Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Child, why are you up that tree?" The voice surprises him more then the question. And so, Wei Ying looks down to find a blue scaled Dragon below.

"Dogs..." He stammers out as his fingers curl a bit more upon the bark of the tree trunk. Just saying that makes him flinch.

The Dragon looks about before huffing and then addressing him once again. "Doesn't seem to be anything free from the kennel. So, why not climb down?"

Biting and then chewing upon his lower lip for a bit, Wei Ying recalling the threat that Jiang Cheng had spoken off. "... Young Master Jiang said he'd set them on me." He admits, glad he remembered the proper address that he'd been taught in regards to Jiang Cheng, the son of the current Sect Leader, Jiang Fengmian.

"That young one. Tsk." The Dragon sports a look of annoyance. "No manners, that one, none at all." The Dragon adds before once more looking back up at him.

"Ah, speaking of manners." The Dragon's looks soften as she introduces herself, "I am Lung Shen Xiang and I promise that if Jiang Cheng had visited the kennel to let the dogs out, you'll be safe upon my back."

"I'm Wei Ying." Returns the introduction as Wei Ying considers this offer, recalling how stray dogs always did their best to slink into the shadows whenever a Dragon walks down the main street. And so, he nods before hasting, as he considers how he could get down. "I'm... I'm not sure I can climb down."

Shen Xiang hums while lowering her gaze, seemingly considering the tree. And then, the Dragon rears up, closing the distance between them. "Now then, jump and I'll catch you."

And so, Wei Ying does so with Shen Xiang catching him easily. It's a bit awkward as there isn't any claw sheaths and so, Shen Xiang is doing her best to be careful not to scratch the child while Wei Ying is trying to move so he can look up at Shen Xiang's head.

By the time Shen Xiang lowers Wei Ying upon the ground, there's a slightly older one with a lantern coming towards them. "Lung Shen Xiang." The young girl, it turns out that older child is, addresses the Dragon with a polite greeting before turning to regard Wei Ying.

"Wei Ying?" The girl inquires and the younger child nods, not sure what to make of the sudden appearance of this Maiden Jiang, if he recalls correctly. "A-Cheng was worried something happened. Many thanks for finding him, Lung Shen Xiang."

"What has Young Master Jiang done now?" The tone that Shen Xiang uses causes Wei Ying to wonder how often Jiang Cheng, he's been encouraged to call the Heir that way, gets into trouble. "And in which way did it involve young Wei Ying here?"

"It's just boys being boys, Lung Shen Xiang." Maiden Jiang, who's name Wei Ying might have heard once but most of those he'd been with during the last few weeks have always referred to the daughter of Sect Leader Jiang as Maiden Jiang. There's something Wei Ying is missing out on as Shen Xiang huffs.

"I'll escort the two of you to your rooms." Shen Xiang finally states after staring intently at Maiden Jiang. "Wei Ying is housed with the other disciples, correct?"

Wei Ying hums with a nod while Maiden Jiang seemed to frown. "It was suggested that A-Ying returns to A-Cheng's room." Maiden Jiang states and Wei Ying finds himself bewildered.

"But he said I wasn't allowed into his room! That he'd... he'd..." He couldn't bring himself to speak of those... beasts.

"A-Cheng didn't mean it." Maiden Jiang is quick to assure Wei Ying while Shen Xiang snorts. As Maiden Jiang does her best to make excuses for her younger brother, it's Shen Xiang's reactions that make him a bit more disincline to take the excuses with any weight.

So, Wei Ying is torn between the Dragon that saved him from the tree and Maiden Jiang who showed up already incline to apologize on her brother's behalf. Shouldn't he apologize for himself? Wei Ying can't help but wonder to himself.

"I just want to go back to my room, please." Wei Ying requests politely as he's tired and would like to be somewhere inside. Whatever is going on between the Dragon and the girl, he rather they continue it later.

"Understandable." Shen Xiang agrees easily while it's clear that his request doesn't seem to be to the older girl's liking. "Father wanted A-Ying to spend the night with A-Cheng." She states, clearly thinking that this changes things.

While it does cause Wei Ying a moment to consider agreeing with that, Shen Xiang snorts before addressing Maiden Jiang in a flat, no nonsense tone, "You mean Young Master Jiang thinks he'll get in trouble if Wei Ying isn't found in his room come morning, when Sect Leader comes to check on them."

"But he was the one who didn't want me there in the first place! He wouldn't open the door and even threatened me with dogs!" Wei Ying is tired and suspects he's got support in the form of Shen Xiang. Who clearly doesn't seem to like either Jiang Cheng or Maiden Jiang, given that Shen Xiang is likely older then either of them, thus Wei Ying suspects she's got good reasons for that kind of opinion in regards to the two.

Respect your elders. Wei Ying thinks while both Shen Xiang and himself wait for Maiden Jiang to come up with some kind of response. It's clear that this wasn't the way things were suppose to go, at least, in Maiden Jiang's mind given the slight annoyance that lingers in her eyes as she stares at Wei Ying, which brings to mind Madam Yu.

Before anything else goes, there's a loud yelp not that far from where they are. And so, Shen Xiang sweeps Wei Ying up and carries him easily in her one arm before walking in said direction. Something about being carried by Shen Xiang causes Wei Ying to feel rather safe, so he doesn't request to be put down.

Wei Ying thinks he hears crying and it gets louder the closer to the source. "Young Master Jiang..." There's clear exasperation in Shen Xiang's tone.

