Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

***

The nameless creature was easily living through the third millennium. No longer remembered where exactly it had appeared in these wild mountains: perhaps, had formed from a patch of white fog that had thickened on the shore of the lake one cool morning; perhaps the edge of the fluffy cloud was caught in a web strung between the branches of the trees. Or it was born a living being, but has long since forgotten from which kind-tribe it came from. 

In any case, it had time to realize its own essence and master the boundless, inaccessible to the human eye, streams of energy that thickly permeated the mountain valley. The creature played hide and seek with numerous flocks of clouds floating weightlessly past the lake; it liked to change its contours according to the swirls of water vapor. That nameless one found the roots of herbs that had been sucking drops of qi from the ground for decades — some tasted bitter, some sweet, but the creature didn't overdo it, carefully nourishing the glowing flame of energy that pulsated inside more and more with every absorbed drop of power. Learned to dodge dangerous creatures that were not against to be nurtured by his own energy — well, some enemies turned out to be very tasty!

At some point, the nameless creature noticed that a cluster of living creatures had appeared on a high peak near the valley. But it didn't pay too much attention to them, getting used to the silent peace around the mountain lake. The two-legged creatures sometimes appeared within the confines of his dwelling, but kept their guard up: if it weren't for the ancient habit (etched over centuries of caution and numerous failed attempts) not to kill those who don't attack first, they would be a decent meal. But the nameless one preferred to hide in the fog that thickened over the lake at his will, and watch the strangers from afar. 

Over time, they crossed the borders of the valley less and less, except that sometimes, once every few years, small flocks of several adults and young appeared. Each such appearance brought an inexplicable joy: if it could realize what it was feeling, then it could be described as relief from loneliness. However, the creature was still far from such awareness. Until he just knew that the strangers — all with strange flat fur of different shades of clouds — did not wish him harm.

This continued until it, peacefully resting on the shore of the lake in its usual small form (the creature liked to take the form of furry animals with long ears, whose colony lived nearby), was grabbed by the ears with the exclamation of "oh, what a fat-fluffy!".

Imagine: you`re relaxing and lose vigilance — and suddenly you`ve already been shoved into some incomprehensible dark bag. What a disgrace!

***

"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan! Look at the bunniesI managed to catch in the mountains today! What do you think? Are they pretty? Well, Lan Zhan! It's rude to ignore a guest who brought a gift!"

"Wei Ying. Gusu Lan's rules prohibit keeping animals."

"What, not allowed at all, not even bunnies? Tzk, that rules! Okay, then I'll have dinner. Don't you want to join? Ai! Oh, damn, you clever scratcher, keep your paws to yourself!"

Well, what else could the nameless creature do, held by the ears in the air (not so much painful as uncomfortable — the kidnapper clearly considered the fragility of thin cartilage)? For shapeshifting, it had to concentrate — impossible in such a suspended position! To hit him with energy? Under the skin of the attacker, golden spiritual qi was raging: a strong and dangerous enemy! That's why only the claws on the hind legs remained as a possible tool.

“Wei Ying!”

The creature cautiously but decisively reached out the warm palms. The one holding the ears gently released the grip, giving the prey away without resistance. The nameless creature was pressed against a dense surface, under which an accelerated heartbeat could be felt. And again the pulsation of energy: another enemy? How come there are so many of them on his poor long-eared head?

He was not alone in his wide palms: a huddled, quivering soft ball — the color as the sky on moonless nights — was snuggled up next to him. Dark eyes flashed with fear. And the creature, on the contrary, became interested: his brother in trouble was similar to himself. Both externally and internally. Only the wisp of energy inside is not white, but red.

The mustache on the dark face moved: his neighbor sniffed in disbelief in response. The nameless creature had already prepared for a potential attack (absorbing someone else's energy, one of them would be guaranteed to escape from captivity), but no signs of aggression were felt. Well, it wasn't in the mood for a fight either now, in the den of dangerous kidnappers.

The palms that held them spread apart. The creature was already preparing to scurry somewhere when it sensed...something. Unusual, but pleasant. Oh, he had no idea that the gentle touch of fingers on the top of his head could cause such a good feeling! And there, there, more caresses behind the ear, oh well! It turns out that this was exactly what was missing in his boring being...

Watching his fellow captive languish under the same pettings, the creature thought deeply. Of course, it was possible to escape, now there were no obvious obstacles to this. But then loneliness again, and no scratching behind the ear! Focusing on its keeper's emotions, the creature, to its own surprise, sensed no aggressive intent: a calm tenderness — and a sunlit joy inside. No dark spots in the aura. Interesting. It didn't look like the kidnapper was going to eat him or his dark fellow even in the future.

Maybe they should wait a little while to escape? After all, the creature did not like to kill without any reason, and pleasant caresses behind the ears do not seem like that. And it won't hurt to get acquainted with the black furry one...

Chapter Text

***

"Wangji, what is this? Bunnies in Gusu Lan? Do you remember that it is forbidden to keep..."

"Shifu. This unworthy disciple did not break the rules."

"Hmm? And how do you understand that? These are animals! Within Gusu Lan!"

"Not animals. An object of research. The rules do not prohibit the storage of objects of research on the territory of the order with the observance of security measures."

"What research? What safety measures? That is nonsense? They're just wild rabbits!"

"Shifu, be careful! The defensive array..."

The creature, unceremoniously awakened by screams from its slumber, sensed danger and quickly transformed into a combat form. The fangs clicked, grabbing the edge of the dark blue outfit (a leg was planned instead, but the uninvited guest turned out to be quite nimble, despite his respectable age). It was not possible to pursue the threat further: the protective walls flashed with energy as a warning, and a warm palm rested soothingly on the top of the head. Well, caresses, seasoned with a bit of energy, quickly quelled the rage.

"What are these monsters? Wangji?! Where did they come from?"

"These are not monsters. Divine Immortal Beasts from the Lake Valley."

"What??? How dare you bring them here?"

“That unworthy disciple did not do that.”

"Then who?"

“…”

"Just don't say that… No! That Wei Wuxian again!"

"I'm sorry, shifu, this unworthy disciple will reconfigure the barrier to a high level of spiritual energy. I assure you, it is impossible to break through the wall from the inside."

The creature could argue with this statement (a little effort and any walls can be chewed through). But why? The area wasn't too different from his previous lair, there was plenty of energy around, and being cared for by the strange biped was a nice enough bonus to not wanting to run away.

Baring its fangs warningly at the rude intruder, the creature returned to its small form. Waiting for him was a fresh pile of crunchy carrots, a small bundle of ginseng roots, full of qi… and a fluffy brother-by-capture still sleeping sweetly in the shade after a hearty lunch.

They managed to come to an understanding in the end. Recovered from fright, he turned out to be quite an interesting companion for racing between the hills. And in general, the feeling that someone equal is nearby turned out to be inspiring. Clouds and morning fog are silent. And predictable. And the furry creature, woven from the darkness of the night — not at all. What is worth only the ability to breathe fire: no matter how the nameless creature tried to repeat this trick, still their energies were of a different nature. But that's a good thing: if it wanted to see an exact copy nearby, a vague illusion would be enough.

Leaning against the neighbor's warm side, the creature involuntarily thought: does a two-legged creature that knows how to pet them so gently between the ears have someone similar? At least as their brazen kidnapper? Probably not, otherwise his sense would not periodically catch waves of bitter sadness and loneliness. It seemed somehow… unfortunate.

***

"Baise. Heise."

The once nameless creature has been given a name. Well, not officially. The two-legged creature, which is so gentle with them both, at a certain moment began to address these words to him and his twin. And every time you receive a tasty root or fruit saturated with energy with the same appeal, you will involuntarily understand that it is your name. Under such conditions, the creature did not mind being called Baise. Heise — his brother — also shared his opinion on this issue.

The two-legged creature also had a name. At least that's how the not-too-pleasant old intruder addressed him. And same —  from a creature that looks like his reflection in a lake mirror. If it were not for the spiritual essence and the smell, they could be confused. But the bark and a leaf of a fern are still not the same.

What Baise and Heise couldn't figure out was the number of names of these strange creatures. "Wangji" — from the unpleasant old man and the mirror creature, "Master Lan" — from the small two-legged who often came to the barrier and contemplated with curiosity, fear and admiration. For some reason, "Lan Zhan" was also stuck in memory, pronounced with persistence and a hidden desire to draw attention to that insolence that was pulling on the ears.

Well, the proper name was not too important for the once-nameless creature — it had done without it for two millennia and would continue to do without it. But their caretaker had other, no less interesting features: let's start with the fact that he was not afraid of them. 

At the first meeting, it is understandable, they seemed small and defenseless then. But even after the demonstration of the combat form (from which a yao tiger once escaped from a mountain valley, hiding its tail between legs), their caretaker was not afraid. Passion, determination, but not fear. 

Except for some small creatures who occasionally visited the clearing surrounded by a protective barrier, not risking going inside. Well, Heise loved to show off his fighting form to the newbies... not immediately: he would jump carefully to the barrier in the form of a fluffy little bunny, and then once — and turn into a dark, toothy cloud with red eyes. Baise only sighed: his sensitive hearing had to listen to the shrill screech again. But to stop the neighbor? Why? He likes it. And small creatures, after such a reception, usually visited their home more than once. And with each visit there was less and less fear — and more delicious treats.

From time to time their caretaker brought with him a strange dark-wooden board with thin strings. And he picked them with his fingers, and gentle sounds floated in the autumn silence. The splash of the waterfall on the rocks, the sound of the trees in the wind, the ringing of the ice crystals in the cold winter nights — Baise and Heise each time felt as if they were frozen in time under this invisible power of the melody. The sounds were accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions: their caretaker, usually silent, seemed to put his voice into the playing. Sorrow deepened the tone, doubts throbbed with subtle vibrations of high notes and crossings between ranges, uncertain rustling of finger pads on the surface of the strings; but hope still stubbornly broke through the dark depths, saturating the air with a golden shimmer. Who was it for? To whom did the essence of this being aspire?

How strange are the habits of these two-legged creatures!

Chapter Text

***

One autumn has passed, and another. There was still snow on the peak, but the sun's rays were getting hotter every day. A little more — and fresh sprouts will emerge from under the ice again. There will be something to eat.

