A Day of Reckoning

by Sa_To_Ri_SadlyWithoutExclamationMarks

Summary:

Wei Wuxian’s good day is ruined by the constant bringing up of Lan Wangji’s violations of sect rules. Therefore, he will bring up their own actions and violations in their faces.

TL;DR: Woke up good, but still ended up choosing violence few moments later.

Notes:

Work is not beta read.

Writer is feeling negative emotions as she lists the things the Lan sect have done that violated their own rules.

Most of them I am trying to recall from memory.

Some things are thrown in (sort-of in the background scenes during the war, after the war, the breaking of Wen Remnants in Qiongqi path, Life in Burial Mounds and Yiling, Wei Ying's death, after his death, resurrection, and after the whole Jin Guangyao reveal)

I haven't explored/read this kind of fanfics before, so any similarities to other fanfics are not intentional. If you think some scenes are too close to others, it would help if you bring it to my attention.

Chapter 1: Caught in Act

The sun is bright, but it is not hot. It’s the perfect day, Wei Wuxian thinks, perfect for training outside or going to town. He smiles as he goes out of the Jingshi. Oh, what a fine day it is to be alive!

 

He hums a tune as he walks. Cloud Recesses is beautiful. The breeze gently caresses his face as his eyes survey the tranquil corridor. He wonders what time it actually is, as he does not see a lot of disciples.

He shrugs and thinks maybe it’s the middle of si shi. He pulls his arms up and twists and turns to stretch his body. Today feels like such a great day.

 

He continues his walk only to be stopped when he hears two people, one young and one old, talking about Lan Zhan.

'What has this sect become, Yuzhe? Lan Wangji may be an excellent cultivator, but I do not see him leading our young to the path that our ancestors walked through.'

'I see your point, Master An. Hanguang-jun is said to have already made his choice before.'

Wei Wuxian slightly twitches. Listening would be eavesdropping, but is it truly a private conversation if it is done in the corridor? And—at a volume that anyone could hear?

Sure, Wei Wuxian can walk away, but the topic of this possibly backstabbing conversation is the love of his life.

He is invested.

'That he did, yes. The day he raised his own sword against us elders, we just knew. No, maybe even earlier, actually. When he stood to agree with the Yiling Patriarch’s view.'

'He… Hanguang-jun wasn’t always like this.'

'Hmm… there was a time when he truly embodied the sect’s teachings, you know. A Lan through and through. I remember from before. Wangji rightfully disciplined the Yiling Patriarch, who was just a guest disciple then, for drinking alcohol in the sect.'

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened.

Lan Zhan is a Lan through and through—that is true. However, even now, he still is.

Lan Zhan is just softer and gentler now compared to the tough jade he once was. That is not a bad thing.

'Oh, master, if only you knew. I find that Hanguang-jun has been too lax. I guess even cultivators like him would need to learn our rules and teachings once again.'

How does the Lan sect define "too lax"? Lan Zhan is still the same diligent and resilient person that he was before.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head. Maybe these people do not just understand the growth Lan Zhan experienced. His beloved has gone through enough and more to shape his person.

What basis do they have to judge him? The Lan sect rules? Buddhist scriptures? Their own experiences?

They wanted him to grow. And he did! But when they didn’t like the outcome, suddenly Lan Zhan was all wrong in their eyes? Wei Wuxian is sure this thinking broke several sect rules all at once!

'Learning to cultivate oneself is always encouraged. Ha, at this point, Yuzhe—I would be grateful if Wangji studied to be a true Lan once again.'

If his eyes can widen even more, then maybe they have now.

Lan Zhan, to be a true Lan.

Wei Wuxian’s jaw dropped.

 

Who? Just who are they to decide that his Lan Zhan is not a true Lan?

His heart aches for his beloved.

 

Is this how his own people viewed him? Over differing views, they would go as far as to disparage Lan Zhan.

His beloved does not deserve this.

Not from anyone, most especially the sect that raised and taught him.

 

Wei Wuxian moves forward and makes himself known. He clears his throat before greeting the pair.

'This one greets Elder An and disciple Yuzhe.'

Chapter 2: Joining (perhaps hijacking) the Conversation

Notes:

Not beta read.

The young man gulps. He was here, in the flesh—Wei Wuxian, the Yiling Patriarch. On the other hand, the elder shows no reaction.

'Don’t you think that this morning is such a fine one?'

'It is, Wei-qianbei.'

 

Wei Wuxian comes closer.

'Well, I couldn't help but hear a part of your conversation. May this one join your discussion? I would like to hear some more of your insight—with regard to what it means to be a true Lan.'

 

Master An’s lips twitched as he growled his answer.

'This master has nothing to say to you, young Wei. If you want to learn how to be a Lan, a proper one at that, seek the knowledge in the library.'

'Ah, but surely this one would need guidance. Would Master An be amenable to guiding Wei Ying?'

'Ha, what a jest. This old man is not teaching anymore. I recommend you go to Master Qiren. What a delight it would be for the Yiling Patriarch to be interested in being a Lan.'

'Ah, Old Man Lan is far too stern. Well then, if Master An is not available, then I must acquire Hanguang-jun’s help. He is one of the Lan sect’s greatest examples, after all.'

 

Yuzhe’s eyes go back and forth between his superiors.

 

'I wouldn’t recommend it. Your husband hasn’t been who he was before. Might as well rope him in with your studying. It would do you both well.'

'Oh, how can that be? Does Master An not believe the honorable Hanguang-jun to be an embodiment of the clan’s teachings?'

'Once… before, but seasons have changed, and so has Wangji.'

'Ah, now it is Master An who jests. Lan Zhan is still the Lan that he was before.'

 

Yuzhe is surprised.

How is Hanguang-jun the same jade, the same prized student of the sect?

Not one of the elders would agree.

 

'Truly? You believe that, Wei-qianbei?'

'Hmm, of course. He is still the same old fuddy-duddy that had me disciplined before. Although he is not as icy as before. I’d say it’s easier to talk to him now, unlike before.'

'That can’t be true—Hanguang-jun is far too lax for you to say that the only thing that changed is his distant nature.'

'This one assures you. Not much has changed. He has learned everything and carries it in his heart. It shows in his character, his actions.'

'Even with all the violations that he has committed?'

 

Wei Wuxian sighs.

'And what may they be?'

Chapter 3: Wei Wuxian's Thought Provoking Questions

Summary:

Perhaps some thoughtful questions will juggle and exercise your minds and views.

Spoon-feeding information is not the only way to educate learners.

Notes:

Not beta read

Yuzhe gains confidence. He heard it from teachers and senior disciples. He knows Hanguang-jun’s transgressions well.

'To name a few. He fought against his own elders. He agreed with you. He defended you and your cultivation. He mixed his own feelings while making a judgment.'

 

Wei Wuxian nods.

'But are those not violations he was already punished for? If punishment is already meted and served by Lan Zhan, what use is it to bring it up now?'

 

Yuzhe knows this as well. He feels and hears the words drilled in his head.

'To remind him, and to teach us not to do it, of course. Those were serious transgressions.'

'Yuzhe, have you ever pondered what effects this reminding has had?'

'Effects? No? What other effect does it have other than to keep disciples from disobeying and breaking sect rules?'

'Have you had this conversation in public areas? Have you talked about this around other disciples? Disciples from other sects, I mean.'

 

Yuzhe bites his lips. Has he ever done it before?

He tries to recall events. Lessons, nighthunts, and even simple excursions.

'Maybe? Perhaps yes.'

 

Wei Wuxian shakes his head. Of course, Lan disciples must have. Younger disciples tend to be very loud and brave when they think no one would mind them.

'Have you not thought about how other people may take this? Not only are you undermining Hanguang-jun’s growth, but you are also creating an opportunity for people to gossip, malign his character, and berate him for decisions that he made when he was in difficult situations. Would you like to know how many of the sect rules you just broke?'

 

Horror dawns upon Yuzhe.

 

Never. Not once did he do it with malicious intent.

Only to remind, to teach, and to prevent, but never to hurt Hanguang-jun!

'I—what? No! No! I absolutely did not mean for that to happen. It wasn’t my intention!'

'But it would still happen. Whether you like it or not. Whether you meant it or not.'

 

Master An sees Yuzhe faltering upon the realization.

Not in his presence would another Lan disciple fall in Wei Wuxian’s snares.

He already has Sizhui, Jingyi, and a handful of disciples they night hunt with.

'Wei Wuxian! What a farce! You are making a mockery of the Lan sect rules to defend your husband!'

'I am not. I was just questioning the intent of Yuzhe’s statements and what consequences they may have. Bad consequences. Gossip may be forbidden in the sect, but not in other places. It’s a disease. It is also one of the ways I got killed.'

'NO!'

 

Yuzhe gasps at the shouting. He turns his head to check if anyone has heard. Sure enough, there were a few who seemed to be coming their way.

 

'What got you killed is your heretical ways! You freed Wen cultivators and cultivated in the Burial Mounds to create an army of the undead. You disrespected all lives during and after the war!'

'Not even in the slightest, but I was easy to blame. With my reputation in tatters and rumors rampant against me, it is very convenient to force crimes upon my shoulders.'

'You are not entirely innocent!'

'I never claimed I was, but I am innocent of the crimes they force on me. I am just the scapegoat. Ah—maybe you are right. Wei Ying has no need for Master An’s guidance, for he needs the education as well.'

 

Master An, for nearly seven decades of his life, was this furious.

'You! YOU! Leave! Leave at once! Leave the sect, you heretic!'

 

Wei Wuxian tuts.

'I saved your life when I contained Chifeng-zun’s arm, and yet here we are. Is it really something you would say to your rescuer?'

 

Master An chokes. He takes a few steps back. Too much, this man is too much. He looks at the disciples loitering, listening. He clenches his hands.

 

But Wei Wuxian doubles down.

'Ah—no matter how astute your sect’s rules and ideals are, the actions of humans still prove that we are fallible.'

Chapter 4: Audacious Preaching, Brought to You by Healer Qiu

Notes:

Not beta read

Dialogue-heavy.

This is the last part of the intro. The following chapters would be the rehashing of rule breaking actions done by Lans.

Wei Wuxian bids them goodbye after imparting his wisdom.

 

He moves through the throngs of people: elders, teachers, and students alike.

He tries to shrug it off.

 

Today is a good day. I will not let such an encounter ruin it.

It is still si shi; things could still get better.

 

'Wei Wuxian, stop right there!'

 

He does and turns to see Healer Qiu.

'Good day, Healer Qiu.'

'What good is there if you engage in a tongue-lashing in the hallways?'

 

Wei Wuxian sighs.

'They were talking about my beloved husband behind his back. I merely defended his honor.'

'That does not justify it!'

'What would? Should I wait longer to hear them hash out even more hurtful words?'

 

Healer Qiu is infuriated. Things used to be uncontested in the Lan sect. Students just follow the teachings from us, the teachers.

'Wei Wuxian!'

'Look, if you truly do not want me to react when they say Lan Zhan is not a Lan or a true Lan, then do not bring it up. Learn to accept who he is the way he is. Not the way you want him to be.'

'Well, maybe if he stayed true to our sect’s teachings, no one would bother bringing it up.'

 

Wei Wuxian scowls.

'But he is! He learned it and has since applied it! He did not fail to live up to the rules or the scriptures! He embodies it just fine. I see it!'

'Because you are in love! You do not see faults purposefully! You enable each other! He diverted from the path of our ancestors.'

 

Wei Wuxian feels the rise of his anger. Hypocrites. They are a bunch of hypocrites!

He addresses every person in the corridor who has been quietly listening.

'If you truly believe that you are any better than my husband, then I will not hesitate to bring up your own transgressions and violations of the Lan sect rules and teachings.'

'Ha! We are Lans. What would you know, former Jiang disciple?'

'I know because I saw it, experienced it, and have suffered from it.'

 

Healer Qiu scoffs. What is wrong with retaliating against what is evil?

You got hurt when we defended ourselves?

Do not make me laugh, Yiling Patriarch, for you were far stronger than us.

 

Chapter 5: Healer Qiu, Disciple Lan Yuzhe, and Master An

Summary:

List of offenses that covers the Lan Wangji Backstabbing discussion and Healer Qiu's audacity.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Dialogue-heavy and bullet points-heavy.

The reference I used is https://unforth.tumblr.com/post/624461405817618432/rules-of-the-gusu-lan-clan-since-i-wrote-my-fic

Wei Wuxian breathes.

‘Healer Qiu, when you bellowed my name in this corridor, you broke the following:

• Do not make an uproar.
• Behave yourself.
• Be respectful.
• Do not be ill-mannered.
• Do not be aggressive.
• Do not disregard the younger.'

‘Your comments towards me defending my husband and your opinions regarding my discussion with Elder An and disciple Lan:

• Do not make an uproar.
• Be respectful.
• Arrogance is prohibited.
• Be cordial.
• Morality is the priority.
• Harmony is the value.
• Uphold the value of justice.
• Be just.
• Perform acts of chivalry.
• Have courage and knowledge.
• Have courtesy and integrity.
• Do not be ill-mannered.
• Be compassionate.
• Do not succumb to rage.
• Do not be haughty and complacent. 
• Be careful with your words.
• Do not sow discord.
• Do not be unreasonable.
• Honor good people.
• Appreciate the good people.
• Respect the filial ones.
• Do not judge others quickly.
• Do not judge people behind their back.
• Speak not about other people’s weaknesses.
• Do not hold grudges.
• Do not disregard the younger.
• Do not forget the grace of the forefathers.’

 

Wei Wuxian pauses for a while.

Not to wait for their reactions, just to ponder who he should focus on next.

 

‘Yuzhe, you are young. I understand if you did not think that you were committing any errors. I also understand that you are just following what you have been taught.’

 

Yuzhe seems startled to be addressed, but he recovers.

‘Will you enumerate mine next, Wei-qianbei?’

‘Yes. I hope you will not take this badly, for I mean no ill.’

‘I would not. I would like to correct and improve myself; therefore, I must know where I went wrong first.’

‘I appreciate your efforts, young Lan. Now, according to the rules, you have broken the following:

• Be respectful.
• Be modest.
• Arrogance is prohibited.
• Do not be supercilious.
• Be cordial.
• Morality is the priority.
• Harmony is the value.
• Uphold the value of justice.
• Be just.
• Do not be ill-mannered.
• Be compassionate.
• Be careful with your words.
• Do not take your own words lightly.
• Do not sow discord.
• Maintain your own discipline.
• Honor good people.
• Appreciate the good people.
• Respect the filial ones.
• Be loyal.
• Do not insult people.
• Do not jump to an unfounded conclusion.
• Talking behind other people’s backs is prohibited.
• Speak not about other people’s weaknesses.
• Do not disrespect the elder.
• Honor the teachers and respect the elders.'

 

Yuzhe breathes deeply. Who would have thought that such a brief conversation would go against the spirit of these sect rules?

Enlightening.

 

He purses his lips as the sense of being taught graces him.

‘Yuzhe receives Wei-qianbei’s words. This one will seek the head disciplinarian and receive rightful punishment.’

‘This one does not doubt disciple Lan.’

 

Chatter arises among the Lans as their own disciple accepts the Yiling Patriarch’s judgment.

 

This Wei boy has done it. Master An is steaming.

He disregards propriety and acts like an irate rooster screeching.

‘Since when did Lans listen to the words of outsiders?’

 

Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes.

‘Since you chose to foolishly believe that you are not capable of being wrong. However, do not fret. You are next.’

‘Master An, during the entirety of this ordeal, you have breached the following:

• Have a proper posture.
• Do not make an uproar.
• Sneering for no reason is prohibited.
• Behave yourself.
• Be respectful.
• Be modest.
• Arrogance is prohibited.
• Be humble.
• Do not be supercilious.
• Morality is the priority. 
• Harmony is the value.
• Uphold the value of justice.
• Be just.
• Shoulder the weight of morality.
• Perform acts of chivalry.
• Have courage and knowledge.
• Have courtesy and integrity.
• Do not be ill-mannered.
• Have affection and gratefulness.
• Be compassionate.
• Destroy the five poisons.
• Do not succumb to rage.
• Speak meagerly, for too many words only bring harm.
• Do not be haughty and complacent.
• Be careful with your words.
• Do not use coarse language.
• Do not tell lies.
• Do not take your own words lightly.
• Do not sow discord.
• Do not boast about your own strengths.
• Do not be unreasonable.
• Maintain your own discipline.
• Honor good people.
• Appreciate the good people.
• Respect the filial ones.
• Be fair, and they will follow you.
• Be trustworthy, and they will believe you.
• Be loyal. 
• Earn trust.
• Correct others by correcting yourself. 
• Do not ignore others and be undisciplined.
• Take pity on the desolate.
• Do not bully the weak.
• Do not mix public and private interests.
• Help the underprivileged.
• Care for the weak.
• Lend a hand to those in need.
• Rescue those in danger.
• Do not take advantage of your position or connections to oppress others.
• Do not form a clique and exclude others.
• Do not insult people.
• Do not use bad words to hurt others.
• Do not praise yourself and slander others.
• Do not jump to an unfounded conclusion.
• Do not judge people behind their back.
• Be easy on others.
• Be sad for other people’s sufferings.
• Regard other people’s gains and losses as your own.
• Do not hold grudges.
• Do not disregard the younger
• Do not forget the grace of the forefathers.
• Be loyal, filial, friendly, and dutiful.
• Honor the teachers and respect the elders.
• Stay on the righteous path.
• Follow the righteous way.
• Do not take the crooked ways.
• Eliminate evil and establish a just law.
• Do not associate with evil.
• Do not befriend the evil. 
• Do not fall to evil.
• Resist evil.
• Promote good.'

 

Collective indignant scoffs can be heard from most people.

 

Master An is honorable. He was a teacher of scriptures.

Surely, the Yiling Patriarch is just blowing things out of proportion.

 

Meanwhile, some have thought that the Yiling Patriarch makes sense.

 

Master An feels every word that comes out of Wei Wuxian’s mouth getting under his skin.

I might just die. This fool. The complete disregard for my pride, for my position, and for my reputation.

‘Healer Qiu!’

‘Yes, Master An?’

‘I am in need of your services. Kindly escort me to the healing pavilion. I will not take any more of this disrespect.’

Chapter 6: Words are Exchanged

Summary:

Audience participation. Turns out, not all are opposed to Wei Wuxian or Lan Wangji.

Also, yes, Lans do get caught up in their emotions. Usually, when they are challenged.

Notes:

Not beta read.

There will be filler/transition scenes and names are generated. Please be easy with that.

I am not knowledgeable with any of the Chinese languages or dialects. Expect if the names are not exactly suitable or has a nice sound to it. Either that or characters A to Z.

‘Now, if you’ll let me, I would like to leave now. I am due to visit the kitchens.’

Wei Wuxian bows and makes his way to his desired location.

 

Now left loitering in the open, the Lans engage in small talk.

 

Tan Meng — Deng Ruolan

‘Such arrogance… there… he, too, has violated the rule.’

‘Leave him be. Would one really let his husband or wife be a target of unsavory conversations?’

‘No, but still. To have our own rules used against us’

 

Cai Zhengsheng — Cai Jiaying

‘How could he be so callous? We’ve been taught since we were young. How can he be better than us?’

‘Little brother, do not get angry. Think beyond what is said.’

‘I can’t. I could only feel the insult.’

‘See it from a wider view. He says we are lacking even though we strive to live up to our rules the best we can. If we can further improve our understanding, then we can implement our rules better and more effectively.’

‘You… could it be…do you agree with him?’

‘Frankly, yes.’

‘Sister! How could you?!’

‘I have eyes, ears, and a heart and mind of my own. Did you really think that our ancestors attained enlightenment by mere obedience?’

‘Oh, please don’t fall for his persuasive narrative.’

‘... I think it would do you well to cultivate your heart and mind, not just your body, and cultivation alone.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling — Lan Xiaolian

‘Teacher, should the Patriarch be humored?’

‘Humored in his rampage? No. Humored to be heard? I don’t see why not. I would engage him in a conversation later when he is not angered anymore.’

‘But is it not a slap to our face, what he said?’

‘What would you say is more important to you: your reputation or being responsible?’

‘Being responsible, of course.’

‘Rightfully so. Being responsible involves taking accountability. As one of our senior disciples, we trained you and equipped you with tools and knowledge so we can depend on you once you take on more serious roles in the sect.’

‘I wish not to disappoint. Surviving the war shaped me differently. I want to be the best that I could be.’

‘Take your eyes off the floor. We are proud of what you have become.’

 

Shao Huian —- Qiao Qiang

‘Healer Qiu is correct. This pair of husbands enables each other’s behavior.’

‘As right as she was, she went the wrong way approaching it, Shijie.’

‘Shimei, never mind the way she did. People like them should be reined in immediately. And Yuzhe and Master An are not entirely wrong regarding Hanguang-jun.’

‘Yes, I see why they claim him to be too lax. I like it, though. He is not as strict as the others. Others would make us follow the rules exactly as they were written.’

‘As the way it should be!’

‘What? No, it's not, Shijie.’

‘Yes, it is!’

‘Do not raise your voice at me, Shijie. That is rude.’

‘Well, what do you mean anyway?’

‘Follow both the letter and the spirit of the rules.’

‘Just following the letters would be enough for our superiors.’

‘Do not be half-hearted or lukewarm. If you do, your actions are just superficial. You would be the one who is not truly a Lan, Shijie.’

‘You dare to say that in my face?! Your Shijie?! I am your senior by two years; show some respect!’

‘Well, I expected someone who already had her hairpin ceremony a year ago to be more mature than a fourteen-year-old. I guess I am wrong.’

 

Qin Yongrui — Lan Mingyu

‘Shixiong! What do you think about this situation?’

‘I have thoughts about it. But, I guess I am neutral? I see that the parties involved have logical and sound reasoning.’

‘I heard Teacher Ye will talk to the Yiling Patriarch. Do you think they would let us sit in?’

‘Really? Well, Teacher Ye had always advocated for Hanguang-jun and Zewu-jun. He thinks we need some freedom in learning. Why would you even think they'd let us in? Is it not going to be a private conversation between them?’

‘Well, I hope not. I wish to hear more about the Yiling Patriarch’s grievances, you know. We’ve always heard what they said about him. Why would I not be curious about what he has to say?’

 

Qin Yongrui — Teacher Ye Ling

‘Disciple Qin Yongrui greets Teacher Ye Ling.’

‘Ah, good day, Yongrui. I hope things are well with you.’

‘This one thanks Teacher Ye. This one has come with a request. Would Teacher Ye please hear this one?’

‘Of course, how could this old man help you?’

‘I heard in passing that you were going to talk to the Yiling Patriarch. I would like to know if you can let us listen to it. There are a couple of disciples who would like to hear him. We would like to make this a learning opportunity.’

‘That would largely depend on young Master Wei. However, I see why it might be a productive discussion. Especially now, after Jin Guangyao.’

‘Yes, that’s right. Things are not always as they seem, are they?’

‘Hmm... very well. I will approach young Master Wei after lunch. He always eats with Sizhui and Jingyi. Should he agree, I could have a free classroom arranged.’

‘Thank you, Teacher Ye. Many blessings to Teacher Ye.’

‘Haha… no need for that. Just ensure that no disciple will miss or skip any of their own schedules. We do not need any more ire from people who do not welcome young Master Wei.’

‘Understood, Teacher! I will inform my friends. This one bids Teacher Ye goodbye.’

Chapter 7: Assembling the Stage

Summary:

Wei Wuxian is slightly concerned by the way things are unfolding. Only slightly.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Lǐngwù shūfáng is a study reserved solely for disciples to self-study while Qǐméng is a classroom frequently used.

If you wonder why these people talk so much, it is just me projecting the inner monologues I've had while watching and reading mdzs adaptations as well as fanfics.

Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi bow when they see Teacher Ye coming their way.

‘Good day, young masters. May I know where your senior, Wei Wuxian, is?’

‘Replying to Master Ye, Wei-qianbei proceeded to the library after coming to the kitchens.’

‘Ah, very well, to the library I must go. I greatly appreciate your help, Sizhui.’

 

‘Ah, wait! We’ll escort you. It’s where we are going, anyway.’

‘Haha… I appreciate your enthusiasm, Jingyi. Come on, little Lans.’

 

 

‘If I may, Master Ye, why are you looking for Wei-qianbei?’

‘Well, have you heard of what happened in the corridors before lunch?’

‘Do you mean the encounter between Wei-qianbei and Master An?’

‘Yes.’

‘Are you going to scold Wei-qianbei for what he did?’

‘No, but I wish to have a conversation with him.’

‘Regarding the rules?’

‘Hmm… I wish to seek his knowledge. You know, scholars value knowledge and information. Be it supportive or contradictory to what one already knows. Think of it as an audit, Sizhui—a countercheck. One of the reasons why exchanges happen among sects is because we want to learn from others as much as we want them to learn from us. Young Master Wei had been beside and on the opposite side of the Lan sect before his resurrection. Imagine what he had experienced from our sect’s hand.’

 

Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi exchange glances. Teacher Ye had always been one of the less strict teachers that encouraged disciples to seek knowledge for themselves. Self-studies in Lǐngwù shūfáng are often headed by him and his friends.

 

‘Are you ready for what you are seeking, Master?’

‘Learning something new—something unprecedented—is similar to a hunt, Jingyi. You’ll never know what you’ll find. It could be overwhelming or underwhelming. But the joy of it is you won’t be exactly the same as before since you learned something different.’

 

The conversation dies down, but both youngsters look optimistic.

 

 

 

They reach the library, and Teacher Ye lets himself be led to a corner where Wei Wuxian had three books open and papers scattered on the table and the floor.

‘Good afternoon, Young Master Wei.’

 

Wei Wuxian looks up to see an elder along with A’Yuan and Yi’er greeting him. He stands and greets them back with a bow. He then tidies the papers and books before offering them a seat.

‘This one greets Elder Lan. May I know why you are here?’

‘In the library or in front of you, Young Master Wei?’

 

Wei Wuxian looks at the elder. He had a quirk in his eyes, lips lightly turned down as though holding off his smile. Then, Yi’er’s snicker catches Wei Wuxian’s attention.

This child, really.

 

‘Well, this one means no offense, but in front of me, I'd say.’

‘This old master has come to invite you for a discussion. I would like to hear more of your earlier statements in the corridor this morning.’

‘A discussion, you say, ah? Would you like to know the actions I've seen the Lan sect cultivators do that violated your sect rules?’

‘Yes, however, it is not only this teacher who would like to hear. A disciple has come to me with a request. Other disciples want to sit in as well. ‘A learning moment,’ they say.’

 

Wei Wuxian can’t help but click his tongue. Are the Lans really going to keep an open mind?

He is not surprised people are intrigued by what he could unleash but didn’t think they’d come to him so soon, and in a quite diplomatic manner too.

 

‘Wei-qianbei, would you consider it? Sizhui and I would join as well if you agree.’

