DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN MO DAO ZU SHI OR THE UNTAMED THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/N: Finally some action going on or at least as close to it as possible. Since I am going in a combo of both the Untamed and the source material there will be some changes because this is an A/U story. So stay tuned.
Also as a warning this is a slight and I mean slight crossover with Word of Honor. But it will only be fleeting nothing that would make me have to put this story with the Word of Honor section or AO3 or on .
You have been warned.
THE LAST WESTERN SPIRIT
Chapter 20: The First Strike
NIGHTLESS CITY
Wen Ruohan watched as Xue Yang continued to torture the man in front of him. His hands steady as he continued to cut along the man's skin. The man screamed in agony as his skin was slowly being peeled off and Xue Yang seemed to be enjoying himself.
"Now tell me what I need to know and this can all go away," Xue Yang said to him. But the man glared at him and promised him death as the last cut was done and he screamed in agony. However before Xue Yang could extract useful information from him the man burst into flames and was then turned to ash. Shocked they both looked down to see a mark etched into the skin that Xue Yang pulled from the man.
"Clever," he said to Wen Ruohan as he turned to him.
"What happened?" Wen Ruohan demanded as he walked closer. His robes bellowing behind him as if a small breeze had flowed through the halls.
"The fool knew that I would use empathy on him so he decided to destroy his body so that I can't extract the information!" Xue Yang growled as he sifted through the ashes.
The spell that destroyed the body did very good work on making sure nothing could be used. The ashes themselves disappeared leaving them both frustrated and annoyed.
"My son is on his way to the Cloud Recesses with an army. But I don't trust his intentions. The dragon did mark him as the rightful heir, but it might have left other gifts. That is why I want to make sure my son is loyal to me. I want you to send your own army to ensure that my plans are carried out," Wen Ruohan said to Xue Yang.
"As you wish Wen Zhongzu," Xue Yang replied as set to work on creating an army from his corpses. He has more then enough to suit his needs. Then when he was not busy with resurrecting the dead he turned towards Wen Ruohan.
"Master aren't you scared that the Dragon-Sect will find out or more specifically the Yin Master?" Xue Yang said to him.
Wen Ruohan snorted, "He is only a young boy, what does he have that I don't? And besides the boy is of the Jiang Sect born into it like any other member. How would a boy know anything about Yin magic?"
"Sect Leader if I may? If I recall correctly Wei Wuxian was born not from the Jiang Sect but from Rogue Cultivators." Xue Yang said to him his head held low to show respect for the man who took him in. Wen Ruohan looked at him and smirked.
"Yes, he may have been born to rogue cultivators, but remember Wei Changze is of the Jiang Sect. He was the second in command next to Jiang Fengmian. They were sworn brothers and to deny Wei Wuxian of the same as his father is to deny his heritage with the sect." Wen Ruohan said from his throne. Xue Yang smirked.
"So are you suggesting that Wei Wuxian be a blood member of the Jiang Sect?" he said to the Wen Sect leader.
"No, he was never officially adopted so he can't claim blood. No, the boy was its head disciple now he is the Yin master. Though I don't know why when it was always believed that one with the blood of the five clans would claim the title." Wen Ruohan said to him his back was erect against the flaming throne. He waved his hand and an image of Wei Wuxian came to view.
"The boy is nothing more then a teenager. Forced to marry a man higher up then his station and become a master of all men in a single day. He and his husband are abominations chosen by a creature that should have stayed dead." Wen Ruohan replied as he stood up from his throne. Xue Yang smirked as he said this.
"I see, I understand Sect Leader. But you must remember that the creature itself is from the celestial plains it can't be killed by conventional means. That is why I have to carry out this mission to destroy the power that this creature has on our world. And hopefully break the blood vow that has held the five clans captive for so long," Xue Yang said bowing to Wen Ruohan.
Wen Ruohan in return folded his arms together a smirk on his face. It was a sign that he was pleased with Xue Yang's progress.
"Very well, but if your men do find out that my son is truly a traitor then you know what needs to be done," he said to him and Xue Yang smiled when Wen Ruohan said this.
"As you wish Zhongzu," he said as he turned towards another person in front of him.
"Next!" he said with glee.
CLOUD RECESSES
The Wen and Lan Army both sat at the foot of the Cloud Recesses with both having evacuated the nearby towns and villages from the invading army of the dead that they know is approaching. All books and scrolls of the library were magically sealed underneath the mountain where they were to be kept safe. The families and non combatants were moved to the back of the mountain and into the caves to wait out the battle.
It was the silence that had them anxious for a fight. The forest animals was eerily absent. The wind was also non existing so the air was thick and heavy. The mountain breezes that the Cloud Recesses was known for was gone. The wind chimes that normally would ward off evil spirits were still. It was an ominous feeling that has everyone waiting.
