Riluo awoke in the early dawn. It was a habit at this point. His body was just attuned with it after all these years of rising early to work. He was a little sore, particularly his right leg, but not nearly as bad as he had expected as he gently stretched to test his limit.
He stepped out of the small room he picked out last night. He was doubting anyone to really be awake at this hour, aside from perhaps Xinhua or Wuye, whichever chose to keep watch last as they had briefly discussed. He didn't want to bother with the leather armor just yet so he simply donned his robes and stepped out into the seating room where Xueye fell asleep. He found Xinhua had fallen asleep in a soft chair there as well. He figured she would want to sleep near her brother.
Riluo decided to step outside, not wanting to disturb them, even if he was quieter than most. He wasn't surprised at all to find Wuye was sitting on the edge of the porch, near the steps.
"You're up early," Wuye stated softly without looking at him. Wuye's gaze was fixed on the peach-clouded horizon. "Shouldn't you be taking this chance to sleep in?"
"I don't think I could if I tried," Riluo shrugged, sitting near him. "Work is ingrained in me. You can rest now if you want. I'll keep an eye on things."
"I don't need it," Wuye chuckled softly. "Perks of an immortal body."
"Immortal?" Riluo's eyes widened. "Explains your quick recovery from the poison. What's an immortal cultivator doing helping the likes of Jinse?"
"More like he's helping me, technically," Wuye explained vaguely. "I'm just sort of returning the favor and, when I can, making up for being a shitty friend way back when." Wuye sighed and leaned back on his hands. "Not many know the true reason for the fall of the Water God. It all started when I more or less tricked Jinse into fetching a book stolen from the heavenly archives. Jinse may not blame me but I still blame myself."
"Y-you're-!" Riluo was starting to put together just who Wuye really was now. It made sense why Shizhe and Xinhua trusted him immediately. His painfully obvious moniker. The reason Xinhua said he might not always interfere when it came to humans.
"Ah, yeah, one of the things I wanted to tell you," Wuye laughed nervously. "I probably should have started with that. Now you know."
"Is anything else you wish to speak of as crazy as your true identity?" Riluo pinched his brow.
"Well it depends on how you take it," Wuye shrugged. "There is one that might be a little touchy."
"Go on," Riluo let out a breath, bracing himself for another wild revelation.
"Well, are you aware of the story in which the Wind God ascended?" The one thing Wuye hated about the story was that it was never told properly by mortals.
"A little…" Riluo recalled what Master Zan told him once in his youth. His recollection of the details were a bit hazy. "It's been a long time."
"It probably wasn't entirely accurate anyways," Wuye sighed. "Overly glorified and missing the most important parts as stories passed down generations are. It's always about the fact that I vanquished an army of demonic beasts. Usually stories about a god's ascension never includes why or the sacrifices that were made to get there. They never mention that the sect I came from was ravaged by those demons, that they slaughtered every one of my students in front of my eyes. I killed them out of vengeance, ascending after I felt so hollow. I buried my sorrow in revelry and drink, blessed the performers that distracted me from my misery. That somehow became what I was known for. Even if the world forgets, how could I forget where I came from? Yet it feels like I did, because until I heard that name again from you, I was under the impression my sect was dead and gone…"
Riluo was stunned into silence. He recalled that Master Zan mentioned that her sect used to be of great renown, until demons nearly wiped everything away. They never recovered and rarely had many in the sect at once until she was the only one left.
"You don't have to believe me," Wuye looked so sorrowful. "You and Shujing are my last remaining connection to my sect. It may not mean anything to you but after thinking about it all night, it means a great deal to me."
"I believe you," Riluo said softly. "Master mentioned the source of the sect's downfall but never said it was linked to you. If she did know, she never elaborated. It's also something that she never spoke of to just anyone. After all, she was about to let all the sect's secrets die with her if she hadn't been convinced to take me and Shujing on."
