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Chapter Text

They were definitely not in favor of the situation right now, they do not know where they are

"This is definitely the doing of wen sect!"

Someone shouted,

"Why would i do that? Aren't I stuck here too? Not just that, my heir and my son is here too" Wen ruohan frowned

Silence befall them, "Wait why did you not address your son as the heir? Perhaps--" a lan elder said but he was cut-off before he could finish Wen ruohan pretends to not be offended on the sudden change in topic

"No, he's not fit to be the future sect leader. I hate to admit it but A-chao has none of the traits that a future leader should have, he'll bring nothing but shame!" Wen ruohan said angrily That despicable son of mine is far from that, too shameless

Wen chao immediately flinched and slouched

"That's not the problem at hand right now! Who the hell would trap us here? Not only did they trap a bunch of sect leaders they trapped the heirs of each sect clans!" Jiang cheng confronted

"Language jiang cheng, your behavior is bringing shame to our name!" Madam yu snarled, "Mother, please calm.. we have a more important matter at hand" jiang yanli reasoned

"A-li is right San-niang, we should focus on whats infront of us first." Jiang fengmian said

Madam yu only clicked her tongue and turned her face away

"I suspect that the person who trapped us here must be of talent, not only did they transport us here who is of different locations. They also made sure that we won't be able to use our spiritual powers." Lan xichen exclaimed, upon realizing what he had said was right the cultivators in the endless room began panicking

"Lan-xiansheng is right! My spiritual powers! Does that mean my core is not working also?"

"The person who trapped us here must be a demon! We should devise a plan to kill them right away!"

"Thats stupid! You dont even know their motives yet! We should suppress them first and know the origin of their powers!"

"SHUT UP! WHAT BUNCH OF STUPIDNUTS ARE YOU?!" A woman screamed

They all then turned to the source of voice only to find a female cultivator [?] That seems to be carrying a guqin on her back, she was also dressed in black and red clothing she seems to be also wearing an outer robe that is grey with a fiery red symbol down her sleeves---it resembled the Wen Sect's robes, her hair in half ponytail along with a red ribbon that matched her clothes.

she looked too similar with someone wangji knows

"Who are you?" Nie mingjue shouted, alerted by the sudden presence of the person

'where did this girl come from? I didn't sense her here' Nie mingjue thought

"I dont think your qualified to know that. But, if your asking if Im the one who set this array up... Yes Im" the female said 

"So you planned to trap us here?! Do you know how many sects you have disrespected?!" Madam yu shouted angrily

"And do you know how much pain did you inflict on a helpless child from your first-class spiritual weapon?" The female countered

There were a lot of cultivators taken aback and some even turned their heads at the jiang family, "You-!" Madam yu hissed

Somehow the other cultivator present there simply did not even care, they were aware of who it was. It seems they had no desire to be acquainted with a servant's son it was definitely not because of the rumour

"All of you sects are the same! Only believing in rumours and locking away the truth, but the moment the rumours are proven to be useless you all switch sides! A bunch of hypocrites i say." the female hissed back

"Young lady! Your currently disrespecting the whole cultivation world right now! Do you know how unladylike this behavior is?!" an elder from the lans said, hypocrites

"So if i said the truth and fought back im unladylike? As if i cared in the first place." The female clicked her tongue at the elder

"Please calm down everyone. Young one please introduce yourself?" what are your motives? a jin elder asked while smiling, trying to come off as harmless

"My name is Wei Li xi, I'm here to deliever .... A future revelation" Wei li xi said hesitantly seeming to think before talking, the moment she introduced herself there were audible gasps from the room. Only of those close with wei wuxian.

"Wei? Are you perhaps a distant relative from wei changze?" Jiang fengmian asked

"No. That doesnt matter, what matters is everyone in this room is about to witness the future." Wei li xi said,

"Thats impossible! How can we be sure this is not a ploy to trick us?!" Jin zixun shouted

"That's up to you, if you want to believe what i show you, is up to you" wei li xi said crossing her arms

Jiang cheng was seen to be turning his head and looks like he was looking for something, or rather someone

"Wei-gongzi is not here." Wei li xi immediately said, directing at jiang cheng

Before jiang yanli had the chance to talk, she was immediately cut off

"I knew that brat has to do with this!" Madam yu said snarling angrily what does wei wuxian have to do with this?

"San-niang!"

Wei li xi clearly looked like she was ready to throw hands and strangle the woman but she clenched her hands,

"I should've gotten rid of you before i set this array up!" Wei li xi hissed

"forgive my wif--"

"No , i don't want your apology! Just shut up before i kill all of you!" Wei li xi shouted before sighing

'such words coming from a delicate young lady..' Lan xichen thought, He pretends that those eyes isn't seeping with anger

"P-Please calm down wei-jiejie" nie huisang said stuttering

"Im younger than you," wei li xi said rolling her eyes

"W-what?! But you look much older?? Perhaps its the aura... Wei-guniang"

"Li xi is fine"

"Li xi-guniang is a cultivator it seems?" Lan xichen said

"Yes, I am." not really Wei li xi said as she began to take her guqin out

"Is li xi-guniang, perhaps studying at gusu lan?" Lan xichen asked

"No" Wei li xi said , as she took out the guqin she then sat down on the floor

"What are you doing?" Jiang cheng asked confusion in his eyes

is she just gonna play a song? After angering almost everyone inside here--

"are you stupid? Im clearly gonna perform a song" wei li xi said, clearly offended for whatever reason

Jiang cheng is definitely not offendeda

"That guqin, i haven't seen one like that. The materials used for this one is quite different." Lan qiren said as he massaged his beard

Wei li xi only ignored lan qiren and began to flick on a single string, she then began playing a song.

The tune wasn't recognizable for any of them, it started as slow and gentle at first but midway it sounded playful and chaotic. As if the guqin itself was expressing its happiness, but then it slowed down until it started playing a sorrowful note..

'this...' sounds like empathy

"Shufu." Lan wangji said

"I know," who is this young lady?

After wei li xi stopped playing, there was only confusion and awe in everyone's face,

"Im having doubts about young lady li xi's words, did you truly not study at the cloud recesses?" A man said

"A-die" lan xichen said

But before words were spoken the black room suddenly shifted into a scenario

"What?!" Jiang cheng shouted in confusion as a response

"This is..." Jiang yanli said and bent her eyebrows at the recall of the incident

Everyone was currently at the cloud recesses right now, but surprisingly enough they weren't able to touch anything that wasn't with them at the endless black room.

So are the people from this illusion, it seems that they are invisible to their eyes

"What did you say about shije!?" Wei wuxian screamed at jin zixuan

The wei wuxian in this illusion appeared to be angry and the jin zixuan inside the illusion seems to be the same.

"So i was right about what happened that day" jiang yanli said

"Do you want me to repeat it for you?! I don't care about her, nor a im obliged to know about what she likes!" Jin zixuan said

"You-!!" Jiang cheng snarled but wei wuxian's arm blocked him

Jiang cheng only gasped at his sudden move, but then wei wuxian immediately punched jin zixuan's face

"A-xuan! Go apologize to a-li right now!" Madam jin shouted

Jin zixuan could only stare at the scene in guilt but he quickly nodded and stared at jiang yanli

"It is not needed, i believe it is unavoidable.. after all it is an arranged marriage" jiang yanli said with guilt and sadness in her eyes she wasn't hurt. She's not..

"This is that brat's fault!" Madam yu hissed

"How is it wei-gongzi's fault? Who was the one to propose this marriage in the first place?" Wei li xi responded

Before madam yu could respond, wei li xi cut her off once again

"If you did not indulge yourself on the rumours, maybe you would have had a happy marriage life" she said, clearly provoking madam yu

Madam jin could do nothing at the remark thrown at her, after all it was true.

"Yu ziyuan, calm down now. We shouldn't get affected by such words thrown at us carelessly" Madam jin said

"Im grateful for Jin-furen having this much patience, especially at her supposed sworn sister." Wei li xi said smiling at madam jin

"I can't believe you got expelled just because of that peacock!"

"Who cares? It doesn't matter~!" Wei wuxian laughed as if nothing just happened

"Also have you seen his face? I heard he values his face a lot! Make sure to tell me about his face when you come back at the lotus pier!" Wei wuxian said smirking with a hint of smugness

"Sure, just make sure when i come back you aren't crying yourself out!" Jiang cheng said, laughing at wei wuxian

But then the laughter dies out as the scenario fades back to nothingness once again

Jiang cheng right now smiled, as he recognized the scene that played out infront of him, 

"What was jin-gongzi's punishment?" A random jin cultivator asked

"It was a 10 copies of the gusu lan's 3000 rules and a handstand till noon" lan qiren responded

"And wei wuxian was expelled? How come his punishment was held heavily unlike the young jin heir?" Qingheng-jun said, pointing out the clear bias of lan qiren

"Wei wuxian has been caught a bunch of times breaking rules, not to mention he was the aggressor. It is a fair punishment" Lan qiren said furrowing his eyebrows 

"It looks like nothing has changed since then, i can't believe i secluded myself for this result" qingheng-jun laughed as he recklessly made a remark

The lans we're clearly offended but this was their sect leader, qingheng-jun.

"well shielding a murderer is certainly not favorable too aren't it?" A lan elder said

"Shufu.." Lan wangji turned on his uncle

"a-zhan do not worry, have some fate on your a-niang" qingheng-jun said he needed to defend his wife

"Zhang zixi was falsely accused" wei li xi said

Qingheng-jun could only look at wei li xi in awe and confusion, but the lan elders looks offended as ever.

"Are you claiming that we have made a wrong judgement?!"

"Your mouth has been running amok! Know your place you servant!"

"Calm now." Lan qiren said, he eyed wei li xu but said nothing

"Im sure you are aware about cangse sanren being sworn sisters with zhang zixi" wei li xi said as she played a calming tune

"What?" Madam yu could only respond in one word at such claims, "Then it makes sense! A vile woman and a murderer! What great combination!" Madam yu said grinning in more anger.

Lan wangji could only furrow his eyebrows and clench his hand at the claim of his own mother,

"Wei changze, sect leader jiang, along with sect leader qingheng-jun, was also sworn brothers." Wei li xi dropped

"Impossible!"

"Qingheng-jun is surely not sworn sister with that troublemaker!" Lan qiren said shouting

Qingheng-jun could only stare at amazement, "Young one, you are quite knowledgeable. Even this information isn't something i have revealed on my own clan"

The lans was even more awestruck since its verified by the person itself 

"What else wouldn't i know?" Wei li xi said cockiness on her tone,

"such revelation means theres much more hidden." Wen ruohan said

"They said a wise man only talks of wise words, i believe if you weren't so keen on controlling resentful energy then you wouldn't have ended in corruption." Wei li xi said closing her eyes. Wen ruohan could only furrow his eyebrows and contort his face in response 

Before anybody could talk, wei li xi starged playing the guqin once again.The scene then became different, the lotus pier was burning down

"This is the future of lotus pier--" Wei li xi was cut off, "I KNEW IT! ITS THAT BRAT'S FAULT ISN'T IT?!" Madam yu shouted, anger burning in her eyes.

"IF I HAD KNOWN HE WO--- Mff!!mmmm!!"

Everyone was taken aback at the sudden muffle of madam yu, they all instinctively stared at the lans

"It wasn't me." Qingheng-jun responded at the silent question, and looked at Lan xichen. But lan xichen only looked at them in confusion

"A-die it was me..." Lan wangji responded, they all look at him.

"Lan wangji, this behavior is unbecoming. Did that wei wuxian infected you?!" Lan qiren said, clearly angered with a confusion mixed in 

Lan wangji only clenched his hands no he did not..

"Come on now, qiren-ge. Spare a-zhan on your strict punishment. He was quite right to do that i will have to admit" qingheng-jun said as he chuckled

Lan qiren only huffed but he signaled lan wangji to remove the silencing spell,

Jiang cheng was taken aback but understood lan wangji, after all no one would be able to resist such words when its directed to their parents. If they did then it has to be wei wuxian!

"No time for idly talk, focus now." Wei li xi said, as she faced the scene appearing before them, the cultivators could only stare in awe and fear.

"This is when the wen sect invaded the lotus pier when Yu ziyuan refused for it to be transformed into a supervisory office for the wen sect." Wei li xi said

"Those wen-dogs..!" Nie mingjue said in a low voice but clearly angry

"You know im beside you right?" Wen ruohan said definitely offended 

"It wasn't wei-gongzi's fault but wen chao, and his uh? Maid i think." Wei li xi said

"So it is that servant son's fault?!" Another snarl

"No, even if wei-gongzi didn't act against wen chao to save a female cultivator from wen chao's...maid he would have still burned lotus pier down." wei li xi said calmly i just said it wasn't his fault u shitass

Shocked at the revelation, madam yu could say nothing and just turned her head away in denial.

"Forgive me for the sudden change of timelines... This incident happened first before the xuanwu.. uhhh something" wei li xi explained 

"Li xi-guniang, when will this occur exactly?" Lan xichen asked

"This will occur after the event that the wen sect is planning to hold currently" wei li xi said, "and that will follow up to lan-gongzi and wei-gongzi's battling the xuanwu's tortoise as i said before." Wei li xi said smiling

"What? Hah! Interesting childrens. It looks like wei wuxian is just not some servant's son!" Nie mingjue said in confidence as he showed interest on wei wuxian

"The incident earlier was also the time wei-gongzi's chest was branded by wen sect's symbol with the use of hot iron." wei li xi said, "How dare they! They dare to brand those of belong to my sect?!" Madam yu hissed, looking at Wen ruohan

Wen ruohan only stared at madam yu in confusion didn't she just blamed the child earlier for the problems she caused?

Wei li xi only spared madam yu a glance but did not respond, "back on the lotus pier incident... Let's just say that the jiang family was almost annihilated, it was yanli-guniang and jiang-gongzi that survived." Wei li xi said, "did a-xian..?" Jiang yanli said seem to ask that 'silent question'

"Ha? I dont think he would've, considering his stubborness" madam yu huffed

"Correct, wei-gongzi is quite stubborn" wei li xi said agreeing with madam yu

"It seems that young lady wei li xi uses such honorifics when it comes to young master wei wuxian and a-zhan. Are you close with them at the near future?" Qingheng-jun asked, curious

"Errh.. such questions should be answered later, it is quite complicated" wei li xi responded bending her eyebrows and avoiding eye contact as she smiles awkwardly

Her mannerisms is quite similar to wei wuxian, jiang cheng remarks 

is wei wuxian infecting everyone?? no

"Would everyone here be okay of me shifting the scenario into another?" Wei li xi asks

"Go on, li xi-guniang" Nie mingjue said

"Yes go on." jin guanshan said as he hid behind his fan

The black endless room suddenly rippled on its own as it shifts the inside of the lotus pier

Jiang cheng could only stare in horror along with jiang yanli who seems to tear up, madam yu could only furrow her eyebrows.

'Im sorry a-li, a-cheng.. it seems i have failed both of you..'

Jiang fengmian could only stare at the ground as guilt drowned his eyes,

But then they heard loud thumps, it was madam yu with wei wuxian and jiang cheng in her hands, she began to walk faster until she reached the boat

"Wei wuxian! I have always hated you from the start! All of this is your fault!" The madam yu on the moving paint snarled at wei wuxian, while the 'wei wuxian' could only stare in horror and guilt.

"Madam yu!" Wei wuxian shouted, madam yu then tied jiang cheng and wei wuxian on the boat. "MOTHER MOTHER!" Jiang cheng screamed, Wei wuxian could only widen his eyes as the boat began to move. "Wei wuxian, protect jiang cheng at cost!" Madam yu shouted as she strided through the fire.

"A-niang..." Jiang yanli could only tear up as she watched her home get burned, jiang cheng only stared at horror.

"San-niang, im sorry.. i failed.." was the only words jiang fengmian was able to blurt out, "theres no need-- we we're doomed to it by the start.. such things aren't avoided." Madam yu said

"Well as a little gift for taking care of wei-gongzi, i would like to say again that wei-gongzi is not related to jiang fengmian. Wei changze was the sworn brother of jiang fengmian, hence the reason he took wei wuxian in. While cangse sanren is also the sworn sister of jiang fengmian, they didnt have such affair." Wei li xi said as she stared deep into madam yu's eyes. 

"It was merely your fault for indulging on such rumours, that was started by jin guanshan" , everyone stared at jin guanshan almost fast as the light

"Me? Oh such lousy claim! How would i do that?! Not just that, your also claiming that i would betray my ally?!" Jin guanshan said, trying to shift the pressure onto wei li xi

"Yes, was it not you? Considering the fact you used your son for political reasons, i think im quite right... One more thing to add is your illegitimate childrens." Wei li xi said, Madam jin could only clench her hands. She knows it was true, jin guanshan would only fool around with women as she works herself to death!

"Did i also recall that you raped a young girl from the Hua sect? What was her name again?" Wei li xi said as sarcasm ran through her voice, jin guanshan could only flinch. "What do you mean!? I have not raped anyone!" Jin guanshan screamed

Madam jin could only widen her eyes and clench her hands even more harder,

"I think her name was, Hua rong li."

Then she lost it, madam jin strided to her husband's direction then she punched him as hard as she can

"YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING VILE! BRINGING SHAME TO THE LANLING JIN SECT! I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF!" She screamed, as she was held back by qingheng-jun

"Stop this at once a-ruoshi! Calm yourself! We will deal with your husband when we get back!" Madam yu said trying to reason with her sworn sister

"You mean EX-HUSBAND?! There's no time to waste! We have to get rid of this vile creature before anything else!" Madam jin contorted as she tries to break free from qingheng-jun

"Madam yu is right, we must deal with this calmly" qingheng-jun said,

"Stand down now.., I'm sure there's a lot of questions" wei li xi said trying to get their attention

"A-xian... Where is he right now?" Jiang yanli asked with worry in her eyes
"A-di-- wei-gongzi is at the lotus pier." Wei li xi said, trying to remain her composure

"Well i have a rising question." Someone said, raising their hand

"Xiao xingchen, what is it?"

Xiao xingchen seemed to have flinch by the sudden mention of his name, but regardless he still did not hesitate to ask

"How did shijie died?"

"To tell you the truth, it wasn't the nighthunt that killed them... there was more to it." Wei li xi said

Jiang fengmian widens his eyes at the new information, "what--?" ,

"It was the yin iron. Im sure your familiar with this? While on their nighthunt cangse sanren found a piece of yin iron at the caves of xinrie. They wouldn't die at such weak beast, they tried sealing the yin iron but it refused to do so.. why you may ask? That yin iron came from a different version of this world." Wei li xi explained

"Ho-how is that even possible?!" Nie huiasang said clearly in awe

"To tell you the truth, it is the reason how i was able to get here. This world was vulnerable to time, i could get in here freely without suffering any consequences." She explained --this world's time started to drift apart since the yin iron from a different time seeped inside this world

"If you are here just to seal the yin iron, why would you set this up..?" Lan xichen asked

"For wei-gongzi" wei li xi said, sadness in her eyes.

"Are you..!" Nie huiasang said as he tries to process wei li xi's relationship with wei wuxian

"She's the future lover of wei wuxian!" Jin zixuan screamed, looking proud of his theory

Wei li xi could only stare dumbfounded and clearly offended, there was then audible gasps.

"What the heck? No!" Wei li xi said as she blushes from embarrassment 

"I don't come after married men!" Wei li xi explained, "WEI-GONGZI IS MARRIED IN THE FUTURE?!" Nie huiasang said gasping.
"Ridiculous" , Lan wangji said as he clenched his hands. "Lan-gongzi is right, this is ridiculous. Who would marry that idiot?" Jiang cheng said rolling his eyes

"That's rough coming from someone who was a virgin for a whole 13 years" wei li xi snorted, Jiang fengmian chuckled along with jiang yanli. "Huh?!" Jiang cheng said as his face started to get red, "Jiang cheng isn't in rush to get married yet." Madam yu said surprisingly calm she couldn't bare to force her son into a loveless marriage

"Wei-gongzi is married" wei li xi frowned, "with you?" Nie huiasang said laughing with that knowing eye. 

Wei li xi rolled her eyes and sighed in defeat, 

"Anymore question?",

"This bastard, does he die in the future?" Madam jin asked as she pointed at her husband. 

Jin guanshan seemed to have flinched on that

"Let me spoil it for you.. he does~!" wei li xi said happily while extending her arms out.

Madam jin was taken aback but seems relieved to know that, "w-what?! Who would kill me?!" Jin guanshan said screaming in fear

"Thats not important right now" wei li xi said as she yawned, "Any questions?"

"How did you set this place up? Surely this took a lot of time?" Qingheng-jun asked

"It took 10 days, i had to redraw a lot."

10 days

Everyone seems so awestruck since a usual arrays took a lot of years, even a simple talisman takes a lot of time to be made!

"Your lying!"

"A woman like you is clearly defenseless!"

"You vermin!"

Madam yu and Madam jin could only snarl at those words, they were females themselves. It was the way world works for them, if they fought back they are seen as unladylike and fierce

"Such disrespect! Have you no shame?!" Madam jin hissed,

"Lowlifes like them is not worth screaming at." Madam yu said as she crossed her arms

"now, now.. we should proceed now to the next scenario shall we?"

Wei li xi looked around if there's any problems then started playing with her guqin again

"Im going to continue now.., no question should arise, this time we will go on smoothly" wei li xi said as she started playing a tune, as she played it the scenario infront of them started shifting.

They we're back again infront of the brothers the twin prides of yunmeng

Chapter Text

Jiang cheng couldn't help but stare in helplessness as he watched himself and wei wuxian, himself from the future strangling his sworn brother.

"A-cheng..." Jiang yanli can't seem to resist the droplet of tears forming on her eyes, she couldn't bear to see her brothers fighting like this.

"GIVE MY PARENTS BACK!" Jiang cheng screaming, his hands on wei wuxian's neck. Jiang cheng seemed to tighten his grip on wei wuxian's neck, "WHY? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SAVE LAN WANGJI?! YOU SHOULD'VE LEFT HIM THERE!" Jiang cheng said screaming in dismay

Jiang cheng was slightly taken aback at this, never in his life did he wish to have someone killed! Not even the peacock!

"I apologize about this sect leader qingheng-jun" Madam yu bowed down on the direction of qingheng-jun,

Although Lan wangji flinched at what Jiang cheng had said, this has yet to happen

"No need", he responded

"San-niang.."

Jiang cheng had never felt betrayed like this, why would his mother Apologize for something that hasn't even happened yet? Worse than that this might be some sort of illusion to trick them!

Although that there is a chance for this to be fake, all made up just to cause fights between everyone present here. 

But this felt too vivid to be fake, she could only hope this wasn't real she just couldn't--

Jiang yanli could only cover her face with her hands she felt stressed trying to deny this as she watched her two brothers fighting like they hate eachother, she couldn't bear to see them like this not when she knows how these two cared for eachother...

"A-cheng..A-xian..." She mumbled, tears dropping down her eyes

Jiang cheng seemed to have let go of wei wuxian's neck, and just sat there helplessly as droplet of beads dropped down on wei wuxian's face. "Jiang cheng--" wei wuxian sat up trying to reclaim the air he lost.

"We have to find..shije.." he said, trying to give Jiang cheng some comfort. But then Jiang cheng suddenly stood up, and started running on the previous path they took. "Jiang cheng? Jiang cheng!" He shouted looking at the back of Jiang cheng, Wei wuxian stood up and started running after him. "JIANG CHENG! Don't go back there! We can't!" He reasoned

"D-dont tell me, he's going back?!" Nie huiasang said, scared for his friend

"A-cheng..!" Jiang yanli looked at Jiang cheng, worry in her eyes

"I know..shijie.." Jiang cheng said as he watched with helplessness He can't deny that he would definitely go back if this happens

"Jiang cheng!" Madam yu seemed to have raised her voice, directing it to both Jiang cheng and Jiang cheng, her eyes seemed to glisten with worry and concern

Jiang cheng flinched in response to his mother's call, and turned to look at her

He was taken aback by his mother's unreadable expression, as if his mother was suppressing her own emotion

Meanwhile Jiang fengmian seem to only stare in helplessness, he felt so helpless he couldn't even say a word. Just like the coward he is,

The view then shifted to Jiang cheng and Wei wuxian close by the lotus pier, they were hiding behind the docks they were previously at, "Jiang cheng..! We have to go back! Madam yu's sacrifice would be for nothing! And uncle jiang! We can find him to help us..!" Wei wuxian reasoned still trying to coax his brother to leave the danger.

Just as Jiang cheng was about to talk, wei wuxian slammed his head under the water,

"What is he doing to Jiang cheng?!" Madam yu demanded, raising her voice like what she usually does when she whips a helpless child.

"I can't believe that lady hurt you! Don't worry my lingjia--" , The man quickly turned around at the source of noise

"Is that wen chao..?" Wen qing asked, but her question seemed to have been answered at the mention of her name,

"WHO'S THERE?!" Wen chao shouted, "Come out now!" , With no answer. Wen chao decided to step closer at the water

"NO!" Jiang yanli screamed, worrying for both of her brothers, "Jiang-guniang, please calm down" Lan xichen comforted

Suddenly a sudden splash was heard, "I-It was me!" Said a young man who looked rather timid,

"Wen ning?!" Wen qing said with a rather high voice, her eyes full of concern for her brother, and her brother responded with a flinch,

'That's a dangerous situation a-ning! Don't indanger youself!'

Wen ruohan could only stare in amusement as he watched this spectacle happening infront of him.

"Ah its you! You scared me for a moment there! Go back to your work now!" Wen chao said as if reprimanding wen ning, "Now, now my lingjiao. We're you afraid?" , After the voice was fading out Jiang cheng and Wei wuxian rised from the water, and gasped for breath. 

"Jiang cheng--" ,

"Im sure mother is still alive! She has to be!" The young man said before wei wuxian even got to finish his sentence, he silently agreed feeling defeated.

They then sneaked inside the lotus pier only to find a lot of dead bodies piled on eachothers, there's no doubt that it's the jiang disciples.. there was so much purple on the ground than it had been a red, 

Anyone watching this couldn't help but feel sick to their stomach, these dead bodies of the disciples of Jiang sect we're getting treated as if they were a garbage,

Jiang cheng couldn't help but tremble, his eyes widening as he stared into the scene unfolding them. It was too much..

As they sneaked around, they spotted wen chao along with that maid whom seemed to be like a leech, Jiang cheng could only frown as he gritted his teeth like crazy. He started walking on their direction but instead he was pulled on the clothes by wei wuxian,

"Wei--" he was cut off as wei wuxian covered his mouth, there seems to be a man from the wen sect walking on where wen chao is too.

It was the core-melting hand, Jiang cheng couldn't help but shiver in fear he knew this man was strong, he witnessed it first-hand.

"Core-melting hand..?" Qingheng-jun asked, confused.

"Just as the name suggests, this person is a newly member from the wen sect and he melts cores" Wei li xi responded, 

"What?! Such powerful ability indeed!" Jin guanshan said, seeming to be interested are you that power hungry?

"Shut your mouth you filthy vile!" Madam jin threatened, hissing at her supposed husband and in return Jin guanshan flinched

"It's a shame she had to die! She was so fierce it scared me~!" Lingjiao said, mocking Yu ziyuan. "I'm sorry you have to go through that my a-jiao, Yu ziyuan is old but she seems beautiful!" Wen chao responded, seeming to lust for a dead woman. "What?! But I'm the best right~? After all that woman is too fierce and unladylike! Not to mention she's too old for you~" , "Ahahaha! T-That's right, Thats right! It's the wen sect's victory tonight! Now make sure to dispose of these bodies!" , 

"What a slut!" Madam yu said, clicking her tongue in anger, 

Wen ruohan couldn't help but agree

Jiang cheng was so speechless and anxious that his surroundings became invisible to him. He started to feel a lump on his throat that seemed to block his passage of airway, 

"A-cheng.. calm.. calm now.. we're still here" Jiang yanli said patting her brother's back, trying to comfort him.

Noticing that wen chao was gone, wei wuxian decided to take peek just to see if there we're someone there, but he was instead greeted by something else.

It was two dead bodies,

Madam yu

Uncle Jiang,

"A-niang..! A-die..!" Jiang yanli cried out, 

Madam Jin watched in horror as she sees her sworn sister's dead body laying with her sword still in her hand, she couldn't help but clench her hands tightly.

Wen ruohan felt disgusted, and confused, he wasn't particularly planning to take over lotus pier like this. 

There were so many cultivators who felt sick to the stomach and those pitiful gaze, that made it worse for the Jiang family.

Jiang cheng widens his eyes too, following wei wuxian's reaction.

"A-die..! A-niang--!" Jiang cheng said, having a hard time to breath probably because of crying, 

Just then the scenario fades--

There was a long silence with all of them before someone managed to talk, 

"Im sorry you have to go through this Young Master Jiang.." Lan xichen said, he managed to break the silence.

"Y-Yeah! Plus-- I'm sure you'll revive your sect! With wei wuxian and jiang-jiejie!" Nie huiasang followed, 

"Thank you for your kind words.." Jiang yanli sniffing, "A-cheng.." she patted his back to lessen the mental shock Jiang cheng is receiving,

Jiang fengmian could only stare at disappointment, not towards his children and definitely not at his wife. But himself, he wondered what did go wrong? Maybe cangse sanren was right, he is a coward after all.

He can't believe that not only did he failed to his children He knows, and his wife He knows that he failed protecting them too. He even failed to care for his sworn siblings' child, Just how much of a failure is he? 

"If this are surely to happen, you must devise a plan to prevent it then" Wen ruohan said, as if it wasn't his sect that invaded the lotus pier

"SUCH IGNORANCE-!!"

"The wen sect has been too arrogant lately"

Whispers were heard as Jiang fengmian and wen ruohan stared at eachother,

"What? I don't even plan such things in the future, Im certainly not gonna waste my energy to takeover Lotus pier. I'd rather have one of my heirs marry into your family" He said, rolling his eyes, For the first time ever did Jiang fengmian felt offended

"W-what?! That was your plan A-die?!" Wen chao flinched, "I--I'll make sure of that a-die--!"

"Shut your mouth!"

"Shut your mouth!"

Wen chao flinched at both voices, intimidated by the woman and his father.

"I wouldn't marry any of my people into your sect! You good-for nothing wen dogs!" Madam yu hissed, 

"That's fine, I wouldn't want one of my offsprings running back to me and complaining about their mother-in-law whipping them" He hissed back, 

"YOU--!"

"Please, calm down now.." Qingheng-jun said as he tries to break the fight off

Wen ruohan and Madam yu clicked their tongues at eachother, and in return Qingheng-jun could only sigh

"There's no need to fight for something that hasn't happened yet." Lan qiren said, somehow this felt like a smack on Madam yu,

There was a pregnant pause between them, excluding those whispers that prolonged on the background.

"She really does live up to her name.." someone whispered,

"shush! She might hear you..!" Warned by another random person,

Qingheng-jun could only give that kind of smile, at them this was the reason why he retreated into seclusion with his wife,

Just then he recalled wei li xi's mention about a certain cave, 

'Xinrie caves.. is it a cave that was too unpopular to the point it wasn't recorded into paper?' he thought, making up his mind he decided to to ask directly

"I have an important question for li xi-guniang..",

Wei li xi, raised her head and listened

"Li xi-guniang , you mentioned about xinrie cave right? I have no recallment of such cave" He said

"Ah, Right",

"Xinrie cave is a part of xuanwu cave slaughter.. something, well it used to be, but it collapsed and probably buried somewhere...where I'm guessing is the place A-d-- wei-gongzi's parents died" she explained, 

"Hm? I don't recall having such records of that" Lan qiren said, immediately listening in it with curiosity as he stroked his goatee

There were many taken aback, and is whispering among themselves.

"What exactly does that cave do? Another tortoise perhaps?" Lan xichen asked, hiding his hands on his back as his eyes seeps out curiousity

"No, that cave had a river flowing inside of it. It is said that river could heal of any wounds and kill any curses--",Jin guanshan felt like he needed to find that cave, "--at some point, a lot of people even claimed it could cleanse resentment energy from them and develops a golden core for anyone who bathes there" She throughly explained, 

"The reason, this doesn't appear in your so-called history books is because it collapsed 200 years ago" Wei li xi said rolling her eyes as she made a mocking gesture while staring at lan qiren,

Lan qiren would've probably qi deviated in anger if it wasn't for the force that was repressing their golden cores... Such manners of this lady reminds him of someone.. haizz

"200 years ago... Didn't our founder-- Previous Sect Leader Lan Yi was alive at that time? Was she aware of the cave?" Lan xichen asked, along with qingheng-jun who looked at wei li xi for answer

"Im not sure, Im not that omniscient you know!" Wei li xi said with that energetic voice, 

Lan wangji pretended not to have flinched at this, it reminds him of someone

Jiang yanli smiled at wei li xi, she just reminded her of a-xian,

Jiang yanli props herself and looked at wei li xi once again, wiping her face

"Say.., Li xi-guniang, do you think we can change our fate? Can we prevent this?" Jiang yanli asked, her eyelids red from crying

"A-Li..!" 

"That's exactly what i wanted you all to do." ,

"Well maybe except for that bastard, he can die for all i care" she frowned,

"How disrespectful--!"

Although taken aback by the lady's words,

That remark was fully ignored, Jiang yanli now understood that this person's motives wasn't evil nor harmful. She understood it now,

The moment of silence caused them to understood all eachother, Someone gave them a chance for this. But of course they still have to be wary and catious, and the fact that the cultivators in this room with them is just some power hungry hypocrites.

"I will..make sure it definitely changes..!" Jiang cheng said as he stood up and tries to regain his balance,

"A-cheng..",

"There he goes again! Our angry little grape--" Nie huiasang said , teasing jiang cheng

"Angry little gr--?! Nie. HUIASANG!" Jiang cheng shouted but with no intent to kill Obviously

Madam yu could only huff and smile at the scene before her, looking proud as ever

As wen qing recalled the horror she felt when she saw those bodies piled upon eachother, her stomach couldn't help but churn and twist. It was too much for her

After all, 

Wen qing could only stare in helplessness, it hurts for her to see this. After all she is a doctor, she's meant to care and save people.

A doctor is someone who saves and cares, not to kill. She felt so sick knowing that the person who was the cause of such thing was of her sect that she doesn't even want to be in, she can't deny that she doesn't do anything to stop them-- but, what was she supposed to do if she was so powerless against them??

She can also feel those stares that everyone was giving on the Jiang family, 

Although the Jiang family is pitiful, especially when it comes to their inner affairs but she wouldn't dare to send such stares at them. Those cause nothing but pressure on their mental health, she knows better than that

Wen Qing definitely came to a realization, When she gets back she'll definitely poison Wen chao to death.

But before that, she decided that this comes first

"li-xi guniang, how do you suppose a doctress should act? Who should we save?" and who to not save?

"To be a doctress is to care and save people, a lot of people think that you should cure everyone to retain that 'Righteousness' , But i believe you should only cure people who's truly in need. " Wei li xi answered, "There's no need to waste time on vile creatures, whose certainly far worse than Yiling Laozu"

"Yiling laozu?" ,

Wen Qing was confused about the sudden bring up of this random person?

"Yiling laozu? Who?" Wen ruohan asked, Although he heard that right he can't help but question.

Is the Yiling Laozu a person from his sect? After all it mentions Yiling which is a small village that's within his territory.

"Ah.. don't worry about that-- it's a slip of tongue" wei li xi cleared up, scratching the back of her head with her hands , avoiding the question 

Jiang yanli seemed to have recalled the times where Wei wuxian would scratch his head when he made a slip of tongue or lied about not getting hurt, she couldn't help but chuckle.

It was nice to know that someone has a similar traits with wei wuxian,

"Im starting to wonder if Wei wuxian infected something into you-- how do you know him anyways?!" Jiang cheng said, pure concern in his dumbfounded face

Lan wangji silently agreed on this, 

"Hah? You don't need to know that! Stop sticking your nose into someone else's business you angry grape!" Wei li xi teased, recalling Nie huiasang's little nickname for Jiang cheng

"Wh-?! Stop with that nickname!" Jiang cheng frowned as he turned to Nie huiasang looking like he's ready to strangle him.

Nie huiasang could only hide behind his brother's back as he laughed nervously, 

Jiang yanli couldn't help but giggle at this, they needed this. 

She will certainly not accept such fate, she doesn't want her brothers going through that! They needed a safe place, and she's definitely going to be the one to give them that,

She said to herself, with her eyes burning in more determination.

"Li xi-guniang, i have been meaning to ask something.. shijie's death.. I'm too curious about it-- why do you think such thing came into our world?" Xiao xingchen asked, clearly curious of his martial sister's death.

"It's the Yin iron, I've said it before" , repeating

Xiao xingchen could feel that the young lady was not telling the truth, there's more story to this than just that.

"A-chen," , A female cultivator said

"Ah-- this disciple apologizes.." he bowed down,

"--The Yin iron contains a lot of Pure and powerful energy that is of those nature , and nature is everything." --even the resentful energy is one with the nature itself, she said

Lan qiren seemed to have nodded and massaged his goatee in acknowledgement.

'This young lady seems knowledgeable.'

Wei li xi seems to only hum in agreement,

"I don't mind telling you about it" ,

The female cultivator perked up at those words spat out by wei li xi,

"After all wei-gongzi's parents deaths deserved to be told so it doesn't cause nasty rumours." She said directing it to Madam yu and That bastard

Madam yu only flinched at that remark and frowned, clenching her hands as if resisting her pride to shout and get angry at the young lady's words, 

"And my hands needed a break anyway," She said as she caressed her calloused hands, probably the effect from flicking the string of her guqin everytime she uses it

Wei li xi then looked around them and stared at them for a prolonged time, asking that silent question.

"We should start on wei-gongzi's parents then, especially Cangse sanren." She said

Chapter Text

"As i said before--", 

"Cangse SanRen's death and Wei ChangZe's death is because of the Yin Iron that was not supposed to be here." Wei li xi reminded,

"But unlike the Usual Yin Iron that everyone knows, That Yin Iron is full of resentful energy." She added, as a result everyone was taken aback by that especially those of GusuLan.

"Resentful energy?!" Someone shouted in surprise,

"How does such pure thing like the Yin Iron get full of resentful energy?! That energy is evil!" ,

Wei li xi frowned at those words, "Resentful energy is energy, You'll be surprised how much it contributes to our world--" 

"--Especially when it comes to our nature, and nature is everything, including spiritual energy. They exist to balance eachother out" she said, although the female cultivator nodded in agreement Wei Li Xi seems to have earned the others glares of disagreement, 

"Calm now, the reason it was full of resentful energy is because it was altered so that it could control corpses with a single command." She added, although it was half the truth

"How is that even possible?! Who would be evil enough to do such thing as that!" Lan Qiren exclaimed, The last sentence sounding more like a warning than a question, 

Wei Li Xi seemed to only raise her eyebrows, 

"But Laoshi-- The path of a cultivator doesn't matter, it's their actions that speaks out the most.", she said, the honorific sounding more of a jeer albeit being said in a low tone

"Laoshi?! How A im your Laoshi?! I don't recall having such disrespectful student as you!" Lan Qiren Stated, --well probably excluding that unfilial woman along with her child.

Qingheng-jun seem to only chuckle at them, while Madam yu huffed.

"I should've said that it was used in a war so that your side could easily win--" , "It was a weapon to make the Wen sect bow down to their knees" Wei Li Xi said, spinning a flute on her hands,

"The Wen Sect?!"

"They we're the aggressor?!"

The people in the background taken aback as they shouted, whispering among themselves 

And The People of higher position is also no different, they wanted it to be some form of trickery but this person was so unbothered for it to be considered as trickery --there was no effort!

"The Wen Sect declared a war against us? Is it?" Qingheng-jun said-- in a straightforward manner, 

"A-die...!" Lan Xichen said, trying to warn his father that there is four people who's with them that is of Wen sect, 

"It's fine, I would even be more surprised if they didn't wage a war against the GusuLan sect" Wen Qing nonchalantly said, 

"How funny, this is certainly amusing" Wen ruohan chuckling as he looked at Wen Qing,

"You've been quite arrogant since we arrived-- should I just kill you right here?" Nie MingJue fiercely said, warning him

There was an invisible lightning between their eyes, glaring at eachother--other's who aren't quite familiar with them we're scared shitless, especially those rogue cultivators that only started out they can only tremble infront of a Lion and a Tiger.

"Stop now,"

"We've got more things to deal with", Wei Li Xi said, slightly amused .

"Anyway, Cangse SanRen and Wei ChangZe, While on their nighthunt." ,

Qingheng-jun along with Jiang fengmian perked up at the sudden mention of their sworn siblings, 

"Encountered a hugely amount of corpses, Definitely not the healthy amount.. They spent two days trying to find the source" She added,

'Is it fierce corpses that they died to?' Jiang Fengmian thought

"They then stumbled upon the Xinrie cave, what they witnessed there is quite unexpected, definitely a once in a blue moon.",

"There was countless corpses that resided in there, with the  Yin Iron on the middle, They decided to walk towards it, ready to fight those corpses. But to their surprise it made no move to attack them" Wei Li Xi Added,

"C-Could it be?!" Nie huaisang said, definitely not thinking about the theory Wei WuXian told him once.

