LIANGDU

After what felt like eternity of walking, the group snuck into Liangdu's territory. 

They had been following a narrow path with plenty of branches that had lost their leaves to give way to snow, but once they stepped through a rich gold spiritual energy barrier, the snow melted off their shoulders.

A pleasant warmth replaced the wintry air, akin to that of a summer night. 

Elysia looked back and forth with a puzzled expression, "How did it suddenly become so warm? It was snowing just a second ago."

"The protective barrier keeps the cold out," Marshall explained. "Liangdu doesn't have winters."

"That barrier is barely protective," Sun Hayden interjected. "Demons can cross over without too much effort, so there's always a patrolling unit somewhere around."

Wyn looked to be very much on guard, walking behind them while keeping an eye out for any trouble, "We should hope there is not one nearby."

Fortunately for them, the travel through the bordering forests was simple and peaceful. Hours later, they finally stepped on colorful cobblestone.

Liangdu streets met them with a fragrant waft of steamed dumplings, grilled corn cobs and mooncakes. Elysia's mouth hung open as she took in the abundance of festive stalls draped in orange and yellow gauze.

They had been walking from sunrise until the very evening, and all the snacks they had packed were already gone. Hunger gnawed at the four of them—even Wyn's gaze seemed to be stuck on the stall with the mooncakes.

The sun had sunken behind the buildings, and the town squares gradually became were illuminated by yellow lanterns, lighting up one by one. Sun Hayden moved about with an air of enthusiasm, beaming at the vivid colors.

Wyn glanced around attentively, walking next to Marshall. "Is there some kind of celebration?"

"A celebration...?" Marshall mumbled in response, scanning the surroundings for clues. Then his eyes landed on a painting of the sun setting below the horizon, and he realized what was going on. "Ah, the Winter Solstice Festival!"

Elysia looked at him with a mystified look, and Sun Hayden tilted his head, asking, "You've never heard of it? It's something everyone should experience at least once!"

"What is it?" she moved closer, curiosity blooming on her face.

Sun Hayden clapped, his tone rising to a cheery level, "The festival lasts about two weeks to celebrate the longest night of the year. There's a belief the way you spend the solstice night will be how you spend the next year!"

Marshall chimed in, "The rule is—you must not spend that night in your own home, otherwise you'll be stuck there the whole year. Most people gather in Marigold Plaza, dancing and eating until sunrise."

"That must explain why you two are so energetic," Elysia joked. "You should spend this solstice sleeping, see if it helps."

"No way, we have to celebrate!" Sun Hayden nudged her, then Wyn, gesturing energetically. "When else will you get the chance to join the festival? We should do as many traditions as we can – no, we'll do all of them!"

Marshall laughed, watching his friend bolt around like an orange tabby cat during playtime.

Even though they hadn't come to Liangdu for pleasure, he couldn't deny that he would have loved to celebrate. The urge to have fun was at odds with the responsibility of finding the Smaragdine Lily.

"Should we stay for the solstice night?" Elysia suggested. "We know where Gaia is going, so we won't lose anything if we stop for a bit."

While Sun Hayden was distractedly mumbling something in agreement, Marshall decided to pry a little, "How familiar are you with Gi Gaia? The way you refer to her makes it seem like you're close."

Elysia's gaze flickered to Wyn, who was focused on their surroundings. Yet, as soon as she away, the icy gaze subtly moved back to her, waiting for the answer.

"We... were close," she said, her eyes trailing around the colorful decorations. "It's complicated."

"Is she the best friend you mentioned meeting near the Eastern Mountains?" Marshall inquired.

Elysia sighed heavily, hesitantly admitting, "That's right... Gaia was the friend who told me about the spiritual gale scroll."

Marshall nodded thoughtfully. It made more sense that the information about the archive's contents came from Gi Gaia. She must have been familiar with the inner workings of the Chastity Tower until she left.

From where he was standing, Elysia was simply worried for Gi Gaia. There was nothing suspicious about that. In fact, it was only natural. 

At the end of the day, everyone had a past. As long as Marshall could ensure that Elysia's present commitments lay with them, there was no cause for worry.

"What are the traditions of the Winter Solstice Festival?" Elysia wondered, changing the subject.

Marshall hummed, looking around, then pointed at the yellow oil-paper out for sale. "One of them is crafting lanterns. We did that last year with the Four Season disciples."

He laughed, reminiscing, "Everyone managed to set theirs off into the sky except for Hayden. Other Liangdu disciples rolled on the ground laughing, calling him an imposter for the rest of the night. It was quite the sight."

"Hey, I set a lantern off in the end!" Sun Hayden retorted, defending himself.

"Yeah, the one I made specifically for your clumsy self," Marshall teased, moving over to poke at the yellow robes. "Should I make one for you this time or have you learned how to do it yourself?"

In the midst of exaggerated grumbling and poking, Elysia turned her head, staring at the oil-paper left behind them with curiosity. "I'd love to float a lantern too if we get the chance."

"Ask Marshall to make one for you since he's so good with it," Sun Hayden muttered. He rounded them up, pushing towards an alleyway. "Anyway, let's move before you attract any unnecessary attention! I have a friend living nearby, she'll let us stay."