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Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian feels some peace when he looks at A-Yuan playing at his feet as he tried to focus on creating an upgrade for the protective array he put up around the settlement. Though he couldn't concentrate much as the grating noise of dead interrupted his thoughts with screeching nothings.

Not for the first time he grudgingly admitted that Lan Qiren predicted exactly what might happen if he took up heretic cultivation. But he was always willful even if he could not achieve living without regrets, he will take righteous path of saving innocent lives. The question is how can he keep these people from certain dead in a mass grave yard that is ravenous yet gives nothing back? 

A-Yuan needs trees to climb on. He needs rivers to swim in and mountains to mediate and grow his golden core. He needs so much but this place is exactly opposite hindering his growth. Wei Wuxian thinks tentatively it's time they move. Maybe if they are careful enough by using disguises and spreading across various villages that are not under the sects preview or they can just take boat to the distant land maybe........but he need Wen Qing's thoughts.

Making sure there is no dangerous experiments lying around and causing unnecessary damage, Wei Wuxian scoped A-Yuan into his arms as he stood up. His little radish giggled and throwed his little arms around his neck.

"Baobei, let's go and look for your Qing-jie ah. We need to talk important things when we get there make sure look at your jie with those big doe eyes and cling to her hmm? So that way we can convince her together. I will take you into the town hmm okay?" He shamelessly bribed A-Yuan for extra support.

A-Yuan just giggle more and nodded with bright eyes. Looking at him being so happy even though having so little made Wei Wuxian more depressed and at the same time igniting a fire in him. It was familiar, the need to provide the best for his loved ones with all his strength and even life.

In that instant he didn't hear the dead voices grating against his head or his self- deprecating thoughts that have been plaguing him since massacre of Lotus Pier. All he wanted was to move mountains and cross seas to see that A-Yuan happiness remain for long time. He walked down from the cave towards the scattered huts. He watched as the Wen remnants try to bring life into the Burial Mounts just by sear will. And succeeding with mixed results. 

Huh. Maybe....

Wei Wuxian rushed towards Popo to mind A-Yuan for the time being. He found Wen Qing in her hut calculating their finance for the month and calculating what will be needed for next month.

When he entered the hut Wen Qing glanced up once and returned to the calculation she was doing without any indication what she thought about his hasty entry. Undeterred by the cold aura emitting from the young doctor Wei Wuxian proceeded to sprawl across the floor and stare at her until she relented and paid attention. Wen Qing used to Wei Wuxian antics made sure her work is done before gracing the impish man with her attention. 

"What?" she asked him with enough force that any other weak cultivator would rather turn around and run but Wei Wuxian smiled his most charming smile. Though, it seems to not work if the hard look Wen Qing casting him was any indication.

Signing to the fact that he no longer can use his charms on this doctor to get out of things and straightened up to get into business. "Ahh. Wen Qing we need to move. Like move out of Burial Mounds and find somewhere else to settle. Even if we were to survive here for long term I don't think it will be good for A-Yuan or any of our health while exposed to this thick resentment for long time. I have read research on how Burial Mounds affects the health of Yiling's citizens even if it’s not deadly it will affect us more. We have seen too much to be not directly affected by its harmful nature. I brought you and everyone here to keep you safe from immediate threats of the cultivation world but we can't stay here for much long. We will all die and become one with the Mounds. The Mounds have been restless for few days now nothing I can't handle but still its best we moved."

He looked directly at Wen Qing as he delivered his thoughts trying to read her as she took in what he had to say. Wen Qing for what it’s worth didn't even break from her cold mask and her eyes were frozen on him as she processed the new issue that threaten their settlement.

Wen Qing thought about the frequent check-ups she did to the wen remnants and what she knew of resentful energy and its effect on people who are exposed to it constantly. Her knowledge in this particular subject was extensive. She knew what Wei Wuxian getting at it is a very big possibility. Even if the resentful energy affects their physical health visibly it will definitely will affect their mental health. It is affecting their mental health already.

She remembers how Third uncle screamed just the day ago in middle of night due night terror and Second Cousin Zhiruo was having difficulty with her temper recently and Popo mentioned how the general moral of the people is slowly very slowly getting affected nothing concrete but might affect them in long term.

She knew.

Wen Qing searched Wei Wuxian eyes. What she found is the same determination she saw when he requested for the golden core transfer surgery and when he saved all the Wen remnants from the Qiongqi path and taking them away from the cultivation world at the cost of his own life and reputation.

She is faced with the same force that survived three months in depth of Burial Mounds with no defense and created a whole new path of cultivation. The one who single handedly won the war for Sunshot Campaign.

Wen Qing closed eyes and meditated a moment on what she knew and came to terms with their situation. They needed to move fifty-five Wen remnants and a fierce corpse somewhere the sects won't bother looking. They need food and money to sustain the journey. They needed precious information on sect territories and coming and goings of cultivators. 

If they can even make it out of Yilling without alerting them.

She needs to consult the other elders. Maybe they have more ideas on where they can stay and the travel expenses. But it is clear they needed to move sooner than later and the Winter starts in just four months they need move fast and settle before winter. She opened her eyes and looked at Wei Wuxian with what she hoped was same amount of determination and hope. She nodded once and took a new parchment and started to list what resources they have at hand.

Wei Wuxian didn't think it would be this easy to convince Wen Qing. He even had more arguments and points thought up. But seeing the way Wen Qing moved with same assuredness as she did when handling needles he was slightly shocked and remined wordless for a minute. He shook it off and smiled at Wen Qing and leaned forward to see what she was writing.

It was list of abled body Wens and their resources at hand and at the top is a deadline marking the lìdōng (start of winter). Ah... yeah, they are only few yuèzi(lunar months) away from winter it really makes everything rushed. "I think we can use dead horses as stead, they might be faster than normal stead but finding them will be a challenge and it might be obvious who we are if use them. I was thinking of moving in groups in night time far away from sect patrols and maybe even reach the sea and get a ride to distance land if we can manage it."

"Are you sure it will be possible to use dead stead without causing us more problems? What about A-Ning where ever we go we might not be welcomed because of his condition. We also have concern of hygiene if were to use your corpse horses. But it is good idea to move in night and in groups. We need discuss the how we move based on our destination. Do you have knowledge of where the sect territories lie and their reach?"

"Hm. I know Junmeng Jiang's Boundaries and that of its subsidiary small sect's Boundaries. Also, other smaller sects around Junmeng Jiang. I also have more than basic knowledge of Wen territories due to the war but I don't think they can hold up now its been a year since I reviewed any information on them. But I know some uncharted territories. But we need to cross the mounds and might travel roundabout way to reach them. It will be hard on the people and we will not be able to return for a long time I am not even sure if there are any dangers but if we cross Nanman we will reach new territories. It will be not be safe but if we couldn't find any villages or the trip to seaside is not viable then I think its best we venture into them." 

Wen Qing looked curious at the uncharted territories but understood it will be last option and made notes on territories that Wei Wuxian knows about. They made a rough map of Jianghu and marked of various territories. by the time they finished the sun has started to set and they were called for dinner.

Wen Qing gathered the notes and moved towards the community hall for dinner with Wei Wuxian. She saw Wen Ning helping with serving of food. She felt pang of hurt deep in her heart every time she thought of her brother who has been through so much and him becoming fierce corpse added more guilt to already bleeding heart. She couldn't save her little brother from his cruel fate.

She searched for Popo among the gathered people spotting her with A-Yuan in one of the tables she moved to sit across from her. Wei Wuxian went to gather other elders to discuss their plan. They settled down around the table and finished their meagre meal quickly.

Uncle four and Uncle third were sitting on one side of the table while Wei Wuxian sat beside her. Cousin Ruyi sat beside Popo and A-Yuan. Aunt Mu Xinyi and her brother Mu Pingji sat occupying the other side. She and Wei Wuxian explained their reason to make the move from the Burial Mounds to the gathered group. The elders looked concerned as the time passed but didn't interrupt them.

"The resentful energy will affect us more as we try to live here, even though we have taken multiple measures to be safe from it. I expect this exposure at worst will affect our soul and eat away our humanity very very slowly. Maybe with a soul calming ceremony it will be not come to that, but no one here have that protection. At best we will slowly see our physical body deteriorate and die because of failing health. Also, we don't know what it will do to a growing child such as A-Yuan."

"The mounds has kept us safe form the cultivators but we are still in danger from the resentful beings trapped here I can keep them off us but in long term we will still be affected by the ambient resentful energy, maybe with more materials we could start cleansing the grounds but we are struggling as it is. A-Yuan deserves more than this mass graveyard. Everyone here deserves more than this place."

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath as he looked at the others before leaning forward and seriously informed them " While I was in the town I heard some of the increasing and ridiculous rumours about all my evil doings and even about my growing Wen army consisting of numerous Fierce Corpses. The next Wen Ruohan.” He said the last part with a smirk that was more self-deprecatory then evil.

"The Jins have occupied the power vacuum left by the war, yet they are also greedy after the Yīn Hǔ Fú's power. We are going to be in danger as long as we are in cultivation world. They want the power that let to Wen's loss in the war and I have it. In hindsight it is clear that their main focus is me and the tally since handful of wen prisoners are not precious enough for them that they are willing to spread rumours and ensure we are as isolated as possible cutting supplies and sending disciples on look out. I think the most of the other Sect leaders don't even know what happened Qióngqí Dào much else the that there is a child here."

The grim realization of their predicament sat heavily on everyone around the table. Popo was petting the sleep A-Yuan who has laid across her lap. She cleared her throat and started "So we are moving ah. Its good we have identified the threat. We should choose where we are going to live sooner than later. We will add what little knowledge we know about the territories. Ruyi-er wasn't your maternal uncle a peddler traveling across the lands? hm. you come and help with what you know."

Wen Ruyi a woman in her late thirties leaned forward towards the map made by Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian. "There are handful of sea side villages here that are under no cultivation sect generally only rouge cultivators visit but if we go further south on the outer edge of Hunan there is forest area with no human trace. Also, its far away from other small sects. the nearest sect is Wushou Li from Nanman which takes at least one week of travel by carriage. I don't know any other village that is not frequented by cultivators. There are villages that are along the border of Meishan and Qishan but I think we will be not able go there, we will be found." 

Uncle three added, "Qiu-er has travelled to Wushou Li for her cousin's marriage we can ask her about the roads used for travel and Dangers. She might know what we will need in the travel to such areas. But, Wei-gongzi I think we need more than an uncharted area to prevent any cultivators to find us. We need to erase our tracks as we move and scout out the area before moving. We must have a solid plan and many contingency plans."

Wei Wuxian thought about Uncle Three's point. They need to move fast and stealthily. He had been trying to experiment with arrays for travel but they are just that experiments. If he can work one of them successfully they might be able to cut short the travelling time greatly. To travel such long distance generally a cultivator needs to learn travelling path cultivation and use a travelling talisman to move between great distance. It expends large amount of energy and the talisman while a brilliant invention on manipulation of space and time is still not feasible for many situations. Maybe if he created an anchor and power it through the ambient natural energies. He will have to do some experimentations.

Wei Wuxian had many more theories branching out in his brain but put them on hold as he focused back on what was being said at the table. Wen Ning has fetched some papers and writing set for Wen Ruyi to mark the map on new information they have discussed. Third and Fourth uncle got up to go and discuss with Wen Qiu about her past travels. While the Mu siblings gathered the dirty utensils to take them to be washed. They are to inform others on their impending move out of Burial Mounds and collect any information others may have that could be helpful.