 

A’Yuan elbows Yi’er for cutting in.

 

Lan Sizhui speaks with his eyes. Is it not essentially pushing Wei-qianbei into making a decision?

Lan Jingyi replies with his own. Persuasion. Not coercion.

 

‘Well, if I agree, how are we going to do this?’

‘This old master could arrange a classroom for us. I’ll have students prepare the classroom I use for facilitating self-study.’

‘Alright, but on one condition.’

‘Yes?’

‘I will not permit disciples who skipped their lessons or shirked their responsibilities to attend. They will be turned away. Immediately.’

 

The elder laughs at a volume reasonable for a Lan.

Oh, this boy. How different is he from before?

 

‘This old master agrees. I will personally receive them by the door, and I will choose if they are allowed or not to join.’

 

Teacher Ye turns to Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi.

‘Sizhui, please inform Disciple Lan Xiaolian to arrange Lǐngwù shūfáng. No tables, just seats.’

‘Jingyi, please inform Disciple Qin Yongrui to gather people who would want to sit in for this event.’

 

The disciples stand and bow before leaving to carry out their tasks.

 

‘Young Master Wei, do you know the way to Lǐngwù shūfáng?’

‘Is it the study before the room where we did lessons during the exchange?’

‘Ah, no. Lǐngwù shūfáng is at the very end of that side. The study you are thinking of is Qǐméng.’

‘Getting there would not be a problem then. I just need to walk a little farther down the hallway.’

‘Very well, see you in half a shichen.’

 

Before he left, Teacher Ye Ling voiced his private thoughts.

'I taught you before when you were here, and I knew that you were good. I still think that you are good. It would have done you well were you a little humble back then; however, you did have genius worthy of praise. By the end of this private discussion, I wish we could figure out why things have gone down the way they did. And if the Lan sect had a role in this, I sincerely apologize.'

Chapter 8: Non Disclosure Agreement by Teacher Ye Ling and Wei Wuxian

Summary:

Before anything happens, we make sure that this is a closed discussion. Although no contracts are signed, it is their dignity as humans and Lan cultivators that is on the line. They sign by principle alone.

Notes:

Not beta read.

It is only right to notify the love of your life before entering something you think might not end well. It is better to make sure that you tell them to fetch you at a reasonable time.

One more right turn and Wei Wuxian will be walking down the hall to the Lǐngwù shūfáng. Almost half of a shichen had already passed, but he was just beginning to feel a little regretful.

 

Earlier, Wei Wuxian was feeling so confident. No, he wouldn’t have trouble listing violations. It is, however, the events that led to said infractions that make him hollow. He expects that his audience will be composed of junior and senior disciples.

Senior disciples who lived through the war, the battles after the war, and a time he did not get to live. Junior disciples, on the other hand, some of them might be born during or after the war. Youngsters who did not have to live through a variety of horrors.

He’d have to tell them parts of his life he has kept from most. Only then, perhaps, may they understand the errors of the ways of the generations ahead of them.

 

The elder master who spoke to him earlier in the library awaits by the door. He tried to recall his name, but he could not remember who he was.

‘This one greets Elder Lan. May this one inquire about the arrangements? Are we prepared for the discussion? ’

‘Teacher Ye Ling receives Young Master Wei. We are done, and most participants have already settled inside. We are just waiting on you and a few elders.’

‘Elders? You’ve invited them? … and they did breathe fire and smoke in your or your disciple’s face?’

 

Teacher Ye Ling chuckles.

‘Contrary to the roaming rumors, all those who reside here are of human descent. Dragons may have once lived in these sacred mountains, but no dragons or dragon shifters have existed in the sect.’

‘Ha! I like you!’

‘It is nice to have someone enjoy my humor. Also, yes, we have extended the invitation to the elders. Healer Qiu and Master An have declined, but my colleagues, Master Qiren, and a few of his cohorts will be attending. A total of ten elders, including myself.’

‘Oh wow, I didn’t know that you were quite popular, Master Ye.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling looks at him inquisitively.

‘I will help you facilitate this talk; however, it would be beneficial if it were only you who spoke.’

‘Well, will you hold them off if they try to bite my head off?’

‘I will, though I hope we will not reach such a point. We are civilized people, after all. I’m sure we could talk it out.’

 

Wei Wuxian’s eyebrows raise at the last comment.

Oh, but I have tried. I have tried that numerous times. Look where that got me.

‘Well, I should hope that they would listen to you. I know they won’t hear me reprimand them.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling looks behind Wei Wuxian, and here comes the last of the bunch. Lan Qiren (grandmaster of the sect), Lan Fengyun (master of discipline), Chu FangAn (head of records), and Lan Meiyi (head librarian).

Wei Wuxian bows a little deeper before the elders, who mainly consist of the Lan sect’s head council. On the levels of hierarchy, the council sits below the clan leader and slightly under the sect heirs. They are the leading advisors of their generation and now lead and train the ones after them.

 

Looks like I will be grilled. Ha, Lan Zhan… Lan Zhan… I only wanted to defend your honor. I’m finished, ah!

 

Teacher Ye Ling leads them inside, but before Wei Wuxian goes, he sends a message through a talisman to let Lan Zhan know what he has gotten himself into.

 

Disciples stand to greet the elders and make way for them to get to their assigned places. There were a total of thirty-three attendees, and Wei Wuxian is the thirty-fourth person in the room.

His seat was set by the head table, while the remaining seats were segregated into halves. On the right side were the senior disciples, Teacher Ye, Lan Qiren, and the council members. On the other side were the junior disciples and Teacher Ye’s other five colleagues—most of whom are already retired teachers like Master An.

The seats are also arranged with the elders at the back and disciples at the front. Such positioning did not fail to make Wei Wuxian feel like he was an apprentice being tested to see if he was ready to teach.

 

Oh, dear heavens above. May my beloved family members look over me.

 

Teacher Ye stands on Lan Qiren’s left side.

‘Before we commence this meeting, I would like to lay a few ground rules. I have come to Young Master Wei with the intent to hear his side of events. For the most part, he will be the one speaking, and only when he is finished will I allow questions or clarifications. I will not allow you to cut him off. Should you commit such an action while he is speaking, there are three options available for us. First, Young Master Wei will pause from speaking, and you will be reprimanded. He will only continue once you settle down. Second, depending on severity, you might be removed from the room. And lastly, Young Master Wei has the freedom to stop and leave if he wants.’

‘I appreciate your precautionary measures, Master Ye. This one is grateful.’

‘Hmm… we have asked for this. It is only natural to be considerate and accommodating.’

 

Wei Wuxian stands in front of them.

‘That being said, I have rules of my own. In this discussion, first and foremost, I require great discretion. What I will divulge may be unsavory, gory, and incredibly sensitive. I am not telling to you to keep it a secret; I just want you to not talk about it casually with anyone outside this room. If you cannot swear to that, please leave now. Second, keep an open mind. Do not claim that I am lying just because what I say goes against what you know. I take great offense at such actions. None of you were there to witness what I saw of how things had gone. Do not claim something you have no idea about.’

 

From where he is, he could already see red. Red cheeks, red ears. Even Lan Qiren is red.

‘Third, I decide which I will share. There are things and matters you are not privy to that play a great role in the past. There are many core points that led me to where I was, where I am, and perhaps where I will be. Lastly, I may be imparting information regarding my cultivation. That is not to say that I will be teaching you how to do it, only some nature of it. Now, once again, would any of you like to leave this room?’

 

Wei Wuxian sees a female disciple begin to rise but sit once again. He raises his eyebrow, and he gestures with his hand to the door.

‘Anyone? Not even one??’

 

He is amazed.

Not one left in the end; even Lan Qiren stays.

 

Teacher Ye takes his seat and says.

‘You may begin.’

Notes:

Surprise! We make sure this pair of husbands match!

 

Perhaps a reader: Were any of these elders among the thirty-three that Lan Wangji fought, and later was punished for injuring?

Writer: Yes, they were. Among the ten attending elders, only Teacher Ye and two of his colleagues were not included in the thirty-three. Simply put, all seven remaining elders are finally going to see the other side of the coin. If anything, this experience will be more intimate for them.

Chapter 9: Gusu Lan Days - Food

Summary:

Going down the memory lane: Gusu Lan Disciple Exchange Days.

Issue no.1 is all about food and the things connected to it.

Notes:

Not beta read.
Excessive appearance of commas. Please excuse that for now; I will work more to improve my writing.

Words from the mouth of a person who suffered after going through various diets without prior consultation or guidance from doctors or other medical professionals:
- Suddenly removing a food group from your original diet is crash dieting, and it can starve you/your body.
- Eating balanced and nutritious food is the way to live life.
- A vegetarian diet is not inherently bad, nor is it the divine way.
- Consult professionals first.

‘Alright, so… where to start first, ha? From the very beginning? It sounds just right, don’t you think?’

‘Alright, let’s begin from when I was a guest student here. Just to set the connections and relationships between individuals.’

 

Wei Wuxian purposefully pauses, and just like he thought.

 

‘Wait?! That far back?’

‘Yes, guniang. That far back.’

‘But, I’m only sixteen! Hanguang-jun is just thirty-seven years old. How far back is that?!’

‘Twenty or twenty-plus years ago? When Hanguang-jun and I were just fifteen, and for that same exact reason, please do not interrupt again.’

‘This one apologizes for her outburst. Apologies, everyone, Wei-qianbei.’

 

Wei Wuxian nods at Shao Huian in acknowledgement. He moves and sits comfortably in a simple lotus position.

‘We came here years ago to join Gusu Lan’s disciple exchange. Back then, our group of Jiang disciples was denied entry by Hanguang-jun and the other disciples manning the entrance because we misplaced and forgot our invitation in the inn we stayed at. It was our mistake. We tried to ask for some leniency, but alas, Hanguang-jun was as rigid as your wall of rules. My then-shidi, today’s current Jiang sect leader, Jiang Wanyin, sent me back to retrieve our invitation after failing to negotiate with Hanguang-jun.’

‘If you think that’s why Lan Zhan has his eyes on me, you’d be wrong. No, no… When I came back with our invitation and a couple of prized jars of Emperor’s Smile, everyone was already gone and the wards were up. I made a stupid decision. I broke through the wards, came in, and landed on the roof, where I was caught by Lan Zhan. Additionally, we fought that night. Of course, I was sent to receive punishment, and so I served it, along with him, because he fought too.’

‘Ah, I really wasn’t the type of person you’d want here. I was full of energy and unbridled thoughts. It doesn’t really bode too well. I was setting myself up to be on your radar by doing such things. For that, I apologize for disregarding your well-meaning words back then. I do acknowledge that I was conceited and was disrespectful and inconsiderate toward my hosts.’

‘Now, the offenses or violations by Lan cultivators slowly began trickling in. These things always start small, and they pile up.’

‘The first few were related to food, especially with regard to meat. It is widely known that Lans consume mostly vegetarian meals and that meat consumption within Cloud Recesses is not allowed. We knew what we were signing up for before we came here. However, we were going hungry during the exchange.’

 

From his line of sight, Wei Wuxian sees A-Yuan, Yi’er, and other familiar-looking faces perk up at the mention of meat and going hungry. He doesn’t miss the exchange of glances between his kids.

‘Not many subscribe to your tradition of not consuming meat. With one of our bodies' main sources for fuel gone, we were feeling sluggish, waking in the middle of the night, starving, and extra drained due to a lot of walking, climbing up and down, and training.’

‘Meditating to divert attention from hunger is not as helpful to us compared to you, Lans, who are more adapted to it. Meditation is also not the most apt solution. Cultivators who practice inedia are capable of sustaining themselves with just their cultivation, and that wasn’t us. Relying solely on our core during such times can lead to either advancement or regression. We ought to eat balanced and nutritious meals.’

 

Wei Wuxian internally wonders if the junior disciples had overcome feeling the same hunger or if they were still feeling it.

‘It is one thing not being able to cater to your guests' needs. It is another to fail to address and properly guide us on how to navigate around them as our hosts. Hearing comments and opinions, whether spoken at the right volume or whispered, is another separate matter as well.’

 

Senior disciples continue to mask their reactions, but some still raise their eyebrows as he lists actions their seniors have committed.

‘Lack of compassion and consideration. Not tending to others’ health. Gossiping. Criticizing people who voice out or complain about hunger. Talking about them behind their backs and in their faces. Not trying to understand their perspective. Insisting on enforcing physically rigorous punishments such as running more than the typical ten laps, additional sword forms and/or flying practice, and handstands on tired but perceived as lazy students.’

 

The reddening of faces begins again. Wei Wuxian pauses for a while to take a breath.

I am just at the beginning. Please stay strong… enough.

Notes:

Vegetarianism or veganism is not being demonized. The focus should be the Lans' failure to address health problems and how their perception can limit their ability to empathize with people who have different constitutions.

Serious planning should always be involved when subscribing to diets where substitutions will be needed or are a must.

Chapter 10: 3 Questions/Statements from the Lan audience

Summary:

Filler Lan audience participation.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Wei Wuxian nods at Teacher Ye to signal that he will entertain questions.

‘Very well, for the time being this old master will allow three questions or statements that Young Master Wei will answer or elaborate on.’

 

One senior disciple named Lan Yongqi raises his hand.

‘I was just seven when I first saw Young Master Wei during the exchange. Although it seems that Wei-qianbei is more self-aware now, why did you act the way you did back then? You’re educated, so why the lack of propriety?’

 

Wei Wuxian smiles. A bit slighted but not offensive.

‘Yes, as I have said, I was full of energy and thoughts. Experimenting and inventing are my favorite activities. Gusu Lan was new to me, and I wanted to explore. Your thousands of rules seemed too suffocating, and I wished to explore the boundaries of what is allowed, excusable, or has some leeway and what is absolutely prohibited. They tell us the rules but not the premise of the rules. And I took that as a blanket permission for personal interpretation.’

‘Please give examples.’

‘Hmm... Eating chicken or beef jerky and drinking alcohol outside the gates. There's no infraction there, as the regulations are enforced within the sect premises. As in inside the compounds enclosed by the walls and gates, not in the stairs or surrounding parts of the mountains.'

'Smiling all day, but I am not smiling or grinning foolishly, and I have a reason to smile and keep smiling. Would that be a violation? What about chastising oneself? Is it considered exercising self-discipline, or does it break being kind, loving, and respectful to oneself? It can get confusing, even more so when you are experiencing doubts or being of two minds.’

‘Thank you, Wei-qianbei.’

 

Teacher Ye calls for Lan Sizhui.

‘If the teachers failed to advise cultivators dealing with hunger… how did you manage? Who did you go to, and who helped you?

 

Wei Wuxian smiles bitterly.

‘Unfortunately, I did not get to finish the exchange, so what I know is limited. While I was here, we ate a lot when we went to town. We also had brought in some small snacks that we could nibble on at night. We sought help from the healer’s pavilion for a prescription to deal with stomach pains. Later I found out that some of our Jiang disciples asked permission to use the kitchens, which they were allowed under supervision.’

‘Thank you, Wei-qianbei’

 

Wei Wuxian nods, and boy, we are sure going to get back on this later.

 

Teacher Ye addresses his colleague, Lan Meihui, a former teacher of etiquette.

‘Are you insinuating that we are not feeding our disciples enough?’

 

Okay, Wei Wuxian knows provocation when he sees one. It is not even veiled in the slightest.

‘No, what I am saying is that there are differences between locals and nonlocals. We could not acclimate immediately to the culture. We were going through a kind of shock that left our bodies fatigued. Instead of helping, you penalized us.’

‘What do you suggest then? Let guest disciples break our rules when they, in your own words, knew what they signed up for?’

‘No. But if you value the rules more than the health and safety of cultivators, then learn how to address and solve the repercussions. Be more attentive. Do more health checks. Even improve your choices of punishment; don’t just stick to physical ones or copying rules.’

 

Lan Qiren, sour as a lemon, clears his throat.

‘I will see to it that this matter will be addressed properly. We will coordinate with the chefs and healers for their input to further improve our care. We will find a way to improve the meals and dishes served. Not just for guests but for our own as well, especially the children and adolescents.’

 

Junior disciples exchange smiles; some of them elbow each other so they could all turn and thank the old man. The senior disciples do it as well. Now, it’s not just Lan Qiren who is sour but Lan Meihui too.

 

Wei Wuxian bows his head slightly as thanks.

Ah, see. Just how desensitized are the elder Lans if they did not expect how happy their disciples would be for a better menu?

We are off to a good start, I’d say.

 

‘Let’s move to your teaching methods next.’

 

Chapter 11: Gusu Lan Days - Learning

Summary:

Imagine going to a popular boarding school only to find out that they are slightly overrated. Times change, so maybe things are not on par with how they were before.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Chapter reference is the donghua adaptation.

Notes:
- Great sects arranged from oldest to youngest (not official, just an answer I got from perplexity ai): Lan sect, Jiang sect, Nie Sect, Wen Sect, Jin sect.
- As I understand it, sect territories and neighboring regions are inhabited by civilians. So, it's not impossible for other regions to have different forms of government. Kings and emperors could definitely coexist with them.
- 怨气 (yuànqì): Meaning "grievance" or "resentment". What Wei Wuxian exactly called for under the water in Biling Lake.

'Gusu Lan is renowned for being a sect of intellects. Your prized library is said to be one of a kind. It is the oldest one to exist that holds information and knowledge that is both protected from and shared with the world. From what this one knows, even civilian and imperial scholars seek their guidance, and the Gusu Lan disciple exchanges are highly anticipated.’

‘When we came here, however, we realized that the academics are structured in levels. Mastery takes priority over curiosity.’

‘This teaching style clashes with the Jiang learning style. In the Jiang sect, once we have covered and mastered the basics, we are free to pursue other subjects. If a teacher finds that a disciple’s skills are lacking, then we would focus on improving to fulfill the prerequisites.’

‘For example, there are talismans taught at the primary level. These could be simple protection talismans, heating and cooling talismans, and signal flares. All of which are useful and essential for both cultivators and civilians.’

‘If we chose to explore stronger protection talismans like those sewn in clothes or ribbons, then we would seek our talisman masters and embroidery teachers to learn parts unknown to us.’

At the back in the farthest seat, an elder rolls his eyes.

Chu Wenlai scoffs at Wei Wuxian’s words. Hmph, so what if that’s how things are done in Yunmeng Jiang? For someone who had defected, Wei Wuxian never misses an opportunity to toot their horn.

 

‘Here in Gusu, you go by attaining mastery to clear levels of subjects and topics. For example, when I was curious about the tracking talismans sewn in your ribbons. I loved the idea. Imagine how helpful it would be to be able to locate lost disciples who, let's say, are with low supplies and do not possess signal flares. However, I was not allowed access to those books because I was just a junior disciple. The level of those books is for senior disciples and those who have mastery of both talisman-making and embroidery.

‘By comparison, at the very least, Jiang disciples are allowed access to information. Our curiosities become our goals. Our development is motivated by what we want to achieve. Here, you are obstructed and discouraged from going out of the prescribed way.’

 

Chu Wenlai whispers to his neighbor, Lan Ming.

‘What is so bad with retaining information from disciples? We all know how uncivilized they can be. They act as though they discovered something new themselves. They should be looking up to us instead of raising their heads high arrogantly.’

 

Lan Ming says nothing as she listens to Wei Wuxian’s following words.

‘Some of the disciples during my time experienced bottlenecks (stagnation) because they haven’t reached the ‘Lan-appointed mastery’. Tutoring services or group discussions are limited, and mostly self-study is encouraged.’

 

Lan Ming nods her head to Chu Wenlai.

‘Maybe that. The number of disciples experiencing bottlenecks. The number of unmotivated, burnt-out learners that attend lessons unprepared because they fear being kicked out from the sect or the exchange. Do you remember how many students like that we dealt with?’

 

Chu Wenlai just clears his throat. 

 

 

Wei Wuxian notices Chu FangAn scribbling notes on a thick, talisman-sized booklet. His eyes scan vigilantly for the number of people writing on papers and booklets. Among the thirty-three, only eight attendees were taking notes.

 

I’ll make sure to address this later before the end.

 

‘Aside from that, teachers do not entertain questions they deem not relevant to the topics at hand. That, in particular, is counterproductive to the aim of the exchange. Students must be guided by people with superior wisdom rather than exploring unknown subjects all on their own.’

‘Master Qiren threw a book at me after my question about utilizing resentful energy. During that time, it was just an academic inquiry, which he, as a teacher and instructor, should have answered from an academic perspective. It should not have been met with rebuke or taken as an insult to the righteous path.’

 

Lan Qiren stands. While Lan Fengyun tried to stop him by the hand, Lan Qiren loudly exclaimed.

‘YOU DARE? AND SEE WHERE IT GOT YOU? WHERE IT GOT US OR WANGJI?’

 

Teacher Ye admonishes him.

‘Old Master, please stand down. I can have you removed if you cannot take this much. We are only in the second segment.’

 

Wei Wuxian shakes his head.

‘It was just an example. I mean no disrespect. We will get to the 'why' and 'how' of my cultivation later. I’ll also have you know that the first time I ever used resentful energy is here in your domain. Do you remember when Lan Xichen let us join the water spirits mission in the Biling Lake? I resorted to using resentful energy to save myself after being pulled underwater by the aqua demon. ’

 

Everyone’s mouths slightly drop because what do you mean you learned calling resentful energy here in Gusu? Is this where everything began?

 

‘And stop criticizing Lan Zhan. You, of all people, would know how Lan Zhan openly opposed my cultivation. Lan Zhan only stopped badgering me after he learned my reasons and circumstances.’

 

Lan Qiren gritted his teeth before he begrudgingly sat down.

 

‘On the last part regarding punishment, no actual evaluation is done on students to determine whether they truly learned or what they learned after they carried it out. Because if they did, they’d know how I still do not remember a lot of the rules even after copying them a lot of times. It’s just a matter of muscle memory. You can write it down without actually having enough understanding. It is also why I did not know the true importance of your forehead ribbons.’

 

Lan Meihui and Lan Qiren choke. Lan Meiyi gasps, horrified, on the other hand. The disciples exchange worried glances.

 

Wei Wuxian looks at the elders weirdly as well but chooses to continue speaking.

‘In summary, there is a degree of negligence in teaching, which leads to stagnation or a lack of growth; a pridefulness in their accumulated wisdom; and an unfair treatment of guest disciples.’

Notes:

No updates during the weekends.

See you next week and I wish you a very enjoyable weekend.

Chapter 12: Gusu Lan Days - Learning - Spilling Tea

Summary:

Things to mention if you want Lan Elders to qi deviate:
- resentful energy
- your teaching method kinda suck
- (most of) your teachers SUCK at TEACHING
- (eloquently or brashly insinuate that) you failed your ancestors

Notes:

Not beta read.

Donghua version is going to be the main reference for most of the story. Other versions remain tagged because I double check in the fandom wiki which also refers to different adaptations.

Yu Ziyuan is addressed as Madam Jiang somewhere down there.

Sure, Yu-furen, or Madam Yu, is her preferred address, but legally and formally she is Yu Ziyuan, wife of Sect Leader Jiang Fengmian and madam of the Jiang clan and the Yunmeng Jiang sect.

After Wei Wuxian said the rules that were broken, Lan Qiren raised his hand.

‘Elaborate… no… tell us everything about your usage of resentful energy while you were here.’

‘After the mission in Biling Lake, Lan Zhan caught me once again with Emperor’s Smile. We had a repeat fight and a repeat of serving punishment. Lan Xichen pointed me to the Cold Springs to heal, where I found Lan Zhan.’

‘The fierce corpses kept in the Meditating Hall somehow got out. Lan Zhan and I had no weapons, so we decided to fight them off together. However, it didn’t take long before we separated. I was left running in the forest and fighting the corpses barehanded. One fierce corpse managed to come close and wounded me. The next moment I knew, my hand was in front of the corpse, siphoning its resentful energy. It swirled around my hand and my body and then got in my body through my open wounds. It didn’t dissipate until I touched Suibian, which Jiang Cheng brought when he came to my rescue.’

‘While I had the resentful energy, the corpse stopped and moved away from me; it only went feral again when I had to use spiritual energy again.’

‘It hurt when the resentful energy began to clash with my spiritual energy. My muscles throbbed while my veins felt like they had been set on fire. I experienced tremors in my sword hand. It was awful.’

 

Lan Jingyi raised his hand.

‘Then… even back then, Hanguang-jun and Sandu Shengshou already had an idea of what you could do with resentful energy?’

 

Wei Wuxian goes silent for a while as he remembers his promise that night to Jiang Cheng. It won’t happen again.

‘... Yes, that’s right. Being the ever dutiful shidi, Jiang Cheng was angry and concerned. He knew I’d be shunned once I dabbled with the dark arts again.’

 

Everyone sensed the melancholic tone of his answer and kindly did not probe the topic again.

 

Teacher Ye Ling clears his throat and redirects their attention.

‘I will call for one last comment or question. Please raise your hand.’

 

Chu Wenlai raises his hand before anyone else can.

 

Teacher Ye looks at Wei Wuxian hesitantly, but Wei Wuxian nods and addresses the old master himself.

‘Yes, Elder Lan?’

‘Do not take this the wrong way, but Gusu makes students copy books more than we enforce physical punishments. It is unlike the Jiang sect, run by the Violet Spider like a military base. She always ran your disciples ragged under her martial law. Is it not an exaggeration to praise the Jiang teaching way to high heavens?’

 

Teacher Ye Ling gapes at his colleague’s animosity. What happened to being peaceful when insulted?

 

Disciples grew alarmed as Wei Wuxian mightily glared at the elder.

 

‘The late madam Jiang only commanded us during physical and cultivation practice. Education of the arts, theories and concepts of cultivation, and other subjects are taught by others. What I said about our—Jiang's—teaching style was true. It can be viewed that the Jiang sect has two kinds of learning implementation, while Gusu Lan only has one and only one way to teach. Be it cultivation or academics.’

‘Ha, your show of filial piety is amusing. You can even emulate her expressions.’

 

Wei Wuxian growls.

 

‘Do. not. disrespect. members. of. my. family. Don’t bother opening your mouth if you are only going to spew trouble. Let them rest peacefully.’

Notes:

From my understanding, despite the kind of person Yu Ziyuan had been to Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian does not look at her in a very negative light.

The respect he has for her mainly comes from first, her being Jiang Wanyin and Jiang Yanli's mom; second, her being Jiang Fengmian's wife and his co-leader in governing Yunmeng Jiang; and lastly, her being his shizun, or martial master.

All things considered, Yu Ziyuan is under the 'Family' category.

Chapter 13: Rumors: Jiang or Wei?

Summary:

A long overdue press con statement.

'I, Wei Wuxian, am the son of ...'

Notes:

Not beta read.

I truly believe cultivation sects are better off with meritocracy than dynastic succession.

