The sun was low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the dirt path winding through the dense forest. Ling Tianyi's boots crunched softly on the ground, his gaze fixed ahead, though his mind wandered far from the mortal world he now found himself trapped in. His robes, once pristine and radiant in the Celestial Realm, were now tattered and dirtied by his exile. His sword, the once-mighty Yanxin, lay at his side—its blade cracked, its power a faint echo of what it once was.
He didn't mind the solitude; it was a fitting companion for someone like him, cast out of heaven and burdened with memories too blurry to make sense of. All he knew was that he had been betrayed. By whom? That detail was lost, swirling in the void that had taken residence in his mind.
His brooding thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rustling leaves. Tianyi's hand instinctively went to his sword as he stopped in his tracks.
"If you're planning to attack," he said coldly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade, "then you've chosen the wrong target."
"Oh, relax, Ice Block," came a smooth, amused voice from the shadows. "If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead."
Tianyi turned, his sharp eyes narrowing as a figure emerged from the trees. Clad in flowing black robes embroidered with crimson patterns, the man sauntered forward with an air of lazy confidence. His crimson eyes sparkled with mischief, and his lips curled into a smirk that could have melted stone.
"Who are you?" Tianyi demanded, his sword half-drawn.
The stranger gave an exaggerated bow, one hand sweeping out theatrically. "Zhi Yue, at your service. Lord of Mischief, Master of Shadows, and now, apparently, your new best friend."
Tianyi's expression didn't change. "I didn't ask for a companion. Leave."
Zhi Yue straightened, clutching his chest in mock offense. "Leave? After I went through all the trouble of tracking you down? You wound me, Ice Block."
"Stop calling me that," Tianyi snapped, his patience already wearing thin.
Zhi Yue grinned wider, stepping closer. "But it suits you so well. Look at you—all cold and brooding. You're practically a walking glacier. Tell me, do you even know how to smile, or did the Celestial Realm take that from you too?"
Tianyi gripped his sword tighter, resisting the urge to strike. "I don't have time for games. State your purpose, or I'll cut you down where you stand."
"Oh, I'd love to see you try," Zhi Yue purred, his crimson eyes glinting. "But as entertaining as that would be, I'm here for a reason."
"And that is?"
Zhi Yue folded his arms, leaning casually against a tree. "To help you, of course. You look like you could use it."
Tianyi's glare could have frozen the sun. "I don't need help from a demon."
"Ah, but you do," Zhi Yue countered, wagging a finger. "Face it, Ice Block. You're lost. Weak. Alone. You don't even know where you're going, do you?"
Tianyi said nothing, his silence speaking volumes.
Zhi Yue's smirk softened slightly, though his tone remained light. "Look, I get it. You're all 'lone wolf' and 'stoic hero' or whatever. But out here? In this realm? You'll be dead within a week without someone to watch your back. And lucky you, I happen to be very good at keeping people alive. For a price, of course."
"A price?" Tianyi echoed, his suspicion deepening.
Zhi Yue shrugged. "Nothing much. Just the pleasure of your company. And maybe a few laughs along the way."
Tianyi turned away, resuming his walk. "I don't have time for your nonsense."
"You're going the wrong way," Zhi Yue called after him.
Tianyi stopped, his shoulders tensing. He turned back slowly, his glare sharp enough to cut. "What did you say?"
Zhi Yue sauntered forward, a smug look on his face. "This path leads straight to a swamp full of blood leeches. Unless you're into being drained dry, I suggest you take the road less traveled. Luckily for you, I know the way."
Tianyi studied him, his instincts screaming not to trust the demon. But as much as he hated to admit it, Zhi Yue might be telling the truth.
"Fine," Tianyi said at last, his voice begrudging. "But if you try anything—"
"Yes, yes, you'll smite me or whatever," Zhi Yue interrupted, rolling his eyes. "Honestly, do you even have a sense of humor, Ice Block? Spending time with you is like talking to a very angry rock."
Tianyi ignored the comment, turning to follow the path Zhi Yue indicated.
As they walked, Zhi Yue kept up a steady stream of chatter, much to Tianyi's dismay.
"So, tell me," Zhi Yue began, his tone teasing. "What's it like being a fallen immortal? Do you miss the fancy palaces and all those adoring mortals worshiping you? Or were you always this grumpy?"
Tianyi didn't answer, his focus fixed on the road ahead.
"Silent treatment, huh?" Zhi Yue continued, undeterred. "That's fine. I can talk enough for both of us. Let me guess—you got framed for something you didn't do, right? That's the classic Celestial Realm drama. They're so predictable."
Tianyi's jaw tightened.
"Ah, hit a nerve, did I?" Zhi Yue said, his grin widening. "Don't worry, Ice Block. I'm not here to judge. In fact, I quite like the idea of a fallen immortal wandering the mortal realm. It's so… poetic."
"Do you ever stop talking?" Tianyi finally asked, his voice low and cold.
Zhi Yue laughed, the sound echoing through the forest. "Not when I'm having this much fun. You're an endless source of entertainment, you know that? I mean, look at you—all broody and mysterious. It's adorable."
Tianyi's patience snapped. He whirled around, his sword pointed at Zhi Yue. "One more word, and I'll silence you myself."
Zhi Yue raised his hands in mock surrender, though his grin remained. "Alright, alright. I'll be good. For now."
Tianyi turned back, muttering under his breath. "Demons are insufferable."
"And immortals are dull," Zhi Yue shot back, clearly unrepentant.
By the time night fell, they had reached a clearing by a small stream. Tianyi busied himself building a fire while Zhi Yue lounged against a tree, watching him with an amused expression.
"You're surprisingly handy for someone who used to live in a palace," Zhi Yue remarked. "Let me guess—you were the serious, hardworking type while everyone else was busy partying?"
Tianyi didn't respond, focusing on striking the flint.
"Oh, come on, Ice Block," Zhi Yue coaxed. "Share a little. I'm dying to know what makes you tick. Or is talking about your past off-limits because it's too painful?"
Tianyi's hands paused briefly before he resumed his work.
"Ah, I see," Zhi Yue said softly, his tone losing some of its mockery. "Well, lucky for you, I'm great at keeping secrets. Not that you have many left to keep."
The fire finally roared to life, its warm glow illuminating their faces. Tianyi sat back, his expression unreadable.
"If you're staying, stay quiet," he said at last.
Zhi Yue chuckled, settling himself more comfortably. "Sure thing, Ice Block. But don't blame me if things get too boring. I might have to liven things up a bit."
Tianyi closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the fire and the sound of the stream calm his restless mind. Despite Zhi Yue's incessant talking, the demon's presence wasn't entirely unwelcome. For the first time in days, he didn't feel completely alone.