'ChengCheng.....', Wei WuXian whined, looking at his brother who was still glaring at him. He hadn't intended to call him by that nickname. But it sort of slipped from his mouth.

'Shut up. Seriously??? No... I still don't understand. Is dying once, not enough for you, that you want to go ahead and die again?' Asked an irritated Jiang Cheng.

'Jiang Cheng, why do you have to be so pessimistic. Nie-xiong was our friend in the past. I don't think he is going to kill me off when he was the one who mechanized my resurrection in the first place. And I am just going to meet him like an old friend, gossip a bit, have lots of drinks and may be... (wiggling his eyebrows) exchange "certain" books.... (Jiang Cheng had turned red at the mention of those "certain" books, as ZeWu-Jun's unbidden image came into his mind.) but Nothing more. Stop worrying.' Wei WuXian tried to placate his brother, who glared at him again.

'Who is worried? I just don't want you to bring shame to our sec...' But he stopped his tirade in the mid, realizing what he was about to say. It's not like he didn't consider Wei WuXian as his brother, but he hadn't belonged to Jiang Clan for almost two decades. Their relationship might have improved quite a lot in recent times, but it was still far from what it used to be. It was only such moments when they slipped into their old selves so easily. But... (sigh)... only if everything was so easy...Only if they had no regrets between them... Only if they had their sister between them...

An uncomfortable silence stretched between the brothers, which was broken by the arrival of the Twin Jades of Lan.

ZeWu-Jun reached there and stood between the brothers with a smile plastered on his face as always, but it had a hint of genuineness this time. Not the genial smile he had mastered since his youth, for political reasons.

'WuXian, it's good to see you up and about. I hope you have rested well enough. Beacuse (his voice turning slightly stern) I don't want you fainting or falling ill in our absence. Yeah.'

'ZeWu-Jun, you are getting worried for nothing. I am as fine as a daisy, shining like sunshine. (Twirling around while giggling. No one who saw him would ever say that he was the fearsome YiLing Laouzu.) And don't you worry. Lan Zhan is here with him. He would surely keep me in line. But about being completely rested... that would depend on Lan Zhan and his desires. Right Lan Zhan?' WuXian wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Lan Zhan, wanting to see his husband's ears turning red.

Instead, 'Mm... will take care of Wei Ying.' Lan spoke with such conviction that Wei Ying turned red.

'Lan Zhan...', he whined as Lan Zhan didn't even deny about his desires, 'What did I tell you about warning me before saying something like that? My heart can't take it.' Just how much had he corrupted his husband? May be Lan Qiren was right. But it didn't matter, for Lan Zhan was happy. And that's all that ever mattered.

But before Lan Zhan could say something more to embarrass him, Jiang Cheng came to his "rescue", 'OK. Enough of your sappy display. I can't stop you from willingly jumping into the pit. I can only trust HanGuang-Jun to keep you from dying.'

'Jiang Cheng, trust me sometimes. I am not that suicidal. Isn't it?' Wei Ying looked around for support and pouted when he found none. Huffing, he folded his hands and looked away for a second before turning to face Lan Zhan. Taking a few steps closer, he started playing with the ends of Lan Zhan's ribbon while still pouting. His action was so endearing that Lan Zhan had the intense urge to gather his precious husband in his arms and cuddle all day long. Alas! He had a lot of duties to take care of since XiChen would also be absent now. Sometimes, he really wished that he adopted the rogue life, but then every time he stopped thinking about his brother being alone and saddled with too much responsibility and surrounded with shitty elders.

Though, his face hadn't even changed once throughout the monologue, XiChen had already picked up on his brother's emotions and couldn't help grinning at the couple, 'WangJi, take care of yourself and WuXian too. He really tends to overwork himself. And the same goes for you to WuXian. As WangJi is no different from you. I hope you both keep each in line. Hmm..'

WuXian whined at the statement, but no one gave attention to it. But also determined to make Lan Zhan rest as much as he could between all the exhausting duties.

'Mn. Xiongzhang, too.' And though he didn't say anything to Jiang Cheng - his relationship still stilted with the Jiang Sect Leader - he nodded at him just slightly.

Wei WuXian, who was still busy playing with Lan WangJi's ribbon, but now almost cuddling with his husband, took a moment and looked at XiChen, 'ZeWu-Jun, my brother has always been careless about himself- though he likes to blame me of carelessness- so please take care of him and if there is any problem, then....'

Jiang WanYin cut him in the middle, 'We have your 'Bunny clouds' (Wei Ying's new invention, inspired from the Jin Butterfly Messengers, but a more safer substitute). We would send messages immediately. Now stop worrying about us and think of some contingency plans if Nie-zonghzu...'

But at this point, Wei WuXian cuts him, 'Aiyah, ChengCheng (Jiang Cheng bristles, but WuXian gives him no chance to speak), calm down and go on your night hunt. Nie-xiong isn't that dangerous.'

But it seemed that none of the three felt the same as him. Thus, he sighed and complied with their wishes. Soon ZeWu-Jun and Sandu Shengshou were on their way out of Cloud Recess. And in that exact moment, Lan Zhan who was controlling so hard to keep himself at bay, broke his restraint, picked up Wei Ying's light body and rushed to Jingshi, not minding to any of the disciples, though none of them had even seen the couple, with how fast they were. It was like they almost vanished from the gates and appeared in JingShi. Wei Ying was stunned at the action, but before he could even react, Lan Zhan had taken his soft, plumpy lips into a deep kiss, which turned filthy with every passing minute.

