Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and art used in the story. OOC and AU.

****

Recent years made him wonder to what extent one can affect the future or past in his case. Curious about how the events will play out without his presence, Shen Ying and Bai Jue spent most of their time within sect territories. Qishan Wen began their expansion later than he remembered. Still, it was a sign that even without Yin Iron from the Dancing Goddess statue, Wen Ruohan chose the same path. Upon a short investigation, they discovered that the piece from Lady Florist's house was missing.

"In my timeline, it started from Dafan Mountain," he sighed, leaning on the tree trunk. "Wen Ruohan still found his way to get it, and the war is unavoidable. If nothing changes, then why am I here?"

"To be with me," Bai Jue replied with his signature one-sided cheeky smirk. "Maybe you didn't come here to save everyone but yourself and people you genuinely care about? A-Yi grew up surrounded by a loving family to became the most carefree and cheerful teenager I ever saw. I would say that's a massive change from the cold and composed guy I happen to love. A-Yang doesn't run around slaughtering people. Instead, he became a doctor – quite a difference if you ask me. Not to mention the Lingjian Wen sect, which didn't even exist in your timeline."

"I hate when you don't leave room for arguments," Shen Ying huffed.

"What can I say? I'm flawless," he teased before sliding his fingers into Shen Ying's hair and pulling him into a soft kiss. "Besides, it's a perfect chance to get rid of your nightmares. If the Lotus Pier burns anyway, it was never your fault."

"So, you suggest we sit back and enjoy the show?"

"Do you have anything better to do?"

Shen Ying swapped their position and leaned closer with a dangerous gleam in his silver eyes. "Always," he murmured, brushing Bai Jue's ear before gently biting it.

Dark brown eyes looked at him with equally dangerous sparks before their lips crashed into a deep, passionate kiss. It left them breathless, wishing for more. Without breaking the kiss, Shen Ying lowered them onto the soft grass surrounded by flowers. Soon, their robes were discarded and forgotten on the ground, leaving them only in well-fitted riding trousers. Shen Ying was kneeling between Bai Jue's legs, kissing his way down his perfectly sculptured six-pack. His teeth gripped the edge of the trousers, and he was about to pull them down when they realised they weren't alone.

The mountaintop stood ablaze against the night sky, reminding him of the horror that befell his home. His heart bled for his sect, but he couldn't disobey his Uncle and return. Someone had to survive and preserve crucial texts and scriptures. Maybe one day, they could rebuild? Tired and wounded, Lan Xichen kept pushing towards Lotus Pier to seek help from their long-time ally.

The following day, covered in a rugged cloak, Xichen arrived in Tanzhou. The town was bustling with street merchants advocating their supplies and children happily running down the streets. It felt surreal compared to the destruction in Cloud Recesses. Lan Xichen did his best to blend in, but soon he spotted a group of Wen soldiers. Afraid of being discovered, he ran towards the residential area, pushed the old-looking gate open, and dashed inside, slamming the door closed. Gasping for breath, he leaned on the door. The lush garden seemed abandoned till his eyes landed on the most unexpected scene. It was shameless, untamed and unrestraint. Yet, for the first time in his life, he looked at other men and considered them unbelievably handsome and sexy. How they kissed and touched each other transfixed him to the ground. Unable to look away, Xichen swallowed hard when two pairs of eyes looked at him.

"You have an interesting hobby, Sect Leader Lan," the man on the top said with an amused smirk.

"What should we do about him?"

Shen Ying straddled his boyfriend with a cheeky smirk and shrugged, "Dunno, but you know how much I hate people who disturb us."

His eyes widened in sudden realisation. The last time he saw them was during the incident with Waterborne Abyss. They accompanied that mysterious sect leader. Was it possible to ask them for help? They were hostile back then, but now they seemed much more relaxed. "Ugh, apologise for my intrusion," Xichen shifted uncomfortably, trying to not look at them. "Can I ask for your assistance?"

