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

Revelation

If he had to choose the moment he fell in love with him. It would be a day their eyes met when he used his handkerchief to clean a speck of dirt from his adorable face during escape north. Since then, he could not stop thinking about him. They would exchange letters for more than a year and develop a strong friendship. They couldn't be more different, yet it worked. Soon letters were not enough. Unfortunately, the distance between them was too great for travelling. It was a heartbreaking time. So close, yet so far. Since then, things have changed immensely. They were free to visit each other as often as they wished. Hours of training, painting and chatting brought them even closer.

It didn't take long for him to notice a gentle blush on his face when their hands accidentally touched. A gaze of dark eyes that would light up when he walked into the room. A smile that would send his heart racing.

Nie Huaisang smiled when the triangular slab with an intricate array in the corner of his room activated, opening the portal. The person he wished to see the most stepped out. "Welcome, A-Ning," he greeted him softly.

"It's good to see you, A-Sang," Wen Ning replied, blushing.

They were friendly... very friendly... far too friendly, but neither of them knew how to change it. What if they read too much into small gestures and shy smiles? There was a fragile line between friendship and love. What if a hasty move would ruin both?

Sometimes he wished to be as bold as Wei-Xiong and Bai Jue... to just go for it without looking back. Maybe that was all it took in love? To be brave? Huaisang sighed, wishing erotica would focus on how to get a boyfriend before explaining what to do with one.

"Is that a new fan?" Wen Ning asked excitedly. The design was beautiful and reminded him of their favourite spot near Lingjian. A small nook surrounded by plum blossoms. A place they would spend hours enjoying each other's company.

"Do you like it?"

He nodded, gently brushing his fingertips over the exquisite paper. It showed true craftsmanship. It was, without a doubt, his best creation.

"I made it for you," Huaisang said tenderly. "To express my feelings for you, A-Ning."

Wen Ning's pale skin turned vibrant red. His heart loudly drummed in his chest while his eyes landed on the floor. What kind of feelings? Were they the same as his?

"A-Ning?" Huaisang stepped closer, grabbed his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Then using his free hand lifted his chin. Their eyes meet, sharing incredible love and affection. "I really like you. I want you so much I'm willing to face your siblings and ask them for permission to officially court you. Will you agree?"

He nodded with a shy smile. "I like you too, A-Sang."

"Can I kiss you?"

He didn't know it was possible, but his face turned redder. With silent permission, Wen Ning closed his eyes, allowing Huaisang drew him into a tender kiss. A feather-like touch of his lips sent a pleasant electric impulse through his body. His hands rested on his now boyfriend's waist as their kiss grew more passionate, expressing bottled-up feelings.

How does one tell the scariest people in the universe that they wish to marry their little brother? Huaisang felt like his life was about to end. His companion seemed to sense his anxiety and interlocked their fingers, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.

"What's the matter?"

"How come you aren't scared of your siblings? They are absolutely terrifying."

Wen Ning looked at him with confusion. He never considered his brother and sister scary. Rather opposite. They always looked after him and made sure he didn't miss anything. If he was to describe Ying-Ge and Qing-Jie, Wen Ning would use words like caring, loving, supportive and proud. How come his boyfriend was scared of them? Suddenly, he could feel a blush spreading over his face, but he very much liked the idea of having a boyfriend.

"I'm sure, Wei-Xiong will turn me into a pile of dust full of Wen Qing's needles."

"You worry too much. They like you."

"That was before we started going out. Now I will be their enemy number one!" Huaisang panicked, throwing his intellect outside the window. No force in this universe could save him now.

Wen Ning burst out laughing. "I'm sure they will be happy for us," he reassured, entering the main hall where Wei Wuxian would be around this time. Instead, a cultivator in white greeted them.

"A-Ying? Bai Jue kidnapped him for a romantic getaway to let him rest. They should be back in a few days. Is it something urgent?"

"I'm going to live slightly longer," Huaisang muttered, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Is Master Nie alright? He looks incredibly pale," Xiao Xingchen said worriedly, then noticed their joined hands and smiled with understanding. "Don't worry. I'm sure A-Ying will be in a good mood once he returns. Why won't you go together on a night hunt to relieve stress? A distant village sent a request about several fierce corpses."