Just as they thought that the silence could not get any more claustrophobic the sound of birds fleeing from an unknown enemy alerted them to the danger that is coming from the west. The sounds of hundreds of undead walking towards them had the men nervous, but with swords ready and even some with shields and spears. Archers filled the cliff side both red and white. The undead had on white with sun crested uniforms. No longer does the phoenix symbol of the Wen shine on their armor. Instead they wore the uniforms of white with the red sun emblazoned on their sleeves. Many of them torn and tattered from the trek through the forest. Some of them had horses that were also dead coming at them.
Archers readied their flaming arrows with Lan Qiren. Others were on the ground with Wen Xu and Su She awaiting battle. Su She was in full battle armor with his sword ready. He was not going to let his sect down by running away like many thought he would. He trained for this so he knows that he has to stand even though he was terrified.
Wen Xu seeing this put his hand on his shoulder. "It is ok my friend. I am scared too," he admitted.
Su She felt more confident now that a sect heir was comforting him and telling him that he too is scared. Just as he said it the first of the undead began to charge towards them from the trees. He could make out their faces in the faint light of the moon. They were tattered and some rotting. The feeling of dark magic and
"Archers Ready!" Lan Qiren said from afar and arrows started to light up the skies. The skies started to light up as arrows were being lit and archers began to aim them upwards.
"LOOSE!" he shouted and instantly arrows began to fill the skies. As Su She watched the arrows landed on the first wave of the dead followed by more and more arrows. Each one hitting and burning their targets. But that was not all. As many arrows hit their targets more undead came pouring in. Both Wen and Lan fighters were ready as they held their swords, spears, bows, and other weapons to fight. Men from all around came together to fight as the first wave finally hit their lines.
Warriors on both sides struck with spears infused with talismans while his own sword grew into a spear of its own.
"Shit!" Su She thought as he took this as a sign from the gods. He took on the first corpse that came at him and was surprised by their speed. He knows dark sorcery at its worst. As he fought the enemy side by side with Wen Xu as the battle was intense as he morphed his spear into a bladed whip. Even into a rope dart. The Western Spirit had gifted him with such a wonderful weapon. As he fought off their enemies more came pour in.
"There is too many of them!" one of them shouted as he avoided the hit from an enemy weapon.
One Wen soldier followed by a fellow Lan soldier was hit by a large Yao that had entered the area. Before they were killed off Su She used his Guqin to strike a blow at them. Though not a powerful as Lan Wangji's was when he was still part of the sect. Su She made sure to practice ever since he had received the gift from the Western Spirit. The dragon had ensured him with such protection seeing something in him that others don't. Before his status change he was a nothing, a nobody that was full of resentment. But the day the dragon gave him back his sword and told him...him of all people his duty and his right. Su She would lay down his life for his sect. Slashing his sword at a nearby enemy he was surprised how many were coming up the mountain. And the flames they brought with them were something he never thought he would see.
"SU SHE BEHIND YOU!" a voice screamed and he turned just as one of the enemy soldiers went to strike him down only for another of his Lan companions to help deflect the blow. However he was not able to protect himself and left himself wide open for another blow as another soldier cut him down.
"Li? Li Ming?" Su She whispered his name. He was one of his friends from their dorm. He would often stand with Su She at the gates while on guard duty. Su She felt tears coming down his face as he stared at the lifeless body of his friend.
"BEHIND YOU!" another voice said and he turned just in time to block a blow from a large corpse. The force of the blow would have killed him had he not wore his armor. He quickly grabbed a knife and stabbed the corpse in the heart. The magic of the blade from his fire talismans killed him instantly. He then summoned his guqin and sent blow after blow at the corpses while trying to stay alive. They kept coming and he found himself back to back with one of the Wen Soldiers and another of the Lan.
All three of them formed a sort of circle to protect each other's back while fighting off enemies at the same time. They somehow were joined by Wen Zhuliu who gotten separated from Wen Xu. Wen Zhuliu was in full battle mode with his own red armor with the phoenix on either side fighting off both living and dead enemies. His core melting hand going for the abdomens of several soldiers. The corpses he just stabbed and cut the pieces with his own weapons.
"There are too many of them!" shouted on man.
"We need to make sure they don't get to the back caves!" said Su She. He then took the head off another monster this time it was a tiger Yao. Behind him he saw the buildings for the Cloud Recesses burn behind him. The largest happened to be the library. With their library burning Su She mourned the loss of the building. It held so many memories there. But at the same time he was thankful the knowledge that the library once contained was safe. He felt a hand on his shoulder he turned just as Wen Zhuliu cut down another puppet.