On the other side, once WanYin and ZeWu-Jun crossed the gates of Cloud Recess, ZeWu-Jun entwined their hands. WanYin looked here and there to be cautious, but seeing no one, he relaxed, though the redness on his nose spread to his cheeks soon. He looked so adorable to XiChen that he refused to get up on two separate swords. That way, at least he got to hug his WanYin to his heart's content. Grinning ear to ear, he dared to kiss just below WanYin's ear once they were flying on ZeWu-Jun's sword. WanYing shivered and inadvertently moaned, 'A-Huannnn....' .

Now it was ZeWu-Jun's turn to shiver, hearing him moan. The sword almost lost balance. He decided to stop his ministrations until they stood on the ground. His emotions, though, were all over the place, with how beautiful his WanYin sounded. He knew at that moment that he was now another lost case in regards to the Jiang Sibling, just like his brother. But that thought seemed only more thrilling than ever.

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

Time Bubble

The chatting hadn't stopped since the screen went blank. The juniors were herding around Wei Ying and a sleeping Mo XuanYu, trying to compare their facial features. It was still quiet weird to know that this small, cute kid would someday sacrifice his life and soul just for revenge. And even though he was instrumental in bringing back their Wei-qianbei, they couldn't help the urge to protect the boy from every evil.

JingYi, 'SiZhui, I think we should tell Lan-xiansheng to adopt him into the Lan Clan. That way, he could be safe and protected in cloud recess.'

'Hey, what do you mean by safe in Cloud Recess? Do you think he would be unsafe in Lotus Pier? He can even go to Lanling.' Jin Ling argued only to be stared at hard by his three friends, when he realized, just how insafe those two options were after subtly glancing at both his grandparents of respective sects.

Sighing heavily, they all tried to come up with more ideas, completely ignoring how sad YanLi and ZiXuan had become when they realized just how unsafe their own sect was. Lan Sect was no less, but still, it was much better than theirs, what with all the rules they have to follow and Lan Qiren being the Acting Sect Leader. And even if QinghengJun took back the mantle, it would still be nice because he could keep the sect elders in check if needed.

They were all in the midst of discussion when the screen flared up again. Straightening up, they all moved to their own seats before giving their full attention to the screen.

In order to defend himself if ol' fuddy-duddy and lil' fuddy-duddy came to drag him out of his bed in the middle of the night, Wei WuXian slept while clinging on to his sword. Yet, the night went smoothly. On the second day, Nie HuaiSang came to him with an overjoyed expression, "Wei-xiong, you really struck it lucky. The old man went to our sect's discussion conference last night, so we don't have classes for a few days!"

Wei Ying cowered a bit with a guilty smile plastered on his face, while Huaisang hid behind his fan. Lan Qiren only shook his head, for he and these naughty kids knew what came after all this. But what Qiren was more interested in was the fact as to how WangJi came to drink with them, too. They were afterall still not on the best of terms.

Now that the old one is gone, the young one can be easily taken care of! Wei WuXian quickly climbed up, beaming as he put on his boots, "A lucky strike, indeed, almost as if Heaven is blessing me with its clouds."

Jiang Cheng stood on the side, carefully cleaning his sword, and threw cold water on this notion, "When he comes back, you're still gonna get your punishment."

Wei WuXian responded, "Why would a living person worry about what happens after they die? I'll just live freely as long as possible. Let's go. I refuse to believe that I can't find any pheasants on this mountain of the Lan Sect."

Everyone just collectively facepalmed themselves while Wei Ying grinned away. Madam Yu couldn't help muttering, though.'Look at this brat, endangering our sect's face at every given opportunity. When are you going to open your eyes, Jiang zongzu. That bastard is just a rotten problem for our sect and family. My A-Cheng is the only one fit to be your heir...'

But her muttering tirade, which she hadnt realized, had turned into a high pitched complain, was interrupted, not by FengMian, but Jin Ling, 'Zumu, with all due respect, I would request you to not speak of Dajiu like this any further.'

'YOUUUUU... You damn brat, how dare you speak to me, your zumu like this? Haven't you learned anything? What has Jiang Cheng been teaching you? Or has Wei WuXian corrupted him so thoroughly that even the next generation forgot how to respect their elders....?'

'Respect is earned, not given', Jin Ling spoke in a single sentence without flinching even once in the face of Violet Spider.

'WHAT!?' Yu ZiYuan was shocked that someone dared to defy her so openly, and that was none other than her own blood.

'Exactly what my Jiujiu has taught me. Which is damn correct. I would never give my respect to those people who haven't earned it. Who hasn't learned how to respect others. Nope. They are not worth it. Let me tell you one thing, Madam Yu. You are my grandmother, and that's why I am letting it go. Had it been someone else, he wouldn't have been alive after disrespecting both my uncles one after the other. Dajiu might not have been there for most of my life, but since the day he returned, he has done nothing, but protect me in every way he can and keep me on the right path. Taught me how to protect myself and gave me the love of a playful uncle that I was craving. Not like Jiujiu didn't love me, but he had taken up three roles in my life, as my parents and also my protector. Being an uncle was not possible for him. Dajiu completed that part of my life. They are my whole family. So, any slight against them is a slight against my own self. So please refrain from it.' Jin Ling paused after the entire monologue to take a deep breath.

His face didn't betray a single emotion. It felt as if he had adopted Lan Zhan's straight face technique to deal with Madam Yu. SiZhui, though, could see the inner struggle of his lover. He didn't need words to know that. The single pause and the stormy eyes were enough to tell him of A-Ling's feelings. He took to rubbing his back discreetly and squeezing it with enough pressure to ground A-Ling.