"With what?" Shen Ying's voice dropped dangerously.

Xichen could tell that the playful mood was gone and that this man hated him, but he had to try. "I'm being chased by Wen soldiers. I need help losing their pursuit."

"Not our problem," Bai Jue shrugged, putting on his inner robes.

"We have no reason to help anyone from sects."

Xichen flinched, hearing his freezing cold voice. "May I ask why you dislike sects so much?"

"You are nothing more than a bunch of self-righteous and greedy bastards and traitors," Shen Ying hissed, tying his sash.

"I don't understand... we never... you must be confused! Gusu Lan isn't like Qishan Wen!"

Resentment flared up, and his eyes turned crimson. "I know precisely what Gusu Lan is," he uttered, glaring at him. "I know exactly who you are, Lan Xichen."

"Wei Ying," Bai Jue pulled him closer and kissed him softly. "He is not worth it."

"I don't understand... do we know each other?"

"In a way, he knows you, but I would rather he didn't,"

His eyebrows furrowed in concern. Xichen couldn't recollect offending anyone, especially someone older than him. "I apologise, but I really don't understand...."

"Enough!" Shen Ying snapped. Resentful energy shot like a black blade and stopped inches from his throat.

Lan Xichen gulped. His confusion was replaced by natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. "Is that resentment? How come you control it without losing your mind? Interesting," he muttered, inspecting the energy hovering in front of him. "Old texts must have been wrong... Please, tell me more about it!" Xichen added, looking at them with excitement.

"Huh?!"

Shen Ying and Bai Jue looked at each other, baffled by his behaviour. Was this really Lan Xichen? It reminded him of the kind person Shen Ying met during lectures, not the one he remembered from the war and afterwards. Did something happen to him?

"Doesn't Gusu Lan condemn demonic cultivation as an evil path?"

"According to our knowledge, it's perilous to the user. Resentment destroys one's body and mind and often ends in Qi deviation. It's impossible to control it," he explained. "I see now that we lack the knowledge and understanding to make an informed judgement. This is why I wanted to invite your young disciples to Gusu. I apologise again for my brother's behaviour... he is too influenced by our Uncle."

Bai Jue leaned closer and whispered, "He acts like a completely different person from what I saw in your memories."

"He was always known as gentle, understanding and knowledgeable, but after the war, he seemed different."

"Did something happen to him?"

"He was missing for a while after Gusu burned, but I don't know much since you know...," Shen Ying replied, glancing at Xichen.

"He seems somewhat naïve. Maybe someone manipulated him?" Bai Jue asked thoughtfully. "Oh, remember this dwarf that was always around him? The fake one with a scheming face."

Shen Ying nodded. "He was the one that helped him hide... but know he is with us."

"If we can keep him away from that guy, maybe things will change? I'm kinda curious now."

"Me too," he replied, retreating resentment. "Fine, we can take you to a safe place, but I can't say you will be welcomed there."

****

He was still confused after the sudden teleportation when he realised they were in the large, vibrant city. Everyone seemed relaxed and carefree. There were no beggars or homeless children on the streets. Street vendors offered goods he had never seen before. The climate also felt different. Xichen had never heard of a city like this. It must have been far away from sects' territories. Suddenly, an older man rushed to them from a nearby inn.

"Welcome back!" he greeted them with a wide smile. "Did you run out of wine again?"

"Don't we always, Uncle Four?" Shen Ying laughed. "Is Yifan here?"

"He should be in the main hall, buried in paperwork."

"Right, pleasures of being a Sect Leader," he chirped, then signalled Lan Xichen to follow them.

The main hall showcased intricate woodwork and simple but sophisticated decorations. It was different from the lush buildings of major sects. Before stepping in, Xichen glanced at the training field. Two groups of disciples practised their sword and spear forms.

"Can I ask why your sect uses spears?"