"The Yin Iron was controlling the corpses, after finding that out, they spent 4 days trying to destroy the Yin Iron" --Or rather the Stygian Tiger Amulet

"They actually succeeded, but it was only half of it that was destroyed-- as a result the corpses retaliated, ripping them into pieces as they feast on their flesh" Wei Li Xi Frowned as she clenched the flute on her hands,

"W-what..",

"They died like that!? How pitiful!"

Jiang Fengmian appears to be processing such things, in horror-- while his wife seemed to be in a trance, probably coming into terms that she's been nothing but an asshole to a dead woman. worse than that the woman had been ceased to existence, not even ashes will remain

"They we're ripped to pieces...?" Lan Xichen asked, with horror into his eyes

Wei Li Xi only nodded in respond, 

"H-how can this be... I haven't met my martial sister but i didn't expect this..." Xiao XingChen sighed, the female cultivator beside him seem to only frown while clenching her hands, gripping it tightly as if she's injuring herself

Jiang YanLi could only stare at the floor whilst being in a daze, along with her brother who bent his eyebrows as harder it could go down. 

In a certain point of view of someone, someone is probably everyone is familiar of-- but doesn't know anything about his inner thoughts,

Lan WangJi clenched his hands as hard as he could, almost drawing blood out.

He seemed to have recalled that time, 

Although he did not expect for the other to tell that to him, he felt much more closer to him.

Just with that he stopped clenching his hands, 

Wei Ying, 

I can't stand you, not because your annoying. Yet I wished you didn't go through this, I do not know why--- but I definitely know that you deserved to know this instead of us-- no, you deserved better. 

When I go back... Should I reconsider your offer on visiting Lotus Pier?

Lan WangJi doesn't know, He feels like he needs to consult his brother about this.

In somewhere distant yet far from reach, the mind of a person loved by the universe yet hated by the world, was opened for everyone to view--

Wei WuXian knew he's just a troublemaker, son of a servant, and the son of a woman whom madam yu hated to death, 

Yet he didn't expect this..

He never felt so left out this much, 

Why was everyone gone here? 

Where did everyone go?

Wei WuXian only sighed in distress as he tries to search where Madam Yu, Shijie, and chengcheng has gone to, he even went to ask the disciples passing by!

"Maybe I should inform Uncle-Jiang about this--" He said as he walked back inside the Lotus Pier, 

He knows that they were only gone for a short period of time, probably like 10 minutes at most-- but he couldn't help worry,

Did they abandon him?

Have Madam Yu Made up her mind to take her children away from him? Because he was nothing but a trouble to them?

Wei WuXian only sighed in defeat as he scratched his head, Messing up his already messy ponytail, 

"Aizz! That's it Im just gonna hunt some pheasants, and then eat some lotus seeds! Im sure they just attended an important meeting! Time to do whatever I want~" Wei WuXian excitedly said as he giggled,

He then stood up and ran outside the Lotus Pier once again Masking his emotions away

Back again on the black endless room, 

Wen Qing definitely did not wish for this development, 

How can such powerful weapon exist? That will definitely shake the cultivation world! Everyone would be lusting after that weapon!

It did not help that she's in a situation trapped with Wen Chao and Jin GuanShan , 

Those two we're nothing but greedy pigs! She silently thanked Wei Li Xi for revealing their ugly nature, Otherwise she would have been clueless about Jin GuanShan,

Wen Qing Could only sigh as she processed the information given out to them, she also wondered if Wen Ruohan would make a move-- to find the Xinrie Cave that Wei Li Xi spoke of

"Such powerful weapon...is it really possible? Who would be so talented to make that?" Qingheng-jun asked with wide eyes,

Wei Li Xi seems to be only looking at him with smugness, 

"Nothing you need to know-- But he's definitely gonna shake you to your core later" She said closing her eyes, if you don't die early that is..

"If that weapon remained after the war it will cause such disturbance--!",

"It should be entrusted with the most powerful sect!" Jin GuanShan claimed, grinning widely

"Definitely the LanlingJin! We're the most wealthiest family out---" He was cut off by the smack his wife gave him, "You filthy vile! Are you that shameless to still talk?!" She said fiercely, but held back by her son, Jin ZiXuan

"Mother! Calm down--",

"The person who made it didn't give it out--",

"As a result he died" Wei Li Xi said, with an unreadable expression plastered on her face

Suddenly Jiang YanLi stared at her-- Maybe she felt like she knows who she is referring to, But one thing she knows, is that she can't shake this uncomfortable feeling that she felt.

"I think it was well deserved!",

"SHUT. UP." Wei Li Xi exclaimed,

They were taken aback by the sudden scream of frustration the young maiden spat out-- she seems to be in distress,

"Li Xi-guniang such---" Lan Qiren was about to talk but was cut off by Qingheng-jun, "Li Xi-guniang is not at fault, although expected, the person who died just because he kept it... Its quite unjust for him to receive the short-end." However he knows its unavoidable

Lan Qiren only stared in disappointment as he sighed, 

"Thank you,"

"Actually, That Person never intended to use it for such evil deeds. He knows he can't entrust it to someone else-- he knows that if it falls into the wrong hands.. chaos will ensue" Wei Li Xi explained, with determination in her eyes, wanting justice for the man she's mentioning

"He should've expected it then" Jiang Cheng spat out, His mother nodding in agreement with him,

"A-cheng.." 

"That's it. We're avoiding this topic" Wei Li Xi frowned as she snarled bitterly on their words, 

Wei Li Xi then sat down beside her guqin once again, holding out the flute she held earlier-- Staring at it rather fondly

Nie HuiaSang seem to notice this, and asked a question

"ah-- Li Xi-guniang, I've been noticing that flute earlier. is it yours?",

Wei Li Xi only flinched at this as she moved stiffly-- with an unreadable expression,

"This Belonged to someone," She said as she stared at Nie HuiaSang rather nonchalant.

"You seem to treasure it.. is that person a travel partner of yours perhaps?" Jiang YanLi asked, sneaking in the conversation

"no-- he wasn't, he's just someone I cared for" Wei Li Xi explained hitching in between words, 

"Was he perhaps your lover?" Wen Ruohan asked, chuckling with that smile

"ugh-- not this again" Wei Li Xi groaned, 

"Li Xi-guniang you seem to have alot of lovers, was Wei-gongzi aware of this?" Nie Huiasang teased, 

Lan WangJi only flinched at the sudden mention of him, in return Lan XiChen looked at him with concern,

"What the heck is wrong with you?" Wei Li Xi said, with the clear expression of disgust,

Wen Ruohan chuckled at the golden expression of the young lady, it brings back memories back then

"Li Xi-guniang, Worry not! Wei-gongzi likes any types of girls! He wouldn't mind if his lover is into that---" Nie HuiaSang was about to finish the last sentence but got a smack on the back of his neck, from his older brother.

Nie MingJue could only glare, and sigh after Nie HuiaSang ran off to hide behind Jiang Cheng,

"ChengCheng! Save me!" Nie Huiasang cried out, Jiang cheng only ignored him slapping his own forehead.

"That's not--" ,

"Impossible! Why would you do this for Wei-gongzi then!? Could it not be true love?!" Nie Huiasang gasped dramatically,

"That's reserved for someone else he loves, unfortunately I found that person annoying, and i was slightly disappointed-- but nevermind that" Wei Li Xi crossed her arms, 

Nie Huiasang seem to only raise his eyebrows, "He's got someone? In the future?"

"Not really-- well actually kind of? It took them 13 years to fix a simple misunderstanding, and well err-- argh! Whatever! Stop asking these questions!" Wei Li Xi exclaimed, Once again

Lan WangJi seem to only frown at such words and claims-- who was Wei Ying's Lover? She had to be extremely extraordinary to catch Wei Ying's...

What was he thinking of? This is not his matter to be involved at,

Lan XiChen Noticed his brother's expression jerk in between emotions-- He could only chuckle at his brother's sudden display of emotion-- how did he know??

While the Two were arguing about Wei WuXian's Love Life, clearly something that they shouldn't even discuss in the first place,

Madam Yu Suddenly spoke up, "That-- no, Wei WuXian, What is he doing now?" --He better not be causing any trouble

"He's at the Lotus Pier, You don't have to worry about that.. To be Honest I actually have no Idea what he's doing right now" Wei Li Xi Admitted, shrugging

Madam Yu could only sigh, Once again--

"How can you not know?!" Nie HuiaSang shouted rather dramatically,

"Im not that omniscient! I have my limits! And I definitely know where it stops!" She said slapping her own forehead, 

"That's not what I was gonna say but sure..." Nie HuiaSang said as he brings his fan up his face, Wei Li Xi felt like she shouldn't ask

"Are we just gonna sit here? Surely you got more to say, with that mouth of yours, Im sure" Jin ZiXuan asked, casually,

"A-xuan! Be respectful!" Madam Jin reminded, with frown on her face-- but it rather looked like it was filled with worry,

Although Wei Li Xi looked offended, she let it go

"Not yet, I need to replenish my energy..you guys can go ahead and take a break, maybe question your choices"--and probably prepare yourself mentally 

Wei Li Xi only hummed as she looked at her guqin and placed the flute, on top of the guqin,

Although clueless, she heard the tired sighs from everyone and groans that was begging for this to end coming from those shitass and uncaring cultivators who knows nothing but to be greedy

Meanwhile,

Qingheng-jun along with both of his sons we're somewhere, not that far

Everyone seems to be there with them too, only those of who belonged in higher positions or important positions.

"Are we certain that Li Xi-guniang should be trusted?" Nie MingJue spoke up, breaking the silence between them

"It's too realistic for it to be not, but too good to be true for her to show us this" Wen Qing said, her words we're quite true after all who would come back in time just to warn them about the future? Of their mistakes?

Madam Yu only sighed and crossed her arms at those words, "That bra-- Wei WuXian seems to be the motivation for her, Im quite certain that she's probably related to him" 

"Yu-furen is right! Im certain that their lovers!" Nie HuiaSang giggled, Nie MingJue only sighed at his brother's words

"We shouldn't.. make conclusions, it can harm people" Lan WangJi said-- slightly frowning,

"A-Zhan is right" Lan XiChen said smiling at his brother's display of behavior, because of Wei-gongzi

"Even if it is not real, we still should make advancements-- to prevent such situations like those" Lan QiRen said, massaging his goatee

"Of course, but Im still doubtful about that young lady's words" Nie MingJue said crossing his arms,

Nie MingJue wasn't wrong to be wary, after all this could be some sort of trap to make them turn against eachother. They need to be much more careful than they have been earlier,

"I don't think that is the case Nie-xiansheng, the first incident they showed us was actually something I guessed, when A-xian refused to tell me what happened." Jiang YanLi said,

"It actually happened" Jiang Cheng replied, frowning slightly. Although his behavior was unbecoming Madam Yu only ignored it

"I still don't believe such things, I need concrete proof for this" Nie MingJue sighed,

"Da-Ge don't be such a party pooper! Plus you never know! This might be true in the first place" Nie HuiaSang said as he try to convince his Older Brother, 

"We can't do anything if he doesn't want to believe it, after all Li Xi-guniang already told us it is up to our choice if we wanted to believe" Qingheng-jun reasoned, 

Making Nie HuiaSang droop down, slouching his shoulders almost looking like a fish cockroach,

"Straighten your back, you look like a shrimp" Jiang Cheng said, twitching his other eye

Nie HuiaSang only responded with a sigh of defeat, 

On the background-- Wen RuoHan was seen to be walking and looking around, his fan folded

"hmmm.." He looked around suspiciously, observing everyone, and Wei Li Xi

"How curious" Wen RuoHan said opening his fan and bringing it up on his face, he then walked off to the direction of Wen Qing and the Others.

Jin ZiXuan seem to notice him walking up to them, so he bowed down to show respect

Jiang Cheng noticed this and only raised his eyebrows at the peacock's strange behavior, but when he also noticed the man himself he bowed down as Wen RuoHan walked up to their direction.

"Sect Leader Wen, I suppose you have some idea how to respond to our situation?" Qingheng-jun said smiling, "ah yes, I've been thinking about it" He admitted.

The people who heard him only perked up and listened in, "We should go with the flow, for now" he said nonchalantly,

"Ah, of course. The best response it is, after all we are quite powerless right now" Qingheng-jun replied, 

Those words reminded them that they are actually unable to use their spiritual powers, because of the force that was suppressing their golden cores. Curiousity ran through the room with silent questions popping up,

'What was the power suppressing them?'

'It can't be just be because of an array..'

'Could it perhaps be related to the Yin Iron more than she claimed it to be?'

'What was Wei-gongzi's involvement on this matter?'

However those questions only remained unanswered, 

"Buckle up everyone! Im going to start up the next scenario" Wei Li Xi shouted, 

Everyone turned around and started walking towards the young lady, more curious than they have been earlier.

"Is it done already?" Jin ZiXuan asked,

"Yes, This one will be quite long. I hope everyone will be prepared for this" Wei Li Xi said as she started flicking the strings on her guqin.

As the song played, Lan WangJi drowned himself on the tune

The tune was so chaotic, energetic and sometimes sorrowful. He can't help but be reminded of that person,

He can't stop thinking about him, 

He wondered, How was the rabbits doing on the cloud recesses? He hopes its doing fine..

Lan WangJi opened his eyes as the once black room shifted into a scenario again, they we're somewhere else now-- far away from the Lotus Pier that burned earlier, 

There was two figures walking, one wearing purple the other was wearing red.

Wei Ying..

Chapter Text

The Yunmeng head disciple along with the heir of Jiang was walking side by side, both looking like they had their life drained out of them. They walked on a village that was so empty it felt like a ghost town--yet Wei WuXian still decided to take the catious route, he grabs Jiang Cheng with him on a dark alleyway

Jiang YanLi smiled weakly at her brothers' close relationship, 

'It seems A-Xian was able to coax Jiang Cheng.'

"Stay here, I'll get us some food" He said, walking off the dark alleyway.

After a while when Wei WuXian already disappeared, Jiang Cheng saw a group of Wen Disciples looking around--as if they are looking for someone,

"Shit" Nie MingJue blurted out, 

They all stared in anticipation, with tense atmosphere and bulging eyes--

Meanwhile Madam Yu was concerned and felt like she was on the edge of her seat,

'Crap! They're gonna find Wei WuXian!'

Jiang YanLi patted Jiang Cheng's back, and comforted him "A-cheng... You did great, A-Xian will treasure that forever, you'll survive.." she said, smiling at her brother with concern

Jiang Cheng who was speechless, 

"shijie.." , spoke

With no hesitation Jiang Cheng immediately stood up and ran out the dark alleyway, with the group of disciples being in close range with him, i mmediately noticed him and ran after the young boy.

"Why did you have to save him?!" Madam Yu screamed, she was quite angry-- she'll have to admit.

"San-niang--"

"A-niang. A-Xian is like a brother to us, if you can't accept him.. it is no matter of us! We will still treat him like our own" Jiang YanLi confidently said, with a high voice--but not loud enough to be considered disrespectful.

Wei WuXian is seen walking with two dumplings on his hands, he walked up on the direction of the alleyway but stopped on his tracks when he saw something was wrong-- Jiang Cheng is gone.

'Jiang Cheng! Where has he gone to?!'

Jiang YanLi noticed Wei Wuxian's shadow, and looked at the scenario,

'A-Xian'

Wei WuXian dropped the food on the ground as he looked around, running everywhere on the area-- looking for his sworn brother. Just then the lady close to him talked,

"Are you looking for the young man? He was chased by a group of people on that direction" She pointed,

Wei WuXian, who realized that the direction the lady was pointing at-- was the Lotus Pier, he immediately ran. Hoping that Jiang Cheng wasn't taken,

"You Idiot! Did you really take that way?!" Jin ZiXuan shouted, but was slapped by his own mother "A-Xuan!",

"Jiang Cheng has no choice! He had to take them away before they could take his sworn brother!" She shouted back, raising her voice

"He's a servant!" Jin ZiXuan said as he held his face that was recently slapped, 

Wei WuXian ran as fast as he could, yet he was cautious on his steps not wanting to alert the patrolling disciples from their invaders. While on his way in he immediately noticed Jiang Cheng being carried by two disciples of the wen sect, Jiang Cheng was then thrown inside a shed.

But then another slap was heard, 

"You can talk bad about me! Behind my back or whatever! But i would never allow you talk bad behind my brothers' back!" Jiang YanLi shouted, her hands raised mid-air

"A-Li.." Madam Jin comforted, 

"A-Xuan! You'll need to be disciplined! Your turning more arrogant like your father! Apologize to A-Li!" , 

"No need. I should be the one to apologize" Jiang YanLi said as she bowed down and walked away, 

Madam Yu certainly didn't know how to feel about this, should she feel guilty for starting this or be proud that her daughter slapped a man? What the fuck, neither!

Wei WuXian did not hesitate to go inside the shed once the two disciples faded off in a distance, when he got inside Jiang Cheng was holding on for dear life-- he was unconscious

"A-Cheng..!" Jiang YanLi whispered, looking concerned when she saw the state the Jiang Cheng was in, 

Jiang Fengmian was no different.

Wei WuXian grabbed Jiang Cheng's wrist and carried him on his back with that he ran outside, not caring if the patrolling disciples saw him. 

While he ran through the roofs, he was met by flying arrows-- it pierced through his shoulders, making him fall down in the process. 
Yet he gritted through his pain still standing up and grabbing Jiang Cheng once again, trying to ran away from the disciples that was chasing them with weapons. While running through a hallway he was immediately grabbed by someone along with Jiang Cheng,

"A-Cheng! A-Xian!" She exclaimed, looking like she was about to cry because of her glassy eyes.

*Wei WuXian was startled by the figure that pulled him inside, and that figure was revealed to be none other than Wen Ning. 

Wen RuoHan and Wen Qing seemed to have flinched away at the figure,

"Wen Ning?!" Wen Qing screamed, which cause the younger man beside her to flinch,

"Y-you--! Wen Ning?!" Wei WuXian screamed -whilst whispering, 

With no hesitation he immediately grabbed something sharp and pointed it at Wen Ning, in return Wen Ning flinched but did not ran away or move at all--in fact he was not scared or anything 

Jiang Cheng could only stare at the scenario in wide eyes, speechless, 

"Wei-gongzi, i mean no harm-- Im here to help!" He said slightly stumbling on his words,

"He shouldn't be trusted!"

"He could betray you any moment!"

Wei WuXian felt like he shouldn't trust him, but he remembered that Wen Ning-- was someone he was acquainted, ever since he helped the younger to nourish his archery skill. 
Although he was having a crisis, whether he should trust Wen Ning or not--but if he doesn't Jiang Cheng wouldn't survive. So with no hesitation he nodded, although he was having a second thought.

"That foolish boy!" Madam Yu screamed out in distress, 

"Although I don't blame them for being cautious, I must remind you-- we are only a branch of the Qishan wen, who only specialized in medicines." Wen Qing reminded, 

With Wen RuoHan beside her, nodding.

"I can retrieve the bodies of Yu-furen and Sect Leader Jiang--",

They were taken aback by the statement of the younger boy, especially the Jiang Family, 

As a thank you, 

Jiang Fengmian bowed down on the direction of Wen Qing, along with Jiang YanLi on her back and Jiang Cheng who seems pale. 

Surprisingly enough Madam Yu was also seen to be slightly bowing her head down, although the frown was still plastered on her face.

"T-that is if your willing of course--!" He stuttered, this statement alone made Wei WuXian perk up and nodded quite aggressively.

"Please hide Jiang-gongzi here, I'll find my sister so she could take a look at him." Wen Ning added as he reached for the door, but as he was about to open it a figure suddenly emerged.
This alerted Wei WuXian--so in return he pulled out Wen Ning's sword and grabbed the young man, pointing the blade at him.

"His reflexes are quite fast" Qingheng-jun Noted, 

Lan XiChen nodded in agreement. 

"What are you doing?" A fierce feminine voice rose up, "S-shijie--" Wen Ning stuttered. "Let go of my brother" she threatened, "Shijie! W-we had to help them! As a repayment for Wei-gongzi! Please..!" Wen Ning cried out--not loud enough for the people outside to hear.
This made Wei WuXian look at Wen Ning in confusion but nonetheless he appreciated the help that the young man was trying to give them.

"Repayment..?" Jiang Cheng raised his eyebrows, 

"Wei-gongzi helped Wen-gongzi at the festival I previously spoke of." Wei Li Xi answered, the answer was enough--she didn't need to push a lot of details.

"Wen Ning! This can endanger us! Helping a stranger will do no good to us!" She reasoned, 

Wen Qing, who was watching flinched at her own words. Never in her life would she say this--she was a doctor after all. Her duty is to protect and care for people, but she can't blame the future of her. They were in a desperate situation, any wrong move can get them killed.

"But shijie-- we help people! You told me that yourself.." Wen Ning countered,

Wen Qing seem to wore a face of someone who is distressed, she hesitated to talk for a moment but then-- someone behind the closed door, talked.

"Oh no! Theres p-people!" Nie HuiaSang screeched, pointing at the door.

"Are you gonna scream 'Oh no! It's air!' next time?" Jiang Cheng frowned, glaring at him

Nie HuiaSang seem to flinch at this and quietly shut himself up,

"Im sorry to intrude Wen Qing-guniang, but perhaps have you seen someone came here? Two youngsters, one wearing a pur---" 

"I didn't see them--" Wen Qing cut them off but a noise interrupted her,

'Thank god..' Jiang YanLi thought, as she felt a wave of relief wash over her,

"What was that? Im afraid I'll need to com--"

"No need, that was my brother-- he's feeling quite sick today" Wen Qing calmly said, 

"Alright, Wen Qing-guniang." He said as he walked away, 

There was a streak of prolonged silence between them, Wen Ning decided to break that streak off

"Shijie.." Wen Ning mumbled,

"Go now, Wen Ning. Retrieve the bodies I'll take care of them here" Wen Qing responded as she waved her hands off.

"We must thank you Wen Qing-guniang" Jiang Fengmian bowed, 

"No need.. this is from the future, it is yet to happen" Wen Qing said as she bowed back,

Wen Ning hurriedly walked away and opened the door, 

Now it's just Wei WuXian and Wen Qing along with the unconscious Jiang Cheng,

"He'll need time to recover, the disciples here will surely find you guys before even day 1." Wen Qing warned, "I'll leave it to you then-- as for those guys, we can... Drug the wines. Surely you guys have celebrations, right?" Wei WuXian replied confidently,

"Smartass" Jiang Cheng huffed,

"Wei-gongzi surely is a different breed.." Qingheng-jun chuckled, remembering the times where CangSe SanRen would prank Lan Qiren

He only received a sigh, "Put him on the bed over there, i'll prepare some medicine." Wen Qing pointed at the paperscreen that was covering an empty bed-- Wei WuXian carried Jiang Cheng on that bed and touched his wound, that came from the arrow trying to feel if its numb already.

"Don't even touch that wound, it'll get infected" Wen Qing warned him, with such fierce eyes and in return he flinched and awkwardly looked at Wen Qing but stayed silent.

Nie HuiaSang also flinched along with the Wen Ning,

After a few moments, Wen Qing approached the unconscious Jiang Cheng and put some sort of liquid on his wounds, the wounds looked like they just faded away--although slightly

"Wen Qing-guniang is really skilled on medicine, it seems the rumours don't do you justice." Lan XiChen spoke up,

Lan Qiren seemed to agree while he massaged his goatee, 

"Watch him closely, I'll need to retrieve a few items on my office. Make sure to give him some spiritual energy, I feel like there's something wrong with his flow of energy." Wen Qing said as she passed a bandage on Wei WuXian, "Here, patch yourself up. Make sure to clean it too, it'll be bad if it gets infected" , she said--with that she left.

After patching himself up, Wei WuXian finally tried to put some energy into Jiang Cheng--hoping it'll fasten his healing, but he finds something unexpected instead.

"No way--" Nie HuiaSang was in shock, 

That can't be possible, right?

'It can't be..'

'Jiang Cheng's core...'

'It's gone..!'

"A-cheng..." Jiang YanLi mumbled, covering her mouth preventing herself from crying, 

"A-jie.. its okay.. I protected Wei WuXian" he said, although he was disappointed by learning that he will soon lose his golden core--he was glad to know that it wasn't for nothing.

Wei WuXian, with wide eyes kept trying to pour in some energy into Jiang Cheng--but it was hopeless, he can't feel it-- he can't--

Madam Yu can only grit through her teeth, she wants to be irritated--but she can't, this was her son and that-- Wei WuXian. She knows this isn't any of her business..but..

"Funny right?" A sudden chuckle arose,

"J-Jiang cheng--" Wei WuXian stuttered

"I know.. my core, it's gone",

"You know the Core-melting hand, right?" He asked,

"Core-melting hand..?" Wei WuXian asked, staring at him with wide eyes

"who..?" Nie HuiaSang asked, 

"The person beside Wen Chao on the previous scenario." Wei Li Xi reminded,

"He was the one-- who melted my core, he melted my parent's too-- haha..!" He laughed, the laugh sounding more of a cry

Suddenly the door opened, it was Wen Qing

"What?! What is a Wen doing here?!" Jiang Cheng shouted, "They helped us..!" Wei WuXian reasoned.
"Hahaha! You must've gone insane! They can kill us! They killed my parents!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed, "I apologize, but we don't kill people-- we are of dafan wen, a branch of qishan wen. We are no cultivators but medics." Wen Qing responded, calm as she was earlier. 

"My brother successfully retrieved your parent's corpse, he'll be here in a minute" She said, as she reminded the current deal earlier.

Jiang Cheng only gritted his teeth, but for a moment he laughed

"How A im supposed to get my revenge now? Im better of as dead... I-- have nothing! Father was right to favor you.. you still have your golden core. Im nothing but a mediocre now" Jiang Cheng laughed, putting his hands above his face

Wei WuXian only stared at him with wide eyes, his thoughts blocking Jiang Cheng's laugher.

It's been quite the time, it may seem fast for you but it felt like months to them-- after all they had to hide, being careful to not get caught. Wen Ning retrieved the Jiang Sect Leader's crown and Madam yu's hairpin, they seem to be in a good condition. While that was happening-- Jiang Cheng have not eaten for days, refusing to do so despite his stomach's retaliation 

"They had to hide..!" Madam Yu gritted,

"It was unavoidable." Lan WangJi nonchalantly reminded, 

"How long?" Lan XiChen asked as he turned around to Wei Li Xi, that can be seen playing her guqin.

"At this time probably a half day.. in maximum, they stayed there for exactly 4-5days." She said,

But Wei WuXian still stands straight, he still tries--now with soup in his hands, trying to make Jiang Cheng eat

"ChengCheng should eat! I won't be able to go on my day without your angry complaints" Nie HuiaSang teased, trying to lift the atmosphere up.

"Shut it." 'ChengCheng' responded, groaning

"Jiang Cheng-- shijie won't be happy abou--" a slap interrupted him, the soup now splattered on the ground. Jiang Cheng did not pay him any stare and just continued to lay down,

"That's right..A-Xian is right, I'll be angry if any of you don't eat" Jiang YanLi giggled, while pointing at Jiang Cheng. 

Jiang Cheng in return smiled, 

Wei WuXian for the nth time, walked away

'This is absurd. I can't believe how powerless I am-- how helpless I am' Jiang Cheng thought, 

After a few minutes of being in a daze, Wei WuXian with a new set of bowl and warm soup walked in, "Eat now, Jiang Cheng." He said. Jiang Cheng only ignored it and turned his back on Wei WuXian, "Hey! If your not full we wouldn't be able to get your golden core back." , suddenly Jiang Cheng's eyes bulged out-- as if it could pop out of his eye sockets, "Y-you--!?" Jiang Cheng immediately turned around. Meeting Wei WuXian's smiling face that is radiating confidence, "Yes, I know. I remember--, my mother You know her right?" , Although Jiang Cheng caught him offguard he nodded. 

"Of course that-- Wei WuXian had a plan!" Madam Yu huffed, 

"His Last name won't be a Wei if he doesn't." Jiang Cheng agreed, 

Meanwhile in the background Xiao XingChen can be seen watching--with interest

"My mother's Laoshi is Baoshan SanRen. I heard that when I was a kid, Baoshan SanRen could repair a golden core." He continued, 

"She can?!"

"I'm not even surprised! She's a Immortal master!"

"Really?" Lan XiChen asked, the question being directed at Wei Li Xi. But instead someone else answered

"Lan Yi-- had a letter about Baoshan SanRen before. It was stated that she indeed studied at gusu before, Lan Yi described her as someone whom looked like they studied medicine their entire life. Baoshan SanRen saved a life of someone in the Lans before, this was never documented because the immortal master never intended so." Qingheng-jun explained, "Lan Yi was suppose to include this on the book she planned to release publicly, but before she was able to do so.. she disappeared" 

"Ah, well. Im not exactly interested in my Laoshi's life experiences..but I wasn't well aware that she could repair broken cores, my Laoshi is indeed quite secretive" Xiao XingChen chimed in the conversation as he looked at the female cultivator beside him,

Qingheng-jun nodded at his words,

"You said you can't remember anything from your childhood!" Jiang Cheng said, he was quite suspicious-- but at the mention of his golden core, he waved it off

"That is true, it is indeed quite suspicious-- I mean he always say most of the time that he doesn't remember" Jiang Cheng pointed out, 

"It could be because Wei Ying remembers only a small amount of his memories." Lan WangJi said, defending his future husband

Jiang Cheng only raised his eyebrows at Lan WangJi's strange behavior, but he brushed it off

"Yeah, I know! But I remember-- no, there was memory fragments.. My mother used to say, 'If you ever ran into trouble, make sure to go to this place.. and tell her your origins and your problems, when did so it will open its doors for you' ", Wei WuXian explained, "and I still remember that, amazing right?" He said with a hint of smug in his tone

"Amazing Indeed" Xiao XingChen chuckled, 

"He is quite amazing for that, most of the time when childrens grow up they forget most of their time spent on childhood" Wen RuoHan said, clapping invisibly

Jiang Cheng could feel the light in his eyes shine, he was about to cry-- "T-Then--",

"Nope! Your going to eat first! C'mon we can't go on a empty stomach okay?" Wei WuXian immediately cut him off and handed him a bowl of soup, "And also-- this," Wei WuXian said as he handed the crown and the hairpin, 

Jiang Cheng who looked at it for quite a long time, felt like crying-- he wanted to do so, but--he can't be grieving in such time like this, he had to be strong.

After a few moments of eating, Jiang Cheng could feel a wave of energy on him now that he's eaten. 

Wei WuXian who was watching him the whole time finally took it upon himself to initiate a conversation, 

"I have a plan, while you are getting your core back-- I will find shijie, and get her to a safe place. We can meet at the inn, on the gusu" Wei WuXian explained, 

"The gusu?" Qingheng-jun raised his eyebrow

"Are they perhaps planning to get help from us?" Lan XiChen asked as he looked once again at Wei Li Xi,

"No, you guys we're in a critical condition that time.", Its not like you'll help them anyways, with those elders in your clan

"Okay." Jiang Cheng responded with tranquil, something that he didn't expect too. 

"Alright, now save your energy! Were going off tomorrow! Oh also, there are a few rules on entering the celestial mountain.. one is to never let strangers in, second... Is to never enter such mountains with your eyes opened, my mother used to tell me how her Laoshi is quite private of her appearance. She also doesn't accept such guests who is not related to her or any of her disciples." Wei WuXian warned, explaining them thoroughly--Jiant Cheng listened carefully and nodded, 

"That is quite the interesting rules.." Nie HuiaSang said, gaping at it for a moment

"Interesting indeed" Xiao XingChen only smiled, 

"We have the solution for it. You can use my name when you enter the celestial mountain, and perhaps you should wear a blindfold too" he added, pointing at Jiang Cheng's eyes. 

"That would solve it then, then-- tomorrow..?" Jiang Cheng asked, Wei WuXian who was looking at him nodded in agreement.

After that the scenario faded again, going back at the black room-- filled with nothingness, 

"W-what?!"

"Were back!"

Just then a sudden change in tune rose up as the scenario shifted into another---

It was time, Jiang Cheng is finally getting his core back. He's quite ready for this-- after all he rehearsed on what he's gonna say to such questions, with Wei WuXian.

"What do you answer if she asked who you are?" Wei WuXian asked, 

"That I am Wei WuXian, son of CangSe SanRen" Jiang Cheng groaned,

Madam Yu felt weird hearing her own son say that he was the son of CangSe SanRen, the first love of her husband-- she did not know whether she should be angry or be guilty.

"Great, Great," Wei WuXian giggled, he then took out a black cloth on his hands.

"I am going to blindfold you with this.", 

"And this is going to be your guide" Wei WuXian said as he brings out a cane, 

"Right," Jiang Cheng nodded, 

"Be careful, we don't want you dying because you slipped" Wei WuXian chuckled, but he only received another groan

"HAHAHAHA! That would've been fu--ow!" , Nie HuiaSang laughed out loud, and before he could finish the last sentence he was smacked at his head by his brother--who is now glaring at him telling him to behave,

Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng can be seen frowning, his hands on his forehead--as if he's witnessing Nie HuiaSang taking a shit infront of him.

Wei WuXian ran the black cloth on the eyes of Jiang Cheng and covered it, knotting the back view. 

Now Jiang Cheng's vision was black, only nothingness-- no dim lights, nothing.

It made Jiang Cheng quite nervous, but this is nothing to what he experienced a few days ago. This is a small obstacle,

"Here," Wei WuXian said, as he hands a wooden cane to Jiang Cheng.

"Go now. I'll wait for you at the Inn" Wei WuXian encouraged, 

"You better not be dead when I go back!" Jiang Cheng shouted, acknowledging Wei WuXian's words.

Just then-- the scenario shifted back into the black endless room, but this time they didn't shift back despite the music still playing.

"Li Xi-guniang? This is..?" Lan XiChen asked, confused 

"Ah-- I apologize, this time you will be seeing black like Jiang Cheng's perspective. It is hard to recreate such scenes when I haven't witnessed it." She admitted,

As the music of the guqin prolonged the air, they suddenly heard a familiar voice talking.

Jiang Cheng felt like this was hell, 

He was hungry

His feet felt like it could break any moment,

This was unavoidable--after all he is coreless right now, inedia is of no access to him.

He sighed in tiredness, but still continued to walk up. Despite the fatigue and hunger that was coveting him,

He wondered,

If he's close?

After all he's not encountering any beast right now.. that must've mean he's..

Suddenly he heard a twig snap, 

"oh shit!"

"Language!"

"But its getting intense!!"

Although coreless, he turned around very fast--on instinct.

"Who's there?!" He threatened,

Suddenly he heard it walk on his direction, he can hear a fabric swirl in the wind.

At that moment, a sound of unsheathing sword was heard. He can feel it pointing against on his neck,

"Is that person gonna kill him?!" Jin ZiXuan gaped mouth shouted, 

"That would've been too farfetched!" Jiang Cheng frowned, shouting back.

"Who are you?" A female voice arose,

"What... Could that be.." Nie HuiaSang stared at the scenario in anticipation,

This must be! 

"This must be--"

Baoshan SanRen

"Baoshan SanRen!" Nie HuiaSang shouted, 

"My name is Wei WuXian, son of CangSe SanRen." Although trembling, he still managed to respond calmly.

Lan Qiren raised his eyebrows at that, he felt weird that the Wei WuXian that the immortal master will know of is the opposite from the real one. 

Meanwhile, 

Wen RuoHan and Nie MingJue Listened at the scenario, with interest gleaming in their eyes, paying a lot of attention than they did earlier,

"My disciple's son? What may be your motives to seek for me?" She asked,

"My golden core.. it is broken, I wish to seek help." ,

"Very well, After all you are the child of my disciple. Come along now, Let one of my disciple guide you " ,

Suddenly Jiang Cheng felt a strong hand guide him, holding him quite gently. 

This was the time he felt relieved, he can't help but sleep--from the fatigue he received and the tiredness.

With that his consciousness drifted away

After that the scenario faded away, 

"Oh, we're done?" Qingheng-jun asked looking around with confused eyes, 

"Not yet" Wei Li Xi answered, 

Just then she began to play another tune, this time it was chaotic--as if the song was a person screaming for help.

"Th-this is--",

The scenario began to pulse back and forth on Black and white, 

"What's going on?!",

"Li Xi-guniang!" Lan XiChen screamed, 

Wei Li Xi frowned slightly as she played the guqin, 

"I apologize-- it's like the memory itself is refusing to show, give me a moment please" ,

After a few seconds the flashing was gone, 

But that was soon replaced by a disorted ripple, 

"W-what is that?!",

"Holy shit--" Nie HuiaSang blurted out, 

Then it calmed down, shifting into clear one but then instantly switches back-- but this time

The scenario shifted back-- this time with a pulsing fade, as if it's refusing to be shown.

Just then they heard a scream--of pain

"ARGHH-- HAH--!" A voice of  a man screamed out, 

"WAHHH!" Nie HuiaSang screeched, immediately holding on Jiang Cheng's clothes, 

"HEY! Im going to kick you!" Jiang Cheng groaned as he pushes Nie HuiaSang away,

"Just endure for a moment..! Wei WuXian-- you can't fall asleep!" A female voice rang out,

All of them immediately perked up in the mention of someone,

Although the scenario seems unrecognizable, the mention of that name, they knew instantly who was the one screaming--in pain.

"Wei-gongzi?!"

"Wei WuXian!"

"A-Xian!"

"Wei Ying..!"

"Wen Ning! Hold him down!" She shouted, ordering the younger man,

Just after witnessing the scenario, Jiang YanLi immediately fell on her knees holding her mouth, looking at the blurry scene with her bulging eyes--

"Shijie--" Jiang Cheng ran up to her sister, as he looked at the scene much more clearly,

Just then the scenario instantly became more clear, 

"T-This is..." Jiang YanLi looked at the scene with horror in her eyes, along with Jiang Cheng

"What are you doing?!" Madam Yu asked, clearly directed at Wen Qing,

Meanwhile, Wen Qing appears to be the same as them. Confused 

Wei WuXian on the ground with open stomach, just exactly where his golden core is, being held back by Wen Ning. On the other side-- it was Wen Qing whom looks like she was fiddling on Wei WuXian's stomach.

"This is--" Wen Qing gasped as her eyes widens, 

"A-Xian--" Jiang YanLi cried out, 

Jiang Cheng stood there, watching as his brother's core get ripped out,

"Just a little more..!" She screamed out, sweat beads drooling down her face

"ARGH--" Wei WuXian screamed out, 

Jiang YanLi immediately flinched, as her eyes let out a lot of tears. 

She immediately looked at Wen Qing, who was in horror like they just witnessed something otherworldly 

Just then, Wen Qing ripped the Golden core out.

"AHHHHHHH, IT-- GARGHHH-- ARGHH", Wei WuXian cried out, even harder than he did earlier. His voice full of pain as if his limbs were getting ripped out--something on him getting ripped out.

"N-No--" , 

'It hurts.'

Jiang YanLi along with others immediately raised their heads, realizing that they can read the boy's inner thoughts, 

"It's beautiful.." Wen Ning mumbled, 

'It hurts. It hurts.'

"A-Xian-- I-- N-No-- stop..." , Jiang YanLi cried out, 

"Please stop .. S-stop please-- Wen-guniang" She pleaded, Begging

"Give him some water Wen Ning!" Wen Qing ordered, rather with concern.

'It hurts. It hurts. Its hurts. It hurts. It hurts."

Jiang YanLi immediately covered her ears, refusing to listen to her brother's suffering, 

'A-Xian..'

With that one single order, Wen Ning Immediately carried it out. Putting the water close on Wei Wuxian's face, 

"Drink Wei-gongzi.. please rest we can--" he was immediately interrupted when Wei WuXian stood up with water in his hands,

"W-What! He can't just stand up! The wound is still open! It'll get infected!" Wen Qing said, staring at the open wound on Wei WuXian's stomach,

'ITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTS'

The boy's paint started to sound like chant, it was getting louder.

"I-i can go, I need to. It'll be suspicious if i got to the inn the same time Jiang Cheng did." He said with a raspy voice,

"You idiot..." Jiang Cheng whispered, 

"Wei-gongzi.." Nie HuiaSang sighed as he stared into the figure in horror, perhaps in pity--but he certainly felt useless at the current situation

"You--!" Wen Qing looked at him, but sighed in defeat. "Wen Ning hand him the bandage, and the cleansing water." 

Wen Qing couldn't believe the words she spat out in the future, 

'Was I Really like that to my future patients?!'

