Chapter Text
Greyish-blue eyes stared at the signature in the corner, its smooth strokes and flourishes burning themselves into his mind.
He closed his eyes, sighing as he leaned back and lowered the scroll in his hands. All things considered, the letter wasn’t too long to read. Yet somehow, it felt like it had taken him days to get through it.
The letter raised more questions than it answered. It gave him a glimpse into Dan Feng’s mind, but it didn’t tell him how he did what he had done. It didn’t tell him about the man’s relationship with the man who would become Blade and how their relationship would become so twisted with a man who knew nothing and another who knew it all. It didn’t tell him what they were to each other, but Dan Heng could tell that they were at least close. Anyone willing to throw it all away, together, for one person had to be at least a little close to each other in some way.
It didn’t explain his relationship with Jingliu, the cold swordmaster who Qingzu had said was one of Dan Feng’s closest friends. The woman who trained Jing Yuan to be the warrior that he was in the current day. The woman who walked the thin path between madness and despair, her blindfold keeping her moving forward instead of drowning in Mara. She seemed to know about some of Dan Feng’s deepest struggles, of him wanting to be free of the crown that came with being Yinyue Jun.
But at the same time, despite her calm words and willingness to surrender herself, her fearsome power in her fight with Blade and a lurking darkness behind her words set Dan Heng on edge. She may have been friends with Dan Feng, but there was no telling what that friendship exactly was and if it was going to spare him. The letter didn’t answer, but Dan Heng at least knew that when he was still there, Dan Feng cared for her with all his being.
It told him nothing about Baiheng, the person whose death shattered the Quintet and sentenced Blade to an eternity of suffering and Dan Feng to a forced molting rebirth. He knew nothing about her except snippets that he’d been told or from books he had read.
Still, he could at least guess that she was a very, very vibrant person that they all had loved so greatly that they’d rather choose a twisted, painful fate than not even try to stop the act of permanently losing her.
The letter didn’t really tell him about Dan Feng’s relationship with Jing Yuan. It didn’t tell him if his past self would be just as sorrowful if someone else were to be the one to pick up the pieces left behind. It didn’t tell him if there was something more to their relationship or not. If there were things left unsaid between them that would only be for each other.
It didn’t tell him, but Dan Heng was at least assured that Dan Feng cared for Jing Yuan fiercely.
Speaking of the General…
Pulling out his phone, he slowly unlocked it and scrolled through his contacts, finally seeing the man’s name. He hesitated for a bit, unsure of what action to take.
The concern of disturbing the other was present of course, the position of Arbiter-General was inherently a busy one. He also knew that after the incident with the Heliobi that the Realm-Keeping Commission and the rest of the authorities on the Luofu had their work cut out for them. The heliobi had been dealt with, but the Ghost Hunting Squad had left a paper trail that Dan Heng knew Jing Yuan and Hanya were busy trying to clean up.
Plus it was late and Dan Heng imagined that the other man was sleeping.
But at the same time…
Dan Feng’s message for Jing Yuan came to his mind, of the remorse the man felt for leaving the other behind. Of his wishes for him to live a good life.
And Jing Yuan deserved that, more than deserved it even. After the centuries he spent alone and pulling everything back together, a good life was the very least that that fate could give him.
Also, thinking about it, Dan Heng wasn’t sure if Jing Yuan had ever really talked to Dan Feng before his rebirth. Obviously he visited, otherwise Dan Heng wouldn’t have this scroll with him. But talk? He wasn’t so sure.
So he didn’t actually know if the other man had even been allowed any form of closure.
He fiddled with his phone, eyes burning into his list of contacts as his thoughts swirled.
He had to tell Jing Yuan what Dan Feng wanted him to know. As stoic as he may seem, Dan Heng wasn’t heartless. He might still have rather complicated emotions about his predecessor that didn’t even brush up against being positive, but he understood that it would only be a courtesy to allow for a dying man’s final words to be known to his chosen recipient.
Plus, thinking again back to the idea of Jing Yuan not having any proper closure…
He deserved it. He more than deserved it after shouldering the memories of the Quintet’s fate for several centuries.
Dan Heng couldn’t even begin to imagine how lonely that must’ve been.
That being said...
He would be lying if he said he was good with emotions and putting those emotions into words. March had told him to “speak from his heart” but he wasn’t sure how he could speak for something that he himself didn’t even fully understand.
