The brightening sky, bathed in whirlwinds of gray clouds, spread out like a starless canvas over dense dark forests, narrow rocky gorges, and deep rivers winding through the quiet world of spirits.
A rare fog settling in the fields covered the ground and hid the creatures lurking in the depths of the caves. Silent spirits merged with the gray haze, dissolving in it.
The hidden peak of the Gates looked inviolable from above, covering the nearby ridges with a wide shadow. Eternal and great, indifferent to everything that has happened or will ever happen at its heels. Silent and indifferent, it resembled Mount Redemption, which was filled with quiet prayers and strict rules.
Hao Ning averted his eyes, sighing softly. It was hard to believe that the final goal of their long journey had almost been achieved and only the last step remained. It was still too early to talk about the outcome, but he could not get rid of the melancholy that arose within involuntarily.
Many feelings mixed up in Hao Ning, making him want to just sit down and think in silence about everything that happened and about the things not yet achieved.
In the storm of events he had almost forgotten about his ultimate goal and now felt truly lost. It all started with his desire to find out about the reasons for his death. This resulted in unpredictable consequences and sad experiences.
The gaze of warm brown eyes slid over the figure standing at the edge of the cliff. Wu Zhe Kai did not move from the very spot where Jin Yu Ming had disappeared and all this time the healer silently observed the surroundings.
Hao Ning stayed with his friend for some time, but the healer assured him that he was fine and the scholar did not need to worry, because the natural cycle of this world would someday affect all the souls imprisoned in here.
After that, he strictly sent Hao Ning off – to restore his energy, blocking any objections. And, even though Hao Ning did not want to leave his friend to cope with his grief alone, he understood his desire for personal space.
Some just find it easier to come to peace with their emotions when left alone. Disturbing them, even if the action is caused by sincere concern, could only push them away. Therefore, the youth had no choice but to humbly leave Wu Zhe Kai, allowing him to mourn the loss of his close friend on his way.
– A-Ning, are you okay? – the low voice brought Hao Ning out of his reverie, and gentle fingers wrung his shoulder a little tighter, expressing concern. – Does your hand hurt?
The young man immediately shook his head, turning to look at Wei Huan over his shoulder.
– I was just thinking...
He raised his left hand, showing the pale palm. The recovery process was slow – the body was lacking the energy – but the pain had disappeared. The air of the World of Ghosts was replenishing the loss drop by drop, and this was quite enough.
Although Wei Huan intended to transfer the remnants of his energy to Hao Ning as soon as possible to speed up the healing, he received a strict refusal. The warrior was not happy with such stubbornness, but realizing that he was not in the best condition, the man stopped arguing and sat behind Hao Ning, protecting him. This thirsty-for-warmth scholar Huan approved wholeheartedly.
– A-Wei, I kept wanting to ask you something.
– Yes? What do you want to know?
Wei Huan did not push the young man, allowing him to collect his thoughts. The slight smile and calm gaze embarrassed Hao Ning, making him tremble, and having difficulty putting words together.
The general always had a certain influence on Hao Ning, but after the battle with Yu Bing Han, he fully began to feel like an insignificant follower of the one and only God, at whose feet he was ready to collapse and surrender shamelessly, without a trace.
– How did you find me? Yu Bing Han said that this was impossible.
– He shouldn't have thought so, – Wei Huan squinted. – A gross mistake on his part.
Unpleasant thoughts almost returned to the general's mind, but he pushed them away, focusing on Hao Ning's question. His palm gently patted the youth's qiánkūn.
– That brought me to you.
– Our marriage contract? – Hao Ning was puzzled.
– We are bound, remember? I feel your energy and always know where you are. – Huan's dark eyes dimmed, dark shadows lay in their very depths. – Unfortunately, it took me too long to reach you. Sorry for that.
– You saved me, – Hao Ning shook his head. – I couldn't ask for more.
– But you were seriously injured.
Wei Huan gently squeezed the youth's wounded hand. His touches were so careful as if he was afraid that if he let go now, Hao Ning would disappear. But at the same time he was sincerely afraid of causing pain with any careless action.
– A-Wei, you found me. – The general did not see the expression on the scholar's face, but he heard a smile and gratitude in the youthful voice. – Please don't blame yourself. Due to your efforts, I'm alive.
The hands clasped around his waist were more eloquent than any words. Wei Huan pressed the youth into his chest, wanting to merge with him into a single whole. The happiness that enveloped Hao Ning was indescribable, but something else worried the young man, so he did not allow the cozy silence to completely immerse himself in gentle bliss.
– A-Wei, you were never able to reach the top, right? – he asked, covering the warrior's palms with his own.
– Yes, – he did not hide, – I tried many times, but it was useless.
– So there is a chance that we will fail.
A deep exhale, slightly ruffling his hair, sent goosebumps down Hao Ning's neck.
– It's not impossible. But we have to try. I've been watching the rifts for some time now, but I still haven't seen one at the heel.
– Do you think the rifts created by Yu Bing Han are the reason?
Wei Huan nodded. His fingers gently stroke the top of Hao Ning's head. It didn't take long for the youth to warm up from the caress, leaning back on the man's broad chest.
