Zhongyin — The Southern Gate
"Hey, hey, hey!" one of the guards called out to a guy stepping through the entrance. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Uhmm, ahhh..." The man, wearing a mask, hesitated. His voice was soft, almost shaky.
He looked like a beggar — his clothes were torn and dirty, hair disheveled, and he seemed wary.
"I... I'm lost," he finally said.
"Should we check him?" one guard mumbled to the other.
"The Young Leader gave us strict orders. We must follow them," the other replied.
"You. Come here," the first guard commanded.
"W-what's wrong? Did I do something?" the masked guy asked nervously.
Without answering, the two guards seized him, gripping his arms and patting down his body.
"H-Hey! What are you doing?!" he cried, struggling.
"We're just following orders," the guard replied coldly.
The guy twisted in their grip, eyes filled with fear as they searched every inch of him.
"What's going on here?"
The guards turned sharply, immediately bowing. "Young Leader Wen!"
"This man just arrived through the southern gate entrance," one explained. "He says he's lost."
The masked man quickly bowed. "Young Leader, I didn't know about the rules. I swear. I just arrived and got confused. I'll accept any punishment you deem fit."
Wen Yin chuckled lightly. "Stand up. What's your name?"
The man rose slowly, staring at the ground, unable to speak.
"The Young Leader asked you a question!" one of the guards snapped.
"He... He Xi...cheng," the man muttered.
"He Xicheng?" Wen Yin repeated, narrowing his eyes and stepping closer.
The man nodded faintly.
"Come with me," Wen Yin said.
"But, Young Leader he's not from—" one of the guards started.
"Did you find anything suspicious on him?"
The guards shook their heads.
"Then there's nothing more to say. Let's go."
Wen Yin turned away, and Xicheng followed silently.
"Young Leader, why are you helping me?" Xicheng asked as they walked.
"You look like someone who needs help. Here in Zhongyin, I don't let anyone live on the streets or wander alone."
"I've heard... I've heard that about you," Xicheng murmured.
"Then you're not too far from here."
Xicheng paused, hands tightening into fists.
"I heard about the kindness you offer your people. That's why I came here first... I just didn't know about the new rules and got lost."
Wen Yin stopped and turned around. "Every entrance to the Golden Palace is now heavily guarded. We're keeping watch for spies from the Qi Clan, I'm sure you've heard the news about Wuren's appearance."
"I... see..." Xicheng's voice trembled.
Wen Yin stepped closer, his presence towering. "Let's go."
They continued walking.
Zhongyin Palace — Wen Yin's Study
Guards saluted them at the gate as they entered. Wen Yin's assistant, Wen Jingli, hurried over.
"Young Leader, welcome back," she said with a bow.
"Jingli, prepare some clean clothes for this guy," Wen Yin instructed.
"Right away," Jingli responded, quickly vanishing into the halls.
"Come. Let's talk," Wen Yin said, motioning Xicheng inside.
The study was spacious, lined with books and scrolls, sunlight peeking through the windows. Xicheng's eyes widened in awe.
"This... this is your study?" he asked.
"It is. Though it's not something I boast about. Please, have a seat."
Xicheng sat cautiously.
Wen Yin poured him tea and set the cup in front of him. "So. Why were you lost?"
"I'm always lost," Xicheng replied softly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"My parents died long time ago. I've had no home ever since. So... I'm always lost."
Wen Yin's expression softened. "May I ask what happened to them?"
"That's... something I'd rather keep to myself. For now."
"Of course," Wen Yin said, taking a sip of tea. "Do you know how to use a sword?"
"My father taught me when I was younger. I'm confident with one, though it's been a while."
Just then, Jingli returned, arms full of folded garments.
"Young Leader, the clothes you requested."
Wen Yin took them and handed them to Xicheng. "Change into these. And one more thing—are you willing to serve Wen Clan as my right-hand assistant?"
Xicheng's eyes widened. "Really?!"
Wen Yin smiled. "Yes. Now go change and come back. I have something for you."
Xicheng bowed gratefully, and Jingli led him away.
----------------------
Northern Hill
Inside a cozy room, a girl stepped quietly in with a tray of food and tea. She approached the bed, where Jinxiao lay, eyes closed.
She opened the curtains — and a blade slashed through the air.
She gasped, dodging just in time. A strand of her hair floated to the floor. In fear, she transformed into a butterfly and flew out.