"Did she ever say why?" Wuye couldn't think of any secrets in particular worthy of taking to the grave from his time but he also didn't know what occurred in between his ascension and now.
"No, I was hoping you might have an idea," Riluo shrugged.
"Likely something occurred between my time and now," Wuye hummed as he tried to wrack his brain for a reason. "Sure every sect guards their techniques fiercely but they always teach them to their dedicated students. To feel the need to take every last one to the grave. I wonder… If it crossed a line in the heavenly rules it would have been eradicated or they would have been forced to ascend like the Moon Goddess."
"Forced?!" Riluo hadn't considered an ascension was ever forced. He was aware hers was because she discovered an elixir for immortality but failed to give it to the one she loved in time so she took to the heavens as it was a popular tragic love story. Never did he think that it wasn't her choice as it was always portrayed as she no longer had any connection to the mortal realm after that.
"Some either join the heavens or are killed should they discover a secret that only belongs there," Wuye sighed. He understood why it was frustrating at times that some never had a choice in the matter. Him being the one who often caught secrets on the wind it also often led to more trouble for him as not all of them were trained to be so honorable. "That's often how mortals that aren't cultivators make it there. Though there are some exceptions."
"I see," Riluo hummed softly. "Are you sure you should be telling me any of this?"
"Most of it was known by mortals at one point," Wuye shrugged as he leaned back. "Much gets lost to time. Or perhaps the temples decided to keep it minimal to reduce the trouble such news might bring and most likely to keep worship high."
"Did you get a choice?" Riluo had to ask.
"I was… Mine was a feat of valor the heavens took note of after all," Wuye huffed. "Though it didn't feel like it when I had nothing left in the mortal realm. Or so I thought. Some survived apparently. Had I realized I may not have."
"Then we might not have your assistance today," Riluo flashed a small sympathetic smile.
"Yeah, the odds would be quite slim, even if I made it to be as long lived as most powerful cultivators," Wuye shrugged. "While the life-span could be long for immortal cultivators, surely some other challenge would have done me in."
"I can't say much as I've yet to see your skills first hand but the fact you've ascended should speak volumes," Riluo shrugged.
"Perhaps I ought to search for a weapon so we can spar a bit," Wuye chuckled softly. "Provided you are still curious to test it for yourself."
"If you want to head out I'll keep an eye on things here," Riluo suggested with a smirk.
"You'll all be safe inside and if the seal does break for some reason I'll know and be back in an instant," Wuye smirked. "If either sibling decides to leave then be sure to accompany them. If you were able to chase them off once I'm sure you could again especially if you injured that one."
"You never told me who that beast was," Riluo's expression tensed.
"I forgot. I was more concerned about you all getting your rest," Wuye offered an apologetic smile. "I'm pretty certain that was a divine beast known as Xiangliu. A slippery thing that one, I'm sure you understand why."
"Indeed," Riluo nodded.
"They are essentially the Water God's High Priest," Wuye said softly with an almost solemn air. "I hadn't expected they would come out of hiding so soon. Getting a weapon I can use is all the more important if they decide to continue to hunt us on this trip."
"As I said before if you can't find one, we can opt for a replacement for mine and you can borrow it," Riluo was worried about the implications. "If it means we can leave that much sooner than all the better."
"I think you are right," Wuye nodded as he finally stood up and stretched. "It just would be better for us both to use our preferred weapons, so I'm holding onto hope. Considering the proximity to a sect I'm quite confident."
"One last question before you go," Riluo prompted.
"Ask away," Wuye beamed.
"What's the real reason you left your own weapon behind?" Riluo had been wondering from the start.
"Just as I said before, I didn't expect to meet much threat as I left. It wasn't until I met Jinse again that I decided to help him. It was just going to help with information and location but I decided to fight to protect what's dear to me again. Besides, I'm not allowed to go back until I find the Water God anyways," Wuye shrugged.
"Will you be able to after all this?" Riluo teased gently.
