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

Premises: Mo Xuanyu summons Wei Wuxian, who became the Supreme Ghost. (13 years in Cultivation Realm, 60 years in Ghost Realm). Upon his death, Wei Ying's spirit was pulled into Mount Tanglu. After 6 years, he emerged as the newest Supreme and destroyed Yushi Kingdom. Dislike toward Qi Rong brought him closer to Hua Cheng.

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan confessed their feelings during his visit to Yiling. Major sects believed in rumours and followed LanlingJin in demands to hand over Yin Hufu. During Nighless city, Lan Zhan chose to follow his Sect rules and stood against Wei Ying, despite the truth behind the situation in Burial Mounds. Wei Ying hates him and swore revenge on the sects for killing innocent Wen, especially his Qing-Jie.

Sacrifice summon goes wrong

The small room vibrated with energy, the smell of blood was overwhelming. A young man sat in front of the array designed by Wei Wuxian, infamous Yiling Patriarch. His hands were covered in multiple cuts, clothes and hair were dishevelled. His eyes carried an immense determination as he whispered an incantation. Covered in blood, palms slapped the floor, and the room exploded with resentful energy.

Mo Xuanyu looked up, straight into emotionless crimson red eyes. In front of him stood a handsome man in exquisite black coat and white inner robes. His clothes were kept together by a black leather belt and crimson red sash. Wide sleeves were hiding intricate black vambraces. A nasty chill spread over his body, the power emanating from him was suffocating. "Yi-Yiling Patriarch?"

The man raised an eyebrow. His expression looked nonchalant, nearly bored.

"Uh..." Mo Xuanyu was overwhelmed. According to ritual, the vengeful spirit should take over his body. Yet, he was still alive. Was he rejected? "Uh... I... offer you my body, take it and get revenge for me!" yelled in one breath, then spread his arms to welcome the spirit.

"Bothersome," a cold voice replied.

'Did I do something wrong? He should listen to my request, right?' Mo Xuanyu mustered courage and spoke again, "You are bound to my will."

His face darkened, crimson red eyes were full of silent ferocity. His hand moved leisurely up, and an invisible force dragged Mo Xuanyu's body upwards by his throat. The boy started tossing and trying to free his neck from the iron grip.

"How foolish," the man said, releasing him.

"I-I... don't understand. Why it doesn't work?" Mo Xuanyu muttered in disbelief.

The man smirked. "I can't be bound by a mere mortal, even if they use my old invention."

The boy's eyes widened in shock. "Y-you are Wei Wuxian?!"

"I didn't hear that name for decades." There was a trace of nostalgia in his cold voice, yet his eyes remained emotionless. "It reminds me of rather an unpleasant past."

"I apologise," replied with a low bow. "How should I call you?"

"Shen Ying, Death-Bringing Crimson Mist, the Fourth Great Calamity."

Mo Xuanyu looked at him, terrified. He read briefly about Great Calamities from the Ghost Realm. They were something Mortal and Heavenly Realm dreaded. The Cultivation Realm was lucky to avoid their attention until now. According to stories, one Ghost King could destroy the kingdom with a snap of his fingers. Mo Xuanyu felt cold sweat on his back. His summon went horribly wrong. Instead of a nearly forgotten soul, he called upon an impeccable doom. This man would not be interested in his silly revenge. 'What have I done?!'

"Since I'm already here, amuse me with your idea of revenge."

"I want you to kill the Mo family for abusing me..." he trailed off, unsure how to continue. Was he allowed to mention Nie Huaisang, who helped him escape from Jin Guangyao and delivered Wei Wuxian scrolls? Was it safe to ask someone like him for help with trivial matters? Mo Xuanyu wasn't sure what Nie Huaisang goal was. Sect Leader Nie insisted on summoning Wei Wuxian. Why? Was Jin Guangyao related to Yiling Patriarch's death? After short consideration, he decided to focus on one step at a time. "Uh... I want them to be humiliated and suffer...."

The Ghost King gave him a knife-like smile. "Why not slit their throats in the sleep and keep your soul?"

Mo Xuanyu looked away.

Wei Ying didn't like being used or lied to. His aura grew more intense, flooding the tiny room. It turned freezing cold and oppressive. "What is the real reason you summoned me here?" asked slowly, while crimson red eyes pierced the boy's soul.

