Temple of Truth

Chapter 1

Wu Xi had expected that locating the Temple of Truth would be a lot harder. He was really surprised that once they located the Place in the Jungle it was rather easy to also reach it. Maybe the reason for this was also that the temple was built above the ground, for a change. And different from the normal jungle insects and snakes, they had yet to encounter a real threat.

A local guide had brought them to their current improvisational campsite, a rotunda in ruins. Before the guide had returned home he left a crude map of the jungle with the group. On the map were numerous places marked as ruins. Wu Xi gladly left the map to Uncle Third and had a rest outside the Remains of the building. He already knew better than being the first one to run into such a place, even if it was a half-collapsed building. He would just replenish his stamina a bit before they march on.

The next time Wu Xi opened his eyes it was already past midday, and there was almost no one left. If it hadn't been for the backpacks around Wu Xi probably would have thought that they had left him behind. Only after he got up on his feet, did he find another Person. Panzi was sitting not too far away, guarding an empty campsite.

Even though it was empty around it felt surprisingly peaceful and safe.

"Hey, what did I miss?", Wu Xi approached Panzi, who put a bowl of food in his hands.

"Not too much really, young master. Your Uncle Third wanted you to take a look at the glyph wall inside the ruins, the others have left to scout the area. Right know it is really only the three of us in camp."

"Three? Who else is left?"

Panzi simply nodded into the direction of a tree, only a few feet away from my resting place. There was a black shadow sitting in the tree.

"He's been resting there since we finished camp."

No wonder camp felt so safe. Wu Xi was already used to having Zhang Qi Ling around, so much that he was always unsettled when being away from home without the other man around.

More relaxed than before Wu Xi ate his share of food. As soon as he finished he wanted to leave for the glyph wall but paused before leaving to the place Panzi had pointed out.

"Has everybody else eaten?"

"Sure, you've been the only one asleep young master."

It really made him at ease. So Wu Xi grinned apologetically at Panzi "Eat drink and sleep whenever you can am I wrong?"

"You're growing up young master." Panzi messed Wu Xi's hair up.

Wu Xi punched Panzi away and narrowly evaded the second hand coming for his hair. As soon as he got a good distance between them he turned around to look at Panzi.

Still grinning at the other man Wu Xi stepped backwards to get more distance between them.

"If you believe me or not, but I am an adult, old man."

Giving Panzi a last look Wu Xi turned and left into the ruins to look at the glyph. Totally ignoring Panzis reply.

"What ever you say, young master."

It was just after Wu Xi turned that Panzi tried to follow him. Wu Xi shouldn't be left alone. Even when the boy was more careful than others, he was still a trouble magnet and his best friend's nephew, his only nephew. But before he could even make a step into Wu Xi's direction, a voice called out.

"Stay"

It was Zhang Qi Ling, who had left his former resting place on the tree and made his way following Wu Xi. At least one person had to stay in camp, Panzi knew that really well. So Zhang going after Wu Xi left him no other choice but to stay.

At least, Wu Xi would be safe with Zhang Qi Ling around.