"Are you with me?" said Wen Zhuliu and Su She nodded as much as he wanted to run away and cower he was not going to do so. Not in front of these men. The dragon invoked its will on him and he will follow it to the grave.
"I am with you," he said his voice wavered just a bit but he stood his ground.
"We are with you as well," said another this one his fellow Lan and then the Wen soldier also nodded. Just as they were about to charge a loud roar was heard. They looked up just in time to see to their horror a giant flying monster flying above them. It looked like the Western Spirit. Only Su She and his companions could pick up the dark energy from that creature. And on its back was an unknown figure this one was wearing dark robes.
"A Demonic Cultivator!" said Wen Zhuliu his face pale in shock.
"A Demonic Cultivator? I thought Master Wei was the only one being the Yin Master in all?" said the Lan soldier who defended Wen Zhuliu's back.
"No there are others. Remnants of the Xue Sect." said Wen Zhuliu as he killed another corpse.
"Xue Sect I thought they all died out?" said the Lan soldier as he cut down another Yao.
"No, they are still around why do you think that we joined you. Wen Ruohan is being manipulated by one of them, a demonic cultivator named Xue Yang," Wen Zhuliu replied. The other two looked at him with fear. Xue Yang is well known around the cultivation world. A man feared as one of the last few true demonic cultivators. Having lived for hundreds of years though the sheer use of resentful energy. It is rumored that he is no longer human. Some say he has gathered an army of demonic disciples to carry out his dirty deeds while he does the worst of it all. Keeping the secrets to dark sorcery to himself seeing as he is the last descendant of Xue Chonghai.
Su She shuttered when he heard that name. It was well known among the Lan that the name of Xue brings many bad memories. Going back for three thousand years. Though Xue is a common name in the Shaanxi region which is in Qishan. Before the Wen took over that region the Xue had been the rulers of the volcanic regions of Qishan. So it made sense that the name Xue means study or evil. It depends on which characters is used anyways.
Just as they were thinking it the monster flown over their heads and out of its mouth was a spewing molten mass of fire. The buildings nearby instantly became engulfed by flames. The explosions that happened made everyone dive for cover. Su She was hard pressed to remain with his group. The Wen soldier that was with them became wounded when a piece of wood pierced his clothes. Thankfully there were stopped by his armor. Unfortunately his sword arm was broken and needed to be mended.
"Don't worry I will take him to safety," said the Lan soldier that was with them and proceeded to try and get him to a safe spot to tend to his wounds. Both Sue She and Wen Zhuliu were both wounded from the flying debris but both seemed to be none the wiser. Sue She thanked the heavens that the dragon gifted him with such armor. Wen Zhuliu on the other hand was not as lucky and had a nasty gash on his head. He was holding his side while he was fending off another monster. Su She could see that he had suffered a stab wound from one of the monsters.
Quickly coming to his aid he took him towards a sheltered spot where he can rest.
"Think you're good here?" Su She asked him and the man nodded, "Yeah I will be fine but I much would rather be next to Master Wen," he said to him.
"Don't worry I will find him and take care of him," said Su She since he has to find his own sect leader as well. Leaving Wen Zhuliu behind he quickly dashed through the battlefield avoiding corpses of people all around the Cloud Recesses both men and women. He leaped on intact roofing to find Lan Qiren back to back with Wen Xu trying to fight off the undead while defending a group of younger disciples from death.
Leaping from the roof Su She's blade met with another Wen corpse and shattered it to ash. The others saw the glow as he stood in front of them.
"Sect Leader there are too many corpses at the front!" Su She said to them relaying the message.
"Where is Wen Zhuliu?" Wen Xu asked before shooting down another Yao. His arrows were true to their targets.
"He is in a safe place. He gotten wounded at the front with me. He sent me here to protect you and master Lan," Su She said to them and Lan Qiren and Wen Xu raced away while Su She turned towards the disciples. They could not be any older then children. From the looks of their robes they were children and had obviously snuck out of the caves. He would leave the disciplining to their caretakers.
"It's alright now follow me," he said and lead them away. They followed him towards the barrier that leads into the ice caves. When they entered Su She took count of all the women and children huddled together in the farthest reaches of the cave and wished that the dragon temple was still around. It had disappeared after the egg hatched having lived out its purpose. Now there are shallow caves filled with ice magic and the children huddled scared with a group of rabbits wearing headbands.
He could hear banging from outside the barrier as the dead tried to rush in. He took the hand of a little girl who was crying alone trying to comfort her while keeping watch with his sword ready.
BURIAL MOUNDS
Dani was agitated as she thumped her tail on the stone cliff she was resting on. The smell of smoke and blood filled the air. Carried on the wind from the east. Down below word had reached the Burial Grounds about the army of Wen marching towards Gusu. It was not till Lan Qiren and Wen Xu both sent messengers to the Burial Mounds warning them of the attack of the undead army.
