Part 6~ of #JiangCheng transmigration series..
And the usual reminder that I updated in my sleepless nights or whenever I can so there will be mistakes..
But you love me anyway 💁🏽♀️🫶
This chapter covers the sunshot campaign and the aftermath..
And the usual reminder that I updated in my sleepless nights or whenever I can so there will be mistakes..
But you love me anyway 💁🏽♀️🫶
This chapter covers the sunshot campaign and the aftermath..
this ‘supposed’ to be the last chapter aside from the epilogue which may or may not be added to this thread, depending on its length.
This was one hell of a journey, love you 💜✨
This was one hell of a journey, love you 💜✨
~~~
~~~
Jiang Cheng growled as his consciousness comes back, trying to set up, the hard floor already did a number on his back.
checking his surroundings, the cell could barely fit another five, and a handful of wen soldiers is guarding him.
subtly looking for any injuries ‘nothing too severe, spiritual power locked, WRH is no fool’ in the end he needs him to get his son back.
Sighing deeply, he sat in a meditative position and began to call back the events leading to this.
~~~
There was no celebration or a ceremony for his ascension, as the sects waged an attack against the wen forces,
it appears the alliance's newfound courage gave the minor sects a new hope, of course, it lasted as long as it needed for the wens to corner them, pushing them to retreat, run and regroup again..
The only favorable outcome was the consensus response to WWX's new cultivation, even if the majority turn red and LQR looks like he is a hair width from Qi deviation,
they still kept silent after winning their first battle since this war started.
and whatever still existing worries were appeased by LWJ following WWX like a shadow, the reputation of the white robes of Lans and the twin gades is more than enough,
but Jiang Cheng's worries lay more on the man who showed little interest in all these war aspects, sending so few soldiers (to his son's dismay), to suddenly appear at every meeting,
The resentment is taking its tool on WWX’s body, his GC and LWJ’s music and voice of reason is what keeps him in check, still it's impalpable in front his rage,
the sight of red robes will trigger the memories of LP in shambles, and then the resentment will take care of the rest, the battle they won already established WWX’s reputation.
but if there was hushed gossip about the HD of YMJ losing his mind fearing his wrath, the ones about Jiang Cheng- no.
Sāndú Shèngshǒu..
The accusations are loud and clear.
Sāndú Shèngshǒu..
The accusations are loud and clear.
this Jiang Cheng knows how to bloodshed, he knows exactly how he looks, soaked in blood with a bottomless lust,
Like he and death chasing after each other, who will tire first.
It was no surprise to him that he gained his title back much earlier.
Like he and death chasing after each other, who will tire first.
It was no surprise to him that he gained his title back much earlier.
For every Wen soul he takes another is spared in the death toll, and he made sure to be generous, followed by the two gifts he got for his new rank.
one of those gifts was Zidian..
the day he was formally announced as the acting Sect Leader, his mother didn't have any words.
instead, she silently passed the ancient weapon to him,
the day he was formally announced as the acting Sect Leader, his mother didn't have any words.
instead, she silently passed the ancient weapon to him,
clasping his hand tightly with the ring between their palms.
her eyes looked so much like the last time he saw her in his last life.
her eyes looked so much like the last time he saw her in his last life.
The second gift arrived at LP gates, the day ‘his’ soldiers were gearing for war, following him out of LP to be met with two figures.
Twins.
Two women.
Twins.
Two women.
The major difference was one had incredibly pale blue eyes, the other’s were as black as coal.
And both looked like they can see through your very soul.
And both looked like they can see through your very soul.
“Yu (Bai 白)”
“Yu (An 暗)”
both bowed, with a tiny envelope delivered to him, it was empty, but the seal on it is enough information.
It was a gift from his grandmother in MSY.
“Yu (An 暗)”
both bowed, with a tiny envelope delivered to him, it was empty, but the seal on it is enough information.
It was a gift from his grandmother in MSY.
A woman he only remembers meeting once (the day he received his sword & courtesy name) but by his mother’s words, he met her before once.
She visited the day he was born.
She visited the day he was born.
<if there are any issues with the names, don't hesitate to tell me>
A woman with a face that betrays nothing, MSY features that engraved on a stone, but there was always gentleness in his memories.
If his mother was a raging sea, she was the calmest one with the deepest abyss.
If his mother was a raging sea, she was the calmest one with the deepest abyss.
YB & YA are distant cousins from the main branch of the family.
In his last life, when a message from MSY offered such help he rejected it immediately, his still suffering sect couldn't afford to look dependent on another sect like some kind of a charity case.
In his last life, when a message from MSY offered such help he rejected it immediately, his still suffering sect couldn't afford to look dependent on another sect like some kind of a charity case.
They never left his side, they were a clear declaration of his status and capability.
Countless battles came, and with them came anger.
That was how it was before, fueled by pure rage he never felt before, enough anger to compensate for his inexperience on a battlefield.
That was how it was before, fueled by pure rage he never felt before, enough anger to compensate for his inexperience on a battlefield.
This anger, in this life didn't taste new, no pure blind rage, no vengeful soul, not even the fleeting satisfaction of seeing life fads from a wen’s eyes.
His rage is bottomless, it doesn't consume him till he became an empty shell, this is an old company, one that he falls on willingly, because his rage is what protected what he held dear.
Of you ask a wen in his last hours in front of SDSS “how it felt?”
Fear would not be the answer.
Yes there is fear of death, and a big portion of that fear is how they will meet that fate.
Fear would not be the answer.
Yes there is fear of death, and a big portion of that fear is how they will meet that fate.
Not humiliation too,
Which is normal facing what was supposed to be still a kid barely experienced, yet still powerful enough to deliver death.
