– A-Wei, where are you? – continued the sweet voice, enhanced by the magic of this world. – I've been looking for you for so long, Wei Huan!
The owner of the spoken name bristled and froze, intensely looking at the exit from the cave. A bitter resentment blurred in the depths of the dark pupils, scorching the disembodied shell with a burning flame, agitating the barely calmed energy.
And only a light touch, like the of a butterfly's wings, brought Wei Huan out of this stun. Hao Ning's gentle palm slid over his wrist, trying to distract and calm him down. Care and warmth were evident in every unobtrusive move.
The scholar, who sincerely cared for him, did not insist on affection but was invisibly ready to provide it if only he had had been allowed.
Huan exhaled sharply and grabbed Hao Ning's hand himself, intertwining their fingers together.
– I'm fine, – he calmly answered the unasked question. – His words won't anger anymore.
Hao Ning, who now knew the whole bitter truth of the general's past, looked uncertainly into his serious face for some time but then nodded trustingly.
– Let's go then.
Wu Zhe Kai, having left the dark vaults of their short-lived refuge, cast a glance at his friends as they came out and immediately looked away, gloomily examining the rift that was sparkling with energy.
Jin Yu Ming also soon appeared nearby, kneeling in front of the general.
– Yu Bing Han is at the rift a couple of Li away, – reported the warrior. – Hу рasn't discovered our location yet. – The man fell silent and then asked. – May I propose?
– Speak.
Wei Huan took a step closer to his friend and extended his hand. A slight hesitation on Yu Ming's part could not be ignored, but the soldier did not resist and accepted help, rising to his feet.
– Let's rush an attack, – We don't know Yu Bing Han's current abilities, so we can't help but take advantage of this chance.
The general listened carefully to his friend, then asked something strange:
– Since he appeared, how far has he moved from the rift?
Jin Yu Ming thought for a moment, but shrugged his shoulders, honestly admitting that he did not have an answer. Hao Ning, standing next to him,however understood what Wei Huan was hinting at.
– Do you think he's just trying to lure us to the rift?
Approval and even pride flashed across the general's face who turned, making Hao Ning hardly resist the urge to burst into a stupid smile. Now was not the time тor the place, but still the gentle warmth enveloped him due to this mere confession from Wei Huan.
– Yu Bing Han is not strong, – although there was tenderness in the gaze directed at Hao Ning, the general's voice remained firm and stern. – But we mustn't forget about his cunning and quick mind. If he's acting so bald, he's probably up to something.
– How unpleasant and clingy, – Wu Zhe Kai wrinkled the tip of his nose, crossing his arms over his chest. -Then what should we do? Since we don't even know what to expect.
– We know, – Wei Huan disagreed. – He wants to see me and is waiting for me to appear, – the man's lips curved into an unkind smile. – Let's fulfill his wish.
– No! – Hao Ning's frightened voice cut into his ears, forcing him to pay attention to him. – Never! You've just called him cunning and smart. If his goal is to find you, then you are the most at risk.
– I agree with Lao Hao, – Jin Yu Ming rarely spoke against the plans of his general, but now his straight back resembled hard, unbending bamboo. – Yu Bing Han is dangerous and unpredictable. We won't be able to calculate his moves.
– No one is able, – answered Wei Huan adamantly, but calmly. – No one ever unravels his plans unless he allows it. – The man's gaze slid along the thin crack of the visible fault. – That's why now we can only play by his rules. I know I can defeat him in battle, but to do so I need to get as close as possible. And do that before he carries out his plans. The rift appeared recently, which means Yu Bing Han did not have the time to do anything, and this gives us certain chances. However, the longer we talk, the smaller they become.
– Then what do you want from us? – wondered Wu Zhe Kai.
– Keep your distance, find a good vantage point, and wait for the moment.
– I will go with you.
Wei Huan looked at Hao Ning's gloomy face before silently shaking his head. This, understandably, did not suit the scholar, so he continued in a tone that showed – he would tolerate no objections.
– You're about to face your biggest nightmare, so how can I let you go there alone? After everything you told me. After everything I promised you. I said that I will always be there for you and help you cope with anything. – Hao Ning persistently grabbed the man's sleeve. – Please, A-Wei, let me be by your side and not let the bitterness of the past break you again.
