The wind carried a faint chill as Mei Lin and Li Sheng left the teahouse, their minds racing with the weight of Scholar Han's revelation. The Celestial Vault wasn't just a relic of the past—it was a prize worth killing for. And if the Order of the Shadowed Hand had caught wind of it, they were already behind in the race.
"We can't waste any time," Mei Lin murmured as they walked through the bustling streets of Yunhe. "We leave at dawn."
Li Sheng's eyes swept the crowd, his years of military training kicking in. "We may not have that luxury. Someone's been watching us since we arrived."
Mei Lin stiffened. "You're sure?"
Li Sheng gave a slight nod, his voice barely above a whisper. "A man in a dark robe—keeps his distance but never loses sight of us. He's trained."
Mei Lin's heartbeat quickened, but she kept her expression calm. "Then let's not make it easy for him."
She tugged Li Sheng toward a narrow alley between two buildings, weaving through hanging laundry and crates of vegetables. They emerged on a quieter street, where an old wooden bridge arched over a small canal. Mei Lin stole a glance over her shoulder.
The shadow followed.
"I have an idea," she whispered. "Follow my lead."
She suddenly grabbed Li Sheng's hand and pulled him toward a nearby market stall, laughing loudly as if they were just another couple enjoying the festival atmosphere. The vendor, an old woman selling candied plums, blinked in surprise as Mei Lin reached for a skewer.
"You should try this, dear husband," she teased, holding the candied fruit up to Li Sheng's mouth.
Li Sheng barely hesitated, playing along. He took a bite, his lips brushing her fingers. His eyes held amusement, but his grip on his sword remained firm. "Delicious."
The vendor chuckled. "Newlyweds?"
"Something like that," Mei Lin said with a shy smile.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the shadow hesitate, blending into the crowd. He wouldn't attack in a busy market—not yet.
Li Sheng wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and leaned in, his voice low. "We need to lose him for good."
Mei Lin nodded and pressed a few coins into the vendor's hand. Then, she whispered, "Follow me."
They darted down another alley, slipping between wooden carts and crates. Mei Lin led them through a series of turns, her mind working quickly. If she was right, there was an old bathhouse nearby—one with a back exit.
Sure enough, they arrived at a worn-out building with steam curling from the rooftop. Without hesitation, Mei Lin pushed open the door and pulled Li Sheng inside. The scent of herbs and warm water filled the air.
A surprised attendant looked up. "Bathing hours aren't until—"
Mei Lin placed a silver coin on the counter. "We won't be staying long."
She hurried Li Sheng toward the back, where a side door led to a narrow street. As they slipped out, Mei Lin finally exhaled. "That should buy us time."
Li Sheng smirked. "Not bad, wife."
Mei Lin rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it."
But her amusement faded as she studied the sky. The sun was setting, and the road to the Celestial Vault would only get more dangerous from here.
"The real hunt begins now," she murmured.
And somewhere in the shadows, their pursuer was already planning his next move.