When the gentle rays of the morning sun turned dangerously burning, and the rare clouds completely disappeared, then barely visible feathers of smoke from the fire rose into the sky, marking the end of the morning and the beginning of the day.
The fish strung on a stick, was slowly grilled under the strict guidance of Wu Qing Yang, who enjoyed giving instructions to the obedient Hao Ning. Several hours had passed since their meeting, and the old man noticeably warmed up to the two wanderers. Moreover, he was shameless enough to start sending "the kids" on various errands, saying that there was no point in being idle since they were in no hurry anyway.
Wei Huan and Hao Ning did not mind helping. Anyway they could not continue their journey soon, since there was still no news from Yu Ming and Zhe Kai. Although Hao Ninh wanted to go on a search, he restrained himself from the whim to rush into the unknown because of the general's request not to act at random.
– Be careful! Be careful, you'll burn the fish! – Wu Qing Yan's voice brought Hao Ning back to his senses, waving his hands in displeasure. – Are you sure they taught you how to cook at that Temple?
Hao Ning smiled awkwardly, turning the stick with the fish to the other side.
– Forgive me, Elder.
The artist snorted but made no further remarks on the point. He turned his head and clicked his tongue indignantly.
– There is no wind at all. We will cook like this until the time ends, – he waved his palm, attracting the young scholar's attention. – Summon a fan and use it to create a normal fire.
– With my fan?
In the short period of acquaintance, Hao Ning had become accustomed to the old man's unusual thinking, but the thought of using a battle fan as a cooking instrument was... well, somehow too much.
– Elder Wu, maybe I'd better find some leaf? Or bring the other piece wood?
– While you are running, all the fish will burn. – The artist shook his head, not wanting to listen to any more proposals. – Nothing will happen to your precious fan. Moreover, you'd rather be grateful to use weapons to feed and not to kill. Or am I wrong?
Hao Ning lowered his gaze, unable to bow due to his busy hands.
– Forgive this one his ignorance, Elder. I shouldn't have doubted your wisdom.
– The Scholars of the Ten are taught to resolve conflicts, but at the same time, they never lose a chance to teach how to draw a sword from its sheath. If this is considered Harmony nowadays, then I am not surprised, – Wu Qing Yan waved his hand. – Veiled love of peace will never stop a straightforward war.
Hearing Elder's words, Hao Ning lowered his head further, unable to raise his gaze. Even though the remark was not addressed specifically to him, he felt the burden of responsibility as a said Scholar of the Ten. In the Middle World, he had to face with different opinions regarding the Ten, but he could never find a middle ground.
Some people completely condemned the Gods, others exalted them. Hao Ning himself simply did not know any other judgment other than true faith in the dogmas taught. He did what was required of him, and never argued nor doubted. Now unprecedented boundaries were opening up for him, forcing him to wonder: was he simply so blind and naive in his unquestioning submission to long-standing traditions?
He knew many prayers to call to the Ten, but he had never wondered what use they were. Like a puppet, Hao Ning followed the instructions of others, afraid to ask the wrong question that would put his faith under doubt. With no faith at heart, there was no place for him on the Mount Redemption.
If someone... well, at least someone, had told him the answers then, he would not feel so devastated now. Perhaps then he could defend his opinion and justify the existence of the Scholars of the Ten as they were. But for now, the youth could only humbly accept condemning, harsh words in the direction of what he had unquestioningly believed in from an early age.
A thin metal fan reflected the bright rays of the sun, illuminating the buds blooming on a black stem. Hao Ning made several swings to disperse the fire. The fish was almost cooked, so it was not difficult for the young man to finish the process soon.
– Here is your meal, Elder.
Hao Ning handed the stick to Wu Qing Yan, who eagerly grabbed it, almost immediately nibbling the hot meat. Hao Ning wanted to warn him to be careful, but then he remembered that the Elder in front of him was the ghost, who would not feel the burn of heat. The food served was only as a reminder of a distant earthly life of a human and an opportunity to kill an infinitely long time.
