255: Old Friend's Visit

Old Friend's Visit

That interlude seemed to have eased Bai Ye for a little while. He drifted back to sleep afterward with me in his arms, and no more nightmares haunted him this time. It was past noon when we woke up again, refreshed and ready as we made our way back to East Village.2

A hint of liveliness had trickled back to the settlement now that the protection spells were in place. It was nowhere near how busy things should be for New Year yet, but at least the roads were no longer empty by the time we arrived. Sparse figures dotted the market square, trading meat and essential household items. A few men traveled between the hills and houses, axes on their shoulders or fresh wood on their back. Occasional squeals from children drifted on the wind as they took their breaks in the yard, and I was both surprised and relieved to see Yang-Yang dashing out of his front door the moment we were within sight, running toward us with a bright grin.

"I knew you'd be back!" he shouted and crashed into me. "Mommy said you would be proud of me, because I slept so well last night. I dreamed of becoming the hero to defeat the devil like in the story you told me!"

I smiled at the child's brave ambition. "I'm sure you'll do a great job at it when you grow up." I picked him up almost naturally this time. "And did you also eat well as you promised?"

He nodded triumphantly. His parents had followed out of the house by then, and they hastened to give Bai Ye and me a bow. "Daoist Elders!" the woman exclaimed. "We are so grateful for your help. As you can see, the village life is finally returning to normal, and the children are starting to get their spirits back, all thanks to your protection."

The husband darted a hopeful look at us in the meantime. "Was the map of any help?" he asked cautiously.

I heard the lingering dread in that question, and a part of me wanted to tell them that the neighborhood would be safe from the evil ritual we discovered, though I reminded myself that we couldn't leave any hints for the sword spirit to catch. So I kept my silence when Bai Ye replied, "We managed to find all the locations you marked for us. But the purpose of those etchings and stacks seem obscure, and we'll need more time to look into it."

If the man was disappointed to hear the news, he didn't show. Instead, he gave us another bow. "We are grateful for all your gracious effort. In fact, our Elder would like to thank you as well after hearing about your visit yesterday. He has asked us to pass a word to you and invite you to his house if you have time."

Bai Ye and I exchanged a look. A visit to the Elder's was a welcomed diversion, as it might lead us to more information on the sword spirit's whereabouts. "We had hoped for an opportunity to meet him," I said. "Especially if he has heard word from Mount Hua. It would help all of us to come up with a plan together."

Yang-Yang blinked his big eyes. Before he started to protest, I winked at him. "But we can't leave for his house yet," I added. "You promised yesterday to treat us to your almond pastries, Yang-Yang. We're not going anywhere until we try them first."

The disheartened look on the boy's face turned into an excited grin immediately. I laughed as I put him down from my arms, and he wasted no time shoving Bai Ye and me into their house.

~ ~

A few villagers visited while we were at the boy's house, having heard yesterday's story and eager to express gratitude of their own. We assured each of them that everyone would be safe from the devil at the moment, and when I saw the restful look on their faces when they heard the news, I felt my heart singing in joy—after all these years at Mount Hua, this was the first time that I realized how much a cultivator's smallest favor could make the lives of commoners so much better.

When Yang-Yang's usual nap time came up, we sneaked out of the house, and a handful of enthusiastic neighbors accompanied us to the village elder's place. We were greeted by surprise upon our arrival, as the Elder's eyes widened when he caught sight of Bai Ye. "You are the immortal that came to our aid last summer," he said. "I didn't know Mount Hua had already sent help to us … I was still sending out letters last night!"

I lowered my head to hide a small chuckle—it was no shock that everyone would remember Bai Ye's face after seeing him only once. "My daoist companion and I are traveling away from Mount Hua for the time being," I heard him explain. "We happened to be nearby for other reasons. It was wise of you to have sent word for Mount Hua to seek more help, Elder."

The Elder studied me with some confusion. Then he smiled and offered a slight bow. "I am grateful that both of you are here. The devil hasn't made another appearance since two days ago, and the warding spells you left us were a blessing." He moved aside to show us the entrance. "Please come in. I would like to offer my thanks properly, and perhaps discuss the matter further."

A faint presence of spiritual power suddenly drifted toward us as he spoke. "Would you count us in as well, Elder?" A new voice came from above us, unexpected but familiar.

Everyone looked up. A small group of disciples in Mount Hua's robes descended from their flying swords and strode toward us, the one at the front smiling brightly as he approached. "It's a most pleasant surprise to see you here, Master Bai Ye, Senior Yun."

"Qi Lian?" I gasped.

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