Mentally sighing in frustration, he wished that at least Himeko was still there with him. She was always a voice of reason, doing an excellent job at mixing logic and emotions for her to make the best possible decisions.
But he was alone on the Express with Pom-Pom (someone he’d rather not disturb, the conductor always working so hard for the Crew) and the rest of the Nameless were on Penacony.
He knew he was being melodramatic about the entire task of sending a single text, but Dan Heng truly felt like this was a crucial mission that he had to do.
And he had to do it solo.
So, taking a breath to steady himself, he went to type out a message.
---
---
---
Only to nearly drop the device as he saw a text appear from the General himself.
Fumbling a bit, he read the message and felt himself growing more intrigued.
---
Jing Yuan
I am not at the Seat of Divine Foresight
----------
I apologize if you are resting and this has awoken you, but
I finally have a moment to myself and would like to extend
an invitation to you. The Spring Festival celebrations
will begin on the Luofu soon and I was wondering if
you’d like to see the festivities.
It is alright if you decline, I understand that you must
be exhausted from what had transpired on the Luofu.
Still, I thought it’d be at least courteous to invite you,
the festivities are truly a sight to behold. There is no
rush for you to reply, but I do hope to hear from you
soon.
---
Dan Heng re-read the last message, raising an eyebrow at the wording.
---
Hm you seem to be very sure that I could
accept this invitation if I wish to do so.
Was there someone who told you about
the Express’ next destination?
…
…
…
Hm sharp as ever. Ms. March told
me where the Express was headed next.
As for seeming sure you’d accept, it was
less thinking you’d accept and more of
a logical conclusion I made of you being
available and possibly wanting to sit your
next adventure out after everything
on the Luofu.
Am I correct?
---
Dan Heng felt amusement warm his chest as he read the message. Truly, nothing escaped the keen gaze of the Luofu’s Divine Foresight.
---
You say I am sharp but you
deduced all of this from just
a single sentence from March.
Haha I concede the point there. My mind
never truly stops storing and analyzing
information. My apologies if it has
caused any discomfort.
…
…
…
None at all, it merely caused some
amusement. I’m afraid to admit
that I don’t know much about
the Spring Festival other than
surface level details from those
who have experienced it.
Well, then this would be quite a good
chance to learn wouldn’t it? First-hand
experience and you’d be able to record
it all for your Archives.
Is this you attempting to bribe
me General?
I would never do such a thing, this is
merely me telling you the benefits of
taking some time to visit the Luofu.
…
…
But in complete seriousness, if you
do not wish to come then I will not
force you to do so.
---
Reading the words, Dan Heng couldn’t help but be given the mental image of a sad puppy looking at its owner for something. He huffed a quiet laugh, his chest feeling even warmer from the combination of his earlier amusement and the General’s kindness.
He knew that his answer would be respected, even though he was sure the General really did want to see him. He never really forced Dan Heng to do anything, the time on the shores being a fluke more than anything else as he understood why the General did what he did.
But also, putting aside the other’s kindness and the knowledge he’d be happily welcomed, Dan Heng had always wondered what the Spring Festival was like on the Luofu specifically.
In his travels, he had researched as much about the Alliance and her flagships as he could. Be it a data pad or an ancient scroll that he was worried would disintegrate if he so much as breathed on it wrong, he read anything and everything that he could get his hands on for the Xianzhou.
History, economics, politics, language, folklore…anything.
He researched with the fervor of a starving man looking for food, so desperately wanting to know about a home that had rejected him. One that he knew on a bone-deep level, but one he never got to experience himself.
Dan Heng researched until he became one of the most knowledgeable outsiders in regards to the Xianzhou in the galaxy. It was…enough. It was just enough to make him feel more at peace, but he knew he’d never really be able to overcome the feeling of being an outsider in regards to the Alliance and Luofu.
But that was neither here nor there, the point was was that he knew of the Spring Festival from his travels, but he didn’t know anything deeper than that. It was a moment where he was brutally reminded that he was an outsider. Afterall, how would a resident of the Xianzhou not know about such a big event?
The excellent food and bright festivities, the joy to welcoming a new year that somehow still felt novel to the long-life species on the Xianzhou…it was all something he had only ever read and heard about.
And he so desperately wished to see what it was like.
The Luofu was only darkness in his mind, cold chains and even colder gazes, but it was still a place that would’ve been his home and had been the home to his previous incarnations.
