Zhao Tian followed his master down the path.
"Master, are we really going to Mount Shui?" Zhao Tian asked.
"Of course. Luckily, we still have the chance so let's go," Xiao-Ri replied.
They were walking through a forest path on their way to Mount Shui. Before reaching the mountain, there would be a settlement.
Along the way, Zhao Tian noticed a tavern.
"Young Master, look," Zhao Tian pointed toward it.
"A tavern? Here? Are we already near the settlement?" Xiao-Ri asked, confused.
"Not yet, Young Master. We still have a bit to go," Zhao Tian said.
"Then why is there a tavern here? There's only one way to find out." Xiao-Ri immediately headed toward the tavern and entered it, unconcerned by the sudden oddity.
"Eh, Young Master?! Goodness" Zhao Tian said in worry as he followed his master inside.
Upon entering:
"Ugh, what's that smell?" Xiao-Ri covered his nose.
"Seems like a foul stench," Zhao Tian said as he cast a spell to block the unpleasant smell for both of them.
"Haha, Zhao Tian, you're always so considerate," Xiao-Ri said, slinging an arm over his shoulder.
"Should we explore this place?" Zhao Tian asked.
"We're already inside of course," Xiao-Ri answered.
They split up. Zhao Tian went to the right, Xiao-Ri went straight.
---
Zhao Tian-Yu's POV
I separated from my young master. I hope he's safe.
I headed right and found only two bedrooms in the room. Since it's a tavern, that made sense. The furnishings still looked good almost unused but there were also spider webs in some corners.
While examining a cupboard, I found a book, placed it on the table, and checked another cupboard. I discovered a pendant inside.
Feeling like I'd seen enough, I decided to head to where my young master was. But as I was about to leave, I felt a shadow pass behind me.
"Who's there?!" I shouted.
When I turned around, no one was there.
I grew worried and quickly went to find the young master.
---
Bei Xiao-Ri's POV
I walked straight ahead into what looked like a gathering area where customers would eat and chat. I saw leftover food on the tables nothing important but then noticed a small cabinet behind the payment counter.
While checking each drawer, I felt something odd under the wooden floorboards. I pressed it and heard a sound.
"Hm? That sounded like it opened something."
I looked around and discovered a hidden storage space beneath the counter.
As I reached my hand in to retrieve something, suddenly a sword thrust toward me. I barely dodged and drew my own sword.
"Who's there?!"
The figure was dressed all in black and didn't respond only slashed at me with their blade.
We fought. My footing slipped, and I nearly fell. At that moment, I was cornered, and they pressed my neck.
"You're not answering my question… How rude," I said, forcing a strained smile despite the grip on my throat, trying to buy time.
"Silence," they said.
"Eh?.. So you can speak. Hehe… I thought you were a woman only your eyes are visible."
The figure tightened their grip on my throat. I stopped talking, realizing I was pushing it.
---
Just as the black-clad figure was about to strike again, Zhao Tian arrived first, shoving Xiao-Ri behind him.
"young Master, are you alright?" Zhao Tian asked.
"I need medicine for my throat later remind me," Xiao-Ri said while raising his sword toward the attacker.
"Understood," Zhao Tian replied.
"Who are you?" Zhao Tian asked.
The figure didn't answer and simply fled.
"Zhao Tian, what did you find?" Xiao-Ri asked.
"I found a book and a pendant." Zhao Tian handed them over.
Xiao-Ri looked at them briefly and handed them back.
"You hold onto them. I'll look at them later when I feel like it," Xiao-Ri said.
"Alright." Zhao Tian nodded.
They returned to retrieve the item Xiao-Ri had tried to grab but it was gone.
Xiao-Ri frowned. "Where did it go?"
"Perhaps the person earlier took it," Zhao Tian suggested.
"There's only the left room left to check it should be the kitchen. Let's go," Xiao-Ri said.
As expected, it was the kitchen.
"Only old food supplies in here," Zhao Tian reported.
"Zhao Tian, come here," Xiao-Ri called.
When Zhao Tian approached, he gasped. "My heavens."
There was a rotting carcass in the room.
Xiao-Ri cast another spell to block the smell from his nose.
"It hits right away," Zhao Tian said.
"Seems like this was the source of the stench," he added.
"These bones… looks like animal remains mixed together… It reeks…" Xiao-Ri couldn't hold it in and vomited.
Zhao Tian reapplied the spell.
"Let's go, young Master." Zhao Tian supported Xiao-Ri as they left the tavern and returned to the main road toward the settlement. He lifted the spell afterward.
"Are you okay, young master" Zhao Tian asked.
"I'm alright. That smell left a bad taste in my stomach though," Xiao-Ri replied.
"Should I find some herbs nearby to freshen you up?" Zhao Tian offered.