They both looked at each other and nodded. Since Huaisang began fan cultivation, his golden core improved significantly, and he started enjoying night hunts. Especially when A-Ning accompanied him. It was a perfect chance to be alone and explore further their blooming relationship.

Two days later, they arrived at the location. First, Huaisang noticed the village was too quiet for a place with fierce corpses. The sun was still on the horizon, but the streets were empty. He pulled Wen Ning closer and asked him to be careful. They slowly progressed towards the inn when suddenly a child rushed to them. A little girl in ragged clothes was crying and calling for help.

The image of a malnourished and covered in bruised girl broke his heart. Wen Ning dashed to her, but Huaisang instantly pulled him back and ordered her to stop.

"Something isn't right, A-Ning," Huaisang explained, seeing his confusion. "How come we couldn't hear her before? Her voice is rather loud."

"She must have been hiding."

"I don't like it. It doesn't feel right."

"We need to help her, A-Sang," he argued, looking at the wailing child a few steps away.

He tightened his grip and shook his head. "Then where is whatever was chasing her? How come it didn't follow here?"

"Well, aren't you smart master cultivator," a mocking voice called from the darkness. "It's too late. You are surrounded. I suggest you don't resist, or your cute little friend will pay."

"Don't you dare to touch him," Nie Huaisang hissed. His face turned stone cold with determination. He would rather die than let them hurt Wen Ning. Their position wasn't the best, and they couldn't utilise Wen Ning's archery skills. "I will distract them, and you sent the signal to Wei-Xiong. We are getting out of here. I promise you."

"What are you whispering about?" A tall man in ragged robes stepped out of the shadows. A long scar ran through his face, and an eyepatch covered his right eye.

Huaisang didn't recognise him. It was unlikely the stranger was involved with sects. "I was wondering why to go through so much trouble to lure us here. We don't even know you."

"It doesn't matter. All cultivators are the same. Greedy bastards taking everything they want and treating us like animals."

"Oh, I presume you met Lanling Jin? Dressed in gold idiots with overblown ego?"

The man hesitated in his steps while his knuckles turned white.

"I see we have a common enemy. Why not work together, hm? I can help you in many ways," he continued, trying to gauge how many people surrounded them. He was sure several archers were aiming at them. It was the only way to ambush a much stronger cultivator.

"We can grab your friend and force you to help us," the man sniggered, signalising his people to approach them.

Huaisang pretended to be scared and started backtracking to the nearest wall, shielding Wen Ning. Several men stepped into the fading light with triumphant expressions. Their victims were trapped with no way out. Once his boyfriend's back hit the wall, Huaisang completely shielded him. At least now he didn't have to worry about archers hurting his love.

"Sent the signal," he called, then pulled out his fan and blew his opponents away.

The talisman lit up, then dissipated into thin air. Huaisang smiled. He had to last for less than a minute to keep him safe. He didn't even feel the arrow piercing his shoulder. Then everything turned silent before erupting with a full of agony screams. It felt like hell descended onto this small, abandoned village.

"We need the leader, Wei...," he mumbled before passing out in his boyfriend's arms.

The first thing he felt was a warm hand tightly holding his, then the softness of the bed. They made it out. Relieved, he slowly opened his eyes and gazed at his sleeping boyfriend. His head rested on the edge of the bed, snuggled into his joined hands. Huaisang tried to lift his arm to stroke his soft hair, but sudden pain burst in his shoulder.

"Don't move your left arm, A-Sang," Wen Qing said, stepping closer. "The wound was more severe than expected. The arrowhead had ridges to increase the damage."

"Is A-Ning unharmed?"

"Yes, you pulled off quite a feat to gain our approval," she joked to lighten the mood. "A-Ying learned some interesting things from their leader. Quick thinking, A-Sang."

"Can we use it?"

"Yes, but for now, rest. You can indulge in your plots once your shoulder heals," she added, leaving them alone.

