The Last Western Spirit

by black dragon

Thousands of years ago beings known as the Western Spirits roamed the Cultivation world. Feeding on the Yin energy or resentment energy they somehow convert it to Yang or life energy. That is until they were hunted down to near extinction by Xue Chonghai and his school. Now centuries later Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji must protect the last Western Spirit from those who wish to kill it

8. The Dragon's Gifts

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE UNTAMED OR MO DAO ZU SHI THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER.

A/N: Wow I have had more hits on my AO3 page then I do here for this story. Holy cow! Thanks a lot peoples.

Anyhow now things are getting interesting with this story, Warriors of Winterfell and my own novel. You see the reason why things are slowing down for this story is mainly because of my real life. I am currently writing an original story which kind of touches home for me. No it is not an author insert since it is an original and not a fanfiction. I have a few short stories on fanfiction's sister site fiction press but this one I have actually the whole plot sort of worked out.

But anyhow I am getting side tracked here and need to shut the hell up and get on with this story. So hang on to your hats folks for another chapter of….

THE LAST WESTERN SPIRIT

Chapter 7: The Dragon's Gift

Jiang Cheng held onto his sister's hand as she looked positively terrified. Right in front of him was the biggest dragon statue he had ever seen. Though the features were different then what he is normally seeing. Jiang Cheng could have sworn that he had seen images of them on walls describing the Imperial City many li away.

"A-Chang I'm scared," Jiang Yanli said to him and he squeezed his sister's hand tighter as they waited for the Lan Grandmaster to allow them passage into the temple. He held his torch high as if waiting for something. Then the Lan Grandmaster waved them into the temple.

The Grandmaster walked in first then everyone in order of numbers. First of course were the Lan Sect leaders since they are the hosts and guardians of the temple. The second was the Wen with Wen Ruohan leading followed by his sons and elders. Both Wen Xu and Wen Chao looked nervous when entering. Then following them were the Jin with Jin Guangshan leading the group followed by Madam Jin and their son Jin Zixuan. Jin Xixun and the elders of their clan followed right afterward. Then came the Nie with Nie Mingjue leading and his brother Nie Huaisang. They were followed by Meng Yao who had Jin blood inside of him. Then last came the Jiang with Jiang Fengmian leading followed by Madam Yu and then Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli.

The Grandmaster led them into the temple. It was dark with almost nothing lighting it. It was only when he lit the torches on the wall did the room lit up to show the main hall of the temple.

Large braziers lit up the room. Their glowing bright lights illuminating the walls around the room in an eerie orange glow. But all around them they could see statues and motifs of dragons. Most of them of course were just statues. But some looked so menacing that they appeared to come to life on their own. But also on the walls were statues of men with swords and armor. Cultivators of all sorts standing side by side with the dragon statues. The roof of the temple disappears into the darkness above them leaving them to wonder what is actually up there.

Jiang Cheng thought it might take up the whole mountain itself. He was glad his brother is not here or else he would have disrupted the atmosphere of this place.

The silence was eerie as they moved into the underground building. Footsteps could be heard from each and every person here as they walked through the door.

They followed the Lans for sometime into the eerie building. Everywhere Jiang Cheng looked there were statues of dragons. Each one looking more ominous then the last. Their wide gaping mouths held braziers lighting the hallways with their soft glow. Yet their eyes held something powerful in them. There were pools of water on either side of the walkway each with reflecting light. The dark halls held the sounds of water dripping from somewhere and yet Jiang Cheng did not want to disturb the silence with his questions.

When he looked up front his mother and his father both looked nervous. His father had been here before, but his mother hadn't and neither did himself an Yanli. His sister held his hand tighter in fright, and he gave her a reassuring squeeze to let her know it is ok. Up front the Nie's were having a similar situation with Nie Huaisang clinging to his brother. The older sect leader only patted his head to let him know that everything was alright. When his focus was not on the Nies it was on his parents as both his mother and father appear to be holding hands as if afraid of what might happen when they finally confront the dragon's egg.

We are all here to see some sort of egg! Why are we here to see some stupid egg? Oh yeah because Sect Leader Jin can't keep his mouth shut! Was all that Jiang Cheng could think about.

Yet his mouth kept silent as they followed the Lans through a series of labyrinths and passageways. Having to stop so they could get their bearings. But eventually they came up on a room that was as wide and as strange as the rest of the hallway. All around them were many statues still but these were not dragons.

They were humans.

In fact they looked like warriors of a different time.

Jiang Cheng was fascinated by them as they each surrounded a symbol on the ground. At the foot of each statue was a symbol, a symbol that was familiar to Jiang Cheng. It was then that he realized what they were.

They are the symbols of the different clans! He thought to himself.

In front of him was the statue of a man he'd never seen before. In fact his statue was so lifelike it was as if the man was turned to stone. It even had the texture of his beard and coat of arms. On the bottom of the statue was the symbol of the QishanWenSect. The blazing double headed phoenix surrounding the sun.

He turned towards another one with a man standing there with a whip and a bow. On the bottom of his statue was the familiar symbol of the YunmengJiangSect. The man also was highly detailed even down to the cracks in his armor.

He even saw for himself the statues of the Nie, Jin and Lan sects all of them so detailed and lifelike that he felt as if he was in the presence of gods.

"You are in the hallway of the founders," a voice said and he turned in surprise to the speaker.

It was the Lan Grandmaster.

He stood there at the front while the others filed around him.

"This hallway is sacred as it reminds us of what was sacrificed to bring this creature here. Around you for those of you who are new are the statues of our founders. The great Sect Leaders who created the sects as they are today. At the forefront is Master Wen Mao creator of the QishanWenSect. It was he who killed the demonic cultivator Xue Chonghai in that epic battle three thousand years ago. Opposite him is Jiang Chi creator of the YunmengJiangSect. Formerly rangers of the Yunmeng province he offered protection to any who wish to seek it. Strong but firm Nie Song the Butcher of Evil. His knife later becoming the first saber of his clan. May his strength guide others and give them courage when the times are rough. His sect the QingheNieSect continues his line with the practice of the saber rather then the sword. It was a homage to the man who help fight off the demons as they tried to destroy what was left of humanity.