Wei Huan lowered his gaze, examining the face of the steady young man. Hao Ning's soft features were different from Yu Bing Han's luring appearance.
They were like night and day. Hao Ning had fair hair the color of wheat that was shrouded in the dawn, but his white and smooth skin seemed to have never known the sun. His brown eyes carried the light of bright golden sparks. The young man was shorter than Wei Huan, with a thin waist, long legs, and graceful slender fingers. Rough calluses received in long military campaigns left no trace on his palms. His body was hardened by training, but the scholar of the Mount Redemption was not meant for brutal force.
This was not only physically visible but also could be felt internally. Hao Ning seemed to be woven from the warm rays of the sun. He was sincere, affectionate, naive, and honest. He looked so open-hearted and untainted that it became clear from the first glance: the young man had never known the troubles of a cruel world. Had never seen its dirty and scary side; had never marred his hands with the blood of the enemy and had never heard the last breath of his dear friend. He was trusting, and gentle, but stubborn and determined. Trying to understand the world around him as quickly as possible and fully realize his true self.
Perhaps Wei Huan was wrong again. Perhaps he was drawing the wrong conclusions. He might not understand the person looking at him at all, and yet he... wanted to trust the scholar? Yes, he wanted to try again. If it was Hao Ning, he was willing to risk his tormented heart filled with uncertainty.
– Fine, – Wei Huan nodded, covering his fingers tightly gripping the hanfu fabric with his palm. – Let's go.
How Hao Ning managed to restrain the sigh of relief that filled his entire chest, he could not say. An all-consuming joy overwhelmed his heart with these short words said. That forced the youth to hold on tighter to the unbearably important person who decided to take a step towards him. For no reason in the world would Hao Ning miss the opportunity given to him to hold Wei Huan's hand, helping him carefully move forward. He will not pull Wei Huan, force him, or push him. Yes, Hao Ning will take every step with him slow and steady.
***
The rocky terrain near the Gates, surrounded by the high mountains, was perfect for observations and surprise attacks, but Yu Bing Han, smoothly strolling along the rift, seemed not at all worried about such a possibility.
The crack emitting weak energy behind him barely flickered, making it clear that the rift would close very soon. Wei Huan could not determine the exact time of his disappearance, but he saw this many times and even understood something about the unpredictable phenomena of this world.
He and Hao Ning stood at some distance from Yu Bing Han, carefully watching him. Wei Huan watched his every move, gazing at his fragile figure with his hawk-like gaze. Inconceivable contradictions were clashing inside his mind, and Wei Huan could hardly restrain himself. The irresistible desire to dispel this rotten man multiplied with the remnants of uncontrollable grief and unspoken questions was unbearable. If Wei Huan's heart was beating now, he might not be able to withstand such pain a second time.
Hao Ning's gentle palm touched the man's shoulder. The corners of the youth's lips were barely lifted, despite the silent question and sincere excitement in the eyes. The raging fire of hatred did not subside but stopped clouding his consciousness. Wei Huan nodded confidently and, squeezing Ning's hand, left their shelter.
It didn't take long to give away his location. Yu Bing Han heard the general's steps as soon as small stone crisps crunched under his feet. Thin lips parted in a satisfied smile, and long eyelashes fluttered.
– Finally, you decided to stop running, A-Wei. That is so good! – said the former adviser, drawing out his words while slowly turning to face Huan. – I've been looking for you for so long. I wanted to talk to you so badly.
Yu Bing Han's golden eyes were instantly drawn into a cloudy dark pool, hiding all the general's emotions in the emptiness. He was determined not to betray his feelings in any way. Bing Han knew how to play with them perfectly, finding loopholes and deftly hitting the most painful place. He repeatedly used this during long negotiations, permeated with flattery and skillful lies pouring into the ears of the naive and unprepared. He always felt relaxed and confident among insidious intrigues, multi-stage, and ornate plans. Yu Bing Han understood other people's feelings well. Far too well.
That's why Wei Huan gave him no answer.
Bin Han, however, did not need this. He glanced at Hao Ning, but somewhat through him as if seeing only an empty space. Then he averted his eyes to the peak that stood out among all the other mountains.
