“YMJ welcomes SLL.” A-Xiang is imposing on the lotus throne, and lxc nods stiffly. “We’ve only just had the pleasure of a visit from Grandmaster Lan; to be graced again by the presence of SLL himself is a surprise.”
lxc sits at a table set out for him, laid with tea and snacks.
lxc sits at a table set out for him, laid with tea and snacks.
“As mentioned in my letter, I have come on official business.”
A-Xiang feigns surprise. “Oh? What business would that be?”
“To discuss the relations between our sects. GSL has been a close ally of YMJ for years, and-”
“Relations wax and wane,” A-Xiang says, sounding bored.
A-Xiang feigns surprise. “Oh? What business would that be?”
“To discuss the relations between our sects. GSL has been a close ally of YMJ for years, and-”
“Relations wax and wane,” A-Xiang says, sounding bored.
“YMJ has no formal ties of family or treaty with GSL; it’s only natural that a change of leadership brings with it a new era of relations.”
“After decades and generations of close friendship, I had hoped that SLJ would continue this fortuitous alliance.” lxc fixes his gaze on
“After decades and generations of close friendship, I had hoped that SLJ would continue this fortuitous alliance.” lxc fixes his gaze on
the new SLJ to gauge her expression. “Perhaps this time with the formality of a treaty, to symbolise the new era of leadership.”
A-Xiang meets his gaze head on, unflinching and unblinking as she says, “A new era following nearly 2 decades of disrespect and contempt from GSL.”
A-Xiang meets his gaze head on, unflinching and unblinking as she says, “A new era following nearly 2 decades of disrespect and contempt from GSL.”
lxc decides to ignore that for now. “As sect leader, I have come to personally convey our utmost regret for the past behaviour of our disciples, and to impress our greatest respect to your sect and its good name.”
A-Xiang’s smile is bland. “I see that a bully will only stop when
A-Xiang’s smile is bland. “I see that a bully will only stop when
the victim fights back. Is this how it is? 2 decades of ill treatment to be wiped away by a mere apology? I think not.”
“SLJ, my sect has punished those who disrespected your sect and your SL in the past. My own blood brother and his husband have been cast out from the sect.
“SLJ, my sect has punished those who disrespected your sect and your SL in the past. My own blood brother and his husband have been cast out from the sect.
Let bygones be bygones. The previous SL held no such grudge, and I hope that-”
“He may not have, but I did. Our sect did. All of our disciples did.” A-Xiang’s eyes are cold and hard. “We deferred to our SL then out of love and respect for him, and it is out of love and respect
“He may not have, but I did. Our sect did. All of our disciples did.” A-Xiang’s eyes are cold and hard. “We deferred to our SL then out of love and respect for him, and it is out of love and respect
for him that we now demand satisfaction for all that he suffered. Make no mistake, SLL. You personally had a hand in this, encouraging your brother in his behaviour, allowing your disciples to run rampant and disrespect a SL to his face. I will not allow our sect to suffer this
indignity any longer.”
“Then what satisfaction does SLJ demand?”
“We have it now,” A-Xiang says. “No burden of a sham alliance, but civility between our sects.”
“You’re cutting off trade routes and access to goods that have been shared with Gusu for generations.”
“Then what satisfaction does SLJ demand?”
“We have it now,” A-Xiang says. “No burden of a sham alliance, but civility between our sects.”
“You’re cutting off trade routes and access to goods that have been shared with Gusu for generations.”
“Yes,” A-Xiang says.
lxc waits for her to continue, but she doesn’t, staring at him with frost in her eyes. “Surely you can see that the only ones that are harmed are the civilians.”
“The people of Yunmeng are flourishing.”
lxc waits for her to continue, but she doesn’t, staring at him with frost in her eyes. “Surely you can see that the only ones that are harmed are the civilians.”
“The people of Yunmeng are flourishing.”
“Perhaps we can come to another agreement,” lxc suggests. “If possible, we can continue this discussion later today?”
“I’m afraid we have nothing further to discuss at this time,” A-Xiang says. “There is a Discussion Conference only 10 days from now. If SLL has any proposals
“I’m afraid we have nothing further to discuss at this time,” A-Xiang says. “There is a Discussion Conference only 10 days from now. If SLL has any proposals
then we may discuss them then.” A-Xiang stands from her seat. “Allow me to personally send off SLL.”
lxc is frustrated at having their discussion cut short. lqr had been allowed to stay for a few days and had several meetings with SLJ. There is no reason to chase him out like
lxc is frustrated at having their discussion cut short. lqr had been allowed to stay for a few days and had several meetings with SLJ. There is no reason to chase him out like
this, and lxc is bristling from the disrespect.
He tampers down his irritation as he remembers the way wwx’s careless words hurt jwy, how lwj would belittle jwy in public, how lsz and ljy would challenge jc’s authority at every turn.
He has a headache as he steps onto the boat
He tampers down his irritation as he remembers the way wwx’s careless words hurt jwy, how lwj would belittle jwy in public, how lsz and ljy would challenge jc’s authority at every turn.
He has a headache as he steps onto the boat
and quickly makes his way into the covered area.
lxc had been too complacent with their behaviour, brushing it off as harmless when jwy never brought it up as a matter between their sects. He never thought that trouble would come years later, from jwy’s retirement and seclusion.
lxc had been too complacent with their behaviour, brushing it off as harmless when jwy never brought it up as a matter between their sects. He never thought that trouble would come years later, from jwy’s retirement and seclusion.
GSL is being backed into a corner, and the 3 sects aren’t budging. But lxc has received news that jl’s mood has brightened considerably in the last few days, and he thinks it’s time to make another visit to LLJ.
——
——
“zwj, this junior means no disrespect, but all these uninvited visits does clash somewhat with my schedule. A SL’s work is never done, wouldn’t you say?” jl lounges in his seat, turning Zidian over on his finger.
“Rulan, you know why this is.”
jl sighs.
“Rulan, you know why this is.”
jl sighs.
“zwj, I’m not sure what you’re expecting to change with each visit.”
“Your jiujiu wouldn’t want you to live like this, in anger.”
“What could the illustrious zwj, who barely deigned to greet my jiujiu, possibly know about what he wants?
“Your jiujiu wouldn’t want you to live like this, in anger.”
“What could the illustrious zwj, who barely deigned to greet my jiujiu, possibly know about what he wants?
“I know this because no one who cares for you would this for you.”
jl scoffs. “And I suppose you’re going to tell me you care about me too?” Before lxc could answer, jl cuts him off. “You can’t deny you had a personal hand in driving away my jiujiu, zwj. I have given you many
jl scoffs. “And I suppose you’re going to tell me you care about me too?” Before lxc could answer, jl cuts him off. “You can’t deny you had a personal hand in driving away my jiujiu, zwj. I have given you many
liberties account of your relationship with my shushu, but I think it’s about time that ends, don’t you think so?”
“I have never-”
“Are you forgetting all those times when you would stand by and let hgj spit vitriol at my jiujiu in public? Undermining his authority as if any
“I have never-”
“Are you forgetting all those times when you would stand by and let hgj spit vitriol at my jiujiu in public? Undermining his authority as if any
sect disciple has the right to do. Never even an apology from you, however fake it would have been. But the Lans don’t lie; you weren’t sorry, so you never apologised, and sheltered hgj instead, encouraging insubordination from your sect against Yunmeng, against my jiujiu.”
“They were your friends too, Rulan.”
“I know my part,” jl snaps. “I will punish myself accordingly.”
“How far do you really want to pursue this?” lxc looks at him beseechingly. “They’re still serving their punishments; is it still not enough for you?”
“No,” jl answers simply.
“I know my part,” jl snaps. “I will punish myself accordingly.”
“How far do you really want to pursue this?” lxc looks at him beseechingly. “They’re still serving their punishments; is it still not enough for you?”
“No,” jl answers simply.
“What do you want?”
jl loses his temper as Zidian sparks. “What I want is for jiujiu to never have left! What I want is for you all to give the respect he deserves! I want you all to kowtow before him and admit your faults! I want you all to suffer like my jiujiu had suffered!”
jl loses his temper as Zidian sparks. “What I want is for jiujiu to never have left! What I want is for you all to give the respect he deserves! I want you all to kowtow before him and admit your faults! I want you all to suffer like my jiujiu had suffered!”
“If you’ve been to see him then you know nothing will bring him back.” lxc lifts his chin. “I have always treated your jiujiu with respect; I will apologise for not reigning in my disciples, including my brother, but asking for more is overstepping.”
“So are you right now, coming here uninvited, expecting me to drop everything to entertain this inane meeting with you. I see we are unable to agree to terms for reconciliation.” jl stands and bows. “I have business to return to. zwj has always come and gone from jlt as he
pleases; I expect no escort will be necessary for you to see yourself out.”
lxc stands as well, reaching out. “Rulan, please, we can talk about this some more.”
jl doesn’t even glance back at him as he walks off. “This junior sees off zwj.”
——
lxc stands as well, reaching out. “Rulan, please, we can talk about this some more.”
jl doesn’t even glance back at him as he walks off. “This junior sees off zwj.”
——
jc is sewing himself a new fur blanket, a crackling fire in his hearth and the first snow falling outside.
He should have prepared this blanket sooner, but it’s still not too late now, the fur soft and fluffy as he leans in close to make his stitches.
He should have prepared this blanket sooner, but it’s still not too late now, the fur soft and fluffy as he leans in close to make his stitches.
“Am I getting old?” he asks himself, when the needle pricks finger.
He gives it a good suck, inspecting it for any more blood. His fur blanket is a soft, solid white, and the last thing he wants is to dirty it.
Along the walls of his cottage, jc has pinned up the drawings from
He gives it a good suck, inspecting it for any more blood. His fur blanket is a soft, solid white, and the last thing he wants is to dirty it.
Along the walls of his cottage, jc has pinned up the drawings from
the younger Yunmeng disciples, and on his table are the latest letters from jl and nhs.
jl’s letter is purely domestic: Fairy is on a (unsuccessful) diet, he (successfully) wrangled control of his council, and he’s improved in striking Zidian with needle-eyed accuracy.
jl’s letter is purely domestic: Fairy is on a (unsuccessful) diet, he (successfully) wrangled control of his council, and he’s improved in striking Zidian with needle-eyed accuracy.
nhs’ letter is, again, full of gossip. jc knows he’s got many smaller sects firmly within his grasp, and he’s using the court of public opinion in his crusade against gsl.
jc knows it has very little to do with himself and jl; nhs had been biding his time, and this is a golden
jc knows it has very little to do with himself and jl; nhs had been biding his time, and this is a golden
opportunity handed up to him on a plate.
By his calculations the Discussion Conference should be happening right now. He feels vaguely sorry for zwj, but that’s the extent of it.
He hopes jl will stay strong in the first conference he’ll appear by himself, and he’s worried that
By his calculations the Discussion Conference should be happening right now. He feels vaguely sorry for zwj, but that’s the extent of it.
He hopes jl will stay strong in the first conference he’ll appear by himself, and he’s worried that
A-Xiang will be bullied by the older sect leaders. But he knows he has to leave it up to them now; there’s nothing more he could give them, and it’s better for them that he’s not there anymore.
jc hums a song as he puts aside his sewing and begins to get ready for bed.
jc hums a song as he puts aside his sewing and begins to get ready for bed.
He’s already had a hot bath, and now he sits before his dresser to comb lotus perfumed oil through his hair.
Halfway through, he moves to a window to watch the snowfall. It reflects the moonlight to bathe the entire scene in a glow of silver, and jc smiles to himself as he
Halfway through, he moves to a window to watch the snowfall. It reflects the moonlight to bathe the entire scene in a glow of silver, and jc smiles to himself as he
twines his hair into a loose braid.
It’s much too beautiful to go to sleep and waste such a sight.
jc goes to heat some wine on his hearth. Vaguely, he remembers jl’s worry that he was drinking too much.
He shrugs, pouring himself some roasted nuts and melon seeds as snacks.
It’s much too beautiful to go to sleep and waste such a sight.
jc goes to heat some wine on his hearth. Vaguely, he remembers jl’s worry that he was drinking too much.
He shrugs, pouring himself some roasted nuts and melon seeds as snacks.
jc is only in loose inner robes, and he lets them fall open carelessly as he seats himself by the window, cushioned by a fluffy fur carpet.
Outside, the snow continues to fall.
What a lovely night.
——
Outside, the snow continues to fall.
What a lovely night.
——
nhs stands at ceremony, welcoming each delegation to qhn. gsl had arrived early as usual, but they were by themselves at their assigned seats. Normally other sects would be eager to ingratiate themselves to zwj, but now they congregate away from gsl, bowing only from a distance.
Yunmeng strides in proudly with A-Xiang at the helm. She’s dressed in robes of heavy silks, and her hair is tied into a typical no-nonsense knot. She exudes confidence as she greets nhs.
“SLJ, after all these years, I would consider us friends. Hopefully one day we will have
“SLJ, after all these years, I would consider us friends. Hopefully one day we will have
as strong a friendship as I have with your previous SL.”
A-Xiang bows. “This junior is still inexperienced and will be grateful for any guidance from SLN.”
nhs waves his fan. “Not at all, not at all. After all these years, this one is still learning the ropes.”
A-Xiang bows. “This junior is still inexperienced and will be grateful for any guidance from SLN.”
nhs waves his fan. “Not at all, not at all. After all these years, this one is still learning the ropes.”
They exchange a few more empty pleasantries, the meanings only known to them.
“It will snow tomorrow, but I do have it on good authority that an abundance of furs and a warm fire will keep the chill well away from the home.” nhs smiles.
“I see. Thanking SLN for his wisdom.”
“It will snow tomorrow, but I do have it on good authority that an abundance of furs and a warm fire will keep the chill well away from the home.” nhs smiles.
“I see. Thanking SLN for his wisdom.”
Another delegation arrives then, so A-Xiang bows her leave and nhs flutters away to welcome the newcomers.
Inside the hall are banners marking the seating for the attending sects. llj aren’t here yet, so A-Xiang leads the ymj disciples to their spot.
Inside the hall are banners marking the seating for the attending sects. llj aren’t here yet, so A-Xiang leads the ymj disciples to their spot.
With qhn at the top, llj and ymj are placed to the immediate sides. gsl is further down, next to llj. They used to sit at qhn’s right, but now there’s ymj instead.
ymj have barely entered the banquet hall when a few minor sect leaders approach. These middle-aged men of middling
ymj have barely entered the banquet hall when a few minor sect leaders approach. These middle-aged men of middling
cultivation practically gleam with the impossible hope that ymj will be floundering without sdss - and with a young female leader! It’s just candy for the taking.
Except A-Xiang cuts them off bluntly when they hint at her ‘delicate female sensibilities’, and reminds them of
Except A-Xiang cuts them off bluntly when they hint at her ‘delicate female sensibilities’, and reminds them of
the most recent hunting competition that she won. She has the physical strength to match a man, and her cultivation is undoubtedly stronger than these bottom feeders.
Like jl, she was personally trained by jc to lead, and jc had plenty of hard-earned experience handling bullies.
Like jl, she was personally trained by jc to lead, and jc had plenty of hard-earned experience handling bullies.
It takes only minimal effort and barely any time to cow them back into submission, and A-Xiang leads the Yunmeng disciples to their seats with only a few more passing greetings by other SLs.
When they sit, A-Xiang narrows her eyes at the Lan delegation across the hall.
When they sit, A-Xiang narrows her eyes at the Lan delegation across the hall.
As the junior, she should be the one greeting lxc. Instead, she and all the disciples glower at them, and lxc shifts nervously in his seat when he makes eye contact with A-Xiang.
