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Chapter Text

He did not dare look back at the fires the burned the Cloudless Recess, instead he followed his Uncle's word running as fast as he could, his little brother held to his back, making sure that no Wen soldiers followed behind them as he sped into the forest. Lan Xichen tripped up a few times but never dropped Lan Wangji as he carried the injured 8 year old farther and farther away from their home. He couldn't stop the tears as he hadn't realized they were falling and that no hand could wipe away, all the while pushing forward.
Don't stop! Cannot Stop! Must Run! Must Get Away!
The moon shown bright casting dark shadows like wanting hands along the path as he made through the trees, never stopping even as his lungs burned and his chest heaved. He didn't see the small cliff until he was already tumbling down it trying his best not to hurt the small one on his back. Lan Wangji let out a small noise but he didn't wake up. Lan Xichen only took a second to check that he had not made his brothers leg injury any worse than it was before correcting his place on his back and continuing to run, but the fall had given pause enough for his adrenaline to finally begin to falter and his running turned into jogging, which turned into walking, which then became barely a snails pace.
How long had he been running for? It felt like days and only half an incense time all at once, almost as if time didn't exist in this nightmare. Oh how he wished this was all just a nightmare.
It was then, by a river, that he saw the Temple. It was large and beautify built with ivory walls that shined in the moonlight. He didn't pause to read the plaque but hobbled his way in and after crossing the threshold, collapsed upon the cold stone floor. Lan Wangji slightly tumbled off his back and now lay beside him in fetal position his eyes never opening, the sight only making Lan Xichen quietly cry to himself before lifting himself up slowly and gently dragging his brother to the place in front of the altar, it was only then that he noticed not one but two divine statues just beyond it. A man with a hardened face of icy waves and a woman whose smile was as free as a summer wind. Lan Xichen looked at them for a few seconds more before returning his gaze back to his brother. It was then that a terrible fear took hold of him. Lan Wangji's face was an unnatural pale more so than the boy had ever looked and sweat poured from his temple in large drops. Lan Xichen felt his little brothers head and blanched. He was hot, so very, very hot. The small boy had a terrible fever and most likely suffering in quiet pain from his broken leg. Lan Xichen let out an involuntary sob as he pressed his face into his brothers chest pulling the small form closer to him, cradling his little brother.
1st their mother two years ago then their father and home in one night, and possibly their uncle as well? Lan Xichen couldn't lose Lan Wangji too. He had lost too much, too many people, his little heart was breaking. And so with nothing else he could do, he prayed.
Please! He's my baby brother! Save him! Someone, Anyone! I'll do Anything!!! ANYTHING!!! Please...
He sat there his body shaking like a leaf in a harsh breeze holding tightly to Lan Wangji, hiccupping and gasping for breaths, slowly combing his brothers hair with his shaking fingers. He hadn't heard the footsteps till they were next to him.
He shot his head up fear taking hold, for a moment believing one of the Wen Clan had found them. Instead a man stood there, although his face was delicate and handsome his eyes were cold like an icy rain, his long white robes flowed around him like ocean waves and in his hand was a intricate fan, closed and held tightly in his firm grip. When he spoke his voice was like smooth like fine silk but sharp as a double edged sword.
“What is your name.” it was said as less of a question and more as a demand. Sensing the power in the mans presence alone, Lan Xichen carefully but quickly placed his brother to the ground before standing and giving a bow, fist to hand.
“My- my name is Lan Huan, courtesy name Lan Xichen.”
“Lan Xichen, when you said you would do anything for your brother, did you truly mean Anything.”
The boy froze, he distinctly didn't remember saying those words aloud, they had been said in his mind to the heavens above to any god that would listen. He raised his head slowly, looking up at the man in front of him his body quivering and yet his answer was slow and full of determination.
“Yes. I will do Anything.”
The man watched him silently for what felt like a long time, his eyes narrowed as if sizing him up, before finally speaking.
“How old are you?”
“11.”
“Lan Xichen do you know what I am?”
He looked at the man, a cold sweat making its way down his back he lowered his gaze as he answered.
“A... a god...”
“Mn.”
The man lifted his fan to his face opening it gracefully, the image of waves on it as it opened, and began to fan himself.
“Lan Xichen, I will show you and your brother a kindness this day, however that kindness comes at a price.”
“Name it.”
“It is apparent that you both had a path of cultivation set out before you, if so I will see to it that it continues, and with that I request that upon your aging of 17 you will become one of my junior officials, and reside in heaven to follow my every ask and order. Do I make myself clear.”
Lan Xichen watched his little brother, his breathing slow and hitched.
“Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes.”
With that the man snapped his fan closed with a flick of his wrist the noise echoing through the temple.
“Then I Shi Wudu Master of Water will save your brother.” The Man bent down and lifted Lan Wangji into one arm and after sliding his fan into his sleeve took Lan Xichen by the wrist and turned to leave, and as they stepped over the temple threshold the outside the world fell behind them...

2 months...

It was late and the moon light held a peace in it that gave the world a tranquility unmatched... and yet Jiang Yanli didn't feel it. She sat still in the small fishing boat her eyes down cast watching the two sleeping figures whose heads rested in her lap, neither knowing or seeing the tears that pooled at the corner of her eyes, her small frame shaking as she halfheartedly hummed to herself, not even noting when the boat stopped, having washed itself up onto a near by river bank.

Jiang Yanli, go, dont look back and keep them safe. You must go on.
She had seen the fires that took the Lotus Pier, engulfing a once beautiful place in a whirlwind of inky black smoke. At the time her, Jiang Cheng, and Wei Ying had been wrapped in their mother, Madame Yu's, whip Zidian which now had returned to its ring form which was now on her little brothers finger. She looked at the two sleeping 8 year-olds whose faces were tear stained and a fading from hours of crying. They had run their throats ragged calling out to Madame Yu and Jiang Fengmian even hours after they had long since lost sight of their old home. Oh how Jiang Yanli's heart ached for little Wei Ying, it had barely been a year ago when the small boy had been brought to Lotus Pier by Jiang Fengmian and he had only just gotten comfortable when the Wen Clan had arrived, claiming the Jiang Clan as Traitors with no rhyme or reason.

All that time they had been floating down the river Jiang Yanli had refused to cry, not IN front of her charge. Even after they passed out from exhaustion, even after Zidian had released them, even now she quietly held those tears back.
“Little miss?” Jiang Yanli didnt have the energy to be startled so she only slowly turned her gaze up to the man that had just bent down next to the boat, his white cultivator robes licked by the waters ebb and flow.
“Little miss are you alright?” He spoke in a voice that was soft and kind, his gaze even softer as a gentle smile played on his lips. His skin was unblemished and smooth like jade, his long hair partly pulled back in a bun and his features delicate and yet strong.
Jiang Yanli didn't speak for a good while her voice caught somewhere in the back of her throat. But when she did speak, it was a croak.
“Th... their... their gone....” The tears that she had held back began to pour like a waterfall as she began to heave, her little shoulders shaking and her breath catching causing her to gasp for air as if she were drowning. The man's soft eyes suddenly widened and he carefully took her hand in his own, his other gently placed on her shoulder.
“Its alright little one, your safe. Its going to be okay.” His words were gentle and soothing like a lullaby and Jiang Yanli broke. She threw herself into the mans arms and screamed into his shoulder, wailing, but even in her broken state she muffled her cries. Of course, she didn't want to wake the other two. The man seemed taken aback for a moment but then just as quickly he placed one hand on her head and the other to her back gently rubbing it and just as gently shushing her. They stayed like that for a little more than an incense time, before sleep overtook her.

Xie Lian looked down at the small girl in his arms, she was maybe only 10 years old and yet she cried in a way no child ever should, a cry of absolute suffering.... a familiar cry. A cry he once screamed, a cry of loss. He moved his gaze to the small boat where two small boys lay curled up fast asleep, just as disheveled as the girl in his arms. His heart dropped at the sight of these three small children, they looked like... well, they looked like hell. Making up his mind he carefully lifted the girl onto his back and reached into the boat lifting one boy in each arm. He adjusted them a little before turning away from the river and walking back to the road he had stepped off of when seeing the small child bent over in the boat.
“Your safe now.” He whispered as he carried them into the night. “I promise.”

It was in those months The Wen Clan of Qishan had taken it into their right to annihilate the Jiang Clan and the Lan Clan, putting a fear into the cultivation world, for a time after that Wen Ruohan sought out the heirs of both clans. Rumor spoke of a lone cultivator caring for three children but no one could find its source... as for the Twin Jades of Gusu.... they had vanished... like a shell in the tide....

Chapter Text

The street was packed as shoppers had made their way from stand to stand, store front to tea shop, coin swapped between the hands of buyer and shop keep as children scrambled between the adults some playing simple games while others looked at the shops selling sweets and small tokens. But It was the performance at the street corner that seemed to cause many a child and shopper to pause their daily commute and stand by to watch, and listen. A small 10 year old boy with his hair pulled back with a red ribbon was playing a dizi style flute as he bounded around the edge of the crowd with a playful steps sometimes getting up in other kids faces especially little girls who huffed and hid behind their mothers. As he played one could easily see a smile at the corners of his lips. Similarly another boy of similar age with a purple ribbon tying his hair back into a small bun steadily played a small drum which he did rhythmically to the same song, a song that two others danced and sang to. One was a 12 year old girl wearing a plain hemp dress, yet her hair was arranged in two small braided buns tied with an almost lilac colored ribbons while the rest of it flowed around her as she sang and danced a brilliant smile plastered on her snow white face. She spun around elegantly to the upbeat music the hem of her skirt spinning about her that made one think of a flowering blossom. The other was a young man in white cultivator robes whose movements were just as elegant if not more refined as he echoed the young girls words in his own soothing voice.

The crowed seemed enthralled by the performance, some even tossing a few coin into the small bowl sat next to the little drummer boy who nodded almost too seriously as he continued on with his own performance. With a few more notes and crescendo the two boys ended their tunes and the two dancers quickly took a bow. Quiet a few of the passers by clapped and cheered and a few more coins were tossed into the bowl.

“Thank you, thank you, your generosity is much appreciated.” Xie Lian smiled as he spoke, genuine in all its manner as he turned to retrieve his bamboo hat from where Jiang Cheng sat lifting up the small drum he'd been playing and taking up the red strap that allowed him to carry the instrument under is arm. Wei Ying ran up to Jiang Yanli who was thanking some of the people who had complemented her with small bows and a small smile that made her eyes into dainty crescents.

“Jie Jie! You were awesome! Jie Jie is the best singer and dancer in the whole wide world. No one can sing as pretty or dance as pretty as jie jie. And if they tried they still would never be as good.”

“Oh, you are so sweet A-Xian.” Jiang Yanli cooed patting Wei Ying's head.

Xie Lian watched as the three children huddled together to count the coins, a task that they had often took the initiative on if only to see what they could bug him into buying them. (of course most of the time it was simple things like sweets.) He let his thoughts wander as he tied the string of his bamboo hat to his chin.

It had taken the three small children that he pulled from that boat, almost 2 years ago now, weeks to tell him what had happened to their parents and their home, all of which they had told him in their own willingness and time (mostly Jiang Yanli as the two boys were often out of sorts, especially Wei Ying.) The tale they told caused old memories to linger in his heart, the palace of Xianle, his temples, all up in flames. However even if their fates were similarly played to his own past he didn't want to burden these small ones with his lifestyle and so Xie Lian had originally planned to find someone who knew the children and would willingly take them in, but two things had changed his mind.

The first was Wei Ying. The boy had barely spoken a word after he awoke and had glued himself to Jiang Yanli's side, but after only a week the child had suddenly attached himself to Xie Lian aswell, so much so that the boy would often grab the back of his robe as he walked so he would never leave the mans side. (The 1^st time he had done this Xie Lian had tried to softly tell him to stop but the boy only looked up at him with big soft wet eyes and an even bigger smile. He didn't know if he should've laughed or cried.) Xie Lian had learned from Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli that Wei Ying had been taken in by their father not long before after having lost his own parents at a young age. Of course now the child would have abandonment issues. Even if he was willing to be taken in by someone else it was very unlikely that the one who excepted the other two would also take him in leaving him broken at the loss of the other two, and Xie Lian wasn't willing to hurt the little one more than he already was.

The second reason was the Wen Clan. One incident back then summed up perfectly the danger of trusting the safety of those children to anyone that claimed to know them. Xie Lian had used what was left of his coin to buy the 3 children and himself food and board at a small inn and had put them down to bed before leaving to collect what ever scraps he could when a stranger had called out to him. The man had asked for the two Jiang children by name, saying he was a surviving Jiang Clan member and wanted to take the two off Xie Lian's hands as per the dying request of Jiang Fengmian. When that last name came out of the mans mouth Xie Lian knew something was very wrong. To make very clear he was not just making assumptions he posed an important question.

“And what about Wei Wuxian?”

“Who?”

That answer made the truth clear and without a moments hesitation Xie Lian ran, he quickly came to the inn and not even pausing rushed up the stairs and burst into the room. He had startled the children awake but the real scare was the surprised man who had just climbed into the window... he wore robes with the emblem of a burning red sun. Jiang Yanli screamed as Xie Lian sent out Ruoye, knocking the man back out the window before pulling the three children into his arms and fleeing into the night. After that night he hadn't dared look for anyone to take the children, cause frankly they were probably in more danger with anyone else and that was quiet damning given Xie Lian's terrible luck.

The the children giddily ran to him, Wei Ying holding up the small bowl shaking it above his head with excitement, causing the coins inside to jingle around, threatening to spill.

“Look! Look Xie Daozhang!! There's so much!! We made SO MUCH!!! We could buy 20 deserts- no 100 deserts with thi- ow.” He suddenly pulled back lifting his hand to his mouth. “I bib my pounge...”

Jiang Cheng let out a small chuckle and Jiang Yanli carefully took Wei Ying's face in her hands to check.

“A- Xian needs to talk slower and that won't happen.” she cooed after finding the damage very minimal. Xie Lian let out a sigh shaking his head as he took the coins and quickly counted them himself. He looked back over to the children with a soft and playful smile on his lips.

“Hmm. I don't know about 100. Maybe we should start with one and then find somewhere to eat and sleep tonight.” they all nodded and Xie Lian led them down the busy road. It wasn't long before they found a small stall that was selling bao with red bean filling and proceeded to order one for each of them. As he paid and began passing the bao to them a noise that Xie Lian had learned to be weary for suddenly could be heard just down the road. It was the sound of barking. The bun that had just been handed to Wei Ying suddenly fell to the ground as the small boy threw himself into Xie Lian desperately climbing up the man, his eyes wide in terror as a medium sized dog had began trotting down the road barking at anyone who would look at it. The happy little thing suddenly noticed the discarded sweet bao and pounced over ready to eat the treat.

“No! That's Wei Wuxian's!!!” Jiang Cheng snapped reaching out to pick up the bao before the dog could snatch it. The dog was a lot faster then the young boy had realized and knocked him backward and into Xie Lian who had already been off balance trying to corral the inconsolable Wei Ying who screamed in sheer terror. Xie Lian fell knocking down the stall behind him, both the owner and Jiang Yanli letting out a startled cry before rushing in. The dog however was very pleased with itself as it ate the sweet treat.

Xie Lian sat up quickly and began profusely apologizing as he used one hand to hold the screaming Wei Ying and the other to try and pick up the mess. The owner huffed and wheezed as he hurriedly tried to fix up his stall again,

“What the fuck! What THE FUCK! This is my lively hood! Whats wrong with that boy!? Its just a damned dog!!!” He spat heaving and hawing as he looked at all the fallen bao. “Who's going to pay for this? Who- GET AWAY FROM THOSE!!! DAMN DOG!” the dog, which had started to eat the other fallen bao, shrunk back hits head low and defensive.

“A Cheng are you ok?” Jiang Yanli asked lifting him from the ground. Jiang Cheng had a distraught look on his face as he watched Xie Lian trying and calmly talk down the stall owner apologizing again and again.

“If your really sorry you'll pay up! I lost a lot of money because of this! This is my lively hood! How am I going to afford my own living with men who cant even control a few brats making my life hell? HUH?”

“I'm sorry, I really am. This one is just absolutely terrified of dogs. Here, I don't have much but I can pay you what I can. I'll even take the bao that fell on the ground so you don't have to clean them up.”

“Then pay up! I've gotta business to run! Damned fool you are. Scared of dogs? Kid needs to get a backbone if he ever wants to be a man.”

“Leave him alone!” Jiang Cheng protested, but Jiang Yanli pulled him back, shaking her head as if to tell him to leave it be. Xie Lian handed over the bowl of coins before bending down to collect the bao that had not been eaten off of by the dog or stepped on in the commotion. Wei Ying whimpered in his arms shoving his face into the mans shoulder making the robe soaked in his tears. Once Xie Lian had finished picking up what he could he took the children and walked away. Guess I really did end up buying 100 deserts, he thought to himself as they left the small town. A small hand lifted a bao up to him and he looked down to see a frowning Jiang Cheng.

“Wei Wuxian can have it... since he didn't get to have his.” With that said, Wei Ying sniffled, looked over and shook his head with a new smile on his face.

“no, it's yours.”

Heaven....

The only time most Heavenly officials had heard music come from the Masters of Wind and Waters Palace for the longest time had been when one or the other had been holding some kind of banquet (Wind Master much more so then Water Master.) However now it had become a daily occurrence. Of course this was not the music of parties and banquets... no the music was very particular and purposeful, full of tranquil energy and designated intent. It played the same time everyday, starting just past noon, ending in the early afternoon. A young boy, no older than 10 sat legs beneath him upon the floor, a guqin placed out on a small desk in front of him which he played knowledgeably. Near by his older brother stood, playing his xiao flute to the same practiced tune. In front of them Shi Wudu stood arms crossed his fan resting in his hold as he watched the two boys, an unreadable look on his face. The room was lined with book shelves, all containing what remained of the Lan Clan Library, books mostly on Cultivation and the histories, methods, and rules of the Lan's. These books had been assembled from the remains of the Cloudless Reccess by the junior officials of the Water Master not long after he took in the young and weary twin jades 2 years ago as a means to continue their cultivation in as close to the methods of their ancestors as he could and if he found something missing here or there he would add in some of his own education. In Time the twin jades of Gusu had become the twin jades of wind and water.

The music came to an end and Lan Wangji placed his hands in his lap and looked up, his apathetic expression never once changing.

“Again.” was all Shi Wudu said before opening his fan and began cooling himself. The two boys in concordance to one another began to play again, the same tune as before. It wasn't even a moment later that an echoing of determined footfalls suddenly came to the studies door before it was flung open and cheerful young woman in white cultivator robes laced with pale greens flew into the room a smile on her lips as bright and free as a summer wind.

“Ge! Ge you must hear me out. Something very interesting happened today. You see Me and Ming-Xiong were out and about and-”

“Qingxuan.” Shi Wudu didn't yell but his words were sharp. “How many times have I told you to not interrupt these lessons, and to show in this form as well, do you have no shame?”

Shi Qingxuan stiffened and lowered her head letting out a small stuttering laugh.

“S-sorry Ge, it slipped my mind. Ha ha...” Her attention turned to the boys and her face returned to its optimistic aura as she pranced over. “Speaking of how are my didi's doing in their lessons? Hmm?” She stuck out and finger poking Lan Wangji's cheek, the boy's brow furrowed a bit and his shoulders tensed.

“We are doing are best Lady Wind Master.” Lan Xichen replied with a polite smile but just as quickly bowed his head when Shi Wudu shot him a look of warning. A warning that clearly said do not encourage him.

“Is that so A-Huan? From what I heard you two sounded amazing! My didi's are so talented! Maybe later we ca-”

“So you admit that you heard them practicing and still barged in here. Your behavior is deplorable at best.” Shi Wudu tsked shaking his head. “If you refuse to change back into your true form than the least you can do is not present it in-front of my students. Qingxuan let them finish their lessons, you are wasting their time.” Shi Qingxuan hand moved from Lan Wangji as if stung, and she quickly stood up. Her smile was gone again.

“Gege...”

“Hmph” was the only response the Water Master gave as he waved his hand for her to leave. Shi Qingxuan did as she was told having lost interest in what she had planned to tell her brother. Lan Wangji watched her go in scilence.

“Now, start again. From the beginning.”

…

Shi Qingxuan sat in the garden his eyes fixed on a flowering rose bush as he slowly traced the lip of his tea cup with his finger absentmindedly. He didn't notice the small boy walking up to him until he was already in front of him.

“Oh, why hello A-Zhan. Has my didi come to play?” Shi Qingxuan gave the boy warm smile turning his full body and attention to him. Lan Wangji only shook his head before sitting down. “Then is there something this didi would like to ask me?”

“...What happened.”

“...” Shi Qingxuan tilted his head to the side slightly, visibly confused.

“What happened while you and Lord Earth Master were out.”

“Oh? … OH!” He stood up and slapped the table causing the boy to flinch slightly but his straight lipped expression didn't falter. “your talking about that story I was going to tell ge. Well if you really want to know...” Shi Qingxuan then proceeded to recite the events that had transpired earlier that morning and Lan Wangji sat quietly watching him, unbeknownst to the Wind Master he was listening to every word.

When Lan Wangji had woken up in The Palace of Wind and Water he had been quiet and distant only answering to his brother... until Shi Qingxuan had come to visit him. He had been his goofy self lightly picking on the boy, which Shi Wudu had reprimanded him for saying things like 'its clear he doesn't enjoy your quips and teasing' and 'leave the boy alone he's been through enough without your foolishness.' But although Lan Wangji seemed aggrieved by the behavior it wasn't quiet so. Lan Xichen even saw that his brother had a nostalgic look in his light colored eyes as he endured Shi Qingxuan's playful teasing and banter. What only the two Lan brothers would know, cause how anyone else could have, was that Shi Qingxuan reminded Lan Wangji of the mother that he had waited outside that small cottage for. For that door to open for that sad yet cheerful woman who he only saw once every month, until she had ultimately left. She left in much the way people often do from this life. That same teasing sweetness and smile like a summer sun was something that Shi Qingxuan unknowingly reminded Lan Wangji of.

“... And you'd think he'd thought I'd had two heads how he was looking at me after that. To think all that could have been avoided if I'd just decided to go to that cheaper looking tea shop. Sigh.” Shi Qingxuan let out the sigh with all the dramatic pomp of a child, before turning to look at Lan Wangji with a grin. He looked back at him with his usual blank expression. The Wind Master quickly leaned over and pinched the boys cheek, lightly of course. “Now why did didi ask me to tell him my little story?” Lan Wangji's brow furrowed at the touch but he still sat poised and back straight. It took him a minute but he eventually answered.

“... Wind Master seemed like he wanted to tell the story. So I listened.” This answer made Shi Qingxuan smile wider as he pulled the 10 year old boy up from his seat and into his arms.

“OH! Don't I have the sweetest didi in the world! Just a sweet heart. Haha!” Lan Wangji stiffened, his face showing mild signs of discomfort but he didn't pull away. Shi Qingxuan gave him a squeeze before pulling away and smiling down at the boy. “A-Zhan, thank you.”

Earth...

By night fall the small group had made it to a dirt road where a small wall had been built near its edge, it may have once been a stone fencing around someones land but most of it was fallen into piles of rubble covered in moss and dirt, and if a house once stood somewhere beyond it was long since disappeared in the way time takes things. Wei Ying who had long since recovered from the incident in town cheerful skipped along right beside Jiang Cheng who was currently rubbing his eyes a small yawn escaping his mouth. Xie Lian noticed the tiredness in the two Jiang Siblings eyes and decided it was time to rest. He motioned for the three children to follow as he lead them around the wall to the side facing away from the road.

“Wait here a moment.” He said before searching the nearby rubble and fields for anything he could use to build a makeshift roof. As He searched a still very awake Wei Ying stood up.... then sat back down... then twiddled his thumbs... than scratched his head, then turned to the wall and began mentally counting all the stones that made it up. By the time he reached 25 he suddenly was overcome with the urge to climb the wall... and so he did. He climbed up to the top then stood on it carefully keeping balance as not to fall off. He Laughed out loud a proud laugh like he had accomplished a great feat.

“Look! Look at me!”

“A Xian!” Jiang Yanli shouted turning up to look at him a worried expression on her face.

“Your gonna fall, stupid.” Jiang Cheng quipped pouting up at the other boy.

Xie Lian looked back and quickly walked over. “A Ying, get down please. I don't want you to get hurt.” The boy only clapped a bit before preparing and then...

“Baba catch me!!!!” Wei Ying said jumping off the wall and into Xie Lian's arms. The boy laughed as he looked up but cut it short when he did. Xie Lian's expression was that of shock. He looked back at Jaing Yanli and Jiang Cheng both with that same shocked expression. And then he realized what he had said. His face suddenly drooped as he slowly turned his attention back Xie Lian. “I.. im sorry.” his voice was quiet and his body shrunk into itself. “It was an accident. I didn't-” He was stopped by a warm and soft embrace. A soft hand pressed to the back of his head and held him their.

In the past 800 years Xie Lian had never been called such a name, and he never thought he would, his cultivation prohibiting fleshly desire which in turn meant he would never sire a son or daughter of his own and he had been fine with that. Even when he had taken care of children in the past he still only thought of it as like having a little sibling in need of his help. And yet in that moment he wasn't ashamed by Wei Ying's actions and words... Instead it filled a warmth in him he never knew he could want.

“A Ying. My Xiao Xiong, never apologies for saying how you feel.” Xie Lian spoke these words slow and meaning full with his lips pressed to the top of Wei Ying's head. The boy began to shake as he smiled and cried all at the same pressing himself into the mans embrace. Jiang Yanli starred at the scene in front of her in a blank state of awe and confusion and yet... watching it had lifted a weight off her shoulders that she had yet to pull away from. A weight she had carried believing she was solely responsible for those two boys, that she had to be the person her mother wasn't. And so she stepped forward, slowly approaching them. Xie Lian looked up at her.

“Baba.” She said with a soft smile. Xie Lian matched it in kind and so she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face into him. It was Jiang Cheng's turn to watch and his face twisted a bit. His heart was racing and hurting. Xie Lian... he wasn't their dad, he knew that. He wasn't stupid. But he also knew Xie Lian had been kind to them, taking them under his care for the past 2 years and given them every thing he had and more... The image of his own mother and father passed through his mind, their cold and distant looks.

“A Cheng.” Jiang Cheng looked up... and what he saw made his eyes begin to redden with tears. It was a small simple thing, a simple gesture... and yet it was one that had never been given to him by an adult before.... an open outstretched arm beckoning him. “A Cheng. You'll be ok. I promise.” Xie Lian spoke the words his tone sweet as a fragrant flower and gentle as its petals.

“BABA!” The boy yelled throwing himself into the mans arm and burying his face there in his chest, crying as he did. For all the love Jiang Fengmian and Madame Yu had had for their son it had lacked the affection he needed and so desperately desired, and yet it was this man that didn't owe him any kind of love and kindness that gave it to him unrequited. And so Xie Lian held those three there in his arms for a long time after with the unspoken promise to never let go...

Chapter Text

Ling Wen sat at her desk in the main hall of her palace as junior officials, who looked much more like that of walking corpses, moved throughout the towers of scrolls and papers that lined the large expanse ahead of her. Dark circles seemed to be fixed under her eyes as she looked through some of her documents. Nearby Pei Ming had stood leaning slightly on the desk.

“What do you say After this we go get a drink, you look so dead one might think you were a ghost.” he teased with a deep laugh. He noticed a few female junior officials taking peeks at him from their work so he gave them a small wink which caused them to quickly return to their work to conceal their embarrassed smiles and reddening faces. Ling Wen gave Pei Ming a glare, which looked frankly pathetic in her tired state before answering him.

“Ole Pei, 'after this' probably won't be for another several hours. If you think it's hard, why don't you give me a hand.”

“Are you sure you'd even want that Noble Jie, I don't think I'm quite cut for the scholarly affairs.”

Ling Wen shook her head about to give him a snide remark when a new set of footsteps caught her attention. Specifically because she barely heard them and even then they were nothing like the hammering footfalls of her junior officials or any other official for that matter. But that didn't mean they weren't a well recognized sound.

“Lan Wangji.”

“Ling Wen Zhen-jun” The boy bowed slightly once he stood in-front of the desk, before placing some scrolls he had borrowed down. He was about 14 years old with a white band around his forehead with symbols of clouds in its design and his face was quiet handsome as if carved from ice and smoothed by a winter snow, almost giving the boy an inhuman glow, and yet just like a statue his face bore no trace of emotion not even in his light golden hued eyes.

“Ah, if it isn't the smaller jade, how pleasant.” Pei Ming spoke, hard to hide the slight condescension in his tone. (It wasn't that the General disliked the kid, but for such a handsome young man to be almost completely dull was quite boring and he ran into the kid so often at The Wind and Water Masters Palace that it just automatically ruined his mood. It made it worse that Shi Wudu quite enjoyed the kids' clear demeanor. At the end of the day he much preferred Lan Xichen's soft and respectable conduct. Speaking of ...) “Where might the other jade be, hmm?”

“He is assisting Lord Water Master.”

“Ah. I forget he is a Junior official now, and such a high cultivation at that, its no wonder Shui Shi-Xiong would take him along.”

“...” The General didn't notice that slight balling of fists and slanting of eyes the boy made, signifying to those who knew Lan Wangji best, that he was irritated.

Yes it hadn't been very long since Lan Xichen had taken on the role of Junior Official to the one and only Water Master (or Water Tyrant, as he had often heard some heavenly officials whisper among each other) and it had been only that long ago that he learned about the deal his brother had made to Shi Wudu just over 5 years prior.

Wangji, It's not that I never planned to tell you, It's just... You're all the family I have and.... and One day you too will understand the desire to give up something in the name of someone you care for. Please don't think less of me for choosing this.

Never, never could he hate his brother. This was not for the sake of principle or conduct or creed, he just very dearly cared for his brother... and yet every time Lan Xichen's predicament was brought up Lan Wangji felt... lost...

“General Pei, I believe you've worn out your stay, I'm quite busy and need to finish-” Ling Wen had stood to escort the Martial god from her palace when she stopped. Her eyes seemed fixed on nothing and yet something very specific. Suddenly the Palace began to shake... violently.

“What the hell?!” Pei Ming put his weight into the desk to hold himself steady, the tremors too strong even for him. In the distance a bell sounded wildly and harshly. Scrolls and papers began toppling all around them, sending some of the junior officials into a panic as they scrambled away, escaping being buried in the crashing pillars. Others cried knowing full well how long it would take to reorganize it all. Lan Wangji stumbled a bit before kneeling to the floor, papers flowing down around him like blossoms torn from a peach tree in a hellish storm.

“It... It can't be.” Ling Wen mumbled rushing to the door just as the bell tolled once more before an echoing snap filled the heavenly capital followed by a sharp cracking noise then two very distinct crashing sounds. Lan Wangji in all his time in the heavens had never experienced such a Heaven shaking event. Sure he understood that the heavens and earth would tremble as gods ascended but this was so much more devastating then what he had believed. Pei Ming's face became one of confusion then of realization. Before the general could state his assumption of what god had arrived in heaven someone just outside the Palace of Ling Wen said it Loud and Clear.

“Its HIM. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Xianle!!! he....he....he.... HE FUCKING ASCENDED AGAIN!!!”

….

4 days. It had been 4 days since he ascended and Xie Lian began to get worried. Not only did he have a debt of over 8 million merits that he had yet to figure out how to pay, he hadn't been able to leave the heavenly capital at all and his 3 kids were left at that town. Although he wanted to think highly of them he knew them too well. His A-Yanli would try her best to keep the two 13 year old's from getting into too much trouble but one (recently turned 16) girl could only do so much Especially with one of those two boys being Wei Wuxian. He was a menace to most, getting into all kinds of mischief both intentional and unintentional. Sure he would stop when Xie Lian or Jiang Yanli had asked him to but the kid was easily distracted as if a million thoughts ran through his head chasing each previous idea from his mind. And Jiang Cheng? Well Jiang Cheng would either join in on Wei Wuxian's fervent escapades or beat the hell out of him for even thinking of such a stupid idea. The mere thought of those two decking it out with only Jiang Yanli to try and stop them, well... Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

“Dianxia.” Xie Lian paused then quickly entered the communications array.

“Yes Ling Wen?”

“Please come to my palace as soon as you can.”

She had called and left as quickly as a breeze. Not taking time to dawdle, he made his way to the palace of Ling Wen.

After entering the Palace Ling Wen got straight to the point. “Dianxia, the Heavenly Emperor has a request for you. Will you give him some assistance?”

Of all the gods in heaven only one garnered the title of emperor, and he was not one whose requests were to be ignored.

“What is it?” Xie Lian asked, a little taken aback.

“Recently, there have been a large number of frequent prayers coming from the north. All is not at peace I suppose.” As she spoke she handed him a scroll. “Currently the Emperor cannot attend to the north. If you are willing to make the trip on his behalf, then in the future regardless of the amount of offerings made, everything will be counted under your altar. What do you think?”

Xie saw that this was clearly Jun Wu helping him, even if it did sound like he was just asking him for help. He could not put into words what he really wanted to say so all he could say was “Thank you.” as he took the scroll in both hands.

“I am simply responsible for getting things done. If you wish to say thanks, wait for the Heavenly Emperor to return and go thank him yourself. Now then, do you need me to lend you any spiritual devices?”

“No. They'd be useless as the moment I go down I won't have any spiritual power enough to use it.”

“Then it is probably best to call on the help of a few martial officials to lend you a hand.”

“That won't be necessary either. I already have some people who can help, besides none of the officials will agree to it anyway.”

Ling Wen looked at him with quirked brow. “Dianxia, what help do you speak of?”

It was only then that Xie Lian realized he had yet to have said anything about his children... but then again no one had asked.

“Oh, well. Uhm you see.... I have... huh...”

After a moment of pause Ling Wen spoke. “Either way I will still give it a try.”

And with that she entered the communications array.

As Xie Lian expected it didn't go in their favor. (Especially with Mu Qing so quick to see through Ling Wen's half truths.) And so with quick words of parting Xie Lian descended, not first to the north but instead to where he had left three teenagers alone unsupervised for far too long.... but first he just had to get caught on a cloud didn't he.

….

Wei Wuxian splashed around the pond's shoreline, reaching out ahead of himself as the large bullfrog attempted to escape his clutches. He had rolled up his pant leg and discarded his boots further up the dry shore, originally planning to cool off but had caught sight of the large greenish gray amphibian and immediately began to pursue it. Jiang Cheng watched him silently before returning to his own pass time of practicing with Zidian by making pinpointed strikes to rocks along the ground, the smaller the better. Jiang Yanli hummed to herself as she washed a few excess robes and blankets they often carried around in their travels. Although the scene was odd yet tranquil it would soon be broken. Just as Wei Wuxian lifted the bullfrog high above his head in a toothy grinned victory, the sound of something crashing through trees and impacting the ground with a loud thump had caught all of their attention. It took a minute before the all recognized a very strained yet awfully soft familiar “Ow.”

“BABA!” All three yelled with a start, Wei Wuxian chucking the hapless bullfrog away as he booked it out of the shallows and following the other two into the treeline. There Xie Lian was pulling himself up and out of a human shaped hole in the ground, twigs and leaves and dirt clinging to his hair as he began dusting himself off. He was practically covered in small scrapes and bruises most of which had been from the tree branches he had broken through on his unrefined descent back to the mortal realm. He suddenly felt two soft delicate hands grabbing his own and looked up to see Jiang Yanli giving him a panicked once over as the two boys came up behind her trying to peek around at him.

“A-Li, I'm alright, see,” He moved his arms in large sweeping motions “Nothing I can't handle.” This seemed to give her some peace of mind but she still began to sift through her sleeves to see if she had any bandages. (Something she had gotten in the habit of carrying with her at all times.)

“Where did you fall from?” Jiang Cheng asked, squinting as he peered up into the human sized hole in the canopy as Wei Wuxian bent down and poked at the imprint Xie Lian had made in the ground.

“... Heaven...”

Telling the children about his godhood had been a hard topic to breach, harder to admit he was a banished god at that. But of course Wei Wuxian had been the first to ask about his shackles and at first Xie Lian had brushed it off as nothing, just something he had chosen to do long ago.... but that boy was so stubborn. It wasn't long after he started teaching his two sons cultivation that he had sat all three children down and told them the tale of The Crowned Prince Who Pleased the Gods. He told them of the prince who showed in beauty and grace and the boy he saved having fallen from the walls surrounding the kingdoms avenue of divine might, the ghost he fought off fire and blood and how he ascended in his sleep at the age of 17. When he had finished the tale Jiang Yanli was the first to ask if he had been the prince in that tale, and he didn't deny it. He of course didn't tell them everything, but just enough to explain his current predicament. The Fall of Xianle, his first banishment, vaguely spoke of his second banishment, and an obscure idea of what he had been up to for the past 800 years... however he did in fact at least mention... Bai Wuxiang. All three children understood very clearly that whoever that ghost was, he was dangerous and that they collectively would never bring him up, for their fathers sake.

“Heaven??? Wait I thought you were banished???” Jiang Cheng's eyes looked like saucers his surprise very clear to see only returning to somewhat normal as he watched his sister begin carefully bandaging up Xie Lian's arms and coaxing Ruoye into covering anything she couldn't get to. (Ruoye of course enthusiastically did so, making sure to leave little pats like small kisses on Jiang Yanli's hands.)

“Well, it seems I've ascended again,” Xie Lian spoke but let out a small sigh before continuing. “But it also seems that I've caused quite the trouble, that's why it took me so long to get back. I may have, ahem , incurred a size-able debt due to my not so delicate re-ascension.”

 Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian gave each-other a knowing look. A look that clearly said That sounds about right . Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

After Jiang Yanli was finished bandaging him up he reached into his sleeve and pulled the scroll Ling Wen had given him.

“To make up the debt, I’ve been given an assignment by the Heavenly Emperor Jun Wu, I was hoping you boys might be-”

“YES!!!” Xie Lian was taken aback but his face quickly fell into a smile as his two boys looked up at him with expectant gaze’s. 

“If there is anything I can do to help, baba, I will gladly do so.” Jiang Yanli bowed her head and smiled a sweet delicate smile that made Xie Lian’s heart melt. He wrapped her up in a little hug.

“Oh, my Xiao Hua is such a sweetheart,” Jiang Yanli giggled as she hugged her father back. 

And so, the four of them gathered their things and began to make their way to Mt. Yu Jun. 

Chapter Text

A small tea-shop sat beside a major street and although it wasn't grand it made up for it in the beautiful scenery surrounding it. There were mountains and rivers, a city and some people walking about. Not too many of any of these things, but just enough to give the place a fondness that one might find it homely. The tea master of this particular establishment sat upon a stool just outside its entrance quiet jolly as he watched the tranquil scenery around him, as he always did when he lacked in customers. Today, however, his attention was caught by figures coming down the road. Leading the group was a young cultivator dressed in white robes with a bamboo hat adorning his head, and although he looked worn from travel a cheerful smile sat upon his lips. Behind him two boys in worn out tan robes bickered with each-other, one wearing a loose ponytail held by a red ribbon, the other his hair tightly pulled back in a bun by a deep purple ribbon. The girl behind them in a coarse hemp dress and hair partly pulled into two braided buns while the rest flowed down her back, quietly spoke to them, seeming to be the one keeping the two in check.

As the group past the tea shop the cultivator stopped, took a few steps back and looked up at the sign. His smile seemed to grow ever so slightly as he spoke. “Little Shop of Chance Encounters, what an interesting name.” The tea master couldn't help but smile himself as the man had such a cheery air about him. The man looked to the tea master. “Excuse me, is Mount Yujun Nearby?” The three teens that had been following the man had stopped and were waiting patiently behind him. (Well except the boy with the red ribbon, he was kicking at the dirt on the ground as if trying to use the tip of his boot to dig a hole into the very earth.)

“yes, its near by.” The tea master waved his hand in the general direction of the mountain. The cultivator gave a content sigh before leading the trio behind him inside. Taking a seat he then ordered 4 teas and some snacks quickly checking his money pouch to make sure he could cover it all.

It had taken Xie Lian three days to get Mount Yujun and he as well as his three children were quiet exhausted. Wei Wuxian had bugged him countless times on ways they could have gotten here faster with his baba's new god powers only for Jiang Cheng to smack him upside the back of the head and tell him that wasn't how it all worked. Of course he made it clear to them that he still couldn't use all is spiritual power, and they had (all three) already collectively agreed not to ask and yet during their journey Xie Lian had felt their eyes occasionally glance over his neck.

Once settled the small family had only just started in on some small chatter when their attention was caught by a sound of gongs and weeping. Outside it looked to be a marriage procession but it lacked all the light and cheerfulness of a soon to be wed bride. Instead all the faces surrounding it were of anger, fear, terror and woe. The tea master shook his head as he poured 4 cups of tea out of his copper teapot before walking away. Xie Lian watched as the odd scene disappeared down the road, and uncomfortable in the silence the three siblings began picking up their conversation. Wei Wuxian had started an argument with Jiang Cheng on whether lotus seed pods tasted better with the stem still intact, but the later insisted the taste was the same with or without it.

Xie Lian shook his head at the two boys before beginning to pull the scroll Ling Wen had given him out of his sleeve... That's when something caught his attention as it flew just passed his eyes. It was a graceful silver butterfly whose wings shimmered in the light, beautiful and serene like a delicate dream that would shatter at the slightest contact. And yet Xie Lian couldn't help but reach out to touch it. Instead of flying off in a self saving instinctual manner that most insects would it gracefully landed on the tip of his finger. He watched it for a moment and another pair of eyes seemed to see it too. He looked up at Jiang Yanli across from him whose eyes watched the creature with a wide eyed awe.

Suddenly the butterfly flitted its wings and took off up and out the window as gracefully as it had arrived. Xie Lian couldn't help but wave goodbye as it left.

“Baba, what was-”

“BABA?!!!”

Xie Lian snapped his head around to see two young men, 18 or 19 at most, standing at the end of the table looking at him in complete bewilderment. Wei Wuxian spun around with a yelp having not heard the twos arrival and completely fell out of his seat crashing to the floor beside Xie Lian's feet. As he bent to help the boy up Jiang Cheng stared at the two men with a complicated expression on his face, his sister preoccupied with double checking on her A-Xian and occasionally taking glances out the window. Xie Lian, after having sat a disturbed Wei Wuxian back in his seat coughed into his before looking up at the two young men and asked, “And, you two are?” after a moment of baffled silence the one on the right, a man with an fair, elegant, and poised demeanor but eyes like icy shards spoke first.

“Fu Yao.”

The one on the left, who was taller then the prior with handsome features and deep brows sat silent a bit longer his face seeming to grow paler by the second before mumbling. “n-Nan Feng.”

I wasn't really asking for your names... Xie Lian thought to himself when suddenly a voice called out to him from the communication array.

“Dianxia, two junior martial officials from the middle court have volunteered to assist you. They have already descended and should be their by now.” Xie Lian looked over at the two who seemed to be shooting daggers back at him.

“Ling Wen, are you sure their here to help me? They more so look like their here for my good for nothing head. You didn't trick them, right?.... Ling Wen?” It was at this point he realized nothing of what he had just said had been sent. His spiritual powers had finally depleted since his return to the mortal realm.

“So, Fu Yao, Nan Feng, may I thank you both for volunteering to come help.”
“Help???” Jiang Cheng finally spoke snapping his head back to look at Xie Lian with a raised brow his barely adolescent face making the visual more silly then a look of actual concern. He only smiled at the boy before continuing.

“And might I ask which Highness's you two are from?”

“The palace of Xuan Zhen,” replied Fu Yao with a huff of attitude.

“The palace... The palace of Nan Yang...” replied Nan Feng still shooting glances at the three teens around the table with furrowed brow.

“Did your generals tell you to come?”

“My general doesn't know I'm here.” they both said in union. (Save Nan Feng, who was still giving a bit of a stutter as he spoke.) Xie Lian looked at his kids then back at the two juniors.

“Then... do you know who I am?”

“ Your Dianxia.” Nan Feng spoke, his composure finally regained and yet he seemed to refuse to make eye contact with any of the three children.

“Justice of the mortal realm, center of the world.” Fu Yao spoke his voice full of spiteful sarcasm. Xie Lian choked, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian shot to their feet with a loud “HAY!” before Jiang Yanli quickly reached over the table and gently took them by their shoulders coaxing them to sit back down.

“Did... did he just roll his eyes?”

“Yes,” Nan Feng answered. “Tell him to beat it.”

Of course the two “junior officials” seemed to hold the same grudges as their generals. (Even if Xie Lian already knew the very obvious truth.)

“Ling Wen-zhenjun said all volunteers are welcome, so what grounds do you have to tell me to scram.” Fu Yao sneered.

“How about you both leave.” Wei Wuxian mumbled into his cup a mischievous smile on his lips as if he had just told himself a small joke. Jiang Cheng kicked him from under the table causing the prior to spit his tea out a bit and send him a pointed glare.

“OK, hold on, who are the kids. And why the hell are they with you and calling you... baba.” It was Nan Feng who spoke, obvious to Xie Lian that the “Junior” had “acquired” some of his generals foul language.

“Oh, uh, right.” He looked to the three and nodded a sign of approval and the three stood up from their seats. The two boys put hand to fist and gave a short bow.

“Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian.”

“Jiang Cheng, courtesy name Jiang Wanyin.”

“Jiang Yanli, a pleasure to meet you.” The oldest of the three bowed slightly hands folded and much more grace in her form.

“These are my children, I adopted them several years ago.” Xie Lian slightly waved his hand towards them a soft smile on his face. He easily caught Nan Feng letting out a small yet relived sigh and Fu Yao rolling his eyes. Then Nan Feng suddenly spoke.

“And they know about... who you are?”

“Ya, baba told us he used to be a crown Prince and a god and how he's reeeeeaaalllyyy old.” Wei Wuxian teased. “But I guess he isn't a used to be god now is he?”

“A- Ying.” Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry. Jiang Cheng however elbowed his brother in the gut. The Scrap god then turned his attention back to the two young men in front of him. “Since I'm teaching these two cultivation they will be joining us on our mission, however if I decide the situation too dire they know when to retreat-”

“Neither of them have a sword.” Fu Yao stated bluntly.

“ahem. While that is true, mostly due to me not being able to afford them, they both even at such a young age are quiet strong in spiritual power and A-Cheng has Zidian.” At the mention of the ring, Jiang Cheng rubbed it mindlessly his brow twitching momentarily at a distant memory.

“Hmph, what about the girl then?”

“My jiejie has a name, remember.” Wei Wuxian spat, sending daggers with his eyes at Fu Yao who only rolled his own.

“It's alright, I can take care of myself.” Was all Jiang Yanli said, her soft kindhearted smile never once leaving her face.

Why do I sincerely doubt but also have genuine concern from that statement? The two “junior officials” thought simultaneously. To them, even if she wasn't Xie Lian's blood related daughter something about the two felt very similar in a somewhat uncanny way.

“In any case, back to the mission at hand, I'm sure you both know the reason for us being in the north-”
“Nope.” Both Young men spoke concurrently to one another. Xie Lian starred in disbelief for a moment.

“You two suck at your job.” It was Jiang Cheng who spoke up this time, except he didn't mumble it to himself, and Wei Wuxian started busting out a howl of laughter.

“Why you little-” Fu Yao had veins bulging at his head and knuckles but Xie Lian quickly swept his sleeve pulling out the scroll.

“ANYWAY! I'll just start from the top.”

And so he repeated the tale of the past so many years, of how almost every bridal procession that travel Mount Yujun had their bride taken and procession itself dead. The story made Jiang Yanli's skin crawl when she had heard it the first time and so she quietly shut it out, starring out the window again. She looked over Mountain and River and city and a yet the simplest question rang out in her mind. I wonder where that butterfly flew off to...

…

The Small local Nan Yang Temple stood a fiery red along the roadside, yet even at its size it was lively. A constant flow of people were coming in and out, which made it very simple for six people to slip inside and make their way to shadowed corner. Wei Wuxian had originally thought they were going to sleep under the stars as him and his little family had done often over the past several years but the two dunce's (as he had decided to call them) seemed insistent about them finding one of their generals temples and resting there for the night. Either way we're still sleeping on the ground so why not just do so outside. When they entered Wei Wuxian peered up at the clay divine statue that sat inside the small temple. It was decked in armor with a bow in hand, and yet it wasn't a very good looking statue at that. Fu Yao seemed to think even worse of it then him however cause for the next two hours the young man went fully vocalized assault of how bad it was. Wei Wuxian had snickered a couple of times but it quickly became boring to listen to and he had zoned out picking at robes or his nails or bugging Jiang Cheng and or Jiang Yanli to play some game with him to pass the time. At one point he even walked up behind Xie Lian and began braiding little bits of his hair, something that his baba had said he could do if he wanted something to do with his hands. (He also would do this with Jiang Yanli if the other was busy.)

As he braided another strand he noticed his baba looking between the two junior officials, clearly worried about something when a young woman entered the Temple. This seemed to be good because Xie Lian then waved a hand to her general direction and spoke. “Speaking of, Nan Yang-zhenjun is Martial god of the south east and yet he has such good following in the north.” Fu Yao had stopped his tangent only to have a wicked smile play across his lips as he looked over at Nan Feng who had apparently been getting pretty pissed.

“Yes, Yes, he is deeply 'loved'” As Fu Yao said these words Wei Wuxian had been starring at the girl when he realized something he had mindlessly noticed over the past couple hours.

“Wait. Why are their so many woman coming in here? I thought you said your General was a Martial god.” He dropped the finished braid in his hand and looked at Nan Feng as he spoke, who expression was like his veins were about to burst from his skull. This also seemed to egg Fu Yao on, however just as He was just opening his mouth to speak, the girl that had come in had turned in their general direction to collect some incense from the altar, not noticing the 6 (attempting to stay unnoticed) people hidden in the shadow of the divine statue, her face now in full view. “Too Ugly.” Were the words that fell out of his mouth instead of whatever he originally planned to say.

“hay.” Jiang Yanli snapped a displeased look at Fu Yao who only rolled his eyes in response. While Wei Wuxian was 5 seconds away from knocking the man on his ass for being rude to his jiejie he couldn't help but mentally agree that the girl was... well... not very pretty. She had a flat face and a crooked nose as if someone had leveled her face with a blunt object. All he could do was scrunch his face and glare at the arrogant jerk. This however didn't stop Jiang Cheng from lightly kicking the mans leg. Fu Yao spun and shot daggers with his eyes at the boy who looked at him as if nothing happened.

“Fu Yao you can't talk about girls like that.” Xie Lian started but then cut himself short having noticed something. Wei Wuxian followed his eyes and immediately saw... well almost saw cause a soft hand had suddenly covered his eyes.( It seemed his Jiang Yanli was covering both her brothers eyes from the sight before them.) There had been a large tear in the back of the girls skirt, only noticeable when she turned back to the altar. It was evident even in the small amount of time he had seen it that it had been done with a knife. It was about then that the girl had begun to pray

“May General Nan Yang give his blessing. This believer Xiao Ying prays that the ghost groom will be captured soon and no more innocent lives be lost.” Based on her voice Wei Wuxian could tell she was truly sincere in her words as she spoke them.

“Baba... We can't let her leave like that...” Jiang Yanli moved to help but remembered her hands were preoccupied blinding two teenage boys so she could only mope as she looked to her father for any ideas. Xie Lian smiled and nodded to her before he took off his outer robe and gently tossed it out from their hiding place. It seemed to float in the air for a time before gracefully landing on the girls shoulders. She jolted a moment and took a look around. Having not noticed anyone she took off the robe and placed it on the altar. Xie Lian then stepped out from their hiding place to try at giving her the robe again. The girl seemed to have sensed something and turned only in her eyes to see a half bare man leaning down towards her. Before he could speak the girl let out a scream and slapped him.

“BABA!” Jiang Yanli shot out from behind the statue dropping her hands from her two brothers eyes causing them to temporarily be in a daze as their vision re-adjusted to the candle light within the temple. The other girl Xiao Ying as she had said her name was, face went taught as this new girl ran to the mans side. Xie Lian grabbed the robe from the altar and pressed it into the girls arms and whispered something to her causing her face to change multiple shades before leaping to her feet and making a mad dash out of the temple, leaving its only occupants to be those 6. By this point Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian had both also made it to their fathers side watching as their sister looked over his face.

“It's alright, everything's resolved.” Xie Lian spoke carefully taking Jiang Yanli's hands in his own and giving her a small smile. At first she seemed relieved until her eyes drifted down and suddenly she was upset again.

“Baba, aren't you cold now?” He followed her line of sight to his mostly smooth bare chest save the bandages that ran from his neck down his chest and over his arms.

“I'll be fine.” Was all he said before taking the ones off his neck deciding that the injuries there had healed enough. As he finished he noticed the two junior officials, who had finally left the shadow of the statue were looking at him with odd expressions. It was Fu Yao who spoke first.

“who was it?”

“Hmm?”

“The one that attacked you.” Xie Lian cocked his head to the side before answering.

“I wasn't.”

“Then where did those injuries come from?” It was Nan Feng who spoke this time, seeming hesitant as he did.

“He fell.” Wei Wuxian answered in a matter of fact tone that was accompanied by a goofy smile having remembering that massive human shaped hole in the ground his father had left in his collision with the ground. Xie Lian just nodded before removing the last of the bandages around his neck. Just as Fu Yao was mumbling something unpleasant, both him and Nan Feng's eyes suddenly noticed the black collar encircling his snow white neck. Noticing their hardening stares Jiang Cheng stepped between them and Xie Lian his own hardening glare snapping back at them before going “Is there a problem.” Nan Feng looked away but Fu Yao just shot the boy a glare of his own.

“A-Cheng its alright.” Xie Lian tugged at his sons sleeve, gently pulling him back to where he had previously stood “This is probably their first time seeing a cursed shackle... gods don't get banished that often....” his pale fingers mindlessly brushed his neck before he seemed to shake off his thought and patted Jiang Cheng's head, then turned as if to leave the temple. He was planning to go find some new robes and to step away from the uncomfortable air that had been created.

“You Really going out into the street so indecent.” Fu Yao's words gave Xie Lian pause before suddenly Nan Feng tossed him a temple attendants robe he had collected from somewhere in the back of the temple. He slipped on the robe and now, having no reason to leave, settled down with his 3 kids and the two junior officials. The room still felt generally awkward so he pulled out the scroll.

“Would either of you like to take another look at this.”

Nan Feng gave him a look then answered. “I've looked through it already, I think he's the one who needs to take a better look.” Fu Yao fumed.

“What do you mean I'M the one who needs to take a better look at it?! That scroll is so lacking in detail its practically worthless, yet you think I need to give it another look.” Xie Lian sighed, his attempt at saving the awkward silence turned into a completely different kind of awkward situation.

“Do you two always act like this?” Wei Wuxian asked shaking his head at the two supposedly grown men. Fu Yao looked over at the boy and it was like a sudden light came on and a wicked smile returned to his face.

“Oh, ya. Weren't you asking why there were so many women worshiping in a shrine dedicated to a martial god earlier?” Wei Wuxian blinked for a moment before nodding.

Xie Lian suddenly put his head in his hand. “Fu Yao... please don't.”

“It's quite a interesting little thing isn't it.” The man sneered.

“Don't. You. Fucking. dare.” Nan Feng enunciated each of those words through gritted teeth and popping veins.

“Not so very long ago, this little temples god didn't go by Nan Yang. He Instead went by Ju Yang, Perfect Sun. But as luck would have it a certain king used a different set of characters for the name on the temple plaques.”

“YOU-”

“Instead of Perfect Sun, Its meaning came out to Tremendous Masculinity.”

Jiang Yanli's eyes went wide, her face turning a ghastly pale before quickly turning a rosy pink and hiding behind her hands in embarrassment. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian on the other hand, being immature teenage boys began to howl with laughter.

“FU YAO!” Xie Lian called out in exasperation as he began to try to coax his little girl out of her shame. Fu Yao himself only laughed before he began to recite a poem with a coy tone.

“Friend of women

A Trusty companion;

Ask for a son

Most powerful is he,

The secret Formula

to bolster masculinity,

a son in your prayers

Nan Yang delivers.”

By this point both boys were rolling on the ground in a fit of laughter, and that rosy pink on the young girls ears had turned a bright red. Nan Feng on the other hand had had enough.

“You think your real funny don't you. Well since your so bored how about you go sweep the floors, hmmmm.”

Fu Yao, who had been laughing along with the two adolescent boys suddenly stopped and his face became a dark expression. His eyes suddenly threw a look at Xie Lian who waved his hands in front of him, appearing innocent. Jiang Cheng taking deep breaths between laughing fits had began to notice the tension rising and quickly sent Wei Wuxian a quick shove.

“Ha- ow! What was that for?” Jiang Cheng shushed him just as Fu Yao spoke.

“Listening to you, those who wouldn't know any better might think that your palace of Nan Yang sides with palace of the crown prince and wishes to right all injustices against him.” The words were full of sarcasm and venom.

Nan Feng was quick to rebuke, “Your general being the ungrateful one, biting the hand that feeds him. What more could I possibly say.”

Xie Lian looked as if he was about to intervene when Fu Yao let out and 'Ah' before speaking those words like a catalyst of doom. “The kettle is calling the pot black, in what world so you have to point fingers.”

And with that the two went to blows. Snapping into action Xie Lian grabbed his three kids and pulled them aside, away from the fighting.

“What was that all about?” Wei Wuxian asked watching the two men as the tumbled about.

“Their generals..” Xie Lian sighed.

“If that's so, why bring you up at all?” It was Jiang Cheng who asked this having torn his attention away from the fight.

“ahem, well... its because Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen used to be my subordinates... specifically, my personal bodyguard... and my personal attendant.”

Realizing the situation was going nowhere he waved at the three children to sit, Jiang Yanli at last no longer hiding her face but still quite rosy in her cheeks. It was about this point that the altar table had been snapped in two and all the food that had been offered in the platters that sat upon it went flying, fruit rolling away.

“What a sin.” Xie Lian sighed just as a steamed bun had rolled to his feet. He dusted it off with his sleeve and went to take a bite. When Nan Feng saw this through the corner of his eye he shot out his hand knocking the steamed bun away.

“DON'T EAT THAT!!!”

Fu Yao also stopped, appearing quiet disgusted. “How can you eat that when its been rolling on the ground?”

Realizing he now had their attention he raised his hand. “I have something to say.”

He took the time to separate the two before he again spoke, “First things first, the Dianxia you two speak of happens to be me, and this Dianxia hasn't even said anything so stop using me as a means to attack each other. I don't believe your generals would behave in such a way. If you two keep acting so indecorously, you'll ruin their reputations.”

After saying this, both the junior officials faces changed to looks indiscernible.

“Second, you two volunteered to help me, right? So is it you who listens to me or I who listens to you?”

Subsequently they both in lack luster tones answered. “We listen to you.”

“Thirdly, can you both keep a calmer disposition, I really don't want my kids injured because of both of your lack of control. Also please tone down your words. Finally, if you must throw something, throw me and not the food.” As he spoke these words Nan Feng took a glance behind him. There Wei Wuxian who had grabbed the discarded bun took a bite.

“SPIT THAT OUT! DIDN'T I JUST SAY THAT ITS BEEN ON THE FLOOR!!!”

Chapter Text

The Little Shop of Chance encounters was once again seating 6 people, 3 young men and 3 teenagers who all sat drinking on some tea poured by the tea master who although smiling gave them side glances that spoke to deep thoughts. Not so deep really he just thought this group of frankly good looking people were lunatics.

“Why are we coming here to discuss these matters?” Nan Feng was the first to speak. “Aren't you worried someone might overhear us?”

“Not really, if they do they will just think we're crazy.” When these words left Xie Lian's mouth the three teens only nodded as they drank their tea, Wei Wuxian was tapping his feet on the floor to a rhythm that was in his head. The Scrap god continued, “Now without wasting anymore time, do we have any ideas and what to do.”

“Kill it.” Fu Yao said these words cold and sharp.

“No Shit.” Nan Feng retorted but immediately, looked like he'd remembered something and looked at the three kids then at Xie Lian who was frowning. “Sorry, Forgot.”

“Fu Yao is right, however there is a bigger issue at hand. Where do we go? What are we Killing? HOW do we kill it? I suggest-” Xie Lian was cut off by the sounds of drums and gongs followed by hollering and cheers that although loud and attention catching they were lack luster, clearly a false sense of fanfare.

“I thought people around mount Yujun stopped making a spectacle of these events.” Nan Feng said with a frown as he peered out the window.

The procession itself consisted of rough looking muscle men whose expressions were tense and foreheads glistened with sweat. Instead of a the bridal sedan they carried they looked as if they were carrying the very guillotine that would end their very lives. Just as Xie Lian stood to investigate the situation a wicked wind blew and one could see the bride inside, her head crooked and bouncing along with rough spirited motions of the sedan a creepy smile on her face. It was during such abrasive handling of the sedan that suddenly that head fell off and onto the ground bellow, the body following close behind. It was a doll. One of the men carrying the sedan hadn't noticed the fake bride falling out so when he stepped on the arm he let out a scream. The others dropped the act and terrified pulled out shining blades looking every which way. “Is it here? What happened? Did you see the Ghost groom?”

The tea master had just returned with the copper tea pot when Jiang Cheng spoke up, pointing to the group outside, “Aren't those the same guys as yesterday?” When the tea master looked to where the boy was pointing he let out a tsk.

“Only seeking their own ruin.”

“So they must be trying to lure out the ghost groom then.” Xie Lian said this with a halfhearted laugh.

“Why else? The previous brides father has put out a reward to anyone who can return his daughter and capture the ghost groom. Those fools have been at this all day every day for a while and all it has done is give off an unpleasant atmosphere.” Just as he seemed to be finished he looked across the table and added, “And I'd suggest being careful to the young miss here. Those idiots may try something.” Xie Lian looked over at his daughter who was looking uncomfortably out the window.

Fu Yao who'd been starring out the window at the disembodied doll's head then spoke, “If I were the ghost groom, id wipe out the entire troop for bringing me something so ugly.” Jiang Yanli gave him a distressed glance before looking back outside.

“Fu Yao, your not speaking like an immortal should. Also please fix that eye rolling habit of yours, maybe give yourself a small limit of 5 per day as a start.” Xie Lian spoke with a tone much like that of a mother verbally disciplining her child. Wei Wuxian thought it was funny, Fu Yao thought it was annoying and so rolled his eyes.

“You could set it to 50 times a day and it still wouldn't be enough.” Nan Feng added just as a voice outside seemed to catch the tea shop goers attention.

“Listen, Listen to me! It's completely useless! How many days have we dragged this on and yet we still have seen nothing of the ghost groom!” The man was young, spunky and highly spirited, clear signs he must have been the groups leader. The group mumbled in agreement as the young man continued. “We should just climb up mount Yujun ourselves, drag out that ugly freak and kill it! Who's with me?!” At first only a handful of the men seemed to be willing but as more answered the more were willing.

“Ugly Freak?” Wei Wuxian gave his father a questioning look.

“Apparently the ghost groom is some kind of ugly beast living on Mount Yujun,” The tea master spoke up, “And its because of this, no woman could ever love him. That's why he steals the brides, to ruin their happy occasions.”

“Isn't that just speculation?” Jiang Cheng folded his arms as he asked the question slightly cocking his head to the side as looked at the tea master.

“Who knows really, apparently some folks said they've seen it. Face entirely wrapped in bandages save two savage eyes peering out, also say it can't talk that it apparently can only growl like a wolf hound.” At that last line Wei Wuxian shuttered and out of habit grabbed the arm closest to him, which so happened to be Fu Yao who immediately shook him off with a glare before replying.

“ Just because its face is wrapped in bandages doesn't mean its ugly. There's the possibility its so beautiful it doesn't want others to see.”

“... Who knows. I've never seen it.” The tea master said after a moments pause. Just as he was about to step away a familiar voice came from outside.

“D-dont listen to him! Mount Yujun is dangerous!!!” It was Xiao Ying, the girl who had come to the Nan Yang temple the previous night to pray. Subconsciously Xie Lian rubbed the side of his face.

The young mans face grew dark before shoving the young girl. “What's this little woman doing, the big men are talking.” This action caused Jiang Yanli to stand up from her chair her face suddenly becoming unreadable.

“Please, don't listen to him! Whether its a fake procession or going up the mountain your only seeking your own deaths!”

“Well don't you make it sound so nice.” The young man rebuked his words like venom. “Us Men are out here putting our lives on the line, but what about you? Selfish little woman, refusing to play the part of the fake bride to help us out. You don't even have half the courage of the lot of us here but you still choose to get in the way? What are you scheming?” With each line he shoved her back again and again. Jiang Yanli's hands had balled into fists.

“That Xiao Pengtou, being so charming before when trying to coax her into being the bride before but now that she refused he's showing his true colors.” The tea master shook his head as he spoke these words.

The other men began to snap at Xiao Ying, yelling at her to get out of their way, causing the girls face to go red and tears to start pooling at the corner of her eyes. “Why must you talk like this...”

“Did I lie? You were asked to play the part and you refused.”

“Its true that I said no but you... you didn't... have to slash my dress.”

The Young mans face turned an angry red as he practically leapt into his verbal assault. “ You ugly freak! How dare you slander me! Me?! Cutting your dress! You probably cut it yourself to garter attention cause no one would look at a freak like you! Not that anyone would want to see an ugly thing like you like that anyway! Don't you dare push the blame on me-”

The cup in Nan Feng's hand shattered, his face a scowl but just as he stood to take action, someone else already had, or rather two. Xiao Pengtou fell to the ground with a sharp yelp as blood gushed from his nose, Xiao Ying however saw little of this as another girl had taken her by the arm and pulled her back and away from the crowd, her face soft and gentle like a flower and yet her eyes bore the intention of one who meant to fight. A head a man in white cultivator robes stood between them and the army of men who all looked between him and their leader, now sprawled out on the ground. Xiao Pingtou saw the man carried no weapons and he hadn't even seen the man move to strike him and so he yelled out accusatory “This man has used Wicked Magic!!!” At that line all the muscle men pulled out their swords and pointed them at the white clad man. They all seemed ready to attack when suddenly there was a loud thunderous CRACK! Nan Feng who had now made it to the front of the tea shop had shot out his palm and snapped and broke a near by pillar. The men suddenly went pale at the sheer godly strength before suddenly turning tail and fleeing from the scene. Wei Wuxian who had followed after to help instead looked up at Nan Feng in simple childish admiration.

“Awesome.”

“I'll concede today,” The young man called out as he turned to run after his comrades. “But please leave me your names for when we meet again.”

Nan Feng didn't seem to care but Fu Yao popped his head out of the tea shop as he pointed to the other. “But of course, this ones from the temple of Ju Ya-” he was cut off as Nan Feng decked him square in the jaw. Jiang Cheng quickly pulled Wei Wuxian, who had still been starring at the broken pillar, out of the line of fire as the two young men began to duke it out. Jiang Yanli shook her head but then noticed she no longer held the other girls arm. She turned to see a crying Xiao Ying walking away as she wiped tears from her face. Jiang Yanli went to follow after her but a hand gently grasped her shoulder. She looked up to see her baba who slightly shook his head before leading her back inside the tea shop, but she couldn't help a final glance back at that retreating figure.

“Remember to pay for the pillar.” The tea master chided.

Xie Lian sat his daughter down, and thus turned to Nan Feng and repeated “Remember to pay for the pillar.”

Nan Feng, who had one hand on Fu Yao's collar and the other raised in a fist stopped and looked sheepishly at the scrap god and then the tea master. “...”

The 6 once again returned to their seats as Xie Lian began. “Before that, lets return to business, can one of you two please lend me some spiritual power? I need to enter the communication array.” Nan Feng having sat down last reached out his hand. With a quick clap Xie Lian sealed the minor contract and entered the communication array.

The moment he entered Ling Wen called out to him.

“Dianxia, it seems you have finally managed to borrow some spiritual power. Is everything going well there in the north? Are the two juniors martial officials who volunteered of any help?” Xie Lian looked to the broken pillar then to Fu Yao who had been attempting to rest by leaning against his hand but instead gave Wei Wuxian a side eyed glare as the boy was talking vehemently and quiet loud to Jiang Yanli about multiple different things, none of which were all that important. (Well to anyone but Wei Wuxian that is.)

“The two Junior Officials both have their own values, both talents worth nurturing.”

“Then we must congratulate Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen. On Dianxia's word the future of those two Junior Martial Officials is infinite. Soon they may ascend themselves.”

Another voice entered came in then, cool and indifferent. “He didn't inform Me of his whereabouts, so leave him be. Either way its not like I know anything.” The voice belonged to that of Xuan Zhen or rather, as Xie Lian knew him, Mu Qing. He really is constantly lurking in the communications array isn't he. Xie Lian thought before Ling Wen spoke up.

“Dianxia, have you found anywhere to settle? The north is guarded by the Martial god General Pei. His followers are abundant. If you have need you can temporarily stay in one of his Ming Guan Temples.”

“No its alright,” Xie Lian replied. “We didn't find any Ming Guan temples near by but have made lodging in a temple of Nan Feng. Quick question, Ling Wen, do you have anymore information on the ghost groom?”

“Actually yes. My palace has just finished its rank evaluation. As concluded it is a wrath.”

A wrath! Xie Lian immediately shot a glance at his three kids who had each made themselves busy while he was accessing the array. In all their time with them he had yet to cross paths with a wrath level ghost. The palace of Ling Wen had a system to categorize the abilities of monsters, demons, and ghosts, which ranked as follows; fierce, malice, wrath, and finally supreme. While teaching the boys cultivation and Jiang Yanli some forms of self defense (even though her own cultivation was quiet poor and she had no real heart for it she was still a young girl in a world where she wouldn't always have her brothers or father to defend her against any malicious thing, man or monster.) Xie Lian had used the presence of some of the two lower level entities to help them learn always nearby to jump in. And while of course a wrath level ghost might not be a simple task for a god, it would be extremely dangerous to a regular human boy even with education in the art of cultivation. A supreme on the other hand, Xie Lian had only ever met one and if something like that ever came for those three.... A disturbing figure flashed in his minds eye but just as quickly he pressed it away turning instead to the two junior officials and informing them of the situation.

“Then the 'ugly bandaged male' is probably just a rumor or something else entirely.” Nan Feng replied.

“There is another possibility. It could be in certain times the ghost groom will not or cannot cause harm.”

Fu Yao's face was that of disapproval as he spoke. “The Palace of Ling Wen is so insufficient, it took all this time only to come up with a ranking? How utterly useless.”

“At the very least we have an understanding of the ghost grooms strength, which explains why a doll like the one those men were using wouldn't work. No the bride would have to be a living person.”

Fu Yao suddenly shot a glance toward Jiang Yanli.

“No.” He looked up to see Xie Lian was looking back at him with a face that wasn't hate, for of course he refused to hate. But that look... Fu Yao went to look away and roll his eyes acting indifferent but was caught off guard by two boys who were also looking at him. Their eyes did indeed look hateful. Xie Lian spoke his tone returning to one slightly more pleasant. “Fu Yao we can't use a woman. Even if she were willing the ghost is a wrath, we would most likely come out fine, the woman however would have no means to defend herself.”

The Junior Official peeled his attention away from the gazes full of killing intent a bit exasperated as he spoke. “Well if we can't use a woman we'll have to use a man.”

“And where exactly are we going to find a man who is willing to...” Nan Feng had started to retort when he stopped. Both him and Fu Yao turned their eyes on Xie Lian who was currently trying to calm hiss boys down. He noticed their gazes on him...

“What?”

…

Night had fallen on the Nan Yang temple as Xie Lian stepped out from behind the divine statue his hair down looking quiet disheveled. The 5 others within the temple looked up as he came around and whatever conversations that had been spoken seconds before were no more. Jiang Cheng paled a bit, Wei Wuxian looked uncomfortable but also like he was about to bust out laughing, Jiang Yanli let out a small sigh shaking her head with an awkward smile, Fu Yao's expression seemed severe and complicated, and Nan Feng suddenly yelled “FUCK.” before charging out of the temple. Nothing about Xie Lian was ugly by any means. He was actually quiet the handsome man but that was precisely the problem for them. He was an obviously handsome man standing there in a woman's red wedding dress.

“Oh baba..” Jiang Yanli let out a uncomfortable laugh before walking up to him and looking him over more closely. Xie Lian looked up at Fu Yao who still stood there in silence.

“Anything you'd like to say?”

Fu Yao nodded, “If I were the ghost groom and someone sent a woman like this to me..”

“You'd kill the whole town?”

“I'd kill the woman.”

“Glad I'm not a woman then.”

“Maybe we should ask in the communications array for someone to teach you transformation magic.”

“It's too late to be learning that, besides its not like it will matter once the veil goes on.”

“Then maybe ask your 'daughter' for some advice.”

Jiang Yanli shook her head. “I'm sorry, I wouldn't even know where to begin.” However Wei Wuxian was glaring at Fu Yao, having not cared for the sarcasm in the way he had said the word daughter. Fu Yao didn't pay him any mind. It was just then that Nan Feng had returned his expression gloomy.

“But wait, you don't know how the ghost groom harms his victims.” Jiang Cheng finally regaining his composure had gotten worried. “Baba, if he looks under the veil and ends up feeling deceived wouldn't that put you in more trouble.”

Xie Lian nodded in acknowledgment, but just as he stepped toward his son a very audible riiiip caught him off guard. Jiang Cheng's expression paled again. It was a simple fact, the wedding dress had been made for a dainty woman... not a man. Just as Xie Lian began looking over himself trying to find the tear did he hear a small voice near the temples entrance.

“E-excuse me.” Xiao Ying stood their holding a neatly folded white robe her eyes watching the odd group with trepidation. “I remembered meeting you here, so I thought I might check here first... S-so I could return this that is. Thank you for yesterday and today.”

“It's no problem at all.” said Jiang Yanli, a soft smile taking over her snow white face, as she made her way to the other girl and gently took the robe from her. The girl nodded then looked over to Xie Lian.

“Uhm. Are you... If you'd like... I can help with...”

Xie Lian looked down at himself and then quickly waved his hands. “Oh, no miss this isn't a hobby of mine.”

“I know. You all are going to try and catch the ghost groom... aren't you?” When no one denied her deduction she suddenly became very enthusiastic. “I know how to tailor clothes, I have needle and thread on me at all times. I can fix the parts that don't fit and can even help with the makeup.”

Xie Lian was taken aback, unsure of what to say, so after a short time he just nodded and Xiao Ying led him back behind the Divine statue once more.

After about two incense time he reemerged, this time the veil covered his head. Fu Yao and Nan Feng looked like they both were thinking of taking a peak under the veil but quickly decided they had better to not.

“Alright, before we get started.” Xie Lian turned to Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. “I need you two to listen very carefully. Just like any other time, if the situation gets too dangerous you must both leave immediately, return here to Nan Yang Temple no questions asked. If I get separated from you two you must listen to Nan Feng and Fu Yao. Understood?”

“Yes baba.” Said Jiang Cheng bowing his head slightly, his eyes never quiet looking at Xie Lian directly.

“Do I have to listen to them? They barely even listen to what baba says to them.” Although Wei Wuxian crossed his arms when he said this, a broad smile was on his face.

“Hay!” The two junior officials snapped in unison.

“A-Ying.” Wei Wuxian lowered his arms and though his smile didn't falter his eyes showed understanding.

“Ok baba, I'll behave.”

With that Xie Lian turned to Jiang Yanli. She smiled up at him as she stood next to Xiao Ying. “Xiao Ying agreed to keep me company while you all head up the mountain... Please comeback safe... okay.”

“Of course A-Li.” His words held nothing but adoration for his little girl, who in turn came up and gave him a warm hug.

“Don't worry jiejie, this ghost groom doesn't stand a chance against us.” Wei Wuxian spoke puffing up his chest trying to make himself feel and look twice his size.

“Baba and those two maybe, you'll probably just get in the way.” Jiang Cheng smiled as he teased his brother.

“Hay!”

“Boys, quit.”

After finishing their goodbyes all but the girls left the temple, where outside 8 men stood carrying a bright red bridal sedan, the red satin curtains embroidered with colorful spreads which had been made to read out idioms for prosperity and good fortune. Nan Feng and Wei Wuxian took to the left of the Sedan while Fu Yao and Jiang Cheng took to the right. The 8 men, all military officers who the two junior officials had been lent permission to order by the Lord Official after having displayed their skills and informing of their goal to probe the mountain that night, gave off the airs of men who had no desire to be taking such orders from two 'pretty boys'.

And so the crown prince, in a wedding dress, boarded the bridal sedan.

…

The procession had made quiet a distance up the mountain when Xie Lian let out a sigh, not out of lack of interests or longing of any kind... No it was cause every so often the 8 military officers that held the sedan would purposefully shake it or stumble a bit and if he had been a weaker man Xie Lian might have puked himself right then and there. Fu Yao catching the sigh decided to tease the crown prince a bit.

“What's the matter miss? Tears of joy at finally getting married at your old age?” Jiang Cheng who had been standing beside him gave the junior official an uncomfortable glance before deciding to focus on the path ahead his eyebrows slightly knitted.

“No, its just... I suddenly realized this wedding procession is missing something very important.”

Nan Feng, who had spent almost the entire walk telling Wei Wuxian to quit this that or the other as the spirited teen boy had attempted a multitude of ways to entertain himself, looked over and spoke “Missing what exactly? We prepared everything that we would need.”

Xie Lian had a playful smile on his lips. “Two accompanying maids.” the two junior martial officials paled then shuddered while the two teen boys busted out laughing. Even the 8 military officials seemed to chuckle at this and so started to properly handle the sedan.

“Just... pretend the families poor, so you don't have the money to buy maids and deal with it.” Fu Yao replied.

“Don't have to pretend there,” Wei Wuxian said skipping ahead of the procession by a short distance before spinning around, hands behind his head and walking backwards. “There's barely a coin between our little family most days. AH, speaking of!” He reached into his belt and pulled out a bamboo dizi flute. “For a wedding procession we actually are lacking a very important addition, not to mention the silence is quiet boring.” He placed the flute to his lips and began a cheery tune, Jiang Cheng smiled but also shook his head as his brother bounded along ahead.

“Where did he get the flute?” Nan Feng asked, mainly to himself as he watched the boy play, however the surprise was short lived cause honestly the boy played very well.

Xie Lian couldn't help but let his smile grow wider as he watched his son, and so he leaned back and made himself comfortable.

Hee Hee Ha ha kee kee chee chee

He shot upward once again in his seat and looked around. Although the child like laughter had been loud and clear as if echoing across the entirety of the mountain not a single other member of the procession made any indication that they had heard it.

“Nan Feng, Fu Yao.” Xie Lian called to them in a low voice.

“What is it?” Nan Feng answered the call from his place at the left of the sedan.

“Something has come.”

Wei Wuxian heard this and abruptly stopped his flute playing and looked up at the sedan. In the quiet that followed all anyone could hear was the creaking of the sedan and the rustling of the wind. At this time they had reached the deeper parts of Mount Yujun.

“I don't hear anything.” Nan Feng's tone was serious.

“Me neither.” Fu Yao's was cold.

Jiang Cheng searched the brush and the tree line reaching up to rub the ring between his fingers.

“That means its only letting me hear it.” as Xie Lian spoke an obvious cold sweat began to poor down the heads of the 8 military officers some even begging to falter in their step. “Don't stop, pretend as if nothings wrong.” At that line Wei Wuxian quickly placed his flute back to his lips and started up on a new cheery tune, but instead of bounding around he slowly made his way back to the left side of the sedan.

After only a moment Xie Lian spoke up. “It's singing.”

“What's it singing?” asked Fu Yao.

“New bride, new bride, new bride in the red bridal sedan, brimming tears, past the hills, smile not under the bridal veil, the ghost g- wait no... was it ghost groom? What is it? Wait no its just laughing now. I can't hear it clearly anymore.”

“What does any of that even mean?” Nan Feng frowned.

“Exactly that, its telling the bride in the sedan to only cry and not smile.”

“I meant why is it coming over to give you hints?”

“Maybe it's a friendly spirit?” Jiang Cheng said this but it was clear in his tone he didn't believe his own words.

“or maybe its trying to trick you, and having a smile on your face is the only thing keeping you safe from the ghost groom. Who knows if the other brides were deceived this way.” Fu Yao coldly retorted ever the contrarian.

“Oh Fu Yao, any normal bride having heard such a voice on the road at night would surely be spooked to tears. How could they think to smile?” Xie Lian said. “Besides what's the worst that could happen whether I am smiling or crying?”

“Getting Kidnapped.” Fu Yao stated matter of factually.

“Isn't that our objective?” The Junior martial official could only snort but didn't continue his rebuttal, however Xie Lian spoke up again. “There is another thing I must tell you all.”

“What?” Nan Feng and Jiang Cheng asked at the same time.

“I've been smiling ever since I mounted the bridal sedan.”

It was then that the flute music was cut off and Wei Wuxian let out a blood curdling scream. The Sedan dipped as the procession came to a halt.

“A-YING!” Xie Lian called out searching through the veil and red silk that obstructed his vision.

“Don't pani- WHAT THE FUCK?!!!” Nan Feng had just called out to the officers when in less then a second Wei Wuxian had leapt onto him and was crawling up him tears pouring down his face screaming his head off.

“What's wrong with him?” Fu Yao called out.

“First tell me what's going on.” Xie Lian tried to be calm but the slight panic in his voice couldn't be hidden as he peered to the left of the sedan, watching his little boy hold on to Nan Feng for dear life, the man himself looking absolutely dumb struck as all he could do was hold the kid with one arm.

“Wolves.” Jiang Cheng was the one who spoke, followed by the cracking and sizzle of the purple energy that was his whip zidian taking form.

“Are their normally wolves on Mount Yunjun?” Xie Lian called out to the military officers.

“N-no this unheard of.”

“Then it seems we are in the right place. Nan Feng.”

“W-what?” The young man shot a pleading look at the crown prince trying his best to figure out how to deal with the 13 year old currently shaking and crying and screaming in his arm.

“I'm sorry, but A-Ying is deathly terrified of dogs, any canine for that matter. I'm afraid he won't calm down until those beasts are gone.”

“Baba!” It was Jiang Cheng who called out this time, so when Xie Lian saw him starring ahead he followed the gaze.

“Wha- WHAT IS THAT THING?” one of the military officers said a voice full of terror. Nan Feng cursed.

“What's going on now?” Xie Lian asked trying to stand up but Nan Feng having just struggled to moved the kid to his back quickly shouted out to him.

“Don't come out!”

Just then a violent jolt shook the sedan as something came tumbling in at Xie Lian's feet. Lowering his eyes he saw the backside of the head of something black as tar. Before it could so anything else a bright flash of purple light moved just outside and suddenly the thing was dragged out. Nan Feng swore once more.

“Fuck! It's a binu!”

Flashes of purple light and the sounds of blades striking something solid suddenly filled the void. Binu weren't even fierce level in categorized rank but they often didn't appear alone, often either in large groups or following something much worse. Those oozing beasts were a sure sign that they were close.

“I. Hate. Those. Things. Did the palace of Ling Wen say anything about this?!” Fu Yao spat in utter disgust.

“No.” Xie Lian replied.

“Useless!”

“How many are there?”

“About a hundred or more.” Nan Feng replied. “Don't come out! Ack!”

A group of about six binu had surrounded the young man and the teen boy still glued to his back, reaching their viscous limbs out, grabbing at them. At this Xie Lian lifted his wrist where a white bandage lay wrapped around it.

“Go.” His voice was gentle as the silk band shot out from within the sedan like a pale viper across the late night sky. “Strangle them to death.”

The silk band swept through the enemies, suddenly seeming a meter in length, as it cracked and snapped the necks of multiple beasts. The six binu that had surrounded Wei Wuxian and Nan Feng abruptly dropped to the ground dead. Just as another wolf leapt at them Nan Feng sent out a palm strike with his free hand before turning to the sedan. “I thought you said you couldn't use spiritual devices?!”

“There are... exceptions...” As Xie Lian spoke this Nan Feng slapped the sedan's entrance causing the whole thing to shake as if close to falling apart.

“Xie Lian, explain yourself properly, right now! What exactly is that thing?! Was it-” He was cut off from the wailing of some of the military officers. Jiang Cheng shot out his whip taking out binu and wolves left and right making sure not to hit any of the officers but he was clearly getting overwhelmed.

“What ever you need to say, it can wait.” Fu Yao spat sending some of the beast flying. Nan Feng looked between the boy on his back and the others being surrounded, clearly distressed as what to do. It was then Xie Lian made his decision.

“Nan Feng Fu Yao take the boys and the others and leave first.”

“Baba!” Jiang Cheng spun to face the sedan.

“A-Cheng, this what was agreed upon for you to come along. When I say go, you go. Besides they will only keep coming as long as you all stay near the sedan.”

“But you'll be by yourself...” Nan Feng sounded as though he was about to start swearing again.

“He's got that band or whatever, so nothing will happen for now. Unlike you I'm not going to drag my feet. I'm off.” Fu Yao spat and then retreated back down the path.

Nan Feng clenched his teeth, but could do nothing else. He fixed Wei Wuxian on his back, who at this point could only shake like a leaf in a harsh breeze having lost all means to scream, and turned to the others. “Come with me!” and just like that the men followed after. Jiang Cheng took pause to look back to the bridal sedan, but chose to follow his fathers instruction, and so turned and followed after them.

It didn't take long for Ruoye to take down all the binu and wolves that had remained by the bridal sedan. Just outside the ground was littered in corpses, the white silk band returning to its place wrapped gently around Xie Lian's wrist. The crown prince sat there accompanied only by the rustling of the trees and the empty darkness. Then... everything fell silent, any beasts in the shadows that had moaned and growled ceased. Not even the wind blew... It was as if nature itself held it's breath in fear.

Then someone softly chuckled. It sounded like it had come from a man but also a youth. Xie Lian sat poised ready to take action, Ruoye encircling his hand ready to strike at the moment it sensed killing intent. But an attack never came. Instead just bellow the veil a pale slender hand reached out, a red string tied in an affinity not upon the middle finger, patiently waiting for him to take it.

Chapter Text

A short while after the sedan left, between the edge of town and the Nan Yang temple...

Jiang Yanli and Xiao Ying walked side by side down the dirt path talking as they went, the two girls had decided on this small late night stroll because for all the intent neither could go to sleep. The night air was crisp and any thought of what might be happening up on Mount Yunjun seemed like distant thought, albeit a thought that would still pop up in the two girls thoughts causing them to occasionally strain their eyes toward the mountain.

“So that cultivator, is he really your father?” Jiang Yanli quickly was taken aback as the question had truly come out of the blue. She looked at Xiao Ying for a time blinking before eventually answering.

“Well... yes. He is.”

“But he looks so young, it surprised me that someone his age would have kids in their teens. But I guess I have heard of cultivators who stop aging due to... well whatever it is that they do, but its such a strange thing to see in person. Oh, but where is your mother then?”

For a moment Jiang Yanli didn't answer her face twisting into a soft frown, but after a moment where the other girl started to take notice she spoke. “He is my father, really and truly. But he isn't my birth father. Both my original parents... they died a long time ago...”

“Oh..Oh! I'm so sorry! I-I didn't mean to drag up any bad memories miss. Honestly.” Xiao Ying looked absolutely panicked waving her hands in-front of her or bowing profusely.

“Its alright.” Jiang Yanli smiled laying a gentle pale hand on the other girls shoulder. “Like I said, it was a long time ago. Besides its just as you said. You didn't mean any ill intent.”

“o-ok...” silence overcame the two as they continued down the road.

Jiang Yanli's mother Madam Yu wasn't the type of mother many children would remember when looking back at their own. The woman who had been nicknamed Violet Spider was a notorious cultivator who's name struck fear in the hearts of those who knew her. Yanli had often remembered hearing servants whisper in confusion of how a sweet little girl like herself could have ever come from such a hardhearted woman. But frankly Jiang Yanli knew better. Her mother lacked affection in her attitude toward her two children, and out right despised Wei Ying for all the care and adoration Jiang Fengmian gave the boy, but it was her arms that carried the 3 children to the fishing boat, her whip that tied the them together so as to not allow them to follow her. It was her warm lips that touched little Jiang Yanli's head before harshly shoving that boat into the river current, her silhouette that guarded against the army of men in white robes with red suns emblazoned on their forms. No matter how cold and condescending Madam Yu had been... she loved her children... Jiang Yanli knew that... but it was a harsh love... nothing like Xie Lian, a man that in her eyes took on the warmth both a mother and father had in their child's eyes.

She couldn't hide the smile that played on her lips thinking back on a the years spent traveling the roads with her brothers and their baba, the nights they slept under the stars or even the ones where when the three of them had still been small they all slept in the same bed at an inn due to low funds either situation Xie Lian was there holding them softly singing a lullaby. Once she would have lived a life of refinement, but now she didn't care for such things. Not that she wouldn't enjoy them if given a chance, but because she lived each of those less then comfortable moments with a family she loved and one that adored her in much the same way.

She was ripped from her day dream by a growing commotion somewhere near by. Her and Xiao Ying looked at each-other before Jiang Yanli took her hand and pulled her into the brush at the edge of the road. Hiding they watched as the light of many torches made their way past and toward the mountain. It was none other than Xiao Pengtou, leading a group to take down the ghost groom.

“Goals, finding the missing bride and kill that bandaged freak! Then, we reap the rewards!” He called out behind him, the man calling back in cheers and agreements, swords in their hands and greed in their eyes.

“No...” Xiao Ying looked terrified at those words and stood to make chase after the men. Jiang Yanli had yet to let go of her hand inadvertently stopping the girl in her tracks.

“Xiao Ying, what's wrong?”

“He... they've got the wrong idea! The one with bandages... he isn't the ghost groom.”

“What do you... wait you've seen the man with the bandages?” Jiang Yanli asked her shock unable to be hidden.

“He's just a boy. He's never hurt anyone... please miss, let me go. I can't..” Xiao Ying's eyes began to wet with tears as she watched the crowds retreating backs in fear. Jiang Yanli did not in-fact let go, instead she stood up herself and smiled at the other girl.

“If what you say is true then I can't just allow an innocent person to be harmed.” She took a deep breath and began to pull Xiao Ying with her after the men before continuing. “But I also can't allow you to go into trouble by yourself now can I?” The other girl didn't resist, instead they took off after the others from a distance.

I'm sorry baba, but it seems I can't help myself. Wont you forgive me. Jiang Yanli smiled to her thoughts. She knew the answer to her own question.

…

Sometime later...

Wei Wuxian had finally began to return to his senses as he loosened his grip ever so slightly from around Nan Feng's shoulders. He peered around them realizing they were still deep in the woods along the side of Mount Yujun the trees still thick and crooked the wind still faintly whistling through the leaves. The Military Officers had long since returned down the mountain leaving the two junior officials and the two teenage boys far behind them. Realizing he was no longer cowering on his back Nan Feng turned to Wei Wuxian. “You alright?” Although stern his voice carried a soft concerned tone. The boy looked at him then smiled wide.

“Never better. Thanks for the ride by the way.” He patted the mans back but didn't make a move to get down.

“Well if your fine, you can get off.”

“But I'm so tired and you've already carried me this far. Be a good assistant and carry me the- Wah!” He didn't finish his words before Nan Feng dropped him causing the kid to land on his butt with a loud thump. “ow...”

Fu Yao, who had been coldly staring back the way up the mountain, turned at this and rolled his eyes. “What? Your so pathetic you can't carry a child for more then a few minutes. What a shame. Guess the palace of Nan Yang is recruiting wimps.”

“Firstly fuck you,” Nan Feng turned to the other young man his voice now returning to the stern cold one he'd had before. “You didn't get tackled and clawed at by the kid for almost an hour while fighting off wolves and binu simultaneously now did you, secondly the pathetic one is the one who dipped first, leaving your team behind. But then again the palace of Xuan Zhen happens to specialize in such a field doesn't it.”

“HA! Hypocrite much!” Fu Yao launched forward ready to strike Nan Feng, who put his fists up ready to take the blow... But it didn't come. Instead a flash of purple light struck out and Fu Yao's arms were suddenly pinned to his side as he slammed into the dirt road face first with a mighty THWAK. He shot his face up nose beginning to bleed, and turned his ire toward the boy who's whip tied him down. “WHAT THE HELL YOU STUPID BRAT!!! LET ME GO THIS INSTANCE!”

“Why? So you can fight each-other and waste more time?” Jiang Cheng's face was dark as he held zidian tightly refusing to let the junior martial official loose. “Now that those officers are safe our priority should be getting back to baba. Not having you two spend the rest of night trying to kill one another.”

“Didn't that 'baba' of yours tell you to listen to us? So how about YOU do as your told and release me.”

“What's your problem?!” It was Wei Wuxian who snapped out as he jumped to his feet and stormed over to where Fu Yao sat having lifted himself to sit on his knees. “You say those things so condescendingly it feels like your trying to say something so how about you just come out and say it!”

“What things?”

“How you mock us with the sarcasm, like when Jiang Cheng said baba or how earlier you used that same tone when referring to jiejie as baba's daughter. What gives you the right to talk down on us like that?” the boy who had been smiling only moments before but was now scowling down at the young man his eye's ablaze. The air had suddenly become almost claustrophobic, the atmosphere suddenly making a nose dive into something harsh and unforgiving.

“Tsk. Why wouldn't I? You want honesty?” Fu Yao's eyes darkened and his tone became poisonous. “It's that you are simply delusional, because he isn't your father.” Both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian froze, their faces suddenly unreadable as the man continued. “That 'sarcasm' is because that idiot is a selfish bleeding heart who probably only took you brats in to stroke his ego. Savior of the people? What a laugh. Don't you remember anything about your real parents, the kind of disrespect they must feel seeing their kids cling to a man like him. It's pitiful is what it is. How your mothers probably weep tears of anguish from their graves seeing how their boys are being rai-”

SLAP

The two boys stood there in shocked silence, neither had moved in or even made to attack Fu Yao. No It was Nan Feng who had closed the distance and swung with all his might smacking the other man sending him crashing back down to the ground blood gushing from his face once more. His eyes were full of fury about to snap at Nan Feng but was quickly cut off.

“Of all the people in all the realms, YOU should fucking know better!” Fu Yao sat there in what originally looked like anger but when those words left Nan Feng's mouth his face went taught his emotions becoming unclear. “If I was these kids parent I would be fucking ecstatic that someone as strong and caring as Xie Lian was the one to take in my kids. You don't know what these kids have been through but you sure as hell know what HE went through. What w-.” Nan Feng stopped himself. For a second he glanced at the two boys, then returned his gaze to the other man, shaking with unbridled rage. “keep whatever opinions you have of him, just as I will keep mine. But don't you dare drag some innocent kids into your resentment just because he is their father, and no matter what that is the truth. He took them in, he has been raising them and he has been there for them. You can't look at how they act together and say they are anything else but a family. Hate him for all I care but don't you fucking dare tell those kids what a father is or more importantly what a MOTHER is and would think. YOU should know better.”

At this point zidian had already returned to its ring form, but yet Fu Yao still lay motionless on the ground his face shrouded in shadow, unrevealing of his internal thoughts. They all stayed like that for more then an incense time before finally Fu Yao sat up and wiped the slightly dried blood from his face. He didn't say a word but instead turned and began trekking back up the mountain.

“Where the hell are you going?” Nan Feng snapped taking a step to go after him.

“To go find Xie Lian. It's like the kid said. We're wasting time.” Fu Yao's voice was like ice but he didn't turn around when he spoke, nor did he stop moving. Nan Feng let out a huff and turned to tell the kids to follow but stopped. Both boy's heads were bowed, Jiang Cheng's face was all scrunched up and he was clenching the hand that bore that ring, Wei Wuxian's face however was unreadable but his shoulders sagged. The junior martial official raised a hand toward them, then stopped, then lowered his hand, his expression shifting form concern to distressed to calm before he finally spoke.

“Don't... don't take anything that idiot said to heart. He just... he likes to piss people off and clearly doesn't know when it goes too far. I don't know what you two have been through, and neither does he so he shouldn't have have..., lets get going. Your... your father is probably waiting to see both of you.”

Wei Wuxian raised his eyes to the young man who had begun to turn away. “Thank you.”

“Hmm?” Nan Feng really hadn't heard what the kid said and had turned to double check but was caught off guard by a boy who's smile was as bright as a summer sun as he dragged his brother past the man, all trace of doubt faded from his face.

“You are absolutely right, baba is probably worried sick and frankly I think he would rather see us first than that stupid jerk any day. Come on A-Cheng lets get ahead of him so we can see if Baba needs our help.”

Jiang Cheng, who had been blinking in a state of minor shock from being dragged in such a way, suddenly snickered. “Ya? And who's going to save your ass if some wolves show up again? Won't be me.”

“D-don't even joke about something like that.” Wei Wuxian shivered but never lost his smile even as they ran past Fu Yao who only shot them a glance.

Even after all that, that boy can still have the heart to smile so soon?

The 4 of them left that conversation behind, each in their own way choosing not to bring it up again as they ascended the mountain path. Unbeknownst to them, on the branch of a nearby tree a single silver butterfly fluttered its wings as if it had been watching them...

…

“Charge! Catch the ugly freak and exterminate evil for the people! We'll split the bounty evenly!!!”

Wei Wuxian followed by Jiang Cheng and the two junior officials had just exited the forest into a small clearing, having followed the sound of rampage they had caught wind of only moments before found themselves coming up toward a temple that whos red wooden and brick walls seemed mottled with age. Above its entrance in large solid metal words read 'Temple of Ming Guang.' From somewhere past the crowd a voice called out “Don't move!!!”

The crowd came to an abrupt halt. Then a young man from the front of the group spoke, it was Xiao Pengtou.

“Miss! You were captured by the ghost groom right? Whats your name? We are here to rescue you! You can relax now.”

Wei Wuxian internally groaned as he pushed around the crowd to see who was on the other side. Stood there in a red wedding dress is what looked to be a tall woman with a fair pale face and rosy red lips with an uncomfortable expression on her face as she looked over and past the gang of ruffians, however when her eyes met his that expression softened. Wait a minute. Wei Wuxian suddenly froze as the other three caught up to him Jiang Cheng giving him a puzzled look.

“Nan Feng, Fu Yao, come aid me quick!” The one in the red dress called out, and who else could it be but Xie Lian. The two junior officials stopped stared then took several steps back. Xie Lian exasperated, asked a few more times before the two men made their way toward him. Wei Wuxian gave Jiang Cheng a glance only to see his brothers face paled a bit his eyes wide and his mouth slightly agape.

“Did you four come from that direction? Did you run into anything on the way?” Xie Lian asked.

“No!” Nan Feng replied, looking like he was about to swear up a storm.

“Good.” Xie Lian nodded “Fu Yao, follow this path and search the surrounding area make... make sure the ghost... Fu Yao what happened to your face?” The Junior official didn't answer and instead spun on his heels and went to do as he had been told. Xie Lian cocked his head before turning back to the other. “ Nan Feng you stay and guard this place, and make sure not a single person leaves. If Fu Yao doesn't find the ghost groom on the mountain, then it must be hiding in the crowd. A-Cheng, A-Ying come to me.”

The two teen boys quickly closed the gap between them and stood on either side of Xie Lian who looked both of them over and, deciding they were both fine gave, them a warm smile. Wei Wuxian smiled back, Jiang Cheng tried to but his brow twitched and he couldn't seem to look his father in the eyes.

Watching his son's clearly uncomfortable reaction, Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry. The crowd of men who had climbed the mountain to hunt the ghost groom began to stir up a commotion.

“Not a single one can leave?! What gives you the right to hold us here?!” It was Xiao Pengtou who cried out having gotten over his initial shock at finding out the bride before him was actually a man. “Men, don't listen to him, we-”

Snap

All the men turned to Nan Feng who had slammed his palm into a tree as big around as large mans embrace, and it had broken clean in half. Deciding they preferred themselves to stay in one piece they became deathly quiet. However Xiao Pengtou was stubborn like an ox.

“You claim the ghost groom is among us and yet everyone here has a name and family. Come check by torchlight yourself and check us individually.”

“Nan Feng.”

At the call of his name the junior official grabbed Xiao Pengtou's torch and shined it on the men's faces. All were covered in sweat and seemed to have an array of emotions from genuine fear or odd excitement, quiet the spirited lot. Xie Lian couldn't discern anything and so stepped before the crowd.

“Everyone, I apologize for any offense earlier, but I injured the ghost groom and it fled out here and couldn't have made it very far, however since none of those with me saw it while following up behind you, I'm afraid it must be hiding within your group. Please spare a moment to take a look among yourselves and see if a face is unfamiliar.” The crowd having heard this immediately fell into action shining their torches to each other double checking the faces around them for even the vaguest of hints that they didn't recognize the person beside them. Just then someone yelled out.

“You! Why are YOU here you ugly freak!?” It was Xiao Pengtou who spoke who snatched another mans torch and shined it in a far corner of the mob.

Xie Lian rushed over to ask when a familiar voice replied to the man in a soft yet stern tone. “We were worried so We came up to see what you lot were up to. Now sir would you kindly stop referring to my friend in such a way. It's dehumanizing.” When all eyes saw who was in that corner of the group they saw two faces. The first who ducked away behind the other figure was none other then Xiao Ying who's slanted eyes and crooked nose appeared contoured under the firelight. The other now standing between her and the group of men was Jiang Yanli, her pale complexion glowing in the orange light of the torch, her expression serious.

Xie Lian noticing the Xiao Ying's obvious distress took Xiao Pengtou's torch and used his other hand to touch his daughters shoulder. She looked at him oddly for a moment but then she gave him a funny smile both acknowledging the unsaid words between them before Xie Lian turned back to the crowd.

“How is it everyone? Did you notice anything?”

The group only shook their heads.

“There isn't anyone here we don't know.”

“Could it be possessing someone?” Nan Feng asked.

“Doubtful, the ghost had a solid body.”

“Since its a wrath it's hard to say if it can change shape.”

While the two were hesitating Xiao Pengtou once again shouted out from the crowd. “The ghost groom isn't among us see? If you see then why not let us go?”

Some voices in the crowd began to agree, so Xie Lian quickly called out to them again.

“Everyone please, stay where you are in front of the Ming Guan temple and do not move a single step.” As voices began to rise from the disgruntled crowd Fu Yao reapered from beyond the treeline.

“There's nothing nearby.”

Gazing out at the heavily packed crowd Xie Lian's next words were spoken slowly. “Then it must be one of them.”

It was during the commotion that followed that Wei Wuxian, a boy easily distracted began to look over the Ming Guan Temple but had deduced that he could not see what was inside from his current view. Deciding he had nothing better to do, he slipped away from Jiang Cheng and Nan Feng who he had been standing with and slipped inside. The first thing Wei Wuxian noticed was the undeniable stench of rot, which caused him to gag a little but yet he still continued onward. The second thing he noticed was the divine statue. Unlike the one in the Nan Yang temple they had been using as their sort of base the past couple of days this statue was clearly well made, wielding a magnificent sword and had a jaded belt around his waste, the figure itself was handsome and imposing. He looked over the statue for a bit longer before continuing his own investigation of the building occasionally waving his hand in front of his face to blow off the smell. When he made it to the place behind the statue however he stopped.

“Woah.” Standing in a group was a group of women in red wedding dresses, some faded and covered in dry rot the closer ones still vibrant. They were all obviously dead, he could especially tell (besides the scent of decay) because some of their veils had been torn off and scattered on the floor in some kind of commotion. Each woman who's veil was tossed aside, had skin so pale it glowed green in the moonlight and... to the boys surprise, they all wore a smile on their faces. He stepped forward and counted them. 18.... Wei Wuxian stopped a moment a using his hand to point them out he counted again. “one, two, three...…. eighteen. Huh.... I thought... did baba say seventeen or eighteen? Damn, of all the times I don't pay attention.” He shook his head and smiled to himself. He looked among the dead brides before leaning down slightly to peer under some of the veils. One lady caught his attention immediately. Although he was looking up at her from such an odd angle, not only could he tell she was quiet beautiful but that she must not have been dead long for her skin still looked smooth and soft. He couldn't help leaning in a bit more out of morbid curiosity.

“Pity...” He sighed about to stand up... but then he froze.... did it just... move...

“Whoa! There's so many brides!” Wei Wuxian leapt back and around to see a man from the group outside was now standing further down the way looking among the brides. At that a commotion outside could be heard as some others began poring into the temple. It was then that the one who had called out had moved closer and his face paled instantly. “Their Dead!”

“Of course their dead. Don't you have a nose?” Wei Wuxian couldn't help but rebuke the man. “It stinks like death so why wouldn't they be dead.”

It was then Xiao Pengtou had run in with torch in hand and shined it over the corpses. “What is this wickedness? This one looks like she's been dead for decades but still hasn't rotted???” It didn't take him but a second to change his tune. “Doesn't matter. Pack them up and bring them down the mountain. The families will still have to pay up.”

“What the hell is wrong with you!” Wei Wuxian was disgusted as he stormed over to the young man. “No sympathy no remorse. Just money? A pig is what you are.” Xiao Pengtou ignored him giving him a slight shove.

“Move it brat the adults are working.” The teen boy gritted his teeth and made to swing at the man.

“A-Ying!” He stopped and turned to see Xie Lian standing at the temple entrance beckoning him over. He slumped his shoulders a bit but did as he was told and hurried out. Outside Jiang Cheng punched his arm.

“Ow. What was that for?”

“Why did you run off? Its like you wanna get killed.”

“No I don't.”

“I think my didi's need to BOTH behave.” Jiang Yanli stepped between them placing a hand on each of their heads giving them both her gentle smile, but her eyebrows quirked in the way she did when scolding them.

“Why don't you all come back outside? There's no air flow in the back of the temple and its heavy with the scent of death. It be unwise to stay back there.” Xie Lian spoke out trying to coax the men to leave. Even Xiao Ying called out to them begging them to get out, but no one listened.

“Go for the fresh corpses men. Who even knows if the relatives of the older ones are still even kicking around. Don't waste your energy hauling those.” Xiao Pengtou called out to the other men who all agreed and began ripping of the veils to check beneath.

“Don't!” Xie Lian warned. “If you take of their veils is nothing separating the living qi from their corpse qi. There is so many of you and if they suck in too much of your living qi we won't know what will happen!”

But they didn't stop, because of course they couldn't see the age of the corpse with those veils on. At that point Nan Feng had made it to the temple entrance but could only shake his head in disgust.

“Why don't you stop them?” Wei Wuxian asked his voice cracking a bit, his anger obvious.

“Lets say I did. I rendered each of them a bloody mess, then what. If the ghost groom were to attack right here and now those men would be unable to attempt escape. So I do nothing.” Nan Feng answered. It was very obvious he still wanted to beat the shit out of these men.

“My god, this hussy is super cute.” The group at the door turned to see that one of the more burly men in the group had pulled the veil of one of the brides away. It was that pretty one Wei Wuxian had been looking at before the other man had shown up. As the men gathered around, the one who pulled off the veil spoke again. “She wasn't even married yet, right? What a waste to just die like that.”

“Her clothes are a bit tattered, but she is still the prettiest by far.” Another man added.

“I dare you to feel her up.” said another.

“What's there to even be scared of?” Said Xiao Pengtou with a disgusting grin as he reached out and pinched at the dead woman's face.

“Pig!”Wei Wuxian sneered. Jiang Yanli's face paled, looking like she wanted to vomit. Xie Lian made a move to go stop them but was out run by Xiao Ying who threw herself at the men.

“Don't do this!” She exclaimed.

Xiao Pengtou gave her a backhanded shove causing her to fall to the ground before yelling at her. “Get out of our way!”

She quickly climbed back to her feet not giving up. “But you will incur heavens wrath like this!”

“Goddammit you ugly freak!” Xiao Pengtou was furious now. “Your so nosy!” He lifted his foot to kick her but Xie Lian was quicker lunging forward in enough time to pull her back by her collar. But just as his foot met air, a rock came flying past hitting Xiao Pengtou square in the head with a THUD causing a gaping wound to appear. Xiao Ying jumped up to take the blame but the young man had already seen the figure dashing away from a nearby window. “ITS HIM! The ugly freak with the bandages on his face!”

Xie Lian handed Xiao Ying off to Jiang Yanli before leaping out the window followed closely by Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian, and several of the braver men who's focus was still on the bounty. They followed after the figure but just before they reached the treeline Xie Lian shot out both arms stopping both of his sons from going in. The boys were about to ask when they smelled it. Blood.

“Don't go in.” Xie Lian called out in warning but the other men didn't listen. They ran right past him and into the trees. The others who had been in the temple swarmed out if only to watch gathering in front of him and his two boys. Before anyone could even blink a round of screams came from the forest as figures stumbled out, covered in blood.

As quickly as they had gathered around many of the men who came to watch retreated behind him.

Xie Lian raised a hand. “Calm yourselves. Its not their blood.”

“Yeah! This blood isn't ours! I- its...” The men who had run into the forest now bathed red looked back in absolute terror. No one could see what they were starring at for just beyond the treeline was pitch black. Xie Lian signaled to the two boys to stay put as he grabbed a torch and took a few steps forward till he was the forest edge. Something hit the torches flame making a quick sizzling noise. He pulled his arm back and chucked the torch further in. It only illuminated the canopy for barely a second but it was enough. Suspended upside down at different heights in the trees were 40 corpses, wearing military uniforms dripping blood like rain. Wei Wuxian quickly ran up and grabbed at his father's dress both pulling him back and refusing to step away from him for more then a second.

“The green ghost.” Jiang Cheng practically jumped out of his skin and spun around to see the one who had spoken was Nan Feng who, followed by Fu Yao, had just come to investigate.

“indeed. It's his favorite trick.” Fu Yao agreed.

“Who are you guys talking about?” Jiang Cheng asked taking a few steps towards his father while trying to keep a composed face. (In all seriousness he was getting panicked but if he showed it Wei Wuxian would at some point pick on him for it.)

“A 'near supreme.'” Nan Feng replied.

“Do you mean a ghost who is close to the power of a supreme?” Xie Lian asked, puzzled.

“That's what the Palace of Ling Wen ranks him as anyway.” Fu Yao remarked. “He adores games like this forest of hanging corpses. You could say he is infamous.”

Xie Lian shook his head but then froze and sharply turned back to the forest as if he remembered something.

“Baba, what's wrong?” Wei Wuxian asked once again pulling at the red wedding dress his brow knitted.

“After you all left, a young man showed up and helped me out of the sedan. We actually came from this direction, I remembered because at one point he pulled out an umbrella and I swore I heard rain hitting it as he lead me through the forest. I didn't get a good look at his face due to the veil but I noticed an enchanted array on our way up. It was immensely tough and he just broke it so easily. Could that have been him? The 'near supreme' green ghost?”

Nan Feng considered it for a moment but then shook his head. “I've never seen the green ghost before so I can't say. Did the young man have any distinctive features? Something that made him stand out.”

“Silver Butterflies.”

Up until those words Fu Yao and Nan Feng had kept composed even at the sight of the hanging corpses, but now both of their expressions dropped.

“What did you say? Silver Butterflies? What kind of silver butterflies?” The look on Fu Yao's face as he demanded answers was of disbelief. His words only made Wei Wuxian pull on Xie Lian even more his hands rubbing the fabric of the dress together, clearly he was getting overwhelmed. Xie Lian gently pulled both boys closer to him but spoke with no trace of worry in his voice, whether to calm the boys or because he truly wasn't troubled it would be impossible to tell.

“They were like silver, but also like crystal. They didn't seem to be living creatures and yet they were very pretty.” Nearby Jiang Yanli had made her way to the edge of the group along side Xiao Ying, so when she heard her fathers description the faintest hint of recognition crossed her face. Fu Yao and Nan Feng however exchanged a grim look.

After awhile Fu Yao spoke his tone dark. “Take your kids and leave. Right now.”

“But we haven't settled the ghost groom case yet. How could I possibly leave.”

“Settle?” Fu Yao sneered. “The Ghost groom is a wrath and the green ghost is only 'near supreme' even as pesky as he is.' He gave pause before turning back to Xie Lian with a stern voice. “Do you know who the master of those silver butterflies is?”

“Afraid not” he replied honestly.

“.... even if you don't there's no time to explain.” Fu Yao said stiffly. “In short he isn't someone you can handle. Return to the heavenly realm and call on reinforcements.”

“Then you head back first.” Xie Lian's voice held no fear or doubt instead it was calm, his hands gently rubbing the shoulder of each of his boys as if trying to pour that same ease into them.

“You-” Fu Yao began but was quickly cut off.

“The master of those silver butterflies never once showed any malice toward me.” Xie Lian began. “but if he is harboring malicious intent and is as terrifying as you claim him to be then no one on Mount Yunjun is safe, so someone has to stay back and protect these people. So why don't you go back first and seek reinforcements.” Fu Yao looked at Xie Lian then gave an unreadable look at the two boys, Jiang Cheng looking away immediately and Wei Wuxian glaring at him from behind his fathers back. It may not be spoken but they still weren't happy with him. So without another word and a toss of his sleeve he left. Just as Xie Lian turned to speak with Nan Feng about this mysterious man a voice called out from the forest behind him.

“I Caught him!!!” He turned to see a burly man, one who had not been scared off by the blood rain pulling along a hapless young boy messily covered in bandages. He barely looked over 15.

Apparently the ghost groom is some kind of ugly beast living on Mount Yujun, And its because of this, no woman could ever love him. That's why he steals the brides, to ruin their happy occasions. apparently some folks said they've seen it. Face entirely wrapped in bandages... The words of the tea master rang out in Xie Lians mind as Xiao Ying rushed out from her place beside Jiang Yanli. “You've got the wrong person, he isn't the ghost groom. He isn't!”

Xiao Pengtou scoffed, “He got caught red handed and yet you still think he's innocent... unless your in cahoots with the ghost groom?” Xiao Ying was stunned her eyes brimming with tears. Jiang Yanli once again took to her side.

“Caught doing what exactly? Stopping you from hurting her? Running away from a bunch of big scary men who intend to do him harm? You have no proof. As far as I can tell he's just an ordinary boy who's been hurt and terrorized by you lot.”

Xiao Pengtou pushed forward aggressively practically shoving his face into hers. “Ordinary? Ordinary people don't wrap their faces in bandages like that, ordinary people know how to talk. I get ugly over there acting up but pretty little girls like you need to learn your place. Ordinary huh? Lets see how ordinary this ghost groom really looks.” He shot out his hand grabbing at the boys bandages. He let out a scream as they were tugged away, his cries were full of fear, incredibly mournful and pitiful.

Xie Lian grabbed Xiao Pengtou by the wrist turning it in such away to not cause harm but force the man to let go and sternly said “Enough.”

The moment the boy was free he shot a wild glance up at the man in the red wedding dress before hastily fixing his bandages and rushing behind Xiao Ying. It was as he was fixing the bandages people saw the burn scars laying just bellow the surface causing some to suck in air. Wei Wuxian, who was still hooked to his fathers skirt looked at the boy and smiled his bright smile. This gave the bandaged boy a moment of pause as he tilted his head slightly looking back at him. No one had smiled at him except Xiao Ying.

“What are you scheming!” Xiao Pengtou snapped. “We are the ones who caught the ghost groom.”

“The ghost groom won't be so easily caught. My friend from before searched around here earlier remember, and he didn't find this boy meaning he probably came after.”

Xiao Ying mustered up her courage and spoke. “You want the reward money but you cant just catch someone at random to make up the numbers!”

Xiao Pengtou was enraged, he flung up his hand ready to strike her but someone else moved in his way. Using one hand Jiang Yanli shoved his swinging arm down and with the other she shot out two fingers with viper like accuracy to a point at the center of his forehead causing the man to go limp before falling to the ground completely immobile. Nan Feng who had taken position to take down Xiao Pengtou himself was suddenly still as a statue, before looking over at the sixteen year old girl who just gracefully stepped around the man she had sent to the ground to take up a place at her fathers side, a soft smile on her lips. I can take care of myself. That's what she had said to both himself and Fu Yao at the Little Shop of Chance Encounters the first time they met.

“I'm sorry baba, I really don't like going on the attack but he was causing so much trouble and I couldn't let him hurt Xiao Ying again. What kind of friend would I be if I sat back and did nothing.” The girl in question who had been taking care of the bandaged boy suddenly shot a glance toward Jiang Yanli a gleam in her eyes and hint of a smile on her lips.

“It's alright A-Li,” he spoke gently reaching out to carefully brush back her hair with his hand. His attention turned to the bandaged boy. “Do you know how those corpses in the forest got there?”

The boy only shook his head still trembling.

“Who is the Green Ghost Qi Rong to you?” When Nan Feng asked this question Wei Wuxian had just been watching his father who shot a wide eyed glance at the junior official. It seemed Jiang Yanli had also noticed because she gently tugged on his sleeve. Xie Lian looked at her, then Wei Wuxian and finally Jiang Cheng, who up until this point had been standing quietly at his side refusing to look toward the forest behind them. The Bandaged Boy only starred at Nan Feng without a word, no reaction save his fear to answer the man.

“He... he is too scared to talk.” Xiao Ying explained.

“Miss, what exactly is wrong with the boy. Please explain everything to me.” Xie Lian implored being ever so gentle as he spoke. Xiao Ying looked to Jiang Yanli and then back to him. After summoning a little courage she answered.

“He really hasnt done anything wrong. The boy lives up here on Mount Yunjun. Its just that sometimes when he gets really hungry he will run down the mountain to steal food. Once I caught him stealing from my house... and I saw he couldn't really talk and he had injuries on his face so I cleaned him up and gave him some food...” At first Xie Lian thought the two might have been something liken to a couple but her actions now, the actions she took toward him reminded him more of Jiang Yanli toward her two little brothers, and so he couldn't help the grin that appeared on his face. That seemed to boost Xiao Ying's confidence so she continued. “Later some others had seen him and convinced themselves he was the ghost groom. I couldn't convince them otherwise so I prayed that the real culprit would be caught soon. Then you all arrived and you seemed capable and were willing to take the part of bride as bait, that I believed you wouldn't catch the wrong person... But then me and A-Yanli saw Xiao Pengtou leading the others up the mountain and I decided I had to make sure he was safe. Besides if he was the Groom how is it that he was so easily caught and hurt by these men yet those officers were killed.”

Xie Lian and Nan Feng gave each-other a look. Both felt a headache slowly coming on.

“So a bandaged boy, a ghost groom, a 'near supreme' green ghost, the master of silver butterflies, do they even have any connection to each-other? Who is involved with the 17 missing brides? Who's Innocent and just caught up in the moment.” Jiang Cheng shook his head as he counted out all the problems on his fingers. Wei Wuxian however suddenly looked like something clicked in his head.

“uh, baba...”

“Hold on A-Ying, Miss Xiao Ying,have you always lived near Mount Yunjun?”

Xiao Ying replied “Yes, I've always lived here. I can grantee he's never done anything bad here-”

“Actually, I wanted to ask something else.” Xie Lian said, reaching a hand back to pat Wei Wuxians head for the boy was jerking on his dress more fervently now. “Just a moment. Are there no other Ming Guan temples near Mount Yujun save this one?”

“Uhm, well I think so... but they never were finished cause they kept catching fire halfway through construction. I think some people said it was Ming Guan couldn't protect this place so they switched to Nan Yang.”

“Baba, baba you said 17 brides were taken.” Wei Wuxian couldn't wait any longer and spoke as loud as he could to be heard. “But earlier when I was in the temple by myself I swore I counted 18.”

Xie Lian's expression froze. His eyes lit up as he was hit by sudden realization and spun to face Nan Feng taking hold of the mans arm. “Lend me some spiritual power!”

Nan Feng who looked confused only obliged and clasped hands with the prince before they both began running back toward the temple.

“Baba whats wrong?” Jiang Yanli called out just as her two brothers followed after him.

“There were seventeen brides, now there's eighteen meaning one is a fake. The ghost has hidden among them.”

The four of them had dashed into the Temple of Ming Guan only to find the brides were all gone, their veils scattered on the ground. Immediately Xie Lian began snatching them up just as terrified cries came from back outside. Wei Wuxian ran over to the window and peered outside to find a disturbing sight. A mob of women in scarlet dress, skin glowing a deathly green, reaching out with vibrant claw like red nails circling around and closing in on the group of men who had come up the mountain. They all seemed terrified as some began to try to make a break for it.

“Don't Run!” Xie Lian called out helplessly from his sons side at the window, but it was useless. The men hadn't listened to him earlier they weren't going to start now. In the distance, Jiang Yanli pulled both the bandaged boy and Xiao Ying behind her before putting her arms up ready to defend the two if necessary. The four who had went to check the temple quickly returned outside where Xie Lian launched the Ruoye into the sky, before making a casual hand sign. In the moonlight the silk band glowed as it danced a bewitching sight that caused a hand full of the brides to begin going after it, however some had smelt the blood in the forest and turned hopping towards the darkness.

“Nan Feng, take A-Cheng and stop them from making their way down the mountain!” The young man and the boy only nodded, Jiang Cheng whipping out Zidian as they made chase. Xie Lian then turned to Wei Wuxian with a smile. “A-Ying, I need a distraction for the other brides.”

The boy smiled, as distractions were his specialty. Just as two brides had been heading their way, Wei Wuxian flew between them, waving his hands in their face's. “come on ladies over here!” They reached out toward him but he only stayed for a second before dodging away causing them to grab at each other. Xie Lian threw two veils, one falling on each of the brides heads as he past. He sent them a quiet apology, as the two corpses began strangling each other, a sight both terrifying and hilarious. With a wide wave of his hand Xie Lian sent Ruoye shooting down like a white rainbow, where it formed a large circle on the ground.

“Everyone get in the circle!” He called out, some of the men who had began to flee seemed to hesitate, however Jiang Yanli took the bandaged boy by the arm and quickly ran into the circle, Xiao Ying following close behind only to stop, turn, grab and drag the unconscious Xiao Pengtou into the circle as well. Just as she crossed the circle with him a bride lunged forward on the attack only to hit what seemed to be an invisible wall.

“Good job Ruoye.” Jiang Yanli cooed at the white band which seemed to shimmy slightly as gleefully accepted her praise.

“Everyone, quick, get in the circle! The brides can't enter the circle!” Xiao Ying called out. The fleeing men took notice and changed direction diving into the circle one after the other. Seeming to have realized they could not enter the array, the brides attentions turned toward Xie Lian and Wei Wuxian before lunging at them. The two were prepared and In less then a heartbeat Wei Wuxian jumped backward towards his father, who cupped his hands catching the boys foot before launching him back into the air and just as quickly throwing a few veils from his sleeves. While spinning through the sky, the teen boy also sent few veils he had taken from Xie Lian and spun them outward toward the brides before crisply landing on top of the temple roof. The Veils were like a rain of blurred red flower petals caught in the wind as each and everyone made contact and covered a brides face, causing their movements to slow and them to reach about as if blind. The men inside the circle began to cheer at the unexpected turn of events.

“NICE!”

“Amazing!”

“You two trained for this right?”

“Thank you, Thank you, if you have the means we except donatio- wait a minute.” Xie Lian stopped himself after realizing he had started in on his busking speech, causing a certain boy up and behind him to snicker. Just as he was distracted the few remaining brides lunged out leaping meters to cut the distance between them short, some crashing into the roof tiles near Wei Wuxian, the rest flying straight toward Xie Lian. Just as the boy booked it across the roof and away from the snarling corpses, Xie Lian kicked off the ground and with two fingers to his head entered a private communications array.

“Ling Wen, the all knowing Ling Wen! I have a question; do you know if the Martial god of the North, General Ming Guan had any intimate female friends?” At first she didn't answer but after a time she spoke.

“Dianxia, Why do you ask?”

“Sorry but its quiet urgent, I'm currently being chased by about a dozen dead people right now!”

“Oh! That Awful?” Ling Wen sounded quiet shocked.

“Not too bad.” Xie Lian said. “So did he? I know this question is quiet personal, hence why I didn't ask in general communications array. Its necessary for the mission and I promise not to divulge the information to anyone.”

“Oh, no, Dianxia you misunderstand. It's not that the question is hard to answer, in-fact Ol Pei has had quiet a number of intimate female friends so I'm not entirely sure which one you would be speaking of.”

Xie Lian missed a step but quickly spun back to his feet just dodging one of the corpses before continuing his conversation. “Alright then, can you tell me if any of them were, possessive, jealous and had a disability.”

“Ah, there is one that fits that description.”

Xie Lian launched two more veils catching two brides causing the crowd to cheer once more. Somewhere on the roof top one of the brides was kicked off and tumble to the ground. Xie Lian bowed to the crowd, thanking them for the applause and while checking on his sons situation called into the array. “Who? Tell me.”

“Before Ol' Pei ascended, he was a general, during a war he became entangled with a female enemy general. A woman extremely beautiful and fierce in character. Her name was Xuan Ji.”

“Xuan Ji. Got it.” Xie Lian acknowledged.

“You see, General Pei is the type of man who when he sees a beautiful woman he can't help but get entangled with them, even with a sword at his throat. Xuan Ji lead an army into battle and was captured by him. However when no one was paying attention she attempted to end her own life instead of being kept as a prisoner of war. However before she could do such a thing General Pei cut her sword in half with one swing, saving her life. Given that, one; the general was one to cherish beauties, and two; that the war was already determined even if it dragged on, Xuan Ji was released. However the constant contact with the two meant a relationship bloomed between them.”

Xie Lian watched as Wei Wuxian kicked another bride off the roof before he himself quickly tossed a veil over face. “Sound like a beautiful tale.”