– I knew you would come. The right decision was to simply wait. – Yu Bing Han tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. – Sorry for showing up so late. I was thrown far into the depths of this world. It took me a long time to get where I needed to be.
With every said word, innocent look, a slight smile, and shameless confidence, the "armor" of Wei Huan cracked, threatening to destroy the entire persistent image. Did Yu Bing Han have the nerve to talk about something so significant that easily? Being joyful, calm, and relaxed? As if a deceitful betrayal had never happened. As if that terrible war had never been. As if that vile stab that pierced through the general's heart had never happened.
As if Huan's restless soul, tormented itself with melancholy and anger for several centuries, for nothing.
As if he had just made everything up.
How very... ruthless was this man?
– Where is Jin Yu Ming? He is always next to you. – Bing Han looked around. – Is he hiding? Or is he planning some cunning move? – the young man chuckled. – He won't succeed, he knows that.
The words that touched the memory of a dear friend became a special strike that shattered the composure that had been maintained.
– How do you know he's here... – Wei Huan's voice broke. – You…
– A-Wei, don't listen to him. – A calm voice intervened in someone else's dialogue. – He's just provoking you.
Yu Bing Han frowned irritably, looking at Hao Ning with a more complicated look. In his hand, the youth held the summoned fan. His fighting posture looked stoic but graceful. Bin Han had never seen such a technique before. The former counselor tilted his head to the side with interest, thoughtfully running his fingertips over his lips. He remembered where he had seen him. Ah, of course, it was this young man who pushed Huan into the rift, preventing Yu Bing Han's desired plans from coming true.
– I don't know you, – said Bing Han slowly, squinting at his interlocutor. – You are neither my friend nor my enemy. So by what right do you interfere in our conversation?
Hao Ning slightly turned his head towards Wei Huan and smiled warmly at him. Fortunately, he prevented a possible re-outbreak of energy in time. Huan had not yet recovered from the first one; he couldn't take such a risk. However, Hao Ning was well aware of how difficult it was for the general to simply be near the hated traitor, let alone listen to his frivolous words. Ning could not allow such pain in someone else's heart.
His gaze again directed at Yu Bing Han threatened to pierce with cold.
– By all rights. He is my husband. – Hao Ning's eyes flashed. – Don't you dare call him "A-Wei" in that frivolous manner.
The words spoken made the general standing next to him become distracted and look with slight surprise at the back of the youth protecting him.
Hao Ning stood up for him, and this echoed inside his heart with a ringing feeling of something very familiar, but long forgotten. Wei Huan couldn't help himself: the corner of his lips rose slightly, softening his tense features. It was a subtle change, but for someone who knew the impenetrable and strict general on the field, who controlled his feelings with an iron grip, it was an indicator.
Yu Bing Han, who had stopped moving, narrowed his eyes, however, due to the permanent smile on his face, he still looked just as charming. His fingers moved involuntarily as if either playing an invisible melody... or controlling the flickering of the rift.
– Wei Huan found his happiness here, – a gentle voice enveloped the listeners in a soft tone and gentle joy. – That's fine.
Hao Ning frowned, not understanding the reason Bing Han was saying this. It was simply impossible to read the expression on the man's face, as well as understand it. Wei Huan was right in describing the adviser, this vixen was too skilled.
– That means, – the man smiled more noticeably, leaning forward a little, as if he was about to whisper the next words. – Everything will be much easier for me now.
– What?
Yu Bing Han's expression did not change when thin threads of spiritual energy burst out from his fingers. Wei Huan sharply pushed Hao Ning to the side.
– A-Ning, go back! – barked the general, grabbing the hilt of the summoned sword.
Energy lightning from the rift flashed before Hao Ning's eyes, and threads piercing the air cut the space in the place where he had been standing a moment ago.
The black hanfu flashed in the rift. The blow of the general's sword fell on a flat, empty place.
– Yu Bing Han! – growled Wei Huan, pressing the sharp end of the weapon into the cracked stone. – Fight me!
Hao Ning wanted to reach out to the man, but his keen hearing caught the sound of the movement behind him. Throwing his fan back, he jumped to the side right in time. The fan clashed with steel threads stretching out of nowhere like a dense web from a new rift. Even though it was much narrower than the previous one, it did not become any less of a danger.
