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The sun was hiding under the shrouded clouds when they finally left Tianqi. The weather was damp like the rain was about to fall any time soon. As they traveled further, the sunlight slowly disappeared and turned into crimson red.
After what had happened in Tianqi city, Dark River is back to the starting point. Every effort Su Muyu and Su Changhe poured has been drowned into the drain. In all the tribulation, Su Muyu and Su Changhe decide to go back to the Dark River. All matters were laid out in Tianqi, chaos is about to ensue but all those matters are not theirs to deal with anymore, at least for now. Assassinating a prince is not something to take on lightly but they believe Langya Wang will eventually put everything to its own place and explain it to the imperial court. Even if he doesn't succeed in doing so, both of them no longer care.
The thing is, aside from problems arising in Tianqi, Dark River conditions are equally in disarray. Su Changhe has asked Xie Qidao to lead and arrange everything in his absence, yet changing the habit from killing as a job to growing rice is not an easy matter, especially led by those who only excel in taking lives. In the end, many Dark River disciples are also trying to revolt, demanding explanation from the absent patriarch.
Su Changhe keeps sighing on the road back, making a sulky face every time he has a chance. Even though everything in Tianqi didn’t really turn out the way he expected, that’s not something he regretted doing, after all Su Muyu had said that he didn’t regret anything. The chance for them to finally make Dark River walk under the light is only a matter of time, they can still try again. What bothers him the most is that once he sets foot in Dark River, all the peace from his long trip with Su Muyu will be over and he has to deal with people nagging him.
Changhe actually has a simple way to deal with this matter, but Su Muyu has warned him for the nth times not to kill anyone recklessly again. Helplessly, Changhe can only comply. That takes turn in how he sees the journey back home –he's truly being possessed by Su Muyu, thinking Dark River is his home now. He was so happy before. Freely riding his horse to catch up and talk to Su Muyu every chance he has but now responsibilities are weighing him. Su Muyu just smiles thoughtfully watching Changhe acts childish, after all this is not the first time. He tries his best to coax Changhe, saying he will help him deal with everything. Su Muyu knows Changhe just like to act that way, the moment he calls everyone to the main hall for a meeting, he’ll finish every business in less than an hour.
“Su Muyu… what if we stay in this village a little longer, I just don’t feel like coming back.” Here we go again,
“Qidao shū has already said that he no longer can prevent Dark River disciples from randomly accepting the job. Changhe, we can’t put this matter off anymore.”
Su Changhe's weakness is definitely Su Muyu because every time the latter asks him to do something he would just succumb in the end. Afraid of Su Muyu’s reaction towards him, Changhe reluctantly goes along with Su Muyu’s plan of coming back as soon as possible.
After a week of a long trip they finally arrive in Dark River. Nothing changes much except for some part of their land being turned into rice paddies. Several disciples are busy trying to grow rice, watering the crops. It was truly an enigma in Dark River and an amusing sight especially for Su Changhe. He was jokingly saying this to Su Muyu during their time in Nan’an City, turns out the latter genuinely thought it through and discussed the plan with Xie Qidao. Sometimes Su Changhe is amazed at how Su Muyu’s mind works; he is also bewildered with how he could finally convince Xie Qidao to agree with this somehow ridiculous plan.
They spend a day resting before Su Muyu finally wakes up early the next day to help in the rice fields. Mu Qingyang said that Su Muyu has specifically instructed the Dark River disciples to learn how to grow rice properly and will test them after he's done with their deal in Tianqi City and those who fail will be banished from Dark River. Truly a scary case. Su Changhe couldn't help but laugh when he heard Mu Qingyang tell him about Su Muyu’s ultimatum yet he can't say he's not curious. He secretly follows Su Muyu to the rice field, keeping an eye from afar as the latter watches over everything happening with his sharp eyes. Su Changhe has said this in front of Su Muyu that he's always too serious in doing stuff. When they were still part of the Nameless, Su Muyu was so overly diligent in practicing swords, after officially becoming a part of Su Family he always does every mission perfectly and effectively, then after becoming Kui he was so devoted to Mu Mingce, now as the Head of Su Family he's flawlessly doing his role, helping and guiding all of the disciples.
