MARD Chapter 14 Meihua Crossing

The sun hung high above the forest canopy, its golden light filtering through the leaves, but it brought little warmth to Issei.

He walked with his head low, fists clenched tightly at his sides as the group made their way down the dirt path. The faint sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves felt distant, like echoes in the back of his mind. His thoughts were elsewhere.

He could still see and smell the stench of blood.

The wreckage of the caravan. The lifeless bodies of the travelers. The eyes of the dying merchant who’d used his final breath to beg for help that came too late.

The bandits and that hooded figure, the demonic cultivator whose presence had twisted the air around him like poison.

They had escaped. The bandits had vanished without a trace, leaving only corpses and questions behind.

He hadn’t been fast enough. He hadn’t been strong enough.

“Damn it…” He muttered under his breath, barely loud enough to be heard.

From a few steps ahead, Wu Lan slowed her pace. Her eyes caught the slump in his shoulders, the way he stared at the ground instead of staring down the road. She walked quietly beside him and gently reached out, her hand holding his trying to soothe his worries.

“Issei…” She said softly, “Are you okay?”

He looked up, startled at her openly holding his hand. He held her gaze for a moment, then looked away. His jaw was tightened, his gaze fixed on the ground ahead. But after a moment, he exhaled through his nose and gave a small shake of his head. “I’m just… frustrated. At what those bastards did. We came too late and we couldn’t defeat them.”

Silence fell for a beat.

“They killed innocent people. And then they just ran away like it was nothing.”

From further ahead, Luna’s ears twitched, and Wu Xiao peeked over the wolf’s back.

“Don’t worry, Big Bro,” She called out, her voice firm with uncharacteristic steel. “We’ll make them pay. I know we will.”

Her small hands tightened on Luna’s fur, her normally playful tone was gone as she also remembered that scene.

Wu Ying snorted softly, walking with her arms crossed as usual, her steps precise and measured.

“We can’t help the dead,” She said bluntly. “We’re wasting energy on guilt and it doesn't do anything for them. We need to focus on our journey.”

Her tone wasn’t cruel, but it was firm. But behind it, there was something else. A tension in her jaw, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes.

Issei didn’t answer right away.

He looked forward, past the trees, past the winding trail ahead, as if trying to see where their path would take them next. His hands relaxed slightly at his sides.

“You’re right,” He said finally, though his voice was low. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to forget what they did. Or forgive it.”

Wu Lan offered him a small smile and nodded.

“No one’s asking you to forget. But we need to be ready for what’s next. If they’re still out there, they might come after us.”

Luna gave a quiet chuff of agreement, and Wu Xiao patted her flank.

“Then let’s find them. And kick their butts so hard they won’t ever hurt anyone again!”

That managed to coax a faint smile from Issei.

“Right.” He straightened up a little, the weight on his shoulders not gone, but lighter. “Let’s keep moving.”

—------------------------------

By the time they reached the outskirts of the next town, the sun had already begun its slow descent. Golden light bathed the wooden gates and the weathered stone walls, casting long shadows across the dirt path. The town itself wasn’t large, but it had a large wooden wall surrounding it. The town bustled with activity, the kind of place where traders passed through often and stories spread like wildfire.

A wooden sign just before the gate read: “Meihua Crossing.”

Issei exhaled slowly as they stepped inside. It felt good to see something that wasn’t scorched earth or broken wagons.

The streets were lively but not crowded. Merchants barked their wares, farmers hauled carts of fresh produce, and children darted between stalls, laughing. But the group didn’t stop to admire the scenery.

A modest but lively settlement, its red-tiled rooftops packed close together like clustered petals. Stone walls wrapped the perimeter, not for show but for defense. A few watchtowers stood like quiet sentinels, and the banners flying overhead bore a silver eagle.

Issei narrowed his eyes. “Looks like they take security seriously here.”

“From what the old man said, it must be because they're near a trade route,” Wu Lan replied. “Bandit activity isn’t uncommon around towns like these.”

