i by chance found the perfect pun for Huaisang which ironically was the placeholder animal i planned from the beginning and like i love it when the thing i eventually decided that was pun and the joke combine to be a perfect pun simply because the giant panda was for whatever reason written with the same character for a mythological creature that you can look up yourself

Jin Guangyao was used to breaking in his servants slowly. It helped that way since people were less likely to cause trouble if they weren't aware of the spell they were under. Indeed, most of the Jin sect is was fed and enthralled but if you kept it soft and subtle they didn't notice they were being steered towards being better.

Since he'd been sect leader the people in his sect were more morally aligned and it was hard for men to cheat on their wives when the next day they'd turn into animals or if one did something seriously misaligned would suffer as Jin Guangshan did. It was hard to extort when your hands were suddenly paws and you were swinging from a tree. Let vanity and arrogance consume you to a point it became irksome for everyone, well peacocks are very beautiful things.

Overall, it was hard to be immoral when your god demands specific reformation. Now, it's not a binding a will. Oh, no. Jin Guangyao would never bind people's wills completely and make them never have the choice to do wrong.

He'd just make sure the punishment was absolute.

Cultivators have a habit thinking themselves above such a thing

But, it was so much nicer when merit truly did have to shine and the people did have to prove themselves. When the bastard's kittens would prove themselves better than the natural-born children. When even someone lowly and of a servant proved to be better than the glutton who turned into a pig.

If you want to be a god then your domain must be absolute

To be a god was to have sheep that didn't notice they were in a pen. That didn't realize they relied on their god for balance and order. For their very sanity. If sheep see the pen and the cage they're in they may rebel; if you treat them softly and give them just enough salt to lick up they'll keep rubbing their tongues past the point of anything of substance being there. They'll dumbly wait for more salt and graze along happily doing as they're told because the shepherd tends them well.

And when one goes missing from the flock, well it wasn't them. Besides, their life is comfortable, things are good and peaceful. They are a happy flock and their god treats them well.

The Qinghe Nie sect with its lack of a competent leader had been easy to lure under his control as well. After all, Nie Huaisang was incompetent and unprepared for holding domain at all. Sure, he'd placed some of his men in the sect prior but they were very few compared to now. Now, practically everyone in that sect was under him aside for maybe some juniors who were too young at the time.

It hadn't taken long for him to cast his spell.

A toast over a feast with wine full of blood and fruits from his personal stock and flakes of his skin. It would be divine and addicting and of course, he would provide more. He would happily give them as much as they needed because sheep are addicted to salt. Just like his father a few words and a deep look into their eyes and those faces suddenly filled with reverence. Respect at a competent leader.

That's what he let them all think.

That they respected Jin Guangyao because he was strong and competent in what he did, unlike Nie Huaisang. He was bitter to have to hold reign over two sects like this. Bitter that Nie Mingjue was dead because once he'd have shown him the man would have understood.

He'd have realized and bowed on his own because Jin Guangyao had been trying so hard to push him just right. To move that form into something glorious and powerful. For him to be Jin Guangyao's right arm as a man who was a beast that drew in reverence and respect. To do the same kindness he had once shown him even as their relationship was falling apart.

Because even has Nei Mingjue told him he was two-faced and nothing but a liar Jin Guangyao did still respect him. Did still cherish what the man had done for him.

I never wanted you dead

Even when Jin Guangshan spoke of how convenient that death would be he hadn't wanted it. He didn't want to kill Nei Mingjue.

"You are a wonderful son using the younger Nei brother like that."

He could have killed Jin Guangshan right then. He should have!

But then he would have lost the sweet satisfaction that was coming in and plucking the kittens from the pile and swallowing them whole. Of mocking a man who was too broken to respond and thinking that it was what he deserved.

People like to come and gawk at you. You're the freak now. You're the disgrace!

Isn't it great? You got a legacy none will forget as any cultivator should desire

But, he couldn't do the same for Nei Mingjue. He couldn't because of that idiot Nie Huaisang. That dumb fool that he enjoyed and tried to care for that would be better off sitting around eating bamboo like the defective bear he was.

When he'd forced that will and subjugated him he'd laughed at it all. Nei's were predators and here was the leader a bear that only sat around eating bamboo being a nuisance. A toothless bear... Still, a bear all the same and for that reason, he did keep close eyes on him. But as punishment for ruining Nei Mingjue and his work he'd let that Panda know. He held broken and bloodied in his cold hands that pathetic head into the plate.

