Riluo dashed through the crowded street, weaving in and out of the people still wandering about the dark streets. He kept his eyes fixed on the figure that was trying to avoid their pursuit. Their form changed a few times but Riluo hadn't lost sight of them yet. He could tell they were getting frustrated.
They ducked into another alley. Riluo turned the corner and couldn't see them, but it hadn't been long enough for them to reach the end and turn the next corner.
He felt the shift in the air before he saw anything. He moved before he even registered the blade that was striking against his polearm. He redirected the attack to slide down the pole and the moment the weight lifted he shifted and struck back. His blade grazed them and he didn't let up.
Riluo is relentless when it comes to fighting. Instantly, he was on the offensive with quick strikes, despite the tight space and long weapon. Xinhua had never seen such rapid movement with a polearm. She felt she would just get in the way. She instead decided to run around the building to try and flank.
She arrived on the other side just as Riluo's opponent tried to slip away again. She swung her sword to try and stop their escape. They blocked her sword while leaning out of the way of Riluo's next attack before grabbing onto his polearm with their freehand with a strength Riluo hadn't felt from them.
"Back up!" Riluo warned.
"Persistent pests!" A sharp hiss emitted from the body between them as they grew in size. Their form twisted and writhed, becoming less like that of a human and more like that of a massive serpent. It was about to snap at Xinhua but Riluo sliced into the scales. It whipped around, snapping at Riluo instead, knocking Xinhua back out into the street.
Screams filled the air as many took notice of the massive beast. People scattered away from the alleyway. A couple imperial guards showed up upon hearing the commotion.
"How the hell did one get so deep into town?!" One of them froze in place.
"Major?!" A guard recognized Xinhua.
"Evacuate the area!" Xinhua ordered. With less people their transformation would make it more difficult to get away. While Riluo had them in sight the whole time, Xinhua would have lost them on her own. In case he was unable to continue after this, she wanted to improve their chance of capture should they decide to try and escape again.
"I won't allow insignificant mortals to get the better of me!" The serpent's voice boomed as it knocked Riluo out of the alley as far away as the beast could muster. Its tail smashed into the building, collapsing it in an instant. A cloud of dust and debris went flying and the massive body vanished. Xinhua tried to keep her eyes peeled but dust enveloping them made it difficult to not shield one's eyes.
Once the dust settled they were gone. Nothing but destruction remained between Riluo and Xinhua.
"Pretty sure It became a black bird and flew off," Riluo huffed as he limped over, using his polearm as a support. Getting knocked back he was slammed against a building across the way before he could catch himself. It didn't feel like anything was broken but it did hurt. "I saw it flying out of the debris. It could be a trick though."
"Any good with a bow if they come back?" Xinhua asked. "Afraid my aim is rudimentary at best."
"I'm not as good as Lady Shanfeng but she's helped me improve," Riluo sighed. "I've landed some significant blows that seemed to still reflect on its body as it shifted. I doubt it will be back so soon."
"Major Meigui!" The guard that recognized her form before arrived with more guards.
"Quickly, ensure no one was in the collapse," Xinhua ordered.
"Treat them but don't let them leave until we've had a chance to speak with them," Riluo requested.
The guard glanced at Xinhua for confirmation.
"He outranks me, do as he says," Xinhua gestured to him. "Introduce yourself how you want, sir." Xinhua didn't want to ruin his cover if he decided to proceed with the guise of Luoshi so she decided to leave it up to him.
"You and I are the same rank since your new position," Riluo sighed, pulling out the dragon token tucked away in his belt. He showed it to the guard that lingered and they stiffened. "I am currently traveling as Luoshi so please refer to me as such. When we depart in the next couple days, send any findings or inquiries on this matter to Lady Shanfeng."
"Yes sir!" The guard nodded and set about informing the others and assisting them.
"We should head back," Riluo stated quietly. "If that bird was it, they could be in danger. I told you to stay."
