Soulbound Destiny

Chapter 14: Survival Against All Odds

The following days were the harshest Gene had ever endured in his life. Every step through the mud-soaked, slippery mountain paths was a battle. He carried Ling Yue on his back, her body light from fever but fragile and heavy in its weakness. Each jolt of movement sent pain shooting through his already grievous wound, and the limited food they had was quickly running out.

Ling Yue spent most of her time unconscious, drifting in and out of fevered sleep. When she did awaken, her voice was barely audible, her strength insufficient even to speak full sentences. Gene’s heart ached at every shallow breath she drew, and he pushed himself beyond exhaustion, refusing to rest, knowing that survival depended on vigilance and perseverance.

By the fifth day, a faint glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. Ling Yue, despite her weakened state, raised a trembling hand and pointed. “There… there’s the small temple I mentioned. It’s hidden deep in the mountains.”

Relief surged through Gene—but was instantly replaced by dread. At the temple’s entrance lay a male corpse, long decayed, emitting a foul stench that clawed at their senses. His clothes were torn, his flesh darkened and bloated.

“It’s the work of the Reverse Blood Guards,” Ling Yue whispered, holding her hand over her nose, her voice weak but certain.

With caution bordering on fear, they entered the temple courtyard. Two more dismembered bodies lay scattered across the ground, grim tokens of c*****e. The western wing of the temple had been blackened by fire. Burnt birdcages and charred messenger pigeons hinted at the violence that had taken place here—every detail intensified the stench of death and ruin.

Gene’s chest tightened with hopelessness, despair threatening to drown him. And then—a faint, soft cooing sound from the broken roof of the western wing caught his attention.

A white-feathered pigeon, miraculously unscathed, flapped weakly, having survived the m******e and the fire.

Ling Yue’s eyes brightened instantly, a spark of life returning to her pale face. She carefully coaxed the pigeon down with scraps of dry food, cradling it in her hands with delicate care. “This… this is wonderful, Gene! We’re saved!” Her lips curled into a rare smile, fragile yet radiant. “As long as we release this pigeon, the Yun Yun Sect will come for us soon!”

Summoning the last of her strength, she located brush and ink, and painstakingly wrote a plea for help. Gene watched over her shoulder, marveling at her determination despite her frail condition, as she released the pigeon into the darkening sky.

With hope rekindled, Gene forced himself onward. He cleaned and cleared a section of the temple that was relatively intact, setting up a modest space for rest. Searching through the debris, he managed to find a few medicinal herbs and salves, enough to treat some of their wounds. They tended to each other, taking turns applying remedies, drinking a little water, and trying to regain strength.

Finally, after the long day and the emotional whirlwind, Gene allowed himself to lie down. The combined relief, exhaustion, and emotional release washed over him, and almost instantly, he lost consciousness. His body, drained of blood and energy, finally surrendered to sleep, as the faint warmth of hope lingered in the cold, ruined temple—a fragile promise that rescue might come before it was too late.