"It's not our sect. We are just guest teachers," Shen Ying replied, trying to contain his hostility. Like Bai Jue said, it wasn't worth taking it out on the person that hasn't done anything yet. "And why not? Who said only a sword can be a spiritual weapon?"

"No one," Xichen said, stunned. "This meeting has been truly eye-opening. I never noticed how limited my sect is."

"Maybe without three thousand rules restricting every aspect of life, your disciples wouldn't turn into mindless puppets and discover something new now and then."

Lan Xichen nodded with understanding. "You seem to know a lot about Gusu, but I don't recollect seeing you besides meeting on the lake."

Suddenly a person in dark blue robes burst from the adjacent office and charged at them, pulling Shen Ying into a bear hug. "I thought you forgot where your home is," Yifan complained, faking sniffling.

Shen Ying struggled to push him off before giving up and casually patting Yifan's back. "Of course, I didn't. My home is always by my side."

"You know what I mean! It has been a year since you visited. Kids have developed abandonment issues."

"Kids or you?" Bai Jue chuckled, removing him from his now desperate boyfriend.

Yifan gave him a stink eye and ignored his question. "So? How are sects doing? Are they burning yet?"

"Cloud Recesses is down, although later than expected," Shen Ying replied, then stepped aside to show him, shocked Lan Xichen.

"What is he doing here?" Wen Yifan deadpanned, glaring at Sect Leader Lan.

"Experiment," Bai Jue replied. "We want to check something with you know what."

Yifan instantly understood what they meant. In Shen Ying's timeline, Lan Xichen seemed to play a significant role in the ambush. Did they discover something or decide to change things? His questions could wait when they were alone, but if they needed Xichen here, he would support them. "Fine, I will let him stay in guest quarters and provide medical help, but if he steps one toe outside the line, I won't hesitate."

"Thank you for your assistance, Sect Leader...," Xichen trailed off, realising he didn't know their names.

"Wen Yifan, Leader of the Lingjian Wen Sect."

His eyes widened in shock. Judging from their general hostility towards the sect, Xichen assumed they had nothing in common with Qishan Wen. "Thank you, Sect Leader Wen," he said with a deep bow.

With their guest escorted to medics, the trio exchanged information about the current situation with Yin Iron and the upcoming war. Yifan agreed with their idea of keeping Lan Xichen away from potential manipulation.

"Are you planning to get involved in the war?"

"I don't think so, at least not for now. Bai Jue wants to see if Lotus Pier burns without me around to prove a point."

"Splendid idea! Send me a message when they are under attack, and I will join you to enjoy the show," Yifan chirped with emphasis on when.

A few hours and many bottles of wine later, Shen Ying and Bai Jue were finally free, or so they thought. A teenage boy was asleep on the porch of their house within the sect. They considered just leaving him be and finally getting some alone time, but he would most likely wake up and disturb them halfway. That would be much worse.

"A-Yi, wake up!" Shen Ying called, poking him with Chenqing.

The boy slowly stirred and rubbed his eyes. "Da-Gege? Jue-Gege?"

"Who else would be here?"

Suddenly, Wei Ying shot to his feet and jumped at Shen Ying, wrapping his legs and arms around him like a monkey. He was mumbling that he missed him and crying his heart out. It took them a while to calm him down and get him to talk without choking on his tears.

"Da-Gege, how did you know that you like Jue-Gege?"

Surprised by the sudden question, Shen Ying spit out the wine. "Why? Do you have someone you like?"

His cheeks were burning red, and silver eyes betrayed confusion. "I don't know... but I can't stop thinking about him since I saw him two years ago."

Shen Ying froze. His face turned pale like a ghost, and his trembling fist tightened till the knuckles turned white. Two years ago, his younger version met Lan Wangji in Caiyi Town. Were his suffering and betrayal unavoidable? Suddenly, a warm hand covered his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Him?" Bai Jue asked without letting his boyfriend's hand go.

