Heading in Opposite Directions

Nie Yun pinched the talisman paper between her fingers, turning it over twice before asking casually,

"Who is he to you?"

Shen Hui pondered for a moment before speaking softly,

"An... old acquaintance, I suppose."

Seeing that he did not wish to say more, Nie Yun did not press him. She merely changed the subject.

"This is a safety talisman?"

"You could say that." Shen Hui nodded.

Nie Yun carefully tucked the talisman paper into her clothes, then asked again,

"What if I get there and can't find the person you mentioned?"

"Then do as you please."

Shen Hui waved a hand.

"Keep it yourself if you like, or toss it away. It isn't worth much anyway."

Nie Yun immediately rolled her eyes.

"I came all this way to deliver something for you, and you don't want to show a little appreciation?"

"Appreciation for what?" Shen Hui played dumb.

"Buy me a drink!"

"Next time, definitely."

As Shen Hui spoke, he turned to Daoist Feng beside him.

"Fellow Daoist Feng, where do you plan to go next?"

Daoist Feng had been secretly studying the talisman in Nie Yun's hand. Only upon hearing the question did he come back to himself and reply,

"This poor Daoist plans to return to the Temple. I have been away for so long that I do not know how the few acres of medicinal fields in the Temple have fared."

Shen Hui smiled. "Then aren't we about to part ways?"

"Yes."

Daoist Feng smiled as well.

"If Fellow Daoist Shen intends to enter the mountains, then this poor Daoist must bid you farewell at the town ahead."

Before his words had faded, a series of light footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door.

Everyone turned toward the sound.

Only then did they realize that the night