‘Yu Ziyuan’s venom surely has leaked into all three children of the Jiang family. Bring your head down, boy. There is no need for such sharpness here in Cloud Recesses.’

Chu Wenlai says slyly.

 

Wei Wuxian’s vein throbs in his forehead. He turns to Lan Qiren and addresses him with such seriousness that was only seen during critical times.

‘... Old Man Lan, would you really just stand by and let your fellow elder drag our names through the mud?’

 

Lan Qiren and Lan Fengyun, the master of discipline, both look annoyed, but he knows not at him but rather at the smug Chu Wenlai.

‘Nothing to say, old man? Nothing to defend your—Gusu Lan’s—sect’s perished allies?’

‘Well, if you don’t, then I do.’

 

Wei Wuxian stands and walks toward the middle lane. He stops by the row of the young female cultivator that interrupted him earlier and looks at Chu Wenlai with such cold eyes.

‘It appears pretty apparent to me that you entertain rumors as opposed to the rules. But worry not. I. will. Educate. You.’

‘I, Wei Wuxian, am the son of Wei Changze, former deputy of Jiang Fengmian, and Cangse Sanren, a rogue cultivator and an immortal’s disciple.’

‘Jiang Yanli and Jiang Wanyin are the children of Jiang sect leader Jiang Fengmian and the Violet Spider, Yu Ziyuan.’

 

Wei Wuxian smiles at Chu Wenlai, who looks uneasy.

‘Contrary to the unsavory rumors that Sect leader Yao had been proclaiming, I am not a product of an affair. I am the perfect combination of my parents. I have my mother’s facial features, especially her smile, and personality. I have my father’s eyes, dark long hair, and preferences.’

‘Old man Lan can attest to that.’

 

Heads turn to Lan Qiren, who nods.

 

‘Of course, he would.’

 

Wei Wuxian eerily turns his head like a puppet on strings.

‘After all… you almost got them killed, right? My father, my mother, and Uncle Jiang. Surely, you would know how they look.’

 

Lan Qiren’s eyes widen as his own dark history is brought up. He looks at Wei Wuxian and sees the same look from the boy’s mother right before she unrepentantly cuts his beard.

 

Let this be a lesson. The world is different from your sheltered life. Your rules can cost someone’s life. It almost cost all of our lives—yours included.

 

‘However, let’s get back to you, Chu. Wen. Lai.’

 

Wei Wuxian is surprised. He has gone through a lot. Still, it turns out that he could still experience a different kind of anger.

 

‘I was a Jiang disciple, an outer disciple, as my father was not a member of the gentry or the Jiang clan. He was neither from the main family nor the branch families.’

‘He worked closely with Uncle Jiang as his deputy, as Jin Guangyao once had with Nie Mingjue, Wen Ruohan, and Jin Guangshan.’

 

The junior disciples wince. The senior ones bite the inside of their cheeks. The elders wonder how humiliated they are going to be.

 

‘Uncle Jiang appreciated my father’s work ethic and trusted him a lot. Wei Changze was an asset to the Jiang sect. When he left, although sad, Uncle Jiang was happy to relieve my father from his post to pursue the life he and my mother wanted.’

 

Chu Wenlai squirms in his place as the unhappy stares he was receiving were finally getting on his nerves.

 

‘Another role I had in the sect was being the head disciple. After following Wen Mao’s changes, the role of the head disciple usually fell on the sect heirs’ shoulders. I admit that might have a role in empowering rumors; however, in the Jiang sect, we still used the same old way of picking from the ones with the best or strongest cultivation.’

‘I fought with disciples that were much older and more experienced than me. I managed to come out triumphant. Uncle Jiang wanted Jiang Cheng on an intensive sect heir training. He saw no reason why Jiang Cheng’s obligations should be coupled with being the head disciple.'

'In the Jiang sect, sect heirs inherit the Lotus Throne. Sect heirs must come from the main or branch families. Head disciples of the Jiang sect do not become sect heirs.’

 

Chu Wenlai stands with whatever is left of his dignity.

‘Fine, alright! So you are not Jiang Fengmian’s son! This is enough! This topic can be dropped!’

 

Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes before turning his back and returning to his seat.

 

He walked slowly; each of his steps was heavy.

 

Let him stand. That’s what you get from being a miserable prick of an old man.

 

‘No, we will not stop. This needs to be addressed. Rumors are so rampant. There are so many versions. When people are left to their own devices, they somehow begin to believe that these rumors are true or are the truth.

 

Wei Wuxian sits as Chu Wenlai continues to stand ramrod straight.

‘Moving on. If you’re wondering why I was raised with Uncle Jiang’s kids. One, our relationship is uncle-and-nephew or godfather-and-godson. Two, I was their playmate. Three, my father’s property was outside, near the quieter side of town. Uncle Jiang had the deed remade under my name. Four, the orphanage is literally on the far left side of the pier, and as a disciple, I am entitled to in-house lodgings.’

‘Jiang Yanli… she was kind… she was the warm touch that contrasts her mother’s powerful will. Jiang Cheng was strong even when he was still young. He was my staunch ally and mighty commander. Uncle Jiang was a good mentor when he was there.’

‘Do not fall for hearsay, old man.’

 

The nine Lan elders said nothing when Wei Wuxian arrogantly told Chu Wenlai.

‘I permit you to sit, elder.’

 

Chu Wenlai scoffs, flicks the sleeves of his robes in the face of the elder beside him, and walks straight out of the room.

 

Wei Wuxian clicks his tongue and looks at Lan Fengyun.

‘I expect him to be whipped for this. Talking down to me, my parents, and the Jiang family. Belittling my humble background. Disrespecting the dead. Disrespecting his sect’s perished allies. Disrespecting his sect’s current ally. Gossiping. Believing rumors. Twisting facts to present malicious ideas.’

 

Lan Fengyun does not nod but agrees nonetheless.

‘I will see to it myself. What he did was wrong on all sorts of levels. It is a shameful display coming from an elder.’

Notes:

I am currently busy with school admission matters, which is why I won’t be able to provide updates until mid-July. However, I plan to return at that time with a number of chapters. Until then, take care!

Chapter 14: Rumors: Jiang or Wei? - Family Focused

Summary:

Families are complicated and women are under pressure.

Notes:

Not beta read (and I am back early 👋)

This chapter delves into family politics as well as the strict expectations placed on women during this story's assumed era/period.

This is fictional, so perhaps there are things in here that are inaccurate and exaggerated. Tread lightly.

Just how far of a cleansing should we, as elders, do to ensure that the ones with authority in the sect are doing their jobs with justice?

Teacher Ye Ling spoke with a deep frown as he thought of Chu Wenlai.

‘The nature of this topic is both private and sensitive. I doubt there are any questions.’

 

Despite the redirection, a few hands still go up.

Teacher Ye Ling closes his eyes because what more do we need to know? But nevertheless, he looks at Wei Wuxian, who looks expectant, and then calls for Yu Chen, a senior disciple.

‘This one begs for the Yiling Patriarch's forgiveness for her presumption… Hearing it from you, it seems like the late Sect Leader Jiang and his wife had a failed relationship? Has someone gone astray from the marriage? Or did they have lovers outside?’

 

Lan Qiren shakes his head. This is beginning to feel like they were at tea, gossiping about other people’s families.

 

Most of the participants gasp, especially the etiquette teacher, while Wei Wuxian exclaims a loud ‘HA!’

‘Guniang, you should know better than to ask such a question.’

‘Which is why this one begs for forgiveness.’

‘You’re lucky you are dealing with me. Never speak of this in front of Jiang Wanyin. Ever. For even I will stand by if he chooses to discipline you himself. After this discussion, perish that thought from your mind.’

 

Yu Chen pales significantly before meekly speaking.

‘Yu Chen understands and heeds the Patriarch’s words. Please answer the question. This one’s intent was just to further understand the nature of their relationship and why there were rumors in the first place. I only hope their marriage isn’t like Jin Guangshan’s to Madam Jin.’

‘Learn to keep your nose out of such topics next time. Of course, unless you are directly involved.’

‘This one will. This one hopes the Patriarch will be lenient on her.’

 

Wei Wuxian, for the life of him, had never thought he’d encounter such a question.

‘Very well, the short answer is that there are no affairs or lovers outside. The long answer is there’s politics mixed in the matter.’

‘It is true that the late Jiang couple did not have a very happy marriage. Madam Yu thought Uncle Jiang was carrying the torch for my mother and never got over it.’

‘She already had her own… worries… even before I was brought in. I was nine when Uncle Jiang found me in Yiling. He brought me to the sect and had me join his family. I hope you understand that Uncle Jiang forced me upon her. That means her life, her family, her sect, and her domain.’

‘Uncle Jiang has committed an error to his wife and co-leader. He has undermined her as the lady of the house when he vehemently refused her insistence to put me in the orphanage or in the disciple’s quarters. Anywhere but the family quarters.’

‘Due to his firm decision about my presence in his family and sect, this created an opportunity for gossipmongers. An unnecessary vulnerability for her, as his wife and supposed lover, and for her children, especially her young son.’

‘Sect leader Yao poised speculations in front of her. He fed her insecurities with scandalous gossip. It was as though he was serving her deadly nightshade berries with deadly nightshade tea as refreshment.’

‘She acted impulsively and wounded the hearts of those who cared for her. Uncle Jiang never got to speak with her without a conversation turning to me or my mother. Jiang Cheng’s accomplishments never seemed to amount to anything for her just because she didn’t hear Uncle Jiang praise his heir. I was often harshly reprimanded and occasionally felt the sting of her whip. Shijie, who was left to tend to us—her younger brothers—was reprimanded for acting like a servant.’

 

Yu Chen bows her head in gratitude to Wei Wuxian as she thinks deeply.

It’s different but somehow the same. I was granted a more hopeful start compared to him.

 

Yu Chen is an orphan adopted by her paternal uncle, her father’s close cousin. Despite being formally adopted, she never got to call her aunt ‘mother,’ even though she had the right to. Her aunt never let an opportunity go by without reminding her that she was adopted and that the preferential treatment she was getting was because her uncle was once engaged to her mother.

She knows it's true; after all, the little mistress her uncle was keeping outside resembles her mother. It was a classic stand-in for the white moonlight.

Yu Chen knew that she could not stay long in their care. She was only eight when she persuaded her uncle to help her join the Lan sect. When he wouldn’t budge, she went to her aunt and offered the family’s properties that she was to inherit after getting married. Additionally, she let it be known that her dowry must be donated to the sect as a demonstration of her family's sincerity in seeking her recruitment.

Her aunt would never let such a good deal pass them by, so she worked. She whispered sweet things to her husband when he came to her room. She spoke of money, land, houses, and the glory of having a niece in a great sect, saying that their niece would owe them and would have no choice but to respond to their aid.

She told him that Yu Chen’s marriage would be out of their hands and that their own children’s dowries would grow bigger, hence increasing their chances to find better sons from better families. Her aunt even told her uncle that she’d let him keep some of Yu Chen’s mother’s old things to further persuade the man. That sealed the deal, and Yu Chen was finally sent to the Lan sect.

The Lan sect did not turn her away and thanked her uncle’s family with talismans for their generous aid. Yu Chen felt that they did not deserve the gifts, as she practically sold herself just to get away from said benefactors. However, she bit her tongue as the sect was clueless to her situation. What matters more is that she got away from her relatives, has a roof above her head, is fed, and will not have the pressure to marry or bear children at a young age.

 

Teacher Ye chose junior disciple Guo Jian next for the second comment.

‘As I understand, even though Madam Jiang is the co-leader of the sect, it still is the sect leader’s prerogative that is going to be the final decision. Please expound on how exactly Madam Jiang is undermined.’

‘This qianbei wishes to know how old you are, little Lan?’

‘This one just turned seventeen a few weeks ago.’

‘Hmm… then, you still haven’t reached this part of education yet, but that’s okay. It is a valid question.’

 

Guo Jian’s cheeks and ears grow hot.

‘Well, marriages and families are also politics. There are structures and divisions of authority.’

‘One division stems from their varying responsibilities. Fathers handle working and providing, while mothers handle childrearing and tending the house and family.’

‘Men must work diligently to earn a good amount of income. Their earnings go to their wives, who have to manage it. When men come home, they are to rest. Mostly they help with the hard, menial tasks around the house, but other than that, they are free. It’s the recompense they get from working long hours outside the house. Women, on the other hand, ensure that everything is in order. From the house to the food to the supplies to the children.’

‘The other division of authority lies with decision-making. There is a fine line between their powers. Men have authority to discipline as they are heads of the family, but it is the women who usually do the disciplining since they are the primary custodians. Most of the time, men have no say in childrearing. Women have the power over money but have little to no say in decision-making involving business.’

‘The only times when fathers have a say in their children’s care are when education and continuing the family’s legacy are involved. If fathers come from merchant families, they are responsible for teaching their children about trading. In scholarly families, fathers have a role in choosing the tutors or instructors who will educate their children. In families of artisans or skilled workers, they contribute to the development of the children's skills.’

‘The only time when mothers have a say in business is when expansion is involved. They work with their husbands to figure out how to possibly grow their treasury. Women have networks different from their husbands. I know that they have ins and outs in other people’s homes. These networks help them know people who they could benefit from, which they should avoid, and, most importantly, which they should make connections with through marriage.’

 

Wei Wuxian pauses and looks at Guo Jian, who is frowning.

‘But that seems like a life more typical to civilian families, Qianbei. Won’t our lives be different as cultivators?’

‘Not really, the structures still apply. After all, most of the existing sects are made up of their own clans. Recruitments aside, sects are just big family compounds where members of the family practice martial arts and cultivation.’

‘Understood, Qianbei. Please continue.’

 

‘Okay. When Uncle Jiang ignored Madam Yu about how to deal with me, he bypassed her authority. Madam Yu can’t reject me as the sect’s disciple because that falls under her husband’s authority. However, she can reject me joining the family, even just as a ward, because that decision lies with her, the lady of the house.’

‘To her I am not just a reminder of her husband’s possible affections for another woman. I am also a constant reminder of how there is a power imbalance between them as a couple.’

‘Oh, but surely there’s more to it. You spoke of her worries and insecurities a few times.’

 

Wei Wuxian nodded his head.

‘Correct! It is still connected to politics, but this pertains to the expectations poised on her as a wife and madam. Women face a unique set of pressures. Have you ever heard people blame women for their men’s mistakes or shortcomings?’

 

Backs straighten up and heads turn to steal glances. Most female cultivators clench their teeth. Of course, who hasn't?

Men cheat. Either their wives are prudes or not enthusiastic enough, or they are just horrible, so their husbands look elsewhere. It's their fault that they couldn't keep their husbands interested in them.

Men don’t get sons. Their wives weren’t doing it right. They didn’t use this or that position, and now they have daughters to feed.

Men lose money. Their wives are living beyond their means. Women are spendthrift and materialistic. Always desiring beautiful jewels, shiny hairpins, or luxurious clothing.

 

‘Madam Yu’s governance as the madam was not very well received. The elders also thought that she had not done her role right in terms of… providing heirs. Her firstborn child was a girl with a weak constitution and low cultivation. Her second child was a son who was trained early but was not as outstanding as other sect heirs. They compared how a street urchin—’

 

Wei Wuxian points at himself.

‘Like myself, who by class standing was the child of a servant, could be more talented or prodigious. I spent almost five years surviving the streets of Yiling. Why am I more skilled than a sect heir who was raised in the sect and provided with the best education the gentry has to offer?’

 

Guo Jian raises his hand once more.

‘So, they are disappointed in her? In her shortcomings? Some of which are things out of her hands?’

‘Yes, honestly, they consider her a bad deal, like they were losing out on better women.’

 

Wei Wuxian won’t deny it. He and the Jiang children heard a lot of whispered exchanges about it.

‘Madam Yu also heard some strongly worded opinions regarding her unpleasant attitude. We children overheard firsthand when members of her natal family came to warn her about the implications of getting divorced. Although Uncle Jiang never entertained such thoughts, it’s hard to ignore. It was a disgrace for a woman of her standing to be divorced. Her natal family made it clear that if such an event were to occur, she would be received at home with scorn.’

 

Male disciples looked at their shijies and shimeis. One day, if any of them married, they would face more or less this kind of pressure from their husbands and in-laws or, like Wei-qianbei said, their own natal families.

It is rare for female Lan disciples to marry out of the sect. If they were to marry out, they would have to leave the sect and stay in their husband’s home. It is also uncommon for a man to willingly leave his family, marry within the sect, and allow their child to bear either his wife's name or the Lan name. At the end of the day, it is most favorable for female Lan cultivators to marry inner or outer Lan male cultivators.

 

‘I hope this answers your inquiries, young Lan.’

‘This one expresses his gratitude for your answer, Wei-qianbei.’

Notes:

Regarding Yu Chen's dowry, here's my idea/context. In Chinese customs, donating a portion of a young lady's dowry is a symbolic act, representing prayers and wishes for blessings in her marriage and new life. In the story, Yu Chen is trying to join the Lan sect and is offering her entire dowry instead of just a part of it. The message essentially is, "Please accept her; we are entrusting her well-being to you, which also includes her future marriage prospects~. We have faith that you can find her a suitable match."

p.s.: If you do not like Madam Yu, I'm telling you now that she's going to appear in the next few chapters.

Chapter 15: Rumors: Jiang or Wei? - Wei Ying Focused

Summary:

Lan Yuzhe, who once listened to rumors and things told by elders, is starting OPERATION: DEBUNKING MYTHS.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Fact checking is very important. Let's see if there's any truth in these Yiling Patriarch rumors.

This chapter mentions Qiongqi Path and the abuse that the Wens experienced.

Lan Yuzhe’s raised hand catches Teacher Ye Ling’s attention, and he knows that this particular topic would be a lesson well learned by the disciple.

‘Lan Yuzhe, you may say your piece.’

‘This one thanks Master Ye. This one would like to ask the Yiling Patriarch about the truths in the rumors about him.’

 

Wei Wuxian smiles and gestures his hand towards Yuzhe.

‘Let’s hear it.’

 

Lan Yuzhe smiles sheepishly and makes a show of pulling out and unrolling a scroll listing rumors about him.

Wei Wuxian laughs at the hilarity of the gesture.

‘Rumors about you being a demon or having demon blood.’

‘False. There’s no truth to it. I am not a half-blood.’

 

‘Rumors about you selling your soul to a demon king or demons.’

‘False, no sale of my soul ever happened. The truth is, I asked the spirits in the Burial Mounds for help.’

 

‘Rumors about you stealing and debauching hundreds, if not thousands, of virgins.’

‘Hahaha, false. I flirt and flatter young ladies, but only for banter, asking for information, or asking for discounts on their products.’

 

‘Rumors about you kidnapping children.’

‘Haiya, no such thing. When I was in Yiling, I only played with the little ones. By keeping them entertained, their parents or siblings would be able to do their work without little ones buzzing around them. As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’

 

‘Rumors about you stealing Wen cultivators and building an army in the Burial Mounds.’

 

Wei Wuxian momentarily loses his easygoing nature.

It’s coming.

‘False. I saved Wen Qing’s family and village folks in Qiongqi Path. There were less than sixty of us in the mountains, and most of the settlers were civilians. Only Wen Qing, Wen Ning, and I were the cultivators. Wen Qing was a healer, and Wen Ning was his sister’s assistant. In a sense, Wen Qionglin can be considered a combatant, as he knew hand-to-hand combat, but his strength lay in his archery skills, which he mainly used for hunting. I raised fierce corpses to help with menial labor as well as protection from invading cultivators.’

 

‘Rumors about you using the Amulet to replace Wen Ruohan.’

‘False. I never saw myself becoming a leader. That was not the fate I was raised to fulfill. The rumors about me wanting to rule the world are false as well.’

‘When I realized the amulet’s unpredictability, I decided to break it. I managed to successfully destroy half of it after the bloodbath in Nightless City, but then the clans laid a siege on the Burial Mounds right before I could destroy the second half.’

 

Everyone sees the moment Wei Wuxian began to falter. He stands up and wrings his hands. They waited as he paced. They know there is more to come.

 

Wei Wuxian settles, staring outside the window of the study. With a slightly somber voice, he continues.

‘In the bloodbath in Nightless City, Shijie came and was attacked by a fierce corpse. I was mad, and so was Jiang Cheng. He was questioning my control over my power.’

‘I came to her, and when she told me to stop the fierce corpses, I did. We were at a standstill. Then some cultivator tried to kill me, and Shijie died protecting me—taking a sword for me.’

‘For a moment, I was even more disillusioned by spiritual, righteous cultivators. I was overcome with grief more than anger. They wanted the power more than I did. They wanted the glory of my death—of my defeat. It’s not entirely my fault; those people made their choice. I am not responsible for the consequences that followed. It’s natural in a fierce battle for people to die, get hurt, or get maimed. No one comes out unscathed, even me.’

 

Wei Wuxian looks at them.

‘Then Wei-qianbei didn’t purposefully use it to kill the people in that battle.’

‘No, not at all. I hated that people were just aimlessly killing and fighting left and right. But I wanted to feel some sort of pain. My shijie died; they deserve to feel even the slightest fraction of my pain. A bit sadistic, I know.’

 

Lan Yuzhe gulps but pushes through the looming storm.

‘Rumors about you… conspiring with the Wens or abandoning the Jiang clan for your mistress, Wen Qing.’

‘That’s the most absurd thing I’ve heard. There were rumors like that? It’s my first time hearing it. Anyway, that’s false; I owe Wen Qing and Wen Ning life debts.’

 

‘Wen Ning saved us. He found me and Jiang Cheng in hiding, both injured. He brought us to the supervisory office in Yiling, which Wen Qing governed. They hid and healed us. Jiang Cheng was in worse shape than I was. He was dying and in need of surgery. I pleaded and begged with Wen Qing. I told her that it’s what I would do for my younger brother. I knew she’d understand.’

‘Wen Qing and her people were rounded up in some area in Qishan. Cultivators previously made a pact to leave them alone, for they were innocent of Wen Ruohan’s treason. But then I found her in the streets, desperately searching for her brother. She told me that their newly established village had been destroyed by cultivators, and now she was seeking her brother. ’

 

‘We found her family in a labor camp in Qiongqi Path. The elderly, women, and children were mixed with prisoners of war. Everyone was being abused. Then we found an enormous pit where Wen Qing and I found Wen Ning and a bunch of others dead.’

‘I whistled, and Wen Ning rose from the pit. While the fierce corpses fought the cultivators, we moved the people out to the Burial Mounds. There weren’t a lot of Jin cultivators there. They were hurt, possibly killed, but not massacred as they claimed.’

 

‘Rumors about you cursing Jin Zixun with the Hundred Holes Curse?’

‘False, no truth in it at all. I had no rebound scars, and I couldn’t even remember him without anyone reminding me. To my knowledge, Jin Zixun did things that made me furious, so he probably thought I did it as revenge.’

‘Can you tell us more about that?’

 

Wei Wuxian raised his hands and started lifting each finger as he enumerated.

‘Let’s see… He criticized me for besting him in the Phoenix Mountain hunt. He criticized me for my cultivation. He criticized me for not using my sword and disregarding etiquette. He criticized me for being an orphan and being the son of a servant. He criticized the Jiang clan. He killed Wen Ning. He was going to brand a toddler and his grandmother with a Jin peony. Mind you, at that time, the kid had just turned two, and the granny was in her mid-sixties.’

 

A’Yuan looks like he was in pain, while Yi’er looks rightfully infuriated.

 

Ah, right. Yi’er knows about the Wens—mostly what A’Yuan remembers.

 

Wei Wuxian cringes for how he said things nonchalantly. 

Lan Yuzhe passively comments.

‘I think you have enough reason to enact revenge or recompense for how he acted towards you. Then, what about the rumors that you killed sect heir Jin Zixuan, your shijie’s husband?’

‘True—’

 

Wei Wuxian looks at A’Yuan and Yi’er with guilt. He closed his eyes before sighing.

‘I was invited by Shijie and Jin Zixuan to come for Jin Ling’s celebration. On my way there, once again in Qiongqi Path, I was ambushed by hundreds of cultivators, Lans included. Jin Zixuan’s cousin was accusing me of cursing him with the Hundred Holes curse. I told him it wasn’t me and that I am not capable of doing such a thing.’

‘He was angered beyond belief; he did not believe me. They attacked me, and I fought them along with Wen Ning. Soon after, Jin Zixuan came and told me to stand down. I asked him why not ask them to drop their weapons. The ghosts in the Qingqi Path spoke to me. How wrong I was to trust them. I was swayed and asked Jin Zixuan if he truly didn’t know about this, about what was waiting for me. He ignored me. I got angrier and lost control. Wen Ning ended up hurting Jin Zixuan. I had no doubts he was going to die. He was gravely injured.’

 

‘Jin Zixuan was a casualty of the situation and my misplaced anger. I did not know what to do, so Wen Qing and Wen Ning made that decision for me. They surrendered due to Lanling Jin’s missive. That they’ll forgive what happened in Qiongqi Path and Jin Zixun’s curse if they turn themselves in. Then the story goes to Qishan, where Jin Guangshan shouted for the death of the innocent Wen remnants, essentially breaking his own words.’

 

Lan Qiren frowns and thinks if sarcasm was how Wei Wuxian tried to talk with cultivators, then who would listen to him?

But then he catches himself and sighs. Even so, his message should have been heard and taken seriously, not dismissed.

 

Lan Yuzhe closes the scroll.

‘That would be all.’

‘Okay, let’s—’

‘Wei-qianbei, would you call yourself guilty?’

 

Wei Wuxian looks at Yuzhe, surprised, and answers.

‘I am. For many things, I am guilty. For others, I am not. Worry not, kid. I know my sins better than anyone else.’

‘This one is not worried at all. I just—I just find it incredible that Qianbei is not afraid to admit his faults.’

‘Because I made them. And what person would I be if I did not take the blame that is rightfully mine? Who will make up for it, if not me?’

 

Lan Yuzhe smiles meekly and bows deeply.

The elders gritted their teeth, fully aware of the injustices they had committed in the name of camaraderie, sect politics, and their own self-righteous attitudes.

 

Teacher Ye Ling clears his throat and orders Qin Yongrui to have refreshments brought in the room.

‘Let’s rest for a while. It has been a shichen. We can delve deeper later into the war and its aftermath.’

Chapter 16: Lingwu shufang to Ming Hall

Summary:

We are turning this from a class to an internal sect dialogue.

Notes:

Not beta read. Filler chapter.

After the refreshments had been served, the door opened, and a mixed group of more than ten elders and perhaps less than twenty disciples wished to enter the study.

 

One female elder spoke.

‘I heard that you refuse those who skipped responsibilities and schedules. We made sure to complete them first, while other activities that have not started yet have been put on hold until tomorrow. There’s more of us, and pardon my presumption, but I think we should move this discussion to a bigger hall.’