Never did she imagine that she'll perform such things on the future, especially if it has a chance of the patient dying--to add more, she wasn't paying extra care into Wei WuXian

Wen Ning handed it to Wei WuXian, 

"Make sure to clean your wounds, it will get infected. You haven't recovered yet!" Wen Qing reminded,

"How was Jiang Cheng?" He asked, ignoring the words of Wen Qing--but acknowledging it.

"That idiot...this--" Jiang Cheng lowered his head after his voice cracked, Nie HuiaSang who was beside him--comforted him 

"It was successful. Your core is residing inside him now.. the core transplant was successful." She said, 

"Th--at" , Jiang Cheng tried to spat out,

But only water droplets was able to come out of his face, staining the floor

"That's great.. I just need to go now." ,

"Be careful Wei-gongzi, " Wen Ning bowed, and looked at him with concern.

"Make sure to recite what we rehearsed! Thank you!" Wei WuXian said as he waved bye to them.

The scenario then faded into nothingness as Wei WuXian walked off, his hands on his stomach.

"That.. was surely.." Nie HuiaSang managed to blurt out-- after an hour of silent atmosphere, 

Yet no one still managed to say a single word, the silence was so loud it felt like a continuous ring of bells in their ears.

Then--the doctress herself spoke up, 

"I.. can't believe my theory would be proven right-- yet i can't believe that i would perform it too, knowing that it has 50% chance of failing." She clicked her tongue, frowning plastered on her face.

"Y-you might have never met Wei-gongzi before! If he knows there's still a chance it can succeed-- he'll still do it!" Nie HuiaSang stuttered, 

Madam Yu who heard that slightly frowned, 

She didn't expect that the boy's said debt would be repaid this way--unexpectedly, she can't get the boy's agonizing screams on her mind.

"That's right-- that idiot, will still do it either way...knowing its him who only gets affected, its enough for him." Jiang Cheng said, clenching his hands and trembling slightly.

Jiang YanLi who was beside him--was still zoning off, but she looked up opening her mouth 

"Was A-Xian perhaps--repaying us? N-no..that can't be it-- he is not the type of person to do that.. he thinks such a debt can't be repayed, I---", 

"Wait... Was it because of what A-niang said before t-that..?" Jiang YanLi stuttered, remembering the time where Madam Yu throwed the two boys on a boat--

And it clicked, 

"I can't believe this.. I did not expect this, especially on the Jiangs, it seems that Sect Leader Jiang's real motive is to raise Wei WuXian as the shield and sword for Jiang We WanYin and Jiang-guniang.." Wen RuoHan chuckled, 

Jiang Fengmian couldn't help but flinch at that, 

Lan Qiren stopped massaging his goatee on the spot when Wen RuoHan talked, 

"Jiang Fengmian! I have not known about this-- was that really your intention of bringing that servant's son?!" Madam Yu screamed--at her own husband,

Jiang Fengmian who felt like a cornered rat, did not find any right words to defend himself--not when both of his child is also looking at him with contempt.

"That-- no Wei WuXian, not only did you bring him at the sect because of CangSe SanRen who is your first love! You also used him to be a shield for Jiang Cheng and A-Li?! Have you gone mad?! That Child would be endlessly devoted--that he won't even be able to have a life of his own!" Madam Yu hissed, clenching her hands-- she couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth right now, defending the child of her enemy, it wasn't even a competition in the first place

Jiang Fengmian, along with Qingheng-jun raised their eyebrows at the first sentence--

"Yu-furen I think there's some misunderstanding between the two of you... CangSe SanRen was not the first love of Sect Leader Jiang," Qingheng-jun corrected--releasing a small giggle from his mouth, 

Jiang Fengmian who was bewildered also nodded in agreement, 

Madam Yu who looked back and fourth at her own husband and the current Sect Leader of the GusuLan, became more confused than she was earlier, 

"CangSe SanRen is a sworn sister of both of us.. along with A-Zixi-- she was quite a matchmaker, infact she tried setting up Wei Changze and Sect Leader Jiang before." Qingheng-jun laughed at the nostalgia, 

Jiang Cheng who perked up at the sudden mention of the incident, involving his own father--not only that he also raised his eyebrow at it

"My father is a cutsleeve?" , He asked--

Jiang Fengmian looked at him and chuckled giving an ambiguous response, 

"No, but CangSe SanRen thought he was. It was actually a big misunderstanding-- Sect Leader Jiang was actually trying to help Wei Changze get CangSe SanRen's heart. It was quite a ride" He chuckled, massaging his chin that reminds me of someone 

"That Unfilial woman also shaved off my goatee just because she thinks I looked better without it" Lan Qiren sighed speak of the devil 

Jiang Cheng along with Jiang YanLi looked at them dumbfounded, 

"This is getting ridiculous-- I'll just get straight to the point! We're you really planning to do that to Wei WuXian?!" Madam Yu asked once again, 

"No-- I-- that wasn't really my intention, I really did took him in to repay for Wei Changze who saved my life before." Jiang Fengmian said, slightly stuttering on his words.

"Repay..?" Jiang Cheng looked at his father, with curious eyes, his mother looked at his father too taken aback

"There was one time where I, Sect Leader Qingheng-jun, Zhang ZiXi, CangSe SanRen and Wei Changze, went on a nighthunt, we we're almost on the brink of death.. CangSe SanRen along with Wei Changze saved us." Jiang Fengmian answered, explaining it

Lan Qiren frowned slightly at the recallment of the incident, 

"Wei Changze and CangSe SanRen broke a few rules of the oh-so prestigious GusuLan, which was the reason we we're on the brink of death-- right Qiren-ge?" Qingheng-jun laughed, looking at his brother with that knowing smile.

Lan WangJi who was beside at his father listened at the announcement of his father, he can't help but be curious what rule was that--

"Rules..?", He asked

"Do not kill, or whatever that was-- and Be clean or modest, I think" Qingheng-jun answered, while Lan Qiren gaped at him and frowned 

"A-Zhan your shushu over there threw CangSe SanRen off the mountain after breaking those rules, which caused Wei Changze to follow after her." Qingheng-jun pointed at his older brother, 

Lan WangJi only stared in bewilderment, confused and probably processing the situation. 

'Why was CangSe SanRen the only one who was thrown off?'

"That's enough, talk about your private affairs next time. Its all your fault for not communicating properly" Wei Li Xi sighed, 

"It was certainly uncomfortable for them to talk about my Sworn sister like that too" Wen RuoHan sighed, following after Wei Li Xi's audible sigh

"Sworn Sister?!", a certain elder shouted

Qingheng-jun opened his mouth slightly then closed it again, "It seems that CangSe SanRen has made quite a lot of friends on her journey?" , He smiled 

"Right, A-Ren and A-Chang was quite the pair.. I had to do a lot just to make them end up together" Wen RuoHan sighed--dramatically, 

"Is that why they didn't invite us to their wedding..?" Qingheng-jun asked,

'They we're married on the Wen Sect?'

"No, they eloped." Wen RuoHan answered bluntly, smiling proudly

'I was the only one who became the witness'

That answer alone definitely caused a lot of audible gasps, even Xiao XingChen and the female cultivator beside him was gaping their mouths--although slightly

Lan Qiren only sighed and did not even bothered to talk, 

"Okay.. that's enough, I don't think I'm interested about people's lovelife." Madam Yu sighed, 

Just then, Lan XiChen spoke up

"Li Xi-guniang what's wrong? Why are you trembling.." Lan XiChen looked at Wei Li Xi with concern, 

With his question, everyone looked at the host in confusion-- wondering

"N-nothing..." She said, her voice shaking as she trembled

Then she raised her head covering her mouth with her hands, 

"pfftt..... Yeah.. definitely nothing.. th--pfft",

"You-- are..you laughing..?" Jiang Cheng asked raising his eyebrow, 

"Uhh-- I just didn't expect this... Like parents like son.. pfftt" Wei Li Xi snorted, 

"Whaa---t" Nie HuiaSang gaped his mouth, probably realizing something

"WEI-GONGZI ELOPED WITH SOMEONE-- IN THE FUTURE?!", He screamed out--

"Uhh",

"Okay. We are not talking about this.." Jin ZiXuan flushed, his words were ignored

"Wei-gongzi-- did he perhaps..?" Nie HuiaSang asked looking at Wei Li Xi,

'DID HE ELOPE WITH YOU?'

Wei Li Xi raised her eyebrows then immediately frowned--looking like she'll strangle Nie HuiaSang any moment now, 

"Fuckass! Your still not over that?! Okay I'm gonna fucking skip this topic! Go behave!" Wei Li Xi shouted, pointing at the empty area beside Nie MingJue

Nie HuiaSang slightly flinched and let out a disappointed sigh, 

Jiang Cheng who was once again in the background pretended not to know that man in his whole life.

"I'm sure everyone has a lot of questions.. ask away" , Wei Li Xi announced

"Wei Ying.. Is he alright?" Lan WangJi asked, with concern in his eyes, but it's hidden behind such stoic mask

"He's... You'll know it on the next scenario," Wei Li Xi answered--having a second thoughts on answering.

"Did T--" , Jiang Cheng was about to talk but he was once again interrupted

"How long did Wei Ying undergo in that surgery?" Lan WangJi asked again, 

That action of his, caused a lot of people to look at him with their eyebrow raised--especially Jiang Cheng, 

While his Brother, Lan XiChen only chuckled at the sight

"2 days.. straight, no sleep-- no anesthesia", 

Jiang Cheng along with the other members widened their eyes at this--the doctress also looked in bewilderment, 

"What do you mean?! Did I ran out of anesthesia?!" Wen Qing asked, 

"No, you actually found out that-- it won't work if performed with anesthesia. The flow of the energy will be blocked, same with sleeping." Wei Li Xi explained nonchalantly, 

Nie MingJue frowned, 

"Wha--", He tried to ask-- but failed

"What happened to Wei Ying after that?" Lan WangJi asked, once again interrupting someone

Nie HuiaSang looked at him with a dumbfounded expression like Lan WangJi just ended his older brother's whole career, While Nie MingJue himself stared as if his Tanghulu got eaten by Lan WangJi

Qingheng-jun only chuckled as he puts his hand infront of Lan Qiren--probably to calm the older man down in order to prevent a heart attack, 

Wei Li Xi seemed to flash a frown but immediately answered with a straight face, 

"The open wound, it lasted for a few months-- yet he still got injured, making the wound worsen, he'll get it from someone, you'll know it on the following scenario." She Answered, 

Jiang Cheng frowned and clenched his hands, angry that someone would even touch his Brother

Jiang YanLi appears to be the same as Jiang Cheng, 

"Anymore questions?" Wei Li Xi, asked--for the nth time

"No mo--" Nie HuiaSang was about to say, but got cut off..by-- you guessed it!

"Who is Wei Ying's lover--" Lan WangJi asked, 

This Time Nie HuiaSang looked at Lan WangJi as if Lan WangJi took a shit infront of him and held it on his hands--proudly holding it out infront of him,

'WHY WOULD HE EVEN ASK THAT?'

Wei Li Xi looked dumbfounded but sighed before answering, 

"Someone.. I can't say.." Wei Li Xi said, sweating slightly as she averted her eyes

Jiang YanLi who took notice of her behavior and immediately noted that one of her brothers usually do that to avoid such topics, 

Lan WangJi, despite his stoic face-- frowned slightly and looked down, his brother Lan XiChen beside him noticed it and comforted his brother quietly.

"Why would..."Nie HuiaSang whispered, confused at the behavior of the model student of cloud recesses

Wen RuoHan raised his eyebrow at the sudden action of the Second Jade Heir of the GusuLan, 

'Why would he ask a lot about Wei WuXian? I heard from the rumours that Lan WangJi hated him quite a lot?'

Both of them thought, not in the same way--just in the same way of wondering, finding the reason of Lan WangJi's behavior

"No more questions?" Wei Li Xi asked, 

Lan WangJi shook his head, 

While Wei Li Xi received a moment of silence, she nodded but still waited for a few moments

"I have a question," a female voice spoke up

"What did Wei WuXian did after that? Will he seek the real immortal master, considering that he is coreless" the female cultivator asked, Xiao XingChen who was beside her also looked at Wei Li Xi--waiting for the answer,

"He did not seek the immortal master-- he didn't even know or believe that he would actually find her. He lied about it" Wei Li Xi answered, with obvious answers

The female cultivator looked like she was slightly disappointed, only sighing in return as she signaled that she has no other question.

"It looks like there is no more questions.." Wei Li Xi mumbled, 

"Prepare for the next scenario" She said--warning that she'll start the next scenario

Chapter Text

Qingheng-jun only nodded at the young lady's words and seems to have straighten his back and tries to shift his focus onto Wei Li Xi,

"Pardon me, but how old are you exactly? Li Xi-guniang?", Madam Jin asked,Wei Li Xi who did not look at her at all--but acknowledged the question, answered

"I am 22 years old", she said.

Some of the elders or rather experienced adults flinched at the mention of those numbers, 

She seems too young--how was she capable of doing this array?

"So your younger than the future A-zhan? Isn't Wei-gongzi the same age as A-zhan?" Qingheng-jun pointed out, as he realized that the lady is quite young than he believed to be

"That's right, They are currently 37 years old on the future.. I hope that clears up the current misunderstanding you have in mind" Wei Li Xi answered as she glared at Nie Huaisang,

Nie Huaisang who looked at her in return seems confused, Nie Mingjue who was beside him only chuckled 

Didn't she mention that she was younger than me before? Did she meant that the future me is older? So that means we have met eachother before

Lan WangJi who was watching from afar--not really too much of a distance, he just didn't indulge himself on the conversation. Watched with interest, some sort of relief washed over his eyes

She's not Wei Ying's lover

She's not,

"But s-still! You have his ribbon! That is something he received from his mother!" Nie Huaisang reasoned while trembling slightly, 

Wei Li Xi who flinched and widened her eyes for a second frowned,

"A red ribbon is common nowadays! Surely you aren't that dumb?" She crossed her arms,

"She's right you dumbass" Jiang Cheng snorted as he eyed Nie HuiaSang,

"Wait wait wait-- if L-Li Xi-guniang is 22 years old from the future, then currently she is approximately 15?" Wen Chao said nervously, trying to gain back some dignity and favor

Nie HuiaSang who seems to think the same looked at Wei Li Xi for answers, 

Wen Qing who was beside him only sighed as she puts her hands on her forehead,

"Dumbass",

A few heard the young lady's remarks but only ignored it, 

"Wen-gongzi you seem to have counted incorrectly, well I do apologize since I did not stated how many years was the current future I lived in.", 

"Im still 7 years old in your current time.", She added

And he will find me 3 years later.

"Ah I see." Qingheng-jun said as he massaged his chin, 

"T-then what is your relationship with Wei WuXian if your not his lover?!" Nie Huaisang dramatically said as he pointed his finger at Wei Li xi,

'Does that mean the future she showed us earlier is gonna happen a few years later?', Nie Huaisang immediately dismissed this thought after recalling the words she said a few hours ago before this,

'No that's not it, she's definitely from the future who was the result of our mistake, the question is..',

'what was our mistake?'

And did it involve Wei-xiong?

Wei Li Xi in return frowned at the younger boy's childish antics, he's the younger now hahahahahah

"Stop doing that, your embarrassing me." Jiang Cheng said as he rolled his eyes while looking at Nie HuiaSang.

"Nie-gongzi when someone is older than you, they should be addressed with respect." Jiang YanLi reprimanded,

Jiang Cheng only huffed as he raised his head--looking proud.

"You too, A-cheng" Jiang YanLi added,

Jiang Cheng only flinched at the sudden mention of his name and had a look of defeat written on his face, 

"W-well Li Xi-jie--" Nie Huaisang was about to talk, but once again--

"Cut that out." Wei Li Xi frowned, looking disgusted as if Nie Huaisang was a living disease

"C-cut what-",

"Im not used to that. The previous is fine--Im not used to being called like that by you, especially when I already met you from the future" she sighed, 

She met the future me? So I was right

Nie Huaisang only gaped his mouth at the realization, 

"Are you perhaps acquainted with the Qinghe Nie Clan?" Nie MingJue asked, suddenly appearing out of nowhere

'Where did he come from?' Jin ZiXuan thought, 

"No, only at the Lan Clan." She said calmly, looking quite unsure of her answer

"What?!" Lan Qiren suddenly chimed in widening his eyes, as if he heard something so devastating.

"It seems Li Xi-guniang is already well acquainted with us in the future" Lan XiChen chuckled, if he can't feel his brother beside him radiating his dislike on the younger lady, it would've been much better.

"Not really, I just studied there. I got kicked off after 3 months" she admitted while averting her eyes, 

The Jiang Siblings only looked at eachother while staring at her dumbfounded--same with Qingheng-jun, Lan XiChen, Lan Qiren and the man himself--Lan WangJi

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO GET KICKED OU--" Jiang Cheng who raised his voiced was immediately smacked at the back by his mother, 

"What did you do to get kicked out--?? What--" Jiang Cheng is definitely not reminded of that idiot!

"They said I broke a few rules, it wasn't even that serious to begin with" She snorted, 

"W-what did you do?!" Nie HuiaSang said--he doesn't know whether he should cry or laugh

"Apparently alcohol is prohibited" Wei Li Xi responded, with such serious expression on her face looking confident that she's justified,

Lan WangJi who wasn't even impressed by her behavior previously, finally looked at the lady with such stoic expression--but his brother knew that Lan WangJi is looking with such dumb expression that only an experienced Lan-Wangji-reader can know, 

"You brought alcohol insid--"Lan Qiren sounded like he choked on his own spit, but Qingheng-jun only laughed beside him

"Causing Noise is prohibited."

"Talking behind people's back is prohibited.",

"Do not use frivolous words."

"Do not disrespect the elder"

"Be a filial child.", 

"Do not create damages."

"No vulgar languages."

"No Improper behavior.",

"Do not go out at night."

"Do not skip class."

"Do not climb up the wall."

"Do not climb up the door.", 

They all look at her awestruck at the sudden mention of those rules, 

"What the fu...ck..." Jiang Cheng mumbled,

"They we're the rules I broke, it's actually so little. I can't believe they kicked me out for that" she frowned, 

How did she remember all of that?

"I mean-- this should only result in you copying the rules for like 30 times right?" Nie Huaisang said, recalling his friend's situation

"Apparently I offended the second heir so much that It was reasonable to kick me out",

"Second heir-- y-you mean.." Nie HuiaSang nervously said as he eyed Lan WangJi, the suspected male did no react and is keeping the same expression he has since then.

"No not him, he is currently the Hangguang-jun at the future. The second heir I spoke of is yet to appear here, in the future she is currently XiChen-xiansheng's heir" Wei Li Xi explained

Lan XiChen who was listening quietly flinched for a moment, 

"I have a daughter?", He asked

"No, she's just someone you adopted and raised as a heir. You could say she's more of a niece? Perhaps?" Wei Li Xi answered, she seems to see you more as her older brother..

"Who is the first heir?" Qingheng-jun chimed in, asking a question

"Lan Sizhui." She answered, 

"How about the name of the future second Lan heir?" Lan XiChen asked,

"Lan Yong is her courtesy name. She's quite the stone wall, everytime I try to initiate a conversation she's always ignoring me" Wei Li Xi sighed dramatically, 

Nie HuiaSang immediately recalled someone--yeah you know.

"So she is like Lan Zhan" Lan XiChen smiled, Wei Li Xi seemed to widen her eyes at this remark--Lan WangJi also flinched.

"What? No. She's not--well their stoic expression may be the same! But she's different from that guy! Unlike him, she knows how to voice her feelings out!" She explained--sounding like she's defending this lady she's speaking of from a disease,

"Well, only a slight similarity it is" Lan XiChen chuckled, 

"Well what exactly did you do to her? To get kicked out, you know.." Nie Huaisang asked, 

"I switched out her book--with a cutsleeve porn." She said with no emotion, like it was one of the least problematic shit in the world,

"WHA--" Lan Qiren who just recovered from his encounter with his own spit--once again choked on his own spit.

Jiang Cheng's eyes could be seen twitching, he swears it's something he was not expecting at all, meanwhile Nie Huaisang who--recalled the incident he was a part of wanted to laugh, but decided to hold it in.

"W-wait but-- that's not enough to get kicked out though?" Nie Huaisang reasoned,

"Are you dumb?! That's clearly more than enough-- Wei WuXian was only lucky to not get kicked out at that--" Jiang Cheng who was frowning was stopped by a hand--from Nie HuiaSang,

"Did you mean..you guys have done this?" Wei Li Xi looked at them with realization, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly gaping--as if she's not expecting this

Lan WangJi who was beside Lan XiChen--recalled the incident, now his ear looks like it has been stung by a bee.

"W-what! No of course not!" Nie Huaisang reasoned, 

"Nie. Huaisang." His brother glared, 

"DA-GE! Uhh hahaha.." Nie HuiaSang swears he just saw death pass by his vision, 

Jiang Cheng is also suffering from the scolding gaze of his mother and shijie--who is staring at him from afar, it wasn't even that quite far actually

"It is true that it's not enough to be kicked off." Qingheng-jun pointed out--Lan Qiren who was beside him seems to gape his mouth in disagreement,

If she weren't caught, she won't get kicked out, was left unsaid

"Lan WangJi, Lan Xichen-xiansheng, and Lan Qiren was actually present in the room." Wei Li Xi revealed

Lan Qiren felt like he'll have a heart attack, but his brother beside him seems to only laugh and chuckle at this unfilial child's behavior.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!" Wen Ruohan immediately broke into a laugher, Wen Qing who was beside him, only looked at him awestruck.

"This is gold! Such a great moment to be alive" Wen Ruohan chuckled, bitch who was alive?

"Enough of this talk, the next scenario is almost ready. Please brace yourselves" Wei Li Xi reminded,

A lot of them braced themselves--while a few nodded, and a few were not quite ready yet---especially Lan Qiren,

There we're some people that was on the distance, probably to seperate themselves on those of higher positions.

But Wei Li Xi is certain that a few heard their conversation and is probably taking notes of that stupid talk,

Not even a minute later, she started to play another tune---closing her eyelids to give more focus into it.

The once black filled room slowly faded into another scenario, this time on Wei WuXian's Point of View, 

"Is that A-Xian?" Jiang YanLi mumbled, as she expressed her worry

The Young injured boy in red was walking normally as if nothing happened earlier, chugging on water to prevent himself from getting dehydrated.

It took him a few days to reach the destination--The inn in Gusu, but before he could walk inside the gates, he was stopped by a few people,

"He looks awfull... Hopefully the wounds isn't infected", Wen Qing frowned, as sweat beads drooped down her forehead.

"It better not" Jiang Cheng blurted, frowning the same way as she did

The Wen Sect Disciples--along with Wen Chao.

"Oh no!",

"A-xian...!" Jiang YanLi screamed, horrified for her brother

"Shit--!", He blurted out,

Wei WuXian quickly ran out but it was futile--he was already spotted earlier, although he didn't hear anyone talk he can tell that Wen Chao ordered the disciples--along with the core melting hand, to run after him and capture him.

Wen Ruohan only frowned as he watched, looking quite disappointed on the turn of events. It was no surprise, after all Wen Ruohan has expressed his interest in Wei Wuxian ever since they watched.

But Wei WuXian is in vulnerable situation right now, he is currently an injured person--he was also coreless. So with that reason those voices quickly caught up to him,

They can feel the silence---scream after hearing those words,

"Quickly Catch Him!" Wen Chao shouted, 

"Why did I even give you the rights to invade lotus pier?" Wen Ruohan sighed as he looked at Wen Chao,

Wei WuXian could only grit his teeth as his back collar was dragged--by the Core Melting hand, he was then thrown at the nearby tree.

Madam Yu watched---not in anticipation but in worry, it was unexpected on her side too. She didn't expect for her to feel this way, the Jiangs are now in deep debt on Wei Wuxian. Madam Yu wanted to deny, but this was a noble sacrifice. Jiang Cheng is her son---and now she realizes... She's much more than a shitty mother than she claimed to be

A loud thud was heard as his head started to throb from the impact, 

Jiang YanLi felt herself shiver as he heard the loud sound of the impact her brother received,

"Urghh--!" , He groaned

Figures started to approach him as he tries to stand up, 

"Wen Chao is disgusting!" Someone screamed, 

Wen Chao who was beside his father only flinched as he gritted his teeth.

"Look at you, you we're already out of our sights but here you are--walking in on us by yourself." Wen Chao chuckled, 

"He should've not invaded the Lotus Pier then! Why would he even invade the Lotus Pier just to punish a servant?" Sect Leader Yao shouted---as if he was some sort of divine being, 

Jiang Cheng could only grit his teeth while he clenched his hands, 

While Wei Li Xi was about to speak up, she gets interrupted by someone who was the least to do so,

"Who even are you to talk like that? Wei Wuxian is of the Jiang Sect! And with A-Li and A-Xuan's marriage, he is surely gonna be my soon-to be son!" Madam Jin hissed, 

"A-Li views her as a family! Wei Wuxian is family to the Jin sect too." Madam Jin reasoned, while glaring at the crowd

Wei WuXian only spat out a 'tsk' on Wen Chao's remarks, but it was only a matter of time,

"Zhuliu! Drag him! We're going to bet on his life-- hahahaha!" Wen Chao ordered, 

'B-bet?' Jiang YanLi looked horrified---as if she knows what's coming next,

The core melting hand--who was only standing a few seconds ago, carried out rather nice. His hands was now gripping the boy's hair tightly as ever--as if he was strangling the boy's neck

"I will kill you, Wen Chao!" Jiang Cheng shouted while looking at Wen Chao, Wen Chao only hid behind his father---While Wen Ruohan only sighed as he frowned.

Wei WuXian could only grit his teeth and groan in pain,

After a lot of dragging--of course the person who was getting dragged is in episode of pain,

Wei WuXian who was finally released from the grasp of strong big hands, felt pain on his scalp--he felt like he would go bald from this.

"Walk on your own. The least I could give you" The core melting hand said, as soon Wen Chao was gone from the sight--probably keeping himself busy on girls.

"I knew sheltering A-Liu would be a great decision. He carries his orders quite good, but he still knows what is right and wrong." Wen Ruohan huffed proudly, although he still did infact inflict pain on the innocents.

Wei WuXian only looked at the big man with hatred and strong anger, but he made no signs of resisting.

He got up as he followed him inside a dungeon--it looked bad like how it smelled bad, it was reeking of metallic smell and putrid smell,

"T-this is!" Wen Ning widened his eyes, his sister beside him was also aware of what they were staring at. 

When Wei WuXian got inside he now realized why it smelled like that, this dungeon was housing a big three headed giant dog--he was terrified, 

"The dungeons near Yiling." Wen Ruohan huffed, extending his fans as he hid half of his face behind it.

"Are they planning to lock him up?!" Jiang Cheng hissed, clenching his hands---Jiang YanLi beside him tried to calm him down,

"Tie him up!" Wen Chao ordered on a distance, 

In a few seconds he was now in chains, 

"Now now, what kind of cowardly move it is?" Wei WuXian chuckled as he smirked.

"This boy---still not done provoking... Aizz" Madam Yu slammed her own forehead as she tries to not, kill Wen Chao right now

Wen Chao only clicked his tongue as he laughed-- he was now pushed inside, 

Wei WuXian who fell down after being pushed up tried to stand up, he didn't want to look at the terrifying beast--he doesn't want to,

A loud roar was now heard,

"No way... Could it be--" Nie huaisang widen his eyes in realization, 

"It's a beast---that looked like a dog.. A-Xian---he is not quite fond of dogs.." Jiang YanLi said, as she clenched her hands on her chest. Concerned and worry plastered on her face,

Wei WuXian then felt something, a sniff--the giant beast sniffed him. Upon knowing he was a stranger it immediately got into a attack stance,

Wei WuXian who was terrified didn't budge a move, but then he was hit--the sound it made it look like his bone broke, it did.

"It is a beast that I encountered near the forest of the QingheNie clan. It is quite fond of me, you see." Wen Ruohan added, chuckling

"Please refrain from giving extra details. Im going to kick you out with no core inside you." Wei Li Xi spoke up, glaring at the man

He fell, more vulnerable than ever as he gritted his teeth. 

When he saw the beast moving---preparing it's next attack, he got up suppressing the pain and standing up to try and avoid the three headed dog.

"Shit! He's coreless! How is he going to kill that thing?!" Jiang Cheng said in a frantic, worried and concerned---he felt like Wei Wuxian just might die right there.

Lan WangJi feels the same,

He ran as he limped, he looks like a crippled nobody--the people who placed him in this situation, the ones behind everything

"The Injury..." Jiang Fengmian mumbled,

Laughed in the background within a distance with him, watching him as he suffer in pain and agony

"Look at you! Your so weak now! We're you all talk that time? Your a nobody!" Wen Chao yelled proudly, holding his stomach as if trying to suppress a laugh

"I will break your Legs!" Jiang Cheng shouted once again, as he shot a nasty glare at Wen Chao

Wei WuXian who knew--he was useless at this situation, his core was taken out. He could do nothing but to pretend, 

He decided to still fight, despite being powerless. He had no choice, he had to

Wei WuXian was thrown countless times in the attempts of taking down such powerful beast with no weapon available, he had no weapon to defeat such beast

He ran and ran, limping as he tries to get back up again once he falls.

"A-Xian....." Jiang YanLi cries, she can't handle seeing her brother like this

His already injured body getting more bloody than he was previously, his black clothes looking more of a homeless person's rags than a normal clothing, because of the color it displayed.

"It does..." Jin Zixuan commented, as he watched in worry---and possibly concern

Gritting his teeth pain--he decided to stop for a moment, while the three headed beast was walking slowly.

He observed, trying to find any weakness

Qingheng-jun feels like the Young master of LanlingJin clan's comments were quite unnecessary, but he does not respond. He has no time for that, right now---he is quite worried for his sworn siblings' son.

Even though he is aware that he won't be able to.

Just as he was getting hopeless--he noticed something, the three headed dog looked like it was walking quite limply like he was, the beast was injured. 

"It's injured..?" Wen Qing realized, 

Now recalling the time---where Wen Xu accidentally injured it while they chased off fierce corpses at a nighthunt, Wen Qing wouldn't have known this if she wasn't called to help a few disciples who have been injured at that time.

He decided to observe much more closely than he did earlier, the beast was injured at its left leg and the critical one we're at the neck. 

He had a chance! Wei WuXian knew this would be for nothing--but he can't let a chance slip. 

"He is quite courageous. This is something that should not be tarnished, dying as a brave man will forever be an honour" Nie Mingjue noted, looking quite serious as he watched the scene playing out infront of him

Wei WuXian scattered all over the room as he ran again, trying to find something sharp-- he got a few, a large wood that looked like it was a portion of a crate, and a metal stick.

He gripped both of the item tightly, trying to get used to holding it.

Wei WuXian turned around--facing the three headed dog, he braced himself as the dog ran limply towards him.

They all watched worriedly, Jiang YanLi trembling in worry---hoping that Wei Wuxian would make it out alive,

Just as the dog was 2 meters in distance from him, he moved at his right, attacking the left leg--the dog who didn't expect such move screeched in pain as it stumbled slightly. Wei WuXian who was right next to it immediately plunged the wood right on the wound of the dog, making sure he used the sharpest part of the wood as he stabbed it inside deeply than it was earlier.

The three headed beast tried to retaliate and resist, it then fell sideways--the neck being an opening, he plunged another attack, right no the neck.

Stabbing the metal deeply and quickly pulling it out--now the blood sprayed everywhere like it was gardening flowers,

"He-- killed it!" Jin Zixuan gaped his mouth, 

"He killed it!" Jiang Cheng never felt so relieved and proud---his brother survived, but he can't deny he felt a pang of jealousy inside him... But---he was already indebted to Wei Wuxian, he has no rights to be jealous 

It made Wei WuXian's face turn red, but despite that Wei WuXian fell as he felt exhausted--blinking his half closed eyes as he contemplates his life,

'Did I do well?'

"You did well A-Xian.." Jiang YanLi smiled with worry, 

With that final thought, he fell unconscious.

Is he dead?

Realizing that the scenario had changed, they all looked around--- they were outside the dungeon, didn't know where, but they were definitely outside.

He wishes so, it's better to be a dead man rather than waking up only to be tortured again.

"A-Xian....he shouldn't think like that" Jiang Yanli can't help but be weak to her knees, her younger brother beside her had a frown plastered on his face---Jiang Cheng felt like he was the one at fault. He was surely at fault

Wei WuXian knows no matter how hard he wishes, the world is cruel to him--he'll wake up to the same view again. No mercy left for him to take,

"That's right! he has no chance of surviving at that state!" Sect Leader Yao shouted, 

Jiang Cheng has never felt so much anger he wanted to punch someone, 

"You..! Im going to punch you!" ,

Sect Leader Yao flinched at those poisonous words as he stepped back--in order to create some distance, between the Jiangs.

"Don't, Jiang WanYin. Deal with them later" Wei Li Xi said,

He felt his eyelids flutter as his consciousness gets dragged back by a single flutter of light, in no moment he can already feel the whisper of the winds as he felt his body get dragged.

Although the voices he heard sounded like he was underwater, he still understood them

"Drag him out now, we'll need go to burial mounds for something better" Wen Chao laughed hysterically.

"Burial mounds?",

Wei WuXian who was still on the brink of unconscious woke up wide awake, not being able to stand up but he still did--even if the pain was holding him back

Wen Chao along with his 'mistress' and the Core melting hand, shot him a look and Wen Chao smirked with grimace.

Wei WuXian who could only look at in hatred, gritting his teeth thought of something

'Im nothing but a dead man right now aren't I? It will make no difference. After all I'm coreless'

"A-Xian..."

"This Idiot--",

Then he realized that what he says doesn't matter anymore.

"Wei Ying.." Lan WangJi breathed out quite low, with worry and concern. His brother beside him was also quite worried---not only worried by Wei Wuxian but his younger brother too. After all the Second Heir of the GusuLan tends to be quite constipated when it comes to emotions.

He's not letting this opportunity go to waste,

"Look at you, do you think your father will even accept someone like you?", Wei WuXian snorted

"Sometimes I asked myself that question too" Wen Ruohan said as he averted his eyes at his son, 

Wen Chao only trembled in anger as he gets humiliated infront of everyone. Powerless

Wen Chao who heard this gritted his teeth at him and ordered one of the disciples--behind Wei WuXian to,

"Stab this good for nothing boy!",

"What?! You--!" Madam Yu quickly snapped her head towards Wen Chao and looked like she was going to strangle him,

a unsheathing of a sword is heard, although slightly. Wei WuXian who didn't have time to react-- 

Was stabbed.

"Glurgh--!",

"A-XIAN!"

"Wei Ying!" 

Both of them screamed, Lan WangJi and Jiang YanLi was looking with worry and horrified eyes, they were in sync too.

Blood splurted out his chest as he drops down even more, hands on his chest as he tries to stop the bleeding. Just then the sword was pulled back out of his body

"Urgh!", He limped

"That motherfucker..!" Nie MingJue 'tsk-ed'

Blood came out of his body like a fountain, as if it rained red today, celebrating his soon to be death preparing for his funeral that no one will attend to.

Wen Chao who watched, along with his 'mistress' laughed in pleasure on his pain and suffering, 

Wei WuXian, although seething in pain still managed to talk

"Who's good for nothing here? You or me? I heard, not even your father acknowledges you as his heir." He chuckled, 

"He's right." Wen Ruohan talked,

"YOU-!" Wen Chao hissed,

"No one needs your comments right now, we know your not fond of your son." Nie MingJue clicked his tongue,

"WEN ZHULIU! Take out his core! I don't care what you do! Make him know his place!" He ordered gesturing as he moved his body hysterically.

"He has none though..",

"Yeah right.."

The core melting hand beside Wei WuXian wasted no time and immediately grabbed his hair as he threw Wei WuXian--once again on a nearby tree.

"Argh--",

Wei WuXian who screamed in pain still stood up and tried to fight back as he took out a piece of talisman on his clothes, 

It was a burnt talisman--he made one to protect or try to minimize the injury he will take incase he gets ambushed.

Wei WuXian came prepared and knew what was in store for him, 

He threw it at the Core melting hand, to try and distract him. Although it worked it was only a short moment, 

Wen Zhuliu who got closed to him slapped his hands on Wei WuXian's chest.

'Too late for you! I don't have any core now!' Wei WuXian smirked as he get thrown back from the pressure,

The Core melting hand only stared in wide eyes at Wei WuXian--looking back and fourth into his hands and the young boy.

"Arrogant he is---he's still quite the person to be able to believe himself. If I was him, I would've killed myself the moment I got no core." ,

"Me too!"

"Please refrain from saying that..You are making it sound as if my nephew is an arrogant person" Xiao XingChen defended, quite uncomfortable from the people's nonsensical whispers,

He seems to open his mouth but stopped when Wen Chao talked,

"Get that boy here! Stop playing around!",

Wei WuXian who was laying on the ground was grabbed by his collar, 

He gritted as he was held up in the air--

"Do you see this place?" Wen Chao smirked,

"No way... Is he going to throw---" Jin Zixuan gasped, his words getting eaten by himself.

"T-this--" Wei WuXian widened his eyes in realization.

Jiang Cheng could only watch as he clenched his hands, full of contempt and fiery anger directed at a certain person,

"Thats right! The burial mounds! You'll get thrown here, no one will even know you died!" The crazy man laughed, along with the evil 'mistress'

Wei WuXian who only frowned gritting his teeth as he held the arms of Wen Chao's hands. 

Smirked, rather with cockiness

"I'll make sure to become a fierce ghost and haunt all of you!" He screamed, frowning even harder as he finished his speech.

"Oh damn sure he will! Wei-xiong will make sure he will haunt you!" Nie Huiasang shouted as he pointed his fan at Wen Chao, gritting his teeth---to show his dislike

"Thats useless! After all this place is full of resentful energy! No one will come out here alive! Nor are you going to come out here with you spirit! HAHAAHAHA!" The sadistic man laughed hysterically, feeling quite proud of himself.

Wei WuXian who only gritted his teeth didn't even realize the hands that we're holding his collar was losing it's grip-- he was let go.

"N-No---" Jiang YanLi screamed, her eyes widening, Jiang Cheng Immediately held her hand, to calm her. Perhaps to seek calmness too on the older lady.

He widened his eyes as he tries to scream but it sounded like a silent cream, the winds getting louder as he gets closer to the resentful energy waiting in the air--for something, 

Before he knew it, black smoky tendrils held him and even pulled him down.

"That's!",

'N-No---!'

Realizing that the scenario was abruptly ended, they all looked relieved---while some looked uncomfortable and taken aback, 

"T-that was---", Nie Huaisang stuttered

"Traumatizing. I thought we would see his body splatter on the ground--" Jin Zixuan sighed holding his forehead, to close his eyes and calm himself.

"Wen Chao!" Jiang Cheng shouted, in sync with his mother

He then sprinted towards Wen Chao and braced himself to punch the man, but then Wei Li Xi held his wrists tightly. Successfully stopping him as Wen Chao dropped down the ground---peeing on the ground.

"Jiang-gongzi, that won't be good, your reputation would be tarnished." She said, as she extracted her hand from him and walked closer on Wen Chao

"Here let me do it for you", 

And then,

Wen Chao was laying on the ground, unconscious

They all looked at the scene---surprised and shocked, just all of that!

Gaping their mouths, as they registered what just happened 

"Li Xi-guniang is quite strong..." Lan Xichen managed to say, looking quite scared by the young lady's strength

"Enough of this, let us continue" Wei Li Xi sighed as she raised her hands to continue the scene,

Wei WuXian felt numb all over, he's been on the ground for more than an hour now--actually he is not sure.. he woke up like this, his blood scattered everywhere, his limbs looking more fractured than ever, hell there was even flies occuping his space as it fed into his metallic blood.

"A-Xian--!" Jiang Yanli shivered as she witnessed the condition of the younger man, Wen Qing a little bit farther away from her quickly rushed at the body of Wei Wuxian.

"This! His wounds are infected! How many days was he here?!" Wen Qing examined every part of Wei Wuxian's body, noting each fractured bones he had. Jiang Cheng also rushed beside Wen Qing along with Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng who stood beside his sister tries to calm his sister down.

Although his sense of smell was numb, when he woke up in this situation--he could smell the strong stench of metal, coming from the blood. There was also a putrid smell coming from the rotting corpses that walked like zombies.

"A-Xian--- his eyes looks lifeless---is he okay?" Jiang Yanli cried out as her voice cracked,

"A-Li.. calm down, that's Wei Wuxian, he will survive. You must believe on him" Madam Jin said, walking closer to Jiang Yanli and placing her hands on the trembling shoulder of her daughter-in law.

Wei WuXian felt like a paralyzed person, he fears he won't survive. He won't, but...

'What was shijie doing? Is she safe now?'

"A-Xian...Your shijie is doing safe, Im doing safe.... Im always safe..." She trembled rather from worry and concern, she felt useless. She felt like she was a no good sister, whose role was to only comfort them. Only receiving, not ever giving.

