The gentle colors of the crimson sunset splashed across the sky. The peaks of the mountains seen in the distance were piercing the clouds. The boundless ocean of the green trees could be seen from afar. The fog cleared, allowing the wanderers to enjoy the view of the majestic mountain spine, dotted with wild plants and surrounded by swift waters flowing through the entire valley of rivers.
Fascinated by the scinery, Hao Ning could not help looking at it, completely ignoring Wu Zhe Kai. The healer, however, was mumbling and lamenting about his thoughtless act and desire to jump out into the storm.
– He can't get sick, – tactfully reminded Jin Yu Ming.
– Walking in the wet is disgusting! – the healer continued fuming.
– You are like an excited mother.
– Excited and protective mother!
Wu Zhe Kai eagerly accepted his "role", wagging his finger at him. This action did not impress anyone except for Jin Yu Ming, who slightly shook his head.
– No need to argue, – Wei Huan appeared nearby and slowly walked towards his friends. – I looked around the area and found one interesting place. A-Ning can dry his clothes there.
– Lord Wei!
As he heard the voice of the general, Hao Ning got instantly turned his head to the man. Wu Zhe Kai crossed his arms indignantly, tapping his forearms with his fingers.
– Well, look at that! As soon as he heard the hubby's voice, he immediately started wagging his tail. Of course… But what about filial politeness?
Jin Yu Ming once again gently remarked:
– You are not his real mother, – once again remarked Jin Yu Ming.
– Shut up. I don't want to hear anything.
Standing next to Wei Huan, the young scholar looked up with a smile, examining the man's calm face. As always, he remained unchanged in his serenity, but now it would be wrong to use the term "cold" as well. Wei Huan was no doubt strict, confident, and inscrutable, but his heart was noble and burning. Hao Ning was finally convinced of this.
– Are you better now? – Wei Huan carefully touched the top of the youth's head with his palm. – Playing the erhu must have drained your energy a lot.
– Everything is fine. It was worth it, – Hao Ning looked around at the deserted village. I hope they will find peace.
– It cannot be otherwise. Come with me.
Wei Huan gestured to the side, then, quite unexpectedly, put his arm around Hao Ning's shoulders and led him to the previously mentioned place. Behind him, Wu Zhe Kai mumbled something about obscene behavior, but a barely perceptible shove to his side instantly knocked him out of his arrogance.
The healer gave Jin Yu Ming a displeased glance, but the man made a blank face and slipped past the offended friend, trying to "get lost" as soon as possible.
***
The gentle whisper of the wind in the foliage pleased the ear with a unique melody of nature, and the aroma of flowers, gentle and fragrant, saturated with drops of the recent rain, filled the air. Warm water washed the feet, reflecting the stars one by one appearing in the sky on its clear surface.
Hao Ning's gaze slid over this divine beauty, not believing that such a place was hidden behind a thick fog and a gray landscape.
Wei Huan led them to a lake hidden behind tall trees and wild bushes. Deserted and lonely place it was, but not lost its wondrous purity and innocent beauty. The Middle World was so different, so unpredictable and unique, that Hao Ning could barely describe the feelings that brewed within him. Everything was intertwined, mixed up, dragged on, and for that, he could not sort out what emotion prevailed.
The burden of new existence that had fallen on him at once did not disappear, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself of this, but the young man tried, tried very hard not to succumb to the feelings reaping him up from within.
Once again Hao Ning felt the chill running down his spine. It was a kind of inner sensation that he simply could not suppress.
– A-Ning, come here, – called Wei Huan. – We made a fire.
The young scholar turned to him.
– Sorry. We have to make a halt. And that is all my fault again.
– Don't apologize. We have plenty of time, – Wu Zhe Kai threw a bunch of dry branches into the fire. – Besides, this stop turned out to be even useful. I want to see what kind of nocturnal plants grow here. At the same time, Jin Yu Ming will collect more branches.