"A-Cheng! I told you to go alert one of the senior disciples about A-Ying." Maiden Jiang gently scolds once she's out of sight. The light has moved but Wei Ying is just so... done.

"This night wasn't what I wanted it to be." Wei Ying murmurs as Maiden Jiang fusses over her brother. "Agreed." Shen Xiang whispers in agreement.

Shen Xiang reports what happened to Jiang Fengmian and when Jiang Cheng refuses to speak of the events that happened, the Sect Leader turns to Wei Ying. For a moment, Wei Ying considers lying, covering up the whole thing but a glare from Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying tells the truth, after all, Shen Xiang had reported what he'd said, besides, Jiang Cheng's fears of getting punish are unwarranted.

It's clear that Jiang Fengmian is disappointed in the situation. Later, Maiden Jiang attempts to scold Wei Ying about telling the truth, but Yu Manch, who'd been walking pass puts a stop to it. Scolding Maiden Jiang about her attitude in concerned to Jiang Cheng, that Young Master Jiang needs to learn to watch his words better, less they get the Young Master into trouble with someone important and less incline to let such words go.

Then Yu Manch inquires about her studies and Maiden Jiang, who's name Wei Ying learns is Yanli is quick to excuse herself. Once gone, Yu Manch sweeps Wei Ying off while inquiring about Wei Ying's own studies and if he's having trouble catching up to those of his age. Wei Ying lets the incident go but does his best to remember both how Jiang Yanli acted upon finding him along with the attempt to get him to retract his own account of that night along with how Jiang Cheng wasn't worried about Wei Ying but over how his father would react to the situation, that the boy seemed to think his father doesn't love him?

It's some months later does it click on who it is that's been etching such thoughts into Jiang Cheng's mind. Sadly, there's already a gap between Wei Ying and the Jiang siblings, so, it's unlikely that Jiang Cheng would believe Wei Ying if he tries to tell the truth. That gap just grows wider as the years pass.

The Dragons of Lotus Pier weld their influence within the Sect to protect the human disciples from the so called Madam Yu and then in addition of, Jiang Wanyin. Wei Ying finds shelter and safety under the wings of Dragons and they, in turn, find him a delightful and diligent student.

Lung Li Chun's egg rests within a bundle of Talismans and silk; this bundle has been strapped to Lung Yu Manch's stomach, not far from the chest. It makes for a slightly bemusing sight, if those presence were to be honest. Given the build of the Yu breed, it's the most likely spot to carry something that everyone is reluctant to put into a Qiankun Bag or a Spacial Chest.

It's been an interesting visit for the pair of Jiang Sect Cultivators and it's only just a bit after midday! Particularly given that they had arrived a bit after dawn just this morning. Then again, a Cultivator's duty is something the does see the pair, upon hearing some concerning issue, which turns out to be a minor haunting when they go about investigating it after having a cup of tea.

Neither Yu Manch nor Wei Wuxian felt that they could just take the egg and leave without checking in on this concerned bit of news, if it weren't of any true concern then it was best for all around the area to know it as such but if it were far worse... Well, there's always the Jiang Flare to be sent up in hopes of attracting fellow Cultivators to aid with the issue. Though, given their current location, those answering Cultivators might be of either Jin or Lan Sect, the odds of Rogue Cultivators answering such a signal flare, well, depends on the Rogues.

So, a morning spent hurrying about the village, speaking with locals before heading to the sighting. The ghost had been haunting a particular location, it had been tricky but they did find the body. None of the locals could identify the body and the wounds suggest a nasty fight. Still, the pair consider it before it's decided to bury the body in hopes that action will soothe the Resentful Ghost enough for them to pass into the cycle. Plus the pair made promises to report it to Sect Leader Jiang so the matter can be investigated properly, particularly if this doesn't quiet the ghost's resentment.

As for the task entrusted to the pair, it's clear that there are members of the Gao Family who are clearly still wistful about the future of the hatchling. Perhaps even fantasising it was them that were about to leave, maybe a few still hoping that its' likely that they could in the future, that it would be discovered they, too, have the right Spirit Roots and robust Meridians to join a Sect in order to Cultivate safely. Wei Wuxian watches as the people are reminded of their jobs.

After all, the needed farewells have been spoken and the bundle, hopefully, secure upon Yu Manch's body. So, with a final nod towards the pair of Lung Li Chun and her Companion, Gao Bingwen, herd the various young ones back through the gate. Taking a second to grip his sword as he regards his traveling companion, getting ready for the trip back to Lotus Pier.

"Ready, Uncle?" Wei Wuxian inquires with a bit of a smile upon his face. As Yu Manch alters his body position, getting to a standing position, the bundle does come away every so slightly but the harness keeps tight. "Perhaps, little brat, the question is are you?"

The two break into a soft chuckle and sport wide smiles as they turn their backs on the Gao Manor. Both curious as to the identity of the sire of this egg along with why out of the three Major Sects did the Jiang get picked? Either way, both Lung Li Chun and Gao Bingwen hadn't been incline to speak of him nor did it knowledge of this egg was overly known, which suggests that there's something more to the story and it didn't really involve the two of them.

So, they begin walking for a bit, both of them very much aware of how the egg bundle sways but the harness holds true. Sharing a look, it's then that Suibian comes floating out of the sheath while Yu Manch unfurls his wings. A single, another share look passes between them, this one of sizing the other up before Wei Wuxian leaps up into the air as Yu Manch takes a running leap. Suibian is under his feet within seconds as he leans his body and the sword in the direction of Lotus Pier.

