'Ah Chen,' Lu Yong gently shook the sleeping man and placed a light kiss on his head. 'Come. Breakfast is here.'

Wu Chen slowly opened his eyes. He still felt tired after so many days without actual rest and all of the excitement from the past night. He smiled up at Lu Yong with that thought, and the tips of his ears grew a little red.

He quickly got up to put on his outer robes, tied his hair in a low pony, and slipped on his boots. Properly outfitted, he joined Lu Yong at the table where bowls of congee and fresh tea waited.

'It's probably a good thing we'll be staying here another day.' said Lu Yong, as he poured Wu Chen a cup of tea. 'You've really pushed using cultivation instead of true sleep more than you should have this last week.'

Wu Chen took a bite of his congee, appreciating the added spices. 'I know. But I was worried I might have a nightmare and bring danger down on our heads.'

Lu Yong thought this would be a good time to bring it up. 'Speaking of nightmares, I'm sure you've realized by now that yours are a little different than what most people experience.'

Wu Chen stopped mid-bite. He set down his spoon and glanced up at his Guardian. He wasn't sure how to explain it to him since he didn't understand why he had them himself. He decided it didn't really matter. Lu Yong deserved some kind of explanation. It could put them both in danger while traveling after all.

'I know they're different,' he felt guilty for putting them at risk, so his voice was a little quiet. 'I just don't know why I have them. I haven't had them in a long time, so I was really upset when they started again. It was the last thing we needed on this quest. I apologize for causing added trouble to our travels.'

He rested his head on his fist and gathered his thoughts, 'My father brought several healers in, but they couldn't find anything wrong. I've even gone to the White Crane Sect to see their healers. The most they could tell me was that they suspected some kind of soul injury. They said they had no way of healing it without knowing the cause. It was too risky for my soul.'

Lu Yong took a sip of his tea and considered the new information. A soul injury? Rebirth was a difficult thing to go through, and it was certainly possible that something could have happened to his soul in the process.

Wu Chen took a sip of his tea, trying to find the best way to explain. 'They thought that I might have injured my soul due to my speed in cultivation.' He set his cup down and traced the lip of it with his finger. He shook his head, 'I don't think that's it. I've never had any issues breaking through, other than the usual difficulties. No fluctuations, no anomalies in my Sea of Consciousness, nothing like that.'

Lu Yong had been watching his face closely, and he could see the frustration. He could also understand, having witnessed it himself, why Yang Hao had been so concerned. After what he had seen the night before, these nightmares really were torture for him, and for the one having to stand by unable to wake him.

'Can you tell me about them? Your nightmares, I mean?' asked Lu Yong gently. He didn't want to pry, but the more they knew, the better.

Wu Chen shook his head, 'I don't remember much after I wake up. I know that whatever happens there, I can only experience it, not change it. It's like being trapped in someone else's body, and I can only watch from inside.'

His hands shook a little as he wrapped them around his cup. It was hard to admit this next part. This was someone he cared about, and the thought of looking like less in his eyes hurt his pride deeply. Trust worked both ways, however, and Lu Yong had told him about what really happened the day Wu Chen was taken. He had to show the same faith in Lu Yong as Lu Yong had shown him.

'I know there's someone there with me. Someone who terrifies me. I just don't remember who or why.' He swallowed, feeling his face burn with the admission.

Wu Chen downed his tea, not caring that it was still so hot. He looked up at Lu Yong, anger burning in his eyes, 'I'm not a coward. I don't run from a fight, and I'm not scared to venture into the unknown. So it's just humiliating to feel like that from a ridiculous dream. And it's even harder to tell you of all people that I feel it...but I do.'

He reached out his hand and grasped Wu Chen's to reassure him. From what he had witnessed, and what he suspected, he had every right to feel fear. Especially after so many years of abuse. Lu Yong swallowed his guilt. It wouldn't help anything, and could actually hinder him in trying to find an answer. The more he heard, though, the more he was convinced that Wu Chen really was having memories of his old life. Getting to the temple was crucial. He felt sure of it.

'Do you remember when I mentioned that we needed to add a temple to our travel plans?' Lu Yong asked. Wu Chen nodded in response, his face still dark. 'I have learned a great many things over the years, and after hearing about your dreams, I also suspected that they might relate to your soul. That's why I insisted on making a visit there.'

He poured another cup for both of them and continued, 'When I was laying helpless and weak on the battlefield after Wu Chen was taken, I was found by some monks from that temple. They took me in and nursed me back to full health. I have kept close ties with them all these years. There is one monk who lives there who has lived far longer than anyone I've ever heard of, and his wisdom and knowledge are immeasurable.'

Lu Yong lifted his cup and shared his thoughts on changing their plans. 'I think it would be best if we put off the quest until we can visit that temple. Although I can't promise anything, if it really is a soul injury, he would probably know what to do.'

'Thank you.' Wu Chen said quietly, his mood lifting slightly with the hope of there being something that might be able to stop the nightmares. It was a real loss of face to be a grown man at the mercy of such a thing.

'It's settled then. Our priority right now is the temple.' Lu Yong smiled at his ward. 'Now, eat.' he ordered, pointing his spoon at Wu Chen's bowl.

Wu Chen nodded, and with an appreciative smile at his Guardian, he obediently took a bite of his congee.

