Chapter 26: Conversation with the Mayor
"We are here to deliver a message from the Red Valley Sect to your mayor. We request an audience," Da Cai said firmly to the soldier stationed at the gates of Red City's administrative hall.
The soldier nodded, scrutinizing their sect robes before stepping aside. "Wait here. I will inform the mayor."
After a short wait, the group was ushered into the mayor's grand hall. The mayor, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence, sat at the head of a large table, flanked by advisors. His robes were embroidered with intricate patterns denoting his status, and his sharp eyes seemed to weigh their every move.
Da Cai stepped forward and handed over the sealed letter. "This is a message from the Red Valley Sect," he said respectfully.
The mayor broke the seal and began reading the letter aloud. The contents were unknown to the group, but as the mayor read, his brows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of concern. He quickly masked his expression, but Feng Yi, ever observant, noticed the subtle change.
"Thank you for delivering this," the mayor finally said, folding the letter and placing it aside. "I will ensure that its contents are acted upon promptly."
A Word of Caution
After the formalities, the mayor addressed the group. "Your journey back to the Red Valley Sect may not be as straightforward as your journey here. Be cautious. The roads have become increasingly dangerous of late."
"Dangerous?" Lian Hua asked, her tone inquisitive.
The mayor hesitated for a moment before replying, "There have been reports of unusual activity in the surrounding areas. Banditry, yes, but also strange sightings that I cannot yet confirm. I urge you to remain vigilant."
The group exchanged glances but said nothing. The mayor's words seemed deliberately vague, adding to the unease sparked by his reaction to the letter.
A Place to Rest
The mayor arranged for the group to stay in a courtyard within the city. It was modest but comfortable, providing them with a place to rest and plan their next steps. As they settled in, the team decided to spend some time in Red City to visit their families. Three of the group—Ren Zhen, Lian Hua, and Shi Lang—had roots in the city and eagerly left to reconnect with their loved ones.
Da Cai, however, had different plans. "I'm going back to my village," he announced.
"Be careful on your journey," Feng Yi said, his tone calm but sincere. "And stay in touch. We'll regroup soon."
As Da Cai left Red City, he took precautions to blend in. He changed out of his sect robes into simple civilian clothes, ensuring he looked like any other traveler. With the mayor's warning fresh in his mind, he didn't want to attract unnecessary attention.
The road to his village was familiar, the scenery stirring memories of his life before the sect. As he walked, the weight of the necklace beneath his clothes felt heavier than usual. It was time to seek answers.
When he arrived at the village, the sun was beginning to set. The sight of the familiar houses and fields brought a sense of calm, but Da Cai's purpose remained clear. He made his way to Uncle Yun's house, only to find it empty. The door was slightly ajar, the interior eerily quiet.
"Uncle?" Da Cai called out, stepping inside. There was no response. The hearth was cold, and a thin layer of dust had begun to settle on the furniture.
Da Cai stepped back outside, his heart sinking. Spotting a familiar villager, Old Man Cheng, tending to his fields nearby, he approached him.
"Excuse me, Old Man Cheng," Da Cai began, his voice steady but anxious. "Do you know where Uncle Yun is?"
The old man looked up, his weathered face creased with concern. "Uncle Yun? He hasn't been back since you left for the sect, boy. I assumed he'd gone to visit someone, but now… it's been months."
Da Cai's chest tightened. "He's been gone this whole time?"
Old Man Cheng nodded. "I'm sorry, lad. We've seen no sign of him."
Thanking the villager, Da Cai returned to the empty house, his mind racing. Where could Uncle Yun have gone? And why hadn't he returned? As he sat down at the cold hearth, the weight of the necklace felt heavier than ever.
"There's something I'm missing," Da Cai murmured to himself. "And I need to find out what."