As winter yielded to spring, it was now the vibrant month of May. The sides of the official road were ablaze with Phoenix Flower Forests, the blossoms layer upon layer of fiery red, seemingly stretching out to the very end of the sky. Although it was only May, the year was unseasonably hot; the sun was scorching, already giving a taste of peak summer heat. The travelers and merchants on the road were drenched in sweat and wished they could instantly sprout wings to fly to a distant inn.
Off to the side of the road, two individuals took their journey leisurely, one riding a donkey, moving slowly under the scorching sun. Both wore bamboo hats, concealing their features. One, with a slender waist and armed with two treasure swords, had hands that led the reins, delicate and as pale as jade—a young girl.
