Chapter 42: A Shady Inn!

Xingchenzi slowly walked up to Fang Yu and said, "Big Sister, are you alright?"

"Xingchenzi, how did you get here so fast?" Fang Yu asked, gently dusting off her clothes as she stood up.

"It's a long story, but one thing is for sure: I can join you on your adventures now," Xingchenzi replied, his eyes filled with innocence.

As Xingchenzi spoke, the lingering rays of the setting sun happened to fall upon his youthful face, casting a warm golden rim around his eyes, which flickered with curiosity and determination.

With a light leap, he hopped over to Fang Yu's side. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, their shadows elongated on the ancient flagstone path, weaving together into a warm and cozy picture.

Fang Yu smiled, reaching out to ruffle Xingchenzi's slightly messy hair, her eyes brimming with tenderness and encouragement. "Alright, Xingchenzi, then let us embark on this unknown journey together."

"There may be thorns and monsters ahead, but as long as our hearts are connected, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome." Her words were like a spring breeze, seemingly infusing the surrounding air with a bit more courage and hope.

Eagerly hurrying through the mottled light and shadow of the corridor, Xingchenzi skipped over to Yufan, taking several steps in one bound. The last rays of the setting sun outlined his bouncing silhouette behind him, making him look like a tiny god of war descending.

He bent down, gently placing both hands over Yufan's somewhat weak hands, an unquestionable determination flashing in his eyes.

As Xingchenzi took a deep breath, a warm and powerful energy surged forth from his palms, like the first light of dawn.

Yufan slowly stood up and asked, "How did you get here?"

"It's a long story. Let's get out of here first and talk about it later, Brother Yu!" Xingchenzi said.

Feeling the warm current slowly flowing through his body, Yufan felt as if every single cell was awakened by this energy, revitalized with new life.

He looked up at Xingchenzi. In those youthful yet unusually resolute eyes, a sea of stars seemed to surge, granting him infinite strength and peace of mind.

The corners of Yufan's mouth curled up unconsciously as he whispered softly, "Thank you, Xingchenzi."

Xingchenzi smiled faintly, a smile like the brightest star in the night sky, warm and bright. He turned around, his steps light and steady, walking straight toward the large pile of equipment. The twilight seemed to soften at that moment, adding a touch of warmth and anticipation to the impending departure.

Xingchenzi crouched down slightly, deftly untying the ropes on the bundle with skilled movements that made him look less like a novice youth and more like a seasoned warrior. He carefully unfolded the package, the equipment inside reflecting a cold, metallic luster under the setting sun, forming a sharp contrast with the warm surrounding atmosphere.

First, he gently picked up a long sword. The blade was slender and sharp, flashing with a cold light in the sunlight. Xingchenzi held the hilt with both hands, the tip of the sword gently brushing through the air, leaving behind a faint yet piercing sound of wind. He then carefully placed the sword into the side of the pack, ensuring it wouldn't be damaged by bumps along the way.

With his hands behind his back, Xingchenzi walked steadily toward Fang Yu. The setting sun stretched his slender figure into a long shadow as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Fang Yu, their shadows appearing even more in sync in the darkening twilight. He looked up into the distance, his eyes holding both curiosity about the unknown and the quiet confidence of a guide. "Based on my explorations and deductions these past few days, I can tell that not far ahead, a quiet little village is hidden. It might just provide us with a safe haven from the wind and the necessary supplies."

Hearing this, a flash of pleasant surprise crossed Fang Yu's eyes, followed by a faint smile curving her lips, as if she could already foresee the curling smoke from kitchen chimneys and the gentle glimmer of dusk in that village. "Ha, that sounds wonderful! Tonight, we'll rest there for the night and let our weary minds and bodies find a moment of peace." Her words carried a hint of anticipation, making even the air feel infused with the scent of home.

"Let's go, Yufan!" Fang Yu's voice was soft and warm, like a gentle spring breeze brushing against Yufan's heart. She gently clapped her hands to signal that everything was ready, her eyes gleaming with yearning and determination for the journey ahead.

Hearing this, Yufan's lips curved into a tender smile, hiding trust and gratitude toward his companion. He slowly stood up. Though his steps were slightly heavy, his eyes were filled with strength and resolve. The twilight cast long shadows of the two as they walked side by side along the ancient flagstone road, every step echoing with firm determination.

The surrounding scenery softened and grew serene in the setting sun, as if even time had slowed its pace in this moment. In the distance, mountain ranges layered upon one another, dyed a pale golden-red by the evening glow, unfolding like an exquisite painting. Nearby, the occasional crisp and pleasant chirping of birds added a touch of vitality to the quiet dusk.

Yufan slowly strolled over to Xingchenzi's side. His tall figure cast a broad shadow in the setting sun as he gently gathered Xingchenzi's slender shoulders into his embrace. A smile combining surprise and shyness blossomed on Xingchenzi's face, and his star-like eyes sparkled with an even more dazzling radiance.

"Today, you are a great hero. You saved us." Yufan's voice was low and filled with gratitude, as if every single word contained deep emotion. His words were like gentle rain nourishing the soil, sending ripples across the lake of Xingchenzi's heart. Feeling the warmth and strength transmitted by Yufan, Xingchenzi couldn't help but tilt his head up slightly. Their gazes met at that moment; no words were needed, as the firmest trust and reliance had already been established between them.

Before long, they arrived at a certain place. Unfolding before Yufan and the others was "Black Village."

"What a strange name. There is an inn ahead, let's go inside first," Xingchenzi said.

"Mm," Fang Yu replied.

"Innkeeper, a room for three," Yufan said.

"Esteemed guests, please follow me. Our humble establishment is a bit rundown, so please don't mind," the inn's waiter said, wearing a sleazy expression and speaking in a slightly gloomy tone.

