We were so close yet so far. If only I had known it was you, maybe I'd have come to Cloud Recess often. When I first heard your name my heart beat erratically not knowing the reason. I wish I had. We wouldn't have been apart.

~12 year old Wei Ying~

"There!"

One of the disciples yell and I was on my feet running through the forrest with a walking corpse right on my sight.

A known sound of the whistle was blown into the darkness letting us know that the corpse was in sight of others too.

Suibian in my hand I take the leverage of a stump and jump onto a tree branch. From such heights I could deduce that there were four of them.

Making another unique move I jump from tree to tree and soon corner one towards a cliff. Making a growling sound the walking corpse had no where to run. Below was the valley and in front of him was me. Another faint yet known whistle let me knew that my Sect was nearby. Just then to my surprise he does make a move and that was to jump into the valley.

No!

If he is gone then it would be difficult to find the truth.

Uncaring for my own life I jump behind him only to hear my uncle yell at the last moment, "Ah Xian!"

My only aim was to catch hold of the corpse and I did. As soon as my fingers latches on his deformed wrist, a rope from above lines next to me and I instantly cling onto it with my free hand.

Right on time.

Pulling me up I hear Jiang Cheng's voice, "Always have to be a hero!"

"Be sarcastic later and quickly pull me up. This corpse is almost about to eat me up."

Just as I am on the edge of the cliff , Jiang Cheng was instantly there to pull me up. Catching hold of my wrist with a sly smile he teases, "You deserve it."

Time stands still for us. Me at edge and he holding my hand. Grinning at him I wink and second later he pulls me up.

Never did both of us even realise that we once in future would be placed in same situation and I would fall into depth of the underworld with him above witnessing my end.

Other disciples take over the walking corpse while uncle quickly crouches next to me and takes me in his arms. With a frantic voice he questions, "Are you alright?"

My words were muffled but I grin, "Yes I am. Don't worry."

Pulling me back from the hug he raises his voice, "Why would you take such a risk?"

Dragging Jiang Cheng into a head lock I grin, "Cause I knew he's nearby and is eveready to save my ass."

Jabbing my ribs Jiang Cheng huffs, "Next time I won't."

Laughing at his words we get up and head back to Lotus Pier.

"Uncle Fengmian, what are you going to do with them?"

"I need to discuss it with other Sect Leaders. Which reminds me, I'll be away from Lotus Pier for a week."

"Oh are you going somewhere father?"

"Yes, Gusu Lan Clan have their annual sword ceremony tomorrow. They have invited all the Sect Leaders." At uncle Fengmian's words my heart thumps fast.

Gusu Lan Clan?

"What sword ceremony?" This question was posed by Jiang Cheng.

"Every year worthy disciples are chosen and they have to duel with eachother. Whoever wins they will be bestowed with an honour and according to their core a sword will be appear in front of them."

Wow! Sounds super interesting. 

"This year will sure be interesting." We heard an awe in his voice and unable to contain my curiosity I ask, "Why is it interesting?"

"Because this year Second Young Master of the Gusu Lan Clan will be taking part, and he is known for his charisma even at such young age." Turning to me uncle Fengmian smiles, "Ah Xian, he's your age."

"What is his name uncle?" I probe.

Why is my heart beating so fast?

"Lan Wangji," he answers and before he could further elaborate uncle is called away and I place a palm on my heart.

Lan Wangji.

"Hey! Don't slack off. Come lets go!" Jiang Cheng pulls my hand and I nod.

Back at Lotus Pier we sit by Shijie's side with an excitement for her Lotus Pork Rib Soup. Salivating for a bowl I quickly snatch the one she places in front of Jiang Cheng and he yells my name, "You! What did you take my bowl?"

"Ah Cheng," laughing sweetly at our antics, Shijie places another bowl in front of him, "Let him have. Here."

I notice that they both eat only after I have the first morsel. This is something I have always observed. They eat only after my first bite.

"How is it?" Shijie pours a glass of water for all of us and I grin, "As always amazing."

"Jie, did you hear that father will be leaving for Gusu Lan Clan tomorrow?"

"Yes I did. Mother will return in few days."

Sigh.

"It's been a year since we received our swords and been on night hunts. Why have we never had this sword ceremony?" I ask and Jiang Cheng shrugs.

"No clues. Probably once father returns we can ask?"

I nod.

"Shijie, have you met Second Young Master of Gusu Lan Clan?" At my question she squints her eyes, "Not personally but I have heard that he's extremely quiet. Their clan isn't like ours. They have lots of rules that one must follow, and if you don't, there will be serious consequences."

Laughing Jiang Cheng teases, "I guarantee Wei Wuxian will not last a day. He'll be punished every single day!"

Oh how true were those words. I just didn't know it yet.

"Shut up. They should be glad to have me. Anyway who would want to stay at such a place either?"

What a lie!

"Alright. Alright. Stop arguing. Here have some more soup." At Shijie's words we stop bickering and eat up the whole bowl.

What once I thought was a trivial matter turned out to be so honest,
Why didn't you say a word before?
Try and stop me instead
Was our love so burdensome?
Didn't you see my tears?
You were not the only one in pain,
my heart was bleeding too Lan Zhan.