As they approached the gates, the guards gave them only a brief once-over—more interested in the silver wolf than anything else. But unlike the last village, it wasn’t unusual for cultivators to have tamed Beast, coming in with them. One of them muttered something about "strange cultivators" under his breath but waved them through without trouble.

The town’s market was bustling. Merchants barked prices, carts rolled through the stone streets, and the smell of roasted meat and spices filled the air. For a moment, the group slowed, absorbing the contrast between this place and the violence they had just left behind.

“We should split up,” Wu Ying suggested, crossing her arms. “Lan and I will gather information on the next town. You two get supplies.”

“Why do I have to—” Issei began, but Wu Xiao had already grabbed his hand.

“I call dibs!” She chirped with a grin. “Come on, Big Bro. You’re carrying the bags.”

Issei sighed in defeat. “Figures.”

—---------------------------------------------

Wu Lan adjusted the strap of the satchel slung over her shoulder as she and Wu Ying stepped deeper into the heart of Meihua Crossing. The main street stretched ahead like a living river of color and motion—stalls draped in red and gold cloth, the scent of sizzling meat mixing with the sharper tang of medicinal herbs, and the rhythmic clatter of hooves from a passing cart.

“Let’s make this quick,” Wu Ying said, her arms crossed and her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “The sooner we know about the next town, the sooner we can plan our route.”

Wu Lan smiled faintly. “And while we’re here, we might as well see if there’s a good blacksmith.” Her voice lowered conspiratorially. “I’d rather not waste the Earthfang materials on someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.”

Wu Ying gave a short, approving nod. “Agreed. And we still need answers about those talismans and pills. I don’t like carrying things we don’t understand.”

They stopped at a corner stall where an elderly merchant was weighing bundles of dried root on a bronze scale. His face was weathered but alert, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the two women.

“Afternoon, elder,” Wu Lan greeted with a polite bow. “We’re travelers heading to the capital and were hoping you could tell us about the road ahead. Towards the next town, what lies between here and there?”

The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. “If you’re taking the northern trade path, you’ll pass through the Willow Marsh before reaching Hengshan. It’s a half-day ride if you’re mounted, longer on foot. Bandits have been bold lately, though the marsh itself is more dangerous, leeches the size of your arm, if you’re unlucky to encounter them.”

Wu Ying’s expression didn’t change, though her voice was edged. “And what about a blacksmith? One skilled in forging for cultivators?”

“That would be Master Shen,” The merchant said without hesitation. “His forge is near the east wall. You’ll hear it before you see it, he is always working and never stops. The man’s as stubborn as a mountain but his work is worth the coin.”

“Perfect,” Wu Lan murmured, already picturing the gleam of Earthfang’s scales worked into armor.

Before leaving, Wu Lan tilted her head, her tone casual but eyes intent. “One more thing, elder. We came across… some talismans and medicinal pills recently. Is there anyone here who could evaluate them discreetly?”

The merchant’s gaze flickered, his voice lowering. “There’s Madam Hua. She keeps a tea shop two streets over. Don’t let her appearance fool you, she’s a cultivator of the third stage from far away, but she’s now retired, she might have the information you need. But don’t try to cheat her. She’ll know.”

Wu Ying exchanged a glance with her sister. “Thanks.” She then left to find the tea shop but not before giving a few coins to the merchant

—----------------------------

The tea shop was quieter than the streets outside, perfumed with jasmine and sandalwood. Behind the counter stood Madam Hua, a graceful old woman in flowing modest robes whose eyes were sharper than any blade.

“Hooo. Two new faces, here to visit, little old me.” She said examining the two girls.

Wu Lan quickly went to greet the owner before her ruder little sister could. “Good day Madam Hua. We are two traveling Cultivators that have come looking for information.”

The old lady nodded. “I would happily help you, but only if you buy some tea from little old me.”

The two girls then sat down and ordered some tea. While they waited, they watched Miss Hua’s tea preparing process. As she boiled water and prepared several herbs. 

“Why did you come all the way here?” Madam Hua asked, tiring the cups.