This leads to a breakout of whispering around the hall, and it only heightens when jl arrives.
This leads to a breakout of whispering around the hall, and it only heightens when jl arrives.
After a few words with nhs, jl goes immediately to ymj, bowing respectfully to A-Xiang and chatting quietly with her.
He too ignores gsl, and the Lan disciples are beginning to stir with anger over the disrespect.
lqr scolds them back into silence with a few choice words and
He too ignores gsl, and the Lan disciples are beginning to stir with anger over the disrespect.
lqr scolds them back into silence with a few choice words and
shakes his head at lxc, who is staring forlornly at llj and ymj.
“Get a hold of yourself, Xichen,” lqr says sternly. “I have secured a meeting with SLJ tomorrow morning; don’t do anything to jeopardise it tonight.”
lxc swallows hard. “Yes, shufu.”
“Get a hold of yourself, Xichen,” lqr says sternly. “I have secured a meeting with SLJ tomorrow morning; don’t do anything to jeopardise it tonight.”
lxc swallows hard. “Yes, shufu.”
lqr’s frown deepens as he takes a sip of tea. He can feel a monster of a headache coming on.
This is going to be a very, very, Very long conference.
——
This is going to be a very, very, Very long conference.
——
“Lan-laoshi, I respect you greatly, but my hands really are tied in this matter. You of all people must understand that dignity and respect must be maintained, and I intend to right the wrongs of the past. Neither my sect nor my own conscience will allow otherwise.”
lqr sighs. “I understand the difficulties of your position. Though I was hoping that the passage of time may have eased it somewhat.”
“On the contrary,” A-Xiang says. “I have it on good authority that wwx and the previous Lan er-gongzi are hunting for our previous SL. Now that
“On the contrary,” A-Xiang says. “I have it on good authority that wwx and the previous Lan er-gongzi are hunting for our previous SL. Now that
is absolutely unacceptable.”
lqr’s frown in pained. “They are no longer part of gsl. We have no say in their actions.”
“SLL has been seen in Caiyi with them.” A-Xiang can tell lqr had no idea when he straightens, expression furious. “Yes. It’s quite well-known, actually.”
lqr’s frown in pained. “They are no longer part of gsl. We have no say in their actions.”
“SLL has been seen in Caiyi with them.” A-Xiang can tell lqr had no idea when he straightens, expression furious. “Yes. It’s quite well-known, actually.”
“By well-known, you mean…”
“I mean the entire cultivation world, Laoshi.” A-Xiang refills lqr’s teacup. “So you see, Laoshi, it’s simply impossible for me to soften my stance on this matter, and I have no idea when I’ll be able to either.”
lqr’s goatee is quivering with how
“I mean the entire cultivation world, Laoshi.” A-Xiang refills lqr’s teacup. “So you see, Laoshi, it’s simply impossible for me to soften my stance on this matter, and I have no idea when I’ll be able to either.”
lqr’s goatee is quivering with how
hard his jaw is clenched. He takes a sip of tea to calm himself. Foolish! So foolish to meet at all, and even more so in such a busy place, where they are known to everyone!
“They’re either acting on the orders of SLL or with his approval. Either way, I’m afraid there must be
“They’re either acting on the orders of SLL or with his approval. Either way, I’m afraid there must be
consequences.”
“Mn.” lqr can hear the pounding in his temples. “I can only hope that SLJ will be lenient in this matter.”
“As much as I possibly can be, which, unfortunately, is not much.” A-Xiang sighs. “Lan-laoshi, I hope you do not think less of me for this.”
“Mn.” lqr can hear the pounding in his temples. “I can only hope that SLJ will be lenient in this matter.”
“As much as I possibly can be, which, unfortunately, is not much.” A-Xiang sighs. “Lan-laoshi, I hope you do not think less of me for this.”
“No, I understand.” lqr sighs. “I won’t delay you any further then. I’ll see you later this morning at the conference.” He sways when he stands, and A-Xiang quickly helps him, easing him back down.
“Get a healer!” she shouts.
lqr has a hand to his head.
“Get a healer!” she shouts.
lqr has a hand to his head.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he mutters patting A-Xiang’s hand. “Just - just a dizzy spell.”
“Laoshi, you have been under a great deal of stress,” A-Xiang says. “I understand responsibility to your nephews and sect, but you must take care of your health too. You can’t help anyone if
“Laoshi, you have been under a great deal of stress,” A-Xiang says. “I understand responsibility to your nephews and sect, but you must take care of your health too. You can’t help anyone if
you’re unwell.”
“I’m fine,” lqr repeats, waving off the healer when he arrives.
“At least let me walk you back to your rooms,” A-Xiang says, which lqr allows.
lqr really feels his age as A-Xiang walks him back. He’s still not old for a cultivator, but he’s just so tired.
“I’m fine,” lqr repeats, waving off the healer when he arrives.
“At least let me walk you back to your rooms,” A-Xiang says, which lqr allows.
lqr really feels his age as A-Xiang walks him back. He’s still not old for a cultivator, but he’s just so tired.
lxc startles when he sees A-Xiang help lqr into the wing designated for the Lan delegation. “Shufu! Are you alright?” He looks at A-Xiang suspiciously. “What happened at the meeting?”
lqr glares at him, furious. “You! If not for you…!” He sways again, leaning on A-Xiang’s arm.
lqr glares at him, furious. “You! If not for you…!” He sways again, leaning on A-Xiang’s arm.
“Laoshi, please rest. You can speak to SLL later.” A-Xiang helps him to lie down as lxc hovers around uncertainly.
After quietly closing the doors to lqr’s room, A-Xiang turns around to see lxc smiling at her hesitantly.
“SLJ, thank you for assisting. I hope your meeting with-”
After quietly closing the doors to lqr’s room, A-Xiang turns around to see lxc smiling at her hesitantly.
“SLJ, thank you for assisting. I hope your meeting with-”
A-Xiang scoffs at him, loudly and scornfully. She leaves without another word or look.
——
——
nhs thinks his conference is going quite well. He’s held the position of CC for a good several years now, and it had seemed like he would eventually lose the position once lxc left seclusion and reaffirmed his position as the revered zwj, leader of the respected gsl sect.
There’s no such chance now; gsl is isolated, jl is too young, and A-Xiang too new.
nhs speaks up when a smaller sect leader makes a disparaging comment about a SLL that likes to shelter murderers. “That’s hardly fair,” nhs says, his fan hiding the curve of his lips.
nhs speaks up when a smaller sect leader makes a disparaging comment about a SLL that likes to shelter murderers. “That’s hardly fair,” nhs says, his fan hiding the curve of his lips.
“jgy was a man that had all of us fooled. It seems only natural that even the great zwj had been fooled also.”
nhs meets lxc’s eyes over the top of his fan. lxc stares back, face pale. Yes, the great zwj had been fooled, had been played, and only nhs had known the truth.
nhs meets lxc’s eyes over the top of his fan. lxc stares back, face pale. Yes, the great zwj had been fooled, had been played, and only nhs had known the truth.
nhs lowers his fan to smile at him and lxc has to lower his gaze, lips pressed into a thin white line.
“Then what about yllz,” someone mutters, and the hall breaks out into muted murmurs.
nhs’ smile widens. “Please, everyone, we all know how much zwj treasures family.
“Then what about yllz,” someone mutters, and the hall breaks out into muted murmurs.
nhs’ smile widens. “Please, everyone, we all know how much zwj treasures family.
It’s hardly his fault.”
“Oh, well of course we can’t blame him then,” a minor SL says, pure sarcasm dripping from his words. “Who knows what atrocities will be allowed against us smaller sects, as long as it’s done by his brother. If he’s so daring against the great sdss and ymj
“Oh, well of course we can’t blame him then,” a minor SL says, pure sarcasm dripping from his words. “Who knows what atrocities will be allowed against us smaller sects, as long as it’s done by his brother. If he’s so daring against the great sdss and ymj
then what can us smaller sects expect? Has everyone forgotten the tyranny of qsw already?”
“I assure you, gsl holds no such inclinations. We have the utmost respect for the previous SLJ and ymj and the offenders have been expelled from our sect.”
“I assure you, gsl holds no such inclinations. We have the utmost respect for the previous SLJ and ymj and the offenders have been expelled from our sect.”
“The esteemed CC must take a stance to protect our interests,” the minor SL says, ignoring lxc, and is joined by a chorus of voices in agreement, “since the word of gsl can no longer be trusted.”
“I have all your interests at heart,” nhs says vaguely. “But since gsl has already
“I have all your interests at heart,” nhs says vaguely. “But since gsl has already
banished the perpetrators…”
“SLL is still supporting them!” someone else says, pointing an accusing finger. “It’s all a farce! Now they want to assassinate the precious SLJ to force ymj and llj back into submission!”
jl rolls his eyes. “As if llj are that weak!”
“SLL is still supporting them!” someone else says, pointing an accusing finger. “It’s all a farce! Now they want to assassinate the precious SLJ to force ymj and llj back into submission!”
jl rolls his eyes. “As if llj are that weak!”
“ymj does not respond to threats. If it’s a war they seek, then war they shall have,” A-Xiang says coolly.
nhs fans himself slowly. Truly, the power of rumours is astounding. “That cannot possibly be true,” he says, enjoying the way lxc stiffens, brow wrinkling.
nhs fans himself slowly. Truly, the power of rumours is astounding. “That cannot possibly be true,” he says, enjoying the way lxc stiffens, brow wrinkling.
“I have done no such thing! I will not allow such appalling rumours of myself or my sect to continue! I am not supporting lwj or wwx, and to even suggest that I would seek harm against the previous SLJ is both ridiculous and unforgivable!”
“Then why have you been meeting them in Caiyi? They’re going around telling everyone that they’re hunting for sdss!”
“That is their business, not of gsl’s.” lxc says firmly.
“Then you are supporting them privately in your capacity as their family!”
“I am doing no such thing.”
“That is their business, not of gsl’s.” lxc says firmly.
“Then you are supporting them privately in your capacity as their family!”
“I am doing no such thing.”
“The entire town saw you! My own disciples saw you at the inn with them!” A minor SL scoffs. “Who would ever have thought that zwj is a liar.”
nhs keeps fanning slowly as he watches lxc, who takes in a deep breath. Let’s see what he has to say, when no one will listen to him.
nhs keeps fanning slowly as he watches lxc, who takes in a deep breath. Let’s see what he has to say, when no one will listen to him.
“I have fought alongside many of you during ssc. You all know me personally, and know that my sect has strict rules of honour and justice that we all abide by. lwj and wwx were expelled precisely because their behaviour is unacceptable, and neither I nor my sect condone it.”
nhs watches the faces of the people turn uncertain. “I think it’s time for a break,” he says. “We need to refocus, and I think we could all take some time for refreshments.”
The attendees mill around the hall, discussing amongst themselves as servants enter with food and drink.
The attendees mill around the hall, discussing amongst themselves as servants enter with food and drink.
nhs goes up to lxc, who’s left alone. “Er-ge, that must have been difficult for you.”
“No,” lxc says. “It’s to be expected.”
“I cannot imagine what it must be like, to insist and yet be disbelieved.” nhs smiles gently. “At least it’s not by someone close to you.
“No,” lxc says. “It’s to be expected.”
“I cannot imagine what it must be like, to insist and yet be disbelieved.” nhs smiles gently. “At least it’s not by someone close to you.
Don’t worry, Er-ge. This didi believes you.”
nhs can feel a curl of satisfaction at the clear guilt on lxc’s face, spilling over into the sadness of his gaze. He bows his leave then, using the excuse of being a host to make the rounds around the hall and gauge the general mood.
nhs can feel a curl of satisfaction at the clear guilt on lxc’s face, spilling over into the sadness of his gaze. He bows his leave then, using the excuse of being a host to make the rounds around the hall and gauge the general mood.
After a while he looks back to see lxc alone at his seat, staring down into his cup of tea.
nhs hides a smile with his fan and turns his back.
——
nhs hides a smile with his fan and turns his back.
——
It’s a few weeks until the new year, and lsz and ljy are still confined within cr. They haven’t been allowed on any night hunts, their activities constrained by lessons and training and carrying out their daily punishment of copying out the sect rules during their free hours.
At first, their confinement had ljy grumbling constantly about the unfairness of it all. lsz had thought the same but wisely kept his opinion to himself. lqr liked to drop in unannounced to check on their progress and would increase punishments if he heard such complaints.
It didn’t really hit them how much trouble they were in until hgj was expelled. Both lsz and ljy were shocked into stupor. hgj represents the best of gsl and its teachings, a beacon of light and hope to the common people.
They didn’t understand. Why was jl so offended? It wasn’t as if jl had never complained about his uncle, and he had been there most of the times they had any interaction with sdss before.
lqr and lxc were leaving constantly for meetings with other SLs, meeting with the elders
lqr and lxc were leaving constantly for meetings with other SLs, meeting with the elders
immediately upon return, and their stomachs sank slowly as they began to realise how much trouble their sect was in.
This was abundantly clear when other disciples began to turn on the 2 of them, blaming them for their part in their sect’s troubles.
This was abundantly clear when other disciples began to turn on the 2 of them, blaming them for their part in their sect’s troubles.
The most recent Discussion Conference had been an utter disaster. Teacher Lan had fallen ill on the morning of the 2nd day, apparently angered so much by zwj that he almost qi deviated. zwj had been snubbed the entire time, and the senior disciples had not been spared either.
lsz has a feeling this is too big to be fixed with apologies, and ljy is beginning to feel more than a little anxious because everyone knows it’s them - the 2 of them that were the favourites of hgj and Wei-qianbei, taken by them out on frequent night hunts, to major intersect
events, cavorting with the rich and influential SL Jin, and somewhere along the way, it was their arrogance and disrespect (as other disciples say) towards the retired SL Jiang that led to broken alliances and the entire sect now suffering for their behaviour.
No one makes eye contact with them anymore, conversations are avoided, no one even wants to sit near them. They have become pariahs.
ljy has the fanciful thought that their previous friendship with jl could be restored and things can go back to normal, which means
ljy has the fanciful thought that their previous friendship with jl could be restored and things can go back to normal, which means
hgj and Wei-qianbei can return.
lsz doesn’t have such high hopes, not when tensions between their sects are still at its peak. zwj hadn’t been granted a private audience with either SL Jin or SL Jiang at the conference, so it’s obvious that their predicament will continue for a
lsz doesn’t have such high hopes, not when tensions between their sects are still at its peak. zwj hadn’t been granted a private audience with either SL Jin or SL Jiang at the conference, so it’s obvious that their predicament will continue for a
while longer.
But ljy is young, foolish, and had grown up sheltered and pampered as young masters often are, so he goes to zwj to plead his case.
“This matter is beyond you, jy,” zwj says sternly. “SL Jin is determined that his jiujiu’s honour be upheld.”
But ljy is young, foolish, and had grown up sheltered and pampered as young masters often are, so he goes to zwj to plead his case.
“This matter is beyond you, jy,” zwj says sternly. “SL Jin is determined that his jiujiu’s honour be upheld.”
“If we can just write to him, or see him, I’m sure we can smooth things over,” ljy says earnestly. “jl isn’t unreasonable, and we’ve all been punished already.”
lxc shakes his head, but ljy keeps talking, cajoling, until eventually lxc slams his hand onto the desk.
lxc shakes his head, but ljy keeps talking, cajoling, until eventually lxc slams his hand onto the desk.
ljy jumps, eyes huge as he falls silent.
“jy, do you not think I’ve had this discussion with SL Jin already?”
