THE DAY BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION OF THE YIN IRON PIECES

Lan Qiren never, ever thought he would be sneaking out of his own office and yet, here he is, looking both ways to make sure it's empty before crossing the courtyard and hurrying towards the guest house.

He's supposed to be resting, and he knows this. But it's been one thing after another in a hectic schedule that is making him dizzy with everything he's done, reviewing actions and making plans, and everything he's still got to do. But surely, he can be allowed to have one cup of tea with his friends?

That isn't too much to ask, right?

A heavy breath leaves his lips as he jumps behind a building to avoid an upcoming group of young disciples as they walk past, excitedly chatting about something. Lan Qiren doesn't pay them too much attention, but he's increasingly aware of the growing tension in Cloud Recesses.

It's been present like a small cloud in the sky, pale, white and fluffy to begin with, but steadily growing in size and darkening day by day, until the whole of his home is covered by a cold, dark shadow as it gathers in strength, readying to unleash the might of the Heavens with crashing thunder and brilliant, blistering white-hot lightning.

Ever since they returned from Nightless City after the conference with the Murder Babies (he rather likes that name!), it's as if his mind has been counting down the days and the weeks passing until today. The day before the Big Day, when they will destroy the Yin Iron pieces. An invisible countdown of sichen, putting each one aside as it passes, and unconsciously counting how many are left.

Exactly seven sichen* (*14 hours) until they will begin activating the array. It is You Shi* (*between 5pm and 7pm) at the moment, and still an hour to go before dinnertime. Chen Shi* (*between 7am and 9am) has been decided to begin the process, with the hope that the divine Celestial Dragon will aid their endeavour. All twelve sichen are governed by one of the Celestial Zodiac animals, and the most powerful one is the one they've chosen specifically.

Lan Qiren extends his hearing past the door of the guest house, unwilling to go inside if the newborns are awake and if Meihua is crying, since she's the only one that does, and it doesn't feel fair to insinuate that An Jing cries as much as her. In fact, Lan Qiren still hasn't heard him cry, and that's saying a lot for a newborn baby. Again, Lan Qiren chastises himself; the newborns can't be called that anymore since they are a couple of weeks old already. Luckily, the rooms are silent, so Lan Qiren knocks on the door and waits until he is called in.

Both babies are peacefully sleeping in the gently swaying cradle, even though nobody is tugging on the string that lies discarded on the floor to swing it. Meihua seems angry even while she's sleeping, tiny and red-faced, chubby fists clenched on her chest. An Jing looks peaceful in comparison, his sweet little mouth open as he breathes in and out gently, his large phoenix eyes shut, with dark long lashes curled onto his cute squishy cheeks. Both children have a full head of hair, soft wisping curls that frame their wide foreheads. They're tiny and perfect and so, so beautiful.

Lan Qiren looks up to see both Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren looking up at him from the bed, where Wei Changze is perched on the side with an arm around his wife while she rests her head on his shoulder. They look peaceful together, and Lan Qiren soaks up this feeling like a sponge. It's exactly what he needs.

Not wanting to make any noise in case he unintentionally wakes any of the babies, Lan Qiren bows and then gestures towards them.

“Oh, you can talk normally,” Cangse Sanren tells him, without bothering to lower her voice. “A-Ying has created a new talisman that allows us to hear them, but acts like a bubble so they're protected from us. You could start yodelling and they wouldn't bat an eyelash!”

“I'll try to hold myself back,” Lan Qiren replies drily, and she cackles.

Gods, he's missed this.

“You look like you could do with a cup of tea,” Wei Changze offers with a gentle smile, standing up and coming to the little table to sit down. He clears the strewn papers that are scattered all over it, and begins to pour the hot water into a teapot.

“That would be most welcome,” Lan Qiren agrees, closing his eyes momentarily.

“Playing hooky?” Cangse Sanren correctly guessed.

“Hm. Just for a few minutes.”

They let him have a few moments to himself until the tea is steeped enough. Lan Qiren breathes deeply, feeling himself relax gradually, minute by slow minute, until he hears the sound of tea being poured. When he opens his eyes, he sees the golden liquid in the pale blue porcelain cup, and next to it is a plate of cinnamon cookies in the shape of gentian flowers dusted with powdered sugar.

He picks one up to examine it, and feels his cheeks becoming wet. “These were Xiongzhang's favourite tea snacks,” he whispers, letting himself cry.

Warm, strong arms come to wrap around his shoulders, holding him close. Lan Qiren hasn't mourned his brother. Too swept up in the events that usually followed the prominent funeral of a Sect Leader, he's been fielding messages of condolences left, right, and centre. People from across the country have revered the public image of Qingheng-Jun, deeming him a hero from the Heavens due to his endless night hunting skills, and glorious personality. A mirror showing them a reflection of the person they wanted to see, instead of the real one hidden behind drama and intrigue, a celebrity in the Cultivation world.

That's not to say Qingheng-Jun was two-faced, saying one thing and meaning another, but addressing the real need for creating a persona, and keeping his true self away from the public eye. Perhaps that was unconsciously done, and yet Lan Qiren misses him.

