The next morning greeted the resting wanderers with a splash of water and a crackle of dry branches in the fire. Wu Qing Yang was cooking fish for himself as usual. Wu Zhe Kai, having come to his senses, was happily swimming in the cold waters and washing his clothes. The healer looked much better after yesterday's confession, and his mood was not fake. Wu Zhe Kai needed neither consolation nor advice. The accumulating guilt overwhelmed him, and by sharing the burden, albeit not completely, he was able to let go of the remorse that had been gnawing him for decades.
Understanding that none of them could help Wu Zhe Kai to get rid of the guilt, friends decided not to raise the topic again. No one could convince the healer that he committed not a crime but a conscientious act. Only he could find the strength to forgive himself. The most important thing for the friends was to see Wu Zhe Kai's smile.
The reunited part of the group also got on well with Wu Qing Yan. His grumbling was no longer perceived as something truly strict or rude, and his impudent statements only caused their smile. In addition, the old man said that the casual proposal to take the young people to the Gates was still an option. Therefore, they simply could not help but feel respect for this man.
Hao Ning, the one in whose favor the whole journey had started, felt impatience and excitement. These feelings were dulled by the events that had happened, but now, when there was nothing left to get to the right place, many thoughts slipped into his head.
No doubt the overriding consideration was about his death. The nightmares stopped tormenting Hao Ning the moment they found themselves near the Gate, but his memories never returned. For Hao Ning, the desire to know the cause of his death was not an ordinary curiosity. He had some guesses which he feared with all his heart and soul.
– A-Ning, we are moving out soon!
The young scholar looked at Wei Huan who called out to him, noticing Jin Yu Ming standing next to his general. Considering the warrior's calm face, well, it could only be an illusion, though... the man seemed to look a little more tense than usual.
– Fine! – the youth responded. – A-Wei, is everything all right?
Wei Huan responded with a calm nod, returning his attention to Yu Ming. Hao Ning was not convinced by this, but he was unable to move towards the talking men. Feeling a grip on his wrist and a sharp tug to the side, Hao Ning found himself pulled in the opposite direction.
Sparkling green eyes expressed the healer's impatience, mixed with the desire to find out the necessary information first-hand. And Hao Ning could easily guess what that was about.
– Xiao Ning, what have I just heard? – said WuZhe Kai drawing out his words with the tone of a treacherous fox. – You have just called our mighty General "A-Wei"?
It was stupid to argue with an obvious fact, so the scholar simply confirmed the words of others. Wu Zhe Kai immediately grabbed the young man by the shoulders, squeezing lightly.
– When did you have time?!
– For what?
– So become so close!
Hao Ning looked up thoughtfully, shrugging his shoulders. It was difficult for him to determine at what point his respect for Wei Huan melted into warm feelings. By the standards of the Middle World, they barely knew each other, but they had already gone through many milestones and significant moments that revealed character of both to one another. The original image of a cold general was replaced by a compassionate and understanding person, next to whom Hao Ning felt incredibly comfortable.
– It seems to me… No, I'm sure... thought... That A-Wei is my soul mate. I just didn't realize it before.
To be honest, Hao Ning expected to hear further teasing, but in no way did he expect to see a serious look all of a sudden. Wu Zhe Kai let him go and scratched the tip of his own nose. The healer looked as if trying to choose the proper words. In the end, the next question was almost a whisper.
– Are you sure?
Hao Ning's gaze showed confusion, so Zhe Kai explained:
– You know nothing of him, Xiao Ning. Of course, the general is a good person, a wonderful friend, but... you called him a soul mate. These are very strong words. I honestly didn't think it would come to this. Your marriage was more of a joke than a serious commitment to tradition, – Wu Zhe Kai thoughtfully shook his head. – However, feelings do happen. You are my friend, Xiao Ning. And I wish you happiness. It is up to you to decide, anyway. Let me just wonder whether he has opened his heart to you. Does he trust you? Has he shared his past with you? Soul mates must be mutually honest with each other.