He opened his mind link to talk with him, 'A-Ling, Baobei. You are doing great. Don't stop now. Complete what you want to say. I am right here with you. A-Die and shushu would both be very proud of you. I am, too. I am so damn proud of you. And I can show the proof when we go for rest after this segment. OK. So, be my A-Ling. Take a deep breath, imagine shushu, and speak what your heart says. I am right here, by your side. FOREVER. '

Jin Ling seemed to come back from his trance of a few seconds only to see all his friends and lover looking at him proudly. His dajiu had tears in his eyes, and so did his Jiujiu and mother. Gathering enough courage, he continued tearing down Madam Yu, 'And about my Jiujiu, I can assure you that you are not qualified enough to speak about him. (And everybody gasped at it. Madam Yu was completely speechless. Only Wen Ruohan seemed to be smirking, looking at the drama while thinking, 'About time....') He is the one person for whom, I would end this world, if needed be. I am sorry A-Niang and A-Die, (Looking at Yanli and ZiXuan, who shook their heads and looked at him proudly) Jiujiu had been my everything, since the day he single handedly raised me and his sect from ashes. No one is qualified enough to speak anything about him. He may have made his share of mistakes. But no one can imagine the pain and struggles he went through.

But, then imagination is not even needed, when you are going to see first hand description of it. He gave me life, and he is the only one allowed to take it whenever he wants.' And gasps followed once again. Looking around, one could see Jiang Cheng crying freely while Wei Ying was trying to hold back his tears. Yanli looked at Jin Ling and beckoned him over, only to hold all three of her boys tightly in a hug, 'A-niang is so proud of you, A-Ling. What you have done today is something none of us could ever do. So thank you, my son.'

Even ZiXuan smiled and nodded while hugging him. Wei Ying pulled him closer while whispering a small thankyou in his ears before ruffling his hair and sending him off to Jiang Cheng, who held onto his nephew with dear life,A-ling.....'

He couldn't say much and just kept hugging his nephew-cum-son. Lan XiChen, who had been one of quiet spectators, was literally blown away with Jin Ling's defense. He hadn't yet imagined his beloved with children yet because with his temper, it seemed a bit far-fetched that children would come to love him easily. But to see, Jin Ling standing so staunchly in support of his JiuJiu was really surprising yet heartwarming at the same time. All his assumptions had shattered in a few moments. He realized that he had yet to discover what exactly Jiang WanYin was. And that thought thrilled him as much as it warmed his heart.

After a few moments, when Jin Ling went back to his seat to join his friends, he spoke last few words, before the screen flared up again, 'I am sorry zumu, if I have hurt you. That wasn't my intention. But you also have to remember that you can't go on insulting anyone and everyone just as an outlet for your anger. If you can't handle your emotions properly, then what good are you as a leader. And my Jiujiu and Dajiu were your wards. If you can't even love them unconditionally for being children, then you must have forgotten what it truly means to be a cultivator.'

Leaving Yu ZiYuan speechless yet again. But this time, even her best friend began thinking back to all the years she had seen her friend with her own children as well as the young disciples. Simultaneously, her behavior with all those suspected bastards of her husband, two of whom were sitting right here. And that small, frail kid, who had come to sacrifice his soul, just to avenge his so-called family.

The three walked together, passing through the reception room of the Cloud Recesses.

Suddenly, Wei WuXian stopped in his tracks and exclaimed, "There are two lil' fuddy... Lan Zhan-s!"

Wei Ying's statement actually brought everyone out of their Jin Ling- induced stupor. XiChen laughed while Wei Ying only shrugged, 'Well, it's not my fault if they look alike. Though, if you look closely, they are veryyyyy different. Am sorry Lan-gongzi, according to me, Lan Zhan is more handsome. I meant no offense.'

'None taken', XiChen giggled out while WangJi had gone red once again. XiChen was loving all his brother's first hand embarrassment, but he himself went silent when he heard Jiang Cheng's muttering, 'Huh... as if. Lan XiChen's smile makes him more handsome than that ice block. Wei WuXian is completely blind if he can't see Lan-gongzi's beauty.'

MingJue seemed to have heard it too, and it was his turn to look at his friend's red cheeks and laugh discreetly. Huaisang, on the other hand, was enjoying the "romance in the air" a little too much. SiZhui smiled, thinking about his parents and all the antics they were generally up to.

A few people walked out of the room. Of the two youths at the front, both looked as if they were carved out of ice and jade, both wore the same snow-white robes, and both had sword tassels which swayed in the breeze, alongside ribbons on their clothes. The only differences were their ambiences and facial expressions. Wei WuXian could tell at once that if the one with a stern face was Lan WangJi, the gentle one must be the other Jade of the Lan Sect- ZeWu-Jun, Lan XiChen.

As Lan WangJi saw Wei WuXian, he scrunched his brows, giving him a glare in an almost "glowering" fashion. As if he would be tainted if he looked a moment longer, he moved his gaze away and stared into the distance.

'Did not.' Everyone looked around surprised to see Lan Zhan even saying something at such an unexpected time. He generally didn't initiate a conversation, if at all.

'WangJi...' QinghengJun looked at his younger son in concern, only for XiChen to answer as he could see his Didi struggling to form proper words.

'What WangJi means to say is that he did not feel as explained by the narration. He was merely irritated that someone got on his nerves so easily and got a reaction out of him...'

But before he could continue, he was interrupted, 'Xiongzhang ', by a red-faced WangJi.

Lan Zhan allowed his brother to explain on his behalf, but that didn't mean he had to go into such details. XiChen just laughed along with MingJue at his expense while Wei Ying looked at him in wonder.

On the other hand, Lan XiChen smiled, "And you are...?"