"Maque insisted… He's…" Xinhua hesitated since Riluo was still unaware. "Well, he's different, so I trust him."
"What is he? He mentioned he wanted to tell me but not around others," Riluo's brow furrowed as he tried to even consider what he was beyond a cultivator. "Is he like His Highness?"
"Very different. He's something more, but it's his secret to tell," Xinhua huffed, a bit frustrated that she couldn't share more.
"It's alright," Riluo patted her shoulder. "See if they can spare one so they know where to find us when we relocate. We are wasting time."
⬦◈⬦
Returning to the backdoor they dashed out of earlier, there was blood all over the wall and the ground. Riluo had noticed the strong scent of blood when they left but he wasn't going to let their attacker go to check. He'd never hear the end of it from Yushi.
"They killed her and took her place," Xinhua's expression darkened.
"Yeah," Riluo nodded. The blood didn't have any trails, just splattered and pooled around. "There's no way it transformed and devoured her, given how many people are around, right? So where is her body?"
"I'll look around out here," the guard that accompanied them said. "Take care of what you need to inside."
"Thank you," Xinhua nodded in their direction before returning inside. "Xueye, Doctor, Maque?" She stepped into the dining hall she left them in. Wuye was still there at the table with a frustrated expression on his face. "Where-?"
"By the fire," Wuye gestured to the sitting room where the doctor and Xueye were sitting on the floor staring distantly into the flames. She went over and sat on the other side of him. Wuye looked to Riluo who seemed to be thinking just about as much as he was. "Lost them, huh?"
"You know them?" Riluo's expression somehow tensed more.
"If it's who I think it is, they have always been slippery," Wuye sighed. "I didn't think they would try something so soon…"
"Are you okay?" Riluo asked. "You look rather fine for being poisoned but I know someone else that's like that. He sure can put up a front."
"The doctor whipped something up that helped, not that I entirely needed it. However, I am back in top shape that much quicker." Wuye smiled. "And you? You look rough for wear. Better than I could have hoped, thankfully."
"I've had worse." Riluo sighed. "Some rest is in order but I need to look around and we need to consider relocating." He looked over at the door to see Xueye was very obviously shivering. "He's not looking too good though."
"I'll try something," Wuye stood up. "I removed the talisman keeping the outside noise at bay. I know I shouldn't have given how uncomfortable he was earlier but I had to be able to keep an ear out for danger."
"Did you locate our host?" Riluo asked barely above a whisper.
"No, but I saw what you just did," Wuye looked sorrowful. Considering he hadn't sensed the presence of the God of the Underworld or his little helpers, her soul was likely devoured. As for her body, it was hard to say for certain. "Look around a bit to be sure."
"Right," Riluo nodded and set off to look around the house.
Wuye quietly walked over to the ones near the fire.
"I'm fine, Doctor," Xinhua insisted for most certainly not the first time given her tone. "Really you should be checking on Luoshi."
"I will, but I just worry about you as well," Dr.Jingji sighed. "It's harder to catch him when he's working, though."
"Speaking from experience," Wuye chuckled softly.
"Unfortunately," Dr.Jingji huffed. The doctor got up looking at Wuye with a desperate plea. "Could I trouble you to stay with Xueye while I check on him?"
"Of course," Wuye nodded, taking the doctor's place next to the young man.
It was silent for a bit. The only sound in the house was the fire crackling and the steps of the doctor as Riluo still moved about as silent as ever, though the bell he wore occasionally chimed as he moved about.
Xueye was drifting in and out of his daze. Despite being surrounded by warmth he felt like he was in the center of a snowstorm. A prickling sensation bled into his limbs and all he wanted to do was sleep, but he knew he couldn't.
A hand pressed against his back and suddenly what felt like a battering of icy wind eased into a gentle summer breeze. A warmth suffused his chest and he felt like he could breathe again. He blinked as he turned his head to see Wuye's face come into focus.