The warrior who was standing nearby threw a glance at the healer but said nothing.
– Although it is so strange, we ghosts do not need human conveniences, but we can quite experience them. For example, we feel the heat or moisture in clothes, – Zhe Kai looked at his friends. – Why should those who have crossed the line experience such a thing?
– The World of Spirits is beyond our comprehension, – replied Hao Ning. – The books say that even the Ten have no power over its laws. They can decide the fate of a person who has fallen into it, but they cannot affect the surrounding nature.
– It seems that not everything in your books is a complete lie, -smiled Wei Huan. – You are right. The Ten have no influence here. They can only occasionally "look in", but not interfere. Although they barely care about the destitute souls.
Even a complete fool would notice the bitter sarcasm in Wei Huan's words, and Hao Ning cautiously changed the topic.
– So the Guardians do not submit to the Ten?
– No, they don't.
– Enough of that, I say! Too complicated! – Wu Zhe Kai shook his head as if trying to ward off others' words. – I'm leaving.
The young man rose to his feet, shaking the inconspicuous grains of sand from his green hanfu. He confidently approached Jin Yu Ming, grabbed him by the wrist, and pulled along. The warrior grinned at the healer, then looked at the people who remained by the fire, closed his eyes knowingly, and allowed the young man to drag him away without any resistance.
– We will be back! Hear that? We'll be back soon! – the fading voice was heard already from behind the bushes. – But we will warn you!
Only after the rustle of their clothes and the crunch of branches under the feet died out, Hao Ning allowed himself to laugh.
– Wu Zhe Kai is so active, I am amazed. He appeared here after you, didn't he?
– Yes. By the standards of this world, that happened relatively recently. But I believe you have already understood his character. He behaves at ease with everyone, which is why he is so frivolous with Yu Ming. All you need to do it tell him your name and consider you have found a new friend.
Wei Huan put his hand on the bent knee, looking up at the darkening sky in a relaxed manner. Tiny fireflies of stars dotted the twilight canvas. Hao Ning glimpsed the man's profile, and an incomprehensible warmth spread inside him, even though now the general did not transfer energy to the young man.
– Hang your clothes to dry, – all of a sudden said Wei Huan. – If you continue sitting in the wet, it will mean that we have listened to all these lamentations of Zhe Kai for nothing.
– You're right, – Hao Ning smiled, but before untying his belt, he clarified. – And you?
– Me?
– Rain soaked your clothes too. And... – Hao Ning looked towards the lake. – Would you like to go swimming? The water is warm.
Suddenly, Wei Huan's gaze became heavier than usual. He touched his chest with his hand. The oppressive energy that the general had not shown for a long time was again palpable in the air. The prolonged silence was straining, but he was in no hurry to answer, thinking about something.
Hao Ning was about to apologize and tell the man that there was no need to force himself, but then suddenly the answer came.
– Go first. I'll join, – said Wei Huan.
The man closed his eyes, demonstrating that the conversation was over. Hao Ning sighed softly but obediently got to his feet, untied the belt, and let the fabric slide down the skin, exposing it.
Wei Huan did not look in his direction, but the youth was still somewhat embarrassed. He mentally thanked the man for his respectful attitude toward other people's comfort.
The final to leave his body was a ribbon that tightly pulled the hair into a bun. Hao Ning took it away, letting his long hair fall down his back. It softly framed the curves of the gentle body, shining under the light of the emerging moon like wheat reaching for the sun.
Hao Ning slowly entered the waters, running his fingertips along its smooth surface until he was immersed in a warm embrace on the shoulders.
Silence filled the space, pleasing the ear only with the sounds of nature. Brown eyes reflected a scattering of cold grains of sand in the dark heavenly waters. This wonderful moment let the young man forget about his tragic fate. The truth about which he was ignorant until now; the fickle world of spirits; the darkness that lurked around every corner; the unspoken pain he tried so hard to suppress – everything reeled backward.