"This is bad," said Nie Huaisang as he hid behind his fan.
"I am sure Gusu is fine," said one of the guards, but at Dani's growl he quickly shut up.
"Can't you see that Xichen is worried! His home might be burning for crying out loud!" Dani shouted and Lan Wangji winced before relaying the translation. The guard instantly was on his knees.
"Forgive this one for his impudence great dragon!" he said to her his face on the ground. Dani rolled her eyes such things should be beneath her, but she can't help it she was only a few months old.
"Get up and stop groveling! I know you are trying to help him but have a bit more sense! Cloud Recesses is his home and he and Wangji are worried about their family. Why can't some people have some sensitivity for crying out loud," Dani said as she felt a soft hand on her neck base soothing her.
Wei Ying smiled but his smile was that of steel as he stroked Dani down, "Now in case you are wondering; what you said to the brother of your sect leader is beyond rude. I know you are trying to help him but please...be more careful about trying to comfort a man who is only worried about his family," Wei Ying said not leaving his relaxed position on the chair with his chest half exposed to the world. The hanfu he wears was of course black and red with golden phoenixes adorning the fabric. The red also had golden accents. Showing off the phoenix form and the yin symbol in the Yin and Yang. It also had the dragon sect's sigil on it. It was more of a feminine look to him but Wei Ying was after all the representative of the female side of things. But as he got up he walked towards the man in front of him his footsteps soft and sure.
"Now, I know you are used to speaking among soldiers, but one should learn class when addressing one of the guardians is that right?" Wei Ying said to him before laughing and the man looked at him and saw the amused look in his eyes.
"Don't take it personally, Dani just doesn't like having others picking on her guardians." he said to him while patting his back and continued to laugh.
"Wei Wuxian stop toying with him the poor man looks absolutely frightened," Dani scolded which Lan Wangji did the same for his playful husband. Wei Ying only smiled mischeviously and went back to his own seat. Lan Wangji apologized to the man immediately before he nearly ran out the door. As he did so Lan Wangji turned towards his husband who looked quite relaxed as he leaned to the side of his seat.
His face on the other hand did not.
"So Lan Zhan what do you think Wen Ruohan is up to? Attacking the Cloud Recesses is an act of war and his son trying to help also adds fuel to the fire," Wei Ying said to him his face showing how serious it was even though his legs are dropped over the armrest of his sect seat.
"So it would seem. Nie Huaisang has told me that his birds have been filling him with all sorts of information. Wen Xu escaped from Qishan alongside his generals and more then half the Wen Army. Wen Chao has the other half and I'm afraid we don't know their whereabouts yet," Lan Wangji replied. Wei Ying sat up from his relaxed position. His mannerism serious for once as he thought about it.
"Hmm, you said that he is also heading east from Qishan? I wonder where he is going?" Wei Ying said to him.
"We don't know. I know why Wen Xu left and that was to aid Cloud Recesses as my reports have shown me. If Wen Xu openly rebelled against his father then the other army must be heading after something. He has three of the five pieces of Yin Iron already. We destroyed one of them so that leaves another piece we have not seen." Lan Wangji said to him.
"The Stygian blade," Wei Ying said remembering his studies with the Western sorcerers about resentful energy. He looked to Lan Wangji his voice quivering when he saw the look his husband made.
"We need to know why Wen Ruohan would want to entice an inter-sect war? Why now?" Wei Ying asked and Lan Wangji put his arm around his husband in concern.
"What troubles me is that he would go to some great lengths to do so. But from what you said it seems suspicious. I want you two to investigate and find the Stygian Blade. If it is made from Yin Iron then I want it brought back here. But first I need you both to head over to the Cloud Recesses and access for yourselves the situation there," Dani said to them and both of them looked at her in shock. When Dani glared at them both of them bowed to her before taking off to their chambers to prepare.
MEANWHILE
Xue Yang walked down a long corridor. The walls are made of sandstone instead of wood or darker stone. As he walked he followed someone, that someone was a priest of a foreign religion. He had traveled nonstop by sword till he reached here to the lands of Āijí (Egypt) a land far to the west in the continent of Fēizhōu (Africa). It was here that he discovered a way to kill the immortal Western Spirits. The people of Āijí (Egypt) had a spell that would transport him to the other side. But in order to do that he has to learn the spell. The priests here had been most helpful even after years of studying the language when he was learning demonic cultivation from his Xue masters.
Xue Yang maybe the only surviving Xue left but his elders kept the clan secrets alive.