"If you weren't so stupid Da-Ge would still be alive. He'd been leading this sect nobly and you wouldn't have to be a bother every few days whining to me about your indecisions."

That body bloated and blubbered as the seams on the fabric tore completely and burst onto the ground. Black and white prickling over the skin as those hands once perfect for delicate paintings turned burly and inelegant bumbling paws. As those lips thinned to nothing and those cries of incompetence were just deep growls that sounded threatening only to a fool.

"You turned out just as pathetic as I expected." Jin Guangyao pulled that furred ear down and laughed, "Nei Huaisang, from now on your loyalty is to me. You will love and respect me just as you would your brother. Just as you would Nei Mingjue."

That headshaker nodded tongue lolling out of their mouth eyes glazing over. Disgusting! "I'm letting you live because I do care about you. Because I respected and loved Da-Ge enough to forgive your mistake."

Because it would hurt to lose you as well even if you are annoying

"You can never speak of this or you'll turn into a dumb panda and it will be very permanent. You serve me. You live for me." JIn Guangyao let the orders sit and bury themselves inside Nie Huaisang and it was comical truly how much he nodded. Nei Mingjue had fought subconsciously against every one of his efforts. Against every little touch of magic.

Jin Guangyao made his control slowly creep into people's minds because of what happened with Nie Mingjue. That the fault of rushing such a strong cultivator had resulted in qi deviation as his mind had tried to fight against it. To rationalize the thoughts that Jin Guangyao was trying to slip in because he understood that the man if told these secrets wouldn't be able to handle it all at once.

That he would not believe that this was the reason and logic of cultivation.

It was probably best I found this out with him… If had done it to Xichen…

It made Jin Guangyao shudder to think.

With Nei Mingjue he thought his work was slow but not enough. Not enough to stop him from breaking out and turning violently. From his mind breaking at the magic and the energy in his core. It hurt him. It truly hurt him to feel that rejection and to know that Nei Mingjue was trying to leave him entirely.

You truly hated me in that moment

You truly thought I was evil

I was just trying to show you

You would have been happy under me

Xichen is happy

Lan Xichen is happy even completely unaware of his actions. Even untouched he is loyal and good to him and Nei Mingjue should have been living in this time of peace and prosperity. This good life he found that Jin Guangyao will keep tight within his grasp for as long as he lives. As long as there is a breath in his lungs and an eye to spit in and tell off.

I didn't kill and devour just to die pathetically in shame. I will have my glory and my righteous life.

But would that be enough to satisfy?

Of course not. Yes, it's like what they whisper in his ear. What they told him that night with Wen Rouhan that shook and changed how he saw the cultivators from that moment on.

"Here's a secret just for you Meng Yao. Here's how you get your happy end..."

And in that moment, it did seem somewhat absurd. Absurd to be a god and reign over men but as he kept biting and he kept thinking of everything he'd wanted- of everything he'd ever been denied- of all the things the world should have handed him his blood boiled till it turned hard and smelted.

"Sweet A-Yao, all these men are mindless beasts with no master. Cruel and heartless. Wouldn't it be wonderful to hold that mandate in your hand and change them? Wouldn't it be nice?"

"Don't you want to be loved?"

"You could save them."

Yes… Nei Mingjue hadn't been aware yet and that what happened. That was it. That was why it all turned out the way it did. If the man had understood he'd have joined him in an instant. He was a god and he was going to rule and then he'd make a good world for him and where the people he cared for could stand alongside him. Where he gets everything he deserved.

And he had to do move people to him slowly. Had to draw them in without being rash.

The frustration of right now was moving up the appearance and debut of the one he needed most. To prep the proper circumstances so quickly… it frustrated him so deeply and that his teeth ground and chipped.

And now I will have to spend energy to fix that!

He is Lianfang-Zun! He is a god! He is powerful and better than them. He fears none and what would they do if exposed? Squeal until they were rats at his feet?

I am a god and I will not break

He will not end in failure even if it means destroying everything. His steps were heavy as he entered the garden and laughed as everything hid. Ah yes, they know what time it is. They know he's looking for his next meal.

