The beautiful green lands of Qing Qiu glowed under the light of the full moon that hung in the sky. On any other day, the inhabitants of Qing Qiu would all be asleep. However, many were hoping to hear wonderful news that their rulers, the Fox King and Queen had welcomed yet another child into the world. 30,000 years ago the Fox Queen gave birth to her first daughter and what everyone assumed would be her last child. It was a miracle when she became pregnant with yet another little girl. Unlike her other pregnancies, this one was especially difficult. Zhe Yan had been forced to neglect his Ten Miles of Peach Tree forest, just to ensure the health of the mother and unborn baby.
"Why hasn't the baby come yet?" Bai Qian asked as she glanced at the group of men drinking the last of the peach wine that Zhe Yan had brought over. Zhe Yan and Bai Zhen were in the middle of a chess match and from the look on her brother's face, he was losing.
"It can take a while, little five." Zhe Yan told her with an amused smile on his face. "Still, it is taking much longer than before." The Fox King spoke as he glanced over at the den entrance with a worried look on his face.
Zhe Yan let out a slight chuckle. "It has been a difficult pregnancy. What makes you think the delivery won't be just as difficult?" He placed another piece on the board before letting out a sigh. "Don't worry. I am here should anything happen."
Before anyone else could speak a soft wail echoed out of the clearing. Everyone shot to their feet and eagerly awaited the news that was soon to come. "Congratulations, Fox King. It is a healthy baby girl." The maid said coming out of the Fox Den before handing a small bundle to the Fox King.
The Fox King pulled back the blanket to reveal the small infant kit. She was the smallest out of all her other siblings, but what set her the most apart was her nine little black tails.
"A black nine tailed fox? Have you ever heard of one?" The Fox King asked before turning to his old friend. Zhe Yan looked a little puzzled as he too took in the small baby. "No. She is definitely unique."
"What are you going to name her father?" Bai Zhen asked. The Fox King thought carefully. "Li. Bai Li. " He lovingly smiled at the small miracle that was his newest daughter. He had a feeling that she would bring about her own set of trouble, just like Bai Qian did.
—-
It wasn't long after Bai Li was born that the Fox King and Queen were called away. Bai Zhen had already been taking care of Bai Qian and had a lot of experience now with raising children. He was more than happy to take care of his newest sister. However, unlike Bai Qian who was mostly raised in Qing Qiu, Bai Li only spent her first 5,000 years there. She was then taken and raised in Zhe Yan's peach tree forest where her brother spent most of his time.
Bai Qian divided her time between the forest and Qing Qiu. She would spend enough time in one place to cause enough trouble that would eventually lead to her running away to avoid the consequences. Despite being the younger sister, Bai Li was always cleaning up after her sister's messes, at least the ones that followed her to the forest. She had a sharp wit and clever tongue, which made it easier to redirect or negate any anger towards her sister. At some point, it was decided to send Bai Qian to Kunlun in hopes that she would grow out of her troublesome ways.
She had been gone for 20,000 years now. Since then, Bai Li had become a fully grown adult and many couldn't help but compare the two sisters. Bai Qian had stronger, more playful features and was a few inches taller. Bai Li had softer, more innocent-like features and was smaller built. Both had long silky hair, but Bai Qian's hair was a dark brown while Bai Li's hair was a deep black. Their eyes were another thing that set them apart, Bai Qian had rich brown colored eyes, while Bai Li's were a dark slate grey. Depending on the lighting and what she wore they could look more brown or more blue.
Another big difference was their temperment. Bai Qian was always playful, troublesome and lazy, while Bai Li was more mellow, incredibly intuitive and cunning. While her sister was gone, Bai Li had entertained herself by learning martial arts from Bai Zhen and healing from Zhe Yan. She was a quick learner and easily absorbed what they taught. They learned early on that she was exceptionally skilled in magic and cultivated energy faster than most. Zhe Yan believes it has to do with her black coat.
