Chapter 152 - Helplessness and Hope

Inside the snowy domain, Xinyi slowly fell into depression. She failed to get them out after following what Skrider said. Silence filled the cavern as she contemplated on where it had gone wrong. Yet, she couldn't find the reason. 

More silence. The two let her be. They knew what she felt and had to give her time to ponder and decide for her next move.

Both of them were also feeling down, but as veteran fighters, they knew such unforeseen events would take place in their travels. So their minds and hearts were ready to face and tackle situations such as this. In fact, their brains were busy thinking of the possibilities and options they would take. Yet, admitted to themselves that unless the wind settled, they were at a dead-end. Now, they acknowledged how helpless they were with no powers.

Minutes later. 

"Sulking won't help," she said to herself and blew an amount of air to lift her spirits up. As she looked at them again, her face glistened. A new determination was in her eyes. I promised myself not to give up easily for Ming and for my loved ones. I believe an answer will come soon.

She also knew she had to find the bear-fox's mark and erase it so they would be freed. And the only way for her to find it was by using her power. If she had to dig deeply inside her heart, she would if that is what it takes to escape this dead-like place.

Suddenly, they all heard a rumbling sound disrupting their thoughts. It was Tyriece's belly. 

"Sorry. I'm hungry," he shyly said. He searched for his backpack and realized it was not with him. At this moment, their bags lay beside the imprisoned fox-spider. Helplessness dug deeper into their insides.

"No worries." Xinyi gave them a hopeful smile.

Fortunately, the bag given by Xionmao was still with her. She took it off from her shoulders and brought out the fruits from Xionmao's cave, cakes from the Cuxin mansion, and some dishes Lifen Ma prepared for them. She even pulled out a small table for them. 

"Wow, what kind of bag is that?" Tyriece said.

"The legendary space bag." Lofey produced the answer.

"Yes, but I only borrowed it from Lifen Ma. I will return it when we get home." Xinyi opened the tightly covered bowls and savory mist wafted out from it. 

"Wahh, it's still piping hot. Let's dig in." Tyriece was teary-eyed, as if he hadn't eaten for days.

"How are you going to eat without a spoon?" Lofey looked at his hand and back to the hot rice with dishes on top, wondering if he would eat with bare hands or not.

"Spoon? Sorry, I forgot to bring them. I only have chopsticks. Hehe." Embarrassed, she handed them the chopsticks. The two men held them awkwardly, clipping and opening the two sticks between their fingers. They closely watched her hand using the chopsticks as she ate. Her embarrassment grew deeper with their stares and taught them how to use it.

However, the sticks formed a letter X each time they tried to pick a piece of vegetable. Tyriece tried eating with bare hands, but the food was too hot to touch. He tried using his powers again, but it would not work. 

They could not hold their hunger anymore and lifted the simmering bowls near their mouths and shoveled the food out using the clipped chopsticks, directly letting the food fall on their mouth. Xinyi made a mental note to find spoons for them later.

To compensate, she pulled more items from the bag, including a jar of water sent by Xionmao. However, she did not tell the two it was the water from the sacred river. This water will be enough to keep them from hunger in the coming days. 

Xionmao's instruction was simple. Never to reveal this water to the foreigners or would endanger you and their lives. Although he trusted Lofey and Tyriece, a slip of a tongue could lead to disaster. Somehow, she hoped they could leave this place soon.

The bowls were wiped clean in no time. 

"Thank you for the food, Lady Lei. You're our savior. Without you, we might starve to death," Tyriece said, carelessly brushing his sleeves on his mouth.

Lofey smacked the back of Tyriece's head. "Don't jinx us, boy. I still have my wives and children waiting for me."

Tyriece shoved Lofey's arm away. "Sorry, just saying it out of gratitude. I don't mean we can't get out of here. I believe we can get out soon," he half-shouted at Lofey.

"Calm down. Let's hope the wind will die down soon so we can walk out and search for the bear-fox's mark," Xinyi said to ease the two. 

Lofey turned his backs on them and stood at the cavern entrance. Silence fell again. No one was eager to say anything. Not because they were full but of helplessness. No power and direction with a little food left.

Xinyi sighed in melancholy. She put the bowls and water jar back in the bag when something bright inside caught her eye. It was hidden under the fruits. She scrambled deep and pulled it out. It was the scroll. Her eyes grew big to learn she missed one artifact.

"Darn. I forgot about this. This time, it might work," she spoke her thoughts out loud in great excitement.

Tyriece instantly turned to her. "What will work, Lady Lei?"

"I forgot I have one more item from my predecessor." She lifted the scroll and opened it for the two could see.

Tyriece bent down. His face almost touched the painting. "Pretty lady." 

Lofey flipped a finger on Tyriece's forehead, moving him away. "I'll be damned. That woman is the Grand General Lei Ming's fiance," Lofey said out of excitement.

She recalled the whispers in the pendant and wished to know the complete message, but that could wait for later.

Are you sure? Or your eyes get foggy because of this freezing stiff wind, old man," Tyriece said.

Lofey smacked Tyriece's back-head again. "Don't you ridicule me. I am pretty sure. I can't forget the image I saw in the grand general's book. In fact, it was exactly the same."

"I'll try again and see what will happen." She held the four items on her lap. She closed her eyes and whispered to herself, "Please lend me the powers of my predecessor."

As she said those words, light burst out from the items and engulfed the three of them. As the light ceased, they were gone. Peace reigned back in the cavern.

Lofey and Tyriece closed their eyes from the blinding light. When the light ceased, they brought down their hands and saw the familiar tunnel walls. 

"Thank goodness. We're back," said Tyriece. He knelt and kissed the ground, feeling life was good. It even crossed his mind when they were in the cavern that it would take them longer to get out of that domain, yet they were back soon. He cried out in joy. It was like you thought there was nothing left but to give up, but suddenly salvation came. That was what he felt.

"Yes, we're safe now," chimed Lofey. Thanking the gods, he believed in a brief prayer. "Lady Lei…" They both turned their heads, smiling ear to ear to thank Xinyi, but... she was not around.

"No, don't tell me," Lofey cried out in fear. The two ran here and there in the tunnel, but Xinyi was nowhere to be found.