Travel Itinerary

Luo Chen led Qiao Wei into a dense forest, and they walked deeper and deeper among the trees. Qiao Wei, drenched in sweat and exhausted, finally crouched down and said to Luo Chen, “Let’s rest for a bit. I can’t go any further.”

Luo Chen gave a mocking smile. “Weren’t you the one urging me on? What’s the matter, tired already after such a short while? Don’t expect me to carry you—I won’t waste my strength on that.”

Panting and rubbing her swollen, red feet, Qiao Wei asked, “How much further do we have to go?”

He glanced at her and pointed to a mountain across from them. “See that mountain? That’s where we’re headed. Let me tell you the plan. First, we need to find the key to the Secret Casket. It’s guarded by a monster that can control people’s minds, and it’s right on that mountain. To get the key, we’ll have to kill the creature. Once we have the key, we head west to search for the City in the Mirror. There’s no one there—no vampires, no living beings at all. Entering the City in the Mirror might induce powerful hallucinations, so you’ll have to be careful. We need to reach the heart of the city, and then use the pendant around your neck to open another dimension. Once inside, we’ll find ourselves in a bizarre space—find the Secret Casket, locate the exit, and bring the casket out. If we fail to find the exit, we’ll be trapped there forever. As for the sorceress, we need to look for her in a small town to the east. Legend says she’s eccentric but immensely powerful. No vampire can enter her town, so only you can go.”

Qiao Wei nodded, rose to her feet, and said, “Then let’s keep going.”

Luo Chen looked at her in surprise. “Aren’t you afraid? You could die, you know.”

“If I don’t go, I’ll die anyway,” Qiao Wei replied calmly. “Since I’m doomed either way, I might as well try. If I don’t, I think I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

Luo Chen looked appreciatively at the optimistic girl, then picked her up before she could protest. “Humans are so weak and slow—it’s a real hassle. Just so you know, once your feet are better, don’t expect me to play pack mule again.”

Qiao Wei smiled. “Luo Chen, I’ve realized you’re just someone with a sharp tongue but a soft heart. You’re actually a really good and kind person.”

Luo Chen’s face darkened, and he growled, “If you keep talking nonsense, I might just drop you here.”

Qiao Wei gazed at him, puzzled, while Luo Chen suddenly remembered a time in the past when another girl with eyes as clear as amber had tugged at his arm with a bright smile and said, “Chen, stop pretending. You’re actually a really good and kind guy, aren’t you?”

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Recently, Yu Ning’s stories have received a few more bookmarks from friends. Thank you all for your support, and thanks to the seniors for your guidance. Perhaps my writing isn’t good enough yet, not captivating enough, but I’ll keep working hard! I believe that one day, you’ll all come to love my stories! Much love~