The Red Lantern Safe House

Ao Huli's eyes widened in shock as he felt himself falling backward off the roof. The last thing he saw was Ling's form, barely more than a shadow now, turning to face the approaching Jian.

"GO!" Ling's voice echoed down to him. "I'll hold it off!"

Years of training took over as Ao Huli twisted in the air, managing to catch a fire escape on his way down. The impact sent shocks of pain through his already exhausted body, but he forced himself to keep moving. Each step felt like wading through mud as he tried to maintain the soul-light's rapidly fading glow.

Above him, he could hear the sounds of conflict - the Jian's liquid movements, Ling's defiant laughter. But the ghost's voice seemed to be growing fainter, as if he were fading away entirely.

"I'm sorry," Ao Huli whispered, though he wasn't sure if he was apologizing to Ling for leaving him behind, or to Liao Zhen for failing to protect his soul properly. The weight of both responsibilities pressed down on him as he staggered through the darkened streets, following Ling's directions to the safe house.

The soul-light's pulses were becoming more erratic with each step, its hunger for spiritual energy seemingly endless. Ao Huli's vision began to blur, his usually perfect composure completely abandoned as he stumbled forward, one hand pressed against the wall for support.

"Just a little further," he muttered, though he wasn't sure how much more energy he could spare before collapsing completely. "Hold on, Liao Zhen. Please, just hold on..."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Then, like a beacon, he saw it. Just ahead, a door came into view, a red lantern hung just above its frame, casting an eerie red glow over everything in the alley. 

Without another thought, Ao Huli wretched the door open and collapsed inside. He fell to his knees, one hand still pressed desperately against the soul-light as it flickered dangerously, its glow barely visible now.

"No, please," he gasped, trying to force more spiritual energy into it. But he had nothing left to give. His own divine light had been reduced to the faintest spark, leaving him dizzy and weak.

"Elder Huli!"

Through his dimming vision, Ao Huli made out Nu Jinhua's delicate form rushing toward him, the flower spirit's face etched with concern. The usual formality in Nu Jinhua's demeanor cracked at the sight of Ao Huli's weakened state.

"Elder Huli!" Nu Jinhua exclaimed, dropping to his knees beside the fallen prince. "This worthless one had no idea- please, what has happened to you?"

Ao Huli tried to respond, but could only manage a weak gasp as the soul-light flickered again, drawing what little energy he had left. His usual perfect composure was completely shattered, his divine form trembling with exhaustion.

"The soul," he managed to whisper, his red-tipped ears drooping. "I can't... maintain it much longer..."

Nu Jinhua's hands fluttered anxiously over Ao Huli's form, the flower spirit's natural grace giving way to panicked movements. "This one will help! This one can share spiritual energy- though it is surely inadequate compared to Elder Huli's divine power..."

Before Ao Huli could protest, Nu Jinhua pressed his hands against the soul-light, channeling his own spiritual energy into the fading glow. The flower spirit's energy was different from Ao Huli's divine power - gentler, more nurturing, like spring rain feeding new growth. Under his touch, the soul-light's desperate flickering began to stabilize.

Once the soul-light's glow had stabilized to a steady, if dim, illumination, Nu Jinhua shifted one hand to rest on Ao Huli's shoulder. His remaining spiritual energy trickled into the divine being's depleted reserves, like morning dew refreshing wilted petals.

"This humble one's energy is nothing compared to Elder Huli's divine power," Nu Jinhua murmured apologetically, his face flushing pink with the intimate nature of sharing spiritual energy. "But perhaps it can help until you recover your strength."

Ao Huli felt his vision beginning to clear as Nu Jinhua's spiritual energy mixed with his own. Though the flower spirit's power was indeed more modest than his divine energy, there was something uniquely restorative about it. Like the first warm breeze of spring after a long winter, it seemed to carry an inherent healing quality.

"Thank you," Ao Huli said softly, his usual formal bearing returning somewhat as his strength began to rebuild. "Your assistance is... most appreciated."

Nu Jinhua ducked his head, unable to meet Ao Huli's gaze. "This one is honored to be of service," he whispered, his hands still maintaining the careful balance of energy between the soul-light and Ao Huli. "Though... this one must ask... what has happened?

where is the mortal you were searching for? Did you not find him?"