Even if the man had spent over a decade in seclusion, there was always that underlying comfort that if Lan Qiren needed his older brother to ask him for any advice, he was there. Lan Qiren simply had to go and knock on his door. The unspoken promise of help should he need it.

And now it is gone.

When he calms himself, he leans back after tapping Wei Changze's shoulder a couple of times.

A handkerchief is placed next to his tea and Lan Qiren gratefully uses it. Wei Changze scoots backwards so he can hold Cangse Sanren’s hand. They're both looking at him when he finally glances up.

“It's alright to mourn him, Qiren,” Cangse Sanren says quietly. “Even if he was an ass-”

“Misguided!” Wei Changze interrupts her fast.

“Fine! Misguided,” Cangse Sanren fake glares at the back of his head before continuing, “He was still your brother first. You can let yourself miss that version of him.”

“I'm not dishonest with myself. In the short period of time that he came out of his seclusion, he managed to make more enemies than friends, and that's on him. But before that, before he had to marry, he was the rising star of Gusu, the brightest one of us all. For me, especially after our parents passed away, I didn't feel alone because I still had him. I still had family.” Lan Qiren drinks his tea to soothe his throat. It feels like it's lined with sandpaper.

“If there was one good thing he did for you, it was to give you your children. Speaking of which, how's A-Yang doing? He's been a little quiet recently, ever since yesterday. A-Ying told us what he did, and what you said to him. Well done.” She gives him two thumbs up.

There's a small smile on Lan Qiren's face before he even realises its appearance.

“I never thought I would have to stop a child from a murdering spree,” he murmurs.

“Listen, every great Clan needs an assassin. That way, if he's trained right, he gets to do what he loves, and it's with your approval. Win-win, if you ask me.” She sniffs, settling back on her pillows.

“No one’s asking you,” Wei Changze chuckles under his breath, and she lightly smacks his head, scowling.

“He's agreed to talk to someone every time he gets the urge,” Lan Qiren sighs.

“You've certainly got your hands full with that one. But listen, Qiren. While we're here, we'll help you. It's tough being a parent, but the rewards are out of this world. Fortune favours the brave.” Cangse Sanren winks at him.

“We will definitely need all the luck tomorrow,” Lan Qiren shivers suddenly.

“It will be alright. A-Ying and A-Zhan have been going over the plan again and again, checking it for flaws,” Wei Changze says encouragingly. He gestures towards the piles of paper now in a neat and tidy stack.

“We have enough people ready to contribute their energy to activating the array,” Lan Qiren reassures them. “I would prefer that you both stay here.”

“But-”

Lan Qiren interrupts Wei Changze. “I know that in our original plan, you were one of the strongest cultivators chosen. But ever since A-Huan asked me to convince Qingheng-Jun to leave his seclusion, I've been thinking about contingency plans. That's another reason why I came here.”

“Not for the delicious tea, then?” Cangse Sanren teases.

“He was worried about something happening to me. And now I'm worried about leaving the children without adults they can rely on. Just think what would happen to them if the Elders got their claws into them? Even if A-Zhan and A-Ying are adults inside, no one is going to believe them. Bad parenting stems from the inability to listen to the child, and I dread to think what would happen to our four if we weren't around.” Lan Qiren levels his gaze at them. “So please, promise me you'll stay safe, and look after all six. That's the help I want.”

“Alright, but let's think positive. Tomorrow will go off without a hitch. Where did you decide on drawing the array?” Wei Changze agrees.

“Not far from here, there's an open meadow, large enough that A-Ying can draw his arrays and not have to worry about the backlash. No trees, either. The possibility of projectiles is much lessened in an open area,” Lan Qiren explains.

He's had lengthy discussions with A-Ying and A-Zhan about where to draw the array. The Cave in the Cold Pond was discarded for the many potentially lethal icicles and stalactites hanging from the roof, and a clearing in the forest was also rejected for the same reason: too many possible missiles.

“That makes sense. And what about your young prisoner? Has he given us anything useful?”

“No, but his behaviour is odd.”

“In what way?” Cangse Sanren asks him, immediately interested.

“At first, he displayed the usual arrogance of a spy, too cocky for his own good. Then we tried to break him by using the usual punishment versus reward system, but then the guards reported him being delirious and spouting nonsense. It's been over a week, when usually we can crack them in a few days. I just don't understand it.” Lan Qiren scratches his chin in puzzlement.

“Ha, like he's high on something,” Cangse Sanren laughs.

“What did you say?” Both Wei Changze and Lan Qiren snap their heads in her direction.

“What? It's nothing, I just mentioned that he was displaying signs of going cold turkey, that's all.” She stares back at both of them, uncomprehending.

“Qiren, you need to get Healer Fei's opinion on him, as fast as you can!” Wei Changze insists, looking as excited as Lan Qiren feels.

Finally, they might have made a breakthrough!

***************

A/N

Dear Beautiful Readers,

The next update might take a few days because I need to reread everything to make sure I've got all the pieces where I want them, and I'm not forgetting anything. We've gotten past 250K so bear with me, it's definitely a few days worth of reading. I also have to edit, because I've learned a lot while writing this book and I can see the mistakes!😅

Thank you for understanding and the helpful tips, all of you are amazing!

All my love,

Charlie
🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