The night was dark, and the wind howled through the forest.0

In the shadowy woods, where the air felt cold and heavy, two figures darted in from opposite sides. One came from the east, the other from the west.0

The man coming from the east wore a black robe with the hood drawn low, hiding all but a sharp, glinting pair of eyes.0

He studied the figure standing across from him, a man in a ghost face mask, and said in a low, deliberate voice, "When the east fails to shine, the west lights up."0

The masked man gave a slight bow. "Whatever your father was like, that’s what I am."0

"The Great Dao of Years Leaves No Regrets?" the man in black asked.0

"And you are Deep Waters Run Silent?" the man opposite him asked in return.1

The two exchanged a nod, then finally stepped closer.0

The man in black formed a seal with his hands and stomped the ground. A glowing circle rose around them, and a silver ring enclosed the space, cutting off all sound and sight from the outside world.0

Only then did he fully let down his guard. "Apologies, brother. You know how things have been. It's been tight lately, too much attention on stuff...0