The night had begun to fade. Morning was only moments away, yet the sky remained a shimmering canvas of stars. The trees of the forest stood still, as if lost in deep meditation. Walking along the path of return, Yu Sui made his way back.

  The enchanting moonlight still bathed the barren and desolate land, filling it with a unique, ethereal beauty. In that silver glow, Mo Yan sat quietly by a tree, his gaze fixed on the path where Yu Sui had gone. The nearby guava tree felt like a relic of their past a reminder of the childhood they had spent together. A cold but comforting silence hung in the air.

  Suddenly, the sound of soft footsteps echoed on the path. Mo Yan stood up instantly, his eyes desperate to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. From the shadows of the trees, a figure emerged. It was Yu Sui. He approached with the carefree air of a wanderer, tossing an apple in his hand. His spirited stride, his bright smile, and his glowing eyes were focused solely on Mo Yan. Seeing Yu Sui’s playful demeanor, a smile finally graced Mo Yan’s face as well.

  Within moments, Yu Sui was standing beside him. He wiped the apple with his clothes and offered it to Mo Yan, saying softly:

  "Eat. You need your strength, Mo Yan. Because there is still much left to do."

  Hearing this, Mo Yan’s expression instantly fell, his face clouding over with worry. As Yu Sui sat down on a nearby stone and noticed Mo Yan’s dejected face, he was startled. Realizing how his words might have been misinterpreted, he hurriedly tried to explain:

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  "Huh!! Aaah... Mo Yan, I didn’t mean it like that! I only meant that we have to begin our journey back."

  At this, Mo Yan finally let out a breath of relief and sat down beside him. Yu Sui began to eat his apple comfortably. Just as Mo Yan was about to say something while taking a bite, Yu Sui spoke first:

  "Yes... yes... I know what you’re going to say. Just stay quiet for a while. We will definitely talk about it. I just need some time."

  Mo Yan looked at him with surprise, then turned his gaze toward the sky, falling silent. A beautiful, serene hush fell between them. They looked at each other and smiled. Then, Yu Sui looked into Mo Yan’s eyes, seemingly drowning in their depths.

  Before speaking, he laid his sword down on the grass and said:

  "It’s over, Mo. Nothing remains. Master Fung Shu Ri, Master Chui Yong, Master Kin Lishuan... the seeds they wanted to sow have finally begun to take root. We have fulfilled our promise."

  He looked toward the eastern horizon, where the first rays of dawn had begun to touch the clouds. The sky was slowly filling with soft colors, and the birds were preparing to sing. With a touch as gentle as a breeze waking a delicate flower, Yu Sui took Mo Yan’s hand and said:

  "...This is not the end. It is the beginning. The beginning of watching that seed grow into a flourishing tree. It is the seed of a new dawn. Mo, are you ready for our journey back?"

  Mo Yan replied with a soft, steady smile:

  "I am ready. And I always will be. From now on, our paths are one."

  Finally, the morning sun emerged. Birds took flight from their nests, beginning their own journeys. The sky was filled with wings soaring toward the east. Below, on the earth, Mo Yan and Yu Sui walked together in the same direction. Their long shadows followed behind them like a profound, unspoken vow. And the morning grew more beautiful with every passing second.

  The story continues.......