Jiang Cheng showed his respect with a salute, "Jiang WanYin of Yunmeng."

Looking at the scene, MingJue nudged his friend's shoulder, 'You are so besotted XiChen. I don't think you have ever given such a big smile to anybody else, just in the first meeting itself.'

'Who said it was the first meeting?' XiChen replied with a smirk plastered on his face, leaving MingJue and WangJi, who had closely listened to his brother's conversation, completely stumped.

XiChen, on the other hand, was thinking about all the instances when he used to stare at Jiang Cheng secretly before coming into this time bubble, too. Though back then, he thought that his feelings were more of curiosity to know another sect heir so different from him, yet in the same predicament as him. Looking back now, after witnessing Jiang Cheng so closely these days, he can perfectly say that he had fallen for this cute and aggressive kitten in the first meeting itself.

He realized his love only after coming to this time bubble. So he is still unsure as to how much time his other self took to realize in his own timeline. Well, he was waiting eagerly to see it unfold.

But.... (sigh) only if he knew....

Wei WuXian followed, "Wei WuXian of Yunmeng."

Lan XiChen returned the salute. Nie HuaiSang whispered in the volume of a gnat, "Brother XiChen."

Lan XiChen turned to him, "HuaiSang, a while ago, as I returned from Qinghe, your brother asked of your studies. How is it? This year, will you be able to pass?"

Nie HuaiSang replied, "Generally speaking, yes..."

He seemed like a wilted cucumber, looking at Wei WuXian in a helpless way.

MingJue could only sigh, but he looked at Huaisang with narrowed eyes, causing him to hide behind his fan, 'Hiding is going to do you no good, A-Sang. You just wait until the end of this simulation. I will personally see to you and your studies. Huh...'

Wei WuXian grinned, "ZeWu-Jun, what are you two going out for?"

Lan XiChen, "To exterminate a water ghoul. We were short of hands, so I came back to find WangJi."

'Oh-oh, I remember, it's about the Biling Lake, right?'JingYi asked excitedly.

XiChen nodded, only for JingYi to blabber out excitedly, 'Wow, hey SiZhui, remember when Lan Xiansheng taught us that chapter? Wasn't it the first event that tipped off everyone about Wen Sect's atrocities?'

'Hmmm... but it didn't say much about the fight itself.' SiZhui said contemplatively.

'Yeah, I even asked Jiujiu about it, but he just stomped off after threatening to study my books thoroughly or he would break off my legs, as always and then I hadn't seen him for the entire day. Not even at meal times. So I never mentioned it again.' Jin Ling added.

'May be beacuse, Wei-Qianbei seems to have participated in that event too. May be that's why nothing is clear as always. Okay friends, let's take this chance and learn as much as we can, from it. May be we can write the texts again in our timeline. So now, concentrate.'ZiZhen suggested bringing everyone's attention back to the screens, though they wanted to ask so many questions of the juniors.

Lan WangJi spoke coldly, "Brother, we do not need to engage in small talk. This matter permits no delay; it is time for us to depart."

Wei WuXian hurried, "Wait, wait, wait. I know how to catch water ghouls. ZeWu-Jun, why don't you take us along?"

All at once, they were reminded of what had actually happened there. Till today, no one knew the exact details. And it seemed that even in the future, no one knew. But that didn't deter them from spreading whatever they wished. At least now, the truth would come forward.

Lan XiChen smiled without words. Lan WangJi declared, "It is against the rules."

Wei WuXian, "How is it against the rules? We used to catch water ghouls all the time in Yunmeng. Besides, we don't have classes these days anyway."

'Huh... I just hope he doesn't smear our sect's name. That could be the utmost he could do.' Madam Yu could not help but mutter under her breath, not wanting another dressing down from any of these worthless idiots. But Jiang Cheng had heard it and except sighing audibly, could do nothing. He remembered the fight as clear as day, for it hadn't been so long before they had come here. And in no way would he say that his shixiong had put down their sect in any way.

Yunmeng was abundant in lakes and water, so it teemed with water ghouls. It was true that people of the Jiang Sect were adept at this, and Jiang Cheng also wanted to make up for the face which the YunmengJiang Sect lost during this stay at the Lan Sect, "That's right.
ZeWu-Jun, we'd definitely be of help."

"It is not necessary. The GusuLan Sect is also..." Before Lan WangJi finished talking, Lan XiChen spoke while smiling, "Sure, then. Many thanks for your help. Do some preparations, and we can depart together. HuaiSang, are you coming as well?"

'Off course', MingJue scoffed and whispered in XiChen's ears, 'You would agree now. It's your crush asking you, after all.'

XiChen explained nothing except smirking. WangJi, who was sitting in the hearing range, was getting one shock after the other from his brother. He really needed to concentrate on his brother more. What else was he hiding? The detective inside WangJi had woken up.

Nie HuaiSang also wanted to join in, but he had been reminded of his older brother as he met Lan XiChen. Cringing silently, he didn't dare to have fun, "I'll pass and go back so that I can review..."

With this act, he hoped that Lan XiChen would put in some good words for him to his brother. Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng went back to their rooms to prepare.

That didnt stop MingJue from narrowing his eyes at Huaisang , if only to have fun at his expense. Of course, he was relieved that his didi was nowhere near the Waterborne Abyss, as he had been informed later by XiChen, but A-Sang didn't need to know that.

Lan WangJi looked at them from behind, his brows knitted with confusion, "Brother, why did you decide to bring them? Exterminating ghouls is not suited for joking around."

Lan XiChen answered, "The head disciple and only son of Sect Leader Jiang are quite well- known in Yunmeng. It is likely that they know more than joking around."