In the end, even though Su Muyu is so persistent he's too lenient towards the Dark River disciples. He patiently helps them out, trying his best to explain all the stuff about growing rice to them –Changhe doesn't even know when Su Muyu has time to learn all of that. He lets go of everyone who fails his test and never punishes them severely. Changhe knows Su Muyu is kind at heart, always naively wanting to save and help everyone. Su Changhe silently observes Su Muyu as he dust off the dirt from his cheeks, lingering a while to stare at him before going on to finish his own business.
—
Being patriarch is not an easy job but Changhe sure he's smart enough to make everything easy for him so he secretly deals with those who want to revolt behind Su Muyu’s back. A few days after that, he summons everyone to the meeting hall and sets new rules. Those who want to work as farmers will take care of the rice field while those who want to stay as killers will help Dark River deal with the client's request and those who want to leave can have their free life back. They will only accept orders that are directly being approved by him and the three Heads of the Family –it was Su Muyu's idea. He was helpless again after spending hours debating that he should be the one who decides the killing orders. In the end he has to retreat after Su Muyu mercilessly points out that he will never consider anything and accept every request thus it will make Dark River stay the same.
Their days gradually become peaceful after those rules are being set. Aside from attending regular meetings when there are killing orders, Su Muyu loves taking a walk on the rice field, Changhe being a good friend keeps pestering him, insisting on following Su Muyu when he isn't needed to deal with business that directly involves the patriarch. They will spend some days helping fertilize the crops, Changhe mainly just stares at Su Muyu's face under the blazing sun.
If they have free time, Su Muyu will go to the back of the mountain to stare at the sky, just like the old times Changhe will silently follow him, bringing Su Muyu’s favorite wine to drink together. They just sit in comfortable silence. The breeze gently touches their skin as they sip their wine and gaze longingly at the reddened sky. Su Changhe truly cherishes this moment, for him the sky during sunset is an enchanting view yet the person sitting next to him radiates a glow more beautiful than the sunset and sunrise combined.
“Su Muyu.. do you think what we've done is the right thing?” One day Changhe asks as they lean on a tree, shading them both from the harsh summer sun.
“As long as we try our best to save everyone, everything will be fine.”
Changhe knows how kindhearted Su Muyu is, he always sees the best in everyone's nature, even Changhe's. He grows up treating people in Dark River as his own family, of course he wants to save everyone. In the past, he even went to any lengths to save Changhe from all his misfortunes. At first Changhe thought what Su Muyu does is ridiculous, naive even, why he tried so hard to save Changhe who’s just a stranger, they barely knew each other but latter on he understands Su Muyu was trying so hard to live up to his own principles, carrying out his long family’s teachings of virtues.
Su Muyu always appears nonchalant and strong, like the moon, always present when the night comes, illuminating the world with its radiant glow but beneath those firm and warm gaze lays sadness and lament woven by tragedies and anger. Many people are not able to trace that deep misery but Changhe understands his loneliness. The reason why Su Muyu always tries to save everyone including Changhe is clear, Changhe knows it deep down. Su Muyu is kind by nature yet his kind of justice is deep rooted too. If killing means protecting and serving justice to those he cares about he would gladly become an assassin.
Changhe continues speaking after a long silence,
“As long as you're here I’m sure we'll bring light to the Dark River, right?”
“It's just a matter of time, we'll try again, Changhe.”
Su Muyu’s smile is so earnest, Changhe will never dare not to believe the latter. The dazzling light doing favor in illuminating Su Muyu’s soft figure, he never changes, still radiating a faint glow like the old times.