"Eh, no need. We'll be at the settlement soon. Better not delay my Banana Spirit Demon might disappear," Xiao-Ri said.
"As you wish."
Xiao-Ri paused briefly and used magic to stabilize himself.
After a few more steps, they finally arrived at the settlement just as night fell.
"This place is still lively even at night," Xiao-Ri said.
"Please look around, Master. I'll find us a place to stay," Zhao Tian said.
"Alright." Xiao-Ri wandered through the marketplace and stopped at a stand selling Zhongguo jie (Chinese knots).
"Hey, shopkeeper. How much is one of these?" Xiao-Ri asked.
"Judging by your looks, you must be a young lord. One is 3 taels."
"Alright, I'll take two." Xiao-Ri bought a red one and one in dark blue-black.
Just as he finished, Zhao Tian returned.
"I've booked the room. What did you buy, Master?" Zhao Tian asked.
"Just accessories. These were 3 taels each not bad," Xiao-Ri said.
Zhao Tian frowned.
"Master, we need to be more frugal. We won't be returning to the palace often," Zhao Tian reminded.
"Alright, alright," Xiao-Ri relented.
"This will be the last time you buy something that costs 3 taels a piece, yes, young master?" Zhao Tian added.
"Fine, fine. Where's the inn?" Xiao-Ri asked.
Zhao Tian only sighed. If not him, then who would take care of his young master especially while traveling?
"This way." Zhao Tian led him to the inn.
When they arrived:
"I'll order food. Do you want anything?" Zhao Tian asked.
"No, no. If I eat now, I'll just throw up again from the memory. You go ahead I'll head to the room," Xiao-Ri said.
"Very well." Zhao Tian pointed to their room.
(One room with two beds.)
After finishing his meal, Zhao Tian returned and saw his master meditating.
"young Master, I brought some sweets for you," Zhao Tian offered.
"Just set it down," Xiao-Ri replied.
As Zhao Tian entered, he noticed Xiao-Ri's spiritual energy radiating throughout the room. He quickly cast a spell to suppress it so it wouldn't harm others but doing so made him cough up a bit of blood.
"We'll depart tomorrow morning. Get some rest," Xiao-Ri said, still meditating.
"Yes, Master." Zhao Tian bowed respectfully.
Morning arrived, and as Zhao Tian woke up, he didn't see his young master.
So he decided to leave the inn, and eventually saw his master sitting outside, watching the people pass by.
Zhao Tian approached his master.
"are we leaving now?" – Zhao Tian
"Hey Zhao Tian, come here, sit. Have you eaten yet?" – Xiao-Ri
Zhao Tian shook his head to indicate he hadn't.
"Eat first, then we'll depart." – Xiao-Ri
"Mm." – Zhao Tian
While enjoying the view of the bustling street, Xiao-Ri and Zhao Tian noticed a group of thugs extorting money from the vendors.
"Should I help?" – Zhao Tian
"Go ahead." – Xiao-Ri continued eating.
Zhao Tian decided to help the vendors from the thugs, who were now surrounded by a crowd.
But just as he arrived, he heard a woman's voice that sounded very familiar to him.
"Why are you extorting the vendors?"
"Hey, pretty lady, go away. We don't want to hurt you."
"What if I don't want to leave? Do you own this street?"
"It's none of your business."
"You're right. But I can't stand watching you take their money when you haven't worked for it."
"We don't want to hurt you, but you're asking for it."
"Me? Asking for it? Aren't you the ones who started this?"
The thugs, angered by the woman's boldness, decided to attack her together.
The woman had already pulled out her weapon a guzheng. Just as she was about to strike, a young man suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Isn't it shameful to gang up on one woman? Don't you feel embarrassed? If I were you, I'd be humiliated especially with so many people watching." – teased Xiao-Ri
Xiao-Ri turned to look behind him where the woman was.
"Eh?! Zhang Yao-Shi??? What are you doing here?" – Xiao-Ri looked at Yao-Shi with a confused face.
Yao-Shi was also surprised to see Xiao-Ri and immediately bowed.
"Greetings, Young Master." – Yao-Shi
"Yeah yeah, just act normally." – Xiao-Ri
Yao-Shi nodded.
"Who's this guy?" – asked one of the thugs.
"Do I really need to introduce myself to you?" – Xiao-Ri
The thugs attacked Xiao-Ri and Yao-Shi, but Zhao Tian intervened and blocked them.
"Zhao Tian, I was waiting for you. Why were you so slow? I ended up eating your food." – Xiao-Ri, while fighting
"Sorry, young Master. I was shocked to see Miss Yao-Shi." – Zhao Tian
The three of them fought the thugs together.
Yao-Shi and Zhao Tian engaged in combat while Xiao-Ri helped by throwing fire from his sword.