'Jiang cheng.. did he recover? Was he safe?'

Jiang Cheng only flinched at those thoughts he had heard from his Ying-ge  sworn brother. He felt even more shitty and guilty, guilt and regret eating him up. As he realized he was actually quite the spoiled child. He only kept receiving---expecting loyalty yet---he can't give out one, he wasn't responsible. He was not fit to be a sect leader. Wei Wuxian is, and he is jealous. He can't help but be jealous,

He still had a lot of unanswered questions, Wei WuXian felt like he needs to make sure of this first. Before dying--he can't just disappear on them--he can't.. 

Wei WuXian needed to know first, he can't die just yet.

"A-Xian shouldn't disregard his life..." Jiang Yanli sniffed, 

With new hope brewing in his eyes he tried to stand up, even just a slight move--he'll even be happy if he can move one of his limbs. He needed something to be full of hope again, 

After a few tries he was able to move some of his limbs, all of it making a sound since his limbs we're practically fractured by the fall. 

He doesn't know if those resentful energy really is everywhere here, but one thing he knows is that it can't reach him just yet,

The resentful energy was only covering the upper part or rather the surface of the Burial Mounds.

In here--at the bottom, there was only rotting corpses and harmless undeads. There wasn't even any resentful energy lurking in here, in fact it was full of Yin energy. Pure energy, this was great to either develop a new core and be one with the nature.

"He should've taken that as an opportunity!" Madam Yu said, being quite conflicted on her reason---was she hoping that so that he wont bring shame upon the YunmengJiang sect. Or was it just care for the child?

But he has no time, he can't sit idly here. He had to get out of here fast, 

After being able to move almost all of his limbs, he grabbed the nearest shit he could find--be it a wooden cane, a stick, a twig. He needed something to support his limping body, 

Nie Huaisang can feel himself tremble in worry, his eyebrows bent down. To only hope his friend survives this hellhole.

Once he did find something. He explored his surroundings, looking for a way out.

Wei WuXian knew it was only a matter of time before he faces danger, 

Chances is it can either be his wound, or the rotting corpses that walked mindlessly he doesn't even know if he'll encounter fierce corpses yet. 

Those things are the last shit he would want to encounter here, he has nowhere to run to.

But firstly he had to get his wound cleaned, and somehow try to stop his blood loss.

There was no medical supplies in sight--and the cleansing water Wen Qing gave was wasted already, Wei WuXian could only sigh in distress.

"Atleast he knew that his wounds we're a threat... But where would he clean it? No water are present here" Wen Qing sighed, looking around. Observing the current area

'That means, the last choice for this would be my clothes'

"But aren't those dirty? They'll only make it worse.." Qingheng-jun quietly said, observing the black and red clothing closely.

He grimaced as he looked down on his clothes, 

'but these are dirty, won't it only worsen the wound?', he thought--he knows, he's not that stupid.

After observing he can see a portion of his clothes that was spared by the blood, although its probably dirty--he has no other choice if he wants to live....

Or he could just find a river here..

Right! How could he be so dumb?!

"Finding a river here at the burial mounds is not possible!",

"But he could find one if he explored right?",

"If he ever finds one there is not telling that water would be on the right condition to bathe in!", 

Wei WuXian smiled proudly as he huffed in victory, walking quite limply--exploring the area, he finally managed to find a river.

There was some bamboos accompanying it too, what a wonderful sight? Is it a hotspring perhaps?

"Oh he did find one! This is rare indeed" an Elder from the Wen Sect sneered, 

"Not only was he able to find one, it is actually quite clean.",

He gets closer, trying to make sure first if the water is safe and if it's the right temperature for him to bathe at.

Wei WuXian only flinched when he felt a cold sensation seep through his skin,

"T-Too cold--!" He managed to blurt out--in a hoarse voice, 

"I-Is he okay--" Jiang Yanli said, semi-screaming as her voice cracked.

"He's okay, his body is just not used to cold temperatures." Wen Qing assured,

'Wait, but isn't cold springs better for wounds? Aha! How could my memory be so bad! I almost forgot about my time at cold spring with Lan Zhan! Hahahaha', He smiled proudly as he made gestures--if any living person saw him right now they'll only think he has gone mad.

"The Second Heir of the GusuLan and Wei Wuxian bathe together?" Sect leader Yao asked, 

Lan Wangji who heard it---felt like his ears were getting warm, he clenched his hands as he recalled the incident. 

"It seems A-Zhan is quite close with Wei-gongzi." Qingheng-jun chuckled, looking quite clueless of Lan Wangji's reaction. Lan Xichen noted,

"I didn't know this at all.." Wei Li Xi whispered, looking at the Lan Wangji with focused eyes. As if she's taking every details of his reaction---and the incident Wei Wuxian has thought of.

With no hesitation he soaked in, not even bothered to take his clothes off

Wei WuXian who is now submerge into the water felt his limbs relax, he then remembered his clothes--he had to get them off to wash it separately.

"Is he dumb? He's going to catch a cold.." Jiang Cheng frowned---reprimanding the clueless man before them.

Little by little the thick layers of fabrics we're removed, only remaining is his exposed body.

Lan Wangji felt like they shouldn't be watching this, he thanks the water for covering Wei Ying's half body.

Although he felt exposed this was no matter, after all he's alone now.

He then folded his clothes, suprisingly neat--while he submerged himself into the cold water, he realized the bamboo infront of him.

'Was there a chance of life in here? I heard growing any plants is not possible here?'

"That is true, i have sent a few of my men in there. Some came out alive, I say." Wen Ruohan said, chuckling behind his fan

"We're already aware of that information" Nie MingJue huffed,

"But they weren't able to find this area? What Im trying to say is that you won't even be able to come in with a golden core. Hence the reason why we just assumed that the burial mounds can't shelter any life" Wen Ruohan explained, now everyone was listening to him. Especially those greedy sect leaders

He wondered, letting the curiosity get the best of him.

"What do you mean Sect Leader Wen?" Lan Qiren looked at Wen Ruohan with a mix of doubt and curiousity.

"I sent 3 of my Wen disciples there, 1 had a low cultivation level than the other 2 and he was the only one that made it out alive.",

"And usually, when other cultivators from different sects---sent someone there for an expedition. They are usually low leveled cultivators, hence the reason they were able to survive but aren't able to go past the thick resentful energy. If it'd been someone who had a high level of cultivation. They would've died the moment they stepped in there." Wen Ruohan explained, closing his eyelids

Everyone was quite fascinated from the information they had gained, which also arises a new question for them.

Does that mean civilians are the perfect people to explore such place?

Wei WuXian thought for a while and decided that--he will take a good amount of piece of that bamboo. He's pretty sure it'll help him in the future,

"Sect Leader Wen is right, the reason a few weren't able to return after being sent there was the overwhelming amount of resentful energy that covered the mountain. It is some sort of barrier. The moment someone touched it, whom had a lot of pure energy built inside them. They will explode, qi deviating from the impact" Wei Li Xi chimed in, also explaining the reason for the deaths of cultivators who had tried to go there.

Everyone whispered amongst themselves as they inhaled the new information,

After a few moments, maybe hours? He felt his wounds get numb and it felt a little comfortable to move now--if you didn't include his fractured bones.

He then washed his clothes, carefully making sure no stain of blood we're left.

"Please focus now.", Wei Li Xi sighed,

Looking quite proud of himself, the clothes we're squicky clean. Not even a tiny grain of stain we're left,

Now--although he's alone here, he wouldn't want to walk around naked, that's still awkward for him and very weird, considering that the walking corpses' spirits still remains here. 

"That would be embarrassing.."

"It would! I wouldn't be so shameless to walk around naked somewhere! Even if no life is present!", 

He might have to wear one of the wet clothes, best choice is his undergarments. They we're thin, much thinner than the outer layers of his clothes with that it'll dry much fastly.

Now this one outer layer of his clothes that we're quite red for his liking--still it's his color he just doesn't like how pigmented it is, will it be quite toxic to his wounds?

"Pigments of colors aren't usually harmful to wounds, only if they are sealed." Wen Qing mumbled, observing every move Wei Wuxian made.

"Alright now.." He blurted, probably trying to calm himself

He ripped the red fabric into portions, the other portion--he gripped it tight into his stomach while the other on his chest. 

The other leftovers we're now gripping his neck, and wrists.

"He looks like a hanged ghost..",

Wei WuXian noted how he looked like a hanged ghost, his complexion is so pale--his eyes we're also quite red due to dryness, he hopes it's not a sign of sore eyes. The red fabrics around his neck and wrist makes him look like some sort of spirit from a folklore,

"I can't help but snort, but at the same time hate myself--- Wei-xiong really can't take things too seriously" Nie Huaisang sighed, 

"It's him we're talking about." Jiang Cheng frowned,

'Okay, enough of distracting myself',

He turned around the piece of bamboo he cut out, holding it quiet gently as he observed.

'It's getting quite boring here.. I'll need something to accompany me.', 

Humans are social animals, if they have no one to talk to--or a living organism to touch. They won't be able to handle it. They'll descend to madness or perhaps have a hard time going back to normal. 

Wen Qing recalled the book she had read about a medical book she had stumbled upon, it was about healing someone's inner mind. Wen Qing had read it occasionally. Incase she had a patient who is suffering from it. As a doctor she had to take notes, to be able to save someone is to be mindful of their physical and mental condition.

He zoned off for a few minutes before finally, holding out a piece of sharp rock. 

'a music will be nice.'

"Will he take up musical cultivation?", Someone whispered

Wei WuXian spent a few hours shaping his 'desired instrument' that will accompany him for the time being, 

"perfect!" He grinned widely, full of energy

"He really is born with a smiling face, shijie.." Jiang Cheng said, as his face soften. Feeling a pang of jealousy hit inside of him, the ability of being happy was hard enough to do in that condition. Jiang Cheng wasn't even able to smile after his father acknowledged Wei Wuxian's achievements.

He held the instrument out, and raised it as well looking for any mistakes.

It was a flute, more specifically it's a dizi,

'Now why don't we try it..'

Wei WuXian started to blow it, trying to recreate the tune he once heard on the festival.

It sounded happy and energetic--celebrating someone's death to be more precise, 

"Ah.. this is, I've heard this before.",

Then it faded in the background, 

"This is usually played on a funeral isn't it?" Nie Huaisang chimed in, waiting for a confirmation

"Yes, Nie-gongzi! It is played on funerals.",

"My skills in instrument is not as great as Lan Zhan, well I kinda expected it though" He sighed, squatting down as he let out a groan of pain, he needed to check up on his clothes, it looked ready to wear, he wore it fast--after all he needn't waste time.

"That is quite ironic.." Jin Zixuan mumbled, looking quite frustrated 

Wei WuXian who was sitting a while ago as if he wasn't injured--started walking, now gritting his teeth in pain to endure the pain he's feeling.

"Im suprised his bones didn't snapped yet--some of his bones are even sneaking out of his flesh" Wen Qing frowned--clicking her tongue, she was quite worried for the younger boy

'Of course, my injuries won't magically recover'

He sighed, feeling defeated but he didn't lose any hope he had--for now.

"Oh, A-Xian..." Jiang Yanli looked at her younger brother, with worry and sorrows. Guilt shining in her eyes as her face shows an expression of someone who felt helpless.

Wei WuXian doesn't know how long he's been walking, he's starting to feel tired--and hungry. Looking around here, there was no food available at all--well if something edible? Then its those rotten corpses.

"He's not thinking of eating those corpses right?" Nie Huaisang gapes his mouth, looking like he had seen something disgusting, and it is. He had to admit

Realizing what he has been thinking he shook his head,

"A-Xian... He's not that type of person.." Jiang Yanli said, her voice cracking as her eyes gleams---wet, and teary.

There's no way he'll eat someone else's corpse! He's not gonna let such intrusive thoughts in his head.

He decided to stop for a moment, Wei WuXian needs some rest--especially on his mind. 

"That boy won't do that, I believe so. That'll be too farfetched" Madam Yu interjected, talking a bit softer than she used to---when Wei Wuxian was the topic of a conversation.

After a while of sitting, he heard some shrieks on his left--it wasn't that loud, it sounded more of a background noise.

He definitely knew that it was those corpses, he wondered if those corpses we're able to move on their own?

"The burial mounds truly did live up to its name." Wen Qing noted, observing every bit of the area---and while also looking at Wei Wuxian. 

He wanted to check but he rather not, he might stumble upon a mountain of corpses--maybe some lost body parts of someone will be present there. 

'What maybe? Im pretty sure there'll be, there's a few present here'

He thought, while looking around his surroundings--taking note of the portion of rotting skins, insides, and body parts of a person. There's even an intestine laying around! 

"Im getting sick to my stomach...",

"Everyone is..",

Wei WuXian who noticed almost puked, even though his body is almost getting used to it he can't help but be sick to his stomach.

He continued to sit still, taking his time to rest. But of course peace doesn't always stay forever, there was now a horde of corpses--no, it was a horde of fierce corpses. 

Shrieking at a distance, running fastly at his direction. 

"Those are?!",

"Fierce corpses!", Jiang Cheng panicked and shouted--trying to alert the Wei Wuxian from the view, who of course. Can't hear them

Wei WuXian who noticed this immediately panicked as he reaches for the piece of twig he used earlier to support his limping body, he stood up and he swears he felt a snap on his ankle.

"His wounds are only getting worse!" Wen Qing hesitantly said, trying to guide Wei Wuxian--but proved to be useless. Everyone almost instantly tries to protect the younger boy, on instinct. They all scrambled and tried to defend. But once again--ended up being a useless act,

"Everyone. Calm down, this is an illusionary scenario, you can't interfere." Wei Li Xi said, calming them down from their panicked stated

Oh and how he was so right--his ankle twisted as he stumbled, almost falling. But he still managed to balance himself as he ran to any direction--it doesn't even matter where! He needed to get out of here. Away from those corpses!

"A-Xian--- he needs to be safe!" Jiang Yanli said, stumbling on her words. As she watched her younger brother---struggle to survive

He ran and ran, stumbling on his every steps. 

'Why are they getting closer?! is this because Im injured!?', 

Wei WuXian clicked his tongue at his useless body, he wanted to just shrink down right now and shield himself away from this world.

He started to pant and gasp as the air inside his body gets taken away on ever steps he took as he ran, his body is starting to tire out. He swears he just felt his body gets weakened too, the distance between him and the corpses we're so short. 

But he still stopped taking a moment to breathe and running once again,

'That was close!',

He thought--before a disaster happened.

A strong calloused hand immediately gripped tight on his ankle, 

"Wha--!", Wei WuXian groaned as he fell down.

"Wei Wuxian!",

"A-Xian!"

The Jiang Siblings weren't the only one who was panicked and worried--to the point of screaming, but the others' reactions we're only replaced with bulging eyes, and gaping mouths

'SHIT! SHIT SHIT SHIT!', 

He relentlessly chanted inside his mind, 

There we're so many corpses running for him-- then a sudden burst of resentful energy came into contact with him, the hand earlier, was from a rotting corpse that contained a bountiful amount of resentful energy.

He swore he felt like a needle punched itself into his skin as it sucked his blood dry, he can feel every inch of his energy get sucked away.

"That's---?!",

"Resentful energy are taking control on him?!", Someone exclaimed

"No," Wen Ruohan declined immediately, correcting then "That's the effect of resentful energy getting inside your body, everyone in this room haven't researched about this. Maybe thats the reason why--no one is kind of aware what's happening"

"We are aware." Lan Qiren argued,

"No you aren't, this is just the beginning of--",

"Both of you shut up" Wei Li Xi interrupted,

Now he looked at his hands, seeing a skin as white as a snow present instead of a sun-kissed skin-- his veins we're also turning black, as he gets paralyzed there. Now unmoving

"those are--!" Jiang Cheng immediately recalled the time where---Wei Wuxian looked like he had seen a ghost, in a middle of a fight.

Lan Wangji also remembers, 

Then for a moment he felt a throb in his head, he then stumbled as he tried to stand up--but failed to do so, he raised his sands trying to reach for something. Gripping his neck as if he was trying to take back the oxygen stolen from him, 

"He looks like he's running out of air?!" Madam Yu watched---her eyes wide,

"What's happening with A-Xian---" Jiang Yanli also panicked, along with her mother. "A-Li, Calm down.. we--" Jiang Fengmian who tries to calm her down got cut off, "Jiang Fengmian! This is no small matter! You good for nothing parent! You dare take in a son of a servant, and not take responsibility for the child?! You aren't even worried for him!" Madam Yu hissed, Jiang Cheng on her back trying to calm his mother down.

Wei WuXian felt like he was getting drained, he wanted to scream--but it only felt like a lump was stopping it, although when succeeded he only let out a raspy scream.

Jiang Fengmian could only stay silent--as he looked down in guild ridden eyes, looking like a kicked puppy. 

"With due respect, there's more pressing matters to watch here. Save this matter for later" Wei Li Xi chimed in, reminding the purpose of watching the future. Breaking the growing fight once again,

Why was he even trying?

No one will find him here, 

He can feel his eyes dry up, as he saw those black smoky tendrils leeching onto his skin.

The horde of fierce corpses seems to have stopped on their tracks, probably thinking that Wei WuXian was the same as them--considering the amount of resentful energy that was violating his every being right now.

Wei WuXian stayed like that for days, until he was let go.

"T-This has to be a joke..." Nie Huaisang watched, with disbelief in his eyes. "I wished it was." Wei Li Xi said, declining the younger boy's belief. Nie Huaisang in return only bit his lips, feeling quite defeated. And hurt by his friend's condition,

Wei WuXian felt like it was years, it felt like forever and he definitely did not like that.

He can feel his cheeks--they we're hollow when he tried to trace his face with his own fingers. 

What was happening to him right now?

He felt cowardly and useless, he felt like he deserved it. He--

No, 

No No,

NO NO NO NO NO NO

NONONONONONONONONONONONO

"what's happening?! Its getti---",

"His thoughts... We can hear it too, have you forgotten?", 

"A-Xian... Im so sorry... Im sorry.." Jiang Yanli cries, her voice hoarse as she stumbled on every words she had said.

He held his own mouth to prevent vomiting but it did nothing, a yellow-greenish liquid immediately came out of his mouth. It was also fizzy-- it felt sticky, almost. It gave of the stench of blood in conclusion it smelled bad, really really bad. Wei WuXian's tastebuds can still remember the metallic aftertaste of that liquid prolonging his throat,

"He's hungry.. this is.." Wen Qing could only clench her hands as she watched the scene unfold infront of her. This Wei Wuxian's condition we're critical, she's even surprised Wei Wuxian was still alive at this point.

He felt like crying, he was desperately hungry.

Jiang Yanli notes that, she will make a lot of Lotus Rib soup for A-Xian once they go back. No one can stop her, not even her mother. She'll cook everyday for him, for her dear brother.

Just then, he realized there was still a huge amount of corpses here--including dangerous ones,

'Do I have to run now?'

Again?

He waited, waiting for his death

But to his surprise the corpses made no move to attack him, 

'Could it be?',

He looked at the corpses with realization in his eyes as he stared into his hands--Wei WuXian can feel his eyes widen.

"T-This..."

"This is---Dark arts!" Lan Qiren exclaimed, watching in surprise. He wants to retaliate, but he's aware that this was on accident.

"But it wasn't by choice" Wen Ruohan interjected before, Lan Qiren could talk.

Lan Wangji could only watch in guilt in his eyes, looking quite conflicted and regretful. He remembers the promise Wei Wuxian had made infront of him before. To never practice dark arts, but this was not by choice..

A black smoky tendrils we're radiating into his hand, he realized that a few amount of it was also leeching of his body--

'This--', 

Before he could finish his inner monologue a pained throb invaded his head again, 

"ARGH--!", He gasped in pain

They all looked awestruck--confused why the boy was feeling like that, perhaps the effect of the resentful energy? Is it?

"This is indeed the after effects of resentful energy seeping into your body. Next stage should be covering every part of your body, your dantian and meridians will be full of resentful energy. The place where your core should be--would be hollow darkness, with or without core." Wei Li Xi explained, looking at the scene with such serious eyes.

He fell down into his knees as his eyes bulged out, the hands holding his chest tightly earlier was--now grasping his head, his hair's tie also slid off as he pulled his hair like his life depended on it.

Wei WuXian who felt like he was on the brink of death swears he saw his vision blacken for a good moment, he swears he can hear a few whispers inside his head.

Take revenge,

"Whats happening?!",

Kill those who have wronged you!

"Is this---the whispers of the resentful energy?!" Lan Qiren watched as his eyes bulged, 

May your emotions guide you,

May your emotions lift up your moral justice!

"You are right, resentful energy is just... A lot of spirits, perhaps a bunch of temptress? Trying to tempt you in taking the power in" Wei Li Xi nodded,

Take our power, we will help you--h..elp

"Stop...", He panted

"A-Xian..",

We're those people really on your side?

We can feel your lovely sworn brother take his gift for granted,

"Stop...stop...",

Jiang Cheng could only widen his eyes for a moment, then quickly clenching his hands. He felt like he could draw blood from how tight he was clenching his hands.

No one will ever know of your noble sacrifice,

We are universal, are you not trusting us?

"Please..."

"Universal..?" Qingheng-jun flinched in confusion, 

We can help you, we can help you.

"No..", 

The world will always hate you,

"Sh...ut..up..", his voice felt like it was dying--he knows that's not true! his shijie cares for him! 

"I do-- I care.. A-Xian.. your shijie cares for you.." Jiang Yanli cried out, looking like she was about to lose consciousness any moment she takes a step.

"Lady Jiang. Please, Calm down" Jin Zixuan steps closer to his fiance, supporting her.

We can help, get help,

From us.

He started to crawl--wanting to get away from those voices, 

Anyone who already met Wei Wuxian wasn't used to seeing, the younger man be in fear. Wei Wuxian was a brave, courageous and shameless man. Unmoved from anything they feared.

'It must be because of his fucked up situation! Im was starting to go mad..', 

Wen Qing huffed in relief--slightly. About the man's awareness.

Although he knew the possibility of it being someone else's spirit--a few people's.

He wanted to deny,

Come now don't deny us.

Your didi is not even looking for you

He is hopeless,

We will help you.

"SHUT UP!", He shouted--immediately coughing right after. 

"A-Xian...",

"He's overexerting himself", Wen Qing frowned, "But Wen-guniang.. at his situation.. I don't think it matters" Lan Xichen interjected, looking quite guilty and his eyes filled with worry.

As soon as the voices shrinked back down he stood up running once again, he didn't pay his pain any attention. Maybe his pain tolerance got so better that it only felt numb.

"His mental health is deteriorating",

Although stumbling on his few steps he still ran and ran--until he got back to where he was previously at.

"I can't..."

"I can't do this anymore--" a broken sob arose, 

Jiang Cheng felt like he was at fault, after all--he had taken his brother's golden core... He, he was at fault. He thinks so

He can feel his cheeks get warm as hot tears came out of his eyes, 

Madam Yu felt a pang in her heart, she doesn't know why---or maybe she's just not used to seeing the boy cry in pain. The boy was someone who can't be moved, he was stubborn enough to the point she has never saw him cry. Even if dejected into pain, even if she forces him to--like how she whipped the boy for such silly acts. That shouldn't be overlooked in the first place.

His knees felt so weak it gave out, he doesn't know if its because of his fractured bones or because he felt so shit right now.

He wanted to live, 

Wei WuXian wanted to live, 

But when he get back, would they even be waiting for him?

"We would be.. Jiang Cheng and I.." Jiang Yanli smiled in pain, 

"I will too, A-Xian is the son of my sworn brother.. it pains me to see him like this" Jiang Fengmian interjected, looking quite guilty as ever.

"Wei Ying belongs to the YunmengJiang sect, it is one of my responsibilities to make sure that all of our disciples are safe." Madam Yu chimed in, with a soft expression--as she looked at the boy in worry,

He doesn't know anymore, 

Then Wei WuXian strangely felt something move into his esophagus,

'Thi---',

Before he could even react another batch of yellow-greenish liquid comes out of his mouth, now painting his hands. 

"This is bad, he needs to eat.. at this point, I won't be surprised if he actually dies from starvation instead" Wen Qing pointed out, clenching her hands in worry

'Wei Ying..',

Wei WuXian who could do nothing only panted as he gasped, no air to breath.

Oh how it smelled so bad, it reeked of stench he doesn't like

How will he stop this?

How will he go back?

He can't even find his way out.

How?

How? How?

HOW HOW HOW HOW HOW?

"We can-- no, we can prevent this instead... I'll make sure A-Xian gets every care he needs," Jiang Yanli said, 

Wei WuXian felt paralyzed, he swears he can feel his eyes bulging.  He can feel his stomach--begging for food, attacking his stomach as a way to rebel 

He--

Just then he realized the unmoving corpse beside him, 

Lan Wangji immediately widened his eyes when he realized---what Wei Wuxian was gonna do,

"Wei Ying! Don't--",

'This is the only way--'

"--Eat it!" , Lan Wangji shouted--even though he knows that the latter won't hear him, the others also realized it when they heard Lan Wangji shout. Looking at Wei Wuxian as they hope, for the opposite.

He was about to grab the rotting arm, but he quickly slapped it away from him. Gagging--holding hid throat, scratching his cheeks. 

There we're audible reliefs, they don't want Wei Wuxian's innocence to be tainted. They wouldn't know how to defend--- oh,

"No, no, no..",

"Argh--", 

He crawled away, back from the cold spring once again. 

Drinking the water from it--despite being aware of the dirt it's housing, 

"He should've eaten the corpse.. he'll die.." Wen Qing uttered, not loud but clear for everyone to hear.

"Are you dumb?! Wei Wuxian's innocence will be tainted! We won't be able to defend him!" Madam Yu snarled, the words of the younger lady felt like a headache to her.

He was thirsty,

"Your the wife of a Sect Leader! You can defend him! Or are you perhaps so taken into your position, to the point you care about what others think?! Perhaps, you know I wouldn't be surprised if you burn Wei Wuxian at a stake when we get back! Considering you abused him as a child before! Your own childrens too were a victim of your abuse! Your husband neglected them too! What a match made in heaven, I say" Wen Qing argued, her words attacking Madam Yu as if uttered by a venomous snake.

It's okay if he was hungry--just as long as he had water. Its good

He can live with this.

Madam Yu was left speechless, the reason was--because it was true in the first place. It wasn't Wei Wuxian, only. Who fell in her--their abuse, her own children too. Neglect, emotional, verbally and physically.

Madam Yu doesn't know how to react, she wanted to protect her pride. But what was left when there was none in the first place? Her honour and pride we're tarnished already, when she had neglected her own children's needs--because she was so indulged in her own jealousy. From a woman who has been dead for ages.

Once he find a way out...

"Please refrain on fighting." Wei Li Xi interjected, reminding them

He'll go back,

Wei WuXian looked up--trying to find a ray of light, but the resentful energy covering the sky was not allowing it. 

It's so dark in here, 

It felt like a void,

Is this his personal hell?

"Im so sorry..." Jiang Yanli whispered, 

"I can live with this. This is nothing, not close to what Jiang Cheng went through--" he chanted, 

that idiot.

That idiot, self sacrificing idiot. 

Someone who doesn't know what self worth is, 

Ying-ge  

Jiang Cheng felt like eating his own pride, he wanted to make up for Wei Wuxian. He had realized---Wei Wuxian is not at fault. He wasn't at fault that Jiang Cheng's father favoured him more. Jiang Cheng is..

He's sorry, he will protect Wei Wuxian. He's the only family he'll ever have.. 

Yes, this was nothing.

He was lucky,

Jiang Cheng was the one who went through everything.

"Im not the only one, you idiot", Jiang Cheng responded, talking back on the inner monologue of his sworn brother.

This situation he was in right now--is not close to what Jiang Cheng has gone through.

"Both A-Xian and A-cheng has gone through so much.. it's not fair that A-Xian is thinking like this.." Jiang Yanli uttered, talking--trying to soothe her younger brother. But she knows it was useless,

Wei WuXian swears he felt a shiver ran through him when he heard a shriek behind him, 

He's not dumb--he knows its a moving corpse that's controlled by the resentful energy residing here.

"Burial mounds is not the safe place for a rest" Wen Ruohan uttered, feeling quite pitiful for the younger boy

'SHIT', 

Wei WuXian was about to stand up but his feet was dragged, 

"He's going to get eaten!" Nie Huaisang screamed out in fear, fearing for his friend.

"Li Xi-jie! Do something!", 

"I can't." The female responded

He let out a pained scream when he felt a teeth bite into his flesh--it felt like he was getting marked, 

They all stood there with wide eyes, when they had realized--or guessed what was going to happen next. A few turned their heads around and closed their eyes. They didn't want to witness such incident unfold infront of their eyes.

'NO--STOP STOP', 

Lan Wangji couldn't hold it back anymore and sprinted so fast--that Jiang Cheng wasn't able to catch up and be the first one to try and save Wei Wuxian.

"Wei Ying!", Lan Wangji shouted, his hands clenched as he tries to break the corpse and Wei Wuxian apart. But it was useless, his hands only goes through both.

He gritted his pain as he reached for the corpses' head, trying to push it away. But the bite seem to only grip even more--to add more, he felt a hold into his wrist.

"Wha--",

"A-Zhan!",

"Wangji!", 

Both Qingheng-jun and Lan Xichen was worried for Lan Wangji, in response they all followed after him. Qingheng-jun was quite confused by his younger son's behavior, but he guess that--maybe Wei Wuxian was a dear friend of A-Zhan..

Lan Xichen agrees, but it was more than that.

He let out a pained groan, followed by a scream when another corpse bit into his very own wrist, 

"What is it doing?! Make it stop! You--! Wei Li Xi! Stop it! Make the corpse stop! I WILL BREAK YOUR LEGS!" Jiang Cheng Panicked, trying to convince the older--perhaps young? Lady, to try and stop the corpse

"I cannot." She responded,

"Why not?! Didn't you do this for Wei Wuxian?! Why is it now--that we cared enough for him! Are you declining?!" Jiang Cheng argues,

"This is illusionary, I cannot interfere. The only purpose of this was to inform." Wei Li Xi reasoned, while frowning too

He tried to push them all away--to get away, it felt shit--he wanted to cry, the fractured bones he's gotten even snapped back from the force he was using. Trying to push them away,

"HOW ARE YOU SO SURE?! MAYBE PERHAPS THE ONLY REASON FOR THIS WAS TO TRICK US?! MAKE US BELIEVE IN TO LIES!" Jiang Cheng cried out, looking for a reason--to deny.

"Please...", His voice felt raspy

"Wei Ying..!" Lan Wangji shouted, his eyes wide. His hands scrambled--trying to put an end into Wei Wuxian's suffering. Both of his father and brother tried to calm him down.

"Wangji--",

"Stop...",

Lan Wangji could only grit his teeth, for a while he stopped--looking at Wei Li Xi. His eyes looked at her as if he was betrayed.

Aren't you his lover?

Aren't you supposed to care for him?

If not a lover--you must be dear to him,

Why--

He begged, 

"STOP",

"Why aren't you doing anything?" Lan Wangji uttered, looking at Wei Li Xi. 

"I..", 

"I can't..Please calm down." Wei Li Xi responded, her head down. "Li Xi-guniang.. please raise your head, it's not your fault.." Lan Xichen said, while trying to calm his younger brother.

Suddenly a black smoke came out of his body--looking like they injected themselves on those corpses, 

"Dark arts!",

"Wangji! Stop this behavior right now!" Lan Qiren warned, looking at Lan Wangji as if--he had sinned.

"This isn't cloud recesses, let him do what he wants." Wei Li Xi glared, warning Lan Qiren to back off. "What would you know?! Your nothing but a despicable child! Lan Wangji cannot be friends with someone like Wei Wuxian!" Lan Qiren argues,

Wei WuXian felt that the teeth that was biting into his flesh, weren't going much deeper--anymore,

"Qiren-ge! Stop this at once! We already had witnessed why! Wei Wuxian's choice didn't mattered on that case! It wasn't his fault--he did it to survive!" Qingheng-jun interjected, arguing back on his own brother. Reasoning as he gritted his teeth at his own brother.

He scanned the corpses, they weren't moving. They looked paralyzed, he tried pushing their heads away--that's when he felt a pain, their teeth was almost sticking into him as if trying to suck his blood dry. 

"You--! You haven't changed Qingheng-jun! Your wife was---",

Lan Qiren immediately glared at them, to warn them--not to speak about Qingheng-jun's wife. Perhaps he doesn't want to hear about her, maybe he still cares.

When he finally removed them, his wrist and leg we're almost missing a portion of flesh--it felt itchy too. 

"Shufu, please don't get mad at Wangji.. Wei-gongzi was his first friend.." Lan Xichen interjected, trying to protect his younger brother.

"Please focus,",

"As for Lan Qiren, I will answer your question. Later" Wei Li Xi said, standing straight as she walked beside Lan Wangji to signal him to stand up.

Ignoring the sensation--he turned around, the corpses we're unmoving, looking like they we're waiting for a command.

"So this is what dark arts is... I must say, it does look quite horrifying, but if you think about it.. it isn't quite that really. at most it only looks like normal necromancy" Wen Ruohan observed, looking quite interested 

'Wait.. It can't be that..right?', he asked himself

"Which part of this are normal? Surely it must be quite terrifying for corpses to immediately get up." Nie Mingjue sneered at Wen Ruohan,

"But he was just a young child, this reason is enough. He's innocent" He added, Nie Huaisang beside him. Looked at him with a relieved look, 

"Da-ge!", 

Just then he recalled the black smoke that leeches o nto him before--that also came out earlier, 

He realized, this was--dark magic the elders spoke off, the crooked path--the... Demonic cultivation--it was the resentful energy itself.

Was he right after all?

Resentful energy... It was possible to control them--

The theory he made on the spot infront of the old man Qiren, was real?

Madam Yu could only watch with guilt in her eyes, guessing what the next outcome would be. 

Wei WuXian noted that he felt no side effect--he was quite doubtful, afterall he promised Jiang Cheng to never go down this path--he even promised it to the Second Jade heir of the GusuLan! 

"He did.." Jiang Cheng looked at Wei Wuxian, quite sorrowful--guilt ridden.

He can feel himself sighing, 

He was not the type to go back on his words,

But this--this can help him get out of here..

He can also help Jiang Cheng on his revenge, they can avenge the YunmengJiang..

He can be of help, 

He can also torture that motherfucker--Wen Chao. 

Wen Ruohan has to admit, he felt himself smirk on that statement. He looks forward to Wei Wuxian's revenge.

Wei WuXian felt like he was about to commit something so serious, that he should think this through.

He felt like he was aware of the consequences, he was aware--but he was also aware of the current situation

But--it's just him who is going to get affected,

"Oh A-Xian.. always taking consideration for others.." Jiang Yanli smiled sorrowfully, she can't help it. Her brother is so selfless, she hopes Wei Wuxian should care about himself too..

Just him, who was going to face the consequences for using such tricks-- 

He will bring no one into this, 

Going such a dark path.. it was the only path left for him, 

He wanted to live too, 

'I chose this.'

Wei WuXian slapped himself, he felt like he was getting such intrusive thoughts--he should not be thinking about this..

There's still another way, 

Let's think of another way,

He stood up once again, Limping from his injuries.

Wen Qing only felt her hands clench when Wei Wuxian had stood up, 

'There has to be another way'

Of course there is, 

It was the Jiang Sect's motto afterall.

To achieve the impossible

Jiang Cheng hated that motto now, he hopes--Wei Wuxian lives, even if it means.. for him to go down such crooked path. His brother needs to survive, he--

The scenario.. it changed, Jiang Yanli notes

She looked around to try and find her brother, and she did. 

For the passing few days, Wei WuXian is still in the burial mounds. 

Trapped in there for so long.

It may have been only for a few hours, few days maybe just a a few minutes. But for Wei WuXian it felt like eternity, it felt like he had already died. And he was only experiencing hell

"He looks traumatized..",

"Who wouldn't be?",

Wei WuXian who was surviving on the cold water---is battling fatigue as he plays his flute to avoid going insane, 

'That flute, it really is the same on what Li Xi-guniang has...',

Nie Huaisang felt like he was too nosy, but he can't deny that it does look similar to eachother. Its just Wei Wuxian's flute didn't have a tassel--like the flute Wei Li Xi possessed.

His cheeks we're hollow, his bones on his limbs we're almost poking out as if his skin is tracing every bits of his bones, he was growing weaker as time goes by. He looked dead---more dead than the rotting corpses walking mindlessly in this hellhole.

"his cheeks.. its hollow--" Jiang Yanli's eyes widen as she realized, her brother's condition wasn't getting any better.

"That is the result of only drinking water, what did you think the result would be? Huh?" Wen Qing interjected, looking quite shameful--she felt like she had failed her job as a doctor. But still, she has to stand straight still. This hasn't happened yet, she can prevent it--if fate still doesn't want it to change. She can,

As Wei WuXian blows his beloved dizi, another tune was sang--it sounded calming, it sounded familiar. Someone will probably hear it--only if it was possible to, but he has no spiritual energy. He knows his limits, he knows he'll be a goner if he tries to do so.

Days goes by--or rather forever, until Wei WuXian was met by death

If anyone had seen him right now, they would probably pity him and maybe fear for him. 

"He's so thin.." someone pointed out, the obvious.

'A-Xian...',

He was on the verge of death--surrounded by rotting corpses, who is walking up to him as they walked limply.

Wei WuXian who's on his knees, felt like tearing up---his eyes was now watery

"Stop...." please

They all only watched there, standing---powerless. As the boy struggle---suffer in pain. Powerless against the corpse, someone who tries to keep his words. Even if it costed him, his own life.

He held his hands up slowly as he puts it on his head, 

"Stop.......",

Gripping his head tightly,

"Stop...stop...stop.."

He chanted those words as if they we're something that could protect him.

Jiang Yanli could only squint her eyes, as she fears for her own brother. Her teary eyes blocked her vision. It felt like her heart broke into a million pieces, after seeing her dear brother suffer like this..

The corpses we're getting close to him while the voices finally came back on his head, 

Wei WuXian

"that's..",

"Voices, back when I studied at the celestial mountain--with my laoshi, she teached me a few stuff about resentful energy. Resentful energy tends to be an emotion--built up by every piece of souls. It will try and tempt you, so that they could take control." Xiao Xingchen chimed in, 

While everyone took notes, others were only focused on the younger boy's condition. They we're worried, some may not want to admit it. But they felt pitiful, they hope the latter survives.

Wei WuXian

Wei WuXian can feel his own name--ringing on his ears as he gripped his hair tightly,

Don't tell me your denying us?

"I don't need you--to get out of here" he groaned, 

Didn't you used us last time?

"That was an accident! I don't want to do that again--no, not ever again..." He retaliated

"It was.." Lan Wangji whispered, his voice low.

What's the point if you deny us?

Come on now, 

"shut up.." he cried out, trying to stay sane--to stay calm

Come on

"shut up........."

Come on

"please.....I..",

We will be worthwhile, we promise

Wei WuXian could only bulge his eyes as he tries to be sane--to not be tempted by power, he wasn't exactly tempted.. he felt--pained

"we know that..A-Xian, A-Xian-- he doesn't want power..." He wants to protect us, Jiang Yanli felt hurt. She also felt protected and loved, she thinks its her turn--her turn to give care.. she was the oldest, she was supposed to be one to care and protect them. Yet she had already failed,

Accepting us, means great power

Great power means great influence,

And great influence means control.

he doesn't want to--he won't give in,

Wouldn't you want everything under your control?

he shouldn't ever, give in--that only means he's breaking his own promise, going back on his words he'll----

It doesn't matter anymore, Jiang Cheng thought,

What if your lovely Didi and shijie gets hurt?

"This idiot..", Jiang Cheng can feel something inside him well up, he felt like crying. But he needs to save some face.

ah, 

Of course,

He doesn't--- their right. His family might get hurt, that's the last thing he wants. 

Wei WuXian came to a realization, he puts his hands down. Looking at it

As if their that important to us,

"shut up" , he said

We'll help you-- we will help you

there's no other way, 

Take us, take our hand

there's no other way,

"Theres still..."

We will guide you

there is no------

"Theres..." Lan Wangji can't utter anymore words, he's aware--there was none.

The boy who was seating down, became unmoving as the black smoke came into him--leeching off him, 

Those resentful energy finally became one with him, the now hostile corpses became unmoving--waiting for his commands

"I---",

"Broke--",

"It doesn't matter..." Jiang Cheng clenched his hands, 

"Haha...."

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAHHAA!", He laughs, 

Just then Jiang Yanli broke down on her knees, Jin Zixuan tries to catch her but only fell down with her. She released such broken sobs, the dam that blocked the river was taken out. She had broken down---she felt like crying.

"A-Li!" Madam Yu along with Madam Jin quickly rushed to their daughter, in sync. Trying to comfort her

"HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA", he laughed---

Im sorry, Im sorry..