He thought that not even giving it a chance to show what it really was like was a disservice.
So, he easily sent a message back.
---
I would be honored to attend
the Spring Festival.
When does it begin?
...
...
…
Ah, it appears that I have been caught,
we’ve been forced to say late due to
some paperwork that needs to be done
before the Festival.
I will tell you the details of the celebration
at another time.
May the stars guide you on your journey.
…
…
No worries, may you get some rest
soon from the paperwork.
May the Reingbow’s arrow
guide you on your Hunt.
---
The next day, they arranged plans rather easily, Jing Yuan telling him when the festival would begin and end as well as assuring him that he truly was safe to walk through the Luofu and that if anyone caused problems, they would be dealt with handily.
Dan Heng for his part had informed his plans to Pom-Pom, the conductor being thrilled to see the archivist do something other than isolate himself in the Archives. They told Dan Heng that if he wasn’t back by the time the rest of the Crew returned from Penacony then they would tell them what was happening.
With words of gratitude and promises to bring back snacks and photos for the conductor, Dan Heng was able to face the two biggest issues he had.
Get gifts for Jing Yuan and the other people he had at least a decent relationship with or were meaningful to his friends and figure out how to tell Jing Yuan about the letter.
Honestly, as he shopped around different markets in the galaxy, the gifts were relatively easy. There were plenty of people from the Xianzhou who could direct him properly. He spent possibly a little too long on choosing the gifts, but he wanted them to be perfect.
He spent even more time trying to wrap them properly, but in the end they were neatly placed in the corner of the Archives, waiting to be given to their recipients.
That being said, Dan Heng still wasn’t entirely sure how to tell Jing Yuan about the letter. It was clear that Dan Feng cared greatly for Jing Yuan, with the sincerity of the letter and the whispers of affection that he felt in his heart from a life he didn’t remember.
But just because someone cared didn’t mean that telling another person what they wished to say was easy.
He knew he was overthinking, but he couldn’t help it. Jing Yuan had been through…a lot. He had been though a lot and he was alone the entire time. He didn’t want to rip open a wound that had at the very least started to heal.
Hmmm but at the same time…Jing Yuan deserved to know what Dan Feng wanted to say, he deserved to have closure.
Sitting in silence for a bit longer, Dan Heng slowly pulled out writing materials…perhaps writing down something would help him gather his thoughts.
Clicking his pen, he opened a new notebook that Mr. Yang had given him and began to write.
He wrote and wrote and wrote until his pen ran dry and his hand was cramped. But, as he closed the notebook and prepared to rest, he thought that while it wasn’t really possible to predict how the conversation between him and Jing Yuan was going to go, he had something that could convey his thoughts if he got too hung up trying to do so himself.
Laying down and letting sleep slowly pull him into its comforting darkness, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement and nervousness for the festival. He couldn’t wait to see what it was like.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Laughter reached Dan Heng’s ears as he wandered the streets of the Luofu. Children raced by with sweets in their hands as they chattered away to their friends and families. The streets were lined with vendors, selling anything and everything from food to clothes to weapons.
Lanterns were strung from building to building, casting the streets in warm and comforting glows that managed to soothe Dan Heng’s nerves just a bit (he might be allowed back on the Luofu, but that didn’t mean he still wasn’t at least a little wary).
He didn’t really have a set destination in mind, Jing Yuan’s time for them to meet being a while away and him not really knowing where anything was to make it easy for him to pick a spot to stay at.
So, wandering was really the only thing he was doing. He was pretty sure that he looked a little odd, not bothering to look at any wares or other forms of entertainment as he steadily made his way through the twisting mazes of the streets that made up the Luofu.
Admittedly, he wasn’t fully paying attention as he walked, so it was his fault when the crash happened.
Rapid footsteps were the first thing he heard, and Dan Heng couldn’t stop the spike of fear that shot through his heart as he turned to look, the mental images of Cloud Knights rushing towards him flashing before his eyes.
The power of the Azure Dragon’s legacy simmered in his veins, making him hyperaware of how much damage he was capable of if he so wished to use said power.
But before anything hasty could happen, be it property destruction (something he truly did not want to do) or his horns appearing on his brow (something he wanted to do even less since he’d just end up looking like one of the Xianzhou’s greatest traitors which would surely lead to even worse things than having to apologize and pay for property damage), he felt two people crash into him and bowl him over completely.
