Zijing left the room. The sound of voices and hurried footsteps echoed from the courtyard. I stepped outside to see what was happening. The village buildings were humble, nestled under the shadow of nearby mountains. Zijing stood at the edge of the inn’s rooftop, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. He looked like a predator ready to pounce. The faint light of dawn illuminated his figure, making him appear even more striking.
“Three people will arrive within two days,” he said, his tone calm yet heavy with warning. “By the third day, they’ll come looking for me. The elder will likely join the fight.”
As he spoke, the faint smell of smoke filled the air. From a distance, I could see a group of riders galloping toward the village. Their speed was unnaturally fast, their shadows like fleeting phantoms as they raced down the mountain trails. They carried an air of menace that made my stomach churn.
Before I could say anything, Zijing leapt down from the rooftop. He didn’t speak further, only gave me a slight glance before disappearing into the forest beyond. I stood there for a moment, unsure whether to follow or stay behind.
“Go back inside,” the innkeeper whispered to me, his voice trembling. “This is none of your business. Don’t meddle in things that don’t concern you.”
I clenched my fists, hesitating for a moment. My task was to stay close to Zijing, to protect him if necessary, but it was clear now that his world and mine were entirely different. I couldn’t help but feel useless in the face of his struggles.
I sighed and returned to my room. On the table, a simple porcelain vase with a single flower sat untouched, its fragile beauty contrasting with the chaos outside.
That night, I had a dream filled with blood and shadows. When I woke, the innkeeper came to me, shaking his head and murmuring, “The village isn’t safe anymore. If Master Zijing doesn’t have a solution, you’ll have to leave.”
“The elder’s elixir can heal wounds and expel poison. I’ll go and fetch it,” I said.
Zijing blocked my path and replied, “If you have time for that, why not spend it teaching me instead? I’ll handle it.”
He shook his head, looking like a man resigned to fate. I raised my brow and protested, “Wait a moment. Let me at least grab a brush and paper to take notes. That way, if I learn properly, I can treat others in the future.”
Zijing gave me a faint smile, the kind that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and said lightly, “Learn to speak properly first.”
I rolled my eyes and didn’t argue further. Instead, I went out to observe the villagers, heading to the corner of the settlement before discreetly marking some charms.
Just then, there was a loud whooshing sound overhead. I looked up to see someone descending from the sky. The glint of a blade caught my eye, and I instantly recognized the figure—it was my elder cousin.
“Did the elder send you with the remedy?” I asked, hopeful.
He landed, handed me a pouch, and nodded. “These are the remedies. Does Zijing know how to use them?”
I blinked, hesitant. “Elder cousin, I could explain the methods to him, but… after he uses them, would it be alright if he finishes the task while I stay here?”
Zijing’s voice came from behind me. “You’re coming with me.”
I turned, startled to see him standing there, his gaze colder than I had ever seen it. For a moment, I froze, unsure if I had crossed some invisible line. He was silent, watching me intently, and I felt an unfamiliar fear rise in my chest.
“Master…” I called out weakly.
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