And here to the right is Jin Li founder of the LanlingJinSect. His noble character was one who helped others when they needed him the most. Poor or rich he offered his resources to those who would one day take his place as the rulers of their sects.

Last but not least is the founder of the GusuLanSect Lan An The Musician a man whose song could captivate the most dangerous of creatures," he said indicating to the last statue of a man who has several instruments with him. A small drum, a guqin, a flute, and a eru. All of them strapped to a man who was clearly dressed like a monk. The group stood stunned when the statues didn't stare at the crowd. Instead they remained silent and cold as the night sky. But as the light from the sun above them moved so too did the shadows in the temple.

It was only through sheer will that Jiang Cheng noticed finally that there were cracks in the ceiling. Large cracks from above were barely visible, but they were there. Small shafts of light poured in creating a cascade of sunlight that seemed to finally light the temple. The torches were dull compared to the brief rays of the sun. It shown down upon the ground with a faint glow. But it was enough for them to finally notice the symbol on the ground.

It was the same symbol as before on their letters.

The symbol of the dragon seal.

The seal took up most of the floor of the room leaving only the sides and the pools of water alone. The seal itself looked ominous on the floor. Jiang Yanli leaned into her brother in fright and Jiang Cheng held his sister for support. His hand was shaking as well seeing as the statues and the seal gave the room a vibe that they should not be in here.

"This way," the Grandmaster said to them catching their attention again.

They slowly made their way through a door on the opposite side of the room. Jiang Yanli held her brother's arm as they followed their parents inside. The darkness consumed them once again save for the torches on the walls. As they can hear the faint echo of bats the group remained quiet as if paying respects to the temple. The sounds of water could be heard as waterfalls cascaded down at some point along the walls of the ancient temple.

Though it was dark they remained together until they passed into another area this one filled with gold.

"Oh my!" said Jin Guangshan as he looked at all the riches aligned the walls. Statues, plates, coins, jewels and many objects could be seen from all around them. Treasures from far away lands littered the ground around them. The faint sounds of the wind howling through the hallways alerted them that something was here. As the Jin sect leader approached one of the gold ornaments that littered the room his mouth salivating at the sight of them. Slowly he reached out with his hand to touch it.

"Do not touch any of it!" said Lan Qiren in warning. His sharp tone was enough to break Jin Guangshan of his reprieve and he backed away in fear.

"Why can't we touch it?" asked Wen Chao curious as he was about to touch one of the jewels.

"The treasure is booby trapped! If you touch one treasure you would doom all of us." said Lan Qiren. Taking his hand back in alarm he then looked up at the walls and sure enough there were holes littering the entire wall face.

"What are we going to die of poison?" he said as if daring the Lans to say anything.

"Jin Li designed this room to protect the treasures that were offered to the dragon. Each hole is filled with fire magic, poison darts and flammable fluids. Enough to burn you to nothing if you so much as steal from the dragon. Then to seal your corpse white sand from the Sahara would pour into this room sealing you within so your soul won't escape," the Lan Grandmaster replied.

That made him think twice as he backed away from the jewel. Jin Guangshan did the same as well as a few elders from a couple of sects. The Jiangs and the Nie remained as they were. Slowly they began to move on from this room.

The next room was filled with water but the Grandmaster was able to get the water to subside with a simple arrow. As the water receded so too did the door it was guarding. The stairway was slippery as they went down and several times Jin Xixun, and Wen Chao nearly fell from how slippery it was. Wen Ruohan walked slower then normal followed by their elders. Nie Huaisang did fall once or twice, but thankfully his brother was there to help him. So he didn't fall too far.

The door below was of course sealed until the Lan Grandmaster unlocked it. The door opened to reveal another room this one unlike the rest was different in that it felt open and spacious.

"Be very quiet," said the Lan Grandmaster and lit a small talisman revealing two gigantic monsters waiting for them. Both of them were giant snakes sleeping soundly in the shadows. They kept quiet as the door behind them was sealed shut. Leaving them inside the room with the monsters. Yanli held on tight to her brother as Jiang Cheng's hand shook with fear. Even from the looks of it Yu Ziyuan also held her husband's hand which in turn he held back. The Nie brothers also looked nervous. Nie Huaisang more so then his brother who held his saber a lot tighter then before. The Wens all had their hands on their swords and the Jins did the same. Though Jin Guangshan held his fan but his hand shook.

They went through a narrow passageway into another room. This one was revealed to have many different colored crystals on the walls. Each one different then the rest. And with it different lights from the torches. Jiang Cheng watched as the Grandmaster hummed something. Then the crystals began to glow and move in a strange pattern. But it was too fast for Jiang Cheng to see.

As if understanding the crystals moved to reveal yet another room. This one was rather cold to the touch. Everyone shivered at the feeling of the icy cold as they pass through. Their reflections seemed to be revealed through the ice crystals. Some men had the look of cowards while others shown as those of wild beasts. Or some like Jiang Cheng are shown with armor and strange weapons. But there were some that were disturbing such as Wen Ruohan who had an appearance of a dark entity. Shadows surrounded his reflection while Wen Xu had on the robes of a noble leader.

Wen Chao had the look of a cowering man, but Jin Guangshan had the look of a gluttonous fool.

Jiang Cheng was scared to see such a place with Jiang Yanli looking at herself in the crystals. What shocked her was the look of a woman with a cultivator's outfit on instead of her usual delicate robes. In her hand was a bow crafted of black wood with silver trimmings. Perplexed she approached one of the crystals, but Jiang Cheng's hand held firm and she looked at him questioning. His head shook silently as if to tell her not to be deceived by the reflections of the mirror. Even though his very own showed him in armor and armed with a whip just like his mother's.