Ao Huli's shoulders slumped slightly, a fresh wave of guilt hitting him. "I... I lost him," he admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. "We were waiting for a... transport, and I fell asleep. When I woke, he was gone."

Nu Jinhua's eyes widened with concern, but before he could respond, Ao Huli straightened slightly, his magenta eyes focusing on the flower spirit with renewed sharpness. "But, what are you doing here, anyway? How did you find me?"

"Ah," Nu Jinhua ducked his head, a blush creeping across his features. "This worthless one... that is... the adults were beginning to ask questions about your whereabouts. Lady Ao Qing grew concerned when you didn't return, and..." He trailed off, his hands trembling slightly as they continued channeling energy.

Ao Huli nodded slowly, already envisioning his parents worried faces. He glanced around the dimly lit interior of the safehouse, at the pristine red furniture that decorated the central hall. "Is it safe? For you to be in a ghost establishment?"

"Ah," Nu Jinhua twitched and his face flushed slightly. "Please do not worry about this one's safety too much, your highness. These establishments... they are well-known among spirits and ghosts alike. Safe houses marked with red lanterns are considered neutral territory."

He paused, carefully adjusting the flow of spiritual energy. "The proprietors maintain strict rules about conflict within their walls. Any troublemakers are immediately expelled, regardless of their status or power."

"Lady Ao Qing and this humble one were searching such establishments when we saw you-"

"What?!" Ao Huli jerked upright, his voice rising with alarm. His sudden movement caused Nu Jinhua to flinch, nearly disrupting the careful balance of energy he was maintaining.

"You brought my sister here?" Ao Huli demanded, his red-tipped ears twitching with agitation.

Nu Jinhua's expression crumpled into something akin to a kicked puppy as he nodded miserably, his hands still carefully maintaining the flow of spiritual energy.

"This- this one apologizes if that wasn't the right thing to do, elder Huli. Lady Qing insisted on coming, this one could not say do anything to change her mind."

Ao Huli's ears flattened against his head, silently chastising himself for losing his temper at the gentle flower spirit. He ran a hand over his hair, smoothing it down. "Where is she? Is she alone?"

Nu Jinhua's face flushed deeper. "Not... exactly..."

As if on cue, the sound of heated arguing drifted from somewhere deeper in the establishment. Three distinct voices could be heard - one sharp and commanding, clearly Ao Qing's, and two others speaking in perfect unison with rising indignation.

"Did anybody see where my darling Nu Jinhua went?" one twin voice demanded.

"He better not be alone with our treacherous elder brother again!" the other added vehemently.

"Will you two shut up about Nu Jinhua for five minutes?" Ao Qing's exasperated voice cut through their complaints. "We're supposed to be looking for Huli!"

Ao Huli pressed his fingers to his temples, feeling a headache forming despite Nu Jinhua's restorative energy. "You brought all three of them?" he asked weakly.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Nu Jinhua could only avoid Ao Huli's gaze and nod.

Before Ao Huli could properly express his displeasure at this development, the arguing voices grew closer. Ao Qing burst into the room first, her white hair crackling with static electricity, followed closely by Ao Min and Ao Fang, their identical faces twisted with suspicion.

The moment they spotted Ao Huli sitting against the wall with Nu Jinhua kneeling before him, all three of their expressions transformed into identical masks of relief and joy.

"HULI!" they cried in perfect unison, launching themselves at him with such force that Nu Jinhua barely managed to jerk his hands away in time to avoid being knocked over.

Ao Qing reached him first, tackling him with enough force to drive what little breath he'd regained from his lungs. The twins piled on immediately after, their combined weight pinning him against the wall as they all tried to hug him at once.

"Where have you been!! We've been looking everywhere for you! You stupid-" Ao Qing started, squeezing him even harder.

"How dare you disappear-" Ao Min accused.

"And with our Nu Jinhua-" Ao Fang added indignantly.

With what little strength he had regained, Ao Huli managed to push his siblings off, his eyes sharpened into points with a mix of concern and anger. "What were you three thinking!?" he demanded, his voice sharp with authority despite his weakened state.

Ao Qing, Ao Min, and Ao Fang immediately dropped to their knees before him, their earlier exuberance withering under their eldest brother's stern gaze. Even Ao Qing, usually so defiant, looked properly chastised.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?" Ao Huli continued, his red-tipped ears flat against his head with agitation. "Coming to the mortal realm without permission? Entering ghost establishments? What if something had happened to you?"