“But we’re his friends…”
“And that is his jiujiu. jy, I have been too lenient on all of you. I had thought that since the previous SL Jiang never said anything then
“jy, do you not think I’ve had this discussion with SL Jin already?”
“But we’re his friends…”
“And that is his jiujiu. jy, I have been too lenient on all of you. I had thought that since the previous SL Jiang never said anything then
it meant nothing, but I know now I was wrong. Even if SL Jin’s temper is soothed, there’s still ymj to consider.”
ljy has only vague recollections of ymj’s SIC, a slim woman that glared at him (at them) with death in her eyes. “They’ll listen to jl.”
lxc looks frustrated.
ljy has only vague recollections of ymj’s SIC, a slim woman that glared at him (at them) with death in her eyes. “They’ll listen to jl.”
lxc looks frustrated.
“They’re an entire other sect, jy. Why would you ever think they would listen to SL Jin?”
ljy pauses with his mouth open.
“You’re older than SL Jin and a senior disciple. I am disappointed in you, jy. I know I failed to put you in your place, but after these months of
ljy pauses with his mouth open.
“You’re older than SL Jin and a senior disciple. I am disappointed in you, jy. I know I failed to put you in your place, but after these months of
punishment and confinement for reflection, you have learned nothing.”
lxc sighs. “I will not add to your punishment. When the council determines your confinement over then you and sz will be allowed to participate in nighthunts again. But you will not be allowed to lead until
lxc sighs. “I will not add to your punishment. When the council determines your confinement over then you and sz will be allowed to participate in nighthunts again. But you will not be allowed to lead until
you are able to show you can conduct yourself properly as befits your station and resist bad influences. If you cannot tell right from wrong, you do not deserve to represent our sect.”
ljy cannot help his mouth. “Even when the influence is hgj?”
ljy cannot help his mouth. “Even when the influence is hgj?”
lxc’s dark eyes flash warningly. “That was my oversight,” he says tightly. “lwj is no longer a part of gsl, and you should ruminate on why. If you are so determined to follow his path, you may find yourself in his position as well.” lxc looks away dismissively.
“Go. Tell sz the same. He was brought here by wj, so he may feel differently about leaving.”
So ljy bows his leave, going back to lsz. He wants to complain, but guilt and anxiety hangs heavily on his shoulders and stomach, and he can’t bring himself to do it.
So ljy bows his leave, going back to lsz. He wants to complain, but guilt and anxiety hangs heavily on his shoulders and stomach, and he can’t bring himself to do it.
He and lsz end up sitting in silence. They do that a lot now, sitting together in silence. There’s nothing they can do to fix the situation as it is now.
“Let’s sneak out to see jl,” ljy suggests.
“Absolutely not,” lsz says. “We need to stay here and serve our punishment.
“Let’s sneak out to see jl,” ljy suggests.
“Absolutely not,” lsz says. “We need to stay here and serve our punishment.
I don’t want to get into even more trouble.“
“But-”
“It’ll just put the sect into an even tougher position. How will it look, that zwj can’t even properly punish 2 disciples for such a huge transgression?”
ljy deflates. “Then what should we do?”
“But-”
“It’ll just put the sect into an even tougher position. How will it look, that zwj can’t even properly punish 2 disciples for such a huge transgression?”
ljy deflates. “Then what should we do?”
lsz swallows hard. He wishes hgj or Wei-qianbei were here to tell them. “I don’t know.”
——
——
“Go away, we don’t want your business.”
“We’re closed, don’t come back.”
“Just go, we won’t serve you.”
Everywhere they look, inns turn them away, restaurants turn them away, businesses turn them away.
“We’re closed, don’t come back.”
“Just go, we won’t serve you.”
Everywhere they look, inns turn them away, restaurants turn them away, businesses turn them away.
Everywhere touched by llj, ymj, and now even qhn, refuse to have anything to do with them.
“We can free you from their tyrannical rule!” wwx tries convincing the townspeople and villagers. “The great sects cannot be allowed to subjugate the common people like this!”
“We can free you from their tyrannical rule!” wwx tries convincing the townspeople and villagers. “The great sects cannot be allowed to subjugate the common people like this!”
But these towns and villages live under the protection of these sects, and what is the worth of words from 2 rogue cultivators? No, they must be people of great evil - what else would draw the ire of all the great sects?
The news shocks wwx and hgj - all?
The news shocks wwx and hgj - all?
They rush back to Gusu, only to find that they’re not banned, not like the other jurisdictions, but it’s somehow widespread that they are the reason the trade routes that existed for generations all disappeared overnight.
There is no business that was not affected by this,
There is no business that was not affected by this,
and the bare hostility that faces them is even worse.
So they leave again, this time travelling to the countryside, where all there is are tiny isolated villages.
It’s winter, so there’s no farm work they could help with in exchange for room and board but they still have the
So they leave again, this time travelling to the countryside, where all there is are tiny isolated villages.
It’s winter, so there’s no farm work they could help with in exchange for room and board but they still have the
money that lxc gave them, so that allows them to buy nights in woodsheds and hay stalls, with simple mantou and water for the night. Family rations are limited and there is only so much they’re willing to sell. When heavy snow begins to fall, wwx and lwj find themselves lost.
They will have to be somewhere away from the influence of the 4 sects, and they eventually go to Baling, to look for oyzz after they finally receive a reply to their letter seeking temporary shelter for winter.
oyzz intercepts them at the edge of their territory.
oyzz intercepts them at the edge of their territory.
“Wei-qianbei, hgj, my father has prohibited me from any contact with you. I can only hide you in a spare storage shed for now - it won’t be touched until summer, so no one will bother you there.”
They sneak in like thieves in the night, and oyzz gives them food as he updates
They sneak in like thieves in the night, and oyzz gives them food as he updates
them on what’s been happening in the last couple months.
jl is cordial in his letters with oyzz but firm and unyielding on any matters relating to gsl or lsz and ljy. “It’s me or them,” is the plain message. oyzz is still the heir and he knows the direction of the tide,
jl is cordial in his letters with oyzz but firm and unyielding on any matters relating to gsl or lsz and ljy. “It’s me or them,” is the plain message. oyzz is still the heir and he knows the direction of the tide,
so he sides with jl.
lwj is furious, but wwx calms him down. oyzz is the only one willing to house them - if they’re found out, he’ll get into trouble too.
lqr fell ill during the recent Discussion Conference that ended in a debacle for gsl.
lwj is furious, but wwx calms him down. oyzz is the only one willing to house them - if they’re found out, he’ll get into trouble too.
lqr fell ill during the recent Discussion Conference that ended in a debacle for gsl.
He’s now on bed rest and lxc, for the first time ever, finds himself at the helm without the support of his uncle.
As for ymj, their gates are still closed, but the showing of their new leader at the conference proved her capabilities, ruthlessly quashing any voiced doubts and
As for ymj, their gates are still closed, but the showing of their new leader at the conference proved her capabilities, ruthlessly quashing any voiced doubts and
fiercely intolerant of any insults against jc, whom they all still refer to as their SL.
When oyzz leaves for the night, wwx and lwj ponder their next steps. It’s too cold to travel too far for now, but when the weather warms they can escape to a far place, where no one knows
When oyzz leaves for the night, wwx and lwj ponder their next steps. It’s too cold to travel too far for now, but when the weather warms they can escape to a far place, where no one knows
them, and they can start over with the funds from lxc - buy a plot of land and maybe start their own sect. It’s not impossible.
They just have to make it through this winter first, and all the unknowns it brings.
——
They just have to make it through this winter first, and all the unknowns it brings.
——
It’s a week to the new year, and jc has been spending most of his time rolling around in furs and drinking a variety of different wines. It’s too cold outside to do anything, and the most exercise jc has been doing is pumping water for his heated, fragrant baths.
He hums as he rolls over onto his stomach. He’s sprawled out next to the large fire in his fireplace, and he kicks his feet up into the air as takes a sip of wine.
He’s been absolutely enthralled with a novel series that he bought last time in the village. It’s a light, easy
He’s been absolutely enthralled with a novel series that he bought last time in the village. It’s a light, easy
read and the plot is rather trite, but the author draws the reader in through enthralling descriptions.
A knock on the door draws him out of his reverie. He takes a moment to straighten out his robes before he cracks the door open.
A knock on the door draws him out of his reverie. He takes a moment to straighten out his robes before he cracks the door open.
“Jiujiu, what took you so long? It’s freezing!” jl pushes into the cottage, shaking off the snow on his cloak and tossing his wet boots to the side.
jc scolds him for being so messy, but immediately wraps him in a fur blanket, fussing over his damp hair and wind-ruffled clothes,
jc scolds him for being so messy, but immediately wraps him in a fur blanket, fussing over his damp hair and wind-ruffled clothes,
pushing him to sit at the low table and pouring him a giant mug of steaming tea. “Why did you fly in such bad weather? You could’ve waited for the storm to end.”
“I dunno when it’ll end,” jl says stubbornly. “And when I go back I’ll be up to my eyeballs in New Years prep
“I dunno when it’ll end,” jl says stubbornly. “And when I go back I’ll be up to my eyeballs in New Years prep
and you said last time I can’t visit again until the summer solstice.”
jc sighs. He had originally planned to only meet jl in the village, but this year’s winter is particularly harsh, with constant snowstorms. It’s better to have jl over than to make him go to the village
jc sighs. He had originally planned to only meet jl in the village, but this year’s winter is particularly harsh, with constant snowstorms. It’s better to have jl over than to make him go to the village
that would most certainly be shut down for the season.
“Jiujiu what are you drinking? I want some too.”
So jc pours jl some wine and lights up when jl produces a few jugs of top grade lotus wine from Yunmeng’s private cellar.
“Xiang-jiejie says hi,” jl says, downing his cup
“Jiujiu what are you drinking? I want some too.”
So jc pours jl some wine and lights up when jl produces a few jugs of top grade lotus wine from Yunmeng’s private cellar.
“Xiang-jiejie says hi,” jl says, downing his cup
and pouring himself another. “Wei-gege is so jealous I think he actually turned blue,” he laughs. Then he pulls out a huge stack of letters. “They latest from ym.”
jc sifts through the letters, smiling. “How was the biannual Discussion Conference?”
jc sifts through the letters, smiling. “How was the biannual Discussion Conference?”
jl’s smile glints in the firelight. “Good,” he says simply.
jc shoots him A Look but jl just blinks at him innocently. “I don’t want revenge,” he says. “I told you that’s not what I want. I want you to focus on greater things than me.”
“I am,” jl protests.
jc shoots him A Look but jl just blinks at him innocently. “I don’t want revenge,” he says. “I told you that’s not what I want. I want you to focus on greater things than me.”
“I am,” jl protests.
jc sighs. He knows jl is hiding something, but he doesn’t push it. jl is an adult and a SL, and jc has no more influence anymore.
“What do you want for dinner? I still have some frozen meat that’s good for roasting.”
“Meat!” jl cheers, refilling jc’s wine cup.
“What do you want for dinner? I still have some frozen meat that’s good for roasting.”
“Meat!” jl cheers, refilling jc’s wine cup.
“Let’s drink lots, jiujiu. Enough for the next few months.”
“Brat,” jc says fondly, but he downs the cup and smiles as jl pours them another round.
——
“Brat,” jc says fondly, but he downs the cup and smiles as jl pours them another round.
——
It’s cold in the shed. lwj wraps him in blankets and warm cloaks, but wwx’s core is weak, and there’s no fire to keep away the chill. lwj hides it better, but his fingers are like ice blocks even over wwx’s robes.
They get food that oyzz smuggles them, but it’s lukewarm by the time he makes the trip. Their stores of water form ice chips, and they know this can’t last.
It takes about a week for the storms to blow through and they decide to leave immediately after.
It takes about a week for the storms to blow through and they decide to leave immediately after.
oyzz packs extra food with their supplies, unable to see them off properly as he sneaks back to training.
They fly south, away from the 4 great sects.
It takes them a few days, but eventually they find a small town. It doesn’t seem associated with any particular sect,
They fly south, away from the 4 great sects.
It takes them a few days, but eventually they find a small town. It doesn’t seem associated with any particular sect,
and they get a cheap room at a cheap inn.
lwj had wanted to get them something better, but wwx holds him back. “We’ve troubled Lan-dage enough. We can’t keep asking him for money.”
At that, lwj has to agree.
They stay there while they scope out the surrounding area, to see if
lwj had wanted to get them something better, but wwx holds him back. “We’ve troubled Lan-dage enough. We can’t keep asking him for money.”
At that, lwj has to agree.
They stay there while they scope out the surrounding area, to see if
there’s land or property available for sale. There is, and wwx’s glib tongue and charm talks them into a significant discount.
They still have enough money to make it through to spring if they are frugal, and now they have their own place to save on expenses.
They still have enough money to make it through to spring if they are frugal, and now they have their own place to save on expenses.
However, their inexperience soon shows. A large part of the discount had been because the place needed extensive renovations. “How hard could it be,” wwx had said. “Everyone says the rebuilding of lp was surprisingly fast, and jc even built most of the family quarters himself.”
lwj had agreed. cr had burnt too, and rebuilding had been quick - but he didn’t think about the hordes of servants and junior disciples that had a hand in it under the direction of professional builders while the seniors went to fight in the war.
Renovations are, in fact, very hard. They have no idea of anything - of the type of wood that was needed, of what different wood joints were and how they worked, of what even was needed, never mind other structural issues like plumbing or roofing.
So they stay in the room with the least problems, deciding to hire workers once they earn some more money as rogue cultivators.
However, a town not associated with a particular sect doesn’t mean it has work for RCs. Previously they would seek help from nearby sects,
However, a town not associated with a particular sect doesn’t mean it has work for RCs. Previously they would seek help from nearby sects,
or if the problem was a major one, seek urgent help from one of the great sects.
This one happens to be just past the edge of Meishan Yu territory. The first time wwx sees the dark blue of their uniforms, he panics out of instinct, dragging lwj into an alley.
This one happens to be just past the edge of Meishan Yu territory. The first time wwx sees the dark blue of their uniforms, he panics out of instinct, dragging lwj into an alley.
“Wei Ying does not need to be afraid. I am here.”
wwx sighs. “It’s not that I’m afraid. They just - they didn’t like me at all.”
Even if a woman marries into another family, her position and status in her husband’s home is still affected by the strength of her birth family.
wwx sighs. “It’s not that I’m afraid. They just - they didn’t like me at all.”
Even if a woman marries into another family, her position and status in her husband’s home is still affected by the strength of her birth family.
It was one of the reasons why yzy still commanded such power in ymj even with the obvious dislike of jfm. Relying on her own abilities was not enough. She had to have political and financial support to avoid being bullied by the elders and servants.
With msy behind yzy, no one dared go against her.
msy rarely involves itself in the cultivation world. They had joined sunshot out of necessity and revenge, but rarely attend conferences and do not have formal treaties or alliances with other sects.
msy rarely involves itself in the cultivation world. They had joined sunshot out of necessity and revenge, but rarely attend conferences and do not have formal treaties or alliances with other sects.
Only the powerful can pick and choose what they want to do.
Needless to say, with news that their beloved grandson is retired and in seclusion, they are out for blood.
Needless to say, with news that their beloved grandson is retired and in seclusion, they are out for blood.
wwx and lwj know that msy is not hiding jc, and they had given jl a chilly reception when he had gone looking for info on jc.
yzy’s mother, the grand matriarch of the family and sect, is a formidable character, with an icy demeanour that reveals nothing.
yzy’s mother, the grand matriarch of the family and sect, is a formidable character, with an icy demeanour that reveals nothing.
She had frightened the wits out of jl.
“They don’t even like jl, who’s their great-grandson,” wwx frets.