At 35,000 years old, Bai Li went through her first trial and became a high immortal. The news had spread fast, which made Bai Li cringe. For a short time, she was the center of everyone's fascination. Luckily the attention dissipated fast. She was the most reserved out of her entire family, preferring to stay in her small little world and away from the dramas of the heavens. This meant that not many had ever seen her making it easy for people to forget about her. Bai Qian on the other hand, was quite well-known. This had a lot to do with her beauty and constant troublesome nature.
The young female fox let out a sigh. Despite always having to protect and clean up after her, Bai Li missed having her sister around. Her brother had established his own manor and was currently dealing with things there. Which meant that only Zhe Yan was there to entertain her. Unlike her sister, who had several new 'brothers' to keep her entertained.
Bai Qian seemed to be having lots of fun at Kunlun, at least based on what she wrote in her letters. She also had a major crush on her master. Most people who read the letters might think that Qian Qian just greatly admired the God of War, but Bai Li had a gift for being able to read people and could tell that her wild sister was in love. Bai Li doubted her sister realized it, since she was often ignorant of those kinds of emotions.
"Perhaps, I should go and pay her a visit." Li Li spoke aloud with a sly smirk on her face. However, before she could even more, a familiar voice spoke up.
"I was hoping you would be up to visiting Kunlun." Zhe Yan said, approaching her. "It seems your sister has caused quite the trouble. She got herself kidnapped by Yao Guang, which led to Mo Yuan challenging the goddess to a duel."
The old phoenix stopped in front of the much shorter female. "I have a feeling Mo Yuan will need help looking after his mischievous disciple for a bit. Besides, Fourth Brother needs you to escort Xuan Nu to Kunlun."
Bai Li's nose wrinkled at the thought of Xuan Nu. Her eldest brother was married to the girl's sister. Bai Qian used to hang out with her and even allowed the other female to use her face. Thankfully, Bai Li had only met her once when she was still a small child. The impression she got from the girl was petty, dramatic and emotionally manipulative. Three things which Bai Li hated.
"Why does she need to go to Kunlun?" She asked.
Zhe Yan sighed at the obvious distest coming from the young fox in front of him. "She is running away from an unwanted marriage. Surely you can take pity on her."
"Fine, but I am not looking after her once we get there. Fifth sister can." Bai Li waved her hand and cast magic over herself. Her elegant clothes were replaced with dark blue ones that were more normal and looked a little worn. Her silky hair that cascaded down her back, became a braided updo. It was similar to the rugged style her sister used to wear, just a little more feminine. Lastly, Bai Li suppressed her high immortal aura to match that of a normal immortal.
Once she was satisfied that she just no longer looked like a person of status, she once again turned to Zhe Yan. "You can introduce me as Si Lan, Si Yin's sister." She motioned for Zhe Yan to lead the way towards the waiting Xuan Nu. The quicker they set out, the better.
—-
"So your brother is a disciple at Kunlun?" Xuan Nu asked as she walked behind the younger woman.
"Yes."
"And you both are from Qing Qiu?" Xuan Nu tried to catch up to Si Lan and nearly tripped in the process.
Si Lan slowed down her pace a little. Xuan Nu was very talkative and just a little too inquisitive for her taste. Maybe once she had some answers, the girl would finally be quiet. "We grew up primarily in the Peach Blossom Forest with Zhe Yan and Bai Zhen, who we call Fourth Brother as well."
Unfortunately, the questions kept coming, which made the journey to Kunlun seem even longer than it was. After asking about her childhood, Xuan Nu started asking her if her brother was handsome, how she managed to keep her skin so healthy, why she pinned all her hair up verses letting some flow down her back. All the questions were very tiring. She made a mental note to avoid this woman at all cost while at Kunlun. How her sister managed to make friends with the woman was beyond her. The girl had no self-esteem and was highly jealous of everyone she saw as better, which was about everyone.
Bai Li let out a sigh of relief when Kunlun came into view. "May I help you?" One of the men in white asked while approaching them. He seemed to be of some authority based on the way the others reacted to him. "We are here to see Si Yin."