I failed you A-Xian..

Wei WuXian sounds like--someone who lost their sanity, he did. He was crying, his actions might be the opposite, but he swears he can feel tears go down as he laughs. He looks like a mad man now--a good for nothing servant, who went mad.

"Wei-xiong..." Nie Huaisang wasn't used to seeing his friend like this, he felt like a friend who had failed. Nie Huaisang never felt any more useless than he is.

He sits there for so long, only laughing and staring into nothingness 

The rotting corpses we're also there, accompanying him as he went mad

"This is-- so funny.. I--", he said-- talking to no one but himself

"Surely if Jiang Cheng sees me right now--he'll laugh at me", he chuckled, 

"I wont.." ying-ge I won't even be mad. Jiang Cheng said, with guilt ridden eyes.

He looked at the rotting corpses close to him, looking at it's face, 

"Do you think It'll be fine if I got out?",

"Would they accept me--"

"We still-- we would accept A-Xian.." Jiang Yanli looks up--to get a glimpse of Wei Wuxian, her voice-- stumbling as she hic between her words.

He talked, question by question adding up as he looked at the rotting corpse--who of course kept silent, it was not conscious in the first place.

Wei WuXian could only smile at himself, he started to walk away-- he knew he wanted to cry, probably to question his choices,

"Ahh, if only Lan Zhan is here right now", he might have prevented---no, he can't risk someone being trapped in here with him.

Lan Wangji flinched at the mention of his name, but he disagreed with what Wei Wuxian had said.. he would definitely won't stop Wei Wuxian... Wangji is aware.. he will help Wei Wuxian..

That's like wishing for their death,

It's not... He, Lan Wangji thinks Wei Wuxian is someone he holds dear..

He holds dear?

Wei WuXian doesn't remember the last thing he did before he lost conscious, as if he cares? He doesn't now---he's not in favor of his own situation. He has no self worth,

After watching the horrifying scenario, Lan Wangji--felt like his heart was breaking into million pieces as he watches the young boy suffer, 

Is this what it feels like to see someone suffer? Was it pity?

He doesn't know, 

Perhaps he sees Wei WuXian someone close--to a family. 

But that feels wrong, Lan WangJi feels like familial bond doesn't describe it correctly, 

Perhaps, Only time will tell.

"I hope you guys have a countermeasure for this, if you don't I might take him away instead" Wen Ruohan chuckled as he winked, 

Madam Yu who was only a further away felt herself gritting her own teeth, 

"No one is getting him, he is a member of the YunmengJiang! You have no rights to!", She hissed, 

In return Wen Ruohan only laughed at her face, further provoking her

"I believe, Wei WuXian deserves the very best--perhaps--" Madam Jin spoke up, stumbling on her words

"Please, talk about this when the scenario viewing is over." Wei Li Xi immediately sneaked into the conversation--stopping them on continuing the conversation.

"Li Xi-guniang is right, calm now Yu-furen" Qingheng-jun said as he nodded, 

"A---Wei-gongzi's current legal guardian should be discussed later. Don't you have any question for me?" Wei Li Xi said as she crossed her arms, waiting..

"Well--I wanted to ask about the flute you have" Nie Huaisang spoke up,

There was a few that have seen the flute on the young lady, and they have witnessed Wei WuXian make a flute on a bamboo--it is pretty similar. There was just no red tassel--pendant occupying the flute Wei WuXian has

Wei Li Xi who only stared at Nie HuiaSang blankly, 

"You must be mistaken, it is quite diff---", 

"Don't fool us anymore child, a few of us already have our suspicions. What is your relationship with Wei WuXian?" Nie MingJue suddenly spoke up getting straight into the business, cutting of Wei Li Xi, 

There we're others anticipating the answer, who nodded in agreement on Nie Mingjue's words.

"You really are nuts, you can't just make your own suspicions and call it the truth. I can't believe your actually---", 

"Are you his lover? I mean it is not impossible.. I have seen you do things he does, it's exactly the same behavior he has" Jiang YanLi spoke up looking at Wei Li Xi with red puffy eyes, her brother beside her was also nodding 

"And lovers tend to adapt eachothers behavior.. although there is quite the age gap between the two of you.. I don't find it strange, after all you two are of consenting adults" she added, 

"Why is everyone not over that? I have already explained. Im not his Lover" Wei Li Xi answered, snorting--as if to mock those suspicions, 

"But you kept slipping your tongue, 'A' is it? We're you gonna call hin A-Xian? Perhaps 'A-Ying' isn't too far off also--" Jiang YanLi reasoned, once again

Wei Li Xi flinched--he felt herself sigh in defeat or---maybe relief when Jiang Yanli said-- 'A-Xian'

"Your wrong, if I ever get to meet him I would need to call him gege." Wei Li Xi talked back, trying to decline the accusations

"But what is your reason--reason for putting all of us here? Is A-Xian--",

"The reason I put you here, is because of Wei-gongzi. He was treated unjustly, as someone who believes on justice. Im only doing, what is right" Wei Li Xi said, frowning slightly

Jiang YanLi was only taken aback, she didn't expect the young lady to talk like that--perhaps she was only doing this because of that? Maybe Jiang YanLi got too disrespectful she even confronted the lady, 

Jiang YanLi who realized that she might have come off as disrespectful immediately bowed, 

"I apologize, please forgive this lady. I shouldn't have made such accusations," Jiang YanLi said, Wei Li Xi who only looked at her nodded

"Please focus on the next scenario, I have no time for idly talks", 

Everyone only nodded, feeling quite defeated--some even felt like they were still missing something. Yet, they still waited--for the next scenario.

Wei WuXian doesn't know what happened, he doesn't know, he doesn't know how to react to this. But he's coming into terms with it, he can use this to get out--alive

It took a few days for Wei WuXian to study, and learn how to control resentful energy.

He infact did not feel fired up for ages, not when he was trapped here. The incident---no that's not important, 

"It is important... A-Xian dealt with a lot of things.." Jiang Yanli said, quite determined to give her younger brother a hug and words of affirmation. To tell him that he did great,

He's kinda getting hungry,

He's hungry,

"oh,"

Right,

They weren't still done with that..

"Im hungry", he panted--suppressing the pain growing on his stomach, 

"at this point I wouldn't be mad or disgusted-- if he ever eats a corpse.." Wen Qing said, her face slightly--looking like a person who was drowning in guilt.

"At this rate I might die from starvation before I even get out of here" Wei WuXian chuckled, holding his stomach while he walked--exploring this god-forsaken place, trying to find something edible.

He might have not watched his steps, because he stepped on a corpse--it was rotting, flies occupying it.

Wei WuXian almost slipped but he regained balance, despite being hungry.

He felt like he might collapse from starvation, he needed to find something edible. Something edible to eat,

Something edible,

"the corpse.."

Edible?

"is he going to eat it?"

"Is he?"

When they heard it, some turned around. They felt uncomfortable, they didn't want to witness it.

He looked at the rotting arm beside him, gaping his mouth as he contemplates his choices.

"Wait, no no.. that's--", 

Eat now

Wei WuXian who was startled from the sudden whisper flinched, 

"those--",

"It is the voice of the spirit--the soul of the corpse Wei-gongzi stepped on" Wei Li Xi interjected, frowning on the scene

Have he gone mad, to the point he was hearing voices? It wasn't surprising--after all he was talking with rotting corpses just a few days ago.

"I've gone mad"

anyone would be.

He held the arm up, wanting to gag--but his stomach was already prepared to eat such things, 

He bit the flesh, munching it--and quickly swallowing it, he doesn't want to taste it but his taste buds betrays him. 

Anyone who watched this---would feel sick to their stomach, a lump in their throat as it motion them to vomit. It was a natural response, 

Wei WuXian can taste something funky and it has a bitter musky taste, the texture--was not so great. It was shit. It felt like a burnt roasted beef--but badly cooked, I--he doesn't know how to describe it. It's just, it's bad

Jiang Yanli could only cry, she can feel her eyes sting--her eyelids and the bags under her eyes were puffy and red.. they were also quite sensitive.. she doesn't know what to feel, does she want to feel sick? But..

Wei WuXian can feel himself gag, but he suppressed it--trying to to stomach it.

It's just a moment--

I will not eat anymore of this,

I do not want to,

This is sickening--I can't believe Im doing this to someone else's corpse- I,

Im hungry

Im sorry..

Wei WuXian--who finished eating someone else's limbs, was still staring up, zoning out.

He quickly wipes the blood on his mouth, going back at the cold spring to clean his mouth even more.

His mental health is deteriorating.. 

Wen Qing notes, 

He's even forgetting things, earlier--he had forgotten about what happened. Usually forgetting about events-- is a defense mechanism.. a trauma response..

Wen Qing was not a doctor who specialized in that area, but she was aware of what was happening to Wei Wuxian.

After washing his face, drinking too much water just to erase the taste of someone's corpse, 

He looked at his own reflection, his cheeks we're still hollow there we're bags under his eyes, his skin looks white as a ghost and his eyes looked so lifeless.

"That boy.. I can't believe--" Madam Yu, didn't finish her sentence

"You can't believe your seeing him like this. I know," Wei Li Xi looked at her, cutting her off. Madam Yu could only widen her eyes at those words, but she made no signs to--argue. Because at this point, it doesn't matter anymore.

He looked much more dead than the dead itself, it would've been a great combination if he had died--maybe this place is his funeral? Maybe.

"I need to get out of here",

He snaps back, Wei WuXian who had learned how to control such things--he knew he had no choice if he wanted to live, and because he wanted to get out of here.

"I wonder--those resentful energy. Is it possible to make an array with it? I hope Im not too farfetched. I feel like it would be possible...hmmm" He decided to think for a moment, 

Nie Huaisang immediately looked at Wei Wuxian with wide eyes, looking like as if he had witnessed something quite odd.

"Why is he behaving differently..?" He pointed out,

What would be the best medium for resentful energy? Well it is known that music can really play as a medium. But other than that...

"It is a trauma response, his brain had pushed out the memories he had previously." The female cultivator previously interjected,

Xiao Xingchen who was beside her frowned, looking quite serious.

Will talisman work with it too? But talismans uses cinnabar and paper--and you'll basically need to embed your spiritual energy on it.

They all understood what that means, it means--Wei Wuxian has already been affected. He was suffering greatly, to the point his own brain wants to forget.

Will it work the same as resentful energy?

He should try that when he gets out of here, 

What about an array? If I recall, they usually use the same method but minus the paper..but will the mechanics be the same?

If I dare to try it..I will need some cinnabar--but there's no available here..

"Wait a minute...", He widens his eyes after coming into a realization,

"He's still quite bright--even if he had experienced hell." Nie Mingjue said, quite impressed.

"That's it!",

"Blood!" Wei WuXian shouted, 

Okay he kinda feels like a psycho after screaming that out. 

'He does..' Nie Huaisang noted, sweating moderately. He looked around if anyone agreed with his unspoken thoughts. But there was no one who talked,

Wei WuXian is actually confident he can give out a lot of blood even after looking like a white sheet of paper, he looks like his color has been drained.

"He looks anemic, he'll die of blood loss if he did that" Wen Qing sighed, 

"Perhaps the wounds I had is still open?", He checks

It may have been disgusting for some people but he has no choice in this! Don't blame him

No one dares to,

Even if they want to, they'll be condemned by the Jiangs. Maybe get kicked out by the host too,

Wei WuXian peeked at his wounds, it may have been an understatement to call it 'open wound' cause boy does it look infected,

It was swelling--there we're violet hue mixed with red, it look disgusting in conclusion.

"That's infected! He needs to clean that! He'll lose consciousness!", Wen Qing exclaimed looking quite horrified. Jiang Yanli who had heard her--felt panick. Worried

"Urghh, I didn't know it's gotten this worse--",

He needs to fix this before he lost consciousness from an infected wound, how did he even survive for the last few days?

Everyone wonders the same, how did he survive for so long?

He realized that he still had the dull knife--he got somehow? It was laying around here after all, he has to do it.

Wei WuXian needs to cut a portion of his flesh--to get the infected part out.

"T-thats risky!" Wen Qing stumbled on her words, which was quite rare. Even her brother--Wen Ning beside her, was quite taken aback. That he flinched,

His abdomen, his wrist, his leg, almost every part of his body has a wound. But unlike his abdomen-- the other wounds was already sealing up. 

The wounds on his abdomen we're practically the worse one out there, he had to cut a large amount of his flesh--

Wen Qing could only feel herself clench as she gritted her teeth.

Before going into the procedure--he grabbed a piece of cloth into his wrist and puts it into his mouth, gritting his teeth into it.

Then,

He sighed, grabbing the dull knife he had been thinking of earlier, 

"Shijie close your eyes.." Jiang Cheng mumbled, also squinting his own eyes. "Your shijie is fine, A-Cheng.. I want to see, to prevent this from happening." Jiang Yanli comforted, declining Jiang Cheng's request

Bracing himself--he started to carve out his flesh--gritting his teeth even harder on the piece of cloth as he frowned, trying not to tear up from the pain.

Everyone was quite disturbed---who wouldn't be? Maybe the exceptions we're the ones who we're quite used, with dealing this. But it wasn't that---that wasn't the reason to be disturbed. They were disturbed because, they are seeing a child.. suffer like this, the earlier events we're already enough. This one was a salt rub on an open wound. It is pitiful and quite hurtful to whom--felt close with Wei Wuxian.

Blood we're starting to come out, but he kept going.

Until it there was no left, with that he immediately removed the clothing from his mouth, as he uses it to prevent blood from further soaking his clothes-- quickly getting cold water from the spring, 

Cleaning the newly wound to prevent infection.

"Fuck.. I feel like I died right there," he panted, sweat beads rolling down his forehead

Wei Li Xi felt bitterness seep into her own mouth when she heard Wei Wuxian talk like that, she was aware of the future. It was quite ironic to hear the man himself say that.

He decided to rest, and take it in---planning his next plan.

Not even an hour later, 

Wei WuXian has came up with a plan, 

He decided to use his blood--to make an array, this was an opportunity to also test his theory. Was he right? 

Studying for countless days, trying to learn where and what is the mechanism for this certain array--he was taking in. There seems to be a progress at first, but after the following days. It felt like he was walking in circles

Nie Mingjue can't help but be impressed of the younger boy's bright mind, and his strong mind--probably, to be able to endure such things.

"I wonder--- what could have I missed? I mean..." Wei WuXian who was frustrated tried to think of a solution--trying to find out what the problem is.

What could be the problem?

He already embedded the resentful energy he got, 

He marked the array---

Oh,

That was it.

"I can't believe I got too arrogant, the problem in the first place is because there was no base--I may have made those strokes effective. But there was no base to simply make it work and hold it all together.", Wei WuXian who was talking to the corpse beside him huffed proudly, 

"Is he saying.., that dark arts works almost the same as normal cultivation?" Lan Xichen asked, waiting for an answer.

"Xichen-xiansheng is right. Dark--no, demonic cultivation.. can work the same as normal cultivation practices, it's just more advance if...you think deeply on what other uses it has." Wei Li Xi answered, explaining throughly. Just enough information

He then cleaned the blood off the floor,

"This is a waste of my blood..If only animal blood is available here" He sighed, 

Animal blood, 

It will surely be a great substitute for human blood, after all he can't just wound himself up everytime he makes an array.

Trying to think of a solution, he noticed the limping corpse beside him that fell down.

"The body of the corpse gave out", he said

Body,

Corpse

Corpse of a human--

"Im not even suprised anymore, nor do I feel disgust.." Jin Zixuan uttered, sweating a little bit--a result from observing the younger boy's struggles. He was quite traumatised to say the least.

When he realized that rotting corpses we're also simply human--why didn't he think of that much earlier?

Great, he won't die of blood loss.

He apologizes in advance for whoever this body belongs to, 

"I think he was already given permission the moment he accepted resentful energy in his body though.." Nie Huaisang pointed out, sighing. 

"Ah yes, we heard it earlier.." Lan Xichen could feel the uneasy tension that prolonged the room, his uncle has not talked for a while now.. he can't help but feel a storm brewing

A while later--after he had extracted the blood out, trying to prepare another array.

Wondering, on how he'll go about this

"What base could I do? The flight talisman.. I did back then-- that's it! Although it was done on a paper, I could use it as a base! I can simply just change a few strokes--Then it'll do the work on its own" He blabbered--talking to no one, entertaining his own self.

Making a few strokes--making sure no mistake was done, he finally completed it.

"Wei-gongzi really is of Jiang, achieving the impossible. I praise the Sect Leader of Jiang, for raising such bright you---" Sect Leader Yao was about to say something nonsensical but, he was interrupted by someone else.

"A-Ying may be of YunmengJiang, but he didn't receive any attention.. that could've harvested his bright mind." Jiang Fengmian interjected, declining the praise---knowing they weren't worthy of such praise, especially himself.

"Now I only need to embed resentful energy in it, as a substitute for spiritual energy.", He got up and took his things

He took his flute, a dull blade and the piece of clothing he used to cover up his wounds, 

Wei WuXian walked carefully inside the array, being careful not to smudge the blood.

After walking in inside the circle--he raised his hands, commanding the resentful energy inside him to come out.

After it came out--he pressed his hands down the floor, concentrating on making the array work.

'Did it work?'

After a few minutes, black smokes immediately came out---coveting Wei WuXian's entire body.

"W-Woah!",

"Wei-xiong! He's flying!"

"Amazing!"

Immediately making him levitate, taking him high up with no control--until he was up in the sky outside of the burial mounds, 

Jin Zixuan felt his heart jump when he realized---they we're also flying along with Wei Wuxian, but they we're in a much steady pace. No wind pressure or anything.

Although he had no time to react, he stretched out his arms--to try and control the direction. 

It worked for a few moment, the black smokes guided him to a random forest---

Wei WuXian who can feel the wind's pressure tries to stop the array, 

He'll get sick from it goddamit!

'Be careful A-Xian!', Jiang Yanli silently screamed, worry plastered on her face as she watched her younger brother fly off a distance--any quite uncontrollably

It was a struggle to try and stop it, since usually resentful energy is controlled by emotion--and he is getting quite frustrated right now.

Maybe it's just because your mental health is fucked up?

Wen Qing kind of felt uncomfortable when she heard that. She was sure that Wei Wuxian is mentally unstable. She won't even be surprised if Wei Wuxian becomes---slightly bipolar.

finally stopping it he fell down on a stony cold floor, falling down flat on his face.

"Shit-- that hurts", he complained

Wei WuXian felt like a newborn baby when he looked up at the sky, the sun rays we're hitting him and his skin.

It was warm the light we're so bright, he felt alive

He felt like he wanted to hug everything he found up in here, like those bulging rocks, those stumps, the floor. He wanted to embrace almost everything, 

He missed it, he wasn't used to it yet.

After all he had not gotten this down in the burial mounds, nothing we're present there except rotting corpses.

Wei WuXian got up and walked, finding a nearest village to go to.

"Here I come.", He said---bracing himself up

Everyone who watched--didn't say anything. They just followed after the younger boy, others was likely gonna spit something out. But they didn't have the courage to do so--the tension was far too heavy.

Wei WuXian wasn't used to it yet, but it was strange for him to see the sun and moon change places.

It was strange for him to even see darkness change into light,

It was new,

"A-Xian...", she couldn't say anything. She felt relieved when Wei Wuxian had gotten out, but she felt guilty and anger in herself--when she had failed to protect Wei Wuxian's self worth, before--at the Lotus Pier. From her own mother,

Although it did not take him hours to find a nearest village, he was already panting from the amount of times he took a step

It was a natural response. After all he had not gotten the nutrition needed for a human,

He was living off on corpses, 

With no choice in his side

Walking inside the village--felt nostalgic, 

It was the place where the sect leader Jiang had found him after all, and where he got a gift from a random child.

"The Yiling Village.." Jiang Fengmian thought aloud, in a low tone. Wen Ruohan who was a few meters away from him sneered, 

He wonders why he still remember those--it was natural for someone to forget their childhood memories after so many years?

Either way, Wei WuXian waved those thoughts off.

Exploring the Yiling village definitely lifted up his mood, he was quite proud of himself to get out of that burial mounds alive.

He might have to deal with his stomach though,

But he has no Yuanbao on him, who would have expected him to have a single one? 

"I almost forgot he had nothing with him" Nie Huaisang sighed in defeat, preparing himself--for his friend's another struggle.

He thought for a moment and decided that he'll do a nighthunt---to earn some.

Oh, 

I forgot those exists too, Nie Huaisang dumbfounded-- gaped his mouth in realization. He quickly braced himself--if his older brother found out what was he thinking, he'll get beheaded

When night time appears---the moon shining brightly as ever, Wei WuXian had finally gotten a request by someone, to take care of one problem. 

Prior to the information he had gotten, the suspect may have been a few if not a single corpse, 

Wei WuXian felt like he had struck gold, 

It was his area of expertise after all. 

This will be an easy work for him, 

Heading straight into the designated location---there we're a few people he had passed by, gossiping about the current fire that has been happening.

The war between the sects and the Wen Sect,

"War had already started? It wasn't even that long, when the Wen's invaded the Lotus Pier.." Lan Xichen wide eyed, quite surprised from the revelation.

"It has been 1 month since Wei-gongzi fell down on the burial mounds." Wei Li Xi said, revealing for how long Wei Wuxian was stuck in there.

When Wei WuXian had found out about it---he actually planned to rush back on the Lotus Pier, but he decided to think logically. He hadn't regained his strength, he was coreless, his knowledge about resentful energy is still not enough.

Knowing that the last one is his last resort, he must use it---to not make mistakes

Snapping back into reality---Wei WuXian had already reached his destination, it was a random area located outside the yiling. He had checked the house near it,

Apparently the person residing inside that house is suspecting that some sort of deity is taking his crops, 

Qingheng-jun felt himself snort when Wei Wuxian revealed--the reason for the nighthunt, it was quite funny--and relatable. Normal people tend to over exaggerate things, 

But according to the answers he had gotten from his questions---it's far from being a deity, Wei WuXian thinks its a corpse--who had been digging up and progressively ruining the poor man's crops.

From Wei Wuxian's observation,

It was not strange for a random corpse to dig up and ruin some random crops, 

Basing it off on the days he had spent on the burial mounds, normal corpses tend to mindlessly move on its own---sometimes if their will is strong enough, assuming the soul of the dead is willful enough.

"Okay, this is getting quite complex--" Nie Huaisang sweated, stumbling a little bit. He was already exhausted from what they witnessed earlier! complex topics such as this makes his head hurt!

The corpse will carry out the will of the soul as the soul disperses to---what we call afterlife, 

"this is hypothetical right? considering we haven't witnessed afterlife with our own eyes yet." Wen Ruohan said, pointing out the obvious. He only received a acknowledging nod from Wei Li Xi.

If this corpse had been stealing crops through digging and walking on it, 

Wei WuXian assumes that this corpse is finding a treasure or maybe trying to find the right place to rest it's body peacefully.

Either way he'll still seal it up, he needs his meal after all.

Nie Huaisang felt that was worded quite wrongly.. nonetheless he sighs,

Wei Wuxian was standing still, observing his surroundings--his flute in his hands

After a few moments of waiting the corpse still hasn't appeared, Wei Wuxian is beginning to doubt the old man's intuition.

"Okay, I have a feeling that it wasn't even a corpse. Perhaps it was crow?" He sighs,

"It might actually be just a crow." Nie Mingjue bluntly said, crossing his arms as he watched.

He decided to eventually---make an array instead. To wave off whatever corpses comes here,

After making a few strokes of blood on some random trees, there we're a big barrier that appeared for a few moment and disappeared in seconds. 

"That'll do it, now to meet the old man back at the inn" He hummed, 

"Incredible, he had already made a barrier in just a month?",

"Normal Cultivators like us, usually takes more than a year.. 12 months is already a blessing enough.",

After doing what the old man has requested he was rather paid handsomely, maybe the man was so desperate to the point he'd give Wei WuXian some random grey outer robes that looked new, he was also given a few Yuanbao.

'That robe..' Nie Huaisang noticed, he then turned to look at Wei Li Xi. Who was wearing an outer robe that has the same color--as that. Except Wei Li Xi's we're adorned with a red fiery flames on the ends of the sleeves and at the bottom.

This was a win! 

Thanking the old man for his generosity, Wei Wuxian decided to eat on a restaurant with no hesitation!

"Some rice wine and...one serving of Man Lan Gan Guo." Wei Wuxian ordered, the server infront him nodding. Placing down 2 pieces of Yuanbao, 

"He's finally eating.." Jin Zixuan felt himself sigh in relief, his fiance beside him--along with his soon to be brother in law, watched in relief. 

He then headed into a random empty table and sat, 

After a few minutes his order was delivered on him, Wei Wuxian felt delighted and quite relieved to be able to taste something like this again.

On the first bite of that familiar spiciness, Wei Wuxian couldn't help but smile

"Im glad he was able to eat normal food after all that.." Madam Jin mumbled, huffing--also in relief. Her sworn sister--Yu ziyuan also felt quite relieved. It was quite unbelievable,

Drinking the rice wine as it drooled down his mouth made him feel full.

"This is real food right here!" He said as he munched on his food, 

Eating food may have been a daily occurrence for us, but to Wei Wuxian--it's something he had not experienced for almost forever.

Jiang Yanli felt---slightly happy that the food Wei Wuxian first tasted was a spicy one. Spicy foods, were his favorite after all.

Lan Wangji also thinks the same,

After he had devoured every piece or his order, he proceeded to find an inn to stay at. 

Wen Qing still feels something was off,

But before that he had bought a new clothes for him to change in, even the gray robes he had gotten was delivered to someone else to be turn into custom made robe.

Wen Qing doesn't want to ruin--the atmosphere, but.. she was sure Wei Wuxian isn't quite okay yet.

Wei Wuxian had successfully finished his day, he decided a rest would be great.

Upon closing the door of his room, he had noticed his hands trembling.

and she was right, 

Wei Wuxian isn't okay yet.

His knees we're also giving out, 

With that he fell down on his knees---trembling.

"What's happening to him?!" Yu Ziyuan screamed, looking back at Wen Qing--perhaps Wei Li Xi.

Jiang Yanli seemed to be also surprised, lightly taking a step back and--quickly running close to Wei Wuxian.

He had no idea what was happening--he had no--

Oh, 

That's right,

"He's still not used to normal foods. He also lacked normal human interaction when he was at the burial mounds. You should've expected this" Wei Li Xi frowned, 

Wei Wuxian who looked quite pale, as if he wasn't pale enough. Finally vomited on the floor,

"T-that" Jiang Yanli looked quite panicked, staring at the food her brother had vomitted out. It hasn't even digested yet!

The food he had eaten earlier was also extracted out of his body.

"Wei Ying.." Lan Wangji who was only an inch closer, squatted down. To get a look at Wei Wuxian.

He was still trembling, he tried to calm himself, trying to calm himself---

He wasn't used to the food yet, 

He wasn't ready for a human interaction yet.

"Focus, when you get back.. you should make up for it." Wei Li Xi interrupted them, motioning them to stand up and--watch instead.

It happened too fast, he can't help but feel anxious.

He sighed deeply--trying to stomach his nervousness, feeling quite tired

Wei Wuxian can feel the flutter of butterflies inside his stomach, he can feel a shiver down his spine, every trembles he makes feels like it has came down from a cold weather---the weather right now is indeed quite warm.

He was even sweating, yet his body says otherwise.

He decided to rest back, leaning his back on the wall behind him 

Slowly closing his eyelids

They all felt quite defeated, they were getting ahead of themselves---for thinking that Wei Wuxian was already alright, to assume that he was okay. He wasn't, scars still prolonged him.

The days Wei Wuxian went through was repeating, it felt like a cycle 

A vicious cycle that he felt trapped with

Despite that--there we're still some progress made through those repeating days. He was able to study resentful energy much more deeply, he had gotten his robes, and his eating habits we're kind of getting better. Hopefully

"Atleast he's making a progress.. it's quite hard to do, considering that no one is monitoring him.." Wen Qing sighed, everyone also looked at her as they exchanged looks.

He had also gotten a tassel--for his flute, giving it a much polished look, he also learned to play it better than before--by listening to nearby entertainers.

Nie Huaisang felt his eyes widen for a brief seconds, a few of them seems to have noticed--maybe almost all of them. The flute that Wei Li Xi had--was really the same Wei Wuxian will have!

In no time he'll be able to compose his own--tune to give a much better and clear command to a corpse--he's even confident that he'll be able to subdue a corpse right now.

Well, 

It's no surprise

Wen Ruohan chuckled at himself--a reaction from the boy's cockiness,

But---now that isn't the problem, seeing that he himself has a better grasp on resentful energy, and can run around with no problems now.. it was time to track down Wen Chao--and perhaps torture them, very slow

"I heard that there'll be a few Wen disciples visiting yiling this night.", He huffed

It's a great time to use one of his inventions,

Hopefully it goes well

Wei Wuxian was now standing--outside the inn he had stayed in, he was going to follow those disciples before he kill them. He had to think logically first---unfortunately

He had already paid the inn owner with the promised Yuanbao and well some few services---like cleaning the floor, don't blame him! He doesn't poop luxury!

"A-Xian is quite used to that.. A-Niang shouldn't we.." Jiang Yanli felt herself ask, she was hesitating but she still managed to ask.

"Yes, we will A-Li. When we get back" Madam Yu huffed, Jiang Yanli--along with Jiang Cheng also widened their eyes. But they smiled after, 

Waiting for the Wen disciples to come out of the door he was previously inside, he retreated back into a shadow. Leaning on a tree, 

After a few minutes a few people came out of the door, wearing a white robes with a red fiery flames below---it looked quite similar to what Wei Wuxian had except his robes we're of the gray color, resembling the night instead.

"Man! That girl had huge boobs!", The man laughed sadistically

"ugh, men." Wei Li Xi groaned, 

"Headaches" Madam Jin added

"Yeah! I told you so, you should've touched it then!" The other man laughed back, pointing his fingers at the previous man

"Please mind your behaviors" the other one warned, taking his work seriously

"Says the one who slept with a maid back then" the other guy responded---mocking his own co-worker

"Rumours really are poisonous." Wen Ruohan sneered, quite disgusted with those Wen Disciples, Wen Ruohan doubts that they belong to the Wen Sect. What was he even doing in the future? Accepting someone like them..

In return the man only frowned and sped up, walking in a much more faster pace

"I can't believe that guy was assigned to take care of us, I can't take his arrogance and that fake moral of his",

"This is why I prohibited gossiping in the cloud recesses." Lan Qiren chimed in, massaging his beard.

"Its one of the few that's actually a useful rule in your clan. I must admit" Wen Ruohan chuckled,

"He's on of those 'good' guys apparently, smells like a load of bull", 

They walked off a distance, clueless to the shadow following their every steps.

'Talking behind other people's backs...', 

Wei Wuxian who was watching the whole time---sitting on a tree can't help but feel such nostalgic feeling well up inside of him

The good old days, 

I doubt I'll ever return.. 

But I can help, 

He had to

It took quite long for Wei Wuxian to reach the supervisory office of the one Wen Chao preoccupied, it was quite far from Yiling. But it wasn't that far off--well because he was indeed on the lands that the Wen sect had control over.

"oho? He already found it" Wen Ruohan Chuckled in amusement, he was sure that Wei Wuxian would be an asset to the Wen Sect. His loyalty we're also a plus, the YunmengJiang surely did take him for granted.

After killing those disciples--he had quite the trouble with, since the other guy was quite stubborn--like some sort of cockroach that still refuses death even after seeing it with his own eyes, 

Like Wei Wuxian.

Nie Huaisang wanted to laugh at the comparison his friend made, but this wasn't a laughing matter. He didn't know whether to cry or laugh.

Observing the building, it does seem like it was built recently. 

Wei Wuxian observed every details, taking it in as he tries to picture the blueprints---based on the little bits of pictures seen on a bunch of windows, the shape and details on the exterior building tells a lot about the interior layout after all

He had taken a few notes, assuming that this large building contained 64 rooms. With 7th floors, 3 supervisory offices

"Despite being young.. he can be quite scary" Qingheng-jun laughed nervously, remembering the time Cangse sanren threatened to cut his pee wee off..

He doesn't think he can break in---looking down at the front gate, being surrounded with some tough looking disciples, 

Of course he doesn't expect them to be not here, this was a supervisory office after all.

No war or with war, it must be protected quite well

Wei Wuxian already had a plan in mind, he doesn't need to know how much room is there. He can just throw the corpse he controls inside the window for God's sake! 

"He kinda makes sense though... Breaking in sounds more of a solution--" Jin Zixuan said, Jiang Cheng a bit closer in distance go him nodded.

"A-Cheng, Jin-gongzi.. violence isn't always the answer" Jiang Yanli laughed, chuckling at their behavior. But she can't deny that--breaking inside is a much better solution.

Quickly snapping back from the sudden sensation of something sticky--it was a blood he stepped into, 

Oh god, 

This is going to leave some foot prints

Maybe Wei Wuxian should have not used a talisman and a corpse at the same time, things gets quite messy after all.

Placing down the one last talisman down the concrete beside the leaning corpses--a ward that basically traps the soul he had killed, 

They we're useful for---his corpses. He needs some backup after all, incase he gets into trouble while being here.

Nie Huaisang can't help but tremble at his friend's inventions, he knew Wei Wuxian isn't evil! But he certainly felt quite uneasy.

Wei Wuxian started to walk off, both of hands on his back as he hummed

"Huuhh-- why is the corpses gone? Perhaps someone cleaned them?" But there was no one here earlier before he had gotten here, he needed to make sure no one else comes here after all.

"S-Someone took them!" Nie Huaisang turned white, quite scared as he trembled. "Calm yourself, no one would want them" Jiang Cheng snorted. 

When Wei Wuxian heard a weak sound of footsteps---he quickly retreated and concealed his presence, avoiding any unwanted attention on him.

"The sect leader Jiang had cleaned out this place, isn't that great? Its a sign of our luck",

"So the Jiangs took them.." Wen Ruohan huffed,

"Don't get too cocky, war is still not over.", The other warned,

"By the way--have you heard about those strange talismans? I heard they we're made with resentful energy", 

"Yes, the Second Heir of gusu confirmed it to be a use of dark sorcery. I can't believe someone is actually crazy enough to do that.", The man responded clicking his own tongue

"Lan Wangji?" Lan Xichen felt himself raise his head at the mention of his younger brother's title

"But sect leader Jiang didn't find it a problem as long as their on our side.", 

"Rather than Wei-xiong going crazy.. I think it is Jiang Cheng who had gone crazy--" Nie Huaisang pointed out, after he had said that, he was met with a smack--from Jiang Cheng himself

"Whatever falls on them", 

As the voice fades on a distance--the sounds of their footsteps too, disappeared.

It seems Jiang Cheng has already got this place under control---maybe Wei Wuxian can give a little help while following after them, to make it easier for him.

He had to extract his revenge on Wen Chao first---the aggressor of this, everything

Wei Wuxian thinks it's his fault

"It's not your fault you idiot.." Jiang Cheng mumbled,

Wen Chao and that maid of his that slept her way up, along with his loyal dog Wen Zhuliu. Will be deserving of this punishment, after all Wei Wuxian is willing to be the one to extract judgement on them---if no one was willing to. He can be the evil to give revenge, to avenge the innocents. He was willing to be the monster after he fell on that hellhole, he was doomed to do so

Although a part of him wanted to deny---to resist such role, a name that will forever carved on his skin. But he swears he knows what he is doing

"He really knows, he's aware. But Im afraid he's shouldering too much.." Wen Qing whispered in a low tone.

Wen Ruohan that was beside her, felt himself nod in agreement

He knows how dangerous this heretic path is, even if he can control it---there was no chance that people will accept it. Maybe there will be some, but for most. It will only be declined after it has served its purpose, for being 'evil'

Wei Wuxian knows, he isn't stupid

He knows that his life is nothing compared to Jiang Cheng, his shijie---Lan Zhan even Lan Qiren.

Qingheng-jun flinched, the boy's self worth were plummeted on the ground. Too much, it was too much--he doesn't even want to hear it. He worries that Lan Zhan would feel quite sad--perhops more. By his friend's mental health

He was a good for nothing servant that brings misfortune everywhere, and him being a servant makes it worse that he had strayed far from the righteous path. He knows--once people gets a gist of his ways, he will get condemned.

But there was no other way, he had to do it.

He doesn't go back on his words, 

Wei Wuxian will help Jiang Cheng---in the shadows maybe, but he has to appear. He can't hide forever

Jiang Cheng doesn't know anymore, he feels indebted. But he can't help but feel jealous. He can feel jealousy swim through his mind like some sort of intrusive thoughts. He knows better not to act on it. He...

It has been 2 weeks since Wei Wuxian had started to aid the Jiang Clan into their wars--usually taking out patrolling Wens in the night. Wei Wuxian had also gained a new extra knowledge, another that might be useful for him in the future. He also found where Wen Chao and his dirty maid is residing at---they have been in the supervisory next to the territory of the Yueyi, a small village that just happened to get involved in this war. Somehow they have been forced to give up their lands and become laborers, how messed up can the wens be?

"These damned wens..!" Madam Yu hissed,

He swears he'll cut Wen Ruohan's head off and display it so high up---displayed for everyone to view,

Wen Ruohan can feel himself smile, he was impressed by the boy's words. But he know better not to hold grudge on the younger boy. He'll definitely have to overlook something on his Sect, on the side of..inner affairs.

But before that, he had to deal with Wen Chao first. I mean he had already been messing with his minions, but it's actually time to get serious and well---kill them.

He wanted to delay it for a bit, but when he caught gist of--the wens finding out where the current YunmengJiang, that is still yet to bloom---resided at.

Wei Wuxian realized that he'll have to move much faster than he thought, killing the slut of a maid was easy enough for him. He just had to go where the war was happening---Wen Chao will be there, along with his Loyal dog. 

"This Wei-xiong is so different from what we had known, I don't think I'll be used to it when we go back.." Nie Huaisang huffed, looking quite conflicted.

He can deal with them when he gets there, 

To give them their own taste of medicine

Fair and square

Arriving at the scene wasn't particularly overwhelming nor was it hard to do so, Wei Wuxian who was on a distance watched as Wen Chao---who talked with both Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan, seems to be provoking them on the process too. He can't hear them, but he can guess they were dealing with Wen Chao's nonsense.

"A-Zhan!",

"Wangji!",

"A-Cheng--!", They all said--in sync. 

Jiang Yanli--along with Qingheng-jun, Lan Xichen, and Madam Yu instinctively said. Worry plastered on their face, worry for their sons who were bloodied.

Wei Wuxian began to play his flute, taking in the noted deeply as he guided his emotions--to take lead of the resentful energy, commanding it to control and give temporary life to the corpses down below. Some people might find this disgustingly horrifying---and probably with pure awestruck in the mix. As a response for him to be able to perform necromancy, that disrespects the dead. But this was perfect, he isn't suitable for any close ranged fight. He needed someone to be able to do it for him

"W-woah!" Nie Huaisang said, gaping his mouth at the scene unfolding infront of his eyes. Everyone was as surprised as him,

"Dark arts-!" Lan Qiren snarled in surprise, looking conflicted as ever

and corpses are able to do it for him,

as Wei Wuxian breathed every tune, the unmoving corpses moved, turning heads into the cultivators--the fire that had such bright and redder light turned green, as if to symbolize the way, vengeful ghosts are. Whom tend to comeback and haunt down their killers---perhaps their abuser too.

They all watched in awe, quite taken by the view infront of them. It was a show of power, and also a revenge comeback for someone. They all felt fear yet---it was quickly replaced by admiration.

When all of the Wen cultivators were cleaned off, and used again for their corpse. Wei Wuxian who was on top of the building--came down. Descending down as if he was an immortal that came down on its own will to give help. 

To give it's blessing,

Wei Wuxian ignored the audience---the watchers, Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan. His focus are on the Wens, although he had paid them no business. He can see the evident shocked expression Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan had. The Second Heir of GusuLan especially frowning---oh so slightly. To express his dislike on the public display of 'heretic' way of magic.

"We meet again." Wei Wuxian said, his voice sounding a bit raspy but it was enough to strike fear to anyone, 

Jiang Cheng on the background bulged his eyes as he said---in a low tone, "That voice..!"

"W-Who are you?!, you monster!" Wen Chao shouted--with fear

'What a coward, I cant believe I got thrown off by him'.

"Looking at Wei-gongzi right now.. I agree with his statement" Wen Ruohan gaped, chuckling a bit.

Wei Wuxian only looked at him and smiled, albeit being aware that his face is covered with black smokes---resentful energy. It only looked like he ignored Wen Chao's question. But it doesn't matter to him, he'll kill him right here.

"Wen Zhuliu! Kill him!" Wen Chao said hiding behind The Core melting hand, 

Wen Zhuliu in response---immediately rushed into him extending his hand out, to possibly melt his core. Wei Wuxian who only stood motioned his hands to stop Wen Zhuliu on the spot. With resentful energy---the core melting hand, is not paralyzed.

