Jiang Cheng left Cloud Recesses in much lower spirits than he'd arrived. Alone and walking away from the only place he wanted to be was difficult, but he could finally concentrate on how he himself felt.

Whenever he had to send out disciples on these kinds of missions, he always made sure they understood that whatever they were thinking would be on full display to the world. So it was a golden rule that focus on the task at hand was imperative.

Now that he had to do it himself, he knew how difficult it was. He couldn't stop thinking about XiChen, and as annoying as he was, Wei WuXian. He had given him a valuable gift of the invisible talisman, sure it would come in useful.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the lone figure hidden behind the trees a short distance away, watching him leave Cloud Recesses.

******

XiChen had stayed in the Forbidden room by himself. He told Jiang Cheng that it was too painful to watch him leave, and besides, two people were far more noticeable than one.

It was possibly the worst time in the world to fall in love. He fingered the ring around his neck with pride. Jiang Cheng had chosen him. Forever, he had said.

The powerful surge of love he felt was overwhelming and he was glad that he was alone here. He picked up the purple robes and folded them carefully, placing the Jiang family token on top. He couldn't help but bring them to his nose and inhale deeply. Lotus flowers mixed with the scent that was all Jiang Cheng filled his senses and he allowed himself this last chance to remember.

Once he climbed those stairs to the ground floor of the library, duties, the clan and his responsibilities would replace the hot feeling in his heart. Jiang Cheng believed in him. He had to stay strong.

*****

Lan Zhan didn't feel bad at all.

In fact, he was ecstatic that Wei Ying was home and safe. But his problem lay in being able to hide that because the two most important people in his life cared too much. Luckily, as he was not known for being loquacious, it was not too difficult. XiChen was too caught up in how he felt to notice, and if Wei Ying knew, he didn't call him out on it. So for that reason alone, he hoped for the speedy and fruitful return of the Angry Lotus.

*****

Wei Ying missed Jiang Cheng already. It was different if he was in Lotus Pier or JinLinTai, but this entire situation was unpredictable. He would have no friends, only possible certain enemies should his cover be blown.

And nobody knew if he was good at going undercover - one never knew these sorts of things until it was too late and the situation was upon them. Plus Wei Ying's mind was conflicted because of two things; his brother's safety, and his own desire to do the job.

Common sense told him Jiang Cheng was easily the better choice, on account of his own infamy. Also, these sort of experiences could always turn out to be a learning curve, broadening one's horizons, and such.

Wei Ying didn't like common sense at all, right now.

The banging on his door intruded on his thoughts and he stood up to answer it.

A ragged, torn clothed JingYi fell into his arms, sobbing.

"Senior Wei, I can't take it anymore. They're beasts! BEASTS!" He wailed. "I'm done with playing nanny for them! Do you know, I'm starting to dream about them! You have to do something!!"

Wei Ying stifled a laugh, and patted his head.

"Now, now JingYi, it can't be that bad. And what is life without a few challenges?"

"Challenges?" He shouted. "Challenges are when we have to write the rules as punishment, doing handstands. Challenges are fighting creatures on Night Hunts. Those things aren't BABIES anymore!"

"Okay, here's what we're going to do. How about I talk to XiChen-Ge about getting you some help? We can see if anyone else wants to join you." Wei Ying imperceptibly turned him around and walked him to the door.

"Please can you tell him as soon as possible?" JingYi sniffed, wiping his face.

"Of course." Wei Ying lied. "As soon as I see him, that'll be the first thing I say."

JingYi flung himself back into his arms. "Thank you, Senior Wei, thank you."

Wei Ying gently but firmly pried him off and patted his head one last time before closing the door. And locking it.

*****

49 days were left before the Autumn Equinox. Four days before he reached the village of Guan Lo. Maybe a week to gain their trust, Wei Ying calculated. So if he found anything out, it would be in at least a fortnight.

How would he handle meeting Min Qi Xue? He knew about the disguise that Nie Huaisang had prepared, and Huaisang himself was fully confident in Jiang Cheng's ability to blend in. Only, just the thought of his younger brother being in danger gave him chills.

He had his own work to do, and that was entirely another problem altogether.

How was he to come up with a solid plan that allowed him to free Hui Gai from the knife and his master? Were the two things connected? What would happen if they destroyed the knife? And which of these scenarios gave them a free and alive Hui Gai?

And what about Hui Gai's brother? It would be fantastic if he was of the same mind set as Hui Gai...but what if he wasn't? What if he enjoyed his life, as it was? What if he wanted to remain faithful to his master?

Wei Ying didn't think talismans would help him in any of these problems. He hoped Jiang Cheng would find out something useful and bring an end to all this.