The man nodded. "If you would just wait right here while I get him."
Si Yin seemed a little perplexed, wondering who would possibly be visiting. 'Xuan Nu?' Si Yin's thought before his eyes grew slightly the moment he saw the other guest.
"Brother!" Si Lan smiled as she rushed to give him a hug. While not an overly huggy person, Si Lan hadn't seen her brother in a while and was quite glad to see him. Not to mention it meant that she was no longer responsible for her traveling companion.
"Sister? What are you doing here? And where did this lady come from? She seems to bear a remarkable resemblance to me." Si Yin gestured over to Xuan Nu.
Xuan Nu approached the two siblings. She could not believe how similar Si Yin looked to Bai Qian. Bowing slightly in respect she introduced herself. "Si Yin, my name is Xuan Nu. I am the younger sister of Bai Xuan's wife."
Si Yin nodded. Si Lan wanted to laugh at how ridiculous her "brothers" acting skills were. He was so awkward. "Ah, you are from Qing Qiu. I think I've heard them mention you before."
"I heard from my sister that you've lived with Zhe Yan for thousands of years and are great friends with the Qing Qiu." Xuan Nu asked, even though Si Lan had already told her.
"Yes, when I lived with Zhe Yan back then I often called them my brothers just as Bai Qian did." Si Yin wanted to smack himself then. Why did he mention his actual name.
This caught Xuan Nu's attention as her jealousy reared its ugly head. She did manage to hide it pretty well behind her pretty face. "Qian Qian? Speaking of her, I haven't seen her in thousands of years."
Realizing that he hadn't introduced the two young women to his older brother and wanting to dodge the last statement, Si Yin turned towards his senior. "This is the younger sister of the wife of Qing Qiu's Bai Xuan and the other one is my sister."
"Si Lan." Si Lan introduced herself and bowed politely. "I have been very curious to see the people my brother now calls family."
Si Yin pointed to his senior and introduced him to the two girls. "This is Mo Yuan's senior disciple. His name is Die Feng, the second prince of the Water King of the West Sea."
After hearing of his royal title, Xuan Nu immediately bowed and feigned embarrassment. She obviously didn't expect anyone of any status to be a disciple at Kunlun. "I did not know of your esteemed status, I've been impolite."
Die Feng smiled and brushed off her politeness. "Our past identities matter not in Kunlun Mountain. We're all Master's disciples. There's no need for such formalities." After hearing her affirmation he continued, "Since you know each other, you can talk. I will be going now."
Si Lan bowed as he left. Her sister obviously held him in high regard. She would have to find time to ask him to tell her about all the troubles her sister has been into while away. Si Lan turned back to the other two remaining figures. "Xuan Nu, why don't you give the letter to him?" She reminded the demure acting female.
Xuan Nu quickly displayed the letter and held it out for the mysterious male to take. "Si Yin, this is a letter from Bai Zhen. This letter contains everything he is entrusting to you."
Si Yin took the letter, a little curious as to what it contained. "A letter from Fourth brother? Why didn't he come himself?"
"Bai Yi's baby girl is about to be born. All the gods in Qing Qiu's have gathered there." Xuan Nu explained.
Si Yin quickly tossed a questioning glance at Si Lan, wondering why she wasn't attending and how she got roped into coming here with Xuan Nu. "When I left, Second Brother had just married. He is having a baby already? They already know the gender of the baby? With Zhe Yan around, it'd be hard not to know." She paused before continuing, "Let me read this."
Si Yin's eyes traced over the letter, explaining that Xuan Nu was being forced to marry the blind bear and he hoped she could stay in Kunlun. "Me? Why aren't you taking on this problem? Why are you throwing it to me?" Silently she murmured before continuing to read. Her brother went on to explain that it was only Zhen Yan and him in the Ten-Mile Peach Tree Woods and they didn't know how to care for an unmarried woman. This nearly made Si Yin laugh out loud. Didn't the two of them practically raise her and Si Lan? At least they didn't tell her that she was Bai Qian.