 

Lan Sizhui, Lan Jingyi, and a couple of their friends stood by the shocked Wei Wuxian.

 

Another male elder spoke.

‘We are ready for you, Young Master Wei. It’s about time your truth is heard.’

 

Wei Wuxian grits his teeth. His frowning brows do not deter the masses.

 

Teacher Ye Ling stands and says.

‘Be it as it may, if he is not ready, then you are putting him on the spot.’

 

A’Yuan holds Wei Wuxian’s hand.

‘Do not force yourself to do something you wouldn’t want to do, Wei-qianbei.’

 

Wei Wuxian grasps A’Yuan’s hand in return.

‘I feel no worry or fear, but I would be happier if Lan Zhan were here.’

 

He winks and grins cheekily at A’Yuan.

‘He’d shut them up real quick for me.’

 

Wei Wuxian taps Lan Sizhui’s shoulder with his other hand before addressing the newcomers.

‘Very well, however, I demand my husband’s presence in that hall.’

 

The female elder responds.

‘If that’s what you require, then so it shall happen.’

 

Wei Wuxian looks at the people in the study.

‘I’d have to trouble you to move to a different location. I apologize.’

 

‘No worries, Qianbei.’

‘Not your fault. Wei-qianbei.’

‘It is fine, Young Master Wei. It’s our fault, really.’

‘Don’t worry, Qianbei. Moving the refreshments is easy.’

 

 

 

They move to the renovated Ming hall, where they are received by a conclave.

 

Lan Jingyi’s mouth drops as rows and rows of Lan cultivators are already seated. Four, five, six… There are approximately two hundred fifty people here. I’ve never really seen so many of us in just one event.

 

Wei Wuxian’s Lan contingent greeted Lan Wangji, who was standing in the middle of the hall.

Lan Zhan greets them back, offers his hand to Wei Ying, and escorts him to their seats. He makes sure to look at A’Yuan and Yi’er as well. The two young disciples follow their seniors, while other original members of the discussion are guided to a section in the hall.

Wei Ying is seated in between Lan Zhan and A’Yuan, while Yi’Er sits beside A’Yuan.

 

Once everything has settled, Teacher Ye Ling stands and takes the lead.

‘While we were in Lingwu shufang, we made some ground rules that I expect everyone in here to abide by.’

'One, Young Master Wei, will do the talking. You are not to interrupt. Two, depending on the severity of your reaction, you can and will be escorted out. Three, Young Master Wei has the choice to get up and leave. He decides when the discussion ends.’

 

Wei Wuxian stands and lays out his own rules.

‘I have conditions of my own. If you can’t follow them, you are more than welcome to leave your seat.’

‘One, I require great discretion. This is a closed discussion. This is the first and last of its kind. I do not want anyone outside this room to be speaking of this lightly.’

‘Two, keep an open mind. Do not claim that I am lying. You have lost that right when your clan just took Lanling Jin’s words at face value instead of seeking the truth on your own. None of you were there to witness what I saw. You were always on the other side, keeping yourselves from getting involved.’

‘Three, I will allow taking notes for the sake of record keeping. However, none of it should be distributed. Our discussion will involve my cultivation, living and dead people, events of the Sunshot campaign, the following battles during peacetime, my death, and the recent events courtesy of Jin Guangyao.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling and Wei Wuxian speak together.

‘Whether you stay or leave, make the decision now.’

 

And just like in the study, everyone stays, but Wei Wuxian predicts that there must be some Chu Wenlais in here. He recognized Healer Qiu beside Master An on the left wing of the hall.

Teacher Ye Ling and Wei Wuxian sit.

 

Lan Wangji gives him a talisman that will amplify his voice throughout the hall even when he speaks at a regular volume. Protect Wei Ying’s voice.

 

‘We’ll go by the events in order. I will speak in segments so I can answer three people’s questions. If you have more questions, make sure to write them down, and I’ll go over them. Are we clear? I wish to hear your answer.’

 

Collectively, the Lans verbally answered yes.

Chapter 17: Archery – Wen Ning's Rescue

Summary:

Rise of the Wen sect's tyranny to Impending doom of Lotus Pier

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warning:
- violence
- Wen Chao's harassment
- mentioned death of Yunmeng residents
- mentioned burning of Cloud Recesses

‘Starting from the discussion conference in Qishan. I first met Wen Ning, courtesy name Qionglin, in a secluded spot practicing shooting arrows. He helped me find my way when I was lost around the grounds. We didn’t really talk much as we walked. He was quite timid.’

‘While disciples were lined up in the grounds, each sect leader was called and seated in a lower dais. Wen Ruohan and his son, Wen Chao, came and placed themselves higher and overlooking everyone.

‘Wen Chao then saw Wen Ning, his own cousin, and questioned why he was among the joining Wen disciples. I spoke for him and praised his archery. That man-child bullied Wen Ning into a demonstration and humiliated him when he missed. Even so, my actions caught Wen Chao’s attention.’

 

‘During the hunt, I followed Jiang Wanyin’s lead, traversing the trenches. We found evil spirit targets and chased them separately. Some time later, we came across Wen Chao and his lackey.’

‘Wen Chao managed to catch a few targets before he was eliminated. He aimed his bow to catch other targets, but Jiang Wanyin, an Ouyang disciple he met, and I—all three of us—reminded him of their own rules and that he was eliminated from the hunt.'

'He refused and claimed he was the rule. We criticized him, and then he set three arrows loose at the Ouyang disciple. Lan Zhan came, fired an arrow that saved the Ouyang guy’s life, and managed to kill an evil target in one swoop. Wen Chao walks out and leaves us alone.’

 

Wei Wuxian clears his throat and scratches the side of his temple.

‘Lan Zhan’s ribbon was crooked, and I tried to fix it for him.’

 

The murmurs begin, and Wei Wuxian just sighs. Somewhere in that hall, Lan Qiren rolls his eyes.

 

‘For clarification, at that time I did not remember the rules clearly. It did not really stick to me, and some time had already passed since the disciple exchange. Your clan rules were hazy to me.’

‘Moving on. As you'd expect, Lan Zhan got mad, took the ribbon, and left. Later, after the competition, I found out Lan Zhan left the hunting grounds immediately but still managed to place fourth.’

 

‘The hosts of the event lost and didn’t place. Humiliated, Wen Xu was ordered to burn the Lan Sect as a lesson. At the same time, the Wen sect has been working hard to annex neighboring clans and territories.’

 

‘A month later, I saw Lan Zhan in the Wen indoctrination camp. They demanded our swords, and when someone refused, they became well acquainted with the Core-Melting Hand. Wen Chao had their book of precepts distributed to each foreign disciple. We were forced to study and comply with it.’

 

Some people scoff at Qishan Wen's attitude. At least, the Lans did not hold people hostage.

 

‘The Wens rounded us up because Wen Chao wanted to night hunt on Mount Muxi. I saw Lan Zhan struggling with his leg and offered to carry him. Jiang Wanyin wanted me to stay put and keep my nose out of other people’s business, but I wasn’t going to let Lan Zhan walk while injured. He was my friend, after all.’

‘Lan Zhan turned down my offer, and then I heard Mianmian, a beautiful disciple from a small clan, getting harassed by that lecherous Wen Chao. Of course, I wasn’t going to let him get his way. I managed to lure him with erotic paintings, but really it was just the booklet he gave us.’

 

People shook their heads in disappointment and muttered under their breath about how simple yet despicable Wen Chao was.

 

‘The disciples soon found the cave, and now we’re all trying to capture this unknown creature by just following Wen Chao’s whims. His mistress wanted to use Mianmian as bait.’

 

Most people knew it was a tactic born from jealousy to get rid of the girl.

 

‘No one wanted to help Mianmian; otherwise, they’ll end up punished too. Perhaps due to his self-preservation, Su She was more than willing to sacrifice her, dragging her to the Wens. Lan Zhan’s disappointed in him, his own fellow Lan disciple, and blasted him to a corner.’

 

Heads shake as Su She is brought up. He was a dark mark in their clan. Not only did he betray the very core of those values they instilled in disciples, but he also did not give the sect some face. What was he thinking—pushing the girl to death instead of protecting her?

 

‘A fight ensued, and I turned the Wen’s own values at Wen Chao. He doesn’t recognize Wen Mao’s own words and accuses me of being preposterous. I crushed his ego as a Wen descendant and disciple. After all, when I brought up their own punishment, which was execution, he was scared of the thought.

‘I disarmed the second young master Wen and took and held up his sword against his neck. Unfortunately, the scrimmage woke the monster. It turned out to be the Xuanwu of Slaughter. The mistress surnamed Wang got ahold of Mianmian and was about to brand her with the sun crest.’

 

Wei Wuxian’s hand raised to his chest. Never mind that his sun crest scar wasn’t in this body; his soul carries the phantom feeling of his flesh getting burned.

'I took it for her. We all recognize the virtue of our bodies, but it's even more significant for women.’

 

Several people began to warm up to him. He was arrogant, sarcastic, and stubborn, but his heart was good. As far as the story goes, Wei Wuxian’s always been at the right. It would have helped if he had more self-preservation, though.

 

‘When the situation became life or death, Wen cultivators left and saved their hides. They blocked the entrance and kept us inside. Fortunately, Lan Zhan noticed the maple leaves in the water and guessed that perhaps there was another way out. Jiang Wanyin swam and found a hole big enough for us to get through.’

‘Instead of retreating immediately with the others, Su She took a bow and tried to shoot the turtle. Unfortunately, it hit me instead. My blood enticed the Xuanwu and made it even more erratic. Lan Zhan and I made a diversion while the disciples escaped.’

 

More people winced at the trouble his wound had caused. A wound made by their then-disciple.

 

‘We were both injured and without our swords. I trusted Jiang Wanyin will find help and rescue us, but we also cannot just wait. If we did, then perhaps they’d be bringing parts of our bodies home instead.’

‘For three days, Lan Zhan and I rested. On the fourth, we scaled the parameters. We already knew that the Xuanwu had a weak spot; we only needed a sword to pierce it with.’

‘We set a trap of guqin strings, then I dove and found a sword filled with resentful energy. It was a risk, but what choice did we have?’

 

The elders shook their heads at the mention of resentful energy.

 

‘Although I got the sword, the Xuanwu swallowed me whole. But that did not deter me. I took that as a chance, and from within I pierced the damn turtle with the sword. Outside, Lan Zhan powered the strings, and together, we beheaded the Xuanwu.’

 

Junior disciples were gasping as though they were listening to a bard. It would have been nice if it was just a made-up story and not history.

Chattering ensued as Wei Wuxian recounted parts none knew about apart from him and his husband.

 

‘At seventeen, they’ve managed to do such a feat.’

 

‘Wei-qianbei and Lan-shixiong are so outstanding. I’m proud to be from their generation.’

 

‘They were prides of their sects. Of course! They’re exceptional.’

‘Now, now… times have changed. Don’t put such pressure on our disciples.’

‘And why not? This is the standard of the great sects! Why shouldn’t we hold them up to it?’

‘Can you hear yourself!? Do you want to alarm people!?’

‘Ha! What nonsense!’

‘Think of it this way. The Wen clan and the Jin clan were all-powerful. If we raise and manage to produce such great disciples, then what if people look at us like we’ll try to take over our world!?’

‘Hmmp, it's not our fault that others still haven’t reached our level.’

‘Mind your tongue! Do you want people to wage war?’

‘They’re not strong enough to fight us. Waging war would be suicide.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling raises his voice.

‘Silence!’

 

The murmurs stop, and Wei Wuxian continues.

‘When I opened my eyes, Lan Zhan was hauling me from the water. He tried to keep me awake, but the next time I woke up, I was already back in my room in Lotus Pier, and Lan Zhan had returned to Cloud Recesses. Jiang Wanyin’s rescue was timely, even with the number of obstacles he encountered on the way. It was a feat.’

 

Lan Sizhui looks at his sect members, and so far, it looks like everything’s going well.

 

‘While Wen Chao was claiming our victory, I was being verbally ambushed in my sect. Jiang Wanyin wished that I would not stand out or get into so much trouble. Uncle Jiang commended me for being resolute and standing up to Wen Chao. In contrast, Madam Yu criticized my actions, arguing that they would place the Jiangs in Wen Ruohan's path and expose us to his wrath. ’

‘She wasn’t wrong. Next thing you know…’

 

Wei Wuxian clenched his jaw.

‘What came after was the destruction of our sect and the massacre of our people.’

‘Wen Chao’s mistress, surnamed Wang, came to Lotus Pier and held a young boy hostage. Under the pretense of shooting a kite with a red circle, she said that our youngest disciple implied shooting the sun—insulting the Wen clan.’

‘She also demanded that I be disciplined by Madam Yu. That woman insulted me, my parents, Uncle Jiang, and his family. I wasn’t going to stand by and was going to attack her. However, before I could even get close, I was hit by Zidian.’

‘Madam Yu then hit me another thirty-seven times.’

 

People began talking again, and Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes.

 

‘What? You got problems with how my madam disciplined me? Shut your mouth. Either way, it was both actual punishment and a show. Wang got smug and insisted my hand be cut off. Jiang Wanyin pleaded with his mother not to, but Wang acted as though my madam had already agreed. ’

 

Yi’er’s head whipped sideways so quickly they all heard a crack or crick of some sort.

 

‘Calm down—Madam Yu didn’t. She was brutish, but she wasn’t a lawless person.’

 

People exchanged glances—internally judging—but made no comments. After all, they have no jurisdiction on how others run their families.

 

‘The hussy praised how well the Jiangs can follow orders; she told Madam Yu about the supervisory offices. After that came a hell of a beating.’

 

A creepy and slightly sinister look came over his face.

‘Madam Yu slapped Wang repeatedly and dragged her across the floor when she attempted to escape. My madam stomped mightily on her arm for treating my hand as some trophy of Wen Chao.’

 

People regarded his proud expression with confusion, particularly the women. This is the same man who chivalrously rescued Mianmian, yet now he seems to take pride in the fact that his madam—who had just whipped him—was engaged in a fight with another admittedly vicious woman.

 

Wei Wuxian comes down from the tinge of happiness brought by the memory.

‘Wen Zhuliu barged in to protect Wang. The fight went on, and my madam protected me and Jiang Wanyin. While we were distracted, Wen Chao’s mistress sent a signal flare. Turns out, Wen Chao was just camping out nearby.’

‘When the protective barriers went up, disciples were divided. Some were to fight while the others were to evacuate anyone they could. Things went south when Wen Zhuliu attacked the people handling the barriers. Flaming arrows went our way, igniting roofs and killing our escaping folks.’

 

The Lans' silence was charged. That was us. That had been us.

 

‘Fights went on, and our madam was forced to evacuate me and Jiang Wanyin. She left Zidian to her son, sent us on a boat, and told us to meet Shijie in Meishan. I promised her I’d protect Jiang Wanyin—even at the cost of my life.’

Chapter 18: Archery – Wen Ning's Rescue - Only One Lan asked a Rational Question

Summary:

The Lan sect rules violations & the audience participation segment.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warning:
- violence
- Wen Chao's harassment
- mentioned death of Yunmeng residents
- mentioned burning of Cloud Recesses

Silence permeates the hall, but Wei Wuxian redirects their attention by mentioning violations.

‘Honestly, most offenses against the clan rules were attributed to Su She, right? I think we could all agree. What he did was wrong and unethical. Instead of protecting the weak, he aided the persecutors. That’s not upholding justice. Perhaps he was scared, but he could have done other things. He could have run, and I wouldn’t criticize him for it.’

 

No one disagrees with Wei Wuxian. It was clear as day. Su She, courtesy name Minshan, had been selfish and cowardly. Running away in the face of such danger is understandable, even the preferable action.

 

Wei Wuxian nods and gestures to Teacher Ye Ling. The old master nods and calls for Lan Anlu, a senior disciple.

‘Wei Wuxian! Jiang Wanyin and Madam Yu were right. You should have kept to yourself.’

 

Although elders nod in agreement, most disciples scrunched lightly at the incredulous remark.

 

‘That’s not the Jiang way. Our founder was a rogue cultivator who went to places that needed help. It was none of their business, but they still helped out of good will. Why don't you think about it? Tell me, what could have gone wrong if I laid low?’

 

Lan Anlu quietly thought and enumerated things that could have ended badly.

‘More disciples would have gotten hurt. That Mianmian would have surely died. Second young master Lan could have been killed. This—’

 

‘Go beyond that. If not for Lan Zhan and him helping people, would the other great sects be able to convince Wen victims to fight in Sunshot? I heard, you know. The great sects were struggling to recruit people.’

‘Also, imagine if Qishan Wen won. Sect heirs and disciples from other clans would have been at best used as pawns and at worst killed. Can you imagine living every day in terror? Can you live under Wen Ruohan’s regime today? Would you even be alive today?’

 

Teacher Ye Ling dismisses Lan Anlu and calls for Lan Chen, another senior disciple.

‘Why were you so happy thinking about the beating Madam Yu had given that woman surnamed Wang? Don’t you know how this comes across to women? Do you find joy in our pain?’

 

Wei Wuxian’s mouth gapes because that’s such a pointed question. Did she not hear how I treated Mianmian?

‘Lan-guniang, no offense to your contingent of ladies, but my joy was in my madam’s intentions. Yes, she whipped me. I deserved that as punishment for putting the Jiang sect in a precarious position. However, thirty-eight hits from Zidian should have killed me. But I was only injured and could have been healed normally in days or a week.’

‘What do you say then? That she has been merciful?’

‘Maybe? I had to give her a face, especially in front of foreign delegates. But when my safety was compromised, she did not abandon me and acted in revenge for me. Admittedly, it’s only once in a blue moon that she praises me or defends my honor. I can count them with my two hands.’

 

Members of the conclave winced at his reasoning. Only now do they see a child wanting and waiting for approval. It seems like Jiang Wanyin and Wei Wuxian were two sides of the same coin. One vies for Madam Yu’s approval, the other vies for Sect Leader Jiang’s praise.

 

Lan Chen persists.

‘But what of the violence?’

 

‘I’ll be honest with you. I wouldn’t earn my notorious reputation if I didn’t commit such cold-hearted violence during war. I can’t say I have never found enjoyment in others’ pain.'

'I felt accomplished and justified in my revenge on Wang, Wen Chao, Wen Zhuliu, and other Wen cultivators and soldiers. They all died in gruesome ways. However, it’s still clear to me where things end. Senseless violence and cruelty are barbaric. I wouldn’t find glee in that, regardless of the person’s gender and age. I’m not a tyrant.’

 

Lan Chen withdraws, and Teacher Ye Ling calls for Chu Rongshi, a talisman master and Chu Wenlai’s daughter.

‘Do you know what happened after in the Pier? And what of Sect Leader Jiang? Where was he when these all happened?’

 

Wei Wuxian nods.

‘Uncle Jiang went to retrieve our swords. It was a planned attack. They were clearly waiting for Uncle to leave before Wang was sent to the sect.’

 

Wei Wuxian’s hand trembled, and he couldn’t speak immediately after.

‘Jiang Cheng and I went back against Madam Yu’s wishes. We saw Uncle dead—pierced with a sword as he knelt on the ground. Madam Yu’s core was destroyed. We saw our sect siblings piled in a mountain of bodies. Hundreds, even thousands, of our residents were slain on the street, in their houses, and in other establishments. Men, women, young, and old—all gone. Those who were away from the sect were the only ones left alive.'

‘We managed to get away from the pier because Wen Ning was creating a diversion for us. Jiang Wanyin and I went on our way to Meishan.’

Chapter 19: On the way to Meishan - the Burial Mounds

Summary:

Alt title: We Never Reached Meishan

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- violence
- torture
- description of Wen cultivators' deaths

Wei Wuxian traces circles in Lan Zhan’s hand.

‘We stopped in a village during our journey. In the market, I saw the village people in front of a notice board. Pasted on it were illustrations of us—me, Jiang Wanyin, and Jiang Yanli.’

‘I noticed some Wens patrolling the streets and discreetly went back to the alley. I left Jiang Wanyin in a secluded alley to buy food. He was wearing purple robes, so I thought it would just catch the guards’ eyes.’

‘That was my mistake; I should have just bought him a cloak or other clothes.'

 

Younger disciples squirm in their place. They think they know what will happen next.

 

Those near Wei Wuxian could see how, perhaps right now, he was seeing the empty alley in the middle of the hall.

 

‘I came back to find no one there. I ran to the streets, looking for him, and a lady told me he ran away just after I left. There’s only one place he would go—home.’

 

A young maiden took out a handkerchief and discreetly wiped her fallen tears.

 

‘I went back to Lotus Pier and heard some disciples boasting how they caught my shidi.’

‘I went to the dungeons, killed the guards, and retrieved him. More disciples came when someone found the bodies. They chased us, but a hand grabbed my clothes and pulled me into a room.’

 

Someone gasped and closed their eyes tightly before getting hit by their neighbor. Said neighbor reminded him that these people were still alive. Upon realization, the junior disciple sat properly again.

 

Wei Wuxian continues reminiscing.

‘It was Wen Ning, but I didn’t recognize him. All I saw was his robes. That white robe… designed with flames at the hems and sleeves. I haven’t been kind and was in disbelief that he would save us. He did anyway.’

‘Wen Qing came blazing in the room. Slapped her timid brother’s back for harboring fugitives. I knew Wen Qing was one of Wen Ruohan’s trusted people. I grabbed and held a sword against Wen Ning’s neck, but he still pleaded for us.’

 

‘Wen Qing had us all transported to the supervisory office in Yiling, away from Wen Chao, who was staying in Lotus Pier. Jiang Wanyin woke up once, saw their robes, and scolded me for asking help from the very people who hurt us.’

‘That offended Wen Qing, who was healing us. She thought us ungrateful when they were putting themselves at risk. If anyone found out, they could have been labeled as traitors and executed.’

 

Unknown to many, most elders were already starting to see how complicated this could have panned out depending on the outcome of the Sunshot campaign. If they lost, these people could aid them, but the price would be their lives. When they won, these people should have been granted pardon.

 

‘She used an acupuncture needle to keep him sedated. My pride and dignity were things I disregarded. I begged and pleaded because Jiang Cheng was in need of intensive care and an operation.’

‘He was in such a dire state. His angry outburst did not help. Wen Qing had the skills, the techniques, and the supplies. I told her I knew she would also do this if things were opposite. I knew she would do anything for Wen Ning the same way I would for Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. In the end she agreed.’

 

‘Just as things were starting to look up, I was caught in the mountains. Fortunately, I say. That would not have implicated anyone, and they would have had to scour the mountains looking for Jiang Cheng.’

‘Wen Chao and people had their fun torturing me, but I vowed to come for him and Qishan Wen after my death. He was intimidated and decided what better way to get rid of me than to drop my battered body in the Burial Mounds.’

 

The hall was silent as they realized that Wen Chao was not just bragging about what he had done to Wei Wuxian. That man was heinous. He clearly inherited his father’s ways.

 

‘At that time, I was sure I was going to die.’

 

Lan Wangji shows clear devastation on his face at Wei Wuxian’s words. Lan Sizhui’s tears drip down his cheeks while Lan Jingyi stands and exclaims.

 ‘THEN HOW DID YOU COME BACK!?’

Chapter 20: Questions — Stay in the Burial Mounds

Summary:

Questions, Burial Mounds reveal, cultivation reveal, more questions

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warning:
- mentions of injuries
- descriptions of bodily functions and body pains
- Wei Wuxian's slight detachment from his traumatic experiences
- my lore of resentful energy and ghost cultivation/demonic arts

Wei Wuxian and Lan Sizhui gesture for him to sit. However, it is undeniable that everyone is wondering: how did he survive in the Burial Mounds?

‘As a preface, let me tell everyone. I am a full human, not a half-demon. I did not sell my soul to any demon or demon kings. My only companions in the Burial Mounds were spirits and corpses.’

 

‘Even as a guest disciple in Gusu, I had already encountered resentful energy . To those who do not know, I joined the mission dealing with the Biling Lake. We were only fighting water spirits at first, but then there was something unusual with the water.'

‘The aqua demon from Qishan attacked us. While saving an unconscious Lan disciple who turned out to be Su She, the aqua demon pulled me down. As a way to save myself, I called for the resentful energy, and it responded. At the end, though, I was losing air, and Lan Zhan saved me before I drowned.’

 

Disciples express discontent over Su She. Wei Wuxian has rescued him on multiple occasions. He owed Wei Wuxian life debts, yet what did that scoundrel do in return? He schemed against his savior!

 

‘On a separate occasion, the fierce corpses Master Qiren brought from somewhere got out of this very hall. Lan Zhan and I were in the cold springs, healing after we served our punishment. We had no weapons and had to fight them barehanded.’

 

Wei Wuxian pauses and further explains.

‘Well, I did… Lan Zhan was found by a disciple who was carrying his guqin. I was in the forest, running, when I heard him playing. Anyway, one of the corpses wounded me. I had my hand out, subconsciously calling and absorbing its energy. I was able to utilize it and gained control of the corpse, but the resentful energy entered my body through my wounds. After that, Jiang Wanyin rescued me.’

 

Chattering grew loud at the revelation. Who would have known?

The original members of the discussion were nodding and gesturing about such a surprising thing.

 

Qin Yongrui whispered to his friend, Wang Zhen.

‘Wei-qianbei attracting chaos and Sect Leader Jiang coming to his rescue seems to be an ongoing theme.’

‘Young Master Wei did call Sect Leader Jiang his staunch ally.’

‘Don’t you think about how tiring it was for Jiang Wanyin?’

'Yes, I can definitely relate to that. Poor guy. He drew the short straw when it came to having easy-to-handle older brothers. We both did.’

Qin Yongrui chuckled at his friend’s exasperation.

 

Wei Wuxian addressed Lan Jingyi.

‘Now, onto your question, Jingyi—please sit down. The impact should have killed me, but while falling, I tried to manipulate a thick fog of resentful energy to act as a net or a cushion.’

‘The energy was stubborn and went in my body instead. It flooded inside, enough to fill every single gap of my body. That included the crack on my head, my shattered spine, and the fractured bones all over my body.’

 

Several people paled as their stomachs churned at the catalogue of his injuries.

Some people were pondering the harshness of the war. They shook their heads, knowing they probably wouldn’t even last a day, much less a fight in battle.

 

Lan Jingyi frowns, exuding a sense of wariness.

‘So what happened next? Were you able to get out of there immediately?

‘No, I was there for three months, recovering and harnessing my cultivation. I was planning to fulfill my vow to Wen Chao once I was out.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling called for Cai Zhengsheng, who raised his hand.

‘In those three months, how did you manage not to die?’

 

His sister, Cai Jiaying, slapped his arm for phrasing his question crudely.

Cai Zhengsheng reframed his question.

‘I—I just meant how did he eat, drink, and bathe? Humans have no problem sleeping on the ground, but what about the other things? Also, how did he tend such grave wounds?’