Wu Zhe Kai lowered his gaze, as if afraid to look into his friend's eyes after such words, but Hao Ning only smiled, encouragingly patting the healer on the shoulder.
– Thank you for your concern, Lao Wu, but I think a little differently. It seems to me that soul mates should simply support each other and wait patiently, allowing the other half to decide on where and when to share the truth. Not pressing, – Hao Ning threw a glance towards Wei Huan. – I might know little about A-Wei's past and I certainly would like to share his burden, but if the time has not yet come, I will not push him. Moreover, I felt a connection to the current man, not to the one he used to be.
– Does his past matter nothing to you? What if you can't take it?
– If I can't accept... – Hao Ning took a deep breath, it was not easy to find an answer to such a question. – I'll at least try to understand. I will listen, will ask questions, and will not mindlessly rush into judgment because something contradicts my principles. And if... I really can't come to terms with something, I'll say so honestly so that we won't not to torment each other.
The corners of Hao Ning's lips lifted in a slight smile, and he completed his words while looking into Wu Zhe Kai's eyes.
– But I think everything will be fine. I found my soul mate and I have no regrets.
His confidence made Wu Zhe Kai grin, but the healer accepted the point. He politely bowed to Hao Ning in a prank and left. The conversation with the healer made the young man think about another important thing, which he nipped in the bud almost immediately after appearing in the Middle World. A lot happened and now the decision once made no longer seemed that right. But Hao Ning could not easily take away his own words, because the final result did not depend on him alone.
Taking a deep breath, Hao Ning walked towards Wei Huan. His fingers clutched the cloth purse. In there the wooden planks of the contract quietly knocked against each other.
***
The mountains covered with greenery rose in a row above the forest, hiding far beyond the horizon and confusing inattentive travelers. However, even among this diversity, the majestic mountain, piercing the clouds with its peak, stood out of the surrounding ridges. Not only its size was amazing, but also its unusual shape: as if the mountain was split into two parts. One peak still pointed proudly and directly into the sky, but the second was tilted to the side, leaving a gaping space between them. Wu Qing Yang led the friends exactly to these "horns".
The increasing trembling in Hao Ning's body was felt more clearly with each new step as if a cold was creeping through him to his very bones, but the reason for this was not the incorporeality of his body. Most likely, the influence of the Gate simply affected him more than others.
– We're almost there, – announced Wu Qing Yang. – I won't go up with you. Not my business. Yours.
– But where are the Gates? – asked Wu Zhe Kai. – Wei Huan, do you know?
The general glanced over the top of the mountain and shook his head.
– I didn't have a chance to reach them. Was constantly bothered by the appearing rifts.
– Do the emerge here too? – Hao Ning was surprised.
– Yes, and quite a lot. It even seems to me that the Gates somehow produce them. This mountain accumulates energy, and from time to time emits it into the area. I'm sure this is it's way to protect the Border between the two worlds.
– Wait, how then do we get to the right place? – Wu Zhe Kai frowned. – Since you didn't succeed, where is the guarantee, that we would?
– I went intending to leave the Middle World, but A-Ning has a different thought in mind. He wants to ask the Guardian a question. This methinks is more feasible.
– Are you sure?
– No.
Wu Zhe Kai swore out and muttered something salacious. The old man walking ahead of everyone laughed – he heard the argument.
– You guys are so funny. One wanted to speak with a powerful creature, another tried to escape from the World of Spirits, and the third was somehow able to get rid of the mushroom dope on his own, – Wu Qing Yan glanced sideways at Yu Ming. – By the way, how did you do that?
The warrior next to Wei Huan extended his arms and, without slowing down, bowed to the elder.
– Please allow Jin Yu Ming to keep the secret to himself.
Wu Qing Yang snorted but did not insist. He shook his staff and continued on his way. Hao Ning again noted Yu Ming's tense posture and Wei Huan's dissatisfied expression. The man's lips were pursed and his eyes narrowed. Such behavior between two close friends could not be left unnoticed, but Hao Ning did not know whether he had the right to ask.