Wu Ying quickly brought out several talismans and a pouch of pills. “We need information about these items.

Madam Hua quickly grabbed the first talisman, the paper crackling faintly with spiritual energy between her fingers. “These are suppression seals, designed to weaken a cultivator’s meridians. Dangerous if used carelessly. As for the pills…” She picked one up delicately, sniffing it before placing it back. “Restoration pills of low quality. They’ll help mend wounds, but take too many at the same time and you’ll harm your foundation.” She then went into detail explaining several other items.

Wu Lan inclined her head respectfully. “Thank you, Madam Hua. Your words are invaluable.”

“Knowledge is worth more than gold.” The woman replied smoothly, before pouring them each a cup of fragrant tea.

They finished their drinks, paid their respects, and stepped back into the busy street.

Wu Ying glanced in the direction of the plaza. “Let’s find Issei. If I know Wu Xiao, she’s already dragged Issei into buying half the market.”

Wu Lan chuckled, her mood lighter now that they had what they needed. “Then we’d better hurry before they spend all our coins.”

The two sisters moved through the crowd, weaving past merchants and travelers, heading off to track down their wayward companions.

—----------------------------------

Meanwhile, Issei was discovering that buying supplies in a busy market was one thing, but carrying them was another entirely.

 His arms were piled high with bundles, cloth-wrapped parcels of dried meat, jars of pickled vegetables, rolls of bandages, and a rather awkwardly shaped cooking pot that kept threatening to slide out of the stack. Every step felt like a balancing act.

Behind him, Wu Xiao strolled leisurely, nibbling on something sweet from a paper twist, her other hand swinging a small pouch at her side like she was on a casual outing rather than a supply run.

Luna was currently in the World Marble resting, as the townsfolk continued to stare at the wolf. Issei didn’t want to bother explaining to each person that the wolf wouldn’t attack them.

“You know,” Issei grunted, shifting his weight to keep the cooking pot from tumbling to the ground, “This would go a lot faster if you carried at least some of this.”

“I am carrying something,” Wu Xiao replied in a tone so smug it made his eyebrow twitch. She lifted the pouch for emphasis. “It has all the candy in it.”

Issei blinked at her. “…Candy. That’s your contribution?”

“Candy is an important morale food!” She shot back, popping another piece into her mouth. “Besides, you’re way stronger than me, Big Bro. It makes sense you carry the heavy stuff.”

He could argue, but deep down, he knew that trying to win against Wu Xiao’s logic, if you could call it that, was a losing battle. He let out a resigned sigh, his head shaking just enough to make the pot rattle. “Of course it does…”

As they turned down another row of stalls, the market thinned slightly. The lively chatter and clinking of coins still filled the air, but Issei’s eyes caught a narrow side street between two wooden warehouses. It was dim, with shadows pooling at the edges, and—more importantly—there wasn’t a single person there.

He stopped abruptly, forcing Wu Xiao to bump into his side. “Ow—hey! What’s the big idea?”

“Look,” Issei said quietly, tilting his chin toward the empty alley. “I’m not hauling all of this around town until my arms fall off. Keep watch and make sure nobody sees me.”

For a moment, Wu Xiao’s eyes narrowed as if she were about to question him, but then a knowing smile spread across her face. “Ohhh, I get it. World Marble stash time.”

Without another word, she bounced ahead, planting herself at the mouth of the alley like a self-proclaimed bodyguard. She leaned casually against the wall, but her sharp gaze swept the street, alert for anyone paying too much attention.

Issei ducked into the shadows, his arms aching with relief as he crouched and lowered the pile to the ground. With a familiar thought, the Boosted Gear’s gauntlet flared faintly for a heartbeat, enough to trigger the World Marble. The air shimmered in front of him and the items vanished into the pocket dimension one by one.

In mere moments, the oppressive weight was gone. He straightened, rolling his shoulders and flexing his now-free hands. “Ahh… much better.”

From the alley entrance, Wu Xiao peeked back with a grin. “See? Now you can carry more candy.”