Although Lan WangJi didn't express his opinion, the phrase "I beg to differ" was written all over his face.

Lan XiChen spoke again, "And, also, you wish for him to go as well, do you not?" Lan WangJi was stunned.

'Aaaa..' Wei Ying was stunned listening to XiChen and looked at WangJi in surprise.

Lan XiChen, "I only agreed because you looked as if you wanted the head disciple of Sect Leader Jiang to come with you."

'Whatttt....', Wei Ying was further getting surprised with every sentence, and Lan Zhan's lack of disapproval was only adding to the suspense.

A silence fell upon them, as if the air was frozen solid.

Only after a while did Lan WangJi finally respond, speaking with great difficulty, "There was no such thing."

It was only after this that he took a deep breath, but he still couldn't put out Lan WangJi's flushed ears and difficult speech from his mind. His mind started going in a very, very, forbidden direction, where he couldn't help but imagine Lan Zhan smiling at him and unable to say no to any of his requests.

Hah... what delightful fantasies they were. But that is what they were, "FANTASIES," for Lan Zhan would never look at him like that.

He wanted to defend himself further, but Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng already grabbed their swords and headed over, so Lan WangJi had to shut his mouth. The group mounted their swords and set off.

Everyone looked forward to watching the new spectacle unfold, especially Wen Ruohan. He had known of the said 'Waterborne Abyss' being in Qishan. He wanted to know how they dealt with it. After all, such a daunting group was headed towards it.

The place where the water ghouls haunted was named Caiyi Town, about ten kilometers away from the Cloud Recesses.

Caiyi Town was connected with paths of water. It was either a net of rivers densely covering the town or dwellings packed on either side of the web-like water paths. The houses had white walls and grey roofs, and the rivers were filled with boats of baskets and people. On the banks, they sold flowers, fruits, bamboo crafts, pastries, tea, and silk.

'Wow, Ciayi Town looks so different from our time', JingYi commented, taking in the scenery of his home that was at least two decades younger.

'Yeah, it looks so much more vibrant, completely unmarred from the war.' SiZhui adds, imagining, if the Ciayi Town of their time would have looked like this, had there been no Sunshot Campaign.

The juniors further discussed the differences between the Ciayi of two timelines, unknowingly causing further distress in the viewers, who were getting worried about just how much the war had affected their home.

Gusu was in the Jiangnan area, and all the voices one could hear were soft and gentle. As two boats crashed into each other, and a few jars of rice wine were spilled, even the arguments of the two boatmen sounded like chirps of the oriole. Although Yunmeng had many lakes, there weren't a lot of small towns with so much water. Wei WuXian found it quite interesting. He bought two jars of rice wine and gave one to Jiang Cheng, "Gusu people talk in such a sugary way. How is this arguing? If they see how Yunmeng people argue, they might be scared to death... Why are you looking at me, Lan Zhan? It's not that I'm too stingy to buy you any - aren't people from your sect prohibited from drinking alcohol?"

Looking back at the moment, Wei Ying felt silly. He was speaking about the people of Ciayi in front of Lan Zhan. Of course, he would stare.

Having only stayed for a short time, the group boarded ten-or-so narrow boats and rowed toward where the water ghouls gathered.

Gradually, the number of houses on the banks decreased, and the river path became quieter as well. Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng each had a boat, competing who could grow faster while listening to events in the area that concerned water ghouls.

Jin Ling still had a slightly awed look on his face whenever Jiang Cheng was in frame, for he had almost never seen his Jiujiu so playful.

He wanted to fill his eyes and memories of this happy and cheerful Jiujiu, before he confronted the dull version back at home, unaware of the fact that he might get to meet a slightly more cheerful Jiujiu, back home.

This water path led to a large lake ahead of them, named Biling Lake. Caiyi Town hadn't been haunted by water ghouls ever since tens of years ago, yet, for the past few months, people had started to fall into this path and Biling Lake.

Boats that carry goods also sunk without any reasons. A few days ago, Lan XiChen cast a few nets over this area. He expected to catch one or two water ghouls but got about a dozen instead. He cleaned the corpses and carried them to a nearby part of the town, only to find that some corpses were not familiar to any of the local people and remained unclaimed. Yesterday, he set up the net formation again and caught quite a few again.

It got more interesting to all the people except the Wens and Lans. The others were who had no idea about this, even at all. Even QinghengJun was learning about this for the first time. His brother hadn't come to give him the reports yet, so he was quite interested in knowing about it in all details.

Wei WuXian spoke, "It doesn't seem like the corpses drowned somewhere else and floated here either. Water ghouls are picky about their area. Most of the time, the only place they settle on is the place they drowned at, and they usually don't leave there." Lan XiChen nodded, "That is correct. This was why I thought that it was no trivial matter, and I asked WangJi to come along in case something happens."

Wei WuXian asked, "ZeWu-Jun, water ghouls are really clever. If we use the boats and take our time like this, isn't it possible that they'll hide underwater and not come out? Won't we have to keep on searching forever? What if we can't find them?"

Lan WangJi replied, "We will wait until we find them. After all, we do what we must."

Wei WuXian, "Just by using nets?" Lan XiChen, "That is right. Does the YunmengJiang Sect have other methods?"

Wei WuXian smiled but didn't respond. Of course, the YunmengJiang Sect used nets as well. But, because he was a good swimmer, he had always jumped into the river and dragged water ghouls out. However, this method was too dangerous; he definitely couldn't do it in front of the Lan Sect's people. If it traveled into Lan QiRen's ears, he would definitely face another lecture. He switched the topic, "It'd be great if there's something that can attract the water ghouls like a fishing bait. Or something that can point out their directions, like a compass."