The twins flinched in perfect synchronization at his tone. "But brother-" they started in unison.

"Silence!" Ao Huli cut them off. "You are children of heaven. Your actions reflect not just on yourselves but on our entire family. And you-" he turned his sharp gaze to Ao Qing, who was studying the floor with unusual interest, "You're supposed to be the responsible one when I'm not there. Instead, you brought our younger siblings into potential danger?"

"We were worried about you," Ao Qing muttered, though she didn't dare meet his eyes.

"That doesn't excuse such reckless behavior," Ao Huli replied firmly. "What if Father Lui finds out? Or worse, what if Grandfather Ne Zha discovers you all snuck down to the mortal realm?"

All three siblings paled considerably at the mention of their grandfather. Even Nu Jinhua, still kneeling to the side and trying to make himself as small as possible, seemed to shrink further at the thought.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Just as Ao Huli pressed his fingers to his temples with a weary sigh, a feminine voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

"My, my... what an interesting group of divine children we have here."

Ao Huli turned to find a female ghost standing behind him, her appearance both beautiful and unsettling. She wore a traditional red wedding dress, though the fabric was torn in places, the edges frayed as if violently ripped. Her long nails, stained permanently with blood, clicked against each other as she folded her hands before her.

"Welcome to my humble safe house," she said, her voice carrying across the hall in an echo. "I am Madam Hong. While I normally welcome all guests..." her eyes swept over the group of celestial siblings with knowing amusement, "I don't often receive quite so much royalty at once."

The twins huddled closer together under her gaze, while Ao Qing straightened her spine, trying to maintain some semblance of divine dignity. Nu Jinhua seemed to be attempting to make himself even more invisible, if that were possible.

"Especially not the children of the God of Lightning himself," Madam Hong added, her bloodstained nails clicking together thoughtfully.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At this, Ao Huli immediately moved to position himself between the ghost and his siblings, drawing himself up with as much dignity as his weakened state would allow. Nu Jinhua was quickly pulled behind him by the twins, who for once seemed more concerned with protecting their beloved flower spirit than arguing over him.

"How do you know who we are?" Ao Huli demanded.

Madam Hong smiled, her blood stained nails clicking together in an almost musical rhythm. "Those horns of yours are quite distinctive, young prince. The Ao family traits are... unmistakable." Her eyes drifted to Ao Qing, who was trying to peer around her brother's protective stance. "And that white hair with those red eyes - you could only be twins. The resemblance to your father is quite striking."

She tilted her head slightly, the movement causing her torn wedding dress to shift like disturbed funeral shrouds as she let out a thoughtful hum, studying him.

Ao Huli went rigid as Madam Hong stepped closer, her bloodstained nail trailing under his chin and down his chest in a flirtatious gesture. Behind him, he could hear Nu Jinhua's sharp intake of breath and the twins' identical sounds of outrage.

"It seems the rumors about male divine beings are true," she chuckled, "Such perfect features... such ethereal beauty..."

Then, with unerring accuracy, her nail came to rest directly over the spot where the soul-light pulsed weakly against his chest. Her playful demeanor shifted into something more serious, more knowing.

"But this," she said, pressing ever so slightly with her sharp nail, "this is what brings you and keeps you here, isn't it?"

Ao Huli stiffened further, his red-tipped ears flattening against his head as he fought the urge to step back. He couldn't show weakness, not with his siblings behind him. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said carefully, trying to maintain his composure.

Madam Hong's smile turned knowing, though her nail remained pressed against the spot where the soul-light resided. "Come now, young prince. We both know what you carry."

"This soul is ripe," she continued, "Perfect for birthing the next Ghost King."

 "I won't let that happen," Ao Huli declared firmly, placing a firm hand over the soul light on a defensive gesture.

At his words, Madam Hong threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally through the room. "You sound so noble!" She jeered sarcastically. "But tell me, young prince. What do you actually know about Ghost Kings?"

"I know the last one was evil," Ao Huli responded, his jaw set stubbornly. "So evil that the previous Emperor of Heaven had to bury it under a mountain."

"Ah yes," Madam Hong's smile turned sharp. "The same Emperor who tried to have your grandfather executed for being a demon? Who declared him an abomination that needed to be destroyed?"