“It was a beautiful tale... however what killed it was Xuan Ji's ademance that General Pei have her be his only lover for the rest of his life.”

Xie Lian leapt up, scaling onto the roof himself and arrived aside Wei Wuxian who gave him a goofy smile. They both looked down at the remaining corpse brides. “There isn't anything wrong with a woman wanting to be a mans only lover in a lifetime.”

“There isn't” Ling Wen began “But in times of war, the battlefield is heartless and the two had agreed from the start that the relationship was to be short lived. Here today, gone tomorrow. To speak of romance but not of war. But with someone like Ol Pei it's really a pretty good deal if he doesn't cheat on you.”

Xie Lian was stunned speechless.

“However Xuan Ji was a stubborn woman and if she wanted something she would refuse to let it go-”

“Wait hold on! Her disability. What was her disability?”

“Oh,its her-” Ling Wen's voice was suddenly cut off as his spiritual power once again waned at the worst possible timing.

Launching out the last of the veils onto the brides bellow he began to count them.

“one, two, three, four,.... ten.”

“And seven went into the forest that Nan Feng and Jiang Cheng went after.” Wei Wuxian finished bending down to his knees to lean over the edge of the roof to watch the corpses dance around, blindly. “So... wheres the ghost groom?”

“Not a groom... a bride.”

Just then from behind them came a THUMP THUMP THUMP. They both turned to see a small form crawl up behind them, her dress tattered and she crawled on her knees as her two broken legs dragged behind her. Wei Wuxian recognized her face immediately as that pretty one he had starred up at while investigating the corpses in the temple... the very same one those men... however instead of a lifeless closed eyed smile, her face now shown resentment.

“Xuan Ji.” Xie Lian called out to her.

As if hearing her name called out for the first time in a very long time, her eyes suddenly lit up and the resentment faded, if only a bit.

“Did... he send you to find me?” Xie Lian didn't answer so she pressed on. “What about the man himself, won't he come to see me?”

“Who... who are you talking about?” Wei Wuxian asked slowly stepping to his feet and taking up a place behind his father. Her expression moments before had been passionate and hopeful but suddenly drooped as she slid off the roof and down to the ground bellow where she could look up at the divine statue of Ming Guan. She pulled herself toward it before leaning against it looking disheveled and miserable.

“Why won't he come see me?”

The two followed after her keeping a distance, Xie Lian putting his arm up to keep Wei Wuxian back. Xuan Ji peered up at the statues handsome face before letting out a sorrow filled moan.

“Pei dear, oh Pei dear, I've betrayed my kingdom for you, become like this for YOU! But you still refuse to see me!” She began pulling at her hair. “Is your heart made of Iron!” Suddenly her eyes, wild and terrifying shot out and looked at Wei Wuxian. “A child, a child thinks I'm so pitiful. I'm only such because of you!”

Surprised by her abrupt attention now trained on him, the boy fumbled backwards an awkward smile slipping onto his face. Xie Lian stepped to take the space between them when someone cried out.

“Help! Help!”

“Let him go!”

“You two stupid bitches! Fuck off before that female ghost catches on!” Turning to face where Ruoye circled the group, all they saw was one now very awake Xiao Pengtou attempting to drag the bandaged boy from the circle, however Xiao Ying was hooked onto his leg and Jiang Yanli grabbed the boys other arm trying to keep them within the circle. Xie Lian having heard what the young man had just called his daughter wished he had knocked the young man out, maybe three days out cold would teach him some manners.

“Get back in the circle!” He cried out but it was too late. Xiao Pengtou having seen a cloud of black mist descending on him had intended to retreat but he was still grabbing hold of the boy and Xiao Ying still gripped his leg. Enveloping him, the black mist sucked him away and toward Xuan Ji. Wei Wuxian leapt out of the way as the mans head was yanked into the female ghosts hand, and that's when he realized what was about to happen. Was it not Xiao Pengtou who had grouped her in that dare?

Xuan Ji's fingers dug into the young mans scalp as he screamed in agony, a wet tearing noise beginning to echo throughout the temple as she pulled his skull from his head. Xie Lian wrapped Wei Wuxian into and embrace before leaping back and away now standing equal distance between Xuan Ji and the circle holding the kids and men inside it. Xiao Ying was screaming as Jiang Yanli had pulled both her and and the bandaged boy back into the circle, which caught the Ghost Brides attention yet again, lifting her hand ready to attack but Xie Lian spoke changing her focus to him.

“general, please refrain from committing any more murderous sin.” He had called her that title in hopes to remind her of the hero she once had been, a woman fighting for her kingdom. Instead her face became twisted as she crushed Xiao Pengtou's skull into dust.

“Is he too scared to see me?” She sneered.

“I'd be.” Wei Wuxian spat out, mostly from habit. When Xuan Ji shot him a menacing glance he ducked behind his baba and out of her fiery gaze. All of a sudden she began laughing like a lunatic.

She spun around and pointed to the divine statue. “I burned your temples, caused havoc in your land, just so you'd come see me! I've waited for Years!!!” She pounced grabbing the statue by the neck and shaking it as if attempting to strangle it. “Look at me! Look at my legs! See what I've become! All for You! I did it all for YOU! IS YOUR HEART MADE OF IRON!!!!”

“i can't blame the man for not showing, she's crazy.” Wei Wuxian laughed nervously, making sure to keep his voice low so she couldn't hear him. He noticed Xie Lian giving him a uncomfortable look, one that clearly said not to judge.

“Baba?” Xie Lian looked past his son to see Jiang Yanli starring back at him, as she held onto Xiao Ying and the boy. He gave her a smile to assure her.... his mistake.

Suddenly Xuan Ji was knocking him to the ground, in doing so toppled Wei Wuxian who had been standing behind, now trapped under the two. The Ghost Bride's hands snapped around Xie Lian's throat. “Since you won't look at me and instead want to look at those smiling girls so much, I'll let you look to your hearts content!!”

“Baba!” Wei Wuxian called out, struggling to wriggle out from beneath them. Xie Lian reached out a hand to summon Ruoye-

“AHHHHHHHH!” Having jumped out of the circle and away from Jiang Yanli, Xiao Ying had snatched up a nearby branch and come running to knock the ghost bride off. But it was pointless. Xuan Ji only shot the girl a chilling look and suddenly she went flying through the air, traveling meters away before her head hit the ground with a sickening thunk. Jiang Yanli and the bandaged boy cried out as they dashed over to her side. Xie Lian spun himself over, now hovering face down over Wei Wuxian who was now free to sit up and skitter out and away. Suddenly five cold fingers grasped the back of Xie Lian's head and began to dig into his scalp.

“Ruoye! Bind!”

The white silk band shot out and away from the men it had been protecting, before quickly wrapping around Xuan Ji pulling her away from the scrap god and pinning her arms to her sides. She let out a disgruntled wail as she collapsed to the ground. Wei Wuxian starred un moving and only snapped out of it when his father, having scrambled to his feet made a mad dash toward where Xiao Ying lay sprawled face down in the earth. By the time they both arrived Jiang Yanli had carefully flipped the girl onto her back, her face covered in blood. Some of the men who had been brave enough to walk away from where the circle had once been, gathered around but at a distance, letting out bemoaned sighs as they watched the tragic scene.

Her eye's fluttered open and she looked up at Xie Lian. “Sir.... have I... made things worse?”

In all truth she hadn't but she hadn't helped either. He had been seconds away from calling on Ruoye, and even if she had hit Xuan Ji with that pathetic branch it wouldn't have done any good. The truth was her death was meaningless. But Xie Lian would never say those words out loud.

“ No, not at all. You diverted the ghosts attention at just the right time for me to subdue her. Thank you ever so much. However next time you should warn me, so that if you wish to help me things won't go downhill.”

“Ha. Sir you don't have to comfort me. I know I wasn't of any use, and I know there won't be a next time.” Her gaze shifted to the boy. He was shaking and making odd noises as if trying to tell her something but he didn't know the words. “in the future don't go down the mountain to steal food, if your caught they might try to kill you...”

“If he ever gets hungry he can come to me.” Xie Lian said.

Xiao Yings eyes lit up at hearing this and she smiled. “Thank you ever so much...” This time her eyes met Jiang Yanli's, who at this point had two streams of tears pouring down from her eyes as she grasped the dying girls hand. Xiao Ying smiled, and smiled, until two matching streams of tears poured down her face. “I feel I haven't lived many good days in all my life her in this world...”

“D-don't say things like that.” Jiang Yanli stuttered as she gently squeezed that hand that had started to loose warmth.

“Even so, even if I was just born unlucky, I'm glad...” The tears began to pour chocking as she squeezed back. “I'm glad I met you... I'm glad to have been someone you called... a friend...” slowly her breathing faded away and her eyes dulled. She was dead. Seeing this the boy began to sob pressing his face into her stomach. Jiang Yanli looked up at Xie Lian shaking like a leaf.

“Oh baba.” She cried throwing herself into his arms, he held her tight and looked down at the deceased girl. Your stronger than me. He reached out with one hand and shut Xiao Ying's eyes for the last time.

Wei Wuxian wrung his hands as he stood back and watched. His heart hurt for his sister but he didn't really know how to feel. Of course he was upset, knowing full well no one should die like that, so meaninglessly, but he didn't really know the girl. Only that she had helped baba, helped that boy, and had befriended Jiang Yanli. Just as he was about to speak a bizarre bell tolled.

Clang

Clang

Clang

His vision went dark as he collapsed onto his fathers back. Xie Lian who had gotten dizzy from the noise spun his head back. “A-Ying?!” All around him, both man and corpse had collapsed. He made to stand, carrying Jiang Yanli in his arms but his legs almost couldn't keep him up and he began to fall when a arm reached out to support him. He looked up to see Nan Feng with a knocked out Jiang Cheng on his back.

“Don't worry, the bell is what knocked him out.” He said hoisting the crown prince back to his feet.

“What are they?” Xie Lian asked immediately looking down at Wei Wuxian who now lay slumped at his feet.

“Reinforcements.”

Following Nan Feng's gaze Xie Lian saw a row of soldiers outfitted in armor, emitting bright auras, a thin sheen of spiritual light. Leading them was a tall young military general, who stood poised and elegant. It was obvious he was not mortal. He then approached Xie Lian, hands clasped behind his back before bending slightly at the waist, giving a quick bow.

“Dianxia.”

Before Xie Lian could ask, Nan Feng bent over and whispered into his ear.

“This is General Pei.”

“General Pei?” He asked taking a glance over at Xuan Ji who sat still bound by Ruoye on the ground. The general followed his gaze then returned to look at him never changing his calm expression.

“The palace of Ling Wen informed us that this incident at Mount Yujun might involve our Palace of Ming Guan and so this servant has come. Truly I hadn't expected it to really have anything to do with us. We have troubled you Dianxia.” The man before him was nothing like the divine statue or the mental image Xie Lian had conjured up with all the information he had gathered about the general. He gave a mental thank you to Ling Wen before he spoke.

“General Pei is working hard too.”

At the sound of the name 'General Pei,' Xuan Ji's eyes lit up and she looked up at the man above her.

“Pei dear? Is that really you? You finally came? You-” suddenly her faced blanched as she finally took in the man. “Who are you?”

Xie Lian had been leaned over giving a vague account of what had transpired after he and Jiang Cheng had gone after the other brides, but caught on his words, turning a confused gaze on the female ghost. “But, isn't he General Pei? Has it been so long that she forgot what he looks like?”

“Oh, no, he is General Pei. Just not THAT General Pei.”

“There are two General Pei's???”

“Yes, the General Pei she's looking for is THE General Pei, the head god of Ming Guan temple, the one in-front of us is his descendant and deputy general. Most just call him General Pei Junior.”

“Oh.”

Xuan Ji scanned the faces of all the soldiers but seemed aggrieved at not being able to find the one she was looking for. “Where is Pei Ming!? Why has he not come? Does he not want to see me?”

“General Pei has important business to take care of.” Pei Junior answered not a shift in his tone.

“Important Business...” she mumbled. Her face darkened by seven shades before she spat like tongues of fire, tears streaming down her face. “I've waited for him for hundreds of years! What Important Business?! Back then he'd cross half the border in one night, just to come and see me! So important he can't even come for a glance at me? Is there truly anything so important! I think not!”

“General Xuan Ji, please be on your way.” Pei junior said.

From among the soldiers two stepped forward and pulled Ruoye from her form. The silk band quickly returned to Xie Lian's wrist peppering small pats to Jiang Yanli's tear stained face. Xuan Ji who had at first been in a daze, only this allowing the two soldiers to grab her, suddenly began to try and wriggle away from their grasp pointing to the heavens.

“Pei Ming! I Curse You!”

Xie Lian was a bit taken aback but didn't move in fear of accidentally kicking the unconscious Wei Wuxian at his feet but still looked exasperated at the female ghost. Isn't this cursing the ancestor in front of the descendant?

“Please excuse us,” Pei Junior said impassively as he nodded for the men to prepare to leave.

However Xuan Ji wasn't done.

“I CURSE YOU! You had best never fall in love with anyone, otherwise if that day comes I will curse you to be just like me; burning with the fires of love forever and ever never to be reciprocated! Those fires will burn your body, scorch your heart, and consume your insides!”

“One moment,” Pei Junior greeted Xie Lian before pressing his middle and index finger to his head, entering a communication array. After but a moment he pulled the fingers away and turned to Xuan Ji his voice never altering from its stolid tone. “General Pei wants me to tell you; 'That's impossible.”

“CURSE YOU!!!!!” She screamed as she was dragged off. Just as Pei Junior turned to leave Xie Lian called out to him.

“Wait, what is to become of General Xuan Ji?”

“Sealed under a mountain.” He answered unwavering.

“Her resentment is quiet strong, stemming from the hatred cause by betraying her country for General Pei, perhaps sealing isn't the best long term solution?”

“Betray her country for the General? Is that what she said?” Pei Junior asked.

Xie Lian nodded. “She also said it was because of him she became like this. Whether its true, however, I really don't know.”

“It is true, but not in the way one might think. After the two had separated, in order to keep him she gave him military intelligence of her own volition. General Pei was unwilling to win by those means so refused.”

“Then... when she said both her legs were broken because of General Pei...”

“She broke them herself.”

Xie Lian was speechless. Pei Junior continued lacking any emotion in his recounting, “General Pei does not like forceful women, but Xuan Ji was a strong character, a relationship doomed from the start. She told General Pei what she was willing to sacrifice to stay with him and so broke her legs ruining her Martial abilities. Destroying her own wings to tie herself to him. General Pei didn't abandon her to her own devices, but kept her her around yet never intending to marry her. And so General Xuan Ji killed herself in a state of Resentment in hopes the General Pei would be sad. However, pardon my bluntness but,” His voice was still polite and calm as he said these next words. “that would never happen.”

Xie Lian's head ached thinking to himself. Who the heck are these people.

“I may not know who is right and who is wrong, however if General Xuan Ji had just let it go things wouldn't have to be this way. Dianxia, I will take my leave now.”

Xie Lian gave a slight bow, still holding onto his daughter as he did. And with that they were gone.

“Weirdos.” Nan Feng scoffed. Just then Jiang Cheng began to squirm on his back. As the man set the boy back down onto his feet Xie Lian glanced over the scene. Some of the brides had become nothing but white bone, while the 'fresher' ones had began to rot exceedingly fast letting off a foul stench that struck terror into the waking men. Jiang Yanli slowly opened her eyes and Wei Wuxian shot up, blinking and looking around in a daze. After making sure his kids were alright, Xie Lian turned to the men and used the time to nag them about good and bad karma before sending them back down the mountain to go inform the families of the brides to come and collect their daughters bodies. Nan Feng lead the way as day had yet to break and without their leader to guide them the men were too fearful to make the trip back down the mountain without help.

Xie Lian turned to see Jiang Yanli, who he had let back down before nagging those men, sat next to the bandaged boy rubbing his back as they both sat over Xiao Ying's body. He then noticed the boy's head was bleeding.

“Your head is wounded.” Xie Lian spoke, ever so gently. “take the bandages off so I can have a look.”

The boy looked up at him, eyes bloodshot and filled with fear. Xie Lian only smiled at him. “Don't worry I won't be scared but its best if we change those bandages.” The boy looked at Jiang Yanli who also smiled at him.

“Go on. Its alright.”

The boy hesitated before beginning to slowly unwrap the bandages. Xie Lian was patient as he waited for the boy to finish. Behind him Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were discussing what had happened while also peeking over their fathers shoulder, morbid curiosity at what might be under those bandages. When the boy finished he looked up at them.

Xie Lian froze, his face drained of color, a dark look none of his kids had ever seen on him before covering his face. Just as some of them had seen when he was fixing the bandages earlier there were indeed burn scars, however the true disturbing feature was the four tiny screaming human faces no bigger than a babies palm that covered his own face.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian made his way across the threshold of the palace of Ling Wen his head full to the point of overflowing. So much had happened in the last couple of days, it was hard to keep up.

After the bandaged boy had been scared off by the fear in Xie Lian's face at seeing the Human Face Disease after 800 years, he and his kids had met back up with Nan Feng and Fu Yao, the later having returned with some others from the Palace of Xuan Zhen to help take down the corpses hanging in the forest behind the Ming Guan temple. When they discussed the situation of the boy they had concluded two things. One; he wasn't contagious as no one else had contracted it during the night on the mountain, and Two; it was very likely the boy wasn't human and most likely hundreds of years old. With the help of more officials from the Palace of Xuan Zhen they had searched the Mountain from top to bottom but found no trace of him and decided to let it be for now. So they had returned to the Temple of Ming Guan and collected Xiao Ying's body before heading back down the mountain. After handing off the body to some locals to have her buried properly they had met up one last time in the Shop of Chance Encounters.

“How long are you going to keep wearing that?” Fu Yao had asked rolling his eyes as he did. Having realized he was still in the wedding dress, Xie Lian had stepped aside to change back into his cultivator robes. When he returned he couldn't help but notice Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian refusing to even acknowledge Fu Yao. He made to take his seat when a realization hit him.

“Was I really talking to General Pei Junior while dressed like this? Nan Feng, why didn't you remind me?” The kids had already been caught up on the events that had occurred during their unwanted nap and so could only keep quiet... Well except Wei Wuxian who snickered a bit before getting elbowed by Jiang Cheng.

“Maybe cause you looked so obviously happy in it.” Fu Yao said, sarcastic as always.

Nan Feng, who had just taken a seat, spoke up. “Don't worry about it. You could be dressed a thousand times weirder and General Pei Junior probably still wouldn't care. He won't tell anyone either.”

“Well regardless I still think baba looked absolutely beautiful in tha- Ow! Stop that!” Wei Wuxian, who had began to be a tease spun on his brother who had just elbowed him again. Xie Lian sighed unsure if he should laugh or cry.

“General Pei Junior certainly is calm collected and composed.”

Nan Feng took a sip of his tea before replying. “He may seem well mannered, but much like his ancestor he is difficult to deal with.”

To Xie Lian's surprise Fu Yao agreed with him, saying “General Pei Junior is a nouveau ascendant of the last couple hundred years, but he's got a strong tailwind and climbs the ladder pretty fast. He was barely 20 years old when appointed deputy general by General Pei. Do you know what he did?”

“What?” Xie Lian implored.

“He slaughtered an entire city.”

Jiang Cheng had been taking a sip of his tea, but upon hearing that sentence he choked on it. Xie Lian quickly leaned over and rubbed the boys back a few times when he noticed Jiang Yanli. She was starring out the window, her eyes clouded over, staring into the void and hadn't been listening to a single word of the people talking around her. She only came to when she felt someone touch her shoulder. Looking up she saw her father looking at her with concern but she only gave him a sad smile.

Not paying attention to the sentiments of others Fu Yao spoke again. “In the Upper Court there aren't many who are trustworthy or worth meeting.”

“don't listen to such inflammatory statements.” Nan Feng disagreed “There is good and bad everywhere. There are still a number of heavenly officials worth trusting.”

“Hah! Trustworthy officials? Like your general?” Fu Yao spat.

“I don't know about mine but definitely not yours.” Nan Feng shot back.

Just as it began to go to blows, Xie Lian quickly waved for his kids to stand and began to walk out, paying the tea master as he went.

“Aren't you going to stop them baba?” Jiang Yanli asked looking back.

“Its been a long couple of days. Besides I'll need to return to heaven to report the conclusion of the case...” Xie Lian stopped, and looked back at the three teens close behind him. “While I'm gone... I'd like you to stay in this town for a bit longer, until I can return.” He looked to his daughter and then continued. “If... you'd like to go pay respects to miss Xiao Ying while I'm away, I bet she would like that.” Jiang Yanli looked up at her father with wet eyes, holding back what was probably tears she was chocking down for the past couple hours. Placing a hand on her shoulder he spoke to the three of them. “After your done, please find a place to rest for the time being, you all had a very long night.”

Once he had made sure each child understood he returned to heaven... and yet he couldn't help the feeling that Wei Wuxian had wanted to ask him something....

Back in the moment Xie Lian began to cross the hall towards Ling Wen's desk, however when looking up he was suddenly taken aback. Standing across from the goddess was a boy, no older the Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, with long black hair and vibrant golden eyes. His face like smooth jade and his presents was refined and dutiful. He wore long white robes with hints of pale blues, and a white band around his head with clouds adorning it. He was mortal. The boy who had at this point been collecting some scrolls from the civil goddess, noticed the man starring at him from the corner of his eye and turned to face him directly.

“Ah, Dianxia, you have returned.” Ling Wen greeted, standing up and making her way around the desk.

“Uh... oh yes, I've completed the assignment as requested of me by the heavenly emperor.” Xie Lian suddenly returning to reality after starring at the boy bowed and, reaching into his sleeve, returned the scroll on the case. Ling Wen took it before passing it off to one of her officials to put with the rest of the documentation on the case. Her eye's then set on the boy.

“Lan Wangji, did you need anything else?”

The boy shook his head before clasping his hand to his fist and giving a curt bow to her. “I bid you well Ling Wen Zhenjun.” He turned and gave the same bow to Xie Lian. “Dianxia.”

At loss for words Xie Lian bowed his head back and watched the boy as he left before turning to Ling Wen.

“Not that it's any of my business... but who was that boy?”

“Hmm? Oh, that is Lan Wangji, his courtesy name as is. He is a disciple of the Water Master. If your concerned about it, the Heavenly Emperor gave the god permission to accept him and his brother into the heavens. They've been here... 5 years I believe. It might mark 6 soon.... Dianxia is something the matter?”

Xie Lian had made an odd face and only caught himself at her notice. “Oh, no its fine. Just a matter of coincidence, that's all.”

“Coincidence?”

“Oh, well... Remember how before the assignment you asked if I'd might have need of assistance from a Martial God, and I told you I didn't need it as I already had someone to assist me. Well the one's I spoke of were my children.” Ling Wen's face showed surprise so Xie Lian quickly waved his hands and continued. “Adopted. I Adopted them. Specifically I found them about 5 almost 6 years ago stranded on a fishing boat after having lost their home in some kind of attack. That's the coincidence I was speaking of.” Having expected Ling Wen to acknowledge and drop the conversation he was surprised when her face instead became more twisted in shock.

“Dianxia, what kind of attack do you speak of?”

“Oh... Well... the three had been part of a Cultivation clan in the region of Yunmeng, but for reasons beyond my knowledge, the clan was attacked by another.”

Ling Wen stood in silence for a moment seeming to think through something before she finally asked “Dianxia, would the clan that attacked happen to be the Wen Clan of Qishan?”

Xie Lian's face fell.

“The boy who just left. Him and his brother were from a Cultivation Clan as well. The Lan Clan of Gusu, it also fell by the hands of the Wen Clan so long ago. Dianxia that is a bit more then minor coincidence.”

Xie Lian spun around, but of course the boy had long since left the Palace of Ling Wen. The crown prince's head began to spin. He hadn't taken the time to search for anyone else who may have survived the assault on Lotus Pier all those years ago, mostly due to the Wen Clan themselves having been a pain to work around. Had he known there were others... well what could he have done. He didn't know was the fact and like he learned back then you couldn't know who to trust when it came to those who hid within the sun.

“... Has... has heaven done anything about them... the Wen Clan?”

“Dianxia, you should know better then anyone else that Heaven does not get involved in Mortal affairs. Besides the Clans leader, Wen Ruohan is king in all but name... if you understand what I mean.” Of course Xie Lian understood. The aura of kings was something of a power beheld by one who could take a place of king and a shield that forced no god to lay hands on such a person. Even if that person was less then worthy in the eyes of many, they were king. If Wen Ruohan really did possess such a thing then even if Heaven wanted to stop him, they couldn't.

“I see.” Was all Xie Lian could say as he stared down at the ground. The two gods stood there without another word for a long time.

“Dianxia, is there anything else?”

“Uh, I'm not sure.... OH! Yes there is. When investigating the ghost groom... or bride rather, case I came across a strange boy. It is very likely that he isn't human, I only assume cause his face showed signs of Human Face Disease. If you'd be willing, could you investigate and find his whereabouts as he ran off someplace and I couldn't find him anywhere on Mount YuJun.”

“Of course.” Ling Wen's expression was still grave as she spoke. “I will do my utmost to find him. Who knew this journey to the north would open such a giant can of worms. Thank you for your hard work Dianxia.”

“I have the two Junior Officials who volunteered and General Pei Junior to thank myself. I am sincerely grateful.” Xie Lian replied allowing a faint smile to return to his lips.

“This whole situation came from relationship trouble cause by Ol' Pei himself, so of course junior has to take care of it. He is used to it so no need to thank him.” At this Ling Wen returned to her composed self. “Dianxia, if you are not busy, there is some urgent matters to be spoken of in the communications array. A meeting is being held to discuss the events that have transpired.”

“Of course, but I'd like to ask. How long might this meeting last. Not that I don't want somethings cleared up myself, but I do have three teenagers waiting on me and two of them can get a bit... mischievous.”

Ling Wen smiled faintly, “Dianxia, I don't believe the Heavenly Emperor would be too aggrieved if you brought your children with you. But no, I do not believe it should take up too much of your time.”

“Bring them... Maybe another time.” Xie Lian gave a slight bow to her and casually retreated from the Palace of Ling Wen to find a place to sit and enter the array.

He found a small stone bridge that rested above a crystal clear stream where bellow its surface one could look down upon clouds and mountains and the erected cities of the mortal realm. He sat down at the head of the bridge, mouthed the password and entered the communications array.

Of course the first thing Xie Lian heard upon entering was Feng Xin swearing.

“Holy fuck! Have you found a mountain for the sealing yet?! That Xuan Ji is a mad woman! Every time we try to interrogate her on the whereabouts of the Green Ghost Qi Rong, she only screams at us, demanding to see General Pei!”

“General Xuan Ji has always been a stubborn woman.” General Pei Junior responded, his voice as calm and collected as when Xie Lian had first met him the other night.

Feng Xin angrily yelled out “General Pei Junior, is your general back yet? Let her meet him so we can get the location of the Green Ghost then get rid of her.”

You never have been good with talking to women Xie Lian thought, feeling pity for his old bodyguard having to be the one to interrogate Xuan Ji.

“It be of no use. Even if they did meet she would only become more insane.” General Pei Junior replied.

Another voice came through then. “Another round of upside down corpses. That Green Ghost Qi Rong is really too crass. Disgusting.”

“Even those in the ghost realm find him Vulgar.”

“Might I ask, what is with the upside down corpses? Was this Green Ghost Qi Rong there on Mount Yujun?” As Xie Lian posed the question, some of the officials went silent. It wasn't unexpected as the crown prince had not been among the heavens in 800 years and some of these officials probably didn't recognize or know him.

However it was Feng Xin who would answer his question. “No, The Green Ghost Qi Rong was not on Mount Yujun. However the corpses were on offering to him made by Xuan Ji, as per his order.”

“So Xuan Ji is the Green Ghost's subordinate?” Xie Lian asked.

“Correct.” General Pei Junior replied. “Xuan Ji passed away many hundreds of years ago. She held a grudge was too powerless to do much on her own. It was only over a hundred years ago that the Green Ghost took a liking to her and took her under his wing. After that her spiritual power grew by leaps and bounds.”

“Then might I also inquire if Mount Yujun has been thoroughly inspected? What of the child spirit?”

“What child spirit?” The one who spoke now, having been only listening for a while was Mu Qing.

“When I was in the wedding sedan I heard a child spirit giggling and singing a nursery rhyme as word of caution. Neither Junior Official with me heard it so it must have been exceptionally powerful.”

“There was no child spirit found on Mount Yujun.” Mu Qing stated.

Then had the spirit specifically only come to me? Xie Lian was puzzled by this outcome. But then a memory came to mind.

A slender pale hand that took his with the most gentle of grasps. A pair of exceptionally crafted silver vambraces engraved with likes of savage beasts, maple leaves, and butterflies. A man with a killing aura but soft hold who lead him through the forest unharmed. Red robes, black boots on long slender legs, wrapped in thin silver chains which clinked and chimed as he walked. He had walked sprightly, yet confident daring any to stand in his way. The strength to break an array with one crushing step. Then, when so close to seeing that youthful mans face, he dispersed into a cloud of silver butterflies twinkling like stars.

“While on Mount Yujun I met a man that can control silver butterflies. Does anyone know who he is?” Xie Lian asked.

Just as he had expected, given how Fu Yao and Nan Feng had reacted when bring the man up to them, the array went completely silent. Xie Lian waited for a reply.

“Dianxia...” Ling Wen was the first to answer after a time had past. “What did you just say now?”

“He just said he met Hua Cheng.” Mu Qing replied coldly.

Xie Lian couldn't help the warm smile that came to his lips when thinking back to the man in red. “So his name is Hua Cheng? It suits him well.” The silence grew as the other officials upon hearing this had sucked in their breath in disbelief.

Ling Wen cleared her throat. “Um... Dianxia, have you ever heard of the four calamities?”

“Afraid not. Who are these Four Calamities?”

Mu Qing responded coolly. “Dianxia walked the mortal realm for such along time and yet seems so ill informed. What exactly have you been up to during your time away?”

Eating, Sleeping, busking, collecting junk, taking care of three somewhat unruly teenagers. What have I not been doing.

“Being mortal is a lot harder then it might seem.” Xie Lian replied. “There are plenty of things that keep me quiet busy and are often quiet complicated. Probably just as tedious as the work of a Heavenly Official.”

“Dianxia listen well,” Ling Wen called out. “The four calamities are as such; Ship Sinking Black Water, Night Touring Green Lantern, White Clothed Calamity, and Crimson Rain Sought Flower. They are the four Ghost Kings of the Ghost Realm, who cause endless headaches for those of us in the heavenly realm.

“The first, Ship Sinking Black Water, refers to a water ghost of supreme status. However he is very low-key and rarely starts trouble so we will skip him for now. Night Touring Green Lantern however refers that vulgar, corpse hanging, Green Ghost Qi Rong. He is the only one on the list who is not at the level of supreme. He is most likely only on the roster because he makes so much trouble. Or Maybe there is balance in fours so he is just there to pad the numbers. We Will skip him aswell.

“However White Clothed Calamity is one that your Highness would be familiar with. His other name being Bai Wuxiang.”

The image of a man in funeral robes and a half crying, half smiling mask seared into Xie Lians mind. A Supreme, the power to destroy nations. Xianle.... He couldn't stop from clenching his hands into fists as he felt a sharp pain in his chest.

“In any case Bai Wuxiang is already defeated, and if he remains in this world, his time in the limelight has long since past. Dianxia those silver butterflies you spoke of are also called wraith butterflies, and their owner is the last of the four calamitous Ghost Kings and someone heaven wishes to never incur the wrath of; Crimson Rain Sought Flower Hua Cheng.”

It was then through the many voices in the array chiming in with their own opinions and hear say that this idea was planted.

Hua Cheng was a crimson clad Ghost King who much like the gods in heaven had worshipers, his appearance was ever changing, sometimes a capricious youth, another a venomous seductress, others a truly handsome gentleman. The only inkling of his true self was the color red, a bloodbath and an endless army of silver butterflies. No one truth could be found of his origins, for some say he was born without a right eye and had been treated cruelly, for this he resented the world. Another said he was a soldier died to bloody war, others that he had been a fool driven mad by the lost of the one he loved, some say he was just a monster. One outrageous but not widely spread tale was that he once ascended and became a god, but rather then stay in heaven he threw himself back down to become a ghost. He was unpredictable, for in one moment he could rend the lands in blood but the next show a hand of kindness. However his main notoriety had come from when he first appeared.

On that fateful day many centuries ago, he challenged thirty five heavenly officials, the martial gods to a spar and the civil ones to a debate. If he were to lose he would hand over his ashes, but if he were to win those gods would revoke their godhood and return to a mortal life. Believing themselves mighty, thirty three of the thirty five gods accepted the challenge, even sending out the scene of their battles of words and swords to the dreams of their strongest believers. The Martial gods went first, and in one battle they were completely annihilated. Even their swords were smashed to pieces by his freakish scimitar. They only learned after that the ghost before them was a supreme, born of Mount Tongul, a volcano that birthed the devil incarnate through fearsome bloodshed among ghosts every so many hundred years when the city of Gu opened, allowing them to battle till only one remained. Only two ghost ever survived this, and one was Hua Cheng. After defeating the martial gods he then proceeded to verbally butcher the civil ones, never giving them foot to stand on. Infuriated those gods puked blood and painted the skies red. He had gained infamy in a single night. However what made him terrifying was yet to come.

However when he called to collect their dues, all thirty gods who accepted his challenge refused to keep their end of the deal... So he burned every single one of their thousands of temples to the ground in a single night. When they cried foul and called to the Heavenly Emperor for reprieve but nothing could be done. And so all thirty three of those gods faded away. Some in heaven feared him and refrained from incurring his wrath, others admired him and even sought him out if the need arose. But out of the thirty five heavenly officials two declined the offer. Those two just so happened to be General Xuan Zhen, Mu Qing, and Nan Yang, Feng Xin. But they were not let off so lightly, many festivals and patrols ended in bloodshed when paths were crossed with the Ghost King, and his maniacal silver wraith butterflies had definitely left an impression on both generals.

And yet of all the things Xie Lian heard, the most unbelievable was the terrifying description of those butterflies. Was that little silver butterfly that bad? Frankly I think they are quiet cute.

“Dianxia! D-d-d-did Hua Cheng do anything to you?” One official asked, as if Xie Lian would be missing a limb or something worse.

“He didn't really do anything... just..”

Just what? Hijack your bridal sedan and then Take you on a stroll through the woods while you were wearing a wedding dress?

“He broke Xuan Ji's array and took me inside.” was his final reply before the array became a miss mash of grumbles and complaints.

“What do you all think of this?”

“Who knows?! Completely no idea!”

“No one knows what he wants? How Scary!”

“What on earth is he thinking? No one can read the Hua Cheng.”

“Dianxia, a word.” Ling Wen called out before vanishing from the communications array.

And so following after he too left the array and returned to the Palace of Ling Wen.

“What is it?” Xie Lian asked walking up to the desk where she sat quickly finishing up some papers.

“Dianxia, I took it upon myself to expedite the process of counting the merits you received through the case and would like to congratulate you on clearing all of your debt.”

“.... All of it?” He was shocked but also overjoyed, if not also a bit confused.

“Indeed. Please do not fuss over the minor details, You just seemed pretty adamant earlier about getting back to your children as soon as possible. However I must ask, since you have no temple and no worshipers what might be your next move?”

“Oh, I've already thought of that.” Xie Lian smiled. “I'm going to build my own Temple and Following.”

“... What?”

Chapter Text

The garden that sat within the walls of the Palace of Wind and Water Masters was usually a tranquil scene, with blooming peach and cherry trees and a beautifully decorated garden pond, massive in size, based at its center. Even so the scene was still calm and extravagant even as Lan Wangji stood motionless staring into the space before him while A sword who's blade was nearly transparent, glowed an ethereal pale blue as it flew about the young boy, slicing through the air in wide sweeping motions, creating lines through the air that vanished seconds after forming.

After a few more twists through the air the blade seamlessly returned to its sheath without the boy even looking at it. Normally it would take someone on the path of cultivation years to learn the motions of controlling ones blade with hand signs, but Lan Wangji a boy of 14 years could already control the sword without even lifting a finger. A prodigy was what many had called him in the heavenly realm, simply because things came easy to him and was quiet powerful even for a child. Having formed a golden core quickly only a few years after starting his cultivation training under the Water Master the boy was already exceptionally strong, So much so that in some sparing matches Shi Wudu had set up for him against officials of the middle court, he had won constantly.

Even with all the physical prowess, the boy looked refined and delicate, his smooth jade like skin, long eyelashes and golden eyes gave him a beautiful appearance that even some of the gods seemed jealous of... if they saw him. Unlike his brother, Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji usually stayed to the Palace of Wind and Water, rarely leaving unless to either collect some documents from the Palace of Ling Wen or, when Wind Master was around, occasionally being dragged about the Heavenly Capital to have 'fun.' (Lan Wangji never found these escapades fun but he still enjoyed Shi Qingxuan's company and would endure it until he was overwhelmed or Shi Wudu came to collect them both.)

Having finished practicing his sword control, Lan Wangji walked over to one of the peach trees under which a small table sat with a few books lying on it. Taking both his sword, Bichen, as well as its sheath, off and set them on the table and went to take up a hand stand, his head ribbons loose strands flowing down but never touching the grass. Once in position he lifted his right hand away from the ground and kept this position for an incense time before switching hands. Just as he had done so he heard quick footsteps from somewhere behind the peach tree. He took pause and turned his head slightly, recognizing those steps. Just as he was realizing who had just arrived a woman popped around the tree and bent down so her face was at his eye level. She smiled at him.

“Hello my little A-Zahn. How is my didi? Did he miss me?”

“I wouldn't.” A mans voice spoke from somewhere just out of sight. Shi Qingxuan who was currently in her female form stood up and put her hands to her hips, one still clutching her fan that she always carried on her.

“Ming-Xiong, how dare you. I bet if I just disappeared out of the blue you would definitely be sad your life would be absolutely miserable without me.”

“No. It be peaceful.” Ming Yi called back having yet to be visible from Lan Wangji's perspective. The boy held himself up for a moment but then looked to Shi Qingxuan.

“Lady Wind Master, I must finish my training.”

“Hmm? Oh ya, of course Zhan-didi. How much do you have left? I would still really like to play with you for a bit before I get super busy.” Shi Qingxuan's idea of 'play' was a jumbled list of things, such as braiding Lan Wangji's hair while going on about nonsense, taking to with him while also talking about whatever came to mind, dragging the boy around the heavens to talk to other officials or partake in banquets of all sorts, and (when Shi Wudu wasn't around) taking Lan Wangji with her to the mortal realm when her duties called her and Ming Yi was reluctant or unavailable. The last one had only happened twice before and after getting caught by the Water Master during the second outing had rebuked Shi Qingxuan for 'polluting the actions' of his prized pupil. Although Lan Xichen was now one of his own heavenly officials, Shi Wudu had become overtly expressive of how he wanted the younger brother to also take on the position once he turned 17, often speaking of it whenever he was around the younger Lan.

Lan Wangji knew he still had a lot left to do that day...

“Give me an incense time. I can be done after.” He would admit his faults to the Water Master later.

“Good! Good! I'll have someone bring us some food! You haven't eaten yet, right A-Zhan?” The boy only shook his head and so the Wind Master clasped her hands together. “Then that's settled. Oh, Ming-Xiong you'll be joining us yes?”

A pair of footsteps suddenly could be heard and the Earth Master suddenly came around the tree his face lax. He wore his usual black robes that Lan Wangji often seen him in. “Yes.” was the only words that left his mouth. Shi Qingxuan nodded delightfully before skittering off to find a junior official to get their meal ready.

The man in black looked after the Wind Master with a cold expression, before peeking over at the upside down boy. Of all the people Lan Wangji, for a lack of better words, got along with in the heavens (besides Shi Qingxuan, if you consider their relentless pestering of him as getting along) there were two. The Civil Goddess Ling Wen and The Earth Master Ming Yi. With Ling Wen it was simply because Lan Wangji was one of the few people that at least showed some respect to her work ethic instead of constantly complaining, Ming Yi however was a much simpler reason. The boy didn't talk much and kept to himself often, and because of this the two could sit in silence unperturbed and be absolutely fine with it. (The Earth Master also liked listening to the boy play his guqin and if invited over while Shi Wudu wasn't around would often leave in a seemingly better mood if he got to be there during his practice.)

After the time had passed, Lan Wangji returned his footing to the ground and picked up his sword from the table. Shi Qingxuan returned, now in his male form, followed by a few officials who carried trays of food. They all took up chairs around the small table and once the food was served Ming Yi immediately began to dig in.

“Never one to pass up a free meal, eh Ming-Xiong. Are you just constantly hungry or have a endless abyss for a stomach. Haha Oh!” the Wind Master turned to Lan Wangji. “I forget. Your little Lan rule right. I don't understand it. 'meals are to be taken in silence.' It's no fun is what it is.”

“It's a good rule.” Ming Yi stated coldly. Shi Qingxuan fainted offense before laughing and lightly smacking the Earth Master with his fan. Even so the Wind Master obliged to the rule and all three of them ate quietly.

Day's like this, Lan Wangji showed no trace of it on his face, but he was happy.

…

Down in the mortal realm....

Up in the mountains surrounded by rice paddies clear waters and an abundance of green trees was Puqi village, named so after the water chestnut. In all reality it was much more like a small hillside hamlet surrounded by natural beauty and a pleasant country feel. Upon a hill sat a decapitated old shack that sat on the brink of total collapse, two of the four columns holding it up were clearly rotted through and the place was filthy. It had apparently been used only by vagrants passing through every once in a long while and had no owner. It was one harsh wind away from total collapse. Defiantly a fixer upper. And yet, for as long as he hoped possible, this house would not only act as a Temple, but a home for Xie Lian and his three kids.

The local villagers having learned of the odd family, made up of a cultivator and three teenagers, that had made home in that old abandon shack they came to see, donating a broom to help with the clean up and a large basket of freshly picked water chestnuts. After an initial sweeping the four sat down and enjoyed some of those chestnuts, which once peeled were white and crisp, fresh and juicy. I think I'll call this place Puqi Shrine. Once fed they all got back to work, thanking the villagers for the gifts. Xie Lian and Jiang Yanli put their backs into scrubbing down a table that had already been in the shrine, for future use as an altar, while Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian took to sweeping and dusting, occasionally pretending the broom was a sword and chasing each other around the inside. Xie Lian snatched the broom back and although smiling scolded the two before sending them off to check for any other parts of the shack they hadn't yet seen that needed repair. Outside some villagers began to realize they were turning the old place into a shrine.

“Which god are you going to worship here?” one of the men asked.

“Yes. Uhm. This shrine will be for the Prince of Xianle.”

They all gave him blank stares before another man asked “whose that?”

“Um... I don't know either... a prince. I suppose.” Just then Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng popped back from their scavenger hunt.

“Oh. Well, what does he do?”

“Probably watches over you and keeps you safe.”

“And collects junk.” Wei Wuxian whispered, being a tease again. So of course Jiang Cheng smacked upside the head.

The villagers suddenly got excited. “Does this prince oversee blessings of wealth and good fortune.”

it be pretty good if I didn't bless you into debt. “afraid not.”

It was then that the villagers began throwing suggestions for other gods, to Xie Lian's dismay.

“Why not worship the Water Master? For Wealth! It will bring in good money for the temple!”

At this point Jiang Yanli had come out to here what was being said, only to frown as the villagers called out another gods name.

“What about Ling Wen-zhenjun? Then maybe our village will produce a scholar.”

A girl shyly spoke up. “What... What about..”

Xie Lian maintained a smile. “What about?”

“General Ju Yang.” Jiang Yanli put her face in her hands and the boys both began to laugh hysterically before Xie Lian chased them back into the shrine before apologizing to the young girl.

After the villagers had left the family of four started to finish up their tiding when Xie Lian noticed Wei Wuxian being awfully moody which was the most obvious sign the boy had something on his mind. Normally if Wei Wuxian was busy he would hum a tune or talk about random things, sometimes he would just make the same silly noise a hundred times before Jiang Cheng would, not so politely, tell him to quit. None of those things were present in him now. Xie Lian put down his broom.

“A-Ying?” The boy jumped and looked over at his father with a blank expression. “What's the matter? Your so quiet over there.”

“Ya, normally you can't shut up.” Jiang Cheng teased but immediately bowed his head when he saw the look Xie Lian gave him. Nothing mean just a look that had meant that now was not the time for mocking.

Wei Wuxian fidgeted with his sleeve a moment then he looked at Xie Lian. “Baba... Wasn't... Wasn't that disease that boy had... the same as the one you mentioned way back when you told us about... Him.” The god froze. “Baba... he isn't... he's gone right. That ghost, he can't come back... right?” Xie Lian sat there his hand involuntarily clenching into a fist. He closed his eyes for a moment, wishing away the memories of those people reaching out to him, of that sword...

He gave a forced smile before walking up and hugging his boy.

“He is gone. Defeated a long time ago. That boy is probably just someone from back then, a lost soul...”As Xie Lian spoke he gently brushed his hand through his sons hair.

Jiang Yanli looked at the worried expression on Jiang Cheng's face then at Wei Wuxian who although somewhat calmed by his fathers embrace still seemed uncomfortable and Xie Lian was clearly still upset even if he was smiling. She stood there racking her brain for a moment trying to think of something to change the topic. And then an image flashed through her mind. Silver Wings.

“Oh! Baba, speaking of Mount Yujun, did you ever find out who the man with the butterflies was? Fu Yao and Nan Feng seemed concerned when you brought it up before.”

Xie Lian straitened up and turned his head to look at her, his face at first surprised then... it went soft, as if a fond image came to his mind. Wei Wuxian who was still in his arms strained his neck to look up at his baba his expression suddenly all smiles. “Oh! Ya! The guy who walked you through the woods while you were in the wedding dress.” The fond look suddenly turned to a blush of Shame.

“A-Ying you little rascal, don't tease your baba like that.” Xie Lian pinched the boys face, who only laughed before wriggling away to go hide behind Jiang Cheng who had also lost his momentary down trodden look. The crown prince sighed but then decided to go ahead and answer his daughters question. “His name is Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng. He is a Supreme Ghost King, and apparently someone Heaven doesn't want to incur the ire of.”

The three teens looked at him in surprise.

“A Ghost King? How do you get a cool title like that?” Wei Wuxian wondered aloud a look of awe on his face as he let his thoughts roam.

“Probably nothing good.” said Jiang Cheng.

“Hua Cheng...” Jiang Yanli murmured a smile on her face. A pretty name and title for a person heaven fears? How interesting.

As they got back into cleaning up what they could Xie Lian began to retell some of the rumors the heavenly court had told, emphasizing on them just being rumors and the only known facts were that he wore red, controlled silver butterflies, Was one of only two Ghost Kings born of Mount Tonglu, and that he had challenged 35 gods and the 33 who accepted were all defeated. At that last part each child had her or his own reaction. Jiang Yanli's eyes were wide, seemingly dumbstruck. Jiang Cheng looked particularly mortified but Wei Wuxian looked mystified.

“So he beat all thirty three by himself! Like all by himself!”

“Why... why didn't... why didn't anyone try to stop him from burning the temples or like go after him.” Jiang Cheng may have also found such a person as Hua Cheng fascinating but it was mind boggling to think that he just up and got away with all of it!

“Well, because they broke a deal they made with him. In the eyes of Heaven a gods choices are their own, just as much as their consequences.” Xie Lian finished cleaning, and began taking stock of the house in its mostly cleaned up state. “I'll need to get some items from town. Its quiet the stretch to get there so I might not be back till late.”

“I'll come too.” Jiang Yanli brushed herself off of any dust that had collected on her after being cleaned off other surfaces and came to stand by her father.

He gave her a small nod before turning to the boy's “A-Ying, A-Cheng, While we are gone I'd like you both to work on your cultivation training. We've been a bit busy the past few days and haven't gotten time to work on it. Although you both have already formed your golden cores it doesn't mean you can slack off.”

“Yes baba.” The two said jointly with a short bow.

“Then start with some stamina training. I'd like you both to take at the minimum ten laps around the rice paddies, and don't be a nuisance to the villagers. After that I'd like you both to try meditation for at least two incense time.” The two nodded.

Wei Wuxian smiled at Jiang Cheng.... then smacked him on the back before booking it out the entrance of the shrine. “Your it!” The boy stood there in shock for less then a second before fuming and taking off after his brother. It was then that Xie Lian realized they really would need a door. Before leaving he built a small sign that read; Please kindly donate to the renovation of this shrine for the accumulation of good merits. Then father and daughter walked three to four kilometers before finally arriving in town. As per his usual tendencies Xie Lian began collecting scrap as Jiang Yanli bargained for the things they couldn't get from someone else refuse. Normally the scrap immortal wouldn't have need or care when it came to what he ate, eating molded, stale, or just plain unpleasant food was something his body had accumulated the ability to withstand over the past centuries. However the same could not be said about his kids. They were mortal, and would probably get ill very quickly if he allowed them to eat in such a way... well... the molded stuff might not be eaten that is.

After having collected a bag full of essentials, namely; An incense burner, some fortune shakers, some paper and ink, two cots (for now), a curtain for use as a temporary door, supplies for a makeshift partition wall ( for Jiang Yanli to have some means of privacy), and a few other miscellaneous things, The two began walking back but as the sun was already on its way toward setting. Xie Lian decided they might need other means of getting home with all their things. On their way, he noticed a small ox kart hauling hay and recognized the driver as a man from Puqi Village. After asking for a ride the driver tilted his chin toward the back, signaling them to get on. While helping his daughter up into the kart and handing her the bundle of supplies, Xie Lian then took notice of another person onboard.

From the angle he was at the persons upper torso was completely hidden by the tall hay stack, his left leg crossed over his and his arms most likely pillowed behind his head the person was seemingly taking a rest, carefree of his surroundings. To be honest it made Xie Lian a bit envious. But the thing that he was really staring at were the black boots adorning long slender legs, similar to another pair he had seen not too long ago, yet no silver chains adorned these boots which seemed to be made of some kind of animal pelt. A young master come out to play.

The kart rode along languidly as Jiang Yanli leaned against her father and shut her eyes, not intending to do anything but simply rest against him for a while. Having been wearing his bamboo hat, Xie Lian pushed it back and pulled out one of the scrolls he had gotten while they were out. He was not a man to care for worldly affairs, but he had embarrassed himself enough times in the past week that he decided it best he catch up on a few things. Time moved at a leisurely pace, a couple of times Jiang Yanli would look down at what her father was reading before leaning back onto his shoulder to close her eyes again. At one point she opened her eyes and gave a sudden “Oh.” Xie Lian looked up to find them passing through a sea of fiery orange colored leaves.

His mind wandered to a time long ago at the Royal Holy Temple of Xianle where he had trained under the care of his Guoshi, a place on a mountain also covered in the shimmering fiery red of Maple Trees. He smiled to himself before returning his gaze to his scroll. His brow furrowed.

The Prince of Xianle; A Marshal God, A Misfortune God, A Rubbish God. Those were the words he had just read. Jiang Yanli had also apparently just read this cause her face scrunched up and she gave her father a pitying smile.

“Well then,” Xie Lian started “If you really think about it, a rubbish god is not so different from a marshal god. All gods are equal just as all beings are equal.” Before his daughter could comment there was a snicker.

“Is that right?” The youth who was hidden spoke lazily “People love to say all gods are equal, all beings are equal, but if that were true none of those gods would even exist.”

Father and daughter looked between each other. Xie Lian smiled. “You're probably right.” Then he returned to his scroll. He frowned. The description given of him by the scroll made it out to sound like Xie Lian was a terrible ghost more then a god, so deciding not to make himself depressed he decides to find another god to read about. The title Water Master catches his attention as it had been mentioned by one of the villagers, so he decides to take a quick read.

Water Master Wudu; controls water and wealth. Most merchants have a Water Master shrine dedicated in their shops and homes to promote wealth.

Xie Lian thought this was strange. “Why would a water god control wealth?”

The boy on the other side of the hay spoke up again, “When merchants transports their goods, the cargo is mainly sailed by waterway, so they go to the Water Masters temple to light tall incense and pray for a safe journey, making promises of this or that upon their safe return. So The Water Master came to be in charge of wealth.”

“He must be quiet powerful then.” Jiang Yanli spoke, leaning slightly forward to look around her father and toward the general direction of the boy.

“Yeah, he's the 'Water Tyrant' after all.” the youth sneered. Jiang Yanli almost fell off the kart, slipping forward in surprise, but Xie Lian had put an arm out catching her.

“What do you mean by Water Tyrant?” The scrap god asked turning back in the direction of the mysterious youth.

The boy replied leisurely. “When a ship travels down a major river its up to him if it can set sail. No offerings means capsizing. Pretty tyrannical, hence the nickname. Kinda like General Ju Yang and the sweeping General.”

At hearing the name Ju Yang again, Jiang Yanli put her face in her hands and let out a groan. Can people stop bringing that name up, its so crude! Xie Lian patted his daughter on the shoulder and made a mental note on what NOT to call the Water Master if they ever crossed paths.

“My friend, you look young but seem to know quiet a lot.”

The youth replied. “Nah. Just bored. I read whatever when I'm free, that's all.”

Xie Lian put down the scroll. “Then, my friend, you know about gods, but do you know about ghosts too?”

“Which one?”

“Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng.” Jiang Yanli removed her face from her hands and shot a glance at her father.

The youth chuckled and sat up to look at them. Xie Lian's eyes lit up. The boy was at least seventeen with skin as pale as snow and wore a red tunic more vibrant then the maple leaves, his eyes were as bright as stars and although exceptionally handsome he held a look of wildness. His hair was tied in a loose ponytail, crooked and carefree. One of the maple leaves from the trees overhead gently fell to the youths shoulder who in turn gently blew it off, then with the shadow of a smile on his face looked directly at Xie Lian.

“What do you want to know? Ask away.” He looked teasing but held an air of omnipotence, and although he sounded youthful it was much deeper then any boy his age should have and pleasant to the ear. Jiang Yanli eyed the boy then looked at her father who snuck her a knowing look as if the two had come to a similar conclusion.

Xie Lian watched him thoughtfully for a moment longer before he spoke, “A title like Crimson Rain Sought Flower evokes quiet the imagery, tell me my friend, do you know where it comes from?”

The youth casually propped an arm on a raised knee. He replied unconcerned “Nothing major, really. Just that there was once an incident where he cleaned out the nest of another ghost, and a shower of blood rain poured down from the skies. He saw a flower was getting battered by the blood rain and so he tilted his umbrella and shielded it.”

“That... sounds quiet sweet.” Jiang Yanli smiled.

The boy chuckled. “I don't know about that.”

“Does Hua Cheng get into fights often?” Xie Lian asked with a small laugh.

“Not often. It just depends on his mood.” The youth answered.

“What was he like before his death?”

“Defiantly not a good person.”

“What does he look like?”

The boy looked into Xie Lian's eyes, stood up then sat right next to him opposite of Jiang Yanli. “What do you think he looks like?”

The boy was too handsome, like a deadly sword, sharp and mesmerizing, making it hard for Xie Lian to stare head on, and so he lowered his gaze in defeat. He turned his head away slightly. “He's a big shot ghost so he probably has multiple forms and changes them often.” Jiang Yanli tilted her head at her fathers sudden shyness, having never seen him to be one to not talk to someone directly to their face.

The Youth arched his brow at Xie Lian's turning away, then looked at the girl with an odd smile before replying “Yeah but there are still times when he would use his real face. I'm talking about his true form.”

“Then, maybe his true form is a youth like you?” Xie Lian said looking back at the youth, suddenly wary of the feeling of a distance between them, as if turning away his gaze had pushed the boy away.

The boy smiled slightly “Now why would you say that?”

Jiang Yanli, having now been facing her fathers back noticed his shoulders jolt just the slightest as he spoke. “No reason. You say whatever, I think whatever, everything's whatever, that's all.”

Xie Lian suddenly heard a small giggle from his daughter and turned to give her a questioning look but she only waved her hands feigning ignorance. The youth also seemed to laugh.

“Who knows. However he is blind in one eye.” He pointed to his right eye. “This one.”

“Oh dear. What happened?” Jiang Yanli seemed as engulfed in this conversation as much as Xie Lian himself, at this point even leaning around her father slightly as if she might miss something said if she didn't get closer.

“That's a question everyone wants the answer to.” The youth replied before he leaned in as well. “He dug it out himself.” Jiang Yanli put her hand to her lips to cover a small gasp, as Xie Lian blinked in a bit of shock.

“Why?” Was all the god could ask.

“A moment of madness.” the youth answered slowly returning to an upright sitting position and returning his gaze to Xie Lian, who was now even more curious about the Crimson Ghost King.

“Does Hua Cheng have any weaknesses?” Xie Lian pressed.

To say the truth he didn't expect an answer to this question but the boy did reply simply “His Ashes.”

If one were to get a hold of a ghosts ashes then he could command said ghost on the threat of total annihilation by simply disperse the ashes. The ghost would dissolve and the soul disintegrate. However using such a method on a being like Hua Cheng seemed fruitless.

Xie Lian smiled. “There's probably no one who can obtain his ashes, so that weakness is like having no weakness at all.”

“You never know.” the youth said. “There are circumstances where a ghost would voluntarily give away his ashes.”

“Like when he challenged those thirty-three heavenly officials?”

“Yeah right.” the youth scoffed.

“He only challenged them because he knew he wouldn't lose.” Jiang Yanli concluded and looked to the boy who simply nodded.

“There is a custom in the Ghost Realm where if a ghost has a special someone, they entrust their ashes to that person.”

Xie Lian, finding such an idea quiet charming, commented in interest, “I never knew the Ghost Realm to have such a romantic practice.”

“They do, but not many dare to practice it.”

“It certainly is painful to think about, to have given everything for love and lose everything in return.”

The youth suddenly laughed out loud. “What's there to be afraid of? If it were me, I'd have no regrets giving away my ashes. Who cares if they want me to disintegrate or just to scatter my ashes for fun.”

“To love someone so unconditionally, even on the threat of losing yourself...” Jiang Yanli mumbled. She could never say she loved someone in such a romantic way, and the way her parents acted toward each other back before they died she would believe it if neither held that kind of sentiment in the others eyes. To be completely honest the only kind of love she had ever felt was a familial love towards her brothers and her father, and that love WAS unconditional. But then something she hadn't thought to remember abruptly played through her mind. A boy barely the same age as herself at the time, wearing bright yellow robes with a white peony, sparks amidst snow, upon the chest. He was standing next to his mother while looking down his nose at her.

Jiang Yanli, this is Jin Zixuan, heir of the Jin Clan of Lanling, and your future husband. This is nonnegotiable. Those had been her mothers words that day when she was only five years old and the first of a handful of times she had been asked to meet with him, that bitter look never leaving his face. She frowned a bit and looked away, only partly acknowledging her fathers hand rubbing her back. Do I ever cross his mind...

Xie Lian had at first smiled at the youths comment but when he noticed the odd look of distraught on his daughters face he had made to check on her. After a short silence he realized something.

“My friend, I don't believe I caught your name.”

The boy raised a hand to block out the crimson light of the setting sun, almost a look of loathing for that bright ball of fire. “Me? I'm third in my family. They call me San Lang.”

“My family name is Xie, my given name is Lian. This is my daughter,” He waved his hand toward her, and only then did she break out of her sudden down trodden thoughts. She turned and then smiled at the youth.

“Jiang Yanli. You can call me A-Li.”

“Why not Xie Yanli?” San Lang asked tilting his head slightly, but never losing that hint of a smile on his face.

“It's my birth family name that is Jiang. Baba took me and my two brothers in when I was ten, after my parents passed away. We kept our family names. Even so you can just call me A-Li.”

“Oh, must be awful living with a bunch of boys. Terribly dreadful.” San Lang teased. Jiang Yanli laughed at this.

“Oh those two can be quiet mischievous, but they would never dare to make their Jiejie unhappy.” Xie Lian said. Then he turned to the boy. “San Lang, would you by any chance be headed to Puqi Village?”

San Lang lay back into the hay crossing his legs and placing his arms behind his head “Not really, I have no real destination in mind.”

“Hmm? Whats the matter?” Xie Lian gently asked.

San Lang sighed “My parents were quarreling and kicked me out. I walked for a long time but had nowhere to go. I got hungry and almost passed out so I found somewhere to lie down.”

The clothes on San Lang were simple in design by high quality in material, and he spoke like someone well educated and carefree. Xie Lian had long since thought the boy might have been from a wealthy family. Thinking it would probably have been exhausting for a respectable young master to be walking around for so long, he decided to look through the bag he had in search of any food. There was only about four steamed buns, one for him the others fro his three kids. He pulled his out and handed it to San Lang.

“Want it?”

San Lang nodded and took the bun. He didn't take a bite however but instead looked right at Xie Lian. “What about you?”

“The other three are for my kids, besides I'm not really hungry anyway.” Xie Lian replied.

San Lang pushed the bun back into his hand. “Then I'm not hungry either.”

Xie Lian looked at him with a small smile, then carefully split the bun in half, before handing one side to him.

“Then we'll split it.”

Seeing this, San Lang accepted his half and began munching. Jiang Yanli giggled and when her father eyed her she waved her hand but couldn't help the small smile that clearly showed she was still laughing internally.

For a good while Xie Lian and San Lang passed the time in conversation, Jiang Yanli occasionally adding her own commentary, mostly small acknowledgments or to ask the boy some of her own questions. He would occasionally tease her but then quickly remedy it with a soft commentary. It wasn't hard to notice how San Lang spoke differently to the two of them. To Jiang Yanli he spoke like a playful but dotting older brother, but Xie Lian he spoke to like... well... an equal wasn't the right word, but he didn't sound like he was talking to an elder either. No, for a lack of better understanding San Lang talked to him like a friend.

At one point Xie Lian brought up how he was the Shrine Master of the newly erected Puqi Shrine and San Lang asked. “Puqi Shrine? Sounds like there's a lot of water chestnuts. I like them. What god do you worship there?”

Xie Lian suddenly slumped, having remembered the last time he was asked that question early that day. He cleared his throat an answered. “The Crown Prince of Xianle. You probably don't know him.”

The youth smiled, opened his mouth.... and was suddenly jerked forward as the ox cart jolted violently. Jiang Yanli grabbed onto her fathers arm while Xie Lian reached out to catch San Lang who upon contact shook off his hand as if it burned his face twisting uncomfortably for less then a second before returning to a more serious one. Xie Lian couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened. Could it be that he doesn't actually like me? We were having such a good conversation as well.

“Whats going on?” Xie Lian asked carefully peeling his daughters arm off his own before standing up and looking around.

The old driver responded “I don't know! Ol' Huang why aren't you moving? Go on now!”

Night had fallen and the woods were shadowed in darkness, the old ox mooing and shacking its head, refusing to take another step forward. Xie Lian made a move to step off the cart when suddenly the driver screamed. He looked to where the old man was pointing.

Farther up the road, balls of green flame licked the air, appearing here and there. From the woods came a group of figures clad in white each holding their own heads. Seeing this Xie Lian immediately put out his arm. “Protect.”

Ruoye shot from his sleeve and circled the cart making a protective boundary for the four people and the singular beast.

Xie Lian looked back “What day is it?”

The driver was silent, Jiang Yanli only shook her head, unconsciously pulling her legs to her chest, but the Youth spoke.

“Zhongyaun.”

The middle of the seventh month, when the gates of the underworld opened. Xie Lian had forgotten to check his calendar and it was just his bad luck that today of all days would be Zhongyaun Festival! A-Ying, A-Cheng, please for your baba's sake, be home already and stay there.

Xie Lian dropped his voice “Stay close to me. We have run into evil tonight. If we go down the wrong fork at the end of this road, we will never return.”

Chapter Text

The Figures were dressed in white prison garb and no head could be found between their shoulders. Each looked to have been recently executed and held a head in their arms buzzing with conversation as they made their way toward the ox cart.

Xie Lian now slowly stepping up to the front of the cart spoke in a low voice to the three others in the cart. “In a moment, when they approach do not make a sound.”

Jiang Yanli only nodded as she sat curled up in a ball, San Lang on the other hand tilted his head. “Gege! I cant believe your a man with super powers!” His tone made it sound as though he was quiet interested and Xie Lian just humbly shook his head.

“Not really super powers, I only know a few tricks. They can't see us now but it will be hard say when they get closer.”

The ox cart driver was wide eyed and trembling in fear as he watched both the strange silk band circling his cart and the headless ghosts that slowly descended upon them. “No no no no, I don't think I can hold my voice in! Daozhang, what should I do?”

“...Then there's another way. Apologies in advance.”

Xie Lian swung his arm out, hitting a point on the older mans back that caused him to slump. He was unconscious. Carefully, with Jiang Yanli's help, they place him flat on his back in the cart itself before Xie Lian took up position in the drivers seat. He heard a small commotion behind him and turned just as San Lang took up the seat behind him.

“Are you alright?” he asked the youth.

San Lang propped his chin on his hand “Of course not. I'm Scared.”

There was not a single trace of fear in that boys words yet Xie Lian still chose to comfort him with his words. “Don't be scared, your behind me. Nothing will harm you.” He turned to Jiang Yanli. “A-Li, stay down but be ready to hold on if there is need to move quickly.” She nodded but then her eyes fell on the boy and her expression changed to concern. Xie Lian looked to see San Lang starring at him... or rather his neck. He realized then that the cursed shackle that adorned his pale neck was visible and hard to hide. The god quickly slid his collar up, unable to see the Youth's face as the sky had darkened, dropping everything to a unreadable blur, save the ever growing green light of countless ghost flames. Soon the group of ghosts in prisoner garb had arrived and ready to pass but seemed to sense that something was blocking their path.

“What the hell's going on? Why can't we pass?”

“Ya! What the hell! Is it haunted?!”

“Fucking hell, were the ones doing the haunting alright!”

Xie Lian had finally soothed the ox and so it slowly moved forward and passed the odd band of headless criminal ghost. He couldn't help but find them a bit hilarious and full of petty woes.

“Um, did you make a mistake? Why does it feel like the one holding your head is my body?”

“You're the one whose body grabbed the wrong head!”

“Hurry and switch back then, you guys...”

“How come the cut around your neck ain't clean?”

“Hahhh! The executioner was a newbie! It took him five or six tries before he finally took my head off. Made me think he did it on purpose!”

“You're family probably didn't tip him well enough. Next time, don't forget to pay the guy, then maybe he'll cut it off in one good chop!”

“THERE WON”T BE A NEXT TIME!”

It was just Xie Lian's kind of bad luck to go out of all nights during Zhongyaun festival. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the gates of the underworld would open and all manners of vicious beast and chaotic ghost would walk the mortal realm in merriment. Jiang Yanli quietly watched from her position in the back of the cart, the whole situation made her uncomfortable, as she tried to keep her eyes lowered, however she couldn't help glancing up every once in a while at the small glows of green flames and the bitter conversation of ghosts. At one point, however when she glanced up as a ghost flame lit the cart she suddenly noticed someone starring at her. She looked up at San Lang, who watched her from behind her father with a reassuring smile on his face before it became shadowed in darkness with the light faded. Before she could contemplate this an other worldly screech filled the air.

“Oh no! Oh no! Ghosts are being murdered!!”

“Where, where?! Where are they murdering ghosts?!”

“I'm scared outta my wits! I found so many scattered ghost fires over there! They were all brutally crushed! What hostility!”

“All Shattered! That really is too much!”

“Who did it? Could it be... have we been infiltrated by monks and cultivators?!”

That's when the band of headless ghosts began to call out “AH! Now that you mention it, wasn't our path just blocked by some invisible force with no way to pass it? Could that have been....”

“Where? Where?!”

“Right there!”

oh no! Xie Lian bemoaned himself mentally. It the next moment a hoard of malicious beings surrounded the invisible cart.

“I smell the steaming scent of the living!” They called out maliciously. The ox began to stomp its hooves and Jiang Yanli began to silently panic.

“Hold on to something! GO!” Xie Lian called out with a crack of the reigns and the ox, not wanting to stay there any longer pulled the cart into a mad dash. With one hand he grabbed at the youth sitting behind him to assure he didn't fly out. He sent a small glimpse back to his daughter who sat curled up, one hand held tightly to the edge of the cart, the other holding down the unconscious driver.

Ruoye withdrew, wrapping around Jiang Yanli once in a motion of comfort before flying ahead and clearing out a path, knocking many a foul being aside as it went. Now that the ghosts could see the ox cart among the green fire light they gnashed their teeth and screeched.

“There really is a cultivator! Damned cultivator is tired of living!”

“A living human actually dared to disrupt our Zhongyaun festival! You can't blame us for anything!”

“GET THEM!!!”

“Baba!” Jiang Yanli cried out. Her eyes were wide as some of the specters began to catch up to the cart.

“HINDER!” Xie Lian called out tossing some talismans from his sleeve to the ground bellow. They had been stumbling talismans and although they launched large objects up from the earth to stall the ghosts, he knew they wouldn't last long and it would be barely an incense time before they would catch up again. The scrap god was taking them down the mountain path like hell was on their heels (which was too far off) when he suddenly called out “Stop!” before pulling on the reigns of the ox. They had arrived at a fork in the road.

Jiang Yanli, no longer feeling safe in the back of the cart, pulled the driver further into the cart before finding a place next to San Lang and grabbing her fathers shoulder. “Baba, why did we stop!”

“If... if we take the wrong path we might get trapped in the ghost realm. Oh dear, I don't remember which way is back.... AH! A-Li, hand me the fortune shakers!” The girl quickly obliged, reaching back and pulling them out of the large bag of junk before handing them to him. Xie Lian gave them a good shake and mumbled out “By the Heaven Officials Blessing, no paths are bound! The great road leads to heaven; one to each side, may we go our separate ways!” As he finished two sticks fell out with a click clack...

Both read the worst of bad luck.

“Oh baba...” Jiang Yanli sighed putting her face in her hands. It was her turn to not know if she should laugh or cry.

Xie Lian feeling a bit exasperated shook the fortune shaker furiously. “Dear fortune shaker, this is our first meeting, why are you so heartless? I'm going to try again. Please allow me to save face this time!” click clack

Once again the worst of bad luck.

“Let me try.” San Lang suddenly spoke up.

Xie Lian faltered a moment before handing the shaker over. It wasn't uncommon for his bad luck to rub off on those who stood too close, it being a miracle his three kids weren't in a worse state then they currently sat. But to his surprise when the youth casually shook the fortune shaker and two stick fell out they both read the best of good luck. Since this was the case it was a fifty fifty chance and so Xie Lian picked a path at random and drove the cart that way.

“My friend, your luck is really quiet good.”

San Lang tossed the shaker to Jiang Yanli then smiled. “Really? I think my luck is pretty good to. Its always been like that.”

The difference between two people can truly be that of heaven and earth. Xie Lian thought as he rushed them deeper down the path.

“Caught him! He's here!” The cart once again came to an abrupt stop. They were now surrounded by an army of at least a hundred various malicious beings.

“Everyone come here! The damned cultivator is here!”

“Ah, can't believe I still picked the wrong path.” Xie Lian spoke up. He felt his daughter suddenly wrap herself around his arm and shoving her face into the back of his shoulder. He patted her head, before speaking warmly. “It wasn't my intention to disturb everyone, I pray you show us mercy.”

A headless ghost spoke up. “Tsk! Stinkin' cultivator! Why didn't you show mercy first! The one who broke and dispersed all those ghost fires was you wasn't it!”

“It wasn't us I assure you. I am but a lowly scrap collector-”

“Don't try to argue! What kinda scrap collector dress like you do! You're clearly a cultivator! And who else besides a cultivator could do such a thing!”

“It doesn't take a cultivator to break and disperse ghost fires.”

“Then who could it be? Ghosts?”

Xie Lian tucked his hands into his sleeves. “It's not impossible.”

“Ha ha ha ha ha! Damned cultivator! You- you... you...” the ghosts suddenly became silent.

“What about me?” Xie Lian asked. He looked about the hoard of nefarious beings and took note that they were now staring at him as if in total shock or absolute terror, some of the headless criminal ghosts even dropped said heads.

“Everyone are you alri-”

Suddenly the ghosts fled like a wisp of cloud taken by a northern wind and now the cart sat alone on an empty road. Xie Lian crumpled the talismans he had reached into his sleeves to collect. Did they now what I was about to do? Were the ghosts that perceptive? No, the talismans aren't even that powerful... unless they were looking at something behind me.... Turning to face behind him all Xie Lian saw was the passed out ox cart driver, Jiang Yanli still pressed into his back and that red clad youth, still altogether care free and propping up his cheek.

Noticing him looking, San Lang dropped his hand and smiled. “Daozhang, you're amazing! You scared all those ghosts away!” At this Jiang Yanli finally peeked out and looked about.

“Did... did they really leave? All of them? Just like that?”

“Yes. Must be nice having a father so amazing as him, you'll never have to worry a day in your life.” San Lang praised giving the girl a warm playful grin. She let out a small laugh, all the fear she had just been paralyzed by fading away.

“...” Xie Lian didn't know what to say, so instead he gave the reigns a small tug and the ox pulled them down the mountain path.

Barely an hour had past before they were out of the shadows of the forest and into open skies. Down the hills the lights of Puqi village glowed and signaled their safe return. It seemed they had indeed chosen the path of the best of luck.

Jiang Yanli let out a reassured sigh before a night wind blew and Xie Lian peered back once more. Laying back with his hands pillowed behind his head, watching the moon and in what seemed to be an apparent good mood, was San Lang with the moonlight giving his already pale skin an ethereal glow.

After a moment hesitation, Xie Lian smiled. “My friend.”

“What is it?” San Lang replied.

“Have you ever had your fortune told?”

Jiang Yanli paused and gave her father an odd look which was only met with a smiling side glance.

“No?” San Lang replied turning to face Xie Lian.

“Do you want me to give you a session?”

San Lang paused, then smiled. “Do you WANT to give me a session?”

“A little bit.” Xie Lian admitted.

San Lang gave a slight nod. “Sure.” He sat up and leaned toward Xie Lian. “And how would you like to read my fortune?”

“How about a palm reading?”
San Lang suddenly smiled, one that the meaning didn't seem entirely clear. “Sure.” He put his left hand out for Xie Lian to inspect.

The hand was long and shapely, elegant but hid strong muscles. Xie Lian had decided against touching him as the expression the youth had given him earlier still lingered in his mind. The moon was bright, setting the world into atmosphere of neither darkness or light. Xie Lian thoroughly scrutinized the hand as the ox cart languidly rolled along.

“So?” San Lang asked after the elongated silence. Xie Lian looked up at him and then Jiang Yanli who once again gave him a confused look.

He took his time before slowly answering “You've got a good hand.”

“Oh yeah, how so?” San Lang asked.

Xie Lian raised his head and said warmly. “You have a strong character, extremely stubborn, but whenever you run into trouble you remain true to yourself and manage to transform the bad into good. You have a limitless well of good fortune and your future seems bright and full of success.”

Everything he had just said was complete bullshit. Xie Lian had never learned palmistry, a regret he had thought back on for not learning such things from his goushi and state preceptor of Xianle. If he had such skills he would never of had to busk to earn a penny. No, what he really wanted to see was the youth's finger prints.

Even the most basic of ghost and monster could create a fake body and hide among real humans but often the design was rough and overlooked the smallest details, such as finger and palm prints. However the youth before him appeared altogether normal, his hands flawless, with clear finger prints and no signs of magic undulation around him. If he was a ghost he would have to be above the level of wrath...

But why would a Ghost King be spending his time traveling on an ox cart with the likes of me to some place as small as Puqi Village? Shouldn't he have his hands full taking care of... well whatever Ghost King needs to take care of? Xie Lian wondered trying to keep a bold face, but realized very quickly he had no more lies to spew. He was caught off guard by a small chuckle.

“Got anymore? Hm?” San Lang asked.

“Is there something else you'd like me to look for?” Xie Lian asked knowing full well there was very little creative bunk he could come up with.

San Lang leaned in a tad bit more “Don't fortune tellers always talk about love and marriage?”

Xie Lian let out a small cough, clearing his throat as Jiang Yanli giggled. He gave his daughter a pleading look before continuing. “To be honest, I'm not very good at fortune telling, so I don't know how to predict things like relationships. But I don't imagine you have much to worry about.”

San Lang arched his brows “Why do you say that?”

“There must be tons of girls who have crushes on you.”

“And why do you suppose so many girls like me?” San Lang asked with a smile.

Xie Lian was about to answer when realization suddenly hit him. He looked at the youth, then his daughter who apparently had caught on before he did cause she was stiffing her giggles. San Lang had been trying to trick him into complementing him. Xie Lian sighed and began to rub his forehead.

“San Lang....”

This was the first time that night Xie Lian had called him by name and so he laughed in delight, which in turn made Jiang Yanli also let her laugh free.

The ox cart finally rolled into Puqi Village, and so Xie Lian pulled the reign for the ox to stop before dropping down, still holding his head. Behind him San Lang jumped down before turning to help down Jiang Yanli who thanked him as she slid off. It was then that Xie Lian noticed that the youth was a head taller than him! It hadn't been obvious on the cart as San Lang had often been leaning forward or lying on his back so now it was much too obvious because they couldn't even see eye to eye.

San Lang stretched in front of the cart before heading to leave. Xie Lian stopped him and asked “San Lang, where are you heading?”

“Don't know. Maybe sleep on the streets. Or a cave will do.” San Lang sighed.

“You really don't have anywhere to go?” Jiang Yanli asked.

San Lang shrugged. “Can't be helped.” Then he grinned at Xie Lian. “Thanks for telling me my fortune. I'll rely on your good words. See ya later.” And with that he turned to leave.

“Wait!” Xie Lian called after him, causing the youth to pause in his step. “Why don't you come with us to my shrine... If you don't mind.”

San Lang turned halfway around. “is that okay?”

Xie Lian explained. “The place wasn't originally mine anyway, and it housed a number of passerby before. But it is shabbier then what your probably used to, and it's a bit crowded with me and my kids. It might not be too comfortable.”

San Lang paused a moment longer before turning completely around and with a few brisk steps was suddenly right in front of Xie Lian and leaned forward. Xie Lian was thrown off and didn't know what to do at the sudden closeness. He was brought back to reality when San Lang stood back up, now holding the bag of junk they had gotten that day.

“Then lets go.” He said before turning to Jiang Yanli with a nod. Xie Lian blankly stared after the two who began to walk up the hill toward the shrine having small talk as they went. He watched San Lang for a moment too long. Forgive my sins. Xie Lian thought before remembering the driver. He bent down and woke the man up advising him not to speak of what happened that night. The driver only nodded before taking his ox and disappearing into the night. All that was left in the cart was the two rolled up straw mats which he quickly hoisted onto his back and began jogging up the hill to catch up to the two.

Nearing the shack that was Puqi Shrine, San Lang lowered his head and puffed out a laugh as if finding something amusing. Xie Lian followed his gaze to the sign he had left earlier that morning asking for donations. He cleared his throat.

“It's like I said. You might not be too comfortable here.”

“It's not to bad.” San Lang replied.

THUMP!

Caught off guard, Xie Lian realized the loud commotion had come from within the shrine itself. He looked at Jiang Yanli who had also turned to look at him. The two immediately rushed into the shrine with a slightly confused San Lang following in suit. Inside Xie Lian couldn't see too much as it was dark but heard tumbling and curses. He quickly pulled out a slightly used red candle that one of the towns folk had given him while collecting scrap, before lighting it and the shrine lit up instantly. Caught off by the sudden bright light, the two 13 year old boys who had been wrestling around in the darkness suddenly looked up in fear like a pair of thieves caught in the act of stealing someone's precious jewels. The two small stools and donation box that had been standing hours ago were knocked over and the single small cushion that had been sitting in front of the altar table was tossed somewhere to the side.

“A-Ying! A-Cheng! What is going on?” Xie Lian scolded looking between both boy's slightly bruised faces.”

Wei Wuxian quickly pushed Jiang Cheng into the floor before running to his father and in a voice of obviously fake whining cried out. “BABA! A-Cheng is picking on me!”

“WAS NOT!” Jiang Cheng snapped pulling himself off the floor. “Baba, Wei Ying started it! I was trying to meditate like you asked and he wouldn't stop making a weird popping noise with his mouth even after I told him to quit!”

“So you started fighting?” Xie Lian asked with a sigh.

“Well... he … he told me to make him quit...” Jiang Cheng suddenly realized he was at a loss and turned a pleading eye toward Jiang Yanli then froze. “Who are you?”

Behind her San Lang eyed the two boys with a quiet laugh.

“Oh. Boy's this is San Lang. He will be staying with us tonight.” Xie Lian waved to the youth, who in turn gave the boys a slight nod.

San Lang looked at Jiang Yanli. “I guess it is like I said. Living with so many boy's must be dreadful.”

She only laughed. “I promise they aren't always this rowdy.”

Wei Wuxian who had still been hiding behind his baba, gave San Lang a once over before beaming. He quickly stepped across the shrine so he was in front of the youth, needing to strain his neck to look up at him. “Hi! I'm Wei Ying! My courtesy name is Wei Wuxian but you can just call me A-Ying. Is your favorite color red? I ask only cause your wearing red. My favorite color is red. See my hair band. Its red. Not the same shade as your tunic but its still red.”

“I see.” San Lang smiled down on the boy occasionally looking up at Xie Lian with a playful gleam in his eyes. He handed the bag of stuff to Xie Lian before bending onto his heels to be at eye level with Wei Wuxian. “I do like the color, it suits me pretty well. I think it suits you too A-Ying.”

“Really? A-Cheng says reds to bright for me. I think he was calling me stupid with how he said it-”

“No I didn't!”

“-But it doesn't really matter cause I KNOW I'm really smart. A-Cheng likes purple. There's a lot of reasons for him liking purple. Jiang Yanli likes Lilac and I think Baba's favorite color is white, he doesn't wear a lot of any other color.” Suddenly a teasing look came across Wei Wuxian's eyes. “Well except for this one time wore a red we-”

Xie Lian, who had set a few things, such as the incense burner, the fortune shaker, paper, and miscellaneous stationary, onto the altar table suddenly spun around and slapped a hand over the boy's mouth, his face a sudden flush of red. “A-Ying!”

“So Daozhang-gege has worn red before? I bet you looked great in it.” San Lang smiled. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli gave each other a knowing look before they both let out small giggles.

“Alright! Alright. That's enough.” Xie Lian said composing himself, “it's quiet late, and you three need to go to bed.”

“Speaking of, where is the bed?” San Lang asked getting back to his feet and taking a sweeping look around the shrine. Guiltily, Xie Lian pulled the two cots off his back. “Originally me and the two boys were going to share one so Jiang Yanli could get her own but it seems we might need to rearrange and squeeze you in.”

“It's alright baba, I don't mind sleeping with these two. It's just like before.” Jiang Yanli said.

“Then I hope you don't mind sharing with me San Lang. Like I said its a bit crammed.”

“That works.” San Lang agreed.

Xie Lian then got to work sweeping up the floor again, while the boys fixed the stools and cushion to the way they were before they started fighting. San Lang looked around again but then landed his eyes on the altar table.

“Daozhang gege, isn't your temple missing something?”

Xie Lian finished his sweeping and rolled out the mat in one corner while Jiang Yanli rolled the other out in the opposite corner. He answered as he patted down the bedding, beckoning San Lang over. “Besides followers, I don't think there is anything missing.” Jiang Yanli had just sat down when Wei Wuxian flopped down onto the cot face first next to her making an 'oof' noise as he did. Jiang Cheng looked at him for a moment before using his foot to push his brother over more so he could lay down, which was answered by the other rolling onto his back and sticking his tongue out at him.

“What about a divine statue of the god?” San Lang asked crouching down beside Xie Lian and propping his chin up with his hand.

Xie Lian stopped. How did I forget the most important thing? A Shrine is not a shrine without the presents of a god... well I guess it is MY shrine but I can't just sit on the altar all day now can I? He contemplated what to do for a moment before making a decision.

“I bought some paper and ink today. I'll paint a portrait tomorrow or I might have A-Ying do it.”

“A-Ying?” San Lang asked tilting his head slightly as he spoke. The boy in question, who had been teasingly refusing to move over on the mat suddenly sat up at the mention of his name.

“Oh! Ya! I know how to paint! I can paint really well! I've even sold a few portraits I made for some quick money for us bef- HAY!” While he was distracted Jiang Cheng had crawled around Wei Wuxian and shoved himself between him and their Jiang Yanli who only shook her head at the two before turning with her back to them as she began taking her shoes off, getting ready for bed.

“I know how to paint portraits as well. I could paint it as a repayment for allowing me to spend the night here.” San Lang said.

“Thank you, but I'm afraid you don't know how to paint the Prince of Xianle, am I right?”

Most if not all portraits and statues of the Crown Prince of Xianle had been destroyed or burned 800 years ago, and if not they were probably unrecognizable and unseen by the vast majority of people.

San Lang replied. “Of course I do, weren't we talking about him on the cart earlier?”

At this Jiang Yanli turned her head slightly to look at the Youth but was distracted by Wei Wuxian who was poking Jiang Cheng's face who in turn looked like he was about to explode. She quickly sat up and swapped places with Jiang Cheng and quietly scolded Wei Wuxian before making both of them get ready for bed properly.

Xie Lian finished the bedding and turned to look at San Lang with a bit of amazement. “San Lang, don't tell me you really know him?”

“I do.” San Lang replied.

Xie Lian found that the way the youth spoke and carried himself was quiet interesting. Even as he smiled, one could not tell if it was genuine or if he was mocking the other party for being too slow to keep up with the conversation. Having listened to him chat on the way back, Xie Lian was quiet interested in San Lang's appraisal of him.

Xie Lian moved to sit next to him. “So what do you think of the Prince of Xianle?”

Although both men stared at each other, San Lang's back was to the candle light and so his expression was clouded by shadow and Xie Lian couldn't make out what he was thinking.

After a moment he replied. “I think Jun Wu must really dislike him.”

On the other side of the room the three teens had finally finished preparing for bed and beginning to lay down, with Wei Wuxian having been facing his baba and San Lang and had suddenly sat up with an odd expression on his face.

Xie Lian had not been expecting such an answer, so in surprise he asked “Why do you think that?”

“Why else would he have banished the prince twice?” San Lang replied.

Xie Lian only smiled. Indeed the thinking of a child. He lowered his head and began removing his belt. “I don't think it has anything to do with likes or dislikes. There are many things in this world that can't be explained in such a way.”

“Hmm.”

Xie Lian turned and began to remove his white boot, and continued. “Besides, one needs to be punished for making mistakes. The Heavenly Emperor was simply doing his duty both times.”

“Perhaps.” San Lang responded noncommittally.

Wei Wuxian slowly laid back down but still watched them with that odd expression. He had remembered only a handful of times his father spoke of Jun Wu, and in none of the instances had he said anything in particular about the Heavenly Emperor. The only things he knew about the god were that he was the emperor of heaven, that he had banished his father twice from heaven for reasons the boy was not entirely in the know on, and that HE had been the one to defeat Bai Wuxiang all those centuries ago. What kind of person he was and the relationship he had with Xie Lian were a complete mystery to Wei Wuxian, but now his feelings were conflicted. Was it like San Lang said, that the Heavenly Emperor did not like baba? But if that were true, why give him a mission to help repay his debt and not just banish him again? Wei Wuxian scrunched up his face so badly wanting to ask his baba some questions but he knew now probably wasn't the right time so all he could do was fidget with the edge of the mat.

Xie Lian folded his jacket and placed it on the altar table. Wanting to say more, he turned to face San Lang but his words got caught in his throat. San Lang's eyes were staring at his feet. The look was icy but searing, scorching but with a hint of chill. Xie Lian looked down and understood. On his right ankle sat his other cursed shackle. Both curses had been placed in areas not so easily concealed. In the past, if anyone saw them he would lie and say they were for training purposes or like with his kids for a while he had said it was something he had done to himself years ago. He didn't think those answers would placate San Lang.

The youth only stared, never saying a word, so Xie Lian just laid down choosing not to worry about it anymore. San Lang obediently followed suite laying down next to him, but didn't remove a single article of clothing. He probably just isn't use to sleeping like this. Xie Lian thought, deciding to look into getting some beds at some point.

“Lets rest.” He said before sitting up and blowing out the candle, sending the shrine into darkness once more.

It was late into the night and San Lang was certain the others were fast asleep and so he began to sit up when his attention was caught be a small commotion in the darkness. His eye watched as a small figure had crawled across the floor and began to sleepily roll onto Xie Lian. Wei Wuxian, having half woken up had decided to sleep with his baba instead, which had been common practice since was eight or nine, often sleeping on top of him like an over sized pillow. However he noticed someone watching him and so he lazily looked up toward San Lang who was completely shrouded in darkness and yet something seemed different about him. Instead of worrying about this Wei Wuxian only smiled sleepily and whispered a small “hi” before plopping his head down on his baba's chest and almost immediately falling back into a deep sleep.

San Lang reached out and carefully pushed some of the boys hair out of his face, before quietly standing up and walking toward the bag of junk. Silently pulling out the ink and paper, he got to work painting something he had painted a thousand times before.

Chapter Text

Sunshine illuminated the inside of the shrine, calling out that the early hours of morning had come. When Xie Lian opened his eyes San Lang was gone.... Instead Wei Wuxian was sprawled out over top of him still deep in slumber. This wasn't unusual for the boy as he oddly seemed to prefer staying up late and waking up even later.... and often found curled up on top of Xie Lian or Jiang Cheng (the later often waking up to throw him off). Xie Lian carefully began to shake the boy awake so he could get up for the day. It took a few tries but finally Wei Wuxian's eyes fluttered open and the boy sat up groggily, rubbing his said eye's. He looked up at his baba then shot his attention toward the altar with a look of surprise and glee. Xie Lian, surprised by his sons actions also turned to look and immediately his breath caught in his throat.

On top of the altar there hung a portrait. The figure in the portrait was a man in a golden mask, dressed glamorously in extravagant attire. In one hand he wielded a sword, in the other he held a delicate flower. This was a beautifully painted portrait of the God Pleasing Crown Prince of Xianle.

Xie Lian's attention was taken by two things after that, Wei Wuxian's speedy escape to quickly get dressed and the sounds of laughter coming from outside. Xie Lian quickly dressed himself and exited the shrine, only noticing then that Wei Wuxian didn't follow. He turned to peer back inside for a second and noticed the boy was digging through the bag of junk collected the day before. Xie Lian decided to hold off on asking any questions and looked back outside.

Outside in the shadow of a tree was San Lang, lazily twirling the broom in his hand as he listened to a very (abnormally) talkative Jiang Cheng. Somewhere to the side of the shrine Jiang Yanli was cleaning a large washing tub that had been donated by some locals.

“There was even this one time, Wei Ying literally climbed a wall and wouldn't come down for most of the day even though there really wasn't any dogs nearby.”

“Really, then why did he think there was a dog?”

“Because A-Cheng told him there was.” Xie Lian placed a hand on the boys shoulder, who in turn jumped and then gave his baba a guilty look. “You even hid behind a tree and made fake barking noises just to terrify him. Do you remember what happened when I found out what you did?”

“... I had to recite the ethics sutra 200 times.”

“Mn.”

San Lang let out a small laugh. “The real question, if I might ask is why a boy would be that scared of dogs.”

“Its... a complicated story.” Xie Lian stated. He looked down at Jiang Cheng who was frowning. The boy sat there a second more before rushing toward the shrine. At that moment Wei Wuxian had come outside with paper and ink in hand and, after sitting just outside the front steps, began working diligently on something. Jiang Cheng sat next to him and watched him work.

“If its uncomfortable to talk about you don't have to answer.” San Lang stated stilling the broom before leaning it against the tree.

“No, its alright. Its just A-Cheng sometimes gets uneasy when we bring up certain topics.” Xie Lian let out a small sigh but decided it wouldn't hurt to indulge the youth. “Before I took them in, A-Yanli and A-Cheng's birth parents had taken A-Ying in as a martial student after he had apparently been wandering the streets by himself for several years. It was during that time he would often have to fight stray dogs for scraps and intern it made him absolutely terrified of them.” Xie Lian looked up at San Lang at that last statement and was intrigued by the young mans reaction. San Lang's eyes were on Wei Wuxian, a look of something both pained and distant in those eyes. Wei Wuxian looked up and noticed San Lang watching him so he waved, a big smile on his soft face. San Lang waved back then noticed Xie Lian starring, so he changed into all smiles.

“Must of been hard to lose two families... But at least he has an amazing baba like you to take good care of him and his siblings.”

Xie Lian smiled “I try my best. But its hard sometimes. Most children have two parents to help them through their struggles, and all they have is me... and well... I really sometimes think they could have better.”

“Nonsense. I've never seen a happier group of kids in my life.”

“Happy, or mischievous?”

“Kids can only be so playful if they feel comfortable with who their with.”

“San Lang is also playful. Does that mean he feels comfortable around me as well?”

San Lang looked directly into Xie Lian's eyes as he spoke his next word with utmost sincerity. “Absolutely.”

It was only that one word and yet it carried the weight of a million. Xie Lian turned his head away but was unable to hide the smile that curled at the corner of his lips. Deciding to change the subject he asked “San Lang, did you paint the portrait in the shrine?”

“Uh-huh.” The youth replied.

“Its really well done.”

San Lang's lips lifted but he didn't say a word. Maybe it was because he slept all over the place that night but his ponytail this morning seemed even more crooked then the day before. It actually looked quiet nice, casual and messy yet playful. Xie Lian let out a small laugh.

“Would you like me to help you with that?” He said pointing to his own hair.

San Lang nodded and the two made their way back toward the shrine. Jiang Cheng noticed them coming and suddenly smacked Wei Wuxian's arm. The boy looked up from his work to glare at his brother but then also noticed the two walking toward them and quickly hid his work, plastering an innocent smile on his face. Xie Lian gave his boys a questioning look but they just smiled back, only uncovering the paper when him and San Lang were inside the shrine.

Once inside, San Lang sat down on one of the two stools and Xie Lian let the youths black hair fall gracefully down his back and began to quietly examine it. That previous night he had checked San Lang's finger and palm prints for any sign of a ghost disguise and had come out finding nothing out of the ordinary. (If you could call such pretty hands ordinary.) However in almost every circumstance, ghosts would have at least one flaw in their illusion. The hair was the next most common thing to fail at faking, as an average humans hair was made up of countless strands that were each unique and it would be impossible for a simple ghost to recreate such a thing. His suspicion of San Lang being a ghost had risen after seeing that portrait, Not only because of how well made it was, but the fact that he had even known what to paint was just too coincidental. However, no matter how many times he brushed his fingers through that silky black hair, Xie Lian couldn't find anything wrong with it.

After a uncertain amount of time San Lang laughed, as if his touch was ticklish and turned ever so slightly to eye Xie Lian. “Gege, are you helping tie my hair? Or are you planning to do something else?” With his hair down, he was still quiet handsome but now had an air of wickedness to him. His question sounded like a tease, and Xie Lian grinned.

“alright, alright.” He said before quickly finishing San Lang's hair.

But after it was done, San Lang stood and walked over to a water bucket in the corner to check his reflection, only to look back up at Xie Lian with a quirked brow. The scrap god looked at the youth and realized that before the ponytail had been lopsided... and after he had retied it it was still crooked. Xie Lian let out a sigh and rubbed his forehead. San Lang didn't say anything, instead he just snickered a bit. Just then Wei Wuxian ran in. The boy looked around, found his target and ran over.

“San Lang! San Lang! I made you something!” before the youth could say anything a piece of paper was shoved into his hand. San Lang having a playful smile looked down at the paper. His expression froze.

“San Lang?” Xie Lian asked, walking to see what was wrong. He looked at the paper from over the youth's shoulder.

On the paper was a well made painting of San Lang. From his crooked hair to his playful expression, all was recreated by Wei Wuxian into a detailed little portrait, just barely reaching the level of the one that now hung above the altar.

“See! See! I can paint too!... do...” Wei Wuxian's excitement suddenly faltered when he noticed San Lang's blank expression. “... did I do something wrong?”

San Lang looked down at the boy for a moment then a sad smile played across his face. He reached down and playfully messed with Wei Wuxian's hair. “Not at all. It's quiet amazing. Seems I might have some competition with skills like yours.”

Wei Wuxian's smile bloomed once more and he shot forward, giving the San Lang a big hug before rushing back outside the shrine, giggling as he went. San Lang's face was now a mixture of shock and confusion, having not expected the embrace. His eye's slowly looked after the kid and Xie Lian couldn't help but smile.

“Sorry about that. A-Ying is quiet the friendly sort. He often shows his affection in such a way.”

“Uh, Baba?” It was Jiang Yanli who called out, after which a commotion could be heard outside. The sound of footsteps and several voices bellowing out.

“Great Immortal!”

Bewildered Xie Lian ran to the doorway of the shrine just in time to see it surrounded by a large crowd, everyone's faces red with excitement. The two boys who had been sitting on the front steps slowly backed up into the wall and looked at their father in confusion, Jiang Yanli on the other hand was somewhere out of sight, having not made it back to the entrance before the crowd had made it impossible to even try.

The village chief quickly ran forward and suddenly took Xie Lian's hand.

“Great Immortal, A living god has descended upon our small village! We are so thankful!!!”

“????” said Xie Lian.

The villagers followed the chief and began surrounding Xie Lian, unintentionally shoving the boys away, who were thankfully snatched up by Jiang Yanli and pulled safely away from the crowd.

“Welcome to Puqi Village Great Immortal!”

“Great Immortal! Can you bless me with a wife?”

“Great Immortal! Can you bless my wife with a child?”

“Great Immortal! We have fresh water chestnuts for you! Do you want water chestnuts?! After eating can you conveniently bless me with a good harvest this year?”

Xie Lian took a few steps back, the villagers enthusiasm was overwhelming him. That old ox cart driver from last night must of broke his promise not to tell anyone, now the whole village is here!

The villagers began to flow in past him and, grabbing incense, began to pray. They didn't care what kind of god was worshiped in the shrine, for a god was a god and a simple prayer never hurt anyone. The incense burner was filled completely, all the incense used up, and a cloud of smoke filled the shrine. It had been so long since Xie Lian had last smelled such heavy amounts of incense smoke that he was choked by it.

“Cough, cough, everyone, this shrine doesn't bless you with wealth, cough, really, please stop wishing for wealth. The result is unpredictable...

“ I'm sorry this shrine cant bless you with a good marriage either...

“No, no, no, it doesn't grant pregnancies either...”

San Lang had stopped seemed to stop caring about his hair and the unexpected hug from Wei Wuxian, and instead plopped down next to the donation box, one hand propping his chin up, the other grabbing a few water chestnuts to eat. Some of the village girls saw him and giggled.

They turned to Xie Lian, “Can you grant-”

Xie Lian didn't know what they were about to ask but instinctively felt that what ever it was it needed to be stopped immediately “No!”

At this Wei Wuxian saw the girls and a mischievous grin spread across his face, he was about to walk over to them when he was caught by the hand that still held onto his arm. He looked back and up at Jiang Yanli, who gave him a knowing smile. He let out a huff.

“I was just going to say hi.”

“Sure you were.”

“Of course I was, see; HELLOOO!” The girls suddenly took a peek in his direction and, making a sweet face, he waved at them. Some of the girls giggled and waved back while the others payed him no mind and went on their way. This seemed to get a chuckle out of San Lang, which made Wei Wuxian even more pleased with himself. He wiggled out of Jiang Yanli's grasp and made his way over to the youth before sitting beside him and grabbing a few water chestnuts himself.

“San Lang! Have you ever had lotus seeds before?”

“A few times, why do you ask?”

“Well, because I know a little secret! If you eat them out of the pod with the stem still attached they taste better!”

“No they don't!” Jiang Cheng said exasperated, having made his way over himself, “You tell everyone that but it really isn't true.”

“Hmm? How do you know it isn't true?” San Lang asked.

“Because I've had them with the stem and I've never tasted any difference!”

“Just because you haven't tasted it doesn't mean it isn't true. Not everyone has the same sense of taste A-Cheng.” San Lang replied with a hint of a smile.

Jiang Cheng opened his mouth as if to rebuke, but then shut it again his face twisting into a look of perplexity.

“Well, A-Ying, next time I have lotus seeds I'll have to remember to try your method myself. Who knows, maybe I'll be stuck eating them like that for the rest of my life.” San Lang promised before popping another water chestnut into his mouth.

“Ok! OH! San Lang! Another thing you should try is jiejie's lotus root, pork rib soup! Its the best thing in the entire world!” Wei Wuxian was practically jumping in his seat as he spoke, bumping the basket full of water chestnuts as he did.

“A-Ying, you praise me too much. I cook alright, that's all.” Jiang Yanli smiled as she sat down to join them.

“Ya, only cause if we let him cook he would sear our taste buds out of our mouths.” Jiang Cheng had regained his composure only to use it to tease his brother.

“Hay! I just like my food very spicy, which makes me a thousand times better cook then baba!”

“I don't think its very polite to ridicule your baba's cooking like that.” San Lang said, pinching Wei Wuxian's cheek. His hand was gently swatted away by the boy.

“No, really, I'm pretty sure I saw a rat eating some of baba's cooking that fell on the ground once and it it died!”
“A-Ying!” Jiang Yanli scolded.

“Sorry...”

When the crowd finally dispersed, the altar was filled with fruits and vegetables, even rice and noodles. No matter how this had happened, it was still an abundance of offerings. Xie Lian got to work sweeping up the place and taking out the trash, San Lang following behind him.

“The shrine is doing pretty well.”

Xie Lian shook his head and kept sweeping, “This was an unexpected turnout. Normally, there shouldn't be but one or two passerby a month.”

“How can that be?” San Lang asked.

Xie Lian glanced at him and smiled. “Must be your good luck.”

Saying so, he recalled something and quickly got to work placing his new curtain over the doorway. After doing so he stepped back to admire his work when he noticed San Lang standing very still.

“Whats wrong?”

San Lang stared at the curtains thoughtfully. When Xie Lian followed his gaze he realized that he was starring more so at the seal drawn onto the fabric. It was seal Xie Lian had designed in passing and had made complex and well knit, originally designed for warding off evil but since it was himself who made it who knew if it was much more then just an intricate pattern on some rough fabric, or worse something that invited evil in.

“San Lang?” Xie Lian called out, the boy still fixed to his spot.

Could it be the seal is stopping him from entering the shrine?

San Lang glanced at him and smiled. “I'm going to head out for a bit.”

Xie Lian could only watch as he turned and walked away, deciding not to chase after him. He had said he would be back in a bit...

Not far away from the entrance to the shrine, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian had been practicing some hand to hand (Jiang Yanli had gone to fill a few buckets with water from a nearby stream.) when they noticed San Lang leaving. They gave each other a look then took off after him. The youth stopped his steps and turned to watch the two catch up to him.

“You aren't leaving, right San Lang?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“No, just going to fetch something, I'll be back in a bit.” San Lang answered, but when he turned to continue in his walk he was cut short by Wei Wuxian standing in his way. He quirked a brow at the boy.

“Then we'll go with you.” Wei Wuxian said mater of factually, a playful look in his eye.

“Ah, no. I really wouldn't want to worry gege like that.” San Lang went to step around the boy, who in turn stepped in front of him again.

“Baba won't get worried. Me and Jiang Cheng are super tough, and besides if we are with you I don't think baba would think to think about worrying.”

“And why do you say that?”

“Because baba likes you.” Jiang Cheng stated, taking up a position next to Wei Wuxian, also blocking San Lang's path.

“Oh?” San Lang smiled.

“Uh huh. Why else would he let you stay with us a whole night and even let you sleep on the same cot? He likes you and we like you too!” Wei Wuxian declared.

San Lang crossed his arms and looked between the two, before letting out an obviously dramatic sigh. He reached out and playfully ruffled both boy's hair. “Alright, alright. You can come, but you have to promise not to tell gege what I'm up to. It's a surprise!” The two grinned and took up position on either side of San Lang before following him down the road.

After about an incense time, Xie Lian stood up and looked down at the five plates he had made, putting away the wok and butcher knife that he had collected the day before, just as laughter and footfalls could be heard approaching. Maybe I should have waited for Jiang Yanli to get back. He thought with a sigh before pushing aside the curtain and stepping outside. Outside was San Lang, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. San Lang had his tunic off and tied around his waist, revealing his white undershirt, the sleeves pulled back giving him a neat and tidy look. Underfoot was a large wooden board and in his hand was a blunt and heavy looking hatchet that he must have borrowed from a neighbor. However, as he nonchalantly swung the blade, it seemed as if it was sharp and light for he sliced into the wood like dough.

San Lang noticed Xie Lian come out.

“Just making something,” He said continuing to do so. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian smiled at their baba before continuing whatever conversation they were having with San Lang before Xie Lian had walked out.

As Xie Lian made his way over, he heard the boy's say something about San Lang being really strong and super fast, even wanting to race him sometime, (Wei Wuxian, claiming that if it was a swimming race he would beat both Jiang Cheng and San Lang no contest.) Xie Lian looked down and realized San Lang was making a door. It was the perfect size, clean and beautiful, the surface smooth, an exquisite specimen of craft. Since I assumed he came from a wealthy background I guess I didn't think he was the hard labor type, but it seems I was wrong. He is quiet adept with his hands.

“Thanks for the hard work San Lang.” Xie Lian said.

San Lang simply smiled, before finishing up and throwing down the hatchet. Although he said he didn't need the help (and they didn't really help too much,) Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian helped him install the door and he gave it a few good knocks. “If your going to draw a seal, at least draw it on a proper door. It works better.” With that he swept aside the curtain and entered the shrine. The seal didn't bother him in the slightest, in fact he didn't even seem to care.

It was just then that Jiang Yanli had returned, carrying two full buckets of water, a slight sweat on her brow. She looked up and seemed surprised.

“San Lang made it!” Wei Wuxian called out, rushing over to take a bucket from her.

“Really? That was very nice of him.” She spoke with a smile.

Jiang Cheng grabbed the other bucket and the three teens made their way into the shrine, Xie Lian following close behind, shutting the door after them... Then opening it back up and closing it again just to feel how smooth it moved. He did this a few more times, then realized how silly he must look and finally closed the door and turned to face the others.

San Lang was sat down on the floor, Jiang Yanli had taken one of the two stools upon his request and Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were sat next to him, both of their faces pale and scrunched up as they looked at the plates. Xie Lian let out a sigh as he pulled out a supply of steamed buns the villagers had brought earlier that morning. San Lang eyed the buns but didn't say anything, instead he chuckled softly as if he had seen through something. Xie Lian pretended like nothing was the matter and poured each of them a bowl of water. Just as he was sitting himself down and telling the boys they had to at least eat the buns, San Lang rolled up his sleeve revealing the small line of a tattoo on his arm, something written in strange characters.

San Lang noticed him staring and pulled down the sleeve, “It was done when I was young.”

Wei Wuxian who had taken a bite out of his steamed bun took note, swallowed then spoke. “Ya! I saw his tattoo earlier too! I can't make out what it says though, its kinda crude looking.” San Lang frowned.

“A-Ying!”

“Sorry!”

Jiang Cheng smacked Wei Wuxian upside the head and Jiang Yanli let out a small sigh. Thinking fast Xie Lian changed the subject.

“San Lang, you paint so well, did someone at home teach you?”

“Hmm? No, I just do it for fun.” San Lang poked at the buns with his chopsticks.

“How did you know to paint the Prince of Xianle?” Xie Lian asked.

At this San Lang laughed. “Didn't you say I know everything? Of course I know how to paint him too.” It was a cheating kind of answer, but Xie Lian didn't mind.

Deciding to drop the subject, all 5 of them began to start the meal when a new commotion came from just outside the shrine. Everyone exchanged looks just as someone urgently began knocking on the door.

“Great Immortal! Somethings happened! Great Immortal! Help!”

Xie Lian rushed over and opened the door to crowd of villagers just outside. When the village chief saw the door open he called out in relief.

“Great Immortal! This man looks like he is dying! Please save him!”

Hearing this Xie Lian rushed to the group of villagers standing in a circle around what appeared to be a cultivator. The three kids had also gone to the door to take a peek but were stopped by San Lang. When Wei Wuxian looked over at him he noticed a dark look in his eye.

The cultivator looked unkempt and disheveled, covered in sand. His robes and shoes were tattered and it seemed he had been running for his life for a great deal of time before collapsing in the village.

Xie Lian told the crowd “Don't panic, he is not dead.”

He bent down and tapped a few of the cultivators acupoints, and in the process, Xie Lian had found a few spiritual accessories: an eight trigrams map, a steel sword and so on. This man didn't appear to be and ordinary cultivator, and Xie Lian could not help but grow grim.

Not long after the cultivator slowly opened his eyes, and asked in a croaking voice, “... Where am I?”

The Chief exclaimed “Your in the Village of Puqi!”

The man mumbled to himself, “...I'm out? I'm out... If finally escaped...” He looked around him, and his eyes grew wide as he screamed in fear, “S-save me! Help!”

Wei Wuxian had a sinking feeling this wasn't going to end well....

Chapter Text

When Xie Lian reentered the shrine, with the disturbed Cultivator in tow, he had already learned that the man claimed to have come from Banyue Pass and, deciding he wouldn't get a word in one way or another with all the villagers around, had sent those who brought the cultivator on their way telling them he could have been bewitched. Inside the his three children and San Lang sat around the altar table, the later playing with his chopsticks. San Lang gave him an askance look which Xie Lian replied with a “Don't worry about him, Keep eating.”

He sat the Cultivator down in the stool opposite of Jiang Yanli and stood beside him. “My Cultivator friend, I'm the Shrine Master and something of a cultivator myself. Don't be nervous, you can tell us anything. I can perhaps offer some meager assistance if there is anything I can help with. You mentioned Banyue Pass?”

Wei Wuxian who was sitting there fiddling with the hem of his robe, looked like he wanted to say something, maybe ask a question, but just as he went to open his mouth a finger tapped the side of his head. He looked over at San Lang who at the last minute looked away with a playful look on his face. The boy smiled and poked San Lang back, then turned his head away. He was poked again. Wei Wuxian was now officially distracted.

The cultivator, after a few gasps of air and some calming words from one Xie Lian, had finally calmed down enough to process the question. “Have you heard of Banyue pass?”

“I have,” Xie Lian said, “Banyue Pass is located within an oasis in the Gobi Desert. On nights of the half moon, the scenery was beautiful to behold. Hence the name.”

“Oasis? Beauty?” The cultivator shook his head. “That's all from over two hundred years ago! Half moon? More like half dead!”

“How can something be half dead?” Jiang Cheng asked. Xie Lian gave his son a gentle look and the boy went quiet.

The man was upset as he spoke again, “Because at least half of those who pass its gates disappear! How is that not the Half Dead Pass?!”

“Who did you hear this from?” Xie Lian asked.

“I didn't hear it from anyone! I saw it with my own two eyes!” The man sat up straight, “There was a merchant group needing to cross the desert. They knew the place wasn't safe so they hired my entire sect to protect them on their journey. But....” he cried angrily, “But in the end, I'm the only one left!”

Xie Lian raised his hand to reassure the man, before asking “How many were you?”

“With my sect plus the merchants, we were about sixty people.”

“When did half moon pass become half dead pass?”

“Maybe about a hundred and fifty years ago? It was right after it became the territory of an evil cultivator.”

Sixty victims.... That was only the number in one group over multiple in the past 150 years. In the case of Xuan Ji only two hundred people lost their lives in a span of 100 years in her havoc. If the math were to be true, the victims of Banyue Pass would now be very high. But if that were the case then why hasn't heaven taken notice? Something isn't adding up... Xie Lian, already feeling quiet strange about the whole situation, furrowed his brow.

It was then that San Lang, catching Wei Wuxian's hand from poking him again, suddenly spoke up, “You've run all the way from Banyue Pass?”

“Yeah! Barely survived!” The cultivator sighed.

“Really?” San Lang stopped talking and dropped Wei Wuxian's hand, who's face was scrunched in confusion. Xie Lian understood what was amiss. He reached down and lifted his water bowl from the table and handed it to the cultivator.

“You must be thirsty having run all this way. Here, have some water my cultivator friend.”

The Cultivator took pause, before taking the bowl and, acting oddly guarded, began to take small gulps of the water. When he drank one could hear The sound like that of water sloshing into an empty bottle. Xie Lian grabbed the cultivators arm. “You don't have to drink anymore, drinking wouldn't help anyway... right?”

He looked to Xie Lian in bewilderment, but it instantly changed into something more grim. He unsheathed his steel sword with his free hand and swung it at Xie Lian. Jiang Yanli leapt out of her seat in surprise, while San Lang, in one fluid motion, stood up while grabbing the back collars of both boys and flinging them back and away. Xie Lian, without changing his stance, had raised his hand and flicked the sword away with a loud clang. Seeing this, the cultivator gritted his teeth and began to pull away. A feeling similar to a deflating ball came from where Xie Lian had gripped the man, who know easily slipped out of his grasp and ran toward the door. Xie Lian lifted his arm to release Ruoye but something flew past much faster, like and arrow launched from a taught bowstring. Whatever it was pierced the false cultivator through the stomach and nailed him to the door. Upon closer examination, Xie Lian found it to be a chopstick. He turned to watch as an unruffled San Lang strolled toward him and pull it out.

“This got dirty. I'll throw it out later.” He said waving the chopstick. Behind him Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were gaping at San Lang, with both shock and adoration. Jiang Yanli stiffened up as the cultivator slid to the ground and fluids began to pool out. However she quickly relaxed slightly if not confused as what came out was only the water the fake cultivator had just drank. Xie Lian and San Lang knelt next to the body as the boys came over to peak over their shoulders.

“Gross.” Wei Wuxian said with a scrunched up smile as the 'corpse' began to shrivel up like a prune.

“It's an empty shell,” Xie Lian noted. The Cultivator had in fact, just been an a hollow shell of, a puppet made most likely of a once real person but emptied into such a state. Often when some nefarious being could not make a good disguise, some would turn to such methods, for things such as hair, finger prints and such would of course be visible and unique and seals and talismans would not work. However they were indeed hollow, no organs no blood, so having them drink water like Xie Lian had just done would out them instantly.

By this point the corpse had completely deflated into a pile of withered skin. San Lang poked at it with the chopstick then threw it away. “This shell is rather interesting.”

“I dare you to poke it with your finger.” said Wei Wuxian as he nudged Jiang Cheng who shot him a disgusted look and shoved him away.

Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry at those twos behavior. However he did understand San Lang's sentiment. The cultivators expressions, emotions, and movement were all animated and realistic, even holding up his own end of their conversation. Whoever had created such a shell was rather powerful indeed.

Xie Lian glanced at San Lang. “Looks like you are quite knowledgeable about the wicked arts too, San Lang.”

“No, not really.” The youth said with a smile.

That Shell sought me out specifically to inform me about Banyue Pass... but why? To lure me there? Xie Lian thought for a moment, then carefully measured out how much spiritual power he had left. Deciding he had enough he entered the communications array.

…

Reclining on a small divan in a lounging area of the Palace of Wind and Water Masters, Shi Qingxuan smiled to himself as he listened into the broader communications array where he was casually tossing out merits to any who could grab them. It was his little game and everyone who participated enjoyed it thoroughly. And why wouldn't they? Free Merits was Free Merits. As Shi Qingxuan played his game he could hear Lan Wangji practicing his guqin in the study a few rooms away. His smile grew thinking about his little didi when someone new that he had never heard before entered the communications array.

Just then Ling Wen seemed to call out to the person. “Dianxia, is back? How is your time going in the Mortal realm?” Dianxia? Shi Qingxuan wondered slightly listening as they spoke.

“It's alright, not too bad. What is everyone doing? They seem so happy!”

Ling Wen replied, “The Wind Master has returned and is giving away merits. Why don't you go and see if you can grab any?”

Shi Qingxuan let more merits fly out into the array. Some other heavenly officials began to call out.

“I grabbed a hundred merits!”

“How come I only managed to grab one?”

“A thousand! A thousand! Thanks Wind Master! Ha ha ha ha....”

Shi Qingxuan was pleased as the voices cheered at his generosity, but he quickly took note that the new comer seemed hesitant to play. He silently listened in, wondering to himself what might be troubling the god. His question was quickly answered when that said god called out into the array.

“Does anyone know of Banyue Pass?”

The array dropped into a deathly silence which threw the Wind Master for spin. Most of the time, even if the questions were about concerning topics, the Heavenly Officials were keen on answering even if it was just pompous self concerning opinions and rabble. So why were they so reluctant to speak with this dianxia... A thought crossed his mind. I think I heard a rumor on my return about a god who recently ascended again for his third time. I also remember hearing gossip about that same god from a few people over time, here and there... is this him? Do people really dislike him THAT much? But he seems so soft spoken.. He then realized the silence was dragging for too long and threw out more merits while honing in on this dianxia.

“Wind Master just threw out ten thousand merits!!!” someone called, reengaging the crowd.

While the crowd was now frenzied again Shi Qingxuan found that Ling Wen and this particular dianxia seemed to leave the array, possible they went to speak privately. This was concerning, mainly cause he himself had been meaning to look into Banyue Pass for a while now, especially since rumors spread in the areas around the Gobi Desert yet it seemed no gods took attention to the matter. He threw more merits then left the array.

Shi Qingxuan sat up and tapped his fan to his chin, deep in thought for a moment before making up his mind. He got up and followed the music to the study, where Lan Wangji was just finishing a melody and Ming Yi was laying down on the floor looking asleep... or dead to the world... he often looked like that when Shi Qingxuan wasn't dragging him along on some escapade like he was just about to do.

The Wind Master clapped his hands together, getting both of their attentions before he spoke. “Alright Ming Xiong, Zhan-didi, it seems I must trouble you both with a request!”

“No.” Was all Ming Yi said, rolling over and turning his back on the Wind Master, who huffed in playful annoyance.

“Ming Yi is so rude, you don't even know what I was about to ask of you!”

“If you drag Lan Wangji around your bother won't be pleased and I don't wanna deal with him.” Ming Yi said that last part with full contempt.

“A-Zhan, don't listen to Ming Xiong! What I was going to ask is if you would join us on a little adventure.”

“Us?” Ming Yi asked, eyeing Shi Qingxuan with a look of annoyance.

The Wind Master ignored this and continued. “Seems a particular situation I've been pushing off for quite some time now has re obtained my attention. For a while now there have been rumors and ghost stories coming form the area around the Gobi Desert, speaking of missing caravans and the like. I have reason to believe something strange is going on and would like you to join me and Earth Master on this investigation.”

Ming Yi looked like he was about to rebuke him again but instead just groaned and stood up. Lan Wangji also stood up and bowed slightly.

“I don't wish to upset Water Master. However I would like better experience.”

“Didi is always so formal.” said Shi Qingxuan.

“Mn.” Was the boys only reply.

With a quick flick of his fan, the Wind Master transformed into her female form and looked expectantly over at Ming Yi. The Earth Master stared back, then raised an eyebrow... then realization hit his face and he grimaced. “No!”

“But Ming Xiong! Pretty Please! You look so pretty in your female form!” Shi Qingxuan grabbed onto the mans arm and looked at him with big pleading eyes. Lan Wangji brows slightly furrowed but he quickly regained his composure and just looked away from the two. The Earth Master looked down at Shi Qingxuan remorsefully for a moment more before letting out a bemoaned sigh and transforming into a woman as well.

“Happy?” She sneered.

“Uh huh!” Shi Qingxuan let go of Ming Yi and began to fan herself, turning to Lan Wangji, “I hope you don't mind heat and sand my didi, cause there is going to be a lot of it.”

“...” Lan Wangji furrowed his brow.

…

Xie Lian had just left the communications array a pondering look on his face, Ling Wen's words of caution, requesting him to stay out of the matter, were weighing on his thoughts. He looked up and found Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian using the broom to poke at the flap of skin that was what remained of the false cultivator and shook his head, Jiang Yanli was watching them with an obvious look of discomfort. He took the broom and swept the fake skin aside before turning to San Lang.

“San Lang, I'm afraid I'm going to have to go on a long journey.”

“Sure thing. Gege, bring me along too, if you don't mind!” The youth said.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian immediately took to either side of San Lang calling out “We're coming too!”

“Hold on now.” Xie Lian raised a hand to give them pause, “It's going to be a long and difficult journey, further then you two have gone with me before. San Lang, why do you wish to come?”

San Lang smiled. “Do you want to know about the evil cultivator of Banyue?”

Jiang Yanli, who had returned to her relatively calm self after the fake skin had been swept away, let out a small laugh. “San Lang really does know a lot of things.”

San Lang smiled back at her before returning his attention to Xie Lian, “Banyue Pass wasn't originally called Banyue Pass. Banyue Pass is where the Kingdom of Banyue was once located two hundred years ago.” His eyes seemed to glow as he spoke. “you see, the evil cultivator of Banyue was-”

Xie Lian had just put down the broom, ready to fully immerse himself into what San Lang was saying when a knock came upon the door. Wei Wuxian also seeming to be intently listening shot an angry look at the door, upset that the story had been interrupted. Xie Lian stepped up to the door and found that the seal was not reacting. It's already evening, so it can't be the villagers.... Xie Lian thought when a second knock came upon the door. Now he was sure that two people stood on the other side. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng both peered around their baba as he opened the door.

“YOU?” Both boys called out, when seeing that it was Nan Feng and Fu Yao on the other side. Fu Yao rolled his eyes, Nan Feng however was focused on Xie Lian as he blurted out “You're going to Banyue Pass, aren't you?”

“and where did you two hear that?” Xie Lian asked.

“Some officials were talking about it. I heard you asked about Banyue Pass in the communications array today.” Nan Feng replied.

Xie Lian crossed his arms into his sleeves. “I see. 'I volunteer,' is that right?”

“Yes,” both men said jointly, both looking like they had a sudden toothache.

Xie Lian Couldn't help but smile and said, “I get it, I get it. But I want you two to understand that, should there be any issues or crises en-route, you're welcome to runaway at anytime.”

“Ya, you can even run away right now!” Wei Wuxian's voice was teasing but the look he shot Fu Yao was a bitter one. Jiang Cheng didn't even acknowledge the young man. They still held a grudge.

Xie Lian eyed his two boys oddly before stepping aside to invite the two junior officials in. When they did however their faces went from mildly grim, to dark. Their eye's were on one carefree youth wearing a red tunic.

Nan Feng suddenly shot out an arm and shoved Xie Lian behind him yelling “Stand back!” The three kids jumped at the sudden outburst, Jiang Yanli quickly stepping up to her brothers.

“Nan Feng? What's wrong?” she asked looking between him and San Lang.

San Lang only shrugged in reply and repeated the question. “What's wrong?”

Fu Yao furrowed his brow and demanded. “Who are you?”

“He is a friend of mine. Do you know each other?” Xie Lian had answered instead.

San Lang, looking completely innocent, asked, “gege, who are those two?”

Hearing him call Xie Lian gege, made Nan Feng's lip twitch and Fu Yao's brows spasm. Before Xie Lian could reply Wei Wuxian jumped in,

“That's Nan Feng and that's a jerk,”

“Don't talk to him!” Nan Feng snapped, where as Fu Yao grimaced.

“What? Do you know each other?” Xie Lian asked again.

“...”

“No.” Fu Yao said coldly.

“If you don't then what are you...”

Suddenly he sensed light flashing next to him and Jiang Yanli let out a gasp, pulling the boys back and away.

“What are you two doing?!” Jiang Cheng snapped as Xie Lian looked down to see both junior officials had produced balls of divine energy. There was an ill sense of foreboding as Xie Lian reached out and grabbed both of their arms.

“Stop! Stop! Don't act rashly!” The bulbs pulsated and seemed both static and dangerous.

The attention in the room was caught by San Lang clapping in polite appreciation. “Amazing! Absolutely magical.” His words truly held no sincerity.

Nan Feng shot an angry look at Xie Lian. “Where did you meet him? What's his name? Where does he live? Where did he come from? Why is he here?”

Xie Lian answered. “We met on the road. His name is San Lang. I don't know anything else, just that he had nowhere to go so I let him stay. Will you two please stop.”

“You-!” Nan Feng looked like he wanted to scream. However, instead he swallowed his words. “You let him in despite knowing nothing?! What if he has ulterior motives?”

Xie Lian made a face, but Wei Wuxian suddenly pulled away from Jiang Yanli and threw himself in front of San Lang.

“San Lang has been nothing but nice to baba since he got here! You two don't have the right to pick on him just cause you don't know who he is!”

“A-Ying.” Wei Wuxian looked behind him to see San Lang giving him an odd smile, almost like it was saying I got this. San Lang looked up at Xie Lian. “Gege, are these two your servants?”

“No, the term servants isn't quite right.” Xie Lian replied, “they're more like helpers.”

San Lang smiled at him “Really? Then why don't you help away?” The youth grabbed something and tossed it at Fu Yao.

Fu Yao caught the item then looked at it. His temper visibly shot through the roof. The item in his hand was a broom. He looked about ready to crush both the youth and the broom into dust so Xie Lian quickly took it from him.

“Calm down! Calm down. I only have the one broom-” He was cut off by a bright white light shooting past him.

“Reveal Yourself!” Fu Yao snapped, launching the ball of divine energy out towards San Lang, who merely tilted his head slightly, just missing it. Wei Wuxian had yelped and ducked but the aim had been truly targeted on the youth so his reaction was mainly out of startled fear. Jiang Yanli cried out as the light instead hit the altar table leg, collapsing it to the ground with a crack sending all the plates crashing down.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” It was Jiang Cheng who snapped out those words turning to glare at Fu Yao, purple sparks coming off the ring on his clenched fist.