"Ask Sect Leader Nie," ushered, terrified.

"Nie Mingjue? I have no reason to help him with anything."

Mo Xuanyu shook his head rapidly. "Nie Mingjue died shortly after... uh... you."

"Oh? How did he die?"

"Qi deviation."

Wei Ying stroked his chin while an amused smirk played on his lips. "Who else died?"

Trembling with fear, Mo Xuanyu recounted events since the Yiling Patriarch's death, including suspicious rumours in Koi Tower. "Oh, GusuLan arrived today to cleanse the area from evil spirits... uh...." The boy shrank, seeing the icy cold gaze of crimson eyes. If he thought the man was terrifying before, he was wrong.

"Interesting," smirked. "Very well, you have my attention. Oh, you can keep this useless body of yours," Wuxian added, leaving the room.

Unsure of what to do, Mo Xuanyu decided to follow him. The entrance to the main hall was blocked by onlookers, but he could see young men in white robes and the Mo family in the centre. Instinctively his fists tightened. If only he would be stronger.

"Wanna have fun?"

A cold whisper sent a shiver down his spine, yet Mo Xuanyu nodded. The Ghost King gently tapped his shoulder, and the boy felt control over his own body slipping away. It was as if he was watching a puppet. It was amusing to watch himself like this. He pushed through the crowd and loudly accused his cousin of theft. Then put a marvellous show yelling about abuse and laughing like a madman. He made fun of his cousin, swiftly avoiding his attacks and causing him to fall on his ugly face. The crowd was laughing. Mo Xuanyu could tell how furious and embarrassed his aunt was. For the first time in years, he genuinely laughed.

At night, they sat on the rooftop watching young Lan disciples setting up the array to capture the spirit. It was surrounded by black flags.

Wei Wuxian rested a hand behind him, slipping into a relaxed position as he twirled a black flute in his other hand. "Hypocrites. They condemn me but still use my inventions."

Mo Xuanyu glanced at him. "H-how are you going to kill them?"

"Spirit lurking around. It's incomplete, but these kids won't be able to stop him. First your cousin, then the rest of the family. They will kill each other."

"But if so many cultivators can't subdue him, how will he listen to you?"

Wei Ying snickered. "You have no idea what did you call here."

                                                                                          ****

The Gusu flare light up the night sky. The man in the white robes put away his guqin, mounted the sword, and then rushed toward Mo Village. He could feel resentment from a distance. It reminded him of his biggest mistake, a regret latched to his soul like a parasite. How badly he wished to turn back time and save the one he loved... the one he betrayed.

Juniors were overwhelmed by what looked like fierce corpses. The resentment was heavy yet familiar. It carried traces of Yin Iron. The Cultivator summoned his guqin and sent killer string to subdue the spirit.

Meanwhile, Mo Xuanyu shivered in fear when his companion's expression changed again. His handsome face was frigid cold. His gaze could turn lava into a block of ice. Whoever the newcomer was, the man beside hated him.

"Oh, you are still alive. How disappointing," Wei Ying hissed, seeing his former lover. Intrigued by the nature of the spirit, he summoned it before Hanguang-Jun could capture it. It was a fragment of the soul brutally dismembered with the body. Nie Mingjue met a truly pitiful end. Blinded by hatred toward everyone with the surname Wen man was killed by someone with the same hatred toward him. 'Irony,' Wei Ying smirked, then turned around and walked away. The Mo Family was gone. There was no reason for him to stay any longer. Besides, he had questions, and only one person could answer them. 'Guess I can stay here for a while and make them pay,' he thought with an amused smirk.

Fierce corpses and Yin Iron. 'Wei Ying, is it you? It has been thirteen years, can you still return to me? Can you give me another chance?' Lured by the noise outside, Wangji jumped on the rooftop. Despite clutter from the stable, his eyes shifted toward a man standing in the middle of the street. His posture was full of strength and dignity. Then he turned around, and Wangji found himself staring into crimson red eyes. Hanguang-Jun took a step forward, his hand reaching for the person in front of him, but the man disappeared with a devilish smile on his lips. Lan Wangji staggered. The man looked different, but he would recognise this crimson red eyes everywhere. 'Do you hate me, Wei Ying? I'm sorry for not believing in you... for not standing by your side.'