As they walked through another door on the far right of the room they found themselves again in the dark. This time there was silence as the darkness gave way to the many torches around the room.

Here on the walls were paintings upon paintings of past events. Stories long since forgotten that they all only heard about around campfires and dinner tables.

Jiang Cheng saw for the first time the story of the founders, the real story. Here he saw in full detail how the founders fought off the most vile man on earth. Using a corrupted form of demonic cultivation to slay the Western Spirits. The paintings showed how he used their body parts to create the Yin Iron. How he used it to destroy the world and how the five founders with their followers destroyed the man and his students.

It also showed them finding the last dragon egg.

The egg that now sits just beyond this room.

It also showed the five making the sacred blood vow to protect the dragon and the world from evil such as this from ever happening again.

When he looked he saw for himself the entity that he had thought nothing more then stories. It was here that the story of how the egg came to be was told. And images of the two who would become its caretakers and handlers. Of the five who would become its guardians and the guardians of the cultivation world. It was a blessing that the dragon has bestowed upon them.

"The dragon has given the five founders gifts to show its gratitude for protecting it. What was not told was that after they made their sacred vow each one of them had been chosen to have a gift. A gift over one of the elements of nature and one other ability. However the caretakers would have the power of all the elements and the power over life and death. A cultivation that would deem them immortal when the time came. And the guardians would also have their own cultivations increase ten fold making them the most powerful cultivators in the world.

But from what Jiang Cheng read the price for that cultivation is high.

There on the right hand side of him the cultivation of such power came at a cost. He was reading it now as it showed those who failed the dragon's test to be a caretaker. Or those who had broken the dragon's vow.

He saw them wither into nothing their souls consumed never to be reincarnated again. Their cultivation stripped completely from them rendering them nothing more then animals. Their sentience taken from them and their spiritual powers depleted.

It was a fate worse then death.

All of them were shaking from the scene in front of them. Even if you were not chosen by the dragon to be a guardian. Any one of the sect leaders who are descended from the founders would also lose their spiritual power. Such a price was not worth it. Even if they did lose their powers they would also lose their lives since a person's golden core is connected to their life force. Which is why many strive for immortality. If one where chosen they get a major boost that could not be achieved on its own. Jiang Cheng shuddered at the thought.

The other thing about it is that the chosen has to give up their clan. That was the vow that was given. Even though they can keep their name and remain living with their clan in actuality they are no longer part of that sect. They are part of the Dragon Sect a sect created by the founders to protect the dragon and the world from the evils of those who wish to use it. So if what he heard was right then Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are no longer part of their respective sects.

That is a shock to Jiang Cheng. He would lose his brother to the creature they are about to meet.

He would also lose others too, other sect heirs or maybe himself if he was chosen for the Jiang. Jiang Cheng was sacred as he held onto Yanli's hand even tighter. She understood his fear and also tightened her grip.

They followed the Grandmaster into the last room. This one looked like a giant forest with strange crystals hanging from the roof and mushrooms the size of trees glowing in the dark. The sounds of birds and animals filled the room. It was a vast chamber with a mini forest inside. Shocked Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli looked around in awe. The other sect members did the same.

As they looked around he spotted the other sect heirs looking lost just as he was. That is until he laid eyes on an object in the middle of the chamber. Dragon statues were around the chamber like the others. But this one was different. There was an open area with a stone dais. The Lan Grandmaster led them there into the heart of the chamber. When they gotten to the middle Jiang Cheng could make out the large oval object in what appears to be a nest of some sort.

It resembled an egg, but the shell shown like a pearl with its translucent surface.

"Whoa," he said out loud.

It was of course Jin Guangshan who broke the silence.

"The dragon's egg still looks the same as it always did in its nest of fire moss," he said to the elders of GusuLan. Jiang Cheng nearly choked on his tongue with the words coming out of the Jin Sect Leader's mouth.

The Lan Grandmaster only glared at him as the Jin leader went up to the egg. His eyes shown with such greed as he looked at the object before him. Slowly he reached out to touch the egg only for a hand to strike him where it nearly touched the egg. Shocked he reeled back in alarm and turned towards the person who struck him.

Everyone stared in surprise at Wen Ruohan who held his fan out. His sword remained at his side.

"The Dragon's egg is not for you to touch," he growled as he stood next to the pedestal.

"You dare to say that to me when I heard rumors of dark sorcery from you!" said Jin Guangshan. The entire room went silent when they turned to Wen Ruohan. The other man glared at him with eyes that spoke of a thousand deaths.

Both his sons glared at Jin Guangshan. Jin Zixuan on the other hand did not like the tone his father gave.

"Father please! His Excellency was only trying to protect you from the egg's power," he said to him.

"And how will you know about power boy!" Jin Guangshan growled at his only son. Jin Zixuan and Jin Xixun both looked down. His wife looked afraid at the look her husband gave the egg. And the death glare he gave to the Wen Sect Leader.

"Enough!" Lan Qiren said speaking up in place of his master. He stepped between them his hands out to block them.

"This place is sacred! Don't you dare desecrate it with your bickering!" he said to them.

Both Sect Leaders backed off afraid of what the egg would do. The egg remained as it was silent on top its dais.

MEANWHILE

She could hear them! The many voices of the people who come and go in the world outside. As she remained where she was she could sense them and hear them through her shell. The people who live here all know that she is something that should not be taken lightly. She already exhausted her food supply and is growing hungry. But she sensed that her chosen ones are not here yet.

However some of her guardians are.

How interesting she thought to herself as she sensed their presence from within her shell. She could feel them just outside about four of them are out there. She could feel them waiting for her. Their golden pulses make her want to hatch early.

But she held back. Instead she felt along the bonds of their spiritual energy towards them. It was time to mark them, to call them. She even felt along the lines of the last remaining guardians the two who are watching her caretakers.