The promise of an early spring that wafted through the air like the tune of a guqin had strangely affected the flow of energy in Baise's body. In all two thousand years, this happened for the first time, and the unusualness did not improve the mood. Even carrots were annoying, what to say about the fluffy neighbor! 

He also became completely unbearable: for example, he jerks Baise’s ear suddenly — not strongly, but offensively — and pretends that it is not his paw's business at all. An irritated roar did not affect the culprit  in any way, but for some reason Baise did not want to resort to more serious measures. Unless to pretend a little  that he would grab the fluffy black tail that was shaking insolently in front: Heise was a little faster than him in the race, diving in the shadows (the sun had not yet risen high above the horizon). Well, nothing, Baise will wait a little longer, and then somehow catch up with this brat and... "And" for some reason seemed very promising.

Their keeper hadn't come to the barrier for a week, leaving behind enough deliciousness that it wouldn't be worth breaking the web of energy-filled signs. Reasonably. Even scratching behind the ears wouldn't calm Baise right now.

That's it, his patience finally gave out. This scoundrel! The tip of the ear, the most tender place! Now he will repay him for everything together!

***

Well, the race turned out to be… interesting. A few trees crushed to the ground are such trifles! 

Heise was still getting some sleep, having changed into a small form. The fluffy black ball was so tiny — yet priceless to Baise, as it turned out. And in order to protect his dream, he will not regret anything — he has enough strength for it. And the previous grudges were no longer mentioned... although no, they were mentioned, but with different accents. Ear? This scoundrel knew exactly what to cling to!

Light steps in the snow. A creak near the feeder. Has the two-legged keeper returned? He almost never came this late.

Yes, it was him. He had already dumped a bunch of fresh root crops in the designated place. Among the food, Baise saw some red sides: wow, Heise loves these fruits, there will be something to eat! And juicy lettuce leaves too. Baise did not know what a feast was, but the appetite after several days of fierce racing between the slopes was relentless.

Only the two-legged one somehow seemed different. It's as if the spring sun has melted the usual icy shell of peace and an unstoppable stream is about to break out from under it. Also annoyed like Baise for no apparent reason? 

The white ribbon pressed to the heart smelled faintly, but familiarly, of the almost forgotten insolent kidnapper. Something suggested that their spring race had not become as interesting as between Baise and Heise.

How confused they are! It’s so easy: either gather courage and catch up without being afraid of a fight — or run away with all your might, but do not forget to look around. After all, it's not about speed...

Well, let him wait for the next season now, if he is so stubborn!

Chapter Text

***

No one expects a disaster if they don't know about it. Especially if that one's over the moon. Baise's sense told him that their idyll among the hills could not last forever, but he confidently believed that he could handle everything.

And what now? Gray smoke billowed above the treetops, scorching heat: the burning dwellings caused a forest fire that surrounded the mountain. This summer the rains missed the peak; the leaf litter was crunching from the heat. Baise and Heise spent most of the day by the stream, enjoying the coolness. Now the fire was consuming the world around it unhindered. However, even for two small rabbits, the stream was not enough to save them from suffocation.

Baise was short of air. Heise felt freer, but he was also gripped by fear: he was in a bit of a state right now to tame the forest fire even with his own abilities. Even two thousand years will not save when all around is flames, screams of pain and predatory delight, and no path that could lead out of the trap.

Suddenly, a figure stuck out from the smoke screen that had formed between the trees. Their two-legged caretaker is bloodied, limping on his right leg, with an expression of despair on his pale face.

“Baise, Heise!”

Blood from a cut on his hand drips onto the barrier line and he disappears. Baise, having changed, clamped Heise's mane in his teeth and swept across the lawn, looked questioningly: well, he removed the barrier, and what's next? Apparently, he didn't visit just like that. Maybe... maybe he knows where they can hide from the fire?

"There's a cave. It's safe there."

Cave? Rather, it is a small underground grotto hidden behind a silvery waterfall. Several two-leggeds in white came forward, swords clasped in their hands; behind them a dozen small individuals, who with frightened eyes huddled silently under the far wall.

"Second Junior Master! Are you injured? What's going on upstairs, was the Wen attack repelled? Oh, and this..."

"Stay here. The attack continues. Fire everywhere. This is Baise and Heise."

"Bunnies! Shifu, these are the same bunnies! The ones with fangs!"

Baise carefully lowered Heise near the two-legged cubs (apparently the safest place!) and returned to the exit of the grotto, listening to the sound of the water stream, twitching his ears nervously. A painful scream and an explosion rang out somewhere nearby.

The face of their two-legged caretaker was petrified.

“Junior Master, where are you going?”

"I will lead the Wens away from the cave."

"But..."

Without listening to his worried relatives, he took a few steps and disappeared behind the silver water curtain.

The two-legged cubs did not cry or scream. They just sat numbly under the wall, huddled together. Heise snorted and nudged one of the cubs with his nose in encouragement. Soon, his soft fur was already gently touched by small hands.

Because of this, Baise was ready to meet with his fangs anything that tried to break into the hiding place. Like the other adults around: they seem to have realized that he and Heise aren't the biggest threat right now.

Two-legged caretaker… Lan Wangji never came back that day.

***

Baise had repeatedly considered leaving: after all, he would most likely be able to force his way for Heise and himself behind the siege ring around the Cloud Recesses. But first, "most likely" is not a synonym for "guaranteed". He would not risk his most precious treasure. And secondly... These few happy years made the mountain top his home. Let there be mostly ashes around now — the winter rains will pass and the green grass will return.

And for the third time: Heise is stubborn as rock. And Baise will not go against this. His companion liked the company of two-legged cubs. Watching how they stealthily fed him vegetables from their own rations (after the fire, they were short on supplies), Baise was surprised, but rather pleased. He was also offered vegetables, but he refused, switching to absorbing scattered qi. As far as he knew about two-leggeds, their adults did the same.

Having driven the attackers from the center of the settlement, the defenders somehow rebuilt the barriers around the burned buildings and kept alert both day and night. The attackers did not push further, but they did not let anyone off the mountain either. The defenders were licking their wounds: there were too few of them to break through the ring. Baise might have bitten several mercenaries, but that wouldn't have solved the problem. So he concentrated on gliding in a misty haze next to the guards, hedging in case he ran into isolated groups of enemies. Baise did not know what they sought to find in the half-burnt sect. He wanted to ask, but how? The all matter was resolved with a lightning snap of the fangs.

He often accompanied an old acquaintance: that brute one whose leg he once nearly bit off when trying to go behind the barrier. Something about him was similar to Lan Wangji. The two-legged man mumbled angrily under his breath (Baise was sure that he knew about the escort and was not too pleased), but behaved politely. No grumbling, no careless dangerous moves towards Heise. 

"These creatures have been living in the Cloud Recesses for over two years now. Of course, Wangji was not too cautious, but I trust his judgment."

"But Lan-xionzhang... These are divine beasts! At least the white one; this venerable is not sure about the black one..."

"Hmm. Given the circumstances, we'll assume that the second one is also divine."

"Understood. Elder Lan, any news from the other clans?"

"Their heirs have also been taken away by the Wens. As long as such infamy persists, we will have no allies."

Baise didn't understand anything about two-leggeds, but the bitterness in his voice didn't bode well. It didn't affect anything, but it made the silver fur growl in irritation.

Spring would be better. At least, it is more pleasant to bite through the throats on a full stomach.

Chapter Text

The breakthrough of the siege of the Cloud Recesses came just in time for the first days of spring. Baise was digging up the primrose bulbs next to the wall (some kind of treat for the ever-hungry Heise) when he heard distant cries from below where the mercenary camps were located.

The old two-legged wasn't happy to be distracted from his post in the ruins, but he must have understood that Baise had some news. What a pity that these creatures are too closed for mental communication! Baise had to make do with snoring and imitating bites.

The hastily assembled squad moved down to meet the intruders in dark green and gray who were already cutting down the remnants of the mercenaries.

"Elder Qiren, your nephews are safe and sound. Xichen is now in the Unclean Realm, Wangji…okay, his story is more complicated, he is handling some matters with young Wei."

"Thank the Heavens! Nie-zongshu, have all the Wen hostages been released? And what is going on now anyway? The Nie Clan..."

"... decided he's had enough of crawling in front of these scumbags in red. War has been declared, the respectable elder. Bailin Oyang, Meishan Yue, several minor clans have already joined the alliance..."

"And Yunmeng Jiang? Lanlin Jin?"

"Ah…you haven't heard the latest news here. The Lotus Pier was massacred almost immediately after the hostages were released at the end of the second autumn month. Jiang Fengmian and Yue Qingyang were killed; the adepts protecting the residence were killed as well."

"Horrendous…"

"However, Jiang Wanying miraculously survived, gathered the remnants of the sect`s adepts and joined the alliance. A brave young man, if somewhat headless. Maiden Jiang survived as well."

"Eh, well, their named brother?"

"Wei Wuxian...he also survived and stayed on our side. And that's good, yes. Although this guy had a hard time. Not that he had another choice, well, but the Ghost Path..."

Baise listened to the conversation from the bushes in the darkness. Too many carnage-fueled wary two-legged. Not that he couldn't handle it, but he didn't want to raise the noise. But the situation needs to be controlled.

The two-legged giant told the right name (one of the most frequently used) and was sure that their caretaker was alive. Not bad. Maybe he will return soon?

***

And Lan Wangji had indeed returned. Heise poked his nose in interest: his aura showed numerous dies, but there was almost no restless dark energy. The core was in constant resonance with its stringed board: perhaps that was what was helping to dispel the remnants of the entities. 

But this "almost" was not about emotions. Anger, pain, disappointment, despair.

"Brother."

His two-legged twin also arrived in Cloud Recesses just recently. Although he was exhausted, he was happy to meet a relative. 

"Wangji! I'm so glad you're alive!"

Baise was also happy. The two-legged caretaker, despite his preoccupation, did not forget to grab a treat — a bunch of early lettuce, young sprouts of wild onions and some juicy root vegetables. There was clearly more food outside the mountain.