Wen Zhuliu only groaned and gritted his teeth, 

"What Loyal Dog you are.." Wei Wuxian chuckled 

"The sect Leader gave me kindness, I must repay him..." The paralyzed man spoke out, trying to free himself from Wei Wuxian's grasp.

"Repay him for what?! For a hundred of innocent lives?!" Wei Wuxian Hissed, his voice slightly cracking

The core melting hand only groaned in pain, as he felt his own body squeeze---the he saw, Wei Wuxian go through him---and his core was taken.

"My..golden core..!" He hissed,

"That's quite Ironic..",

"Resentful energy is capable of this?"someone said, clearly amazed

Wei Wuxian only raised his head, slightly revealing his face. Smiling in return, Wen Zhuliu was then let go--and fell on the ground. Gasping in pain, trying to grasp for his life--to survive. The moment he try to turn around to Wei Wuxian, his golden core was broken into pieces.

"What are you?! You...monster!!" Wen Chao ran, trying to find a hiding place---but he was attacked by a corpse, the slut's corpse.

It bit him, he pushed it away---retaliating, as he freed himself. When he was freed he almost peed his pants. 

Nie Huaisang snorted, he didn't hold his laugh for a long time. He was trembling as he chuckled quietly.

'oh my god, The afterlife is gonna decline me after this..'

"Get away from me! Who are you?!" He screamed, 

Wei Wuxian only looked at him as he released the black smokes that accompanied his face, revealing who he was. 

Wen Chao only looked at him horrified,

"Wei Wuxian?! I THREW YOU AT THE BURIAL MOUNDS LONG AGO! YOU---" in matter of seconds, Wen Chao who stood and screamed were on the ground---huffing in pain as he felt his hands get cut off.

"ARGHHHHH!", he screamed

"Should I cut off your right arm too?" Wei Wuxian squatted down as he held Wen Chao's right hand, Wen Chao who was scared couldn't even dodge it or push Wei Wuxian away. He could only look in fear,

And then---Wei Wuxian broke Wen Chao's pinky finger's joints. Wen Chao who is a coward with an arrogant facade, screamed in pain. 

"NO!! ARGHH---GARHG" Wen Chao screamed in pain, trying to pull his hands from Wei Wuxian's grip. 

Wei Wuxian who only tightened his grip, broke another finger. One by one---until there was no left. Before he let go of the hans, Wei Wuxian twisted the man's joints. Making it look quite odd, Wei Wuxian stayed squatted. Unmoving as he stared down at Wen Chao, with do much hatred. 

Then he stood up, taking out his flute---to play another music---a tune to guide the resentful energy once again. He played it quite fast, as Wen Chao struggled to stand up. In moments there was black smokes on the floor where Wen Chao is. It stabbed him, in return Wen Chao screamed in agony---for quite a moment. Until he dropped dead,

There was an audible silence, before the audience could finally speak.

"Wei Ying..", Lan WangJi whispered, as if the winds were his messenger--for Wei Wuxian

"Lan zhan." Wei Wuxian turned to him, looking at the smiling Jiang Cheng after

"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng happily shouted--maybe with relief? Wei Wuxian doesn't know

"I wonder..",

"Wei Ying.. practicing dark arts is evil" Lan Wangji spoke--concern in his eyes, what Lan Wangji doesn't know. Is that those words were not understood the right way. He picked wrong words to express his concern, 

"Lan-gongzi picked the wrong words to express his worry.." Madam Jin uttered, sighing as she slammed her hands on her own forehead. 

Qingheng-jun seemed to also sigh, along with his first son.

"Lan Zhan, I know what Im doing." Wei Wuxian said nonchalantly, looking at Lan Wangji

"It can Harm someone's mind!", Lan Wangji said---his voice cracking.

"It can." Lan Qiren interjected,

"You can lose control!" Lan Wangji added, his gaze unmoving

"I can control it! as for what it does to my mind, is none of your business." He said, 

"He's grown quite distant.." Jiang Yanli sighed, she remembered the time---where Wei Wuxian would pester Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji who only flinched, looking as if he was offended. 

"Wei Wuxian!" Lan Wangji responded, screaming---in anger perhaps?

"Lan Wangji!" Wei Wuxian screamed back, frowning. "What could be more evil than the Wen Sect?!" He added,

"This--they called eachother by courtesy names..!" Nie Huaisang flinched,

"That means..." They aren't close anymore--Qingheng-jun looked defeated as he turned around to look at his second son, as they ignored the statement Wei Wuxian made after that.

"Go back to Gusu with me.." Lan Wangji said, slightly bending his eyebrows--although looking like he was frowning. Wei Wuxian who was taken aback---looked at him with wide eyes.

"The gusu?" Lan Xichen looked bewildered, 

"Perhaps, Wangji planned to punish Wei Wuxian." Lan Qiren proudly huffed,

"The gusu?" He looked,

"Im sorry but, Wei Wuxian belongs to the YunmengJiang. His punishment isn't of your business!" Madam Yu hissed,

Then it clicked on him, 

"I see, you want to kill me?! After all gusu is known for their dislike of dark practices!" Wei Wuxian hissed, getting angrier and shaken as he looked at Lan Wangji

They all flinched, a bit slightly. Surprised by Wei Wuxian's sudden outburst. 

"It looks like they hated eachother more now." Jiang Cheng pointed out, frowning at the direction of The Second Heir of Gusu

"It's not that---" Lan Wangji reasoned,

"Then what is it for?! To try and mend my ways?!" Wei Wuxian gritted his teeth, 

Lan Wangji whom looked at him with dread, and most likely--anger. Was speechless,

Wei Wuxian expected this.

He strayed from such a crooked path,

He should've expected this..

"Second Heir of GusuLan, I apologize.. but Wei Wuxian is our head disciple. He is of YunmengJiang, it is not your place to punish him accordingly" Jiang Cheng stepped in, 

Lan Wangji who stood there, speechless--didn't know what to do. He only walked away--turning his head away, perhaps to hide his anger. 

Jiang Cheng who turned around to Wei Wuxian, with a smile. Puts his hands on Wei Wuxian's shoulders, 

"Where we're you? Was it true? What Wen Chao said?" He asked, 

"No, I was in hiding." Wei Wuxian smiled, outright lying

"He's---lying..?" Jiang Cheng clenched his hands, he looked like he was about to cry

"That magic.." Jiang Cheng quietly sneaking in--a question

"Don't worry. It is one of the things that has saved me, It can also help us." Wei Wuxian answered, looked at the floor in while he was smiling. Accompanied by such lifeless eyes, 

Jiang Cheng who did not took notice of this, talked

"Come on! Shijie was worried about you! I'll kick your ass if your not going back with us!" He shouted aggressively, but with such care hidden in his tone.

Jiang Cheng wanted to strangle himself, he wanted to strangle himself to death. Wei Wuxian's expression was plastered all over the place. Yet he did not notice

"Alright, let's go back." Wei Wuxian said, smiling fondly

He was back, 

He came back safely

He can go back

But, he can't go back.

Jiang Yanli wanted to cry at that,

For a few months of fighting, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian held victory for every fights they had with the Wen Sect. With Wei Wuxian on his side---they were finally able to take back the Lotus Pier, rebuilding it once again.

They Only now needed to invade the nightless city, but they we're lacking manpower---Wei Wuxian who had a bright idea, suggested something.

The Sword at the xuanwu cave, it can be refined into something. To control corpses, it contained a large amount of resentful energy. From the corpses the beast had killed and eaten.

Jiang Cheng accepted this Idea, 

Wei Wuxian who was able to get the sword safely, and tame it. Refined it for days in the cave. Perfecting it, to make sure no mistakes are made. It took 2 days, it was the perfect weapon---to be able to control hundreds, perhaps thousands of corpses. It is its own man-made army, he can use this to aid them. While they take out Wen Ruohan, no Wen disciples will ever be a problem for them.

With that---the Sunshot campaign was successful, 

Meng Yao, who infiltrated the Wen Sect---stabbed Wen Ruohan at the back. From what Wei Wuxian had heard, he doesn't remember it quite. But he knows they won, although the GusuLan isn't quite happy about him. He remembered they had chased him into a cave, but he must've waved them off. Considering he was able to get out of there alive.

The war with the Wen Sect was over.

He can finally have his peace.

They had attained peace, but at what cost?

They all felt somehow...useless, guilty and regretful, some felt sorrow. It was a mix of emotions they had subjected in their vision of Wei Wuxian. It felt like they had known the man for so long to feel something like this.

"Wei-xiong...he.." Nie Huaisang finally broke the silence, asking an unfinished question.

"Wei-gongzi and Jiang Cheng won the war, I suppose you have any thoughts? Perhaps some of you are itching to ask a question?" Wei Li Xi interjected, talking quite nonchalantly.

"That robe.. it's the same--with what Wei-xiong has." Nie Huaisang pointed out, in return everyone turned to look at Wei Li Xi.

"Nie-gongzi is right, I suppose Li Xi-guniang has a more deep relationship with Wei-gongzi?" Wen Ruohan smiled, waiting for an answer.

Wei Li Xi who was unmoving, did not give any reaction and only sighed. "I have already said--",

"Cut that bullshit! State it! What's your relationship with Wei Wuxian?!" Jiang Cheng cut her off, getting to the point.

"Haven't I told you already?! And what if I have any connections with him?! Its not your business!" Wei Li Xi shouted, arguing back, looking ready to attack.

Jiang Cheng could only bulge his veins out in anger as he clenched his hands, 

"Jiang-gongzi and Li Xi-guniang.. please calm, fighting is not the answer for this. Also Jiang-gongzi, Li Xi-guniang might have not known Wei Wuxian personally. Perhaps they are acquainted, but even if they do.. we have no business to butt in." Lan Xichen stepped in, defending both sides. 

"But those robes! That flute! Its the same--", 

"Jiang Cheng! Stop this now! She have already told you. We have no business to force her to spit out more!" Madam Yu reprimanded, in return Jiang Cheng only walked back towards his sister in anger.

"I don't think you are even that close to---" Wen Qing was about to slap talk the Jiangs, but she was interrupted.

"Stop this, let us change the topic. I dont think any of you--" Wei Li Xi sighed, 

"I don't think, this is the right time to talk about this. Once again-- I'll remind it for you, Im not Wei-gongzi's lover." Wei Li Xi crossed her arms,

"Nor a Im, a fiance or a relative. The Wei surname is common, it must be pure coincidence--for us to have the same robe and pendant. Either way it is not everyone's business." Wei Li Xi snorted, 

Everyone collectively sighed and nodded, but a few of them knew that the younger lady was simply spewing bullshit.

Nie Huaisang knows that this is too much to be considered as a coincidence, he is pretty sure that Wei Li Xi must be somehow--connected with Wei Wuxian. Perhaps his Lover or Fiance.

Either way, he supports.

"Anyone have any questions?" She asked,

"I have" Madam Jin raised her hand, 

Wei Li Xi along with a few others looked at her, 

"Is it possible to adopt Wei Wuxian?" Madam Jin asked

Chapter Text

            Everyone in the room seems to be processing what Madam Jin had said, once they had processed what she had said they only looked at her dumbfounded. But a few we're quite offended, that is the Jiang Family. "Jin-furen.. but A---",

"A-Li." Madam Yu interjected before Jiang Yanli could finish, Madam Jin who had been listening noticed her sworn sister walk beside her. She then turned around in anticipation, "meimei, you are still preoccupied with your son, and your husband's illegitimate childrens." Madam Yu added, 

"It is no problem jiejie, you have said it yourself that--Wei Wuxian, was not yet taken in by the Jiangs. Officially" Madam Jin argued, "He will, soon" Madam Yu said. 

Although their tones were calm and tranquil, there were tiger-like figures behind them that symbolized their fierce-like auras. They we're fighting for the custody of---Wei Wuxian.

"No one's taking him" Wei Li Xi chimed in, sneering at the two women. Arguing, "Sorry to interrupt in your business, but Wei Wuxian should have a say in this. Although I prefer if you guys do not inform him about this... It is still better to inform him about this, to prevent catastrophe events." She added.

"Li Xi-guniang.", Qingheng-jun called, "Wei Wuxian will comeback to cloud recesses again. Will that change the future?", He said. Lan Wangji who was beside his father---raised his head at those words. His Brother Lan Xichen, only smiled at Lan Wangji's reaction. 

Wei Li Xi seemed to stare for a good amount of time, but she looked at Lan Qiren. Expecting him to retaliate or---rebel at his brother's choice. Lan Qiren noticed this, "I have no problem with it, if it is for the future. I will deal with his shamelessness, but Im still against him" He said.

"Shameless? Your future self was right, you we're quite ignorant. Well whatever, it's your choice." Wei Li Xi sneered, "Wei Wuxian will decide on this, albeit I know.. he will still choose to stay with the Jiangs, Im kinda convinced he...Nevermind" Wei Li Xi crossed her arms, 

Wen Qing clenched her hands at Wei Li Xi's unfinished sentence---she knows what Wei Li Xi was about to say. Wen Qing chooses to not point it out, everyone chooses to

"Jin-furen and Yu-furen, there's still a good amount of time before you get out of here. Decide it later, plus there will be some union between your families... So I don't think it will be a problem, whether Wei Wuxian gets taken in by the LanlingJin and YunmengJiang." She explained, raising her other hand while doing so.

Wen Ruohan pondered on what Wei Li Xi had said, and asked himself a question. 'What if it is us?'

"Well you are right...but A-Li.." Jiang Fengmian looked quite regretful, while trying to utter those words. "I don't think it will be a problem." Wei Li Xi sighed.

"Are you saying that A-Li should be forced into a loveless marriage?" Madam Yu sneered, "isn't that what you wanted in the first place?" Wei Li Xi hissed. 

Madam Yu who flinched only shut up, confliction written on her face. "Let me remind you again. Im from the future, just give A---Jiang Yanli and Jin-gongzi some time. They'll get along, perhaps they will fall inlove? No?" Wei Li Xi chuckled, 

Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan's cheeks were a bit pinkish when Wei Li Xi mentioned, about them falling inlove. But Madam Yu only brightened up at that mention. "They'll fall inlove?" She asked, 

"Yes, I have already met their son on the future. I'd say... His personality is close with Jiang WanYin" Wei Li Xi nodded, Jiang Cheng who was silent only flinched as he frowned. 

The future couple we're still blushing---but it became more red, a result from getting embarrassed. Meanwhile, Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian only sighed in relief, relieved that their daughter's marriage didn't turn out like theirs. Or Madam Jin's, 

Oh, that reminds her..

"Where is Jin Guangshan?" Madam Yu asked, observing the area. Looking for that blockhead, "I asked Li Xi-guniang to confine him somewhere" Madam Jin answered. Qingheng-jun who heard them---chuckled nervously. 

'Jin Guangshan is fucked' Qingheng-jun thought, praying in advance---not really. But he's trying okay?

"Then.. will we start the next scenario now?" Nie Huaisang asked, appearing out of nowhere---butting in the conversation. "Not yet, we'll take a break. Im sure there's still a lot of questions---", Wei Li Xi answered.

Nie Huaisang seemed to have brighten up on her words, he had opened his mouth--to ask. But Wei Li Xi cut him off "Beside the question--about me being a lover of Wei-gongzi," Nie Huaisang flinched, 

"Or about me, having a secret affair with him", Wen Ruohan felt himself flinched on that---hiding half of his face behind his fan. "Or If Im his disciple. Please stop" Wei Li Xi sighed, Lan Qiren only huffed when he had heard Wei Li Xi's last sentence. He stopped massaging his beard, 

"I understand then, we will not ask about your connection with Wei Wuxian" Lan Qiren said, "Perhaps.., we should ask about the burial mounds." He added.

"I will answer that, the burial mounds---it can compare with the celestial mountain. Where the immortal master lives," Wei Li Xi answered, Xiao XingChen only flinched at the mention of his---home before he had descended, 

"Like the celestial mountain, the burial mounds is... Covered with thick resentful energy on the surface, inside it is full of pure energy. But there's still corpses, so there are still resentful energy present inside. Some of you may not know, but the celestial mountain has a thick barrier covering it made with resentful energy, accompanied by illusions. Meant to ward off people with evil intentions" She explained, this claim of her actually caused quite a stir. Because this was a new information, there was no one--but Xiao XingChen who could confirm this statement.

In response they only looked at him--for a confirmation, "It is true." He answered, a bit pressured. 

"Then why wasn't the burial mounds able to shelter any lives? If its full of pure energy inside?" Wen Ruohan asked, a bit confused. "Because the burial mounds itself refused to do so." Wei Li Xi answered---a bit nonchalant, they only widened their eyes at this. "What do you mean?" Nie Mingjue looked at her, 

"The burial mounds has its own consciousness" Wei Li Xi confirmed, getting straight to the point--answering the question they all instinctively thought. Everyone was quite speechless, to have learned this. Perhaps it is better to not be knowledgeable at all?

A lot Cultivators present in here, felt like their head was gonna explode from the amount of information that got bomb dropped on them--they cannot comprehend. Once they thought of it, questions only popped out more than it was answered. It felt like an endless cycle of questions and answers.

They think they should rather not know, but that only---gives another proof. That they are indeed quite ignorant, but some things are meant to be not known, Is it?

"So shall we start now? No more questio--" ,

"Li Xi-guniang. I want to ask again about that outer robe you are wearing, it looks exactly the same as Wei Wuxian's." Wen Ruohan interjected asking the question once again, "and don't give me a reason that---it's a coincidence. I don't believe coincidence is the right word for this case." he added, smiling at the young lady

'And you are definitely doing it on purpose, trying to hide the truth'

"I...must admit, I do have some connection with him. But it's better if you don't know, after all after the people from the future--has come to know this..the result was quite fascinating.. they led a siege against me, trying to chase me off" Wei Li Xi frowned, clutching her outer robes.

"We led..?" Nie Huaisang asked, wide eyed. What was their reason to do that? To someone young and innocent? Why would they do that, just because of a small thing such as connection? Wei Wuxian isn't even a threat! Well maybe his ways of cultivating is! But he's a good person..

"It doesn't matter, you'll eventually find out on the next scenario." Wei Li Xi averted her eyes, in return they all looked at her in anticipation. Waiting for the reason, "In the next scenario, you'll understand." If someone was paying attention to the way---The young lady shifts her expression. You would've seen her sneer or some sorts,

"Next..scenario.." Nie Huaisang felt like some sort of storm was brewing--his guts is telling him that, he wouldn't be able to handle this. 

"We must start then" Qingheng-jun said, looking at Wei Li Xi with determination in his eyes. "Wei-gongzi is A-zhan's friend. A-zhan will be sad if his friend is unwell" he added, Lan Xichen could only chuckle at the word 'Friend' uttered by their father.

He then looked at Lan Wangji--whose ears is red, looking as if it got stung by a bee. Lan Xichen couldn't help but chuckle even more, while he patted his brother's back.

Lan Qiren who only looked at both his didi, and nephews sighed, but he made no move to reprimand them from their---rule breaking behavior. They are not in cloud recesses, and.. 

Lan Qiren is not sure whether he had turned too old for him to act and think like this. He values his Clan's honor--sure, but he cares alot for his nephews and his dear brother. And Wei Wuxian is apparently Wangji's friend, Lan Qiren doesn't really wish for Wei Wuxian's demise. He just hates how he can't mend Wei Wuxian into someone like Lan Wangji, Like how Cangse Sanren cannot be changed--it was quite infuriating. 

And Wei Wuxian's new Cultivating ways--definitely caused a bit of confliction inside him. He needs to think through first, he cannot harm a innocent child when he gets back. Lan Qiren takes into consideration that Wei Wuxian is Lan Wangji's friend.

And that, his nephew, Lan Wangji's happiness will get ruined in the process.

After the Wen Sect has been brought down, the cultivation sect has threw a large celebration. The said host, invited almost everyone---from whom made a few contributions to the people who had contributed largely. These contributions included Wei Wuxian. Who played a large role in doing so,

"he did?" Asked by a random bystander, 

"Of course he did! Why would you think otherwise?!" A random girl with green robes responded, her eyes we're rather white too--I suppose she's blind?

"I mean.. he did create a weapon meant to control 3000 army of corpses..." Nie Huaisang smiled, with a bit of tension--of awkwardness

Although people were wary--with the way he is using resentful energy, something that people considered as a taboo. He was still accepted into the society because of the greater good he had done. Is it?

Was that the case?

"I still can't believe that we weren't that grateful for this help.." A man in grey--almost black robes beside the disciple of the immortal master--whispered, Xiao Xingchen only nudged him. To probably warn that there's people who might hear him.

Somewhere in Lotus Pier--where the growing Sect has bloomed, whom was accompanied with a beautiful butterfly that sits along with its flower. 

The YunmengJiang, No. The new Sect Leader of YunmengJiang, was the talk of the town. His reputation and influence have grown quite large. Even Jiang Yanli--who was considered as an average woman with no beauty, according to rumours. Was now considered otherworldly and the most desired woman. Jiang WanYin the son of Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian, was the hot topic these days. But he wasn't really,

Jiang Cheng felt himself frown, 

That sentence was an understatement. There we're veins bulging out of his forehead as he listened, "seriously? If gossiping we're a job, they'll probably be so rich" he sighed. 

The reason he was the center of attention, is because of his martial brother and sworn brother. Wei Wuxian, who was rumoured to be a demon, a monster lurking among humans. A greedy cultivator who had strayed upon the crooked path, someone who had betrayed his own honour for power. The enemy of Lan Wangji--Second Jade Heir of GusuLan. 

"enemy?" Lan Xichen said in surprise, right

"Their situation was misunderstood" Lan Xichen noted, "Yes, it seems so. They Misunderstood Lan Wangji's care for Wei Wuxian" Madam Yu huffed in disappointment 

This Wei Wuxian, was known to be a womanizer. An alcoholic who abducted childrens--and Womens for his own entertainment. 

"The fuck?" Jiang Cheng said, meanwhile Nie Huaisang was heard cackling in the background. "A-Xian doesn't do that.." Jiang Yanli giggled, "He won't do that haha, Imagine if he was actually a cutsleeve" Nie Huaisang panted, 

"In your dreams" Jiang Cheng groaned.

And that was Wei Wuxian had heard from the rumours and gossip that had been going on for days. Wei Wuxian can't help but sigh, 

"Why do people exaggerate these things?" Wei Wuxian huffed, "Seriously?! Who eats babies?!" He sighed as he stared dumbfounded at the paper with writings on it.

"People thinks he eats babies?!" The blind girl in green outer robes screamed in surprise again, "that's like the I don't know how many--bullshits I have heard here!" She added, 

"Aiyaaa~ I expected this, but I didn't know it'll get exaggerated this well" Wei Wuxian chuckled, flipping into the next page. 

Wei Wuxian--was seen near the village of the Yiling town before, according to our investigation. There was an old man who had received help from him before. According to  elder tong, Wei Wuxian had dealt with his Problem with the crops before the war with the Wen Sect. It is safe to say it had helped him greatly.

-signed by Song Xi, Your daily investigator.

"Oh-- that's the man who requested for his help last time!" Jin Zixuan pointed out, "It is, We can see that A-xuan" Madam Jin chuckled.

Wei Wuxian gaped his mouth slightly from the next page, of the said--journals about the scary monster, it was himself actually. It was about him, he was actually expecting it to be insults about him... But he didn't expect someone would actually go into lengths to find this.

"I wonder if that old man is doing well?" Wei Wuxian asked himself as he flipped another page. 

Why was Wei Wuxian hated by Lan Wangji? The second jade heir of the GusuLan? Well I got the answer for you! So If you do not know, I used to be Disciple inside the GusuLan. I have witnessed some of their.. well chaotic fights, It is rumoured that on the first night--Wei Wuxian arrived here, he had sneaked a couple of Jars of Emperor's smile. Not only that--he had also sneaked in on a time where it was prohibited to go out. Lan Wangji was the one in place of patrolling that day. How did I know? Well don't tell it to Old Man Qiren--but I love gossip! I used to listen whenever the Jiang Heir, Nie-gongzi and Wei-xiong talks about their--mishaps. It is more accurate to say that, Lan Wangji hates Wei Wuxian because he is a rule-breaker. To add more, we also had learned that Wei Wuxian had gone into the crooked path. Knowing how righteous the GusuLan is.. They would be against his ways, I do find the GusuLan quite---pretentious. I mean Wei Wuxian had saved a lot of us haven't he?

-signed by Jing Ren, retired disciple from the GusuLan

"They really misunderstood.." Lan Xichen mumbled as he felt a bead drop down from his chin. He then eyed his brother beside him--to see if he was okay. He was then met by such, unreadable--yet readable expression from his brother's face. Lan Wangji was frowning in disappointment, he looked like he was ready to start a brawl

Meanwhile Lan Qiren only sighs,

"Woah.. that's a lot" Wei Wuxian, once again gaped his mouth. "Seriously? I didn't even know someone was actually listening to our nonsense conversation. This one I didn't expect.." He said--sounding a bit awestruck as he flipped the next page.

Wei Wuxian is a bit arrogant these days..,

When Wei Wuxian's eyes caught a glimpse of the few words, he had already known what it would be about. 

"A-Xian.." Jiang Yanli said--in concern. Trying to give some comfort on the illusion that bear the same  appearance as her brother.

He doesn't even bring his sword on important occasions. It is simple etiquette to do that.

Wei Wuxian stared blankly--until he had closed the book. Sighing as he leaned into the chair, blankly staring at the ceiling.

"Seriously..", well the way Im potrayed doesn't matter. It doesn't matter, as long as I..get to protect them.

"It matters.." whispered by someone., 

Oh that reminds him, Isn't the hunt proposed by the Lanlingjin Clan close?

The Hundred phoenix mountain hunt, he doesn't know what the Jins had in mind. But he for sure doesn't want to see that Peacock's face. Well it might be a bit worthwhile if his face had turned asymmetrical permanently. Wei Wuxian would have a great laugh if that actually happens. 

"Oh my god." Jin Zixuan sighed, he felt like dying right now. What is Wei Wuxian's problem on his face??!

He doesn't really want to attend, he'll have to face Lan Wangji--a man who had hated him since their fateful encounter. Wei Wuxian doesn't know if he can face him.. Wei Wuxian feels a bit shameful to have broken his promise he had made--on a whim. Still, this was to protect. It doesn't matter if people thinks otherwise, they don't need to know the reason. Just as long as he fulfills his duty, to protect his siblings. It is worth it, 

Is that what I really want?

Wei Wuxian doesn't really know how to handle things like this, he had only come here to enjoy himself. He didn't expect to find three ghosts here, and they we're childrens too!

"Those are..!" 

"It is!"

"Little one, why are you here? Its dangerous to be in plain sight. Especially if it is such a lively place such as this." Wei Wuxian said, looking at the Little girl in the middle. 

"A-Xian, he's always good with kids" Jiang Yanli sighed in relief, "What are those three ghosts doing there?" Jiang Cheng wondered.

"They probably got lost.. or they just died recently" Qingheng-jun answered,

"Don't hurt us!" The ghostly child responded, her teeth coming out--along with her sharp nails. "Jiejie! I don't think he's here to hurt us!" The girl beside her argued, trying to stop her.

"those bruises.. they were physically abused" Xiao Xingchen felt his eyebrows bent down, he felt pity for those 3. They even have the worst luck to be turned into resentful spirits.

Madam Yu couldn't help but flinch a little when Xiao Xingchen mentioned about those three being abused. She was the same after all, the one who abuses.

"She's right, Im not gonna hurt any of you. Im just saying that, its dangerous for you guys to be here. The three of you will get dispelled the moment a cultivator spots you" Wei Wuxian smiled, walking a bit slowly as he approached them.

"B-but! We have no where to go!" The ghost cried out, her sharp nails retreating back. "Meimei! Calm down! We'll find a home!" The girl who was a bit more calmer stepped in, trying to comfort the young one. 

Wei Wuxian who was now only an inch apart from them, placed his hand on the crying girl. 

"he's so good with kids!" 

"I won't even mind if I give birth to his childrens!" A girl shouted bashfully.

"What--"

"I'll make an home for you three, Im sure none of you wouldn't mind?" Wei Wuxian said as he squatted down and patted the child's head. "Will you really do that for us gege?" The much younger girl asked, tears in her eyes.

"Will he allow me to call him gege on our future bed?" Mumbled by someone, 

"Hah?" Wei Li Xi turned around to find the source, too awestruck to even try to spot the one who uttered those words out.

"Of course! Come now, this gege will treat you with a dinner!" Wei Wuxian happily said as he held his hand out. The three girls--with no hesitation, grabbed his hand and walked with him.

He didn't know if it was a bad idea to left the three children on their own accord, Wei Wuxian felt like he might have endangered them unintentionally. Sure he had disguised them as a three normal maidens, requested by them. But he can't help but feel that--once he returns, he'll be met with nothing.

Lan Xichen wanted to ignore the remarks made earlier, he can't get distracted. "Well aside from Wei-gongzi being good with kids, he is one of the most desirable bachelor. So it is no surprise" He said, although it wasn't noticeable--he saw Lan Wangji nod a bit as his ears went red.

Wei Wuxian definitely doesn't want to attend this nonsensical celebration. He'll always be met with whispers and insults whichever he goes. But it doesn't matter,

He'll get to have his fun, and probably dip out once the important part is over. Hopefully nothing goes wrong, 

"Jiang Cheng!! Do we really have to go?" Wei Wuxian dramatically groaned infront of his sworn brother, Jiang Cheng who was beside him only frowned "Hey! Don't groan on me! I don't want to go either" he rolled his eyes.

"A-Cheng is not fond of meetings?" Jiang Fengmian asked, looking at his son. "Well.." Jiang Cheng who met his father's eyes nodded quite stiff. "That's fine. Next time you won't go if you don't want to" Madam Yu huffed, Jiang Yanli could only smile in relief--perhaps happiness when she watched her own family soften up to eachother.

"Urghhh! I'll fall asleep on the way then" Wei Wuxian huffed, putting both of his hands on his nape as he walked. "I wonder if that peacock's face is asymmetrical? Jiang Cheng have you seen his face yet?" Wei Wuxian asked, "Hey..! Shut up! Someone might hear us" Jiang Cheng scoffed,

"don't worry about that!" Wei Wuxian laughed, this act of Wei Wuxian only made Jiang Cheng slam his own forehead,

When they have already reached their destination, they we're seated--just to where they belong. With that the talking began, that was performed by the Lanlingjin sect leader. Jin Guangshan, 

"Im delighted to have been he one to host this celebration! So far we have gained countless victories from the war with the Wen Sect! And here we are, celebrating the grand victory we have gained from the war!" Jin Guangshan said---with that delightful expression. "Now for a little warm up, I have decided to host a nighthunt for every cultivators here!" He added, looking around as he expanded his fan out. 

"I smell a fish",

"Fish?"

"Something fishy, there we're also a lot of bullshits that I heard over there" the random girl said as she pointed at Jin Guangshan,

"Pff--" Nie Huaisang snorted,

"Night hunt?" Wei Wuxian chuckled, 

"But it will only be given once the conditions are met!" He continued, "What condition is it? Here I say, the privilege to night hunt will be given once you have shot an arrow succesfully to these three ends" Jin Guangshan pointed at the three large circle shaped object. "The person should successfully shot an arrow at the center, if done successfully. He'll be granted a privilege to night hunt!" He continued, 

"That's actually quite a creative way to start a widely open nighthunt" Qingheng-jun admitted, taking note of that bright idea

they all instinctively looked at eachother--but they all looked quite doubtful to try and volunteer. "No one will volunteer? Then my Son--Jin Zixuan shall do so." He gestured, 

Jin Zixuan who was sat beside his father stood up, he grabbed a bow---and asked the Jin disciple beside him to blindfold him with a white cloth.

"While blindfolded?" 

"As expected of the Jin Heir!"

"He's such a show off!"

"That's the purpose of the Jins!"

Wei Wuxian only sneered and watched with almost no interest, he didn't realize it--but his eyes instinctively moved to see The Second Jade heir of the GusuLan who was beside him. He's the same as ever. No expression, but Wei Wuxian also saw how Lan Wangji stared back at him. That's when he had broken the contact made by him,

"Hm?" Wen Ruohan observed the two of them while his fan were expanded out, "I knew Wei-gongzi doesn't hate A-Zhan. I doubt they hate eachother" Qingheng-jun sighed, 

Jin Zixuan who was already in a stance, blindfolded. He seems to adjust his self as he readied himself to shoot an arrow. He then let go of the string, with that--the arrow shot by him was accompanied with winds as it accelerated in speed. 

It was successfully shot at the center, 

Loud cheers were heard at once, his Shijie--was also entranced by such move made by that Peacock. "Jiang Cheng lend me your cloth" Wei Wuxian requested, "hah? What the hell do you need it for?" Jiang Cheng looked at him. 

"there he goes again" Jiang Cheng felt himself sigh as he crossed his arms, 

"What? You don't want to? Then--" Wei Wuxian who huffed leaned a bit closer to Lan Wangji--who was beside him "Hey, Lan Zhan. Lend me your forehead ribbon" he smiled while asking for it. Lan Xichen who was beside his younger brother widened his eyes as he looked at Wei Wuxian. 

If choking on your own spit was a curse--then everyone in the room would be cursed. 

"WHAT." Nie Huaisang felt himself gasp, he then looked at Wei Li Xi who was averting her eyes. While Lan Wangji was beet red--from the amount of--tension that came from Wei Wuxian's shameless display of behavior.

"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng immediately gasped,  "don't! Here I'll give you a cloth!" He said as he grabbed Wei Wuxian's wrist. Jiang Yanli who heard the conversation only giggled. "Argh!! Whatever, I have one on me!" Wei Wuxian scoffed. He then took out the black cloth that was tied around his wrists.

"Oh my god." Jiang Cheng huffed as he covered his face with his hands. "Qiren-ge! Brace yourself!" Qingheng-jun dramatically said.

Madam Yu was also covering her face with one hand as she watched her soon to be son's behavior. 

"Ha! Try beating my cousin! Im sure none of you will able to do so!" Jin Zixun exclaimed, laughing quite proudly. He then crossed his arms as he held a bow. "Hey, give me that." Wei Wuxian requested as he tied the cloth on his eyes. 

While watching--the illusionary figures disappeared, assuming it is because it was Wei Wuxian's perspective and he is blindfolded. So that means they'll see what he sees.

"You--!" Jin Zixun only boiled in anger but was stopped by someone, "Young master Jin Zixun! Calm down! Anyone can volunteer here" the Jin Disciple said as he grabbed the bow from that gremlin's hand.

"Here, Wei-gongzi", 

"Thank you"

Wei Wuxian who grabbed three arrows at once, fixed his stance as he took a deep breath to shoot his arrows. He then spinned around to maybe accelerate his arrows. it was to show off okay? Once he had let go of the strings, the 3 arrows we're shot at the center of the 3 circle shaped objects.

"he's such a show off" Jiang Cheng sighed,

Nie Mingjue who was watching as he sat clapped, once he had made that move everyone clapped. Wei Wuxian may have not seen it--but Jiang Cheng who watched smiled proudly. 

"That was quite exhausting" Wei Wuxian sighed as he entered the grounds--of where the nighthunt begun he was now waiting for it to end instead. He then touched a tree to see if it'll be perfect to rest at. 

'this tree's solid!', he thought as--he climbed it up. He then took out his flute, Chenqing. 

"oh is he gonna climb up a tree?" Nie Huaisang said folding his fan out.

He played a tune for a brief moment till he decided to rest. While he had closed his eyelids Wei Wuxian heard twigs snap. Someone is approaching him!

"is this gonna be an ambush.." Jin Zixuan mumbled, "this is not the time for it to be so" Wei Li Xi sighed. Jin Zixuan in return was confused by the answer--and assumed that she meant, Wei Wuxian won't be ambushed

"Who are you?" He asked, 

"I didn't know someone would approach me, even after knowing that Im the most fearful cultivator there is." He said smugly, Wei Wuxian opened his mouth to talk again--but he was stopped,

"HOLY--" Nie Huaisang dropped his fan as his mouth gaped, 

His wrist were immediately slammed up his head, "y-you!" He shouted in surprise, for a moment he felt his breath taken away. 

Jiang Yanli immediately covered half of her face as she blushed, the others we're also quite embarrassed as shown from their pinkish cheeks. "T-This is!" Jiang Cheng stuttered, "Who is so shameless to ever kiss someone who's blindfolded?!" Madam Yu shouted, ignoring her red cheeks.

"Hmph!" This person was kissing him! While blindfolded! 'This lady is quite strong!'

Lan Xichen although surprised, braced himself and look at Lan Wangji who he felt was brewing with anger. "Wangji" he uttered

After a few moments of kissing--he felt himself pant, dizziness was felt too. 'She seems a bit shy, is she scared?'

The kiss began to rough up--Wei Wuxian who had his hand be let go immediately pulled down the cloth on his eyes, only to be met with an empty feeling on his lips--and no one infront of him. 

"Strong!! Lady?!" Nie Huaisang looked around--trying to find who, then he remembered. Wei Li Xi who punched Wen Chao to unconsciousness, "Li Xi-guniang wa--",

"Don't drag me into this. It's not me" Wei Li Xi outright said--looking quite disturbed as she side eyed him.

"Oh-"

'So useless..' he blushed, a bit awestruck--he then climbed down the tree, he felt his legs get wobbly 'kissed till my legs are wobbly. Outrageous' he leaned at the closest tree for support and touched his lips. 'That was my..' His realization kicks in when he saw the flower on his chest--gone, 'weird, where is the flower?'. He thought, but it was immediately waved off, he began walking as he wandered for a few minutes,

"I-I",

"Strong Women sure have it easy" Wen Ruohan chuckled jokingly. "Maybe it was MianMian!" Jin Zixuan pointed out, 'MianMian' who was in the background flinched as she blushed. "What! It's not me!" She shouted, "Let's not assume things here.." Lan Xichen laughed nervously.

'I Haven't seen anyone, that person must be intentionally avoiding me' he thought as he walked,

"I mean.. who wouldn't.."

was a bit distracted but that moment was interrupted when he heard a wood snap.

"It's Lan Wangji" Qingheng-jun pointed,

He of course, goes to the direction of the sound to find the source. "Lan Zhan, What are you doing!"  He looked at the boy in--mourning clothes. The Second Heir Jade of the GusuLan snapped another wood in two. This caused Wei Wuxian to flinch a little bit,

Lan Xichen can feel a tense emotion from this Lan Wangji, maybe it's because his relationship with Wei Wuxian was strained.. Or...Wait...

Lan Xichen who was lost in his thoughts felt his eyes go wide as he comes into a realization.. he then looked at his brother--for a bit of confirmation.

Lan Zhan, Who had acknowledged his existence turned to look at him and glared.

'WAH! SO SCARY' Wei Wuxian backed away a little bit, 

"Go away!" Lan Zhan shouted, "You tell me to go away as soon as I came. Do you hate me that much?" Wei Ying looked at him. "Get Away from me!" Lan Zhan responded,

"It's a bit weird that Lan-gongzi was near Wei Wuxia.....n..." Wen Ruohan pointed out--stopping on mid sentence, realizing something,

'He seems perfectly fine, but why that expression?' Wei Wuxian looked even more closer at Lan Zhan. With worry for his former classmate, "Are you alright? Tell me whats wrong?", 

"what's wrong sect leader wen?" Jiang Fengmian faced the man's direction as his other eyebrow bent down. 

"Well.. I think I might have suspected who was the perpetrator. It seems Wei Li Xi really isn't related to Wei Wuxian like how we thought." Wen Ruohan chuckled, 

"What's wrong with you?" Wei Wuxian added,

Lan 'Zhan' only glared at the poor wood as he cut it down with his sword, it was quiet for a brief moment--until Lan Wangji sheathed his sword again. He walked away, but Wei Wuxian ran after him. "Wait! Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian who catch up touched his hand, in response Lan Wangji slapped it and looked at him--while frowning. His cheeks seems kinda red too!

"is sect leader wen saying..." Nie Huaisang looked at the scene wide eyed, "The Second Jade Heir of GusuLan stole a kiss from Wei Wuxian?!!" He screamed in surprise, everyone was surprised--but immediately pieced everything together.

Lan Wangji felt frozen in place--his nape, his cheeks and his ears we're so red, it looked like winter has just started. 

"It..makes sense.." Jiang Cheng blurted out, looking quite speechless. He then turned around Lan Wangji who avoided everyone's gaze as he averted his eyes.

"Don't look at me like that! I just wanna see what's wrong with you!" Although Wei Wuxian was taken aback by the sudden slap of Lan Wangji, he proceeded to talk "You were very strange just now." He added.

"We must adopt Wei Wuxian in the family then, he'll be my son in-law" Qingheng-jun said out of nowhere, his brother beside him choked again in his spit. 