****

Decades of masterful deception were about to bear fruits. Carefully laid traps and plans needed the last piece of the puzzle. The only person who ever saw the real him. A sworn brother, he was too weak to save. Today it will change. Yet, he felt regretful. He wished to find a better host. Nie Huaisang sighed, then slid the garden door open and stepped outside. His eyes widened. A man stood in the centre of his private garden, an oasis protected by barriers designed by his sworn brother. Unpenetrable barriers. Yet, his visitor stood there, unbothered. His face was handsome and cold as if carved out of the moonlight he stood in. Then, calm crimson red eyes gazed at him, and he finally understood. 

"Wei-Xiong!" Nie Huaisang exclaimed and darted forward to embrace the taller man.

There weren't many people he missed, but his sworn brother was one of them. "How have you been, A-Sang?" he asked, gently patting his brother's head.

"Busy."

"I noticed," Wei Ying replied, sitting on the steps.

Nie Huaisang brought two jars of wine and sat beside him. "What happened at Mo Manor? I thought your ritual required a willing donor. How come you have a physical body without using Mo Xuanyu?"

Wei Ying grabbed Huaisang's hand and placed it over his heart. "Do you feel it?"

Huaisang frowned, confused. "Feel what... there is nothing... Wei-Xiong, why you do not have a heartbeat?"

"I don't breathe either," he replied, then explained what happened after his death.

After using his life force to destroy Yin Hufu, Wei Ying woke up on the bare mountain with ruins of an ancient city. Chenqing and Suibian lay beside him. He spent years developing demonic cultivation, fighting other spirits and building a new demonic core. After four years, Wei Wuxian was able to wield a sword again. He also met twins sister spirits who became part of the Si Yi Seal, a protective array within a tassel at his waist. Once he broke free from Mount Tonglu, Wei Ying destroyed the Yushi Kingdom and heavily wounded Qi Rong as revenge for the twins. Heaven Officials proclaimed him the Fourth Great Calamity, Death-Bringing Crimson Mist, and he took the name Shen Ying. Thanks to his exploits, Wei Ying picked up the interest of the most notorious Ghost King, Hua Cheng, The Crimson Rain Sought Flower. Having similar personalities and dislike towards Qi Rong, they bonded over wine and became close friends.

"Wow, Wei-Xiong. Your life is never boring, isn't it?"

Wuxian smiled and drank his wine. They chatted a while about the past, exchanged stories and continued drinking. At dawn, Wei Ying dropped the playful mood and asked, "Why did you summon me?"

"Two reasons. First, I finally have enough evidence to clear your name. I learnt that Jin Guangyao framed you and organised an ambush at Qiongqi Path. One of his supporters cursed Jin Zixun, then sent Zixuan to stop the ambush," Huaisang added, making air quotes. "But most importantly, I have the right to believe Wen Ning isn't dead."

"What?!"

"Mo Xuanyu swore he saw Xue Yang visiting dungeons. I believe they keep him there. I'm trying to find a way to free him, but it's not easy to access their dungeons. Luckily, no one suspected useless, scared me of plotting anything. Guangyao and Xichen see me as their weak little brother. It allowed me to find interesting information in Lan's forbidden library. A music score that could alter Chenqing's instructions."

Wei Ying's gaze grew icy cold. "Their greed has no bounds, doesn't it?"

The Sect Leader Nie nodded in agreement. "The second reason is also related to Guangyao. I believe he killed Da-Gege. Did you hear about the music that could cause Qi Deviation?"

Unwittingly, Wei Ying kept tapping his nose, lost in thoughts. If he could write music like this on the spot, there could be someone before him. Lan's Forbidden Library was a treasure cove for ancient scrolls and books. Jin Guangyao was cunning and intelligent. He could have altered the Clarity song to slowly kill Nie Mingjue. Wei Ying summoned a fragment of spirit he extracted from the arm at Mo Manor.

"What is it, Wei-Xiong?"

"It's part of your brother's soul," he replied, stabilising the spirit. It was barely visible with a sliver of consciousness. Still, if they could communicate with him and locate other parts, Nie Mingjue could tell them what exactly happened to him.