Hostility shines in lwj’s golden eyes. But even he knows that going against an entire sect is stupid and futile, so the only option for now is to avoid.
“They don’t even like jl, who’s their great-grandson,” wwx frets.
Hostility shines in lwj’s golden eyes. But even he knows that going against an entire sect is stupid and futile, so the only option for now is to avoid.
In the end, they decide to put away the matter for now. They still have enough money for the next few months, and they can figure it out later.
Meanwhile, said Yu matriarch is hearing news that wwx and lwj are at a certain town, just outside of msy territory.
Meanwhile, said Yu matriarch is hearing news that wwx and lwj are at a certain town, just outside of msy territory.
They have a piece of land next to the town now, and it’s unlikely they will move soon.
“Mn.” She sends away the reporting disciple with one wave of her hand.
She is patient. She has time. She has no need for ostentatious displays of revenge like the Jins and Jiangs.
“Mn.” She sends away the reporting disciple with one wave of her hand.
She is patient. She has time. She has no need for ostentatious displays of revenge like the Jins and Jiangs.
She will make them regret living.
——
——
cw: anti-w/xn, abuse and hate from this point on. (Sorry😭)
There’s a new storyteller in town. He’s got a large walking stick and sells books and paintings.
His yllz series is his most popular, and right now there’s a special sale! For every book sold there’s a free painting of yllz and his husband!
His yllz series is his most popular, and right now there’s a special sale! For every book sold there’s a free painting of yllz and his husband!
The yllz is horrific and terrifying! His demonic cultivation rips your loved ones from the reincarnation cycle! Turns them into mindless monsters that will do his bidding! Tears apart their bodies so that no corpse is whole!
Not only that, but he betrayed his sect! Turned his back on them after they raised and nurtured him from childhood, after they raised him next to the heir! Such a treacherous being! And now he’s returned after one of his followers performed a soul sacrifice!
And his husband, the supposed hero hgj! Vindictive and vengeful, someone that betrayed his sect also! Turned his back on his own blood brother when he needed him the most, arrogant enough to try and condescend and attack sect leaders, unremorseful when his sect tried to make him
acknowledge the wrongness of his actions! Truly a despicable human being!
The yllz and his villain husband corrupted others with their evil natures, turning their hostility to ymj and slj!
The yllz and his villain husband corrupted others with their evil natures, turning their hostility to ymj and slj!
Betraying the sect that raised him wasn’t enough, now he has to go and sabotage their very existence because only they know the depths of evil he’s capable of! Only they tried to rid the world of demonic cultivators and the yllz will have his revenge!
The wicked influence of yllz and his husband even spread to the mind of the young SL Jin, turning family against each other!
His husband used the influence of the falsely righteous GSL to silence dissent and bully others into submission and turn them against YMJ!
His husband used the influence of the falsely righteous GSL to silence dissent and bully others into submission and turn them against YMJ!
Eventually SL Jiang, heartbroken and battered by the yllz spreading evil teachings about ymj, finally entered seclusion to escape the torment!
But it’s still not enough! They’re hunting down the previous SL Jiang because they need to permanently silence him and make him pay for
But it’s still not enough! They’re hunting down the previous SL Jiang because they need to permanently silence him and make him pay for
arresting and preventing demonic cultivators from harming others!
Two of the worst human beings to exist, and they’re married and wandering the world together, pretending to be rogue cultivators while seeking every opportunity to do evil and cause harm!
Two of the worst human beings to exist, and they’re married and wandering the world together, pretending to be rogue cultivators while seeking every opportunity to do evil and cause harm!
“It’s an old story, isn’t it?” someone says, spitting out a melon seed shell.
“This is the unabridged version with never-before known secrets about the actual origins and evil doings of the yllz,” someone else says. “And it’s updated to include events after his return.”
“This is the unabridged version with never-before known secrets about the actual origins and evil doings of the yllz,” someone else says. “And it’s updated to include events after his return.”
“They don’t look evil,” someone says sceptically as they inspect the free painting. “They’re quite good looking, aren’t they?”
“Those are the scariest sorts of humans,” someone says wisely. “Those that look innocent and captivating, warping your thoughts because you’ve already
“Those are the scariest sorts of humans,” someone says wisely. “Those that look innocent and captivating, warping your thoughts because you’ve already
lowered your guard just based on their looks and charm.”
“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”
“Hey, they kinda look like those 2 RCs that came here recently, right?”
Sudden silence.
“…No, it couldn’t be.”
“Could it?”
“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”
“Hey, they kinda look like those 2 RCs that came here recently, right?”
Sudden silence.
“…No, it couldn’t be.”
“Could it?”
More silence, broken only by the cracking of melon seeds.
“One black, one white. Young looking.”
“They bought the old Chen home, didn’t they?”
“The yllz is supposed to be wandering right?”
“Well maybe he’s decided to settle down.”
“…”
“One black, one white. Young looking.”
“They bought the old Chen home, didn’t they?”
“The yllz is supposed to be wandering right?”
“Well maybe he’s decided to settle down.”
“…”
A few days later, wwx and lwj arrive at the market. lwj is instantly alert to the quiet and tension, hand going immediately to Bichen. Dozens of eyes sees the action, and then there’s frantic movement as people try to close their stalls, pulling children away from the streets and
slamming shut the doors to shops.
“What is happening?” wwx asks dumbly.
There’s a faint call from the next street over.
“The yllz and his husband are here to kill us all!”
lwj’s countenance shifts to fury, while wwx holds both hands out placatingly.
“What is happening?” wwx asks dumbly.
There’s a faint call from the next street over.
“The yllz and his husband are here to kill us all!”
lwj’s countenance shifts to fury, while wwx holds both hands out placatingly.
“We’re just looking to buy food! That’s all! Nothing else!”
“Don’t listen to his lies! Run!”
There’s a child crying somewhere, terrified sobs in the unnatural quiet.
wwx looks helplessly at lwj. “We mean no harm,” wwx tries. “Really.”
Nothing.
“Don’t listen to his lies! Run!”
There’s a child crying somewhere, terrified sobs in the unnatural quiet.
wwx looks helplessly at lwj. “We mean no harm,” wwx tries. “Really.”
Nothing.
They stand there, waiting to see if the townspeople will come back out of hiding.
They don’t, and they’re forced to retreat, with no food or supplies.
——
They don’t, and they’re forced to retreat, with no food or supplies.
——
It’s the New Year, and jc passes it by himself in his home.
The landscape outside is still covered in a thick blanket of snow, but the winter storms have all run their course.
jc has had a comfortable winter, cozied up in fur by the fire, eating roast meats and snacks,
The landscape outside is still covered in a thick blanket of snow, but the winter storms have all run their course.
jc has had a comfortable winter, cozied up in fur by the fire, eating roast meats and snacks,
and drinking his body weight in alcohol at each meal.
He’s had no contact with the outside world for months, and this is the most relaxed he has ever been.
On the eve of NY, jc again has a drink while viewing the moon.
He’s had no contact with the outside world for months, and this is the most relaxed he has ever been.
On the eve of NY, jc again has a drink while viewing the moon.
He wonders how the celebrations are going at Yunmeng - there’s always a ton of firecrackers, fireworks, food and drink flowing day and night, revelling together as a sect and gathering to make wishes for the new year.
As much as he loves his disciples, celebrations always made him feel lonely - even lonelier after jl stopped attending a couple years ago, too busy with his own sect and going off to play with his friends.
Conversely, jc doesn’t feel lonely at all now, now that it’s just him and the moon.
Tiny snowflakes fall from the sky, and jc traces their path through the window.
In winter, in the forest, sits a lovely log home with round puffs of steam coming from the chimney.
Tiny snowflakes fall from the sky, and jc traces their path through the window.
In winter, in the forest, sits a lovely log home with round puffs of steam coming from the chimney.
Through the window, an idle beauty can be seen as he drinks by the fire, hair down and robes pulled loose as he rolls over on a pile of cushions and fur throws.
Outside, the moon reflecting off the snow paints the night in shades of silver and white, the forest still and silent.
Outside, the moon reflecting off the snow paints the night in shades of silver and white, the forest still and silent.
jc is just at that right stage of buzzed when there’s a knock on his door. He freezes, but nothing else comes.
He reaches for Sandu, pulling it from the scabbard and standing up in one smooth motion.
There’s no indication of any movement from outside, and jc pads silently to
He reaches for Sandu, pulling it from the scabbard and standing up in one smooth motion.
There’s no indication of any movement from outside, and jc pads silently to
the door in his bare feet.
He swings Sandu the instant he flings the door open, but no one is there.
He looks around, hair and robes fluttering in the wind. The snow is smooth and unbroken, no tracks or prints to be seen.
He swings Sandu the instant he flings the door open, but no one is there.
He looks around, hair and robes fluttering in the wind. The snow is smooth and unbroken, no tracks or prints to be seen.
At his feet is a wrapped package. jc immediately relaxes when he recognises the brocade; it’s a package from his grandmother in Meishan.
He laughs as he picks it up, kicking the door closed behind him. Inside is a huge, 3-layered lacquer box. jc lifts the lid and perks up
He laughs as he picks it up, kicking the door closed behind him. Inside is a huge, 3-layered lacquer box. jc lifts the lid and perks up
when he smells the fresh food inside. It’s still steaming, and jc can’t help himself - he picks up a piece of thinly sliced beef, humming happily as he licks the sauce off his fingertips. It tastes of home and is undoubtedly his grandmother’s own cooking.
There’s also a heavy winter cloak in shades of cerulean blue, trimmed in white fur with a thick mantle. It’s accompanied with a note.
‘It’s late, but I had this made for you already. Rest well, my baobei child. Popo will take care of everything.’
‘It’s late, but I had this made for you already. Rest well, my baobei child. Popo will take care of everything.’
jc wraps the cloak around himself. The stitching and embroidery is exquisite, so similar to his mother’s. His heart clenches, and he strokes over the lush fabric. He keeps it on for a little while before he carefully folds it away and returns to the box of food, setting it out
on the table before going to heat up some more wine, singing a soft tune to himself.
Now that Popo has found him, he can expect more of these care packages in the future. Popo loves to spoil him, and jc will indulge in the fullest.
——
Now that Popo has found him, he can expect more of these care packages in the future. Popo loves to spoil him, and jc will indulge in the fullest.
——
🚫cw: reminder that there’s w///xn hate and abuse. Also there’s mentions of gross bodily functions in this part
——
The well is poisoned.
wwx doesn’t believe it, but lwj is sure. There is no way it isn’t; it tastes fine, they boil it before drinking or cooking with it, but inevitably it leads to severe stomach pains and the runs. Because wwx’s constitution is weaker, he vomits as well,
The well is poisoned.
wwx doesn’t believe it, but lwj is sure. There is no way it isn’t; it tastes fine, they boil it before drinking or cooking with it, but inevitably it leads to severe stomach pains and the runs. Because wwx’s constitution is weaker, he vomits as well,
unable to keep anything down. He’s tired and has lost a considerable amount of weight in the last few weeks, even with the food that lwj manages to buy in town.
There’s no explanation for it other than poison. But by who? And when?
There’s no explanation for it other than poison. But by who? And when?
The first few days in this new home of theirs was fine. lwj had placed multiple barrier arrays around for protection. No one should be able to get in or out without alerting him, including breaching the property from the top, over the walls or by the roofs.
“I’ll look for water nearby,” lwj says.
“All the tests come back fine,” wwx says, dipping a talisman into the water. “See?”
“There are unknown poisons out there,” lwj points out.
wwx sighs, but he’s weak and dizzy and he feels ill again, so he lies down. “Alright.”
“All the tests come back fine,” wwx says, dipping a talisman into the water. “See?”
“There are unknown poisons out there,” lwj points out.
wwx sighs, but he’s weak and dizzy and he feels ill again, so he lies down. “Alright.”
So lwj flies to a stream - it’s nowhere near the town, and lwj can only carry so much, but it should be enough for 1 day. He can make this trip back and forth each day; that should be fine.
He tastes the water at the stream and waits a little; it’s fine, so he fills up the pots
He tastes the water at the stream and waits a little; it’s fine, so he fills up the pots
and jugs he’s brought. But by the time he’s ready to fly back he feels his stomach acting up again, and lwj has to hold himself back from smashing everything in anger.
Is it themselves then? Have /they/ been poisoned?
He brings some fresh water back anyway, and again, even
Is it themselves then? Have /they/ been poisoned?
He brings some fresh water back anyway, and again, even
after filtering and boiling it, both of them have stomach pain, runs, and wwx vomits out bile.
wwx ends up designing a talisman to test their blood for poison, but it comes back negative.
They have no idea what’s going on, so they can’t stop it.
wwx ends up designing a talisman to test their blood for poison, but it comes back negative.
They have no idea what’s going on, so they can’t stop it.
lwj has been going out, getting overcharged for scraps of food, but there’s nothing he can do about it, not when most vendors hide under their stalls when they see him approach the town from a distance. Only a few brave, unscrupulous vendors are willing to deal with him, and
lwj hates it, hates it with such intensity that he’s ready to leave everything behind and try out a new town.
But wwx is optimistic and the bulk of their funds has already been sunk into this house of theirs. If no one will sell them food, who will buy this property?
But wwx is optimistic and the bulk of their funds has already been sunk into this house of theirs. If no one will sell them food, who will buy this property?
It’s too much money to just leave behind.
lwj thinks they can come back to it later, when things have calmed down some, but it’s still cold and they can’t just wander like they otherwise could in better weather.
lwj can practice inedia, but even he needs water to survive.
lwj thinks they can come back to it later, when things have calmed down some, but it’s still cold and they can’t just wander like they otherwise could in better weather.
lwj can practice inedia, but even he needs water to survive.
“I’ll write to Xiongzhang. He can arrange for a healer and then we can find another town.”
wwx is against it at first, but after another bout of severe vomiting, he agrees.
A healer arrives at their home 3 days later. She’s a poisons expert and they’re both immediately cleared.
wwx is against it at first, but after another bout of severe vomiting, he agrees.
A healer arrives at their home 3 days later. She’s a poisons expert and they’re both immediately cleared.
“Perhaps you’re unused to the local area,” the healer suggests, but even she doesn’t look like she believes it. “Often in new environments there will be symptoms of stomach illnesses. It takes time to get used to it.”
lwj insists the well is poisoned, and she tries the water herself, unboiled straight from the bucket. She’s fine, even after a shichen.
She inspects the pots and jugs, all their food, even their belongings, and doesn’t find anything. Increasingly, she looks at lwj like there’s
She inspects the pots and jugs, all their food, even their belongings, and doesn’t find anything. Increasingly, she looks at lwj like there’s
something wrong with his mental faculties.
“The mind can play tricks on someone,” she says before she leaves. “Internal demons can poison the body. This is an early symptom that can potentially lead to a qi deviation. I suggest you focus on meditation and steadying your core.”
“The mind can play tricks on someone,” she says before she leaves. “Internal demons can poison the body. This is an early symptom that can potentially lead to a qi deviation. I suggest you focus on meditation and steadying your core.”
She leaves, but now they have money from lxc, so lwj immediately packs up for them to leave as well.
“Where will we go?”
It’s the first month, and many small towns and villages are still shut down for New Years celebrations.
“We should wait until things reopen,” wwx says.
“Where will we go?”
It’s the first month, and many small towns and villages are still shut down for New Years celebrations.
“We should wait until things reopen,” wwx says.
“We can’t just wander aimlessly.” He’s pale and sickly looking, and lwj’s heart hurts. He’s helpless. They both are.
lwj can’t do anything but agree. For now they’re still stuck here, cold and hungry and exhausted.