Gasps were heard from people passing by, and Dan Heng had to take a moment to regain his breath as well as get his eyes to properly refocus.
Looking at the people who crashed into him, he was met with familiar blonde and light lavender hair. Groans were heard as the two sat up, Yanqing with his eyes closed as he put a hand to his head while Bailu blinked blurrily, eyes wandering until they found Dan Heng.
At the sight of him, she perked up a bit, “Dan Heng! What brings you here??”
Inclining his head in greeting, Dan Heng flicked his eyes back to Yanqing then back to her, “Enjoying the festivities. May I ask why you were running and at such great speeds?”
Bailu puffed her cheeks out, pouting, “He started chasing me first!”
Dan Heng looked over at Yanqing, giving him a rather deadpan look as the other finally recovered and processed Bailu’s words, eyes squinting at her as he scowled, “Because you’re not supposed to be out and about without a guard of some sort!”
Bailu turned towards him, her tail lashing back and forth, “It’s boring with them! They never let me go anywhere fun and it’s the Spring Festival! This time is all about celebration!”
The blonde paused, taking in her words before his features softened until all he had was a slightly furrowed brow and a frown on his face, “I understand but you can’t just leave like that. It causes a lot more panic than necessary.”
To her credit, Bailu at least looked sheepish, gaze turning to look at her hands that were resting in her lap, “I understand…”
Seeing the mood become gloomier with each passing second, Dan Heng spoke up, “I can join you two for a bit of the night so you both get to enjoy the Festival.”
He watched as their eyes both lit up, but before they got carried away, he made sure to speak again, “I have to be somewhere at a set time later, it’s a way’s off but when I do leave I’ll have to leave Lady Bailu in your care. Is that okay with you Yanqing?”
Ignoring Bailu’s reminder to tell him that the title of ‘lady’ wasn’t necessary, Dan Heng watched as Yanqing turned the idea over in his head as he weighed the pros and cons. But eventually, the blonde nodded.
Getting up, Dan Heng helped Bailu stand on her feet and let Yanqing get his footing. When everyone was settled and recovered from the collision, he gestured for them to lead the way.
Almost immediately, Bailu took off. Dan Heng and Yanqing blinked briefly before quickly following her, not wanting to lose her in the crowds. Despite her small stature that’d make it easy for a such a thing to happen, Dan Heng managed to keep track of her with her tail and long hair swaying behind her.
He glanced over at Yanqing, the younger keeping up fine but a disgruntled look on his face that made Dan Heng mentally grin in amusement. That was the face of someone who was used to this type of game, and Dan Heng had a feeling that there was also some sheepishness in the blonde boy’s gaze due to having pulled similar stunts when he himself was younger.
Imaging a young Yanqing running around and Jing Yuan chasing after him…now that was a sight Dan Heng wished he could’ve seen.
Regardless, they spent a rather long time weaving through the crowds to keep up with the little Vidyadhara before they finally stopped at a food stall. Bailu was standing in front, bright eyes looking at the listed treats to try as her tail swished behind her in a contemplative manner that reminded Dan Heng of a cat.
Yanqing was huffing for breath, hands on his knees as he muttered things under his breath such as “How does she run that much? How do you run that much is this a Vidyadhara thing? If this is what it was like then I need to apologize to the General…”
Dan Heng just patted Yanqing’s back, his own breathing heavier from the chase as well. But he looked over at the stall, seeing the cheery smile of the Foxian woman at the counter and her workers quickly making and handing out treats and other delicacies to eager customers.
Bailu turned towards Dan Heng, eyes alight, “Can we get Berrypheasant Skewers? Please please please???”
Looking into her eyes, bright and wide and shimmering in the lantern light, Dan Heng could only think, “Ah, if she knows how much power she has, surely we’d all be doomed.”
Nodding, he approached the woman at the stall, pulling out his wallet, “Not too many, you’ll want room for other foods too. Yanqing, would you like anything too?”
The blonde boy snapped out of the daze he was still in, eyes looking over and quickly scanning the situation before he wandered over, unsure but not rejecting the notion of a sweet.
“Uhm, steamed puffergoat milk and a tuskpir wrap.”
Hummin in acknowledgement, Dan Heng turned to order but was stopped by Bailu.
“Aren’t you going to get anything? You deserve to have something too!”