After rolling the letter back up, Si Yin turned back to the two women. "I've finished reading it. Fourth brother just left you to me like this. I'm also in a difficult spot." After the whole ordeal with Yao Guang, she wondered if her master would even consider letting another woman stay in Kunlun, not to mention two of them.
"If you find it troubling. Then I…I.." Xuan Nu started to cry. The whole show seemed overly dramatic to Si Lan, who was trying really hard not to roll her eyes. However, it seemed to work on the oblivious Si Yin. "Don't cry. I have to ask Master if you can stay here, wait here for me. Don't cry."
Si Yin quickly ran off to get away from the upset female. Leaving Si Lan behind to try and comfort her.
—
Si Yin briskly walked into the temple in search of her master. Some part of her hoped he would let them stay and another part of her did not. She would love for her sister to stay and visit, but she hadn't seen Xuan Nu for a while. She didn't know if she could handle having a 'typical' demure female around. Neither her nor her sister were frail and timid females.
Si Yin peered around the corner to see if her master was there. Unfortunately, he seemed to be meditating and she wasn't about to interrupt. She turned to Die Feng who was currently organizing the book shelf. "Senior Disciple."
He turned quickly not even noticing that Si Yin had entered the room. "Seventeenth? Aren't you keeping your cousin and sister company? Why are you here?"
Si Yin nodded before she started explaining. "There are some things that need Master's approval first."
"I really can't believe the one girl isn't your sister. You two look so similar standing side by side, even more so than your actual sister." Die Feng could help but compare the two females to Si Yin. If he had to guess which of the two females was Si Yin's sister, he would have picked Xuan Nu. Though from the brief interaction he had with Si Lan, she did appear to have a more similar temperament to Si Yin.
Si Yin chuckled a little, trying to dismiss any suspicion. "The world is so large, there are bound to be coincidences….. Senior, do you think I should keep them here?"
Die Feng thought for a moment before replying. "You said Xuan Nu ran away from home to escape being forced to marry. She came to Kunlun Mountain because she had nowhere else to go. If that really is the case, it would not be a problem for her to say for a while. As for your sister, she is your family."
"Will Master allow it?" Si Yin's question hung in the air; both knowing that the recent events had a lot to do with the hesitancy. However, Die Feng didn't seem to think it would be an issue. "Back when Yao Guang had one-sided affections for Master she moved her entire residence here. Master did not think too much of it. He even told us that those who come are guests and we must do what we can. Xuan Nu and Si Lan are just staying here for a while. Master probably won't be too troubled."
It was true their master had yet to turn anyone away, but most of the people who came to Kunlun were men and the only female who lived here was in her own residence. "But Kunlun Mountain is full of men. Where will she stay?" Si Yin asked.
After overhearing the conversation, Mo Yuan decided to make his presence known. "In your quarters."
Both disciples bowed. "Master"
"Kunlun Mountain is full of male disciples. It would be inconvenient no matter where they stay. Both of them came to see you and one is your sister. It would be most fitting for them to stay in your quarters."
Si Yin's reply of "But I'm also a guy…" almost made Mo Yan smile. He managed to turn and face her with a raised eyebrow.
"Master is right. Since she came looking for me, I should be the one taking care of her." Si Yin quickly finished, not wanting to anger or disappoint her master.
Mo Yuan turned to leave but stopped to ask how Si Yin's copies were coming along. After the whole ordeal with Yao Guang he had instructed a disciple to inform Si Yin of this new assignment. The puzzled response made him question whether Si Yin had been informed. "Didn't Ling You tell you?"
Realizing that the task was not a joke from Ling You, a pout crossed Si Yin's face. "Master, after 30,000 copies of "True Classic of Vacuity" my fox claws would be falling off. Can it be a smaller number?"
The short no response from her master, had Si Yin sighing in resignation. "Alright Master, after I take care of Xuan Nu, I will start my punishment."
Die Feng took the queue to end the conversation as well. "Then master, I will get back to organizing."