"I'm sorry, I should have done this sooner," Wuye smiled apologetically as he continued to circulate his own qi through the young man's body to try and mellow out all the agitated qi in Xueye's body. "I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts and I'm sure it wasn't helping."
"Whatever you are doing, you're helping so much," Xueye's weak and shaky voice let out a raspy sigh of relief. He rested his head against Wuye's shoulder and tears started falling down his face.
"Xueye?" Wuye's brow furrowed in worry.
"It's so quiet now…" Xueye choked out the words.
Wuye was reminded of the time when he'd first ascended and prayers came to him in a maddening cacophony along with all the noise carried along the winds. He recalled how overwhelming it was for him then before he learned to control it all. At one point when he felt like his mind would shatter he was visited by the Heavenly Emperor and everything went silent. He couldn't help but echo the words spoken to him after that.
"Easing a world of pain is difficult enough when trying to ease your own," Wuye said in a much gentler tone than he'd heard these words ages ago. "I'll grant you reprieve all you like, you need but ask."
"Okay…" Xueye nodded slowly, wiping his tears away.
Wuye felt a hand over his own where it was placed on Xueye's back. He looked to Xinhua who smiled at him quietly mouthing, "Thank you." Wuye returned the smile and nodded.
She was hesitant to part with Xueye but she wanted to secure a safe place for them to rest. She trusted Wuye to take care of Xueye in the meantime.
She stepped outside and found the guard that was helping search the area.
"I'm sorry I haven't found much in the area aside from the obvious, er… Major, right?" The guard asked nervously.
"Not anymore, I took a new position in the palace, it doesn't exactly have a proper rank or title yet. Lady Meigui is fine." Xinhua put on a gentle smile to help calm them down a bit. "What's your name?"
"I'm Sergeant Choi," She replied succinctly, seeming to relax a little at Xinhua's softer demeanor.
"So you are from around here then," Xinhua was starting to pick up on the Northern Meihuan accent the more she spoke and her name confirmed it.
"I am," She nodded. "Born and raised here."
"You wouldn't happen to know some places around that are either abandoned or empty, would you?" Xinhua asked in part as a lead to investigate, should their attacker want to lie low in town, but also as a potential place to stay, should the building be in decent enough shape.
"I know of a couple I occasionally check on patrols," She hummed thoughtfully, considering the implication. "Would a beast like that really hide out there?"
"I doubt it but they are intelligent and were disguised as the woman killed here," Xinhua gestured to the blood on the ground. "They seemed to favor a more human form as they were escaping. It doesn't hurt to consider such locations. We also need to move where we are staying. Considering that beast just tried to poison us, we'd rather not have a repeat of what just happened. We need somewhere that is warm and better shielded from the elements but preferably in a manner we don't have to rely on anyone else as a host."
"Oh! There's one not far from here that might work," Choi said with a smile, she was delighted to be able to help more than she had. "A handful of locals have been moving away in the recent chaos, so there are a few vacant houses. I'm sure you can negotiate to stay for a short time."
"It should work for now," Xinhua considered it the best option, even if it cost them a great deal, Yushi was quite clear on the financial stance of this trip. "Let me speak with the others, see if they are amenable to this idea."
"Of course," Choi nodded.
Xinhua stepped inside and found the doctor had finally gotten Riluo to sit at the table to take a look at his leg. Riluo seemed a little upset by the fact but he was complying. Fortunately it was just a nasty bruise.
"I told you it was fine," Riluo said with a huff. "I wouldn't push it on a trip like this if it wasn't."
"Don't lie," Dr.Jingji scowled at him. "You have pushed through sprains and breaks before."
"That was a different time," Riluo sighed. "It was life or death back then. The urgency has passed, it's just a matter of finding somewhere else safe to stay."
"I was about to look into that," Xinhua chimed in. "I asked the guard that came with us a few questions. We may be able to hopefully borrow a vacant home since some have been leaving due to the chaos."
