Chapter Text
Some say death is like sleeping. The truth, Wei Wuxian realizes, couldn’t be further from that. One moment, a sharp searing pain spreads through his nerves as he lies on the cold black rock of the burial mound. Blood drips down his face and skin. There’s no fade to black, just static and fuzz.
The next, all he sees is a crimson glow. It’s nothing like sleeping. Since the loss of his cultivation, his body has never felt more alert, or, as backward as it seems, alive .
When he blinks, the light becomes clearer. There’s a lamp, dangling above him on a rickety wooden post. The faint metallic scent of blood slowly registers in his mind. He watches as people step past him, splitting the small crowd in what looks like some sort of alleyway. Their slow steady steps echo in his ears. So, this is death.
The surrounding buildings are illuminated by the scarlet glow of lamps strung above, hazed by a soft mist. Both ends of the street are consumed by the fog, giving the illusion that it goes on for infinity. Lines of shops sit on the edge, and Wei Wuxian makes out odd trinkets being sold.
A thought slams into him, threatening to topple him over again once he’s on his feet. Nothing hurts, the pain is gone. The injuries he’d had just seemed to vanish.
When he looks up he’s taken aback by the startling sight of a boar glowering over him. No, not a boar he realizes on second glance, but a large muscular man with a boar head.
He makes a sound like a low pig snort, “Puh- damn new ghosts.”
He’s barely had time to process what he means when he realizes the man is already leaving. A hand touches his arm, and Wei Wuxian whips around to see a young woman, her face covered by a thin veil. Underneath, her lips turn into a smile. “First time in the ghost city, darling? Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in, you seem like you enjoy a good time.”
He wrenches his arm away, finding it slightly difficult to breathe, “Oh… uh- thanks but I’m not-” Before he can protest, she’s grabbing him again as he tries to pull away. “I have somewhere to be actually!”
“Not even going to spare a little time for me?” Her voice is high-pitched but delicate. The blood rushes to his face as he realizes there’s something soft pressing along his back.
“Give it up already,” Another older-looking woman snorts, taking the first away and releasing Wei Wuxian from her grip. "He's clearly not interested, hun. Must be looking for something else."
“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” She replies with a shrug, her lips forming a smirk as she’s dragged away.
Ghost city. The phrase goes through his head a few times until he realizes what it means. There wasn't a single cultivator of value that didn't know of The Crimson Rainsought Flower’s city, a place of debauchery and vile acts. One could bet their own body parts if they wanted, or even years of their very lives. Even when he was at his peak with the Stygian Tiger Amulet he didn't even think of trying to come here.
The air in his lungs feels colder somehow, and the hair on his arm stands on edge as a chilled breeze blows on his neck.
Voices call out along the street, and he’s beginning to make them out. The closest stall, the one belonging to the boar, makes him step back when he sees the hanging human heads and dripping blood. He jumps when the boar slams a cleaver into a human arm.
Maybe he should keep going.
He follows the direction the two women in white went, noticing suddenly that the people in the streets are wearing masks of all different kinds. Those who didn't didn’t seem human, more like creatures he'd face during a night hunt. The other thing separating them is a vaguely humanoid shape and eyes full of life and sentience.
Despite how being surrounded by so many ghosts unnerves him, there is a familiarity to everything. It reminds him of the festivals when he was young in Yunmeng, or even more so it reminds him of the salacious areas of Caiyi town when he’d sneak out with Nie Huaisang. The kind of area he saw scantily dressed women with thick layers of make-up trying to convince young well-dressed men to follow them to buildings with more women and music coming from the doors. He and Nie Huaisang normally snuck past, trying to find the nearest restaurant especially those where the patrons walked out holding large jugs stamped with the local wine name.
Oddly enough, Ghost City is more lively than anything he's seen in years.
His expression lights up as he sees a sign that reads "Crimson Lotus Inn." Wine. Exactly the trick to help pick him up.
With his spirits raised significantly, he strolls through the entrance and up to the bar, trying to appear as if a regular to the establishment.
“One bottle of wine, if you please?” He asks the bartender. He can’t tell what she looks like under her mask, but when she reaches out to pass him his drink he sees her wrinkled hand from under her sleeve.
“That’s four copper.”
