31: Traveling with Rumours

In the following days after their departure from An Sol, Rai Kan and Hi Ho traveled to various places, exploring different cities and villages. Each location they visited offered a new experience, a new facet of the Murim world they were part of. Their journey took them through bustling marketplaces, serene temples, and remote mountain hamlets, each with its own unique charm and challenges.

**Hi Ho,sitting by a campfire while looking out at their surrounding . "We've seen a lot of places, haven't we?"

Rai Kan, nodded poking the fire with a stick. "Each place has its own story, its own life. It's fascinating."

Despite their travels, the rumors of the destruction of the Mei family followed them like a shadow. The brutal massacre, known as the "Ruined in Night," had sent shockwaves through the region. People whispered about it in hushed tones, forming different ideas on who could have done it and why.

"I heard it was the work of a rogue martial artist. They say he was as strong as ten men and as fierce as a tiger."

"I heard it was a vengeful spirit, come back to punish the Mei family for their sins."

"No spirit could cause such destruction. It had to be a powerful clan or a hidden sect seeking revenge."

Rai Kan and Hi Ho heard these rumors as they moved from place to place. They did not confirm or deny any of them, preferring to remain anonymous travelers.

**Hi Ho**: *Glancing at him, worried.* "I know you did what you thought was right, but we must be careful. The world is full of eyes and ears."

**Rai Kan, spoke firmly"I don't regret it."

Their next destination was a small village known for its skilled blacksmiths. The village, nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountains, was a peaceful place, far removed from the chaos of the larger cities.

**Blacksmith**: *Wiping sweat from his brow as he worked on a blade.* "Welcome, travelers. What brings you to our humble village?"

**Hi Ho**: *Smiling warmly.* "We are exploring the region, learning about different crafts and cultures. Your village is renowned for its blacksmiths."

**Rai Kan, spoke prasing the blacksmith's work,"This is impressive craftsmanship. How long does it take to forge a blade like this?"

**Blacksmith**: *Proudly.* "It takes years of practice and patience. Each blade is a testament to our skill and dedication."

While they admired the blacksmiths' work, the rumors continued to swirl around them. The destruction of the Mei family had become a topic of intense speculation and fear.

"I heard the Mei family had many enemies. It could have been any one of them."

"It's said that they were involved in all sorts of dark dealings. Perhaps their past sins caught up with them."

**Rai Kan**:"Do you think we'll ever be free of this shadow?"

**Hi Ho**: *Sighing.* "Every action has consequences. We may have to live with this for a long time."

As they continued their journey, they arrived at a large city known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city was alive with festivals, performances, and markets selling exotic goods from across the region. Here, the rumors took on a different tone.

"Have you heard about the 'Ruined Night'? Some say it was a warning from the heavens."

"The Mei family was notorious for their cruelty. Whoever did it, they might have done the world a favor."

**Rai Kan**: "It's strange to hear people talk about it as if it's some kind of myth."

**Hi Ho**: *Smiling slightly.* "Myths are born from reality. What we did will be remembered and retold, shaped by each teller."

Despite the varied opinions, one thing was clear: the Mei family's downfall had left a power vacuum. Different factions were now vying for control, and the balance of power in the region was shifting. This turbulence was palpable in every city and village they visited.

"We must seize this opportunity. With the Mei family gone, we can expand our influence."

"We must be cautious. Whoever brought them down could strike again."

**Rai Kan, spoke to Hi Ho, as they left another town.* "This power struggle is dangerous. We must tread carefully."

**Hi Ho**: *Nodding in agreement.* "We should avoid getting involved. Our goal is to stay under the radar."

One evening, they found themselves in a secluded village known for its herbal medicine. The village elder welcomed them warmly, offering them a place to stay and share stories.

**Village Elder**: *Pouring tea.* "Welcome, travelers. Our village is known for its healing herbs and remedies. What brings you here?"

**Hi Ho**: *Gratefully accepting the tea.* "We are journeying through the region, learning about different places and their people."

**Rai Kan**: *Looking around the quaint village.* "This place is peaceful. It's a nice change from the larger cities."

**Village Elder**: *Smiling.* "Peace is a rare commodity these days. The world is filled with turmoil."

As they sat by the fire that night, the village elder shared tales of old, stories of heroes and villains, and the history of their land. But inevitably, the conversation turned to the recent events.

A Village Elder, spoke while lowering his voice.* "Have you heard about the Mei family? Their downfall has everyone talking."

**Hi Ho**: *Cautiously.* "Yes, we've heard. It's a tragic tale."

**Village Elder**: *Nodding.* "Indeed. But it also serves as a reminder that even the mighty can fall. It's said that they brought it upon themselves with their cruelty."

**Rai Kan**: "Do you believe justice was served?"

**Village Elder**: *Sighing.* "Justice is a complicated thing. Sometimes, it's hard to see the line between right and wrong."

As they listened to the elder's wisdom, Rai Kan and Hi Ho realized that their journey was far from over. The road ahead would be filled with challenges and choices, and they would have to navigate them carefully.

The next day, they bid farewell to the village and continued their journey. They traveled through forests and mountains, crossed rivers, and traversed plains. Each step took them further from the shadows of their past, but the echoes of the "Ruined Night" followed them.

**Hi Ho**: *As they walked along a mountain path.* "Do you think we'll ever find a place where we can settle down peacefully?"

**Rai Kan**: *Determined.* "We will. But first, we must find our own peace."

Their travels brought them to another bustling city, this one renowned for its martial arts schools. The city was a hub of activity, with students and masters demonstrating their skills in public arenas.

"Strength and skill are important, but discipline and honor are what truly define a martial artist."

**Rai Kan**: *Watching a demonstration.* "It's impressive how dedicated they are."

**Hi Ho**: *Agreeing.* "Discipline is the backbone of any true warrior."

The city was alive with rumors and gossip about the "Ruined Night." Each person had their own version of the story, their own interpretation of the events.

"The Mei family's downfall was inevitable. Their tyranny couldn't last forever."

"But who had the power to bring them down? That's the real question."

**Rai Kan**:"People are still trying to make sense of it."

**Hi Ho**: *Sighing.* "And they will for a long time. We've become a part of their folklore."

As they prepared to leave the city, Rai Kan and Hi Ho knew that their actions had set off a chain reaction. The balance of power in the region was shifting, and their presence had become a catalyst for change.

**Rai Kan**: "We need to stay vigilant. The road ahead is uncertain."

**Hi Ho**: *Nodding.* "We'll face whatever comes, together."

Their journey continued, taking them through more villages and towns, each with its own stories and secrets. They met people from all walks of life, learned new skills, and faced new challenges. But through it all, the shadow of the "Ruined Night" loomed over them.

**Hi Ho**: *Reflecting one evening by the fire.* "Our actions have changed the course of many lives. We must be mindful of our future steps."

**Rai Kan**: *Resolutely.* "Agreed ."