– It was the issue that would always stop me, but being extremely stubborn, I was still able to get to the middle of the Gates. – If we're lucky enough, – Huan couldn't help but chuckle, – if Yu Bing Han's plot plays into our hands, we'll be able to get there without any problems.
– Then you should hurry, – Wu Zhe Kai approached them with his arms crossed over his chest. – Of course, I don't want to distract you lovebirds from the tenderness, but it's unlikely that the effect will last long. We've already been quite late.
– Lao Wu, – Hao Ning slightly pulled away from Wei Huan, not noticing the flicker of displeasure on someone else's face. – Are you sure? Have you regained your strength?
– Are you asking me? – the healer gave out a laugh and shook his head, then helped his friend to stand up, dusting off his clothes. – Everything is fine with me.
Wei Huan followed him up, glancing at the top. He had been here several times, but the peak hidden behind the clouds remained an unattainable mystery for the general, which he was determined to solve. Now when it was no longer for himself, that made the effort much more valuable.
– Come on, – he said, extending his hand to Hao Ning, – I know the way.
The scholar immediately grabbed Wei Huan's palm, causing a feigned sour expression on Wu Zhe Kai's face. The healer was trying to cheer up, replacing the emptiness from Yu Ming's absence, teasing the clingy couple, but he did it kindly and with understanding.
***
Wei Huan led his friends along winding mountain paths, warning them of narrow places and threats of rolling stones.
According to the general, the Gates have remained unchanged since he was last here. This was surprising, because a lot of time had passed and, in comparison with the inconstancy of the world of Ghosts. It seemed strange, but it also proved the power of the peak. Unafraid of being conquered or desecrated, the rift-affecting mighty mountain represented the indestructible center of the Middle World.
However, something was different now.
There were practically no energy breaches on the way, and the weather seemed to encourage friends to move on, enjoying a serene walk. Hao Ning, who had been tense before, finally allowed himself to relax but went hand in hand with Wei Huan.
Wu Zhe Kai followed grumbling whenever small pebbles fell to his feet, or his gaze noticed the tops of the trees that had been reached.
After a fierce battle with Yu Bing Han, such an idyllic state brought Hao Ning incredible joy, calming him down and allowing him to escape from painful thoughts. One could imagine that all the troubles simply passed them by, and even pretend the silent Jin Yu Ming still followed his friends.
These thoughts warmed me pleasantly and Hao Ning tried not to look back, allowing the illusion to linger longer. He also put his injured hand behind his back.
After a time the scholar learned exactly how far they had gone. Wei Huan, who stopped at some point, let go of his palm and approached a slope dotted with a scattering of cracks and small slag screes. He ran his fingers over the fine crumbs, making sure of something.
– This is it, – Huan announced confidently. – Here lies the middle of the mountain path. I was never able to advance any further.
Hao Ning, who awkwardly moved his fingers, feeling an unpleasant emptiness, tried hard to behave with dignity, without clinging to Wei Huan like a little child. Hearing his words, he raised his head and looked at the clouds slowly curling around the peak.
– I think we just need to move on, – he suggested. – All mountain paths sooner or later lead to the top.
– Some might lead you to cliffs, – Wu Zhe Kai remarked tactfully. – Or to the caves with some terrible creature lurking inside. But if you think on the positive side... yes, Xiao Ning, all mountain paths lead to the top.
– I see no other options, – Hao Ning pointed his finger upward, – unless we decide to climb the slope.
– The idea sounds attractive, A-Ning, – playful notes were heard in Wei Huan's voice. – But it will be difficult for you to do this.
– Oh... right. – The scholar moved his wounded hand in the air, taking it with slight playfulness. – I will detain you.
– Your sense of humor is awful, – snorted Wu Zhe Kai. – From now on I forbid you making jokes about medicine in my presence. This is my priority.
The friends laughed involuntarily, maintaining this light mood. Deep inside they continued grieving and healing their wounds, but they were no longer going to dump the severity of the days they had lived through on each other. It was necessary to move forward.
– Then just let's go, – Wu Zhe Kai was the first to move forward, passing by Hao Ning. – It's unlikely that anything bad will happen in the near...
A deafening roar accompanying the rapid stroke of lightning on the ground came from behind Zhe Kai. A long crack flashed like a nimble snake right under the healer's feet, rushing towards the slope. Hao Ning and Wei Huan had to jump in different directions.
– Damn you! – the frightened Wu Zhe Kai roared. – I swear, one day I'll tear my tongue off!
He deftly avoided the fate of falling from the mountain, bouncing closer to his friends and immediately meeting Hao Ning's strong grip.
Both young men quickly retreated from the breaking stone areas. Wei Huan closely monitored the possible rockfall, already clutching the summoned sword.
Fortunately, the rift that appeared did not cause a collapse, but only shallowly split the slope, rising along it. The small pebbles were met by a gust of strong wind, which threw them to the side. Wei Huan snorted with displeasure, turning his gaze to the place where the lightning struck.
To the surprise of everyone, instead of the characteristic caked soil, they were greeted by a flat surface and a pair of bare feet that were not touching it.