‘Well, I bathed and washed my clothes in the spring. I asked the spirits if they could procure some clothes for me, and there were kind ones who gave me their own earthly belongings. I didn’t really eat and drink. I don’t think I even relieved myself. I did not feel typical bodily functions like drowsiness, exhaustion, hunger, or the urge to urinate or have a bowel movement. I guess you could say the spirits and resentful energy were trying to make me more like them?’

 

‘Do you mean being dead? Dead people don’t have to eat or excrete waste. What of your heart? Was it still beating and pumping blood?'

 

Wei Wuxian nodded.

‘You hit the right mark, little Lan. As for your second question, my heart was working just fine. It would have been the impact to my head that would have killed me—not my heart. Also, I did not need to heal myself; the energy did it for me.’

 

Wei Wuxian pauses and thinks thoughtfully.

‘I guess you could imagine my body as broken ceramic? The resentful energy pieced me back together, and kept its hold.’

 

Lan Wangji and Lan Sizhui could not believe what they were hearing. Was he in a constant state of pain? While the father and son pair met gazes with troubled eyes, Lan Jingyi was discreetly rubbing his fingers—a nervous tic—under his sleeves.

 

Healer Qiu stood with her hand raised. Wei Wuxian looks and meets the gaze of Teacher Ye Ling. The old master clicked his tongue in distaste before addressing the senior healer.

‘Your question, Madam?'

 

The healer points a finger in Wei Wuxian’s general direction.

‘Wei Wuxian! Do not promote the use of resentful energy as a substitute for correct and proper care and healing!’

‘I did not! Did you hear me recommend it? Did I insinuate?’

‘Even so, do not speak of it like it’s a magical cure!’

 

People shook their heads.

 

‘Where did that come from?’

‘Right? Wei Wuxian was just answering Zhengsheng.’

 

‘Healer Qiu’s being unreasonable.’

‘She's probably just concerned. If resentful energy could work like that for other people as well, who would need to employ a healer’s services?’

 

Others looked at her section and saw her fellow healers looking concerned at the topic.

 

Healer Qiu scowled at the comments she heard.

‘How long did you employ that technique?’

‘Starting the duration from my fall until I brought the Wens to the Burial Mounds. I slowly released the resentful energy from different parts of my body, and Wen Qing healed me. I never released the energy that took care of my major injuries.’

 

‘After releasing some energy, did your bodily functions return and work normally?’

‘Yes, but I can't say it was working normally.'

'I got tired easily and could sleep anywhere at any time. But there were times when I could not sleep even if I tried drinking alcohol, medicinal tea, or sleeping tonics.'

'Hunger was also random. Sometimes I felt hungry—even starving. Other times, I felt full. It was a struggle, really.’

 

‘So, you were affected negatively.’

 

Wei Wuxian felt a phantom feeling in his stomach, like it was irritated once again. He tries to explain more.

‘I usually feel bloated and like I overate when I have meat of any kind. Be it beef, chicken, fish, pork, or rabbit. I usually stick to congee and vegetables and give my portions of meat dishes to my shijie or shidi.’

 

‘Did you seek proper care when you integrated back with your clan?’

‘No, otherwise spiritual healers would be shouting for the Lans to cleanse me, which at that time would have killed me. During the war, Shijie mended my superficial wounds.’

 

He stopped before solemnly saying.

‘The only person I truly trusted to do my healing at that time was Wen Qing.’

 

Wei Wuxian recalls the fear and the paranoia for his well-being.

Any time Lan Zhan came with his offer of healing, all that registered to Wei Wuxian were the irrational thoughts of dying. He vowed to himself that he wasn't going to die before ensuring the safety of his living loved ones and avenging his family, his sect, and his village folks.

 

Lan Wangji thought of each time he insisted on playing the song Clarity for Wei Wuxian. Overcome by his own worries, Lan Wangji failed to consider Wei Wuxian’s circumstances.

 

One of the healer apprentices had a nagging feeling inside her head. Lan Yanfei stood and whispered her questions to Healer Qiu. The madam's eyes widened as she looked at her maiden apprentice.

 

Healer Qiu looks back at Wei Wuxian.

‘My apprentice wishes to know what happened to your golden core?’

 

Everyone turned to the man who suddenly had a shadow on his face. But the madam was ruthless and did not digress.

‘You were one of your generation’s greatest. The Jiang sect took pride in your prowess as a cultivator. If you had recovered from Zidian, why didn’t your golden core heal you? Did you not qi deviate?’

 

Lan Zhan looks at Wei Ying, and one of his hands subconsciously feels for Wei Ying’s meridians. Lan Zhan feels nothing in Mo Xuanyu’s body. Once again, he is reminded that Wei Ying’s summoner did not develop a golden core.

A’Yuan isn’t any better, as he takes Wei Wuxian’s other hand. Wei-qianbei may be a cultivator, but without a golden core, he is still a common man—a weak mortal.

Wei Ying removes each of their hands before holding it.

 

People began making conjectures at Wei Wuxian's evasive silence. Wei Wuxian always had an answer prepared. Why is this matter different?

 

Master An, who had been quiet since the beginning, found an opening.

‘Wei Wuxian! Answer the question, and do not even bother trying to weasel your way out.’

 

Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes and replies.

‘Alright, alright… do not be so hostile.’

 

He addresses the section of healers.

‘Isn’t that a wonderful question, right? Well, it’s simply because my core was rendered unusable. As stated before, the resentful energy filled my entire being. At that time, I—myself—was acting as the amulet. My body was a vessel concentrated with resentful energy.’

 

Many gasped at his statement. People cringed at the thought of becoming a container of such bitter and dark energy.

 

On the other hand, Wei Wuxian tries to recall the conversation. He tried to be careful and hoped that none suspected that he was coreless back then. He knows that cultivators, whether they have a core or not, can use demonic cultivation. The effectiveness of their cultivation is solely related to their susceptibility to deviations. At the back of his head, the Nie sect screams at him.

Notes:

I know there's cannibalism involved in the novel but I wouldn't write something that I abhor.

p.s.: Wei Wuxian thinks that he was living harmoniously in the Mounds for three months. Harmoniously is subjective. Really, it's more of a person's capability to withstand the constant presences of the dead, their whispers and provocation, and their wishes or bargains.

Chapter 21: Revenge on the Qishan Wen – End of Sunshot Campaign

Summary:

Let's try to just get over the gory war details.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- violence
- murder/killing during wartime
- fierce corpses of dead Wens

Wei Wuxian clears his throat.

‘If you don’t mind, I will move on to the next few events.’

 

Healer Qiu and the young maiden refrained from asking any more questions and sat in their seats.

 

Wei Wuxian warns the audience.

‘I will not be so detailed as to what I did to the Wen cultivators and soldiers that I met on the way to look for my remaining family members. I have been ruthless, torturous, and savage. Others said I have gone mad and was inhumane.’

 

‘My enemies were confident at first when they realized I was alone. But that all changed when my traps began affecting them. Soon, they started shouting and cursing at me. Others, mostly civilian recruits, surrendered; they begged me to end their misery.’

'When I realized that some of them were unwilling participants in Wen Ruohan's tyranny, I killed them on the spot. I ensured that it was swift and as painless as possible.'

 

The seniors and elders inside felt chills run down their spines. Those who had been on the front lines recalled the appearance of the raised corpses they had fought together with. Then they tried to imagine how awful his victims must have looked. Disturbed by their own imagination, they shook their heads and tried to concentrate on listening again.

Meanwhile, those who were in the campsites and sidelines taking refuge frowned at the thought of proud Qishan Wen people begging Wei Wuxian. They looked at Wei Wuxian with scrutinizing eyes, doubtful of his words, like the very thought of the Wens humbling themselves was too far-fetched.

 

‘Even if I wanted to let them go, I thought of them as a risk. If I left them alive, what are the chances that they wouldn’t be one of the enemies we would have fought in future battles? What are the chances that they wouldn’t do bad things just to live?’

 

Everyone heard his subtle swallow.

 

'I couldn't take the risk, so I killed them. I buried them properly, prayed for their souls, offered some flowers, and burned paper money that I found in the supervisory offices.’

 

Lan Rengui, who was Lan Xichen’s strategic counselor during the Sunshot campaign, understood the dilemma being described. It is true; sparing enemies, especially forcefully drafted combatants, is always complicated business. It’s usually either you’re showing mercy to someone who might be deserving or someone who would stab you and sneer at your kindness or mercy as you die.

Lan Meihui shows a surprised reaction but soon smooths it over. Her hand comes up to hide the slight smile she had. She thinks warmly of the empathy and respect Wei Wuxian afforded his enemies.

 

‘I emptied offices and looted supplies. I took portions that could sustain me and my crow helpers and left the majority for folks to divide among themselves.’

 

Disciples perked up at his unorthodox crows. Some claimed they were dead crows reanimated; others said that they were just regular crows. They were curious all the same.

 

‘Crows are intelligent, and perhaps due to me exuding an aura similar to the dead, they did not shy away from me. Instead, I often saw murders of crows.’

‘I took advantage of the situation and trained them to recognize Jiang and Wen robes. Whenever they flocked to some place, I followed them and oftentimes ended up at Wen supervisory offices or their barracks.’

 

‘One time, I managed to find Wen Chao and his mistress. While Wang cowered at his back, Wen Chao killed deserters. Honestly, that bastard managed to get worse in just months. He was indiscriminate in his murder of people.’

 

Lan Wangji and Lan Sizhui winced at the tight grip Wei Wuxian had on their hands. It was as clear as this wonderful day. Wei Wuxian still held a grudge against the man.

 

‘A few days later, after I had paid Wang a visit, I found a flock going to the woods in Chongyang. When I came there, the earth was stained with blood, and then I saw Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan in the distance fighting with the Wens.’

 

Wei Wuxian pauses, feeling his throat tightening. He remembers the scene of Jiang Cheng on his knees with three swords at his neck.

‘I heard Wen Chao gloating, then I heard his order—kill them now.’

 

Lan Qiren bowed his head down and rubbed his exhausted face. They were just children who were beginning to make their names known. Such an ominous time they lived in.

 

‘I joined the fray with the help of the corpses of the Wens. I set Wang’s corpse to attack Wen Chao while I descended from the roof. It was kind of funny watching him scamper like some sewer rat. He couldn’t even defend himself and had to call for Wen Zhuliu.’

 

One disciple couldn’t help but reach for his stomach, right above his golden core. A cultivator with the ability to disintegrate years worth of hard work and burn their meridians was awful.

 

‘But I wasn’t scared… I had to get rid of Wen Zhuliu first. And what punishment is even better than burning his own golden core?’

 

Gasps filled the room. He had that kind of ability!? Then why didn’t he use it even more often?

 

Master An harrumps and whispers.

‘Had you done that to Wen Ruohan immediately, wouldn’t things have ended quicker? We could have preserved more lives, and Jin Guangyao wouldn’t have earned so much glory… The achievement could have been yours all alone, and you didn’t take it. Tsk, tsk, tsk… maybe people would have been more receptive to his unorthodoxy if he had done better things with it.’

 

His seatmate, Madam Ling, scoffs at the load of falsehoods Master An is spinning.

‘Have you gone mad like this heretic? Jin Guangshan… Have you forgotten about that assaulter? As long as Jin Guangshan lived, he would have used Jin Guangyao to make another travesty happen to turn us against Wei Wuxian. ’

 

Master An complains and reasons.

‘Then Wei Wuxian should have just killed him and helped his brother-in-law inherit the role of sect leader!’

 

Madam Ling looks at him as though she were looking at some stranger. She reprimands him harshly through gritted teeth.

‘Do you hear yourself? And you call yourself a Lan? You talk about using dark arts to shorten the war, plotting the deaths of our allies in our sanctuary where we teach the very essence of life. I will have your treacherousness known by the head council later. I would recommend you enter seclusion.’

 

Master An pales at his senior’s words, mirroring what he had told Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. He shifted away from the madam and turned to Wuxian, who was continuously talking.

 

‘I joined the Jiangs and helped every way I could. We reclaimed Jingchu and took back Lotus Pier. We came back home, and I had to deliver the bad news—the late Jiang couple’s bodies were burned according to Wen Ruohan’s order.’

‘We fought battles. We lost a few times and won the same amount. We gained and lost disciples. To match Wen Ruohan’s tens of thousands of soldiers, I made the Stygian Tiger amulet using the sword I used in Mount Muxi.’

 

'During the final battle, Wen's combatants may have been ready to face fierce corpses, but they were taken aback by what they encountered. I witnessed their horror and anger as they recognized some of the corpses.'

'They cried out against the injustice, condemning the cultivators of the four great clans for their unfilial and unethical use of such dubious means in battle. Then things end just like how it was told. The venerated triad joined forces, killing Wen Ruohan in his castle, with Jin Guangyao—then Meng Yao—delivering the ending blow.’

Chapter 22: Revenge on the Qishan Wen – End of Sunshot Campaign - Ethics

Summary:

Good or bad. Right or wrong. Moral or immoral.
How do we make a ruling?

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
= implied sexual harassment
- use of the corpse of a dead aborted baby
- killing as revenge

Master An raised his hand about the same time as Lan Xiaolian did. Teacher Ye Ling, having had enough of the elders, chose Lan Xiaolian.

 

Lan Xiaolian bowed both to Teacher Ye Ling and Wei Wuxian.

‘This disciple’s question may come across as offensive, but for the sake of clarity, I hope Master Wei can answer graciously.’

 

Wei Wuxian smiles gently and agrees.

‘This one understands; please rise. What is your question, young master Xiaolian?’

 

Lan Xiaolian straightens his back, his cheeks flushing. Master Wei knows my name!

‘I would like to know what you meant about visiting Wen Chao’s mistress. When you said you paid her a visit, did you simply end her life? Please tell me… you didn’t… disgrace her.’

 

Lan Wangji frowns, his eyebrows pulled tightly. Wei Ying would never do such a thing.

 

Other disciples who did not realize what Xiaolian was alluding to asked their seniors. One teaching apprentice whispered.

'Xiaolian is asking Wei Wuxian if he had sexually harassed that mistress.'

 

The disciples’ faces slowly turned crimson at what they heard.

 

Wei Wuxian answered Lan Xiaolian with seriousness.

‘If you’re asking if I had treated her the way Jin Guangshan had treated most women, then no. I tormented her… with the offspring she and Wen Chao had. The child died due to the abortifacient Wen Chao had pressured her to take.’

‘That made her crazy, and seeing corpses rising from the ground and walking closer to her broke her mind entirely. I killed her then.’

 

Lan Xiaolian, along with the disciples, reacted in disbelief. Wei Wuxian has gone too far. To use a child to get to their mother… truly, what a heartless revenge.

‘Young master… How could you do such a thing?’

 

Wei Wuxian stood with a tense posture and clenched hands.

‘Don’t think so highly of her. She did it to prevent losing Wen Chao’s attention. That hussy could have used that child to ensure her place as a concubine wife instead.’

‘But she knew Wen Chao just kept her as a lover, a plaything, a pastime. He wouldn’t marry and elevate her position or recognize the child, so she followed his orders to eliminate it. She could handle losing her baby but not the second young master Wen’s good graces.’

 

Then he said with great bitterness.

‘What mother does that? Clearly, the kind that didn’t think much of her child and only cared for herself.’

 

But Lan Xiaolian was more focused on the fact that a child was used as some device or weapon than anything else.

‘Even so! If you could break her with just the sight of corpses, then you should not have involved the dead child!’

‘I didn’t care!’

 

The venom in Wei Wuxian’s words came down on the audience heavily. Due to the amplifying talisman he was using, his answer rang loudly through the hall.

‘Why would I care about being merciful? She showed us none!’

‘She orphaned us! And many others! So what if I used the one she abandoned to get back at her? I put the child to rest properly once I was done anyway.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling stood.

‘Xiaolian, please stand down. You asked, and he answered. Although you may not like the answer, it is what it is. We are not here to debate whether what Wei Wuxian did is right or wrong.’

‘Hitting your opponent right where it hurts is the most usual tactic used to exploit an enemy’s weakness. In the context that Lady Wang played an important role in the massacre of his people, the young master was justified in his revenge despite his questionable ways. Additionally, he most probably gave the child the same careful treatment when it was buried.’

 

Wei Wuxian nods at the old master’s words. He crosses his arms before walking a few steps forward.

‘If it helps, I treated that child better than any of them did. It was just wrapped in some cloth buried in a dark corner in the back courtyard. Its resting place was covered by wood, soil, and fertilizer to mask the decaying odor.’

 

Lan Xiaolian swallows at the things he heard. He bows in gratitude and sits.

Deep inside, he wasn’t content with what he now knows.

 

She killed people; he killed her. She tortured people; he tortured her.

She orphaned many people. She abandoned her child. Her safety and station take precedence above anything.

He buried his family, his sect siblings, and other Yunmeng residents. He buried her child with more care than she did. He avenged his family, sect, and townspeople.

 

His eyebrows knit together. Keeping score… During the war, was this all they did?

His eyes roamed around, keeping them on the ones he knew were victims. He himself was orphaned by his parents at the age of five, but he never carried such heaviness within him. He never thought of getting revenge.

 

Am I unfilial to my parents? Was I just raised by my paternal aunt with so much love and kindness that I bore no hatred against the Wens, or was it because the Wens were already dead, thus I had no one to vent on?

 

Lan Xiaolian has no idea, and he didn’t think he will have it today or in the next coming days.

 

 

 

When Teacher Ye Ling asked participants who would like to go next, Master An raised his hand once again. He was quicker this time around but the old master Ye pretended not to notice. Instead, a male disciple named Lan Zhihao was picked.

Feeling ignored, Master An scowled openly. He turned his head away and crossed his arms indignantly, but kept his ears open for the discussion.

 

‘Going in the same vein of burials, what did you do after the final battle? Did you help with cleaning and burying bodies?’

 

Wei Wuxian thought carefully while he stood in place.

‘I was a little out of commission by the end. The exhaustion finally caught up to me, rendering me asleep for days. When I woke up, some had already done the purification rituals and burials. They also already had discussions about reparations, handling Wen combatants, and what to do with the Wen deserters who were in refuge during the war.’

 

Lan Zhihao, with raised eyebrows and pursed lips, kept the comments that wanted to come out of his mouth.

 

A little, you say, ha? But you were gone for enough days for most sects to slightly get up on their feet.

Tsk, tsk… such blatant disregard for his health. Ah, you were too tough on yourself.

 

Teacher Ye Ling looks at the seemingly distracted disciple who didn’t pipe up again.

‘Disciple Zhihao, do you have any other questions?’

 

Caught up in his own commentary, Lan Zhihao answered a little embarrassed.

‘Ah! I have no more questions, Master Ye. Thank you, Wei-qianbei.’

 

Before, Teacher Ye Ling could call another participant, Master An stood up quicker than a falcon.

‘Fellow master, stop ignoring me! I have questions that need answers. Immediately, at this moment!’

 

While Teacher Ye Ling slightly huffed, Madam Ling on the other hand added this immature act to her list of Master An’s offensive actions.

 

Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, only chuckled darkly.

‘And what are those, oh senile one?’

Notes:

I—the writer—am not really sure about the baby corpse's identity. Although it is confirmed that it belongs to Wen Chao and one of his women, it was not said or indicated if it was Wang Lingjiao's.

This segment of the story is inspired by the Chinese drama clips I have occasionally watched. The dynamics of a harem are toxic, and it's not uncommon for a concubine to conceal her pregnancy until her condition becomes obvious.

I thought it was fitting how Wang Lingjiao would hide her pregnancy far enough until her baby bump was more pronounced, hoping Wen Chao would recognize his need for an heir and she'd become his wife.

The idea that she viewed the child merely as a tool is particularly cold yet understandable. She would not hesitate to remove the child if it threatened her status as his favored mistress.

Chapter 23: Revenge on the Qishan Wen – End of Sunshot Campaign - Master An Special

Summary:

Old man An forcefully takes the stage to interrogate Wei Wuxian.

We find out just how /honest/ he is when his blood pressure is through the roof.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- war shenanigans
- Wei Wuxian's core melting ability
- foul language and name calling
- dubious thoughts such as scheming and assassination plots
- usage of flowery scenarios to guilt/gaslight Wei Wuxian

Chuckles were muffled discreetly and swiftly, but that just drove Master An even angrier. With glaring eyes, he sneered at the Yiling Patriarch.

‘YOU! How dare you call me senile!?’

 

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes, opened his arms, and flippantly said.

‘Well now, you’re acting worse than a spoiled child. Come on, what do you want?’

 

‘How did you learn how to burn golden cores!? Why didn’t you use it more? If you had, we could have ended things quicker.’

‘Ha? Do you hear yourself? Is it my fault now that the war went on for years? You’re fucking ungrateful. Have I not done enough to provide the campaign with thousands of fierce corpses?’

‘I’m just saying, if you had just burned Wen Ruohan’s core, then his people would have lost morale! The battles would have been fewer and the war won quicker.’

 

Wei Wuxian scoffs before pacing with his hands at his hips.

‘You’re asking me to burn the core of a man strong enough to reign terror in our world for years. That man? Oh, I diagnose you as mentally impaired.’

 

Master An stomped and huffed. He waved his arm wildly like those swindlers eagerly selling fake talismans to gullible buyers.

‘Take this seriously; that son of a whore—Meng Yao—ended that tyrant’s life by stabbing him in the back! The prestige of being a war hero could have been yours. That achievement could have been the Jiang sect's claim instead of the Jin’s. Imagine having that much leverage compared to others. Your reparations could have been larger.’

‘You fool! I never wanted glory or recognition. It was war; I was fighting for the right to live another day. Money wasn’t a problem either. We managed our finances wisely. We even distributed financial help to our people and neighboring allies who requested it. We never expected them to pay it back—it was not a loan.’

 

The head council felt slightly inadequate. They received more donations than the amount they had given those in their territory. It was inspiring what the Jiang sect did during the first few years of peacetime.

 

Master An is not intimidated by his loud voice.

‘It's just a hypothetical; don’t lose your head! Anyway, do not deflect. Do you think I didn’t realize you didn’t answer my question?’

‘I didn’t have a manual about core extinction, if that’s what you have in mind. And my madam never taught me anything of the like as well.’

 

Several thoughts entered their minds: why was Madam Yu personally guiding him? What techniques was Madam Yu teaching Wei Wuxian? Meishan Yu’s secret ways? Wasn’t the madam mad at him? Why would she waste more time with him?

 

‘Why would Madam Yu teach you Meishan Yu techniques? Does she not abhor your existence?’

‘Abhor is such a strong word. She hated me but hated my mother and her husband more. Plus, it was not Meishan Yu's technique. It’s just her personally crafted techniques.

 

Wei Wuxian crosses his arms again, feeling more defensive.

‘I was trained because of my future role. I was… supposed to be… Jiang Cheng’s right-hand man and main protector. It’s why she had confidence entrusting Jiang Cheng to me. She’s been training me for more than five years.’

 

Master An did not appreciate him reminiscing and pointedly asked.

‘So, how did you learn it if you weren’t taught!?’

‘By pure fucking spite and hatred! I pierced his stomach, took his golden core, and fucking crushed it to dust! That’s how I did it.’

 

Wei Wuxian heaved before continuing.

‘And I never used it again because we all know people would have used that against us—the barely standing, still rebuilding Jiang sect!’

‘Once we are off the ground and thriving, they’ll begin to claim that we are scary. They might even say something as absurd as, ‘We are the next Wens, or we’ll conquer the world.’

 

His tears welled up as he thought with deep longing. I miss Lotus Pier. I miss Jiang Cheng and Shijie. It would be beyond amazing if my relationship with them wasn’t so complicated.

‘Fuck that! We just wanted to go home! We just wanted to return to our remaining families!’

 

Master An was beginning to sweat. I didn’t know this man would erupt! He looked left and right, looking for anyone to back him up. No one met his eyes and merely kept to themselves.

 

Then, Wei Wuxian began accusing Master An.

‘I defected from the Jiangs so my actions, such as sheltering the Wen remnants, wouldn’t reflect on them, and yet here you are! Suggesting something that could have exposed us to the world's ire and scrutiny. ’

 

Then he turned his frustration to other Lan cultivators.

‘But you lot would not have cared! You Lan sect members would have simply stayed out of it until someone found a legitimate reason to come after us! Just like in the past with the Wen remnants!’

 

The tension in the room thickened, each person weighing the implications of his words. It was clear that their sect’s past actions threatened to unravel the righteous and honorable reputation they had built over the centuries.

The sect elders and seniors blatantly denied something they had done before. They didn’t acknowledge it before and will continue to do so.

 

Master An clears his throat and dusts his sleeves like he didn’t suffer a big blow to his confidence. He proceeded with a cautious tone.

‘Fine, then how did you create the amulet?’

 

Wei Wuxian wiped his face, flicking his tears away. He opened his mouth to answer but paused as confusion entered his mind.

 

Master An retired from his position but was a teacher nonetheless. This old fart reached the position of becoming a teacher, and yet he didn’t know how to create an object saturated with energy?

 

While the Lan participants murmured that he had gone silent again, Wei Wuxian continued to think deeply.

 

The resentful, energy-infused sword was easy to manipulate because it was made of metal. But from what I have observed, their clan’s jade tokens were made by spiritual cultivation.

Those jades were not made by Gusu artisans and then imbued with energy. Rather, they were produced by cultivators. Each groove, dent, or line on the token is made with spiritual energy as its main tool.

 

Wei Wuxian looked at Master An and answered, with a frown decorating his forehead.

‘I manipulated the sword into the shape I wanted. Any cultivator who tried creating and/or inventing something, whether big or small, whether an object or runes, would know that!? ’

‘The main difference in today’s time is the need for a whole lot of resentment concentrated in the seal. None would be able to achieve that. Even if you annihilated every single person in the five great sects territories and other neighboring kingdoms or empires, that wouldn’t be enough.’

 

Master An said, skeptical of the amulet’s creator.

‘Isn’t that an exaggeration? The Jins did it just fine.’

 

Wei Wuxian looks at the old man with disbelief in his eyes. He turned to walk to Teacher Ye Ling with a question. Once near the master’s earshot, he whispered innocently.

‘Was I wrong to assume that he was a cultivator? Is he a practitioner or just a theoretical instructor?’

 

His fury was starting to cool.

 

No wonder he kept asking me slow-witted questions.

Surely, cultivators would understand things as fundamental as what I was speaking of, right? One does not need to be a genius or prodigy to understand it. Even Lan children will understand if they are taught with enough examples and demonstrations.

There's no way someone as old as him would not understand.

 

Lan Jingyi laughs at Wei Wuxian’s hushed inquiry. Everyone heard anyway because of the talisman. He turns to the main character, looking one more sentence away from spitting fresh blood. Lan Jingyi can’t help snickering.

 

Teacher Ye Ling looks at the genuinely confused Wei Wuxian. Gently, he told him.