– A-Ning! – Wei Huan was already nearby, beating off the threads that slipped past the fan.
Hao Ning increased the pressure of the energy put into the fan, trying to suppress Yu Bing Han and drive him back into the rift. Unfortunately, as if fueled by the Middle World itself, the Counselor felt at ease fighting two at a time. The battle left no time for reflection, but Wei Huan could not help but notice the absence of a person who would rush to help at the slightest threat.
– Where is Jin Yu Ming? – the general said. – What did you do to him?!
– Nothing, – Yu Bing Han's voice came from the rift, but was heard as clearly, and seemed to sound from everywhere. – Although I can't say that he's not busy right now. A-Wei, oh, A-Wei, didn't you think that I would allow someone to interfere?
The general clenched his teeth, sharply cutting through the clot of energy with one powerful blow. The rift vanished and only a gust of a light blue haze reminded me of its existence.
– A-Ning, keep your eyes open. This is not over yet.
– I know, – the young man nodded, clenching the fan in his hand tightly.
Time in the Middle World flowed slowly and viscously, smoothly and lazily, making one forget worldly worries and the transience of a life bygone.
It was impossible to track it, so Hao Ning was not sure how long the serene silence lasted. Maybe in the world of the living, only one stick was burned out, or maybe the morning dawn would have already given its way to the sunset. Tense muscles instilled an imaginary feeling of life, while the energy flowing in the body reminded him of his spiritual state.
Standing back to back with Wei Huan, the young man was afraid to even swallow.
What did Yu Bing Han want? What plans did he have? Why would he need Wei Huan? How did this man end up in the Middle World and learn to control the rifts? What happened after the general's death?
Exciting, restless questions pierced Hao Ning's consciousness, distracting him from the hidden threat at the wrong time. The general moved forward after hearing something suspicious at the heels of one of the surrounding mountains. Small pebbles rolled down from the top, crumbling into the dust and barely touching the ground.
Wei Huan raised his head, peering at the sharp peak, but did not notice anything strange. He felt changes in the floating energy of this place, but could not say exactly where. Yu Bing Han was always better versed in such "subtle matters".
And if he somehow managed to understand the structure of the rifts... Well, Wei Huan didn't even want to think about it.
Another stone chip slid down the slope, making the general frown. There was nothing unusual in this, but the tense situation and consciousness heated to the limits forced him to see a threat in everything. The ghosts and spirits that have lost control over themselves, are easy to fight. Much easier than your inner demons.
– A-Wei, be careful, – came a distant voice. – It could be a creep, you better move away.
– Don't worry, I see.
Wei Huan took a deep breath of the energy-saturated air of the Middle World and was about to return when an unexpected crash stopped him. The upward gaze reflected a boulder, the first of many massive stones rolling down to fall on the man. There was nothing dangerous in it. Wei Huan readily put out his sword to defend himself, but Hao Ning's voice was still filled with horror.
– A-Wei!
A swift fan flashed over Wei Huan's head, cutting the air and shielding him from the threat with a dense layer of protective energy. Memories of confidential battles with his long-deceased comrades appeared in the general's mind, threatening to take the form of gratitude and slight sadness, but the sharp awareness of what was happening did not allow him to enjoy the sensations of that devotion.
– A-Ning, no! – the man turned around, watching with wide eyes the rift forming right behind the scholar. – Get out of there, quickly!
He rushed forward, not paying attention to the stones flying down. He dogged and smashed them into crumbs. Only it was too late. After all, unarmed, distracted, and focused Hao Ning was overtaken by Yu Bing Han.
Dense threads entangled the scholar's hands, severing his control over energy and connection with spiritual weapons. Yu Bing Han began to drag the struggling youth along the dry, cracked soil strewn with small stones, pulling him closer to the rift. The knots squeezing hands threatened to break — to reap off — his limbs.
The smile froze on the snowy-white face. The man hid his emotions. Only golden eyes burned with rage shattered the lisltess mask.
– Come, find me, Wei Huan, – said Bing Han, continuously watching the general breaking through the dust raised by the rockfall. – Now it's your turn.
The rift closed leaving no usual energy haze behind. The predator devoured its prey and disappeared among the endless mountain ranges.