Days had passed since the battle at Duyin City. Although the shadow of conflict still lingered over Murim, a sense of peace had returned to Jian Mo's humble home. A soft autumn breeze carried dry leaves dancing across their simple courtyard.
That morning, activity buzzed in every corner of the house. Su Daji was double-checking her belongings, making sure nothing was forgotten. Nearby, Leon loaded lunch boxes onto a small cart. Mo Tian emerged, carrying a rolled-up travel map.
At the doorway, Jian Mo stood quietly, watching them all with gentle eyes. Beside him, Tang Wu adjusted his new robe, which still looked far too long for his frame.
"Are you sure you want to come all the way to Tianyin?" Jian Mo asked calmly.
Tang Wu turned with a wide grin. "Of course! Who else is going to make this journey fun if not me?"
Leon glanced over, his tone flat. "You sure you're not just going to be a burden?"
"I can take care of myself! And… protect a bit, too," Tang Wu replied with a chuckle.
Mo Tian merely sighed as he rolled up the map. "Let's not waste time talking. We depart before the sun climbs too high."
Su Daji paused at the doorway, taking in the house one last time. She had endured so much here—wounds, lessons, and bonds forged in fire. Now, a new chapter would begin in Tianyin.
With steady steps, they set off—toward the academy, toward the future, and, unknowingly, toward a destiny long awaited.
---
THE ROAD TO TIANYIN
The journey to Tianyin City took several days. They followed dirt roads winding through low mountains and forests shedding their leaves. Yet the mood was never heavy. Laughter and conversation accompanied their every step.
As always, Tang Wu provided both chaos and amusement.
"Leon, you sure this is the right way? I feel like we've passed this crooked tree three times already," he said, pointing at a bent tree that indeed looked very familiar.
Leon sighed, eyes fixed ahead. "Because every tree here looks the same, you idiot."
"Hey! Don't call me an idiot in front of Daji," Tang Wu protested, covering his face with his arm in mock tears.
Su Daji giggled, and even usually-stoic Mo Tian couldn't hide a smile.
At night, they camped under the stars. Tang Wu tried to grill fish—only to burn it to a crisp. Leon saved the meal by demonstrating the proper grilling technique.
"Now you see who the real cook is," Leon said flatly, turning the fish over the embers.
"All right, all right, I give up. You can be chef for the rest of the trip," Tang Wu conceded, scratching his head.
---
HALFWAY AT QINXUAN
After three days, they arrived at Qinxuan City, a peaceful lakeside town. Fresh air and the scent of spices from the marketplace greeted them.
"Finally—a place with hot springs and real beds!" Tang Wu exclaimed as they checked into a modest inn.
That evening, they dined at a simple roadside eatery. Tang Wu eagerly ordered every sweet dish he could find, while Leon warned him about their dwindling funds.
"We have to save money. The journey is far from over," Leon cautioned.
"But… these honey-sesame cakes are calling my name!" Tang Wu replied with exaggerated despair.
Su Daji laughed softly, her heart light. For the first time in ages, she felt like a carefree youth, surrounded by friends she trusted.
Mo Tian sat quietly, watching them all with calm eyes. Behind that serenity lay relief—if only for now, there was no war, no blood, and no vengeance. Just laughter and hope.
---
A MIDNIGHT REFLECTION
After dinner, and with Tang Wu asleep—mouth still smeared with sugar from his last sesame cake—Su Daji sat on the inn's porch, gazing at the star-filled sky. Cool lake breezes brushed her face.
Mo Tian appeared silently, carrying two steaming cups of tea. He sat beside her and offered her a cup.
"Thank you," Su Daji whispered, accepting it with a small smile.
They sat in companionable silence, accompanied only by the gentle lapping of water and Tang Wu's soft snores from inside.
"I never thought… I'd be able to laugh like I did," Su Daji said at last, her voice barely above a whisper. "After everything we've been through."
Mo Tian stared into the distance. "Journeys aren't always about the destination. Sometimes, the most important part… is who walks beside you."
Su Daji glanced at him, then nodded slowly. She clutched her cup a little tighter.
"Do you believe in destiny, Master Mo?"
He was quiet for a moment before replying, "I believe… that sometimes destiny isn't something we chase. It's something that finds us—when we least expect it."
Su Daji said nothing more, only turning her eyes back to the sky. To her, the stars seemed closer than ever that night.
Their night in Qinxuan passed in comforting stillness—like a pause in a symphony before the grand movement begins.
Unbeknownst to them, Tianyin was not just the end of this leg of their journey—but the beginning of something far greater.