Huaisang gazed at the sleeping face with a soft smile. "I love you more than you can imagine, A-Ning."

Their assailants were from a small village west of Lanling. Their lives were never easy, but things got worse once a young maiden caught the attention of Jin Guashang. He used her as a plaything and then discarded her on the outskirts, leaving her for dead. Since then, Jin Guangyao would visit their village frequently, choosing a new girl for his father. Some never came back. After the year, they had nothing left. Some families escaped, and some were silenced. Survivors gathered together in the quest for revenge against cultivators. It was a sad ending but provided them with solid evidence incriminating Jin Guangyao. The leader was allowed to live only under the condition that he would testify when the time came.

After two years, Bai Jue had an entire catalogue of his soulmate's expressions. His favourite was the ones Wei Ying would make during sex, followed by this one. An amused annoyance. It meant that Wei Ying disagreed with his decision but secretly admitted it made sense. Unable to hold back a satisfied smirk, he looked straight into silver eyes, playfully wriggling his eyebrow.

"Stop looking so pleased with yourself!"

"I can't," he chirped. "You basically handed me your ass on a silver platter."

Wei Ying glared at him, trying to look serious. "Keep my ass out of it!"

"You should be glad it's still in one piece because for sure I am," Bai Jue scolded him. "Why would you try to heat up dinner with an explosive talisman? Do you have a death wish?!"

"I told you many times. It was an accident."

"You and the stove are beyond the accident. It's a disaster in the making!"

"It's your fault! I lack practice because you never let me into the kitchen," he complained, his gaze growing even more defiant.

He liked this one too. Wei Ying wouldn't give up the fight, no matter how unreasonable it was. On the bright side, it always ends with hot sex. It took lots of effort to shift his attention back to his argument. Bai Jue gave him are you serious look, then replied in a deadpan voice. "This is precisely why you are not allowed in the kitchen."

"Oh really? Isn't it because you can't handle a little chilli?"

"A little?! This thing could easily set the hell on fire," he argued, pointing at burned and barely holding together pot.

"That doesn't even make sense!"

"You can argue all you want, but if you ever stick out a single toe outside this line, I will sell you to Qing-Jie and her needles."

His eyes widened in a mixture of shock and fear. "You would not."

"You leave me no choice, so shall I take you for a check-up? It was quite an explosion. I'm sure she will be delighted to take care of you."

Wei Ying pointed his finger at him in utter disbelief. "You-you... monster."

Bai Jue smirked and drew him closer, his lips brushing over Wei Ying's sensitive skin on the neck. "I could always check you myself... every inch of you."

He tilted his head to the side, enjoying his sensual lips. Intense kisses and electrifying bites would always set him on fire. Silver eyes darkened with pleasure while his dextrous fingers stripped his soulmate layer by layer. Their argument was long forgotten, leaving only burning with desire eyes. Entangled in a passionate kiss, they tumbled to the bed.

"Bottom or top?"

A hot trail of kisses on his thigh left him in the needy ache for more. Wei Ying knew his soft lips would soon reach a point with no return, and he would let him do as he pleases. There was no need for an answer as his back arched in anticipation. His lips and slender fingers would always drive him crazy, wanting more. Each thrust was tantalisingly slow, drawing out the pleasure, pushing past their limits. It felt like they were meant to be like this... to fall into one another in a natural rhythm.

He always enjoyed their never-ending conferences. It was the best playground one could imagine. All sects gathered in one place with information flowing from every direction. An innocent remark could snowball into an uncontainable rumour. Nie Huaisang ensured the talisman hiding his golden core was in place. He walked into the main hall at Koi Tower, hiding a devilish smirk behind the folding fan. It was time to play. Four years of gathering information and resources led to this point. The beginning of the end for sects.

"I heard Jin Guangyao personally chose young girls for his father. He forced them away from family just to please him," a young lady whispered, partially covering her face with a tray.

"Horrible!" the other exclaimed, then shyly hurried away.

Their exchange happened at a carefully chosen spot and time, with several sect leaders within earshot. Similar conversations happened all over the place. Some mentioned Lanling Jin, some Yunmeng Jiang and the abuse they inflicted on Wei Wuxian, and some even mocked Lan's righteousness.