"Wangji, this is incredible! Your pets have become the true guardians of the Cloud Recesses during the siege; even the shifu admits that Baise has saved more than one adept's life by fending off the attacks of the Wen mercenaries with them."

“What about Heise?”

"The caregivers unanimously claim that the children in his presence did not experience problems with spiritual energy. In general, he somehow calmed them down."

Of course, he did this — absorbing the emissions of negative energy, which were formed due to numerous deaths in the middle of the sterile clean environment of the mountain, and feeding on negative emotions — fear in the first place. It is only useful for small two-leggeds, and for Heise it is a usual source of food — just look how he rushed to their caretaker's hands. Baise also placed the top of his head under the gentle fingers.

"Brother. What about the library?"

"I managed to save the most valuable works that were outside the vault at the time of the attack. Only the tomes that were in the scriptoria were lost; fortunately, they can be reproduced from the extracts."

“Hm.”

"You need to find something specific? Is it about young Wei-qianbei?"

"Hm. Dispersal of negative energy."

"Isn't the Cleansing tune enough?"

"Ghost Cultivation. Only outer meridians."

"Hmm. Maybe my da-ge Core Balancing Variations will help. But it takes time and the full cooperation of the healing object. Wangji, you should discuss this with him."

“...”

"Did you already speak? Did he refuse?"

“...”

"Perhaps try again? Besides, the war campaign is not over yet..."

“Hm.”

Finally, at least a glimmer of hope. And Baise was already a little tired from so much sadness. He is not Heise, he prefers emotions of a different nature. Maybe he can ask the keeper to play something pleasant?

It would be nice to go to the outside world with him, to stretch paws, but... His priority right now is Heise's safety.

Chapter Text

***

And yes, Baise missed the first signs of trouble. Even two millennia do not give omniscience. Moreover, how could he know, if he had never met creatures like him and Heise before?

He didn't notice how the resentment qi accumulated during the attack and siege of their home from the many killings and pain began to gather around. It always flocked to Heise, feeding him, but in past years thin dark strands were enough. Now clouds invisible to the naked eye seemed to dangerously swirl over the den.

Heise pressed ears to his head guiltily, surrounded by dark energy. Surprisingly, it did not feel hostile to Baise. Unpleasant, like tar on wet fur. Trifle. It would take time to clean off the stuck-on residue, but he was capable of it on the good diet of the present days.

But among two-leggeds, this caused concern.

"I don't understand what's going on with these beasts! Where did so much dark qi come from? It could negatively affect the energy balance in the Cloud Recesses!"

"Shifu, but this energy does not go beyond the boundaries of the meadow."

"That's strange. Who's to say that this cluster isn't the seed of a new Dead Abyss?"

Baise would assure it if he could get into the stubborn older’s mind. He had already used his own methods to keep the energy cloud within a decent range. If he knew the term "feng shui", he would call it exactly like this: turn a stone there, dig a hole in the ground there, plant a right flower dug in the forest with one's own paws (it took a long time to search, but the effort was worth it). Small actions do not mean ineffectiveness; with his ability to sense natural qi, Baise knew exactly what to do and how to do it.

“Wangji, you have to strengthen the barrier.”

“Shifu, untimely intervention can lead to imbalance.”

"This Wei Wuxian! Where he interferes, there is trouble."

"Don't accuse without proof."

"How dare you! Isn't it enough that he crossed over to the forbidden path?! Isn't exterminating the Lanling Jin Clan's guards what shows his nobility? Get out of my sight, ungrateful! And don't come back until you've rewritten the chapter on dealing with evil a hundred times in a handstand!"

"Understood, shifu. Wangji obeys."

Baise scrunched up his nose in annoyance: how difficult things are for these creatures! If someone would try to say something similar to him! But it seems that their caretaker was more humble about it. However - what a clever guy! — he left the barrier unchanged. So, he defended his own position, at least.

***

These annoyed two-leggeds again! Another time he must go away from Heise's warm side and neutralize another barrier placed in the path of the flow of dark energy! No rest! 

Baise slipped outside the fence. He hoped that at least this time he wouldn't have to scratch the roof or break the rock. Yep, that's it. A piece of flat, thin material, with an applied pattern, is stuck on a long stick. This time, too, with a signal energy thread. Fortunately, it was wrapped around the pole and not attached to the talisman.

Baise was already planning to use the mist transformation skill when he sensed an alien presence in the nearby structure. What smart people! Did they finally understand that talismans do not spoil by chance? Well, six months have not passed, how smart!.

It won't work directly, let's go around with a trick. The exact gust of wind? Rain? Or something else?

A taunting screech from the roof broke the night silence of the Cloud Recesses. For magpies, the strict rules of the sect did not apply, and a flock of these annoying restless birds was perfectly inhabiting the forest thicket. The bird — a young male with shiny feathers — noticed Baise lurking in the bushes and cocked its head in interest.

It's all the influence of the brawler Heise! Baise didn't believe himself at first when this idea popped into his head, however…

It was easier to get along with a bird than with a two-leggeds. The magpie understood the idea of ​​protecting the nest at all costs and was not against helping, especially since nothing supernatural was required of him. After making a short screech of something like "wait", he rose from the roof and flowed somewhere. After a while, he came back. A juicy earring of mulberry was clamped in its beak.

Two-leggeds didn't notice the magpie as it perched on the stick — but that was a mistake. The talisman, decorated with a whitish-purple stain, quickly lost its ability to dissipate the energy flow.

The young two-leggeds did not immediately understand that something was wrong. But later...

"Heavens! That mysterious pest again! What shall we tell the master?"

"The thread is not caught. After all, couldn't it just be a coincidence? Birds are free creatures, it's in their nature."

"Why our talisman? There was no better place? The mentor's painstaking work was destroyed, and with what? Bird droppings?"

"Alright, no more complaining about fate. We have to start making a new talisman as soon as possible."

Yeah, run. Baise still has many ideas in pocket. It seems that they cannot connect cause and effect together. Whether they don't see him as an intelligent being... well, that's on his paw.

***

The season has already changed twice since the first talisman appeared. 

The volume of Heise's collected dark energy gradually grew, but obediently remained within the barrier; the dark strands that accidentally got stuck in the silver fur were carefully combed out by the companion every time Baise returned to the lair, tired to the point of "stretching his paws and not getting up until tomorrow."

Restless two-leggeds were to blame: there were more and more annoying signs. On the one hand, the pieces with incomprehensible drawings did a good job: if Baise settled on the mountain alone, he would, on the contrary, benefit from clearing the space of negative energy. However, Heise was with him, for whose welfare he was ready to suffer inconveniences. So, the two-legged creatures also will have to. That's the final word.

Baise repeatedly thought — and even directly suggested that they must go from the mountain to another den. Was there a lack of places in the world prone to the accumulation of resentment? Their caretaker had recently returned from somewhere, smelling of dark energy so deliciously that Heise didn't want to get off his lap. Wouldn't he be better off there?

The companion stubbornly wrinkled his nose and refused. The reasons for this behavior were reasonable: if Baise had offered to escape before the trial began, he would have agreed, maybe. Now, without his supervision, the dark vortex, balanced by a cunning energy system — Baise didn't quite understand what he had tricked, his own manipulations were based on other principles — truly threatened to turn into something sinister.

No, two-leggeds must be patient. They had the audacity to bring them in a bag — so they must bear the consequences. 

"Wangji, this mysterious dark energy... I have to admit that searching the library was futile. The same goes for other sects. Divine beasts very rarely allow themselves to be researched, let alone live like this, next to humans. I wonder if Wei-qianbei...um..."

"Brother. Wangji does not feel threatened by this vortex. The dark qi gathers, but carries no emotion. Something is purifying it."

“I came to the same thought, however the shifu…you know how he perceives those things.”

"I know."

“No one is going to harm your pets, but…perhaps they would be better off moving somewhere else temporarily?”

Hearing this, Baise glared at the two-legged. What if he was now in a small form — it was possible to express a threat even with a look.

His prey turned out to be no fool and smiled reassuringly.

"I apologize, this venerable only suggested! If the venerable divine beasts are against, it is an honor for Gusu Lan to ensure your safety."

“Thank you, brother.”

Baise glanced once more so that the two-legged wouldn't even dream of recanting his words. Really, Bose has long since sniffed out where he lives. Let him try to do something — even if he is very powerful being, Baise has enough strength to bite through one throat!

"Brother..."

“Yes, Wangji?”

“I want to bring one person to the Cloud Recesses.”

“...W-wangji???”

"Bring him in and hide him. Protect him."

Oh, wow. The emotions emitted by the keeper were multi-colored: despair and bitter disappointment next to blindingly bright, like the dawn, hope. Baise had long since understood — by the smell, by the elusive energy trace (although it had changed drastically more than five years ago, but his senses were not so easily fooled) — who Wangji longed for: the brat, who was the only one who addressed him only by the name “Lan Zhan”. That one who became to their keeper exactly what Heise was to Baise.

But why does he ask permission at all? Can't he just take and bring? This is his home. There is an older two-legged-relative who supports and loves him.

"I can let you do that. Only…what to do with Wens? He won't abandon them."

"Brother..."

"Wangji, I'm not denying you. It's just…all my efforts to persuade the elders to take his wards under our sect's care were met with adamant resistance. They aren’t ready to see those whose clan burned the Cloud Recesses here, in Gusu."

“They are from Dafang Wen.”

"The presence of “Wen” is enough. And…I don't know what can be done. Forgive me, brother."

"You have nothing to apologize for. You've already done a lot to handle this situation."

“If it wasn't for Jin Qixuan's death…”

"Yes. If not. Lots of 'ifs'"

Chapter Text

***

Baise jumped up from his bedding in the middle of the night as he felt a massive cloud of dark qi move nearby.

Heise! It's him!

Rushing to his companion, who lately had practically not left their den among the stones, Bose almost smashed his nose against the energy barrier. He tried to crawl through — the dark stream painfully burned the sensitive nose. Okay, Heise is clearly not in a good mood. Baise didn't know what that could mean, but gently touching his mind, he was reassured that his companion was fine. And wouldn't he go with his chaotic worries... somewhere far away. Because there is such a huge mess from them right now!