The conversation with Wu Zhe Kai involuntarily popped up in his head, causing him to frown. Hao Ning's opinion regarding the other person's initiative to open up his heart had not changed, but now he began to think about the other side of the relationship. His participation in the problems of someone who became dear and important to him.
Can he gently push Wei Huan to reveal the truth of his past? Wouldn't that be rude? Will he hurt the man by trying to open his wound? Did Wei Huan feel the same strong connection to him, or was this just he who considers him a soulmate? How could anyone understand the heart of another person? How could anyone avoid causing harm while trying to help?
No one ever taught Hao Ning proper communication, understanding of human relationships, or any other issues not related to serving the Gods. He had to figure this out for himself.
A quiet sigh escaped Hao Ning's mouth, causing Wei Huan, who was walking next to him, to look at the thoughtful young man in wonder and touch his shoulder with his palm. Their gazes met, but Hao Ning responded to the general's silent question with only a smile and a weak shake of his head. The man understood this gesture in his way.
– We are almost there, very soon you will find out the truth. Don't worry.
Hao Ning's surprised look quickly turned into a warm and grateful one.
– I know that. Thank you.
Now he faced an equally important task, for which they all came together. He will find the right time to talk with Wei Huan.
***
Hao Ning had seen little in his life, but from the moment he appeared in the Middle World, every day he experienced new impressions and unfamiliar emotions that would not allow him to get used to the unwritten rules of this world. Hao Ning's wildest fantasies were nowhere near the stunning views that defied description. The world of ghosts was truly frightening in its unpredictability, but one could not help but recognize its magnificence.
That is why, standing at the foot of the mountain and looking at the peak hidden in the clouds, Hao Ning felt an exciting thrill mixed with the emotions overwhelming him. He did not know what lay ahead, he could not even imagine the variety of possibilities, but he subconsciously prepared himself for the failure. In the end, when stepping into forbidden territory, it is worth calming your desires in advance, avoiding further disappointment and indignation. Master's punishments taught Hao Ning well, but he did not intend to give up his personal beliefs. He was prepared to do everything to achieve his goal, not giving up until the very end.
– We have arrived, – announced Wu Qing Yang loudly and hit the ground with his staff. – My job is done. Go up the path and the rest you'll figure on your own.
– Thank you, Senior! we are much obliged, – Hao Ning bowed with sincere gratitude. – Forgive us for making you accompany us.
– Oh well, yeah. A fine journey it was.
The old man waved his hand, as if not wanting to accept the offered gratitude, and looked up. The dark clouds gathering over the mountaintop hovered like gloomy ghosts in the skies, warning and threatening those who dared to get close to the Gates.
– I hope we don't meet any dark spirits here, – Wu Zhe Kai shrugged his shoulders. – I'd rather we met no one at all.
– It's not the spirits you should be afraid of, but the Guardian, – snorted Wu Qing Yang. – If they just want it, you will find yourself in such a part of the Middle World that the next time you will crawl back to the Gates only after centuries. But this is no longer my concern, – he glanced sideways at Wei Huan. – Just don't rush it or press. That is my last piece of advice to you.
Having perfectly understood the gaze intended for him, the general bowed politely, stretching out his hands in front of him. His own eyes expressed calmness and with only a drop of hidden tension. He was focused but didn't want to show his true feelings in front of everyone. However, it was precisely unflagging vigilance that allowed a keen eye to catch a barely noticeable vibration, causing small pebbles to tremble at the feet. A familiar feeling deep inside sounded the alarm.
– Everyone! Get back! – shouted Wei Huan. – A rift is opening!
A strong hand grabbed Hao Ning standing next to him, and pulled him to the side. Wu Zhe Kai and Wu Qing Yan jumped back, and Jin Yu Ming exhaled sharply as he looked around.
– General! – he shouted. – We are surrounded!
The warrior's exclamation made Wei Huan look around, confirming the words. Several minor rifts appeared in a semicircle, blocking the possibility of retreat and thereby forcing the friends to move closer to the base of the cliff.
– We haven't even climbed the mountain yet, and they're already trying to kill us! – whined Wu Zhe Kai. – Hey, Old man, what trap have you lured us into?!
Wu Qing Yan looked back and roared menacingly:
– Do you think I'm a fool to fall into my own web?! – his eyes widened, and he shouted so loudly that everyone could hear him. – Don't move forward! Retreat and gather in the center! Hurry!
The reason of such order became clear a moment later, when a long vertical crack appeared in the cliff above, growing like a tear in fabric. Falling stones and pillars of rising dust accompanied the gaping passage. A bright blue glow emanating from within the rift blinded the wanderers who gathered in the center. Wei Huan and Jin Yu Ming were alert, Hao Ning and Wu Zhe Kai were also ready to act, and only Wu Qing Yang continued intently observing the breach in the terrain. For there was something strange in it, unlike all the phenomena of this world the man had previously seen.
– General.
– I see that too.
Wei Huan narrowed his eyes, tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword. As usual, his friend's words were understood without unnecessary explanation, but Wu Zhe Kai standing behind did not possess such an ability.
– What do you see? – he asked, looking over Yu Ming's shoulder. – Is there something in the rift?
The tense spearman nodded affirmatively.
– There is something or someone in it. And it's coming.
After Jin Yu Ming's words, others' attentive gazes were completely focused on the shadows flickering in the rift. At first, there were a lot of them: they seemed to blur, spread out, smear, and eventually united into a single whole, forming a human silhouette. Moving at ease in the incomprehensible space of the rift, the silhouette became clearer and closer. Its unhurried smoothness only making you more nervous. When the rift stopped expanding, the blurry silhouette finally took on a clear form, and a man dressed in silk black hanfu stepped out of the bright light.
The amazing grace and smoothness of his movements were mesmerizing, demonstrating the slimness and sophistication of the stranger. He had a limao on his head, which was hiding his face behind a dark veil, but the lightness in his every move, every turn, and gesture made him crushingly appealing.
As soon as the man stepped out from the rift, he stopped and slowly turned around. His not visible gaze focused on the group of people in front. Behind the veil, it was not clear whether he was looking at someone in particular, or examining everyone at once, but for some reason, Wei Huan felt a long-suppressed rage rising within him. There was something familiar, elusive and dangerous in this person. Something that made him remember…
– Who are you?
Wu Qing Yang was the first to break the long silence. The man did not like these strange exchanges of glances. Moreover such arrival could not but raise questions.
– How did you travel through the rift? Take your hat off and answer!
A barely noticeable movement of the head made it clear that the mysterious man heard the old man's voice, but did not give much importance to it. Instead, a slender hand rose, pointing at Wei Huan, and the figure floated towards the man.
A clear recollection bubbled in his chest, but Wei Huan stood still, watching the approaching figure. He was ready to face the unknown. Hao Ning standing next to him, however, was not happy with this. He swung his fan sharply, throwing it open, stepped forward and covered the general with it.
– Stop at once! – ordered Hao Ning. – And name yourself!
– A-Ning? – Wei Huan looked in surprise at the straight back in front of him. – What are you doing?
Hao Ning took an impetuous but deep breath, leaving the man without an answer. His unwavering gaze made the man clad in black stop. The stranger tilted his head slightly to the side, and Hao Ning thought he saw grin.
However, the man did not make a sound. Instead, he slowly took his hat off. Every movement and gesture were well measured, proclaiming the stranger's confidence and ignorance to the attempts to fear him.
The first thing Hao Ning saw when limao fell on the ground was the sly vixen's eyes glowing fierce gold. The beautiful face, no less than that of an amazingly elegant porcelain doll, expressed arrogance and glee. Long ink-black hair, combed and tied with ribbons, was so long that almost reached the ground. A grin on thin scarlet lips and the neatly drawn red pattern on the forehead only emphasized the etherial nature of the man. There was no strength to avert the eyes of such a heavenly beauty.