Wei Wuxian could see the visible change in atmosphere as the news spread in the small group instantly. Excitement. Dread. Fear. Mainly hope shone amongst the living. Wei Wuxian got more determined than ever as the people he thought as his become excited at mere mention of moving out and finding new residence ways away from cultivation world then they were already.

They did more planning and ironing out what has been discussed today. At the end it was decided they will collect more information before locking their destination. For next two days Wen Ning will be send to collect information in Yilling and other nearby villages. Wen Ning sweets as he was determined to collect everything he could. Not for the first time Wei Wuxian admired how Wen Ning used his quite character for his own advantage. 

When the fire started to go out, Popo left first with A-Yuan to put him to sleep. Immediately afterwards the settlement slowly made way to their huts to sleep. Wei Wuxian got up to make way to his cave but was bracketed at both sides by the Wen Ning and Wen Qing. The older women grabbed his arm and practically dragged him back to his cave.

"Aiya Wen Qing why so forward? What would others think about the great Yilling Laozu being dragged to his liar. hm? Be gentler ah, I am fragile." He started babbling as he sensed whatever talk is ahead of him he is not going to like it. Wen Ning ever faithful to his older sister looked apologetically at him before helped his sister drag him to the Demon Slathering Cave. Ugh the betrayal!

Wen Qing bored his incessant chatter till the entrance of the cave before she pulled her needles to threaten him into submission. He was unceremoniously dropped on his bed. Wen Qing crossed her hands and looked down at him with narrowed eyes. Not able to hold his nerves anymore Wei Wuxian asked, "What is it? Why am I being subjected to your cruel treatment? I didn't do anything ah!!" 

Wen Qing eyes flashed in warning before she took deep breath and said, "If we successfully move out of here and escape from their watchful eyes then we might have some handful of months before they find us again. You need to do something about your tally. But again it will not stop the Jins from retaliating. They have the resource. It will take a miracle to escape from this. The power you wield will always be covetous to cultivators along with the tally. We will need to go further then Nanman, we need to disappear from the face of earth."

Wei Wuxian held his breath as he processed what Wen Qing said. He came to the same conclusion somewhere between Jiang Cheng's and Lan Zhan's visit. But he didn't acknowledge that depressing thought. He has already broken his promise to Jiang Cheng. Shijie is now in Lanling. But he still yearns to be with them, he still wants to at the least hear news from story tellers in village inns.

He desperately wants to be with his family even though the ties have frayed beyond help. It hurts.

He know its selfish wish to want after everything he has done. The Lotus Pier Massacre is still fresh in his mind. He could see the burning piers and screams of shidis and shimeis as they were hunted down. The guilt and weight of everything that has happened weighted on him.

Logically he knew not everything was his fault that Wen Ruohan had marked Yunmeng Jiang on his hit list long before Wei Wuxian has made himself a nuisance before Wen Chao. He knew that giving up his golden core has broken him more than he likes to admit to himself. He knew that he is not indebted to Jiangs as Madam Yu repeatedly screamed at him. Yet he can not comes to terms with these truths. 

He will always carry these weights. 

He also knew the only thing that stopped him form creating a portal array was his attachment to the cultivation world and little bit of research he can't do without a golden core. Okay he needs more resources to come up with the portal idea but it is becoming a need rather than a fancy idea he thought up for fun. Wen Qing also seemed to understand that part of him well enough to corner him in his own space. 

Wei Wuxian is tired and he thinks it's obvious when he answers back, "Then we shall disappear from the face of earth." He is determined to take these rag tag group of people he rescued to safety. These people showed kindness towards him even thought he raised their kin from dead to slay more of them. There must have been at least one dead of family member because of him yet they pulled him into their lives as if he is their own.

Then there is A-Yuan, he could still remember his elation when he called him Baba after a stressful tantrum. He might have cried. A little.

He will ensure of their safety if its the last thing he must do.

Wen Qing made a complicated expression before sighing and taking the seat beside him. She took his hands in her smaller ones and held them as they sat in silence. Wen Ning hesitantly sat at their feet lightly leaning on their legs. Showing his silent support.

Wei Wuxian feels tears sliding down his face. He silently mourned what is to come. 

Chapter Text

The thing is Travelling talisman works on the principle of twisting the space and using their spiritual cognition as anchor send their body to the designated coordinates drawn in it. A cultivator needs to channel Qi in a specific way to be in sync with nature and lands to ensure their cultivation base is not damaged from any backlash because of the task of twisting the natural orders.

But what he wants is a portal that works like a door way between two destinations separated by long distance. More importantly it should be energy efficient so the Wens can use it. Wei Wuxian is barely eating or moving from his position before the stone table in his cave. Just as he drew yet another variation of array he felt cold hands on his shoulders.

"You should use an energy well to power and anchor instead of ambient energy. It will make the whole process easier." An eerie voice commented over Wei Wuxian's shoulder. The demonic cultivator paused for a second. His eyes darting over his notes to determine whether the advice is feasible. 

"AH!!! Master you are truly the genius ha! This lowly one thanks your wisdom! Why didn't I think about this! if I could power the array through the tally and significantly drain the energy stored in it then it's like hitting two birds in one stone!" Wei Wuxian enthusiastically called out and dived into creating the new variation that would drew power from the Yīn Hǔ Fú and can be used as anchor. 

The spirit huffed amusedly before darting towards the notes spread across the table to analyze them. "You should be more organized then it will be easier for you to go back few steps and iterate what you worked on determine where change is needed and it will also be easier to document later on. You have nothing but bad habits!" The spirit started to scold the demonic cultivator.

Wei Wuxian raised his head and pouted at the spirit, "Aiya why are you always scolding me! I know where is my notes even though it looks like they are scattered here and there." he protested, "Does the esteemed master need anything?" Wei Wuxian questioned not able to stand his curiosity.

The spirit eyed the man across him for a moment, "I heard you will be taking everyone away from Jianghu, I came to check how you are going to achieve such feat. The travelling array you are working on is good solution but it needs refining. Do you know the theory behind Qiánkūn dài (Qiankun pouches)?" 

Wei Wuxian observed the spirit wearing silk brocade stained with blood. The spirit is a handsome man with a clean face and rather small frame similar to women. The spirit had been giving advice starting from when he brought the Wens. Wei Wuxian suspected the spirit's identity even though the spirit hasn't shared anything with him. 

He answered, "I know the general theory of how it works but didn't get the chance to work out the nuance of the array. Wen Qing has the one I had when we arrived here. Do you think the same theory of creating a pocket dimension can be used to ensure people travel without any problem?" 

"Yes, exactly. I suggest incorporating it into your array. Also ensure this array is keyed to people you are going to bring with you also a way to destroy it on your way out. There will always enough people who is knowledgeable to work out the array functions. Remember what I said about your golden core. The doctor of yours is sufficient for the work." 

The spirit faded out after saying its piece without any fanfare. Wei Wuxian stared where the spirit was hovering over his notes. The last statement was a knife spearing him in his gut. During his first three months in here this spirit had stayed beside him and watched him develop his new cultivation. When it became clear that he was going to make it out of the mounds that spirit finally opened its mouth to say, "Your meridians are intact, but fled with Resentful energy holding your body together like a broken doll. But if you manage to not die the instant your body is free of it you will have a chance to re-cultivate a core. After all you have already crossed many odds." 

He had been rather distraught and angry at the spirit for it then. And instantly buried the statement deep inside his mind to be forgotten. It worked until now. He couldn't stop the seed of hope that was planted. He cursed the spirit for it.

His Core was something that he took pride in and worked many hours on. It was first thing he created on his own and belonged to him absolutely. A part of him that defined who he was, giving it away had been like tearing his soul from his body. He ached to feel whole again.

To be able to cultivate again is pipe dream he is not going to entertain now.

Clenching his fist and taking a deep breath he refocused on the half-finished array before him. 

Time passed.

A xún (10 days or a week) has passed since the spirit visited and helped with the array. Wei Wuxian has a working prototype of the array at hand and doing tests by sending rocks and tree branches into the portal. He had sent Wen Ning to other end of the settlement where the portal's other end opens up. 

They have ensured no one is near to blasting area if something goes wrong. Wen Qing was standing beside him looking critically at the array. He raised a Fierce Corpse so that it can be send into the portal. The array was a whooping forty chǐ  (Chinese foot - average length between nodes on bamboo) big drawn with the yin rich water from the blood pool and powered with the tiger tally. 

The corpse mindlessly walked through the portal. After few minutes Wen Ning ran back towards them. "Wei-Gongzi! The corpse came intact and there has been no problems. I think its time we tested real living things. I will go and get some rats or birds down the hill!" He enthusiastically called. 

Wei Wuxian could not help but laugh at the excitement of the younger man. Wen Qing smiled as she shooed Wen Ning to do what he said. She turned back towards the array, marveling at the creation of something so ingenious. "I should really one day take your brain out for some experiments." 

"Qing-jie!! No! you cannot then who will be there for you to terrorize with needles. I know you love your ying-di very much. You cannot!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed playfully. Happy that the array is working at all. The Tiger Tally has been stubborn and been trying to not corporate but he ensured there is no holes in the array defense that the tiger tally can exploit.

He and Wen Qing has been noting down the energy consumed each time the array is used. It seems like the amount energy is proportional to that of the mass of the object being transported. But he is sure that there will be some changes when they pass something living through the portal.

"We first should go to the forest in border of Hunan. And scout the other potential regions before travelling to them. The elders have started to gather resources for the travel already. We should try to buy livestock on our way. The winter down there will not be as heavy as here but we still need to gather many things." Wen Qing relayed what have been happening in the time he has been furiously creating the array. 

"I think it will be for the best if you write something to your Shijie and Shidi. Jiang Wanyin will need to know before he is made aware from other sects. When the news of our departure made known it will be chaos the sects might turn their ire towards him and Jiang sect. They need to prepare for it. especially your Shijie. Also write something for the Lan of yours so that he doesn't try to follows you again." Wen Qing said as Wen Ning made way towards them with a couple of rats in his hands. He choked on his spit when Wen Qing mentioned Lan Zhan as his. 

Before he could protest against anything Wen Ning bounded over and handed him the rats before rushing for the other end of the portal. Sighing heavily that made him feel older then he was, he prepared for the next test. " I will have something sent to them just before we leave." He agreed before throwing the one of the rats into the portal. They took the readings required while Wen Ning came back with his observations. They then sent both rats at once. Just like that the day was spend trying to gauge the array's limits and testing. 

The array prototype was a success.

It only thing left to do for them is refining the array and to gather their resources. That night there was a small celebration for success of creating an array to travel long distance. Wei Wuxian was content to watch others as they sang and danced around the with Uncle Four's fruit wine in his hand. A-yuan danced and ran around everyone with laughter when he finally got exhausted, fell into Wei Wuxian's arm to gather his breath. Wei Wuxian could not help his fondness from bursting out and held the boy tightly while showering him with smooches.

"HAHAHA.. Xian-gege stop! You smell!" The boy giggled.

"Betrayal! From my own radish too! Your Xian-gege doesn't smell! You will be punished with tickles!"

Laughter echoed throughout the the clearing that night.