“Not happening,” Issei said flatly, brushing past her as he stepped back onto the main street. “Come on. Let’s find your sisters before they start thinking we got lost.”

She fell into step beside him, skipping once to match his pace. “If they ask, I’ll just say you made me carry all the candy while you were slacking off in an alley.”

“Yeah, that sounds totally believable,” He deadpanned, but couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at his lips.

With the market’s din fading behind them, the two made their way toward the east side of town, weaving through clusters of townsfolk until the familiar figures of Wu Lan and Wu Ying came into view.

—----------------------------

Near the town’s east gate, where the road narrowed between two watchtowers, the four of them finally converged.

Issei spotted Wu Lan and Wu Ying first, the sisters standing side-by-side near a small stone bench. Wu Lan’s posture was relaxed, but Wu Ying’s arms were crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the street as if she were evaluating every passerby.

“Finally,” Wu Lan greeted with a faint smile as they closed the distance. “Did you get everything?”

Issei lifted his now-empty hands with mock pride. “All the supplies we’ll need for the trip. Food, bandages, camping gear—the works.”

Before Wu Lan could respond, Wu Xiao popped up beside him with a grin that was just a little too smug. “And I bought candy.”

Wu Ying’s expression didn’t change, but she blinked once in slow disbelief. “…Candy?”

“Yes,” Wu Xiao said with absolute seriousness, patting the small pouch at her side like it was the most precious treasure in the world. “Essential morale food. You’ll thank me later.”

Wu Lan’s lips twitched, but she politely steered the conversation forward. “While you two were… handling provisions, we asked around about our next destination. We’ll be heading through the Willow Marsh to reach Hengshan. It’s not far, but the marsh can be dangerous, and bandits sometimes target travelers on that route.”

Issei then made a serious expression at the mention of bandits. “Do you think we might run into them again?”

“Who knows but we will have to be alert at all times.” Wu Lan says at remembering who Issei was talking about.

Wu Ying picked up where her sister left off. “We also had someone examine the pills and talismans we took from those cultivators.” Her gaze met Issei’s. “The talismans are suppression seals, they can weaken a cultivator’s cultivation. The pills are low-quality restoratives. Useful in a fight, but taking too many can damage your body. There's more but we can talk about them later.”

Issei listened carefully, nodding slowly as he filed away the details. “Good to know. Is that everything?”

“Not quite.” Wu Ying’s eyes glinted faintly. “We also learned about a blacksmith, A Master Shen. He’s a cultivator and one of the best forges in this town. If anyone can turn the Earthfang’s corpse into weapons and armor worth using, it’s him.”

At the mention of the Earthfang, Issei felt a flicker of interest. That battle had been brutal, but the idea of carrying a weapon made from the beast they’d slain… there was a certain satisfaction in it.

“Alright,” He said after a moment. “Sounds like our next stop.”

Wu Xiao’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Do you think he can make me something too? Maybe a pair of cool gauntlets, just like Big Bro?”

“A… what?” Issei shot her a look that hovered somewhere between amused and horrified.

Wu Lan chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Let’s focus on getting there before you start making unusual requests.”

With that, they fell into step together, heading eastward through the quieter streets. The clang of hammer on steel was faint at first, just a distant rhythm beneath the hum of town life, but it grew steadily louder with every turn they took. The smell of heated metal and coal began to seep into the air, mingling with the lingering scent of the market’s spices.

They didn’t need a guide—the sound of Master Shen’s forge was like a beacon, drawing them toward the source.

—--------------------------

The streets narrowed as they approached the eastern edge of Meihua Crossing, the market stalls giving way to workshops and storage sheds. The air grew warmer, tinged with the sharp scent of burning coal and hot iron. The steady rhythm of metal striking metal echoed down the lane, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to vibrate in the bones.

They turned a corner and found the source—a squat stone building with wide, open doors and smoke curling from a chimney that burned white-hot. Above the entrance hung a weathered wooden sign marked with two crossed hammers, the characters for Shen’s Forge etched deep into the grain.