——
lwj can’t do anything but agree. For now they’re still stuck here, cold and hungry and exhausted.
——
SL Yu hums a song as she embroiders a teal silk robe. It will be perfect as a light overcoat, and she wants to get it done quickly now that spring is nearly here.
A disciple comes in, salutes, and reports. SL Yu scoffs aloud when she hears about the poisons expert.
A disciple comes in, salutes, and reports. SL Yu scoffs aloud when she hears about the poisons expert.
What expert could match up to even the most junior disciple of Yu sect? How laughable.
“We’ve given them enough rest,” she says, not looking up from her embroidery. “Run them out of town.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
——
“We’ve given them enough rest,” she says, not looking up from her embroidery. “Run them out of town.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
——
🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫
Additional cw : death, gore, dead body
Additional cw : death, gore, dead body
It’s the shepherd that sees it first, heading out of town at dawn with his flock of sheep.
His scream and shouts for help quickly draws in the other vendors, and the town leader is woken up by a panicking crowd.
His scream and shouts for help quickly draws in the other vendors, and the town leader is woken up by a panicking crowd.
The body looks like it’s been detonated from the inside. The air is heavy with the scent of decay. There’s very little blood, just smears of it like it had been drained beforehand. The organs are missing, and it’s lying inside an array drawn in what looks like blood.
A messenger is sent out on the fastest horse to the closest msy town, and a group of disciples appears soon, headed by a woman in delicate cyan silks and a tinkling gold crown. She’s the 5th daughter of SLY, and the townspeople hurriedly bow as she steps off her sword.
The body is right at the town gates, and she inspects the array, the disciples going through the remains with gloves for her examination. “Demonic cultivation,” she says. “The blood and organs have been harvested. There’s indication of a golden core and cultivation.
Unless it’s a missing disciple, it’s a wandering cultivator.”
She glances at the town leader, who bows again.
“I haven’t heard anything from you about DCs passing through town.”
“There hasn’t been any trouble recently,” he says, but is shouted down immediately.
She glances at the town leader, who bows again.
“I haven’t heard anything from you about DCs passing through town.”
“There hasn’t been any trouble recently,” he says, but is shouted down immediately.
“There has! The yllz is here!”
“He must’ve done it!”
“It has to be him!”
Yu Ziwei doesn’t even blink. “Does anyone recognise this man?”
The townspeople all give each other looks as they shake their heads. They’re a small enough town that any visitors would be noted.
“He must’ve done it!”
“It has to be him!”
Yu Ziwei doesn’t even blink. “Does anyone recognise this man?”
The townspeople all give each other looks as they shake their heads. They’re a small enough town that any visitors would be noted.
“Why at the town gate?” the town leader asks.
“We are no experts,” Yu Ziwei says lightly. “It could be for any number of reasons. A warning, for example.”
The crowd shudders, and then they start clamouring for advice - “What should we do? How can we keep them out?
“We are no experts,” Yu Ziwei says lightly. “It could be for any number of reasons. A warning, for example.”
The crowd shudders, and then they start clamouring for advice - “What should we do? How can we keep them out?
Are we all going to die?”
“We cannot be sure it’s the yllz,” the town leader says, trying to pacify the crowd. “And hgj is of impeccable character.”
“One that is married to a mass murderer,” someone says, and Yu Ziwei’s eyes gleam even as her face remains indifferent.
“We cannot be sure it’s the yllz,” the town leader says, trying to pacify the crowd. “And hgj is of impeccable character.”
“One that is married to a mass murderer,” someone says, and Yu Ziwei’s eyes gleam even as her face remains indifferent.
“msy has a blood feud with the yllz and hgj. It is inconvenient for us to investigate further.”
“Please don’t leave!”
“How are we to stay safe?”
“You can’t abandon us!”
Yu Ziwei waits for them to quieten. “Perhaps the 1st step is to ascertain if it is the yllz.”
“Please don’t leave!”
“How are we to stay safe?”
“You can’t abandon us!”
Yu Ziwei waits for them to quieten. “Perhaps the 1st step is to ascertain if it is the yllz.”
“The man was harvested! There should be remains in their home,” someone suggests, and the town leader’s pacifying words are ignored as the men rush to gather machetes, pitch forks, and any other weapon they could find.
Yu Ziwei flicks her sleeve and her sword appears suddenly, floating low for her to step on. “I’ll leave some disciples to assist. They will call for me if necessary.”
As she leaves, she can hear the shouting and yelling of frenzied townspeople as they regroup.
As she leaves, she can hear the shouting and yelling of frenzied townspeople as they regroup.
Yu Ziwei has to admit, her mother is the most far sighted of them all. Who knew that a sect traitor would come in so handy at this time?
She sighs. msy secrets carry a heavy bounty, and there are always those blinded by money.
She sighs. msy secrets carry a heavy bounty, and there are always those blinded by money.
Nevertheless, today was worth the trip to this town. msy extracted itself from the investigation, and no intervening sect will be able to find bias in their actions.
They’ll find the evidence on their own soon enough.
——
They’ll find the evidence on their own soon enough.
——
🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫 cw reminder! Abuse and hate😭
The abandoned hut is draughty. The bitter wind still carries the sting of winter, and wwx is ill, his chest coughs phlegmy and his breathing laboured.
lwj is nearly beside himself with worry, but they haven’t been able to find a physician. wwx is too ill to travel far
lwj is nearly beside himself with worry, but they haven’t been able to find a physician. wwx is too ill to travel far
so they’re only a couple towns away from where they left their home, escaping by the skin of their teeth from the angry mob that chased them out.
lwj’s eyes blur with tears as he watches wwx sleep, his cheeks unnaturally red with fever and lungs rattling with each breath.
lwj’s eyes blur with tears as he watches wwx sleep, his cheeks unnaturally red with fever and lungs rattling with each breath.
He doesn’t want to leave wwx alone but he has to, to fetch water that he heats up with spiritual energy and to hunt what he can for food.
But wwx is too ill for heavy meats, and when his fever spikes and he turns delirious, lwj finally lets a tear escape.
But wwx is too ill for heavy meats, and when his fever spikes and he turns delirious, lwj finally lets a tear escape.
This - this is exactly what lwj had not wanted. He had sworn to protect wwx, he had promised him a life free of worries and surrounded by all the comforts, and here they are in a broken down hut, barely surviving, and wwx hovering between life and death.
lwj can’t let wwx die a second time. He wouldn’t survive it. His pride means nothing if only it will save wwx.
He wraps wwx in his own robes, passing over spiritual energy as he carries him on his sword.
He takes them directly to the entrance of gsl, and he kneels at the
He wraps wwx in his own robes, passing over spiritual energy as he carries him on his sword.
He takes them directly to the entrance of gsl, and he kneels at the
front entrance, cradling wwx in his arms.
“Wangji seeks attendance with SLL.”
The disciples at the gates are clearly conflicted. They obviously can’t allow him in, and even though lwj’s been banished he’s still SLL’s brother.
“Wangji seeks attendance with SLL.”
The disciples at the gates are clearly conflicted. They obviously can’t allow him in, and even though lwj’s been banished he’s still SLL’s brother.
So a disciple alerts lxc, who hesitates.
“He’s got Wei-gongzi with him. They - they do not seem well, SL.”
lxc decides to see them at the gates. He’s shocked to see lwj kneeling.
“Xiongzhang.” lwj swallows hard. “Wangji - Wangji knows his wrongs. Please save Wei Ying.”
“He’s got Wei-gongzi with him. They - they do not seem well, SL.”
lxc decides to see them at the gates. He’s shocked to see lwj kneeling.
“Xiongzhang.” lwj swallows hard. “Wangji - Wangji knows his wrongs. Please save Wei Ying.”
lxc stares at them in horror. Their robes are ragged and worn, their faces haggard and drawn.
wwx’s lungs rattle with each breath, and lwj is trembling where he kneels, clearly exhausted.
lxc is about to call for the disciples to bring them in, but at the very last moment
wwx’s lungs rattle with each breath, and lwj is trembling where he kneels, clearly exhausted.
lxc is about to call for the disciples to bring them in, but at the very last moment
he reins himself in. Instead, he kneels for lwj to drape wwx over his back. “We’ll go to Caiyi Inn.”
lwj is too tired to be angry that they’re not allowed in cr, that they will not be seen by gsl healers. He follows lxc hastily, who ignores the complaints of the innkeeper as he
lwj is too tired to be angry that they’re not allowed in cr, that they will not be seen by gsl healers. He follows lxc hastily, who ignores the complaints of the innkeeper as he
tries to eject them from his business. lxc strides past him, carelessly tossing money at him.
In the room, lxc sets down wwx on the bed, and grabs a waiter outside to call for a healer and supplies.
lwj kneels next to the bed, clutching at wwx with one hand and rubbing his
In the room, lxc sets down wwx on the bed, and grabs a waiter outside to call for a healer and supplies.
lwj kneels next to the bed, clutching at wwx with one hand and rubbing his
chest with the other as he coughs again. “Xiongzhang, Wei Ying…”
“He’ll be fine,” lxc says tightly, returning to take wwx’s pulse. “I’ll make sure of it.”
lwj looks up at his brother from where he kneels. At the end of the day, here he is, useless and pathetic, looking to his
“He’ll be fine,” lxc says tightly, returning to take wwx’s pulse. “I’ll make sure of it.”
lwj looks up at his brother from where he kneels. At the end of the day, here he is, useless and pathetic, looking to his
older brother for solutions again. “Xiongzhang…”
“I’ve got it, Wangji,” lxc says, and shakes out spare robes from his qiankun pouch. “Change him; he needs dry clothing or the chill will make it worse.”
lwj quickly strips wwx down to his inner robes and lxc hands him a tub of
“I’ve got it, Wangji,” lxc says, and shakes out spare robes from his qiankun pouch. “Change him; he needs dry clothing or the chill will make it worse.”
lwj quickly strips wwx down to his inner robes and lxc hands him a tub of
water and a small towel. “He’s overheating; if the fever gets too high there may be damage.”
lwj follows his brother’s instructions numbly. He’s pulled aside by lxc when the healer finally arrives, and lxc is the one that speaks to the healer afterwards, waving the prescription
lwj follows his brother’s instructions numbly. He’s pulled aside by lxc when the healer finally arrives, and lxc is the one that speaks to the healer afterwards, waving the prescription
at a waiter and throwing more money at them.
lwj returns to wwx’s side. “Xiongzhang…”
lxc turns to him, face tight and drawn. “I cannot stay, Wangji. The townspeople know I’m here with you and staying will make things worse for all of us.”
lwj knows now his brother is right.
lwj returns to wwx’s side. “Xiongzhang…”
lxc turns to him, face tight and drawn. “I cannot stay, Wangji. The townspeople know I’m here with you and staying will make things worse for all of us.”
lwj knows now his brother is right.
“Thank you. Wangji is grateful.”
lxc pulls another money pouch out and sets it on the table. “I’ll have someone deliver you supplies. Rest here until Wei-gongzi has fully recovered. If you leave before then his illness may return.”
“Yes, Xiongzhang.”
lxc pulls another money pouch out and sets it on the table. “I’ll have someone deliver you supplies. Rest here until Wei-gongzi has fully recovered. If you leave before then his illness may return.”
“Yes, Xiongzhang.”
When lxc flies back to cr, he feels nauseous. He had never expected lwj and wwx to end up like this. He had thought with their last letter about their new home that things were fine, that they were living a simple life but a comfortable one.
At cr, lxc is summoned to lqr’s bedside.
“Xichen, what have you done?” lqr is still bedridden, pale and thin as he frowns at lxc.
“Shufu…I can’t let Wangji suffer so.”
“So you decided to make the entire sect pay for it instead. Xichen, it’s nearly been a year, but you have
“Xichen, what have you done?” lqr is still bedridden, pale and thin as he frowns at lxc.
“Shufu…I can’t let Wangji suffer so.”
“So you decided to make the entire sect pay for it instead. Xichen, it’s nearly been a year, but you have
still learnt nothing.”
“Shufu, I will try again with jrl. Surely he is not so cruel as to let Wangji and Wei-gongzi be tortured like this.”
lqr closes his eyes and waves a hand at him. “Go. If you think SL Jin has the power to drive them to this point then you’re too naive.”
“Shufu, I will try again with jrl. Surely he is not so cruel as to let Wangji and Wei-gongzi be tortured like this.”
lqr closes his eyes and waves a hand at him. “Go. If you think SL Jin has the power to drive them to this point then you’re too naive.”
“What do you mean?”
But lqr refuses to look at him, resting against his pillows with his eyes closed.
“Shufu, please. I need your guidance.”
“jwy has more than just SL Jin and ymj behind him.”
“Huaisang?”
lqr gives a pained sigh. “I cannot speak with you if you still do not
But lqr refuses to look at him, resting against his pillows with his eyes closed.
“Shufu, please. I need your guidance.”
“jwy has more than just SL Jin and ymj behind him.”
“Huaisang?”
lqr gives a pained sigh. “I cannot speak with you if you still do not
know by now. Go. Leave me.”
“Please, shufu.”
Eventually lqr sighs again and his eyes slit open to look at lxc. “Have you forgotten who his mother is?”
“The Violet Spider? But she’s-” dead, lxc wants to say. Then his brain finally catches up. “Meishan Yu? It’s msy?”
“Please, shufu.”
Eventually lqr sighs again and his eyes slit open to look at lxc. “Have you forgotten who his mother is?”
“The Violet Spider? But she’s-” dead, lxc wants to say. Then his brain finally catches up. “Meishan Yu? It’s msy?”
But msy had never interfered before. msy doesn’t like to involve themselves in matters of the cultivation world. They only joined the ssc after jc…
After jc asked. When jc sent a letter and it was returned with battle-ready troops, money, and supplies that ymj no longer had.
After jc asked. When jc sent a letter and it was returned with battle-ready troops, money, and supplies that ymj no longer had.
lxc doesn’t know where to begin with msy. He knows nothing about the sect, other than their dark blue uniforms.
“Shufu…”
“Get me paper and ink. I’ll write to them myself.”
“Rest, shufu. I can write them.”
lqr just glares at him. “Do you think your letter will be read, if it
“Shufu…”
“Get me paper and ink. I’ll write to them myself.”
“Rest, shufu. I can write them.”
lqr just glares at him. “Do you think your letter will be read, if it
reaches them at all?”
So lxc fetches writing materials and lqr sits up, hand shaking as he pens a short letter. It’s dispatched immediately by urgent messenger.
Then lqr makes to get out of bed.
“You’re still unwell,” lxc protests.
“They will not see you. I must go myself.”
So lxc fetches writing materials and lqr sits up, hand shaking as he pens a short letter. It’s dispatched immediately by urgent messenger.
Then lqr makes to get out of bed.
“You’re still unwell,” lxc protests.
“They will not see you. I must go myself.”
lqr lurches as he stands, and he coughs heavily as lxc holds him up.
“Shufu, you can’t go like this.”
“I must.” lqr gasps for breath. “Or you will be the downfall of us all.”
——
“Shufu, you can’t go like this.”
“I must.” lqr gasps for breath. “Or you will be the downfall of us all.”
——
“Niang, you can’t possibly be thinking of meeting him?”
“Ziwei.” SL Yu just looks at her 5th daughter, who’s working herself up into a rage just from the thought of a meeting.
“Niang!”
“Qiren is a good child. He’s been unwell; I have some medicine for him.”
“Ziwei.” SL Yu just looks at her 5th daughter, who’s working herself up into a rage just from the thought of a meeting.
“Niang!”
“Qiren is a good child. He’s been unwell; I have some medicine for him.”
“lqr spoiled his nephews.”