Well, if he insists...Baise will find something to occupy his head and paws. For example, to drive away with a growl the two-leggeds that have already gathered around the new protective barrier (only from the entry of outsiders inside, for Baise and Heise the restrictions were lifted). 

"What happened? Why is the energy moving?"

"I know no more than you. Prepare to stand the array!"

Baise transformed into a fighting form and they retreated back.

“Venerable elder, he seems to be angry.”

"I had already forgotten how big this beast can grow."

"How does he withstand this maelstrom of dark energy? He's a divine creature, isn't he?"

"Get away from the barrier, quick! He can go through."

Which Baise demonstrated right now baring his long fangs. He'll figure it out himself, thank you, their help will only hurt Heise. These creatures aren't too susceptible to energy manipulation — Baise did a lot of spying on their lives under the cover of mist and rain. Strange things that play melodies, saturated with qi, were intended more for destruction, sometimes — directing qi along internal meridians. To direct the "dragon lines", they needed special rituals that were not prepared instantly. But his already established system was capable of this and even more if it was managed by Baise himself.

"Call the Zongshu!"

Oh, that one Wangji-mirror appeared. Baise tensed and prepared to repulse the attack: who knows him, maybe at this very moment he plans to break his word.

"Leave them alone, immediately. We need anyone who can practice healing right now. The ceremony in the Nightless City… it's very bad!"

"Yes, Zongshu"

They retreated hastily, glancing over their shoulders at Baise. That's great.

Worried about his companion, he did not notice how he ate all the vegetables in the feeder. Even the hated radish. Baise was scared, no jokes. A powerful immortal creature, now he felt like a defenseless rabbit even though he remained in battle form. Heise closed mentally, leaving not a single crack, but somewhere inside Baise knew that it was not fun now either. Let everything end well. At least somehow. The main thing is for Heise to survive in this mysterious, incomprehensible situation. Baise was ready to demolish mountains and restore rivers — if only he was alive.

The vortex of dark energy decreased gradually. At midnight it touched the clouds, then close to dawn it no longer exceeded the tops of the trees surrounding the meadow. A little more, and more. Baise kept his eyes on it.

With the first rays of the sun, which illuminated the autumn rain-soaked mountains, the whirlpool finally disappeared. The space around the clearing felt unusually empty, but the natural qi hastened to fill the gap, pulling in as greedily as the dark one was going to. Clearly Heise's work. Baise only hoped that the huge qi accumulations around the mountain would be enough and the two-leggeds would not come to complain again.

His fellow finally lifted the mental barrier, and Baise felt his boundless fatigue. And together with it — expressive joy and a little insecurity.

But what is the matter with him?

Nothing special, except that there were five more small, quivering, nameless creatures in the lair.

***

Despite their small size, the creatures were voracious and extracted energy like little leeches. Since his companion had not yet fully recovered, Baise took it upon himself to feed them — no problem, his energy was at its peak.

Heise, on the other hand, scurried around, re-examining the neighborhood after seclusion. But he did not leave the den for a long time and always brought something tasty: a root vegetable, a few leaves of cabbage or fruit — that he could grab in his mouth. Baise suspected that the two-leggeds weren't too happy about the thefts, but so far no one came running to complain, so Heise's jokes were within acceptable limits. Moreover, no one visited them for two days!

It's raining today, and the little creatures have almost completely buried themselves in the thick, smoky white fur on Baise's belly in search of warmth. Well, recovering from his initial surprise, he compared his own observations of the animals and birds around the previous valley: what the fervor of the spring season leads to has been known before, in the case of Heise their little sprouts took much longer to appear, but of course they were not wild long-eared ones. If living more than two thousand changes of seasons is normal for its species, then bearing cubs for five years is also, obviously. 

Moreover, inside the fluffy creatures, the seed of a nucleus, similar to theirs with Heise, could already be felt. Some gravitate more toward light qi, some absorb dark energy from Heise (and in his absence, from strands wound around the lair in previous years). Baise did not pay attention to small things: his mission is to preserve and protect. 

Suddenly, he felt his companion’s emotions (usually neutral or with a spark of fun when it came to fooling and pulling a vegetable) permeated with genuine rage. As if something extremely terrible had happened. 

Attack? A monster? Disaster?

A thunderous roar was heard in the distance, and Baise did not wait any longer. Sealing the lair with energy, he ran out of the valley, changing into battle form on the fly. 

A dangerous situation arose in the very center of the settlement. Unexpectedly. It seemed that peace and harmony reigned between them before that. Well, if it is necessary to remind one more time that touching his fellow person is not very good for health...

Having wheeled out on a stone path (sparks shot out from under the claws of his hind legs), Baise found himself in front of the entrance to a large building and, without slowing down, flew between two in white — and they did not have time to blink. Inside the spacious hall, there were even more that gathered around…

Their caretaker. With a bloodied, bare back that was cut through by several deep, extended wounds. He was standing on his knees with his head raised. A frozen pale face, dead golden eyes — a shadow of his former self, who sought to take someone dear to the Cloud Recesses a few days ago. It was not difficult to understand — he did not have time and will never have time again.

Heise, in battle form, turned into a cloud of dark energy, glared menacingly at the already familiar two-leggeds (with whom Wangji was in the same pack), covering him with his chest. Caught in the middle by someone's sharp incisors, the whip twisted like a snake on the slabs.

Yes, it seems that it was possible for Baise to make it in time before the start of open hostilities (the whip does not count). Baise let out a low growl and Heise twitched his ear, showing that he was aware of his presence, but didn't turn around, figuring that danger was still nearby.

"Unthinkable! What these beasts allow themselves!"

"What right did they have to interfere?"

"Well, who will forbid them?"

"Maybe it was set up?"

Baise twitched his ear disdainfully upon hearing such a statement. Yeah, as if there are no more things to do. Most likely, Heise just happened to be running past when the execution began: the emanations of pain lured him better than the call. What did they join? And why not? It is, after all, their caretaker!

"And what to do now? The punishment is not complete."

"Perhaps the beasts can be put to sleep or lured..."

Naive. If only Heise was here, this trick had a chance. But there are two of them here. Baise gave the ones who suggested the idea a stern look, and they turned pale. Therefore, tremble and be afraid, fools.

"I have the impression that they understand what we are talking about."

It seems that until now they were thought of as brainless bunnies. Although Baise felt in his gut: Wangji perceived them as intelligent creatures. Maybe his older relatives too.

But the problem remained common. Although Baise and two-leggeds looked at it from different sides. For him, everything came down to a simple calculation: how many hands must be bitten off in order to get his companion out of here unharmed. For them... some traditions, righteous-not righteous deeds...

Heise eventually got tired of waiting. His fellow man was never distinguished by patience — rather he preferred to duck something impudent even in difficult circumstances. Backing up a bit, he flopped onto the floor next to Wangji, pushing his hand so that it fell right on top of the red strip of fur along his spine. Carefree pose "I can spend the whole day like this, do you mind?". 

What the scoundrel. Baise didn't even try to hide the wave of tenderness he felt. Ok, how to use it wisely?

***

It's a pity that their keeper couldn't be grabbed by the halberds: the neck is too thin. So they had to apply qi. 

Lan Wangji did not resist, not because he was thrown onto the dark creature's back, nor because they even dared to interfere with the punishment. Like only an empty mind remained. And the spirit wrapped itself in grief, like a snail in a shell.

It was possible to leave the building without any problems. Wangji’s relatives were the only ones who dared to follow them. Let them. All the same, there is no way to enter the barrier. And it won't be until there are strong arguments for it.

The caregiver was carefully unloaded under a sprawling fir tree next to the lair: given the late autumn, the place was the warmest possible. Baise knew for sure: this was his favorite couch in hot weather. The wounds on the back continued to bleed despite the burning golden core inside: it didn't seem like it was purposely blocking healing, rather the whip was not made of simple fibers. It looked more like the claw marks of a yao than the creation of two-leggeds who only cultivated on light qi. Well, just another food for Heise, if the fellow decided to get involved in this story.

Leaving him to sniff the wounds, Baise went to the lair to feed the little ones, and then started back to the barrier. The two were still standing there.

"Baise..."

It's worth listening to, it's unlikely to be obeyed.

"Please bring my brother back. Wangji needs help"

As expected. Baise snorted, demonstratively sitting on his tail and scratching his hind paw behind his ear. Help? He saw how they helped. Not convinced.

"Give him back immediately! You! Insidious creatures! What do you want from him?!"

The older relative clenched his fists, ready to break through the barrier with his bare hands. But another stepped forward.

“I swear, Wangji will be exempt from punishment.”

"Xichen! It's against Gusu Lan's rules!"

"Uncle. Saving the life of an adept of the order allows us to revise some of the provisions."

"The elders will not allow this! And you, as the head of the order, know this better than anyone!"

Here, between the claws, there is still some dirt left...

"Isn't the will of Heaven a sufficient argument to revise some methods?"

"Shameless! Xichen, by no means can this be interpreted as..."

"I'm sorry, shifu, but it seems that by refusing to fight in the Hall of Punishment, they agreed. Either this position will be presented to the order as a whole — or it will look like betrayal and cowardice."

Baise raised one ear: wow, this relative of Wangji is not as weak-minded as he seemed. Cunningly conceived. Perhaps he would still believe him, but only after their caregiver was given help so that he could deal with his own kin. 

But no one expected that Lan Wangji would start showing signs of life after sunset. Baise remained next to him under the fir tree (it began to rain, and the warmth helped to heal the barely closed wounds), when the prone two-legged raised its head and crawled out from under the overhanging branch. Pale, with uncertain gait, half-dressed, with barely healed wounds on his back; the hair that had fallen out of the bundle and covered the face as dark algae — a restless corpse which had been dug up. And just as purposeful, because he moved right towards the barrier.

Heise had to be pushed (night time is his strong side, not Baise) to follow him and if necessary — pull back into the enclosure by force.

Baise expected them to return before the moon rose above the mountain tops (even if it was not visible in the clouds). But morning came; neither Heise nor Lan Wangji were there yet. Why panic? He knew that if his help was needed, there was a mental connection. There is no call — let's his companion straight paws. He stayed for several years without leaving the mountains.

