After at least a day and a night of traveling, the three had reached Deadnight city. It seemed as if when they entered, they had entered some sort of dimension, another place that was unearthly. It was just like Yue city, everything was dark besides the lit streets. There were no stars, no moon, nothing in the pitch black sky. The three were given crimson cloaks to cover their faces. Hybrids, though much like demons, were still considered half-human. Hybrids were not welcome in Deadnight as much. Neither were humans. So they hid their faces. Bingwen was frightened. Never in his life had he seen such terrifying creatures roaming city streets. He saw no glimpse of human appearances either which had him panic more. He hid behind Chisheng Wei and Jinghua. "It'll be alright." said Chisheng Wei. They continued through the streets. Whispers were heard amongst the citizens. Eyes were laid on only the three. The streets were much like a normal city. Busy and full of sound. People spoke, laughed, and sang. Music played from every corner.
Bingwen tagged close behind, gripping the back of Jinghua's cloak. And of course, Jinghua didn't mind. Chisheng Wei signaled Jinghua and Bingwen to follow her. They walked all the way to the outskirts of the city, where the creatures with no homes stayed. It was an area with poorly built homes and small shelters made by the citizens. Chisheng Wei found a small shelter that was slowly falling apart. "Here." She said, "This is where we can be for the next two years. And I promise the ning clan won't find us here anytime soon."
"So you're just inviting yourself in? With us?" Asked Jinghua.
"You'll need the extra protection in a place like this." She said,
Jinghua clenched his teeth. "Are you doubting my strength?!" He shouted.
Bingwen completely ignored the two and smiled. He enjoyed organizing and cleaning up and when he saw the state of the place they were going to be in for the next two years, he thought it would be a good opportunity to get to work. "Why don't you come with me since Yusheng Jin seems occupied." said Chisheng Wei, grabbing Jinghua's hand and dragging him back out to the city streets. "Maybe you'll find something you like in the markets. A gift to give to your future wife." And that's where they went. They still hid their faces for safety.
The streets were filled with children running left and right, the smell of cooked food, stalls filled with things from all around the region. It was hard not to run into anyone. But something caught Jinghua's eye. It was a golden lotus ring on a chain. It was being sold at a stall that was filled with rubies and all sorts of gems on jewelry. This one though was the most beautiful to him.
Chisheng Wei popped up in front of him, smiling. "Found something you like?"
"Yes, actually." Jinghua went to the stall and picked up the necklace. A demon woman, hunched over, spoke with a raspy voice.
"That one is our cheapest one. It was forged in the west of the lava rivers and magma mountains. It was blessed by monks and passed down to many cultivators when the west used to be a region that was unbroken. It was then worn by the prettiest of empresses then of the powerful kings and masters. This ring has been on a journey around the world. When it wasn't worn on the fingers of royalty, it was worn on the neck of the poor housewives of working men. It was found in a river then, the one that flows through the eastern and northern regions. Though it should be worth more, it isn't. But I'll be willing to take anything you have, good master."
But Chisheng Wei paid for the necklace instead. As they walked away, Jinghua put the necklace in his sleeve. He had no intentions of doing anything with it yet. He just felt he had to get it. "So who is it for?" Chisheng Wei asked, hoping it was for her. She was fond of the necklace too. "I don't know, yet. But I'm sure a name will come to me." Jinghua replied.
Whilst the two were out, Bingwen enjoyed his time alone. He swept up dust off of the floors of the shelter, piled things together that could be tossed away, and continued to clean. He was almost done with making the shelter look natural and perfect again. But something wouldn't leave his mind. He kept on wondering 'Who exactly was Ning Cheng to him before he forgot?'. He tried to shake the thought away as Chisheng Wei and Jinghua returned. Chisheng Wei was carrying a small basket. "I found some dumplings. It might not be much but at least it's something." She said, setting the basket on the dusted table Bingwen cleaned. Jinghua shut the shelter door behind him. But before the door shut all the way, it was stopped by the tip of a sword.