Inside, the air was thick with heat and the tang of molten metal. Racks of finished weapons—blades, spears, and polearms—lined one wall, while the other was stacked with ingots, rolls of leather, and crates filled with unidentifiable materials.

At the center of it all stood a broad-shouldered man with a grizzled beard streaked in iron-grey. His bare arms were corded with muscle, his tunic stained dark from years of soot and sweat. He was bent over an anvil, hammering a long, gleaming blade with sharp, precise strikes. Sparks flew with each blow, the sound ringing like a war drum.

The man paused when he noticed them. He set the sword aside, dipping it into a trough with a hiss of steam before turning toward the group. His gaze was sharp, appraising, as if weighing not just their worth but their purpose.

“What do you need?” His voice was deep and gravelly, carrying the weight of a man who had spent his life at the forge.

Wu Ying stepped forward, ever direct. “We’re looking to commission armor and weapons—from the remains of an Earthfang.”

For a heartbeat, the blacksmith simply stared. Then his brows rose, and a faint spark of interest lit his eyes. “An Earthfang? You expect me to believe you lot took one down?”

Wu Xiao grinned and boasted about their accomplishment. “We didn’t just take it down. We flattened it.”

Shen chuckled, the sound like a low rumble of thunder. “If that’s true, you’ve got my respect. Earthfang hides are tougher than forged steel, and the bones… well, that’s material worth working with. But what you’re asking won’t be easy. The price will be high.”

Wu Lan stepped in smoothly before Wu Ying could push the discussion with her aggressiveness. “We understand the difficulty, Master Shen. But perhaps we can lower the cost by allowing you to keep a portion of the materials? We only need light armor for ourselves and some weapons to protect ourselves.”

That made his eyes brighten noticeably. “Keep some of the leftover Earthfang? Now that’s an offer worth considering…” His voice took on an almost boyish excitement. “I could forge a dozen things with the scraps alone.”

He stroked his beard in thought, then nodded. “Alright. I’ll lower the price. Still won’t be cheap, mind you, it’s delicate work, even for me, but you’ll be getting the best armor you’ve ever worn.”

Issei glanced at Wu Lan, who gave a small nod. Luckily, they had enough gold between them to cover the reduced price. He turned toward the open door. “I’ll go get the body.”

Slipping outside, he cast a quick look up and down the street. It was quiet—only a few townsfolk passing by, none paying close attention. He moved into the shadowed space beside the forge, he quickly summoned the Boosted Gear. With a flicker of power, the air rippled, and the massive Earthfang’s corpse slid out from the World Marble. Even dead, the rat’s sheer size and armored hide were intimidating.

“Alright, big guy,” Issei muttered, gripping one of the legs and dragging the beast toward the workshop. He quickly got inside dragging the heavy corpse.

Shen stepped forward the moment the Earthfang came into view. His eyes widened, and for a second, the stern blacksmith looked like a child on festival day. He crouched to inspect the scales, running a calloused hand along the ridged armor plates. “Perfect… simply perfect. This will make armor that could turn aside a blade like it was a wooden stick.”

“How long will it take?” Wu Ying asked, already looking impatient.

“Five days,” Shen replied without hesitation.

“Five days?” Wu Ying’s brow furrowed, her tone sharp. “We can’t stay in this town that long. We should be leaving today.”

The blacksmith straightened, folding his arms. “If you want something that’ll actually protect you when it matters, you’ll wait. Proper armor from a beast like this isn’t something you rush. The hide must be softened and shaped, the bones carved to match, the fittings balanced for weight and movement. Cut corners, and you might as well be wearing trash.”

Wu Ying looked ready to argue further, but Wu Lan laid a gentle hand on her sister’s arm. “We understand, Master Shen. Quality takes time. We’ll return in five days to collect it.”

Shen grunted in approval. “Good. Now let me work before you start distracting me with more requests.”

Taking the hint, they stepped back out into the street, the heat of the forge giving way to the cooler evening air.

