Murim Recurve

"Sister Re'Luk, it has been long since our last meeting." Ki'Nua made a formal bow as she spoke, failing to conceal the excitement in her voice.

"Yes indeed, Ki'Nua." Re'Kha smiled, boarding the cycle rickshaw that stood before her. Once the two boarded it, the cycle rickshaw started to move. Unlike the ones from before, this was a two-person carriage. And, it was driven by only one driver.

Still, it was fairly fast, so they weren't concerned. Besides, the journey itself was fun.

"I didn't know you liked the Re Clan's style of dressing," Re'Kha spoke with a smile. The dressing sense was something she recognised from far away with a single glance. So even in her grey sand world, it was easy to identify.

"Yes, they are really pleasant to the eyes. I like them the most out of all. My talent for the water element is also slightly superior to the rest, so I usually wear this when I don't sneak out of the Clan," Ki'Nua chuckled, "Besides, the Re Clan's dress is the most comfortable during this hot weather."

"Indeed," Re'Kha nodded, then whispering, "Have you had any other dreams about the Withered Courtyard?"

"Withered Courtyard?" Ki'Nua sat up in fright, "How did you know about it, sister?"

"You mean your mother never told you about it?" Re'Kha inquired in shock.

"She was the one who told me its name, saying it's from a verified source…" Ki'Nua then stared at Re'Kha in surprise, "Are you that…verified source?"

"Indeed I am," Re'Kha nodded, "Actually, your mother mentioned how you saw a broken house one day, right?"

Seeing Ki'Nua nod, Re'Kha sighed, "I was the one who had destroyed that house. I had actually lived there for half a day."

"How was the place actually? I've always had the same dream till now." Ki'Nua asked.

"How many times have you been there by now?"

"28 times."

'That's…high. Nothing unusual happened apart from that, so Ki'Nha didn't inform me about it. I see, this meeting must also be her arrangement, to see if something might happen.' Re'Kha had her doubts, automatically extending her Wind Qi perception. She then noticed a cycle rickshaw trailing behind them, situated far away.

As it was behind five other cycle rickshaws, Ki'Nua was unable to notice their presence, even by a mistake. Through her Wind Qi perception, Re'Kha saw the three ladies, Ki'Nha, Ki'Tse, and Ki'Sha.

"Has anything happened there?"

"Nothing as of yet."

"We are not only putting Ki'Nua at risk, but we are also involving Lady Re'Luk in it." One of them sighed.

"If there is a problem with it, it means Lady Re'Luk is in danger too. One way or another, we have to face it. At least, we have brought our Magic Artifacts this time. So, we can face whatever situation that might come our way."

"You're right. I hope nothing sprouts out from the Withered Courtyard. Just hearing its name gives me the creeps."

"So, did you see anything unusual in it?" Re'Kha continued to converse with Ki'Nua.

"Nothing I could notice," Ki'Nua shook her head, "But, I just can't understand why this is happening to me in the first place. Ki'Tla and Ki'Sul haven't seen anything like it in their dreams. And, the three of us are always together."

"Do you remember getting any item before this dream of yours started?" Re'Kha frowned, "It can be anything that you hadn't had before. Or, it can be an object in your house from long ago, but you have recently made a connection with it, like spilling your blood or body fluid on it. Does anything like that strike you?"

"Hm," Ki'Nua thought long and hard, "I cannot remember anything like that. Sister, why don't you come to my house tonight? We can search for the clues together."

"That's a good idea…" Re'Kha was just about to agree when she remembered something, postponing it immediately, "I'll visit after three days. If something does happen, we should be prepared. Currently, I am unprepared."

She then smiled, "I'll be buying some weapons later. Why don't we also begin preparing anything and everything we need in the off chance we are pulled into the Withered Courtyard?"

"That sounds perfect!" Ki'Nua cheered, looking forward to it even though it was their current destination.

Time passed in such a fashion. It was afternoon by the time they reached the market. It was the largest building in the entirety of Burfuna City. There existed four markets in total, with each situated in one of the four districts: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. There wasn't a market in the central district.

The market was six storeys high and spanned a length equivalent to 30 houses lined side by side. It was almost a square in shape. The entrance was a large opening, like the mouth of a prehistoric beast, open until a height of three storeys.

Anyone who passed by it would be able to peer into it and witness the true scale of the shops lined within. It was a fully roofed structure as pillars ran across the entire establishment. Because of this, there was no issue of the elemental forces disturbing the atmosphere within.

There were four entrances to the market, positioned on each side respectively. This allowed for the passage of air through it, keeping the massive space within ventilated. Re'Kha and Ki'Nua had to climb almost 20 steps before they could pass through its entrance.

The moment they heard the cacophony of noises, filled with the sounds of bargains, shopkeepers peddling their wares, the customers inquiring the details of the goods, prices, etc. Re'Kha and Ki'Nua became excited.

Laid before them was a plethora of shops, selling everything they knew off and were also unaware about. Only by looking through it would they be able to widen their knowledge.

"Do you have enough money?" Re'Kha whispered as she saw Ki'Nua gulp in anticipation.

"I…hope." Ki'Nua smiled awkwardly, "I have a long list that I planned to buy. But now, I have a feeling the list would become even longer."

"Same," Re'Kha laughed.