Hao Ning assumed that the journey to the village would take a long time, however he was wrong. The village turned out to be right behind the hill. Hao Ning could even see the top of the oak tree every time he looked back.

The village Wei Huan led him was small, but even from a distance, looked neat and tidy. Tiny wooden houses surrounded by low fences were decorated with carved with ornate of flowers, animals, elements of nature and clouds. Here and there on the walls could be seen the inscribed characters which said either “life” and “longevity” or “wisdom”. Right in front of the houses were placed tables of vendors with various goods such as flower pots, children's toys and jugs of water. Along the street there were benches and neat flourishing flowerbeds. Swaying red lanterns were hanging on some of the house gates. Somewhere nearby the wind music bells were chiming its silver melody.

Following Wei Huan down the main prospect Hao Ning could not hide his childish curiosity for a long time. After a while the youth started enthusiastically examining the area. Such a bright, beautiful and ennobled place the village was! How could that possibly be a notorious Middle World, grim stories of which the Master had told the apprentices so many times?

“Souls there atone for sins that they have committed – the Master repeated. – They wait there, not knowing where the Ten will send them. This is a sad place accustomed to suffering and ruined expectations”.

Endless would be the torment of those who found themselves in the World of Ghosts.

The memories echoed in Hao Ning’s mind and he shivered, before turning back to the village and the actions that took place around him. In addition to the curious scenery, the youth could not help but notice the people who seemed to live here. The children, the old, and the young. Everyone looked preoccupied. This reminded Hao Ning of his home, where the whirlpool of voices would mix in everyday household routine creating a lively atmosphere.

The young man took a deep breath and closed his eyes.  He could not help but smiling. Nimble children, playing "catch-up" darted past him. Hao Ning watched them running around Wei Huan, who was walking several steps forward. The kids tugged at the man’s legs. But in response they received a gentle pat on the heads. A burst of laughter was heard then and the children galloped off doing their undoubtedly important business.

The man was obviously known in this village. The citizens were not afraid of him. And, well... it seemed that the strict and cold image of Wei Huan appeared to be more of a mask than a true nature.

However, Hao Ning could only guess. Too little time had passed to be able to declare the character of his new acquaintance. Moreover, Hao Ning himself was of much greater interest to everyone, for he was a stranger who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The youth immediately noticed that the people were examining him with curiosity, but at the same time… There was some kind of... sadness? Regret? In their eyes… No, it looked more like… an understanding.

Oh…

No, that were not the children, who had that expression, of course. Those flickering emotions were present only in the eyes of the older people.

– We have arrived, – Wei Huan's voice made Hao Ning stop and look at the wooden sign of the house they had approached. – They will explain you everything. I got to go.

– What? Where? – Hao Ning's eyes widened in surprise.

– I have a business to do, – came the brief answer, and it looked as if there was nothing more to be expected from the man.

Wei Huan walked closer to the door and knocked on the wooden beam several times.

– Wu Zhe Kai! – he called. – I brought...

He didn’t finish. The bamboo door opened wide, revealing a young man. Nearly a boy he was, with blue eyes and a bright smile. The tip of his nose was smudged with something. Dried blades of grass and petals were stuck to his clothes. His short ponytail was tied with a ribbon and... for some reason the hair also resembled a bunch of dry grass.

– Finally! Where is she? Where is your wife? – his voice sounded with delight. The man’s gaze darted around, then settled on Hao Ning. – Oh… – he said. – A man? Wow. That is... unexpected. But anyway, you have my blessing.

Wei Huan crossed his arms and sighed.

– Would you please be so kind and explain him everything? I have to go.

So he said, then turned around and left. For some reason, a strange thought flashed through Hao Ning’s mind. It all looked like Wei Huan... had just... fled?

– Now just look at that. Has just married and runs away, – Wu Zhe Kai put his hands on his hips and shook his head. – Natural male behavior. So very natural.

The guy snorted, giggling at his own joke, then turned to Hao Ning.

– Hello there. My name is Wu Zhe Kai. I am a local healer.

– Nice to meet you. This one is called Hao Ning. May this one ask whether thee...

-Whoa! Wait, wait, wait! –  Wu Zhe Kai raised his hands. – No need to be so formal. Please be my guest.

Hao Ning shrugged his shoulders and smiled. The friendliness of this young man was endearing. To follow all those formal rules in his company was almost a disrespect.

– As you wish. Erm, by the way, there is some dirt on the tip of your nose.

– Again? – Wu Zhe Kai sighed. – That’s what always happens when you mess with herbs!

He quickly wiped the soiled stain with his sleeve. Well, the guy obviously did not care much about his appearance.

– Come on in, let’s discuss everything in a calm atmosphere, – continued Wu Zhe Kai and made the welcoming gesture.

The healer was the first to step back into the house. Hao Ning followed. It was a little embarrassing for him to invade someone's private space, but judging by the interior, the house was more of a hospital than a lodging. The air was filled with the scent of dried and drying herbs and various flowers. The shelves collided with bottles filled with unknown liquids and jars of ointments. Hanging on thin threads up above the ceiling, plump bunches of herbs were seen here and there.

Hao Ning merely walked into into some low-hanging yellow flowers.

– This way, – said Wu Zhe Kai, making his way to a room separated from the main hall. His next words came out from there. – Grandma, a newcomer has arrived. And he doesn't understand what's going on. I mean, at all. Wei Huan brought him a few minutes ago.

When Hao Ning looked into the room, Zhe Kai was already filling a clay teapot with fragrant tea herbs.

The place, flooded with the rays of the setting sun, was small, but as cozy and warm as the rest of the house. In the middle there nestled a low table with cushions spread around it. A bookcase full of books, wooden planks, and the tufts of wild grass shored up a wall. Several amazingly detailed fabric paintings were hanging on the walls.

Burning incense exuded the subtle scent of sweet berries. A barely perceptible smoke was curling up from the lamp.

A little old woman was sitting at the table. Her thin, dry hands were holding a porcelain bowl. The wrinkles in the corners of her eyes looked like a spiderweb. Yet, despite her age, the woman seemed neither weak nor defenseless. She emitted the aura of wisdom and humility. A sophisticated pin in her hair-knot was an accent to her elegance and not yet lost femininity.