“He’s a good child,” SL Yu says with an air of finality.
“Fine, but if his piece of shit nephews come along I’m making no promises regarding limbs or organs.”
“Language,” SL Yu says mildly. She had this daughter much later than the others and as a
“He’s a good child,” SL Yu says with an air of finality.
“Fine, but if his piece of shit nephews come along I’m making no promises regarding limbs or organs.”
“Language,” SL Yu says mildly. She had this daughter much later than the others and as a
result Wuniang was spoiled senseless growing up. “If either of those wretched beings come along I expect you to host them properly.”
Her eyes glance towards Yu Ziwei’s long nails, each with a different poison painted on top and packed with powder underneath.
Her eyes glance towards Yu Ziwei’s long nails, each with a different poison painted on top and packed with powder underneath.
“Of course, Niang.” Yu Ziwei’s gold crown and multitudes of jewellery tinkle delicately as she curtsies to leave. Each and everyone one is host to multiple poisons, soaked into gems and pearls, powdered or liquified into the hollows. Oh, there’s so many to choose from.
She’ll have to think carefully about which ones to inflict on the illustrious lxc.
SL Yu picks up her embroidery again. She’s almost finished, and then she can send it off to her baobei grandson along with more home cooked food.
SL Yu picks up her embroidery again. She’s almost finished, and then she can send it off to her baobei grandson along with more home cooked food.
She has no problems meeting lqr. She doesn’t hate him; he really is a good child, forced into terrible circumstances.
She doesn’t want him to die, and as poison experts they’re also healing experts. She’ll be able to mitigate the effects of his almost qi deviation more
She doesn’t want him to die, and as poison experts they’re also healing experts. She’ll be able to mitigate the effects of his almost qi deviation more
effectively than traditional medicine.
SL Yu doesn’t hate anyone. She never has. She’ll have satisfaction for the cruelty that jc suffered, and she’ll return it hundredfold, thousandfold.
So no, she doesn’t hate.
There’s no need to.
——
SL Yu doesn’t hate anyone. She never has. She’ll have satisfaction for the cruelty that jc suffered, and she’ll return it hundredfold, thousandfold.
So no, she doesn’t hate.
There’s no need to.
——
“Shufu, please, let me come with you.”
SLY’s acquiescence to a meeting came along with a carriage that they’re going to now.
“No, you stay here where you belong. I will not risk anything happening to you.”
“I’m a sl! There’s no way they can disappear me if I go; but you-”
SLY’s acquiescence to a meeting came along with a carriage that they’re going to now.
“No, you stay here where you belong. I will not risk anything happening to you.”
“I’m a sl! There’s no way they can disappear me if I go; but you-”
“Forced disappearance is not what I’m afraid of. I’ll be fine. SLY is a reasonable person.”
By the time they make it to the bottom of the mountain, lqr is exhausted, propped up only by lxc’s firm grip on him.
“Grandmaster Lan.” A msy disciple bows low in greeting.
By the time they make it to the bottom of the mountain, lqr is exhausted, propped up only by lxc’s firm grip on him.
“Grandmaster Lan.” A msy disciple bows low in greeting.
They are androgynous, looking and sounding neither male nor female but almost as tall as lxc. “Please let this one assist you.”
“Thank you.” lqr does not hesitate to take the disciple’s hand as he steps up into the carriage.
The disciple then turns to lxc and smiles.
“Thank you.” lqr does not hesitate to take the disciple’s hand as he steps up into the carriage.
The disciple then turns to lxc and smiles.
“Will SLL be joining us as well?”
The hairs on the back of lxc’s neck prickle. “No.” He’s suddenly very glad he listened to Shufu.
He’s left watching anxiously as they leave. He watches until they disappear into the distance and then he returns to cr, hands clenched into fists.
The hairs on the back of lxc’s neck prickle. “No.” He’s suddenly very glad he listened to Shufu.
He’s left watching anxiously as they leave. He watches until they disappear into the distance and then he returns to cr, hands clenched into fists.
He cannot let gsl be pushed around anymore. Something must be done.
But what?
——
But what?
——
jc is humming as he undresses for the hot spring. It’s been a long while since he’s been here, busy with preparations for winter and then the weather being so bad he didn’t feel like braving it just for a soak, as nice as it would’ve been.
It’s evening now, and tiny snowflakes fall from the starry sky, melting as soon as they touch the surface of the spring. It’s beautiful, and jc steps into the water with a sigh.
He’s just about to lean against the edge when he stands back up instead.
He’s just about to lean against the edge when he stands back up instead.
He pats the snow along the edge until it forms the rough shape of a person, and uses the tip of his finger to draw on eyes and a smile.
jc laughs softly as he toasts his tiny snowman.
He turns back to sink into the water, leaning his head back to gaze up at the stars.
jc laughs softly as he toasts his tiny snowman.
He turns back to sink into the water, leaning his head back to gaze up at the stars.
He thinks that retirement suits him quite well indeed.
——
——
🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫 previous cw for abuse and hate and also blood 👀
There’s an incense burner inside the carriage. It clears lqr’s mind and soothes his meridians as he meditates during the trip, neither drinking nor eating.
He’s not worried. He breathes it in deep, and for the first time in months his headache clears.
He’s not worried. He breathes it in deep, and for the first time in months his headache clears.
After a week of nonstop travelling, they finally arrive at msy.
lqr didn’t bother tracking the journey; he knows the way is covered by arrays and illusions.
He’s brought to a guest suite to tidy up before meeting SLY, and there’s the same incense burning in the room.
lqr didn’t bother tracking the journey; he knows the way is covered by arrays and illusions.
He’s brought to a guest suite to tidy up before meeting SLY, and there’s the same incense burning in the room.
He washes quickly, and is brought to SLY just as quickly.
“Qiren.”
“SL Yu.” lqr bows deeply.
“How was your journey?”
“Very comfortable, thanks to SLY.”
SLY laughs. “Have a seat.”
lqr is placed near her, and he smiles when she inspects his face.
“You have not been well.”
“Qiren.”
“SL Yu.” lqr bows deeply.
“How was your journey?”
“Very comfortable, thanks to SLY.”
SLY laughs. “Have a seat.”
lqr is placed near her, and he smiles when she inspects his face.
“You have not been well.”
“Just a minor illness.”
“That’s not what I heard. Qiren, you must maintain your health. Your sect depends on it.”
“Yes, Qiren thanks SLY for the advice.”
SLY gestures, and a bowl of medicine is set before him. “I’ve prepared something for you.”
lqr bows from his seat.
“That’s not what I heard. Qiren, you must maintain your health. Your sect depends on it.”
“Yes, Qiren thanks SLY for the advice.”
SLY gestures, and a bowl of medicine is set before him. “I’ve prepared something for you.”
lqr bows from his seat.
“SLY is most gracious.” He picks up the spoon and drinks it down without hesitation.
“One of our healers will attend to you. You should be feeling the effects soon.” SLY waves a servant over. “I’ll let you rest after such a long journey; I’ll see you tomorrow after breakfast.”
“One of our healers will attend to you. You should be feeling the effects soon.” SLY waves a servant over. “I’ll let you rest after such a long journey; I’ll see you tomorrow after breakfast.”
lqr accepts the dismissal easily, returning to his room without fuss.
His already aching chest gradually feels more and more congested over the next 2 shichen. He begins coughing heavily and the healer situated outside his room hurries in when they turn violent sounding.
His already aching chest gradually feels more and more congested over the next 2 shichen. He begins coughing heavily and the healer situated outside his room hurries in when they turn violent sounding.
She smiles as she says, “This is a good sign.”
She leaves again, leaving lqr breathing heavily on the bed, feeling like his lungs were collapsing on him.
About half a shichen later, lqr vomits out a mouthful of black blood.
She leaves again, leaving lqr breathing heavily on the bed, feeling like his lungs were collapsing on him.
About half a shichen later, lqr vomits out a mouthful of black blood.
The healer comes and checks his meridians, warning the attendant of further waves.
lqr chokes out a few more mouthfuls of black blood before he collapses back into bed, out of breath and exhausted.
“A few days of rest and you’ll be all well,” the healer says, looking pleased.
lqr chokes out a few more mouthfuls of black blood before he collapses back into bed, out of breath and exhausted.
“A few days of rest and you’ll be all well,” the healer says, looking pleased.
“May I know what prescription cured my affliction?”
The healer bows, embarrassed. “Ah, that is something only known to the main family. This one is still just a mere healer.”
lqr nods. He had hoped against hope to take a prescription back with him to cr.
The healer bows, embarrassed. “Ah, that is something only known to the main family. This one is still just a mere healer.”
lqr nods. He had hoped against hope to take a prescription back with him to cr.
Heavens know he’ll probably be needing it again in the near future.
The next morning, lqr is served the usual gsl fare for breakfast, and is taken to see SLY after.
“How are you feeling,” SLY asks, eyes lowered as she sips her tea.
The next morning, lqr is served the usual gsl fare for breakfast, and is taken to see SLY after.
“How are you feeling,” SLY asks, eyes lowered as she sips her tea.
“Much better,” lqr says. “Thank you SLY for your kindness.”
SLY sets her teacup down with a click. “Qiren, you know I have no quarrel with you or your sect. My quarrel is with your nephews. Or really, lwj, wwx and anyone that even thinks to assist them.”
SLY sets her teacup down with a click. “Qiren, you know I have no quarrel with you or your sect. My quarrel is with your nephews. Or really, lwj, wwx and anyone that even thinks to assist them.”
“Qiren understands.” lqr bows. “But if I may beseech SLY to allow gsl a way out.”
“When have I done anything against gsl?” SLY asks with a smile. “Qiren, you forget how this all happened. If you want gsl to have a way out, you should be seeking Jiang Lingyu or Jin Rulan, not I.”
“When have I done anything against gsl?” SLY asks with a smile. “Qiren, you forget how this all happened. If you want gsl to have a way out, you should be seeking Jiang Lingyu or Jin Rulan, not I.”
“SLY is a well-respected senior,” lqr says carefully. “No doubt your actions will lead others to do the same.”
“And what have I done towards gsl?”
Nothing yet, but lqr can’t say so. “If I may just secure your word that gsl will not suffer for the familial ties with lwj.”
“And what have I done towards gsl?”
Nothing yet, but lqr can’t say so. “If I may just secure your word that gsl will not suffer for the familial ties with lwj.”
lqr swallows hard. He chokes out his next words. “That is all that this one asks for.”
SLY eyes him as he resists squirming under her gaze. She still has a smile on, but lqr has no idea what she’s thinking.
Does she think him unfeeling and cruel, asking only for mercy for his
SLY eyes him as he resists squirming under her gaze. She still has a smile on, but lqr has no idea what she’s thinking.
Does she think him unfeeling and cruel, asking only for mercy for his
sect and not his own nephew?
SLY’s smile widens. “If you have to blame anyone, blame lwj. As for what happens to gsl, you should blame lxc.”
“What can be done to appease your anger?”
SLY laughs. “I am not angry, Qiren. This is mere satisfaction for previous hurts.”
SLY’s smile widens. “If you have to blame anyone, blame lwj. As for what happens to gsl, you should blame lxc.”
“What can be done to appease your anger?”
SLY laughs. “I am not angry, Qiren. This is mere satisfaction for previous hurts.”
“Then what must Wangji do for your forgiveness?”
SLY doesn’t immediately answer, using her teacup lid to shift the tea leaves floating on top. “I will ask ymj to host a Discussion Conference in a month.”
It’s much too early for the next one, but lqr remains silent.
SLY doesn’t immediately answer, using her teacup lid to shift the tea leaves floating on top. “I will ask ymj to host a Discussion Conference in a month.”
It’s much too early for the next one, but lqr remains silent.
“I will personally attend. In full view of all sect leaders, I want both your nephews and that beast wwx to prostrate and kowtow before me and admit their wrongs to my grandson.”
Not even lqr could hold back at that demand. “That is too much!”
Not even lqr could hold back at that demand. “That is too much!”
To kowtow, to actually touch their head to the ground, and to do it in public before all the sect leaders - it’s too much. What dignity is left after such an act?
“If it’s too much then that’s fine.” SLY waves a hand. “See that Grandmaster Lan is sent home with care.”
“If it’s too much then that’s fine.” SLY waves a hand. “See that Grandmaster Lan is sent home with care.”
“Wait! There must be room for negotiation,” lqr says.
“There isn’t.” SLY stands in clear dismissal. “Have a safe journey home. I hope your nephews won’t agitate your illness further, though I expect otherwise.”
“SLY! Please!” lqr struggles against the servants holding him back.
“There isn’t.” SLY stands in clear dismissal. “Have a safe journey home. I hope your nephews won’t agitate your illness further, though I expect otherwise.”
“SLY! Please!” lqr struggles against the servants holding him back.
“Please reconsider!”
SLY looks back at him with the same infuriating opaque smile. “I’ll see you in a month at ymj. Let’s see how well gsl performs then.”
“Will all be forgiven after?”
“Like I said.” SLY’s smile drops. “Let’s see how well they perform.”
——
SLY looks back at him with the same infuriating opaque smile. “I’ll see you in a month at ymj. Let’s see how well gsl performs then.”
“Will all be forgiven after?”
“Like I said.” SLY’s smile drops. “Let’s see how well they perform.”
——
“Impossible!”
lqr glares. He’s almost fully recovered, and it’s obvious in his rigid posture and fierce expression. “You must and you will!”
“I will not allow me or our sect to suffer such indignity! Nor Wangji - what face is left to be had for all of us if we give in to them?”
lqr glares. He’s almost fully recovered, and it’s obvious in his rigid posture and fierce expression. “You must and you will!”
“I will not allow me or our sect to suffer such indignity! Nor Wangji - what face is left to be had for all of us if we give in to them?”
“What face do we have now?” lqr shouts. “Your brother’s false pride and your foolish indulgence has led us here - if you had been a proper leader we wouldn’t be in this position! But we are and you must be the one to resolve it!”
“What can they do?” lxc says arrogantly.
“What can they do?” lxc says arrogantly.
“A reclusive mountain sect that barely shows their face?”
“One that has your brother’s life in their hands!”
“Shufu…”
“Who else could drive them to such misery? They have not yet moved against gsl, and they will not because you will bow your head and admit your wrongs!”
“One that has your brother’s life in their hands!”
“Shufu…”
“Who else could drive them to such misery? They have not yet moved against gsl, and they will not because you will bow your head and admit your wrongs!”
lxc remains stubborn. “We have borne it for so long already. We can bear it still.”
“Not against SLY. Xichen, even if you are willing to sacrifice gsl, I am not. And I am just as unwilling to sacrifice the lives of my nephews because of their foolish immaturity!”
“Not against SLY. Xichen, even if you are willing to sacrifice gsl, I am not. And I am just as unwilling to sacrifice the lives of my nephews because of their foolish immaturity!”
“She would not dare…” lxc shakes his head. “I am a SL!”
“Good luck proving anything!” lqr sighs impatiently. “Xichen. You underestimate them because you do not know them. But I studied with yzy, and her sisters all studied at cr. They are capable beyond your understanding.
“Good luck proving anything!” lqr sighs impatiently. “Xichen. You underestimate them because you do not know them. But I studied with yzy, and her sisters all studied at cr. They are capable beyond your understanding.
Not in brute strength, not in fame and fortune, but in the only way that matters - getting what they want.” lqr sighs again. “SLY is not one to be trifled with. Do you think you will be safe if you hide away here? You’re over 40yo and you’re still so foolish.” He stands.
“You will do as SLY demands. I will not have your lives, and all those of gsl, pay for it.”
lxc remains sitting as lqr sweeps out of the Hanshi.
