Kindness Repaid

The forest was quiet, save for the distant rumbling of thunder that echoed through the canopy. Wuye kept his pace steady, moving deeper into the wilderness. The sky above had grown darker, and thick clouds gathered like a shroud over the trees. He glanced up, gauging the shifting winds and the low, grumbling clouds. The scent of rain hung in the air, unmistakable.

The day was fading, and night would soon envelop the forest. He weighed his options, eyeing the massive trees that rose around him. Navigating through unfamiliar territory in a thunderstorm was dangerous, especially with the lingering threat of rogue beasts and bandits. After a moment's thought, he decided to make camp for the night, though not in any conventional manner.

Scanning his surroundings, Wuye located the tallest tree in the vicinity, its branches thick and sturdy enough to serve as shelter. With swift precision, he drew his blade and began cutting large leaves from nearby plants, selecting the most durable and water-resistant he could find. Next, he sliced the leaves into thin strips, crafting a makeshift twine by braiding them together.

Once he had enough, he climbed up into the large tree, binding the twine to its trunk and nearby branches as a safeguard. Satisfied with his handiwork, Wuye scaled the tree further, finding a secluded branch high above. Shielded from the worst of the elements, he settled in, closing his eyes in meditation as the rain began to fall.

The night was silent but for the steady beat of raindrops pattering against the leaves and the occasional roll of thunder. He slipped into a light sleep, allowing his senses to remain alert to his surroundings.

The first light of dawn crept through the clouds, faint and gray. Wuye's eyes opened at the faintest sound—a snap. One of his makeshift twines had broken. He peered down through the branches, his keen senses allowing him to survey the scene below with startling clarity.

At the base of the tree stood a group of weary merchants, flanked by injured guards who bore bruises and hastily patched wounds. In front of them were a band of bandits, rough and scarred, their eyes gleaming with malice. Among them stood a man in merchants' robes, though his stance and demeanor were nothing like those of the traders behind him. Wuye immediately knew the truth: a traitor among the merchants had aligned with the bandits, likely to betray his companions for personal gain.

He considered the scene dispassionately, at first deciding that it was none of his concern. The merchants' plight, the traitor's betrayal—all of it was irrelevant to his own journey. But just as he was about to close his eyes again, a name echoed through the clearing, catching his attention.

"Give it up, Wei Shicai," the traitorous merchant sneered, his voice dripping with scorn. "Who do you think dropped that tree to obstruct your route and force you to detour here? With this rain, your tracks are washed away, and no one will ever find a trace of you."

Wuye's eyes narrowed, and he focused on the merchant in question, studying his wiry frame and sharp nose. Recognition flickered in his memory: Wei Shicai. A memory surfaced, distant yet vivid. This man had helped him once, after the tragedy in his village. Wei Shicai had been among those who offered food and shelter, showing Wuye kindness when he had nothing to give in return.

A weight settled in Wuye's mind. He closed his eyes briefly, mulling over the situation. Engaging with these bandits, especially if they had a Daoist among them, could mean trouble. Yet, abandoning the man who had once aided him felt like a betrayal of himself. It is very difficult for a man to change. For a brief moment, he wavered, but honor won out.

"Kindness deserves kindness," he murmured to himself, standing and stretching his limbs.

Without further hesitation, Wuye dropped from the tree, landing with a silent grace a few meters away from the gathering. The bandits froze, their heads whipping toward the sound, and the merchants gasped, some with relief, others with uncertainty.

One of the bandits, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, snarled, drawing his sword. "Who the hell are you?"

Wuye ignored the question, his gaze fixed on Wei Shicai. Recognition flashed across the merchant's face, and hope flickered in his eyes.

The traitor among the bandits scoffed, stepping forward with a mocking grin. "It seems a stray has wandered into our little gathering. I'd suggest you turn around and leave if you know what's good for you."

Wuye's expression remained calm, but his voice held a quiet intensity. "Traitors and thieves have a strange sense of hospitality, I see."

The sneering merchant's face twisted with irritation, but he forced a smile, his voice dripping with feigned politeness. "I'm afraid you misunderstand. This is merely a business transaction. If you value your life, I suggest you keep your mouth shut and turn around."

Ignoring him, Wuye spoke directly to Wei Shicai. "The road to the north is dangerous. It's no place for those unprepared."

Wei Shicai nodded, his face pale but resolute. "And yet we find ourselves here, with no choice but to face what lies before us."

The traitorous merchant's patience snapped. "Enough of this!" he barked, signaling to the bandits. "Kill him."

The bandits advanced, brandishing their weapons. Wuye's gaze hardened, and he drew his sword with a swift, practiced motion. In the blink of an eye, he struck, the blade gleaming as it sliced through the air.

The first bandit fell, clutching his throat as blood seeped between his fingers. The others hesitated, eyeing Wuye warily, but the traitor pushed them forward with an impatient growl.

Wuye moved with deadly precision, each strike efficient and controlled. His movements were graceful, almost effortless, as he wove through the bandits, cutting them down one by one. Panic spread among them as they realized the skill of their opponent. The once-confident bandits faltered, their fear evident as they stumbled backward.

The traitorous merchant watched, wide-eyed with horror as his allies were systematically dismantled. He turned to flee, but Wuye intercepted him, blocking his path.

"You betrayed your own for greed," Wuye said, his voice as cold as the blade in his hand.

The traitor stammered, his face pale. "Please… I didn't… it was just… business—"

Before he could finish, Wuye struck, ending the man's life with a single, merciful blow. He stepped back, watching as the traitor's body slumped to the ground. Turning his attention to the remaining bandits, he fixed them with a steely glare.

"If you value your lives," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable threat, "leave. Now."

The surviving bandits scrambled to their feet, stumbling over one another in their haste to flee. Within moments, the clearing was empty save for Wuye, the merchants, and their injured guards.

Wei Shicai approached Wuye, his face etched with gratitude. "Thank you, sir. Without you, we would have…"

Wuye shook his head. "I owed you a debt. Consider it repaid."

Wei Shicai bowed deeply, his voice filled with sincerity. "Even so, I am in your debt now. If there is anything I can do for you…"

Wuye gave a faint smile. "The best way to repay me is to stay safe."

With a nod, Wei Shicai gestured to his men, and they began gathering their things, preparing to move out. As the merchants collected their scattered goods, Wei Shicai approached Wuye one last time, pressing a small pouch into his hand.

"This is a token of my gratitude," he said. "Please accept it."

Wuye hesitated, but Wei Shicai's insistence won him over. He accepted the pouch, nodding in acknowledgment. As the merchants continued on their way, he watched them disappear into the trees, leaving him alone once more in the quiet forest.

He looked down at the pouch, which was surprisingly heavy. Opening it, he found a collection of gold coins and a small, intricately carved amulet. Holding the amulet up to the light, he felt a faint energy emanating from it—a minor protective charm, crafted to ward off misfortune.

Wuye tucked the amulet away and pocketed the coins, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Wei Shicai's gesture had reminded him of the importance of gratitude, and perhaps, the occasional mercy.

The rain had washed the forest clean, leaving the air crisp and cool. With his debt repaid, he resumed his journey, stepping lightly as he vanished once more into the depths of the forest, his heart a little lighter than before.