I think everyone did, 

"That's not possible Sect leader Qingheng-jun. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji might get married, but I do not approve of Wei Wuxian being taken in by the Lans." Madam Yu huffed,

"Nothing" Lan Wangji said as he turned around.

"..."

Lan Wangji continued walking, 

'Good thing he didn't notice my swollen lips' Wei Wuxian sighed in relief, 

"I mean.. he was the one who initiated it" Jin Zixuan sighed, looking at the man again.

'That was my first kiss, after protecting it for 20 years.' Wei Wuxian pondered, then he thought of something. "Lan Zhan, have you kissed someone before?" He asked

"THAT WAS HIS FIRST KISS?" Nie Huaisang gaped, Lan Wangji who heard this felt like flowers bloomed inside his stomach--he stood there wide eyed as his rosy cheeks became exposed.

Lan Wangji who was walking immediately flinched and stopped at his tracks. Without turning around, "Why do you ask this for." His question sounding more of a warning to not disturb him. 

Wei Wuxian who was unfazed, "No, Right? I knew it." He teased. "How do you know." Lan Wangji responded not turning around till now. 

"Oh my god. I can't believe Im watching this shit" Jiang Cheng huffed, wanting to jump out from a window. He can't watch two idiots being so lovely dovey,

"You have such a stone face all day long. Who would dare to kiss you?" , "Also I don't expect you to take initiative and kiss others!" He added. "I think your first kiss is going to be kept for a lifetime! Haha!" Wei Wuxian laughed as he teased the poor young boy.

"I mean.."

"What about you?" Lan Wangji asked, "Me?" , "Naturally, I have experienced many battles" Wei Wuxian lied. He can feel his nose get longer while doing so.

"Wei-xiong! He's such a liar!" Nie Huaisang snorted, Nie Mingjue also snorted beside him.

Lan Wangji flinched--probably in humiliation.

Wei Wuxian who was satisfied in his reaction heard a rustle nearby. Of course in response--he immediately grabbed Lan 'Zhan' near a bush. "Shhh!" He warned,

"for a moment, I thought they were gonna kiss" Wen Ruohan said, observing the current situation

When he looked to see--who was there, he saw his shijie and the peacock! Jin Zixuan!

'I knew Jin-furen would definitely ask Shijie and that peacock to come out alone.' he thought, 

"I Apologize, A-Li" Madam Jin apologized, not wanting to make her soon to be daughter in-law uncomfortable. "It's alright, Jin-furen" Jiang Yanli smiled. 

"It doesn't seem to be that way though. Look at his face" Wen Ruohan pointed at Jin Zixuan's reddened face

Wei Wuxian watched in anticipation. Waiting for a moment to strike in, Lan Wangji who was beside him did not even watch--he was looking at Wei Wuxian, probably 'angry'

'Im still angry about that Peacock! Ever since that incident with him and shijie!' Wei Wuxian frowned, 'I should've punched you harder' he sighed.

Wei Wuxian has been noting Jin Zixuan strange behavior ever since they have dealt about the misunderstanding with the maid. While his Shijie, Jiang Yanli has been ignoring Jin Zixuan. That peacock has been paying more attention on his Shijie. 

"Oh",

"A-Xuan." Madam Jin sighed, 

"I know, A-Niang. Jiang-gunia--" before Jin Zixuan could finish, he was cut off by someone. "Its alright, Jin-gongzi." Jiang Yanli interjected as she smiled warmly. Assuring the man that she's fine.

The audacity. 

'I don't believe that after that, he will look up to shijie out of nowhere' Wei Wuxian observed, 'The possibility that he came is because he was pushed hard by Jin-furen to complete the task' he watched as Jin Zixuan make such stiff moves. 

"Wei-xiong is definitely right on this. Unless..." Nie Huaisang mumbled as he averted his eyes at a certain Jin.

'That's wired! When did this guy walk with the same hand and feet?' He sighed, "If you go to the private ground of the LanlingJin sect you'll see many Rare preys" Jin Zixuan talked, starting with a rather random--topic? 'Who would want to go to your hunting grounds!' Wei Wuxian frowned.

Jin Zixun could be heard clicking his tongue slightly. In return Jin Zixuan nudged him, to behave

"I just so happen to be free next month, I can take you there" Jin Zixuan happily said, "Thank you Jin-gongzi for your kindness, but no need to bother about it" Jiang Yanli said as she looked at the ground below. Avoiding Jin Zixuan's eyes,

Jin Zixuan who was surprised, "WHY?" , "You don't like watching hunting?" He asked. Jiang Yanli who seem to ponder for a moment looked uneasy. "Then Why are you here this time?" Jin Zixuan who made no room to let Jiang Yanli talk asked, Jiang Yanli only lowered her head in response.

No one dared to talk, they already knew how to feel--and what the answer to their question is, they didn't dare to question. Because they already knew the answer.

"Do you not like watching hunting!?", "Or do you not want to be with me?!" Jin Zixuan asked--raising his voice as he placed his hand on his chest. "No" Jiang Yanli felt quite pressured when she had answered this.

"Fine" Jin Zixuan crossed his arms, turning his head away. "I'm sorry" She apologized, "What is it to apologize for? Its not like I'm the one who invited you anyway" Jin Zixuan scoffed. "Excuse Me." Jiang Yanli bowed down as she prepared to leave,

"Stop!" ,

Jin Zixuan who ran after Jiang Yanli was stopped by someone else, who pushed him away. It was Wei Wuxian, despite being pushed back Jin Zixuan did not fell down so in return he took a step back.

"Wei Wuxian, why is it you again?!" Jin Zixuan shouted frowning in frustration. "I didn't even fucking say it, Why is it you again?!" Wei Wuxian sneered. "You hit someone for no reason! Are you crazy?!" Jin Zixuan shouted back.

"that's enough reason to hit you" Jiang Cheng sneered 

"And the beaten person is about to be you!" Wei Wuxian shouted as he raised his hand to attack. "And what do you mean by no reason?! When you shamelessly grabbed my sister like that!" Wei Wuxian argued back, attacking the man--Jin Zixuan only dodged in response. "If I don't grab her, do you want her to walk in the mountain alone?!" Jin Zixuan responded, unsheathing his sword out.

But before he could fully get it out, someone else's sword was thrown at it. Causing him to let the sword go,

"Hangguang-jun!" Jin Zixuan shouted in surprise,

While watching--the audience was immediately met by a unrecognizable voice and the illusion rippling as the illusions faded, this caused panic over them as they stared at the presumed culprit. "Li Xi-guniang, w-was it you?" Nie Huaisang asked, "No. It wasn't me" Wei Li Xi answered, wide eyed.

"T-then.. wait, are you saying--", 

"It was disrupted by an outside force." Wei Li Xi frowned, "Does that mean we'll go home now?" Wen Ruohan asked. Wei Li Xi said nothing as she stood up and took out some sort of book, a journal perhaps?

"For a sect leader, you really don't think that much. Im not a dumbass like you all, of course I won't set all of you free yet" Wei Li Xi stood still, Wen Ruohan only smirked at the remark made. "Young Lady, if you trap us here we'll make sure you get punished!" Madam Yu shouted. 

"Don't worry about that, I might need to fix something outside. It won't take a while," Wei Li Xi smiled, "in the meantime, I advise everyone to read this journal instead. It might not be entertaining as my Illusions, but it'll work" she said as she handed out a Journal. 

"This is?" Nie Mingjue looked at the journal, "Go take it. Before I take it back and change my mind" Wei Li Xi sneered. "Im sure all of you will be a bit entertained. Perhaps?" She added as she took out a talisman and opened some sort of portal? And stepped inside. "Goodbye for now", she said as she disappeared

"Wait--!" Nie Huaisang screamed, "andddd there she goes" he sighs. Nie Huaisang felt himself look down at the book cover, trying to be a bit cautious. "So, w-whats the plan.." he awkwardly asked,

"Open the first page." Wen Ruohan ordered,

"Let us read this out loud"

Nie Huaisang didn't know how to react to this. Especially reading about how Wei Wuxian's reputation will soon be destroyed. 

Seeing Lan Wangji try to persuade Wei Wuxian to go back to Gusu with him.. is quite interesting, others seems to have misunderstood it though.

Nie Huaisang is quite thankful that---Wei Li Xi did not have to make them witness Wei Wuxian's name get thrown down on the ground. He's quite thankful that--they were spared from it, the world was quite merciful. 

But they did not do the same, to Wei Wuxian.

"Wei-gongzi's reputation..we misunderstood his motives.. it seems" Lan Xichen gulped, a lump on his throat seems to have gotten stuck. "We're all the same.." Jiang Yanli whispered, "We all didn't do anything and assumed the worst" She added.

"I feel disappointed. Im disappointed not at our idiocy, Im disappointed in myself for not ever properly defending A-Xian."Jiang Yanli looked down, "Shijie, it's fine. You did well, especially when Jin Zixun slandered Wei Wuxian for catching too many preys" Jiang Cheng interjected, "It was me. I didn't do anything despite him being slandered, I.." He added, he felt the same way. He feels even worse, because he can feel jealousy seep within him.

"Now, Now. We can't go blaming ourselves, there's more pressing matters. Especially one I noticed" Wen Ruohan talked, interrupting their heart to heart. "Why are people so scared and hateful of Wei Wuxian? shouldn't we be thankful? He literally contributed on the scarcity of the soldiers!" The blind girl in green robes interjected, pointing out the obvious. 

"It's not easy as that, Young Lady." Wen Qing Chimed in, "The reason he is so condemned.. is because of his ways of cultivation, its considered as a taboo. So even if he explains his reason, people will still hate him for it." Wen Qing continued, explaining that no matter the reason for--going down a crooked path. You'll still be seen as an evil, heartless monster.

"But..!" , 

"Calm down, Young Lady." Xiao Xingchen nudged, "I agree with you. I'll even be happy to share that the immortal master herself uses it." He added, 

"But after seeing Wei Wuxian's case. I'd assume--that this was my master was warning me about. Before I descended down the mountain." , "Wei Wuxian has no faults,"

"Its those people." He said

"Blaming us, now?" Lan Qiren interjected, "Look, Xiao-gongzi. That heretic path will always be seen as evil. It is not righteous" he continued, frowning deeply.

"You make no sense, aren't you supposed to be a teacher?" Xiao Xingchen argued back, "Y-You!" , "So your saying.. if someone uses it for good, they are evil? Even if they did not kill?" Xiao Xingchen said, anger slowly growing on his eyes.

"Still that--", 

"What if a 'righteous' cultivator killed hundreds of thousands innocent civilians? Will they still be considered righteous?" He explained, "don't you dare twist my words! You disrespectful child!" Lan Qiren shouted.

"Tell me, how was I disrespectful? When Im only answering you? Explaining your mistake? Just because you've aged, doesn't mean your always right!" Xiao Xingchen said calmly, not ever raising his voice so high. 

"You all claim to be righteous. Yet here you are, why are people like you---always seen so high? Do you even save innocent people? Will you even give your golden core for free? No." Xiao Xingchen clenched his hands, "A-chen. Thats enough" Song Lan interjected, calming his travelling partner.

Xiao Xingchen only looked at Song Lan and sighed, Then a sudden sound of claps were heard. They all turned around to where the source is,

"Li Xi-guniang?" Lan Xichen said, 

"Great Performance! I knew Wei-gongzi's martial uncle isn't so bad!" She smiled, after clapping her hands--she started walking to them. "Tell me, was the journal entertaining enough?" Wei Li Xi asked, turning her head to Lan Xichen. 

Lan Xichen in return looked dumbfounded, "I don't think 'entertaining' is the right word for it" he smiled awkwardly. "It was disappointing. Wei-gongzi suffered--from us, when we received help from him." He said, 

"Is the Second Heir of the GusuLan, disappointed too?" Wei Li Xi asked, with such lifeless look in her eyes "Yes." Lan Wangji said. "Why?" Wei Li Xi asked, "I..Wei Ying isn't in a safe place" He said.

"Hmm... Okay, We can actually continue the next viewing now. I fixed the array outside, I don't know who disrupted it though. It seems that it wasn't done intentionally" Wei Li Xi crossed her arms, "what do you mean?" Nie Huaisang tilted his head, "I'd say--some sort of higher being came here and caused a shockwave." She chuckled, it sounded empty

"Higher--" Nie Huaisang choked, 

"It's.. like an immortal of sorts.. but they do not interrupt in mortal affairs, so I can guarantee your safety" Wei Li Xi smirked, her tone showing a hint of smug. No one dared to ask anymore when the word 'immortal' was spit out from her mouth.

"I assume that all of you have already read the journal?" She then asked, looking around. All of them nodded, 

"Alright, let's proceed to the next scenario." Wei Li Xi said, taking out 4 pieces of talisman and putting them down, distanced from eachother. 

"Brace Yourselves." Wei Li Xi uttered, turning her back on the audience,

Chapter Text

While the Young Lady sets the array up, Lan Xichen can't help but notice the hard look the Young Lady is wearing. He can't help but observe--and ask. "Li Xi-guniang, is something bothering you?" He quietly asked, "No" She answered back.

Lan Xichen couldn't help but sigh in defeat, he cannot coerce her to talk and give the right answer. After all they are not of close relationship. In fact---the name Wei Li Xi might have been a cover up to her real identity. Although they have been thought not to make assumptions, Lan Xichen just couldn't help but suspect.

'There must be more on this.'

While Lan Xichen's mind was wandering off, the array Wei Li Xi set off has already made it's progress and is almost ready to be used. Wen Ruohan who stood there watching became curious--so with no hesitation he asked, "I have not seen an array like this before--may I ask how it works?", "ah,"

"it works quite simple. This array and talismans I made is meant to work together. The array is meant to be the one to display. Meanwhile, the talismans are the fuel" She answered, "You can see them as the memory and the paper. I mean it works quite the same isn't it?" Wei Li Xi added, Nie Huaisang who was listening nodded bashfully, agreeing on the statement made

"I see, that is indeed a masterpiece..made by a genius priogidy, who was this genius?" Wen Ruohan asked closing his expanded fan, making sure to show his interest in the topic started by him. 

"Im the genius" Wei Li Xi answered, her tone smug--yet she said it nonchalantly.

"oh," Wen Ruohan who was quite startled by the answer smiled as he expanded his fan out once again, "You know, I was already quite aware that you didn't have such connections with Wei Wuxian." Wen Ruohan whispered as he leaned his face close to Wei Li Xi's ears. "Although I have my suspicions right now, I'd rather not voice it out. Let's just see If I ever hit the nail later" He added,

Translation: 'I know you aren't Wei Wuxian's lover. I already have a hint of who you might be, but I'd rather not assume right now

Wei Li Xi who had her eyes wide earlier--was now frowning, she only let out a click of her tongue after Wen Ruohan backed away from her. "well I hope your 'suspicions' won't get in the way" Wei Li Xi sneered--her voice low, hardly a whisper. But Wen Ruohan heard her loud and clear,

after a few minutes of waiting--Wei Li Xi is preparing the final talisman, bringing the flute next to it as she stroked the paper with her own blood, "is this dark arts?" Lan Xichen asked, "what? you got any problem with it?" Wei Li Xi chuckled. "no, it's just it's quite fascinating to see it with my own eyes" Lan Xichen nervously laughed, 

"Is Wei-gongzi the one to invent that talisman?" He asked--"Yes, I only made a few touches in it" Wei Li Xi answered, "I see" 

"it's supposed to be a talisman to store memories in. It was unfinished before, but now that it's in my hands.." Wei Li Xi mumbled, averting her eyes. "I see, but what happen to..Wei-gongzi--for his own creation to land into your own hands?" Lan Xichen asked, straightening his posture. 

Wei Li Xi was slightly taken aback by the question--shown by her own face that is now plastered with shock. "You do not need to know." She said, slightly stumbling on her words. 

After a few seconds the array brightened as it gave light into this nothingness, then a few figures came out--it was Wei Wuxian, facing a few disciples of the LanlingJin Clan.

It was also raining too

"This is...are those the Wen Disciples..?" Jiang Yanli looked around, her eyes wide when she saw Wei Wuxian--face to face with a few disciples of the LanlingJin. The Wens was behind him,

"Yes, they we're the remnants of the war. They we're...being mistreated and enslaved by the Jins. Despite not participating in the war" Wei Li Xi answered, when she had uttered her words out. She could hear a wood snap--the source was from Wen Ruohan's hand. Tightly clenching his already broken fan, made from bamboo.

"That's funny, that shithead sure have a lot to say huh?" Wen Ruohan sneered, averting his eyes at the Jins--who was a few meters beside him.

"That's..!" Wen Qing who was listening immediately noticed a body--that her future self was hugging. It was Wen Ning--bloodied and pale. "Q-Qing-jie..." Wen Ning who noticed this immediately held his sister's hand as a way to comfort her. 

"The dafan Wens we're the only ones left behind. It was only childrens and elder people. But--the Jins continued to experiment with them, I say--it's not even surprising to say that most women there was touched" Wei Li Xi sighed, staring at the ground with her lifeless eyes. 

"What?" Wen Ruohan who listened can feel his own anger getting out of control. To think people as arrogant as them dared to touch my people!

"When Wei Wuxian caught the gist of this. He quickly helped them. Repaying the favour the Wen Siblings gave to him." She continued, explaining every detail, so they wouldn't misunderstand. "Im guessing Wei-gongzi gets condemned for that?" Madam Jin asked, the look of defeat drawn on her face.

"Yes..you are right.",

as the rain falls down to kiss Wei Wuxian's face--trying to trace every inch. He blew on his flute, controlling the resentful energy he had gathered in advance. Killing off all the Jins.

While doing so, he can hear--in the background. Wen Qing was crying her heart out, she was in dismay. She was suffering from loss, she wasn't ready to lose her brother. It's just like how Wei Wuxian wasn't ready to lose Jiang Cheng back then. 

When Wen Qing had seen her brother's condition in this scenario, she was taken aback. Everyone was

"How sick, I didn't know the LanlingJin was this horrible than they proclaimed to be" Wen Ruohan frowned,

Wei Wuxian always repays his debts, he will make sure to protect them from now on. He has to fulfill the favor, even if it means he'll die. "Wen Qing" he called out, "my didi, please.. bring him back--I," Wen Qing pleaded. "I know, i'll try.. we need to go now, I will carry Wen Ning's body" Wei Wuxian smiled bitterfully. Wen Qing nodded, yet she looked like she was hesitating to give her dead brother's body. But she still did, 

"so...this is why.. this is why.." Wen Qing mumbled, trying to prevent herself from crying,

Wei Wuxian who was now leading the Wen Remnants--struggled to find shelter, he knows that no place will accept him. Even worse the Wens, the Lotus Pier is a viable option but Jiang Cheng would never agree. He might even kill them on the spot, with nowhere to go to, he ran back to his own hellhole.

The Burial Mounds,

'It's great to be back.'

"He's going back there on his own feet.." Nie Huaisang watched pitifully, "I never expected this to happen too" Qingheng-jun said,

Wen Qing who was beside him looked doubtful by the place Wei Wuxian had chose, "are you sure it's safe here?" she asked. "No, but I'll make it safer for all of you" Wei Wuxian smirked--pulling out chenqing from his sleeves. he began to play a tune, taming the resentful energy that was coveting the burial mounds. It was quite a struggle but he was able to succeed.

"Let's go, it's safer now." Wei Wuxian said--turning to face the Wen Remnants,

"So he was the one to take them in? The dafan wens should have never been treated this way. They we're only a medical branch of the wens" Wen Ruohan reasoned, 

"Im disappointed." The female cultivator beside Xiao Xingchen spoke out

the elder people smiled in relief, they we're thankful for this act--although they we're hesitant to trust the man, they still followed him. They had nowhere to go anyway,

Days after days, the cultivation world caught gist of what he did. Saving the wicked people--and turning evil. Jiang Cheng may have been furious about this, but Wei Wuxian convinced him--that it was a repayment, he had to

"Why was I like that? Shouldn't I be aware of that already?" Jiang Cheng frowned, frustrated at the behavior of his future self

there were a lot of sects that have been put into chaos, making up a lot of rumours. Thus further plummeting Wei Wuxian's name into the muddied ground, I say that it's far from being saved. He had no other escape,

"Wei Wuxian, how is A-Ning?" Wen Qing who had a radish soup in her hands quietly asked--Wei Wuxian, who looked pale as a ghost and so thin, that his bones we're peeking out of his skin. "close, but not yet. His Consciousness isn't there yet" he said while making a few strokes on a piece of paper.

"Oh, he's trying to awaken his consciousness?" Lan Xichen said, looking at the scene wide eyed,

"You should eat, your getting thinner" Wen Qing who had walked inside the cave--The Subduing demon cave, placed the radish soup beside Wei Wuxian, "Aiyaa, give it to A-Yuan. He needs it more than me!" Wei Wuxian said giving her a lopsided green. In return--Wen Qing only sighed and left, but she did not bring the soup with her

"He's overexerting himself!" Wen Qing sighed, pointing out the obvious--that everyone chooses to ignore

Wei Wuxian could only smile as his lifeless eyes glanced at the soup placed beside him, 

"A-Xian, slow down. There's still more at the kitchen" Jiang Yanli giggled, "But shijie's soup is the best! I can't get enough of it!" Wei Wuxian happily said as he gulped down the last bit of the soup. "do not complain if you choke!" Jian Cheng sneered--eating a spoonful of the soup .

"He's reminiscing the past..Wei-gongzi deserves more than this, where was Jiang-guniang and Jiang WanYin?" Wen Ruohan said, slightly folding his fan as he looked at the two beloved childrens of the Jiang Sect

"ah',

"I'm zoning off again," 

"I don't know..A-Xian..I owe him an apology, I told him I would always be there--but now, he's on a tough situation..Im nowhere to be found" Jiang Yanli said, smiling--her smile looking more anguish than relief

"Wen Qing!" ,

When the latter heard her name get shout--she instantly turned to find the source, "Wei Wuxian?" , "Wen Qing! Wen Ning's consciousness has awaken!" Wei Wuxian happily shouted. Wen Qing who had heard this cried as she noticed the fierce corpse beside Wei Wuxian, "Qing-jie" Wen Ning said--his voice raspy, but he was moving! he knows who they were, he was "A-Ning!" Wen Qing cried out as she rushed to Wen Ning's side, hugging him as if he's going to disappear again.

Wen Qing and Wen Ning slightly flinched as they looked at the scene with wide eyes, they then turned to look at eachother. "As expected of Wei Wuxian. Talented indeed" Wen Ruohan smirked,

The others nodded in agreement

"Wei Wuxian-- how did?" Wen Qing asked, stumbling on her words as curiousity ran through her eyes, "Lan Zhan helped, It turns out Wen Ning needed something else other than resentful energy." Wei Wuxian smiled--bitterness making it's way on his eyes. Wen Qing could only stay silent as she hugged the two of them, Wei Wuxian was taken aback but nonetheless hugged back.

For once, it felt like Wei Wuxian had a family again.

"Wen-guniang. Im thankful for you being there in the future, thank you for looking out on A-Xian" Jiang Yanli smiled, bowing down as a thanks. "No need, this hasn't happened yet." Wen Qing interjected

"And Im surely not going to let this happen" Wen Ruohan chuckled.

"A-Yuan?" Wen Qing said, looking at the child who was watching them. "Come here A-Yuan!" Wei Wuxian happily shouted--extending his arms as he invited the child to join. 

Everyone could only smile in relief as they watched the group melt in the warm hug,

5 days earlier

"Wei Wuxian" Jiang Cheng called out, walking inside Wei Wuxian's so-called home. "Jiang Cheng" Wei Wuxian called back, "Abandon those remnants" He said--no sugarcoating, straight to the point. "I can't, Jiang Cheng have you forgotten what they did for us?" Wei Wuxian smiled, sorrowful

"It is quite disappointing that the future Sect Leader of the Jiang Sect, only knows how to ask for loyalty. But cannot even give an ounce for his people, it's quite embarrassing" Wei Li Xi said, making it obvious that she was provoking Jiang Cheng

"You! How dare you speak like that?! Have you ran out of respect?!" Madam Yu shouted, 

"I can't protect you! Stop leeching of them!" Jiang Cheng shouted, frustrated. Wei Wuxian who was taken aback has his eyes wide and his mouth agape. "Stop protecting those remnants!" he continued, "I'll defect" Wei Wuxian ushered in a low tone as he bowed down his head, looking at the ground like he was ashamed. "You--! You'll really abandon your own clan over them?!" Jiang Cheng felt speechless--but his mouth says otherwise.

"No, A-Niang. It's fine, It's not like she was wrong anyway" Jiang Cheng interrupted, admitting that it was a fact. "It's a shame that you take after your mother" Wei Li Xi added

"You--!" Madam Yu hissed,

"Tell me, Yu-furen. What do you feel after feeding Jiang Cheng such words? You we're the sole reason to why their relationship turned out like this. Their relationship was meant to be doomed. If it weren't for you they would've been fine" Wei Li Xi glared,

"You wouldn't understand Jiang Cheng." Wei Wuxian responded, "You really see me as someone who only cares for myself? Not only you we're bringing my reputation down with you! You kept causing trouble everywhere! I can't always protect you!" The frustrated man argued, "That's why I'll defect" Wei Wuxian smiled.

"Calm down, Li Xi-guniang. Let's focus on the scenario for now" Lan Xichen said, trying to break of the fight.

"Right, forgive me." She responded, sighing as she calmed herself down

In a heat of moment--Jiang Cheng threw suibian on the ground, "Duel, tomorrow. Don't runaway!" Jiang Cheng said, shouting his voice to show authority, when he had walked out he clicked his tongue. Wei Wuxian doesn't want to know whether it was due to annoyance or disappointment. He didn't need to know, he was already disappointed and annoyed at himself. "Why is everything going downhill?" He said--his voice breaking down as he covered his face with both hands.

"I didn't expect for it to turn out like this.." Qingheng-jun mumbled, looking at the scene pitifully.

Wei Wuxian walked limply as he held his bloodied clothes, his abdomen was injured by Jiang WanYin's sword. He was meant to lose, because Wei Wuxian can't hold any sword anymore. "Damn It hurts" he hissed in pain, "Wei Wuxian!" Wen Qing shouted his name as she rushed to his side, she quickly held him to support him. "Wen Ning, carry him. He needs to get treated immediately!" Wen Qing ordered. Wen Ning who wasted no time quickly ran to Wei Wuxian, "W-Wait, wait! I can walk on my own!" Wei Wuxian shouted, he looked quite embarrassed, "Plus Im heavy!" he added, "It is of no problem Wei-gongzi" Wen Ning assured.

When everyone had realized the outcome of the duel they all instinctively turned around to look at Jiang Cheng, "A-Cheng!" Jiang Yanli shouted, in return Jiang Cheng flinched. "But--this can't be right... there's no way you would hurt eachother..right? That duel wasn't a cover up? What..." Jiang Yanli stumbled on her every word as she tries to find the answer. 

"Come on--" Wei Wuxian mumbled--frustrated, he averted his eyes at Wen Qing for help. "Wen Ning Carry him. I will make him sleep if he resist" Wen Qing said, staring fiercely at Wei Wuxian. "H-Haha.." Wei Wuxian wishes for the ground to eat him up, 

"It's simple really, although the duel was an act. Jiang Cheng simply couldn't help but let the jealousy inside of him---take him over. It was meant to be. Now look at him, injuring his sworn brother, because of it." Wei Li Xi sneered, gesturing her hands as she pointed at Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Yanli could only stare on the scene with wide eyes, the others could only look at them with pity and guilt.

"Wei-gongzi, don't be discouraged! drink up more!" an elder shouted happily while holding a small jar on his hand, "not you too, Uncle four!" Wei Wuxian screamed in defeat as he made a face dramatically. "stop mewling and eat your radish soup." Wen Qing giggled as she sighed, "Radish soup? why this again" Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes dramatically--while sticking out his tongue as if to mock Wen Qing. "Hey! potatoes are way too expensive! plus radish has more nutrients in it!" Wen Qing crossed her arms.

"Wangji?" Lan Xichen who had noticed that---his younger brother we're mostly quiet, only looking at Wei Wuxian the whole time. 

Lan Xichen felt himself smile, 'My didi has fallen too deep' he thought to himself

"Wei Ying looks happy" Lan Wangji mumbled, "Yes. He's trying" Lan Xichen responded

"blerghh" Wei Wuxian who ate a spoon of the soup faked a gag, trying to anger the fierce woman. In return Wen Qing flashed her needles, Wei Wuxian immediately stopped and ate all of his food.

"Wei-gongzi! there's a letter for you!" an elder shouted--trying to grab the younger man's attention. "A letter?" Wei Wuxian who heard it loud and clear stood up and walked up to the elder. "thank you, ayi!" Wei Wuxian smiled, taking the letter and opening it. Wei Wuxian was greeted with surprise

"Shijie and..that peacock is getting married?" Wei Wuxian mumbled, staring at the letter wide eyed. 'There is no way, I can attend. I'll be attacked on the spot' he sighed as he puts the paper on his table made of rocks. "This is impossible" , "but I don't want to disappoint Shijie..." he sat--frustrated whether he goes--or not. 

"ohh--" Jiang Yanli was in a mix of emotion, she was happy to have married Jin Zixuan because of love. But she was sad--that her beloved brother won't be able to attend.

'I can't attend'

Im sorry shijie

'It's fine, A-Xian' She responded

Wei Wuxian sighs, leaving the cave without the paper. He continued his day as if he had not received the letter at all, he can just ignore it. Maybe his shijie won't notice he's gone. It's alright

"A-Xian.."

a week later,

Wei Wuxian had not expected this at all, he didn't expect for Jiang Yanli to sneak out--before her wedding. To see him, 'Shijie looks mesmerizing' Wei Wuxian thought. "A-Xian!" Jiang Yanli happily shouted, extending her arms out. "Shijie," Wei Wuxian said--his voice hoarse "congratulations" he sounds like he was about to cry. "Shijie, I--"  , "I know, A-Xian .." Jiang Yanli smiled with sorrow in her eyes. 

"looks like Jiang-guniang did not accept Wei-gongzi's decision." Qingheng-jun smiled, watching scene with such nostalgic eyes.

"It's A-Li were talking about here" Madam Yu sighed--not in disappointment but rather relief.

"Atleast..I wanted for you to be the one to see me first in my wedding dress. My beloved brother" Jiang Yanli couldn't contain the tears that was threatening to spill out. She cried, it didn't ruin her makeup but rather the facade on her heart. Wei Wuxian was dear to her, it saddens her that he won't be able to be on her happy day. 

"A-Xian.." She whispered, tightening her grip. "A-Cheng misses you" Jiang Yanli said, "You are still our family, A-Xian. I want you to be able to attend the birth of my son" she added, breaking the hug as she goes to cup Wei Wuxian's cheeks, gently. "I'll make sure you will be able to" She smiled,

Jiang Yanli could not help but look at the ground, her eyes were glassy. She wants to save some face, 

10 months later, the birth of the beloved young master of the LanlingJin clan.

"Wen Qing~! Do you think my gift is good enough?" Wei Wuxian asked--for I don't know how many. "Urgh! stop asking! I already told you many times!" Wen Qing rolled her eyes, "I just wanted to make sure!" Wei Wuxian pouted. "Anyway, are you sure? You could endanger your life by going there." Wen Qing sighed. "I promised shijie" Wei Wuxian smiled--looking at the tassel he had made as a gift. 

"Oh, he's going at the celebration? Im honored" Jin Zixuan smiled, "I didn't expect that to come out of his mouth..." Nie Huaisang whispered, Jiang Cheng who was beside him could only say "If he heard you Im not gonna dig up a grave for you" 

"Im bringing Wen Ning with me!" He assured, "Well, that's because I convinced you to. You we're literally planning to go over there alone" Wen Qing sighed, slapping her own forehead in the process. Wei Wuxian only released a nervous laugh as a response, 

"go now, it's almost past noon." Wen Qing said--looking at the sun that shone brightly at the sky. "alright, Wen Ning! let's go!" Wei Wuxian stood up, calling for Wen Ning. While the two of them gets ready to depart--everyone was outside the gates of the burial mounds, wishing them a safe travel.

"Wei-gongzi, please take care." Uncle four said--with worry in his tone. "We will, uncle four" Wei Wuxian assured.

"Let's go, Wen Ning", with that they began walking 

"I feel like he's going to get ambushed on his way" Wen Ruohan said, "how so?" Lan Xichen asked quite confused, "Well, it's because of Jin Guangshan. What do you think?" He responded, smiling.

Madam Jin who heard them sighed, "That bastard will surely try and stage that. This is bad" she said 

JINLING CITY

"It's beautiful!" Wen Ning rejoiced, "The Young Master will definitely like this this!" He added, "this is not the gift that I wanted to give. It is only a small accessory" Wei Wuxian said--his tone smug as he winked. "Then Wei-gongzi, what did you prepare?" Wen Ning asked, curiousity beaming in his eyes.

"That's beautiful.." Wen Ning whispered, agreeing with his future self as he looked at the tassel.

"The secret cannot be revealed!" Wei Wuxian responded, both of his hands on his hips. "Oh" the timid corpse respon ded,

"Let's go--" Just as Wei Wuxian was about to walk inside the gate of qioqinggi path--he was met with a rain of arrows, Wen Ning who was connected to Wei Wuxian immediately avoided as he shielded Wei Wuxian from the arrows.

"Aha! Nailed it." Wen Ruohan said, looking proud as he smiled. "That bastard!" Madam Jin hissed

"Wen Ning!" The Man shouted, "Wei-gongzi, let me take care of this--", 

"Wei Wuxian you evil piece of meat! How dare you place a curse on me?!" a annoying voice arose, it was Jin Zixun. "Hah? Why the fuck will you think Im the one who placed a curse on you?" Wei Wuxian sneered, "Well, isn't it obvious?! You are the founder of demonic cultivation! Who else could be responsible?!" Jin Zixun screamed in frustration. 

"his reasoning is quite believable" Lan Qiren said, "but Wei Ying won't do that" Lan Wangji interjected. "I know, Wangji. Calm down" The tired uncle responded sighing,

"You..!" Wei Wuxian hissed, almost annoyed about this situation. "It's only fair that you get killed!" Jin Zixun smiled wide, 

"What the fuck is wrong with him?" Jin Zixuan said awestruck by his own cousin, "He is spitting alot of bullshits obviously" Jiang Cheng answered, glaring at the illusionary figure of Jin Zixun.

Wei Wuxian can feel--resentful energy radiating off him, Wen Ning was also standing still. Wei Wuxian knows he needed to calm down, but he doesn't know how.

Just as he was about to attack Jin Zixun--unconsciously using Wen Ning, someone else interrupted. "Wei Wuxian!" Jin Zixuan shouted, running as fast as a cheetah can ever do. "Stop this now!" He shouted

"That's--", "You." Wei Li Xi cut him off, 

"A-Xuan, will try and stop the fight." Madam Jin smiled, "Yes, you know your son well. But, because of that. There's gonna be a repayment" Wei Li Xi said,

"Jin Zixuan?" Wei Wuxian snapped back, "Don't cause a lot of trouble! A-Li is---" as Jin Zixuan was about to speak, he was cut off by something--or rather someone. Wei Wuxian was wide eyed as he stared in shock, 

Everyone was taking aback, looking at scene in shock. "So--this is the repayment.." Jin Zixuan said, stumbling on his words. "Yes." Wei Li Xi was the only one who could respond, as everyone was still processing the situation.

"Wen Ning! Stop!" He screamed, 

Wen Ning had attacked Jin Zixuan from the back, Jin Zixuan's back looked like it was missing a portion of his body. "A--A-Li..is..w-waiting...for......" With that he dropped dead, unable to finish his sentence. 

"Qing-jie.." Wen Ning could only stare in guilt, he then tried to avoid the scene by looking down. "A-Ning.. it isn't your fault.." Wen Qing whispered, trying to comfort her younger brother.

"Wen Ning!" Wei Wuxian's was frustrated, angry--maybe disappointed too. He can feel his eyes become red, he..

"Tell me.. Jin-Furen, do you still think Wei Wuxian is deserving of a good life? Or you changed your mind?" Wei Li Xi asked, averting her eyes to look at the woman she was pointing at.

"You! How dare you kill my cousin! You vile demon!" Jin Zixun screamed in terror, but he was immediately blocked off--Wei Wuxian unconsciously attacked them with resentful energy. So they all have dropped dead, 

"Why.." 

"I--",

"It wasn't his fault." Madam Jin responded, "Of course you think-- huh?" Wei Li Xi who sneered at the first few words--quickly shifted her expression. She was surprised,

"I think, it wasn't Wei Wuxian's fault too" Jin Zixuan said, "Now that I have almost watched everything that was going to happen to him in the future. Im placing my trust on him, I believe he isn't that type of person"  He added, 

It was a moment of silence, until Wen Ning had realized--snapped out, and saw what he did. They began to hear a noise coming from the gate, it was..

Jiang Yanli, along with Madam Jin.

Lan Zhan was there too, the one to give the official invitation.

"I.." 

"Wei-gongzi! We need to go!" Wen Ning who had sensed the danger gripped Wei Wuxian's clothes, dragging him as he sneaked away from the scene. 

"Looks like everyone agrees with Jin Zixuan." Wen Ruohan chuckled, "well..I didn't expect it at all" Wei Li Xi said, admitting she was quite surprised.

"Wen Ning!" Wen Qing who had seen the both of them running immediately shouted, her voice full of panic as she realized the unconscious man that Wen Ning was carrying. "What happened to him?!" She asked, "Shijie.. I..did something awful.." Wen Ning mumbled, putting down the unconscious man.

"Wei Wuxian--! His mental health and physical health is deteriorating!" Wen Qing who had noticed the man's condition shouted, "Resentful energy isn't helping him out either!" She added, everyone who had heard her watched in panic.

Wen Qing who had stood there clueless, squatted down to check Wei Wuxian's condition. "What happened..?" She asked--one final time. "Qing-jie..I killed Jiang-guniang's..." , "Betrothed.." Wen Ning gasped out, his voice containing panic and guilt.

"Wen Ning! Enough! None of this are your fault!" Wen Qing shouted, "we need to wake Wei Wuxian up--" she added

AFTER 2 DAYS, 

The cultivation world was thrown into chaos as they have learned what had happened, the sect Leader of the LanlingJin even issued a bounty on the Yiling Patriarch's head. Taking the opportunity given by this situation, to take the stygian tiger amulet from Wei Wuxian.

"Of course.. this would be the outcome" Nie Huaisang sighed, looking quite exhausted from the things that was happening.

"This is bad.." Wen Qing mumbled, listening on the whispers of the people behind an alleyway. "Wen Ning keep your head down, we need to go back to the burial mounds" she whispered,

"Wei Wuxian!" A voice of a fierce female arose, the said man was in a trance. Just staring into a wall--he snapped out when his name was called, "Wen Qing?" 

"Wei Wuxian, the situation is bad! Don't go out. Please.." Wen Qing convinced, panic on her voice as she stumbled on every word. 

Wen Qing could only stare in sorrow, guilt.. she was guilty for letting the man carry such burdens on his shoulders. Wen Qing was grateful that Wei Wuxian was willing to shelter them..but in exchange, Wei Wuxian had to suffer.

'I can't lose another brother..I have already lost Wen Ning once..'

"Why? What happened-- is it..so I really killed Jin Zixuan.." Wei Wuxian who had come into a realization looked like he was gonna break down any moment now. Wen Qing had stood still as she watched Wei Wuxian kneel down the ground---panicking. Possibly regretting his own choice of going there, 

"Wen Qing-- I can't.. I need to go there, they would kill all of you if I don't--" Wei Wuxian said, 

"I---ah?" Wei Wuxian's word was immediately cut off when a prick of needle touched his nape. "T-This is.." he averted his eyed at the hand--it was Wen Qing.

"That's!" Jiang Cheng looked surprised by this Wen Qing's sudden action. "She's paralyzing Wei-gongzi" Wen Ruohan confirmed.

"Im sorry..Jin Guangshan had talked to us about this, he'll release you if we go away..Thank you--Wei Wuxian..you have done enough" Wen Qing cried, Wen Ning who was beside his sister--held his sister's hand to comfort. 

"It was a trick." Jin Zixuan frowned, "I think we already knew at some point. It's just.. there was no other choice left" Wen Qing responded clenching her hands as hard it goes, almost drawing out blood.

"What? NO! STOP! WEN QING! STOP! NO! PLEASE! YOU CAN'T! YOU CAN'T--YOU CAN'T" Wei Wuxian screamed in agony, "PLEASE STOP! I CAN'T LOSE YOU TOO! WEN NING! PLEASE... YOU'LL DIE.. PLEASE STOP" He cried out,

"I-I.. Can't listen...A-Xian is losing another family.." Jiang Yanli mumbled, cover her mouth as she cried silently.