"Doesn't matter to me," Wuye smirked. "I always liked to be among mortals more anyways. Whether I am sealed away or cast out, I won't regret it."
⬦◈⬦
There was a comfortable silence that was only broken by the soft pops of the wood from the nearby fire. Xueye stared at the unfamiliar ceiling in a confused daze that he struggled to shake due to the warm comfort. The unfortunate events of the night prior slowly came out of the haze of his mind that he wished it remained buried a while longer.
He pressed his palms against his eyes trying to rid himself from the remaining haze, since there was definitely no returning to sleep now that his mind was moving. He really wanted to see if the others were still holding up alright since two of them were affected physically. He glanced around the room and saw Xinhua still asleep. The sight put his pounding heart a little more at ease, even if she wasn't one of the ones injured. It was nice to see her sleep in a bit after such an arduous few days.
Xueye sat up slowly feeling a little stiff, likely from not moving much and sleeping relatively soundly. He really was grateful for the charm that allowed him to rest so well. After the exhaustion he felt yesterday, now that the haze was clearing he really did feel much better, despite his lingering worries at least waking up exhausted wasn't one of them.
"You're awake," A gentle whisper came from behind him. Xueye tilted his head back to see Riluo was standing nearby with a relieved smile.
"Good morning, Luoshi," Xueye voiced softly, returning the smile as Riluo approached. "You seem to be doing better."
"A bit of rest is all I needed, though admittedly, I did wake up a bit sore," Riluo shrugged. "I am feeling even better after moving around a bit more."
"Perhaps I should consider that," Xueye stood up and stretched. "I feel so stiff."
Riluo stood quiet for a moment, a hand on his chin as mild conflict flickered over his features. His lingering worries of their attacker from last night returning couldn't be shaken. Even if he drove them off once and Wuye seemed confident it would be fine to go out if he joined them he couldn't shake the worry. Hesitantly he finally spoke once more, "Perhaps we could step out for a brief walk? I was considering getting food to prepare when others awoke or Maque returned."
"If you think it's safe I wouldn't mind," Xueye beamed, hoping it could help ease Riluo's turmoil a little.
"I'll leave a note for the others so they don't worry," Riluo glanced at the sleeping Xinhua. She really must be tired if even their whispering hadn't awoken her, since most warriors tended to sleep rather lightly. Then again he even slept much more soundly than usual. No wonder Yushi was able to be at ease around him even when it rained.
"Good idea," Xueye nodded. "While you do, I'll try and look a little more presentable real quick."
"No rush," Riluo said as he slipped off back to the room he was using. Last night, he had started writing a report to send back to the palace before he grew too weary and was given a firm reminder from Dr. Jingji to rest. It was easy enough to utilize what he left out to write a brief note on their whereabouts and for neither of them to leave unless Maque returned.
The chill of the night and early morning was no longer lingering in the air as Riluo and Xueye stepped outside. It was pleasantly warm given how far north they were. Xueye was quickly savoring the warmth of the sun with a content smile.
"It's not nearly as busy as I expected," Riluo noticed that the streets weren't nearly as packed as some they passed through the night prior.
"It certainly is much less crowded than last night," Xueye was quite happy it wasn't nearly as dense as before. He could maintain enough distance from those around that he didn't need to worry about being overwhelmed with emotions. Those around lingered no more than fleeting thoughts, he was barely able to process it before it was gone. "Not nearly as overwhelming with this many people around."
"If it gets to be too much we can head back," Riluo suggested firmly. "Don't hesitate to let me know. We aren't in a rush."
"Of course," Xueye nodded. "I'm still learning the limit with this condition but I've started picking up on the signs a little bit more, provided I don't feel too dazed to realize."
"Just keep talking. That way we both will be able to tell," Riluo's expression softened with the faintest bit of worry.
"Not a bad idea," Xueye said with a faint smile upon his lips. "I was hoping to speak with you about Shujing a bit anyways."
