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Chapter Text

It was the middle of the night, a lone lantern sat lit by the oil inside. The golden light shown a shadow of a man. His form was lithe, his eyes carried dark circles, and his hair was askew in many different directions. The only difference between this man and the dead were that the spirits screamed and whispered from the blood pool in a corridor of the while he sat cackling aloud.

Perhaps not much of difference then...

The younger the spirits, the more loud they would wait to the point of discombobulation. The older the spirit, the more calm they are. They are all unready to move on. Screaming of their injustice and crying their story to him.

The man is tired, but the spirits refuse to let him rest. It is has been 3 days, and 4 nights awake. He can swear that he smells rotten eggs as well as something perhaps burnt in the air.

However, before this man had thought to write such a narrative, he had been laying in his bed. Annoyed at the screams and wails of the unfortunate. He did pity their fates, though, more his own for listening to them every night.

Wei Ying covers his ears at his own narrations of his life as 'the man.'

The spirits, especially the older ones, speak of sweet words and kind promises to assist him in his goals. Then they should assist him by shutting up.

He'll listen to them better with some sleep, but they know if he is compromised, then he is more likely to agree to their deals. He violently flails in his bed, kicking at his blanket, "Just one night!"

The screams and wails do not cease at his command, but in fact become louder at the response.

He thinks back to when he thought this skill was an amazing discovery rather than a curse for using resentful energy.

A jiangshi, a famous doctor when he was alive, had approached him during his first few nights in the burial mounds. His kind eyes and sunken cheeks spoke of his plight and assisted Wei Ying with his broken body and struggles.

The jiangshi explained how he had died of murder after he and the soldiers were surrounded in the cave. He held a low cultivation, but inedia was nearly possible. He lasted 4 weeks before an ally had killed him and ate his corpse.

While telling his story to the first mortal able to listen, the jiangshi had cleaned his wounds, and further assisted in preventing the flow of his blood outwards of any wounds. Wei Ying practiced this technique, and was able to master it with his help.

Months had passed by, and when Wei Ying was at the edge of the burial mounds, ready to leave, the Jiangshi spoke to him, "Turnabout is fairplay, child." 

Wei Ying knew he could end the jiangshi, but decided to listen, "What do you want?"

"I'm not resentful to my comrades or my enemies, child -- but I am starving." Wei Ying eyed him suspiciously, his hand tightly gripping Chenqing.

"I do not want to eat good people, only people with bad intentions." At those words, Wei Ying pondered for a moment.

He thought to Wen Chao and all his enemies. Then, he thought of all the good things this old man had done for and taught him. He nodded to the jiangshi.

"You may come and eat my enemies, but when I have no more use for you, you must return here or be forced into the reincarnation cycle."

The Jiangshi's spirit grew aflamed. His excitement immeasurable as they left the burial mounds.

Wei Ying accepted his demands to satiate his hunger, and named him to match. Therefore, Zhūdǔ ate the stomachs of Wen Chao and his lackies, no matter if they were alive or dead. 

However, he could tell that Zhūdǔ mostly enjoyed Wen Chao and his men to Wang Lingjiao and her sister's.

The fire crackled around him, crickets chirping in the bushes. Zhūdǔ cooked his latest delicacy: Sect Leader Wang's stomach on a stick.

The jiangshi flipped the organ with adamant focus in his sagging features, and excitement in his spirit.

Because of Zhūdǔ, many cultivators refused to share a fire and sat further away to avoid smelling the rancid meal for the Jiangshi.

To Wei Ying, it did not smell worse then when he went to the pig butcher, and so he sat and ate until a question popped up in his mind from the smell. Zhūdǔ was a huge help on the battlefield.

He was there when Wei Ying's abdomen was sliced open. Not a drop of blood spilled from his body with Zhūdǔ's spirit focusing on halting the flow, and his body amidst the fighting corpses.

His enemy quickly devoured by corpses that quickly finished their meals and jumped to his aide. Wei Ying backed away from the pile of corpses piled atop the man who sliced him open. The slicer then became his soldier and hacked away at his comrades own bodies.

He slung his corpses to fight the other men harder as mush of organs were spilling into one hand and the tiger tally held in the other. The smell of cooked pork, and the sizzling of the meat brought him back from the memory.

Not one to hold back, he turned to Zhūdǔ, "If I were a jiangshi, I would think I would prefer girl stomach's to men stomach's."

His grey eyes met the empty ones of the dilapidated old man. Though his words weren't to them, many others around had turned away from their meals to look aghast at him, some of women's faces went frightfully pale.

He swore Lâo Lan had clutched his heart as he coughed up his porridge and a little blood, "Disgusting!"

Nonchalantly, he took a bite of his rice porridge and grimaced at the lack of flavor. What he would do for some chili oil...

"... has a desire to eat dead." "

... resentful energy twist his desire."

"... shame for 4th bachelor..."

"... keep one eye..."

Wei Ying did not care for their hushed words and whispers as he just wanted to know the answer to his question. He did not care if they were full of fear due to Zhūdǔ, his words, or his cultivation.

A groan startled everyone else as the jiangshi spoke to only him clearly, "Gongzi's are fed well, where their counterparts eat only enough to survive for fear of a shameful figure," his kind eyes held hunger, but his body denied the fill until his meal was ready.

After the war ended, Zhūdǔ was no longer needed, and he refused to be put to rest until he was full. So, Wei Ying forced him to the reincarnation cycle.

Some are righteous, while most are tricky bastards, but he still preferred their company to the Sects.

At least the dead were forthright with their desires.

Wei Ying always hated how the sects danced around each other with debts, honor, and grudges. Just remember the good things and move ahead.

The wails and screams of the burial mounds can, at times, cause him to lose a part of himself or his temper, but he was always able to snap back to focus after Wen Qing would paralyze him. She always carried needles to protect her family and prevent him from harming to someone or, usually himself.

Flailing about, he thought of his latest invention. A compass to point to specific energies. However, he couldn't get it to work with all the resentful energy. If only he had more energies around him...

"I have an idea."

He could kiss every jiangshi, Yao, and even Jiang Cheng, himself, in excitement. These sleepless nights weren't for nothing. Their cries and complaints had helped him stay awake long enough for this idea.

Not just any idea.

A grand idea.

A beautiful idea!

A brilliant idea.

No words could express how great this idea was.

Wei Ying knew he was smart, he knew he was creative, and he knew he had a reputation for his shamelessness. But he never knew he could be this innovative!

There he sat at his desk, which was basically a smoothed down boulder, but it did the job for what he needed.

He'll compose an idea to the cultivation world so shameless and disgusting that they will leave him and the Wen's alone.

It would exaggerate his penance for using demonic cultivation to be such a shameful thing. And to ensure the Wen's protection, he would make them seem to be essential in controlling his powers by protecting the cultivation world from himself.

They would not believe a letter, but if a spy had gotten a hold of his notes...Then that spy will just happen to deliver it right to the Cultivation world. Then they would finally think they have something on him.

Genius!

There was no need for Wen Ning to do this, as he may not be able to fit the part of a mysterious man, but this was also his time to do what he wanted.

And Wen Qing would definitely paralyze him with needles for staying awake this late and trying to awaken her for his ideas. She has done it many times before.

But he can't just ignore it, ideas like this come few and in-between.

He prepared the ink, dipping his brush to write.

Ink slathered on the paper in quick strokes as he drew a shameless portrait with his words. He vibrated at his own genius. Not even Wen Qing should worry with what he's about to do, as she would call him a shameless idiot.

Brush to paper, a genius composing a fake note for the cultivation world to finally have something to talk about. A mischievous cackle escaped his lips as he placed down each character with undisputed excitement.

With this, they would leave them alone. His demands would lead to their disgust. It would turn Jin's away from the tiger tally, and Lan Zhan would find him to far gone in perversion to imprison in Gusu. They would find his demands of surrender to be too shameful to agree to.

How could he not have thought of this before. The only way the Yin energy to be expelled must be by the force of Yang energy. He can claim his Yang energy is so little and entirely encompassed by Yin that the only way for him to return is to cut his sleeve.

Unsure of the mechanics, but no man would want to touch the Yiling Patriarch, let alone being alone in the same room with the Yiling Patriarch. Two men playing with eachothers jades to expel the yin energy should be so shameless to the Cultivation world.

He sealed it with a kiss. His lips, now black, imprinted upon a drop of ink so that it would shape into his lips.

This print of his lips would disgust the reader even more.

In fact, for the peace he's bringing them, they should be grateful for his kiss. 

Grabbing his cloak, he sprinted towards Yiling at first sign of daylight, the ink dried and the paper folded.