They were gathered around the same table as few months ago in same placement. Wei Wuxian looked at everyone around the table and felt their support and determination. The plan for move have been going smoothly. They have gathered dry food like rice and  dried out meat. While selling their produces from the garden and some of the furniture. This has been done carefully by avoiding the cultivators disguised among the villagers, also avoiding rousing any suspicion of the village people by disguise and carefully travelling deep in night and wait till day time to make it back to Yilling from different path.

Wen Ning had been running around all day and night for the past couple of months. Helping with manual labor and procuring hunts from the forest. Wei Wuxian designed a talisman to hide his resentful aura and with help of Wen Qing designed a well-made disguise to not attract unwanted attention. It had been a success from how much Wen Ning is able to gather information. He also sent to scout out the forest they plan to move first. His speed and agility has been helping them extremely and it makes Wen Ning happy being able to help.

"We will travel to the forest area in Hunan border. There we will set camp for two weeks at most. The next array will be drawn in a stone cave near the camp, the cave entrance is disguised to look like normal stone wall. In mean time me and Wen Ning using the second array will scout the territories beyond Nanman and find a someplace we can settle. During the camping in Hunan the whole camp will be under the protection array and no one should exit the array in these two weeks.

If we came across any cultivators while camping everyone should follow the script say that we are nomads making way to Wuzhou for the winter. Any questions about the protection array everyone will answer as some rich cultivator gifted it after saving us from a yao. The cultivator was wearing white robes and the gift was given just before the war. The array has enough Lan elements to not rouse suspicious.

If it comes to fight then Wei Wuxian will take care of it. Immediately everyone will evacuate the camp and use array even if me and Wen Ning have not returned. Then burn the warning talisman to inform us of your departure from the camp."

Uncle Three leaned forward, "Understood, everyone is ready to move now all have collect their belonging in the cart. The food we have gathered will last for two months. We have gathered all the fabrics too. All left is Wei-Gongzi's belongings in his cave."

Wei Wuxian winced at that, he has been so focused on helping others he forgot about his stuff in the cave. "I will gather them before night fall we can move tomorrow early morning. I have the letters for Jiang Cheng, Shijie, Lan Zhan and Nie Huisang. Wen Ning can get them to the post office before they close that way they will send in the morning. Jiang Cheng's is addressed to his Great Aunt it will also have Shijie's letter. Lan Zhan's letter is with Nie Huisang's which is addressed to one of his spies working in Yunmeng. Since I am sending message to Nie-gongzi we can't waste time moving tomorrow. We should move before day break."

"Right we will check on everything and as Wei-gongzi's things are gathered we will check for last time and retire for night. Wen Ning can help with waking everyone after the brief rest. All of us will gather with carts before the cave then Wei-Gongzi can lead us through the portal." Mu Pingji concluded their day's plan.

"Chop chop everyone lets go and put the last of things away in carts!" Popo ordered everyone with great enthuse. Wei Wuxian speedily returned to his cave started on gathering his notes and half finished inventions and talisman together in piles. Everything else was put away already as his notes are not exactly safe to touch without him around. He despaired how chaotic his notes are and cried silently inside his head. Just then Wen Ning came to collect the letters. 

"Ah A-Ning make sure to use this talisman on the post man. This will make the person under them susceptible for any easy and minor suggestions. Make sure to suggest the letters go out in the morning on the fastest messenger and tell no one about them and keep them safe." 

"Yes Wei-Gongzi, I understand"

"Aiya how many times have I told you call me gege hmm? I am no gongzi A-Ning."

Wen Ning shyly uttered, "Xian-ge." before leaving the cave to go down to the village. 

"I see that you are finally moving. Its good you have reinforced the barriers around the mounds. But you should know the mounds will remember you even if you leave them. You have brought change where anyone has not. And you should just gather your things in a box or pouch to go through later. It will take forever to sort them now. Haven't I told you to maintain your notes properly, see now you are struggling with them."

Wei Wuxian looked towards the voice and found the spirit of handsome man lounging on his bed. "What do you mean the mounds will remember me?" he asked the spirit with a frown. The spirit cocked his eyebrow at him mockingly, "You have managed to cultivate life here. That to with bunch of old people with no cultivation, even though you couldn't clear all the resentment here you have done remarkably till now with what you have. Of course the mounds will remember you, for you have brought change. Even if you leave now, you should return in future to continue clearing. After all the mounds will not fight back if its their Master." 

"Master? Wait what Master?" Before he could demand for explanation the spirit faded away. Wei Wuxian wanted to bash his head against the floor. The implication of recognized as the Master of some sentient resentful mound is something he doesn't wish to analyze now. At least the spirit said there is time for whatever this situation is. He decided that this is a problem for future Wei Wuxian to solve and gathered last of his things into the wooden box he had. Checking for the last time that he hasn't left anything behind. He made his towards the carts waiting near the huts.

Once everything was handed over he turned back to look over the horizon. The sharp cliffs and clouds of dark ambient resentful energy filled his view. What the spirit said echoed in his mind. 

Master.

He scoffed at the notion that The Mounds consider him as its Master. The Mounds have greedily feasted on him when he was thrown in here. It used him. There is no way it will be tamed by Him. Whatever it is, it will not be his to solve anyway. He will be leaving here by next sunrise.

Turning back to the settlement Wei Wuxian walked towards Wen Qing to help with whatever is required.

We will wait for you Master.

The next morning cold wind blew promising winter's arrival, before sun has risen the occupants of burial mounds made their way through the portal to far away land. 

Just before the sun light broke through there was flute music echoing through the dead land.

With a final flash of red light there was no more living in The Burial Mounds.

Chapter Text

Xu Fang has a normal morning. The new collection of special books ordered by the young master in next town has been archived and binded specially for quiet big sum, he couldn't wait to get the rest of the promised payment. Business has picked up with the war end. Actually, it has flourishing with people being happy after such long oppression. He aired the stall room and cleaned the counters, took breakfast, and leisurely browsed one of his favorite novel while admiring the bustling street through the window. Just then post master of the town knocked and entered the shop.

"Oh! Pan-Xiong to what do I owe for your visit that too this early in the morning! Is it that you need another of my special collection you browsed last time? Please come in!" 

"Aiya! Fang-Xiong is all you know how to do business? I am not here for your collections! I am on business today, this morning a fastest messenger bird arrived with a high secure package for you from Yilling. I came to deliver it personally to you. Which Huà jiā did you attract in Yilling now? Will you sell them?" The middle-aged man replied boisterously. 

"A package from Yilling you say then it must be from the one the Young Master from the near by village there. And you know that I can't share any information! Its privacy Aiya. You look like those grandmas who talk about everyone in town and next one from day to night. Don't you have shame?" He asked the older man teasingly as he weighted the package in his hand. 

The package looked like letters. Which is common enough. What is not common is the small design near the seal in the back. The design is made of three bamboos surrounding a loquat fruit. Instantly he knew the package is not any normal dealing but one of the special one designed to be send to Qinghe in fastest route possible. A favor for his top customer. But he hasn't gotten packages since the war ended and a package from Yilling could mean anything from good news to horrible news. 

Carefully hiding his emotions Xu Fang paid the delivery and returned to his bedroom closing the doors securely. He turned towards rather normal low table on one end of the room. He sat before it and traced his finger underneath. When he found a small lever that looked part with the decoration he pushed it, immediately the desk moved upward. He moved the top of desk like a lid, inside was space was talisman paper neatly arranged in rows. He picked one of the self powered talisman attached there. He secured it on the package and put a drop of blood in designated area. The talisman light up and vanished with the package. 

He carefully hide the trunk again and returned to his shop front. All the while he could feel little fear and dread sprout into his head. He remembers when the last the design has been used the wen's burned the Jiang Sect to ground and war had officially started. With trepidation he waited for further news to reach the general public.

Jiang Wanyin was having rather unpleasant morning. The rebuilding efforts has been dragging because of the delay in importing the construction materials. The disciples had a fight on who gets to use the bath of all things in the early morning. He had ensured no one even thought to fight over bath ever again and made them run laps as punishment. He had just enough time to stuff two buns before sect duty called for him. Then he was dragged from one place to another in the city for coming winter preparation.

Finally when he made way to lunch at the dinning hall for the inner family members through a short cut secluded and hidden from people's eye, he was intercepted by Gu Po (Paternal Great-aunt), she is one of the elders who survived the burning due to her retirement and her living far in Jiangling with one of her grand daughter who harvested honey and rare fruits for living. She returned after Lotus Pier was taken back and remained to help with the rebuilding.  

He nodded with respect towards the elder. She bowed, "Jiang-Zhongzhu. I received a package to be given to you. It's from The Lotus Thief." He lightly choked at the nick name used by the town's people for Wei Wuxian from his younger days. Though now days no one calls him that and its forgotten and burned with rest of his sect, he still rather vividly remember the day Wei Wuxian gained the title.

It had to do with an over eager teenage Wei Wuxian who got his sword the week before, Old Ding who had a rather bad temper and owned the lotus farm near the sect grounds, his daughter who helped him with farming with rather heavy set of lungs. Suffice to say the town's people were entertained for weeks and the story spread to almost all of the cities near Yunmeng. 

Jiang Wanyin was brought back with question of why Wei Wuxian send package through Gu Po while he could directly send it addressed to him. If he took this precaution then the implications sat heavy within him, the content must be sensitive and not for anyone eyes. Gu Po produced a thick package from her sleeves. He took it from her and asked, "Thank you for bringing it to me. When did it arrive?" 

"Mid morning the Post Master arrived with it to my residence. I have made sure he will not talk about it again." She responded. He nodded again with respect, she left with final bow to do whatever work she had. He followed her exit with his eyes before he pivoted to go to Wei Wuxian's room which was situated at other end of family rooms. If the package blows up then at least non of the new building will get damaged.

The package burned holes in his robes as he made way to the destination. Thoughts of what could be in it run through him making him restless and anxious, his thoughts turned to last few times he met with Wei Wuxian. The war has left scars behind in everyone but to him the worst of it has marked Wei Wuxian, he tries not think about all the ways Wei Wuxian has changed at the end of it. He garbled hold his Shixiong together to no success. When he secluded himself and Wen Remnants in Burial Mounds Jiang Wanyin had lost all his hold on him. 

They were no longer children but sometimes when he faced with Wei Wuxian he couldn't help but feel like a child. Holding on to their favorite person. Hoping to keep them forever, never out of sight. It doesn't help that the whole of Jianghu has decided that Wei Wuxian is devil's reincarnate fueled by their fear for unknown power. The feeling of powerlessness haunts him even now when he is a Sect Leader and a War Hero. What use of his title when he couldn't protect his family using it?

He reached the old room that was by one of the larger ponds filled with lotus pods. If Wei Wuxian was here the pods would have long before cut and opened to be eaten. The wards around room recognized him before letting him enter the room which has layout rather similar to guest rooms. He made sure no one followed him before closing the door firmly, the act made the dust settled over the unused room to rise. He made a face at the smell of old un aired space mixed with lotus wine's sweetness, there was enough bottles left behind to last few months. 

He sat down at the table which still had papers filled with illegible words. He should have come to clean up but he couldn't face the reality of the situation anymore then necessary. Sighing, he cautiously moved the papers into a pile and set it by the edge. Then he took the package form his robes and inspected it. It looked ordinary enough to not rise any eyebrows, having deemed it safe to open he tore the package cover to reveal a crudely binded book, one letter, a smaller package and a bracelet. He first took the bracelet made of wood and lotus seed beads. He was some what familiar with carving on the beads.