Jiang Cheng spoke, "Look down at the water and concentrate on finding them. You're letting your imagination run again."

Wei WuXian, "Cultivation and riding on swords also used to be just imagination!"

'Wei-qianbei, it seems that you already had ideas of creating the "Compass of Evil" and the "Spirit Lure Flag" long before becoming the YiLing Laouzu.' ZiZhen spoke excitedly. But it seemed to have been the wrong thing to say because, as soon as he finished speaking, a glint had entered Jin Guangshan's eyes, which could only be spelled as trouble.

Wei Ying, still unaware of the greedy gazes, nodded absently, 'Yeah, I have been thinking about it for a long time. But there's still some glitch that I am trying to work out for a long time, "he spoke, completely missing out ZiXuan's sign to stop speaking.

'See, hadn't I warned you all already? Wei WuXian seems to be already on the crooked path. I don't understand why you all don't decide to execute him already? He seems to be every bit evil that the rumors described him to be.' Guangshan spouted all the nonsense that he could muster, causing all the juniors, Wei Ying's family, and his well wishers to rage with fury.

But before any one of them got up to his defense, Wei Ying himself sat up straighter and gave a deadpanned look to Jin 'Greedy'shan, before giving him a sickly sweet smile, a remnant of YiLing Laouzu's cold smile. It was a reminder that he had the capability to become YiLing Laouzu, but it was his choice, if he wanted or not. It literally sends shivers down everyone's spine (to be noted: a pleasant shiver, in the case of Lan Zhan).

'Jin Zongzu, ah... let me ask you a question: Did you watch and listen carefully since the beginning of this simulation?'

'Yes', Guangshan answered, with a confused expression, 'But why are you asking me that, instead of answering everyone's doubts? ', he sneers.

Wei Ying smiles the same cold smile, 'Well, except you, no one questioned me, honestly. But still I will answer you, because it seems you are quite slow at uptake.'

He continued further ignoring the indigenous squeak, the said sect leader let out, 'So, as everyone had already seen that I had developed a few trinkets during my time as a Demonic Cultivator. But you all also saw that they were being actively used by the sects in their day to day lives even after my death. So if you point out the fact that those inventions use resentful energy, then that means all those sects have no problem with resentful energy, too. But let's leave it at that and look at the next fact.

Once I died in the seige, all my inventions and notes, including the flute, everything must have been usurped as war spoils. But however much Jiang Cheng hates me, he would never let anyone take undue advantage of my things if they had a hand in my death. I trust that much in every version of my shidi. (Giving a small smile to Jiang Cheng) So the Jiang Sect is out of question.

Next, coming to the Lan Sect (pausing and looking over to Lan Zhan) Well... as much as I know Lan Zhan, his sense of justice and righteousness would never allow him to take undue advantage, even if that someone is an enemy. Now that leaves Nie sect, where it is impossible to think that Nie-zongzu would abandon his sense of justice. Plus, Huaisang is my friend, and I have utmost trust that he wouldn't take advantage of a dead friend. (Though he winked at Huaisang secretly)

Now let's finally move on to the Jin Sect, as Wen Sect has been terminated. So according to the rumors Jin ZiXuan was killed at my hands (a few flinched), so your sect would very automatically take the war spoils, considering that this Jin GuangYao guy is the chief cultivator years later. And Jin Zongzhu, may I remind you that you had been alive at the time of my death.

So, if you think that my gadgets use resentful energy, it clearly means that you had knowingly spread my inventions as well as harbored a demonic cultivator in your own folds to study it and replicate it. Isn't it? How very hypocritical of you, Jin-zongzhu!!! Tut...tut...tut...'

Wei had run off his mouth very smoothly, only for an agitated Jin Guangshan to suddenly leap on his feet and move to attack Wei Ying. But he was blocked immediately by the four juniors, whose fast reflexes didn't even let the viewers realize of their sudden movement. They completely covered their Wei Qianbei from all sides.

'Don't you dare, Jin Zongzu. Don't you bl*ody dare. If you even touch a hair on his head, we might give you the most torturous death in history, much more than what happened to you in our timeline', Ouyang Zizhen bit out aggressively.

'And, it would do you some good to remember that you don't have your spiritual energy here. You all are most likely nothing more than commoners right now. But we.... we do have our spiritual energy. Keep that in mind before opening your shitty mouth yet again.' JingYi added angrily.

Jin Guangshan huffed and puffed for a few moments before going completely silent, unable to face his own humiliation, at the hands of such idiots. But be couldn't say anything more as he felt all the eyes on him and sat back quietly.

Wei Ying looked at all his young protectors and felt his eyes filling with tears. Nobody had even taken such a strong stand for him ever. To see that these future ducklings, who were not even blood related to him, were so protective of him, they came like a blessing in disguise for him.

'Aiyah, my dear ducklings, you are making me emotional evwry time. What will happen to my pride. Aiya...come here,' saying so, he pulled each of the four into a tight hug and even kissed on their foreheads, much to their embarrassment. They all went went back to their seats quiet red faced, yet satisfied, for Wei Ying was the only person in all their lives who showed his emotions for them so uninhibitedly, 'Thanks to you four. I am glad that you came into my life. And even if this timeline goes differently than yours and new versions of you are born here, but still you four will always stay protected in my heart, for an eternity.'

It was an emotional moment, so no one said anything more, rather concentrated on the simulation.

As he looked down, he happened to be able to see the bottom of the boat, which Lan WangJi was on. An idea flashed across his head, and he shouted, "Lan Zhan, look at me!"