Wei Ying turned ever redder, squirming in his seat. "A-Yang... after one of your trainings, we were in hot springs, and somehow he looked different. Now I can't stop thinking about him."

"This child will be the death of me," Shen Ying mumbled, leaning on Bai Jue's chest for comfort. "Can you imagine kissing someone other than A-Yang?"

"Impossible!"

"That means you like him."

"How do I know if he likes me back?" he asked desperately. "What if he doesn't like me? What do I do then?"

Shen Ying tilted his head and looked at his soulmate with a fond smile. "It's simple. You will notice his eyes change when you walk into the room and follow you everywhere. But the best option is to confess. Even if he doesn't like you back, you can live without regrets."

"Mm, I will try," Wei Ying replied excitedly, heading towards the door when he suddenly turned around. "Da-Gege? Um... are you sure you were just friends with my parents? We are quite similar, so I thought maybe you are my Uncle."

"Huh?"

"I couldn't find any other explanation for why we look alike, so I thought maybe you are A-Niang's brother. Even so, you are still my Da-Gege!" he added, then dashed outside.

"Are you going to leave it like this?" Bai Jue asked, placing slow kisses on his neck.

"I think so," he replied, tilting his head to the side. "It's better this way. A-Yi doesn't need the burden of my timeline."

"Finally alone, hm?" Bai Jue murmured in a passionate kiss, lowering Shen Ying to the floor and pinning his hands above his head. His eyes were full of mischievous sparks, promising a sleepless night.

Within a week, their opinion of Sect Leader Lan changed immensely. He was open-minded and eager to exchange knowledge about musical cultivation. Xichen went as far as to plan changes to Gusu Lan based on things he had learned, especially with education and medical care to people outside the sect. It confirmed Bai Jue's suspicions that Meng Yao must have manipulated him using the bond they developed while Xichen was hiding.

Unknowingly to anyone, Wen Qing and Lan Xichen began to develop a closer relationship. Surrounded by her mischievous siblings, Wen Qing truly enjoyed the company of her more mature and calm patient. While Xichen found solace in her comforting words and care without the hostility, he experienced with others. They spent hours talking about the benefits of music in the healing process, and Xichen even offered to teach her to play xiao.

****

The night sky was burning red, filled with screams and sounds of battle as the proud and majestic Lotus Pier fell to its knees. Silver eyes watched it with unspoken feelings. How long was he blamed for it? How long did he blame himself for it? Part of him always knew it was out of his control, but the guilt installed in him by Madam Yu was stronger than reason. Watching in flames again felt somewhat rejuvenating, and a faint smile spread over his lips.

"I told you so," Bai Jue whispered by his ear, wrapping his arms around his waist.

"Somehow, I knew you would say it," he replied with an amused smile, leaning on his sturdy chest. "I guess it was never my fault."

"I'm glad you understand that. They attacked Gusu and Qinghe before. Why would they leave Lotus Pier alone? From a strategic point of view, it wouldn't make sense. This way, Wen Ruohan crippled everyone. It will take much longer for sects to regroup and plan a counterattack. Strategy aside, if Ruohan didn't burn it, I would."

Shen Ying tilted his head and looked at his handsome face with an alluring and dangerous smile. His voice dropped a few levels to a husky whisper. "You look so hot right now...."

"Just now?"

"I'm still here," Yifan chuckled, glancing at Bai Jue shamelessly kissing his boyfriend's neck. "Did you guys even consider getting married?"

They looked at each other, surprised it had never occurred to them. They just decided to spend eternity together and never thought something else was needed for it.

"I guess not... you are making me feel old," he muttered with a sad smile. "I will return home and listen to my wife's scoldings. Have fun!"

The smoke from Yifan's teleportation didn't settle when they were already all over each other. Lost to overwhelming love and passion. Without breaking the kiss, they arrived at their home in the bamboo forest and tumbled on the bed.