The bracelet seemed to be for protection against demonic creatures and spiritual attacks though he is not sure about the extent of its power he could guess it must be very good. He put down the bracelet to open the letter which was addressed to him. 

Jiang Cheng,

I failed to keep my promise to you. To stay by your side and lead Jiang sect together. 

For that I am deeply apologize. It fills me with regret everyday.

Every time I turned the corner I saw ghost of our shidis and shixiongs. The elders and servants. Most of all Jiang-shushu and Madam Yu. I thought I could stay and fight whatever it is but my days here in Burial Mounds has shown how much of coward I am. 

Jiang Cheng, I am sorry. I am sorry for everything.

More importantly I am sorry for what I will tell you.

 

Faced with something that is so viscerally true and something he realized himself if not unacknowledged and discarded in back of his mind made his heart ache. He knew the signs were anything good, he recognized them even before the night at the fateful conference but he had thought he has time and comforted himself. But all was lost before his own eyes and in horrible way too.

But he remembered seeing Wei Wuxian when he and Jiejie went to visit him, the ever present tense lines has reduced in his time away. He may have looked like a wind would carry him away but he was not depressed as he had been and just that was enough for him to let it be.

He was after all familiar with the feeling of insecurity that comes with not able to do more. 

But the apology was something that brought cold dread chasing after every thought, he was not liking any of this. The bracelet kind of starting to make sense. He took a deep fortifying breath before continuing to read.

You were right, they wouldn't let me stay here without consequence or let these people live even if we stayed quiet and just farmed in a place filled with Resentment.

But, I have found something in here A-Cheng.

A home. 

Lotus Pier is my first home and these people here are my second home. How can I let them go when the last time I was careless everything burned. How can I not? 

I couldn't lose them too Didi. If they die too, then where will I be left? They deserve to live as much as anyone. They didn't participate in war, How could they with no cultivation. Wen Qing and Wen Ning are the only people that have anything to do with the war.

And A-Yuan, Wen Yuan. He is orphan, all he is left is his Popo. He is also second cousin of Wen Qing and Wen Ning. 

He calls you Purple-Gege. It not made official yet but h e calls me Baba and he is son of my heart.

Can you believe it Jiang Cheng me being a parent. I cried and wept every night after it. I hoped to tell you and Shijie in person. If I had know you would visit with Shijie I would have brought him along. 

Yunmeng Jiang is not powerful enough yet. I would never wish to put you under any sort threat, I will die again before they could ever dream of setting their eyes on Yunmeng. 

So, we have little options left but leave.

I want these people to live, not just survive and wait for their inevitable end. I want my son to live. I wish it was in Lotus Pier among the rivers. I wish for so much A-Cheng.

Anyway the crux of the matter is to quote Wen Qing, "Disappear form the face of Earth." And I made it possible. 

We are going to far far away from Jianghu. Lands that no cultivator has ventured.

By the time you read this letter we would have already moved from Burial Mounds and travelling to our destination.  

I am Sorry.

 

Jiang Wanyin felt nauseous and feint as he read yet another of family leaving him. His breathing was uneven and Zidian sparked with currents due too erratic spiritual energy. The letter is not finished yet all he wanted to was race to Burial Mounds and rage at everything at sight. The thick grief waited his limbs yet again. He read whatever his brother's last words for him.

 Jiang Cheng, Didi. I will find a way to communicate and there will be visits. There is no way I will let A-Yuan not meet his Shushu and Gugu. This is a promise not only to you but to me and A-Yuan.

Keep yourself safe A-Cheng, wear the bracelet and the book has ward scheme for lotus pier it also has some talisman you can sell through the sect. Give Shijie her letter for me. 

I am Sorry again for leaving but this is not the end.

You should know, I am proud of the man you have grown to A-Cheng.

Your Xian-Ge

 

The reassurances didn't make the grief any better. Bitter tears run down his face as he to came to terms with everything the letter said. He dropped the letter like it burned his skin and then reached for nearest wine bottle to get shit faced in the middle of the day. Sect Leader duties be damned he lost yet another family. He drank the bottle down in a gulp. The tears yet to stop, before he could truly lose it he wore the trice damned bracelet and hid it under his inner robes, what use of it if anyone can see the spell woven protective charms.

He also pocketed the book and Jiejie's letter then let himself indulge in the wine bottles before him.

He will take care of his Sect tomorrow and put the wards up personally. Today he will grieve.

Cold winds swept the curtains of his room. Nei Huisang put last touch to his recent painting. It a sad lonely man standing in dark, his red ribbon vibrant against the paintings whole dark theme. The man had slim build like a branch that will break with a strong wind. He was facing away and only his back profile was drawn. The man had both his hand behind him holding a long dizi. 

Yet another painting that will never see the light Nei Huisang thought bitterly. All his efforts to help his friend have met with resounding no's and threats of confinement. He had begged Da-ge to see reason. How would Wei Wuxian be in two places? How could Wei Wuxian move an whole army and yet leave no traces of it behind? Where is he getting supplies for his so called army? 

All of this has met with resounding silence yet he was not allowed reach out. He is frustrated and the tails on him make it impossible to leave Qinghe. He could only do so much with his spy network who believe the stupid rumours like everyone. He should really plan for Jin Guangshan's end, he has become a nuisance and Da-ge atleast not be totally opposed to it.

He left paint to dry and gathered his supplies to be washed and put away. Just then a package dropped squarely on his table making cluttering noise as it disturbed the tea set. Before the shock could even leave his thoughts, his body moved to take the package away from the tea and ensure no further damage. Fortunately there was no spills.

The rather suprising event led to confusion to alertness. The smartly modified talisman was something he thought of after needling and questioning Wei Wuxian for days back in Cloud Recess. It had been a pain in ass to figure out the correct characters and balance the power flowing into it. But it had worked that is all it mattered.

He had immediately had several of already powered delivery talisman distributed to his trusted informants. It had been great help during the war yet at the start its usage brought nothing but news of dead and destruction. Thus one of his informat sending message through this talisman has him in cold sweats.

He examined the cover slowly and closely before he understood from who exactly it is from. Relief fled his body and he slumped against one of the chairs against the wall. Wei-Xiong finally send him a letter. Then the reasons which led to Wei-Xiong contact him through his network that to by using this particular method hit him.

He then hustled over to open the package. It had a letter and some lose paper rolled together by a string and another package addressed to Lan Wangji. He immediately went to find the same talisman and a plain paper to write instructions on. Once that is finished he promptly started reading his letter. No use wasting time.

Nei-Xiong,

Sorry to bother you with such hasty way of communication. It must be this or a crow. I felt like the poor crow would be shot down before reaching you and the package will be burned.

So, I thought I will do you a favour and bring you the news first hand before you hear it from somewhere else. 

The Wens and I are leaving Jianghu. This time for real as in moving far far away.

The Jin have been such a nuisance and the last thing I want is these people I saved to die. Then there is the tally.

I wish I didn't create it. It has only caused me headache. So, I will destroy it when I finally figure out how to without any negative push back. You can reassure anyone comming to ask.

I have also filled in Jiang Cheng and send you a package ment for Lan Zhan. Make sure to pass it.

I know our move will bring yet another political upheaval so I am asking you for a favour Nei-Xiong. Keep my siblings safe from the Jins maneuvers. 

As a rather very good incentive I have added a theory to safely release resentment poisoning using a set of meditation excercise and acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture is Wen Qing's contribution.

It will take at least a xun before anyone realizes we are gone. So, use it well to prepare.

Your friend 

Wei-Xiong

 

"Ugh, Wei-Xiong really? I would had helped anyway what made you think I will need some kind incentive?" He knew exactly why his friend wrote what he wrote. He slid the letter away and folded his arms to rest his head. The thought of the once bright boy fluttering around everyone and spilling cultivation innovation like a child who couldn't keep secrets rushed in his mind eye.

The war has taken so much of his friend that what had it left is a husky of man with no bright light that once shone like the sun, never burning out. He let the sorrowful thoughts consume him for some minutes. 

Wei-Xiong has been his first friend who have looked past all his mask and accepted him as he is and remained true. Nei Huisang had felt gratified by the easy acceptance and even more so by the steady friendship. If it weren't for the war he would have ensured their friendship never failed like it had by the end of war. He is filled with regret of not doing enough. 

He could have made see Da-ge sense by just dragging him to The Burial Mounds or making Jiang-Xiong talk about the people he saw in The Burial Mounds, though he thinks that wouldn't have been enough to change anything. Atleast he should have found a way to send supplies.

After few minutes of wallowing about descision not taken, he got up and cleaned his room put away everything and sat down to write numerous missives for his informants and ready the battle field for the sourly needed win.

He put the bundle with mentioned treatment away securely to be studied in detail when the upcoming fuss is over and done with.

He made a note to send message using the Delivery talisman to wei xiong once everything is over.

Lan Wangji was returning to Jingshi from Cold Pond when he was intercepted by a disciple. Lan Yuming was his own age mate who survived the war. The man has always been hard working though his cultivation was not remarkable, he was rather sociable and followed Lan Principles diligently. 

"Lan-er-gongzi, there is special package for you from Qinghe. It came with instructions to directly given to you and kept personal." Lan Yuming bowed then produced a package from his sleeves. Lan Wangji noted the package seemed be a letter. He reached for it and spied familiar illegible handwriting. He took a sharp breath before accepting the package from the offered hand.

"Thank you." He told the disciple who bowed again then moved along the path back to his station. Lan Wangji clutched the package and walked determinedly back to his home, only breath away from breaking No Running rule. The path back seemed to extent longer then it was but at the same time it took no time to reach Jingshi.

The last of gentian buds has bloomed and soon the will fade away with turning of season. Gusu has always has welcomed winter sooner, the preparation has gone well even with their rebuilding efforts. Jingshi out of the way and deep in the mountains escaped the Wen's burning. The lone cottage looked beautiful in the late afternoon light. Peaceful. 

Not for the first time Lan Zhan wished for what ifs. Climbing the porch and sliding the door open he took notice of his space, furniture arranged with good feng shui in mind. Sandalwood incense thick and light from the windows making the space best for meditation. Cool breeze entered from the opened door ruffling the gauze curtains hung from the wooden beams. He took a calming breath before turning towards the bedroom in his left before locking the door behind him. 

He removed his outer most layers while getting fire started in the kang. Finally sitting down on his bed he looked closely at the package in his hand. The paper was rough and of low quality. There was no seal of post, he carefully touched his name on the cover written in dark ink. He gently tore the top of the package and spread the paper to look inside.

There was a letter. 

And a tassel.

Wei Ying's tassel.

The red made his heart ache. He didn't know what to do, Wei Ying's tassel which should be attached to Chenqing is in there. He doesn't know how much time passed before he finally plucked some courage to move. He took the tassel from the package. Its beautiful vibrant color now faded and dirtied by use. The charm has little chips along its curves. He found a new bead made of wood that had some kind of spell inscribed in it. 

His mind raced as the implications of receiving the tassel. As his thoughts fell into spiral he clutched the letter in his fist. Hearing the crinkle of paper under force he collected himself. His hands shook minutely when he set the tassel in his lap and turned his attention to the letter. Not able to wait any longer he opened the letter with haste.