Ao Huli paused, his certainty wavering slightly. Behind him, he could feel his siblings shifting uncomfortably at this reminder of their family history.

"You divine beings," Madam Hong continued, finally withdrawing her nail from his chest, "are so quick to judge what you don't understand. Ghosts, like humans and spirits, are diverse in their nature. Some are malevolent, yes. But others..." she gestured around her establishment, "others simply wish to exist in peace, to maintain the balance between realms in their own way."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Madam Hong's smile turned almost pitying.

"Tell me, young prince," Madam Hong said, "what do you think will happen to the mortal you're trying so hard to protect when you reestablish his soul's connection?"

Ao Huli blinked, caught off guard by the question. "I... I'm trying to save him," he said, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty despite his best efforts. "Returning his soul will ensure his survival."

Madam Hong's smile turned predatory, her bloodstained nails clicking together in a macabre rhythm. "Ah, but that soul is bound for death, isn't it?" she mocked, "So, what do you think is going to happen to the young man, even if you succeed?"

Madam Hong's question hung heavy in the air, causing Ao Huli to pause. His mind raced as he considered the implications of her words. He straightened his spine, looking her in the eye with a defiant glare.

"His soul will be reborn," Ao Huli said firmly, "That is the natural order of things. The cycle of life and death is a fundamental part of the universe."

Madam Hong pretended to be deep in thought, pursing her red painted lips together. "Ah, but has his soul been judged yet?" she asked with false innocence. 

Ao Huli froze, his eyes widening. "I..." Ao Huli started, his voice trailing off as uncertainty gripped him.

Seeing his reaction, Madam Hong's smile widened. "So, you don't even know if that soul will be reborn," she purred, circling him like a predator toying with its prey. "He could just as easily be cast away into the void, never to see the light of day again."

Ao Huli's heart clenched at the thought, his mind rebelling against the idea of Liao Zhen's soul being consigned to eternal darkness.

"And even if he is destined to be reborn," Madam Hong continued, her voice dropping to a silken whisper as she leaned close to Ao Huli's ear, "Meng Po will use the soup of forgetfulness to make him forget all about this life. The memories, the experiences, everything will be gone as if he had never lived to begin with."

Ao Huli shivered as her cold breath ghosted over his skin, the weight of her words settling like a lead ball in his stomach. The thought of Liao Zhen losing everything that made him who he was, of his entire existence being erased… would he be able to stomach that?

 It's different when it is a mortal you don't know…

"But if you make him a ghost king," Madam Hong murmured, her voice taking on a seductive quality, "he will never lose his memories. He can continue living as himself, unbound by the constraints of the cycle."

Ao Huli shook his head, trying to clear the doubts that her words had planted. "No," he said, his voice wavering slightly despite his best efforts. "The cycle is necessary. It maintains the balance of the universe. I can't just-"

His words were cut off as the soul-light flickered again, its glow dimming to a worrying level. Ao Huli's face paled, his hands instinctively moving to cup the precious orb as he poured more of his (now borrowed) spiritual energy into it.

Madam Hong watched his struggle with a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.

"The cycle, you say?" she asked, her tone mocking. "And what good is this cycle if it condemns an innocent soul to oblivion? What balance is maintained by erasing a life, a unique existence, as if it never mattered?"

Ao Huli tried to formulate a response, but his mind was in turmoil, his conviction wavering under the onslaught of her arguments. Behind him, he could feel his siblings' uncertainty, their faith in the divine order shaken by Madam Hong's words.

After a while of watching Ao Huli struggle to maintain the soul-light, Madam Hong stepped back, lifting a sleeve to cover half her mouth in disgust. 

"Is that what you've been doing this whole time?" she asked, her voice dripping with pity. "How incredibly inefficient."

Ao Huli looked up at her, his magenta eyes filled with a weariness that seemed to age him beyond his years. "Yes," he admitted, "I don't know another way."

Madam Hong smirked behind her sleeve, her eyes narrowed into slits. "Oh, you poor, naive boy," she purred, gliding closer to him. "There's a much more effective method for transferring spiritual energy, you know."

Ao Huli looked up at her, his own eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Madam Hong gilded around him, her torn wedding dress brushing against the floor. "Oh, you celestial beings," she snickered, "always so proper and restrained. Don't you know there's a much more effective method for sharing spiritual energy?"