Meanwhile, Huaisang carefully observed his target, looking as bored and disinterested as possible. It didn't escape his attention how Guangyao perked up when news about Yin Hufu in Yi City reached his ears. It was time to send him on the goose chase. They wanted to see how far he would go to get it, but most importantly, why.

Soon his attention shifted to Sect Leader Jiang or Jiang Asshole Cheng as he started to call him. He looked tired and stressed. The vein on his forehead seemed ready to pop any minute. Trading routes around Yunmeng were slowly declining, just enough to hurt them and not raise suspicions until it was too late. Same for public opinion about the sect. It was the most careful part of their plan. After all, they were the ones to fall the hardest.

"I heard Young Mistress Jin, knew bout the abuse but never helped him. She even convinced Wuxian to stay at Lotus Pier."

"I had no idea she's so cruel."

"Me neither. Always pretending to be so caring and gentle," the woman said, glancing at Yanli before leaving the hall.

Young Mistress Jin frowned. How could they speak about her like this? Why would anyone care about Wei Wuxian? Didn't he disappear years ago? Yanli glanced at her brother seeking his support, but he seemed to have his own share of problems. Weren't things supposed to be better without Wei Wuxian around? She signed then plastered a smile on her face.

By the end of the day, Huaisang left the hall with an immense sense of accomplishment, excited to finally see his fiancé. It had been a few weeks, and he was dying to pull him into his arms and kiss him senseless.

"Second Master Nie."

Huaisang ensured the area was clear from unwanted ears, then turned around to face Lan Wangji. It was like his birthday again when he and A-Ning had sex for the first time. Now he really wanted to return to Lingjian. "I know you've been in seclusion for the last four years, but make it quick. I'm busy."

"I want to see him."

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"You are helping Wei Ying to hide. I want to see him."

Nie Huaisang sniggered. "What makes you think he needs help or hideout? Last time I checked, Wei-Xiong was a free man, leaving his life as he pleased."

"Where is he?"

"I'm afraid if Wei-Xiong didn't contact you himself, he simply doesn't wish to see you. Sharing his private information would be a massive violation of his trust. It's unforgivable behaviour to betray someone, don't you think? Oh, my bad," he added with a playful smile. "You know it better than anyone, Lan Wangji."

"I need to explain...."

"Keep your explanations to yourself," he cut him off. "Wei-Xiong neither cares nor needs it."

"You don't get to decide that!"

Huaisang shrugged. "You are welcome to scour the earth searching for him to see if I'm right. Good luck, Hanguang-Jun," he said, waving playfully.

When they discussed their plans last time, Nie Huaisang mentioned Lan Wangji, but Wei Ying genuinely didn't care. He was happy with Bai Jue for more than two years. They were a picture-perfect couple and so shameless it would embarrass the wildest erotica. Yet, it wouldn't stop him from punishing that traitor. After all, he had made a promise that day.

Even with his frequent trips to Lingjian, Huaisang noticed his brother's worsening condition. His clan had a long history of qi deviation, but Nie Mingjue was still young and seemed fine a few months ago. Especially with Lan Xichen regularly playing Cleansing. What changed? Worried, he decided to carefully watch him and trace every change.

A few days later, Nie Huaisang was in Si Ji Sect. He was absolutely livid. "That bastard! I don't know how but he aggravates Da-Gege's qi."

"Did you say Cleansing? Isn't Gusu's secret technique?"

"Apparently, Xichen taught him to bring that bloody dwarf closer to Da-Gege."

Lost in thoughts, Wei Ying plopped onto Bai Jue's lap. It was impossible for Cleansing to have an opposite effect unless the song was changed. "Are you sure it's Cleansing?"

"I think so? It sounds much like it, but I wasn't paying much attention to Xichen playing it. Could you tell the difference?"

"Of course, you have no idea how often I had to listen to it."

"I know, I'm asking for a lot, but could you please come with me and help Da-Gege?" Huaisang asked, looking at him apologetically.