Hanguang-Jun, Lan Wangji, Lan Zhan,

Lan Wangji felt now familiar flutter of his heart at the address Wei Ying used.

I have not been truthful to you, Zhiji. Not since Lotus Pier. 

I am left with a dark narrow path to walk and there is no light as far I could see. 

There have been times I wanted to just shout the truth at you so you could stop calling me out on my heretical cultivation and my mental health. There have been times I wished you will make the connection and finally see how far I have fallen. 

No one knows other Wen Qing, Wen Ning. And now you. Keep my secret Lan Zhan, please. 

The realization of words hit him in waves. He frenetically tried to make the connection Wei Ying implied. The fall of Lotus Pier. Then Jiang Wanyin's claim about Wei Ying's promise to meet in Yilling. Rumors of Wei Ying being captured and thrown into Burial Mounds. His pale haggard form covered in withering resentment. Wei Ying discarding his sword. His failing health. His refusal to stop his new cultivation. 

Lan Wangji couldn't breath, he fell to his knees as the truth took root in his aching heart. Tears spilled with no reserve. His Zhiji has been suffering and he hasn't been there for him. He had condemn him instead, that to for his only defense. 

But a nagging thought told him that Wei Ying would not give up this truth freely. The letter hasn't ended yet. 

But, there has been some development.

A-Yuan called me Baba.  

Lan Zhan I didn't believe I could have something like this after everything. I never felt so much for another before.  

 

Lan Zhan couldn't tell what he was feeling. Regret. Pain. Elation for Wei Ying to find someone to call his own. Fondness of remembering those small sticky hands clutching him and the wide smile resembling his love.

He read on.

Remember the lantern festival back then, we made a promise. A promise to stand by justice and always help the weak finally to live with no regrets.

It feels like a life time ago. Carefree and happy, it was easier to imagine a life lived with no regrets. There are things I have done that has left pain, blood and destruction. There are things I have done in the name of war, in name of revenge, in name of justice. 

But at the end it was me who choose to do it. I asked you once in Qiongqi path. Who is right? Who is wrong? Who is strong? Who is weak? 

It is impossible to answer. Was is these old civilian's fault for not opposing their leader? Was it Wen Qing fault for fearing her brother's life and helping her uncle? Was it the other sect leaders' fault for mistrust and caution against Wens even after the war? Even though they might be as much of victims as we were.

But Lan Zhan they have become more then people I want to protect.

I want them to live.

Even if I fail, I will not stop. I can't leave them to their dead. Jiang Cheng told something that has stayed with me,

" When you’re standing on their side, you’re the bizarre genius, the miraculous hero, the force of the rebellion, the flower that blooms alone.But the second your voice differs from their, you’ve lost your mind, you’ve ignored morality, you’ve walked the crooked path. You think you can be immune to all those condemnations as you stay outside of the world and do whatever you want? No such precedent has happened before! "

He is right. I will still be drawn in even if I stayed outside. The Wens depend on me, A-Yuan depend on me. I cannot afford to be careless, arrogant. So, we have come to a decision. 

We will disappear from Jianghu and not to be found. This time no one will be able to follow us. 

By the time you read this letter we would have already moved. 

 

Cold dread settled along his being. The second realization that Wei Ying is gone hit him with much more force. He forced himself to read the last few sentences.

That's why I have something of a favor to ask you. The barrier around the The Burial Mounds needs monitoring. Who better then Hanguang-Jun to keep The Mounds contained? 

If you don't want to take care of the wards that's fine just inform Jiang Cheng. 

 

Thank You and Sorry.

Wei Ying

The last line left him splayed open. He let the letter fall from his hands to the floor. He felt like his world had stopped, the warm of kang, the sound of water from near by brook, the occasional sound harsh winds against the window panels. Everything lost its life. Lan Wangji could only thing of one thought.

Wei Ying is gone. He left not to be found.

He shattered to pieces on the floor of Jingshi.

Chapter Text

The cold river water cut around him with force but Jiang Wanyin stayed unmoved. The craved stone in his hand is glowing blue with spiritual energy. He took a deep breath and felt for natural flows of energy, Yunmeng is surrounded by water bodies from small ponds to rushing rivers, water is predominant here. And the natural energy flows strong with the water. The cold and slippery flows of energy cycling and flowing with the river water surrounds his senses. He let himself loose in the flow and find the perfect spot where he could place the ward stone.

The energy danced and flowed, never stopping, never ending, with a clear destination. 

There.

He dived into the river and reached the spot that had clear path of flow of energy unrestricted. He placed the rock on the river bed which already had similar rocks. To ensure it will not move he took a special cloth embroidered with an simple array to protect a small area from surrounding elements and little maze array which can be seen through by someone who has the master ward token. He tucked the cloth under the stone and covered the ward stone and planted seeds of common river plants that will grow and hide the location. 

Satisfied with the work done he cut his finger using a knife he carried and brushed his finger on the ward stone. The stone glowed gold and red before going back to blue glow. Soon the glow of the stone will be hid my dust and mud and river weeds. Till then he should monitor the place so another proximity ward around the stone. This the last ward stone and toughest to place due to the strong river currents.

He swam to the surface, and realized the sun has reached mid point on the sky already. It has been four days since Gu Po delivered the cursed letter. That has taken spot in his top worst day list just below the day Liánhuā Wù was attacked. The subsequent days he had spent working on the ward stone while leaving his sect leader duties to his second hand temporarily until the he put the wards up successfully. He hadn't slept last three days. 

He swam to calm part of the river, then let himself float by the shore. Finally relaxing and letting the water surround him. His home is safe, his sect will not be suffer from annihilation again, his people are safe. A part of him that had been restless since he entered the war quiets down, slowly his thoughts turned towards future.

There will be a political upheaval when Jins notice the deserted Mounds. He still needs to deliver A-Jie's letter so he will be send a notice first thing about his impending visit. Then he will handle the sect duties and travel to Lanling in night, he can talk to his sister tomorrow early morning at latest, all I need is a good excuse to intrude so late. 

Before that he needs to alert Gu Po of the coming political battle. She will pass on the message to Elder Kang and Elder Quan, when he returns tomorrow night they can strategize for the future. Yes, he has work to do. 

He swam back to shore, cleaned himself and putting on robes he flew back to his quarters, washing off again to ensure he doesn't smell like fish and weeds. He strode to the throne room, on the way he asked one of the servants to inform Gu Po to meet him in throne room. His second hand Chu Xuai was directing disciples tasks, they stopped to bow. He waved them to continue as he waited for the present disciples to leave first. 

"Chu Xuai how is everything. Has there been any problems? Did the building materials arrive and what about the winter preparations?" They talked about sect matters and he learned about everything happened in his absence. Chu Xuai is new addition after the burning of Liánhuā Wù, the man was rouge cultivator who had been captured by Wens but escaped and joined the war efforts. Chu Xuai had been assigned to Jiang camp and he had been asset since. The man doesn't ask unnecessary questions and had sworn loyalty to Yunmeng Jiang after working with them for few months. 

He had asked his Yu cousins to investigate into him a little more and found out the Chu family was originally of Yunmeng and they moved to Qishan borders due to marriage and business. The man still had some distant family around here, not to mention he is now courting the daughter of dyeing house master. Chu Xuai still needs to prove his loyalty many times, earned his trust.

"Zongzhu, the Yu-Daifu you requested has arrived mid afternoon, he has confirmed that he will be ready to travel anytime." 

"Perfect we will start as sun sets and reach Lanling before zǐ-shi (11pm). I will send a butterfly message to A-jie, it will be informal visit. We will return tomorrow night."

"Then I will send a disciple to inform Yu-Daifu and arrange for disciple Pan Ming and Huang Mei as escort. They will be able to carry Yu-Daifu in their swords for and keep up speed."

"You do that, I will be in meeting with Elder Jiang. If anything comes up come find me."

Jiang Wanyin welcomed the elder and served tea as he is younger and intent to seek advice from her. They took tea silently for few minutes, he mentally prepared what he will reveal and what he desired to ask about. Before they entered serious discussion he activated the privacy wards. 

"Gu Po, you know there has been contact from Wei Wuxian. He has decided to leave Jianghu entirely and travel, with the Wen Remnants. He cleanly took away his power, the tiger tally and his knowledge of Demonic Cultivation. Of course there will be many who will try to do what he did but no one will know His Cultivation. The Jins will be furious, I am rather worried it will change target to Jiang sect and A-jie."

"Hmm. That boy finally found sense to hide and recover from the storm. No matter this is good, his power had brought fear and greed, even though everyone knows what happens when one fell for Heretical path. Jins are all only talk about their endless wisdom, while rot for brains. Jin-Zongzhu will definitely find the departure of Mó Dào Zǔ Shī  as personal insult. As Wei Wuxian's closest relations even after his defection. We must prepare for retaliation in both political scene and trade. For now ask Yu-Zongzhu for disciples to guard Jin-er-furen, it is very important that Yanli is protect at this time, If she is poisoned or loses her baby it will only add complication we don't want."

"I will be travelling to Lanling today, I can get some news tomorrow when I return. Gu Po if you don't mind please inform the other elders and start preparation. We can further discuss this tomorrow."

"Hmm. As you say Zongzhu."

He then prepared to fly to Lanling, he has important things to delivery A-Jie.

He is also dreading the ensuing heart break. 

The sound swinging sabers pass through the window, rows of disciple clad in green and black training robes move as one performing sword forms. Nie Mingjue has before joined in the morning training and helped his clan disciples on their training. Yet his increasing unstable qi has made the healers restrict his cultivation training as much as possible. Baxia hung on the stands near him rattles with restless energy asking for blood. He ignores it, rather he searches for his wayward brother who yet again missed the training. "Nie Zoughui, where is Huisang?" he asked the man standing behind him.

"Zongzhu, Nei-er-gongzi is keeping himself busy. There seems to be some kind of storm heading towards Lanling. He is preparing the playground." Zoughui reported faithfully. 

Nie Mingjue was surprised when he heard Huisang is busy, when the war council formed Huisang unexpectedly step forward to take responsibility of handling information. He knew his brother's rather large network of merchants but to use it to pass along information discreetly and securely has rather been ingenious and welcome for the war efforts. Though no one knows the extend of Huisang's reach. He had accepted Didi's request to keep his network a clan secret, even Lan Xichen is not aware of it. 

While Mingjue himself has rather rigid morals and sense of justice, his Didi on other hand is rather focused on people he considers his own then others and has loose morals. He doesn't know where he learned to be cunning and bend around morals if it means to protect what he considers his own. He thinks his indulgence in letting Huisang read anything and roam the markets must have been the reason behind it. Huisang preparing the playground can mean anything from a masscare to petty political exposed in a discussion conference. 

"It better not be by helping those Wen Dogs." Mingjue ranged with the thought ever helping those spineless wretches. Nie Zoughui frowned a little but quickly pull back his expression. "There has been no movements round Yilling. Only some Jin sect disciples loitering around. Nie-er-gongzi is concentrating on the great sects. But, Zongzhu if we aid the Jin's their greedy hands will not stay for a moment to seek the Stygian Tiger Tally. Jin Guangshan has not hid his motivations, he has no care Wen Prisoners and there is foul play regarding the Yilling Patriarch's decline in reputation."