Which is normal facing what was supposed to be still a kid barely experienced, yet still powerful enough to deliver death.
Resignation.
When you look at your executioner in the eyes, you expect pridefulness, contempt or satisfaction.
There is nothing.
When you look at your executioner in the eyes, you expect pridefulness, contempt or satisfaction.
There is nothing.
Your executioner is looking at you like another number on a stack of tolls.
just another one to the pile.
gaze like a void, an endless abyss that will swallow you whole, and you are too small of an entity to matter, to fill a fraction of that hole.
just another one to the pile.
gaze like a void, an endless abyss that will swallow you whole, and you are too small of an entity to matter, to fill a fraction of that hole.
Rumors that followed the SDSS are not for a mad dog,
It is for a wolf its fur considered red.
It is for a wolf its fur considered red.
Of course it didn’t take long to realize the target WRH put on his back.
JC made sure only a tight circle of people knows WC’s fate, and they would take the secret to death just to spite WRH, who can’t invade LP blindly without knowing the exact location of his son.
JC made sure only a tight circle of people knows WC’s fate, and they would take the secret to death just to spite WRH, who can’t invade LP blindly without knowing the exact location of his son.
Which brings it all back here, him sitting in WRH’s dungeons, as a sudden ambush triggered his tent, no big army, only a skillful handful of wen dogs, who knew the perfect when and where to get him here.
And he has an inkling of how that comes to be.
~~~
“Jiang xian- ..zongzhu!”
that got him out of his musing, raising his head to locate his visitor, there standing is Wen Ning fidgeting while the couple of wen soldiers guarding him look like they are in deep slumber
that got him out of his musing, raising his head to locate his visitor, there standing is Wen Ning fidgeting while the couple of wen soldiers guarding him look like they are in deep slumber
“Uh.. I- put a strong soporific I took from my sister’s room” loud whispering, answering his thoughts
Jiang Cheng hummed in an acknowledgment
Jiang Cheng hummed in an acknowledgment
JC stood up slowly and stepped close to the man standing at his cell, sighing deeply.
WN couldn’t exactly tell the emotion appearing on the other’s face, especially with the dim warm light dancing and casting a shadow over JC’s expression.
WN couldn’t exactly tell the emotion appearing on the other’s face, especially with the dim warm light dancing and casting a shadow over JC’s expression.
But it reminded him of his sister when she felt conflicted with her morals, which he had seen a lot since the war started, he only got out of his thoughts when he felt the other’s presence in front of him, only separated by the iron bars.
Jiang Cheng hummed again, this time WN can feel the air vibrate with the sound.
“What should I do with you..”
The whisper wasn’t louder than the hum, yet it made very hair back of his neck stand.
And it didn’t sound like a question..
“What should I do with you..”
The whisper wasn’t louder than the hum, yet it made very hair back of his neck stand.
And it didn’t sound like a question..
<thanks for your patience, work been exhausting and I have an art commotion that I still didn’t start on 🤦🏽♀️ yes I deleted a part I was not satisfied with and I will update soon, also I would love to hear your feed back and what you think-
Thanks so much for reading, we are so close from the end, hopefully I can have a rest and update soon> 💜✨
Only the flicker of candles light did indicate any movement happened.
A dagger appeared at his throat extracting a thin blood thread..
A dagger appeared at his throat extracting a thin blood thread..
“You have less..
leave..
Alert the guards and I‘ll kill you..
Stay here and I’ll kill you..
let me see your face again and I’ll kill you..”
leave..
Alert the guards and I‘ll kill you..
Stay here and I’ll kill you..
let me see your face again and I’ll kill you..”
WN stared at him, didn't dare to swallow or the dagger will get deeper, he cautiously nodded once.
The dagger disappeared, he turned and ran faster than he ever did.
The dagger disappeared, he turned and ran faster than he ever did.
stupid old debt.
Stupid old regret.
But Merciful.
That he is not..
Stupid old regret.
But Merciful.
That he is not..
Another figure appears from the dark “they are coming” and as in cue a commotion was heard at the gates, Jiang cheng turned again to the two figures in front of him, raising an eyebrow in expectancy.
Both figures nodded once.
Both figures nodded once.
“Good, retreat for now”
they hesitate for a second but bowed and returned into the darkness.
they hesitate for a second but bowed and returned into the darkness.
He heaved a long sigh and returned back to his sitting place in the call, waiting till the soldiers appeared at his door.
~~~
WWX is on the edge of insanity since the ambush on his brother, and he is holding on the last thread of his sanity for the sake of said brother..
If he is raising the dead more than the necessary...
No one comment.
If he is snapping at everyone, even at HGJ...
No one comment.
No one comment.
If he is snapping at everyone, even at HGJ...
No one comment.
And when they found the onea who took sect leader Jiang and witnessed what WWX did for them...
No one stopped it.
No one stopped it.
The stories themselves lead to a large chunk of the wen ranks to run away and hide, the one who is smart enough discarded their red ropes immediately,
that included WN, his sister, and their small family, barely escaping before the sunshot campaign with their army of the dead swept the nightless city.
~~~
“Leave”
All the soldiers and servants nearly scrambled to obey.
WRH stared at the man kneeling in-front of him
All the soldiers and servants nearly scrambled to obey.
WRH stared at the man kneeling in-front of him
“No, you Meng Yao, Stay.”
The mans’ steps froze, nodded and returned to WRH’s side.
The mans’ steps froze, nodded and returned to WRH’s side.
Seeing from the commotion out the palace getting louder and the pale complex of MY’s face that their forces is having the upper hand, and so close to break in.
He got out of his thoughts by a rough yank on his loose hair, WRH tipped his head back to get a proper look, Jiang Cheng can see a crazed look on the man in front of him,
Even he is not prideful enough to not admit the fear that it send across his body.