Most of the time，Su Muyu will practice his swordsmanship at dawn while Changhe would often take time in perfecting his Yama Palm. Sometimes in their free time, they would sneak into the nearest village to take a walk in the dead of night, enjoying the scenery or just talking about nothing. They never change yet always move towards their end goal, just like a riverflow gradually moving to the shore.
—
Peace in the Dark River is a luxury, it never lasts long. The killing orders are gradually piled up and those dangerous missions cannot be done by the junior disciples. Su Muyu is offering himself to help alone, after all it's not really a hard mission for him to deal with, yet being stubborn as he is, Changhe offers to go as well, saying the target is a rich scum and his money will help Dark River. Even though their farming plan goes well, the money from selling rice cannot be compared to their assassination’s fee. In the end Su Muyu can only agree after Changhe stubbornly explains all the money matters that Su Muyu himself never truly understands.
The target is not exactly an expert in martial arts yet it seems someone has warned them beforehand that Dark River will strike therefore the mechanism and trap being installed are a bit troublesome. Turns out they are also ready with many more men to guard the place. Su Muyu and Su Changhe are definitely not their match yet with many of them guarding the target, the fierce battle needs some time before it finally ends.
Su Changhe's main goal is the gold being saved in their family bunker; they explore the entire house to search for hidden rooms after the fight ends. They finally find it and enter immediately. When they find out something is odd, it’s already too late. The mechanism was being set to trap people inside. After taking some time to observe the room, they calmly rest against the wall, after all it's not their first time to be stuck in this situation. In the past they’ve been stuck in some library because Changhe wanted to collect martial arts manuals during their mission in Xuehe Manor. Ever since that event Su Muyu has asked Yumo to give him her best tracking spider so in case of emergency they can use it to point out their location. Su Muyu has prepared everything from the beginning, he takes out the box Yumo gave him and lets the spider out through a small creak on the wall.
There's nothing they can do in this chamber except resting. They take the time to regulate their breathing. Changhe has already closed his eyes, feeling drowsy after the long fight. Su Muyu was almost doing the same if it's not because his glance reached Changhe's bloody sleeve. The blood still drips slowly from his hand. “Changhe, are you hurt?” Su Muyu gently lifted Changhe’s sleeve to see the wound, it wasn't a large wound yet it was quite deep for the blood to dry up by itself. Su Muyu cuts his inner clothes with Changhe's knife, before gently bandaging the wounds. Changhe stares at Su Muyu in endearment, the wound doesn't hurt, after all he's been through worse yet Su Muyu’s gentle touch can't help but make Changhe’s heart swell, the latter tries to hide his smile when Su Muyu finally looks at him. Su Muyu, being observant, also realizes that the blood in Changhe’s sleeve is not just from the wound on his arm but also from his stomach. Su Muyu was about to transfer his true energy to Changhe when the latter prevented him from doing so. “Save your energy Su Muyu, I’m fine.” Su Muyu just nods after making sure Changhe is fine then gently mutters “Rest now Changhe.” Changhe nods and slowly positions himself leaning on the wall, a few minutes later he's drifting in dreamland again, Su Muyu keeps on watching him. Changhe’s head was swaying, afraid that the latter would fall, Su Muyu carefully put Changhe’s head on his shoulder, trying his best not to move so he wouldn’t wake Changhe up.
Soon enough, voices could be heard from outside the door. Signaling that Mu Qingyang, Mu Xue Wei and Mu Yumo finally arrived. Su Muyu gently tapped Su Changhe and helped him to get up after adjusting for a while. Su Muyu carefully helps Changhe to get out and walk home.
—
The wound from the previous fight is not too severe yet Su Muyu is forcing Changhe to rest, he makes sure the latter would just lay on his bed. Saying that if he recovers long enough he would not let Changhe follow him anymore. Su Changhe reluctantly stays in bed for a few days, diligently drinking every medicine being brought by Su Muyu. Su Muyu will sit beside Changhe’s bed for some time to check on his pulse before leaving to do his usual routine. Changhe, being stubborn, reluctantly lets him go.
