Lai Guanlin's POV
"Hayyyyyyyyyss… why can't I catch any fish? I'm so hungry." My stomach growled in protest.
My palms were turning red from gripping this spear too tightly for too long. I kept stabbing at the water, but nothing—no fish.
I trudged back to the shore and took a drink. "Useless spear!" I muttered, throwing it aside.
As I wiped my mouth, my eyes landed on the sword beside me. I paused, staring at it. Then something clicked.
I picked up the sword and turned back toward the river. Standing still for a moment, I slowed my breath—didn't want to scare the fish away.
Then I plunged the sword deep into the water—and pulled it back. Three fish were skewered clean through.
"Nice!"
Back on land, I gathered dry twigs and started a fire. I skewered the fish and roasted them over the flames, enjoying the warmth.
But my thoughts drifted to the mountain.
How am I supposed to get raven blood up there if it's so cold?
I'm not even halfway and it's already unbearable. I looked at my reflection in the blade.
I need thicker clothes… but I can't afford them. I'll have to figure something out.
When the fish were cooked, I ate quickly. Noon—the warmest time of the day.
Hours passed. The sun beat down on me. Time to move.
I packed up and returned to the foot of Huemiang Mountain. I paused, took a breath, then began the climb again. This time, I had more energy.
----
At the Jade Palace
"Young Leader Meng Fei, Young Leader Wen Yin," Zhao Lianyu greeted.
"I must ask Young Lord Zhao," Meng Fei said, "why are the two Young Leaders summoned to the Jade Palace?"
"Please, have a seat first," Lianyu chuckled. Meng Fei and Wen Yin sat with their clan's people.
"Young Lord Lianyu," Wen Yin spoke, "Zhongyin was attacked by Xue Wuren recently. Is this why we're here for the meeting?"
"Yes, exactly. The Emperor wants us to come together and plan."
"What kind of plan?" Meng Fei asked.
"With Wuren back, the Golden Palace will be vulnerable again. Qi Zifen might see this as his chance, I fear the Qi Clan may try to steal the Jade Crystal again after thirteen years."
Gasps filled the room.
"Young Leader Yin, didn't you say Zhongyin was attacked recently?" Meng Fei asked.
Wen Yin nodded. "Yes, but only for a brief moment. When Jade Gong assassins attacked, he immediately fled with his men. No one was harmed under our land... as far as I know."
"Then he's still nearby. He might strike Zhonyin again—or the Meng Clan next," Meng Fei worried.
"No need to panic and worry," Lianyu said. "As long as we stick to the plan."
"What plan? We haven't come up with anything yet." Wen Yin asked.
"It's already in motion," Lianyu replied.
Confusion spread across the room.
"Young Leader Lianyu, what do you mean?" Gu Huailin asked.
"Our assassins are our answer—especially Zhong Jinxiao."
"Zhong Jinxiao? I heard he was poisoned. Is he alright?" Meng Fei asked worriedly.
"He will be. I've sent another assassin to accompany him in gathering the cure. Meanwhile, we'll intensify training—especially in poison resistance."
"This is too risky," Wen Yin said. "Xue Wuren has probably grown stronger."
"as the highest ranking leader, I must say I know what I'm doing," Lianyu said firmly.
"Well then, my father will hear about what we have discussed today when he gets back." Wen Yin replied.
------
In the Forest
"Childe Zhong!" Wen Lu called, running through the trees. "Master Jinxiao!"
He stumbled upon a bonfire from earlier—Guanlin's bon fire.
He ran toward Yuzhong's streets. But the crowds were dense. Finding Zhong Jinxiao would be nearly impossible.
Zhong Jinxiao's POV
Almost halfway there.
I climbed, clenching my robes from both of my shoulders, keeping them tight. My body's seal warmth was fading fast.
I must... I must...
My eyes began to blur, and I suddenly collapsed on the mountain steps, cold and poison battling within me.
Third-Person POV
Guanlin climbed, unfazed by the cold now. Halfway up, he spotted a figure collapsing ahead the stairs.
"Hello! Are you alright?" Guanlin shouted.
The figure fell completely. Shocked, Guanlin rushed forward.
"I'm coming!" he shouted, dashing through the steps.
He reached the fallen man. "It's you from earlier… you're an assassin from the Jade Palace."
He lifted the assassin into his chest.
"How can I carry you down alone?" Guanlin asked himself, looking around.
Noticing his body, Strange dark patterns marked Jinxiao's arms.
"What is that...? You're poisoned, aren't you?" Guanlin said. "Why would the Young Lord send you off alone?"
"Help!!" Guanlin shouted, but the mountain was silent, only the cold wind was loud as it pierced through their bodies.