She could feel her spiritual mother and father. The phoenix and the dragon, yin and yang, moon and sun. Her spiritual parents are what the old man had explained to her long ago. People who are born to care for her when she hatched and defend her with their lives. Beings she will grant immortality to just with her arrival and bond.

Imagine that she an immortal creature of myth and legend about to be born into a world she doesn't know. How strange that she went from being in her own world dying from an unstoppable disease to a mythological creature over a few centuries.

Oh she had kept track of time. Even in sleep where she dreams of her home with her family she knew how much time has past.

Thinking of which she heard and felt the pleas of the spirits that were trapped in that delicious metal just outside her nest. She was aware of it when the woman which she named 'ghost' gave her the stone that fed her throughout the millennia. With the stone faded to nothing she could now focus on hatching.

But for that she needed guardians and caretakers. That is what the old man had told her long ago. So she had searched for such caretakers. People who had a soul bond together and were meant for each other. One of her many gifts is the ability to see such a bond and to test its worth to her. She could feel it when she found the two boys together. They were meant for each other. They reminded her of the few homosexual friends she had back home. Good friends she will never see again. As she felt along the lines if she could she would smile. This couple seemed like something that she could benefit from. One of them obviously has more of the female energies then the other so he became her phoenix. While the other her dragon. She had bestowed upon them the ability to come into her world and see her memories of her home. Even to the point of seeing her dying in the bed.

She just needed to hold their hands and the transfer of her gifts had been completed. They should now bare the marks of her gift on their bodies. Soon it would be time to be born, and to see them in person for the first time. But for now she would wait and pick out her guardians as they are now standing here waiting for her.

OUTSIDE THE EGG

Jiang Cheng watched the adults arguing over the egg. He and Yanli wanted nothing more then to turn back and never come here again. But something….

Something is calling him.

He don't know what it was, but he could feel it inside. He put his hand to his chest to feel his heartbeat and it scared him. It was beating rapidly, but it was there. He looked around and noticed that both Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan also had the same posture.

"Do you feel it A-Chang?" Yanli said to him.

Shocked he looked down towards his sister and saw that she too held her hand to her heart.

"A-Li," he whispered.

She looked up at him with eyes filled with fear.

Jiang Cheng also looked around at the others. If the others could feel it like he did then something is happening that he doesn't understand. It was a warm feeling that seeped into his soul and resonated with his golden core. It was as if he had drank something that set his insides on fire. Yanli could feel it too as if an energy of sorts came through them.

"The egg should be worshiped properly!" the peaceful sound was destroyed by Jin Guangshan as he broke away from the group. Some of his elders tried to stop him as he approached the egg.

"Stop! What are you doing!" said the Grandmaster.

Jiang Cheng could only see in horror as the Jin Sect Leader approached the egg with the tangent of touching it.

"You dare keep this thing from us! You dare to hide such a treasure, it should be surrounded by splendor and worshiped for the god that it is! Instead you Lans are all the same hiding it from us keeping it a secret! I should be shrouded in gold and gems and people should pay homage to it," he said to them. Not even Wen Ruohan would dare approach the egg with something akin to disgust on his face.

"Guangshan what the fuck are you doing!" Nie Mingjue yelled as he tried to approach. But Jin Guangshan was too far ahead and when even the others tried to stop him he came close. His hand reached out to touch it only for him to scream as his hand was pulled back.

The looked at it in horror as his hand was burned.

"You are not worthy to touch the egg!" Yelled a new voice which echoed across the room. All eyes turned to look towards the egg and found someone there. Bathed in a faint white light Lan Li stood there beside the egg. The other leaders quickly bowed to her as she approached down the dais. The Jin leader screamed in fury as he saw her come forward.

"You dare to touch that which is most sacred to the Jade Emperor! You dare take which is not yours! Your hand is the price you paid for your arrogance!" she said to him and he screamed as she waved her hand and he disappeared. The others watched in horror as she turned towards the other sect leaders. First to the Wen who stood there with their swords out. They then seemed to peer into the eyes of Wen Ruohan as she waved her hand and they disappeared saved for Wen Xu and one by one others disappeared.

The only ones who were left were Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, Nie Huaisang, Jin Zixuan, Wen Xu and Lan Xichen. They looked up at Lan Yi as she walked towards them.

"Welcome guardians and future sect leaders," she said to them.

MEANWHILE

"Alright Lan Zhan I've finished my share of the report on the Western Spirits what about you?" Wei Ying said to him. The other boy nodded as well and shown his papers.

They had been going at it for hours. Since neither of them are able to walk due to the their prolonged injuries they resided to finish their assignments. Surprisingly enough it kept Wei Ying interested for the time being. Right beside them was Wen Ning and Wen Qing who decided to stay with them. Wen Ning was there to keep them company and to do his own studies. Wen Qing was researching the works on Yin energy to help her uncle.

"You know Yin is the opposite of Yang so why should they bother with researching it. After all it is stated that it is harmful to the body and the mind." Wei Ying said with the end of his paint brush in his mouth.

"Yes, but uncle is sick because of the amount of Yin energy that he took in at Nightless City. I've tried and many others before me have tried to help him cleanse his body of it. But somehow the resentment is still there," Wen Qing said to them.

"Maybe he is possessed?" asked Wei Ying.

"Hmn!" replied Lan Wangji.

"No, we tried testing him but that is not it...ok look what I am about to tell you can't leave this room got it! Don't you dare tell anyone this so this has to remain between us ok?" she said and both Wei Ying and Lan Wangji looked at her puzzled.

"What has you so secretive?" asked Lan Wangji.

"I am worried," Wen Qing said to them.

"Worried about what your uncle?" asked Wei Ying and the woman nodded, "He took us in when he didn't have to. Our family is a branch family of the Qishan Wen and we specialize in healing. From what cousin Xu told us his father normally doesn't take in strays. But because our mother and father were his favorite cousins he felt incline to take us in. He even encouraged me to study medicine to help with his case. I think that is why I became a doctor to help him and other people in need," she said to them. Wei Ying and Lan Wangji nodded in understanding.