It’s unthinkable. To kneel and touch his head to the ground. Unthinkable. And for what? For whom?
lxc remains sitting as lqr sweeps out of the Hanshi.
It’s unthinkable. To kneel and touch his head to the ground. Unthinkable. And for what? For whom?
But then his thoughts wander to lwj and wwx, still at the inn where he left them. wwx has not recovered despite daily visits from the healer, and lwj’s state is not much better.
Is it true? Is msy - is SLY, so uncaring and obvious in her pursuit of satisfaction that she would
Is it true? Is msy - is SLY, so uncaring and obvious in her pursuit of satisfaction that she would
just outright poison her enemies?
Well, yes. But how can lxc just let them have their way? How can he let himself be bullied into such disgrace?
He calls for a council meeting and lqr’s discontent is clear. “We must stand up against msy,” lxc says.
Well, yes. But how can lxc just let them have their way? How can he let himself be bullied into such disgrace?
He calls for a council meeting and lqr’s discontent is clear. “We must stand up against msy,” lxc says.
“Or we will find ourselves annihilated.”
The elders are not so agreeable. “This was brought on by the folly of you and your brother,” one sniffs disapprovingly. “gsl has paid penance already. And now you still want to demand more of the sect that you ruined with your own hands.”
The elders are not so agreeable. “This was brought on by the folly of you and your brother,” one sniffs disapprovingly. “gsl has paid penance already. And now you still want to demand more of the sect that you ruined with your own hands.”
lxc spends the entire day and night arguing with the elders, but they are unmoved and he is not convinced.
He will not do it.
He cannot.
——
jl suppresses a shiver as he sees the dark blue seal on the stationery.
He will not do it.
He cannot.
——
jl suppresses a shiver as he sees the dark blue seal on the stationery.
Jiujiu’s grandmother is the most frightening person he has ever met in his life. He knows whatever grace is given him goes only as far as Jiujiu’s love of him. He has no doubt that SLY would shed his blood without thought if she deemed necessary.
“SLJ? Is something wrong?”
jl blinks. Then - “Ha!” He folds the invitation and tucks it into his robes. “There’s to be a discussion conference at Yunmeng in 3 weeks. Prepare now. We will go early to assist as usual.”
“Yes SL.”
——
jl blinks. Then - “Ha!” He folds the invitation and tucks it into his robes. “There’s to be a discussion conference at Yunmeng in 3 weeks. Prepare now. We will go early to assist as usual.”
“Yes SL.”
——
A-Xiang hums as she reads the short note. The letters are sharp and written in an unforgiving hand.
The new SIC Jiang Wei frowns. “Isn’t it a bit presumptuous to demand such a thing of us?”
But A-Xiang knows better. “No,” she says simply. “We will host a DC as requested.”
The new SIC Jiang Wei frowns. “Isn’t it a bit presumptuous to demand such a thing of us?”
But A-Xiang knows better. “No,” she says simply. “We will host a DC as requested.”
“Really? Why?” Jiang Wei reads the letter for himself. “I don’t understand. What does SLY mean by this?”
A-Xiang - no - Jiang Lingyu smiles.
“Revenge.”
——
A-Xiang - no - Jiang Lingyu smiles.
“Revenge.”
——
There’s a tension in the air as the sects arrive for the conference. qhn are the 1st, nhs leading his entire council and a dozen of his most senior disciples.
A-Xiang greets nhs cordially; she is not surprised at all that nhs essentially brought the entire leadership of qhn.
A-Xiang greets nhs cordially; she is not surprised at all that nhs essentially brought the entire leadership of qhn.
“It’s your 1st DC. I should of course show my fullest support.”
And, no doubt, to catch a good show.
After greeting jl, nhs lounges around the reception hall eating snacks and drinking tea, watching as the other delegations arrive. They’re all a little surprised and wary,
And, no doubt, to catch a good show.
After greeting jl, nhs lounges around the reception hall eating snacks and drinking tea, watching as the other delegations arrive. They’re all a little surprised and wary,
tense with anxiety at this unexpected event.
nhs watches as oyzz tries to pull jl into a corner to ask him questions, but jl just smiles blandly and excuses himself to “assist” SL Jiang.
The gsl delegation arrives just before the reception ends and everyone leaves to change for
nhs watches as oyzz tries to pull jl into a corner to ask him questions, but jl just smiles blandly and excuses himself to “assist” SL Jiang.
The gsl delegation arrives just before the reception ends and everyone leaves to change for
the banquet. There’s only lxc and lqr, no disciples with them.
Jiang Lingyu receives them coolly, bowing only to lqr and offering him a seat.
“Aiyo, Er-ge, why did you bring none of your people? Most unexpected of you.” nhs fans himself gleefully.
Jiang Lingyu receives them coolly, bowing only to lqr and offering him a seat.
“Aiyo, Er-ge, why did you bring none of your people? Most unexpected of you.” nhs fans himself gleefully.
Something big must be happening, something that lxc doesn’t want others to see.
“Huaisang.” lxc looks plainly upset, brow furrowed and shoulders rigid. “It’s just a DC.” He glances at nhs’ crowd. “There is simply no need.”
“Oh? How unusual.”
“Huaisang.” lxc looks plainly upset, brow furrowed and shoulders rigid. “It’s just a DC.” He glances at nhs’ crowd. “There is simply no need.”
“Oh? How unusual.”
lqr is sitting near them, drinking tea calmly. His expression doesn’t change as jly gives a few words of welcome before everyone disperses.
“Lan-laoshi, as there’s only you and SLL, we have prepared guest rooms here for you.”
“There’s no need,” lxc says. “We’ll stay at an inn.”
“Lan-laoshi, as there’s only you and SLL, we have prepared guest rooms here for you.”
“There’s no need,” lxc says. “We’ll stay at an inn.”
“We’ve booked out all the inns in the vicinity for the conference,” jly says. “I hope you will have a comfortable stay. Do let one of our disciples know if there’s anything you need.”
“Certainly.” lxc sweeps out, frustrated.
“We should have stayed,” lqr says as they walk out.
“Certainly.” lxc sweeps out, frustrated.
“We should have stayed,” lqr says as they walk out.
“It certainly would make everything else easier.”
“I will not suffer their hospitality,” lxc grits out.
lqr just huffs out a sigh. Retiring into seclusion is starting to sound better and better.
——
“I will not suffer their hospitality,” lxc grits out.
lqr just huffs out a sigh. Retiring into seclusion is starting to sound better and better.
——
The sects have returned for the banquet and the alcohol is flowing freely; it’s almost custom by now to get drunk and have the 1st meeting be no more than a hungover lunch.
A-Xiang makes the rounds with jl, toasting the other SLs freely and loosening their anxiety with alcohol.
A-Xiang makes the rounds with jl, toasting the other SLs freely and loosening their anxiety with alcohol.
“What a surprise,” one mentions. “Mere months after SLN’s. The next should be llj’s near the summer solstice.”
“Oh?” A-Xiang smiles. “It’s been a while since this junior came into the seat. It’s only right to host a small gathering.” This wasn’t a full blown 1 week affair, but a
“Oh?” A-Xiang smiles. “It’s been a while since this junior came into the seat. It’s only right to host a small gathering.” This wasn’t a full blown 1 week affair, but a
short 3 day one.
“What’s the urgency,” someone else asks. “And so soon after reopening for the new year.”
“To continue such happy celebrations of course,” A-Xiang says smoothly. It’s a stupid excuse, but she’s brought out the good lotus wine and it slips past easily.
“What’s the urgency,” someone else asks. “And so soon after reopening for the new year.”
“To continue such happy celebrations of course,” A-Xiang says smoothly. It’s a stupid excuse, but she’s brought out the good lotus wine and it slips past easily.
Most of the sect leaders have to be carried back to the inns by their disciples by the end of the night, SLJ seeing them off at the entrance with a smile.
The next morning some of the more hungover leaders are represented by their SIC or head disciples at the conference lunch.
The next morning some of the more hungover leaders are represented by their SIC or head disciples at the conference lunch.
Everything goes smoothly as normal, nothing out of the ordinary as they blabber on about strengthening intersect relations.
After lunch there’s a flower viewing party held by the lotus lakes, and a few of the disciples are arranged to have “friendly” spars as light plum blossom
After lunch there’s a flower viewing party held by the lotus lakes, and a few of the disciples are arranged to have “friendly” spars as light plum blossom
wine is poured to ease everyone into the evening festivities.
There’s no formal banquet this time but still plenty of humble bragging and mutual toasting as their disciples get into an archery contest at night.
There’s no formal banquet this time but still plenty of humble bragging and mutual toasting as their disciples get into an archery contest at night.
“Do you know when great-grandmother will be arriving?” jl asks from his seat at A-Xiang’s side.
“No.” A-Xiang is completely unconcerned. “But it will probably be tomorrow.”
The next day there’s only an optional light luncheon before they get into an actual serious meeting,
“No.” A-Xiang is completely unconcerned. “But it will probably be tomorrow.”
The next day there’s only an optional light luncheon before they get into an actual serious meeting,
drawing up treaties and agreements and planning for joint activities that had been only vaguely discussed before.
It’s when things begin wrapping up that a disciple calls from outside - “Meishan Yu Sect Leader has arrived!”
The hall breaks out into excited chatter.
It’s when things begin wrapping up that a disciple calls from outside - “Meishan Yu Sect Leader has arrived!”
The hall breaks out into excited chatter.
Ah. nhs snaps his fan closed, watching lxc’s face turn red, then white, then red again.
Everyone stands up when SLY enters the hall, bowing to her. At her side is Yu Ziwei.
“SLY, Madam Yu.” jly goes up to her and bows deeply. “We are honoured by your presence.”
Everyone stands up when SLY enters the hall, bowing to her. At her side is Yu Ziwei.
“SLY, Madam Yu.” jly goes up to her and bows deeply. “We are honoured by your presence.”
lxc has his hands cupped in greeting, but the look on his face is fierce enough to scare a lesser man.
“SL Jiang.” SLY’s voice is quiet and steady. Her smile is like a buddha statue; warm and gentle but carved from stone. “How kind of you.”
“A-Xiang, you look well,” says.
“SL Jiang.” SLY’s voice is quiet and steady. Her smile is like a buddha statue; warm and gentle but carved from stone. “How kind of you.”
“A-Xiang, you look well,” says.
“Thanks to the good fortune of SLY’s guidance.”
jl steps forward and kneels. “This one greets Great-grandmother.”
SLY sets a hand on jl’s head. “What a good child.”
“Thanking Great-grandmother.” jl stands and steps back, hiding a relieved sigh.
jl steps forward and kneels. “This one greets Great-grandmother.”
SLY sets a hand on jl’s head. “What a good child.”
“Thanking Great-grandmother.” jl stands and steps back, hiding a relieved sigh.
“SLY, please have a seat.” jly offers SLY the lotus throne at the front of the hall, overlooking all else.
SLY seats herself with a flick of her sleeves. Her eyes are dark as she takes in the faces of the attendees. “Please, why is everyone still standing?
SLY seats herself with a flick of her sleeves. Her eyes are dark as she takes in the faces of the attendees. “Please, why is everyone still standing?
Pay no heed to this old sack of bones. I am not here to disturb your play.”
“Not at all, not at all.” The various SLs sit back down. jly resumes the discussion from a new seat next to SLY but the convo is much less lively than before, everyone speaking quietly and civilly.
“Not at all, not at all.” The various SLs sit back down. jly resumes the discussion from a new seat next to SLY but the convo is much less lively than before, everyone speaking quietly and civilly.
Even nhs is chilled into submission in her presence, sitting upright in his seat, fan closed. News takes time to travel to the isolated msy sect, but SLY had not taken kindly to nhs seeking out jc. She had given him a small written warning on account of his friendship with jc.
(nhs had woken up one morning with a note pinned to the collar of his sleeping robes. “I advise you to leave those in seclusion to their peace.”)
The afternoon ends with little fanfare. They’re supposed to disperse now to prepare for the farewell banquet, but SLY hasn’t spoken
The afternoon ends with little fanfare. They’re supposed to disperse now to prepare for the farewell banquet, but SLY hasn’t spoken
at all since her arrival, so everyone waits around hesitantly.
“SLL, I expect you will be bringing guests for dinner,” Yu Ziwei says when everyone finally begins to leave.
lxc has to physically unclench his jaw to answer. “Yes.” He leaves without another look.
“SLL, I expect you will be bringing guests for dinner,” Yu Ziwei says when everyone finally begins to leave.
lxc has to physically unclench his jaw to answer. “Yes.” He leaves without another look.
🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫previous cw apply
w x n hate and abuse 😭😭😭😭
w x n hate and abuse 😭😭😭😭
——
The Lan delegation arrives early for the banquet. No other guests have arrived yet.
A group of disciples lead them to a side hall to wait.
“What is the meaning of this!” lxc is enraged. “We are doing what SLY wants! Do you mean to hold us here as prisoners?”
The Lan delegation arrives early for the banquet. No other guests have arrived yet.
A group of disciples lead them to a side hall to wait.
“What is the meaning of this!” lxc is enraged. “We are doing what SLY wants! Do you mean to hold us here as prisoners?”
“SLL, what’s the rush?” jl sails into the room.
There are 2 cloaked figures next to lxc. One is supported by the other; both look ill just from their posture.
A head lifts. “A-Ling…”
“And who thinks they have the right to call my birth name? I am SL Jin!”
“Jin Rulan!”
There are 2 cloaked figures next to lxc. One is supported by the other; both look ill just from their posture.
A head lifts. “A-Ling…”
“And who thinks they have the right to call my birth name? I am SL Jin!”
“Jin Rulan!”
“Oh. Is this Lan Wangji?” jl asks mockingly. “Who do you think you are to speak my name? You are not qualified!”
It’s obvious that there’s something wrong with lwj’s strength and cultivation - he shouldn’t be this weak. He shouldn’t be able to get sick other than qi deviations,
It’s obvious that there’s something wrong with lwj’s strength and cultivation - he shouldn’t be this weak. He shouldn’t be able to get sick other than qi deviations,
not with such strong cultivation.
But jl still takes a step back when lwj pulls back his hood revealing sunken cheeks and dull eyes. Great-grandmother…did she…did she…
jl shakes his head. “You will stay here until Great-grandmother will see you.”
But jl still takes a step back when lwj pulls back his hood revealing sunken cheeks and dull eyes. Great-grandmother…did she…did she…
jl shakes his head. “You will stay here until Great-grandmother will see you.”
lxc is enraged. “Jin Rulan! This was not part of the deal!”
“I don’t know what deal you’re talking about. All I know is that your penance must be public. It’s only right, don’t you think? After years - nearly 2 decades really - of public humiliation towards my jiujiu.”
“I don’t know what deal you’re talking about. All I know is that your penance must be public. It’s only right, don’t you think? After years - nearly 2 decades really - of public humiliation towards my jiujiu.”
“Jin Ling…” wwx is too weak to stand on his own, but he reaches a hand out.
“I am SL Jin!” he shouts. “What filth are you, to think you can speak my name!”
“Jin Rulan! Show some respect for your elders!” lwj may be weakened, but he will not suffer this insolence.
jl scoffs.
“I am SL Jin!” he shouts. “What filth are you, to think you can speak my name!”
“Jin Rulan! Show some respect for your elders!” lwj may be weakened, but he will not suffer this insolence.
jl scoffs.
“What do you know of respect? I already said - you’re not qualified to speak to me. You’re here now to publicly acknowledge your wrongs to my jiujiu. He was and forever will be above your station, and yet he bore your insolence for so long. No doubt you can do the same.”
lxc holds up a hand and lwj steps back. “SLJ, there’s no need for such hostility.”