'Seriously Dajiu- it's not the time to play', Jin Ling held his forehead, as did many of the elders, completely missing out on the expressions of the participants. Though, Wen Ruohan smirked, having already spotted what Wei Ying did. Now, it actually got interesting for him.

At the moment, Lan WangJi was keeping a sharp lookout. As he heard the words, he looked up, only to see Wei WuXian's bamboo paddle sweep up a splash of water and strike it toward him. With a tap of his foot, Lan WangJi lightly hopped onto another boat, dodging the spray. He was quite angered, thinking to himself that, sure enough, Wei WuXian was here to fool around, "Pathetic!"

Simultaneously, Wei Ying whined, 'Lan Zhannnn... I wasn't fooling around.'

Lan Zhan's ears reddened hearing his voice, as too many of his shameless dreams came to the forefront of his mind. The other two, as in XiChen and Jiang Cheng, were giggling under their breath.

Lan Zhan could only mutter slowly, 'I didn't know that. Neither expected it.'

However, Wei WuXian kicked the side of the boat, which he was standing on, and tipped it over using the bamboo paddle. On the bottom of the boat, there were three water ghouls with swelling faces and ashen skin, tightly clinging onto the wooden boards!

Almost all the viewers gasped at the sight. They hadn't even realized the potential danger in all the joking around. Song Lan, for the first time, sat straighter and looked curiously at the young master, who seemed to be too far from his title, who had till now seemed quiet uninteresting to him. But this was something that certainly opened his eyes. A realization dawned on him:

Wei Ying was no normal man.

XingChen, beside him, could feel his chest inflate with pride for his shizhi. His inner thoughts were that all this excitement and worry for his shizhi would give him gray hairs very soon for sure, even though he was younger than Wei Ying.

A disciple who stood nearby immediately suppressed the three. Lan XiChen smiled, "Young Master Wei, how did you know that they were below the boats?"

Wei WuXian knocked on the side of the boat, "Simple! The displacement of water was wrong. He was the only person who stood on the boat, yet the displacement was greater than those of boats that carried two people. There must have been something on the bottom."

Lan XiChen praised him, "You are experienced indeed."

Wen Ruohan was certainly impressed and was smirking. But the moment his sight fell on his own son, who was too busy glaring at the juniors and Wei Ying; his smirk turned into a grimace, with only one thought running in his mind, "Where did I go wrong with him?"

Wei WuXian's paddle lightly glided through the water, and the boat's speed quickened so that he was right next to Lan WangJi's boat. He spoke, "Lan Zhan, I didn't splash water on you on purpose. Water ghouls are really clever. If I said it out loud, they would've heard it and got away. Hey, don't ignore me. Why don't you look at me, Second Young Master Lan?"

'And there goes our oblivious qianbei', JingYi whispered to ZiZhen, 'I still don't understand. How can someone not realize his own affections for the other person?'

'That's the beauty of love. You won't understand until you fall in the web yourself.' ZiZhen spoke sagely.

'Are you saying that you have fallen in the web already?' A-Ling asked with narrowed eyes.

ZiZhen's eyes widened, 'N-no... no... no.... what are you guys even thinking? How can I... when most of the time I am with you guys? Huh...'

He had almost started sweating but relaxed when his friends accepted his explanation. But, thinking about the future confrontation....

Lan WangJi finally condescended and gave him a glance, "Why did you come?"

Wei WuXian spoke with sincerity, "I'm here to apologize to you. Last night was my fault. I was wrong."

Lan WangJi's countenance was slightly dark, most likely because he still didn't forget how Wei WuXian "apologized" to him. Wei WuXian asked, although he knew the answer, "Why do you look so gloomy? Don't worry. Today, I'm really here to help."

Jiang Cheng couldn't watch the scene any longer, "If you want to help, then stop chattering and come here!"

XiChen couldn't help but smile at the scene. Though, he had been present there that day, yet somehow looking at the scene so closely now, without any pressure of water ghouls, he could enjoy the minute details and also his beloved's face and actions.

'Completely gone', MingJue muttered beside him, but it did nothing to curb his excitement. He only said, 'Don't worry, Da-ge. Your time will come too.' And giggled along with Huaisang after hi-fying with him.

A disciple shouted, "The net moved!"

Sure enough, the ropes of the net started to wobble. Wei WuXian beamed, "It's here, it's here!"

Almost everyone moved to the edge of their seats in anticipation. And even if Lan Qiren doesn't accept it, he moved ahead, too. After all, it wasnt everyday that you got to watch a nighthunt as a third person after the report had been submitted.

Thick, long hair formed veils of black satin, surging and swelling around the boats. Amid them, pairs of ghastly hands gripped onto the sides. Lan WangJi backhandedly drew his sword, Bichen, and severed ten-or-so wrists on the left of the boat, leaving only palms with fingers digging deep into the wood As he was about to cut the ones on the right, a red light flashed past, and Wei WuXian's sword was already back in its sheath.

The strange shifts of the water had ceased, and the net also became still once more.

'Wowww....', the juniors exclaimed. Wei Ying grinned at their reaction but frowned at the same time, while the others gave an appreciatiative glance towards him. It wasn't new to them. Wei Ying was, after all, known for his prowess. To Wen Ruohan, this was another point being added to his '(Features of Weapon - mentally scratching that and rewritting it as) "Advantages of Ally" list. Wei Ying had to be an Ally of his. He was much more than a weapon, unlike Wen Zhuliu, though he had his own advantages.

Wei Ying was slightly confused and asked the juniors, 'Hey kiddos, you must have seen me fight in the future, as I seem to be your kinda-teacher. So why are you all so surprised to see me in action. And anyway, I even fought with Lan Zhan the first night. So what was so impressive, afterall I am only fifteen, not to be narcissistic or anything?'