Xie Lian decided that was enough.

Sending out Ruoye, the silk band quickly bound the two junior officials arms. The two tried to struggle but it was useless.

“What are you doing?!” Nan Feng shouted.

Xie Lian made a time out gesture. “We'll talk outside. Outside.” He waved his hand and Ruoye dragged the two outside. Before closing the door Xie Lian turned to the four inside. “I'll be right back.” And then the door was shut.

Jiang Yanli bent down and began to attempt to clean up what she could of the plates. Seeing this San Lang immediately bent down to help her. “You alright?” He asked not looking at any of the kids in particular, the question aimed at all of them. Jiang Yanli was of course the first to speak.

“I'm fine. Are you okay though, he seemed be trying to kill you.”

San Lang scoffed with a playful grin. “Trying must be the important part, cause he failed miserably.” He looked over his shoulder at Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian. The later boy was right behind him, practically on top of him, as if standing any further away would be a problem. His face was unreadable and he kept looking at San Lang. Jiang Cheng on the other hand was glaring at the door, his face contorted, his arms were shaking and the ring on his finger was still cracking with small purple sparks. After finishing picking up the mess on the floor, San Lang stood up and very gently tapped Jiang Cheng on the shoulder, Wei Wuxian still so close.

Jiang Cheng tensed and shot a wide eyed look at San Lang, but now out of his head the sparks died and he slowly began to rub the ring between his fingers.

“You alright?” San Lang asked again. Jiang Cheng nodded, paused, then shook his head. San Lang leaned over so he could look into the boy's eyes. “A-Cheng, can I tell you something. It's something I learned a long time ago and I think it can help you out a bit.”

“... What is it?”

The smile that came to San Lang's face was a wicked one but his eyes were just as, if not more, fiery. “Never under any circumstance accept the opinion of Trash.”

All three children looked at San Lang with different degrees of surprise, before finally Wei Wuxian, with a big toothy grin on his face, asked. “So... Fu Yao is Trash?”

“Absolutely.” San Lang replied. It was Jiang Cheng's turn to smile. Jiang Yanli sighed again but chose not to fight it.

Outside, Xie Lian had dragged the two junior officials out in front of the shrine before calling back Ruoye and showing the two the sign. “Read this, then tell me what it says.”

“We're not one of your kid-” Fu Yao began with an eye roll.

“Read.”

Fu Yao glared at him then began to read aloud, “Please kindly donate to the renovation of this shrine for the accumulation of good merits...” He looked up at Xie Lian. “Donations for renovations? You wrote this?! You are at the very least an ascended heavenly official, how could you write such a thing? Where's your dignity?”

Xie Lian nodded. “That's right, I wrote it. If you guys keep fighting inside, then I'll be asking for donations for construction, not renovation. And then I would have even less dignity.”

Nan Feng pointed to the shrine, “You don't think that boy is at least somewhat odd?”

“Of course I do.” Xie Lian said.

“so you know he's dangerous, but still keep him around not just you, but your kids as well?” Nan Feng demanded.

Seeing neither had intentions to donate, Xie Lian put the sign away before continuing. “First, that's where you are wrong Nan Feng. There are all kinds of people in this world with different temperaments and mannerisms. Odd dose not necessarily mean dangerous. Take me for example: Majority of people find me odd but do you think I'm dangerous?”

“...”

“Second,” Xie Lian turned to Fu Yao, “ on the subject of my children, I don't know what happened between you and the boy's and I will not pry into it. If they wish to tell me, they will tell me. Till then please don't rile them up, if you can't be nice then at the very least be cordial.” Fu Yao looked a tad confused but then just rolled his eyes.

He looked at Xie Lian, changing the subject, demanded, “That boy, aren't you afraid he has ulterior motives.”

“Do you think I have anything of worth for him to scheme for?” Xie Lian asked.

Both Nan Feng and Fu Yao were stumped. Xie Lian had no money nor treasures of value, the only thing they could think of worth anything in that dismal shack was the ring Jiang Cheng had, but that also didn't seem likely...

Xie Lian continued “Besides, its not like I haven't tested him.”

The two stared at him.

“How did you test him?”

“How did it go?”

Xie Lian the proceeded to explain his previous attempts. “The results are inconclusive. I've already done so much. If he isn't mortal, then there is only one other possibility.”

Fu Yao sneered. “Maybe he IS a supreme. If that's the case he is literally just sitting in there with those kids, and your okay with that?”

“He has shown no sign of ill will toward my children and on top of that, do you really believe that a ghost king would be as idle as we are, such that they would come to a small village to collect scraps with me?”

“We aren't idle!”

“Okay, okay, okay...”

They heard movement and small bits of laughter from inside the shrine.

“No, we still need to find a way to test if he is a supreme.” Nan Feng said in a low voice.

Xie Lian rubbed his head. “Go ahead and try, but don't go overboard. What if he does turn out to be a runaway young noble? Me and my kids get along with him pretty well, so be nice. Don't bully him.”

The 'don't bully him,' made Nan Feng screw up his face and Fu Yao roll his eyes practically to the back of his head. Xie Lian nagged them a bit more before finally leading them back into the shrine. Upon opening the door he found Jiang Yanli setting some cleaned up plates on one of the stools, while San Lang seemed to be checking the broken leg of the table. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were bent down next to him whispering something to each other and seemed relatively back to their usual selves.

Xie Lian cleared his throat and they all looked back. “San Lang, are you alright?”

The youth smiled. “I'm alright. I was just checking to see if we could fix this table leg.”

Jiang Cheng stood up and walked over to Xie Lian who pulled him into a small side hug as he spoke, “Everything just now was a misunderstanding, please don't mind them.”

“Sure it was.” Wei Wuxian mumbled with a glance toward Fu Yao, then giggling like he remembered a joke.

“since you say so, I won't mind.” San Lang replied. “Maybe they thought I looked familiar.”

Fu Yao spoke frostily, “Yeah, quite familiar. Probably why I was mistaken.”

“What a coincidence! I think you two look rather familiar too.”

“...” The two junior officials still seemed on rather high alert but didn't show any sign becoming violent again.

“Make some room, I'm going to conjure a teleportation array.” Nan Feng said gloomily.

Xie Lian rolled up his bedding mat and waved to where it had been on the floor. “Why don't you draw it here?”

Fu Yao now, less focused on San Lang, finally took the opportunity to look around. He wrinkled his brow. “You live in a place like this?”

Jiang Yanli who had taken the mat from her father and began to roll up the one her and the boys had used to make more room, stopped and looked at Fu Yao “It might be a bit of a mess, but it's better then nothing.” She smiled which made Fu Yao roll his eyes. Wei Wuxian scoffed. The young junior martial official snapped a look at the boy but then looked like him remembered something and just looked back at Xie Lian.

“Where's the beds?”

Jiang Yanli lifted the mats up with a shy smile. “Here.”

Nan Feng looked up and took a glance at the mats then returned his gaze to the array. Fu Yao looked at it, then Jiang Yanli, then at Wei Wuxian and San Lang, then at Xie Lian who was still lightly rubbing Jiang Cheng's back.

“Where did he sleep?” Fu Yao nodded to San Lang.

“With baba.” Wei Wuxian said bluntly.

“Why, is there a problem?” Xie Lian asked pointedly.

Fu Yao finally found that he didn't have anything else to ask.

Xie Lian returned his attention to San Lang. “You were interrupted before, San Lang. Who is the evil cultivator of Banyue? Do Continue.”

The youth had been watching the two junior officials seeming to be deep in thought and a dark look in his eye, but snapped out of it when he heard Xie Lian calling out to him. San Lang gave him a small smile, “Alright.” He paused for a moment, then eyed Wei Wuxian who was now looking at him expectantly, the boy also wanting to hear the story he was denied earlier. Finally he began.

“The evil cultivator of Banyue was the state preceptor of the ancient kingdom of Banyue, one of the dual evil masters.”

“Dual Evil Masters?” Jiang Cheng turned toward San Lang still having his baba's hand around his shoulder.

“Dual, meaning two? Who's the other one?” Xie Lian asked.

San Lang, having all the answers, replied, “Another evil cultivator from the Central Plains named Fengxin. He has nothing to do with the kingdom of Banyue.”

Jiang Yanli had been facing her father while she listened to the story and couldn't help but notice a slight change in Xie Lian's expression while he listened. She decided that it was merely just intrigue and turned to listen to San Lang.

The tale that was told was as such;

The Kingdom of Banyue was home to a race of brutish warriors who took enjoyment out of invading nearby lands, seizing a checkpoint between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. The conflicts were never ending. Leading these warriors was their State Preceptor, one who was learned in demonic arts, who they would follow to the ends of the earth. However, 200 years ago the Central Plains sent an army, invading the Kingdom of Banyue and leveling it to the ground.

Although the kingdom was no more, the State Preceptor and the soldiers resentment was unyielding and remained to haunt the place. The oasis that once sat there dissipated and was swallowed up by the Gobi Desert. Thousands of civilians fled the place, but soon after rumors of disappearing travelers would spread. To cross the Banyue Pass one would have to pay the toll... a toll made up of human lives.

Fu Yao smiled without mirth. “This young master sure knows a lot.”

San Lang smiled at him, “It's nothing. You just don't know very much, that's all.”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng snickered as Xie Lian smiled in spite of himself. Jiang Yanli covered her mouth with her hand to hide her own smile.

San Lang continued lazily, “This is just based on unofficial history, and ancient records on strange, supernatural occurrences. Who knows if the State Preceptor of Banyue is even real. Maybe the Kingdom of Banyue didn't even exist.”

Chapter Text

Xie Lian had listened intently to San Lang's tale of Banyue Pass but at the mention of it possibly not existing he quickly shook his head. “even though its rouge records and rumors you read, Banyue Kingdom certainly did exist.” He explained.

“Oh?” San Lang said.

“It's done.” Everyone turned to see Nan Feng beginning to stand, having completed the teleportation array. “When shall we go?”

Xie Lian quickly packed a small bag and walked to the door. “We go now.”

He placed a hand on the door and recited “By the heavens officials blessing, no paths are bound!” And then he pushed open the door.

What should have been a small hillside village beyond was now a wide city avenue. Although the streets were quite large in girth only a handful of pedestrians walked along it, as the closer one got to the Gobi desert and farther from the Central Plains the smaller the population. Even during the day they probably wouldn't have seen many people walking about.

San Lang spoke up behind Xie Lian, “According to the historical records, when the moon sinks in the sky, follow the North Star and you will come upon the kingdom of Banyue. Gege look.” He pointed towards the sky. “There is the North Star.”

“It's so bright.” Xie Lian said with a smile.

San Lang was now standing beside Xie Lian, quite close and glanced his way before looking up as well. “Yeah. It seems the night sky is more uplifting in the northwest then it is in the Central Plains.”

“Why is he here?” Nan Feng asked, pointing towards San Lang.

SLAM!

Everyone spun around to see Wei Wuxian standing in front of the door they (kind of) just came from, having been the last one out and had gone to shut the door... he slammed it instead. He looked up at everyone and then put his arms up and behind his head with a grin. “oops”

“Better question.” It was Fu Yao who spoke this time, sweeping an arm to point at Xie Lian's three kids and San Lang. “Why are they all here?”

“I just thought the door you created looked so magical, I just had to follow along and check it out.” San Lang said innocently.

“We just followed baba.” Jiang Cheng said casually.

“Check it out?! Do you kids just think this is a fun little tour?!” Nan Feng shouted angrily.

Xie Lian rubbed his forehead. “Please just let it go. The doors already shut and their here, so there isn't any turning back. I packed enough rations that I can share with San Lang.” He turned to the Youth in question. “Please stay close to me, don't get lost.”

“Okay,” San Lang responded, looking obedient.

“This isn't a question of rations!”

Xie Lian sighed “Nan Feng, please keep it down. Its the middle of the night; everyone is sleeping. Lets focus on the task at hand and not sweat the small stuff. Lets go, lets go.” He began walking northward, Nan Feng looking after him with a look like he couldn't decide if he was pissed or dumbstruck.

“But... how come you didn't get onto your kid for slamming a fucking door?” After saying this he looked at Wei Wuxian who, upon eye contact, playfully stuck out his tongue and ran to walk beside San Lang with giggle.

Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

…

By the time the sun had risen once more, the group of seven had made it away from civilization and greenery, finding themselves now walking along hills of sand. They had officially arrived at the Gobi desert. The sky was cloudless and the sun shown brightly, what had been a freezing night for them suddenly turned to a blistering heat once the day trekked on. Xie Lian had been leading the way by using the direction of the wind and the vegetation under rocks as his guide, however after quite a bit of time he decided to turn around and faced the group, worried someone might fall behind. Fu Yao and Nan Feng were completely fine, being they were immortal, just behind them was Jiang Yanli who although clearly discomforted, had been keeping up for the most part with the ones in the lead. Then falling slightly behind were three boys. Jiang Cheng's brow was furrowed and his head was soaked in a sheen of sweat as he dragged his feet. Wei Wuxian was clearly very upset, constantly shacking his sleeves and legs, while itching and wiping at everything, constantly groaning as he did. San Lang had peeled off his outer red tunic and was using it to lazily block out the blazing sun, looking tired and cranky. His skin was pearl white, his hair coal black and with that red tunic covering his face, his features seemed even more accentuated.

The state of it made Xie Lian laugh a little and he slowed down his pace so the three could catch up with him. He took off his bamboo hat and put it on San Lang's head. “Here I'll lend this to you.”

San Lang blinked for a moment, then smiled and handed it back. “It's alright.”

Xie Lian didn't argue; if the boy didn't need it, then there was no need to push. Just as he was returning the bamboo hat to his head, Xie Lian felt two damp hand's wrap around his arm and a face, just as dump shove into his shoulder. He looked down as Wei Wuxian began mumbling into him.

“A-Ying, I can't understand a word your saying. Look at me and speak properly.” Xie Lian said with a smile.

“baaabaaaa-” Wei Wuxian whined pulling his face from Xie Lian's shoulder. “It's too hot! I'm tired of walking on the sand! It's too itchy! Baba carry meeeee~!”

“A-Ying need's to walk on his own two feet.”

“But Baba! The sand is awful! Baba please!” Xie Lian was a bit taken aback when Wei Wuxian started tearing up. Fu Yao looked back and rolled his eyes.

“... alright.” Xie Lian sighed as he bent down slightly. Wei Wuxian flopped onto his fathers back burying his face in the man's shoulder again, absolutely lacking any energy to do anything else. Xie Lian adjusted the boy then stood up and began leading the way once more. Jiang Cheng watched them as he dragged his feet an odd expression on his face. San Lang glanced over at him.

“A-Cheng, did you also want a ride?” asked San Lang. Jiang Cheng looked up and shook his head aggressively, seemingly embarrassed. “Really? I was going to see if you wanted me to carry you, but if your sure-” San Lang began to walk ahead.

“...w-wait.” San Lang turned back with a smile. Jiang Cheng looked abashed as he fidgeted with the ring on his finger. “do... do you mind... giving me a ride.”

San Lang only smiled as he bent down slightly. Jiang Cheng climbed up onto the youths back and wrapped his arms around San Lang's neck, who in turn used his red tunic to tie the boy to himself. San Lang stood up and began jogging forward to catch up to Xie Lian. Jiang Yanli looked at her two brothers and laughed.

“So glad Taizi Dianxia is raising his kids to be brats.” Fu Yao mumbled under his breath as he rolled his eyes.

“So glad you know how to mind your own business.” Nan Feng retorted.

“So glad you two argue more childishly then my didi's.” Jiang Yanli replied. The two junior officials turned to face her, only to see she her back as she went to catch up with the others.

After a while the group caught sight of a small gray building off in the distance and went to investigate. Upon closer inspection it appeared to be an abandoned inn. Looking up Xie Lian found it to be just past noon meaning that the heat was just about to get much worse. They had been walking all night and his two sons had already reached their limits, so the decision to take a break would most likely be unanimous. Xie Lian lead the group inside, where he set Wei Wuxian back to the ground, Jiang Cheng jumped off San Lang's by himself. The two boys decided to start pealing off their outer robes as Jiang Yanli helped Nan Feng push two tables together allowing for all of them to sit together as they rested. Xie Lian pulled three bottles of water from his bag and passed one to the boy's “Share and take small sips, if you don't you might not have any for later.” he handed the second to Jiang Yanli and finally the third he handed to San Lang. “Do you want some?”

San Lang nodded. He reached for the water bottle and took a drink before Xie Lian took it back to drink himself. Wei Wuxian had snatched their bottle and quickly took a gulp before passing it to Jiang Cheng who glared at him before taking a couple of small sips to make up for what his brother had taken. Jiang Yanli took a few small sips of her own setting it on the table to pace herself.

“is there anymore?” San Lang asked Xie Lian, having been sneaking glances at him while propping his own chin up with his hand. Xie Lian wiped some of the water from his moistened lips and nodded, beginning to pass the bottle to the youth when a hand blocked them.

“Hang on.” Fu Yao said before retrieving his own water bottle from his sack and sliding it across the table toward San Lang. “I have one too. Go ahead.”

Xie Lian sighed. Fu Yao is very clearly not the type to share. More then likely this is his way of testing if San Lang really is a Supreme. Most likely its Unmasking Water.

Wei Wuxian looked at the bottle and then at Fu Yao. “Did you put something in your water?”

“Sorry, but why do you think I would put something in my water?” Fu Yao retorted.

“Cause your a jerk?” Jiang Cheng replied.

Wei Wuxian remembered something and snickered, mumbling the word “Trash.” where he hoped only his brother would have heard. Jiang Cheng let out a snort and both boys started laughing.

Fu Yao glared between them. “What's so funny?”

San Lang gave both boys a mischievous grin before looking back at Fu Yao almost innocently. “Gege and I can just share his bottle. Its fine.”

Fu Yao and Nan Feng both eyed Xie Lian, and he thought, What are the both of you looking at me for?

Jiang Yanli looked between all the guys and carefully sipped her water, scooting her chair back ever so slightly, deciding not to bud in for her own sake.

Fu Yao replied, “His is almost empty, don't worry, help yourself.”

“Really? Then you two help yourselves first.” San Lang said, politely declining.

“...”

After a moment of uncomfortable silence that involved being overtly stared at by two boys who were smiling at him with mischief in their eyes, Fu Yao tried again, “Your a guest, you should go first.”

Xie Lian heard him sounding so polite but was sure he was only saying such things through his teeth.

San Lang made a 'please' gesture to the two Junior Martial Officials. “You two are the followers of the host, please drink first, otherwise it would be indecent of me.”

Xie Lian watched them play this silly game of false pleasantries and pitied that sad water bottle being pushed around the table. He began to worry the table might not have long for this world when he finally noticed his daughter was now about a few feet away from the table, having backed up several times as to not get involved. He didn't know if he should laugh or cry. The boys just watched them pass it around with an almost humorous look, Wei Wuxian tapping his feet as he watched.

Fu Yao suddenly snapped and sneered, “You not accepting this water means you have a guilty conscience!”

San Lang replied with a smile, “Your unfriendly and refuse to drink first. Maybe A-Ying was right and you did put something in the water. Maybe you poisoned it and now you have a guilty conscience.”

Fu Yao pointed at Xie Lian, “You can very well ask him if its poisoned!”

“Is the water poisoned gege?” San Lang turned to Xie Lian.

Technically Unmasking Water is just a potion meant to reveal ones true form, so it doesn't really do any harm... Xie Lian thought. He replied slowly “It's not poison, but...”

“Alright,” San Lang grabbed the bottle and shook it playfully in his hand. “If gege says its okay, I'll take a drink.” He slung back the bottle and gulped down the entirety of its contents. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng watched him cautiously, while Xie Lian, Nan Feng, and Fu Yao just looked at him in shock. (Jiang Yanli had stopped scooting back but was leaned as far as she could into her chair idly sipping on her water, watching San Lang with a calm yet concerned side glance.)

After finishing the bottle San Lang gave it another shake... then chucked it behind him where it shattered on the hard floor.

“Tastes bad.”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng had, at first, only looked at the broken bottle in jaw dropping shock before suddenly both laughing uncontrollably again. Wei Wuxian's chair suddenly broke out from under him, from it being an old chair and him constantly moving around in it, so he hit the floor with an “oof!” Jiang Cheng paused his laughter to look at his brother but instantly began laughing again much hardier then before. Xie Lian slowly placed a hand to his forehead.

Fu Yao stared at San Lang and then the boys, then back to San Lang before straitening up and replying in a cool voice. “It's only water. Doesn't it all taste the same? What difference is there?”

San Lang reached over and took up Xie Lian's water bottle. “Of course there's a difference. This one tastes better.”

Xie Lian smiled despite himself. San Lang didn't seem to care what those two thought, which in turn meant their whole fight had been meaningless. Jiang Yanli had put away her own bottle of water and was helping Wei Wuxian off the floor when the kids all jumped at the sound of a loud CLANG, sending their attention to a sword Nan Feng had dropped onto the table. Xie Lian was concerned believing Nan Feng meant to end San Lang for good as the sword gave off such a strong battle aura. “What are you doing?”

“The road ahead is dangerous.” Nan Feng stated darkly. “This is my gift to our little buddy, for self-defense.”

Xie Lian looked over the sheath which bore wear and tear from use over countless ages, but suddenly he recognized the ancient design. Xie Lian's eyes widened and he turned away putting his hand to his forehead once more. “It's Hongjing!” He had said it in a mumbled voice but Jiang Yanli had caught it. She had checked over Wei Wuxian for a second but the boy was gleefully mesmerized by the sword so she turned her attention to her baba.

“baba,” she whispered into his ear. “do you recognize that sword?”

“Uhm. Well, yes. It used to be mine.” Xie Lian whispered back, his face faltering.

“Oh?”

“It was a gift from the Heavenly Emperor Jun Wu, from my first ascension. I uh... pawned it off centuries ago during rough times. Feng Xin must have found it....” That last part had mostly been said to himself. The blade could not fight evil, however if a non human entity were to pull the blade from its sheath it would turn red like blood and reveal in its reflection the beings true form.

“Oh...”

As the two had been whispering to each other, San Lang had willingly picked rather intrigued. Jiang Cheng, finally calmed down from his laughing fit was now on the edge of his seat wanting to get a glimpse of the sword, Wei Wuxian was leaning over San Lang's shoulder also wanting to see it. However after only pulling out about eight centimeters of the blade, San Lang took pause. Then he laughed.

“Gege, are your servants playing a trick on me?”

Xie Lian cleared his throat and turned back around. “San Lang I already told you, they aren't servants.” Then he spun back around.

“Who's joking around?!” Nan Feng demanded coldly.

“How can one defend one's self with a broken sword?” San Lang asked, re-sheathing the sword and tossing it back to the junior official.

Nan Feng's face froze. He quickly picked up the blade and unsheathed it... he heard a clunking sound as he pulled out less then half of the shattered blade. It had been broken about eight centimeters down from the hilt. Jiang Yanli covered her mouth and eyed her father who refused to look.

Wei Wuxian's jaw dropped and Jiang Cheng sucked in air, before eyeing Nan Feng.

“That... that wasn't borrowed was it?”

Nan Feng and Fu Yao both pointedly glared at San Lang, “You-”

San Lang just snickered and, leaning back, put his black boots up on the table. He picked up a broken piece of the blade and began playfully tossing it in his hand. “I'm sure you two didn't do this on purpose, and were just not careful with it on the road. Don't worry about me, I don't need some broken sword for protection. Keep it for yourselves.”

Wei Wuxian looked at San Lang thoughtfully. Did... did he break the sword? But if he did how and why? Actually why are both of them seemingly bugging San Lang like this? Actually why hasn't baba tried to stop them? As Fu Yao and Nan Feng looked ready to bust, San Lang made eye contact with Wei Wuxian. He smiled at the boy playfully.

Xie Lian could sense that the three might start bickering again, and so shook his head. He instead decided to turn his attention outside the window where the wind began to pick up. Their might be a sandstorm later. If we chose to continue on, will we find some other shelter down the line?

Just then, over the sand, three shadows suddenly flashed by.

Xie Lian straitened up immediately.

Two Silhouettes of white, one black, sauntered unhurriedly yet rapidly, as if gliding through clouds. The one in black was slender and elegant, the middle slightly smaller figure in white remained unseen keeping directly behind the final one, a female cultivator dressed in white robes, a sword on her back and a whisk in her hand, as they sped by the inn only the woman in white glanced their way and smiled. It was like their forms, there and then gone leaving a foreboding feeling.

It was only because Xie Lian had been watching that he had caught the scene, but the others had only seen their retreating backs.

Nan Feng rose instantly. “Who was that?”

Xie Lian stood up too. “Don't know but their definitely not ordinary people.” He stood their deliberating for only a moment. “The wind is picking up, Stop playing around and lets go as far as we can. A-Ying, A- Cheng, stay close to your jiejie.”

Fu Yao and Nan Feng quickly picked up the pieces to Hongjing, San Lang languidly tossing them the piece he had been playing with before the group made their way outside. They began trekking through the sand once more, this time much slower as they were constantly being pressed back by a strong headwind. Wei Wuxian, had clearly disliked the sand before, now grew even more hatred for it as it stung at his eyes. He grabbed tightly onto his sisters arm who in turn grabbed their fathers. Jiang Cheng was unsure of what to do, constantly pulling his hand up to cover his eye's. A hand reached out to him. He looked up to see San Lang looking back. Unlike with riding on the youth's back earlier, he didn't hesitate. He instead immediately took San Lang's hand and the two followed closely behind Xie Lian.

As they began to advance, the winds became more dangerous and was beginning to obscure the path.

“This sandstorm feels strange.” Xie Lian called out, holding down his bamboo hat. When no one replied he turned to face the others, worried that they had gotten split up. His fears subsided when he saw that, while Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian were still at his side, Fu Yao and Nan Feng walked steadily nearby, while San Lang was right behind him, never more then five steps behind, holding onto Jiang Cheng. It was just that the winds were so deafening that they had not heard him at all.

He looked at San Lang, who seemed unfazed by the onslaught even as his hair and red tunic rustled chaotically in the wind. Xie Lian turned to say something about not getting sand in his eyes or sleeves but realized once again that his voice would be stolen by the wind, so using his free hand that had been holding down his hat he turned and began fixing San Lang's sleeves himself. This made the youth take pause, a surprised look on his face. After a moment Fu Yao and Nan Feng caught up and it seemed everyone was now huddled together and within hearing range.

“Be careful everyone, this wind came out of nowhere, its not right. There may be evil within.”

“Its just a little sandstorm, how can it be evil?” Fu Yao said.

“LITTLE?!” Wei Wuxian snapped.

Xie Lian shook his head. “The wind is alright, its what the sand carries that I'm worried about.

Just then a great gust came and ripped Xie Lian's bamboo hat from his head. Just as he had the thought that it might now be lost forever, San Lang snapped out his free hand and caught it. He returned the hat to Xie Lian who thanked him before retying to his head.

“We should probably find shelter for the time being.”

Fu Yao countered. “If there is evil in the storm trying to stop us from advancing, then we must continue!”

Before Xie Lian could speak, San Lang burst out laughing. Fu Yao's head shot up and he coldly demanded, “What are you laughing at?”

San Lang crossed his arms. “Does being contradictory give you the feeling of being unique and independent?” The smile he gave held no trace of sincerity.

Fu Yao's eyes grew dark and Xie Lian quickly raised his hand between them. “Stop right there, you two. If you have things to say, they can wait. It won't be funny if the wind gets any stronger.”

“What? Think it will blow you away?” Fu Yao mocked.

“Yes, that very well may ha-”

Just then Jiang Yanli felt a strong tug and her fathers hand was gone from hers. She shot a look up as he vanished up into the air.

“BABA!”

Another powerful gust had indeed carried him away. A Twister!

Chapter Text

The Twister flung Xie Lian higher into the sky with every passing second, causing him to spin wildly about. He flung out his arm “Ruoye, grab onto something dependable and solid!”

The white silk band shot forth from his sleeve and into the sandstorm. When it finally latched onto something Xie Lien was able to stabilize and realized he was over thirty meters in the air! He was now like that of a kite held to the ground by a single thread. He squinted his eyes to try and see what Ruoye had latched onto. What he saw was that Ruoye had wrapped around the free wrist of a you youth in a red tunic.

I tell you to grab onto something dependable and you grabbed San Lang!?! Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry. Just as he was about to have Ruoye grab onto something else the band went slack. He looked up to see both San Lang and Jiang Cheng, who the youth had still been holding onto, had been thrown upward into the storm! Xie Lian had tried to call out for them not to panic but instead got a mouth full of sand. He decided to change tactic and used Ruoye to shorten the distance between them. Jiang Cheng was holding on fast to San Lang's arm but the Youth seemed like he could very well be peacefully reading a book, he was so calm. Did he get himself dragged up here on purpose? Ruoye wrapped them together by the waist , Jiang Cheng more so to San Lang's back, then Xie Lian commanded “Go, try again but don't bring anymore people up!” and he sent the white silk band back down. This time.... It had grabbed all four of the others; Nan Feng, Fu Yao, Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian!

“Ruoye! I thought I said- Oh never mind!” Xie Lian spun to face the ground and called out “Everyone! Hang on tight!”

The four seemed be trying to hold down as best as they could, but the wind was too strong, so the moment the shortest of them, Wei Wuxian, was knocked off his feet by the gales he pulled his sister up with him and the Nan Feng and Fu Yao were dragged up along with them. Ruoye tied the group of seven all together and they began to spin higher and higher into the air. None of the children dared scream, fearing a mouthful of sand as the twisted about through the sky.

“How did you all get dragged up here too?!” Xie Lian shouted, enduring the taste of sand that shot into his mouth.

“Ask that dumb Ruoye of yours!” Fu Yao shouted back, spitting out sand just as soon as he finished that comment.

Xie Lian seized the 'dumb' Ruoye with both hands. “Oh, Ruoye, all of us are counting on you! Please, absolutely do not grab the wrong thing again. Now GO!” And with heroic solemnity he released it once more.

“Stop relying on that toy! Think of Something else!” Nan Feng roared.

“What else is there!” Jiang Yanli called out but immediately started coughing up a fit, trying to get the sand out of her throat.

Xie Lian suddenly felt a tug. “Wait! Give it one more chance! It caught something!”

“It better not be a random passerby! Let the poor person go!” Fu Yao roared too.

Xie Lian, also worried with the same thought, gave the silk band a promising tug and found that it remained taut. He let out a breath of relief. “It's not! It's something solid, quite stable! Ruoye, Pull!”

Ruoye shortened rapidly, dragging them out of the twister. Xie Lian looked down and saw the band had wrapped around a large rounded dark colored object, jutting out of the sand. As they were dragged closer he found it to be a massive boulder. I don't remember seeing this before! How far have we been thrown? When the group finally made landfall, they quickly circled around to the backside of the boulder to escape the wind.

“Thank the Heavens Officials Blessing!” Xie Lian called out in relief. In the shadow of the massive rock fortress was a man made looking hole about two doors wide but only half the height, just large enough for a grown man to crawl through. They quickly descended inward to find it had been hollowed out inside and quite deep.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao began spitting out sand covered in it from head to toe. They began peeling off their outer robes and shaking them to get the fine grains out. Jiang Yanli sat down on the cavern floor and began by taking off her shoes and carefully knocking out any sand that had buried itself inside. Wei Wuxian was shaking himself profusely and then made a face, before slowly looking down out his waist and then at his baba. “Uhm... I think I lost my outer robe....”

“... Same...” Jiang Cheng sighed, before collapsing to the ground next to his sister.

“We... we can get you both new ones when we get back to Puqi...” Xie Lian said, before looking toward San lang.

Of everyone there, the Youth was completely unfazed, only lightly tapping his close to knock off any sand that clung to him.

Nan Feng wiped his face and began cursing as Xie Lian started to dump sand from his bamboo hat.

“Hah... I didn't think you two would get pulled in as well. Why didn't you use the Thousand-Pound Weight spell?”

“WE DID! It was useless!” Nan Feng spat angrily.

“Where do you think we are?!” Fu Yao spoke just as ferociously, still shaking sand from his outer robe. “We are in the Northwest, NOT the domain of my general!”

“The north is the territory of the Generals Pei, the West Is that of Quan Yizen. You won't find a Nan Yang temple within a hundred kilometer radius of this place.” Nan Feng continued.

“What about a Ju Yang temple?” Wei Wuxian teased. Nan Feng's outer robe flew out and smacked the kid in the face.

Xie Lian looked between the two junior martial officials faces, he found them both sullen and irritable. I guess this is a first for them both, being thrown around in circles by a powerful wind, being powerless themselves. “You two have worked very hard.”

Wei Wuxian had pulled the robe off his head and tossed it to the ground and Nan Feng's feet, sticking out his tongue in a playful manor. Xie Lian had taken a seat on a nearby rock and San Lang followed after, sitting on the ground next to him.

“So, are we going to sit here until the storm blows over?” the youth asked.

“Looks like we'll have too.” Xie Lian turned to him and replied. “As strong as that twister is it can't possibly blow a giant rock into the sky.”

“You never know. It's like you said, there's something certainly off about that wind.”

Jiang Yanli had returned both of her shoes to her feet and looked outside at the wall of sand and wind. She took pause and turned to look deeper into the cave. It was too dark for her eye's to tell what lie in the darkness. Why do... I feel like someone is watching me....

As he sat there, a sudden thought occurred to Xie Lian, “San Lang, I have a question.”

“Ask away,” San Lang replied.

“The state preceptor of Banyue, is it a man or a woman?” Xie Lian asked.

“Did I not mention it earlier? She's a woman.”

Just as I suspected, Xie Lian thought. “Earlier, when we were at the abandoned inn, didn't we see three figures passing by? Their steps were graceful and strange, they moved faster than any mortal. And the taller of the two wearing white was a female cultivator.”

Fu Yao looked doubtful. “It's not easy to identify whether were a man or woman by the robes, and they looked taller than the average woman. Are you sure you saw right?”

“I'm absolutely sure,” Xie Lian said. “So I thought she might be the state preceptor of Banyue.”

“It's possible.” Nan Feng said. “But then who were the other two?”

“Hard to say, but the one in black was walking faster than she was and the smaller one was right on her heel. It possible they are at least as strong or more so then her.”

“Could one of them be the other evil state preceptor, Fengxin?” Fu Yao wondered.

“I think, regarding that, the whole 'Dual Evil Masters' title was only given because, historically their actions were similar. Both were equally evil, so people connected them as a pair to remember them more easily. Like the 'Four Great Calamities' of the Ghost Realm; even if there aren't really four that fit, they are made four because it is simpler.”

Everyone's attention was suddenly drawn to San Lang, who, after hearing what Xie Lian had just said, burst out Laughing. Xie Lian starred at him.

“It's nothing,” San Lang said, “I just thought what you said made sense. One of the four Great Calamities is certainly just there for the head count. Please continue.”

As Xie Lian began to do just that Wei Wuxian leaned over and whispered into San Lang's ear “I think Hua Cheng is the coolest of the four.” The boy then turned to look back at his baba, not noticing the interesting look San Lang gave him.

“In all reality the Dual Evil Masters have nothing to do with each other. I've heard of state preceptor Fengxin: He was the state preceptor of Yong'an, born at least a hundred years before the State Preceptor of Banyue.”

“You didn't know about the Four Great Calamities of the Ghost Realm, but you knew about the Yong'an State Preceptor Fengxin of the Mortal Realm?” Fu Yao asked in disbelief.

“Like you know so much.” Jiang Cheng retorted.

“I simply overhear things while collecting scraps in the Mortal Realm. It's not like I collect scraps in the Ghost Realm, so of course I never learned anything about them.” Xie Lian explained.

Nan Feng had made his way to the cave entrance and peered outside where the wind had begun dying down, before patting the edges of the entrance and inspecting the material. He seemed fixated on it for a moment before looking down. “Why would there be a hollow rock like this out in the middle of the desert?”

“Hollow boulders like this aren't unusual.” Xie Lian answered. “The people of Banyue used places like this to often hide from sandstorms, or for passing the night when taking livestock out to graze. Some holes weren't dug but rather blown away.”

“How can they graze in a desert?” Nan Feng asked confused.

Xie Lian smiled “Because it wasn't a desert two hundred years ago. It was an Oasis.”

Jiang Yanli had been listening but occasionally kept sweeping glances into the darkness. Jiang Cheng noticed and followed her eyes but didn't see anything. He was about to ask when San Lang spoke up.

“Gege,”

“What is it?” Xie Lian turned his head.

San Lang raised his hand and pointed. “The rock your sitting on seems to have writing on it.”

“What?” Xie Lian looked down, then quickly stood up and found that where he had been sitting was actually a stele; a stone monument. Wei Wuxian who had been sitting next to San Lang, crawled over him to see what was on the rock. Xie Lian bent down and wiped off a layer of dust but the words were shallow and hard to make out in the dark.

Xie Lian turned to Nan Feng and Fu Yao, “I don't have much power left, can someone lend me a palm light? Thanks.”

Nan Feng snapped his fingers and a small burst of flame ignited in his palm. He moved his palm to where Xie Lian directed and the words became more visible.

Wei Wuxian furrowed his brow. “It looks like baby scribbles.”

“Like your hand writing is any better.” Jiang Cheng retorted.

“Nothing wrong with having bad hand writing.” San Lang mumbled.

“What even is it?” Nan Feng asked.

“Banyue Script, duh.” San Lang replied.

“I'm pretty sure Nan Feng was asking for the meaning of the words.” Xie Lian said. “Let me see.” He dusted more sand from the stele revealing the first column with the largest characters. The Heading. The characters appeared several other times through out the rest of the stele.

Fu Yao approached and produced a palm torch of his own. “You know how to read Banyue Script?”

“Truth be told, I collected scrap in Banyue before the Evil Master of Banyue or whoever came about.” Xie Lian replied.

“Baba really has been a lot of places,” Jiang Cheng replied getting up and walking over to see the stele himself, Jiang Yanli left alone to still stare occasionally into the dark, this time she seemed to be squinting her eyes at something now that there was some light.
“Ya, It's a wonder where you haven't collected junk.” Fu Yao hmphed.

Xie Lian flashed a smile, then he looked down at the characters again. After a moment he said “General.”

“What?” Nan Feng and Fu Yao said at the same time.

Xie Lian looked up. “The first word on the stone stele is the word general. “but there's another character after it that I'm unsure the meaning of.”

Nan Feng seemed to sigh in relief which got him odd looks from Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian and he quickly spoke “Then you'd best look some more.”

Xie Lian nodded and Nan Feng shifted his palm torch over further to light up the other words. Jiang Yanli turned to look at the others and abruptly gasped. Xie Lian also sensing something lifted his gaze. Just above the stone stele, the flickering flames illuminated a stiff human face.

“AHHHHHHHH!” The scream came from both Wei Wuxian and the face itself, the prior tumbling back and into Jiang Cheng who's ring immediately crackled with purple energy. Nan Feng immediately pulled out his other hand and made a second palm torch, then combined the two together alighting the entirety of the cave.

The face was revealed by the light to be a person who scurried along the walls toward the back of the cave where seven or eight other people huddled together, trembling in fear. It was the same direction Jiang Yanli had been starring into when they had been in the dark.

“Who are you?!” Nan Feng shouted.

Xie Lian covered his ears, the echo of the yell on top of the previous screaming had caused his ears to ring. They had been slightly deafened by the storm which had probably been the cause of them not noticing the other people in the cave.

After a moment of pause an elder of the group of seven or eight, probably about fifty or so years old, stammered, “We're a merchant caravan passing through this area. The sandstorm is too fierce so we are hiding out in here for the time being.” He seemed to be the most composed of the group and most likely the leader.

Nan Feng asked “If you all are merchant's, why are around and hiding so furtively?”

“We weren't planning on sneaking around!” the shout came from a boy among the group, who looked to be about seventeen, with thick brows and large eyes, “But you all suddenly rushed in here; Who knows whether your good or evil? Then we heard you talking about the Evil Master of Banyue and some Ghost Realm stuff, then you ignited fire in your hands. We thought you might be Banyue soldiers out hunting for flesh. No Way we'd make a sound!”

“Stop talking Tian Sheng!” the old man hushed the boy. The boy went quiet but looked over at Jiang Yanli, and she realized he must have been the eye's she had felt watching her from the dark. She gave him a gentle smile, and the boy quickly looked away.

Xie Lian lowered his hands from his ears and spoke amiably “It's nothing but a misunderstanding, lets all relax, no need to be nervous.” He let a moment pass before continuing, “We're not Banyue soldiers. I'm just a cultivator from a small shrine. These are my children and, …. people... from my shrine. We only know a few tricks, nothing fancy. You're ordinary merchants and we're ordinary cultivator's without malicious intent. It just so happened that we all entered the same shelter to hide away from the same sandstorm.”

His voice was calm and gentle, so after the explanation the merchants began to relax just a bit. Yet unexpectedly San Lang laughed.

“I think their being way too humble. Those merchants aren't as simple as they say they are.”

No one seemed to understand and yet Wei Wuxian ended up speaking up. “From what I remember hearing, Half the people who cross through Banyue Pass go missing. To even be here your either really brave or really stupid.”

“See, nothing ordinary about you.” San Lang finished the sentiment.

“That's not all true,” the elder responded. “Besides the fact that rumors are largely exaggerated, there are many caravans that have passed through without harm before!”

“Oh?” San Lang said.

“As long as you have the right guide and go around Banyue Territory, all is well. So we sought out and found a local to lead us.” the elder said.

“Yeah!” the youth Tian Sheng said. “It all depends on the guide! We owe everything to A-Zhao-ge! If not for him, we would not have been able to avoid all those quick sand pits. When the sandstorm started, he knew exactly where to bring us to hide, otherwise we would be buried alive by the sand right now!”

A-Zhao, the merchants guide, was a stone faced man in his twenties, relatively handsome but seemed to not make a show of himself when the boy spoke of him. His head was down and he mumbled “It's nothing. Just doing my duty. Hopefully when the wind dies down none of the camels or cargo will be damaged...”

“They'll be fine for sure!”

“I'm glade you all seem so optimistic.” Jiang Yanli said. “An uplifting spirit will always make for good company.”

Tian Sheng looked over at her and smiled a toothy grin. “And good company is always welcome.” He gave her a small wink.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian looked at their sister, who had chuckled at the boys comment, only to glare daggers at him. Tian Sheng looked a bit startled but just turned his head away to ignore them.

Xie Lian could agree with his daughter that the group was indeed cheery given the circumstances, but something just didn't add up. If all the trouble could be avoided by simply avoiding the Banyue Territory, then did all the previous travelers just die cause they didn't believe the rumors? He turned and spoke to Nan Feng and Fu Yao in a quiet voice. “This is too sudden. Once the storm passes, we need to make sure these people pass through safely before going to the Banyue Ruins.”

“What are you whispering for?” Xie Lian almost jumped as he spun to look at Wei Wuxian who had also whispered, rather loudly, right behind him with a devilish grin on his face.

Xie Lian just shook his head and pinched the boy's cheek. “Always the nosy one, My Xiao Xiong. Why can't you find something to do while we wait this out hmm? …. that doesn't involve teasing anyone.”

“Like what? Play my dizi? It has sand in it and the echo in here is too loud.”

Xie Lian sighed, “Thank you for being considerate of the noise, maybe you should meditate? No, you'd lose focus too quickly....” He thought for a moment, before looking down at the stele once more. “A-Ying, I'd like to continue deciphering this, maybe you just need to keep your hands busy?”

“Okay baba.” Wei Wuxian said before sitting behind his father and beginning to mindlessly braid some of his fathers hair, but then stopped. “Baba your hair has sand still in it.”

“Is that a problem?” Fu Yao asked, lacking sincerity. Wei Wuxian glared at him.

“What exactly are you doing A-Ying?” San Lang asked.

“When he gets to where he cant sit still I'll let him braid parts of my hair. A-Li lets him do it as well. Just something to keep him occupied.” Xie Lian answered. Fu Yao rolled his eye's. Wei Wuxian hmphed, then spun away from them and began tracing a crack in the ground with his finger, mumbling something under his breath about 'trash,' and 'boredom.' Xie Lian frowned but returned his attention to the stone stele. Earlier he had translated the word general, but that had been a common word in the Banyue dialect. He had not heard the language, nor read it in over 200 years, so translating would take some time...

“Tomb of the General.” It had been San Lang who had just spoken.

Xie Lian looked at the characters then back at San Lang, remembering that one of the characters had indeed meant 'Tomb,' 'grave,' or 'Burial'. “San Lang, do you know the Banyue Script too?”

San Lang smiled. “Not much. I only know a few words because their interesting.”

Xie Lian grinned, knowing full well that by this point those kind of comments from him just meant that whatever he asked the red clad youth, he would answer. “Excellent! Maybe the characters you recognize happen to be the ones I don't know. Come closer and lets examine them together.”Xie Lian waved lightly, beckoning him over. So, San Lang came over.

As Nan Feng and Fu Yao held out their palm torches on either side of them, Jiang Cheng looked over their shoulders. Jiang Yanli took a peak over at Wei Wuxian to make sure he was okay. He had his flute pressed between pursed lips and his nose. He noticed her looking at him and wiggled it, before it fell and he attempted to catch it a few times but it ultimately was smacked out of reach. Jiang Yanli giggled. “I'll go get it.” She said, patting him on the shoulder, and walking in the direction the flute had been launched. Wei Wuxian looked after her for a moment before Deciding he to join his brother.

Xie Lian and San Lang translated quietly, scanning the characters, seeming more and more amazed as they read along... until they gradually began to look glum.

“Gege, what does it say on the stele?” Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian jumped and quickly looked at Tian Sheng who had asked the question, having been just as curious as them, as young boys might be prone to.

Xie Lian, who had also been snapped back into the moment, answered “The stone stele is a memorial; it tells the story of the life of a general.”

“A Banyue General?” Tian Sheng asked.

“No, a Central Plains general.” San Lang answered.

“A Central Plains general? Why would the people of Banyue build a memorial for a central plains man? I thought the two nations were constantly at war with each other?” Nan Feng asked, puzzled.

“This general was special.” San Lang replied. “Although the memorial calls him a general he was no more than a captain.”

“Was he promoted to general later?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“No. at the beginning, he led a troop of hundreds, but it dwindled to a group of seventy then fifty.”

“... what?” Jiang Cheng looked perplexed.

“In other words, continued demotion.”

“What kind of official gets demoted lower and lower in rank?” Tian Sheng asked. “As long as he didn't make any major mistakes, there should only be delays in promotion, not demotion, right? How much of a failure do you have to be?”

“...”

Xie Lian clenched his fist and, raising it to his lips, cleared his throat and replied in a stern voice. “Young man, receiving continuous demotion is not as rare as you think.”

“Huh?”

San Lang chuckled, “It's true, it happens a lot.” He paused before continuing, “This captain got demoted time and time again and not because he was incapable or incompetent. It's because despite poor relations on both sides of the conflict, instead of winning battles on the battlefield, he kept getting in the way.”

“What do you mean, getting in the way?” Nan Feng asked.

“He prevented his enemies from killing civilians of the Central Plains, and he also blocked his own army from killing the people of Banyue. Every time he did this, he was demoted in rank.”

“That's not fair!” Wei Wuxian said with irritation.

“Ya, I don't think the captain did anything wrong!” Tian Sheng remarked, having along with the other merchants, gathered around San Lang as if listening to story, “It shouldn't be a problem letting soldiers kill each other but not civilians, right?”

“Getting demoted for saving people, what a shame.” Jiang Cheng added.

“He's too blindly kind for a soldier, but overall, he didn't commit any crimes?” said one merchant.

“Yeah, he was saving lives, not killing people!” Said another.

Xie Lian smiled at their comments, reaching out and patting each of his boys on the head. It's easy to look back and criticize and compliment people and events of the past when you have never suffered in those times of war yourself. He thought. However, unlike the rest of the merchant group, A-Zhao was a local who understood better.

“Now is now, two hundred years ago was two hundred years ago. To only receive demotions was a blessing for this captain.”

“How Laughable,” Fu Yao said with a click of his tongue.

“You only find it laughable cause you lack the heart to be as kind.” Wei Wuxian said.

“kindness doesn't win wars kid.” The junior general snapped back. Xie Lian rubbed his head, knowing full well what Fu Yao was about to say. “One must do the duty demanded by their position. If he became a soldier, then he must always remember to defend his country and kill enemies on the front line. Casualties are inevitable in war. Such softheartedness has no place in war and will only drag down his fellow soldiers. His enemies will also think him foolish. No one will thank him in the end.”

Fu Yao's words had irrefutable logic and at first everyone went silent, even Jiang Cheng who had issue with the junior official couldn't find reason to refute... but...

“I would.” Wei Wuxian spoke with utter determination, a smile on his face. “Because I hope someone would thank me for doing something just as kind and, in your words, just as foolish.”

“The words of an ignorant child, you really are your fathers kid.” Fu Yao rolled his eyes. He continued dryly, “People like that have only one end: Death. They will either die in battle or at the hands of their own people.”

Wei Wuxian's smile faltered and he lowered his gaze. Xie Lian looked at his son, and his heart hurt. He sat there in the silence that followed before speaking up “Yeah...Your right. He did die.” Wei Wuxian's face darkened.

Tian Sheng was shocked. “Ah! How did he die? Was he really killed by his own people?”

After a moment of deliberation, Xie Lian still replied in the end. “Not really... Here it says there was once a battle where both sides clashed, and as they fought, this mans boot laces came loose and he stepped on them, tripped, then....”

Evereyone sat in shocked silence for a moment, even Wei Wuxian was pulled out of his short lived gloom to stare at his baba. Then, laughter exploded.

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

“.... He was trampled by the soldiers on both sides who were blinded by murderous rage and was cut down by a mess of random weapons.”

The laughing continued and a heaving Jiang Cheng leaned over to his father. “His luck sounds as bad as yours, baba.” The boy laughed again and Xie Lian sighed. Wei Wuxian hadn't started laughing, not because he didn't think it was funny but rather the look on San Lang's face had him wondering if he should.

“Is it really that funny?” The Youth in red asked.

Xie Lian also piped up, patting Jiang Cheng's shoulder, “Ahem, Yes, it is rather tragic. Lets be more sympathetic and not laugh, okay? We're in his tomb after all, lets give him some face.”

“I don't mean anything malicious by laughing!” Tian Sheng immediately claimed, “But his death is just so.... ha ha.”

“In any case,” Xie Lian continued, “Even though this captain did not have a good reputation in the army, the citizens on the border, both Yong'an and Banyue, were grateful for his efforts, so they called him 'general'. They built this simple stone tomb and erected this stone stele to remember him by.”

“Later, the people of Banyue discovered another miraculous thing about this memorial: as long as someone kowtows before this stone stele three times, one can transform all disasters met in the Gobi to good fortune.” San Lang said this last part so enigmatically, and with such a serious face, that several of the merchants immediately started prostrating, muttering that they would rather believe it true than not.

Xie Lian, however, was confused.

“Wha- Is that written here? Is it really that magical?”

San Lang grinned then spoke in a quiet voice, “No. I made that up. But since they laughed earlier, their prostrating now should make up for it.”

Jiang Cheng, who was standing next to his father, heard this and blanched, having also believed what San Lang had said was true. Soon his face turned red in embarrassment and it was Wei Wuxian's turn to laugh.

Xie Lian was smiling as he whispered back to San Lang “Why are you so mischievous?”

San Lang stuck out his tongue and the two chuckled.

Further into the cave, just where the shadows were cast by the fire light, Jiang Yanli was walking around, still searching for Wei Wuxian's dizi. She felt herself kick something and looked down to find that it was the flute. She smiled. As she bent down to pick it up, however, she then caught sight of the other thing that lay in the shadows.

“AHHHHHHHHH!” She let out a terrified shriek, tumbling backward as it quickly moved towards her. She spun onto her knees and made a mad crawl and dash back toward the light. When the merchants saw what she screamed at some called out too.

“A- Li!” Xie Lian ran over and pulled his daughter up to her feet. “What's wrong!”

Where those who had just been prostrating, they all jumped to their feet and scurried away.

“It's a snake!”

Nan Feng and Fu Yao turned their lights in the direction of the commotion. On the ground, slender and brilliant in color, was indeed a snake.

“Why is there a snake?”

“How... how did it not make any noise before? How did we not notice it?”

When the flames appeared near the snake, it instantly became alert and raised itself into attack position. Just as Nan Feng was about to torch it, San Lang leisurely walked over and snatched it up in his left hand, clutching its heart.

“Isn't it normal to see snakes in the desert?” He asked, lifting it up to observe it.

“Ew! Why does it look like that!” Wei Wuxian said with a grossed out smile, walking over to San Lang to get a better look as well.

The snakes skin was translucent with red insides and black organ like lines and its tail....

“Watch out for the tail!” Xie Lian called out in a panic.

Just as he spoke the creatures tail lunged out toward San Lang, however he was faster and snatched it, now holding the snake like a toy he showed it Xie Lian. “This tail is pretty interesting.”

On the end of the tail, which was the color of flesh and had segmented shelling, was a sharp needle. Xie Lian sighed and gently passed a, still shaking, Jiang Yanli to Jiang Cheng before looking to San Lang. “I'm glad you weren't stung. As I thought, its a scorpion snake.”

“A Scorpion snake?” Asked Nan Feng and Fu Yao who got closer to observe the snake too.

Jiang Yanli lifted her gaze.

“That's right.” Xie Lian said. “It's a type of vermin only found in Banyue; they are very rare. I've never seen one before, but I had heard of them. Body of a snake, tail of a scorpion, it's venom has the combined strength of both, and if bitten or stung....” He trailed off when noticing San Lang twisting and pulling the snake around, Wei Wuxian watching in awe, only coming short of tying it into a bow. “San Lang, stop playing with the poor thing, its dangerous.”

“Can we keep it?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Wha- No!”

San Lang laughed, “Don't worry gege, its nothing. The scorpion snake is the totem of the Banyue state preceptor, gotta take this rare chance to examine it.”

“...baba...” Jiang Yanli mumbled still shaking. Jiang Cheng gave her a look but Xie Lian hadn't heard her.

“The totem of the Banyue State Preceptor?”

“That's right.” said San Lang. “Apparently, its because the state preceptor could control these scorpion snakes that the people of Banyue believed in her power and worshiped her.”

Xie Lian got worried at the word control, because when one controlled something it usually came in large numbers. “Everyone leave this cave! There may be more than one scorpion snake.”

“Uhm... baba...” It was Jiang Cheng this time but he was cut of by another scream. “AHHHH!”

“Snake!” Other voices began to yell. “So Many snakes!”

“Over here too!”

From the darkness seven more Scorpion snakes slithered out, not making any noise, not even a hiss, but they did not attack immediately, only watched. Nan Feng and Fu Yao did not give them a second thought and sent out fire to burn them, and the large fireball exploded inside the cave.

“Get out!” Xie Lian called.

No one needed to be told twice. Everyone began to run outside, but Jiang Yanli was having trouble and Jiang Cheng looked worried. San Lang paused and took the girls hand. He froze for a second before quickly lifting the girl into his arms and running out of the cave.

Xie Lian was just ahead out of the cave, looking perturbed at a comment one of the merchants had made about kowtowing before the stele was like worship the scarp immortal when Tian Sheng suddenly called out in alarm. “Uncle Zheng!”

The elder had collapsed and Xie Lian was just about to dart over when San Lang called out. “Gege!”

Xie Lian turned and his heart sank. Now out in the sun, he could see Jiang Yanli's pale complexion was even more white, her face squeezed in pain as she held tightly to Wei Wuxian's dizi. On that hand was an angry swelling that was rapidly growing and within the red and black bruising was two small puncture holes, a wound so tiny no one would have noticed until too late.

“A-Li got bit!”

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian stood paralyzed in place, his eyes glued to the wound on his sisters hand as they quickly wrapped tied a piece of cloth to her upper arm. His dizi flute was still in her hand as they laid her down on the ground, leaning up against a rock and Nan Feng had handed Xie Lian two pills, one for Jiang Yanli and the other for the elder that had also been bit. He was still out of it but definitely heard the words A-Zhao was telling Tian Sheng.

“To be bitten by a scorpion snake means certain death within four hours.”

Wei Wuxian's vision started blurring as he began to breath rapidly and his whole body felt like it couldn't stop shaking, yet also like he couldn't move at all. He didn't even register Nan Feng mentioning the pill postponing death for twenty four hours, he was already deep in his own head. Jiejie's going to die? She went to get my flute? Is this my fault? Jiejie is going to die. She went to get MY flute. My flute! Its MY fault. Jie jie went to get my flute and now she's going to die and its My fault! MY FAULT! MY FAULT! MY FAULT! MY FAULT! Jie jie is going to di-!

“A-Ying.” There was a tight grip on his shoulder. He was on his knees and their were tears pouring down his cheeks. He didn't know when either of those things happened. He shakily looked up to see San Lang had bent down next to him and had placed on an arm on his shoulder. The tears started poring faster as he croaked out his words.

“I- I'm a bad didi... Jiejie is going to die b-because I'm stupid! I'm so stupid!” He tried to smack himself but San Lang caught his hand. Xie Lian who had been comforting Jiang Cheng while directing things spun around.

“A-Ying, no.” He rushed over and sat down next to San Lang and grabbed his son's other hand. “No, it isn't your fault-”

“BUT IT IS! IF I HADN'T LOST THAT DAMNED FLUTE SHE- she....” He started hiccupping his eyes become wild.

“She won't die.” San Lang said. “There is a way to save her.”

Everyone suddenly turned their attention to the red clad youth. Tian Sheng seemed over joyed at the news and turned to their guide. “Zhao-ge! If there's a way why didn't you say so? Gave me a fright!”

However A-Zhao only shook his head.

“Of course its not easy for him to say.” San Lang said, lowering his gaze. “How could he possibly tell you that the bitten one can only be saved at the cost of everyone else's lives?”

Wei Wuxian, who had just started to get hopeful felt his stomach drop and his lip began to quiver.

“San Lang, what do you mean?” Xie Lian asked with urgency.

“There is a legend from many hundreds of years ago, of an ancient king of Banyue who while on a hunting trip came across to spirits borne of two venomous creatures; A snake and a scorpion. The two venomous spirits cultivated deep in the mountains causing no harm to the world outside. However the king considered their nature and decided that they would eventually cause harm sooner or later so he choose to execute them. They begged for their lives but the king was cruel. He forced the two creatures to mate with each other as entertainment during a banquet for him and his ministers. It wasn't until the banquet was over that he executed them. Only the queen felt pity for the poor creatures and so, as not to go against the kings wishes, she took a fragrant fern and cover their corpses.

“The snake and the scorpion became vengeful spirits and cursed their descendants to remain in the Kingdom of Banyue to destroy its people. To bitten by a scorpion snake is to die a miserable death. However, thanks to that single act of kindness from the queen, the ferns she had used to cover their corpses became the antidote. That plant is called shanyue and it only grows within the borders of Banyue.”

“If... If that's true... then we need to go and get it.” Jiang Cheng said as he stood up from his sisters side. “As soon as possible.”

Tian Sheng turned toward A-Zhao. “Zhao-ge is what the red clad gege said true?”

After a moments hesitation, A-Zhao replied, “Whether the legend is true, I don't know... But the plant shanyue does indeed grow within the walls of Banyue, and it is in fact the antidote for scorpion snake venom.”

“Meaning the only way to live after getting bitten is to venture into the Kingdom of Banyue.” Xie Lian said. He let go of Wei Wuxian's hand and walked back to his daughter. He bent down and glanced over her before lifting two fingers to the side of his head, attempting to connect to the communication array, hoping to borrow a few more junior officials if he could find some willing. Nothing.

He felt a small sense of panic, I didn't use up all my spiritual powers, did I? I calculated this morning and their was still a little bit left. He turned to Nan Feng and Fu Yao “Can either of you try and enter the communication array. I cant get a connection.”

As they both attempted to join, Wei Wuxian began to get fidgety. He wanted to get up and run to Jiang Yanli, or maybe to his father. Part of him wanted to run into the desert to find the Kingdom of Banyue all on his own. Another part of him wanted to bury himself in that awful itchy sand and die! He looked at San Lang only to find the young man starring back at him.

“Can... can that plant really save her?”

San Lang smiled. “I'll make sure of it.”

Wei Wuxian lunged forward, wrapping his arms around San Lang and pressing his head into the older teens chest. San Lang stiffened... but slowly, almost too gently, let his hand fall on the boys back, as if he were made of glass or something similarly fragile. Like he was scared to touch the boy back.

After a moment of silence both Fu Yao and Nan Feng suddenly became grim.

“I cant get in either.” Nan Feng said.

Xie Lian began to pace back and forth “It might be because we're too close to the kingdom of Banyue, so the communications array is blocked....” As he spoke something red caught the corner of his vision.

Jiang Cheng was standing next to him, Nan Feng and Fu Yao were focused on trying to enter the communications array, all the merchants were occupied looking over themselves for wounds, and Tian Sheng was preoccupied looking after Old Man Zhang so no one noticed the scorpion snake crawl up the boys back and take aim to strike the one sitting next to him. That one being San Lang who was currently holding Wei Wuxian. The snake, mouth wide and fangs poised, lunged out.

In less then a second, Xie Lian launched out his hand and caught the snake by the heart. Even without his spiritual power, he should have been able to crush the snake leaving it as nothing but gore and guts, but he feared if those things were venomous too so he reached out to catch the snakes tail. He missed as it slipped around in his hand. A sudden sharp pain could be felt on the back of his hand. He didn't even flinch when it stung him, instead finally catching the tail and wringing the snake until it fell unconscious. He tossed it to the ground indifferently.

“Everyone, be careful, there may be more snakes around...”

“Baba!” He spun to look at Wei Wuxian but was caught off guard by a firm grip on his wrist.

“San Lang?” He asked unsure. The Youth's face was off from its usual carefree nature, instead it displayed an icy frightful expression. His eyes were focused on the wound which had already began to swell angrily, turning a gross purplish red and where the two puncture wholes had been made now were much larger, resembling knife cuts.

San Lang, with a dark expression, snatched Ruoye from Xie Lians arm and knotted it around his wrist, preventing the venom from advancing.

“Baba! What happened?!” Jiang Cheng was panicked as he grabbed onto the sleeve of Xie Lian's other arm. Just then San Lang snatched a knife off of one of the merchants and, seeing what he was planning to do, Fu Yao ignited a new palm torch. Without even looking, San Lang used the flame to disinfect the blade before carefully slicing a cross over the puncture wound.

Wei Wuxian watched as San Lang, even against Xie Lian's protesting, put his lips to the wound whilst tightening his grip on the mans hand. It felt like a hundred different emotions were going through the boys head as he stared at the situation unfolding. Part of him was still very upset about Jiang Yanli, another upset that his baba was now hurt as well, another was surprised how docile Ruoye had been for San Lang, another was a strange feeling he couldn't name watching San Lang suck the venom out of Xie Lian's hand and spit it out. All together he was getting overwhelmed and he started fidgeting with his inner robe's sleeves and then picking at the skin on his arm.

Next to Xie Lian Fu Yao spoke with disdain, “I can't believe you went and got yourself stung. What were you doing, catching that snake when the kid might have not even been bitten? Your just causing unnecessary trouble.”

“And your commentary is unnecessary.” Jiang Cheng snapped, still holding tight to his fathers sleeve.

Xie Lian just shook his head, “It's alright, It doesn't hurt and I wont die from it.”

“You're really not in pain?” Fu Yao asked.

“Really, I don't feel pain anymore.” Xie Lian answered honestly.

Jiang Cheng looked up at his father and his brow furrowed. He couldn't help but remember the many times his father had been injured or harmed in one way or another and just got right back up and continued on his way. It had often concerned him to think that Xie Lian had lived like that for over eight hundred years, just ignoring or maybe just tolerating his own suffering... Jiang Cheng began hugging his fathers arm tightly.

After Xie Lian had spoken, San Lang looked up at him. The red swelling on the back of Xie Lian's hand had gone down and the youth's lips were stained with blood. San Lang's eyes were cold as he turned his glare on the unconscious snake.

BOOM!

Everyone was startled and turned to see that the snake had been reduced to a pile of blood and gore, and although no one had been splattered in its remains, they still stood there in silent unease. No one knew what had caused it to implode.

Wei Wuxian had been startled out of his short stupor and suddenly felt pain. He looked to see where he had been picking at his skin to see it was raw and had minuscule dots of blood. He slowly pulled down his sleeve.

“Gege, you got stung too! What will you do?” Tian Sheng asked, looking at Xie Lian's hand then at his uncle, and then to Jiang Yanli.

“Don't worry, We will stick to the plan of going to the Banyue ruins to find the shanyue fern.” Xie Lian replied gently pulling his injured hand from San Lang and using it to gently brush over Jiang Cheng's head.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Startled Xie Lian turned to Wei Wuxian. He had his fists on his hips and a smile on his face, only changing pose to prance over to his father and brother. “If we only have so much time then we mustn't waste a single moment. Jiejie might be patient but I'm not, so we better hurry and make her feel better.”

Xie Lian looked at his boy a moment longer, then smiled. If there was one thing about Wei Wuxian, it was that the boy could seemingly bounce back from any gloom and ready himself for any problem with a smile on his face. Never change my Xiao Xiong.

“You guy's are really going? What about us? Should we send someone with you?” asked on of the merchants.

“You all can stay here. Banyue territory is dangerous; the more people there, the more mishaps can happen. We will find the fern and bring it back here within twenty four hours.” Xie Lian said. The merchants began thanking him, stuttering as they went. “However,” Xie Lian continued. “If I'm to reach Banyue as soon as possible I'll have need of your guide temporarily.”

Naturally Xie Lian meant A-Zhao.

The merchants who had been so thankful moments before suddenly became a bit reluctant. Some began to worry that Xie Lian might run off with their guide after finding the fern, but others denied the sentiment as his daughter would be staying back with them.

Xie Lian then added; “And just in case anything else comes to attack you, Fu Yao will stay here until we return.”

This seemed to calm the crowd down and one spoke “Okay, but only as long as A-Zhao is willing to go.”

Xie Lian turned to the guide who had his eyes fixed on Jiang Yanli. “Are you open to lending us a hand my friend? If not, that's okay too.”

A-Zhoa turned his attention to Xie Lian and nodded. “Yes, but the Banyue Ruins are not very hard to get to. Just keep going this direction and you will reach them.”

“Then Lets GO!” Wei Wuxian demanded, pulling Jiang Cheng off their father and dragging him in the direction that A-Zhao had pointed.

“Slow down stupid! You'll get us lost if you lead the way!” Jiang Cheng sneered.

“I will not! I have an excellent sense of direction!” Wei Wuxian argued.

“Ok then which way is west?”

“.... uh...” Wei Wuxian paused. “that way.” he pointed in a random direction. Jiang Cheng simply grabbed his brothers hand and turned it a little over ninety degrees in a different direction. Wei Wuxian frowned.

Xie Lian smiled at the two, then turned and bent down to his daughters side. He cupped her face in his hands and gently pressed his forehead to hers. “I'll be back soon My Xiao Hua.” Then he placed his lips on her head before standing up and walking away.

A-Zhao took the lead, followed by Xie Lian, Nan Feng, San Lang, Wei Wuxian, and Jiang Cheng, heading out into the Gobi desert and toward Banyue Ruins.....

…

By the time the sun began to set the group was passing through the barbican, formally entering the Kingdom of Banyue.

Past the gates was a wide and empty street, with dilapidated houses on either side, with rotten beams and broken bricks strewn about. Perhaps out of habit, A-Zhao cautioned the others, “Please be careful and don't leave the group on your own.”

Nan Feng and Xie Lian gave each other a look. During the trek the two had concluded a suspicion of the young man and were determined to keep an eye on him. On the other hand Wei Wuxian was kicking at some of the rubble humming to himself, quiet happy that the air was beginning to cool. Jiang Cheng shot him a glare when some of the rubble bounced off his foot.

“This is the Kingdom of Banyue? It's smaller than a capital!” Nan Feng wondered.

“A desert country is only as big as the oasis it was built upon.” Xie Lian explained, “At its peak, the population was only about ten thousand. It was actually pretty lively in a city like this.”

Wei Wuxian was listening, but he couldn't help but take a peak at San Lang who had been completely silent since they had left the others. He took pause, before sliding up next to the Youth in red and leaning ever so slightly forward as to put his head in the others line of vision. San Lang looked at him blankly for a moment, but only gave him a hint of a smile before looking away. Wei Wuxian pouted.

Jiang Cheng on the other hand was taking in the scenery, “To think a Kingdom so small could even keep up in a war...”

“Ya.” Nan Feng agreed, “it probably would only take a few days to siege a country this size.”

Xie Lian shook his head “Not necessarily, Don't you two underestimate the people of Banyue. Even if their population never reached over ten thousand, they kept their number of soldiers at an average of four thousand. There were more men then woman and aside from the sick, elderly, or farmers, most men joined the army. Besides, most of these men were over three meters tall, each more violent then the next. With maces in hand, they would keep fighting even with swords through their chests. They were very hard to fight.”

“Cool.” Wei Wuxian said, putting his arms behind his head.

Jiang Cheng looked over at him quite perturbed. “More like absolutely terrifying! Imagine a man that size running at you, with the intent to kill.”

“I'm small and fast, he'd have to catch me first.”

A-Zhao, had been looking at Xie Lian while the boys argued, seeming shocked “This young Master seems to know a lot.”

Xie Lian smiled at him and was about to continue conversing with him when Nan Feng spoke up.

“What's that wall?”

Everyone stopped and looked to where he was pointing. This 'wall' was a giant enclosure formed by four mud colored walls, with neither door nor roof. Each wall was over thirty meters tall, and on the very top was a poll with something tattered on it, waving in the wind. A chilling sight.

Xie Lian only glanced at the structure, then simply said “That is the Sinners Pit.”

“Sinners Pit? Sounds ominous.” Jiang Cheng frowned.

“Mn.” Xie Lian acknowledged gravely, “It was something of a prison. A place specifically made for criminals.”

“How does it imprison anyone if there isn't even a door? Throw them in from the top?” It was Nan Feng's turn to frown.

Xie Lian was about to answer when San Lang finally spoke up.

“They do get thrown in, and the pit is full of venomous snakes and starving beasts.”

Xie Lian, relieved to finally hear the boy speak, turned to face him but he only met his gaze for a moment before turning away. Xie Lian couldn't help the sadness he felt when he did that.

Nan Feng swore “That's no fucking prison! That's torture! How cruel! The people of Banyue must have been sick in the head or savage psychos!”

Xie Lian rubbed his forehead. “Not all of them were like that. Some were quiet enduring-”

“Baba! I think that's a person! Up there on the pole!” Wei Wuxian shouted pointing up at the pole above the pit.

Although the light of the sun was dimming and they couldn't have been able to tell what was on the pole from their initial point of view, upon closer distance and examination one could make out a scrawny figure dressed in black, dangling like a rag-doll in the wind.

“It is a person.” San Lang confirmed.

Both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng became very uncomfortable, their brows knitting at the sight. A-Zhao's face had paled, a sight like this even making someone as calm as him disturbed.

Suddenly San Lang tilted his head, speaking in a low voice. “someone's here.”

Xie Lian also took notice, having heard the sound of featherlight footsteps. The six of them quickly hid among the many houses, Xie Lian, San Lang, and Jiang Cheng to a house one side of the road, while Wei Wuxian, A-Zhao, and Nan Feng hid opposite. Soon after the last of them had hidden themselves did the female cultivator in white appear.

The woman was dressed in pure white robes with a whisk in hand, the image of a Daoist priestess. She roamed along the street peering here and their, followed closely behind by the second figure in white who's hood had still remained up and face shrouded in its shadow. The woman's eyes seemed bright and observant as if she was strolling through her own back garden. Right behind the two white clad figures, was a woman in black, arms clasped behind her back.

The black-clad woman was beautiful yet cold. Her eyes were piercing and her raven black hair was long and free, and she radiated a cold chill from her very person. Although she was behind the Female cultivator it would be a mistake to think her a subordinate.

It was indeed the same three they had seen outside the abandoned inn at noon.

I wasn't able to make out the second woman earlier today because they had past by too fast... But if the woman in white is indeed the Banyue state preceptor than... who is she? Xie Lian thought.

The 'state preceptor' swished her whisk leisurely and spoke, “Now where did they go? We were careless for one moment and they all disappeared. Do I have to dig them out and kill them one by one?”

The lady in black approached and stoically said “You can call your friends to help you kill them.”

The 'state preceptor laughed. “Ha! But I don't like calling on other people.” She lightly waved the whisk in the smaller white clad figures direction, “I prefer calling on you two. Aren't you glade.”

The smaller figure only cocked their head, while woman in black ignored her completely, speaking coolly, “There's nothing agreeable about being called out by the likes of you, for something like this. Just go.”

The 'state preceptor' arched her brows, but still spun around to walk away waving the smaller figure to follow close behind her.

Xie Lian couldn't make sense of any of it. They seemed relatively close, but who could the other two be? He hadn't been told of any queen or general that could be involved. But if this was the state preceptor and she was just as unpredictable as she seemed, she could easily summon an army of mace wielding giants and they would end up wasting more time than they already had. Twenty four hours. They already had used up one. Jiang Yanli's face passed through his mind. They just had to get back in time. But of course it would be Xie Lian's own awful luck that would slow them down.

Just as the woman in black was passing the house he, San Lang, and Jiang Cheng had hidden away in, she stopped mid step and swept a glance in their direction. The other two were already further ahead but the 'state preceptor' noticed her companion had stopped and turned back around.

“Hey, aren't you coming?”

“You two step back.” The lady in black said without looking at them.

The two in white retreated slightly. The woman in black began to raise her hand-

BOOM!

The house Nan Feng, A-Zhao, and Wei Wuxian were in had collapsed, and caused all the other houses in that row to collapse as well, filling the street in with a cloud of dust. A shadowed figure emerged from the rubble and launched a ball of flame toward the 'state preceptor.' The second figure in white seemed to tense but was guarded by the female cultivator, who in turn was defended by the woman in black who using her right palm absorbed the flame and reflected it right back. The figure parred the flame and escaped. The 'state preceptor gave chase, followed by the woman in black who gave one glance back at the house Xie Lian and the other two were in before following after her. The smaller figure stood their a moment longer before reaching toward something at their hip. A sword.

“Hay!” The figure was caught off guard as another figure of around the same height had run up and smacked them on the back. Wei Wuxian began to run full speed away from the one in white turning back only to yell “Catch me if you can!” in a teasing tone. Xie Lian met eyes with his son, who gave him a look before disappearing into the city. It said I'm leaving it to you. The figure in white stood there for a moment in seemingly disturbed surprise, before chasing after the boy.

Bless you Nan Feng. Stay safe A-Ying. Xie Lian thanked and pleaded in his mind.

Once they were sure that the 'state preceptor' and her two companions were gone, Xie Lian dragged San Lang and Jiang Cheng, who kept looking in the direction Wei Wuxian had run in, from their hiding spot and called out. “A-Zhao! Are you still alive?! Are you hurt anywhere?!”

A moment later a muffled voice came from under the ruins. “.... I'm fine.”

Xie Lian was relieved “Thank goodness.”

It wasn't that he didn't think Nan Feng was unable to control the crash to keep the others safe, he just wanted reassurance that A-Zhao was safe. He raised one off the fallen beams with one hand, and after a moment A-Zhao crawled out covered in dust.

“Now it's just the four of us.” Xie Lian said. “The other two are creating a diversion, so we must move quickly. Do you know where we can find the Shanyue Fern A-Zhao?”

The young man shook his head. “I only know where the city is, I've never traveled within so I do not know the location of the fern.”

San Lang spoke up. “They say the Shanyue fern prefers shade. It is small, its roots thin, but its leaves are big and heart shaped like a peach. Why not search near a large building?”

“In the story earlier, you said the queen picked a shanyue leaf to cover the spirits corpses. A Queen lives in a palace and a palace would be the biggest building in a Kingdom especially a small one, right?” Jiang Cheng said with a determined look in his eye. He pointed to to the afar center of the city where, indeed, a palace stood among the buildings. “We should look there first.”

“Good thinking my Xiao Hu.” Xie Lian praised, patting Jiang Cheng gently on the back. The boy smiled up at his baba, crossing his arms with pride.

They found their way through the streets and entered into the palace gates finding themselves in what looked to be a grand garden. Perhaps in the past it had just been the palace square but over the centuries it had become overgrown with weeds. The ground beneath their feet gave way to mud, a sign of the oasis that had once been there, and they began searching around for the fern.

“We cant waste anymore time.” Xie Lian said. “We have less then twenty four hours, but please keep a look out for scorpion snakes.”

A-Zhao and San Lang hummed in acknowledgment before lowering their heads to begin their search, while Jiang Cheng had already started rustling through the weeds.

Jiang Cheng knew Wei Wuxian wasn't really an idiot, no matter how many times he called his brother that. He knew Wei Wuxian was truly very intelligent in his own way, like how he deliberately waited to grab the attention of the smaller figure once both those women had their own attention drawn away by Nan Feng, and hadn't tried to fight them but let them give chase. He also knew his brother wouldn't take the figure head on in a fight especially not knowing the others level of skill and power. And yet... He still wished to know if Wei Wuxian would be okay.

Xie Lian was rummaging through some of the weeds when a thought occurred to him. If the ruin's of the Kingdom of Banyue were the state preceptors domain and she had the power to control the Scorpion Snakes, then why wasn't the place crawling with them. He sat up to about to speak to the others when his hand brushed past something long and warm. Looking down, he found he had touched a human leg.

“AHHHHHHH!”

Xie Lian retreated his hand, struck speechless as they leg recoiled and the weeds in front of him rustled. Someone called out “Don't hit me! Don't hit me! Gege its me!”

Jiang Cheng leapt to his feet and ran to his fathers side, both of which began scrutinizing the place where the voice called out from. The one who emerged from the grass was thick-browed, wide eyed Tian Sheng. Xie Lian became alarmed, the possibility of this being an illusion created by something evil being his first thought.

“Weren't you with the others back in the desert! How did you even get here? Are you really Tian Sheng?”

Tian Sheng waved his hands in front of him and quickly explained himself. “It's me! I'm the real thing! I came with three uncles! Ask them if you don't believe me!” Just as he spoke, three members of the merchant caravan came rushing out from somewhere deeper in the palace to see what the commotion was about, only to freeze and look on awkwardly when the caught sight of Xie Lian and Jiang Cheng.

“Why are you guy's here though!? Weren't you guys staying with the injured! Don't tell me you left jiejie alone with that jerk!” Jiang Cheng was distressed.

“What? Jerk? No no its just us four. Gege, after you guys left Uncle Zhang's pain began to flare up and we got worried about how much longer you would be. A-Zhao said the path was straight ahead so we thought we might come and help, more hands on bored we could... well...” Tian Sheng trailed off.

It seemed to Xie Lian that the merchants had still actually been reluctant to let them go after all. He also knew Fu Yao was most likely too lazy to try to stop them if they had insisted on going. Jiang Cheng had a sour look on his face.

“was... Jiejie doing okay? Before you left?”

Tian Sheng looked at the younger boy and frowned slightly. “I... The young miss seemed to still be in quite a lot of pain. She hadn't let go of that flute even before we left to come here.” He looked back at Xie Lian. “I'm sorry to Gege for seeming like we lack faith in you, but you have to understand that in a situation where lives are at stake we cant sit idly by.”

Xie Lian sat there looking at the boy for a moment, but could only sigh. He didn't have it in him to scold the group, nor the time. “How did you guys know to come to the palace?”

“Oh,” Tian Sheng scratched his head. “To be honest we really didn't know where to start. But in the story the gege in red told before, it was the queen who picked the fern and since she couldn't have left the palace it made the most sense to start here first.”

He came to the same conclusion as A-Cheng. Xie Lian thought, giving his son a thoughtful smile.

Just then, San Lang spoke out. “I found some.”

Xie Lian turned to see San Lang striding with his long lithe legs over toward him. He had a handful of turquoise colored leaves with roots still connected to the stems. The leaves were the size of a baby's palm and heart shaped like a peach. These were without a doubt Shanyue fern. Taking half the leaves, San Lang took Xie Lian's wounded hand in his own. The swelling had gone down thanks to San Lang's earlier quick thinking, sucking the poison from the wound. The red clad youth took the leaves he had spit from the rest and closed his palm around the plant. Without seemingly exuding any force on the plant, he opened his palm to reveal a fine powder. San Lang then gently but firmly rubbed it into the sting mark on Xie Lian's hand.

“How did...” Jiang Cheng looked at the powder with confusion. He thought back to the time earlier when the snake exploded before everyone's eyes. He looked up at San Lang questioningly. What kind of person is he?

“Thanks San Lang.” Xie Lian said watching as the youth as he felt a cooling sensation spread throughout the wounded area.

San Lang at first didn't answer, instead finishing applying the powder before letting go of Xie Lian's wrist and handing over the other half of the ferns he had collected. “For A-Li.”

Xie Lian took them graciously but couldn't help the feeling that the air between himself and the boy had gone cold and strange. He was trying to think of something to say when Tian Sheng spoke up.

“Gege are you feeling better? Is the herb working?”

Xie Lian snapped out of his stupor and quickly replied. “Much better, It should be the right herb.”

“There's more here!” A-Zhao called out holding up some more, but with much larger leaves. Jiang Cheng looked over surprised, however when he turned back to his father and San Lang, he say a dark look in the later's expression. The merchants were calling out as they began searching what apparently was a large field of the fern's and Xie Lian had begun to try and start a conversation with San Lang.

“You also searched the area their in know, didn't you find any while you were in there?”

Xie Lian felt that the attempt was a bit too forced and rather pathetic, but San Lang shook his head.

“You Shouldn't use the ferns over there.”

Just as Xie Lian was about to ask there was a scream.

“GO AWAY!”

Jiang Cheng, not recognizing the voice and with San Lang's dark expression, suddenly felt like something was terribly wrong.

Chapter Text

Everyone stopped their movements, they looked among each other trying to identify who had let out that scream.

“Who said that? Who's screaming?” Asked one merchant.

“It wasn't me!” said a second.

“It wasn't me either...” said the third.

Then they heard the sharp voice again “Go away! Your stepping on me!”

The group looked down, realizing the voice came from somewhere bellow their feet. They all retreated quickly from the spot as Xie Lian, followed by a curious Jiang Cheng, walked over. He approached the bushel of ferns and weeds and pulled them away.... to reveal a human face burred in the mud.

Jiang Cheng involuntarily stepped back with an arm up. “Baba! What is that?!”

The merchants who saw the creepy sight, screamed and huddle together away from it. Xie Lian turned to them and with a calm voice said, “Don't panic, everyone. Please stay calm. It's just a face, nothing to be scared of. We all have one.”

Jiang Cheng couldn't help giving his baba an odd look. I know your trying to calm everyone down but how is this not fucking creepy! He only thought this because frankly he would never cuss at his baba, or around... except the later on a few occasions when he really wasn't thinking cause he was pissed at someone. (Fu Yao cough cough)

The face chuckled, “Oh, did I scare you? Hahhh I frequently myself too.”

Jiang Cheng didn't like the way the face said that. Xie Lian bent down to examine the face, only to find it odd. It was completely flat when he wasn't smiling but very wrinkled when it was and Xie Lian couldn't tell if he was young or old. He couldn't even tell if he was supposed to be handsome or not. Altogether the face in the mud was uncanny and all Xie Lian could think to ask was “Who are you?”

The face in the mud asked back “Who are You?”

“we're merchants passing through.” Xie Lian said.

“Merchants passerby?” The face in the mud sighed. “I was part of a caravan once too. Maybe fifty or sixty years ago?”

Jiang Cheng's eyes went wide and he grabbed at his fathers sleeve, wanting to pull him away from the thing.

One of the merchant's shakily asked, “Then.... how... how did a senior like yourself get.... here...?”

The mud face cleared its throat and screwed up his face, “The Banyue soldiers... I accidentally entered the city, and the captured me and turned me into fertilizer for their shanyue ferns.”

“Then those are so big because...” Jiang Cheng looked at the large ferns and his face twisted in disgust. The other merchants hadn't taken a moment longer to drop the ferns they had picked up, as if they had touched a corpse.

Xie Lian, worried, looked at his hand and thought of the one's in his sleeve meant for Jiang Yanli but was pulled out of his worry when San Lang said “Those ones are fine.”

Xie Lian concluded that when San Lang must have investigated over here, he must have caught on to what was allowing the ferns to grow so big and chose to find some elsewhere. “San Lang was considerate and careful. Thank you, truly.”

San Lang nodded his head but still seemed gloomy. Xie Lian frowned. Day's ago it was all 'gege this' and 'gege that'. But now not only did he rarely speak at all and not call him gege once, the boy seemed to pull away from giving any kind of physical contact save the herbs and sucking out the poison. He couldn't understand what was going through San Lang's head and could only feel unsettled.

“baba, I want to leave. We have the fern, lets go back and find A-Ying and get back to jiejie.” Jiang Cheng whispered pulling at Xie Lian's robe sleeve.

The mud face heard this and quickly spoke up “No! No don't go! I haven't seen real people in so many years! Little one, please come closer, I want to see you properly.”

Jiang Cheng went from pulling on his fathers sleeve to completely wrapping himself on his arm and shaking his head profusely. The merchant's didn't have a problem with the boy's reaction, they themselves deciding they would not take another step forward.

The mud face sighed. “What a shame...”

“Why is it a shame?” Xie Lian asked.

“I just wanted a better look at all of you, because... well... I think I've seen one of you before, back fifty ago.”

The group froze, hairs on their necks beginning to stand. Jiang Cheng shot a look around the group, no one looked above the age of forty and everyone from Tian Sheng to A-Zhao had terror in their eyes.... Except San Lang, who for the most part looked utterly indifferent. No one could have even been alive fifty years ago... unless.... Jiang Cheng looked at his baba, then... he let his eyes drift to San Lang. Then he shook his head. Even if... no... baba trusts him and I do too. He must be talking about someone else or he's lying.

Xie Lian had also been looking over the group, but turned back to the face in the mud. “Who is this person you speak of?”

The face made a wide and creepy smile attempting to look reliable, but unable to hide the sinister grin beneath it all. “You... Come closer and I'll tell you.”

What had been once a moment of eighty percent or so belief in the mud face's words immediately dropped down to fifty. Xie Lian got to his feet, allowing his son to finally drag him away from the edge of the fern patch. This caused the face to become desperate and it cried out.

“Do you really not want to know who it is? He will kill all of you! The same way he killed us!”

The mud face was become more and more adamant and that worried Xie Lian.

“Everyone stand back and don't listen to a word he says.” Xie Lian called out, pushing Jiang Cheng behind himself, who was not reluctant in the least to get away from that creepy face. The crowed dispersed in panic but the mud face only chuckled.

“Don't leave! There's no need to be like this! I'm human too; I wont hurt you!”

“You look nothing close to human!” Jiang Cheng snapped, clenching the ring on his hand. “Even if you once were your nothing remotely close to it now!”

Just then someone ran passed him and Xie Lian. It was one of the merchants, who was now reaching down to collect the herbs he had dropped earlier. The mud face, who had twisted in anger at the boys words suddenly changed into a morbid smile at the sight of the man who had run up.

“Don't pick that up! Get away from there!” Xie Lian called out. But it was much to late.

Just as the words left his mouth, something left the mud faces own mouth. A long blood red tongue slithered out. Xie Lian had just used his free arm to grab the merchants collar, while still pushing back Jiang Cheng, trying to pull the man away. He was too late as that freakishly long tongue launched out and implanted itself inside the merchants ear. The man convulsed and writhed before letting out a short agonized scream and collapsing dead to the ground. That red tongue pulled away, a bloody chunk of gore pulled with it and into mud face's mouth.

It began to happily chew and cackle, making Jiang Cheng both want to vomit and fill with disturbed rage.

“hahahahahahah! So good! So good! So delicious! I was so hungry! I really wanted a bite of the younger flesh but it was still so good! I was so Hungry!” The face's voice was sharp and his eyes blood shot, a sight disturbing to behold.

Xie Lian dropped his hold on the merchant's corpse, his face dark and arm shaking. He was repulsed by the monster the face clearly had become from years buried in the soil but the idea that it had wanted.... He readied himself to strike the foul thing when it called out loudly

“General! General! They are here! They're here!”

In the distance a great and terrifying cry echoed out, before a massive shadow leapt down from somewhere up above, crashing into the ground which quaked at the force. It was a man, who once standing at his full height toward over everyone there, with a fierce and wild look in his expression. He stood three meters tall, decked out in leather armor and resembled less of a man and more of a massive wolf. It was only made worse when ten more men of similar height and demeanor leapt down to join him on the grounds, surrounding the group entirely. They emanated a dark and deadly aura, clearly no longer part of the living.

These were the Banyue soldiers.

Jiang Cheng clenched his fist, ready to summon Zidian, but was slightly taken aback when, instead of rushing in for the kill, the beast like men only howled in laughter, calling out to each other in a guttural and tongue rolling dialect he had never heard before. Xie Lian had, but it had been a very long time since he had heard and spoken it. Thankfully he had reviewed it earlier with San Lang and so he still listened carefully to what the group of soldiers were saying. The words they spoke were loud simple and vulgar, making them easier to understand.

He heard them call the first of them 'General,' then heard phrases such as 'take them away' and 'won't kill them for now.' Xie Lian forced himself to take a deep breath and to relax. He reached around and pulled Jiang Cheng closer to him, before turning to the others and speaking in a low voice. “Everyone, don't panic. These Banyue soldiers wont kill us for the time being. They seem to be planning to take us somewhere else, so don't do anything rash or I won't be able to guarantee your safety. We'll figure this out as we go.”

Even with Jiang Cheng's help and Ruoye at the ready, he was still sure he wouldn't be able to defeat all ten of these Banyue Soldiers, especially with everything at risk. It would take up some of their already dwindling time and put Jiang Cheng and the merchants in unnecessary danger... and San Lang....

He turned to look at the youth in red who was silent, while the merchants who had lost the nerve to argue just nodded tearfully.

“General! General!” It was the mud face who called out, “I detained your enemies, so please let me go home! Let me go home!” It was babbling, screaming and completely hysterical.

The one the soldiers called General, looked down at the face with disgust, before swinging his massive mace down toward it, smashing it into a bloody mess. When the Banyue general pulled up his mace once more, it pulled the face up and out of the ground, freeing its body.... Which was nothing but bone. The merchant's screamed.

When the face fell from the toothed mace and saw its form it cried out “Ho-HOW CAN THIS BE? My body isn't like this! This isn't my body!”

“It is your body.” Xie Lian said, shaking his head.

San Lang, however, sneered. “Now your not used to your own body? Then what was that thing that came out of your mouth earlier? Didn't think that was odd?”

The mud face countered immediately. “That wasn't odd, it was just... a tongue that was a bit longer than average.”

There was nothing but mockery on San Lang's face. “Yeah. Sure. Just a little longer, right. Ha ha.”

The mud face, unable to accept reality continued to argue. “There are plenty of people who have long tongues. Not just me!”

The smile San Lang gave the mud face was cruel, like he was on the verge of ripping someone's face off. Jiang Cheng unintentionally embraced his father tighter, slightly afraid of the youth, while Xie Lian could feel a chill at that look. “Do you really think your still human?”

The mud face sensed the danger in that question and suddenly became agitated “Of course I'm human! I'm human!” he began to writhe, trying to move his bone limbs, to crawl away. “I'm going home,” It cackled. “I can go home now! Hahahahahahahahahahah-”

CRACK!

The Banyue general had grown irritated at the noise the mud face had been making and so in one fell swoop, crushed the bones to dust. He turned to his men and roared some orders, who in turn lifted their maces and began herding the group away, Jiang Cheng holding tightly to his father, unable to help the fear that the worst was yet to come.

….

Somewhere else in the ruins of Banyue....

Wei Wuxian had ducked and weaved and run for quite a long time, dodging away from his pursuer in white. He had hoped by now he could have lost the mysterious figure but they were really quick on their feet and light in their step, even avoiding the debris Wei Wuxian would knock into their path on occasion. He would be lying if he said he wasn't getting exhausted from all the fleeing.

At one point he ducked into a building, ran through some old collapsing rooms, before escaping out the back only to run around a corner and hide behind some old debris. He covered his mouth and curled up as tightly as he could, making himself as small as possible, waiting. After some time had passed and he hadn't heard any noise save the whistle of wind and distant echo's of other events, he decided to quietly peak his head out from his hiding spot. The road in either direction was completely empty, not a soul in sight. Wei Wuxian paused a moment longer before stepping out into the open.

Alright. He thought to himself, First order of business is to regroup with the others, Nan Feng can take care of those to ladies, and I can help baba and them get those ferns... but where did they go to look? As he turned to walk in a random direction, he suddenly froze. Why do I smell sandalwood?

There was no time to react as the sound of rustling fabric directly behind him and something hitting him in the center of his back, causing him to hit the ground. He immediately spun around only to be met by the tip of a translucent blade that glowed an enchanting blue.

“Don't move.” His eye's shot up to the figure in white, who's hood no longer hid his face. It was a boy, around the same age as himself. Wei Wuxian's eyes widened slightly, not expecting how frankly beautiful the boy looked. His hair was black like onyx and flowed about him like fine silk, his skin fair and smooth as if carved from ice and smoothed with snow, skin like jade. His eyes, which watched Wei Wuxian intently were bright and golden in color framed by long delicate eyelashes, and yet his face bore no extreme expression, as if his very being was as impassive as a statue. He wore white robes with symbols etched into the outer garment and on his forehead was a white band with symbols of clouds sown into it. The robes might have been beautiful to some but to Wei Wuxian they reminded him of funeral attire.

He starred at the other boy only a moment longer before an impish grin played across his face. “Oh? And what if I do? What's gege going to do to me if I move even just a tiny bit?”

The other boy's body stiffened up and his eyes widened just a bit. He looked over Wei Wuxian before glaring at him only muttering one word. “Shameless.” even the boys voice was smooth and engrossing. Now that he got a better look at the boy, Wei Wuxian noticed something was under his cloak on his back, wrapped in another layer of cloth. Whatever it was it was a decent size and an odd shape.

“Shameless? Me?” Wei Wuxian feigned innocents. “The shameless one is the one pointing a sword at an unarmed child. Oh, poor helpless me~”

The boy faltered, lowering said sword ever so slightly away from Wei Wuxian, who in an instant took his opening. He kicked out, knocking the other boy's legs out from under him. The boy in white fell backwards onto the ground dropping his sword as he did. Wei Wuxian leapt forward attempting to grab the sword, but it flew out of reach and he was tackled onto his back, the other boy pinning him to the ground. The two boy's tumbled around on the sandy ground, a few fists marking the others face as they went. It wasn't until Wei Wuxian was able to completely pin the other boy's arms and legs down with his own that they had come to a stand still. He breathed heavily as he looked down into the other boy's golden eye's who looked up at him with an odd yet soft and unreadable mix of emotions in his mostly cold face. Wei Wuxian didn't notice the slight pink at the edge of the other boy's ears.

“Well, guess I am pretty shameless.” He teased with a stupid grin. “Now, how about you tell me who-” He was cut of by a loud booming noise. Wei Wuxian looked up to his right only to be knocked off the other boy by a large object that had unintentionally been sent flying into him.

That object was Nan Feng. The two flew and crashed into the ground, rolling a meter or more before collapsing on the ground. In the collapse of a building in the direction the junior official had been launched from, was the woman in black who was just then lowering her leg after kicking him through a wall. Out from behind her the female cultivator stepped out, waving her whisk.

“Good one Ming-Xiong! You really- AH!” Her attention was now on the boy in white who was pulling himself off the ground. “A-Zahn! Didi are you alright!” She quickly ran over and began checking over the boy in a tizzy. “Oh dear, oh dear! What happened to you!”

The boy's eyes slowly looked toward the two figures on the ground who had begun to slowly get up off the ground. The woman in black looked over and her eyes went wide. “There's a kid over there!”

“Huh?” The female cultivator glanced up and over just as Wei Wuxian was pulling himself out from under Nan Feng. “Oh!”

The junior official pulled himself up and glanced over at Wei Wuxian, checking if he was alright before looking back at the two women. He froze. Nan Feng was starring at the boy in white in confusion. “Bu- Your....” He looked over the female cultivator and suddenly blanched. “W- WIND MASTER!?”

The female cultivator tilted her head. “Hmmm?”

Nan Feng quickly jumped to his feet and bowed deeply. “My apologies Lord Wind Master! I- I didn't recognize you.... I mean uh... I'm Nan Feng of the Palace of Nan Yang, I'm here with Dianxia Xianle, I didn't know you would be here as well!”

“Wind Master?” Wei Wuxian asked puzzled.

“Oh? I thought I stopped you lot from getting to Banyue with that wind storm?” the Wind Master said putting a hand to her face. “I didn't realize there was a child with you? Where did this little master come from?”

Understanding it was he who was being talked about, Wei Wuxian smiled and stood, bowing hand to fist.

“Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian! Son of Dianxia Xie Lian.” he said that last part a bit giddily as he had never thought he would ever get to say something like that.

The boy in white, A-Zahn as the Wind Master had called him, face suddenly dropped and he had a slight worried look in his mostly deadpan expression.

“Ah! I didn't know Dianxia had a son!” Wind Master said.

“Two actually, sons that is. He also has my jiejie,” Wei Wuxian suddenly got serious. “Which is why we can't stay here much longer. She was bit by a scorpion snake so we came looking for the Shanyue fern so we can cure the venom! I need to get back to my baba as soon as possible!”

“Oh dear!” The Wind Master leapt to her feet. “that sounds dreadful! I'm very sorry about all of this misunderstandings.” She looked at the one she called A-Zahn. “You two look like you got into it pretty rough, I apologies for wasting your time. Let's be quick.” She nodded to the woman in black. “Do you two know where Dianxia is now?”

Wei Wuxian and Nan Feng looked at each other in silence. The Junior Official cleared his throat “Ahem, actually no. We we're trying to distract you lot... because.. we... uhm.”

“We thought you were the state preceptor of Banyue.” Wei Wuxian stated matter of factually. The Woman in black let out a cold half laugh and the Wind Master just blinked at them, a bit in shock.

“Ah? No, that is quite silly. No A-Xian I'm Shi Qingxuan, Wind Master of the Palace of Wind and Water.” She then waved her whisk at the woman in black, “This is Earth Master, Ming Yi,” Ming Yi glared at her and Nan Feng made an uncomfortable face, “And this little master you were fighting is Lan Zahn, courtesy name Lan Wangji, my didi and resident of the Palace of Wind and Water.”

Lan Wangji glanced at Wei Wuxian but then looked away. Wei Wuxian smiled. “It's nice to meet you Lan Zahn.” He said the boys name in a teasing tone. Lan Wangji glared at him.

Shi Qingxuan looked over Lan Wangji again and frowned, “Didi, where's Bichen? You didn't lose your swor- oh!” Just as she spoke the sword flew from somewhere out of sight where it had been lost during the two boy's tumble, and re sheathed itself at Lan Wangji's waist. The Wind Master patted the boy's shoulder. “Now that that is all taken care of lets go and -” She was cut off by the sound of deep guttural howls. Two Massive forms leapt from two nearby roof tops and slammed into the ground nearby. Two men over three meters tall with massive maces in hand.

Earth Master looked over and huffed. “Great, more problems.”

“just some rowdy ghosts. Sorry to keep you both but it seems we have trouble.” Shi Qingxuan smiled as she spoke pulling out a fan with the character for wind painted on it. Lan Wangji pulled that strange object Wei Wuxian had noticed in their tumble off his back, and revealed it to be guqin. How did it not break when we were wrestling earlier? Wei Wuxian thought, looking at the instrument in wonder.

Seeing the group looked to be reading for a fight the two massive men let out a roar, a battle cry, and lunged toward them. Lan Wangji strummed the chords of the guqin and a tone rang out, brimming with spiritual power. It slowed down the two giants, allowing for the two woman to lunge forward and take the upper hand in the battle.

….

Xie Lian held tightly to Jiang Cheng as he looked up to the great earth colored walls of The Sinners Pit, his heart beginning to sink. General Kemo, as San Lang had deduced him to be during their march toward the edge of Banyue's outer city, began leading his prisoners up the crudely made steps toward the upper eaves of the pit. As they made their way up, Xie Lian used one hand to brace the wall in one part to steady himself and his son but other to check for something.... and what he found made his grip on his son so much stronger. The entirety of the Sinners Pit was covered in a terribly powerful array, most assuredly meant to stop anyone from ever escaping it. The walls were not, in fact made of dirt as their color might indulge but rather a thick layer of stone, possibly reinforced with magic.

Once they reached the top and saw the pit for its entirety, hope was just a memory for the merchant's. The walls were not only sixty meters high, but also a hundred meters long and a thickness of over a meter with no railing. Within was the pit itself, seemingly bottomless and the scent of blood wafting up from its depth.

Jiang Cheng, no longer wanting to look down into the endless abyss, turned his attention upward only to catch another disturbing sight. The pole that stood above the sinners pit, that they had seen from afar before, did indeed have someone hanging from it. It was a girl, a young girl wearing tattered black clothes and her head bowed as she swayed in the wind.

Xie Lian followed his sons gaze and his brow knitted. He knew that the pole had, in the past, been used for hanging up criminals believed to deserve shame and humiliation, often strung up naked and still alive to dehydrate and starve to death before the body would eventually rot enough to fall into the pit on its own. An ugly death.

The girls body was not rotted and so must have been fairly recent death, which made the sight all the more gut wrenching. It was a sight like this that made Jiang Cheng ever so glad Jiang Yanli was not here to see it, even if the reason for it was her own sickly state. He shoved his face into his baba's chest, not wanting to see any of it anymore.

Tian Sheng, A-Zhao and the other merchant's had paused in their step, having also taken in the aberrant sight. General Kemo didn't make them move any further, instead he roared into the pit. The noise that responded back was truly nightmarish. From deep within the pit, one after the other, came a chorus of beastly roars like that of monsters, deafening to the ear. Are these the criminals of the Sinners Pit? If so why answer Kemo's call? Xie Lian pondered, choosing to listen carefully to the generals words.

When General Kemo called out into the pit again, it wasn't meaningless noise, it was not cursing either, it was words of encouragement and very clearly Xie Lian could make out the line 'my brothers.' After roaring all of this out Kemo turned to the soldiers watching the group and barked two orders

“Just throw in two, detain the rest.”

Xie Lian's blood ran cold. He watched as the others who didn't understand what was being said, still clearly understood the intention of the Banyue soldiers and began to cower in fear. San Lang stood there, still showing no signs of emotional distress. Xie Lian closed his eyes and took a breath, before stepping forward and pressing Jiang Cheng into one of the merchant's arms. The boy shot up a glance at his father who gave him a sad smile. “Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll go first.”

Jiang Cheng's eyes widened and he grabbed his fathers arm, shaking his head wildly. “No, no, no,no, you can't!” He was on the verge of tears.

Xie Lian carefully peeled the boy's hand off of him before bending down to eye level with him and whispered “You must be brave my Xiao Hu. You know better then anyone that I'll be alright.”

“But... what if your not?” Jiang Cheng whimpered. Xie Lian brushed a hand over the boys head.

“Be brave A-Cheng.” He slipped the remaining Shanyue fern into the boys hand. And turned to face General Kemo.

He was caught off guard by A-Zhao who charged past him straight for the general. The charge was an obvious sign of what the young man was thinking. If I must die, your coming with me. Even though the general was obviously larger in size he still stumbled back when rammed into. It wasn't enough however, as General Kemo roared in anger and threw A-Zhao into the pit. The merchants screamed and Jiang Cheng's eyes went wide. After disappearing into the blackness all anyone could hear was evil sounding cheers and the audible tearing of human flesh.

Xie Lian was left dumbstruck. He had thought A-Zhao suspicious, wondering if the man worked for the state preceptor of Banyue, leading foolish merchants into the desert to their ruin, but with this turn of events none of that made any sense. Even the idea that he could be faking his own death was ultimately meaningless if he worked for Banyue. But then why rush Kemo? Was that not just an equally as meaningless death. Just as he was jumping through his knotted thoughts Kemo sized up the group and pointed to Tian Sheng. As the soldiers went to grab him, the boy realized what was happening. Jiang Cheng lifted his hand once again ready to summon Zidian.

“Aah! Help! Don't take me! I-”

Xie Lian didn't give himself anymore time to think, pressing Jiang Chengs hand down he called out. “General, please wait!”

Hearing him speak and in Banyue Tongue, Kemo turned on Xie Lian with shock written on his face. “You know how to speak our tongue? Where are you from?”

“I'm from the Central Plains.” Xie Lian replied honestly. He knew lying would be pointless as his dialect was rusty and he, by appearance alone, was obviously from the Central Plains.

“Central Plains?” Kemo questioned. “Descendant of Yong'an?”

“No.” Xie Lian replied. “The Kingdom of Yong'an is no more. It fell a long time ago.”

Kemo's face flashed with rage and some of the soldiers began cursing out at him with a few words he could translate coming out to 'despicable', 'Liar', and 'throw him down'.

Kemo demanded “Our Kingdom disappeared into the Gobi over two hundred years ago! You are not of our people, so how do you know our tongue? Who are you?!”

Xie Lian stole a glance at San Lang, who was as calm as ever. He gave Jiang Cheng's hand a tight squeeze before letting go, ready to speak when howls echoed from the pit. It seemed the beasts at the bottom had finished feeding. Kemo waved for them to take Tian Sheng again.

“Wait!” Xie Lian stepped forward. “General please take me first.”

“You go first? Why?” Kemo demanded, obviously shocked as he probably never heard anyone request such a thing.

“General, they are innocent passing merchant's, and theirs even children among them.” Xie Lian tried to reason. It didn't work.

“When your Kingdom of Yong'an annihilated us centuries ago, do you think they spared the merchant's and the children?” Kemo sneered. Even after two hundred years his resentment ran deep. “You are very suspicious, I will need to question you. You will not go down. Send in someone else.”

Xie Lian knew he would have to throw himself in at this point.

“San Lang?” It was Jiang Cheng who spoke, and he was watching the red clad Youth walk up to the edge of the pit.

“San Lang?” Xie Lian repeated, worry beginning to take over.

He had his arms crossed and glanced over at the sound of his name. He smiled. “It's fine.” He took another step, right at the brink of the fall.

“Wait, San Lang, don't move!” Xie Lian called out.

“San Lang! Come back!” Jiang Cheng moved to go to the red clad youth but was stopped by his father.

San Lang only shook his head, the hem of his red tunic dancing in the night breeze. “Don't be scared.”

“You.... come back here first. Come back here, and I wont be scared.” Xie Lian said.

“Don't worry, I'm just going to leave for a bit. We'll see each other again soon.”

Jiang Cheng paled.

“DONT-” Xie Lian tried to call out, but it was much too late. The Youth leapt backward, arms still crossed and disappeared into the darkness.

Jiang Cheng didn't register his father sending out ruoye, who only came back empty, or that silence had been the sound that came out of the pit, or even the Banyue Soldiers yelling out. No, he only registered what was going on when he saw his fathers form jump in after San Lang.

“Baba!” He screamed running to the edge. Kemo was faster and had snatched Xie Lian by the collar. The General was instantly wrapped by Ruoye and he immediately began trying to rip the silk band off of him. Baba is trying to take him down with him. He didn't let anyone stop him this time, reaching out his hand as purple sparks of spiritual energy formed the whip Zidian.

It was then that the corpse on the pole snapped up her head. The soldiers noticed and began to scream vulgarities as she had apparently untied herself and leapt onto the wall. Jiang Cheng's attention had been drawn to the girl for only a second, but it was enough to barely miss the Generals massive form disappearing. He snapped around and ran to the pits edge just as both his father and the general vanished into the darkness... but not before Jiang Cheng could have sworn he saw a flash of red....

Chapter Text

Xie Lian called Ruoye back to himself and kicked Kemo, who had started roaring at him, away as they fell into the pit. He tried launching Ruoye up to grab something but it was no use, as there was nothing above but flat walls and an array blocking him from escape. Great, I'm going to flatten into the ground like a pancake.

Something silver flashed in the darkness and Xie Lian suddenly felt two strong arms catch him ever so lightly, one to his back and the other behind his knees. The sudden halt in drop made him dizzy and he reached out to grab the shoulders of the one who caught him.

“... San Lang?” He called out.

It was dark so he couldn't see anything and no answer came to his question, so he reached out and began feeling the shoulders he held and the persons chest to confirm.

“San Lang, is that you?” He asked again, his hands roaming a little higher until he felt a strong hard adam's apple. He withdrew his hand and began mentally reprimanding himself. “It is San Lang right? Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

A moment past and the youth spoke, however his voice was deeper than before. “I'm fine.”

“San Lang, are you sure your alright? Put me down and-”

“No.” San Lang replied.

Xie Lian was a bit taken aback, What's going on? Is there something on the ground? Those arms were strong and held him tightly, unwilling to let go. Xie Lian raised a hand to San Lang's chest, ready to push himself away when he accidentally remembered the feeling of touching that adams apple. He pulled back his hand. Behave, you haven't been this awkward in a long time. Xie Lian reprimanded himself.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by a sharp sorrowful wail. “What's going on?! Brothers, what has happened to you!?!”

It was Kemo. Since the General was already dead, a fall would not have been deadly, but there was most likely a Kemo shaped hole where he landed. Suddenly, Xie Lian caught on to the problem. It was silent in the pit.... a pit that only a short time ago had been filled with the sounds of wailing beasts and ripping flesh. Did... did San Lang...

Kemo had also come to the same realization and shouted at them “Killing my soldiers? Your dead! I'm going to kill you!”

Xie Lian sensed the killing intent coming straight for them, “San Lang, watch out!”

“Don't worry about him.” San Lang said holding tightly to Xie Lian. He merely took a side step, completely dodging the oncoming attack and the sound of something clinking melodiously filled Xie Lian's ears.

High above the girl in black had, after knocking the Banyue soldiers near the edge of the pit into it, been looking out over the city. She then turned to the merchants and Jiang Cheng. Before any of them could react she waved them to follow and began to walk down the steps. The merchants, unsure of what to do followed after her. Once they reached the bottom and further into town she pointed in a specific direction. “That way leads out of Banyue Kingdom, go and don't look back.” The merchants stood their shocked for a moment but then bowed and thanked her before speeding off. She looked at them then quickly stopped Tian Sheng. “Where's the other boy?”

“Hmm? Oh the one with whip? He didn't follow us. The last guy that fell in the pit with that Banyue Soldier was his baba, so he probably doesn't want to leave.”

Banyue let the youth go and, relatively quick, re ascended the stairs of the pit. At the edge of the eaves looking down into the darkness Jiang Cheng stood his small form against the night sky. He held Zidian out and was seeing how far down the whip would go.

“It won't work.” He was startled, and turned to see the girl in black had returned. She looked to be about 15 or 16, the same age as Jiang Yanli, but her voice was small and her expressions lacking. Her face was covered in bruises and her eyes were the color of coal.

“I'll still try.” Jiang Cheng replied before returning to the task at hand.

She walked up and gently placed a hand to his arm. “No, there is an array that stops things from leaving. Even if your baba was still alive and that whip could reach the bottom you still wouldn't be able to pull him out.”

Jiang Cheng's brow furrowed. “Who put up the array? Was it the Banyue State Preceptor?”

The girls brows raised a bit. “Uhm... yes...”

“Then I need to find her.”

“I'm her.”

“...” Jiang Cheng just blinked at the girl. Now he was utterly confused. “Wait, hold on. If your the state preceptor then who was the woman in the white cultivator robes? No, why were you up on the pole? Aren't you supposed to be working with the Banyue Soldiers?” He paused, then his expression darkened. “Are you the one who sent the scorpion snakes that attacked us?”

The State Preceptor only shook her head. “I don't know of a woman in white, no I do not work with the soldiers and... no... I didn't send those snakes.” She said the last part with a bit of an uncomfortable tone.

“But, can't you control the snakes?”

“Sometimes... I... cant really control them anymore.” She said quietly. She took pause. “You really should go.”

Jiang Cheng shook his head.

Just then, mainly cause the pit was relatively empty of disturbance otherwise, one could hear the sound of roaring and something sharp echoing up from the deep.

“General Kemo.” The state preceptor said mainly to herself. She began to walk toward the edge but was stopped by Jiang Cheng grabbing her arm.

“Take me with you.” It wasn't a question, it was a demand.

“It's too dangerous, especially for a child.” She said without a single change in tone.

“Well that's hypocritical, cause your a kid too.” Jiang Cheng remarked coldly.

The state preceptor looked at him with a curious look, then reluctantly nodded her head. She bent slightly. “get on my back, but once we reach the bottom you must stay by my side.”

Jiang Cheng nodded, returning Zidian to its ring from before getting onto the girls back. She leapt off the edge and down into the darkness.

“you don't want to ask anything else?”

“What else do you want me to ask?”

“For example, whether I'm human?”

“Hmmm. I don't think that's necessary.”

“Is it not?”

“Is it? It's not important whether your human or not.”

“Oh?”

“Forming a friendship should depend on how well two people hit it off, and how well their personalities match, not their identities. If I like you, you could be a beggar and I would still like you. If I dislike you, you could be the emperor and I would still dislike you. Shouldn't it be like that? It's simple logic, so whether you're human or not is irrelevant.”

San Lang laughed out loud. “Yeah. Your very right.”

They had been interrogating Kemo when San Lang had suddenly shushed Xie Lian. He didn't know what was going on so he simply closed his mouth. But then a strange hunch made him look up. A form of someone watching them from the top of the pit began to move closer and closer. Xie Lian quickly realized it was the state preceptor, as Kemo had explained in their questioning (more like an argument given that the general kept yelling at them accusing them and calling the girl a bitch.) However Xie Lian could somewhat make out a shape on her back. The moment her feet hit the ground she called out in Banyue Tongue.

“Kemo, what's going on?”

“What's going on?” Kemo was outraged. “They're all dead!”

“How did they die?”

“Isn't it because you pushed them all down and trapped them into this godforsaken place!”

“Who's here? There's another person.”

There was actually two, but just as Xie Lian had concluded not to long ago, San Lang had no breath or heartbeat. How would I even explain this to my kids... Maybe I'll make San Lang do it.... I don't really want to lie to them especially if they catch on later.

“They're the ones who killed all my soldiers. Are you happy now? They're all finally dead!”

There was silence, before the girl produced a palm torch that lit a small area around her. Xie Lian finally saw what had joined her.

“A-Cheng!” The boy, squinting in the new light spun toward him with surprise,

“Baba!” He called out, but just as the teen was about move forward he stopped. His eyes had moved to the figure standing next to his father. He tilted his head ever so slightly, as if trying to figure something out.

Xie Lian looked over to San Lang, catching sight of red robes. He slowly looked up realizing he was taller that he was before and his eyes stopped on that neck. He mentally shook himself before letting his eyes wander higher to an elegantly shaped chin. The rest of his face was still hidden in shadow. Feeling that he had eyes on him, San Lang tilted his head and smiled. Xie Lian, not quite thinking about it, moved a step closer when he was snapped back to reality by Kemo's wailing.

It was enough to make Jiang Cheng jump, and upon seeing the massive General he quickly hopped over some corpses and ran over to his father, promptly grabbing his arm with such a tight grip Xie Lian was worried the boy wouldn't be able to let him go after. He only sighed and carefully brushed a hand over the boy's head.

As the General wailed the girl looked about her and spoke, still in Banyue Tongue. “Good.”

In the midst of his mourning, Kemo heard her words and was filled with rage once more. “Good?! What's good?! What do you mean?!”

“It means we're finally free.” The State Preceptor spoke before turning to Xie Lian. “are you the one who killed them.”

“It was an accident.” Xie Lian replied

“Your lying through your teeth!” Kemo shouted.

Xie Lian replied with a bold face. “Life is full of accidents!”

The State Preceptor gave him a look, her expression unreadable. “Who are you?”

That last line wasn't delivered in the Tongue of Banyue but rather the Central Plains Han dialect.

“I'm a heavenly official.” Xie Lian replied. “The one who brought down with you is my son and he...” He looked at San Lang. “he is my friend.”

Kemo couldn't understand their words but could understand they weren't fighting. “What are you two talking about!?”

The state preceptor looked at Xie Lian then carefully eyed San Lang for a moment before looking away. “We've never had heavenly officials visit before. I thought you all already abandoned this place.”

Xie Lian was surprised, he had been expecting the possibility of having to fight the State Preceptor but she seemed unwilling.

“Do you wish to leave?” She asked

“We do, but there is an array set in this pit, so we cant get out.” Xie Lian said.

Jiang Cheng looked up at the girl “Your the one who put it there right, so you can release it?”

She nodded and made a sign with her hand. “Its done, you can leave now.”

“...” Xie Lian thought that had been way too easy. It just so happened someone would arrive to change that.

“Hey! Is anyone down there?! If not I'm leaving!”

Jiang Cheng made a face. “Oh great.”

San Lang made a tsk noise.

“Fu Yao! There are people down here! I'm down here!” Xie Lian called out waving his hand.

Fu Yao shouted back “You're actually down there? What's at the bottom besides you?”

“Um... a lot of things? Why don't you come down and see for yourself?”

A moment of pause, then Fu Yao hurled a giant ball of flame into the pit. Jiang Cheng covered his eyes for a moment, then took in his surroundings. He sucked in air at the sight surrounding him. Piles of corpses were strewn about the place, blood soaking the earthen floor, all of those he could make out were wearing the armor of Banyue soldiers. Some had limbs missing, others faces were blackened by large splatters of blood. It seemed the only place that didn't have a corpse was where his father had been standing. He looked up at his father, but then blinked. Where that mysterious man in red he had seen standing before was now the familiar face of San Lang. The youth who had been smiling at his father noticed the boys bewildered look he gave him a toothy grin before playfully sticking a tongue out. Jiang Cheng took a moments pause before he couldn't help the small smile that threatened to appear at the corner of his lips. I'm glad he's back to himself. Jiang Cheng thought.

By this time Fu Yao had jumped down into the pit.

“Weren't you looking after those merchants?” Xie Lian asked.

Jiang Cheng realized something quickly and moved ahead of his father. “You were supposed to be watching jiejie!”

Fu Yao's face scrunched at the smell, and he began fanning in front of his face. He answered mostly indifferent. “oh please, she'll be fine. We waited six hours for you guys and you didn't return. So I drew an array and told them to stay. It's not like she's going anywhere.”

Jiang Cheng scowled.

Xie Lian frowned. “The circle wont last long. With you gone, they might fear you left them behind and leave anyway.”

“Eight horses can't pull back a man who seeks death.” Fu Yao shrugged. “I can't stop stubborn people, so I won't try.”

“One of those people is my jiejie!” Jiang Cheng snapped. “And you just left her?! What if the merchants leave her alone! Why do you have to be such... such a..” He was shaking.

It was only made worse when Fu Yao rolled his eyes and ignored him to look past them. “who are those two. Who's Who?” He seemed defensive at first but quickly changed his stance when he noticed the giant of a man was heavily wounded and the other was a girl with her head hung low.

Xie Lian gently patted his sons shoulder. “That one is a Banyue General, the other is the Banyue State Preceptor-”

Kemo suddenly launched to his feet with a roar and flung himself toward the girl. Xie Lian had made no step to stop him, acknowledging that he had the right to be angry and knowing full well that the state preceptor could easily defend herself. However he was surprised when instead of fighting back she was launched and thrown about like a broken ragdoll.

Kemo began to shout as he attacked her. “Where are your scorpion snakes? Come on! Let them bite me to death too! Give me release!”

The state preceptor gloomily replied. “Kemo, my snakes don't listen to me anymore.”

“Then why don't they kill you!”

“... I'm sorry Kemo....”

“Do you really hate us that much!”

The state preceptor just shook her head, which only infuriated Kemo more. “You're going to be the death of me! If you don't hate us, then why did you betray us?! You shameless spy, disgusting mole, Traito- ACK!”

A Bright flash of purple and a loud snapping noise echoed through the pit. Jiang Cheng had Zidian out and it was crackling with sparks of purple energy. “Leave her alone!”

When Kemo turned a rage filled eye on the boy, Xie Lian quickly came between them “General! General! Earlier you mentioned a Yong'an thug, tell us who that really is and we-”

The state preceptor suddenly grabbed his wrist. Worried she might be on the attack, he quickly looked down at the girl, however her face was not filled with any malice, but instead she gazed at him with an intense look in her eye.

Xie Lian was much closer than he had been to the girl all night and he was suddenly struck with a distant memory. “its you...”

The State Preceptor's eyes shined like fire. “General Hua?”

“What?” Jiang Cheng felt like he had asked that question too many times that night.

Taking the moment as a good distraction, Fu Yao closed the gap and in one fluid motion punched Kemo into complete knock out. “You two know each other?”

Xie Lian stood there speechless for long time before letting out a sigh “Banyue?”

The girl who had been melancholy during most of the night, suddenly became excited and grabbed the mans sleeve. “Its me! General Hua, do you remember me?”

“of course I remember you. But...” Xie Lian gazed at her for a moment and sighed. “But what have you done to yourself.”

Jiang Cheng returned Zidian to its ring form and slowly stepped up to his fathers side.

The girl's eyes began to fill with pain. “I-I'm sorry, captain... I messed up.”

“Captain? But didn't you just call him....!!!!!” Jiang Cheng suddenly bolted upright.

“Captain? General!? YOU?! Then... that means that tomb....” Fu Yao was dumbstruck.

“My Tomb.” Xie Lian nodded. He didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

Jiang Cheng took a step back, blanched, then turned redder then San Lang's tunic, then paled and flushed again. “B-baba... I swear if I known it was yours I wouldn't ….... I'm sorry!!!” He looked like he might cry of sheer embarrassment.

“It's alright A-Cheng, what's done is done.” Xie Lian sighed, gently patting his son on the shoulder.

“I thought you said you only came to Banyue two hundred years ago to collect scrap!”

“That was the plan...” Xie Lian trailed off for a second then sighed again. “Two hundred years ago I was leaving the east because I couldn't stay there for any longer and planned to move southward to cross Qing Ridge and begin a new step in life. However I ended up finding myself in the Gobi desert only learning after the fact that my compass had broken.”

Jiang Cheng, already a mess of emotions and embarrassment just slid to his knees and hid his face in his hands. Xie Lian smiled awkwardly before continuing, “Since I was already in the desert I decided to head northwest and made up temporary residence outside the Kingdom of Banyue and began to collect scrap. However there were skirmishes on the border constantly and often a runaway soldier...”

“So you were forced into the army?” San Lang asked.

“Yeah.” Xie Lian replied. “But it was something to do, more or less. And soon I was promoted to captain after chasing away some bandits. Those who gave me face would call me General.”

“Why did she call you General Hua? Your surname isn't Hua.” Fu Yao questioned.

Xie Lian waved his hand dismissively, “I used a fake name I randomly made up at the time, I think it was Hua Xie.”

Jiang Cheng had began to slowly peak back out from behind his hands, and then looked up at San Lang who was making a face like he was trying to force himself not to smile. When he noticed Jiang Cheng watching him he just waved a hand like it was nothing and turned his attention back to Xie Lian. The boy decided he wasn't going to worry too much about it simply because he was already losing brain power with every other thing that had been occurring.

“With a battle torn border there were many orphans. When I was free, I'd play with them sometimes. One of them... was named Banyue.” He remembered the small girl trying to eat his cooking, so starved that she would still try so after getting sick on it, and how he had taught her to sing and dance and would wrestle with her on occasion, he had even entertained her with some of his old busking routine.

“Do you always just pick up random children you find on the side of the road?” Fu Yao asked.

“why does it matter?” Jiang Cheng asked. “Baba chooses kindness and it makes him a better person for it.”

“What are you trying to get at?” Fu Yao glared at the boy.

“Nothing, just that some people deserve respect more so then others.” the boys words were sharp.

Fu Yao was opening his mouth, planning to snap back at the kid when San Lang spoke up. “The memorial said you died.”

“Oh. Right. Ya. I faked it.” Xie Lian said rubbing his head which had started to grow red from all the friction. Fu Yao and Jiang Cheng both looked at Xie Lian in disbelief so he explained. “I got trampled pretty badly and was unable to get up. My only option was to fake my own death.”

Fu Yao questioned “You must have been standing in the middle being an eyesore, and that raised the ire of both sides right? Otherwise why would people cut you down on sight? Besides, I'm sure you knew there were those that hated you, so why not avoid them? Why did you have to charge in? I'm sure you could have avoided the whole thing if you wanted to.”

“I really don't remember, all right?!” Xie Lian said.

“Stop bugging him.” Jiang Cheng stood up and faced Fu Yao.

“Uhg, kid, grown ups are talking, bud out.”

“Talking?! Your not talking! Your just being an ass!”

“A-Cheng!” Xie Lian called out.

“... I'm sorry.” Banyue muttered.

Fu Yao groaned “Why does she keep apologizing?”

Jiang Cheng went to snap at the Junior Official again but San Lang put an arm out, blocking his few of the young man. San Lang then spoke up, “Kemo said the stated that the state preceptor left for the Central Plains after a clash between the two armies. Were you involved in that?”

“Ah... Maybe?” Xie Lian tried very hard to think back but his memories were only bits and pieces of events.

“It was to save me.” Everyone turned to look at Banyue. She continued in a soft voice. “General Hua got flattened because he entered the fray to save me.”