Shaking his head, Dan Heng rattled off the order and as he handed over the appropriate amount of strales, he explained, “I’m not much of a sweets person, but I’m more than willing to get you two some.”
“You’re not?” Bailu asked, her head tilting in genuine curiosity.
Once again shaking his head, Dan Heng ushered her and Yanqing out of the way of other people waiting to order, “Never really have been, March loves sweets so I’ve had some here and there but I tend to prefer savory foods.”
“That’s probably better for you,” Yanqing chimed in, “The General likes sweets surprisingly, but he knows to limit his sugar intake.”
Dan Heng tilted his head, something in his heart seemingly trying to whisper to him a memory from long ago at the information that brought about the flash of bright golden eyes full of delight as they caught sight of pastries that were shared amongst five people.
Filing that information away for later, Dan Heng only dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement, “It’s good he knows to not eat too much.”
Bailu giggles, looking over at Dan Heng with eyes that spark with mischief, “He still always makes it a point to give me sweets when he visits, and it doesn’t slip by me how he always takes some for himself.”
Giving a solemn nod, Dan Heng merely says, “His secret will be safe with me.”
Giggling even harder, Bailu spins around as she hears their order being called out, skipping over and calling back, “It’d better be!”
Yanqing sighs as he also makes his way to the stall’s counter, getting his own food as he seems to begrudgingly agree to keep that little bit of information private. The two of them wander over to a bench, Dan Heng trailing after them and standing while they sit down. Bailu’s legs dangle as she swings them back and forth, content as she enjoys her treat.
Yanqing himself nibbles at his own food, taking sips of the puffergoat milk before his golden eyes meet Dan Heng, “Why are you here? On the Luofu?”
“I already told you: to enjoy the Festival and to meet someone.”
The younger boy squinted at him, “Surely there’s more than that, I can’t imagine you’d depart from the Trailblaze just for one event that, in terms of us long-life species, is barely a blip in our lifespans. Plus I can’t imagine this person is important enough to leave that either.”
Eyes glittering in the lantern light, Dan Heng tilted his head to the side, “Explore, understand, establish, and connect. That is what it means to trailblaze. There will always be something new when you trailblaze, even if it’s the same path that you’ve walked before.”
Looking up at the artificial moon in the sky, Dan Heng’s thoughts flashed briefly to the start of his life, of the darkness of the Shackling Prison that could not be compared to the warmth of the Luofu that was before him as it celebrated the start of a new year, “We long-life species stay in place much longer, a single year meaning nothing to us and the things here in the Xianzhou, on the Luofu, remain the same for ages. If I were to be surrounded by other long-life species, then yes, I would also share your confusion as to why a long-life species like me would return for such a brief time away from the life that I’ve built elsewhere.”
Turning back to the two on the bench, Dan Heng caught their curious gazes as they waited for him to continue, “But I’m not, and my companions have taught me how precious life is and to cherish the moments we have. To take the chances to experience something, to go out and see what they’re like even if they’re barely anything in the length of my life. That is what it means to trailblaze, and that is why I’ve come back to the Luofu for this festival.”
He turned back around, watching children run through the streets and performers set up for a show, “I’m here for a reason yes, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the festivities along the way.”
Remaining silent, he watched as people passed by. The Luofu was just so…alive. So different than the despair of the Shackling Prison, from the quiet streets in the dark of night when he was forced to leave, from the emptiness and panic caused from Phantylia’s chaos and the Stellaron.
He heard Bailu hop down, the pillory on her tail thumping against the bench and Yanqing himself rising as his swords gently clinked with the movement. Feeling a small hand slip into his own larger callused one, he looked down to see Bailu smiling brightly.
“Then, let’s go enjoy them! I only know a few things, but I’m sure Yanqing over there can help too.”
“But of course,” the blonde boy walked up, jerking his head in a direction, “Follow me and I’ll guide you, I’ve been wandering around these festivals for decades.”
With those words, he started to walk off. Bailu soon followed, still clutching onto Dan Heng’s hand.
And what else could he do but let himself be pulled along for the ride?
They went from place to place, Yanqing pointing out different parts of the festival from more food to what certain decorations were for to just general wares to buy. It was a lot, people from the Luofu as well as the other flagships or not even from the Xianzhou at all milling about.
All the food, all the sounds, the sights…it was a lot. Even for someone as well-travelled as him, it was a lot for Dan Heng.