Jiang Cheng clutched his sister's hand, leading her outside Lotus Pier. He couldn't believe his family and sect were gone, but blazing behind their backs, flames didn't leave room for hope. Wanyin decided to leave Yanli with their grandparents and seek help from other sects. He heard rumours that Cloud Recesses burned, but Qinghe Nie managed to repel We Xu's attack with minimal losses. It was his best chance to retake Lotus Pier.

A few weeks later, Gusu Lan, Qinghe Nie and remnants of Yunmeng Jiang gathered in Qinghe to plan their attack. They were supported by Jin Zuxuan with a group of their disciples after his father refused involvement. Their plan involved several raids on supervisory offices to hunt down Wen Ruohan's sons. Alliance split into two groups. Nie Mingjue and Jin Zixuan went after Wen Xu, while Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng pursued Wen Chao.

Under cover of the night, Lan and Jiang's disciples surrounded the supervisory office in Yiling. Zidian shattered the gate, starting a fierce battle. Wen Chao escaped with his mistress while his faithful bodyguard charged at Jiang Cheng. Wen Zhuliu swiftly dodged the crackling purple whip, but Wanyin parried his attack with Sandu. They were locked in a fierce battle when Core Melting Hand landed a blow on his abdomen. Jiang Cheng could feel his core shattering, his spiritual energy vanished, and he fell to his knees. Wen Zhuliu towered over him, ready to finish his job. Suddenly, Bichen cut through the air beheading him.

"Go after Wen Chao," Jiang Cheng mumbled before losing consciousness.

Wangji nodded, then jumped over the wall and disappeared into the night.

The woods around Yiling were dark and creepy, full of resentment, but Wen Chao ran without looking back. He never expected sects to attack them with such ferocity. As long as he could save himself, nothing else mattered. There was a sudden pain in his shoulder. Confused, Wen Chao looked down at mithril spear, pinning him to the tree. The resentment around him thickened, sending a nasty shiver down his spine. He wished to scream in pain, but his voice refused to leave his throat.

"Perfect timing," a cold yet amused voice declared before a person in crimson robes stepped into the pale moonlight.

"W-who ar-are you?" he stammered, unable to look away from the deadly expression in dark brown eyes.

"Your worst nightmare," the man shrugged, pulling out the spear and piercing Wen Chao's leg. His screams echoed through the forest, scaring birds. "You were right... this is fun."

Only now, Wen Chao noticed a second person leaning on the tree. Crimson red eyes glared at him with pure hatred in contrast to a playful smile.

"Watching him die a second time is even more amusing."

"Everything for you," Bai Jue replied, winking at him. "But you owe me sex in a hot spring for it."

"Only hot spring?"

His eyes sparkled mischievously, and he casually twisted the spear. Wen Chao screamed at the top of his lungs, begging for help. The paralysing fear surged in his veins. He tried to threaten and bribe them, but the torture was endless. Soon a terrifying truth sunk in, and Wen Chao realised they won't allow him to die. He was a sobbing mess, his throat was so sore he couldn't even scream, but the pain didn't end. It made him regret everything he did in his life... even the most minor crimes and faults. Every fibre of his body wished to be dead.

Lan Wangji chased after the screams but surrounding him, resentment was confusing. Finally, close to dawn, he walked into a small clearing. First, he noticed the deadly glare of the mithril spear pointed at the bloody pulp that once was Wen Chao. The spear hovered under the palm of the man in crimson robes. Wangji was about to jump in when a cold blade by his neck stopped him.

"Don't do anything stupid."

Wangji glanced sideways. The icy cold gaze of crimson-red eyes made him flinch. He had never encountered such overwhelming hatred and wasn't sure how to behave. His sense of justice told him that even Wen Chao didn't deserve to die like this. His reason told him that the man in black would kill him if he dared to move.

"If you know what's good for you, walk away."

He wanted to protest, but the spear without hesitation pierced Wen Chao's chest, taking his life. The dark brown eyes glared at him, wishing him dead.

