THE LEGEND OF SHENLI

CHAPTER 21

As she lost consciousness and began sliding down, he ignored the acid and filth on her body and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her in a firm embrace. The hand Shěn Lí laid on his cheek dropped. He grabbed it mid-fall and pressed his fingertips to her pulse. Something about it made him frown and furrow his brow. "Where's your camp?"

General Shàng Běi jogged over. He knew Shěn Lí was engaged and soon to be married, so the sight of her held in a strange man's embrace put him in an awkward position. He wanted to demand her release, but the strong magical aura coming from stranger gave him pause. Perhaps he was the envoy from the Immortal realm? If so, then he could help bring her to the camp. It was just . . . did the Immortal realm only send one person to help with the seal?

"This distinguished gentleman, may I ask who you are?"

"Celestial realm, Still Water Pavilion, Immortal High God Xíng Zhǐ."

The people of the Demon realm weren't familiar with those in the Immortal realm, never mind those Celestial realm or Water Pavilion whatever . . . But they were familiar with the ancient celestial being called Xíng Zhǐ who bestowed the marriage to Shěn Lí.

Shàng Běi’s face took on a respectful look. If the stranger’s words were true, then it made sense the Immortal realm only sent over one person.

"I apologize. I haven't spent much time in the Lower realms so became lost and only found my way here a moment ago."

Shàng Běi remained silent. It wouldn't do to criticize an ancient high god. He turned around and yelled out an order, "Clear out the battlegrounds and help the injured back to camp!" He walked to one side of Xíng Zhǐ and said, "Immortal High God Xíng Zhǐ, I wouldn't want to trouble you. Please allow me to support Her Highness." He reached his hand out to Shěn Lí as he spoke.

"No." Xíng Zhǐ angled Shěn Lí's body away from Shàng Běi's reach. "It's no trouble. She came to me of her own accord, so I'll carry her." With that said, he ignored Shàng Běi, forcing the other man to follow behind. Both walked forward several paces, when suddenly Xíng Zhǐ turned his head and asked, "Oh that's right. Where is the camp located?"

A speechless Shàng Běi could only stare at Xíng Zhǐ thinking: this person . . . this person is indeed special . . .

. . .
A cold breeze swayed the sunny world outside. Inside, the sweet smell of medicinal herbs hung in the air and entered Shěn Lí's nose as she slowly sat up. All was quiet except for the creaking noise of the rocking chair that rocked back and forth nearby. In it sat a man in white. Nearby was another person in black. At her movement the chair stopped and the man in it turned to look at her asking, "What? Hungry?"

"No." She sat up straight and forced a smile before saying, "Just . . . tired."

He lightly rubbed her forehead with the palm of his hand. "Then relax and rest."

"OK."

She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them back up abruptly, completely awake. She grabbed at empty air. "Wait! Hold on!" The wounds on her body also woke up aching badly. Her left side, shoulders, fingers – everything ached. She clenched her teeth but a groan of pain still escaped.

"Your Highness . . . what is it?" The person in black nervously asked.

Shěn Lí looked at the foot soldier's obviously panic-stricken face before turning her head left and right looking at her surroundings. It was only the two of them in the tent and she was lying on a cot. Her body hurt all over. She didn't have to look down to know she had to be bandaged up like a plump, round glutinous rice ball. Her head was so confused and dizzy, she had no choice but to lie back down. Wasn't there another person here just now?