Heise returned sometime after noon. Only himself. Baise wanted to make a fuss, but the transmitted stream of vivid, chaotic images fell on his poor worried head, needing time to comprehend.

What controlled the throwing of Lan Wanji — Baise didn’t understand. He was like a fish that goes to the place of spawning through the waterfalls: it must be done and that's all the reason. Headless, without thinking. And if the stage of "returning home to collect clothes" (risky, but these two-leggeds sleep at night, they wouldn't have been caught) was still nothing, then "drinking a pitcher of strongly smelling liquid, sleep off right on the spot, wake up after some time and burn a mark in the shape of the sun on the chest"... What normal creature would resort to such a thing? And Heise just hung his ears, observing his dangerous eccentricities. In the end, this did not surprise Baise: he completely forgot that his fellow observed the actions of two-legged (normal and calm) much less than he himself.

And then there was the journey by sword (Heise managed to join in the form of a black mist, good thing it was night, otherwise the spectacle would have been even worse) to some lands so far away that they didn't get there until just before dawn. A walk through a burnt-out, dead forest overgrown with pale grass (like the hair of the dead, sprouting from old bones). Whispers of restless souls instead of chirping birds. His companion glowed in the darkness from the energy accumulated in that place, his eyes glowed red with satisfaction.

As it turns out, the ultimate goal of the caretaker's absurd journey was… a little two-legged cub. Quite tiny, no older than five seasons; hidden in the hollow of an old tree under the protection of an almost exhausted talisman. Heise sniffed it out first (after all, it was the only living thing in the area). But how Lan Wangji found out about the existence of the child remained a mystery. 

The child still had a strong smell of that insolent brat that their caregiver had brought with them to the Cloud Recesses. Ahem. Or maybe it's not such a mystery. Isn't that why Wangji asked his brother for permission to "bring back and hide"? Baise would have fully understood such a behavior now. He also could not leave his offspring far away in the deserted mountains in the midst of chaos.

Now the cub has settled in the Cloud Recesses in the caretaker's house. It will be worth visiting, looking after them both. And to check if the elder relative of Lan Wangji keeps his word, because there is no complete trust, they are unpredictable.

Chapter Text

***

Who was the first to happen to see how the furry little ones, opening his eyes, began to explore the world outside the lair — Baise did not know, but rumors spread quickly and one day he was surprised to see a crowd of two-legged hurdling behind the fence. 

After he and Heise kidnapped Lan Wangji from being punished by a disciplinary whip, nothing good could be expected from such a sight. But after listening to the conversation, Baise wrinkled his nose for a long time.

"Are you sure you saw them? Surely they weren't ordinary rabbits?"

“Master, Heise would hardly allow ordinary wild rabbit cubs to bask under his side.”

"Who knows these divine beasts, what can be expected from them..."

"Then where did all the accumulated dark energy go? And why were they collecting it?"

"And yet I claim—for posterity! Sources state that dragons lay their eggs in natural springs saturated with qi; so these creatures might have followed a similar principle."

"These are not dragons at all, these are some giant rabbits."

"Colleague, you will know that ordinary rabbits often arrange a cubby in anticipation of offspring from their own fur. Divine rabbits have divine fur, so to speak."

"Will there be enough peak energy for both the order and these beasts to exist in the Cloud Recesses? If there are a hundred of them? Does anyone know how fast they multiply?"

"Unfortunately, theory will not help here, only practical observations."

"It's against the order's rules to keep these beasts here, next to humans!"

"Elder Fang, we should inquire if it is in the rules of these beasts to keep humans close. Have you already forgotten about the recent events in the Punishment Hall, m?"

It was obvious from the angry humming that the elder's memory did not fail, although it did not please him.

"So what's with the cubs? How many are there?"

"They say there are two."

"And I heard that it's ten."

"Gossip is forbidden in Gusu Lan."

"That's a guess."

Ten? How? He and Heise don't have time to catch five of them so that they don't crawl in different directions — and the cubs haven't gotten to their feet yet!

"Anyone have an idea how to get behind the fence?"

"I wouldn't break Hanguang-jun's spell. It's unethical and dishonorable! And dangerous"

"We should contact the Zongshu."

"I doubt he will remove the barrier his brother put up. After all, they are his pets."

"This Wangji! His brother spoiled him too much and what did it lead to?"

If he would have indulged a little more — Baise wouldn't have been thinking about how to get their caretaker out of his misery right now! In Baise's opinion, nothing fatal would have happened if Lan Wangji had managed to bring his impudent companion to the Cloud Recesses.

The interest in their offsprings confused Baise and Heise, but the matter did not progress beyond conversations and observations. And this is fine: biting off the heads of too stubborn researchers is not the best way to convince others of your good intentions!

***

“A-Yuan!”

Baise pricked up his ears in displeasure: why shout, the cub was pretended that he couldn't hear from the first time.

"A-Yuan, it's time for dinner! End the game!"

It is unlikely that he will be hungry in the near future: their little ones has already shared the salad and radish with him. Still, Baise decided not to test the patience of Wangji’s elder brother and growled lightly. After a moment, the two-legged cub, hot from running, politely peeked out from behind the tree. In the morning, the white clothes were already well covered in fresh grass juice and dirt, the hem and the edges of the sleeves were wet (he climbed to the stream again). The furry offsprings of Baise and Heise crowded around, full of seething energy, and would have been happy to continue the run ahead, but they knew well that ignoring their parent's call was punishable by a painful bite. 

Judging by his frivolity, the two-legged cub was treated much more loyally. Lan Xichen only sighed.

"A-Yuan, let's go. I understand you're having a lot of fun hanging out with your friends, but it's time to go back."

"Just a little more, bofu? A-Yuan isn't hungry, he ate such a bunch of lettuce!"

The little hands opened wide, showing how big the vegetable was. Together with a dazzling smile, it was a forbidden trick. The child clearly knew how to melt the heart of the strictest teachers.

“Wangji will be waiting for us.”

There were no objections to this argument. The boy waited every day for the return of the two-legged, about which A-Yuan was ready to talk everytime, from six months of seclusion. As same as Baise and Heise. Despite the fact that they still sometimes checked to make sure that nothing fatal happened to him in the cold cave. Although older Lan had dutifully attended the valley in his absence and was generally not the worst caretaker— more careful only — Baise lacked regular ear scratchings. Heise too.

***

For a dozen and a half seasons, Lan Wangji would return to the Cloud Recesses briefly, spend time with A-Yuan, and go on night hunts again.

The fluffy little ones began to master combat forms. On the one side, Baise was proud of his descendants' achievements: he managed to transform into his first form only after fifty years of life. On the other hand, the boiling energy of the five furry brawlers had to be channeled somewhere, otherwise they threatened to smash the mountain to pieces. Their caregiver didn't seem too happy to be escorted, but he didn't mind either. After all, Baise and Heise were with them, he only needed to assure those around them that they were not wild monsters, but completely peaceful, almost pets. Because every second cultivator who was sometimes lucky enough to meet Hangguan-jun on the Night Hunt, for some reason, felt like waving a sword or a talisman right in front of Heise's nose. Chi Baise Or their restless children. Well, if the sword remained intact!

“Hanguang-jun has managed to tame fierce monsters!”

"They obey his voice as if under a spell."

"And it looks like bunnies, only giant."

"Where have you seen a bunny that can tear a restless corpse in half with a blow of its paw?"

"These beasts are actually the spirits of the killed during the Annihilation of the Sun, who were captured by the sinister Yiling Patriarch! And Venerable Hanguan-jun decided to help them find peace and rebirth!"

“I wonder if Gusu Lan's elders know about this?”

Of course, they knew. Lan Qiren knew for sure. And he was very pleased that at least someone accompanied his relative in his wanderings. Still, the strict elder, despite his grumpiness, valued and tried to protect his two nephews. As he could

Lan Wangji rushed through the remote places of the land, not missing a single appeal for help. The blood absorbed while licking the wounds from the spirit whip was a real find for Baise and Heise: now they knew his location and could go directly to him for help if necessary. They could not go, but why give up the fun? Moreover, the furry offspring needed to be trained to deal with various enemies, and it was easier to find danger next to Lan Wangji than wandering around randomly relying on senses. 

Lan Wangji began to instruct the two-legged little ones: first of all, A-Yuan, who was now more often called Lan Sizhui; sometimes he led a whole troop of youngsters who followed him obediently as the tail. 

Maybe in the future, among them there will be decent caretakers for their furry ones, who knows? Lan Wangji only had two hands, and there were too many who wanted to get his caresses.

Falling asleep near the fire, curled up in a ball next to the caregiver’s knee, Baise listened to the shrill, sad melody that Lan Wanji played almost every day, if he was alone. The music was calling to someone — without result. It seems to have become as much a habit as going to bed at the same time every day and wearing a white bandage on the forehead. Like talking to someone who is long gone with no hope of returning. 

It felt wrong and sad, but these were the kinds of difficulties that neither claws nor sharp teeth could help.

Chapter Text

***

These children! Just have sent them on the Night Hunt — and here it is, an alarm signal!

Lan Wangji finally got out of the mountain gorge where he had climbed in search of the bloodthirsty yao (a mixture of a giant bear and a crocodile was frantically spitting venom in all directions; a nasty opponent even for Baise and Heise), and stopped at an inn to wash off the monster's dirt and blood. Over the years, Baise and Heise had not even bothered to disguise themselves: the fame of Hanguang-jun, the tamer of divine beasts (the new title, Tusi-jun, "Rabbit Master", was not too respectful way to address a respected cultivator, but very popular among the common people) was so well known that they could easily walk into the hotel room with him and no owner would dare complain (some have tried in the past, but arguing with a stone face was futile).

The mission for the younger ones was supposed to be a kind of test of the ability to make decisions independently and coordinate the actions of the group, so all their teacher had to do was tto visit the estate, pick up the squad and make sure that everything was done as it should be. The few restless corpses who had been in the complaint from the Mo estate did not pose any threat to Lan Sizhui and his group of peers. No direct intervention. Baise and Heise were also calm for their offsprings: they are no longer small, they have confidently mastered combat forms and energy management, learned not to fall under the blows of swords and spells — what more could proud parents wish for?

