Gusts of wind were light and gentle. Almost weightless. They were kissing the heat of the midday sun away, leaving only a slight sensation of warm touches on the skin. Somewhere in the distance, the singing of birds was heard. It's so quiet and indistinct that seemed almost illusory.

Blades of grass – tickling. Together with a playful wind, they examined a person lying on the ground. His skin was as smooth as porcelain and matched the light-colored robes that hid most of his body.

Dark eyelashes trembled as the young man awakened from his restful sleep. The blue sky was rich in his brown eyes. A cloudy veil of dreamy bliss in those eyes was still visible. But it instantly disappeared, as the young man sat up abruptly and looked around.

– Where am I? – a quiet voice uttered. However, the question vanishes unanswered in the transparent air.

The young man was still for a while, trying to comprehend what had happened, but soon after he slowly got to his feet, and shook off the dried blades of grass together with the flower pollen that had covered his clothes.

Two long strands of fair hair, framing the thin face, gently swayed with his every move. All the rest of the hair was tied in a tight knot on top of his head. A ribbon kept it from being scattered all over thin shoulders.

The gaze of the youth slowly glided over the surrounding landscape. It was deserted, though breathtaking. The sprawling fields of green stretched far beyond the horizon. The image could leave one both admired with this stunning spectacle and restless from the devouring feeling of loneliness.

Not far on the cliff grew an oak tree. He had a powerful, immense trunk and a lush crown. Covered with his long shadow the youth looked tiny. The leaves rustled with every gust of wind. The sound was friendly, calm, and even somewhat idle. As if the ancient guardian of these fields did not mind the sudden unfamiliar presence.

Wildflowers leaned closer to the feet of a young man, but he was too confused to feel their tender buds tickling his ankles in a burst of interest.

– I… was in the Temple, wasn't I? – he muttered. – I was training and then...

A sharp shoot of headache made the young man wince and unknowingly touch his temples with the tips of his fingers. The only thing he wanted – was to figure out what had happened. He needed to understand how he managed to end up in a place completely unfamiliar, but his own body opposed this.

Another gust of wind, stronger than before, ruffled the thin fabric of his robes. Long golden rays of silk ribbons twining the youth's waist fluttered and glittered in the sun. The young man took a deep breath of warm air, trying to calm his tense nerves and turbulent thoughts, which were hastily streaming through his mind.

– Hao Ning. Twenty-five years of age. Spent his whole life in the Temple of Ten. Was one of the best taoist apprentices on the Path of Harmony.

A voice heard from behind instantly made the relaxed the young man bristle, like a wolf cub, and turn to the speaker. The presence of another living being in this place could not but stun.

Hao Ning had heard neither the steps that should herald the approaching of any pilgrim nor the troubled breathing. Even the sounds of nature – the rustling of tall grass, the wind playing with the fabric of robes, the dry cracking branches below – had let his sensitive ear down.

Due to this Hao Ning felt even more defenseless and confused than before. It was unlikely that the serenity of this place could disarm anyone so easily the reflexes trained over the years would betray. He may not have been the strongest warrior in the Temple, but he had always been a diligent student.

Then that was all in the appeared one. This meant that a mysterious stranger was too powerful. Yes, it was the only possible explanation.

– Who are you? – whispered Hao Ning. His lips were dry, but he did not dare to moisten them with his tongue or change the defensive stance. – How do you know me?

The man standing in front of him was dressed in snow-white robes. However, the long cloak hid almost every feature of his from prying eyes. Including the face. The only thing that Hao Ning managed to notice – was a pair of the bare feet.

Well, that was… not a rare sight. Many peasants do not even wear rag shoes. But the stranger's feet are surprisingly clean and milky-white, like all his clothes. They are… as if he has never let even one single step on the ground.

A mysterious person does not hesitate to answer Hao Ning's question. And his pleasing though the subsequent words bewildered.

– You're in the Middle World, Hao Ning. You passed away.

The tone made the utterance sound like a stupid joke. Why would anyone quoth such things in such a casual manner? As a matter of a fact?

The stranger spoke as if sang a calm lullaby. His voice echoed in the world with the rattle of a cold spring: gentle but sobering, making goosebumps dance all over the whole body.

Hao Ning did his best to fight the weakness in his knees. Then he shook his head. He hoped that would help to drive away the growing noise in his ears.

– Thou want me to believe that? – he swallowed. – That I passed away and somehow ended up in the Middle World? In the said World of Ghosts?

The absurdity of the situation made the youth exhale sharply, and then grin. Probably, he had hit his head during one of the training sessions. Yes, he had, and that was it! And his fellows – the other apprentices – wanted to make a laugh at him. So that they arranged such a childish performance.

– Exactly so, – persisted the cloaked man. – But don't you worry. You will understand. And the help shall arrive in the nick of time. Your parents arranged a ghost marriage for you so that you would not be alone in the path and fate that lie ahead.