—---------------------------------- 

By the time they left Shen’s forge, the sun had dipped lower, its light scattering in warm gold across the rooftops. The rhythmic clang of the blacksmith’s hammer faded into the distance as they made their way back toward the busier part of Meihua Crossing. After a short walk, they found a modest inn with a hanging wooden sign painted with a prancing stag. The warm light spilling from its windows and the faint scent of roasted meat promised a comfortable place to rest.

Inside, the inn was cozy but busy. A crackling hearth warmed the common room, and the low murmur of conversation filled the air. Travelers in various stages of fatigue sat around wooden tables, sipping ale or eating steaming bowls of stew. Behind the counter stood the innkeeper—a plump, balding man with a neatly trimmed beard—polishing a mug as they approached.

Issei stepped forward. “We’ll need a room for the night.”

The man’s brow arched when Issei counted out the silver coins, glancing from him to the three girls behind him. Wu Lan’s calm poise, Wu Ying’s sharp-eyed stillness, and Wu Xiao’s mischievous grin clearly didn’t fit into any simple category of “siblings” or “companions.” The innkeeper’s eyes lingered, an unspoken question on his face.

‘A boy in a room with three girls?’ Issei could practically hear the man’s thoughts. He felt his cheeks warm but didn’t comment. Best to let him wonder.

“Third door on the left, upstairs,” The innkeeper said after pocketing the coins, his tone polite but his curiosity still evident.

The group headed up the narrow wooden stairs, their footsteps creaking on each step. The room was simple—a large bed, a small table with a single chair, and a shuttered window that let in the faint sounds of the street below.

The moment the door closed, Issei summoned the Boosted Gear, and the four of them disappeared into the familiar, endless daylight of the World Marble. The air inside was crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of wildflowers. Their small wooden house sat in the center of the green field, its walls casting a short shadow in the eternal sun.

They made their way inside, Issei setting the bundles of supplies down on the table. Wu Lan pulled up a chair while Wu Ying crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. Wu Xiao flopped onto the bed in the corner, swinging her legs idly.

“Alright,” Issei said, starting to unpack. “Let’s see what we’ve got—preserved meats, dried fruit, cooking herbs, bandages, spare flint, two new pots, some rope, and…” He glanced toward Wu Xiao with a raised brow. “…a ridiculous amount of candy.”

“It’s not ridiculous,” Wu Xiao protested from the bed, holding her pouch protectively. “It’s essential.”

Wu Ying didn’t even look up from where she was inspecting one of the rolls of bandages. “Essential for rotting your teeth, maybe.”

“I’ll have you know—” Wu Xiao began, but Wu Lan’s calm voice cut over them.

“We have enough to last well beyond our next destination,” she said, tapping the table lightly. “Now, the question is how we’re spending the next five days.”

Wu Ying’s frown deepened. “I still don’t like it. Staying in one place for that long just makes us a lazy.”

“We don’t have to waste the time,” Wu Lan countered gently. “A proper look around town might turn up something we haven’t even considered yet—information, supplies, opportunities. It’s not as if Meihua Crossing is our backwater village.”

Wu Ying exhaled sharply, her shoulders lowering a fraction. “Fine. But we keep our guard up.”

“Works for me,” Issei said with a shrug. “I wouldn’t mind looking around either. Could be fun.” In truth, part of him wanted to explore simply to shake off the lingering weight of what they’d seen on the road earlier. Being stuck in their room for days would only make that heaviness worse.

Wu Xiao propped herself up on her elbows, eyes glinting. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll find an adventure tomorrow. Maybe even a fight!”

Wu Lan sighed, giving her younger sister a look that was equal parts weary and fond. “I would prefer it if we didn’t. The fewer unexpected battles we stumble into, the better.”

Wu Xiao just grinned wider.

“Enough for tonight,” Wu Lan continued, standing and stretching slightly. “Rest now. Tomorrow, we’ll see what the town has to offer.”

The others agreed—some more reluctantly than others—and the house soon quieted.

Finally done, it's hard to believe it's been five months since I wrote the last chapter. At least it wasn't three years this time. Comment, tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. What do you think they will find in this town while they wait?