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墨書 Inktalez
Running through a bewildering world, having witnessed the bustling life of the streets, he had personally sweated profusely to achieve some results, or perhaps he was driven by certain obsessions, running recklessly in search of something.
At this moment, Ran Xing, who had just opened his eyes after several days of unconsciousness, seemed to have experienced something that could take away the very essence that propelled him forward. His eyes were vacant, his expression dazed, and the steamed bun before him had long lost its warmth. He was lying on a simple wooden bed in a windowless room, illuminated only by a half-burned candle that dripped wax, casting a dim light on Ran Xing, who sat there silently, neither speaking nor making a sound.
The door opened at that moment, letting in the gentle moonlight and illuminating the figure of the person bringing food. Indeed—An Qi had been delivering meals for several days now, but without exception, they were all left on the table; some had begun to smell odd while others still emitted steam. Only the person sitting there retained a semblance of spirit, yet that warmth seemed to have vanished.
Upon seeing An Qi, Ran Xing did not change his lost demeanor; he resembled a beggar—though no one was beating him or pressuring him, since waking from his coma for special reasons, he had not bathed and his clothes were infested with stubborn cockroaches. Although he could use Vitality to wash away these filthy creatures, upon closer inspection, it seemed he was immersed in some matter, like a criminal staring at a wall, pouring all his effort into scribbling on a thin piece of paper to clear his name.
An Qi desperately urged him, "No matter how troubled you are, you still need to eat! The commander often teaches us not to waste food. Even if you've made a grave mistake, do you really want to starve yourself to death? Brother, is this worth it? If you die like this, do you think those you've hurt want to see you in this state? Think about it—where's the determination you showed when you swore loyalty to the commander?"
An Qi poured out heartfelt words to this half-dazed individual. Everything still had no easy conclusion; he shouldn't think of himself so poorly. Even if one were carrying the weight of a mountain, food was the most direct source of energy. How could one function on an empty stomach?
And what was the result? Ran Xing merely shifted in his chair and replied flatly, "You eat it for me."
An Qi felt a surge of anger but restrained himself from exploding. If it weren't for Teacher Ziyuan's orders, he would have long since taken matters into his own hands to teach this brother what reason meant! There was no place for such cowardice in the Trial Ground! Truly a rare breed for someone who had lived this long!
Regaining his composure and deciding to take the risk of breaking rules, An Qi somehow procured a jar of good wine—perhaps out of sudden inspiration from his earlier anger: men speak their truths when drunk. With a loud thud on the wooden table, he placed a jar of fine wine common near Ran Xing's home before rolling up his sleeves and directly confronting the dazed Ran Xing, forcefully pulling him back into his chair.
"Listen here! You've hurt others first and wasted food second; each of these offenses is enough for the commander to throw you to your doom! But let me tell you this: if I didn't have orders from above, I could execute you right here. Think about why that is! If you're truly feeling downcast, sit down with me and let's talk properly. I'll pretend today never happened. How about that?"
After An Qi's intimidating words, Ran Xing trembled as if shocked by electricity; finally showing some color on his face instead of that deathly pallor. "Why don't you kill me?" he whispered to An Qi, sounding like an actual criminal who had lost something vital from his memory. He didn't understand why he woke up to unfamiliar faces and places or why meals were being delivered to him alone. But that was enough for An Qi. Starting with prying open Ran Xing's mouth, he intended to carry out another task—acting as a substitute for Ziyuan to investigate Ran Xing's condition.
It turned out that before Ran Xing awakened, Ziyuan had already noticed that Ran Xing's Evil Thought had dissipated; however, he wasn't truly unconscious and often displayed strange expressions while murmuring something inaudible. From lip-reading, Ziyuan guessed it likely concerned Luo Yue.
Not rushing to respond, An Qi picked up two bowls and laid out the food before opening the wine jar and filling both bowls generously before handing one to Ran Xing: "Whatever's going on can only be discussed after drinking."
"What's wrong? Are you scared?" An Qi held up his bowl without hesitation and downed it in one go while casting disappointed glances at the dazed Ran Xing, who stared blankly at his bowl.
Holding the wine bowl felt like the first time since leaving home that Ran Xing would drink; having just emerged from a terrifying long dream, facing this bowl of wine made his hand feel as rigid as stone. Yet slowly but surely, it moved toward his lips as if struggling against something etched on his face. Finally gathering some strength in his voice, he spoke softly.
"I just woke from such a long dream; perhaps I still need some time. I lost my composure earlier; I hope you'll forgive me." After breaking free from his daze with such an unusually lengthy sentence, An Qi relaxed slightly as it seemed this kid still had something brewing inside him. So he poured himself another bowl of wine.