It was already late in the evening and they were determined to take a nap next to Lan Wangji. However, it was no longer possible: a distant flash of qi bearing the signature seal of the signal talisman on the side of Mo Manor worked like a thunderbolt overhead.

What happened? Some unexpected enemy? Demon? An angry spirit? Cultivator?

A restless corpse. More precisely, one part of it. The hand — gigantic, with graying, dark qi-soaked skin, muscles taut with fury — actively fought back with the sword, dragging the more gnarled body of some unfortunate behind it. What is interesting — it fought off three dead bodies in expensive robes — a woman and a dry-necked man in their fifties and an obese young man — who rushed at the hand with unheard-of fury. Confused children — both two-legged and furry — gathered around the edge of the yard, frankly not knowing how to approach the unusual confrontation. 

The melody of the guqin stopped the fight, binding the dead with invisible bonds. The three corpses practically did not resist Extermination, their souls left their dead bodies, taking with them a semblance of life. However, the hand resisted the latter; it took several rounds of Dispelling Dark Qi and Calming for the stubborn corpse to stop quivering and submit to the affixed talismans.

“Master, I’m sorry, these unworthy students tried to cope on their own, however… There was nothing we could do with this hand!”

"It's good that these dead people..."

"Okay?!"

"They saved us! And took revenge on the one who killed them. Now their souls can be reborn freely..."

"Sizhui, you and your weird ideas sometimes... Wait, where's that weirdo? He was just here."

"Younger Mo? Indeed, he did stick around. And by the way, he's not such a weirdo, Jingyi. His propositions helped us a lot in our investigation."

"Hey, he probably got scared and ran away somewhere! And do you need extra troubles…"

After inspecting the furry little ones and making sure that they were all safe and sound (apart from the general insult of the unyielding dead arm that had never been chewed through), Baise found Heise in a corner near the gallery, where he was sniffing with interest at a seemingly unremarkable patch of floor. Someone has been standing here recently, long enough. A two-legged that smelled distinctly of fresh blood, cinnabar, and dust. And also something familiar: an elusive shade of energy that made you want to sneeze, like poking your nose into a pot of spices. A strange smell. Baise had definitely felt him somewhere before, but there were so many similar images in his memory...

"You did the right thing. Your strength would not be enough to tame the spirit that moves the dead hand."

"But master..."

"Getting help in time means reducing the number of victims. Sizhui, you must visit the village headman and report what happened to the Mo family. Make sure that the burial rituals are properly organized."

“Yes, master!”

"Tomorrow we return to Gusu"

Heise also couldn't remember where he encountered the strange smell. Maybe they will remember later. There are a lot of places where their paths would cross...

***

The two-legged kids were eager for revenge for the failed hunt and still managed to persuade Lan Wangji to look at the strange soul eater in Dafan. 

As it turned out, for good reason. For example, Baise found the same two-legged person whose smell seemed familiar.

"Oh, what cute bunnies! You're not like meat, are you? And why didn’t you release this old man..."

The young one was visibly nervous after fighting in the forest with Baise. He still reeked of blood, which clogged the sensitive sense of smell with a metallic stench. And also a little dark energy, as if from a ghost. The smell was weak and almost faded away.

A silent call "Baise, Heise!" was very untimely. Well, again their caregiver is in a hurry somewhere!

Fortunately, they managed to meet a second time. Lan Wangji had just finished with another golden net, severing its fastenings (Baise and Heise had to move carefully through these strange things, sniffing fallen leaves every step of the way — the cursed traps had no smell, well, they did retain the faint traces of the two-leggeds that had set them) when an explosion sounded somewhere nearby. Judging by the speed with which Lan Wangji dashed through the forest thicket, he, like Baise and Heise, had no doubts: where there is chaos, there are his youngsters.

Everything was changed by a shrill sound, like the whistling of the wind in the bamboo stalks. The melody made the fur stand on end; it was similar to Lan Wangji's playing, but instead of calm, it called upon something dark and dangerous within. Suddenly, sharp sounds turned into smoother, almost gentle, soothing sounds.

Hearing the melody, Lan Wangji almost ran away from the tree in front of him. Well, the impression was the same: he froze in place so sharply. It had been a long time since Baise had seen anything other than polite indifference (the standard expression) or faint approval (in the rare moments around Lan Sizhui) on that cold face. Now there was desperate hope and fear at the same time. The stupor lasted only a moment, then the keeper caught up and even overtook them, moving so fast as if it did not touch the ground.

And that's all to grab tightly the same familiar-stranger young man by the hand that was holding a piece of bamboo stem. Did he rush here for his sake, and not for the younger ones?

It's good that they are safe. Once again they found an opponent they couldn't handle: however, someone had already broken down a giant living stone statue, which had been driven away by distorted unnatural energy. Perhaps a restless corpse who disappeared into the forest undergrowth like a ghost? Baise barely caught sight of him before he hided behind the trees. Hardly a crowd of two-leggeds: they were just chaotically rushing around like frightened pheasants.

"You still dared to show yourself?"

Purple lightning, twisting in the air, almost whizzed over the frozen two-legged, but ran into an oncoming sound wave saturated with qi to the point of materialization. It looks like the situation is getting more interesting. Baise was next to Lan Wangji in an instant, while Heise jumped between the angry purple cultivator and the cubs just in case.

"Oh no, no, the honorable master! However, I'm forced to decline the invitation: though I am flattered by your attention, you, as a man, are not at all to my taste!"

"Really? And then who's in yours?"

“Oh, it’s hard to say… For example, Honorable Hanguang-jun…”

The two-legged caretaker's palm tightened around the hilt of the sword.

"Mark your words."

"Huh?"

“I'm taking him to Cloud Recesses.”

There was no doubt in Lan Wangji's voice, neither what he was about to do, nor that no one, not even a hundred cultivators, could stop him. Baise hadn't seen this kind of determination in a long time… actually, since the first time he failed to bring that brat home.

Wait a minute...

Chapter Text

***

"Let me go! I don't want to go to Gusu Lan! I don't want to go to the Cloud Recesses! Is it dignified to hold a man against his will? You are such noble masters, how can that be?"

Baise looked back at Heise and saw in his eyes the same enjoyment of the situation. Heh, someone also didn't ask them either when he brought them to the house of Lan Wangji in a bag... It's okay, he'll get used to it.

"When he has finished making noise and is tired, take him to the Chambers of Silence."

Under the usual cold mask, the caregiver was clearly offended. Baise for some reason thought that he would have pulled his prey even by the collar, if there was no donkey. And the younger ones. 

Several days passed peacefully. Baise meditated on the sun surrounded by descendants and enjoyed the rich natural qi of the Cloud Recesses. Heise, unable to sit in one place for a long time, dreamed elsewhere in the shadows. Baise even suspected where exactly: near the newcomer. Why not try to find out if the essence of the same insolence that caught them more than twenty years ago is really inside a completely different body? 

Or maybe because he and Heise were somewhat alike? For example, the two-legged brat tried to grab Lan Wangji's metaphorical long ear during these days almost every time they crossed paths. With a sharp word, a smile, a look...

Someone plays the risque game. Like Heise. There was something familiar in Lan Wangji's silence that made Baise have similar thoughts. Well... their caregiver still found and captured the one he had been looking for and missed all these years to his lair. 

Sooner or later, it will come to one of these two, why. 

***

"Ah, no, no-no-no, not a dog! Lan Zhan, save me!"

The object that had caused so much fear — a small, furry dog — started chasing after, but Heise, who had loomed out of the shadows, slowed its movement. The virtue of the dog was that he did not even think of retreating, snapping and raising his tail (as his careless relatives did, who dared of grabbing a small fluffy rabbit, peacefully pinching next to his master): the animal stopped, growled softly, raising the upper lip and showing its fangs. 

Baise, who was accompanying Lan Wangji (recently, it seemed logical for him and Heise to separate and supervise the two-leggeds separately: to react faster to danger, and to keep one ungrateful brat under supervision, one of them is enough), just squinted his eyes at the dog, demonstrating who is the boss here and who can only pretend. Only after that, the beast decided not to drag fate by the whiskers and slowly retreated to the no less confused young master.

“Tusi-jun!”

Hearing the whispers of the crowd, the one that was just trembling behind Lan Wangji snorted and laughed.

"Bunny Master? Really? And what happened to the Light-Bringer title? That's so cute!"

“Hm.”

“Is… are you against or for?”

“Time to head for Singlu Ridge.”

"By the way, where did you get these strange bunnies? It is forbidden to keep pets in Gusu Lan, as far as I remember..."

"Yes. This venerable one remembers the rule correctly..."

"Is it worthy of such a respected gentleman to evade an answer?"

"...It is strange that this honorable gentleman does not remember his own actions."

"What is this insinuation? It's unfair to make fun of a poor loser!"

The place they headed to next was full of resentment energy. Heise was delighted and enthusiastically invited Baise to catch up, outrun and… No, this is not the time to be distracted!

Again, this excessively brave dog! This time he barked rather confusedly, although the two-legged forgetful brat still hid behind Lan Wangji's broad back. Baise stepped forward, determined to find out what was going on: there was a hole in the unusually round slope that smelled of corpses. And a little  — of peonies. As from a young two-legged youngster, as headless as his dog. It seems that his master is inside and the beast is confused about his fate. 

Of course, his two-legged friends decided to follow. And Heise with them. Well, what a foolish manoeuvre! 

Baise stayed with the dog: he had a feeling that this trap was waiting for someone. And his waiting was not fruitless: after a while, a short figure wrapped in a cloak peeked out from behind the trees.

***

"Get off Jin Ling! Don't you dare bite him!"

"Heise."

But the companion had already managed to catch the strand of dark energy that wrapped around the youngster's leg and pulled out the cursed tag. Baise only snorted: for Heise, the curse was more of a treat. Let him recover before it is time to return to the Cloud Recesses, (he complained more than once that after the birth of the offspring, the dark energy in their territory didn’t feel tasty).

"Wow. Didn't know these creatures could do that."

"Me too."

"The Bunny Master — and you don't know?"

"They don't obey anyone. Baise and Heise have their own opinions and are free in their actions as long as it doesn't harm people."