"It's certainly viable," Riluo hummed softly. "She was alone for a while, she didn't seem to be moving differently, right?"
"I already considered that," Xinhua shrugged. "She was moving normally enough. It was also why I took some time to speak with her."
"If you think it's safe we should consider it," Riluo nodded.
"It may take some negotiating with whoever is in charge of the place now," Xinhua sighed. "Here's hoping they are a generous sort."
"I can come along if you think it will help," Riluo suggested. "Though I think it would be good to have two combatants here while we wait."
"You stay," Xinhua chuckled. "You deserve a breather after that display. Just leave it to me." She sighed and lowered her voice in case Xueye was together enough to listen in again, "I was told the financial aspect has no limit."
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Riluo rolled his eyes. "That fool…"
"I don't intend to let things get out of hand, obviously," Xinhua crossed her arms. "I'd prefer to leave it as a last resort."
"We are coming up on that," Riluo grumbled. "At least on this aspect."
"I was a business woman before," Xinhua smirked. "I think I can minimize the damage pretty decently."
"I'm sure Lord Wen will appreciate that," Riluo shrugged. "I don't doubt you can work it out but," Riluo lowered his voice further, "if a full purchase is necessary then go ahead. Support that comes later after I make a report can utilize it."
"That's not a bad idea," Xinhua nodded. "We'll see how this pans out. I'll try to be quick. On the off chance I'm not back in the hour, Xueye has the means to find me if you ask to borrow it."
"Understood," Riluo nodded. "Be careful."
"I will," Xinhua waved as she slipped away.
Xinhua was guided just down the road. The house was a little larger than most but most certainly not enough rooms for all of them to have their own at a glance from outside. In her opinion it would be suitable enough. Xueye likely could use the proximity of others especially with how shaken he was.
It was dangerous to be separated too much anyhow, she only risked it now because there was a way for them to track her should anything go wrong. It's not like she was completely alone anyways. While she didn't know the guard with her well, if she was their attacker in disguise then they would have had ample opportunity by now to capture or harm her.
Sergeant Choi escorted her to the person in possession of the property after Xinhua approved of it at a glance. Xinhua was a little worried it would be too late but fortunately light still came from within.
"Ah, good seems like they are still awake," The guard knocked on the door.
"Indeed, waking them up certainly wouldn't be good for negotiations," Xinhua smiled softly. It may have been some years now since she'd conducted any sort of business related negotiations but it had never been something that really went away, just took on a new form while she was a guard.
"Who's at the door so late?" The door opened as the middle aged man inside peeked out. "Miss Choi? How can I help the Imperial Guard this fine evening?"
"Forgive us for interrupting you this evening, Mr. Jung," Choi said with a sweet voice. "I have a visitor from the capital with me that wishes to speak with you on the home Seong sold to you." She gestured to Xinhua.
"Good evening, I'm Lady Meigui," Xinhua bowed. "I wish this could wait until the morning, however considering the lack of space in the inns here I was hoping you would be willing to allow myself and my companions to stay there for a time. With compensation of course."
"I was really hoping to find a permanent buyer," Jung looked a little skeptical. "Ah, wait, Meigui? As in-?"
"Yes, the Meigui Trading Company," Xinhua nodded with a smile. "While I am no longer a part of the company my brother and I are very close." She didn't want to necessarily say that he was with her since he was in such a fragile state. "See, I now work for the palace, quite closely with the upper court in fact. My companions and I are simply passing through but having to wait with some members that are injured while others have a weak constitution and wouldn't fare well resting on the ship puts us in a tough spot. Considering the unrest it may be difficult to find a permanent resident for a while, if you were to rent it out to travelers like us or even the merchants that have to remain for a month would be a great supplement in the meantime."
"I hadn't thought of that," Jung hummed softly.
"It would certainly help a lot of people," Choi chimed in. "Tensions have been quite high."
