In the bustling streets of Hanging Sword Town, Bai Qiuran coolly made his way past fervent greetings from the vendors lining the street. He was on a mission to procure alchemy materials for crafting his elixirs.
“Ruwei… A good name,” he thought, recalling his friend Tang Ruwei. During the limited time they shared in this world, Bai Qiuran treated Tang Ruwei with the warmth reserved for close friends. When she eventually left this realm, should he still be alive hundreds of years later, he would surely visit her grave with a jug of fine wine, lost in memories.
He turned to Tang Ruwei, who was also present, saying with a laugh, “Although I was quite impatient when you invited me for a drink back then, you were right. Making friends is indeed a joyful thing. I’m glad to have you as a friend on this journey.”
The thrill of revenge and camaraderie was the way of life he embraced currently.
“My name is Tang Ruwei, Princess of Shangxuan Kingdom.”
For a moment, Bai Qiuran acknowledged the truth in her words; many practitioners, especially those of higher realms, often wore hypocritical facades. After a brief pause, Tang Ruwei continued, “You've saved my life, so I have no right to ask more from you. Furthermore, I am merely returning to the capital for a routine ceremony. As a princess, the evil ones dare not lay a finger on me.”
Bai Qiuran inclined his head, appreciating her strength.
“Are you returning to the capital next, Tang Xiong? Or may I call you Tang Miss?” he inquired.
“Oh no, I am just here to gather material for a potion. My time is nearing an end, so I need to find another herb for my survival,” she replied softly.
“Good to know,” he expressed as they entered a modest alchemy shop run by a small sect, discovering that supplies were low.
“Hey, have these materials also run out?” Bai Qiuran asked the shopkeeper, and to his delight, received an enthusiastic yes, even as the shopkeeper offered his apologies for the supply issues.
“One person’s journey can feel dreadfully lonely,” Bai Qiuran commented with a grin.
Tang Ruwei responded coyly, “I wouldn't mind that company.”
“Does that mean you intend to traverse to the capital together?”
“Not at the moment,” said the shopkeeper, shaking his head. “We have sold out due to a recent bulk purchase.”
Disappointed, Bai Qiuran pondered how it seemed that his request for commonly used materials remained unmet, causing confusion.
“Why do you think it’s out?” he pressed the shopkeeper, hoping for clarity.
During his time in the capital, Bai Qiuran had become quite accustomed to handling such disappointments, often reminiscing about the transient nature of practitioners' friendships amidst life’s challenges.
“Seems like many have come for that specific stock. Likely they are my fellow disciples,” the shopkeeper added in response.
The interplay of mutual respect and professionalism reinforced their shared purpose. “Well then, I’ll ensure to inform the townsfolk near Mang Mountain of the recent developments before I return to the capital,” Bai Qiuran declared.
“Goodbye, Bai Qiuran,” Tang Ruwei said with sincerity. The moment felt heavy with promise, laced with lingering appreciation for their meeting.
Bai Qiuran returned her sentiment with a respectful gesture, “Take care. Wherever fate guides us, I shall carry your memory as a friend.”
And so, under the zephyr of fate, they bid each other farewell, leaving a beautiful narrative that would intertwine their destinies.