"Well I am the son of a servant and my mother was a rogue cultivator. My father was the best friend of Jiang Fengmian the sect leader of the YunmengJiang so it was no surprise that I was found and taken in. So that is why I remain loyal to my family even if Madam Yu is a bitch," Wei Ying replied.

"My uncle is harsh, but he took us in when our parents were in seclusion. My father married my mother in order to save her life. She killed an elder from what I understand and he married her to protect her from the elders wrath. But the price was seclusion for life. He is a prisoner and refused to acknowledge us." Lan Wangji said to them.

Wei Ying wanted to cry for his friend at hearing that story. But the Wens being able to move beat him to it and it was Wen Ning who gave him a hug. Lan Wangji stiffened at the feeling but remained motionless. When Wen Ning realized what he had done he moved away quickly with a small, "Sorry," to it.

Lan Wangji could only nod his face appeared impassive, but his eyes shown a different story. They started to tear up. Slowly he put his hand to his eyes to wipe away the tears.

"I know the memories must be painful," said Wen Qing looking at him with concern. All Lan Wangji could do was nod. As he pulled his hand away he felt something cut his skin.

He looked in horror that his finger nails had grown longer and his fingers became more claw like.

"Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying said to him and saw to his shock that Lan Wangji's hands had changed. The Wens looked on horrified at what is happening. It was then that Lan Wangji noticed Wei Ying's hair as well. He pointed to himself and they all looked at the image that Wei Ying had with them.

Looking around till he spotted a mirror he called it to him. When he grasped it his eyes lit up in horror at the red highlights in his hair. The feather markings that appeared in his arms had begun to sprout from his skin.

"Oh no!" Wen Qing said as she stood up and checked them. Lan Wangji's skin was cold to the touch but Wei Ying's was burning hot.

"I am going to call the Lan healers for their advice don't move," she said and Wen Ning stayed to see if they needed help.

MEANWHILE

Jiang Cheng could stare in wonder at the woman in front of him. She was the image of a goddess in front of them an immortal.

"Lan Yi zhangbei," said Lan Xichen as he whispered her address. The woman turned towards him.

"Lan Xichen eldest son of the current sect leader and heir to the sect of GusuLan is that correct?" she said to him and he bowed his head down low to show his respect. She indicated that he should be moved towards the others and he politely did so. She then turned towards Wen Xu who had his hands in front of him and his head bowed.

"Wen Xu," she said to him and he looked up, "You are the heir to the Sect of QishanWen is that correct?" she said and he nodded as he saluted. She then turned towards Nie Huaisang and the boy looked to be very afraid.

"Nie Huaisang younger brother of the current sect leader and heir to the sect of QingheNie is that correct?" she said and he nodded meekly behind his fan. She glared at him and he lowered his fan to nod at her.

"Jin Zixuan only child of the current sect leader and heir to the sect of LanlingJin is that correct?" she asked him and the Jin heir nodded nervously and saluted in respect.

Then finally she turned towards Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli and approached them slowly. Both siblings were afraid and Yanli held Cheng's hand tighter. She looked from one to the other. Then her eyes rested on Yanli.

"Jiang Yanli daughter of the current sect leader and heir to the sect of YunmengJiang is that correct?" she asked and Yanli looked shocked at the wording coming from her mouth.

"You must be mistaken my brother is the heir not I," Yanli said her voice shaking.

"You are the eldest child of the sect leader is that correct?" Lan Yi asked and Jiang Yanli nodded slowly.

"Then you are the heir regardless of birth or origin. As the eldest child the throne of Yunmeng belongs to you," she said to her. She then turned to Jiang Cheng and the boy gulped as she came to him.

"Jiang Wanyin son of the current sect leader and only male child of YunmengJiang is that correct?" she said and Jiang Cheng nodded. A bit annoyed that Lan Yi did not recognize him as sect heir. However his thoughts changed when she put her hand on his face.

"So much anguish for one so young," she said her hand felt cold to the touch. It was like ice and he was sure that she was warm like one normally was. However that was not the case as she rose from her position next to him.

"Your parents treat you with indifference your thoughts travel to the one they both hate and love. Your brother the chosen." she said as looked at him.

"You are the first one the dragon wants as one of its guardians," she said to him. Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up in shock.

"What?" he said.

"What?" everyone else repeated after him. Lan Yi turned towards them her demeanor hasn't changed. The light from the crystals above her did not change either as she turned to them.

"Come Jiang Wanyin," she said to him and Jiang Cheng slowly walked past the others and approached Lan Yi.

"Place yourself here," she said and he did so.

"Now put your hand on the egg," she said to him and he looked up at her in shock. The memory of Jin Guangshan came to mind as he shook with fear.

"It is alright the egg rejected him, it will not reject you," she said to him and Jiang Cheng looked fearful, but when he saw the others stare at him he slowly extended his hand out to touch the egg. When he felt the smooth surface and wasn't harmed he breathed a sigh of relief.

"The dragon has accepted you as the first of its guardians. You will no longer be part of the YunmengJiang instead you are chosen to protect all that is righteous and good and preserve the balance in our world. The YilingDragonSect," she said to him.

"The Yiling Dragon Sect?" Nie Huaisang said to her.

"A sect that was created by the great founders thousands of years ago. With the hope that whoever was chosen as the dragon's caretakers have a sect to back them. With the other sects paying homage to them and the Western Spirit," she said to them. Jiang Cheng was shocked to rise above his own sect. It was something he had never thought of but another thought came to him.

"I will have to serve Wei Wuxian as his servant?" he said.

