Love and choices across time and space

The vast mountain forest seemed a boundless green maze. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the layers of leaves, casting a fine, dappled light and shadow on the ground. Li Yifeng and Princess Changle ran frantically along the rugged, winding mountain path. Their footsteps were hurried and chaotic, each step akin to treading on the strings of fate.

Princess Changle, once pampered and dignified in the imperial palace, now lay in a state of disgrace. Her once carefully coiffed hair had undone, leaving its silky locks tangled around her shoulders, strands clinging to her fair, tear-stained face, stained with dust and tears. Her eyes, once bright as stars, were now clouded by fear and despair, devoid of their former sparkle and brilliance. Her magnificent palace dress, once crafted from the finest silk and the finest embroidery, was now ripped and shredded by thorns and branches. The hem of her skirt was stained with dirt and blood, blurring the delicate embroidery. Her feet, once so carefully protected by her embroidered shoes, were now scuffed and bloodied by the rugged mountain path, leaving a horrifying mark with each step.

"Yifeng, I... I really can't run anymore." Princess Changle's voice was tinged with tears, her breath barely taut. Her delicate body trembled like a candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment. She raised her head and looked at Li Yifeng with eyes filled with pleading and helplessness, each breath seeming labored.

Li Yifeng turned to look at Princess Changle, his eyes filled with heartache and determination. His own clothing was already in tatters, ripped by branches and rocks, revealing a crisscross of wounds. Blood oozed from the wounds, staining his clothes even more crimson. His face was thin and haggard, his chin covered in stubble. His once clear eyes were now bloodshot, but the determination and courage within them had never diminished in the slightest.

"Princess, hold on a little longer. As long as we can escape these pursuers, we'll definitely survive." Li Yifeng's voice, though hoarse, was filled with strength and comfort. He held Princess Changle's hand tightly, the knuckles turning white from excessive force, as if it were the only treasure in the world he was unwilling to let go.

Li Yifeng's eyes were sharp and alert. He continued running, pulling Princess Changle along while constantly observing his surroundings, trying to find a place to temporarily hide from the pursuers. His heart was beating like a drum, each beat urging him to move faster. At this moment, he had only one belief in his heart: to protect Princess Changle, even at the cost of his own life.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew through the forest, rustling the leaves. This should have been a peaceful and beautiful sound, but now it was like the whisper of death, constantly irritating their tense nerves.

"Hurry! They are right in front, hurry up!" The shouts of the pursuers came from behind. The sound echoed in the mountains and forests, like the roar of a devil, and was particularly harsh.

Li Yifeng's expression instantly grew more solemn. He tightened his grip on Princess Changle's hand, and his pace quickened considerably. Every step raised a cloud of dust, as if they were racing against time and fighting against fate.

Princess Changle bit her lip, trying to keep up with Li Yifeng's pace. Her heart was filled with fear and anxiety, but looking at Li Yifeng's determined back, she mustered up her courage. Her lips were bitten, leaving deep blood marks, but she felt no pain at all, because the fear in her heart had already surpassed everything.

Suddenly, Li Yifeng saw a steep hillside ahead, with dense bushes at the bottom. "Princess, let's go down here and hide in the bushes," he said in a low, rapid voice.

Princess Changle looked at the steep hillside, her heart trembling. The slope was almost vertical, covered with loose rocks and soil, and it could easily fall down. But she nodded, a flicker of determination in her eyes.

Li Yifeng carefully helped Princess Changle down the slope, while he protected her from behind. The gravel and dirt on the hillside slid down, making a rustling sound. Princess Changle nearly fell several times, but Li Yifeng caught her in time. Each thrilling moment made their hearts leap into their throats.

"Be careful!" Li Yifeng shouted loudly and hugged Princess Changle, who was about to lose her balance, tightly in his arms.

Finally reaching the bottom of the slope, they quickly dived into the bushes. The thorns in the bushes were like sharp knives, mercilessly cutting their skin. Princess Changle couldn't help but groan softly, but she still endured the pain and didn't make a loud sound.

The pursuers soon reached the hillside. "Strange, how did he suddenly disappear?" one of them asked in confusion. His voice was particularly clear in the silent forest, carrying a hint of uneasiness and anxiety.

"Search carefully! They must be nearby!" the leader of the pursuing troops shouted. His voice was rough and stern, full of unquestionable authority.