'Oh, come on, Wei-qianbei, you don't have to be so modest. I mean, we saw you fight with HanGuang-Jun here, but you hadn't even unsheathed your sword from the scabbard that night. And to be honest, it was more like a mating dance...'JingYi was running off his mouth when suddenly his lips sealed themselves.

Everyone turned towards the Lan family, only to see them looking just as ruffled. So the ultimate culprit.... they all turned to look at SiZhui, who looked at them apologetically, 'Sorry, qianbeis, but considering JingYi's track-record, he was set to almost reveal everything. That's why I had to apply the spell. Apologies, JingYi. But Wei-qianbei, rather than answering your questions and the ones that would for sure be following, I would request that you rather watch it. Please,', bowing down low.

'Hey, hey, none of that now, Radish. If you are saying that, then I will follow it. Okay.' Wei Ying stopped him from bowing and sat back to enjoy the memory of what he knew was about to happen.

Although, a few moments ago, Wei WuXian's sword attacked at an extremely fast speed, Lan WangJi could already tell that the sword he carried was of very high quality. He asked with a serious face, "What is the name of this sword?"

Wei WuXian answered, "Suibian."

Lan WangJi stared at him. Wei WuXian thought that he didn't hear properly, so he repeated it again, "Suibian."

'Idiot', Jiang Cheng muttered but was giggling all the same, with his siblings.

Lan Zhan was still feeling quietly conflicted from the memory. On one side, he could see the ingenuity, but on the other side was Wei Ying's carelessness. He didn't know what to choose.

Lan WangJi frowned and refused, "This sword has a spirit. Calling it as one pleases is disrespectful."

The others, who were in the same predicament as the WangJi of the memory, nodded at the valid reasoning. Even they were excited to know what the agile sword named, whose wielder was such a young genius. Even the juniors wanted to know why the legendary sword that had sealed itself after its Master's death was named so carelessly.

Wei WuXian let out a sigh, "Think outside the box, won't you? I wasn't asking you to call it whatever you wanted to, but the name of my sword just happens to be 'Suibian'. Here, look."

As he spoke, he passed the sword over for Lan WangJi to see the characters on the sword.
Surrounded by lines and patterns, two ancient characters were carved onto the sheath. It was "Suibian," indeed.

For a few moments, Lan WangJi was at a loss for words.

And so were many of the viewers who sat shocked at the situation. Someone dared to name their sword like such a joke. It didn't sit well with the gentry. They all looked at Wei Ying, who shrugged and locked his eyes with FengMian, who smirked as they both enjoyed the inside joke.

Wei WuXian showed his consideration, "You don't need to talk. I know that you definitely want to ask me why it's called this name. Everyone asks if it has some special meaning to it. Actually, there's no special meaning at all. It was just that, when Uncle Jiang gave me the sword and asked me what I wanted to call it, I came up with more than twenty names but wasn't satisfied with any of them. I thought that I could let Uncle Jiang give it a name, so I answered, 'Whatever!' But, who knew that, after the sword had been forged and taken out, these two characters were on it. Uncle Jiang said, 'If this is the case, then why not let this sword be named Suibian?' To be honest, this name isn't bad either, right?"

Finally, Lan WangJi spoke through his gritted teeth, "... Ridiculous!"

As did many others. It really was a ridiculous name. Though they enjoyed the joke, yet something didn't sit right with them. Especially Wen Ruohan and Xiao XingChen could see the Jiang Leader's thoughts between the lines, which Wei Ying completely seemed to either miss out or ignore voluntarily. But decided to broach it at a later date after confirming their suspicions.

Wei WuXian carried his sword on his shoulder, "You're such a boring person. Don't you see how fun this name is? It's especially good at tricking serious ones like you, and it works every single time. Haha!"

At the same time, from within the virid lake, a long shadow darted around the small boat.

'Watch out', almost all the viewers screamed at the screen, completely forgetting that the memory figures couldn't hear them.

After Jiang Cheng finished the water ghouls on his side, he was still watching out for any that they had missed. Seeing the shadow, he immediately yelled, "It's coming again!"

'Aiyah..., why did it have to stop here. Now, how are we going to handle the suspense.' Huaisang whined when the screen went blank.

JingYi agreed, but then turned towards Lan XiChen, 'ZeWu-Jun, you were there that day, right. So can you please spoil it for us?'

Lan Zhan didn't want that, though. It would do his heart and brain no good to see Wei Ying diving into his death twice. It was already difficult the first time he had to control his emotions enough to think clearly and save his careless Wei Ying. He had to do it again with the next part. It tired him so much. He was thankful to his Xiongzhang with what he said ahead.

XiChen narrowed his eyes playfully and shook his head, 'Oh come on kids, you all have been poking at us since the start to keep patience. And that too at the contents of a future event. This, though, is a past event. And you all even know the outcome. Yet you can't wait for a few more moments. Not fair.' He spoke it all with a serene smile plastered on his face. Nobody even dared to contradict him when he spoke like the gentle soul he is.

Only Jiang Cheng seemed to see a streak of smugness in his eyes, which everyone seemed to be oblivious to. And he was taken aback. He didn't realize, since when he had started understanding the First Jade of Lan so deeply.

It was shockingly weird, yet....
.
.
.
.
.
...a pleasant thrill coursed through him.
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Heya guys,

I am back here with a new update. I hope you are enjoying it as much as Wei Ying enjoys tormenting Lan Zhan.

Please vote and comment. Until the next time... have a happy reading...❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Love ❤️
Nimika