Si Yin made her way back to the two women in the courtyard. Xuan Nu had apparently calmed down, but neither of the girls were talking much. Upon seeing Si Yin again, Xuan Nu jumped up hoping that the news was positive.
"Master said that you may stay." Si Yin told them causing Xuan Nu to smile brightly. "I will take you to where you will be staying."
They walked through the mountainous terrain to a small secluded part of the temple. It had a well and stairs leading up to a dwelling carved out of the mountain. "This is right next to my place." Si Yin pointed to the door that led to her room. "Stay here for now. If you need anything, tell me." Si Yin turned to look at his sister. "Sister, you can sleep in my room. I just need to get some extra bedding."
Si Lan nodded happy to not be sharing a room with the other fox female. Xuan Nu bowed politely with the ever present smile on her face. "Thank you for taking me in."
Si Yin blew off the thanks, not wanting to take credit for something that was not her doing. "Don't thank me. Without my master's permission, nobody would dare let a woman stay in Kunlun Mountain."
Si Yin turned to leave but was stopped when Xuan Nu called out her name. "When you were living in Ten-Mile Peach Tree Woods, did anyone tell you that you look like Qian Qian?"
Panicking slightly, Si Yin tried to come up with a response. "People often said that. Fourth brother even said we look like twins. I think you have some of her charm as well." She hoped that by flattering the girl, she would get her to drop her questioning.
"That is just a coincidence. She is Qing Qiu's future female monarch. How could I compare to her? I'm afraid hiding here will be of no use. In the end, I still have to marry that black bear spirit." Si Lan once again wanted to roll her eyes at the young woman's statement. She seemed to be doing everything in her power to make people take pity on her. Didn't she have any pride?
"Don't be disheartened. Perhaps things will change after a good night's sleep. I can't talk any longer, I have to start my punishment." Si Yin quickly nodded before running off to avoid more questioning.
Si Lan watched the whole exchange and couldn't help but notice a difference in her sister. In the past, Bai Qian would have never accepted any punishment or usually found a way out. While it was obvious that the punishment was being used as an excuse to leave, it meant she would still be having to do it. Catching Xuan Nu's dreaming look, Si Lan rolled her eyes at the girl's foolishness. "I am going to look around. You should get settled in."
Si Lan noticed that Si Yin deviated from the path to the temple and decided to see what he was up to. She came to a stop by the small entrance to the lotus pond area. There was a powerful energy here, one she doubted anyone other than a powerful high immortal would notice.
"Little Golden Lotus, Little Golden Lotus. Starting today I will have to copy "True Classic of Vacuity" 30,000 times. I won't be able to look after you, I'll take care of you again when I come back." Si Yin spoke to the small golden lotus in the pond.
That was the source of the energy, Si Lan thought. Curious. "I never thought I would see the day you accepted a punishment. Usually you run away to avoid it." She spoke up causing Si Yin to turn around.
"Sister! You startled me." Si Yin smiled and skipped up next to his sister. It was weird seeing his little sister all grown up. "I wasn't expecting you to visit. Why are you not with the others?"
Si Lan shot Si Yin a stern look. "Because we heard that you were kidnapped. Someone had to make sure you didn't get into too much trouble while your master recovered. Besides, Fourth Brother wanted me to escort Xuan Nu. I can head to Qing Qiu for the birth later."
Si Lan grinned at her brother. "So tell me about the High God that has my sister's….. I mean my brother's admiration."
"He has everyone's admiration."
Si Lan laughed at the slight blush that came across her brother's cheeks. "Well he has my curiosity and admiration. Especially since he can get my troublesome brother to face punishment."
"Sis!" Si Yin exclaimed trying to prevent the blush from spreading across his face. Si Lan just laughed. She missed teasing her brother. He was such an easy mark, much easier than Zhe Yan and Fourth Brother.