"If you are hoping for any embarrassing childhood stories I'm afraid I don't have many," Riluo let out an amused breath.
"That wasn't my intention but I wouldn't mind hearing more about when he was younger," Xueye giggled softly much to Riluo's delight.
Riluo was glad this distraction was keeping Xueye from getting lingering on yesterday's events. He'd happily unveil a little more about the object of the young man's affection if it meant that he could smile just a little more.
"I figured since you've known him for a while, you might have an idea of what I could get him," Xueye asked as a faint dusting of pink graced those fair cheeks. "I asked Shizhe and Yuliang for their opinions a while back. As we spoke I considered getting him something to remind him of his home. They mentioned you might be able to help with that."
"Wonderful idea," Riluo hummed softly. "While he stayed in Haiyu the longest, I haven't heard him speak of it in years. I do recall there was this festival he and I went to for a few years in a row. There was this one booth he'd always try to win a particular prize from but was never able to. I wonder if he'd still be interested…"
"Would you help me get it for him?" Xueye asked with a determined spark in his eye that Riluo had never seen from him before.
"Gladly, when we return I'll see if the owner is still around," Riluo shared in Xueye's enthusiasm. "I'll be sure to let you know."
"Thank you, Luoshi!" Xueye's smile was bright and infectious.
"Of course," Riluo understood that smile was what Yushi was trying to draw out of the young man this whole time. Riluo wondered how Yushi would react if he knew that Xueye got this excited over the thought of giving him a gift. "Even if it doesn't pan out, he will treasure anything you give him."
"They mentioned that as well," Xueye giggled. "If you think so as well then I really can't doubt that. Not that I did doubt them! It's just that, for him, I just want to put some thought into it after he's done so much for me."
"All the more reason he will value it," Riluo reassured. "Still it could be something you get on a whim and he'd be so ecstatic. That's just the effect you have on him."
"You think so?" Xueye beamed.
"In all the years I've known him, I've never seen him so happy as he is when he's with you," A warmth fell over him as he recalled Yushi's very fond expression every time he spoke of Xueye.
"Truly?" Xueye's eyes widened. "You aren't just saying that to flatter me, right?"
"I wouldn't lie about this," Riluo stopped walking for a moment. "Why would you think otherwise?"
"I promise it's not that I think you would lie to me," Xueye waved his hands in front of him frantically. "It's just hard to wrap my head around the possibility that-," Xueye couldn't bring himself to finish that sentence as his cheeks warmed. Yushi's request to leave his doubt behind came to mind. "I don't mean to doubt him, it's something I need to work on…"
"I understand a little," Riluo hummed softly. "It feels difficult to believe something so nice can happen to you, right?"
"A bit, yeah," Xueye nodded, fiddling with the hem of his sleeves. "It feels too good to be true sometimes."
"Xueye, is it really what you want?" Riluo was curious what his answer would be even if he knew the answer if his rosy cheeks were anything to go by.
"I-!" Xueye clammed up. He shifted a little as he thought about it.
Xueye has known nothing but kindness from Shujing. Though Xueye is aware that he's been holding some great secret, he always made it clear that he intended to tell Xueye when he was able and ready. Never once did Xueye ever feel ill at ease with his intentions like he had with others in the past. In fact, Xueye never felt more comfortable being around someone, aside from perhaps Jinse. If he removed his disbelief and doubt, his lingering feelings for Jinse was really the only hesitation that remained.
"Maybe, I do but-"
"No but," Riluo held his hand up. "For now it's enough that you want it. Take your time to allow this for yourself. Linger on those thoughts enough and perhaps it'll overshadow those worries you carry."
"When you put it like that, you make it sound so simple," Xueye chuckled nervously.
"It's not, however his patience is only matched by his loyalty and honor," Riluo smiled. "Even if it may not seem like it at times. He won't actually push the matter unless he thinks you are ready."
"I've picked up on that," Xueye sighed softly. "He asked me to leave my doubts in Vual."