Because it appears that his abduction that started as a means to get WRH’s son back ended up with him being the only way out for the said man,
and choosing between his life or his son’s maybe cut the last string of sanity in the man
“My son-“cut by a scream out from the palace indicating how close they become, WRH grit his teeth, his eyes fixed on him, there was so much hate in them..
So much..
*slap*
Then another
He started to cough blood
So much..
*slap*
Then another
He started to cough blood
Then found himself thrown across the room colliding with a column, he could feel the scars from the whip opening again.
“I will kill them all
BURN THEM ALL
In front of your very eyes
I will let you watch while they beg-
While YOU BEG,
You will beg me to kill you too Jiang Cheng, and i won't..
-
BURN THEM ALL
In front of your very eyes
I will let you watch while they beg-
While YOU BEG,
You will beg me to kill you too Jiang Cheng, and i won't..
-
And then I will drag you back to LP, you will tell me where is my son.
then I will let you again watch as i burn your family-
BURN YOUR HOME AND BURY IT UNDER THE MUD-
And yet i won’t kill you..
Oh No
You will be my poppet..
then I will let you again watch as i burn your family-
BURN YOUR HOME AND BURY IT UNDER THE MUD-
And yet i won’t kill you..
Oh No
You will be my poppet..
I WILL MAKE YOU CRAVE DEATH JIANG CHENG..
You will crave it like air, and I will strangle you from having it”
You will crave it like air, and I will strangle you from having it”
On any other day Jiang Cheng would laugh at the irony of said threats..
As an empty threat as it is, if WRH knows how close from the truth he is.
As an empty threat as it is, if WRH knows how close from the truth he is.
Turns his eyes to the man staying silent at the corner. He can see the gears turning in Meng Yao’s head, and seeing from how pale the man’s face he probably already made his decision.
WRH’s forces already lost the fight outside, hearing from the voices they are already inside the palace, it won’t take long before they swarm the hall..
So as WRH is still deep in his crazed haze, still screaming threats, he did not take notice of the steps behind him..
He probably didn't even feel the sword piercing his back only a second later, straight through his heart..
He probably didn't have the time to feel betrayed as he hit the floor..
Inner white ropes soaked in red.
Inner white ropes soaked in red.
MY was heaving like this took every bit of his courage and strength.
Sword still impaled on the body still twitching on the floor.
Sword still impaled on the body still twitching on the floor.
‘What a pity fate’ he thinks, but pity is not what he is here for so he let a deep sigh, stood up, wiped the blood from his lips, and tidied himself “if you mind..”
MY moved his gaze to him “what..-”
“Not you.. them” at his words the gate and every window in the hall were closed, and two figures appeared, one at the gate and the other behind MY who suddenly found himself kneeling with a hand keeping him there in place.
“Not you.. them” at his words the gate and every window in the hall were closed, and two figures appeared, one at the gate and the other behind MY who suddenly found himself kneeling with a hand keeping him there in place.
“You see MY.. I am actually here for you..” Jiang Cheng nudged the dead body with his feet out of the way then kneeled on one knee in front of the other,
brushed a spake of blood from MY’s face “I will not drag this for long” JC locked eyes with him, “I want your father's life..”
The surprised expressions turned so fast to calculated ones, though before I could utter any questions or promises,
JC cut him “I would have chosen a better place to have this chat, but you must pardon me, cornering you would be hard, and I would not have this..” he stretched a hand to the figure behind MY who put a stack of letters on it,
More specifically, his letters for WRH which included every information leaked or heard, including the state of WC and JC’s tent whereabouts.
which now he can see probably reached him on purpose.
which now he can see probably reached him on purpose.
“I don't understand..”
“Hmmm.. So I take you don't recognize them? No problem.. Though this us concerning, this is some dangerous leak in our ranks”
“Hmmm.. So I take you don't recognize them? No problem.. Though this us concerning, this is some dangerous leak in our ranks”
“I-..”
“Especially this one concerning WC being taken as a prisoner, there were only two people who ‘think’ that WC is alive in LP dungeons, Sect Leader Nie.. And Sect Leader Lan.. *sigh* I guess I will have to discuss it with them”
“Especially this one concerning WC being taken as a prisoner, there were only two people who ‘think’ that WC is alive in LP dungeons, Sect Leader Nie.. And Sect Leader Lan.. *sigh* I guess I will have to discuss it with them”
JC seemed like he was talking to himself “everyone else in LP knows that the moment he was thrown there he was wiped to death..”
gaze turned back on MY “you are the smart one, what do you think.. who of the two did it?”
“You want me to kill my father!” Sympathy is another approach
JC hummed in approval
JC hummed in approval
“B-but he is my father, you- you can’t-“
JC arched an elegant brow at that
JC arched an elegant brow at that
JGY knows he should probably shut up instead of trying to hit a weakness point “you at least should understand- *he started sobbing*-
no matter that you never get recognition from your father, you still never stopped trying..”
Instead of the expected anger, MY found a soft touch on his cheek, a hand cradling his face and wiping a fake tear,
then took a firm hold on him getting their face close, there were no emotions on it, only an endless abyss on these eyes
“I am not known for pity”
“I am not known for pity”
JC took a step back and returned to a far way space, sitting on the ground at the same moment the doors were flanged open and the SunShot army swarmed in, on the lead was a frantic WWX followed by the other SLs.
Only the image of Jiang Cheng alive gets the resentment at bay.
JC found himself in a crushing hug, arms full of a frantic and sobbing WWX, holding to his for dear life, JC holds him the same taking his smell.
ashes and resentment
ALIVE
still alive
ashes and resentment
ALIVE
still alive
“You are alive..”