Mingjue took deep breaths to control his temper that has been getting worse fast. What Nie Zoughui is not new news to him, he had kept his neutrality about the issue till now but if Huisang involved himself by helping the wen dogs in Yilling the sect will be pulled into turmoil and there will be repercussions towards to his Didi. The whole situation is a mess and Jins are blowing it up for their own gain. Wei Wuxian hasn't endeared himself either, flaunting his heretical cultivation, liberating war prisoners while killing the guards and disciples, defecting from his sect even. 

He could feel headache forming thinking about the mess. "Inform Huisang that he will report to me about everything or he will be locked in one of the guest quarters when we are required to travel to Lanling. This is not just a silly threat, I will definitely follow through it if he doesn't explain himself." Mingjue decided that he will wait to hear what this new development is before acting accordingly, there is no need to rush into the Jin's hands, if they get trapped then there is no choice but accept those backstabbing bastards reasons.  

Baxia rumbled.

Being pregnant is one of the best and worst feeling all at once Jiang Yanli had in her whole life. The impending motherhood excites her to no end but she is for no better word a salted fish already because of everyone's worry and endless care in form of ensuring she doesn't lift a finger. As if she will lose the baby if she takes a step more then needed. She is gratified by the attention and resent it for unsaid meaning behind it. 

If only she could go for a swim in a lake or river and feel the water. 

Putting those maudlin thoughts behind she gazed at the lush gardens protected by spiritual energy all year around. She has been having hard time adjusting to her new home, her Fujun (husband-formal),A-Xuan has been great help and considerate to her. Taking her to spiritual rich spots, introducing cultivation scholars who explain Lanling's topology and energy flow in detail. She has enjoyed those discussion greatly, a deep part of her has been hungry for the knowledge has been sedated and hope bloomed.

She rubbed her protruding belly, the baby has not been difficult in most of the Daifus, pó po and maids opinion. She herself feels its true enough from her observation of pregnant women and studies. She believes the baby might be the blessing that will bring her loved ones together for once, deep down she knew that any number of good blessing will not aid in scourging human greed that runs rampant in Jīnlín Tái. But she has always favored foolish hopes.

She thinks the pregnancy has really brought about a wave of emotions that are both new and familiar in their essence. What Jiang Yanli hopes is this emotions will quite down so she can focus on now and here. Just then a Butterfly message soured through the window and circled her once before landing on her shoulders. 

"A-Jie I will be visiting Lanling today, Yu-Daifu will accompany me, we are expected to reach before zǐ-shi. Consider this an informal visit so need to welcome me with a large party. Take Care."

Hearing her Didi is voice made her giddy with excitement. Oh how she missed A-Cheng, his quite presence and support and his quite pouting at being chastised for mischief. Even though he is Zongzhu now, she couldn't help but look at her Didi with same sense of older sibling. She had worried and fretted for months while waiting for her wedding and after about how A-Cheng will manage without her and A-Xian. But she has felt peace these few months after assessing her brother's well being through letters and his constant visits.

As if feeling her excitement the baby moved around restless. Huffing in amusement she said aloud, " Oh! A-Cheng is your favorite alright! I get it! your A-die and Da-jiu are going to be so jealous." She couldn't help at giggle at the mental image of smug A-Cheng holding it above A-Xian and  A-Xuan while they pout and glare in return. Oh how she loved them all.

She set out to inform the maids and A-Xuan about A-Cheng's impending visit.

Soon the the sun sets. A disciple came to inform them that the Jiang party has been spotted on Lanling borders. It took a incense stick time for them to arrive at Jīnlín Tái. A-Xuan went to welcome them and invite them to their private pavilion. When they finally stepped inside Jiang Yanli threw herself in her Didi's arms, few happy tears moisten her face. 

"A-Jie! You should be careful!" Jiang Wanyin cautioned yet held his sister close within his arms as tight as he dares. Jin Zixuan smiled at the scene before retreating to the low table to brew tea while the siblings had their moment. "How have you been doing?" Jiang Wanyin asked with soft tone only for his sister. He carefully cleaned her face with a handkerchief. 

"I missed you A-Cheng and I have been doing very well. Your wài shēng has been so excited to see you after your message he kept on kicking his mama."

Jiang Wanyin laughed at the comment drawing his sister near and supporting her back. He gently guided her to sit in the table. Jiang Yanli spied the weary lines in her Didi's face and shoulders even though he smiled at her all the same as he did every time. Really A-Cheng picked up hiding his emotions from A-Xian, some times it becomes very obvious that these two boys are brothers but their temperament hide their similarity well. 

Jiang Yanli let her Didi and A-Xuan catch up with a awkward silted conversation while she had tea, it never stop being funny. Then she gently interrogated A-Cheng on his health and general news of Liánhuā Wù. They had peaceful dinner, then A-Xuan left them two alone to spent some time together. She couldn't help but trace the stress lines on A-Cheng face with her fingers, A-Cheng after a moment let himself relax and lean into her touch.

Worried she asked, "A-Cheng what is it?" She could feel premonition she saw A-Cheng teared up. Before she could ask again, her Didi through some privacy wards and took her hands to trace characters. Her breath came in shutters as she processed what A-Cheng wrote.

Wei Wuxian.

Letter for you.

Not safe to read in open.

She looked at A-Cheng trying to read whatever it is. She wished she could pluck the thoughts from his head and ensure everything is alright. But the more she looked the more she felt dread fill her up, she could feel her heart at her throat as she stood up and brought A-Cheng towards the small pavilion surrounded by louts pond. No walls and the wind is enough to not carry words to sensitive ears, though she also ensured there is no one around again.

A-Cheng followed her lead and secured the pavilion with a small array painted on a cloth. Then he pulled her down to sit and held her hand before sighing deeply. He took a package from his robes. Jiang Yanli couldn't stop thinking the worst case scenario and familiar feeling of not knowing if her Didi is safe filled her. She felt cold from top to bottom as she took the package from A-Cheng. She held it under the table obscuring the content with her sleeves.

She felt the coarse low quality paper before tracing her other Didi's handwriting addressing her. She carefully opened the seal and peaked inside envelope. There was Qiánkūn dài and a folded letter, first she took the letter while placing the envelope inside her sleeves. Her hands shook and her breath was uneven. A-Cheng folded a hand behind her supporting her. She opened the letter

 

Shijie, Jie,

I am Sorry, I am sorry that I couldn't stop Liánhuā Wù buring, that I couldn't save our shidis and shimeis, i couldn't save Jiang-shushu and Yu-Furen.

I am sorry.

I don't know how I will ever be able to live at Liánhuā Wù again without the guilt of everything consumes me whole, I am also sorry for how much my willful action cost you and A-Cheng.

But I couldn't bring the prisoners to still weak Jiang Sect without destroying it again.

Shijie, everything I touch now a days just crumbles and I don't want to cause trouble for you more.

I am sorry

Your XianXian is truly Sorry.

 

Yanli covered her mouth in her hands and wept. Oh how she wished to hold her Didi. How she wished she could hide him under her sleeves like she did when they were younger. She wants to tell her Didi it was not his fault, there is no need for apologize and ease his hurts with careful touch and feed him warm meals to ensure he will never fell these cold hurtful emotions ever again. 

A-Cheng held her in his arms and she could feel his own tears. She gathered herself rubbing her face roughly and letting hiccups before regulating her breathing to calm her emotions and read on.

There is something else I want to tell you, the Wen Remnants and myself have decided it is best to not reside in Burial Mounds. We didn't want A-Yuan to live on top of mass graveyard.

I found a way to travel long distance. So, we are moving-moved- ugh by the time you read we would have already moved away from Jianghu. 

On happier note, I think I became a parent before you can! A-Yuan, Wen Yuan soon I hope Wei Yuan has been calling me baba for some weeks. He is two. Jie, what will I do? This child tiny human considers me a walking wreck as parent! I am so afraid that I will do something and then everything will destroyed again.

All I want to do is spin the world around and hand it to this young child to play with, all I want is to love and love and give everything to him. Jie, I hope to as good as a fraction of you at this. 

I will visit Yunmeng in future. and a way to communicate.

Please take care.

There is a anklet charm for you in the Qiánkūn dài, and the instruction to carve similar charms with many detailed notes on cultivation theory. Also some medicinal concoction recipes from Wen Qing. Please keep them a secret, you should also consider burning this letter with the envelop. 

A-Cheng can fill you in on the rest when you have the privacy. 

I am sorry 

your XianXian

Jiang Yanli felt worry and relief as she read. Reading about A-Xian gaining a son in an orphan left her with fondness and overwhelming love for new family member she never had a chance to meet. All these emotions were overshadowed by grief of her Didi's departure from Jianghu. She reread the letter once more, memorizing everything then she folded it back into the envelope. She took the Qiánkūn dài, tracing the stiches she hit it in the inner pocket of her robes.

Her tears hadn't stopped neither has her heartache.

With shaking hands she gave the envelope back to A-Cheng who has been fretting over her all the while. "Keep it for me." She said and then he attention fell on A-Xuan who was standing farther at the doorway but still in eye sight. She closed her eyes and let her hands fall on her pregnant belly, meditated to hold back her tears.

She focused on now. 

A-Xian has gone far away form them. 

She has a baby, the future Jin Heir. She has a role and responsibilty.

A-Xian will be safe from Jianghu's condemn.

She will stay strong for her A-Cheng, A-Xian, A-xuan and her baby.

She will become stronger, for everyone she loved.

That night A-Xuan held her as cried herself to sleep, he didn't ask any question but worried about her, taking care of her gently.

Snowflakes drifted down towards the ground, immediately melting and drenching the stone path. It had been a xún (10 days) since Lan Wangji entered seclusion. He is watching the first snow of the season while seated on the porch outside Jingshi with just his inner robes and an thick blanket thrown over his shoulders, his hair was unmade flowing freely and pooling on the cold wood around him, his doesn't remember where he left his mò é, He felt raw.

Silent tears run down his face, he hasn't cried since first night. He barely remember the first few days, other then the need to repent and unbelievable pain spreading from his heart to his limbs.

He wonders if it was how Wei Ying felt when Lan Wangji refused and condemned him for something out his control. He wonders why he was not able even contemplate the possibility of Wei Ying's loss when the signs were right there. He wonders what made Wei Ying think he will not be there for him. Had Lan Wangji spurned their friendship so much before and after the war that Wei Ying believed he would condemn him more?

He will never find out now. Wei Ying had left.

He could feel the tears grew cold against his face yet all he could do is watch the fresh snow drift around him. A clattering sound broke his trance. He flinched when he saw Xichen's shocked and distressed face. It seems like his Xiongzhang brought him something to eat. He absently registered its lunch time.

"Wangji! How? - What? Didi!" Lan Xichen rushed towards his little brother without bothering to pick up the tableware and clean the mess. Its not important as his brother. He never seen his Didi like this. Lan Xichen had been having nagging thoughts at the reason for his brother's sudden self imposed seclusion but he hadn't pried. As days passed he couldn't help the growing worry and the need to ensure Wangji is fine. He never expected the see his Didi in such state which only exponential increased his worry. Guilt has started pool in his gut heavily.

If only he had checked up on his brother earlier!

When he took full stock of his brother's appearance he felt tears pool in his own eyes and threatening to fall any movement. He knelt beside his brother and reached for his tear stain face. His little brother had a such a broken expression and his eyes were wide and the hurt swimming in them finally broke is restraint. He pulled his brother into his arm hiding him in his wide sleaves like he had done so in nights after their mother's passing.