Nie Huaisang voice trembled. "Da-Gege?"

The spirit seemed to recognise him, but unable to speak, he only pointed west.

****

A man in the golden robes rushed through the splendid corridors of Koi Tower. His steps were unsteady, and he kept looking back as if death itself was chasing him. He stopped in front of the doors to the main hall, fixed his robes, and then entered with a fake smile. A young man with a fan dashed toward him with tears slowing down his cheeks.

"Er-gege, help me!"

"Of course," replied with a gentle voice. "Please, tell me what happened."

Huaisang hid his face behind the fan and watched a sudden change in Jin Guangyao's face with an amused smirk. It contracted in pain, betraying sleepless nights. 'How do you enjoy seeing Da-Gege? Wei-Xiong's fake skins made our revenge so much more exciting,' Huaisang thought with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Er-gege, is everything alright?' asked innocently.

The Chief Cultivator rubbed his eyes. The mirage was gone. "Yes," replied slowly. "I'm a bit overworked and tired, but how can I help you."

"Recently, someone broke into our ancestral hall. Baxia is gone!" Huaisaing exclaimed dramatically. "Da-Ge's body is missing too! Er-gege, what happened to them?"

Jin Guangyao paled. Over the last few weeks, he would see Nie Mingjue everywhere. Did his sworn brother return to get revenge? They dismembered his body and soul, but what if the Blade Master's resentment was stronger than this? First, Wen Ning disappeared from the dungeons without a trace. Now, this. He swallowed hard, then gently patted Nie Huaisang's back and reassured him that they would find Baxia.

After Nie Huaisang left, Jin Guangyao returned to his bedroom. Unaware he had been followed, Chief Cultivator rushed to his secret room. With shaky steps, he approached a stand with black curtains. His fingers gripped soft fabric, ready to pull it away, yet he hesitated. Reflected on the golden plate across from him, a cold gaze of his former sworn brother wouldn't leave his face. It seemed to question him, challenge him to discover the truth. Did Nie Mingjue return from the dead? Was his head still sealed behind the curtain?

Jin Guangyao didn't even notice when everything stopped. His mind froze mid-sentence. A person behind him changed into a handsome young man with crimson red eyes. In wide strides, he approached the stand and lifted the curtain. "Forgive me, former Sect Leader Nie," he said, paying respect, then gently waved his hand, and the sealed head disappeared. He flipped through scrolls and documents. One especially caught his attention. An ownership act of property in Yunping City. Wei Ying sent the message to Nie Huaisang, asking him to investigate it, then, using a drop of blood, wrote a few words on the stand.

Chief Cultivator took another shaky breath and lifted the curtain. Instantly his shriek filled the room as he spun around. The words on the stand read: Behind you. Jin Guangyao dropped to the ground like a puppet with cut strings. His feverish eyes kept darting around. "I didn't have a choice. I didn't have a choice,"  he kept chanting.

He could not believe his perfect plan was collapsing after so many years. His mind was clouded with fear. Xue Yang disappeared a couple of years ago, leaving him alone with this nightmare. Ever since he started seeing Nie Mingjue, it felt like someone was dragging his soul through hell.

Worn out beyond limits, Jin Guangyao left for Cloud Recesses. He was curious if Lan Xichen noticed anything unusual. It wasn't secret that his ridden with guilt brother kept searching for Wei Wuxian. If there was any chance Yiling Patriarch returned, Jin Guangyao would blame him for his recent visions. It would mean he didn't lose his mind. It would mean he could save himself.

He used his token and, as usual, entered Cloud Recesses unbothered by guards. It was close to the curfew. The serenity of his surrounding calmed him and relaxed his feverish mind. Then he heard inquiry. Hanguang-Jun would play it every night, but this time it was different. Someone responded. Guangyao carefully approached Jingshi, listening.

"Do you know Wei Wuxian?"

"Yes."

"Where is he?"

"I don't know."

"Why are you here?"

"For the one behind you."

Jin Guangyao dashed behind the building, holding his breath. It must have been Nie Mingjue. Who else knew Wei Wuxian and would seek revenge on him? His body was trembling in fear. His mind told him to run, but his feet wouldn't move. He could only pray Lan Wangji won't notice him.