Bith whispered desperately
Bith whispered desperately
~~~
The war has ended ..
The SunShot campaign is won..
Meng Yao is Now Jin Guangyao, the war hero who saved Sect Leader Jiang and Killed Wen Ruohan..
The SunShot campaign is won..
Meng Yao is Now Jin Guangyao, the war hero who saved Sect Leader Jiang and Killed Wen Ruohan..
~~~
Who wants to meet Popo Yu 👀?
What now?
What is left?
Can he rest?
No, not now..
There are still alive threats to his family and home..
So not now..
Not now..
Soon.
What is left?
Can he rest?
No, not now..
There are still alive threats to his family and home..
So not now..
Not now..
Soon.
But what now?
“Home..”
It appears that he voiced the last question aloud enough, turnin ti the teen.. Man.. beside him.
“Home..”
It appears that he voiced the last question aloud enough, turnin ti the teen.. Man.. beside him.
WWX takes his hand gently, equally exhausted
“We go home a-cheng..”
“We go home a-cheng..”
‘Home is ruined again’
his mind supplies
‘it needs to be rebuilt again’
‘It needs you to stand now, alone, no recovering time again’
‘No, my family are alive’ he reason with himself ‘not alone’
his mind supplies
‘it needs to be rebuilt again’
‘It needs you to stand now, alone, no recovering time again’
‘No, my family are alive’ he reason with himself ‘not alone’
‘They are Alive.. But still alone a-cheng’ that last though did not sound like him, but it was true it cut ..
Yanli is marrying soon..
A-xian won’t take long before following LWJ..
Father barely leaving his room..
And his mother is not in a
better shape after the war..
Yanli is marrying soon..
A-xian won’t take long before following LWJ..
Father barely leaving his room..
And his mother is not in a
better shape after the war..
‘But they are there, they still here, alive..
That's enough..
It has to be..’
“Let's return a-xian..”
That's enough..
It has to be..’
“Let's return a-xian..”
< insomnia is a bitch >
~~~
This part is one Jiang Cheng will never miss.
When LP had nothing more than sick and orphans.
When LP had nothing more than sick and orphans.
This time it has more elders.
More men.
Family.
And a whole more of a decade of experience to rebuild this.
More men.
Family.
And a whole more of a decade of experience to rebuild this.
So he starts as soon as he returned.
The first thing he did was a short speech that was ordered to pass around YMJ...
The first thing he did was a short speech that was ordered to pass around YMJ...
“It will be rough..
It will not be easy..
Whoever wants to leave, leave now, we do not need an unsteady footing..
I will get YMJ to a higher glory..”
It will not be easy..
Whoever wants to leave, leave now, we do not need an unsteady footing..
I will get YMJ to a higher glory..”
Some citizens and soldiers left seeking better lives, while some stayed behind thinking they may be able to manipulate the young SL, which appeared immediately futile, and followed the one who left..
The ones who stayed are the loyal, the ones who have a home, memories, and family here, and the ones who had sacrificed to stay here..
Though still some of the greedy and power-hungry, they are more subdued as Jiang Cheng goes through the process ruthlessly..
Whatever can be spared is sold.
whoever is strong will hamd work.
whoever has the knowledge will care for the sick and kids.
whoever is strong will hamd work.
whoever has the knowledge will care for the sick and kids.
They may get a couple of helping hands from the other sects, but they still need to make it on their own if they do not want to grow under another’s shadow.
His sister is helping with the healers.
His brother with the town work.
His mother oversees the soldiers.
His father barely leaves his room.
And Jiang cheng acts like his mother is not trying to exhaust herself running from that fact.
His brother with the town work.
His mother oversees the soldiers.
His father barely leaves his room.
And Jiang cheng acts like his mother is not trying to exhaust herself running from that fact.
He works when he can by his hand when there is time to spare, the paper works never ends, the trades are in shambles and the elders make everything hard.
At the end of the day all set in the same hall to eat the same food.
And every day there is the realization of how hard this is and they leave, and more elders and soldiers and family seek out better chances elsewhere.
And every day there is the realization of how hard this is and they leave, and more elders and soldiers and family seek out better chances elsewhere.
YMJ opened their doors to rogue cultivators and any who has the potential or even a talent and in need of a home and a daily meal.
This enraged the ones who still hold the ego of their names.
It even earned him a rare comment from his aloof father “the name Jiang used to mean something”
It even earned him a rare comment from his aloof father “the name Jiang used to mean something”
And a rare occasion of his mother not gracing that with a sharp replay, returning to her place to evaluate land train the new addition.
Which is a role he and his mother exchange, Jiang Cheng hand pick the one he keeps in his close circle, and his two spiders never leave his side.
And finding his late SIC young face among them did sparkle some surprising warmth.
The Jin did send a huge fair share of help, courtesy of JZX and his mother but Jiang Cheng knows better than to trust JGS to keep his dirty hand out of it, so he is carful to what to accept and to what extent.
Sitting in his study with the mountains of paperwork, which would have left him pulling on his hair, thankfully years of experience made him efficient in sorting what is important and what is a pile of horse-shits
Most of the time it is either his mother or a senior disciple that helps with his correspondings, WWX is his HD but he has a better head to deal with training or night hunts than politics..
Jiang Cheng cut that thought shortly, this needs another time, especially with the invitation he is holding in his hand..
JGS is inviting all the sects for a celebration and a hunt for winning the war ‘like tge man even lifted a sword’ Jiang cheng clicked his tongue at that, and the unpleasant memories that accrued there...
And about uwhat happened there last time..
This also is something need to be dealt with..
But he will leave it now till it comes to it..
This also is something need to be dealt with..