Xie Lian had a memory flash through his mind of being trampled over and over again an unconsciously hugged his arms. He was snapped out of it by a small hand on his shoulder. He looked at Jiang Cheng, who gave him a sad look. “not flat. Not too flat.”

“Well aren't you just a saint.” Fu Yao said passive aggressively, looking a bit too smug.

Before his son could retaliate, Xie Lian pulled Jiang Cheng around behind himself and waved his free hand dismissively. “Nothing of the sort. I don't remember the specifics anymore. All I do remember I that there were two children playing at the time and I had tried to pick them up and run, but I wasn't fast enough and we got caught in the middle of the fight.”

“If that's the case,” Fu Yao demanded, “How can you not remember something like that?”

“Do you not now how many hundreds of years old I am? So much can happen in a decade none the less two hundred years! Besides, some things are better forgotten. Rather then remember how it felt to be butchered and trampled, why not remember the delicious meat bun I ate yesterday? Or maybe my daughters soup from two weeks ago? Pleasant things.”

“I'm sorry.” Banyue mumbled again.

Xie Lian sighed and turned back to the girl. “Oh Banyue, saving you was my own choice. Your not at fault. Save your apologies for those who deserve it.”

Banyue was taken aback and then hung her head.

Xie Lian continued, “But.... Maybe its my impression of you from hundreds of years ago, but I don't think your the type of child who seeks revenge and betrays others. Will you tell me what happened exactly? Why did you open the city gates?”

Banyue didn't answer, only shook her head.

“Then why did you let the snakes out to bite people?”

“She didn't.” Jiang Cheng spoke up. “She told me earlier she can't control them anymore. She can only do it sometimes.”

“And you believed her?” Fu Yao sounded annoyed. “Was this before or after you told her about you 'poor jiejie'.”

“But I didn't release the snakes.” Banyue pleaded. “They ran off on their own! I don't know why but they don't listen anymore! General Hua, you have to believe me!”

“Anyone would say that after being captured.” Fu Yao cut off Xie Lian who had been about to reply, “Even if you say it was unintentional, I've heard it all before. All those people who crossed the pass were injured by YOUR snakes. Put your hands up your under arrest.”

Banyue didn't resist as Fu Yao took out an Immortal Binding Rope and restrained her wrists and the unconscious Kemo. Jiang Cheng looked at her wrists than to his father.

“We have accomplished our goal. Now lets leave.”

“She had no reason to lie.” San Lang said.

Xie Lian too, had a feeling that there was something missing and so turned to Banyue. “Can you not control any of your snakes?”

Banyue answered. “I can control them, and they will obey most of the time. But there are times when they won't. I don't know why.”

Xie Lian thought hard for a time, then he asked, “Why don't you call them out and show us?”

Banyue had been kneeling up to this point and finally rose to her feet. Soon a red wine colored snake slithered out from beneath a corpse. It soundlessly flicked its tongue at the group. Just as Xie Lian moved to take a closer look Banyue's eyes widened, and Jiang Cheng caught on grabbing his fathers sleeve. “BABA! LOOK OUT!”

The snake had stopped flicking its tongue, opened wide its fanged maw and lunged at him.

BOOM

Before Xie Lian could even think to snatch the vermin out of the air it exploded into a cloud of guts and blood. Just like the one from before... He had turned to look at San Lang but the youths red sleeve already took up his vision, blocking him from Banyue.

On the other side Fu Yao spoke coldly. “I knew she was lying, Did you really think the snake would be able to bite him under these circumstances? Foolish.”

Banyue, who already looked panicked, looked up at the junior official in alarm. “I didn't do it! I said there were some snakes that don't listen to me. That was one of them.”

Fu Yao didn't believe her. “Who knows whether it was obeying or disobeying you?”

“Then you can't make an accusation.” Jiang Cheng snapped. “If you don't know if she is lying or telling the truth then how can you pass judgment on her.”

“Why are you defending her?” Fu Yao was irritated. “Shouldn't you be against her when its her fault your sister is dyin-”

“SHUT UP!” Jiang Cheng was seeing red.

“A-Cheng calm down.” Xie Lian pleaded reaching down to sooth the boy.

“Ya, 'A-Cheng'. Why don't you listen to your 'Baba'.”

Something snapped. Fu Yao's eyes widened and he had to lunge slightly away as purple sparking line shot past. They air around the point he had been echoed with the snap of the whips edge, crackling with purple energy before it was back in Jiang Cheng's grip.

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” the boy shouted, eyes red and edges tearing up.

“A-Cheng!” Xie Lian tried to grab the boy but was brushed off.

“Why?! Why do you keep pulling that shit! You keep using my family as some kind of winning point like an argument to beat me in, or you talk like they aren't my family at all!”

“My boy, what are you talking about?” Xie Lian suddenly became very concerned. Fu Yao on the other hand looked very uncomfortable.

“On Mt. YunJun you said my mother would be rolling in her grave knowing where I'm at now! How would you like to know that I never thought my mother loved me a day in my life!” Jiang Cheng was crying in his anger. “My Mother never showed me affection until she was about to die! Xie Lian, MY baba has shown me more love and care than anyone I've ever known! My own birth father never even comforted me! Isn't that just sad!”

Fu Yao took a few steps back. He looked very uncomfortable.

“So don't you dare- don't you ever fucking dare, treat my family like that. They're real...” Jiang Cheng started shaking. “baba is my... he is my baba....” The tears were pooling down his face and he was shaking uncontrollably. “You don't get to talk to me like that...”

A wet noise came from somewhere close by.

Jiang Cheng froze, then with dewy eyes looked down. Out from under some of the near by corpses came two scorpion snakes.... then three... then five.....

Soon enough they were surrounded by innumerable amount of scorpion snakes. Xie Lian grabbed his son in a full embrace, pulling him back and away from the snakes. The boy was almost like a rag doll, no attempt to pull away from him. Jiang Cheng's face was suddenly dark and tired, like any energy he had was all used up in anger.

All but Jiang Cheng's eyes were now on Banyue, who was kneeling on a pile of corpses, concern on her pale bruised face. Fu Yao was snapped back to reality, and started spinning a ball of spiritual flame in the palm of his hand.

“Make them go away! They can't all disobey!”

Banyue scrunched up her face, seeming to put all her mental power into sending them away but more kept coming. A few snake bites or stings definitely wouldn't kill them, but hundreds or thousands. Xie Lian was holding tightly to Jiang Cheng and about to fiddle an arm loose to send out Ruoye when he noticed the snakes weren't coming closer. Instead they made a wide berth around him and... He looked over at San Lang. The Youth was watching the snakes with condescension and immense contempt. They seemed to fear him and were backing off and placing their intent on a different target. Fu Yao.

The junior official swung out his hand sending a line of the snakes up in flames. Another circle came in right behind.

He can't keep that up forever. “We should try to get out of here first!” Xie Lian called out.

This time, Xie Lian pulled Jiang Cheng up in one arm, the teen boy slumping slightly and wrapping his arms around his fathers neck, and used his free hand to send Ruoye upward...

A moment later the band was suddenly back down and around his arm.

“What are you doing back here? The array was released, there's nothing stopping us anymore, hurry and go.”

Ruoye remained wrapped around his arm, trembling, as if it ran into something terrifying at the top.

Plop.

Something long and rope like fell on Fu Yao's shoulder, and once he pulled it off and looked at it his face changed. A Scorpion snake. He was caught off guard long enough for it to bite him and so he chucked it at Banyue, who caught it and it wrapped around her arm without attacking.

Plop

A second snake landed on the ground.

Xie Lian looked up, now understanding Ruoye's reaction. Lit by the light of the crescent moon, hundreds of little red dots began falling down from above. A snake deluge!

“Fu Yao! Fire! Shoot a stream of fire upward! Get rid of them before they hit the ground!”

Acknowledging the orders, Fu Yao bit down on his palm before slinging the blood up and out. Each drop burst into a screen of fire and when the snakes touched it they instantly burned to ash.

“That was good Fu Yao! Thank goodness for you!” Jiang Cheng gripped tightly to his father when he said that and Xie Lian frowned. Now isn't the time to worry about what was said in the past. I'll confront Fu Yao about it when we get out of here.

From the pale expression on the Junior Officials face it was obvious that spell had used too much spiritual power. He turned around and ignited a ring of fire, keeping the rest of the snakes at bay.

“And you say those snakes don't obey you!” He was now shouting at Banyue. “If you weren't controlling them why didn't they attack you?”

San Lang laughed. “maybe its just your bad luck. They didn't attack us either.”

Fu Yao turned his glare on San Lang, eyes sharp and narrowed. Jiang Cheng slowly pulled his face out from his fathers shoulder and stared at the red clad youth.

Xie Lian, fearing a fight might commence spoke up. “Lets just figure out what's going on with the snakes first. Then lets charge out.”

“What's going on?” Fu Yao sneered. “Either the State Preceptor of Banyue is lying, or the one next to you is causing trouble.”

Jiang Cheng straitened up.

“I don't think its either of them.” Xie Lian said in a gentle yet firm tone.

The light that illuminated Fu Yao's face made it hard to tell if he was laughing or angry, altogether it was definitely unkind. “Dianxia, don't play pretend when you know the truth. Do you remember your place. I refuse to believe you haven't realized who the cad standing next to you really is.”

“What are you talking about?” Jiang Cheng was confused. He felt his father move and found they were now in front of San Lang and his baba had a firm grip around him. He now was facing the red clad youth who was giving him a playful smile.

“I know better than anyone where my place is.” Xie Lian replied.

“Then how dare you stand next to him?!” Fu Yao shouted.

“Because, if I stand next to him the snakes wont come.” Xie Lian answered earnestly.

Hearing this both Jiang Cheng and San Lang began to laugh out loud. Jiang Cheng was starting to feel a lot better.

“You-” Fu Yao's face grew dark... and darker... and then he vanished completely. Both the screen of flames and ring of fire he had created had gone out, sending them all into complete darkness. From close by Xie Lian and Jiang Cheng heard San Lang snicker and say, “Useless Trash.” An arm went around Xie Lian's shoulder, pulling him in and slightly sandwiching Jiang Cheng. Above them was the suddenly the sound of endless battering, like a thunderstorm hitting an umbrella.

With the barrier now gone, the deluge began again with hundreds of scorpions snakes pouring down onto the umbrella, blocking them from landing on the huddled trio. Xie Lian made a move to fight but was stopped by San Lang.

“Don't move. No low lives will dare approach.” His tone was confident; the first part soft and gentle, the second half full of arrogance.

“San Lang, your amazing!” Jiang Cheng praised, a determined smile beginning to play across his face. The smile faltered when he heard Fu Yao's angry roars from somewhere across the pit.

“San Lang!-” Xie Lian started.

“No.” The youth replied instantly.

Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. “How did you know what I was going to say?”

“Don't worry so much, he can't die.” San Lang replied.

“And if he does he's more useless than trash.” Jiang Cheng added slyly.

“A-Cheng.” Xie Lian sighed.

San Lang let out a chuckle.

“Banyue!” Someone else roared “If you want me to die, have them bite and kill me in one go! What the hell is this?!” It seemed Kemo had woken back up.

“Its not Me!” Banyue cried.

“Fu Yao, can you light another fire? Do it again!” Xie Lian called out.

Fu Yao gritted his teeth. “That cad next to you is restricting my powers! I can't light anything!”

“Its not me.” San Lang said.

“I know its not you, but that's precisely what's wrong. Both Banyue and Kemo are bound in Immortal Binding rope which is restricting their power. My powers are depleted, Jiang Cheng doesnt have that kind of ability and your not restricting anyone. That leaves the only answer to be that there is a seventh person in the pit.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Fu Yao demanded. “What seventh person? No one else came down here!”

“Who's there?” Banyue suddenly called out.

“Banyue! Are you alright?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“What's going on? Is there someone over there with you?” Xie Lian continued the questions.

“Someone-” her voice was cut off.

“Banyue!?” Both Jiang Cheng and Xie Lian called out.

A brief flash of white light illuminated the darkness and Fu Yao spoke up “Be careful! She might be tricking for you!”

“If I wanted your advice I'd have asked.” Jiang Cheng sneered.

Xie Lian secured his grip on his son, preparing to move, “Not necessarily! I need to go save her first.” He was just about to duck and run into the snake deluge when the arm around his shoulder tightened and he heard San Lang's Voice in his ear. “All right.”

Suddenly the three of them were dashing forward, somehow San Lang was attacking. In one hand he held the umbrella, the other was still tightly around Xie Lian's shoulder. Jiang Cheng's eyes wandered the darkness and he saw a flash of silver cross his vision. Suddenly the sound of two swords clashing echoed out.

“Oh, seems there is a seventh person.” San Lang spoke. “How interesting.”

The two weapons clashed in the darkness, creating sparks but not long enough to see who the silent assailant might be.

Xie Lian called out, “Banyue, are you still conscious? Can you respond?”

No one did.

Fu Yao exclaimed “Maybe the one fighting now is her!”

“I'm sorry did she look like she fights with a sword?” Jiang Cheng sounded annoyed but thankfully he wasn't getting as upset as he had before.

“A-Cheng is right.” Xie Lian replied. “That definitely cannot be Banyue.”

Fu Yao gripped. “Someone who would betray her own country is no different than Xuan Ji. Why on earth do you still believe her?!”

“Fu Yao can you please not be so irritated, you-” Something clicked in Xie Lian's head. “Hold on, what did you just say?”

Fu Yao struck out a palm, knocking away a bunch of snakes. “I said why on earth would you believe in her, like how could you believe in that cad next to you?!”

“Your a cad.” Jiang Cheng mumbled.

“No, the other thing. You mentioned Xuan Ji.”

“Ya so? She is irrelevant!”

Suddenly Xie Lian put Jiang Cheng down and stepped forward. “Stop fighting, There Is no more need to hide. I know who you are.”

The fighting did not cease.

“I'm not bluffing, General Pei Junior.”

“Who are you talking to?” Fu Yao was dumbstruck. “General Pei Junior? Don't be crazy! If he descended, everyone would know!”

“Your right.” Xie Lian replied not turning away from the darkness. “Unless it wasn't his true self.”

There was a fault in the sword fight but it quickly picked up again.

“Baba, what do you mean....” A thought suddenly occurred to Jiang Cheng. Fu Yao had claimed no one else was down here... but Jiang Cheng specifically remembered that someone else had been thrown down into the pit.

Xie Lian continued. “It took me too long to figure this out, when I should have known from the beginning. I knew that for over two hundred years there was something causing havoc and yet none of the heavenly officials cared to speak of it. So obviously there was someone no one wanted to offend keeping the whole thing under wraps. Since I'm unfamiliar with majority of the heavenly officials I didn't dare pin the blame on anyone. But then I remembered after the Xuan Ji case something that Fu Yao had said in passing. Prior to his ascension General Pei Junior slaughtered a city.

“If a story like that spread to ones believers there would be trouble. Then we have that mud face, he said that he recognized one of us from fifty or sixty years ago. That's easily answerable if someone was taking up a fake personality and leading groups in the same fashion into the same danger. When we were with the Merchants, YOU were the most suspicious. During my time in Banyue two hundred years ago I never saw a Scorpion Snake and yet I saw multiple in one sitting, in a cave with you while hiding from a sand storm. I asked you to come search for the Shanyue fern with us, but you turned around and also gave the directions to the merchants in case they couldn't sit still. And then on top of the walls I said if anything were to happen I'd throw myself in first and yet with no logically reason you threw yourself in. Someone who seemed so calm suddenly going wild and sending themselves to a meaningless death? It was illogical.

“Every action you took was strange and incoherent at every turn. Its part of the reason it took me so long to figure out your identity General Pei Junior... Or should I call you A-Zhao?”

The fighting ceased and a moment later a frigid voice spoke out. “Are you sure the one the mud face spoke of wasn't that red clad boy standing next to you?”

A stream of flames lit up the sinners pit revealing two bloody silhouettes. One was San Lang, weapon already tucked away and standing properly. The other was drenched in blood and wearing planner clothes, a sword in one hand and an unconscious Banyue over the others shoulder.

It was indeed A-Zhao.

He Sheathed his weapon and placed the girl carefully to the ground.

On the side, Kemo looked at the man in shock. “Who- Who are you!? Didn't you fall to your death?”

A-Zhao kept starring intently at San Lang. “Kemo, you really haven't changed at all in these hundreds of years.” He said it simply and in clear Banyue tongue.

Kemo's expression went dark. “It's you! Pei Xiu?!” If it hadn't been for the immortal binding rope, Jiang Cheng was sure that massive man would have lunged at A-Zhao, given all the hatred in his voice.

“General Pei Junior, those scorpion snakes were listening to someone's command. Was it you?” Xie Lian asked.

“Mn. It was me.”

“Did Banyue teach you?”

“No, she didn't. I taught it to myself. It's easier than you think.”

“General Pei Junior is exceedingly intelligent after all.” Xie Lian commented.

“How do you know Banyue?” Jiang Cheng asked, stepping into the interrogation.

Pei Xiu gave Xie Lian a look. “General Hua.”

Xie Lian was puzzled. “Why are you calling me by that title too?”

“Do you really not recognize me, General Hua?”

Xie Lian starred at him a moment more, and then he did indeed remember. When Banyue was being bullied by the children of the Kingdom of banyue, there had been a young Yong'an boy that would pay attention to her. The boy, much like Banyue, had been the silent type. It wasn't uncommon for children of military families to live on the border, growing up to join the army.

“It's you!? I'm... I cant believe it took me this long to recognize you!”

Pei Xiu nodded, “It's me. I've only just recognized the general as well.”

It seems the enemy general Kemo mentioned was indeed close to Banyue. They had known each other since childhood.

“Did Banyue really heed your call to open the city gates?” Xie Lian asked.

Kemo started yelling again. “Despicable Pei Xiu. Untie these ropes! Let me fight him to the death!”

Pei Xiu said coolly, “First of we already had a battle to the death two hundred years ago, and Secondly how am I despicable.” He quickly swapped tongues, “What do you think your doing?”

Jiang Cheng had began tiptoeing around behind San Lang and had been readying to reach out and grab Banyue but quickly retreated back behind the red clad youth when he was caught.

Kemo exclaimed “How could we have lost if you two hadn't colluded?!”

“Kemo don't deny it.” Pei Xiu returned his attention to the Banyue General. “Even though I only had a troop of two thousand, breaking through the city gates was only a matter of time.”

“Wait a second. You only had a troop of two thousand?” Xie Lian asked. “And you were sent to invade a country? Why was that? Isn't that no different then sending you to your death? Were you more elbowed out in the army then I was?”

Pei Xiu went quiet. Xie Lian had hit the nail on the head.

“If you knew it was a sure win, why did you have Banyue open the city gates?”

“Because I needed to slaughter a city.”

Jiang Cheng had been preparing for round two of maybe grabbing Banyue but slipped up at that answer. Not because the answer it self was surprising but rather how it was said. So calmly, so matter of fact. “But- but you said it was a sure win! Why did you have to slaughter the whole city?!”

“precisely because victory was at hand that we had to wipe out the entire city.” Pei Xiu answered. “And it had to be quick and precise, leaving no one behind.”

It was unintentional, that Pei Xiu's words brought up a memory in Jiang Cheng's mind. Kill them all! Leave no man woman or child of the Jiang Clan alive! The voice of a man wearing white robes with red suns. Jiang Cheng backed away.

“And what was the reason for this?” Xie Lian asked.

“On the night of the invasions, the leaders of Banyue gathered together for a secret plot. The people of Banyue hated the people of Yong'an something fierce. Even knowing defeat was at hand they wouldn't back down. So the entire population gathered together, young, old, women, and men and they built something.”

“Built what?”

“Explosives.” Pei Xiu answered, slowly enunciating each word. “They decided if the Kingdom should fall then the surviving citizens should carry an explosive on their bodies and reach Yong'an, mix in with large crowds and blow themselves up to cause a riot. If they were to die, they would die dragging the Kingdom the felled them down with them.”

Xie Lian turned to Kemo and summarized what Pei Xiu had just told them before asking, “Is all of this true?”

“Yes.” Kemo's reply was instant, “Its all true.”

“How vile,” San Lang said these words in Banyue tongue. (If it was intentional, who knows.)

Kemo replied angrily. “Vile? What right do you have to call us vile!? If it wasn't for your assaults, we would not have been forced to make such a move! You ruined us so we sought revenge! How does that make us wrong?!”

Pei Xiu responded. “Really now? How about we lay everything out openly, shall we? How many Banyue citizens started riots near the border? How many caravans and travelers from Yong'an were ambushed by the people of banyue on their journey to the western region? You intentionally sheltered the bandits terrorizing Yong'an and killed any soldiers come to stop them under the false pretense of illegal border crossing. How is that NOT vile?”

Kemo argued “But it was because you forcibly occupied our land first that we sought to retaliate!”

“The border had always been ambiguous! How can you say we forcibly took it?!”

“The lines were clearly drawn! It was you who didn't keep to the agreements!”

“Those lines were drawn by Banyue People and Yong'an never agreed to them. Your supposed border was just a means to push us into the desert and keep the oasis all to yourselves.”

Kemo yelled angrily “The oasis was ours! Our forefathers, generations upon generations have been occupying that land!”

Jiang Cheng was getting tired of all the yelling. He might not be able to understand what was said but it didn't mean he wanted his ears drums to bust.

Pei Xiu had had enough, arguing with Kemo and turned to Xie Lian, “So you see, not everything can clearly be defined or resolved. You can only fight.”

“I agree with the first part.” Xie Lian said.

“I agree with the second.” San Lang replied.

“...”

Kemo's anger had been curbed somewhat and so he spoke “Pei Xiu, the people of Young'an were shameless, but of them all you were the most shameless. You didn't kill us for your country or to save your people.”

Pei Xiu fell silent.

Kemo continued. “You were the son of an exiled man, looked down on by all. You wanted to secure your place in the Yong'an army and travel up the ladder. So you killed an entire city to fulfill your wishes and dragged the girl in who thought you still good to do your dirty work.”

“Wait, but isn't Pei junior a descendant of The General Pei?” Xie Lian pondered.

“Not a direct descendant. He is from a few branches out.” San Lang replied. The red clad youth looked behind himself and raised a brow. Xie Lian followed his eyes. Jiang Cheng looked exhausted, completely done with everything, so much so that his already slightly puffy eyes were looking droopy. Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

Pei Xiu continued. “Banyue has always been my subordinate and only infiltrated the Kingdom of Banyue under my command. She is from both Banyue and Yong'an, once she chose her side she had to be loyal, so there was no such thing as betrayal. The Banyue People were evil. I have no regrets about killing them.”

“No regrets about killing them? Well said, however will you say the same thing about all those travelers you mislead?” This new voice came from somewhere above them.

Xie Lian looked up and called out “Which great master is among us?”

No response came, instead a great and powerful wind swept down into the Sinners Pit, hoisting all those at the bottom into the air. Even while being tired, Jiang Cheng panicked and grabbed onto the closest person to him, that being San Lang. Xie Lian had done the same while crying “Watch out!”

San Lang caught both of them, his face unchanging. Xie Lian tried to send out Ruoye to grab onto something but the white band only came back after being thrown around in the gust, unable to find anything to snag. Great, I'll just end up cratering head first into the ground... again... However, as Xie Lian thought those words he felt San Lang give him a good strong tug and he landed feet first on the ground when they finally came to a halt atop the wall. He was feeling quite incredulous. The feeling left when two dark forms entered his vision, one pummeling head first into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Coughing he peered down to a familiar smiling face looking up at him.

“Hi baba! Did you miss me?” Wei Wuxian smiled teasingly.

“A..A-Ying...” Xie Lian was catching his breath when he suddenly panicked, grabbing the boy's bruised face. “AH! A-Ying what happened!?”

Wei Wuxian blinked then laughed, “If you think I look bad, you should look at Nan Feng.”

Xie Lian did indeed look over at the Junior Official who was bent over looking completely disheveled, as if he'd been rolling in the dirt and attacked by a horde of beasts.

“Oh dear, did those two ladies beat you up this bad?” Nan Feng waved his hand unable to speak as three figures walked up behind him. One of them was the female cultivator in white whisk in arm.

“How do you do, Dianxia?”

Xie Lian had no idea who this lady was and so assuming proper etiquette he replied “Greetings fellow cultivator.”

The woman in black glanced at Xie Lian coldly, not seeming to care. However when her eyes landed on San Lang her face changed and froze.

Xie Lian hadn't been paying attention to this and instead allowed his eyes to fall on the smallest of the trio “You... Your Lan Wangji...”

“Wait, you know him?” Wei Wuxian pulled back in surprise and glanced between the boy and his father.

“Uh, well, not really. I ran into him at the Palace of Ling Wen not too long ago...” Xie Lian's voice drifted off remembering what the Civil Goddess had told him. “A-Ying, you weren't teasing him too badly were you?” Lan Wangji's eyebrow twitched, which was enough of an answer Xie Lian would need. “A-Ying.”

“What? I can't help it. He was being so cold and distant, and with a face like that its hard not to tease. Right Lan Zhan?” That last part was dragged out and playful.

San Lang who had removed his gaze from the woman in black, now looked at the boy in white and quirked a brow. He had noticed that all though the kids face was stony and cold as he glared at Wei Wuxian the tips of his ears had turned pink.

“Frivolous.” Lan Wangji mumbled before retreating behind the female cultivator in white. San Lang gave a funny smirk.

A-Zhao, or rather Pei Xiu bowed to the female cultivator. “Lord Wind Master.”

Xie Lian, who had been pinching little Wei Wuxian's cheeks, reprimanding the boy and telling him how he would have to apologize to Lan Wangji later snapped his head up. Once again it was like things began clicking in his head and he turned on Nan Feng. “Why didn't you tell me this was Wind Master sooner?! And here I thought she might be some vengeful snake or scorpion spirit! Such impropriety.”

Nan Feng looked a bit offended. “I didn't know it was Wind Master! Wind Master doesn't normally look... well... Oh never mind.”

Xie Lian sighed, it was most likely that Wind Master had taken on a different form then her usual one and with that he turned back to the goddess. “Why did the Wind Master come to banyue pass?”

“To help out.” Nan Feng answered. “when we saw them in the streets earlier they were looking for Banyue Soldiers.”

“Ya, but we kinda threw them off and I guess you guys ran into them instead.” Wei Wuxian added. He saw Lan Wangji peer at him from behind Wind Master and waved at the boy. Lan Wangji turned away again.

Xie Lian put a hand to his forehead. “Lan Wangji, I must apologize for my sons behavior. What ever happened between you two today, I'll make sure he makes up for it.”

The boy peered around again but only nodded, if not a bit reluctantly.

Wind Master stepped forward and knelled down in front of Pei Xiu. “Little Pei, I heard everything you know.”

Pei Xiu hung his head.

“Do you admit that, for the past two hundred years you are the one who lured all those travelers into the ancient city of banyue?”

“... It was me.” He had already been caught and there was no leg to stand on to keep arguing.

….

By the time the sun rose, the group was back at the tomb and Xie Lian held tightly to the clay pot that now housed Banyue. He was mighty thankful to Wind Master for allowing him to take her while both Pei Xiu and Kemo returned to Heaven with her. To Be honest, he wasn't worried when the others had brought up that Pei Ming might come after him for offending his palace and getting Pei Xiu arrested, as long as the general didn't drag his kids along as well, there would be no issue. He watched with a smile as San Lang pressed the powder he created of the Shanyue fern across Jiang Yanli's hand who intern was listening very intently to Wei Wuxian telling her all about his little adventure. Jiang Cheng was fast asleep, his head on his sisters lap, the boy having passed out on San Lang's back during the whole encounter with Wind Master up on top of the sinners pit.

Xie Lian frowned. He had intended to confront Fu Yao after they had finished but the Junior Official had run off at some point. Another time I guess. By that time, Tian Sheng and the other two merchants had returned with their own load of ferns and were reunited with the elder who was already back up on his feet after Xie Lian had given him some of the fern, leaving out what kind of fertilizer had been used on it. At some point Tian Sheng walked up beside him.

“Gege, I have a question for you.”

“Ask away.”

“You're actually a god aren't you?”

“...” He looked at the boy in surprise. And yet he was also touched.

Tian Sheng added. “I saw you use spells! Don't worry, I wont tell anyone.”

What's there to worry about, even if you did no one would believe you. Xie Lian thought.

The boy continued. “If it weren't for you, I'd have been thrown into that pit by a bunch of ugly ghosts. When I get home, I'll build you a temple, and worship you.” The boy patted his chest and made a very big hand gesture and Xie Lian couldn't help but laugh.

“Well, thank you then.”

After leaving the name Scarp immortal with the boy, they said their goodbyes to the merchants and the group of them headed off in the opposite direction. Sooner than later Nan Feng made another teleportation array and they walked through the door of Puqi Shrine. In one move, Xie Lian unrolled his mat and flopped down on it like a dead body. He didn't even care when Wei Wuxian flopped down right on top of him. At this point Jiang Cheng had been coaxed awake, but he didn't look like he wanted to be. Jiang Yanli, feeling much better then she had laughed a bit at her two didi's and carefully laid Wei Wuxian's dizi flute on the ground before unfurling their own mat, and having Jiang Cheng come lay down.

“How many days were we gone?” Xie Lian asked San Lang who sat down next to him with a hand propping up his chin.

“About three or four,” The youth replied.

“Three or four? Why am I so tired then?” Xie Lian sighed. He paused then sat up slightly, causing a limp Wei Wuxian to roll off his back and on to the mat next to him with a small oof. “Nan Feng? Why haven't you gone to report back to your general?”

“My general isn't in heaven right now, so he wont miss me.” Nan Feng replied.

Xie Lian smiled then stood up. “Well that's good too, If you stay.”

“What are you doing?” Nan Feng questioned.

Xie Lian looked at him cheerfully. “I'm going to cook you a meal as a thank you for all your hard work.”

All three of his kids, no matter how tired, shot him a look. Nan Feng's face dropped. He quickly put two fingers to the side of his head and feigned astonishment. He turned to leave. “There's an emergency at the Palace of Nan Yang. I need to go immediately!”

Xie Lian frowned. “What? Nan Feng don't go! How can there suddenly be an emergency? I really want to thank you for your help...”

“Emergency!” Nan Feng called out, then vanished out the door.

After a brief moment of silence Wei Wuxian began cackling and rolling around on the mat. Xie Lian sat back down on the mat next to his son.

“Guess he wasn't hungry.”

Before San Lang could reply Nan Feng slammed back open the door and pointed. “You two..”

Xie Lian and San Lang, sitting right next to each other looked at him. “What about us two?”

Nan Feng glanced between them, then at the kids, before looking back. What ever he had wanted to say was caught in his throat so he only yelled “I'll be back!”

“Your welcome anytime.” Xie Lian said with a smile.

Nan Feng gave San Lang one last stink eye before disappearing once again out the door.

“Good bye!” Jiang Yanli called out, trying her best to be polite during all the chaos.

“Guess there really was an emergency.” Xie Lian said. He snatched Wei Wuxian who was still giggling and stood up with the boy under his arm.

“Baba, haha, put me down.”

“Sorry mischief maker, but I wont be doing that anytime soon. Now, who's hungry?”

“I'm Starving.” San Lang smiled cheerfully.

Xie Lian stepped over to the altar, his son wriggling playful under his arm helpless to attempt escape. As he tidied it up with his free hand he smiled. “All right then. And might I ask what you would like to eat, Hua Cheng?”

Wei Wuxian stopped wriggling. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli spun to look in their direction, the girls eyes wide. Behind Xie Lian there was a moment of pause, and then a chuckle.

“I still prefer if you called me San Lang.”

Thump.

They all turned to Jiang Cheng who had face planted into the mat with a groan. He had had enough surprises and revelations for a whole lifetime.

Chapter Text

“Crimson Rain Sought Flower?” Xie Lian asked.

“Taizi Dianxia.” Hua Cheng replied.

Xie Lian turned ever so slightly to face him, Wei Wuxian still dangling under his arm. “That's the first time you've addressed me like that.”

The red clad youth, who still sat on the mat, propped up a leg and grinned. “How does it feel?”

“It feels... a little different then how others address me with that title.” Xie Lian replied truthfully.

“How so?”

Xie Lian tilted his head “it's hard to say, its just... oop.”

Wei Wuxian had spun in Xie Lian's hold and pushed causing his father to drop him. However the moment he hit the floor he had gotten to his hands and knees and closed the gap between him and the red clad youth, shoving his face into the others with an excited grin.

“Your Hua Cheng! Like really truly!”

Hua Cheng chuckled. “Yes.”

The boy sucked in air. “Did you really fight 33 gods? What about the blood rain? Can you really make it rain blood!? The silver butterflies are yours, I never thought butterflies could be scary but it sounds like your silver ones are deadly! If your a Ghost King do you have like ghost servants? Do-”

“A-Ying.” Hua Cheng said gently.

“???”

“ If you want me to answer even a single one of your questions, you might need to slow down.”

“...Oh...” The boy bowed his head, then looked back up sheepishly. “To be honest I think I forgot a few of them already.” This got another chuckle out of Hua Cheng.

“Hua Cheng- I mean... are we alright to still call you San Lang?” It was Jiang Yanli who spoke up, rubbing Jiang Cheng's back who was still face down in the mat, half dead to the world. “Myself and the boy's”

Hua Cheng looked up at her with a playful smile. “Why? Is there something else you'd like to call me?”

Jiang Yanli hadn't expected a return question and sat there speechless. “Uhm well...”

“Hua gege!” Wei Wuxian said enthusiastically, then immediately scrunched up his nose. “No, that wont work cause you call baba gege. But it be REALLY weird to call you Hua Cheng Shushu-” the man in questioned barked out a laugh. “- and San Lang, not to be rude, doesn't sound as cool as Hua Cheng.”

“The mental gymnastics you go through is astounding little one.” Hua Cheng laughed, ruffling the boys hair. “and if you don't like San Lang then You cant use it at all.” He was obviously teasing with that last line.

“Hua-gege doesn't sound so bad.” Jiang Yanli laughed. “I just find it much more interesting to be able to use such a term to talk about someone as interesting as you.”

“Well, lets put it this way.” San Lang snatched up Wei Wuxian and stood up holding the boy upside down, who intern called out in surprise but laughing none the less. “You call me that but only you three ever will get to call me that.”

“Put me down! Hahaha Put me down! I'm going to get dizzy!” Wei Wuxian laughed.

“San Lang.” Xie Lian was also giggling at the sight. It was so unlike what he had thought a Ghost King might act like, but it wasn't unwelcome.

“Put you down? Where? Outside?” He started walking toward the door and the thirteen year old playfully screamed.

“No! No! On the ground! On the ground!”

“But there's ground outside?” Hua Cheng teased.

“Inside!” Hua Cheng carefully dropped him and the boy crawled away laughing, quickly hiding behind his sister, his face all red from smiling.

“too loud.” Jiang Cheng's voice was muffled, but clear.

Xie Lian only shook his head, chuckling a bit himself. He turned back to Hua Cheng to continue their previous conversation. “That night on Mount Yujun, the groom who whisked me away was you, right?”

Hua Cheng turned and gave Xie Lian a deep and meaningful smile, which made the man realize just how ambiguous that question sounded.

“I meant the groom in disguise who led me away was you, right?”

“I wasn't disguising myself as the groom.” Hua Cheng replied.

Jiang Yanli giggled and Xie Lian's cheeks went a light shade of pink. He took a deep breath.

“Fine. Fine. Then why did you appear like that?”

“This question has two possible answers.” Hua Cheng said stepping up to be face to face with Xie Lian. “The first is that I specifically came to see You, Dianxia. Second, is that I was just passing by and had some free time. Which do you find more believable?”

Xie Lian mentally counted the day's Hua Cheng had spent with him and his kids and replied honestly “Which is more believable, I can't say. But you do seem to have a lot of free time.”

“Hey Hua-gege!” Wei Wuxian called out teasingly, “Did baba look pretty in his wedding dress?”

“A-Ying!” Xie Lian called out quite flustered, the slight red returning to his face.

“hmmm. Maybe I should dump you outside.” Hua Cheng teased back, stepping over to grab him out from behind Jiang Yanli.

“Jiejie save me!”

“I probably couldn't if I tried.” his sister laughed.

Hua Cheng reached around and gently flicked the boy in the head, who stuck his tongue out at the one in red.

“You are quite different from what the rumors say.” Xie Lian said.

“Oh?” Hua Cheng looked back at him. “And how did Dianxia find out I am Crimson Rain Sought Flower?”

It's not like you were trying very hard to hide yourself, Xie Lian thought but he obliged with an answer regardless. “Even after all my probing, you gave nothing away, so you must be a supreme. You dress all in red like maple leaves, like blood, you seem to know everything, seem capable of anything, and know no fear. And such magnanimity- other than Crimson Rain Sought Flower, who all the heaven officials fear, there didn't seem to be anyone else you could be.”

Hua Cheng laughed “May I take those words as a compliment?”

Can't you tell they're compliments? Xie Lian thought.

“Sparing so many words, how come Dianxia doesn't question my motives in getting close to you?” Hua Cheng asked. His smile curbed somewhat.

“If you didn't want to say anything and I asked, would you tell? Or you might not tell me the truth.”

“That's not necessarily true.” Hua Cheng said. “Besides you can always kick me out.”

Wei Wuxian poked his head out from behind Jiang Yanli again “But you won't, right? Hua-gege can stay, right?”

Jiang Cheng turned his head and looked at Hua Cheng then sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“Don't worry, even if I did kick him out he and wanted to do something bad he could just change skin and come back, hmmm?” Xie Lian replied.

Hua Cheng smiled at him and he smiled back.

Knock Knock

Everyone's attention was drawn to a small black clay pot, rolling on the ground.

“Banyue?” Jiang Cheng asked.

It was indeed the pot that Banyue had been put in and it had rolled away from where Xie Lian had set it by his mat and was now rolling into the door, trying to get outside. Xie Lian walked over and slid open the door, and the jar rolled outside into the grass before righting itself, giving off the feeling of it looking at the night sky.

“You three get some rest, I'll be right back.” Xie Lian said before following. Hua Cheng looked at them and gave a small nod before following their father outside.

Wei Wuxian watched after them before looking at his sister. “How's jiejie's hand doing?”

Jiang Yanli looked down at her hand. All that remained was two small scabs on the back. “It doesn't hurt anymore, and there's no sign of the swelling. Must be good then.” She smiled at Wei Wuxian. Her eyes suddenly widened. “Oh! A-Ying, I forgot.” She pulled his flute from her sleeve and handed it over to him. “I never returned it, here.”

Wei Wuxian reached for it but paused, pulling his hand back.

“A-Ying?”

“It's because I lost it you got bit in the first place.”

“No.” Jiang Cheng spoke up. “It was A-Zha- I mean, that General Pei Juniors fault. He summoned the snakes. Not you.”

“See, you can't blame yourself.” Jiang Yanli added. “Besides, I'd rather get bitten by a thousand snakes then see you two get hurt.”

“No way!” Wei Wuxian snapped. “I won't let anyone hurt my jiejie!” He snatched the flute and stood up, brandishing it like a sword. “From this day forward I will get better and tougher and stronger to protect everyone-”

Wei Wuxian stopped short and began staring at the flute in his hand. For some odd reason he started thinking of Lan Wangji, and how he used his guqin to help Earth and Wind master in their fight against the Banyue Soldiers. I wonder....

“You know, if your going to protect anyone you can't get this easily distracted.” Jiang Cheng said rubbing his eyes.

“Huh?” Wei Wuxian asked.

Jiang Yanli giggled and Jiang Cheng sighed flopping back down onto the mat. “I'm going to sleep.”

Wei Wuxian thought about picking on his brother, then thought better of it. Jiang Yanli smiled at the two but then had an odd look on her face. “When we left, Fu Yao wasn't with us. What happened to him? I thought he stayed with me and the merchants but I was so out of it I'm not... sure if... A-Cheng?” She stopped talking when she noticed the boys face grow twisted. He noticed the other two watching him.

“It's nothing.” Jiang Cheng said rolling over to face the wall.

“He said something again didn't he?” Wei Wuxian asked darkly.

“Said what again? Did something happen?” Jiang Yanli questioned looking between the two.

“No.” Both boy's answered at the same time.

Jiang Yanli looked at both of them and sighed. “How your acting makes that very unbelievable. A-Cheng, what ever happened you know your jiejie's right here for you. If Fu Yao said something to upset you I'm sure baba will-”

“Baba already knows.” Jiang Cheng said firmly.

There was silence, it lasted a bit too long and it was very uncomfortable. However by the time Wei Wuxian had leaned over to tell his brother a joke he found him already fast asleep.

“Man he really was tired.” Wei Wuxian whispered to Jiang Yanli. She smiled slightly but then looked down. Her face started to darken and no one spoke again for another long silence.

“A-Ying, I'm not a burden am I?”

Wei Wuxian eyes practically bulged at this question and he shot his sister a surprised look. “What is that even supposed to mean? Why would anyone think your a burden?!”

“Shh.” She shushed him gently nodding to Jiang Cheng. “Let him sleep.” She waved him over and the two sat down on the floor in front of the altar.

She let Wei Wuxian get comfortable before she spoke. “I'm not trying do degrade myself if that's what you think I'm doing. It's just... You two have chosen cultivation, you even have golden cores. You two are able to keep up with baba and help him when ever he needs you and your both so strong. It makes me very proud to have you two as my didi's... but....”

“But?” Wei Wuxian leaned forward.

“But, after this last trip... I'm worried I made the wrong choice. To not go the path of cultivation. I know my cultivation is low, and back then.... before, I never thought I'd need to learn anything.”

She thought to the days at Lotus Peer where she would often spend them cooking and playing with the cultivation students before being scolded by her mother on acting like a lady, and what was decent and what was indecent. Those day's she wasn't forced to do anything cause someone else could do it for her, and yet she loved to do things herself. Even after the fall of Lotus Peer and the three of them being taken in by their baba, Xie Lian had tried to make sure she didn't want for the basic of necessities and never forced her to do anything she didn't want to do.

“I don't want to cause any grief, for anyone. I'm glad you want to protect me A-Ying but I also feel like you shouldn't have to. And this isn't about being older or feeling like I'm entirely at fault, just that I care about you and A-Cheng. I care about baba too, and what would happen if I'm the one you all might need to rely on one day. If I'm not strong enough to keep up with you, then how will I ever be strong enough to stand by you? To not have you all worry about me?”

Wei Wuxian looked at her long and hard, but he didn't frown or look down trodden, instead he smiled like he always did. “Jiejie is strong. She is a strong cook cause she makes delicious food, She has a strong voice cause she sings so pretty, and she's a strong sister cause she's got a big heart.”

“Oh, A-Ying-”

“I'm not finished!” He declared, but quickly covered his mouth and checked to see if he woke up Jiang Cheng. When he found he hadn't he continued. “What I want to say is, that if Jiejie want's to become strong in cultivation or fighting or whatever cause she thinks it will help us, then do it cause you want to not cause you think you need to. And if you do choose to get stronger like that.” He grinned mischievously, “Then one day all three of us can kick Fu Yao's ass!”

“A-Ying.”

“What? It's not like he doesn't deserve it.” Wei Wuxian pouted.

“Who doesn't deserve what?” Both kids jumped slightly and looked up at their baba and Hua Cheng who had just stepped back in to the shrine, Xie Lian closing the door behind him.

“How's Banyue?” Wei Wuxian asked, unintentionally avoiding the question.

Xie Lian looked at his son then frowned a bit. “She... she needs some time to herself.”

“Sigh. ”Wei Wuxian was very dramatic. “To think a girl could be used in such evil. Shame.”

Hua Cheng made an interesting face and Xie Lian shook his head, but Wei Wuxian continued. “What could have forced her to stay in such a wretched place.”

“Banyue stayed at Banyue Pass willingly.” Xie Lian answered.

“Oh.”

Xie Lian shook his head. “If General Pei junior didn't want to leave those Banyue Soldiers behind and also didn't want the heavens to find out, he could have easily sent out a clone to secretly descend and take care of them instead of all this nonsensical killing. Why even do it that way?”

“Clones don't have the same amount of power.” Hua Cheng spoke up. “You saw how Pei Xiu's clone A-Zhao was? He couldn't take care of so many Banyue soldiers, so feeding them the living was the fastest way to disperse their resentment.”

“But why did it have to be so fast?” Xie Lian wondered.

“Maybe so little Banyue didn't have to hang so painfully so many times.” Hua Cheng replied.

The two kids who were still awake looked at each other uncomfortably.

“At the very least she doesn't have to be there anymore...” Jiang Yanli mumble.

There was a time of silence an then Xie Lian asked. “And what about the mortals.”

Hua Cheng's reply was cold and quiet. “They're heavenly officials. Mortals are nothing but ant's in their eyes. Pei Xiu is just a classic highly ranked god. As long as no one found out, killing a few hundred people is no different then stomping on a few hundred ants.”

Wei Wuxian's wrinkled his nose. “Why does heaven never sound as appealing as people make it out to be? If Ascension only turns you into a jerk why become a god at all?”

“That's not the entirety of it.” Xie Lian said calmly bending down so he was face to face with his boy. “I ascended and you don't think I'm a jerk do you?”

Wei Wuxian pretended to think about that which got him a pinch on the cheek. He laughed then shook his head.

“Now, I understand if you think that way about Pei Xiu and even Fu Yao, but what about Nan Feng? He might be only a Junior Official but I don't think you kids have a bad opinion about him?”

Wei Wuxian shook his head. “Nah, Nan Feng is just kinda silly, I don't think he's a jerk... Fu Yao can get a Scorpion Snake bite to his ass though.”

“A-Ying...” Xie Lian placed a hand to his forehead. “Language little one.”

“Well then can I call him Trash? That's what Hua-gege said he was.”

“Oh? Now your dragging me into this?” Hua Cheng asked with a playful grin.

“That's enough.” Xie Lian said with a tired smile. “I think it's time you two get to bed.”

“Ok baba.” Jiang Yanli said with a smile, as she got up to join Jiang Cheng on the mat. Wei Wuxian however, rolled over and sprawled out on his fathers mat. “Okay, goodnight.”

“My Xiao Xiong is a menace.” Xie Lian said as he walked over and lifted the boy off.

“But Baba! I want to stay with you!” He whined like a toddler.

“Aren't you getting too old for this?” Xie Lian laughed, setting the boy down on the edge of the other mat.

“No. I'm still baba's little baby. Wah!”

“Go to sleep.”

Wei Wuxian gave a half pout, but just as well flopped onto his side and faced away from his father.

Xie Lian sighed but was smiling. He stood up and turned back to Hua Cheng. As he looked at the ghost king's appearance a thought came to mind. “You said clones don't have the same amount of power? I see yours is pretty powerful then?”

Hua Cheng raised a brow. “It would be, but I'm the real deal.”

“Eh, this is your true form?”

“One hundred percent authentic.” Hua Cheng declared.

Without thinking, Xie Lian lifted a finger and poked Hua Cheng's face.

Silence.

Oh no! Xie Lian thought, mentally berating himself. To have someone suddenly poke him, Hua Cheng was a bit shocked as well but regained his calm composure fairly quickly. His already arched brow was now even higher as he gave Xie Lian a questioning look. Two sets of giggles came from somewhere behind him, so Xie Lian turned only to see the flicker of movement from where his two, not yet asleep, kids pretended to be. He looked back and at his finger before hiding that hand behind his back.

“...Not bad....”

Hua Cheng burst out laughing, before crossing his arms and looking at Xie Lian with a smile. “What's not bad? Do you mean this skin?”

“Yeah, it's quite good.” Xie Lian replied. “But...”

“But What?” Hua Cheng asked.

Xie Lian stared at his face, as if studying it for just a moment. “ But can I see your real face.”

Since Hua Cheng had said 'this skin,' it obviously meant that although the body was his true form, this skin was not. This face wasn't his true face.

Hua Cheng didn't respond. Instead he dropped his arms and looked away, Xie Lian swearing he saw a shadow pass across those eyes. Feeling like he may have crossed a line Xie Lian quickly spoke again.

“I was just asking; don't take it to heart.”

Hua Cheng closed his eyes, but then smiled gently. “I'll let you see it someday, If there's a chance.”

Xie Lian grinned. “Than I will wait for the day you feel its okay to show me. Now lets rest.”

Although he originally did plan to cook something, it was obvious himself and his children (Especially Jiang Cheng) were too tired to even think about food, so he decided to let them sleep and he also laid down on the straw mat. Hua Cheng laid down next to him and pillowed his head with his arm. Xie Lian copied the motion before asking, “The Ghost Realm seems so idle. Don't you guys ever need to report back to anyone?”

Hua Cheng propped up his leg. “Report to whom? I'm the biggest one there is. Besides we all mind our own business, no one bothers anyone.”

On the other side of the shrine, Wei Wuxian had fallen asleep regardless of how reluctant he had been before, but Jiang Yanli was still awake listening to her father and Crimson Rain's conversation.

“Is that so?”Xie Lian replied. “I thought it be like the Upper Court, with a central government. If its like that have you met any other Ghost King's before?”

“I have.” Hua Cheng replied.

“Like the green ghost Qi Rong?”

“You mean that lowly vulgar trash?”

Jiang Yanli remembered vaguely hearing the two Junior Officials and her father talk about him in passing but hadn't thought too much of it. Maybe it's cause I thought he'd be just a conversation... I hope we don't run into him though... he sounds Awful.

Hua Cheng continued, “I greeted him then he ran away.”

Xie Lian didn't think it was probably an average sort of greeting. His hunch was right.

“And then I received the moniker crimson rain sought flower.”

Oh dear. Jiang Yanli thought.

What an extraordinary greeting, Xie Lian thought. “Do you have something against the Green Ghost Qi Rong?”

“Yeah.” Hua Cheng answered.

“What that?”

“I can't stand his face.”

Xie Lian heard a small giggle and looked over where his kids were asleep. “A-Li? Are we keeping you up?”

“Hmmm? No, just don't have it in me to be tired.” She sat up deciding to join in a bit on the conversation. “Is the Green Ghost really so despicable?”

“Heaven thinks so.” Xie Lian answered. “the Officials of the Upper Court call him Vulgar, I even heard the Ghost Realm scorns him.” He looked at Hua Cheng. “Is it true.”

“It's True. Even Black Water is disgusted with him.” Hua Cheng replied.

“Black Water? Oh, do you mean the one they call 'Ship Sinking Black Water?'” Xie Lian asked, recalling what Ling Wen had told him.

“That's right, he's also known as Black Water Demon Xuan.”

“He's another Supreme Ghost King, yes?” Jiang Yanli asked.

Xie Lian looked at Hua Cheng earnestly “Yes. San Lang, are you and this Demon Xuan close?”

“No,” Hua Cheng replied lazily. “There aren't many in the Ghost Realm I'm close with.”

Now Xie Lian was amazed. “Is that so? I thought you'd have many subordinates. Maybe our definition of close is different?”

Hua Cheng quirked a brow. “Yeah. In the Ghost Realm, those lower then supreme have no right to speak to me.”

“Sounds lonely.” The words hadn't been meant to be said aloud but they kind of just slipped out of Jiang Yanli's mouth.

“It's not that bad.” Hua Cheng replied.

“Well I say,” Xie Lian sighed. “It seems you have it good in the Ghost Realm. Unlike it's small size, Heaven is so big that I can hardly remember the names of most in the Upper Court and that's not even adding the Middle Court. It's like an ocean of names.”

“What good is it to remember them? Don't bother. It's a waste of your brain.” Hua Cheng said.

“haha. Its kind of offensive if you can't remember their names.” Xie Lian laughed.

“I think he has a point.” Jiang Yanli added. She was going to say something about starting small with the people he runs into the most often but Hua Cheng spoke first clicking his tongue.

“Of course It's a good point. If someone can be so offended by such a small thing then they are nothing but narrow minded trash.”

“Ah.” Jiang Yanli smiled shyly.

Xie Lian looked back toward the wooden door of the shrine. “Banyue, that child, I wonder when she will come back in...” There was a moment of silence.

Just as Jiang Yanli was about to lay back down Hua Cheng spoke up again. “Those were good words.”

“Which ones?” Xie Lian asked.

“I want to save the world, the common people.”

Jiang Yanli was caught off guard when she saw her father suddenly curl up in a ball and covered his face with both of his hands.

“...San Lang...”

“baba?”

“Hm? What's wrong with those words?” Hua Cheng had nudged closer to Xie Lian.

“It's silly. I don't want my kids hearing that...”

“What's so silly? What are you talking about?” Jiang Yanli was even more intrigued. Those words sounded poetic to her so it was odd that her father would get upset by them.

“To dare speak of the people of the world, whether to save or destroy them, is admirable. The former is harder then the latter, so its even more respectable.” Hua Cheng said.

Xie Lian peeked out from behind his fingers to see his daughter staring at him, she still was looking for a proper answer. He sighed, didn't know if he should laugh or cry. He flipped back onto his back and used an arm to cover his eyes. “It was just something I told Banyue a long time ago and she took it to heart... I said sillier things when I was younger...”

“Oh?” Hua Cheng laughed. “Like what?”

Her baba rarely spoke about things from his past, save the few he could pass on as life lessons for herself and the boys. But he almost never spoke of his first ascension or banishment (or second banishment for that matter.) and in doing so didn't speak much about his time as Taizi Dianxia of Xianle... and so Jiang Yanli couldn't help but listen intently to what her father was about to say.

Xie Lian seemed pensive for a moment but in the end he smiled, chasing a memory. “A very Long time ago I met someone who told me they couldn't live any longer. They asked me for the reason they were alive and what was the meaning of their life.” He glanced at Hua Cheng. “Do you know what I said?”

It could have been the glint of the fire light that passed through Hua Cheng's eyes when he looked back at Xie Lian. He asked softly “How did you answer?”

Xie Lian glanced at Jiang Yanli, then his sleeping boys, and finally back at Hua Cheng. “I told them, 'If you don't know how to live on anymore, then live for me! If you don't know the meaning of your life, then make me that meaning, and use me as your reason to live.”

Jiang Yanli's eyes widened but what ever thoughts she had were cut off by her fathers sudden laughter.

“Ha ha ha... Even now I don't understand what I was thinking back then.” Xie Lian shook his head. “How did I ever have the courage to tell someone to make me their reason to live...”

Hua Cheng was silent so Xie Lian continued. “It really was something said long ago when I thought I was invincible and fearless. If you asked me to say those words again now, they would never leave my lips.”

“...” Jiang Yanli felt her heart tighten, almost a bit sad. Yes, one might say the words were arrogant but they were clearly meaningful as well. And to whomever those words had been for, she was certain that person was eternally grateful.

Xie Lian said the next words carefully. “I don't know whatever became of that person, but to become someone's reason to live is already a great and heavy burden. How can I dare speak of the world.”

It was one of the many times that night an uncomfortable silence filled Puqi Shrine. Xie Lian peered over at his daughter.

“A-Li, please get some sleep. You've been through a lot and need the rest.”

“Alright baba.” She said as she obediently rolled onto her side and closed her eyes.

It wasn't long after, when he was sure the girl was asleep, Hua Cheng quietly spoke again. “Something like saving the common people, it really doesn't matter how you do it. But, although brave, it is foolish.”

“Yeah.” Xie Lian replied.

Hua Cheng continued “Although foolish, it's brave.”

Xie Lian looked at the one in red and let himself smile ever so slightly. “Thanks.”

“Your Welcome.”

They both starred up at the hole covered ceiling of Puqi shrine for a while, Xie Lian thinking about how soon he was going to need to patch them up or get the kids some blankets. Ah, I still need to look into getting the boys new outer robes.... Xie Lian frowned at the mental list of necessities that was getting longer and longer.

“You know Dianxia,” Hua Cheng spoke up pulling Xie Lian out of his thoughts. “We've only known each other for a few days. Is it all right for you to say so much to me?”

“Well,” Xie Lian huffed, “What's the problem? Whatever. Those who have known each other for decades can become strangers in a day. We met by chance, and we may part by chance. If we like each other, we'll continue to meet; if we don't then we will part. At the end of the day there is no banquet in the world that doesn't come to an end, so lets take it easy and I'll say what I want to say.”

Hua Cheng chuckled.... then suddenly became very serious. “If...”

“If?” Xie Lian turned to face him.

Hua Cheng didn't look at him, instead he continued to look at the ceiling. “If I was ugly...”

“Huh?”

Hua Cheng then turned to face him. “If my true appearance was ugly, would you still want to see it?”

Xie Lian was taken aback. “Is it? Although there is no real reason, I never thought your true appearance would be too horrible looking.”

“Who knows?” Hua Cheng said half joking, “What if I'm discolored, disfigured, ugly, monstrous, and horrible. What will you do?”

So the overlord of the ghost realm, the one called devil incarnate, the bane of heaven, cares about how he looks? Xie Lian thought it funny... then thought some more and decided it really wasn't. Some of the rumors described Crimson Rain Sought Flower as having been discriminated from a very young age for his appearance due to some kind of disfigurement. If that was true then of course the topic of his appearance would be a sensitive one.

“Well...” he chewed on his words before finally speaking with a warm and sincere voice. “To be honest, the real reason I want to see your true appearance is cause we're already like this.”

“Like what?” Hua Cheng piped up.

“... Well, we're sort of friends now, right? So if we're friends, then we should be honest with each other. Me wanting to see your true appearance has nothing to do with how you look. You asked what I would do, then of course I won't do anything. Don't worry, as long as its your real face I'm sure I'll- what's so funny? I'm being serious.”

While he had been talking, he had turned to look at Hua Cheng and noticed him shaking, for a moment believing he was moved but quickly heard the soft fits of laughter and felt deflated. He placed a hand on Hua Cheng's shoulder and gave him a little push.

“San Lang, why are you laughing so much? Your as bad as A-Ying. Did I really say something wrong?”

Hua Cheng immediately stopped shaking and turned around. “No, you're very right.”

Xie Lian felt more deflated. “Your so insincere...”

“I promise, you won't find another person more sincere then me in this world.” Hua Cheng replied.

Xie Lian didn't want to talk anymore, so he flipped around his back now facing Hua Cheng. “Forget it. Time to Sleep. Don't talk.”

Hua Cheng chuckled again... then said “Next time.”

Although he had been the one to say not to talk Xie Lian couldn't resist “What's next time?”

“Next time,” Hua Cheng whispered “When we meet, I will use my true appearance to greet you.”

Not long after, when neither spoke again, Xie Lian drifted off to sleep.

…

When Xie Lian woke up the next morning, no one laid in the bed next to him... But Wei Wuxian had once again found his way on top of his father in the middle of the night. Xie Lian sighed and slowly peeled the boy off of himself and carefully laid him down on the mat before quietly walking to the door as the other two were also still fast asleep. When he stepped outside there was no one to be seen, but the leaves had been swept into a pile and a black clay pot sat next to it.

Hua Cheng had indeed left.

Xie Lian bent down and picked up the pot, before quietly re entering the shrine and placed it on the altar. But that's when he noticed something peculiar. He reached up with his hand and found that, just below his cursed collar was a thin chain, hanging loose and light. When he pulled it up into his hand to find a silver chain, and from that chain a crystal clear ring.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji sat, back straight and poised, carefully making sure each stroke of his brush was precise and accurate as he took notes from one of the hundreds of cultivation books in the study. His eyes wandered over to some red cinnabar ink and he paused. A red ribbon.... He furrowed his brow and went back to working on his notes. Just as he was finishing and about to flip the page in the book, he heard foot steps.... but they weren't Wind Masters....

He stopped and looked up just as a familiar but unexpected person entered the study. Lan Wangji stood and gave a curt bow “General Ming Guan, what brings you here?”

Pei Ming looked the boy over with a half hearted grin. “To speak with you actually.”

“...”

Pei Ming looked around the study before returning his gaze to Lan Wangji, “I wanted to ask you a few questions about the Banyue Pass incident, just a bit of your perspective on the case, that's all.”

Lan Wangji stood up straight and tilted his head ever so slightly, his face as usual lacking any emotion.

“I was wondering about some of the people you may have run into, if maybe you had some incite on the state preceptor girl or maybe the red-clad youth that was with Dianxia?”

red.... Lan Wangji gave himself a mental slap before shaking his head, “I didn't speak to either.”

“Truly? Nothing at all? Is there anything you found suspi-”

“General Pei!” Pei Ming turned slightly, an annoyed look on his face, as Shi Qingxuan stepped quickly into the study and pressed his fan into the mans chest. “what do you think your doing, harassing my poor didi!?”

Pei Ming chuckled, “Harassing? I was simply asking him some questions. Isn't that right Lan Wangji?” The boy nodded and Pei Ming turned back to Shi Qingxuan. “See? No harm here.”

“Hmph! If this is about the Banyue case, please leave. Lan Wangji didn't even see most of what happened! he got into a fight with one of Dianxia's boys and it took up quite a bit of his time.”

Lan Wangji froze. Red ribbon, grey eyes, handsome face, smiling face. He distinctly remembers being pinned down to the ground, arms and legs, by that boy. Wei Ying... he could have knocked him off, could have beat him quickly and thrown him off... but...

“Ah, yes, Pei junior mentioned something about that. I wonder if I ...could...” Pei Ming had mindlessly looked back at Lan Wangji and was surprised by the oddness about the boy. Instead of that cold apathetic expression that always made the General uncomfortable around the kid, the boy's brows were knitted, his shoulders tense, but most importantly there was a pink color at the tips of his ears.

Pei Ming chuckled “Little Jade? Did you really get in a fight with Taiza Dianxia's boy? I wonder what kind of person he is to have you so wound up.”

“Frivolous!” Lan Wangji snapped, not looking the man in the face.

“Pei Ming! Leave him alone! The kid picked on him so much already, don't you start doing it too!” Shi Qingxuan said.

“Is that so?” He gave Lan Wangji one more look before, putting up his hands. “Alright, it seems I won't be getting anything more out of this so I'll take my leave.” He started back out the door then paused. “The Heavenly Emperor will be returning soon. By weeks end the trail will commence.” He turned to the Wind Master. “I'll most likely see you again soon.”

“Count on it.” Shi Qingxuan said before flicking open his fan and turning his back on the General.

…

It had been a few days since Hua Cheng left. During those said days, Xie Lian and Jiang Cheng had mostly stayed idle, often sleeping off their exhaustion. Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian kept themselves busy with different things. Jiang Yanli, on one hand, would go help some of the villagers with small tasks like sewing, cooking, farming, anything within her ability to do so. Wei Wuxian on the other hand... he would help here and there, but would occasionally be caught teasing the local girls or getting into some mischief by chasing animals or stealing non essential nick knacks. On the day some villagers came to Puqi Shrine to deliver some offerings of steamed buns and congee, a few mentioned the mischief maker and Xie Lian spent the next several hours having the boy recite the ethics sutra, and write a few apology letters to the people he'd offended. It was while having him write such a letter that he recalled someone else who needed an apology from his boy.

“A-Ying, when your done with this letter I'd like you to come up with a means to apologies to Lan Wangji.”

The boy who had been pouting as he crudely scribbled down some characters, suddenly perked at the mention of that name. “Lan Zahn? Hay, baba when can I see him again? He was such a funny character, I really want to see him again!”

“Oh... uhm...” Xie Lian paused a moment, thinking hard about that question, but more importantly the things Ling Wen had told him. He looked over at his other two kids. Jiang Yanli was currently setting up her partition wall that Xie Lian had finally found the time to construct, and Jiang Cheng was meditating on the cushion. “A-Cheng, A-Yanli, will you two come here a moment.”

The two obliged and quickly sat facing their father. Xie Lian took a breath and then spoke. “So, first and for most, there may or may not be a day where I may take you three with me to heaven. You all have probably already gotten an impression of how some gods act, and... well.... I don't want you all getting upset if... I'm not exactly the most popular god in heaven, and there is a high chance their contempt for me might be rubbed off on you three.

“As for you seeing Lan Wangji again, it is very much a possibility. However...” Xie Lian scratched his cheek. “That boy... he has something in common with you three... which is why I want you to be a bit more respectful of him A-Ying.”

“What do you mean?” Wei Wuxian asked, tilting his head slightly. Xie Lian gave the three of them an uncomfortable look.

“Children.... Lan Wangji and his older brother used to be part of a cultivation sect.... but something happened... almost six years ago...”All three children's expressions dropped. “I believe the clan was called the Lan Clan of Gusu? It seems... The Wen clan attacked them as well.”

After he finished speaking all three teens looked pale. Wei Wuxian opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it and began fiddling with the brush in his hand.

“I know this is a hard topic for you three.” Xie Lian continued. “Which is why I hope you all understand that it's probably also hard for Lan Wangji. A-Ying, I'm glad you seem interested in befriending him but maybe tone your teasing down. Just a little. Please.”

Wei Wuxian looked up at his baba, blinked a few times, then grinned. “Okay, baba. I'll try. But it might be hard. Every time I look at how serious he is I just wanna tease him.”

“He looked like he wanted to kill you.” Jiang Cheng said.

“Eh?” Wei Wuxian faked offense. “Me? Who would ever wanna kill me? I'm adorable!”

As the two boy's continued bickering Jiang Yanli had finally made up her mind about something.

“Baba.”

“Yes, A-Li?”

“Would.... would it be too late for me to start working on my cultivation?”

Xie Lian blinked. Jiang Cheng choked on what ever sarcastic remark he had been saying to his brother and spun around to face his sister with a surprised expression. It was only Wei Wuxian who didn't act surprised, instead his eyes were brimming with excitement.

“Jiejie! Your really going to try? Really?”

“Hold on, A-Yanli, what brought this on so suddenly?” Xie Lian asked.

“I've been thinking things over since we got back from Banyue, and I've decided that I'd like to try at cultivation. I want to be able to help you in what ever way I can, to stand by you three. Even if I'm never going to be on equal footing, it will still be on my own two feet.” her words were determined and true. “Baba, I'd like it if I could start properly cultivating.”

Xie Lian watched his daughter very carefully, but in the end he could only give her a warm smile. “My Xiao Hua, when did you grow up so quickly? Alright then. Starting tomorrow you can join your brothers during their training, But as a start I only want you doing a fifth of what they do in physical training until your ready, is that fair?”

Jiang Yanli smiled, rushing to her feet and giving her father a big hug. “Yes baba. Very fair. Thank you.”

…

Another day had past at Puqi shrine and Jiang Yanli had joined her two brothers on their training. They spent most of the morning in training stamina then meditation. Once evening had arrived, Jiang Yanli was content but exhausted and headed to bed early. Around noon time, Xie Lian had gone off to town to see about two new outer robes for his boys and Jiang Cheng had decided to go practice with Zidian off somewhere by himself, leaving Wei Wuxian all by his lonesome.... or was he? He was careful not to wake his sister, eyeing the partition wall for any signs of movement as he snuck across the shrine toward the altar. Leaning down he whispered to a little black clay pot.

“Knock two times if your awake.”

There was a moment of quiet then

Knock Knock

Wei Wuxian smiled and ever so gently lifted the pot and walked outside. Under a nearby tree he sat down and held the pot in his lap.

“Your names Banyue right? I didn't get to properly meet you before cause you were out of it when I first saw you. I'm Wei Wuxian by the way. But you can call me A-Ying.”

“It's nice to meet you A-Ying.” Banyue replied from inside the pot.

Wei Wuxian smiled. “Yes, yes, very nice to meet you as well. But enough of the introductions, I must ask if a pretty thing like you, might just maybe...” He lowered his voice. “Show me how to summon the scorpion snakes... Not now of course but maybe someday.”

“... I don't think General Hua would be okay with that.”

“General Hua... Oh you mean baba. He doesn't have to know.”

“A-Ying, that's lying. I don't wanna lie to General Hua.”

“Fine, Fine. I won't ask you to teach me. Sigh.” Wei Wuxian leaned back against the tree and stared up into its leaves. He tapped his feet to the ground and began to hum.

“A-Ying, may I ask you a question?”

“Hmm?”

“Why did you call me a 'pretty thing'?”

Wei Wuxian paused. He slowly looked down at the pot. “...Cause your pretty?” He wasn't sure how else to answer a question like that.

“Am I really?”

“...Banyue... has no one ever called you pretty before?”

“Uhm... I don't know.”

Wei Wuxian began to feel awkward. Normally when he would flirt or tease a girl they would either giggle or give him the stink eye. Never had he had a girl get utterly confused, it made him confused.

“Just forget what I said. Wait no. You need to know your pretty, just... Ya...” Wei Wuxian fidgeted with his hair then looked back up at the sky. He saw a few clouds passing just overhead, the near setting sun giving them an orange tint. Clouds. His mind wandered to a certain stone faced boy with a forehead ribbon that had clouds on it. He smiled to himself and began tapping his feet again.

“You seem happy about something. Do you mind telling me?” Banyue asked.

“Hmm, oh, I'm just thinking about Lan Zahn. Oh right, he was a boy I met when we were in the banyue ruins. Me and him got into a fight cause that's when I thought wind master was you and I didn't know who you were yet.”

“Your smiling about someone you fought?”

“It's more then that... I think.” Wei Wuxian had a puzzled look on his face. “I don't know why but I really want to see him again. He probably doesn't though. Jiang Cheng thinks he hates me.”

“Why does he think that?”

“Because Lan Zahn got really annoyed when I teased him. But I tease everyone... I do think teasing him was kinda fun though. He seemed so frigid and emotionless, I couldn't help but try and see if I could break that frosty attitude.”

“Isn't that a bit mean?”

“Eh? I don't think so... Well maybe. Baba wants me to apologize to him the next time I see him... maybe I should get him an apology gift. What do you think Banyue? What kind of gift do you think a boring person would like.”

“Uhm... I... A-Ying I think your being a little rude.”

“Rude? Probably.” He laughed. “Come on. Do you got any ideas? I'm empty on ideas.”

“Let me think.” Banyue went silent so Wei Wuxian began swaying back and forth as he waited for her to answer.

As he sat there his eyes were caught by something small moving around near the edge of the yard. He looked over and when he saw what it was he suddenly had an idea.

…

When Xie Lian returned to Puqi shrine that night he walked in to a simple but slightly funny sight. Jiang Yanli had left a plate of food for him on the altar table but was already out for the night, Jiang Cheng was sitting on one of the stools reading one of the scrolls Xie Lian had collected a while back, and Wei Wuxian was sitting on Xie Lians mat swaying a little as he tried to stay awake while holding Banyue's pot.

“My Xiao Xiong, why are you covered in so much dirt?” Xie Lian laughed placing his sack next to the door before strolling over and using his sleeve to rub some of the said dirt from Wei Wuxian's face. The boy smiled tired yet mischievously at him, however when he opened his mouth to speak a yawn came out instead. Xie Lian laughed and looked down at the black pot. “Banyue, A-Ying wasn't bothering you too much was he?”

“No, he's fine, but uhm... General Hua he...”

“Banyuuuuuuuuee...” Wei Wuxian lifted the pot to his face which looked tired and grumpy. “You promised...”

“Promised what?” Xie Lian asked.

Banyue went silent and Wei Wuxian put a finger to his lips and grinned. “It's a secret. Shhhhhh.”

“A-Ying looks like he needs some sleep, but.” Xie Lian stood up and returned to his sack. He pulled out two outer robes. “I'd like you and A-Cheng to try these on first.”

Jiang Cheng looked up, putting the scroll down. Xie Lian waited till the two had stood up and helped them into their new outer robes and adjusting the sashes on each before stepping back to look them over. They were mostly fitting, but were a little large, Wei Wuxian's more so then Jiang Cheng's as the sleeves were almost covering his fingers.

“It seems you both might need to grow into these.” Xie Lian chuckled a bit. “You can take them off and get ready for bed. You two can sleep with me tonight since A-Yanli finally has her space set up.” The two boy's nodded and once done Wei Wuxian plopped right down onto the mat. Jiang Cheng, however, took pause. He looked back at his baba.

“When.... When is Hua Cheng coming back?”

Wei Wuxian sat up with an expectant look on his face. “Ya! Baba when are we going to see him again! I didn't get to say goodbye last time, and he's so cool!”

“Calm down little one. You'll wake up your sister.” Xie Lian laughed as he picked up and set Banyue's jar aside. “About that, I'm sure we'll see him again soon.” Xie Lian smiled to himself, but quickly brushed away his thoughts. “Alright, enough is enough. Bed.”

Xie Lian laid down next to his two boys before extinguishing the flames to the little red candle. He decided he would probably make the boy's wash up in a nearby stream the next morning, as he turned to go to sleep, his hand mindlessly fiddling with the crystal ring around his neck. He began to hum a little lullaby, something that he did more often when the boys were younger but it was not an unwelcome tune. He smiled a bit when he felt Wei Wuxian curl up into his chest, getting all snuggly with his father.

Xie Lian reached past him and carefully brushed some hair out of Jiang Cheng's face before rolling onto his back. Closing his eyes and falling into sleep.

…

“A-Zahn? Aren't you supposed to be asleep around this time?” Shi Qingxuan had looked up from a book he had been reading on the small divan when he noticed the boy peeking at him from the doorway. “It's hours past hai time. Are you feeling okay?”

“... Earth Master hasn't been here.”

Shi Qingxuan tilted his head and frowned. “Ya, I've noticed that too. He also isn't answering me in his communications array...” The Wind Master pondered this, but then looked back at Lan Wangji. He smiled. After setting aside his book he waved Lan Wangji over to him. The boy obliged and walked over, sitting on the edge of the divan. Shi Qingxuan wrapped the boy in a side hug and pulled him in with a small squeeze that made Lan Wangji stiffen a bit. “Are you worried about our poor Ming-Xiong?”

Lan Wangji nodded.

“Well, when I find out where he is I'll make sure he knows just how upset he made you.” Shi Qingxuan rubbed the boys arm. “Ge might be back soon, so will A-Huan. Are you excited to see your brother.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji's response didn't quite match his lacking expression but Wind Master was used to this.

“Well I'm excited too! My two didi's and I need some fun time, all three of us. I'll make sure Ge gives him a well deserved break after all his hard work!”

Lan Wangji nodded slightly, then paused. “...Will Earth Master join us?”

“If didi wants.” Shi Qingxuan smiled.

“Mn.”

He gave the boy another hug. “Then it's settled. When A-Huan returns and Ming-Xiong answers my calls the four of us will do something fun together, I promise.”

Days prior, An Ascending Fire Dragon Spell burned through the sky....

Chapter Text

Xie Lian sat near the edge of the stream not minding the occasional splash of water from the boys running a muck after having cleaned up a bit. Wei Wuxian was trying to snatch the occasional small bug or other critter he could find and show Jiang Cheng his catch, who was making a small tower of pebbles that he found in the stream.

'Dianxia.' Xie Lian quickly put two fingers aside his head and answered.

“Ling Wen,”

“Dianxia, You must return to the heavens at once.” Judging by her tone, nothing good was to come of this and Xie Lian began to mentally prepare himself.

“Is this about Banyue Pass?”

“That's right.” Ling Wen replied. “When you've returned to the heavens, come directly to the Palace of Divine Might.”

Xie Lian froze. If he was supposed to head to the Palace of Divine Might it only meant one thing. Jun Wu was back. Of all the gods in heaven Jun Wu was the only one Xie Lian could not and would not refuse.

“I'll head that way.”

“And Dianxia..”

“Hm? Is there something else.”

“... The Heavenly Emperor has asked... that you might bring your children with you.” Xie Lian drew a blank. Of course he would have learned about them. Even if Ling Wen didn't say anything he would have learned eventually. Xie Lian mentally sighed. “He has asked me to inform you that they will not partake in the trial but that you bring them along none the less.” she continued.

Xie Lian was thankful on that note. Hua Cheng may have mentioned that General Pei Ming was not one for underhanded tricks but that didn't mean he wanted the kids interrogated, especially Jiang Yanli as she never even made it to Banyue Ruins. Not to mention he didn't know what kind of person the General was, well at least not entirely, and the boys were not the type to hold back if they felt offended by any means. He thanked Ling Wen and left the array.

“A-Ying, A-Cheng, get dressed, we're headed back.” Xie Lian called as he stood up from his spot on the shore.

“Okay!” both boys called, Jiang Cheng making sure his stone tower wouldn't fall before running over and grabbing his robe. Wei Wuxian however had already made it past the shore when he realized he was still holding something and dropped it. A handful of tadpoles plopped into the grass and Xie Lian quickly moved to scoop them up and toss them back into the stream.

“Sorry.” Wei Wuxian apologized.

“Its fine, just be quick... I'm finally taking you three to heaven with me.”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian froze, looked at each other then back at their baba with excitement. But then Wei Wuxian jumped.

“AH! I need to grab it! I'll meet you at the shrine!” Before Xie Lian could ask the boy was already running full speed up the hill, still trying to put his boots on as he ran. Xie Lian looked at Jiang Cheng who just shrugged and the two hurried back to Puqi Shrine. By the time they arrived and told Jiang Yanli the news Wei Wuxian was running up after tying an odd bag to his waist which he seemed determined to not let Xie Lian get a good look at.

“A-Ying?” Xie Lian raised a brow.

“Its nothing baba. Really. I'm ready now so we should go. It sounded urgent so we can't da- can't da... it can't wait.”

“Alright. I'm trusting your word A-Ying.” Xie Lian sighed. “Now, this is going to be a little strange so I need you all to hold on to me, okay?”

The three nodded and both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli too one of their baba's hands. Wei Wuxian, who was to grab Jiang Yanli's hand instead, at the last second spun and jumped up onto his father, wrapping his arms around his neck. Whatever was in the sack moved.

“A-Ying...”

“Baba, we got to go!” Wei Wuxian pleaded with a teasing smile.

Xie Lian took a deep breath and decided that it was not a battle worth having as he really did need to get to heaven. So he stepped and the world began to move away, like a watercolor blur and the next moment the four were stepping down on the streets of the Heavenly Capital. Just as soon as Wei Wuxian got down his hand was immediately snatched up by Xie Lian. He looked up with a pout.

“We both now how distracted you get, and its not smart for you to wonder off and get lost.” Xie Lian said sternly. Then he smiled. “My Xiao Xiong needs to behave himself, okay?”

Wei Wuxian furrowed his brows and pouted his lip more deeply, but it seemed his baba wouldn't budge on this note and so all he could do was let out a “Hmph.”

“A-Cheng stay with your sister and both of you follow closely.”

They made their way down the Avenue of Divine Might, around them many other Heavenly Officials also went but most seemed to purposefully ignore the four of them keeping as far away as possible, while others were whispering among themselves and giving them side glances. When Jiang Cheng looked over at some of them and they noticed him looking they would quicken their pace and pretended like nothing happened. The boy frowned. He was about to ask his father when-

“Dianxia!”

Xie Lian turned only for the junior official who had called out to run right past him and his kids, and towards another individual further ahead.

The man called as he ran “Honestly, Dianxia! How could you forget your identity medallion when heading to the Palace of Divine Might? How would you even get in?”

Jiang Yanli looked ahead, then toward her father who's face was twisted in an awkward smile, but just as quickly changed to something else when he was looking at the other dianxia. So she turned her attention back to the front and took in the young man. He had a strong brow and wide vibrant eyes with a smile on his face. Of course Jiang Yanli had seen some of the other gods smiling but something about them seemed two faced or disingenuous, bordering on a sneer or outright arrogance. This was not the case for this young man, no his smile was sincere and pure giving him a air of childlike handsomeness. The armor he wore wasn't like that of a warrior but that of nobility and still gave him a heroic aura.

The four of them had stopped when their father had and Xie Lian had been caught up starring ta the young man, who apparently sensed eyes on him and turned to look. His Junior official followed suit and upon recognizing Xie Lian his face dropped.

“Greetings Dianxia,” Xie Lian said with a smile.

The young man, clearly not recognizing who he was and also just a relatively welcoming person, waved back happily shouting “Greetings!”

Wei Wuxian smiled and waved back at him. The young man looked like he might of said more but was suddenly dragged along by his junior official.

“Come on Dianxia, lets go! We still need to get to the palace of Divine Might!”

“Why are you pushing me?”

Xie Lian couldn't help but let out a small laugh, which caused that junior official to suddenly rush the young man faster.

“The Emperor is probably already waiting for us! Please, lets go dianxia!”

The other dianxia looked back at Xie Lian and then his kids with a confused look, before continuing on.

Just as Xie Lian was about to continue when something he had worried about already started up.

“... Well wasn't that awkward, isn't the world such a small place.”

“They're both Officials in Heaven, it was only a matter of time before they met. If you ask me General Nan Yang bumping into General Xuan Zhen is a much more interesting affair.”

“Ha ha, what's the rush. They all be coming face to face soon. Everyone's gathering in the Palace of Divine Might.”

“We should move on,” Xie Lian said before attempting to press his kids forward.

But then someone said “Its not just a small world- Take a look at those two. I don't like to make comparisons, but even if they both hold the title dianxia, Dianxia Tai Hua is truly noble. He would never do anything shameful like That even if he fell from grace.”

Jiang Cheng froze. He could feel his blood boiling.

“The Kingdom of Yong'an was more prosperous then the kingdom of Xianle, so of course the dianxia of Yong'an is stronger than that of Xianle. How the grass grows depends on the grass it grew on. Simple logic.”

“i wonder if those children know just how shameful the one the walk next to really is.”

Jiang Cheng snapped his head around to glare directly at the one who spoke last. Even if they were a god and he was just a mortal boy of only thirteen the hate in eyes could make anyone stumble. The god who had spoken jumped a bit and quickly sped away. Jiang Cheng turned his attention to his father.

“Why do you let them talk about you like that? Their not even trying to be quiet or keep it private. They want to talk shame when their being so shameful themselves. Why don't you say anything?”

“because I choose to ignore them.” Xie Lian smiled down at his son, a sad smile. “I don't have the time or energy to care for what they think, so I'll ignore it.”

“It's not fair...” Jiang Cheng mumbled.

Jiang Yanli had also been watching after the officials. She smiled and then in a not so quiet voice said. “No A-Cheng's right. Its pretty sad that my first impression of those gods is shameful hypocrisy. Oh well, It's not like I know who anyone of them are anyway.” Those words were said in such a sweet and delicate tone, like soft flower petals. Too bad every official within ear shot suddenly felt as if their dignity had been stabbed straight through with a double edged sword.

Xie Lian froze, then carefully stared at his daughter with an uncomfortable smile. A-Li, I often forget how ruthless you can be sometimes. It wasn't the first time someone had verbally offended himself or the boys, and probably not the last, however if one thing could be said about Jiang Yanli, it was that when it came to those she held dear she could tear a man down to the bone with her words.

Wei Wuxian who had also been starring daggers at the officials, had smiled at his sisters words. “ya, no. Their probably not worth knowing who they are either. Utter Trash.”

Stab number two.

“Alright, lets go.” Xie Lian sighed, dragging the little gremlin that was Wei Wuxian behind him.

“Dianxia!” Xie Lian sighed, assuming who ever it was, was probably calling for someone else again. However when he turned his head to look it was actually someone he recognized, and she was indeed calling for him.

Ling Wen approached, carrying an arm full of scrolls and dark bags under her eyes. “Everyone has gone to the Palace of Divine Might for the meeting. Be mindful once you reach the hall.”

Wei Wuxian looked the goddess up and down and then bluntly said, “You look dead.”

“A-Ying!” Xie Lian was a bit panicked as he quickly slapped his other hand over the boy's mouth. “Ling Wen, I am so sorry. Please forgive the boy, he often forgets to think before he speaks.”

Ling Wen just stood there, more surprised then anything, as she looked at the boy who was trying to peel his fathers hand off his mouth with no real success. “No harm done. He's just a child, I wont take any offense.”

“Are you sure, he is a bit of a wild one.”

“I'm sure.” She looked to the other two. “I don't mean to rush but your father must get going. Maybe I can get better introductions with the both of you some other time?”

Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng both gave slight bows in acknowledgment. Ling Wen lead the way as the four followed after, only then did Xie Lian pull his hand away from Wei Wuxian's mouth. Less because he had planned to and more cause the boy had licked his hand and he had need to wipe the spit off of it. He gave his son a unpleasant look, before returning his attention to Ling Wen.

“What do you think General Pei Juniors sentence will be?”

“Exile, probably.” Ling Wen replied simply.

That's not too bad. Not too severe. Xie Lian thought to himself. But of course he was not the same as Pei Xiu who might think exile was an extreme, after all Xie Lian had been banished twice.

As they continued to walk Xie Lian recalled something, “Oh yeah, Ling Wen, how goes the search for the boy with the human face disease from mount Yujun? The one I spoke of before? Any News?”

At the mention of that boy, Jiang Yanli had a flash of a memory and grew solemn.

“I'm very sorry dianxia. I don't have anything at the moment. We'll work harder.”

Xie Lian smiled. “thank you for your hard work.”

By this time they reached the end of the Avenue of Divine Might and before them now stood a magnificent palace, the likes of which none of the kids had ever seen or would probably ever see again. Interwoven glazed tiles adorned the golden roof upon which the characters read in vigor and power The Palace of Divine Might. Although the three teens looked on in awe Xie Lian looked on with saddened nostalgia.

Ling Wen entered ahead of them, Xie Lian turning to his kids. “Alright, this is as for as you go for now. Don't stray from this spot.” He looked directly into Wei Wuxian's eyes. “Do you understand?”

“Yes baba.” Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli said in unison.

Wei Wuxian looked at the ground. “How long are you going to be?”

“That's not up to me, A-Ying do you understand?”

“... Yes baba.”

“I'm trusting you.” Xie Lian said before letting the boys hand go. He turned around and had started for the grand open entrance, but paused. He looked back and gave the boy a smile. “Be good my Xiao Xiong.” Then he entered the Palace of Divine Might.

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli had stepped aside and the boy sat down on the ground. Jiang Cheng looked over at Wei Wuxian who hadn't moved yet, and immediately grew suspicious. “What are you thinking?”

Wei Wuxian turned slightly and gave his brother a mischievous grin before sneaking over to the entrance. Poking his head around the door, he peered into the grand hall. Hundreds of gods who looked both mighty and splendid stood throughout, each with faces holding only pride and judgment.

“Xianle, You have come.” Wei Wuxian's attention was taken completely by that voice as he peered up to a throne at the farthest end of the hall. His eyes widened and his breath caught.

There sitting on the throne was a martial god clad in brilliant white armor. He had a handsome face and obsidian black eyes that were clear and bright like melted snow that had been formed from a lake frozen for a million years. Although he bore a soft smile toward his father, Wei Wuxian felt a sense of solemnness and poise that dripped with an almost ancient aura from the man. His voice had not been loud but it was deep and echoed all throughout the palace. Of all the gods he had seen none were as awesome and terrifying as this one man. Those obsidian black eyes flicked up and seemed to see Wei Wuxian directly and the boy immediately ducked back and away from the entrance. He had moved so fast he didn't see the man behind him and bumped directly into him.

He snapped his head back and looked up at another martial god.... this definitely more approachable in appearance. The man looked to be in his mid twenties and had a handsome face as well, but more like that of heart stealing charmer then some ancient power. The man looked down at the boy with a quirked brow and then looked over at his two siblings sitting over to the side. The man chuckled and returned his attention to the boy in front of him. “Something tells me you must be little jade's tormentor.”, Wei Wuxian looked up at him confused, but before he could ask more talking echoed from with in the Palace of Divine Might.

“My lord there are a few heavenly officials still on patrol in the mortal realm, unable to return.” It was Ling Wen's voice.

“They have given their notice ahead of time. Xianle, I'm sure you are aware as to why you have been summoned here today?”

Suddenly the man Wei Wuxian had bumped into pushed past him and made his way into the grand hall. The boy looked back at his siblings who looked at each other. Now all three sat near the edge of the Palace's entrance, eaves dropping onto what they could peeking ever so slightly around the corner.

They heard their fathers voice. “I can guess. However, I had actually assumed the decision had been made on the matter of Pei Junior.”

“How the matter will be settled is still hard to say.” It was the martial god Wei Wuxian had run into. “Dianxia, I've heard so much about you. Our Little Pei has certainly been in your care.”

“You flatter me. I've heard many more about you, General Pei.”

“That's General Pei?” Jiang Cheng hissed out in a whisper.

“Huh, he's actually better looking then that statue of him on Mount Yunjun.” Wei Wuxian giggled.

“Shh.” Jiang Yanli hushed the two of them.

“Wasn't baba reading up on him before? Like just in case?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Ya, and he told you not to read it after he was done with it, but you still tried to sneak it.” Jiang Cheng sneered.

“Ya, well... All I got was something about Martial god of the North and” He said the next words with a obviously fake coquettish tone “The god of love.” He laughed. “I guess its still better then Ju Yang eh?”

“Uhg.” Jiang Yanli put a hand to her face.

“What does general Pei mean by, 'hard to say?” Xie Lian asked.

The General snapped his fingers and a corpse appeared, floating in the center of the Palace of Divine Might. The kids eyes widened at the site of Pei Xiu's clone, A-Zhao. They suddenly heard footsteps and all three spun around only to see some men dragging along a young man bound in shackles with an apathetic look in his eyes. He glanced over at them for the moment before he was ushered inside. The three kids looked at each other. Pei Xiu.

The three returned to their spot peering into the grand hall.

“General Pei what is the meaning of this?” Xie Lian demanded as Pei Xiu knelt down to the floor.

“During Little Pei's interrogation, he mentioned something I found quite curious.” Pei Ming paced halfway around Xie Lian and smiled. “I'm quite familiar with Little Pei's ability. Even if the clones power is reduced and nowhere near that of his true self, it was still fully capable of taking on a wrath level ghost. However, he told me that he was surprised to meet a mortal who was so strong that little wasn't even able to withstand his attacks. Now isn't that curious?”

“Uh oh.” Wei Wuxian shrunk.

Pei Ming continued, “And so I pressed for answers. It turns out, at the time, there was a red-clothed young man accompanying dianxia while you were at Banyue Pass.”

With that many of the officials within the grand hall became agitated, whispering among themselves, and Pei Ming added fuel to the flame.

“And this young man, in the dark, was able to eradicate every Banyue Soldier turned wrath in a flash. Now dianxia, might you tell us who this red clothed young man might be?”

Xie Lian looked down at Pei Xiu and spoke in an unnatural cadence. “Ahem, really? Uh, I don't remember it very well. There was a caravan trapped at Banyue Pass at the time, and we spent a few day's together. Maybe it was someone from the caravan?”

All three kids face palmed at the obviously bad lying.

“That can't be right dianxia, According to Little Pei, you and that young man were unusually close. Not like someone you'd only just met or had only known for a few day's. How can you not recall such a thing?” Pei Ming smiled. “If that's what you say I wonder what your children would say if I asked them the same question.” The Martial god flicked his eyes toward the entrance of the Palace.

The three of them froze, and Xie Lian's face darkened ever so slightly.

“General Pei!” Everyone's attention was taken to a white clad cultivator holding in his hand a whisk, which he waved around gently. “First and for most, you have only heard Little Pei's side of the story. Little Pei has committed a crime, is currently in detention and is awaiting exile. Whether his words are believable is hard to say, no?” He twisted the whisk and continued. “Secondly those children you speak of are not only mortal, but in fact Children. I'd think something like interrogating kids would be beneath you, or do I stand corrected?”

Pei Ming looked over at the god and only smiled. “Of course, It was simply a line of reasoning. However I'd like to see if Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen might care to assist us then?”

From two different areas in the south part of the grand hall, two martial gods, had slowly taken up the god's within the halls attention.

The first man was tall with a furrowed brow like he might be angry, yet his eyes looked filled only with determination. His skin was the color of wheat and he stood straight and postured, like a wall unmovable. The kids figured this was Nan Yang, or as their father once knew him, Feng Xin.

The second man was pale, no real redness touching his skin and his lips although thin seemed to be constantly pursed and his eyes half lidded. He held an air of aloofness like he was uninterested in any conversation. He stood with his arms crossed, a right finger tapping his left elbow softly. If the other was Feng Xin, this was definitely Xuan Zhen aka Mu Qing as their father once called him. The two boy's looked at each other with a sinking feeling that Fu Yao's general was no better then junior himself.

The two gods looked to Jun Wu, who gave them a nod and they both stepped forward. The two general's stole glances at Xie Lian but then just as quickly looked away.

General Pei Ming spoke again. “General Nan Yang and General Xuan Zhen have both fought Hua Cheng before. I'm sure they are very familiar and can speak with authority on the weapon used by that person.”

Jiang Cheng remembered back to the pit, when he heard the clash of swords in the dark and flashes of silver and sparks of blades. He didn't remember seeing Hua Cheng move that much, so whatever weapon he was using must be something fierce and unique.

Pei Ming swept an arm toward the clone corpse for the two generals to inspect. The two looked over the body with rapt attention, Wei Wuxian leaning a little more forward to see anything but they were so far away that he could only see vague blotches of dark red. The two generals gave each other a look like neither wanted to speak first.

Ling Wen prompted them from her place near the throne. “Generals. Your conclusion?”

Feng Xin spoke first in a dark tone. “It's him.”

“The scimitar E-Ming.” Mu Qing added.

The hall erupted into a chorus of whispers and eyes trailed Xie Lian, who seemed unsure what was the weight of that named weapon.

However a god near the entrance was whispering near the entrance and the kids overheard.

“E-Ming?! That's Hua Cheng's freakish scimitar! The one he used to fight those thirty three officials!” This obviously peaked the boys interest. Jiang Yanli on the other hand, was concerned about what this all had to do with their father.

“Many thanks to the two generals for confirming this fact, which verified my conjecture.” Pei Ming said. “If the red clothed young man who traveled next to Dianxia really was this person, then this makes the matter all the more complicated.”

The white clad cultivator spoke up again. “General Pei, do you truly mean to imply that Dianxia was colluding with a ghost king to frame Little Pei?”

The cultivator was clear eyed with a bright expression, a fan tucked at his belt. Something about him was familiar to the two boy's, Wei Wuxian more so then Jiang Cheng. He squinted his eye's at the man for a moment but the trial continued and he felt that was more important then the identity of this god who was very much helping out their father.

The look Pei Ming gave the cultivator was that of an annoyed elder who didn't want to deal with a pushy child. He waved his hand and the corpse vanished.

“It may not be collusion. That person is powerful and wicked. Who knows what deceptive tricks he used to blind dianxia.”

“He's trying to pin it all on Hua-gege!” Wei Wuxian snapped, still in a whisper but rather loud. A god near the entrance perked up and looked toward the entrance but didn't see anything, so they turned back to the trial at hand. The kids sheepishly re emerged, Jiang Cheng glaring at Wei Wuxian who mouthed 'sorry.'

Xie Lian rebuked the god “General Pei, even if you won't believe me, you should still believe lord Wind Master. General Pei Junior admitted to the crime of luring innocents to Banyue Pass with his clone, and Lord Wind Master heard everything.”

Pei Ming gave another glance toward the white clad cultivator.

Xie Lian continued “Besides, since we are in the Palace of Divine Might you can simply ask the Emperor if there are traces any of any spells of deception cast on me.”

This time Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng finally took their own glance up at Jun Wu and both sucked in breath. Jun Wu sat high above and did not rebuke this sentiment, meaning Xie Lian was absolved.

“General Pei,” Xie Lian continued, “Lets keep things clear. This is a case about what General Pei Junior has done, not on whether the young man I traveled with is Hua Cheng. A Supreme ghost king might be the title which many in here despise but we cannot blame everything on him.”

Wei Wuxian did a little fist bump which got a giggle out of Jiang Yanli.

Pei Ming replied, “Regardless I still believe this case needs to be re-examined. It would be best if the State Preceptor of Banyue that Dianxia has taken with him be brought in for interrogation.

“Interrogate her for what?” Jiang Cheng hissed. “She didn't do anything.”

Then, an unexpected voice called out. “General. Let it go.” It had been Pei Xiu who looked like he didn't want to stay there a moment longer.

“What?” Pei Ming looked and sounded irritated.

“There isn't any spell of deception, this is all my doing. I have failed you, sir.” Pei Xiu confessed.

Pei Ming suddenly looked cold and deadly, that handsome face suddenly fierce. “What bewitching concoction did that State Preceptor feed you? Shut your mouth.”

“Let it go General!” Pei Xiu snapped, raising his head. “Little Pei is not afraid to admit to things he's done. Since I've been caught red handed, I'm prepared to receive any punishment that is handed down.”

Pei Ming looked shocked, but then his face went sour. Jiang Yanli gasped when the general lifted his leg ready to strike Pei Xiu.

“Enough.” The word was not said loudly, but it still echoed the halls and was filled with an air of authority. Involuntarily, the three kids shrunk back a little.

Pei Ming quickly lowered his leg and bowed.

Jun Wu spoke “The case of Banyue Pass is settled. Take Little Pei away. He is to be exiled in a few days time.” They were spoken with unwavering finality.

Pei Ming was silent but he could not disagree. “Yes my lord.”

The kids and, funnily enough, their father sighed in relief, but just as the air left their lungs Pei Ming continued. “But, Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen have proven the wounds on the empty shell were indeed inflicted by the Scimitar E-Ming.”

“I understand.” Jun Wu replied. “That is a whole other matter.”

“Pray my lord looks into it.” Pei Ming said.

“I will investigate naturally. There is no need for concern. You are all dismissed for today.” The kids quickly backed away from the entrance and to the side, away from the crowd. “Xianle, you stay.” The kids snapped a look at each other.

“Oh. Is baba in trouble?” Wei Wuxian asked, more rhetorically then seriously.

Jiang Cheng nor Jiang Yanli had an answer as Heavenly Officials began pouring out of the hall.

Inside, Feng Xin had began to pass Xie Lian, looking like he wanted to say something but chose better of it and began to walk away. On the other hand Mu Qing passed but attempted to ignore, Xie Lian.

“Mu Qing.” The martial god paused but didn't acknowledge him. “I need you to pass a message to Fu Yao.” Mu Qing huffed but was cut off. “I don't really care what he or even you think of me, but if he talks to my children the way he has again, I wont be very polite.”

Mu Qing stood still, not yet turning to face Xie Lian. And he didn't as he quickly left.

Back Outside Feng Xin was passing out the entrance when he caught sight of the kids out of the corner of his eye. Wei Wuxian turned to look back at him and smiled playfully. “Hi Ju Yang!”

Feng Xin stiffened and some nearby officials quickly covered their mouths, hiding their sudden shocked laughter. The mans brow twitched before he quickly stomped off, cussing under his breath. Mu Qing ignored the kids entirely, only snickering at the comment as he marched past.

“Qingxuan.” The kids attention was once again taken by the Pei Ming who was still somewhere inside. Assuming most of the officials had left, they peered in once more. The one he called Qingxuan happened to be that white clad cultivator. “For your older brothers sake, can you stop stirring up trouble.”

The smile that had adorned the cultivators face vanished. “General Pei, there is no need to use my brother against me. I'm not afraid of him.”

“You-” Pei Ming was gritting his teeth in rage. He pointed at the cultivator. “You... you've really done in Little Pei this time. Two hundred years of Exile.”

The white clad cultivator swung his whisk about. “That's Little Pei's own doing. This has nothing to do with me.”

Pei Ming deciding he was done arguing spun and stormed out of the Palace of Divine Might. The kids stepped back and the General seemed keen on ignoring them, but after a few steps took pause. He turned and looked directly at Wei Wuxian again. The boy starred him back before sticking his tongue out at the man. Pei Ming quirked a brow, but then suddenly seemed to have an epiphany. He chuckled to himself and walked away.

The Cultivator in white followed after and simply gave the children a wave, pausing a second to eye Wei Wuxian, before he also quickly stepped away. The kids were ready to settle down outside with the expectation of having to wait for their father to be done with the Heavenly Emperor when a shadow loomed over them. They all looked up at Ling Wen.

“You three have been given permission to enter the Palace of Divine Might, please go to your father.” She didn't stay to say much else and left.

“We... go in there?” Jiang Yanli was a little puzzled, more like startled. The kids sat there a second longer but then quickly got to their feet. As the entered the hall-

“Oh! Thanks for waking- oops I'm sorry.” A god had bumped into Jiang Yanli on his way to leave. It was that other dianxia from before. “My bad.” He smiled, nodding her and then the boys before quickly heading out. They watched him go only for a second more before entering the Palace of Divine Might. At the other end their father was watching them with surprise.

“Children, what are you-”

“Is it not obvious Xianle.” The four looked up at Jun Wu who had began to descend from his throne. “To enter this palace one must have my permission. They are only here because I had it done so.” He then stood before Xie Lian, hands clasped behind his back. “Crimson Rain Sought Flower. The Scimitar E-Ming. Three children you've taken as your own.” Xie Lian straightened and the kids looked at him with concern. They had never seen their father act so... “So. Care to explain?”

The kids stepped back when Xie Lian went to kneel only for his elbow to be caught by Jun Wu, preventing the man from even reaching his knees. The kids stayed quiet, unsure of how to speak in front of the Heavenly Emperor, and Wei Wuxian began fidgeting with his sleeve. Jun Wu eyed the boy from the corner of his eye before returning his attention to Xie Lian and sighed.

“Xianle.”

“I'm sorry.” Xie Lian said, bowing his head after straightening back up. Jiang Yanli gently reached out and tugged on her fathers robe. She meant it as reassurance for her father but with just how small she felt she couldn't help but feel like it was for herself too.

Jun Wu watched this. “Xianle, are you acknowledging your wrongs?”

“I am.” Xie Lian replied.

“Then why not tell me what wrongs you are acknowledging?”

Xie Lian was silent, the kids had their heads hung. Jun Wu shook his head.

“I did not think you would know.” He then inclined his head, and Xie Lian followed him, the three teens in tow, toward the chambers behind the hall.

As they walked, Jun Wu commented, his hands clasped in front of him, “Xianle is all grown up now.”

Xie Lian made no comment, but did eye his kids.

Jun Wu continued. “Eight hundred years ago, when I sent you down, I told you to keep in periodic touch with me so you didn't have to roll around in the mud all by yourself. But once you left there wasn't even a word from you for eight hundred years, and all while you unnecessarily tormented yourself down bellow. You have been ascended for some time now, but have not once reported yourself to the Palace of Divine Might. If anyone else was this impertinent the Palace of Ling Wen would have censured them personally.” Jun Wu looked at Xie Lian. “If your apology was for those few sword attacks, then let it go. You said it yourself; All is forgotten after a stabbing.”

“Stabbing?!” The two gods turned their attention to Wei Wuxian who was over all confused and hadn't meant to yell, and so covered his mouth.

Jun Wu quirked a brow at Xie Lian who's expression faltered. “It seems Xianle has not mentioned everything to his children.” Jun Wu looked back to them, “In which case, it might be best to start here. Xianle why not introduce them to me.”

“Oh, of course.” Xie Lian paused and turned to wave the kids forward. “Children, as you may have guessed this is the Heavenly Emperor Jun Wu.”

“I don't know about guessed, given that they were eaves dropping on the entire meeting.” Jun Wu said.

Xie Lian snapped his head up and looked at the three who all looked down at the floor with sheepish, paled expressions. He didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

Jun Wu chuckled, “Do not worry yourself Xianle. What's done is done.”

Xie Lian cleared his throat. “Boy's, why don't you introduce yourselves first.”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian gave each other a look like they wanted the other to start. Xie Lian cleared his throat again.

“Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian.” the first said bowing deeply.

“Jiang Cheng, courtesy name Jiang Wanyin.” The second answered with a mirrored bow.

“Well then, Wei Wuxian, do you mind telling me what is in that bag at your waist.” Jun Wu wasn't truly asking. He spoke like he already knew what was in there. The boy snapped up, then looked down at his waste, then quickly put a hand in front of the sack as if that would hide it.

“Uhhhhh.” He looked at his baba who was giving him a concerned look.

“A-Ying?”

“It's a gift. An Apology gift for Lan Zahn. That's all. Haha...” He smiled a silly smile.

“You speak of the Water Masters student. Interesting.” Jun Wu looked at Jiang Cheng with a side glance then turned his attention to their sister. Jiang Cheng frowned internally. He felt... like he had been intentionally skipped over... but he just as quickly pushed the thought away. He must have been over thinking it as the only reason the Emperor gave that extra attention to Wei Wuxian was because the boy was up to something. That was the only reason.... right?

“Jiang Yanli.” the girl answered with a bow. Jun Wu tilted his head to her then looked back to Xie Lian.

“It seems those two hold a golden core. Am I to believe Xianle has set them on the path of Cultivation?”

“I did not set the path, only continued it. A-Li has also recently started working on her own cultivation as well.”

“Then might I ask if they follow the path similar to yours or another?”

“Well, I add my own to what they have, but certain... requirements don't seem to have a place for some.” Xie Lian hadn't intended to look at Wei Wuxian, but he did. So did Jiang Cheng. The boy looked between his baba and brother and shrunk back a bit with a sheepish laugh.

“hm. It seems Xianle has his hands quite full with this one. Stop.”

Wei Wuxian had started tapping his foot but quickly halted at the order.

“He's just a little... excitable. That's all.” Xie Lian.

“Mn.” Jun Wu acknowledge his remark and turned to continue toward the deeper chamber. “Now, Xianle, what kind of extraordinary character did you engage with when you descended this time?”

The kids looked at each other, a mix of emotions they weren't sure where to begin to pick through.

Chapter Text

“My Lord, I swear I did nothing wrong.” Xie Lian spoke with a raised hand, “Just that one day, by chance, I happened upon an interesting young man, and then we spent some time together. I didn't think much of it.”

Wei Wuxian looked between his baba and The Heavenly Emperor who walked on ahead of the teens and he felt so small. Jun Wu seemed like a steep mountain, magnificent and awe inspiring, but also cold and imposing, and maybe he should have expected as much from one who ruled the heavens but he couldn't help feeling completely thrown off, like he was stuck out in the middle of a vast ocean with no oars to steer the boat he was on.

“Chance encounter, young man, Supreme Ghost King. Xianle, surely you are aware what the consequences would be if Pei Ming had questioned you further and you said this in front of the other officials. No one would believe you.”

“Xianle knows,” Xie Lian replied woefully, “So I am grateful for my lords timely intervention. My Lord, your not going to interrogate me, are you? I wouldn't collude with the Ghost Realm. These are absurd concerns.”

“Naturally, I know you would not intentionally collude with the Ghost Realm.” Jun Wu said.

“I am grateful for my lords trust.” Xie Lian replied

“However, with things thus, it may no longer be appropriate to send you to investigate an urgent mater I have on hand.”

“What is it?” Xie Lian inquired.

By then the two gods and three children had reached the chamber behind the great hall, the chamber separated from it by a large mural. On this side of the mural was a large expanse of mountains and valleys with little pearls embedding its surface, shining like stars. Jiang Yanli paused to stare at it wondering what the pearls stood for.

“They are the location of each Temple of Divine Might that exists within the Mortal Realm.” Jun Wu said not once looking back. Jiang Yanli didn't know which was more impressive, the mural or the fact that he knew what she had been thinking... the later was definitely unnerving.

Jun Wu walked up to the map and pointed to a place in the east. “Seven days ago, many saw flaming dragon ascending skyward from deep in the mountains of this area.”

Xie Lian's expression grew serious.

With one hand behind his back, Jun Wu used the other to softly rap on the place he had pointed. “The dragon of fire lasted two incense time before burning out. In that time, many witnessed the sight, but not a single person was injured. Xianle, do you know what that means?”

“The spell of an Ascending Fire Dragon emits intense flames that do not harm but can be seen by many due to the vast expanse of its display. It's a call for help.” Xie Lian replied.

“So...” Jiang Cheng had begun to speak but caught his words when obsidian eyes turned on him.

“Do not silence yourself. Speak.” Jun Wu's voice was not stern but also not particularly pleasant.

“... So the one who sent the signal... was it a god?”

“Yes, the signal was sent by a heavenly official.”

“It's no ordinary call for help either.” Xie Lian added, placing a hand to the boys back. “it is one of desperation.”

Jun Wu watched them with those bright yet cold eyes.

“Are there any officials who's whereabouts are still yet unknown?” Xie Lian asked.

“The Banyue Pass case was not the only reason all officials were summoned back to court. The main purpose was to use this chance to investigate everyone's whereabouts. Aside from the ones who usually don't show like the Rain Master and Earth Master, even those who couldn't make it back reported in.” Jun Wu explained.

Wait, wasn't that frigid lady with Lan Zhan and Wind Master the Earth Master? So if she doesn't often show does that mean that was a once in a life time opportunity? Wei Wuxian smiled at his thoughts, swaying ever so slightly as his eyes wandered the rest of the Chamber.

“Maybe it wasn't any of the officials in this term? Maybe it's on of the retired officials?”

“If that is the case then our search parameters will need to expand. Many retired officials lost contact with the heavens long ago. It would be impossible to deduce who could be the one in peril. Please refrain from touching things that are not yours.”

Xie Lian looked over at Wei Wuxian who had pulled his hand away from some object at the side of the room.

“Sorry,” The boy mumbled sheepishly, before quickly fleeing behind his father.

Jun Wu chuckled.

Xie Lian looked between his three kids, each more uncomfortable looking then the first. He didn't really know what to do for them, he felt that Jun Wu had unintentionally made them self conscious and was worried they would get a bad impression of the Heavenly Emperor.

Looking back to Jun Wu, Xie Lian continued. “To corner a heavenly official to the point they would use such a self destructive spell, there must be great evil at work. Are there any demonic gatherings or lairs in the area?”

“There are,” Jun Wu replied “And very close by, do you know of Ghost City?”

“I've heard of it,” Xie Lian replied.

Wei Wuxian peeked ever so slightly out from his fathers back.

“After the pillar of fire first appeared, I immediately sent heavenly officials to investigate the area, but there was no evidence of anything, so it is very possible that they moved to Ghost City. However, the Heavenly Realm and the Ghost Realm have always drawn clear borders, and without enough proof we cannot interlude on Ghost City. Which is why I need someone to descend in secret this time and investigate.”

“We can't alert the enemy and have them move again. That's why you didn't say anything during the meeting. To prevent information leaks.”

“Correct.” Jun Wu said.

“Then my lord, pray give Xianle your command.”

“You were the first candidate I originally had in mind.” Jun Wu said, then his eyes looked over the three teens. “But, I now feel it may be an inconvenience for you to go.”

“How would it be inconvenient?” Xie Lian asked.

“First, the east is guarded by Lang Qingqiu. If you should go, you would have to cooperate with him.” Jun Wu said.

Xie Lian responded “That would not be a problem, please rest assured.”

“Second,” Jun Wu continued. “Do you know who's territory Ghost City is seated?”

Xie Lian was taken aback. “Is it Hua Cheng?”

All three kids perked up, and Jun Wu raised a brow as he nodded. “It seems that it isn't only Xianle who has good relations with the ghost king.” The Emperor paused then said in a serious tone. “It is fine and well, however I'm concerned as to whether or not he is involved. If this makes it awkward for you, then do not force yourself. If you have any other suggestions or anyone you wish to nominate, do let me know.”

Xie Lian responded almost immediately, “Let me go. I do not think Crimson Rain Sought Flower is a disingenuous person.”

Jun Wu looked at him intently, “Xianle, I know you are very capable and know what your doing. However, I also know you think the best of everyone.”

Xie Lian gave a small smile, it was enough to set the kids at a bit more at ease. “Please don't say it like I'm a little princess who has never left home. Those words really don't suit me anymore.”

It must have put a certain boy at too much ease because, with no real intentions to say it out loud, Wei Wuxian said, “You say that but you kinda looked like a princess in that wedding dress...”

Xie Lian's face froze. Jun Wu raised a brow. Wei Wuxian was suddenly filled with an utter sense of dread.

“A...A-Ying...” Xie Lian lowered his head into his hands, shaking a bit as he attempted to hide the redness shooting into his face.

“I, uh I mean... haha...” Wei Wuxian began fiddling with his sleeves again as he looked down at the floor. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli looked mortified. However all four were shocked by an obvious chuckle.

“M-My Lord...” Xie Lian peered up at Jun Wu who stepped toward the young Wei Wuxian. The boy flinched slightly but was caught of guard when a hand gently placed itself on his head. He peered up at Jun Wu who was smiling at him.

“It seems I'm giving Xianle's children a bad impression of myself. If I've come across as some monstrous mountain then I might have to apologize. I am only acting as my duty requires of me and wish no mistrust from you children. After all, it is very likely I will be seeing you three often.” Jun Wu moved his hand to clasp the boys chin to lift his face up. “I sense great potential in you, if need arises I hope you might think to come to me in the future.” The boy blinked up at the heavenly emperor. Jun Wu pulled his hand away and returned his attention to Xie Lian. Although it seemed that last line was intended for all three of them, once again Jiang Cheng felt that he was excluded. I'm just over thinking it....

“Returning to where we were, I must say that I should not comment on the friends Xianle makes, but I will say this; be careful of Hua Cheng.”

Xie Lian stood there, and didn't say anything. He bowed his head slightly lowering his eyes.

“Be especially careful of that wicked blade.” Jun Wu added.

“You mean E-Ming?” Jiang Yanli asked, having regained some composure from the last several minutes of feeling like speaking was deadly poison.

Jun Wu looked at her and nodded. “The scimitar E-Ming is a cursed blade, a blade of misfortune. To forge such a weapon requires terrifyingly cruel sacrifice and bloody determination. Do not touch it and do not let it touch you either. If you do, the consequences will be unimaginable.”

San Lang probably wouldn't strike me with a blade. Xie Lian thought confidently but still responded simply. “Xianle understands.”

Jun Wu nodded. “I will of course be at ease knowing that you have taken this case. Since this does not make things awkward for you, then it is ideal. Nonetheless going on this mission alone may be too much.”

“We'll be going too.” Wei Wuxian smiled proudly.

“A-Ying, that's a bit presumptuous.” Xie Lian said. “Ghost City isn't like my other endeavors. It's full of ghosts and spirits. Even if I were to bring you I wouldn't be able to keep up with you alone.”

“But we can go, right?” The boy pouted up at his baba.

Xie Lian rubbed his head. “It hasn't been decided.”

“Xianle, are their any officials you would like to join you?” Jun Wu asked.

“It does not matter. But preferably someone easy to get along with. It would be best if they were powerful too, so they can lend me spiritual power sometimes.” Xie Lian replied.

Jun Wu smiled. “You disqualified Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen with that first qualification. How are things between the three of you? Have you spoken to them yet?”

“We spoke a few words...” Xie Lian answered, his mind going back to the not so gentle request he had made to Mu Qing regarding Fu Yao and the boys.

“It's been so many years and yet you spoke so few words?” Jun Wu inquired. “Ah. Yes. I heard that when you ascended this time you destroyed many of your fellow officials palaces. One of which was Nan Yang's.”

The three teens looked at their father who quickly argued back, “I paid back the debt! All eight million eight hundred and eighty eight thousand merits! And for this, I need to thank My Lord for giving me the opportunity to go to Mount Yunjun.”

“Thank Nan Yang.” Jun Wu said. “I heard Ling Wen say it was he who privately approached her and said there was no need to pay back the construction cost.”

“I... didn't know about this at all...” Xie Lian was surprised.

Maybe I should apologize later for making fun of him... Wei Wuxian thought. But really is it my fault that he and his junior official get so mad at the mere mention of Ju Yang? Friend of women, trusty companion....

“Nan Yang made sure Ling Wen would not tell you, so you were naturally unaware. Since he did not want you to know, it would be best to continue to fain ignorance.”

“Then maybe we can find way to thank him by other means than words.” Jiang Yanli said smiling. Xie Lian gave her a thoughtful look.

Jun Wu contemplated for a moment, then asked, “If not Nan Yang or Xuan Zhen, how about the Wind Master?”

Wei Wuxian perked up. Not in the excitement of seeing the Lady Wind Master but more so the stone faced boy that he last saw with her.

Xie Lian pondered the option, “Lord Wind Master is a very good person, but I don't know if she would want to go on this mission with me.”

“The Wind Master is powerful.” Jun Wu said. “A lively person who enjoys making friends and thus matches your first condition of 'easy to get along with.' When reporting in with me, the Wind Master also spoke highly of you. I think you two will be fine. If you do not have any other questions, then descend with the Wind Master and go forth to investigate Ghost City. Also.....”

“Yes?”

Jun Wu said unhurriedly, “Work hard, but do not force yourself.”

Xie Lian was startled by those words but soon smiled again. “What is My Lord saying? I'm not forcing myself.”

Jun Wu patted Xie Lian's shoulder. “Return to the Palace of Xianle to rest for now, you and your children. I will send word to summon the Wind Master.”

“Palace of Xianle?” Jiang Cheng tilted his head then looked at his father. “You have a Palace?”

“Huh? What? no. I don't have enough merits, and the original Palace of Xianle was torn down centuries ago. My Lord, what Palace do you speak of?” Xie Lian was equally as confused.

“I have granted you a new one.” Jun Wu said. “You can't possibly cram you and three children in that small decrepit shrine all of the time, now can you?”

…

The Palace that stood before him was a complete replica of the Palace of Xianle from ages ago. From the red walls to the glazed tile roof, all of it was just how it once was. Xie Lian had no desire to enter. Jiang Yanli looked overwhelmed at the sight of it, Wei Wuxian was trying to pull away from his fathers grip to take a look and the other boy...

Xie Lian looked back at Jiang Cheng who'd been very quiet and gloomy since they left the Palace of Divine Might. “A-Cheng? What's the matter?”

The boy looked up with only his eyes, “I'm okay.” He shook himself and faced Xie Lian completely. “Baba, are we really not going with you to Ghost City? I'd like to go... to see Hua-gege...” It was the truth, but in all reality, Jiang Cheng just wanted to get out of Heaven. He didn't like it here.

“Well, I'm not sure. After Banyue and the fact that Ghost City is within the Ghost Realm, its just a lot of worrisome things.” Xie Lian said.

“Greetings Dianxia!” Xie Lian looked back to see the white clad cultivator, Qingxuan as Pei Ming had called him, Walking toward them. He was practically glowing.

“Greetings fellow cultivator.” Xie Lian smiled back. Jiang Yanli noticed her father pulling a scroll from his sleeve to peak at. Oh baba.

The man nodded to the children and spoke excitedly “Now then, Lets go! We should be off.”

Wei Wuxian looked up at the mans face... It dawned on him slowly that yes he had seen that face before.

“I'm sorry, but I'm waiting for someone.” Xie Lian said a bit confused.

“Who else are you waiting for?” The Cultivator asked slipping the whisk he held into his back collar of his outer robe.

“I'm waiting for-”

“YOUR A GUY!” Wei Wuxian blurted it out startling his father. “But before you were a girl! How can you be a guy and a girl?!”

“A-Ying, what are... you...” Xie Lian looked between his son and the cultivator. Suddenly he straitened up. “Lord Wind Master?”

“Yes? Did you not know it was I?” Wind Master said amused. “And to answer little Wei here, yes I can be a 'girl' if I want to. Man or Woman I am beautiful, no?”

Jiang Yanli was confused, as she hadn't met the Wind Master during the Banyue case and really didn't know if she should be surprised or not. Jiang Cheng on the other hand looked like he was processing three hundred different emotions at once. Wei Wuxian had already gotten over the shock, mindlessly accepting this new truth, mostly cause he was more interested in something else.

“Lord Wind Master! Is Lan Zhan with you?”

Wind Master looked at the boy, then had a slight panic in his eyes. “Oh... Yes... I was going to mention it to Dianxia on the way out but I had a little helper wanting to join us for the investigation... I guess it slipped my mind that Dianxia might bring his children along... haha... Oh. He's here...”

Just then a boy with a cold look about him had come walking up... then froze. He had been looking down at the ground when he looked up at the sound of the Wind Masters voice and made eye contact with Wei Wuxian. His brows knitted.

“Lan Wangji.” Xie Lian bowed his head to the boy. “It is good to see you again-” Wei Wuxian spun his arm out of his fathers grasp and ran past Wind Master. He was now face to face with Lan Wangji.

“Hi again Lan Zhan. Baba said I must apologize for teasing you last time we saw each other. Besides I would really like us to be friends.” Lan Wangji looked away. “Oh don't be like that, especially when I brought you a gift!”

In one quick motion, Wei Wuxian opened the sack at his waist band and, by the ears, pulled out two small rabbits.

“A-Ying!” Xie Lian panicked and ran to snatch the poor creatures from the boys hand. Wei Wuxian dropped them and they began scurrying about the front area of the Palace of Xianle. Lan Wangji's eyes were wide. Jiang Yanli quickly went to catch the poor things.

“Rabbit's?! Why rabbits? I don't think your supposed to bring pets to heaven little one!” Shi Qingxuan said in a panic, stepping back as to not accidentally kick one of them.

“Pets? I was thinking more to cook and eat.” Wei Wuxian said with a playful grin.

“You can't kill things in Heaven!” Lan Wangji snapped.

“Eh? Okay, then when we go down we can cook them and- eek!” Wei Wuxian was swept up by his father.

“Lan Wangji I apologize. I really should have checked before I let him bring them! I really didn't know!” Xie Lian said wrestling his son who was trying to get out of his arms.

“Wei Ying...” Lan Wangji was shaking.

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! If you really don't want them, I'll take them back an-” Wei Wuxian had been teasing when suddenly the boy in white robes rushed past. In two quick sweeps of his sleeves he caught both rabbits and now held them in his arms. One seemed extra energetic while the other quickly relaxed in the boys embrace. Jiang Yanli hadn't even noticed him until he was already past her so she stood there surprised.

“No.” Lan Wangji replied, glaring at Wei Wuxian.

“Oh didi. I'm really sorry,” Shi Qingxuan walked over to the boy. “When we descend we can find a place to let them go and-”

“No.” Lan Wangji repeated, this time with less fury.

“...”

“You really are going to keep them as pets?” Wei Wuxian had stopped resisting his fathers grip and leaned back to look at Lan Wangji. “be careful then. Cause they might make more of them.”

“Their both boys!” Lan Wangji snapped.

“Eh? What an odd thing to notice first. What have you been looking at Lan Zhan?”

Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

“Wei Ying!”

“A-Zhan, lets just run by the Palace and leave the rabbits, then we can go. Lets just go okay.” Wind Master quickly placed himself between the Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's line of sight. Lan Wangji looked like he might implode.

Jiang Cheng looked at the boy and then slowly toward his brother. Does A-Ying have a death wish?! I've never seen him tease another boy so relentlessly... its borderline creepy.

“Wait. Baba. If Lan Zhan gets to go why can't we?” Wei Wuxian turned to his father with a pout.

Xie Lian slowly looked at his boy, then back at Lan Wangji and Wind Master. “A-Ying, I'm not sure I trust you to behave yourself at this moment.”

“But baba... I wanna see him too.” That last part was a whisper more then anything. It was obvious the he that he mentioned was none other than Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian sighed. “A-Ying needs to behave. Do you not remember what we talked about before. You need to be more respectful of Lan Wangji.”

Wei Wuxian looked at his father, then turned his head. Lan Wangji was still blocked from view by the Wind Master. “...Okay...”

Xie Lian was about to acknowledge his answer when the boy began to act out again.

“But I don't see how an apology gift can be seen as disrespectful. He must like it cause he said he is keeping the rabbits. It's not my fault he was looking at the-” The boys mouth abruptly closed and his eyes suddenly went wide. Xie Lian who had been about ready to cover his mouth was just as shocked as he was.

“A-Zhan.” Wind Master Qingxuan sighed.

The boy had returned mostly to a stone cold expression and starred down Wei Wuxian. “He was speaking inappropriately.” Lan Wangji hugged the rabbits to himself, softly.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian was limp, shoving his face into his baba's shoulder as they walked a path through dense woods, he had been gloomy since they left heaven several hours ago, mainly do to being unable to talk thanks to an apparent trick Lan Wangji had up his sleeve. It seemed that the Lan Clan, which he was originally from, had something called the Silencing Spell which forced the upper and lower lip of its victim to become inseparable. Shi Qingxuan had recommended he not force his mouth open as it could injure him. Normally the spell wears off after an incense time but each time it had and Wei Wuxian had realized it, he had tried to start back in at Lan Wangji only to be silenced again.

Shi Qingxuan who had been in a conversation with Xie Lian eyed back at the three teens following behind and then at the defeated Wei Wuxian. He gave a sad smile.

“It's so strange how the world works sometimes. To think how coincidental these kids should meet with similar origins.”

Xie Lian looked to the Shi Qingxuan then back at Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. “The Wen Clan's Wen Ruohan is despicable.”

During their descent Xie Lian had informed the Wind Master of his knowledge of Lan Wangji and, as Shi Qingxuan had named him, his brother Lan Xichen's fate before informing him of his own children's similar predicament.

Wind Master frowned. “I've never actually run into any Wen Clan Cultivators before but I'd heard rumors recently that they were encroaching on other clans territories. Actually, it seems another clan is facing problems with them. The Nie Clan of Qinghe in the north recently lost their leader and most believe it to be the work of Wen Ruohan playing wicked tricks. Of course this is all just word of mouth, as you know...” Shi Qingxuan frowned. “It's not Heaven's place to get involved.”

Wei Wuxian peered up from his fathers shoulder, a grumpy look on his face. Deciding to change the subject to something a bit lighter, Xie Lian spoke “You know Wind Master, it is truly remarkable that both you and your brother ascended at the same time, and both of you Elemental Masters. It's already rare for situations like General Pei and General Pei Junior to occur even centuries apart.”

Shi Qingxuan looked at him then laughed. “Oh that's nothing, we just grew up in the same place, learned from the same teacher, cultivated the same path, so naturally we ascended together in the same lifetime.”