"We are here," said the priest. Xue Yang grew excited as he crossed into the room filled to the brim with columns. Each one filled with scrolls and artworks found no where else on Earth. The priest walked into the room and Xue Yang followed. Down the rabbit hole into the realm of scrolls and books written in many languages.
"Tell me priest you said that the way to the lands to the West are located here. So how is it that we can cross here?" Xue Yang said to him.
"What you are seeking is somewhere within these scrolls. There is no spell that we know of that can instantly transport you there. But if you find one please feel free to let me know." the Priest said as he walked away. Xue Yang turned to look at the scrolls within the temples library. As he looked around the vast amount of books and scrolls he searched for anything relating to the spell that can take him to the West.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Xue Yang learned more about death in this land then he did back in China. How the people here would mummify their dead and do rituals that would get the soul to walk down a path to judgment before being admitted to the afterlife. Their form of immortality in the lands beyond.
His annoyance grew as every scroll indicated a city of the dead Hamunaptra and the god that guards it Anubis. It tells that if one were to wish to go to the world known as the West then they have to speak to Anubis.
But the scrolls never told him where the city was located or how to get there. They only give out paintings and images of Anubis and his role in the city! They even told what was the best worshiping rituals to use!
He cursed himself out as he finally took some scrolls from the shelves and stuffed them into a qiankun pouch before heading out of the Temple. He had managed to translate and copy a number of books and scrolls before leaving. He would have to think of a way to get to Hamunaptra. Xue Yang had a lot to think about before he has to report back to Wen Ruohan. Despite Xue Yang pulling the strings in the shadows. The demonic cultivator is no fool and he knows that if he crosses Wen Ruohan then he would be a target like the Lan. So to appease him and to make his plan work he would have to plan his advances carefully.
At least the Wen are too busy trying to kill off their traitors and the Lan Sect to be able to pay that much attention to Xue Yang. Well except for Wen Ruohan who is as paranoid as they say he is. He would know if Xue Yang was thinking of betraying him. As he mounted his sword to take off towards the east. He failed to notice that he was being watched by someone dressed in the costume of a Priest of Horus.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Senb-etef was a man of great stealth. Chosen by the pharoah to ensure that no evil comes into Egyptian Lands. His organization the Guardians of Horus was determined to know why a foreign man has asked a Priest of Anubis about the city of Hamunaptra. When he entered the temple the priests were going about their business the person Senb-etef wanted to speak to was just at the main chamber preparing a body for mummification.
When he stood there he removed his helmet to show his respect that this is indeed a place for the dead. The priest taking notice of the change in tone from the others in the room rose up to his full height. He wore a mask in the form of Anubis's head. Turning around he faced the man and then removed his mask.
"Ah what do I owe the pleasure of a Guardian of Horus?" the priest asked.
"I just saw a strange man come in here what did he want?" Sneb-etef asked him. The priest nodded and indicated the man follow him. As they walked through the temple the priest was telling him why the man came into his temple.
"The man was from the far east. He said that he came here looking for any way to get to the Lands of the West. The home of the great serpents. I sent him to our library where he tried to find out more about how to get there but alas he grew frustrated. I know he copied our texts and fled but to where I do not know. All I know was he was after the city of Hamunaptra and our lord Anubis within." the priest said to him and thanking the man Sneb-etef walked out of the temple into the streets. He put on his mask and went towards where he kept his horse. Getting on he raced towards the palace of the pharaoh to ensure that the man cannot leave Egypt.
MEANWHILE
The priest of Anubis stood there at the gates of his temple watching the Guardian of Horus racing away on his horse. All the while he watched as the sun sets on his temple. He knew that the man Xue Yang was trouble the moment he stepped foot into the temple. He had prayed to Anubis for guidance since troubled times are coming.
"Lord Anubis, protector and guide of the dead please ensure that our temple and our secrets are kept safe. I pray to you that the man who has walked into this temple has an aura of evil. Great Lord Anubis please hear my prayer and keep watch over us," the priest prayed to his god before walking back into the temple not knowing that a gust of wind made its way across the dunes. The howling of a jackal could be heard across the desert night.
CLOUD RECESSES
Su She manged to kill the last puppet when Lan Wangji and Wei Ying arrived by sword along with a contingency of their own men. He turned to them at first in anger but then in shock when Lan Wangji bowed to him. "Su She," he said reverently. Su She in shock that Lan Wangji the man who refused to look at him in the beginning was now paying respects. He gave a hesitant bow in return also showing his own respect.
"Sect Leader Lan and Wei what..?" he said the phrase caught on his tongue.
"The Western Spirit ordered us to investigate what was going on here. It appears that a battle has taken place," Wei Ying said to him and Su She covered in blood that he was nodded. "We were attacked by an army of the undead. It was right after Wen Xu arrived to warn us of his father's impending invasion," he said to them.