But he will leave it now till it comes to it..
Which brings his thoughts to JGY, the man is smarter than to try anything against him, his spiders will get everything they put their hands on and put it out there for everyone to see,
And a JGY with a ruined reputation is nothing but a burden to his father..
His thoughts were cut by one of his spiders announcing a guest, which is not odd if not for the fact that his spider herself looks shocked..
Well that didn't last long as the visitor invited herself in and bypassed his spider..
“P-Popo..”
Jiang Cheng stumbled upon standing and a proper bow..
“P-Popo..”
Jiang Cheng stumbled upon standing and a proper bow..
The spider also bowed and excused herself.
It took him a moment to get his composure back, and another to take the woman in front of him fully.
It took him a moment to get his composure back, and another to take the woman in front of him fully.
She is just like how he always remembered.
Same Yu features like his and his mother, but without the angry expressions, nothing to betray her thoughts.
Same Yu features like his and his mother, but without the angry expressions, nothing to betray her thoughts.
And it seems she is too taking her time watching him, even maybe through him.
And her gaze has never been gentler..
And her gaze has never been gentler..
“You grow so much a-cheng..”
Her voice breathy, never loud.
And a hint of sadness in it.
Her voice breathy, never loud.
And a hint of sadness in it.
She turned slowly and left the office with the door open, he knows she is expecting him to follow, which he did immediately.
Somehow he is reduced to a nervous teen again.
Somehow he is reduced to a nervous teen again.
He followed her in silence till they reached one of the pairs that survived, the burning still left its trace on the dark wood..
Only when they reached the end did he notice the simple arrangement for a small meal at a side and tea for the other..
Only when they reached the end did he notice the simple arrangement for a small meal at a side and tea for the other..
She took her seat at the tea side, and as an obedient child he took his in front of the meal.
She stared at him expectingly, with a little hesitance he started to eat, only then did she touch her tea.
She stared at him expectingly, with a little hesitance he started to eat, only then did she touch her tea.
‘When was the last time he actually set for a proper meal’’
The thought crossed his mind
The thought crossed his mind
By the second the atmosphere is feeling heavier..
The feeling of being watched is back again.
He knows he is being watched closely by her.
but the heaviness is unnerving.
He knows he is being watched closely by her.
but the heaviness is unnerving.
He risked a glance.
For a second her gaze did stray to something behind him.
It didn't last long, it is better to be an illusion, but somehow the heaviness did lift slowly after.
For a second her gaze did stray to something behind him.
It didn't last long, it is better to be an illusion, but somehow the heaviness did lift slowly after.
He finished his meal in silance, and only after that did he notice that her cup is already empty and he is being watched closely..
Gaze still gentle.
Gaze still gentle.
After a moment that felt like hours of silence
“You still have long a-cheng...”
He is a little puzzled about the meaning but he doesn't push, only nodes..
“You still have long a-cheng...”
He is a little puzzled about the meaning but he doesn't push, only nodes..
Startled a little when he felt a hand gently moving the hair away from his face, sliding to his cheek..
“Live..” a smile graced her ageless face, and with a blink, she was up and left..
“Live..” a smile graced her ageless face, and with a blink, she was up and left..
“zongzhu..”
The voice of his spider is what got him out of his haze.
It appears he sat there long enough staring at his empty dish seeing how dark the sky is.
The voice of his spider is what got him out of his haze.
It appears he sat there long enough staring at his empty dish seeing how dark the sky is.
He nodes acknowledging her and stand to return to his room.
~~~
Juanfran Cheng find himself on the KT steps where he can see JGS with both his sons JZX beside him, while JGY stands a little back like he is a servant, only higher by the family name,
Jiang Cheng did not bring a big party, LP needs the men's power more.
8 men and women, 3 of them are his spiders and brother.
He also included his past ‘future’ SIC.
8 men and women, 3 of them are his spiders and brother.
He also included his past ‘future’ SIC.
The closer they get the more he can see the strain in JGS ‘s posture, the man looks paler than he should, even the makeup is not covering that much, it is the stupid fan in his hand that is doing the job.
This is supposed to be his ‘first’ formal event as the Jiang Sect leader, he faintly remembers his young self, how nervous trying to fit in bigger shoes (physically and metaphorically).
And how it ended with the wen camp disaster.
How YMJ had to apologize left and right, pay tributes left and right, and lose face left and right.
How YMJ had to apologize left and right, pay tributes left and right, and lose face left and right.
‘JC feels like iron, to the touch and feel’ WWX thinks observing his brother as they are taking their place a little further from the main sects,
He couldn’t help the flare of resentment and did not notice when his brother was close to him to whisper “behave..”
He swallowed his feelings and set back beside his brother ‘sect leader’ silently.
He swallowed his feelings and set back beside his brother ‘sect leader’ silently.
He is wearing the Jiangs colors, and his sword, he handed Chenqing while LWJ plays for him to get the rest of the still resentment in him under control, and JC forbid any use of it in LP,
The opening ceremony was as interesting as it can get, the sects are trying to take whatever they can from the former Wen territory, either by flattery or undermining each other,
And a lot of the latter came in YMJ directions, mostly to taste how far they can get away with the new young SL, how much they can take from him and his home.
The jiang disciples' anger was palpable at what is being said, WXX would have already been in the middle of the hall putting anyon who dared think to take a piece of their home back in their place,
But it is his brother's quietness that is getting on his nerves, this is no way to avoid conflict, his feelings are all over the place regarding his brother's attitude,
<the coming part may be a little unkind to WWX, but again a reminder that it is not bashing, it is JC who learned to be cruel to protect his home's best interest.
Just a fair warning>
Just a fair warning>
Jiang Cheng knows how to play this stupid game, they can talk all they want, and he will make an example of the first who dares to go through with it.