*********************************************************

Lu Yong, Wu Chen, and Chu Haoyu were seated at the head table with Long Wei that evening. The mayor had kept his promise, and the banquet was small and intimate. He had only invited merchants and the more prominent townsfolk. Although it was fairly obvious that there were a far greater number of young women amongst the guests than there should be.

Wu Chen took a sip of wine and noted the sour look on Chu Haoyu's face. He was puzzled by his gloomy mood and asked, 'Hey, what's wrong with you?'

Chu Haoyu shot Lu Yong a glare, 'Nothing. Don't worry about it.' He downed his wine and held his cup up requesting more.

Wu Chen took the hint and dropped it. He knew Chu Haoyu had been unhappy the last few days, but if the man didn't want to talk, he wouldn't force him.

'I'll be leaving on my own tomorrow.' He suddenly stated, glancing up at Wu Chen.

Lu Yong raised an eyebrow, not entirely unhappy at this news. 'You have somewhere you need to be?' he asked politely.

Chu Haoyu nodded and set down his cup. 'Remember? I told you about it in the cell at the Talon's lair. I was headed for a ruin I heard about when I was ambushed by those thieves. There's supposed to be some kind of opportunity related to fire techniques there that has never been obtained. I want to give it a try.'

Wu Chen and Lu Yong could both understand the appeal. There had been several cases of cultivation opportunities found within the numerous ancient ruins on their continent. They tended to be protected by very difficult tests and were often extremely dangerous to retrieve. Lu Yong's sword Black Ice was one such opportunity. Others might include manuscripts of lost techniques, elixir recipes, or even, very rarely, inheritances from past masters long dead. True cultivators spent a great deal of time and effort to find such places. A good find could make the difference between being a mediocre cultivator and a great one.

Unfortunately, another rule of the universe was that where there were great rewards, they most often included great risks.

Wu Chen was well aware of this. What cultivator wasn't? 'Did you want our help? Neither of us is proficient in fire techniques, so this opportunity wouldn't need to be shared. The danger if you go alone though...'

Chu Haoyu slid his eyes toward Lu Yong again and shook his head. 'No. It's probably set up to test fire techniques, so there would be no need for either of you to take the chance.' He smiled warmly at Wu Chen, 'Thank you, though. Really. You have your own quest to complete.'

To change the subject, Chu Haoyu raised an eyebrow at Wu Chen and asked with a sly grin, 'So, how many of these lovely daughters have you been introduced to tonight?'

Lu Yong chuckled into his wine cup, and Wu Chen glared at him with mock severity. Then he sighed before his shoulders slumped. 'Too many,'  he answered dryly.

Lu Yong outright laughed at the disgruntled look on his face.

Chu Haoyu nodded, his eyes sparkling. 'I knew it. Who could resist talent, looks, and backing?'

Wu Chen rolled his eyes at the two men. 'Shut it. It's not like you two weren't cornered either. Thankfully, we're leaving tomorrow.' He ignored the chuckling around him and took a drink of his wine.

There was a noise of a chair being pushed back as the mayor stood up before the banquet guests. He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and then began his speech.

'I'm sure you have all heard of the three men sitting next to me. Thanks to their talents in martial arts and cultivation, a great scourge has been removed from around our town. The roads are once again safe for caravans and travelers alike.'

He paused as the guests clapped their appreciation for the companions, who nodded politely.

'Wu Chen, Lu Yong, Chu Haoyu, we are just a small town, but your heroic deeds are greatly appreciated. We know that you are eager to return to your quest, and though we would be honored should you stay and become one of our own, we know your hearts lie elsewhere.'

He took one of two scrolls from the man next to him and asked them to stand. Then he handed one scroll to Lu Yong, who was closest to him.

'With the generous donations and offers from our grateful citizens,' he smiled at them widely, 'we have been able to ensure that you will be outfitted for your journey to the best of our ability. In that scroll are the permissions of each of these merchants. Their shops are open to the three of you. You may take anything you wish without need for payment.'

They bowed their thanks towards the guests.

Long Wei continued, 'Also, formal Letters of Achievement have been sent to the Lu Clan, the Wu Clan, and the Office of Merit in the capital, so that you are given proper credit for your deeds. Your clans should know that you have accumulated great honor in their name.'

He took the other scroll from the man beside him and turned to Chu Haoyu. 'We have written one specifically for you to keep personally, Chu Haoyu, as you have stated you are a rogue cultivator with no clan or sect. You have still been given your due in the letter sent to the capital along with theirs, though. I hope this is acceptable?'

Chu Haoyu nodded and accepted the scroll from Long Wei with a quick bow of thanks.

'Lastly, we have all agreed that, barring family heirlooms, you should all be given the right to choose what you wish from the treasures collected in the den. You have earned them, so it's only right. We have also decided that the rest of the treasure should be used to help the victims who remain in our town. I hope that this is also acceptable to you?'

Wu Chen was surprised and happy to hear this, as he had been worried about their fates. In his opinion, Long Wei was what all officials should strive to be, honest and truly working for the people. He nodded in heartfelt agreement along with Lu Yong and Chu Haoyu.

'I know that these trifling rewards do not come close to equaling the danger you were put in, or the efforts that you have all put forth, but we hope that you find them adequate. Again, you have our sincere appreciation.' Long Wei dropped into a low bow, and the rest of the banquet guests bowed low as well. Lu Yong, Wu Chen, and Chu Haoyu all returned their bow and asked them to rise quickly.

'Now,' Long Wei turned to the guests with a wide smile and waved his hand at the servers, 'let's enjoy the banquet!'