"No, Wei Wuxian is not your lord or your sect leader. He is the caretaker of the dragon and the dragon is his priority. Your Sect Leader is one that is chosen in time. When one of your proves yourself to the dragon. The dragon is sentient spiritual creature as such it can speak to you if you know and understand its language. As one of its chosen it has given you a gift. You will have the ability to wield an element of nature that it chosen to fit you Jiang Wanyin. When the final ceremony takes place and the two souls are bound your powers will manifest and you will gain an ability that you will discover within yourself." she said to him.

"What about my sister? You said that she is the heir. But she is promised to marry Jin Zixuan by our mothers," Jiang Cheng said in concern, "She will be married out," he could see Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli look frightened by the look Lan Yi gave to them.

"The marriage is annulled by the order of the dragon. Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan did not choose their partners and will be an ill match in their current mindset. However should they choose to marry each other later in life they can remain as they are. It will be an intersect marriage, and the dragon will recognize both as potential mates." she said to them.

Both of them looked at each other with a new sense of respect. Jiang Cheng's hand remained on the egg and it was then that he felt something. A pulse that came from within. With a shaking hand he felt along the pearly surface and the feeling of something beating filled his finger tips.

A heartbeat.

It was also then that he felt heat enter his hand and shocked he pulled it away when pain hit the center. It traveled upwards towards his heart and then through his meridians and into his golden core. It was as if every part of him lit up in fire.

The intense pain was all over his body as he fell to the floor. When it was done he was gasping for air.

"A-Cheng!" Yanli said to her brother and was held up by Lan Yi's hand. She offered her own and he accepted it. The coldness of her hand soothed his burning skin as she flipped his hand over to reveal the mark left there. She also placed her hand over his heart and on his lower abdomen with additional marks on them.

"The dragon's gift is also a shield against those who wish to destroy your golden core. There are those out there with the ability to destroy a golden core. The dragon protects you from that fate," she said to him and he backed away before bowing. When he walked down the stairs he looked at his hand and saw the mark burning there on his skin. Yanli grasped his hand and looked at the mark on the backside of it. Feeling frightened she looked up at Lan Yi. The woman gave her a soft smile. She then beckoned with her finger.

Jiang Yanli was afraid at first, but she will not be so weak as to stay where she was. Slowly she approached the dais and Lan Yi smiled softly at her.

"Your eyes are purple fire like the lotus that symbolizes your clan. Jiang Yanli future sect leader of the YunmengJiangSect do you accept the duties that are bestowed upon you when you ascend to the lotus throne?" she said to her and Jiang Yanli took a deep breath and nodded, "Since my brother can't be sect leader no more I must take over his duties," she said to her.

"Very well, your cultivation levels are sufficient why are you hiding them from others?" Lan Yi asked her.

"I...I…," was all that was said.

"You are afraid that as a woman you will not be strong enough to lead," Lan Yi said to her and she nodded.

"Lady Jiang," said a new voice and she turned to see Lan Xichen speaking up for the first time.

"Lan-Gongzi," she said to him politely.

"Lady Jiang, Lan Yi was a sect leader once long ago. She committed the ultimate sacrifice to save our clan and protect the egg. Even though it was written officially as punishment what we Lan know was that she truly gave herself up to keep us safe. That is what a true clan leader does. If she has chosen you then that means that you have the power within yourself to protect those you love," he said to her. Jiang Yanli has never heard such words before. That made her glad to hear them.

"Step closer Yanli," she said and Jiang Yanli stepped closer.

The egg loomed before her on its dais surrounded by ferns and feathers to keep it safe. She didn't dare touch the egg, but Yanli saw something in Lan Yi's hand. It was a key of some sort in the shape of a lotus blossom. It was also a hairpin made from intricate opals and diamonds. She held out the pin for Yanli.

"The dragon has a gift for you. This hairpin was given to the daughter of Jiang Chi founder of the YunmengJiang. Any woman of his blood can wear this pin and receive protection from his spirit. When you return to Lotus Pier seek out the ancestral shrine. There you will find something of value to you, learn how to use it well," she said.

When she stepped back with her brother she grasped onto his clothes. He held her close and whispered comforting words to her. She had been frightened by the encounter.

"Lan Xichen come here," said Lan Yi and slowly but surely Lan Xichen came forth. She placed her hand on her descendants shoulder and gave him a soft smile before indicating the egg. With shaking hands Lan Xichen did the same and when he too felt the fiery power of the egg in him he pulled his hand back to see the dragon symbol on his hand. He knew that they were also on his heart and on his lower abdomen.

"The dragon has chosen you to represent our clan. Your brother maybe the caretaker, but you are the guardian. Your uncle will become the next sect leader and your cousin after him. You are chosen," Lan Yi said to him.

"But, but uncle said I am the one to lead," he told her.

"You are the one to lead yes but not the GusuLan," she replied to him.

"Why?" Lan Xichen asked her his thoughts different from hers.

"Your heart is too kind for the political world. People will take advantage of your generosity and use it to their whims. It is not wise to have a leader whose kindness will be taken advantage of. Instead you will learn from the Yiling Dragon Sect it is a different sect and it will help you learn to achieve the balance you need to one day lead. A leader must not only show kindness, but must be firm when the time needs it to be. At the same time they are human and must balance their nature with their duty. You have not learned that yet. And your uncle had not taught you what it truly means to be a leader. Balance must be achieved within one's self. This is what the dragon has determined." Lan Yi said to him and Lan Xichen nodded in understanding knowing his uncle is not going to like what is being heard.

"Nie Huaisang come forth," said Lan Yi and the scared brother of the sect leader slowly stepped forth towards the egg.

"Place your hand on the egg Nie Huaisang," she said to him. Slowly Nie Huaisang did as he was told placing a shaky hand on the egg and nearly cried when the burning sensation hit him. On his hand was the fiery emblem of the dragon.