After a little more teasing, Si Lan let her brother go off to start working on his punishment. However, instead of immediately returning to her new home-away-from-home, Si Lan turned to look at the now glowing golden lotus. "Curious. You almost seem to have a consciousness." She noted as she stepped up to the pond. She reached out to brush the petals of the lotus, and felt a swirl of energy stroke her hand. "It's warm and comforting." The lotus glowed a little more and Si Lan could have sworn she felt a hand brush her cheek causing her heart to palpitate. However, she didn't feel startled. It was almost comforting.
Mo Yuan watched as the young woman gently touched the petals. Looking at the golden lotus, he could not help but remember when his father handed him it. His father instructed that he feed the lotus with his immortal energy until it turned into a human. So far the only people the lotus reacted to was Si Yin, himself and now this young woman.
A glowing light shot by next to him and came to a halt in front of Si Lan bringing her out of her daze. It was beautifully carved long jade flute. It was white colored with some light green tints. The carvings were of dragons flying through the sky and in the background were the Kunlun mountains. Mo Yuan's eyes grew slightly wider before returning to his normally stoic expression. Another magic weapon? Kunlun never had two magic weapons appear so close to each other.
Mo Yuan noticed that the young woman was still just staring at the magical weapon. Even he could tell that the weapon had chosen her to be its master. "Take it." Mo Yuan spoke up startling Si Lan, who quickly turned and bowed after noticing him. "High God Mo Yuan." Mo Yuan walked over to her and grabbed the flute from the air. He looked at it briefly, feeling the weapons pull to go towards its master. After a pause he held it out to the young woman. "Take it."
"But I am not a disciple of Kunlun." Even she could feel the power radiating from the flute. Surely such a powerful weapon would not be given to just anyone.
"It chose you." Mo Yuan stated drawing her attention back towards the High God. "The Jade Dragon Flute of Kunlun is a powerful artifact. Guard it well." While it was unprecedented to hand a magical weapon of Kunlun to someone outside of Kunlun, he knew she was more than ordinary. He could feel her High Immortal status despite the powerful magic shielding it away. The flute would be safe with her and it obviously chose her as its master.
Si Lan could tell that the High God would remain firm in his decision, so she simply nodded and took the jade flute from his outstretched hands. It hummed happily in her hands before she tucked it away. "Thank you." She gave a polite bow again. "Forgive my rudeness. I am Si Lan, Si Yin's sister."
"Where is Si Yin?" Si Lan noticed that Mo Yuan's eyes softened as he spoke about his youngest disciple.
"Off doing his punishment." Si Lan laughed. "I have never seen my brother accept punishment that easily."
Mo Yuan smiled slightly in amusement before a brief silence came between the two of them. "Why haven't you told Si Yin that you know his secret?" Si Lan asked. If she could see through Zhe Yan's magic, there was no way High God Mo Yuan would not be able to.
Mo Yuan glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Seventeenth will tell me when he is ready. Until then I will treat him no different than if I was ignorant."
It was no wonder why everyone admired him. He was a very honorable and respectable soul. Si Lan smiled. She approved of her sister's choice in men. If anyone could make her sister happy, it would be him. He understood Bai Qian almost as much as she did.
"That's true. But it might be a while. Si Yin seems to enjoy being one of the disciples and is not inclined to do anything that will change that." Si Lan warned him playfully. The sun was slowly starting to set and Si Lan wanted to be back before Si Yin returned to her room. "Perhaps, tomorrow you will honor me with a game of chess with me. Zhe Yan tells me you are quite skilled and I am most curious to hear what my dear brother has been up to."
"I will be going into seclusion tonight, but when I am back we shall." Mo Yuan told her. He paused with a serious expression on his face. He didn't say anything for a bit while he contemplated what he wanted to say. "Si Yin soon will be facing a heavenly trial." He finally spoke.
Si Lan nodded. She too had felt the subtle change in her brother and knew exactly what the High God was asking of her. "I had a feeling when I saw him. I will try to keep him from getting into too much trouble, but I will need to return to Qing Qiu for a few days. Hopefully, his punishment will keep him occupied." Mo Yuan nodded and both bowed to each other. He watched her briefly as she walked away, before turning back to look at the golden lotus.