“Ah, in that case,” Wei Wuxian backs up slightly, setting the drink down. Right, he still has to pay for things. Being dead apparently doesn’t get him free booze. How cruel the world truly is. “On second thought, I don’t need-”
“Make it two.” A woman approaches the bar, she is dressed in bright, gaudy makeup and a thin, revealing dress that leaves little up to the imagination. She sets down the money before fixing her gaze on Wei Wuxian.
When the wrinkled hand retreats once again, leaving a second jug of wine, the woman takes both and thrusts the first into his chest.
"Thanks- but what's the occasion?" Wei Wuxian asks suspiciously.
"What, can't a lady be generous? Besides," Her lips curve in a smirk as some of the white makeup begins to flake. "You can always repay me later."
He nearly spits out the wine he'd taken a swig of, "Maybe after a few more drinks I'll think about it. But you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
There is no way he plans to indulge this lady. Not even a thousand drinks would make him consider it.
"You reek of being new." She laughs, her drink clanging on the table. "So, how'd it happen huh?"
"How'd what happen?"
"You know, how'd you end up here?"
How had he died? The more he tries to think about it, the more the details become fuzzy. He feels like it barely happened a few minutes ago, and yet trying to remember it has the same effect as trying to remember when he was a baby.
“Most of the others around here kicked the bucket in some pretty messed up ways.” She explains, downing a large swig of wine. “Comes with the territory.”
“Because of the resentment?” Wei Wuxian pulls his drink away from his lips.
“Not just resentment, any strong emotion can keep someone tied down." She explains, her eyes flitting to look him up and down. “So? What about you?”
He supposes it makes sense that any strong feeling can keep someone tied as a ghost. It isn’t what he was taught, but since when had what he'd been taught been the most accurate?
Then there’s the woman's question. What is keeping him as a ghost?
"Why should I spill everything to you, huh?" He snorts, brushing aside the painful feeling in his chest.
"Who the hell bought your drink there?! You owe me." She shoves a finger into his chest pushing him back on his seat. “What kinda guy gets off being so cold to someone who helped him!”
"I don't owe you crap, I never asked for your help. Honestly, I don't know why you even care." He stands up, finishing off the glass before lifting his hands. "But thanks for the drink anyway."
Ignoring the shouts of the prostitute that slowly become distant, he leaves the inn. He has no clue why she’s so insistent on talking with him. Does she have some inclination of who he is? No, who'd even care about him unless they'd died recently?
He decides not to dwell on the interaction. He wants a better look at the city. If he was stuck being dead, he might as well make the most of it.
The chatter of people fades into background noise while he looks around. If he looks past the more grotesque things, the rest of the items being sold actually catch his interest. He really needs to fix his lack of funds…
“Shidi- don’t cry!” His steps slow when he hears a girl’s voice. “We’ll get you a new one!”
Just a few feet ahead, he sees the little girl, and next to her is an even younger boy holding the remains of a tiny straw doll that looks as if it’s been ripped apart. Wet tears fall down his face as he clutches the toy in his fist. The air feels denser as Wei Wuxian breathes. They can’t be much older than 10.
Wei Wuxian’s steps stop when the boy drops the doll, grabbing the girl's hand and rubbing his eyes.
A million thoughts run through his head. Memories and people, bringing up questions he doesn't want to think about.
But more importantly, the scene is painfully familiar.
Any strong feelings could tie someone to earth as a ghost. That could mean…
Jiang Yanli. His shijie. She just might be in Ghost City. If he is, it only made sense she'd be there as well. Her death was so tragic, it was hard to believe she could move on. He wouldn't be surprised if her resentment of how it happened, that it was his damn fault, kept her tied to the earth. It might be a slim chance, that while he hadn't received any, she would've received the best rituals to prevent her from becoming a ghost. Yet it isn't impossible. Even the best rituals can fail, he knows that better than most.
If she is in Ghost City, he needs to find her. Tell her how sorry he is. That he'd spend eternity making it up to her if that's what it takes.
Immediately he begins pushing through the marketplace. Even if she isn't in Ghost City, someone has to know where she is. Has to have seen her.
The glowing lights illuminate his path as other ghosts stop and begin to stare. He should’ve asked the prostitute at the inn- she might’ve known something. It hits him just how stupid it was to have run off so quickly. He obviously can’t go back now, chances are she isn't even there anymore, and even if she is she would be anything but pleased to see him.