While the artist was filling up his belly, Hao Ning carefully ran his fingers along the smooth metal, slowly dissolving his weapon. Even though he had already summoned it several times, he did not have time to examine the ornate details.
When the young man first created the fan, he did not think about its design, colors, or ornate patterns. The only thing he wanted was to help in the battle. But for some reason, he got exactly the version that he was now holding.
– Kid, do you know the meaning of the wild plum ornate on your fan?
Wu Qing Yan took a large bite of fish and looked at Hao Ning with a sly smile, waiting for an answer.
– Yes, A-Wei told me. The wild plum hides many meanings.
Master Wu shook his head, clicking his tongue slightly. His beard slowly swayed, causing the woven beads to tap against each other.
– I don't ask about what everyone knows. What I mean is, whether you know, why there is a plum drawing that appears on your fan or not. What meaning do they keep – those flower buds on your weapon?
The elder's question made the young man freeze and look in confusion into the sly eyes in front of him.
– Sorry Elder, I don't know.
– Then I'll tell you. This old bean doesn't remember many things well, but he will never forget the symbolic features of painting. Each branch, each bud hides a certain meaning. The beauty and durability of your plum tree speak of an unyielding character, nobility, and spiritual purity, – Wu Qing Yan paused for a moment and then continued. – Yes, I believe it says "He who brings benefit without seeking glory". That is the symbolical meaning of your plum-tree.
– This…
– Suits you?
Hao Ning exhaled quietly, and then could not help but smile.
– These words are not intended for me, Elder.
– How is it not for you?
The old man slammed his staff on the ground in surprise, clearly not intending to accept the young man's point of view. He was completely confident in his words, which was why Hao Ning rushed to clarify.
– The plum tree bloomed in my hands, but it did so for another person and expresses his character. – the youth gently pressed his fan to his chest, turning around to look at the man standing at the edge of the cliff. – The plum is a symbol of my soul mate. The Plum is Wei Huan.
Master Wu blinked and then burst into loud laughter. His sonorous claps echoed throughout the area.
– My-my! – he was having tons of fun. – So you are protected by your husband! I have not seen such a connection a whole while! May the Ten bless you, kids! May they bless you!
Hao Ning closed his eyes, constantly watching the strong, straight back. All these coincidences, which began seemingly as a banal accident, led him to the realization of one simple truth. Everything in this life happened for a reason. Even his tragic fate gave him the chance to find his soul mate after death. Born at different times, living different destinies, brought together by the will of a minor mistake, they were able to find each other in the afterlife.
Wei Huan, as if feeling the gaze, threw a gaze back. His posture showed a combative readiness to fight and protect. But then he saw Hao Ning's smile and relaxed again. Having looked at the forest for the last time and making sure that it remained silent and deserted, Wei Huan returned to the fire.
Wu Qing Yang was silent for a while, enjoying the well-cooked fish, before asking inquisitively:
– Why are you going to the Gates?
– We seek knowledge.
Wei Huan was the first to answer, and the only thing left for Hao Ning was to nod. He was still wary of their new acquaintance, and this was not surprising. Combat habits remain with a warrior for the rest of his life. And Wei Huan was a general.
– Even fools don't poke their noses in here out of mere curiosity. It is dangerous and unwise. This place is the Border between the Worlds of the Living and the Dead. Do you think that it will embrace your presence gladly?
– Then, since you are here, it means you are a fool? – Wei Huan grinned, placing his hand on his knee.
Wu Qing Yan's eyes sparkled mischievously. He took the last bite of the fish and threw the backbone into the fire along with the roasting stick. After that, the old man waged his finger.
– Don't be impudent, kid. Much time passed since this one rejected all seditious thoughts, resigning himself to the hands of Fate. I'm old and don't want to change anything in the cycle of life and death. This world is used to me and is not afraid of me. The Gates no longer tempt me; I spend the allotted time enjoying the serenity of nature.