At that he got lost in his thoughts staring at the tea in hand, the memory of the said sect is clear in his head, how not when it put his SIC in a coma for a month.
It was also when the said sect did not exist anymore, and SDSS's war reputation did is spread to the peaceful times too.
Jiang Cheng just lightly shook his head and kept drinking his tea, with an ear still with the desperate sects, as long as no move from the main ones they should be fine,
Both LXC and NMJ will not do such a thing and the betrothal between YMJ and LLJ and the relationship with Madam Jin and his mother is on their side if that sanek decided to do anything against his home,
Of course, as long as they are not given a valid reason to do so, then JGS will take it and with it everything he could from him.
So he let it wash over him, the mocking words, the stupidity and hatefulness behind it all.
And as the day gets longer and the drinks and cheers for the victory are shared.
It gets the tounges looser
It gets the tounges looser
But it appears that some took it as an invitation to direct the comments now to him personally.
Jiang Cheng made sure to choose the disciples with him carefully, and also made sure to make it clear that to not give any sect a chance to corner YMJ,
And that is probably the only thing holding them back from snapping, they act exemplary and courteous, but they do not give an inch more to any who dared disrespect them.
“Jiang Cheng you should be planning to marry soon, right, i am sure you will find no better than the wom...”
*laughs*
“Oh you are so young, i am sure you leading a sect will be too much for...”
*laughs*
“Oh you are so young, i am sure you leading a sect will be too much for...”
“Do you think that leading people in war and leading a sect is the same...”
*Snickers*
“Was he even on the front lines, wasn’t his sect on a brink of annihilation, who did he lead..”
*scoffs*
*Snickers*
“Was he even on the front lines, wasn’t his sect on a brink of annihilation, who did he lead..”
*scoffs*
Jiang Cheng took the last of his tea, he did not feel like drinking, then slowly stood and unleashed Zidian in an arc above his head to meet the floor *denting it*
Which shut all the laughter immediately, now nothing to conceal the hatred and envy that they all direct at him clear and visible,
He retracts the whip and lets Zidian spark as a threat while taking his time sweeping his gaze over the crowd.
After taking his time to pin each with a gaze where none could be brave enough to stand for their words and avert his gaze like cowards.
“I apologize for cutting on your discussion, do please go on”
It was said with a bland smile and dangerous gaze.
They were subdued after.
It was said with a bland smile and dangerous gaze.
They were subdued after.
It doesn't mean it stopped, he could hear the comments about him, bringing his resamples to his mother, bringing that he is handing the YMJ to the Yus seeing his spiders and how they come to help with the wen ambush,
Some dragged his brother and sister, some his father, some his people.
And Jiang Cheng can not help but think about how uncreative their insults can be.
And Jiang Cheng can not help but think about how uncreative their insults can be.
And how when he was young he felt so alone and the world is against him.
He indeed was young, so young.
He indeed was young, so young.
“Jiang Cheng..” JGS dragged the name sweetly it made him sick “please don't take the critics to the heart, we only want what is best, and you have the forgive us as this is still unexpected seeing that your father always brought your older brother with him,
We just thought as the customary went by, the title will go to him-” the Snickers and laughter filled the place “he always was promising, and advanced in whatever he put his mind to”
JGS hide behind his stupid fan muttering loudly for all the hear “uh what a shame”
That.. was a smart insult, Jiang Cheng had to admit, not only acting upon it he have to state that he has no blood brother,
but also not acting is an invitation to confirm the rumors that his father never cared to dismiss,
Well, what ever answer he had for that it doesn’t matter anymore, because his brother decided that it is his time to speak ,
WWX saw red at the comment, it is an insult to everyone he have, to his brother, the man who took him, his mother,
He stormed from his seat to the middle of the hall, eyes gleaming and resentment oozing from him,
“How dare you..
How dare any of you.”
His rage is in the verge of boiling
How dare any of you.”
His rage is in the verge of boiling
“He lead his men in the front lines while you stayed hidden behind your wall..
And yet you daRE”
*heaving*
And yet you daRE”
*heaving*
“You act like you are owed a piece of YMJ..
HOW DARE..
I would like to see who dares, who is brave enough to come and take a piece..”
HOW DARE..
I would like to see who dares, who is brave enough to come and take a piece..”
*eyes red and resentment burst from his form*
“Go ahead, let’s see who dares to stop me..
WHO CAN..”
“Go ahead, let’s see who dares to stop me..
WHO CAN..”
“Wei ying” that voice got him out of his trance, the hand on his shoulder calmed him like the resentment that engulfed the hall was not there to begin with,
At his right Jiang Cheng stood, and WWX can see, FUCK IT HE CAN SEE even if his shidi face is nothing but stone, those eyes have so much pain,
And can’t help but want scream, the old frustration since CRS days is back,
JC bowed deep to the hall “please excuse us, but after the long ride here we will need to retire early, please don’t let our absence hold you from enjoying the rest of the evening”
His voice emptied from any emotions, whereas long ago he had to grit teeth and swallow pride, apologizing left and right.
He tugged his brother who followed him silently, with the rest of the jiang entourage, and left the hall for them to keep gossiping and tearing into each other.
WWX followed in a haze, but the anger that was vanquished returned back when noticing The room they were given, small and cramming all the disciples, treated even less than a minor sect,
Good thing they did not bring the normal number for such an event, JC only sighed and signaled to a servant to move a couple of those beds to his room.
He escorted the ones staying in his room alongside WWX to the other room, at the door he let them enter but tugged at WWX’s elbow to stop him from following inside..
“walk with me..”
“walk with me..”