His hair whips about due to the wind while he does his best to get real close to Yu Manch's tail tip. Whenever he gets close, Yu Manch speeds up or banks to one of the sizes. Still, Wei Wuxian manages to keep the Dragon in his line of sight even as he falls back a bit. If Yu Manch had been a mortal member of his breed, perhaps Wei Wuxian could match the speed more easily but he isn't and thus, is capable of flying faster compared to a mortal member of that breed.

Over time, the elation of flying upon Suibian fades as Yu Manch's own pace becomes something meant for long flights. Wei Wuxian will give the other a pout once they return and play at being upset over his lack of ability to over take the Dragon in that first 'sprint' of returning to Lotus Pier. Although, judging the distance between them, Wei Wuxian suspects that he's a bit closer then he had been during their last job, which had been last month.

Not a lot but by some, I think. The teen muses to himself. "Last time we'll be together like this until after Cloud Recesses." Wei Wuxian sighs after speaking out loud, although the wind does try its best to get into his throat viva the open mouth.

Pushing the thoughts concerning the year long study session at such a strict place, Wei Wuxian does his best to be in the moment. To not think overly much about the future nor dwell upon the past. To just... be.

"Welcome back Uncle. Da-Shixiong!" Fifth Shidi both greets and then inquires. "How was the trip?"

The returning pair greet Fifth Shidi in turn before Yu Manch walks over to the approaching Hatchery staff of Lotus Pier, one Ying Xu. Wei Wuxian watches as he answers the various questions coming from his shidi and shimei. They muse over the cause of injuries that the ghost died from, their imaginations running rampant in creating various scenarios of what kind of person they'd been in life.

The sun is almost fully set and so, Wei Wuxian does his best to herd the group out of the Arrival Courtyard along with inquiring about their day as he'd been gone since very early this morning to travel with Yu Manch to Gao Manor. If not for the haunting, they likely would have arrived in the afternoon instead of early night. There's a lot of complains concerning Jiang Wanyin's attempts at leading the various training sessions along with how easily the temper flared when Third Shimei managed to shot a kit down further then him, how furious Jiang Wanyin had torn into the younger teen.

"Ah, I wouldn't mind seeing that! Good job, Shimei! Keep improving!" Wei Wuxian praises and encourages, which causes the girl to become less stiff as relief overtake the worry that had been clouding her face.

"Everyone should keep trying to do better! How else do you plan to advance your training?" Wei Wuxian adds to the group, he suspects that most had held back during today's training due to him being absent, thus, none had wanted to out shine Jiang Wanyin.

There's a bit of guilt that flicker across some faces, those who were older and thus could have done better. But, sadly, Wei Wuxian suspects that they didn't simply due to the fact that without him around to take the blunt of Jiang Wanyin's temper and moods, they feared being on the receiving end of or worst, that Yu Ziyuan would have made a surprise return to the Sect and begins berating her son in public. Which is likely, given that she's done so to her husband and the Sect Leader often enough that everyone knows the so called situation of the Jiang Clan's eldest members.

Finally, Wei Wuxian catches sight of Sect Leader Jiang and begins shooing the collection of Disciples off to their night routines. Those that notice also help in dispersing the group and he's happy that it sounds like Yu Ziyuan hadn't returned from her Night Hunting while he'd been gone. Pausing to ensure he's presentable, Wei Wuxian walks over to where his Sect Leader and aids are standing, bowing respectfully, "Sect Leader. We have returned with the Lung Li Egg."

"So I've been informed." Jiang Fengmian states in turn. There's a nod and Wei Wuxian reports the haunting they dealt with along with being sure to mention that the ghost might not have passed, given what kind of condition the body had been in when Yu Manch and himself found it, the resentment might not just be over the lack of burial but by who killed him or if there's some unfinished business of a personal sort.

"It sounds as though the Lan Sect will be better suited in this case." The Sect Leader states after a few seconds. "They have ways to commune with the souls of the dead. And in this case, if the ghost lingers then it would be easier to be direct in learning what the issue with them is from they themselves."

Wei Wuxian suspected that would be how it would go but since there's no means by which the Jiang can interrogate the dead as successfully as the infamous Inquiry of the Gusu Lan Sect. "Go get something to eat and get some rest. I believe you've a few days yet before leaving with A-Cheng for the Cloud Recesses. Best make the most of them."

Knowing it a dismissal, Wei Wuxian bows once more with a echoing agreement and then heads off to see about a bath before a meal. The sights and sounds of Lotus Pier is something he savours as he heads off to deal with his personal business. He's unsure if he'll encounter one of the Yu Ziyuan's house servants and thus, have to deal with drawing the bath for himself.

After all, in the eyes of those under Yu Ziyuan and the supposedly to Madam Jiang, he's just the son of a servant. Which is rather tiring and thus, he shouldn't have the benefits of his title nor position, which is Head Disciple within the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. The Yu servants had a habit of spying on the rest of the Sect, informing the woman of what she'd deem important, namely anything involving Wei Wuxian and whether any of the other Disciples out preformed Jiang Wanyin while he'd been gone.

