The warning bell continued to toll as we climbed out of the spring. Each deep note rolled down the mountain and echoed against the stone faces of the Azure Phoenix compound far below. Feng Lan moved with sharp, economical steps. Water streamed from her hair and from the ruined white robe that clung to her like a second skin. She did not bother trying to cover herself. The situation had moved past such concerns.
I followed. The mark on my right hand still pulsed with a low, ugly heat, but the worst of the burning had receded the moment the residual will was forced back into silence. The system remained quiet except for the new quest sitting at the edge of my vision like an open wound.
Survive the Gathering of Five.
Feng Lan spoke without looking back.
"When we reach the upper path you will let me do the talking. My people will arrive first. If they see the state of the springs they will assume an attack. I will give them a version that keeps both of us breathing."