– So, that's what has happened, – Hao Ning crosses his arms over his chest, cocked his head to one side, his stance relaxed. The answer made him almost sure that the other apprentices had decided to mock him. – And who is my spouse?

Such an elaborate joke! Worth playing along for a little while. For, once he was offered fun, he would not refuse it. But in the end, the truth should be revealed.

Hao Ning carefully watched the stranger pull a twisted bamboo scroll from inside his robes. The scroll was tied with a thin rope.

Long elegant fingers unfurled the mysterious missive. It all looked so enigmatically interesting, but at the same time somewhat naive and simple, that Hao Ning wanted to smile. He felt no fear anymore. The childish curiosity came over him.

The young man slightly leaned his whole body to the side, thereby making a careful attempt to look under the hood of the cloak. Maybe, just maybe he would be able to recognize one of his fellow apprentices...

Unfortunately, the cunning plan failed.

– No peeking, – quothed the hooded stranger, the delicate irony is heard in his voice.

Hao Ning straightened up in embarrassment and lowered his gaze. No more tricks. He could not. And he would not, even if he wanted to.

Meanwhile his enigmatic interlocutor spoke again – his voice calm and soothing.

– Your spiritual spouse is named Wei Huan. This person was chosen by your parents.

– Who's that girl? Why would they choose her? – curiously asked Hao Ning.

The silence stayed unbroken. No response was given.

Hao Ning could bet that a flash of a smile lit the stranger's face. But the presence of it was so fleeting that it seemed an mere illusion.

– Here. Take that and wait here, – a thin hand held out a newly folded bamboo tablet, and after a moment of hesitation Hao Ning grabbed it. – Your destined one is on the way. Farewell. And may The Ten be merciful to you.

The stranger slightly bowed.

Peering at the bamboo tablet in his hands Hao Ning stood wondering how long this prank might last. Wasn't it just the right time for it to end? Moreover, commemorating Ten Gods in such a situation... That was far too much. They had to return to the Temple. The Master would not be merciful if they didn't.

But... He still had no idea how far from the Mount he was.

A strong blow of wind hit his chest. Hao Ning closes his eyes, protecting his face with a palm. A strange gust it was. Rare but so very surprising in its suddenness.

– Ok, now. That was fun, – uttered Hao Ning. – But it's time for us to...

However, when he looked up the rest of the phrase got stuck in the throat, leaving the youth gaping helplessly.

There was no one in front of him. Not a sign of human presence. Only the endless field of green continued basking in the rays of the warm sun.

This landscape, like a saving straw, allowed Hao Ning to keep his mind sober.

– Hush now, don't panic... – whispered the young man to himself, trying to make deep soothing breaths. – Maybe this is just a test… designed by the Master...

This Hao Ning whispered and tightened his grip on the bamboo plank. It crackled but fortunately did not break.

Having calmed down, the young man decided to inspect the surrounding area once again. He could not just stand still and do nothing. Yes, he had been told to wait on this exact spot, but how long should he? And why would he?

The only thing he wanted – was to get the answers. Besides, his Master always taught: "The one who wants to achieve something, has to make their own efforts".

Without much hope, Hao Ning looked around at the already familiar landscape and got stunned. But this time, not because someone suddenly appeared in front of him.

On the contrary. He saw a silhouette in the distance. And the stranger seemed to be heading exactly toward him! These natural, unhurried moves made Hao Ning experience a flow of an overwhelming joy. Indeed, it was too early for him to cry crack!

Without much thought or doubt, Hao Ning rushed to the approaching person. He should find out what was going on as soon as possible.

***

The rustle of grass accompanied Hao Ning's every step as he ran toward the silhouette ahead. A rammed path remained in the green crops behind him, showing where his feet have trampled the ground. If Hao Ning had not been so absorbed in the upcoming meeting, as well as everything that had happened to him, he would have noticed that there was no more sign of trampled grass anywhere nearby.

However, now the only thing the young man saw was the figure in front of him. The closer the person was, the more clearly the youth understood, that this was not a girl but a man.

Tall, stately, broad-shouldered.

Dressed in a military uniform of a design, which Hao had never seen before.

With back long curly hair tied in a high ponytail. Walking through the meadow each step measured and strict as if a person marched over the battlefield.

Dark eyes deep, the gaze sharp.

The man had already noticed the hurrying youth and stopped, carefully watching his every move.

This made the excited young man slow down. The final steps he made with much less confidence. Compared to the man in front of him, Hao Ning looked… tiny. Like a small and awkward bird who dared to approach the proud eagle. And given a tight knot on top of his head, the association with the bird's tuft only became more tangible.

Hao Ning shook his head. Now all this was not of high importance at all. The primary issue was to figure out what was going on.

With these thoughts, the youth reached the man, stopped in front of him, and lifted his head to look into the piercing eyes. It was not easy to understand the emotions of the person but at least he did not exude hostility. This gave hope for a civilized conversation.