—-
Bai Li played with her hair, twirling it between her fingers, as she watched her brother announce the birth of his daughter. It had been a long birth, 10 hours. Her family wondered if this one would take after Bai Qian and be just as mischievous. Li Li Knew she won't be the well disciplined daughter he second brother wished for, but hoped that she would not be as troublesome as Bai Qian.
Speaking of Bai Qian, she probably should return to Kunlun. If Mo Yuan was right, Bai Qian could be facing a heavenly trial at any moment. "I should head back to Kunlun to check on Bai Qian." Bai Li stood up and prepared to leave.
Her mom quickly rushed over to her and held her arm. "Must you leave so soon? Fifth sister is fine, isn't she?"
Bai Li smiled and nodded. "Yes, but I said I would only be gone for a few days. If I don't return, they may be worried." It seemed to appease her family's protests.
"Then take this with you." Zhe Yan handed her a jug of wine. "Even though Bai Qian could not be here, she should still be able to drink in celebration." The young fox nodded, taking the jugs and started her journey back. Normally she would have taken the shortcut, but there were rumors of unrest among the Ghost clan and so she decided to take a journey across the sea of rebirth. It might take longer, but it was the safer option.
The journey was quiet, which should have been good, but Bai Wei had a feeling of unrest. Something was not right. The moment she entered Kunlun she noticed Mo Yuan. Apparently, he was out of seclusion. He watched out of the corner of his eye as she came to stand next to him. "You have returned."
"Yes, I would have been here sooner but there are rumors of discord between the Ghost clan and the Heavenly one. I had to take a slightly longer route. "You feel it too?" She asked as she twirled her flute in her hand. she could tell that something was troubling the God of War and knew that it probably had to do with the same foreboding feeling she was experiencing. "Yes, something is coming. An unsettling change." He acknowledged after some thought. He usually didn't share his worries, but there was something about this young woman that made him feel a kinship to her. Perhaps it was because he knew that she would take care of Si Yin should he be unable to.
"This is intolerable!" a loud voice boomed from inside the main hall. "He dared to kidnap Kunlun Mountain's disciples and send out invitations to humiliate Master!"
The loud voice drew the attention of the two. Though neither moved from their current spot, their ears strained to hear the conversation.
"That's right! The Ghost Realm has gone too far!" a second voice hollered out.
"Second Disciple." yet another voice was heard. "With Master in seclusion and Senior off searching in the mortal realm, only you are in a position to make decisions. Just say the word, and all of us will storm into the Ghost realm with you to rescue Ninth Disciple and Seventeenth Disciple."
Si Lan glanced at Mo Yuan from the corner of her eye. He had tensed up the moment they mentioned the word kidnapping. It was subtle, but she could tell. It seems her sister had yet again managed to get herself into trouble. She felt bad for the High God since he obviously cared for her sister and yet some part of her was relieved that there was someone else who can help protect the troublesome female fox.
"We must not act so rashly." the voice of the second disciple could be heard trying to calm his brother's down. Suddenly, several sounds of footsteps could be heard making their way. Apparently, they noticed their master was no longer in seclusion.
Mo Yuan turned slightly to look at his disciples as they kneeled in front of him. Si Lan turned as well, but her focus was more on Mo Yuan than his disciples.
"All rise." Mo Yuan responded to their call of 'master' and deep bow.
"Master, Ninth and Seventeenth have been captured by Qing Cang. The Ghost Lord even spread invitations forcing Ninth Disciple to become his godson mocking Kunlun Mountain in such a manner." The second disciple explained getting straight to the point.
"I heard just now." Mo Yuan looked down in thought, allowing the second disciple to continue. "We were just discussing plans to go to Grand Ziming Palace on a rescue mission."
"I alone am enough. After all, the Ghost Tribe has yet to declare war on the Celestial Tribe. It is inappropriate to involve so many people. Quickly summon Die Feng back. When I return, seal off the mountain immediately. Nobody else is allowed to come or go from Kunlun Mountain" Mo Yuan turned to leave as all the disciples bowed and replied yes to his order.
