Blossoming Path

"You're sure you don't need more supplies?" I asked, holding out an extra pouch of dried food. "It’s a long road."

Lan Sheng glanced at the pouch, then at me, grinning in that easy, carefree way of his. "I appreciate it, but that’ll only slow me down. The lighter I travel, the quicker I’ll be there."

"Quicker maybe, but you’ll be starving when you arrive."

He chuckled and gave a mock bow. "I’ve survived worse. Besides, I could use the challenge. Don't worry about me."

I frowned, still holding the pouch out to him. He just gave me a wave, already stepping away from the village gates. "Kai," he called over his shoulder, his voice drifting back with the wind, "you focus on getting things settled here. I’ll be fine."

Before I could argue further, he dashed forward, his silhouette growing smaller by the second. I watched him disappear down the road, his form nothing but a streak as he bounded over the horizon.

"He's as fast as a horse," I muttered. "I wonder when I'll be able to do something like that?"

I turned and headed back toward the Soaring Swallow Tea House, my mind still half on Lan Sheng's effortless departure. I shook my head, dismissing the thought as I approached the tea house. Inside, Lan-Yin and Wang Jun were seated, each with a cup of tea in hand. The atmosphere was relaxed, though the two of them perked up when they saw me enter.

"Did Lan Sheng leave already?" Lan-Yin asked, raising an eyebrow.