A Guide to the Nine Provinces

| This story is entirely fictional | They say that whoever can decipher the mysterious ancient text, The Nine Provinces Guide, will find the legendary treasure, the Star Amber, and gain control of the world’s power. Chu Wanyi’s white robes were soaked with rain and stained with blood, clinging to her and leaving her in a wretched state. She had never let go of the sword in her hand. Raindrops slid from its edge, reflecting the faint firelight. “You can’t get away.” Jiang Zhichen’s voice came from nearby. Leaning against a withered tree by the cliff, he watched her with an inscrutable smile. “Your pursuers are right behind you. How much longer can you hold out?” She glanced at him. “Not much longer, but long enough to keep you here.” Jiang Zhichen looked as if he’d heard the funniest joke in the world. “You really think I’d waste my time on you?” “I know you wouldn’t.” Before the words had even left her mouth, she suddenly reversed her grip on the sword and slashed hard at the cliff’s edge beneath her feet! “You...” Jiang Zhichen’s pupils contracted, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. The rocks split with a crack, and the ground beneath them collapsed with a roar. Without hesitation, Chu Wanyi leaped down, propelled by the mountain wind and the falling rubble. Jiang Zhichen watched her disappear and stood silently for a moment, then suddenly muttered, “Crazy!” The next instant, he leaped after her.