Since the wound is not severe Changhe is already fully healed after three days of bed resting, after he feels better, he starts following Su Muyu everywhere again. He even insists on accompanying him to buy food stock in the market. Su Muyu being understanding, just let Changhe tag along with him. What bewildered Su Muyu was Changhe insisting to sleep in his room, no, he is practically living there now. The only time he is away is just to take more clothes to be put in Su Muyu’s wardrobe, leaving the latter confused on why he acts this way. After Changhe becomes the patriarch, they've been living separately.
“Changhe.. I know we used to live together in the past but as Patriarch you have your own room.” Su Muyu tries to reason with him but to no avail Changhe still doesn’t leave. They end up sharing a bed again just like when they were still Nameless, like how they usually sleep during missions to keep an eye on each other’s back. The thing is suddenly Changhe becomes mischievous when he sleeps, he would tangle his legs to Su Muyu’s body, resting his hand on Su Muyu’s cheeks, holding Su Muyu’s right hand like a hostage, Su Muyu has been sleepless for almost a week. He's used to having little to no time to sleep but it's getting ridiculous, so he tries to talk to Changhe again. This time he tries to pick the best time, using his favorite wine to bargain.
“At least for a week okay? You can go back later after I’m done.” Su Muyu knows Changhe won't give up so he uses a reason to cultivate to shoo Changhe away.
Those still put Changhe in a sore mood for a whole week which somehow also affected other people like Mu Qingyang for example. In the end they have no other way but to ask Su Muyu to comply with Changhe’s silly wish for the time being. Su Muyu yields helplessly then lets Changhe sleep in his room again. This time Changhe is like a child getting candy. He's happily looking at Su Muyu, setting his clothes on Su Muyu’s wardrobe again.
After they lay down together in the bed, Su Muyu can't help but ask Changhe, he understands the latter too well for him to act ludicrously. There must be something bothering his mind.
“Changhe..”
“Hmm?” Changhe turns his back to face Su Muyu, their breath mingling in the air.
“Why do you act like this? Is there something that bothers you?” Su Muyu’s voice is always gentle yet firm, like a breeze sweeping the morning dew. Changhe looks hesitant, he knows Su Muyu might notice his odd behavior, after all Changhe never acts too much like this. He could never hide anything from Su Muyu. Changhe takes a long breath before explaining,
“Remember that time we were stuck in the hidden chamber? I had a nightmare and it felt too real. In that dream I did something awful and irreversible. I hurt too many people and after everything was done I met you and you looked at me with disdain. You said that you can't lead the Dark River with someone like me by your side. I know it's just a dream but..”
“I know.” Su Muyu just nods, he understands what Changhe means. Dreams can be scary for those who always live on edge, whose trust are built on a scattered glass, so Su Muyu just like what he always does look at Changhe with his bright eyes, full of sincerity and warmth “I will never leave you, you won't be that kind of person, I will become your restraint. Even if something bad happens I will fix everything for you.”
Changhe just smiles understandingly, he wants to hug Su Muyu but he refrains from doing so, just looking at the latter for a little longer before closing his eyes, pretending to be nonchalant.
“Good night, Su Muyu.” He says before tugging the blanket to his own chest.
“Good night.” Su Muyu replies softly, looking at Changhe's serene face with endearment.
In other people's eyes, Changhe may look like someone who's ruthless and cold blooded but beneath that nature Su Muyu can sense there's a deep insecurity and sadness lacing on him. Sadness that's unshakeable like a firm root of a tree, digging deep in Changhe's heart. Su Muyu cannot fully pull out that root too, yet from the moment he shielded Changhe under his umbrella he has promised to always bring comfort and protect the latter.
As the night grows, they fall into deeper sleep, and the moon becomes a witness of Su Muyu’s promises.