WE ARE ONE OF THIS GENERATION

Graveyard, Afternoon

Liu Xiatian kneels before her mother's tombstone, her fingers brushing against the worn carvings. The silence of the graveyard is broken only by the rustle of leaves, but her heart is filled with unresolved anger.

Liu Xiatian: (whispering) "Mother, he said he loved you, but his actions proved otherwise. I'll never forgive him for what he did."

Standing a short distance away, Zhong Xinling observes her quietly, his presence a silent offering of support.

Zhong Xinling: (softly) "Xiatian, you're not alone in this. Your pain is mine too. Together, we'll find justice for her."

Liu Xiatian: (turning to face him) "It's not just about justice, Xinling. It's about making him understand the depth of his betrayal. I won't rest until he feels the pain he caused."

Zhong Xinling: (nodding) "And I'll be by your side every step of the way."

Their shared grief and determination strengthen their bond as they stand before the grave, silently vowing to honor her memory.

Journey to Danyang City, Evening

The team of Deng Min Chi, Lin Xuxu, Lin Bai Yu, Guan Yandi, and Wu Feng continues their journey toward Danyang City. The road is long and treacherous, but the group finds moments of respite in their shared camaraderie.

Wu Feng: (grinning) "I never thought I'd miss the simplicity of a desk job. My legs are ready to give out."

Lin Bai Yu: (smirking) "You? A desk job? I can't picture you sitting still for more than five minutes."

Guan Yandi: (seriously) "Focus. This is no time for jokes. The closer we get to Danyang, the more likely we'll encounter trouble."

Deng Min Chi: (nodding) "Guan Yandi is right. We can't afford to let our guard down, especially with what we've seen in Xianyong."

Lin Xuxu: (calmly) "The clues we've gathered will guide us. Danyang holds answers, and we'll uncover them together."

The group falls into a comfortable silence as the sun sets, their bond strengthened by their shared purpose.

Daling City, Night

Daling City, perched on the border between the Kingdom of Chan and the Northern Kingdom, looms ahead. Its walls are fortified, a testament to its importance as a checkpoint between the two kingdoms.

Within the city, Prince Zhou Sheng and Princess Zhou Xiaolu wait in the governor's residence.

Prince Zhou Sheng: (impatiently) "Min Chi should have been here by now. I hope nothing has delayed him."

Princess Zhou Xiaolu: (calmly) "Patience, brother. He's navigating a perilous journey. Besides, you know Min Chi—he's always reliable."

Prince Zhou Sheng: (smirking) "Reliable, yes. But I can't wait to hear his stories. It's been far too long since we've seen him."

The siblings share a quiet moment, their anticipation growing as they prepare to welcome their cousin and assist him in his mission.

Kingdom of Chan, Consort Yue's Residence, Afternoon

In her opulent chambers, Consort Yue seethes with rage upon hearing the latest news. Yang Jian, her trusted right hand, kneels before her, his expression calm but cautious.

Consort Yue: (slamming her hand on the table) "Those fools! How could they fail to eliminate them in Xianyong? A perfect ambush wasted!"

Yang Jian: (bowing) "The team was more formidable than expected, Consort. Deng Min Chi and his companions are no ordinary travelers."

Consort Yue: (sneering) "Spare me the excuses. Their survival is a threat to everything we've worked for. Deng Min Chi's meddling must end, and Yu Chan… her presence only complicates matters further."

Yang Jian: (hesitantly) "Shall I dispatch another team to intercept them, Your Grace?"

Consort Yue: (narrowing her eyes) "No. We must tread carefully now. Let the Black Shadow Foundation handle this. They've already proven their skill in the shadows. But mark my words, Jian—failure is not an option this time."

Yang Jian bows low, silently acknowledging the gravity of her words.

To be continue