"And what do the elders of Gusu Lan think of this? Venerable Zewu-jun?"

The tantrum of the young master who had recovered from the tomb spell saved Lan Wangji from having to answer awkward questions for a while. 

"And where is Baise? And Jin Ling's dog?"

"What did you do with the Fairy?!"

"Pff, hahaha, who told you to call a dog like that? Although...ah, you can't answer, young man!"

"What's wrong with the name Fairy? When she was little, she was called Little Fairy, now she's just Fairy, because she's grown up."

"Come on, come on, Fairy is Fairy; not Fluffy, at least..."

After a while, footsteps were heard from the side of the tomb; the bony "couch" under Baise twitched, trying to get up, but he didn't have enough strength.

"Rabbit-qianbei, why did you think of this humble cultivator? I'm thin, I have little meat, only bones, and you're not a dog, right? Oh, I don't know what else to offer you to convince... Eh, da-ge told me "work on your strength, you'll need it", why didn't I listen to him then..."

"Hanguang-jun your rabbit — Baise, right? — caught someone while we were in the tomb. I wonder who it is and what he forgot in this wasteland? Hey, are you alive there? Don't move — that beast will love to bite your nose off if you move!"

"No need! Ah, why do I need it, I didn't do anything..."

“Nie Zongshu?”

“Nie Huaisan???”

"The Headshaker??? Ouch, how dare you?! My uncle will break your legs!"

“Jin Ling, where are your manners!”

"Who would have thought, you jerk!"

A broken tomb again and two more undead limbs found (legs this time) later, they finally returned to the city. Baise expected that he would finally be able to rest and catch his breath — well, not now!

The irrepressible insolent man managed not only to knock Lan Wangji unconscious (although he himself stank of the pungent smell of wine much more strongly), but also to slip out of the inn, covering his trail with a talisman. By the time Heise sought him out (their caretaker would be inconsolable if something bad happened to that brat), the two-legged had managed to be caught by an energy lightning wielder with a young master they had rescued in the tomb hanging out next to him. The youngster in the end, decided to return the service and secretly led the captive out of confinement — and it was a good thing that it happened before Heise had already set about blowing up half the city against the purple-clad cultivator.

After that turbulence, the appearance of a restless corpsen who could talk did not seem like anything special at all. Heise had already planned to intervene, but even a wordless “get out of here” expressed in the form of a nudge from the drunken to the fearless Lan Wangji did not make the corpse angry. In general, he seemed surprisingly calm, even the donkey had more aggression.

Although in the presence of Lan Wangji's companion, everyone around them began to behave strangely. Baise didn't know how much this involved Heise and them, but he honestly suspected it was the same.

Chapter Text

***

The restless corpses, demonic cultivators... Baise's life had not been so full since the siege of the Cloud Recesses. How is their valley, didn't the annoying two-leggeds put extra talismans around...

Furry offspring, wayward and independent, playfully flew from mess to mess together with youngsters. They had to be saved: to receive the experience is matter, but some problems are still beyond their teeth. A few centuries — and less problems will be able to be a threat to them, on the contrary!

Even he and Heise had to wriggle out: they were not allowed into the tower that glittered in the sun, the nest of cultivators. For the sake of it, they agreed to Lan Wangji's request to stay in the forest outside the city. For effective protection, they hid in the clouds, evening twilight and shadows.

Result? They had to cover Lan Wangji's escape with a sword in one hand and a companion clutching a stomach wound in the other. So they returned to the Cloud Recesses, well, although without losses.

Would their caregiver leave his Wei Ying here? Because this restless person gets into trouble after trouble and suffers himself. And if they would be in their own house it would be possible to fight back more effectively. What is most precious must be protected with teeth and claws. 

Lan Wangji could pretend to be cold indifference as much as he wanted, but only outsiders and that moron Wei Wuxian believed in it. Baise could feel how much hungry flame was hiding under the thin crust of ice. Break out — and you can't hide.

The lack of a defined mating season, as Baise's careful observations of many years showed, was more a drawback than an achievement of human civilization. You are attracted to each other — so why not get together? Rushing forward is interesting, but not for about two decades! Even for immortal creatures, this is permissible, but not necessarily for imitation. And the saved time can be spent on more pleasant things...

Baise sighed and pulled out another juicy carrot from the feeder. Munched. And really, about the nice things... Where is Heise?

***

The next trip did not take long. Hearing the words "restless corpses", Baise just sighed: well again. Some monsters or yao would be better, at least they are tasty!

Wei Wuxian stayed close to Lan Wangji and had long since stopped trying to escape from his companion. Together with "ear nibbling" and shared smell, this clearly indicated that it is a two-way desire. Still they still kept a certain distance: well it was a matter of the moment.

So for that brat, Wei Wuxian, it’s better to scratch the ear of his two-legged friend, not pocked fingers at Baise! They are not so closed yet! Although this was not an obstacle for Heise: his fluffy companion was more lenient with the free source of dark qi.

"Eh, Lan Zhan, your white bunny is all over the master — don't dare touch it with a fingertip!"

Oh, really? Baise had some doubts about the truth of this statement…

"But it's okay, I'm already used to being so terrible that all living things tend to run away from me."

This is not surprising: Wei Wuxian is constantly drawn to places with restless dead and dark spirits, what kind of living being will endure? And the man himself was not a gift at all: overactive, restless, persistent, constantly testing reality for strength...

“Wei Ying is not terrible!”

"Huh? Lan Zhan! You must at least warn me when you're going to say such words to this humble one!"

While he brashly tested Lan Wangji's nerves with retorts with tangible implications (with no outwardly visible result), the reverse sincerity pierced the armor of his self-confidence without fail. Just look at it!

But in the Burial Mounds — as Heise remembered, it was here that little A-Yuan was picked up — they were no longer courting. And Baise too.

Who dared to capture a two-legged youngsters with their furry offsprings?! Where is this culprit, let him try to appear! It's been a long time since Baise felt such blinding rage... He and his companion were about to break through the barrier in which the furries were locked, but Wei Wuxian rudely pushed him away from the line.

"Stay here! You want to sleep too? This formation has enough energy to tame the dragon. You need to be more careful."

His skill in untangling the sign system was no less than Baise's ability to manipulate energy flows: a few blood-drawn talismans placed at key power points, activated, and the lines faded. The little ones stirred, opening their eyes and yawning; everyone is alive, that's good!

Meanwhile, Heise, suppressing his anger and impatience, had already managed to bite the ropes that bound the two-legged children — there were about fifty of them, so there was enough work. Lan Wangji did the same with his sword while checking the prisoners' health. The tame undead, who met them in the middle of the way to the Burial Mounds, remained outside to fend off the attacks of his more wild and bloodthirsty kins.

"Who did it?"

"Master, unfortunately I don't know… The mercenaries appeared suddenly and had their faces covered. They used some kind of strong sleeping powder."

"It was the Yiling Patriarch! Only he can command so many raised dead! And the mercenaries must be his supporters, demonic heretics!"

At these words, Wei Wuxian burst into nervous laughter.

"But where would I get the money to recruit so many willing people?"

The argument silenced the clamor of the horrified crowd better than Lan spell of silence. 

“Wei-qianbei, t-there…”

More restless corpses? And, no, worse — a crowd of angry cultivators!

"Juijui!"

"Jing Lin, come here immediately! Who told you, brat, to disappear somewhere without leaving a message!"

Despite the angry words, the man in purple, already familiar to Baise, quickly pulled the youngster under his care. Just like he and Heise dragged the cubs. Indeed, even a bite can be a manifestation of parental love!

After making sure their two-legged children are safe, what do the adults usually do? That's right — they begin to estimate the situation and look for the culprits.

"It's his fault! He's the reborn Yiling Patriarch! The cursed necromancer wanted to perform a bloody ritual!"

If that two-legged one were really able to turn all of this around under Lan Wangji's constant watchful eye, he could already be counted among the deities. Heise squinted at the accusing finger, clearly considering biting off the insolent limb. The juniors of the Lan Clan gathered around Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji stepped forward.

"Don't accuse without reason."

“But venerable Hanguang-jun, who else would need to kidnap our adepts?”

The brains of the two-leggeds were working with a creak: did the clans really have no enemies, except for Yiling Patriarch? Who did they accuse of all the sins all those years until he was reborn? On their journeys with Lan Wangji, Baise and Heise had seen many injustices and evil deeds committed by ordinary envy and treachery—not a mythical all-powerful cultivator.

And coming to the cave and saving all the children together with the righteous Hanguang-jun was by no means suitable for the potential organizer of the bloody ritual. If you are going to kill, why create problems for yourself? When Heise grabbed vegetables from the kitchen, he never returned them, even when he was grabbed by the ears! 

There was, however, the only one possible reason for doing so: if the attacker wanted to lure more prey into an ambush and personally deal with them on the spot. But something inside said: no, Wei Wuxian would not do that. He reeked of blood, dark qi, anxiety — but not a sense of dismay that his plan had succeeded. No matter what happened in the past, cultivators were definitely pointing the finger at the wrong person. Baise trusted his intuition more than the words of others.

They are obviously in danger — but they are looking for the culprits in the wrong direction. From the screamer who was the first to throw accusations, it reeked of exactly the same malevolence. In the spiritual dimension, treachery feels like the fumes of poison, caustic and eating away at the wearer from within. Not too useful for a spiritual entity, really.

Chapter Text

***

Well, the battle with the horde of undeads, who were directed by someone’s will, was fierce. Especially when it turned out that only the two-legged children, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, the tame restless corpse (he was joined by fifty more from the bottom of the cave lake towards the end), Baise, Heise and their five furries could really fight. And there were almost half a thousand walking corpses enveloped in dark energy. Damn, it was better to bite off the hand of that heathen in white immediately: the culprit ran away, using a talisman, almost as soon as the rush began!

Heise carefully licked the claw wound on Baise's paw, pulling out shards of dark qi. They were all tired to the bone: even Lan Wangji's flawless posture felt strained. Wei Wuxian fell into a fitful sleep as soon as he mounted the boat — considering that playing the role of living bait for the undeads had exhausted his already meager spiritual core, he was still holding on pretty well. He would also sleep on wet boards — but of course, his two-legged companion would never allow this. So, stretched out next to them, Baise watched as thin fingers gently touched his sweaty forehead, banishing nightmares and feeding energy. Care and tenderness were not hidden at all.