"This little waiter won't disturb your rest," the waiter said as he took Xingchenzi's belongings.

"We have a special place to store these," the waiter added.

"Alright," Xingchenzi said. "You must look after them well for me."

Guided by the waiter's low and somewhat gloomy lead, the three stepped into the dilapidated place known as "Black Village Inn." The lighting inside the inn was dim, with a few swaying oil lamps barely illuminating the surroundings.

The air was filled with a scent intertwining dampness and mildew, causing one to involuntarily frown.

A few faded landscape paintings hung on the walls, appearing tattered due to a lack of maintenance, the scenery within them seeming to recount the vicissitudes of time.

The waiter led them through a narrow corridor, every step accompanied by creaking floorboards that sounded as though they might snap at any moment.

Finally, they stopped in front of a somewhat spacious door. A yellowed double-happiness character was pasted on the door, though it had faded so much that its original vibrancy was lost.

The waiter pushed the door open, and an even heavier smell of mildew rushed toward them. However, the interior was relatively neat, albeit furnished with antiquated pieces that bore the marks of time.

The waiter stepped aside, signaling for Fang Yu to follow. His steps were brisk yet deliberately subdued, as if he feared disturbing every wisp of air here. He led Fang Yu toward the far end of another corridor, where a carved wooden door stood. Though also old, it possessed a touch more elegance compared to what they had seen before. When the door hinges turned, they emitted a low and lingering creak, like whispering stories of the past.

Inside the room, the light was much brighter than the previous one. A beam of moonlight happened to pierce through the lattice window, spilling onto a semi-antique wooden table. On the table sat an exquisite oil lamp with a slightly swaying wick, emitting a soft and warm glow. A few delicate paintings of court ladies hung on the walls; though similarly marked by time, the gentleness and refinement of the figures in the paintings were still vaguely visible, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility to the modest room.

"This little waiter won't disturb your rest any longer," the waiter said to Fang Yu.

"Okay," Fang Yu replied.

Xingchenzi tip-toed out of the room, clutching a dry cake that still exuded a faint aroma of wheat. His footsteps sounded exceptionally clear in the dim-lit corridor. He passed through the mottled light and shadows cast by the faded landscape paintings, every step feeling like a silent conversation with this ancient inn. At the end of the corridor, the door to Fang Yu's room was half-ajar, leaking a sliver of soft light that contrasted sharply with the surrounding gloom.

Xingchenzi stood before the door, softly adjusting his breathing. His small hand gently tapped the door panel, the knocking sound echoing in the quiet air with a trace of imperceptible tension and anticipation. A slight rustling came from inside the room, as if Fang Yu were getting up, and immediately afterward, the gap in the door slowly widened, revealing Fang Yu's figure.

"Big Sister Fang Yu, here's a cake for you," Xingchenzi said.

"Mm," Fang Yu replied softly.

"Then I'll be going now," Xingchenzi said.

A wave of joy washed over Xingchenzi's face. He quickly ran back to his room, finished eating the cake, and promptly sat down on the bed to fall asleep.

"Xingchenzi? Xingchenzi?" Yufan called out.

"Snore, snore," Xingchenzi breathed.

Yufan closed the door with utmost care, turning to step into the deeper recesses of the room. Moonlight filtered through the lattice window, spilling onto his resolute face and coating him in a layer of silver radiance. He walked slowly to the center of the room, where a seemingly ordinary meditation cushion that exuded a faint spiritual energy was placed. Yufan sat down gently, closed his eyes to concentrate, and the aura around his body gradually grew steady and profound.

He took out a crystal-clear elixir from his bosom. The medicinal pill shimmered with an alluring luster in the dim light, as if it contained the very essence of heaven and earth. Yufan gazed at the elixir for a moment, then swallowed it without hesitation. The pill melted the moment it touched his tongue, and a wave of warm, pure energy instantly dispersed throughout his body, warm and full of vitality like the spring sun.

As the medicinal power flowed, a series of ripples invisible to the naked eye suddenly surged around Yufan. The spiritual Qi in the room seemed drawn by an invisible hand, frantically pouring into his body. At that moment, an ancient bronze mirror in the corner of the room trembled slightly, and a series of hazy images slowly surfaced on its surface, as if recounting ancient secrets and an impending crisis. Yufan abruptly opened his eyes, a flash of astonishment crossing them before he stood up and walked toward the bronze mirror, a strong premonition rising in his heart: this journey was far more magnificent and grand than they had imagined.

Yufan's cultivation had broken through to the first stage of the Grandmaster realm.

Standing before the bronze mirror, Yufan felt the surging spiritual power within his body, his eyes filled with disbelief. He closed his eyes to focus, peering inward once more, and saw that the previously scattered spiritual power in his Dantian had now converged into a roaring, endless river, revolving slowly around a faintly discernible spiritual pearl—the exclusive hallmark of the Grandmaster realm. He snapped his eyes open, stars seeming to flash within his pupils, filled with both shock and excitement.

His hands clenched involuntarily as Yufan felt an unprecedented power fill his entire body, every cell cheering in jubilation.

Yufan's joy surged like a tide. He stood before the moonlit window, letting the soft glow outline his upright figure. The corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously, and his eyes flickered with irrepressible brilliance—it was the pride of self-transcendence, and the yearning for unknown challenges. He slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing that excitement and thrill to gradually settle into inner peace.

Afterward, Yufan walked to the bed with light steps, fearing he might disturb Xingchenzi. He lay down gently, his body relaxing as the bedstead swayed slightly, as though melting into the ancient inn. The moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting mottled light upon his face and gilding him with a soft radiance that looked exceptionally serene.