"Nie Huaisang second son of the former sect leader of the QingheNie. You are chosen by the dragon to represent your clan. Your frail body hides a clever mind. You will do nicely to be a master of your new found skills. You will receive as the others do a gift from the dragon. You will have power over an element of nature and a special gift specifically specified to you. You will join the others to be part of the Yiling Dragon Sect. As guardian of the dragon your duties are clear. Do not let your fear and your ambition get in the way of your mission. You are to protect the dragon as well as the cultivation world. From the highest sect leaders to the lowest peasants you are representing the heavens as their chosen. Do not let your doubts cloud your judgment and let your fear misguide you." she said and he nodded shaking as he stepped away back towards the others.

She then turned towards Jin Zixuan, "Jin Zixuan, son of the sect leader of the LanlingJin come forward," she said to him.

Jin Zixuan slowly did as he was told and came forward. Slowly he placed his hand on the dragon's egg and felt the fire that came from within. When he removed his hand a seal was there, the seal of the dragon.

"Jin Zixuan the dragon has chosen you to represent your sect and your clan. As the only one with enough fortitude to meet the dragon's needs it has taken you from your sect into the Yiling Dragon Sect. Your ambition and your uncertainty has made you right as a leader. However your arrogance towards those who are not of your station will be your downfall if not balanced by mercy, compassion and humility." she said to him and the Jin heir slowly bowed shakily in gratitude as he slowly stepped down.

"Wen Xu son of the Sect Leader of the QishanWen come forth," she said to the last member there. Wen Xu slowly walked up towards the egg. His nervousness was there when he placed his hand there. He felt the burning sensation but when he pulled back his hand already he saw the mark was not of the dragon.

It was of the Wen clan.

"Wen Xu, the dragon has chosen you to be the heir that the QishanWen needs to achieve balance in the world. What dark energies that were flowing through you have been neutralized. And in its stead the dragon has gifted you with a shield to protect your mind, body and spirit from the darkness of the Yin Iron. Your heart is still pure as is your mind and core. Though the beginnings of the dark taint have started to take into effect you have been purified. The protection the dragon gives you will help in the war to come." she said to him.

Wen Xu then understood what the dragon meant. He needs to step up to protect the innocent. But a question remained.

"Great Lan Yi who will represent the QishanWen? If not I then who? My brother?" he asked fearing the destruction his brother will bring to the fledgling sect if such a thing where to happen.

"No, your brother is unworthy of such an honor. The one chosen to represent your bloodline will be here shortly. One has to be patient when they arrive." she said to him.

MEANWHILE

It was already late when the group was retired. Wen Ning and Wen Qing were already in their room when Wen Ning felt himself stir.

Wen Qionglin, Wen Qing! a voice said on the wind. Slowly eyes opened to the world around him.

Wen Qionglin, Wen Qing!

Wen Ning slowly rose from his bed and gotten dressed. When he walked towards the door he saw his sister also dressed as if she had been awoken.

"Did you hear the voice too?" Wen Qing asked him and Wen Ning nodded.

Wen Qionglin, Wen Qing, come, the dragon calls you the voice said and both suddenly found themselves in a strange room surrounded by the sect heirs.

"A-Qing? A-Ning?" said a familiar voice. Both siblings turned towards the source and found their cousin Wen Xu standing there with bewilderment on his face. The siblings looked in shock at their cousin.

"A-Xu what are you doing here? What is this place?" Wen Qing demanded looking around.

"You are in the presence of the dragon spirit." said a new voice. Both siblings turned towards the sound and found Lan Yi standing there beside the egg. Her form bathed in light.

"Who are you?" demanded Wen Qing.

"She is Lan Yi third sect leader of the GusuLanSect," said Wen Xu to his cousin.

Wen Qing turned to him in shock, "There is no way she can be still alive! Did she achieve immortality?" asked Wen Qing.

"No, I have not, my spirit is trapped here as punishment for my crime of arrogance against the people of my clan. So I have sacrificed my soul to protect my clan from the darkness of the Yin Iron. I have spent the last three millennia guarding the dragon egg, and now I am presenting the gifts of the dragon to those who are worthy." she said to her.

"The dragon?" this time is was Wen Ning who replied.

"Yes, the dragon has asked for you both. I merely am a servant and do as it commands. So I brought you here to represent your clans. The Qishan Wen and the Dafan Wen. Though both come from the same bloodline the difference is what you are. Wen Ning come forth," Lan Yi said to Wen Ning.

The younger man went to walk up, but his sister held his arm. "A-Ning?" she said and he gently put his hand over hers to reassure her that he would be alright. Slowly she let go and he started to walk towards the dais where the egg was.

It was as large as his forearm and so Wen Ning being someone who is younger went to put his hand on the egg. Searing pain came over him and he cried out. He could hear his sister struggling as she was being held back by some force of energy. When he let go the mark of the dragon was present on his hand as well as he heart from what she could see.

"Your spirit and cognition is weak because of your experience. The one who tore your soul has left deep wounds that are hard to heal. The dragon's gift to you is the ability to heal your soul on your own to help make you stronger. To be the man you are meant to be. As such you will experience your gifts start to form when the chosen have finally bonded and the Yiling Dragon Sect becomes officially formed. Join your new family Wen Ning you deserve it," she said to him and Wen Ning turned nervously to the group on the side.

Jiang Cheng, Jin Zixuan, Lan Xichen and Nie Huaisang all looked nervous when Wen Ning joined them. On the other side was the group with Jiang Yanli and Wen Xu both of which looked nervous. However Wen Qing was in the middle undecided until Lan Yi spoke up.

"Wen Qing eldest daughter of the head of the Dafan Wen come forth." Lan Yi said to her.

Slowly Wen Qing looked distrusting at the others before she stepped up to the dais. The egg pulsed softly to her as she looked at the specter in front of her. The woman nodded and Wen Qing slowly placed her hand on the egg.

The burning feeling came to her hand as she felt fire unlike any other touch her. Not even the Yin Iron that she was forced to hold for her uncle came to this much power. It burned through her meridians purifying her in every aspect of her being. When she was done she was left gasping and her hand bore a mark that was like her brothers. It burned with the mark of a dragon.