However, the sudden overwhelming energy burst made Hao Ning look back. What he saw shocked him because it was the first time, he saw Wei Huan wearing such an ugly grimace. The man's face was distorted by malice, despair, and hatred.
Cracks from the sword driven into the ground tore the air, and streams of energy rushed out in bloodcurdling waves, ready to destroy everything in its path. Wei Huan's eyes, clouded with rage, slowly turned scarlet.
Hao Ning wanted to reach out to the man, but he was stopped by a sharp jerk back. Jin Yu Ming shook his head, preventing the young scholar from moving towards the enraged general who was affected by the deadly energy.
– Yu Bing Han… – roared Wei Huan. – YU BING HAN!
The unfamiliar name made Hao Ning look at the smiling stranger, amused by the sight of an angry Wei.
– I finally found you! – his ringing, infinitely happy voice chimed. – Come to me, Wei Huan!
The uttered phrase caused a new surge of emotions in the angry Wei Huang, causing the man's scarlet eyes to glow with fierce hatred. His hair and clothes fluttered with raging streams of emitted energy. This power even influenced the man's voice, turning it into the growl.
– Yu Bing Han! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!!!
Never had Hao Ning seen such rage from Wei Huan, as well as never had he felt such frightening power. The thought of this for a moment. The inner power must have been mixed with guilt and despair. But the reason for such a zealous outburst was not even clear to the scholar.
– Dammit! We have to stop him! At once! – Wu Qing Yan's voice distracted Hao Ning. – You bastard, drag your friend into the rift, quickly! I'll cover!
Jin Yu Ming nodded and, handing Hao Ning into the hands of Wu Zhe Kai, hurried to carry out the order. Wu Qing Yang abruptly stood in front of Yu Bing Han, blocking the way. His staff moved deftly and quickly in his hands, showing the good fighting skill of its owner. However, such movements did not impress Yu Bing Han at all. The man gave the old sage an idle bored look, that clearly showed all his thoughts on the attempts to interrupt the beginning battle.
The barely noticeable movement of his fingers didn't escape Wu Qing Yang's attention. His trusty weapon repelled the thin threads of energy that shot from the tips of his long fingers in time.
– Too bad.
The old man's whisper was drowned in the clang of the clashing sword and spear. Wei Huan, who had lost control of himself, attacked his best friend. Jin Yu Ming tried his best to direct the general to at least one of the rifts, but all attempts to defeat the skilled warrior were useless.
Watching two different fights, Wu Zhe Kai held the struggling Hao Ning, not allowing him to break in either direction.
– Let me go! Lao Wu!
– No! They will kill you!
– I'm not that helpless! If we don't do anything, A-Wei or the Elder might get hurt! – Hao Ning made another attempt to open the tight ring of other people's hands. – Zhe Kai!!!
The healer made a wry face when Hao Ning accidentally kicked him with an elbow in the stomach but didn't loosen his grip. The desire to help tore him apart, but the understanding that they could not match the strength of anyone fighting stopped him from any mad attempt to act as a hero.
Another failure forced Hao Ning to grit his teeth and take advantage of the painful, but only chance to change the situation.
– Stop living in fear for someone else's life! – he shouted. – I don't want to blame myself for my own decisions! I'd rather die than be inactive! You are not unfamiliar to this principle! Lao Wu!
Wu Zhe Kai shuddered, involuntarily unclasping his fingers and finally allowed Hao Ning to take advantage of this hitch. The young man who escaped immediately rushed towards Wei Huan, summoning a fan into his palm. The scholar's movement did not escape the golden eyes that carefully watched the battlefield. Thin threads of spiritual energy darted after Hao Ning like curving snakes, but a well-timed blow knocked them aside.
Wu Qing Yan spun his staff, protecting the youth with all his might.