Almost too much.
But as he looked at Yanqing and Bailu, delighted as they looked at trinkets or sweets or looking petulant as he told them things such as “no Yanqing you can’t get more swords than the ones we already got this night” or “Lady Bailu (‘I keep telling you! The ‘Lady’ is unnecessary!’) please slow down with the sweets or else you’ll feel ill”…it was enough to make him content.
Seeing them happy, seeing them smile and get to act like children instead of the General’s Retainer or the Healer Lady, well, it was enough to make this all worth it.
Eventually, the time drew closer for him to meet with Jing Yuan. Stopping in the Exalting Sanctum, he told them both as much that it was time for them to split ways.
But before they left, he pulled out a pair of bright red envelopes and handed them to the two before him, “For the new year, I wish you one that has many cherished memories.”
Watching as they took the envelopes with glittering eyes, he gave the slightest smile as the two of them gushed their thanks to him for the hongbao as well as for the fun night.
Nodding, he told them to enjoy the rest of their nights and to stay safe. They moved to leave after that, Yanqing giving him a casual wave while Bailu gave him one with more energy. But soon, they turned around and vanished into the crowd.
Feeling a warmth in his chest from the night, Dan Heng looked around. He saw two girls setting up for a performance, recognizing one was the girl he met at Cloudford and the other was the friend that Stelle had shown him pictures of.
Deciding that he wanted to see what they were planning to perform (he was supposed to meet Jing Yuan around here anyway), Dan Heng wandered over to yet another food stall and bought something for himself for the first time that night.
“Mung bean soda…sir are you sure? That’s a rather difficult drink for even Xianzhou natives to drink.”
Amused by the cashier’s concern, Dan Heng only nodded as he thought back to Himeko’s coffee, “I’ve had some rather difficult drinks myself. And I could use the refreshment it brings.”
The Vidyadhara cashier still looked rather skeptical, but she relented eventually. After all, who was she to reject a paying customer? Their poor choices being their own and of no fault of hers.
As she handed him the drink with a smile, they both heard the ringing of a gong and a girl’s voice, directing their attention over to the stage.
It was the orange haired girl, her smile bright and voice loud as she hit the gong, “Dragons and lions, we’re second to none! So give us a cheer, it’s time for some fun! The shoooow has begun!”
Dan Heng quickly took the drink and wandered closer, watching as the set in the stage rose and as the two girls held up the dragon and lion. He watched as they fluidly started to move across the stage, hearing Master Gongshu begin to narrate the tale of the dragon and the lion.
The story of the two of them, to them being separated and then the lion weakened and forced to face countless enemies alone…
“How familiar,” Dan Heng thought, watching as the girls performed beautifully.
But, before he could ruminate on that line of thought more, his sharp eyes caught sight of the orange haired girl’s foot slipping, missing the step by just the smallest amount.
He watched as she fell, her companion reaching out to grab her before she plummeted. Gasps were heard, and Dan Heng watched as the two of them struggled. But before the orange haired girl could hit the stage with a sickening thud, he acted fast.
Uncaring with the way his eyes would flash, he summoned his cloudhymn to create a spout of water for her to act as a platform. Relief washed over the brunette’s face as she saw her friend safe, and to her credit, the orange haired girl quickly got back into the performance with a determined smile on her face.
Master Gongshu’s narration resumed, and Dan Heng mentally let out a sigh of relief as the girl was no longer in danger.
“Yet dragon, lion, both return to fight, the battles shared in memory burning bright!”
He watched as the girls weaved around each other, graceful and elegant as they lost themselves once again in the show.
“In evil vanquished lies tomorrow’s birth, from which we reap the joy of laughter, wine, and mirth!”
The girls ended their performance with the final line, meeting in the middle while facing each other as a bright red scroll unraveled between them.
Peace and Prosperity for All.
They gave the audience dazzling smiles, out of breath but clearly happy.
He heard someone start clapping, and soon the rest of the people in the crowd followed. Red and gold petals were scattered from people on balconies and higher, showering the Exalting Sanctum in a beautiful rain of colors.
Joining in with the applause, Dan Heng watched as the girls looked at the petals in awe before turning to each other, joyously laughing as they stood on stage.
Letting the crowd cheer, Dan Heng slowly slipped away, finding a quieter place so he could check his phone. Seeing a notification from a certain general, he clicked open their chat.
