INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE – NIGHT
Outside...
Rain lashes against the mountains.
Thunder echoes through Shouzhou.
Inside the cave...
A warm fire crackles.
The disciples have finally fallen asleep after standing guard in shifts.
Only four people remain awake.
Qiao Tian.
Shinzi.
Princess Shin.
Xuan Dao.
Shin sits wrapped in a thick blanket, holding a steaming bowl of herbal soup.
Silence...
SHIN
(pouting)
It tastes horrible.
XUAN DAO
Without looking up.
Medicine isn't supposed to taste good.
SHIN
Then why can't medicine taste like lotus cakes?
XUAN DAO
Because then everyone would pretend to be sick.
The cave fills with quiet laughter.
SHINZI
Drink it.
All of it.
SHIN
(shaking her head)
No.
SHINZI
Shin...
SHIN
Brother...
I'm suddenly feeling much better.
See?
She stretches both arms dramatically.
SHINZI
Drink.
SHIN
No.
The siblings stare at each other.
Qiao Tian quietly watches while pretending to polish her sword.
Xuan Dao casually sips his tea.
XUAN DAO
Five silver coins on Shinzi.
QIAO TIAN
Without looking up.
Ten on Princess Shin.
Xuan Dao turns.
"Oh?"
XUAN DAO
You're betting against the responsible elder brother?
QIAO TIAN
She's more stubborn.
Exactly three seconds later...
SHINZI
Last chance.
SHIN
No.
Shinzi suddenly reaches over.
He gently pinches Shin's cheeks.
SHIN
Mmmph!!
Before she can protest—
He lifts the bowl.
SHINZI
Open.
SHIN
Never!!
QIAO TIAN
(deadpan)
Looks like I lost ten silver.
Xuan Dao bursts into laughter.
Finally...
Shin gives up.
She drinks the soup in one dramatic gulp.
SHIN
Blegh!!
That is definitely poison.
XUAN DAO
You're still alive.
Therefore...
It isn't.
Everyone laughs again.
A peaceful silence settles over the cave.
Only the crackling fire can be heard.
After several moments...
Shin quietly looks toward Qiao Tian.
SHIN
Young Master Qiao...
QIAO TIAN
Hm?
SHIN
Thank you...
For today.
Qiao Tian looks up.
QIAO TIAN
For what?
SHIN
You saved Brother.
Then you saved me.
Then you treated my injuries.
She smiles brightly.
SHIN
You're really nice.
Qiao Tian's expression softens almost imperceptibly.
QIAO TIAN
Anyone would have done the same.
SHINZI
No.
Everyone looks toward him.
SHINZI
Not everyone.
He looks directly at Qiao Tian.
SHINZI
Most people would've prioritized the mission.
You chose people first.
A brief silence.
QIAO TIAN
A sword exists to protect.
Otherwise...
It's merely another weapon.
Xuan Dao smiles proudly.
XUAN DAO
Finally.
One sentence worth remembering after years of training.
QIAO TIAN
Master...
XUAN DAO
I'm joking.
Mostly.
The cave erupts in laughter again.
Shin suddenly leans closer.
SHIN
Can I ask something?
QIAO TIAN
Of course.
SHIN
Have you ever smiled properly?
Complete silence.
Even Xuan Dao freezes.
Qiao Tian blinks.
QIAO TIAN
...I smile.
SHIN
No.
You do this.
She imitates Qiao Tian's tiny smile.
Barely lifting the corners of her mouth.
Everyone stares.
Xuan Dao immediately starts laughing.
XUAN DAO
That's...
Exactly her.
Even Shinzi laughs quietly.
Qiao Tian sighs.
QIAO TIAN
Is my expression really that obvious?
SHINZI
Very.
SHIN
One day...
I'm going to make you laugh properly.
Qiao Tian raises an eyebrow.
QIAO TIAN
Is that a challenge?
SHIN
Yes.
QIAO TIAN
Then I wish you luck.
SHIN
You'll lose.
QIAO TIAN
We'll see.
Xuan Dao suddenly stands.
XUAN DAO
Enough chatting.
Everyone sleep.
We reach the Heavenly Lotus Peak tomorrow.
SHIN
(excited)
That's where the sword is?
XUAN DAO
If the ancient records are correct.
SHINZI
And if they aren't?
XUAN DAO
Then we climbed a mountain for exercise.
The four of them laugh.
As everyone prepares to rest...
Shinzi quietly walks beside Qiao Tian.
SHINZI
(softly)
...
Thank you.
For saving my life today.
Qiao Tian looks ahead.
QIAO TIAN
You would've done the same.
SHINZI
Perhaps.
But...
You acted first.
A brief silence.
QIAO TIAN
Then...
Next time...
You can save mine.
Shinzi smiles.
SHINZI
It's a promise.
The two exchange a respectful nod before returning to their places.
Outside the cave...
Hidden among the trees...
A pair of crimson eyes watches the firelight flickering through the entrance.
Yu Yan.
He smiles coldly.
YU YAN
Enjoy this peaceful night...
Tomorrow...
None of you will be laughing.
FADE OUT.