Jiang Cheng looked at Lan Wangji thinking about maybe starting some of his own idle chatter but the boy looked completely impassive, like a statue. Deciding the better option would be to ignore him and not also gain Lan Wangji's ire, Jiang Cheng moved closer to his sister.

Xie Lian began to consider something, then asked “Lord Wind Master. At the Palace of Divine Might, from the way General Pei spoke, it sounded as if he shared a friendship with your brother. Won't your filling a complaint against General Pei Junior affect-”

“Nah.” Shi Qingxuan replied. “My brother already knows I can't stand Pei Ming.”

“...” Wei Wuxian looked at Shi Qingxuan, then had a thought. He began to wave at Lan Wangji who promptly attempted to ignore him. Irritated by this, he leaned over to Shi Qingxuan and began tugging on his sleeve.

“Hm? What is it? Oh right...” the Wind Master looked back at Lan Wangji, then at Wei Wuxian. “Wei Wuxian, I'm really sorry but A-Zhan or his brother can only undo the Silencing Spell, your going to have to behave for him to break it or wait until this one ends...”

Wei Wuxian pouted with a pleading look.

“A-Ying. If you promise to stop bringing up the rabbits, I'm sure Lan Wangji will let you talk. Do you promise?” Xie Lian asked.

Wei Wuxian nodded, letting go of the Wind Masters sleeve.

“Really?” Xie Lian asked again.

The boy nodded more aggressively.

Xie Lian sighed and looked back at Lan Wangji. “Do you mind?”

“Only because Dianxia requested it.” Lan Wangji said in a calm tone. He looked at Wei Wuxian and the boy gasped as air finally entered through his mouth once more. He immediately looked to Shi Qingxuan.

“What kinda person is your brother to be friends with General Pei? Also the Emperor said that Lan Zhan was his student, is that why he's so sour? And General Pei asked if I was Little Jades tormentor, was he talking about Lan Zhan?”

“You really have been keeping a lot in haha.” Shi Qingxuan teased. “I wish my brother would stop hanging out with Pei Ming, but both make up two thirds of the 'Three Tumors', a title I also wish that my brother would leave behind. Also, A-Zhan isn't sour, he just has his rules, conducts, and personal thoughts.” Shi Qingxuan smiled and leaned in with a loud whisper, not hiding what he was saying at all, “But if you must know, my didi is actually a real sweet heart, he just has a hard time expressing it.”

“Wind Master.” Lan Wangji knitted his brows.

“But you are! My didi is truly the kindest.” Shi Qingxaun praised. “But, Wei Wuxian, it be best if you learned others boundaries instead of pushing into their space.”

“I really do just want to be friends. Honestly Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian looked over at the boy with a pout.

Lan Wangji looked at him but didn't answer. Wei Wuxian pouted even more.

“A-Ying, when did you speak with General Pei?” Xie Lian asked confused.

“It was before the trial.” Jiang Yanli spoke up. “A-Ying bumped into him before he walked in.”

“About the little jade comment,” Shi Qingxuan sighed. “That actually comes from a title some Heavenly Officials had given both my didi's not long after they started studying under my brother. The Twin jades of Wind and Water, it was a spoof of the boys apparent old title Twin Jades of Gusu. Little Jade is what Pei Ming call's A-Zhan. Greater Jade is his nickname for A-Huan. Lan Xichen that is.”

“Not to interrupt,” Jiang Cheng spoke, “But What are the Three Tumors?”

“Yes, I was going to ask a similar question.” Xie Lian sighed, letting Wei Wuxian down, who, to his relief, fell back to stand between Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli.

Shi Qingxuan was astonished "What?! You don't know about that either? Fine, alright Dianxia. I know your not up to date on anything so you can just listen in for giggles. 'The Three Tumors' is the moniker given to three heavenly officials who have a bad rep with basically everyone but are the best of buddies with each other: namely, Ming Guan, Ling Wen, and my brother.”

“Ling Wen?” Jiang Yanli frowned. “When we met her before, she just seemed tired but all around respectable, not really unwelcoming.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed. “Ling Wen Zhen-jun is respectable. She works hard for Heaven.”

Xie Lian smiled.

“Oh, she can be rude if she wants to, but often she's just tired.” Shi Qingxuan replied. He began to fan himself with his wind master fan. “Even if I can't stand him, the whole business this time around was Little Pei's fault. There's no way I'd let Pei Ming pin this all on the State Preceptor of Banyue and protect Little Pei. It doesn't matter if your mortal, god, or ghost, you must be held responsible for your own actions. Bullying a little girl is low.” The last line was said in utter contempt.

Xie Lian smiled. “The Wind Master is a Defender of Justice.”

Shi Qingxuan laughed. “You're not so bad yourself! I heard Rumors here and there about Banyue Pass but never had the time to investigate. Plus, my brother would yell at me about it. With so much plate, I'd forgotten. When I heard you asking in the array, it reminded me that there was such a case pending, and so I went to investigate. Turns out that not only did you ask, you went to investigate yourself! So I thought, dang, what a guy! Ha ha ha...”

Jiang Cheng could not hide a small smile that began to form. He had run into so many heavenly officials that made him question why anyone would want to ascend, but Wind Master was obviously different. He was indeed like a wild wind, both gentle and free. He jolted when the Wind Master suddenly transformed and there stood a woman instead. Jiang Cheng looked uncomfortable.

“Wind Master is truly beautiful in both forms, ha ha...” Wei Wuxian said teasingly. He didn't catch a look that Lan Wangji gave him.

“Eh? Oh, Wind Master, Why did you transform?” Xie Lian had trailed off into his thoughts and hadn't noticed.

“Oh, truth be told Dianxia, I'm actually more powerful in this form.” Shi Qingxuan said, preening her hair. She leaned over toward Xie Lian, “You know, women have stronger Yin energy, therefore, it be easier to hide in the Ghost City crowds.”

The implication was not hidden and Wei Wuxian began to laugh. “ya baba, why don't you turn into a girl too!” He teased. Xie Lian gave his son a playful glare.

“I don't have enough spiritual energy.” Xie Lian rejected courteously.

“I can lend you some of mine. Isn't that the reason the Heavenly Emperor sent me with you?”

“I don't think he meant for you turn baba into a woman.” Jiang Cheng said uncomfortably. Jiang Yanli was obviously trying very hard not to laugh, shaking and covering her mouth. Wei Wuxian wasn't hiding his laughter at all, cackling maniacally very close to falling over. Lan Wangji looked at him with a cold yet hinting on confused stare.

“It really isn't that funny.” Lan Wangji said plainly.

Shi Qingxuan found that she could not persuade Xie Lian so she stopped pestering. It was by then that the group came upon a wild field in the middle of nowhere. It was already deep into the night and crows cawed in the darkness of the pitch black woods. The air was indeed ominous.

Xie Lian stopped and propped out an arm, stopping the teens from moving forward. “Let's wait here, the air Is thick with yin energy and there is a large graveyard nearby. There should be at least one or two going to market. We'll follow them when the time comes.”

Thus the group perched on a burial mound and waited. They sat there quietly, Wei Wuxian fiddling with his sisters hair, when Shi Qingxaun reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small jug of liquor. “You want some?” She asked Xie Lian. Lan Wangji looked over and frowned slightly.

Xie Lian took it, drinking a small sip, felt his throat burn and passed it back. “Thanks.”

Shi Qingxuan took a few gulps then asked “You can't drink.”

“I can.” Xie Lian replied, “But excessive drinking causes insanity, so a simple taste is enough.”

“ Can I have some?” Wei Wuxian asked with a wicked grin.

Shi Qingxuan gave the kid a puzzled look while Xie Lian just sighed. “No A-Ying. You know my thoughts on you drinking at your age. If at all.”

“But many a young lord has his first drink at my age.” Wei Wuxian argued.

“One, your not a young lord, and second it wouldn't be your first drink now would it.” Xie Lian smiled back at his son with a raised brow. Jiang Yanli sighed and Jiang Cheng looked down sheepishly remembering the time about a year ago that he and Wei Wuxian stole a liquor jug from some old shop keep to try out the taste. Since then Wei Wuxian had snuck alcohol only about two or three times, all of which he had been caught by their father and disciplined. Shi Qingxuan laughed.

“Hay Hay. I'll admit that you are right baba, I am no lord and it isn't my first drink. In fact if I am not mistaken baba is a Taizi Dianxia which makes me a prince, much grander then a lord. Besides, living with Wind Master I bet Lan Zhan has had liquor before.”

Shi Qingxuan face faltered just slightly seeming to remember something, possibly an accident of her own doing.

“Drinking is foolish. I don't drink.” Lan Wangji said simply.

“Ya, about that, as I may have mentioned before, my brother has the boys follow a lot of their original Clan's rules, which includes prohibiting them from consuming alcohol.”

“Besides that,” Xie Lian added with a smile, “I may be Dianxia by title but I haven't been a prince in over eight hundred years. Meaning all you are is my perfectly mischievous Xiao Xiong.”

“baba...” Wei Wuxian crossed his arms and pouted.

Xie Lian laughed then looked up from the burial mound. “What time is it?”

Shi Qingxuan hummed then replied, “It's midnight.”

“Hm. It's about time then.”

Just as those words left his mouth a line of lights glowed within the tree line, getting closer. Emerging from the forests edge was a group of emotionless women in white funeral garbs carrying white lanterns in hand. Some young, some old, some beautiful, some ugly. They all walked an easy pace.

“Lets follow.” Xie Lian whispered.

Shi Qingxuan nodded, chugged the last of the jugs contents before tossing it aside. The six of them casually trailed behind the group of ghosts. Wei Wuxian leaned over to Lan Wangji who had made to move away.

“You know, with how your robes look, you fit right in.”

Lan Wangji shot him a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

Wei Wuxian gave him a teasing smile before catching up to his brother. Lan Wangji slowed his step for a moment. That smile... He shook his head slightly, his brow furrowing and mumbled the word “frivolous.”

Xie Lian made sure to use some of what he had of his spiritual energy to erase scent of the living from himself and his kids, Shi Qingxuan doing the same for herself and Lan Wangji.

“I'm so glad Ghost City is open again! I need a facial.” one of the ghost women ahead said.

“What happened to your face? Didn't you just get one?” another replied.

The first one responded. “It rotted again! Hahh! The one who served me last time said it was guaranteed fresh for a year! But it hasn't been even half that!”

Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian listened to the chatter, finding some of it a bit amusing but only smiled slightly. Wei Wuxian gave Jiang Cheng funny looks and mimicking some of the female ghosts banter and body language without actually speaking. Jiang Cheng covered his mouth, trying very hard not to laugh and Jiang Yanli shook her head. Lan Wangji ignored them.

After about an hour, the group came to a valley. A faint red light emitted from deep within it, and there was music wafting in the ethereal night. Xie Lian, and all three of his kids, had started to get very curious to see what Ghost City was really like. Yet right then the ghost woman at the end of the group turned her head slightly and caught sight of them.

“Who are you?” She asked confused.

All the ghastly and pale faces turned and saw them as well. Suddenly the group was surrounded. Lan Wangji reached down and held his swords hilt, moving slow and gracefully as to not alert them.

“When did they start following us? They weren't a part of the group when we left the burial grounds.”

“Which burial grounds did you lot come from? How come we've never seen your faces before?”

Xie Lian cleared his throat. “We... come from a burial ground much farther away, so of course you've never seen us.”

“That's right.” Shi Qingxuan smiled. “ We traveled a long way to reach Ghost City.”

They were reluctant to start problems this close to their target, not that these ghost women were a threat, but more so the distance. Suddenly one of the ghosts who had been staring at Shi Qingxuan's face spoke up.

“meimei, your face is very nicely maintained.”

Lan Wangji looked at the ghost woman with a slight tilt of his head. Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian looked at each other before nodding.

“It's not bad.” Xie Lian replied.

Shi Qingxuan copied his tone and said, “Pretty good right?”

All the female ghosts approached her.

“yeah, not rotten at all.”

“Meimei, where did you get your face done?”

“Oh!” When of the ghost woman was now looking at Jiang Yanli. “This meimei doesn't have any rot either.”

The girl smiled awkwardly and eyed her father as she spoke, “Ah, ya. It's well enough...”

“What's your secret?”

“Can you two recommend a place?”

Just then Xie Lian turned as a bright crimson light filled his vision. Now before him stood a strange and mysterious place. The street was long, with no end in sight, and on its edges were all types of bustling stores and stalls. Colorful signs flew high above, and giant red lanterns were hung below. “people” filled the streets, most wearing odd masks bearing an array of emotions. Some were human, some were not. The ones who didn't wear masks could only be described as strange and bizarre. From thin as bamboo to flat like a pancake, they all walked about the grand street.

He saw a food stall where the owner stirred a pot of soup with his saliva spilling into it from around his teeth, eyeballs floating about in it. Somewhere on the other side of the street a performer was breathing fire, burning the head of a smaller ghost who screamed like a slaughtered pig while the crowds cheered while other crowds threw paper money into the air. One flew toward Xie Lian and when he caught it he found it to be just as he thought. The money of the dead. As he continued down the street he saw a butcher stall with a row of languishing, pale human heads, hung in order of age, which was indicated by price tag. The apron clad butcher, knife in hand, was a boar with thick black hair. The thing he was currently chopping up was a muscular human leg, which was still twitching. He seemed to notice Xie Lian watching and reacted immediately.

“What are ya lookin at? Ya buyin?”

“No.” Xie Lian said.

The boar butcher chopped violently at the cutting board, blood splattering out. He yelled in a rough voice, “If ya ain't buyin' then don't watch! Fuck'n trying to start something? Get lost!”

Xie Lian did as much, quickly retreating from the stall. So much is going on and busy, it be easy to get distracted... Xie Lian froze. He spun around and looked about frantically to find himself completely alone. No Wind Master, No Lan Wangji, No ghost ladies, and most importantly, None of his kids. He tried to reach Wind Master through the communications array but quickly found it restricted. This was the Ghost City after all. He walked quickly about trying to find his kids and Wind Master but was caught off guard when someone grabbed his shoulder.

He spun, “Who?”

The woman who grabbed his shoulder was wearing an extremely revealing dress and seemed surprised at his reaction, but upon examining his face, smiled.

“Hey there little gege. Yer looking mighty fine.”

“???”

…

Wei Wuxian rushed about the stalls and shops, unrestrained as he looked over their wears and oddities. The smells, the music, the crowds, the lights. It was overwhelming and Wei Wuxian was practically shaking with excitement. Following not far behind was Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng, the former looking completely uncomfortable as he eyed everyone who passed them with a slight scowl on his face. If someone almost brushed past him he would side step away only to slightly brush against someone else. He looked a bit miserable.

Wei Wuxian stumbled up to a stall selling jugs of different liquors with a mischievous smile. The one running the stand was fanning himself, and looked over at him before lazily waving him away. “Go away brat, I don't got time for no games.”

“You shouldn't wave off a customer, it be bad business.” Wei Wuxian said shaking his head.

The ghost looked him up and down the huffed. “Customer? What are you, like 10? Pff, even if you were buying, what money?”

Wei Wuxian paused then smiled before pointing his thumb at Lan Wangji. “He's buying.”

Lan Wangji stopped and turned to glare at him. “No.”

Just then Jiang Cheng turned around to ask a question to his father, then started looking around frantically.

“EH? But Lan Zhan, I don't have any and I got you those rabbits-”

“One dose not repay an apology.” Lan Wangji said plainly.

A few stalls down, a man in a black cloak and horned smiling mask was looking over some strange devices being sold at stall with weopans and other not so pleasant looking tools on a small table and hanging above, when he shot a glance over at them. Behind the mask his eyes seemed to be trained on Lan Wangji.

“Okay. But would you buy it for me as a friend?”

The stall owner spat and stood up, “Hay, brat. Scram, beat it! I got a business to run and your pissing me off.”

“Hold on, I really want to- hay!” Wei Wuxian was cut off when Lan Wangji grabbed him by the collar and pulled him away from the stall. “Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Quit it! Why are you grabbing my collar? Why not my arm? Your going to choke me!”

“I don't touch people.” Lan Wangji stated coldly.

“Uhm... A-Ying...” Jiang Cheng said with a small hint of panic.

“But I'm not just a people, I'm your friend!” Wei Wuxian tried to pull away but the boys grip was firm.

“Lan Wangji...” Jiang Cheng said.

“Jiang Wanyin” Lan Wangji answered. The man starring at Lan Wangji slowly moved his eyes to Jiang Cheng, stared, then moved his gaze to the boys hand.

“I think we got separated.” Jiang Cheng said, waving an arm to their surroundings.

Lan Wangji paused, then looked around.

Jiang Cheng continued. “Did Wind Master say anything about where we we're going 'specifically' in Ghost City? Anything at all?”

“Mn. We we're to meet up with General Tai Hua at the Gamblers Den.” Lan Wangji answered. Wei Wuxian was still trying to twist out of his grip.

“And where is that?”

“...” Lan Wangji's brows knitted.

Wei Wuxian wriggled a bit and suddenly remembered, as he felt the gap between Lan Wangji's hand and the back of his neck, that his new outer robe was a little too big. Not enough to slide out of but just enough to turn almost completely around. With his face now more or less facing behind he abruptly licked the other boy's hand.

Lan Wangji's reaction was abrupt as he suddenly threw Wei Wuxian away from him and began frantically shaking his hand looking both disgusted and overwhelmed. The crimson lighting hid the slight reddening of his ears. “Wei Ying!”

Wei Wuxian lost his footing at being thrown and stumbled back, not able to stop from collapsing the stall behind him, jugs of liquor crashing to the ground with great force.

“What the Fuck!” The ghost stall owner jumped back, covered in some kind of sweet smelling alcohol, shaking in furious rage. “You Fucking Brat! I'm going to kill you!”

“ha ha ha- Bye!” Wei Wuxian launched to his feet and ran forward grabbing Jiang Cheng's wrist and dragging his brother away. Lan Wangji looked at the stall then at the two retreating boy's unsure what to do. Wei Wuxian turned. “Lan Zhan come on!”

He scowled but quickly and gracefully ran after them, his pace light and breezing.

The Man who had been watching them chuckled, and placed the object he had been looking at back, a white sleeve with red sun emblazoned on it, before quickly following them from a distance.

As the three ran, Wei Wuxian began moving about speedily avoiding anyone he could. Lan Wangji was catching up but every opening the other two took would be immediately closed to him and so he would try another way. After about a minute or so of this, Lan Wangji was sure he saw the other two move into an alley and followed only to find it empty. He spun around and looked about the crowd trying to catch sight of the Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng but they were nowhere to be seen. Nearby a crowd began howling in laughter. Laughter, music, yelling, footsteps, so many lights, so many smells, blood, alcohol, other things. Where was Shi Qingxuan? Dianxia? Wei Wuxian?

It was starting to be too much and the boy covered his ears, shaking slightly. Qingxuan JieJie, help me...

“Hay, your Lan Wangji right?” The boy stopped and looked up at the young man smiling down at him.

Chapter Text

“That's not it. I have an unspeakable affliction. I can't get erect.”

That was the line he said that caused the chaos that allowed him to get away from the Ghost Lady and the crowd of people, who were squawking and hollering as she got in a verbal fight with that boar butcher. Xie Lian wasn't ashamed of himself, maybe if his kids had been there but most women of the night generally stayed away from a man walking around with kids in tow, so he never had to use that method around them. He was certain that a very particular thirteen year old boy would not let him live it down if he ever heard his father use such a line.

However as he left one commotion he was suddenly over taken by another ahead of him. There stood a tall building, every inch of it painted a brilliant shade of red with exquisite carpeting in it interior. If it must be compared, it was on par with a heavenly palace in all but aesthetic. Inside crowds upon crowds of people moved in and out and about, loud and lively. Very Lively. Upon a closer look, Xie Lian saw that it was a gamblers den.

As he stepped up to the doors he noticed two columns bearing sets of couplets. The left one read, “Money Over Life,” the right “Gains Over Shame,” and above them it read “HA HA HA HA.”

“...” The calligraphy on these is worse then A-Yings, if you can even call this calligraphy. Xie Lian thought with a shake of his head. He turned to leave, but something stopped him. He then turned back and went inside.

In the Main Hall of the Gamblers Den, the crowd was packed wall to wall. Innumerable heads were moving as laughter and cries alike choked the air. Xie Lian had barely moved in a few steps when he heard screaming. He looked in the direction and watched as four masked bouncers carried a guest, who was writhing in pain. Blood gushed from two clean stumps just bellow the knee as the carried him away, followed by smaller ghosts who lapped up the blood greedily.

Xie Lian twisted away to let them pass before continuing deeper into the den. A petite attendant in a laughing mask then approached to welcome him.

“Gongzi, are you here to play?”

Xie Lian smiled and replied. “I don't have money on me. Mind if I just look?”

Normally a line like that would have you thrown out of such establishments, yet the petite attendant just giggled.

“No money is not a problem. Those who come here to play don't usually use money to gamble.”

“Really?” Xie Lian asked.

She covered her mouth then replied, “Really. Gongzi, please come with me.”

She sashayed away and Xie Lian followed her, keeping a careful watch of his surroundings. The interior of the Gambler's Den was extravagant and rich in taste but not at all tacky. They made their way to the back of the Grand Hall where a long table was surrounded by guests, packed together like sardines. Xie Lian had only just approached the outskirts of the crowd when, out of his line of sight a man called out.

“I bet, my arm!”

Then another voice, from farther down that although lazy in tone and not very loud, still rang out above the cacophony of the crowd. “No need. Never mind your arm, even your shit life is worthless here.” Xie Lian felt his heart skip a beat.

The voice was that of a young man, but deeper then that of which he remembered, which only made it more pleasing to the ear.

“San Lang,” Xie Lian mouthed silently as he turned to where it had come from. There, at the end of the table was a screen curtain, and one could faintly make out the silhouette of a man in red lounging back on a chair.

The attendant who led him to the long table said, “Gongzi, you are very lucky today.”

Xie Lian did not move his gaze away from the table. “How so?”

“Our Chengzhu rarely comes by. It has only been the past few days that he has been in the mood, so is this not good luck?” She said, speaking in such a tone that it would be hard not to tell she spoke with high regard. Xie Lian smiled.

After having heard Hua Cheng's voice, Xie Lian carefully pushed his way toward the table, careful not to draw any attention. When he finally made it past the crowd, he found that the one at the middle of the table was a living human man wearing a mask that still revealed his blood shot eyes. This didn't surprise Xie Lian, as it was well known that more then just ghosts made their way into Ghost City. He had even seen some cultivators of high skill walk among the crowds.

Just as a worrisome thought began to stir to the back of his mind, his attention was brought back to the table when the man called out again, gripping the black dice cup with the strength of one who had nothing to lose. “But... how come the other guy was allowed to bet both of his legs?!”

One of the Croupiers before the red curtained smiled. “The one before you used to be an acclaimed bandit, known wherever he went for his light footwork and ability to take flight. That ability was the essence of his life, so his legs were deemed as a worthy bet. You are neither a skilled artisan or a renowned medic; what worth does your one arm posses?”

The man gritted his teeth. “Then I.... I bet... ten years of my daughters life!”

Xie Lian was stunned by those words, then felt a certain coldness in his heart. What man would bet the life of his own child. A father like that is no father at all... An image of his own daughter flashed through his mind and he couldn't help but scowl at the man.

Behind the curtain, Hua Cheng let out a snort. “Very Well”

His words seemed cold. Xie Lian began to worry, as he remembered Hua Cheng telling him about his good luck as well as seeing it first hand with the fortune sticks. If San Lang rolls against him, he will surly win. IS he really going to take ten years off that poor girls life?!

Just then the croupier announced “Even is a loss, odd is a win. Once the cup is tipped, there is no turning back. Now, please.”

Xie Lian let out a quiet sigh of relief. It seems Hua Cheng was not betting against the man, it was all his own luck that would determine the outcome. Dice rattled inside the black cup, before the man stopped abruptly. He didn't move for a good long moment, before ever so slowly, peeling back the cup to peak under. His eyes grew wide with maddened joy as he flung the cup up.

“odd! Odd! ODD!!! I win! I've won!! HA HA HA HA HA! I've Won! I'VE WON!!!”

The crowd began to boo him, apparently wanted a more dramatic outcome.

One of the croupiers smiled and said, “Congratulations, your business will soon see a turn for the better.”

The man laughed uproariously and cried out “Wait! I want to bet again!”

Xie Lian frowned.

The croupier smiled, “You are welcome to. What do you want this time?”

The man pulled a long face and said, “I want.... I want everyone competing with me in my trade to drop dead.”

The crowd began to mutter among themselves, clicking their tongues. The Croupier covered her smile.

“If that is what you desire, it is much more difficult to fulfill than your previous bet. Will you not consider anything else? Having your business to flourish further, for example?”

Yet the man replied, red eyed, “No! That's the only thing I want to bet on! That's what I'm betting for!”

“Then, if that is your wish, ten years off your daughters life may not be enough.”

“I'll add more if that's enough! I'll bet twenty years of her life!... And the fate of her marriage!”

The crowd began to laugh maniacally.

“That dad has lost his mind! He's selling his daughter!”

“Wow, just wow.”

The croupier announced once again, “Even is a loss, odd is a win. Once the cup is tipped, there is no turning back. Now, please.”

The man once again took up the gambling cup and began to shake it with vigor. On one hand, if he lost then his daughter's life would be ruined, on the other many a man would drop dead? Xie Lian moved closer to the man, thinking of playing some trick to dissuade the roll, when all of the sudden, someone grabbed a hold of him. He turned to face Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Qingxuan had returned to his male form, leaning over to whisper. “Don't be rash.”

Xie Lian was about to ask him a question, when he noticed the form behind him. “A-Yanli!”

She was frowning at the gambling man, but immediately turned her attention to her father and smiled, gently pushing through to grab onto him.

“baba, I was so worried about you and the boy's, those ghost ladies were quite relentless, It's only thanks to Wind Master that they didn't pinch my face off.” The girl seemed rather flustered, and exhausted as she leaned into her father.

“Oh it was awful!” Shi Qingxuan sighed fanning himself. “Those girlies and aunties dragged us all over the place to these different parlors, and when we tried to escape they dragged us back! It was awful, so of course I had to change back! They were pinching and slapping and smearing things on my face! Quick, check my face! How is it? Anything wrong? Do you see anything off?”

He pushed his face right up to Xie Lian's for inspection. Xie Lian looked him over while rubbing Jiang Yanli's back. He replied truthfully, “It looks smoother and more fairer then before.”

“Really? Oh good! Where's a mirror...” Shi Qingxuan smiled brightly, but as he turned his head he took note. He looked around Xie Lian, then into the crowd. “Dianxia, where are your boy's and A-Zhan?”

Jiang Yanli snapped her head up and looked around as well, her face falling into a frown.

“I was hoping they might be with you.” Xie Lian sighed. “I really hope that if they stayed together A-Ying doesn't torment Lan Wangji again.”

“Ya.” Shi Qingxuan said with a worried look in his eye's.

“Wind Master? Is something wrong?” Xie Lian asked.

“Well, kind of... My didi doesn't like crowded places.... Correction, he doesn't like it when there is too much going on. He's truly a very sensitive boy and too much information to process makes him irritable. I really should have told him no....”

“What do you mean?” Xie Lian was puzzled.

Shi Qingxuan looked at Xie Lian with a small frown. “I originally didn't plan to bring A-Zhan, but he insisted...”

“Well, maybe he can find his way here the same way you did. Speaking of, how did you know how to find me here?” Xie Lian asked.

“Hmm? Oh, I didn't! I came because Qianqiu and I had already agreed to meet here, so I just brought Jiang Yanli with me. Which means my didi might also find his way here since he knew to meet here as well!”

“You called Qianqiu out, to meet here?”

“Yeah.” Shi Qingxuan stated. “Qianqiu is Lang Qianqiu, Dianxia Tai Hua. You know that much at least right?”

Jiang Yanli thought back to their arrival in the heavenly capital, and the young dianxia who they had seen, the one with a heroic smile. So he is the martial god of the east, the one the Emperor said baba would work...Her thoughts were cut off when her gaze moved to the opposite end of the table where the red curtain was. As her father and Shi Qingxuan continued their conversation, she eyed the curtain and the silhouette behind it. She slightly overheard the Wind Master talking about the gambler and his choices but she was more focused on the man behind the curtain. Is... that Hua-gege? She reached out to tap on her fathers shoulder when-

Crack

While her attention was elsewhere and the two gods had finished discussing, someone had barged into the area and, with one swift strike, shattered both the dice cup and the hand that was holding it. The entire table had a deep crack now going down its center.

The man in the mask crumpled to the floor, screaming out as he rolled about in agony while the onlooking crowd laughed, cheered, and others crying out in shock.

The young man who had attacked began to yell. “You! What a vicious heart! A wish for wealth and fortune, fine. But to wish for others sudden death?! If you want to bet, have the guts to bet your own life- not the life and marriage of your own daughter. Your not fit to be a man! Not fit to be a Father!”

Even in his current appearance, even Jiang Yanli found it not hard to surmise who this man with a distinguished air of nobility, regardless of his current dress, was. It Was Lang Qianqiu.

Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan both covered their faces at the same time.

“Lord Wind Master... did you not tell him... to be more cautious when he is here... and keep it low key?”

Shi Qingxuan whined back. “I told him... but he's always like that... what can I do... had I-” Shi Qingxuan had lowered the hand from his face and his eye's widened. He pushed slightly through the crowd and reached out to grab the young fourteen year old standing behind Lang Qianqiu and swiftly returned to the others without so much as a reaction from the crowd, who were all eyes on the Eastern General.

“Lan Wangji?” Xie Lian was surprised to see the ever so slightly shocked boy being pulled along by Shi Qingxuan.

“Oh my didi, thank heavens I saw you when I did, who knows why kind of trouble that idiot was going to get you into.”

As if on cue Hua Cheng chuckled from behind the curtain. Jiang Yanli spun to look back and Xie Lian's heart skipped a beat. Both father and daughter had heard him laugh before, both mockingly and genuine... and when full of killing intent.

His voice was languid as he spoke, “You must have guts of steel to start trouble here in my territory.”

Lang Qianqiu turned to face the curtain, fire in his eyes. “Are you the owner of this Gamblers Den?”

The crowd began to jeer and Lan Wangji who already seemed frustrated, was suddenly even more so, unintentionally covering his ears to block out the noise. Shi Qingxuan moved his own hands over them to help block out the noise.

“Ignorant child, do you know who your talking to? That's our Chengzhu!”

“Not only does he own this Gamblers Den, the entire Ghost City is his!”

Lang Qianqiu did not react but Shi Qingxuan gasped. “Dear lord, Is that who I think it is behind the curtain?! Is that Crimson Rain Sought Flower?!”

Xie Lian answered, “Yes... its him.”

Jiang Yanli smiled to herself as she looked back at the curtain.

“Are you sure!?” Shi Qingxuan asked again.

“I'm sure.”

Shi Qingxuan began to panic. “Crap, crap, crap! What do we do about Qianqiu now?”

“Wind Master!” Lan Wangji said through gritted teeth, trying to pull the mans hands away from his head. He was starting to look more and more upset.

“Eh? Sorry didi.” Shi Qingxuan pulled his hands away and got to the boy's eye level. “We'll try and get out of here as fast as we can, I promise. Just hang on a little longer.”

Xie Lian looked at the boy then toward Lang Qianqiu, “I think that all depends on him. Lets hope he doesn't reveal his identity.”

Yet the more Lang Qianqiu looked around the angrier he became. “This hellish place reeks of smoke and corruption, and its filled to the brim with demonic chaos. What scum is gathered here, committing what kinds of deeds? Running a place like this, none of you have a single trace of humanity!”

The crowed booed in unison.

“We ain't humans anyway, what do we need humanity for? What a useless concept- whoever wants it can take it!”

“Who do you think you are, coming all the way here to insult us!”

There was amusement in Hua Cheng's voice when he spoke again. “This den of mine is a carnival of hell to begin with. There's a path for you in Heaven, but you refuse to take it and instead chose to barge into the despairing pits of hell. So, what shall we do with you?”

It was obvious to the four on the sidelines exactly what Hua Cheng was implying when the word heaven left his mouth. It meant he already knew exactly where Lang Qianqiu came from.

However the man in question didn't catch on at all, instead slamming his hand into the table. The force of that hit caused it to fly upward and straight toward the curtain. Jiang Yanli gasped as those standing beside the table dodged away to escape. Xie Lian quickly pulled his daughter away and Lan Wangji spun away on his own. His movement was graceful, light and airy. Originally Xie Lian had thought the boys quickness and flowing demeanor back when he saw him running along side Wind Master across the desert, was all thanks to the Wind Masters own power. It was in fact Lan Wangji's own grace and eloquence that were in each step he took.

Before the table could reach the curtain the figure just beyond, who seemed unfazed by the current circumstance and only waved his hand to cause the table to rebound at a grander force. It was so strong that when Lang Qianqiu attempted to catch it with one hand he was forced to use both hands and still was pushed back, veins popping at his forehead. Lan Wangji reached for his sword Bichen but Shi Qingxuan put a hand in front of him. Xie Lian tried to think of a way to help Lang Qianqiu without revealing themselves and Jiang Yanli was slightly panicking, shooting glances between the curtain and the martial god of the east.

Lan Qianqiu gave a great shout and with all his might threw the table back at Hua Cheng. The Ghost King didn't change his lazying position, instead taking his hand and making a fist. The table shattered into hundreds of spiky broken fragments that all flew back towards Lang Qianqiu. In his current form he would have no way to dodge the assault, but taking on his true form would make it obvious who he really was. Which is why Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan felt panicked at the sight of a golden aura coming off of Lang Qianqiu.

Thankfully it seemed Lang Qianqiu suddenly remembered the mission cause he pulled back his aura and went to step back.... but Hua Cheng wasn't finished. The crimson figure hidden behind the curtain formed a hand seal, flicking two fingers upward, and suddenly Lian Qianqiu was pulled up into the air and and sprawled like a starfish onto the ceiling of the Gamblers Den. The god tried to break free but found his powers sealed and useless.

Xie Lian felt his head beginning to hurt.

“baba, what's going to happen to him?” Jiang Yanli asked, her face full of concern.

“I... don't know...” Xie Lian answered honestly.

Seeing that the gamblers Den's unexpected guest had been detained, many a guest had returned if only to laugh and holler at the young man, some even jumping up to try and pat him on the head. However he was very high up, so he was saved from that embarrassment, didn't change that he was quite flustered and turning red in the face having probably never been treated in such an undignified manor.

Hua Cheng chuckled from behind the curtain. “What an interesting catch today. I'll let you all play with it. Who ever wins big can take it home to roast.”

Jiang Yanli covered her mouth while Lan Wangji furrowed his brow. The crowd began to cheer.

“Bet on the roll! Lets bet on the roll. The highest roll can take him home to roast.”

“Oh myyyyy, this little gege looks pretty delicious, hee hee hee.”

“hahahahaha who's the fool now?! That will teach you to cause trouble around here!”

The four masked bouncers appeared carrying in a new long table. The crowd was riled up, the gambler who's hand had been crushed, long forgotten by all. Shi Qingxuan paced back and forth.

“What should we do? Should we try to make a bet or would it be better to fight? No, i'd rather not drag the kids into a fight... oh dear...”

“Wind Master, how is your luck?” Xie Lian asked.

Shi Qingxuan replied. “Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. There is no certainty with something like luck.”

Lan Wangji was starring up at Lang Qianqiu, eye's seeming to dart about looking for a possible way to get him down.

“There can be...” Xie Lian said. For example, look at me. I've never had any good luck.”

Shi Qingxuan gasped “Is it really that bad?”

Jiang Yanli sighed. “If there was bad luck personified, I'm sad to say baba would be the very image of it.”

Xie Lian nodded ruefully, “A-Yanli is right. If I roll, the best I get is snake eyes.”

Shi Qingxuan knitted his brow but then came up with an idea. “How about this; since you can only roll so low, why don't we bet on the lowest number! There can't be anyone who can roll lower then you.”

Lan Wangji paused, then slowly gave Shi Qingxuan a odd look.

Xie Lian considered it, “You have a good point. Let me try.”

“Good luck,” Jiang Yanli whispered as he made his way to the edge of the table.

“Why not switch up the rules a bit and see who can roll the smallest? The lowest roll wins, how about that?” Xie Lian called out the suggestion and some of the crowd agreed, others disagreed.

Xie Lian picked up two dice and gave it a try, mentally chanting, small, small, small, small.

Clack Clack.

Two sixes.

Jiang Yanli sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. Lan Wangji tilted his head slightly, his expression flat.

“It seems not even a change of rules, can change my luck.” Xie Lian sighed.

“Maybe it would be better to fight outright...” Shi Qingxuan mumbled, also rubbing his forehead.

Just then a croupier walked up to the red curtain and leaned in as if to listen. She nodded then turned to face the crowd. “May I have everyone's attention please. Chengzhu has an announcement to make.”

Hearing this the crowd became exceedingly quiet, intent on hearing what their Chengzhu had to say.

The croupier continued, “Chengzhu has said to change up the rules.”

The crowd began to chatter.

“Chengzhu is the rule!”

“The rules are whatever Chengzhu says they are.”

“What are we changing them to?”

Jiang Yanli was surprised, the room of ghosts had been crude and particularly rowdy, but the moment Hua Cheng seemed to be speaking or issuing requests the crowds became especially obedient. Jiang Yanli looked up to the curtain once more... just like her brothers, she really wanted to see Hua Cheng again.

The croupier responded, “Chengzhu says he is in a good mood today and wants to play a couple of rounds with everyone. Anyone is free to bet against him. Whoever wins is free to take the thing above home. Whether to steam it, bowl it, fry it, or pickle it will be completely up to the winner.”

“Despicable.” Lan Wangji hissed under his breath. Shi Qingxuan looked down at the boy.

“A-Zhan, I don't think I should have brought you...”

Lan Wangji looked up with a strange look in his eye. “I'm staying. I want to help.”

“...” Shi Qingxuan didn't know how to respond.

Above the all Lang Qianqiu squirmed, determined to escape his bindings. “What do you mean thing?! I'm not a thing! How dare you use me as a bet!”

Child, it would be better if you spoke less, Xie Lian thought watching as a few female ghosts looked up at the Martial god with hungry looks. With a soundless sigh he stepped forward and said gently, “In that case, please let me have a try.”

The shadow behind the curtain paused, then stood up.

The croupier in front of the curtain smiled, “Then, will this gongzi please come forth.”

Jiang Yanli watched as her father made his way to the end of the table, just near the curtain, the crowds parting to allow him to pass. When Xie Lian reached his destination, the croupier handed him a shiny black gambling cup.

“Please go ahead, gongzi.”

Jiang Yanli caught onto something in that moment. The croupier's had spoken in such casual almost dismissive tones to the crowd and the gambler from before, and yet when she spoke to her father her tone was exceedingly polite and respectful as if she were speaking to an honored guest. Jiang Yanli raised her eyes to the curtain. She couldn't help moving closer to the end of the table, toward her father, just to the edge of the crowd.

Xie Lian began to shake the cup, hoping he looked somewhat like he knew what he was doing. The crowd stared intently as he did this. Just as he was about to reveal the outcome the croupier stopped him.

“Wait,”

“What is it?” Xie Lian asked.

“Chengzhu says, your cup shaking posture isn't quiet right.”

“???”

Further back, Lan Wangji frowned and looked up at Shi Qingxuan who looked down at him with a shrug.

“Then may I ask what the correct posture is?” Xie Lian asked modestly.

“Chengzhu has invited you to come up, as he is willing to teach you Gongzi.” the croupier responded.

Jiang Yanli's eyes widened as she looked up at the curtain again for the umpteenth time.

The ghosts around and behind her began to grumble.

“To think Chengzhu is going to teach him- that's a first! Do you think he is going to die?”

“Chengzhu wants to do what? Just who is this?! Why teach him?!”

“Shaking a cup is just shaking a cup! What kind of correct posture is there?!”

The croupier motioned Xie Lian toward the curtain, and so he stepped up. The silk curtain moved gently and the figure behind it stood directly in front of him with only half an arms distance between them. A right hand reached out from beyond the curtain and found itself just bellow his own, supporting the gamblers cup. The hand was pale and slender with a bright red string tied around the third digit. Against that pitch black gamblers cup the skin was a brilliant white and the string a vivid red.

Xie Lian moved his eyes upward to see the face that was still very recognizable even with all its changes. That youthful handsome face of childish aura was now more contoured and sharp giving off the looks of a young man of about nineteen years. That childish shyness had evolved into a composed calm. He still wore maple red but was now decorated in silver chains and his twinkling eye still shined like a radiant star....

Yes just one eye, for the other was covered by a black eye patch.

San Lang

Behind, within the crowd Jiang Yanli frowned, as she could not make out what her father saw, given that the curtain was only a slit open from her position. She tried to look around him and step up onto the tips of her toes to see past Xie Lian, but when she noticed a ghost giving her a nasty look, she shrunk back a little silently reprimanding herself for acting so silly.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng stared at each other for a good long while before the latter spoke in a deep silky voice, “Would you like to bet high or low?”

“High,” Xie Lian answered finally being pulled back from reality and out of that eye.

“Fine,” Hua Cheng replied, “Then I'll go first.”

Hua Cheng, grasping Xie Lian's left hand in his right, guided him in gently shaking the black cup. When the dice were revealed it was a five and a six.

“How did that happen?!” Lang Qianqiu asked, as he could see the rolls from his place high above the crowd.

Lan Wangji had moved his attention away from Lan Qianqiu and toward the curtain as well. While no one could see the one behind the curtain, his hand was at least visible... Lan Wangji's eyes were now on that red string. Red.... he suddenly furrowed his brow. Where is Wei Ying? He turned to look back toward the entrance but so many ghosts and humans blocked his view of it. His golden eyes scanned the crowd but he saw no sign of the two boy's he'd lost in the crowd. They had not made it to the Gamblers Den.

“Wei Ying....”

Shi Qingxuan looked down at him then where he looked. “We can look for them once we save Lan Qianqiu. Don't worry. Dianxia's boy's seem to know how to handle themselves.”

Back up at the curtain, Xie Lian had begun to shake it like Hua Cheng had done but he was stopped.

“Not like that.” Although the words were reprimanding they were gentle and patient. This time Hua Cheng put one hand under and one on top, encompassing Xie Lian's own hands. “Like this.”

Hua Cheng's hands were like tempered jade, as he guided Xie Lian's hands in a shaking motion, once, twice, three times.

Xie Lian snuck a peek up at Hua Cheng who he found wasn't starring at the cup... he was staring at him intently, his lips curled into a smile. Xie Lian couldn't help smiling back.

“Like this?” Xie Lian said looking back down at the cup shaking it a few more times.

“Hm. That's right, just like that.” Hua Cheng's smile deepened as he spoke. “why dont you take a look?”

Xie Lian did so, lifting the lid to reveal two threes. He smiled, surprised that it seemed that his luck had indeed risen. But still a six was nothing compared to an eleven.

“I'm sorry, I've lost.”

“Don't be, this round doesn't count. I'm teaching you right now so try again.”

Jiang Yanli, Shi Qingxuan, and Lang Qianqiu all gawked at those words, Lan Wangji just tilted his head, his face not showing any emotion one way or another. Grumbles came from the crowd, all as equally shocked.

“Whats with Chengzhu? I thought he was going to show him who's boss, but he's actually teaching him for real?”

“How can you not count this round?! Can you even gamble like that?”

“If this doesn't count, when will it count?”

“Looks like Chengzhu really is in a good mood today...”

Hua Cheng quirked his left brow and the croupier immediately shushed the crowd. The room fell silent again and Xie Lian's face began to feel warm.

“Again?” Hua Cheng asked with a small chuckle in Xie Lian's ear.

“Okay...” Xie Lian said. He shook it twice and it came out to two fours.

“See, isn't it a little higher this time?” Hua Cheng asked.

“Yes, it is a little higher.” Xie Lian nodded, thinking something might be off.

Jiang Yanli heard some nearby female ghosts giggling to themselves. She looked back at her baba. Affection. That was the word that popped in her mind as she watched those pale hands take her fathers, but a different kind then she had seen personally. Her father was affectionate toward herself and her brothers when they needed. Wei Wuxian was affectionate in his teasing playful banter or big warm hugs. Jiang Cheng was affectionate with his persistence to help out whenever and wherever he could. This affection was one she could not name, the voice Hua Cheng used with Xie Lian, the way he gently placed his hands on her fathers... She at first thought it cute and sweet but.... then she felt a sudden sadness that came from somewhere deep. Why had she never seen this kind of affection... it was simple, but she didn't yet understand it.

“You! Stop shaking the cup! He's obviously playing with you! There's no such thing as a correct posture! He must be cheating!” She was snapped back to reality by Lan Qianqiu's yelling. She looked up at him before turning back and covering her face as the crowd began to yell at him and a few ghost girls threatened to pull of his pants.

Xie Lian looked up at the martial god and sighed before looking to Hua Cheng and pleading in a small voice. “San Lang...”

Hua Cheng chuckled “Leave him be, let us continue.”

Xie Lian shook the gamblers cup twice. Two fives. The crowd became a frenzy of cheers and more teasing of poor Lang Qianqiu.

Xie Lian sighed. It was obvious Hua Cheng was just teasing him. There was no correct posture and truly his luck would always remain bad so he was ready to reveal himself... However, just before he could Hua Cheng stopped him.

“Wait.”

“Whats wrong?” Xie Lian asked feeling the hands on his own pressing down just slightly tighter then before.

“I don't think gege has mentioned what should happen might he lose.”

“Um.” Xie Lian thought for a moment, but he really couldn't think of anything. He looked back at his daughter for an idea but she just tilted her head, obviously not knowing what to say either. Xie Lian turned back to Hua Cheng. “Do you think there's anything on me worth betting with?”

“Anythings fine. What have you got on you?” Hua Cheng said with a chuckle.

Xie Lian pondered then spoke shyly. “I... only have a half eaten steamed bun on me...”

“Oh baba.” Jiang Yanli sighed, placing her hand to her forehead.

Hua Cheng burst out laughing but no else dared to do the same. When he settled down, he nodded and said, “Thats fine. The bun will do.”

The crowd was shocked, but no one more so than Lang Qianqiu. “Whats the meaning of this? I'm worth more then a half eaten bun!”

The crowd broke out in laughter and someone yelled. “Whats wrong with a bun? Your getting off easy so shut up!” It was obviously Shi Qingxuan who had called out. Lan Wangji looked at him and then at the martial god strapped to the ceiling. He was ready for this lunacy to be over.

Xie Lian was caught somewhere between laughing and crying when he heard Hua Cheng coaxing him.

“Come. It's the last round. Don't be nervous.”

“I'm not nervous.” Xie Lian argued.

Together, Hua Cheng's hands on Xie Lians, holding the gamblers cup, they shook a few more times. Holding his breath, the lid was pulled away.

Two Sixes.

“Oh. I lost.” Hua Cheng said feigning seriousness.

The croupier took the black gambling cup and raised it in the air. “Congratulations to this gongzi. You have won this round.”

The crowd roared in cheers and even Jiang Yanli began to clap a bright smile on her face. The crowds were a buzz with excitement as they spoke highly of their Chengzhu's wisdom. Above their heads Lang Qianqiu struggled.

“Since you lost, you should be letting me down now!”

Hua Cheng didn't move his gaze away from Xie Lian, instead just lifting his hand and giving a simple wave. Lang Qianqiu came crashing down. Xie Lian flinched at the loud bang, and turned to see his daughter rushing over to help the martial god off the ground. He too quickly came over.

“Are you okay?”

“I'm good,” Lang Qianqiu answered giving Jiang Yanli a look of recognition as he dusted himself off. He stood tall and looked back at Xie Lian, “He probably wanted you to go up there so he could cheat and make you lose. Glad you won though.”

Jiang Yanli giggled and Xie Lian smiled. You're completely mistaken, if he hadn't let me win there is no chance that, even if the world burnt to ash, that I would have been able to win you back.

The trios attention was caught by the sound of tinkling chains as the curtain pulled away, and Hua Cheng stepped out. Jiang Yanli's eyes widened and her smile grew brighter.

Back when he had taken the younger form, his hair had been pulled into a crooked ponytail, now his raven black locks tumbled loosely over red robes. Only one strand of hair was braided and tied at its end was a red corral bead, giving an air of mischief to his killing aura and handsome features. He leaned against the edge of the curtain, arms crossed, slender and tall.

“Gege, you've beaten me.”

Xie Lian understood what had happened and in resignation said, “Please stop teasing me.”

Hua Cheng quirked a brow, “Im not, Why would I?”

Some ghosts behind them started complimenting Hua Chengs looks, saying something about new skin and looking handsome... but Xie Lian knew better. This was Hua Cheng's true form.

Hua Cheng moved his glance to Jiang Yanli and gave her a soft smile, which she returned. He eyed around her and tilted his head. Even without words she understood that he was asking for her brothers and her smile dropped. In all the chaos she hadn't asked Lan Wangji if he had seen them. Hua Cheng seemed to clue in that she was unsure and just nodded slightly before returning his attention to Xie Lian.

Xie Lian looked at him. “You...” He wanted to say something, anything, but with so many eyes on him, he wasn't sure what to say. In the end all he said was “Thank You.”

“Why thank him?” Lang Qianqiu demanded. “He owns this place, he-”

He was cut off by Jiang Yanli lifting her hand in front of his face. “Baba, we should probably get going.”

“Agreed.” Xie Lian replied before he started pushing Lang Qianqiu toward the exit.

“Hold it.” The three paused and turned to see Hua Cheng walking toward them. The crowd began to chatter.

“Chengzhu, you cant let them go like this!”

“That guy's suspicious. Look how strong he is. He's probably not as simple as he seems. If you ask me, they need to be kept and interrogated.”

“Exactly! Who knows if he's a spy sent from whatever organization, to cause trouble on our turf!”

Xie Lian felt those words like daggers to his heart, guilt over taking him. Jiang Yanli reached out and took her fathers arm, a tad bit worried of what might happen. Not on Hua Cheng's behalf but rather the ghosts surrounding them.

However Hua Cheng spoke in a laid back tone, “Shouldn't you be leaving the prize behind?”

Xie Lian was puzzled. “Prize?”

Lang Qianqiu put himself in front of Xie Lian and Jiang Yanli, “Are you going back on your word now?”

“It's true gege won against me just now,” Hua Cheng replied. “But don't forget, you lost a round before that.”

Xie Lian blinked. “But you said not to worry, that it didn't count.”

Jiang Yanli looked between her father and Hua Cheng.

“Of course, the rounds where you bet against me didn't count. What I'm referring to is the round where you bet at the long table.” Hua Cheng replied.

Xie Lian remembered then that indeed he attempted to roll lowest and failed miserably before the rules had been changed.

Lang Qianqiu's expression grew dark, “I told you he had ill intentions and wouldn't leave here that easily. I will not be sealed again.”

Xie Lian reached forward and pulled Lang Qianqiu behind himself. “It's fine, don't be nervous. We have no need to use our fists.”

Hua Cheng tilted his head. “How about it? Gege, do you admit your loss?”

Xie Lian nodded. “I admit it.”

Hua Cheng extended his left hand with an open palm. “Then give me the promised prize.”

Xie Lian hesitated, but then reached into his sleeve and felt around. Finally he pulled out a half eaten steamed bun. “Did you mean... this?”

Jiang Yanli covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter. Xie Lian's thick skin that he had accumulated over the past eight hundred years crumbled a little as he held out that bun.

Hua Cheng grinned broadly and received the bun, gave it a look, then waved it around in his hand. “I've claimed my prize.”

Xie Lian was left speechless at the fact that he had actually taken the bun, but eventually words did tumble out of his mouth. “It's cold.... and maybe a little hard.”

“That's okay. I don't mind.” Hua Cheng said.

Xie Lian, Lang Qianqiu, and Jiang Yanli once again made their way to the exit, this time their path was cleared as the ghosts looked on at Xie Lian with curiosity and admiration.

“Chengzhu! Chengzhu! Where are you headed to now?” A Ghost called out from behind them. Xie Lian and Jiang Yanli turned to look.

Hua Cheng replied lazily. “I am in an agreeable mood today. To Paradise Manor.”

At this the hall erupted into festive cheers and Jiang Yanli turned away, however Xie Lian was still watching when Hua Cheng tossed around the bun, before taking a bite while gazing directly into Xie Lian's eyes. Xie Lian faltered in his step, before grabbing both Lang Qianqiu and Jiang Yanli and rushing out of the Gamblers Den.

As they ran like madmen down the long street almost knocking over a few food stalls, Lang Qianqiu bumped shoulders with a young woman, maybe eighteen at most, at one of the stands.

“Watch it!” She snapped, her face hidden by a boar mask.

“Sorry!” He yelled back before disappearing into the crowd after the other two.

The young woman huffed before turning back to her business. She snatched up a small bag of exotic medicinal herbs from the ghost running the stand before tossing some paper money at him. She stuffed the bag into her sleeve, the red sun on it barely visible under the redder light, before her arms fell back under her black cloak. She looked around for a minute, trying to find someone but seemed to come up short. She tsked. You get sent with me to collect goods and act as my escort and here you are disappearing on me. Wen Qing, why do you always get stuck with the morons. She began walking down the street as a large crowd left the Gamblers Den seemingly surrounding someone. They were blocking the path, making her more annoyed as her search was now going to take even longer.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian peered out from his and Jiang Cheng's hiding place in a small enclosed alley, barely visible to anyone. The alley reeked of booze and other things but both boy's didn't seem to mind as they headed deeper until they reached the end where a wall blocked them in. 

“Seems we didn't just lose the Stand owner, we also lost Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian frowned as he leaned against the alley wall.

“It will be no surprise to me when he buries you several meters down. Why do you try to piss him off so relentlessly?” Jiang Cheng asked, crossing his arms. 

“Eh? I'm not trying to piss him off... maybe... you know I like to tease and he's just so easy to tease.” Wei Wuxian answered back with a sly grin. 

“The way you treat him is worse than how you treat some girls. It's borderline creepy.” 

“Creepy? How's it creepy? What, you think I'm flirting with him?” 

“Maybe? You tell me.”

Wei Wuxian stuck out his tongue only for Jiang Cheng to give him a punch to the shoulder. In the end both boys just laughed at themselves before looking back toward the alley's entrance. 

“We should probably go looking for baba. Lan Zhan said that Wind Master and General Tai Hua were going to meet at the Gambler's Den. We should look there first.” Wei Wuxian said, turning to look back at Jiang Cheng.

“And how exactly are we supposed to know where that is? Sorry but I'm not asking directions from a human with possible ill intent, nonetheless a ghost!” Jiang Cheng retorted.

“Then we'll just walk around until we see something that might be it. What's the worst that could-” Wei Wuxian's words were cut short. When he turned to walk back out the alley he was taken aback to see a man standing there. He was wearing a horned smiling mask and a black cloak that reached almost all the way to the ground, his own smile creepy and uncovered. 

Both boys looked at each other and then back at the man, before each taking a step back putting themselves in a defensive position.

“Need something?” Jiang Cheng asked, his tone sharp and to the point. 

The man cocked his head ever so slightly, looking the boy up and down. His grin got wider and his teeth glistened almost red in the lamp light. 

“Oh no, it's nothing really. I just thought one of you boys looked familiar. Say..” The man began walking towards them, closing the distance in a few strides. Both boy's stiffened up and stepped backward again, this time their heels hit the alley's end wall. They were sandwiched between the stranger and a stone wall. “I saw you two running around and swore there was another boy with you. Where might he be?”

“Don't know. What does it matter to you?” Wei Wuxian spoke, glaring at the man. What does he want with Lan Zhan? 

The man looked Wei Wuxian over but seemed not very interested, returning his attention to Jiang Cheng. “So it seems I lost him. Such a pity. No matter, this will be enough.”

“What will be enough?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“Hm? Oh,” The man moved a step closer, his grin even wider. “The capture of the heir of Jiang Clan of course... Jiang Cheng, Jiang Wanyin, son of Jiang Fengmian and Madame Yu Ziyuan.” 

Both boy's stiffened up, eyes wide. Jiang Cheng immediately responded. “I don't know what you mean.”

“Ha. Don't play me for an idiot. The Lan boy called you Jiang Wanyin back at the stall, and besides that, It would be hard not to recognize the Violet Spider's legendary whip, Zidian.” 

Jiang Cheng looked down at his hand where the ring rested on his finger. He glared back up at the man, purple energy crackling from it as he stood ready for a fight, no longer hiding. “Who are you?”

The man smiled, and simply pushed aside his cloak while reaching for the sword at his waist. White robes, red suns. Both boy's eye's grew like saucers as the man lunged forward sword swinging. They jumped out of the way in opposite directions. Wei Wuxian began to race toward the entrance to the alley when he heard a yelp from behind. 

He spun around to see Zidian had been summoned but the man had caught Jiang Cheng by the arm holding the whip. In one quick motion, the Wen cultivator pinned Jiang Cheng's arm behind his back and slammed him into the wall. 

“Better not fool around too much kid, Wen Rouhan will prefer you alive.” 

“Let him go!” The man turned to Wei Wuxian just as the boy threw a rock that smacked the man just above the brow line. He flinched but his grip didn't ease up. Wei Wuxian rushed the man but was kicked right in the chest once he had gotten close. The boy rolled a few meters but immediately jumped back to his feet. 

“Back off you fucking brat.” The Wen Cultivator snarled, jerking Jiang Cheng towards him and was making ready to leave. But Wei Wuxian didn't. He ran at the cultivator again. The man swung at the boy with his sword.

“Ah!” 

Wei Wuxian tumbled back grabbing his face just below his left eye. He had barely dodged the sword, but it still made contact with skin grazing him on his left cheek. Wei Wuxian fell onto his rear and pulled his hand away to see it was a crimson color. He shot a look up at the Man who now stood over him with a pitying smile. 

“Little brat should have just run away. Now you're in my way. Good news is, your corpse will feed some poor hungry spirit in these streets.” 

Wei Wuxian's eyes widened as the man lifted his blade to strike. 

“A-YING!” Jiang Cheng screamed and Wei Wuxian covered his head with his arms in a pointless attempt to block the incoming assault....

But it didn't come. 

Instead there was the ringing of something and then the audible sound of a blade cutting through flesh.

Thunk.

Wei Wuxian slowly pulled his hands away, to see the disembodied arm of the Wen Cultivator lying on the ground in front of him, still gripping the sword. 

The Man screamed, letting go of Jiang Cheng in a fruitless attempt to use his hand to cover the stump and stop the blood from spraying out. The moment Jiang Cheng was free he recalled Zidian and rushed to his brother's side. His attention only drifted at the sound of footsteps followed by the sound of chimes. Jiang Cheng looked to the alley's entrance where a hoard of ghosts huddled, watching the man who entered the alley as a silver saber sheathed itself at his side. 

The man was tall and slender but easily a threat in strength. His hair was raven black and loose save a single braid that ended with a coral red pearl, and his robes were just as red if not more so, covered in silver chains with matching silver vambraces. His skin was pale and over his right eye was a black eyepatch. The man oozed with killing intent. The face however was not that of a stranger, even if he looked older and more deadly than the last time he had seen him, Jiang Cheng knew this was Hua Cheng.

The cultivator looked at the Ghost King and cried out “Hua Chengzhu! Chengzhu! Please have mercy on this one! Whatever I have done, let me make it-” He was cut off by a boot to the face, Hua Cheng kicking him several meters until he slammed into the wall at the end of the alley. The crowd at the entrance of the alley cheered as Hua Cheng turned to face the two boy's.

“A-Cheng, are you alright?”

The boy stared at him, a bit mesmerized for a time before quickly nodding his head. “I'm fine, but he hurt A-Ying.” 

Hua Cheng bent down and looked at Wei Wuxian who was still staring at the arm on the ground in complete shell shock, not registering anything going on around him. 

“A-Ying?” Hua Cheng asked.

The boy didn't respond. Hua Cheng placed a gentle but firm hand on the boy's shoulder, causing him to jump and look at the man. Hua Cheng's eye looked at the cut on the boy's face and his brow knitted. He opened his mouth to speak again but was caught off guard when Wei Wuxian, having recognized him, threw his arms around Hua Cheng's neck and began shaking wildly. Hua Cheng felt tears start to wet his shoulder and immediately scooped Wei Wuxian up with one arm and picked Jiang Cheng up with the other. He turned and began to leave the alley. The ghosts parted and began whispering among themselves. 

“Who are those kids? Chengzhu treating them so highly? Are they his? When did Chengzhu have kids?”

“Hay, I can't see their faces. Do they look like Chengzhu? Maybe the one with the red ribbon in his hair?” 

“Man, that bastard must not know what's good for him if he's messing with Chengzhu's kids.”

Hua Cheng paused in his step and turned his head slightly toward the crowd. “Do what you will, just don't leave any of it behind.” And then he began to walk away.

The Wen Cultivator heard those words and looked up as an army of hungry ghosts descended into the alley. Blood curdling screams, the ripping of flesh, and the sound of howling ghosts echoed out of the alley. It was only then that a young woman had arrived. She looked into the alley seeing scraps of Wen Clan robes flying every which way. Her face behind the boar mask had gone pale, before she was turning and fleeing the opposite direction. 

….

“I'm sorry Dianxia, I lost them after that...” Lan Wangji apologized, his face empty of expression as he gave a slight bow to Xie Lian who was putting a hand to his forehead, the boy having explained everything that had happened before he was separated from Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. 

“No need, I should be apologizing, A-Ying isn't normally this... excessive with his teasing. I'll see about him giving you a proper apology soon. Don't worry, I'll make sure it's with words not gifts.”

Nearby, Shi Qingxuan was reprimanding Lang Qianqiu, “Qianqiu, you are a martial god who watches over a territory, you know that right? How could you act so rashly! And almost dragging my didi into it as well? Unlike you he is very much mortal! What would have happened if you had been caught and exposed! That word got out that a heavenly official went in disguise, infiltrating the Ghost Realm, and disturbing the peace between the realms with your bizarre behavior? How would we explain that to the Emperor?!”

Lang Qianqiu bowed his head, eyeing Lan Wangji. “I'm sorry, I was too rash earlier and wasn't thinking.” Then he raised his head, “But those gamblers were crazy. If that man had flipped that cup win or lose, the outcome would have been terrible. Either his rivals or his daughter would suffer the consequences. It was that anger that made me crush the cup.” 

“Your anger was justifiable but Baba and Wind Master said that heavenly officials can't get involved in Mortal affairs. I agree that it was a terrible gamble but you put the mission at risk.” Jiang Yanli replied, her arms in her sleeves. 

“She's right. Very intelligent words. Besides that even if we got involved, you shouldn't have jumped in by yourself.” Shi Qingxuan chided. 

Lang Qianqiu blinked, “Then what should I have done, Lord Wind Master? If I didn't charge in, no one else would have.” 

His question was so genuine that Shi Qingxuan wasn't sure how to respond. He pressed his fan to his forehead. “Well....”

Xie Lian removed his hand from his forehead and smiled, “Forget it.” 

Lan Qianqiu looked at him. Xie Lian continued, “ I think that even if Dianxia Tai Hua was caught, he would not have confessed his identity no matter how he was interrogated. But, to prevent others from picking up any clues from your words, it would be best for Dianxia to be prudent and avoid capture going forward.”

“Okay! I understand.” Lang Qianqiu nodded. 

Lan Wangji looked toward the street just outside the alley. Xie Lian followed his action. 

“Alright, first things first, I need to find my sons. After that we can get back to the mission at hand.” Xie Lian commented, turning back to the other two gods. 

“Yes of course, but Dianxia-” Both Lang Qianqiu and Xie Lian looked at Shi Qingxuan, who then corrected himself, “The elder Dianxia,..”

Jiang Yanli giggled and Xie Lian rubbed his forehead dejectedly. 

Shi Qingxuan continued, “Dianxia, have you two met at the Palace of Divine Might? If not, let me introduce you. This is Taizi Dianxia of Yong'an, Lang Qianqiu, Martial god of the East. This is Taizi Dianxia of Xianle, Xie Lian, a heavenly official who collects... collects... collects great commendations from the Emperor. And this is his daughter Jiang Yanli.” 

Jiang Yanli giggled again, covering her mouth and giving her father an apologetic look. Of course, the original statement was collects scraps.

When Lang Qianqiu heard, however, he looked at Xie Lian in amazement. “So you're that Dianxia that ascended three times?”

Xie Lian's eyes twinkled, understanding that the man was sincere, “Yes, that would be me.”

Lang Qianqiu responded, “Thank you for helping me out earlier, if you hadn't..” He paused then immediately began to tuck in his belt, tying properly, fear still lingering in his eyes. 

Lan Wangji stood silently to the side, although he might not show it in his expression or posture, he was getting antsy. His thoughts were running rampant as he looked out at the street. Two people were on his mind. One a frivolous boy, the other a man who had been missing for seven days....

As the gods talked Lan Wangji walked over to the edge of the alley and looked out on the bustling ghosts, eyebrows occasionally knitting when it got louder every so often.       

“Are you alright?” He looked over as Jiang Yanli stepped up beside him, keeping an arms length between them.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded and returned his gaze to the street. 

They both sat quietly watching as ghosts and humans alike did business along the street's edge. Jiang Yanli looked back at the adults who seemed deep in conversation. She saw her baba getting flustered at something that was said and she smiled, shaking her head. Her attention returned to Lan Wangji.

“You know, A-Ying doesn't mean anything ill toward you. I can understand if you find it infuriating. Actually he talked a lot about you after Banyue Pass, said something about you being really pretty and cool. But don't tell him I said that. He wouldn't let me live it down.” Jiang Yanli smiled remembering Wei Wuxian's little rant after she was given the medicine for her snake bite, how he went on and on about a boy in 'funeral clothes' with a cool sword and how he had used a guqin to help the Earth and Wind Master fight off the Banyue Soldiers. How this other boy was really pretty and interesting... and, in his words, fun to mess with. A-Ying knows how to lie, but frankly is too honest more often than not. Too honest for his own good.  

Lan Wangji looked at her then he shook his head. “He's shameless and ill-mannered.”

“Maybe so, but he is also kind and brave.” Jiang Yanli gave the boy a soft smile. “I think he really does want to be your friend. He just doesn't understand you. You're different from other boys your age. That's not a bad thing mind you, he just doesn't understand it. One day he will.... hopefully.” 

“Mn.” 

The two stood there in silence once more. Somewhere behind them Lang Qianqiu was getting loud again. Jiang Yanli looked back and watched Shi Qingxuan rubbing his forehead, like he was getting a headache. 

“Wind Master is such an interesting character. He's very open and warm spirited.... Speaking of, both he and you have brothers right? What's Lan Xichen and Water Master like?”

Lan Wangji thought on this a moment then answered. “Xiongzhang is polite and courteous. He is also strong and wise. Lord Water Master is also wise and strong aswell as respectable, and does not like to be disrespected.”  

“And what are your thoughts on Wind Master?” Jiang Yanli asked.

Lan Wangji didn't answer for a moment. His face didn't give away his thoughts but his bright golden eye's flicked back at Shi Qingxuan. “Kind.” 

That one word was spoken so softly that Jiang Yanli almost didn't catch it. She was about to ask more when someone ran past them. She looked up just as a mob of nefarious creatures stormed past.

“Where's the brat with the bandaged face?! Where is he?!” 

     Behind the two teenagers, Shi Qingxuan and Lang Qianqiu both snapped a look their way in alarm but Xie Lian quickly reassured them. “Don't worry, they're not after us.” 

Just as those words left his mouth there came a shrill, deafening scream. Lan Wangji put his hand to Bichen as Jiang Yanli stepped out of the alley to see who was screaming. 

“We caught him!”

“Beat him to a pulp again!”

“Fuck! However much food this little scumbag pilfered off me, I'm gonna slice the same off of him! Every last bit!”

Jiang Yanli tried to peer through the crowd of ghosts encircling their victim and eventually just ducked between their arms. When she made it closer, her eyes widened to a familiar sight. It was the bandaged boy from Mount Yunjun! He was clinging tightly to his head as the ghosts kicked and grabbed at him. 

Jiang Yanli shoved the rest of the way in, only to be grabbed by the collar and thrown out of the circle. “Out of the way, girly!” 

Lan Wangji stepped up to see if she was alright. Xie Lian had also attempted to get through the crowd but was pushed away.

“What are you doing!?” The three at the edge of the mob barely registered what was happening until Lang Qianqiu had already hurled several ghosts away.

Shi Qingxuan put himself in front of Lan Wangji, fanning himself as he called out in irritation, “Qianqiu, I thought we agreed to not act so impulsively!” 

“Where the hell did you come from!” The ghosts were riled up and began tackling Lang Qianqiu.  

“I'm sorry Lord Wind Master!” Lan Qianqiu called out, “This will be the last time!” Then he jumped into the fight, whacking the ghosts about. Lan Wangji furrowed his brow. 

“Uhg I'm never going on a mission with you again!” Shi Qingxuan sighed exasperated, before he flew into the fight as well. This took Lan Wangji back as he watched Shi Qingxuan begin to get into a fist fight. Letting go of Bichen he ran up and threw off any ghost getting too close to hurting the Wind Master. Jiang Yanli looked a bit surprised at the arm strength of the boy as the ghosts went flying pretty far. 

Xie Lian shoved away some of the remaining ghosts tormenting the boy before kneeling down. 

“Are you alright?” 

The boy looked up at him from the fetal position and Xie Lian noticed the bandages were caked in fresh and dried blood. The black eyes that peeked out at him were wild with terror.

“ Come, stand up, everything is fine now.” Xie Lian said, taking the boy by the arm. 

He was thrown off when the boy suddenly screamed and threw him off, before fleeing. Xie Lian fell to the ground in shock, even his bamboo hat falling off to the ground. He immediately called out “Wait!”

Jiang Yanli spun around and rushed over to help her father up. Just as he was about to make chase some of the ghosts he had shoved away grabbed him. The boy was getting away.

“Baba!” Jiang Yanli yelped, trying to push away one of the ghouls. 

In a split second of urgency, Xie Lian called out behind him. “My lords, I'll leave this matter to you. Let's separate for now. Go hide for now, and we will meet again here in three days at the latest.” And with that Ruoye shot out, knocking away the ghosts before tapping on Jiang Yanli's cheek like it was giving her a little kiss. She laughed before following after her father who had retrieved his bamboo hat and gave chase after the boy. 

As they ran they had to squeeze between many people who passed into their way, it was so tight in fact Xie Lian accidentally knocked over a few stalls. “I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” He called out but continued to run.

However these ghosts were not the kind to take being crossed so lightly and so yelled. “Sorry does shit! Get him!”

“Baba!” Jiang Yanli called out as a tentacle came out from the crowd of angry ghosts and pulled him back. Suddenly he was surrounded by the mob of frenzied spirits. 

“Hey, hey, hey! Let's teach this pretty boy a thing or two! How dare he start shit in ghost city?!”

Xie Lian began trying to throw off the tentacle that caught him and pleaded. “Everyone, I'm really sorry! I don't mean any harm! Please allow me to find someone and we can discuss reparations after that!”

“You wish!” The hoard chided as they surrounded him more.

Jiang Yanli began to try and pull some of the ghosts away. “Leave him alone! Please, he really didn't mean anything! Let my baba go!” 

“Piss off!” One of the ghosts shoved her and she stumbled back. 

“A-Yanli! Don't hurt her! She isn't part of this!” Xie Lian tried to push his way out again but they were jostling him so it was hard to get away. 

“Settle down!” The crowd suddenly stopped and turned, backing away to make room as a man in black began walking towards them. “Let him go!” 

Jiang Yanli took the opportunity to rush over and grab onto Xie Lian as he was released by the ghosts who began to murmur among themselves. 

“Its the Waning Moon Officer!” The man in question was tall and wore an odd mask, as if it was smiling woefully. The moment he approached Xie Lian, he gave a deep bow.

“Greetings, Daozhang. Chengzhu wishes to see you and your daughter. He awaits you both at Paradise Manor.” 

Xie Lian was surprised as he looked at Jiang Yanli. The ghosts sucked in breath. 

“Chengzhu wants to see him?! Did I hear that right?”

“Paradise Manor? But that's Chengzhu's sanctuary!- He never has guests!” 

Someone had just entered from a different street to watch and called out “Wait a sec, isn't he the guy that won against Chengzhu today at the Gambler's Den? I mean... the one Chengzhu educated?!”

All eye's were on Xie Lian and he felt a little embarrassed. Jiang Yanli on the other hand was growing a bit excited as She would finally get to talk to Hua Cheng again. 

“This way please,” The Waning Moon Officer said, beckoning for the two to follow him. 

The crowd parted, this time for Xie Lian and his daughter as well. No one dared to go after him again and no one dared to follow them. As about an incense time came to pass they had left the busy streets for more remote and quieter ones. As they walked no one spoke, the Waning Moon Officer walking almost as if he could vanish into the darkness at any moment. Jiang Yanli had not let go of her fathers arm, so when he had, for some reason, tensed up she turned and looked up to see what was wrong. His eyes were focused ahead but lowered ever so slightly. She followed his line of sight and understood immediately. On the man's wrist was a black band...

A Cursed Shackle?!  

Chapter Text

“We are here.”

Xie Lian and Jiang Yanli looked up to find they had been lead to a lake. There were haunting will-o-the-wisps, floating above the waters, playing around and chasing each other. Next to the lake stood a large, resplendent mansion. The Heavenly Realm and the Ghost Realm possessed glamorous architecture, the difference being heavens was more emphasizing prominence where as the Ghost Realm was built with bewitching frivolity. Large Characters displayed the name 'Paradise Manor.”

Strange music poured out from within its walls, airy and soft, almost hypnotic as Jiang Yanli and Xie Lian made their way inside the manor. Parting a beaded curtain they were hit by warm, perfumed air and an extravagant sight. The floor of the grand hall was covered in a white fur rug from some large unknown beast, as women in light silks danced barefoot around the room, the music coming from them. Like roses with thorns. Some danced over to Xie Lian and gave him teasing looks with their eyes, but he looked right past them to the first person he saw seated at the back. The first thing he saw at the end of the hall was a man seated on a grand divan that could probably sit over a dozen people, as a group of these women danced in front of him, yet he paid them no mind.

Instead he was lazily looking upon his work. It was a small golden palace like that of a heavenly palace, but made of gold foil, stacked intricately on top of each other. He was twirling a piece of gold foil in his hand.

Gold Foil Palace. Xie Lian had remembered playing the game as a child, like other children stacking rocks like houses. He remembered being so insistent on not letting the foil palace collapse that when it inevitably did he would become so hopelessly sad that it take his own parents ages to coax him out of his shell. He looked fondly at the gold foil palace thinking, don't collapse, don't collapse.

However a brief moment later Hua Cheng smiled and gave small flick to the top of it, the whole structure collapsing down.

“Hua-gege, why did you knock it over?”

Xie Lian was brought out of his thoughts and looked past Hua Cheng on the grand Divan. Behind him Jiang Cheng had just sat up and was looking over Hua Cheng's shoulder at the collapsed palace, meanwhile slightly further away with a small lap style desk in front of him was Wei Wuxian, furiously doodling something on paper with a goofy grin on his face. Hua Cheng looked over at Jiang Cheng then leapt up from the divan. The women stopped dancing and stepped back to the sides of the room as Hua Cheng stepped toward the entrance.

“Since gege is here, why not come in? We haven't been apart for that long, so don't be a stranger to this San Lang.”

Xie Lian let down the beaded curtain “Earlier, in the Gambler's Den, in was San Lang who pretended not to recognize me.”

At the sound of their fathers voice both boys looked up. Jiang Cheng jumped of the divan ahead of Wei Wuxian who stumbled over the small desk, knocking a few papers and brushes off, before rolling off the divan and chasing after his brother.

“Baba!” They both cried out, slamming into Xie Lian with enough force to knock the air out of him. He stumbled back a little and Jiang Yanli let out a small laugh. Jiang Cheng looked over at her with a bit of relief on his face.

“Jiejie, your here too! You got here safe!”

“Safe? What's that supposed to...” Xie Lian looked down and finally saw the small bandage under Wei Wuxian's left eye and froze. He quickly snatched the boy's face in his hands and began to looking him over intently. “A-Ying, are you okay? What happened? Are you hurt anywhere else? A-Cheng you aren't hurt as well are you? Let me get a good look at you.” He took one hand and cupped it under A-Cheng's chin and turned the boy's head slightly. The boy grabbed Xie Lian's hand and pulled it away.

“I'm fine... A-Ying is the only one who got hurt...” His gaze lowered to the ground and he began to look gloomy.

“Baba! Have you seen Lan Zhan. Is he okay? We lost him earlier and I'm worried he could be in trouble!” Wei Wuxian became very animated with concern as he grabbed at the hand that was still touching his face.

“Lan Wangji... Yes, he's back with Wind Master...” Xie Lian's concerning look quickly became serious as he moved his hand to pinch Wei Wuxian's right cheek, making sure not to mess with the injury on the left side. “And he told me what happened before you two got separated. Did you tell San Lang you broke a stall-”

“Baba can't get onto A-Ying for that, you knocked several over just a little while ago.” Jiang Yanli said with a smile.

Hua Cheng let out a laugh and Xie Lian sighed, face turning a light shade of pink in his embarrassment, before straightening up and patting Wei Wuxian's head.

“I guess that would be hypocritical. It does not change the fact that my A-Ying will have to apologies to that poor boy... again... But why are you worried about him being in trouble?”

It was Hua Cheng who stepped up and spoke. “Gege, I found them being attacked in an alley by a cultivator. He was part of a Clan that sometimes frequents Ghost City for rare or not so savory finds. I waited to ask about it until after you arrived.”

Xie Lian paused and looked at Hua Cheng, suddenly getting very concerned. “San Lang... What Cultivation Clan are you talking about?”

“The Wen Clan of Qishan,” Hua Cheng said “but don't worry gege. I've already taken care of the problem. They won't be bothering you at all. Not here.” He gave Xie Lian a reassuring smile.

Jiang Yanli let her eyes glanced over both her brothers faces with great care. They both had lowered their gazes and seemed quite upset, especial Jiang Cheng who would look at Wei Wuxian's face before quickly turning away. She stepped up and hugged her brothers.

“Then I am very glad Hua-gege was there to help them.” Jiang Yanli said as both boys clung tightly around her.

Xie Lian looked at his kids and felt his stomach sink a little. This was the second time one of his kids had been injured during a mission, and he felt awful for it.

“gege.” He looked up at Hua Cheng who tilted his head toward him with concern.

“I'm alright San Lang.” Xie Lian said. “thank you, truly.”

Hua Cheng smiled. “Your welcome. So,” he then gave him a smile, changing the subject. “is gege here only to visit me?”

Xie Lian didn't answer and his kids stayed quiet as well but it was barely a second later, as if he wasn't expecting an answer that Hua Cheng spoke again.

“Whether you are here to see me or not, I'm happy either way.”

Xie Lian was shocked by the response and some of the women along the side of the hall giggled. Hua Cheng inclined his head, and they all stopped at once with heads bowed. They soon began filling out of the hall, but not before Wei Wuxian snuck a wave at a few of them who giggled again at the kids antics. Now all that remained were the five of them.

“Now, why don't we go have a seat.” Hua Cheng advised nodding toward the great divan. Wei Wuxian had a sudden look on his face and he rushed over toward the divan, stumbling onto it and quickly grabbing a paper that he stuffed into his robe. Xie Lian gave him a look as they began walking over and the boy covered his mouth and shook his head, obviously not wanting to tell.

“He said he was working on something. Didn't even let me see.” Hua Cheng said.

Xie Lian laughed a little as Jiang Cheng pulled Jiang Yanli over to the divan to take a seat next to him. As he looked up at Hua Cheng, Xie Lian smiled.

“So, this is your real appearance.”

Hua Cheng paused slightly in his step. It may have just been his imagination, but Xie Lian thought he saw his shoulders stiffen for a second. However the second was gone and Hua Cheng replied naturally.

“I did say that next time we met, that I would greet you with my real appearance.”

Xie Lian grinned and said earnestly, “Not bad.”

There was not even of hint of teasing or consoling in his tone, as the words were simply said. Hua Cheng turned and smiled back at him, it was genuine and relaxed. Just as they were taking a few more steps toward the divan, Xie Lian suddenly remembered something.

“By the way, did you leave this?” Xie Lian asked, pulling the small silver chain off his neck and showing it to Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng glanced at the ring, then smiled. “Its for you.”

“What is it?” Xie Lian asked.

“Nothing important.” Hua Cheng replied. “Just keep it for fun.”

Xie Lian knew better, that the object was something of great value and not some insignificant thing.

“Then, Thank you San Lang.” Xie Lian said as he returned it to the place around his neck and Hua Cheng's eye shimmered brightly.

Xie Lian looked around and quietly mumbled to Hua Cheng, so his children didn't hear, “Back at the Gamblers Den you said you were headed to Paradise Manor. I thought it was something like a brothel or the red light district but this is more like an entertainment hall.”

Hua Cheng raised a brow, whispering back, “Gege, what are you saying? I never go to the red light district.”

“Really?” Xie Lian asked in amazement as the two sat beside each other on the black jaded divan.

“Of course.” Hua Cheng replied. “This is nothing but a place I remodel now and then, a residence of sorts. I hang around here when I'm free. If I'm busy I'll leave it be.”

Behind them Wei Wuxian had finished painting something and crawled over to Jiang Yanli and leaned over to show her. It apparently was something the girl found quite funny but when Jiang Cheng saw it he punched his brother in the shoulder. Wei Wuxian just laughed and rolled around on the divan.

“So its your home.” Xie Lian commented, reaching over to stop Wei Wuxian from rolling off the divan.

“Residence.” Hua Cheng corrected. “Not a home.”

“Is there a difference?” Xie Lian asked.

“Of course.” Hua Cheng replied, “Home has family. A place where someone lives alone is not a home. If its a home, then even a small place like Puqi Shrine is a million times better than my Paradise Manor.”

Jiang Yanli looked over at him and smiled wide. “Hua-gege is very sentimental.”

“To compare Paradise Manor to my Puqi Shrine, San Lang must be pulling my leg.” Xie Lian said.

Hua Cheng laughed. “What's there to be embarrassed about? Truth be told, gege's Puqi Shrine is small, and a bit cramped, but its much more comfortable then my Paradise Manor. It's more like a home.”

“It's our home,” Jiang Cheng said shyly. “And I like it a lot. A lot more than Heaven.” The last part was said almost in a whisper, but Xie Lian still caught it and gave the boy a sad look. He shook it away and looked back at Hua Cheng with a smile.

“Then if you like it, in the future, come over whenever you want. The doors of Puqi Shrine will always open for you.”

Before Hua Cheng could answer Wei Wuxian sat upright. “Yes! Please do!” The boy quickly crawled over and squeezed between his father and Hua Cheng looking up at the later. “I want to see Hua-gege as many time as... as... as many times as physically possible!”

Hua Cheng laughed and played with the boy's hair. “Well how can I refuse. I'll take gege up on his offer.” He looked up at Xie Lian with a mischievous look in his eye. “Don't think of me as a nuisance in the future.”

“There's no way.” Xie Lian said.

“Yes!” Wei Wuxian cheered before rolling onto his back and placing his head onto Hua Cheng's lap, smiling up at the man with a toothy grin. Hua Cheng crossed his arms and looked down at the boy with a raised brow.

“Comfy?”

“hmmm.” Wei Wuxian pretended to think for a moment, then spun around and flopped onto his fathers lap. “Nah. Baba's more comfortable.”

“I didn't realize I was a pillow.” Xie Lian said poking the boy's face.

“A-Ying always treats baba like a pillow.” Jiang Cheng said crossing his arms with a fake pout.

“Really? Then I have to wonder.” Hua Cheng said with a wicked smile.

“Wonder wha- AHH!” Wei Wuxian was lifted up and tossed back, Hua Cheng flopping his head on the boys back.

“Just if A-Ying makes a good pillow.”

“Get off!” Wei Wuxian laughed, trying to squirm away.

Hua Cheng spun over and pulled him up to a sitting position with a fake sigh, “Well how am I supposed to test if your a good pillow if you squirm so much. But alas if you wanna squirm...” Hua Cheng looked up at the other two kids. “A-Yanli, A-Cheng, do you know if our A-Ying is ticklish?”

“What!? No!” A Ying yelped, trying to pull away. Xie Lian was laughing as Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng gave each other a playful look before crawling over.

“I think it's right... here.” Jiang Yanli said poking Wei Wuxian in the side.

“Also on his neck.” Jiang Cheng reached up and tickled the spot and Wei Wuxian squirmed with giggles as he tried to get away.

“No! Hahahah! Traitors! Stop! Hahahah! Baba save me!”

Hua Cheng let go and the boy collapsed before quickly rushing to his fathers side, still laughing as he tried to catch his breath. All five of them were laughing at this point, so much so that Xie Lian held his face as it had started to hurt. It took them a minute to recuperate as Wei Wuxian hugged his father from behind, hiding his face playfully, refusing to look at anyone.

Xie Lian looked at Hua Cheng. “By the way, San Lang, I want to ask you for a favor, but I don't know if you'd have the time.”

“What is it?” Hua Cheng asked, sitting himself back next to Xie Lian, “This is my territory. If you ask, I'll deliver.”

Xie Lian thought for a moment. “Before, when I was dealing with the case on Mount Yujun, I ran into a boy who might have originated from my kingdom.”

Hua Cheng narrowed his eye, but didn't say a word. Xie Lian continued his description. “The boy was too scared and fled and I couldn't find him for the longest time. But earlier, when I was running around the streets of Ghost City, I discovered that he fled here.” Wei Wuxian sat up and looked at his father in surprise. “Is there anyway you can help me find him? His face is wrapped in bandages and he fled somewhere just before we were brought to Paradise Manor.”

Hua Cheng smiled. “All right, I understand. There's no need to worry, gege. Just wait.”

Xie Lian sighed a bit of relief. “Truly, thank you again.”

“This is nothing,” Hua Cheng said. “But you really left Lang Qianqiu just like that?”

Jiang Yanli frowned before letting out a small sigh.

Xie Lian replied casually, “Dianxia Tai Hua caused you trouble earlier at the Gamblers Den. Sorry about that.”

“Wait, what happened?” Jiang Cheng asked looking between his father and sister.

“Don't worry about it.” Hua Cheng answered simply. “Besides, who is he to even count as trouble.”

“The things he broke...” Xie Lian started but Hua Cheng just laughed.

“For gege's sake he can go around as he wishes, as long as he doesn't show his face in front of me.”

Jiang Yanli smiled, “Hua-gege is very gracious.”

“I wouldn't say that,” Hua Cheng looked at her with a small grin.

Xie Lian on the other hand was amazed. “You don't care if there are Heavenly Officials frolicking about in your territory?”

Hua Cheng smiled.

“Gege might not know this, but while all three realms might claim Ghost city to be a hell of corruption, a pandemonium, in reality, everyone wants to come and carouse. So many heavenly officials pretend not to care or speak ill of this place, but behind everyone's back, they often come in disguise and conduct unspeakable business. I've seen too much. If they don't stir up trouble, then I don't care, and if they do, then even better, because then I can wipe them out all at once.”

Jiang Cheng looked at Hua Cheng and thought back to his small time in heaven. He really wasn't surprised that the Heavenly Officials were hypocrites and was a little glad that even gods could get what was coming to them if they pissed off a powerful person. Even better if that certain person was the Ghost King Hua Cheng, cause then he knew it wouldn't just be a threat. Wei Wuxian however looked on at Hua Cheng with a sense of wonder, the thought of being so blatantly cool and powerful that even the gods feared your name was awe inspiring to his little mind.

“It wasn't that Dianxia Tai Hua was trying to cause havoc on purpose. It was just that, after seeing a round of that sort of bets go down, he felt he had to stop it. He acted on impulse.” Xie Lian explained.

“That's his lack of experience.” Hua Cheng said impassively, “Humans are all the same: when given the choice between gaining ten extra years in life or cutting their enemies life ten years shorter, they pick the later without hesitation.” he then crossed his arms. “That an idiot like Lang Qianqiu can ascend... the heavens are truly lacking in humanity.”

Jiang Cheng agreed mentally but Jiang Yanli spoke up, “I don't think all humans would make that choice... or at least I hope not. I'd prefer to think that there is, bare minimum, a shred of kindness in every person in this world, and that some would never take to lowering themselves to a degree that would harm another. Even if its just one person in a crowd of thousands, I still hope for just that one person to be kind.”

Xie Lian looked at Jiang Yanli in surprise. He felt a warmth in his chest, like an old memory fluttering away in a warm autumn wind. A sad smile came to his lips.

“Jiejie is always so very kind. The kindest even.” Wei Wuxian said simply. “But I also agree with Hua-gege. Lang Qianqiu sounds like an idiot.”

“A-Ying,” Xie Lian smiled at his son, shaking his head at his simplistic mind. He thought for a moment more then spoke again. “San Lang, it may be out of line for me, but I still have to say it. That Gambler's Den of yours is incredibly dangerous. Won't it blow up in your face one day?”

Hua Cheng gave him a look. “Dianxia, did you ask Lang Qianqiu why he had to jump into that mess?”

Xie Lian didn't answer, as he had been thrown off by the question itself.

Hua Cheng continued. “I bet he told you that, if he didn't do it, no one else would.”

“That's indeed what he said.” Xie Lian admitted, amazed how on the mark he had been.

“Then I'm the complete opposite. If I don't control a place like this, then someone else will. I'd rather that person be me.”

Xie Lian knew when to back down and simply nodded, “I understand.”

Hua Cheng continued, “Nonetheless, thank you, gege, for your concern.”

Just then a voice spoke up from the door.

“Chengzhu, I brought him.”

Xie Lian looked to the front entrance, the Waning Moon Officer bowing just beyond the beaded curtain with the boy wrapped in bandages held in his arms.

“Bring him over.” Hua Cheng said without turning his head. As the Waning Moon Officer came toward them Hua Cheng added. “Did you take care of that other task?”

“I found her and passed on the message. It is done.” The masked man answered before placing the boy gently on the ground and then bowing before standing down.

Xie Lian started to soothe the boy as Jiang Cheng gave Hua Cheng an odd look. Jiang Yanli bent down and looked at the boy in the eyes. He seemed to recognize her and scooted closer to her and away from Xie Lian. He eyed the man and then his eyes moved to a small table near the divan. When Xie Lian followed his gaze he saw a tray of fruit. He looked back at Hua Cheng.

“Go ahead, no need to ask me.”

Xie Lian uttered a thanks and handed the fruit plate to the boy who quickly snatched it and began scarfing it down. Jiang Yanli gently reached out and patted the boys back giving him a kind smile.

“You must have been very hungry.” She said in a soft voice.

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng came to the edge of the divan and looked around their father at the boy, curiosity at its peek.

“Slow down.” Xie Lian chided softly, then after a pause asked, “What's your name?”

The boy mumbled as he ate, sounding as though he was trying to say something but could not.

“He may not have spoken in many years and has forgotten how.” Hua Cheng suggested.

Jiang Yanli looked at the boy and thought of Xiao Ying, the girl she befriended back on mount Yujun. Living a life constantly on the move, it was hard to make friends and Xiao Ying had been such a sweet girl, it made Jiang Yanli so bitterly sad that she had to meet such an end, so young. She smiled sadly as she continued to soothe the boy.

After the boy had cleaned the plate of all the fruit, Xie Lian looked over the bandages that were blotched red and black with blood and made a gentle offer.

“There are wounds on your face, and they seem serious. Let me help take a look.”

At the mention of taking off the bandages the boy panicked but was quickly soothed as Jiang Yanli took his arm and gently tugged him back into a sitting position. “Your alright. We won't hurt you. Your safe here, alright. Your okay.”

As the boy sat back down, Xie Lian reached into his sleeve and pulled out a bottle of medicine before carefully peeling away the boys bandages. Jiang Cheng pulled away then when he saw the state the teen was in, feeling a bit queasy at the sight, Wei Wuxian only tilted his head and watched as he father and sister got to work cleaning him up. When he had seen the boy before, there were burn marks on his face but now it looked like he had carved up his face with a knife, the faces that had grown there now gone. Thinking back to those faces, Wei Wuxian remembered his fears, the very idea of a terrifying ghost he had never even seen before, cloaked in white, whom even the thought of clearly sent fear into his fathers eyes. He began tapping his finger on the divan.

Xie Lian's hands trembled softly as he began to put the medicine on the boys face when Hua Cheng grabbed his wrist. “Let me.”

Xie Lian simply shook his head and pulled his hand away, “No. Let me do this myself.”

He finished up applying the medicine and, with Jiang Yanli's help, bandaged the boy back up. Xie Lian looked at the boy, then asked in a shaky voice, “Are you from Xianle?”

All three of his kids looked at him, each expressing concern. The boy however only shook his head.

“Then where are you from?” Xie Lian asked.

“...Yong'an...”

Xie Lian's vision went dark at the edges as he grabbed the boy's shoulder, panic beginning to set in. “Have you ever met the white-clothed calamity?”

White Funeral robes, expansive sleeves billowing, a mask with a face half crying, half smiling. That mask... People, hundreds of people crying out as faces began to grow on their skin also crying out. That Mask.

“Baba!”

Xie Lian snapped out as Jiang Yanli called out, the bandaged boy crying out in pain as he had gripped his shoulder too tightly. Xie Lian let go and backed away.

“I.. I'm sorry.”

Hua Cheng spoke softly, “You're tired. Rest.”

It was then that two dainty looking women appeared from a side corridor and took the boy away. He kept looking back at Xie Lian who called out to him in comfort.

“Don't worry. I'll come find you again in a bit.”

Hua Cheng gestured to Xie Lian, “Come, Sit down and relax, and leave him for now. If you have questions for him, I have ways of prying open his lips.”

Xie Lian replied rather hurriedly, thinking that last statement was a bit of a horrifying visual. “No, that's alright. If he couldn't say anything, then let it go. We'll take it slow.” Just as he finished that last statement and sat down, he felt two sets of arms wrap around him and he looked down and back to see both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian had glued themselves to his side. Both looked up at him, Jiang Cheng with concern and Wei Wuxian with worry. He smiled at them sadly. “I'm sorry, did I worry you? I'm alright.” He brushed back a lock of Jiang Cheng's hair.

“What does gege plan to do with the boy?” Hua Cheng asked.

Xie Lian gave it some thought, rubbing Wei Wuxian's back as he spoke, “Keep him with me and bring him along.”

“He's a ghost not human. Why don't you leave him here in Ghost City, I don't mind feeding another mouth.” Hua Cheng said.

Xie Lian replied earnestly, “San Lang, thank you but... When I said I would bring him along with me, it's not just for the purpose of keeping him around. I'm already immensely grateful that you found him for me. I can't trouble you anymore with the aftermath.”

Hua Cheng looked to want to disagree but he pressed no further on the matter. “It's really no trouble. While you all are here, just let me know if you need anything, and you're free to go wherever you like.”

Jiang Cheng looked at him and then his eyes lit up with a little of his own kind of mischief. “You really, shouldn't tell A-Ying that. You'll regret it.”

“Hay!” Wei Wuxian sat up and pushed his brother. Jiang Cheng smiled, for it had done the trick, as both Hua Cheng and Xie Lian both laughed a little. Jiang Yanli just smiled at him, she understood what he was doing.

Just then the scimitar on Hua Cheng's waist seemed to go through a sudden change. Upon the hilt of the finely crafted blade was an intricately carved closed eye, that had opened up and begun to spin wildly, the pupil like that of a crimson colored gem. Hua Cheng took notice and became solemn.

“Gege, I need to leave for a bit. I'll be right back.”

“An Alarm?” Xie Lian asked, worried that Lang Qianqiu or Wind Master had taken on their true forms. He stood, “I'll go with you.”

Hua Cheng gently pushed him back down onto the divan. “Don't worry, it's not Tai Hua or the other one. Gege can stay here with his children. There is no need for you to go.”

Xie Lian chose not to argue, and Hua Cheng turned to leave waving as he did. The beaded curtain rose on its own, allowing him to pass through, before lowering itself with a clacking as he departed. Xie Lian watched after him for a time, his thoughts running wild.

“Baba,” He turned to look at Jiang Yanli who had spoken. “... The mission... Why didn't you ask Hua-gege about it?”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian looked at each other, then back at their father.

Xie Lian frowned. He had forgotten the mission slightly and grew gloomy at the thought of tricking Hua Cheng. “I... I really don't know how to ask. Truly, I don't want to believe San Lang would do something like imprison a heavenly official, without reason at least....” He looked past them at the door those ladies had taken the bandaged boy through. He stood up and began walking toward the door.

“You three stay here, if San Lang comes back before I do, tell him I went for a walk... It won't be a lie so don't force yourselves.” He gave them a gentle look. “Please, be good.” and then he vanished through the door before any three of them could respond.

Chapter Text

After Xie Lian vanished the three teens looked at each other in a mix of uncomfortable emotions. They all sat on the black jaded divan, unsure of who would speak first. None of them wanted to think Hua Cheng might be behind the disappearance of the missing Heavenly Official but were also uncomfortable with lying to him. Wei Wuxian had started to pick at the bandage on his face but was quickly stopped when Jiang Yanli reached out and held his hand.

“A-Ying, leave it be. You don't want to re-open it.” She said quietly, moving closer to check on his face. The bandage was still secure and just like when their father had checked the boy before, he seemed to be physically rather fine besides the cut to his face.

Jiang Cheng watched them and suddenly lowered his head, his brow furrowed. “I'm sorry, A-Ying, I was useless... I am useless.”

“Eh?!” Wei Wuxian pulled away from Jiang Yanli and frowned at his brother, taken aback by the sudden commentary. “How are you useless?”

“I got caught, then you got hurt, then... I just... whatever.” He turned around and had his back to the other two, deciding his thoughts were not important enough to be discussed.

“If anyone's useless its me!” Wei Wuxian pouted crawling over and trying to look at his brothers face. “All I've done is get people in trouble, besides you've got Zidian. All I have is this flute, which the most damage I could do with it is poke someone in the eye or make a really bad noise that makes them cover their ears. At least you have an actual weapon.”

“What good is a weapon if can't even use it properly.” Jiang Cheng retorted.

“A-Cheng, don't be so hard on yourself.” Jiang Yanli moved toward her brothers with a smile, “No one was there to teach you how to use Zidian and yet your as good as you are with it, and that's a great sign. Besides, on a matter of uselessness I think I should take that title-”

Before she could say any thing more, both boys spun on her, “Jiejie isn't useless!” Then grabbed one arm each and gave her determined looks.

“Jiejie is very brave and smart,” Jiang Cheng started.

“And Kind and Pretty,” Wei Wuxian added.

“And graceful.”

“And Pretty.”

“And sympathetic.”

“And pretty.”

“Oh you boys.” Jiang Yanli laughed pulling them into a hug. “I get it. None of us are useless, so lets stop bringing it up, okay?”

“Why would you all think your useless?” The three of them turned as the beaded curtain fell back behind Hua Cheng who was walking toward them with a simple smile.

“Hua-gege, your back really fast!” Wei Wuxian called, sliding off the divan and running up to him.

Hua Cheng reached out and ruffled the thirteen year old's hair, “Of course, just dealing with some meaningless trash. Now,” He looked up at the other two who were also getting off the grand divan before looking around. “I only count three of you. Where did your baba run off to?”

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli gave each other a look but Wei Wuxian had a quick mouth and answered immediately. “He said he was going on a walk, he left through the side door and told us to wait here. I guess he didn't now you would be back so soon, and wanted to take a look around.” Not a single word that came out of his mouth was a lie, and he spoke in such a matter of fact tone.

Hua Cheng raised a brow, “Is that so? Well why don't we go find him then?” He beckoned over the other two and the four left through that side door Xie Lian had passed through moments before. Jiang Yanli noticed that, instead of looking about for him, Hua Cheng seemed to walk with knowledge and lead the three of them in a very specific direction, like he knew exactly where her father was. After a short time they came to a path and walking toward them from the opposite end was Xie Lian. The man in question seemed to have been deep in thought when he looked up and saw them coming, stopping abruptly.

“Gege, we've been looking for you.” Hua Cheng said, walking up to him with his arms crossed. Xie Lian looked at his kids who each gave him a small smile, and so he regained his composure and spoke, “I was going to go see the boy, but I didn't realize your house was so big and got lost.” he seemed to want to say something more but swallowed his words.

“If you want to see the boy, I can send someone to bring him to you. There's no need for you to seek him out yourself.” Hua Cheng said tilting his head for Xie Lian to follow.

The four of them walked down the path and Xie Lian spoke in a docile tone, “... You finished your business rather fast.”

“Hua-gege said he was just taking care of trash.” Wei Wuxian answered tailing closely behind Hua Cheng trying to copy the way he was walking, instead he just reminded Xie Lian of a baby duck waddling after its parent.

“It's true. Just a gang of useless trash embarrassing themselves, simple enough to deal with.” Hua Cheng answered playfully pretending not to notice the boys antics.

The tone in which he said useless trash reminded Xie Lian of another time Hua Cheng had used such a tone, and asked. “Did Green Ghost Qi Rong come and cause trouble?”

Hua Cheng laughed, “That's right. Didn't I tell you that many have their eyes on my place? Qi Rong has wanted Ghost City for himself for years now, but the most he can ever do is want and burn with envy. So every so often he'll send even more useless underlings to cause mischief. Nothing worth mentioning. Don't worry about it.”

“He sounds awful.” Jiang Yanli sighed.

“Ya but he also sounds really pathetic.” Wei Wuxian added before looking to Hua Cheng. “Hua-gege, if me and A-Cheng ever run into him we can help you beat the shit out of him.”

“A-Ying, language.” Xie Lian chided. Wei Wuxian shrunk but still had a playful look in his eyes.

Jiang Cheng looked at his brother and remarked, “I don't know. You'd probably get your ass kicked first.”

“No I won't!” Wei Wuxian snapped. The two boys began sticking their tongues out at each other and Hua Cheng laughed.

“Who knows, maybe I can tie him up and let you two beat him up for me.”

“San Lang, don't encourage them.” Xie Lian sighed. He looked up and noticed them coming upon an unfamiliar door. “I thought we were headed back to the main hall?”

Hua Cheng smiled at him, “Well, there is a place I would like to show gege, if he might give me the pleasure?”

The doors ahead of them clearly lead to another grand hall, this one however had doors made of steal with wild beasts carved into it, horrible and terrifying. The moment Hua Cheng approached the doors swung open and there was a blast of killing intent. At first Xie Lian had started to become defensive, but the moment he saw what was on the other side his eyes grew wide and he quickly stepped in.

Upon all four walls of the grand hall were countless weapons of different make and style. There were sabers, swords, spears, shields, whips, war hammers,.... it was an armory. Xie Lian kept his expression schooled but his two boys immediately rushed in to look around in a frenzy of excitement. Jiang Yanli peered around in awe but stayed at her fathers side, wary of her surrounding. I mental 'look don't touch.'

“May... may I touch?” Xie Lian stammered.

“As gege likes,” Hua Cheng said with a smile, before adding, “Don't worry about the boys. I'll make sure they don't do anything too dangerous.”

Immediately Xie Lian began tracing his hand over the many weapons along the walls. Jiang Cheng was looking at some of the many swords as Wei Wuxian was just running around, completely overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.

“These... all of these are masterpieces!” Xie Lian said, completely absorbed in the collection. “This sword is splendid, a battle of one against many would surly bring out its godly powers! This one too! And wait, this saber....”

Hua Cheng was leaning against the wall near the door with Jiang Yanli standing near him, was watching Xie Lian's face flush with delight. “Gege, what do you think?”

“What do I think, what?” Xie Lian asked not turning away as he examined each piece with intent.

“Do you like it?” Hua Cheng asked.

“I do!” Xie Lian replied.

“Do you like it a lot?” Hua Cheng asked again.

“Very much!” Xie Lian exclaimed.

Hua Cheng snickered and Jiang Yanli looked over at him with a soft smile, as for Xie Lian he didn't take notice as he was still very much enamored by the weapons. His heart was pounding as he unsheathed a cold and shimmering, verdant blade that was four feet in length. He marveled at it.

“Has gege found anything that he particularly fancies?” Hua Cheng spoke up again.

Xie Lian's entire face was bright and glowing, unable to stop singing praises. “Yes! Yes! All of them!”

“Originally, I was think gege didn't have any useful weapons on hand, so if their was anything you fancied you could just take it for yourself,” Hua Cheng said, “But since gege likes them all, then I'll give them all to you.”

Wei Wuxian came to an abrupt stop in his frantic racing almost tripping over himself to look at Hua Cheng. “Wait, what!?”

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were equally as shocked, as Xie Lian quickly responded “No, no no, there's no need. I have no use for weapons anyway.”

“Really?” Hua Cheng said, “But I clearly see that gege loves swords.”

“Liking them doesn't mean I have to own them.” Xie Lian said. “I haven't used one in years. just looking makes me happy. Besides I'd have nowhere to put them if you gave them all to me.”

Now that I think about it, have I ever even seen baba wield a sword. Jiang Cheng thought looking at the blades then his father.

“That's easy to solve.” Hua Cheng replied. “I'll give the entire armory to you.”

Xie Lian took this as a joke and grinned. “There's no way I could take a room this big.”

“No need to take it away,” Hua Cheng said, “I'll give you the property too. Just come visit when your free.”

“No, its okay.” Xie Lian said, “An armory requires constant maintenance. I'd hate to neglect them.” He replaced the sword to its and said nostalgically, “Once upon a time, I owned an armory like this too, but it was burned down. All of these weapons are precious devices. You have to cherish them San Lang.”

“That's easy too.” Hua Cheng said, “If I'm free, I can help gege maintain the armory.”

Xie Lian laughed. “Well I certainly don't have the guts to ask My Lord the Ghost King to do my chores for me.”

“I see.” Hua Cheng sighed in false defeat, but then just as quickly gave Xie Lian a playful look. “Well, if gege doesn't have need for these, maybe his children might find something that suits them?”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian shot each other a wide eyed look before rushing over to their father and grabbing his sleeves.

“Baba, can Hua-gege give us a sword? Please?” Jiang Cheng asked with a giddy smile.

“Please, Please, please, please...” Wei Wuxian was jumping up and down as he tugged relentlessly on his fathers arm.

“I... well...” Xie Lian looked at both boy's sheepishly. “...I did promise I'd try to get you both one eventually....” he looked up at Hua Cheng, “... I... guess.... I guess if San Lang said you could...”

“Yes!” both boys cheered, but before they could rush off Xie Lian grabbed their shoulders.

“But, I'd like it if it's something simple with no real curses or anything.”

“Gege, I would never.” Hua Cheng said in faux shock.

“I wasn't saying you would, just that I have two boy's who might try to get ahead of themselves.” Xie Lian replied giving Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian a firm look that made them both understand he was being very serious. Once he let go, both boy's rushed away to go look at the swords.

Jiang Yanli, who had also been surprised by the offer, still stood by the door and hadn't moved to look about. Hua Cheng raised a brow to her.

“If A-Yanli would like a weapon, she may also pick something.”

Jiang Yanli looked at him then folded her hands together, “I am very thankful, Hua-gege... but,” She thought for a moment then continued, “There are so many weapons, and I've only recently started working on my cultivation... I'm not really sure what would suite me. Blades seem unlikely and I don't exactly have the physical prowess for something like a hammer or a mace. I'm just a little overwhelmed.”

Hua Cheng gave her a thoughtful look and then asked, “How are your martial skills, like hand to hand?”

“Hmm?” Jiang Yanli tilted her head. “Decent enough. I know a few moves and where to locate acupoints and meridians, mostly simple self defense measures. I'm not much for violence, I prefer words over action.”

“Is that so?” Hua Cheng asked eyeing Xie Lian fondly, who was currently reprimanding Wei Wuxian for almost dropping a saber on his own foot. Hua Cheng, stepped toward a rack of spears and staffs, seeming to look for something in particular before grabbing something. He returned and handed it to Jiang Yanli. Taking it in her hands she found it to be a short staff, only just over a meter in length, made of white colored solid wood. On each end was embroidered metal making swirling designs with what looked like lotus's on both tips. The metal itself was dark in color and easily a strong material.

Hua Cheng spoke, “The thing about a staff like this, is that it gains its strongest power when one understands the basics of the martial arts. When you learn to use it, it allows one to wield it like their own arm to strike at their enemy. If used the correct way, it can be a weapon of great power or the perfect defense. However, I think this specific one might suite you the best.” He pointed to a space just bellow where the metal met the wood.

Jiang Yanli looked and found characters carved into the wood. “Gòuhé.” She read aloud with a smile. “Make Peace.” She looked up at Hua Cheng with a bright smile, “Thank you. I love it.”

“I'm glad.” Hua Cheng replied with a smile of his own.

As Jiang Yanli rushed over to show her father the staff Jiang Cheng was looking through some of the swords when his eyes fell on one in particular. Although the blade was well made and simple it was not the weapon itself that caused the boy to reach for it. Tied to the hilt by a purple cord was a small emblem made of jade... a lotus... but unlike the decorator lotus's on Jiang Yanli's staff, this one was designed in such a way it was hard for the boy to NOT recognize it.

“Hua-gege... where did you get this?” Jiang Cheng asked.

Hua Cheng walked over to the boy and Xie Lian turned to look. The boy handed him the blade and he gave it a once over before handing it back.

“About three years ago, someone traded it off at a shop here in Ghost City. I decided it was a fine blade and added it to my collection. Does A-Cheng recognize it?”

Jiang Cheng looked at the emblem and his brow knitted slightly, before he shook his head. “Not the blade, no... but... that's the lotus emblem of the Jiang Clan...”

Jiang Yanli paused and turned toward her brother, before her gaze went down to the blade. Xie Lian had a saddened expression as he walked over to his boy and pulled him into a small hug.

Hua Cheng looked at the boy with a tilt of his head then at Xie Lian.

Xie Lian looked at him the spoke. “Earlier, you spoke of the Wen Clan, might I ask if you heard what you know of the Jiang Clan of Yunmeng?”

Hua Cheng nodded then said quietly, “They were destroyed over five years ago by the Wen Clan. I don't look much into the Cultivation world unless they make a fuss here so that's all I know.... besides a particular female cultivator I met there once.”

“You met a cultivator from the Jiang Clan?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“Not really,” Hua Cheng replied, “Just that she was staying there at the time.” he paused then looked at Jiang Cheng. “Your birth parents were Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan... weren't they.”

The boy lowered his gaze and Xie Lian decided to speak for him, “Yes, both his and A-Yanli's birth parents. A-Ying on the other hand was a martial student that Jiang Fengmian took in after his own parents passed away years prior. I believe their names were Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren.”

“Cangse Sanren?” Hua Cheng asked in recognition.

“Is the name familiar?” Xie Lian asked.

At this point, Wei Wuxian had already been listening, mainly feeling uncomfortable about the direction the conversation turned and had been fidgeting with his flute tucked in his waist, but turned when he heard Hua Cheng say his birth mothers name.

“I said before, I met a female cultivator in Yunmeng, it was her. I only really remember her cause she was...” Hua Cheng chuckled, “An interesting character.”

Wei Wuxian walked up and looked at Hua Cheng with a look of wonder, “What happened?”

“She figured out who I was and demanded I fight her.” he said bluntly. “Then told me it couldn't be a sword fight, It had to be a fist fight. When I told her no she tried to push me into a lake.”

The last part was enough for the mood to lighten, because Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli laughed a little and Jiang Cheng had a hint of a smile playing on his face. Xie Lian however could only place a hand to his head and think, I can see now where his chaotic nature comes from.

Jiang Cheng looked at the blade a moment longer before reading the name. “Sandu.”

Xie Lian looked over at his son with an odd expression. “Sandu? The three poisons.” Jiang Cheng looked up at him questioningly and so he continued. “A phrase for the root of all turmoil; Greed, anger and ignorance. When ones desire clouds ones judgment they are quick to anger, and they are only so out of their own ignorance.”

The boy nodded and looked back down at the blade with a thoughtful expression. He looked up at Hua Cheng. “If its alright, I'd like to take this one.”

Hua Cheng smiled, “Then it's yours.”

Wei Wuxian saw the other two had already found their weapons and immediately began his search once more. He looked over many swords and sabers until his eyes landed on one at the far end. The sword itself was beautifully crafted with a white blade, and seemed to never have been used. He lifted the blade carefully off the hold and began examining it with awe.

Hua Cheng looked over to see and suddenly furrowed his brow.

“San Lang, is something wrong? That sword isn't dangerous is it?” Xie Lian worried as he stepped over to make sure Wei Wuxian didn't injure himself.

“No gege, it's fine... it's just...” He chuckled to himself. “When you read the name you will understand."

Xie Lian gave Hua Cheng a raised brow before Wei Wuxian handed over the sword. He flipped it over in his hand so he might read the characters carved into the blade. When he did he let out a small laugh.

“Suibian. Whatever. It's name is whatever.”

“Really?” Wei Wuxian asked, taking back the blade and reading the characters. His smile was big as he looked the sword over. Turning away from the others, he gave it a few swings and the air sung around it. He lifted it up to look at again and spun to Hua Cheng. “Hua-gege, I like it. I really, really, like it. Love it even. Can I have this one.”

“You sure?” Hua Cheng asked, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

“Yes! Very much!” Wei Wuxian said excitedly.

Hua Cheng pondered for a moment then simply shrugged. “Alright. It's yours.”

The boy immediately grabbed the sheath from the holder as well and began fumbling to get the sword away on his belt, Xie Lian having to step in and get him to slow down for him to help. As the children gushed a bit over their new weapons Xie Lian gave the armory another glance before looking to Hua Cheng.

“All these weapons and yet, none are a match to your scimitar Eming, are they?”

Hua Cheng cocked his left brow, “Oh? Has gege heard of my scimitar too?”

“I've heard some rumors.” Xie Lian admitted.

“It's the scimitar you used to beat those Heavenly Officials right?” Wei Wuxian said with interest.

“Yes indeed.” Hua Cheng snickered. “I be they weren't nice rumors were they? Gege, did someone tell you my scimitar was made through an evil blood ritual? That I sacrificed living humans?”

Sharp as always. Xie Lian responded, “Nothing too horrible. Everyone has negative gossip said about them, but not everyone would believe it. But, might I have the honor of seeing the legendary Eming?”

“You already have,” Hua Cheng replied, taking a few steps closer to Xie Lian. “Look gege, this is Eming.”

The scimitar upon his waist, opened its eye which swiveled wildly in Xie Lian's direction. All three kids stepped over immediately and looked around their father, almost like one might look at a wild fox, close enough to gawk but far enough to stay a safe distance.

Xie Lian smiled softly before bending at the waist and greeted it, “Hello there.”

Hearing this they curled into a full crescent, as if it was smiling. It moved about as if it were an actual eye, instead of just a carving in the scimitars handle.

Hua Cheng lips curled upward, “gege, it likes you.”

Xie Lian raised his head, “Really?”

Hua Cheng raised his brow, “Really. It's too lazy to spare a single glance at those it doesn't like. In fact there are few things that Eming actually likes.”

Hearing this, Xie Lian smiled at the scimitar. “Thank you then.” He turned to Hua Cheng, “I rather like it to.”

At those words, the eye blinked madly and began to shake.

“No.” Hua Cheng reprimanded.

“No, what?” Xie Lian asked confused.

“No.” Hua Cheng reiterated.

The blade shook wildly, as if trying to leap out of its sheath.

“Are you telling it no?” Xie Lian asked curiously.

“Yes,” Hua Cheng deadpanned. “It want's you to pet it and I'm telling it no.”

Jiang Yanli laughed.

“So it acts like a puppy dog.” Jiang Cheng joked, the realized too late what he said. Wei Wuxian who had been excitedly looking over the scimitar, but the moment the dog comparison happened the boy took several steps back and crossed his arms a little discomforted. “Sorry,” Jiang Cheng apologized, stepping over to make sure his brother was okay.

Xie Lian grinned, “Well why not?”

He reached out and, without touching the eye in fear of poking it, lightly stroked the curve of the hilt. The eye squinted into a cheerful crescent and Hua Cheng covered his face. Jiang Yanli didn't know why but she couldn't help laughing even more, her face flushing as she did. The two boys looked over and each had their own different reaction. Jiang Cheng got a little uncomfortable at the sight, but couldn't put a name to why it made him uncomfortable so he simply looked away sheepishly where Wei Wuxian pouted. He was thinking about his father petting a dog and he didn't want to be anywhere near a dog so he got real gloomy. Truly, he wanted to think of Eming as some cool blade of power, but now he couldn't get the image of a dog out of his head and he wanted to cry.

Bloody cursed blade of misfortune? No, that can't be true. How could an evil blood ritual forge something this clever and cute? Xie Lian thought with a cheerful smile.

…

The five of them had left the armory, where they had spent sometime with the kids learning the basics of their new weapons, the other part was Hua Cheng and Xie Lian discussing and critiquing famous swords and blades. As they made their way down the corridor Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were tagging further behind in the heat of a discussion on some of the more interesting weapons they had seen in the armory. Jiang Yanli looked back at them fondly, but when she turned back to face her father and Hua Cheng she took notice of something...

Xie Lian had, during their walk, reached out and took Hua Cheng's hand in his own. Jiang Yanli couldn't help but find the gesture sweet, and heart warming. She was glad her father seemed so genuinely happy around Hua Cheng to a degree she had never seen her father around anyone else and she hoped with all her heart that Hua Cheng would stay around to make her father stay this blissful.

They reentered Paradise Hall, and soon after the boy from Mount Yujun was also brought in, having been cleaned up and dressed in new bandages. Although he looked rather refreshed he was still slumped over and cowering, a pitiful sight. Xie Lian pulled the boy to sit between himself and Jiang Yanli, while his own two boy's decided to sit on the other side of Hua Cheng.

“With her last words Miss Xiao-Ying asked me to take care of you, and I agreed to it. But nevertheless, I still have to ask what you want to do. Would you be interested in following me in cultivation from now on?”

The boy looked up at him in hopeful surprise.

Xie Lian continued, “ I can't say the conditions at my place are good, but I can promise you won't need to hide any longer. You won't need to steal food and you won't be beaten.”

As he spoke, Xie Lian didn't notice the cold judging look Hua Cheng was giving the boy. His face only changed when Jiang Yanli looked up at him, to that of a more uncaring blank stare into the air ahead of him.

“If you can't remember your name, why don't we come up with a new one?” Xie Lian proposed warmly.

The boy contemplated for a short while before saying, “Ying.”

Wei Wuxian cut of what he was saying to Jiang Cheng, and leaned forward to look around Hua Cheng at the boy.

Jiang Yanli smiled softly, “Like Miss Xiao-Ying?”

The boy nodded and Xie Lian continued, “You're from the Kingdom of Yong'an and their national surname is Lang, so why don't you use that as your new name and call yourself Lang Ying?”

The boy nodded hesitantly and Xie Lian took it as a sign of acceptance.

“Lang Ying.” Jiang Yanli said, “We'll be glade to have you stay with us.” Lang Ying looked at her with big eyes and he seemed to become less hesitant when she spoke. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian gave each other a look, that was neither pleased nor discomforted.

With a wave of his hand Hua Cheng called forth a banquet carried in by women holding jaded plates. There was fine wines, fresh fruits, and other small refreshments. All that food for the six of them and yet Xie Lian was sure it could have fed a dozen more. Wei Wuxian sat up on his knees looking at the food with wide eyes, completely forgetting his previous grievances and grabbing a few different things and eating away. Jiang Cheng was a bit more polite, saying thank you as he took some of the food.

Lang Ying hesitated and didn't reach for anything until Xie Lian pushed a few plates toward him. He quickly accepted and began scarfing down the food as Jiang Yanli patted his back, chiding him to take it slower. As he watched the boy, Xie Lian had a vision of another boy, wrapped in bandages covered in dirt and grime as he was kneeling on the floor hugging a plate of offerings, which he hungrily scarfed down. It was as he was deep in this memory a woman in purple silk, sashayed up to the black jaded divan, carrying a carafe of wine which she held out to them.

Hua Cheng reached out and poured a cup, which he then handed to Xie Lian. “Gege, have a cup?'

Xie Lian took it without registering what it was, before taking a sip. Once he tasted it he was brought back to reality and registered the woman standing there with the carafe. She winked at him as sashayed away.

“Pfff-fftttt!” Xie Lian had already swallowed the wine but was now coughing as he had choked on it. Lang Ying was startled and dropped the cake he had been eating, which was quickly caught by Jiang Yanli. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng paused in their own eating and looked over at their father with concern.

Xie Lian soothed as he coughed, “It's nothing. It's nothing.”

Hua Cheng patted him on the back, “What's wrong, is the wine not to your liking?”

Xie Lian quickly explained himself, “Oh no! It's very good. I just remembered my cultivation method prohibits alcohol.”

“Oh?” Hua Cheng said, “Then it is my fault for being inconsiderate and making gege break his vow.”

“It's not your fault, I just forgot.” Xie Lian said rubbing his forehead. He glimpsed up the woman in purple silk, her familiar face having not been noticed by Hua Cheng. Of course he hadn't noticed as he didn't seem to give any of these woman an ounce of attention.

“It's not against my cultivation.” Xie Lian snapped a look at Wei Wuxian who was giving Hua Cheng a playful look. Jiang Cheng paused at what he was eating and snuck a look at his brother.

“Is that so?” Hua Cheng teased back.

“A-Ying.” Xie Lian said in a warning tone.

“What? I was just asking.” Wei Wuxian pouted.

“And like I said before, your thirteen and I have made it clear I'm not the biggest enthusiast of you drinking.” Xie Lian said firmly. “Please don't give him a cup, San Lang.”

“Of course I won't give him a cup gege.” Hua Cheng said with a smile. “But, a sip won't hurt him.”

“San Lang!”

Before Xie Lian could do much, Hua Cheng had already handed the boy his own cup, which Wei Wuxian quickly took a small drink before passing it back so that his father had no time to stop him. He gave his baba a mischievous smile and Jiang Cheng shook his head.

Xie Lian gave Hua Cheng's arm a light slap but the other only laughed then playfully frowned at him. “I'm sorry gege. Please forgive this San Lang?”

Xie Lian huffed and crossed his arms. “All Right, fine. But please refrain from giving my son alcohol. I'm only upset cause of his behavior not yours.”

“Baba.” Wei Wuxian whined.

They continued on with their meal, Hua Cheng asking Xie Lian about his cultivation as they went, complimenting him on his level head at the Gamblers Den. Xie Lian in turn complemented Hua Cheng on his technique.

“I'm just lucky, that's all.” Hua Cheng replied.

Comparing this to his own like, Xie Lian couldn't help feeling woeful. “I really am curious,- and don't tease me San Lang- Is there really a technique to rolling dice?”

Hua Cheng only smiled, “Why would I dare tease gege? Of course there is a secret technique, but its not something learned in a day, and not everyone who's learned the technique can master it.”

“Well then baba better start taking notes.” Jiang Cheng mumbled as he nibbled on some fruit.

“A-Cheng.” Xie Lian said almost offended. “I'd expected that from A-Ying. It seems my Xiao Hu is becoming a little too rascally.”

Jiang Cheng smiled to himself and Wei Wuxian giggled.

Hua Cheng laughed and gave Xie Lian a warm look before adding, “However, gege, I can teach you a faster way. I promise gege will be able to succeed as he wishes and win every round.”

“What way?” Xie Lian asked.

Hua Cheng lifted his right palm out to him, the same hand that bore the string tied to the third finger in a bright, vivid, red bow. He beckoned Xie Lian.

“Give me your hand.”

He did as he was asked and found the hand to hold no warmth and yet it wasn't freezing. Hua Cheng held tightly for a moment before flipping his hand over and dropping a set of dice into Xie Lian's palm.

“Try it now.”

All three kids watched as their father rolled the dice onto the black jaded divan. Two red sixes.

“What trick is this?” Xie Lian asked in amazement.

“No trick.” Hua Cheng replied. “I just lent gege a bit of my luck.”

“Good, baba needs it.” Wei Wuxian teased. Xie Lian leaned over Hua Cheng and gave his son a pinch on his cheek, once again making sure not to touch the injured one.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rolled the dice a few more rounds. It wasn't until Jiang Cheng was covering an obvious yawn did they stop.

“It seems gege's kids might be getting tired.” Hua Cheng said.

“I'm not.” Wei Wuxian declared, crossing his arms in defiance.

“I believe I agree with A-Cheng on this one.” Xie Lian responded. “It is rather late and I find myself rather sleepy aswell.”

Hua Cheng nodded and called for some ladies to take Lang Ying away, who gave a quiet almost non audible 'bye' to Jiang Yanli before being lead off. The four of them were lead by Hua Cheng to some guest chambers, where he sent Xie Lian to his own room first. After saying goodnight, the three kids were lead to their own rooms.

“I can have my own room?” Wei Wuxian said with delight as Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng entered their own chambers.

“I don't see why not.” Hua Cheng said.

“I've never had my own room. Never ever!”

The boy practically leapt into the room as soon as Hua Cheng opened the door for him, running around to look at everything, especially the massive bed. Hua Cheng smiled and was about to close the door when Wei Wuxian called out.

“Wait!”

Hua Cheng turned just as the boy ran into him, giving him a big hug. The man smiled as he looked down at Wei Wuxian.

“What's this for?”

“For being amazing.” Wei Wuxian said with a playful grin before letting go. “Goodnight Hua-gege!” And then the boy quickly shut the door.