"Yes, with such a commotion, it's only natural for you to need some time to recover from the shock. Tonight, let's not get too serious; it's just a casual chat between brothers. If there's anything on your mind, feel free to share!" An Qi patted Ran Xing's shoulder, and the two clinked their bowls together before taking a sip of their drinks.
As the liquor flowed down his throat, something within Ran Xing was instantly awakened. It felt as if a light had pierced through the shadows behind the door of his consciousness, and he tried to grasp that fleeting illumination. Nevertheless, spurred by the alcohol, Ran Xing asked the question that weighed most heavily on his heart—Luo Yue.
"Is she... okay?" Ran Xing asked softly, his expression shifting from dazed to anxious. He vaguely recalled the moment he was suppressed by You Long after battling Evil Thought, when a purple light surrounded his hand as he directed it toward Luo Yue. His hand, gradually losing its purple glow, seemed to attempt to retract that power, but all he was met with was a wave of faintness. Darkness enveloped him, and when he awoke, he found himself here, with no one but daily meals to keep him company.
An Qi sighed deeply and replied with a knowing look, "It seems you do care about some things. Don't worry; she's currently receiving treatment and has a dedicated caretaker. You two will meet again in the future."
Ran Xing's eyes brightened. Could it be that dream was not real?
An Qi's curiosity piqued—"That dream?"
After another bowl of liquor, Ran Xing slowly recounted the dream while An Qi immediately took out a scroll to record it using Vitality.
Dreams are among the most common experiences we have; sometimes they manifest our hopes for good things to come or shatter illusions like thunder breaking through a fog of sleep, revealing reality in stark contrast.
The dream Ran Xing experienced was precisely such a tumultuous affair.
In the dream, Ran Xing coughed violently as he struggled to break the surface of a purple ocean. He was unaware that the power he had so desperately sought had led him into this predicament. Now, he swam with all his might toward what appeared to be a beach. Finally reaching the shore, he crawled onto the sand as purple water seeped from his clothes, fatigue washing over him. Suddenly, amidst the brief sunlight, purple thunder shattered his exhaustion as a familiar voice seemed to emerge from behind him.
Turning around, Ran Xing thought he must be seeing things—how could it be only Luo Yue? But who were those behind her? Where had Shan Qing gone? Had they completed their mission?
"Ran Xing, why did you do that?" Luo Yue's piercing question left Ran Xing bewildered; he had just been fighting Shan Qing—how could he have done anything to Luo Yue?
"What are you talking about? How could I hurt a friend?" Ran Xing replied in confusion as he scanned Luo Yue from head to toe—"Could it really be me?"
A clear purple wound marred Luo Yue's leg; yes, it was exactly what he had seen before. He stared at the injury in disbelief and collapsed onto the beach. No, it couldn't be! That was my friend! How could I do this? This must be false! "No, Luo Yue! Listen to me; this isn't real! A hero would never harm their friends or betray them!" Ran Xing desperately explained, but all he received in return was Luo Yue lowering her head in disappointment. Two tears fell onto the sand before she turned away.
The sound of thunder interrupted Ran Xing's pleas as purple rain fell on his face. Luo Yue said nothing as she slowly walked away into the distance while Ran Xing knelt in the rain. The thunder echoed in his heart like an explosion; fatigue and pain from his earlier battle with Shan Qing surged back into consciousness. When he gained power, he had forgotten pain—so what was the cost? Perhaps it was this very moment.
Finally succumbing once more to the torrential purple rain, Ran Xing lost consciousness again. The thunder transformed into surrounding voices hurling insults at him: accusations that Ran Xing was a hypocritical hero—a man full of passion yet indifferent to his companions.
"Disregarding your companions and ignoring your teacher's teachings—this is how you choose to act as a hero?"
"Was our encounter that day a deception on your part? Using power against friends, is that what you told me?"
"Idiot, do you really think this state of yours will last until you achieve your dreams?"
These harsh questions echoed in Ran Xing's dreams, transforming into another kind of thunder that jolted him awake. How could he accept the reality of being turned from a friend and brother into someone in such a dire situation overnight? As the purple rain poured down, Ran Xing remained unconscious until he finally awoke in the dim room.
As he sipped his drink, Ran Xing recounted the visions from his dream, finally pulling out some food to stifle his sobs. It was then that An Qi set down his bowl and handed Ran Xing some tissues.