Ao Huli's red-tipped ears twitched with curiosity despite his wariness. "And what method would that be?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Madam Hong leaned in close, cupping her cold hand against Ao Huli's ear. She whispered something that the others could not hear, but elicited a strong, violent reaction from Ao Huli. 

Ao Huli jerked back as if burned, his face flushing a deep crimson. "Absolutely not!" he sputtered, his composure completely shattered by her scandalous suggestion. "That's... that's completely improper!"

Madam Hong threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the room like the tinkling of broken glass. "Oh, you celestials and your ridiculous sense of propriety," she chuckled, her eyes dancing with mirth. "Unlike you, we ghosts don't attach such silly taboos to these things."

Nu Jinhua, who had been standing quietly to the side, suddenly let out a strangled squeak, having managed to pick up what she had whispered to Ao Huli. His face turned a deep shade of scarlet as he clapped his hands over his mouth, his eyes wide with shock and embarrassment.

He turned away, his slender frame trembling with mortification as he tried to hide his burning face. His delicate fingers parted slightly, allowing him to peek through them at Ao Huli, his gaze a mix of horror and fascination.

Ao Huli, for his part, looked equally flustered. 

Seeing both of their faces, the ghost suddenly let out a light laugh, the sound airy and teasing. "Oh don't look so scandalized. Any type of physical contact will do. But if you really want a direct connection-"

"Please!" Ao Huli cut her off, "please…that's quite enough, Madam Hong."

The woman giggled again, tilting her head slightly. 

"Elder Huli," Nu Jinhua spoke up hesitantly, his earlier embarrassment giving way to concern as he watched the soul-light flicker. "Perhaps... perhaps we should begin searching for the mortal? This one worries that time grows short."

Ao Huli nodded, pressing a hand against the weakly pulsing soul-light. "Yes, you're right. We need to find Liao Zhen before-"

"Liao Zhen?" Madam Hong interrupted, her playful demeanor suddenly shifting to something more thoughtful. Her bloodstained nails ceased their rhythmic clicking as she tapped one against her chin. "Now why does that name sound familiar?"

The ghost began to pace, her nails now tapping against her temples as she tried to recall where she'd heard the name. 

The ghost's red-painted lips pursed in concentration, her torn wedding dress trailing behind her like disturbed shadows. "Liao Zhen... Liao Zhen..." she muttered to herself. "Where have I heard that name before?"

Ao Huli watched her carefully, his red-tipped ears twitching with interest. Behind him, his siblings exchanged confused glances, while Nu Jinhua wrung his hands nervously.

"It was recently," Madam Hong continued, more to herself than her audience. "Something about..." Her voice trailed off as she drifted toward a corner of the room, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Madam Hong snapped her fingers, her bloodstained nails clicking together with finality. "Ah! Now I remember! It was old Madam Wupo who mentioned that name!"

"Madam... Wupo?" Ao Huli repeated slowly, his magenta eyes narrowing in confusion. Even with his limited knowledge of mortal Chinese, the oddness of the name wasn't lost on him.

Behind him, Ao Qing failed to suppress a snort of laughter, while the twins exchanged identical looks of disbelief. Even Nu Jinhua, ever proper, had to cover his mouth to hide a small smile.

Madam Hong waved a dismissive hand, her torn sleeves fluttering with the motion. "Oh, it's not her real name, of course. But she's so old that no one remembers what she was called in life. She's been around since the Tang Dynasty, you know." She paused, tapping her bloodstained nail against her chin thoughtfully. "Or was it the Song? Time gets a bit fuzzy after the first few centuries..."

"And this... Madam Wupo," Ao Huli pressed, trying to maintain his dignity despite the ridiculous name, "she knows something about Liao Zhen?"

"Oh yes," Madam Hong nodded, her expression growing more focused. "She was just talking about him the other night. Something about..." She trailed off again, her brow furrowing as she tried to recall the details of the conversation.

"Oh, I can't quite remember what exactly she said about him," Madam Hong admitted, her bloodstained nails resuming their rhythmic clicking. "Just that the young man had come to see her for something. She was quite pleased about it too, which is rare for that old crone."

The ghost drifted absently across the room, still lost in thought. "Madam Wupo doesn't usually take mortal visitors, you know. So when she mentioned a mortal coming to see her..." She shrugged her torn-draped shoulders. "Well, it caught my attention, even if I can't remember the specifics."

