The Warrior Scholar Chronicles. Ink and Moon on Rice Paper.

Chapter 10 Entering the Blood Life Garden's Healing Cottage.

Chapter 10 Entering the Blood Life Garden's Healing Cottage.

As his eyelids fluttered open, Mu Er was greeted by the eerie glow of blood-red runes lighting his dormitory, prompting him to blink repeatedly to adjust. Regret washed over him now questioning his own actions. "Why couldn't I just leave things alone?" he muttered in exasperation, seeking comfort as he rocked back and forth, clutching his knees. "I hope the darkness gives way to the new day soon." said Mu Er feeling small and lonely, yet ever so hopefully. 

Time seemed to drag on endlessly as Tang Yun anxiously awaited any sign of help. Then, like a distant melody, a faint shuffling sound reached his ears from the other side of the glowing wooden door. His heart tightened with hope and anticipation. Finally, as the footsteps approached from behind the door, a soft, feminine voice sang out, its gentle notes sailing through the darkness and filling the air with a soothing presence.

"Brother, are you there?" The sound of his sister's voice, Bi B, filled Tang Yun's heart with relief. A rush of adrenaline swamped him, his heart fluttering in excitement before he took a deep breath to steady himself. "Bi B, is that you? It's Yun, I'm here," he responded, his voice choked with tears. His words poured out in a torrent, a mix of desperation, joy, and relief. Tears welled up in his eyes, tracing down his smudged face as he wept.

Chen Chu-Hua's voice, a voice he knew well sounded behind the door too, bringing a sense of comfort and reassurance. "Sweet brother, your San Sisters are here, and so is Assistant Dean Cheng Sun," she said, her words carrying a soothed tone. After a brief pause, the Vice Dean's deep voice resonated, with authority.

"Tang Yun," the instructor's baritone voice rang out, "move two steps to the left of the door." Tang Yun's heart raced with anticipation and relief as he scrambled to obey his orders.

A few moments later, the wooden door trembled and quivered, causing vibrations to reverberate through the dorm room. Tang Yun's eyes widened in awe as he witnessed the thick door splinter and crack, emitting creaking and groaning sounds. In a sudden burst of extreme force, the door violently propelled past him, shattering into countless fragments that rained down upon the floor with resounding crashes. The impact stirred up a billowing cloud of dust, engulfing the small boy in a thick, grey blanket.

Before Tang Yun's weary eyes could fully adjust, his San Sisters engulfed him in their embrace, their tears of joy mixing with his own. "Tang Yun, Tang Yun," they cried out in unison, their voices filled with relief and affection. Warm little hands clung tight to his cold, narrow waist, pulling him close in a tighter hug. The scent of osmanthus and sweet flowers filled his senses. In that moment, as their warmth surrounded him, Tang Yun's heart felt a deep sense of comfort. Reunited with his family.

Awkwardness washed over Tang Yun, his cheeks ablaze as he began, "I... I..." His San sisters swiftly sprang into action, covering him with Chen Chu-Hua's cloak, sparing him further embarrassment. Tang Yun breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for their intervention and saving him from a fate worse than death. In an instant, he felt the reassuring grip of a strong arm lifting him into the air, carrying him out of the remains of their students dormitory building and into the bustling light of daylight.

Assistant Dean Cheng Sun's strong arms held Tang Yun in a protective embrace. "Back to your class now, girls," he ordered in his firm yet caring voice, before his large strides took to the stone path. The San Sisters, understanding the gravity of the situation, reluctantly released their hold on Tang Yun's hands. Assistant Dean Cheng Sun stood tall in the middle of the cobblestone path, a pillar of strength and reassurance. "We're going to get him cleaned up, providing warm food, a proper bed, and a roof over his head," he declared. "Your San brother will need a few days to recover, I'm sure."

With Tang Yun slung over his broad shoulder, his teacher strolled down the path, the autumn wind swirling around them. Tang Yun's long hair fluttered in the biting wind as he squinted against the harsh light. A dazed expression spoke volumes as Tung Yun muttered in disbelief,

"Daytime, it's daytime!" Brushing his hair away from his face, he couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment. But before he could dwell on it further. Tang Yun lifted his head and peered, catching a glimpse of the girls departing with excitement, hugging each other as they skipped down the path towards their class.