The end point of their journey was a huge lake overgrown with water lilies. And a complex of buildings on it, connected by bridges. Behind the purple banners with a nine-petalled lotus pattern, it was obvious that cultivators lived here as well. And they will not let them in again...

Surprisingly, they let in. And even called the adepts to bring a bundle of vegetables. Baise didn't even have to ask. Mmm, lotus root, a bit spicy but nourishing…

The crowd of tired cultivators headed for the buildings. The furry little ones imperceptibly followed behind, accompanying Lan Sizhui and the other youngsters.

"Stay here. I'll take care of Wei Ying."

Well, okay. It was also not bad on the boards heated by the sun. But it was noisy: two-leggeds were frolicking around, children gathered nearby, whispering and discussing the "strange rabbits of Hanguang-jun". It is better to slip between the legs of passers-by and find a place on the shore — for example, where dense willows are green and wild plums are blooming. If something happens, they will feel it. Lan Wangji's location was no longer a mystery to them.

This continued until late evening.

"Oh, that's my favorite tree! I used to climb it in childhood."

"You climbed every tree we passed before."

“Yes, but…This is the first time I've ever done it in Lotus Pier!

Lurking under a bush, Baise and Heise watched as the restless cultivator, which seemed to have fully recovered from the effects of the battle, climbed a tree like some wild monkey. Why? What is so interesting on the branches?

Lan Wangji was standing under a tree in a patch of moonlight and he was visibly nervous. A little more — and he would have also climbed a tree.

Jump down. Wow, Lan Wangji got him. Well, nobody wants to let go of another's arms, right?

Afterwards, after nearly tasting the crackling purple lightning on their back (the restless corpsman was faster), they left Lotus Pier the same way they had arrived, by boat. Baise still couldn't understand whether it was worth biting Jiang Chen's hand off, or whether Wei Wuxian would still be against it. What a dilemma... 

How confused these two-leggeds are: loving while pretending to be indifferent has already happened somewhere, but hating, masking the worry is something new. What is more sincere in them — intentions or actions? It's a pity that it will not work to ask; on the other hand, there will be something to think about for the next millennium…

***

Staying outside the city next to a restless corpse turned out not to be such a bad idea as Baise first thought after listening to Heise's suggestion. It's raining, and so on? At least it was quiet here, without street noise and finger-poking. The undead man — Wen Ning — even started a small fire under an old fir tree and broke the branches so as not to sit on the cold ground. Baise even got the impression that he wanted very much to touch their fur, but unlike living impolite brats, he kept his intention inside himself.

Wen Ning's sighs about meeting Lan Sizhui (as far as Baise understood from the conversations, the undead was some kind of his distant relative during his life) and the corpses from the Blood Lake (he also found relatives there) lulled theem in the silence of the night. Poor creature: not alive, needing neither food nor air nor sleep, but in mind and memory. Living beings treated him with fear, and given his power, they had reason to do so; however, outside of battle, Wen Ning was rather shy and quiet. As long as neither Baise nor Heise felt hostility from him — let him be alive. Ok, more precisely  —  be existing. 

Baise was roused from his slumber by the appearance of Wei Wuxian — disheveled hair, barely tied with a ribbon, rain-soaked clothes weared on in chaos; a look that ran wildly without stopping. A smile, as if pasted over the inscription "I failed and now in deep trouble." Disturbed energy. And visible teeth marks on the side of the neck, not to mention reddened, swollen lips.

"Master Wei? Are you all right?"

"Huh? Ah, it's you, Wen Ning! Haha, it's okay, I…just an evening walk, I can't sleep. Great weather for a promenade!"

Yes, that's what they believed, yeah. And the fact that Lan Wangji, according to sense, is also outside the city, on the opposite side, is a simple coincidence, isn't it? Really, why don't the two get some fresh (very fresh, it got colder in the evening) air after midnight? Instead spending an evening together in the inn?

The undead do not blush; it was only because of this Wen Ning still dared to ask an awkward question.

“Eh…Hanguang-jun isn’t with you?”

"What? No! I mean…we split up. Not for long. He's fine, I swear!"

Heise snorted skeptically, pressing his ears to his head.

"Yes, he is fine!"

“Master Wei, where are you going?”

"I really need to relax a little. Maybe then... Ah, never mind. No-no-no, I'll go alone, you don't need to accompany me!"

As the figure disappeared into the trees, Baise sighed heavily and rose to his feet, transforming into a fighting form. Heise was already shifting from paw to paw, waiting for him, but Baise had to disappoint his companion. Better look after Lan Wangji: there must be someone next to Wei Wuxian who is not so happy about the possibility of making a fuss.

“Are you…sure that Master Wei won't notice you?”

Baise tilted his head, flicking his long ears, a gesture picked up by the two-leggeds, but despite the lack of communication they at least understood it. Notice what? Fog? In such rainy weather?

Especially in a state of mental restlessness, the two-leggeds are not very observant. When thoughts are swarming in the head, and feelings are in chaos — the contemplation of nature doesn't matter.

Chapter Text

***

The territory of the temple was surrounded by protective formations — don’t dare to approach; the one who controls the cobwebs will know about the intruders at once. From the experience of the trip to the Burial Mounds, Baise was not without reason wary that means would be found against them as well. That's why he didn't climb forward, hiding in the rain. Wei Wuxian, in contrast to his usual fearlessness, also remained an observer, sitting on the roof of the building. 

The white-robed figure — Lan Wangji's older brother — stood motionless in the middle of the courtyard under the roof. With a sword on his belt — but without any attempt to intervene in the situation. Accomplice? Or... the usual aura of spiritual energy was not felt around him, the core seemed to be sealed inside. Servants in yellow outfits with peonies were bustling around, the gate was closed. Without qi, he couldn't get out.

Lan Wangji was still on the other side of the city. Ask Heise to bring him? Or try to cope on their own?

"Fairy! Why are you dragging me here? Hey, is there anyone inside? Open the gate!"

The appearance of a stupid dog and his equally stupid master solved the problem, but not in the expected way. Baise didn't even notice when Wei Wuxian jumped down, trying to warn the youngster…but in vain, because he only got a sword blade pressed between his shoulder blades.

Damn it, what Baise could do? Break the barrier and show himself? He won't get all three of two-leggeds out unscathed at the same time, fighting off a crowd! 

Baise gritted his teeth in annoyance and contacted Heise. Let him drag Lan Wangji here, there is no other way out. That one has at least a signal talisman, true? Isn't he not so headless as the younger Lans on the Dafan mission? Well, Baise will still be looking for a way to bypass the barrier. Qi currents in the city are tangled at random, it is difficult to tie the streams together and not to get caught...

A shadow in white flashed through the streets and flew through the protective barrier like a bird of prey. Baise almost broke the roof of the building out of irritation: and so it is... Okay, he would have followed his companion in the same way, into the abyss and into the fire, why be surprised?

Heise froze beside him in confusion, hiding in the shadows. 

Lan Wangji sealed his spirit meridians: the yellow-robed bastard pulled the string around Wei Wuxian's throat until he bled. A dangerous and insidious opponent. Already familiar from the Burial Mounds, the scoundrel in white clothes runs tiptoe in front of his patron. So, this master in yellow also added a limb to this case. Who knows what hidden traps he still has left in his pocket?

Think about it, dumb head with ears! You've lived these two millennia and more for nothing — is there any obstacle left in the world that you can't chew through? These are his two-leggeds! His and Heise's, okay. Who will scratch your ears if you don't save them now? Will you be able to crunch carrots, as you used to, knowing that you did not manage and did not save?

Some kind of distraction is needed. Something unexpected and difficult to destroy...a restless corpse. And two even better. It's a pity that the bag with the separated limbs, for which they had to run so much, was given to that bony uncomfortable "bed" in dark green!

As it turned out later, that gape, in addition to falling into the trap of the yellow-peony culprit, somehow released the relentless corpse entrusted to him right on the streets of the city. No other way — he forgot about the pacifying talismans and the corpse broke free from the qiankun, looking for its owner. What a happy coincidence!

It wasn't difficult to get Wen Ning to direct his unfortunate comrade to the temple: the tamed undead perfectly understood what the Baise of Heise wanted from him, even without words. It seems, the dead are a mysterious tribe, and the resurrected ones, imbued with dark energy, are even more so. 

What can one little fluffy bunny do? And if there are two of them? And not so small. With fangs and claws. And skills in illusions. And Heise also breathes flames. With two rundead as a battering ram, no one can stop that at all.

And it was not necessary to insult their humans!

***

They had a good time. Both four- and two-leggeds, both alive and dead. 

Baise's personal merit was the broken spine of the scumbag in white. The sewn-up, restless dead man was literally a moment late, growling displeased, but that's all, there's nothing you can do: for your enemy to die twice, you can only turn to Wei Wuxian to raise the corpse. 

Heise tore to shreds quite a few of the minions in yellow. And restrained the onslaught of the angry dead man in the direction of the young dog master and his relative paired with Wen Ning (he got a severe punch, but undeads without entrails did not feel bad).

But recalling the events later, Baise admitted that there was more shouting than real danger in the battle in the temple. Not to be compared with Burial Mounds. And the two-leggeds, despite the fact that they foolishly fell into the set trap, quickly recovered, drove the restless dead man into the coffin (twice) together with a very lively cultivator in yellow robes. Seriously, he'd been poisoned with smoke, had his hand cut off, stabbed with a sword, strangled with a dead hand — but even when a statue was dropped on his coffin, there was a faint tingle of life from him. Although, perhaps, it was already death agony.

The fur will have to be cleaned of blood and dark energy. Good thing he has Heise. Because their caregivers went somewhere: he had a certain guess where exactly, judging by the ardent looks... Baise wonder if the battle has such an effect on them? Or has the spring season finally caught up? In any case, Baise was pleased that they had finally got together, despite all the misunderstandings.

They will catch up with them a little later. When they rush in and subside. 

And together will return home, to the Cloud Recesses.

THE END