Ao Huli straightened, his red-tipped ears perking forward with interest despite his exhaustion. "Where can we find this Madam Wupo?"

"Oh, she operates out of the Golden Phoenix Hotel," Madam Hong replied, her nose wrinkling slightly. "Though 'hotel' is rather generous term for that decrepit place. It's one of those old buildings with the gaudy neon signs - all red lighting and peeling paint. You'll find her haunting room 84." She shook her head. "I don't know why she insists on staying in such a shabby establishment when there are far more respectable haunts available."

"The red light district?" Nu Jinhua squeaked, his face flushing scarlet at the mere mention of such a place. His delicate hands flew up to cover his burning cheeks.

"What's wrong with the lights being red?" Ao Qing asked, looking confused. "We have red lanterns all over the celestial realm."

The twins nodded in unison. "And this whole place has red lights," they added, gesturing to Madam Hong's establishment.

Nu Jinhua's blush deepened impossibly further as he struggled to find an appropriate way to explain. "It's... it's not about the actual lights," he stammered. "It's a district where... where..."

"Where what?" all three divine siblings asked simultaneously, their celestial upbringing having left them completely innocent of certain mortal concepts.

Nu Jinhua looked like he might faint from embarrassment. "This worthless one cannot... that is... this one doesn't know how to explain..."

"Oh for f-," Madam Hong fumed. "It's the district where mortals go to engage in carnal pleasures. You know - brothels, love hotels, that sort of thing."

The divine siblings' reactions were immediate and varied. Ao Huli's face went from confused to scandalized in an instant, Ao Qing's mouth dropped open in a perfect 'o' of surprise, while the twins looked at each other with identical expressions of dawning comprehension.

"B-brothels?" Ao Huli sputtered, his red-tipped ears flattening against his head in mortification. "But... but why would ghosts haunt such... such establishments?"

Madam Hong rolled her eyes dramatically. "My, my, aren't you just the perfect little celestial prude?" she teased, her bloodstained nails clicking together with amusement. "Where else would we haunt? Sacred temples? Please. Those places are so dreadfully boring. At least brothels have some entertainment value."

Nu Jinhua looked like he might actually combust from embarrassment at this point, his face buried completely in his hands.

"Besides," Madam Hong continued, clearly enjoying their discomfort, "people are more... open to supernatural encounters in places like that. They're already engaging in activities they'd rather keep secret - what's a ghost sighting or two between friends?"

"This is highly inappropriate," Ao Huli managed to say, though his face was still burning.

"Oh, do get over yourself," Madam Hong snickered. "You divine beings are always so uptight about these things. It's just sex, darling. I bet even the golden emperor himself-"

"PLEASE," Ao Huli cut her off again, "just... just tell us how to find this hotel."

Madam Hong sighed, her red robes swirling around her. "Very well. If you think your delicate sensibilities can stomach it." She began describing the route, adding, "Just follow the broken neon signs. You can't miss it - it's the most run-down building on the block. Though I should mention," she added with a meaningful look, "the neighborhood can be a bit... rough. Especially for such obviously celestial beings." Her bloodstained nails gestured at their divine appearances.

Ao Huli glanced down at his celestial robes, then at his siblings' equally distinctive features - from Ao Qing's crackling white hair to the twins' matching cat ears. Even with Liao Zhen's jacket, they weren't exactly inconspicuous.

"And you," Madam Hong added, pointing at Nu Jinhua, "might want to stay especially close to your protectors. Pretty flower spirits tend to attract... attention in that area."

Nu Jinhua made a sound like a strangled bird and pressed himself closer to the twins, who immediately puffed up with protective indignation.

The soul-light flickered again, growing dimmer by the moment. Ao Huli pressed his hand against it, feeling the borrowed spiritual energy draining faster now.

"We have no choice," he said firmly, though his face was still flushed. "But everyone stays together. No wandering off, no looking around, and absolutely no talking to anyone we meet. Understood?"

"Yes, elder brother," his siblings chorused, though the twins were already exchanging looks that suggested they found this whole situation far too interesting.

Madam Hong's knowing smile followed them as they prepared to leave her establishment. "Do give Madam Wupo my regards," she called after them. "And try not to look so scandalized when you get there - she so enjoys teasing the proper ones!"​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​