The mirror surface rippled as the second man entered the lake.
Hao Ning did not doubt who it was and therefore did not hurry to turn around. He looked at the reflection of the moon in the water surface. "Indeed the line of human perception was thin" – came to his mind an intricate thought. Heaven and earth mingled together this night, like the worlds of the living and the dead that go side by side inseparably in the cycle of life.
– An amazing night.
Wei Huan's voice in a gentle whisper came from behind Hao Ning's shoulder, causing the scholar to turn around slowly and face the man's gaze. As the youth did that, he froze.
The bottomless eyes were looking so scorching that he wanted to hide under the water. The plump lips smiled with a slight smile. The long eyelashes had pearls of water drops on them. The loose black hair, like raging ink waves, was streaming over broad shoulders.
Hao Ning could not avert his eyes from the strong body… and from trained muscles, hardened by many hours of unnumbered training… and from arms and chest where many battles have left their markings...
... and from a horrible scar right above heart, pierced so skillfully and ruthlessly.
– A-Ning.
The voice that called with a gentle melody touched the ears of the young man. Hao Ning slowly looked up, and his dry lips could only utter:
– Can I touch it?
– Only if you let me touch you back.
Hao Ning didn't know why Wei Huan wanted this since his skin was pale and clear compared to the man's, but he didn't resist. In this serene place lit only by moonlight, Wei Huan finally decided to reveal a part of himself to Hao Ning. How could he give less in return?
After receiving an affirmative nod, the general closed his eyes and smiled, allowing Hao Ning to do whatever the youth wanted.
At that moment, only the stars and the whispering trees witnessed the two whose hearts were bared to each other.
The trembling palm slowly reached forward, and barely noticeable drops of water fell from the fingertips, forming tiny circles on the water's surface. Hesitantly and cautiously, as if fearing to disturb a long-healed wound, Hao Ning touched the hardened edge of the scar.
Wei Huan remained motionless, like a statue. The moonlight reflected on the skin illuminated every area, sparkling in drops frozen on the stately body. Hao Ning did not understand why it was so difficult for him to take the next step and did not understand why his own body was trembling.
He pursed his lips and resolutely pressed his hand to the man's chest.
Oh. Now it was clear. That's why... that's why he was so scared.
Wei Huan opened his eyes as he felt the warmth radiating through him. He carefully looked at the thin palm, from which there was a faint glow seen, and could not help but smile knowingly but drearily.
– It's useless, A-Ning. It's all for nothing.
Hao Ning shook his head. He pressed his other hand to the man's chest. And listened. Tried to hear.
– It doesn't beat. It really doesn't. I knew it, but...
A lone tear glistened on the tip of someone his nose, indistinguishable from tiny drops of water but carrying so many feelings. Wei Huan didn't dare to interrupt the whisper.
– As soon as I arrived here, I tried not to think about death. Tried not to think about the fact that I will never return to normal life. Will not see my parents again… My friends and Shifu... All my efforts, my beliefs, my thoughts, and faith... all of that is gone. Death is inevitable. It awaits everyone. But... I didn't expect mine to come... so soon? No. I wasn't even ready. I couldn't be ready.
Hao Ning slowly lowered his hand into the water, not holding back more tears.
– And there are so many innocent, pure souls wandering here. They weren't ready for this either! But how can we dispose of the time allotted to us? How can we predict when we are to cross the border? How do we know whether we approach it with unhurried steps, or will suddenly find ourselves here because of someone's evil plot? It's so hard to comprehend...
The youth hid his face in his palms, trying to calm down, and took a deep breath.
– I... Forgive me, Lord Wei. I am so weak. I am unable to embrace even my own fate.
Light ripples passed through the water as the previously silent man took a step forward, embracing the silently grieving young man. His palm went over the soft strands, digging fingers into the gold of the youth's hair.
– You are not weak, A-Ning. You are a pure soul and compassionate in the heart. Why should you beg for forgiveness? Your tears are not a weakness but a blessing in this world. Thank you.