‘Master An was a cultivator. Please be patient with him. He requires a bit of probing—exchanging information would sharpen his mind.’

 

By this time, Wei Wuxian’s fury had evaporated, and he was calm again. With Master Ye’s confirmation, he spoke again.

'Regarding your question about the Jin sect’s capabilities, they got it after the remains of the amulet were reconstructed. Therefore, they utilized the same tool I did.'

‘What I was talking about earlier was creating an entirely new amulet. The sword in Mount Muxi was nearly a millennium old. Its exposure during the war after I had turned it into an amulet and during its time in the Jin sect made its power extremely calamitous. Which—'

 

He raised his index finger up.

'—is why Jin Guangyao had the ability to go berserk during the confrontation in GuanYin Temple.’

 

He turns and goes back to sit with his family. Wei Wuxian sat cross-legged before calling for a short break.

‘Let’s take a short break; that was unnecessarily draining. I thought I was experiencing some sort of mind fogginess.’

 

Lan Wangji’s lip slightly curled up when his beloved said.

 

‘Turns out, I wasn’t the problem this time around.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling addresses their present audience.

‘Maybe some calming tea could help. Sit down, Master An. You’re done.’

 

He turns to Lan Fengyun.

‘Master of Discipline, I leave his punishment in your hands.’

 

Wei Wuxian agrees with his current, most favorite Lan educator. 

‘Right, such evil thoughts occupy his mind. Gods above, please look over us and tell us that we're not facing another Wen Ruohan in the making.’

 

Hearing Wei Wuxian’s comments made it clear to anyone and everyone what kind of impression he has about the Lan sect. Reaching the end of her patience, Madam Ling tells a senior disciple to hit Master An at the back, making him unconscious for now.

Chapter 24: Entering Peacetime to Wens in Qiongqi Path

Summary:

How everyone managed to overlook the actions of the Jin sect is something I will never understand. Either Nie Huaisang is just beginning to establish his network of spies, or no one truly cared at all.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- mourning period and their perished loved ones
- grieving families of sect disciples
- aftereffects of war
- JIN SECT and their people
- Wens in Qiongqi Path
- images of Lan Sizhui then Wen Yuan in the camp

Once Wei Wuxian had gathered his thoughts, he asked his husband for the talisman back. Lan Wangji only stared for a while before giving it back.

The break lasted for about twenty minutes, and everyone’s attention went back to Wei Wuxian, who resumed his unraveling of history.

‘I start the story when the Jiang sect has returned to Lotus Pier.’

‘On the first day of our return, Jiang Cheng—I mean Jiang Wanyin—made a formal announcement that we are entering our mourning period. Anyone is welcome to visit the compounds to pay respects to our fallen sect members.’

 

The shift of name did not go unnoticed . It’s clear that Wei Wuxian decided to stop being emotionally vulnerable by putting distance between their relationship.

 

‘For a week, everything regarding sect business has been put on hold. Jiang Yanli, Jiang Wanyin, and I were all working and delegating our own responsibilities when we were not in the ancestral hall or visiting houses or the cemeteries.’

‘As was custom, Jiang Yanli held and managed the books and household. Jiang Wanyin dealt with duties as sect leader along with disciple training. I, on the other hand, was left to deal with most things outside the sect, but I had a hand in educating disciples in cultivation theory, talisman making, and archery.’

 

Lan Sizhui noticed the slight smile on Wei Wuxian’s face and realized how happy his guardian was whenever he spoke of the Jiangs or Lotus Pier. Guilt and shame crept into his heart. Guilt for what Wei Wuxian had to give up for the Wen remnants and shame for thinking that without those sacrifices , Lan Sizhui would not experience a life with Wei Wuxian and his blood-related family—to have a caring father and loving relatives.

Lan Sizhui prayed that no one would ask him how he felt or why his hands were clenched instead of being relaxed in his lap. He’s scared he might come off as unkind and selfish for who he was once upon a time ago. Lan Sizhui remembers being happy, loved, and prioritized by everyone in the settlement despite the hunger, nightly terrors, and cold winters.

 

At the top of his head, Lan Sizhui felt a gaze on him. He turned to Lan Wangji’s guarded stare. Perhaps it is A’Yuan who needs to unwind outside , he read in his gentle father’s eyes. Lan Sizhui only gave him a gentle, crescent-eyed smile. Baba needs us here; let’s stay with him .

 

‘Things were going well if not for the solemn atmosphere that has permeated the region. We introduced new disciple recruits to our residents as we worked together cleaning large spaces like the rivers, fields, and farms. They were rogues and nonlocals, so we had to make sure they knew they were welcome .’

‘People often talked to us about things that had gone down during the war. It was only the children who had enough energy to enact plays according to our stories.’

 

His audience smiled at the thought of children. Pairs of eyes sought their junior disciples, who had been their lifeline whenever things seemed bleak.

 

‘However, there were times when it wasn’t always smooth sailing.’

 

Wei Wuxian flicked through his memories. In his head, he heard angry shouts, grieving sobs, and terrified screaming.

‘There were the aftereffects of war on everyone. Sometimes, intoxicated people came pounding on the main gate’s door. They shouted angrily, blaming us for the deaths of their family members and relatives. We also had a couple of parents crying so grievously, kneeling by the stone steps asking for their sons and daughters to visit them in their dreams .’

‘The most common of all was the terrified screams of people plagued with nightmares . Every standing structure we had in the Lotus Pier was brightly lit with lanterns with light talismans. For months it was normal for people to be out on the streets mingling with neighbors. Also, my messed-up sleeping schedule made it easy to be there for them.’

 

Talisman master Lan Jingcheng envied the Jiangs’ strong solidarity with their people. The Lan sect was too secluded from the towns. People treated the Lan sect with courtesy and politeness , while Yunmeng folks treated the Jiangs with familiarity .

 

Wei Wuxian proceeded with a slighted tone.

‘Things went south when we joined the Phoenix Hunt in Baifeng Mountain.’

‘People criticized me for my missing sword. Before any of you jump to conclusions, here’s the truth. I couldn’t wield my sword without either damaging it or qi deviating. Everyone knows damaging a spiritual sword could be detrimental to its wielder. Qi deviations are dangerous to me for several reasons.’

 

With three raised fingers in his right hand, he explained.

‘One, qi deviating would release the energy keeping me intact and could attract any hidden lingering resentful energy within the vicinity. Obviously, I wouldn’t want to be dysfunctional in a night hunt.’

‘Two, I always had the amulet with me. Ever since we got the invitation for the discussion conference, the spirits had been taunting me about how the event was just a ruse . They told me how cultivators would infiltrate the sect looking for the amulet. The last thing I want is to lose my head and unleash the amulet .’

‘Three, the Jiang sect could handle me being criticized for not using a sword, but if I deviated in the middle of the hunt? That would be blowing everything we had worked hard for to keep the Jiang sect’s reputation as one of the remaining four sects.’

 

Teacher Ye Ling and most of the teaching faculty understood his concerns well. The disciples thought of how sensible the Yiling Patriarch was, while the Lan elders kept imagining other, if not better, ways Wei Wuxian should have dealt with things.

 

‘I didn’t want to join the banquet in the Tower. Those Jins were just so greedy. They all had their own agendas. Jin Guangshan wanted the amulet . Madam Jin wanted her son to be betrothed to Shijie again . Jin Zixuan was fucking hot and cold. One time, he’d want my Shijie, and then the next, he’d be asking her to leave.’

‘A sect like that isn’t fun or easy to be entangled with. They honestly fucking sucked, and they were taking advantage of the fact that we are orphaned without any elder to protect or negotiate for us . Jin Guangshan trumped Jiang Wanyin, who was young and not well versed in politics. Madam Jin used her leverage as Madam Yu’s sworn sister to ensure her son’s marriage and his position as sect heir.’

 

Lan Wangji raised his hand to place it on Wei Wuxian’s chest and asked.

‘Wei Ying, please breathe.’

 

Only then did Wei Wuxian realize how tense his shoulders were and that his fists were closed . He inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. He shrugged, then dropped his shoulders.

‘Thank you, Lan Zhan. Now, where was I?’

‘You said you didn’t want to join the banquet.’

 

‘Right, okay, so… umm… I convinced Jiang Wanyin and Shijie that I’d rather hunt for good alcohol and buns in the market. They both cautioned me to be careful since I’ll be going alone.’

‘I went to the market merrily. The market was beautiful, but things were pricey . I can’t expect less from a sect that kept their treasury protected during war and got even richer due to reparations .’

‘I bumped into a hooded figure, and there was Qishan Wen’s genius doctor. Wen Qing recognized me and asked for help.’

 

Wei Wuxian held Lan Wangji’s and Lan Sizhui’s hands in his own hands. No one thought of it strangely . They just guessed that the coming parts were heavy and he needed support.

Ultimately, such thoughts were not wrong. Wei Wuxian did need their support, but it was also because he wanted to give Lan Sizhui— Wen Yuan —his support.

 

Wei Wuxian's pause gave Madam Ling the perfect timing to awaken the hunched and unconscious figure beside her. Master An regained his awareness and turned to the old madam beside him.

‘Senior madam! How could you!?’

‘Shut up! How could I not? You actually dared to voice your thoughts to this conclave so callously.’

 

Master An groaned and patted his cheeks to gain more consciousness.

‘Have I missed anything important ? What is he talking about?’

‘Not much, just the Baifeng hunt. Right now, he’s talking about meeting Wen Ruohan’s healer niece in Jinlintai.’

‘The one with the brother? Wen Qing? Was she not thrown somewhere in Qishan? What is she doing in Jinlintai ? Aiya... Those Wens really acted like they owned any place in this world.’

 

Madam Ling suddenly felt the urge to kick him out this time around instead of just rendering him unconscious.

‘Either you keep your mouth shut or I’ll use the silencing spell on you. Come on, boy . Take your pick while I’m being generous .’

 

Master An wisely pursed his lips in front of Gusu Lan's very own Violet Spider. He focused on Wei Wuxian, who recalled how he helped the tired and famished young maiden Wen.

 

‘Wen Qing had been skipping meals and was using her money to buy tea or water when she traveled from Qishan. I bought her food, and then she told me how the Wens in their new village had been terrorized by rogue cultivators and disciples from minor sects.’

‘She was gone to buy needles and medicines in a neighboring town. What she found on her return were ransacked houses and missing people .’

 

‘I came to the banquet and rudely interrupted the dining bunch of people to ask for Wen Ning’s location. After pulling Qiongqi Path off the Jins, Wen Qing and I didn’t waste time.’

‘We came to a labor camp where the deserters were mixed in with prisoners of war. We found Jin Zixun raising a Jin peony brand towards a grandmother and her toddler grandson for delaying work . I intervened, and Jin Zixun had the audacity to lecture me about how ‘Wen-dogs' deserve to be treated.’

 

‘These actions had broken any pact or treaty created after the war. Apparently, all of the living Wens were in that camp. That means that the prisoners of war under other sects had been turned over to the Jins, and the Jin sect didn’t waste time to retrieve the innocent Wens in Qishan. If Wen Qing was also at home during that time, do you think I would have had any idea about their fate?’

 

The uneasy senior disciples were squirming in their seats. The Lans took no Wen prisoners . Lan Xichen cited that their sect would rather focus on reconstructions in Gusu and trusted his sworn brothers would do the job with justice .

 

Was it a mercy in disguise that they took no one in? Or were they at fault for systematically abandoning the prisoners that should have been under their watch?

 

Lan Sizhui sat next to the focus of the conclave and squeezed Wei Wuxian’s hand secretly. That grandson was him, and that old madam was his granny.

 

Lan Jingyi couldn’t help but freeze in his seat. His creative mind conjured an image of Jin Zixun about to brand Sizhui with a Jin crest on his frail body. His back stiffened as a different image came. This time, it was a more horrifying one—Wei Wuxian was late, and Sizhui was already scarred with the crest and dying .

 

My little cousin-brother had always been sickly when we were young. There’s no way two-year-old Sizhui would have survived a brand!

 

He shivered and meekly turned to his best friend.

‘Sizhui, can you please hold my hand? It’s just— I really don’t like what I’m hearing .’

 

Lan Sizhui smiled gracefully and held Lan Jingyi’s hand.

‘I hope you don’t mind; it's a little sweaty.’

‘That’s just proof you’re warm and alive. I don’t care.’

 

The juniors exchanged a laugh before turning their attention back to Wei Wuxian.

 

‘Wen Qing found a pit. The Wens’ dead bodies littered that perimeter. While I was seeing double visions of my own sect siblings piled in a mountain of bodies, Wen Qing screamed after spotting Wen Ning.’

‘He was there, lying on top of other men and women. The Jin warden said he tripped and fell on his own . I called the resentful energy in him; he rose from the pit and attacked his abusers. Lo and behold , he went to almost all of the thirteen prison guards .’

‘They had fought him and withstood some hits. I was sure that they would get hurt, but I left them to Wen Ning. I turned my focus on evacuating whoever could leave. Lan Zhan reached Qingqi Path and hoped that I’d stop and wait for others to help.’

 

Wei Wuxian turns to his husband with melancholic eyes.

‘I couldn’t—waiting would put the Wens at greater risk. The coming cultivators were people who wanted them dead anyway. Innocents have the right to live .’

‘There was no help coming that night. I think we both knew that. You were just hopeful that people would do the right thing while I lost any trust I had left. There’s nothing I could count on in your sect, your brother, his sworn brothers, their sects, the Jiang sect, or any minor sects.’

Chapter 25: Entering Peacetime to Wens in Qiongqi Path - Of Harm and Help

Summary:

Welcome to my in-between-the-timeskip ad libs.

Notes:

Not beta read.

We come to the part where I go /slightly/ off the rails of the original story. Some parts will be lighthearted because who doesn't love fluff in the middle of nowhere? Others will be heavy—just to go with the original heavy themes.

Teacher Ye Ling moves to Lan Qiren’s section and selects a teaching apprentice who raises his hand.

‘Lan Xing expresses his gratitude to Master Ye.’

 

Lan Xing smiles widely at Wei Wuxian.

‘This one is named Lan Xing, Wei-qianbei. I would like to ask what duties you did outside of the sect. This one heard rumors that you were usually gone from your then-sect, and people assumed you were off somewhere cursing random people.’

 

Wei Wuxian smiled gently and spoke with something akin to disbelief. The public just really loved thinking the absolute worst about me.

‘Your Wei-qianbei was off to towns and villages checking up on residents. I was also conducting an updated population count and distributing monetary aid.’

 

He paused slightly.

‘We… At Yunmeng Jiang sect alone, more than one thousand seven hundred sect members were killed and eight hundred ninety-one families perished in our territories. Others—almost two thousand—were lost to injuries, starvation, or sickness.’

 

People gulped at the number of people who passed—annihilated not just because of Wei Wuxian’s actions but more so because of Wen Chao’s brutality and greed .

One senior disciple clenched their jaw and thought. He, Jiang Wanyin, and Jiang Yanli really were the last of their clan .

 

Lan Wangji held Wei Wuxian, assuming how much Wei Ying had lost. His husband will never be rich in gold and silver. What he had were people, their impact on him, and their memories.

His beloved husband will never forget the ladies who offered him ribbons and hairpins, the candied fruits vendor who gave him discounts, the vegetable seller who bullied him in haggling, or the blacksmith who bantered with him about Suibian.

He treasures the children who ran up to him, the granny who lived next door to his father’s house, the musicians who taught him how to play, and many more. Each day Wei Ying lives, he is haunted by memories.

 

Lan Xing put his palms together, and others of the Lan sect followed suit. Then their words echoed through the Ming Hall.

‘May their journey to the other side go smoothly.’

 

Wei Wuxian followed their gesture of condolences before straightening up his body.

 

Lan Xing asks, a little bit hopeful.

‘What about survivors, Wei-qianbei?’

 

Wei Wuxian smiles again, but this time with more lightness in him.

‘Survivors count up to two thousand six hundred people.’

 

Junior and senior disciples alike silently rejoiced, smiles decorating their faces. Elders could not help but chuckle at them and their enthusiasm. Yes, life must be celebrated indeed .

 

‘Do you have any more questions, Lan Xing?’

‘Yes, just two more. What projects did you launch during the recovery period, and how long did it take?'

 

‘We cleaned and cleansed the waters while simultaneously fixing the fields and farms. Everything was good within seven months. Planting food crops, flowers, and tree saplings in three months' time while raising livestock took a while.’

 

Lan Xing bows to Wei Wuxian in gratitude for answering his inquiries.

 

Teacher Ye Ling walked to another section of the conclave. He aimed to pick more people with varying backgrounds. He found a reluctant female disciple. Master Ye remembered the twenty-five-year-old to be one of their newest recruits.

 

Wei Wan Rou bowed to Teacher Ye Ling before addressing Wei Wuxian.

‘This one thanks Master Ye for giving her a chance. Greetings, Yiling Patriarch. It is Wei Wan Rou’s honor to meet you.’

 

Wei Wuxian bowed in return, surprised that a female Lan disciple was surnamed Wei . Were she and her family safe from the public’s misplaced anger?

He expected it— his family name, a taboo. Just like how Nie Mingjue and most people would have reacted to anyone surnamed Wen .

‘Nice to make your acquaintance, Wei-guniang. Does your family use the same Wei characters as this one?’

‘Yes, we do, Yiling Patriarch. According to the family records, we are distant cousins.’

‘Oh… isn’t that some revelation, ha?’

 

Wei Wuxian gazed at her thoughtfully as he pondered the thought of his blood-related family , of his relatives . Uncle Jiang always told him how his father and his family were Yunmeng locals. What were the chances that he’d have possible relatives outside Jingchu?

‘Very well then, cousin—what question do you have?’

‘This one has no question… Rather, this one would like to express her agreement with your views regarding the Jin sect, especially the late sect leader Jin Guangshan.’

 

Murmurs arose as this maiden’s statement.

 

‘This one was a native from the inner city of Lanling. This one’s relatives had been serving in Jinlintai as spies in various clans . Our family has been loyal and kept secrets for the Jin family; however, they betrayed us.’

‘We both know they are not the most honest of people. What made you move here in Gusu Lan territory?’

 

‘This one’s family only moved discreetly to Gusu after one of my cousins never returned after doing work for Jin Guangyao. My parents thought even if he recognized us, he would not dare make a move so carelessly in his sworn brother’s domain.’

‘Smart. I’m guessing you made sure to make quick connections with your neighbors.’

 

Wei Wan Rou nodded tensely, her mouth quivering slightly and her sweat cold.

 

‘Which case was your cousin involved in? I’d have to admit—Jin Guangyao had been doing a lot in the shadows.’

‘The Tingshan He clan; he gathered proof of their treason. He took letters and documents that could be easily misunderstood without proper context . He also forged evidence of their supposed ill-gotten wealth and amassed weapons.’

 

Wei Wuxian hummed, curious if Nie Huiasang had more information about the He clan.

‘So, the family execution was a conspiracy.’

‘Yes, Patriarch.’

 

‘And what of the crux of your move—your cousin’s disappearance?’

‘After the execution, he never returned. We made the right choice to trust our instincts. Not long after we relocated, we received intel—someone recognized his corpse among the ones being used as dummies for demonic cultivation at the tower’s dungeon.'

 

Gasps and exclamations from disciples echoed in the hall. Tension rose once again as people processed what Wei Wan Rou was saying.

 

‘Spy!? What were you thinking—not coming to Sect Leader Lan immediately!?’

‘Why didn’t you speak earlier?’

‘Evidence! Have you brought any evidence with you?’

‘Is your family safe?’

‘That’s right; is your family still in danger? Do you need sanctuary?’

 

Wei Wan Rou became more hesitant and worried, pressured as she was bombarded by questions left and right.

Teacher Ye Ling, Lan Wangji, and other elders cast silencing spells, and then the noise died down.

 

Teacher Ye Ling spoke.

‘You have all been warned about managing your reactions. No matter what knowledge is relayed in this hall, you are to react with composure. This is your first and only warning.’

 

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji.

‘Could she still be in trouble, Lan Zhan? I know that Jiang Cheng and Nie Huiasang are helping Jin Ling reconstruct the Jin sect and dismantle Jin Guangyao’s network. If her family talks, they’d possibly be able to help, but it could be risky.’

 

Lan Wangji nodded and whispered.

‘I’ll talk to Uncle about it later.’

‘Why wait? Your uncle is here.’

 

Lan Qiren’s eyes twitched as he heard those words. He stood and addressed Wei Wan Rou.

‘Disciple Wei, this matter should be handled privately. Meet me, Wangji, and… Wei Wuxian in my office tomorrow. I expect you to cooperate well.’

‘Yes, Grandmaster.’

 

‘On a more important note, is your family safe? We can send disciples to protect them. If there's a greater threat, Cloud Recesses welcomes you.’

 

Wei Wan Rou bowed deep in gratitude.

‘To my knowledge, my family is safe, Grandmaster. However, this one would like to take your offer to station disciples to protect them.’

 

Lan Qiren raises his hand and says.

‘This will be arranged tomorrow.’

 

Wei Wuxian addresses Wei Wan Rou.

‘You may sit and relax for now, cousin. We’ll make this work.’

 

Female disciples came closer to the now seated Wei Wan Rou like bees to honey.

 

‘We didn’t know you had such a burden—worry not. We will take care of you and your family.’

‘You should write to your family later. Let them know that help is coming.’

 

Her eyes burned at the sensation of her tears. She felt so relieved she exhaled so heavily that the disciples had to hold their tongues from reprimanding her. They better cut her some slack! They never thought she had a noose on her neck.

 

Teacher Ye Ling was going to pick another one but saw no one raising their hand, looking as though already satisfied with how everything had gone. The master hums and says.

‘Very well, we shall move to the next.’

Chapter 26: Life in the Burial Mounds - Month 0 to Month 6

Summary:

What had gone during Mid Spring I to Late Autumn I.

Also continuous family lores (I had to make family trees).

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- living conditions in the mounds
- digging through the belongings of the dead (consented act)
- a dafan wen resident being disgrace by a wen cultivator
- a child witnessing the heinous act
- violence (wen ning rampage)
- wei wuxian vomiting blood after the fight

‘Our life in the Burial Mounds started with uncertainty. The Wen remnants did not trust me, and I truly do not blame them for being cautious. I was once an enemy of their Qishan Wen sect, after all.’

‘I’m not sure if the Jins were aware, but the old madam Jin Zixun wanted to brand was Wen Ruohan’s aunt, Wen Fenghua. Originally she held the highest position in the settlement; however, due to her old age, she passed that station to Wen Qing.’

 

Elders from Wen Fenghua’s generation gasped. She was a talented acupuncturist and internist. To endure such a fate due to her nephew’s ambitions. They could only shake their heads in dismay.

 

‘Since then, Wen Qing was the only person the Wen remnants listened to. And as she had vouched for me, they reluctantly cooperated with me.’

 

Wei Wuxian held Lan Sizhui’s hand, absently tracing circles on his knuckles.

‘Our first concerns were money and supplies . I could provide them medicinal herbs, wood, and fire, but food and clothes were scarce. Building proper shelters would also have taken some time and resources, which we did not have.’

‘My solution was the spirits in the mounds that were pleased I returned but also angry that I had brought people who disturbed their resting place. I made a deal to liberate them in exchange for their earthly belongings, and many accepted.’

 

Silence fell as he recalled the grim work they launched into.

‘The Wens and I had to shovel through the ground and bones like grave robbers. They felt guilty having to depend on the dead and made their own promise to carve bamboo tablets and to create a cenotaph as thanks for the help they were extending.’

 

Wei Wuxian’s voice softened, his mind drifting back to a particular day—the day the cenotaph was erected deep within the Burial Mounds.

‘At the heart of the mounds stood a cenotaph for the spirits surrounded by the rock structures that became altars for the tablets bearing names long forgotten by the outside world.’

‘That place became our ancestral hall of sorts. A madam named Wen Yuhua spent her days there in seclusion—meticulously carving names and tending the cut bamboo stalks. She was also kind enough to make ones for my parents and guardians.’

 

He remembered the times he kneeled there alone or sometimes with A’Yuan. There were mellow times when he and the Wens spent time exchanging stories about their family members as incense sticks and paper money burned during festive occasions.

‘If no cultivators have reached that far, then it should still be safe there. I've surrounded the tablets with resentful energy, placing them into stasis to prevent them from deteriorating.’

 

Young disciples grew concerned as he continued speaking, a distant look in his eyes. They began listlessly exchanging glances as Wei Wuxian's perfunctory voice echoed in the hall. 

Unbeknownst to them, senior disciple Lan Yuxu—then Wen Yuxu—had looked similar, recalling the woman Wei Wuxian spoke of. Wen Yuhua was his mother.

 

Lan Yuxu’s family lived next to Wen Qing’s family in Dafan Mountain. During the war, his father—a hunter—unwillingly joined the draft while his pregnant wife was held at knifepoint by one of the Wen generals.

His mother was manhandled into the room where he was hiding. Through the gap of the wardrobe, he became a voyeur to her darkest moment. Shortly after that night, his mother suffered the loss of what might have been his brother or sister.

Without his father to protect them, he and his mother became vulnerable. Lan Yuxu closed his eyes as he recalled his muffled cries as he was smuggled out of Dafan Mountain into Caiyi Town.

His aunt and her husband had been very kind to him. They loved him as their own, and to this day, he still visited them regularly whenever he went down from the Cloud Recesses. Lan Yuxu gripped the jade pendant inside his robes—the one his mother carved—and prayed for her soul once again.

 

‘The women traded the valuable pieces we had gathered. Some of the practical items, like blankets and rolls of fabric, remained in the mountain for our use. With their earnings, they bought food, spices, and dinnerware enough for everyone.’

‘Fierce corpses used swords and sabers to cut down wood and sturdy branches. For months, the Wens slept in simple tents while Wen Ning and I stayed in the Demon Slaughtering Cave. I kept him contained with talismans and blood formation.’

 

The elders became intrigued by this technique of the Yiling Patriarch. Was it not the one the Yiling Patriarch used to save the kidnapped disciples in the cave?

 

Lan Qiren thoughtfully caressed his chin. The formation circle prevented any resentful energy from coming in. The reverse of it was the one he used to contain Sect Leader Nie’s fierce arm.

Lan Qiren raised his head and looked at Wei Wuxian. He certainly had his ways of dealing with problems.

 

‘As the seasons changed, we lived without much disturbance. While I was out selling talismans, they tilled the soil and planted and grew radishes and carrots. I was adamant that I wanted potatoes, but Wen Qing got annoyed and whacked my shoulder each time I asked.’

 

An elder snorted in amusement but hid it in a cough. He chuckled at the thought. Like children, they were.

 

‘But those good months were not always peaceful. The dead were seriously unhappy with spiritual cultivators’ frequent visits. Unfortunately for them, just a few whistles to the dead were enough to cast them off. ’

‘Jiang Wanyin also came to the settlement during the first month of autumn and saw the people I was harboring. Elderly, several men, some women, and a few children.’