There will be other opportunities, at least he hopes so.
Most of the stalls are overcrowded, grabbing the attention of each individual around them. A merchant would be more aware, right? If anyone passes through, it isn't without their knowledge. The crowds began to part just enough for him to squeeze through.
Only one of the stalls isn’t packed with customers, it displays wares of a glittering array of jewels and fashionable ornaments. It catches Wei Wuxian’s eyes as he spots the merchant.
“The best jewelry in the ghost city! Some are centuries-old heirlooms- you really want to pass up this offer?” He calls out to each person who passes. “You won’t find anything like it in the entire ghost realm. I promise you!”
“Excuse me.” Wei Wuxian glances down at the pile of shining items before looking into the eyes of the merchant. “But, I need some help, do you have any information? There’s a woman who might have passed through here, maybe you’ve seen her-”
“Puh!” The seller practically spits in his face, his eyes narrowing into a tight glare. “Some fucking nerve you have. Buy something and then we can talk.”
Okay, maybe he should’ve seen that one coming. It isn’t like anyone around seems the most willing to help out of the goodness of their heart.
“Just- do you know anything?” Before Wei Wuxian tries bargaining with anything (since he still has no money) he needs to be sure this person can help him.
“Maybe.” The seller’s shoulders loosens just a touch. “But like I said before, I ain’t gonna say shit till you buy something. Maybe you do, but I ain’t got time to waste on this crap.”
He lets out a long drawn-out sigh before inspecting the wares closer. They really are stunning the more he looks, the silver reflects the rouge-tinged glow of the street, and he can even catch a glimpse of his own eyes on the bigger pieces. Maybe he can trade something on him for one of the cheaper-looking pieces? Or offer labor in exchange for the information.
“Wait just a sec. You look familiar?” The merchant grumbles, leaning forward to look at Wei Wuxian’s face. "Where’d you say you were from?"
"I'm from…" The closest place he can call his original home is Lotus Pier. "Yunmeng. I used to be a disciple of the Jiang Clan."
The man pauses, narrowing his eyes at him, probably taking in the distinct lack of purple robes or a clarity bell that any normal Jiang Clan cultivator would be wearing. "Hang on. I do know you!" In a split second, his face contorts, his hand shooting out to grab him as he growls. “You’re that fucking bastard who used my own corpse as a goddamn attack dog during the sunshot campaign!”
“I’m sorry?” Wei Wuxian attempts to back up but is dragged closer by the merchant’s surprising amount of strength, nails digging painfully into Wei Wuxian’s skin. He really wishes he was better at faces, though even then he'd doubt he could identify the man among the thousands of corpses he had used in the war.
In an instant, whispers erupt through the crowd, hundreds of curious eyes turning towards the commotion. “Did you hear what he said? Can that guy do that? Control corpses?”
“No way, there’s only one person who could do that.”
“Who?”
“The Yiling patriarch of course!”
“The one who sent hundreds here?"
“I heard it was thousands!”
“Yeah! That’s even what I heard him say!”
“This guy doesn’t seem anything like him though?”
“Don’t you see it? It’s obviously him.”
“The Yiling patriarch is in the Ghost City!”
Thinking quickly, Wei Wuxian slams his head into the merchant’s, causing the latter to let go with a cry of pain. He steps back before spinning around and sprinting away into the building crowd, the enraged cursing and shouting of the merchant fading away.
It’s as if he’s being haunted by his own name, following him through the street. Murmurs of "Wei Wuxian?" "The demonic cultivator?" "Dead?" Can be heard echoing through the huddled together groups of ghosts.
Within only a few incense sticks of time, it seems the entire city is talking about him. He notices even the ghosts who must be from long before his time giving him stares. It shouldn’t surprise him, he knows he hasn’t been the most respectful of the dead, but surely everyone hasn’t heard about what he’d done.
Avoiding the busy streets, he keeps between the buildings, slowing his pace once he’s far enough from the origin of the chaos he started.
He’s barely had time to think since he arrived, and the air feels thin entering his lungs. Where does he even start trying to find Jiang Yanli? Especially with his name circulating the city, who knew when his past would catch up to him? The merchant certainly wasn’t the only one he’d caused the death of in such a manner. If there were hundreds of ghosts here, killed by his hand, would he be able to find his Shijie before he ended up torn apart?