Hao Ning sobbed barely audibly but said nothing more. His heart-rending feelings burst into unbridled sadness, bringing a long-awaited investment. Wei Huan allowed the young man to release his emotions, remaining by his side all the time until the moment when the last sad sigh was replaced by even breathing.
Only after that, Wei Huan gently stepped away and lifted the youth's chin with his fingers to wash away the trails of tears with the water scooped into his palm.
– Let's go, – he whispered. – Let's go back to the fire.
– Lord Wei, – Hao Ning stopped the general with a touch on his arm. – You wanted to touch me, so…
– I already did, – the man caught a strand of golden hair and pressed a kiss on it. His dark eyes shone with mischief and satisfaction. – It couldn't have been better.
At this very moment, when the man's lips touched the locks of Hao Ning's soft hair, the youth could have sworn that he felt a beat of his own dead heart.
***
The pleasant crackling of the fire diluted the usual sounds of nature, adding a special charm to the night. Bright flames seemed to reach the heavens, casting long shadows on the ground. Two people sitting nearby, as if afraid to disturb the serenity of this moment, spoke in whispers.
Fully dressed Hao Ning was combing Wei Huan's hair into a ponytail. The general, however, was in no hurry to put on a hanfu and was calmly sitting with only his pants on. He was now concerned about completely different issues.
– A-Ning, tell me one thing.
– Yes?
– Why are you still calling me "Lord Wei"? Even with Yu Ming, you use the "Lao" prefix, but with me, you are so formal, – the man half turned to face the youth. – Are you not my husband by contract? I know that in the future, you are going to break that bind, but until then, our "wedding" is legitimate.
– Lord Wei...
– And here we go again!
The general frowned in displeasure, but his behavior caused only sincere laughter from Hao Ning, which he simply could not contain.
– You know, Lord Wei, when I first met you, I thought that you were a very cold and reserved person. But the first impression was wrong.
– Oh? And what am I in your eyes now?
– You… – Hao Ning lowered his gaze, smiling with the corners of his lips. – You…
The words of the young man drowned in the roar of branches falling to the ground. Both men looked sharply toward the sound to see familiar but opposite personalities.
– We have seen nothing! – declared Wu Zhe Kai with ill-concealed delight, covering his face with his hands. – Am I right, Jin Yu Ming?
– No, we have.
The warrior shrugged his shoulders, for which he immediately got his foot under the soft spot.
– You no longer feel the spirit of shame, don't you?
– Zhe Kai, Lao Jin, you are back! Hao Ning happily waved to his friends. – Did everything go well?
– Of course, – the healer instantly tempered his anger with mercy and started picking up the fallen branches. – How are you here?
Hao Ning looked at the general, who began dressing up, slightly nodded to his friend, and went over to help the man.
– We are fine.
Zhe Kai gave him a subtle, sly look, but this time he decided to remain silent. Jin Yu Ming, who was much more restrained, simply threw dry logs to the fire and politely bowed to the general. Wei Huan patted his friend on the shoulder benevolently, gesturing for him to disregard officialdom.
– So, what do we do next? – asked Wu Zhe Kai. – Shall we depart at dawn? Xiao Hao, are you feeling better?
– Much better, – the young apprentice smiled sincerely. – I'm ready to go.
He spoke from the bottom of his heart. Wei Huan's help had a strong effect on him, and the released emotions brought inner peace. The general who was carefully watching him also felt these changes. But the moment the man was about to answer affirmatively to Wu Zhe Kai's question, he tensed up with his whole body and sharply turned around towards the lake.
Jin Yu Ming did the same, summoning the spear and taking a defensive stance. The eyes of the warriors were constantly scanning the bubbles that started forming on the surface of the water.
Hao Ning and Wu Zhe Kai didn't need any explanations. It was obvious – the rift got opened.
Right under the water surface.