"This is better. With your words, I believe you won't easily do something like that. Besides, it's someone you've freed yourself from for so long; no one will hold it against you. I trust what you say, but you shouldn't look like this. Don't waste food; you'll need it for when I come back. Whether it's the Commander or Teacher You Long and Teacher Ziyuan, they'll understand you," An Qi said, patting his brother's shoulder. He made a mental note of everything they discussed as they continued to eat and drink while talking about more matters.
"An Qi, is everything you told me true? With such a mistake, can I really remain in this Trial Ground?" Ran Xing questioned, feeling confused about having dealt such a blow to his friend and the burden it might place on the Commander.
An Qi downed a bowl of liquor and laughed as he patted Ran Xing on the back. "What nonsense! Acting without basis and denying someone the chance to express their grievances—does that sound like the Commander you know? Your teachers and everyone in the Trial Ground would never believe the rumors spread by those with ulterior motives."
Ran Xing paused, downing another bowl of liquor before asking, "Then what should I do now..."
"Don't worry too much; we're all men here. Why fear making mistakes? It's braver to admit fault than to simply follow what others say. At this point, it's important for you to express your attitude; I'm sure Luo Yue will understand," An Qi continued, recounting how Luo Yue had said that Ran Xing's actions were not truly his intent (to harm himself). Only then did Ran Xing's frown ease as they shook hands in reconciliation.
"I understand now; I owe you thanks, An Qi, for telling me so much. Can I ask you for a favor?" Ran Xing's expression relaxed slightly as some of his anxiety seemed to dissipate. He grasped An Qi's hand tightly in gratitude.
Just then, a different breeze outside made An Qi realize that his task was complete. He stood up and gave his brother one last piece of advice: "Let them spread their rumors; you have to forge your own path. For now, stay put; there's no need to worry about Luo Yue. Here are some writing materials for you. If you're unable to express yourself verbally, write it down—I’ll deliver it for you. Remember this: when the time is right, you'll see Luo Yue!"
Ran Xing felt a lump in his throat. "Brother's teachings will be etched in my heart. Please take care of things moving forward!"
The two held each other's hands tightly before reluctantly parting ways.
An Qi gazed at the sky where a full moon hung brightly, its gentle light dispelling the earlier discomfort. The quiet air eased their anxiety; it was a night of reunion under the full moon. Perhaps at this moment, An Qi had already guessed what might happen next. He turned back to see someone waiting for him outside.
Meanwhile, behind the clouds obscuring the full moon, Qianwen was discussing something with You Long, who had been shut away for several days.
"You must have hardly had any tea these days; how about starting with a cup?" Qianwen naturally brought out a teapot as You Long nodded in agreement.
"Are you talking about Xing Han?" Qianwen asked after sipping from his cup as if it were nothing significant.
You Long continued discussing recent developments regarding Xing Han. Rumors had been rampant within the Trial Ground lately, branding Ran Xing as a traitor and not merely an honorable warrior who had harmed his comrades.
"After all the mistakes, misunderstandings, and rampant rumors, do you still believe any of this?" Qianwen slowly sat down, her voice particularly gentle, and her gaze remained steady as she sipped her tea.
"As his teacher and a leader who has nurtured him alongside you, I believe these rumors are insignificant to us. However, for these children, they are like a sharp blade. I think we need to issue a temporary statement to quell this situation. As for the issues concerning Ran Xing and Luo Yue, those will require further discussion," You Long said, slightly furrowing his brow. Although he had grown accustomed to such matters over his lifetime, the current circumstances did not allow for the spread of these rumors.
"Indeed, words can drown a person. But if the people you know are involved and the rumors hold any truth, you cannot escape responsibility. Yet without Ziyuan's materials, jumping to conclusions is not a wise approach," Qianwen remarked as she set down her teacup, seemingly unfazed by Xing Han's antics. She then shared some updates: Luo Yue's treatment was progressing smoothly, but it would take time for her to awaken.
Seizing the opportunity in the conversation, Qianwen continued with her assessment: "For those of us who understand the actual situation, these whispers are merely unappetizing dishes. Moreover, for a Liangyi Hero to act so recklessly—if he remains unaware of the problem, it is not our place to judge our companion. However, with the Convention approaching, it would be better to maintain harmony. This round of Full Moon is quite rare, isn't it?"
You Long poured tea for Qianwen as they admired the Full Moon together. Even though some winds were biting cold, the gentle breeze had never left them. Since they understood what was real and what was hypocritical, how could they fear the subtle words of certain individuals? Striving to prove oneself and seeking understanding—showing tolerance and guiding those who err rather than blindly defining a person's entirety by a single mistake—might just be why this Full Moon was so precious!
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