"Invasion?" Wei Ying said shocked and surprised.
"Yes, but before we go further please lend me your aid in to tending to the wounded," Su She said and hurried off towards the back of the mountain.
LATER
It was sometime later that the group after assisting the wounded was able to gather in what remains of the library. The secret passages under the mountain had proven useful in protecting the precious knowledge that the library once contained. The Dragon Temple had been a great source of protection and it had over the centuries, but after the dragon had hatched from the egg the temple vanished into thin air. Well 'moved' was more a term for it. The temple had been moved to the Burial Mounds where it would be by the dragon and its caretakers for as long as they needed it.
Thankfully the caves where the temple resided are still in existence. Though the entrance by the ice caves are no longer available. The entrance and the passages underneath the Grandmaster's Home however are still intact. In fact most of the noncombatants are still there hiding while a select few who couldn't make it hid in the ice caves.
Among them was the new sect leader Lan Qiren as he was cleaning the wound off of one of the Wen Soldiers that helped them during the fighting. The man had taken a sword to the gut for him but thankfully his armor protected him from suffering any worse damage.
"You were lucky that the armor was strong enough to protect you. Otherwise you could have been among the dead," Lan Qiren said as he finished bandaging the wound.
"You're welcome sect leader," the man said as he slowly was lowered back down onto the bed. Just then Su She entered the tent where the wounded are.
"Sect Leader," he bowed to him and Lan Qiren gave a nod back showing that his hands were of no condition to do a proper bow.
"What is it Su She?" he said to him. He was not offended by Su She's presence, but he had to give the man credit. He stood up where many ran and fought as bravely as anyone of them here. The dragon truly had chosen a good man to be the Lan Clan's guardian.
"The dragon sect are here," he said to him. Lan Qiren stood up and wiped his hands on a cloth nearby before accompanying the man to where Lan Wangji and Wei Ying were currently helping the wounded.
"Sect-Leaders," Lan Qiren said while addressing the two boys in front of him. Both of them bowed to him before standing up.
"Sect Leader Lan we heard that Wen Xu is here too as well?" Wei Ying said to him. Lan Qiren nodded to him in reply, "He is helping the men bury the dead and giving them rites. I will have someone fetch him," Lan Qiren said as he sent one of the surviving disciples to go get the Wen heir.
When they gathered at a more private setting which was one of the houses untouched by the fighting, namely Lan Wangji's former home the Jingshi. Wen Xu had arrived not long after the disciple went to fetch him. He sat there drinking tea alongside the generals he had left and Lan Qiren and a few others sat on the other side of him. On the opposite side was Wei Ying and Lan Wangji.
"Your father attacked this place unprovoked why?" Wei Ying said cutting to the chase. Wen Xu had a fist clenched under the table as he looked down at the table itself willing it to burn.
"My father….has gone mad. He became obsessed with power. He wanted the sects to fear him and has been trying to break the blood oath that has kept the clans at peace for three thousand years," Wen Xu replied.
"Obsessed with power? Why did he act now? Does he know what happens to those who break the blood oath?" Wei Ying said to him and Lan Wangji put his hand on his husband's leg.
"Why did he go against the oath knowing it would bring both his clan and his life to ash," Lan Wangji said to him. Wen Xu looked at the table in shame.
"Father...Sect Leader Wen has grown obsessed with breaking the vow ever since he discovered the Yin Iron. He was a strict but a fair ruler before. Much like Sect Leader Nie, but when he discovered the Yin Iron on Dafan Mountain many years ago his obsession with power had proven too much." Wen Xu said to them.
"Sect Leader Wen has been consumed by the dark powers of the Yin Iron. He seeks to find out all of its secrets and sought the knowledge of the only member of the Xue line that has Xue Chonghai's blood; Xue Yang." said one of the generals. His face is covered by bandages. He has one over his left eye while his right ear is missing. The other generals and Wen Xu all sported bandages. Lan Qiren also has bandages on his person but they are well hidden under his robes.
"Xue Yang? We've heard of that name before from Wen Qing. She said that he was a demonic cultivator is that correct?" Lan Wangji said to General and the man nodded.
"Xue Yang is a dangerous character. The servants told us that he has taken many captives to experiment on. Some of those experiments are gruesome and some are what you saw out on the battlefield," said the general.
They all looked at each other when they said this. It was Lan Wangji who spoke, "You are speaking about the puppets we saw out there?" he said to them.
At the General's nod they both breathed out a hiss. Lan Qiren looked as if he was going to either explode or faint but neither seemed the case as he took a few deep breaths to calm down.
"Yes, we are speaking about the puppets. They used to be our fellow sect members, but Xue Yang turned them into something...else," said another general. One of the Lan healers was tending to him.