Wei Ying nodded. "I have nothing against your brother. Besides, he doesn't deserve it."

They were hidden behind a folding screen and invisibility talisman, listening to Jing Guangyao playing Cleansing. At first glance, the song was strikingly similar, except for one passage. It was so well blended in he almost missed it. Meanwhile, Nie Mingjue tensed, and a few wisps of resentful energy escaped from his clenched fists. It seemed like Jin Guangyao was slowly poisoning the Red Blade Master, but neither of them could figure out why. Mingjue took him in when no one else would and treated him fairly. What were they missing? Once he was gone, they decided to confront Mingjue.

Huaisang slowly approached his brother, who still seemed to be agitated. "Da-Gege?"

"What is it?"

His voice was harsh and unpleasant, but it was understandable with the sheer amount of resentment swirling in his dantian.

"I'm concerned about your health and took the liberty to invite my close friend and his partner to help you," his voice sounded strong and confident.

Nie Mingjue finally looked at him with annoyance and instantly froze in shock. Behind his little brother stood Wei Wuxian and person he had never seen before. The energy swirling around them made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. It made him wonder when Wei Wuxian became stronger than any other living person he knew.

"Greetings, Sect Leader Nie," Wei Ying said playfully, leaning on his partner. "You seem to have a problem."

"I wouldn't call it just a problem. He won't live to see the morning."

"What?!" Huaisang exclaimed. "Can you do something?"

"Don't worry," Wei Ying reassured him. "We can subdue it now while we work on a more permanent solution."

Huaisang nodded, then glared at his brother. "You ARE going to listen to them, do you understand?"

Nie Mingjue nodded absentmindedly. His brother's sudden change, stern voice and appearance of a person sects considered dead were a lot to take. Then their carefree attitude and lack of respect. He felt like an insect in front of diety. Multiple questions swirled in his mind when he finally realised the man's words. He wouldn't live long enough to see the next day.

"I don't think we can reverse all damage to dantian, A-Jue," Wei Ying said, releasing Mingjue's wrist.

"It doesn't hurt to try. It's not like he has anything to lose at this point," Bai Jue replied, extending a glowing array above Sect Leader Nie's abdomen. "The resentment within his core is similar to spirits poisoned by demonic miasma. Interesting..."

"You know, I love you, right?" Wei Ying said, cancelling the array. "But I can't let you turn him into one of your experiments."

"Fine."

"You can experiment on me later," he whispered, his lips brushing Bai Jue's earlobe.

Bai Jue glanced at him with mischievous sparks in his dark eyes. A promise of an exciting time behind closed doors. "I'm going to hold you to that."

"Perfect," Wei Ying chirped, then shifted his attention to confused and annoyed Nie Mingjue.

Huaisang rolled his eyes with amusement. He always admired their ability to flirt and tease each other while, at the same time, being fully committed to their task. The only worry was his brother's reaction. He shifted closed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You are going to be okay, Da-Gege. Wei-Xiong and Bai Jue know everything about demonic cultivation there is. If anyone can reverse the damage Guangyao caused, it's them."

Mingjue looked at him, shocked. "What do you mean?"

"Neither of us noticed, but the song he plays it's different from Xichen's. Instead of calming you down, it actually aggravates your qi. He's poisoning you, Da-Gege. Do you have any idea why?"

"That sneaky bastard," Red Blade Master hissed. "I let slide all questionable things he did during the war, and this is how he repays me?!"

Once he finished explaining everything about Guangyao's deeds during and after the war, heavy silence descended upon the main hall.

"Unforgivable," Huaisang finally muttered, glaring at his brother. "You and Xichen accepted that and acted as if he did nothing wrong, but you easily condemned Wei-Xiong, who never did anything wrong. On the contrary, he saved all your useless asses!" he exploded, making all three flinch. "And you dare to call yourself righteous sects?! How dare you, Da-Gege?!"

"A-Sang, it's fine...."

"Don't you dare, Wei-Xiong," Huaisang cut him off. "ANSWER ME, DA-GEGE!"