He ducks his head down, trying to avoid the eyes of muttering ghosts. Rumors move fast in Ghost City apparently, but hopefully how he looks won't. That doesn't mean he feels safe. He tenses whenever he meets eyes with another ghost, expecting to hear his name or title suddenly shouted out and to find himself trapped. He spends too much time avoiding curious gazes that he ends up missing an actual problem.
“The Yiling Patriarch ? That’s what you’re calling yourself now?” A cold shiver runs down the length of his spine at the familiar sneer. He hadn’t heard it in years and had buried the memory of it under much better memories of pitiful screams and pathetic begging for mercy. He’d love nothing more than to turn and punch the bastard in his stupid smug face, but the last thing he wants is more attention down to himself. “You may think you're so tough, but I know you’re still just the little washed-up runt I remember.”
“If you remember me so well, maybe you remember how I was the one that killed you and the rest of your dogs.” Wei Wuxian sneers, slowly turning around as he grits his teeth. Wen Chao isn't a pleasant sight, flanked by six members of the Wen clan.“Or did you forget? Maybe your girlfriend can remind you, Wen Chao. Or… perhaps you just enjoyed the taste of your own flesh.”
Wen Chao’s face turns pale, and Wei Wuxian can see the way he takes a singular step back while trying and failing not to let the fear show on his face. “Well it doesn’t matter now, does it?” His eyes narrow, teeth showing in a vicious smile. “After all, you can’t do anything to us without that flute of yours.”
“What makes you so sure?’ He notices the way his face shifts, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. It’s enough to make Wei Wuxian’s lips twist into a smirk. Seeing Wen Chao squirm was enough to send adrenaline spiking through him. The thoughts of the months before Wen Chao's death too cause a tremble of excitement in Wei Wuxian’s fingers.
Every single familiar expression makes Wei Wuxian's desire to wrap his hands around his neck grow, to once again see the light fade from Wen Chao's eyes. While some might claim that revenge and claiming an eye for an eye was a pointless endeavor, he had felt nothing but a surge of relief and sheer adrenaline when he'd killed Wen Chao.
"I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you."
"Yeah, why's that?" Wei Wuxian replies.
"Because I know where that Jiang girl is. The one that died?"
His veins freeze over like rivers, paralyzing him. This sadistic, perverted, bastard, the person Wei Wuxian despises most, knows where his shijie is.
Without thinking, his hands are already on Wen Chao’s collar, yanking the man closer. "What did you do with her!?"
A sense of amusement flashes in Wen Chao’s eyes, even as he’s grabbed. Instead of fear he looks triumphant as his eyes narrow at Wei Wuxian. A few of the Wen around him step closer but he waves them away, as if Wei Wuxian is no threat.
“Oh don’t worry, she’s safe for now,” He waves a hand indifferently, prying the hands of his collar. “She’s with our clan after all.”
"And I'm guessing you aren't going to just let her go, will you?"
Think of a way out. Think of a way to get him to tell you where Shijie is. There has to be something.
"We have to make a living down here somehow. Not as if we'll get any offerings from loved ones," Wen Chao's expression becomes sour as he grips Wei Wuxian, nails digging into his arm, "Not after what you did."
"I didn't turn the other clans against your family, and it's your own damn fault if you didn't get anything from anyone else." It's reminiscent of an old memory, one he'd gladly forget. He was losing focus. Shijie. "You're dodging the question though. Where is she?"
"If you want that bitch back so badly." Wen Chao's expression twists into a sickly smile, "The Wen Clan just has a favor to ask of you."
"Why should I trust a filthy dog like you?" Wei Wuxian bit back angrily.
"Because I'm your only lead to finding her. And if you hurt me well…I can just let my men punish her"
His knees seem to buckle slightly, Wen Chao steps closer to force him between the two buildings behind them. It wasn't wrong, and it left a sour aftertaste to think that someone like him could ever be right and that he actually has to go through with what he wants. He can still try and threaten him, keep him from telling his men but…knowing the sick bastard he has an idea of what would happen to Shijie. It makes his skin crawl, and he nearly vomits then and there at the mere thought of her getting hurt because of him.
"Fine… but before I agree, you show me A-li first."