– You...
Hao Ning exhaled in surprise but immediately fell silent. Unsure of his assumption, he did not dare to voice the flashing thought.
The spirit who appeared in front of them resembled the one who once notified Hao Ning that he had died and ordered him to meet with Wei Huan. However, the white robes completely hid the stranger's identity, including their face, and therefore the chance of making a mistake was great.
However, Wei Huan made up for the youth's hesitation. His stern and confident voice was tense. The man did not attack, but was extremely careful, subtly moving closer to Hao Ning to stand between him and the creature floating in the air.
– The Guardian.
The said spirit turned its head towards the general. His gaze was hidden under a thick hood but was felt on the skin.
– Lord Wei Huan, – responded the Guardian. – You came here yet again.
The voice that sounded awakened memories in Hao Ning. Even though he didn't see the stranger's face, he remembered this gentle tone, reeking of coolness, amazingly well. The young man hurried to Wei Huan, dragging the clueless Wu Zhe Kai along with him.
– Master Guardian, do you remember me? – he stammered hastily, finding himself next to the general. – I am Hao Ning.
There came no answer, but the scholar did not need any confirmation. The original purpose of his journey was so close. He could not miss his chance.
Hao Ning never wanted to reach the top, he only needed to talk to one of the Guardians. Who would have thought that the Guardian would appear before them in person?
– Once again you try to disturb the peace of the Gates. – The spirit continued monotonously. – The balance of the world is shackled. Thou have gone unacceptably far. Dead souls cannot cross the border.
– I am well aware of that, – Wei Huan answered calmly. – And neither of that is my intention.
– Is that true? – doubt seemed to flash in the indifferent tone. – Then why are you here?
– It is the fault of this unworthy one, – Hao Ning made a kowtow.
Due to his missing hand, he was unable to pay due respect, but he hoped that the Guardian would forgive him this discourtesy.
– This one is the cause of all the events that happened. This one offers his humble apologies.
Wei Huan frowned but remained silent. No matter how much he wanted to justify Hao Ning, he couldn't do it at the moment. They all broke the rules, and for the Guardian that was all that mattered.
-Do you desire to cross the Border? – the Guardian calmly suggested. – It is unacceptable.
– This is not my goal, – Hao Ning shook his head, daring to look up at the spirit. – I want to know the cause of my death. Since entering the Middle World, this is the only thing that worries me. Allow this humble one to find out whether he died at the hands of an evil person, or whether he brought misfortune upon himself, and this humble one will never again dare to go against the inviolable rules of this World. I swear.
Hao Ning was ready to take full responsibility, and therefore did not expect that such a strong oath would be repeated after him almost immediately:
– This Wei Huan also swears.
– And this Wu Zhe Kai.
The young man glanced at his friends – who also bowed – with a look filled with awe and gratitude. He did not even dare to think about asking for support in such a sensitive matter, because this would mean involuntary submission.
Considering the life story of both Wei Huan and Wu Zhe Kai, it was the goals of their superiors and their tied hands that served as the beginning of their tragic destinies.
The Guardian of the Gates made no answer for a long time. Only the rustle of his snow-white robes trailing behind the gusts of wind reminded him of his elusive presence. It was impossible to understand the thoughts of such a creature. Hao Ning wasn't even sure that the person in front of him was a living being, not just a lot of energy created by the World of Spirits. Maybe the World itself was now making an important decision for their fate.
Will they be expelled, scattered, or thrown into the rift? Or will the Guardian, indifferent to other people's desires, take pity, calming the thoughts of a mortal deprived of life and memory?
Snow-white feet touched the cracked ground, and a voice with the cool murmur of a stream broke the taut thread of excitement, breaking the prolonged silence.
– For us to look behind the veil of Fate, its bearer must come closer to the Gates, – the Guardian's answer did not contain a refusal, which gave hope.
Hao Ning carefully raised his gaze, noticing that he was turned to face him. Only pale lips were visible from under the hood, but the feeling of a piercing gaze made him shiver.
It seemed as if, that in front of the Guardian were positioned some invisible scales, and their bowls alternately outweighed each other, preventing him from making a final decision.
Hao Ning felt mentally satisfied. Despite the precarious situation, the joy of the spirit's embarrassment was great. Just think of it – he made the impassive Guardian hesitate as if repaying the Middle World for all the sorrowful situations.
– I don't feel lies or cunning intentions in your words, – uttered the spirit of the verdict. – Fine. The secrets of the Gates will be revealed to you. However, if you still dare to violate the serenity of the border, your souls will not find peace in any of the worlds.
Wu Zhe Kai noticeably shrugged his shoulders at this prospect but showed no fear.
Wei Huan calmly grabbed Hao Ning's palm. He didn't care about the possibility of oblivion, he just wanted the person important to him to find peace.
Before turning back to the Guardian, Hao Ning gave the general a gentle smile and a devoted look, trying to convey all his tender feelings. He hoped to talk to Wei Huan about the most important impulses that were becoming increasingly difficult to restrain, and which he was going to resolutely confess as soon as the truth of death was finally revealed to him.