"Standing is tiring, I'll just sit." – Xiao-Ri
One of the vendors approached him.
"Hey, Young Master."
"What?" – Xiao-Ri
"Are they your friends?"
"You could say that." – Xiao-Ri
Yao-Shi finished off the fight with a powerful strike from her guzheng.
"Don't let me catch you here again. Now go!" – Yao-Shi
The thugs fled.
"Nice job, Yao-Shi." – Xiao-Ri stood up and brushed the dust off his clothes, having sat on the ground.
The vendor approached them.
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
"It's no problem." – Zhao Tian
"Here, take these. Don't worry, it's on the house as a token of thanks." – the vendor handed them five steamed buns.
"Really?" – Xiao-Ri
"Really. Take them."
Zhao Tian took the food and handed it to Xiao-Ri and Yao-Shi.
"Thank you." – Yao-Shi
"Are you traveling somewhere or just visiting?"
"We're heading to Mount Shui." – Zhao Tian
"Oh no, why would you go there? That mountain is dense and full of dangerous beasts!"
"Exactly. Why would you go there?" – Yao-Shi looked at Xiao-Ri, puzzled.
Xiao-Ri continued munching on his bun.
"We have our reasons. We can't tell you." – Xiao-Ri
The vendor sighed.
"Alright. But please be careful. No one knows what's hidden in that mountain."
"Got it. Thanks." – Xiao-Ri
Zhao Tian and Xiao-Ri began to leave and continue their journey.
"Yao-Shi, are you coming with us or not?" – Xiao-Ri
"…I'm coming." – Yao-Shi followed them.
The three continued their journey to Mount Shui. Upon arrival, Zhao Tian looked around.
"Why are there so many animal carcasses here? And they're fresh…" – Zhao Tian
"Likely prey to something more powerful. That's how the food chain works. If you're not strong, you'll be eaten." – Yao-Shi
"Zhao Tian, listen to her." – Xiao-Ri
Zhao Tian pouted at his young master's remark.
"Hey Xiao-Ri, what's your real reason for coming here? Don't tell me it's because of that banana demon rumor? No way, right?" – Yao-Shi looked at them in disbelief.
Xiao-Ri gave her a look that seemed to say he knew something, and Yao-Shi couldn't help but deny her own doubt.
"Young Master wants to find out if the rumor is true or not." – Zhao Tian
"Besides, I'm bored of being stuck in the palace. And shouldn't you be telling me why you were in that settlement?" – Xiao-Ri asked
"What's there to explain? If I want to go out, that's my business." – Yao-Shi
"Alright, good reason." – Xiao-Ri
---
Meanwhile, in the northern region of Bei Xiao-Ri's kingdom…
A man walked through the woods, carrying a bag filled with papers and wood.
He stopped in front of a tree much larger than the others.
He took out the papers and wood, knelt down, and said:
"young Master… I've returned with a message from your late grandfather. He wished you could attend his funeral, but he knew it was impossible…" – the man burned the wood and let the ashes fall to the ground.
"And this is from the king. He said you must read it yourself." – He placed the letter on the ground.
"With this, I'll take my leave…" – the man bowed and departed from the forest.
After he left, a sudden lightning bolt struck the letter on the ground, and it instantly vanished, leaving behind a black aura.
---
Back at Mount Shui…
"young Master, are you sure we're in the right place?" – Zhao Tian
"Relax, my instincts say this is the spot." – Xiao-Ri
"What instincts?" – Yao-Shi
"Come on, just a little further. Don't doubt me." – Xiao-Ri
Sure enough, after just ten steps, Zhao Tian stepped on something it was a trap!
He was suddenly hoisted up into a tree, dangling upside-down.
Then, a fog rolled in.
"Zhao Tian?! Zhao Tian?!" – Xiao-Ri shouted
"Master!? I think I'm caught in a trap…" – Zhao Tian
"Where are you?!" – Xiao-Ri heard his voice from above.
"I'm fine." – Zhao Tian
"Alright." – Xiao-Ri
"This fog isn't too thick, but I smell something strange… Xiao-Ri, can you smell it?" – Yao-Shi
"Not really, my nose has been acting up lately… maybe it's the weather?" –
"You can still joke at a time like this." –
"But seriously, my nose is acting up." –
Suddenly, swords flew toward them.
Reacting quickly, Xiao-Ri blocked the surprise attack with his sword, shielding Yao-Shi.
Yao-Shi, standing behind him, pulled out her guzheng and began playing its melodies.
"Why are you playing music?" – Xiao-Ri
Yao-Shi didn't answer.
"These swords are being controlled by someone… or something." – Yao-Shi
"ZHAO TIAN, ARE YOU STILL UP THERE?!" – Xiao-Ri
"Yes. What is it, Master?" – Zhao Tian
"Check the area see if there's anything nearby! DID YOU HEAR ME?!" – Xiao-Ri shouted at the last word.