Meanwhile, two persons hidden in the shadows watched the scene with amusement. All players were at their mercy.

"I thought one can't lie during the inquiry, Wei-Xiong."

Wuxian shrugged. "It only applies to low-rank ghosts. Wraith could easily pretend to be someone else."

"What are you going to do about him?" Huaisang asked, pointing his fan at Lan Wangji. The Cultivator kept looking around, trying to find a mentioned by the spirit person.

"I will make him suffer," Wuxian replied, his cold voice laced with venom. Lan Wangji betrayed him. Despite knowing the truth about Wen Remnants and their peaceful lives in Burial Mounds, he chose to stand by sects and their accusation. He allowed the slaughtering of innocent. His declarations were nothing but lies.

Nie Huaisang nodded. "I heard he spent the last thirteen years regretting and searching for you. It pisses me off. He has no right to mourn. I can't wait to see his face when he learns the truth."

Wei Ying smiled. His sworn brother was always feisty but often would hide behind a mask of silliness and cowardice. It allowed him to work behind the scenes, pull the strings and make things happen. Wuxian knew his only regret. Inability to protect him and Wen Remnants. Huaisang was trying his best, but his hands were tied with his brother's hatred. What could one person do against the whole cultivation world? Yet, he did not give up. Huaisang kept investigating, searching for truth to bring him back and clear his name. Wuxian appreciated it. He didn't plan to stay in Cultivation Realm, but it would be nice to have someone to visit from time to time.

As Wangji walked closer to Guangyao's hiding spot, Wuxian waved his hand and sent a mirage of Nie Mingjue to spook Jin. As soon as a cold hand touched his neck, Guangyao jumped away, straight into Lan Wangji.

"Sect Leader Jin, what are you doing here?" Hanguang-Jun asked, observing him carefully. Was Jin Guangyao the person spirit spoke of? Someone who knew Wei Ying wanted revenge on him? Once Huaisang accused him of being blind and stupidly following LanlingJin. Did Sect Leader Nie know more about Wei Ying's death?

"Greetings, Hanguang-Jun. I was visiting Er-gege. If you allow, I will take my leave."

Jin Guangyao hastily walked away. Nie Mingjue was out there to get him, and it wasn't Wei Wuxian's doing. He needed to find Xue Yang and devise a counter plan to protect himself and his achievements. He stood on the top of the cultivation world, and no one will take it away from him.

Lan Wangji watched him with his eyebrows knitted together, then directed his steps to Hanshi. "Brother?" he asked, gently knocking at the door.

"Did something happen?" Xichen asked, pocking his head outside. "It's nearly curfew."

"I was wondering if you had any visitors today."

Lan Xichen looked at him, confused. "No, why?"

Why Jin Guangyao lied to him? If he wasn't visiting Xichen, what was he doing in Cloud Recesses? Was there a reason for Chief Cultivator to sneak around? Wangji apologised to his brother and left, making plans to visit Qinghe. Thirteen years ago, LanlingJin insisted Wei Ying was building an army. They accused him of killing disciples on Qiongqi Path, but no one questioned the circumstances. Wei Ying wouldn't curse people. If he wanted them dead, he would kill them openly. Someone manipulated events behind the scenes, and they blindly followed. He blindly followed others and betrayed his soulmate.

****

Qinghe Nie felt different. The usual receding and laidback sect was gone. The ward surrounding tall walls was impenetrable. Wangji reached out and touched it. It reminded him of Wei Ying, the prodigy when it came to arrays and talismans. It felt as if Wei Ying had designed it. But it was impossible. Wei Ying died because of him... because of his indecisiveness. 'Forgive me, Wei Ying."

Suddenly, Wangji looked up. On the top of the wall stood a familiar figure. Black coat and white inner robes fluttered in the wind while emotionless crimson red eyes looked down at him. His lips whispered the only name he yearned for, but the man disappeared without a trace. Did Wei Ying try to tell him something? Lan Wangji asked the guard for an audience with Sect Leader.

In the last decade, Nie Huaisang gained the title of Head-Shaker, an incompetent leader whose most well-known phrase was: 'I don't know!' This person was nowhere to be seen. The man sitting on the throne had a cold and calculated gaze. 

