The sun hung low in the horizon, painting the mountains in hues of amber and crimson. Shafts of dying light filtered through the bamboo fence, streaking across the courtyard stones where Duō Yī sat in silent meditation. The world was hushed, save for the steady rhythm of his breathing and the distant cry of cranes retreating to their nests.
Slowly, his eyes opened. The glow of the setting sun reflected faintly in his blue pupils, a reminder that time had moved on while he had remained still. Drawing in one final breath, he exhaled the remnants of scattered thought, rose to his feet, and brushed the dust from his grey disciple robes.
It's time.
The promise of the meeting earlier lingered in his mind, Hú Lì's cheerful voice from earlier in the Mission Hall, the pat on his shoulder, the glint of excitement in his eyes. With unhurried steps, Duō Yī left the courtyard behind and walked down the stone path that wound toward the eastern square.
The sect at sundown had a rhythm all its own. Lanterns were being lit one by one, their orange glow flickering against the gathering dusk. The scent of pine smoke drifted from courtyards, where disciples prepared evening meals. Laughter echoed faintly from training grounds where groups still sparred, unwilling to let the day end without one more clash of fists or blades.
By the time he reached the agreed meeting point, a quiet pavilion tucked near the east. the sun had dipped halfway below the mountains, leaving streaks of violet and gold across the heavens. The pavilion itself was simple: wooden pillars supporting a curved tiled roof, its floor open to the cool breeze. Three figures stood within, their robes stirring lightly in the wind.
Hú Lì spotted him first. His grin was immediate, bright as ever, as he raised a hand in greeting."Brother Yī! You came right on time."
Duō Yī nodded his head in silent acknowledgment, stepping into the pavilion. His eyes shifted briefly toward the two unfamiliar faces beside Hú Lì, one male, one female.
The girl was the first to catch his attention. She was short, almost delicate, with a tiny build that made her seem younger than she likely was. Her jet-black eyes gleamed with a lively spark, and her hair was tied into twin tails that bounced slightly as she shifted her weight. The grey sect robes she wore hugged her form just enough to outline her petite figure, lending her a certain youthful charm.
Beside her stood a man in sharp contrast. He was tall, easily a head taller than most, standing at an imposing six foot two. His skin was tan, sun-kissed from time outdoors, and his brown curly hair framed a face that, though not exaggeratedly handsome like Duō Wèi or Xuān, bore a quiet, rugged appeal if one truly looked. His frame was well-built, muscles filling out the grey robes without strain, giving him a grounded, solid presence.
"Let me do the honors," Hú Lì said, stepping forward. His tone was as cheerful as always, but his posture carried a hint of pride as though he were unveiling hidden treasures.
"This here" he gestured toward the girl, "is Xiǎo Yǔ, at the fifth stage of Qi Gathering."
Xiǎo Yǔ gave a quick bow, twin tails swaying. "A pleasure, Brother Yī." Her lips curved into a mischievous smile almost immediately after.
"And this," Hú Lì continued, motioning toward the taller man, "is Zhāng Wei, seventh stage of Qi Gathering."
Zhāng Wei inclined his head in a simple nod. His voice, when he spoke, was calm and steady. "Greetings, Brother Yī."
Finally, with a flourish of his hands, Hú Lì added with a grin, "And of course, you already know me. Hú Lì, seventh stage of Qi Gathering as well. Together, we make a fine group, don't you think?"
Xiǎo Yǔ let out a small laugh, her black eyes dancing with playfulness as she leaned slightly toward Duō Yī."So it's just the four of us, hm? And I'm the only girl?" She pouted exaggeratedly, then tapped her chin with mock disappointment. "I thought Senior Brother Hú Lì would invite a graceful senior sister to join. Instead, I get three men…"
Her gaze lingered on Duō Yī, and a teasing smile curved her lips. "But… Brother Yī is rather handsome, so I suppose I can forgive it."
Hú Lì burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. Even Zhāng Wei, usually composed, let out a low chuckle. Duō Yī, however, remained calm, only meeting her gaze briefly before offering a faint, polite nod.
"Good! Liveliness in a team is never a bad thing," Hú Lì said between laughs. "Now, down to the important matter, our mission."
The air in the pavilion shifted as his tone sobered, though the warmth in his voice never fully faded.
"The sect has assigned us to the secular world. There have been… disappearances." His eyes swept over each of them, settling briefly on Duō Yī. "Entire families vanishing in the night, villages left empty, no signs of struggle. Our task is to investigate, uncover the cause, and report or eliminate it if within our power."
Zhāng Wei's brows furrowed, his deep voice thoughtful. "Disappearances over months with no trace… That suggests more than mere bandits. Spirit beasts, perhaps?"
"Or something worse," Xiǎo Yǔ added lightly, though her playful tone faltered for a moment.
Hú Lì nodded. "Exactly. It won't be quick. The mission may stretch into months. We'll need to pack accordingly, food, talismans, medicine. Supplies enough to last until the sect's outer posts can resupply us."
He reached into his sleeve and withdrew the mission scroll, unrolling it upon the pavilion's wooden table. The neat calligraphy confirmed every word: Disappearance Investigation – Secular Region of Yong'an Province. Expected Duration: Several Months. Reward: 400 Contribution Points.
"We'll divide the reward equally among us," Hú Lì said firmly, rolling the scroll back up. "A hundred points each. Agreed?"
"Agreed," Zhāng Wei said with a curt nod.
"Agreed!" Xiǎo Yǔ chirped, her twin tails bouncing as she tilted her head toward Duō Yī. "What about you, Brother Yī?"
Duō Yī inclined his head once more. "Agreed."
"Good," Hú Lì said with satisfaction. "Then it's settled. Three days from now, we leave."
The meeting wound down soon after. Xiǎo Yǔ stretched her arms above her head with a small groan, then offered a playful wave. "Well then, brothers, I'll go prepare! Don't be late when the time comes." She skipped off down the path, twin tails swaying behind her.
Zhāng Wei followed more quietly, offering a respectful nod before turning on his heel and striding away with long, even steps.
When the two were gone, the pavilion fell silent, leaving only the soft rustle of wind through the trees. Hú Lì glanced at Duō Yī, his easy smile returning.
"I'll take my leave as well, Brother Yī. I, too, must prepare. In three days' time, we begin. Until then, rest, and ready yourself."
With a friendly clap on the shoulder, he departed, whistling faintly as he disappeared down the path.
Duō Yī remained in the pavilion for a moment, watching the last traces of sunlight bleed into the horizon. Then, with unhurried steps, he turned back toward his courtyard.
The lanterns had all been lit by the time he returned, their glow flickering softly against the bamboo fence. Settling once more upon the cold stone mat, he closed his eyes, letting the calm of meditation envelop him once again.
This time, though, his mind was not only on cultivation. It lingered also on the faces he had just met three threads now woven into his path, however briefly.
Outside, the night deepened.