"My thoughts exactly," Xinhua nodded. "I was considering making a report to Lady Mingmai suggesting some assistance for matters like this upon seeing the state of things. Having someone local and willing to assist would certainly make the process easier once they are able to implement it. Should you be interested in such a collaboration, allowing us to stay as a test would be one way to gain favor. As I said before, we are willing to compensate you regardless of your decision."
"I see no reason to not allow you to stay when you put things like that." He nodded slowly. "Perhaps give me the night to sleep on your offer as far as assisting is concerned but I'm fine if you wish to stay. It's as you say there hasn't been much interest, but you have given me much to think about."
"Just how much is it you are considering charging us?" Xinhua asked.
"I'll have to ask what the going rate the inns are charging perhaps. Though considering the place is only half furnished with what the Mun family left behind, unable to move it all, would the cost of two rooms per night be acceptable?"
"Quite amenable," Xinhua nodded with a grin. She half expected five or six rooms worth the moment he brought up the idea of charging the same as the inns. "I'll make it three if you keep our stay discreet until we leave. Perhaps if you wish to go forward with this venture beyond us it will also assist you in furnishing the rest of the place."
"Very generous of you Lady Meigui," He bowed his head. "You have my word."
"Thank you," Xinhua beamed. "If you would like I can draft up a contract in regard to our stay and bring it by tomorrow and you can let me know then if I should pass your name on for this project to assist."
"Sounds perfect, I will be here all morning if you need anything. Allow me to go fetch the key." He went back inside and shut the door.
"I'm glad he was so willing, I admit I was a little nervous," Sergeant Choi let out a sigh of relief.
"He seemed to be in a rather pleasant mood," Xinhua said with a smile.
"You made it seem so easy, Lady Meigui," Choi looked at her with awe. "Does business just run in the family?"
"Well in a sense," Xinhua giggled. "I didn't always used to be so good at it, trust me. It just took practice."
"Here you are," The older man opened the door and handed her the key. He also held out some folded blankets for them to take. "Since Miss Choi brought you here I assume you know where it is."
"Oh, thank you so much," Xinhua took the blankets with a grateful smile. "She showed me the location before we arrived so I could deduce if it was sizable enough for us. She has been a wonderful help tonight."
"I-I'm just doing my job, my lady," Choi shifted nervously under such praise.
"Your job is to keep the peace and protect, not every guard is so willing to assist in such mundane matters. I greatly appreciate that you are helping us regardless. You as well Mr.Jung, even if you are being compensated you allowing this means a great deal to me. Regardless if you take me up on that offer I will still sing your praises."
"Nonsense," Jung waved his hand. "There's enough negativity going about lately. A little help where we can is good. It's why I was so willing to help buy the Mun family's home in the first place, so they didn't have to wait to leave."
"Even so, I am still grateful," Xinhua bowed once more.
"None of that," He motioned for her to rise. "Someone as illustrious as you shouldn't be bowing to some nobody like me. Now go on and get your rest. If you need anything else don't hesitate to come back here. I'll be up a while longer considering your words, after all."
"Try not to stay up too late," Xinhua giggled and waved as he closed the door once more. "Walk me back, Sergeant, and you may take over investigating the home further."
"Me?" Her eyes widened as she fell in step just behind Xinhua. "I'm not normally the one to do such things."
"You seem diligent enough," Xinhua nodded with a smile. "Once we question those present at the scene of that scuffle earlier, gather a few guards to join you. I must ask for your discretion as well, if you don't mind. Should anyone wish to question us further about the incident before we depart, you can fetch myself or Luoshi and we can discuss it at the guard office."
"Of course, you were just attacked after all, the less your whereabouts are known the safer you are," Choi nodded with a seriousness setting into her eyes.
"I'm glad you understand," Xinhua beamed.
