Yuan Yu and Han Liang eased the reins of their horses as they entered Mui Town, taking in the orderly cobbled streets. The sky was overcast, heavy clouds hanging low as if rain might fall at any moment. Yuan Yu scanned their surroundings briefly before speaking. "Let's find an inn quickly."
They approached an elderly porter and asked for directions to a clean and safe place to stay. The man, his face weathered by years under the sun, pointed them toward a nearby street without hesitation. They thanked him and moved on, guiding their horses through the quiet town.
The streets were narrow but well-kept, lined with stone and decorated with colorful flowers beneath the windows. Small teahouses sat quietly along the road, and the calm rhythm of the town gave it an unusual sense of order. Yuan Yu glanced around with a faint smile. "This place… it's more beautiful than I expected."
Han Liang nodded, though his gaze remained alert as he observed their surroundings. "We should find a proper place to secure the horses first." His tone was calm, but his attention never wavered.
When they reached the inn, its large wooden doors and carefully painted windows immediately set it apart. Inside, a stone courtyard opened up before them, complete with a decorative pool, a small bridge, and fish gliding beneath the water. The entire place felt clean, quiet, and well maintained.
The inn had two floors, with a dining hall below and sleeping quarters above. There were no private luxury suites, but the atmosphere leaned toward simplicity and order, with disciplined attendants moving quietly through the space. Yuan Yu and Han Liang requested two single rooms side by side, and fortunately, they were available.
As Han Liang stepped toward his room, a quiet thought crossed his mind—being this close meant he could watch over Yuan Yu without drawing attention. Yuan Yu, meanwhile, set down his things and turned slightly. "Let's rest for a while, then go out near sunset."
They withdrew to their rooms, and not long after, the Second Commander arrived as well. Without drawing notice, he took a room of his own, positioning himself close enough to observe everything without being seen.
Inside, the rooms were spacious and neatly arranged, with simple bedding and small flowers placed near the windows. Yuan Yu organized his belongings quietly, while Han Liang sat by the window, watching the town below. Neither spoke, but both felt the shift of a new place around them.
After a short rest, they met again outside and set out to explore the town. Yuan Yu wore his hat low, partially concealing his face as they walked side by side. They observed carefully, asking subtle questions to merchants, noting the flow of people and the quiet structure of the town.
Eventually, they entered a narrow alley, darker than the others. There, they noticed a house with its door open, and inside sat an elderly woman with long gray hair and sharp, watchful eyes. Her voice cut through the silence. "Come closer… let me see your future."
Yuan Yu smiled faintly, unconvinced, but Han Liang stepped inside without hesitation. After a brief pause, Yuan Yu followed. The woman studied them carefully, her gaze lingering longer than expected.
"Come," she said again, her voice low but firm. "I will read your destiny."
She turned her attention to Han Liang first, watching him in silence before speaking. "Your path is high, and your strength is greater than you realize. You will face many trials, but in the end, you will gain more than you seek. Two things will define you—one close at your side, and one already within your heart."
Han Liang listened quietly, then placed a gold coin before her. She accepted it with a small nod, her expression unreadable.
Yuan Yu stepped forward. "And mine?"
The woman smiled faintly.
"It will come in time… and it is already tied to this young man."
For a brief moment, Yuan Yu and Han Liang looked at each other. Neither spoke, yet something passed between them, quiet and unspoken.
The woman cleared her throat. "Go now. Return to your lodging before night falls. This town is not as gentle as it appears."
When they stepped back outside, the sun had already begun to set. The light was dimmer, and the streets felt different—quieter, heavier. Yuan Yu spoke first. "Let's eat somewhere else."
They found a place nearby and ordered food. Roasted duck, pastries, dried meats, and sweets were placed before them, the table quickly filled.
Han Liang smiled faintly.
"Everything for these two days must be perfect."
Yuan Yu paused for a brief moment, then smiled.
"Of course. Food is important to you."
After eating, they continued walking through the town. The streets narrowed further, lanterns flickering softly along the walls, and a strange incense scent lingered in the air. It was unfamiliar, subtle at first, but it grew stronger the deeper they went.
Han Liang's gaze sharpened slightly, and he glanced back once, briefly meeting the Second Commander's eyes in the distance. Everything was still under control—but something felt off.
As dusk settled fully, the streets grew emptier. The scent thickened, and the silence became noticeable. Yuan Yu's steps slowed for a moment before he spoke, his voice quieter now. "Let's return to the inn. I don't feel safe here."
Han Liang nodded without question and reached out, taking Yuan Yu's hand. His grip was firm, steady. "Stay close," he said softly.
They moved quickly through the narrow streets, the strange scent growing heavier with each step. Yuan Yu quickened his pace, and Han Liang matched it without hesitation. "Don't worry," he murmured, "I'm right here."
For a moment, Yuan Yu thought he heard a child's laughter. He turned his head, but the street behind them was empty.
They did not slow down again.
By the time they reached the inn, both of them were breathing faster than before. Yuan Yu stepped inside first, the tension easing slightly as the innkeeper greeted them.
"You arrived just in time," he said. "Come in and rest."
They entered without a word. The Second Commander followed shortly after, silent as always.
As they prepared to part for the night, Yuan Yu hesitated, then looked at Han Liang.
"Shall we sleep in the same room tonight?" he asked. "There's a daybed… and this scent is still bothering me."
Han Liang smiled faintly.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Yuan Yu returned to his room briefly, gathered his blanket, and came back without delay.
That night, they would not sleep alone.