– Forgive me Elder, but… did you try to escape from here?
Hao Ning looked first at the artist and then at Wei Huan. It was not difficult to conclude why exactly the general visited the Gates several times, but the question of why he stopped doing this remained.
– Why of course! – Wu Qing Yang snorted. – Do you think you're the only one so smart? As soon as I found out about the Gates, I immediately decided to take the opportunity, – he tapped his temple with his finger. – Well, isn't it a stupid, naive, childish thought of a simple-minded youth? This World would never allow those who set foot in here to leave. The Gates may exist, but this does not mean that the path opens in both ways.
Hao Ning felt Wei Huan sitting next to him tense. The Elder's words touched something inside him, something very personal and hidden deep behind indifference and an attempt to ignore. Apparently, the thoughts tormenting the general were not discarded by him, continuing to smolder in the back of his mind.
– And what if I have no intention of leaving the Middle World, Elder?
– Are you sure?
Wu Qing Yan smiled, arms crossed over his chest, and looked at Hao Ning suspiciously. Most likely, he had never met such a person before, and therefore the artist had a hard time believing.
– Why did you come here then?
– I need to find out the cause of my death, nothing more. Even if I tried to violate the Border, how could my soul return... to a lifeless shell of a body? I don't even know how much time has passed. – Hao Ning sighed quietly. – That's why I have only one goal.
– You want to know how you died, – the old man looked at the calm face of the youth for a long time, then laughed out loud. – You walked through the Thorn-apple Forest just for this?! Oh, kids, you really amuse me. For this, I am even ready to personally escort you to the Gates.
While Wu Qing Yan wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, Hao Ning exchanged glances with Wei Huan and then carefully asked:
– The Thorn-apple Forest?
– Well, yes, how else could you get here? – the old man waved his hand towards the sprawling massif. – This forest is full of various creatures, wild plants, and other dangers, but it is famous for its intoxicating thorn-apple mushrooms. The moment you step on one, you become immersed in your own visions. As I said, getting to the Gates is not a walk through a park.
– This can't be! – Wei Huan frowned sharply and stood up. – I've been here before and haven't seen any mushrooms!
– Are you naive enough to think that this world unstable for no reason? – Wu Qing Yan shook his head. – It's because of sneaky jerks like you that it comes up with new ways to protect the most vulnerable areas.
Hearing the words spoken, Hao Ning exhaled shakily and made a kowtow.
– Elder, this one asks for your guidance. A-Wei and I ended up here by accident. We fell into a rift, – the young scholar did not allow the old man to ask a question, hastily continuing. – Because of this, we are separated from friends who are probably trying to find their way here. They are unaware of the dangers awaiting. I am begging thee, help us to find them. – Hao Ning ran his nails along the ground, leaving barely noticeable indentations. – We should have asked earlier... then we...
– A-Ning, – Wei Huan, who crouched next to the young man, touched his back with his palm. – That is not your fault.
His voice, as always, was calm, but Hao Ning could not hide the excitement brewing within him. When the general addressed Wu Qing Yan, folding his hands in a polite gesture, his true feelings were reflected in his actions, the warrior desired to help his friends.
– This one joins the plea, Elder. You know these places much better than us.
The two young men were waiting for an answer with their heads bowed, unable to see Wu Qing Yang's expression. They only heard him rise from the ground, picking up his stick and clearing his throat.
– Well.... I knew you would be a troublesome company. Should have walked a different direction. Straight to another mountain pike… Urgh! – he hit the ground sharply with the end of the staff. – Stop hitting the ground with your heads! Let's go and save your friends.
Wu Qing Yang said nothing more. He headed towards the rocky descent, dissatisfiedly waving away the simultaneously uttered:
– Thank you, Elder! We are much obliged!
Their words echoed throughout the area.