"Oh Didi. Why? Oh!" He cried into Wangji's hair, swaying a little. Never has he seen Wangji broken like this, not sure of the reason which caused his didi to such state Lan Xichen worry only grew more. He could feel his little brothers arms clutching his robes with great strength and the trembling of his body distressed him. He noticed the light robes Wangji had was not appropriate for the cold weather even if he has powerful golden core.

He carefully rearranged his Didi and carried him back inside Jingshi going straight to the bed. In all his life Lan Xichen never saw his brother's space in disarray yet the Jingshi is just that. Robes discarded in the floor of bedroom. Loose papers strewn in between and most astonishingly a empty bottle of emperor smile laid rolled towards one of the walls. He set his brother on the bed and carefully wrapped him in the blankets near them. 

When he picked up the blanket fallen at the foot of the bed something red fell down to the floor instantly attracting the attention of both the Lans. Lan Xichen recognized the tassel immediately, he thinks he will never forget it as much as the horrible memory of corpses of both ally and enemy both raising to battle. Lan Xichen realized the source of his little brother's grief.

Before he could reach towards the tassel, Wangji sprung to action and took it from the ground held it in his hand against his chest away from him. "Mine." Wangji growled, surprised by the intense reaction Lan Xichen froze under his little brothers glare. He recovered enough to nod and carefully staying out of reach of the tassel he pated Wangji knees and dropped the blanket on him before getting up to fire up the Kang.

All the while many possible situation that lead to that person's tassel in his Didi possession crossed Lan Xichen's mind. Once finished with task he bustled over to Wangji again this time with a basin of water and towel. He carefully rubbed his little brother's face who was now staring at the tassel in his hand with same heart broken eyes. Lan Xichen feared for the worst. But he couldn't pry his little brother in this state, and there has been no news from the outside regarding the delicate situation. 

Once he finished cleaning his Didi and tucked again at the blankets to ensure the cold doesn't reach him, he got up to clean the room. He started by picking up the robes and folding them and putting them away to be washed. He also found Wangji's mò é entangled with his hair ornament with the robes, He carefully untangled them and put the mò é folded on the bedside table. Then he started to collect the papers. The papers where copies of the Virtue and Conduct, the handwriting was little familiar though at this point its good guess that they are Wei-Gongzi's from his time studying here. He continued his task, then he saw the letter.

It was just a page long at a glance, it should have come with the tassel.

Lan Xichen is desperate to know what made his Didi to break down complete like that and it was right there in his hands. He noticed the paper crinkled as if someone fisted it in their hand. He looked back at Wangji, his Didi still staring at the jade tassel and hasn't moved a cun (Chinese inch - width of a person's thumb at the knuckle). He remembered Wangji's state just before he came in, he remembered what A-Yao told him regarding Yilling Patriarch, his exploits so to speak.

He will break many rules if read the letter, most importantly he will break his brother's privacy yet the chance to know what made Wangji so fixed on Wei-Gongzi took root. For now he put the letter in the shelf.

Cleaning up the last of mess, he went outside and cleaned up the food spill and broken china. When he saw a disciple pass through, he requested to bring some light broth and basic medicinal tea from the hospital wing. When he returned back to Wangji's room his Didi had curled up on the bed sleeping. He sighed with some relief, he caressed Wangji's head. All kind of thoughts ran rampant in his mind. 

Just then a butterfly message reached him through the small opening in the window.

 

Er-Ge,

The Yilling Patriarch and Wens are not in Burial Mounds.

They moved without alerting anyone.

There is emergency discussion conference called by Chief Cultivator.

Prepare yourself

Lan Xichen froze at the message. He tried to connect the dotes and yet he still missed something major. His frantic thoughts led his attention back on the letter in the shelf.

He closed his eyes and let his values war themselves.

The pain of seeing his Didi reminded in his mind eye.

Chapter Text

Before he could make a decision there was another butterfly message landing on his shoulders. Lan Xichen was overwhelmed by the happenings of the day and a small thought popped in the chaos 'There is more?' that suspiciously sounded like younger disciple's whining after long day of training. 

Er-Ge!

Please ensure you bring Lan Wangji with you for the conference.

He has the information necessary regarding the situation and it will aid in the whole topic. Hopefully everyone can finally agree on a definite action to solve the mess be on our way!

Huaisang's voice rang in his ears, surprising him with the rather pointed request for Wangji to be present in the emergency conference. The back to back information brought more confusion and Lan Xichen felt like he is being lead by his nose. This thought doesn't settle his nerves any less, adding to his worry and foreboding of what is to come.

Just when he felt that the situation is getting out of control quickly, there was knocking from front door. He gathered himself quickly and opened the door. What he didn't expect was Shufu to come bearing the meal he ordered the disciple to bring. He tried to reel in his emotions back so he doesn't give away too much, "Shufu, please come in. I will go get Wangji." He led his Shufu to the low table in the front hall. Shufu looked like he has many questions but just huffed and sat down arranging the meal brought on table.

He hurried back inside and sat down near Wangji, he gently woke his Didi by gentle patting him on his shoulders. "Wangji, you should rise and have something to eat. There are matters I would like to discuss, Shufu is also here." His Didi opened his eyes and looked around confusedly for a moment, eye bleary and disoriented. Wangji focused on him frowning then looked down at his hands where he clutched at the red tassel.

The confusion gave way to heartbreak.

Xichen watched as his Didi once again spiral down and could feel his insides twist, "Didi, please you should have some substance and Shufu is here. Come back." Xichen leaned down talked soothingly to coax Wangji out of his cascading emotions. Wangji's eyes cleared a little, he blinked at him and sat back up. Wangji started at him with small questioning stare.

"Hmm. Its been a xún since you entered seclusion, this morning I came to visit. I am here now Didi, Shufu must have also wished to visit you he is waiting in front hall and brought some light soup and medicinal tea. There is also news. Its better if you have something and we can discuss it in detail then, now you should refresh yourself. I will wait with Shufu."

He held Wangji's shoulders and searched his brother's face if he understood, he saw same grief but accompanied by some clarity. Sighing in relief when Wangji nodded and raised to go behind privacy screen to change into new robes. Xichen left the bedroom and tried to maintain some nonchalance as he made his way to low table his Shufu is sitting in. Lan Qiren was frowning as he glanced at him and the bedroom doorway, but he blessedly only gestured for him to take a seat.

Lan Qiren observed his eldest zhí zi (nephew) and worry written all over his face and body language. He had been meaning to visit Wangji and converse with him about their current works and spend time together yet Wangji entered sudden seclusion and hadn't mentioned when he would leave from it, when he learned from the disciple about his errant to Jingshi he had taken upon himself to visit and ensure his youngest zhí zi's health. Though from what he finds till now only brings him confusion and worry. 

Wangji never slept in unless he is not well.

He let Xichen prepare tea while they waited for Wangji. He focused on the sounds around him, the winter winds rattling thin window panels, clear sound of water from the near by brook, the cling of china as Xichen performs simple tea ceremony. The Jingshi truly live up to its name, he is very happy that Wangji has found home here.

Then Wangji entered the room. At first glance he looked put together but he raised Wangji from infancy and clearly saw that his youngest zhí zi was not in good state at all. He may not be able to understand Wangji like Xichen but looking at the younger man all he could do see is weight of something crushing him, the light in Wangji's eyes are gone, his posture not perfect, his hair is down and had only a ribbon to held back the fringes from his face.

"Wangji. What? Get here, take a seat. Xichen what is this? Explain."

Wangji sat down, he pushed the medicinal tea kept in perfect temperature by talisman towards him. Wangji slumped forward a little while taking the tea and closed his eyes, taking careful sips. He focused back on Xichen who has stopped pretending about his worry once it became clear that Lan Qiren is letting it slide. Xichen served him tea, he took a sip as is necessary before focusing on his eldest zhí zi. 

Xichen looked back at Wangji before finally opening his mouth, "Shufu, Wangji had entered seclusion a xún before as you know, today morning I came to deliver him breakfast and check on him since his reason to enter seclusion had be unclear to me. I found him... " Xichen chocked on his words, eyes turning glassy. Lan Qiren is shocked by the raw emotional distress in Xichen's expression and froze few seconds. "Wangji was crying. And I took care of him after that, I don't know what is the cause of this." 

Lan Qiren felt his mind race and tried to understand what could cause such anguish in his youngest zhí zi. All the while Wangji slumped even further and turned away from them. Xichen took few moments gather himself as he drank his tea. Wangji had only small number of people who he is attached to, first on the list would be his family Xichen and his mother, then himself. Then....

Oh. Oh no.

Wei Wuxian.

Lan Qiren despaired the day that demon set foot in cloud recess, he had watched as Wangji pulled into the vortex created by that boy, then the war had torn everything down into pieces, no one was spared. That boy had then infuriatingly turned away from sword path for heretic ways, and in the end won the war for them using it. He had heard of how Wangji had been trying to bring the boy back to sword path from other disciples through reports. That even after the war's end the boy didn't turn to sword path, disregarding everything a cultivator strive to be in following Dao.

Then the arrogant display of his new cultivation path, Lan Qiren thought the boy had no redemption when he liberated Wen Prisoners and whisked them away to Burial Mounds, while killing anyone who was in his path. Just the thought of that demon brought headache and grievance on how top cultivator of younger generation lost to allure of dark.

Wei Wuxian failed in following filial piety the minute he defected from Jiang sect, he had long ago discarded the essential natural order of Dao when he devolved into heretical cultivation. Such a person is not worth of any moral character. 

Yet Wangji had been resolutely associating with Wei Wuxian. This had been point of contestation between them for some time. He doesn't know what Wangji sees in that demon.

But now whatever has happened Wangji is left crying! He felt slow anger stir in him burning his heart.

"Wangji, we must know what has happened or we would left to make our own assumptions. This has gone for long we are family, you can confine in us. We will help you anyway possible, there is no need to suffer alone Didi." Xichen pleaded to Wangji, who has turned to look at Xichen in eye, searching for something, before he turned to face Lan Qiren. Lan Qiren knows his face has twisted into a frown and his eyes hold anger, but he also knows there is concern in them for the boy he brought up for all his life.

Wangji's eyes in response filled with indignation for what he doesn't understand but he is rather relieved that his youngest zhí zi has not lost himself completely and locked himself away. Horrible flashes of similar events of past creeped up on his mind, he push them out resolutely. But all his thoughts came to screeching halt.

"Do not make assumptions about others. Make sure to act virtuously. Do not hold grudges. Maintain your own discipline. Destroy the five poisons. Nurture aspirations. Be ethical. Do not criticize other people. Do not be a follower of the rich and powerful. Have courage and knowledge. Uphold the value of justice. Shoulder the weight of morality. Embrace the entirety of the world. Do not treat others with contempt. Do not bully the weak."

"Wei Ying may have been frivolous and undisciplined, but he took upon himself to be righteous, always help the weak, and showed loyalty in spades. The war had left him with no choice but create and use his new cultivation, then when he faced with Jianghu's wrath for it, he left his sect to protect them from the same. The Jins have acted dishonorably and captured weak civilians even children and worked them to death, Wei Ying saw injustice and stepped in, staying true to his promise of protecting the weak. Yet all have only have eyes to look at beautiful painted lie of Jins, the same ones who have scourging across land and trying to grab for the power of Yin Tiger Tally for their own gain."

