Bab 21: Chapter 20: Whispers in the Inn
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the winding roads and lush forests as Surya, Li Wei, and Mei Lin approached a small inn nestled at the foot of a mist-covered hill. The inn, named The Jade Moon Pavilion, stood as a humble yet welcoming establishment, its wooden structure adorned with delicate carvings of cranes, lotus flowers, and swirling clouds. Lanterns hung from the eaves, their soft glow painting the entrance in shades of red and gold, and the faint scent of jasmine wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of simmering broth and freshly brewed tea.
Exhausted after nearly a month of relentless travel, Mei Lin sighed heavily, her steps faltering as the promise of rest drew nearer. "I'm tired," she admitted, rubbing her eyes. "We've been traveling for so long, Surya. My body aches, and I've hardly slept."
Li Wei nodded, sharing his sister's fatigue. "A night under a proper roof would do us good. Even warriors need rest."
Surya glanced at his companions, noticing the weariness etched on their faces. While he himself needed no sleep—his spirit fueled by an unending reservoir of energy—he understood the toll the journey had taken on the siblings. "Very well," he said with a soft smile. "Let's find you both a place to rest."
As they stepped into the inn, they were greeted by the lively buzz of conversation. The interior was modest yet cozy, with wooden beams overhead and paper lanterns that cast a warm, flickering light across the room. Tables were scattered about, each filled with travelers, merchants, and locals alike, sharing stories over cups of rice wine and bowls of steaming soup. The walls were adorned with scrolls depicting ancient legends, and a small stage in the corner featured a musician plucking gentle notes on a guqin, providing a soothing background to the inn's bustling activity.
Surya made his way to the counter, where the innkeeper—a stout, middle-aged man with a kind smile and a neatly trimmed beard—greeted him with a respectful nod. "Welcome to The Jade Moon Pavilion, travelers. What can I do for you?"
"We'd like a room for the night," Surya said, pulling a few coins from his pouch. Although he could easily conjure wealth from thin air, he still carried some of the money from his last visit to Xianzhou, appreciating the simplicity of paying his way.
The innkeeper accepted the coins with a smile, his eyes flickering to Mei Lin and Li Wei. "You're in luck; we have a room available on the upper floor. It's quiet, away from the bustle, and the beds are comfortable enough. I hope you'll find it to your liking."
Surya nodded in gratitude, and they were quickly shown to their room—a quaint space with two beds draped in soft silk sheets, a small table by the window, and an ornate screen painted with images of cranes in flight. Mei Lin and Li Wei wasted no time, collapsing onto their beds with deep sighs of relief.
"Finally," Mei Lin murmured, her eyes already closing as exhaustion overtook her. "I can rest without worrying about anything. Thank you, Surya."
"Rest well," Surya replied, his voice gentle. "I'll keep watch."
While Mei Lin and Li Wei drifted into much-needed slumber, Surya stood by the window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard below. The inn was filled with life, its guests a mix of weary travelers, rugged mercenaries, and wandering cultivators. Each had their own story, their own reason for being here, and as Surya watched, he couldn't help but feel the invisible threads of fate weaving together around them.
Downstairs, the inn buzzed with the casual hum of conversation. Men in travel-worn robes huddled over their drinks, exchanging tales of treacherous mountain passes and encounters with spirits. Merchants boasted of their latest trades, and farmers spoke of the harvest, all beneath the watchful eyes of the inn's staff who moved gracefully between tables, balancing trays of food and drink.
"Did you hear about the beast attacks near the northern borders?" one man muttered, his voice low and hushed as he leaned in close to his companions. "Rumor has it, there's a demon lurking in the forests. Hunters have gone missing—whole caravans, gone without a trace."
"Nonsense," scoffed another, dismissing the tale with a wave of his hand. "It's just wolves. People see shadows and let their imaginations run wild. There are no demons here—this is Xianzhou, a land blessed by the gods."
Elsewhere, a group of scholars engaged in a spirited debate about the nature of enlightenment, their voices rising above the din. "The path to true enlightenment is through discipline," one argued. "Without it, the mind is as chaotic as a storm. Only through strict adherence to the teachings can one hope to reach Nirvana."
"Nonsense!" another retorted. "Discipline alone stifles the spirit. True enlightenment is found in freedom, in breaking the chains that bind us to rigid thought. Even the greatest sages of old knew that rules are meant to be questioned."
Amidst the lively exchanges, Surya's attention was drawn to a group of rough-looking men seated at a table near the corner, their eyes lingering on Mei Lin even after she had gone upstairs. Their stares were far from innocent—hungry, leering gazes that traced the curves of her form with shameless intent. One of the men, a burly figure with a scar running down his cheek, smirked as he whispered to his companions, nudging them as they all shared a knowing, vulgar chuckle.
Mei Lin, for all her strength, had sensed their stares earlier but chose to ignore them, knowing all too well that men would be men. She had endured worse during her travels and battles, and the thought of confronting such base behavior seemed beneath her. But Surya, watching from the shadows, felt his calm demeanor harden. He knew the world was filled with those who saw women as objects, and while Mei Lin had brushed off their attention, the sight of such disrespect stirred something fierce within him.
However, more troubling were the hooded figures seated at the far end of the room. Dressed in dark, nondescript robes that blended into the dimly lit surroundings, they spoke in hushed tones, their faces obscured by deep hoods. One of them, an older figure with a low, gravelly voice, observed Mei Lin closely, his gaze lingering with an intensity that was both curious and unsettling.
"Could she be the one?" the older figure murmured, his voice barely audible above the background noise.
Another, younger man beside him, shifted uncomfortably. "She fits the description, but we must be certain. If it's truly her, then we may have found what we've been searching for."
"Careful," the older man warned, his tone carrying the weight of experience. "We cannot afford to be reckless. The stakes are too high, and there are others who seek her as well. Watch, but do not act until we are certain."
The hooded figures continued their quiet discussion, their motives shrouded in mystery. Surya, ever perceptive, kept a careful eye on them, sensing the threads of fate beginning to tangle. He knew not what they sought, but their interest in Mei Lin was more than mere admiration. There was purpose behind their watchful eyes, a dangerous purpose that he would need to uncover.
The night pressed on, the inn alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and whispered secrets. Mei Lin and Li Wei slept peacefully, unaware of the silent threats that lingered just beyond their doors. Surya, standing as their vigilant guardian, knew that the path ahead would not be without peril. The world was filled with those who sought to manipulate, control, and take without regard for the lives they touched. But Surya, the rebel Buddha, was ready. He had faced worse than leering men and shadowy figures, and he would not be deterred from his quest.
As the moonlight spilled into the room, casting pale blue patterns on the floor, Surya continued to watch over his companions, his mind sharp and alert. For now, they would rest, but tomorrow would bring new challenges. The journey to find the Sutra of Liberation was only beginning, and Surya knew that destiny would soon call them to action once more.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone