Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mama, mama, tell Ying-Ying a story!

Hear that A-ren? Our Boy want's a story.

Is that so?It is rather late. Does my Baobei really want to hear a tale?

Yes! Yes mama! Ying-Ying wants to hear a story! Ying-Ying loves mama's stories! Pretty Please?

Oh all right. Let me think... How about... Ah! This one is part of four famous tales, ones my teacher once told me.

Yes! Ying-Ying wants to hear!

Okay then. This one is called, The Crown Prince who pleased the Gods.

Yay! Was he handsome?!

Slow down baobei. Let me tell the story.

'giggle'

Long ago, in a kingdom long forgotten, there was a crown prince. This Crown Prince was said to be handsome beyond compare, but few ever saw his face, as he was often aloft on a mountain, on the path of cultivation. But then, one day, a great parade was held, where he would be playing the part of the God Pleasing Martial Warrior. When the parade began, it says he descended to the stage like a great immortal masked, with robes that flowed like flower petals and sword play like he was dancing. He was to preform this dance, this sword fight against the actor who was a masked ghost, and it would go on for several hours.... but...

But what mama?

But only a seventh of the way through the performance, a boy fell from the walls aside the grand avenue the parade was going down.

Oh no!!!

Oh no indeed, but that Crown Prince, he must have also been worried, as he gave up the performance and came to the boys aide, catching him in his arms... but by doing so, the mask fell and the Crown Princes Face was revealed.

Is that bad?

Some thought so. But the Crown Prince Cared not. He valued the boys life over tradition.

He sounds nice... what happened next?

… I.. am unsure of all the details, as even my master didn't speak of that tale too much. There are four, and she seemed to prefer the Princess who slit her throat...

Uh, A-ren, Should we be telling that one to our son?

Why not? It's a pretty story too...

…Ying-Ying like the Crown Prince story more...

Of course you do. My Baobei loves a good story.

Ying-Ying just wishes he knew the end of it...

Maybe he can find it one day. Baobei is smart, and kind and sweet. I am sure that he could find someone who will tell him the ending of that story.

But what if Ying-Ying never hear the ending?

Then maybe it hasn't reached it's ending yet. Maybe the crown Prince needs an ending for his story, and maybe, just maybe, my Baobei can help him find it...

The Morning light that fell through the leaves, seemed to glow as it reached the place over Xie Lian's eye lids waking him from his slumber. When he blinked them open, he only smiled, before getting up and stretching, then brushing the dirt off himself that had collected over night. The old willow tree he had slept under, had provided a cute little place to hide out for the night. It was maybe just mid summer, and the morning air was crisp and clean, refreshing to take in. Xie Lian, ever the traveler, quickly gathered his things, not that there was much there, and headed out, back on the road to wherever it took him. He was just a simple wanderer after all. Just as he had been for a long time.

Once upon a time, a bed of grass under a willow tree would not be Xie Lian's choice of sleeping arrangements... but that was such a VERY long time ago that he wouldn't think to care about it now. It had been almost eight hundred years in fact, not that he was counting every day. In those days long since past, Instead of the ground, Xie Lian would have been sleeping like the Taizi Dianxia he was, in a massive bed surrounded by silks and brocade. When he was once a god, instead he would have never slept at all, having been standing within the heaven's, an immortal with no need for such things as sleep. Once upon a time, he would have had comfort, but now he had little in that means.

A Fallen god was not expected to be given a life of luxury. And he was content with that. If he found a good sleeping place, perfect. If he didn't, then what mattered was that he could still rest peacefully on the cold hard earth. He was immune to the worlds discomforts. He felt the Same with any and all of life's undesirable's. Sickness, hunger, sleepless nights- he could deal with them, as he had dealt with them for so long.

He had learned to live with them over the past eight centuries, and he didn't care to be bothered by temporary things anyway. Xie Lian lived a simple life. A long simple life. Collecting scraps, and helping people where he could. Sure no one could help everyone, but at the very least he could do some good. Even if that good was rewarded with only the bare necessities or not awarded at all.

That was Xie Lian's life.

It wasn't much, but it was what he could do, and what he had, and it wasn't the shadows that once plagued his life... that still existed in his memory.... He was alone, but that was fine for him. How unlucky he was, it was better sometimes to be alone.

The town he arrived in not long later, was known as Yiling, which was a small place, yet the streets were still bustling and busy, even in the early morning hours. Xie Lian started his day right then and there, with no pause to get a look around. And what did he do? He collected scrap. He would collect peoples undesirables, things they no longer wanted or needed, and he repurposed them. Sometimes they helped him make talismans and trinkets, others he just used himself. Even if he was a fallen god, he looked like a traveling Daoist.

As he made his way through the streets of Yiling, a place he didn't know if he had ever passed through before, he couldn't help but notice the ominous black mountains in the distance. Seeing those mountains, he eventually became certain he hadn't come through here before, as he swore he would have remembered such dark peaks. He did ask one person, and learned that it was called the Yiling burial mounds, and no one went there... unless they had an unnamed body to discard or a certain cultivation clan out west had need to... make people disappear. The man who said this claimed the last part was just a rumor, but also seemed wary to speak more on the matter.

Xie Lian thought this odd, but with such an area apparently properly locked away and so large in scale, he couldn't do anything about it in the state he was in. So, he continued to collect the junk, and try to sell a few things while he was at it. He was able to get a few coins from this or that, but in the end, much like every endeavor he ever attempted, he came up short.

Not much junk, and not much anything anyone wanted to buy off of him. Just his luck.

“Guess I could busk...” Xie Lian mumbled to himself, looking over his bag of random junk. Instead of doing that, he just shrugged and decided to take what little coin he had and go get some tea.

By now it was later in the day, maybe a few hours before mid day, and all the tea shops and taverns were open and busy. Xie Lian was just about to step up to a very quaint little tea shop when a sudden and ear piercing scream caught his attention. It caused a few others to turn and look as well, some young women even panicking as they seemed to recognize who it was coming from. Turning to see what it was, Xie Lian watched as, Out from an ally, came a small boy- so small that Xie Lian was certain he could only be about five years old- maybe younger! He was all wide eyed and afraid as he held a half eaten slice of melon to his chest, crying his eyes out as he fell and dropped it.

When he tried to make another grab for it, a massive dog, three times the little boys size, appeared from the ally way. The way it dived in, the way it's jaw swung open, the way it just lunged, Xie Lian was certain it was going to take a bite out of that small child's arm. So, he did what he knew best. He recklessly threw himself into the middle of it. With one arm he made to snatch the child, the other he went to push the dog away. The problem, was that the dog was hungry, and so it was angry when it's possible meal was snatched away. So, instead of letting itself be held back, it bit down into Xie Lian's arm, who didn't even wince once the damage had been done. Instead he just pulled his arm up the swung it harshly back down, knocking the animal off. It jumped back to it's feet and barked at the man, only to be chased off by some other men.

“SCRAM!” One shop owner yelled, swinging a broom at the dog, who finally whimpered and hightailed it out of there, not wanting to get beat over the head.

Xie Lian watched the dog go with a frown, then turned to the little boy in his arms. He was almost startled to see the boy just staring blankly up at him, no longer crying, yet the tear stains still streaked his face. The way his wide eyes looked at Xie Lian, they seemed to take him in as if he looked... familiar.

“Are you all right?” Xie Lian asked, looking the boy over.

What he saw was a small child, with messy hair, messy clothes, big grey eyes, and dirt caked on him. He was also rather thin, seeming not to have eaten much and still holding onto the slice of melon. That slice was rather gross, covered in mud and what ever else had been stuck to it after being dropped on the ground. Now, if Xie Lian were about to be the one to eat it, he probably wouldn't care. But this boy looked malnourished, and a gross slice of melon probably wasn't the safest thing for him to eat...

Before he could mention this to the child, the boy looked down, right at Xie Lian's arm. “... arm... bleeding...”

Xie Lian blinked, then looked it over, seeing that- it was in fact bleeding... a lot... A terribly large amount of blood. The dog had bitten him rather harshly, leaving quiet the gaping wound.

“Ah, Doazhang!” One of the ladies called out, who had also panicked when hearing the boys cry. “You need a doctor! That bite looks bad!”

Xie Lian sat the boy down, before raising his hands to the now gathering crowed of on lookers. “It's fine, it's just a bite. Don't worry too much about me.”

“That bite looks pretty bad Daozhang...” The shop owner with the broom murmured, “You sure you don't want that checked out? This town's got a doctor...”

“But I have no money to pay, and I've had worse.” Xie Lian admitted, waving the people away. “Don't worry about me. Instead can someone point me to-” He had just been about to ask for someone to point him to the boys parents, but when he turned to motion towards the five year old, he was gone. At some point the small child had vanished into the crowd without a word. “... oh...”

The group of on lookers began to disperse once they accepted that the Daozhang was not going to go see a doctor, yet the shop owner stayed, coming up, and patting Xie Lian's shoulder. “If your worried about the boy, I wouldn't. He ain't got no parents.”

“... oh....” Xie Lian replied, with a deep frown.

“He ain't a bad kid.” The shop owner continued as Xie Lian followed him over to his shop. As he listened he pulled a bandage out of his own sleeve to take care of his injured arm. “His name, from what I have gotten from him, is A-Ying. He's a real sweet kid, just a little... odd. He won't steal for food, waits for the shop owners to throw the stuff out, then picks through the stuff... sadly it means them dogs come chasing him down for the food. He can't really fight him off... Poor kids been bit more times then I can count...”

“I see....” Xie Lian murmured, wrapping his arm. “ how is he odd though? And what happened to his parents if you don't mind me asking? Unless you don't know of course.”

“He odd cause he just watches people when he ain't trying to find food.” the shop owner remarked. “Just completely blank faced stares at ya. As for his parents, can't really tell ya Daozhang. One day they were here, the next day they were gone.”

“And nobody went looking for them? Or took the boy in?” Xie Lian frowned.

“They weren't from around here.” The shop owner replied. “Kids parents were from out of town. As for taking him in, we all got our own mouths to feed, and he's too little to help out. I got five kids of my own, and the shop only pays so much. Sometimes kids like that gotta grow fast... I fear he won't though. He's too small... shame...”

It really was a shame. Xie Lian had run into many a small orphaned child in his life. At the moment he remembered one; a poor little girl, orphaned and left in the middle of a war. He wonders what happened to her, once he had to go away....

Xie Lian thanked the shop owner for his time, before returning to the tea shop. However, the desire for a drink had left him. Instead, he decided to mindlessly wander the streets, looking at shops and minding himself. It didn't take long for him to remember he needed to eat- after all, he hadn't actually consumed any food in several days at this point. He glanced around, till he found a shop selling Montou.

“How much for a single one?” He asked, stepping up, and reaching into his sleeve. Just as the stall owner was answering, the bag of coin's he had, fell out... and dumped all over the ground.

Xie Lian blinked down at the rolling coins, before letting out a sigh, and bending down to begin picking them up. The stall owner made a face at this, before... while no one was looking, using his foot to snatch a few coins and pull them under his stall. Xie Lian did notice though, but only sighed internally. If the coins had belonged to someone else, he would have maybe scolded the stall owner, but it was his coins, so it was not that big a deal. What was another day without food?

“I guess I may be short a few coins.” Xie Lian replied, standing up, emphasizing the last two words.

“Can't pay, can't have it.” The stall owner said with a shrug, before ignoring Xie Lian completely.

Xie Lian just shook his head and made to walk away. Just about a whole day had passed by, and afternoon was already on it's way. He would need to find a place to rest for tonight....

Just as he was wondering what to do, he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve.

Xie Lian turned, and the first thing he noticed was a slightly dirty Montou being held up and out to him. The very image of this already had Xie Lian smiling, as he glanced down at the little boy handing it up to him.

“... it a little gross... but Ying-Ying wants you to have it.” the boy said, smiling up at Xie Lian. “Doazhang was nice and saved me from mean dogs. He can have the Montou.”

“That is very kind of you, but can I ask what this child plans to eat?” Xie Lian asked, planning to let the boy have it instead. He was so thin....

“Ying-Ying already ate melon rind. Doazhang can have the Montou.”

“Melon rind? As in the one from before? You haven't eaten anything else since then?”

“Ying-Ying was lucky today.” the boy replied, grabbing Xie Lian's hand and trying to push the Montou into it. “Most days Ying-Ying only get one food. Today he got two. So he shares.”

Xie Lian refused to take the Montou, but smiled down at the boy when he tilted his head up at the man, confused as to why he wasn't taking it.

“This Doazhang isn't that hungry, so why don't we share it? Little boy's need to food to grow big and strong.”

“...okay!” The boy replied enthusiastically. Before Xie Lian could take the bun and split it, the boy did so. He then lifted them up, as if to examine them, before handing Xie Lian the bigger piece. “Doazhang is big, so he needs more food. Ying-Ying small, so he don't need as much, so he gets the small.”

This boy was too much! Xie Lian couldn't stop smiling at his antics. “How small is this Ying-Ying?”

“As small as I look.” The boy answered.

“I meant your age.” Xie Lian laughed.

“Oh! Ying-Ying four.... no five!” he quickly corrected, then pouted. “Ying-Ying should have turned five already... wait no... he turn five when leaves fall... Ying-Ying is four.”

“You're only four?” Xie Lian asked, hiding a frown. “How long has this Ying-Ying been alone?”

“oh...” the boy paused, frowning himself. “.. since... since baba and mama went to the woods to fight a monster... the leaves had stopped falling then...”

“... fight a monster?” Xie Lian asked, following the little boy as he walked along the road.

Many shops had begun lighting lanterns, preparing for night, and the boy munched on his smaller half of the Montou, nodding and smiling.

“Mama and Baba fought bad things all the time. Baba said mama was very strong. Mama said her teacher taught her lots, and taught her really good... Daozhang reminds me a lot of mama.”

Xie Lian had gone to take a bite of his half of the Montou and almost choked. “Huh? How is that?”

“You both wear white and bamboo hat.” The boy replied, waving his hand at Xie Lian's hat. “And you smile. Mama smiled a lot. She laugh lots too.”

“oh...” Xie Lian chuckled to himself. It would be the simple mind of a child to make vague comparisons.

“She was a.... cultivator.” the boy replied, careful to pronounce the word right. “So was baba.”

“Ah. That would explain why they fought bad things, as you said.” Xie Lian replied, nodding with playful seriousness. “And you say the didn't come back.”

the boy frowned slightly.... then shook his head. “Mama and Baba said they come back in the morning... but they didn't. They haven't come back at all...” He quickly smiled, almost seeming forced, “But that's okay. Ying-Ying wait here till they come back. Just like promised.”

Xie Lian could already guess, by how the boy spoke of his parents, they were not the kind to just leave their child behind. If they were cultivators, then it was more then likely that the two had long since passed away... killed by whatever they had come to hunt. He gave the boy a small pat on the head.

“Your name is A-Ying, right?”

“Wei Ying.” the boy answered. “Baba said that my name.”

“Wei Ying then, where do you stay since your parents are away?” Xie Lian asked finishing his own Montou.

“oh! Oh! Ying-Ying show you!” Wei Ying answered, grabbing Xie Lian's arm and pulling him away. “Since Daozhang saved Ying-Ying, and Doazhang poor, Ying-Ying let him sleep at Ying-Ying's place!”

Xie Lian laughed, both out of shock at the boys bluntness and the humor of it all... really, he was surprised, thinking that he hadn't smiled this much in a good long while. He decided to see what the boy was up to and let himself be dragged along. The boy took him away, down a few alley's and into a darker side of town, where most buildings lay abandoned. They reached an odd corner, where two low roofs slanted down over a small gap, where the boy bent down and crawled under, pushing aside a make shift curtain of old torn cloth.

“The lady who stayed in here before said Ying-Ying could have it.” Wei Ying replied, popping his head out and motioning Xie Lian inside. “It bigger inside.”

Xie Lian nodded, setting down his bag of scraps before bending down and crawling in, finding that he could in fact sit upright inside... just not stand. The little make shift home was nowhere near able to keep away the cold, and was only a few meters long and wide. Two at most. There also was not much inside either, save a blanket and what looked like a few toys in the corner.

Wei Ying crawled over, and picked up the toys. “This is mama, and baba, and Ying-Ying.” he said placing down three straw dolls, before lifting up a toy drum. He turned it about, letting the beads smack it's surface. “This was a gift from the pretty gege to Ying-Ying.”

“Whose the pretty gege?” Xie Lian asked, lifting up one of the dolls.

“Ying-Ying doesn't know.” Wei Ying replied, spinning the drum. “Ying-Ying only saw him once, and he looked sad. So Ying-Ying smiled at him to make him feel better. Then he gave Ying-Ying the drum. Ying-Ying said thank you, but the pretty gege just left.”

“I see.” Xie Lian answered, setting back down the doll. “And so Wei Ying lives here and plays with his toys?”

“sometimes.” Wei Ying said, putting down the drum. “Ying-Ying also hide from the dogs. They are mean. They bite Ying-Ying and it hurts.”

For the first time, the boy looked genuinely upset about what he had said, and of all things it was about dogs. It made sense in it's own way, that a small child would get a fear of dogs if he were bitten and chased by them all the time. Something like that wouldn't go away no matter how hard one tried, especially so early on in life....

Yet Xie Lian found it interesting, that it was only that which made the boy look close to tears. He was so hopeful that his parents would come back, so happy to talk to someone about his sad little life under a makeshift tent of sorts. He was pleasant and his smile warm, as if he could not be trampled by the harshness of his life... it made Xie Lian a little jealous. He had spent his early life with everything, anything he wanted, and while content, he knew he had been a bit of a brat. Picky eater and taking the simplest things for granted. This boy was so small, and had almost nothing, and all he worried about was dogs. He was kind from the start, humble from the start, and that was what made Xie Lian jealous.

“Did your parents go to the big dark mountain to hunt the bad thing?” Xie Lian asked.

Wei Ying blinked up at him, then shrugged. “They don't say where they go. They just go, fight it and come back... but they didn't come back to Ying-Ying yet...”

“I see.” Xie Lian nodded his understanding. He turned his head to look back out the make shift curtain. “It's quite late now, isn't it?”

“Doazhang can stay here.” Wei Ying said, patting the ground. “It not very big, but Ying-Ying isn't very big either. So Ying-Ying can squish.”

“What if I don't want to squish Ying-Ying?” Xie Lian asked.

Wei Ying puffed up his cheeks, pouting as he thought that over. “then... Then... Then Ying-Ying will lay very still.”

“I think, I will find somewhere else to sleep for tonight.” Xie Lian replied, smiling at the boy. “It would give you all your space to sleep.”

“...” Wei Ying slowly frowned, then started to rub his little hands together. “Ying-Ying sorry...”

Xie Lian raised a brow, “Sorry? For what?”

“...” The boy didn't answer, before shrinking.

“Hey...” Xie Lian turned and patted the boys head. “Your okay. I simply didn't want to take up your space. Is it cause I helped you earlier? Is that why you wanted me to stay here?”

This got the boy tearing up and Xie Lian pulled his hand back. “... y... Ying-Ying didn't mean for Daozhang to get bit.... Ying... Ying-Ying just wanted to make it up to him...”

Xie Lian gave the boy a soft look before taking his hands... they were actually rather cold. “i'm not upset with you about the dog. You wana know why?”

“...” Wei Ying sniffeled but didn't answer.

Xie Lian pulled his hand away and pulled back his sleeve. “You see all the bandages on this arm.”

Wei Ying frowned deeper but nodded.

“This isn't the arm that bad dog bit.”

Wei Ying jolted, knitting his brow in surprise.

Xie Lian laughed at the expression the boy made and quickly showed him his other arm, the fresh bandages from the dog bite. “This Doazhang is very clumsy. I get hurt a lot so getting bit doesn't bother me. Not at all. I don't feel it like you would so better I then you.”

“... it really doesn't hurt?” Wei Ying asked, reaching out and tapping one of the bandages.

“Not at all.”

“... that's sad.” Wei Ying said, frowning as he looked at Xie Lian.
Those words hit him harder then they should have, seeing that boy look so upset by the idea that Xie Lian couldn't feel the pain.

Wei Ying looked at his face, then down a little. “Is that a hurt too? Did Daozhang's neck get hurt too?”

Xie Lian paused, reaching up to touch the bandages at his neck... the ones that hid his cursed shackle... the sign that he was in fact a fallen god.... “... no... it... it isn't hurt...”

Wei Ying tilted his head, but didn't ask further. Instead he moved to the far corner of his little hidy hole and picked up a ratty old blanket. “Doazhang can borrow this for when he sleeps. Ying-Ying can go without-”

“No you don't.” Xie Lian chuckled, snatching the blanket before wrapping the boy in it snugly. “Little boys need warmth more then this Doazhang.”

Wei Ying looked down at the blanket, then up at Xie Lian. The later noticed how the boys face changed while staring up at him. It was that look that he had back when he saved him from the dog. That expression of familiarity.... Then....

“... Ying-Ying's mama isn't coming back.... is she?”

Xie Lian frowned, seeing how serious the small boy was. His big grey eyes watched the man with something that said he already knew the answer.

“... I don't think so... Wei Ying.” Xie Lian answered honestly, “I'm sorry.”

The boy blinked a few tears. “The bad things got her... didn't they... They got baba too...”

“i'm sorry...” Xie Lian repeated as the boy pulled an arm from from his blanket and began rubbing his eyes, his lip quivering.

“I want mama...” Wei Ying cried, quietly and painfully... as if he was purposefully trying not to make a lot of noise.

Xie Lian only knew how to try and comfort the boy, as he wasn't exactly amazing with kids. So, he picked the boy up slightly and sat him in his lap. “I am sorry, Wei Ying. No boy should be without his mother... I miss mine too... every day.”

Wei Ying looked up at him with big wet eyes, “Was Doazhang's mama smiling too?”

“Yes. She smiled and she was beautiful and kind.” Xie Lian admitted. “Her heart was big and warm full of love, even for the most unlovely acting people.”

“Like Ying-Ying's mama...” Wei Ying muttered, curling up in the blanket. “But Ying-Ying's mama was also very funny.”

“Funny? Why don't you tell this Daozhang how?” Xie Lian asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“She would tease Ying-Ying and tell Stories.” Wei Ying replied, “Like, about her teacher on a mountain, away from everyone, who also told her stories. Bao... Baos... Baoshen Sanren. She very old.”

Xie Lian felt like he heard that name before, but pushed that away for the time being. “Is that so? Tell me more.”

“She... Ying-Ying's mama, she told funny stories too. About frogs. Or mean men she would shave beards off of. Or... or...” The boy suddenly yawned.

Xie Lian smiled, deciding to just sit with the boy like that, letting him ramble until he fell asleep. And that didn't take very long at all. Soon, the boy slowly limped over, his head plopping onto Xie Lian's chest, his little snores cute and airy. The man laughed quietly, his face hurting from so much smiling. He really hadn't laughed and smiled in such a long time....

He carefully laid the boy down on the ground, trying to make up his mind. Xie Lian would probably leave Yiling in the morning, travel on to where ever the road would take him. And it wasn't like he could just take Wei Ying with him... could he? Xie Lian could barely take care of himself, how could he take care of a small boy, four almost five year old? He had to admit, he hadn't known the boy but a day, but his smile was contagious and... and he hadn't smiled like this in so long. He felt it would be selfish of him to take the boy away with him...

So... he decided to say goodbye in the morning. While a life on the streets was no place for a boy so small... it was better then a life on the road with the god of misfortune.

And even then, he still forgot to actually tell the boy goodbye...

When morning arrived, and Wei Ying woke up, finding the nice Doazhang had left, he was actually rather concerned. He got to his feet and toddled out of his little place, clutching the toy drum to his chest. It had been laid beside him in his sleep, and he had mindlessly picked it up. He wondered the ally till he reached the main town square, and paused when he saw the Doazhang at a stall. He had got a few more coins and bought himself some food.. and was clearly prepared to leave. Wei Ying was sad, as he liked this Daozhang a whole lot... but he didn't want to intrude on him. He didn't want the Doazhang to get upset if he asked him to stay....

Wei Ying watched, twisting his drum gently as the Doazhang bowed to the man at the stall, then made to leave town. The boy frowned. Then... then he made a choice. He followed. Not very close, but enough to keep that white robe and bamboo hat in sight... a back silhouette that reminded him of his mother. Wei Ying, for the first time since his mother and father had went away, left Yiling, tailing after a man he only just met......

Chapter Text

Xie Lian walked along, as he always had. Alone.

or... he thought he was alone... till the day before, when he swore he was being followed.

It had been late in the afternoon, and while Xie Lian had been preparing to rest, he heard a twig snap somewhere behind him. The path he had been traveling was one that had been passing through a sparse wood, with lots of space along the road side to find a spot to stop and catch ones breath. When he turned and looked about, he could clearly see something move to hide, but sensed no murderous intent from it. He decided, whatever it was, was just watching and would leave eventually, so went about his evening.

But it didn't leave.

In fact, for the next whole day, he noticed whoever it was, was following him. From something ducking away out of the corner of his eye, to hearing footsteps on the road that wasn't his own something trailed behind him. He knew that once he reached fields, he should be able to see who or what was following him. Since he also didn't sense any resentful energy, he knew it wasn't a ghost or beast. But how it moved, he wasn't sure it was an animal either.... but it seemed too small to be a person.

By the time the sun had passed mid day, Instead of coming up on fields, Xie Lian came to a big city, whose gates were wide open, and had people going to and fro... minus a few who were being kept out. Mostly beggars.

Xie Lian frowned at the sight, before carrying his bag up to the gate.

The guard, a hard faced and middle aged man, glared at him. “What's your business here?”

“This humble Daozhang is only here to collect scrap and sell a few odd things, before passing along.” Xie Lian replied, smiling warmly.

The man scoffed, looked him over, then shrugged. “Don't cause trouble all right, Daozhang.”

Xie Lian didn't much care for the man's attitude, but just moved on as he had no reason to get in a spat over something as trivial as a bad attitude. People were kind, people were rude, people were indifferent. People, were, people.

“Scram kid.” Xie Lian heard the guard say, as he made it several meters passed the city gates.

However, he didn't hear a reply, which was only a little odd.

“I said, scram!” The guard snapped again, sounding angrier this time.

Xie Lian, just out of curiosity, turned to look and when he saw who the guard was talking to, he had to do a double take. Standing at the gate, fidgeting with his tunic, all bare foot and sad looking, like a kitten caught out in the rain, was none other then Wei Ying- the small boy from Yiling!

“Wei Ying?!” Xie Lian called out, spinning to go and figure out why that small child was even here. It would be just his luck however, that the moment he turned, his bag caught on a merchants cart and tore wide open, sending all his things scattering to the ground.

Wei Ying, small as he was, turned to look past the guard, and saw Xie Lian scrambling to pick up his things before they were stepped on by the people coming into the city. “Daozhang!”

Before the guard could catch him, Wei Ying ducked past and rushed over to help. As he lunged to pick up something, he tripped over his own two feet and planted his face in the dirt. Xie Lian cried out, dropping what he had picked up and went to help Wei Ying off the ground, only for the boy to accidentally head butt him on the way up. He felt the blood coming out of his nose before he saw it, noticing that when Wei Ying went to look up, rubbing the back of his head, his nose was leaking blood as well.

“What the hell you damn brat!” the guard snapped, rushing over to snatch Wei Ying, possibly to throw him right back out of the city.

“Hold on!” Xie Lian countered, grabbing the boy with one hand and using the sleeve of the other arm to cover his nose, before fibbing just a little. “He's with me! He's with me! I thought he was right behind me! He must have fallen further behind then I thought!”

Wei Ying, holding his own nose, looked up quietly, not saying a word, just staring blankly up at Xie Lian.

“He's with you?” The guard questioned, looking the kid over. “Is he yours?”

“...” Xie Lian took a moment to register what he was being asked. His first thought had been that the guard was asking if he owned the boy, but he quickly knocked that one aside when he realized he meant if he was his son. He started to shake his head, when a older woman came up waving a cane at the guard.

“Leave them alone. If he is the boys father, he's a young father! You shouldn't sound so judgmental.”

Xie Lian choked. “Wait-”

“Young father or not, who lets their kids walk about dressed like a beggar? I about kicked that kid-”

“Then shame on you. Kicking small children. Shame on you!”

“Wait...” Xie Lian tried again, but was distracted when Wei Ying grabbed his sleeve. His little hand had blood on it from busting his nose on the ground, but he still just stared up at Xie Lian with big eyes and a blank expression. His nose was still running blood too...

As the old lady and the guard went at each other, Xie Lian took out some cloth and started wiping the boys face. Then, quickly gathered what he could of his things before pressing on into the city, Wei Ying in tow.

Once they were further in and out of sights of both guard and elderly woman, Xie Lian sat down aside the paved street and sat Wei Ying next to him.

“Now, want to tell me why you followed me?” Xie Lian asked, checking the boys face for anymore cuts or bruises.

“...” Wei Ying looked up at him, then finally teared up, looking guilty. “Ying-Ying sorry...”

“No, no apologies.” Xie Lian sighed, seeing that the boy was still okay. “I just don't understand why you followed me. Your not in trouble.”

“...” Wei Ying fiddled with his hands, keeping his head down and starting to cry.

Xie Lian frowned, seeing that the boy must have thought he was in trouble. Instead of asking any more about why he followed, Xie Lian looked around, seeing if there was a place to get something for the boy to eat. “Well, no matter. Your following me now I guess. What do you want to eat? You must be very hungry after not eating all day, I assume?”

Wei Ying nodded, but then shook his head. “Daozhang doesn't have to feed Ying-Ying. Daozhang's money is Daozhang's.”

“Well then shouldn't this Daozhang get to decide what he uses his money on?” Xie Lian asked. “And I decided I want to buy you something, it's the least I can do after you hurt yourself trying to help me.”

Wei Ying tilted his head, as Xie Lian got up and walked across the street. He bought some meat filled bao from a stall, before heading back and passing one to the boy, before sitting down next to him again.

“Go on now, eat up. Little boys need to eat so they can grow big and strong.”

The four year old looked up at him again, before looking at the meat bao. He sniffed it, smiled then took a big bite. All the sad guilty expressions were gone in a heart beat. Xie Lian felt something warm deep inside when he saw the boy kicking his feet gleefully, all over a simple meat bao. It was so adorable.

Most children Xie Lian ever hung around during his years, had been maybe nine to ten or older. After all, most smaller children were with their parents... or... sadly, didn't make it alone. That thought, while looking at the smiling four year old, had Xie Lian's heart twist a little. If his parents were traveling cultivators, and, from what he remembered the boy saying, one coming from a mountain, it was likely there was no one else for him. And if there was, they either were not related, or didn't even know he was all alone yet. If no one in town knew the parents, it meant no one would know to find a relation, and tell them those two were dead. It meant that the boy would grow up alone....

“Thank you Doazhang.” Wei Ying spoke up, interrupting Xie Lian's thoughts.

The man looked over, seeing the boy had finished his food, and was looking up at him with a big smile. The boy had such a sweet, innocent smile. Xie Lian smiled back of course, that warm feeling again from before. Had he really not smiled like this in so long?

Wei Ying smile only faltered a little, before shuffling his feet. Xie Lian looked down, seeing that they were bare.

“Did... you follow me all the way here with no shoes?”

“Ying-Ying lost them.” Wei Ying replied, swinging his feet up and out. lost them in the woods. They fell off. Didn't fit Ying-Ying anymore.”

“So it was you hiding in the trees then?” Xie Lian asked, pressing the boys leg down. “I am actually surprised I didn't realize it was you...”

“mama taught Ying-Ying how to hide real good.” Wei Ying answered, lowering his voice, “Taught Ying-Ying how to be real sneaky.”

“Is that so?” Xie Lian chuckled. “Well, she should have also taught you how to keep your shoes on your feet.”

“they fell off.” Wei Ying huffed. “Got stuck in the mud. Ying-Ying couldn't pull them out.”

“I see.” Xie Lian nodded, then looked around. “Then I guess we'll have to get you a new pair-”

He was cut off by Wei Ying suddenly standing and shaking his head. “No need. Ying-Ying doesn't want to bother Doazhang...”

“...” Xie Lian was baffled. The boy followed him all the way out here, and yet... didn't want his help?

It was then Wei Ying added, “Besides, Doazhang is poor, and already bought Ying-Ying food...”

Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry hearing that. “I can make more money Wei Ying...”

Wei Ying shook his head, “Ying-Ying doesn't want to be a burden...”

Xie Lian frowned, before immediately finding an answer, “Then why doesn't Wei Ying help me make some money? That way he can buy his own shoes.”

“Really?” the four year old seemed so surprised by the very idea that he could make his own money.

Xie Lian once more chuckled, nodding. “This Daozhang makes money from either selling things I make with scrap, selling my skills, or busking- performing tricks.”

“Daozhang can do tricks?” Wei Ying asked.

“a few.” Xie Lian laughed. “But for you, lets start by collecting some scraps. All right?”

Wei Ying nodded, then followed as Xie Lian stood up and made his way around the street. The man had the small boy watch as he simply asked each shop owner, or interested passerby if they had any undesirables or junk that they would be willing to part with. Unlike Yiling, there were more people, and more people meant more interested in getting rid of junk. Once Wei Ying got the idea, he started going around on his own, asking the same questions. Xie Lian was not surprised at all to see that Wei Ying was doing much better at getting things them him, given the boy was small, and really sweet. His smile alone had many a young lady adoring him, and telling him where he could find some things that had been tossed aside.

Sure, there was a stray shop owner or two who would threaten to kick the boy, and Xie Lian would intervene, but overall, the boy was a natural. It made Xie Lian... feel.. different to say the least.

It was already late when they had arrived in town and by the time the sun had fully set, they had gathered a lot of scrap, and even made a large sum of coins. Xie Lian knew the luck would run out soon, knowing himself, but he could survive if and when it did. Quickly, he took Wei Ying to a small stall, one selling clothes, and helped the boy find a small pair of shoes. They were not all that expensive and meant both Wei Ying and Xie Lian had a little money left over from their day.

“Why don't we go to a tea shop, and get something to drink and something to eat?” Xie Lian asked, after shoving most of the collected scrap into a new sack.

Wei Ying smiled, nodding animatedly as he took Xie Lian's hand. The two walked to the smallest tea shop they could find, one closer to the edge of town, before taking a seat at a table. The Tea shop owner, a small old lady with wispy white hair, came over and poured them both some tea before giving the two an expectant look.

Xie Lian gave an order, a few montou and a bowl of sweet soup for Wei Ying.

“Sure thing Daozhang, Daozhang's son.”

“Wait he's-” Before Xie Lian could politely explain that, the boy was not infact his child, the old woman had already waddled off. Seeing he had no way to clear his name, Xie Lian just sighed and rubbed his head. When he looked up, he saw Wei Ying looking up at him with a funny look. He just gave the boy a smile, and got one in return, a toothy playful one that made Xie Lian's heart melt.

How could this kid not only be so sweet, so kind, but also so cute? But also... now that Xie Lian thought about it...

Why did the boy keep making him think of himself?

Not in the, they have the same life, kind of way. But more so how they didn't. The boy was so selfless even at the age of four, having lost everything, which hadn't been a lot. Xie Lian only lived with a little, having lost a lot years ago. It took him centuries to fully become the person he was now, and yet this boy, having lived not even a blink of that time, had already shown to be the kind of person Xie Lian hoped to be for others. But... the boy was also... lost in a way that Xie Lian found too familiar. Wei Ying didn't want to impose on others, even though at his age, he needed to be seen to get the ability to grow and survive. Xie Lian was a grown man, he didn't need others help, and so chose not to impose.

As the food was laid on the table, Xie Lian couldn't help but wonder what to do with Wei Ying. He had left him in Yiling if only cause he knew, no matter how much he enjoyed the boys company, his lifestyle was not made for a small child. But then the kid followed him...

Xie Lian watched Wei Ying happily slurp up the sweet soup, feeling the child's feet swinging giddily under the table. After a second, he spoke, “Wei Ying, you never told me why you followed me out of Yiling.”

The boy had just put the, now empty, bowl down. He had been smiling but when he heard the question, he returned to a blank expression, before it slowly fed into a sad, guilty one. Wei Ying slouched, looking almost like he might cry. “Ying-Ying sorry...”

“Your not in trouble.” Xie Lian assured him, reaching a hand out and patting the boys head, “I just want to know why you did. We only met that day, and we're practically strangers.”

Wei Ying blinked back tears, and nodded, but... “... Doazhang was the first to be so nice and talk to Ying-Ying... but... but he didn't say goodbye... and...” He looked like he really might cry as he said the next part, “Ying-Ying didn't want to make Doazhang stay... Didn't want Doazhang to get mad and hate him...”

Xie Lian felt a pang of guilt, having realized he had in fact forgotten to tell the child goodbye that morning. But, he hadn't even thought about the kid having gotten attached. “Wei Ying...”

“Ying-Ying just... don't want to be alone anymore...” Wei Ying muttered, sniffling.

Xie Lian didn't speak. He had planned to tell the boy that he was sorry for leaving without saying farewell, had planned to tell him he would never get mad at him for following him... but that last part, it hit Xie Lian too close to home. To be honest, he too... didn't like being alone. But... that was his curse to bare...

Before Xie Lian could find the words to say, there was a commotion as someone slammed open the door to the tea house. There were other patrons in the tea house, if only a few, and they all must have been regulars as they all seemed to recognize the man who walked in. Xie Lian quickly put a hand on Wei Ying's shoulder motioning him to keep his head down. Why? Cause the man who walked in, tall and built like an ox, looked irritated beyond reason, and smelled of liquor.

“where da ol bitch at!!” He slurred out, almost falling over his own feet as he shoved a table aside. No one answered, all looking uncomfortable. This only seemed to anger him more, so he threw a stool and yelled again, “I know da bitch.. she the one who ratted me out! Where da hell is she?!”

Wei Ying looked scared, and so did some of the other patrons. Xie Lian was also worried the man was going to hurt someone... but he was so out of it, drunk beyond thought and angry, that talking him down or picking a fight, might not be the smartest idea. Sure he could definitely take the fool down with one hit, but he didn't want to start anything either.... so... he tried a different aproach. He looked over, smiled at Wei Ying, then lifted a finger to his lips. The boy, who was still pouting and fearful, tilted his head out of curiosity, before his eyes shot down to Xie Lian's arm. It was sitting palm down on the table... but something white had slithered out.

Wei Ying watched as it went under the table, then slunk around the floor, passing chair legs and feet, before looping around the drunk man's ankle- not touching it, but still around it. Then as the angry man hadn't gotten an answer, and made to lunge for another chair, the white thing tightened. In a second, the man tripped, fell, and slammed his head into a wooden table, before hitting the floor. While some women gasped, some men just started laughing profusly as the white silk sped back the way it came and into Xie Lian's sleeve.

Xie Lian smiled, patting Ruoye for a job well done as Wei Ying covered his mouth and giggled. The man's smile only grew seeing the laugh in the boys eyes.

“Man, poor ole fool.” one patron chuckled, crossing his arms. “Just be his luck to bust his head on the table after getting caught with another man's wife. Must of been praying to the God of Misfortune for that kinda bad luck streak.”

Xie Lian choked, before placing his head in his hand. He didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

After they both finished, and some of the men in the shop had thrown the unconscious drunk from the tea shop, Xie Lian took Wei Ying and left the payment on the table.

“Thank you Doazhang.” The old woman called out, bowing her head to the two, “you and your boy have a good night.”

“He really isn't my....” When Xie Lian turned to correct her, he found that she had already vanished back inside. “... son...”

He looked down at Wei Ying, who had his hand in his mouth as he stared up at him with a blank look.

“... don't chew on your fingers, it's bad for you.”

“okay..” Wei Ying muttered, before yawning.

It was pretty late.

Xie Lian had one hand holding the boys, and another holding the sack as they walked along the dimly lit street of the city. As they went, Xie Lian kept noticing Wei Ying watching him with that funny look again.

“What?” Xie Lian chuckled.

“... why do people think Doazhang is Ying-Ying's baba?” Wei Ying asked, blinking back his sleepiness.

Xie Lian sighed, “I do not know.”

“Is Doazhang a baba?” Wei Ying questioned.

“No.” Xie Lian answered with a small shake of his head.

“Why not?”

“Cause this Doazhang is ascetic.” Xie Lian replied. He paused however, when the four year old scrunched up his nose in confusion. “It means I don't have a significant other, nor plan to have one. No wife, no kids. Just me.”

“oh... Why?”

Xie Lian couldn't help but laugh at that, “Cause it's my cultivation path.”

“Why?” Wei Ying asked, scrunching up his face.

“Cause it was how I was taught.” Xie Lian teased, letting go of the boys hand and pinching his cheek. “Why?”

“Cause Ying-Ying wanted to know.” Wei Ying said.

“Why?” Xie Lian asked, teasing even more.

Wei Ying, who had at first looked confused, seemed to catch on. He covered his mouth and giggled. Xie Lian smiled more, sure his face would get sore from smiling this much. He led the boy through a street full of dim lanterns, with almost no one in sight but them.

After a long time, Wei Ying looked up at Xie Lian again, then asked a question the man had not expected... one that... one that made Xie Lian feel something he had never felt before.

“... What if... Could Ying-Ying be Doazhang's son... even without a... a significant other?”

Xie Lian frowned, as he shot Wei Ying a look. That look caused the boy to back away, his face racked with guilt.

“Ying-Ying sorry... ying-”

“Wait.” Xie Lian quickly set down his bag of scrap, getting on the boys level as to not scare him away. “Hold on, i'm not upset with you. Your question just... it startled me that's all.”

“...” Wei Ying didn't answer, his little hands gripping his tunic.

Xie Lian felt terrible then. He looked over the kids face, and felt all the feelings this boy had given him all over again. Xie Lian had dealt with children before, was rather good with them in the short term sense, acting friendly and unashamed to play their silly games when other adults found it childish. But... never once had he felt a more... familial connection with any of those children.

That being said... Wei Ying was different.

It wasn't that Xie Lian didn't care about those other kids, but he never felt responsible for them... not necessarily. They had their own lives, they had grown up tougher, able to handle themselves. Wei Ying, he was much smaller, much too kind...

But it was also that kind heart that attracted Xie Lian to him. That... hopeful nature. That selflessness that he saw in a boy who didn't even know what the world was like. Xie Lian really did care about Wei Ying... which was exactly why he was scared of dragging him into his own life. But... he also couldn't willingly allow the boy to treat him like family... not at the threat of...

“Why?” Xie Lian suddenly asked his eyes almost sad. “Wei Ying, why do you ask me about being my son?”

Wei Ying looked up at him with a sad face of his own. He still looked so ashamed. “... cause.. cause you remind me of mama... you laugh... and smile... and tease like she did...” His lip trembled, “Ying-Ying... miss my mama... and... Ying-Ying doesn't want to be alone again...”

“But... I'm not your mama...” Xie Lian replied, still kneeling in front of the kid. Wei Ying started to sob quietly, even as the man used his sleeve to wipe away his tears. “I can't replace her. In fact... I am terrible with kids.”

“... Y... Ying-Ying doesn't think so...” Wei Ying sniffled, his face all scrunched up and covered in tears.

“But I am. I once accidentally let a girl try my food. Had to help her throw it back up as... as I have an acquired taste.” Xie Lian laughed nervously. “I also had to leave her alone. Had to leave her behind because of my own choices.” he smiled more sincerely then, “But... but I do think I care about you Wei Ying... but I can't let you call me... your father... if it means you forget your real parents.”

Wei Ying sniffled, then wiped his face as Xie Lian lifted him up into his arms.

“Wei Ying,” He continued, pressing his forehead to the boy's. “If I take you with me, it's going to get rough. I.. can't always... you might get hurt.”

“... Ying-Ying tough...” Wei Ying whimpered.

Xie Lian smiled, “I know... but... I still would rather you be safe... and not act like i'm a replacement for who loved you first.”

“Ying-Ying won't.” Wei Ying nodded profusely. “As long as he sees Doazhang, he thinks of mama.”

Xie Lian sighed, not knowing if he should laugh or cry... then... then he had an idea. He carried Wei Ying and the sack to the side of the road, before setting both down. Digging through the sack, Xie Lian pulled out a few things, before settling down next to the boy. In his hand was a tough wooden token.

“Wei Ying, can you tell me your parents names.”

Wei Ying nodded, then spoke slowly as he wiped away his tears. “Mama's name was Cangse Sanren and Baba's name was Wei Changze. That is what Ying-Ying heard them say.”

Xie Lian smiled, then on each side of the wood token carved their names. He smoothed out the edges, then painted into the lines to define them, make them Once he was done, he pulled out some string, braided it slightly to toughen it, then looped it through a small hole in the top of the token. Then.. he put it around the boys neck, tying it in place.

“If I am to take care of you, you have to always wear this, okay?” Xie Lian said. “never forget them.”

“Then...” The boy stuttered, holding the token in his little hands. “Then Doazhang... is Doazhang okay with me staying?”

“Yes...” Xie Lian whispered, feeling something tighten in his chest.

“... and... he's okay with being my baba?”

Xie Lian smiled, a sad, yet... yet happy, feeling? He had never thought about having kids. Never even thought to imagine.. yet... Yet he found Wei Ying... and... and he cared enough to want him to stay. Was that... selfish? After a moment, he held out his hand to the boy. “If you want me to be.”

Wei Ying smiled, so bright, then flung his arms around the man's neck. They held each other tight. A quiet promise. Xie Lian was not alone anymore...

And neither was A-Ying.

Chapter Text

Being a father was... intense, as Xie Lian learned rather quickly.

He had only agreed to take on that title less then a month ago, and already things had been chaotic yet sweet all at once.

On the chaotic side, how many times Xie Lian had become heavily more aware of the little things that could hurt a small boy was almost terrifying. Especially when A-Ying liked climbing things. Sure he didn't climb super tall things, like trees, as his little hands didn't have the grip strength yet, and his legs were too short. But if he could reach it, and could lift his leg over it, then A-Ying could and would climb it. And then he would stand on it. Then he would dance on it, or jump on it, or sing or play.... then he would either jump or fall off. Both would startle Xie Lian who would come rushing over from whatever he had been doing, and check on the boy. If the boy had jumped off, he would usually apologies, or hug Xie Lian, smiling on sweetly. If he had fallen off, it depended on how bad he hurt himself. Most of the time, he would just say “oops” if he fell and bruised or scrapped himself, which was not very normal for small children, and made Xie Lian wonder if he had a high pain tolerance. Then sometimes, he would cry, especially if the fall seemed more to startle then hurt.

Not once had the boy fallen hard enough to break anything, but he also had yet to get on something or fall on something that could cause that. Also, as Xie Lian was slowly beginning to realize, small children were rather sturdy. Simply put, Xie Lian could twist his ankle or bust his face on the ground from falling off something as short as a box A-Ying could climb on, and the kid could fall and not get even a bruise. And it wasn't just jumping off things. It was getting into things the boy shouldn't, or touching things he wasn't supposed to- he did none of these things out of malice, just curiosity or spur of the moment.

As for the sweet things, they were more often then the chaotic things. Sometimes it was how A-Ying was a caring boy at heart, even if a bit of a tease. If someone dropped something, he would pick it up. If someone needed help, he would try to help even if he couldn't. And he smiled... he said thank you, and he smiled. That sweet sweet smile. There were times when he would go back to apologizing for the simplest things, and Xie Lian was sure he would grow out of it someday.... maybe...

Another sweet thing was how he reacted to bad things happening. Xie Lian, being the unluckiest man to ever live, was constantly bombarded with bad things happening, and feared A-Ying would either get hurt or regret staying with him... but...

He never did.

In fact, a prime example was the day their roof caved in. They had been staying in a make shift shack and a storm had come through, knocking a giant hole in the roof and causing the two of them to get abruptly soaked. Instead of getting sad, or upset, or angry, A-Ying started jumping in the new big puddle on the floor and singing- pretending to be a talking fish. It cheered Xie Lian up as well, joining in as a fisher man who wanted to see if the fish was a wish granting fish.

A-Ying had said yes.

So Xie Lian responded, 'I wish for the rain to stop.'

And A-Ying had answered, 'wish not granted, as talking fish cannot give wishes If there is no rain.'

'Then I wish for a good night sleep.'

'Wish granted.' A-Ying had replied, then threw himself on Xie Lian, hugging him tightly, 'Baba can sleep better if Ying-Ying help him stay warm. See! Good night!'

That silliness, that smile, that hopefulness... Xie Lian wished for it to never go away. While he still feared his bad luck would rub off on the boy, he believed wholeheartedly he would never regret taking him as his little boy. So he spent every day, making each one count. Playing, telling A-Ying stories, some of his own little adventures, or even spending time just listening to the boy talk about nonsense... he loved ever moment...

But there was one thing, that had been bothering Xie Lian since day one.

Where had heard the name Baoshen Sanren before?

After returning to Yiling for a day, to gather what he could of the very little belongings A-Ying owned, and heading up the mountain just a bit to give a small prayer for the lost Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze, Xie Lian went looking to see if anyone in town had heard the name before. He got no answers in Yiling. So, he traveled west.

The reason for going west was due to the need for a library, as Xie Lian felt that if he knew the name Baoshen Sanren, it must be an old one. And if she was a cultivation teacher, and an old one at that, the best place to look was books. Or scrolls. One could not be picky for information. That being said, the best library to find such information would need to be large, and preferably, visited frequently by cultivation groups- or owned by one.

Xie Lian had seen Cultivation Clan's and sects come and go like the wind. Some stayed long times, others fell by the wayside. Just like kingdoms and their kings, just like gods and their worshipers, all things faded eventually.

The largest library for a cultivation clan in the area was that in small town just outside a great city known as Qishan.

The library, from what Xie Lian could gather, was once owned by a small sect of Cultivators who had focused on scholarly pursuits, such as calligraphy, knowledge, and histories. It seemed, however, that about twelve years before, a much larger cultivation clan had come through and absorbed the smaller sect, leaving nothing of it's old self.

That being said, the archive of books was not easy to enter as simply as a request.

“you have to have permission from the Wen Clan to enter these archives.” The young gentlemen who took care of the archive insisted, bowing deeply. “I really am sorry Doazhang, but those rules come from Wen-Zongzhu himself.”

“It's all right.” Xie Lian replied, all as A-Ying sat on his shoulders, wearing his bamboo hat (much too big for him,) and chewing on a old blanket that had seen better days. “I wasn't looking for anything of great importance, just trying to figure out where I had heard a name before.”

“Maybe this one could listen and check for you?” The young man said, looking a little nervous as he made this option available.

“That would be very kind of you.” Xie Lian nodded, catching the blanket as it fell from the four year old's hands. He handed A-Ying back his blanket as he then made his request, “I am looking for anything mentioning the name Baoshen Sanren.”

The young man, went from nervous to curious in an instant, clearly knowing that name. “Baoshen Sanren? The immortal Baoshen Sanren?”

Immortal? “I believe so.” Xie Lian admitted, wondering now more then ever where he must have heard the name.

“Well...” The young man frowned then, “We don't have any books or scrolls on her... but that is mainly due to no one knowing anything about her save those of her students that leave her celestial mountain. And no one knows where that is... so...”

“Ah..” Xie Lian nodded, feeling a little sad that he had found a dead end. He was however, not sad for long when A-Ying leaned over his head and grabbed him by the face with both hands.

“Baba, Ying-Ying need to go pee.”

The young man at the library's door hid a snicker, before regaining his composure. Xie Lian did not mind at all, setting A-Ying down on his feet and taking his little hand. “Thank you for your help regardless. Have a good day.”

And so, after waving the young man goodbye, Xie Lian went to find a place to let the child relieve himself. This went as smooth as anything else they went through, given as the boy came back around the tree he had gone to pee behind, with his bare behind to the world, all so he could show Xie Lian a caterpillar that crawled onto his hand. Xie Lian nodded, saying it was a pretty caterpillar, before swiftly pulling up the four year old's trousers and warning him calmly to remember to pull them up himself right after he's done his business. A-Ying nodded back, but was more focused on the pretty bug to really hear what Xie Lian had told him.

Seeing as they were already now in a town, Xie Lian thought to wander the streets, collecting a few unwanted things, and buying him and A-Ying something to eat. In the past he had never been too worried about food, given he could survive quite a while without anything. But with his A-Ying in tow now, he had to at least get enough money to buy the child something to eat multiple times a day. He tried his best to get the boy a decent diet, but sometimes he would be short... and everywhere else wasn't like Yiling, where one could just dig through what others tossed out.

It also didn't help that if A-Ying caught Xie Lian not eating, he would always want to share his food, and get very sad when told no.

After a bit of walking and munching on some food, Xie Lian sat A-Ying down on the side of the road.

“I'm going to go sell a few things and make some coin as we are running out.” Xie Lian said, bending down to the boys level and setting aside their bag of scraps. He took the child's hand, and he smiled, as a white silk band slithered from the man's sleeve, into the boys. “Ruoye will watch you while I am busy, but do not leave this street, and do not leave the town. If anyone gives you trouble, do not speak to them and should they put their hands on you Ruoye will take care of it.”

“Okay baba.” A-Ying said with a big warm grin.

Xie Lian really didn't want to leave A-Ying alone at all. It was just that, collecting scrap was one thing, as the boy was good at helping him with that. But things like selling, or labor, or busking, he was still only four and could not do any of those things at all. So, to make up for his lack of ability to watch him, Xie Lian would have Ruoye take care of him.

That said, Ruoye had practically fallen in love with A-Ying. The boy made it easy, playing with the silk band, and hugging it- which caused it to wrap around him all snugly... Xie Lian didn't mind.. he just.. Xie Lian only intervened... when Ruoye got too close to A-Ying's neck....

A-Ying sat on the edge of the street playing with his drum that he pulled from his belt. In one hand he had his blanket, the other his drum and had a bamboo hat much to big for him on his head. He looked so happy with himself as he smacked the beads around, humming to himself. He giggled a bit when he felt Ruoye move a bit under his tunic.

His baba didn't leave him alone very often, and when he did it was only for a little while as he said. After all, if Xie Lian was gone too long, A-Ying would get upset and reasonably so. Instead, at the moment A-Ying was content playing with his toys and his blanket.

“This Doazhang fights big monsters.” A-Ying murmured, taking out one of his straw dolls and pitting it against his blanket. “And this is big beast. Big Beast eat all it move over. Nom nom!” he threw the blanket over the 'daozhang' doll, before picking up his other straw doll and in a high pitch voice, “oh no! Daozhang has been eaten- what shall we do!!!”

“Is that supposed to be a girl?”

A-Ying looked up seeing a girl, maybe seven or eight years old, glaring down at him with her arms crossed. She wore a red dress, that made her tanned skin more vivid, and black ink eyes that were sharp as she gave the boy a hard look.

“... yes?” A-Ying tilted his head, lifting up the straw doll. “She called the Daozhang to fight the monster cause it ate her house.”

The girl rolled her eyes. “and why couldn't she fight it? Girls fight too.”

“She isn't a cultivator.” A-Ying pouted. “And Ying-Ying knows girls can fight. Mama was a cultivator.”

“oh..” the girl mumbled, dropping her arms. “well... if the Daozhang is eaten, who will help her?”

A-Ying smiled, then swung up the arm still holding the 'Daozhang' doll under the blanket, launching it away. “He does! Daozhang cuts it up from inside!”

The girl raised a brow. “That's silly. No actual Daozhang would get themselves eaten by a monster just to kill it.”

“Baba would.” A-Ying said. “he told Ying-Ying a story like that!”

The girl made a face, but before she could contradict the small child, a man called out to her. “Qing-er? Qing-er there you are.”

The girl turned and A-Ying glanced up as a young man walked up to them, with a small boy in tow. The boy was maybe a year younger then A-Ying, with big pitch black eyes and a thumb in his mouth. He practically shrunk behind the man, waddling along like a baby duck.

The man, who looked similar to the girl, bent over and patted her head. “Qing-er, don't walk off like that. A-Ning gets worried when he can't find you.”

“Sorry A-Die...” The girl mumbled, pouting as she looked away.

A-Ying looked at the boy, then up the man's white sleeves and to the red flames and red suns on it. He tilted his head as the man looked down at him with a raised brow.

“Whose this?” The man asked.

“This one is Ying-Ying.” A-Ying answered, smiling. “She was asking Ying-Ying about his toys.”

“I see...” The man chuckled. He then turned to his daughter giving her a pat on the head. “I got what I needed from the apothecary. We can head back home now.”

“Ok.” Was all the girl said... but paused. She then pointed at A-Ying. “But what about him. He's out here all by himself. A-Die said kids shouldn't be left all by themselves.”

The man smiled sheepishly and was about to say something to his daughter when A-Ying spoke up. “I'm not alone, I got Ruoye.”

“Ruoye?” The girl scoffed.

Either hearing it's name, or being a menace, Ruoye moved under A-Ying's tunic in such a way it was very obvious, flicking out a part of its' tail end like that of a snake. The girl saw, and she screamed. She screamed so loud it hurt A-Ying's ears and he dropped his toys to cover them.

It was this scream that caught the attention of the returning Xie Lian, who had just finished his work. He rushed over, in an instant, almost tripping over himself to see what was wrong.

All he heard was a little girl screaming, “SNAKE! IT”S A SNAKE! AHHHHH!”

He arrived just as the man had to juggle the screaming seven year old girl and a now crying three year old.

“Baba!” A-Ying called out, jumping to his feet and throwing his arms around Xie Lian's legs.

“A-Ying what-”

“I'm so sorry Daozhang.” The man said, holding the girl over a shoulder and the crying three year old under his opposite arm. “My daughter thought she saw a snake on your son...”

“...” Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry, as he tapped A-Ying's back. Ruoye poked out, and he snatched the naughty silk band roughly pulling it out. “It... it isn't a snake...”

The man blinked, but the little girl was still looking both angry and scared all at once, and the three year old was still balling his eyes out. Finally the man let out a dry laugh. “wh.. what is that?”

“Ruoye!” A-Ying cheered, trying to snatch the band back.

Xie Lian tugged and the silk band slunk back into his own robes. “It's a spiritual device- a very old one... it.. has a mind of its own...”

“I see...” The man hummed, before fixing both of his kids. “So this one is your boy then? He acts like he might be a bit of a handful.”

“A-Ying? No. he's a sweetie... just...” Xie Lian eyed the boy who looked up at him with a big grin. Xie Lian couldn't help smiling back “... I guess he can be a bit of one some times.”

The man nodded, then looked at his daughter. “Qing-er, your all right. See? It wasn't a snake. The nice Daozhang said it was just a spiritual device... like... well, a little like the ones back in Qishan.”

The girl scrunched up her face, before turning and hugging into her fathers neck.

Giving up trying to get her to calm down, the man turned his attention to the three year old boy. He had stopped crying, but he looked terrified. “A-Ning? Are you okay now?”

The boy shook his head, shoving his thumb back in his mouth.

“I'm sorry it scared them like that...” Xie Lian frowned, “Ruoye isn't a bad spiritual device.. it's like I said, it's old and has a mind of its own...”

“Ruoye helps baba fight bad guys!” A-Ying announced, smiling all big up at the man. “And evil things! Like big bad monsters and beasts. Rawr!”

“Is that so?” The man laughed. “Well, then I guess its a good device. Isn't that right Qing-er?”

The little girl refused to answer.

Just then, there was a commotion at the end of the road, as people got away from its center. The man looked and seemed to realize something. “Ah, I guess I took too much time. Sorry to run Daozhang. May you and your son have a good day.”

“thank you, and you as well.” Xie Lian replied, gathering A-Ying in one arm before shoving the boys things in their sack.

As he made his way to leave the street, he did pause to look back at what could cause such a commotion, leading everyone to leave the road so swiftly.

What he saw was a parade of men in White robes with red suns, seeming to almost surround one man in particular. He looked young, but even from here, Xie Lian was certain it was just his cultivation, as he could sense the raw power the man had. The young man he had run into before jogged over to join him, setting down his children and cupping his hands to the man with a smile.

“Wen Zongzhu, what brings you here? I told you I would be back by this evening-”

“Oh Jiahao-Xiong, what makes you think I came here for you?” The one he called Wen Zongzhu laughed. He had seemed so bothered and annoyed moments before, that the sudden change made Xie Lian curious. Not that curious, as when the man suddenly shot Xie Lian a dark look, he chose to leave. Whoever this Wen Zongzhu was, he was clearly not someone Xie Lian wanted to deal with.

“who was that you were talking to, Jiahao-Xiong?” Wen Ruohan asked, watching the scrappy dressed cultivator walk away with boy and sack in his arms.

Wen Jiahao put a hand on his daughter, Wen Qing's, shoulder, while looking back, “Just a Daoist and his son. Nothing to worry yourself about Wen Zongzhu.”
“He isn't night-hunting in this area is he? It's Wen Clan territory after all.” Wen Ruohan sneered, still smiling as he walked along the road with Wen Jiahao and his two children not far behind.

“i do not believe so. He didn't have a sword on him, just a peculiar spiritual device... and I think a bag of.. trash really.”

“That's dull.” Wen Ruohan laughed, then raised a brow, “And what do you mean by peculiar? Was it really that interesting?”

“It moved like a snake!” Wen Qing stated, looking grumpy. “I really thought that thing was a snake! It moved all on its own!”

“Qing-er is very loud.” Wen Ruohan laughed, patting the girls head. “Moved on it's own? Did it really?”

“It did...” Wen Jiahao said, tapping his chin. “I really hadn't seen anything like it... Have you Wen Zongzhu?”

“Possibly...” Wen Ruohan admitted, looking after the Daoist. “But Spiritual Weapon's like that... they don't come easy to find, and are often a powerful kind of device... so how did a Daoist that looks like that get a hold of one....”

“Does it really matter that much Wen Zongzhu?” Wen Jiahao laughed. “He seems pacifistic, it probably does little in the ways of power.”

“Whatever you say.” Wen Ruohan hummed, brushing off the thought and walking on without a care.

...

“A toad looks like a toad and a frog looks like a frog. But a toad looks like a frog and a frog looks like a toad~” A-Ying sang, hopping along the side of the hillside road, as Xie Lian followed behind.

Xie Lian could only shake his head at the silly tune, shifting the sack along his shoulder. “But if they look like each other, how do you tell them apart.”

“Toads got warts! And frogs are slimy~” Wei Ying said playfully, scrunching up his nose as he spoke.

“But what if the toad is slimy?”

“Then he's gross.” Wei Ying said in a matter of fact way. “And Ying-Ying would chase him away from baba so it can't get all the slimy stuff on him!”

“That is very thoughtful of you A-Ying.” Xie Lian replied, nodding as he did.

They had left the small town several hours ago, and night would be arriving soon. The two of them would need to find a place to sleep. It just so happened, that as they crossed a turn on the hillside road, Xie Lian noticed a large group of people heading up the hill.

“Where are they going?” A-Ying asked, watching them as well. He had stopped and grabbed Xie Lian's hand, leaning forward a little with a squint to his eyes. “Why do they have all that food and stuff?”

“I think it's offerings...” Xie Lian murmured, watching them go. “Must be a temple nearby... I wonder for who...”

Xie Lian knew that there were many gods in heaven. He also knew that he probably could only name a handful, maybe four if he was sure. So to see so many people, he couldn't help but make his guesses as what kind of god it could be? While civil gods were well thought of, and other gods common, martial gods usually had the largest crowds. He wasn't sure who the martial god of the west would be, and he only could think of a few possible martial gods....

Xie Lian's own curiosity was written all over his face, and must have peaked A-Ying's cause the boy suddenly started to drag him along.

“baba, lets go see! Lets go see! Ying-Ying wants to take a look!”

“Slow down.” Xie Lian sighed, but still allowed himself to be dragged up the hillside path...

But only for a moment.

As you see, Xie Lian looked up, and he stopped, and his smile became distant and a little sad. A-Ying was quick to notice that his baba wasn't able to be pulled anymore, and he came to a stop as well. He frowned up at Xie Lian, seeing how sad he looked and felt bad. So when he turned to see what had made his baba look so melancholy, he got a little confused... and a little awestruck.

Atop the hill, although it had been hidden by the other hills and some trees a moment ago, was now visible and there stood a magnificent building. It was a large temple, with tall white walls, and shining tiles on it's roof. It was busy- very busy! With many a traveler, farmer, merchant, and noble alike at it's threshold. Voices flowed down the hillside like a stream, both prayer and hymn.

Xie Lian only knew one god who had temples like this in magnitude and beauty, and could gather a crowed this size. Only one god could have his title on the establishment plaque. Only one god could be this powerful.

“... baba, are we going to go there?” A-Ying asked, confused and a little gloomy that it didn't seem he would get to see the pretty looking temple.. given how his baba looked.

Xie Lian smiled sadly down at him and shook his head. “I am sorry A-Ying... but I don't think we'll be going to take a look.”

“... why?” A-Ying asked, frowning deeply.

“...Cause...” Xie Lian looked back at the glowing temple walls. “... cause baba has a hard time going to those places... I'm sorry A-Ying...”

“Why are you sorry?” A-Ying asked.

As the two stood there, something had been crawling down the hill, keeping low to the ground as if sneaking up on the place. When it looked and saw the temple was to the Heavenly Emperor, the figure immediately went to back away, that temple not being it's target. However, it's eyes caught sight of the two on the hillside, and it froze.

“Baba is sorry cause you seemed like you wanted to take a look.” Xie Lian chuckled, bending down to the boys level. “Why? Do you think baba shouldn't apologies?”

“No.” A-Ying tsked. “If it makes you sad, why would Ying-Ying want to look at that stupid place anyway.”

Xie Lian choked a little, mentally cursing himself. “... it's not... it's not stupid... I just... maybe there will be a few things I'll explain to you when you're older. For now, lets just refrain from calling a gods temple stupid... especially that one.”

“Why?” A-Ying asked, making his teasing face.

“Why?” Xie Lian retorted, smiling playfully.

The figure in the trees was stiff as stone, looking between the two with confusion. But in they end, it rushed away. It was only then that Xie Lian noticed and turned swiftly to glare up the hill and into some trees, just missing what had run.

“baba? Is something wrong?” A-Ying asked, innocent and unaware.

“... yes...” Xie Lian replied, keeping a calm smile on his face. “Don't worry about it.”

What Xie Lian had seen, actually did bother him though. But he still just calmly walked with A-Ying down the hillside to go find a place to rest for the night. While he hadn't expected to run into one of Jun Wu's temples, he also didn't understand why a little ghost would be getting so close to such a place. Really, how stupid would a creature like that have to be to try and get near the Heavenly Emperors Temple, especially when there were so many of his believers present? The other, vague thought he had after catching a glimpse of the little ghost, was to wonder why it was wearing green....

(((Doodles)))

Chapter Text

The little ghost ran.

He had run all night since leaving the hill side temple, since seeing him. He knew that face! That Daoist's face! He had seen it several times before!

It some parts, he didn't run. He just transformed into a unfathomable smoke and zipped through the world as fast as he could, till he reached his boss's hide out. The caves were twisted and maze like, wet and smelled as much. As the little ghost fled through the tunnels, he quickly let his green flame appear, so his boss wouldn't get mad. He didn't like wearing it out- it was a bit tacky. But he would never say that in front of his boss, lest he have his head blown off in a burst of green flame.

The boss in question, was within the largest cavern of the cave, which had been decked out in green cloth and long table down the middle, covered in a mess of liquor bottles and bones. green flames were lit along the walls and expanse of the ceiling, giving the whole room a sickly glow. The man himself was reclined on a throne with a snapped bone- a human bone, being used to clean out his teeth. His feet were perched up on a stone statue, one that was kneeling with it's head down to the ground. When the boss saw the little ghost, he chucked the bone, and pointed at him.

“Which one are you, and why are you disturbing me? I told those fuckers I didn't want anyone bothering me!”

“So sorry boss! Big apologies. I'm A-Min! I'm one-”

“Did I ask for your damn name?” The ghost on the throne snapped.

“... y.. yes you did...”

“No I fucking did not!” The boss argued, getting to his feet. “Don't argue with me! Now get the hell out!”

“EH! Wait! Wait! I got big news for the boss! BIG BIG NEWS! He'll want to hear it! Bigger then pitting the Northern General and the Western General at each others throats!”

As it was, the little ghost A-Min, had been in the west for such a cause. To cause chaos in the heavens by pretending to be a follower of the god Ming Guang, Martial God of the North, and burn down or destroy a temple of the western Martial god Qi Ying. The problem was, his information had been wrong about the local temple he had almost arrived at. That temple out west, so large in size, was NOT a temple of Qi Ying, but Jun Wu, then heavenly emperor. If he got involved, he would surely learn it was not one of Ming Guang's followers who attacked, but a henchmen of the Night Touring Green Lantern, Qi Rong. That was A-Min's boss, the crude talking ghost with a bad temper.

“What could be bigger then making those two fuckers fight?” Qi Rong scoffed, waving off the little ghost. “What do I even have you shit heads around for if you can't do your damn jobs!”

“But Boss! IT's the guy! It's the guy!” A-Min said, rushing over to point at the kneeling statue. After all, it was that statues face that he had seen on the Daoist. “That guy! Boss I saw him! I saw that guy!”

Qi Rong flinched back, before kicking the little ghost who had gotten too close. A-Min yelped before rolling across the floor. He got back to his feet, still pointing at the kneeling statue. “I Swear on my miserable existence that I saw him! I saw the fallen god!”

It was only then that Qi Rong finally noticed what he was pointing at, and he got excited. “You Saw HIM?!”

A-Min nodded vigorously, not even bothered that he had just been kicked like a shuttlecock.

“Him?!”

A-Min nodded again, grinning wider.

Qi Rong let out a laugh, then started making demands. “Where?! Where was he? Is he close by? How far do you think he got after you left?”

“He was near a hillside temple of Jun Wu's.” the little ghost admitted, but when seeing Qi Rong's face twist into something pissed, he quickly added, “But he didn't go in and he had no intentions! That's what he told his son anyway-”

“HIS WHAT?!” Qi Rong screeched, choking on his own words as he bellowed.

A-Min just shook his head and replied, “Ya, the small brat with him called him baba. He told the kid that they couldn't go inside. I think they were out west but heading northward. Given the time I left, I assume they'll be making it to Ming Guang's territory by the end of the week. We have men there- and She's that way isn't she?”

“She won't help. She won't leave that place... pathetic really....” Qi Rong scoffed, then immediately lit up. “Which is perfect as a drop of point.”

“Drop off?” A-Min raised tilted his head. “For what?”

Qi Rong took his fingers to his mouth and whistled, calling some of his men to start coming his way. Little ghosts came running in from different chambers of the cave, like a horde of unruly bats. He kicked A-Ming away again as he jumped up onto his throne, turning to the horde. A-Min cried out as he flew over them Qi Rong spreading out his hands to the group with a wicked grin.

“All right you freaks! Listen up! We're putting a hold on our little show for that man whore Pei Ming and That blundering idiot Qi Ying!” He said, with all the pomp of a showman. “It seems that I found out where my darling cousin is! And if it isn't him, the fucker who said he saw him gets torn to shreds.”

“HUH?!”

“Word has it, my dear Cousin, seems to have a son. If this is true, then I want the kid. And here is the plan!” QI Rong jumped from his thrown and looked around the group before randomly pointing at some ghosts. “You, you, you and you, will head out to cut cousin off just as he reaches the north. Once you get a hold of the little shit, get him to Mount YuJun. After that, I'll come pick up the brat from our friend up there. What do you want?”

Qi Rong had asked this at a random small ghost who had started to raise his hand. He flinched under the green ghosts tone, but still swallowed and asked, “Why are we kidnapping the kid?”
“None of your damn business.” Qi Rong snapped, grabbing a liquor bottle off the long table, chucking it and hitting the ghost square in the head. As the ghost hit the floor, Qi Rong continued. “Once I have the kid, it's likely cousin will come looking, which is why, if the kid isn't with me, he'll be under lock and key! Eyes at all times! If the brat is my cousin's son, then he is very important! My little nephew is the key to bigger things! BIG BIG things! Which is why I need you idiots to NOT mess up!”

“Sir, but what about Chengzhu?” One ghost called out.

Qi Rong's face twisted, as he glared out at the crowd. “Who the fuck asked that? What about that fucker do I need to worry about?!”
No one answered, which only pissed Qi Rong off. “Who you call'n Chengzu? More like a damn dog! What? You don't think I don't know he's still trying to give me shit! That's why I sent those idiots to Ghost City. Pay him a visit. Pay him back more like...” Qi Rong mumbled the last part before kicking over the table. “Who gives a shit about that dog anyway?! Do as your told! And you!” he pointed to A-Min, who yelped under his bosses ire. “You lead the group after My cousin. If it isn't him, the rest get to eat you.”

“... huh?” A-Min whimpered, looking up at the bigger of the little ghosts, who smiled at him menacingly. “..oh...”

…

“Mama.” A-Ying called out, the world a pretty forest of sunlight and greenery. “Mama.”

“I'm over here baobei.” He heard his mama's voice call out, and so he smiled. He ran towards the voice, following it until he came across a clearing. In the clearing was the silhouette of a woman in white, with a bamboo hat on her head. Her silver colored eyes and mischievous smile, called the boy over as he reached up to her, wanting her to hold him.

“Mama.”

A-Ying's eyes fluttered open, as he watched his hands reaching for the branches above his head. It had just been a dream.... just a dream of his mama. He didn't dream about her often, and felt a bit sad when he thought about her. But of course, he thought about her a lot, cause Xie Lian and her looked just enough alike to make him remember her face. He seemed to be sadly forgetting more and more of what his original baba looked like though...

He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and took a look around.... only to pause, tilting his head in confusion.

“Baba, what is that?”

Xie Lian almost jumped, turning to look up at A-Ying who he had thought was still fast asleep. It was morning, had been for about an hour, the two having slept the night up in an old tree by the riverside. They had just made it north east of the village they had stopped at several days ago, and were making plans to head to big city just a few kilometers away now. The tree they had slept in, It wasn't a very big or tall tree, but Xie Lian still had Ruoye a coil itself into a sort of swinging cot for the boy, sturdy and low in the branches. When A-Ying had awoken, he had immediately sat up to say good morning, but found himself watch his baba cleaning his legs and back in the rivers water.... which meant A-Ying saw what was on his neck and ankle...

“Those...” Xie Lian mumbled out a reply, reaching up and touching his neck. He smiled softly yet sadly, “It's nothing. Just something that I did to myself a long time ago.”

“Do they hurt?” A-Ying asked with concern writen all over his face.

“Oh no, not at all.” Xie Lian said shaking his head. “I sometimes forget they are there!” That last part was a lie. He would never forget why he had the second shackle. He would never forget him... the nameless ghost....

A-Ying saw the frown in Xie Lian's eyes, so scrambled out of the Ruoye cot and toddled over. He didn't hesitate to give his baba a big hug. “It's okay baba. Ying-Ying make you feel better. Ying-Ying give big hugs.” Then abruptly, A-Ying's eyes flicked down, and he yelled, “PRETTY Fish!”

It had been two seconds of sweetness, immediately followed by the four year old diving head first into the river to try and grab a, actually very pretty, colored fish in the water. Xie Lian let out a snort as he pulled the boy, now sopping wet, back onto the shore.

“... Ying-Ying sorry...” A-Ying apologized biting his bottom lip. “Ying-Ying just wanted to catch the fish before it got away.”

“Cause it was pretty?” Xie Lian laughed, wiping a few wet strings of hair out of the boys face.

“Cause he wanted to eat it!” A-Ying sneered playfully, “Cause Ying-Ying a tiger! He goes Rawr! And he eats fishes! And rabbits! And... and....”

“Well, this tiger will have to suffice with some day old montou till we get to town. Is that okay?” Xie Lian asked. A-Ying seemed to think about it, then nodded. “That's fine. Baba would have killed the fish a second time if he cooked it anyway.”

“...” Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

Only once did A-Ying accidentally get a hold of some of Xie Lian's cooking. Only once did the boy cry for hours cause he got sick and threw it all back up. Only that once would he try Xie Lian's cooking, swearing it off and giving his baba grumpy looks if he saw him making anything.

Baba, are you sure you can even eat that. Ying-Ying thinks it might eat baba instead...

Xie Lian shook the memory away as he dried of his boy and carried him up the river bank. After being sat down, A-Ying grabbed his blanket, which had been dropped by Ruoye when he returned to Xie Lian's arm, and began swing it about himself like he was dancing with it.

Seeing his boy so full of life, Xie Lian could only shake his head as he gather the rest of their stuff and got himself dressed properly. the two then returned to the road and continued their journey onward, to where ever the road might take them. As they walked the well trodden dirt road, A-Ying moved up onto Xie Lian's shoulders and started to sing nonsensically, random sounds, and off tune echos. Xie Lian just smiled, walking along and adding his own whistles to the tune.

One day, Xie Lian hoped he could find a place to settle down, just something small for him and A-Ying to live in. A small home, and maybe some neighbors for A-Ying to place with. Then, once the boy was old enough, he could teach him cultivation, and raise him into a fine young cultivator who did right by his word and his actions. Part of Xie Lian really wanted that... but another part of him knew that, no matter what, he wouldn't. His luck would get them chased out, or burned out of their new home, or some other terrible thing entirely. Xie Lian was just happy that, it seemed nothing could put A-Ying down. But he could still dream and hope... right? It would also be nice, Xie Lian thought, if he could find someone reliable to help him take care of A-Ying. Instead of leaving the boy alone with Ruoye, having someone else who could keep him company, keep him safe.

Xie Lian... couldn't help but realize, that... having A-Ying around, it made him wish he had someone to talk to. A friend maybe? Some kind of companion that he could feel easy around... but of course, Xie Lian knew, he might never find that. He had chased away everyone that could have been that for him...

As they made their way along, he noticed a caravan of people not too far ahead. When he and A-Ying got a little closer, the boy got quiet as he was eyeing the massive cart they were pulling along. The reason was the same as what caught Xie Lian's attention, as the back of the groups cart was full of boxes of colorful props and fabric.

“Hello there,” A young man said, noticing the two behind them. “How are you fairing this find day Daozhang? Little one?”

“Well enough.” Xie Lian replied. “How about yourselves.”
The young man was one of a group of what looked to be twelve men, all of varying height, weight and face. Each wore simple travelers clothes, yet all wore a smile on their face, led by a heavy set man with a long goatee and a little hat. He looked back, smiled, waved and went back to riding his donkey.

“We are doing well Daozhang. Heading to a big city just a short ways up from here, to perform.”

“Then i'm right to presume your a performing troupe?” Xie Lian asked, nodding to the collection of things in the back of their wagon.

A-Ying looked at the stuff, then looked at the young man with big eyes.

“Yes we are Doazhang.” The man laughed, turning to face him and walk along backwards. “But no free shows, you got me?”

“I understand. I have busked before myself.” Xie Lian said.

“Ya!” A-Ying nodded, “Ying-Ying watches baba do fun stuff. Like swallow swords!”

“Swallow swords?” The young man gasped, clearly being friendly with the four year old. “That is intense. What else has he done?”

Xie Lian grinned as A-Ying took in a big breath. “Well. He said he has eaten fire, and danced, and sang, and told fortunes, and broke boulders on his chest-”

That last one got a laugh from another member of the troupe. The guy was big- not just in height but size. His arms were probably thicker around then Xie Lian's head. He was balled with a thin black mustache and twinkling eyes. “Not to be rude to yer baba kid, but he don't look the type to breaking boulders on his chest. I should know, I do it all the time.”

“You'd be surprised.” Xie Lian said, giving the man a smirk. “I'm much more resilient then I appear.” and much older, but that isn't really pertinent to this conversation...

The big man chuckled, “uhuh? Hey, kid, have you seen your baba break any boulders on his chest?”

“No.” A-Ying replied, “But Ying-Ying has seen him lift a whole cart! And a push a log all by himself!”

The big man raised a brow, and Xie Lian decided this was enough. He pulled A-Ying down into his arms and gave him a look. “I think that's enough A-Ying.”
“But baba's really amazing.” A-Ying said with a smile... then scrunched up his nose. “Except at cooking.”

“A-Ying.” Xie Lian frowned.

“Eh? Picky eater?” The young man at the back asked, nodding to A-Ying.

“Oh no. Ying-Ying eat all his veggies.” A-Ying replied cutting of Xie Lian, “Baba's cooking just bad.”

“A-Ying!” Xie Lian huffed, before speaking in a hushed tone,“I told you, you don't have to eat it as long as you eat what else I give you... and I didn't think my last meal was that bad...”

“eh, kids will be kids.” The young man chuckled, “I have three little siblings back home, and they talk bad all the time. You shouldn't press yourself about it Daozhang.”
“Well, I was an only child, so I wouldn't know about siblings... well...” Xie Lian paused, “Actually I had a cousin, but... he was... exhausting to say the least.”

“Oh? Where is he now?” The young man asked.

A-Ying too looked at Xie Lian curiously, as he had never heard him talk about his cousin before. He looked at his son, smiled sadly, then shook his head.

Before he could answer the young man cleared his throat. “I see. Sorry for bothering you about it Daozhang.”

“It's fine. It was a long time ago.” Xie Lian answered, adjusting his hold on A-Ying. “Now I have this little Montou to worry about, and he is much easier to deal with then my cousin.”

“Ying-Ying not a montou.” A-Ying huffed, then lifted his hands like claws. “He's a tiger! Rawr! RAWR!!!”

The young man at the back of the troupe as well as the big guy, both pretended to be startled by A-Ying, who was more then happy at the reaction. He scrunched up his nose at them, pretending to bare fangs. The two men jogged away, pretending to flee as Xie Lian laughed, reaching up and poking his son's cheek.

“This tiger better put his claws away before he scares off everyone.”

“Okay baba.” A-Ying nodded, before flopping in the man's arms, going limp. “Ying-Ying the tiger sleep now. He too bored to stay awake.” He closed his eyes and stuck his tongue out, pretending to snore.

“He's one energetic kid ain't he.” The big man laughed. “Must be a handful for the miss's”

Xie Lian choked. “oh? Oh... uh... that... well... uhm...” he looked at A-Ying with a worried look.

“She isn't... oh...” The big man went pale. “I didn't... oh....”

“It's complicated...” Xie Lian replied, as A-Ying sat up, his face going a bit more serious.

“Forget I said anything then.” The big man waved, jogging a bit ahead. “Pardon me Daozhang. Didn't mean nothing by it.”

“...” Xie Lian could only sigh. While he wanted to explain the situation, he already realized that, he can't just keep explaining it over and over again, every single time someone came to conclusions. As long as A-Ying remembered who his parents were, false assumptions from others were not the worst thing.... He also knew that, while he wasn't A-Ying's birth father, the assumption about the boys mother was never wrong. She was dead. That was why Xie Lian would get worried. Not cause he would be upset, having never met Cangse Sanren... but because he didn't want A-Ying getting upset, when remembering that she never came back.

The rest of the journey to the city was relatively calm. Since Xie Lian didn't see any point in changing course, he decided to join the group as they made their way to their destination.

The city the troupe would be performing in was massive, and during the evening, as it had turned to after such a long walk, was beautiful. The sky was fading to a sheen of scarlet and orange, and the lanterns that lit the road were of all shapes and colors. It was like a festival was going on, but without a reason. Little boys and girls no older then A-Ying were rushing around the road with sticks and flowing paper after it, as well as their parents eating vendor treats, both sweet and savory.

“Is there some celebration going on today?” Xie Lian asked the head of the troupe, who was still riding his donkey.

“Nope. This town just gets very lively at least once a month. We try and stop through here three times a year. Good business. Locals are quite lovely.” He smirked, then while elbowing Xie Lian and saying through the side of his mouth, “Especially the ladies.”

Xie Lian shook his head with a smile. “I am sure the women here can be lovely... but you can enjoy what they give you yourself. I'm good.”

“Fair. Fair.” The troupe head waved, before riding off on a slow trot. “See you someday Daozhang.”

“Same for you.” Xie Lian replied, waving him off.

“BYE!!!” A-Ying called out, waving even harder.

Now separated from their traveling companions, off on their own again, Xie Lian set A-Ying down and the two began to walk about the city. The four year old pulled on Xie Lian's arm, not necessarily trying to drag him any which way, but simply wanting to look at everything! A-Ying jerked his head, this way and that, giggling as he watched a little boy run past with a paper fish tailing behind him.

“Baba! Baba! He's got a dragon! And she got a tiger! And... and... and look! Look!”

“I see them A-Ying.” Xie Lian laughed, tugging on the boys hand. “Calm yourself. You'll be tuckered out before the sun even sets.”

A-Ying just grinned up at Xie Lian, looking playful and excited.

The two walked about, and really, Xie Lian had been planning to maybe collect some things, sell somethings, or find a little work, but the place was so lively that evening that, he couldn't help but marvel. He saw the troupe again, performing a small act, where the big guy was holding the young man up by one arm. The young man had transformed, wearing make up and colorful ribbons- almost appearing like a woman, or some mix between a man and a woman. The audience cheered as the leader on his donkey made gestures and announced with an animated voice what was happening. The smallest of the troupe, a young man with big eyes, held out a bowl and people tossed coins to him.

Xie Lian smiled and moved on.

“Hey Daozhang, would you and your boy like to buy something?”

Xie Lian paused, keeping his smile, but becoming acutely aware of trouble. He held tight to A-Ying's hand as he turned and smiled at the man next to a kart. Inside was a collection of oddities, and the man himself was odd. Well. He wasn't odd to the naked eye.

“No thank you.” Xie Lian replied, tugging A-Ying's arm to have him follow.

“But I saw your boy watching the kids with their toys. Here!” The man pulled out one of the flying fish, “Why don't I give this one to him. My treat.”

A-Ying grinned and looked up at Xie Lian with a smile wide and hopeful. But His baba knew better.

“I said no thanks.” Xie Lian replied, his voice a bit sterner. A-Ying frowned, confused as to why his baba was acting so strange.

The reason, was cause Xie Lian knew this wasn't a living person. Eight hundred years, and training to catch such creatures, He knew the man talking to him was in fact, a ghost. If it wasn't for the hint of ghost qi, it was his skin lacking texture, and his hair not having strands. What the ghost wore was an illusion of a man, and Xie Lian didn't trust what he was selling.

“Don't be so harsh Daozhang.” The ghost pouted, waving the fish. “It's just a toy.”

“And my son has toys.” Xie Lian replied, “A-Ying, lets go.”

“... baba...” A-Ying muttered, looking fondly at the flying fish.

Just as Xie Lian made it two steps, he stopped again, his brow knitting. From the crowd, came about three other men, each a ghost in disguise. Xie Lian felt Ruoye coiling in his sleeve as he put one foot in front of him, and tightened his grip on A-Ying's hand.

At this point, even the four year old knew something was wrong, and shrunk behind Xie Lian's leg.

“Come on Daozhang, we don't mean ya no trouble. Why don't you come with us and we have a little chat?” the one by the cart said, stepping around and chucking the fish back into it.

Xie Lian dropped his smile then, and prepared to fight.... when....

When A-Ying's hand was jerked from his.

“BABA!” A-Ying yelped as a man- a ghost- much smaller then the other three, yoinked A-Ying right out of Xie Lian's hand and disappeared into the crowd.

Xie Lian's heart beat spiked, and he sent Ruoye after the boy- only to have to abruptly turn his attention to the other four ghosts who lunged at him. He didn't waste a second, causing Ruoye to snap around him, knocking each one of those ghosts away, some hitting the ground, one breaking the cart by landing on it. People jumped back in surprise, dodging out of the way, only to gawk upward as Xie Lian jumped up. In two short bounds, he took off, from the top of a stall and onto a tiled roof, running across it and others all while looking down into the crowd. Listening as he heard A-Ying calling out for him in fear.

That little ghost took A-Ying...

But he wasn't going to get very far. He did something no one had done in... a long time..

While he did fear for his sons safety, Those ghosts had also angered Xie Lian.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian could still hear A-Ying calling for him, as he dashed across the tilled rooftops. He only had to stop a moment when one of the disguised ghosts leapt up onto the edge of the roof and grabbed at his ankles. Already angry that someone would take A-Ying... Take something- someone he cared about so much after so long... it was like an old fire being re lit. He swung out and kicked the ghost, sending him flying with a yowl of pain, before rushing back to find A-Ying.

Besides getting his boy back, Xie Lian wanted to know why they took him.

Down the street, A-Ying cried out, kicking and punching the man who had grabbed him. “LET GO! BABA!!!!”

“a-min isn't cut out for this... STOP KICKING ME!!!” the boys capture yelled, running along, faster then any normal man should be able to run, as he held the kid out. “Just sit still- I don't know how happy the boss'll be if your all banged up!”

A-Ying wasn't listening and grabbed at the man's hair, giving it a really hard tug!

“AIEEEE!!!!” The little man wailed, stumbling as he tried to keep running.

It was then that A-Ying noticed something very strange. The man's hair.... it wasn't normal. Where he could normally see the strands of his own hair, it was like putting your hand on a piece of fabric for the man's. Flat.

A-Ying let go, startled by the odd thing, only to snap back to reality and start punching the ghost in the face. “Let go! Let go! When baba catches up, you'll be beat up! Let Ying-Ying go!!!!”

The man just endured the hits and screaming, cause unbeknownst to the boy, the little ghost expected a worse fate if he failed to get the kid to Qi Rong...

Just up ahead however, the little ghost was going to run into trouble he wouldn't be able to get away from.

This city in the North, wasn't just popular for it's festive atmosphere, but it's food and wine. Maybe that's what made it so likable to people. Food, Wine, Entertainment, goods, nice people, what was their not to like? It was at one particular restaurant in town that was the most lively, as it was the most popular, that a group of five individuals started to leave it. They had enjoyed themselves, However, it was the one at the back of the group, the rest were getting annoyed by, holding them up.

“Oh, gongzi your too funny.” The waitress laughed, waving off the man at the back of the group.

“And this miss is too pretty for me not to say as much.” The man said, a charming smile on his rather handsome face. “You can't judge a man for wanting to say as much.”

“I can.” One young lady at the back of the group huffed. She wore a pretty green dress, and lovely make up as she glared at the man, who shot her a frown. Beside the woman in green, was a gorgeous looking woman in black, who was finishing up small bit off food from the restaurant.

“Just hurry up, we have somewhere to be.” A Young man, similar in face to the pretty woman in green snapped, waving himself with a fan.

“Oh please, we'll lose him by the end of the night anyway.” Another woman said, she too wearing black, but he robes were much planer, and while pretty, she had a tired look about her.

The man at the back of the group pouted, then sighed. He turned back to the young waitress and smiled. “Seems i'm being dragged off. Might I see you around?”

“Maybe?” The Waitress said, smiling with a teasing look.

“Then maybe it is.” The man chuckled, before taking her hand at giving it a small kiss on her knuckles. She blushed immensely before rushing back into the restaurant.

“Uhhhg.” The woman in green groaned, as she stormed ahead, followed behind by the gorgeous woman in black.

The man made a face. He didn't comment though, giving up any sense to argue with the young lady.

Just then, his attention was caught by a scream.

“LET GO!!!! HELP!!!”

The man turned just as a small figure, carrying a very small child, burst through a crowd of people, making a mad dash for it. At first the man took a moment, wanting to see if it was actual trouble, or if this was just a kid being a kid... but then he noticed the hair....

The man moved fast. He didn't need to do much as the little ghost was blinded slightly by the four year old in his arms, shoving his hands in the priors face. All he did, was put his boot out. The little ghost screeched as he tripped, losing hold of the four year old, who the man caught by the scruff before swiftly setting him down on the ground.

“What to do we have here?”

“FUCK YOU! YOU STUPID-” The little ghost started, but he turned and looked up. His face twisted to a look of horror as he choked out “... M.. Ming Guang...”

“Pei Xiong?” The man with the fan called out, stepping back to check on his friend. “What's going on?”

“Just a pest. Don't worry about-” the man was cut off as the four year old grabbed his leg.

“Baba? Where's baba! Ying-Ying need to find baba!” The kid sobbed, jerking on his leg.

The man he grabbed was none other then Pei Ming, martial god of the North. He and four others had come to spend the evening relaxing and enjoying themselves as much as possible, before his friend, Shi Wudu, The Water god, would be out for the count, off on cultivation.

“Pei Ming, don't just stand there like a lump! The kids crying!” the girl in green huffed, running back to see what happened. This was Shi Qingxuan, the Wind Master and younger sibling of Shi Wudu.

“Qingxuan mind yourself.” Shi Wudu huffed even louder, giving her a frown. “Your already being too much tonight. Quit it.”

The boy wasn't caring about the adults argument. Instead he tugged on Pei Ming's pant leg again, crying even harder. “Ying-Ying needs baba! Baba!!!”

Pei Ming tried to pry the kid off, even lifted his leg, but it was like the kid had the grip of a tiger! “hey, I don't where you father is but can you please let go! I need to deal with the one who grabbed you!”

The little ghost saw his chance, and went to run, but the gorgeous woman in black, snapped out her hand, and caught him by the neck. This was the earth master, Ming Yi.

“ACK!!!”

Pei Ming tried once more to pull the kid off before, looking around. “Noble Jie, please if you could.”

“Absolutely not.” the other woman in black laughed. This was Ling Wen, and third member of the a trio of gods called the Three Tumors. That being Shi Wudu, Pei Ming, and herself. “Do I look like I know a thing about children?”

“Oh hand him here.” Shi Qingxuan scoffed. “That little one needs help, not treated like an unwanted nuisance! I'll help him-”

“Not in that form your not.” Shi Wudu hissed.

Shi Qingxuan winced, shrinking back a little at her brothers harsh words.

Ming Yi shoved the last bit of her food in her mouth before chucking the ghost at Pei Ming. He caught the small figure by the scruff, as Ming Yi bent down in front of the kid.

“This little one needs to let go of the man. You're big enough to carry yourself.”

“i... I... I...” The boy whimpered, his little hands shaking.

“You'll dry your eyes out crying that much.” Ming Yi stated in a monotone voice. She reached out and poked him on the nose. “They'll shrivel up and fall out if you cry too much.”

“Ming-Xiong!” Shi Qingxuan scoffed, “Don't say that! You'll scare-”

“Ying-Ying's eyes won't fall out!” the boy scoffed, finally letting go of Pei Ming. “Ying-Ying's eye balls never fell out when he cried before.”

“Oh?” Ming Yi raised a brow. “Then they must be some good eyes. Better dry your tears then, so you can use them.”

the boy made a grumpy face as he sniffled, then quickly rubbed his face on his sleeve.

“There we go.” Ming Yi humphed. “Now, why don't we go looking for your baba. Is he in this city?”

“Baba was trying to catch me.” the boy said, still wiping away a few tears. “he was beating up the other guys.”

“Others?” Shi Wudu raised a brow.

As if on cue, a larger man- really a ghost in disguise- hit the ground with a crater causing crash, making a group of onlookers scatter with cries of terror. The group of gods looked up to the roofs from which he came, as a man in white looked down and around with a dark expression.

“BABA!” the boy called out.

Ming Yi was looking up at the man with an odd look on her face, but upon hearing the kid, choked. The boy looked back but she had already stood up and straightened her expression.

Xie Lian heard A-Ying again, he turned, seeing his boy looking back up at him with a wide smile, no longer in the arms of the little ghost who took him.

“A-Ying! Stay there I-” Xie Lian took two steps, just two steps, and a tile slipped. He yelped, sliding of the roof, as Ruoye went to catch onto something... but... this was just Xie Lian's bad luck wasn't it. Ruoye wasn't able to catch anything, and Xie Lian fell all the way down, crashing through a stall.

“BABA!” A-Ying cried out, running over to check on him. Ming Yi did as well, almost looking a little pale as she bolted over.

Shi Qingxuan followed, if only cause it was her friend who went to check, but noticed Ling Wen rushing over as well.

“Are you all right?”

Xie Lian looked up, seeing a stiff faced woman in black leaning over him and the rubble, A-Ying right next to her looking very worried.

“Yes! Yes. I am fine, just a few bruises.” Xie Lian quickly replied, more worried about making sure his boy was all right. He sat up, and quickly held out his hand to A-Ying. “Are you all right? A-Ying did that... person hurt you in anyway?”

“No baba.” A-Ying shook his head. “Some nice people saved Ying-Ying. Is baba okay?”

Before Xie Lian could answer, he was stopped by someone calling out a title he hadn't heard in a very long time.

“Dianxia?”

Xie Lian paused, before looking up with a frown. It wasn't that, he was unhappy seeing Ling Wen. Really, he wasn't. But...

“hello...” Xie Lian murmured, eyeing A-Ying. “It... It's been a while... Ling Wen Zhen-jun....”

“...” Ling Wen looked at him, then at the boy, then back at him. “... It's... good to see you... as well Dianxia....”

A-Ying blinked up at her, “Dianxia? That's my baba.”

Xie Lian winced, smiling and patting his boy on the head, “Yes, about this...”

There was a yelp, and they turned to see the Pei Ming get tackled by the couple other ghosts, all as they freed the littlest of them, before trying to run away.

“Good job Pei Ming.” Shi Qingxuan laughed.

There had been a crowd gathering, wondering what was going on, but most had run off due to the actual damage occurring around them. This meant that the ghosts didn't really have a place to hide, running down the main street, as the crowds had dispersed. Ming Yi was the one to move first. She was abruptly down the road, lunged out and struck one of the ghosts in the back before, she had taken out almost all of them. Xie Lian was quite thoroughly impressed, especially since she hadn't used a weapon, and not much energy for that matter. But then, she was a god wasn't she?

Pei Ming got off the ground, glaring after both Ming Yi and the ghosts, while brushing himself off. “What's so important about a four year old that, so many little ghosts would show up...” He looked back, noticing Shi Wudu chuckling at him. “You try getting tackled out of nowhere and see how easy it is to get up.”

“I'd of never got tackled.” Shi Wudu huffed, waving himself with his fan. “So much for second most powerful martial god.”
all this was said softly among themselves, so the now regathering crowd wouldn't hear. A-Ying was too busy helping Xie Lian off the ground to care what the weird adults were saying.

Ming Yi pulled out some rope from her sleeve, quickly tying up the ghosts. Once secured, she gave a hard look to a few of the locals, before walking back towards the group. “General Pei, I know this is your territory, but I can take them off your hands.”

“Whatever.” Pei Ming shrugged, heading over to see what Ling Wen was up to. When he arrived, he patted A-Ying on the head, more so cause he was there then he had any interest in kids. A-Ying of course made a face, and smacked his hand away before hiding behind Xie Lian. Pei Ming frowned, before turning his attention back to Ling Wen. “You know this man?”

Ling Wen eyed him, then Xie Lian. “Yes.. he... Dianxia, .. when did... you have a son?”

Xie Lian's face twisted, unsure if he should laugh or cry. He wanted to dig himself into a ditch and lay head first in it for another century or so. Not cause he was embarrassed... more so, cause he never wanted to run into any heavenly officials with A-Ying. Actually, he just rather not deal with heaven at all unless he was to ascend again. “it... it's a long story... and I would rather not get into it. Instead I would rather try to finding out why those ghosts tried to take him from me first.”

“that's reasonable.” Ling Wen mumbled, watching him with a bewildered look. She knew his cultivation path, so of course she was concerned as to where the kid came from!

Xie Lian brushed himself off once more, then looked down at A-Ying. He was hugging onto him and looking rather grumpy. “A-Ying, I need to go talk to the mean men that tried to take you, okay? Can you stay either right next to me.. or.. uhm...” He glanced at Ling Wen. She made a face, as she wasn't a kid person. He then looked at the martial god next to her but gave up on that when he thought about how A-Ying got grumpy with him.

“He can stay with me!” a cheery voice called out, and Xie Lian's attention turned to a young woman in green. She strolled past, ignoring Shi Wudu's glares as she smiled down at A-Ying. “My name is Shi Qingxuan. Xiao Ying, why don't you stay with me while your baba goes and ruffs up those hooligans, huh?”

A-Ying giggled and nodded.

“Thank you.” Xie Lian said, then moved to join the woman in black over by the ghosts.

Xie Lian had a headache by the time they dragged the ghosts somewhere out of sight. They had made up a story for the locals about how the group was a band of criminals that, Pei Ming and the others had come to town to find. It was just their luck that they had tried snatching a little boy and made such a big commotion. The real truth, was yet to be found.

By this point, Xie Lian had learned the other gods names, and they had at least learned he was once a god as well. Ling Wen was... 'kind' enough not to bring up how or why he was banished. but given how Shi Wudu and Pei Ming looked at him after a short time, it wasn't unlikely that they had asked around the array. Which, of course, meant all of heaven knew that, Xie Lian, the fool, the banished fool of heaven, had a kid. He still hadn't gotten a chance to explain himself before there was now probably rumors spreading about him! Not that he cared about himself, but... A-Ying didn't need to be a talking point of the heaven's rumor mill! Not to mention, it meant he would learn about A-Ying. Not that Xie Lian was particularly upset at the notion of Jun Wu finding out, but more so that, he might get upset since... since he hadn't come to speak with him since eight hundred years ago... after his second banishment... What would he conclude about Xie Lian having a kid? Would he too jump to the conclusion of dropping his cultivation, or would he think it through and guess that A-Ying was adopted?

“We ain't say'n nothing!” One ghost howled, snapping Xie Lian back to reality. He glared over as the ghost continued. “You damn officials ain't going to make us talk! Our lips are sealed!”

Out of the main city area, they had taken the ghosts to an abandoned building, where the one Xie Lian learned was named Pei Ming, and the woman named Ming Yi, were trying to get them to speak.

“Ya! We ain't talking!” Another ghost snapped, “Damn heavenly officials got some nerve getting involved with us!”

“You had some nerve taking my son.” Xie Lian countered, “And I want to know why? If it was just because of malicious intent, then so be it. I'll leave and let these two deal with you. But you were coordinated, and I'm not exactly a known face, so why me? Why my kid? There were so many children out and about, but you targeted my son specifically. Why?”

“l-Like they said! We ain't talk'n!” The littlest one stuttered, clearly very terrified.

“Then we lock you up till you talk.” Pei Ming shrugged, clearly bored to be dealing with such low level ghosts. He was not much the interrogator. “And Earth Master over here doesn't seem to have the expression of someone who will play nice... actually why are you so angry?”

“I'm not angry.” Ming Yi hissed at him. “Just annoyed. You don't help.”

Pei Ming let out a hmph, and looked away.

Xie Lian looked at the little ghost at the front. He was obviously the weakest link, so he would be the one to break the quickest. So, he walked up, bent down and smiled. “Your the one who actually grabbed A-Ying. Where were you taking him?”

“...” The little ghost pressed his lips together, looking away. He was darting his eyes everywhere, obviously anxious.

“No answer? That's fine. But...” Xie Lian smiled even wider, “I would like to point out, I am not a heavenly official. That mean's I don't have to follow their rules. So, maybe if you just told me where you were taking him, I could let you go.”

“Huh?” Pei Ming scoffed, “Let him go? He's a-”

“Low level spirit that can't do any real harm, especially by himself,” Xie Lian cut him off. “meaning putting him under a mountain is a waste of heaven's resources, and letting him go won't hurt much of anyone.”

“B-But if I tell you where we were taking him the boss'll kill me-” the little ghost said, and immediately shut his mouth.

“A-MIN!” The four other ghosts shouted, making the smallest shrink.

“Boss?” Xie Lian raised a brow. “So someone sent you to take A-Ying?”

Ming Yi's eyes narrowed as she looked the group over. Then after a moment, she spoke. “Dianxia, you don't have to worry about their boss, as I can figure that out later. Really, you can just allow me to take care of this.”

“That's kind of you, but I want to know who wants my son.” Xie Lian replied, “or at least find out where and why they were taking him. Now that I know someone's behind it, I want that information more.”

Ming Yi pursed her lip, but nodded. “Of course...”

Xie Lian gave her a smile, then turned back to the littlest ghost. “A-Min was it? If you tell me where your boss was having you take my A-Ying, not only will I spare you, but maybe there is a chance you can go somewhere and hide from them.”

The little ghost squirmed, both under the gods gazes, and his cohorts gazes. He seemed to think over the question, then... “And all I have to say is where?”

“A-MIN!!!!!!”

“Yes. That's all you need to tell me.” Xie Lian nodded.

“...” A-Min looked at his companions, then at Xie Lian. At first he just bit his lip, then....“... Mount YuJun!”

The other ghosts while still being tied up, roared and tackled A-Min, who cried out as he was smothered under them.

“Mount YuJun...” Xie Lian repeated, not sure if he had heard of such a place before.

He looked back at the other two, but Pei Ming wasn't interested at the moment, and Ming Yi gave him a slight shrug.

“You might speak with Ling Wen Zhen-jun. She might know.” Ming Yi replied, walking up and pulling the bigger ghosts off the smaller one.

“Except he isn't a heavenly official.” Pei Ming finally spoke up again, “Not to be rude, but should we even be helping you? No offense.”

“None taken.” Xie Lian replied bowing slightly. “And I won't bother Ling Wen with this. My only hope is that the mountain might be close. I can probably go investigate myself...” He paused, frowning suddenly. “Or head as far away as possible... I don't want to put A-ying in any danger...”

“I can ask Ling Wen for you.” Ming Yi suddenly spoke up. “Maybe I can see about someone investigating the place as well.”

“You?” Pei Ming laughed, “ Lord Earth Master, you have been abnormally vocal and benevolent this evening. What gives?”

Ming Yi shot Pei Ming a hard look again, before crossing her arms. “None of your business.”

“It's fine. Really.” Xie Lian raised his hands up. “I can look into it myself and make a choice. As General Pei here said. I am not an official and you have already been so much help. I can never thank you enough, save ask that maybe I could pay it back someday, maybe burn some incense at one of your-”

“no.” Ming Yi quickly said in a firm tone. Before Xie Lian could even react to the bluntness, Ming Yo quickly changed her tune, “What I mean is, I don't need you to repay me anything. And please don't ask me to. I don't like people owing me, and I don't like owing people.”

“Thank you then... really.” Xie Lian nodded.

Ming Yi just nodded curtly, before starting to draw a teleportation array. “I'll get these ghosts out of your hair then.”

“And the small one goes free.” Xie Lian reminded. “He did as I asked, and if you get in any trouble, just blame it on me. I let him run off.”

“I highly doubt anyone will get in trouble.” Ming Yi scoffed. She finished the array on the old nearby door, and turned to look back at him. “Since this wasn't official work, just a small dealing with a few small rowdy ghosts, All I need do is report what they tell me to Ling Wen if it's of concern.”

“I see,” Xie Lian replied looking down at the little ghost. “Then find somewhere to hide. I'm sure there is somewhere that you can go and not cause too much trouble.”

The little ghost, A-Min, looked up at Xie Lian as Ming Yi jerked his rope off and kicked him a little. He seemed so disturbed by the idea that he actually was going free... He gave Xie Lian one more look, a glance really, then bolted out, not looking back.

Xie Lian thanked General Pei and Ming Yi once more, before walking out into the street, where others were waiting.

The first thing he heard was A-Ying laughing. Xie Lian looked up to see the one called Shi Qingxuan spinning in a circle with the four year old above her head. He almost seemed light as air as she spun him above her, giggling herself.

“Again! Again!” A-Ying said clapping as she held him on her hip. “Ying-Ying wants' to fly again!”

“Again?” Shi Qingxuan gawked playfully, “but I've already done it four times... but that is an unlucky number... so....” She abruptly threw him up and spun him around again. He laughed so hard his face went red before she set him on his feet, smiling wide at his giddy expression. “Alright, five is enough. One, you might make me dizzy with all that spinning. And secondly, your baba just got back, look!”

A-Ying turned sharply, clapping his hands, then bolting over to his father as fast as his little wobbly legs could carry him. “BABA!”

Xie Lian lifted him up, before bowing his head to Shi Qingxuan. “Thank you.”
“No problem at all. The boy is such a cutie, he was no fuss at all!” She said grinning wide.

“You only say that cause you yourself act like a child.” Shi Wudu snapped, having stayed to wait on Pei Ming... and keep on eye on his sibling... “It takes one to play like you do anyway.”

Shi Qingxuan frowned. “Ge, he's four...”

“And you are not.” Shi Wudu huffed, ignoring Xie Lian, who attempted to say something to him, by turning his back on the fallen god. “I have to get going. I won't be seeing you till the mid autumn banquet, so keep yourself out of trouble... I will know if you didn't. Pei Ming and Ling Wen won't be quiet about-”

“I get Ling Wen, but don't make Pei Ming keep an eye on me.” Shi Qingxuan scrunched up her face. “You know I hate his being your friend.”

“And I don't like you appearing like that.” Shi Wudu hissed, too quiet for Xie Lian to really catch. “But you refuse to listen, and I happen to find Pei Ming a good friend. Good bye Qingxuan and behave.”

With that, he walked away, most likely to return to haven or wherever he was going, just out of sight of those present. Pei Ming had just come out, and made a face, realizing he wasn't going to get to give the man a proper farewell. So instead he turned to Ling Wen who was waiting nearby, clearly listening to the array.

“I hope Earth Master gives those ghosts a good lesson. They ruined our night.” Pei Ming complained playfully. “Now Shi-Xiong is running off. Such a shame.”

“The only thing your actually upset about is not finding a lady to woo before the night ended.” Ling Wen chuckled, then took a moment. “Pei-Xiong, did you really not know the name of the Mountain the little ghost mentioned?”

“Earth Master already spoke to you?” Pei Ming asked, as Xie Lian turned immediately to them.

“You have the location then?” The fallen god asked, walking up with his son in his arms, who was making faces at Shi Qingxuan over his shoulder. She giggled at this.

“Yes...” Ling Wen murmured, seeming to get some information, then looking over to Pei Ming, “It's up north, just a few Kilometers up the main road. Deep in your territory Pei-Xiong.”

Pei Ming raised a brow, then seemed to enter a communications array, stepping aside to do so. Xie Lian then spoke to Ling Wen, “So it's only so far up north? Why would those ghosts take them there? Do you have any idea if something is there?”

Ling Wen gave Xie Lian a look, and he quickly backed off.
“Sorry. Forget I bothered you. It's not my place to ask. Thank you for the help you have given me though. It was of great help.”

Ling Wen frowned, “Dianxia, you do know everything I report goes to...” She paused, eyeing A-Ying, who was still making silly faces at Shi Qingxuan. “... His majesty...”

“I know.” Xie Lian replied.

“... currently, he's in cultivation, but he will be back before the mid autumn festival banquet.... but he will still most likely have heard before then about this...”

“It's fine.” Xie Lian replied. “Just... thank you, Ling Wen. And good bye.”

“... good bye.” Ling Wen replied with a odd expression.

A-Ying looked back up at his baba then, and frowned. “But Ying-Ying didn't get to say thank you yet.”

“huh?” Xie Lian paused, “Thank You?”

“To the pretty jie-jie that is going to beat up the mean people.” A-Ying replied. “She got a grumpy face, like this.” He proceeded to mimic the expression on Ming Yi's face from before, that had Shi Qingxuan laughing.

“She did look like that, didn't she?” Shi Qingxuan teased. “Don't worry about it. She probably already left to go beat up the bad people, okay Xiao Ying? If you want, I can pass the message on for you. Ming Yi is my best friend.”

“Really?” A-Ying smiled. “Then tell him Ying-Ying said thank you very much and that she is very pretty.”

Some how the last part made Shi Qingxuan snicker as she nodded adamantly. “Sure thing.”

Xie Lian shook his head, bowing to the lady in green, before starting to leave. A-Ying wiggled in his grip before wrapping his arms around his neck and snuggling up to him... then...

“Hold on.”
A-Ying's face scrunched up as Xie Lian looked back. Pei Ming was the one who spoke, and he had a weird looking expression.

“Pei-Xiong?”

“Your going to Mount YuJun?” Pei Ming asked.

“... maybe?” Xie Lian replied, frowning deeply. “IS something the matter General?”

“Yes.” Pei Ming said, “I don't have a temple at Yu Jun... nor do I have one for several kilometers from there. In several directions.” He eyed Ling Wen. “None of them ever have reached completion apparently. Noble Jie, could you see if any other temples are there, or if there are any prayers coming from there that seem concerning.”

“You want to investigate this matter then?” Ling Wen asked.

“I can send Xiao Pei if it's nothing big.” Pei Ming stated, shrugging, “But if he reports something else, then yes. I would like to get involved.”
“All right then...” Ling Wen murmured. “Dianxia, this is now a heavenly matter, best you stay out-”

“I am not an official, and I won't get in General Pei's way.” Xie Lian cut in. “But I am going, to at the very least get an answer. I need to know.”

…

“Where the hell are we?” One of the ghosts huffed, looking about. “It's too dark! I can't see anything.”

“That stupid official just chucked us in here and didn't even follow? Why?” another one wondered, trying to push out of his binds. “I thought she was going to interrogate us? Hee.. hee... been nice to be interrogated by such a lady though...”

“Damn A-Min!” One shouted. “When I get my hands on-”

“Do you hear that?” The last one asked, cutting the other off.

“Hear what?” The second asked.

The lot of ghosts went very quiet. Listening intently for the sound the other had called their attention to....

It was the sound of boots. Heavy boots, falling along hard ground... except...

Except each step was followed by the sound of chimes.

That was a sound each one of those little ghosts knew. If not from horror stories, then very short glimpse with their own eyes. They all began to panic, as something got closer in the dark, the sound of a terrible blade coming out of it's sheath.

“The one from before, who gave you a chance to speak? You should have taken his offer.” A deep voice chuckled cruelly from the dark. “As I don't even plan to let you die until I get an answer from you.”

All they saw then, was the red glowing eye upon a silver blade..... before they all regretted not being a coward like A-Min.

doodles part 2

Chapter Text

“You must be the one General Pei Mentioned?”

Xie Lian paused, carrying a groggy A-Ying in his arms, as sunlight had just started to trickle through the trees. Ever since that run in with the ghosts and gods in the big city, Xie Lian had made his way to Mount Yujun, still choosing to get an answer rather then stay in the dark. He didn't think he had enemies, but maybe Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze did? Or maybe there was another reason? Still, he got to the mountain, and he would still agree to stay out of General Pei's way. This was now a heavenly matter. When he had looked up to someone calling to him, he saw a young man standing there, expression calm and cold as fine jade, yet fair and handsome in appearance. “Yes, that would be me... and you're?”

“I am Pei Xiu, I'm General Pei's Deputy General.”

“Pei Xiu? Are you related to the general then?” Xie Lian asked, walking up beside him.

“Distant descendant.” Pei Xiu answered honestly, leading the way. “While small talk would be nice, it be best to explain the current situation. General Pei Mentioned that you are not to get involved, just get an answer when we are done with the investigation.”

“I'll only involve myself if you ask me to, or if A-Ying is in trouble.” Xie Lian said, as A-Ying became more and more awake.

The boy squirmed a little, before looking at Pei Xiu with a grumpy face. The man eyed him, with an emotionless expression.

“There will be no need for that Dianxia.” Pei Xiu continued to say, “The goal is to keep this situation short and simple. We'll be done before you will have need to get involved. That being said, what we know is thus.”

From their Pei Xiu explained the situation.

For a few centuries, it seemed no Ming Guang temples had been in these parts of the northern territories, all being destroyed over a period of time, or never finished built due to some form of trouble during construction. This had lead to many believing any worship of Ming Guang in these parts would get one cursed. So, they turned their prayers to the Martial God Nan Yang, and put up a few of his temples. Hearing that, Xie Lian smiled to himself, knowing who Nan Yang was, and wondering if he had been told the rumors yet... was he here, given it would be one of his temples nearby?

But before Xie Lian could think too deeply on this, he was given another piece of information that concerned him.

It seemed that, Pei Ming's temples being missing wasn't the only problem here. For one hundred years, Mount Yu-Jun was believed to be cursed.

“What do you mean cursed?” Xie Lian asked, setting A-Ying down who held his hand. The boy skipped beside him, kicking a few rocks as they went with a goofy tired grin on his face.

“Maybe the boy shouldn't hear this part.” Pei Xiu stated. “It gets a bit grim, and is the reason I wish to ask for your help.”

“My help?” Xie Lian raised a brow. “But since I am not a heavenly official-”

“You can't really be involved. That's why I am asking you to do a small task so that myself and the others under me can do our job.” Pei Xiu stated.

The three of them had just arrived along the path where an old tea shop sat. It's sign was small and cute, much like the shop itself, and read “Small Shop of Chance Encounters.”

Xie Lian looked over, noticing the Tea Master there, a simple looking man sitting just outside. Bending down he got on A-Ying's level. “Why don't you go ask the Tea Master over there for a table, and I will meet you inside in a bit? You can order me some tea and you something to eat- but remember, not all sweets.”

“Ok baba!” A-Ying nodded, running over to the Tea Shop owner. The man smiled at the kid, chuckling as he nodded. He waved to Xie Lian, understanding that he would pay later, and followed the boy inside.

Pei Xiu watched, a flicker of something crossing his eye, before he cleared his throat. “Now, as I was saying. Why I need your help, is that there is some trouble in this area regarding a tale of Mount Yujun. That tale goes as follows. Ever so many years a family will send their bride up the mountain paths on the way to be wed, but some never make it back. The Bodies of all of those with her will be found but she will have disappeared. The total missing brides, as of now, is sixteen.”

“What do you mean as of now?” Xie Lian asked. “If heaven's involved, it should stop at sixteen, right?”

“That is why I am asking for your help.” Pei Xiu replied. “Myself and the others of General Pei's court have searched that mountain top to bottom, and we believe there is an array hidden somewhere up there. We can sense it, but not see it. It's a very strong array, but I am certain that, once we find it's location, we could have someone break it. The reason I need your help, is more to stop someone.”

“Stop someone?”

Pei Xiu nodded. “A local lord is set on his daughter being wed, and wants to send her across the mountain. I've already sent men to ask him to hold off till we bless the mountain, but how he reacted has me fear he will still try. I need all my men searching for the array, so I was going to ask if you could keep an eye out for the Lords Daughter, should he try to send her up the mountain. If you don't mind, try and keep them away until we are done.”

“Thats no trouble at all.” Xie Lian said.

Pei Xiu watched him a moment, then added, “There are no missing children cases in the area. Whatever reason those ghosts had for trying to take your child, it might not have anything to do with this case.”

“But I also do not believe that the little ghost lied, given how all the others reacted to him when he gave me his answer.” Xie Lian added, “He told me they were tasked to bring him to Mount Yujun. Regardless of the case, someone or something on this mountain has the answer to why my son was taken from me. That way I can keep him safe...”

Pei Xiu looked at him, still a very solemnly calm look, before saying, “Then if I find anything, I will let you know.”

Xie Lian thanked him, before heading inside the Tea Shop.

Inside A-Ying was seated at a table, with his head down, clearly a bit bored as all his toys were in Xie Lian's sack of junk. When he saw his baba walk in, instead of asking for said toys though, he just clapped and reached his hands up to him.

“Baba! Ying-Ying wants to sit in your lap!”

“Why? You have a stool for yourself.” Xie Lian chided, taking a seat next to the boy. Instead of arguing, or waiting for a yes, A-Ying just crawled over onto his lap anyone, giving him a playful smile as he looked up at him.

Instead of getting onto him, Xie Lian just laughed.

“Your such a silly little thing, aren't you?”

“Ying-Ying just loves baba too much.” A-Ying said, smiling up at him, before giving him a hug.

Xie Lian felt warm, hearing that. He held A-Ying's hug tight, so badly not wanting to let him go. Each time he got a hug from the little boy, he felt a little guilty. Same with each time he heard him call out 'baba'. He knew there was no one else the boy could call that anymore, and he really hoped he did enough to keep his birth parents spirits happy. He loved A-Ying too... but... he wasn't sure if or how he could say it.

Just as he planted a gentle kiss to the boys forehead, and turned him to face the table, planning to grab his toys from the sack, he paused, something catching his eye.

It flew in from the window, glowing faintly as if fluttered up to Xie Lian, a whisper of a thing. It was a small silver butterfly.

A-Ying also saw it, gasping at the sight, before trying to reach up and catch it. Xie Lian was gentle when he caught the boys hands, holding them and staring at the butterfly. It fluttered up to them both, landing on Xie Lian's finger, a cold breeze.

“... hello...” Xie Lian muttered, smiling at the sight.

“It's so pretty...” A-Ying gasped, wanting to touch it too, wiggling his arms to get them out of his baba's grip.

Doing this, it might have disturbed the butterfly, as it fluttered, taking off back out the window. A-Ying frowned, but still took his little hand, waving after the bug. “Bye bye pretty butterfly.”

Xie Lian chuckled at that, before once more going to collect some of A-Ying's toys from the sack. He pulled out the straw dolls for now, and the boy immediately took them, happy to play but stopped looking past his baba. He scrunched up his face and shrunk back, glaring up at something- or rather someone standing there.

Xie Lian looked over then up, seeing a young man standing there. He looked about eighteen, maybe nineteen, and was rather tall. He had a handsome face and deep heavy brows that made him look stiff, yet his eyes had a sense of wildness.

“... uhm....”

“Nan Feng. I am with Nan Yang temple.” The young man interrupted, a tad blunt. “I came to watch over the investigation under Nan Yang, since Ming Guang's men are using his temple as a base of operation.”

“Ah.” Xie Lian nodded, hiding a smile. “So... does that mean, since you walked up, you know who I am.”

“...” Nan Feng looked at A-Ying, who pouted, then shoved his face into Xie Lian's chest, allowing the man to slightly cover his ears. “... Taizi Dianxia Xie Lian, of Xianle, Flower... banished, flower crown Martial god.”

Xie Lian nodded, “Yes. That's me... now Then, might I ask why you are here, and not up at your temple watching Ming Guang's men like you said you were here for?”

“...” Nan Feng flinched, then turned away crossing his arms. “Pei Xiu is leading the investigation, and he is an orderly person. There is little doubt he won't keep things strictly professional.”

“That explains why you aren't watching them, but not why you are here, talking to me.” Xie Lian pointed out. He had uncovered A-Ying's ears and the boy made a face, looking up at him with a questioning look.

“I'm here cause I want to make sure that everything works out. If that lord still pushes for his daughter to go up the mountain, I would like to help make sure they don't disturb the investigation.”

“And it has nothing to do with seeing me?” Xie Lian asked. Nan Feng made a sound like he was about to argue when Xie Lian added, “Given who your superior is, and his past with me?”

“...” This caught Nan Feng off, before he shook his head quickly. “No. I am strictly here on business....”

“good.”

“What?!” Nan Feng jolted.

Xie Lian returned the surprise with a warm smile. “Good. I would rather this be strictly business. He is an official after all.” he turned to A-Ying, poking the boys face as he was still giving Nan Feng the hard look.

Nan Feng gave the kid an odd look in return, before... “... N... Nan Yang said your cultivation path was one that refrained from certain pleasures... so... did... whose the....”

“I birthed him.” Xie Lian said with a certain smile.

Nan Feng choked “THE HELL?!”

Xie Lian then laughed.

“Baba didn't give birth to Ying-Ying!” A-Ying scoffed. “Mama gave birth to Ying-Ying!”

“I know, I was teasing.” Xie Lian chuckled, only doing so more when he saw the disturbed pale face on Nan Feng. “Really, it was a joke. A-Ying isn't mine by blood. I took him in after his parents died, and I found him wandering the streets.”

Nan Feng cleared his throat, looking a bit aggrieved, but also like he was hiding a smile. “That... that wasn't a joke... not a good one.... But if he's not... yours by blood, then why let the heavens think he is?”

“Even if I had time to explain, would anyone up there who knows my name really give me the chance?” Xie Lian asked.

“....” Nan Feng frowned at that. “... I... believe Nan Yang would have.”

“Nan Yang has always been polite, I would have expected as much of him.” Xie Lian replied.

Nan Feng frowned even deeper, specifically when Xie Lian's attention was caught by the Tea Master, who came out with a cup of tea for him, and some montou. A-Ying clapped at seeing the food, and gave the Tea Master and little thank you, as he shoved one in his mouth.

“... who were his birth parents?” Nan Feng asked coming over and sitting across from the boy and father.

“I thought you were here strictly on business.” Xie Lian chided, catching one of A-Ying's dolls as it was knocked off by the boys elbow. The boy immediately saw this and snatched the doll, wanting to play with it now that it had his attention... he still had a montou hanging out of his mouth...

“...i.. am, I just, wondered if you knew them.”

“I didn't.” Xie Lian said honestly. “They were a duo of rogue cultivators. A woman named Cangse Sanren and a Man Named Wei Changze... actually...” Xie Lian's eyes lit up and he let out a small tsk. “I could have asked Ling Wen about that....”

“Asked her about what?”

“A-Ying, his mother was a student of an immortal master, I believe. Someone named Baoshen Sanren. For the life of me, I can't remember where I have heard that name before...”

“Baoshen Sanren...” Nan Feng muttered. “It sounds familiar-”

“Hiya!” A-Ying suddenly blurted, having finished his montou. He had thrown his straw doll down, pretending it had jumped out of his hand. However, he and thrown it much harder then he intended and it bounced up, hitting Nan Feng in the chin.

“Hey!”

“A-Ying...” Xie Lian sighed, looking down at the boy who shrunk down.

“Sorry baba. It was an accident....”

“Don't say sorry to me. Say sorry to Nan Feng.”

“It's nothing.” Nan Feng huffed, grabbing the doll from his lap, and setting it on the table. “He's awfully excitable.”

“He is...” Xie Lian agreed, shaking his head down at the boy who leaned back and looked up at him with his hand in his mouth. “What did I say about that?”

A-Ying pulled his hand away and moved to climb out of his baba's lap.

“Where are you going.”

“Ying-Ying want drum.” A-Ying answered sitting on the floor and digging through the bag.

“How about you sit back down and eat a little more,”

“...” A-Ying looked up at Xie Lian, then at Nan Feng. “... Ying Ying not hungry...”

“A-Ying, your acting rather strange. Nan Feng isn't going to hurt you...” Xie Lian said, frowning.

“...” A-Ying still stared at Nan Feng, before grabbing the edge of Xie Lian's robe and shaking his head. He didn't speak, just glared at the man.

“I'm sorry he really doesn't normally act like this...” Xie Lian muttered.

“How old is he?” Nan Feng asked.

“Four... he turns five sometime after the mid autumn festival...”

“Then he should grow out of the behavior...” Nan Feng reasoned, “or maybe you could discipline him a bit harder-”

“He hasn't really done anything in need of discipline.” Xie Lian shot back, giving Nan Feng a frown. “A-Ying is pretty well behaved, his doll hitting you was an accident.”

“But wasn't he snatched-”

“Because there is someone trying to take him from me.” Xie Lian was actually getting upset about this, and he couldn't figure out why save he didn't want anyone talking bad about A-Ying. “He didn't just wander off and get snatched. he was snatched from me.”

“Dianxia.” Nan Feng said, standing up, “I didn't mean anything to you by it, I just think that maybe you shouldn't be so lenient. If your going to raise him, maybe you need to be more strict- ”

“he's four.” Xie Lian stated, “Besides that didn't we just meet? Where do you come in to tell me how to raise a boy. Did we just meet?”

Nan Feng went quiet.

“Well if we did just meet, keep your opinion to your...self...” Xie Lian started, then finally realized why he was upset... and it didn't make him feel any better. His shoulders sagged a little as he looked at nothing in particular. Then... he waved the tea master over. He paid and then picked up A-Ying and his sack and made to leave.

“??? Dianxia where are you going?” Nan Feng asked.

“I just... need to get some fresh air...” Xie Lian replied, walking out of the Tea shop.

A-Ying looked back behind his baba, glaring at the man.

“... baba did that man make you sad?” A-Ying asked, looking over at Xie Lian as they walked.

“No A-Ying... I think I made myself upset.”

“How did baba make himself sad?” A-Ying asked.

Xie Lian eyed his boy, then found a place to sit under a tree with A-Ying in his lap. “Cause I don't think i'm a very good baba...”

He realized he had gotten upset during his and Nan Feng's talk, not because he didn't like being told he needed to do better.... but cause he couldn't do better. Xie Lian had worried from day one that he wouldn't make a good father. Now, as he sat here holding A-Ying in his arms, seeing those big eyes look at him confused, he felt like he had already failed. A-Ying had been taken, even if only for a moment. Now he brought him to the place those little ghosts were trying to take him to. If he couldn't keep A-Ying safe, then how could he be any good at all. Then there was the behavior. Xie Lian didn't see anything wrong with how A-Ying acted. But then again, Xie Lian adored A-Ying. Maybe he was blinded by it.

But.... Xie Lian loved A-Ying.

In eight hundred years, Xie Lian had been alone, suffered many things, but he never had felt responsible nor cared this much for a child. He wanted to raise him. He wanted to care for him... but... but maybe Xie Lian was the problem. He got too attached to fast without thinking about if he could actually care for a child...

Just as he was falling down this hole in his head, two small hands cupped his face. He looked up, his eyes meeting A-Ying's as the boy bonked his head with his own.

“A-Ying is sorry if he made baba sad.” A-Ying said, pouting. “A-Ying loves baba very much. A-Ying promises to be good and behave...”

Xie Lian looked at him, and melted. He reached up, to the boys face the same, cupping it in his hands and holding their heads like that. “You do behave. I am not sad because of you. You are perfect.”

A-Ying smiled, his genuine warm smile.

“Baba just isn't sure about himself.” Xie Lian admitted, if not almost in a whisper.

“Baba shouldn't be sad.” A-Ying said. “Baba has Ying-Ying, and Ying-Ying promises to make baba very happy. Here!” He let go of Xie Lian's face to give him a hug. “Baba likes Ying-Ying's hugs so, to make baba happy, Ying-Ying give him one.”

Xie Lian smiled, hugging A-Ying back. “Your right... this does make me happy.... my baobei.”

A-Ying pulled back and looked at Xie Lian with an odd face, before smiling all happy again. He hugged Xie Lian tighter after that.

They sat there awhile, enjoying the breeze, until A-Ying wanted to play with his drum again. As Xie Lian pulled it out of the sack and handed it to him, two thoughts occurred to him.

“A-Ying.”

“Yes baba?”

“You mentioned once that someone gave you the drum. You called him pretty gege? What did he look like?”

“Pretty.” A-Ying giggled.

“I mean more then that.”
A-Ying twisted the drum around in his hand, then smiled at his baba. “He had pretty colored eyes. Very bright. And... he was just a little taller then Ying-Ying and he wore all white.”

Xie Lian nodded. “And you don't know his name?”

A-Ying shook his head. “He gave Ying-Ying the drum, then he was gone.... he looked a little sad though...”
Xie Lian watched his boy a moment, then chose to go ahead and ask about the second thing on his mind. “If that's all then I want to ask you something else. Why did you keep glaring at Nan Feng? He's here to help with trying to figure out why those not nice people were trying to take you away.”

“The little ghosts?” A-Ying asked. When he noticed Xie Lian make a face, he covered his mouth.

“...A-Ying, how much of our conversations have you been listening to?” Xie Lian asked, fixing how he was sitting.

“...” A-Ying frowned, before twisting the drum in his hands looking guilty.

“Your not in trouble-”

“It's not just the listening...” A-Ying mummbled. “It's what they looked like. And What the man in the tea shop looked like... or felt like....”

“Looked like?” Xie Lian raised a brow.

A-Ying fiddled with the drum. “Ying-Ying sorry...”

“No. No. Don't say sorry, your not in trouble, I just want to know what you mean.”

A-Ying seemed to not be able to sit still as he looked up at Xie Lian. “The men who took Ying-Ying, the one who grabbed. His hair wasn't right. He also felt funny... and had the funny look.”

“The funny look?” Xie Lian asked.

A-Ying nodded. “When Ying-Ying was with mama and first baba, mama said if Ying-Ying saw it, to tell her. It meant mama needed to watch that person carefully. Sometimes, they were nice, sometimes Mama said her and first baba had to deal with them.”
“... and you saw it on Nan Feng?”

A-Ying shook his head. “Ying doesn't really 'see' it. Ying-Ying 'feels' it. Sometimes Ying-Ying see stuff, but it's not really seeing... Ying-Ying doesn't know.”

An innate ability to sense Ghosts? No... Nan Feng isn't a ghost... sense the unseen then? Is it A Natural sense of deduction? Xie Lian wondered. no... that would only make sense if it was just ghosts....

“A-Ying, do you have that feeling with me at all?”

“No...” A-Ying actually laughed. “Baba looks like baba, and baba feels like baba...” He paused then said. “It's not the same with the little ghosts and the angry man.”

Xie Lian hid a smile, hearing him call Nan Feng angry man. “Then what's the difference.”

A-Ying seemed to think about it, then said, “it's like the jiejie's who saved Ying-Ying. The pretty one in black who helped baba beat up the Little Ghosts, and the funny one in green who played with Ying-Ying. Their faces felt... warm... but not nice warm, like sun warm... but the one in blacks was weird.... Ying-Ying isn't sure....”

so he can sense heavenly officials? What no, he would have felt the same feeling from the likes of Ling Wen and the other two.. Xie Lian thought. Maybe they hid their real faces? In that case it probably proves my theory about Nan Feng..... “And you've had this sense since...”

“Ying-Ying's always had it.” A-Ying replied, waving the drum around like a sword. “Before baba found him, Ying-Ying used to feel ones like the little ghosts sometimes. It isn't until we saw those jiejie's that the warm feeling happened... the pretty one in black wasn't the same though, she was harder to feel... And angry man's is really warm. But angry man is angry, and he looks at baba funny, so I don't like him.”

Xie Lian felt a strange kind of way. He was upset he hadn't found out about this sooner, this strange sense the boy had... but also that he hadn't even thought that the boy might have caught onto the conversations he was having with the officials. He had pushed off that thought, given the boy was small, but it's cause he was small he took everything he was hearing in, just not like the adults were. He didn't understand what they meant, just that the words were said... and that was still too much, as it could get the gods in trouble. It was against heavens rule after all, for mortals to know of their comings and goings....

“Baba, may Ying-Ying ask you a question.” A-Ying asked standing up and swaying with the drum.

“Of course.” Xie Lian replied, smiling at him.

“Why do they call baba, Dianxia?”

Xie Lian was also worried about that.

He tried to keep a smile, but he couldn't hide the sadness in his eyes. “Maybe that question can hold off an answer for another day.”

“... is it bad?” A-Ying questioned.

“No. Just a long story... and one I don't think your old enough to understand.” Xie Lian replied.

“..okay.” A-Ying nodded, climbing back into his baba's lap. “Ying-Ying can wait. Ying-Ying stays with baba anyway.... but...”

“But?” Xie Lian raised a brow.

“But Ying-Ying thinks baba needs a big friend.” A-Ying said. “Baba is Ying-Ying's friend, and Ying-Ying tells baba everything, and it makes Ying-Ying happy... so maybe, Baba needs a friend to tell everything he can't tell Ying-Ying.” he smiled. “Mama said that's' why she picked first baba to love. Cause he listened to mama, and talked to her. He understood mama.”

Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry. That's more then a friend A-Ying... but you have made a point... that I sadly cannot comply with. No one in this world can ever really know me or my past... the one person who knew the darkest part... he dispersed very long ago... my no named soldier...

“Maybe I will... but maybe not as much love as your mama and first baba had.” Xie Lian lied, more to himself then A-Ying. “But A-Ying also has to like that friend, or i'll have a grumpy baobei on my hands.”

A-Ying giggled. “If baba really happy, Ying-Ying will like anybody.”

“Even angry face man?” Xie Lian asked.

“... maybe.” A-Ying smiled playfully.

“HEY!”

The yell caught both the boy and fathers attention, causing them both to turn to see none other then Nan Feng running. He was headed towards the main road coming up the mountain, where Xie Lian suddenly realized he heard music. He stood up, looking down the road to see a caravan of red and gold. There were over a dozen well armed foot soldiers, guarding the richly decorated wedding sedan, with a young lady veiled, and face unseen inside.

“The Lords Daughter...” He muttered, a deep frown set on his face. “He really is still trying to send her across the mountain.”

A-Ying looked over, seeing the bright red carriage, then Nan Feng yelling at the man leading the way. His baba motioned for him to stay put and he did.... but only cause now that Xie Lian had brought it up, he was curious as to what he was seeing.

In his minds eye, something about Nan Feng let off a warm sensation, like a sun beam. but his face was so grumpy and rough that, the sun beam was too harsh. When he saw the lady in green, it had been like a feeling of a warm summer breeze... and the lady in black was like warm bath water that had cooled off and was about to go cold. The little ghosts had just felt cold. Just cold. Like a rock that was chill to the touch. Nothing special about them. He had seen a few like them before with his mama and first baba... and some passing through Yiling, but never staying. They always seemed scared of the place, or rather the place beyond the city. Because they always seemed so docile in Yiling, he didn't see an issue with one trying to give him the wind fish back before they snatched him. Now he knew better.

But.... now that he thought about it, as he watched his baba go to join Nan Feng, that pretty butterfly was cold too. But... it was so pretty.... it wasn't like the mean little ghosts right?

Chapter Text

“Our orders are to take our Lords daughter across the Mountain.” one of the guards said with an attitude, repeating the sentiment for the seventh time.

“And my orders are to stop you from doing so!” Nan Feng snapped, “What part of, the mountain is dangerous, do you not understand.”

“Getting harsh with your words won't help...” Xie Lian chided, glancing back at A-Ying, who sat under the tree they had been at, watching them with a blank look.

“Our orders are to take our Lords Daughter across the Mountain.” The guard repeated for the eighth time, gripping his sword and attempting to push past the two men.

Xie Lian let out a long sigh, and pulled Nan Feng back before stepping in front of the bridal party. “I understand the sincerest wishes of his Lordship to see his daughter wed, but she won't make it if you cross this mountain. In fact, none of you will.”

“Our orders-”

“Are as you told me, and I don't want to see you fail.” Xie Lian stated, standing up with a smile, “But you must understand there has to be another way. If you cross this mountain, and she dies because of your negligence, cause you did not heed our warning, that will be your sin to bare.” The guards face twisted but Xie Lian continued, “Maybe, instead of running up the mountain, we could come up with a plan?”

“What plan?” Nan Feng scoffed, “Pei Xiu is currently doing the investigation up the mountain. If we intervene-”

“We won't.” Xie Lian argued. “But these men seem dead set on getting the bride across the Mountain. So, we have to find a middle ground.” He then returned his attention to the guards again. “Why not work with us on this? Maybe there is a shorter path around the Mountain that could make safer travel?”

“If there was, we would have taken it.” A voice like silk spoke from the sedan. Xie Lian's attention went up to the red curtain where the bride called out from, her face obscured. “Doazhang, is the mountain really so dangerous? My guards are the strongest of my fathers men, they should be able to fight any real danger off.”

“And many brides before you had guards, brothers, servants, who all died as well.” Xie Lian countered. “Sixteen brides have gone missing on this mountain. If you go up, and I mean no ill by saying this, that could make seventeen...”

“Do not threaten our Lords-” One guard started in, but was silenced as the bride cleared her throat.

She moved, barely visible under the sedan's bright red curtains. “I need to cross the Mountain Daozhang...”

“Then we come up with a plan.” Xie Lian replied. “So you may go your way, but also arrive alive and well.”

Back under the tree, A-Ying watched a while as Nan Feng and his baba debated with the people there. He had never seen a wedding procession before, and so knew not why these people just didn't turn around and go home. It seemed silly not to go home if you knew the path forward was dangerous... but then he wondered about himself, given he had no home save with baba, and while the only real danger they ever came across was with those little ghosts, they has seen their fair share of hardships. He wiggled his feet, and looked over at the sack. Crawling over, he pulled out his dolls, and gave them a look over, before feeling curious and digging more into the bag.

He only stopped when he thought he heard giggling.

A-Ying looked up, then around, seeing that no one was there. He pouted, as he pulled his blanket out, rolling it in his hands... but just as he was about to sit back he felt something. Something cold again. He looked up into the trees immediately and what ever had been there fled in a matter of seconds. Was something watching him? That worried A-Ying, especially after the incident in the town, being snatched and all by people who felt cold, the little ghosts. So, being a scared four year old, A-Ying stood, turned and booked it over to his baba, dropping his toys and blanket.

Xie Lian was in the middle of discussing some kind of plan with the Brides Guards, only to let out an 'Oh?' when he felt someone run into his legs and squeeze onto him. He looked down and back at A-Ying who pouted up at him.

“What's wrong A-Ying?” Xie Lian asked, quiet and soft.

“...” A-Ying didn't say, just pointed back at the tree and their stuff.

“Did you see something? Or did something bother you?”

“Aren't we a bit too busy to be playing games with your son right now?” Nan Feng asked.

“Ying-Ying not playing.” A-Ying grumbled.

“Oh?” The bride seemed to move in her carriage, a part of the curtain moving just enough that one could not see her, but she could see out just a little. “Who is this montou? He's rather cute...”

A-Ying looked up, also unable to see the woman, but still smiled warmly, not saying a word.

“This is my son.” Xie Lian answered. “He was helping me watch for your sedan in case you came before we could clear the mountain of it's dangers.”
“So a little daozhang.” the woman giggled, “How good to see such a sweet little thing wanting to keep me safe. So brave.”

A-Ying giggled too, hiding behind his baba's leg with a playful grin.

Seeing her seem so interested in A-Ying, and knowing it was her word that was key, Xie Lian had an idea- two birds taken down by one arrow!

“Miss, why don't we deal with this issue like this;” Xie Lian said, bowing to the bride. “Why not I, my acquaintance here, head up the mountain with a diversion? Then a short time after, you may follow after as well. My only request would be that, perhaps, this miss and her men could keep an eye on the boy for a while, all while we prepare this diversion.”

“Oh?” The bride hummed, then called out to her first guard, “This doesn't sound like a bad idea.”

“How will you create a diversion?” This guard asked Xie Lian.

“... that... will be figured out soon enough.” Xie Lian said, then turned to Nan Feng, “why don't we head up to Nan Yang temple and explain this situation to Pei Xiu?”

“...” Nan Yang was giving him a hard look.

“...what?”

“Can we talk... alone?”

Xie Lian frowned, but nodded, patting A-Ying on the head before he followed Nan Feng aside.

“Dianxia, your only supposed to help stop them from coming up the mountain. not get involved-”

“And I am helping stop them.” Xie Lian pointed out. “If you try to physically force them to turn and leave, you'll get in trouble with heaven and lose merits for your palace. But if you can't talk them out of it, they'll go up the mountain anyway. If she dies, then that will be on the hands of both Nan Yang Palace and Ming Guang Palace.”

“Are you implying this is a lose lose situation?”

“No, i'm saying I agreed to help and be of use, so use me.” Xie Lian said this so calmly, even cheerily, it made Nan Feng grimace. “If helping here gives me answers, then why not help? So, lets go talk to Pei Xiu and figure out a proper plan.”

Nan Feng didn't argue anymore, but he didn't look happy either.

So, Xie Lian returned to the Bridal Caravan and bowed once more. “Please wait here- and if you wouldn't mind watching over-”

“Your boy is safe to stay here.” The bride said. “My men can watch him. He's small so he should be no trouble.”

“Baba going to leave Ying-Ying?” A-Ying asked, rubbing his foot into the ground.

“It seems I will be, but only for a little while.” Xie Lian said, bending down to meet him at eye level. “Can you stay here and behave?”

“...promise you'll come back...” A-Ying asked. It wasn't like anyway he had spoken before, instead being a small voice full of worry, which Xie Lian understood. Was it not A-Ying's birth parents who went off on a night hunt and never came back?

“I promise with all my heart, I'll make sure to come back to you, baobei.” Xie Lian said, brushing his hand over the boys head.

A-Ying smiled a toothy grin up at him, and gave him one last hug. “Okay Baba. Ying-Ying will be really good. Promise.” he then smiled playfully and whispered, “Ying-Ying will keep an eye them for baba.”

Xie Lian knew the four year old would keep that promise to the best of his abilities. He thanked the bride and her party once more, before he and Nan Feng headed up the Mountain Path.

The Nan Yang Temple was large and seemed to be well visited, meaning it was hard to find Pei Xiu and the other members of Ming Guang Palace at first. However... he couldn't help but notice there was a lot of women in this temple. When they did find them Xie Lian only found Pei Xiu sitting quietly behind the temple's statue, but given how Nan Yang looked about, he assumed the other Junior Officials were simply unseen.

“Is something the matter?” Pei Xiu asked, barely looking their way.

“The bridal party has arrived.” Nan Feng says, “And they are pressed to cross the mountain, regardless of what was requested.”

Pei Xiu's calm face didn't change even by a slight hint as he looked over at Xie Lian. “Did you have a plan in mind? Or do you need help?”

“I had a bit of one, but wanted to discuss a few more things with you about Mount Yujun.” Xie Lian replied, stepping up. “It's about who gets attacked on the Mountain. Is it just brides?”

“From what has been gathered, yes.”

“Any particular brides?”

“No. Some have been poor, some not so young, some beautiful, some considered ugly. The supposed 'Ghost Bridegroom' has no qualms.”

“And the only brides who have crossed this mountain have been the sixteen to go missing?”

“No actually.” Pei Xiu let out a breath, “And that is what has caused us the most trouble. There have been a few brides who crossed the mountain with no trouble at all. But, nothing about them made them especially unique to the sixteen other women.”

“So we have no idea if a decoy would work?” Xie Lian asked.

“A decoy?” Pei Xiu fully turned his attention on Xie Lian and stood up. “What do you mean a decoy?”

“I was thinking, if we can't stop the Lords Daughter from crossing the Mountain, then maybe we could use a decoy to lure this 'Ghost Bridegroom' away from-”

“And what lady would volunteer to be put in that kind of danger? Hmmm?”

That voice echoed across the walls, before the one who spoke stepped out from seemingly thin air. They were behind the statue of Nan Yang, so no individual worshiping here would see this sight.

“It seems General Pei has chosen to pay a visit.” Nan Feng said, sounding unsuprised. He had probably seen him standing their unseen for a while....

“The array that guards the mountain is giving my men some trouble,” Pei Ming tsked before turning to Xie Lian and continued his previous banter, “Better question, who would put a fine young woman at risk like that? You have to have a better plan then a decoy.”

“The ghost bridegroom as it has been called, picks and chooses it's victims for some reason.” Xie Lian stated, nodding to Pei Ming, “Meaning it won't reveal itself unless it's a living victim.”

“And I won't put a lady at risk.” Pei Ming huffed, “What kind of gentleman puts a lady-”

“Unless we don't send a woman.” Nan Feng stated. “I mean... we could find a god who is willing to change forms and is strong on their own. Or even someone willing to dress up as a woman.”

“Why not ask Lord Wind Master if-” Pei Xiu started to say when Pei Ming raised his hand.

“Qingxuan will never agree to help me firstly. Secondly, Shi Wudu would kill me if I tried to ask. Besides what man here would be willing to cross dress?”

“I could do it.” Xie Lian chimed in. When they gave him weird looks, he quickly clarified. “Pretend to be a woman I mean.”

“...” said Pei Ming.

“...” said Pei Xiu.

“...” said Nan Feng.

“I might not have the ability change form, nor am I a woman, but I can fend for myself, and if I get hurt it wouldn't be a big deal-”

“I am not getting an injury on my hands.” Pei Ming huffed,

“And what about your kid?” Nan Feng demanded, “If you get hurt-”

“I won't. And if I do, it's nothing new. I can handle myself.” Xie Lian argued. “I can also take care of myself, and have told you all that you can use my assistance however you like. I may not be a god, and I won't take over any of the mission, and will leave as soon as I get my answer, but I will still agree to whatever you ask me. And if the way to stop the Lords Daughter from becoming the seventeen bride to die on this mountain, is me being used as a decoy, then so be it.” he looked at Nan Feng, “if you remember, I am doing this for A-Ying.”

“A decoy could also help us find the barrier.” Pei Xiu pointed out. “If we find a way to track him while he's pretending to be the bride, and the bridegroom does get a hold of him, the ghost could lead us to the barrier, and then we break it.”

“That is a good point....” Pei Ming mumbled rubbing his chin. “And it's not like we haven't already clarified that it's not about how good looking the bride is.”

Xie Lian held back a response to that.

“But where are we going to get bridal robes? And Sedan? The Lords Daughter isn't just going to pass hers to us.” Nan Feng stated.

“Xiao Pei, do you think you could get a hold of something?” Pei Ming asked.

“It wouldn't exactly be too hard.” Pei Xiu replied, “but... Dianxia, are you certain your all right with this?”

“I have no dignity left to speak of, so it's no such problem to me.” Xie Lian said this with a wide smile and a warmth that didn't fit the words at all!!!!

“...” Nan Feng brow twitched and Pei Ming just chuckled.

…

Back at the Tea shop, a few hours had passed, and evening was beginning to creep in. A-Ying was sitting at a table in the tea shop with some of the brides guards sitting at a nearby table. Nan Feng had come back down a few hours ago, but had only said to give him and the men a few more before attempting to head up the mountain themselves. While the bride didn't mind waiting, occasionally calling to ask A-Ying silly questions, it was her men that seemed on edge.

“If we don't arrive at the bridegroom's home by the end of the day tomorrow, their going to get worried. They might call it off.” One guard stated, sipping on some tea.

“That or the lord will come find us himself and beat us within an inch of our lives!” another guard huffed. “We can't just keep listening to a bunch of strangers and no name youths who could be just messing with us! Cursed mountains! A load of crap is what I say. They're probably just doing something they shouldn't up there and trying to keep us at bay.” Then it was like a glimmer crossed his expression. He leaned in, most likely hoping A-Ying wouldn't hear him. “You know, we could just... go on up the mountain anyway. That young man a short time ago said they were almost done. Why not go ahead- they might already be done with this 'decoy' of theirs.”

Just as all the men slowly started nodding their agreement, a small voice cut through their chatter.

“But baba told you all to stay till someone came to get you. So did the grumpy man, Nan Feng.”

the guard grimaced, then glared over at A-Ying, who was sitting politely in his seat yet glaring back. “Little one, children shouldn't eaves drop. Yer mother never teach you that?”

“Mama told Ying-Ying lots of stuff.” A-Ying puffed up his cheeks, “and you ain't my mama.”

“Ignore the boy.” A different guard huffed. “You made your point. Lets go ahead and get our lady ready to go up the mountain.”

“No.” A-Ying snapped, getting out of his chair and running over to the door. “the lady said she agreed with baba! She won't go! If she goes she'll get hurt!”

“Shit! He's going to tell her!” One guard snapped,

Before A-Ying could reach the door, one of the guards grabbed him, covering his mouth. He kicked and squirmed as the man looked around. “When do you think the tea master gets back? He said he was going out for a moment.”

“Then expect a moment. Just shove him somewhere!”

The guard looked around, and noticed a door behind a curtain. The door led to a small store room, in which he shoved A-Ying inside. The boy cried out, but had no time to flee before the door was shut and something heavy put in the way. He punched the door, but only heard the sounds of retreat as the men made their way out of the tea shop. Panicking, A-Ying looked around, until he noticed a very small window in the store room. It was way up out of reach, only intended to give the room some light during the day. A grown man probably could fit his head in and nothing else. A-Ying was not a grown man. He immediately went to start climbing the shelves at the back of the room, jumping on one to finally reach the window. It took him two tries, and he knocked the shelf over, but he was now hanging on the edge of the window. Using all the strength his little arms could muster, he pulled himself up, and out, before falling onto a bag of something soft just outside, between a few barrels. He pushed his way up and half ran, half toddled around the tea house only to find the sedan was already heading out.

“wait!” He called out, but they were already far enough ahead the lady couldn't hear him. A-Ying's face stiffened and he started to run after them. Why would these men put the ladies life at risk? Was getting in trouble with her father, really more terrifying then the idea of her life being in danger?

A-Ying ran into the tree's trying to stay on the path behind them....

But...

After so long chasing, and him being so small, all he got out of it was being lost in the woods.

Alone. He found himself alone as the sun disappeared in the tree's and over the horizon, dipping into a deep darkness. And dark meant A-Ying couldn't really see anything... well, correction. He could just barely make out shapes, and the moonlight passing through some tree branches. But this only made them look like hands, and those hands looked like they were reaching down for him. Like they were trying to grab him. The boys footsteps had long since slowed and he began to pull on his tunic as he sniffled.

“...b...baba...” A-Ying whimpered, calling out for Xie Lian, as he toddled around, eventually reaching for a tree and hugging onto it for dear life.

He hadn't intended to get lost, but those men had gone against his baba's request and he wanted to make sure the lady in the sedan was safe. Why didn't they care that there might be bad things on the mountain? He didn't understand. They weren't cultivators like baba, and Mama, and first baba.... but even first baba and mama had been beaten by something... A Ying teared up, now worried about baba. What if Xie Lian never came back? He promised he would, but... no... worse, what if Xie Lian never found A-Ying? A-Ying was in the dark. He started to cry, especially when he heard wolves howling in the distance.

Just then, A-Ying felt like he was being watched again. That same feeling from before. He looked up into the tree he was hugging and what ever was staring at him, remained hidden in the dark...

“Whose there?!” A-Ying shouted, trying to scare it away. “Ying-Ying tough. He'll fight you! Go away!” he wasn't tough, he was terrified.

For a moment, there was silence in the trees, but he then he heard giggling. Like that of a child.

Lost now,

Little one lost now,

Nowhere to go,

No one to find him,

Lost in the woods all alone.....

Something- the thing in the trees remained hidden as it sang in a voice clearly of a small child.

A-Ying suddenly had a feeling, like the thing watching him was cold. Not cold like stones, like the little ghosts. No, this felt like ice. Like something sharp and cold and mean. A-Ying got very scared of this thing then, and ran from the tree. The laughing only grew, as whatever was hiding in the trees followed him through the canopy. Through the dark.

run now, little one

The chase is part of the fun!
If baba smiles,under bridal veil

He'll find she's not so kind!
A ghost of a bride not realized,

She will catch you, little boy,

and feed you to the man eating ghost!

A-Ying cried out, hearing the thing laugh at him. He was so scared, he and so blind in the dark, he didn't see what he tripped on as he fell face first into the dirt. A-Ying cried as the laughter turned meaner, and even sounded like a man.

“Baba!!!” A-Ying called out, as the laughing got closer. “Baba!!!”

The laughing sounded like it was right behind him. Like whatever was laughing at him was about to grab him.....

But then...

Then it hissed and vanished, cold and all. A-Ying sobbed as he sat up, rubbing his eyes of his tears. His little hands were all scrapped up, and his face bruised and scratched. He cried harder...

Until...

He heard the sound of chimes.....

A-Ying choked, and whimpered as he looked up, a silver light fluttering up. He blinked, and sniffled, and... and... “... pretty butterfly?”

He heard the chimes again, before looking up as someone stepped into view. A-Ying couldn't make Him out, not his face at least. The man was wearing black boots with silver chains the glinted off the silver butterflies dim light. The same butterfly landed on A-Ying's hand, and tickled him. Mindlessly the teary eyed four year old went to grab at it, when a gentle but cool hand touched his own, pressing it down. A-Ying looked back up, but still couldn't make out his face. He did however make out two more things. His robes were maple red, and he felt... strange. He was cold, much like the little ghosts, except this cold was an old cold, like a fall breeze. The man was a memory, or at least awakened one in A-Ying.

A man pulling a donkey's reign, under the maple trees, whose leaves had turned with the autumn breeze. He smiled faintly back at A-Ying, who sat in his mothers lap astride the pack mule, as they headed to places unknown....

A-Ying teared up again, sniffling as he held his arms out to the stranger, just wanting out of the dark. “I want baba...”

The man chuckled, deep and echoing, as the man held out his hand. It was as if it was beckoning him. The four year old took it, as the butterfly flew from his hand to his face. It was only then A-Ying noticed his hand was all better.

“Lets go find him then.” a deep, cool voice echoed, coming from the stranger.

A-ying knew he shouldn't trust strangers. And he knew that this mountain was where someone not very nice had planed to take him. And he knew the people he sent were cold. And yet....

“..ok...” A-Ying hiccuped, before using his other hand to pull at his tunic, then shove his hand to his mouth.

The man chuckled again, before the silver butterfly fluttered away, seeming to move ahead of them and create a guiding light forward. The man held onto A-Ying's hand tightly as he walked onward, each step firm, each step sturdy and reliable. Whoever he was, A-Ying was both scared, and not afraid at all.

…

“What do you mean they're behind us?”

Xie Lian was both feeling a headache coming on, and the desire to run.

It had only been a incense time ago that a female official had helped him get all decorated and dressed in a woman's wedding attire, hoping he could be used to lure out the ghost bridegroom. It had only been that long ago since he boarded the Wedding sedan and headed up the Mountain path with some of Ming Guang Palace's junior officials and Nan Feng, who volunteered to help. Pei Ming and Pei Xiu chose to hang back, using talisman handed off to Xie Lian to keep track of them on their way up the mountain. It didn't help that the men seemed curious as to what Xie Lian looked like under the bridal veil, given the fact that the female official in particular had an old grudge against Pei Ming, and had only agreed if he wasn't allowed to come see her decorate Xie Lian. The later felt weird being used as a possible jab at another man... but oh well. He'd had, said, done, and been done to, almost all the most shameful and pitiful things a man could have happen to him. What's so bad about being dressed up as a woman?

They were so close, is really what it was... so why did it have to go so wrong now?

“Where is A-Ying?” Xie Lian blurted out as arguing commenced behind his sedan. No once answered him, but he could hear Nan Feng cursing.

“I thought we told you to stay off the damn mountain!”

“We have a duty to uphold!”

“That duty is going to get your ward killed you idiots!”

“Hold on.” the bride called out, “I thought you all told me they had confirmed it was fine to come up. Where is the little boy then? You said his father came and got him.”

“Don't worry about that right now miss, we just need to get over this-”

“I am worrying about it!” Xie Lian called out, “Where is my son?”

“Daozhang? Where are you?” The bride called. “I am so sorry about this. My men told me a different story...”

“I'm not upset with you miss.” Xie Lian called back, “I just want to know where my son is.”

“Speak up!” Nan Feng barked at one of the guards.

“He's back in the tea shop. He's fine, and assuredly the tea shop owner will find him.”

“What do you mean find him?” Xie Lian asked.

“He's safe is all you need to know-” The guard started, but then was cut off by Nan Feng.

“You don't know that. That boy was in danger cause of something on this mountain, and you leaving him alone could have put him at more risk!”

“And how were we supposed to know that?!”
“You didn't, but you still left a defenseless child alone!” Nan Feng snapped. “there is no excuse for that!”

“Nan Feng, I need to go find A-Ying.” Xie Lian huffed out, suddenly feeling a panic he hadn't felt in hundreds of years. “Nan Feng, we need to turn around-”

“Calm down.” Was all Nan Feng said, before turning his attention back to the men. “You all are turning around now and heading back down the mountain.”

“Our orders-”

“Turn around.” The bride huffed, sounding upset. “Even if there is no ghost bridegroom on this mountain, you still lied and left that poor boy back there!”

“My Lady, we'll never make it to your Fiance's home by the morrow if we don't go now.”

“Then send a man to my furture husbands home and tell him there is trouble.” The bride snapped. Her voice softened and you could almost hear her smile in her words. “he will understand. My future husband is a good man.”

Xie Lian went to stand in his sedan, to step out and try and see what he could do to help the bride talk her men into leaving.....

Except....

“do you hear that?” Xie Lian asked, freezing in place.

“Hear what?” Nan Feng questioned back. “All I hear is these shameless fools bickering at us.”

Xie Lian shook his head, listening intently before, “Everyone, quiet.”
They did quiet down slightly, and only then did they too notice the quiet that followed after. Xie Lian listened, not even hearing the wind. After a moment, he went to call out to the bride, to ask her a question....

When he felt the sedan he was in sway as one of the Ming Guang junior officials let out a cry as something attacked.

“What's going on?!”

“I don't know its-” Nan Feng's voice moved around the sedan, but caught before he seemed to unsheathe a sword. “There are Binu here?!”

“Binu? On this mountain?” one of the Ming Guang junior officials asked. “I.... I hear wolves too!”

“What? There are no wolves in these mountains!” One of the guards of the bride yelped.

Xie Lian felt his stomach drop, as he heard a commotion outside. “Miss! Miss! What just happened?! Did you do anything in particular just now that was out of the ordinary to anything else you have done on your way up the mountain?!”

“N-No!” The bride cried out, “i didn't. I... I...”

“Whatever, just start heading back! Everyone!” Nan Feng cut in, sounding more and more angry with the current string of events.

Xie Lian's shook his head, then yelled, “It's already targeted her! We need to get her out of here first and for most...” He sat there a moment, “This ghost, or whatever it is, it's got its eyes on her, we need to change it's attention. Miss, Please, is there anything you can think of, anything even the smallest thing you have done just now that could have changed.”

“i... I just mentioned my future husband....” the bride murmured, “I... I stood up? I... smiled?”

Xie Lian thought through her words, before coming up with a plan, nodding to himself and calling out to Nan Feng, “Leave my Sedan and get the bride back down hill. I'm going to stay here-”

“You What?”
“Maybe if I test a few things, I can change the attention to me! Get the ghost bridegroom to turn its eyes on me. Go back, get the bride to town and then go find A-Ying!”

“But-”
“I came up here looking for answers. I also came to be used as bait.” Xie Lian sat back down in his sedan. “Let me be of use, and you do your job.”

Nan Feng went to argue more, but the sound of fighting continued. After a moment, there was a grunt, before Nan Feng started yelling for everyone to guard the bride and turn back. Xie Lian listened, before thinking once more over what the bride had said. Spoke of her future husband. Stood up. Smiled.

The second option seemed unlikely, as Xie Lian had also stood and nothing happened. Speaking of ones husband seemed likely, but also not so. Not every bride was likely to talk along their journey. Was it really because of a smile then? It was simple, and also worth a shot. Once he heard the others get far enough away, he smiled.

He really hoped it did the trick....

Not that he got a quick enough answer. It was a moment after everything went suddenly quiet, that he feared he was wrong.... but then also feared he might have been right. The quiet was void of life, the mountain dead around him. He really hoped A-Ying was safe, that his boy wasn't either hurt, or absconded off by whoever wanted to take him from Xie Lian.

As he thought about his boy, thought about what to do, his attention was snapped back to reality, as he heard footsteps approaching.

Xie Lian felt Ruoye tighten around his chest and it was ready to strike. He swallowed and steadied himself.... But... then....

Then Xie Lian heard a man chuckle outside his sedan. It threw Xie Lian off, so much so that he barely reacted when a pale hand passed the curtain, held out to him with the palm facing upward. There was a red string on the middle finger, and a silver vambrace on the wrist. This was connected to bright red sleeve, of maple colored robes, and a tall looming figure in the dark. The Ghost Bridegroom perhaps? Xie Lian wasn't sure.....

Then out of the dark, a voice he couldn't quiet make out seemed to pass through the fabric of the sedan's red curtain, and his breath caught with it.

The boy is on the mountain. He waits for you near it's peak. Will you join this one to meet him there?

Bonus Art:

(To be added in a moment)

Chapter Text

Xie Lian was wary when he took the hand that reached into the bridal sedan. He had sat their poised and quiet the whole time, and yet the owner of the hand had yet to pull away, more patient then he had expected. If this was the Ghost Bridegroom, then why had he not become inpatient with Xie Lian's lack of decision? But was he really that ghost? Xie Lian swore he heard him say that A-Ying was on the mountain... or rather a boy was on the mountain and awaiting him.

Whoever this person was, he had a strong killing aura.

Xie Lian's eyes wondered back to the red infinity knot, and the slenderness of those pale fingers. As if drawn by an unnamed force, Xie Lian reached out and took that hand.

First and foremost, Xie Lian noticed the man's grip on his own hand was firm, but not tough. It was as if this person was taking the utmost care not to hurt him. When Xie Lian reached to push away the curtain of the sedan, the stranger had already done so. He was pulled to his feet, and took in what he could about the man. He couldn't see much in the dark, save that he was robed in red and rather tall. The silver vambraces on his wrists were well crafted, with images of maple leaves and terrifying beasts... not something one would find in the central plains.... He seemed young, and yet, as he was lead across the mountain side his footsteps were heavy and determined.

He held Xie Lian's hand so gently, and even used his other hand to seemingly glide them both along.

They made it not very far, before he heard growling. Xie Lian felt Ruoye tighten, as if ready to strike. Before the silk band could move, however, Xie Lian felt a soft tap on the back of his hand... as if the man beside him was comforting him.

If this man is the real ghost groom, then he genuinely makes the most gentle and considerate one. Xie Lian thought as the growling subsided... almost like whatever had approached had become scared. Now, if he listened carefully he heard these beasts whimper. Not like a beast who had been injured, but rather an animal in the jaws of death... like they were afraid.

Curious and more Curious. Who was this man? Did he really know where A-Ying was? Was this a trap? If so, it was the nicest trap Xie Lian had ever walked into.... Speaking of walking, he gazed down to peer out the bottom of the veil. Two, slender, long legs walked along languidly, yet youthfully, adorned by black boots with silver chains. With each step they would sway, and the tinkling of those silver chains sounded like delicate chimes.

He walked so casually, yet his very being seemed to insinuate that he could rip someone to pieces any second. What kind of character this person was, Xie Lian didn't know.

Just as he was thinking through every little detail, something white caught his eye.

It was a skull.

If it had been just a skull, it really wouldn't have bothered Xie Lian... but how it was placed, was too specific. This wasn't a leftover head thrown to the side, the remains of a man who just got lost. No... the skull was placed with purpose. It was a point in some kind of formation. The barrier on the mountain?

Before Xie Lian could gather what he could, maybe plan to memorize the area and pass the information onto Pei Ming, the man leading him along, just continued forward. He opened his mouth, maybe to warn the young man, but instead, the later just stepped down onto the skull, breaking the formation in an instance, and shattering the skull to dust.

And he just moved on like it was nothing.

With one step, this man had broken an entire enchantment, and wasted it to nothing but dust...

It was only after this that the man finally came to a stop. He pulled something out, and yet stayed where they were. Xie Lian couldn't tell what he had pulled out, and almost wanted to peer under his veil, when....

There was a small pitter patter of feet from the dark to his left, opposite of the mysterious man. He saw a pale silver light first, something hidden by the veil, before it flew up to the man and vanished. Then, something stepped up to Xie Lian's legs.

“... baba?” a small voice called up, sounding confused.

“A-Ying?” Xie Lian muttered, unsure if it was really his boy. After all he still needed to be on guard. Even as he bent down and went to look the boy in the face he knew he had to be on the utmost defense-

“Why is baba wearing make up?” A-Ying giggled, reaching up under the veil and squishing Xie Lian's face. “He look like a pretty lady~ Baba looks so pretty~”

The men let out a chuckle, as Xie Lian was unsure if he should laugh or cry.

Yes... This was A-Ying. No doubt about it now... but now he was even more certain this mysterious man was not the ghost groom. He knew Xie Lian wasn't a woman, and had kept A-Ying waiting safely up here... so... who was he?

Xie Lian eyed back, still unable to see him from under the veil. A-Ying too looked over, and seemed his tone became grumpy. “Where did butterfly go?”

The man didn't answer, but he did step forward with his hand out to Xie Lian. It seemed there was further to go, and he wanted to lead him on up. But why?

“butterfly gege...” A-Ying whispered, giggling and clapping his hands at the man.

The figure chuckled again, and Xie Lian decided, as long as A-Ying was at his side... what harm was there in following this stranger onward. He seemed to have kept the boy safe this long, maybe...

Xie Lian took the hand once more, standing straight with A-Ying held in one arm. The boy was even more excited, seeming to be happy to follow the red clad stranger. Xie Lian however, was on guard still. He needed answers.

Just then, he heard the pitter-patter of rain.

Or at least he thought it was rain. It had seemed, what the youthful stranger had pulled out, was an umbrella. He held it above the little group as they journeyed deeper into the dark of the black mountain path. It was only then that A-Ying's cheery demeanor suddenly dropped and he seemed to immediately hug onto Xie Lian's neck. The later understood, as the smell of old blood seemed to fill the cool night air. From his perspective, everything about this situation felt eerie. Yet, standing next to the one with the umbrella, Xie Lian couldn't help but also have a sense that the imagery was also bewitching, and deeply romantic.

The stranger was an enigma.

And so was the rain, as it swiftly vanished, and the young man put the umbrella away. Xie Lian felt they hadn't been walking for too long, so why did the rain only come and go like a gust of wind? A disturbing gust that was. He felt when the young man came to a stop, and when he pulled his hand away... and when he moved closer.

A-Ying sat up again, putting his hand in his mouth, before watching as the mysterious stranger used his hand to try and slowly lift Xie Lian's veil. He had been waiting for a moment like this the entire time. So he stood still, watching as the clinging red curtain slowly lifted and-

Ruoye shot out!
A-Ying let out a small sound of being startled as Ruoye went to apprehend the strange figure. He needed to be seized, to be pushed to talk- to explain himself.

Yet, just as it went to rap around him- a blast of wind knocked the veil back into place. Xie Lian went to rip the veil away, to see the red clad figure's face- but he had shattered.

Shattered into thousands of silver butterflies. It was like a scattering of twinkling stars, that A-Ying seemed awestruck by as he tried to grab at a few, but never could quiet catch.

“Butterfly! Butterfly! Bye-bye butterflies!!!”

Xie Lian pulled off his veil and looked up, also in awe of the sight. It was like a dream.... watching as they vanished into the midnight sky.

“Bye-bye!” A-Ying called again, giggling to himself as he tried to reach up for them. They were so far away now, the very idea that they could hear him seemed silly... but Xie Lian didn't state this. He was still in a state of waking, as if he had had a strange dream.

“... A-Ying... who was that young man?” Xie Lian asked, looking at his son. “Why were you with him?”

“Ying-Ying didn't get butterfly gege's name.” A-Ying said, smiling wide at his baba, before crossing his arms with a pout. “Ying-Ying out here cause those meanies locked him in a closet and Ying-Ying tried to chase them. Ying-Ying wanted to warn the pretty lady in the carriage that she was in danger. But Ying-Ying got lost. Then butterfly gege found him, and scared away the scary things.”

“Scary things?” Xie Lian asked worried. “What scary things.”

“It was cold, and it sounded like a child.” A-Ying said, worried. “Ying-Ying ran away but it followed. It was scary, and laughing, and Ying-Ying didn't like it.... But then Butterfly gege showed up and asked Ying-Ying to follow him to come find you. He was very nice, and let Ying-Ying play with a butterfly while waiting for him to bring baba up the path. Said Ying-Ying could come once the Ying-Ying felt the breaking.”

“What breaking.”

“Ying-Ying doesn't know. Just felt it, then followed the butterfly to butterfly gege and baba.”

I guess, if he does have the ability to sense things like ghosts and heavenly officials, it might not be too far fetched to believe he can also sense other things.... Xie Lian thought, before asking his next question, “What did this butterfly gege look like?”

A-Ying smiled, and said rather bluntly, “Baba saw him, why ask Ying-Ying?”

Xie Lian sighed, “Baba had the veil on, so baba couldn't see.”
“Baba had the veil on, but baba has paint on his face to look like a pretty lady. Why cover up face if you painted it all pretty?”

Xie Lian really didn't know if he should laugh or cry. “A-Ying, lets get back to the point, can you tell me what he looked like?”

A-Ying puffed up his cheeks and shook his head. “It's dark, and Ying-Ying didn't look at him while walking through the bad. And butterfly gege became many butterflies before seeing his face. But Ying-Ying did notice he had jingling boots. They went-” A-Ying then proceeded to try and mimic the tinkling sound of the chains with his mouth, which sounded nothing like it, and only made Xie Lian laugh a little.

“Is that so? Well baba did notice that.” He paused, then looked up the mountain path. “... A-Ying, I need to go further in. It is very likely that Pei Xiu and his men will have sensed the barrier breaking and I will need to meet with them to explain how it broke... but to go further in means... we might run into whatever you were being brought to. So... I need you to stay right by my side. Understand?”

“...” A-ying nodded slowly, but also looked wary.

“I have you, all right?” Xie Lian said. “Just stay right by my side.”

“Okay baba...” A-Ying replied, hugging onto him again.

With that, Xie Lian made his way past the edge of the trees, and up the mountain side.

What he found upon arriving, was a temple.

It was falling apart in places, seeming untouched for a long time. Maybe it once held color, once seemed lively in it's appearance, but long sinced dulled due to a lack of care and dark energies surrounding it. When Xie Lian got closer and looked up, he saw that the establishment plaque was still there. And it read Ming Guang Temple.

I thought General Pei Said he didn't have any temples in this area? That's why he was investigating.... Xie Lian thought as he walked up towards the temples gate. Then again, if it's locked behind such a grandly crafted barrier, no one can worship here.... which means General Pei wouldn't be able to see it... it's rather old too....

He stepped a little closer, pausing only to look about. He had no plans to head inside just yet, as he wanted to await Pei Xiu, given it wasn't his investigation. They were still tracking him after all, so they would know he made it further up the mountain-

“Baba!!!” A-Ying abruptly cried out, squirming in his arms and pointing adamantly at something ahead of them.

Xie Lian snapped out of his thought and looked to where his son was pointing. He went stiff, before setting A-Ying down, taking his hand, and rushing over to the large gate's of the Ming Guang temple.

There, lying on the cold stone ground, was the Lords Daughter, the bride.

I thought they fled down the mountain? How did she get here? Did the actual ghost groom not come after me?

Once at the woman's side, he quickly bent down and let go of A-Ying's hand. He began to check her pulse, and found she was still breathing. She was still alive... if barely. Xie Lian let out a sigh of relief. She was alive, which was good. He would keep her that way, and wait for Pei Ming and his men to arrive. But... seeing her like this, it bothered him...

Why was she just laying out in the open? If the bridegroom was intent on killing the brides who crossed the mountain, why was the Lords Daughter still alive? It was too convenient... too.... too much like a trap.

It was then that Xie Lian sensed it. no... heard it.

A-Ying heard it too. A crooked thumping sound... then he felt a cold. One bitter and old, like a deep winter wind that gripped it's claws in and wouldn't let go.... and it was right behind him. He turned just as Xie Lian spun around and launched Ruoye towards whatever had approached, and it burst into a cloud of black smoke. Instead of continuing after the shadow, Xie Lian twisted his hand and Ruoye grabbed A-Ying instead, pulling him back. Xie Lian then pulled his son under him as he covered himself and the Lord's daughter, the black smoke sweeping down, as if trying to make a grab at either or. It failed, and a whistling noise seemed to explode through the air, before the smoke suddenly lunged away, into the darkness of the night.

Xie Lian sat up, glaring after it. It had been a trap. It seemed this Ghost Bride Groom- no.. This ghost and whatever those little ghosts were trying to bring his son to, were one in the same.

“Baba... who was s...” A-Ying started to ask, but was cut off when they both heard footsteps running up the path.

“Dianxia?!” That was Nan Feng.

“Dianxia, where are you?” And Pei Xiu.

“Over here.” Xie Lian stated, pulling the bride up into his arms, and nodding for A-Ying to follow close. The boy practically clawed into his leg, still startled by whatever had tried to snatch him.

As he left the temple, he saw Pei Xiu and his men, as well as Nan Feng who ran up... but came to a halt almost immediately upon seeing Xie Lian's face.

“Dianxia, what happened?” Pei Xiu demanded, casually ignoring Nan Feng and stepping up to examine the bride. “We saw the barrier had been broken... but you don't have that kind of power, so I need to know.”

“Can you tell me why she's up here first?” Xie Lian asked politely. “I thought she was brought back down.”

“She was.” Nan Feng muttered, stepping back several steps. “But... uhm... she just... her men tried to go around... we found some of them dead the rest fleeing, and her gone. The idiot head guard I guess thought your distraction worked and tried again.... he... can't apologies or make excuses for his laps in judgment anymore though...”

“i see...” Xie Lian muttered.

“Why is the kid here?” Nan Feng abruptly asked. “I thought the men said he was still down at that tea shop...”

“That's a long story...” Xie Lian sighed, looking down at A-Ying who was shoving his little face into his baba's leg.

“Dianxia, how did you get through the barrier?” Pei Xiu asked again, as some of his men made to take the bride.

“I didn't break it... someone else did.” Xie Lian admitted.

A-Ying was hugging his leg. “Butterfly-gege.”
“Nan Feng flinched then gave the kid a weird look. “Butterfly gege?”

Pei Xiu raised a brow. “Who is he talking about? Did you run into the Ghost Groom?”

Xie Lian shook his head. “No. He wasn't the ghost groom. I am certain of that. But he was powerful. I didn't see what he looked like, but as A-Ying said, he had silver butterflies.”

Silence....

Nan Feng suddenly looked rather pale, and Pei Xiu turned to him with a knit brow. “Nan Feng, isn't that....”
“Dianxia I think you should leave the mountain.” Nan Feng said. “Get your kid and leave. That man you ran into is very dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” Xie Lian hummed, “he seemed rather polite to me...”

“Dianxia-” Nan Feng started in again but A-Ying spoke up.

“Butterfly gege got Ying-Ying back to baba though...”

“Dianxia, I agree with Nan Feng here.” Pei Xiu said, crossing his arms behind his back. “You have helped us this far Dianxia, but with this new information, it may be best you head back down the mountain. Thank you and we will take it from here. And before you go, please tell my men which direction you came from. I want to investigate the barrier's remnants more closesly-”

“Ah, yes but I am not finished.” Xie Lian said, taking A-Ying's hand and ignoring one of the Junior Officials who had come up to show him down the mountain. “It's about the Ghost Groom... firstly, I do believe they are connected to the person who tried taking my son. I still now nothing more, so will leave that to you. Secondly, they are not a ghost groom.”

Pei Xiu stopped, looking back with a calm expression. “What do you mean, Dianxia?”

“To be sure, can you answer a question for me... possibly in private.. it, revolves around your official.” Xie Lian lowered his voice, “It might come off as intrusive or demeaning of his character.

Pei Xiu actually chuckled then, confusing Xie Lian before he answered, “Dianxia, My general is a very interesting person. If there is something you have to say that is crude or improper, he won't take offense. Lets just say, he is a very interesting person... as you have met him, I can tell you know he is rather lax in his attitude.”

“Oh... well...” Xie Lian looked at A-Ying.

“Ah.” Pei Xiu seemed to understand. Before taking a step back, and lowering his voice. “This is about your son's listening not my men.”

“Sort of...” Xie Lian clicked his tongue then covered the boys ears. “Pei Xiu, does your general... well has he ever met a woman of jealous spirit with a leg injury of some kind?”

Pei Xiu's calm expression quickly tightened. “What are you saying?”

“I am saying that, the one who created the barrier, been killing brides, and is the one who has been keeping Ming Guang Temples from being built, from General Pei's temples being built, is not a groom. But a bride.”

It seemed that just as he spoke, howls came from the forest. Nan Feng quickly turned as more binu and wolves started to crawl out of the brush and towards the temple.

“MORE?!”
Xie Lian however, was not concerned about the binu. Binu were nothing but vultures, things that fed on bigger threats left overs. No, Xie Lian was worried about the wolves.... not cause he thought the wolves were dangerous, but rather because-

“AHHHHHH!” A-Ying screamed loud as he tried to climb up Xie Lian's leg in terror. He was in full melt down mode, seeing so many angry looking canines.

“Dianxia, get down the mountain now.” Pei Xiu said, pulling out a sword. “Take your son and go. My men will get your through the beasts and take you to general Pei-”
Two things happened fast and terribly then, Cutting him off and making everything so much worse. The first was A-Ying hearing they would have to go THROUGH the wolves, and he wailed, letting go of his baba and running into the temple to hide. This of course distracted Xie Lian as he tried to snatch his boy back.

The second thing to happen, was the junior official holding the Lord's Daughter, being abruptly attacked from something out of the air.

The Lords Daughter had started to come back to consciousness, and cried out as she hit the ground. The Junior official tried to fight off what had attacked him, only to get a collection of sharp red claws in his eyes. He screamed as a figure dressed in woman's wedding veil and dress, screeched at him, before tossing him aside and turning to the Lords Daughter.

“He... he's on the mountain...” was all the figure muttered, before cackling like she was mad. “He's here... he's here... Darling Pei... WHERE IS HE!!!!!”

“A-Ying!” Xie Lian called out, stepping into the temple and looking around. “A-Ying come back! I won't let those beasts hurt you! Please don't hide! It's not safe! A-Ying!”
“Dianxia! The Binu!”
Xie Lian turned as Nan Feng cut down several of the walking dead, then kicked a wolf away with ease. “Nan Feng! Please! You have to help me find A-Ying!”

“Sure! Whatever! Just get him and get out!” Nan Feng snapped, then rushed inside calling out for the boy.

Back outside the temple, Pei Xiu attacked the Ghost Bride, trying to get a hold of her as she attempted to attack the Lords Daughter, who screamed and attempted to flee.

“You were going to take her to him! TO HIM! MY DARLING PEI! YOU WERE GOING TO LET HIM HAVE HER AND NOT ME! SHE'S A BITCH!”

“Xuan Ji!” Pei Xiu called out, trying to calm her. “Stop fighting! She has nothing to do with the general! Calm down, and surrender-”

He was cut off as, in her manic state, she just grabbed his sword and jerked it. He stumbled, but before he could turn to cut her down, several Binu came running to tackle him. He seemed uninterested, cutting them down like they were leaves blowing in the wind that he could just bat away with a stick. When he turned back however, his eyes widened, as the ghost bride went on the attack....

As she went to kill the Lord's Daughter.

Xie Lian heard her scream. He turned, seeing as the ghost bride lunged. All the other men were busy, fighting off the hoards of binu.... and Xie Lian had always been the impulsive type. The kind of person to throw himself in harms way to save another, without expecting any kind of repayment. So, in just a few steps, he jumped in front of the bride. The move wasn't aimed to protect himself. In fact, it very much should have gotten his throat ripped open- and if he could, it should have killed him. But....

But it didn't.

In fact, the moment the Ghost Brides hand should have made contact with his neck, right as her red claw like fingers grazed his skin.... he felt it.

No....

Xie Lian was panicking as the Ghost Bride was launched away by a burst of something powerful. So powerful, it threw her into and through the wall of the Ming Guang Temple's gate.

A-Ying cried out, seeing the creepy lady break the wall near his hiding place. He was so terrified. The wolves were no different then dogs and he was so small and had no idea what was happening anymore. It was moving to fast! So when she started to groan, he jumped to his feet to back away from here, then out the hole in the temple wall... only to look up and make eye contact with his baba who looked back with fear. Xie Lian... he... was glowing.

“BABA!” A-Ying cried out, rushing over to him, wanting to hold him. he wanted his baba right now more then anything in the world!!!

“Wait!” Xie Lian yelled, waving his hands as an aching drumming seemed to thunder through the sky. No no no no no no no not now!!!! NO!
“BABA!!!” A-Ying came running as many binu and Wolves started to back up. They sensed it. They tried to run.

Nan Feng was faster then A-Ying. So, when the heaven's boomed, and a great light seemed to emit from all around them, The youth tackled the four year old, before curling around him to take the brunt of it. Pei Xiu did the same for the Lords Daughter, Stabbing his sword into the ground then covering her with his form as the blast struck like an earthquake. The sheer might of this event shook the heavens, and Pei Xiu swore he had never felt anything like it before.

Even down the mountain, in the Nan Yang temple, Pei Ming was thrown off, stepping outside and looking up the mountain in utter confusion.

“A-Ying!!!” Was the last words out of Xie Lian's mouth, before he was consumed by the light of heaven.

For the third time, Taizi Dianxia Xianle ascended to the Heavenly Realm.

Chapter Text

The moment the light faded, A-Ying wriggled and shoved away from Nan Feng to get to his feet and run. The man tried to grab for him again, but he had already hobbled over to where his baba had been standing only seconds ago... only to the spot the place empty of the man. The binu and wolves that had yet to flee, were all burned away by heavenly light, leaving naught of them around. Parts of the temple had been blown away, and A-Ying saw not height nor hair of Xie Lian, and his heart beat faster.

Pei Xiu had moved quickly once the light vanished, taking out a spirit binding cord. He was on Xuan Ji before she could react, as she too had been damaged by the blinding light.

“Check for the place where the barrier broke. Until we get confirmation from Dianxia about it's location, it would be best just to go look.” Pei Xiu ordered dragging the Ghost Bride to her feet. “And I need someone to check the Lords Daughter for injury then return her to her father for care. Please inform him as simply as possible of what occurred here.”

“Baba?” A-Ying called out, tearing up as he looked around Ming Guang's men and then back at Nan Feng. “Where is baba?”

“Uhm....” Nan Feng stuttered, unsure of what to do or say.

“Nan Feng,” Pei Xiu called out, “Are helping us with investigation or are you reporting to your general?”

Nan Feng gawked, then closed his mouth. “... th... the kid...”

Pei Xiu glanced over just as A-Ying ran up to him and tugged on his leg. “Where is baba? Ying-Ying want baba. Where did baba go?”

“...” Pei Xiu frowned, ever so slightly, before turning a cold shoulder. A-Ying's heart sank, and all he could think was the worst. If mama and first baba just disappeared, and now this baba was gone too? Was he... gone gone like mama and first baba? A-Ying started to cry.

“Men, finish up here and return to the Capital.” Pei Xiu ordered. He ignored the boy as best as he could, even as he still tried to tug on the man's robes.

“Hold on.” Nan Feng called out, rushing over and pulling A-Ying back. The boy was sobbing at this point, turning and clutching onto Nan Feng and continuing to demand to know where his baba was. “What about the kid?”
“That is not for me to decide Nan Feng.” Pei Xiu sighed, lowering his head. “The boy is mortal, and also not my palaces responsibility. Not to mention, it is not my call to decide what happens now. You know the laws of heaven.”

“But that's... it's different if he's barely old enough to walk by himself!” Nan Feng huffed. “Not to mention, we don't know who was after him, or why they wanted the boy brought to her.” He motioned towards Xuan Ji, who was still out of it from the blast. “Given what I've seen, I highly doubt she's the mastermind behind the attempted kidnapping. Sure, she seems to be a wrath, but not a powerful enough one to have created such a barrier around the mountain. Not to mention, what use is a child, Dianxia's child, to her if her sole goal seemed to have to do with your general? Things don't add up. We can't just leave him here alone.”

“If you wish to stay with the child, so be it.” Pei Xiu said. “As long as your general sees no issue I don't see....”

Pei Xiu went quiet. So did the others. Nan Feng sensed it to.

“i thought he was still in cultivation.....” an official whispered, after sensing the presence and turning with the others. Pei Xiu stood straight, as Nan Feng turned completely with a pale expression, but bowed immediately.

The thing was, A-Ying sensed it too.

The boy stuttered his sniffles as he turned and the Ming Guang temple officials quickly backed away and bowed deeply as someone approached. This person, who stood tall, and seemed to exude an aura of light... his eyes were on A-Ying.....

He sensed him. This man, he was odd. He felt very very strange. A way A-Ying had never sensed before, and so strong it was almost terrifying. He felt... Hot. Not cool. Not pleasant. Not warm. Hot in a way A-Ying just could not explain. It didn't help that... there was something else in the heat....

“hello little one.” The stranger said, as all the men around A-Ying backed away and bowed. “It seems your father has been called away and left you alone.”

A-Ying backed away a little, sniffling and wiping his face.

“I won't hurt you.” He said, smiling softly. He reached out, picking the boy up before he could back away again. “I know where your father has gone. I can take you there, but you must behave.”

No one stopped this man, in fact no one moved or said a word as he spoke, and as he took A-Ying away. He said only one more thing to Pei Xiu, about finishing his investigation immediately and informing his general. A-Ying said nothing. He didn't move, he just stared blankly at the man holding him......

…

“This has to take the winning spot of the oddest ascension in heaven's history.” Ling Wen muttered as Xie Lian paced in front of her desk. “A fallen male god, ascends for the third time, in a wedding dress, then inadvertently destroys multiple palaces and an ancient bell.”

“I'll do what I can to pay it all back, but I need to return to the mortal realm immediately!” Xie Lian stated, quickly coming over to her desk. “Ling Wen, A-Ying... he... he's too small. I... can't just leave him alone, especially with someone trying to take him. What if they succeed now that I am not there?”

“Patience Dianxia,” Ling Wen muttered, “I am doing my best to get things taken care of so that you can be reunited... maybe...”

“Maybe-”

“Heaven's Law is complex.” Ling Wen sighed, rubbing between her eyes. “While in most cases, it would be a hard no to you reconnecting with the boy after ascension, his age is... hard to argue against seeing him... and I assume he doesn't know your past, so....”

“Please Ling Wen....” Xie Lian whispered, gripping the desk. “I need to get back to him. I am all he has...”

Ling Wen winced, “I am sorry. I will work as quickly as I can but... not only are you ascended just recent, the damaged you caused needs to be calculated. If I allow you to leave the heavenly realm before that is done, many of the officials you caused trouble for will be livid, believing your fleeing your duty.”

Xie Lian lowered her head onto her desk. He had not felt panic like this in... hundreds of years. But that was cause it wasn't his life on the line. It was his boy's. Xie Lian hadn't even considered ascension during the boys lifetime- knowing his luck he thought he might get fatally injured in front of the boy before ever facing the Heaven's again.

“Can... can someone look after him at least? I know I already owe people much, but... is... there an official willing to go down and check on him? Send a junior or... or something.”

“I doubt it,” Ling Wen admitted. “I can ask Lao Pei or Nan Yang, but....”

“But?” Xie Lian asked, looking up.

He took a moment, realizing her face had straightened out and her expression turned hard. She quickly took to fingers to the side of her head, listening, before looking at Xie Lian with an almost startled look.

“... Dianxia, we need to report to the Place of Divine Might.”

“... What?” Xie Lian stood up straight. “But you said that he was-”

“In cultivation. Yes.” Ling Wen nodded. “But it seems, The Heavenly Emperor has come back early. He is calling a meeting between you, Pei Ming, and Nan Yang, to discuss the events at Mount Yujun.... and It seems the boy is with him.”

Xie Lian almost bolted immediately from Ling Wen's palace, but she quickly called after him.

“Dianxia! Dianxia! The dress! I don't think you should be entering the Palace of Divine Might dressed like that!”

Xie Lian did pause, having quiet forgotten he was in the wedding attire. “... do... do you have any simple white robes I could...”

“I can have some brought just... just don't go see Jun Wu dressed like that...” Ling Wen sighed, rubbing her head.

The robes were delivered through Ming Guang Palace having been held for him after he agreed to be a diversion. He quickly wiped his face and got dressed, rushing up the Grand Avenue of Divine Might. Ling Wen trotted behind, not in as much of a hurry. Many officials he passed, whispered among themselves as he went. Most looked annoyed, others disapproving. Some just snickered, having seen him in the wedding dress upon ascending.

“Does he know not any shame?”

“My question is, why has the Heavenly Emperor returned from Cultivation so quickly? For him? Is the case Ming Guang's looking into really so important?”

Xie Lian heard, but barely listened, rushing up the white ivory steps of the Palace of Divine Might, entering through its grand doors with haste. He only slowed to a speed walk as he entered, out of respect. He bowed his head, ready to apologies for being late when-

he heard laughter.

Xie Lian looked up, down the massive expanse of the Grand Hall where three tall figures awaited him... and one very small one. The first was General Pei, who glanced back, but said nothing before returning his attention forward. The second, who gazed back a bit longer, was a face Xie Lian had not seen in eight hundred years... Nan Yang... or rather Feng Xin, as he had been called back when he was simply Xie Lian's body guard, then Junior official when he had first ascended to the heavenly realm. He hadn't changed at all in appearance over the last eight hundred years, still a handsome young man with a hard face, and skin the color of wheat. Still looking angry even when that wasn't the case, and still standing tall with his shoulders straight.

The small figure there, was in fact A-Ying, who was the source of the laughter. The reason behind the laughter, was the smallest of gestures from the tallest and most intimidating of the three men in the room. This figures sheer appearance grabbed the immediate attention of any who saw him. He had deep obsidian eyes that seemed to shine with something old and wise, where as his face was young, but not so young it was to throw one off. Along his shoulders and chest was bright white armor, that almost glowed all its own, and He stood with an aura of power and strength beyond anyone else present. It was that aura, that presence, that Xie Lian had not dared to meet in those eight hundred years.... and yet, those eyes and aura seemed almost pleasant when he eyed the boy who kept hiding behind his legs.

That was the source of the laughter. A-Ying, the playful boy he was, kept ducking behind the Heavenly Emperor each time he went to look at the boy peering up at him- giggling as if this was a funny game.

However, the next moment A-Ying poked his head out, his eyes landed not on Jun Wu, but his baba who had slowed his pace seeing such a scene.

“Baba!!!” A-Ying squealed, giggling joyously as he ran across the grand hall.

Xie Lian bent down, catching him in his arms, but his face remained serious. While he was more then happy to see his boy... he knew that Jun Wu didn't call meetings- especially small ones without reason.... and he also knew he would never cut his cultivation short without reason. Xie Lian feared, he was already in much trouble just upon his third ascension... but he also was confused, as he didn't understand why A-Ying was brought here, and clearly at Jun Wu's orders.

“Xianle.”

Xie Lian winced. That voice, it was deep yet serene, yet one that captured all attention. It commanded that attention. He looked up, meeting the Heavenly emperors gaze. By this point Ling Wen arrived, walking at a casual pace, and taking her place next to Jun Wu.

“It seems you have joined us. Good. There is much to be discussed, and much to be explained.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Xie Lian bowed deeply, still holding A-Ying who was now glued to him, hugging him and giggling so happily. However, he did give his baba a funny look at least once, before playing with his face and giggling.

Jun Wu smiled ever so slightly then motioned with his hand. A servant of the Palace of Divine Might came in and approached Xie Lian.

“It would be best the boy is not involved during this, Xianle. You understand I trust.”

“I do your majesty.” Xie Lian said, nodding... but.... but he hugged A-Ying a little tighter before setting him down. “A-Ying, I need you to go for a moment. I promise I am not going to disappear again, and I will see you soon... all right?”

A-Ying nodded, but then just hugged onto his baba again. “Ying-Ying knows. Ying-Ying was told before baba came in. Ying-Ying will behave. Promise.”

“You can see him when we talk after this meeting.” Jun Wu cut in, as the servant held the boys hand and walked him deeper into the palace of Divine Might.

Xie Lian felt the weight of that sentence. It was a short amount of words, and yet it carried a lot to it. It meant Xie Lian would either have a lot to explain, or a lot to ask....

Once A-Ying disappeared with the servant, out of site, Jun Wu motioned to Pei Ming and Feng Xin, the later only now looking away from Xie Lian.

“Please explain what your investigation turned up.”

Pei Ming cleared his throat, “Your Majesty, the investigation started as a simple search as to why there were no Ming Guang Temples in that area, given it is my territory. I was being supported by Dianxia, as several small ghosts had the intention of bring his son to the mountain. While I have concluded that the Ming Guang temple issue is a personal matter, as Xuan Ji and I do have a past... it will still become a heavenly matter, thanks to what else was found on the mountain.... this being that we now know who may have been trying to take Dianxia's son.”

“So it was someone else? Who?” Xie Lian asked.

It Was Feng Xin who answered, yet he didn't look directly at Xie Lian as he spoke. “I sent a junior official down to help with the investigation since one of my own temples resided nearby, and could be a useful base of operations. That being said, when investigating, the barrier that surrounded the Ming Guang temple on Mount Yujun was found to not be made by Xuan Ji. In fact, the place where it was found broken led through a strip of forest similar to ones we have seen before....” He paused, cleared his throat and finally eyed Xie Lian again. “Did.. you not see what was there in that part of the forest?”

“What do you mean?” Xie Lian asked, feeling Jun Wu's eyes on him.

“... you said... You informed Nan Feng that you were lead up a path along the mountain and you didn't notice anything odd?”

“Besides the man with the silver butterflies? I mean it seemed to rain for a moment but....” Xie Lian questioned, eyeing Jun Wu and Pei Ming. Jun Wu's face stayed poised, almost stiff and cold as jade, where Pei Ming just moved casually to a new standing position. They may have asked A-Ying what he saw... hence the lack of expression like I got before....

Ling Wen however, spoke up seeming concerned. “silver butterflies? Dianxia, you ran into a man with silver butterflies?”

“Yes...” Why was everyone concerned about this stranger?

“Dianxia, the path you walked up the mountain, that rain... it wasn't rain.” Feng Xin explained. “It was blood.”

Xie Lian's face twisted as Pei Ming cleared his throat. “ That blood was from bodies hung up in the trees for who knows how long- a sort of worship to one of the four Calamities known as The Night Touring Green Lantern Qi Rong. He who has been known to do such a crude and disgusting presentations. This same Green Ghost is a menace to the Heavenly Realm, an Almost Supreme, who is likely the one trying to snatch your son.”

On one hand, that name made Xie Lian more curious then afraid... but then hearing part where Pei Ming called the ghost an almost supreme he mentally sighed. Almost supreme? Your either a supreme or a wrath. You can't be almost supreme. Then he paused. “Who are the four calamities?”

“...” Pei Ming made a face at Xie Lian, almost like he was dumbfounded he didn't know any of this.

Jun Wu on the other hand turned to Ling Wen with a silent gaze. She nodded and proceeded to explain. “The four calamities are ghosts who have been seen to hold enough power to destroy nations if they so chose. The Nigh Touring Green Lantern Qi Rong is the weakest of the four as he is not a supreme. He is the one we believe is attempting to take your son... but it is a second Calamity, a Supreme Ghost King, that is whom you may have run into on the mountain. That one, is Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng.”

“Hua Cheng?” Xie Lian muttered, “That's a rather pretty name... It suites him.”

Pei Ming covered his laugh with a cough, where Feng Xin looked disturbed. Jun Wu just watched Xie Lian with no reaction. As tranquil as an indomitable mountain.

“Yes. He is the most notorious, but not as much trouble... well.” Ling Wen eyed Jun Wu. “He has been trouble before, and we try not to attract his ire. There are two others, but Black Water Submerging Boats is rather illusive and keeps to his domain. The other... that one was Bai Wuxiang.”

Xie Lian tried not to react, but that name had an affect on him. That nightmare was long gone, yet still had a grip on him. His eyes dare not look to Jun Wu, nor Feng Xin as he nodded solemnly. “Yes. I know that one.”

“You're certain Hua Cheng didn't give you trouble?” Feng Xin asked, “If he appeared, it doesn't mean anything good....”

“He really did only walk me up the path to break the barrier... and... help A-Ying when he got lost in the forest.”

“And he is unlikely to be working with The Green Ghost.” Ling Wen added. “even the ghost realm hates The Night Touring Green Lantern.” she paused, then turned to Jun Wu. “Should we assume he was just passing through? He is known for making brash and random actions.”

Jun Wu just nodded.

“So, This Green Ghost... do we know where he is?” Xie Lian asked, “Do we know why he wanted my son?”

“No.” Feng Xin grumbled. “That Xuan Ji refuses to talk. That is unless she meets with General Pei.”

“So why won't you meet her?” Xie Lian asked, looking to Pei Ming.

He sighed. “Cause it wouldn't help.”

Xie Lian was confused, but Ling Wen was quick to give him a short explanation. “Xuan Ji is one of General Pei's old lovers from before he ascended. It really would be something I would have to explain more thoroughly later, but what you need to know is her obsession with Pei Ming is very unhealthy. She very much won't talk even if we let her see him.”

Jun Wu reacted to none of this, keeping a cool expression.

“So we have no idea why he was after my son, or where he is?” Xie Lian clarified.

“No.” Feng Xin muttered.

“I have a guess to the answer as to why he tried to take the boy.” Jun Wu suddenly spoke, looking to Xie Lian with a nod and wave of his hand for the others to go. “However, that concerns only Xianle for now. Please continue trying to get the Ghost Woman to speak. If not, please make sure she is properly secured.”

“Yes your Majesty.” Pei Ming, Ling Wen, and Feng Xin all stated together.

As they left, Xie Lian took a breath, turning as Jun Wu began to walk away. A wordless order was left behind for him to follow. So, he did. He did as he kept his head low. He was like a cat who had been caught doing something they shouldn't, shrunken back and made small.

“Why do you do that Xianle?” Jun Wu asked as they walked past the throne and into a chamber behind it. “do you feel that you must be ashamed of something?”

“...yes...” Xie Lian answered, keeping his eyes on the ground.

“Then tell me, what do you need to be ashamed of?”

Xie Lian was silent and Jun Wu shook his head.

“It seems you wish not to say, or maybe you are not sure what you are ashamed of. No matter...” He paused to clasp his hands in front, as he eyed Xie Lian. “It seems however, that Xianle is all grown up now.”

Xie Lian dared not answer that comment.

Jun Wu continued. “Eight hundred years ago, when I sent you down, I told you to keep in periodic communication with me so you would not have to roll in the mud by yourself. But instead, I hear nothing for eight hundred years and all while you unnecessarily tormented yourself down below. Now, the first thing I hear of you in that time, in eight hundred years, is that you have a son, and are helping with an investigation with the heavens... a banished god working with heavenly officials? Do you not see where that could be troublesome? If it was anyone else, it could have been seen as an attempt to try and win a place back into heaven... but it seems you ascended a third time of your own merit. So that cannot be accused.”

“I am sorry.” Xie Lian muttered.

“For what?” Jun Wu asked. “For causing me trouble?”
“...”

“if it was for those sword attacks then let it go.” Jun Wu stated, continuing forward. “You said it yourself: 'All is forgotten after a stabbing.”

Xie Lian still had no comment. But, as they stepped around a grand mural that separated the Grand Hall from this other chamber, he did have to ask. “you... don't want to ask about-”

“The boys mother?” Jun Wu asked. “While that is a bit of information I do intend to learn from you, do not worry so much. I know he isn't yours.”

“...” Xie Lian couldn't help the sigh of relief that followed that... but he was still curious. “How did his majesty know?”

“I can sense your power, and it has not waned. If you had broken your cultivation five hundred years ago, then maybe I would wonder and not sense it as clearly. But the boy is four, and so your cultivation should be disturbed. It is not.”

“i see.” Xie Lian replied. “Then why do you wish to know about his mother? If it is not rude to ask, Your majesty.”

“Because he isn't your average child.” Jun Wu said, “I believe he is still descended from a god.”

Xie Lian was taken aback by this comment, and was very quiet as Jun Wu took a seat in front of a large map. It covered a great expanse and had thousands upon thousands of shining pearls dotting its surface.

“Bring the boy in.” Jun Wu stated, waving to a nearby palace servant. The servant bowed, and disappeared deeper in as Jun Wu then turned back to Xie Lian. “Xianle, do you know why there is not an abundance of children born of heavenly officials? Especially since not all officials are those whose cultivation refuses that of fleshly desires?”

Xie Lian shook his head. “My path has always been abstinence, so I never thought about such things. But now that you mention it, it should be common if it could happen...”

“and it can happen, but very rarely. This and it is a banish-able offense, so most officials who partake in more carnal desires, usually use their spiritual power to make themselves unable to produce children... This, and if a child were to be born, it could be dangerous, especially for the child.” Jun Wu said, clasping his hands. “A child born of a god is a mortal in almost every possible way, almost the same as if the child was born before the parent ascended.... But, if they are born after, they are born with a heightened sense, stronger body, and more. They are mortal, but they are naturally aware of the spiritual world. The same can be said for the second generation of children born from these individuals. This boy you took in, I believe he is one of these children. Whether first or second generation I do not know.”

“What does My Lord mean by being in danger though?” Xie Lian questioned. “Why would such a child be a danger?”

Jun Wu had a hard expression as he stated the next part. “Xianle, while a god is once a mortal man, they are a god once they ascend. A child who was born of a god, maybe mortal, but in their blood is gilded by the path to ascension. The reason such an act is banish able is the possibility that a heavenly official will try to fill the heaven's with their lineage, as children of gods have a higher chance at ascension, save those whose path is fated by the dao. Spiritual power flows through the boy even at a young age. Even if he does not ascend, but is trained right, he is bound to become an immortal cultivator with great skill, and strength, far above your average cultivator. He is in danger, cause if one finds out his blood, they may try and abuse it, train him to be their key to ascension.. and in the green Ghosts case, one reason he might have interest in the boy, is to consume him.”

“... what?” Xie Lian's face twisted. “What does my lord mean by consume him?”

“The green ghost Qi Rong feeds on human flesh.” Jun Wu stated plainly. “One reason he might be after the boy, is cause consuming him would be nothing to the likes of him, and all that spiritual power already flowing through the boy could be taken by him. This is, of course, only my guess.”

“But... but how do we know A-Ying actually is a descendant and not just... unique?” Xie Lian quickly added, almost panicked. “I mean, he has a strange sense, and is rather aware for his age...”

“There is a test.” Jun Wu said, “But I would also like to know if you have the names of the boys parents.”

“I do.” Xie Lian replied, just as A-Ying was walked in. “There on the token around his neck.”

Xie Lian now believed he understood why Jun Wu had returned from cultivation so quickly. If Xie Lian had brought a child into this world, born of a god, that could be trouble for the Heavenly Realm. If i

Jun Wu raised a brow as the boy rushed over and launched himself into Xie Lian's leg.

“Baba! Baba! Ying-Ying was really good! Just like promised~!” A-Ying said in a sing song voice as he snuggled up to the man.

“Thank you A-Ying.” Xie Lian said, patting his head. “But now I need you to help answer some questions. Ok?”

A-Ying just looked up at him with his head tilted, then to Jun Wu, who watched him with a calm gaze. “... Did Ying-Ying do something?”

“No, you didn't.” Xie Lian replied, “But your answers might help us figure out a few things, like why you were taken away from baba. A-Ying, can you show His Majesty your token I made for you.”

A-Ying looked up at Jun Wu, then down at his chest. He reached in his robe and slid the wooden token and it's cord out from his tunic and toddled over to where Jun Wu sat, before taking it off and lifting it up to the Heavenly Emperor to look. “Mama's name is on one side, First Baba name on the other.”

“I see.” Jun Wu hummed, gently taking the token and rolling it over in his hand. After a moment, he looked to Xie Lian. “I do not recognize the name Wei Changze but Cangse Sanren isn't traditionally a name either, more so a title. Wanderer of the Hidden Colors is an interesting title though.”

“Her teacher was a woman known as Baoshen Sanren. Also a title I believe more then a name. 'Wanderer who embraces the Mountain'” Xie Lian said. “I've always wondered where I had heard that name before....”

“i have heard that name as well. She is an immortal who locked herself away on a celestial mountain. No one knows the location of said mountain... not even me.”

“You don't know?” Xie Lian hadn't meant to sound bewildered, but he did and Jun Wu just chuckled.

“There are things even I can't see, and things I don't see cause they are no harm or concern to the world... and there are things that just escape my notice. I may be Heavenly Emperor but I am not omnipotent.” It was only then his gaze turned to A-Ying. “If you wish for something, you must use your words.”

A-Ying jolted, but then quickly nodded, “Ying-Ying wants his token back... please...”

“I will return it, but can this young one do something for me in exchange?” Jun Wu asked. A-Ying nodded slowly, but still have Xie Lian a look like he was worried. the heavenly emperor continued, “I am going to call in a servant to bring in a collection of small identical cups with covers on them. In one is a small stone that holds a bit of spiritual power from me. A different one holds a small ghost who has been trapped inside. Without looking in them, I want you to tell me which one holds the ghost and which one holds the stone.”

A-Ying nodded again, this time seeming more confident. “Ying-Ying can do that.”

The servant brought out a tray, covered in about twenty small cups, with little paper covers. Xie Lian saw that, they were in fact, all completely identical.

As soon as the tray was put down, A-Ying reached out and picked up a cup near the middle and handed it to Jun Wu. “This has the ghost in it. IT feels cold.”

“Good. And the stone?”

A-Ying looked down, and it took him but a second more, before he grabbed one on the far left and lifted it up. “This one. It feels like you.”

“Feels like me?” Jun Wu chuckled, then took the cup. He opened it and dropped out a small piece of jade that did in fact seem to have but a small bit of spiritual power coming off of it. “Very good Little one. Here.” He returned A-Ying's token, and the boy put it back around his neck. Jun Wu then turned his attention to Xie Lian. “It seems my theory was correct. However, I do find it odd, his senses are more in tune to ghosts then celestial beings. Where did you find him? Was there anything particular about this place that seemed to catch your attention Xianle?”

“Actually... yes...” Xie Lian answered. “The boy was living on the streets of a place called Yiling. Nearby there was a black mountain-”

“The Yiling burial mounds.” Jun Wu interrupted looking stern. “That then explains it.”

“You know that place then?” Xie Lian asked.

Jun Wu nodded. “Several hundred years ago, there was a bloody battle there. So deadly and so harsh that the blood and resent of the fallen soldiers cursed the land of that mountain. Since then, the place had been used as a spot to toss ones unclaimed dead- but that of course only brought more resent and more negative qi to the area. It was within the last two hundred years that the place was properly barred by a clan of cultivators out west. However, even so, the surrounding cities and villages have become more and more sparse, and less and less livable. Most become ill just living near the mountain, thanks to the negative qi that still slips through... however, since the boys senses are of a different sort, he must have, in someways, become immune or hyper aware of the resentful qi.”

“i see.” Xie Lian murmured.

“Xianle, if the boy had been just another child, I of course would not allow him into the heavens- he would not be able to stay.” Jun Wu replied, getting to his feet. “But, as he is not your average child, and he seems to be in enough danger that could upset the heavens if The Night Touring Green Lantern does get a hold of him, I would permit his being here. That being said, I do worry what Crimson Rain Sought Flower might have in all of this.”

Xie Lian bent down to lift A-Ying into his arms, looking into the boys eyes. A-Ying just smiled at him, before plopping his head onto his baba's shoulder and getting all cuddly. Xie Lian smiled back, “I don't know either My Lord... but I do not believe he intended harm. If he had also been after the boy, why not just take him? He had all the ability to and still returned him to me. If he is as much trouble as the other gods made him sound, there is naught I could have done to stop him.”

“he is much more trouble then even that.” Jun Wu said, clasping his hands behind his back and crossing over to Xie Lian. “But since he seemed to not intend anything yet, I will assume his actions were on a whim. Now... Xianle, there is another matter Ling Wen Zhen-jun has brought to my attention. This one regards your ascension.”

“... I am sorry about the bell...” Xie Lian quickly apologized, paused, then added, “And the palaces I destroyed... I can work to pay it all back-”

“Eight million eight hundred and eighty thousand merits.” Jun Wu said, raising a brow.

Xie Lian winced. “... that.... is... I can try to help... it just... might take... a while.....”

“Do not worry about it.” Jun Wu said with a slight chuckle. “Ming Guang agreed to help pay some of it off as a thank you for helping with his investigation, where as Nan Yang has forgiven all your debit to his palace... but I would suggest not bringing this up with him as he has also asked that Ling Wen not tell you that was the case.”

“... oh...” Xie Lian muttered, feeling a bitter sweet feeling in his chest.

“So that dropped down your debt significantly, leaving only a few ten thousand or so merits for small damages. In that case, I can give you a case to work on to pay it off.” Jun Wu replied.

“Thank you My Lord.” Xie Lian bowed, with A-Ying still in his grip, “I am very grateful, but A-Ying he-”

“Can stay at the Palace of Xianle while you are away on duty.” Jun Wu said.

“.... but the Palace of Xianle was torn down after my banishment...”

“I had it rebuilt. Some of my men can keep an eye on him while you descend to fulfill your task.” Jun Wu stated, as if what he just announced was just a new robe he had made, and not a whole palace rebuilt!!!

“T-Thank you my Lord...” Xie Lian replied, unsure if he should laugh or cry. “You didn't have to...”

“I will have Ling Wen bring you the case once you have situated the boy.” Jun Wu said, holding out a hand for Xie Lian to go. “And, before you leave, I must ask, who all knows the boy isn't yours?”

“... I... I mean Nan Yang might know,” Xie Lian commented, “Is something wrong my lord?”

“Xianle, since not even I know the heritage of the boy, it is best assumed he is yours.” Jun Wu said, his face hard. “If the god who conceived the boy is still within the heavens, it means heaven's law has been broken. As I stated before, a child of a god is a banish-able offense. If it is only Nan Yang, I will simply ask he keep this to himself. The two of you should not tell anyone else of the truth till I can figure out who the god is among his lineage.”

“Then, if he really was my son shouldn't I have been banished again?” Xie Lian laughed dryly.

Jun Wu's hard expression turned a little humorous as he shook his head. “Normally, a banished god wouldn't be able to bare children anyway. The cursed shackle would deter most, and in most cases, banished gods don't continue on for very long. You were a special case, as I gave you the chance at re ascension. If you really had a child, that would have been my mistake to bare as well, for allowing such a possibility.”

“Oh...”

A-Ying, who hadn't slept a wink the night before, given all the running around a mountain and such, let out a yawn. Jun Wu eyed him, then smiled at Xie Lian. “I think it would be best to take him on then. I will not bother you much longer Xianle.”

“Thank you Your Majesty.” Xie Lian bowed again, and turned to leave.

“Oh, and Xianle.” Jun Wu called out once more. Xie Lian looked to him. “Welcome back.”

BONUS ART!!!

Chapter Text

'click clack' 'click clack' 'click clack' 'click clack'

The beads hit the drum as the small boy twisted it in his hand. The winter air was cold, he could see his breath, and snow had fallen before... but he was kept warm by a winter coat and having just eaten. A Full bell could do wonders, his mother had said, when pinching his cheeks. She also said she wanted him to eat more, as little boys should. When he pointed out what his uncle had said, about eating only what you need, she had gotten quiet.

She always got quiet when the boy brought up his father and his uncle.

'click clack' 'click clack' 'click clack' 'click clack'

He continued walking, having promised to not go that far from his uncle. And he hadn't. He turned and watched as his uncle spoke to a man about something, and then his brother looking over at him, then smiling. He just watched him back.

The small boy turned, still twisting the drum, and passing by a small alleyway... when he heard a sneeze. IT was a small sneeze. A child's sneeze. He looked over, down the ally, all to see a boy, about the same age as himself, sitting in the cold. He was wrapped in a ratty old blanket, holding three small straw dolls. He looked miserable.

The boy with the drum just watched him, feeling sorry for him, as he saw no one with him. His uncle had told him once, that some people in this world suffer, and sometimes that is how they learn... but sometimes it is also just tragedy. Feeling bad now, the boy turned to go back to his uncle, when the cold boy looked up. He saw the boy with the drum, and he smiled. His smile, for all the cold around him, was very kind and warm....

It reminded the boy with the drum of what his mama said too.

Even small acts of kindness, can mean more then words.

So he gave him the drum. And when that smile broadened, that warmth grew,

Lan Zhan thought he did the right thing, and he wouldn't forget that smile....

“What's on your mind my Xiao Tuzi.”

Lan Zhan looked up and back, his bright colored eyes looking into ones equally as bright, and filled with love. “Just a memory Muqin.”

“A memory? What kind of memory?” his mother asked, continuing to hold the five year old in her lap, brushing her fingers through his hair. “Is it a good memory?”

“...” Lan Zhan did not answer, as he was unsure of how to answer such a question.

His mother was a very pretty lady. Vibrant colored eyes, a smile as delicate as the gentians that surrounded her cottage, and skin a pale color, like freshly fallen snow... but recently, Lan Zhan had taken notice that she seemed paler, and thinner then before....

“Muqin.” His brother, Lan Huan, called out to their mother as he held up a paper. “What do you think?”

“It's beautiful A-Huan.” She laughed, taking it and looking it over, “You are such a good painter. You'll be a master of the arts one day! I know it.”

Lan Huan smiled wide. Unlike Lan Zhan, he didn't have their mothers bright colored eyes.

This was their day, their once a month time to spend with their mother. Lan Zhan had asked his uncle once why the could only see her just once, and he refused to say, looking bitter and distraught. He would ask his mother and she would not answer either, looking distant and sad. He would ask his father, if he had seen the man more then once a year, and if he actually spoke to Lan Zhan during those short moments.

Lan Zhan was only five, his brother turning eight soon. He did not understand the world, not like his mother and his uncle did... even if the prior never got to leave her house. Lan Zhan once asked why she never left, and she just said it was too pretty to leave, and that if she left, Lan Zhan might not be able to find her, how that would make her sad.

“A-Huan, you said your studies have been going well,” their mother said, still brushing through Lan Zhan's hair, “Do you have anything fun to show me?”

“I would...” Lan Huan said, frowning a little, “But Shufu says treating cultivation as a game is disrespectful.”

“I see....” Their mother hummed. Lan Zhan just sat on her lap, not minding the brushing of his hair... until she reached around and playfully pinched his cheeks. “Xiao Tuzi is still so chubby! He's my Xiao Tuzi, and so fun to tease~” she sang before very gently pulling on his ears. “Shall I pinch his ears, or pull his tail? No!” She pulled her hands, up, “Instead I shall love him unconditionally!” with that she hugged him from behind with a tight squeeze.

Lan Zhan was different then most kids. Most five year old's would laugh or whine, or try to run away when their mothers played with them like this. But Lan Zhan didn't. He kept a straight face, and let his mother squeeze him, and tease him, and brush his hair, cause he at least understood that was how she loved him. His uncle loved him by taking care of him and teaching him important things. His brother loved him, by being a middle ground of both his mother and his uncle. Teach him, and tease him, but softer and less noticeable. Why? He didn't know.

Lan Huan said, that when Lan Zhan was born, he never cried or got too fussy. His uncle thought this was very good in a child. His mother said, it was neither good nor bad, just meant Lan Zhan was different. Lan Zhan didn't smile, or if he did, it was very very rare. Not cause he couldn't smile, or he was unhappy, it was simply something about how his mind worked. It was hard to smile.

Lan Huan had laughed when Lan Zhan was scooped up by their mother, who danced about with the small boy in his arms. She sang the song again, sang about her Xiao Tuzi, before plopping him down on a chair and bending down in front of him.

“A-Zhan, your going to get too big.” she sighed, brushing his hair away. “Too big to play with and sing to and-”

She was cut off by a cough. Her own cough. She had abruptly turned her head away and coughed into her sleeve, before eyeing it with a knit brow. When she noticed the boy watching She flicked her sleeve, tucking it away and smiled at Lan Zhan. “Oh dear, it seems I haven't been very careful. I tuckered myself out playing with my Xiao Tuzi.”

“Does Muqin need to rest?” Lan Zhan asked.

“Maybe...” She smiled.

“I think Muqin should rest.” He responded very plainly.

“Very thoughtful of you my Xiao Tuzi.” She replied, cupping his little face, “but... I would like to play with you more. I can rest later, once you two leave today. I only have so much time to spend with my boys.” her eyes looked over at Lan Huan, who she reached out and cupped the face of as well.

Lan Huan smiled.

Lan Zhan just watched her.

She coughed.

Lan Zhan was more concerned about the cough then Lan Huan appeared to be, but continued to let his mother tease him, and play with him. He watched as she would compliment Lan Huan on his art, hug him and squeeze him too. He would laugh, and play with her back, showing more outward joy. Lan Zhan however, could not. Or would not? He was never sure. Lan Zhan loved his mother dearly, but he wasn't sure how he was supposed to act, given how other kids behaved and even his own brother. Their uncle said it was good that he was a calmer child....

His mother said none of that mattered and she loved him anyway.

When their uncle arrived to take them away, their mother wished them both farewell, giving them big hugs, and kissing them multiple times all over their faces.... she felt warm... oddly warm...

Lan Zhan started to walk towards his uncle along with his brother who he held hand. Their uncle was a strict man, but a good man. That is what Lan Huan said. Lan Zhan just never understood why he would never go up to the cottage it self to take them, staying way beyond the gentians for them. Their mother never spoke to him either, staying inside, and waving them off from just within.

Lan Huan said, Lan Zhan might understand more when they were older....

Just as they reached their uncle, Lan Huan let out a small gasp. “I forgot my painting...”

“You will have it returned to you tomorrow.” was all their uncle replied, but Lan Zhan had already turned around, heading back into the cottage to grab it. He had remembered where his brother laid it down, so why not go and grab it himself. It was the nice thing to do. It just so happened, that he was already in the cottage door, before his uncle had called out to him in a stern voice.

…

And it was already too late for him not to see....

He stepped inside, grabbed the painting from a small side table, but stopped when he heard coughing. It wasn't like the coughs his mother had been having before. This one was rough, and wet, and painful sounding. Lan Zhan stepped furthur into the cottage, looked around and.... stopped.

His mother looked up at him.. her hand and sleeve were red... so were her lips. “A-Zhan... why are.. Ah!” She tried to move over to quickly hide herself but also make him get out as calmly as she could. “A-Zhan, A-Zhan my Xiao Tuzi, please, you weren't supposed to come back in here! You need to go back to Lan Qiren....” She caught herself, and coughed, really hard.

The red came from her mouth and hit the floor and Lan Zhan just stared. He wasn't supposed to be in here....

“A-Zhan...” She muttered, trying her best to smile. “Please... Im okay... just go back to your Shufu... I just need to rest now... okay?”

“...” Lan Zhan didn't speak, but he did start to cry. His face was still, no sign of sadness save that single tear as he tried walking towards her, like he wanted to wipe her face for her.

“A-Zhan, you...” She started to talk, but she looked worse and worse... until...

She collapsed.

Lan Zhan tried to help her up, calling out to her, till his uncle came in and pulled him away. A few Lan Clan doctors rushed in as well...

Lan Zhan had heard rumors that his mother was sick. Lan Huan had said that they were not all true... but maybe they had become true.....

…

“Does baba really have to go?” A-Ying asked, as Xie Lian carried him down the Avenue of Divine Might. Eyes watched the two, ones that made A-Ying curious about the looks they gave them. He had seen such looks before. Sometimes it was the wealthy looking merchants who had eyed him and his parents similarly down old roads. His mama had told him it was cause the were just judgmental and to ignore them. His first baba, a man of few words, would always say that, there will always be people like that in the world, and as long as they caused no trouble, not to bother with them. A-Ying saw those looks sometimes from well dressed people passing through Yiling... Either way, the boy knew what judging eyes looked like.

Xie Lian looked at the boy with a sad smile, and nodded to the four year old. “Yes, I do have to leave. I caused some damage when I came up here, and need to do what I can to help fix those things I broke.”

“But can't Ying-Ying go with baba?” The four year old huffed, pouting as he gripped Xie Lian's robes. “Ying-Ying doesn't want baba to go away again. What if baba gets hurt? He is prone to getting hurt...”

Xie Lian sighed, unsure if he should laugh or cry at that. “A-Ying, I'll be fine... plus I am... like the warm people now. I can better protect myself, plus I'll have ruoye-”

“Baba don't feel like the warm people.” A-Ying made a face.
“... what?” Xie Lian raised a brow, slowing his step slightly.

“Baba doesn't feel like the warm people.” A-Ying stated, crossing his little arms, “Baba just... well baba feels like most people, in that he doesn't feel like anything.”

Xie Lian was confused... but then mindless touched the bandages around his neck. A-Ying gave him a funny look, and he just smiled, pulling his hand down. “It matters not. What does matter is this little one getting some sleep. You had a long night and need to rest.”

A-Ying's face only became grumpier, as he glared at his baba. “Ying-Ying doesn't want baba to go away again.”

“I'll be back.” Xie Lian replied. Pressing his forehead to the boys. “And i'll make sure to get whatever I have been asked to do, done as quickly as possible, okay? Just promise baba you'll behave and get some sleep.”

A-Ying pouted more, but paused when he saw someone watching them as they walked. He dropped the grumpy expression and looked at the young man, who was walking along side a few others down the magnificent avenue of palaces and golden paved roads. The man had a pretty face, pale with thin bright lips, and dark colored eyes. His hair was like silk, and his appearance was delicate. That being said, he was dressed in armor alongside his robes, and the feeling A-Ying got from him was... different. This man had a gentle warmth. Like a fire burning on an autumn night, and yet his expression when turning to answer another man's question was with a sneer and an eye roll. So strange, seeing such a cold outward attitude and yet such a welcoming warmth. So... he smiled and waved at him.

Xie Lian raised a brow, turning to look, “A-Ying who are you waving to?”

But when the man had seen A-Ying wave to him, and that Xie Lian was turning, he quickly turned around and started walking the other way...

“Eh?” one of the other men with him called out, “Where are you going? Were you not going to join us?”

“Don't bother him. He probably just didn't want to pass by him.” another one said, blatantly waving to Xie Lian. “You know, everything and the bell.”

Xie Lian had been rather calm up until that point, but when he heard that part he paled. “Oh? Oh!” He called out to the man walking away. “I'm so sorry about the bell! I really didn't intend to hurt anyone!”

The young man paused, back still to Xie Lian and A-Ying who watched quietly. He turned his head ever so slightly, part of his face visible. “It's whatever. Just can't control your power, right Dianxia?” his attitude when he spoke was rather callous, and that just confused A-Ying more.

“Please forgive this one.” Xie Lian chuckled nervously. “Maybe if you give me your palace name, I should give proper apology-”

The other people there jolted, then looked at the young with a vast array of differing expressions. The Young Man however, was almost frozen in place, before turning more completely around... almost glaring at Xie Lian. A-Ying didn't get the anger, but then noticed Xie Lian's face drop.

“.. oh... M.. Mu Qing?”

“Xuan Zhen, why don't we go ahead and grab some drinks?” one of the men said, “Lets just go, huh?”

The young man, who A-Ying now knew was called Mu Qing nodded to the others while still giving Xie Lian a hard look.... but then smirked. “Sure....” he did wait a moment, then smiled as he replied, “oh and Dianxia, congrats on being a father. I'm sure the kid will grow to be just as majestic as you once were.” He said this while rolling his eyes, then turning with a flick of his sleeve.

A-Ying didn't get this guy. His tone and his eye rolling was rude, but the feeling from him was a soft kind of warm. It didn't make sense. So he huffed, crossed his arms, and looked at Xie Lian. “Baba why is he being so rude?”

Xie Lian however, looked distant and sad. When he smiled at A-Ying, he didn't speak. Instead he went back to walking down the avenue of divine might.

Who would have known they would stop again... closer to the Palace of Xianle, but also by a much more comedic scene.

“DO NOT TOUCH ME!”

A-Ying, looked over, confused then immediately excited, “Baba! Baba! It's the pretty jiejie! The one in green!”

Xie Lian had also looked up, and was unsure if he should laugh or cry at the scene ahead of him.

The one A-Ying recognized was Shi Qingxuan, looking as bubbly and warm as ever, but she seemed to blocking the way for the one who yelled to leave. That one being Feng Xin.

“What's the matter?” Shi Qingxuan huffed. “Trying to run off when your doing a nice thing? Why not wait and say hi? I am sure he'll be coming by with that cute little son of his any moment- ah! There! Hi~!”

When Feng Xin who was practically pressed back into one of the walls near the gate of the newly rebuilt Palace of Xianle, he froze, shooting an uncomfortable look over Shi Qingxuan's shoulder at Xie Lian. The later just smiled, holding back a laugh as he held A-Ying who was stretching his little arms out towards Shi Qingxuan.

“Hi Ying-Ying!” Shi Qingxuan giggle, fanning herself a pretty fan, painted with the character for wind on it. “I heard that you got to come up and see your baba. Isn't that special. Oh! Your such a cutie.” She looked up quickly straightened her posture and smiled, “Sorry to bother you Dianxia. I had simply heard the news and thought I might come by and say hello before I had to head out. I ran into General Nan Feng on my way and he was just going to walk of and leave you and your sons things by the gate and not say hi.”

“Our things?” Xie Lian asked, then looked over. Sure enough, there was the large sack that held both all the junk Xie Lian collected, and also A-Ying's blanket and toys. He looked up at Feng Xin, who made a few faces, the cleared his throat, correcting his posture.

“Nan Feng said he found it all at the tea shop near Mount Yujun after you had ascended. Said, that you might want it back.... that is all.”

A-Ying made a face, but was quickly distracted by Shi Qingxuan reaching out and patting his head. “I heard Ying-Ying gets to stay in this palace while his baba is busy. Think of that! All that room to play in.”

A-Ying looked up at the palace, and frankly looked a bit scared. “All of that is baba's?”

Xie Lian frowned slightly, “well... yes....”

“But it's so big.” A-Ying made a face, curling up, “Ying-Ying might get lost...”

“I am sure your baba can show you around a few rooms before Ling Wen Zhen-jun has to come and give him his mission.” Shi Qingxuan said, smiling vibrantly.

A-Ying looked at his father, then the Palace again. “...uhm... okay.... would pretty jiejie come with us?”

Shi Qingxuan seemed to get a giddy smile at that. “Ah, not now. Sorry Ying-Ying. Also, to make it easier you can call me by my name. Shi Qingxuan.”

“Shi-jiejie.” A-Ying said with a playful look.

Xie Lian sighed then looked at the young woman, “You said that you were heading out, Wind Master?”

“Eh? Oh yes.” She clasped her fan and nodded. “I was going to be out on cultivation similar to my brother, the Water Master... you two met him briefly in the city. Well, plans changed as I realized there was an issue I had been pushing off for a while now. Myself and Earth Master Ming Yi will be heading out soon to go look into it, but that's all I can tell you right now.”

“so Shi-jiejie isn't coming inside...” A-Ying grumbled.

“Sorry Ying-Ying.” She said with a playful frown. “maybe another time.... hey, you could maybe ask General Nan Yang.”

They all turned to Feng Xin, who had clearly been trying to find a moment to politely ask to leave. When he saw Shi Qingxuan looking at him expectantly, Xie Lian looking at him with pity, and A-Ying giving him a strange look, he slouched.

“If you don't have time...” Xie Lian tried to help, but Shi Qingxuan shook her head.

“Oh? I heard he had a lot of things canceled today as he was set to meet with the Heavenly Emperor this evening.”

Feng Xin looked more and more uncomfortable, and Xie Lian knew that wouldn't end as long as he was near Shi Qingxuan. For Xie Lian knew his old bodyguards troubles, and how he felt around women.

“I'm sure General Nan Yang would join us if he wanted to, but I am also sure he, much like myself, would rather not keep you from your mission.” Xie Lian said, nodding to the wind master.

“Oh, right.” Shi Qingxuan laughed, “I really should get going. It was nice seeing you again, Dianxia, Ying-Ying. Also, if Dianxia does not mind, I am very willing to keep your sweet little Ying-Ying company in any emergency.”

“Thank You Wind Master.” Xie Lian replied, bowing slighting.

“Bye bye.” A-Ying waved as she went, putting a bigger grin on Shi Qingxuan's face.

Xie Lian shook his head, and turned to Feng Xin, who still looked a little uncomfortable. “if you do not wish to come in, that's fine.” he said this while scooting A-Ying to one arm and going to reach for the bag with the other.

“Ah, I got it.” Feng Xin abruptly said, picking up the bag. “Your arms are full.”

“...” Xie Lian smiled, adjusting A-Ying who was now giving Feng Xin a weird look again. “Thank you.”

Xie Lian looked up at the Palace of Xianle, a slight frown on his face, before stepping inside. It was a place of elegance, and beauty, with red glass and golden tile and.... and a bitter taste that refused to leave Xie Lian's mouth.

The three stepped inside, and Xie Lian quickly went to work, showing A-Ying just a few places to go, as not to overwhelm the boy. There were already a few servants from the Palace of Divine Might there, minding themselves and not bothering the three who ended their walk in a small room overlooking a garden.

“Just stay in those parts of the palace till I get back.” Xie Lian replied, setting the boy down in a chair. “I know it's very big and you'd rather have me here, but I promise i'll figure something else out soon.”

“Something else?” Feng Xin asked, setting the bag down next to the boy and giving Xie Lian a hard look. “What do you mean something else?”

Xie Lian looked over at him, “Well... I mean... a little boy like him shouldn't be up in heaven so much...”

“But isn't he being targeted by the Night Touring Green Lantern?” Feng Xin huffed, “Why would you put him at risk down there? Not to mention Crimson Rain Sought Flower-”

“Me and His Majesty already came to the conclusion that Crimson Rain Sought Flower isn't after my son.” Xie Lian countered. “That being said, I know what Ling Wen told me, but why is everyone so terrified of this person? Is he really that dangerous? All he did was lead me up the mountain and bring A-Ying back to me...”

“Butterfly gege?” A-Ying asked, clearly listening to the conversation. “He was very nice-”

“he isn't nice.” Feng Xin scoffed.

“Your not nice.” A-Ying snapped back, only for Xie Lian to put out a hand.

“A-Ying, he is being nice. He brought your toys back to you. You need to remember to be thankful.”

A-Ying pouted, but still kicked his legs around before saying, “Okay. Ying-Ying sorry and thanks angry gege.”

Feng Xin made a face, and Xie Lian quickly stepped in between them, “Feng Xin, I am thank ful for your help. You didn't have to. Besides we both have somewhere to go soon, so why not leave it here...”

“Jun WU didn't tell you why Hua Cheng is dangerous?” Feng Xin asked.

Xie Lian paused. “well... no, he just said that he is dangerous and trouble for the heavenly realm.”

Feng Xin looked at A-Ying, then back at Xie Lian, before motioning with his head for them to step away. Xie Lian could guess what he was about to be told was serious, so he walked over to the bag, reached in and pulled out the toy drum and straw dolls.

“I'll try to come back and say bye before I go. Please be good, okay?”

A-Ying nodded, and Xie Lian pressed his forehead to the boys before walking away. Once outside the room, Xie Lian shut the door and turned to Feng Xin.

“Why is he so dangerous?”

“He is heaven's scourge.” Feng Xin replied, walking with Xie Lian towards the front of the palace. “out of all the Calamities that exist at this time, he is the only one who has given heaven enough trouble to be deemed a terrible threat.”

“oh?” Xie Lian asked, raising a brow.

“... several hundred years ago, he appeared calling out the names of thirty five heavenly officials, challenging them. The prize was his ashes for them to scatter. To lose, meant they had to step down from the heaven's of their own volition.”

“That's...” Xie Lian started to speak, but then wasn't sure what to say....

“Only thirty three accepted his offer. They were arrogant, thought that it would be nothing... but he beat all thirty three of them.”

“oh...” Xie Lian was rather awed by this. Sure Feng Xin wasn't exactly the most engaging story teller, but still this tale was rather interesting.

“They were a mix of Martial and Civil gods.” Feng Xin continued as they stepped out of the palace. “And he beat all of them at their own strengths. Civil gods in games of wit, and Martial gods in combat... with that devil blade Eming. However, their arrogance didn't end there. Instead of fulfilling their end of the deal, all thirty three pretended it never happened. Hua Cheng was of course offended, and since they wouldn't step down of their own choice he forced them down.”
“Forced?”

“He burned every single one of those thirty three gods temples. All of them in one night.” Feng Xin said, his expression only getting darker. “He not only beat thirty three gods, with little effort, he burned all their temples down in a night. Those gods tried to ask the Heavenly Emperor to avenge them, but he could do nothing. They made the deals, they didn't follow through, and now they suffered. It was only then they learned he was born of Mount Tonglu's kiln- a Supreme Ghost King. All thirty three gods faded into nothing within a short time after, as any time they tried to have their temples rebuilt, they would burn anew... on top of that, they had given their followers visions of the battles, with the expectation that they would win. No one believed in them anymore once it was all over.”

“And the two other gods.” Xie Lian asked as they stopped at the main gate. “You said he challenged thirty five. What happened to the other two?”

Feng Xin looked a bit reluctant to answer for a moment... then sighed. “It was myself and... Xuan Zhen.”

“Mu Qing?” Xie Lian knit his brow.

“I didn't accept cause I didn't know who he was. I wasn't going to fight a stranger without good cause. I don't do challenges like that...” Feng Xin said, then scoffed, “he probably did not accept cause a similar arrogance.”

You two haven't changed much at then. Xie Lian thought before speaking, “So why was Nan Feng so worried about him?”

Feng Xin looked confused, then quickly coughed turning away. “Nan Feng, like all my juniors, knew about Hua Cheng cause even after the trouble with the thirty three officials who he beat, was giving my and Xuan Zhen's palaces trouble.”

“Trouble?”

“Anytime I would run into Hua Cheng on patrol of the mortal realm, or out on other duties, he would attack. Not enough to really kill... more like he was annoyed and swatting away a gnat or bored and playing with an ant. Those silver butterflies are nightmarish and that blade Eming can leave cuts that don't heal fully for months. He is a dangerous person Dianxia, you should be wary of him.”

Just as he finished speaking, Ling Wen arrived. Feng Xin, bowed to her, then with a short goodbye, he left to go speak with Jun Wu. Xie Lian waved after, then turned to the Civil God.

“I have the mission for you.” Ling Wen said, passing over a scroll, “It is nothing major, and won't be too much trouble I believe. But, it will get the job done to finish off what you owe.”

“Thank you Ling Wen.” Xie Lian replied, taking it with a smile.

“How is your son faring.” She asked, nodding to the palace. “It is not common place for small children to be in the heavenly realm, as you know.”

“He... is not that happy.” Xie Lian admitted. “I think he doesn't like all the empty space.... and that I have to leave him here a while.”

She nodded simply. “I know nothing about children, and do not care to learn how to deal with them... so i'll take your word on it.”

Xie Lian understood, and didn't bother her any further. Instead once more thanking her and heading inside....

…

Just as Feng Xin arrived at the Palace of Divine Might for the second time that day, he took pause when he saw someone leaving the Palace. It was General Qi Ying- or rather, Quan Yizhen, Martial god of the west....

Confused, he watched the man heading out, not even giving him a glance as he went. Why had Quan Yizhen been called to the Palace of Divine Might? Instead of worrying too much about it, Feng Xin went on in, where Jun Wu was waiting. The heavenly emperor motioned his hand, and not only was their silence put on the main hall, but all the servants left.

“You called upon me your majesty?” Feng Xin spoke up, bowing deeply as Jun Wu stayed seated on his throne.

“Yes.” Jun Wu answered bluntly, his head rested on his fist and his expression lacking. “Xianle has informed me that one of your junior officials may have told you some information regarding heritage of the child he currently fathers.”

“That he is not Dianxia's flesh and blood?” Feng Xin asked, then quickly replied, “Yes I know of this. But... why does this concern his majesty if I may be so bold?”

“Cause the boy is the son of a god.” Jun Wu answered bluntly, only then sitting up straighter, “And I want to make sure that no one else among the upper court officials is informed of this. You should know what the law of heaven is in regard to this matter.”

“... is his majesty implying that, someone in the heavens has broken heavenly law?”

“That is why I am speaking with you now.” Jun Wu admitted. “I would like your help searching for the Immortal known as Baoshen Sanren. Ling Wen has very little in information regarding such a person, and if she is real, then she remains hidden from even me. To keep this under wraps it is only you and Qi Ying who will be working on this case, and I ask that you report in from time to time to keep other officials from getting too curious. Qi Ying is only involved cause no one will question his being gone for long periods of time, and he doesn't ask questions for extra information... I am stating he doesn't know why I have asked him to search for an immortal named Baoshen Sanren, and his ignorance on that should not change. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes your majesty.” Feng Xin bowed.

“good.” Jun Wu hummed, “Then General Nan Yang, should you find her, bring her to me immediately. I do not believe the father of the boy is the official in question, as the bloodline is too pure, meaning either the mother lied and is a heavenly official herself, or she is the child of an official, in which case, I want to know what her teacher knows.”

Chapter Text

Within the scroll Ling Wen had given Xie Lian was a simple mission, really something that would take care of what he had left to pay off.

For the past several months, prayers have come in from a village out west. Farmers within the village report that livestock have been going missing, and being found with their bones picked clean. It has caused such devastation, that the common people of the village fear that once their livestock are all gone, whatever is killing them will move on to them. This is the third village with the same problem for the last five years, and the last village was abandoned out of similar fear. Just a few days ago, five youths went out into the fields to find the beast, and only one came back. His parents and the families of those who are missing have sent all the can in prayer to the heavens that the beast be caught and killed. The surviving boy claimed to see a wolf the size of a bear, but won't speak further, as he has gone mute from shock. Find the beast and eliminate it, and all merits from the case will go to paying off your dues. If you need it, Please report to the palace of Ling Wen for any assistance.

However, recent report says to expect cultivators in the area, as the village is in the territory of a large cultivation clan. If they intervene please keep heaven's laws in mind.

By the Heaven Official's Blessing no paths are bound,

Xie Lian thought this task simple enough. A yao beast most likely, something with a pattern, something that could be caught... but why only now would a cultivation clan be taking action, if the issue had been going on for some time? Of course, it was not Xie Lian's place to judge, and still, he had now way of knowing if they had or hadn't been informed of the trouble.

“A-Ying, I am about to head out!” Xie Lian called out walking deeper into the palace, before stepping into the room he had left his boy in. “I wanted to say goodbye before I....”

He paused, looking around to not see him there at first. The room wasn't very large compared to the many others in the palace, and he hadn't thought the boy would leave. As he glanced around he finally looked down and over to see A-Ying sitting on the floor- correction, under a small table with his toys and his old blanket. The four year old was teary eyed and easily close to falling asleep, how droopy they were. His straw dolls were all clutched to his chest as he peered out from under the small table up at Xie Lian.

“... A-Ying...” Xie Lian called out softly, coming over and bending down “A-Ying, what's wrong? Why are you hiding?”

“... Ying-Ying bad....” A-Ying whimpered, starting to tear up more. “Ying-Ying got mad at baba...”

“How does being upset with me make you bad?” Xie Lian hushed, smiling at him as he reached down and pulled him out, all swaddled up in his blanket. He crossed his legs and sat with the boy in his lap. “There will always be days where one might get upset with someone. That doesn't make them a bad person.”

“But baba is nice...” A-Ying whimpered. “and... and if Ying-Ying bad, he can't show baba that he is nice. If Ying-Ying upset, baba might get upset, and Ying-Ying would have to leave...”

“Who said anything about you leaving?” Xie Lian spoke gently, never losing the soft smile on his lips. “There is no reason you would need to leave me A-Ying. Sure we not be right beside each other all the time... but i'll always come back for you.”

“Even when Ying-Ying mad?” A-Ying whimpered clutching onto Xie Lian.

“Even when A-Ying is mad at me, I will still come back, because... I love him very much.”

A-Ying shoved his face into Xie Lian's chest, and all the later could do was sigh softly. He carefully stood up, still swaddling the four year old. He paused only to pick up the drum off the floor, and carry the boy and his things to a divan nearby. Xie Lian laid him down, and bent beside him, brushing back his hair.

“Get some sleep. Okay?”

A-Ying nodded, then slowly twisted his face. Sitting up slightly. “Baba, the angry gege...”

“His name is Feng Xin.” Xie Lian said, patting his head. “But you should call him Nan Yang when around others, okay?”

A-Ying's face only twisted more. “Is it Nan Yang or Nan Feng? Cause back on that scary mountain, Angry Gege called himself Nan Feng.”

Xie Lian blinked at A-Ying, before slowly smiling wide. “So you noticed then?”

“Noticed what?” A-Ying pouted more. “No one feels the same, and Ying-Ying noticed that, while a different face, Nan Feng is Feng Xin... or... Nan Yang..... or... He's angry gege...”

“So no one has the same feeling?”

“Well... little ghosts do... Ying-Ying thinks.” A-Ying mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “But the scary lady and Butterfly gege felt... different.” he yawned. “and none of the warm people feel the same at all.”

“I see.” Xie Lian nodded, smiling to himself. “Well, 'Nan Feng' is the name and face he made up to come talk to me... but I don't think Feng Xin knows we know. He wouldn't know about your little gift.”

A-Ying made a little 'oh' sound before rubbing his eyes again.

“Get some rest.” Xie Lian whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of the boys head. “i'll be back soon. Once I have this all taken care of, I wish to find a place for the two of us... okay?”

A-Ying nodded as his head was laid down on the divan... and he fell asleep so quickly after. Xie Lian brushed his hair away again, and stood up. He almost didn't leave, but knew he had to. So.. he turned, pulled out the scroll once more and headed out of the Palace of Xianle.

…

When A-Ying awoke, almost seven hours had passed by. He started to call out for his baba, but slowly and groggily remembered that Xie Lian wasn't there. Thinking about that made him tear up, and he had started to cry. It was quiet at first, with him just rubbing his eyes, but soon he was sobbing. It was the kind of cry any four year old would have when they were very close to their parent. One that was heartbroken cause he didn't understand why his baba had to go away. He used to be good about not having those... but then his parents... his mama and first baba never came back. Maybe that is what made A-Ying so upset when Xie Lian wasn't there. Sure when in markets, A-Ying had Ruoye and Xie Lian would only be gone a short time, but this was different. That bright light had scared A-Ying. He didn't want the bright light to take his baba again... or rather he didn't want to part from Xie Lian so soon.

When a servant of the Palace of Divine Might came in to check on him, to see what was wrong, A-Ying just cried even harder. He didn't know why. Cause he was just a four year old. Maybe it was the person not being his baba that made him even sadder. The servant clearly didn't know what to do, so just kept a serious face and watched him. When he didn't stop crying for another several minutes, the servant slowly became visibly distressed.

“Why are you crying?”

A-Ying tried to stop, but he just hiccuped and started to snot.

The servant made a face, then slowly put his fingers to the side of his head, entering a communications array. A-Ying of course didn't know what he was doing, and started to whimper and snot all over himself. A Little boys troubles were something that would seem so benign to an adult, never the less an immortal, but were so big and terrible to him.

Finally the servant seemed to relax. “Come here.”

A-Ying was wary, only cause he was upset, but still nodded, getting off the divan. He only stopped when his drum fell off too, and hit the ground with a thud. He looked down, picked it up, then finally came over, pressing the flat of the drum to his mouth. There were still tears in his eyes.

“His majesty said I can take you out to the heavenly gardens if you would like.” the servant spoke, almost lacking any tone. “But you must stay away from the streams, and stay in sight of me. Do you understand.”

A-Ying nodded, and followed after the servant.

They left the Palace of Xianle, and A-Ying was quick to notice they were followed by two other servants. It felt strange, as A-Ying had never had servants, and so did not understand why these men were following him around. Eventually they arrived at the heavenly gardens, and A-Ying was overwhelmed.

For one, they were massive, and expansive. There were so many plants and trees and birds... but more importantly, there were so many people who let off their own unique warmth. Sure some were similar, but none the exact same. It was all too much and A-Ying wanted to go back... but he also was worried he would be rude....

He started to cry again, after just having stopped. This seemed to irritate the servant who brought him here.

“little one, stop the tears. There is no reason to be crying this much.”

“It seems Dianxia doesn't know how to raise kids if his one brat can't stop crying..”

A-Ying looked over to the one who spoke, just another figure in a crowed of many. He had been whispering to another next to him, and they both chuckled.

“It really is much to kind of his majesty to allow the brat in the heavens- after all it means that the fool not only broke his cultivation, but also broke heavenly law. But I guess you can't banish a god for something he did while already banished. Ha, only the fool can claim that.”

This made A-Ying more upset, and gave them a hard look. This caused the two to make their own faces, before wandering off into the gardens. A-Ying stopped crying, but was now just grumpy. He found a spot on the ground and plopped right down on his behind, his face an angry snotty mess.

“Ying-Ying want baba.”

“Dianxia Xianle is out on mission, and will return when he has completed it.” The servant tsked, becoming more and more stiff with the boy.

“Ying-Ying still wants him...” A-Ying glared at the ground. “Ying-Ying doesn't like this place.”

The servant let out a harsh breath through his nose. He glared at the kid, like he was about to snap at him when-

“Oh? Hello there.”

A-Ying glared up, still upset and grumpy as someone had started to walk past. However, A-Ying did not stay grumpy long, as something about this person felt....

Well for starters, the young man had a radiant smile. He had a thick brow, and eyes that sparkled like stars. He looked like a hero out of one of A-Ying's bedtime stories his mama used to tell him. This was only emphasized by the feeling he got from the man. The young man felt warm, like a blanket, or something homely and comforting. It matched his aura so much, A-Ying thought he might be a hero out of a bedtime story. So... A-Ying smiled.

“Dianxia Tai Hua, please don't mind him.” The servant from the Palace of Divine Might spoke up. “He is acting rather... childish for reasons out of our control.”

“... not to be rude, but he looks three. Shouldn't a child act childish?” The young man chuckled rubbing the back of his neck.

The servant's brow twitched slightly, and A-Ying huffed. “Ying-Ying four, not three.”

“Ying-Ying?” The young man smiled down at him. “Is that your name?”

A-Ying nodded.

“Well, Ying-Ying, why are you acting all grumpy? It's nice out here today, and there is lots of room to play....” He then made and 'ah' face and snapped his fingers, “But there is no one your age to play with. There are no other children here, isn't that right?”

A-Ying frowned and nodded. “And Ying-Ying's baba had to go on a mission, cause he broke a lot of stuff.... and he dropped a bell on someone.”
The servant coughed, cutting in, “Dianxia Tai Hua, please don't bother your self with the child. If your busy-”

“Not at the moment I am not.” The young man said, grinning wide. “Actually I was going to walk around the garden for a bit to just greet a few people before heading back to my palace. I am in no rush.” He then turned to A-Ying smiling bright. “In fact, why don't a use my free time to help you keep this little one company. I played a lot of fun games when I was his age, I am sure he would enjoy- and ones that won't bother a lot of the other officials in the garden.”

The servant frowned at first... but after a moment, seeming to listen to something in his ear, he became rigid again, but nodded stiffly. “That is fine.”

The young man nodded back, then put his hands under A-Ying's arms standing him up. “Well, Ying-Ying, I am Lang Qianqiu. Now we know each others names. Why don't we play together?”

“Okay!” A-Ying nodded, his smile big as he was feeling a lot less stressed now that he seemed to have made a friend.

…

It would be Xie Lian's luck that right after leaving the palace of Xianle, he would fall from the ascension gates to the mortal realm with as much grace as a goose who just got kicked by a horse. In fact, he not only fell hard, he crashed through trees as he hit the ground... and several hours away from his original destination. He even almost lost his bamboo hat, which besides Ruoye, had been the only thing he had grabbed to take with him!

All he could do was sigh, brush himself off, bandage himself up, and start walking. Xie Lian really hoped that, with some spiritual power now, he could at the very least heal up enough not to worry A-Ying when he got back. He had already decided that, once he was done paying off his debt, he would take his boy back to the mortal realm. A-Ying needed people, children, to be around. He needed a place to run around and be a kid. And.... Xie Lian needed a shrine. It was unheard of, his idea, to build his own shrine. But of course it would have to be done. The original Temples and shrines dedicated to him were long gone, and no one had heard of his ascension so no one would pray. In fact, it was often thought he was the god of misfortune, who would bring bad luck to his believers... not that he had any.

Whatever the case, he wanted to find a quaint little village in the central plains, with lots of space for A-ying to play and grow. And, if such was the case, Xie Lian could find if there was someone willing to keep an eye on the boy should he need to leave to go to the heavens for any reason... that is if Jun Wu didn't request the boy come up as well... or if Jun Wu would even permit the boy leave. That worried Xie Lian as, he didn't want to go against the heavenly emperor's orders, but he also didn't want A-Ying trapped in a big place with no real outlet for a growing boy...

Heaven wasn't really designed with children in mind...

As Xie Lian made his way further and further west, he had paused in a small town to grab some scrolls, discussing gods and tales. He knew he wanted to get around learning of some of the gods of this new era, but was sure some would not talk to him directly. As he walked down a dirt road, with a warm sun bearing down on him, he swept glances over the scroll.

Sure enough he found a lot- including the four famous tales. Sure his own story was clearly lacking any mention of Xianle, and what happened to the Prince who Pleased The Gods, but it was still famous..... he guessed. Then there was the princess who slit her throat, The General who broke his sword, and the god who poured wine. Only two of these he knew he had met the individual in question. The general who broke his sword seemed to be Pei Ming, but much like his own tale, very little was found in the story save remnants of what was truth. The other, was clearly about the wind master. Except... he was very confused as to why the tale called Wind Master a man, where as most sections of the other scrolls... well, they called Wind Master a woman, but some clearly tried to claim her and her brother the water master were actually husband and wife! Remembering the little he had met of Shi Wudu, Xie Lian was certain this interpretation of he and his siblings relationship was probably despised.

On the note of Shi Wudu, Xie Lian found quiet a lot on him. For one, not only was he the god of water, but also the god of wealth.

“How does one become the god of wealth?” Xie Lian muttered, a slight chuckle in his tone.

“When you are the god of the sea, and rivers, which merchant ships pass over a plenty of times, of course those merchants would pray to you for safe travel.”

The further out west one went, the less forests covered the roads and hills. So, Xie Lian had been walking a rather empty field, save a few trees here and there. It just so happened that along the road side was one low hanging tree, and sitting upon it's lowest branch with his leg dangling over the edge, was a youth of around sixteen or seventeen. He had been the one to speak.

Xie Lian slowed to a stop, smiling at the youth with both curiosity and a bit of awe. He dressed rather wealthy, in a maple red tunic and black fur boots, like a young lord who had gone off to play. He had a boyish charm about him, devilish and playful, with sparkling eyes. Fair skin, pale like snow, was his complexion and he wore a lose ponytail in his black hair. he laid back so casually and lazily, that it was like he was treating the branch more like a cushioned divan then hard, knotted, wood.

“You seem quiet the knowledgeable young man.” Xie Lian complimented, “Must of had a good education then?”

The youth smiled charmingly, but shrugged rather languidly. “I just like to know things. I read many a thing. For example, Did you know that the Water god is also called the water Tyrant?”

His attitude along could explain that, Xie Lian thought, remembering how callous and stiff Shi Wudu had been, “Why is that?”

“Well, if one does not pray to him for safe travel, he is known to cause storms to sink their ships.” The young man answered, swinging both feet over the edge of the branch and dropping to the ground. “Sounds like a tyrant to me, hence the nickname... kind of like the Sweeping General and General Ju Yang having their own nicknames.”

“I guess so.” Xie Lian chuckled a little as he spoke. He didn't know Ju Yang was... but the sweeping general, that was Obviously Mu Qing... and if he had heard that, he would probably have become insensibly enraged. After a moment Xie Lian tilted his head, “Might I ask what a young lord such as your self is doing alone on an empty road side?”
“Eh, my parents had a fight and kicked me out. I've been wandering wherever the roads may take me ever since.” The youth said this so casually, as if it meant nothing at all. “Might I ask this Daozhang why he is traveling similarly?”

Xie Lian thought about it for a moment, then decided that to speak just a little wasn't going to hurt anyone. “This Daozhang is headed a bit of a ways westward, as I heard of a small village in need of some assistance. Thought I might lend a hand.”

“Sounds adventurous.” The youth said playfully. “This Doazhang sure seems to have an interesting life.”

“No, I simply need to get a job done.” Xie Lian replied, starting to walk along once more. “I have someone to get back to as soon as I can.”

“Oh?” The youth called out, starting to walk along next to Xie Lian. “And who does this Daozhang have waiting for him?”

Xie Lian turned to answer, and was almost shocked into silence given how tall the youth was. “... oh... my son...”

“Your son?” the youth asked. “But Doazhang looks so young~” This was clearly a tease more then a honest point.

Xie Lian smiled anyway, stating a simple, “He's four.”

“Ah.” The youth nodded along. “I see. But if he is so young, Why is he not with Daozhang?”

“The duty in question, keeps me from taking him with me till I am done. Simple as that.” Xie Lian answered. “After I am done, I wish to make it up to him.”

The youth was still smiling, but Xie Lian couldn't help noticing the smallest hint of bother in the youths eyes.

So, to change subject, Xie Lian smiled and asked, “My friend, you seem rather knowledgeable about gods, but what about ghosts?”

This seemed to intrigue the youth, as he raised a brow. “Which Ghost?”

“Crimson Rain Sought Flower.”

This question brought a very interesting look to the youths face. It was a smile most curious, and most mischievous. “What would you like to know?”

Xie Lian watched him thoughtfully for a while as they walked, before finally managing to make up his mind on what to ask. “The name Crimson Rain Sought Flower, evokes quite the imagery. Do you know where it came from, my friend?”

As the youth walked casually beside him, he fixed his sleeve and spoke with a lack of concern in his tone. “Nothing major really. Just that there was once an incident where he cleaned out the nest of another ghost, and a shower of blood rain poured down from the skies. He saw a flower was getting battered by the blood rain, so he tilted his umbrella and shielded it.”

The image in Xie Lian's mind was rather elegant, and yet could not help but laugh thinking about those thirty three temples. “Does Hua Cheng pick fights often?”

“Not often, depend on his mood.” The youth answered.

“What was he like before his death?” Xie Lian asked.

“Not a good person.” The youth replied.

“What does he look like?”

The youth glanced over at Xie Lian, tilted his head, then smiled. “What do you think he looks like?”

Xie Lian really couldn't help but admire how beautiful the youth was, now that they had walked beside each other for a ways now. He couldn't help but have to lower his gaze, defeated by how mesmerizing his appearance was. “If Hua Cheng is a big-shot ghost, I am sure he has many forms and changes often.”

“Yes, but there are still times when he would have to use his real face. His true form I mean.”

“Then maybe his true form is a youth like you?” Xie Lian looking back up at him.

“Why do you say that?” The youth asked with an upturned grin.

“No reason. You say whatever and I think whatever, and everything is whatever, that's all.” Xie Lian replied, waving a hand.

The youth laughed, and shrugged. “Who knows? But he is blind in one eye.” He pointed to his right eye. “This one.”

“Is that so? Do you know what happened to his eye?” Xie lian was even more curious.

“That is the question.” The youth replied. “many want the answer, but none know it.” when Xie Lian stayed quiet, the youth shrugged again, and stated so calmly, “he dug it out himself.”

Xie Lian was taken aback. “Why?”

“A moment of madness.” the youth answered.

Xie Lian was only becoming more and more curious about this Crimson Ghost King... but there were a few more questions he wanted answered. One such question was more so for A-Ying, “Are his silver butterflies really so dangerous?”

“Only to his enemies.” The youth answered with a smirk.

Xie Lian nodded, then pressed on, “Does Hua Cheng have any weaknesses?”

It wasn't that he really wanted an answer to that question, more so he was curious to see what all the youth knew. If Hua Cheng's weaknesses were so easily known, then whatever rumored weakness was couldn't possibly be true.

But the youth answered immediately, “His ashes.”

Xie Lian couldn't help but laugh at this. “There is probably no one in this world who could dream to obtain his ashes. So that weakness is the same as having no weakness.”

After all, if on owned the ashes of a ghost, one could command that ghost to do whatever he so please. And if the ghost disobeyed, then by getting rid of the ashes, the ghost would dissolve and its soul disintegrate.

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

“Like the bet with those thirty three heavenly officials?”

“Yeah, right.” The youth scoffed.

Xie Lian didn't need to ask about that. Basically, it was an unspoken sentiment, that Hua Cheng never would have lost.

The youth crossed his hands behind his back, walking still beside Xie Lian and spoke clearly. “There is a custom in the Ghost Realm where if a ghost has a special someone, they entrust their ashes to that person.”

“I didn't know the Ghost realm had such a romantic practice...” Xie Lian commented, thinking such an idea both charming and passionate.

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

Xie Lian wasn't surprised. It was not only ghosts who deceived humans. There were humans who deceived ghosts too. There must be endless tales of manipulation and betrayal. He let out a sigh, “It is certainly a painful thing to think about. To give everything for love and lose it all in return.”

This caused the youth to laugh uproaresly. “What's there to be afraid of? If it were me, i'd have no regrets giving away my ashes. Who cares if they want me to disintegrate or just scatter the ashes for fun!”

Xie Lian raised a brow, smiling softly. After a moment, he realized his rudeness. “Oh dear, my friend I do not believe I have caught your name.”

The youth raised a hand, blocking the sun which seemed to only get brighter as they walked. It almost looked like he was glaring at it as he spoke, “Me? I am third in my family. They call me San Lang,”

Xie Lian knew he purposefully didn't say his full name, and also it wasn't his place to ask. So he just nodded and replied, “My family name is Xie, given name is Lian. It is nice to meet you, San Lang.”

Chapter Text

San Lang followed Xie Lian the rest of the way, all the wat to the small village out west. the sun was almost readying to set by the time the two had reached the point in the journey that they could see rooftops peaking out over a short hill in the distance. The two had talked for hours on end, the entirety of the way. Most of the talking was San Lang, answering questions, and telling Xie Lian stories and ballads he knew off the top of his head. He told him some things he knew about the gods, and some ghosts- one ghost in particular, was one he had meant to ask about much sooner, but had lost track of it listening to the youth.

“My friend, do you know anything about the Night Touring Green Lantern.”

“Yes. He's trash. Next question.” San Lang answered, a mean smile on his face.

Xie Lian actually laughed a little at this, before shaking his head. “What I mean is... does he actually eat humans? I heard he does- and I of course know that such a thing isn't unheard of in ghosts, but how I heard it...”

“He does.” San Lang nodded. “He eats people, but not because he hungers like some ghosts. He also doesn't eat them cause they wronged him. He simply eats them cause he views everyone lower then him... and to copy Black Water Submerging Boats.”

“How so?” Xie Lian asked.

“He has a similar copying trick he uses, but to copy Crimson Rain Sought Flower.” San Lang added while nodding. “He hangs bodies upside down and lets their blood drain from them like rain.”

“Blood rain.” Xie Lian answered. “So he's nothing more then a copy cat.”

“A terrible one at that. Utter trash.” San Lang repeated with a huff.

Xie Lian nodded along, but then became a little serious. “So, given he is willing to take short cuts to copy power... would it not surprise anyone if he were to... be willing to eat a child, if it meant it would give him more power?”

San Lang was quiet for a moment, and when Xie Lian looked over at him, his face was emotionless. “He would.” was all he said.

Then maybe he is trying to steal A-Ying to eat him... I won't ever let that happen though... Xie Lian thought as the conversation died.

San Lang really was a knowledgeable person, so well versed in fact, that Xie Lian was suspicious. Not in a, his life was at risk sort of way, but rather a curious one. So after a while longer, walking in partial silence given the last part of their conversation had been so morbid, Xie Lian decided he would try something. One to get an answer, the other to lighten the mood.

“My friend, have you ever had your fortune read?” Xie Lian asked as the town got closer into view.

“Maybe once.” San Lang chuckled, quirking a brow. “I don't really allow a fortune to decide what happens to me... why? Does Daozhang want to read my fortune?”

“I mean, if you wanted me to.” Xie Lian replied, looking ahead a bit bashfully. “I know a bit of palm reading....”

“Here then.” San Lang said, holding his hand out for Xie Lian to see. “Does Daozhang see anything?”

Xie Lian slowed his pace slightly, turning to take the youths hand for better inspection. He was startled then, when San Lang flinched his hand away from his touch. Looking up, Xie Lian noticed something dark cross the youths face, and his heart sank a little.

I really thought we were getting along back there... did I do something wrong?

San Lang seemed to notice Xie Lian frowning at him, and he smiled. “Sorry, I just wasn't thinking about you needing to hold my hand. Just got startled Daozhang.”

oh.. maybe he's just doesn't like touching people then... Xie Lian thought as he smiled back. “No, it's fine, I should have asked. Here, could you please let me see your hand?”

San Lang smiled back, but he still took a moment before giving Xie Lian his left hand.

When Xie Lian carefully went to look at the hand, he couldn't help but admire it. It was long and elegant, and yet seemed to have strength hidden beneath muscles. It was a hand that one wouldn't want to have choking their throat. Xie Lian was careful to barley even touch it, especially after San Lang's earlier expression.

“So?” San Lang asked.

Xie Lian took his time, then slowly said, “You've got a good hand.”

“Oh yeah? How so?” San Lan asked.

Xie Lian raised his head and said warmly, “You have a strong character, extremely stubborn, but whenever you run into obstacles you remain true to yourself and manage to transform the bad to good. You have a bright future my friend.”

All this was complete bullshit he had made up on the spot.

Xie Lian had never learned palmistry. When he was still banished, sometimes he would regret his days being so foolish and young, not to learn palmistry from the Xianle State Preceptor. If he had such a skill, then earning a simple wage would be nothing! He wouldn't have to busk or shatter boulders on his chest.

In all reality, Xie Lian wanted to see the youth's fingerprints and palm prints. Normally ghosts and some yao could fabricate fake bodies and pretend to be human, but their craft was rough and often overlooked minute details. Such as fingerprints and palm-prints. The reason Xie Lian even questioned the youth being a ghost was two simple things. The first was where he was when Xie Lian found him. In the middle of nowhere, on a road heading towards a village that had been plagued by some kind of beast, and abnormally friendly towards a stranger like Xie Lian. While this alone could just be a young master really having run away from home, it was the second part, being how much San Lang knew, that really made Xie Lian curious.

But... The body of this youth appeared all together normal with no sign of magic undulation around him. If he was a ghost in disguise, then he had to be a caliber greater then a wrath to create such a flawless disguise. But why would a Ghost King of such status spend an evening just chatting with Xie Lian on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere? Maybe if A-Ying were here, he could possibly see? No, he's much too small to know how to search for clues, and I am certain a ghost king could hide his... whatever it is that A-Ying can sense...

Surely just as most heavenly officials were constantly busy, shouldn't ghost kings be busy too?

San Lang watched him the whole time unblinkingly, before smiling and chuckling under his breath. “Got any more? Hm?”

Xie Lian could only bullshit so much... “Is there something else you want me to look at?”

“Don't fortune tellers always talk about love and marriage?” San Lang asked.

Xie Lian cleared his throat and replied solemnly. “To be honest, I'm actually not that great at fortune-telling, so I don't know how to predict relationships. But I don't imagine you have anything to worry about.”

San Lang arched his brows. “why do you say that?”

Xie Lian grinned. “There must be tons of girls with crushes on you.”

“And why do you suppose so many girls must like me?” San Lang asked.

Xie Lian was just about to answer, to follow the flow of conversation... when he realized the kid was trying to manipulate him into praising him. Helpless and amused, Xie Lian just rubbed his forehead.

“San Lang...”
That was the first point all night that Xie Lian had called the youth by name. Because of this, San Lang just smiled and didn't bother him any further about it.

When they finally reached the village it was rather quiet. Sure, evening was here and the sun was now on the horizon, but the silence was much more disturbing then just simply that it was getting late. No one was outside at all.

“Seems rather quiet.” San Lang stated, clasping his hands behind his back and looking about. “Daozhang, isn't it scary?”

He didn't sound scared at all.

Xie Lian just shook his head at the youth, before stepping towards a house. He knocked upon the door, and someone called out to him rather hastily.

“Whoever it is, go away! It's too late to be comin a knock'n! Plus A-Fu isn't here!” the voice was that of an elderly woman, cranky and rather annoyed. “She might stay here, but this ain't no doctors home!”

“Apologies Madam, I am not from around here,” Xie Lian called out, keeping his tone polite and gentle, “I am Daoist priest, and had heard about this village having some trouble and came to aide.”

“A Priest?” She huffed, then there was the sound of a latch being undone. She poked her head out, her gray hairs pulled back in a stiff bun to keep it out of her face. “Eh, you really are a priest... a scrappy lookin' one though... but a pretty face.”

Xie Lian just smiled, finding her bluntness a tad amusing, “Yes, this maybe the case, but I came to give a helping hand none the less. Would you mind pointing me to the house of the village chief, so I may speak with him on the matter of your troubles.”

“eh, don't bother.” She humphed, then eyed San Lang with a slight smirk, “You and this gongzi best just get going. Those cultivators took about all the money we gathered to pay for the beast to be slain.”

“what Cultivators?” Xie Lian asked, remembering the scroll Ling Wen gave him mentioning a cultivation clan in the area.
“rather rude ones if you ask me.” The old woman scoffed, “Especially the boy. Acting like a spoiled little lord he was. Demanded the pay first. What was the chief supposed to do?”
“Well, I wasn't here for the pay.” Xie Lian said, “I only request that should I help alleviate this villages troubles, that you all take time to thank the heaven's above.”

The old woman smiled, “Ah, your one righteous Daozhang then. Need more people like you. Stop demanding us village folk have to pay to deal with a problem. With what money, huh? That beast eat'n up all are money! All the livestock we've been losing, you know.”
Xie Lian went to say more, polite talk, but San Lang cut in with a slight tilt to his head. “Would you happen to know the name of the cultivation clan that showed up?”

“I don't keep up with that stuff.” The older woman shook her head, “Just that they had red suns on white robes and acted all high and mighty.”

White robes with red suns? Xie Lian wondered, thinking he had seen such a robe before. then noticed San Lang scoff. “Do you know them?”

“There is only one cultivation clan in all of cultivation world that would ever compare themselves to the sun. That would be Wen Clan.”

Xie Lian thanked the old woman again, and headed to the direction she pointed them in. That being the village chief's home. It was the largest house in the area, but not by much. Pausing just before heading on Xie Lian glanced back at San Lang.

“It was good to have your company, but are you really going to follow me the whole time?” he asked with a chuckle in his tone. “It might be come dangerous for a youth such as yourself.”

“I have nothing else to do,” San Lang said languidly, “besides, what your doing sounds fun. I would like to...” He voice trailed off as the door to the village chief's house opened up. Xie Lian looked up as well. Coming out was a tall woman, dressed in very plain robes. Her hair was braided back into a tight bun, and she kept her eyes low to the ground. However, when she noticed the two staring, she glared at them... San Lang in particular.

“Who are you?”

“A-Fu?” A man called out, coming up to the door, “Is something the matter?”

“There are strangers here chief.” She said stiffly, not leaving her eyes from San Lang. The later watched her back with a smile.

The Village Chief, an older man with a beard stepped out as well, raising a brow at the two. “Can I help you?”

“One of your villages elderls pointed me to your door.” Xie Lian replied bowing, “I am but a humble cultivator and heard about some trouble out this way, thought I may come and help solve the problem.”

“We already have the other cultivators here, we don't need you.” The young woman snapped, glaring at Xie Lian. San Lang stepped forward just slightly, and the woman gave him a weird look.

“A-Fu...” The village chief chided, patting the woman on the shoulder, before turning to Xie Lian. “I am so sorry about her, she means no ill will.”

“Speak for yourself.” The woman grumbled, then stepped down from the house. She seemed to keep a wide berth from both Xie Lian and San Lang, walking away with a hard expression on her face.

The village chief seemed saddened by her coldness, but still warmed up to greet the two there. “I really must apologies on her behalf Daozhang, Ye Fu isn't normally this cold... just to strangers.”

“It's fair to see people wary of others they do not know in troubling times.” Xie Lian replied.

“While that is true, Ye Fu has had it worse then some.” The Village Chief said, “You said you were here to help with the beasts?”

“Beasts?” Xie Lian frowned. “I thought it was only one beast.”

“We did too, till one of the Cultivators among the group helping us pointed out what he found.” The Village Chief sighed, then motioned the two in. “Not to brush you off Daozhang, your help is much appreciated, but this Wen Clan said they had it taken care of as long as we paid them. Since you traveled so far, why not come in for a drink- you and this gongzi with you.”

Xie Lian looked to San Lang, who shrugged. “It's up to you. As I said, I am just along for the fun of it.”

Xie Lian shook his head and turned back to the Village Chief. “Thank you, but instead, let me ask a few questions and then you can point me to where these Wen Clan Cultivators are staying. I am not against working alongside anyone. I am not looking for any pay, and simply asking that if I help with this trouble your having, you take the time to give offering to the heavens.”

“Oh... well that is kind of you Daozhang... but...”

“I can explain myself to them, and if need be I am willing to just assist.” Xie Lian spoke up, seeing the worry on the man's face. Whoever this Wen Clan was, they most likely bullied the chief about the pay. so calming him and being willing to take the blame on his behalf was something Xie Lian was more then willing to do. “Now, about those questions...”

For the next couple minutes, Xie Lian gathered some information from the village elder and learned a few new things outside of the information Ling Wen had given him. For starters, this had in fact, been happening to another village a ways up the road, out north. It was the same story, but it had an ending. A bad one.

for many months the village out north had live stock going missing. It first started as a few, then more, then almost all their animals were being taken or found dead. The only reason they knew it wasn't a person, was that the animals found dead, were torn apart with their entrails everywhere. Truly a disturbing sight. When the men finally took action after a child had been killed, not a single man came back. After that, most the villagers chose to give up their livelihood and leave- one such individual was the villages doctor, Ye Fu. She came to this village to help around where she could, and was given lodging and care.

Then about a week later, the animals began to go missing. Then came the incident with the group of youths traveling out to find the beast, and only one came back. This young boy, who was now mute from fear, was the Villager Chief's son, and why Ye Fu had been at his house.

“She is such a kind soul.” The Village Chief sighed. “She's been taking care of my boy ever since the attack. I hope you two can now understand why she is so stiff.”

“And what about the beasts, plural?” San Lang asked, leaned against the house side, picking at his sleeve with a bored expression. “I thought you said something about that.”

“Yes, well...” The village elder shifted on his feet from standing at the door so long. “Those cultivators had set up so they could catch the beasts the night prior and found that not one, but six giant wolf like creatures were behind this.”

“ That is...” Xie Lian murmured. A lot more then I had planned for, maybe I should ask Ling Wen for some help... “And do you know where these cultivators are set up camp?”

“At some woods near the edge of the farm lands.” The Village Chief said, pointing out towards the fields. In the distance Xie Lian could just make out some trees. “It's not a terribly big forest, but it is dense, hence why it has been so hard to find the lair of the beasts...”

“Quick question,” San Lang cut in, raising a hand. “Is that forest a good distance from the other village?”

The Village Chief looked at him a little startled. “Oh? Well... I do believe so. Maybe a couple kilometers east of it....”

San Lang looked at Xie Lian, who nodded then bowed to the village chief. “Thank you. We'll be on our way then.”

“Please take care.” He said, then added, “But... could you please leave if those cultivators ask you to. I don't want them thinking-”

“I'll take any blame they try to send your way. if I am too much trouble for them Then it is me that is their trouble, not you.” Xie Lian answered him as he started to leave. “Take care.”

As he and San Lang started to walk away, Xie Lian couldn't help but let out a small laugh. “You know, it's one thing to come along and get a show, and another to put a word in of help.”

“And how am I helping?” San Lang teased, glancing at Xie Lian with a grin. “I just asked a few of my own questions. Curiosity you know.”

“And what good are they to you? Does this San Lang want to be a cultivator too?” Xie Lian joked.

“Nah.” San Lang waved him off. “I just am a naturally curious person I suppose.” He then pouted, cocking his head to the side, “Daozhang, if this is Wen Clan, you know their Zongzhu is a quiet ruthless individual. He won't allow anyone to night hunt along side his cultivators- especially if it's members of the Wen Clan's main family hunting these beasts.”

“Even if they don't want me taking their prey, I have a duty to fulfill.” Xie Lian countered. “The sooner I get this done...” he paused, not realizing what he was just about to say to this.. well... stranger. He didn't know San Lang, save his name, and yet he had gotten so used to just chatting with him over the course of several hours, that he just about admitted to something... then thinking it over... he chose to admit to it anyway, “Sooner I get this done, the sooner me and my son can find a little place to live.. hopefully for a while.”

San Lang eyed him softly. “Hopefully?”

“I have terrible luck.” Xie Lian admitted with a chuckle. “If I were to look for a needle in a haystack, I would get stabbed by it multiple times and still never find it. Knowing me, even if I found us a little place to call home, I fear it would never last.”

“I see.” San Lang spoke, “That is oddly funny. I have too much good luck... ha! Maybe I can rub it off on Daozhang, let him borrow some of it if he likes?”

Borrow luck huh. Xie Lian chuckled to himself. “If only. But, maybe if I find a place, San Lang could visit. I am very certain my A-Ying would find you very charming.”

This seemed to make San Lang smile even brighter, truly a handsome face. Xie Lian looked away, realizing just how charming he really looked for a youth. Heaven's forgive me for staring so much!

Remembering the task at hand, Xie Lian carefully entered the communications array.

“Ling Wen Zhen-jun, I may need some assistance with this case. I have just learned there are more then just one of the beasts. About six actually.”

“Then I have some good news for you,” Ling Wen answered back through the array. “Someone had volunteered to help you with this case. They should have been on site but a short time ago.”

“Oh? I haven't-”

Just as Xie Lian was saying this, a commotion came from just up ahead.

“What do you not understand about the word Leave.”

“And what do you not understand about, I don't take orders from your lot.”

Xie Lian looked up, the Wen Clan's camp coming into view. It was a good sized camp, made up of a few tents, each well made and decorated with elaborate red sun patterns. At the center of the campsite was a group of men, all dressed in white robes with red suns on their sleeves, save two- the two arguing. One was a young man, in his mid, maybe late twenties, dressed all in black. He had a hard face and a serious attitude about him that made him seem older then he was. The other was a youth, about eighteen or nineteen, also dressed in black, with a delicate face. While he looked rather elegant in appearance, he rolled his eyes at the older man in black.

“Dianxia?” Ling Wen called out through the array.

“Never mind. I think I found him.” Xie Lian sighed, then ended the contact.

“This is a night hunt being done by Wen Clan. I ask once more that you leave.” The man in black repeated, his expression calm yet hard. “Wen Zongzhu's orders.”

“I. Don't. Take. Orders. From. You.” The youth in black repeated, scoffing at him. “And when did night hunts become restricted. There is not first come first serve or taking them over. You just hunt the beasts and be done with it.” as he said that, he seemed to see the two approaching out of the corner of his eye. “seems I'm done talking with you. But that doesn't mean I am leaving-” The young man came to a halt, then turned completely, shooting a glare past Xie Lian and pointing an accusatory finger at San Lang. “Who is that?”

Xie Lian gave him a look, and the youth in black went stiff, seeming to realize something. He straightened up and rushed over, grabbing Xie Lian by the arm and pulling him away. San Lang smiled almost mischievously at the youth in black, before his gaze went to the man with the cultivators. He tilted his head, scoffed, then turned and rejoined Xie Lian.

The man in black was watching him when a different cultivator, a young man with flames at his collar stepped out of a nearby tent. He wiped his hands on his robes as he approached, having been taking care of something.

“Wen Zhuliu, is that gongzi still giving us trouble?”

“Not at the moment, but he might come back.” the man in black said, before turning to the young man. “We'll return to preparing for tonight immediately.”

“Thank you.” The young man said, then glanced the way the youth had gone. He paused a moment, staring at the back of the one in white.... Then his expression changed to something like recognition. He stood there a moment, then started to rush off in the direction the youth in black had gone.

“Dianxia, what are you doing with that guy?!” The youth in black snapped in a low voice, once he was out of earshot of the cultivators.

“I would answer, but it seems I do not know your name or your palace.” Xie Lian responded plainly. “It is only fair that I should know these things before you start making demands of me. You seem to know me, but expect me to know you. Why?”

“....” The youth paused, then scoffed, pulling back and rolling his eyes. “It's Fu Yao. I'm from the Palace of Xuan Zhen.”

“Glade to meet you.” Xie Lian replied.

“Daozhang, who is this?” San Lang Called out, walking up with a smile. He had just caught up and was wearing an innocent expression, “Is he a servant of yours?”

Fu Yao shot him a dirty look as Xie Lian shook his head. “No, he's just someone who came ahead to assist me. Don't worry about it San Lang.”

“Better question is who are you and why are you here?” Fu Yao snapped.

“Daozhang, this assistant is rather rude.” San Lang replied, ignoring Fu Yao completely.

“That's enough.” Xie Lian quickly pipped up, stepping between the two, “San Lang is just a young man I met up with on the road. He has been keeping me company the whole way here. Now, why don't we just stay calm and focus on the task.”

“You just 'met up' with him on the road?” Fu Yao gave him a hard look. “Dianxia, how is that remotely safe? You can't just pick up random stray-...” he was cut off as footsteps approached behind them. Fu Yao, already annoyed turned with a glare, snapping out a“What?!”

The young man in white robes with red suns that approached, stepped back and shot Fu Yao a dirty look. Then his eyes met Xie Lian's.

“... Ah!” Xie Lian brightened up, “I know you.”
“I thought I recognized you.” The young man said, now completely ignoring Fu Yao, and his mood changing to something warmer, “Your that Daozhang with the silk band and the little boy...” he paused, “Who isn't present? I guess if your night hunting he wouldn't be, he was so very little...”

The young man before Xie Lian was a man he had run into, a good time ago while researching what he could on Baoshen Sanren. That was where he had recognized the robes. It was the young man whose children A-Ying and Ruoye scared. was it A-Ning and A-Qing that was their names?

“Ah, right, I forget myself.” the young man said, bowing his head in respect. “My name is Wen Jaihao. I am a doctor among the Wen Clan's main family. It is nice to meet you again Daozhang.”

“And I am Xie Lian. I am a simple Daoist Cultivator. No clan to speak of.” Xie Lian replied, bowing back. Then, much to Fu Yao's disgruntled expression, He added, “Sorry about my assistant Fu Yao. He should have waited for me, so I might explain why I am here.”

Wen Jiahao frowned a little. “Well... about that...”

“Jiahao-xiong.”

The young man turned with a frown, and Xie Lian recognized the man walking up as well. It was the Zongzhu from back then, the same young face, yet imposing presence.

“Ah, Zongzhu.” Wen Jiahao replied, bowing to the man who approached, followed by the man in black... he was also followed by a boy- maybe ten years old, with his own serious expression, and imposing presence. Wen Jiahao continued, “Please forgive this one, I had just recognized this Doazhang from not so long ago and decided to say hello.”

“Jiahao-xiong is too polite.” the Wen Zongzhu laughed, then gave Xie Lian a dirty look, “Talking kindly to useless vagabonds and their kin.” His eyes did land on San Lang, who was the most well dressed of the three, and he raised a brow but said nothing more. After that he turned back to the man in black. “Wen Zhuliu, I thought I ordered you to make the fool leave?”

The one called Wen Zhuliu made no excuse, nor apologized and simply lowered his head.

“Wen Zongzhu I presume.” Xie Lian spoke up, taking no offense to how the man spoke to him, but bowed respectfully and spoke with courtesy. “I have heard that you do not much care for the presence of other cultivators within your night hunts-”

“And so why are you still here?” He asked almost annoyed even though he was smiling. It was like he was two faced, yet fulling expressing it. He was talking like he was being polite, but everything else seemed to ooze with arrogance.

San Lang's own expression darkened as Xie Lian just spoke still rather politely. “Cause I have no intention of taking this hunt from you or your clan. I have no desire for glory, nor gold. I simply ask to help you, and that the villagers take time to thank heaven once the beasts have been dealt with.”

The Wen Zongzhu actually raised a brow at this, seeming baffled by such a claim. “No desire at all for glory nor gold? Is this Daozhang serious?” When Xie Lian just smiled and nodded, he laughed. It was rather cruel laugh. He then turned to Wen Jiahao and grinned, “Do you hear that Jiahao-Xiong? He'll help us freely? He really is a daoist of the purest nature.”

The claim was full of sarcasm and a bitter kind of humor. Xie Lian just smiled through it, having been treated a thousand times worse.

Wen Jiahao smiled as well, keeping his eyes off of Xie Lian. Almost like he was worried about staring at him too long.

“All right then Daozhang,” the Wen Zongzhu said with a wave. “I'll let you help. If only cause you made me laugh. However, If you or either of your acquaintances get in the way, or are harmed, its on you. You take care of yourselves, and follow what my men say. Make sure that dog of yours stays on a tight rope.” the Wen Zongzhu waved his hand towards Fu Yao at that, and the later was livid. He then paused a moment, and added with warning, “Oh, and don't piss me off.” he turned casually, waving to the ten year old with him. “come now A-Xu.”

“Yes Fuqin.” the boy answered, watching the three with a blank expression, before doing as he was told. The one called Wen Zhuliu followed closely after that, but Wen Jiahao stayed behind.

“I would listen the most to that last part.” He said, finally looking at Xie Lian. “Don't piss him off, but also don't garner too much of his attention. Do those two well and you'll be fine.”

“I think you should just ignore him completely.” San Lang said in a teasing tone. “Why bother even helping him if he's just going to be a problem either way? I think he's rather rude.”

“Those are dangerous words little friend.” Wen Jiahao said, “You don't know the man like I do-”

“I've heard enough about Wen Ruohan to see where your coming from.” San Lang interrupted, “I just don't care.”

Fu Yao glared at him, then at Xie Lian. “If he ruins this mission, you know it's on you right?”

“Me? Ruin something for gege? Never.” San Lang said with a smile most mischievous.

Gege now? What happened to Daozhang? Xie Lian thought with a bit of chuckle.

“What I heard about Wen Ruohan is he is a cruel, merciless man.” Fu Yao stated with a scoff, giving Xie Lian a look of warning. “Pissing him off would be bad. He's a tyrant who is more willing to kill then ask for help- and not like he needs any. If rumors are true, he of all the Zongzhu's of highest calibure in the Cultivation world right now, is the most powerful.”

Wen Jiahao made a face, and Fu Yao rolled his eyes.

“Oh please, don't tell me your mind washed by the man like the rest of his servants-”

“No.” Wen Jiahao smiled, yet his eyes had a harshness to them. “He is very powerful, and extremely dangerous. I am one who would know it best.. I grew up with him. He's my cousin.”

Fu Yao face dropped a little as Wen Jiahao turned back to Xie Lian. “It is nice to be seeing you again Xie Daozhang. But please, don't let your assistant's put you on my cousin's bad side. If not for your sake, then your sons.”

San Lang seemed to eye Wen Jiahao as he bowed to Xie Lian, turned and headed back into the camp without another word.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian had sat down under a tree near the camp. He had just spent a short time, getting bits and pieces of the Wen Clan's plan to take care of the Yao Beasts, and why they were especially so rude about his, San Lang, and Fu Yao's presence.

The boy there, a child named Wen Xu, was the eldest son of the clan leader, and on his first Night Hunt. It seemed that the target of tonight's hunt, these wolf like beasts, were intended to be boys first kills. That was why the other two, Wen Zhuliu, and Wen Jiahao were present as well, besides their clan Zongzhu, Wen Ruohan.

Wen Jiahao was a doctor, as he had stated before. That, and he was Wen Clan's top doctor, mostly working with the Main Family. He had spoken to Xie Lian the most during their wait for night to fall, and ended up talking about himself a bit. He brought up his two kids, and his late wife, as well as his mother, and his sister. Xie Lian spoke fondly of remembering the man's two children, and he laughed, saying his daughter definitely remembered A-Ying and the silk band. He then had asked about Ruoye, and Xie Lian showed him he still had the device, and like he had said, had a mind of it's own. Wen Jiahao was very intrigued by the silk band, but Xie Lian couldn't help but feel like others were watching too....

Wen Zhuliu on the other hand was apparently Wen Ruohan's personal student, a young man who had started cultivation late in his life. Even so, Xie Lian could sense he was rather strong in spiritual power. After hearing the name, Fu Yao mentioned hearing that name somewhere before. San Lang then stepped in and told Xie Lian that this man was none other then a cultivator known as Core Melting Hand. The title had become known only a few years ago, after Wen Clan went and fought a rival Cultivation Clan. It ended with the main family losing their golden cores, all thanks to Wen Zhuliu's unheard of technique- hence the name Core Melting Hand.

“Such a technique is rather unique and interesting.” San Lang had said, looking terribly bored, and glaring at the setting sun. “Too bad it's use it reduced to the action of a body guard and less of a tested cultivation technique. Could actually mean something then...”

He wasn't quiet, which seemed to anger Fu Yao, as a few eyes did look their way.

“Dianxia, are you really sure you can trust him?”
Xie Lian looked up from where he sat under the tree, to Fu Yao's annoyed face. “What ever do you mean.”

“You don't find him odd?” Fu Yao asked again. “He knows a lot, you say you just met him on the side of the road, and he isn't showing any fear to the situation were in- isn't that odd to you.”

“It is.” Xie Lian admitted, “And I don't think he's 'normal' either.”

“Then why are you-”

“Because I have no proof.” Xie Lian admitted, looking over to where San Lang was leaned up against a tree, picking at his sleeve again. “His hands had defining features, like prints. And this camp has marks around it to stop ghosts other types of specters from crossing into it- see.” He pointed to one of the sun patterns on a tent. “Then Wen Clan infuse characters into their decorations, allowing them to be both visually appealing, but also able to keep creatures and specters out. And those same marks basically make it where no such things could even enter the camp site, but San Lang still comes and goes as he pleases.”

“So your just giving up on seeing if he's a ghost.” Fu Yao tsked.

“No, I have one more test.” Xie Lian admitted, “Albeit a silly one. But, after I try that, should you find a method that doesn't involve attacking or hurting him, be my guest.”

Fu Yao gawked as Xie Lian got to his feet and walked over to San Lang, who immediately looked over to him with a smile.

“Gege? Do you need something from me?”

“Actually, I was going to ask you if you would like some help.” Xie Lian replied, smiling sheepishly, “Your hair is...” he pointed to San Lang's pony tail, being lopsided but generally fine.

“Oh? Did I mess it up?” San Lang asked, not even going to mess with it or see if it was actually messed up.

“Would you like me to re tie it for you?” Xie Lian asked. He could almost hear Fu Yao's eyeroll from all the way over here.

“That would be very kind of you.” San Lang agreed with a soft chuckle.

So, Xie Lian sat down behind San Lang on the ground, and let his hair down. Just like with finger prints and hand prints, ghosts could also look over details like hair strands. Some ghosts, kept their hair up and out of the way, to seem less suspicious, but in reality, their human disguises just had hair seeming to act more like dark blobs then actually hair. But... it was not the case for San Lang. In fact, as Xie Lian brushed his fingers through it finding each strand it's own, he couldn't help but be awed by how soft the hair was.... he couldn't help but drag his finger through it a few more times just to feel it-

“Are you having fun back there gege?” San Lang joked.

Feeling flushed, he quickly tied back up San Lang's hair. “Done.”

He stepped back, shook off his odd feelings, then looked back only to feel like he could die right there. San Lang's pony tail was even more lopsided now, and yet he still had youthful charm. He rubbed his forehead as San Lang felt it, only to chuckle and give Xie Lian a funny smile. Xie Lian however, didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

Just as Xie Lian was about to ask San Lang for forgiveness, Wen Zhuliu had started to call for everyone to gather around. San Lang looked at Xie Lian expectantly, as if waiting for him to go first. Xie Lian sighed, giving up on any attempt to redeem himself of his sad attempt at a investigation. As he walked over to the group around the fire, Fu Yao got up close.

“What was that?” he hissed.

“Forget it.” Xie Lian sighed. “Just remember what I said with your attempt. Don't do anything drastic.”

The three stood just outside the circle of cultivators, where Wen Ruohan stood back with his boy, looking a bit annoyed and bored. Wen Jiahao stood next to him, looking up towards Xie Lian with a quick smile, before looking away. Xie Lian still didn't quite understand why the man refused to acknowledge him too much while Wen Ruohan was present. He reminded himself to ask once the mission was complete, before the could part ways.

“Listen carefully.” Wen Zhuliu said, motioning towards the fading sunlight. “Once the light is gone, we work in the dark. The beasts will come out from just a short distance down the way, assuming they follow the same path every night to get to the fields. Everyone will make a formation, and not attack till the first shot is taken. That shot being Wen Xu's.”

Xie Lian looked over at the boy, who had his head held high, like a spoiled little prince. He was only ten, but it was already clear he took after his father in many ways.

Wen Zhuliu continued, “His shot should also be the last shot. Do what you can to support him, and don't get in the way. All Wen Clan Servants and Cultivators will make a half circle formation in front of the boy, where Wen Zongzhu will stay back and watch from a distance. Anyone messes up or falls behind, he will see. As for you three,” He looked to Xie Lian, San Lang, and Fu Yao. “Stay to the side, and only assist if asked.”

“How is that helping?” Fu Yao asked, getting annoyed. “You might just never ask us to assist.”

Xie Lian gently elbowed him in the arm. He gave Xie Lian a hard look, as he bowed and said, “What Fu Yao means to say is, we can be of much more help then simply back up.”

Wen Ruohan glanced over at them, a slight scoff on his breath.

Wen Zhuliu was straight forward, turning to Fu Yao with a hard look, “If you don't like these orders, then leave. Wen Clan won't bend to any change made by outsiders.”

“But what if your plan ends up failing?” San Lang suddenly pipped up, getting him a harsh look from Wen Ruohan. “I mean, your putting a lot of faith in the idea that these beasts are going to show up the same way they did the night before. They could be a lot more intelligent then your assuming.”

“We are not fools.” Wen Xu suddenly chimed in, glaring at the youth in question. He might have been just ten, but Wen Xu spoke with authority. “and these are just mindless yao beasts who prey on what's easy to consume. What intelligence is there?”

San Lang just gave the kid a snarky smile, and said nothing more. This annoyed the boy.

“Who even are you? You have no sword, and you aren't dressed in any uniform. If your not a cultivator then who are you and why are you even here?”

San Lang still didn't answer. This time however, he seemed to notice something as he turned and looked towards the edge of the camp. Wen Xu about to call out to him again, when Wen Ruohan put out a hand.

“Wen Zhuliu, it seems we have an audience.” He said glaring to the edge of the camp as well.

Xie Lian and the rest turned to look, and found a young woman standing there, carrying a basket of what looked to be meat and a few herbs. The one carrying it was none other then Ye Fu, the village doctor. Xie Lian immediately turned to San Lang, and when he looked back, he knew they were both having the same thought.

“Miss, I ask that you leave.” Wen Zhuliu said, his expression void and empty. “It's dangerous to be out here.”

“Really?” She asked with a scoff. “Didn't know that. It's not like we hired you to take care of anything.”

“That's rather rude way to speak.” Fu Yao commented with a tsk.

Like you have room to talk. Xie Lian kept that thought to himself however, eyeing as the last bits of sunlight, the sunset hues, vanished into a dark night sky. He quickly stepped forward, “Miss Ye is it? It would be best if you went back to the village. Night is fast approaching, and you really don't need to be here when that happens.”

“The village Chief asked me to deliver this.” She replied defensively. “Thought it might make a good extra gift to your lot... not that most of you aren't spoiled for a good meal.”

“A gift given by a sour woman isn't a gift at all.” Wen Xu suddenly pipped in, “A lady should speak with more gentleness.”

“Wen Gongzi, watch yourself.” Wen Jiahao spoke softly. “If your mother heard you, she would pinch you.”

The ten year old pouted as Wen Ruohan let out a dark chuckle.

Ye Fu on the other hand, clearly found what the boy said repulsive, as she made a face. “As I said. Spoiled.”

“Miss, please leave.” Wen Zhuliu repeated. “We don't need anything of what's in the basket, and when the beasts arrive, we would much rather have no civilian's in the way.”

“I'm just doing what the chief asked me to...” She retorted.

Suddenly, San Lang spoke up, his tone curious. “Quick question, why meat?”

Ye Fu looked over at him. “What?”

“Why would the village Chief send meat?” San Lang repeated pointing at the basket. “If your livestock is your villages main food source, and that is what is being threatened the most, why give away so much freely? Especially after having lost so much money to pay off these cultivators?”

“Who cares?” Wen Xu chimed in again. He walked away from his father, around the camps edge with a hand on a sword at his waist. “We aren't taking the meat anyway, so who cares if they waste it as a 'token of appreciation'? It's their loss, not ours.”

Wen Jiahao frowned, stepping towards the boy. “Wen-gongzi, don't stray too much before the mission starts.”

“Leave him be Jiahao-xiong.” Wen Ruohan chided, looking bored and annoyed. “Wen Zhuliu, just drag her out of here if she's going to refuse to leave.”

“Of course the brat is not berated by his father...” Fu Yao mumbled under his breath. He rolled his eyes as well, then glared at the woman. “Just hand it here and go.”

“Wen Zhongzhu, can I ask a question first?” Xie Lian pipped up, stepping between Wen Zhului and Ye Fu, the later of whom was looking a bit uncomfortable. He had also stopped Fu Yao from going over to her, and the youth gave him a hard look for it.

“What question could be so important?” Wen Ruohan sneered. “This is getting ridiculous. IF you want the meat, you take it- then leave. Your lot is annoying me.”

“It's just a basket of meat?!” Fu Yao snapped, rolling his eyes again, “Why are we arguing about that-”

“I am afraid we can't leave now.” Xie Lian replied, cutting Fu Yao off and turning to Ye Fu. “As San Lang pointed out, why even bring the meat? I don't think it's for us, is it?”

Ye Fu paused, glaring at Xie Lian. “Of course it's for you. Why else would i-”

“Then bring it here.” Xie Lian cut in, holding out his hand for the basket. “Come into the camp and put the basket in my hands.”

Wen Jiahao looked over then, having caught up with Wen Xu. He seemed to understand what Xie Lian was getting at, as he tried tugging Wen Xu back towards the center of the camp, his expression suddenly very serious.

“Don't pull on me.” Wen Xu snapped, jerking his arm away.

“Wen Gongzi...”

“Miss Ye, why don't you bring the basket to me?” Xie Lian repeated, his expression soft.

“Why can't you just come and grab it from me, then I can head back home.” She snapped back. “I am just trying to be nice-”

“Is it that you don't want to come into the camp, or that you can't come into the camp?” Xie Lian cut her off. “Cause I think you want us to take it for a different reason then a gift. And part of that reason is why you want us to come take it from you, and you haven't actually stepped inside the camp.”

It was true, through out the entire conversation, Ye Fu had stayed outside the camp, keeping only to it's edge. She hadn't once stepped across.

It was only then that Wen Ruohan must have caught on, as he suddenly straightened up, looking less board and much more interested. He pointed at Ye Fu, and smiled a bit wickedly.“Come into the camp.”

Ye Fu's more arrogant expression slowly fell away, turning to a worried one. She looked at everyone, then back at Xie Lian. “... why can't you just come get it, so I can go home.”

“Cause your leading the Yao Beasts to us.” Xie Lian said, giving her a slight frown. “Cause your one of them, aren't you?”

With that, Ye Fu's expression darkened greatly and with out warning, she threw the basket to the ground. Xie Lian's face shifted to concern, when all it's contents scattered- revealing most of the meat was raw... and some pouches, that once they struck the ground, blood busted out from them. the thing about Yao beasts... was they were highly attuned to the smell of blood... that, and some of it splashed onto one of the tents... breaking the array that had been what was keeping Ye Fu out.

One of the cultivators quickly grabbed a bow, meaning to launch an arrow after Ye Fu, but that was when Wen Xu gave chase.

“Wen Gongzi!” Wen Jiahao yelled, making a grab for him again.

“Get off!” was all the ten year old said, rushing after the woman. His only care now, seemed to be to get the first kill of the night... but he was a little late on the uptake, only noticing at the last second, as something big came out from the trees close by. Wen Xu looked up, eyes wide, as a massive wolf, about the size of a bear, lunged out at him. It's maw was big enough, that it could and was just about to, bite the boy in two. Wen Jiahao was about to jump in the way- pray that he made it in time to shove the boy out of the way- when something white flashed past him.

Just as the giant wolf like yao beast chomped down, Wen Xu was wrapped up in something and it jerked him away.

Xie Lian pulled Ruoye back, catching Wen Xu before setting him down, then rushing to send the silk band out again. Ruoye wiped out, cutting the beasts face and it let out a horrendous cry. As it staggered back, it only had a moment to regain itself before Wen Ruohan was in front of it. With a flick of his wrist, he struck the beast in the chest, and it exploded into a mist of guts and blood.

Xie Lian didn't react, only thinking that Fu Yao had been right about how strong the man was. Just then, howling came from the nearby woods. Not just the howl of one beast but several.

“Everyone get into defensive positions!” Wen Jiahao barked out, pulling out a sword of his own, “Guard Wen Gongzi, and keep your senses peeled! We know at least one of them can change form so don't lose your wits!”

“She was a Yao?” Fu Yao huffed backing up to Xie Lian, “why didn't you say something sooner?!”

“There wasn't enough evidence yet.” Xie Lian retorted, “You can't just attack someone based on suspicion alone.”

“She was trying to get these cultivators killed.” He argued.

“And she could have just as easily been actually delivering food.” Xie Lian argued back.

Out from the trees came several massive figures, each a wolf like beast with sharp teeth and claws. With the barrier broken, they came in without fear, attacking the Wen Cultivators head on. Wen Ruohan didn't even flinch at the ones that came to attack him, either immediately defended by Wen Zhuliu, or he was was able to retaliate with little effort.

“I thought you guys said seven! I count nine of these things!” Fu Yao called out, readying to attack.

“Fu Yao, create a new barrier- don't worry about fighting them.” Xie Lian said, cutting him off.

“Excuse me? We need to kill them-”

“And we will deal with them later.” Xie Lian said, stepping away and sending out Ruoye again, to smack a beast back. “First thing is to fix a new barrier between us and them. We clearly don't know how many there actually are. San Lang i- San Lang?” He looked around, seeing the youth in red was nowhere in sight. “San Lang?!”

“AHHHHHHH!”
Xie Lian turned, at first fearing it was San Lang, only to be just in time to see one of the beasts bite down on someone, and begin dragging him into the forest. That someone, was not San Lang, but Wen Jiahao. Without thinking, Xie Lian rushed after him, much to Fu Yao's annoyance.

“HEY!”

“Put up a barrier!” Xie Lian repeated, then disappeared into the trees.

The brush of the forest really was exceedingly dense, but Xie Lian didn't lose Wen Jiahao or the beast. While they were fast, Xie Lian wasn't slow. If it had been another, they might have been stopped by branches scratching them, or the sharp pain of thorns- but he had long since lost the sense to care about pain like that.

While the beast seemed to take the lead, and Wen Jiahao's cries seemed to get muddled by the woods, but also by his clear loss of blood given the wet red Xie Lian passed as he gave chase, he still kept close. But Xie Lian's other concern, was still wondering where San Lang had gone. Had he also been dragged off by the beasts? Or did something else happen entirely? Did he hide? None of those options seemed right, if his theory were true.

Abruptly, the sounds of the beast and Wen Jiahao vanished, causing Xie Lian to come to an abrupt stop. He looked around, listening for any sound, finding it had gone completely silent. Xie Lian was certain, that they hadn't just disappeared. Nothing that big could just vanish out of thin air. He could still hear the distant howls of the other beasts, and bits of fighting here and there, but his focus was on Wen Jiahao.

As he looked around, Xie Lian eventually noticed a large tree close by- one that seemed very out of place. It leaned a little, and its branches were thick and winding. It was so big, that it would probably take three grown men with their arms outstretched to properly wrap around such a tree. The other thing that caught his attention, was the faintest smell of blood. He carefully made his way around it, keeping an eye to the ground, till finally, he found it. Among the roots was a large hole, dug deep into the earth. From it came a cool breeze, and that metallic smell of blood... but also a wet smell, like an animal.

It had to be a Den. Their Den.

Without even a question about it, Xie Lian jumped in.

He had been expecting it to be a little deep- that he would fall into branches, maybe some dirt or rocks. He had been entirely expecting to be bruised up as he rolled down into the dark....

But instead, something else happened.

Xie Lian was completely startled, when instead of coming face to face with the ground, two strong arms caught him mid fall. One arm was grasping his shoulder from across his back, and the other was under his knees. He was so startled by the unexpected embrace, he became completely speechless for a good long moment. His hands went and held onto the shoulders of the person who caught him, and without thinking, he blurted out a name.

“San Lang?”

There was a silence that followed, and it wasn't like Xie Lian could see who was holding him. The den was dark, and smelled terrible. Like death, blood and wet fur. Yet he still held onto the chest and shoulder of the one who caught him, and asked again.

“San Lang, is that you?”

He reached his hand up, roaming the unseen person... until he made his way to the mans neck, only to feel a hard adam's apple. Xie Lian snapped out of his moment of confusion, feeling ashamed of himself as he pulled his hand away.

“San Lang, it is you right? Are you hurt? Where did you run off to?”

There was a good long silence, then an answer came. “I'm fine. Sorry for running off.”

For some reason, Xie Lian thought his voice was curiously different then before. “San lang, are you sure your all right? Put me down so I can-”

“No.” San Lang replied.

“What do you mean no?” Xie Lian frowned. “I need down. I have to find Wen Jiahao.”

“He's fine.” San Lang said. “He just might need a few bandages that's all.”

“Then let me bandage him.” Xie Lian retorted. “San Lang, I can't see. Put me down so I can find him and get him out.”

“But it's dirty...” San Lang replied, sounding much too calm... almost teasingly so. His voice still seemed quite a bit deeper then before...

“Are you two done over there?” A sharp voice called out, sounding defeated. “If so, the one in red should kill me already and get it over with.”

That voice.... “Ye Fu?”

There was a long silence, then she spoke again. “Who cares if it's me. Let the red one kill me and you can go on your way. He killed the others already. How should I be able to stand a chance?”

Killed the others? Xie Lian pondered. “San Lang, put me down. I need to see.”

“... all right. Hold on.” San Lang finally answered. He seemed to take a few steps, then set Xie Lian on what felt like a large rock. As San Lang walked, Xie Lian could not help but notice the sound of chimes. The very little moonlight that came from the entrance to the den, allowed Xie Lian to see the youths sillhouette, and something about him looked... older? Different? He couldn't quiet tell....

Once he felt the ground under his feet, Xie Lian used the last bit of spiritual power he had to create a palm torch.

What he saw, was indeed a sad sight.

It seemed there had been much much more then seven of these beasts. Not counting the eight back at the camp, excluding the one who dragged Wen Jiahao here, there were about four dead beasts, all carved up with their limbs cut off and dismembered. It had obviously been done by a blade, one that cut sharp and deep, and left nothing living in its wake. Sitting among the blood and corpses, was Ye Fu, and lying next to her was an unconscious Wen Jiahao. Immediately, Xie Lian went to try and go to the man, but a hand was put out in front of him. He looked over to see San Lang just as he was before... however, he seemed to have a distant expression.

“Don't go over.” Was all he said.

“He'll bleed out if he doesn't get some help.” Xie Lian countered.

“Then i'll get him. She won't attack me.” San Lang answered back, still seeming out of it.

The very idea that he was so off put, upset Xie Lian. He had thought they had a good thing going for a while, so why the sudden change?

Just as San Lang suggested, when he went over and grabbed Wen Jiahao, Ye Fu didn't go after him, instead scooting away from him with sharp eyes. It was as he watched this, Xie Lian noticed subtle differences in her appearance. Such as Her eyes were more canine like now, and her hands bore claws.

“You have him now. So just get it over with.” She sneered once San Lang had carried a limp Wen Jiahao back over to Xie Lian. “Just kill me and be done with this.”

“Can't I ask you why you attacked the villagers?” Xie Lian asked, frowning slightly. “If your intelligent enough to give yourself a human form, cultivated enough, why attack them? Why steal from them? I would also like answers rather then just kill you and be done with it.”

This seemed to give Ye Fu pause, as she glared over at him. “Why do you care? I'm just a beast...”

“Cause you are clearly more then just a beast.” Xie Lian argued. “You have thought, and you speak, and you have reason. So why?”

“....” She glared at him some more, before giving San Lang a look. “Your friend here said it clearly before you showed up. It's cause I am the only one who can think.” When Xie Lian's only response was to watch her with a sincere expression, her entire demeanor shifted. “... I was the only one who had the ability to think, to transform. The others, my brothers and sisters, their just... they were just animals. We all cultivated to something strong, something that could survive... something that needed to eat. There was a snow storm, a terrible one, years ago. We were all trapped bellow this tree, and our desire to not starve allowed us to cultivate into what we are now. I was able to lead them, becoming vastly more aware then they were... but it was because I was aware, I noticed the danger first. My siblings never saw the difference between the farmers livestock, and the animals in the forest. I tried to hide among them- the villagers, press them to just leave. My siblings don't understand. They didn't understand.... So when the villagers came to avenge their animals, my siblings saw them as food too.”

“If this is true, why try and lead them to the cultivators?” Xie Lian asked, “Why try and trick the cultivators into taking the basket? The blood and meat?”

“Cause cultivators can kill us.” She said with a hiss. “I thought if I could get ahead of you lot, I could just get rid of you, and then the villagers would leave.” She seemed to tear up a little. “My siblings can't listen to me- they hunger... they hungered too much. They only could think of their next meal... now their gone...” Her eyes lowered, “I didn't realize how strong those with you were.... The powerful cultivator... and the one next to you....”

Xie Lian eyed San Lang again, who was looking away with a blank expression, before turning back to her. “Your willingness to kill ended up putting your siblings lives at risk... or rather it killed them.”

Ye Fu shook a moment, then started to cry. “Just kill me....”

“I'm sorry.” Xie Lian replied, bending down and going to put Wen Jiahao's arm over his shoulder. “I won't... but I don't know if Wen Zongzhu will be as kind. It's your choice though. Stay and face him, or leave and live another day.”

“You really think I can live in a world without my family?” She scoffed, “Like hell. They were all I had.”

“The villagers seemed to care about you.” Xie Lian retorted, giving her one last look before the palm torch went out.

Once above ground, Xie Lian quickly got to work bandaging up Wen Jiahao. With only moonlight, he could barely, clumsily, tie up the shoulder that had been bitten into. The man was pale from blood loss, and it seemed all of his own spiritual power was going into healing the wound. His breathing had gone soft, and Xie Lian worried that if he didn't get proper medical attention soon, he might die.... Ironic that it's the doctor who is hurt, and needs a doctor. He joked darkly, feeling terrible for even thinking that. When he was done, he sat next to Wen Jiahao, and looked up at San Lang, who was still blank faced and quiet.

“Can I ask you something?” Xie Lian questioned, letting out a breath.

“Mn.” San Lang nodded.

“Next time you wana run off, could you at least warn me?” Xie Lian tsked. “I thought you might have been dragged off like Wen Jiahao. It worried me.”

San Lang's expression finally twisted out of the blank one he had been wearing. This expression seemed rather startled, as if he wasn't expecting that. He raised a brow as he looked over at Xie Lian. “Is.. that really all you wanted to ask me?”

“Is there something else?” Xie Lian raised a brow.

“you aren't going to ask, if I am human?”

When Xie Lian had been caught by San Lang in the dark, another thing he had obviously noticed, was the youth's body wasn't warm. Instead it had no temperature at all. That... and Xie Lian hadn't felt a heart beat.

Instead of bringing this up, Xie Lian huffed and crossed his arms. “Why would such a question be necessary?”

“Is it not?” San Lang asked curiously.

“Is it important? I don't think so.” Xie Lian said, “Forming a friendship should depend on how well two people hit it of and how well their personalities match, not their identities. IF I like a you, you could be a beggar and I'd still like you. If I dislike you, you could be the emperor and I'd still dislike you. Shouldn't it be like that? It's simple logic, so whether you're human or not is irrelevant.”

San Lang laughed then. It was a hearty uproarious laugh, before he replied, “Yeah. You're very right.”

“Right?” Xie Lian said, laughing as well.

Just as he spoke, he felt a stirring next to him, and he turned to check on Wen Jaihao. Not long after he made sure he was still unconscious, the two heard footsteps approaching. Many footsteps. Xie Lian looked up, just as Wen Ruohan and a few of his men entered the area around the Den. When his eyes landed on Wen Jiahao, his expression went stiff, and he was over and bending down in heart beat. He practically shoved Xie Lian aside as he checked the man's pulse, then his breathing. After a moment, Wen Ruohan snapped his fingers and several cultivators ran to get Wen Jiahao.

“Where is the den?” Wen Ruohan suddenly demanded, glaring up at Xie Lian.

“It's here.” was all the later replied. Xie Lian didn't point, nor did he move to help when the others ran to go search around the tree.

Behind the group of cultivators, Fu Yao came running up, his expression harsh. Once he saw Xie Lian, he stormed over. “Thanks for running off! It helped us out, so much.”

“Do you have any other tone, or you just always harsh?” San Lang quipped, back to the youth Xie Lian had run into before, no longer solemn and expressionless.

Thank goodness. Xie Lian thought as he stood. “Someone was hurt and in need of help. Someone I deemed a good person. Is it not fair that I wish to help them?”

Wen Ruohan had stepped aside, watching as his men went into the den, but still glanced back at Xie Lian with a strange look. Just then some of them came back up, looking startled.

“Wen Zongzhu- they're all dead.”

“What?” He asked glaring at the cultivator.

“All the beasts in the den. Each one killed by some kind of blade.”

Xie Lian looked up, immediately curious. “All of them?”

“You were in there, so why are you asking?” Wen Ruohan snapped, giving him a hard look.

“I only went in to get Wen Jiahao.” Xie Lian replied. “I didn't stay to see what else was down there.”

“You didn't kill them?” The Wen Zongzhu snapped.

“No.”

“Then how did they die.”

“I don't know.” Xie Lian shrugged. He wasn't exactly lying. He didn't kill any of the beast, and he didn't know how San Lang killed them. So, No and he didn't know were both valid responses. “You said all of them were killed by some kind of blade?”

The cultivator who had informed Wen Ruohan nodded quickly. “And all by the same blade.”
Then Ye Fu left? Xie Lian pondered, before nodding slowly. “I see. Then, the other beasts?”

“Their dead.” Wen Ruohan snapped. “This entire mission was absurd.”

“Then I assume your son didn't get his kill?” Xie Lian asked, only to get a mean look. “I am sorry about that.”

Wen Ruohan watched him for a good long time... then... almost like a flip of a switch... he smiled. It was both bizarre and disturbing. He let out a huff of a laugh. “Sorry? What do you have to be sorry for. It's thanks to you, he and my cousin will live to fight another day.”

“Oh? oh...” Xie Lian laughed, “I didn't think of it. I simply did as I felt was necessary.”

“Then let this also be necessary.” Wen Ruohan spoke, turning and placing a hand on Xie Lian's shoulder, “Wen Clan pays back its debts, Xie Doazhang. One day, if you need anything, I will gladly see it done.... and maybe should you visit Qishan, you could show me that device of yours- the one you used to save A-Xu.”

“oh... sure...” Xie Lian muttered.

With that, everything was cleaned up rather quickly. The villagers were informed of the threat that had been neutralized, and of Ye Fu's "death." Although heartbroken it seemed, the village chief agreed to hold a time for the villagers to set aside to thank heaven as Xie Lian had asked.

It was not until Wen Clan had long since left, that Xie Lian admitted the truth to Fu Yao.

"YOU LET HER WHAT?!?!?!" 

"I mean, i didn't let her do anything. I gave her a choice and she made one." Xie Lian shrugged. "As I said, she admitted her wrongs, and stated she had no control over what her siblings were doing. They were all killed, meaning the threat has been taken care of. What did you want me to do?"

"Not believe her?!" Fu Yao scoffed, rolling his eyes. "She could have been lying!"

"I didn't believe she was."

"And you believe he means no harm, yet wont explain why!" Fu Yao argued, pointing at San Lang. "Do you just believe everything someone with a innocent expression tells you? How have you and that kid of yours survived?"

By the skin of our teeth. Xie Lian joked internally. "San Lang has helped me out with this mission, so I dont see where all this anger towards him is coming from."

"He's clearly up to no good!"

Said youth that was 'up to no good' was currently twirling a stick in his offhand looking bored. 

"Fu Yao, please just report back." Xie Lian sighed. "Ill join you momentarily." 

Fu Yao looked at him, then at San Lang, at first bewildered, then just annoyed. "You can't be serious...." 

"I am serious." Xie lian countered. "You go ahead and report back. Ill follow behind shortly."

Fu Yao huffed, then puffed, then rolled his eyes "whatever."

He left quickly after that.

"Isn't he charming." San Lang chuckled. Then he looked to Xie Lian. "If you need to go, its fine. Maybe i can meet up with you again another day?"

Xie Lian smiled at him fondly. "I really hope so. I have a lot of questions for you.... Hua Cheng."

San Lang paused. After a moment he chuckled again. Then, Hua Cheng answered, "I much prefer San Lang." 

...

"And that pays off the rest of your debt." Ling Wen responded. "I hope the junior official who came to assist was helpful."

"He did his job. And I am grateful for his assistance." Xie Lian said crossing his arms in front of him politely. He had finally finished reporting his case to the Palace of Ling Wen, and was more then ready to just go get A-ying and talk to Jun Wu about his plan.

"Then I should put in a good word to his Palace. I am sure Xuan Zhen will be pleased to hear he was of use."

Xie Lian just nodded. "If that is all, I have places to be. Please excuse me-"

"One moment Dianxia." Ling Wen said, holding up her hand. "I meant to get ahold of you earlier but I could not reach you. Its about your son..."

"Is something wrong?" Xie Lian asked, immediately filled with worry.

"No. No." Ling Wen shook her head. "Not at all, its simply that The Heavenly  Emperor had allowed your son leave of the Palace of Xianle and he seems to have become friendly with the Martial God of the East, Dianxia Tai Hua. Earlier he had asked me to request of you, would be all right to meet with the boy at your palace. I hope you do not mind, but The Heavenly Emperor allowed it, and said that he would take the blame if it upset you."

Xie Lian was only shocked for a moment before shaking his head. "Oh no, that doesn't bother me at all... I am suprised that anyone wanted to mess with A-Ying outside of Wind Master..."

"Wind Master is friendly with everyone. So is Dianxia Tai Hua." Ling Wen replied.

After that Xie Lian went back to the Palace of Xianle. 

"A-Ying! A-Ying im back." Xie Lian called out, bowing slightly to the servants of the Palace of Divine Might. 

When no answer came, he started to wonder around.

"A-Ying? Hello? Where are-"

When Xie Lian finally came up to the door to the room he had last left A-Ying in, the one over looking the garden. There on the divan, was A-Ying, with a very guilty look on his face. In his hand was a black stick of paint... and next to him was, as Xie Lian presumed, Dianxia Tai Hua.. asleep... with his face covered in doodles.

"..." A-Ying dropped the stick. 

Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

Bonus Art

Chapter Text

“Ying-Ying said sorry!” A-Ying called out, almost in tears as Xie Lian helped Lang Qianqiu clean his face of the last few scribbles the boy had drawn there.

Xie Lian didn't like hearing A-Ying close to crying but he also knew he couldn't just let this slide. However just as he turned to look at his boy, Lang Qianqiu, who had introduced himself immediately upon waking up, cut in with a chuckle.

“Please don't be too upset with him. It really is fine Dianxia. A little scribbling on my face isn't going to kill me. Besides, I had asked if he wanted me to come have some fun with him again today, then fell asleep on him. It was just a joke anyway.”

Xie Lian eyed Lang Qianqiu then looked back at A-Ying. The four year olds eyes were getting puffy. It was obvious he thought he was in a lot of trouble.