It's tiring, this strife within the Jiang Sect. Those that Yu Ziyuan brought from her former Sect tend to treat Yu Ziyuan as though she had a solid claim to her preferred title, Madam Yu, and as the Sect Leader of Yunmeng Jiang Sect when, in fact, it was Jiang Fengmian who was the Sect Leader and also the one who's family she'd married into, as is proper. Given that Jiang Fengmian has never done anything to curtail these notions nor enforce the duties Yu Ziyuan is suppose to do as the Madam of the Sect, there's little that anyone living in Lotus Pier could do when such a shameless woman is within the Sect and not out Night Hunting.

It's why so many of the older Disciples of the Sect leave, really. Having such a Sect Leader who won't deal with this shameless woman, this supposed wife, and mother of his children, Wei Wuxian knows that he'll be following suit. After all, given the focus that he gets from the woman and how she's been training her son to follow in her foot steps, Wei Wuxian doesn't feel safe to remain to see Young Master Jiang take over from his father.

"How bad must things be for Sect Leader Jiang to address the issue concerning his wife and son?" Wei Wuxian had heard and thought many times during his years studying at Lotus Pier. "I will not support a man who doesn't understand nor support the principles that I grew up under and respect." He recalls Shen Xiang to Qianshui Zemin after a meeting to address the growing concerns of the Dragons in regards to Jiang Wanyin.

While Jiang Sect doesn't have lowest number of Dragons within its ranks among the Great Sects, for that particular honour belongs to the Lan Sect with a total of three Dragon Cultivators. The eldest of whom had been recorded to have been with the Sect since the time of Sect Leader Lan Yi. It's rumoured that the number would be four, if there wasn't the ban on Lung Tien from being released from their mortal duty towards the Imperial Family in order to join the Immortal one; given that respectable Lung Tien Renshu visits rather often on the excuse of visiting his favourite cousin, the Dragon Companion of Heir Lan Xichen, Lung Qin Xiaosheng.

Still, given that there's twenty, perhaps in twenty-one in the future, Dragons in the Sect, it's still lower then the numbers within the Jin, Nie, and Wen Sects which number in near or in the hundreds. The Jin have middle numbers in the seventies while the last two count in the hundreds but there's not official statement about just how many there are in either Sect. Then again, given what happened with the late Sect Leader Nie, the current Sect Leader Mingjue has been busy recruiting men, women, and children along with encouraging their Dragons to sire eggs.

War is on the horizon and yet, Wei Wuxian can only hope that it won't happen until he's an adult and, perhaps, had bonded with a Dragon enough to have a Dragon Companion to travel with as a Rogue Cultivator. He doubts that the Jiang Sect will survive the war and he's not sure he'd want to fight under Young Master Jiang, if he survives the early months of the war. There's people he didn't mourn within the Sect and Jiang Wanyin isn't one of them, although he suspects that Sect Leader had hoped they'd become close like he'd been with his father, but, well, if things had been different, perhaps he could have been?

"Master Wei! Is there anything you need?" Blinking, Wei Wuxian finds that he'd been lost in his thoughts to the point he'd arrived where he'd wanted.

"Ah, yes, sorry, it's been a long day." Wei Wuxian informs the servant cheerfully. "I'm hoping to have a bath before I head for the kitchens for a meal."

The servant nods and promises to see to it personally. There's no sight of anyone wearing the Yu Sect symbol about and it seems that the servant notices him checking. "Ah, those Yu got in trouble this morning. It seems they'd been caught smuggling certain manuals out of the Library and so, Sect Leader has been having his hands full questioning them." There's a clear smug smile at sharing this.

"Word has it that taking stock of the whole Sect is going to happen." The young servant adds. "That if anything is gone or not where it's suppose to be, well, you know."

Wei Wuxian snorts but nods as he comments, "Hopefully something good will come from it but, well, ..." He trails off and the servant gets a look of disappointment while glancing off to where the Jiang Clan live.

"True." And with that, they are quick to do their own way. Wei Wuxian muses over if someone or something has been planning to frame those under Yu Ziyuan or if this is something that actually happened.

Guess it won't be a restful few days after all. Wei Wuxian muses to himself.

Due to the lock down upon the Yu servants, none of them could send word out concerning the leaving of Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian, so the Purple Spider misses out on seeing her son off. Then when Yu Ziyuan and her maids return five days after they left for Gusu Lan and will find her personal household very under staffed along with a few Jiang Heirlooms returned to their proper place within the Treasury Vault along with her husband out doing a tour of his properties, thus it's Lung Qianshui Zemin, Jiang Fengmian's Dragon Companion she'll be meeting with for a number of discussions concerning limits of a woman has within a Great Sect and dealing with a bottom line of any new hires for her house now goes through the Jiang Sect.

Even upon returning and attempts to force Jiang Fengmian into submitting to giving back such authority doesn't work as a few of the items that Yu Ziyuan had claimed had been fenced by her generally unsupervised servants, among the under half a dozen items was a pearl bracelet that once belonged to the Dragon Companion of the Jiang Sect's Founder, Lung Qianshui Yi.

Security measures get put into place to ensure that nobody without the proper authorized could venture into the Treasury and take any of it out. As for the list of those authorized, it was fairly short and, regrettably, the only main member of the Jiang Clan who's name is upon said list is that of the Sect Leader, Jiang Fengmian. It was believed that, due to Yu Ziyuan's influence over Maiden Jiang and Young Master Jiang, they would be incline to act on their mother's behalf. Given how this came about, it was unspoken agreement that Yu Ziyuan had already proven to be unworthy of such authority.

