{ @wingedruin ; } — finds a strange book & reads it . . .
"If the heavenly courts find out about it," Zhuó Ān breathed, watching how the master of the soul inn was meditating, forming a full form that could be seen and touched by all mortals. Not that he would need it, the red string of fate came with its perks, like being able to see and touch the one tied to it always, even if one did not have the true eye. Humans were not meant to see all of it, something he had learned as he became like that too. Yet, here Lǐ Zhēn was, cultivating a body that would work for everyone. It must require immense spiritual energy, but then, the man could access the inn, even though his friend knew he was not exactly supposed to use it like that. "And you really have no concerns about leaving the inn for ninety-nine days?"
. . .
A deep sigh came over his lips as one eye opened. What was not to understand about not disturbing him? Zhēn eventually rose, opened his hair, and stripped, picking up the clothes he had prepared ahead of time. "It is quiet, no big names are on the list to arrive. Besides, Ruí is very experienced. If an emergency occurs, she can force me back by disturbing the barriers. It will be alright. As for the iffy people, they have been hiding for some time, no worries." He glanced up as he dressed in robes that mirrored those of a member of a respected military family, though clearly belonging to a lower branch. Acceptable enough not to have to worry, but not too high to make impressions. A story of a nephew paying respect to his uncle after a recent loss. It could not hide his height, but thanks to his athletic build and general experience with weaponry, it was fine. He was an outstanding horseback archer; in case of need, he would simply pull it out.
"What do you think?" Zhēn asked as Zhuó Ān raised his brows. "I hope you do not break too many hearts like that." With that, he grabbed the night robes and poofed. "Tch, I forgot I am older now." He grabbed the cloak and snapped his fingers, a gentle glow making the gowns look a little more travel-worn. He pulled himself onto horseback, eyes briefly glancing at the moth that landed for a moment, confirming a position. Ninety-nine days were enough to encourage her to seek out a man it had taken him centuries to track down ever since he stumbled upon the legend of that blade. He could not ask, but she could. After her soul avoided him ever since their departure, he took that afternoon as the sign he had waited for. He owed her soul as much.
. . .
While the memory of the inn had faded, it was never fully erased. The woman called Yírén should still carry that sense of familiarity once they reunited, making approaching a little easier. The roads were busy as merchants and other travelers gathered together, heading toward a small town. Human history had been turbulent again recently.
He only moved off horseback when too many people were around, patting the side of the mare as he began to lead the animal. In stories, those kinds of encounters were adored by ladies, but he was counting on a complaint. A curse, maybe. Zhēn purposefully bumped right into the woman. It was calculated and carefully done because he had spent several moments admiring the plum trees that were in full bloom before it, making him seem reckless the most.
"Oh!" he called out, and he even brought a flush to his cheek. "I am sorry. I was careless." His expression was difficult, and the horse made a soft noise when forced to stop so suddenly. "Are you alright?"