He removed one of his robes and wrapped Jinxiao with it.
In the distance, someone finally approached. "Help!" Guanlin called upon noticing.
It was Wen Lu.
"Master Jinxiao!" Wen Lu exclaimed.
"You're also from the Jade Palace," Guanlin noted upon noticing his clothes.
Wen Lu hoisted Jinxiao onto his back.
"Thank you for keeping Childe Zhong warm, I appreciate it." he said turning to leave.
"Let me help," Guanlin offered, standing up.
"There's no need." Wen Lu resisted.
"I'm from Zhongyin. We're all from the Golden Palace. Of course I'll help."
Wen Lu hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded. Together, they descended carrying Jinxiao together.
At the bottom, they found a nearby tavern. They went inside and laid Jinxiao on the bed, wrapping him in blankets to make him feel warm.
Wen Lu pressed two fingers to Jinxiao's forehead, easing him into sleep.
"What's happening to him?" Guanlin asked, looking confused.
"He was poisoned when we fought Xue Wuren's men in Zhongyin." Wen Lu replied, staring at Jinxiao.
"My mother was poisoned too. That's why I'm here. But why was he sent alone knowing he's poisoned?" Gaunlin asked, looking confused.
"I don't know why, but I'm here now."
"We share the same goal. Let's work together to gather the cures." Guanlin suggested.
"That's up to Childe Zhong." Wen Lu paused. "What's your name?"
"my name is Lai Guanlin. From Zhongyin. You?"
"I'm Wen Lu. This is Childe Zhong Jinxiao. Young Lord's son."
There was a moment of silence inside the room, when it fell.
"I'll buy some medicine outside. Stay and watch him for me," Wen Lu said, leaving the room.
Guanlin nodded and stared at Jinxiao for a moment. Standing up, he went for a closer loom.
Guanlin examined Jinxiao closely, brushing his robe aside to see his arm seeing that the strange patterns from earlier was gone.
"Will this happen to my mother, too?" he whispered. "This is suffering."
Just as he touched Jinxiao—
The assassin woke, pinning Guanlin to the floor, sword drawn behind his back.
"Who are you? What did you do to me?" Jinxiao's voice was sharp but calm.
"Nothing! I just helped you off the mountain and brought you here!"
"Liar!" Jinxiao raised his blade—until Wen Lu burst in.
"Childe Zhong!" Wen Lu shouted, rushing in.
"He helped us down the mountain, if it isn't for him I would've had a hard time!" Wen Lu explained. "It's good to see you awake," Wen Lu bowed.
"Wen Lu? You're here?" Jinxiao asked, looking confused.
"The Young Lord sent me to assist you in gathering the cure for your poison."
"And him?" Jinxiao glanced at Guanlin.
"He's Lai Guanlin from Zhongyin, under the supervision of Wen Clan. He saved you at the mountain. If it weren't for him keeping you warm, I wouldn't probably see you breathing anymore."
Jinxiao slowly lowered his sword and sat down. Guanlin shrank into the corner.
Wen Lu helped him into a chair.
"Childe Zhong, his mother was poisoned too. He came here for the same reason as well."
"And what does that have to do with us?" Jinxiao raised an eyebrow.
"He wants to join us through the journey."
Jinxiao stared into Guanlin's eyes, then to his sword, stepping in closer.
"That sword—whose is it?" he asked.
"It belonged to my father. He was once an assassin in the Jade Palace too."
"Was?" Jinxiao repeated softly.
He turned away. "You can come with us—for protection. We're all from the Golden Palace anyway. Assassins protect those under the lands of Zhongyin, Huding, and Luoyu."
Wen Lu smiled. "Thank you, Childe!"
"Xiè xiè nǐ," Guanlin whispered.
Meanwhile...
"Any news from Guanlin?" Xiayou asked, sounding worried.
"None yet. But he will be fine," Li Huan replied in comfort. "You need to rest. Worrying worsens the poison."
Li Wei nodded. "Thats right aunt Xiaoyou, you don't want Guanlin coming back here and not seeing his mother anymore."
"Li Wei!" Li Huan's eyes gazed up on him widely. "Go check up on Xinyu and stop saying nonsense things!"
"Sorry Diē, I'll check up on Xinyu." Li Wei replied, leaving the room.
"Don't listen to that brat, Guanlin will come back alive, and you will also be alive." Li Huan comforted.
"I just hope nothing wrong will happen to him, him and Xinyu are the only family I have left." Xiaoyou cried.
"You have us, Xiaoyou." Li Huan reassured her. "The divine doctor will come here tomorrow again to check up on you. Stay strong okay?"