Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 7 - Shadows of Nightfall: A Veil of Compromise

***Content Warning: This chapter contains a brief depiction of non-consensual rape. Please be advised.***

The journey to Khufu stretched over three days and nights, each phase revealing a gradual transformation of the landscape. As Qing Yi and his horse pressed onward, the arid desert slowly gave way to patches of greenery. By the dawn of the third day, the sparse vegetation had thickened into lush foliage, signaling their approach to the vast rainforest of Khufu.

The air grew heavy with moisture, filled with the rich scents of damp earth and tropical flowers. Towering trees created a verdant canopy overhead, dappling the forest floor with shifting patterns of light and shadow. As the sun climbed higher, Qing Yi caught glimpses of his village through gaps in the dense foliage, the familiar structures nestled harmoniously within the heart of the rainforest.

Guiding his weary horse along the winding forest path, Qing Yi finally passed through the village gates, a sense of homecoming washing over him. After ensuring his faithful steed was comfortably settled in the village stable, hidden beneath the protective boughs of ancient trees, he made his way to the main hut, his mind already racing with the tasks that lay ahead.

Inside the hut, cooler than the humid forest air outside, Qing Yi wasted no time. He immersed himself in the intricate process of organizing and preparing for the aid he had pledged to send to Gusu. His movements were swift and deliberate as he compiled lists of skilled workers, healers, and craftsmen who could contribute to the construction of their new settlement.

As he pored over scrolls and engaged in hushed conversations with village elders, a familiar voice called out from behind him, momentarily breaking his intense focus.

"You're back?"

Turning around, Qing Yi immediately recognized Jun Lang. A bright smile illuminated his features as he welcomed his trusted friend with an affectionate hug. Jun Lang had held a place of significance in Qing Yi's life since childhood, alongside companions Su Ju and He Xuan. Among them, Jun Lang had successfully retained his original gender after undergoing the coming-of-age ceremony at thirteen. Taller than Qing Yi, Jun Lang possessed hazel eyes that held both clarity and intensity, reminiscent of the hues of a sunset sky. His silver hair, a signature trait of the Koh tribe, was consistently bound in a low ponytail, with a silken strand cascading over the left side of his face. His attire, the unmistakable garb of a Shadow Assassin, marked his profession. Like Qing Yi, Jun Lang had been instructed by the same mentor during their formative years. While Qing Yi had withdrawn from his role as a Shadow Assassin due to the time-consuming responsibilities of being the palace's apothecary, Jun Lang and Su Ju continued their active duty in the field, safeguarding the royal family from potential threats and spies.

Jun Lang, He Xuan, and Su Ju formed Qing Yi's inner circle of trust. Jun Lang's affable and loyal nature made him one of Qing Yi's closest confidants. The relationship between them had been fostered in the crucible of shared experiences, and they stood as steadfast pillars in each other's lives.

"Jun Lang, what impeccable timing. I was just about to come find you," Qing Yi exclaimed with palpable eagerness.

Jun Lang's smile widened as he returned the embrace. "I had a feeling you'd be back soon. Did you find a suitable location for our tribe's relocation?"

Qing Yi's excitement was palpable as he nodded. "Indeed, I did. That's precisely why I'm here. I need you to assemble all the strong youths remaining in our village. We're heading to Gusu to initiate the building process."

Jun Lang's amusement danced in his eyes as he chuckled. "Gusu, huh? That's to the north of here, isn't it?"

With enthusiasm, Qing Yi confirmed, "Yes, it's a truly remarkable place. The forests are vibrant, the air is crisp, and they experience all four seasons."