"What should we do about him?" Bai Jue asked, stepping closer and leaning on his shoulder. He hated Lan Wangji for hurting his Wei Ying, but this person didn't do anything to deserve their wrath.

Suibian disappeared in his sleeve. "Ignore him."

"Hot spring?"

"I thought you would never ask," Shen Ying replied, teleporting them back to the bamboo forest. Part of him wished Lan Wangji dead, but killing his younger and innocent version wouldn't change anything. Besides, he didn't matter anymore.

****

After two refreshing days of undisturbed fun, they decided to visit the sect and share with Yifan current news from the war. The Sect Leader allowed Xichen to join. Over the last few weeks, they became well acquainted, and Xichen started treating Wen Yifan like a teacher and father figure. He was eager to learn about proper sect management to change Gusu Lan into something he could be proud of. For now, despite his position as Sect Leader, all decisions were made by Lan Qiren and the Elders. Watching Yifan, Xichen understood it wasn't acceptable. More experienced members are there to provide advice and expertise, but decisions and responsibilities fall on the leader. Maybe he could even help his Didi to gain more freedom and develop as a person, make friends with the troublesome trio he came to adore.

The news was terrifying. Xichen couldn't believe how easily Lotus Pier fell. How many innocent lives were lost? When Qishan Wen's expansion will end? He looked at his companions, convinced either of them could stop Wen Ruohan. Xichen couldn't understand why weren't they interested in helping sects. What happened in the past? Clearly, Shen Ying was the person to make a decision, and the other two would support it.

"Could you consider helping us?" he asked carefully, looking at the demonic cultivator.

"Not interested."

"Can I ask why?"

Shen Ying sighed. He felt terrible about innocent lives lost in the war, but he also saw where it led. He could easily defend himself from sects, but why expose himself to the same hatred and accusation? Shen Ying didn't owe them anything. "I already did it once, and it left me with many regrets," he replied without explaining. "We can take you back to Qinghe Nie, but that's where our help ends."

"Can I tag along?" Yifan asked. "I'm curious how sects are planning to deal with it."

A heavier and more annoyed sigh escaped his lips. "Are you planning to help them?"

"No, I promised you to stand by your decision that day," he replied without hesitation. "I'm curious what excuse Lanling Jin has for not helping others. Are they planning to watch both sides bleed and swoop in to collect the spoils?"

Shen Ying and Bai Jue smirked. Planting a seed of distrust against Jin Guangshan will keep Xichen wary of them and more resistant to manipulation.

"Is Jin Guangshan so rotten he would risk everything for more power?" Xichen muttered in utter shock.

"It is impossible to say without evidence," Yifan continued. "But I can't see any other explanation. Gusu Lan, Qinghe Nie and Yunmeng Jiang suffered heavy losses, while Lanling Jin kept both riches and soldiers."

"I see," Xichen said thoughtfully, considering his words. "Thank you, I will keep it in mind and warn others."

"Perfect!" Yifan clasped his hands. "Now, let's have some fun!"

The Impure Realm was shrouded in grief and misery. Morale was low, and most disciples lost the will to fight. Huaisang tried to keep it together but still lacked his brother's experience. Yunmeng Jiang wasn't doing much better since their Sect Leader lost his core and temper. Only Gusu Lan somewhat held on, believing Lan Xichen had escaped to safety. Jin Zixuan felt like he wasn't in a position to lead anything, with barely a few disciples left. They had no plan or means to stop Wen Ruohan. The mood in the main hall was depressing.

"This is not how you win the war," a sudden voice called from the door.

Everyone looked in his direction. Lan Xichen entered the room, accompanied by three cultivators no one recognised.

"Xichen-Ge!" Huaisang called and rushed to him. "They kidnapped Da-Gege! I don't know what to do!"

Lan Xichen looked at him, shocked. "How did it happen?!"

