Night had fallen. The world was silent, save for the occasional whisper of clouds drifting beneath a pale moon. After days of travel, they found refuge in a traveler’s inn on the outskirts of a settlement a place known for its wine, music, and fleeting comfort. It was a sanctuary where wandering souls went to forget the weight of the world.

  The moment they stepped inside, the tranquility of the night was shattered by a cacophony of noise. The hall was rowdy, filled with guests feasting below, while women sat perched on the staircase leading to the upper rooms, their presence blocking the path.

  Mo Yan glanced at Yu Sui, but Yu Sui’s entire focus was already anchored on the food. Mo Yan silently moved to a corner table and sat down; Yu Sui followed immediately, dropping into the seat across from him. From the stairs, the women began to eye them, whispering and giggling, effectively sealing off the exit.

  A short while later... a single empty soup bowl sat before Mo Yan. In stark contrast, six empty bowls were stacked in front of Yu Sui, and he was already halfway through a seventh, eating with the singular focus of a starving man.

  The women on the stairs whispered among themselves:

  "Look... look, they've finished. They’ll be coming this way soon."

  Another added, "True, but look at that glutton. He’s so beautiful. I wish I had hair like his."

  Suddenly, Mo Yan’s eyes snapped toward them. The coldness in his gaze instantly silenced the women, who quickly looked away, pretending to be occupied. When Yu Sui finally finished his last bowl, Mo Yan stood up. Yu Sui followed suit, and they approached the stairs to head to their room. The women blocked their way, smiling coyly.

  "Oh, Young Master. Do you wish to go up? If you like, we could escort you to your chamber."

  In response, Mo Yan drew his sword an inch from its scabbard with a sharp clack. The women shrieked and scrambled out of the way. Every head in the hall turned toward them. Yu Sui quickly placed a hand on Mo Yan’s forearm, the one gripping the sword.

  "Mo Yan. Calm down,"

  Yu Sui whispered.

  Mo Yan sheathed the blade instantly. The atmosphere in the hall had turned deathly still; the patrons remained frozen, watching them. Yu Sui, keeping a firm grip on Mo Yan’s wrist, led him up the stairs. The women stood huddled against the wall, watching them ascend in stunned silence.

  In the upper corridor, a servant hurried toward them.

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  "Young Masters, please forgive us, but only one chamber remains. All others are occupied."

  The two boys avoided looking at each other. The air grew heavy. Finally, Yu Sui spoke with forced warmth.

  "It’s no matter. Thank you. We will take it."

  Mo Yan walked straight into the room without waiting for Yu Sui. Following a respectful bow to the servant, Yu Sui followed him inside.

  The room was dim and modest, devoid of grand decorations. Every corner reflected tradition a simple bed and an open balcony where the leaves of a nearby maple tree had drifted onto the wooden floor.

  A brief time passed...

  Mo Yan sat alone on the wooden balcony, his silent gaze fixed on the sky. He held a half-empty cup in his hand. The sky was a vast, empty void no moon, no stars. His heart was heavy, a weight reflected in the stillness of his eyes.

  He didn't need to hear footsteps to know someone was there; he felt the sudden warmth beside him. Yu Sui had sat down quietly at his side. No movement, no words. The silence between them was heavier than their own breath. For a long time, they simply stared at the horizon.

  Then, a voice broke the quiet. Yu Sui spoke while looking upward, but in that moment, a single tear escaped and rolled down his cheek.

  "Mo Yan...!!"

  Mo Yan turned his stoic face toward him. Another tear slid down Yu Sui’s face.

  "If it is true... that my soul is cursed... will you still walk with me? What if the legends are right? Will you still stay by my side?"

  The nearby maple tree rustled softly. Mo Yan watched him. A light breeze brushed past them. Yu Sui lowered his head, averting his gaze. Mo Yan didn't speak at first. He turned fully toward him, his eyes searching Yu Sui’s face not for an answer, but for the burden behind the question.

  Slowly, Mo Yan reached out and placed his hand over Yu Sui’s with a gentle, warm touch. Their fingers rested there, quiet and steady. On their wrists, the marks pulsed faintly. Mo Yan used his other hand to trace a mantra in the air; it glowed a soft pink before dissolving into the binding thread, turning the shimmering silk invisible once more. It was a necessary precaution.

  Yu Sui watched the magic fade, then looked at Mo Yan. He could feel the warmth of Mo Yan's hand, a heat that seemed to reach his very eyes for a fleeting second.

  Mo Yan finally answered.

  "I am going nowhere until our duty is fulfilled."

  He looked back at the sky. The tension had softened into something tender. Before turning back into the room, he looked at the horizon one last time and asked:

  "When all of this is over... will you play a melody for me?"

  Yu Sui blinked, clearly caught off guard by the request. But then, a small smile touched his lips. He looked into Mo Yan’s eyes Mo Yan, who sat there like a statue of a silent deity. Yu Sui nodded slowly.

  "Yes. I will play."

  The night passed, and a blooming morning filled the chamber but the room was empty. They had left the inn before dawn, heading northeast. Under the golden light of the sun, they traversed a winding mountain path.

  By noon, they reached a bustling local market filled with voices, vibrant colors, and the scent of roasted rice cakes. However, when Mo Yan checked their coin pouch, it was nearly empty. Yu Sui stared at the flat pouch and his face fell.

  He watched a man roasting kebabs and let out a long sigh.

  "We’re going to be beggars soon. Our clothes are already torn, and now this. Mo Yan, we need money."

  Mo Yan nodded grimly.

  "But how will we earn it? I know nothing but swordsmanship."

  Yu Sui made a face.

  "Yeah... I know. I don't

  expect much from you anyway. Just don't go robbing anyone. Let me think of something.”