They walked in silence.
now and WWX would give a side glance to his brother, face blank and eyes ahead.
now and WWX would give a side glance to his brother, face blank and eyes ahead.
They arrived at a at one of the many gardens this place has.
It was spacious with a pond in the middle with koi fishes and flower petals floating.
It was spacious with a pond in the middle with koi fishes and flower petals floating.
WWX is reminded of his soon to be brother in law attempt to make a lotus pond for his sister, he begrudgingly has to admit that the kid- now man did get his head right finally to appreciate how wonderful Yanli is,
The three of them always found solace near bodies of water, he never found that in the previous SL or Madam Yu,
But between the three of them, it was mostly JC, not only bodies of water, but in heavy rain and thunderstorms too,
JC was never able to sleep with the voice of water even as violent as it can get, how many times he found him standing under a downpour, from afar it felt like the rain and the scream of thunder is a shield from the rest of the world,
Each time he would take a second to stare before running to his brother's side with his robes above his head and both soaked to the boots,
And running back to their room with loud laughter, because in the middle of the storm who could hear his Shidi laughing and judge...
And then it will all end with both bundled and huddling for warmth after hours of scolding and then Yanli sneaking them warm soups..
He stares to find his brother already sitting at the pond with a hand delicately dipping in it, letting the curious fishes nipping on it..
WWX moved to crouch beside him, picking some weeds and throwing some to the fishes, giggling softly when they tried eating it,
When he returned his focus to his brother, he found him watching him with a soft gaze, whatever was at the tip of his tongue is swallowed, he averted the gaze on him..
“Wei Ying..” his name was uttered softly
He knows.. There is a dread filling his inside, somehow he knows that he will not like whatever his brother is about to say..
He knows.. There is a dread filling his inside, somehow he knows that he will not like whatever his brother is about to say..
“I uphold you from your duty and obligation”
WWX snapped to his feet, staring wide eyes at his broth-
are they still brothers ?
He could barely wrap his head around the words..
are they still brothers ?
He could barely wrap his head around the words..
“I guess an apology is overdue..”
Jiang Cheng completed nonchalantly,
“nevertheless i- we owe you one WY” sighing deeply,
Jiang Cheng completed nonchalantly,
“nevertheless i- we owe you one WY” sighing deeply,
“You were never meant to be bounded, father should have known better..”
JC was looking at him, yet his gaze seemed so far away,
JC was looking at him, yet his gaze seemed so far away,
“no.. No no no..” he felt like he is losing his brother, the thin thread that he held tightly all along did snap, didn't it?
“JC you can’t- what in the- YOU HEARD THEM, YOU HEARD THAT BASTARD, THEY WERE JOKING ABOUT HOW TO TAKE OUR HOME”
he was heaving, could not care less who would hear this, his eyes burning with tears of rage..
he was heaving, could not care less who would hear this, his eyes burning with tears of rage..
“They had to be put in place”
WWX hissed..
WWX hissed..
JC stood from his place slowly, he faced his raged brothers “so instead of letting them tear on each other and let us deal with the remnant, you unite them under their fear of you..”
Stating plainly
Stating plainly
“I can handle them, you know I can” WWX’s tone had a note of pleading..
Something undescribable crossed his brother’s face for a second before averting his gaze, returning it to the fishes in the pond instead,
Something undescribable crossed his brother’s face for a second before averting his gaze, returning it to the fishes in the pond instead,
JC unconsciously caressed zidian, like he is taking a moment to get his feelings under control.
“so we become a sect feared by all..”
“so we become a sect feared by all..”
JC returned his gaze to his brother, who shuddered at the empty gaze directed at him, he would think the softness before was an illusion,
“The next feast will be held on whatever left of our home..”
“The next feast will be held on whatever left of our home..”
WWX voice started cracking “They are all nothing but a pile of hypocritical phony coward bunch-”
“And that is exactly why you need to leave WY..”
The cold look immediately melt, he looked bone-deep exhausted,
“And that is exactly why you need to leave WY..”
The cold look immediately melt, he looked bone-deep exhausted,
“We are all here a bunch of liers and scums-”
“STOP- You are not like them a-cheng..” tears streamed silently down his cheeks,
“STOP- You are not like them a-cheng..” tears streamed silently down his cheeks,
He startled at the gentle thump brushing away some of his tears..
“but I am, Wei Ying..”
JC stated softly with a bitter smile, “I need to be, I will have to be.”
“but I am, Wei Ying..”
JC stated softly with a bitter smile, “I need to be, I will have to be.”
WWX couldn't hold his sob anymore, his legs could not hold him anymore if not that he found himself engulfed immediately, he clutched disparately on his brother’s robe, heaving with each loud sob,
“Don't leave me..” he managed to utter between his whimpers, he sounded like his 5-year-old self again.
a moment of silence that felt long..
“I will always be your brother WY, in this life, and every other one..”
a moment of silence that felt long..
“I will always be your brother WY, in this life, and every other one..”
*if WWX was not crying loudly he would hear the tremor in his brother’s voice*
~~~
The second day at the hunt event, when LWJ was searching for WWX after the declaration that happened earlier, he found him sitting under a tree away from any unwanted eyes,
LWJ could feel his heart breaks with each muted sob.
WWX's head snapped when he felt someone’s presence, he visibly relaxed when he noticed who,
WWX's head snapped when he felt someone’s presence, he visibly relaxed when he noticed who,
Rubbing his eyes aggressively, trying to put on a cheerful smile, but he found himself in LWJ’s arms, and he could not hold it, he hold him back tightly,
“I- I hate myself LZ..”
“Not WY’s fault”
“No- no LZ, I hate myself because I feel so relieved,I-I feel like I am betraying him because I am actually happy..”