His sect stood proud and strong. Sounds of intense training resonated throughout Qinghe. Walking to the main hall, Wangji caught a glimpse of their sword form. It was different yet familiar. The movements were fluid like grass in the wind. Some disciples trained with war fans. It looked like Nie Huaisang moved on from traditions toward disciples' safety and strength.

"What do I owe this questionable pleasure, Hanguang-Jun?"

Wangji flinched. It wasn't Nie Huaisang he knew. Their relationship has been strained since Wei Ying's death, but he never openly rejected him. "Truth behind Wei Ying's death."

His eyes gleamed dangerously above the fan, covering half of his face. "You are not qualified to speak his name," Huaisang hissed.

Huaisang's voice was laced with venom, but it also made him realise that Sect Leader Nie knew the truth. Was the man Wangji kept seeing Wei Ying's spirit? Did he avoid inquiry by staying by Huaisang's side? They were close friends, and Nie was the only person besides MianMian who spoke on Wei Yings and Remnants' behalf. It would be natural for Wei Ying to stay with his friend. 'Did I fail you so badly, Wei Ying?'

"I have nothing to say to you, Hanguang-Jun. You may leave."

"I want to see him."

Nie Huaisang's face did not change. "Be my guest," he shrugged. "Lans are adept in communication with spirits. Did you not try to contact Wei-Xiong?"

He watched with amusement Wangji's crestfallen face. 'Do you see it, Wei-Xiong? Now he regrets? Now he looks for you? Where was he when you needed him?' Their plan was at the finish line. They recovered remnants of Jin Guangyao's mother and learned the truth behind the temple in Yunping city. The former brothel was burned down with women and customers by no one else but Chief Cultivator. They even left him a little surprised. A trap and puppet looking like Nie Mingjue in place of his mother. Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian were sure with the pressure they put on him, Jin Guangyao would soon rush to Yunping city. With Xue Yang in their custody, they were a step away from revealing the truth. The next conference in Koi Tower will change the cultivation world.

"Is he here?"

"Why look for him now? Didn't you turn your back on the truth when Wei-Xiong needed you? Didn't you choose to believe Jins over him? We both knew the truth behind Remnants, behind Wei-Xiong's family. We both have regrets. But, unlike you, I was powerless back then. Unlike you, I never stopped believing in him." His body was trembling with anger when suddenly he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. It was as if calming, invisible reassurance descended on him. Huaisang took a deep breath. He felt annoyed with himself. To lose his composure because of a useless traitor was embarrassing.

Lan Wangji couldn't even argue with him. Huaisang's words were like daggers piercing him with the brutal truth. He swore to never leave him and protect him, but in the most crucial moment, Wangji chose to stand with his sect. He paid the ultimate price for it. His soulmate was gone. Suddenly his eyes widened. For a brief moment, he saw a man standing behind Huaisang. Crimson red eyes warmly gazed at Sect Leader Nie, then they shifted toward him and turned icy cold. Then he was gone, leaving Wangji shattered.

"Wei-Xiong is gone, and you are one of the people responsible for his death, Hanguang-Jun. Don't you think it is too late for regrets?"

****

All sects gathered in Lanling for the annual conference held by Chief Cultivator in Koi Tower. They enjoyed the banquet and various entertainments, yet it did not escape anyone's attention that Jin Guangyao looked pale and tired. It could be explained by the sheer amount of work and planning involved with the conference, but the truth couldn't be more different. The Sect Leader Jin's sanity was spread thin, ready to snap with a gentle push.

He could not believe how things fell apart. Xue Yang was still missing. He could not discover how Ghost General escaped the dungeons and their control. Did Xue Yang betray him? Someone stole his mother's remnants and left a trap that nearly killed him. Then he would constantly see Nie Mingjue. Did he return from the dead to get revenge? Xue Yang reassured him that it won't be possible after dismembering his body and soul. But he could no longer pretend it was his imagination. Nie Mingjue followed him everywhere.

