Epilogue
Several months later, Mingyue Inn reopened.
The rules stayed the same.
On the reservation page, I added a bold red notice.
"This inn is deep in the mountains with uncontrollable natural factors. No children allowed. Limited to vegetarian meals only. If unacceptable, please do not book."
Occasionally on full moon nights, Qiu Gu would still come for tea.
Hua Pi Gui would drop by for a meal.
We had an unspoken agreement and never spoke of that night again.
Da Ling never stepped foot in the inn again.
But I knew he lurked somewhere in the mountains.
The lanterns at Mingyue Inn lit up once more as mountain wind swept through the corridors, carrying the fresh scent of grass and woods. The blood and terror had long since passed.
I suddenly missed that old man.
The wind chime at the eaves tinkled softly, as if answering.
It took me a moment to realize.
Oh no.
The old man's grave had been pried open again!