“I am thankful to you for being friendly and for keeping A-Ying company, Dianxia, but he really doesn't need to be playing jokes like that-”

And there came the water works. Xie Lian was cut off as he said that last thing, and had finished wiping the last remnants of ink of Lang Qianqiu's face, when A-Ying began balling his eyes out. It took everything in Xie Lian not to run over and scoop the boy up to coddle him... but at the same time he felt so bad hearing him cry. In the end, he took a middle ground. He set aside the cloth he used to wipe Lang Qianqiu's face and walked over to his boy. He started to reach up and wipe A-Ying's face, to ask him if he can choose not to try playing jokes like that again, when he was tackled by the boy who grappled his neck.

A-Ying was practically screaming, how loud he was crying. Xie Lian wasn't sure if he should laugh or join the boys tears- he didn't know.

“Is he okay?” Lang Qianqiu asked, frowning at the sight.

“I believe so.” Xie Lian sighed, scooping A-Ying up “I'm sorry...”

“You don't need to be sorry.” Lang Qianqiu replied, laughing as he did. “You or him. He's only a kid so I won't be upset with him, and I don't know the first thing about having kids so I can't really say anything to help you, except that you don't have to worry what I think.” He then laughed a little softer, “In fact, I'm probably the worst person to understand a parent. I was definitely a menace to mine.”

Xie Lian smiled, but something hurt deep down as he heard Lang Qianqiu say that. He refused to reply, just smiled.

Lang Qianqiu looked at A-Ying with a pitying look, before letting out a long sigh. “well, I guess I should go. No use staying here. That said, I am more then willing to help you watch him again anytime!”

“That is... very kind of you Tai Hua,” Xie Lian replied, “But I don't know when or if I will need that again.”

“Oh?”

Xie Lian nodded his response, then said “I am going to go see The Heavenly Emperor, so why don't I see you out and we can part ways outside.”

A-Ying was still crying, hugging onto Xie Lian when they separated ways in front of the Palace of Xianle. He wasn't screaming anymore, but he was still very upset. It was hard to carry the boy, AND the sack of their things, but Xie Lian managed.

“You know I'm not mad at you, right A-Ying?” Xie Lian asked, trying to hush him with careful pats on his back. “I'm just a little upset-”

A-Ying started to sob again, and Xie Lian knew there was no way he could do to console him in that moment with words alone. However, this didn't stop a few nearby gods to mutter under their breath, and give Xie Lian dirty looks. He ignored it for the most part.... except for the word brat. He shot a look back, directly towards who he was certain muttered that, and said god pretended he didn't notice and walked off. Xie Lian could deal with the looks, and the names, and everything the upper court officials had to say about him. Some of it was well earned, others just opinions... but none of them had to do with A-Ying. He is a four year old. He will cry about a paper bug being squished or torn with the same fervor as being legitimately injured- that doesn't make him a brat. Like you were any better when you were his age! He held his boy tighter as he made his way to the Palace of Divine Might, where he asked for an audience with Jun Wu.

He waited, still consoling the boy when he was finally told to make his way to the Heavenly Emperor. Xie Lian set A-Ying down, wiping his boys face with his sleeve. “A-Ying, it's time to stop now. Your okay.”

“Ah...ah....” A-Ying started to try and talk, but Xie Lian let out a tut and shook his head.

“You don't have to say anything. Your fine. You apologized, and you had your cry. Now is time to clean up your face. You don't have to be happy if you don't feel happy, but the tears need to stop now, okay?”

A-Ying's lip quivered, then he nodded breathing in with a stutter. Xie Lian gave him a gentle smile, then stood and turned to head in.

When the entered the room behind the Hall of Divine Might, Jun Wu was sitting infront of that giant map, his eyes closed, and sitting in a relaxed pose. When they were in front of him, the Heavenly Emperor finally opened his eyes.

“Xianle.”

“Your Majesty.” Xie Lian cupped his hands, bowing deep.

A-Ying, still puffy eyed, looked up at Xie Lian, then tried to cup his hands and bow like him. Jun Wu seemed to find this sight amusing as he let out a small chuckle.

“Why does this little one look so sad?” Jun Wu asked, eyeing him slightly.

This made A-Ying start to tear up again, “Ying-Ying bad...”

“A-Ying isn't bad, he just made poor choices.” Xie Lian stated, then quickly bowed once more. “Your majesty, I have finished my task in the mortal realm and payed off my dues... as such, I have a request I wish to make.”

“I got the report from Ling Wen Zhen-jun.” Jun Wu replied, “Since the debt is paid, I am curious to know why you would request an audience with me? What do you need Xianle?”

Xie Lian swallowed a bit. He only paused when he felt A-Ying grab his leg. Looking down at that wet eyed, sad little face, he knew he needed to ask.

“Your Majesty, since I have no believers in this world, and it isn't like my ascension was spoken of near and far, I realize it could be a while before I get a shrine or temple of my own. That's why I... was planning to go to the mortal realm and build my own shrine... and I want to take A-Ying with me.”

There was a long silence, and when Xie Lian peered up, the faded hint of a smile that had been on Jun Wu's face had disappeared leaving no emotion to name. Then, The Heavenly Emperor sighed.

“Xianle, while your plan itself is... unheard of, its the second part that concerns me the most. I am not sure I can permit the boy to leave. Not until we know who is behind his gifts- who in his bloodline is a god who broke heaven's law. Not to mention, The Night Touring Green Lantern could very well still be after the boy.”

“I... I know.” Xie Lian stuttered only to be cut off.

“And that isn't mentioning that we still don't know why Crimson Rain Sought Flower was on Mount Fujun.”

Xie Lian looked up, and with that look, Jun Wu seemed to notice something.

“Xianle, you haven't run into the Ghost King again, have you?”

“... I have.” Xie Lian replied, honest of course. This was Jun Wu he was speaking to after all. When the Heavenly Emperors brow creased ever so slightly, he quickly clarified, “But, he didn't seem to show me any ill will. In fact he helped me with the case to pay off my debt.”

Jun Wu raised a brow. “Helped?” He let out a small breath, “he is one of chaotic nature. No one knows what he wants or what he is thinking. Even so, two friendly encounters mean nothing when he has given us so much trouble in the past. In that case, we still don't know if he could else be threat to the boy.”

Xie Lian took a breath and stood tall. “While I understand, your majesty, heaven is not a place for small children. It is a place for the Heavenly Officials to watch the realms, and do our duty as keepers of the balance. He's just a child, and deserves to live like a child.”

“I understand this.” Jun Wu replied, “But even so, to permit his leave would mean the chance that the Night Touring Green Ghost has a better chance of stealing him away. As I understand it, the last time he tried, he got close to doing so. It was thanks to the intervention of Ming Guang and the Earth Master that those little ghosts working for him failed their mission.”

“I remember...” Xie Lian replied, his stomach dropping.

A-Ying sniffled a little, then looked up at his baba, seeing his sad look. He understood that, Xie Lian was asking to go somewhere, but he wasn't sure where that was. As for Jun Wu, the four year old understood he was reluctant to let, at the very least, him go with his baba there. But A-Ying wanted to stay with his baba. So, already upset, he suddenly wrapped himself completely around Xie Lian's leg and hugged on tight.

“Ying-Ying wants to stay with baba!” he sobbed, shoving his snot nosed face into the man's white robes. “Ying-Ying doesn't want baba to go away again!”

“A-Ying...” Xie Lian whispered, trying to calm him down. Him crying like this in front of Jun Wu....

There was a heavy sigh, as the Heavenly Emperor made to stand. “Xianle, the boy is too immature to understand his situation. I won't agree with him staying with you just cause he is upset. I want to make that very clear.”
“Yes your majesty.” Xie Lian bowed again, feeling bad for his little boy.

“However,” Jun Wu continued, his expression flat. “I will permit his leave with you. But you must listen to these instructions carefully, and agree to them.”

“Yes your majesty.”

“If you take him, he has to be with you constantly. You can't let him wander off alone. When I call you up, or you have need to return to the Heavenly Realm, you Must bring him with you. During a mission that requires you to be more careful, he can stay in the palace of Xianle. Until I know who his lineage is, and we have apprehended the Night Touring Green Lantern, I won't allow him a moment alone with anyone but yourself, a few gods I believe can be trusted for this, and Myself. Do I make myself clear Xianle?”

“Very Clear.” Xie Lian replied, holding back a sigh of relief. “Thank you Your Majesty.”

…

“Did you hear? Someone moved into that old shack up the hill.”

“Oh? Just another passer by?”

“No actually. It was a young Daoist Priest and his son. He wants to turn the ol' place into a shrine.”

“Oh? How old's the son? Maybe he wouldn't mind helping out around the place. Do you know what god their worshiping?”

“The kids only four or something, barely old enough to pick up sticks let alone help with anything like farming. But he seemed friendly enough. As for who the shrine is to the priest said some god I ain't ever heard of... he said he didn't know either. A crown prince or something. I told him he should set up a shrine for the Water Master- For Wealth!”

“I would of suggested Ling Wen Zhen-jun. This village could produce a scholar with such divine wisdom.”

“You should have heard one of the young ladies. She asked for Ju Yang!”

Xie Lian heard the farmers as they passed, and didn't know if he should laugh or cry. The shack he was currently trying to clean up was on a hill overlooking a place called Puqi Village, known for their water chestnuts. A-Ying, who had long since calmed down, was playing with his toys in the corner as Xie Lian swept up the place. The old shack looked close to falling apart. But what about that couldn't be fixed with a little hard work and perseverance? However, that wasn't the reason Xie Lian felt so much like shaking his head.

It was all because, by this point, he had finally figured out what and who Ju Yang was. He had remembered Hua Cheng mentioning the nickname on their first meeting, along with the mean nickname for Mu Qing, and the title Water Tyrant. So, in a moment of lacking any self awareness, he had asked in the public array, who Ju Yang was. All this did was start people laughing, and Mu Qing entering to tell him EXACTLY who it was. It was Feng Xin. This was the point he had heard what had caused the nickname to come into existence. To simplify the tale, it was simply that a king of old, miss wrote the characters for Ju Yang, to Ju Yang meaning 'Tremendous Masculinity' and it had caused quiet the trouble for Feng Xin. Besides that, Mu Qing just had to start singing a song that went with it, while in the Public communications array. Xie Lian only got parts of it as other officials couldn't help but laugh or sing too, before Feng Xin entered the array and began cussing out Mu Qing. Xie Lian had to apologies profusely, never intending to cause such a disturbance. It was too bad then, that apparently not a single apology was heard as Feng Xin and Mu Qing began to go at each others throats in the array.

All that said, Xie Lian knew if he dedicated his shrine to 'Ju Yang', Feng Xin might come down and shoot him in the head with an arrow.

Back in the current moment, Xie Lian looked over at the curtain that was their door, and frowned. As the year would get colder sooner then even he could probably admit, a torn up fabric wasn't going to do anything to keep out the cold. Not just that, he needed supplies. Paint and paper to paint a portrait of himself for the shrine, an incense holder, some food, some bedding, maybe some new clothes for A-Ying... it was a lot and he didn't quite have the funds for such things.

“Aha!” A-Ying called out, then gasped. “NO!!!”

Xie Lian turned, frowning deeply as he saw why the boy was now upset. He had long since cleared up his sadness from getting in trouble and worrying about leaving Xie Lian, but now, one of his straw people's legs had torn off. He looked at the doll in his hand, then with tears at the corner of his eyes, he looked up.

Xie Lian let out a small sigh, setting aside the broom one of the villagers had given him as a welcoming gift. He walked over, bent down and looked at the leg and the doll. A-Ying loved his straw dolls and his drum, and Xie Lian was positive replacing the toy was out of the question. So, he had to get the supplies to fix the doll, which added to his list of things to buy. That, or maybe he could ask around to see if one of the villagers could fix it? But he wouldn't want to push someone to help him with out some kind of compensation.

“I'm sorry A-Ying, I'm not sure if I can fix him right now. I promise i'll get him fixed as soon as I can.”

A-Ying looked at Xie Lian, his face twisted in an upset way, yet he nodded and said, “okay...”

Xie Lian knew that, they would have to go into town soon anyway, just to even get the money to buy the things he needed, or maybe get some from the junk people had no desire to keep. But it was also getting late and he didn't want to keep A-Ying up past dark, especially if he couldn't carry the boy so he could go to sleep, given his arms would be full of other things.

He didn't Want to think this way... but maybe leaving A-Ying in heaven, just for a little bit, could have been a better option....

Just then, there came a tap, tap, tap, Beside the frame of the curtain door.

“Just a moment,” Xie Lian called out, scooping up A-Ying's doll and setting it on an old table that would be used as the altar for his shrine another day. He brushed himself off, reached the curtain and pulled it back, “Sorry I was.....” His voice trailed off the moment he saw who was outside.

A Familiar face, that of a youth in Crimson Red.

“... San Lang?” Xie Lian asked in surprise, having not expected to see him so soon. “How did... how are you here.”

“I get around.” Hua Cheng laughed, leaning against the door frame. He did pause to look at the curtain with an odd expression before continuing. “I thought I agreed to meet up with you another day?”

“This is a day sooner then even I thought could happen.” Xie Lian replied, unable to hold back a laugh.

A-Ying was confused, given his baba said a name, and was laughing. Every time His baba had recognized someone so far, they had been sad or annoyed with him... or he had been sad... and so A-Ying got up and waddled over to the door to look out. “baba whose this?”

Xie Lian was about to answer... when something struck him. He looked down at A-Ying then back at the smiling Hua Cheng, still looking like the youth he had back on the mission out west. But what had caused him to pause, was that A-Ying didn't know. He had sensed what Hua Cheng looked like back on Mount Yujun, but now could not sense anything. I mean, I am not surprised A-Ying can't sense him. He is a Supreme Ghost King after all. If he didn't want to be sensed, he would add that to his disguise. But Then... on Mount Yujun... was he in his true form?

Hua Cheng just smiled, being polite, then looked down at A-Ying, “and hello gege's son.”

“...” A-Ying tilted his head, looking at Hua Cheng with a weird look... almost like he was trying to figure out something.

Hold on... Can A-Ying sense him? Xie Lian wondered, seeing how confused A-Ying looked.

Then...

“Why is your hair so messy?” A-Ying huffed, pouting a little more.

Xie Lian paused, looked at Hua Cheng... and saw he hadn't changed his hair.... not from when Xie Lian had made it worse in an attempt to see if he could spot a flaw. He looked up at Hua Cheng, who just tilted his head at him with a big silly grin. Xie Lian didn't know if he should laugh or cry.

“I wouldn't call it messy. I like it quiet a lot.” Hua Cheng replied in a teasing tone.

“Who are you?” A-Ying asked again, this time directed at Hua Cheng.

At first, given he was in this form, Xie Lian was going to introduce him as San Lang... but then Hua Cheng acted first. He bent down on A-Ying's level and made a false frown on his handsome face.

“But we've met before. I didn't look like this, but we've met.” He said tilting his head. “And I can prove it to you. All you have to do is close your eyes.”

A-Ying looked at him with a funny face, but after eyeing Xie Lian, he did as he was asked. He tried to peak but Hua Cheng covered his eyes with a gentle hand. He should have been more wary, especially given Jun Wu's orders about the boy... but Xie Lian couldn't help smiling as the ghost king gently set something on the four year old's nose. He was being so gentle... he clearly didn't mean any harm....

A-Ying on the other hand, sensed what was on his nose before he felt it on there. The moment it was set there, he jerked the hand away from his eyes and let out a enthusiastic giggle and laugh, clapping his hands. Sitting on his face, was a small silver butterfly. It fluttered off when he tried to grab it, having it land in his hair. A-YIng giggled trying to look up at it... when it hit him. He looked at San Lang with a gapping mouth, then leaned in. “Are you butterfly gege?!”

If he had been trying to whisper, it didn't come out as one.

“Butterfly gege? You're still going to call me that?” Hua Cheng chuckled, teasing the boy with a grin and a small tap on the nose. “Do you not know my name yet?”

“No... can Ying-Ying know butterfly gege's name?”

“No. I think I prefer Butterfly gege. Its butterfly gege now.”

“Then why did you want to tell Ying-Ying your name!” A-Ying laughed, scrunching up his face. The small butterfly on his head fluttered before flying back towards Hua Cheng and vanishing.

Xie Lian was smiling the whole time, finding their little conversation, pointless and cute... just as any child's silly conversations should be.

Just as he thought this, his eyes drifted to the sun. It wasn't too far off from noon, but how long it would take to get to the larger town several kilometers away... it was still late enough that a midnight walk would be inevitable.

“Is something the matter gege?” Hua Cheng asked, standing up straight. Now he was looking down at Xie Lian, and the later coughed into his hand.

“It's nothing, I just have a lot on my plate at the moment. So much to do, cleaning up and all. I needed to go buy some things... but it's getting late... and I don't want to leave A-Ying here-”

“I could go with you and help.” Hua Cheng said. “If you need me to carry anything, I can be an extra pair of arms for gege.”

“Ying-Ying want's to go too!!” A-Ying shouted, looking up at them with a big smile. “Please Baba! Please! Ying-Ying will be very good and help carry stuff too! Ying-Ying tough!”

“You were going to go anyway.” Xie Lian laughed.

“Then I can carry him.” Hua Cheng said, suddenly lifting A-Ying up by the arm pits. The boy squealed as he was put on the ghost king's shoulders. “See. And now I also still have arms to help as long as he holds on tight.”

A-Ying giggled and smiled at his baba.... However, when he looked at Xie Lian, the boy felt sad. Xie Lian had frowned slightly, looking at the two. It was not cause he was sad, but cause it was hard to admit needing help with the boy... he knew he did, but he felt he shouldn't pressure Hua Cheng, who he still wasn't sure why he was there, into helping him. Surely he was a busy person, and to have him help with such simple tasks like shopping and taking care of a four year old, especially when they barely knew each other...

“If you don't need my help, that's fine.” Hua Cheng spoke up, starting to lift A-Ying off his shoulders. “I am sorry. I should have asked before-

“San Lang, you can come.” Xie Lian quickly cut in, “It's fine. You don't have to apologies... I just.. I didn't want to force A-ying on you. He's my responsibility. What kind of friend forces their kid on someone just a day or so after they meet. I didn't want to be rude and A-Ying can be a handful-”

Hua Cheng smiled at him then, holding a huffy looking A-YIng in his arms. “A friend? Gege worries too much. I don't mind helping at all. But he's not a handful for me. Actually he's rather light.” Then Hua Cheng suddenly threw A-Ying up into the air ever so slightly, causing the boy to squeal again, before landing back in his arms. “See, light as a feather!”

“Again! Again!” A-Ying laughed, grabbing Hua Cheng and tugging on him. “Ying-Ying want to fly again!”

“It seems if I did tell you no, a certain someone might get mad at me.” Xie Lian muttered, giving his boy a smile.

“Butterfly gege is baba's friend now, like baba said.” A-Ying replied, then hugged Hua Cheng around the neck. “If he baba friend, he Ying-Ying friend! Plus Butterfly gege very nice and handsome!”

“And where did you learn a thing like that?” Xie Lian huffed, a little flustered. He reached over and pinched the boys cheek.

“Mama.” A-Ying replied simply... then he seemed to frown a bit.

His mother probably used to call his father handsome.... Xie Lian decided, seeing the moment of sadness cross the boys face. Even the little things can be a reminder to someone of their lost loved ones... I know that...to think that... I can't help but believe my own mother would have loved you A-ying...

Hua Cheng, bless him, sensed the sadness, and suddenly tossed A-Ying again. The squeal snapped Xie Lian out of his stupor and he smiled.

“The sun won't stay up forever.” Hua Cheng said. “If gege's ready to go, so am I. No rush of course.”

“No rush, but we should go now.” Xie Lian said, quickly checking his sleeves for the essentials and then nodding. “And San Lang.... thank you. For the help.”

“Anything for gege.” Hua Cheng replied, as A-Ying once more begged to be tossed.

Chapter Text

A-Ying was giggling profusely as he held onto Hua Cheng's head, sitting up on his shoulders as they walked along a dirt road towards town. He had finally been told what 'Butterfly Gege's name actually was, and chose to call him both, Butterfly and Hua gege. A-Ying also found this terribly funny, as in his little mind, it could only be funny that he was both the flower and the butterfly. As they walked, A-Ying barely listened to what his baba and Hua Cheng were talking about, too enraptured in the fact he still couldn't figure out why the later felt different.

Back on the mountain, Hua Cheng had felt cold- like an old cold. Something pleasant and aged. But at that moment, he didn't feel like that. A-Ying did sense something. Something out of place. Like trying to look at one's reflection in the dark. Or trying to see the bottom of a stream after someone kicked all the dirt up. There was something there, but it was so muggy he couldn't be sure.

Instead, A-Ying focused on how happy his baba looked. Him chatting away with Hua Cheng so casually. How did they become friends? And Who was this stranger?

A-Ying grabbed Hua Cheng's head and pulled it back so he could at least see his eyebrows as he asked, “Why do you make chime sounds when Ying-Ying first met you, but you make no Chime sounds now?”

“Cause I am not wearing what made that sound.” Hua Cheng replied simply.

“Is red your favorite color?” A-Ying continued to question him, wanting to know all about this man. “Cause you seem to wear it a lot. Ying-Ying likes red.”

“maybe I don't have a favorite color? Red just suites me best.” Hua Cheng laughed.

“Do you like dogs?”

“Do You like dogs?”

“No. Ying-Ying scared of dogs. They bite Ying-Ying. They mean.”

“Then I can scare any dogs away we see.” Hua Cheng said this with a smile.

Xie Lian glanced over, his face an expression gentle and soft. A-Ying smiled back at him, before patting Hua Cheng on the head. “Hua Gege is very nice.”

This got a snort out of Xie Lian, and a bigger grin out of Hua Cheng. “No. I'm not nice. I'm terrible. No good bad terrible person.” The later said with false annoyance. “You should be worried.”

“Hua-gege not scary.” A-Ying countered. “The lady in red was scary. And so is... the one Baba listens to.”

“Who?” Xie Lian asked giving A-Ying a curious look.

“The one in the white armor, who baba was talking to in the big room with the map with the stars... his majesty.” the boy clarified. “Ying-Ying thinks he very scary...”

Xie Lian's face fell a little, and A-Ying felt bad so he tried to make it better.

“He scary, but in like a... a scary adult way. Not like Ying-Ying being scared of dogs. Shi-jiejie's brother is the same but in a mean way.”

Hua Cheng snorted, and Xie Lian covered his own laughter with a cough. that seemed to lighten the mood. A-Ying was happy he made them not so sad anymore, and started to wiggle his legs from where he sat on the ghost king's shoulders.

When they finally reached the town, it was just early evening, and Xie Lian went straight to work. He first started going around, asking a few stray passer by if they had anything at home they were willing to part with. Old, unused, lightly used, unwanted, anything that they were willing to toss out or willing to pass on to him. A-Ying knew this routine well, wiggling to have Hua Cheng put him down.

“Let Ying-ying help baba! Ying-Ying wants to go help baba!”

“Oh?” Hua Cheng barely reacted to the boys wobbles and accidental kicks. Instead smiling as he hoisted him off his shoulders and let him rest his feet on the ground. “So your his little helper then?

“Yes! Ying-Ying loves helping baba!” the boy replied. “Ying-Ying want's to be like baba! He kind and sweet and funny and loves games and-”

“Am I really all that?” Xie Lian asked.

A-Ying nodded with exaggerated motion.

“Well, even if I am, A-Ying should become his own person. Not his baba.” Xie Lian replied, a slight shade of sadness in his eyes.

Hua Cheng tilted his head, then replied, “Well agree with A-Ying. I think gege is a kind and thoughtful person.... but I also agree this little one shouldn't copy people.”

“Oh.” A-Ying pouted.

“He can copy me though.” Hua Cheng teased. “Then we can be twice the no good terrible people.”

“I don't want to.” A-Ying pushed on Hua Cheng a little, wrinkling his nose with a smile. “A-ying good. A-Ying nice.... but he can be silly like Hua Gege.”

“I'm silly?”

“Very.” A-Ying nodded.

A-Ying did help out for a little bit, running up to friendly faces and asking for any junk they didn't want anymore- like paper, scraps, old clothes even as per his baba's request. One older woman, very sweet on A-Ying, said she had a grandson a bit older then he that had just out grown his old clothes. She walked off, leaving him waiting with Hua Cheng, before coming back and handing it over to him. It was well worn, simple tunic, and A-Ying said thank you, just like his baba had taught him.

After a while, Hua Cheng piped up with a curious request.

“Gege, if there is anything you need that you can't find used, I could buy it for you.”

A-Ying looked up, then back in the bag of junk, before looking around with wandering eyes.

“Oh, no need. I would never ask.” Xie Lian waved him off. “It's your money, and you should use it on yourself, not me. besides, I've already got so much stuff from today. There is no need for any money spent.”

A-Ying's eyes fell on a stall selling montou and he started to wonder over to look, smelling the food. He was stopped when Hua Cheng reached out and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around, and the youth looked away, like he hadn't done anything.

“I don't mind at all gege. As you said, it's my money. I can do with it as I please. And I would be more then pleased to help you. I've got money to throw around. Don't worry about it.”

“Still...”

A-Ying giggled, then pretended like he was going to walk away again. Hua Cheng didn't even glance his way before poking him again. The boy laughed, running to hide behind his legs. Xie Lian noticed, and shook his head with a smile. A-Ying proceeded to do this several more times, before eventually it got boring.

When Xie Lian was able to get a hold of some paints, Hua Cheng seemed curious and asked as much.

“Gege, what's that for?”

“I wish to paint something for the altar space back at the shrine.” Xie Lian answered. “Just a image of … well... ha... 'The Flower Crowned Martial God.' or rather 'The Prince Who Pleased the Gods'. Whatever the case, it will be... an en-devour. ”

By this point Hua Cheng seemed to at least know who Xie Lian was, where as A-Ying was only a little clueless. That being said, he recognized something.

“The prince who caught the boy?”

Xie Lian about jumped, turning to look at A-Ying with a bit of a startled expression. “What did you just say?”

A-Ying shrunk a little in surprise, looking between Hua Cheng and Xie Lian cautiously. “The Prince who Pleased the Gods. Mama told me that story. Mama heard it from her teacher... did Ying-Ying say something bad?”

“No.” Xie Lian quickly waved his hand, gently bending down to A-Ying's level. “No baobei, I just forget about your mothers teacher. She would know the four famous tales. I just... forget that you are a good listener. This one listens to everything huh?”

A-Ying nodded. “Mama told Ying-Ying two of the stories. The Crown Prince Story, and the Princess Story... the Princess Story was sad. It made Ying-Ying cry.”

The Princess Story was the 'Princess Who Slit Her Throat'.

“A-Ying.. .your mother had... interesting taste in stories to tell little one's before bed.” Xie Lian sighed.

“Ying-Ying liked the one about The Prince... but mama said she didn't know the ending to it.” A-Ying replied, swaying in place. “why does baba want to paint him?”

“... oh... well...” Xie Lian muttered a bit, unsure of what to say. It wasn't like he had yet told A-Ying what a god was. Sure the boy had figured out that, some people had this odd feeling that he called warm, but it wasn't like Xie Lian had explained what it was or who he was... not that he was ready to tell A-Ying any of that, given his age. “... well... it's...”

“The shrine is to him.” Hua Cheng said. “The shrine is your baba's but it's also a shrine to the Prince from the story. When your older, maybe your baba can explain it better.”

Xie Lian gave the ghost king a quick look of gratitude as A-Ying nodded.

“Ok.” The boy said, then tugged on Xie Lian's sleeve. “Ying-Ying hungry.”

How quickly a child can change the topic, or lose interest in a conversation. Xie Lian was rather thankful then and started to reach in his sleeve to see if there was any money there to at least get A-Ying something to eat. Before he could really check though, Hua Cheng was already over at the stall, talked to the owner, and came back with two montou.

“Here, one for each of you.” He said with a smile.

A-Ying took his with a big grin, “Thank you Hua-gege.”

Xie Lian however.... “You... you didn't have to do that. You bought it, you have it.”

“But i'm giving it to you.” Hua Cheng replied, smiling as he handed it over to Xie Lian. “It's yours now. A gift you could say.”

Xie Lian took it, but seemed hesitant. Not cause he was worried about the food, but cause he didn't feel like he deserved all this generosity. After a moment, he shook his head, and tore off a half of the Montou and handed it back. Hua Cheng started to shake his head but Xie Lian cut him off. “You said it's mine now, and so I choose what to do with it. I don't need a whole one, so you take half. A gift you could say.”

Hua Cheng's face went blank for a second... then he smiled oh so softly. He took it, looking it over with such a warm expression, Xie Lian couldn't help but feel a fluttering in his gut. The expression was so genuinely heart warming that he couldn't help but feel giddy inside.

A-Ying had already consumed half of his, and looked up at this sight. Inside he was smiling even bigger then his face was. He finished up his Montou and grabbed onto Hua Cheng's leg. Since he needed to stay close, what could be any closer then that? Xie Lian went to pull him away, but Hua Cheng just chuckled, and waved him off.

“It's fine. I can still walk.”

“won't he make it more difficult.”

“If a four year old could make things difficult for me, that be quite sad, don't you think?”

A-Ying giggled as he held onto Hua Cheng's leg, the man casually walking along with him glued there. A couple young woman passing by, giggled and cooed at the sight. Some got bashful looking at Hua Cheng's youthful and handsome appearance, others, the slightly older ones, were more focused on the little faces they could get out of A-Ying, who watched them. He made a few silly faces at them as they passed, cause they thought he was silly. And A-Ying liked being silly. Cause silly made people smile. He smiled too, looking up at Hua Cheng as the man continued to follow Xie Lian around as he did his final stretch of shopping and collecting.

As they did, A-Ying's eyes landed on a stand selling little toys. For a moment he wanted to go look, but then one toy caught his eye. He let go of Hua Cheng, standing there, staring at the doll with a frown.

Hua Cheng looked down and back, pausing to tilt his head as the kids eyes welled up like he was going to cry.

“What's wrong?”

“...” A-Ying didn't answer, looking down at the ground.

Xie Lian turned, seeing A-Ying get so upset and quickly came over to see what was wrong. “A-Ying, why are you crying? Are you hurt? Or are you tired? If your tired we can go back to Puqi Village...”

A-Ying shook his head. “Ying-Ying want's doll... but he broke it... that was mama's doll... Ying-Ying broke mama...”

“oh... oh” Xie Lian suddenly looked worried. Hua Cheng was out of the loop as Xie Lian quickly checked his bag of everything he had gotten in their outing. He had gotten new clothes for A-Ying, a bed mat to sleep on for the shrine, some extra cloth to cover the entrance, some paper, paint, an old incense holder, some incense, some bowls, pots and other miscellaneous things... but he had forgotten to find the stuff to fix A-Ying's doll. “A-Ying, I am so sorry. Here, let me go find something. I promise I won't forget to fix your doll.”

“What doll?” Hua Cheng asked.

“Ying-Ying's” A-Ying said, sniffling. “Ying-Ying has three. One of them, was mama, and Ying-Ying broke her. Ying-Ying bad.”

Xie Lian started to shake his head, not liking that A-Ying would keep calling himself that, but Hua Cheng spoke first.

“Did you break it on purpose?”

A-Ying looked up and shook his head. “No! Ying-Ying never break his toys on purpose!”

“Then how are you bad?” Hua Cheng laughed. “If it was an accident, then it was an accident. What kind of doll is it? Maybe I can help you patch it up.”

“Really?” A-Ying asked.

“Yes.... but it might cost you...” Hua Cheng said, a pretend serious look on his face.

“Ying-Ying doesn't have money...”

“I don't need money.” Hua Cheng shot back, bending down. “But you can pay me... with....” he seemed to pause, solely for intrigue. It worked as A-Ying leaned in, like he wanted to make sure he didn't miss what was said. “pay me... with... a joke.”

“A joke?” A-Ying was baffled. “Hua-gege, you can't pay people with jokes.”

“Of course you can.” Hua Cheng pretended to scoff, causing Xie Lian to relax a little now that A-Ying wasn't anywhere close to crying. “If I laugh, it worked right? And people get more done in a good mood then in a bad one. So if I laugh I can help take care of fixing your doll better.”

“But Ying-Ying doesn't know any jokes.”

“Then maybe he has a funny story?” Hua Cheng asked.

A-Ying thought about it. Then he smiled and nodded. “Baba has a silk band named Ruoye, and one time a little girl thought it was a snake. It was funny cause it popped out of Ying-Ying's collar to say hi. She screamed, but Ying-Ying thought it was funny.”

Hua Cheng did chuckle at this, looking over to Xie Lian who gave the boy a look. A-Ying covered his mouth. Maybe to hide his own giggle, or maybe to playfully hide what he had said. With A-Ying all better, and the shopping mostly done, the three started their journey back to Puqi Shrine.

Just as Xie Lian had predicted, it was already dark before they even made it halfway back. A-Ying, tuckered out for the day, was now fast asleep on Xie Lian's back, where Ruoye bound him. His head was slightly covered by the bamboo hat, to keep bugs and any unwanted light from waking the boy.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng walked side by side, with the later holding the bag. He glanced at Xie Lian, smiling kindly as they went.

Unable to help himself, and also now that A-Ying was asleep, Xie Lian couldn't help but want to ask. “For a Ghost King, you seem to have a lot of free time on your hands.”

Hua Cheng laughed a bit. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, the upper courts are always so busy, I could only assume being a ghost king comes with some responsibility.”

“Nope.” Hua Cheng said, shrugging his shoulders. “I do as I please, when I please, and how I please. I have no one to answer to. Even among the other powerful ghosts, I am the biggest one there is.”

“Oh?” Xie Lian pondered. “I guess I never thought of it that way. And there is no trouble?”

“As long as we all mind our own business, no one bothers anyone.” Hua Cheng shrugged.

“Have you met any of the other ghost king's before?”

“I have,”

“Even the Green Ghost Qi Rong?”

Hua Cheng let out a crude laugh, “That lowly trash?”

Yes? No? How does one answer a question like that, Xie Lian thought.

Thankfully he had no need to say anything as Hua Cheng continued, “I greeted him and he ran away.” Xie Lian gave him a curious look, and he smiled. In a casual tone he added, “And then I received the Moniker Crimson Rain Sought Flower.”

Xie Lian pondered this, remembering what Hua Cheng had told him before. About how Hua Cheng had gotten the title from wiping out another ghosts lair. So this greeting was more like a slaughter. How extraordinary, Xie Lian chuckled to himself before asking, “Do you have something against the Green Ghost?”

“Yeah.”

“What's that?”

“Can't stand his face.”

Xie Lian sighed, unsure if he should laugh or cry. He did pause when he felt motion on his back as A-Ying rolled his head over in his sleep.

Hua Cheng glanced at the kid, then back at Xie Lian. “You ask a lot about the green ghost...”

“He's given me trouble is all.” Xie Lian replied, frowning as he looked back towards the dirt road ahead. “I just don't yet know why...”

“Don't worry about Qi Rong.” Hua Cheng spoke, “Not only is he stupid, he's hated by both the Upper Court and all the Ghost Realm. Even Black Water finds him disgusting. All that to say, if he tries anything, there isn't a soul who wouldn't help you beat him to pulp free of charge.”

Xie Lian did smile at that, then raised a brow. “Black Water? Who.... oh, as in Black Water Submerging Boats?”

“That's right. He's also known as Black Water Demon Xuan.”

“Are you close with this Demon Xuan?” Xie Lian asked. After all, Black Water was the only other supreme. Qi Rong was just for the headcount... Xie Lian didn't want to think about the other one.

“No.” Hua Cheng replied lazily. “There aren't many in the Ghost Realm I'm close with.”

“Is that so? I thought you'd have many subordinates. Maybe our definition of 'close is different.”

“Yeah. In the Ghost Realm, those lower than supreme have no right to speak to me.”

Statements like this are what made Hua Cheng such an interesting character to Xie Lian. This terrifying individual, this terrible ghost king, he had been playing with A-Ying all afternoon, helping watch the boy and being generally kind to Xie Lian... but then when he spoke of others, he was so casual about those he deemed worthy and unworthy to even talk to him. He was an interesting person, and Xie Lian couldn't get his head around him.

“Now that you've asked a few questions, may I ask one?”

Xie Lian nodded. “Of course. Go ahead.”
Hua Cheng spoke with a curious, yet almost curbed expression, like he was wary “Sparing so many words, how come Dianxia doesn't question my motives in coming close with him and his son?”

“If you didn't want to answer and I asked, would you tell?” Xie Lian countered, “Or might you might not tell me the truth.”

“That's not necessarily true,” Hua Cheng said. “besides, you can always send me away.”

Xie Lian shook his head, “You're so powerful. Even if I kicked you aside, if you really wanted to, you could just change form and come back. Or maybe send a clone. Who knows. Besides all that, your so good around A-Ying. He likes you a lot... seeing you with him, I keep remembering how inadiquate I am at caring for him.”

“I wouldn't say that. You seem to care about him deeply.”

Xie Lian looked up to argue, say care and proper parenting were not the same, but then his eyes met Hua Cheng's and they both seemed to smile rather abruptly at eachother. Xie Lian felt a little warm around the collar, so he averted his gaze first, smiling to himself now.

“How did you know I was Crimson Rain Sought Flower?” Hua Cheng continued his questions, allowing the previous comment to fade to a memory.

It's not like you tried very hard to hide yourself. Xie Lian thought, adjusting A-Ying on his back. “I did a lot of probing, and you gave nothing away, so you must be a supreme. You dress all in red, seem to know everything, capable of anything, and know no fear. Such magnamity, other then Crimson Rain Sought Flower, who else could you be?”

“May I take those words as a compliment?” Hua Cheng laughed.

Can't you tell they're compliment's Xie Lian thought. He watched Hua Cheng for a moment, then chuckled, “If you are a clone, it's a really good one.”

“I can make a good clone... but what your seeing isn't one.” Hua Cheng replied, “I'm the real thing.”

Xie Lian came to a stop and looked at him with suspicion. “Eh? This is your true form?”

“One hundred percent authentic.” Hua Cheng declared.

Whether it was the look on Hua Cheng's face, or his own audacity, Xie Lian abrupyly reached out and poked the others face. Hua Cheng blinked at him for a moment, and reality hit. Xie Lian pulled away and wanted to slap himself silly. Xie Lian you should no better! Your worse then A-Ying! How outrageous!

When Xie Lian looked at Hua Cheng, whatever shock had been there before was gone, the look in his eyes replaced with a smile.

“Not bad...” Xie Lian muttered, putting his hand behind his back to help hold up A-Ying.

Hua Cheng just burts out laughing, causing A-Ying to stir a little. He and Xie Lian quieted down, and after A-Ying lifted the hat slightly to smile at Hua Cheng, he quickly fell back asleep.

“What's not bad? Do you mean this skin?”

“Yeah... it's quite good.. But...”

“But what?”

Xie Lian stared at his face and studied it for a moment. Then finally, he said, “But can I see your real face?”

While this was his true body and was his true form, Xie Lian knew it was just a skin. The face, was not his true face.

This time Hua Cheng didn't respond immediately and the air between them grew a bit stale. They walked in silence the rest of the way back, and it wasn't till they reached the shrine that, Xie Lian finally felt he had stayed quiet too long.

“I was just asking... about seeing your face. You don't have to. Don't take it to heart okay?”

Hua Cheng had carried the bag inside, set it down and looked around the inside of the shrine. Xie Lian pulled the cot out with one hand, then carried it over to the far corner. He layed it out as best he could, before laying A-Ying down on top. He then came back to get a blanket, only to find Hua Cheng leaned against the wall with his eyes shut. Just as Xie Lian looked away to grab A-Ying's blanket, the other spoke.

“I'll let you see it someday, if there ever is a chance.”

Normally, when Xie Lian heard the words, Someday, that person really meant, forget it. But... Hua Cheng, when he said it... Xie Lian felt that someday really did mean Someday. He couldn't help but smile over at Hua Cheng. He heard A-Ying murmur in his sleep, so he gathered up the blanket and hurried over to cover him up. After that, he looked about, realizing there really wasn't much of anywhere for everyone.

“oh... I only bought one mat.” Xie Lian chuckled.

“Why would that be an issue?” Hua Cheng asked. “You and your boy can sleep just fine like that-”

“But your my guest San Lang. You deserve some place to rest too.” Xie Lian cut in. He looked down at his son, then carefully rolled him over and scooted aside. “It should be big enough...”

When he looked up and saw Hua Cheng's face twist a little, he did his best to be respectful.

“If you don't want to lay down I won't force you, but I thought maybe you would like some rest. It really is enough room. A-Ying ends up on top of me most nights anyway, so he won't take up space, and I don't move around much at all....”

“...” Hua Cheng face remained impassive for a bit before he spoke up again. “You are rather trusting of me. We've only known each other for a short time...”

“As I said before, if you really meant me harm, you would have done so already... and there isn't much I could do to stop you.” Xie Lian huffed, “But what even is the problem anyway? Those who have known each other for decades can become strangers in a day. We met by chance, and we may part by chance. If we like each other, then we shall continue to meet; if we don't then we shall part. At the end of the day, there is no banquet in the world that doesn't come to an end, so let's take it easy. If I choose to trust you, then I'll trust you. If I choose to like you, then i'll like you. Maybe you were just passing through, and you are just having fun. If you have reason to mess with me, then I assume eventually you'll get bored. So for now, I believe we are friends, cause you have acted the part of one at least. So, just lay down. We're both men, and the only inconvenience will be A-Ying if he decides your more comfortable pillow then me.”

That last part got a laugh out of Hua Cheng, who had started to smile gain. “Does he really move around so much in his sleep.”

As if to answer, A-Ying rolled over, his blanket becoming more like something to cuddle then a cover. Xie Lian shook his head at the sleeping four year old, brushing his hair away.

“What was his mother like?” Hua Cheng suddenly spoke up.

The question had come out of the blue, and Xie Lian was a little dumbstruck hearing it. Then it slowly came to him that... Hua Cheng wouldn't know. He partially... more so out right wanted to tell Hua Cheng the honest truth. But Jun Wu had ordered him to keep the boy's origin a secret, at least until his actual lineage was figured out. But it wasn't like Hua Cheng was an upper court official, nor did he seem to have any interest in the boy outside of teasing and playing with him. So, after a moments thought, and noticing Hua Cheng watching him so closely, he decided that... maybe he could talk to someone about it...

Maybe Hua Cheng could even help.

“I don't actually know his mother.... or his birth father for that matter.” Xie Lian said, gauging Hua Cheng's reaction. The later was always so calm, and any expression save a smile, never lingered long, so it was no surprise when Hua Cheng's face stayed neutral as he spoke. “I found him in a place called Yiling. His parents were cultivators, Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren. They died on a night hunt somewhere around there, and never came back.”

“So you took him in?” Hua Cheng asked.

“Not really.” Xie Lian laughed softly. “He followed me out of Yiling. While he is a bit mischievous and playful, he has a big heart. For a boy his age, he seems more concerned about others then himself, willing to give up the little he has to make others happy. When I agreed to take him with me, maybe I thought once that I would just take him as a future student or something... but he wouldn't stop comparing me to his mother. I think most men might have taken offense to that.... but I didn't. I just didn't want to replace his parents memory. I still don't... and I still wonder if I made the right choice... taking him in. I'm afraid he'll get hurt because of me.”

“I'm sure gege is doing his best.”

Xie Lian looked up at Hua Cheng with a pained look. “I'd believe it better if I hadn't almost messed up. The reason I keep asking about the Green Ghost is cause he sent little ghosts to try and take A-Ying from me... and I really do think he would have gotten him if I hadn't run into those heavenly officials when I did. I don't know why Green Ghost Qi Rong wants A-Ying, and that scares me. I've... I haven't worried this much about another person in a very long time.... and... Jun Wu, he says A-Ying is still the son of a Heavenly Official- born after ascension. Children like that, they can sense things...gifted. and his majesty fears if Qi Rong's intention is to... eat him...”

“so he could cheat his way to supreme.” Hua Cheng concluded, his expression unreadable. “I wouldn't put it past him... but that doesn't mean you made the wrong choice. You fear for him, which mean's you care doesn't it? And while I have only known your boy much less time then I have you, he seems to adore you just as much. Can you really say your doing a bad job? There have always been terrible men out there, who help bring children into this world, and yet treat those children like dogs or worse. You not being able to keep track of a four year old hardly seems as bad compared to that, don't you think.”

“I suppose your right...” Xie Lian muttered, thinking of his own father. Xie Lian had gotten on better with his mother, then his father any day. He was a hard man, but Xie Lian knew now that, he was a man who cared about him and his mother deeply. And everyday, he missed them both more and more....

“I wasn't really supposed to tell anyone all that.” Xie Lian admitted, “But you seem to know a lot, so, I wondered... if you might be able to help find his mothers teacher... or at least more information about her. Her name is Baoshen Sanren.”

“The wanderer who accepted the mountain.” Hua Cheng replied quickly, “I know of her, but I have to admit, I do not know her or about her.”

“I see...” Xie Lian sighed. “I was worried about as much.”

“But I do know that this Cangse Sanren, isn't the only student who left her mountain.” Hua Cheng piped up. “But that is a very long story, and I would like to look more into it before I say more. A lot of the history is lost and it is Better to be properly informed then to recite bits and pieces.”

“That would be much appreciated San Lang.” Xie Lian said. “I am very thankful.”

The two then sat on the mat, and spoke late into the night. Late enough before Xie Lian finally drifted off to sleep... and Hua Cheng got to work on something for both him and the boy.