The sound of steel clashing filled the air as the first wave of soldiers surged toward the villagers. Li Sheng and Mei Lin fought side by side, their movements synchronized as they defended their people. Mei Lin had never felt so alive—her body moving with purpose, every strike and counter coming instinctively. Even without the amulet, her training had prepared her for moments like this.
Li Sheng was a formidable warrior, and Mei Lin was equally capable with her speed and agility. Together, they formed an impenetrable front, fending off the initial wave of soldiers. But for every soldier they defeated, more seemed to appear, like an endless tide.
Mei Lin's heart pounded in her chest, her every breath filled with adrenaline. She could see the fear in the eyes of the villagers as they fought to defend their homes, but they were holding their ground. The bond between them all was unbreakable.
Just as Mei Lin was about to land a decisive blow to one of the soldiers, she felt a sharp pain in her side. She gasped, her vision blurring for a moment as she staggered back. Her hand went to her side, and when she pulled it away, it was covered in blood.
"Mei Lin!" Li Sheng shouted, his voice filled with panic.
Mei Lin tried to steady herself, but her body was already weakening from the blow. She could feel the blood seeping through her clothes, and the world around her began to spin.
"I... I'm fine," she whispered, though she knew the words were a lie. "We need to keep fighting."
Li Sheng's face hardened as he pulled her closer, his sword drawn and ready. "Not another step, Mei Lin. You're not going anywhere until I make sure you're safe."