Nie Huaisang watched the banquet, hiding behind his fan with a triumphant smirk. They were ready. Everyone was gathered in the main hall. Lan Xichen failed to listen to Da-Gege's warnings. Lan Wangji betrayed Wei-Xiong. Jiang Cheng a jealous asshole. And finally, Jin Guangyao and Su She. Two traitors who will pay today.

No one noticed a barrier trapping them in the main hall, then the door burst open, and a group of Nie disciples walked in. They carried in a coffin and a chained man with a black bag over his head. Confusion mixed with shock erupted as all eyes turned toward Sect Leader Nie. It wasn't a weak and useless man they came to know. Nie Huaisang and his disciples radiated with power and determination.

"What is the meaning of this, A-Sang," Lan Xichen asked worriedly.

Huaisang stood up and walked towards the coffin, then gently caressed a red seal. "We are here to discuss crimes someone committed over fifteen years."

"A-Sang, Yiling Patriarch is dead...." Xichen started, but Huaisang's cold gaze shut him up.

"Tsk, do you really think everything can be blamed on Wei-Xiong? How blind are you to not see the real criminals in front of you, right A-Yao?" added, his voice dripping with venom.

Jin Guangyao paled but still smiled as he got up from his throne and walked toward Huaisang. "A-Sang, I know Er-Gege's death was hard on you, but it's time to let go."

"Oh, funny, you mentioned Da-Gege. A close friend of mine helped me collect his soul. Why don't we ask Da-Gege how did he die?"

The resentment flooded the room when Nie Huaisang opened the spirit trapping pouch and released his brother. It lunged forward at Jin Guangyao, grabbed his neck and lifted him up.

"Well, that says a lot, doesn't it? We have more surprises," Huaisang said, pulling off the bag and revealing their prisoner. "Does Chief Cultivator care to explain why Xue Yang is alive and free?"

Jin Guangyao stopped fighting the iron grip of the spirit and looked terrified at the bound man. How could Nie Huaisang capture him? This useless excuse for a human being ruined all his plans. He could feel his blood boil with anger.

"Not able to speak? Oh dear, how are we going to learn the truth? I guess I have to hand it over to you, Wei-Xiong," Huasaing smirked, looking at the throne.

On the Chief Cultivator throne sat a young man with crimson red eyes. His pose was relaxed, almost nonchalant, with his left leg slung over the armrest, exposing black well-fitted trousers. He wore exquisite white inner robes and a black coat held in place by a black belt and crimson sash. He supported his right elbow on the armrest and leaned his head on his palm. The wide sleeve slid down, exposing intricate black vambraces. But it was an oppressive amount of energy surrounding him that left them speechless.

Jin Guangyao turned his head with incredible difficulty. His eyes widened in shock. This man did not look like Wei Wuxian; who was it?

Lan Wangji shoot to his feel. "Wei Ying!"

Cold crimson red eyes turned toward him, and with a gentle wave of his left hand, Lan Wangji was silenced. Same for Jiang Cheng, who also stood up in anger. Then the deep red tendrils connected everyone with Chief Cultivator, forcing them to join the empathy.

Everyone gathered in the main hall, except for Qinghe Nie, became unwilling witnesses to Jin Guangyao's life story. They saw how he burned down the brothel with his mother in it. They could feel his lack of remorse. Then the scene shifted to Guangyao helping Lan Xichen and planning on using him as a stepping stone. His collaboration with Xue Yang and willing cooperation with Wen Ruohan during the war. Once Jin Guangyao realised the battle was lost, he shifted sides again. After the war, he spread rumours to get Yin Hufu and alienate Wei Wuxian. Finally, the truth behind Qiongqi Path. Su She cursed Jin Zixun and then played music from the Collection of Turmoil to alter Chenqing's instructions. They saw them acting again in Nightless city, leading to the death of many cultivators. But mostly, Guangyao anger when he realised that Wei Wuxian decided to destroy Yin Hufu at the cost of his own life. Disgraceful death of Jin Guangshan, but also carefully planned murder of Nie Mingjue with altered Clarity song. He even killed his own son.

Once empathy ended, a heavy silence fell upon the main hall. Everyone was shocked the person they respected committed so many crimes to gain more power. It was unbelievable.