"I see, so where is Xue Yang or Wen Ruohan?" said Wei Ying as he sipped some wine. The others looked at each other but it was Wen Xu who answered,
"Father is still in Nightless City. He never came with his army. Xue Yang wasn't here either and neither was my brother. The man who was controlling the puppets never shows his face. But somehow they have enough power to control them from far so that means that they have used the Yin Iron to control them."
"But that is impossible! How can one man only control three or four pieces of the Yin Iron?" said one of the remaining Lan elders.
Lan Wangji held his hand up they all stopped to stare.
"The Yin Iron is made from the bones of Western Spirits. I am sure Wen Ruohan and Xue Yang know this. However because of the blood vow that was taken none of the sect leaders and their families can harm the dragon. However that does not stop outside forces from doing so. The dragon has sent us on a quest to find out what is going on and to offer aid. If Wen Ruohan has attempted to take that which is not his then we are in grave danger. So we must be cautious." he said to those who gathered around.
"We could use the aid thank you," said Lan Qiren. Wen Xu put his hand on Lan Qiren's shoulder, "If my men are able we can offer help too," he said but the older man shook his head.
"Your help here during the battle was enough Wen-Gongzi. Your army has helped save as much lives as it could and with them I fear we would have suffered heavy losses. The dragon has chosen well when she freed you of your father's corruption," he said to him. Wen Xu nodded in thanks to him.
"I understand you are somewhat hesitant to something? What is it?" asked Lan Wangji. His golden gave never faltering from Wen Xu's own dark gaze. Taking a deep breath Wen Xu began to suspect his suspicions.
"It was rumors that were heard among the servants back in Nightless City. They say that my father has planned for two assaults. One here and one at one of the other major sects. The other one we don't know but they are planning something big. Father never told me of such things, but then again he might have suspected that I might not be as loyal as he thought." Wen Xu replied his mind staring at the table and holding his cup in both hands. His nervousness is apparent as his generals remained silent.
"Do you have a guess as to which sect might be targeted?" asked Wei Ying.
"I have reason to suspect either the Unclean Realm or Lotus Pier might be next. I don't know which one will be chosen but we need to prepare." Wen Xu said to them. His voice unsteady as he held his cup.
"Why not Lanling? Surely the Jin are more prominent in wealth and prestige then the Jiang or the Nie?" said Wei Ying. His curiosity was heightened by this new development.
"Father and Jin-Zhongzu are allies and so father has no inclination to attack the Jin anytime soon," said Wen Xu. The other Wen Generals all agreed with him.
"Yes, Jin Guangshan is a greedy man and the Wen Sect has offered much trade with Lanling so that it can prosper on our wealth." said one of the generals.
"Why attack the other two then? That is an act of war and treason!" said a Lan Elder. His gravely voice shook as he spoke.
"Wen Ruohan cares not for the other clans. Only in breaking the blood vow that has kept them all in line. He not only wants to break it but he also wants to prove that my clan is the strongest in all the land. But I for one will not stand by while my father kills innocents and neglects his duties to his people. Sure the Wen have grown stronger over the centuries and has become the largest sect, but the methods my father is using is beyond evil," said Wen Xu. His voice showing his anger towards his father and the situation.
"Be that as it may Wen-Gongzi but remember your father has been influenced by Xue Yang for years. The darkness that comes from demonic cultivation only fuels that need for more," Lan Qiren said to him as he stood up. He winced as his wounds became aggravated. Two other elders came to his aid.
"We need to send a message out to the other sects," said one of the elders.
"I believe you might be right. Hopefully I can send someone out to tell the respective sects of the danger." Lan Qiren said. He was stopped however by Lan Wangji who held up his hand.
"Shifu as much as you wish to spread the word to do so would not be in your favor. Your men are wounded as well as Wen-Gongzi's you need to recover. I will send one of my own to both the Unclean Realm and to Lotus Pier to prepare for war. Should the Wen attack then we will have our answer," Lan Wangji replied and they all agreed to it.
LATER
"Lan Zhan I am worried," Wei Ying said as they snuggled close together in bed. Silencing talismans had been placed around them to keep their nightly activities quiet in the Cloud Recesses.
"I am worried myself. Something is not right here and we need to investigate," Lan Wangji said to him. Wei Ying held him tighter.
"We need to find a way to see when and where the Wen are going to attack. They could attack at any time and we need to prepare for it," Wei Ying said to him.
Lan Wangji also acknowledged that they need to prepare for the inevitable.
"So how are we to know that is going on? We need eyes and ears to the ground if we are going to figure something else out," said Lan Wangji.
