Azure Echoes.

Chapter 1: The Healer's Code

If one thing hadn't changed all these years, it was Lian's morning routine. The relentless sun sneaked through his window, bathing the room in golden light as if mocking his peaceful slumber. He groaned, yanking the blanket over his face. If he could meet the being responsible for hauling that giant fireball across the sky, he'd probably give them a solid piece of his mind.

Finally, Lian dragged himself up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and shuffled onto the balcony. Below him, the courtyard spread out, mist hanging low over a bed of carefully tended green. Rows of medicinal herbs, neat and vibrant, stood ready in their planters—a precious collection that was both his livelihood and his company. He took up the wooden bucket resting by the door and poured a steady stream of water over the plants, whispering a quiet "Good morning." They were more than herbs; they were loyal friends. He cared for them, they nourished him, and in this way, they survived together.

But the morning peace didn't last.

"Good morning, Mr. Lian!" called a gratingly familiar voice. With a sigh, he looked down to see his landlord, waving up at him with his typical sour expression. Definitely not who he wanted to see first thing.

"Good morning, Mr. ... Owner?" he replied with forced cheer.

"It's Wang you forgetful miser! Where's the rent?" His voice echoed through the courtyard, easily reaching Lian on the balcony.

Lian plastered on a smile. "Today, Mr. Wang! I'll have it this afternoon."

Mr.Wang squinted, unimpressed, cupping his hand to his ear. "What was that?"

"I said I'll pay by this afternoon!" Lian shouted back.

Mr. Wang muttered something under his breath, puffed up his chest, and stomped away, no doubt already planning his next confrontation. Lian leaned back with a sigh of relief—dodging Mr. Wang was always a thrill.

Throwing on his light green robe, he headed out into the early morning streets. The marketplace was bustling with vendors arranging produce, early shoppers bargaining, and children weaving through the crowd. The streets were lined with houses sporting carved lattice windows, curved tiled roofs, and lanterns strung on porches, creating an ambiance that felt both alive and timeless. Lian forced a half-hearted smile at the familiar faces greeting him as he passed by.

Then, a man stepped forward from the crowd, his face drawn with worry. "Mr.Lian, please—help my daughter."

"Show me the way" Lian said with a nod, though he knew he'd have to push a little harder than usual to secure the fee.

The man led him to an old, stately residence, its walls worn but the woodwork intricate—a house that once belonged to a noble family. The courtyard was filled with people, whispers thick in the air like fog. As they reached the door, Lian stopped and faced the man.

"Mister, I'll need the payment upfront" he reminded him, gesturing to the carved wooden sign on his belt that clearly stated "payment first" in large, unmistakable characters.

"Please, Mr. Lian! I promise I'll pay tomorrow" the man begged, kneeling down. A few of the bystanders shot judgmental looks at Lian, their whispers picking up again. He shook his head, turning back toward the door.

"No payment, no service." Just as he stepped forward, the man clutched Lian's leg,desperate.

"Please, you're the only one who can help her! Please, don't go." His words pierced through the noise, and Lian felt the eyes of the crowd closing in on him, the tension in the air thickening.

At that moment, another figure appeared at the edge of the courtyard—a young man dressed in a flowing white robe with intricate golden embroidery, the fabric gleaming under the morning light. He stood tall, his polished sword hanging at his side, its hilt and scabbard adorned with the same white and gold details as his robe. He exuded an air of confidence and refinement, clearly from one of the prominent manors. Every bit the young master, his bearing and gaze marked him as someone of distinction.