The Inn of Coming Wealth - 34

Aso stood in the center of the stone formation, a slight curve to her lips as she watched his somewhat disheveled back. Wu Xuan's light and shadow flickered gently, as if waiting. 'Information node connected. The bounty board will now be able to receive requests from a wider range.' Aso responded with a simple sound, saying no more. She walked to the well and placed her hands on the rearranged stones, feeling their faint pulse, like a group of small animals that had just settled down. Wu Xuan didn't speak again, nor did he disappear. He stood in the center of the stone formation, hands hanging loosely at his sides, his posture as natural as a lighthouse that had been standing there for a long time. He didn't rush, didn't ask, just waited quietly. The morning light spilled over the eastern ridge line, illuminating the well's opening, the stone formation, the leaves of the butterfly ginger, and falling on his blue and white silhouette, softening his edges a little. The well water was no longer just well water. It was the first door to the forest community, and the door had opened.