As for the accusations concerning the copying of any Jiang Cultivation Manuals, well, they found a semi copying scheme going on. Without various pages from other manuals, what's copied wasn't effective but the wording does make such manuals seem more authentic along with having sported a particular mark that's a near enough replica of those upon the manuals themselves. Such things were collected and burnt while those who did the copying and selling got punished under the strict eye of Lung Qianshui Zemin before being banished from Yunmeng.

An audit of finances was quietly suggested to Lung Qianshui Zemin personally, to ensure that there hadn't been any thief of funds or accounting tricks. It was kept quiet to keep anyone guilty from being alerted before they begin, after all, the hypothetical guilty party might be incline to do certain things, like burn the books, tear out pages, or even flee before they figure out who is in need to getting punished.

"Should you really be out here?" Wei Wuxian inquires after slowly creeping close to have a better vantage point. Which then allowed him to witness Tien Renshu using his Qi to levitate a practice sword, moving it through a few of the Lan Sect moves at that.

"Should you be wandering about this late?" Counters the Lung Tien in turn, head turning slightly but clearly the Dragon is focus more on the practice sword. Wei Wuxian hums as he approaches from the left after floating down from the tree.

It's impressive. Wei Wuxian admits as he watches the sword continue through the air in the style of the Lan Sect. "Must be hard, given how poor the sword is." And small.

Tien Renshu huffs and Wei Wuxian looks up at the Dragon who's breaking prosperity by just being able to use his own spiritual prowess. "So what? If I have the potential and incline, I should Cultivate." Tien Renshu growls, "It's not like I'm going to be choosing some relative of the Imperial family."

The sword's moment speeds up along with a glow along the blade. "And what of it? Just because they have the right blood, the right lineage does not make me any more incline to take one for a Companion." There's a faint pressure beginning to roll from the Lung Tien.

Wei Wuxian isn't sure what to make of the rant but suspects that if this keeps up, it'll be impossible for either of them to not get noticed. "I guess there a lot of pressure, given that your the only one without a Companion and so many eyeing the throne." The fact that the Lung Tien is nearly twice his age and remains single...

As the glow and pressure subsides, Wei Wuxian's gaze slides away, it seems that the Dragon realizes Wei Wuxian isn't going to lecture him, for now. "If only I were a mere Lung Qin..." Whines the most respectable member of a Dragon breed within the Realm. "Then I could just ignore Moral matters and just Cultivate like Grandmother and my cousin." The blade has come to a stop with its point facing the earth.

Feeling that the other is now staring at him, Wei Wuxian returns the gaze, getting a better look at the face of Tien Renshu. The first thing he notices has to do with the lack of the white blaze upon the snout, its something his cousin, Qin Xiaosheng sports. The shared features of the Tien and Qin were easy to spot but then there's those features that are only the Lung Tien breed sport, namely the horns, whisker, and ruff that's about the head.

Tien Renshu is a darker color then his cousin, Qin Xiaosheng. The eyes seem to be a lighter color then his cousin, though. It's dark so it's not like Wei Wuxian can see more of Tien Renshu's body to compare the two.

"Not a Lan." Tien Renshu muses, clearly taking time to study Wei Wuxian in turn. "Purple... Jiang Sect? The cut... That pattern... You don't share the look I've seen of Sect Leader Jiang nor his wife. So, if you are not the Young Master Jiang..."

"Oh? Pictures?" Wei Wuxian inquires in bemusement. Listening to the deduction of Tien Renshu, he admits that few would be so observant, particularly given it's something of a tradition for the Head Disciple to be the Sect Heir.

"The Emperor wanted portraits of Sect Leaders, be they great or not, in order to recognize who is who and rules over which Sect." Explains Tien Renshu and then his body seems to droop, the practice sword drops to the ground once it's put into the sheath. "I suspect you'll be reporting me?" The change in topic seemingly abrupt.

"Report what? A Lung practicing Cultivation? I wasn't aware there's rules against such a thing on yonder wall." Wei Wuxian states, lazily gesturing in the direction where said wall is. "Sure, there's no Lung disciples but that doesn't mean that there aren't messenger Lung dropping by."

"I am clearly not just another Lung Cultivator nor a Messenger of any sort." States Tien Renshu in an affronted tone and then it takes a bit before it really does dawn on the other that Wei Wuxian really isn't going to report having seen a Lung Tien practicing Cultivation, just a Lung.

"You..." Holding up a hand, Wei Wuxian states, "Yea, no introductions happened and then we just went off to our respective rooms." Giving the older and certainly larger of the two of them a pleasant smile. "Can't say who if I never got their name, now can I? "

Tien Renshu barks out a startled laugh before halting it and switching to a lower chuckle. "Right, right. And if found here, I was just admiring the swords." The Dragon remarks in a dry tone and Wei Wuxian smiles brightly at the other. "Exactly."

Giving each other a look, Wei Wuxian heads off back to the dorm. He's only out due to having lost a bet to Nie Huaisang and thus, had been sent to fetch some rice wine, which is stored in a Qiankun Bag in his sleeve. While he's been successful Which now involves sneaking back to the dormitory and with encounter, he's got a bit more incentive to not get caught now. After all, this has to be some kind of secret of the Lan Sect and thus, it would be better if they don't known that he knows about Tien Renshu and his 'self-taught' Cultivation training.