"During the raid at the supervisory office. Sect Leader Nie and I got separated," Jin Zixuan explained. "He chased after Wen Xu. After we cleared the office, we found Wen Xu's corpse and Baxia with no Nie Mingjue in sight."

"Xichen-Ge, please help me... I can't lose him."

Xichen glanced at his companion, neither of them looked interested, but Shen Ying looked at Huaisang with mixed feelings. Was it possible he didn't hate him? Xichen believed that the demonic cultivator was much more than he let others know. Wen Yifan and Bai Jue guarded his secret and supported him unconditionally when dealing with sects. It made him curious. What were they hiding?

"Where is he?" Shen Ying asked.

"We believe they took him to Nightless City," Jin Zixuan answered, looking at them suspiciously.

"We can't do it without dealing with Ruohan," Yifan commented. "If you are up for it, I will bring my senior disciple to cover your back."

"This will be fun!" Bai Jue chirped, shamelessly leaning on his boyfriend.

Shen Ying looked at him with a loving smile. He was more than aware of how much Bai Jue hated sects for what they did to him. He was probably tempted to lend Ruohan had and watch them all burn. Rescuing one of the Leaders was perhaps out of the question for him, but he didn't hesitate.

"Bai Jue and I will take down Ruohan, and you will rescue Nie Mingjue."

Yifan nodded. "Perfect, I will bring ten, maybe fifteen disciples. With the commotion you two will cause, this should be enough."

"We will meet you near the cliff by Nightless City in two hours."

"Wait!" Xichen stopped them. "It's our war. I can't let you deal with it alone."

Others started questioning who his guests were and how Xichen became acquainted with them. Sect Leader Lan explained that Shen Ying and Bai Jue rescued him, and Wen Yifan provided a safe place to recover. Some started to question their motives upon hearing Wen surname, but Xichen nipped them in the bud. He wouldn't allow anyone to trample on the honour of his saviours.

"Xiong-zhang!" Wangji called, speed-walking to his brother. "YOU?!"

"Do you know them, Didi?"

Lan Wangji nodded. "Murdered Wen Chao."

Xichen looked at them questioningly, but the couple only shrugged, unbothered by explanation. Xichen brought him up to speed on the current strategy and battle plan. No one noticed silently standing by the door Jiang Cheng, till he rushed and grabbed the lapels of black robes.

"It's your fault I lost my core! You should have dealt with Wen Chao sooner!"

"Let him go," Bai Jue hissed, crushing his hand in an iron grip.

Jiang Cheng yelped but refused to let go. Before anyone reacted, Sect Leader Jiang was pinned to the wall by a spear by his robes. As a warning, the sharp tip left a thin red line on his neck.

"Touch him once more, and missing core will be the least of your worries. Do you understand?"

An icy voice made him shiver in fear, and Jiang Cheng lost his cockiness. Terrified for his life, he slowly nodded. The spear disappeared, leaving everyone speechless at this simple display of power. Even the blind would notice overwhelming energy, crushing gathered in the room cultivators.

"Make it three hours, Yifan," Bai Jue said, then grabbed Shen Ying's hand and disappeared.

Wen Yifan glared at the gathered leaders. "Don't make us regret helping you because next time, neither of them will be nice to leave you alive."

They were back in the bamboo forest in the blink of an eye. Bai Jue pulled him into a tight embrace, gently caressing his cheek. He could see the turbulent storm of emotions behind his silver eyes. Anger at himself, frustration with his indecisiveness, disappointment and misery. Then everything disappeared, leaving an empty shell. Bai Jue didn't like it. If Wei Ying didn't need him here, he would gladly return to Qinghe and tear that asshole apart.

"I never thought I could get this messed up because of one annoying brat," his voice was like a broken whisper, reflecting the state of his mind.

"I'm here," he murmured, kissing him softly. "It really shows how much of a miserable asshole he is. Who in their right mind blames a random stranger for his lack of strength? Someone should have told him that the battlefield isn't a place for delicate princesses," Bai Jue deadpanned.