Lan Xichen took it especially hard. His face was white as a ghost. He did not dare to look up at Nie Mingjue's spirit. Former Sect Leader Nie warned him many times about Guangyao. Still, he chose to believe Jin over his long time friend and brother. As a result, Nie Mingjue died a horrible death. Wei Wuxian died, leaving his brother shattered. So much suffering because he blindly believed one person and couldn't be bothered to investigate rumours. Xichen took a peek at the throne. Was it really Wei Wuxian? Did his brother have a chance to fix past mistakes?

Su She regained composure and yelled in defence of Chief Cultivator, who still dangled in the air in Nie Mingjue's grip. "Lies! They bewitched us!"

"Oh, shut up," Wei Ying finally spoke. His voice was cold and emotionless but full of ferocity. No one was able to ignore him.

At their Leader's command, Nie's disciples disarmed Su She and exposed his chest with curse backlash. There were multiple gasps. It looked like what they had seen was the truth. Some of the gathered in the main hall felt sick. They condemned an innocent man to death. They slaughtered innocent civilians in the name of justice. They lost the right to call themselves righteous cultivators.

"I presume no one objects to Da-Gege's claim for this scumbag life?"

Multiple voices stammered the lack of objections. Some just shook their heads in shame. The power emanating from the throne prevented them from arguing with Sect Leader Nie. It wasn't Wei Wuxian they knew. This man wouldn't hesitate to kill them, squash them like ants.

Nie Mingjue's spirit roared and broke Jin Guangyao's neck with ease. Then Wei Wuxian snapped his fingers, and crimson red tendrils intercepted his spirit. He whistled a gentle melody, sending Mingjue's spirit to rest in the black coffin.

"I will take this piece of shit with me," Wei Ying said, his voice composed and indifferent. "I know thousand of spirits wishing for revenge. He will amuse them for millennia."

"Of course, Wei-Xiong," Huaisang agreed without hesitation. "I believe we are done here. From now on, Qinghe Nie will act independently. Good luck," he added sarcastically, then rounded up his disciples and left the hall.

Wei Ying flicked his fingers, pulled Su She's spirit from his body, and then gazed coldly at cultivators. With Qinghe Nie separating from the Cultivation world, the rest of the sects will drown in chaos. It surprised him how little he cared about them and their squabbles. They deserved what was coming. Soon, the truth will be revealed to everyone, and most sects will lose support and decline. It will be a slow death. Probably amusing to watch. Wuxian smirked. It truly did not concern him. His life was in the Ghost Realm, busy building and managing his own city.

The truth walloped him. He betrayed Wei Ying for a power-hungry criminal who completely fooled everyone. He couldn't believe how much his soulmate had changed. His appearance and personality were nothing like the young man he once knew. "Wei Ying... please forgive me...."

"You are not qualified to talk to me," he replied coldly.

"How dare you?!" Jiang Cheng roared, swinging Zidian at the throne. Instantly, Wei Ying materialised behind him and, with a swift movement, pulled out the golden core from his body.

"You don't mind if I will take what's mine," he hissed beside Jiang's ear.

Jiang Cheng dropped unconscious to the ground. Everyone watched the scene, terrified, unable to move. Suddenly they felt small and irrelevant. They could not believe it was the man they once rejected, pushed toward death. Yet he stood in front of them again, more powerful than all of them combined. If he wanted some of them dead, no one would oppose him. They wouldn't dare to draw his attention to themselves.

Wuxian found their hypocrisy amusing. Without sparing a glance at his ex-lover, Wei Ying vanished, teleporting to his manor in the Ghost Realm.

****

Once the truth was revealed, people lost faith in the sects. LanlingJin and Yunmeng Jiang suffered the worst backlash and lost most of their disciples. GusuLan struggled to stay afloat with the young generation working hard to repair their reputation. Lan Xichen resigned as sect leader and entered seclusion, while his younger brother disappeared. Some say he wonders the world, trying to find someone he once betrayed. Some claim he lost his mind to grief.

Only Qinghe Nie came out on top. The sect was incredibly popular and kept growing in size, opening various branches worldwide and helping the innocent, as Nie Huaisang's sworn brother once did. A brother he kept regularly meeting for drinks.

Author's note: This story was inspired by -RyleeEzrael- "Guess it wasn't meant to be" and QinZiYan "Wei Immortal Dynasty".