"I... never thought about it," Nie Mingjue replied slowly, with embarrassment on his face. "We were exhausted after the war, and most sects were grateful to Lanling Jin for taking charge. Xichen supported them, so what could be wrong?"

"Xichen is a blind idiot!" Nie Huaisang hissed with annoyance, staring at his brother with contempt. "Just because you looked away doesn't mean you aren't responsible, Da-Gege! Do you remember the labour camp that suddenly disappeared? Wei-Xiong took them with my help. Do you know who was there? No, because you couldn't be bothered! We saved the elderly, farmers and children. Tell me what their crimes were?!"

"I had no idea, A-Sang could snap like this," Wei Ying whispered to his soulmate as they watched the whole argument unfold.

"Me neither. He is always so collected."

"Yeah, he will make an interesting brother-in-law."

After a long lecture from his little brother, Nie Mingjue lowered his head in shame. When did he turn into an ignorant fool? He didn't like the treatment Wuxian received from others after the war, but he didn't do anything to stop it. It wasn't his problem. Now the same person stood before him, willing to save his life. Fate truly worked in mysterious ways.

If hell paved with regrets and pain existed, Lan Wangji was trapped within it. After four years in seclusion, guilt etched deep into his soul. He could not forget the disappointment in Wei Ying's eyes nor the pain hidden behind his beautiful silver orbs. He spent many days wondering if Wei Ying hated him now. They promised to stand by each other, but Wangji followed the rules and his brother at the first sign of trouble. Wei Ying must have felt rejected and abandoned by everyone he cared about.

Wangji spent last year following advice from Nie Huaisang and searched everywhere, but there was no single trace of Wei Ying. It felt like he had vanished from the surface of the earth. If he wasn't hiding, why was it impossible to find him? His fingers moved over strings, playing another unanswered inquiry. "Where are you, Wei Ying?"

"Wangji?" Lan Xichen knocked on the door of Jingshi. He disagreed with his never-ending trips to find a demonic cultivator. Wuxian was finally gone from the cultivation world, and there was no reason to bring him back. His little brother had to move on and forget about him. "I'm going to visit Qinghe, would you like to accompany me? It will be a perfect chance to make amends with Huaisang."

Wangji nodded. It was a perfect chance to ask him about Wei Ying again. Maybe this time, Huaisang would cave in and point him in the right direction.

The atmosphere in the Impure Realm felt different. It was calmer and peaceful despite the sounds of intense training echoing within massive walls. Xichen and Wangji looked at each other, wondering if something had happened to Nie Mingjue. Sect Leader Lan left his brother to find Huaisang and rushed to the main hall. He was surprised to find his sworn brother looking so well.

"I was worried. A-Yao said you have been feeling worse recently despite Cleansing," Xichen replied when asked about the reason for his sudden visit.

Nie Mingjue took a deep breath to not betray his real feelings. Whatever Huaisang plotted, it required Jin Guangyao to believe his plan worked. "It's just one of better days."

"Would you like me to play for you?"

"Of course," Mingjue agreed. It was a perfect chance for him to focus and listen for differences, then plant a seed of suspicions. All he had to do was to listen to his little brother.

Lan Wangji was on his way to Huaisang quarters when he overheard two maids talking excitedly about Young Master's friends. Their sudden visit apparently caused a massive uproar. Disciples enjoyed their training routine while maidens adored them. Unwittingly, Hanguang-Jun hid behind the pillar as they were passing him.

"He is so handsome! I could look at him all day."

"Master Wei is better looking," the maid argued. "Oh, I need to hurry and take the breakfast to guest...," her voice faded as they turned around the corner.

Wangji couldn't believe that Wei Ying had returned to Qinghe. His face remained cold and composed, but he was overjoyed. He finally had a chance to explain himself, apologise to Wei Ying, and bring him to Cloud Recesses.

Full of determination to fix his past mistakes, Lan Wangji rushed to the guest quarters. It surprised him there were no guards in the area, leaving only a silent garden and a long building with multiple rooms. Afraid Wei Ying would escape from him, he decided to knock at each door instead of calling his name.