---
Jing Yuan
I am not at the Seat of Divine Foresight
----------
Did you enjoy the performance? I thought it
was quite nice, those two did an excellent job.
And thank you too for saving that girl, I was
ready to do so myself but you were faster.
---
Truly, nothing escaped the gaze of the Divine Foresight.
---
….
….
No worries, I couldn’t let her
fall after all.
Where are you? Would you
like me to meet you somewhere
specific or do you want me to remain
within the area of the more general are
of the Exalting Sanctum?
You need not worry, I know where
you are. Coincidentally, it’s right by
where I was grabbing a bite to eat.
…
…
You know already?
---
He swears he can hear the General give a chuckle as he types out his reply, the three dots appearing and disappearing several times.
---
It is quite hard to miss where that small flash
of teal came from.
Do not be alarmed, it was subtle so I think I am
the only one who truly noticed it.
But yes, stay where you are and
I will be there shortly.
---
Nodding, Dan Heng pocketed his phone and turned back towards the stage, watching as the girls grabbed different props to match another story that Master Gongshu was telling, this one thankfully on the stage itself and so any risk of injury from falling a great height being basically non-existent.
He wasn’t really thinking about anything for once, simply relishing the cheerful atmosphere and content to watch the girls move across the stage as if they were born to be there.
“You know, even people who’ve lived on the Xianzhou for their entire lives can’t handle mung bean soda.”
Turning around, he was greeted with a warm golden eye and even warmer smile as the Arbiter-General of the Luofu stood before him, head tilted as he gazed at Dan Heng.
The shorter of the two hummed, taking a long sip of the drink before replying, “One of my companions is known for making some rather strong drinks that would reduce most to tears. This in comparison may as well be fruit juice.”
A gentle laugh as that golden eye crinkled, “I presume this is Miss. Himeko’s infamous coffee?”
An eyebrow raise which earned another smile, “Ms. Stelle has told me about it. She was trying to be polite but her face grimaced in such a way that I assume that the coffee must pack quite the punch.”
“You build up a tolerance after a while.”
“Well, maybe one day I should try it.”
A side glance from greenish-blue eyes, “Can you even handle mung bean soda General?”
The taller man didn’t quite grimace, but Dan Heng swore he saw a flash of pain flit across the other’s face for a moment, “If. I drink it slowly I can.”
Feeling his own lips twitch in amusement, Dan Heng dipped his head in acknowledgement without saying anything.
Jing Yuan’s gaze turned slightly bashful, looking away for just a bit before his gaze returned to Dan Heng, “Let us go inside, I have a table and some songlotus cake waiting for us. We can order mood food if you wish.”
The general turned away, making his way back to the restaurant he had just left. Dan Heng trailed behind, mind wandering.
Now that he was with the other in-person, the last challenge of the night was telling him about the letter.
And he still wasn’t sure how to approach that subject.
When would be the right time? The restaurant felt too public, he didn’t want other people to hear something that frankly wasn’t their business. But at the same time, he wasn’t entirely sure if asking Jing Yuan if they could speak in private would be taken the wrong way.
Shaking his head, he placed his hand over one of his pockets, feeling his small notebook there.
“Stop overthinking, that’s how you fumble,” he chided himself as he entered the restaurant, following Jing Yuan as he climbed the stairs to the upper level, “Just tell him, he deserves to know. Forget the mental hangups you have of being embarrassed; you’ll know when it’s time to ask him for a talk.”
Mentally nodding to himself, Dan Heng sat down across from Jing Yuan, watching as the other asked a waitress for a menu.
“Order what you wish, we have plenty of time before the night is over and you must be hungry,” Jing Yuan told him, gaze looking back outside to the stage, “Enjoy this night Dan Heng, it’s your first Spring Festival here after all.”
At his words, Dan Heng nodded, “Yes…yes I will enjoy this night. I’ll enjoy it more, and then when it is time I will tell him what Dan Feng’s last words were. But for now, I’ll simply be here as Dan Heng the Nameless and not Dan Heng, the current incarnation of Yinyue Jun who has a sad final message from his previous self.”
So, gently pushing aside the thoughts that were plaguing him and making sure he still felt the comforting weight of the notebook that was concealed in his pocket, Dan Heng turned to Jing Yuan and asked what he’d recommend.
He’d tell Jing Yuan later in the night, that much was a promise. But for now, he was just going to enjoy the present.