The next morning, the snowstorm had calmed.
Zhen Yu and the Black Lotus walked down from the forest path together. Her long black hair trailed like a shadow, her crimson eyes glowing faintly even in the daylight.
At the base of the mountain, General Liang Hu and the soldiers were waiting. Their campfires smoked in the cold air. When they saw her, every man froze.
"The witch…" one whispered.
"The Black Lotus… she exists."
Fear spread through the camp like frost. Some stepped back, hands tightening on their spears. Others bowed their heads, muttering prayers.
The woman said nothing. She stood still, her silence heavier than words, her gaze sharp as a blade.
General Liang Hu rose to his feet, his scarred face steady. Unlike the others, he did not shrink back. His eyes moved from her to Zhen Yu.
"So this is her?"
Zhen Yu gave a single nod.
"She is the one."
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. Whispers crawled through the camp.
"Her veins glow red."
"She devours monsters."
"She'll curse us all…"
Before panic could spread further, Zhen Yu's voice cut through the murmurs.
"She is under my protection. Whoever raises a hand against her raises it against me."
His cold eyes swept over the men. None dared to meet his gaze.
The camp fell silent again. Only the crackle of the fire and the whisper of the wind remained.
Zhen Yu turned to Liang Hu.
"Prepare a place for her to rest. Away from the men. Tomorrow, we return to the capital."
Liang Hu gave a short nod and barked orders. The soldiers moved quickly, though unease lingered in their faces.
—
That night, when the camp had grown quiet, Liang Hu joined Zhen Yu by the fire. Sparks floated up into the dark sky.
Liang's scarred face was serious.
"Yu… she unsettles the men. They fear her."
Zhen Yu's gaze stayed on the flames.
"They should. She is dangerous. But not to us."
Liang studied him.
"You trust her already?"
Zhen Yu shook his head slowly.
"No. But Master Shen trusts her. And for now, that is enough."
The fire popped. For a moment, neither man spoke.
Then Liang's voice lowered.
"Still… keep your sword ready. Trust can break faster than ice."
Zhen Yu's hand rested lightly on the hilt of his silver blade. His eyes reflected the firelight, cold and sharp.
"I always do."
The flames burned steady between them, casting long shadows across the snow.