Azure Echoes.

Chapter 6: Shadows in the Lantern Light

The night at the inn had barely quieted when Lian stirred awake, a sense of unease settling in his chest. Faint voices drifted up from the streets below, carrying an unusual urgency. He glanced over at Zeng, who was still fast asleep, the weight of the past few days evident in his steady breathing.

Unable to shake his feeling, Lian slipped out of bed and peered out the window, scanning the street below. In the shadows near the town's edge, he caught sight of two figures cloaked in black—members of the Black Veil. They moved with eerie precision, as if searching for someone.

Lian's heart raced. 'They're already here.'

He turned to wake Zeng, but something stopped him. Instead, he hurried down to the common room, hoping to distract the figures or perhaps mislead them away from the inn. The town was still alive with festivities, and he wove through the crowd, hoping the laughter and lights would conceal him.

Suddenly, a hand clamped down on his shoulder. Lian tensed, ready to resist, only to find Zeng's piercing gaze meeting his own.

"You weren't planning on going after them alone, were you?" Zeng asked, his voice a mix of accusation and concern.

Before Lian could respond, Zeng continued, his voice low but commanding. "We're partners in this, whether you like it or not. So, tell me what you saw."

Reluctantly, Lian described the figures, and Zeng's expression darkened. "They're Black Veil scouts. Let's follow them"

They followed the figures through the town's narrow alleys, eventually reaching a deserted part of the marketplace. The Black Veil scouts had paused, speaking in hushed tones. Lian caught snippets of their conversation—references to "the azure" and a "inn," fueling his curiosity further.

Zeng whispered, "We need to intercept them before they spread word of our whereabouts."

The duo approached cautiously, each step deliberate. But just as they closed in, one of the scouts turned, sensing their presence. In a flash, Zeng raised his Azure sword, the weapon glinting in the faint light. The scouts sprang into action, revealing the deadly precision of Black Veil training.

Lian, moving with unexpected agility, ducked and parried as Zeng held his ground. They fought as a seamless unit, Zeng's sword striking with precision while Lian's movements complemented his attacks. Despite their skill, the scouts were relentless, their eyes cold and unyielding.

Finally, after a fierce exchange, the scouts fell, but not without a price. Zeng's wound, aggravated by the fight, began to bleed anew, and Lian's breaths came in gasps, exhaustion clear on his face.

As they returned to the inn, Lian spoke, his tone lighter. "Well, Young Master Azure, it seems I'm not the only one who can't resist a good fight."

Zeng shot him a sidelong glance, his lips quirking into a smirk. "Maybe I just didn't want you to get yourself killed on my watch."

They returned to their room, their camaraderie tempered by the realization that the Black Veil was closer than they had anticipated. And as the lantern light flickered around them, they knew the night held secrets yet to be revealed.

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As dawn broke, Lian and Zeng slipped from the inn, adopting the careful demeanor of travelers wary of the watchful eyes that might follow. Zeng had managed to scavenge a few items in town—a wide-brimmed hat for Lian and a worn cloak for himself, concealing the sword strapped to his back. Together, they blended with the morning crowd, keeping their heads low as they left the bustling center of town.

Their destination lay on the outskirts, where news had spread of a strange and sudden death. A well-known trader, respected but unassuming, had been found dead just hours earlier, his skin tinged a peculiar shade of blue. The locals were already whispering of foul play, and, most disturbingly, there were rumors that he had been involved in dealings with the Black Veil.

As they approached the man's modest home, Lian could feel the weight of something familiar and dangerous in the air. The trader's body lay undisturbed, his face frozen in a pained expression, lips tinged with the telltale signs of poison. Lian's eyes narrowed as he studied the body, and Zeng waited, sensing Lian's recognition.

"Tell me you don't know what this is," Zeng whispered, his voice laden with apprehension.

"Oh, I know it all too well," Lian replied, grimly. "It's called Shadow Lotus. It's rare, deadly, and unmistakable." He gestured to the faint blue sheen on the man's fingertips and mouth. "Shadow Lotus isn't just lethal—it's a favorite among those in the underworld. Only the well-connected would have access to it."

Zeng's eyes darkened. "So, he had dealings with the Black Veil."

"Or at least someone who wanted him out of the way," Lian replied, thoughtful. "The Black Veil may have been getting impatient with him. This poison is meant as a message—quick, painful, and impossible to miss."

As Lian examined the area around the trader's desk, he found a small vial, half-empty, tucked away in a drawer. The faint residue matched the poison's hue, confirming his suspicion.

"What was he hiding?" Zeng murmured, leaning closer to examine a parchment lying nearby. It was covered in unfamiliar symbols, seemingly coded.

"He had something they wanted," Lian replied, slipping the parchment into his cloak. "This code could lead us to our next clue. If we can decode it, we might understand why the Black Veil is after us—and what they want with that box you're so tight-lipped about."

Zeng looked away, his jaw clenched. "It's best if you don't know, Lian. This path is already dangerous enough."

But Lian's eyes held a glint of determination. "If they're using poisons like Shadow Lotus, it's already personal. We're both on this path, whether you like it or not."

They slipped back out into the crowded marketplace, blending seamlessly into the swirl of vendors and travelers. As they walked, Zeng kept a careful watch on their surroundings while Lian quietly observed the symbols on the parchment. The journey ahead felt heavier now, charged with new knowledge—and a new resolve to uncover the truth.

As they moved through the winding alleys, Lian smirked, breaking the silence. "You know, Young Master Azure, this partnership isn't half bad. Who knew you'd be such a good partner in crime?"

Zeng rolled his eyes, but there was a warmth in his voice. "Don't get too comfortable. This partnership has its limits."

Lian chuckled, pocketing the parchment. "Fair enough. But next time, I'm choosing the disguises."

They exchanged a look, one filled with grudging respect and an unspoken promise to see this through—no matter where the clues might lead.