"Understood." – Zhao Tian looked around and spotted someone ahead of him.
He broke free from the trap binding his leg.
Zhao Tian aimed his sword directly at the figure.
Xiao-Ri realized it and moved in the opposite direction, flanking the person from behind.
The mysterious figure panicked as one sword nearly struck him from the front and another was already at his neck...
The person was shocked because a sword suddenly appeared right in front of him, nearly killing him, and another sword was already positioned to slash his neck. Then, out of nowhere, the fog cleared, revealing a young boy who looked around 14 years old.
Yao-Shi, seeing this, was startled.
"Eh?? A child? What are you doing here?" – Yao-Shi
"A child? Hey, speak! You're the one controlling the fog and those swords, aren't you?!" – Xiao-Ri, nearly slashing his neck
The child panicked.
"AAAAH!! I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY, please don't kill me..."
"He's almost crying, look you're scaring him. Put down the swords." – Yao-Shi told them, and they obeyed.
The child scrambled over to Yao-Shi and hid behind him.
"Hey kid, hurry up and speak." – Zhao Tian
"Hush." – Yao-Shi turned to face the boy,
asking gently with a smile while slightly bending down,
"What's your name? Why are you here? And why did you attack us?.. It might be too many questions, but answer them one at a time." – Yao-Shi
Xiao-Ri and Zhao Tian simply watched them.
"Oh, are you hungry? Big sister might have something you'll like." – Yao-Shi reached his hand out toward Zhao Tian, asking for a steamed bun they got earlier.
Zhao Tian understood and handed over one of the buns to Yao-Shi.
"Here, take this." – Yao-Shi handed the bun to the boy.
"Thank you..."
"Eat up." – Yao-Shi kept smiling so the boy wouldn't be scared.
The boy began eating the bun, while Yao-Shi gently patted his shoulder.
Xiao-Ri and Zhao Tian waited for an explanation as they sat on the ground.
"Zhao Tian," – Xiao-Ri signaled to him before sitting down.
Zhao Tian understood immediately and grabbed a large enough leaf to sit on, placing it beneath his young master so his clothes wouldn't get dirty.
"Here you go, Young Master." – Zhao Tian
Xiao-Ri sighed.
A few minutes later, while Zhao Tian and Xiao-Ri were playing with the grassp
"I'm sorry..."
"Finally." – Zhao Tian
"It's okay, you must've had a reason, right? Tell us." – said Yao-Shi softly.
"I was hungry and had to find food to survive..."
"But you're just a kid. Where's your family?" – Xiao-Ri
"I don't know... But what I do know is, I'm not human."
"Why's that?" – Yao-Shi
The boy hesitated at first, but seeing Yao-Shi's gentle gaze, he finally told them.
"... Because I eat a lot of raw animal meat. Did you see the animal carcasses around here? That was me..."
"Straight to the point. So, do you know the Banana Demon?" – Xiao-Ri
"... Banana Demon? I often sneak into the settlements below the mountain, and I often hear them talking about the 'Banana Demon.' I'm the only one here on Mount Shui, so I guess that nickname is for me..."
"OH MY GOD." – Xiao-Ri
"Then what's your name?" – Yao-Shi
"I... Leinui Yoran..." the boy whispered.
"Louder." – Xiao-Ri leaned his ear closer.
"Leinui Yoran."
"You... I feel like I've heard of you somewhere before, but I forgot where." – Zhao Tian
"All right then, Leinui Yoran, why did you attack us?" – Xiao-Ri
"I had no choice... If I don't survive, I could die at any moment... I'm sorry." – Leinui, looking scared.
Yao-Shi, seeing that, glanced sharply at Xiao-Ri, then turned his attention back to Leinui.
"It's okay, it's okay. Then... why are you here?" – Yao-Shi
"I don't know. When I woke up, I was already here. I remember someone telling me never to leave this place. I was scared something might happen, so I decided to stay." – Leinui
"How long has it been?" – Zhao Tian
"Maybe three years." – Leinui
His words shocked the three of them.
"Wha... Aren't you lonely?" – Yao-Shi asked worriedly.
"I'm fine... Besides, I often go down the mountain, so it's okay." – Leinui
"That's not good... You're still a child. Hmm... What if you come with us?" – Yao-Shi offered.
Xiao-Ri, hearing that, asked,
"What do you mean, Yao-Shi?" – Xiao-Ri
"Come on, poor kid. Let's bring him with us, please, kind Young Master?" – Yao-Shi pleaded.
"Tch... fine, fine." – Xiao-Ri
Zhao Tian walked over to Leinui and patted his head.
"Welcome." – Zhao Tian, smiling.
"Thank you!" – Leinui said to Xiao-Ri.
________________________________________