He obviously hadn't stepped away from the door after closing it and Hua Cheng chuckled, reaching behind himself to see what the boy had tucked into his belt during the embrace. As he began to walk away he pulled out was happened to be a gently folded piece of paper. Most likely the painting the boy had been working on and refused to let anyone look at. Hua Cheng carefully unfolded the paper and once he saw what was inside he came to an abrupt stop.

Inside was a well made painting of himself, just as he was. Hua Cheng looked the paper over for a long time before a sad smile played across his face.

“Thank you... A-Ying...”

Chapter Text

It hadn't been very long after Hua Cheng left that Xie Lian had heard a small voice calling him from outside his door.

“Dianxia... Dianxia... Taizi Dianxia...”

Recognizing the voice, he stood and went to open the door. Just as he did the person on the other side practically leapt in, her purple silk billowing. Dressed in one of the ghost ladies get up, was Shi Qingxuan. He suddenly transformed back to his male form and started pulling at his dress.

“I can't breath! I can't BREATH! My god, I'm going to be choked to death in this thing!”

After closing the door behind him and turning to the sight of a man rolling on the floor in that purple dress, ripping at his chest, Xie Lian covered his eyes.

“Lord Wind Master... Lord Wind Master! Can't you just change back to your Daoist robe's?”

“Am I stupid?” Shi Qingxuan replied. “Walking around in the dark of night wearing conspicuous white robes, I'd be targeted.”

In your our current get up, on some level, your more of a target. Xie Lian thought before bending down next to him, “Lord Wind Master, how did you sneak in? Didn't we agree to meet in three days?”

“Well, what was I to do?” Shi Qingxua replied. “I asked around on the streets, and they all said you were sent to Paradise Manor with Jiang Yanli, and isn't Paradise Manor the Ghost King's lair? Even the name of the place sounded bad! I watched from afar and decided it was definitely an obscene and wanton place, so I was worried about you and your daughter so I snuck on in. What an unlucky journey this has been! First I'm dragged off to do facials by women and girls, or have to swallow my honor to dress like this. I have never, ever made sacrifices this huge!”

But you're obviously enjoying yourself, Xie Lian thought. “Where's Dianxia Tai Hua and Lan Wangji? You didn't him to watch the boy did you? What if he gets himself into trouble and drags lan Wangji with him?”

“He won't.” Shi Qingxuan replied before finally ripping through what was left of the binding and sinking to the floor sprawled across the ground like a puddle. “Don't worry, I pulled rank and commanded him to not move a muscle, so there shouldn't be anymore issue. It helps that he got more docile after he got my poor didi punched in the face. But seriously, Dianxia your so lucky-”

“Hold on!” Xie Lian stopped him. “Lan Wangji got punched in the face?!”

Shi Qingxuan sat up with a frown, “Yes. During that scuffle earlier Lang Qianqiu was ducking and the ghost got A-Zhan instead. Don't worry, he's alright... not sure about the ghost though... He just got a busted lip, and I was able to use some medicine on me to patch it up pretty well. A-Zhan is really tough.”

Xie Lian sighed and didn't know if he should laugh or cry. “Alright... but what do you mean about being lucky?”

“Well of course!” Shi Qingxuan exclaimed. “Look how miserable Lan Qianqiu, my didi, and I have been in Ghost City. We get hung up with threat of having our pants pulled down, get pummeled by ghosts or wander the streets like stray dogs with no one willing to take us in. And here you and your kids are, eating well and even have a Ghost King keeping you company.”

I guess that is rather tragic, Xie Lian thought.

Shi Qingxuan finally pulled himself off the floor, “So, Dianxia, do you still remember our objective for coming to Ghost City?”

Xie Lian regained his composure and replied, “Of course I remember. Back at Paradise Hall, I was preparing for our mission.”

Shi Qingxuan looked at him in confusion. “Really? What exactly did you prepare at the Paradise Hall? I only remember you playing with Crimson Rain Sought Flower and rolling dice. You guy's weren't even playing properly; you were feeling up is hands and he was feeling up yours. What kind of new method was that?”

Xie Lian blanked for a second then quickly explained himself, “Lord Wind Master, please don't make it sound so questionable. We were only having a discussion. I've found some clues here in Paradise Manor and was investigating. To keep going I needed a little bit of luck.” He lifted his hand into a tight fist as if he had grabbed a hold of something, his face set. “And I've gotten it.”

The two snuck out and disappeared down the hall as quietly as possible, as not to wake the three children.... However.

Barely an incense time had passed when Wei Wuxian opened his door and peered out into the hall, still fully dressed and unrested. He had tried to go to sleep, honestly he had tried, but he had never slept in such a soft bed, nor had he slept completely alone before. He vaguely remembered sleeping together with his birth parents when he was very small, and when he lived his year at Lotus Pier he had shared a room with Jiang Cheng. Living with baba, he was constantly on the move and if they weren't sharing a bed, they were sharing a room, and if not that, they had slept side by side under the starlit sky. Being completely alone in such a massive room and bed was new and although exciting, it was very lonely. Deciding that he didn't want to wake his father he crept over to Jiang Cheng's room and carefully pulled open the door. It was just as massive as his own room and similarly set up, so even in the dark it wasn't hard to find his way over to the bed, where he crawled on and over to the sleeping form of Jiang Cheng.

“A-Cheng.” Wei Wuxian whispered lightly pushing his brother. “A-Cheng.”

“mph.” Jiang Cheng furrowed his brow and lazily pushed Wei Wuxian's hands away.

“A-Cheng I can't sleep. A-Cheng I'm bored and lonely.” Even with his please, all Jiang Cheng did was roll away. Wei Wuxian frowned at him... then jumped on top of him with all his weight.

“A-Ying!” Jiang Cheng yelped as all the air was knocked out of him, waking him mostly up. He sat up and immediately put his brother in a head lock and the two wrestled on the bed. Eventually they tumbled onto the floor with a loud thud and Wei Wuxian tried to quickly peel himself out from under his brother.

“I'm sorry! I give up! Let me live!” Wei Wuxian cried.

“Stop yelling! You'll wake up baba and jiejie!” Jiang Cheng snapped back, tackling him once more.

“Your yelling too!”

Click.

They both looked up as the door to the room slid open once more. Jiang Yanli peered inside and gave the boy's a questioning look. “What's with all the ruckus?”

Jiang Cheng punched Wei Wuxian in the back. “I told you, you'd wake up jiejie.”

“Oh, no. You two didn't wake me. I never went to sleep.” Jiang Yanli admitted, stepping into the room, Gouhe on her back.

Wei Wuxian kicked his brother off and sat up, rubbing his back. “I couldn't sleep either, and was going to see if A-Cheng would get up with me. Maybe look around.”

“I'm not sure we should wander without baba or Hua-gege. This place is huge, and very maze like, we'd get lost so quickly.” Jiang Yanli said, walking over to them.

“But it's because it's so big that I wanna look around.” Wei Wuxian said with exasperation.

“Then go get yourself lost and let me sleep.” Jiang Cheng grumbled.

Jiang Yanli laughed at her brothers before helping Wei Wuxian off the floor. “I'm sorry A-Cheng. Why don't I take A-Ying for a walk anyway and you get some rest.” She started to lead Wei Wuxian toward the door when an extra pair of footsteps came up behind them. Looking back she found that Jiang Cheng followed them.

“... A-Ying already woke me up... and I wouldn't mind going on a walk with jiejie...” He said bashfully. Jiang Yanli simply gave him a smile and held out her other hand. Jiang Cheng took it and the three of them left his room.

They began to make their way down the corridors, and every so often Wei Wuxain would come across a door he would want to check or a room he would want to peek into. Some doors were locked and some rooms weren't very interesting. Some rooms had decorated doors others had no doors at all. One door had a statue of a woman standing in front of it with a round face and holding a jaded plate. The chamber beyond it however was uninteresting. The three continued their exploration until they reached a small garden path and decided to take a break.

Wei Wuxian peered around the garden with little interest, before pulling out his dizi and mindlessly twirling it in his fingers. Jiang Yanli looked at the flowers here and there, trying to see if she could guess the names of a few, surprised to find a few white colored flowers among the reds. Jiang Cheng leaned against a beam, trying his hardest to stay awake as he watched the other two. Just as Wei Wuxian put the tip of the flute in his mouth he turned around and sucked in air. It caused a high pitch whistle that made Jiang Yanli jump and Jiang Cheng cover his ears.

“A-Ying! What the hell!?” The boy snapped.

“Hua-gege!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed after spitting out his flute and looking up at the man who watched them from the way they had come. “you startled me! I really didn't hear you coming!”

Hua Cheng chuckled and stepped out into the garden. “And here I thought you three wanted to go to bed.”

“I did.” Jiang Cheng mumbled.

“I'm sorry Hua-gege.” Jiang Yanli said, standing up to meet him. “Honestly myself and A-Ying were having a hard time getting to sleep. I hope you don't mind, we just wanted to go for a walk.”

“It's alright,” Hua Cheng said. “You weren't doing anything wrong. As long as you stayed within these walls your perfectly safe to go where you please, however it would probably be best if you knew where you were going.”

“Okay Hua-gege!” Wei Wuxian smiled, practically leaping over to stand right next to him.

“You really are awake.” Hua Cheng teased, messing with the boys hair for a moment.

“I like staying up.” Wei Wuxian said.

“I also don't think you've slept alone since... oh...” Jiang Yanli realized too late when exactly the boy had actually slept alone. She quickly looked over and frowned as it seemed to hit Wei Wuxian too as he suddenly became very quiet and started messing with his flute between his fingers.

Hua Cheng looked down at the boy and gave him a concerned look. Wei Wuxian looked up at him.

“I... haven't slept by myself… since I was alone after....” The memory of his birth parents was rather vague. He remembered a quiet man dressed in black pulling along the lead of a donkey and a woman dressed in white who laughed. If Wei Wuxian remembered one thing about his mother, it was how bright and happy she seemed in those distant memories. The day they never came back was vague too. One day he was happily traveling alongside his parents, the next he was alone in a foreign place. He slept alone after that for a long time, cold with no roof over his head or home to go back to. Alone and Hungry. So Alone....

“You don't have to finish.” Hua Cheng said bending down to be at eye level with the boy. “I understand.”

Wei Wuxian still had a uncomfortable look on his face so Hua Cheng reached out and rubbed his arm before giving the boy a playful smile. “Since your awake, how would you three like to join me back in the armory? I was going to head that way to have a chat with the boy your baba was helping, before I came across you all.”

Jiang Yanli was about to ask what Hua Cheng meant, but was cut off by an enthusiastic “Yes!” from Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng gave a small nod and went to follow, but was stopped when Hua Cheng bent down and lifted him up.

“A-Cheng looks a little tired, if he really wishes to join us, maybe he would prefer not having to walk?” The boy simply nodded again before dropping his head on Hua Cheng's shoulder and resting his eyes. The Ghost King chuckled again and began leading them away. As they walked Wei Wuxian peered up at Hua Cheng again with a questioning look, who returned it with one of his own. The boy stepped closer and motioned for them man to get near. Hua Cheng leaned down, making sure not to drop the other thirteen year old.

“Did you like my gift?” Wei Wuxian whispered to him like it was a very important secret that he was telling.

Hua Cheng smiled broadly before scooping the boy up in his other arm. He didn't answer but he also didn't stop smiling the whole walk to the armory. Wei Wuxian smiled too.

…

“What are you saying?!” Shi Qingxuan exclaimed, “It's impossible for anyone to bring down my luck- me, the Lord Wind Master! But why don't you give it a go? Maybe there's still some of that luck you borrowed from your San Lang?”

Xie Lian paused for a moment, a bit embarrassed by the way Shi Qingxuan had said 'your San Lang.” He wanted to explain but at the same time worried it would just make things weirder so he simply didn't say anything before giving the dice in his hand a good shake. Two Sixes.

Xie Lian held his breath as the image on the stone door transformed, mentally preparing himself for what they might face next. However the door simply opened up to reveal a staircase leading down into darkness.

Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian gave each other a look. After all that, did we really just circle back around to the beginning?

After being stuck in small underground tunnels with giant ravenous worms and chased through a forest deep in the mountains by hungry flesh eating spirits, to possibly be thrown back to the start was both upsetting and a blessing.... maybe...

The moment they entered through the door, it shut solidly behind them before all that remained was a smooth stone wall.

“Looks like our only path is down.” Xie Lian said.

“Uhg, all right.” Shi Qingxuan sighed. “Let me take a breather, and then we can continue to play Crimson Rain Sought Flower's despicable game!”

The two once again descended through a long, rectangular, stony path, but after around two hundred steps Xie Lian came to a realization.

“Good news, Lord Wind Master. This isn't the same path we took the first time, even though they appear similar.”

Shi Qingxuan noticed as well. “Your right. The first time we reached that stone wall after two hundred steps, but not this time.”

Xie Lian said softly. “Looks like were on the right path this time.”

As soon as he spoke, the two of them came to a sudden halt. The coppery smell of blood was thick in the air, followed by the heavy breathing of a man. The two did not move a muscle nor spoke a single word. Their vision was obscured in the darkness as their was no light nor flame, however it seemed the other party could sense their presence.

“I have nothing to say,” The voice was cold and deep, belonging to a man.

At the sound of that voice, Shi Qingxuan immediately summoned a palm torch and their surroundings were illuminated. Xie Lian was surprised by the sudden light, having not expected Shi Qingxuan to act so quickly. He saw ahead of them was a man clad in black, sitting cross legged while leaning against the wall with serious injuries. Although his hair was disheveled and the air reeked of blood, his eyes were full of determination.

“It's you!” Shi Qinqxuan cried out.

The figure suddenly was taken aback like he too wanted to call out the same line but chose to hold back.

“So you two know each other?” Xie Lian asked while calming Ruoye, who was ready to attack.

Shi Qingxuan looked absolutely relieved, but before he could answer the other man spoke.

“No.” The tone was such as to leave no dispute.

Shi Qingxuan suddenly raged at such a comment, pointing his fan in the man's face. “Is it so shameful to know me? What hurtful words Ming-xiong! I'm your best friend!”

The man denied it resolutely. “I don't have friends who run around in that sort of attire.”

Shi Qingxuan was still wearing that, now, tattered purple dress.

Ming-Xiong? If I remember the five elemental masters correctly, Ming Yi.... Xie Lian spoke up, “Are you, perchance Lord Earth Master?”

“It's him, you've met before.” Shi Qingxuan replied.

Xie Lian looked at Ming Yi. “Have we?”

“You have.” Shi Qingxuan confirmed.

“We have not.” Ming Yi asserted.

“Yes you have!” Shi Qingxuan said exasperated. “Before at Banyue Pass! You guys didn't forget that fast did you?”

Ming Yi's face went from pale to ashen grim. Xie Lian finally recalled it. The woman dressed in black, that Hua Cheng had said was definitely one of the other elemental masters. She had seemed so angry at the time and all Xie Lian could think about was how Shi Qingxuan had tried to get him to transform as well and decided he was glad to not have given in.

“Lord Earth Master, are you the one who sent the Ascending Fire Dragon?” Xie Lian asked.

“I was.” Ming Yi answered.

Xie Lian nodded and turned to Shi Qingxuan. “Lord Earth Master is probably seriously wounded. We'd best make our escape now and talk later.”

Without any prompting, Shi Qingxuan knelt down and lifted Ming Yi onto his back. “Then let's get out of here.”

Three retraced their steps, and Shi Qingxuan talked as they walked.

“I have to ask Ming-Xiong- Aren't you good at fighting? You were perfectly fine back at Banyue Pass, so how did you get beaten up this bad in a matter of day's? How did you piss of that Crimson Rain Sought Flower?” Ming Yi looked like he was about to say something but was cut off when Shi Qingxuan continued. “You know A-Zhan was so worried about it being you, the intuition on that kid is astounding. He could barely even let me finish explaining before he was demanding to come along an- ow!”

Xie Lian looked over to see Ming Yi suddenly sitting a bit straighter on Shi Qingxuan's back, a hand gripping the Wind Masters shoulder with a vice.

“You brought Wangji here?!” Ming Yi hissed.

“Ming-xiong I didn't 'bring' A-Zhan. He practically demanded it cause he was worried it was you who got captured.” Shi Qingxuan chided. Ming Yi loosened his grip and his expression became unreadable. Shi Qingxuan continued, “I know he might look apathetic but that boy has a deep seated admiration for you Ming Yi. Did you know that when I asked if he wanted to go out for some fun after his brother gets back, he requested for you to join us? You! So when we get back and you get all fixed up you better not be surprised when he comes around to check on you.”

Ming Yi sat there for a short time, seemingly deep in thought before collapsing back onto Shi Qingxuan's back, and closed his eyes. “Shut up.”

Xie Lian smiled and decided whatever questions he had would have another time to be asked and so they ran their way up the stairs. He pulled out the dice and rolled them once more. It was dark and he couldn't see what number he rolled but heard an audible clack, followed by a crack peeking open and light seeped through. As Xie Lian pushed open the door he wondered how he was going to collect his three kids and Lang Ying when suddenly he felt himself drop. There was no floor on the other side of the door.

“Don't come out!” Xie Lian cried out as he began to fall, somersaulting through the air before crashing into something hard. He had landed face up, glade for it not to be a bladed mountain or lake of fire, until he looked up and found his face inches away from Hua Cheng's. It was apparent that not only was he back in the armory, but he had landed directly in Hua Cheng's lap while the man was cleaning Eming. He looked at Xie Lian unsurprised but still held a calm expression that seemed to be waiting on an explanation.

“...Baba?” Xie Lian shot his head around to see all three of his kids and one Lang Ying. The one who had called out was Jiang Yanli who was sitting next to a cowering Lang Ying. Jiang Cheng was suddenly looking wide awake and in utter shock at his father, while having been sitting on the floor wrapped in a blanket while Wei Wuxian was looking between him and Hua Cheng in conflicted concern.

Xie Lian quickly looked up and saw half of Shi Qingxuan's white boot already stepping over and into the void and knew he had no time to explain or ask questions himself. Xie Lian grabbed onto Hua Cheng's shoulders and blurted a quick “I'm sorry!” before tackling him.

“Baba!” Wei Wuxian called out in surprise as Xie Lian and Hua Cheng tumbled a few meters before they both quickly regained their footing... But not before two figures crashed into where Hua Cheng had just been setting.

Xie Lian looked over and saw Hua Cheng still giving him that calm yet questioning look and quickly backed away, “I'm sorry! I'm sorry!”

All three kids rushed to their father, Lang Ying following suite, seeming absolutely terrified.

“Baba are you all right? Where did you go? And why did you fall from the ceiling?” Jiang Yanli asked, carefully inspecting her father in concern.

Xie Lian carefully took his daughters hands and looked to Hua Cheng, “San Lang, please, allow me to explain.”

“Mm. I'm waiting.” Hua Cheng responded.

“Wait, shouldn't it be the opposite?” Shi Qingxuan spoke up, “He should be the one who owes you an explanation! He's the one responsible for the missing heavenly official! Be wary, Dianxia.”

“Wind Master?” Jiang Cheng looked at the man in the purple dress with some discomfort.

Wei Wuxian shot a look at Hua Cheng, who's calm expression didn't change... but he seemed to be refusing to look at the boy. Wei Wuxian started fidgeting with his sleeves.

This was the situation Xie Lian had feared to face. “San Lang, I don't know what misunderstanding occurred between you and Lord Earth Master, but why don't we talk this out peacefully.”

“Earth Master...” Wei Wuxian mumbled looking at the man on Shi Qingxuan's back.

“Earth Master? What Earth Master?” Hua Cheng asked, which took everyone by surprise. He paused for a moment then continued. “Oh, did you mean the one on Wind Master's back? He's nothing more then an inept subordinate of mine.”

“What?” Jiang Yanli looked back and forth between everyone, she was getting helplessly lost as she tried to comfort Lang Ying with soothing strokes on his back.

“He's obviously one of the heavenly officials! How dare you say otherwise!” Shi Qingxuan objected.

Hua Cheng laughed. “Then I wonder why your honorable heavenly official would conceal his identity, leave behind his respectable title, and come work as an officer under me?” in a sudden crescent moon flash, he had drawn Eming. “If that genuinely is the Earth Master, then what commendable patience to put on an act for ten years. In the past decade, I thought him suspicious from time to time, but there was never any proof. If I hadn't spotted him with Wind Master in Banyue, I'd still be in doubt.”

Wei Wuxian took a step back, his brain beginning to race around itself as his breathing picked up. Too many thoughts. Too much thinking. Earth Master was a spy? Was Hua-gege going to fight them? No.. he wouldn't hurt baba. Right! Right? But what if Hua-gege was the one who got hurt? What a bout Wind Master? Lan Zhan? Where was Lan Zhan? Were they going to not see Hua-gege again? Were they going to get to see baba again? His head spun and he didn't realize he was heaving and crying. No one had. He was alone in his head and grabbing at himself, trying to find something to hold onto... his hand fell on the hilt of Suibian. He gripped it.

After think through everything, Xie Lian could only say, “I understand that the fault is ours. But San Lang, I still hope you will let us go this time around.”

Hua Cheng looked at him intently for a moment before he quietly said, “Dianxia, some things are best not to get involved in overmuch...” he trailed off on the last part when his eye landed past Xie Lian had a flash of concern echoed there.

Just as Xie Lian was going to follow the line of sight, Shi Qingxuan made his move. “Wind come to me!”

As soon as the fan was out, the entire armory was filled with a gust that shook the weapons all around them. Jiang Yanli grabbed onto Jiang Cheng and Lang Ying and realized she didn't see Wei Wuxian.

“Lord Wind Master! We haven't done anything yet!” Xie Lian called out in bewilderment as he moved his arms out in front of the teens.

“I don't think either of you is going to make the first move.” Shi Qingxuan said, “So, I'll be the bad guy. WIND, COME TO ME!!!”

Above them came a tremendous cracking sound, as dusts began to fall around them. Xie Lian looked up to see the roof was being raised by the gusts, creating a large fissure. Shi Qingxuan was not intending to fight, he was going to give them an opening to flee!

“Baba!” Jiang Yanli called out. Xie Lian turned but his eye's didn't land on his daugher. They landed on the boy huddled on the floor with his hands over his ears and his eyes sealed tightly as tears poured from the corners of them. Wei Wuxian was shutting down, shaking on the ground, overwhelmed in all the chaos and couldn't take it. He wasn't screaming, but Xie Lian felt that the boy might be close to.

“You have a fan, and coincidentally so do I.” Hua Cheng sneered as his raven black hair and maple red robes fluttered around him in the gale. He reached out and grabbed a pure gold intricate fan and with a flick of his hand opened it with a look of elegance amid a murderous aura. Flipping his hand, fanning, he sent out a strong gust. Xie Lian, grabbed the three teens behind him and dodged away with grace, Shi Qingxuan jumping in the opposing direction as loud hailing sound struck the wall behind where they had been standing. Jiang Cheng looked up to see pieces of gold foil nailed into the ground.

Xie Lian, after checking the three with him, rushed to where Wei Wuxian was curled up on the floor. It seemed Hua Cheng had intentionally kept the gold foil from flying in the boy's direction. Xie Lian's heart hurt as he lifted the boy up. Wei Wuxian snapped out of his panic to look terrified up at his father, letting out a gasp of air. Had he been holding his breath? Xie Lian didn't give himself time to ask as he pulled his boy up into his arms and rushed back to the others where he pulled the other kids behind him as Hua Cheng and Shi Qingxuan clashed in a array of Wind and Gold. Jiang Cheng was well aware that he was afraid, but the sight before him was mesmerizing, a clash of gods... truly....

“Lord Wind Master please, stop!” Xie Lian called out trying his best to shield the others.

Shi Qingxuan looked up at the ceiling, then back at Ming Yi on his back. He couldn't stop, not when they were so close....

Just then all the gold that was encircling Shi Qingxuan flew upward. There was a crashing noise as two figures burst through the ceiling and landed on the ground with force. One wielded a massive great sword which sucked the gold towards it, capturing each piece and absorbing it until the sword itself looked forged in gold. The other was shorter and cloaked in white, holding a blade that shined a brilliant blue, his eyes light in color, his expression barren. His lower lip was busted slightly, but over all the fourteen year old was still radiant.

“Lord Wind Master, I apologize, but I couldn't wait any longer.” The young man said.

“Qianqiu! A-Zhan! Just in the nick of time.” Shi Qingxuan was overjoyed.

At the sound of his voice, Lan Wangji turned to face him and his eyes widened at the sight of Ming Yi on his back. His grip tightened around Bichen as he turned to face Hua Cheng.

“Don't.” Lan Wangji paused at the voice, much more like a croak and looked back again. This time his eyes landed on Wei Wuxian, who held tightly to his father but stared at Lan Wangji with wide fearful eyes, full of tears. The image made the boy freeze in place, suddenly swept over by a list of emotions. His eye's lowering to the bandage on Wei Wuxian's face. “Lan Zhan don't fight him.... please...”

“Listen to him.” Hua Cheng said in a flat tone. “I'm not one to attack a child. Just stand down and do as he asks.”

Lan Wangji eyed Hua Cheng for a good moment before sheathing Bichen and stepping into place beside Shi Qingxaun but staying on guard. Changing his focus back to Lang Qianqiu, Hua Cheng watched as the greatsword in his grasp finished absorbing the gold, it completely vanishing into the blade, and he laughed out loud.

“Are the heavenly officials so pathetically poor that once they see gold they can't let it go?”

Lang Qianqiu in those words, became provoked into a boiling rage and he lifted his blade, charging Hua Cheng like a newborn bull stubbornly facing a great tiger. Hua Cheng simply lifted his scimitar into the air with one hand ready to strike... Lang Qianqiu was putting all his power into his strike... and if it landed it would be certain death.

“Qianqiu! Don't!” Shi Qingxuan yelled out. But what could yelling do when the arrow was already released?

But just as the scimitar and greatsword were about to make contact, the armory filled with a blinding white light. Jiang Yanli was stunned. But not just by the flash, but also the sudden jostling of Wei Wuxian being pressed into her arms moments before the bright light. Baba?

A sudden blaze erupted in the corner of the armory. Jiang Cheng blinked in his blinded state only to see that his father had started the fire. Xie Lian turned and looked the boy in the eye, a sad expression in his eyes, as he called out Ruoye. The silk band wrapped around the large group of four gods and five teens before Xie Lian called out, “Wind Master! Blow us upward!”

Although he had not regained his vision, Shi Qingxuan did as he was instructed, launching them dozen's of meters into the air with a great and mighty vortex. Once in the sky, many of them had their vision returned and Jiang Yanli let out a heart broken gasp. The Armory was in flames, black smoke billowing from it like storm clouds. In fear that Hua Cheng might give chase, Shi Qingxaun flapped his fan. The flames only grew sending half of Paradise Manor up in flames.

Xie Lian reached out with difficulty, grabbing Shi Qingxuan's arm. “Lord Wind Master! Please stop fanning! The whole place is going to burn down!”

“All right, all right, I'm stopping! Let me go Dianxia! Your grip is to strong!” Shi Qingxuan cried. Lan Wangji tried to look over at Wind Master but his attention was caught by Wei Wuxian. The boy was pressed up against his sister and his expression was gut wrenching, but unlike everyone else, his eye's weren't on the fire. Lan Wangji followed his gaze.

“Um... I'm really sorry Dianxia! I didn't think things through.” Shi Qingxuan said feeling bad for Xie Lian who looked utterly heart broken at the sight far bellow them. “I only wanted to escape faster. This is all my fault! It was definitely only a small fire at first... If Crimson Rain Sought Flower Comes knocking for payback, just tell him to come to me! Don't worry, I can pay whatever amount! Money is never an issue!”

“Wind Master!” Shi Qingxuan had just rested his hand on Xie Lian's shoulder when Lan Wangji called out. He turned his head to look at the boy when he realized his hand was wet. “Lord Wind Master! Dianxia Xianle is injured!”

Both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli spun to look at their father, whose sleeve was soaked red, even his hand... and the whole arm was shaking. This wasn't some minor issue like they had seen their father in before. This was serious. Wei Wuxian shook in horror that something he had feared had become very real....

On a desk somewhere among the flames that consumed Paradise Manor, a piece of paper burned away, The painting in it lost among the ashes...

Chapter Text

Once the group had reached heaven, Shi Qingxuan ordered Lan Wangji to return to the palace of Wind and Water. At first the boy seemed reluctant, watching both Ming Yi and Wei Wuxian, both being carried along in a limp state, but eventually just nodded and left. When they got to the Palace of Divine Might, Lang Ying was the only one incapable of entering so Xie Lian had sent him to a side chamber before entering the Grand Hall himself. Right at his sides were Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, that later of whom kept looking at her father's arm like she wanted to help treat it but was overwhelmed and unsure of how to do so. Although she had been reluctant to let him, upon Xie Lian's request, Jiang Yanli had handed Wei Wuxian back to her father who carried the boy tightly in his good arm. Wei Wuxian hadn't spoken a word, nor shown his face since the moment they left Paradise Manor, seeming to be completely out of sorts as he would occasionally jerk with small hiccups or sniffles and was often shaking like a leaf as he wrapped his arms around Xie Lian's neck, refusing to let go.

Xie Lian saw no officials on duty so, as best as he could manage, he shouted into the communications array.

“Are There any fellow heavenly officials here? Please, everyone, come to the Palace of Divine Might! It's an emergency; we have a wounded official!”

Shi Qingxuan snapped his fingers and returned to his white daoist robes before, with a waive of his hand, releasing a hundred thousand merits. “It's two wounded officials.”

Xie Lian, outside of the array, spoke hurriedly. “Lord Wind Master, don't get so excited. We can ask normally; there's no need to distribute any merits. Everyone will naturally come once they hear us.”

“No Dianxia.” Shi Qingxuan stated, “You have to know, giving out merits works a hundred times faster then asking alone.”

Jiang Cheng frowned at such a comment but chose to not care and turned his attention to Wei Wuxian. “Is he okay?”

Xie Lian didn't have an answer, but even if he did a voice had called out just then. “Who's injured?”

It was Feng Xin. He looked at Xie Lian then Lang Qianqiu, then the three children.

“I'm fine but Lord Earth Master seems to be badly wounded.” Xie Lian said. Jiang Yanli gave her father a concerned look.

After a moment of silence, Feng Xin asked “What about your arm? And the boy? What of him?”

“So what if he's injured?” another voice came. “There's so many Heavenly Officials and who among us has ever returned unscathed after a patrol?” This was Mu Qing. He crossed into the hall all high and mighty, raising a brow at Xie Lian's state as if he was about to watch a good show.

“What the hell kinda attitude is that?” Jiang Cheng snapped.

“A-Cheng.” Xie Lian rebuked.

Mu Qing looked the kid up and down with slight contempt. “who let you in here?”

“Who else?” Jiang Cheng retorted.

Mu Qing looked like he was about to snap back, then quickly realized the truth in the kids words and backed off. He instead turned his attention to Ming Yi. “So this is Earth Master?”

Jiang Yanli stepped up next to Feng Xin. “Can anyone do anything about his arm?”

Before he could answer her Xie Lian cut in. “A-Yanli, it's all right. Leave it and it will recover on it's own.” The last part was said while looking at Feng Xin.

Feng Xin did not mince words. “Take care of yourself.” Then he moved his attention to Wei Wuxian. “What about him?”

“He's...” Xie Lian paused in his words. “... I don't know. He only has an injury to his face but it's small and already taken care of. I don't know if theirs any other problems. He just isn't talking.”

“Let me help check.” Fengxin replied, reaching out to pull the boy away. Wei Wuxian grabbed his fathers robe when he was pulled back, the image sending a flash of a memory through Xie Lian's mind. He looked sadly down at his son.

“A-Ying. Please let go. We need to make sure you are okay.” He grabbed the boys hands and gently peeled them off himself. Wei Wuxian looked miserable. His face was covered in tear stains and his eyes were red and puffy. It seemed that at some point during their escape, the bandage on his cheek had in fact come off and the wound had reopened. Blood pooled there before quickly mixing in with the tears and spilling down his face and onto his robes and the floor. Fengxin reached up and used his hand to put pressure on the wound, forcing it closed. 

“Look at me.” Feng Xin said in a firm voice and Wei Wuxian did. The general looked the boy over and found nothing else. “He's all right besides the cut.” He said before reaching into his robes and pulling out a small medicine vile. “Kid, I'm putting this on. Stand still.”

As Feng Xin began to spread the medicine on the boy's face, Xie Lian looked over and found that Lang Qianqiu was staring at him with a dazed look.

“Dianxia Tai Hua, what's the matter?” he asked.

Feng Xin looked up from his task. “Was Dianxia Tai Hua also injured somewhere?”

“I don't think so. Let me check.” Xie Lian reached out a hand to Lang Qianqiu's brow but his wrist was quickly seized by the other man. All the heavenly officials who had arrived and had been looking over the state of Earth Master, more so in curiosity then actual help, turned their rapt attention on the new scene playing out before them. Shi Qingxuan and Mu Qing even turned their gaze to what was happening.

Jiang Cheng quickly stepped up defensively as Feng Xin asked, “Dianxia Tai Hua, what are you doing?”

Lang Qianqiu's attention didn't even change away from Xie Lian for a moment, his eye's both a inferno of rage and a deep questioning look. Then he spoke... through gritted teeth

“State Preceptor?”

“What?” Jiang Cheng asked, puzzled until he looked up at his father.... who's eye's were wide.

The onlooking heavenly officials began mumbling among themselves in confusion. What ever was going on not even these gods were sure of the answer.... at least not all.

“Yong'an's state preceptor during Dianxia Tai Hua's time... Wasn't it the first of the Dual Evil Masters? State Preceptor Fengxin? Is...” They didn't finish their thoughts, instead they just watched the two Dianxia, as if some grand show was about to begin. This started to make Jiang Cheng's blood boil.

The normally cheerful and bubbly Lang Qianqiu was gone, now was a face of both hatred and despair. He tightened his grip on Xie Lian's wrist. “You.... I killed you with my own two hands. Sealed you in the coffin myself. You... State Preceptor, you certainly are remarkable.”

“What are you talking about?” Jiang Cheng asked in a not so friendly tone.

Feng Xin had finished applying the last of the medicine to Wei Wuxian's face, but shot up in shock at the accusation. Mu Qing also seemed shocked... but it was hard to miss the excitement in his eyes.

Shi Qingxuan quickly layed Ming Yi gently on the ground before speaking, “Qianqiu, did you make a mistake? If Dianxia was state preceptor Fengxin, why would it take you up until now to recognize him?”

Jiang Cheng was about to agree when someone else spoke up. “Qingxuan, you don't know? Legends say State Preceptor Fengxin was aloof, mysterious, and cold. He never showed his face in public and always wore a mask of silver. I'm sure Dianxia Tai Hua must've never seen his face.” The one who spoke, was none other than Pei Ming.

“That doesn't mean anything. For one my baba doesn't act like that.” Jiang Cheng remarked with a glare at the General.

“And if he never showed his face, why does General Pei make it sound like it's a sure thing that Dianxia Xianle is the State Preceptor?” Shi Qingxuan added with a swing of his whisk.

It was then that all the officials were struck silent, but not by any spell. They all looked toward the snow white figure that appeared from a back hall. Jiang Cheng peered over as well, to watch as Jun Wu made his way toward them.

“My Lord.” Many officials acknowledged with a bow as they separated to their places in the room, the only ones remaining in the center being Xie Lian, his three kids, Pei Ming, Feng Xin who was still standing over Wei Wuxian, Shi Qingxuan, and Lang Qianqiu.

Jun Wu motioned a hand and everyone straightened up once more. He walked willfully and as he passed Xie Lian, he tapped his shoulder and any fresh blood that flowed from his wound stopped immediately. Those cold obsidian eye's traced over the three kids for a second before Jun Wu turned his attention to Ming Yi, briefly checking over him.

“It is nothing serious. Settle the Earth Master first.”

Four medicinal Heavenly officials came and gathered up Ming Yi, and Shi Qingxuan whispered something to one of them before choosing to stay, rather then follow him. With his hands clasped behind him, Jun Wu returned to the throne before speaking again.

“So, tell me. What happened now? Why is Dianxia Tai Hua refusing to let Xianle go, and why is Xianle bowing his head?”

Lang Qianqiu took another glance at the silent Xie Lian before seeming to decide it was safe to let him go, turning to the Heavenly Emperor.

“My Lord, many centuries ago, this man assumed the name Fengxin, slaughtered my blood clan, and brought ruin to my kingdom. I demand a duel and ask My Lord to be our judge.”

The very notion that Lang Qianqiu thought Xie Lian slaughtered his... images warped in Jiang Cheng's head and his blood boiled even hotter. “That's preposterous, my baba wouldn't do that!”

Lang Qianqiu snapped the kid an almost pained look.

Ling Wen then stepped forward to give an inquiry as it seemed many officials had taken to the array for questions.

“The State Preceptor Fengxin, was both the savior and teacher of Taizi Dianxia of Yong'an, Lang Qianqiu. He was eventually named as one of the Dual Evil Masters because of the infamous Gilded Banquet Massacre of the Yong'an Monarchy.”

“Gilded Banquet?” Shi Qingxuan asked.

“Lord Wind Master,” Ling Wen replied, “This Gilded Banquet was a tradition taken from the nobility of Xianle. It was called such because every wine glass, utensil, and piece of cutlery along with any other such serving tool, was of the highest grade of gold, incomparably extravagant.” She went on to talk of history of Xianle and Yong'an regarding the use of such an exuberant event, but Jiang Cheng didn't care. He was infuriated.... His brow was knitted into a deep crease and his blood felt like it was burning him from the inside.

Ling Wen continued “on the night of Taizi Dianxia of Yong'an's seventeenth birthday, the palace threw a gilded banquet in celebration. The State Preceptor Fengxin... it was at this feast, with sword in hand, that he slaughtered every member of the royal family in attendance. Because of his late arrival to the feast only the Taizi Dianxia of Yong'an escaped death. But he too was almost killed.”

Lang Qianqiu's glare was now firmly locked on Xie Lian. “I never understood why you did what you did. You said it was because you couldn't stand seeing us on the throne, but I didn't believe it, and I never thought you wanted to overthrow the monarchy and take our place. Now I know why.”

Jiang Yanli felt her heart sinking as she slowly stepped up to her fathers side, fearful of what accusation's might come.

And they did come.

“It was revenge!”

“Ain't that just it?! The kingdom of Xianle had fallen, so he had to ruin Yong'an too. The Yong'an people killed his royal parents, so he had to murder the parents of Taizi Dianxia of Yong'an. An eye for an eye.”

They just kept talking like that. Laughing stock of the three realms, murderer, aggressive character... Jiang Cheng was beginning to shake. “Shut Up...” He mumbled through gritted teeth.

Xie Lian looked up toward Jun Wu, who watched him back. Xie Lian closed his eyes.

“Tai Hua, you firmly believe Xianle to be Fengxin, but do you have proof?” Jun Wu asked after a moment of pause.

“The State Preceptor Fengxin was the one who taught me swordsmanship. How could I not recognize him the moment he struck?”

“Shut Up!” Jiang Cheng snapped.

Lang Qianqiu shot a look at the boy and Xie Lian reached out to take his son's shoulder. “A-Cheng.”

“I may have never seen my baba use a sword before so I can't say on that level but I sure as hell have seen him as nothing but a kind and caring person, he's not vengeful or wanting of suffering upon others. He wouldn't do that!”

“The kid does realize this happened centuries ago right? He could just have been hiding his sword skills as not to get caught.” One official whispered.

“it is strange though. Why would he teach Lang Qianqiu swordsmanship if he just planned to slaughter him?”

They were gossiping again and Jiang Cheng shot them daggers with his eyes. Wei Wuxian was shaking again. He had only slowly started to process reality again only to find it falling apart again right before him and he started to quietly cry even more.

Lang Qianqiu turned to the individuals and described the events of what had transpired in Ghost City, making sure to go into detail of the move Xie Lian had used to block both Hua Cheng's and his own attacks.

“When I was twelve, I was kidnapped during an outing. The kidnappers dragged me into the streets and when the guards caught up, their was a brawl. A street busker was dragged into the chaos and, bruised as he was, he broke up the fight with a mere tree branch. With it he easily parried two swords and rescued me. The kidnappers and the guards were all heavily wounded and so it was the busker who helped me escape and escorted me all the way back to the Palace. Out of immense gratitude, His majesty my father and my mother the queen fervently tried to retain him and discovered his tremendous ability in swordsmanship. So he was ultimately invited to become our State Preceptor. He taught me the art of the blade for five years, and I'm more then familiar with his style. How could I be mistaken?” Lian Qianqiu argued.

“because your a dunce!” Jiang Cheng barked.

“A-Cheng!” Xie Lian said.

“None of what you just said is actual proof of anything! A style of swordsmanship can be learned by anyone!”

“The kid makes a fair point.” Mu Qing stated. “you said yourself you only saw a fleeting image. No one has confirmed it except you. Thus, these accusation's are only by your word.” At first when the man spoke, Jiang Cheng had been hopeful of another coming to his fathers aid, but the look in Mu Qing's eyes was enough. He wasn't asking to defend Xie Lian... he was asking so that Lang Qianqiu would have better reason to give more proof. Jiang Cheng felt even more enraged.

“Fine. Bring me a sword, please.” Lang Qianqiu called out. One of the many Martial gods of the court then proceeded to toss one, which he caught with ease before pressing it toward Xie Lian. Jiang Yanli gripped her fathers better arm. “Take it. We'll dual right now, no holding back, using everything we got! We'll see whether we have the same style and whether you taught me!”

“Qianqiu.” Shi Qingxuan called out, “Dianxia blocked that attack from Hua Cheng for you and injured his right arm. How can he duel with you?”

Lang Qianqiu heard this and reached out his left arm, before slamming it down with great force onto his right arm with a sickening crack and blood began to pool there. Jiang Cheng stepped back in an almost disgusted shock where Jiang Yanli let out a gasp, she looked like she might get sick. Wei Wuxian flopped onto the floor. He was only noticed by Feng Xin who was still standing next to the kid, before the man reached down and tried to help him back to his feet only to find the kid was heaving, and his eyes were wild with fear.

“Lord Wind Master is right.” Lang Qianqiu admitted, “You did injure your arm saving me, so I return an arm in kind.”

“SHUT UP!” Jiang Cheng roared suddenly pushing Lang Qianqiu back. The man barely stumbled and only shot the kid a glare.

“A-Cheng!” Xie Lian called out in a stern voice.

“I thought you were different then the rest of them but your just as stupid! Why are you all so fucking stupid! My baba's a good person, and all anyone here can do is talk shit about him and treat him like he isn't right in front of you! Like he isn't even one of you! How can you accuse him of something so terrible and just accept bullshit as your perfect proof!”

“My parent's were murdered by the man you call father and your only causing trouble.” Lang Qianqiu snapped back. “You can't understand what's going on cause your just a child so back off.”

Those were not the right words to use and Shi Qingxuan caught onto that immediately but didn't have time to step in cause Jiang Cheng snapped.

“FUCK YOU! You self righteous.... Fuck you! I do know which is exactly why you piss me off! How dare you! Your disgusting! all of you are! What did he do to deserve this much contempt that one accusation means absolute judgment in your eyes! Why-”

“Jiang Cheng!”

Silence. Jiang Cheng froze. He turned to his father who watched him with a stern expression.

“Stop.” Xie Lian said the word with finality.

Jiang Cheng, suddenly began looking around himself. Wei Wuxian was an absolute mess, barely holding himself up, as Feng Xin watched him with concern. Jiang Yanli had her head bowed. Mu Qing looked at him with a smug smile along with a few other officials at the edges of the room. Lang Qianqiu looked at him with an odd mix of shock and bitterness and suddenly, with all those eye's on him, Jiang Cheng felt very small. That smallness only grew when he looked back and he found a pair of obsidian eyes watching him with cool judgment and his heart sank so quickly.

“I... I...”

“Just, stop.” Xie Lian said it this time with more softness but a strictness still lingering in his voice.

He wanted to run to his baba and hide but at the same time run away completely but he had nowhere to flee. Jiang Cheng felt like he was as tiny as an ant surrounded by giants and he couldn't hold back the tears as he shrunk in on himself. He hated it.

“baba...” he cried in a hushed voice.

“Xianle.” Jun Wu finally spoke after an uncomfortable silence.

Xie Lian turned to face him with a bowed head. “Yes My Lord?”

“Do you concede that Tai Hua's accusations are true?”

“I concede.”

Something deep inside Jiang Cheng's heart felt like it shattered and his expression dropped. Jiang Yanli looked up at their father with shock, as well as many of the other gods close by. Wei Wuxian seemed to suddenly get even more upset all over again as his crying seemed to get a little louder and he was pulling at his robes with fervent discomfort.

Jun Wu simply nodded before asking further, “The State Preceptor Fengxin who committed the Gilded Banquet Massacre- was that you?”

Xie Lian lifted his hand to grasp his daughters on his arm, while looking carefully at Jiang Cheng who looked at him with a heartbroken expression. “It was me.”

His answer was loud and clear and left no opportunity to turn back.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxain was fading in and out of everything he heard. Baba admitted to it? Baba want's to be banished? He's going to fight? Someone's going to die? No- No ones going to die! Revenge? Blood? Cursed blade... Eming? Eming! Hua Cheng? Is he okay? Baba isn't okay...

His vision getting blurry from all the tears as he watched Shi Qingxuan arguing with Pei Ming and Lang Qianqiu still saying... something to his father but he just couldn't make it out. He reached for his ears and covered them up. He didn't want to hear this. He didn't want to hear anything. He shut his eyes and shook his head. Wei Wuxian wanted it to stop. He wanted to go back. When? He didn't know. Before Paradise Manor burned down, before everyone started fighting. Maybe he really did fall asleep back at Paradise Manor and he would wake up from his bad dream and baba and Hua Cheng would be waking him up with smiles. He wished it with all his might.

“Everyone, please calm yourselves.” The voice wasn't loud, actually it was quite serene. It was enough as Wei Wuxian slowly looked up to see Jun Wu had called everyone's attention, broken out of his own torment. “Tai Hua, your actions have always been impulsive. When situations arise, one must not be rash. Listen with a cool head, assess, then evaluate once you have the full story.”

Lan Qianqiu lowered his head to heed the lesson.

Jun Wu continued. “Xianle refuses to give us that full story, so his request for banishment is denied. He will be detained in the palace of Xianle, and I will personally interrogate him. You two shall not meet until I do so.”

Jiang Yanli let out an internal sigh of relief. What ever was going on, she was sure it would be taken care of properly now. She looked at her father, who was still lowering his head, his eyes lacking any indication of his emotions. Giving Xie Lian's hand a squeeze, Jiang Yanli turned her attention to her two brothers. They both looked terrible.

After such a verdict, many of the gods seemed reluctant to comment. It truly seemed Jun Wu had favor for Xie Lian. Shi Qingxuan sighed in relief before loudly praising Jun Wu for his wisdom. Lan Qianqiu however, was still glaring at Xie Lian.

“Whatever My Lord wishes to learn from his questioning, he is free to try. But whatever the conclusion, I will still duel him!” With that, Lang Qianqiu bowed to Jun Wu and left the hall.

With a wave of his hand, Jun Wu called forth two martial officers come to escort Xie Lian away. Wei Wuxian was suddenly struck with fear and tumble forward screaming “NO!” A couple nearby officials were startled as they watched the boy latch onto his fathers robes.

“Don't take him away from me! Baba I don't want you to go! I don't want to be alone!” Xie Lian looked down at his son with sad eyes before glancing up at Jun Wu. The Heavenly Emperor watched in silence for a moment then nodded.

“Send Xianle's children with him. They will also be confined to the Palace of Xianle till I say otherwise.”

Xie Lian mentally thanked Jun Wu before using his good arm to lift Wei Wuxian back up into his embrace. Jiang Yanli bowed slightly to Jun Wu, but when she turned to her father she paused.

“A-Cheng?”

Xie Lian looked to his other boy, who still stood motionless looking down at the floor. He, struggling to keep the arm steady, reached out his right hand to take a hold of the boy's. Jiang Cheng pulled away and Xie Lian froze.

“A-Cheng?”

The boy looked up at him with a flat expression. Then the tears started rolling and all that Jiang Cheng could say in a soft whisper was. “Baba, I wanna go home.”

Xie Lian shook his head with a sad smile. “I'm sorry my Xiao Hu, not yet.” And he held out his hand. It was shaking. The boy shook his head.

“Not that hand.” Was all Jiang Cheng said.

Xie Lian nodded and instead pulled the boy in from around the shoulder. Jiang Cheng still seemed upset and refused to look at his fathers right arm, staring at the floor instead. The four of them started being lead away when they began to pass Shi Qingxuan.

“Lord Wind Master.” Xie Lian spoke quietly to him. “thanks for everything, but if you really want to help me, don't say anymore on my behalf. Instead, can I ask you to do two things for me?”

“Whatever you need.” Shi Qingxuan answered immediately.

“The boy I brought up here, he's in the side palace. Please take care of him.”

Jiang Yanli smiled gently to herself. She was glade to know Lang Ying would be in good hands.

“A trivial matter! What's the second thing?” Shi Qingxuan said.

“If General Pei decides to make things difficult for Banyue in the future, please help her out.”

“Of course.” Shi Qingxuan replied. “I wont let Pei Ming get his way. Where is she?”

“I've hidden her in a small pickle jar in my Puqi Shrine. If you can, please air her out on occasion.”

“...”

The two heavenly officials assigned to take him away, began to usher Xie Lian onward. As they left Wei Wuxian peered over his fathers shoulder at Shi Qingxuan. He saw the boy watching him and waved.

The four of them were brought to the Palace of Xianle, where they were let inside before the two martial officials stepped away. The gates of the palace closed behind them and Xie Lian let his eyes wander. It was exactly as he had remembered it, every room in hall a complete replica of the previous Palace of Xianle. Xie Lian felt drained, but decided he had to take care of a few things first. He made his way to his room, where he sat Wei Wuxian down on the bed. The boy was no longer crying but his expression was gloomy and his eyes were red. Xie Lian brushed some of the hair out of the boys face then smiled softly.

“That medicine really helped you. The scratch is almost completely gone now.” Wei Wuxian looked up at him but didn't say a word. Xie Lian felt his stomach drop as silence filled the chamber. He turned his eyes to Jiang Cheng who was still standing in the doorway, refusing to enter, his eyes to floor.

“A-Cheng.” Xie Lian called. When the boy didn't respond Xie Lian saddened, standing to walk over to his son. He bent down in front of the thirteen year old and looked up into his face. “A-Cheng, please look at me.”

He did as he was told and looked into his fathers eyes, however the moment he did the tears began to pour again. Jiang Yanli reached out and rubbed his back but didn't speak... she really had no words to say, her thoughts were all jumbled and she wasn't entirely sure what to think. What ever she felt right now would have to wait, so she let those thoughts sink to the back of her mind.

“Baba... I'm sorry... I don't like it here.” Jiang Cheng cried softly, trying to wipe away every tear that betrayed him by falling from his eyes. “They're so mean. I don't like it. I just want to go back to Puqi Shrine. I hate it here. I just wanted to make them stop being so cruel to you. I didn't... I didn't.”

Xie Lian cupped the boys face with his left hand. “My Xiao Hu, you have no need to protect me from them. They're words don't hurt me, but actions have consequences and you were getting out of hand. The Palace of Divine Might is a place of order and justice, to have you disrespecting anyone there is ultimately a disrespect to the Palace's owner and the Heavens Justice itself. You put your hands on Dianxia Tai Hua and you spoke foul words to try and get a point you didn't need to across. I will never be angry with you, but you need to understand that Jun Wu will make the best decision for me, as is his power and his right, so you don't need to worry yourself with what others think. Do you understand A-Cheng?”

The boy looked at him with a sad expression. His lower lip quivered and he nodded.. but not before saying, “I don't think Jun Wu likes me.”

Xie Lian was surprised by this claim and quickly took Jiang Cheng's hands in his own. “A-Cheng, no. Don't think like that. Jun Wu is just a very strict person and it comes off a bit... unnerving sometimes. It's just how he is- how he has to be.” Jiang Cheng sniffled and Xie Lian continued. “ I promise that you don't have to be my big strong defender. Right now your my Xiao Hu, my little boy. Leave it to me to take care of you.”

Jiang Cheng nodded and Xie Lian pulled him in for a small hug, before leading him over to the bed.

“You three need some rest. None of you got any sleep last night and I would prefer it if that isn't a common place occurrence.” Xie Lian turned to Jiang Yanli. “Would you like a room to yourself A-Yanli? I can take you to a-”

“I'll stay here.” She said simply, following him over to the bed and sitting next to Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian looked up at his father then at the floor, then back at his father. “Baba, is Hua-gege going to be okay? You... don't think he's mad at us?”

Xie Lian shook his head with a soft smile. “Mad at you? What for? You didn't do anything wrong.”

“But Paradise Manor... It was on fire...”

“Did you start the fire?” Xie Lian asked.

“... no...”

“Then why would he be upset with you? If anyone he'll probably be upset with, it will be me.”

“I don't think so.” Jiang Yanli interjected. “He might be upset, but baba, he's so kind to you. I can't imagine him being angry with you for even a moment.”

“Is that so?” Xie Lian smiled.

Wei Wuxian suddenly began to grow a mischievous grin and said. “You know baba, I don't know how long your going to get away with the princess accusations for, cause Hua-gege has seen you in a dress and caught you in his arm's like something out of a romance on more then one occasion.”

Xie Lian looked at his boy with a wide eyed expression, pink coming to his face before he reached out and tickled the boy. “Why you little trouble maker. What are you putting into your little head?” Wei Wuxian laughed and tried to fall back and squirm away but his father didn't let up and pulled him back into a big hug, tickling him as he did. “My Xiao Xiong is a silly little trouble maker and he needs to be taught a lesson.”

“baba please! I can't haha breath!” Wei Wuxian laughed. Jiang Cheng smiled at them but turned away with a gloom in his eyes. However it didn't last long as he was suddenly pulled back into a warm embrace. He looked up to his fathers bright eye's gleaming down at him.

“What did I do to deserve such wonderful boy's like you?” he glanced at Jiang Yanli and added “And an extraordinary young lady like my Xiao Hua.”

Jiang Yanli smiled and joined the small family hug. The four of them sat like that for a short time before they all eventually did lay down and fall asleep. It would be a lie to say they didn't want to ask their father for the truth, that they didn't want to know if he really did the awful things people said he did. It was simply that... they didn't want to ask him, because if he said yes to them they really didn't want everything to change for the worse. So they drifted off to sleep...

However, what Wei Wuxian had not expected when he fell into a deep sleep, was to be assaulted by a terrible nightmare.

He was alone on a wide street of a city he had never seen, but the paths were empty and void of life. Each house was cold and vacant and every window was opened and permeated the smell of death and smoke. The stone roads were painted with blotches of red and black as if the place had been ransacked and any who had been within this strange cities wall were slaughtered and burned away. In his dream state, every step Wei Wuxian took was almost like a mile and a centimeter, like he was walking through a lucid river, constantly flowing around him, both slowing him down and pushing him forward. At the end of the road was a grand temple, whose extravagant walls and gold tile roofs were stained with marks of fire and smoke. As he entered, almost unwillingly, he found that the Inside was a terrifying sight of thousands of bodies, burned and screaming like they had died in fear, the imagery made much worse by the statue at the center of it all. It was a statue of a god who in one hand held a beautiful flower that in this moment, was dripping blood like an open wound, spilling to the floor in pools. In the other was a sword shattered and broken, only the hilt still remaining in that clenched stone fist. He couldn't see the face of the god, because when he looked up at where it should have been all he saw was a mask, half smiling, half crying. Wei Wuxian didn't like this place one bit and turned to run as far away as possible but found himself frozen in place when he only saw that mask again, directly behind him.

Standing there among the fallen ash and corpses was a man dressed in white funeral garb his sleeves long and billowing in the wind. His face was hidden by that creepy mask and when he chuckled it was bright and spirited, like it belonged to that of a young man. Wei Wuxian felt his blood go cold and he reached for Suibian but it wasn't there, this was a nightmare after all. He didn't need any hints or signs of what he was seeing, of who this person was. This nightmare of a person, this calamitous ghost.... This was Bai Wuxiang. He tried to run but he suddenly felt like he couldn't move his legs. Looking down he saw the charred corpses grabbing at his legs and pulling at him mouthing the words, “save us” over and over again. He panicked as he pulled and jerked his legs, trying to escape but they only clawed at him more and more, as if trying to bury him among them, drag him into their midst.

The masked man laughed again and shook his head, “It's time to wake up little prince,”

Wei Wuxian sat up with a jolt practically smacking heads with Jiang Cheng who had also seemed to wake up from a bad dream as he looked just as panicked and wild eyed as the other. Almost on cue they both looked over at their older sister but she was fast asleep, seemingly content.

“Are you two all right?” Xie Lian asked having just gotten up himself, only woken up by something poking him in his robes. What he had found when He had pulled it out, was the two dice Hua Cheng had given him.

Wei Wuxian wanted to tell his father exactly what he saw but at the same time he was worried. There was already so much going on and making his father worry even more sounded like a bad idea. And so he said. “No, just a bad dream. I think I'm better now that I woke up.” Wei Wuxian smiled bright. “Because now I get to hang out with baba.”

Jiang Cheng looked over at his brother but didn't speak, deciding that what ever he had dreamed of was also not worth speaking of for the time being.

Xie Lian smiled “That makes three of us...” then he looked back down at the two dice in his hand. Then he tossed them to the ground.

Snake eyes.

Wei Wuxian crawled over and sat down next to his father at the edge of the bed looking down at the dice on the floor. “Guess your bad lucks back.”

Xie Lian huffed and shook his head at his son, still smiling as he did. It was then that they heard footsteps. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian turned expecting... well anyone but who walked in. Standing at the door way now was a man clad in black with thin lips and an aloof expression as he looked over the small family with a odd expression.

“It's you.” Xie Lian said in a bit of surprise.

“Who did you think I was? Feng Xin?” Mu Qing said with an amount of sass and pomp that only he could have. Without getting an answer he lifted his robe and crossed the threshold into the room. “Well Feng Xin probably won't come.”

“I'd rather him then you.” Jiang Cheng mumbled.

Xie Lian gave his son a pleading look before standing up to meet the Martial God. “What are you doing here?”

“The Emperor detained you and barred Dianxia Tai Hua from coming here. But he didn't say I couldn't come.”

“Just cause you weren't told you couldn't doesn't mean you should. Maybe you should get invited first.” Wei Wuxian remarked.

Mu Qing just rolled his eye's and began looking about the room mindlessly. It was then that Jiang Yanli stirred and sat up, rubbing her eye's before being taken aback that they had a visitor. She gave her father a look but he just simply shrugged with a half smile. Mu Qing looked at the three teens, then their father, before tossing something to him. There was a flash of blue and Xie Lian caught it with his left hand. It was a blue porcelain bottle; it was medicine.

“It's pretty unsightly, dragging around that bloodied arm.” Mu Qing said apathetically.

Xie Lian didn't move, simply held the bottle and watched Mu Qing with a calculating expression. Seeing this Mu Qing just gave the other god a faint smile, “Use it if you want. Either way no one else is coming to deliver you anything.”

The smile wasn't insincere; he really did seem to be in a good mood... which is exactly what made Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng start getting defensive. Deciding to not let the wound sit any longer, Xie Lian went ahead and opened the bottle, to pour out it's contents. Instead of liquid or powder, what spilled out was a blue colored smoke which languidly wrapped around the wound, healing it rather quickly. It was clearly a high grade healing item.

“Was everything Lang Qianqiu said true? Did you really kill those Yong'an royals?”

Xie Lian froze and slowly looked up to meet Mu Qing's eyes. They had a trace of uncontrollable excitement.

Mu Qing continued. “How did you kill them?” his smile didn't falter even when he caught the pillow Jiang Cheng chucked at him.

“Shut up!”

Just then there was another set of footsteps, heavier and quick paced. Mu Qing and Xie Lian turned just as Feng Xin appeared in the doorway. He had heard someone yell and had rushed in, only to see Mu Qing standing next to Xie Lian with a cocky smile on his face. He looked to the kids and back at Mu Qing with a alarmed frown.

“What are you doing here?”

Xie Lian showed him the bottle and Mu Qing's expression dropped, before he chucked the pillow he had caught at Feng Xin's chest, only for it to bounce off him and drop to the floor.

“It's not like this is your palace. You think you can come but I can't.” Mu Qing said.

“I actually think he should have more right to be here then you. At least he is nice.” Wei Wuxian said, sliding off the bed and crossing his arms. Jiang Cheng also stood up, glaring at Mu Qing without a word.

“Boy's, please.” Jiang Yanli said quietly, standing up herself and trying to pull the two of them back.

Feng Xin ignored Mu Qing, but before he could speak Xie Lian cut him off. “If the two of you came to ask the same question, then I will give you the same answer. There's no reason to disbelieve it. Every word I said at the Palace of Divine Might today was true.”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian both faltered in their determination, lowering their gazes. Jiang Yanli took pause and looked up at her father with a sad expression. Feng Xin had gone pale which only seemed to piss Mu Qing off.

“All right, put that face away. After everything, for who are you looking so pained?”

Feng Xin shot him a death glare “Not for you! Get out of here!”

Mu Qing opened his mouth but was shut up when he was hit by another pillow, this time he hadn't noticed to catch. He shot a glare at the two boys, Wei Wuxian standing straight again after the throw.

“I agree with j- Nan Yang. You should get out.” Wei Wuxian was quick to correct himself as he glared at Mu Qing. “He's a thousand times more welcome here then your sorry excuse for an attitude.”

“Oh really?” Mu Qing said with a sneer. “Because he's soooo Loyal.” He looked at Feng Xin with a cruel smile. “How many years did you last again? Didn't you runaway too?”

Xie Lian could see the veins popping on Feng Xin's forehead and knew this wouldn't end in anything but a fight. He quickly stepped in front of his boy's and called out. “Hold it. Hold it! There are children pre-”

Mu Qing wasn't the type to hold back. “Everyone says you left because you couldn't stand to see your former master fall from grace. What a petty excuse. At the end of the day you didn't want to waste the rest of your days following a broken man.”

Bam!

Feng Xin swung out, punching Mu Qing directly in the face. “What the fuck do you know!?”

Mu Qing caught himself, but just as he was about to swing back he was knocked off balance by two teenage boy's tackling him from behind.

“A-Cheng! A-Ying!” Xie Lian panicked, he wanted to rush over and stop them before they got hurt but it was already a fight. Mu Qing had kicked Wei Wuxian off but not before Feng Xin got another good punch in, the other mans pretty boy face now bruised in it's complexion.

“Don't think I don't know your nasty thoughts!” Feng Xin cried out in anger. “The more crimes he commits the happier you become!!”

Mu Qing finally threw Jiang Cheng off and doubled back before getting a good swing in, marking Feng Xin right under his eye. “I knew you always looked down on me! What a joke! Do you see yourself?! What right do you have to look down on me- ack!” He was thrown off again by Wei Wuxian jumping on his back and wrapping his arms around his neck. “What the- get off me you stupid brat!”

“Not much to look down on from my point of view.” Wei Wuxian bickered as he was thrown around, Mu Qing trying desperately to get a hold of him or throw him off his back. Instead Mu Qing tripped on the rooms threshold causing both him and the kid to tumble out into the passageway. Just as the man was getting back onto his feet he was kicked in the chest by Feng Xin and sent rolling a ways down the hall. He rolled and landed on his feet, putting himself upright.

“Three against one is underhanded!” Mu Qing snapped, clearly pissed off.

“That's funny, didn't realize the great Xuan Zhen couldn't handle two brats!” Jiang Cheng sneered from behind Feng Xin.

Wei Wuxian stood up and made ready to attack again when he was grabbed from under his arms. Xie Lian moved out of the way, son in arm, as Mu Qing rushed Feng Xin once more. He had to get help before one of his kids got hit on accident, (Or possibly even on purpose with how much they were pissing Mu Qing off.)

“A-Yanli!”

“Already on it!” She called out snatching Jiang Cheng by the collar and pulling him to safety as Mu Qing knocked Feng Xin back with a powerful kick of his own.

Xie Lian dragged Wei Wuxian with him as he tried to make it toward the entrance of the palace. He was just about to call out for help when-

BANG

Everyone had stopped in their tracks at the mere sound of the grand palace doors being kicked open, but the Heavenly Capital was not on the other side. It was pitch black. Mu Qing and Feng Xin had stopped fighting, rushing out to see what was going on, Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli in tow. It was just as they saw the door, that from beyond the darkness came a innumerable array of chilling silver butterflies.

Xie Lian subconsciously lifted his hand to block the sudden assault but the butterflies merely flew around him and his son, heading straight for the two Generals.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing had no intentions to be reminded of their suffering's at the hands of those silver wraith butterflies, so they both unanimously lifted up their hands “Shield!”

Even so the butterflies rained down on them like a hail storm, pushing them back with a fury unmatched. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were stood behind the two generals in wide eyed awe. Jiang Yanli in particular marveled at the shower of silver wing's reflecting the light, like a thousand tiny lanterns.

“Dianxia!” Feng Xin called out, seeing Xie Lian just standing a midst the frenzy of silver wings, “Don't just stand there! Grab your son and get behind the shield!”

Xie Lian turned to them, not a hair out of place, in his hand was a single silver butterfly that Wei Wuxian stood close by and watched with wonder. Mu Qing and Feng Xin almost spat blood in furious shock at the sight, too odd and absurd to behold.

“Don't touch that thing with your hand!! Don't you know what it is!? It's dangerous!!”

Xie Lian didn't have time to say anything, as a hand reached out from the darkness and took hold of his wrist, pulling him into the darkness beyond the door. Wei Wuxian, spun to look into the darkness, red flashing into his vision and he couldn't stop the bright smile on his face. Silver butterflies, the cockiness to break into the Heavenly Capital, that bright maple red. It couldn't be anyone else.

“What audacity!” Mu Qing cried out in disbelief. “You dare come cause mischief in the Heavenly Court!? What impudence!”

The man in the darkness laughed. “We're all the same. Weren't you Heavenly officials of the Upper Court equally impudent in my territory.”

At the sound of his voice, Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli gave each other a look.

Feng Xin shouted, “Hua Cheng, the Heavenly Emperor is here in the Heavenly Court. You let him go!”

Hua Cheng clicked his tongue, “Do either of you have the ability to make me?”

And with that the doors began to close. Wei Wuxian didn't even take a second to come to his decision, leaping through the closing gap and into the darkness. Jiang Cheng ducked between the two generals, Jiang Yanli had made to move past but was grabbed by Mu Qing, the shield faltering enough for her brother to slip by and slide past the doors right before they shut. The butterflies dispersed... save one that stopped to land on the girls shoulder for a moment before flying off once more. She smiled as she watched it flutter away.

Chapter Text

“Dianxia! Where are you?!” Feng Xin yelled out into the communications array.

Startled by the sudden ear damaging cry, many officials began to gather into the communications array to listen in.

“What's going on, General? Did something happen?”

Mu Qing also entered the Communication's array, his tone flustered. “Bad news! Where's Ling Wen? Report to the Emperor- Xie Lian ran off!”

“What?” Ling Wen reacted immediately. “I'll go to the Palace of Xianle to take a look. What about his children?”

“The lau- Dianxia ran off? Wasn't he detained in the Palace of Xianle?” one official asked.

Shi Qingxuan joined the communication array. “I saw a bunch of junior officials of the middle court guarding the palace. You can only enter but not leave! How could he have run off?”

Feng Xin exclaimed, “What do you mean he ran off?! Stop adding to the confusion!”

“Well, he ran off with somebody.” Mu Qing said.

“He was KIDNAPPED!” Feng Xin clarified angrily.

“Well those two brats sure didn't seem to mind running did they?” Mu Qing sneered.

“Are you saying his children are missing aswell?” Shi Qingxuan asked.

“Just the boys. The girl is with us.” Mu Qing replied.

“Dianxia!” Feng Xin called out once more. “can you still hear us? Where are you right now?!”

Within the array it was loud and chaotic as officials spoke over each other and in circles... but they were silenced by a deep chuckle.

“Long time no see. How is everyone doing?” Every official held their tongue and their breath as Hua Cheng spoke, each in silent uproar at the obvious arrogance of the Ghost King. He continued, “I don't know if you missed me, but I haven't thought of any of you at all.”

When they heard this many officials silently prayed that he would continue not thinking about them, lest he targets them next.

Then, Hua Cheng snickered gleefully, “However, I've been fairly free recently. If anyone is feeling bored and want's to chat with me, I welcome them with open arms.”

“...”

Given the circumstances, it was obvious what he really meant; “If anyone is brave enough to give chase, they'll be the next one I challenge.”

The Martial gods who had been preparing to heed the call and leave the array, quickly changed their tune pretending they were never there to begin with. Silence befell the array and with that Hua Cheng left it.

Pulling his fingers away from the side of Xie Lian's head, Hua Cheng's cocky expression dropped. Nearby Wei Wuxian had been smirking, having heard what the man had said to the Heavenly Officials. He was practically jumping as he watched Hua Cheng but when his face had grown dark the moment after, Wei Wuxian felt his stomach drop and he frowned.

“San Lang...” Xie Lian had blurted out but was suddenly distraught when Hua Cheng let go of his wrist, as if he had been the one to knock his hand away.... just like when they had first met.

“Don't mind them.” He said to Xie Lian before addressing all three of them. “Come with me.”

Both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian looked up toward their father who watched Hua Cheng's retreating back with a look that only grew sadder by the second, but followed none the less. It had seemed to all of them that they had forgotten what had happened the last time they were all together... that Paradise Manor had burned...

The four of them walked for a short while, before Xie Lian finally couldn't stay silent. “San Lang, I'm sorry,”

Hua Cheng suddenly paused in his step, “Why are you apologizing?”

“The reason I went to Ghost City was to investigate the missing Earth Master. I didn't tell you the truth, so that counts as a lie and I made my children not tell you either which only makes that worse, and you treated us with the utmost hospitality. But I burned down Paradise Manor, and the armory full of your treasures. I am so very sorry.” Hua Cheng didn't speak and so Xie Lian continued, “But I expect that I'll be banished soon. After I descend to the Mortal Realm, I'll definitely think of a way to repay you and see if I can-”

“Why should you have to repay me?” Hua Cheng interrupted. His tone was harsh, like he couldn't listen anymore and it caused both boy's to take and involuntary step backward. Wei Wuxian began fiddling with the flute at his waist. He looked at Suibian. Hua Cheng continued, “Did you forget it was my blade that wounded your arm? I hurt you, not the other way around. Why should you have to repay me?”

Xie Lian was taken aback, he had completely forgotten about his injury. “My arm? My arms fine; it doesn't hurt. It will be better soon. Besides, it's only like this because I charged in and struck back against you. You aren't to blame in the first place.”

Hua Cheng starred hard at Xie Lian, his left eye unusually bright. Jiang Cheng was caught off guard by the sudden shaking that came from the man and looked down to see Eming was violently trembling. It was like it was crying.

“What's wrong?” Xie Lian asked, unconsciously reaching out to pet the blade but was stopped when Hua Cheng suddenly turned away and smacked it.

“Its nothing, pay it no mind.” The scimitar only shook harder.

Xie Lian looked like he was about to say something but was suddenly distracted by something in the communications array. Hua Cheng looked at him with a side glance but his attention was quickly taken by something else. It was Wei Wuxian, and he was holding out Suibian, but his eye's were looking down.

“... Hua-gege's armory got destroyed... so... I thought... I thought he might... want this back...”

Hua Cheng's brow furrowed. In one quick motion, he was bent down in front of the boy, wrapping the teens small hands back around the weapon with his own.

“No. It was a gift. I wouldn't take it back for anything.” He pulled his hands away and gave Wei Wuxian a sad look. “Besides, I'm bad at taking care of things. I didn't take good enough care of that painting you made for me, and I lost it. I'm sorry.”

Wei Wuxian finally looked up at Hua Cheng, and gave him a small smile... it didn't last before he was frowning again, rolling the sword in his hands.

“Hua-gege... isn't mad at us?”

Hua Cheng shook his head but didn't smile back. "Never. I will never be mad at A-Ying. Or A-Cheng. Or even A-Yanli. And I most certainly will not be mad at your baba.” He gave a glance to Jiang Cheng who looked back with a sad smile.

Hua Cheng's attention was taken for a brief second when he noticed Xie Lian panicking at something, but before he could stand up and go check on him, he was almost knocked back by the sheer force Wei Wuxian threw into him, as the boy wrapped his arms around the mans neck in a big hug. Hua Cheng looked at the boy in surprise, just as Wei Wuxian pulled back with a goofy grin on his face.

“About the painting, Hua-gege doesn't need to worry about it. I'll just make him a new one... or five. Then if he loses one he can just have the others as a back up.” The boy smiled wide and Hua Cheng's face softened into a smile of his own, even if it was a bittersweet one.

He reached up and ruffled the boy's hair before standing up tall and looking to Xie Lian who had just spun around to ask him a question.

“San Lang, what does a roll of four open to?”

“Huh?” Jiang Cheng raised a brow at his father.

“Depends.” Hua Cheng answered honestly, “The door will open to whatever the roller fears most.”

Xie Lian listend to the array again and suddenly put his face into his hands.

“Baba? What's wrong? What do you mean by rolls? You mean like dice? OH! Like the dice Hua-gege gave you! But why are you covering your face? Why are you embarrassed by something that someone finds scary?” Wei Wuxian asked all his questions while tugging on his fathers sleeve, wanting answers for everything like an acutely aware three year old.

Hua Cheng chuckled as Xie Lian peeked out at his son with a deflated look. Suddenly he was listening into the communications array again. Whatever was going on, Xie Lian began to look more and more flustered the more and more he listened until he finally just dropped his fingers and shook his head. After a moment of silence he gave Hua Cheng a playful smile.

“Earlier I rolled snake eyes. Does that mean every time I roll a two, I can see you?”

“No.” Hua Cheng replied.

Xie Lian felt a little awkward and scratched his cheek. Both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian gave a little frown.

“Oh. So that's not it. I was wrong, then.”

Hua Cheng walked in front of Xie Lian, closing the distance between them and said, “if you want to see me, it won't matter what you roll. I will appear.”

With that Xie Lian forgot what ever else he wanted to say.

Wei Wuxian interjected with. “Does that go for us too? I would like to see Hua-gege all the time.”

For the first time during the whole escape, Hua Cheng finally smiled genuinely with a soft laugh, before reaching out with both hands and ruffling both boy's hair. “How about, for now, we leave that up to your baba.”

Just as he finished that sentiment, a bright light flashed across the sky and the sound of cracking metal echoed around them. Hua Cheng's face fell into an annoyed grimace as Xie Lian spun to face what had just blocked their path. When the light cleared, what they saw made Xie Lian's eyes go wide.

It was a sword, embedded into the ground at a slant, still shaking slightly from the impact. It's blade was smooth and reflected like a mirror, seemingly made from blackest jade. However, splitting down the center of the blade was a white line.

“Fengxin...” Xie Lian mumbled. He didn't have to guess who delivered such a sword because he landed only a few meters passed it and looked him dead in the eyes.

“Your sword.” Lang Qianqiu said as he blocked their way forward.

Wei Wuxian who was already holding his own sword grabbed the hilt, ready to unsheathe it as Jiang Cheng, who had no training with a blade (not that Wei Wuxian had any either.), instead opted to ready Zidian which crackled with purple energy in it's ring form. Hua Cheng, hands clasped behind his back, moved forward but was stopped by Xie Lian.

“Let me.” He said in a low voice.

Lang Qianqiu called out, “Duel me. No matter how it ends, even if I die at your hand, I wont ask for any reparations, and you don't need to ask the Emperor for banishment either.”

He really isn't going to quit until he has his fight, will he? Jiang Cheng thought, his eyes looking up at his fathers back.

Xie Lian looked at Lang Qianqiu for a short time before. “Fine.”

Both boy's straightened up and looked at their father in surprise as he walked forward and took the sword by the hilt, pulling it from the ground. “you asked for this.”

The sword, now returned to Xie Lian's hand, let out a waking moan in his grip. At first Jiang Cheng had been worried about his father entering a sword fight, but instead stepped back so he could watch in full view. The first thing he remembered was the painting Hua Cheng had made, depicting his father with a flower in one hand, and had seemed he had forgotten that there was a sword in the other. On top of the fact that Xie Lian had blocked two blades in one move, and just how he simply held the sword like it was second nature, Jiang Cheng only then felt like he realized that his father first ascended to heaven as a martial god.

With sword in hand, Xie Lian swung and pointed it toward the ground before saying coolly, “However this duel ends, do not regret it.”

“I won't.” Lang Qianqiu shouted, keeping a tense gaze on that black jade blade. It was then that Xie Lian moved forward with precision, lunging at the other god. Lang Qianqiu prepared to strike back... but then suddenly fell stiff as a board to the ground, arms pinned to his sides. He looked down at himself to find he was tied up by a long wipe silk band, liken to a serpent restricting its prey.

Both boy's looked at the scene in utter shock, but only for a moment because in the next Wei Wuxian had collapsed to the ground in a fit of laughter, rolling about while holding his stomach. Jiang Cheng slightly covered his own smile with his fist as Xie Lian tossed Fengxin aside and wiped away the sweat that pooled on his forehead. Good job Ruoye.

“Phew, that was close.” Xie Lian sighed his expression now more laid back.

Lang Qianqiu struggled against the silk banned only for it to tighten around him and practically growled as he called out to Xie Lian, “State Preceptor, what is this?! Let me go and fight me to the death!”

“We already did.” Xie Lian replied, “That thing binding you is one of my spiritual devices. You already lost.”

Lang Qianqiu was incredulous. “How can this count? When I said 'fight to the death' I obviously meant using a sword! If your a man, use a sword! Ambushing me with a white bandage? How despicable!”

“Despicable? Man or not think not taking No for an answer is despicable.” Jiang Cheng sneered. “Funny how when you finally get what you want your a sore loser.”

Wei Wuxian was giggling still as he sat up, “Eh, it's not exactly like you can offend baba's manhood when he wore a dre-”

“A-Ying.” Xie Lian's voice wasn't condemning, instead holding a slight humor to it. To be honest, he agreed with his son's sentiment as well as the other more degrading things he's said about himself, like “I can't get erect,” and such. Nothing could get to him... at least as long as Wei Wuxian didn't tease him too much about it.

Xie Lian knelt down next to Lang Qianqiu, “You were simply unprepared. You never said I had to use a sword, so I used your loophole. Who are you going to tell? Ambush is a battle tactic; cunning well used is called intelligent strategy. If your opponent had been anyone else, you would already be dead.”

Hua Cheng huffed a soundless laugh.

Jiang Cheng smirked as he said, “Maybe next time, set rules before the dual instead of running in head first like an idiot.”

Lang Qianqiu looked at them dumbfounded. “State preceptor, you've changed so much. You weren't like this in the past. You taught me to press forward with indomitable will, to make an all out effort! Yet here you are, not just telling me this but your kids, who I assume your educating as well, that trickery and manipulation are part of a fight?!”

“I've always been this way actually,” Xie Lian replied. “You just didn't know. I remember telling you a long time ago not to venerate me as an incorruptible saintly figure, a lesson I've also passed onto those same kids your hassling me for teaching such things to. You were probably the same age as them when I told you it as well. I'm not who you think I am in your head, so in the end, you've only disappointed yourself.” Xie Lian then stood, preparing to walk away, “Have a good long think about it. And next time, don't fall for your opponents tricks.”

“Stop!” Lang Qianqiu called out.

Xie Lian did.

Lang Qianqiu gritted his teeth and finally ground out the words, “You... owe me an explanation.”

“What kind of explanation are you looking for?” Xie Lian asked.

Lang Qianqiu's voice quivered as he said his next words, “State preceptor, my royal parents and I, did we not treat the remnants of the Xianle people well?”

“Remnants of Xianle?” Jiang Cheng raised a brow and looked up at his father.

“Your children don't even know your answer? Do they know anything? Do you just leave everyone in the dark?” Lang Qianqiu demanded.

“He told us that Yong'an was the people that waged war on Xianle all those centuries ago...” Wei Wuxian admitted. “He never mentioned if anyone survived...”

“They did.” Xie Lian answered. “They lived and never forgot their homeland. Because of this they constantly clashed with their new ruling people of Yong'an.”

“But my father tried to fix that!” Lang Qianqiu snapped. “He made one of your royal families descendants a title of prince! Prince An Le! He was like a brother to me! But you.... after what you did, many of my own people wanted to use my Parents death as the final means to wipe out the people of Xianle! But I Over ruled them! Since your identity was never known I made it clear that you were not a man of Xianle. That's how many people of Xianle escaped death and genocide. It was cause I forbade it!”

Wei Wuxian lowered his head and so did Jiang Cheng. What exactly were they to say about any of this? Should they feel pity for Lang Qianqiu's grievance, that he had to act in good faith while feeling that others had not given him the same benefit? Or Should they ignore it all and stay loyal to the belief that their father was a good and noble person, the very man who saved them from their own downward spiral after their own home was taken from them.

Lang Qianqiu's tone became pleading. “State Preceptor, that day was my birthday.” Struggling against Ruoye, he lifted himself up. “Are you toying with me? A man of Xianle killed my entire family, but I still have to follow his teachings and help all of the Xianle people? Are you toying with me on purpose?” Xie Lian didn't respond and so Lang Qianqiu continued to spout accusations. “Was it because your seventeenth was a trial that you had to turn my seventeenth into a trial too?” His anger only flared as Xie Lian kept silent. “If that was your intention, then I won't let you have your way!”

Xie Lian's eyes widened at those words.

Lang Qianqiu's eyes filled with a fiery determination as he looked directly into Xie Lian's, as if one declaring war. “If you want me to fill my heart with hatred like yours, I surly won't! If your going to force me to abandon myself like you did, I refuse! I will never! No matter what you do to me, I will never become like you! As for your children's sake's, I hope they never turn out like you either!”

The declaration was heroic, even when said through tears and Xie Lian was completely stunned... However his two sons were even more so when he started laughing. Lang Qianqiu became quickly deflated by the sudden laughter, before his chest began to fill with anger.

“Good.” Xie Lian said as he continued to laugh, clapping as he did. “Well said!”

Xie Lian forgot the last time he laughed so heartily and began to wipe the tears it formed from his eyes before looking upon Lang Qianqiu with a warm smile. “I don't want my kids to be like me. I want them to be better then me, to be better then the person they are today, tomorrow, and every day after. To strive to be the best that they can be. As for you, remember what you have said today- that you will never be like me.”

Hua Cheng had not said a word the entire time, seeming to let Xie Lian do as he said he would, simply watching with a cool eye. Barely a second passed after Xie Lian had spoken, when Lang Qianqiu vanished in an explosion of crimson smoke. Xie Lian dodged back in high alert almost knocking into Jiang Cheng, who simply steadied his father as Wei Wuxian suddenly ran forward. Lang Qianqiu was gone, Ruoye sitting there empty of its catch, instead what the boy found sitting on the ground was a budaoweng doll, swaying ever so slightly. He lifted it up and inspected it, finding it to have a rounded face and heavy brow, looking like a brave baby tiger. At the moment it seemed to be glaring with a large rounded sword on it's back.

“Lang Qianqiu?” Wei Wuxian questioned with a tilt of his head.

Ruoye returned to Xie Lian's wrist in an instant, wrapping itself there. Hua Cheng walked over leisurely and flicked the doll in the head, snickering.

“Why does he look so foolish, no matter what form he takes?”

Xie Lian stepped over and lifted the doll out of Wei Wuxian's hands, not knowing if he should laugh or cry. “This...this... San Lang, is this Qianqiu? Why did he turn into this? Stop playing around with him and change him back.”

“Nah. Bring him along, and lets go.” Hua Cheng replied.

“Go where?” Xie Lian asked.

Hua Cheng didn't answer, instead turning to the two boy's. He pressed a finger onto each of their heads. “Listen carefully to what I say. No matter what happens, you two have to stay quiet. The only person you can touch without breaking this spell is myself or your baba. The moment you speak or touch anyone else, they will see you and then it might not be safe to continue with you two in tow. Do you understand? Just nod your head if you do.”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng both gave Hua Cheng an odd look before quietly nodding, Wei Wuxian putting a hand over his mouth just to be sure.

“San Lang?” Xie Lian questioned.

Hua Cheng smiled and pulled out a set of dice. He tossed them into the air, an in the instant they returned to his hand, all four of them, and budaoweng Lang Qianqiu, vanished.

Chapter Text

They had been in a mountain valley only moments before, but now when Wei Wuxian looked ahead, he found that they were standing in front of a cave. He silently watched as his father looked over Lang Qianqiu in his peculiar doll form before, looking back at him and Jiang Cheng. Xie Lian’s eyes lowered to see Fengxin had been brought along and bent down to pick up the blade and strap it to his back. He motioned for the two teens to follow silently as he himself went after Hua Cheng into the dark cave mouth.

They hadn't been in the cave very long before the small path they traveled grew wider and wider. Ahead of them a light began to glow and they could hear singing... if you could call it that. It was like a caterwauling of demons, plainly awful and ear achingly dreadful, Jiang Cheng went to covering his ears.

Xie Lian couldn't help but ask, “San Lang, what is this place?”

“Shh.” Was all Hua Cheng replied.

Xie Lian had already been whispering, so when he was shushed he practically held his breath. Just then, at the end of the path, several green ghost flames coming toward them. When they got closer, it was found that they floated over the heads of little ghosts dressed in green. Hua Cheng felt a tug on his robe and looked down to see Wei Wuxian had grabbed onto him, not out of fear as the boy was actually looking at the ghosts with a curious glimmer in his eyes. No, the boy had grabbed onto Hua Cheng simply because he was there and he wanted to. However, the boy noticed a shuddering, almost like water rippling in the corner of his vision, just as the ghosts got close enough to pass. He looked up to see Hua Cheng had transformed himself and Xie Lian into little ghosts as well. Wei Wuxian put all his energy into not giggling, that way he wouldn't be seen, holding his hand over his mouth even tighter.

Jiang Cheng decided in that moment, it was best to copy his brothers idea and grabbed onto Xie Lian. Xie Lian looked at his son then began feeling above his head, almost like he was checking for his own little flame.

“Why must we...”

Why did he make you look so silly and bizarre? Wei Wuxian mentally finished his fathers question.

Hua Cheng could guess what Xie Lian had been going to say and answered “I mentioned that the Green Ghost Qi Rong's tastes are vulgar. All of his lackeys have to dress like this.”

Both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng's eyes grew wide before they silently gave each other a look. It clearly acknowledged they were thinking the exact same thing. This is the lair of the Night Touring Green Lantern Qi Rong.

“Didn't you already destroy his lair?” Xie Lian asked.

“I did, but he escaped.” Hua Cheng replied. “Escaped for fifty years and built a new one.”

Xie Lian hugged the Lang Qianqiu budaowang close to his chest and- making sure no one else was around- whispered, “San Lang, are you here to find the Green Ghost? Why don't you undo Qianqiu's spell and let him go before that. Also why allow my boy's to come along? I'll accompany you as I don't mind, but why drag them along as well?”

Hua Cheng obstinately refused. “No, they come with us. I need Lang Qianqiu to meet someone and your boy's might need to know this too.”

Wei Wuxian tugged on Hua Cheng's robes and when the man looked down at him, he tilted his head as if asking him a question. Hua Cheng just simply smiled at him before leading them further into the cave. After a time passed, they emerged from the cave into a large clearing only to be met by opening after tunnel after passage, each being constantly entered and exited by small ghosts with green fires above their heads. Like walking green candles. Jiang Cheng thought. It was truly a bizarre way to dress, and made him wonder if the Green Ghost actually liked the absurd aesthetic or if it was some illogical joke that only he would find humorous. Hua Cheng lead the way, seeming to know exactly where he was going, almost like he had traveled these tunnels a hundred times before. He was completely at ease, no care in the world.

Since everything was smooth sailing, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng in their ghost skins and the two boys following the later mans instructions to the letter, Xie Lian couldn't help but exhale in relief.

“Is something wrong?” Hua Cheng asked, seeming to think it had been a sigh.

“Nothing.” Xie Lian answered, “I thought you would attack the lair head on instead of sneaking in. I'm not too good with fighting, so I'm relieved.”

Jiang Cheng gave his father a look, somewhere between a smirk and a question.

Hua Cheng puffed out a laugh, “I did attack head on the first time, but the moment Qi Rong found out, he ran away.” He turned to look at Xie Lian, “This time I'm here for the ghost himself, so of course I can't have him notice I'm here.”

Wait, he want's Lang Qianqiu to meet the Green Ghost? Why? Do they know each other? Wei Wuxian wondered.

“That useless trash can't do anything, but he is vigilant. These little ghosts can't get near him, and its not easy to disguise one's self as the henchmen he trusts. There's only one way to get close to him.”

Just then, four little ghosts came by, laughing and chatting. Hua Cheng slowed his step, and Xie Lian followed his lead, the two hidden boys doing the same. What they saw then, was that the four little ghosts had a queue of humans dragging along behind them by a rope. Jiang Cheng tugged on his fathers robe, feeling a sense of unease.

The group of humans were a mix of rich and poor, man and woman, all under the age of thirty. There was even a small child, clinging to one of the young men's sleeves. All their hands were bound and each one looked absolutely terrified. When the group brushed past, Hua Cheng carefully pulled Wei Wuxian aside so as not to bump any of the humans or ghosts, and when they completed their initial pass he joined the end of the human line, gently elbowing Xie Lian who joined him. Once again there was something like a ripple of waves and when Wei Wuxian looked back up at the one he held onto, there was no longer a little ghost but a clean-cut young man. He looked at his father who had also been changed to something similar, a young man well kept.

The little band continued deeper into the cave, making twists and turns, the four ghosts pushing their authority when they could. “No funny business! No crying! If you ruin our ghost king's appetite with your faces all covered in tears and snot, we'll teach you what its like to want to die!”

It didn't take a genius to understand the implication there, and Jiang Cheng suddenly felt like he wanted to vomit. He quickly pushed his face into his fathers back, not wanting to make any noise. Xie Lian peered back and frowned at his sons discomfort, before reaching out and taking Hua Cheng's hand. He noticed when the man in question quickly acted like he was about to pull away but Xie Lian held tight before righting a word on the palm of that hand. 'save.'

Hua Cheng understood and gently folded his fingers, closing his palm. It was then that they entered a massive cave with densely packed objects hanging from the ceiling. Xie Lian peered upward, trying to see what they were when Hua Cheng grabbed his hand and wrote a few characters on the back of his palm. 'Watch your head. Don't Touch.' Then he reached behind himself and pulled Wei Wuxian a little closer, motioning for the boy to look down. Xie Lian did still look at what he thought was a dense collection of rags....

His pupils shrank, and reached back to pull Jiang Cheng closer so the boy couldn't look up. What rags? No, what was suspended from the ceiling were rows upon rows of human corpses suspended head first by their feet. Unlike the forest of blood they had come across on Mount Yujun, all these corpses were run dry and covered in a layer of white crystal while their faces were pinched with fear and agony. The white crystals were salt...

After passing through such an unsightly hall, they came to the deepest recesses of the cave, where the lights shown bright and a grand extravagant chair was sat before a long table covered in finer tableware and jaded utensils. It looked more like a banquet hall then some hidden cave lair. Wei Wuxian peeked upward and his attention was drawn to a massive cauldron that sat to the farthest side of the room. It was big enough to swim in and bubbled with red liquid, hot enough to peel the flesh from the bone. He felt his stomach twist and he wondered if throwing up would break Hua Cheng's spell. Wei Wuxian instead opted to pull closer to the Ghost King who simply eyed him with a reassuring look.

They moved closer as the group of prisoners were dragged toward the cauldron, some falling to the ground in tears only to be yelled at by the little ghosts, with threats and belittling. Wei Wuxian came to halt as Hua Cheng had suddenly stopped. The boy looked up to see he had not changed again, however there was an unbridled rage in his eyes as he looked past the ghosts. Xie Lian noticed this as well and followed his gaze. Jiang Cheng only then looked up as well when he heard his fathers breath hitch and peered around him to see what was wrong.

Before the grand chair was a person kneeling.... No... Wei Wuxian furrowed his brow as he leaned forward a bit to look at the odd statue that sat before the chair. The statue was carved into a kneeling position with its face down cast, clearly not a sculpture to honor someone. It was obviously made with the intent to humiliate the subject of the piece. Jiang Cheng looked the statue over and stepped slightly to the side, with no one to stop him as no one could see him but his father, brother and Hua Cheng. Xie Lian tried to sneakily reach out and pull the boy back, but one; he was still holding the Budaowang doll of Lang Qianqiu, And two; flailing his arms out at empty air would pull more attention then not. Jiang Cheng finally stepped to an angle where he could lean over and see the statues face, but once he did his face dropped. Wei Wuxian gave him a weird look as his brothers face went from mortified shock, then simply pissed. He looked up at his father who gave him a sad smile, a reassuring look, after all...

The statue was of Xie Lian.

Wei Wuxian spun when a voice echoed into the room, belonging to that of a young man.... But what he said was rather...

“That mangy little cur Pei Xiu had to cling to that man-whore dog Pei just to ascend in such a pitiful way, so who does he think he is? He's nothing more then an exiled stray right now. Ruining my plans.... Once I'm through with him, even after the winds dry up his corpse, no one will come to collect it!”

Both Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian turned to see a man dressed in green suite and a terrible green mask, strut in surrounded by a circle of small green clad ghosts with little green flames above their heads. Xie Lian looked up above the mans head with a slight shade of disappointment that no flame sat there. This must be the Night Touring Green Lantern Qi Rong.

Realizing his current position, Jiang Cheng slipped passed them as they made their way toward the chair, careful to not bump any of them or make a noise before making a quick escape to the place behind his father. He was just about to relax when he noticed that Xie Lian was watching Qi Rong with a gaze that bordered familiarity.

The ghosts that surrounded the man in green had been going on and on about how apparently the lousy banished god Pei Xiu had simply chose to bully them and attacked, taking out a large number of the henchmen. This news only seemed to make Qi Rong more pissed.

“Like ancestor, like descendant- that damned manwhore Pei Ming probably has sores all over his crotch. I should chop of both his and Pei Xiu's rotten dicks and hang them at their temples, then whoever worships them will bleed pus with every step just like them!”

Both boys present abruptly choked and Xie Lian suddenly didn't know if he should laugh or cry. This really wasn't something he wanted these two to hear. The small green ghosts only nodded and vehemently agreed with what ever Qi Rong said, simple yes men.

And so Qi Rong continued to Xie Lian's dismay. “Too bad that fiery, good woman Xuan Ji was captured by those two shameless Pei curs and wronged so miserably. She can't be saved even now!”

Wei Wuxian remembered the Ghost Bride Xuan Ji, and how she seemed so miserable, however with all she did, calling her a 'good woman,' seemed relatively far fetched, and that was with the fact that the boy didn't care much for General Pei Ming anyway.

Qi Rong kept cursing “Pei Ming is a rotten man whore, Pei Xiu is a kiss ass, Jun Wu is a faker and Ling Wen's a damned bitch. And Don't get me started on that Black heart-ed Water Master and that Tramp Wind Master. The only thing softening that Water Bastard these days is that flute playing pretty boy with the dumb ass smile he's always wearing. And what's with the forehead ribbon he's always got on. Its Probably stopping any legitimate thought from passing through his pea sized fucking brain.”

Forehead ribbon, Water Master, pretty boy. Those words together made Wei Wuxian only think of Lan Wangji, but smiling and playing a flute? He must have been talking about the elder Lan brother, Lan Xichen. I bet if Lan Zhan heard him he'd be angrier then even I've seen him. Wei Wuxian thought.

“And then there's that dog Hua Cheng and that lurking Ship Sinking Black Water, always looking down on me. They are just mere supreme. One day I'll have them bowing before me!”

Jiang Cheng let out a huff of air, but didn't speak. In his eyes, the confidence said in those words were humorous at best, straight up hopeless at worst. He peered over at Hua Cheng but found that the man was still staring at the statue of Xie Lian.

Qi Rong sighed, seemingly done with his tirade, “How did that thing go that I sent you guys to do? Have Quan Yizen and that manwhore Pei started fighting yet?” As he spoke he dropped back into the chair before propping his feet up onto the statue, using it as a footstool. Wei Wuxian suddenly no longer had a hold of Hua Cheng, who had taken a step forward, readying to go on the offense. He was stopped by Xie Lian who pulled on his arm before writing the word 'Thanks' on the back of his hand.

Hua Cheng lowered his head and glanced back at Xie Lian who looked at him with grateful eyes, before writing the words, 'Listen' and 'Heaven.' Seeming to understand, Hua Cheng stood down and gripped his hand before looking back to the Green Ghost. Wei Wuxian looked at their hands for a moment, a weird smile on his face, unsure of why this made him so happy. He decided to let it slip to the back of his thoughts before returning his attention to the circus that was Qi Rong's minions who seemed all too happy to talk over each other to get his attention.

“We've followed our king's instructions and spread rumors that Pei Ming wants to make Pei Xiu Martial God of the West. It becomes more and more of a riot by the day, so we used that as an excuse and desecrated hundreds of Ming Guan temples disguised as devotees from the Palace of Qi Ying. And no one was the wiser! Ha ha ha, my king may not know, but all his devotees are really stupid! They saw us smashing temples and smashed along with us with even more enthusiasm!”

Qi Rong approved, “Keep fueling them! Quan Yizhen can endure it, but I refuse to believe that manwhore Pei can put up with it!”

After all was said, Qi Rong leaned back in his chair, seeming to relax. This seemed to be the queue as the little ghosts began looking among the prisoners, almost like a butcher looking for the best cut of meat. One seemed to locate the small child among them immediately, who looked no older then ten and was tugging on his fathers shirt, who in turn seemed to be comforting the child. Xie Lian at seeing the boy mindlessly reached back and felt for Jiang Cheng who took his fathers hand. The ghost seemed delighted at the sight of the small boy and reached out to grab him. Xie Lian went to move but he felt a form press into him. Looking down and then back up, he watched as Hua Cheng had pushed Wei Wuxian toward his father and then darted out, never lifting his disguise, lazy in his steps.

A number of little green ghosts took notice and, alarmed, raised their weapons to him. “Stop! What are you doing?!”

Qi Rong looked up and asked, “What's with this guy? Seize him.”

Wei Wuxian slowly reached for Suibian but was stopped when his father looked back at him with a reassuring look. The boy silently rebuked himself. After all Hua Cheng could take care of himself.

Hua Cheng laughed, “Won't you show a little respect in the presence of Xianle royalty?”

“...”

Xie Lian and his two boys were taken aback by the comment, completely thrown off. Qi Rong had also seemed shocked but stood up and snorted from under his mask in sheer anger, “What fucking audacity! To make such a joke before me?! Tell me then, which branch of the Xianle royal tree are you from? Which one?!”

Jiang Cheng was confused as to why the Green Ghost would take offense to this but even more so when Hua Cheng responded leisurely with,

“Prince An Le.”

The Budaowang Lang Qianqiu, shook in Xie Lian's grip. That was the prince Qianqiu mentioned before, the one his father took in. But why... Wei Wuxian was just thinking when Qi Rong began to laugh.

“Prince An Le? I think your seeking your own death! Who told you to start shit in front of me? The person who sent you didn't teach you any history? Prince An Le was the last of the royal family of Xianle, and that family died out with him! Who are you to pretend to be Xianle royalty in front of me?”

Hua Cheng raised a brow. “Oh? Died out? How?”

Qi Rong had enough, “SEIZE HIM! SEIZE THAT WEIRD GUY!”

At this command, many little ghosts poured toward him, but Hua Cheng only smirked... but not in the nonchalant way he had moment prior. No, this half smile was full of icy killing intent. Before a blade or hand could come inches from him, it was like he vanished only to reappear directly behind Qi Rong. Wei Wuxian looked on in admiration and excitement when Hua Cheng grabbed the Green Ghost by the back of the head and slammed his face down, like that of a child playing with a ball.

“And who the fuck are you to be so insolent before me!?”

In reaction, Xie Lian reached out and pulled the small ten year old child away as chunks of debris went flying from the sheer force Hua Cheng had put into slamming Qi Rong's head into the floor... Which had indeed been embedded into the cave floor. Both Human and Ghost screamed and dispersed.

Xie Lian tried to call out to stop them but it was no use. Fear overtook their senses as they fled, where as Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, now only slightly unsupervised took the opportunity and ran up to get a better view of Hua Cheng's work. Of course neither boy was afraid. No, in fact they both looked upon the scene with morbid curiosity and excitement.

They watched as Hua Cheng bent down and, grabbing a fist full of Qi Rong's hair, pried his bloody head from the indention in the ground. After a brief moment of observation, the Hua Cheng burst out into a cruel laugh. As this happened Ruoye struck out from Xie Lian's arm, knocking down any of the ghosts who tried to take out any of the escaping humans, before turning to the others, instinct telling him something wasn't right.

“San Lang? San Lang!”

Qi Rong's masked had cracked, bits of it falling away as he coughed up blood. “SOMEBODY STOP HIM! ALL OF YOU! COME BACK AND STOP HIM!”

Hua Cheng seemed suddenly at ease, like he was ready to sit down and have a chat about anything. He snickered.

“Oh, didn't you know? There are somethings in this world that are unstoppable.” Hua Cheng slowly lifted Qi Rong back up high into the air, his face become more savage as he did. Wei Wuxian's eyes grew wide. “Like, for example, the sun setting in the west. Or an elephant squashing an ant. Or me- taking your damned life!”

With that he slammed Qi Rong back into the ground with a sickening BANG!

Wei Wuxian was infatuated. He had thought Hua Cheng so entirely intriguing since the moment his father told him the stories and rumors about the crimson clad ghost king, wanting to know more about him. And when he did meet him he was fun and playful and made Wei Wuxian feel so happy and free, like someone who truly wanted to see him be himself. And when that Wen Clan Cultivator had tried to kill him, he saw a side that was protective and ruthless. Now, in this moment, Wei Wuxian finally saw what he had only heard of. This was intimidating and awesome aura of one who truly earned the title of Ghost King.

“What the fuck...” Wei Wuxian snapped out of his thoughts and spun to look at his brother. Jiang Cheng, who had mumbled the words out in shock and forgetting the spell put on him entirely, was staring dumb struck down at Qi Rong. Wei Wuxian followed his gaze and immediately understood what had caused his brother to be suddenly distraught. In the impact, half of the mask that once covered Qi Rong's face had broken off, and just beneath the surface was a face that looked a little too similar to their fathers.

Chapter Text

“Its you. ITS YOU!” The rest of the terrible mask had crumbled away to reveal that Qi Rong only looked slightly like Xie Lian in all truth, a revelation that gave both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian some relief... Where their father looked more serene and soft in his features, Qi Rong's were sharp. The person he was screaming at in that moment, was Hua Cheng who had finally removed the illusion of a simple young man, returning to his true form.

“You haven't answered my question. How did Prince An Le die?”

“San Lang!” Both boys stepped out of the way as their father rushed past. Xie Lian had seen the frightening glare in Hua Cheng's eye and since all of the humans and ghosts had escaped he chose to reconvene with the crimson clad ghost. “What's wrong? Don't be angry, please don't be angry, everything's alright. Calm down, everything's alright.”

When Xie Lian said those words in such a soft voice, he was rubbing Hua Cheng's shoulder. It was a similar gesture his mother had done for him when he was a child, and one he had done for his kids when they had become angry or inconsolable. It was enough, as Hua Cheng seemed to slowly become less agitated his eye becoming less and less turbulent. Xie Lian let out a relieved sigh but was instantly caught off guard when Hua Cheng simply turned around and tapped him back on his shoulder.

That one tap instantly petrified Xie Lian.

It was enough that when he tried to speak even his voice could not leave his mouth and he looked on in fear. Not fear for himself but rather the fear that Hua Cheng was going to lose control again.

“Why did you...” Wei Wuxian was beginning to ask the question and realized a little too late that he had still been under the spell Hua Cheng had placed on him. He spun to look at the man only to find he was returning his attention to Qi Rong.

“You damned crazy one-eyed snake! Did I piss you off while eating in my own house?!”

BANG! Hua Cheng slammed his head down into the ground again before yanking it up.

“How did Prince An Le die?”

“What the fuck does that have to do with you-”

BANG! Once again the green ghosts head was slammed into the ground and pulled up again.

“How did Prince An Le die?”

Wei Wuxian after the third or forth slamming had stopped flinching at the sound of Qi Rong's skull being hammered down into the ground, and simply watched partly amused and partly surprised given that Qi Rong could still talk after it all. Jiang Cheng had re positioned himself next to his father, looking Xie Lian over in concern.

After several more times of this incessant dribbling of his head, Qi Rong changed his tune. “If your so free, why don't you go read a history book?!”

Hua Cheng sneered. “If history books recorded the truth, why would I come and ask it of useless trash like you?”

Wei Wuxian snickered and Qi Rong finally acknowledged that there was an audience. He looked like he was about to speak when Hua Cheng pulled his head up again, ready to pulverize it into the ground once more.

“ITS LANG QIANQIU! HE WAS KILLED BY LANG QIANQIU!” Qi Rong yelled.

“Hold on! What do you mean it was Qianqiu!?” Jiang Cheng spun around in shock.

Thump.

He looked down to see that Lang Qianqiu, in his doll form had shook away from Xie Lian's frozen grip and hit the ground. Hua Cheng didn't even spare him a glance, but he undid the spell then and there.

Lang Qianqiu took form in the blast of red smoke before immediately digging into the green ghost. “How could you slander me so easily?! An Le and I were friends! Just who are you accusing of killing him?!”

Qi Rong looked around in a weird shocked panic. “Your Lang Qianqiu? Why the fuck are you here too?... And who the fuck are the brats?”

At the mention of 'brats', Hua Cheng jerked on Qi Rong's hair again, not slamming him down but still it hurt.

Lang Qianqiu ignored the boy's and pointed to Qi Rong. “Prince An Le died of an illness, so why would you randomly accuse me of killing him?”

“Died of an illness my ass!” Qi Rong spat. “Only you would believe that shit! He died soon after the Gilded Banquet, so he must have been assassinated by your lot! If not you, then those old withering Yong'an dogs in court.”

“Wait,” Wei Wuxian turned to Lang Qianqiu. “Prince An Le, he was the descendant of Xianle that your father gave the title to, and he died after your family did? Like right after?”

“Yes,” Lang Qianqiu seemed flustered answering to a child he frankly didn't think belonged in such a place, “But it WAS an Illness. He was vomiting blood...”

“That dosn't really mean anything...” Jiang Cheng said uncomfortably. “There are way's someone can vomit blood without it being a sickness... But what does An Le have to do with him.” He pointed to Qi Rong.

“My thoughts exactly.” Lang Qianqiu practically growled. “It's no wonder everyone says the Green Ghost Qi Rong is vulgar and crass. Now that I've met you, you are indeed disgusting.”

“And pathetic.” Wei Wuxian snickered.

“Pathetic?” Qi Rong snapped. “What right does a fucking child have to call me pathetic? Huh? As for you-” He looked back at Lang Qianqiu, “I may be vulgar but its much better then your ignorance. Friends this Friends that; what peaceful coexistence? Xianle and Yong'an can be friends? Can coexist in peace? You're as fake as your parents- how revolting!”

“SHUT UP!” Lang Qianqiu was furious. “My parents were sincere and genuine, not fake! I will not let you spit on their names and humiliate them!”

Qi Rong spat back, “You're all nothing more then descendants of some damned rebels, so who gave you the damned right?! What sincerity? Granting titles and land to us, the people of Xianle? So shameless giving them the property that you stole! Everything you owned belonged to Xianle!”

He's Xianle? He looks kinda like baba as well... Qi Rong, who are you? Jiang Cheng wondered, glaring at the ghost.

“You! You-” Lang Qianqiu had never been good at arguing.

Seeing that he had angered him to the point of stuttering, Qi Rong laughed choosing to rub sand in the wound. “Even if you guys killed An Le, that child had a profitable death. Xianle lost one man, while Yong'an paid an entire Gilded Banquet. Too bad we didn't kill you too, so you could all taste what its like when your entire bloodline is ended!”

Lang Qianqiu was bewildered. “What... what did you say?”

Jiang Cheng froze, then spun to look back at his father with a questioning look. Xie Lian groaned inwardly, but still couldn't move. He desperately wanted to make Qi Rong shut up.

“What do you mean 'you didn't kill me too?”

“The fruit really doesn't fall far from the tree! Sir, your stupidity has spanned so many hundreds of years that its opened my eyes! Think about it: we Xianle are thoroughly disgusted with your Yong'an; and who ever doesn't hate you is unfit to call themselves a citizen of Xianle! Did you honestly think the royal descendants of Xianle would be friendly with the royalty of Yong'an? It was all to coax out information for future plots and to paint your gilded birthday banquet with blood!”

Xie Lian struggled against the spell that kept him frozen.

Wei Wuxian's brows were furrowed, now thoroughly confused. He looked up at Hua Cheng for answers who only looked back at him with a raised brow. What ever questions the boy had, he would just have to listen.

“Prince An Le and the State Preceptor … were on the same side?” Lang Qianqiu stammered.

Qi Rong clicked his tongue, “State Preceptor? That evil Cultivator Fangxin or whatever? Who the hell is on the same side as him?”

“Hold on!” Jiang Cheng rushed up and looked Qi Rong in the eye. “Say that again!”

Qi Rong gave the kid a weird look, “And who the hell are you supposed to be?”

“Answer me first.” Jiang Cheng demanded. “The evil cultivator Fengxin, he wasn't working with you to commit the Gilded Banquet Massacre? He wasn't part of it?!”

“Of course it had nothing to do with him! The slaughter at the Gilded banquet was the work of the people of Xianle! An Le had planned to kill off every single damned rebel at the banquet, but then that weirdo state preceptor had to bust in. An Le thought the plan had gone ass up and ran to me for help, asking me what to do if his involvement was discovered. But that very night it was announced that the one who committed the Gilded Banquet Massacre was the State Preceptor, and he was the one who became the most wanted man in the entire kingdom!”

Jiang Cheng felt a sense of relief that seemed to spread to the rest of him cause in that moment he finally noticed he had been tensing.

“If that was true, then why didn't you say anything?” Lang Qianqiu was desperate.

“Are you fucking stupid? Why would I say anything? Why wouldn't I want someone else to take the blame? Can I get leveled up to Supreme for pulling this lie?”

“No, I don't think lying can make trash that powerful.” Wei Wuxian teased. Hua Cheng huffed a small laugh.

“Alright who the fuck are these brats? Why are they here? And why does this one sound like you!?” Qi Rong had pointed to Wei Wuxian and aimed the Question to Hua Cheng.

Lang Qianqiu ignored them and turned to Xie Lian, “If this is true, even if he didn't say anything, why didn't you!?”

“Oh great, another one. Are you all just here to have a pity party in my cave?!”

“trashy cave.” Wei Wuxian murmured.

Lang Qianqui ignored Qi Rong, “If you didn't do it... if you didn't kill them, then why did you admit your guilt?”

Jiang Cheng watched his father with a hopeful expression.

Suddenly, Xie Lian felt his body loosen up, Hua Cheng having finally undone his spell. He worked out his wrists, undoing the stiffness before looking Lang Qianqui in the eye.

“Complete nonsense.”

Qi Rong was getting more pissed by the second, “Complete nonsense?! Says who?”

“Says me.” Xie Lian answered, refusing to look Jiang Cheng, who had looked down trodden again, in the eye. “All these empty words. What proof do you have that the ones who spilled blood at the Gilded Banquet were the royal descendants of Xianle?”

Qi Rong seemed to find this funny. “All those who were killed are dead, so what proof is there to give? Besides, its been hundreds of years. What proof is left?”

Wei Wuxian was getting more confused by the minute, as he glanced between all the adults. He started twisting Suibian's hilt.

“Which is why it's all complete nonsense.” Xie Lian replied. “Xianle and Yong'an are dynasties of the past, long lost to time. Is there any point in stirring up trouble with nothing but baseless history?”

Jiang Cheng was reluctant to accept this, “But... if he's telling the truth...”

“He isn't.” Xie Lian stated, then turned to Lang Qianqiu. “I killed your father; you saw it yourself. This was not long after my second banishment. I was filled with frustration and caused a great wrong. This is all my fault. There is no need to drag anyone else down with me. This man is a deceiver; dragging Prince An Le's name through the mud was only revenge for you calling him vulgar.”

“But...” Jiang Cheng wanted to argue.

“But nothing.” Xie Lian sighed, he didn't even look at the tears that began to form in his sons eyes.

Lang Qianqui took a long agonizing moment of turmoil, before finally saying “That's right.... it was you, no one else.”

Wei Wuxian stomped his foot. “Then why say any of it at all? Why even bring up An Le, when he could have just kept insulting Lang Qianqui's parents? I can understand it if he's a deceitful piece of vulgar trash-”

“Hay!”

“- but coming up with a whole elaborate lie like that just to piss someone off for calling him names is far fetched in its own right. Besides that, even the most obtuse lie's have a small amount of truth to them. So it can't be all nonsense.”

“A-Ying...” Xie Lian gave his son a pleading look.

Qi Rong who had only paused for the second to be offended by Wei Wuxian, returned his gaze to Xie Lian, who he had been looking at oddly. Then it was like a light came on his eyes.

“Cousin Crown Prince, is that you?”

Both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng's faces dropped, “Cousin?!”

Xie Lian looked between his boys, then slowly moved his gaze to the Green Ghost. He stared at him coldly then spoke. “Qi Rong, it seems that you've been living colorfully over these years.”

Hua Cheng removed the fake skin that shrouded Xie Lian, and Qi Rong's eyes widened. The Green Ghost looked over Xie Lian fascination and curiosity before laying his eyes on the black blade, Fengxin.

“SO THATS IT! THATS IT! YOUR FENGXIN! FENXIN WAS YOU! HA HAHA HA HA!”

“Whats so funny?” Lang Qianqui demanded, irritated by Qi Rong's behavior.

“I'm laughing at my good old cousin, what's it to you?!” Qi Rong snapped back in a fit. “Just now I said your stupidity spanned hundreds of years. I'm sorry. I apologize. The best way to learn is to learn from the best- look at your shifu, no wonder your so stupid.” He turned to Xie Lian. “You went to Yong'an, became their State Preceptor, and ended up stabbed to death by your own disciple, isn't that exciting?! Isn't it hilarious?! You deserved it you pathetic fool!”

Every word that slipped out of Qi Rong's mouth in those last couple seconds had slowly made Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian more and more pissed, but that last word made them livid. Good news, they didn't have to worry for too long as they found that calling their father pathetic was a crime in Hua Cheng's eye because he immediately struck Qi Rong's head into the ground again. Sadly the green ghost seemed determined to make a fool of Xie Lian, because each time his head was pulled back out of the ground he would start it up again.

“PATHETIC! PATHETIC! PATHETIC!”

“Shut up!” Jiang Cheng snapped as the ghosts face was slammed into the ground again. “Stop calling my baba pathetic! Your just a hapless worm yourself!”

Qi Rong laughed as his head was pulled up again, “Hapless worm, you-” His expression froze. “Wait, did you just say baba?” His eye's flicked to Xie Lian.

“Yes, he did.” Wei Wuxian interjected. “He's our baba, and I won't mind helping Hua-gege beat the shit out of you if you call him pathetic one more time!”

“A-Ying.” Xie Lian chided, looking more and more concerned about the scene unfolding.

Qi Rong abruptly started laughing again, “Cousin Crown Prince, did you give up on your cultivation path and sire a bunch of fucking brats? And here I thought you couldn't get it up. You really are getting more Pathetic, by the day.” He emphasized that last pathetic while looking at Wei Wuxian, like he was challenging the kid.

BANG!

Hua Cheng slammed his head into the ground again.

“San Lang, just leave it!” Xie Lian said, putting his hand out to stop Hua Cheng from doing anymore.

“Why should I?!” Hua Cheng demanded sharply.

“It's nothing, don't let any of it get to you,” Xie Lian said. “He's just mental and extremely troublesome.”

“Emphasis on the mental part.” Jiang Cheng huffed under his breath.

“I can take care of him. You just sit back and ignore him... same for you two.” Xie Lian looked back at his boys and motioned with his head for them to back away. Jiang Cheng did as he was told and stepped back a ways, closer to Lang Qianqui. Wei Wuxian however was more reluctant and simply took the tiniest step back, barely changing his distance.

Xie Lian rubbed Hua Cheng's shoulder again, trying to sooth him. After long time Hua Cheng finally muttered a “Fine.”

Qi Rong plucked his head out of the ground and arduously rolled to his side. He then spat, “Why play pretend with that false kindness? If you really didn't want him to hit me, then you would've stopped him at the beginning! Faking indifference now, telling him to forget it, no ones going to praise you for being merciful!”

“I stopped him because I didn't want him to dirty his hands. Did you misunderstand something?” Xie Lian said.

Pffft. Jiang Cheng covered his mouth with his fist, smiling regardless.

Qi Rong looked angry for a moment before giggling, “Cousin Crown Prince, your getting along pretty well with Hua Cheng, aren't you. This little brother of yours was wondering why none of the underlings he sent to greet you on Zhongyaun ever returned- now I see its because you've been clinging to Hua Cheng!”

Xie Lian glanced at Hua Cheng with a questioning look.

Qi Rong continued, “Calling him San Lang, tsk tsk tsk, so familiar. Cousin, your a big shot heavenly official, how can you hang out with ghosts and demons? Aren't you worried about him tainting your reputation? You're so perfect after all, so pure and flawless, your saintly halo shines upon all of us on this earth, ha ha ha ha...”

“You really are mental.” Jiang Cheng said.

Qi Rong ignored the comment and, folding his hands over his heart, said in false sentiment, “Cousin Crown Prince, this little brother has thought of you constantly through the years. Look, I even carved this statue to keep you by my side, so I can gaze upon your valiant form every waking moment of everyday. What do you think? It's pretty well done, right? Do you like it? Don't worry, its better if you don't. I'll carve some more, ha ha ha-”

Xie Lian continued to hold back a dark faced Hua Cheng as the boys looked at the Green Ghost in a mix of disbelief and disgust. Their father looked at his statue and gave a small smirk.

“It's only so so. Sorry but the craftsmanship is rather inferior.”

Wei Wuxian let out a small laugh. He rarely got to see his father act so playful, but when it did happen his father could get mean... and with good reason... Oddly, The more he thought about it now, him and Jiang Yanli really were cut from the same cloth. If jiejie were here, I bet she would be cheering baba on.

Qi Rong's face fell, and he said coldly. “Be content with what you got. If it wasn't my affection of old urging me to carve you a couple of statues, who would even worship you? Is that why you spawned a bunch of brats, So they could grovel at your feet? Hmm? You probably sniveled and whined at Jun Wu's feet and hugged his leg till your knee's were busted to ascend this time. Go around the Upper Court and see for yourself; which Official isn't more dignified then you? Even a two hundred year old ascendee could walk all over you. Over eight hundred years old and this is the state your in? What a failure!”

“I am quiet the failure.” Xie Lian smiled. Jiang Cheng frowned as he looked at his father... short lived though because then he continued with, “Not like my cousin, already a wrath after eight hundred years.”

Next to him, Hua Cheng let out a snort. Qi Rong looked around the room and his expression darkened for real.

“This attitude... Did you beg Hua Cheng to kick me around today to settle our differences? Dragged your spawn along to watch him do it?”

Xie Lian was taken aback, but Wei Wuxian; he was having too much fun.

“Truth be told, regardless of if we were here or not, I'm pretty sure Hua-gege would still be kicking your pathetic ass.”

“The way you sound... Dear Cousin are you sure this ones yours? That it isn't his little shit. ” Qi Rong motioned toward Hua Cheng, who was glaring daggers at him. “SEE! This is what I mean! The moment I say anything bad about you, look how mad he gets. Was he blinded by the holy light from your halo? Yooo, I forgot! Isn't he already blind in one eye? Ha ha-”

Wham!

Jiang Cheng's eyes grew wide as he watched his father punch Qi Rong directly in the face, sending the Green Ghost careening to the floor. Wei Wuxian let out a loud, “HA!”

“just because I never hit you before, doesn't mean I would never hit you.” Xie Lian stated coldly.

After spewing blood and giving himself time to cough, Qi Rong began laughing, pounding the ground with his fist as he did.

“Cousin Crown Prince, you hit me! You actually hit me! Heavens, our noble, kind, compassionate, charitable crown prince, who's scared of stepping on even a tiny ant, actually copped an attitude and swung at me! HE'S HITTING PEOPLE! INCREDIBLE! AMAZING!”

“Is... is he really just crazy?” Lang Qianqiu finally spoke again, his face twisted in disgust.

“You've heard him. He's insane. He's unbalanced so you can't believe a word he says.”

Qi Rong stopped laughing, his expression schooled and he sneered, “Don't be so quick to tell people I'm a psycho-”

“But you are.” Wei Wuxian interrupted. However Qi Rong only snickered this time, which made the boy uncomfortable.

“Answer me this Cousin Crown Prince; How did Prince An Le die?”

Jiang Cheng felt like his brain was going to set fire. It was like every other bit of information given was something someone else was lying about or some kind of surprise revelation. He turned to his father, he needed answers... no, he needed the honest truth.

Qi Rong sat up and leaned against the kneeling statue. “After An Le died, I cut open his corpse to inspect it and all of his organs were pulverized by the vibrations of an exceedingly powerful sword. That's why, despite no external injuries, he could not stop hacking up blood. This was something no ordinary swordsman could do.”

Wei Wuxian paused then turned to look at his father. Xie Lian's expression darkened.

Qi Rong continued. “At first I thought those Yong'an thugs had brought in a special hit man to frame An Le's death as an illness, but now that I think about it, there is another who has the ability, and who is that? Hmm? Of course, my good ol' cousin, defender of justice! After all, our Flower Crowned Martial God, Taizi Dianxia, is holy and pure, the one and only snow white lotus of the heavenly mountains.”

“Shut up!” Lang Qianqiu had had enough and pushed past Jiang Cheng so he stood in front of the Green Ghost. “Just tell me what you know! Who's the real murderer? What happened at the Gilded Banquet? And What happened to Prince An Le? What happened?!”

“Baba...” Wei Wuxian looked at his father with an almost pleading stare. Xie Lian looked away but only found Jiang Cheng giving him the same look.

“Lang Qianqiu, why are you still confused?” Qi Rong asked. “Even I've figured out what happened by now. Looks like you really don't understand the kind of person your shifu is! Come, come, come, let me dissect my good ol' cousin for you: this former Dianxia Xianle went and became Yong'an's State Preceptor, taught you swordsmanship for five years...”

He barely spoke those words when Xie Lian quickly brandished Fangxin and readied to charge, only stopped when blocked by Lang Qianqiu's greatsword.

“Let him finish.”

“baba, what are you doing?” Jiang Cheng demanded reaching out to grab his fathers sleeve only for him to be brushed off.

“You know he's insane but you'll still listen to his nonsense?!” Xie Lian snapped.

He swung out, and although Fengxin was a slender blade, the vibrations from it almost knocked Lang Qianqiu's greatsword from his grasp. It was only stopped when Fengxin was flicked by a curved silver blade, before getting hooked and pulled away.

“San Lang!” Xie Lian cried.

Qi Rong saw how badly Xie Lian didn't want to this information known by those present and knew he must allow the opposite to occur. He turned to Lang Qianqiu and the two thirteen year old's and began talking like he was running out of air.

“Prince An Le was our good Xianle boy, very obedient! He heeded my instructions to become false friends with you, but your dear shifu, you two's majestic baba, bumped into us while we were cleaning out the Yong'an's rats nest at the Gilded Banquet. An Le escaped, then you, Lang Qianqiu, rushed in to see what had happened, and the State Preceptor Fengxin became the most wanted man in the kingdom. That is the story, not one word of it a lie..”

Xie Lian tried to go in for the attack again, but was blocked by Hua Cheng once more.

“San Lang!”

Qi Rong only moved his lips faster, “But you know, this saintly cousin of mine, when he saw with his own eyes the people of Xianle committing murder, he must've thought; 'how can this be, this isn't right!' So he went to find Prince An Le to educate him a little, but when he sought him out- my GOD, what did he discover? An Le's massive plot! The plans didn't stop with assassinating a bunch of thugs! When he realized he could not educate him, he hardened his heart and killed the last scion of our royal house with his own hands! Afterward you caught your Shifu, and nailed him dead in that coffin, and so ended my cousins magnificent life as a State Preceptor. Cousin, isn't that right?”

Qi Rong spat some blood onto the statue.

“I know you too well. You love doing shit like this. Ancestors above, look at what a good descendant you gave birth to. I will commend you for spawning a few mutts but there is no true Xianle left in this world so a mutt will stay a mutt, only half blooded. No, the Xie Clan of Xianle has lost everything, including it's true bloodline which you cut cousin! XIE LIAN! YOU UNLUCKY STAR, YOU GOD OF MISFORTUNE! YOU'RE EXISTANCE IS XIANLE'S GREATEST TRAGEDY! WHY DONT YOU DIE?! HOW DO YOU HAVE THE FACE TO KEEP LIVIN-”

A Flash of purple flew forward as Zidian was released and pinpoint struck the green ghost right between the eyes. It was enough to cause Qi Rong to smack his head into the statue, him letting out a hiss as he grabbed his forehead.

“You have no right to talk to my baba like that.” Jiang Cheng practically growled the words out.

Qi Rong paused a moment and suddenly looked at the whip with something close to recognition... but whatever thoughts he was having were quickly cut off by Lang Qianqiu.