 

Wei Wuxian remembered his shidi, sauntering in the settlement with an inquiring gaze. He knew by then Jiang Cheng had realized that the Jin sect had lied about the Wen remnants.

‘He asked for Wen Ning and was angry when he found out I was planning to wake Wen Ning’s consciousness. He thought I was mad with ambition , but he didn’t give up on me. He asked me to come back home with him. I—’

 

He gritted his teeth.

‘—refused because I would essentially be abandoning the Wens. That goes against my principles and the morals and values instilled in me. What insulted me more was his disregard for their lives.’

‘I questioned him. We both knew those people were innocent the same way our Yunmeng people were innocent. What he was doing, is it any better than the Wens who were actually at fault? The Jin sect, who were throwing their weight around? The Nies and Lans, who waited for the remnants to cross some boundary to finally find fault in them?’

 

‘I’m grateful that he cared, that he was concerned for me. But that did not change my opinion on the matter. That day I defected from the Jiang sect and told him to leave me alone.’

 

Wei Wuxian addressed the silent but attentive listeners of the conclave.

‘Let’s all admit it. Cutting me loose was the easier way out. I admit that I must have insulted him, but there are things worth sacrificing and saving. Sacrificing my connection with him—them—would keep the Jiang sect safe from the cultivation world’s badgering. It’s just logical; additionally, helping the Wens and then abandoning them later is heartless and cruel. I’m not that kind of person.’

 

The elders hummed in agreement.

 

Qin Yongrui elbowed and asked Wang Zhen.

‘What opinion do you have, my friend?’

 

Wang Zhen looked at Wei Wuxian before answering.

‘From a cultivator’s perspective, what he intended to do was to relieve the Jiang sect of external pressure. That shows that he cares for them as much as they cared for him.’

‘Angling as another great sect’s member, I’d say he spat on Jiang Wanyin’s mercy. Pretty ruthless, too, the way he did it. I can see where he was coming from, and his intention was undeniably good. It’s just that he had this idea of predicting how people would react. Oftentimes, people do not react the way we want them to.’

 

Qin Yongrui followed with another question.

‘But A’Zhen… as a younger brother, how would you feel if your older brother chose the Wens over you?’

‘Betrayed and angry, obviously… but at the bottom of it all, I’d feel insecure.’

 

Wang Zhen, who had his attention on the stoic-looking Yiling Patriarch, whispered with a sad tone.

'I would spiral, thinking, why do I have to compete with strangers when I should be the obvious choice? ’

 

‘Is it not selfish, A’Zhen? You know the risk of Wei Wuxian leaving the Wens.’

‘Yes, but coming from the perspective of a sibling? I should come first before anyone else. Surely I am closer to my brother’s heart than unrelated folks, right?’

 

The disciples’ conversation ended with complicated afterthoughts.

Wei Wuxian looked at his husband before talking.

‘It was late autumn when I first saw Lan Zhan in Yiling.’

 

Everyone guessed how the encounter had gone.

One elder snidely speculated that this was the time when the Yiling Patriarch enchanted Lan Wangji to his side. One female senior disciple suggested they had a fight that ended in a draw. One male senior disciple reasoned that perhaps Wei Wuxian paralyzed Hanguang-jun with talismans and ran for the hills. A young disciple, however, jokingly said that Wei-qianbei most probably swindled Hanguang-jun into treating him to food or alcohol.

 

As they buzzed, all three of his family members perked up at the mention.

Yi’er whispered.

‘Is it this incident where you called Hanguang-jun your A-die, A’Yuan?’

 

Rightfully so, A’Yuan’s cheeks flushed.

‘I… Yes, it is.’

 

Wei Wuxian patted Lan Sizhui’s hand and spoke.

‘Hold your speculation, everyone. It was just a simple encounter. I was in town to shop for vegetables and rice. Along with me was… a toddler—Wen Qing and Wen Ning’s little nephew.’

 

People momentarily paused and recalled that yes, there was a toddler in Qiongqi Path.

 

Wei Wuxian bit his lip as he pondered what to call A’Yuan. Calling him by his name could be complicated. What if someone pieced the information he has provided and connected it to Lan Sizhui? He also felt that calling him Little Radish was informal and too intimate for strangers to know.

He sighed and settled with the alias Wen Xiao Bao.

‘Wen Xiao Bao was a curious child. He asked questions one after another. The world was too large for his little mind to fathom. On that particular day, I lost Wen Xiao Bao in the market.’

 

Several audience members shook their heads and clicked their tongues at his negligence.

 

‘I was haggling with the vendor to lower his prices when I realized Wen Xiao Bao was not holding my hand anymore . I frantically looked for him when a crowd of people caught my attention.’

'He was there, clutching Lan Zhan’s robes tightly as he cried. Our dear fuddy duddy was out of his element and knew nothing about coaxing the child. I stepped forward, dispersed the crowd, and took the crying child from Lan Zhan.’

 

People sought Lan Wangji’s expressions. They wondered if it was a fond memory they shared or if it was something Hanguang-jun would look back at and frown upon. They noticed his relaxed eyebrows and slightly curled lips before deciding that it was the former.

 

‘Months had gone by since we last saw each other. Of course, as he was in Yiling, I took the role of a host and persuaded him to dine with us. As gratitude for making it easy for me to find Wen Xiao Bao.’

‘Our group of three ate in a restaurant. It was going to be my treat, you know, but the protection talisman I brought with me ignited. That only meant something was wrong in the Mounds.’

 

‘We went home, with Lan Zhan in tow. One of the Wens broke the spell holding Wen Ning off. As a fierce corpse, Wen Ning didn’t recognize anyone but me. He hurt Wen Qing and the uncles who came to pacify him.’

‘Lan Zhan and I fought Wen Ning as he turned more aggressive due to the resentful energy he began absorbing. Despite the battle being laborious, the end was fruitful. We won, and Wen Ning recalled his consciousness.’

 

Lan Wangji remembered the parts Wei Wuixan omitted. The price his beloved had to pay. 

He remembered his husband vomiting blood after siphoning resentful energy the Stygian Tiger Amulet was trying to feed on. He remembered being concerned for the state of Wei Wuxian’s body and the long-term effects of ghost cultivation.

He couldn’t comprehend his zhiyin at that time and was unable to provide the support he truly needed. Lan Wangji regretted his focus on appeasing their chaotic society. He knew better now. Their deaths had not been enough for most people.

 

People always wanted more than they deserved simply because they thought themselves entitled to it.

 

‘Lan Zhan left the settlement before sundown. I wanted him to stay for dinner because he ended up paying for our meal in Yiling.’

 

The young disciple who guessed Wei Wuxian would swindle Hanguang-jun chortled in surprise. The disciples around him elbowed him and said.

‘Lucky that you got it right, but I guess we are luckier since gambling is forbidden in the sect.’

Chapter 27: Life in the Burial Mounds - Month 6 Day 7 to Month 11 Day 24

Summary:

What happened during Late Autumn I to Mid Spring II.

Burial Mounds population count (census done during month 0): less than 60

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- deaths
- violence
- grief

Wei Wuxian’s steady voice rang in the hall.

‘By winter, we managed to build several huts. Most of the elderly and children stayed there, while others remained in tents. Market visits and the sale of radishes were left to me and Wen Ning. Wen Qing did not advise the others to go down frequently, in case it strained their bodies and compromised their health.’

 

He recalled one fateful day during one of their trips. One which further cemented the gap between him and the Jiangs.

He and Jiang Cheng smiled at Jiang Yanli’s fiery red, gold-embroidered wedding robes as she twirled in that secluded yard. The gold headdress and pins adorning her head.

It was wonderful , though years ago they had dreamed even grander plans. She was their only sister. Jiang Yanli deserved everything and more on her wedding day. However, that was something this conclave had no reason to know. He would keep it close to his heart— the last happy memory they shared .

 

‘One of the younger uncles was born weak and with a limp called Wen Yufeng. He was the first to die during the peak of our first winter. Days after Wen Xiao Bao’s birthday came, Uncle Four’s wife—Meng Qingrou—got sick and succumbed to death in her sleep.’

‘We greeted spring with solemn hearts. By then, we were down to fifty-four , excluding Wen Ning, who was already dead.’

 

Lan Yuxu remembered the gentle nature of Wen Yufeng. Despite being the target of bullying and teasing due to his limp, his uncle had a positive and hopeful outlook on life. Perhaps it was mercy that his uncle died of natural causes surrounded by their family’s warmth .

 

Disciples whispered condolences for their souls as they imagined how cold it was to live in a mountain during winter without proper homes. They imagined waking up in the early hours of the day—freezing—with their hands and feet stiff like ice. One healer apprentice believed that even a talent like Wen Qing would struggle to survive the brutal winters.

 

‘Some of the uncles went down to Yiling to sell the crops that managed to survive the winter. A few aunties sent me to buy embroidery tools so they could make beautiful handkerchiefs to sell. I tried to bring up the potatoes again, and they just snorted and waved me off.’

 

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes.

‘And you say I was raising an army? I couldn’t even make the people under my wing follow my wants. Ridiculous.’

‘Regardless, I often went to town dressed in modest robes and struck up friendships with the food vendors. Being handsome and charming had its perks . I returned home with a few candies, along with discounted vegetables, meat, and meat buns.’

 

Suddenly, he straightened his posture and spoke with furrowed eyebrows.

'It was the middle of spring when we had our first real threat in the Mounds. Nie cultivators were roaming—mapping the mountains.’

 

The sharp tone of Wei Wuxian caught everyone by surprise. Slowly, tension built again.

 

‘The cultivators found three uncles returning from the market. They fired arrows at them, catching the Wens off guard. Uncle Chen died on the spot with an arrow through his neck while Uncle Four and Uncle Nine hid behind trees.’

‘They managed to reach the settlement and inform me that there were four Nie cultivators at their tail. I went down and fought them. I made sure to kill them all, and then I retrieved Uncle Chen’s body.’

 

The veins on Wei Wuxian’s forehead began throbbing, and his hand closed tightly. Poor Lan Sizhui winced at the force . Lan Jingyi reached out and tapped Wei Wuxian’s arm—an effort to get his cousin-brother’s hand free.

Only then did Wei Wuxian realize his involuntary action. He released Lan Sizhui's hand quickly from his hold.

‘Sorry, Sizhui!’

 

And the teen only smiled. Wei Wuxian cleared his throat and continued.

‘Since then, it was just me, Uncle Four, and Uncle Nine who went to the markets. The women were heavily guarded by me and fierce corpses on a secluded pathway whenever they went to town.’

‘Uncle Chen was a butcher with a teenage son. The boy was just thirteen at that time. The death of his father ignited his hatred for the Nie sect.’

 

He paused, thinking of the boy’s wailing cries. Chen Bolin was on a warpath for an entire month, throwing a dagger in a dead tree trunk with frightening accuracy.

‘Chen Bolin was practicing his aim using a dagger for a month before taking one of the sabers that we had unearthed earlier. He trained relentlessly, knowing he might one day face Nie cultivators.’

‘He said he wasn’t going to die like his father, and what an ironic way it would be if he killed Nies with their own preferred weapon. He raged enough that it attracted resentful energy, and I had to take over guiding him.’ 

 

Disciples frowned, their hearts uncomfortable with the notion of someone so young fostering such deep hatred that it was materializing into something that resonated with resentful energy.

 

Others exchanged looks, silently wondering if that counted as having disciples.

 

‘The boy had a point. Without knowing how to defend himself, he’d be stuck at the Burial Mounds, and that was cruel for him. I made him do exercises and menial labor around to cultivate his body. Then I taught him martial arts and sparred with him.’

‘I taught him spiritual cultivator foundations. Unlike speculations, someone as angry as him would suffer rather than master resentful energy. It would have eaten his mind .’

 

Several disciples scribbled this specific information in their booklets, while a few healers were visibly exchanging opinions regarding what techniques could have helped to manage the teen’s anger.

 

Wei Wuxian revealed more with bitterness in his tongue.

‘ He never got over his father’s death. He never forgave the Nie cultivators. Each day he lived, his heart became heavy and his hatred prominent. The spirits would have preyed on him had I taught him to cultivate the energy in the mounds.’

‘There’s no need to have a possessed teenager with untapped potential in the settlement. Can you imagine an ordinary human being worse than the combination of myself and Wen Ning? Chen Bolin—if possessed—could fight off experienced cultivators even without a core. It is not an exaggeration, honestly.’

 

Healer Qiu received several similar inquiries from her students: If such a possession were to occur, would Chen Bolin be liberated from his inhibitions , thus becoming a formidable force?

 

Wei Wuxian then almost whispered the words.

‘ Unadulterated fury can push people to do things they never thought they were capable of. '

 

He sighed.

'I was careful with him. We meditated together. I told him stories each day to quell his dark thoughts. The Wens reminded him of his family. We put in so much effort to lift his spirits, and we were barely successful .’

 

He took a deep breath as thoughts of the boy named Chen Bolin filled the minds of the audience.

 

Was he not a parallel of Nie Mingjue? 

He developed a deep-seated hatred for the entire Nie sect after his father was killed by Nie cultivators. He pushed himself to be strong and filled with rage.

Would he have—like Nie Mingjue to the Wens—killed the Nies indiscriminately?

They shuddered at the thought of him, knowing that, yes, he would have.

Notes:

Burial Mounds population count (census done during month 12): 53

Chapter 28: Life in the Burial Mounds - Month 16 to Month 24 Day 3

Summary:

Last months in the Mounds reaching to the First Siege.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Qing Ming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time for honoring ancestors, tidying up their graves, and appreciating the arrival of spring. People burn incense and paper money and make offerings.

The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, occurs during the seventh lunar month when the gates of hell are believed to open. This allows hungry ghosts to wander into the mortal world in search of food. During this time, people offer food and prayers to appease these wandering spirits.

Both festivals involve ancestor and spirit veneration with burning incense and offerings, but Qing Ming is primarily for familial ancestor respect and grave maintenance in spring, while the Ghost Festival centers on pacifying a broader range of spirits.

Content warnings:
- Bloodbath recollection is a mix or generalization of MZDS adaptations
- deaths
- violence/battles
- multiple sects' hypocrisy

Burial Mounds population count (census done during month 12): 53

With the charged and tense atmosphere, Wei Wuxian continued his storytelling.

‘Our way of living changed immediately after Uncle Chen’s death. We became more vigilant and closer-knit. The aunties were anxious about our trips to town and often busied themselves with cooking, fermenting, sewing, and learning carving from Madam Yuhua. Meanwhile, the uncles ventured around the mounds, fishing and foraging for food, medicinal herbs, and wild plants.’

 

He continued, his voice controlled.

‘As inhabitants of the Burial Mounds, there are several occasions essential to us, like Qing Ming and Zhong Yuan Jie. During those festivals, everyone spent time at the ancestral hall. We made offerings and said prayers for our constant companions and liberated spirits.’

 

Audience members were surprised but supposed that it was only right for the Wens to honor their benefactors.

 

‘It was a bit chilling, since the spirits were very animated and wanted to speak to the living. I relied on the words but asked the Wens to not reply. The spirits could force their way into our minds, so we had to be very cautious.’

 

Brows raised and eyes widened. One senior healer was already prepared to request a private audience with Wei Wuxian after the discussion ended. What he and the Wens experienced might lead to breakthroughs in the medical field!

 

‘It was not long before another of our members died again. Even when we did our best to provide for ourselves, what we had was not enough for all fifty-three of us. Eleven-year-old Chu’er, our little balladeer, died of malnutrition. Maiden Qin, the eighteen-year-old poet, succumbed after mistakenly eating poisonous berries.’

 

The disciples’ reactions varied. Some silently thanked the gods for having three meals a day, while others clenched their fists at the reminder of how vulnerable ordinary people were compared to cultivators. They had experienced hunger pangs before, but never to the point of malnutrition or death.

Disciples who once frowned at street kids chasing fallen buns or incessant knocking on restaurant doors for half-eaten food slowly understood. Dusting the dirt off the buns and driving the cooks crazy could result in having that day’s lunch or dinner, or perhaps that day’s only meal. Reactions of homeless people towards their feeding programs now made perfect sense. The disciples felt bad and ashamed for getting irritated over their seemingly exaggerated reactions.

 

‘We made sure that the children’s bowls were filled. We adults had no qualms lessening our portions in case the children needed seconds. It was a consensus that we'd all rather be filled with just water, wild berries, and other fruits than let the children get hungry. As for Wen Xiao Bao’s milk supply, we traded our produce to a few families in the village to get more milk.’

‘After their deaths, Wen Qing had increased the times she checked on us and made sure to educate us on which fruits were safe to eat and which should be avoided.’

 

The elders nodded in acknowledgement of the Wens’ efforts to provide for and protect their young.

 

Wei Wuxian held his hand up to pause and removed the amplifying talisman he wore. Lan Wangji offered him another sip of tea.

After drinking, Wei Wuxian looked at his husband and whispered.

‘I will be talking about Jin Ling and the ambush now. I’d appreciate it if you held me until the end, Lan-er-gege.’

 

Lan Wangji gave his beloved a comforting look, tucking his hair behind his ear. He spoke softly.

‘My husband need not worry. You are not alone. I will be here—every step of the way. Wei Ying can take his time.’

 

With his dear husband’s words, Wei Wuxian slumped in his seat, his head leaning on Lan Wangji. Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi exchanged looks before turning their attention to the tea and snacks on their tray table.

 

Seeing that Wei Wuxian made no gesture to continue, Teacher Ye Ling stood and addressed the crowd.

‘Everyone, please allow young master Wei to have a moment to himself. For now, help yourselves to refreshments and reflect on what we have learned.’

 

The discussion resumed just after the bells were rung, signaling that it was half a shichen past you shi (six in the evening).

Wei Wuxian put the talisman back on, still leaning on Lan Wangji’s shoulder. A few elders hissed at his posture but only got sharp looks from other audience members.

 

With his eyes closed, Wei Wuxian spoke in a steady but somber voice.

‘I received an invitation from Sect Heir Jin and Young Madam Jin for their son’s first moon celebration. I was ecstatic and very glad that I was welcome to join the banquet. I thought it was a gesture of reconnecting, after all the attacks on the mounds lessened.’

 

‘Despite my defection from the Jiang sect, I still had my Clarity Bell. Using that, I made a gift for Jin Ling. I carved runes and put strong incantations that would protect him from creatures, wrath, and resentful energy.’

‘Wen Ning and I alone traveled on the way to Jinlintai. Things were fine until we reached Qiongqi Path. We were ambushed by Jin Zixuan’s cousin, Jin Zixun, with hundreds, of cultivators. Lan disciples included.’

 

Murmurs arose from the hall, with most disciples asking the elders. Lan Qiren straightened as he recalled Lan Xichen coming to him about the incident. Back then, Xichen said.

‘Uncle, I was informed that our disciples were injured in an encounter with Young Master Wei. According to the reports, they came to answer a Jin signal flare in Qiongqi Path.’

 

Lan Qiren gritted his teeth; had their disciples lied in the reports? What was the truth?

 

A section of disciples around Lan Wangji’s age exchanged shameful looks. These were the disciples who took part in the ambush.

Contrary to the account they have corroborated with Jin Guangyao, they didn’t respond to the flare. They were standing on higher land beside disciples from the Jiang, Jin, Nie, Ouyang, Qin, Yao, and Xiao sects. All were equipped with swords and bows, ready for a glorious confrontation.

 

‘Jin Zixun accused me of casting the Hundred Holes curse on him, but I insisted that I was not responsible. Despite my protests, he refused to believe me and became furious. The cultivators attacked me, and I defended myself alongside Wen Ning.’

 

Wei Wuxian sighed heavily at the mention of Jin Zixuan. He closed his eyes but did not waver from speaking.

‘Moments later, Jin Zixuan arrived and ordered me to stand down. I questioned why he didn’t demand that they put their weapons down instead. The ghosts in the Qingqi Path whispered to me, and I realized how mistaken I had been to place my trust in them.’

‘I asked Jin Zixuan if he truly had no knowledge of what was waiting at Qiongqi Path, but he ignored my questions. Frustrated and enraged, I lost control of my emotions, leading to Wen Ning unintentionally injuring Jin Zixuan.’

 

He hid his trembling hands by crossing his arms at his chest, while people grew upset at his recounting.

The elders themselves began guessing which of their disciples took part in such an atrocity. They thought that Sect Heir Jin and Young Madam Jin sent the invitation in good faith. Jiang Yanli had been vocal in advocating for Wei Wuxian and his goodness. Sure enough, the young madam was not wrong to believe in her… younger brother.

Lan Fengyun had been writing in his booklet a record of which individuals would receive punishment in the coming days. At the moment, since Wei Wuxian had not dropped a name, he only wrote: Lan disciples at Qiongqi Path.

 

‘Due to the stress, I was livid with Wen Ning. I was screaming and crying at the same time. I even shouted at Wen Xiao Bao, who just wanted to ask about the banquet.’

‘Wen Qing kept me sedated in the Demon Slaughtering Cave. My hysterical reaction disturbed our entire domain. The spirits grew excited at my breakdown.’

 

Lan Jingyi cringed at the thought. The cold darkness holding Wei Wuxian together most probably was absorbing more negativity and disturbing his mind.

 

Wei Wuxian cleared his throat.

‘Even without the Stygian Tiger Amulet, my body was still filled with resentful energy. If Wen Qing did not sedate me, I would have been possessed. An outcome similar to what we tried so hard to prevent from happening to Chen Bolin.’

 

‘Days later, Wen Qing and Wen Ning came to the Golden Carp Tower to surrender. According to a missive Jin Guangshan sent to the settlement, if they surrendered willingly, Jin Zixuan’s death and Jin Zixun’s curse would be pardoned. The Wen remnants would be exempted from punishment.’

 

He huffed angrily.

‘But he lied! Months at Nightless City, he called for my death and the death of the remaining Wens. He went back on his words, and the cultivators wholeheartedly supported him.’

‘I tried to talk to you, and to other sects, in a civil manner. You didn’t listen. You didn’t want to listen. Your side took the first shot, and when I defended myself, you all raised your weapons. So I raised fierce corpses.’

 

The Lan cultivators tried to recollect what happened in Nightless City. Yes, it was true what he was saying. He tried to talk them out of killing the innocent Wens. One minor sect disciple shot him with a bow, and he retaliated by returning the arrow. Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen chastised him for it.

The younger disciples thought that things were not adding up correctly. If Wei-qianbei spoke, then why was he attacked? And when he acted in self-defense, why was he criticized? It felt barbaric!

 

‘Somehow, some way, the widowed Young Madam Jin came from Jinlintai to Qishan and entered the battlefield.’

 

Everyone frowned at this. It was an anomaly. How was she there? Who sent her there? Because collectively they knew it was not Sect Leader Jiang who brought her there.

 

‘A fierce corpse attacked her, and I immediately came to her side. Jiang Wanyin questioned my control over the fierce corpses, but I was focused on Jiang Yanli. She told me to stop, and I did.’

‘The fighting stopped, and we were in a standstill. Then I saw her eyes widen in fear. She pushed me, and then some cultivator’s sword pierced her.’

 

Although most people could not see Wei Wuxian’s face, they could hear the heartbreak in his voice. They heard the sniffles he tried to hide on Lan Wangji’s chest loud and clear.

The Lans bowed their heads away from his direction. Master An, Healer Qiu, and other elders had the decency to recognize that from start to finish Wei Wuxian had been correct. His questionable actions were finally making sense with proper context.

 

Lan Wangji discreetly wiped his husband’s tears.

‘Wei Ying, allow me to take over while you gather yourself.’

‘Okay, Lan Zhan. You know what happened next.’

 

The conclave chatted at the direction the discussion was turning. Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi held hands tightly as Hanguang-jun spoke.

 

‘After Young Madam Jin was injured, Wei Ying broke down. Resentful energy in Nightless City circled around them, keeping them enclosed in a spinning black dome. Wei Ying used the Stygian Tiger Amulet. The resentful energy on the battlefield flowed seamlessly before they turned into sharp lances.

‘Among three thousand cultivators, thousands were injured while hundreds died. Many of them are still alive today. I hid Wei Ying in a cave in Yiling but was caught by the elders before we could leave for the Burial Mounds.’

 

‘I fought thirty-three of them, then escaped to give Wei Ying to the Wens. After safely escorting him, I went back to Cloud Recesses to receive my punishment.’

 

The elders could be heard groaning and coughing. No one could verify why; however, some disciples speculate that it was due to humiliation at getting bested by a twenty-five-year-old Hanguang-jun.

 

‘A month and a half before the First Siege, Wei Ying successfully destroyed half of the amulet. Though I did not take part in the siege, my brother—Sect Leader Lan—informed me that the Wens perished, while Wei Ying also died at the spiritual rebound when he destroyed the other half of the amulet.’

 

Lan Wangji’s words ended the segment scoping the Wens’ life in the Burial Mounds to the First Siege. The sound of the drums caught their attention, and the conclave had to pause for dinner. The discussion participants left for the dining hall and were told to reconvene immediately after.

Notes:

Burial Mounds population count (census done during month 24): 1

Burial Mounds population count (census done hours after the First Siege): 1

Burial Mounds population count (census done 3 days after the First Siege): 0

Chapter 29: The Cost of Ignorance

Summary:

My most favorite rundown of the Lans' hypocrisy.

Notes:

Not beta read.

Deliberately spreading false official reports with the intent to indoctrinate (i.e., to manipulate or influence people's beliefs), it falls squarely under disinformation.

Rows of people trod out of Ming Hall, dismayed and agitated. The men went to their dining hall; the women to their private building. No one seemed to have an appetite, but skipping meals was forbidden—it violated the Lan rule about treating one’s body with care.

The last ones to leave the hall were Grandmaster Lan Qiren, Teacher Ye Ling, disciples Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi, and the pair of husbands—Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.

 

As they all walked through the corridor, Wei Wuxian made an apology to Lan Wangji.

‘I’m sorry, Lan Zhan. I did not mean to cry.’

‘Wei Ying has no reason to apologize. I understand that you are still grieving Lady Jiang’s death.’

 

‘That I do. To me, it’s like not even a year has passed since she died. It’s still all fresh to me.’

‘That’s because Wei Ying died not even five months after her death. Of course, Wei Ying has not grieved enough .’

 

Their companions winced at their conversation—Lan Wangji’s words struck a painful, undeniable truth . This was a much more traumatic experience for the Yiling Patriarch than it was for them. They were dissecting the wounds of his heart, mind, body, and soul.

 

‘Wei Ying, while I support your initiative to correct the clan members, the discussion has visibly hurt you. Is it wise to continue?’

‘Ha… Lan Zhan, don’t worry too much—the end is near. I guarantee that we will finish before it is time for bed.’

 

‘I do not worry excessively. It’s against the rules.’