The newer ones tend to hide better than those who've been there long enough to forget. They still think they can escape. "Come closer now."

I can't eat all of Xichen Ge's rabbits

It was one of the peacock's that gave in first and it looked so afraid. "Now, now calm yourself. Everyone will find you delicious." Effortlessly he snapped the neck and carried it away.

The annoying part of Mo Xuanyu's body being absolutely lacking in cultivation is that it tired easily. Too easily. Easily enough that they would need to stop and take breaks because Lan Wangji was not interested in sharing a sword with him which meant a lot of walking. Wei Wuxian felt relieved because if Lan Wangji was no longer fine with touching him it meant that he really was seeing him as a stranger.

Yes… he sees me as a stranger and that's good

I'm nobody to him

Wei Wuxian was just a mad cut-sleeve named Mo Xuanyu. He wasn't anything to him and that was fine. Perhaps it meant they could actually be friends without the barrier of who he was before. Of who… who he still is deep down.

If I ran away now he wouldn't chase me

But Wei Wuxian would also be leaving all those children to die in the Warren and he couldn't stand the thought of that. Of other sects doing what the Wen sect had done. Please let Jiang Cheng be innocent in this. Please not his brother.

I don't know if I could take it if he was as cruel as them

At least the Rabbit blood had worked to stave and temporarily reverse the changes in Lan Wangji's features. It wasn't nearly as powerful as a proper meal but it would extend Lan Wangji's time even a little. Even if it could only be a few days at best. He seemed shocked when he finally noticed that his skin wasn't pure white and had some pink to it. "How long has it been since you've had some color on your lovely cheeks?"

"Long enough to forget what it looked like."

It hurt to hear that. It hurt to know that Lan Wangji had been suffering for so long. Suffering and nobody giving him anything to hold the changes at bay and keep him human. To keep Lan Wangji the way he should be.

But then again, blood alone doesn't hold it off long and Lan Wangji would be uncomfortable having to consume so many Rabbits. Or worse human.

Those words from his nightmare are still whispering around in his ears.

Never again.

They end up stopping along the road for the night and exhaustion is taking its heavy toll. This body was just so weak! No golden core or next to anything and hell he was certain Mo Xuanyu was genuinely untalented. He needs to eat so much more than he would if he had a good strong core, golden or otherwise. Just anything better than this piddling kernel in his chest.

Tonight as they were stopped and watched the fire burn and the meal cook Wei Wuxian couldn't help whining in annoyance. "I wish I we had some meat to roast."

"I don't eat meat."

"Ironic all considering."

Lan Wangji rolled his eyes. "This will be more than enough."

"Ahhhh, but I want it."

"I suggest catching something yourself if you desire meat."

And that surprised him because it was rude for Lan Wangji to essentially say 'get it yourself bitch'. To treat him with any sort of derision when he wasn't going out of his way to annoy him. Over the years though it would make sense if his temper became shorter and besides given his company Lan Wangji has every right to hold back on niceties.

Still…

Lan Zhan being this crass is new even if crass for him is polite derision.

"Ahhh, but Lan Zhan I'm very tired and no good to hunt right now. Can't you do it for someone as beautiful as me." Wei Wuxian leaned up and tried to press against Lan Wangji's side only for him to move away.

"No."

He huffed, "So stingy. Some kind gentleman you are."

Lan Wangji's ear dropped angrily and he stomped away from the camp ignoring Wei Wuxian's calls as he moved too fast to keep up with. All Wei Wuxian could do was wait in the camp until Lan Wangji came back and when he did he had a dead pheasant in hand that dropped in front of him.

"Enjoy."

And… And Wei Wuxian couldn't help laughing and chuckling as Lan Wangji curled himself up by the fire again and he could see those big eyes waiting for him to take the bird. To accept the gift and well it was hilarious, "Lan Zhan, you really are just an overgrown cat! I almost wish those ears were fluffier so they would move more. That would be so cute!"

"Nonsense."

"It's okay. It's sweet that you brought me food... Though I hope I can prepare this well enough. We still have the spices so I can season it properly?"

Lan Wangji handed the chili powders and oils with a nod. "Lan Zhan is a really good kitty."

"Don't patronize me."

the whole logic behind jiang sect being dogs was me being like 'well jiang cheng is a little bitch'. that's it that's the deep logic at play