A Song For The Ages

The city of Xu welcomed him back with the hush of twilight. Lanterns swayed on crooked poles, shopkeepers shuttered stalls, and voices dimmed into the murmur of night. Cloaked against the wind, Feiyin walked the streets in silence, his oscillation sense unfurled. Beneath the market's surface rhythm he caught threads of unease- fear pressed down, held in place only by the steady hand of Red Lotus mercenaries patrolling with measured discipline.

At the gates of the Red Lotus headquarters, the scent of oil and steel mingled with torchlight. The sigil of the crimson lantern burned above the doorway, stern and welcoming at once. The gate captain recognized him instantly, bowing with brisk salute. "Cai Feiyin. Welcome back."

Feiyin nodded. "I need a quiet room. There is much to discuss."

The captain gestured sharply, and soon Feiyin was guided through stone corridors into a familiar strategy chamber. Maps pinned with red threads covered the walls; a kettle steamed quietly on the low table. Two figures awaited him.

Qingling was the first to rise, her grin quick and bright. She leaned on the table, chin in her palm, eyes sparkling. "Back from wrestling Mountain Bears? Tell me you at least won one round."

Feiyin's lips quirked. "Bears usually sleep at this time of the year, so we'll have to wait for next summer."

Across from her, Ruan Lianhua studied him with quiet intensity while feeling the aura he deliberately displayed. Her voice was soft, precise. "Your aura is steadier, and your Yin has deepened. You are close."

Feiyin simply smiled in response.

They sat, the three of them, and Feiyin began to speak. He told them of the valley hidden in mist, of the giants and their Heavy Mountain, of the body seen as treasure trove. He described Elder Fjord's laughter and Drakar's vow, of Darak's competitive fire. He spoke of the archives, of innate runes and the limits of sigils. He told them of the runic pill he and Gawain had crafted, and how Elder Fjord had stepped into the Bright Qi Phase before their eyes.

When he revealed the Hollowed Silver, Qingling whistled low. "You brought back a friendly giant and moon-metal? That's called overachieving."

Ruan's gaze locked with his, cool and steady. "Purifying Needle first. Then we can start moving."

Feiyin inclined his head. "Yes. With Hollowed Silver, I can begin. Cleansing Gold lies further away, in the central part of the continent. But the path is opening."

He reached into his sleeve, withdrawing two velvet pouches. "These are for you both. A set of three runic pills. They will temper your meridians- broadening, hardening, and giving them flexibility."

Qingling's teasing light softened as she accepted hers. "You spoil us, Fei."

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Ruan's wolf-tail gave a single wag despite her composed face. She bowed slightly. "We will not waste them."

Feiyin smiled faintly. "These are seeds. The harvest is yours. Take them one by one, three days apart, and rest after each. We don't want clashing medicines."

They exchanged a few more words on the state of the city. The capital was tense but held together. They agreed on quiet movements until the Purifying Needle was ready.

As he stood up to leave, Qingling clasped his shoulder briefly, warmth in her eyes, while Ruan gave a small nod of trust.

The courtyard house his family rented lay in a quieter ward, tucked behind walls draped in jasmine. As he slid the gate aside, the sound of tiny feet pattering reached him.

"FeiFei!"

Meimei burst forward, her short legs pumping furiously, arms stretched wide. Feiyin caught her mid-run and lifted her high, spinning once as she squealed with delight. Her small hands tangled in his hair, and he kissed her brow and cheeks, heart softening.

A trill sounded, and Baiyu glided out from the garden path, scales shimmering beneath garlands of flowers woven into loose crowns. The serpent nudged his nose with gentle boop, eyes glinting in quiet affection.

From the veranda, Mei Liao and Cai Feng emerged. Mei Liao's smile curved with quiet warmth. "You're finally back. Welcome Home."

Cai Feng's gaze swept over his son, wry yet amused. "When she heard you were coming today, your sister didn't want to sleep until you came back."

Feiyin's expression softened as he shifted Meimei in his arms. "Then I will stay until she sleeps as many nights as I can."

Meimei wriggled and pressed her cheek against his shoulder, mumbling with drowsy determination, "FeiFei stay… always."

Over tea, Feiyin spoke. He told them of Heavy Mountain's crushing gravity, of the murals in the archive halls, of Elder Fjord's breakthrough, of Hollowed Silver now in his possession. He spoke of the vow to resist the insectoid threat, and of the Purifying Needle that would one day cut free the chains binding his companions.

His parents listened intently. Mei Liao's eyes shimmered with pride tinged by worry. Cai Feng's jaw tightened with approval as he asked pointed questions on timing and allies.

At last, Feiyin set two small lacquered boxes upon the table. "For you both. Runic pills- three each. They will strengthen your meridians."

For a moment, silence held. The faint glow from the pills' runes cast light on their faces. Mei Liao whispered, awe in her tone, "I can feel it... The world… acknowledges them."

Cai Feng ran a thumb across a pill's surface, chuckling in wonder. "I never thought that I would ever see a rune in my life, yet here is one made by my son."

Feiyin explained their use with care: sequence, breath patterns, rest.

Then his thoughts turned to the orphans. "And the children?"

Mei Liao's smile deepened. "They've brightened my days," she said, her voice warm. "They've settled in well," she said. "Most have found small tasks or games that suit them. Jin is still sharp-eyed but more patient now, and little Luan loves rocking the toddlers to sleep with that ribbon you gave her. The rest are growing, each finding their place."

"We will take them with us when we leave," Mei Liao finished softly. "To train, to study, and to be safe."

Relief loosened Feiyin's chest. He had feared the city would collapse into chaos once they departed. Now that shadow lifted.

"Thank you," he murmured. "That was my only burden."

Cai Feng's voice was low, certain. "Then clear it. We're with you now, so we'll take care of such things."

Mei Liao laughed lightly. "And I will need more ribbons. Baiyu has opinions about colors."