“But I saw with my own eyes that he killed my father with his sword! How do you explain that?”

“If it's not your blind elderly eyes or water getting into your brain, then I can only think of one reason,” Qi Rong answered. “Which is that An Le indeed stabbed your old man, but he didn't die.”

“Then... did he finish him off?”

Qi Rong howled, “What are you saying? My good cousin is such a kind soul- as if he would do that straight off! When he arrived, he'd be too abashed to finish the king off right away- he would have to do a show of trying to save the poor guy first. But, heh, your dad probably killed himself.”

“What do you mean killed himself?” Lang Qianqiu demanded.

“What's the first thing someone saved from an attempt on their life would do?” Qi Rong asked. “After seeing so many massacred at the Gilded Banquet, what would your first reaction be?”

Lang Qianqiu hadn't figured it out yet... but sadly Wei Wuxian had caught on. His eye's widened and he turned to look at his baba. “Genocide...”

“What? No.” Lang Qianqiu snapped. “He'd have gone to look for the murderer-”

“The brats right Lang Qianqiu.” Qi Rong sneered. “After my good cousin saved your old man and he found his breath he most certainly would have said, 'Quick State Preceptor! It was An Le who did it! Go and kill Prince An Le!' No no no not that, he must have said something worse. Like, 'State Preceptor! Call upon everyone! I want the entire population of Xianle wiped out! I want to bury them all with the dead.”

Lang Qianqiu grew pale and Qi Rong only continued, “Even if he doesn't order for their deaths on the spot, An Le had the entire nest of your old hags relatives killed in front of the old coot, so sooner or later he would have to open fire on the people of Xianle. Your good shifu realized this, weighed the options, and decided, no, the old man couldn't be saved. So one quick stab and your old man goes kaput.” He turned his attention to the two boy's. “That's the kind of person your stupid baba is. A saint who can't have sand in his eyes. Always doing shit that gets others and himself hurt. Trying to please both sides but does neither. Better run while you can, before you suffer as well. Ha ha ha ha ha-”

“Qi Rong! Shut your mouth!” Xie Lian shouted.

“Why do you want him to shut up?” Lang Qianqiu asked, spinning to face him. “Because what he said was the truth? At the Gilded Banquet, you and An Le both struck; one killed my entire family, and the other finished the act on my father. You're all lying to me!”

Jiang Cheng thought he should have felt relieved that his father hadn't actually been the one to commit the Massacre, but he didn't. Sure the knots in his stomach had subsided but in the end he only felt gross. Like he swallowed some bitter medicine that didn't go down the right way. Qi Rong was awful, the truth was harsh, and any happiness he thought he might get out of learning the truth was smashed to pieces. All he could do now was lower his gaze, and grip onto the whip in his hands which still sparked with purple energy.

“OF COURSE WE'RE ALL LYING TO YOU!” Qi Rong snapped. “You're so stupid, who else would we deceive if not you? If not for your interruption that spoiled our plans, Xianle would have already taken your life at the age of twelve, instead of giving you the luxury of growing up and ascending!”

“Twelve? The culprits who invaded the castle to kidnap me were sent by the people of Xianle?” Lang Qianqiu demanded.

“Duh?” Qi Rong spat. “Do you think ordinary assassins could just kidnap the crown prince from under the noses of hundreds of royal palace guards? Please. I was the one who helped An Le with that.”

Lang Qianqiu nodded. “Helped? Good. I understand now. So All my friends are fake. The people of Xianle never cared for our amity. Your Prince An Le never had good intentions, and instead came for our lives.” He turned to Xie Lian. “So everything you told me was false too?”

Qi Rong feigned surprise, “Come, come, come, quickly now. Tell me what my saintly cousin told you?”
Lang Qianqiu ignored him. “You said Yong'an and Xianle were one nation at their roots; whatever conflicts the royals had with each other had nothing to do with the civilians. Both sides used to be one family, and under our generations rule, there could be changes for the better. As long as the people were happy, it didn't matter what the royal house was named, and both sides would let go of their grudge and unite in time. All that was false. Nonsense, bullshit, lies!”

“No! It's not false.” Xie Lian cried out. “Think; under your rule, weren't there real changes? Didn't you do really well? Didn't the remnants of Xianle integrate peacefully with the people of Yong'an? There were fewer and fewer conflicts and riots, so how could any of it be false?”

There was long moment of silence as tears formed in Lang Qianqiu's eyes. “But... but what about my royal parents? Yong'an and Xianle integrated was their greatest wish; that's why they granted the princely title An Le, to the last of the royal bloodline. Their wish came true but what of their end?”

Qi Rong clicked his tongue. “What a whiny crybaby, just like my saintly cousin was once upon a time! You came crying for your old man and your old hag; I haven't harassed your ancestors for my old hag and old man. Integrating Xianle and Yong'an was their wish? What petty words. An Le, An Le, settle first, joy after. A title so obvious to mean that you Yong'an dogs just want to walk on the heads of us Xianle people for the rest of our miserable lives.”

Xie Lian yelled angrily, “Qi Rong, stop your madness!”

Wei Wuxian will still standing relatively close to Qi Rong, and didn't notice that Lang Qianqiu was changing his body posture.

“You're the mastermind behind the massacre of my clan? And you're part of the plot behind the Gilded Banquet too?”

Qi Rong snickered gleefully. “Yes, I'm part of it. An Le was part of it as well. And your shifu! We three people of Xianle all had our part. Ha ha ha -”

Wei Wuxian cried out in surprise as the blade of Lang Qianqiu's greatsword swung past, slicing Qi Rong completely in two. Both parts writhed and rolled on the floor and yet Qi Rong was still laughing. “IT DOESN'T HURT! IT DOESN'T HURT! IT DOESN'T HURT ONE BIT! COMPARED TO THAT PUNCH FROM COUSIN CROWN PRINCE, YOU'RE NOTHING! HA HA HA HA!”

Lang Qianqiu stiffened and prepared to defend when he saw Xie Lian run in his direction from the corner of his vision. However his shoulders slumped when the man ran right past him to the fallen Wei Wuxian on the ground, still startled stiff from the sudden attack on Qi Rong.

“A-Ying are you alright?” Xie Lian asked. From the angle he had been standing from, behind Hua Cheng, he couldn't tell if his son had accidentally been struck by Lang Qianqiu, so he had rushed over to check on him. Lang Qianqiu stared at the two of them for but a moment, his heart suddenly pained. Qi Rong, ever the observer, cackled in his separated state.

“Does the sight of a father doting on his brat make you nostalgic Lang Qianqiu. How can your shifu be so adoring of his son when he's the one that killed your own father, isn't that ironic?”

Lang Qianqiu didn't answer, instead his expression went almost pitch black before he reached down and grabbed Qi Rong by the head, dragging his upper half along with him. Jiang Cheng had involuntarily dropped Zidian at this point, having been startled by Lang Qianqiu's sudden outburst, and the whip had returned to it's ring form. He watched in horror as the god dragged the Green Ghost toward the cauldron at the edge of the room, catching on to exactly what fate awaited the vulgar man. However his vision was soon blocked by maple red. Jiang Cheng looked up to see Hua Cheng had moved to block his vision, before covering the boy's ears with both hands.

“You can live without seeing what happens next.” Hua Cheng said with a calm look in his eye.

Xie Lian at this point had looked to see what Lang Qianqiu was doing and pulled Wei Wuxian into himself, covering the boys face and ears himself. “Qi Rong! Stop talking if you value your life!”

Lang Qianqiu had reached the cauldron and lifted the half of Qi Rong above it. “Do you usually use this cauldron to cook humans?”

Qi Rong who had been insulting him the entire walk over there sneered, “Yeah, so?”

Lang Qianqiu let go.

Neither Jiang Cheng or Wei Wuxian saw the flesh bust right off the bone of the green ghost as he laughed, being boiled to the core.

“Qianqiu!” Xie Lian called out, mortified at the current development of the situation.

“What?” Lang Qianqiu asked sharply. “How many people has Green Ghost Qi Rong eaten? Why can't I teach him what it feels like to be cooked? He's the enemy that murdered my clan, do I not have the right to make him suffer?”

After a short time he fished Qi Rong back out, but could you even call what was pulled from the cauldron humanoid. It resembled a mesh of skin and cloth with bits of bone poking out of it... and still laughing.

“Congratulations cousin! Look at your good disciple! His wings have hardened! He knows how to use torture now!”

Lang Qianqiu released his hold again, Qi Rong splashing back down into the blood red boiling liquid. This time all that surfaced was bits of green fabric.

“Qi Rong!” Xie Lian called out.

All was silent between them for a long time, Lang Qianqiu's head bowed with an unreadable expression. Wei Wuxian poked his head out from his fathers embrace and looked around the room. The energy was negative and thick. He pressed his face back into his father.

Just then Hua Cheng uncovered Jiang Cheng's ears and spoke. “He's not dead.”

Lang Qianqiu looked at him.

Hua Cheng said, “You can't be thinking you actually had your revenge? You've only killed one of his many clones. If you want to exterminate him completely, you need to find his ashes.”

“Thanks for reminding me.” Lang Qianqiu said coldly. “I will definitely capture him with my own hands and use his ashes to pay respects to my king father and queen mother. Once that's over, I'll come settle things with you State Preceptor. So don't you dare think about running away again!”

As soon as he spoke, he gripped his greatsword and struck the cauldron, slashing the cauldron before turning and walking away. It was over... Jiang Cheng watched the water and broth and bones as they poured out of the broken cauldron and onto the floor, that bitter medicine feeling only settling in his stomach.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian didn't follow after Lang Qianqiu, but he did let go of Wei Wuxian, standing straight with a distant look in his eyes.

“He just found out the truth, so its better to leave him alone to calm down.” Hua Cheng said, having approached Xie Lian, Jiang Cheng left still staring downtrodden at the broken cauldron.

“Why must he know the truth, was the truth really that important.”

Xie Lian turned away coldly saying, “What's the use of knowing everything so clearly? Would I be more blameless if I killed fewer people? Would things be less hard?!”

“Baba...” Wei Wuxian said it so quietly and pleading.

When Hua Cheng didn't respond an anger flared in Xie Lian's and he didn't even know who it was directed at.

He blurted out, “And what nonsense hardships have I experienced?! His Majesty the King wanted to integrate two clans; Did I not kill him? Prince An Le was the last of my families bloodline; did I not kill him? I deserve whatever comes to me- is it so wrong to count everything as my doing? Whats there to be afraid of? No matter what comes to me, I can't die! I did this! I bring misfortune! And now Prince An Le is counted, Qi Rong is counted, everyone in Xianle is counted! Isn't it better to hate one instead of a group? Must he think that everything I taught him was false, nothing more then empty bullshit!?”

Wei Wuxian was taken aback. He never heard his father talk like this, never heard him get angry or use foul language. If it were a different time and place and reason he may have found it funny but to him now, it was only upsetting. He involuntarily reached out and pulled on his fathers sleeve. “Baba... please...”

Xie Lian froze, then looked at Hua Cheng who still hadn't spoken, just quietly watched him. Pressing his face into his hands Xie Lian began to shake a little.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry San Lang, I've gone mad. I'm sorry.”

“It's nothing, It's my fault.” Hua Cheng said.

“No, it's not your fault. This is my problem.” Xie Lian slumped to the ground, Wei Wuxian still holding his sleeve. “What a mess. What a disastrous mess.”

Jiang Cheng, who also had been shocked by his fathers angry outburst, slowly walked over and sat down next to him but didn't say a word, just glanced at his father with a sad expression.

After a moment Hua Cheng also sat down next to Xie Lian carefully pulling Wei Wuxian off his father's sleeve and pulling him to sit next to him. “You weren't wrong.”

Xie Lian didn't speak, instead he kept his head in his hands.

Hua Cheng continued, “The Yong'an king was killed to protect the remaining people of Xianle. Prince An Le was killed to prevent the two clans from fighting. In the end, in dying at the hands of Lang Qianqiu, the murderer saw justice. Three lives exchanged for centuries of peace, that's worth it. If it were me, I would have done the same. Listen to me.” He looked at Xie Lian with the utmost conviction, leaving no room for doubt. “You weren't wrong. No one could have done it better then you.”

They all sat quietly, Wei Wuxian beginning to feel antsy. He wanted to speak, but didn't know what to say. Instead he began to sway a little wringing his hands as he did, looking everywhere and no where in particular.

Then Xie Lian finally spoke. “I just don't think it's right.” He looked up at Hua Cheng, “I just don't think its right for someone to have been kind and still meet a bad end. I don't think it should have ended up this way. Even if it was a lie, I wanted Qianqiu to remember that his benevolence toward Xianle was reciprocated. To believe that doing the right thing will open endless paths. Not like now, where he thinks everything I told him, that everything he believes in is all false, lies and deception. That everything was fucking nonsense! I just...”

He looked at his hands and then his eyes wandered, looking at Jiang Cheng, his frown deepening. “... I don't want to see anyone go through what I've already had enough of.”

After another long silence Xie Lian apologized again. “I'm sorry. I get onto you two boys for speaking like that and here I am using it...” He paused for a moment, “Yong'an in its first couple of era's was indeed Violent and cruel, but Lang Qianqiu's parents truly did want peace... and for it to end like this...” His voice fell into a whisper. “I just can't forget that look on his face when my sword pierced him.”

“Forget it. That was Qi Rong and An Le's fault, not yours.” Hua Cheng said softly.

Xie Lian shook his head, “Everything had been going so well....”

Jiang Cheng sat there for another long moment in silence, then leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his fathers neck.

Xie Lian looked over at him with a sad smile, “You don't need to comfort me A-Cheng...”

“Yes I do.” He answered simply. “Because even if you see yourself as a bad person, I can't. Not won't, can't.” He pulled back and looked at his fathers face. “You still did good. I don't understand very well all the troublesome parts but I've never known you to be the kind of person to do terrible things or not try to help someone even at the risk of yourself. Even after all the times I've seen you get hurt or mistreated, you always get back up with a smile. I'm... well I envy you and jiejie for things like that. Every time I get hurt all I want to do is hurt them back. Even if you didn't help Lang Qianqiu see what you taught him, I'll never forget what you've taught me.”

Wei Wuxian looked at his brother and father and smiled. He scooted over behind his father and reached around him so he was hugging his shoulders. “Ya baba! Even when I'm not listening to your boring lectures I still remembered the important parts.”

Xie Lian chuckled, “So your admitting to it now?”

“Eh? No... Well ya, but that's not the point!”

Xie Lian smiled at his two boys, then he looked over to the kneeling statue. “Qi Rong was right though. I am a failure.”

“Don't believe the words of useless trash like him.” Hua Cheng said quietly. “Other than being good at running away and not dying, he's got nothing going for him. He couldn't even level up to supreme after eight hundred years. Even beating him would dirty your hands.”

“Heh. Trash.” Wei Wuxian mumbled... then frowned. “Baba, is he really your cousin? Has he always been like that? How did you stand him as a kid?”

“Very minimal.” Xie Lian sighed. “He was spoiled... but so was I...”

“Somehow, its hard to see baba being a spoiled brat.” Jiang Cheng added.

Xie Lian let out a small laugh, before returning his gaze to that statue. Sliding Wei Wuxian off of himself and standing up, Xie Lian walked over so he was face to face with the statue of himself, its face crying ugly tears. He only looked at it for a moment before placing a hand to its head.

Crack.

It was a matter of seconds before two cracks went down its tear covered face before it all fell apart.

He turned to his sons and Hua Cheng, wiping his hands clean, “there are probably still some other humans hidden in Qi Rong's lair. We should go find them and release them.

“Then lets go.” Hua Cheng replied.

….

It took a while, but after nabbing a few little ghosts, the group of four had freed many prisoners, near three hundred in number, before finally feeling they had found all they could and began to head toward the exit of the cave. The two boy's had bounded on ahead, in their own conversation about everything that happened and nothing in particular, while the two adults strode a ways behind. Xie Lian had began asking Hua Cheng questions, like; 'How did he know it was Qi Rong behind the massacre? And questions of similar vein. What he learned was two things; Hua Cheng had a strength in reasonable deduction and the he also seemed to know what was going on in the Heavenly Capital... specifically what had gone down in the Palace of Divine Might, meaning that Hua Cheng had ears in heaven. How? He didn't know, but he also seemed to know about Qi Rong's connection to himself...

“Why were you so convinced it was Qi Rong who made the first move?” Xie Lian asked as they walked.

“It's not that I believed he did it. It's that I believed you didn't.” Hua Cheng admitted softly.

Xie Lian who had been smiling for a while now, slowly lost it. He let a moment pass then asked, “Why is that?”

“If you had admitted to the Gilded Banquet Massacre with any other reasoning, then I would have believed it was you.” Hua Cheng replied. “The Yong'an king was a diligent ruler, loved by the people, and yet Lang Qianqiu said the reason you told him was, 'I couldn't stand seeing your people on the throne.' That was a model declaration for someone intent on overthrowing the crown. But if the declaration came from you, it be a poor attempt at tarnishing your name.”

Xie Lian puffed out a soundless laugh. “Tarnishing my name?' You didn't think I might have harbored those thoughts deep down inside? Maybe I do have some resentments hidden.”

“Thoughts are thoughts, you wouldn't have acted on them.” Hua Cheng said.

Xie Lian shut his mouth. After a moment he said, “San Lang, I'm not the person you think I am. You-”

Xie Lian closed his eyes and shook his head, unsure of whether to continue.

Hua Cheng urged. “Tell me, its fine.”

Xie Lian chewed his words for a moment, then said “i just think its best for people to not place too much hope on someone else.”

“Oh?” Hua Cheng hummed. “And what do you mean by that?”

“You shouldn't idolize people or think of them as overly perfect. If your just watching a shadow from afar and never interacting, then sure. But once acquainted and grown close, one day you'll find that this person isn't what you imagined, maybe even the complete opposite. When that happens, you'll be very disappointed.”

Hua Cheng disagreed respectfully, “You never know. I don't care if anyone else is disappointed. But to some, the very existence of a certain person in this world is in itself hope.”

Xie Lian paused in his step and looked at Hua Cheng for a long moment. “San Lang, who are you, really?”

Hua Cheng also stopped, and looked at him back.

“You knew who Qi Rong was and his background. You knew who I was and how to paint the God Pleasing Crown Prince. You seem to know everything about me. You know a lot. Maybe even more then you let on.”

“Don't I always know a lot?”

Xie Lian shook his head. “It's not the same.” He then looked at Hua Cheng in wonder. “I've always had this feeling, like you're someone from my past and that you must have known me from very early on. Maybe it was from during my first ascension; no, maybe even earlier. Yet.... I really don't remember. When have I ever met a character like you?”

Xie Lian gazed at him, fixated and somewhat bemused. “Who are you exactly? Have I met you before?”

Hua Cheng smiled at him but didn't answer. Just ahead they heard some laughter and yelling and turned to look as Jiang Cheng was smacking Wei Wuxian on the arm, who intern was laughing his head off like he just heard the funniest thing in the world.

Xie Lian watched them for a moment then smiled to himself. “Those boys... they deserve so much better then what I can offer...”

“Nah.” Hua Cheng disagreed. “Anyone can have nice things and still never feel loved. You give them exactly what they need.”

Xie Lian looked at him with a sad smile. “You know, I never intended to keep them.” Hua Cheng raised a brow and Xie Lian continued, looking over as Wei Wuxian waved at him, his brother in a head lock. “When I found them after their home was burned down, I originally planned to find them a new home, someone who knew who they were and a place to keep them away from the Wen Clan... but then A-Ying... all of them decided to choose me instead. Even after seeing all the trouble I could get them into, they stayed... They're the first in these past eight hundred years that I finally found some semblance of home in. But... A-Yanli and A-Ying have both gotten hurt during my time back in heaven, all because I wasn't watching them. And poor A-Cheng, he's trying to be so grown up and defensive of me that I'm worried he'll get hurt too. I just... I feel in adequate... I keep asking myself if I was even cut out to be a father.”

“gege, there are worse fathers out there then you.” Hua Cheng said this sincerely. “And if its as you say, you chose your children just as much as they chose you. But, there's nothing wrong with feeling like you need time to adjust to it. You don't have to carry the burden of caring for them all on your own.”

“are you implying I let you take care of them?” Xie Lian asked with a playful look.

“Gege, It would be an honor.” Hua Cheng said. “But that wasn't really what I was getting at. I meant that Sometimes you just need time to yourself. Time to think things over. Don't forget that.”

Xie Lian thought this over but his thinking was stopped when he noticed Hua Cheng make a face. He turned to look behind them at the mouth of the cave they had just left when a female voice came echoing from somewhere within.

“I told you, my powers are stronger in my female form, and even my luck is better! Yet you still wouldn't let me. Do you see now? We rolled it right this time.”

“Lord Wind Master?” Xie Lian blurted out.

Wei Wuxian, who had still been holding Jiang Cheng in a head lock, heard this and dropped his brother before running over to his baba and Hua Cheng.

It was then that the white clad lady cultivator, Shi Qingxuan, came sprinting out of the cave mouth and her eye's lit up when she saw Xie Lian.

“I found him! Dianxia is here-”

Then her eyes landed on Hua Cheng. She doubled back immediately and pulled out her wind master fan.

“Did you find him? Is everything all right?” a mans voice called out from somewhere further in. By this point both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian had reached their father's side and watched as Feng Xin was the one who exited the cave after Shi Qingxuan. He was carrying a long black bow in his left hand and when he saw the Ghost King, he immediately drew the silver string back and aimed it at him. Hua Cheng sneered but didn't say a word. The bow held a strand of spiritual light, liken to a holy arrow.

“Dianxia, come here.” Feng Xin spoke, his voice full of warning.

Seeing that the weapon in the Generals hand was none other then the bow Fengshen, a troublesome spiritual device gifted to Feng Xin from the Heavenly Emperor Jun Wu, Xie Lian had made to stand in front of Hua Cheng to shield him but the man in question just grabbed him and pulled him back behind him again.

“Hua Cheng!” Shi Qingxuan called out. “Crimson Rain Sought Flower! D-d-d-don't do anything rash! The burning of Paradise Manor was an accident! If you're upset, we can talk. The Heavens can pay you back. The Heavenly Emperor isn't that short on cash. Let go of Dianxia and we can talk.”

Jiang Cheng let a short breath out of his nose, feeling like this whole situation was ridiculous, but when he looked over at his brother, Wei Wuxian was looking a bit stiff. The boy was slowly feeling panicked. This isn't going to happen like last time right? I don't want that.... Wei Wuxian fretted internally.

“Lord Wind Master, your mistaken. Actually-” Xie Lian had begun to explain the situation when he noticed Shi Qingxuan giving him a look, like she wanted him to stop talking.

Hua Cheng spoke loud and clear. “And what about Jun Wu setting up a spy under my nose? We have nothing to talk about.”

Wei Wuxian slowly looked up to his father, then Hua Cheng, then he looked over at Shi Qingxuan who gave the boy a wink. Suddenly he no longer felt worried. He caught on. Shi Qingxuan was setting up a performance, a play to say that Hua Cheng had indeed just kidnapped Xie Lian to make up for what happened at Paradise Manor and to stop any rumor mills sprouting about the unlucky god.

Xie Lian had caught on as well, but felt like that was not the path to take, “All right, stop acting. He only came to the heavens to save me. San Lang had good intentions so why conceal them?”

“No more acting.” Shi Qingxuan said with a smile. “I already sent those two exchanges into the communications array. You don't understand- no matter how good the intentions, words always get negative after they've been passed around enough. They might as well be negative from the start.”

“You get it.” Hua Cheng commented. Wei Wuxian guiltily looked behind Shi Qingxuan, as if hoping to see someone else, but it really was just the Wind Master and Feng Xin.

“Of course! Otherwise, how could I, the Lord Wind Master, be so popular in Heaven.” Shi Qingxuan preened. “General Nan Yang, lower your bow.”

Feng Xin did not, instead pulling it too full draw, still aimed at Hua Cheng. Shi Qingxuan smacked him.

“Put it down, can't you see they're close? Nothing bad is going to happen.”

Feng Xin spoke in a dark tone. “Dianxia, the one standing next to you is a supreme...”

“And your Ju Yang.” Wei Wuxian shot back with a wicked grin. Xie Lian pressed a hand to his face.

Feng Xin's brow twitched, “Don't... call me that-”

Shi Qingxuan threw herself onto the Generals arm trying to dissuade his hostility. Instead he went paler then a sheet. He screamed and threw her off before quickly backing several meters away, the holy arrow fading like a cloud of smoke. He let off a long string of curses before yelling, “What the fuck!! What are you doing!?”

Wei Wuxian frowned, confused by Feng Xin's reaction and looked at his father... who was giving him a hard look. He gave him a small guilty laugh. “Sorry.”

Shi Qingxuan swung her whisk, “I haven't even asked you what you are doing. I just said Crimson Rain Sought Flower came to save Dianxia, and you still point at him with your arrow. If you want to fight him so badly, well, I won't help you.”

Seeming to not here her, Feng Xin cried out, “Don't you dare ever do that ever again! Ever! Do you hear me?!!”

“What... what did she do?” Jiang Cheng asked quietly, just as confused as Wei Wuxian. Xie Lian sighed, not knowing if he should laugh or cry, waving his son off.

“Don't worry about it...”

“Okay, okay, okay, I won't do it again. It's not like you suffered any loss, so what's with that reaction?” She frowned and in a moment transformed herself back into a man and looked around. “Where's Qianqiu?”

Feng Xin collected himself and also looked around.

“He's not in the communication array?” Xie Lian asked.

“No?” Shi Qingxuan responded. “After he rolled the dice and left, we didn't hear a peep. I asked him multiple times what the correct roll was, but he never replied. Before, when I talked to Qianqiu, he would always reply so fast- and not just to me, any official regardless of rank. So weird.”

It was then that Xie Lian explained that Lang Qianqiu had gone after Qi Rong and, much to his dismay, Hua Cheng explained that the Green Ghost was the actual culprit behind the Gilded Banquet Massacre. Jiang Cheng had slowly begun to lose that bitter medicine feeling that he had had before and let himself smile a bit as his father tried to say that the situation was more complicated then it sounded.

Shi Qingxuan, regardless, was joyous at this news. “ I knew there was a misunderstanding in all of this! I've got such a godly premonition. Now, even if you return, you won't be detained!”

“Good.” Feng Xin said looking greatly relieved. He put away his bow, his wariness decreased then looked at the boys and then back at Xie Lian like he had remembered something. “Dianxia, your daughter is at the Palace of Ling Wen. After you were taken, Ling Wen went to the Palace of Xianle to have it closed off for investigation and collected her to keep her somewhere safe.”

“She would have been safe with us.” Wei Wuxian scoffed.

“No, I disagree. Better that she never met Qi Rong.” Jiang Cheng argued, wrinkling his nose at the memory of the Green Ghost.

Xie Lian looked at Feng Xin. “Did you know? That Qi Rong is that Qi Rong?”

Feng Xin raised a brow. “Which Qi Rong? Who?” Then he got a startled look in his eyes. “That Qi Rong?!”

“So you didn't realize it was him either?” Xie Lian asked.

Feng Xin's face went dark. “No. I've never run into the Green Ghost himself and always assumed the name was just a coincidence. What kind of dumbass would run around flaunting his real name? That's crazy... He didn't give your kids any trouble?”

“Nah.” Wei Wuxian shook his head playfully. “Just called us brats and mutts and I think he called me a little shit but-”

“Language.” Xie Lian huffed.

Feng Xin thought for a moment, then said, “If that's really him, then its no surprise that he did it.”

Shi Qingxuan was curious. “Wait, you all know the Green Ghost?”

“He's my little cousin.” Xie Lian admitted.

“Well ain't that something.” Shi Qingxuan said, crossing his arms.

“He is definitely something else.” Xie Lian agreed.

“I'm not talking about him.” Shi Qingxaun said. “I'm talking about you! Dianxia, look at you; the martial gods of the southeast and southwest are both your old buddies, the Martial god of the East is your disciple, The Night Touring Green Lantern is your little cousin, Crimson rain Sought Flower is your sworn brother, You have to sons who strong in cultivation, a sweet young lady as your daughter who also walks the path of cultivation, and then there's me, Wind Master, your friend. Ain't that something?”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng both had small proud smiles on their smug little faces, not just because they too had been given praise by Shi Qingxuan, but that they were proud of their baba as well. Feng Xin knitted his brow at the 'sworn brother,' comment, but Hua Cheng only raised a brow at the remark, almost like he disagreed with it as well but for different reasons.

After a moment Feng Xin turned to Xie Lian, “If there's nothing else, you'd better hurry back to the Heavenly Court. Many of the Heavenly Officials have no idea what happened in that ruckus, and they're still waiting for news above. Jun Wu should have been informed by now. You need to report back and give him a proper account.”

Hua Cheng laughed out loud, which startled Wei Wuxian and the boy looked at him with a weird expression.

“What are you laughing at?” Feng Xin demanded.

“And here I was, marveling at how straightforward you are, but it turns out, you like to beat around the bush too.” Hua Cheng said. “You just don't like Dianxia to associate with demons and ghosts like me, so why not say it openly? Think it's not your place?”

“San Lang...” Xie Lian cleared his throat softly.

“As long as your aware he shouldn't be associating with the likes of demons and ghosts.” Feng Xin said coldly.

Xie Lian didn't want a fight to possibly ensue so he quickly intercepted and spoke quietly to Feng Xin. “I will report to give a proper account, but right now there are more important things at hand...” He proceeded to inform him of Qi Rong's prisoners and that there were still some little ghosts hanging around. Wei Wuxian looked up at Hua Cheng and grabbed his sleeve out of habit. Hua Cheng smiled back at him.

“I will return to the heavens as soon as that's done.” Xie Lian said.

“It won't be good to take too long. Let me deal with this.” Feng Xin answered

Hua Cheng nodded, looking away from Wei Wuxian, “Judging by heavens standards of efficiency, you'll probably finish handling it by next month.”

Jiang Cheng snickered and his father gave him a pleading look.

“You say that as if you can handle it in an instant.” Feng Xin said.

The two stared each other down and Shi Qingxuan gave Xie Lian a questioning look. Just as the later was shaking his head, Hua Cheng pulled out an umbrella. From where? Wei Wuxian didn't know, but he did notice Hua Cheng nod his head for the kid to move.

“San Lang, why did you open the umbrella?” Xie Lian asked.

Hua Cheng simply gave Xie Lian a smile and shifted it more above the other. “Just wait. The skies about to change soon.”

At that comment, and noticing his brother slowly moving toward the cave Shi Qingxuan was starting to backup into, Jiang Cheng caught on that he also might need to move. The moment Jiang Cheng slid up next to his brother inside the cave they heard the pitter patter of rain hitting the ground.... except when they looked out, it wasn't rain water that fell. It was blood.

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were under that maple red umbrella, Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian and Shi Qingxuan were now in the mouth of the cave, but Feng Xin hadn't moved a muscle and was now covered head to toe in blood.

Once the rain stopped both boy's held the breaths trying not to laugh at the General as Shi Qingxuan went to help clean him up.

Hua Cheng closed his umbrella. “How's that for an instant?”

Xie Lian had been reaching in his sleeve to find something to help with cleaning up Feng Xin but then noticed that the place beside him was empty. He turned to see Hua Cheng had already begun to walk away.

“San Lang,” He called after him, catching both boys attention. “Are you headed back to Ghost City?”

Hua Cheng turned his head to look at Xie Lian, “Aren't you going back to the Heavenly Court?” He added half jokingly, “But if you want to follow me back to Ghost City, you're welcome to.”

“Hua-gege, your leaving again?” Wei Wuxian pouted. “Why can't you stay a little longer?”

“A-Ying....” Xie Lian sighed. “San Lang has to rebuild remember?” He looked at Hua Cheng with a smile. “Next time we visit Ghost City, I'll help you lay bricks when you rebuild Paradise Manor.”

“No need to lay bricks,” Hua Cheng said. “You can just sit and watch.”

“Well next time, I'll make you a new painting.” Wei Wuxian declared. “Or maybe we could paint together!”

“How soon is next time?” Jiang Cheng asked sheepishly.

Xie Lian smiled down at his boys then looked up at Hua Cheng. “Despite everything that happened tonight... I want to thank you San Lang. I'm not sure what the right thing to do was, so maybe this wasn't such a bad outcome.”

“You think too much.” Xie Lian was taken aback by the comment and looked at Hua Cheng with a surprised look. The man simply smiled, “Just focus on doing what you want to do.” then he left, waving his hand behind him. The boys called out probably a hundred goodbyes before that crimson silhouette vanished into the distance.

…..

The three gods had started making a final sweep of the caves with two boys in tow... rather the boys were running ahead, mostly messing around with stuff or each other, not a care in the world. Feng Xin was still picking strands of white off himself from where Shi Qingxuan had tried using his whisk to wipe away some of the blood, when he gave the kids a once over before letting out a huff.

“Dianxia, not to be rude, but your boys are really childish.”

“Is that such a bad thing?” Xie Lian laughed.

“Aren't they both thirteen? Aren't you worried about their maturity?” Feng Xin gave Xie Lian a stern look. “They won't be kids forever.”

“Your right.” Xie Lian smiled. “They won't be children forever. No one ever stays a child forever. But that's exactly why, especially after everything they've been through, they should get to be kids now. Cause one day they will have to grow up,” He looked over at his boys, that smile turning sad. He looked down with a worried expression.

“Is something wrong Dianxia?” Feng Xin asked.

Xie Lian didn't answer for a good while then looked at Feng Xin with a questioning look. “When we get back to the Heavenly Court, after I report in... do you mind meeting back up with me. I have something I want to discuss with you.”

“Me?” Feng Xin asked.

“Don't worry too much about it. If you don't want to, you don't have to.” Xie Lian replied.

It wasn't long after that, they returned to the heavens. Deciding it was best to not have the boys listen in this time, with Feng Xin's help, he left them in the care of some Junior Officials from Nan Yang palace and soon after the three gods went to the Palace of Divine Might. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng sat in one of the many heavenly gardens with the two junior officials close by, but never speaking to them.... then Wei Wuxian looked up just as two figures walked toward them, one just another junior official from another palace the other...

“Jiejie!!!!” Wei Wuxian cheered, running full speed into Jiang Yanli's arms as the girl smiled at her brother.

“It seems A-Ying missed me dearly.” She said with a bright smile, pulling him back to examine his face. “Looks to me that I have nothing to worry about, you both look healthy as can be.”

Jiang Cheng quickly found his place by his sisters side. “jiejie, baba, he really was innocent, he didn't actually do what he said he did.” He was admit to tell his sister everything.

Jiang Yanli blinked at him and then tilted her head, “What do you mean? You mean what Dianxia Tai Hua accused him of? But baba admitted to it...”

“He did but it was cause he didn't want Qianqiu to know the real story. It's pretty long but involves the Green Ghost Qi Rong. By the way, he's a thousand times worse then the stories have him out to be. Absolutely pathetic too.” Wei Wuxian said.

Jiang Yanli's face dropped. “you ran into the Green Ghost? He didn't hurt you guy's did he?”

“No.” Jiang Cheng said with half smile. “It's like A-Ying said, he was actually kinda pathetic...” He frowned. “And a real psycho. Brain damaged at best.”

Jiang Yanli frowned and Wei Wuxian added, “Also, apparently, he's baba's little cousin! Can you believe that?! They also look a little bit alike, but baba definitely looks nicer.”

Jiang Yanli frowned even deeper. “Wait... baba's cousin?”

Jiang Cheng spoke up, “Like A-Ying said, it's a long story. But we have some time.”

The three kids sat down and both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian went back and forth telling their older sister of the epic adventure they went on, where they snuck into the lair of the Green Ghost and watched Qi Rong get beat up by Hua Cheng and even got to see their baba give him a good old smack down too. They told her about Qi Rong admitting to orchestrating the Gilded Banquet Massacre and how Xie Lian had only taken the blame to hide the fact that the Xianle Prince An Le had planned to overthrow Yong'an and to cover up the Yong'an King's wish to slaughter the people of Xianle after the Banquet. Jiang Yanli listened and had a sad smile on her face, happy of her fathers innocence but also very sad that someone would stoop so low.

“I'm glad everything's been cleared up at least. That Qi Rong truly isn't someone I'd ever want to meet.” She sighed.

Just then Feng Xin arrived, he nodded to his two juniors who nodded back and left. Jiang Cheng watched them leave then turned back. “Where's baba?”

“He went to speak with the Heavenly Emperor, probably to give him the full story.” Feng Xin replied. He was no longer caked in blood, having gone to clean himself up after reporting back. “He shouldn't be to far behind myself... do you... do any of you know what he might want to talk to me about?”

All three kids shook their heads, and Wei Wuxian said, “I didn't even know he was wanting to talk to you.”

It was barely a moment later that they saw Xie Lian walking up, a complicated expression on his face.

“Baba!” Jiang Yanli called out, lifting the edge of her skirt to rush toward him. Xie Lian looked up and smiled, opening his arms to embrace his daughter. After their reunited hug, Xie Lian pulled back and looked up at Feng Xin and his boys, his complicated look returning.

“Dianxia?” Feng Xin asked. “Is something wrong?”

Xie Lian looked at him then seemed to chew on his words. He let Jiang Yanli go and approached the martial god.

“Feng Xin... I... Can I make a very selfish request of you?” Feng Xin opened his mouth to say something, his brow slightly raised but Xie Lian quickly spoke back up, “I will say that you can very much say no. I can always find someone else if it's too much trouble. Please don't treat this as a demand or even-”

“Xie Lian.” Feng Xin cut him off. “Just ask.”

Xie Lian took in a deep breath then gave his kids an apologetic look. “Feng Xin... do you think you kid watch my children for me? Just for a little while... a couple of days maybe?”

“What!?” Jiang Cheng's heart sank as he blurted out the question.

Feng Xin blinked, completely thrown off by the request. “... Me? Hold on, Dianxia, You want me to... why?”

“Like I said you don't have to if you don't want to, or just can't. I'll try to find someone else if it really concerns you.”

“No, that's not... why me?”

“Well,” Xie Lian scratched his cheek. “I'm not exactly sure who else to ask. I'd ask Wind Master but he's already doing two things for me and I really don't think it be smart to leave A-Ying with him, if he ends up bothering poor Lan Wangji again...” Wei Wuxian who had been in a state of shock at the current situation suddenly smiled guiltily at the mention of the other boy. “And the only two other gods I could think to ask are Mu Qing and Ling Wen. However I don't think Mu Qing will agree to it, besides the fact that I don't think the boys would really appreciate that... And Ling Wen is always so busy... NOT that your not busy!”

“No, no I understand what you meant.” Feng Xin acknowledged.

“Thank you... but besides those three the only other person I could think to ask was you. After that the only other option would have been to ask...” Xie Lian didn't finish that remark and shook his head like the idea was foolish. Feng Xin didn't have to guess too hard on who that final option was, and frankly he understood. Who in there right mind would have the gall ask the Emperor of Heaven to babysit a couple of teenagers?

Feng Xin looked at Xie Lian with a firm stare and finally nodded. “Alright.”

“Really?” Xie Lian asked. “I'm serious about you not doing it if you feel-”

“Xie Lian, it's fine.” Feng Xin said calmly. “I can handle a couple of teenagers... as long as a certain one can learn to not call me a certain title.” His eyes landed on Wei Wuxian.

The boy smiled teasingly, “What? You mean Ju-” Jiang Yanli shot out and covered the boys mouth.

“If not for the Generals sake, please do it for mine.”

The boy looked back at her and nodded reluctantly and so she pulled her hands away. Xie Lian looked over his kids and noticed Jiang Cheng drooping, his expression downtrodden. He bent down so he could see his sons face.

“A-Cheng?”

“Do you really have to leave us here?” Jiang Cheng asked quietly.

“I'm sorry A-Cheng, but... there's somewhere I'd like to go, and things I need to think through...”

“Why can't we come with you?”

Xie Lian paused then his eyes flickered to Feng Xin. He looked back at his son with a sad smile. “Maybe one day I will, but this time.... I need to do this alone. I need some time for myself to work through somethings and get other things ready. After I'm done, I'll come get you and we can all go back to Puqi Shrine and I won't bring you back to Heaven unless it's an emergency, or you want to come.”

Jiang Cheng was silent for a good moment then looked into his fathers eyes. “Promise?”

“I Promise, my Xiao Hu.”

After that Xie Lian said his goodbyes, spoke to Feng Xin about a few more things regarding the children's stay, and then with one last goodbye, he left, descending back to the Mortal Realm, to a place he once called home.

Chapter Text

Nightless City....

Wen Qing entered the grand hall, head bowed, as she made her way to the impressive throne that sat high above all else, at the furthest end of the room. Upon the throne, a man with eyes as sharp as a thousand blades which watched her as she arrived, taking in each and every step with a cold demeanor. Just beneath him sitting at two small tables were two young men, one only about sixteen or seventeen the other about twenty years in appearance. The younger of the two exuded pompousness while the other seemed like a warrior waiting for the order to kill.

Wen Qing swept her arms out, putting one hand over the other before bowing deeply. “Clan Leader, Blazing Sun, Wen Ruohan. I have returned.”

“Wen Qing, where is your escort?” Wen Ruohan asked coldly, placing a fist under his chin as he leaned against his throne. He had cut to the chase as Wen Qing knew he would. There was no viable reason to sweeten her words.

“He's dead.” She stated bluntly, still bowing.

“And how, might I ask, did he die?” There was a sharpness to his tone when he said 'die.'

“It seems he incurred the wrath of one Ghost King, the Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Chengzhu.”

“And how did that happen, exactly?”

“In all honesty Clan Leader, I am unsure. One moment he was at my side, the next he wondered off and got himself killed.”

Wen Ruohan drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne and stared down at her. After a uncomfortable silence he hummed “It's no matter, one fool dead verses that of an esteemed member of our clan is nothing.... Unless you have something more to tell me?”

Wen Qing swallowed, “There is.”

She could feel a sweat on the back of her neck as she prepared to speak, her words most likely the catalyst for something terrible down the road. “Before I left Ghost City, I was stopped by Crimson Rain Sought Flower's, Waning Moon Officer. He asked me to inform you... that Ghost City no longer welcomes the Wen Clan of Qishan... and that.... any cultivators from the Wen Clan caught within three thousand meter radius of Hua Chengzhu's territory will be slaughtered indiscriminately. No exceptions.”

Silence filled the grand hall, any and all eyes now watched Wen Ruohan with both fear and intrigue, waiting for his reaction. However It was the youngest of the two below him that spoke up first.

“What audacity! What foolish brainless audacity! Who does this Crimson dog think he is, threatening us without rhyme or reason! He should be-”

“Silence Chao-er.” Wen Ruohan's voice boomed, echoing across the hall in a frightful manor.

Wen Chao, as the youngest was known, flinched and curled into himself at his fathers berating.

Wen Ruohan's eyes were full of fire and when he spoke, his words full of venom. “Boy, what exactly do you think would happen if I sent an army to Ghost City this very instance? Do you think their Chengzhu would fall like a trembling leaf and bow before our might? Foolishness. The only way to destroy an illustrious Ghost King would be to scatter his ashes. Now tell me Chao-er, do you know where Crimson Rain Sought Flower would keep his ashes?”

Wen Chao fumbled a bit before the other young man spoke, clear and concise. “No one does, and most definitely never will. To attempt an assault on Ghost City or Hua Cheng alone would be suicide.” The young man turned his head slightly to look upon Wen Ruohan. “The Ghost King isn't the problem. It will be the Clan's of Jin and Nie who will become problematic if they catch wind of our new enemy. Especially that Nie Mingjue, who already holds a meaningless grudge against us.”

“Correct, Xu-er.” Wen Ruohan nodded, before standing up and clasping both hands behind his back. He began to descend the steps leading down from his throne as he spoke, “I do plan to eventually deal with the Crimson Stain at a later time, for now our ruling cannot be challenged among the lesser clans. The answer is simple.”

He had reached the bottom of the steps and turned to face his eldest son, Wen Xu, “Tomorrow you will head to Nie Clan of Qinghe, and set up an outpost there. If their leader retaliates, make an example of his brother.” He then turned to Wen Chao, “You will go to the Jin Clan of Lanling, I highly doubt their leader will raise a fuss as he is weary of consequences and his son is a spoiled brat. Still, I'm sending Wen Zhuliu with you as your guard.”

Wen Chao peered over at the solemn looking man at the edge of the room. He simply bowed his head in response to this order before taking up a standing position next to the young man.

Wen Ruohan turned to face Wen Qing, “Return to your post.” She nodded and made to leave but was stopped as when Ruohan continued, “Oh, and that brother of yours needs to grow a spine, I will be sending him Chao-er to learn a few things. It is unbecoming of a Wen to cower at his own shadow.”

Wen Qing took pause for a short time before slowly nodding and making her way out of the Grand Hall.

Once she was gone Wen Chao turned to Wen Ruohan. “Are we really not going to do anything about Hua Cheng? He's just a ghost.”

“Just a ghost?” Wen Xu huffed. “He can slaughter an entire room without lifting a finger, make it rain down their blood and scatter their spirits. If you want to face him, go ahead. We won't hold your funeral.”

“Silence, both of you.” The two looked at their father, one with fear the other with obedience. “To think that I will do nothing about the Crimson Rain Sought Flower is beyond unthinkable, but he is ancient and powerful. To conquer a mountain, one must know not just what tools are needed to climb but what paths to take in their ascending of it? If I am to deal with the Ghost King, I need to know more about him.” Wen Ruohan turned to some nearby servants. “Bring me any and every scholar you can with knowledge of the Ghost Realm and Crimson Rain Sought Flower as well as any written work. It does not matter if its rumor or fact, bring it to me.”

They bowed and quickly rushed from the grand hall to begin their search. Wen Ruohan looked at his two sons. “What are you both still doing here? Did I not give you job's to do?” And with a sweep of his sleeve he left them behind.

….

Heaven....

So far, Wei Wuxian had been to two Palaces within the Heavenly Capital. The first being the Palace of Divine Might which held an almost prestigious grandness of holy might that could conquer your very mind, the second being the Palace of Xianle which was more elegant and beautiful then holy and magnificent. The palace of Nan Yang only held some resemblance to the later palace but all together was its own place entirely. The main hall was simple and well kept with decorations that were similar in style to the Palace of Xianle, obviously from the same era. However it was one of a handful of places in the palace anyone would call tidy. Most of the rooms they had seen were unorganized or constantly bustling with Junior Officials coming and going, some carrying weapons others scrolls, and some empty handed but keeping up seemingly important conversation with each other.

Wei Wuxian hadn't seen it entirely, but he knew his fathers palace had had a garden in it, but the palace of Nan Yang didn't. Where one might find a garden, was instead a training area that was well kept and organized. A massive door to the west side of the training space was opened up to an armory where junior officials were either organizing it or taking up some of the weapons to test them and or clean them. Upon the south wall, lined up in a row were multiple targets for one to practice archery, each a different size, distance, and height. It was here that Feng Xin paused in his leading the three teens, turning to face them, arms crossed and his brow pinched, looking the part of General indeed.

“before we go any further, somethings need to be said.” He began as a junior official came up with some simple robes piled in his arms. “Your father asked that I make sure you keep up with your cultivation training as well as get you started on practicing your swordsmanship. While here you have access to this training area as well as the help of any of my junior officials.”

“Like Nan Feng? Where is he by the way?” Jiang Cheng asked, his face still gloomy from since their father left.

“Nan Feng is... busy.” Feng Xin answered with a strange look in his eyes before continuing. “During training, you three will have these robes to practice in, I will apologize to you miss Yanli. I don't exactly have any robes designed for a young lady...”

“And why is that?” Wei Wuxian asked playfully.

“Reasons. Moving on.” Feng Xin waved for the junior to pass out the robes as he continued, “Since this arrangement was a bit last minute I could only prepare two rooms. You two boys will get one miss Yanli will get the other. Curfew is at hai time, whether or not your asleep by then isn't important to me. However, you best be up by at the earliest mao time or within the hour after, as that's when breakfast will be served. After that, there won't be a meal till noon. Between those times you'll do your cultivation training as well as your weapon training. If I'm not busy I will stand in on it, otherwise your on your own unless learning your weapons. In the afternoon your free to do as you please, as long as you follow some rules.”

“yay, rules.” Wei Wuxian said sarcastically.

Feng Xin gave him a hard look, “Number one; if you wish to leave the Palace for any reason, you must and WILL be escorted by one of my junior officials. Number two; no going out past curfew. Like I said before, whether your asleep or not by that time, I don't care, but although gods don't necessarily need sleep, it doesn't mean they'll be too pleased if a couple of rowdy teenagers start causing a fuss in the middle of the night. The other rules are simpler; don't cause problems, don't break things, and don't take things that aren't yours. Do I make myself clear?”

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli nodded. Wei Wuxian pondered it all for a moment, then asked “first, what exactly happens if we were to break any of the rules?”

“...” Feng Xin hadn't really thought about that. He paused then asked, “What does Dianxia normally do?”

Jiang Yanli was the one to answer. “It depends. If the matter is that we have offended someone, normally baba makes us apologize, written or verbal, otherwise it matters on the degree of the offense. If its bad enough baba usually just has a sit down discussion and takes away some privileges. Anything else...”

“He makes us recite the ethics sutra.” Jiang Cheng finished the statement with a lack of interest.

Feng Xin stood there wide eyed at that last statement for a good moment before suddenly bursting into a fit of laughter. This threw all three kids off for a moment, as up until this point the man had been stern and straightforward, even a bit standoffish, but now his face was almost red as he laughed at something they didn't quiet understand. After a short time of this, Feng Xin had finally caught his breath and gave the kids a small smile.

“He really hasn't changed that much.” He was silent after that for a little longer, seemingly reminiscing about something before looking back at the kids. Feng Xin returned to a more serious demeanor but still had traces of a smile on his face, “Alright then. If you break the rules the punishment is as follows. First offense, your bumped up to two officials if you go out. Second offense, you can only go out if I am with you and an earlier curfew is put into place. Third time, any and all privileges of leaving the Palace of Nan Yang are revoked completely. Any other questions?”

Wei Wuxian raised his hand. Feng Xin acknowledged him and so the boy asked, “How come there aren't any lady officials in the Palace of Nan Yang? Is it the same reason you acted so wildly upset when Wind Master grabbed you while in her female appearance? Are you scared of women or something?”

Feng Xin's brow twitched.

“I don't think you have room to make fun of something odd someone might be afraid of.” Jiang Cheng said with a half smile, mostly mischievous.

Wei Wuxian frowned. “Women and dogs are very different.”

“Your afraid of dogs?” Feng Xin quirked a brow.

Wei Wuxian frowned deeper, shaking his head and wanting to change the topic immediately.

Jiang Yanli stepped in between her brothers, her attempt at stopping any confrontation before it happened before answering Feng Xin's question. “Yes, but it isn't that simple, just as much as I assume your reasons for not having a lady official are as complex. I apologize for A-Ying's rude questioning if it makes much a difference.”

Feng Xin listened as she spoke, and couldn't help but notice even the smallest of mannerisms she had... all very much like Xie Lian. From the way she tried to explain things to the seamless attempt at stopping problems between two people before they occurred by placing herself in the center as if driving the attention away and toward herself, even the way she held herself and talked, it was so much like him.

Feng Xin nodded. “it's fine. You don't need to apologize for him. You apologizing won't fix his attitude. He needs to learn to do that himself.” He then crossed his arms once more. “before I show you three to your quarters It's best we get the proper naming out of the way. While inside my Palace you can call me Fang Xin, other wise, if in more proper settings or in the presents of other members of the Upper Court you will call me General Nan Yang. Introduce your names properly to me.”

Jiang Cheng stood straight and began with his introduction. “Jiang Cheng, courtesy name Jiang Wanyin.”

“Jiang Yanli.” The girl answered simply with a small bow.

“Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian.”

Feng Xin nodded in acknowledgment. “While out you will go by your full courtesy name. Otherwise what I call you inside the Palace is up to you.”

“You can just call me Yanli then.” Jiang Yanli said with a soft smile.

“... I'm fine with whatever.” Jiang Cheng said glancing away.

“You can call me Wangzi.” Wei Wuxian said with an impish smile.

Feng Xin took in a deep breath, his brow twitching again. “No.”

Wei Wuxian feigned a pout. Feng Xin motioned for them to follow, and they made their way deeper into the Palace. As they walked Wei Wuxian noticed a few officials entering a room with some jugs in their hands. A playful expression came to his face as he pretended to not see anything.

…

It was late into the night and Pei Ming had leapt back up into the heavens, a strong fury in his chest. Oh he was glad his Palace was still on guard duty, his junior officials knew when to piss off if they saw him in such a mood as he was in. Since it was late in the night, no other officials besides his own would be out but that didn't mean they wouldn't see him in his state, soaked to the bone in... He groaned, the putrid smell of pickles still making him wish he could have done anything to retaliate against his offenders but he couldn't.

“Damned little Pei, Damned little witch, Damned Dianxia, Damned Rain Master and Damned Qingxuan!” He huffed under his breath as he stormed down the road, keeping to the shadows of palace walls to not be noticed by lingering eyes. Pei Ming continued to curse under his breath as he went, wiping pickle juice of himself every so often with large sweeps of his arms.

Then he heard giggling. He paused, then slowly looked up. Right about then he had been making his way through the shadow of the walls of the Palace of Nan Yang, and there on top of said wall was a young boy, with a wicked grin and a jug of alcohol in his grip.

“Hi.” Wei Wuxian said with another giggle. He wasn't laughing from the drink, but rather the obvious state of distress the General was in as the man had been mumbling to himself all the way down the road.

Pei Ming stared up at the boy, recognizing him almost instantly as the one Shi Qingxuan had called little jade's tormentor, the son of Xie Lian. He huffed, before turning to continue walking back to his own palace. He only stopped again when he heard the sound of feet hitting the ground and the slosh of the liquid in the jar as the kid had jumped from the roof. Pei Ming turned slightly as the boy skipped up to the place beside him and smiled almost expectantly up at him.

“What are you doing?” Wei Wuxian asked.

Pei Ming looked down at him, already annoyed beyond reason. “Why do you care?”

“I don't.”

“If that's the case, leave me alone.” Pei Ming went to leave again and the boy stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

“General Pei, can I ask you a question?”

“No.” He tried to move around the kid but he just stepped back into his path.

“Why not?”

“Because I don't have time to care for the concerns of a ten year old brat who's probably already out past his bedtime getting into things he shouldn't, now move.”

Wei Wuxian blocked him again. “Firstly, I'm thirteen. Second, why the rush? I'm just a simple child needing their simple questions answered.”

Pei Ming took a deep breath and exhaled through his nose. “If I answer will you leave me alone?”

Wei Wuxian shrugged. “How did you get the title 'god of love?”

“If you have to ask, your obviously too young to know.” He made to step away again and was blocked yet again.

“Who says? From what I heard you sound like you get around.”

Pei Ming scoffed. This kid was something else, nothing like the impression he had of the boys father. In fact he was no longer surprised that the little jade, Lan Wangji, had acted so flustered about the boy; the kid was a menace.

“Boy, I'm not in the mood for games and I don't think you want to piss me off anymore then I already am, so if you want me to pretend I didn't see anything, back off.” He finally pushed past the kid and started to make his leave.

“Wait! One more question.” Wei Wuxian called after him.

Pei Ming paused and glared back at the kid.

“ Why do you smell like pickles?”

Vein's began to pop on Pei Ming's forehead as a very pissed off looking smile spread across his face. Wei Wuxian looked at the god for just a moment... then it hit him that he may have just fucked up.

Inside the Palace of Nan Yang, Feng Xin was going over some papers with one of his juniors when a great banging sound came from the Palace entrance. He paused, looked at the junior, then up at the door.

“Who the fuck?” Feng Xin mumbled as he walked to the door. He barely opened before a small form was shoved into him. He looked down at a panicked Wei Wuxian only to look up as a jug of alchol was shoved in his face. Taking it he met eyes with none other then Pei Ming.

“General Ming Guan-”

“Keep that fucking brat away from me.” Pei Ming said through gritted teeth, before spinning around and storming off into the night.

Feng Xin blinked, then lifted the jug, then looked down at the kid who was looking up at him with a sheepish smile.

“Oh dear, look at the time, I should really be in bed.” Wei Wuxian tried to book it but his collar was snatched by Feng Xin.

“Wei Ying. What the hell are you doing with this?” the general lifted the jug his brows knitted.

“That? Well, I was just-” Wei Wuxian yanked his own belt, and slipped out of his outer robe and ran across the main hall with a laugh.

Feng Xin looked at the robe in surprise but simply tossed it to his junior. “Wei Ying! Stop this!”

“Why? Is General Ju Yang going to punish me?” Wei Wuxian teased as he hoped over the threshold and into another room.

“WEI YING!” Feng Xin yelled as he stormed after the kid, his juniors vanishing, having decided they wouldn't like to get into the middle of this. They knew they're general and this wasn't going to end well.

Wei Wuxian slid down the passage before jumping into another room that was a mess of paper work and random things. He hopped over a few objects before jumping up onto a desk and spinning around just as Feng Xin found him.

“Wei Ying. Stop this right-”

BANG.

Feng Xin hadn't payed attention and slammed his knee into one of the many objects causing a massive collapse of things in the room, some hitting him others crashing to the ground in a cacophony of crashes and slams.

Wei Wuxian began to laugh as the General shook. “Friend of women, A Trusty companion; Ask for a son Most powerful is-”

“GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!” Feng Xin threw the jug he had still been holding against a near by wall causing it to shatter into a million pieces, before dropping to the floor, sitting on his heels, shaking with anger. He sat there for a solid minute, breathing harshly, trying what he could to calm himself down before glaring up at the boy. He stopped.

Wei Wuxian was standing on the desk, but he wasn't smiling anymore. Instead the kid looked petrified, as he looked between Feng Xin and the place on the wall were the jug had hit, pieces of the ceramic had been impaled into it. Feng Xin stood up suddenly, and Wei Wuxian flinched.

“G-general I'm sorry! I really wasn't trying to piss you off! I was- I was... just...” the kid looked like he might start crying.

Feng Xin was distraught, he reached out like he was going to grab him, but then immediately pulled back. He looked at the kid for a long moment before putting his head in his hand. “fuck....”

They stood their like that for a good long while, before Wei Wuxian quietly slipped off the desk and made his way to sneak past the general.

“Wait.”

Wei Wuxian froze and pulled into himself as he peered up at the general. Feng Xin lowered his hand then looked back at the kid, before bending down so he was on one of his knees and more face to face with the kid, but never moved closer.

“Wei Wuxian.”

“I really am so-”

Feng Xin cut him off by raising his hand. “Listen. I-” he took in a deep breath then looked Wei Wuxian in the eye. “I'm not good with kids. Never have been. But I accepted your fathers request because one; I thought I could handle it, and two; because I have a great respect for your father.” Wei Wuxian began fiddling with his hands, and Feng Xin continued. “I'm sorry if I scared you, but your really pushing it. Your going to need to act better, or it might not be me you piss off to the point of anger next time.”

“... Like General Pei?” Wei Wuxian asked with a slight cheekiness.

“Yes. Definitely.” Feng Xin replied. “Wei Ying... if I can promise not to... snap at you again... can you promise to listen and to not... call me that title.”

Wei Wuxian looked at the general for a moment, his smile starting to come back to his face. “Maybe...”

“Wei Ying.”

“Ok.” Wei Wuxian answered with a laugh. “I'll try.”

Feng Xin nodded, then stood up. “Ok. I'm going to only count this as one rule broken. Got it? It means if you want to leave my palace you have to have myself or two juniors with you at all times.”

“I understand.” Wei Wuxian replied with a nod.

“Also” Feng Xin pointed to the wall. “I am going to be talking to your father when he returns about the alcohol.”

“Oh...”

After that, Wei Wuxian finally went to bed, and Feng Xin had the complete understanding that, by the time Xie Lian returned, there was a very strong chance that kid was going to probably break enough rules to restrict him to the Palace of Nan Yang.

Chapter Text

When Jiang Cheng woke up to the sound of knocking at the door and a voice calling out that it was time to get up, he was originally very confused. He sat up and looked around, only to remember the situation and groaned internally. They were at the Palace of Nan Yang... in heaven... when he just wanted to be at Puqi Shrine. Jiang Cheng glared over at his brother, Wei Wuxian, who was sprawled out on his own bed fast asleep with no intention of heeding the waking call. He stood up, walked over to his brother reached over and with one quick motion, flipped onto the floor.

Thud!

“Eh? Wha? I'm up!” Wei Wuxian sat up wiping dried drool from his face and looked around confused. Then something clicked. “Why did you throw me out of bed?!”

“Cause we have to get up. Unless you want to miss breakfast.” Jiang Cheng retorted.

“Feng Xin said we could sleep in at least an hour.” Wei Wuxian snapped back.

“Ya, and I'm not coming back in here to get you up after that. Be glad I'm doing this at least.”

Wei Wuxian stood up and gave his brother a playful shove. The two wrestled a little before changing into their training uniforms, which consisted of plain colored tunic and pants, before rushing out to the dinning area. The room was quiet large with a long table that was alive with discussion as junior officials sat and stood, coming to and fro, some eating some not. At the end of the table was Feng Xin who wasn't eating, instead looking over some papers one of his officials had just handed him, and to his right Jiang Yanli sat eating a bowl of congee. She wore a matching tunic and pants to the boys and had pulled her hair back into to simple buns. Down the center of the table were different things to put into the bowls and so when Wei Wuxian sat next to his brother on the left side of the table he immediately grabbed for the reddest of seasonings and a few meats to throw on top of his own congee. Feng Xin looked up and raised a brow at the sight of the bright red bowl that the boy was making but didn't say a word as he continued discussing some things with his juniors.

“Did you two sleep well?” Jiang Yanli asked with a smile.

Jiang Cheng shrugged.

“Well enough.” Wei Wuxian started but was cut off by Feng Xin.

“Well enough indeed. I'm serious about that being your first strike.” The man said not looking up from the paper in his hand before passing it off to another official.

“What?” Jiang Yanli looked at Wei Wuxian with concern. Jiang Cheng just glared at him.

“It's nothing... I just messed up a little.” Wei Wuxian laughed guilty as he shoved some congee into his mouth.

“Making an enemy of General Ming Guan on your first night isn't a little mess up. And breaking into my reserves isn't either.”

“A-Ying...” Jiang Yanli sounded disappointed, which made Wei Wuxian shrink into his chair.

“You didn't have to tell them everything..” He mumbled.

“They'd have found out eventually. Now, finish up. I have some time this morning so we can start on some weapons practice in the training field this morning. I have one official who knows a few things about fighting with a staff so he can help you, is that alright Yanli?” Feng Xin said, crossing his arms.

“That's perfectly alright.” She answered with a smile.

As they continued eating Wei Wuxian fiddled with his chop sticks then eyed Feng Xin.

“Yes?” He asked.

“Do you think you could also teach me how to use a bow?” Wei Wuxian asked.

Feng Xin blinked. “Huh?”

“It was just a question. I just thought that it might be a cool skill to learn that's all.” the boy answered in all seriousness as he shoveled another bite of congee.

Jiang Cheng suddenly got very interested in the conversation. “I wouldn't mind learning either... If General Nan Yang is alright with teaching us...”

Feng Xin looked at both of the boys in a bit of surprise, then at their sister who just smiled at him. He noticed some of his juniors staring at him almost curious before noticing him watching them and dispersing to continue their duties.

“I mean... I guess it wouldn't hurt...” He mumbled rubbing the back of his neck, hard to hide the proud smile creeping onto his face.

They finished up their meal and headed out to the training field. Feng Xin spent the first few hours showing the boy's sword basics, like how to properly hold the weapon as well as a simple strike technique, while a junior official showed Jiang Yanli how to properly hold a staff and a few simple moves, focusing on some of the martial arts she already knew. During the training Feng Xin talked about different sword styles, and how the current one he showed them was a style used during the era of Xianle by many of the Kingdoms soldiers. They practiced it a few more times then Jiang Cheng got a questioning look on his face.

“General Nan Yang.” he spoke, lowering Sandu. “What was... what was the Kingdom Xianle like.”

Feng Xin had been trying to correct Wei Wuxian's posture and looked over at the other boy with a raised brow. “Xianle? Didn't your father tell you about his old Kingdom?”

“Not really,” Wei Wuxian interjected. “He doesn't talk a lot about the past.... What was he like back then? Was he any different then he is now? You said yesterday that he hadn't changed much. Does that mean he is just like he was then or is he just a little different?”

Feng Xin straightened up and looked at the two boys who watched him expectantly. Jiang Yanli had paused her own training and looked over, seeming to want to hear whatever answers were given as well.

The General seemed to think something over, then decided it wouldn't hurt to divulge something small at least. “Well, I guess Xianle wasn't all that different from any other kingdom. We were a crafty people, a Kingdom on the edge of the eastern sea. To say we were Rich and prosperous would have been an understatement, and we had a strength in the finer arts...” He didn't continue for a moment, then turned back to the kids, “As for your father, he was a kind and noble person who wished only the best for the common people... Did your father tell you the tale of the Crown Prince Who Pleased the Gods?”

“Yes.” Jiang Cheng said. “About him saving the little boy during a parade and then defeating a powerful ghost before ascending in his sleep.”

Feng Xin tilted his head. “That's true... wait did he not tell you what happened after he defeated the ghost.”

“What do you mean?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“His phrase. It was put on all his temples.... he didn't tell you. It wasn't exactly nothing.”

“Phrase?” Jiang Yanli asked as she walked over to join her brothers.

“Huh.” Feng Xin crossed his arms. “The Demon of Yi Nian Bridge, when it would appear it would ask three questions. Get even one wrong and you would be dead.”

The kids looked between themselves confused.

“He really didn't tell you...” Feng Xin scratched his head. “Well, I guess... the ghost asked him the first question. It asked 'where am I?' and your father answered that they were in the human realm. The ghost said no and that they were in the abyss.”

“Tricky ghost.” Wei Wuxian murmured.

“Instead of letting it ask him the remaining questions he fought the ghost.” Feng Xin continued, the three teens listening to him with rapt attention. “The battle lasted nearly a full day but your father inevitably defeated it. He then planted a flowering tree at the foot of the bridge before scattering soil to help the ghost pass on, before he was met by a cultivator who asked him what all it was for and your father answered with-”

“Body in the Abyss, Heart in Paradise.”

Feng Xin froze, eyes almost bulging out of his skull, before he spun to the main entrance of the Training area and gave a deep bow. “My Lord, I didn't hear you arrive. Apologies.”

Jun Wu stepped into the training area and all the Junior Officials immediately stopped what they were doing to give a deep bow themselves. “Please, General Nan Yang, I only came because I heard you were watching Xianle's children. You can relax.”

Feng Xin slowly stood but he was still standing stiffly, having not been expecting this visit from the Heavenly Emperor and feeling unprepared.

Jun Wu turned his attention toward the three teens. “That was the phrase he said. I should know as I was that cultivator who asked.”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng didn't know whether they should be awestruck by the story or petrified that the Jun Wu had shown up and scared the crap out of both of them. Jiang Yanli however had a completely different reaction.

“Beautiful...” She said with a soft smile. Jun Wu looked at her. She looked back a little sheepishly. “The Phrase. I think it sounds beautiful. It's odd that I never heard him say it before.”

Jun Wu watched her with an unreadable expression for a short time before suddenly smiling. He walked over to the three of them and looked them over. “It seems you three have armed yourselves. Would I be correct in assuming Nan Yang is helping them learn?”

“Yes my Lord, upon Dianxia's request.” Feng Xin answered.

“Good.” Jun Wu said plainly, not removing his gaze from the three children. His eyes returned to Jiang Yanli in particular before looking to the General. “I would like to take Xianle's daughter off your hands for a moment. It won't be long, just that I wish to speak with her on a matter.”

Feng Xin looked at the girl who was completely surprised by the request. “Uh.. I mean... Of course My Lord.” He nodded to give Jiang Yanli the go ahead. She looked back at her brothers, Wei Wuxian looking dumbfounded, and Jiang Cheng looking concerned.

“Might I ask why My Lord wishes to speak with me?” Jiang Yanli turned back to Jun Wu. The Heavenly Emperor simply smiled at her and turned to leave with the expectation of her to follow him. She didn't waste a second, waving a small goodbye to her brothers before catching up to Jun Wu as the two of them left the Palace of Nan Yang.

Jiang Yanli followed Jun Wu for a good while, easily noticing the few stares in her direction when passing other gods who had stopped to acknowledge the Heavenly Emperor with small bows and many 'My Lord's. Unlike the times she had walked with her father however, the Heavenly Officials didn't whisper among themselves or talk behind her back. Realistically though, she knew that what ever they were thinking would still be privately communicated as a new set of rumors for them to gossip about. Truly, were gods so free that they could stand about like a couple of pre-teen girls, talking tall tales in tea shops. The two of them only came to a stop when they reached one of the many heavenly gardens, luxurious and regal with hundreds of blossoms blooming eternally in intricate designs, and hundreds if not thousands of different floral families. There were roses and orchids and large blooming chrysanthemums of multiple shades of color. But of all the beautiful flora, Jiang Yanli's eyes landed on a small patch of white peonies with little yellow centers. They weren't as many and as prominent as any other flowers in the Heavenly Gardens but even just seeing them, her heart fluttered a bit. This would be the second time in recent recollection that a young boy would cross her mind, and an unnamed sadness would fill her chest.

“Xianle said you had only just begun to work on your cultivation, yes?” Jun Wu spoke, breaking Jiang Yanli out of her trance.

“Yes My Lord.”

“Most begin cultivation at a young age, you however are almost a young woman. Your cultivation may be quiet low by the time you get close to achieving a golden core of your own. Tell me, when did your brothers achieve theirs.”

Jiang Yanli thought, then answered. “A-Ying got his first, a little while before his twelfth birthday. A-Cheng was a few months after that.”

Jun Wu nodded in acknowledgment before motioning to a nearby seating area, where one might relax and look out among the gardens luxuriant view. She took a seat on one of the cushioned benches but Jun Wu stayed standing watching her with unreadable eyes. “How old are you child?”

“Sixteen.” She answered honestly.

“And when did Xianle begin your brothers cultivation training.”

“When they were about ten.”

“In the time it took for them to achieve a golden core, for you to start now, you will already be an adult by the time you succeed... that is, if you achieve a golden core with in the same amount of time.” Jun Wu walked around her, looking off into the distance. “To start late is often the inevitable cause of a low cultivation. If you are to even reach the same level as your brothers, you may need outside help.”

Jiang Yanli pondered this, then asked, “My Lord, why did you ask me out here? It can't be just to ask me questions... is it?”

Jun Wu had made a full circle around the girl, then looked down at her with an odd smile. “Much like your father, you are very insightful.” He reached down with a finger and lifted her chin so she faced him completely. “Would you like my help in achieving a higher cultivation?”

Jiang Yanli's eyes widened and she was made speechless. Not only was she unsure of how that could be possible, but to have the Emperor of Heaven himself be the one to offer it... It was startling if not giving her the feeling of being unworthy of such an offer.

“My... My Lord... what do you mean by this? Why would you offer me this?”

Jun Wu pulled his hand away and stood at his full height, clasping both hands behind his back. “For starters, much like your brothers, I see greatness in you. Like a flower, one must nurture it carefully to allow it to grow to its superior potential. Secondly,” He said the next part with a softer voice, “You remind me very much of Xianle. And as such I would like to see you stay at his side, and achieving this might allow for that... If you wish for it that is.”

Jiang Yanli bowed her head ever so slightly, taking those words as a compliment. She raised her gaze once more. “How exactly can you help me?”

“Take up the lotus position.” Jun Wu demanded and the girl did as she was asked, crossing both legs and straightening her back. “Breath.” He said and so she did, entering a meditative state. She closed her eyes. When Jun Wu then placed a hand on her shoulder she jolted at the sudden sensation of energy passing through her. “Relax.” He spoke assertively.

“What are yo-”

“I told you to relax.”

She didn't question this again and simply closed her eyes once more, meditating, trying to clear her thoughts. After about an incense time, Jun Wu finally answered her.

“I am simply using a small amount of my own Spiritual Power to help yours flow better through your meridians. Simply speaking I'm giving your own abilities a small push so that it might speed up the process, the rest of your cultivation will rely on you alone. Please don't squash this opportunity to better yourself.”

“I would never waste My Lords kindness.” Jiang Yanli replied.

The feeling was odd, the sensation of energy flowing through her like water rushing down a stream, strong enough to push anything blocking the flow away, but soft enough to not overflow. They continued this process for a half an incense time before Jun Wu finally dropped his hand and motioned for her to stand. “Let us return to the Palace of Nan Yang, your brothers are probably wondering where you've been, little princess.”

Jiang Yanli had been standing herself up from the bench, but immediately straightened up and looked to the Heavenly Emperor with surprise. However his back was facing her and he was already walking away. Did... did I hear him call me... little princess? Was that real? Jiang Yanli wondered.

“Are you coming?” He called back.

“Yes My Lord.” She answered, quickly catching up and taking up the place at his side.

When they re-entered the training area of the Palace of Nan Yang, it was just as an arrow flew across, striking a second arrow that had already hit dead center of one of the many higher placed targets along the southern wall.

“Good shot Wei Ying, seems your getting the hang of this rather quickly.” Feng Xin said, truly impressed with the boys natural talent. When he turned and saw Jun Wu had returned with Jiang Yanli, he was less stiff then before, all the surprise now gone, and simply bowed his head to the Emperor. “My Lord has returned.”

Jun Wu nodded back to the General as Wei Wuxian turned excitedly to his sister. “Jiejie! Jie jie did you see that shot I made! Apparently I'm really good at archery! Isn't that cool! I can't wait for baba-”

“Calm yourself little Xianle.” Jun Wu said.

Wei Wuxian paused then looked at the Heavenly Emperor with a surprised expression. That title was unexpected and he couldn't help but give a half smile. Jun Wu simply gave the boy a calm look before glancing around until his eyes landed on Jiang Cheng who had paused in his practice with his sword Sandu to look in their direction. Jun Wu looked away and toward Feng Xin, leaving Jiang Cheng to frown, that singled out feeling starting to creep back into his mind.

“General Nan Yang, I will take my leave. In a few days, if the children are still in your care, I may come by to asses their progress.”

“Of course.” Feng Xin said with a bow. With that the Heavenly Emperor gave a nod to the three teens and left.

…

After lunch, the teens had indeed been given the freedom to use the rest of the afternoon as they pleased, and there was something very particular Wei Wuxian had decided a while back he wanted to do, and of course there was only one icy cold, funeral clothed wearing boy who could possibly help him with this task. Two Junior Officials of the Palace of Nan Yang, did indeed follow him out into the streets of the heavenly capital, and as per his request, lead him to the Palace of Wind and Water.

The Palace itself seemed quiet busy as they seemed to be preparing for something, but Wei Wuxian didn't care, swaying in place as one of the Nan Yang officials asked to speak with the Wind Master. He could hear music coming form within, the sound of guqin, and he knew exactly who was playing. It wasn't long before Shi Qingxuan came to the palace entrance in his male form to see who was asking for him. When he saw it was Wei Wuxian with the Junior Officials his eyes brightened as if he had just remembered something.

“A-Xian, I'm glad to see you. Actually I had plans to come see you and your siblings this morning but I got so busy preparing for my brothers return that it slipped my mind. How was your first night at Palace of Nan Yang?”

The boy didn't answer but the two Junior Officials gave him a look.

“That bad huh?” Shi Qingxuan teased, tucking his whisk into his arms. “Alright, I won't press on the matter. By the way, I saw your father last night, and he wanted me to tell you three that he would come get you after the Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet, that way you all could enjoy the festivities as well.”

“A Banquet?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Yes, in heaven the gods come together to partake in great food and entertainment. I invited your baba to come up and enjoy it with us.” Shi Qingxuan seemed excited himself, but quickly paused his excitement with a questioning look. “A-Xian, I'm going to give a wild guess and say your here today to see A-Zhan.”

“You'd be correct. May I see him? I really want to talk to him. Its really important.” Wei Wuxian was practically vibrating, he was bouncing in place so much.

“I'm sorry little one, my didi is practicing right now and won't be done for a good while...”

“but its because he's practicing that I need to talk to him right now.” Wei Wuxian was determined to see Lan Wangji.

“... Wait, what do you mean by that?” Shi Qingxuan asked.

“Please Lord Wind Master. I promise I won't tease him too much and if I do he could just use his trick on me to make me stop talking. Pleeeeas.” He gave Shi Qingxuan a pitiful expression which only made the man laugh a little uncomfortably. Shi Qingxuan thought for a moment.

“Ok... but if he asks you to leave, I'll have to comply and you won't be allowed to come back unless he asks.”

Wei Wuxian nodded and he lead the boy inside, the two Junior Officials staying outside and starting a discussion with two officials of the Palace of Wind and Water.

This Palace was more on par with the Palace of Xianle, except similarly lively to the Palace of Nan Yang, but exceedingly more organized and decorated. On top of this, although the Junior Officials moved about they were quiet, and who wouldn't be when the sound of music echoes through the place like an enchanting melody. After passing through a few hallways they came upon a garden, large and luxurious. It was there, under a blossoming peach tree, a boy in white sat, eyes lowered playing a guqin.

Wei Wuxian stared, simply cause the scene in front of him was truly beautiful. The sun trickled down through openings in the trees canopy, and alongside ever falling petals, they landed on Lan Wangji like an ethereal aura, a boy of frost and snow surrounded by a warm spring wind.

“Didi, you have a guest.” Shi Qingxuan called out, crossing the garden toward the boy.

Lan Wangji paused his playing and looked up, his clear brightly colored eyes landing on Wei Wuxian. It was then that the later boy saw that there was still a fading scab on Lan Wangji's lip from his time in Ghost City.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji acknowledged.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian called back, bounding across the garden until he was standing over the other boy. “Did my new best friend miss me? Because I missed him a lot. By the way, baba said I must apologize for licking you before, so there it is. Sorry Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji knitted his brow.

“ehem.” Shi Qingxuan cleared his throat. “A-Xian, you said you had something you wanted to ask A-Zhan.”

“Hmm? Oh yes.” Wei Wuxian pulled his dizi flute from his belt and held it out. “Back when we met at Banyue, you used your guqin to help Wind and Earth Master fight those ghosts. I was wondering if Lan Zhan could teach me how.”

“oh?” Shi Qingxuan was happily surprised, having worried he had sentenced his didi to miserable day assuming that Wei Wuxian had come to play a prank or something. “I didn't know A-Xian played an instrument?”

“Yes. Baba got it for as a present for my tenth birthday. It was because I wanted to help him get money for us through busking. We didn't really have a place to stay like we do now, so we moved around a lot, and busking was the best way to get money for food and stuff.”

Lan Wangji looked up from staring at the dizi his brows furrowed once more. “How long did you live on the street?”

Wei Wuxian looked back at him. “Well... that depends I guess... I've lived on the street for a lot longer then A-Cheng and jiejie have, but that's because...” he didn't finish the answer, instead wringing his flute around in his hands, frowning slightly.

Shi Qingxuan sensed the tension and quickly tried to get things back on track. “A-Zhan, would you be okay with teaching A-Xian? It might take some time...”

Wei Wuxian looked at the Wind Master. “Not really, I'm pretty good at memorizing music just on sound alone. Watch.” He pulled the flute up to his lips and began to play. Shi Qingxuan was surprised to hear almost note for note, the tune Lan Wangji had been playing before they had interrupted him. After he was done playing what he had heard, Wei Wuxian looked expectantly at Lan Wangji, smiling broadly.

Lan Wangji stared back at him for a moment, the answered. “If you are willing, then I don't mind.”

“Really? Great!” Wei Wuxian plopped down on the ground next to the boy in white, scooting a little too close for comfort.

Lan Wangji knitted his brow. “Too close.”

“Hmm? Oh.” Wei Wuxian scooted a little further away, but not by much. Lan Wangji chose to ignore this.

“At Banyue, I played what is called the Eradication tone. It's a battle melody once taught by the Lan Clan of Gusu. It's strongest on the guqin, but my brother plays it on his xiao. But it be better to start with something else. What I was just practicing is called Rest. It is a melody used to pacify resentful energy.”

Lan Wangji reached out and began strumming the cords of his guqin playing the melody. It was calm and soothing, just as its name implied. Wei Wuxian sat and listened to him play, while Shi Qingxuan took a seat at a small nearby table, watching and listening with a small smile on his face. After Lan Wangji finished the melody he looked up at Wei Wuxian with an expectant look. The later boy pulled his flute to his lips once more and played the melody back. After he had finished they both began to play the tune together. For Shi Qingxuan it was quite the spectacle as he had only ever seen Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen play together, and to see his didi play so well with this other boy was both cute and enthralling.

They played for a long time until finally Lan Wangji ended it, carefully putting away his guqin. “My practice time is over, I have to work on other things...” he paused then looked at the flute. “If your going to use it as a spiritual device, have you thought to give it a name?”

Wei Wuxian was surprised by the question and looked down at his dizi. “no... I haven't... I'll think of one, and when I do you'll be the first to know.” He gave Lan Wangji a playful smile.

The boy in white looked away, before standing up and walking over to the table Shi Qingxuan was sitting at. On the table was his sword Bichen as well as a handful of books and scrolls he had brought out with him, neatly stacked on top of each other. Wei Wuxian looked at the sword for a moment.

“I have a sword now too! Hua-gege... Hua Cheng gave it to me.” Wei Wuxian admitted.

Shi Qingxuan let out a small laugh. “I guess your baba isn't the only one getting all buddy with the Crimson Rain Sought Flower.” Lan Wangji frowned slightly. Shi Qingxuan took notice and quickly comforted him. “Didi, he isn't going to come after Ming Xiong again, so you don't have to worry about that.”

Lan Wangji paused, then peered over at the sword on Wei Wuxian's waist. “It looks well made. Does it have a name.”

“Whatever.” Wei Wuxian answered with a teasing smile.

“That seems disrespectful not to give your sword a name.” Lan Wangji said.

“No, that IS its name.” Wei Wuxian pulled it out and tossed it to the other boy, who caught it with one hand before looking it over. “Suibian. It's name is Whatever.”

“Frivolous.” Lan Wangji huffed, before handing the sword back to Wei Wuxian.

Shi Qingxuan pulled out his fan and opened it, careful to cover up the small smile playing across his lips. “Alright, A-Xian, my didi has some more studying he has to do so it be best if we ended your little play date here.”

Lan Wangji stiffened up before giving Shi Qingxuan a pleading look with his eyes, no one noticing the pink coming to the tips of his ears. “Lord Wind Master...”

“What? Do you want him to stay a little longer? It can't be for too long, We're still getting everything prepared for your brother and ge's return. Who knows when they'll arrive.”

“I wana stay a little longer, come on Lan Zhan. If I'm too annoying you could just silence me again. Please..” Wei Wuxian's smile grew a little wicked. “Lan-er gege?”

Shi Qingxuan's face dropped slightly and Lan Wangji's shoulders tensed even more. He spun around and glared at Wei Wuxian. “Shameless.”

“Eh? Shameless. Maybe. What, am I older then you? Should it be Lan-er didi instead?”

“Maybe you should get going little A-Xian, ha ha...” Shi Qingxuan stood up, realizing he may have made a mistake.

“Wei Ying...” Lan Wangji was shaking.

Wei Wuxian smiled before poking Lan Wangji in the chest. The latter boy tried to slap his hand away but missed as Wei Wuxian only laughed and bounded away, now standing near the edge of the garden pond.

“Oh come now Lan Zhan, I'm just teasing you. You shouldn't be so uptight, how are you ever going to get a girl if your always so stiff.”

“Wei Wuxian, I think that's enough, please stop.” Shi Qingxuan fanned himself, trying his best at giving the boy a stricter tone.

“You...” Lan Wangji was glaring at him, breathing a bit heavier.

“Oh don't be so angry with me Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian chided, putting his arms behind his back and swaying ever so slightly. “I'll just help you find someone that can stand your stoic nature. What do you think, Lan-er gege-”

Just as he said that last part, Wei Wuxian was struck in the chest and sent flying into the garden pond. Lan Wangji had crossed the distance between them in a heartbeat before shoving the boy with both hands. It was only after he had acted out he realized what he did.

“Oh, A-Zhan!” Shi Qingxuan cried out, rushing to go help Wei Wuxian out of the pond.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Lan Wangji froze. Shi Qingxuan froze as well, having pulled Wei Wuxian into a sitting position, trying to help him out of the water. All three of them turned to look as three other figures entered the garden.

To the left was Pei Ming, who gave Wei Wuxian an annoyed look, but didn't say anything. At the center was a man in white robes with a fan in his hand. He was handsome in appearance, a face not too far off from Shi Qingxuan's, both men's eyes and brows looking similar. The only difference was this man didn't exude the happy sunny nature that Shi Qingxuan did, instead he looked sour and self important. The last person, to the right was who Wei Wuxian was really staring at. He was tall and handsome, wearing white robes with clouds decorating the shoulders, while waves decorated the ends of the sleeves and the hem and a white forehead band with a matching cloud insignia. He bore a kind face with dark colored eyes and If it weren't for these two very specific features, and that he looked older, Wei Wuxian might have said he was Lan Wangji...

It didn't take a genius to guess that the one at the center was the Water Master, and the young man next to him was Lan Xichen.

“Gege, I can explain.” Shi Qingxuan said, quickly pulling Wei Wuxian the rest of the way out of the pond.

“Oh you can?” The Water Master sounded a bit sarcastic when he said that. “Then please do. And while your at it you can explain the trouble you've been causing.”

Shi Qingxuan frowned. “If this is about Little Pei-”

“Qingxuan! Little Pei isn't MY concern!” Shi Wudu snapped, closing his hand and cutting the distance between them in half. He reached out and took Lan Wangji by the chin and turned the boys face to the Wind Master. “I'm talking about him. You didn't think I would notice if my student's face is busted. That Pei Xiong would not inform me about your little escapades, dragging Lan Wangji along with you. What exactly would have happened if you got him in a worse state?!”

Shi Qingxuan backed up, cowering a little at his brothers tone. Wei Wuxian made the proper decision that he didn't like the Water Master.

Shi Wudu let go of Lan Wangji's face and continued to berate Shi Qingxuan. “I've asked you a hundred times, no a thousand times not to drag my student into your stupid games. He is a child, and your supposed to be a god. Why do you act so foolishly? And who exactly is this?” His attention was now on Wei Wuxian.

“He is the recently re-ascended Dianxia Xianle's son. He is currently staying at the Palace of Nan Yang.” Pei Ming answered. “he's more trouble then he's worth, especially since he's been teasing poor little jade. Qingxuan, your the one who told me about that, so how come you allowed him in here?”

“That isn't your concern.” Shi Qingxuan snapped at the General.

“But it is mine.” Shi Wudu stated. He glared at Wei Wuxian. “Leave.”

“No.” Wei Wuxian snapped back. “Your rude and I don't listen to rude people.”

Shi Wudu's glare grew sharper, but then a hand was gently placed on his shoulder. Lan Xichen had stepped forward. “Lord Water Master, he is but a child.” He then smiled at Wei Wuxian. “Might I ask your name little one?”

Wei Wuxian was a little taken aback. This young man was so much more soft spoken and polite then Lan Wangji. Could they really be brothers? “Wei Ying, Wei Wuxian...” He answered.

“Well, child Wei,” Lan Xichen said, “It would be for the best that you do make your leave. Please do not cause any more trouble for Wangji.”

“... but I..” Wei Wuxian was cut off.

“What is that?” Shi Wudu had moved his eyes to somewhere beyond the group. Everyone looked and saw that two small rabbits had bounded out from behind a bush, one slow and calm, the other rushing out, quick as a flash. It hopped toward them only stopping at Lan Wangji's feet.

“You kept them....” Wei Wuxian said with a little smile.

“Explain.” Shi Wudu snapped.

“Well uhm... you see.” Shi Qingxuan didn't know where to begin.

Then Lan Wangji spoke up, bowing toward Shi Wudu. “Lord Water Master, please excuse my behavior. Do not be upset with Wind Master. I'm the one who broke the rules.”

“And what rules did you break?” Shi Wudu demanded.

“I left without your permission, I broke curfew, I did not keep up with my training, I brought animals into your palace, and I have shown myself to be a proper student.” He looked back up at the Water Master. “Wind Master is not at fault. The punishment should be mine and mine alone.”

“Didi.” Shi Qingxuan frowned. “Don't blame this all on you. I-”

“Why not?” Pei Ming said with a grin. “He admitted his faults himself. Should he not accept the punishment.”

That was the second time Pei Ming had used Shi Qingxuan's words against him.

“Why you little rat...” he stormed over to Pei Ming. “You did this on purpose. You told my brother-”

“Enough!” Shi Wudu snapped. He looked down on Lan Wangji. “You have admitted your wrongs. Now go to the study, I will be there shortly to discipline you properly.” Lan Xichen gave Shi Wudu a sad and almost pleading look but didn't say a word. The Water Master then turned to Wei Wuxian. “You, child. Get out.”

“But-” Wei Wuxian tried to argue when someone grabbed him by the collar.

“I'll take care of it.” Pei Ming said, lifting the boy by the scruff before making his leave.

“Put me down you stupid jerk!” Wei Wuxian yelped, swinging around to try and get out of his grip.

“Nope.” Pei Ming sneered.

Wham!

Pei Ming went pale before dropping the boy and collapsing to the ground, covering his most private areas.. (But for him are they really that private?) The boy stuck out his tongue before rushing out of the garden and toward the entrance of the Palace of Wind and Water. Shi Qingxuan collapsed to the ground, squealing with laughter.

“Ha ha ha ha! Dear Pei Ming, see how well you can get it up now that it was crushed by a child!”

“Qingxuan!” Shi Wudu snapped, but the Wind Master was too far gone in his laughing fit to truly heed his brothers words.

“...I'm going to kill him..” Pei Ming sneered through gritted teeth, before jumping to his feet and running after Wei Wuxian.

Lan Xichen watched in pity as the General disappeared before turning his attention to his brother... but he and Water Master were already heading toward the study. He caught up to the gods side.

“Lord Water Master, you aren't going to punish Wangji to severely?”

“Xichen, you know I follow your clans rules to the letter for you both, and both of you have been model students. However I will not punish him as harshly as your rules demand, as I still feel that his behavior is effected by my brothers inability to be reasonable. As such he will only get three strikes.”

Shi Qingxuan had been taking a breath and lifting himself off the ground, but when he heard that his expression dropped. “Ge! You aren't going to hit A-Zhan are you?”

“Would you rather I have you do it?” Shi Wudu turned to him. “Maybe, if you don't want to see Lan Wangji punished, you shouldn't get him into trouble.”

“But ge!”

“NO!” Shi Wudu snapped. “As for you, get rid of those rabbits.”

“Don't...” It was the first time Lan Wangji had spoken since admitting his faults. “Lord Water Master... I would.. like to keep them...”

Shi Wudu gave the boy a hard look. “And why should I let you? You've broken the rules. You should not be rewarded for bad judgment.”

“Ge, please. A-Zhan really does like them, and he's been very on top of taking care of them. They were a gift form that boy from before and you've always told me to never decline a gift.” Shi Qingxuan tried to argue.

“That boy? That boy is a menace.” Shi Wudu huffed. He thought for a moment then looked at Lan Wangji. “Your punishment still needs taken care of. As for the rabbits...” He closed his eyes and his brow creased. “I guess you can keep them... but they are your responsibility alone. Am I clear?”

“Yes Lord Water Master.” Lan Wangji bowed his head. His face may have not shown it but he was glad.

When Feng Xin finally found Wei Wuxian later, he was up in a tree as two of his junior officials held back Pei Ming who was close to leaping up the tree himself to snatch the kid. After that Wei Wuxian was on strike two. He would not be able to leave the palace without Feng Xin at his side.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji awoke right at mao time, immediately rising to his feet and getting ready for the day, ignoring the pain in his back from being struck thrice by Shi Wudu with the wooden ruler only just the day prior. The thing about the boy was that even if he was in pain, unless someone could visibly see the injury, one might never know the boy was hurt as even in pain, he still bore that apathetic look on his face. As he dressed himself, putting on his outer robe, Lan Wangji paused to notice that one of the strikes had been much closer to his shoulder then he would have thought, as the skin there was now a dark purple color. He chose to ignore this as well and simply pulled his robe in closer to cover it up. He tied his forehead ribbon securely, before stepping out into the hall. Just as Lan Wangji stepped out of his room, Lan Xichen had stepped out of his. The elder gave the younger a warm smile and they both made their way down the passage and toward the dinning hall.

Unlike any other junior official of the Palace of Wind and Water, Lan Xichen was the only one to live with in the palace itself, having lived there for a little over five years... it also didn't hurt that, regardless of any speculation, Shi Wudu favored Lan Xichen over all his other junior officials, even with the fact the youth had only been in the position for less then a year. Truth be told, not many other Heavenly Officials were surprised by his status. For one, The Water Master had taught the boy himself and so some level of familiarity was only working in the young mans favor. The Second thing was that Lan Xichen was popular.

As it had been known by this point, he was the eldest of the twin jades of Wind and Water, and such a title was given because the two were extraordinarily handsome, beautiful even. But even more then this their cultivation level was exceedingly high, even from a young age. Because of this many Heavenly Officials of the Upper Court were jealous of the Water Tyrant for having such an exceptional junior official, and that if it weren't for Shi Wudu himself, they would wish to try and get Lan Xichen to join their own Palaces. But his loyalty lay with the Water Master, so some wanted to go for the next best thing. Lan Wangji.

However three things stopped this. One, that very rarely had anyone gotten a glimpse of the reclusive boy unless he was acting as the shadow to one Wind Master Shi Qingxuan who was in fact the second reason no one went after the kid. Most officials liked the Wind Master too much to offend them. The third and final reason was those who had met the child knew he was cold and seemingly emotionless, unlike his warm and smiling elder brother.

The two entered the dinning hall where a long elegantly designed table took up the center of the room, a single man sitting at the far end only drinking a cup of tea in complete silence. Both brothers took their seats on either side of Shi Wudu just as a Junior Official came forward and gave them a bowl of broth and a smaller bowl of rice, which they quietly began to eat.

Outside the dining hall, hiding around the corner of the entrance, Shi Qingxuan mentally prepared himself to talk to Shi Wudu. He took a deep breath, before flicking open his fan and crossing the threshold into the hall and walking with determined footsteps over to his brother. He stopped only when he stood directly beside Shi Wudu.

“Ge.”

“Qingxuan.” Shi Wudu acknowledged without looking up from his tea.

Shi Qingxuan took a small breath and spoke softly, “Would I be correct in assuming, that maybe, possibly, A-Huan may be given a break from his duties until after the Mid Autumn Banquet?”

Shi Wudu paused, then looked up at his brother. “If you wish to ask me something, do it directly instead of beating around the bush.”

The Wind Master gave his brother a big, pleading smile. “Well, ge, you see, I was just wondering if I could take A-Huan and A-Zhan to gave have some fun... In the Heavenly Capital of course, since its the first time they've been back together properly since his installment as one of your juniors.”

Shi Wudu gave his brother a stern look. “And how do I know I can trust you, given everything that has happened over the past few weeks? Being so inclined to take the boy to the Mortal Realm, even the Ghost Realm at that. And what about that other boy, the one you decided to watch for that Dianxia?”

Shi Qingxuan frowned but quickly composed himself. “Well, the boy is only here to stay until Dianxia gets back... and if you don't trust me, then trust A-Huan. Even if I accidentally make a mistake I'm sure he would report back to you in an instant.”

Lan Xichen finished what he was eating and pushed both bowls away before folding both hands in his lap, signifying he was done with his meal. “Lord Water Master, It is true that I would report back to you in the instant of any concerns that might arise, but I trust Wind Master is being honest and won't go against your word.”

Water Master let out a small huff and set down his tea. He looked over the two Lan Brothers then back at his own brother. “Fine. Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, you can both take the day off.”

“Oh! Thank you Ge!” Shi Qingxuan clapped then gave his elder brother a small side hug. Shi Wudu scoffed but didn't push him away.

“However, I want both of you working extra hard tomorrow to make up for it. Training and duties. Now go before I change my mind.”

Lan Wangji had just finished his own food before sliding the bowls away and standing up. The two brothers gave the Water Master a bow, before following Shi Qingxuan out of the Palace of Wind and Water.

They barely made it a few meters away from the palace when Shi Qingxuan took on her female form and spun to face the two brothers. Lan Xichen gave her a soft smile.

“Lady Wind Master.”

She let out playful laugh. “A-Huan, always the sweet heart.” She tapped her fan into her hand. “Now then, I have a few ideas on how to spend our day, but...” She looked over at Lan Wangji. “We have a certain someone to get, isn't that right A-Zhan.”

Lan Wangji nodded.

Ming Yi was laying face up in bed, eyes shut but not asleep. He was still recovering in one of the Palaces of the Medicinal Heavenly Officials and was fully content with just laying there until they said it was okay for him to leave.

A knock came. “Lord Earth Master, you have a guest.”

“If it's Wind Master tell them to leave,” He grumbled before rolling over to face away from the door.

The door opened.

“Ming Xiong, how rude. And here I thought my best friend would love to see me after being cooped up for so long.”

“Qingxuan I don't have the energy for-” He had spun around to snap at Shi Qingxuan but paused in his words when he saw the two people beside her. He sat up a little and made a face. “Shi Wudu's back?”

“It's nice to see you again as well Earth Master.” Lan Xichen said with a bright smile.

“Ya...” Ming Yi mumbled, his eyes moving to Lan Wangji, specifically the healing cut on his lip. He looked away immediately. “What do you want Qingxuan?”

“Actually, it isn't me.” Shi Qingxuan took both hands and placed them on Lan Wangji's shoulders. “Me and A-Zhan were planning to have a fun little day with his brother when he got back and my didi here wanted to invite you to join us.”

“If you are feeling well enough.” The boy clarified.

Ming Yi stared at the kid with a unreadable expression. “You...” He sat there for a minute seeming to think something through, his brow knitted a little. then he stood. “Sure.”

“Oh, I see how it is.” Shi Qingxuan teased. “If I wanna hang out with you, its a chore, but my cute little didi melts your ice cold heart the moment he wants you to join us.”

“Shut up.” Ming Yi grumbled, before following the other three out.

The first part of the day was spent wandering the gardens of the Heavenly Capital, Lan Xichen and Shi Qingxuan leading the group while deep in playful banter while Ming Yi and Lan Wangji followed close behind, both perfectly content with walking in silence. On occasion, Ming Yi would glance over and see the boy watching Shi Qingxuan, listening intently to whatever she was saying. Other times he would look over and the boy would be looking up at him with those bright colored eyes.

Eventually they arrived at a small pavilion that sat above a pond, bellow which one could see mountains and cities bellow within the mortal realm. Inside the pavilion was a small table that Shi Qingxuan rushed them to sit down at. She clasped her hands together and smiled.

“We should play a little game to pass the time.”

“Pass the time for what?” Ming Yi asked.

Shi Qingxuan just smiled at him before looking back at the two Lan brothers. “do either of you have a suggestion. I know you two aren't much for games, your rules and all of that, but it's your day off and we should have a little fun. Most boy's A-Zhan's age play lots of different games, so think of something you would like to do.”

Lan Xichen let out a small laugh, but Lan Wangji only furrowed his brow. The only other child he knew was Wei Wuxian and he was certain that any games that boy knew were probably extremely childish and would get them into trouble. Just thinking about the boy, Lan Wangji could only  think about was that stupid comment Wei Wuxian made about helping him find someone... why of all the things that boy said did that comment hold the most weight. Why did he feel so upset about it?

“I guess I'm short on ideas.” Lan Xichen laughed. “How about you Wangji? Do you have any games you can think to play?”

The boy looked up then shook his head.

“Have you really never played any games before?” Ming Yi asked, a bit confused.

Lan Xichen shook his head. “I've played a few simple things here and there but it's not like Wangji really has had any playmates growing up. Back when we were in Gusu, our uncle was quite strict with him and Wangji didn't really talk to anyone besides myself and uncle. I think that child Wei Wuxian is the first boy around his age that he has interacted with in almost five years.”

Lan Wangji knitted his brow again. Ming Yi also made a face.

“Well, ha ha ha,” Shi Qingxuan fanned herself nervously. “We'll just have to figure it out. Ming Xiong do you-”

“No.”

Shi Qingxuan huffed, “Your of no help.” She pondered for a moment then seemed to settle on something. “We could play something simple like hide and seek.”

Lan Xichen laughed, “Lady Wind Master, three of us are wearing white and one of which has a tendency to transform quite often. I don't see how a game like that would be fair.”

“I'm not playing.” Ming Yi said.

Shi Qingxuan feigned offense. “My didi doesn't trust me and my best friend is a stick in the mud. How cruel. What about you A-Zhan? Do you think we should find a different game to play?”

Lan Wangji sat quietly for a moment then said, “I'll play whatever everyone else agrees to...”

“Then we'll play hide and seek, but with a little twist.” Shi Qingxuan said gleefully.

Lan Xichen just laughed and Ming Yi glared at the Wind Master.

“So here's how it works.” Shi Qingxuan didn't give anyone time to argue her point, “We'll split into teams of two. Me and A-Zhan will be team one and Ming Xiong, you'll be paired with A-Huan. I'll hide A-Zhan somewhere in the west side of the garden, Ming Xiong hides A-Huan in the east, then we have to find the other teams hider. That way, transformation isn't an issue and your both wearing white so its fair.”

“This is stupid.” Ming Yi groaned.

Shi Qingxuan didn't argue with him, instead reaching out and carefully taking Lan Wangji by the sleeve and pulling him away, deciding they were starting the game that very instant. “You got half an incense time to get A-Huan a good hiding spot! Because I will most definitely be hiding A-Zhan in a very hard to find location and I want this to be a fair game!”

Shi Qingxuan dragged Lan Wangji through the garden and made sure they were out of sight of the pavilion before looking for a place to hide his didi. She would occasionally drag him to a spot, let him stand there a moment then change her mind and drag him somewhere else. Finally she stopped at a bridge in the garden that crossed a small stream and peered under to find a small alcove of dry ground just before it reached the water.

“A-Zhan, do you think you can fit under here? You might have to crawl but I think you could get under there... What do you think?” She looked up at him expectantly.

He looked at the gap under the bridge and then back at Shi Qingxuan. “Wind Master....”

“If you don't feel comfortable going under there you don't have to, we can just find you another spot.”

“No... I just don't understand the point of this game.” Lan Wangji furrowed his brow.

Shi Qingxuan tried not to smile as she stood up. “A-Zhan, somethings don't have a point. Your just supposed to have fun. What do you find fun my didi?”

“... Being with you and Earth Master...” Lan Wangji admitted quietly.

“Oh.” Shi Qingxuan smiled even wider and gave the boy a little hug. “What did I do to get such a sweet little thing like you as my didi?!”

“Wind Master...”

“Alright, alright, now see if you can get under there, we're running out of time.”

Lan Wangji obliged and carefully crawled into the space under the bridge finding that he could curl his legs inward and sit like that without too much of a hassle.

“Okay, A-Zhan, you have to stay very quiet, okay. Your job is not to let Ming Xiong know that your here. If I find A-Huan first, we'll come and get you. Go it.”

“Yes.”

“Good. See you in a bit my sweet didi.” and with that, he heard Shi Qingxuan scamper off, her footsteps disappearing not long after.

Lan Wangji sat quietly under the bridge, un-moving, just like he had been told. His eyes looked over to the water just a few centimetres away from him. Just bellow its surface he could see clouds floating along, high above distant fields and forests. He watched as a sedge of cranes flew below, their long pale wings allowing them to soar just beneath the heavens. Even if he was hiding under a bridge playing a silly little game, he found the moment relatively peaceful. Lan Wangji looked on at the cranes as they disappeared, catching a glimpse of the red ring around their eyes...

Red... the color he had come to associate with that boy Wei Wuxian, and he wasn't entirely sure why he was constantly thinking about him. It was like Shi Wudu had said; the boy was a menace... but...

I want to see him again...

Just then the sound of footsteps caught Lan Wangji's attention and he turned his head slightly to look out from under the bridge. The sound would stop occasionally and seemingly the person would stand still for a short time, before walking around again. When they came near the bridge, there was a much longer pause, then a the person sighed before walking closer.

Lan Wangji watched as a pair of black boots came into view before Ming Yi bent down and peered, under looking directly at the boy with an un-surprised look on his face.

“Found you.” He reached out with one hand toward the boy. Lan Wangji reached back and took it, Ming Yi helping him out from his hiding place. When standing up again, Lan Wangji looked down and his brow furrowed slightly as parts of his robe were a little dusted with dirt and so he started patting it off. Ming Yi mindlessly reached out and helped him by carefully dusting off his sleeve. “Lets go, Qingxuan should have found your brother by now.”

Lan Wangji looked up at the Earth Master and nodded. The two made their way back to the pavilion and when they arrived they were met by a very flustered Shi Qingxuan. Ming Yi paused and looked at the Wind Master with confusion.

“Whats wrong?”

“Whats wrong is you already found A-Zhan and I still haven't found A-Huan? Where did you hide him so well?” She demanded in a huff.

Ming Yi's face dropped into a dumbfounded expression. “You haven't found him...”

“No! I haven't! And why are you acting so surprised? Your the one that hid him.”

Lan Wangji looked up into a nearby set of trees, where Lan Xichen, not very well hidden, sat on a branch, covering his mouth and trying very hard not to burst into a fit of laughter.

“You've got to be joking...” Ming Yi sighed, putting a hand to his forehead.

“Joking about what? I looked all over the east garden and didn't see him anywhere. Ming Xiong, where did you hide him?”

Lan Xichen couldn't take it anymore and started laughing aloud, before slipping from the branch and making a graceful landing on the ground below.

“La-, hahaha, Lady Wind Master, ha ha ha, I've been sitting there this whole time.”

Shi Qingxuan went slack jawed and Ming Yi shook his head. “Qingxuan, you need help.”

She spun around and smacked him on the arm. “Don't make fun of me. Also I thought I told you to hide him somewhere hard-”

“Apparently I did, cause you still never Found him.” Ming Yi retorted.

Lan Xichen started laughing again and Shi Qingxuan hid her reddening face behind her fan.

Ming Yi shook his head and looked over at Lan Wangji. He paused when he noticed the slight almost invisible traces of a smile on the boys lips. Ming Yi couldn't help a small smile himself.

Shi Qingxuan saw the smile on the mans face and took up a different meaning. “Ming Xiong, are you making fun of me?”

“I don't have to. You do it to yourself.” He sneered.

“YOU!” She started smacking him with her fan. He waved her off and snickered mostly to himself, before cooling his expression again.

“You done?”

“Hmph.” She pulled back and tried hiding her smile. “Maybe...” She gave Lan Wangji a smile. “I guess we lost A-Zhan. Maybe next time we'll get you a better hiding place.” She reached out a gave the boy a tap on the back of his shoulder.

The boy winced slightly and Shi Qingxuan's face dropped as she pulled her hand back.

“Oh! I'm sorry! I forgot. I didn't mean to touch it.”

“Touch what?” Ming Yi asked. He looked over at the boy and then froze. He suddenly snapped his hand out and tugged on the edge of Lan Wangji's collar, exposing the edges of the dark colored bruise.”What is this?”

Shi Qingxuan frowned. “Well... uhm... you see...”

“Its just bruising. From my punishment for breaking the rules.” Lan Wangji said plainly before pulling his collar back into place.

Ming Yi's face grew dark. “Shi Wudu... Shi Wudu hit you?”

Lan Wangji looked up at the man and tilted his head. “... Yes...”

“And you didn't try to stop him.” Ming Yi shot Shi Qingxuan a harsh look.

“Ming Xiong...” She mumbled, trying to find her words. “I... its just....”

“Its just what, Qingxuan?”

“Lord Earth Master, please.” Lan Xichen stepped in. “Lord Water Master... he was just following our clans original rules. Actually he went easy on Wangji-”

“Damned your rules!” Ming Yi snapped and Lan Xichen stepped back, shocked from the sudden outburst. “Even if it were about your clans old rules, that doesn't give Shi Wudu the right to injure a child! And you,” His ire turned back to Shi Qingxuan. “How can you let this happen when it was you who dragged him along in the first place?!”

“I tried to explain...” Shi Qingxuan whispered. She looked like she might cry.

“Well apparently you didn't try hard enough-”

He was cut off when he felt an arm on his sleeve. He looked down to see Lan Wangji looking up at him. “Earth Master. Don't be angry with her. I'm the one who agreed to go to Banyue and It was me who pressed Wind Master into taking me with her to Ghost City. I accepted the punishment because I made those choices. Not her.”

Ming Yi went stiff, and his expression became unreadable. He looked down at Lan Wangji for a good while, staring almost helplessly at the boys face... at his scabbed lip...

“I need to go.” Ming Yi stated, carefully brushing Lan Wangji's hand off his arm before storming off.

Shi Qingxuan called after him. “Ming Xiong-”

“Don't.” he snapped, before leaving entirely.

Lan Wangji watched after him, his bright colored eyes never looking away.

…

It had been maybe two hours since he left Shi Qingxuan and the two Lan Brothers in the garden, and now he sat alone at the edge of some stupid pond in some stupid part of the stupid heavens. Ming Yi glared down into the water, resting his head on his fist. He only became slightly more annoyed when he heard footsteps coming closer. Believing it was the Wind Master, he snapped a glare back, ready to tell them to go away but was surprised to find a young fourteen year old boy walking toward him, a guqin on his back.

“Earth Master.” Lan Wangji said, before sitting down next to him on the edge of the embankment.

“Wangji... why are you here? Aren't you going to finish your day with Qingxuan and Xichen?”

The boy shook his head. “We tried. Wind Master was upset and decided to return to the Palace... Here.” He pulled a meat bun from his sleeve and handed it to Ming Yi. “We were going to eat at the Pavilion... I grabbed it for you.”

Ming Yi looked at the meat bun then at the boy. “Thanks...” he gently took it and proceeded to eat without much question.

They sat in silence for a good while, before Lan Wangji pulled his guqin into his lap. “Would Earth Master like it if I played for him?”

“Do what you want.” The man replied, finishing off the food before laying back on the grass.

And so, Lan Wangji began to play. The tune was calm and graceful, giving off the sense of tranquility. Ming Yi listened for a while, but then reached out and put his hands on the chords to force them into silence.

“Don't. I know what your trying to do but you don't need to.” He didn't look at the boy when he said this. He had hung around the Palace of Wind and Water enough times, listening to Lan Wangji play that he had learned which tones were which, and he knew the one played at that moment was a cleansing tone, meant to help sooth the mind of the listener, the spells intended target.

Lan Wangji looked at him for a moment then pulled his hands into his lap. “My apologies.”

“Don't do that either. You haven't done anything wrong.” Ming Yi sat up and looked the boy over. He seemed to think about something long and hard, before looking out onto the water. “Wangji, I want to ask you something.”

“Mn?”

“... If the question makes you uncomfortable don't answer... I don't want you to answer if it just makes you upset.” Ming Yi started. He sat there silently again before eyeing the boy. “If... someone were to... Do you believe that even if a person is someone important, they should still suffer the consequences of their actions?”

Lan Wangji lifted his eyes to Ming Yi. “Do you have an example?”

Ming Yi looked back at him then knitted his brow. “I guess... like a king stealing another mans things and giving to his son... I don't know...” He paused... “Or maybe like a certain Clan leader abusing his power to wrongfully slaughter another....” Lan Wangji stiffened, but didn't look away. “Do you think that person should get punished just as much as any lower person?”

Lan Wangji stared at Ming Yi. “I... believe that would be just.”

“... Wangji...” Ming Yi started tapping the ground with his finger, but then shook his head. “Your just a kid... I shouldn't be asking you stupid questions.”

“It's alright.” Lan Wangji said. “I don't think that question was stupid.”

Ming Yi huffed. “Then... can I ask you another...” Lan Wangji watched the man intently. Ming Yi eyed him again and sat up straighter, “If... Wangji, if you had the power to get avenge your clan... would you do it? Would you kill Wen Ruohan?”

He watched the boy intently, who lowered his head and stared out on the water for a long time. Finally Lan Wangji did look back at Ming Yi.

“I don't know.”

Ming Yi looked away but then was surprised when the boy continued.

“I don't know, but only because I don't know if that is why I would do it... Life is sacred, and he has taken countless. He may take more in the future... The lesser evil would be to kill him for the betterment of all who have suffered. It was by his orders that my clan is gone... my father is gone... but so... so is the Jiang Clan. Dianxia's children also suffered. If I had the power to do such a thing as kill Wen Ruohan I believe I would use it, if not for myself then for the good of the whole.”

Ming Yi looked at the boy with a wide eyed stare, but didn't say a word. Finally he let out a small sad laugh. Lan Wangji looked at him with a small tilt of his head. “Earth Master, did I say something amusing to you?”

“No... Your just a good kid. That's all. You deserve better.” Ming Yi smiled slightly. Then without warning he reached out and tapped the boy on the back. Lan Wangji straightened up in surprise as his back suddenly didn't hurt anymore.

“Earth Master-”

“Next time, don't throw yourself under the bridge for other people. Especially Qingxuan. I know you look up to him, but one day he might not be around to save you. Don't just chase after me and him. Particularly me. You didn't need to help back in Ghost City. Your still a kid after all.” He stood up and brushed himself off. “Now go. I got stuff to do, and you still have the day off. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Before Lan Wangji could really say anything back, Ming Yi was gone.

On his way back to the Palace of Wind and Water, Lan Wangji thought about stopping and seeing Wei Wuxian at the Palace of Nan Yang, but quickly changed his mind when he caught a glimpse of the boy being dragged back to the palace by General Nan Yang, who was soaked in water and cursing up a storm. He would not see Wei Wuxian outside the Palace of Wind and Water again for the rest of the boys stay.

Chapter Text

A week. It had been almost a full week since their father left them in the Heavenly Capital under the care of Feng Xin and Jiang Cheng was ready to just go home. Wei Wuxian had been banned from leaving the palace of Nan Yang two days prior after an incident led to him getting Feng Xin dunked in a stream, and that had been his third strike. Now, before bed every night, the boy had to make his boredom Jiang Chengs problem. When Jiang Cheng awoke this morning to the sound of knocking and the announcement that it was now moa time he bore daggers into the ceiling with his eyes, having been kept up late into the night by his brothers pestering.

He stood up, grabbed a jug of water that was sat on a nearby night stand and poured half out on Wei Wuxian's head. The boy yelled out in surprise before sitting up straight trying to shake water out of his hair and ears.

“A-Cheng!!!”

“Don't keep me up if you don't want me pissed off in the morning.” Jiang Cheng snapped before slamming the jug back down.

They both got dressed and headed to the Dinning Hall for breakfast, where Jiang Yanli and Feng Xin were already sat down and eating. Breakfast went by quickly and soon enough the three teens and the Martial God were out in the Training area, starting their day off with combat training. Over the past week both boy's had learned the basics on sword play and Wei Wuxian had caught on extensively well with archery, where as Jiang Cheng was decent enough. Where the first boy hit bullseye nine out of ten shots, the other was closer to seven out of ten. As For sword combat, Jiang Cheng visually accelerated but that was for the most part due to his lack of goofing off that Wei Wuxian would get up to during his practice. However both boys paled in the learning curve as compared to Jiang Yanli.

What had been a girl with minimal skill in hand to hand, and practically no spiritual power due to her lack of cultivation, was now spinning around her staff with graceful strides as if dancing like blossom in the wind. The staff acted more like an extension of her body and she moved with precision and propriety. On top of this, any testing of her spiritual power proved a success and only seemed to grow with each day. Feng Xin was originally concerned about the speed at which this was happening, worried that such a speedy cultivation might lead to a qi deviation, but was rightfully surprised when she came out and told him why. That Jun Wu had helped her.

“To get personal help from the Heavenly Emperor on the path of cultivation... Not only is it unheard of, its an honor. He must see something special in you.” Those were Feng Xin's words after she had told him and she felt a sense of pride in the fact that she had been given such a opportunity. She doubled her efforts, making sure no ounce of Jun Wu's help would go to waste.

They had been an incense time into their training, Feng Xin helping Jiang Cheng with archery, Jiang Yanli in meditation and Wei Wuxian, supposed to be, practicing with his sword, when a Junior Official ran in, announcing that Jun Wu himself had arrived. Feng Xin turned his attention to the entrance to the Training Area and bowed deeply as the Heavenly Emperor crossed the threshold.

“My Lord.” Feng Xin greeted, all three teens pausing in there work to stand and bow at the waist.

Jun Wu nodded and seemed to have been followed in by one of his own Junior Officials, from the Palace of Divine Might, who held in his arms a few bundles of what looked to be cloth.

“General Nan Yang, would you be so kind as to report the children's progress?”

“Of course.” Feng Xin nodded. He proceeded to go one at a time and list the development each child had made in each skill they had been working on, even bring up Wei Wuxian's practice in using his dizi as a part of his combat.

“It seems little Xianle is quiet adept.” Jun Wu praised.

“I would never disagree with you My Lord, but while he is talented,” Feng Xin gave the boy a hard look, “He has also been a lot of trouble.”

Wei Wuxian smiled sheepishly and kept his eyes to the ground.

“I've heard a few things of his tendencies, but just like any other skill, better conduct can be taught.” Jun Wu said looking down to the boy. “Little Xianle, why don't you show me what you've learned with that sword of yours.”

Wei Wuxian looked up immediately with slight excitement in his eyes. Feng Xin nodded for the other two to return to their training while Jun Wu watched the boy get into a stance and unsheathe his sword. With Suibian in hand, Wei Wuxian preformed a few of the techniques Feng Xin had taught him, slicing the air and stabbing at nothing. But just as he was about to preform the next move, a hand took his wrist. He looked up at Jun Wu who carefully took one hand to the boys back and the other to change the position of the boys arms.

“Little Xianle, you shouldn't be so stiff. Loosen your movement, and don't allow for openings. Stiffness leads to slowness, and when fighting with a sword, one must be quick and agile, not only ready to strike, but ready to move.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, a little surprised but allowed the Heavenly Emperor to fix his posture and he tried again. Watching all of this, Jiang Cheng couldn't pin it exactly, but seeing Jun Wu dote on Wei Wuxian made his stomach twist. He had pulled the bow taught, but his eyes were focused on his brother and the Heavenly Emperor. Just then Jun Wu shot a glance up at him and he was startled.

Clang!

Jiang Cheng had let go of the bow string and the arrow flew, but instead of hitting the designated target it ricocheted off a metal beam and flew back. The boy covered his head and ducked, as the arrow flew past and Feng Xin called out in surprise. Then... there was silence.

Jiang Cheng slowly opened his eyes, lowering his hands as he peered up and around. The first thing he noticed was Jiang Yanli and Feng Xin having paled expressions, not looking at him but behind him. When he turned around his heart sank to the pit of his stomach. Jun Wu stood tall and seemingly unbothered, however in his right hand was the arrow, which was inches away from Wei Wuxian's face.

Jiang Cheng dropped the bow and ran.

“A-Cheng!!” Jiang Yanli called out as her little brother disappeared out the door and toward the palace entrance.

“My Lord, I swear it was an accident. The boy was just-”

“Distracted.” Jun Wu said, before letting the arrow drop to the ground. “It is alright General Nan Yang, however you might see to helping the boy learn to focus on the task at hand.”

“Of course.” Feng Xin agreed before running to go after Jiang Cheng.

Wei Wuxain just stood there, uncomfortable as he fumbled with his sword.

Somewhere in heaven, Jiang Cheng really didn't care where he was, just that now he was alone and hidden, inside some foliage and away from prying eyes. His eyes had started to tear up at he had curled up into a ball to hide his face from the outside world holding back sobs as he hid there. Not only had he just almost hurt his brother, now he was certain Jun Wu didn't like him one bit. He hated it, almost like people only focused on him when he was acting out or making mistakes, all those judgmental eyes on him. He couldn't hold back the tears that began soaking his face and robes as he tried to curl deeper in on himself, he wanted to disappear... more importantly though... he just wanted his baba.

“What are you doing here?”

He hadn't heard anyone approach, so when the voice called out he was properly startled and shot up to look, only to see a familiar face... not a welcome one, but familiar.

“Go away.” Jiang Cheng said, lowering his head back into his arms as Mu Qing looked down at the boy with a raised brow.

“Tell me why your crying first and maybe I'll think about it.” The General retorted, crossing his arms.

“None of your damn business.” Jiang Cheng mumbled, wiping his face with his sleeve.

Mu Qing rolled his eyes and turned to leave... but then, just as quickly stopped and turned back. He bent down onto the balls of his feet and gave the kid a questioning look, resting his head in the palm of his hand, having propped his elbow on his knee. Jiang Cheng glared back at him and tried to turn away, not wanting to look at him in the eye.

“I'm kinda suspicious.” Mu Qing began, “Normally I don't see you lot outside Nan Yang Palace without an official, so how come your out here by yourself. What, did that idiot Feng Xin yell at you or something?”

“He's not an idiot.” Jiang Cheng snapped.

“So not him then.... get in a fight with your brother?” Mu Qing continued to prod.

Jiang Cheng's face fell a little but he didn't answer, looking away from the man again.

“Guess I'm getting close.” Mu Qing chuckled.

“Why are you here anyway? I want to be alone.”

“So did I, but I found someone in my hide away.” Mu Qing sneered poking the kid in the head.

“...What?” Jiang Cheng raised a brow.

Mu Qing spun his finger around, pointing at the surrounding area. “This little spot your hiding in, no one really passes through here a lot so I come here to not be bothered.”

“...Oh...” Jiang Cheng lowered his head and then went to stand.

“I didn't say you had to leave. Your the one you told me to. Remember?”

“...”

Jiang Cheng furrowed his brow and sat back down. Mu Qing got back to his feet and went to lean against a nearby tree. The two of them just stayed there, and it was quiet. Jiang Cheng would occasionally look over at the General, who's eyes were shut and his lips tightly pursed as he leaned against the tree, seemingly deep in thought. They stayed like that for about an incense time, when the sound of someone calling out in the distance could be heard. It sounded like Feng Xin.

Mu Qing opened his eyes only to roll them. “Sounds like your nanny is calling. Better go to him before he accuses me of kidnapping you.”

Jiang Cheng sat there a little bit longer before mumbling a small“... Thanks...”, and getting up to leave.

“Thanks for what?” Mu Qing huffed. “I don't own this place.”

“But you didn't make me leave.... and you didn't tell anyone I was here either...” Jiang Cheng admitted softly.

“Not my responsibility.” Mu Qing said looking away, still lazily leaning against the tree. Jiang Cheng began to walk away when the man called out. “Hold on.” he looked back to see that Mu Qing had a perturbed look on his face, and after chewing on his words said. “Don't... don't take what Fu Yao said to heart. Back when he went with your lot to Mount Yu Jun... most of my juniors know I have a problem with your father, but... that doesn't mean I... he should have pushed my problems on you kids. so... sorry.” He almost seemed reluctant to say that last part, like it hurt to say it.

Jiang Cheng blinked at the man for a good while but then pushed away a smile on his lips. He crossed his arms, “Ya, sure. Okay then.”

Mu Qing rolled his eyes and straightened up, “Fine then. Now go before I end up seeing that morons face. Really, I don't want him accusing me of preposterous things. Its annoying.”

Jiang Cheng only nodded and rushed off toward the sound of Feng Xin's voice. He wasn't sure if he really accepted Mu Qing's apology as the guy still seemed like a prick... but at least he was trying...

After jogging for a short while, he came to a main road where he saw Feng Xin talking to another a Official before noticing the boy.

“Wanyin!” He called out before rushing over to the boy. “Where have you been?! Why the hell did you run off like that? You made us worr-”

“I'm sorry.” Jiang Cheng said, not looking Feng Xin in the eye. “I got scared. I didn't want to get in trouble so I ran away...”

“You...” Feng Xin sighed and rubbed his forehead. “That was an accident, I'm not going to get you in trouble for an accident. But running off like that, this might be heaven but you could still get hurt. Your father put you in my charge and I can't help you or keep an eye on you if you run off like that.”

“I'm sorry...” Jiang Cheng apologized again.

Feng Xin looked the boy over then sighed again. “You look to be fine, so I won't keep digging at you. Lets get you back to the Palace and we can see what to do from there... by the way, what made you lose focus so bad, your normally so attentive to the details.”

Jiang Cheng didn't answer, and still refused to look Feng Xin in the eye. The General didn't wait too long for an answer deciding it would come out eventually and began walking the boy back to the Palace of Nan Yang.

When they arrived it was a two hours out from noon and Jun Wu was still at the palace watching Jiang Yanli practice with her staff. The Heavenly Emperor turned and walked over to them, his attention on Feng Xin.

“General Nan Yang.”

“My Lord.”

Jun Wu then looked at Jiang Cheng. “Child, it seems you need to learn a few key things before you pick up that bow again. You could hurt someone.”

“I... understand.” Jiang Cheng replied keeping his head bowed. “I'll do better. I promise.”

He stood there like that, feeling so small, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see those deep obsidian looking into his. “Then show me you can. I expect nothing short of great from you. Do I make myself clear?”

How the words were spoken were sharp and demanding, truly the tone of an Emperor... however there was enough of something else that, even the slightest of the heavy weight in Jiang Cheng's chest lifted. Maybe Jun Wu didn't hate him after all... maybe it really was as he once thought. That Jun Wu was just stricter with him because he wasn't a handful like Wei Wuxian... maybe...