His serious voice made him laugh, pushing away turbulent emotions and demons of the past. "Thank you for taking me out of there before I turned him into a stain on the wall."

"You're welcome. Besides, isn't it better for him to live like this? A miserable nothing?"

"It is," Shen Ying replied before crashing their lips in an intense kiss. As a result, they were two hours late, but Yifan only smiled at them with understanding before giving orders to move out.

****

The onslaught on Nightless City started with two cultivators casually stepping inside the sect ground, killing everything in their way. Nothing could stop them, and they soon had the undivided attention of Wen Ruohan. The second group, including Yifan, Xichen and ten senior disciples from Lingjian Wen, sneaked inside the prison. Using Yifan's knowledge about building layout, they found Nie Disciples in no time. Unfortunately, Nie Mingjue wasn't with them.

"That traitor Meng Yao took him somewhere," one of the saviours explained, pointing them in the right direction.

They rushed towards lower levels. They could hear a loud, angry voice from a distance, followed by a painful groan. Xichen burst into the room to face Meng Yao piercing Nie Mingjue with the sword. Nie Mingjue showed him nothing but kindness to be thanked with betrayal. Unable to hold back his anger, Xichen swung Shuoyue taking the traitor's life. It was too late for them to save Sect Leader Nie, but at least he could avenge him. Losing his oldest friend was heartbreaking, but he couldn't give in to grief now. The war wasn't over.

When they arrived at the main hall, Shen Ying and Bai Jue were long gone. So did Wen Ruohan and Yin Iron. Sects led by Jin Guagshan gathered at the steps and soon began an onslaught of questions about Yin Iron. Xichen looked over them with an enormous disappointment. He couldn't believe no one expressed gratitude to the people who helped them. It reminded him of Yifan's words during an incident with the waterborne abyss.

"Aren't you ashamed calling yourself cultivators?" Lan Xichen shouted, looking over the crowd. "Lingjian Wen Sect and their allies came to our rescue, but instead of gratitude, you throw accusations around and demands?! You should be embarrassed!"

"I understand you are upset, but we can't omit such important artefacts like Yin Iron," Jin Guangshan said, stepping in front of everyone.

"Oh, it's nice you finally decided to join us, Sect Leader Jin," Xichen smirked sarcastically. "It's regretful you couldn't arrive to help during the battle. Luckily we could find new allies in time to stop Wen Ruohan," he added, then shared the sad news about Nie Mingjue.

Jin Guangyao sputtered angrily, then left with a huff. Without his influence, others quickly settled down.

The following months brought many changes. Under Xichen's leadership, remnants of Qishan Wen were granted immunity and allowed to rebuild their sect. Jin Guangshan tried to push his candidature for the new Chief Cultivator. Fortunately, Gusu Lan and Qinghe Nie refused, claiming sects don't need anyone to lead them. Xichen continued to build good relations with Lingjian Wen Sect and changed Cloud Recesses to his Uncle's displeasure. He reduced rules tenfold, leaving only the most important and trusting their disciples could tell right from wrong.

Once peace returned to sect territories, Lan Xichen mustered the courage to ask Wen Yifan for permission to court his daughter. While visiting his fiancé, Xichen started bringing his brother to Lingjian. Wangji slowly began to open up to his small group of friends. He enjoyed spending time with Wen Ning, especially when Wei Ying and Xue Yang were occupied with each other.

Shen Ying and Bai Jue disappeared after the war. Once the danger looming over Dafan Wen and his younger self was gone, Shen Ying no longer wished to stay around sects. When he was younger, he always dreamt of seeing the world and visiting different countries to explore the unknown. Luckily for him, his soulmate shared his dreams. Shen Ying and Bai Jue never had a clear direction in their mind. As long as they were together, nothing else mattered to them. They would often send letters to Yifan from their travels around the world but never revisited Lingjian.