Li Yifeng hugged Princess Changle tightly, covering her mouth with his hand, fearing that she would make any sound. Princess Changle's body trembled in Li Yifeng's arms, and her heartbeat was clearly audible, as if it was the only rhythm in the silence.

"Look here!" A pursuer walked towards the bushes, the footsteps getting closer and closer. Every step seemed to step on their hearts, making their breathing almost stop.

Li Yifeng's heart was in his throat. He gripped his sword tightly, ready to fight the pursuers to the death at any moment. His eyes were full of determination, as if he was ready to face death.

Just then, a bird suddenly took off from the bushes, attracting the pursuers' attention. "Maybe it's over there, let's go check it out!" The pursuers ran in the direction of the bird.

Li Yifeng and Princess Changle breathed a sigh of relief, but they knew the danger was not over yet. They remained quietly in the bushes, not daring to make the slightest movement, until they could no longer hear the sound of the pursuers, and then they carefully crawled out of the bushes.

"Princess, we have to keep going." Li Yifeng said softly. His voice was low and hoarse, filled with endless fatigue.

Princess Changle nodded, her eyes full of trust and dependence. The two of them crawled out of the bushes and continued walking deeper into the forest.

The mountain path became increasingly difficult to walk on, covered with rotten leaves and damp moss, making it easy to slip. Princess Changle was already severely exhausted, and had to stop and catch her breath every few steps.

"Yifeng, I really can't walk anymore..." Princess Changle leaned against a tree, her face as pale as paper. Her voice was so weak that it was almost inaudible, and her body was shaky.

Li Yifeng looked at her, his heart filled with helplessness and heartache. "Princess, come here, I'll carry you." He squatted down and gestured for Princess Changle to lie on his back.

Princess Changle hesitated for a moment, but finally lay on Li Yifeng's back. Li Yifeng's body trembled slightly, but he gritted his teeth and stood up. His steps were heavy and slow, but he didn't stop for a moment.

"Yifeng, please put me down. I don't want to be a burden to you..." Princess Changle sobbed on Li Yifeng's back. Her tears soaked Li Yifeng's clothes, causing him to feel a pang of pain in his heart.

"Princess, don't talk. Save your energy. I will definitely get you out." Li Yifeng said through gritted teeth. His forehead was covered with sweat, which slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the ground beneath his feet.

At this moment, the sound of pursuers came from behind. "There they are!" The sound was like thunder, exploding in the mountains and forests.

Li Yifeng's heart tightened and he quickened his pace. However, because he was carrying Princess Changle on his back, he couldn't go any faster. His breathing became more and more rapid, and every breath seemed to burn his life.

As the pursuers drew closer, Li Yifeng felt a surge of despair. "Am I really going to die here today?" he wondered, but his steps didn't falter.

Suddenly, Li Yifeng saw a cave ahead. "Princess, we're saved!" He rushed into the cave, carrying Princess Changle on his back.

The cave was filled with a damp smell, and the ground was strewn with rocks of all sizes. Water dripped from the ceiling from time to time, making a crisp sound. Li Yifeng lowered Princess Changle to hide deep within the cave, while he himself guarded the entrance.

"Yifeng, you must be careful," Princess Changle said worriedly. Her voice echoed in the cave, filled with endless concern.

Li Yifeng nodded, gripped his sword tightly, and stared intently at the outside of the cave. His figure appeared lonely and resolute in the darkness, like an insurmountable fortress.

Soon, the pursuers reached the cave. "Come out! You can't escape!" the leader shouted. His voice echoed through the cave, carrying the arrogance of a victor.

Li Yifeng didn't respond. His heartbeat was remarkably clear in the silent cave. His eyes were filled with anger and determination, like a beast pouncing on its prey.

"Go in and search!" the leader ordered.

Several pursuers cautiously entered the cave, their torches illuminating the dark corners. Li Yifeng took advantage of their unpreparedness, suddenly rushed out, and stabbed one of the pursuers in the chest with a sword.

"Ah!" The pursuer screamed and fell to the ground. The torch fell to the ground and went out instantly.

Seeing this, the other pursuers surrounded him. Li Yifeng fought hard, but he was outnumbered and suffered several more wounds. Blood stained his clothes, and his movements became increasingly sluggish.

Just when Li Yifeng was about to collapse, he suddenly heard a loud shout: "Stop!"