A ringing sound of laughter mocks him as he stands firmly, glaring. Just because Wen Chao holds the upper hand, that doesn't mean Wei Wuxian plans on giving in easily.
"You wanna make a demand?" Wen Chao's coarse laughter stops a moment later, replaced by a gleeful sneer. "If you insist I could cut her hand off and bring it to you, or pluck out an eye? She can't die again after all!”
Hesitating, Wei Wuxian's hand curls into itself. "What do you want me to do?"
"I like this much better." Wen Chao's lips curl into a smile, and Wei Wuxian’s fingers itch to slap it off his face. "I'm sure you're aware of the supremes?"
"The ghost kings? What about them?”
“There’s one here, the Crimson Rain Sought Flower, goes by Hua Cheng. He runs this entire place, he’s hosting a party tonight. Some celebration. There’s a man who will be there, he dresses pretty conservatively in all white and wears bandages around his neck,” Wen Chao gestures to his clavicle, “He has something I’m looking for.”
Wei Wuxian grimaces. Piss off a ghost king? “If I get it for you, will you give me back my shijie?”
“Now that’s more like it.” Wen Chao’s expression lights up as he glances at the other few Wens around him, “See? I told you, I have him perfectly under control.”
“Just tell me what you want before I rip your arm off myself.” He snaps, hand itching to slap him right across his face.
It feels like being ripped in two, being forced to accept the deal. The two parts of him fight for control, trying to decide what to do.
“That's no way to speak to your master . Get on your knees and apologize.” Wen Chao snickers, eyes no longer holding any trace of fear as he steps toward Wei Wuxian. “Go on, or else your dear Shijie can apologize for you.”
He swallows harshly, staring at him, “What? As if I'd give into you-you sadistic prick!”
“Fine then.” Wen Chao's expression twists into something sinister, “Your shijie can pay for your disrespect.
Tensing, Wei Wuxian hesitates before he falls to his knees, avoiding Wen Chao's gaze. “Fine. I’m… sorry.”
“That's a much better way for a servant to look.” A light flickers in Wen Chao's eyes as he tilts his head, looking at Wei Wuxian like a new toy. “Just like your father.”
His blood boiling, Wei Wuxian slowly looks up, careful to keep his expression from turning into anything that might offend. “What… what would you have me do?”
“That man I mentioned? He has this ring that he holds on a chain around his neck. Never seen without it, and I want it.”
“What is it?”
“Are you taking the deal or not?”
“If I don’t know what it is I’m supposed to be stealing, how can you expect me to agree to this?” He points out.
Wen Chao spits in his face, "You'll do it or you'll never see that bitch again. It's just some trinket he keeps, so why do you care?”
“I think you’re forgetting I’m not exactly ready for some fancy party with a ghost king.” Wei Wuxian points out.
He's still in the robes he died in, the ones that still have stains and grime on the outer layer from working in the field and eating the food of the remaining Wens. There are also a few dark patches with a tinge of red that he's long forgotten the source of.
"No matter." Wen Chao tsks, turning away, "If you agree, we'll have someone make you look more presentable. Or as good as a mutt like you can get," His lip curls up. "Just don't take too long coming to a decision. That sister of yours is rather good-looking now. If you decide you want her, we’ll be just outside Paradise Manor later. And if not…we’ll find a use for her."
Wei Wuxian stares at the dirt, keeping his mouth shut as he clenches his fists so hard he’s surprised they aren't dripping with blood. He doesn't have a choice, no matter the decision there isn't a good outcome. He could take time to search, and hope he gets lucky…but he’ll probably be seeing Wen Chao again soon.
He’s suddenly kicked, hitting the ground and scrambling away as Wen Chao and his men laugh. He quickly gets to his feet before he turns away, cursing as he slowly heads into the side alley back to the main road of the ghost city.
The first house he passes by he doesn’t pay much attention to. It has gaudy decorations, and the lanterns hanging above lead through the rest of the street.
He’s barely a few paces past the front door however when another familiar voice calls out, “Wei Wuxian-!?”
The voice comes from a man with neatly coiffed hair, bright eyes, and golden yellow robes. His expression is tight as he looks down, the robes fanning out behind him as he walks down the steps.
Wei Wuxian's head shoots up, staring dumbfounded for a moment before he practically shouts in mixed amusement and confusion. “Peacock?”