Shamo Li led a few loyal followers, burrowing through the forests for days and nights. They dared not even look back, let alone light a fire to cook. When they were hungry, they ate some fruit. When they were thirsty, they scooped up water to drink. At last, they escaped the territory of the Eastern Shanyue.
The opulence of the Eastern people and the bustling towns left their eyes wide in amazement. Disguised as Shanyue escaping calamity, they were closely watched by a crowd. From a distance, they saw the throng of people, a sky filled with official caps, and a surge of carriages heading west, while the distant sounds of opera floated over.
"These Easterners... live truly divine lives," Shamo Li murmured in astonishment, finally understanding why those slaves were frantically pushing their way eastward.