"That fool," Riluo shook his head. "Don't feel rushed, he'll be happy to know you are trying to have a little more faith in yourself. He'd never expect you to get over your troubles in the span of a trip abroad, let alone one you have quite the history with. He was likely just trying to encourage you. Don't think for a second if you aren't ready to address it that he will be upset in any way."
"I didn't think about it at the time but he did imply that a little. He was being such a tease that I hadn't considered the meaning behind those words," Xueye giggled softly. Shujing did say 'maybe' he would tell him what he wanted, though Xueye had already suspected what it was given the nature of his request. He was waiting for Xueye to be ready to accept it without doubting his words. Jinse had also been waiting for this to be the case, he wondered if it was always the case or what point it changed. "I'm trying…"
"That's all that really matters," Riluo flashed a gentle smile.
As they started walking once more and the market street was considerably more crowded, Riluo kept his attention on Xueye as much as he was their surroundings. He was hoping Xueye wouldn't have the same problems as yesterday. Although he trusted Xueye to know his limit, Riluo would prefer they didn't reach that point at all and he suspected Xueye would try to tough out even just a mild discomfort.
Fortunately, Xueye seemed to be handling the crowd much better. Part of him wondered if Wuye's assistance yesterday had lingering effects or if knowing he could detect others' emotions made it easier for him to handle. He also hoped that Wuye was right about this alteration of his ability being caused by the spirit fragment and it was only temporary. While the hypothermic reactions would dissipate once they found a way to rid him of the spirit thus the danger of being overwhelmed would vanish, it would certainly make keeping secrets from Xueye all the more difficult in the long run. Yushi seemed keen on ensuring that Xueye remained blissfully unaware of the amount of danger he was in, but how could they keep saying he was safe while fearing for his safety. He was worried it would just hurt that trust that Yushi built up, that they all built up.
Xueye glanced at Riluo, for a moment he suspected it was because he was letting his concerns get to him too much. However, Xueye's gentle smile held no trace of concern, just the contentment he emulated. Riluo felt his worries fading to the background in an instant.
"You're doing alright, yeah?" Riluo asked, just wanting to be certain.
"I am," Xueye nodded. "It's not as apparent as yesterday. Understanding what little I am sensing isn't my own emotions helps a little, even if it's strange. It's also not as tense here as it was last night by the docks."
"Most here do seem to be far more mellow," Riluo agreed with a soft hum. Most people just seemed to be going about their days, likely more locals at this hour than visitors. Given how lively it was that night even as he gave chase in the depths of the night, he suspected many visitors were more prone to sleeping in or nursing hangovers.
"Sort of," Xueye let out a shallow breath. "Still there is a lingering sense of dread around. Somehow I find it easier to handle than anger or annoyance. It's quite small amidst the noise but it's still there."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me," Riluo's expression tensed. It's not lost on him how Xueye is handling dread far better than most, this wouldn't be an ideal time to bring up his concern over that fact. "Before we leave port, Xinhua and I hope to send a report to the palace and request more aid. I just wish there was more we could do but right now I think it's all we can do."
"That's already a great deal, Luoshi," Xueye beamed. "Even a little step like that can do a lot of good." Xueye paused and reached out, and grabbed the edge of Riluo's sleeve to stop him as well. When Riluo looked at him with concern it quickly shifted into curiosity at the warm expression on Xueye's face. "Thank you, Luoshi."
"No need to thank me, it's part of my job," Riluo shrugged.
"It's not just that," Xueye giggled. "I wanted to thank you for helping protect us, even though you sound like you are quite busy. You didn't hesitate last night and I can tell just how much you want to do more here, even if you are stuck with me."
"I'll never consider it 'being stuck with you,'" Riluo shook his head. "You are important to many friends, most of which I even consider family. I understand why. You are so kind, even in the face of adversity."
"Well, I kind of have to focus on that side of things more in order to survive right now," Xueye laughed nervously.
