Weeks of hunger left the two wanderers famished, and they ate the steaming hot buns in silence. The red bean paste filled Xue Yan's mouth as he took small, careful bites. The warm taste, though unfamiliar, filled both his stomach and his heart.
Xiaoman watched him quietly. Xie Yun stood, stretching lazily.
"I'll go get some rice wine,"
he said, and walked away.
When Xiaoman looked back, a steamed bun had quietly appeared in front of her. She glanced toward Xue Yan, but he had already finished his own.
She picked up the bun and ate it, a faint, thoughtful smile tugging at her lips.
Xie Yun stared at the pair as he lifted the heavy jar of rice wine. He approached their table and set it down, but a few drops spilled, landing on Xue Yan's lips. The boy licked them hesitantly, scrunching his face at the sour-sweet taste.
Xie Yun chuckled, shaking his head.
"Boy, why are you scrunching your face like that. Is it sour huh? You'll understand when you're older. Then you'll be chugging this down with your buddies and grinning like an idiot aall the while."
Xue Yan returned to his normal state after Xie Yun's words. Xie Yun poured some wine and handed it to Xiaoman, who blinked in surprise at his actions. She took the cup, sipped carefully, and immediately made the same scrunched-up face Xue Yan had worn moments ago.
A soft chuckle escaped Xie Yun's lips as he watched the two of them, their expressions mirroring each other.
Finishing their buns and sipping the wine, Xie Yun set the cups aside with a playful flick of his wrist.
"All right, little ones, it's time to stretch your legs. The city won't wait for us forever."
Xiaoman nodded, gathering their things, while Xue Yan blinked sleepily but followed closely behind.
The three of them stepped out into the bustling streets of Yuzhou. The air was warmer here, carrying the scents of roasted meats, fresh bread, and the faint tang of the river nearby. Merchants called out their wares, children ran past chasing one another, and the city felt alive in a way that was both strange and comforting.
Xie Yun led the way, his cloak fluttering behind him, and every so often, he glanced back with a faint smile, making sure the siblings were keeping up.
Xiaoman's veil fluttered in the wind as she glanced around the bustling streets. Their walk ahead didn't feel half as tiring as it had before meeting Xie Yun. They passed through the lively city streets and soon entered a quieter, more secluded path.
The air grew colder as the sun slowly sank beyond the horizon. Xue Yan sat alone on the horse, his face calm as he stared into the distance. The chill wrapped around them, but even this cold was nothing compared to what they had endured before.
Through the foggy path ahead, they finally saw their destination.Bi Feng.
Xie Yun spoke, his voice calm and playful:
"Little ones, we have reached Bi Feng. My abode. Now we shall ascend to the top."
Xiaoman stared at him in disbelief as she took in the steep, towering mountain before them. Exhausted, she nevertheless followed, step by step.
The mountain was covered in lush greenery, a mixture of trees and flowering plants filling the air with their sweet scent. The chirping of birds returning to their nests reached Xue Yan's ears, and his eyes wandered in awe over the darkening forest around him.
As they neared the summit, Xue Yan noticed a soft light glowing from a place at the very top.
The soft golden glow came from lanterns hanging on the massive bamboo gate. Two guards stood at attention, silent and watchful. Xie Yun, flanked by Xue Yan and Xiaoman, approached the entrance.
The guards' eyes widened slightly as they recognized him.
"Eh, Xie Yun, you've brought guests with you?"
one of them said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Xie Yun nodded calmly.
"These are my disciples."
The two guards chuckled at his words, exchanging a knowing look before stepping aside to let them pass.
Xiaoman and Xue Yan exchanged curious glances, silently wondering what had been so amusing.