With Tien Renshu looking away, Wei Wuxian brings out a Talisman and activates it, the energy covers his cloths before causes a flare of glow upon his skin, which tickles but once it fades, he notices that he seems, in his vision, to be almost see through. In Wei Wuxian's mind, the world seems... off, which is, perhaps, a side effect of using it in the first place. Some things seem to have a soft glow about them, namely the plants around him but when Wei Wuxian glances at Tien Renshu, it's... there's a soft, rich blue that's about him.

When Tien Renshu looks back in his direction, Wei Wuxian feels rather satisfied by the slight start along with the Dragon looking about for him. Resisting the urge to chuckle, Wei Wuxian turns and begins to walk away before speeding up to a run. Throughout his journey back to the dormitory, there's numerous odd sensations go through him when ever he brushes up against the glowing tree but nothing when it comes when he runs through spots where there's fallen twigs and leaves.

Wei Wuxian's curiosity does overcome his common senses, so, he slows to a walk so he can observe things a bit better. Wei Wuxian watches some grass being unaffected as he steps on it. It's to the point that it's right through his foot; shoe, sock, and the actual foot that's attached to his body. Deciding to test this in another way, Wei Wuxian tries to touch a branch, only for his hand to tingle while the glow around the branch dim before his hand would pass through it. It's hardly surprising to Wei Wuxian that, upon looking back, there's no boot prints nor upon pondering the matter as he comes to a complete stop, does he recall making a rustling noise.

Suppressing the urge to hum in thoughtful appreciation, Wei Wuxian gives himself a shake before he darts forward once more, intent on returning to the dorms before the Talisman's effects wear off. He'll consider the effects at a later date, for now, he'd best continue on back to the dormitory quickly, before it wears off as he's not unsure how long it'll last.

Still, Wei Wuxian did come to a short stop at the sight of someone. The soft white with light gray that's coming off of Lan Wangji comes off far different then the blue of Tien Renshu. For a moment, Wei Wuxian isn't sure he knew how to breath but the moment passes and as Lan Wangji doesn't glance at him, Wei Wuxian recovers but doesn't feel like dashing away so quickly. After all, it doesn't seem that he needs to even try to hide as he goes fast walks some bit away, them going in different direction too.

Once away, Wei Wuxian dashes through the remainder of the distance between himself and the Dormitory. There's no one else for him to encounter, which makes it easy for him to not stop any more. The first hints that the Talisman is wearing off has to do with that glow from living things fading from view.

As Wei Wuxian gets with a few feet from the door of the building, the Talisman's effects fully vanish and he's feels... solid but also heavy. Once the feelings subside, Wei Wuxian finishes walk upon the stone path to the door. Taking a moment to study himself, Wei Wuxian heads through the door in order to fulfill his end of the bet. Once the jars are out of his Qiankun Bag and given over to the over eager Guest Disciples, Wei Wuxian declines offers to remain and heads for his room, leaving the group of minor Sect Heirs within Nie Huaisang's rooms to their own devices, most more then happy to see him go as it means more wine for them!

As Wei Wuxian goes through his routine of getting ready for bed, he's takes a bit to write down his observations from using that Talisman. He's used it before on things but this was the first time he'd used it upon himself. Sure, he'd been confident that it would be fine but there's always a chance he'd misjudge something.

Once settled upon the bed, the candles out, Wei Wuxian can tell from the noise some rooms away that the group in Nie Huaisang's room are getting more drunk else they'd be a bit more on the quiet side. The final thought has to do with hoping he's name isn't dragged into what's going on. Then sleep claims him.

The sound of flesh on flesh sounds out that's follow is a deafening hush. Wei Wuxian struggles not to groan as Young Master Jin returns the punch that Jiang Wanyin had thrown. The hush vanishes as various Disciples begin to murmur and Lung Yu Yuan gently presses pass.

"Get them apart!" States the respectable Lung, which clearly startles the others. Gazes turning to watch as Lung Yu Yuan enters the building proper, with Wei Wuxian managing to hang the Lan Messenger Satchel on the door frame's hook.

The crowd of Disciples part to make way for the rather light green Lung Yu that is Respectable Elder Yu. Wei Wuxian can't believe that Jiang Wanyin still tried to get one last punch on Young Master Jin. Particularly given that he'd been caught breaking one of the Rules of the Lan Sect, then again, like Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Wanyin's temper more often then not got the best of him.

Even from where he's standing, Wei Wuxian can guess what kind of emotions that flickered within Jiang Wanyin's eyes and about his face before controlling himself. Wei Wuxian pays the conversation with half of his attention as he's a bit busy thinking about the short conversation he had before whatever was going on between the two Young Masters turned physical.

The fact that Jiang Wanyin took except to Young Master Jin wasn't news to Wei Wuxian. He recalls instances where Jiang Wanyin, then called Jiang Cheng, had done things, typically childish things but they were worrying all the same. Like Jiang Cheng pushing Young Master Jin off the deck without knowing if the other could swim or shoving the other when Young Master Jin rebuked him access to Carp Tower's kitchen.

For all that Jiang Wanyin shouts that Young Master Jin isn't worthy of his sister, Maiden Jiang, Wei Wuxian is of the opinion that Young Master Jin has a right to his doubts in regards to Maiden Jiang. Given how focus Yu Ziyuan often is on finding fault with Wei Wuxian or interfering with Jiang Wanyin's lessons, it often means that Maiden Jiang's lack lustre interest in her own lessons don't get commented on as much as they should nor does Wei Wuxian get the feeling that Maiden Jiang was putting much effort into learning such things, not when she's set to marry very well regardless of what rankings she earns in her lessons.

