Chapter 69: Crossing the frontier

After some nights riding and some days walking (or flying), Mi-na, Yunsung and Olcadan arrived at the border between China and Korea.

However, there was something unpleasant waiting for them.

Some armed men wearing uniforms and riding horses were guarding the frontier.

When the group arrived, it was in the morning, so Mi-na and Yunsung were walking along with the horses and Olcadan was flying in his owl form.

Mi-na looked surprised at those men, while Yunsung was suspicious about them.

One of them approached the youngsters and asked:

- Who are you?

- We... – started to say Mi-na.

- No! – interrupted Yunsung. – Why do we have to identify ourselves?

- They're Emperor Ming's orders. – answered the soldier. – No one can enter or leave the country without identification.

- What? – yelled Yunsung. – Since when?

- Since ten days ago.

- What's the reason for that? – asked Mi-na.

- We're looking for something really important. Whoever can help us, must do it. Your names, please?

Yunsung sighed and answered.

- My name is Hong Yunsung. This is Seong Mi-na.

- Why are you coming to China?

- That's not your business. – replied Yunsung insolently.

- I have to know, or you won't be able to pass.

- Actually, we're going to Nepal. – said the boy.

- So why are you going to Nepal?

- We're looking for a place. – answered Yunsung, annoyed. – Before you ask, it's a temple.

Mi-na looked at him reprovingly, making him realize that he was speaking more than it was advisable.

- A temple? One of those temples where people fight?

- No. – said Mi-na quickly. – A religious temple. We're going on pilgrimage.

The man looked at their horses.

- Why do you have three horses?

Mi-na didn't know what to answer. Fortunately, Yunsung did.

- A friend who was travelling with us died a few days ago. We couldn't abandon his horse. – he said looking at Mi-na, knowing her concern for animals.

She smiled.

The soldier didn't seem very convinced, but he yielded.

- All right, you can pass. When you arrive at the frontier with Nepal you'll find another control. You have to say my name and they'll let you pass.

- What is it? – asked Yunsung.

- Li Long.

Mi-na nodded and Li Long made a signal to the other soldiers. They moved away and

Mi-na, Yunsung, the three horses and Olcadan, flying over them, entered China.

When they were far from the border, one of the soldiers approached Li Long.

- Do you think they know anything about Soul Edge? – he asked.

Li Long doubted for a few seconds and he finally answered:

- No. I don't think so.