Third Person POV
"Childe Zhong, stay here. I'll get the raven's blood for you before the sun sets," Wen Lu reassured gently.
Jinxiao sat at the edge of the bed, clutching his sword. "I'm sorry, Wen Lu. I couldn't accompany you."
"No, no, it's alright. The cold on that mountain could worsen your poison again," Wen Lu said, concern softening his tone.
Guanlin stood in the corner, unsure of what to say.
Wen Lu glanced at him, giving a small nod. The two quietly slipped out and shut the door behind them.
They made their way back to the base of Humiang Mountain and gazed up at the snowy summit.
Wen Lu raised two fingers and traced a technique into the air. A gentle warmth wrapped around their bodies.
"What kind of technique is that?" Guanlin asked, surprised by the sudden heat.
"The warming technique. We trained in it for years," Wen Lu replied.
Without more words, they began the climb. The cold didn't bite at them as it had before.
As they trudged up the stone steps, Guanlin broke the silence. "Have there been any updates about Xue Wuren?"
"None that I've heard," Wen Lu replied.
"He's truly that dangerous huh?" Guanlin asked.
"Childe Zhong hasn't told you?" Wen Lu arched a brow.
"I've never been far from Zhongyin or the Golden Palace at all, well until now. I only set foot in Luoyu once," Guanlin admitted. "I do recognize your uniforms."
Wen Lu glanced down at his robes. "I suppose your father wore something similar, back when he served as an assassin in the Jade Palace too."
"I guess they never changed the design," Guanlin chuckled softly.
"What's your father's name, if I may ask?" Wen Lu asked.
"Lai Jiangli."
Wen Lu paused. "Lai Jiangli... That name sounds familiar."
Guanlin laughed. "We're just ordinary civilians under the supervision of Wen Clan. Our family name isn't that well-known."
"Young Leader Wen Yin does govern Zhongyin well while his father is away," Wen Lu commented.
"Come to think of it, you both share the same surname. Any relation to Young Leader Wen Yin?"
"No," Wen Lu said with a shrug. "Just a coincidence."
"I thought I might've been disrespecting a childe," Guanlin said, embarrassed.
"I get that a lot. Thanks, though, Bro Lin."
They smiled and continued the ascent. The air grew colder.
Zhong Jinxiao's POV
Lai Guanlin... That surname... It's familiar. Or maybe the poison's clouding my thoughts. But I'm certain I've heard it before... somewhere.
Meanwhile, at the Golden Palace...
"Young Lord Zhao, what if Xue Wuren strikes again?" Gu Huailin asked.
"Gu Huailin, scatter our assassins throughout the Golden Palace. Ensure Wuren doesn't escape again and wreak havoc elsewhere," Zhao Lianyu ordered. "He must be eliminated soon, or the Qi Clan will act."
"Yes, Young Lord," Huailin bowed and turned to leave.
"One more thing," Zhao added coldly. "Do not allow Zhong Jinxiao to return here until Wuren is dealt with. Even if he's cured."
Huailin hesitated, but didn't question it. "Understood."
Back at Humiang Mountain...
At the summit, black ravens soared through the cold sky.
"We're here. I can hear them," Guanlin said, eyes bright.
"Do you know how to use that sword?" Wen Lu asked.
Guanlin's smile faded, his gaze fixed on his sword. "I... I don't."
Wen Lu paused, before smiling faintly "It's alright. I'll get the blood for you too," he said.
They stepped fully onto the peak, surrounded by fluttering wings and sharp cries.
"I'll take one. It's enough," Wen Lu said. "There are so many-it won't be difficult."
Guanlin nodded.
Wen Lu unsheathed his blade. With swift, graceful motion, he leapt into the air. His movements were windlike-fluid and silent. A single raven fell behind him as he landed.
"Wow! That was amazing!" Guanlin said.
"We trained for years. Being assassins isn't just for show," Wen Lu replied with a grin.
They began their descent.
Back at the tavern...
"Childe Zhong, we caught it!" Wen Lu declared, holding the raven by its legs.
Guanlin fetched a small container to collect the blood.
"Three more to go," he said. "I'm that much closer to saving my mother."
"And now Childe Zhong's poison can be relieved too!" Wen Lu added.
Jinxiao stood and took the raven. With practiced hands, he drew its blood and soaked a cloth with it, tucking it into his robe.
"Easier to carry this way," he said plainly.
"Are you saying I'm doing too much?" Guanlin asked, pretending to be offended.
"Let's not waste time. We move to the next cure," Jinxiao replied, already heading for the door.
"You—" Guanlin began.
"Don't worry," Wen Lu said. "Childe Zhong's always like this. Cold words, but warm heart-especially for those under the Golden Palace."
Outside, Jinxiao waited.
Guanlin pulled out his map. "The next place is Silent Hill. That's where we'll find the bear's fur."
"We're heading further north, then," Jinxiao said, gazing into the distance.
"It'll be even colder, childe Zhong, can you handle it?" Wen Lu warned.
"I can take it. I'm alright now," Jinxiao said firmly.
"Let's eat first tonight, childe Zhong. We'll need energy for tomorrow," Wen Lu suggested.
Guanlin nodded. "Agreed."
At Pingyong...
"Father, there's still no sign of Xue Wuren," said Qi Huaisang.
"We'll wait. Don't get overconfident," replied Emperor Qi Zifen from his throne.
"Yes, Father. I think it's now time to send Qi Ruhan to the Golden Palace," Huaisang said, bowing.
"Do it right this time, Huaisang. I know what you're capable of."
In Zhongyin...
"Niáng, I helped Wei gēge make this soup for you!" said Xinyu, smiling proudly.
"Eat it while it's still hot, Aunt Xiaoyou," added Li Wei.
"Xiexie ni, Xinyu, Li Wei," Xiaoyou said warmly.
"Niáng, when will gēge come back?" Xinyu asked, lips pouting.
"Soon, my little one. He'll come back soon," Xiaoyou whispered, brushing her daughter's hair back gently.