“Very clear.” Jiang Cheng answered with a bow. For the first time, Jun Wu smiled at him.

“Good.” The Emperor pulled his hand away and turned his attention back to Feng Xin. “General Nan Yang, I must take my leave. I will most likely not see you all again until the Mid Autumn Banquet. Until then, a small gift on my behalf.” He swept his arm toward the Junior Official that had come with him, carrying the bundles of cloth. The official then proceeded to hand over a set of clothes to each of the teens. “something to wear to the Banquet. I thought it more befitting then your training attire or your plain robes.”

“This is... thank you... My Lord...” Jiang Yanli was a little shocked as she traced her hand over the fine silk. The clothes were not too extravagant in design but still, much more rich then anything she had ever worn, even back at Lotus Pier...

“No need. You could say its a reward for all your hard work... even if some aren't so well behaved.” He gave Wei Wuxian a side glance and the boy looked up from the new robes with a guilty smile.

And with that Jun Wu left.

By the time afternoon arrived, Jiang Cheng had chosen to use his free time to make up for his missed training and of course Wei Wuxian could no longer leave the palace so he had run off to his room to mess around leaving Jiang Yanli to herself. She hadn't left the Palace of Nan Yang for more then a short walk a few times but today she decided there were at the very least two gods she wouldn't mind going to see. The first was Ling Wen, as it was the Civil Goddess who had kept her company when Hua Cheng had snatched her father away those many days ago.

Making her way to the Palace of Ling Wen, she was only acquainted by a single Nan Yang Junior Official, so unlike her last longer time out, there was no Heavenly Emperor to silence the gossiping gods who she passed along her way.

“It's so odd to see such an elegant young lady coming from Nan Yang Palace. I guess she is still a child so maybe the General doesn't count her as a woman.”

“If that's surprising to you, then the fact that, that girl is HIS daughter is a sure surprise.”

“I wouldn't say too much. I heard that Jun Wu has taken a fondness to the girl. It be best not to let him hear you spreading rumors, especially since he still seems to hold that Laughing Stock in high regard.”

“Even General Nan Yang must have forgiven the fool, watching his kids and all. Especially that wild brat that tripped him into that stream the other day. The patience to deal with such an unruly child, definitely not me. The only good news is apparently the brat has finally broke that cool head of General Pei's. Did you see how fuming he was chasing the boy out of the Wind and Water Palace earlier this week. Still not sure what happened as the Water Master isn't going to tell and Wind Master just collapses in a fit of laughter any time I've asked. He said he's waiting before letting that juicy detail slip. When it does it better be absolutely worth it.”

Jiang Yanli sighed. Truly the heavens were not that different from any Mortal realm gossip mill.

When she finally arrived at the Palace of Ling Wen it seemed fate would have it that the aforementioned General Pei would be paying the Civil Goddess a visit as well. He was leaning against her desk, discussing something that must have been trivial because Ling Wen only seemed half interested as she flipped through her documents, deep bags under her eyes. She glanced up and saw the girl walking towards them and put down her work.

“Why hello Yanli, its a pleasure to see you again.”

“The Pleasure is mine, Ling Wen.” The girl gave a small bow.

Pei Ming glanced over at the girl but didn't say anything, almost reluctant to, seeming to remember something unpleasant.

“Now, What brings you to my Palace Miss Yanli?” Ling Wen asked, standing up and walking around the desk to properly greet the girl.

“I was wanting to go for a walk and decided to stop by, given I haven't properly thanked you for keeping me company before.” Jiang Yanli answered with a soft smile.

“No need, I was just doing my duty. How has your time in the Heavenly Capital been treating you? Is General Nan Yang treating you and the boys well.”

Jiang Yanli let out a small laugh. “General Nan Yang is indeed, It's A-Ying that isn't treating him so well though.”

“I wouldn't doubt it.” Pei Ming huffed.

Jiang Yanli turned to look at the General. “Oh, right. General Pei has also been not treated very kindly by A-Ying as well.” Pei Ming gave her an odd glance, but she continued. “I don't know exactly what transpired between you two, but might I apologize on his behalf. He is a young boy after all, and he often acts out with out thinking. Please don't hold it to him to much General.”

Pei Ming seemed to think this over for a moment then let out a small chuckle. He gave the girl a dashing smile, “Well, at least its good to know Dianxia has been raising a proper young lady. I'll commend him for that. And since you asked so nicely, I wont hold it over the boys head.” Ling Wen shot Pei Ming a look and the General looked back at her with a raised brow. “What?”

“you know exactly what, Lao Pei.” Ling Wen huffed.

Pei Ming furrowed his brow, then seemed to realize what she was implying. “Noble Jie, to think you regard me so lowly.”

“Regard? Probably. But mostly I'm just referencing your track record.”

Pei Ming feigned hurt and scoffed. “Little miss Yanli, please ignore Noble Jie, she simply wishes to tarnish my visage.”

“You do that on your own.” Ling Wen replied returning to her desk.

Jiang Yanli laughed, covering her mouth with her sleeve. “Don't worry General. I won't hold it against you. And even if you were, I'm not interested.”

Pei Ming almost choked and Ling Wen let out a small laugh. He looked at the girl with a bit of surprise. “Oh? In that case, does Little Miss Yanli have her heart set on someone already? Hmm?”

Jiang Yanli shook her head but then... her smile faltered and she felt a sadness in her chest. Ling Wen took notice.

“Yanli is something the matter? Was it something Lao Pei said?”

“Hay.”

“No. He didn't say anything to upset me... I've only upset myself.” She gave the civil goddess a small smile. Jiang Yanli looked down to the floor and made sure no tears came to her eyes. She wouldn't cry, she wouldn't let herself. “There was supposed to be someone once... but I don't think he even thinks I still exist...”

Pei Ming glanced at Ling Wen then looked back at the girl. Jiang Yanli took a breath and smiled, looking back up at the two gods. “But I'm alright. Truly.” She took a bow. “It was good to speak with you Ling Wen. You seem busy so I'll leave it here.”

“The pleasure was mine.” Ling Wen nodded her head.

Jiang Yanli had turned to leave when Pei Ming called out. “This boy... what was his name?”

“What?” She asked looking back.

“That someone you once had. Do you remember his name?”

Jiang Yanli paused, the image of a young boy with yellow robes flashing in her mind. Sparks a-midst snow. “His name... it was Jin Zixuan. Why do you ask?”

“Well, if you still remember his name, it means there's a chance he remembers yours.” Pei Ming gave her another dashing smile, this time with a small wink. Then he turned away, seeming intent on getting back to whatever conversation he had been having with Ling Wen.

Jiang Yanli left the Civil Goddess's Palace and frankly, she felt a bit lighter then when she arrived.

Back inside, Ling Wen had glanced up to see she had left then looked up at Pei Ming. “I'm serious about not flirting with that girl. Dianxia will bury you alive.”

Pei Ming stopped what he was saying and made a face. “Noble Jie, you know that girl isn't even my type, right.”

“two hundred meters.”

“What?”

“That's how far you'll be buried if Dianxia ever heard you say that.”

“...”

After the Palace of Ling Wen Jiang Yanli spent a small part of the rest of her afternoon at the Palace of Wind and Water having tea with Shi Qingxuan and seeing Lang Ying, who seemed a little distant with her at first but eventually sat with her for a while, and yet he seemed sad to watch her go when it was time to return to the Palace of Nan Yang. When she went to bed that night, she dreamed of a field of White Peonies and a boy dressed in yellow.... Maybe, one day she would meet him again...

Chapter Text

When the knocking came that morning, Jiang Cheng was not upset, but rather extremely impatient as he jumped out of bed and quickly got ready for the day. Tomorrow was the Mid Autumn Festival Banquet, meaning their father would be there to collect them and he could finally go home to Puqi Shrine and hopefully never have to return to the heavens again; or at the very least not come back for a very long time. Once he was almost fully dressed, he glanced over to see that Wei Wuxian was still out cold, wrapped tightly in his sheets that seemed tucked into the bed, like it was trapping him under. Jiang Cheng found this a little odd, but decided he wasn't wasting time, so he put down his boots and went to grab the water jug. However it was empty. He took pause to contemplate this but just set it back down and walked over to his brothers bed to just flip him out.

“Ow!” He jumped back as his barefoot stepped on something hard. Jiang Cheng looked down in disbelief to find a line of tiny rocks acting as a boundary before reaching the bed. He looked over at his sleeping brother, realizing he had deliberately made sure he would get more sleep then Jiang Cheng would normally let him. He looked at Wei Wuxian for a long moment but then got a smug yet sly look on his face. He put on his boots and walked out of the room.

Wei Wuxian got a few more minutes of sleep, not hearing the door open and a pair of heavy footfalls enter the room. Feng Xin looked down at the kid still deep asleep. He then abruptly grabbed the kid and hoisted him over his shoulder. Wei Wuxian shot awake, completely alarmed but still to groggy to comprehend what was happening till it was too late. Feng Xin had left the room, went a few doors down, entered a new room before dropping the kid into a bath filled with icy cold water. Wei Wuxian let out a scream as he crawled quickly out of the bath and jumped to his feet shaking like a leaf.

“WHAT WAS THAT FOR!!!”

“One; your supposed to be up by now, and two; payback.” Feng Xin said bluntly before turning to leave. “Now dry yourself up and get dressed. You have training in an hour and its your last one so you better be ready.” When he exited the room and turned down the hall, Wei Wuxian saw Jiang Cheng standing just outside, arms crossed and grinning mischievously.

“T-t-traitor.” Wei Wuxian hissed through chattering teeth.

Breakfast came and went, Jiang Yanli wondering why Wei Wuxian's hair was damp, and soon they were out on the Training area, Feng Xin standing in font of them, tall and imposing, with his arms crossed and his brow stern.

“You have one hour to practice your skills, then each of you is going to go up against one of my junior officials. Reminder, your goal isn't to beat them but go as far as you can. Understand.”

“Yes sir.” All three teens answered with a short bow, each with a different kind of smile on their face.

“Good. Then get to work.”

The three of the kids immediately did as they were told, practicing everything they had learned over their time at the Palace of Nan Yang. Jiang Yanli was using Gouhe as both an extension of her limbs as well as a boost for launching herself through the air like a bird in flight. She was just as graceful as she had always been, but now with the strength of martial combat. Jiang Cheng had worked over the past few days to keep a strong focus on what he was doing, Sandu in hand. Wei Wuxian was also excellent in his performance even if he was a little too playful in his practice. He swung Suibian around him with quick gliding strokes, as if the sword was a brush and he was painting a portrait in the air. The hour passed by quickly and soon, three Junior Officials took to the edge of the Training area. They wore nothing but simple training robes, similar to that of what the three teens now wore, one holding a staff while the other two gripped the hilt of the swords at their waists.

Feng Xin nodded and stepped forward. “In a real fight, your opponent won't go easy on you, so you must be prepared to not only put just as much force back, but also give yourself the opening to escape. You can't continuing fighting if you can't fight at all. That said, do your best.” He motioned for Jiang Cheng to step forward and so did one of the Juniors with a sword. They both lifted their blades into position. “Jiang Cheng, use everything at your disposal, don't just focus on one aspect of your skills.”

“Yes sir.” Jiang Cheng answered, the ring at his finger pulsing with sparks of purple energy.

“Then begin!”

Jiang Cheng took the first move, launching toward the junior before swinging his sword upward toward him. The official parried the attack, before coming back with a onslaught of his own. The swords clashed, the sound of metal striking metal echoing through out in a cacophony of battle. At one point the Junior Official struck from bellow, launching the hand holding Sandu upward. The junior was pleased for only a second as in the next something purple flashed in the kids left hand. He didn't have time to react as Jiang Cheng cracked his whip, grappling the mans waist before spinning around and, after regaining his right arm, struck the man in the face with hilt of his sword. The junior official sputtered blood from his nose as he stumbled back, hitting the ground with a thud.

“Well done.” Feng Xin nodded, then signaled for the Junior Official to go get cleaned up. “Wei Ying, your up.”

Wei Wuxian took his place on the training ground, hands behind his head as the next sword wielding junior official took up his own spot, a grumpy look on his face.

“Begin.”

Seeing as the boy wasn't making a move, the junior official decided to take the first move. Lunging forward with a stabbing motion. Wei Wuxian, side stepped the attack and put his foot out, tripping the junior official.

Feng Xin rubbed his forehead, as the junior, flustered, got back to his feet and spun to face the kid again. “What are you doing? Your supposed to be dueling me.”

“Hm? Ya, that's what we're doing. The General said to use anything at our disposal, so it's not my fault you ran in head first without a plan.”

The Junior gawked at this and looked to his general for some kind of explanation or back up, but got none.

“I did say that...” Feng Xin admitted begrudgingly. “But Wei Ying, please take this seriously.”

“I am serious. Very serious in fact.” Wei Wuxian said in a very much not serious tone.

The Junior Official prepared again, but this time Wei Wuxian was the one to move first. He unsheathed Suibian in a matter of seconds, before running at an angle toward the young man. The Junior Official went to block the attack, but at the last second, Wei Wuxian switched hands and, using the flat of the blade, smacked the Junior Official in the side before bounding backward.

“Wei Ying.” Feng Xin snapped, Jiang Yanli letting out a small sigh from the side lines.

The Junior Official was getting peeved at the kid and chose to go in for a strike again, only for the boy to side step once more. This time however, the boy didn't trip him. Instead Wei Wuxian took the hilt of his sword and smacked it into the back of the mans neck, sending him to the ground in a flash. The Junior began to catch his breath and grabbed at his nape before glaring up at the kid who smiled down at him.

“Does this mean I pass?”

“Yes, but don't be so smug.” Feng Xin reprimanded. “You need to take your opponent seriously. In some cases, pissing them off only makes it harder for you.”

“Emphasis on 'some cases'. He apparently isn't one of them.”

The junior looked out right offended and stormed out in a huff. Feng Xin groaned but brushed it off.

“Jiang Yanli, it's your turn. Are you ready?”

“Yes General.” She said with a warm smile.

“Uhm... general...” The junior official called out. “Is it really alright for me to do this?”

“Do what?” Feng Xin asked.

“You know.... fight a girl...”

Feng Xin's brow twitched and the Junior Official quickly bowed his head, deciding that he wouldn't go against the generals decision. With that, Feng Xin announced the beginning of the test.

Jiang Yanli decided to move first, taking a few leaps forward before, launching out her staff, which was blocked by the juniors own. Both staffs were made with strong wood and stronger metals, so depending on where one struck, the sound was either an echoing chime or a loud booming sound. Jiang Yanli spun her staff any which way the other had come to strike, before she used it to launch herself back a meter or so. Her opponent pulled his staff to his side, ready to chase after her but was truly thrown off when she launched herself back at him, but not with her staff on the attack. She made her hand flat and pointed before striking the young man right bellow the chest, directly into the abdomen. The man stopped breathing for just a millisecond before collapsing to the ground and sucking in air, coughing and wheezing as he did.

“Are you okay? I didn't hit you that harsh did I?” Jiang Yanli asked, patting the man on the back who only waved his hand to signal he was fine.

“Well then. It seems you three really have done well for yourselves... that or I have a few juniors who are slacking.” Feng Xin shot some Juniors who had stopped by to watch the fight a harsh look and they immediately retreated back into the palace without a word.

“Well since we did so well,” Wei Wuxian gave both his siblings a look, “Then defeating the great General Nan Yang won't be that hard.”

Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng looked at each other, seeming to understand what their brother was up to.

“I'm not fighting a bunch of teenagers,” Feng Xin said bluntly.

“Why not? Afraid you'll lose?” Wei Wuxian teased.

Feng Xin shook his head and turned to call out for something. That's when Wei Wuxian nodded to the other two, and all three ran at the General. Feng Xin heard them and turned in slight surprise as all three kids dropped their weapons and leapt at him. He yelled as he was tackled to the ground, having been taken completely off guard, having not expected all three of them to go on the offense, but also that they hadn't attacked at all, they just jumped him.

After regaining his breath he abruptly sat up the kids still strewn out on top of him laughing their heads off as Wei Wuxian was punching the air in feigned victory.

“We have taken down the Mighty Martial God, Nan Yang! Bow before our might!”

“You....” Feng Xin looked between the three of them. Suddenly he was shaking. Wei Wuxian stopped and looked, suddenly worried they had pissed him off. Then he was grappled into a headlock as Feng Xin rubbed his fist into the kids head. Wei Wuxian screamed playfully as he tried to escape. “You little shit! You planned this didn't you.” Feng Xin laughed, a full body laugh that only made Jiang Cheng laugh even more, collapsing onto his back, trying to catch his breath.

Jiang Yanli sat up, giggling herself. “We didn't plan it. Honest.”

“then you three must have some kind of secret language or something.” Feng Xin laughed, letting go of Wei Wuxian who tried to fix his hair with a fake pout.

“Feng Xin! That hurt! That hurt a lot! Were you trying to make me bald?” Feng Xin shook his head and tried to stand but Wei Wuxian attempted to stop him. “hay! Where do you think your going! We defeated you so you can't leave till we say so! Feng-bofu!”

Feng Xin almost choked. He looked at the kid with surprise. “Wha- what did you just call me?!”

“What, Feng-bofu? You don't like it? What about Lao Nan? Or maybe Ju-”

Feng Xin covered the kids mouth. “Don't.”

After another good laugh from the kids, Feng Xin finally was able to stand up, this time at last calling out for one of his junior Officials.

The Junior came out carrying several things, which Feng Xin took some of before turning to the two boys first.

“Alright. Since you both wanted to learn the bow, I decide it would be a mistake to not send you off with ones of your own. It be a shame to let all that practice you put in go to waste.” He said before handing both boys the bows. They both took them with wide eyes and bright smiles.

“Thank you General.” Jiang Cheng praised, flipping the bow in his hands.

Wei Wuxian was so giddy he was practically hopping in place as he looked over the bow. Feng Xin also handed them both a quiver with some arrows inside. He also couldn't help a proud smile on his face, seeing both boys enjoy the gift. He nodded before turning his attention to Jiang Yanli. He handed over what looked like a sash tied to a white wooden hollow cylinder, over half a meter in length, painted with intricate golden leaf patterns along its base and lip.

“It's a proper sheath for your staff. I had it made so you could carry it around without having to hold it or tuck in your belt.”

She took the gift with a warm smile. “This was very thoughtfully Feng Xin. Thank you.”

The General nodded before crossing his arms, letting his smile fade ever so slightly. “Since that was the final bit of your training, you can take the rest of the day.” The three teens smiled at each other. “But. Wei Ying, your still not allowed to leave the palace. Especially since their preparing for the Banquet.”

“Damn it.” Wei Wuxian mumbled, lowering his head in defeat.

…

The Palace of Wind and Water was alive with preparations for the Mid Autumn Festival Banquet, the Junior Officials rushing about with resolute steps. In a lounging room, Lan Wangji was being fitted for a more decorator robe for the event. The fabrics in use were white as usual but with cloud and wave patterns weaved into it with silver threads, and made with fine silk. He stared blankly at nowhere in particular as the junior official, pulled the fabric away to decide the color for the inner robe, by speaking to another junior who had been working on Lan Xichen's own Banquet robes. They were wanting to play into the Twin Jades, sentiment and make sure that both brothers matched almost exactly.

Reclining on a nearby divan, Shi Wudu fanned himself, looking over the boy as he was prepped for the coming day. “I think a pale blue or sea-foam would look better.” He said to the two juniors as they looked over the fabrics for the inner robe.

Lan Xichen, only a small distance away from the Water Master, sat at a stool in front of an easel, painting a picture of the ocean, waves twisting and curling in on themselves. He looked up from his work to give his brother a small smile, before continuing, using a delicate stroke to curl in another wave.

Shi Qingxuan had been busy himself trying to decide on some fabrics himself, all the ones he was looking at, however, made Shi Wudu suspicious.

“Qingxuan. Are you planning to take that form at the Banquet? You know I disapprove.” The Water Master's tone was practically a scoff.

“Ge, you can't seriously be too mad if I do. You know how it is, with mortals. Tomorrow I'll be strongest in my female form, as that is how they see me.” He reasoned politely.

Shi Wudu seemed intent to argue, but Lan Xichen spoke up first, “Not to pick sides, but Ling Wen Zhen-jun will be taking on a male form tomorrow, as she is often seen as a man by her worshipers.”

“See. It's reasonable.” Shi Qingxuan gave Lan Xichen a thank you wink before turning back to the selection of fine fabrics.

Shi Wudu huffed once more, snapping his fan closed. “It seems even my students are against me on this matter. Is that not so Lan Wangji?” The boy looked over but didn't answer. Shi Wudu shook his head and stood. “On a separate note, Qingxuan, you said that boy will be leaving the palace tomorrow, correct?”

“Oh, ya.” Shi Qingxaun, replied slightly distracted. “Dianxia said he will collect him after the Banquet along with his kids.”

Lan Wangji lowered his eyes, and Lan Xichen took notice of the hidden sad demeanor and frowned.

“Well good riddance. That son of his is an absolute nuisance. If that foolish child bothered Pei Xiong again, it wouldn't surprise me if he threw the brat down to the Mortal Realm himself.”

“I wouldn't say he's that bad.” Shi Qingxuan said sheepishly, “I mean, yes he teased poor A-Zhan so relentlessly, and he can be troubling, but I've also seen his sweet side. He's been through a lot...”

“So has Lan Wangji, and the boy is well behaved and well mannered.”

“Different upbringing and life style?” Shi Qingxuan shrugged.

“Indeed.” Shi Wudu scoffed. He began to fan himself again then added, “However, I will say this. Dianxia's daughter behaves much better. Can't say much for the other son, but the girl seems cordial enough.”

“Oh, that meimei is a darling.” Shi Qingxuan praised.

Lan Wangji stopped paying attention after the conversation slipped away from Wei Wuxian. Truly he couldn't get the boy off his mind. It both infuriated him and made him all the more curious as to what stuck out so much to him, why he felt the way he did when he heard the boys name or saw his stupid grin. Lan Wangji thought it was unbecoming of himself to think so much about another boy, especially one so shameless and juvenile.

Lan Wangji put his arms down when the Junior Official motioned that he was done with the measuring, before He walked over to Shi Qingxaun who had finished his lengthy compliments of Jiang Yanli. The Wind Master looked down and smiled.

“What is it my didi? Did you need something?”

“Will Dianxia's children be attending the Banquet?”

Shi Qingxuan raised a brow, “From what Yanli told me, they will. Apparently Jun Wu even got them robes for the event.”

Lan Xichen looked up from his painting with a wide eyed expression. “The Heavenly Emperor?” Even Shi Wudu seemed surprised.

“Ya. From how she spoke, I assumed he may have taken a liking to the kids... or maybe he really does just favors dianxia so greatly that its rubbed off on his children.” Shi Qingxuan replied.

“Hmm. Guess Pei Xiong shouldn't throw the boy down then. Might get thrown down himself.” Shi Wudu said this mostly to himself.

Lan Wangji might not have shown it on his face, but the idea that he would get to see Wei Wuxian one last time before he left... It made him... happy...

…

Night had fallen and hai time had long since past, but Wei Wuxian was wide awake and outside of his room, climbing up the back wall of the Palace of Nan Yang. Originally, he had planned the front wall, but so many gods were still out preparing for the Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet, and there were so many martial gods on patrol that he decided going out that way would mean instant capture and he wasn't hopeful that Feng Xin would be very pleased about that. He leapt over the wall and fell into a back street of the heavenly capital before sneaking away into the night.

Unlike his previous time sneaking out of the palace at night, where he had done so to drink that jug of wine and mess with Pei Ming, tonight he was simply too awake and fidgety to get a good nights rest. He hadn't seen his baba in over a week, something that had never occurred before as he only left for a couple hours any time he needed to go get scrap or money. Wei Wuxian may not have been as outwardly distraught as Jiang Cheng when it came to being in heaven for so long, but that didn't mean he didn't desperately miss their father. He missed the few weeks they spent in Puqi Shrine, waking up cuddled close to his baba, or running through the rice paddies and going to hunt down the closest pond or lake to jump in. He also missed the few days they spent with Hua Cheng, both at Puqi and Paradise Manor... He missed all those things and more.

Eventually he found himself sitting in a tree, looking up at the moon. He spun his dizi in his fingers, trying to decide if he wanted to play, but worried he might get found if he did.

If your going to use it as a spiritual device, have you thought to give it a name?

Lan Wangji's words played around in his head as he looked over the flute with a new kind of sensation in his chest. He really hoped he would get to see the cold faced boy tomorrow, one last time before he went back to Puqi Shrine.

“Little Xianle, what might you being doing out so late?”

Wei Wuxian froze. He slowly looked down from the tree into those frosty obsidian eyes that watched him with an unreadable expression. In the moonlight, the white of Jun Wu's robes practically glowed, giving the god a truly ethereal look, even more so then he already had.

“Uhm... well...” He wasn't sure how to talk his way out of trouble, so after trying to find an excuse he eventually just came out with the honest truth. He sat up straight on the branch and fiddled with his dizi. “I... couldn't sleep.”

Jun Wu chuckled. Wei Wuxian slipped out of the tree, and landed at the Heavenly Emperors feet before slowly standing up and rubbing his arm guiltily.

“you miss your father? Is that why you can't sleep?”

Wei Wuxian nodded. “I know he's coming to get us tomorrow but that's exactly why I can't sleep. I'm too excited to see him.”

“But you also need to do as your told little Xianle.” Jun Wu reached down and cupped the boys chin in his hand, pulling his face up to meet his. “You'll only get yourself in unnecessary trouble if you go running around like this.”

“I understand.” Wei Wuxian admitted, darting his eyes away. Staring into Jun Wu's was scary. The Heavenly Emperor chuckled at the boys skittish actions and let go of his face.

“However, I can pardon tonight's little adventure. After all, it's reasonable for a child to miss their parent. But, you still need to go to bed Little Xianle.”

“I know.” Wei Wuxian rubbed the toe of his boot into the ground.

“Would you like some help?”

Wei Wuxian paused, then looked up at Jun Wu with a confused look. The Heavenly Emperor didn't give him time to answer, before bending down and lifting the boy into his arms. He brushed a few hairs from the bewildered boys face before placing two fingers on the center of his head. In an instant Wei Wuxian collapsed into Jun Wu's shoulder, sleep abruptly over taking him. A Strange smile came across Jun Wu's face as began to walk with the boy in his arms.

“Sweet dreams... little prince...”

Chapter Text

A great wall surrounded a kingdom up in flames, with miles of corpses as far as the eye could see, piling outside it. Wei Wuxian looked about him in panic as he wasn't sure why he was here, or where here was even, but it was as he tried to run, one of those bodies moved. He shot a glance down as what looked to be a young woman crawled towards him.

“He...lp...m..e.”

Wei Wuxian backed away as her hand reached out to him. She looked up, but not just her face looked back. On her arms and face were countless red sores each with their own distinctly human face growing out of them. The boy felt like he was going to scream but no noise came out of his throat, like he might throw up but nothing came. He tumbled backward, trying to get away as someone grabbed his arm.

“Help... me...” He looked back at a man with bloodshot eyes, faces growing out of his skin. Wei Wuxian tried to pull away but then more and more hands reached out towards him.

“Help me...”

“Save us...”

“Help... me...”

Wei Wuxian cried out as he struggled to get away, unable to speak as he twisted and jerked, crawling and kicking as he went.

“Baba!!! Somebody!!!” He wailed as he got to his feet and ran... he ran and ran and ran...

The world seemed to spin and he was no longer at the walls of a great kingdom, but deep in a dying forest, trees like limbs clawing out towards him... he was alone... At first he was happy to have finally gotten away from the people with many faces but the longer he walked, the more alone he felt. He was alone... He started to hyperventilate. Wei Wuxian rushed around through the trees calling out;

“Baba! Somebody! Anybody! Help!” He started to cry as he hurried into the darkness trying to find a way out. He was close to being happy to see anyone... close but not quite. Then he tripped and rolled down a hill, seeming to hit every rock and forgotten branch that lay upon the forest floor. He wailed as he finally came to a stop, curling in on himself. Then... he heard footsteps... he opened his eyes to the ends of white robes, and his heart soared. He looked up, ready to call out for his father but whatever hope he had sank away into pure fear. A mask, half crying, half smiling, looked back at him as its wearer chuckled.

“Don't be afraid little prince... I'm not going to hurt you... just as long as you behave that is.” Bai Wuxiang reached out towards him. Wei Wuxian covered his head and cried out in fear.

Knock knock.

“Mao time, please get up.” A junior Official called from the door before retreating down the hall.

Wei Wuxian sat up abruptly a little out of it, the night before seeming fuzzy and distant, but his nightmare still very real in the back of his mind. When did he go to sleep? Didn't he leave the Palace? And if he did he didn't remember getting back. Oddly enough, he felt completely awake, not that the reasons behind it were pleasant to think about.

“You okay?” Jiang Cheng apparently found his brother already up to be weird, cause he gave Wei Wuxian a questioning look as he got out of bed himself.

“... Ya... I'm fine...” the boy lied. He shook off the bad dream and the two of them went and got breakfast, then spent majority of the morning getting their things ready to go, such as packing their weapons and the training clothes which Feng Xin said returning to him was unnecessary. After lunch it was simply getting ready for the Banquet. Feng Xin recommended they rest as the Festivities went deep into the night and they probably wouldn't leave heaven till hours past midnight. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli both took the offer but Wei Wuxian was wide awake, and instead spent the time following Feng Xin around the palace, mostly just hanging around him, but occasionally teasing the man relentlessly, the nightmare fading from his thoughts.

When it came close to time to head toward the Festivities, the three children changed into their new clothes that Jun Wu had given them for the Banquet. Both boys robes matched, almost identical to one another. The inner robes were white and gold with billowing sleeves, while the outer robes while also white, had no sleeves and sat slightly heavier on top. They were held closed by a belt at the waist that was red and gold. The only thing that separated the two boys attires were their hair pieces and the golden trim of the hem and the sleeves. For Wei Wuxian, the gold embroidery looked like sharp patterns, resembling that of a sword, and the hair piece that sat holding back his pony tail was similar in that it was sharp and twisting. Jiang Cheng however had flowers decorating his sleeves, and the small hair piece holding up his bun matched in kind.

Feng Xin didn't have to think twice to understand what he was looking at. Sword in one hand, flower in the other. It was a blatant reference to Xie Lian himself, the flower crowned Martial God. The robes were indeed simple compared to what some Heavenly Officials would be wearing, but they were extravagant enough that if they wore these back in the Mortal Realm, one would assume they were young nobility. Wei Wuxian looked extraordinarily uncomfortable, constantly pulling at the sleeves and the belt.

Jiang Yanli's dress, was also similar in simplicity. The main dress was white, with gold and pink flowers embroidered into the hem and sleeves. A simple pale pink outer robe set over top and was held together by a thin gold belt and her hair was pulled up into an intricately braided bun held up by a golden flower pin. She wore very little make up, but still looked the part of a little princess. Feng Xin examined them more then once, not sure what to think. But really he didn't have time to try and win himself over to the way the three teens were dressed, and it wasn't like he was going to make them change out of them when it was the Heavenly Emperor who had given them the robes to wear in the first place.

So without any more thinking he lead the three kids from the palace of Nan Yang and towards the outdoor banquet. The air was filled with the strong perfumes of incense and the moon looked so close you could touch it. Auspicious clouds hung low and flowering blooms drifted around like fresh snow. All the gods were dressed in a fashion to match their statues in the mortal realm, all intricate and rich in design, all finding their seats along the grand banquet tables, who, at the head of it all was Jun Wu, sitting serenely with his head resting on his fist.

Wei Wuxian looked around quickly, and it took him no time at all to find his target, as the man stood out like a sore thumb, dressed so simply compared to the other gods. He booked it away from Feng Xin who called after him. “Wei Ying! Don't run, damn it! Your just going to trip over yourself!”

Xie Lian heard someone call out his sons name and turned just as the boy came ramming into him with a big hug.

“Baba!!!”

“A-Ying, I …. what are you wearing?” Xie Lian looked perplexed at the robes and then lifted his head to see both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli also running up wearing just as rich looking clothes. He didn't pull away from the bombardment of hugs from his three kids but that didn't stop him from looking up at Feng Xin with a concerned face.

“Don't look at me.” The martial god raised his hands then turned his head slightly, nodding toward the end of the tables.

Xie Lian looked over to Jun Wu, who still sat with his eyes gently closed at the head of the banquet. He didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

“The kids will most likely have to sit among the middle court, unless a seat has been set aside for them.” Feng Xin said, “We can discuss anything else after the banquet. Their belongings are still at my palace and I'm going to assume you'll want them to change before returning to the Mortal Realm.”

“Yes.” Xie Lian nodded, then went to take his seat where they had found him.

Feng Xin stopped him. “What are you doing sitting there?”

Xie Lian paused and stood back up. “I thought I could sit anywhere...”

It was just as Feng Xin was about to speak Wei Wuxian pointed, “Baba, Wind Master, she's trying to get your attention!”

Sure enough, near the head one of the tables was Shi Qingxuan in her female form, waving at them. When Feng Xin saw her, he suddenly looked stricken with fear and hurried off, simply telling Xie Lian they would meet back up after the banquet.

Shi Qingxuan shouted, “Dianxia, over here!”

The Wind Master, being oh so popular among the gods had a seat closer to Jun Wu and also now had the attention of most of the Heavenly Officials who looked at Xie Lian. Jun Wu also looked up and inclined his head toward him.

So much for not being conspicuous. Xie Lian sighed mentally. He looked to his kids.

“Let's find you three a place first. I'm sure you have much to tell me about your stay, but it might have to-”

“Look! Lan Zhan!! Hay!” Wei Wuxian was already distracted, having caught sight of a familiar stoic boy who had just taken a seat next to his brother. Lan Wangji looked up with a blank stare but stiffened when he saw Wei Wuxian all dressed like that. His brow furrowed slightly as the boy rushed over to greet him, who was tripping slightly on the robes he was wearing.

“I'll make sure he doesn't cause any trouble. You go meet with Wind Master.” Jiang Yanli said softly to her father, before rushing after the boy. Jiang Cheng stood there for a moment longer, then gave his baba a uncomfortable look before slowly following after his sister.

As Xie Lian made his way to the front of the table, he made sure to look back and pray his son didn't give poor Lan Wangji any more trouble. Thank goodness for Jiang Yanli, as when Wei Wuxian had tried to sit directly next to Lan Wangji, she gently scooted him over and sat between them, Jiang Cheng taking the place next to his over excited brother. When Xie Lian made it over to Shi Qingxuan he found her motioning for him to take the seat right next to her, which he attempted to decline but quickly found himself already being pushed into the chair.

“I'll take you to the kid after the banquet is over.” She winked, before also saying. “He's a little ugly sure, but very obedient. Your little Yanli was so nice to come visit him.”

“Oh? She did?” He looked down the table to where Jiang Yanli seemed to have started up a conversation with the young man he assumed must have been Lan Xichen, as he struck a strong resemblance to his younger brother, save he was smiling. There was a sudden guilt in his stomach as he knew she was not going to be so happy when she found out who was at Puqi Shrine currently tied up by Ruoye.

Please forgive me my Xiao Hua...

To the other side of Shi Qingxuan was Ming Yi, sullenly twirling a jaded cup in one hand, his face seeming healthier then the last time he saw him.

“Lord Earth Master, I trust you've been well.” Xie Lian greeted him.

Ming Yi seemed reluctant to converse so simply dipped his head in acknowledgment. As Shi Qingxuan greeted everyone, even people a ways down the table, Xie Lian looked to his other side to see who he was seated next to. The man was about eighteen or nineteen in appearance, with a tall nose, a deep brow and curly raven hair. He and Xie Lian kind of just looked at each other for a minute, as neither seemed to know who each other were. It wasn't till Xie Lian offered him a random greeting that their awkward staring contest came to an end.

Back down towards his kids, Wei Wuxina kept trying to talk to Lan Wangji around his sister, but Jiang Yanli was already deep in pleasantries with Lan Xichen to notice. Jiang Cheng shook his head and decided to get a good look around. He saw Feng Xin sitting at one far end and then saw Mu Qing sitting super far away. Most definitely intentional.

Wei Wuxian was kicking his legs under his seat as he leaned forward again to see if he could say something to Lan Wangji when he suddenly had a good look at who was sitting right across from his baba. His face dropped. “Oh no...”

Jiang Yanli looked over at him concerned. “A-Ying, what's that matter?”

“General Pei is sitting near baba...”

Lan Xichen looked in the direction he pointed and then gave the kid a weak smile. “So is Water Master. It seems child Wei hasn't gotten the time to tell of his misbehavior?”

“I was hoping General Nan Yang would tell him... If General Pei says it, he might make it seem worse...” Wei Wuxian mumbled leaning back into his chair, like he might become one with it.

“What exactly happened last time? General Nan Yang didn't say, and he seemed intent on you not saying either.” Jiang Cheng asked.

Wei Wuxian looked at his brother and shook his head, but the hints of mischief were in his eyes. It was definitely an 'I'll tell you later' kind of look. Just then thunder rolled and the teens finally caught sight of what stood just beyond the tables. It was small beautiful pavilion with red stage curtains covering all four sides. Up at the tables closer to the Heavenly Emperor there was playful cheering and hollering as officials of the Upper Court began passing a cup of wine quickly onto the next person.

“It seems the festivities have begun.” Lan Xichen laughed.

“What is it?” Jiang Yanli asked.

“Oh just a game the gods of the Upper Court play. It's better to just watch to understand. But I will warn you, it can get a little... rowdy.”

Jiang Cheng watched as, it seemed almost deliberately so, that the officials were passing the cup in a very specific pattern. And just as the thunder came to a still, the cup had landed in the hands of one Pei Ming, who for the most part, seemed unperturbed, almost like he was expecting this, before knocking back the cup in one swig. The other officials cheered “Raise it! Raise it!” and Lan Xichen just shook his head, but still regained a smile. He looked back at Jiang Yanli.

“Fare warning, this might get a little questionable.”

“???”

They turned back to the pavilion as the curtains rose, and suddenly there was a man there, decked in armor, clearly the portrayal of a dignified general. He didn't seem to be aware of the eyes on him as he began to go into song. Wei Wuxian made a face but kind of snickered all the same. Lan Wangji chose not to pay attention to the performance, however, his eyes rested on the back of a certain boys head. It didn't take long for the kids to guess that the game went as follows; the glass of wine would pass around until the thunder stopped and the unlucky god it ended up with would get to have a random stage production of themselves as preformed tonight in the Mortal realm, then displayed for all the gods to see.

The play seemed to be a tale of General Pei, specifically some ludicrous romance, but based on the whispers among the middle court officials, it was obvious that that's part of what made his plays so exciting. A different female lead for every production. Jiang Cheng didn't find the appeal in this play, and so looked away to begin eating.

It was then that a woman dressed in black entered stage and the two actors began singing a duet to each other, the words brazen and flirtatious, which only made Wei Wuxian giggle even more. Jiang Yanli simply shook her head.

“What's the name of this play?” one official asked.

“Who's the woman the General is seducing this time?” asked another.

As if to answer, the 'General Pei' on stage called out, “Noble Jie-”

Back near where their father sat both Pei Ming and the man in black sitting next to him suddenly spat out their drink. Jiang Yanli knew that title, as Pei Ming had called Ling Wen that when she had met up with the civil goddess days prior. She dropped her head into her hands, and Lan Xichen let out an uncomfortable laugh.

“I told you it gets a bit questionable.”

Lan Wangji had furrowed his brows and looked down at his lap. It was getting too loud.

Back at the place Xie Lian sat, Shi Wudu had began fanning himself, a smile on his lips.

“What an exciting play, any thoughts you two?”

“Not really,” Ling Wen replied, currently in his male form, “This play is old. My divine statues back then weren't like the ones I have now. It's only folklore. Think about it- in folklore, what woman hasn't Lao Pei tried to seduce.”

Everyone's seemed in wholehearted agreement on this matter.

Pei Ming spoke up in his own defense, “Hey, you can't say that. In folklore its true that I've seduced about everyone, but in this particular case I really haven't. Don't wrong the innocent.”

“Well, folklore says I've seduced many more male officials, but you don't see me getting all fidgety.” Ling Wen quipped.

Jun Wu poured the next glass of wine, and a new round began.

Down where the kids sat, Wei Wuxian was fidgeting in his seat, waiting to see what performance might take up next. It didn't take long, as once the thunder stopped the cup now rested in Shi Wudu's grasp. Pei Ming and Ling Wen seemed to tease the Water Master on this, but the man simply furrowed his brow before, drinking the cup.

However before the curtains could even reach the top of the pavilion two shrill voices called out,

“Wifeyyyy-”

“Hubbyyy-”

Lan Wangji face darkened into disgust, and Lan Xichen pressed his face into his hands.

“Ge- hurry up and cut it off!” Shi Qingxuan yelled, having stood up from her seat.

“Drop the curtains! Drop them right now!” Shi Wudu barked.

Wei Wuxian let out a small but loud, “Ha!” before covering his mouth. Lan Wangji glared at him.

Jiang Cheng looked mortified, before turning to Lan Xichen. “Are all these plays going to be so... so...”

“Truly, I have no idea.” Lan Xichen sighed.

“Why... why was... aren't Wind and Water Masters brothers?” Jiang Yanli asked a bit flustered.

“Yes,” Lan Xichen admitted before giving her a pitying smile, “But folklore won't always portray it as such.”

“Well... at least the curtain can be dropped...” She sighed.

“Yes... for a donation of one hundred thousand merits.” Lan Xichen added.

The third round began, and the thunder rolled for only a short time, before landing in the hands of the curly haired young man that was seated next to Xie Lian. Lan Xichen's face suddenly dropped as the young man drank the glass.

“Who is that?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“General Qi Ying, Martial god of the West. Also known as Quan Yizhen... this... might not end well...” the older Lan brother frowned.

The curtains rose and upon the stage were two figures. One a heroic looking young man with hair like a lions mane, and the other looked more like wretched clown, who jumped around the stage like a maniac. Lan Xichen frowned and Lan Wangji just kept his normally composed face, but his brows creased. All around them, the officials of the middle court were howling with laughter as the clown would pretend to be serious when the young man watched him, but then immediately turn around and pretend to stab him in the back the moment the young hero's face was turned away. A loathsome depiction of a two faced villain.

Xie Lian's three kids didn't really laugh, as they were unsure of the context behind such a performance.

Xie Lian himself, however, was sat right next to the actual Young Man depicted in the play, and he seemed to be growing more and more infuriated, shaking as he watched in obvious anger. Deciding enough was enough. Xie Lian reached out, grabbed his chop stick and flung it at the ropes holding up the curtain. It was enough, as the curtain suddenly fell and many officials stood in uproar.

However, before they could start turning on the scrap god, Xie Lian was suddenly startled by the thunderous boom of the jaded wine cup shattering to countless pieces in the Young Mans hand. He jumped onto the table before launching himself behind the curtain. By the time anyone reached the pavilion, no one was inside.

“Oh no, oh no! Dianxia Qi Ying went down to beat people up again!”

“Wait what?” Jiang Cheng looked over at Lan Xichen for answers.

The young man just shook his head and answered. “It's not uncommon... for Dianxia Qi Ying to... beat up his own worshipers...”

“If that's true, how come he still has worshipers?” Wei Wuxian asked tugging at his sleeves and leaning far over the table to get a look at the twin jades. He was still very much trying to get Lan Wangji's attention.

Before Lan Xichen could answer, murmurs could be heard loud and clear from a nearby seat.

“That Quan is really too immature. Everyone was just having fun. Doesn't he know how to play along? Who hasn't been picked on? Were General Pei and Ling Wen-Zhenjun not teased? Besides, he wasn't even the one being mocked, so why is he so angry?”

Jiang Yanli frowned and looked to Lan Xichen who shook his head. “I only know little of the context. Lets just say, Dianxia Qi Ying doesn't care for people bringing up a certain person from his past and leave it at that.”

Some Officials were sent to go take care of Quan Yizhen and the fourth round began. While the thunder rolled, Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen went back into simple conversation as Wei Wuxian looked around from behind his sister.

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan!” He yell whispered.

Lan Wangji gave him a side glance, but didn't say anything.

“Lan Zhan. You look really pretty! In your banquet robes that is!” Wei Wuxian said with a playful smile. The boy glared at him before turning away. “Oh come now Lan Zhan. Can't you take a compliment... By the way, your forehead ribbons crooked.”

Lan Wangji paused and quickly reached up to check, only to find the boy had been lying. He snapped a glare at Wei Wuxian who had already hidden himself around his sister.

A nearby official saw Jiang Yanli laughing at something Lan Xichen said and whispered something to his neighbor.

“You don't think Shi Wudu's student would go for a plain little thing like her do you? He is so handsome that if he really wanted a girl he has better options.” Jiang Cheng paused and slowly turned to shoot daggers at the official.

The other didn't seem to notice and added. “She might be a little plain but she does have power behind her. And I'm not talking The Laugh- that Dianxia. Who knows, maybe Other things about her might make up for the simple looks.”

Thwack.

The Official who had been talking suddenly jolted as a bun hit him upside the head. He spun around to see Jiang Cheng give him a death glare before innocently turning around like nothing had happened.

Back down the table Xie Lian had been about to start some small talk with Shi Qingxuan, when distracted, someone handed him a cup. He mindlessly took it but immediately froze. He looked down at the jaded wine cup and then at a particularly surprised Ming Yi, who had not been paying attention and shoving food in his mouth when he had gotten the cup from Shi Qingxuan and just passed it without thinking. Ming Yi and Xie Lian made eye contact as the thunder came to a stop.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian had looked down the tables to see which unlucky Upper Court official had the cup of wine and his jaw went slack when that unlucky official turned out to be his own father. He reached out and smacked Jiang Cheng who at first went to snap at him but then realized why his brother had gotten his attention and also went into shock.

Although the cup was in Xie Lian's hand many of the Heavenly officials had sights set on both Mu Qing and Feng Xin. Of course, as there had been no mention of the Crown Prince of Xianle in over eight hundred years, and as such who would preform a play about him on this very night? No, if a play were to mention him, it would be one about his old subordinates.

“Dianxia! Come, come, down the cup!!!” a few officials urging him, wanting to see what kind of drama would unfold.

However, Feng Xin called out from his spot, “Dianxia can't drink.”

“Just one cup! It won't do anything!”

Jun Wu, who had been silent through all of the previous performances, had then straightened up as if to speak.

Shi Qingxuan leaned over to Xie Lian, “Can you do it? If not then, whatever, I'll throw the hundred thousand merits to drop the curtain.”

Certain she really would do it, and wishing she wouldn't Xie Lian shook his head.

“No, no, a cup should be fine.” He hastily replied. Xie Lian emptied the cup, the warm sensation of the alcohol permeating through his throat. I've seen them all, what's the worst that could be shown?

All three of his kids set their eyes on the pavilion as the curtain rose once more....

There on the stage were two figures; The first wore all white with a bamboo hat, looking wind swept and dusty skin as fair as powder. The second was devilishly handsome, dressed all in red with hair black as ink and a snake wrapped around his arms. The first man tried to pull the snake away but the second only took it and threw it aside before taking his hand with a look that said he would never let go.

Wei Wuxian's face dropped and there was a slight pink in his face as both Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng just stared with mouths agape in surprise. The two on stage were none other then depictions of Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian stared at the performance, completely flabbergasted as Jun Wu chuckled from his place at the head of the tables. Many in the crowd of officials began to question among themselves what play this could possibly be, and so Ling Wen waved for someone to investigate. Soon he had his answer.

“It appears this play is called; Adventures in the Kingdom of Banyue. It's newly written. Tonight is its debut performance in the mortal realm.”

Jiang Yanli tried to rack her brain around this, until the only answer she could come up with was that it may have been the work of those merchants her father saved back during the Banyue Pass mission.

The play went on and the kids suddenly felt jolted in their seats when they saw depictions of themselves also join the cast that marched along the stage. Jiang Yanli was depicted as a rosy young girl with a sing song voice, and presented as an almost cliche damsel in distress, as she was doted on in her hour of need. Jiang Cheng was then seen as a slightly brooding boy but heroic none the less, seeming to act as a little shadow to their father, with a purple ribbon to act as his whip zidian. When in use, his scenes were like a show of combat and dance, and the real Jiang Cheng suddenly felt a little proud of himself to be seen in such away... even if he was just an extra. Wei Wuxian's character was a sprightly wild boy with charisma and very much the playful comic relief with a few serious moments. Any scene he was in was a laugh or a fight scene and the boy wasn't sure how he felt about all of that. Lan Wangji, for the first time that night, actually paid more attention to what was going on on the stage.

However the crux of the performance, the thing that was truly taking the Heavenly Officials attention, was the depiction of one Crimson Rain Sought Flower.

“Is that true? That must be made up; Hua Cheng would never talk like that to anyone.” One official commented.

“Nonsense! Pure nonsense!” Another stated.

“Who does this play take Hua Cheng for?! Wake up! This isn't a romantic drama- goodness, how daring!”

At the words 'Romantic Drama' all three kids had a different reaction. Jiang Yanli looked surprised but not really concerned, never having though too hard about the way her father spoke to Hua Cheng, or how the Ghost king in turn talked to Xie Lian. It was starting to sink in just how familiar and almost sentimental each 'San Lang,' that came out of the actors mouth truly was a recreation of how her father had indeed called out to Hua Cheng. Jiang Yanli just sat there, almost completely zoned out having to think through all that.

Jiang Cheng had a simpler yet more chaotic reaction. He felt every bone in his body shake, like a cat with its hair standing on end but at the same time he felt... Happy? No... he didn't know how he felt except uncomfortable and so he crossed his arms on the table and placed his head face down into them. He didn't want to hear people romanticize his father and Hua Cheng's relationship. Why? How the hell should he know, he's thirteen!! He wanted to scream.

Wei Wuxian just sat there, almost in a daze. Baba and Hua Cheng... romantic? Two boys can be romantic? Wait! Is baba and Hua Cheng's relationship romantic? Do I know what romance even is? Why is hot!? The boys face flushed a slight pink. He suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, but it was cause he was now acutely aware of a pair of eyes on him. Wei Wuxian looked up to see Lan Wangji looking back at him, those bright eyes seeming to take him in. Some how, that hot feeling only got worse and Wei Wuxian looked back to the stage, his face turning a deeper shade of pink, but a stupid grin on his face. His brain was turning to warm mush as he couldn't get his thirteen year old brain around his feelings and he also couldn't hide his sudden fluster.

Shi Wudu had been watching and suddenly asked, “Who are those two servant boys in the back?”

Mu Qing and Feng Xin although several meters apart, both froze in their seats.

“Their not servant boy's” Ling Wen informed him. “Those should be two junior martial officials from the middle court. They were appointed by the Palaces Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen to assist in Dianxia's emergency request. They went voluntarily.”

Xie Lian smiled and looked toward both Feng Xin and Mu Qing. “I forgot to ask- how are Nan Feng and Fu Yao? Why didn't I see them come out to play today?”

“Nan Feng is...” Feng Xin began.

“Fu Yao is in detention.” Mu Qing answered after a moment.

“Nan Feng is also in detention.” Feng Xin replied as well.

Xie Lian remained neutral and said, “Both of them are locked up? What a shame.”

The discussion was enough to get Jiang Cheng out of his sunken state, as now he was really confused. Didn't Feng Xin say Nan Feng was out? When did he get back and how come we never saw him?

Jiang Yanli on the other hand thought through somethings and suddenly had a flash of realization cross her eyes. She looked at both Generals in surprise, but then just as quickly turned back to the table, smiling to herself.

The play came to an end and the curtain dropped. There were applause all around as, even though they were all sure who ever wrote the play was an ignorant believer with indecent fantasies, and even with an unrealistically, obscene acting Hua Cheng, they still found the play most entertaining.

However some still hesitated as, the topic of Pei Xiu was still a recent issue and no one wanted to get on the bad side of one Pei Ming.

“How is your little Pei doing, General Pei?” Shi Wudu inquired.

Pei Ming poured himself a cup and drank it before shaking his head, “How well can he do? His heart isn't in the right place. I don't care anymore.”

Shi Qingxuan couldn't listen any further and reprimanded, “So, in General Pei's opinion, Where is the right place for his heart?” She scoffed. “Your little Pei's future is a future, but that little miss's future is nothing?”

“Qingxuan, mind your manners!” Shi Wudu snapped, crossing her with a sharp gaze. She immediately retreated in on herself, lowing her head in shame.

Pei Ming laughed at the sight. “Water Master- Xiong, your brother is a force to be reckoned with. Only you can keep him in line. It isn't really anything to worry about if he messes with me, but if he messes with the wrong people, they won't let it go so easy for your sake.” He gave Shi Qingxuan a false smile and added, “Be a shame if he dragged Little Jade into all that. A pity indeed.”

Shi Qingxuan grimaced, and unbeknownst to all, Ming Yi glanced at the general with an unreadable look before shoving more food in his mouth and looking away.

Shi Wudu opened his fan, taking this opportunity to lecture his younger brother. “Did you hear what General Pei said? And how many times have I told you not to walk around in that form all the time? It's one thing to do it in your own time, but also in front of my students; It's a disgrace. I really don't care what appearance you prefer; you must use your true form when your out!”

Shi Qingxuan looked like she wanted to disappear. Xie Lian remembered her comment of not fearing her older brother... but truly that had been a lie.

But then Shi Wudu added, “What if you encountered someone with wicked intent who is strong in spiritual power, Like General Pei?!”

Ling Wen laughed as Pei Ming spat out his drink. He looked between his two friends and shook his head.

“First Ling Wen with little miss Yanli and now you with your brother. If you both keep this up, I don't think I can be friends with either of you anymore.”

Xie Lian paused, then looked at General Pei with a hard stare. Qingxuan snapped at of her own pitying state to suddenly also look at the Pei Ming, however there was slight disgust in her face. Ming Yi also had to pause and look over at the General.

Pei Ming didn't notice for a good moment until he saw Xie Lian looking at him like he had never seen the scrap god really look at anyone. A few nearby officials caught on and were suddenly very intent on hearing the drama that was about to unfold.

“General Pei,” Xie Lian began, “What do you mean by what you said about my daughter?”

Pei Ming looked at Xie Lian then frowned. Before he could reply Ling Wen leaned over to him, “Three hundred meters.”

“I'm not into that little girl Ling Wen!” Pei Ming snapped. “Why is it so hard to believe in simple compliments? All I did was praise her for acting properly ladylike. Is that so hard to understand?”

Hearing the word ladylike come out of Pei Ming's mouth only made Xie Lian furrow his brow even further and Ling Wen replied with, “Make that six hundred meters.”

Pei Ming turned to Xie Lian his brow twitching, “Dianxia, I'm not interested in your daughter.”

Shi Wudu chuckled. “Well aren't you burying yourself alive today, Pei-Xiong. Flirting with a teenage girl.”

“I wasn't flirting! It was a compliment!”

“General Pei, I don't mean this in any other way but, of all the Officials, you complimenting my daughter isn't something I want to hear.” Xie Lian said with a slightly harsh tone. A warning tone if you will.

Shi Qingxuan looked on at Pei Ming and decided that now was the time. As you know, strike while the irons hot.

“I wouldn't worry too much Dianxia.” Shi Qingxuan smiled wickedly. “Even if he was trying for Miss Yanli, I'm not sure much would become of it.”

Pei Ming gave her a weird look, then seemed to realize what the Wind Master was getting at. “Qingxuan....”

“Wind Master, what are you saying?” Xie Lian asked.

“Qingxuan!” Pei Ming sneered through gritted teeth.

“Oh nothing.” Shi Qingxuan gave the General an evil look. “Just that your darling Wei Ying crushed his little man hood. Probably can't get it up anymore anyway. What a good little didi Yanli has.”

Ming Yi suddenly choked, and The officials nearby, who had been eaves dropping on the drama suddenly busted into loud guffawing and cries of humorous astonishment. (Somewhere far away a Ghost King had keeled over in an uproar of laughter.)

Pei Ming's brow twitched and Shi Wudu shook his head. “Qingxuan! You could have waited for a more private time!”

“Sorry Ge...” Shi Qingxuan apologized not too sincerely as she sipped on her drink, hiding her proud little smile.

Xie Lian's expression had dropped as he slowly looked from Pei Ming down to where Wei Wuxian sat with his siblings. By this point word had already spread through most of the banquet, and so the boy was suddenly getting a few 'good job's and 'well done's from few middle court officials. Wei Wuxian slowly looked up the tables and made eye contact with his father, before slowly pushing himself down into his seat, it was his turn to want to disappear. Of course he was thinking this with a goofy grin on his face.

After it all died down, and the feasting came to an end, it was time for the most anticipated event of the night; The Battle of the Lanterns. Not just any lantern counted in the game, but rather just the Blessing Lanterns of Everlasting light, which were pricey at best. The order went as such: Jun Wu of course had an already counted nine hundred and sixty one lanterns but he did not participate in the games so first place wasn't what everyone was looking for. No, they wanted that second place position. After Jun Wu's count the order went from least number of lanterns to most.

Wei Wuxian was startled when all the lights went out and suddenly the clouds that sat over a nearby lake parted to reveal the Mortal Realm bellow. He found the very image of seeing the world bellow through the water almost serene.

Then a single light floated up from the surface and into the sky. That one single Blessing Lantern.

“The Palace of the Rain Master, one lantern.”

Jiang Yanli was surprised and looked to Lan Xichen, “Only one?”

He smiled at her, “That's actually normal. And It's just the one the Rain Masters bull lights every year to just show face at the feast.”

“Oh.”

The battle continued, and over the course of two incense time, there was a very slow progression of interest from the crowd as the sky slowly became more and more alight with lanterns. Wei Wuxian had begun to get restless and started messing with his belt and sleeves, truly the robes were highly uncomfortable. Jiang Cheng kept blinking himself awake, as the low light was making him sleepy.

Finally, they reached the top ten.

“The palace of Qi Ying, four hundred and twenty-one lanterns.”

“Can he really be that liked if he goes punching his worshipers all the time?” Jiang Cheng asked groggily.

Then ninth place was called out, “The Palace of the Earth Master, four hundred and forty four lanterns.”

Ming Yi didn't even bat an eye, instead just slurping up two spoonful's of soup... however he did glance down to see a stoic boy with bright colored eyes looking back his way and clapping for him. He hid the smile on his lips as he continued to eat.

“The Palace of the Wind Master, Five Hundred and Twenty Three lanterns.” Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji both clapped, Lan Xichen even giving out a small cheer.

Shi Qingxuan took a stand and cupped her hands to the crowd before excitedly turning to her brother.

“Ge! I'm eighth this year!” She was so excited, like a child wanting praise from a parent for good grades.

However Shi Wudu took a sharp tone with her, “Only eighth? What's there to be so happy about?!”

Shi Qingxuan slumped. In a court of hundreds of gods, eighth place wasn't nothing, but Shi Wudu made it sound like it was, which made it also sound like any place lower then that was worse then nothing. It wasn't like Shi Wudu also didn't understand how arrogant he sounded, just that he simply wasn't afraid of it.

However, he fanned himself as he reluctantly added, “Even so, there are more lanterns then last year. Next year must be better as well.”

Shi Qingxuan smiled and laughed. Everyone applauded her... except Ming Yi who was still stuffing his face with food. She smacked him a couple of times insisting on congratulations but he ignored her. She smacked him even more, outraged as she playfully demanded applause from him. Xie Lian laughed.

“Palace of Ling Wen, Five hundred and Thirty Six Lanterns.”

Jiang Yanli applauded with a big smile, but noticed almost immediately that it seemed only the Martial gods were cheering for her and she frowned a little.

“Palace of Nan Yang, five hundred and seventy two lanterns!” Feng Xin didn't seem to react too much... until

“Good job Feng-bofu!” Wei Wuxian called out with a playful smile. Xie Lian shot a look to Feng Xin who had a wide eyed expression, before giving the kid a funny look. Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng also cheered for him which he acknowledged with a kind of half smile. Xie Lian couldn't help but smile as well. It was obvious that the kids had apparently enjoyed their stay with Feng Xin.

“Palace of Xuan Zhen, Five Hundred and Seventy Three Lanterns.”

Mu Qing looked quite smug at this and the kids were thrown off by how close those two had cut it.

“Palace of Ming Guan, Five Hundred and Eighty Lanterns.” Pei Ming didn't seem all that excited. After all, he would have had a hundred more if Pei Xiu hadn't been caught and banished. Ling Wen and Shi Wudu patted him on the shoulder.

“The Palace of the Water Master, Seven Hundred and Twenty Lanterns!”

Most of the crowd was awash in cheers however a few middle court officials murmured among themselves.

“God of Wealth or not, its thanks to his precious jade that he got so many lanterns this year.”

“Of course, with his temperament how else could his worshipers truly adore him unless he has his little ray of sunshine right on his heels to calm the tides.”

Lan Xichen heard every word of this but showed no sign of caring. Lan Wangji, however, made a sour face.

Shi Qingxuan stood up with great applause and shouted to Xie Lian. “That's my brother! That's my brother!”

“I know that's your brother!” Xie Lian laughed.

It was only Ming Yi who hadn't moved an inch, still eating away. He really puts the feast in feast. Xie Lian laughed mentally.

Just then, many officials began to stand to make their leave, having ate fine food, and having both played and watched fine entertainment, were ready to call it a night. However Shi Wudu suddenly snapped his fan shut, his brow creased.

“Wait.” His voice was demanding and many of the officials who had just stood, sat right back down.

“The top ten are out; does the lord Water Master have anything else to add?”

Lan Xichen suddenly had a questioning look on his face as the other kids looked at each-other in confusion... except Lan Wangji.

“The top ten are out?” Shi Wudu asked dryly.

“Not ten.” Lan Wangji said, but his voice was quiet and so only the other teens had heard him.

“What do you mean?” Wei Wuxian asked, leaning around his sister.

Just then, Shi Qingxuan called out, “No... no, no, no! The top ten aren't all out!! Even if we count the Palace of Divine Might, only nine have been announced so far!”

This caused a small uproar.

“Only nine?”

“It's true, I counted, there really were only nine!”

“Someone else is ranked higher then Lord Water Master?”

“What?! Who can it be? I don't know anyone like that!”

Suddenly Jiang Cheng was made wide awake as a light as bright as the sun took over the midnight sky. Everyone looked up in wonder as lanterns floated high into the night... so many lanterns. It was a dazzling array and no one could look away for a long moment. Then the announcer suddenly looked up the rows of tables and raised a shaking finger to point. Jiang Yanli and her two little brothers looked at each other, then followed to where everyone else was looking.

“Baba...”

Xie Lian looked around, then to his kids, then the announcer, before slowly pointing to himself.

“Me???”

Next to him Shi Qingxuan slapped his shoulder. “Yes. You.”

“Me? What about me?” Xie Lian was obviously in shock.

The announcer swallowed hard and then in a shaky voice spoke.

“Qiandeng Temple, the Palace of the Crown Prince.... Three... three... THREE THOUSAND LANTERNS!”

All three of Xie Lian's kids had there jaws practically drop off their faces. It was like an eternity of silence and then a great tidal wave of uproars.

Arguing commenced, some calling it fraudulent, a mistake, a miscount.

Shi Qingxuan even heard someone claim that the lanterns might be regular lanterns and immediately came back with, “How could they be ordinary lanterns? Ordinary Lanterns and Blessing Lanterns are of completely different make! And ordinary lanterns can't fly up to the heavens, so how could these be counterfeits.”

With Shi Wudu present, no one was in the mood to argue so they changed tactics.

“Everyone, where is Qiandeng Temple? When was it built? Who built it? Does any heavenly colleague know?”

“No... but Qiandeng Temple was what was written on the Lanterns as the floated up.” The announcer replied.

“But I've never heard of Qiandeng Temple.”

“Ya, me neither.”

Xie Lian finally came out of his shock, and said quiet earnestly, “Everyone, truth be told, not only have none of you ever heard of it, I've never heard of it either.”

His three kids looked at each other then at the officials that glanced their way to see if they knew, but obviously they didn't cause they were just as dumbfounded as the rest.

Just then Pei Ming chuckled. “I did say that Crimson Rain Sought Flower didn't kidnap Dianxia out of ill intent, but no one believed me. Will you finally believe me now?”

Wei Wuxian looked back up at the retreating lanterns then once again toward his father. It wasn't an unbelievable stretch to believe Hua Cheng was behind this, and oddly enough, the boy found it funny. Qiandeng Temple...

While the crowd murmured and chaos ensued, there came a sudden sound of steady clapping and all were silenced as their eyes landed on the Heavenly Emperor.

“Congratulations Xianle.” Jun Wu said with a smile, then looked to the lanterns with a sigh. “You always manage to create miraculous.”

After a long bitter silence, some officials began to clap, then like a tidal wave (although uneven) the Heavenly Officials began to applaud Xie Lian with vigor, but non more so then Shi Qingxuan and the Scrap Gods own three kids.

With that the banquet was officially over and Wei Wuxian lead the pack as he booked it from his seat over to his father, his two siblings and the Brothers Lan close behind. He threw himself into his fathers arms with a big grin. “Congratulations baba!” Jiang Yanli nodded to Ling Wen and Pei Ming, the later opening his mouth to say something, then thinking better of it and just nodded back.

“Thank you my Xiao Xiong... now.” He spun the boy around and pointed him at Pei Ming. “I think you owe someone an apology.”

Wei Wuxian's face dropped, not expecting this at all and he looked up at the General who looked back at him with a raised brow. “uhm.... sorry General Pei... for... kicking you... there....”

Pei Ming looked down at him then back up at Xie Lian before giving a reluctant half smile. “It's alright, what's done is done. Just keep him away from me and I'll be grateful.”

“Congratulations Dianxia.” Lan Wangji said with a bow.

“Thank you Lan Wangji, your so very kind.” Xie Lian smiled at the boy before looking to his brother, deciding to ignore Pei Ming for the time being. “And you must be Lan Xichen.”

“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Dianxia.” the elder jade smiled with a slight bow of his head.

“Xichen,” Shi Wudu stepped forward, “While formalities are indeed polite, I'd like to ask if you would join us in celebrations.” He waved his arm to Pei Ming and Ling Wen. “You are my second hand so its only right to invite you along, you've done so well for me this past year.”

“Oh.” Lan Xichen smiled. “It would be an honor, Lord Water Master. As Long as General Ming Guan and Ling Wen- Zhenjun don't mind my company.”

“Of course we don't mind, greater jade.” Pei Ming laughed. Ling Wen agreed.

“Ge' your all going out to play again?” Shi Qingxuan asked.

Shi Wudu folded his fan. “Mm-hmm.”

“Lord Wind Master, would you also like to join us?” Ling Wen asked, crossing his arms.

“No, I've already made plans. Besides that I have a didi to celebrate with.” She winked at Lan Wangji, who simply nodded.

Shi Wudu frowned. “Who ever else you plan to celebrate with, they better not be unsavory in character.”

“Is there anyone more unsavory then General Pei?” Ling Wen quipped.

“Better shut up now, Noble Jie.” Pei Ming warned.

Jiang Yanli laughed, and Pei Ming smiled at her, only to get a death glare form both Jiang Cheng and Xie Lian. He huffed and looked away.

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian, now free from being blocked by his sister, was now right in front of the other boy, practically in his face. “Firstly sorry about the last time we spoke, I really think you could still get a girlfriend if your so stiff-”

“A-Ying.” Xie Lian called out in warning.

“-cause your so pretty and all but that's besides the point. I haven't gotten to see you after that and I'm leaving tonight so I wanted to give you a proper goodbye. Maybe you could visit Puqi Shrine sometime and I can show you around.”

“Unlikely.” Shi Wudu said. “Firstly he isn't supposed to be leaving without my permission and secondly I would rather he not fraternize with a brat like you.”

“Lord Water Master, please don't call my son a brat.” Xie Lian admonished.

“Then how about a nuisance?” He quipped.

“Eh. Lan Zhan doesn't think I'm a nuisance right? I'm his most best-est friend in the whole wide world.”

Lan Wangji who had seemed to be growing more and more flustered by the boy answered with a simple “Frivolous.” before turning away.

Once again Pei Ming noticed a shade of pink on the little jades ear and chuckled to himself.

“Frivolous? Well I think this is Frivolous.” Wei Wuxian chided before reaching out to pull on Lan Wangji's hair... except he didn't grab the boys hair. He missed and grabbed that white forehead ribbon, pulling it off in one fell swoop. “... Oh... oops. Sorry Lan Zhan, I was....”

When Wei Wuxian looked up, there were many eyes on him. Shi Wudu looked suddenly very pissed, Ling Wen had a startled expression, Lan Xichen looked worried as Shi Qingxuan looked panicked and Ming Yi looked at her in confusion. Pei Ming also seemed confused, looking between Shi Wudu and Ling Wen, apparently out of the loop on whatever was occurring. However the reaction that Wei Wuxian got that made him take a few steps back was Lan Wangji's. The boy looked at him with both anger and distress, almost like he was about to cry out of pure rage.

Shi Qingxuan jumped forward and quickly tried to smooth over the situation. “A-Xian, please give that back this instant, its very important that you do it right now.”

Before Wei Wuxian could reply, Lan Wangji snatched his forehead ribbon back and Shi Qingxuan quickly started ushering him away, with Lan Xichen in tow, both reassuring the boy that “he didn't know,” and “It doesn't mean anything.”

Ling Wen looked at Shi Wudu who intern was glaring at Xie Lian. He pointed his fan at Wei Wuxian while still in eye contact with his father, “That boy is a problem, Dianxia.”

“I'm sorry you feel that way Water Master, and I apologize for his behavior, but that was an accident.” Xie Lian was also confused as to why the sudden reaction. He decided he would ask Shi Qingxuan later when he went to collect Lang Ying.

Shi Wudu huffed and spun to go after the three. “Pei Xiong, Ling Wen, I'll meet up with you soon. I have a matter to deal with.”

Ming Yi finally stood up. He had been watching after Lan Wangji and looked over to Wei Wuxian for a second before deciding to follow after as well. Pei Ming looked after them, then at Ling Wen.

“Am I missing something?”

Ling Wen looked at him then Xie Lian. “Dianxia, please speak to Wind Master when you have the chance.” Then he grabbed Pei Ming and dragged him off to go speak in private.

Xie Lian looked back, and Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng both looked between them at their brother. Wei Wuxian was watching after Lan Wangji... and he felt a mix of things but none of them were good.

“Did I do something wrong?”

Chapter Text

The moment they crossed the threshold and into the Palace of Nan Yang, Wei Wuxian was already jerking at the belt of his robes, as he wanted out of them immediately.

“Hold it! Don't just strip down in here!” Feng Xin snapped.

“Slow down A-Ying.” Xie Lian sighed, before walking over to help undo the belt before pushing them boy along. “Go change and collect your things, I'll be back in a bit.”

“But you just got here.” Wei Wuxian whined as Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng had already retreated to the inner palace.

“Yes, but I have to go get Lang Ying from Wind Master. After that we'll leave for Puqi Shrine.”

Wei Wuxian looked at his father then down at his feet. It was obvious he was still worried about Lan Wangji.

“Give him some time A-Ying.” Xie Lian said, “I know you really want to be his friend but your constant pestering isn't going to help with that. You need to learn some patience my Xiao Xiong.”

“I know....” Wei Wuxian mumbled as he rolled the loose belt between his hands. Xie Lian inclined his head, motioning for the boy to go. As he watched his son vanish into a hall, he looked around the room vaguely, noting the little bits of his old kingdom decorated into the walls of the Palace.

“Congratulations by the way.” Feng Xin said, nodding his head towards Xie Lian.

He looked back at his old bodyguard... no his old friend and smiled. “Thank you Feng Xin. And not just for the compliments. I hope my kids weren't too much trouble.”

“I'd be lying if I said Wei Ying wasn't any difficulty.” Feng Xin sighed. “Guess you already heard about his troubles with General Pei.”

“Yes.” Xie Lian also sighed. Then he got ready to leave. “I'll be back in a minute. Thanks again.”

“No need.” Feng Xin called out after him.

Inside the Palace of Wind and Water, Shi Wudu had just left with Lan Xichen in tow, after having ranted and raved about the lack of discipline Xie Lian enacted on his boy and many other complaints about practically everything. Once he had been officially gone, Shi Qingxuan let out a sigh, before looking at her didi. Lan Wangji looked miserable indeed, having been released from his outer robes and decorations for the event, his hair loose and falling down his back and left in nothing but his pants and inner robe, curled in on himself on the small divan in the lounge. He had his face hidden in his arms and hadn't moved a muscle, his grip tightened on his fore head ribbon, which he hadn't returned to his head.

She wasn't sure if she would make it to her outings with the other Officials she had planned to celebrate with tonight and was contemplating what to do... then she heard footsteps. Shi Qingxuan turned to see Ming Yi crossing the threshold into the lounge.

“Is Wangji okay?”

The boy in question, having heard his voice, looked up at the Earth Master who frowned slightly at the teens reddened eyes and tear stained face.

“It's complicated.” Shi Qingxuan admitted with a sigh. “That Wei Wuxian, so rowdy. If only he could... I don't know... calm down a little?”

Ming Yi shrugged and walked over to Lan Wangji, sitting down next to him on the divan. “are you okay?”

Lan Wangji looked up at him. His face was wet with tears but was as stoic as ever. He watched the Earth Master for a good moment before shaking his head, a solid No. Ming Yi just nodded and leaned back, content with not trying to get anymore answers out of the boy. Lan Wangji seemed to relax slightly as he didn't put his head back in his arms. Shi Qingxuan looked like she wanted to say something but was cut off by a Junior Official.

“Lord Wind Master, Dianxia Xianle has arrived to collect the boy.”

“Tell him to wait just a moment in the Main Hall. I'll be there in a second.” She answered back. Shi Qingxuan looked at Ming Yi with a face that said she wanted to tell him something, but then just smiled nervously before retreating to the main hall.

Ming Yi quirked a brow, watching after her before looking back down at Lan Wangji. The boy was looking right back at him. The Earth Master lightly reached out and wiped a few of the tears off the boys face.

In The Main Hall Lang Ying was presented to Xie Lian, having been cleaned up but still rather shy in nature, which the Scrap God didn't mind.

“He really has been so polite and behaved.” Shi Qingxuan smiled. “He always seemed a little happy when Yanli came to see him a few times.”

“Glade to see she was keeping him company.” Xie Lian smiled back, but then let his eyes wander to the halls of the palace. “... Wind Master... can I ask what happened back at at the end of the banquet? Lan Wangji seemed so upset and I know that wasn't A-Ying's intention. Is there anyway he can make it up to the boy?”

Shi Qingxuan's face fell a little. “Oh... uhm.. about that...” She seemed to think about what she wanted to say for a moment. “Dianxia... You know how A-Zhan and A-Huan are both originally from a Cultivation clan.”

“Yes.” Xie Lian nodded.

“And how I mentioned that my brother has kept them on their Clans rules and Cultivation Path.”

Xie Lian gave her a questioning look and she let out something between a sigh and a laugh.

“You see Dianxia, the Lan Clan forehead ribbon has a couple of important meanings to it. The first is self regulation. Basically to keep oneself in check. The second... well... only the one who wears the forehead ribbon is aloud to either take it off or hold it... with two exceptions.” Shi Qingxuan paused and looked at Xie Lian sheepishly. “The first is blood relatives. Neither myself or my brother have ever even touched their ribbons, out of respect... but the second possible person to take the ribbon off... is the wearers cultivation partner...”

Xie Lian took a pause to register this, then slowly dropped his head into his hands.

Shi Qingxuan quickly tried to smooth things out, “But it's fine now! A-Xian didn't know, and while my didi did get very upset it's nothing we can't fix! He just might not feel comfortable talking to A-Xian for a while.”

“Wind Master, I'm very sorry.” Xie Lian sighed. He didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

“No, really it's okay! Accidents happen and misunderstandings occurred. A-Xian is still just a little boy, he isn't going to understand these kinds of things.”

“That doesn't change the fact that I shouldn't have let it get that far.”

“How would you have known?” Shi Qingxuan smiled. “That boy of yours is like a wild wind, you never know what's going to happen.”

“Your not wrong.” Xie Lian sighed. “Thank you again Wind Master. I hope to see you again in the near future.” He gave her a slight bow.

“The feelings mutual friend.” She smiled back at him.

After waving Xie Lian and Lang Ying goodbye, Shi Qingxuan made her way back to the lounge with a breath of relief, realizing just how tired she really was.

“Man, what a long night. Now, What do you two want to-” As she turned into the lounge she came to abrupt stop and slapped her hand over her mouth. Shi Qingxuan looked into the lounge and her heart made little leaps and bounds at what she decided was the cutest scene ever imaginable. There on the divan, Ming Yi was leaned back with his eyes closed, breathing rhythmically, possibly asleep. Him being asleep wasn't what made the Wind Master suddenly so happy, but rather that curled up in the crook of his arm, leaning into him was Lan Wangji, very much deep asleep himself. Truly the sweetest little image imaginable. Shi Qingxuan was all the sudden super giddy as she quietly made her way over to them before blowing out some nearby candles and slipping away just as fast, determined not to wake them... but one hundred percent certain she would tease the life out of Ming Yi the moment he woke up.

When Xie Lian arrived back at the palace of Nan Yang, he found all three of his kids changed into their casual robes and waiting for him along with all of their things... including a certain gift Feng Xin had given them.

“This is...” Xie Lian took the bow Wei Wuxian had happily handed over to his father to look at. “Feng Xin... This is... you didn't...”

“They asked to learn and I didn't see why not.” Feng Xin replied, not able to hide his proud little smile that was brimming across his face.

“Ya! And I'm a really good shot. You should see it! Maybe-”

“A-Ying, slow down.” Xie Lian laughed.

Jiang Cheng looked up at his baba with tired eyes. He didn't want to interrupt but he was desperate to go home. So instead he just tugged on Xie Lian's sleeve. He looked down at his son and gave him a sad smile.

Handing the bow back to Wei Wuxian, he turned to Feng Xin. “I'll apologize for any trouble A-Ying may have caused, but I will also thank you. I really did need it. Thank you. If I can ever repay-”

“Don't.” Feng Xin said bluntly. “No need. If anything, I might need to thank you. I really did enjoy having them around, it made things interesting for a while... and a little infuriating. Guess it was just a test in patience.” He gave Wei Wuxian a look.

The boy smiled up at him... then ran up and gave him a hug. “Goodbye Feng-bofu! I really am going to miss hanging out with you. And sorry for not listening and giving you trouble. I really mean it!”

Feng Xin looked down at the boy, seemingly surprised, but then just chuckled. “Wei Ying, your really something else.” He then looked to the two other kids. “It was a pleasure having you, Jiang Cheng and Yanli.” He bowed his head slightly, and they returned the gesture in kind. With that they called out their last goodbyes before heading out into the night.

Feng Xin stood there for a moment longer, before turning to head to his own duties for the night. He wasn't much for celebrating, even if he had been invited to a few for making the top ten. He wouldn't have been surprised if one of those invites had purposely been to put him in the same vicinity as Mu Qing, simply to start drama. He shook his head at the thought. As he went deeper into his palace, he suddenly took pause. Before he could really register what he was doing, he found his way to the room the boys had been staying in. The beds had already been removed and the room restored to a small desk space, however it seemed that the place, Wei Wuxian's bed had been was cleared away and something was noticeably visible on the wall. Scratched into the wood were little doodles and tally marks the boy had apparently carved into the surface, some of nothing in particular. He could make out a little rabbit as one of the scratches and another was a donkey. There was even a few butterflies carved here and there and Feng Xin had a disturbed feeling he knew exactly what kind of butterflies they were supposed to be. He traced his hand across some of the carvings and let out a small laugh.

Damn... I really am going to miss that brat... in fact, I'm going to miss all three of them... maybe I'll remember to visit someday...

When Xie Lian landed with all four teens in hold to the Mortal Realm, he stopped first in town to buy Lang Ying some fresh fruit to eat. As they headed down the road, Jiang Yanli spoke quietly to the boy, coaxing him to eat slowly. It was as they walked she peered around and noticed that they weren't headed directly back to the Shrine and she frowned.

“Baba, where are we going?”

Xie Lian slowed down a little, then glanced back with a pitying expression. “I'm going to have to apologize, my Xiao Hua.”

“Apologize for wha-”

“FUCKING HELL!!!”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian came to an abrupt stop behind their father and gave each other a weary look before looking up at Xie Lian. The scrap god took a deep breath and walked into the clearing ahead.

Hanging upside down from a tree, tied up by Ruoye was a young man, bare chested and spilling vulgarities from his mouth as a little boy swatted at mosquito's underneath him. When the man saw Xie Lian he started cursing even louder.

“XIE LIAN, YOU PEICE OF SHIT, FUCKING LET ME DOWN THIS INSTANT! I'M GONNA DIE, I'M GONNA DIE, I'M GONNA DIE!”

Xie Lian smiled, and said almost warmly, “It must be years since you last got bit by mosquito's. Is it so bad to have a taste of being alive again?”

The tone in their fathers voice, the vulgar vocabulary coming out of the mans mouth... Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian both made a face as they realized this young man was Qi Rong.

“WHERE'S YOUR SNOW-WHITE LOTUS HEART?! WHY CAN'T YOU PRETEND TO BE A SICKENINGLY SWEET GOOD PERSON NOW?!”

“baba...” Jiang Yanli looked at her father in concern. “Who... who is that?”

“Qi Rong...” Jiang Cheng answered with a disgusted look. “It's Qi Rong isn't it?”

Xie Lian sighed, not knowing whether to laugh or cry as his daughter looked on in distress. That's when that little boy bellow the green ghost suddenly ran over teary eyed and began tugging on Xie Lian's leg and wailed, “Da-gege, please let my a-die down! He's been hanging for so long!”

“Wait what?!” Wei Wuxian looked at the littler boy in surprise.

Xie Lian patted the small boy on the head and immediately, Qi Rong was dropped with a yelp, falling to the ground with a thud. Jiang Cheng suddenly looked to his father.

“Baba, why does Qi Rong look like that? And whose the boy?”

Xie Lian scratched his cheek. “It's a long story... but to put it simply, this is Guzi, and the body that Qi Rong is currently possessing is his father, so I'm taking care of him till I can figure out how to get Qi Rong separated from the body.”

Jiang Cheng suddenly looked at Jiang Yanli then back at his father in slight excitement. “Hold on. You need him to get out of that body?!”

Xie Lian blinked at his son in confusion. “Uhm... yes?”

Suddenly Jiang Cheng summoned Zidian. “Baba! I can do it! Zidian has the ability to remove a ghost from a possessed persons body! I can do it!”

“Zid...ian...” Qi Rong suddenly lifted his head and looked at the whip. Then he looked absolutely mortified. “FUCKING HELL!!! ITS THE STUPID SPIDER BITCHES WHIP!! GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!” He tried to scoot back rather quickly but Ruoye only dragged him back as he continued to curse and cry out.

“Spider...” Jiang Yanli's eyes widened. “You mean the Violet Spider? Yu Ziyuan?”

“WHO ELSE HAS OWNED SUCH A NASTY WEOPAN!” Qi Rong wailed struggling to get away.

“Baba,” Jiang Cheng ignored Qi Rong, “Let me help! I can help!” He spun around and was readying to strike when suddenly Xie Lian grabbed his wrist.

“Wait!”

Jiang Cheng looked back at his father, a bit dumbstruck.

Xie Lian let out a breath. “A-Cheng, I'm glad you want to help but... Have you ever used the whip to remove a ghost before?”

The boy frowned. “I mean... no... I only ever saw my mother do it... and it was only once... the rest were just stories.”

“COUSIN SLEPT WITH THE SPIDER!” Qi Rong looked even more mortified.

“WE'RE ADOPTED!” Wei Wuxian yelled back, quiet disgusted with the Green Ghost.

“Oh... guess I'm not the only one with a cheap son then.” Qi Rong muttered.

Xie Lian sighed and looked at Jiang Cheng. “A-Cheng, do you know how it works?”

“Uhm...” Jiang Cheng wasn't sure how to answer that one.

“Most importantly, do you know if it will hurt the host if you do use it?” Xie Lian asked that last question with all seriousness.

Jiang Cheng looked at his father, then Qi Rong, before frowning even more. “... I don't...”

“Then while I'm happy your so willing to help, I'm going to have to ask that you hold off. Once we can figure out how Zidian exorcises ghosts, then I'll let you help. For now, lets leave it.” Xie Lian let go of Jiang Cheng's wrist and the boy let the whip return to its ring form, before rubbing his arm in defeat. Xie Lian looked at his daughter who was staring at Qi Rong in concern, her brows just slightly pinched.

“I'm sorry A-Li.” Xie Lian reached out and rubbed her on the back. “I would have warned you ahead of time, but I wasn't sure about mentioning his presence at the Banquet.”

“It's fine baba...” Jiang Yanli gave her father a weak smile.

“Eh? I thought you just had the two boy brats? Cousin, you didn't tell me you also had a little bitch.”

Xie Lian suddenly had a dark look in his eye. Qi Rong let out a cry as he was suddenly jerked by Ruoye a few meters. Nothing to hurt the body, but definitely enough to startle Qi Rong. Jiang Yanli looked after the green ghost, then back at her father who looked at her so apologetically. She wouldn't let it show on her face, nor say it out loud... but she didn't like this... not one bit.

Chapter Text

Carp Tower Lanling....

A few Wen clan cultivators assigned to join Wen Chao in Lanling, passed through the halls of the magnificent Carp Tower and were indeed not surprised when they heard giggling coming from a nearby chamber that the Jin Clan's leader, Jin Guangshan, had said he was heading into to 'take care of somethings'. They were a hundred percent in the belief that, out of the two greater clans to have to be put in charge of, they were given the easier job. After all Jin Guangshan was not only a coward under Wen Ruohan, he was easily distracted... if the girls were pretty enough.

Inside the chamber Jin Guangshan was all smiles as he drank from a cup of fine wine while a few pretty little things cuddled around and murmured sweet little nothings to him. His hand wandered down one of their backs as he chuckled at something another whispered in his ear. Being in here, Jin Guangshan could forget his troubles; forget the Wen clan, forget his duties as a Clan Leader and even forget the woman who just barged in-

“Guangshan!!!” He stiffened and sat up straight as the girls all tumbled away, when Madam Jin, his wife, stormed over to him.

“My Lady- what a pleasant surprise. And here I thought you were still on your trip-”

“Don't play me for a fool Jin Guangshan!” She snapped, pointing a finger in his face. “I leave for a week and not only do I find you neck deep in the bosom's of whores, but the Wen Clan is within our walls?! And you do nothing?! What the hell are you thinking!?” She huffed, “Not that you think much anyways.”

“My Lady, please.” He stood and tried to be affectionate, grabbing her hand in his only for it to be slapped away. He didn't give up however and continued to spout words of sweet honey, and empty promises, “None of these girls compare to you, and besides that, what am I to do if Wen Ruohan has sent his son knocking at our door. To anger such a powerful man... It would be disastrous.” He faded the last part into a whisper.

“To hell with you.” She barked. “To know what they have done and to still let them prowl our halls, to defile our home? Why am I even surprised that a coward like you is so shameful...”

“My Lady.... I know you have hate for the Wen's but maybe this is for the best-”

He was cut off by her eyes burning hot as fiery coal. It was her next question, however, that made him have the full understanding that his fate was sealed.

“Where is Jin Zixuan?”

Jin Guangshan's face faltered as the girls quickly retreated, deciding to keep their lives instead of incurring the wrath of one Madam Jin.

“Guangshan... Where is our son? Where is MY son?” Madam Jin hissed.

“Well...” Jin Guangshan swallowed hard. “It was decided that... well... you see My Lady-”

“Spit it out.” She snapped.

Jin Guangshan chuckled nervously. “Wen Chao has decided... to have Jin Zixuan follow him on a night hunt.... and they won't be back for a few weeks.”

Madam Jin's face grew several shades darker, the venom in her eyes palpable. “And You let him go?”

“It wasn't really a matter of letting-”

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” She roared before grabbing the jug of wine off the table and chucking it at him. He ducked and it flew, before crashing into the wall, shattering on impact. “You let that bastard Wen dog take MY son when you knew everything they have done! What they did to Lotus Pier! What they did to Yu Ziyuan!!!”

“Calm down My Lady-”

“Don't you dare tell me to calm down! You waste your time and your life, cowering under Wen Ruohan's boot and flaunt yourself to play with pretty whores! Your disgusting! Your impudent!”

Jin Guangshan suddenly felt brave, foolishly so and snapped back, “Me, wasting my time. Rich coming from you!”

“Excuse me?!”

He let out a haughty breath and said “I'm not the one wasting time and resources over the past five years trying to find a little girl who is probably dead and buried along with her bitch of a mother.”

Madam Jin went deathly quiet, a murderous rage in her eyes. Jin Guangshan apparently didn't know any better so he continued. “Don't think I don't know why you were gone again this time. It is abundantly clear, your still chasing a childish dream to find that poor little thing and fulfill your childhood promise of marrying her off to OUR son. Wake up Madam Jin. Our boy will be a man soon and he will just have to find someone else. That girl your so inclined to find is either dead, or better off dead, rotting in some back ally used up for all she's worth-”

Slap! The sound echoed with a fierce ring.

Jin Guangshan stumbled back, tripping over the table and hitting the floor with a thud. He looked up in surprise as he grabbed his face, the bright red mark of a hand print almost as vibrant as the cinnabar dot on his forehead. Madam Jin heaved with fury as tears threatened to pool from her eyes. She glared down at her bastard of a husband.

“Burn in hell Jin Guangshan. Your worth more as kindling then as Leader of a respectable Clan.” With that she stormed out, leaving her husband in such a pitiful state.

….

Jiang Yanli was awoken by the sound of yelling and cursing, and it didn't take her long to remember what was going on. She sat up from her mat and looked around her tiny little room that her father apparently had spent some of his free time building while they were away. It was obviously an apology gift for the unexpected housing of the Green Ghost Qi Rong, and she made it clear that she was happy with it. She had to be happy with it.

Making herself presentable, she left the small side room and walked to the front of the shrine, before stepping inside to an almost laughable sight. Jiang Cheng was grumpily glaring at Qi Rong who was being force fed some food by their father as Guzi was making some kind of plan for the day with Wei Wuxian who had decided to make the little boy his side kick for the foreseeable future. When they had initially got back to the Shrine the night before Wei Wuxian had been devastated to learn his new friend Banyue had been sent away to stay with someone else, but now it was like he decided that after two failed friend attempts, Guzi was his new target of interest. Apparently the two of them were going to go hunt for treasure and build a kite and a list of many other silly things.

“Cousin Crown Prince is trying to Poison me!” Qi Rong spat as he tried to get away from Xie Lian's attempt at shoving a piece of fruit in his mouth. The Scrap God frowned and turned to see Jiang Yanli as she closed the door, giving her a weak smile.

“Morning my Xiao Hua, did you sleep well last night?”

Before she could reply Qi Rong called out. “Good the girls awake. Girly go make us some real damned food.”

Xie Lian spun around and slapped the green ghost upside the head. “Qi Rong! Don't speak to my daughter like that!”

Jiang Yanli smiled uncomfortably. Just ignore him. She thought before turning to in fact start helping her father make breakfast.

As she prepared some food she looked at Lang Ying who quietly sat in a corner by himself, watching her. She smiled at him and continued her work. Truly, there was barely any room in that little shrine, four teens a little boy a god and a ghost. Jiang Yanli looked over their food supplies and knew they were going to run out very quickly. She smiled. She could make do. They always had. After Breakfast her and her two brothers found some shade under the tree outside and meditated for awhile, as their father swept the front of the shrine. As he swept he slowly began to take pause in his motions as something had began to occur to him. Xie Lian set his broom down and walked over to the three kids before kneeling down in front of Wei Wuxian.

“A-Ying.” The boy looked up at him. “Do you know what happens next month?”

Wei Wuxian knitted his brow and looked at his siblings.

“Think closer to the end.” Xie Lian smiled.

Wei Wuxian thought hard for a minute then it was like a light went of in his head. “My birthday...”

“Mm-hmm.” Xie Lian smiled and poked the boy on the nose. “My Xiao Xiong is turning fourteen soon. Is there anything special he'd like to do this year?”

Jiang Yanli couldn't help but smile as Wei Wuxian began get a really strong thinking face as he pondered the idea of his special day.

“... Can we invite Hua-Gege?” the boy looked at his father with a bright smile.

Xie Lian remembered how on their walk home the previous night he had seen the three thousand lanterns illuminating the night sky and he smiled to himself. “I don't see why not. Next time we see him, you can ask.”

Wei Wuxian clapped but then stopped and frowned. “Well if we invite Hua-gege I'm not sure if Feng-bofu would come... Maybe Nan Feng could come if he wanted to.”

Just then a crashing noise came from inside the shrine and all four turned to look as they heard caterwauling and curses.

“... Can Qi Rong be gone by then. I don't like him here.” Jiang Cheng said very grumpily.

Xie Lian let out a sad sigh. “I'm really sorry about him. He really is only here until I can get him out of that body...”

“Is... is Lang Qianqiu going to come here?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Unless he learns Qi Rong's whereabouts, I doubt it.” Xie Lian said, before standing back up. “A-Ying, if you have any other requests about your birthday, don't be afraid to ask.”

“Then could Lan Zhan also come... if he wanted to...” Wei Wuxian added that last part with a smaller voice, remembering how angry Lan Wangji had looked at him after pulling off his forehead ribbon.

Xie Lian was about to answer, but was distracted by another round of curses and thumps from within the Shrine. He glared back at the shrine and then smiled softly to his son. “We'll see about it.” Then he rushed back inside Puqi Shrine to make sure Qi Rong wasn't breaking anything. Jiang Yanli watched her father rush through the door with a sad look in her eye. It will be fine. She thought to herself as she went back to meditating.

After a small lunch Wei Wuxian grabbed Guzi and they headed out into the rice paddies to catch frogs. Of course they didn't find just frogs when they ran about. Guzi found a turtle the size of his palm and they both found a couple ducks wading through the waters. At one point Guzi ran because he thought he saw a snake in the water but Wei Wuxain never found it. Still they went ahead and moved on. After about two incense time the two boys sat on the edge of the fields and Guzi was holding a small bucket they had 'borrowed' to put the frogs they caught in. Wei Wuxian looked inside and pulled out the biggest slimiest bullfrog and held it out for the younger boy to see.

“Hay Guzi, why don't we put this on your a-die's face while he sleeps. That'll give him something to scream about.”

“Uh uh. A-die already seems so upset. I don't want him more upset. Da-gege won't let him stop being all tide up and I think it's making him cranky.”

“I think he's just a cranky person.” Wei Wuxian pouted, “I don't like how he talks to jiejie. She deserves to be treated with nothing but kindness and respect.”

“I'm sorry if A-die makes her sad.” Guzi mumbled looking down into the bucket.

“Why do you need to apologize? Your not the one calling her mean things... which is why he must be punished.” Wei Wuxian said this while wriggling the massive frog in the boys face. Suddenly it slipped out of his grip and plopped onto Guzi's lap. Wei Wuxian tried to grab it but it hopped away and he ended up instead crashing into the smaller boy and causing both of them to topple over and the bucket to get knocked on its side, releasing all the frogs.

They tried to go after them but they vanished back into the fields. Wei Wuxian moved his hand around in the water only to pull back holding a snake. Guzi screamed and ran as the older boy chucked the thing back into the field and wiped his hand before chasing after the little boy.

The afternoon came and Jiang Yanli had started trying to make dinner... but...

“Can't you cook any faster. This ancestor is fucking starving. Can't this little woman do her job.”

Xie Lian took a deep breath and glared at him. “Qi Rong, my daughter isn't some servant to boss around. If it weren't for that body your in, I wouldn't be feeding you at all.”

“Maybe you should feed him some of your cooking.” Jiang Cheng had said mindlessly. He stopped and looked up at his father who looked at him sadly. “Sorry...”

Guzi and Wei Wuxian had returned from their adventures and now sat on Xie Lian's bed mat with some paper and ink and were painting. Guzi was painting a not so well made image of him and his father and Wei Wuxian was painting a picture of Hua Cheng, as he planned it as a replacement for the one destroyed in the fire at Paradise Manor. There were some other paintings the two had done, strewn to the sides. One had been depicting Qi Rong getting eaten by a big white snake, which Guzi didn't like at all.

Jiang Yanli finished her preparations and handed out the plates to her father and Jiang Cheng before walking over to place a plate next to Guzi and Wei Wuxian.

“Hay. Little woman, while your over here, why don't you give your shushu a hug?” Qi Rong teased before seeming to laugh at his own joke.

Jiang Yanli didn't even look at him, instead trying her best to smile through it. Just ignore him.

“If you expect us to call you that, your stupider then bull dung.” Jiang Cheng spat.

Jiang Yanli turned and finally handed a plate to Lang Ying before returning to grab her own.

“Good. Good. The little woman knows the men eat first-”

Whack! Xie Lian smacked Qi Rong upside the head again before shoving a pickled radish in his mouth. He once again gave Jiang Yanli an apologetic smile. She smiled back, but her stomach was making knots. It's fine. It's okay. She mentally told herself as she began to eat.

The next morning was the same routine. Jiang Yanli woke up to foul language and the irritating shrieks of Qi Rong. She got dressed left her little room and made her way into the main part of the shrine, only to be the target of Qi Rong's quips and ridicule, before getting slapped upside the head by Xie Lian. That morning when they went outside to meditate, Wei Wuxian chose instead to practice his dizi, and the spell Rest as Lan Wangji had taught him. Xie Lian listened to the sound and smiled before realizing it was putting Qi Rong to sleep, so he willfully left the Shrine door open so that it would in fact, knock out the green ghost.

After lunch Wei Wuxian once again, dragged Guzi along on a little adventure, this time with Jiang Cheng in tow. Instead of digging around in the rice paddies for bugs and frogs, the three boys went to search for some bamboo sticks. After being given a few by a local village woman the three got to work, as Wei Wuxian began cutting some paper from the night before into fun shapes and painting over them with playful designs.

They then asked around for some string and once they had some, they finished their great master pieces. Three simple kites, each different then the next. Jiang Cheng's was designed to look like a one eyed monster and Guzi was still a bit young so his just looked like a mesh of bright colors and he said it was a peacock. Neither older boy argued and didn't want to ruin the younger boy's fun so they agreed that it was a pretty peacock. Wei Wuxian had made his to look like some kind of horned beast and the three of them tested them out immediately, running down the road till the kites flew high into the air. Much like a real peacock, for reasons unknown, Guzi's kite never flew very high or for very long. After about an incense time, Wei Wuxian let Guzi fly his kite while he tried to see what he could do to fix the smaller boys kite.

Back in the shrine, Qi Rong's nap had been short lived as he complained endlessly about anything while Jiang Yanli and Xie Lian looked through their food supply while Lang Ying just sat quietly to the side.

“Baba, I don't think were going to have enough food to get past tonight.” Jiang Yanli said with a frown.

“Ya, I was worried about that...” Xie Lian sighed. “I'll have to go into market tomorrow and see what I can do about food.”

“Little Woman, this ancestors back hurts. Why not come over and rub your shushu's shoulders?”

“Qi Rong!” Xie Lian snapped.

Ignore him. Jiang Yanli forced a smile. “While your out at market I'll see what I can do about foraging a few things.”

“Are you sure you would be okay staying here all day without me?” Xie Lian glanced at Qi Rong.

“It's alright baba. I'll be fine.”

“Your absolutely certain?” Xie Lian asked.

“Yes.” Jiang Yanli lied.

The next morning came with more loud cursing and screaming. Jiang Yanli slowly got up, got dressed and entered the shrine, using what was left of the rations to make a simple breakfast. It wasn't but a incense time later that Xie Lian took both Guzi and Lang Ying and headed into town, leaving his three kids and Qi Rong at the shrine. The three worked on their cultivation till an hour before noon before going to hunt down something to eat for lunch. Jiang Yanli picked some water cress and got a bowl of water chestnuts from one of the village girls while Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian got their bows and hunted down a pheasant. The lunch was small and the boy's pulled sticks to see who had to feed Qi Rong. Wei Wuxian lost and reluctantly helped the man eat.

“Shouldn't it be the woman's job to help out the man of the house.”

“Your not a man.” Jiang Cheng scoffed.

“Your just trash.” Wei Wuxian added with a sneer.

“Sound like that Dog Hua Cheng. You sure he didn't raise you?” Qi Rong gripped.

Wei Wuxian made a face. “Hua-gege isn't a dog.”

“It's ironic to be calling him a dog when your the one tied up and having to be fed.” Jiang Cheng sneered.

“Well if this ancestors a dog then the boy better watch out cause he bites.” Qi Rong pretended to bare his teeth. Wei Wuxian looked uncomfortable and quickly dropped the food and ran to his sister, pushing his face into her side.

“I won't feed him anymore jiejie! I don't want to!”

Jiang Yanli smiled down at her brother. “You don't have to. If so I'll take care of it.”

“No.” Jiang Cheng said with conviction. “I'll do it.” He quickly picked up some of the food and shoved it in Qi Rong's mouth.

After lunch Jiang Yanli joined her brothers outside, shutting the shrine door behind them. The two boys re collected their kites from the day before as well as grabbed their bows and arrows before running out to the fields. They let their kites fly high into the sky before letting off an arrow. Both hit and they ran after their kites to go again. Jiang Yanli clapped and continued to watch as the two bickered and played. At one point they changed plans and headed down to the stream where Wei Wuxian played with his dizi and splashed around in the cool water, his brother hunting down stones to build a new tower while Jiang Yanli sat down at the waters edge simply enjoyed herself.

When dinner time came around the kids got a little worried as their father had not yet returned, and it was now a few hours out from sunset. Jiang Yanli gathered some of the left over water chestnuts and Wei Wuxian caught a couple fish from the stream and dinner, although small was ready. This time Jiang Cheng just outright volunteered to feed Qi Rong and immediately shoved the food down his throat. He wished he could just beat the man with zidian and be over with it but knew his father wouldn't agree.

“Really is a disgrace, being treated like this. Ptui! This ancestor should be more respected! You little brats ought to be ashamed.”

“Surprising that you know what shame is.” Jiang Cheng said, getting up to go eat his own dinner.

“Cousin Crown Prince sure knows how to raise a little shit! And even worse he's raised a bitch who doesn't even listen when someone is speaking to her. Rude. I'm talking to you little woman. Hello! I know your not deaf!”

Ignore him. Jiang Yanli began to tidy up the altar table.

“See what I mean. Completely disrespectful. This ancestor is talking to you and you keep ignoring me. How is an arrogant little bitch like you ever going to get a man when you can't even do as your told.”

Jiang Yanli froze. Qi Rong noticed, realizing he finally hit something so he obviously pushed it. “Not that a man would ever want a plain little thing like you anyway. To simple when other pretty little things are so eager to please. Plain little women always get the short end of the stick, but don't worry, this shushu understands. The only way you'll ever find a bed with a real man is if you pay for it.”

“What the FUCK!” Wei Wuxian jumped to his feet. “You DISGUSTING PIG! You have no right to talk to my jiejie like that!” He looked about ready to beat the man to death.

Crash!

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian turned their attention to Jiang Yanli. She had dropped one of the plates on the floor and her shoulders were shaking.

“Jiejie?” Jiang Cheng stepped up and she turned around with a forced smile.

“Give me a moment.” She whispered then ran out the door, slamming it closed behind her.

“Guess I struck a nerve.” Qi Rong teased and then laughed like a maniac.

“Jiejie!!” Both boys yelled and ran to fling open the door, but Jiang Yanli really had run off and the sun was just disappearing on the horizon and there was no sign of their fathers return.

“You...” Jiang Cheng spun on Qi Rong his eyes filled with murderous intent, the ring on his finger crackling with purple sparks.

“Uh uh uh. Your precious baba wouldn't be very happy with you if you went against his wishes and hurt this shushu of yours.”

“He doesn't have to...” Wei Wuxian said darkly. The boy looked back. “Ruoye, have some fun.”

The boy's left the shrine and split up to search for their sister as Qi Rong let out a blood curdling scream.

Chapter Text

When Jiang Yanli finally looked up she was somewhere deep in a wall of trees and yet she could see that a light shade of pink upon the horizon. Morning was on it's way. She came to a stop as it suddenly hit her that she had been running all not, lost in trying to remove all thoughts from her head. It was like a tidal wave hit her as she began to finally think again and the first thing she thought was how disappointed she was in herself for running to who knows where and leaving her two little brothers to deal with Qi Rong by themselves. The second thing she thought about was Qi Rong's words and why she had run away in the first place. He really had pushed a topic she didn't want pushed, something she had pulled away from talking about for years. Jiang Yanli had refused it for herself, the very idea of finding someone because she lost the person she was going to be with even if she barely knew him, and the thought that even if she did meet him he would want nothing to do with her.... She shook her head and held back the tears that threatened to fall. She wouldn't cry over selfish things. She wouldn't cry for something that wasn't hers.

The Final thing that hit her was that she was totally and completely lost, having run for so long she wasn't sure where she had taken herself as no roads were visible and all around her were trees and darkness. She pushed forward a little longer until she came to a small clearing. In the pink hues of morning light she saw a small patch of wild flowers that surrounded a willow tree. It was mid autumn and the small wild chrysanthemum buds although in bloom, some had already begun to wilt, as soon enough winter would be upon them. The willow's usual lush green was an almost golden yellow as its branches swayed in the early morning breeze. Jiang Yanli walked along until she was under the willows veil and turned to lean against it's trunk.

Thunk.

She paused, then reached behind her to unsheathe Gouhe. She had gotten in the habit of grabbing the staff as she got dressed after her time training at the Palace of Nan Yang, taking it with her where ever she went, forgetting that she even had it on her back. Her fingers traced the lotus patterns on the end of the staff and she read the characters carved into the wood. Gouhe, make peace. She slowly slid down the trunk of the willow tree till she was seated on the ground, the staff in her lap. Jiang Yanli didn't know what to do, or where she even was and it was like the sudden tiredness from running all night was coming down on her all at once but she didn't want to sleep. Not out here.... not all alone...

She leaned her head back against the tree and looked up into canopy of the willow, watching the pink and orange hues of the rising sun give the leaves a bright glow. It was a beautiful sight, and yet she couldn't fully appreciate it. She was still mentally hitting herself for leaving her little brothers to deal with that vulgar ghost. Then it occurred to her that her father might have returned by now. What would he think, seeing as she wasn't there... He wouldn't be mad, that's for sure but he would be worried, and making him worry wasn't what Jiang Yanli wanted.

But what was she to do, she didn't know which way to go or where she had run to. She had gotten herself lost.

Her eyes gently closed and, reluctantly, sleep overtook her.

She dreamed of a time long since gone and faded. Lotus Pier in all it's glory, rising above the water as smiling faces rushed through the docks and markets, laughing and talking without a care in the world. She sat on her birth fathers shoulders, age of six as he walked her around the pier to show her all the nice little things people made and sold.

A-Li, do you remember what our Clan's motto is? Jiang Fengmian asked as he lifted a sweet cake up to her, which she took with a small thank you.

Attempt the impossible. She answered before taking the smallest bite.

Your right, but what does it mean do you think?

I'm not sure. What does it mean?

It means that even if you don't succeed that you still tried, and that if you do succeed then you've done the unimaginable. Never forget that. My little lotus blossom.

Jiang Yanli opened her eyes. She had only been asleep for maybe two incense time, but the sun was now visible on the horizon, looking large and golden red. Sitting up she looked around and let out a small sigh. It was time to try again, and get back to Puqi Village.

However, as she stood up ready to leave she suddenly heard a thunderous round of stomping noises. She rushed out from under the willow just as something big broke through the treeline, shattering branches and sending clumps of dirt and bark in every direction. The beast was massive, with resemblance to an over sized boar, maybe over a meter and a half in height but three meters in length, big and muscly, one of it's tusks shattered but still deadly sharp and it's eyes almost a deep crimson red. It's fur was matted in blood with arrows sticking out of it's thick hide as it stormed into the clearing, an evil aura emulating from it.

Some kind of Yao beast? Jiang Yanli thought stepping back an pulling Guohe up into a defensive position. It seemed to notice her and let out an angry roar before charging at her, with thunderous steps. She used her staff to push herself a few meters out of it's charge before using it to strike it's hind leg as it passed. When it tumbled a bit before turning around unnaturally quick to charge again, she quickly rushed to it's side and struck it there. It swung it's head around to hit her and she barely missed it's tusk as she dove out of the way.

It's not something I could win a fight against, but it's too fast to try and clearly run away from. What do I do?

As she tried to contemplate an escape plan, dodging the stomps and rams of the beast, someone else had run into the clearing, a sword in hand. Hearing the footsteps, Jiang Yanli turned and suddenly it was like the world slowed down to a creeping as her eye went wide.

The boy who had run forward was dressed in bright yellow robes, his hair pulled back into pony tail and his eye's filled with determination. His skin was fair as powder and a cinnabar dot was set on his forehead, a vermilion color, and although he seemed very capable in his movements, his features were delicate yet vibrant and striking, truly a handsome young man, looking to be fifteen in age. Jiang Yanli watched almost completely frozen as he lunged forward and struck at the beast's side, sending it careening backward, but quickly regaining it self as black blood oozed from it's wound, it's murderous intent now tracked onto the boy. Upon his chest, sown into the robe itself was the image of a white peony... sparks amidst snow...

He turned and gave Jiang Yanli a hard look. “Don't just stand there! Run or Fight! I don't care which, Just do it!”

She didn't think twice, not because of any intrigue or wonder, but simply it felt right as she took to his side and the two went on the offense. She focused her attacks on places he couldn't slash and he took aim to the parts that it would be useless for her to strike, and they seemed to dance around the beast in solid harmony, fighting it with all they had. The battle only took half an incense long before, Jiang Yanli heard a sickening snap as she struck the beasts front leg and it tumbled to the ground. The boy in yellow flourished his blade before he buried it deep between the beasts eyes, and it went limp in an instant, the rest of it collapsing as it finally died.

The boy pulled out his sword and wiped the black blood off in the grass before before sheathing the fine blade. He took in a deep breath then eyed the girl across from him who was watching him intently.

“What?” He asked, his tone a little ruder then it was intended, but he didn't fix it.

“Sorry.” Jiang Yanli looked away. She didn't want to assume...

The boy crossed his arms and let out a huff. “You should be glad I showed up when I did. We've been hunting this thing for three days... not that they've been any help...” The last part was said in an almost pissed mumble.

“I am. Glad, that is. I actually wasn't sure how to handle it... it came at me and took me by surprise.” Jiang Yanli said, not looking back up at the boy.

He looked her over again. “I don't remember hearing about any Cultivation Clans in this area, are you part of a rogue sect or something?”

“No, not really. Just me, my baba and my brothers.” She answered quickly honestly and cleanly, as not to put to much attention to it. Then she couldn't help but ask, “Might... Might I ask for this young masters name?”

The boy raised a brow and opened his mouth to answer-

“Jin Zixuan!”

Jiang Yanli's heart skipped a beat, suddenly lost for words... but when she turned to see who had called out to the boy her heart immediately dropped to the pit of her stomach, and she was afraid. The three who stepped out into the clearing two of them wore white robes... white robes emblazoned with red suns... except the young man in the lead had red flames along the collar and sleeves, making it obvious he wasn't just some random Wen Clan cultivator... he had power behind him. Even the man dressed in black seemed menacing to say the least.

The one who seemed to be leading was maybe seventeen, with greasy hair and an above average look, on top of being seemingly arrogant. He stormed up like a whirl wind and kicked the dead yao beast before turning on the one he called Jin Zixuan.

“What did I say about the final blow? I'm the one who fells the beast not you!”

“Ya, well maybe if you helped or even tried to keep up, I wouldn't be the one killing it.” The boy snapped back, clearly not threatened by the young man.

“Well aren't you a smart mouth! Do you hear this? He thinks he can talk to me in such a manner! Jin Zixuan better learn his place. There are consequences for going against me.”

The two other Wen Cultivators with the young man were very different from each other in many ways. The first of course was the man with them wore all black and looked to be in his late twenties maybe early thirties with strong broad features. Even though he looked older, he obviously exuded power and of all three he seemed to be the biggest threat. The later cultivator was just about the same age as Jiang Yanli's brothers, and unlike the pompousness of the young man and the cold threat of the elder, this boy looked timid and seemed to only be there to carry their stuff around. He looked like a scared lost little mouse with his big black eyes all wide and concerned.

“Consequences. Sure. Whatever.” Jin Zixuan looked away, his fist clenching as if he wanted to punch the young man in front of him but something was deterring him from doing just that.

Jiang Yanli slowly backed up, but it would be just her luck that she would step on one of the branches that had been broken off the trees during the fight. The sudden snap caused the greasy looking young man to turn his attention on her, and suddenly that arrogant glare he had been giving Jin Zuxuan turned instead into intrigue.

“Now what do we have here?” He strode over and looked down on Jiang Yanli who lowered her head not to look at him. Did he recognize her? He smiled an almost disturbing smile as he looked her over. “Well aren't you a simple little thing. But even a plain flower is a flower none the less. Tell me flower what is your name?”

Jiang Yanli didn't answer, she didn't want to answer, but she was also afraid that if she didn't come up with something soon he'd get angry and she really didn't want that.

“Leave her alone Wen Chao.” Jin Zixuan snapped. “She's just some cultivator that accidentally got involved.”

“A Cultivator?” the one named Wen Chao looked down at the staff she was holding in her grip then slowly, too slowly, lifting his eyes across her chest and back up to her face. “What Clan?”

“N-none.” Jiang Yanli stammered, feeling creeped out by the young mans behavior.

“Oh? Then back to my first question. What's your name?” He suddenly reached out and with a lingering hand brushed her hair out of her face, never loosing that smile. She wanted to push him away but she was afraid. After her not answering again he suddenly looked impatient. “Are you dumb? Tell me your name.”

“Maybe... this esteemed lord could introduce himself first...” Jiang Yanli needed an excuse and it seemed to work cause he gave her an odd look before chuckling to himself.

“Why of course.” He gave her a slight bow, not one of respect but rather an arrogant flourish, “I am Wen Chao, second son of the Great Wen Clan's Leader Wen Ruohan. And you are?”

Every bone in her body began to scream. Not only was he a Wen Clan Cultivator, he was Wen Ruohan's son! Baba I think your bad luck has rubbed off on me.

After another moment of silence he started looking pissed and she just came up with something as fast as she could.

“Hua Yanli!” She blurted, trying to keep a calm smile.

Wen Chao looked her over again and laughed. “You really are a flower. How cute.”

Jin Zixuan made a face like he was remembering something.

Jiang Yanli then took a moment to realize what she said. Her original reasoning had been to use the name her father would call her but someone else now slipped into her head... a ghost king... suddenly some of her fear, if not all, melted away.

It sadly came back too soon when a hand touched her waist.

“Well Hua Yanli, what is a flower like yourself doing out here all by yourself? Hmm?” Wen Chao cooed as he rubbed his hand along her waist in an attempt to pull her closer to him. She thought she was going to be sick.

“Wen Chao! She's not interested! Leave her be!” Jin Zixuan stepped forward, slipping his hand to the hilt of his sword. He only stopped when the man in black also stepped forward, looking down on him in warning. Jin Zixuan's brow twitched and he clenched his fist but removed his hand from the hilt of his blade, eyeing the girl with concern.

Jiang Yanli tried to carefully pry that hand off of her, laughing nervously. “I'm really sorry, but I do have to get going. My brothers are probably worried about me-”

“And they can't wait?” That grip only tightened on her waist, pulling her almost flush against the young man. “I really would like to get to know this delicate flower a little better.

The thirteen year old boy with them suddenly looked really uncomfortable, but didn't say anything as he gave the girl a sad look. Two boy's who seemed to not be able to do anything and a grown man who was looking the other way. Jiang Yanli didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

“Please young master, I really need to go.” She tried again and it failed again as he used his free hand to take up the other side of her waist.

“Stay. I insist.” Wen Chao chuckled.

Thump!

Wen Chao made a face as he let go of Jiang Yanli and spun to first look down at his robes, now splattered with dirt, then at the boy who had just entered the clearing. “What the hell?!”

“What the hell to you! Keep your hand's off my jiejie!” Wei Wuxian spat, before running in between, the creep and his sister. He put his arms out as a blockade and glared daggers up at the young man, no fear in his eyes. Wei Wuxian had split up from Jiang Cheng and ran all night looking everywhere for his sister until he had heard arguing somewhere to his left, and just as luck would have it, he would find his sister being felt up by some Wen Clan creeper.

“What a brat of a brother you have miss Hua Yanli. Someone ought to teach him to respect authority.” Wen Chao sneered, wiping the dirt off his robe.

Wei Wuxian paused, and then looked back at his sister with a raised brow. She just gave him a sheepish smile and shook her head. Wei Wuxian turned back and gave the young man a sharp glare.

“Well, someone ought to teach you how to treat a lady. Now back off.”

Wen Chao glared back but didn't say anything. Believing this to be a good time to leave, Jiang Yanli grabbed her brothers arm. “It was a pleasure meeting you all, but we really should get going.” She turned to go-

“Hold on.” Wen Chao snatched her arm. “I'm not done with you. Come now, wouldn't a pretty thing like you want to play a little longer.”

Wei Wuxian snapped and swung out to push the man back but was stopped when someone pulled him away, rough and like he was nothing but a bag of rice.

“A-Ying!” Jiang Yanli cried out as the man clad in black pulled her brother away from Wen Chao and tossed him to the side.

“Hands off.” He said in a deep no nonsense voice.

The other boy carrying all their stuff looked panicked as he rushed over to make sure he was okay. He didn't say anything as he looked over Wei Wuxian who sat up quickly before getting to his feet and reaching for Suibian.

Jin Zixuan looked panicked and suddenly grabbed the boy's arm. “Don't.”

“I'm not just going to stand here and let him touch-”

“Not him.” Jin Zixuan looked at the man in black with a mix between a glare and a trace of fear.

The man didn't seem to care and just looked the other way. Wen Chao put his arm around Jiang Yanli's back.

“Come now, don't run off so quickly. Let's have some fun.”

“Wen Chao. Just stop. Leave her be.” Jin Zixuan tried, badly, to reason with him.

It seemed Wen Chao was done with his pestering and turned on him. “What? Would you rather have her? A plain little flower? Pretty boy like you, probably gets around like his father.”

This seemed to shut Jin Zixuan up but he still seemed to shake as he glared at the ground.

Wen Chao turned back to Jiang Yanli, and lowered his hand from her back and touched her in a way that had the tears start to threaten to fall. She didn't like this, she wanted out, but obviously she wasn't sure how. If She hit this young man, the son of the monster she had been running from for the past five years, she would put not only herself but Wei Wuxian in danger, and if not that, then the man who seemed only to act to protect Wen Chao was obviously very dangerous. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know what-

Then she saw something flutter by in the tree line. A butterfly with silver wings.

Suddenly Wen Chao's hand was no longer on her and he let out a yelp as his arm was pulled away at sharp speed, almost breaking it. The young man looked up to see a man dressed in red smiling down at him, but that smile was filled with murderous intent. The man in black seemed surprised as not even he had seen the man arrive, almost like he had appeared out of nowhere. He quickly pulled up his hand like he was readying to strike but the one in red only laughed.

“Don't. It won't work on me.” His words were light and yet full of venom.

“WEN ZHULIU YOU WORTHLESS IDIOT! HELP ME!” Wen Chao cried out as the man in red twisted his wrist, closer and closer to breaking it.

Wen Zhuliu, the one dressed in black, looked at the crimson stranger with a questioning look, but slowly had a look of concern begin to register in his eyes, realizing he might know exactly who this stranger was.

After a moments pause the man in red laughed before practically tossing Wen Chao over to Wen Zhuliu like he was nothing more then a unwanted piece of trash that he might throw aside. Wei Wuxian had a brilliant smile on his face as he quickly ran over and stood at the man in reds side.

“We're leaving.” Wen Zhuliu stated bluntly before taking Wen Chao by the shoulders and spinning him around to go the other direction.

“What do you mean leaving?! You useless fool! You should-”

“NOW!” Wen Zhuliu snapped.

Wen Chao was taken aback at the sharp tone, but reluctantly complied. However, he had to get his anger out somehow. So as he moved to leave, he kicked the boy holding their stuffs leg, causing him to fall and drop everything as the two went into the tree line.

“Pick it up.” Was all Wen Chao said before vanishing.

Jin Zixuan watched them leave then looked back at Jiang Yanli, who made eye contact with him. He stepped forward like he wanted to say something but then froze. His eye's looked up to see the man in red was now looking at him with that deadly smile. He looked at the man a second longer before spinning around, grabbing some of the dropped supplies and snapping at the boy.

“Hurry up. They will leave you!” Before running after Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu.

The boy looked like he was going to cry as he rushed to pick up everything. Then a hand reached down and began to help him. When the boy looked up he saw Wei Wuxian grabbing a few things and handing them over to him.

“Thought you might need some help with that.”

The boy blinked then nodded. “T-thanks...” He made sure he had everything then paused. “Y... your name... your names Hua Ying?”

The man in red made a funny noise and Wei Wuxian smiled. “Ya sure.”

“Well... thank you... Hua Ying.” The boy said

“WEN NING!” Jin Zixuan yelled.

“Coming!” The boy replied before jumping to his feet and running into the trees. He stopped only once to look back at Wei Wuxian who waved after him. He gave a shy smile before fleeing after the others.

Hua Cheng stepped up to stand next to the boy, he was in his true form. He looked down thoughtfully. “You didn't have to help him.”

“Why not? That piece of trash was bullying him.” He said trash with an emphasis which made Hua Cheng chuckle. Wei Wuxian smiled up at him. “Hua-gege, what are you doing here anyway? And how did you find us?”

“I ran into your father last night and thought I might pay a visit. But when I arrive I find A-Cheng wandering around. He told me what happened so I came looking.” Hua Cheng looked back. His smile faded. “A-Yanli?”

The girl looked up, and only then realized she was crying. She reached up and touched her face, only to start crying even more. Hua Cheng walked up and put his hands on her shoulders.

“A-Li, your safe now. I should have been here sooner, that never should have happened. I'm so sorry that that happened.”

“I...” Jiang Yanli had started to say something, but instead began to sob uncontrollably. She grabbed at Hua Cheng's robes and let out a wail as she cried. At this point she wasn't even sure what she was crying for, it all was just too much. Hua Cheng looked down at her before pulling her into a hug and pressing his lips to her head.

“Your alright. Your safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise.” he whispered into her hair, a soothing hand rubbing her back. She wrapped her arms around the mans back and cried. After a good long while, her crying had faded and her legs had given out. Hua Cheng lifted her up in his arms, then looked at Wei Wuxian who looked upset.

“Is... is jiejie going to be okay?”

Hua Cheng at first didn't answer, instead he just smiled at him a soft smile. “Let's get you two home. Okay A-Ying.”

The boy nodded. Hua Cheng looked over to the dead Yao beast then to Guohe laying on the ground. He maneuvered Jiang Yanli and reached down to pick up her staff, putting it in his belt before summoning a horde of silver butterflies that descended on the Yao beast. They would make quick work of it.

Wei Wuxian looked at them then back at Hua Cheng, before grabbing his robe and the three of them vanished into the morning light.

Chapter Text

It had been a long twenty four hours and Xie Lian was tired. Not only had he just spent the night, once again, in women's clothes, night clothes specifically, he got into a tussle with a fetus spirit (the second time he had run into it, the first being back on mount YuJun), had to take Lan Chang to the heavenly courts to help her find whichever Official was the father only for her to go manic, and accuse everyone, INCLUDING HIMSELF! (not even Ling Wen had been safe from the tirade) He even was given a warning by Feng Xin... why had Lan Chang acted so oddly around Mu Qing? He didn't know and at the moment he was just done. But of course, there were still some good things that happened that night. Like spending some time with Hua Cheng in Ghost City....

Crystalline bubbles, a widows peak, and a handsome face... lips on his-

He suddenly shook the thought from his head, completely flustered.... then he remembered Shi Qingxuan bringing up the idea of never kissing anyone before and he had to shake those thoughts away too! He sighed as he lead Lang Ying and Guzi back to Puqi Shrine, making sure to put the sign asking for donations in a more obvious location and hoping desperately that, even with Qi Rong there, his kids had a much simpler time then himself. That hope was put into question when he entered the shrine to an interesting sight.

The entire shrine had been completely cleaned! The floor was swept, the altar dusted and even the trash was taken out... but Qi Rong and all three of his kids were nowhere to be found.

“Da-Gege, where is my A-Die?” Guzi asked, with an arm full of meat pies he had brought from town after having spent the night at the Wealthy Merchants place.

Suddenly, Xie Lian turned around. Something glinted and was coming right toward him. In less then a second he pulled out Fengxin and struck the object, sending it several meters away. He just as quickly sheathed his sword... but then was set into a moment of confusion. The thing didn't try to attack again. He walked out until he was next to the silver object and suddenly stopped.

“Isn't... Isn't this Eming? What's Wrong?”

A couple farmers had been walking past and whispered to each other before moving along quickly, pretending not to notice. Eming itself was shaking, like it had contracted a deadly disease.

“Did I hurt you just now?” Xie Lian asked, reaching out to comfort the scimitar, in spite of himself. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't see it was you. I won't do it again.” He stroked the blades spine a few times and after a moment the scimitar stopped shaking. “Where is your Master?”

“Pay it no mind.” the voice came from behind him.