The first two guest rooms remained silent, but he could hear footsteps in the third. A young-looking man opened the door and looked at him questioningly. He had only a blanket wrapped around his waist, which he held in place with one hand. Realising he walked onto a naked person, Wangji shifted uncomfortably. He was about to apologise and walk away when a voice he would never forget called from inside.

"Tell them we aren't hungry and come back here. I'm cold," half-asleep Wei Ying complained.

"You heard him," Bai Jue said without caring about the unusual visitor. "I will wake him up in an hour."

Why his Wei Ying was in the same room as this shameless naked man? In a hot flash of jealousy, Wangji gripped the door frame. "Who are you?" he hissed.

Unimpressed, Bai Jue shrugged. "If you don't know, you shouldn't be here."

"I'm not leaving without him," Wangji said sternly, tightening his grip.

Now he was annoyed. Bai Jue wanted to return to bed and continue their last experiment. Still, somehow he was stuck dealing with a delusional guy.

Upset by losing his partner and blanket, Wei Ying pulled his trousers and wandered towards the door. Not wanting to lose his precious sleep, he followed his instinct with his eyes closed. Bai Jue's aura was distinctive, and he was drawn to it like a moth to the flame. His arms instantly wrapped around his slender waist. Wei Ying glued himself to Bai Jue's back with his chin rested on the firm shoulder. "What takes you so long?" he murmured, kissing his neck.

"This guy won't leave," he explained, interlocking their fingers together. "Since we aren't here technically, I'm trying to be nice and not make a mess."

"Huh? It didn't stop you from making a mess out of me," Wei Ying replied, teasing his earlobe with tantalising bites. "Remind me to never participate in your experiments."

"The same experiment you beg me to not stop?"

"Fuck you!"

"Sure, let me just get rid of this guy," Bai Jue chirped, then gazed at the cultivator in white. His playful expression contrasted with icy cold dark eyes. "If I were you, I would leave while he's still half-asleep."

His heart shattered beyond repair, allowing a wave of overwhelming anger to consume him. While he was waiting and searching for Wei Ying, his soulmate was playing around with another guy. Then they bluntly ignored him, flirting shamelessly in front of him. He gripped Bichen till his knuckles turned white. Wangji wished to chop this shameless guy to pieces and drag Wei Ying back to Gusu, where he belonged. "You are not qualified to talk to me," Wangji hissed angrily.

Bai Jue burst out laughing. "A-Ying, wake up! This guy is really something else."

Wei Ying let out a displeased grunt, then his silver eyes opened. It was surprising how indifferent he was about seeing him again. The time he craved attention was long gone. Wei Ying learned how to love and be loved thanks to the person in his arms.

"Hanguang-Jun!" a stern voice caught their attention. "I didn't know Gusu Lan lacks manners and discipline. Sneak around and bother someone else guests, unbelievable! It would seem four years in seclusion didn't teach you anything. I'm afraid I will have to report this to Da-Gege and sneak punishment," he added, then glanced at the standing in the doorway couple. Huaisang could barely hide his amused smile.

In contrast to their love, the pain and suffering written on Lan Wangji's face were like icing on the cake. "How often did I tell you to dress before opening the doors? All maids are fawning over you."

Wei Ying's eyes sparkled as he glanced down at the blanket wrapped around his soulmate's waist.

Huaisang cleared his throat. "I will leave you to it then," he said, then grabbed stunned Lan Wangji and dragged him to the main hall.

Xichen looked at him with concern. "Wangji, what happened? You look horrible."

"Oh, he just discovered the consequences of listening to his amazing older brother," Nie Huaisang replied sarcastically. "Da-Gege, he was bothering our guests."

"This is unacceptable, Xichen. You need to teach your brother boundaries!"

Sect Leader Lan bowed in apologies, then dragged his brother back to Gusu. He tried to learn from him what happened, but Wangji seemed locked in his own world. Since Lan Zhan met Wei Wuxian, his little brother has kept making mistakes and breaking the rules. Xichen regretted he didn't separate them sooner. His uncle and A-Yao were correct, saying someone like him didn't belong with Wangji.