 

Wei Wuxian and the disciples caught on quickly, while the two elders took a moment before realizing that Hanguang-jun was making a joke.

 

Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi did not bother to hide their laughs as Wei Wuxian's loud ‘hahaha’ echoed.

‘Ah, husband! You really are the same old fuddy-duddy, and yet, you never fail to charm me.’

 

Lan Wangji only pulled him closer and smiled discreetly as Wei Wuxian continued.

‘This is exactly why I’m doing this! I will not allow your clan members to ignore you—any longer. They need to see you. They need to see this!’

 

Not as sad as before, he claimed proudly, almost bragging.

‘Lans can live like you—kind yet righteous, compassionate yet firm, just and unwavering. They can find the balance you embody. It’s not impossible!’

 

Lan Qiren and Master Ye exchanged looks as Wei Wuxian praised Wangji exceedingly.

Wei Wuxian was right.

Looking at Wangji, the second young master of Gusu Lan has grown to understand how to live freely in spite of the clan’s strict implementation of four thousand rules. Instead of viewing him as a well-rounded and open-minded Lan disciple , they simply thought of him as heavily influenced by Wei Wuxian’s character and actions. Thus, he was labelled disobedient , disrespectful , and disloyal .

They arrived at the dining hall and saw the soulless, mechanically eating people. Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in bewilderment. Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi moved as though nothing was unusual.

As they passed, Lan Qiren and Master Ye covertly checked on the uneasy clan members. The grandmaster sighed as several hands trembled while others slightly squirmed in their seats. It appeared that they were all anticipating going back to the Ming Hall.

 

Wei Wuxian, his husband, and their two little ones ate moderately. Even so, the fleeing disciples who ate too swiftly for Lan standards caught his attention. He shook his head, hoping no one would choke and no stomach would hurt later in the evening.

 

 

 

Members of the conclave reconvened within an hour, and Wei Wuxian opened the discussion, standing straight and tall in the middle of the hall.

‘Before Master Ye selects participants to ask questions, I will summarize the faults of the clan during our last segment.’

‘The clan members have breached their own ethics and morals. Your offenses can be categorized into two groups: what you have done and what you have failed to do .’

 

Wei Wuxian received nods of agreement while several people, mostly elders and teachers, acted like granite and marble statues—stiff and unbending.

‘One. During war times, you spoke and thought so negatively of me and my cultivation path without knowing or understanding my circumstances. Your hostility was so blatant you didn’t even pretend otherwise. You did not consider whether it was a genuine desire or a desperate measure . To you, it was merely me revealing my true nature—a bold and power-hungry cultivator.’

‘Despite that, you did not oppose the war council when they accepted my methods as a means to combat Qishan Wen. Some of you even have ideas on how I should utilize my cultivation techniques, all while vehemently denouncing dark or demonic arts.’

 

Disciples of his generation stiffened at his last words, while Madam Ling and strategic counselor Lan Rengui winced at Wei Wuxian’s pointed jab at the now quivering Master An.

 

‘Two. After the war, your crusade against my cultivation soared. You spoke behind my back and to my face, spat on my name, and acted as if you were my superiors . Your words affected my reputation and how people perceived me. You engaged in conversations discussing my nonconformist ways, how I abandoned my sword and the right path, and how I defended myself. Clearly, you wanted me to submit to your standards —what you deem fit and is ideal.’

 

‘Three. In the incident of rescuing the Wens in Qiongqi Path, instead of questioning the malicious and inhumane treatment those people were receiving from the Jin sect, you stood by doing nothing; I’m sure my dear husband told you what he saw and what happened. Nevertheless, you chose to believe the Jins’ claims and reports at face value—not verifying the information or situation yourselves.’

 

Several disciples were matching the speed of the eloquent Yiling Patriarch with their brushes, while others diligently ground ink for their companions.

 

‘Four. When we came and lived in the Burial Mounds, you still took part in discussions of rumors and speculations . When Lan Zhan left the settlement, I expected a formal audience or visit to confirm the identities of the settlers . However, not a single one came. Not a shadow of you, your disciples, or your spies . I know you have them.’

 

‘Five. In the event of the ambush, your disciples joined and most likely reported a different version of what had gone down.’

 

More than twenty disciples paled as Wei Wuxian guessed what they had done in the past. Lan Fengyun—using his heightened senses—managed to catch the sight of several wan-looking disciples. Hence, under the earlier scripts of Lan disciples, he wrote the following: Lan Feng, Lan Tao, Lan Jun, Lan Lei, and Lan Han . He also wrote, to investigate, perhaps more suspects .

 

‘Six. In Nightless City, you supported Jin Guangshan wholeheartedly . I know that none were probably informed of the missive sent to the Burial Mounds; however, it was a blind decision perhaps rooted in your self-righteous perceptions.’

 

‘Seven. During the Bloodbath, you have conveniently forgotten that I was attacked first and acted in self-defense. You also ignored how I stopped in the middle of the fight. How I was going to be stabbed and killed by the cultivator who actually killed Young Madam Jin.’

‘I was a victim, and her sacrifice was an act of familial love and protectiveness . Jiang Wanyin was grief-stricken , but I cannot say the same for the rest of you. As primary witnesses, when people believed that I actually killed Young Madam Jin, you failed to correct and educate them.’

 

At these words, even the elders began averting their gazes, feeling properly chastised. Still, one elder muttered, his voice thick with bitterness.

‘Am I responsible for that? What reason do I have to clear your name? Why should I speak for you when your own shidi speaks against you?’

 

Wei Wuxian continued speaking resolutely.

‘Eight— your gravest ethical and moral misdeeds . In the siege, you killed innocents , disposed of the Wens’ bodies in the Blood Pool , and kept quiet regarding the official records released to the public, which contained false information . The great sects have committed an act of disservice to us and the public. To this day, citizens still hate me and those whom I protected .’

 

At the mention of the Wen bodies in the Blood Pool, the disciples kidnapped by the Moling Su sect clenched their fists. The senior disciples and Lan Qiren, who came to rescue the children, were unhappy as well, judging by their furrowed brows.

More and more of the audience were suffocated by the pervading silence. It was as if the weight of his words was weighing on their shoulders.

 

‘Additionally, you benefited from my looted works . You used my theories , put them in your books, and distributed them to your disciples while you disparaged my name. Lan Zhan told me that the sect still possesses the original manuscripts.’

 

Teachers and masters either gasped or gaped at the revelation. Which disciple or master dared to use the Yiling Patriarch’s knowledge and pretend it to be their own?

Some elders were disgusted that lessons and curricula were stained by the heretic’s ingenuity . Others were disappointed to see proof of the disciples’ academic dishonesty .

Member or members of a sect of intellects resorting to plagiarism? The Lan Sect’s once-pristine honor was crumbling beneath the weight of these truths.

Chapter 30: Path to Redemption

Summary:

This prelude sets the stage for the next generation of the Lan sect. I hope for Sizhui to live in a world where he can be safe—both as a Wen and as a Lan.

Notes:

Not beta read.

The day this event took place was an auspicious one. Thus, it is apt to have some hope and redemption near the end.

The Lan sect might be littered with hypocritical individuals, but alas, I don't think it is impossible that people would want to make amends.

Let us hate those who are deserving of it.

If the current governing body could produce people like Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen, Lan Sizhui, and Lan Jingyi, then it only means that they've got what it takes to go back to the right path.

Wei Wuxian remained standing even though he had finished saying his piece. Teacher Ye Ling called for participants from the audience. He chose Elder Yu Anqi.

‘Young Wei, in spite of the dangers of the situation, the siege happened months after the Bloodbath in Nightless City. Did the Wens voluntarily stay in the Mounds instead of evacuating?’

 

Wei Wuxian looked down, his lips pursed.

‘Yes, they did. There was nowhere else to hide, and fleeing meant starting over—something they simply couldn’t afford.’

 

‘Even just for the children?’

'They would still be hunted. It was a tragic choice, but we accepted our fate— preferring to die with dignity , sheltered in our homes, rather than like scurrying roaches.'

 

Elder Yu Anqi nodded solemnly and sat down.

 

Lan Wangji, on the other hand, snuck a glance at Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi.

It was true that Wei Ying did not know what happened to A’Yuan. The little boy was hidden, plagued by fever. Perhaps whoever hid him would rather let him die due to his sickness than be hurt by cultivators. Surely none of the settlers expected that he survived or that someone would have extended a hand to the child.

 

The presiding officer, Master Ye, next called upon senior disciple Hu Mingjie.

The senior disciple bowed and rose before keeping his hands behind his back.

‘It is this one honor to learn so much from you, Wei-Qianbei. The matter of your death is now clear to us; however, I wish to know if you have any recollection of what happened next . How is it that no one could call to your spirit, apart from former Jin disciple Mo Xuanyu?’

 

The Yiling Patriarch took in the question as he paced.

‘I was certain I was in an abyss , not the Naihe Bridge . How Mo Xuanyu managed to snatch my soul from there was extraordinary .’

 

‘An abyss? Is it similar to those of the demon realms ? ’

‘No, it’s just pitch darkness. Its size and shape are unknown. I did not feel solid. I felt like a mere wisp of my soul. I was weak and not whole.’

 

Hu Mingjie wondered if it was a real place within the Burial Mounds or perhaps a controlled space like a qiankun pouch .

‘Was it similar to your earlier experience in the Burial Mounds?’

‘Oh no, absolutely not. It was a strange experience—unlike other souls, I wasn’t human-shaped, more like a flickering flame.’

 

The senior disciple gestured that he was done and sat. It was proven that Wei Wuxian’s life after death was truly a mystery .

 

Lastly, Teacher Ye Ling chose the arts teacher that sat beside Lan Fengyun.

‘Young Wei, I—Lan Yinuo—took an active part in the siege in the Mounds and was among the elders Lan Wangji fought.’

 

The madam paused and tried her best to choose the right words.

'We made mistakes, and your people suffered for them. It was challenging to counter the elaborate narrative that was being spread at that time. Gusu Lan never intended to stand on the wrong side of history.'

 

Wei Wuxian nodded grimly, knowing that a sect— even a great sect —would have faced consequences similar to his if they had gone against the majority’s desired flow.

 

Madam Lan Yinuo continued on, her eyes glimmering with a determined fire.

‘Reform and reparations are in order. I hope that would help quench your resentment towards the sect. That would be all from this madam.’

 

She saluted Wei Wuxian, which he returned with a gentle, sincere smile.

 

Several elders rose from their seats, vexed that the madam made a choice on her own.

Master An huffed, pointing at the madam with his index finger.

‘How could you give such heavy promises without consulting us first?’

 

Before silencing spells could be cast, 285-year-old Madam Ling summoned a fierce gust . The frosty wind made the hall shiver—Wei Wuxian stepped back to steady himself as the Lan elders and Madam Lan Yinuo gracelessly tumbled back to their seats.

 

Madam Ling roared at the Lan contingent.

‘Show my great-grandchildren some decorum ! You are their teachers, their guardians! Do not act like children yourselves.’

‘Little Yinuo is right. Making amends is the right course of action, and reform would ensure that in the future the Lan sect will be marching down the path our ancestors intended to take.’

 

The madam huffed.

‘It is a shame that we have gone the wrong way due to batches of leaders’ and councilors’ pursuit of perfection . However, not anymore. As the oldest Lan alive, I will not let your awful governance bring us to ruin . Little Qiren!’

 

Disciples sputtered as the grandmaster was called much as a child would.

Lan Qiren merely stood and answered.

‘Yes, great ancestor?’

‘After the discussion, I expect Xichen to be sent a copy of the Yiling Patriarch’s recitation of events. Two weeks from now, fetch the sect leader from his seclusion for a while.’

 

Madam Ling’s eyes roamed every section.

'It is time for renewal— a careful reconstruction to restore balance and honor. Those who serve with loyalty and diligence shall keep their positions and our trust. Those who sow discord or weaken our foundations must be set aside so the Lan legacy may thrive once more.'

 

She let the words settle before continuing with quiet strength.

‘This is not punishment , but a necessary step toward healing and growth . We honor our ancestors by embracing reform with integrity and unity. Let every member understand: this is our duty and our hope. ’

 

Wei Wuxian was impressed by the display of power as the disciples answered with bravery, their heads held high. Meanwhile the seniors and elders—some begrudgingly and others willingly—received the madam’s order.

He hummed and thought Madam Ling’s position was that of an empress dowager. She was the wife of the seventh Lan sect leader.

The former Madam Lan outlived many generations. It was intimidating to see her wield such power.

 

‘Yiling Patriarch,’

 

Wei Wuxian turned to Madam Ling and bowed.

‘Please call this one Wei Wuxian, great ancestor. I have never claimed the title given by the people. ’

 

But the madam merely harrumphed, her brows meeting.

‘Well, even though you don’t due to the title's infamy or inauspiciousness , you are a grandmaster in your own right. I do not like your heretical ways or your careless attitude. However , you have shown that you are not some megalomaniac and have true passion for helping people . Would you be fine if we send disciples to cleanse the Burial Mounds?’

 

Wei Wuxian thought of the gesture carefully.

‘Yes, although I must confess that certain measures must be done before the cleansing, and by the mounds’ notoriety, it is impossible to successfully cleanse the entire territory . ’

 

‘That’s not the contingent’s aim. Their aim would be to cleanse the grounds where innocents had been killed. Our artisans will create tablets for them—bamboo, to remain uniform with the Wen family. We would join you as well during celebrations to honor their deaths as we do to our own ancestors .’

 

‘You would? I—’

‘The Lan Sect members cannot revive the dead , only offer prayers and our sincerest apologies. Though it may do little, we will do what we can and work to combat the accusations against them.’

 

Madam Ling’s stern voice reverberated through the hall—another decree that every member of the sect would receive.

 

‘From now on, it is our duty to correct misconceptions wherever we find them . Using our talent as intellectuals and historians—with the Jin sect’s stories in shambles and Wei Wuxian’s side of the story—our clan will serve as credible sources .’

 

Wei Wuxian could feel the tears welling up in his eyes once again. With a smile that reached his eyes, he moved towards the old madam and thanked her.

Notes:

We only have the Jin Guangyao reveal and its companion piece left.

Chapter 31: Fractured Legacies

Notes:

Not beta read.

Content warnings:
- mentions of dead people

Straightening his back after thanking Madam Ling, Wei Wuxian smiled so brilliantly at the Lan sect members that they remembered why he had once been a sought-after bachelor—before fear, hatred, and wrath had tainted his image.

 

He spoke expectantly.

‘Your words make me feel warm, but it is your actions that will make my heart full. I look forward to this sect’s newest endeavor. If you ever need me, I will gladly cooperate.’

 

‘Now, let’s move on to the final topic of our discussion: the events involving the late Chief Cultivator, Jin Guangyao.’

 

Slightly unsettled but intrigued, the audience watched the Yiling Patriarch walk around the Ming Hall.

 

It had only been a month since Jin Guangyao was buried with Nie Mingjue. The late chief cultivator had been cordial to the sect and familiar to selected members—Lan Xichen being the closest.

The Lans noticed Zewu-jun’s bright disposition had grown somber and withdrawn, weighed down by grief. Their sect leader was due to emerge from seclusion in three years, much like his brother Hanguang-jun. They hoped by that time, he would have healed.

 

‘I did not know Jin Guangyao personally, but before his death, he had done both evil and good deeds.’

‘Let’s start with his father’s orders. The late sect leader Jin Guangshan was a lecherous, power-hungry tyrant whose ambition knew no bounds; he used any means to get what he wanted.’

 

Wei Wuxian caught the approving nods and whispered agreements of the elders. His words were hardly a secret; if anything, it was the most loosely guarded one. Regardless, the man was politically savvy like his son.

‘Jin Guangyao schemed for his father’s benefit—conspiracies involving me and the Wen remnants to win public support, the Stygian Tiger Amulet, and a plot against the Tungshan He clan to crush opposition to Jin Guangshan’s rule.’

 

The disciples nodded, considering that while Wei Wuxian did have some faults of his own, the Jin sect certainly weaponized the people’s fear and curiosity about Wei Wuxian.

 

‘Next, among the acts that benefited him were the ambush of Jin Zixun and the death of Jin Zixuan—their untimely passing advanced his place in the succession. Though the Jin elders might have initially contested his succession, it was undeniable that he was capable of shouldering the weight of being a sect leader.’

‘And, as Su Minshan’s master, he likely knew about the Hundred Holes curse on Jin Zixun and exploited it to orchestrate the ambush, aware of my innocence.’

 

Wei Wuxian's gaze grew distant, as if recalling the battle at Qiongqi Path.

‘Wen Ning and I were truly culpable for injuries that killed Jin Zixuan, but Jin Guangyao shared some responsibility since he sent his half-brother there.’

 

The elders tightly pursed their lips. This was someone they had welcomed as an ally and worked with harmoniously for years . Wei Wuxian was not wrong to think that they were associating and befriending evil.

 

‘His crimes were executed with meticulous calculation. Many lives were lost—former sect leader Nie Mingjue, his father, his wife and child, and even the courtesans of Yunping.’

‘He used watchtowers for arrays, employed Xue Yang and Su Minshan for demonic cultivation, kidnapped disciples, lured rescuers to the Burial Mounds, held Lan Xichen and Jin Ling hostage in GuanYin Temple, and manipulated dozens. The list is long.’

 

Heads bowed and shook in dismay as they questioned their gullibility and trusting nature.

 

Wei Wuxian looked at them and chose gentler words to soften the blow to their perceptions.

‘Jin Guangyao was multifaceted; his lies were often woven from shards of truth. It would be hard to dismantle them, for one would always be second-guessing which were true and which were not.’

 

A couple of audience members breathed solemnly but were consoled by the Yiling Patriarch’s words of comfort. Deception of that kind was truly incredible but at the same time irreparably damaging .

 

‘Though he committed crimes, he also improved many lives—especially among common folk. He was grateful to those who supported him and his mother, like Sisi. He loved his family, cared for his nephew, and admired Zewu-jun. In his last moments, he made the choice to do good.’

 

Wei Wuxian was hesitant, doubting if they were listening and not just monologuing inside their heads.

'Jin Guangyao was complicated, shaped by a very different life. We cannot fully understand him. When you think of him, consider him with an open heart and mind.'

 

A few disciples began taking out handkerchiefs. Some wiped the sweat on their foreheads with clammy hands. Others hid their tears, frustratedly grumbling about whether they could do what Wei Wuxian had asked.

 

Though they had not suffered the gruesome fates of their predecessors, was their experience with the late Chief Cultivator truly any different? After all, they were raised to trust those they mingled with.

How could they put their faith in others when their sect leader had been betrayed by his sworn brother—an ally who had gone to hell and back with him?

Who’s to say that that won’t ever happen to them when it happened to one of the kindest people they knew?

 

Similar to their disciples’ lamenting, the teachers and guardians of the Lan sect were pondering as to how they could guide their young ones.

This generation was raised in peace . Their martial arts prowess was second to their communication and networking skills. They were recovering from the tide of chaos, training to strengthen present alliances and forge new ones.

 

Perhaps now is the time for a deeper exploration of the Lan precepts. After all, through knowledge, anything is achievable.

 

Wei Wuxian returned to his seat, and Teacher Ye Ling took over once again.

‘I believe we have reached the end of our discussion. Would you agree, Young Master Wei?’

Chapter 32: Broken to Rebuild

Summary:

The day ends bludgeoned by bitter truths.

Notes:

Not beta read.

I tried to be angsty but see where I landed ￣へ￣

Mayhaps, I am too much of a softie to be writing angst

Wei Wuxian nodded to the master with a smile and said,

‘Yes, we are. Please speak up now. Once again—a reminder to those with questions unrelated to those already answered—please write them down, and I will do my best to answer them.'

 

Simultaneously, hands rose from the audience. Master Ye chose a female disciple, Han Yueming.

The fourteen-year-old bowed deeply.

'Han Yueming greets her elders.'

 

Wei Wuxian looked at her furrowed brows. He clicked his tongue, thinking someone so young should be carefree, not troubled by matters beyond her heart and mind’s capacity.

 

'Yueming wonders: does the patriarch bear no ill feelings toward the late Lianfang-zun? This one admits… her heart is heavy with guilt and grief.'

 

The young lady’s voice was raspy.

'Yueming has no stake in past matters; however, she feels indignation on behalf of the Yiling Patriarch and the Wens, and for your former sect as well, which suffered as you did.'

 

Wei Wuxian replied honestly,

'At the moment, I do not—but that doesn’t mean I won’t in the future. Mainly because I have not yet reflected enough on Jin Guangyao’s role in matters concerning me and my family.'

 

He stared at her, eyes full of clarity.

'Allow yourself to feel what you feel. Recognize and reflect on your emotions. Cry if you must, if it helps. Our hearts are but the size of a clenched fist—too small to hold so many feelings.'

 

Like a wise and knowing father, he added.

'Everyone will heal in due time—in their own time. I am sure I will, and so will you and everyone here in this hall.'

 

Han Yueming’s crystalline tears fell like dew drops.

'So what I feel is valid? Not just a violation of rules? People would say I’m overreacting to your story, but truly, my heart weeps for your fate. You died; you lost your family. I would never wish that on my greatest enemy!'

 

Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi exchanged concerned looks. Lan Jingyi whispered,

'Emotional repression? Perhaps the rule should be re-examined. If it’s counterproductive, it might be better abolished.'

 

Lan Sizhui nodded. Many of them had struggled with maintaining composure and managing emotions as children. It improved over time, but that did not erase the days they drowned in frustration, overanalyzing why they felt a certain way and why they shouldn’t.

 

Wei Wuxian furrowed his brows warily. Subconsciously, he took one of his dear husband’s hands and interlocked their fingers.

'It is valid. On the premise of the rule ‘Do not grieve excessively,’ strong emotions can harm the body—like when former Madam Jin died from depression. But I don’t think that’s what’s happening to you.'

 

He smiled.

'Be compassionate. Appreciate the good people. Be sad for others’ sufferings. Regard their gains and losses as your own. Your emotions show you care or relate to others’ pain. Feeling strongly is not inherently bad or wrong.'

'Little miss, do not be scared of the rules. They are meant to teach and guide you through situations, not to scare or bully you into inaction. Please wipe your tears—you have done nothing against the rules.'

 

Han Yueming nodded and wiped her face with a handkerchief offered by her senior sister. She saluted deeply before sitting closely, almost snuggling, against Shao Lian’s side.

 

Master Ye then gestured for a young male instructor to speak.

Chu Wenbin, a skilled archer, stood tall and asked perplexedly.

'How did you uncover the schemes Lianfang-zun so meticulously covered?'

'Well, it started with the resentful arm that killed the Mo family. From there, we received help from an unknown individual leaving clues left and right. Lan Zhan and I then deduced the evidence’s relevance to the Jin sect. Another lead was the enmity from Nie Mingjue’s headless body toward direct Jin descendants.'

 

Wei Wuxian scratched his temple.

'Without those nudging clues, it would have taken longer to connect the dots to Jin Guangyao. To this day, we still don’t know who helped us—whether it was Jin Guangyao’s enemy, victim, or once trusted ally. We may never know.'

 

The Yiling Patriarch found this claim credible. Although there was no concrete evidence, Nie Huaisang seemed to fit all three categories perfectly.

 

Chu Wenbin blinked, accepting the answer.

'I heard from our seniors that the watchtowers were part of a large formation channeling resentful energy to the GuanYin Temple. What should be done with them now?'

 

Wei Wuxian grimaced.

'That, dear disciple, is a multisect issue. We cannot decide without consulting other sects and civilians. A conference is necessary—lest the people, who benefited from the towers built with their taxes, become angered.'

 

The young archery instructor bowed subtly and sat.

 

Teacher Ye Ling rose and walked to the far end of the hall, finding the head of patrols, Lan Weihao.

'Greetings, Young Wei. I am Lan Weihao, head of patrols and security. I have a request for you and Hanguang-jun rather than an inquiry. We would appreciate your help monitoring the safety of our barriers.'

'Although modified, they haven’t been fully tested. Let’s set a day when you can both attempt to breach the wards. We need to find weak spots and devise improvements. Your input is highly welcomed and appreciated.'

 

Wei Wuxian chuckled lightly.

'Lan Zhan, is that not one of the most generous things another Lan has ever said? Alright! Senior Lan Weihao, you can count on us!'

 

Most of the audience laughed while Lan Weihao exchanged approving nods with Master Ye.

 

Wei Wuxian stood again for the last time to address the Lan sect members.

'With this, the discussion has come to an end. I hope you learned a lot and learned well from this talk.'

 

He gazed across the hall—mainly to the elders and seniors—before continuing.

'Your clan in recent decades has been quite different from its reputation. I do not admonish you for this progression. I understand that your reputation puts you on a pedestal, where perfection is expected.'

'I may not be one of your disciples, but my husband is, as are the disciples I hold dear. I will not allow you to harbor ill feelings about their growth.'

 

The Yiling Patriarch turned to his section and looked at his husband with soft eyes.

'My Lan Zhan has found balance—his values and morals align with the clan’s ethics. He is neither restricted by rules nor deliberately breaking them to achieve feats.'

'What most of you lack but my beloved possesses is truth and context. He faced unembellished, perhaps ugly, truths that sharpened his wits. Lan Zhan has found inner peace through clarity and seeking knowledge. He never feared the answers to ‘how’ and ‘why.’ But they did hurt him, as such truths often do.'

 

He turned again and bowed deeply.

'I urge you now to bravely pursue what is right and just. The path is thorny and uncertain, but I hope your journeys are fruitful and meaningful.'

 

Lan Wangji stood, followed by Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi. With such individuals standing, younger disciples courageously stood. The senior disciples did so too with the same fervor.

 

Lots of teachers and elders like Master Ye, Lan Meihui, Lan Fengyun, and Lan Qiren stood on their own without prompting. They have acknowledged that they were in dire need of self-reflection. However, statue-like elders such as Master An and Healer Qiu only stood when Madam Ling did.

 

With everyone standing, the Lans returned Wei Wuxian’s bow.

Teacher Ye Ling then announced, just as the bell rang indicating time to turn to their beds.

‘Forward your inquiries to my office and we will compile them all with Young Master Wei’s answer in books. It may take a while, but do not fret; they will be made available in the library. For now, let us rest. Leave the thinking for tomorrow.’

 

People went out of the hall looking equally drained and energized.

Wei Wuxian bid Master Ye goodbye as the teacher walked out. He turned to his husband and the two disciples still seated. With a wide grin, he opened his arms to welcome two hopeful-looking teenagers. Lan Wangji immediately responded by wrapping his arms around them.

 

Staring at his husband’s eyes, Lan Wangji mouthed, ‘Thank you, Wei Ying’. The Yiling Patriarch merely winked. With his cheek resting on Lan Sizhui’s head, Wei Wuxian mouthed ‘I love you’.

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed as much as I did. I'm grateful for your comments and kudos 💖💖💖

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of ADOR series