– How much time are you going to waste?! – he roared. – Is it so difficult to calm this fool?!
Yu Bing Han's constant sly gaze did not bode well; the whole situation played too much into the hands of this vixen. Other people's thoughts were not available to Wu Qing Yan, but the belief that the children needed to get out of there as quickly as possible motivated him to continue to repel the attacks without attacking himself.
Hao Ning found himself next to Jin Yu Ming at the moment when the man's next blow was repelled, and the warrior was thrown to the side. The young scholar managed to stop the man from painful roll, exposing him with whole body. They both fell to the ground, but this still avoided unnecessary injury.
– Lao Hao, are you okay?
Yu Ming fell down on one knee, helping Hao Ning up. The young man nodded in response, looking towards Wei Huan, who was spewing out blows of spiritual energy. The man seemed to be trying to accumulate as much powers as possible, not knowing the possible consequences of this.
– Lao Jin, can you break through his defense?
– The general sees the battlefield well, but does not distinguish the attacker for now, – Yu Ming shook his head. – Therefore, he would parry any attack. Emotions stole his mind.
– Why would he… – Hao Ning shook his head, interrupting his own now inappropriate question. – Can you try to distract him?
-Have you come up with something?
Jin Yu Ming looked closely into Hao Ning's eyes. They read unshakable determination and an invisible request to trust. The warrior immediately nodded, rushing back to the general, while Hao Ning ran in the other direction, running around Wei Huan to end up behind him.
Even though Hao Ning kept his distance, he could feel how strong Wei Huan's internal energy was. But it wasn't limitless. The emotions overwhelming him now could lead to two bleak results. Hao Ning didn't have a plan, but he knew he had to act. One of the rifts was right near Wei Huan, and this became the scholar's goal.
The young man put all his strength into his move, rushing through the burning rings of spreading energy.
– Hao Ning! – Wu Zhe Kai shouted in horror. – Stop! He will burn you!
The terrible pain confirmed the healer's words. The emerging burns spread out in red spots on the skin as a result of the interaction of two energies, but Hao Ning did not even think about stopping. His dash became faster, and confidence in his actions only increased. The fighting Jin Yu Ming prevented Wei Huan from moving forward or turning back, adding more oil to his anger. Now all the accumulated rage was bursting out at only one target, which is why Wei Huan did not notice the movement from the side and the subsequent push. Hao Ning wrapped his arms around the man's waist, pushing him towards the rift.
Wu Qing Yan saw the result of Hao Ning's spontaneous plan the moment both men fell into the depths of the incomprehensible magic of the Middle World. This, however, did not escape the gaze of Yu Bing Han. Golden eyes narrowed furiously, and lips pursed in indignation. The threads whipped across the ground, leaving deep furrows in the terrain.
The man made an attempt to reach the rift, but the familiar stick once again blocked the path.
– Run! Run quickly! – Wu Qing Yang shouted to the remaining Zhe Kai and Yu Ming. – I'll hold him here!
Wu Zhe Kai was the farthest from the rift but was able to reach it before the wounded Jin Yu Ming. The man coughed, struggling to stand upright on his feet. There was no way Wu Zhe Kai could leave his friend in this state, and therefore he immediately appeared next to him, throwing his arm over his shoulders.
– Hey, old man! We're gone! – shouted the healer. – You'd better follow!
– Leave already!
Wu Zhe Kai flinched at Wu Qing Yang's hoarse voice but did not turn around, hastily dragging Yu Ming towards the rift. Behind them, sharp blows and a crack of breaking wood were heard. The sparkling edge of the rift reflected as a blurry spot of light in green tear-stained eyes.
Understanding did not allow Wu Zhe Kai to turn around. A barely audible whisper reached the closing rift.
– I wish... I could walk through these beautiful mountains once again.
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Author's note: One of my favorite characters finally appears in the story, I really enjoyed writing him.
Yu Bing Han – 虞冰寒; Bin Han: cold as ice. The name means "highly moral, selfless"