More often then not, if Maiden Jiang isn't in her room or the Ancestral Hall, she's in the kitchen working on improving her limit recipes. While commendable in a way, Wei Wuxian supposes, he's a bit dissatisfied that she doesn't put that kind of effort into her lessons, never mind progressing her Cultivation. As the Hall Master like to remind them all, there's a thousand ways to reach enlightenment, all one needs in the will to attempt to do so.

His gaze flickers over to Young Master Nie as his thoughts of Maiden Jiang's cultivation come up. Then his musing on a different topic, namely considering what he knows about Heir Nie. He does flicker his eyes towards the three leaving the building, with Lan Wangji at point with Young Master Jin and finally Jiang Wanyin trailing behind as much as he could.

While it's true that Nie Huaisang's Golden Core is weak, Wei Wuxian suspects that there's more to why the older teen does his best to not practice with his sabre. It's clear that what happened with the previous Sect Leader Nie, it affected the small family in their own, private ways and as Nie Mingjue settles into his rightful position of Sect Leader Nie, which likely means that Nie Huaisang is worrying over his brother's fate, particularly given what's said about Wen Ruohan's involvement in their father's dead.

"Now then, as Teacher Lan has yet to return and it seems likely he won't for today, I shall take over today's lesson." Lung Yu Yuan states in a mild tone, which causes many to move to take seats while the Respectable Lung walks over to the dais that Teacher Lan occupies. And once Lung Yu Yuan is as settled as a Dragon can, a bit of a quiz happens and Wei Wuxian puts his thoughts aside in order to focus all his attention on taking in the differences of teaching between Lung Yu Yuan and Teacher Lan.

Once a question comes up that doesn't cover something Teacher Lan had spoken of, the question get a bit more focus, but in what way, Wei Wuxian doesn't know. In the end, by seven questions after that one, Lung Yu Yuan nods his head once and waves a hand in a dismissive manner before doing a bit of an overview of the last bit of history concerning the Lan Sect Founder and then continuing from there. Lung Yu Yuan even notices who has a question and once comes to a pause, would inquire about what the Disciple wanted to ask.

And that's something that's rather different from Teacher Lan, it's that Lung Yu Yuan is, well, encouraging people to ask questions instead of being satisfied with hearing the lesson from start to finish. It's something that he'd been rather dissatisfied since coming to the Cloud Recesses, the lack of ability to ask questions, to just question things in general. While Teacher Lan is regarded as a great teacher of his generation, that didn't mean he's the greatest teacher the Lan Sect ever produced.

Many of the Disciples seem to relax and more questions do get asked, now that they felt comfortable that they could ask them. Sadly, the lessons come to an end and Wei Wuxian notes that Lan Wangji hadn't returned, which could mean anything but also that it's likely due to the issue of the Waterborne Abyss and the likely discussion of the merits of sending it to some remote lake instead of doing all that work to drain the lake its in now. Which, Wei Wuxian can't help but feel a bit frustrated over, given that the Lan Sect will be addressing the issue instead of passing it onto someone else, like what the Wen Sect had done if they send it down stream as it were.

Soon enough, the day's lesson ends and many of the Disciples leave. Once it's less crowded, Wei Wuxian walks over to the door and gets the satchel from where it's hanging. "Sir." He says as he approaches Lung Yu Yuan with it.

"Ah, yes, my thanks for securing it, Young Master Wei." Lung Yu Yuan states as he finish approaching him and taking it easily. It's not long before it's about his neck. "May I inquire on the subject of Young Master Jiang's relationship with Young Master Jin? Perhaps you can shred some light onto why Young Master Jiang seemed dissatisfied in regards with Young Master Jin being betrothed to Maiden Jiang."

"Ah, to be honest, Respectable Elder Yu, I am often at a loss at why Young Master Jiang is so furious about the matter myself." Wei Wuxian admits honestly. "I've been told it's an arrangement that both Madams had wanted for their children and neither of the Sect Leader objected enough to not go through with it."

"I suspect, of course, the matter of why Young Master Jin isn't happy has to due with lack of being able to chose?" Wei Wuxian adds after thinking how to word this next bit. "As the only Heir of a major Sect and at that point in life where rebelling is expected, Young Master Jin has picked this particular subject to... rebel in?"

"Just so." Lung Yu Yuan muses with a hum. "And in your opinion, Maiden Jiang is happy with this arrangement that her mother had put forth?"

Pressing his lips together to keep from letting out a highly truthful but inappropriate opinion, Wei Wuxian is quick to think of a neutral like answer, after all, this is his opinion that's being asked. "I think Maiden Jiang counts such a match as karma from a previous life well lived." Wei Wuxian admits, it's the only thing he could think that sounds enough of an answer without being much of one.

Lung Yu Yuan is old and has been exposed to much in the way of politics, so Wei Wuxian can only assume that the Dragon is choosing his next words or way to express his thoughts upon the matter. "Well, between us, I have seen such matches in the past and, will likely, see more in the future."

Wei Wuxian waits for the other to continue. "And if I were to be asked, I'd strongly suggest that the pair given some time to get to know one another in hopes of a friendship to sprout between them before they are to be wed." Wei Wuxian blinks as he finds himself a touch surprised by that recommendation on the matter.