"Don't worry--you'll wake up tomorrow. Please take care of everyone." She said, 

The pair siblings walked away as Wei Wuxian's vision blackened out, 

Wei Wuxian had woken up on a cold harded ground, A-Yuan--was there. Waking him up, "Xian-gege! Xian-gege! Popo told me to wake you up! There's a lot of strange people outside!" A-Yuan happily said, clueless about the current situation. 

"Don't tell me.." Nie Huaisang who had realized what was happening, watched in wide eyes. "Tell what?" His older brother questioned.

"The cultivation world is currently outside of his home. They are leading a siege against him" Wen Ruohan answered, everyone in the room was quick to shift their position, panic arose to people Wei Wuxian was close to. 

"Don't tell me--" Wei Wuxian was hit by realization, 'Wen Qing and Wen Ning was tricked..'

"A-Yuan..come here, Let's go somewhere.." He said, carrying the child. 

When they had reached a cave, Wei Wuxian stopped and looked at it. Observing it's current structure, he decided to go inside and place the child.

"A-Yuan. Wait here, okay? If I.. don't comeback, Wait for.... Rich-gege" Wei Wuxian smiled, cooing the small child. "Where are you going, Xian-gege?" The child asked, "please don't leave me! Let me come with you!" A-Yuan cried out, tears beginning to spill out.

"Rich-gege?" Qingheng-jun questioned, "It's the second heir the gusu." Wei Li Xi responded, 

"Shh.. I'll comeback okay? I will even buy you a soup as a treat! It's a promise, okay?" Wei Wuxian smiled--for the last time. "Okay!" When the child had finally agreed, Wei Wuxian exited the cave. Looking at it one last time, 

"Where is that evil tyrant! Let me kill that filthy vile!" Jin Guangshan screamed, "You can't kill him!" An elder appeared out of nowhere--he had 6 people behind him too, holding gardening tools. "Try and protect Wei-gongzi! Even just to stall time!" He shouted, 

"N-No---their going to die!" Wen Qing shouted, panicking as she watched. "A-Qing, Calm down" Wen Ruohan comforted,

"You insolent flies! Get out---" , Just then a huge amount of resentful energy waved him off, "Wei Wuxian?!" 

"Well, speak of the devil!" Jin Guangshan sneered, "Wei Wuxian, you demon! How dare you kill your sister's beloved husband! How heartless!" Sect Leader Yao shouted, joining in the nonsensical fight.

"These two cowards!" Madam Yu hissed, growing more angry and frustrated. Her husband beside her seems to be the same too, 

Of course we can't forget her carbon copy. Jiang Cheng,

Wei Wuxian only stood there, flute in his hands--he looked like he was about to cry. "Get out of here." He said, 

Then, he started to blow his flute. Playing around with resentful energy, waking up the sleeping corpses down below. "Jin Guangshan, I know you aren't here for your son! I know you wanted to take such powerful weapon!" He shouted, "So stop being pretentious!" 

"You--!"

"KILL HIM!"

Everyone then started attacking the corpses, yet they only arose everytime Wei Wuxian blew his flute. Just then Wei Wuxian's eyes became wide open, 'Shijie! What is she doing here?' Upon realizing that someone--who had a chance of dying is here. He rushed to find her, 

"SHIJIE!" He shouted, then he saw Jiang Yanli about to walk up to him--until she was pushed down by a random corpse. Wei Wuxian Immediately rushed to catch her, 

"Shijie, why we're you there? Its dangerous..!" Jiang Cheng asked, "A-Cheng..you know I would still go, just to be able to save him.." Jiang Yanli said, 'though I know, Im only making it worse'

"A-Xian..stop this now.." Jiang Yanli slowly said, facing her brother. "Okay.. I'll stop.." he said looking remorseful, "that's great.." Jiang Yanli smiled, 

"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng shouted in the background, "Get shijie into somewhere safe!" He said as he walked in their direction. "A-Xian.." Jiang Yanli whispered, cupping Wei Wuxian's cheek. "A-Xian!" She shouted immediately--then pushing Wei Wuxian out of the way as she took a blade down her stomach.

"Shijie!" Jiang Cheng shouted, Madam Yu was also awestruck as she watched. "Calm down Jiang Cheng! It's not gonna happen yet!" She screamed, running up to her son and daughter to try and cover their eyes. 

"Calm both of you, we can prevent this." She cooed, 

Wei Wuxian who had regained his balance stood there wide eyed, Jiang Yanli--fell down blood pouring out of her mouth. Jiang Cheng immediately rushed to her side, "Shijie!" He screamed, "A-Xian... it's...not...your.." just as Jiang Yanli was about to finish the sentence. Her hands dropped down, 

"Yu-furen, get your hands of please" Wei Li Xi said, reminding her that they should watch it fully. So they wouldn't miss out a thing.

Wei Wuxian took a moment in, before he had screamed in agony. "ARGHHHH!",

He covered his face with his hands, in an attempt to release himself from this nightmare. "Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng shouted, frustrated and angry. "You said you could control them!" He added, "I don't know! I don't know-- I don't know what's happening-I." Wei Wuxian responded, stumbling on his words. Tears pouring out of his eyes--rather secretly

"Just a moment!" Madam Yu shouted, then Jiang Cheng could be heard sobbing. Jiang Yanli seems to be crying too but she was prioritizing her younger brother. Trying to comfort him,

"Wei Wuxian, give up now!" Jin Guangshan shouted, Wei Wuxian only stood there--as fire danced around him. 'There's only one last thing..' 

Both Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng watched the scenario with red rimmed eyes, they were helpless. They already guessed the outcome. They wanted to deny but it will be useless once the time has come.

He then took out the Stygian Tiger amulet, when everyone realized he took that weapon out. They braced themselves, 

Wei Wuxian had held it high, releasing a whole lot of resentful energy as his veins popped out of his forehead. 

Just then the Stygian Tiger Amulet broke in half, the corpses who was attacking the cultivators stood still--the moment the half portion of the Stygian Tiger amulet broke into pieces. Wei Wuxian had released a lot of resentful energy, 

'I want to die'

"A-Xian..."

"Wei Ying.."

Both of them could be heard mumbling the person's name, because..

Just then--the corpses immediately snapped their heads at Wei Wuxian who was only standing there, vulnerable.

"N-No!!" Jiang Yanli screamed, terrified--she tried to run at her brother to try and protect him. Lan Wangji seems to almost unsheathed his sword but it was quickly thrown off by Wei Li Xi. 

"Wangji! Calm down!",

They began to ran up to the man, tearing him up into pieces--till nothing was left of him. Not even ashes will remain, 

everyone watched, every piece of Wei Wuxian was gone. 

Not a single thing.

Just that, the siege at the burial mounds was over.

The demon was successfully killed,

He was gone.

Chapter Text

Everyone present stared at the black nothingness of where the illusionary figures used to be at, as if they we're waiting for something to appear. "T-Thats it--" Jiang Cheng who stood there awestruck, too overwhelmed from the amount of emotions that was mixing up into him. "I--" he stumbled on his words,

"A-Cheng--is...A-Xian, is this true? Will this really happen--! How! I--I.." Jiang Yanli who was standing beside Jiang Cheng felt even more overwhelming emotions, she was on the verge of sanity. "This isn't true right...? Li Xi-guniang...please deny this.." Jiang Yanli pleaded, 

"A-Li.. Calm down... We'll fix this, it hasn't happened yet" Jiang Fengmian who felt as sorrowful as them tried to comfort his childrens of his own blood, "He's right, although Im afraid that..He did die, its just on another world. Do not worry" Wei Li Xi interjected, 

"Im sure almost all of you are feeling the same thing?" She added, "Well..yes, Im actually more worried about A-Zhan" Qingheng-jun said, looking guilty as he stared at his youngest son. "A-Die..?" Lan Wangji mumbled, 

"Wangji, do not fret. You can still change the course of time" the female cultivator beside Xiao XingChen spoke up, assuring the second heir of the GusuLan. 

"Although Im quite saddened by his death, he is still alive on our world. We can adjust, for his safety I suppose" Wen Ruohan chimed in, smiling as he looked at the Nie brothers. 

He then walked up at the front---beside Wei Li Xi, the said Lady was quite surprised by his sudden action but she did not protest, indicating that she was merely observing. "Alright! Everyone! Listen up" Wen Ruohan called out, trying to get everyone's attention. And he was successful on doing so, 

Everyone turned to glance at him, waiting for another word to utter out of his mouth. "Will everyone in here protest about me adopting Wei Wuxian?" Wen Ruohan chuckled, Madam Yu who heard it loud and clear was about to shout--but she was interrupted. "Now now, I know I have no permission since he is 'Allegedly' owned by the Jiang Sect, just because he is the Head disciple. I actually don't care, I don't remember you announcing that he became an official member of the Jiangs" He reasoned, sneering at the family whom beared the color Purple in their clothes.

"That's an utter bullshit! Wei Wuxian is part of the Jiang Sect! He's paying off his debt! He's---" Jiang Cheng who lost his compusure, accidentally blurted out a sentence that should've not been said at all. "Paying off? I believe he had done alot. Your mother's abuse on him is already enough" Wen Ruohan sneered, for the second time.

"Well if the Jiang Sect isn't consenting of the Wen's to adopt him. I suppose I'll take him instead! Look, I know your worried that the QishanWen sect will take advantage of Wei Wuxian and turn him into a war weapon. I will prevent th--" Nie Mingjue who was absolutely clueless of the situation--he's just brain-dead. Spoke up, joining in the war. On who will shelter the young man, 

"That's not even the problem! Look! None of you will adopt him! He'll be taken in by the Jiangs officially!" Madam Yu barked, "that's rather hypocritical of you" Wen Ruohan responded, smiling as if there's no tomorrow. His smile radiated such sinister energy, to the point you can feel such pressure. But of course Madam Yu isn't afraid of that, she was the Violet spider of the YunmengJiang after all.

Glaring at eachother, the bystander had no choice but to step in. "How about this, no one will take him. I'll take him instead, since none of you can't even think of a solution." Wei Li Xi interjected, smiling as she suggested her idea. 

"Li Xi-guniang, Your really pretty but I don't think A-Zhan will like it." Qingheng-jun stepped in, "what's that got to do with him.." Wei Li Xi mumbled, "I don't know what is your relationship with Wei-gongzi. But I'd like it if my son is happy. Please sacrifice your relationship with Wei-gongzi.." Qingheng-jun sighed, trying to stay calm. 

"Ha??" Wei Li Xi who heard every word only looked dumbfounded and confused, "Sacrifice what?" She added. "What the fuck??" , "Yes, that's right! Im proposing a Union between the YunmengJiang and GusuLan! a Marriage between A-Zhan and Wei-gongzi. What do you think Sect Leader Jiang?" Qingheng-jun happily announced, both of his sons who stood there awestruck was hit with realization. Especially the younger, "A-Die..go easy on Wangji.." Lan Xichen mumbled

"Woah there",

"No way in hell! Wei Wuxian has duties to do! He's the Head Disciple! He's a Jiang Member!" Jiang Cheng shouted, as if he was barking at the man. "No need to be so butthurt, you know" Wei Li Xi sneered, laughing at the younger boy. "I can't believe this.. People never really change." she laughed, 

"No need to worry about fighting in here, I'll make sure to release everyone..the array is at its limit" Wei Li Xi said, assuring everyone that they'll be able to get out. "The amount of time everyone had spent here are 14 hours straight. If I minus the time spent when I was outside, but If I include it. I suppose its 16 hours straight" She smiled, 

"We've been here for 17 hours..?" Jiang Yanli whose eye's we're red rimmed asked, quite surprised by the amount of time. "Don't worry, Wei Wuxian won't panic. Time moves here differently" Wei Li Xi assured, waving the Lady's worries off.

"I suppose we can chat in the meantime?" She asked, meeting everyone's eyes. "That's not so bad" Nie Huaisang smiled awkwardly, it seems he had noticed the tense atmosphere of everyone in the room--so he goes out to try and save it.

"I want to know, what happened after Wei-xiong died" Nie Huaisang said, straight to the point.

"Oh.",

--

"Quite a long story, let's just say...you took care of it." Wei Li Xi smiled, chuckling as she  looked at Nie Huaisang's eyes. "don't worry about it. But if you really want some sort of prevention or maybe a slight hint." Wei Li Xi laughed as she handed a piece of paper at Nie Huaisang and some sort of book. 

"What is this..?" Nie Huaisang asked, looking down at the sinister book and a piece of letter that looked like it had aged along with it's writer. "It's an evidence, and a forbidden manual that came from the GusuLan's private library" Wei Li Xi said, straight up revealing the object's origins as if she was the one who stole it. 

"You--! You stole that?!" Lan Qiren shouted, joining in the conversation. "Have you gone insane?!" He added, "Relax you old man, this was just an evidence. Your original book is safe. I only managed to steal this from the thief on another world." She said, rolling her eyes.

Lan Qiren doesn't know whether to sigh in relief or die from madness, this lady just seems to cause chaos whenever she likes! And however she likes!

"Your insane..!" He hissed, 

"Make sure to read that when you are ready" Wei Li Xi reminded, turning around to look at the Nie siblings again.

"It's so...that you don't lose someone important to you.." she mumbled,

'Lose?'

'Is my grieving not over?'

'even after I died?'

'I suppose I just love him as much, he was my savior.'

'he was the only one there for me'

'He was important to me.'

'just as important he is as a father to me.'

a beggar rushed out of the alleyway of the Yiling, trying to avoid the hostile citizens. "Comeback here you filthy child! Give that back!" The old man screamed, 

The child almost tripped but she prevented it, balancing herself although the payment was her ankle twisting. She was still running as fast as ever. It was then she realized that she was outside of the Yiling.

"That's--! The burial mounds! Kick the child off! Then the Yiling Patriarch can just forgive us for tresspassing!" The other older man shouted, before the child could process it. She was kicked off the Burial mounds, falling down as if the ground is dragging her.

"N-No!" She screamed,

'When was it?'

'When was it when I had recognized him as my father?'

'I can't even remember how he looked like when he had died.'

Slowly, the little girl opened her eyelids. She hoped to wake up beside a road and wave the incident off as a dream. But of course she could only hope. Her body ached in pain as she tries to stand up.

"Are you wake?" A deep voice arose, the girl who turned to the source of the noise--was surprised by the sudden appearance of the man. "Your in a inn right now. I suggest you don't move around. Your injuries will worsen" the raven-haired man said, his eyes we're silver and bright too. He wore such attires that looks loose enough to be mistaken as a undergarment. It exposed his collarbones and chest too.

The child tried to open her mouth but she could only feel the pain of her locked jaw, "I see, you can't speak yet. Can I get close? Yes? Alright. Here I cooked this, eat it up till its hot" He said as he puts the congee that looked strangely red, the child who tried to move can only give up as she tries to stand up.

"You can't stand up.. right.. I see! I see! Alright, gege will feed you!" He said grinning as he took out a spoon. "Open your mouth" , the moment the child had opened her mouth--the congee, or rather the chili filled congee startled her taste buds, 

But she did not cough up or growled in spiciness. Instead she felt like she wanted to cry at the sudden flavor she had tasted, 
"H-huh?? Why are you crying? Please don't cry out loud! Someone will think Im really eating a child!" The man mumbled, trying to comfort the child. "Do you have no one with you?" The girl only averted her eyes, "how about your parents?" , The man's question was ignored again.

"I see..Then..How about I take you in? How do you feel about having a gege like me?" The man grinned, "from now on, Im your Xian-gege!"

'A family..'

"Xian-gege!" The child shouted, trying to wake the sleeping man. "Xian-gege!"

"MeiMei?" The man who was sleeping soundly woke up, "Xian-gege! The children's outside are bullying me! They said I have no name!" The child cried, "oh. Come here," he said--he then hugged the child comforting her. "I'll name you Li-Xi."

"Li Xi, remember you always bring luck and fortune around you."

'A name bestowed upon me'

"A-Xi!" The man scolded, when he had seen the child drink a rice wine secretly. "you can't drink that yet!" He scolded, trying to pull the bottle of rice wine 

"no! Let me try it too!" She cried out, "how about this, I'll buy you a guqin...and you give me this." The man said, trying to make the child let go of the wine.

"O-Okay!"

'a gift that I will forever cherish'

"A-Xi, that's not the right tune! Come on~! I'll buy you a tanghulu if you ace it this time" the man grinned as he laughed jokingly, but at the same time lifting the child's spirits, 

'Maybe if you didn't left so early..'

"A-Xi, I'll leave you here for a while okay? A-Tang, A-Sang and A-Jiu will accompany you. Wait for me, your gege needs to do something" The man smiled, looking hesitant.

'I was too naive to even pick up the subtle hints that he gave'

'He was doing it on purpose, because he knows I can't understand it well.'

"A-Xi~! I missed you! Did you miss your gege? Come come" The man said happily, hugging his meimei. "Xian-gege, the owner of the inn almost kicked me out!" The child cried out. "What? Okay, we need to get out of here" He said, looking serious as his mood soured down.

'...'

"A-Xi, meet your new sibling! A-Yuan" He happily said, both of the children only looked at eachother shyly. "Is he gonna be my didi?" The girl asked, stumbling on her words as she tries to eat up her nervousness.

"Yes."

'I wonder if that child is doing well?'

The man who had once picked her and the boy up, running up to another side of the yiling. Trying to find a cave, or any shelter. Is now staring at her with such unreadable expression. "A-Xi...take this, take care of yourself..and protect A-Yuan.." He said, trembling on his words as he tries to gulp down the lump on his throat to prevent a cry.

"Your aunty will take care of the both of you." He said, standing up and leaving the cave without turning around

'But I was too stubborn to do that'

"Gege!", the girl stood up. Running and not even tripping on the large robes that she was wearing, even if she did she'll only get up again. "A-Xi! Don't go there!" The woman who was guarding them tried to to stop her. But a large rock only fell down between them, the cave was clogged up. 

"A-Yuan?" She said as she recognized a tug on her clothes, 

'Was I too mature?'

As the girl reached the home she had gotten used to, she was only met with fire and screams of her own family.

She stared in awe, shock, whatever she felt. It turned into some sort of whirlwind to drive her crazy, her didi who was beside her could not see it because he was too small to even look up at the tall bush. She took it as a chance to cover up his eyes with her hands, 

"Jiejie?"

'Have I known it will turn like that?'

Just then a loud sound of corpses was heard, there she saw---the man getting torned to pieces. The girl felt like screaming and crying. She wanted to shout, but she was too shocked to even process---she can't even move her own body. She only stood there helplessly, watching her own father die.

'If only I didn't comeback to that cave, maybe someone would've found us'

Two of the kids had gone back at the previous cave that the man put them in, the girl left to get food. But when she returned, she was met with no one there, she was once again left alone.

She only sat there motionless, questioning everything. Denying what she had seen, she wanted to feed into delusions for one last time. Before she dies,

'What did even motivated me go out?'

"Im hungry..I want a radish soup...extra spicy.. made from, baba.." She cried, whispering softly at the winds. Trying to wake up from her nightmare.

In a flash, 

She was outside at the outskirts of the Yiling village, wandering as she wore the robes that the man had wore before. The red ribbon tied to her hands, 

She walked as she stared at the ground. She didn't even made a move to steal any of the vendor's products, she was too emerged into her own world to even try to do so. But looking at it--it only made her remember something else.
'Did they really choose them over him?'

Days passed by, the girl had started to go thin. Her robes we're torn as the stray dogs have bitten her and ambushed her. She can't help but feel afraid. Just then, she passed by a festival---of sorts.

With curiousity beaming over her, she approached it. Watching from a distance, 
"Today, we announce--Wen Qing to be part of the Jiang Sect! She is now officially the Jiang Sect's best healer!" The man in purple robes shouted. The girl of course remembered the woman. It was their aunty, what was she doing here?

Was she forced? Wait no.. she was...siding with them?

"How could they.."

'I didn't know if it was anger I felt. Or if I was just frustrated---grieving over someone I wanted to comeback. But He can't.'

The girl only stared at the scene, she can't help but glare. She kept glaring until her eyes bulged, 

'how could they? how could they? ..Have everyone lost their faces? They have no shame....this cursed world! This cursed world! Why does the world keep taking people I care for? Why is it like this.. why.. why... I can't..Why would you..kill him? He was my savior, he was the only father I ever had in my life!' The girl chanted inside her head, she looked like she was about to go crazy. But she did not even try to attack.

'Blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.'

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, everyone was arguing---well only the higher ups. They kept arguing about this certain someone's future, "Wei-gongzi, should be taken by the Nie Sect. His abilities fit our standard enough." Nie Mingjue argued, "You don't get it at all, Sect Leader Nie. That is not the problem at all, A-Ying already belongs to the Jiang Sect." Jiang Fengmian argued back.

"Then Wei-gongzi should be--" , 

"If he's with the Jiang Sect...then I'll propose a marriage then. Wei Wuxian will be engaged to Nie Huaisang" Nie Mingjue said---looking quite proud of his choice. That only earned him a glare from someone in mourning robes. "D-DA-GE! That's a bad idea! Haha!" Nie Huaisang who felt it trembled. "No! He will be engaged to one of my stepdaughter instead!" Madam Jin interjected. "That isn't much of a bad idea." Madam Yu chimed in, nodding at Jin-furen's idea. 

"Wait--",

"How about Wen Qing? They can get married... Well it looks like Wei-gongzi swings both ways, so Wen Ning can be a great candidate too" Wen Ruohan suggested, smiling behind his fan. Wen Qing and Wen Ning only flinched---turning their heads around in embarrassment,

"No." Jiang Cheng said, outright denying the man's offer.

"What? Are you jealous your big brother is getting taken away from you?" Wen Ruohan chuckled, teasing the younger boy. "I suggest we get Wei-gongzi's opinion first." Xiao Xingchen interjected, stopping everyone from slapping their ideas onto their own faces.

"Wait..! I've got a great idea--", Qingheng-jun who was trying to talk earlier was finally able to do so without being interrupted, everyone turned their heads to wait for him to talk. "A-Zhan, and Wei-gongzi, could get married. It's not a bad idea, right?" Qingheng-jun said, turning around to Lan Qiren for a nod. Lan Qiren looked like he's qi deviating.

"Not a good idea" The female cultivator next to Xiao Xingchen said, "You are..May I ask who are you?" Qingheng-jun said--his eyebrow raising.

"Baoshan Sanren. Whom you call the immortal master." She responded, everyone who heard it immediately bowed down to pay respects. "Please raise your heads." Baoshan Sanren signaled, "Wei Wuxian..No Wei Ying, is the son of my disciple, whom I've always seen as a daughter. It is only fair I get to have a say in his private affairs. A Im right?" She said--glaring at the crowd.

"W-well..",

"No need to find a reason. I know why you want to desperately take Wei Ying" she sighed, "but we have no time for this, Li Xi-guniang. Where is this Yin Iron you spoke of?" Baoshan Sanren asked, glancing at the young lady. "Don't worry, I'll deal with it." Wei Li Xi responded, 

"Im guessing that Yin Iron, is exactly the one Wei Ying made..from your world or rather from the future?" Baoshan Sanren asked again, waiting for confirmation. "Yes, how did you know?" Wei Li Xi only talked, she didn't make eye contact. "Well, I have lived for a long time after all. From Lan Yi's generation..I have witnessed how the Yin Iron can be corrupted with Resentful energy. In addition, you dropped vague hints." She answered 

Wei Li Xi can only be heard clicking her own tongue, "Well, I guess you could say that." She said. "Are you some sort of copycat? I mean, You've already had some of his things in your possession" Baoshan Sanren glared, looking quite serious. "You have no business in this. Go back to your mountain matters" Wei Li Xi side eyed, 

"Aiya! This child. Stop being stubborn, I only wish to know how you came to have his things. Was it..." Baoshan Sanren who sighed, immediately stopped talking. Coming into realization, she then turned around to the Sect Leaders. "I knew it" she sneered, "They took it, Didn't they?" Baoshan Sanren said, it wasn't a question. More like she was asking for a confirmation 

"The Jins mostly," Wei Li Xi sighed, 

Madam Jin and Jin Zixuan looked at eachother, hearing their Clan's name. "Are you saying..we took his things? Specifically his inventions?" Jin Zixuan asked, awestruck by their own shamelessness. 

Wei Li Xi only looked at him, 'What do you think? You fucker?'

"There's no time for this..ask something else important." Wei Li Xi huffed, "then, What happened after that?" Lan Wangji asked, appearing out of nowhere. "Wei-gongzi died. Obviously, didn't you see it?" She said--sarcasm seeping out of her tone. Lan Wangji only glared as he gritted his teeth, "What about A-Yuan?" He asked calmly.

"He's..he got saved by you, he's taken in by the Lans. He was your--er, heir. Lan Sizhui" Wei Li Xi answered, she looked quite doubtful but she said it nonetheless. Everyone was quite surprised by the revelation but they could only sighed in relief. Glad that the child didn't die, 

"What about that fucker Jin Guangshan?" Nie Mingjue asked, Wei Li Xi only snorted "He died, ummm. I think he died from being fucked by countless beautiful women" she shrugged. Nie Huaisang choked, the others have their mouths to the ground. 

"What the? You serious?" The girl in green robes said, disgust on her face. "A-Qing your disgust is visible on your face" Xiao Xingchen giggled, Baoshan Sanren who was listening sighed "Maybe Leaving the LanlingJin was the best choice." She said.

"LanlingJin?" Lan Xichen said--confused, then he came into realization. He looked at the immortal master again, "Yes, I was once a member from the LanlingJin. I defected a long time ago." She admitted, 

Audible gasps can only be heard--a result from multiple shocking revelations, "Wait! Why the hell would Jin Guangshan die from an orgy..?" Nie Huaisang who ignored everyone's questioning stares on the immortal master---asked shamelessly. He was quite suspicious, since cultivators naturally have more energy than a normal human could. So it's quite suspicious he died from that kind of activity?

"It was planned, I think one of his illegimate son set him up." She said, "Meng Yao.", "He's gonna be involved with the both of you. Read the journal I gave you" Wei Li Xi pointed at the Nie siblings. In return the Nie brothers only looked at eachother confused, but Nie Huaisang actually takes it into consideration to read it. Later,

"So.., how do we solve this 'Who will adopt Wei Wuxian'?" Jin Zixuan sighed, "No one..A-Xian will be adopted by the Jiangs officially. But he can back out if he wants to, we respect his decision." Jiang Yanli smiled.

"Right",

"Sect Leader Jiang..why don't you consider--" 

"Sect Leader Lan, No" Jiang Fengmian sighed, "We must make sure A-Ying feels the same. I can't allow such one sided marriage" He said, "Like us?" Madam Yu interjected, "San-Niang!",

"Okay, don't start your love quarrel here." Wei Li Xi who stepped in sighed, she then began walking up to them. "Listen here, the array is at it's limit. I don't want you two to waste time. Instead ask something important, Time's running" She warned,

"So you ask about the burial mounds?" Wei Li Xi said, raising her other eyebrow. "Burial mounds is indeed an interesting matter. I've only known a few things about it." Baoshan Sanren mumbled, 

"The burial mounds, it used to be a hosting place for spiritual creatures. But there seems to be a war that occured..I'd theorize as, a fight between the immortals, and the spiritual creatures. Im not sure yet though, I was only able to trace it using a talisman. So I don't really have much of evidence going on" Wei Li Xi admitted, "Immortals?" Nie Huaisang gasped, "That's interesting, but do you have any idea to conquer such place?" Wen Ruohan asked,

"An interesting matter indeed, Im glad to have know this information" Lan Qiren said, stroking his goatee as he closed his eyelids to listen to the conversation. This time--focusing more,

"The best way is to tame it. As I said before, the Burial mounds has it own consciousness. It is kind of a manifestation, since with the amount of resentful energy residing inside. It was able to form a consciousness." She explained, "Wei-gongzi was able to tame it. Although it put up a fight." Wei Li Xi added.

"How..?",

"That's just the way he is." She answered back, shrugging

"But, how would you think, such cultivators like us--be able to conquer it?" Wen Ruohan asked again. "Just get rid of the bodies in there, and do a cleansing ritual. Then you'll have a normal place. But I doubt that it'll be easy, since it has already manifested it's own consciousness a hundred years ago." She sighed, 

"So it's impossible?" ,

"Not exactly. Look at Wei-gongzi, the best way to tame it--well let's say you want to tame it for, nighthunting...maybe..? The best way to tame it is to let Demonic cultivation be known to all cultivators. Ghost cultivation to be more specific" Wei Li Xi responded, 

"Ghost? Cultivation?" Jiang Cheng tilted his head, 

"Demonic cultivation is to be able to control living creatures. Ghost cultivation is to only control the dead. Learn the difference" Wei Li Xi sighed, "You could say that the demonic cultivation lean more into living sacrifices, while the ghost cultivation is more on interacting with the dead. It is two different things" she added, 

"I did not know such cultivation path exists. It seems I miscalculated my research." Baoshan Sanren sighed but it sounded more like a happy sigh, "What did you call it?" Wei Li Xi whispered, "on my research, I have always seen them both as one. I didn't view it as a cultivation path. But instead something that is more practical, Dark Cultivation, or rather resentment manipulation." She said, "Resentment manipulation in my view, is something I use for medical cultivation. You could say it's more of a boost" Baoshan Sanren added,

Wen Qing was now getting more curious about this, 'Resentful energy can help with medical cultivation?' she thought, 

"I see",

"this conversation is getting a bit complex," Lan Xichen laughed nervously, "Two geniuses in one room" Wen Ruohan breathed out happily, "what happened to Wei-gongzi's soul after he died? Did he reincarnate with no problem?" He asked, hoping for the best answer

They all raised their heads into this question, 

"Well..since it was viewed as a suicide, considering the fact that his subconscious commanded the corpses, to kill him. His soul is most likely shattered. If Im wrong--then the second reason would be because his body was torn into pieces" Wei Li Xi explained, sighing from exhaustion?

"This is complicated..",

"A-Cheng..", "I know shijie.. we'll do everything to stop that "

"I see.." Wen Ruohan ushered in a low tone, "Oh, I've been bugging to ask you this question..but how exactly did you make this array? What is resentful energy in general? We haven't fully explored this. So I would like to know." Wen Ruohan asked, averting his eyes to look at the young woman. 

"Resentful energy is..not evil, it can be used in various ways, the mechanics to control it.. isn't that hard, it is usually emotion driven. It is why men are more prone to qi deviating, considering that Men has lower Yin in them. Whilst females have balanced Yin and Yang energies inside of them. Resentful energy came from Yin energy, the purest energy. You could view Resentful energy as the raw form of Yin Energy." She explained, "Considering it is usually emotion driven, and that it came from people's emotion--or the dead's emotion. It is viewed as the universal energy," she added

"Resentful energy is made because of our emotions?" Lan Xichen mumbled, wide eyed. "Interesting, I've never heard about this before" Wen Ruohan smirked, Lan Qiren could only agree at Wen Ruohan's remark

"Yes, and it can be positive emotions too. And that is where Pure energy usually came from. Resentful energy is usually manifested from negative energy and the dead's willingness to stay at one place" Wei Li Xi said, "we all know Yang energy usually come from a healthy environment, which is the plants or the place in general. I don't know but somehow all of your research, contained about how Yin Energy and Yang Energy come in together. Which is totally false" She rolls her eyes, 

"Since Resentful energy is universal. The Yin Iron Wei-gongzi made, got transported here. And since I can Use resentful energy I was able to get here. You could see it as some sort of stairway to different worlds." She crosses her arms, "And The array I did with the talismans. We're limited for a only short amount of time, while the musical cultivation I did..It is something else I did, but it is still a work of resentful energy" she added.

"Im guessing that quenched your question?" She said, "Well yes, maybe? But questions only popped up." Wen Ruohan sneered, "if that is the reason, there is a high possibility..that there is countless versions of us existing somewhere. Isn't it? You just made me more interested in this matter" He chuckled, 

The others we're only baffled, either from confusion or just pure confusion (no different option lol)

"There is a high possibility of that, if that is true then. It must mean that--this exact situation. Is probably happening somewhere too" Baoshan Sanren said, agreeing with Wen Ruohan's theory. 

"Okay, I can't. This is getting too complex" Nie Huaisang said, holding his forehead trying to prevent a headache. "No need to force yourself to understand them" Jiang Cheng snorted, 

"W-wait! How about A-Xian's living condition in the burial mounds? With the remnants?" Jiang Yanli asked, before they could move onto a new topic. This question actually caught others attention so they waited for an answer, "his living condition..well I wouldn't say its the best. He was prioritizing A-Yuan's health before him. So yes, his body is thin." she said, averting her eyes 

Jiang Yanli whom only held her chest, know she can't do anything. So she clenched her hands, 

"It isn't your fault. Just do better than that version of you" Wei Li Xi said, her reassurance sounding more of an insult. "What I mean is--to overcome your other version." She sighed, "okay nevermind."

"Your really bad at words," Baoshan Sanren chuckled, 

"So... what's next..?" Nie Huaisang who was sitting--beside Jiang Cheng with his older brother on his left side, said as he hunched his back like he was an old man.

"In a few hour. You'll be able to get out" Wei Li Xi said, 

Everyone who heard this flashed their wide eyes, but quickly zoned off. "Then..can we just get a moment of silence? I want to think. For A-Xian's sake." Jiang Yanli smiled, requesting. Wei Li Xi only smiled back and nodded, 

"Do as you wish."

Chapter Text

         "Li Xi-guniang--!" Nie Huaisang called out, Wei Li Xi who was zoning out as her head was down. Finally snapped back to reality, "Hm?" She tilted her head in confusion. "We we're wondering...well..about Wei-xiong's guardian and official clan. He's not yet been adopted" he said, "Why are you asking me about that? Obviously it's Wei-gongzi who's gonna be deciding on that matter." She said,

"Or are you against about him having a freedom to choose and decide?" Wei Li Xi raised her eyebrow. "NO! No! That's not it, it's just I..always thought that the YunmengJiang isn't fit for him.." Nie Huaisang mumbled, averting his eyes to avoid the man in purple.

Madam Yu looked quite offended and was ready to lecture the boy, but she hesitated before she got to talk. "Well, you aren't wrong. If A-Ying doesn't want to be there--or he's put into abuse again. I'll make sure to take him away" Baoshan Sanren interjected,

"The GusuLan is still waiting for response about the marriage proposal" Qingheng-jun smiled, but instead of bowing down the Jiangs. Qingheng-jun faced Baoshan Sanren, "Boy, do not ask me for that. When we get back, the groom itself should ask the bride instead." She sighed, looking at Lan Wangji

Lan Wangji only flinched, his ears red. "I...will think about it." He said, Lan Xichen in the background only smiled 'best of luck, Wangji'

FEW HOURS LATER..

"It seems all of you are ready to go" Wei Li Xi said, finally breaking the silence between all of them. "That fast?!" Nie Huaisang flinched, 

Wei Li Xi who stood for  a good moment finally broke the never-ending silence between all of them, she seems to have said something. "wait." she uttered out, in return everyone stopped to wait for the respond. Looking at her eagerly, "Can you deliver my words to Wei Wuxi--- no, A-die" She looked at the ground before glancing back up at them again.

"A-A-die..?" Nie Huiasang looked at her with wide eyes, trying to process the situation.

Everyone slightly looked surprised, but others definitely expected it. For instance, Baoshan Sanren. "Kid, tell me. You came from somewhere far aren't you?" She raised her other eyebrow. "It doesn't matter" Wei Li Xi responded, 

"Wei Wuxian was my father figure. But it only existed on my word. It doesn't apply here." She said, averting her eyes to Baoshan Sanren. Now that caught everyone off guard. "Father figure...That explains it.." Nie Huisang mumbled, hiding his face behind his precious fan. He seems to be ashamed for the earlier accusations he had made.

"I wasn't really planning to disclose it, but it must be done. Otherwise I'll look like an obsessed deranged woman." Wei Li Xi chuckled, "That was my first impression on you" Jiang Cheng frowned, "That must mean your my niece?" He added.

"Perhaps." Wei Li Xi side eyed him,

"Just I...Please take care of my A-die. I can't see him suffer anymore, make sure he won't comeback as a mindless fierce corpse like what happened at my world." Wei Li Xi smiled sadly, her eyes we're rather filled with disappointment. "f-fierce corpse?" Jiang Cheng flinched, the familiar people beside him flinched too.

"Yes, It's a long story.. but when he died, his body wasn't found. I suspected it must be because of the burial mounds--You could say that the Burial mounds we're griefing and mourning for him. I think it buried A-die because it can't afford to have A-die's body be experimented on by the Jins." She explained, 

everyone was only left speechless, others weren't that much surprised. Its the Jins afterall.

"Wait, but how did you find out it was a fierce corpse?" Wen Qing asked, "Do you believe in the saying.. 'History repeats itself'? Because I do." Wei Li Xi smiled at her, "When I studied at the cloud recesses, I abandoned the righteous path to practice the ghost cultivation. Everyone started turning their backs on me, just like what happened to A-die. But I did not mind, It was my plan. I wanted them to focus their insults on me. It's the least I could do." Wei Li Xi crossed her arms as she smiled, 

"I started retrieving A-die's items. I even stole this flute, It was stolen by the Jins. Wait no, I stole all of it. Including suibian, the manuals and other unfinished talismans. I made sure that none of his creations would get used for greed. Although I wasn't able to stop a few of it. It was fine" Wei Li Xi closed her eyelids momentarily and opened them.

"After they found out I was causing trouble, the Jins decided to led a siege against me. I don't know what was Jin Guangyao is thinking for him to lead a siege mindlessly like that." Wei Li Xi sighed, "But anyway, at that time--I decided to use the stygian tiger amulet. That I revised, It summoned less corpses though. But the closest corpse that I ever summoned.." 

"Was A-die." Wei Li Xi frowned, 

"I see...It must be pretty chaotic there right now?" Wen Ruohan folded his fan, and awaited an answer. 

"I don't know? Maybe? I died right away. Maybe because of Qi deviation?" she shrugged, Wen Ruohan and Wen Qing could only feel theirself facepalming as they heard Wei Li Xi's answer. But they feel rather distressed,

"So Jin Guangyao must be controlling the situation then?" Nie Mingjue butted in, "No, that's impossible. I beheaded him" Wei Li Xi bluntly answered, they we're awestruck when they heard her. "Then it must be raining fire at your world. I believe?" Wen Ruohan shrugged,  his words go unnoticed

"Time's up, You should all go." Wei Li Xi looked around as she looked at them seriously. She then turned her back to the group of people as she started sending out---the others. "Wait! what was the words--you wanted to deliver to Wei Ying?" Lan Wangji asked extending his arms out. Wei Li Xi flinched and froze,

"I changed my mind. I--theres no reason for me to be attached to him anymore. I have no place in this world." Wei Li Xi sighed as she smiled. Lan Wangji looked doubtful for a moment, until he opened his mouth. 

"Just know...If we ever meet again somewhere, You will call me A-die." Lan Wangji said looking more determined, handing out a tassel to Wei Li Xi. She only looked at him with wide eyes, "I know he'll accept you again. He had accepted you before." Lan Wangji said, 

"Thank you. Goodluck with..marrying A-die." Wei Li Xi smiled, looking at him as if he was proud of Lan Wangji's choice.

She then held out her hands and sent him out, 

"A-Die, I've changed my mind. You've chosen a good man. Even inviting me to be a part of his clan once he marries you.." Wei Li Xi chuckled, "I hope you'll have a good life with him." She mumbled as she hugged 2 tassels on her hands. One was red and black, the other was white and blue.

Jiang Cheng woke up with a headache, his head felt like it was gonna split. "Urgh.." he groaned in pain, holding his forehead. 

He then realized that he was sleeping on the floor, and this place...It was his room. That's right! Some deranged woman took his consciousness out of his body. How could he forget that?! Wait, it's not some deranged woman! It was his niece.. Maybe?

"A-Cheng!" Jiang Yanli bursted inside his room. "Shijie?" Jiang Cheng flinched in surprise, "Im glad you are alright.." She hugged him. Then began to inspect him for any wounds, 

"Im okay, shijie" Jiang Cheng assured

Jiang Yanli smiled, and held his hand. Signaling him to stand up with her. "Let us go, mother and father is requesting us." She said, 

"A-Niang. We're here" Jiang Yanli announced their presence at the throne room. "A-Li" both parents said in unison, "Jiang Cheng? Shijie?" Wei Wuxian looked at both of them in surprise. "Ge--Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng stuttered, "Huh?" Wei Wuxian looked at him in confusion, "you look kind of off.." Wei Wuxian eyed him suspiciously. 

"Urgh! You idiot! Im gonna punch you" Jiang Cheng tackled him, but not enough for the both of them to fall down on the floor.

"We talked with sect leader Qingheng-jun. He'll allow you to comeback at the Cloud recesses" Jiang Fengmian said, looking at Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian in return tilted his head and point his finger on himself-- to make sure they we're talking about him.

"Yes you, A-Ying." Jiang Fengmian chuckled, Madam Yu didn't give any signs of objection and only huffed. 

Wei Wuxian smiled, but he knew deep inside that something was off.