Lin Xu stepped out of the tent, the cool mountain breeze brushing against her face.
At a distance, she saw Chief Yan standing at the edge of the cliff, his back straight, hands clasped behind him as he looked down at the vast view of the village below. The fog was slowly lifting, revealing the little houses, the farmlands, and the people moving about like tiny dots.
She walked quietly towards him and stood by his side, not speaking. For a while, there was only the sound of the wind and the faint cries of birds echoing through the valley.
Chief Yan finally broke the silence. His voice was low and thoughtful.
"Do you think they are really going to listen?"
Lin Xu's eyes followed his gaze down the mountain. She let out a slow breath.
"I don't know," she admitted softly. "But I hope they do."
He turned his head to study her, his expression serious.
"Lin Xu… if you are right about this, then many villagers will owe you their lives."
