Moonlight shone through the forest trees, casting a soft glow on the old cabin Su Ning had built. The wooden house blended naturally with the surroundings. He had spent many nights under these stars, hoping for a sign of her.
As he walked closer, memories came rushing back...her laughter, their whispered talks, the quiet nights they shared. It had been years since they were separated, but the pain in his heart had never gone away. He still blamed himself for not finding her.
He looked at the wooden door, carved with symbols meant to bring luck and safety. He had rebuilt this place with his own hands, hoping she might return one day. The door creaked as he opened it, and he stepped into the quiet room.
Inside, the cabin was simple but warm. A small fire pit sat in the center, surrounded by woven mats and a few special items. His eyes landed on a silk fan with cherry blossoms stitched onto it—a gift from her during one of their adventures.
Guilt hit him hard. He should've protected her. He should've been stronger. Instead, he had lost her. Now, she was gone, somewhere out there in the world.
Su Ning clenched his jaw, his heart set on one thing. He wouldn't stop searching until he found her. He lit the fire, and shadows danced on the walls. Sitting beside the flames, he stared into them, thinking of the promise he made: he would find her, no matter what.
Years passed. Su Ning never gave up. He traveled far, chasing rumors and clues, always one step ahead of his enemy, Zhang Li. Their paths finally crossed in a quiet, dusty town. Su Ning had received a strange message about a woman connected to Zhang Li's group.
The air was thick with tension as they faced each other. Their hatred ran deep, sharpened by years of conflict.
"Still haunted by your sister's disappearance, Zhang Li?" Su Ning said coldly. "Or maybe… you're the reason she's gone."
Zhang Li's eyes narrowed, rage burning beneath his calm face. "Don't you dare accuse me. I've spent years trying to find her—while you've been chasing shadows."
Su Ning didn't flinch. "Then why are your people always nearby? They follow me everywhere."
Zhang Li said nothing for a moment, then let out a cold laugh. "You always were clever, Su Ning. But your self-righteousness will get you killed."
He drew his sword, the metal flashing in the light. "If you think I hurt my sister, then fight me. Or maybe you'll disappear like her."
Su Ning pulled out his own blade. "I won't fall for your tricks. This ends here."
The fight was fast and fierce. Their swords clashed with power, their skills tested in every move. Zhang Li had become faster, more dangerous—but so had Su Ning.
Blow for blow, they matched each other, neither willing to give up. In the end, they stood face to face, breathing hard, swords still raised. Despite the hatred, there was respect in their eyes.
"We've both gotten stronger," Zhang Li said grudgingly.
"And yet, your sister is still missing," Su Ning replied. "I won't stop until I find out what happened."
Zhang Li's face darkened, pain flickering in his eyes. "Be ready. The truth may break you."
Then he walked away, disappearing into the shadows, leaving Su Ning with more questions than answers.
Later that night, back at camp, Su Ning sat in his old leather stool, the firelight making his tired face look even more worn. Across from him sat Susu, now a seasoned warrior, turning a sword in her hands.
"We've got news, Susu," Su Ning said quietly. "There's someone new—Xiǎo Hóng, heir to an assassin group. She used to work with Zhang Li. But now, they're enemies."
Susu's eyes snapped up. "What happened between them?"
"Zhang Li tried to use her powers," Su Ning explained. "She broke free. Now she's out for herself."
Susu looked thoughtful. "So why do we care about her?"
Su Ning stared into the fire. "I saw her, Susu. She... reminds me of Yinou."
Susu went still, her eyes wide. She knew how much that name meant to him.
"What are you thinking?" she asked gently.
Su Ning met her gaze, full of determination. "I think we need to find Xiǎo Hóng. If she knows Zhang Li's secrets, maybe she can lead us to Yinou."
Susu gave a slight nod, already planning. "We'll need to be careful. This could be dangerous."
Su Ning's jaw tightened. "I'm ready for that."