Jinxiao shot upright, his eyes cold and alert. He chased after her outside and found the same girl waiting for him.
"Who are you?" he asked, sword drawn.
"My name is Song Yuanli!" she said quickly, falling to her knees. "I brought you here. Please, have mercy!"
Wen Lu stepped out. "Childe Zhong, what's going on? I just woke up, where are we?"
"You're a Childe?!" Yuanli gasped. "Forgive me, Childe. Punish me if you must!"
Jinxiao lowered his sword. "Stand up."
"Where are we?" Wen Lu asked, glancing around.
"I just woke up too. I don't know," Jinxiao replied.
"You're in my family's home," Yuanli said. "I'll explain when everyone is awake."
"Where's Guanlin?" Wen Lu asked.
Panic flared in Jinxiao's eyes. He rushed from room to room until he found a small tavern-like space. He kicked the door open.
"Aaaahhh! What?!" Guanlin shouted, jolting awake.
"Come on, let's go," Jinxiao said sharply.
"Childe Zhong, Where are we?! What's happening?" Guanlin asked.
"Just follow me. And don't call me Childe. Call me by my name."
Confused, Guanlin followed and they regrouped outside, snow blanketing the ground.
"So explain," Jinxiao said. "Where exactly are we, and what did you do to us?"
"Like I said earlier, this is my family's home. I'm sorry. It wasn't on purpose, on what happened. " Yuanli explained.
"For what?" Wen Lu asked, confused.
"My little siblings were playing near the forest. They found a plant that releases a gas called the Dreamless Plant— it makes people sleep for days. We looked for them and also found you passed out and brought you here."
"Where are your siblings now?" Guanlin asked.
"Still asleep, probably. The gas affects children longer... you've been asleep for three days." Yaunli lowered her head.
"Three days?!" Guanlin shouted, grabbing his hair in panic. "We've lost three whole days!"
"Why didn't you wake us up?!" Wen Lu demanded.
"You all looked exhausted… and I didn't want to disturb you," Yuanli answered. "Why are you all in such a rush?"
"The trouble you caused really weighed down on us, I must punish you for causing us delay and trouble," Jinxiao said sternly.
"As you wish, Childe."
Jinxiao crossed his arms. "Earlier, you transformed into a butterfly, you possess magic."
"Yes. I am a fairy. It runs through my family."
"Fairy blood?" Wen Lu echoed. "But... didn't the Magic Sect get destroyed sixteen years ago?"
"Yes. My mother was one of those who perished during the incident, I didn't want to talk about it."
Looking at their uniforms, Yuanli paused. "You're from the Golden Palace… you're assassins."
"Only the two of us," Wen Lu said.
"And your punishment?" Jinxiao asked. "You will help us retrieve the fur of a mighty bear here in the Northern Hills."
Yuanli's eyes widened. "Fur of the mighty bear— You're poisoned?"
"He is, and his mother is" Wen Lu replied. "And we don't have much time."
Yuanli paused, turning around. "The mighty bear isn't far from here so it's not that hard, only slaying it will be."
"Not a problem." Jinxiao replied.
"The thing is...." yuanli started.
"What is it?" Guanlin asked.
"The mighty bear only leaves their cave every seven days… and it just returned to its cave yesterday..."
"So we have to wait for seven days?!" Guanlin cried out, dropping to his knees.
Wen Lu helped him up, concern in his eyes.
"I'm afaid so. I'm truly sorry," Yuanli whispered. "I should've known."
"You'll care for us while we wait," Jinxiao said firmly. "And when the time comes, you will help us slay the bear."
"Yes, Childe. I will." Yuanli bowed.
"Childe Zhong Jinxiao." He corrected.
"My name is Wen Lu, this is Lai Guanlin." He introduced.
Jinxiao gripped his sword tightly. His expression was blank, but deep down, fear gnawed at him—just as Guanlin silently trembled for his mother's fate.
Back in Zhongyin
"Young Leader... are you really giving me this sword?" Xicheng asked, eyes gleaming.
"You accepted the role of my right-hand. There's no turning back," Wen Yin replied with a warm smile.
Xicheng hesitated, then took the sword and gripped it tightly. "Xièxiè nǐ, Young Leader."
He gazed at his reflection in the polished blade — for the first time in a long while, he smiled.
Wen Yin handed him the sheath. "Take care of it."
Xicheng nodded. "I will."