"What is right? What is wrong? What is white? What is black? Do you dare to judge when the question leads to slaughter of innocents who have long been living under oppression and then unjustly deemed criminals of war when they all did is to survive under Wen Rohan's rule? Wei Ying have discarded sword path but he didn't discard his morality completely to not see the unjust and danger of Yin Tiger Tally in hands of Jins without moderation or safety.

Yet all Jianghu did is accuse him of his unorthodoxy and follow the Jins in their ambition of power.

Wei Ying never wanted Power."

Lan Qiren was stunned by the outburst, It took him few long minutes to process what was said and left unsaid. He noticed the rules connecting way back to the days when Wangji had been in lectures with others. Slowly regret and shame filled him as he contemplated his Nephew's judgment. 

Lan Qiren held his zhí zi eyes, and came to abrupt realization that Wei Wuxian has fallen for trap set up by Jins and the other sects has played right into their hands regarding it. But he also realized Wei Wuxian life is forfeit the minute he refused to hand over the Yin Tiger Tally by insulting the Jins thoroughly and killing their disciples.

As long as Jin Guangshan is alive Wei Wuxian will be their enemy.

Wei Wuxian a man same age as Wangji, is without guidance has choose the path of no return. After all he had judged first before learning the exact circumstance regarding the conflict between Wei Wuxian and the Jins. He doesn't understand what reason Wei Wuxian have to hold on to his heretic ways when he is top of his peers regarding sword path. There is also Yin Tiger Tally to add to the mix. Whatever the tally is made of its powerful and disturb balance of the plane so greatly that its tangible.

He felt his age catch up to him.

Throughout this Xichen had confused expression regarding the circumstances of Qióngqí Dào incident, after all the issues stems from there. "Wangji, what do you mean by civilians in labour camps? The Jins lied? But A-Yao has assured me there has been no civilian or children in the camps, how is it possible? It understandable to consider your thoughts regarding Yin Tiger Tally but the Wen Prisoners liberated by Wei-Gongzi are innocents? What about Wen-Guniang and Guǐ Jiāngjūn (ghost general)?"

Wangji's eyes flashed at Xichen's trust in Jin Guangyao.

Lan Qiren realized then, "Wangji I see you have visited Burial Mounds." he huffed in annoyance. Xichen stiffened at his tone but he powered through before either of his zhí zi could interrupt him.

"Xichen there is great possibility of Wangji's words regarding the Jins are true. They could have very well have act un-honorable regarding their prisoners just because we won the war doesn't mean people will regard the Wen name in anything but hate.

Nightless City is abandoned so is almost all of other cities in Wen territory. There is no way to calculate the death toll of civilians or disciples, there has been large displacement when the war started, then during the war and after people affiliated or surnamed Wen would rather hide or run away fearing repercussion due to their involvement in Wens. The Jins must have gathered everyone in sight on the last days of war end, including branch families who didn't contribute to the war.

It has already been long time so searching Jin records or Qióngqí Dào will yield nothing, only way is to interrogate by going to Burial Mounds directly. Even then there is matter of dead of Jin Disciples and gaurds, Wei Wuxian has already defected, he will need to personally account for all the lives he took with Guǐ Jiāngjūn (Ghost general)."

Lan Qiren succinctly pointed out the way of things are taking turns. What really bothered him is the reason for Wangji's seclusion and his heart broken state. There hasn't been any news from the Jins nor any other sects regarding Wei Wuxian nor about Jin movements. There is something Wangji knows but has yet to reveal it to them. He heaved a deep sigh before added. "There must be something else that have caused you great distress. Are you willing to share it with us? There is no news regarding the Jins nor Wei Wuxian that could have led to this."

Xichen then took a sharp breath, hesitatingly shared, "A-Yao and Huaisang had send Butterfly messages just before Shufu arrived. A-Yao mentioned Wei Wuxian and Wen's are not in Burial Mounds. No one saw their departure and the Jins are preparing for emergency conference for every sects to discuss on further action. Huaisang requested Wangji's presence in the conference, for he thinks Wangji has important information regarding the situation."

Lan Qiren closed his eyes and prayed for patience. An emergency conference regarding missing Yílíng Lǎozǔ and his Wen Army. Oh how he wished he could claim old age and forsake conference where he needs to listen to Jin Guangshan's nonsense and other sect's prattling to it. But, where is Wei Wuxian? As if reading his mind Wangji voiced the answer he seek. Wangji's hand trembled and his whole being covered in deep sorrow. 

"Wei Ying left Jianghu."

Lan Qiren took a sharp breath at the definite statement. Xichen made an aborted motion at Wangji's statement. While Wangji stared at the table unseeingly, his voice had raspy edge to it. Lan Qiren clenched his fingers into fist and and let the pin prick of emotions engulf his heart as he watched Wangji's tears. Oh how he wished the world and fate wouldn't play with both of his zhí zi so cruelly, first their mother, then their father, followed by sect brothers and sisters perishing under War cries. Now this.

Will they ever know happiness and love without accompanied by sadness.

Objectively he could see what Wei Wuxian did. The Burial Mounds it self has been at the edge of Jianghu's reach, but to travel beyond it means Wei Wuxian has efficiently took himself and the power he held out of the Jianghu and its politics. No one will dare to complain about the self imposed thorough exile. Its rather desperate move to run away but it has definitely put end to the mess rather cleanly.

Though this has left his youngest zhí zi grieving.

Lan Qiren will never forgive the boy for this. Even if it is a impossible situation. 

He could clearly see the wheels turning in Xichen's head, Wei Wuxian choose to leave Jianghu while everyone feared he is next Wen Ruohan. Completely acting against expectation and proving Wangji's early statement of Wei Wuxian's regard for power. At least about the kind which Wen Ruohan or Jin Guangshan want. He is not going to declare himself as ruler if he is not even going to step into Jianghu.

Then all they need to focus on is Jins and upcoming disaster of conference. He is half motivated to just let other sects flonder about and waste resources to find the Yílíng lǎozǔ and his Wen army, but that will only affect the people depending on sects for living. Wastefulness is prohibited. Thus, Lan Qiren concentrated on the other details that can cause Jin's to claim some foothold and blow the issue larger then it is.

"Wangji, how did you learn of Wei Wuxian's departure? When we attend the emergency conference there will be questions and keep in mind even faced Nie Huaisang schemes you are not beholden to answer any of them." 

"Wei Ying wrote a letter. Arrived from Qinghe."

"The Nie knows then, or at least Nie Huaisang knows from his message to Xichen. If you two have received correspondence then the Jiang siblings should have too. Wangji, Xichen after the conference we will have further discussion regarding our actions. But now we should concentrate on the upcoming conference. We have stayed neutral we can't suddenly ask for evidences regarding the prisoners without rising suspicion. As I have stated before whatever evidence against the Jins was there must have been destroyed long back. Unfortunately, there is no way to seek the truth of matter now.

Whatever Jins come up with regarding the issue we must ensure there will be no further accusation thrown around. Our inaction has let to injustice, it is not the first time and I admit it will probably not be the last time. We have different weights and consideration to carry and the world will not doesn't stop for us to wallow in our failures, we can only learn and ensure there will be no next time."

Wangji glared at him for that, but truthfully as a sect allied with Jins there is no way for them to investigate into the matter without a solid evidence since whoever liberated from the camp have fled Jianghu with Wei Wuxian. What is left for them to do is handle the resulting tantrum of Jin Guangshan and hope it will blow over soon enough.

Furthermore he needs to talk with Wangji to understand how Wei Wuxian gained his trust and heart so much. He resents the boy for it but now he needs to learn the reasons and instances that led to their close bond if he wants to comfort his youngest zhí zi. Wangji might just push them away like he did when he was younger. He refuse to accept that happening again.

He took his leave after ensuring Wangji will leave his seclusion.

Walking towards the main grounds to find disciples and prepare for the emergency conference his thoughts run through past and future.

He needs to meditate on rules Wangji pointed out. 

If he heard nagging voice of one wild rouge cultivator while he reflected upon his actions then that is no one's business.

Lan Xichen is filled with guilt and pain as he looked at his Didi. If he had followed up on Wangji his report without dismissing it after only asking for A-Yao's account and confirmation. How many innocents were cruelly died in those camps? He wondered if A-Yao even knew about these people, if he did know about them then why lie to him when he enquired? 

Still it had been himself who wasn't proactive enough to investigate the matter when Wangji brought evidence against the Jins. He valued peace that has come after the war but to what end is he willing to keep it up when innocent die cruelly, how different it is from before the war when Wen Ruohan terrorized smaller sects.

Lan Xichen turned towards his Didi when he was about to leave, " Wangji, I have erred in not giving due consideration to your findings from Burial Mounds when it was necessary. My inaction has cost innocents to flee their land and injustice to be unheard, and personally I broke your trust by dismissing your words. Forgive this Xiongzhang." He bowed.

Wangji drew him up from bow, "Xiongzhang is now aware. No need to ask for forgiveness, all I ask you is to not let others lead you on the notion of peace. Wangji will accompany Xiongzhang for the conference and thank you for your care this morning."

"Ah Didi, How can I not care for you? I will not repeat my mistake, I promise to reflect on my actions and thoughts. I will instruct a disciple to deliver your dinner to here, and in the morning I will come and fetch you for the travel. Please take care of yourself Didi."

"Mn."

Lan Xichen ensured that Wangji closed his doors then only did he leave and returned to his office, where a disciple with missive from Langlin Jin waited for him. 

He squared his shoulders and divided into preparing for the conference.

He made notes on all the rules he broke and appropriate punishments he needs to do too.

That evening worry for Wangji didn't lessen and in his mind's eye he could clearly remember his Didi's tear stained face. He thinks he will never forgot the image.

Jin Guangshan wanted to rage and burn all things in front of him. Wei Wuxian had escaped from their eyes and his disciples can not find any trace of him. All his plans to attain the Yin Tiger Tally relies on Wei Wuxian's fall yet he has disappeared with his pathetic wen dogs. Every part of plan are coming along nicely the nest phase have been in steady progress but now everything has come to standstill. 

How dare that son of servant flaunt such power then disappear after insulting him. He blames everything on that pathetic bastard from the prostitute, he was the one to create this plans, which gave time for Wei Wuxian to counteract. Just thinking about it brings him fury. Just as he rose the bustard stepped in to the room and lowered into a deep bow. Pathetic. He walked up to him and kicked him with all of his frustration. He should have trusted this spineless fool. 

He sneered at the boy, "You! See what your useless plan has led to!! That demonic bastard has run away with the tally to who knows where. It was you who proposed to delay this long and what came of it?! I should have never trusted you pathetic rat. GO! Find out where that Wei boy has run off too before other sect arrive or else!! Worthless!!"

The boy scrambled out and disappeared from his sight, still strung up and frustrated with possibility of losing the tally he trashed some of the decorations in his study. Then taking a deep breath he calmed himself before making his way to stables, he will visit the brothel to take edge off. At least that will be time well spend. If remember right there is some event where the ladies are going to put up a show, isn't that good way to distract himself from this mess.

Wind rustled his robes and cling of gold ornaments rhythmic with horse hooves entered his ears, the anticipation of a night in depravation already has him in high spirit.

Yes, tonight he will have his enjoyment and tomorrow his disciples will drag that Wei boy and tally to me.