Upon returning, Xinhua had Choi remain outside just in case Xueye was still in a daze. She didn't want to overwhelm him with a stranger, especially one that was likely a bundle of nerves and a little excitement after all that just occurred if he was still sensitive to emotions.
"That was faster than I expected," Riluo seemed rather relieved upon seeing her walk in as quietly as she could. "All went well I assume?"
"Better than expected, the current owner is quite kind. I brought up the idea of continuing to offer the place to others after we leave. He's considering it. Given the situation and how many locals have moved inland it may not be a bad idea to have some palace assistance with converting such homes into temporary stays and potentially investing in expanding infrastructure a bit quicker."
"I was already going to request more guards and additional supplies be sent this way as soon as possible," Riluo nodded. "I can make mention of your idea in the report as well. Lady Mingmai will surely set up a small team right away."
"I don't doubt that," Xinhua nodded. Her eyes drifted to the room where she left Xueye and Wuye sitting. They hadn't moved from their spots. The doctor was sitting nearby, watching over Xueye with a worried look on his face. As she approached she couldn't help but ask, "How is he?"
"Better with Maque's assistance," The doctor sighed.
"You're back," Xueye slowly turned her way with a weak, relieved smile.
"Sorry for stepping away, I wanted to secure another place to stay," Xinhua waved the key about. "We really should get you there so you can rest. It's not safe here."
"Right," Xueye nodded slowly. A shadow quickly fell on his soft features, "Just why would she want to poison us like that? She was so nice when we met. What changed? Why did she feel so different just before?"
"Well…" Xinhua scratched the back of her neck, uncertain of how much to tell him. She glanced at Wuye then the doctor and finally Riluo once he joined them. She was about to speak again but someone else did first.
"They were probably after me," Wuye supplied. It was a much more convenient lie that kept him from needing to know the whole truth of the matter. "I've made all sorts of enemies. I just never expected one to find me here, let alone transform into some sweet lady to get to me."
"They did get you…" Xueye's brow furrowed with worry. "Heavens, I've been so out of it I didn't even ask if you were okay!"
"Perfectly fine thanks to the doctor and my constitution as a cultivator!" Wuye beamed. "Especially after sitting with you for a while. I feel tired but restored in a sense."
"And you two?" Xueye fiddled with the hem of his robes as he glanced from Xinhua to Riluo. "You didn't get hurt did you?"
"I'm quite fine," Xinhua gestured to herself. "Not a scratch."
"A bit sore but nothing a good night's sleep won't fix," Riluo thought it best to be honest considering it's a little hard to hide the way he'd been walking.
"Then we best be off!" Wuye said in a chipper tone as he jumped up, offering a hand to help Xueye up. "You were practically falling asleep just before your sister returned. We should all get some well deserved rest."
"Can you blame me?" Xueye took his hand and let out a sigh as he got up.
"Not at all, it was a lot to go through today," Wuye squeezed his hand before letting go. "You've been handling it well."
"Glad I have that going for me at least," Xueye pulled his mantle tighter around him. He certainly didn't feel like he was handling it all very well.
Gathering their items and at the very least the means to light a fire at the new place, they relocated rather quickly. The furnishings were minimal but it was more than Xinhua expected. Mostly just large furnishings that weren't easy to travel with were left behind.
"Nothing luxurious but it's a roof over our heads and a hearth we can get going," Xinhua shrugged as she set about getting the fire going.
"Right now, a warm place to rest is what matters," Dr.Jingji stated calmly, seemingly satisfied with the condition of the place. "It may be a bit before it warms the rest of the house so, Xueye, it may be best for you to rest here," The doctor gestured to the chaise not far from the hearth. While he was still hoping Xueye would be able to eat something warm, the young man looked utterly exhausted. "If you want I can wake you whenever we get something for you to eat."
"I know I should but I've lost my appetite," Xueye's voice was weak as he sat down.