It turned out to be an envoy sent by Emperor Taizong. "Your Majesty has ordered that they be captured alive!" The envoy's voice echoed in the cave, carrying a majesty that could not be disobeyed.

Upon hearing this, the pursuers stopped their attack.

The messenger walked into the cave, looked at Li Yifeng and Princess Changle and said, "Li Yifeng, Princess Changle, His Majesty is merciful. As long as you come back with me and admit your mistakes to His Majesty, perhaps His Majesty will spare your lives." His voice was cold and ruthless, as if he was reading out a death sentence.

Li Yifeng sneered: "Go back? It's just a dead end. We would rather die than separate!" His voice was firm and resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

Princess Changle walked out from the depths of the cave and said, "Messenger, Yifeng and I truly love each other. Please let us go." Her voice was pleading and tears welled up in her eyes.

The messenger shook his head: "Princess, you are disobeying His Majesty's will." There was no mercy in his eyes, only loyalty to the imperial power.

Li Yifeng held Princess Changle's hand and said, "Princess, don't be afraid. Even if we die, we will die together." His eyes were full of affection, as if there were only the two of them in the world.

Just when they were in a stalemate, the sky was suddenly covered with dark clouds, lightning and thunder, and a torrential rain poured down in an instant.

The rain quickly soaked everyone, making the already tense atmosphere even more chaotic. Li Yifeng's mind moved: "Princess, this is our chance. Let's rush out while the rain is heavy!"

He dragged Princess Changle out of the cave and ran wildly in the rain. The rain blurred their vision, making their movement more difficult. But they still ran forward recklessly, as if there was an endless abyss behind them.

The pursuers were chasing closely behind, but the rain made the mountain road even more muddy, and their speed was greatly affected.

Li Yifeng and Princess Changle ran desperately through the forest. Their clothes were already soaked, and the cold rain flowed down their cheeks, but they did not dare to stop for a moment. Their breathing was rapid and disordered, and every breath seemed to devour their life.

After running for an unknown amount of time, they came to a turbulent river. The river was roaring and the waves hit the river bank, making a huge noise.

"Princess, we must cross the river!" Li Yifeng shouted. His voice was drowned out by the roar of the river, but Princess Changle could still read his determination in his eyes.

Princess Changle looked at the surging river, her eyes filled with fear: "Yifeng, the river is flowing too fast, can we get through?" Her voice trembled with deep fear.

Li Yifeng comforted her, "Princess, believe me, I will protect you!" His eyes were firm and brave, giving Princess Changle a little courage.

He pulled Princess Changle into the river. The water was icy cold, and the force of the current made it almost impossible for them to stand. Li Yifeng held Princess Changle's hand tightly and moved forward step by step. Every step was fraught with danger; the slightest mistake could mean they would be swept away by the river.

Suddenly, a wave hit, sweeping Princess Changle underwater. "Princess!" Li Yifeng jumped in without hesitation and swam toward her. His arms paddled furiously, his mind focused on one thing: rescuing the princess.

After much effort, he finally caught Princess Changle and pulled her back to shore. They lay there, gasping for breath. Their bodies were exhausted to the point of exhaustion, but hope still burned in their hearts.

"Princess, are you okay?" Li Yifeng asked anxiously. His voice was filled with concern, his eyes filled with worry.

Princess Changle shook her head weakly: "I'm fine, Yifeng, thank you." A smile appeared on her face, which was the persistence in life and belief in love in desperate situation.

At this time, the rain gradually stopped, and they heard the sound of pursuers getting closer.

"Princess, we can't stay any longer." Li Yifeng helped Princess Changle up and continued running forward. Their steps were heavy and slow, but there was no hesitation at all.

Finally, they found an abandoned temple. The temple gate was closed, but part of the wall had collapsed.

"Princess, let's go in and hide." Li Yifeng took Princess Changle into the temple.

The temple was filled with cobwebs and dust, and the Buddha statues were in tatters. They hid behind the statues, not daring to make a sound.

The pursuers' voices rang out outside the temple: "Search carefully, don't miss any corner!"

Li Yifeng's heart was in his throat. He held Princess Changle's hand tightly, giving her strength and comfort.

Just then, a mouse ran past them, making a noise.

"There!" The pursuers walked towards the Buddha statue.

Li Yifeng and Princess Changle closed their eyes in despair, waiting for the judgment of fate...