"You need not worry about such things! I have a plan which will require my spymaster to gain the information you seek. Both Nie Huaisang and Meng Yao have already devised a way to speak to others. You both can hear me because you are my keepers. If you are going to ask then ask….Wei Ying," said Dani though her voice sounded a bit distorted.
"So you have been listening to us?" said Lan Wangji. His voice blank of any emotion.
"As you are apart of me and I am apart of you I can see, hear, and feel what you do to an extent. I know where you are at all times unless someone puts some strong spells on you both. I would have to say it is all doom and gloom here so we can go to the exciting part and hunting down Xue Yang. I have heard the testimony of Wen Xu and his generals and have come to the conclusion that Xue Yang seeks to find a way to kill me. After all the Xue were the ones who wiped out my entire species. So if it is true that he had tried to kill me then we need to head over to the one place no one has thought of." Dani's voice said.
"Oh and where is that oh great serpent?" said Wei Ying sarcastically.
"The Valley of Ghosts better known as Ghost Valley in Qishan. It is a place where criminals disappear not been seen again. I've heard the chief there is quite formidable. You should seek him out," Dani said to them. The two were skeptical of it, but it was Wei Ying who decided they needed to go there.
"As you wish," he said mockingly. Lan Wangji glared at him his golden eyes looked worried as they stared into cloudy gray ones.
"Lan Zhan what is it?" Wei Ying asked.
"Ghost Valley is on the Eastern Side of Qishan bordering Qinghe. However it also borders the northern wastes. To go there is certain death because the traps and the guardians there are relentless. It is meant to keep the ghosts who inhabit the area from leaving. Criminals who run to Ghost Valley are said to be lost within its walls for all eternity at the whims of the valley chief," Lan Wangji replied his voice full of worry.
"Yet I hardly sense any sort of Yin energy associated with the dead," Wei Ying said to him.
"It was not meant for actual ghosts Wei Ying, my love. It is meant for criminals who want to seek redemption from the rest of the world. Those who are either too dangerous for normal society to handle or simply want to disappear. I've heard the chief there is just as ruthless as those around him. Wen Kexing is his name I think and from the sounds of how he handles things quite insane," Lan Wangji replied. His voice a soothing whisper to him.
"If it is such a place for criminals then why is it called the 'Valley of Ghosts?" he asked. Lan Wangji sighed knowing his husband probably not paid attention to such lectures.
"It is called the 'Valley of Ghosts,' because whoever enters the valley becomes a ghost of a sorts. They drink a soup that is like that Meng Po Soup. It makes one forget their previous life and be reborn into the valley as one of its inhabitants. Unfortunately from what I understood from some people who lived in the nearby village known as Yi City those who drank the soup remember who they are, but they don't remember the deeds that make them want to enter the valley in the first place. However they are not allowed to leave the valley as the Chief has made it plain that to become a ghost is to give up earthly possessions. That also means giving up one's family or sect if they were a cultivator," Lan Wangji replied to his husband as Wei Ying placed his head on Lan Wangji's chest.
"So they are not allowed to leave? What if they escape?" he asked him.
Lan Wangji's face is grim, "Then the chief will hunt them down and drag them back. He sends his ten servants known as the Ten Devils to deal with runaways."
"So we must make our way there to deal with Wen Kexing and figure out why Wen Ruohan wants with breaking the blood vow that the ancient sect leaders took. I don't know what Xue Yang has up his sleeve but Lan Zhan nothing makes sense," Wei Ying said his worries which Lan Wangji too felt. Instead of answering he kissed Wei Ying's lips lightly.
"We can't do anything now my love the best we can do is rest and hopefully tomorrow we can have some clearer heads and better answers," Lan Wangji said to him. Wei Ying sighed as he relaxed against his husband's chest. He listened to the sounds of Lan Wangji's steady heartbeat as his husband drifted off to sleep. As he listened his mind does want to continue their conversation. But his body won out against his heart and slowly he felt himself drift off to sleep.
MEANWHILE
A lone creature sat on the rooftops of the main meeting house of the Dragon Sect. Ruby red eyes stared at the new moon as it rose above the horizon towards the east. The silence of the night and the sound of the wind against her scales has Dani the dragon feeling cold with dread.
Something evil is stirring and Dani knows that her presence is needed now more then ever. She just doesn't know when they will strike next. But when they do she hopes she and her guardians will be ready.
TBC
Whew! This took me long enough. It was hard to try and get this chapter done without the aid of caffeine(I am not allowed to have some due to heart issues). So I had to work slowly through it. Just to warn you though I am not that great with editing but will try. I am too tired and lazy to find me a beta to go over it at this time. So if you see errors I apologize right now for it.
With anything to do please by all means leave a review just now BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS OR FLAMES PLEASE! Thank you.