“Not WY’s fault”
“No- no LZ, I hate myself because I feel so relieved,I-I feel like I am betraying him because I am actually happy..”
~~~
JGY does not know where it all went wrong.
He really doesn't know..
He really doesn't know..
That day when he ran his sword through WRH he thought the nightmare did end.
He succeeded
He proved himself
He became noticeable
He succeeded
He proved himself
He became noticeable
It was all crushed the next minute when The jiang hair cornered him there.
Took his chance to get his father's approval and spit on his mother’s one and only last hope.
Took his chance to get his father's approval and spit on his mother’s one and only last hope.
If he could he would run him with a sword a thousand times.
He would if he can..
But he could not..
He would if he can..
But he could not..
He could only bend his head like always and accept the demand that will step on his only wish..
When he returned he tried to stall..
to find a way out..
Anything..
But one wrong move against the jiang hair will let those evidence out and burn what he worked for for years.
to find a way out..
Anything..
But one wrong move against the jiang hair will let those evidence out and burn what he worked for for years.
Jiang Cheng never reached to him after, nor sent to him..
A smart move really, if he can not get physical proof there is no one to pleave his word over the other man.
A smart move really, if he can not get physical proof there is no one to pleave his word over the other man.
But he knew he was being watched, closely inspected..
he knows there is no way out, not from this..
he knows there is no way out, not from this..
Defeated, he chooses a long death for his father, something that won’t ring an alarm as a sudden one.
or if noticed, then it won’t be tracked back to him..
or if noticed, then it won’t be tracked back to him..
He paid a prostitute to be in the group that will serve his father a day in an inn, she had a fatal contagious disease that can be sexually transferred,
A slow death that no one will pat an eye at for such a man.
He promised the woman a generous pay.
She didn't make it out of the inn.
He promised the woman a generous pay.
She didn't make it out of the inn.
The disease took its toll on his father, the man spent a fortune to get every healer and their medicines, while buying their silence.
Madam Jin took it as an opportunity to isolate herself with her son away from JGS, and to start preparing him for his soon-to-be rule as a Sect Leader.
JGY could not help the bitterness, he is the one left to handle his sick father, who is being avoided like trash,
His brother is taking everything and he is left with this.
And even when he is the only one left to care for him in his sickness, it did not soften his father's heart one bit,
And even when he is the only one left to care for him in his sickness, it did not soften his father's heart one bit,
No, his father let his ugliness and bitterness all on him, calling him and his mother all kinds of names.
now he is sitting beside his father, with Madam Jin who came for the first time since throwing her husband to the healers..
waiting for them to announce the man’s death...
waiting for them to announce the man’s death...
The announcement went as any necessary procedure, JZX had already taken the rule two months ago,
and Madam jin was smart enough to organize it with the wedding of the jiang maiden under the excuse that JGS wants to see his son married before he dies,
Saving her the time they will waste after his death as it won’t be proper to arrange a wedding immediately after.
~~~
Yu Bai is staring at the report Yu An sent from her end, it states the end of their mission in success.
It's been months since the death of JGS, the news was met by everyone with equal feelings of the deserving of such degraded death and relief.
But that was not the case for her master, the young master slumped shoulders and hollow eyes were not associated with relief,
He acknowledged the information with a simple node and returned to his work.
But something changed since then, everyone notice it too..
She would think that the rebuilding and what accrued before is now catching to her master.
She would think that the rebuilding and what accrued before is now catching to her master.
And that the vile man is now dead,her master finally is having a moment to let it all in.
But she knows better..
But she knows better..
It is futile to delay the news anyway, so she burned the letter to ashes before approaching her master room..
She knocks and waited for the invite before entering..
She knocks and waited for the invite before entering..
“zongzhu..” she bowed before straightening..
The master was in simple robes and hair down after a long day of training and work, Jiang Cheng acknowledged her with a nod..
The master was in simple robes and hair down after a long day of training and work, Jiang Cheng acknowledged her with a nod..
“The mission is finished”
Indicating that all the loose ends is tied and most importantly..
Indicating that all the loose ends is tied and most importantly..
“The entourage including JGY, on their way to a Moling Su Sect was ambushed by a resentful monster, the monster's strength was overwhelming and the backup arrived too late to save anyone,
Everyone who was there is confirmed dead, JGY lost a leg before the monster came to his head, Madam Jin didn't want to organize any ceremony for him,
But the current SLJin insisted that his brother be buried with the family, backed by young madam Jiang madam Jin agreed, and there will be an announcement soon to the sects to attend the ceremony”
She finished and watched with bated breath, it is so subtle, it is like a doll's strings getting cut one after other...
A long sight escaped her master's mouth as he drop on his armchair, he looked old..
“Get our entourage ready when the announcement reaches us, we will go to pay our respect..”
Voice steady and low
“Get our entourage ready when the announcement reaches us, we will go to pay our respect..”
Voice steady and low
She stared at him for a long moment before remembering herself and bowed..
“of course zongzhu..”
“of course zongzhu..”
~~~
<AAAaaaAAAnD CUT, this chapter is done FINALLY, hope you will find it enjoyable, we reached the end (well I still need to write the end) the Epilogue will be a separate chapter because this one did got long 😅,
I already have the draft for it, but it is 4 am now, so I will update it on another day soon, hopefully ☺️,
I hope whoever still reads this enjoys it, and your comments, questions, and advice are so welcome, but please no unnecessary character bashing,
Anyway 🙏🏽 thank you and hope this story made your day better 💜✨>
~~~
From the start here:
https://twitter.com/swampw1tch_/status/1516588434705596420
Part 7~
Epilogue.. 💜
Epilogue.. 💜
https://twitter.com/swampw1tch_/status/1589968081345859585
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