After further thought, even if he sent a jiangshi, they would take it as an act of war. If he sent a Wen, they wouldn't be able to fight back and would be executed on sight. If he went as himself, no one would listen. But information gathered and delivered by their own -- as a way of report from their spies -- All would listen.

It was fool proof!

He came towards the wards, arriving around Yiling and his eyes zeroed in on a glimpse of gold robes.

"Xiōngdi! Xiōngdì!"

The Jin glared at the mysterious approaching figure of a man's figure covered by a cloak, with his head down, he was unable to see the face of the man. The Jin reached for his sword, ready for a fight.

"Calm, Xiōngdì! I bring gracious news!" 

The man placated the Jin with a calm tone as he reached into his sleeve to pull out a piece of folded paper.

The Jin glared as he did not remove his hand from around the hilt of his sword, "Why should I listen to a disciple of Demonic Cultivation or even worse, a Wen Dog?"

"I am neither a Wen or a disciple." The man chuckles, "I bring news on how to get the Yiling Patriarch's surrender." The man seemed giddy with his words. However, his form was slouched, as if he was tired. 

'Surrender' That one word changed the entire demeanor ofthe Jin disciple. He grew excited, but still wary, "Surrender, how -- what do you bring?"

This man must have escaped the captivity of the Wen and Yiling Patriarch. Though, it still didn't mean it wasn't a trap for the Jin.

The Jin spy was tense. He was ready for a fight or any trick, but his eyes still shimmered with hope.

"Xiōngdì, the Yiling Patriarch grows weak and desires peace, but does not wish to give up those under his charge. So, in his sleep, I stole this from the Yiling Patriarch's notes." He held the paper to the Jin, "Hurry and bring it to your Zongzhu. This contains his secret needs for a proper surrender."

The Jin's eyes lit up and snatched the paper from his hands. As the Jin was about to open it, Wei Ying grew nervous. He realized that the papers contents were a little ridiculous and perhaps would not be believed by anyone. "Are you sure this is from the Yiling Patriarch?"

"Indeed, Xiōngdì. I would never lie to the honorable Jin." He grit his teeth, throat tight with apprehension. "Take it to anyone who knew the Patriarch, and they will recognize his handwriting -- look it's even signed." He pointed towards the end. An imprint of lips sat at the bottom.

The Jin rubbed his chin in consideration at the words of the letter before he nodded and bowed. "It seems that we all hope to end this peacefully. I will deliver this information."

Wei Ying stared at the Jin in shock before he returned the respect. "In- Indeed."

The Jin hopped upon his sword and flew towards the inner city of Yiling.

"What did you do?!" Wen Qing rudely stormed into his home.

"She didn't even knock..." He pouted at his invention.

Yes. The door was always open, not that he had a door, but that didn't mean he was always wanting people to come in.

"I mean, who just comes to a single man's home. What if I'm naked?" He continues to speak to the inanimate object.

"Wei Ying! What did you do?!" She held a piece of paper  above her head.  Amidst her crazily waving the letter, he could see the paper holding the insignia of the Jiang, Jin, Lan, and Nie.

"They all could work together to send me a letter?"

He had no clue why they would send him a letter. Or how they got the Nie and Jin to sit in the same room to peacefully compose a letter. Wen Qing had grabbed his shoulder as she turned him away from his latest invention. The piece of junk.

He side-eyes the inscripted gears. He has been troubled on how he can't make it target a specific energy if just resentful energy is around it.

She then tightly grips the front of his robes together in one hand. "Wei Ying! What did you do?!"

"I didn't do anything." He stares at her. He doesn't know what she's freaking out about.

He had not sent them anything, had not threatened anyone, and had been as quiet as he always been.

"Then why are the 4 major sects sending you envoys to invite you to Lanling?!"

"Wait, what?!" He snatched the letter from her hand as he read:

'Young Master Wei. As I was just made aware of such travesties that I must've trusted the wrong advisor. I must correct my sects wrong. The Jin would gladly assist in clearing away your resentment, and welcome the Wen's back into our home. We will truly treat the Wen as second class citizens and allow them to farm upon our lands peacefully. Our riches will be your riches. Our family will be happy to welcome you. And to show our good faith, I humbly allow you to marry into my family. My nephew, the honorable Jin Zixun, has volunteered to spoil you kindly as his wife.

- Chief Cultivator

     Sect Leader Jin

     Jin Guangshan'

He was a little sick in his stomach at the offer. The green appearing on his face.

'Yiling Patriarch, the Nie agree to your terms as long as you provide proof to your claims. As for your demands, I will take it upon myself as Sect Leader. I will cut the energy out myself, if I must. I will then teach you to remove the resentful energy from objects. Under my tutelage, you and your own will be protected. Further, my trusted advisor, Nie Huaisang, has spoken to me about your struggles and would be happy to have your person return to the proper path.

- Sect Leader Nìe

     Niè Míngjué

     Chìfēng-zūn'

"..." He really didn't know how to feel to that.

'Young Master Wei. It is with great struggle that the Lan invite such impropriety upon ourselves. It is to the Cultivation worlds horror if your claims of the Wen are true, and we will act fairly and righteousnessly during our investigation. We persevere to cleanse all resentful energy and we will do whatever we can to assist in the future. We will send a Lan to invite you, and we hope that you take our trust with honor and as our acceptance to your terms. For your surrender, we will protect any innocent righteously. If you surrender to Gusu, we agree to assist in your journey to destroy the Tiger Tally and return to the correct path with a chosen partner.

- Sect Leader Lan

     Lan Huan

     Lan Xichen

     Zewu-jun'

"So respectful?"

'Dumbass. If your words are true, then return to your sect. We will find a proper marriage candidate and cleanse you. The Wen will be safe. Come back and we'll clean up your mess.

- Sect Leader Jiāng

     Jiāng Wanyin

     Jiāng Chéng

     Sāndú Shèngshǒu'

Ah... Jiang Cheng, always a wài gāng nèi róu.

" But -- Marriage? Partner?"

Then he froze... the letter falling to the ground.

It finally hit him...

He remembered the encounter.

His plan from a month ago.

He didn't expect them to agree!?

What the hell is he supposed to do now?!

"Haha... Wen Qing, you would never believe my genius..."

"What did you do?!" She shook him back and forth

Chapter Text

Jin Yáng was a kind Jin. Although uncommon, not improbable.

He was aware of his weaknesses, and worked to improve himself. He was two years older than the Young Master, but he was knowledgeable and mature. Moreover, he was there during the Wen Indoctrination because his spineless 'Sect Leader' was trying to please the Wen's by sending more Jin disciples.

Of course he was aware of the consequences, but he went to prevent any other of his Shídi's or Shiméi's going. So if he was asked on his opinion of his current Sect Leader -- No, he did not respect that man.

Jin Yáng finds him to be insufferable.

However, who he does respect:  Jin Zíxuān. To him, Jin Zíxuān is the hope for the Jin Sect to have any hope for a respectable future; rather than it being a cess pool full of snakes. Jin Zíxuān had requested him and some other trusted Jin's to monitor and report back any discoveries. Whether that be an Army of Undead with the rest of the Wēn, or a crazed farmer with a fancy trinket.

Instead, late into his duties, he was approached by a mysterious cloaked man. The bottom of the man's face was stained by ink, and the color of his hands told stories of a tanned man turned to the pale, ivory moon. Out of the burial mounds, he came with crazed news. Jin Yáng was realistic, so when he was told of a sliver for the Patriarch's surrender; let alone a weakness of the Yilíng Patriarch:  He questioned them with caution. 

One does not joke of peace during war...

The man ushered him to take the paper, and read it. When he snatched the paper out of the man's hand, he looked up under the cloak. The man's face was sunken, cheeks indented with black circles around red eyes. He was a tired man, and so Jin Yang honored his wishes and read the hidden meanings of the Patriarch's stolen notes. The man was hesitant, almost like he was scared of him. So he honored the man's immense bravery with a formal salute, and took it back Lanling to report his findings; ridiculous as they may be.

Moreover, Jin Yáng did not hold any hatred in his heart towards the Wēn. He too was angered by their invasion, but they did not affect his life until the middle of the war, where he joined with his young master. He heard the travesties committed, but never saw more than the soldiers, defected, and the prisoners. When the war had ended, they still did not effect him, but justice had to be served. He did not disagree with their punishment:  Enslavement.

But had never bore or cared to witness their encampment within his Homeland. His allegiance was to other duties, such as aiding his Young Master, and getting married. 

His trust did not follow in Wéi-xīong's or a Snake's words. Moreso, he put his trust in Jin Zíxuān, who had also believed that Wéi-xīong has changed -- and not for the better.

They both knew he was hiding something.

He wasn't there at the betrayal of Yilíng Patriarch, but he was there during the Wēn Indoctrination and, more importantly, Xúanyu. He, like many other cultivators, owed their live's to Wéi-xīong and Làn-gongzi. The Jin's underlying duty their was to prevent harm to Jin Zíxuān. He had done well until his idiotically, brave Young Master refused to move in order to protect his Shiméi. 

His actions, or lack thereof, spoke a volume of words that had inspired him to stay with hope for the future of the Jin name.

All was not lost yet. We have a future leader.

He had watched and guided his Young Master out with the Jiang Heir assistance before they were forced to separate due to Wen Chao's assault.

Wei-xiong and Hanguang-jun had been their saviors. Hanguang-jun properly earned his title. Wei-xiong's title as the Patriarch had made him question the judgement of the Cultivation world.

How can that man with a permenant smile be evil if he fought with us?

Why did he take the Wen's from the camp?

Is resentful energy able to be used as he said?

But no judgements could be formed until he knew everything. Anyone with sense could poke holes in his Sect Leader's story of the 5000 Wen soldiers. Whether they believed their own opinions, did not effect him.

As he flew through the morning sky, the dew of the clouds dampen his robes. In the distance, he spots the golden gates of Lanling.

He approaches the gutter stairs and stops to salute the guards at the top, making them aware that he has returned.

And so, with the paper in hand, he heads Jin Zixuan's office. The birds chirping in the gardens as Madam Jin and Madam Jiang drink their morning tea with her maidservants by their side -- he salutes, and they greet him with a small toast.

Then, he bee-lines it to his Young Master's office, knowing that the Snake will be encroaching for any scrap of knowledge he can get his hands on. He grimaces as he envisions that calculated smile on the Snake's smug face.

He knocks.

"Enter."

He walks in, "Young Master," and formally salutes; the paper outstretched from where he presents.

He waits as the paper is opened.

The shameless conversation to follow, watching as Jin Zíxuān had read the paper to himself. He stands and watches his face goes crimson at the content within.

"!!!!"

"Is this --" then scrunches up at the next character, "He can't be --" and flinches, focuses, and finally screams "desire to lay - with a Jade?! -- How would the Yin be expelled?!" Jin Zíxuān looks up, expectant -- and he coughs into his fist, "Ahem... -- This one thanks Jin Yáng, but what???"

"This one was given the knowledge that the note was unknowingly removed off the desk of the Patriarch. It was folded as if it were to be tossed away or burnt -- perhaps something sensitive to Wéi-xīong."

Jin Zíxuān staggers into his cushion, eyes wide -- brow deeply furrowed. "Yes..."

"..."

"..."

"And this is?" He points to the mark; Jin Yáng nods.

"He is shameless, but I don't believe he would be this s-shameless." Jin Zíxuān stares forward -- his blush nearly gone. His cheeks still bright red. "Though... Any right as the 4th bachelor for all ladies is crushed," he huffed.

Fancy words to call the Yilíng Patriarch a flirt, but it was respectful and held concern. Although, the little huff at the end, almost as if he choked a small laugh. Jin Yáng smiled at his Zhông zhú growths, "Indeed, Young Master."

A few moments of awkward silence goes by as they stare at the philanderous note. Young Master Jin had threw the note down on his desk, and then slammed his face into his palm, "How can I announce this to Yanli? -- Let alone the cultivation world!?"

Jin Yáng stares at him in pity before he sighs, "Young Master, you have the right to delegate."

"Then will you--"

Jin Yáng smiles, "My wife and I will be on a night hunt together for the immediate future," politely holding a hand up in denial.

"I didn't even say when!"

"For the immediate future." 

He strikes two birds with one arrow.

Jin Yáng loves him as a younger brother and would even die for him. But not even he would read those words aloud.

"Let that snake do it."

"Jin Yáng!"

"I have to leave now, Young Master. My wife has already packed." He all but runs out the office.

He, now, will not be delegated to assist in both of the Cultivation worlds problems.

At the conference, Jin Guāngyào stood unfocused. He scratched his hair emphatically. 'I am Jin Guāngyào, so I can do anything for my Sect.'

His brother had asked him for help, so he shall help him, but this note... He'd rather eat dinner with Jin Fúren.

Before the Sect Leaders had all arrived, he found each of his brothers and had debriefed them. He turns to look at Lán Xīchén who smiles gently in concern before he pours himself some tea to calm his nerves.

'Ah... Er-gē is so kind.'

He then looks towards Dā-gē, who is coughing in his hand. The hint of a smile on his face was between each cough.

'Die!' 

He then side-eyes his father who's glare could kill. At this time, his father would usually be with a new maiden he was trying to seduce. So now, he's angered to be called away, even by his first son's invitation.

Now, all that anger is focused on him.

"Just read it already," The Jiāng Sect Leader impatiently demands. 

"A-Chéng, patience!" Jiāng Yānlí scolds behind him, and then holds out her hand "If you prefer, A-Yào, I may read it."

'A Goddess had lost her Cultivation, and had been born mortal,' he cries. 'But I am Jin Guāngyào, and I can do everything I set my mind too.'

"Thank you, Madam, but I shall read now --" He takes a breath, as he reads as monotonously as he can:

"Due to the mass effect of Yīn or resentment. The cost of the Tiger Tally has destroyed my reserve of Yáng energy. Lustful nights have been effecting my dreams and body. These changes have been examined closely by Wēn Qíng and the other doctors who have assisted in my resistance to the Yīn Iron by her acupuncture to promote my Yáng energy. Sometimes I feel as if the Yīn energy has affected my cognitive function towards a strong desire for other's Yáng. I would need a strong dose of Yáng energy everyday. I feel I would require a partner with strong Yáng energy, one with a Jade to lay with me --"

"You shameless --" The Jiāng Sect Leader is about to scream in embarrassment, as his sister stares in confusion at the mention of the philanderous narration using gemstones to describe the male genitalia.

'Wéi-xīong was more a fan of the literate spring books after all...' Niè Huàisāng laughs to himself.

"There exists such a needed perversion?!" Sect Leader Jin complexion is a little green, "There's no.. no way to expel it but -- forced through another's Yang?!"

"If --" He is Jin Guāngyào, he can do anything, "The note is not completely read--"

"I have heard enough!"

Thankfully, he is interrupted again. Blissfully giving him a chance to collect himself. 

It was Lán Qíren who refused to listen. He stands in outrage, his ears are a bright red, "This shameless boy can not get away with such notions! He is beyond saving, we all warned him of the dangers, and we can not be con-- !"

"Shufu, please," Lán Xīchén sighs as he calms his Uncle in order to support his Third Brother. But even he wishes to not hear this, his own ears burn in embarrassment.

'How Wángjī's friend has fallen...' He pitifully stares at Lan Wángjī, who to everyone else appears unfazed. But to his brother, looks to be so shocked.

His knows how hard Wángjī had endeavored in inviting Young Master Wéi in order to assist him and to prevent such a narrative. 

Lán Wángjī turns to his staring brother. His mouth opened, only noticable to Lán Xīchén. Lán Wángjī's own ears are as red as the tānghulu served in the street stalls.

'Jin Guāngyào, my name is. I can do this,' Jin Guāngyào meditates, his eyes are empty, and focused on the words, and he sighed...

Niè Huàisāng sits while excessively fanning himself. His eyes sharp as he turns to look towards his older brother. Niè Míngjuè quirked a smile, whether that be at his sworn brother or the words.

Niè Huàisāng starts to formulate a plan. Their blades are referred to be of Yīn origin, often named to match a female name. Bāxiá is a loyal Saber to his brother, but her spirit is hard to control.

If the Yilíng Patriarch -- "If he lives by absorbing such energy with no way to expel without others, but I truly don't know..." Niè Huàisāng dismissively fans himself. His words were only heard by his brother.

A surge of possessiveness struck Niè Míngjuè at this idea. Perhaps, with the Yilíng Patriarch's excessive absortion of Yīn, he can assist the Niè by absorbing his excess energy from Baxia. The Yilíng Patriarch was a bottomless cauldron with the Wēn Doctor's acupuncture.

Niè Míngjuè rubs his chin in consideration. He nearly smiles at his brothers plan. He could push excess Yīn out with his Yáng while forming an indebtedness from the Yilíng Patriarch.

Yes... Laying with another man does not sound pleasant, but if he must... then, there is worse options then the Fourth Eligible bachelor.

He looks towards his third brother's twitching face, how it does amuse him so.

"Let him finish." 

"You don't actually believe his ridiculous words to be true, do you, Niè Zhǒng zhú," The Jiāng states dismissively. "The Jin aren't known to be as forthcoming, and The Yilíng Láozū has many tricks."

"I know only what I see in it's entirety, not just what is stated," the sharp eyes glint towards the young Sect Leader. "Perhaps we should listen to it all, rather than shutting it out." Though, Niè Míngjuè only has his self interest as the only thing keeping him from leaving.

Of course, there exists the Wēn Army, but they are required for Surrender. Niè Míngjuè could just turn them into farmers on a faraway mountain, only welcoming that Wēn Doctor when she is needed. Or perhaps, just kill the soldiers who participated in the war...

"You are wise to question any word of the Patriarch Jiāng Zhǒng zhú," Jin Guángshān agrees, at the obvious displeasure of the Jiāng Sect Leader, "but Nie Zhǒng zhú does hold sense in his words."

Jiāng Chéng stared defiantly at the Jin Sect Leader, before his sister shook her head at him to calm him. She was angered by her Father-in-law's words, but she wanted to hear all the notes words as well. The meaning was clear: 'Silence. Listen to your betters...' But she knows that they wants their A-Xiàn safe and at home more than their pride.

"As I were:  The release of their Yáng could possibly assist more in my absolvement of Yīn. Though how many doses would depend on my partners energy, Jade, and dose size. The results inconclusive. I can not test this theory as I am not aware of all mechanics required, and would need further guidance by experienced jade partners. Ahem... his lips have pressed against the parchment... End of note."

Awkward silence filled the grand hall of gold.

Then, the wind blows.

More like a tornado reigns through:

"I told that idiot..."

"A-Chéng..."

"I'm sorry you had to hear that, A-Lí."

"Deserved!"

"Hehe... two jades."

"Shameless!"

"I'm so sorry, Wángjī..."

"..."

"Who would even dare!"

"N-Not me!"

"Fallen so far..."

"If only --"

"He was so handsome too, such a shame for--"

"He should have to pay a--"

"I'll do it."

Lán Wángjī would have shot up from his seat if not for the look Lán Xīchén had given him.

"..."

"..."

"Huh?"

"No."

"Dā-gē!?"

Then, the room becomes silent. The only sound was Niè Huàisāng lazily waving himself.

All eyes foiè ed on the First of the three sworn brothers. Nie Míngjuè calmly holds up his hand and, again, "I'll do it."

"Dā-gē, why?" Lán Xīchén, does not want this for anyone he knows, let alone a long time friend.

"I'll accept him into my sect. I am at that age for marriage, and I already have chosen an heir. He holds no problems with the man. So I see no need for a blessed marriage. The Doctor's shall become farmers for only themselves on the mountain in Nie territory, and I will take responsibility for the Yilíng Patriarch and his followers from now on. Amendable."

Niè Míngjuè does not question anyone on their opinions, but states his intentions.

Lán Xīchén glances to his brother who was growing more angry at each word. Surely if he did not stop such a display, his brother may challenge the Niè Sect Leader.

Meanwhile, Niè Huàisāng knowingly smiles, "He has not harmed the Niè. As a close friend, I don't know of any but my elder brother who would be interested in this, but I don't know who else would!" His fan covers the bottom half of his face as his eyes flicker towards the Second Jade.

Since he knew the second jade since Childhood, Niè Huàisāng could read such small reactions and even push larger reactions. They weren't friends, but he was aware of the Jade's feelings for his friend.

All this around happening him had made him feel as if his brother had given him funds for shopping for art or a that a new Spring Book, with a decent plot, had been published. 

The look on Lan Wangji's face was twisting with every word he had said. To anyone else, he just appeared uncomfortable; to the ones who knew him, he was clearly in distress. It was hilarious -- and the drama between all the Sect Leaders was delicious. 'I approve, Wéi-xīong!' He sends a mental thumbs up. 

Jin Guángshān nods, a swarmy smile on his face, "The Niè are strong, and so I do believe it isn't unreasonable." In his mind, his useless son already has a connection, and it would be easy to plan to use the Yiling Patriarch's through their connection.

His useless son finally has a use.

"Hear. Hear. The Niè are strong, and have always pushed resentment away. This should be no difference," The Oūyáng Sect Leader agrees. In reality, he hopes to not have anyone from his Sect volunteer, and is glad to push the responsibility off.

"Righteous and true are the Niè!" Another cheers.

"Yes!"

"It's not a bad match," the Yú follows in agreement.

Some women, aware of Wéi Yīng's looks had practically salivated at the idea of two handsome Gongzi's. One powerful and handsome, body huge and hard. Like the eagle that soars through the sky, hunting. The other, mysterious and quick, body lithe and built. Like the fox the eagle is hunting.

"The ladies hold no reservations against this match."

"The Jin are wise in their words." Sect Leader Sù noses in.

Many were in agreement, and Lan Wángjī was slowly externalizing his distress. His jaw clenched at every agreement, until...

Jiāng Chéng glares at the Niè Sect Leader and begins to dismiss the their claims, "The Jiang were his original clan and family, so we would be better in deciding a match."

It would give Lán Wángjī time to formalize a courtship... He began to relax.

"But he seceded and you could not stop him," Jin Guāngyào's words are to form trust in the Niè's responsibility to claim and dismiss the Jiang's claim.

You can't. You can't. You can't.

Jin Guángshān smiles, "If we are all in agreement, then I agr-"

"You can't!"

People look towards the rude interruption.

The shout was located to be from the Lan's entourage. They flip their gazes to the rude Lan, only to find --

"Wángjī!?" Lán Qíren blanches at his nephew's outburst. He tugs his nephew's robes, to get him to sit down and stop embarrassing himself. 

Some ladies gasp, their heads full of fantastical love stories and the triangles between the three handsome Gongzi's.

Two handsome men fighting for the Yilíng Patriarch.

Wéi Wúxiān was known to be unsuccessful in his friendly attempts towards all the young ladies, but, "Perhaps his flirtations were to the wrong audience..." A young lady whispers to her friend, who nods crazily.

"I can protect Wéi Yīng and help him return to the proper path in Gusu, Shifu... I promised, Xiongzhang..."

Jin Guangyao swears he sees Niè Huàisāng roll his eyes.

Lán Qíren turns to his other nephew, "Xīchén?!"

"I didn't agree to this," Lán Xīchén rubs his eyes, not believing the entire situation to be more than a fever dream.

"I'll take responsibility," the room turns to the Jiāng Sect Leader, some in disgust, some in excitement.

"His own brother as well... Leave some for us, Yilíng Patriarch," her sister whispers back.

The noble ladies place a handkerchief over their mouths to hide their crazy smiles, practically foaming out the mouth.

Jiāng Chéng glares back, not understanding the disgust in some and excited stares of the ladies until the Jin Sect Leader had kindly enlightened him, "Didn't you two grow as brothers?"

Jin Guāngyào smiles, his eye twitching at the absurdity. He may plan and create many back-ups, but this was never an idea to consider to form a back-ups for! The infinite wisdom of the Heavenly Officials could not predict this as a result.

'Someone stop this charade!' Father and son. Jin and Làn. In perfect harmony screamed their thoughts, for the first time.

However, it was not louder than the thoughts of the young ladies squirming in their seats. Forming teams of the man they support.

'Hánguāng-jūn, a cold jade. The cold exterior, rivalry, both melts, and was from love at first sight!' 

Lan Wangji feels a shiver up his spine. 

'Chìfēng-zūn is strong and righteous. Villain is punished turned proper by love from hero!'

'Go dā-gē! Go! Brother Wéi, here I come!'

Niè Míngjuè has reservations against that veiled woman glaring and making gestures at him.

'The hard exterior, soft interior, protective childhood friend, not-my-brother but more trope, deserves love too!'

The Jiang's face turns several colors, "I mean in finding him a proper match to marry in!!!"

'Do not deny yourself!'

The other Sect Leaders, not the the gushing lady, blush at their thoughts before the awkward silence is filled up again with another argument.

Sect Leader Yào points out, "Aren't we forgetting that the Jin originally held the Wēn's, we need to control that man and his army..."

Another agreement fills the mind of Father and Son duo. 'Someone kill this man!'

"Are they even an army? The note did only mention doctors, but I don't know if I heard correctly," Niè Huàisāng reminds them of the smaller contents. Almost knowingly, he turns towards Jin Guāngyào, "Right, Sān-gē?"

Eyes flip to him.

Jin Guāngyào nods, "Perhaps some were doctors of the Wen Army who escaped when our brothers were murdered by the Yiling Patriarch." The Sect Leader's, now are reminded of the murder of the innocent Jin soldier and nod. Turning their attention back to Niè Huàisāng.

Niè Huàisāng hides behind his brother's back and cries, "But I don't know if soldiers were the only one to be there, but I truly don't know!! I don't know!" He emphatically shakes his head.

"Let us stop this back and forth. It doesn't change that I will take them into my sect, if there are any Wen soldiers, I will execute them." The harsh tone of the Niè Sect Leader to his brother. Huàisāng hides behind his fan a small smile.

'One point, Chìfēng-zūn!'

"But Dā-gē?"

"The Patriarch has connections with the Nie, and so the Wēn under his charge, who are innocent, will live." Niè Mingjue's harsh tone leaves no room for argument. 

Jin Guāngshàn smiles to Jin Guāngyào, "Were they all soldiers?"

Jin Guāngshàn shifts the responsibility to Guāngyào.

"I encountered them. Some older soldiers, and some younger soldiers. But I did not have full accountability, as the listings and sortings was left to Cousin Zixun."

Jin Guangyao smiles as he unknowingly shifts the responsibility to Jin Zíxun.

"But did they fight for the Wēn? I heard that some were trying to desert in their Sect from my friend Wei-xiong," Niè Huàisāng claims the prize while shifting the entire responsibility to all Jin Leaders.

"So he pities the Wēn Dogs when they no longer benefited from their name rather than a brother of war?!" A Jin Leader argued back.

Changing the Jin's guilt to the Jin's pity and vindication.

"Well said," Sect Leader Yào nods. And even Niè Míngjuè grunts in agreement, while rolling his eyes at the mention of participation in the war.

Many other Sect Leaders start to agree loudly at the mention of the war. Arguing of the most participation between the Four Great Secrs.

All but one Sect Leader.

"Perhaps Young Master Wéi was repaying a kindness. He mentioned searching for the ones who let him and Sect Leader Jiāng escape," Lán Xīchén pondered.

"That does not change the fact that fellow Jins were murdered by the Yilíng Patriarch, Er-gē." Jin Guāngyào smiles at his Second Brother as if he was dealing with a kind child.

"He wouldn't remember anyone, but Jin Zíxuān. All other Jins had barely appeared around him during the war," Jiāng Chéng points at the lack of involvement with the Jin and the war.

"Regardless of his reasons, the soldier was innocently doing his job," Jin Guāngshàn glares at the Jiāng Sect Leader.

"I did hear he assaulted Wei-xiong while aware of his identity. But I don't know why Wéi-xīong was even there in the first place?" Niè Huàisāng was getting tired of all the leading. Niè Míngjuè was laughing at his misery in silence.

"But that Jin was murdered in cold blood by that Murderer," Jin Zíxun shouted back.

"No!" Lán Wángjī could not keep silent at the lie.

"Silence, Wángjī. What is with these outbursts?!" Lán Qíren sips his tea, he stares at his nephew in concern. Pouring him a cup of tea to calm his nephew, he tries to usher him to sit down, "You do not speak for the sect, sit back down."

"No. Let the 'Second Jade' speak. He was there when they escaped, but did not stop them," Jin Zíxun sarcastically interrupted Lán Qíren to argue with the Jade.

Though his actions were disrespectful, his words had stirred up the other Sect Leaders. They begin to murmur the question of a witness, a bystander, or even an aide in the murder. All this had put into question the very character of the Honorable and Righteous Hánguāng-jūn.

"Silence, nephew!" Jin Guāngshàn was aware there was a viper at play, here. And his nephew had made the Jin fall into their hands.

It is no concern to him for his nephew harm his own reputation with comparing to Hánguāng-jūn, but the viper was after the Sect, not just his nephew. He watched as the other sect leaders begin to mumble amidst their advisors.

Jin Guāngshàn smiled placatingly, "This one appoligizes for his nephew's outburst," not correcting his words, but silencing him.

Lán Xīchén's face turned pale at the implications now placed upon his brother and turns to Jin Guāngyào, "Sān-gē, Wángjī told me he only arrived after the supposed murder."

'The case is now re-opened,' Jin Guāngshàn glares at Niè Huàisāng, "But his words to you have made the Lán question the very victim of the Yilíng Patriarch: my disciples."

"Hánguāng-jūn..." Jin Guāngyào tires, and he to provides an out, "Perhaps you did not witness everything or else why would you, who is righteous, be inactive. You could not properly guide without seeing it all, correct?" Jin Guāngyào stammers at his Er-gē's hopeful eyes.

'Er-gē, you place me in-between the Emperor and Empress!'

Lán Xīchén sighs in relief.

Jin Guāngshàn glares in betrayal. 'That whore's son will be sorry!'

"I saw Elders and Young -- A child. I did not stop them."

'But Hánguāng-jūn, a man living in silence, persists?!' Jin Guangyao smiles, 'Sorry Er-gē, the Empress wishes to behead herself!'

"A child?!" Sect Leader Oūyáng states in horror. Looking towards his pregnant wife. Her body flushed white as she absently wounds her arms around her stomach.

Jiang Yanli pales. Jin Zíxuān, concerned at her complexion, asks, "A-Lí, are you alright?"

Jiāng Yānlí ghosts her own hand over her flat stomach. The doctor had made her aware A-Xuān's child, but had told her not to stress herself as it was early enough to lose the child with her weak body.

"We'll be fine." She grabs his hand with her other.

"Yes," he assured her.

"Elders and child? Council and child to Wēn Rúohān?" Jin Guāngshàn facades a calm face, but his eyebrow twitches at each questions.

"No."

"How do you know?"

"I know."

"But how, Hánguāng-jūn. There must be proof."

"Robes."

"It was dark, how could you make out all the robes of 5000 men and women." These words remind them of the second witness, Jin Guāngshàn and his entourage, also laid witness upon the murder.

"58." Lán Wángjī stares at the Jin without blinking, his words and form could admit no faults, "Elders, child, and dead."

Jin Guāngyào mimics a shocked face at those words. Niè Huàisāng coughs behind his fan, but is shaking behind his older brother.

"So you counted the living and the rest were corpses for an army?" Niè Míngjuè pondered at the number.

"Only one."

"Say more, stop speaking in one or two syllables!" The Jiāng interrupted the line of question. He was annoyed after each answer the Jade gave due to the lack of clarity it provided.

"Wángjī is speaking very clearly, Jiang Zhǒng Zhú." Lán Xīchén states in defense for his younger brother.

"Wéi Yīng's actions, whether guilty or innocent, deserve more than one syllable. How can anyone but the Làn understand each answer entirely when it's two different witness accounts, and one refuses to elaborate?!" The Jiāng Sect Leader throws his arms up in exasperation. 

Many others Sect Leaders nod in agreement.

"But it is Young Master Wéi's actions, not Lán Wángjī we question." Lan Xichen points out the accused.

The Làn's partners and elders nod in agreement. They stand behind the Jade. More accusations get thrown across the room. 

"Quiet!" Niè Míngjuè slams his cup on the table. Silence fills the hall once more. "I can not take this back and forth either. Therefore, we all shall send envoys to invite him back and decide the truth of the matter and his chosen, fair!?"

It was more of an demand than a question, but the other Sect Leaders find reason behind it. Many weaker or cowardly ones agree with him outright.

Jin Guāngshàn begins to sweat as they all stare at him with expectation or suspicion, "Wise indeed, Nie Zongzhu. Bring us a paper. Choose your envoys!"

'You bring this upon yourself, father.' Jin Guāngyào sighs at the endless work.

The chosen four envoys stood awkwardly. Eyes landed on the gold with animosity and some women would not blink in his sight. Almost as if they were in a trance at the sight of gold.

Each of the envoy's stared at different things.

The Làn stared at the hazardly built mud huts and tents.

The Niè stared at the skinny men, who held lean figures with muscular legs that are formed for farming and patients, not war.

The Jiāng observed the small, but slightly flourishing farms of radishes.

While the Jin stared at the child who wailed in the old woman's arms.

"Xián-gēgē! Xián-gēgē! Help us!" His arms griped the robes of the woman, eyes full of terror at the sight of gold.

"Here." A jiangshi served them tea. In their hands  was the new clay cups, and not the fine, white china these young masters are used too.

"Ah... This one thanks..." The Lán begins to state uncomfortablely, then stops himself to follow his Sect's rules. He appears very uncomfortable at the very sight of The Ghost General.

'He is evil. Do not associate with evil --' But before he could second guess himself --

"Rich-gēgē, he's here for us! He moved!"

"Apologies," The Ghost General, refuses to look at them, however, he tries to make the atmosphere less uncomfortable, "We don't usually... there's not many who come -- we do not have a receiving room for such high ranking Gongzi's."

"Ah... It's not your fault." The Jiāng states, his hand awkward in its dismissive waving. Before he glares at his hand, and snaps his gaze to the tea in his cup.

'But isn't it? You assisted Wen Ruohan! You did not stop Wen Chao! You were there during the invasion!'

An ear-piercing wail rings out, "I don't want to go back! Xián-gēgē!"

"A-Yuán, you must look," the old woman stated. Her hands gently holding him in her lap across the table, while his gripped, with hell in his small and scarred fists, her robes.

His eyes peeled open to look even at his own refusal, "No! No! Xián-gēgē!" But tightly shut after. Welts of tears falling down his red cheeks, snot rubbing into her robes as he shakes his head.

"He does not need to greet us, it is alright," the Niè tries to dismiss them in the awkward atmosphere. 'Send the child away if he is afraid... Wēn Dog's are cruel to even their young...'

"You -- you asked to see if there was a child," the Ghost General did not glare or even raise his gaze, but his words defended the woman's decision.

The Niè tries to argue, "Well, we see that he --" 

"He will have to get used to seeing gold robes, there is many who have them, after all." The old woman stated, staring unblinkingly, like so many other women, at the golden robes.

There's no silence, only the wails from the child. Each hiccup created a greater understanding to the four envoys. 

The Jin spoke up in-between the stares, "I- I didn't know." 

He really didn't know who was in the camp. He was an outer branch of the Jin that joined the main family after his contribution in the war.

The Wēn had came in and killed his own younger sisters, while dragging his older sisters away and raping them. His Sect Leader was benevolent in welcoming him and his mother into the sect. He thought their revenge to be righteous. He did believe in his Sect Leader.

His Sect Leader was trying to prevent unnecessary deaths, but he saw when they needed help, but he was not aware of the consequences of all the Wen.

He was grateful they were facing justice, but... He stares towards the child. He was as old as his youngest sister who was... He is a sick at the very thought of his gratitude for their deaths, thinking it merciful. So he stays still, silent, and eyes the clay cup in his hands.

"..." The old woman could not comfort either child of war, so she just nodded, still staring towards the golden robes, not meeting his eyes.

These young master who knew nothing of the poverty or this type of struggle. No other words were needed to be spoken as all eyes were on the children.

Chapter Text

And so, three nights and four days later, he was invited to LánLìng to surrender and allow the Sects to help him return the proper path once more. 

He sighed at the angry faces around him.

He had pondered how to get of his plan. And he couldn't come up with anything. This time, he screaming and wailing of the corpses did not help and just stunted his sleep.

And now Wēn Níng had been told (ordered) to guard (monitor) his cave to ensure no more late night idea's came to fruition and Wēn Qíng had told (threatened) him to protect Wèi Yīng (prevent his escape).

This plan now was to follow Wēn Qíng's plan...

Not his best plan, but at least he didn't have to lead a fearful existence anymore. She had explained so.

...

"You wouldn't believe genius..." He smiled.

"What did you do?!" Wēn Qíng shook him back and forth.

"It's not my fault..." Wèi Yīng shouted, "I didn't expect them to take it so seriously? I thought they would leave us alone."

Wēn Qíng glared as she read the letter, expression morphing between anger and confusion, "You didn't explain anything!"

"It's the spirits, they made me do it!" He pointed at the the wailing bloodpool.

"Wèi Yīng -" Wēn Qíng huffed at him as she slammed the letter down, "- explain."

" -- They didn't let me rest, and then they wrote this note."

"With what power?!" She shouted in outrage at his ridiculous words.

"They possesed me?"

Wēn Qíng began to remove her needles from her pouch. 

"Hehe... Wēn Qíng -- Jiè! -- Wait.. please --" He begged with every step that he took back. 

Like a snake, she slithered towards him, cutting off his exit and cornering her prey, "One more chance. Tell me."

Back to cold rock, Wèi Yīng gave a nervous laugh, "It wasn't me..."

He was pricked, ruthlessly, until each of his arms fell numb and legs had collapsed beneath him. His face smushed to the ground by the weight of his body.

The ground actually felt nice.

"I will stick in your dāntián, Wèi Yīng," she pulled out a long needle that is meant to go through the dāntián in order to stabilize it. A painful, but required monthly process to stabilize his temperament from his use of his cultivation. He had managed to escape from during the entire month. 

So he blabbers, "I did it. I did it!" He petulantly glares, "There! You happy to scare a three-year-old?!"

"Talk," she sticks it into his dantian anyways.

He screams and wails, "I wanted to get them off our backs and I could not rest..." and she quickly removes it, and begins to remove the other needles. Slowly, he begins be able to feel his limbs again. "... And so, because of the spirtits --"

"Wèi Yīng." She removed another, and a small shudder went through his body.

"I delivered a fake note that said I was losing my mind -- eugh -- without Yàng energy, and required it from the -- guh -- source. And that the Wēn, with their history as doctors, were the only ones knowledgeable enough in assisting me, through only their -- ow -- knowledge. And so, I desire it so much that I -- hehe - that one tickled -- would only accept peace from someone who could accept both." She removed the last of her medical needles from his body, and he shot up from where he was paralyzed on the ground.

"... You're an idiot," she sighs into her hands, "... there's no way you can be this stupid, but you proved me wrong --" She froze, "-- in two ways..." She wonders off to sit at his desk. Grasping a piece of paper and his brush, she began to write.

"Attempt the impossible?" He jokes, but she stares at him with a deadpan expression.

"Do you even know how you would acquire Yàng energy from the source?"

"Dual cultivation with a jade?" He assumes it to be just oral ingestion or something along the lines of what Uncle Jiāng did to help them form an understanding of their core. Parents would usually do this with their children. They would monitor their child's cores by just placing a hand on their back where their dāntián.

Uncle Jiāng's high cultivation helped them learn to absorb, learn, and meditate with the energies surrounding them. When they began to visualize a respective colors to a person, Uncle Jiāng congratulated them, and stopped to let them form their own base in cultivation.

"Yes..." She sighs into her hands again, "You dug a grave for yourself -- unaware of those around you, and now we must all dig you out." She ponders for a moment, "But we're not doomed," Wèi Yīng's eyes shined as she turned to face him, "I just had an idea of my own."

"Mn. Mn." He nodded, "I knew I could trust you! You're so smart Wēn Qíng! So my smart jièjiè, What is it?" 

"You're getting married."

"What?! -- So you're abandoning me!"

"Be quiet. I said 'We're not doomed'," she emphasized her prior words, and then continued, "We're just giving you a mandarin duck's funeral." 

"But -- but, I don't want to get married," he fakely dabbed at his eyes with his robes, "The fair and noble orphan boy is being into an arranged marriage to another man his older sister chooses."

"Oh hush, your theory -- although, unorthodox, may just work," Wēn Qíng murmured, "I'd need to monitor your vitals -- it's cut not shattered, so it may be possible -- before and after dual cultivation... How many times a week? A Month? Or maybe everyday?" Her eyes alight with a plan.

"Huh?" Wèi Yīng cocked his head. Crossing his arms, he sighed, "Wēn Qíng, your mumbling to yourself again." He listened to her murmuring and tried to piece together her plan.

"Congratulations on your nuptials -- now, choose a husband."

"No!!!! This noble boy is too young!"

- Meanwhile -

Jin Jiajun sat, his fingers rub the gold robes on his thighs.

After the huddle of women and elderly were forcibly dispersed by an angry woman, they were invited to a cave. The same woman had called it the Láozū's dwelling. And it made sense, for the resentment in the air was thicker up here, but not as thick at the village.

Jin Jiajun refuses to change his position, he does not even dare to grab his cup. His focus strayed from the child to the cave floor.

Trembling, the child folds himself into the Elder Wēn's midriff like a small sprout. Although his wails and screams had ceased, small hoarse hiccups still leave his wet lips, sniffling the snot out of his mouth.

They sit in the silence, dripping water echoes from a red glowing cavern. The gentle wind sways and dances outside as each breath of the child sinks with quiet fear.

And like the tide rising at a full moon, The Yilíng Patriarch finally enters.

The envoys stand:

"The Lán greet the Patriarch." Lán Haō salutes.

"The Niè greet the Patriarch." Niè Guō salutes.

"Shīxīong!" Jiāng Liān shoots up, his serious expression fluctuated into a wide, ecstatic smile, "-- I mean the Jiāng greet the Patriarch." He salutes.

"Is that Little Lotus?!" Grey eyes focus on the young Jiang Disciple, he eagerly pats the young man on the shoulder -- correcting his form and straightening his salute as if it was habit. "Aiyah -- that guy sent you? -- All grown up and doing missions by himself?! -- I would have never believed Jiāng Ché - Jiāng Zhǒng zhú would trust you,"

Jiāng Liān beams. The damp atmosphere shifted into familiarity. The hiccups became quiet as the child stared wetly  at the Yilíng Patriarch. The fragile sprout unfolds at last, and longingly grabs towards the Yilíng Patriarch.

"Ah -- Shīxīong, why'd you leave? Fen Qing Jiang -- I mean, Jiāng Zhǒng zhú, has been bored without your pranks," Jiāng Liān bounces at the old nickname.

"Of course he's bored -- I bet your all bored without me."

"Shīxīong --"

"Now, now, Little Lotus -- This one is not the Head Disciple of the Jiāng;  he's the Patriarch or Làozū," he tutt's at Jiāng Liān, who mopes at those words. 

"Shīxīong is Shīxīong," he murmurs under his breath. The Yiling Patriarch smile softens at the young man before he turns to the Jin.

"This one is the Yilíng Patriarch," he salutes to the Jin who stands slowly, his focus on the child that quickly curled back up in the Elder's midriff, his fists clenched so tight that the pink in his chubby fingers had faded. 

Wèi Yīng does not miss where the young Jin stares nor did he not ignore the child. "Aiyah -- ! Such amounts of tears could water our farm. It seems our Baby Radish wishes for many siblings." He reaches towards the child, who quickly jumps towards his legs. He quickly snatches him away from the ground, "I did not know such juicy radishes had to leak so many tears!"

The child's eyes widen at the vertigo of his new height, and stares down at his reflection in the silver pools of his gentle Xiàn-gēgē's eyes. Forgeting the Jin's presence to focus on the teasing implication.

"Not a baby!" A-Yuàn shouts at him with conviction, his face red.

"Our A-Yuàn is a baby -- the biggest baby around. How can such a baby radish fill my stomach?" He mimics a small bite at the child nose. The Láozū's focus solely on the child, ignoring the rest who watch the infamous villain, playing around like a child. 

"You can't eat me!" A-Yuàn wiggles away from the bite, hoarsely giggling and pushing against the face of the Patriarch. His wet eyes, puffy and sore from tears, now shine with humor.

"I can't?! -- This is news to this one!" The Patriarch grins, "Such a delectable radish that grows in front of me must be consumed, no?"

"Not a radish!" He lands a small slap on his cheek, as the rest hold their breath for the infamous temper of the Yilíng Patriarch, "A-Yuàn is not a radish or baby!" The child states with depth.

"Then what is A-Yuàn!?" The Yilíng Patriarch raises an eyebrow in wonder, his lips pursed as the pink handprint reddens his cheek, unfazed from the harsh hit.

"A-Yuàn is A-Yuàn!"

"Well said."

"Wèi Yīng!" An angry woman marches in from the red corridor, "Stop playing and properly talk to them!"

"But, Wēn Qíng..." He mopes, "They're the ones who came uninvited." The Yilíng Patriarch pointed at the group of young gongzi's as the child shoved his head into the crook of the Láozū's neck.

"We do not mean to be rude --" Lán Haō begins to apologize.

"Aiyah -- as if any Lán can be," he challenges. "The Lán would even eat served poop before being rude." Niè Guō coughs into their robe as Jiāng Liān snorts into his tea. Jin Jiajun raises an eyebrow in confusion at the contrast that he grew to knew from his sect of the Yilíng Patriarch.

"Wèi Yīng!" 

Jin Jiajun's mother took his place in the war. He read his mother's letters that stated that the Patriarch was a powerful coward who would sooner raise the dead to fight his battles then raise his own sword. 

Niè Guō nodded at the confusion of the Jin in agreement. He actually served in the Campaign with his father as an Array Soldier. He saw the savagery left from the Láozū's field.

No allies or enemies needed to be buried. Instead, their enemies had been forced into their 'allies' if they refused to surrender. He remember's the assortment of looks and words that contrasted from each who fought with the Láozū.

...

"It just kept twisiting; his body -- it seemed impossible, I said--" She whispers.

"Attempt the impossible -- he had laughed at my words."

Chewing her dry lips, "That wasn't torture -- it's too inhumane - he's inhumane -- he should have just died," she rocked herself around their fire. Her saber resonating with the resentment.

...

"From night to day, day to night, the corpse's... so many -- they kept coming at us -- rest, inedia -- that wasn't an option for us," The soldier cowered in his cage, information had spilled at the whisper of a dizi in the distance.

Niè Guō stood in the crowd as he heard the Wēn soldier's appreciation towards his executioner: "We walked towards hell with our own feet -- and now the night ends with no bad dreams."

...

Niè Guō had heard their whispers and their rumors of the Jiāng Head Disciple's new title: 'Làozū' -- they had started to call him out of fear and respect.

Niè Zhǒnghú had ordered for a delivery to him. Niè Guō personally has never seen or met the man, and his curiousity was larger than his growing fear, so he volunteered against his father's warning.

Niè Guō had searched around the Laozu's empty tent. He was instructed -- more like warned; the Laozu was near the old line of the Kóng Battlefield. And so, he went, ignoring everyone's warnings.

He soon regretted it...

--

The cold air, silent, soggy darkness... felt as if he was looking and breathing around in the darkness of the sea -- being hunted.

A scent of iron, rot, and fresh pork, grew stronger the closer he got to the pale lithe figure shining from the light of the moon. 

His saber vibrated against his leg, almost like she was trying to warn him. The feeling of prey approaching a mighty beast; his hair rose.

The 'Laozu' -- it made sense.

Black eyes focused on a singular jiangshi standing over the Láozū. "Don't approach," he shushed. The top of the black cover and red underrobes had spilled down his legs, tied loosely to his hips by his sash.

Niè Guō froze as he stepped on the long grass, the sound so loud in the silent field, not even a cricket chirping. Red eyes turned to look towards the sound of the brush of grass.

Niè Guō froze. The Láozū listened to the groaning Jiāngshí. "You'll wake them."

Them... 

...

...

Them.

Black Eyes shot down to where a corpse laid upon the ground at the left of his feet. Niè Guō had failed to realize that the brush was covered with the corpses blood. Both eyes wide as, pupils met white. They stared unblinkingly at eachother. The green of his robes were now stained into a brown.

Niè Guō quietly stood, entranced at the white eyes. The Láozū approached him instead, each step mirroring the sound of his heart.

His bloody hand outstretched, his other encapsulating the red mush of intestines.

"The report?" He quirked his eyebrow in expectation.

Niè Guō saber began to unsheath herself at the amount of resentment and her master's fear. 'So much blood..'.

His hand shot to his saber, to keep her sheathed.

"Pfft..." Láozū laughed as the cloud hid the moon. "Someone's happy to see me."

Now, Niè Guō could no longer see him in the darkness of the field.

He understood the fear of that Wēn, 'The night ends with no bad dreams,' why such relief was there.

Red eyes glowed in darkness; white eyes poured from the brush, all pointed to him. He wouldn't even be able to scream.

"Do not be the hunter who loses his life in hunting a tiger, young Niè."

"Your report," Niè Guō throws it at him and runs away.

Thousands of eyes spill on his back as he hears the Láozū hummed, "So rude... to an injured man."

'He's inhumane...' 

Niè Guō agreed.

...

"I'm not lying, it's against their rules!" The Yilíng Patriarch quickly shuffles away from the woman.

"Poop!" A-Yuàn laughs and Lán Haō allows the insult since the atmosphere had calmed. He was not blind to what the Patriarch was doing.

"So... What do you want?" He plops inbetween the elder and the jiāngshi, resting his cheek in his hand. His imposing figure ruined by the child that sat in his lap. The child's chubby fingers grabbed for something as he brought it to his mouth. He calmly chewed on the infamous Chenqing was attached to the Patriarch. The Patriarch used his other hand as he comforts him with gentle eyes and jovially hugs him to his chest -- keeping the child's focus on the dizi.

"We come with offers of peace -- as the letter had stated, we offer a member of our sect to assist Láozū to return to the proper path and to properly...  handle the Wen," Niè Guō states.

"There is no handling them," A frigid expression invoked fear in the four gongzi's, "-- They are not servants or slaves that are handled."

"Of course. Of course." Niè Guō nods in agreement, "This one did not mean to impose that --"

"Since your young, you can break rules and be rude to me, but no disrespect is allowed to them."

"Yes. This one understands." Niè Guō nods as The Patriarch speaks, he then drinks his tea with his head down.

Lan Hao attempts to clear up the misunderstanding, "What Niè Guō means, Yilíng Laozu, is that we will accept the innocent." 

The Patriarch eyes turn red, his expression more severe, "You Làn's and your sincerity in right and wrong! What does your Sect mean by innocent? -- Do you mean that those who your sect considers unrighteous -- !"

"We mean war criminals!" Jiāng Liān quickly interrupts, "Shīxīong, please see our cause, not our words --"

"Little Lotus, do even you believe the rumors? I taught you better..."

"Shixiong --" Jiāng Liān turns white, "No... Shīxīong - I --"

"Patriarch -- Láozū -- I will not warn again," The air in the room suddenly felt to thin for a proper breath. "One more try. Your youth grants you my patience. Tell me why you are here."

Jin Jiajun begins to explain, "Yiling Laozu, what we mean --" 

"Not. From. You." His gentle grip holds the child close to his chest. His gentle gaze, now icey and The child stop chewing on the dizi, trembling like a fragile reed in the wind at the sound of the Jin's voice. "They have enough from your Sect. No more. Not even words." The 

"Ah... Yes."

"Láozū, we propose peace through marriage - partnership -- there were your notes leaked," a stuttering Lan Hao managed to say as the others shook in their seats. 

"... Is that so?" Wéi Yīng managed to answer without snorting. Wēn Qíng continues to pinch his arm as she saw the small shift in his demeanor. "I mean -- Why do you have such offers for little old me?"

The Niè envoy sits silently, eyeing the wall behind Wéi Yīng. Wéi Yīng does enjoy acting in manners that bring slight annoyance or discomfort in others, but he is truly struggling to maintain his own face in this. His hapless late night idea was one of regret. And he usually doesn't even have those after a night of drinking. 

"All will be discussed in LànLíng. We are witnesses for your case," Jiang Lian explains.

"Case?" 

"It's not proven that there are only innocents, so we have to tour the grounds, Shī - Laozu." 

"So... your here for a tour?" The Yilíng Patriarch laughed, his red eyes shifted back to silver. They all internally sighed in relief.

"Yes, Láozū!" Niè Guō gave a loud assent at the question.

"What if I don't allow it?"

They deflated, "Then we shall return and report our failure. Our Sect Leaders may come instead."

Wéi Yīng stared considering at those words. No matter what he chooses, they will bother them and judge his actions. He doesn't want A-Yuán to lay his eyes on another Jin again, especially the reason for his trauma. So he will do what must be done.

He turns to look at The Ghost General, "Wēn Níng," he whispers to him, beckoning him with a come hither motion.

"Yes, Wéi-gongzi?" The ghost general who sat behind him leaned over at Wéi Yīng's beckon.

"Can you monitor these guys during their tour?" Wei Ying whispered.

"Seen or unseen?" The Ghost General's eyes turn to the four young gongzi's and then back to the Laozu.

"Preferably unseen... we don't want to spook them more than I already have. They're quite the kittens left by the foxes den." The four gongzi's leaned forward in hopes to hear, but were unable to catch what they were whispering to the other.

Silver eyes shifted to the Jin's golden robes, "And get him some of my leftover robes to change into while he's here."

Wēn Níng nods.

"A-Yuán! I got a big task for you!" 

"A-Yuán can do it!"

"Really?" His eyes widen emphatically, "It's a really, really, really, really, rea-"

"Wéi Yīng!" The angry woman behind him scolds.

"A-Yuán will do it."

"This gongzi hates his golden robes, so he's going to change before you show them around," Wéi Yíng smiles as he explains.

"A-Yuán hates golden robes too."

"Mn. Mn." Wéi Yīng nods knowingly, "I know. I know... But this Shīdí made a bad decision in wearing gold, and he's really sad for scaring you."

Wéi Yīng and A-Yuán stare at the Jin, who catches his cue, begins to act sad. Wéi Yīng eyebrow rises as the child's gaze shifts towards the Jin, distrust in his gaze until Jin Jiajun begins to fakely cry in his hands. His face red at the shame. Jiāng Liān smiles into his sleeve, trying not to laugh at the performance as Làn Haō just raises an eyebrow. Niè Guō just sighs and drinks more of his tea.

"A-Yuán was- was not scared." He shakes his head.

"Is that so?" Wéi Yīng gave a knowing look. "Then, I guess he will just have to wear them, after-"

"... Just a little bit!" The child emphasized the little by his fingers pinching together.

"I see. I see." Wéi Yīng stared at the fingers gesture in consideration, "Then he's going to change, and you and A-Yi Qíng will show them around."

"A-Yuán knows everyone best!" He conveys with excitement.

"I know you do, that's why I need your help."

"A-Yuán said yes. A-Yuán can do it!"

The four gongzi's stood as they saluted the Patriarch and backed out of the cave, Wēn Níng following them silently behind.  Noting each of their observations and words to eachother. Luckily, they came on a good day... There were still so many recovering.

- Three Nights, Four Days Later - 

So now he's back in front of the Major Sects again. Each of them shouting, blaming eachother's shortcomings on the reason's for the missed evil right under there noses. 

The Lán poured their tea on the ground. Where there was once spring flowers to decorate their calm aura, now the blossoms had froze over in an icey winter. Lán Xīchén sat by his uncle who had also poured his tea on the ground in insult. It's as if the Twin Jades had morphed into one consensus: Equally Pissed and no longer taking anyone's shit.

The Jiāng were prepared to unsheath their blades. Mostly for their Sect Leader's anger; "Fight me you fucking spy!" 

"I don't know how such travesties can be allowed! I don't know!"

"Bullshit! You fucking knew it all along!" Jiāng Chéng  almost tackled Nie Huàisāng, who nimbly escaped his grasp.

"Dā-gē! Dā-gē! Help me!" He cried behind his brother's large frame.

The Niè did have their sabers unsheathed, but following their leader who points his saber to Jin Zhongzhu. 

"Reign yourselves in!" Niè Zhǒng zhú shouted at Jiāng Zhǒng zhú, "We have a common enemy right now!" 

"Yeah! Your fucking spy of a brother!" Jiang Zhǒng zhú shouted.

"I don't know! I guessed it. I guessed it!!" Niè Huàisāng cried as he shook his head, tightly clutching his brother's waste.

"Shut it, Huàisāng!" Niè Zhǒng zhú pushed him to his cushion.

"How can the Jin let such things happen under their noses?"

"Who is responsible?"

Jin Guāngyào sat by his Second Brother. Lán Xīchén's trust was broken, but the bond between them was not.

"Er-gē... I did not wish --"

Lán Xīchén closed his eyes, "I do not wish to speak to you about this currently," his hand on his own blade tightened.

So Jin Guāngyào closed his mouth and sat silently. He truly didn't mean for his family to inflict such abuse. He does not even want the name Jin anymore... The name feels more as a curse than a gift from his - No. He's Méng Yào from here on.

The Jin sat shamed. Not one of them had the face to hold their head up. Even the Jin cousin who antagonized Wei Ying at the hunt was silent, as if the Làn Silencing spell had been cast. Jin Zíxuān held his wife's hand, as Jiāng Yānlí smiled at the young Wēn child in her brother's arms, almost cooing, if not for the improperiety it would bring upon her.

Her care packages were helpful to keep them fed, but never enough to last.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen... I must say, with heavy heart, that I withdraw from the seat of Chief Cultivator." His eyebrow twitched, "This one is too unworthy of the seat if he missed such wicked foresight within his own Sect," his tight smile concerned mostly Wéi Yīng. He was afraid that if the man had a heart attack, he, and his wicked tricks, would be blamed just because he was present. 

Wēn Qíng translated, "He's just trying to save his own ass from blame by acting sorry and giving up the seat," she whispered low. He almost laughed out loud at her explanation, but managed to hold it in at her glare.

The chaos reigned loose, and Wéi Yīng relished in it.

"The Su Clan will accept the title!"

"What would the Su know about leading if all they know is to mimic other Sect's."

"You dare - !"

A table was flipped from the momentum that another Sect Leader stood.

"The Yú Sect is more than capable to assist -"

"Like they did in the war, don't act like you didn't only sent 500 men!"

"Your Sect was in cahoots with the Jins on the Dog's Camp!"

"You guys fought with the Wēn!"

"We paid for -"

A cup was shattered on the ground.

"I don't know! I don't know!" 

"Get off me, Huàisāng!" 

"Come here you fucking spy! I won't kill you -- just break your fucking legs; maybe your arms too!" 

"I need my arms to paint!"

A whip went flying.

The sounds of swords unsheathing filled the golden hall of Lanling. The servants began to take cover behind pillars as swords flew around. During the chaos, a table flew at Jin Zhǒng zhú, who ducked before it hit him.

"Tch" Méng Yào glared in disappointment. Lán Xīchén's table was mysteriously missing.

Wéi Yīng doesn't want to do this... But this is getting out of hand... A-Yuán should see adults acting their age. He knows this is who they truly are, but...

He sighs and pulls out Chēnqíng. A calming tune begins to flow from thr bamboo dízí, and all eyes snap to him. The air frozen with electricity lining everyone's stances. Anticipation in their eyes. 

"I know how to solve this." Wēn Qíng begins to whisper in his ear.