"I understand," Dr.Jingji crouched in front of Xueye, taking the young man's hand. While Xueye felt a little cool to the touch it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been. He was worried it would be worse given what just occurred. "Try and rest."
"Mn," Xueye nodded slowly.
"I still think one of you should get something for us to eat," Dr.Jingji rose up and turned to the others. He wanted to go himself but he was hesitant to leave Xueye's side in such a fragile state.
"I'll go in just a moment," Wuye had been drawing up a new talisman as they made their way here. He was determined to make something that wouldn't keep them safeguarded. If it were to be broken somehow then he would be able to return in an instant upon the wind. He was trying to figure out how to make it so that not only would there be a barrier that only they could pass through but keep the external emotions from bothering Xueye without having a repeat of what just happened. He felt foolish for keeping it simple and sealing his own sense of what was outside the building. He was more than capable of making something so complex, given enough time.
He was complacent, thinking his presence alone would deter those that could sense his power. He kept underestimating the dangers that Shendu and his followers posed. Tonight, he learned that he couldn't cut corners and he wouldn't let his guard down. Even if Shendu wasn't at full strength it didn't mean hidden followers like Xiangliu weren't. Having known there was a possibility that Xiangliu was still out there all this time was leaving Wuye feeling rotten for not even considering that threat. He needed to reevaluate everything and start planning around what they all might do regardless of Shendu's strength.
"Hopefully this will work as I want," Wuye mumbled softly as he finished the final stroke. He pressed it against the wall just inside the door and the walls began to shimmer with a faint glow.
"What does it do?" Xinhua asked curiously.
"It's a barrier, only we can come and go," Wuye explained. "I did modify it as well to help Xueye shut out the emotions of anyone on the street." Wuye's voice lowered to a whisper, "This time in a way that won't keep me from sensing what is nearby…"
"You aren't blaming yourself for what happened are you?" Xinhua asked with quiet concern.
"I should have done it like this in the first place… among other things…" Wuye wasn't going to go into the details even if Xueye was already drifting off.
"Would you have even been able to intervene?" Xinhua's voice was hushed.
"Enemies like that are why I'm here," Wuye clenched his fists. "I've underestimated them again."
"It's not like you can be expected to know everything," Xinhua placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Considering what you know of me, I'm not sure I should feel comforted by that," Wuye flashed a self-deprecating smile.
"You should," Xinhua chuckled. "Humans make mistakes, they aren't perfect. You are no exception, even if you are a little different than you used to be. The little time I've known you, you are definitely more human than some humans I know."
"Given your former position I can only imagine," Wuye shrugged with an amused smile. In a strange way he did find comfort in her calling him human. It meant he'd still been able to cling to his humanity after centuries among those who rarely did.
"Huh, I guess so, I wasn't even thinking of criminals I've put away," Xinhua tilted her head. She glanced back towards Xueye, who by now had fully fallen asleep by the fire. "More like the one I haven't yet…"
"Ah, that guy…" Wuye had only heard a little from Jinse about Lord Meigui. He'd only caught a glimpse of the man as Lord Meigui left the graveyard, but his crooked nature was quite apparent to Wuye. "I didn't need to touch him to see that his soul was rotten. It's a wonder he even is considered human at all."
"He wouldn't happen to count as something you can protect him from by any chance?" Xinhua flashed a dark smirk.
"Not in the way you are thinking," Wuye couldn't help but laugh. "I can happen to be nearby."
"I was mostly joking but I would appreciate it," Xinhua giggled. "At the very least for a while after we get back. He could use a break from father's pestering. Since I've distracted you from your thoughts, feel up to going out still or would you like company?"
"Stay put, I'll be fine," Wuye shook his head. "You all should be safe with this barrier but just in case."
"Alright, be careful," Xinhua nodded as she started to step away towards the hearth.
"Xinhua," Wuye called out before she got too far. "I appreciate you trying to cheer me up. Thank you."
"Anytime," Xinhua beamed.