"Wen Qing, you, like your cousin have been poisoned by the Yin Iron. The dragon has freed you of this poison and brandished you with its own mark. The mark of the dragon shows that you are now a part of the dragon sect. As a healer the ancient knowledge of healing will be at your disposal when you go to Yiling. There the home that was established for you all will be made and you will flourish with your relatives and family in safety. As your brother was destined to fight, you are destined to heal. May the dragon's blessings protect you always," she said and Wen Qing looked at her brother and saw his smile as she slowly walked from the circle in the room towards the others.

"You are the chosen protectors of our world. Though the two who are chosen to be sect heirs have the dragon's blessing the work has only now begun. May the light of the world forever shine on you and may you go in peace." she said and with that there was a flash of light and they all found themselves transported to the main hallway of the assembly hall.

The arguing that was taking place was large and quite loud. When the doors opened into the hallway and the group came in the arguing became silent as they marched towards the Lan Elders and the Grandmaster. All of them with different looks on their faces. But the fact remained they were marked.

When they saw the group and the marks they carried it was Wen Ruohan who stepped forward first. When he saw the mark on his son he knew what had happened.

"The dragon has blessed your right to the throne," he whispered in a hoarse whisper. Wen Chao also looked in awe at the glowing mark. The rest of the Wens quickly gave their salute and they were followed by everyone else.

Both Jiang Yanli and Wen Xu returned to their families and saluted the others. The group found themselves feeling awkward afterwards.

IN THE MEANTIME

Jiang Cheng could not have felt more proud then he did at that moment. His parents looked at him with adoration for once instead of indifference. And when Yanli showed them her gift his mother was both saddened and overjoyed to learn of the blessing the dragon gave her.

To his father he saw eyes that shown with such pride that he gave Jiang Cheng a salute that was normally saved for the highest leaders. With tears in his own eyes Jiang Cheng saluted back his mark shown bright on his hand.

He looked down at the mark on his hand. The purple glow of the dragon shown brightly alongside the lotus that represents his own clan within. He could feel his sword pulse with pride alongside him, and it was then that for the first time he felt arms go around him. He saw the crying form of his mother holding him. With tears in his own eyes he held her tightly.

When she let go of him she held pride in her eyes. "My son! You are my son! The dragon has chosen you to represent our family. I am saddened to see you go, but know that you make me proud," she said to him and kissed his forehead. Jiang Cheng was full of pride then as his father also came up to him.

He placed a hand on his shoulder and he swallowed to show his fear of his father's rejection. Instead his father pulled him into a tight hug. It was the tightest hug he had ever had.

"I'm sorry," he said to him, "I am sorry for not noticing sooner the fine warrior you had become. To be chosen by the dragon. It is the highest honor our family could ever hope for." he said to him and Jiang Cheng's tears came streaming down as he returned the hug with force.

As he looked around other families were congratulating their children. While others like the Nie were crying hysterically in Nie Huaisang's case. The Jin's however were a different story as Jin Guangshan was reprimanding his son for his failure to protect his betrothal. That left Jin Zixuan angry at his father. Though he couldn't hear the words Jiang Cheng sort of understood what was going on. Jin Guangshan is angry that his son no longer can assume the role of sect heir because of his new status as Dragon guardian. He also was angry that he is no longer engaged to Jiang Yanli which in his opinion is for the best. His mother for once was not angry. For she can't be angry at a spiritual being. His cousin on the other hand was enjoying this all too much. Jin Zixuan's mother wanted to cry when he stormed away towards the door.

Jiang Cheng could feel for the man as the Lans were in a similar state with both of the Jade Twins no longer able to take on the roles they were supposed to take. But unlike the Jins the Lans were more saddened by it. Lan Xichen was hugged by his uncle who was in tears along with the Grandmaster and the elders. However the man he had not seen before seemed very angry and threw down his cup of tea. The shouting that resumed from them had the other Jade also rushing from the room with tears in his eyes.

This was the first time Jiang Cheng had seen Lan Qiren arguing with the man. They were both fighting very heatedly and nearly drew swords much to the horror of others present.

"Father who is that man?" asked Jiang Cheng curiously.

"He is the father of Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji a man who should not have been here had this meeting been a normal one," he said to his son. Jiang Cheng was not amused by the look of hatred that man had for his son and turned towards his own parents. He thought they would be the same but he had been blessed to have such a family.

The only one not here right now is Wei Wuxian and he is stuck in the dorms due to injuries that are slow to heal. Jiang Cheng looked at his hand and at the mark that was given to him.

"Father, Mother, is it true that Wei Wuxian has to marry Lan Wangji?" he asked them. Both looked down with some sadness or in the case of Madam Yu contempt.

"Yes, the dragon has chosen its caretakers. Only those who are destined soulmates can carry the burden of the dragon caretaker. That is what was written on the old temple walls," said Jiang Fengmian sadly.

"You have seen these old walls father?" Jiang Cheng said to him.

"No, the knowledge of its whereabouts are lost to time. Jiang Chi and the other founders thought it best to keep it that way. So in case someone sought out the power of the dragon's magic or learn more of its secrets for evil then the knowledge will not be told." he said to his son.

Jiang Cheng seemed to finally understand what was told and nodded sadly as the realization finally kicked in that he would no longer be apart of YunmengJiang.

At seeing his son's face his father embraced his son once again, "You are my son no matter what you do in life. I will always love you A-Cheng and so does your mother. I may not always express it but I will always love you, and I am proud," he said and those are the words that Jiang Cheng wanted to hear as he held his father tightly in that embrace.

TBC

A/N: Wow that was something. It was hard to write this as it was Christmas Eve when I started but I had to write it. To feel that closure for a bit before we get to the main event of the first part of this fic. So not much further until our favorite duo starts on their journey to become the masters of the Last Western Spirit the dragon itself. So as always please leave a review and no FLAMES, BASHINGS OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE! THANKS!