Once Nie Mingjue made a full recovery, he called an emergency conference with all sects invited. Everyone was under the impression he was to discuss his declining health and name a successor. It was a difficult time for sects, and they hoped Qinghe, which didn't seem to suffer any financial problems, could offer a solution.

Yunmeng Jiang was declining fast, losing not only civilians but also disciples. The cultivation world was full of rumours about the abuse they inflicted on Wei Wuxian. Some healers and maids from Lotus Pier openly confirmed many of them, further accelerating the sect's downfall. Jiang Cheng was grabbing at the straws, but with his temper tantrums and pride, the end was inevitable.

Even rich Lanling Jin couldn't escape the change in public opinion. Jin Guangshan was forced to resign after news about his alleged kidnappings and rapes of innocent girls. Jin Guangyao could slide between cracks playing innocent and using Gusu Lan's support. Unfortunately, it slowly started to backfire on the sect in mourning clothes. More voices were speaking that defending someone who willingly helped his father commit so many atrocities was wrong.

The conference at Impure Realm couldn't come at a better time. Or so they thought. The fortress was full of civilians like merchants and officials.

It started with Nie Huaisang presenting detailed evidence of Jin Guangyao's crimes during the war, including cooperation with notorious Xue Yang. Then he explained the labour camps' situation and the prisoners' nature. Cultivators looked uncomfortable, while civilians were utterly disgusted. "Lastly, we have evidence that Jin Guangyao attempted to murder Da-Gege by causing qi deviation with a modified version of Cleansing. I'm mortified that Sect Leader Lan taught a person with such violent history something that could easily harm his sworn brother."

"Lies!" Su She stood up to defend his master.

"I was afraid you would find our discoveries unbelievable," Huaisang continued, unfazed. "To clear your doubts, I invited someone to perform empathy and let us learn the truth from the source."

There were multiple gasps and uncomfortable glances as they entered the hall. It wasn't forgiving and always smiling Wei Wuxian, they knew. The power rolling off him and his companion was suffocating. No one, besides one idiot, dared to protest.

Jiang Cheng was worn off thin. Constant rumours and accusations were infuriating. Why did suddenly everyone care how they treated a stray dog who brought ruin to Lotus Pier? Then the continuous struggle with disciples abandoning their duties and an empty treasury. He didn't want to admit that Yunmeng Jiang lost its glory under his leadership. It was easier to blame Wei Wuxian. Below the surface, jealousy and hatred festered. It was natural; it exploded once he saw his former brother stronger than he could ever be.

"How dare you show yourself here, Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng roared, rushing to them with Zidian, but suddenly froze in place. His face twisted in pain when Bai Jue flicked his fingers and pulled out a brightly glowing golden core.

"Seriously, A-Ying. This asshole?" he asked, watching the golden orb dissipate into glowing specs of dust on the wind.

"I was young and stupid, okay?"

Bai Jue smiled at him, then waved his hand, allowing an unconscious body to fall to the ground. Everyone was frozen in shock, barely registering Huaisang's explanation that Wei Wuxian only took back what was his. He promised Sect Leader Jiang would be allowed to live. After all, taking away the sole purpose of his existence was the most fitting punishment.

Jin Guangyao's memories were shocking and disturbing. Even his most devoted supporters turn their backs on him. He tried to plead with Xichen, but the latter chose the fragile reputation of Gusu Lan. No one opposed when Baxia claimed its life as punishment for the attempted murder of Nie Mingjue.

It was a day of revelation to civilians and taught them to not follow sects blindly. To judge for themselves what's right and wrong. Black and white.

In years to follow, Yunmeng Jiang disappeared from the map, like Lanling Jin. Gusu Lan survived with a small group of disciples secluded on the mountain. Especially after the main family fell apart. Lan Wangji locked himself in Jingshi and never spoke to anyone, while ridden with guilt, Xichen entered seclusion. Stuck in his old ways, Qiren couldn't rebuild the sect, and soon it faded from everyone's memory.  

The world changed. It gave birth to many small sects with fresh views, allowing the cultivation world to bloom under the watchful eyes of Qinghe Nie in the south and Si Ji Sect in the north.