Chapter 3: The Journey begins

Two days passed, and Lian emerged from his humble chambers, summoned by his master's exasperated call. "Lian, come sit beside me, and try not to get into trouble for once."

Lian approached, his curiosity piqued. "Master, what's brewing? This tops all fine wines in the three whole realms." He sniffed the air, hoping for a hint of his master's famous Dream Daze liquor.

Ling Xiao's gaze turned stern, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm heading to the mountains to get some herbs for Mrs. Zhu. Her daughter, Ling'er, is ill, and I must lend my expertise."

Lian's expression turned sympathetic, his heart going out to the ailing girl. "I'll come with you, Master! I can...um...assist with your luggage."

Ling Xiao chuckled, his face creasing into a warm smile. "No, young, mischievous one. This journey, I must undertake alone. You'd only get us lost in the mountains or convince the mountain dwellers to try your dreadful cooking."

Lian's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Master, my cooking's not that bad! And I can navigate...mostly."

Ling Xiao's expression turned dry. "Remember, Lian, do not get into trouble. No pranks, no mischief, and—"

Lian interrupted, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "And don't feed alcohol to the chickens! I know, Master!"

Their banter, a well-rehearsed dance, flowed like a gentle stream, soothing and comforting. As they parted ways, Lian's thoughts drifted to the journey ahead, unaware of the fate that awaited him.

"Master?" Lian called out, his voice laced with innocence.

Ling Xiao turned back, his eyes wary. "Yes?"

"Can I at least water your precious Dream Daze liquor while you're away?"

Ling Xiao's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Lian, do not touch my Dream Daze. It's not a plant, and it doesn't need watering."

Lian's grin returned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yes, Master. I'll resist the temptation...mostly."

Ling Xiao walked over to Lian and pulled his ears, making him cry in pain

Ling Xiao's grip on Lian's ear tightened. "Feel me? I said, feed the chickens, don't let them starve! And, most importantly, do not feed them liquor, especially my Dream Daze. One drop spilled, and I'll...I'll make you regret it!"

Lian yelped, his eyes watering. "Ah, Master! My ears! I won't do it, I promise! I'll listen!"

Just then, Mrs. Zhu appeared with a warm smile, bearing a tray of steaming dishes. Lian seized the opportunity to escape, bowing respectfully. "Mrs. Zhu!"

Mrs. Zhu's eyes sparkled as she patted Lian's cheek. "Ling Xiao, do you bully this cute and adorable boy?"

Ling Xiao's expression turned dry. "Cute and adorable? You must be joking, Mrs. Zhu. Lian's mischief knows no bounds. I'm at my wit's end with him."

Mrs. Zhu chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, Ling Xiao, you're too stern. Lian's just playful and adorable."

Lian grinned, relieved by Mrs. Zhu's intervention. "See, Master? Even Mrs. Zhu thinks I'm adorable!"

Ling Xiao rolled his eyes, releasing Lian's ear. "You're impossible, Lian."

Mrs. Zhu's warm smile dispelled the banter's lingering tension. "Please, Master Ling, have a meal. Let us forget our playful quarrels for now."

Lian jumped up, his enthusiasm irrepressible. "No, Mrs. Zhu, I'll help! I'm a cute and adorable boy, right?"

Mrs. Zhu chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, very cute."

Lian beamed, guiding Mrs. Zhu to her seat. He expertly arranged the dishes, his movements fluid and gracious. As they sat, Lian inquired, "How's your daughter, Mrs. Zhu? I've heard she's been unwell."

Mrs. Zhu's expression turned concerned. "She's recovering, but still fears the cold. With winter approaching, she'll have to stay indoors."

Lian offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mrs. Zhu. My master's journey to the mountain will not be futile. In three weeks, he'll return with the herbs to cure her."

Mrs. Zhu's eyes shone with gratitude.

Then Lian looked at his master, asking him a question. "Master, what caused her Miss Ling'er's ailment? And what herbs do you seek?"

Ling Xiao's gaze turned serious. "Lian, the herbs I seek are for a rare poison. Mrs. Zhu's daughter was pricked by a purple dahlia while watching the sunset with her friends at the top of the Jade mountain."

Lian's eyes widened. "Purple dahlias? Aren't they extremely rare and poisonous?"

Ling Xiao nodded gravely. "The only cure is the white lotus rose, found atop the farthest southern mountain. The eight pillars mountain."

Lian's determination hardened as he turned to Mrs. Zhu, "I'm sure Miss Ling'er would be cured. You don't have to worry about anything."

Mrs. Zhu smiled and nodded.

After the meal, Lian helped clear the dishes and escorted Mrs. Zhu home, his heart filled with a sense of care.

As they strolled, Mrs. Zhu thanked Lian again, her voice filled with emotion. "You're more than just a cute and adorable boy, Lian. You have a kind heart."

Lian smiled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "It's nothing, Mrs. Zhu. We're family."

Lian returned from escorting Mrs. Zhu, the evening sun casting a warm glow. He found Ling Xiao meditating, serene and tranquil.

"Master, when do you leave for your journey?" Lian asked, settling beside him.

Ling Xiao opened his eyes, his gaze gentle. "At dawn, I will leave for the eight pillars mountain."

Lian nodded. "Have a safe trip, Master. I'll be trouble-free, mischief-free."

Ling Xiao chuckled, shaking his head. "Lian, you're a magnet for mischief. When you promise none, I worry most."

Lian grinned, clicking his thumb in playful resignation.

Ling Xiao's expression turned serious. "Be cautious, Lian. Stay indoors, especially after sunset. Your destiny is intertwined with the Demon Prince. You're not strong enough yet."

Lian's curiosity piqued. "Master, what do you mean? Am I to stay indoors like a hidden maiden?"

Ling Xiao's eyes locked onto Lian's. "Remember the warning? Avoid the Demon Prince's path. Don't wander, especially at dusk."

Lian nodded, understanding.

As Ling Xiao stood to retire, Lian called out, "Master?"

Ling Xiao turned back, his eyes wary. "Yes?"

"About the Dream Daze...should I—"

Ling Xiao's frustration returned. "Not a single drop, Lian!"

Lian smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he watched his master's retreating back

As the night deepened, Ling Xiao had retired to his chambers, his mind focused on the impending journey. Lian, too, sought rest, his thoughts drifting to the mysterious warning.

Sleep claimed Lian, but his slumber was short-lived. A dark, foreboding dream seized him, its grip relentless.

In the dream, Lian found himself standing atop a desolate mountain, the wind howling like a chorus of restless spirits. Before him, a figure emerged from the shadows – the White-haired Demon, his eyes blazing with an otherworldly intensity.

Lian tried to flee, but his feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot. The Demon's gaze drew closer, its presence suffocating.

Suddenly, Lian's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. He sat up, gasping for air, his sheets drenched in sweat.

The room was silent, except for the faint sound of crickets outside. Lian's lamp had burned out, plunging his chamber into darkness.

As he caught his breath, a chill crept up his spine. The dream felt too real, too vivid.

And then, he heard it – a faint whisper, carried on the wind. "Lian..."