– Are you… Wei Huan? – Hao Ning decided to make the situation clear. Well, just in case...

– Yes, – came a short answer. The man's voice sounded calm. A pleasant hoarseness was heard in it. – Hao Ning?

The youth nodded with a slight smile, confirming Wei Huang's words.

– I was told that you are my spiritual spouse. That my parents have chosen you, – started Hao Ning somewhat awkwardly. – I…

Giving away the thoughts he's had when saw the approaching man… the youth averted his eyes knowing that the following words would sound childish and laughable.

– I don't quite understand what's going on and I'd like to ask you for the details.

Wei Huan, however, did not laugh. Nor called Hao Ning a fool who easily fell for stupid pranks. Instead, the man pointed to the rolled-up bamboo plank in Hao Ning's grip.

– Have you read the inscription? – he asked.

– No, I haven't, – Hao Ning shook his head.

With a gesture, Wei Huan offered him to correct its oversight. And, since there was no point in arguing, the next moment the soft clatter of bamboo reached the ears of both men, revealing neat calligraphy written in ink.

– Marriage Contract, – read Hao Ning the first words and looked at Wei Huan in confusion.

The man nodded as if allowing it to continue.

– This contract confirms the accomplished wedding of two Ghosts: Hao Ning and Wei Huan… Becomes valid in case trouble happens to the only son, to avoid his loneliness and eternal painful wanderings in the World that lies beyond... The agreement confirms that he will not be left alone… The marriage is considered complete with the consent of his parents after Hao Ning passes away...

Hao Ning felt a tickle in the throat. He hastily stopped reading and abruptly lowered the tablet. All this did not sound like a joke anymore… but more of a threat? No, even this would be an understatement!

– What is the meaning of this? – the young man tried to keep his voice firm, but his trembling hands gave his state away. – What am I to do with that?

– Everything is as you read. Your parents made a pact in the world of the Living. It entered into force on your getting here.

– Oh, and "here" is exactly where, I wonder? – the look Hao Ning addressed the man was filled with irony. – You mean, the Middle World?

– Right.

The youth shook his head and sighed. Well, he still had some hope in the prudence of the man in front of him.

– Master Huan, you really want me to believe such a cruel joke? Not only you are saying that I am dead. But also insist that I became a Ghost and crossed The Border Between Life and Death. Ah, and moreover my parents have chosen for me an afterlife companion in advance. Don't you think that this is a far too prolonged prank?

Wei Huan, who had been constantly watching the changing emotions on the face of the young man, did not interrupt the flow of Hao Ning's words. He gave his answer, however, when the youth finished speaking and slumped as if the whole weight of the world had fallen over him at once.

– I understand your confusion. It's too hard to believe in that. I'm also unlikely to convince you in my own words, so I just ask you to follow me, – and before Hao Ning could ask, the man continued. – There is a village over the hill. It's not far from here. There you can find answers to your questions. Better than nothing, isn't it?

Hao Ning saw no reason to object. The man sounded sensible. And although the whole situation seemed ridiculous, there was no better option. This Hao just wanted to find any more or less reasonable explanation for his being here. And "death" was definitely not included in this list.

– We shall do so, – he agreed.

Wei Huan was noticeably pleased with the youth's compliance. He wanted to turn around and show the way… but at the very last moment, he stopped.

His dark eyes carefully examined the golden pattern on Hao Ning's robe. On the side, almost at the very edge, there was embroidered a hieroglyph. Neat stitches declared: [TEN]. Inconspicuous, and unobtrusive, but for some reason, it hooked Wei Huan's attention and the man's face immediately turned grim.

– Are you a follower of the Ten?

The question was asked in such a cold tone that his own problems slip from Hao Ning's mind. The young man quickly noded.

– Yes. I am one of the disciples in the main Temple.

A heavy sigh came as a response, but no further commentaries followed. Wei Huan turned away and headed back along the path he had trodden before.

Hao Ning remained still. Puzzled he looked into the retreating back. He did not understand what had just happened, but he was sure that the mood of his new acquaintance had changed dramatically due to this Hao's connection to the Ten. It seemed that for Wei Huan, the presence of Hao Ning had acquired some kind of bleak meaning. But anyway… There was always room for assumptions, but these thoughts did not allow to clarify the situation. Moreover, Hao Ning had no desire to fill his head with even more speculations. He needed to get the whole perspective first. Even if it meant collecting the truth grain by grain. Only then would he be able to understand what fate the Ten had in store for him.

Having nodded decisively to this thoughts, Hao Ning hurried forward to catch up with Wei Huan. The man had already gone far enough.

-------------------------

Hao Ning – 皓宁; Hao: virtuous, bright, bright future; Ning: calm, balanced

Wei Huan – 卫缓; Wei: to protect; Huan: to smooth out (conflict), to soften (is more often used in female names)