4 ：Susicio

roundings.＂Yes，Isetoo.Weobecautious.＂

    Theytinuedonward，theirsensesheightened，everysoundandmovementputtingthemohetensioweenthemalpable，asilentuandingpassiweehattheyostayvigint.

    Astheynearedaclearing，Sukieheardarustlinginthebushes.Shetensed，herhandmovingtothehiltofhersword.HanFenglingpcedareassuringhandonhershoulder，histouchgroundingher.

    ＂Stayclose，＂hewhispered，hisvoicebarelyaudible.

    Theymovedforward，ingclosertothesourceofthesound.Suddenly，afigureburstfromtheunderbrush，stumblingandfallingattheirfeet.Itwasayounggirl，herclothestornanddirty，herfacestreakedwithtears.

    ＂Helpme，please，＂shebegged，hervoicetremblingwithfear.＂They，reing.＂