WE ARE ONE OF THIS GENERATION

Daling City, Prince Zhou Sheng's Residence, Morning

Prince Zhou Sheng and Princess Zhou Xiaolu sift through the clues gathered from the recent investigation. Their faces are grave as they piece together the information.

Prince Zhou Sheng: (holding a document) "This… this doesn't make sense. The attack on the Magistrate's Office in Danyang—its true purpose is more complicated than we thought."

Princess Zhou Xiaolu: (studying the clues) "Look at this symbol. It ties both the Kingdom of Chan and the Northern Kingdom together. But how? This isn't just a random attack. Someone is playing both sides."

Prince Zhou Sheng: (clenching his fist) "If we don't get to the bottom of this soon, the tension between our kingdoms could explode into something far worse. We need to warn the Emperor."

Danyang City, Late Afternoon

After receiving word from Deng Min Chi about the weapon and the implications it could have on both kingdoms, Lin Xuxu and the rest of the team decide to change their course of action.

Deng Min Chi: (serious) "The attack in Danyang was just the beginning. We can't waste time here. We need to get to Shouchan Country. It's the quickest route to Daling City."

Wu Feng: (nodding) "Agreed. The longer we stay, the more likely it is that someone will catch up to us."

Lin Bai Yu: (adjusting her sword) "Let's move out. No more delays."

With no time to spare, the team sets off for Shouchan, knowing that their investigation has taken an even more dangerous turn.

On the Road to Shouchan, Midday

The group takes a brief respite in the middle of a dense jungle, stopping at a small, unassuming tea stall. The air is thick with the scent of herbs, and the owner, an elderly woman, offers them tea.

Lin Xuxu: (sipping the tea) "We could use a moment of peace, even if just for a short while."

Deng Min Chi: (distracted) "We can't afford to be complacent. We need to keep our guard up. Who knows who's watching us."

As they relax, a sudden rustling in the trees alerts the group to danger. A gang of bandits emerges from the shadows, weapons drawn.

Bandit Leader: (grinning) "This is a nice little break you've got here. Hand over your valuables, and we might just let you go."

Lin Bai Yu: (drawing her sword) "I'd suggest you reconsider."

Before the bandits can react, a blur of movement interrupts the standoff. From the edge of the jungle, Zhong Xinling appears, swiftly cutting down the first wave of attackers.

Zhong Xinling: (calmly) "I'd say they picked the wrong people to rob."

The bandits hesitate, clearly surprised by his sudden appearance. With expert precision, Zhong Xinling disables the remaining attackers, leaving them lying unconscious in the dirt.

Deng Min Chi: (narrowing his eyes) "Xinling? What are you doing here?"

Zhong Xinling: (smiling faintly) "Heading to Daling City, just like you. It seems our paths have crossed once more."

Lin Xuxu: (suspicious) "Coincidence, or are you following us?"

Zhong Xinling: (pausing, then shrugging) "Call it fate. I've got business in Daling City, just like you."

Despite his calm demeanor, Lin Xuxu senses something is amiss. But for now, they have bigger concerns.

Shouchan Country, Early Evening

With the bandits dealt with, the group resumes their journey, now joined by Zhong Xinling. As they travel through the dense jungle towards Shouchan, they share little more than the occasional glance, each of them quietly contemplating the larger dangers ahead.

Wu Feng: (in a low voice to Deng Min Chi) "You don't trust him, do you?"

Deng Min Chi: (sighing) "I want to, but there's something off about him. He's too involved in everything. We'll have to watch him closely."

Lin Xuxu: (quietly) "We all have our secrets, Deng Min Chi. Let's just focus on the mission for now."

As they march on through the thickening trees, the weight of the investigation presses heavily on their minds. The path ahead is unclear, and the stakes have never been higher.

To be continue....