As dawn broke, soft sunlight filtered through the clinic's lattice windows, resting on the man who had been unconscious for so long. Gu Xingyu leaned back in her chair, having drifted into a light sleep, her fingers still tightly gripping the pocket watch.
Only Lin Lie remained awake, meticulously checking the crystal components of his board in the corner. The room was silent, save for the faint clinking of mechanical parts.
Suddenly, the man on the table groaned. He blinked slowly, his blurry vision scanning the room before settling on Xingyu. Lin Lie noticed immediately and stepped closer. "You're awake?"
The man's gaze shifted to Lin Lie—sharp, guarded, but not aggressive. He tried to push himself up, but a jolt of pain forced a sharp hiss from his lips.
The sound startled Xingyu awake. Her first instinct was to steady him. "Don't move yet. Your wounds are still fresh."
The man's brow furrowed in pain. "...Where is this?"
"The Yao-Clinic," Lin Lie replied calmly. "We pulled you off the mountain."
The man remained silent for a long moment before croaking out a single word: "Thank you."
"What's your name?" Xingyu asked gently. "And how did you end up like this?"
He hesitated, then whispered, "Li Yan. I'm from... Gray-Fang Ridge."
At the mention of Gray-Fang Ridge, Lin Lie frowned. "That's a chaotic zone in the southeast. Rumors say it's infested with Yao-bandits and Void-Rippers."
Li Yan nodded slowly, his eyes darkening with shadow. "I was the captain of the local village guard. Someone attacked for the crystal resources. I tried to cover the villagers' retreat... but I failed."
Xingyu looked at him, her heart softening. "What do you plan to do now?"
Li Yan closed his eyes, his jaw tightening before he opened them again with a hard, determined glint. "I must go back. I have to find the survivors."
Xingyu shared a look with Lin Lie. "You aren't healed yet," she said softly. "And... we might be able to help you."
Li Yan looked at her with skepticism. "Why?"
She pulled out the watch. In that instant, all five icons flared in unison. She met his eyes with firm warmth. "Because our goal might align with what you want to protect. You are the fifth person chosen by this Seal."
Li Yan stared at the glowing watch for a long time. Finally, he murmured, "Perhaps... but I need a reason to trust you."
Xingyu nodded. "You will see."
"Our path follows the watch's guidance," Lin Lie interjected. "We might pass near Gray-Fang Ridge. If you come with us, you can at least confirm the state of your village."
Li Yan hesitated, then gave a single, solemn nod. "I will come. But if something happens, I will prioritize my village."
"Fair enough," Xingyu smiled. "For now, we're all on the same road."
"Ah, you're awake! Good timing. Drink this." Sang Qi appeared, handing Li Yan a bowl of dark, greenish liquid.
Luo Ye followed behind with a crate of food. "Breakfast is served! Dig in." Because of Li Yan's injuries, Luo Ye had prepared a separate bowl of light congee for him.
Li Yan took the medicine and downed it without a flinch. He frowned slightly at the bitter taste and handed the empty bowl back to Sang Qi.
Sang Qi gave him a thumbs-up. "I like a cooperative patient. People say I nag, but it's only because my patients don't listen! Right, Xingyu?" He shot a pointed look her way.
Xingyu blushed and walked over to Luo Ye to avoid the gaze. "Wow, this smells amazing, Luo Ye!"
"Of course it does! Anything I cook is top-tier." Luo Ye puffed out his chest, chin tilted high in pride.
As the morning light grew brighter, the tension in the clinic finally began to dissolve. This ragtag group was finally beginning to solidify. Xingyu knew the true test was coming. She knew they all had secrets, but trust is built in increments.
Suddenly, she paused. Her eyes swept over the group—Lin Lie, Luo Ye, Sang Qi, Li Yan... she knew all their names. Except one.
"Wait..." she muttered to herself. "What is his name?"
"Whose name?" Sang Qi leaned in.
"The one who's always laughing... the one who flirts and then vanishes like mist." She sighed. "He never actually introduced himself, did he? He just said 'Call me Water'."
Xingyu shook her head. "That's not a name."
She thought of those half-smiling eyes and that playful tone that masked any real emotion. He was like water—impossible to grasp, impossible to hold.
"People like him..." Sang Qi shrugged. "Either they truly don't care, or they're hiding something deep. But you're the mind-reader, aren't you? You'll crack him eventually."
"I'm a psychology major, not a magician..." she grumbled, but curiosity was already sparking in her eyes.
"You're all gathered here and didn't invite me? The big guy's awake! And there's food!"
As if on cue, the Water-bearer "floated" into the room.
"You're always appearing and disappearing," Luo Ye snapped, watching the man snatch a pastry. "And you're always grinning... why are you so happy?"
"A man should smile more, Luo Ye. Keeps you young. If you keep losing your temper, you'll age twice as fast." He took a bite of the pastry and closed his eyes in bliss. "Mmm, your mood is good today. The sugar is perfect. Keep it up."
Luo Ye rolled his eyes and sat as far away from him as possible.
Xingyu crossed her arms. "I thought you were the Water-bearer, not the Wind-bearer. You're always drifting around. By the way, you're the only one who hasn't officially introduced himself. What's your name? I can't keep calling you 'Water'."
The man smiled meaningfully, chewing slowly before winking at her. "Knowing my name so badly... have you fallen for me, lady?"
"Don't be cute," Xingyu said flatly. "We're traveling together. Knowing a name is a matter of respect and trust. Some names carry the hopes of elders. By not telling me, you're showing you don't trust me."
The man cleared his throat, his playful demeanor finally softening. "Names... I've never thought they were that important. But since you asked so sincerely... fine."
He paused. For a fleeting second, his eyes were as still as a deep lake.
"Cang Lan. My name is Cang Lan."
Xingyu's eyes flickered. "Cang Lan... Vast waters, hidden in the depths."
"My, I didn't even know my name had such a poetic meaning." Cang Lan instantly reverted to his carefree self, waving a pastry at Li Yan. "Hey, New Guy, want one? Better than that soup Sang Qi gave you."
Li Yan gave him a cold look and shook his head.
"Don't feed him junk!" Sang Qi snatched the pastry and stuffed it into his own mouth. "He's on a strict diet! Wow, this is good. Any more?"
Xingyu facepalmed at the two grown men bickering over food. She turned to Li Yan. "Let me formally introduce everyone. I am Gu Xingyu."
"That's Cang Lan. The mouthy one is Sang Qi, our doctor. The chef is Luo Ye. And the one in the corner working silently is Lin Lie."
Li Yan nodded slowly. "Thank you. And thank you... for not asking too much." He looked out the window. "I will do my best."
Xingyu smiled, her gaze steady and certain.
"Welcome to the team."