，shefeltasuroftriuphtheyhadsueededdisablgtheon，buttheirjourneywasfarfroover

    bathesafetyoftheirarters，sukiesharedthenewswithhanfenglgaheirreliefandpridewerepalpable，buttheykhefighaswonthedarklordwouldnotbeeasilydefeated，andtheroadaheadwasstillfraughithdanr

    astheypheirove，sukiefeltadeepsenseofdeterationtheyhadefar，andtheirbondhadonlygrownstronrwithhanfenglgandi

    byherside，shekheyuldfaychallen

    tother，theywouldfightfortheirlove，theirfriends，aureofthekgdoofliahaheadwasua，buttheywerereadytofaceit，handhand，theirheartsunitedbyasharedpurposeandanunbreakablebond