"Give yourself more credit, it's difficult even for a warrior like me to put on a brave face when surrounded by all this, and I don't even feel it the way you do," Riluo reached down and took Xueye's hand. "You are strong, Xueye."
"You're sweet," Xueye beamed. "You should take your own advice too. Give yourself a little more credit. Without you sending word to the palace how much longer would it be before these people get help. You are doing plenty, even when you should technically be on vacation, right?"
"Shizhe told you that, didn't she?" Riluo narrowed his eyes in playful suspicion.
"Perhaps," Xueye shrugged. "You also have a hard time stepping back from your job, right?"
"I have to admit I do," Riluo let out an amused breath. "Let's just hope the rest of this trip goes smoothly enough to be able to consider it as such."
"I certainly hope so," Xueye nodded.
At the heart of the market was an open square where it was a little more busy. A gentle melody filled the air and a few people lingered near its source. Sitting at the edge of a central fountain strumming a ruan was Wuye.
"So much for searching for a weapon," Riluo scoffed in amusement.
"Everyone needs a break," Xueye shrugged. "Besides, everyone listening seems rather soothed by it. Music tends to have that effect after all."
"Is that why you enjoyed performing so much?" Riluo could tell Xueye seemed to have a subtle excitement about him.
"Exactly that," Xueye nodded with a nostalgic smile. "It always made my mother and siblings happy. That's how it started for me. It's nice to allow others to forget their woes just for a little while. It helped me forget my own for a while too."
"If you want to join him while I get what we need, feel free," Riluo gestured for him to go. "If you aren't worried about the crowd, that is."
"That doesn't sound bad actually," Xueye giggled softly as he drifted over to the small crowd. Wuye looked at Xueye and nodded for him to come and sit next to him. Xueye smiled gently as he sat next to Wuye. "Where did you even get that?"
"Borrowed it from the merchant over there," Wuye glanced over where he got it from. "Thought the mood could use lifting. Think it's working?"
"It is," Xueye nodded.
"Is there a song you would like me to play?" Wuye asked softly.
"Hmm," Xueye closed his eyes a moment thinking of one in particular. "Do you know Veil of Dawn?"
Wuye nodded with a tender smile and started strumming the slow yet delightful tune. Xueye began singing. His sweet voice carried through the market square, drawing even more passersby in. Many were enchanted by his lovely voice. Even with all those around Xueye didn't feel overwhelmed like he had the last couple days. There was an air of contentment among the crowd that Xueye was able to relax as he soaked it in.
Wuye noticed the effect Xueye's voice had on everyone around. It wasn't just the draw of his elegant voice, but in fact that calming aura of Xueye's was almost amplified and infused in the very air as his voice carried on the wind. Wuye was surprised this was occurring without him even knowing how to control his ability. He wondered to what extent Xueye would be capable of once he did gain control of it. Could he influence emotions or put someone to sleep with his voice or even his touch? If so it really was suited for the pair that loved him so dearly.
Jinse and Yushi's true nature as divine beasts were often temperamental at best and he'd witnessed how volatile Jinse could be even if he was no longer as brash and open about it. While Wuye wasn't as familiar with Yushi, he'd been well aware of the trials of his rise to power and the little he'd witnessed when Yushi and Jinse were together without Xueye around. He could tell from that limited interaction that Yushi was also much like Jinse in hiding that vicious temper. Xueye's presence so obviously quelled that to the point they didn't even butt heads nearly at all more than teasing when it came to looking after the young man. Xueye really could tame the fiercest beasts without even trying. His potential was as terrifying as Shizhe's, if not more so given Wuye also felt the effects of it. Even knowing he wasn't sure if there was a way to guard against it. Wuye knew that Jinse would never allow it but if Xueye mastered this in time, he could even stop the Water God likely without a fight.
"It's you," a familiar voice to Wuye pulled him out of the trance. Looking up at the source of the deep voice, Wuye was stunned to see before him was the Earth God.