“No,” jl muses. “There’s all the need. Anyway, you will all wait here until Great-grandmother will see you.”
“No,” jl muses. “There’s all the need. Anyway, you will all wait here until Great-grandmother will see you.”
He leaves with a wave of his hand. “Look after our guests properly. I don’t want Great-grandmother to have any complaints.”
The msy disciples at the entrance bow neatly. “Yes, SLJ!”
——
The msy disciples at the entrance bow neatly. “Yes, SLJ!”
——
The basket from Popo this time is delivered during the day. jc is washing dishes from lunch when he hears the knock. He still swings Sandu the moment he opens the door, but again relaxes when he sees the large basket covered by a cotton quilt, with another food box next to it.
The quilt seems to be wiggling, and jc lifts it up to find 3 tiny puppies. They’re tiny balls of poofy white fur, and jc holds back his shriek of delight and opts to coo instead as he brings the basket and food box inside his cottage.
“Hello my darlings,” jc says softly.
“Hello my darlings,” jc says softly.
He lifts them one by one out of the basket, taking the time to meet alert black eyes and pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads.
The breed isn’t anything he’s seen before. They seem to smile up at him as they wobble around in circles, taking in the new smells and defaulting
The breed isn’t anything he’s seen before. They seem to smile up at him as they wobble around in circles, taking in the new smells and defaulting
back to jc every few seconds. jc lets them smell him as they touch their wet noses to his hands, his legs, his waist. They look to his face for commands, but jc just lets them explore.
The 3 are obviously spiritual puppies, young but clever enough already to know who to obey.
The 3 are obviously spiritual puppies, young but clever enough already to know who to obey.
He picks up one with the fluffiest fur. “I’ll name you Little Flower (花花).”
Then jc picks up the one that hasn’t stopped investigating at all, looking up at him with bright eyes before leaning in to lick him in the face. “You’ll be Little Star(星星).”
Then jc picks up the one that hasn’t stopped investigating at all, looking up at him with bright eyes before leaning in to lick him in the face. “You’ll be Little Star(星星).”
Lastly, he brings the one dozing off into his arms, petting gently. “And you’ll be Little Treasure (寶寶).”
Ltitle Star barks and Little Treasure snuffles in sleep, burrowing deeper into jc’s hold.
Little Flower just looks at him before trying to dig into the food box.
Ltitle Star barks and Little Treasure snuffles in sleep, burrowing deeper into jc’s hold.
Little Flower just looks at him before trying to dig into the food box.
“That’s not for puppies. Let me get you babies some proper food.”
jc hums as he goes to the kitchen. Little Flower follows at his heels, while Little Star resumes her investigation and Little Treasure continues napping on the quilt that arrived with them.
——
jc hums as he goes to the kitchen. Little Flower follows at his heels, while Little Star resumes her investigation and Little Treasure continues napping on the quilt that arrived with them.
——
nhs fans himself leisurely as he questions loudly “All the sects have gathered, but we have yet to see gsl. Most unusual, seeing how punctual they are normally.”
SLY ignores him from her seat on the lotus throne. Other SLs are eager to agree with nhs.
SLY ignores him from her seat on the lotus throne. Other SLs are eager to agree with nhs.
Even the latecomers are all seated and there’s still no sign of gsl.
In the side hall, lqr rejoins them after tea with ymj’s SIC, who had shared a bowl of medicine given by SLY.
“What did they want with you, shufu?” lxc asks anxiously.
lqr waves off the question.
In the side hall, lqr rejoins them after tea with ymj’s SIC, who had shared a bowl of medicine given by SLY.
“What did they want with you, shufu?” lxc asks anxiously.
lqr waves off the question.
“Remember what you’re here for. If you are not truly contrite then I’d advise you against speaking at all.”
lxc knows he was wrong. He knows his disregard and silent support of his brother’s appalling behaviour got them here today.
lxc knows he was wrong. He knows his disregard and silent support of his brother’s appalling behaviour got them here today.
But lxc has his pride as a leading cultivator, as a SL, as a war hero. He’s been worshipped by commoners and cultivators both since he was a teenager. So had his brother.
lxc would have had no problem with a private apology, but SLY demanding a public performance rankles him.
lxc would have had no problem with a private apology, but SLY demanding a public performance rankles him.
lwj is silent but his aggravation is clear. wwx has all but given up, the weakness of his body eating away at the strength of his will until now he just wants it all to be over, to regret ever trying to look for jc, regret that he had encouraged lwj’s behaviour,
that he led lsz and ljy astray. The 2 disciples are still under many restrictions, and the resentment from their fellow disciples hurts them more than the sect-mandated punishments.
lwj only regrets that SLY is spiteful enough to take her anger out on wwx.
lwj only regrets that SLY is spiteful enough to take her anger out on wwx.
lqr eyes him as a ymj disciple comes to greet them. “Do not speak if you will only worsen the situation,” he warns again. “SLY is not one to be trifled with.”
The ymj disciple is stone-faced as he bows to lqr and ignores the others to lead them to the hall.
The ymj disciple is stone-faced as he bows to lqr and ignores the others to lead them to the hall.
lqr’s head starts to pound as they enter.
“Grandmaster Lan, SLL, and their companions,” a disciple announces, purposely distorting the proper order.
The chatter in the room falls silent.
nhs’ fan starts fluttering overtime.
SLY puts down her cup of tea.
“Grandmaster Lan, SLL, and their companions,” a disciple announces, purposely distorting the proper order.
The chatter in the room falls silent.
nhs’ fan starts fluttering overtime.
SLY puts down her cup of tea.
lxc steps forward. “SLY, I stand here today on behalf of my sect and family.”
Her smile angers him but he tampers it down. He returns her smile with his own winsome one.
“And what do you have to say on behalf of your sect and family?”
Her smile angers him but he tampers it down. He returns her smile with his own winsome one.
“And what do you have to say on behalf of your sect and family?”
She sounds warm and kind, like a true doting grandmother.
lxc lowers himself to both knees. lwj and wwx follow in kind, and lqr bows from where he stands. He can hear the loud gasps from the attendees.
lxc has to swallow hard before he can loosen his throat to speak.
lxc lowers himself to both knees. lwj and wwx follow in kind, and lqr bows from where he stands. He can hear the loud gasps from the attendees.
lxc has to swallow hard before he can loosen his throat to speak.
“I wish to offer my sincerest apologies to your grandson, the former SL Jiang.”
SLY stares him down silently, her smile never breaking, her eyes hard and glittering.
lxc places both hands on the floor and bows halfway. “I was wrong. I led our sect astray and disrespected SLJ.
SLY stares him down silently, her smile never breaking, her eyes hard and glittering.
lxc places both hands on the floor and bows halfway. “I was wrong. I led our sect astray and disrespected SLJ.
Not just once or twice but consistently for more than a decade. I was wrong not to curb the wrongful behaviour of my sect, and I was wrong not to punish those that deserved it. I am responsible for any wrongs committed against him by those of the Lan name.”
He lifts his head to see SLY looking straight at him. When their gazes meet, hers lowers to his hands folded before him on the ground.
lxc lowers his bow further, until there’s but an inch from his hands.
He thinks he’s been let off when SLY’s attention turns away from him.
lxc lowers his bow further, until there’s but an inch from his hands.
He thinks he’s been let off when SLY’s attention turns away from him.
“What of your companions. They’re not of any sect.”
wwx is the first to bow, hands on the ground as he looks up at her with shining eyes. “SLY, I know my sins. I should have protected A-Cheng-”
SLY gives a mocking laugh. “Who is this child, to call a SL by his birth name?”
wwx is the first to bow, hands on the ground as he looks up at her with shining eyes. “SLY, I know my sins. I should have protected A-Cheng-”
SLY gives a mocking laugh. “Who is this child, to call a SL by his birth name?”
“SL Jiang,” wwx corrects hurriedly. “I swore to protect him with my life and I failed.”
SLY laughs again. “And what is this child, to have such lofty claims.”
wwx folds his hands like lxc. “I swore to protect him but I hurt him instead. I violated him without his consent, and
SLY laughs again. “And what is this child, to have such lofty claims.”
wwx folds his hands like lxc. “I swore to protect him but I hurt him instead. I violated him without his consent, and
I encouraged resentments that resulted because of it. I had the power to stop it but I didn’t. I watched on and allowed it to continue. I hurt him and I let others hurt him when I should have protected him. I - I cannot express how much I regret my actions.”
SLY says nothing, but her eyes flicker to lwj. She can see the way lwj stiffens, the unwillingness in his amber eyes.
lwj is stiff as he forces himself to place his hands on the ground and bow.
“I would never encourage the unwilling,” SLY says airily. “Since this child has
lwj is stiff as he forces himself to place his hands on the ground and bow.
“I would never encourage the unwilling,” SLY says airily. “Since this child has
nothing sincere to say, this old woman will not hear it.”
lqr nearly has an aneurysm. “Wangji,” he hisses.
lwj hurriedly bows lower. “Wangji knows his wrongs,” he says.
There’s a long, long silence.
SLY waits patiently.
lqr nearly has an aneurysm. “Wangji,” he hisses.
lwj hurriedly bows lower. “Wangji knows his wrongs,” he says.
There’s a long, long silence.
SLY waits patiently.
When the silence goes on too long, lqr hisses again, “Wangji!”
“I was the main culprit. I had no place and no right to speak to SLJ as I did. I disrespected someone above my station. I led junior disciples to do the same.”
SLY still doesn’t speak.
“I was the main culprit. I had no place and no right to speak to SLJ as I did. I disrespected someone above my station. I led junior disciples to do the same.”
SLY still doesn’t speak.
wwx quickly lowers himself further, to match lxc. lwj does the same once he sees wwx.
The hall is silent, not even a breath to be heard.
SLY sits patiently. When nothing else seems to come, she picks up her cup of tea again.
“Xichen! Wangji!” lqr whispers.
The hall is silent, not even a breath to be heard.
SLY sits patiently. When nothing else seems to come, she picks up her cup of tea again.
“Xichen! Wangji!” lqr whispers.
“I beg for your forgiveness,” lxc grits out, touching his head to his hands.
“Please forgive me,” wwx says.
“Please forgive us,” lwj says.
SLY just looks at their heads still cushioned by their hands. She waits.
lqr sees the second her smile dims and he immediately kneels.
“Please forgive me,” wwx says.
“Please forgive us,” lwj says.
SLY just looks at their heads still cushioned by their hands. She waits.
lqr sees the second her smile dims and he immediately kneels.
“SLY, please forgive my wayward nephews for their wrongs against jwy!” He knocks his head loudly against the ground 3 times in quick succession.
The hall erupts in shocked gasps. Everyone is horrified.
“Shufu!” lxc shouts.
lqr looks at him and slaps him in the face.
The hall erupts in shocked gasps. Everyone is horrified.
“Shufu!” lxc shouts.
lqr looks at him and slaps him in the face.
“Know your place!”
lxc is shocked, but then he understands. “SLY, please forgive us!” He knocks his forehead on the floor 3 times. He can hear wwx doing the same behind him.
lqr moves to slap lwj also. “Acknowledge your wrongs properly!”
lxc is shocked, but then he understands. “SLY, please forgive us!” He knocks his forehead on the floor 3 times. He can hear wwx doing the same behind him.
lqr moves to slap lwj also. “Acknowledge your wrongs properly!”
So lwj touches his forehead to the ground. Slowly. Thrice.
lqr looks harried. “SLY-”
SLY waves a hand and sighs. “What a disgrace, to drive your shufu to such means.”
“I did not raise them properly,” lqr says immediately.
SLY just smiles. “I am not unreasonable.”
lqr looks harried. “SLY-”
SLY waves a hand and sighs. “What a disgrace, to drive your shufu to such means.”
“I did not raise them properly,” lqr says immediately.
SLY just smiles. “I am not unreasonable.”
“Of course not.”
“I accept your apologies, however insincere, because of your shufu - and only for him.” She waves a hand. “I have no wish to dirty my gaze further. Qiren, SLL, I expect both of you will stay for dinner.”
wwx and lwj are hurriedly pulled away by disciples.
“I accept your apologies, however insincere, because of your shufu - and only for him.” She waves a hand. “I have no wish to dirty my gaze further. Qiren, SLL, I expect both of you will stay for dinner.”
wwx and lwj are hurriedly pulled away by disciples.
lxc wants nothing more than to hide and recover from his humiliation but he knows that would make it worse.
“Of course,” he forces out.
He cannot meet anyone’s eyes as he and shufu sit in their allocated seats.
“Of course,” he forces out.
He cannot meet anyone’s eyes as he and shufu sit in their allocated seats.
SL Jiang smiles, standing and lifting her wine cup. “A toast, to another successful conference!”
Everyone is still too horrified at what happened to do more than raise their cups blankly.
Only jl matches SLJ’s excitement. “Ganbei!”
——
(Ganbei! 乾杯! Down your glass!)
Everyone is still too horrified at what happened to do more than raise their cups blankly.
Only jl matches SLJ’s excitement. “Ganbei!”
——
(Ganbei! 乾杯! Down your glass!)
Months later, jl goes to see jc again.
“Jiujiu!”
He’s immediately ambushed by 3 poofs of white, barking fur. “?!?!”
“Little Flower! Little Star! Little Treasure! Sit!”
jl is knocked over on the ground. “Jiujiu?”
“Get up, you brat,” jc says lightly, pulling up jl.
“Jiujiu!”
He’s immediately ambushed by 3 poofs of white, barking fur. “?!?!”
“Little Flower! Little Star! Little Treasure! Sit!”
jl is knocked over on the ground. “Jiujiu?”
“Get up, you brat,” jc says lightly, pulling up jl.
“PUPPIES! When did you get them?” jl crouches down, petting all 3 dogs as they sniff and lick him all over.
“Popo, your great-grandmother, sent them over.”
jl barely suppresses a shiver. The woman still terrifies him. “3 at once? Isn’t it a lot?”
“Popo, your great-grandmother, sent them over.”
jl barely suppresses a shiver. The woman still terrifies him. “3 at once? Isn’t it a lot?”
“I had 3 puppies once. When I was a child.” jc’s smile is sad but jl is distracted by the now very large puppies and doesn’t see.
“I didn’t know you had dogs.”
“Yes, well. I have 3 now.” jc joins in the petting and they immediately turn their affections to jc, abandoning jl.
“I didn’t know you had dogs.”
“Yes, well. I have 3 now.” jc joins in the petting and they immediately turn their affections to jc, abandoning jl.
After a lot of hugs and kisses and cuddles, they enter jc’s cottage for drinks and food. jl has wheedled himself a 3 day stay (jc refused to let him stay longer because of his SL duties).
“Jiujiu, let me tell you - I killed a yao that was thiiiiiiiis big! Without help!
“Jiujiu, let me tell you - I killed a yao that was thiiiiiiiis big! Without help!
Everyone was so surprised! They all praised me!”
“Really?” jc sounds sceptical but inwardly he’s unbearably proud. “Are you sure it was thiiiiiiiis big?”
“Bigger!” jl boasts.
“Tell me how it happened,” jc says, pouring jl some wine.
“Really?” jc sounds sceptical but inwardly he’s unbearably proud. “Are you sure it was thiiiiiiiis big?”
“Bigger!” jl boasts.
“Tell me how it happened,” jc says, pouring jl some wine.
Around them, the now giant puppies settle around their laps, and jc smiles softly as jl launches into his story.
He doesn’t think he’s ever been happier or more content.
——
(the end.)
He doesn’t think he’s ever been happier or more content.
——
(the end.)
• • •
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