The warm light of dawn filtered through the wooden shutters of the small guesthouse. Birds chirped softly in the distance as the town slowly came to life. Yun Lan blinked awake to the gentle rustling of sheets. Leon was already up, seated at the edge of the bed, lacing his boots. Arin stretched on a straw mattress on the floor, rubbing his eyes sleepily. Xi Mei was curled under a thick woven blanket, her soft breathing steady and peaceful.
After packing their things, the four stepped out into the street. The festive air from the night before lingered—faint traces of incense, colorful streamers swaying in the breeze, and stray lanterns drifting down from rooftops. They found a kind man selling fresh bread, grilled vegetables, and herbal tea from a cart near the village square. Yun Lan bought enough food and filled their waterskins with clear spring water from the well nearby.
"Eat up," Leon said, offering a warm bun to Arin, who took it with a nod and a shy smile.
Xi Mei stood quietly beside them, watching the villagers move about their morning routines. She wore a simple white dress Yun Lan had bought for her the night before. Her long black hair was braided neatly down her back, and her eyes sparkled with wonder. It was the first time in her life she'd seen a place outside her village where no one yelled at her or treated her like property.
Once they finished eating, they set off on the path leading away from the town. The road was lined with golden grasses and trees in vibrant shades of pink, orange, and violet. The air was crisp and sweet, filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Butterflies fluttered around them in lazy circles, as if welcoming them deeper into nature's embrace.
"Oh... it's beautiful," Xi Mei whispered, her fingers brushing the tall blossoms along the roadside.
Leon smile. "You act like you've never been in a field before."
"I haven't," she said honestly. "My father never let me leave the house."
Yun Lan glanced at her, her heart tightening. She reached over and gave Xi Mei's hand a comforting squeeze. "Well, you're free now."
As the sun climbed higher, they reached a vast field bursting with wildflowers. The petals danced in hues of blue, white, gold, and crimson. Fluffy clouds moved lazily overhead, and birds chirped cheerful melodies. It was like a dream painted on a canvas.
Unable to resist, Xi Mei twirled into the open field, laughing. She began to chase the butterflies, her bare feet brushing through the flowers. She ran freely, like someone tasting joy for the first time.
Yun Lan smiled at the sight. "She looks so happy."
Leon nodded, his arms crossed as he watched the girl spin and laugh. "She needed this."
Suddenly, Xi Mei tripped over a cluster of uneven stones hidden beneath the tall grass. She gasped as her body tilted forward—but before she could hit the ground, Arin darted forward with surprising speed and caught her in his arms.
The two froze.
Xi Mei's face was inches from his chest, her breath caught. Arin held her awkwardly, his hands barely touching her arms, as if afraid to crush her. When she finally lifted her gaze, their eyes locked. For a brief moment, the world fell away. No butterflies, no wind—just the beat of their hearts and the quiet tension of something unfamiliar blooming.
Arin's cheeks flushed a soft pink.
"I—I'm sorry," Xi Mei stammered as she quickly stood on her own, brushing off her dress. "Thank you."
Arin only nodded, silent, and looked away, though his ears were visibly red.
Yun Lan nudged Leon playfully. "Someone's got a crush."
Leon chuckled lowly. "Innocent love... reminds me of us in the beginning."
Yun Lan arched a brow. "In the beginning, you were bossy and forced me."
He smirked, stepping closer and slipping an arm around her waist. "And now you love me."
She rolled her eyes but didn't move away. "Unfortunately."
With renewed energy, the group continued through the flowery field. After hours of walking and enjoying the peaceful scenery, the field opened up to reveal something far more daunting—a wide body of water stretching into the distance like a pale blue mirror. It wasn't quite an ocean, but it was far larger than any river they had seen before.
Waves lapped softly at the shore, and the wind carried the scent of salt and fresh moss.
Along the shoreline, several wooden boats bobbed gently in place, tied to short wooden piers. Most were small and old, but one stood out—a larger boat with sturdy planks and enough room for at least five people.
Leon stepped closer, studying the craftsmanship. "This one should hold us."
"Do we even know where it leads?" Xi Mei asked, a bit nervous as she stared at the open water.
"No," Yun Lan admitted, looking at the expanse. "But we've followed clues with less certainty."
Leon reached into his satchel and pulled out the compass that responded to the relics. Its needle trembled, turning slowly, and pointed across the water.
"That way," he said. "The next relic is waiting on the other side."
The group untied the boat and climbed aboard. Arin and Leon took the oars while Yun Lan sat near the edge, the water reflecting the sky in her eyes. Xi Mei clung to the side cautiously, keeping her eyes on the shimmering surface.
For a while, no one spoke. The rhythm of the oars was soothing. The water was calm, and strange fish swam beneath them, glowing faintly in soft greens and blues. Magical energy tingled in the air, like they were drifting between realms.
"I never thought I'd be part of something like this," Xi Mei whispered, her voice barely above the splash of water. "Thank you for saving me."
Yun Lan replied gently. "You just needed someone to believe in you."
Xi Mei nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Still... I want to help you. I may not be strong, but I'll learn."
Arin turned to her, his voice quiet. "Strength isn't always about fighting."
Their eyes met again, and this time, Xi Mei smiled.
By midday, clouds began gathering on the horizon, casting shadows over the water. A breeze picked up, and the current grew stronger.
"We need to find land soon," Leon said, gripping the oars tighter.
"There!" Yun Lan pointed to a shadow in the distance—a shore lined with towering trees and strange crystal formations that shimmered like mirrors.
As they rowed toward it, Yun Lan's hand instinctively reached for the relic necklace hidden beneath her cloak. Each relic pulsed with warmth, as if urging her forward. Only two more remained. Soon, they could return home. Soon, everything would change.
She closed her eyes and whispered, "We're almost there."
And as the wind howled around them and the sky darkened with the promise of a storm, the boat glided toward a new land—one that held answers, danger, and the penultimate relic.
They didn't yet know what waited on the shore.
But together, they would face it.