"A solid foundation means something strong can be built, particularly if the two see it as a business partnership." Continues on Lung Yu Yuan, the eyes might be turned inward. "Given the current matter of the Jin Sect's inner workings conduct themselves... If they are unable to bridge that divide, misfortune and misinformation will flourish and others will do their best to take advantage of such."

Wei Wuxian swallows as it sounds like there's something personal that's been shared. "Sadly, I doubt either of the Madams will be incline to listen to experienced voices nor will the pair involve think such a relationship is warranted." He admits softly as he looks anywhere but at Lung Yu Yuan.

"Madams... Humpf, one can only wonder when Madam Jiang will get over her childish fit and accept her rightful title along with acting properly." Lung Yu Yuan huffs. "A grown woman with two children, what kind of example does she think she's setting? And why is Sect Leader Jiang allowing it to continue on for so many years?"

"Ah, Respectable Elder..." Wei Wuxian trails off without pointing out the Rule that Lung Yu Yuan had broken. He's rewarded with a dry look but the Dragon does a slight shake of his head.

"It's hardly gossip, it's a matter of fact that Madam Jiang refuses to be addressed so, after all." Lung Yu Yuan states and Wei Wuxian can only bow to the elder's regard on the matter. "Can you imagine? People likely think she'd married her own brother! How shameless is that?"

"This Head Disciple can't say he is in agreement with Respectable Elder Yu's statements." Wei Wuxian states with a sincere look upon his face. There's a soft snort and with a wave of a hand, Wei Wuxian is dismissed, he's sure to be very proper with his farewells before heading to the back hills, hoping he's got time to practice with the Dizi he bought last time he'd been down the mountain.

He'd hide it, when he returns to Lotus Pier, after all, Yu Ziyuan hadn't allowed anyone to continue mastering musical instruments once they'd been taught the basics. It was more of a matter of how lack lustre Jiang Wanyin ultimately approached it and with so many other lessons where Jiang Wanyin fell short... Only she could put a stop it as the Jiang Sect isn't known for Musical Cultivation.

Thus, Wei Wuxian and the others hadn't been allowed to own an instrument, but it's been a few years and given the money he'd received... That should have been given to him from the beginning... Well, he was at that age and it's his own money, plus, well, he didn't have to play within Lotus Pier itself...

The look of the dizi was rather plain, Wei Wuxian had bought it for its sound. He's not sure if he'll go so far as to give it a name. While he knows that the Lan Disciples do name their musical instruments, he suspects it's due to them being created to be a Spiritual Tool first and foremost. Which means that they were thus deserving of a name while this dizi he bought wasn't created to be more then a simple musical instrument.

"You should not go." Yu Manch states in a matter of fact tone and Wei Wuxian smiles a bit at the clear concern that's directed at him. "They only want Young Master Jiang and he must go due to their demand."

"Do you really think Sect Leader is thinking clearly?" Wei Wuxian asks. "For all that Young Master Jiang isn't liked by Sect Leader, he is loved for the simple fact that he's his son."

Yu Manch huffs but doesn't dispute that fact. Then again, it seems that Yu Ziyuan doesn't realize this and has spent all of Jiang Wanyin's life telling him so, that the Sect Leader doesn't love him along with the 'fact' that Wei Wuxian is his father's favourite and wishes for Wei Wuxian to be his Heir. It's clear that with such words told to him by his own mother, Jiang Wanyin believes this to be truth, ignoring all evidence that shows otherwise.

"You are going to swap out Suibian with that practice sword?" Yu Manch echoing Shen Xiang's earlier sentiments and Wei Wuxian gently shakes his head as he continues to pack. Out of all the Disciples within Jiang Sect, he, Wei Wuxian, is the wide spread favourite among the Dragons, even young 'Little' Lung Li Yingying enjoys his company.

"I am also taking that experimental Storage Bracelet that I've been working, the one with the camouflage that I've yet to figure out how to turn off once worn." Wei Wuxian assures Yu Manch, holding up the wrist that its on, not that anyone can see it, Wei Wuxian merely feels its weight moving down before he lowers said arm.

After a period of silence, Wei Wuxian straightens up before walking over to where Yu Manch is. Soon enough, Wei Wuxian finds himself in a hug with the Dragon, which he returns. They stay like that for a bit before Yu Manch relaxes his arms and Wei Wuxian's feet are once more upon the wooden floor.

"I'll be back. I'll be alive. I can't promise what state I'll be returned in but I will be alive." Wei Wuxian promises as he holds Yu Manch's head to his chest, who leans into Wei Wuxian a bit more. "It's best to worry about Respectable Qianshui Zemin's efforts to prepare for war with the Wen, it doesn't seem like either Sect Leader Jiang and Yu Ziyuan are incline to entertain the though of the Wen targeting Lotus Pier after whatever comes of this... Indoctrination of theirs."

"Rumours have it that Lung Shao Yongliang isn't happy about the way Sect Leader Wen is ruling the Sect." Shares Yu Manch in a soft way. Wei Wuxian can assume that said Lung is a very respectable position within the Wen Sect. "Many of the older Lungs aren't happy with this... subduing other Sects. I'm unsure why but what few willing to talk about it mention it going against the Wen Founder's Quintessence.

There's not much to be said about what may be going on within the Wen Sect, after all, issues within a Sect are generally private affairs and one never knows how the sect in question will react if outsiders try to interfer. So, for a bit more, Wei Wuxian is content to just hold Yu Manch close. Thankful for the Dragons in his life.