The scent of sandalwood wafted from his teacher's freshly washed black hair, swirling in the gusty wind. Tang Yun twisted his body to glimpse his teacher's face, adorned with black stubble and a long, bushy moustache. Two weaved strands of hair framed his chiselled and handsome face, adding to his striking appearance.

"Stop squirming, you brat!" His iron like grip tightened around Tang Yun's body as he readjusted his hold. The words boomed from his teacher's lips in a rich baritone voice, filled with anger. He glanced back at the dormitory, his eyes filled with disappointment. "You don't deserve those two," he growled, his voice laced with frustration. "You're lucky to have found them, but with your reckless actions, your luck has turned to dog shit." Assistant Dean Cheng Sun's long strides lengthened, his anger palpable in each step.

As they continued along the stone path, Assistant Dean Cheng Sun's gaze scanned the surroundings. His instincts remained sharp, once a warrior, always a warrior. He stayed vigilant and attuned to the slightest shift in the environment. The crisp autumn air carried the faint scent of fallen leaves and damp earth, heightening Tang Yun's previously sense deprived state. Assistant Dean Cheng Sun maintained a steady pace, his steps echoing against the cobblestones, a reassuring rhythm for Tang Yun, who clung to him.

Bright black eyes flickered with curiosity as they passed by the towering trees, their branches swaying. A glimmer of joy danced in Tang Yun's gaze, capturing fleeting glimpses of nature's beauty as if he beheld nature's canvas come alive. The foliage adorned in captivating hues of amber, ochre, and crimson twirled in the cold breeze, painting the scene with a symphony of colours that danced before his eyes. The rustle of leaves and gentle sway of branches orchestrated a tranquil melody, briefly easing the weight of his burdens.

Revelling in the freedom of being outside, away from the confines of his broken dorm room, Tang Yun embraced the openness of the school grounds. Stretching out before him was a vast expanse of ancient buildings. With each breath, he savoured the sensation of fresh air filling his lungs, rejuvenating his spirit after days spent in confinement.

With a sense of ease, Tang Yun and Assistant Dean Cheng Sun stepped into the welcoming embrace of The Blood Life Gardens healing cottage. While not a grand establishment, it served its purpose well for the Silver Sect School and Orphanage. The washroom, clean and quiet, exuded a comforting warmth that enveloped Tang Yun, a familiar sensation from his previous visits. Despite the chilly winds that roared outside, within the walls of the cottage, a sense of tranquillity and safety permeated the air, offering solace and respite.

As the Vice Dean departed, his towering figure receding out the door, Tang Yun's gaze lingered on the impressive man's back. Silence hung in the air, a testament to his teacher's reserved nature—a rare quality within the confines of the school. Tang Yun deeply respected his teacher, whose wisdom went beyond mere words. With each demonstration and the occasional thwack of the plum blossom stick, the teacher imparted valuable lessons.

The temperature in the room was just right, neither too hot nor stifling, as the warm air enveloped Tang Yun, soothing his senses and easing his tension. The tranquil atmosphere had a contagious effect, seeping into his being and helping him find a moment of calm. With the delicate scents of rosewood and antiseptic permeated the space, creating a pleasant aroma that added to the room's allure. In this peaceful environment, Tang Yun found himself immersed in reflection, contemplating the events that had unfolded and the profound transformations his body had experienced.

Only when Assistant Dean Cheng Sun arrived at the cottage did he recall the chilling air seeping through his clothes, making him shiver uncontrollably. As he reminisced, he remembered this chilly feeling, he realised the seasons never captured much of his attention because of his illness, but now he experienced firsthand the sensation of cold that was only a word. It was in stark contrast to the warmth he now felt within the confines of the room.

The words that once held no meaning to him - the caress of heat, the bite of cold, the embrace of warmth - now carried a tangible significance. His eyes became captivated by the mesmerizing flicker of the flames as they licked the logs in the fireplace. The heat radiating throughout the space and enveloping him in a comforting embrace.