"Wait." Si Lan called out as she ran towards Mo Yuan who paused in his step. "I am coming with."
Mo Yuan paused and weighed whether or not he should bring her along. She was not a part of the heaven clan and her high immortal status meant that, so she would not be hindered in Ghost Realm. However, he was used to operating alone for the most part. Even when commanding armies, he usually only relied on himself.
Si Lan could tell what he was thinking and quickly summoned her magic flute. "I know how to fight and heal. Tt is my brother they kidnapped and if I come along, it would not be seen as an act of declaring war either."
Mo Yuan took a deep breath and nodded. Perhaps it is time he learned to rely on someone else. Si Lan was obviously very protective of Si Yin and he was curious as to how strong her combat skills were. "Very well. Try to leave the fighting to me." Si Lan nodded before the two of them set off for the Grand Ziming Palace.
It didn't take long for the two of them to locate Si Yin and, luckily, she was alone. She was apparently not expecting to see them, or at least both of them, which caused her to cough in shock. "Master. Sister." Si Yin ran and gave Mo Yuan a huge hug in relief, which he comfortingly returned with a slight smile on his face.
"Master!" Si Yin pulled away from the hug but kept her hands on her master's forearms. "I knew you would come to rescue us!"
"Are you all right?" Si Lan wanted to smile at how Mo Yuan's first thought was to ask how Si Yin was and not where the ninth disciple was. "We will take revenge on another day. Let us save Ninth Disciple first."
The three of them walked off in the direction that Ling You was being held captive in. There was not much Si Lan or Si Yin had to do in terms of fighting. With one swoop of his hands, groups of enemies went flying. It was no wonder why he held the title of God of War.
When they entered into the small hut Ling You was being held in he had already made his way to the door, calling out master.
"Ninth!" Si Yin yelled as she approached Ling You who appeared to be having trouble standing. He was obviously having a hard time in the Ghost Realm and it was affecting his powers. Mo Yuan was powerful, which is why he appeared to be unaffected. The Ghostly Realm had less of an affect on people from the Fox Tribe and she was a high immortal, but Si Yin probably would have trouble accessing her powers.
"I have been unfilial." Ling You responded trying to bow to his master but having a hard time staying upright. "I have caused trouble for you."
Mo Yuan had moved to help Si Yin hold Ling You upright. "You are my disciple. There is no need to say such words."
"We need to leave." Si Lan reminded them, sensing more enemies approaching.
Mo Yuan moved forward to take care of the incoming group of enemies, while Si Yin and Si Lan moved to help Ninth walk.
"Let's go quickly." Mo Yuan stated before turning to walk ahead. They didn't make it more than a few steps when a much larger group of enemies made their way toward them. Calmly, Mo Yuan turned to face the leader of the new group.
"Who dares trespass into Grand Ziming Palace?" The commander of the enemy group was dressed differently, more noble like. He was obviously someone of status. "Attack!"
Another blast from Mo Yuan knocked back all the enemies. All but the commander dissipated in a dark cloud. "Master, let's go!" Si Yin said as she struggled to hold Ninth brother up.
Eventually, the number of enemies and the effect of the Ghost Realm forced Mo Yuan to draw his sword. Ninth brother seemed to be getting a little stronger the further they walked, but Si Yin still had to help him walk. However, this allowed for Si Lan to take up a rear position should Mo Yuan need assistance.
They were almost clear when they came face-to-face with the Ghost Lord himself.
"Mo Yuan." The Ghost Lord called out. "I truly cannot believe you would violate the treaty between our two tribes for your two disciples and slaughter my men at Grand Ziming Palace."
The commander from before came up from behind them with another large group of enemies.
"Qing Cang, how can you call yourself the Lord of the Ghost Realm?" Mo Yuan calmly asked. "This is nothing but an ambush. You went so far as to use such despicable means as kidnapping my disciples. If what you want is a duel, then let's fight."
Qing Cang chuckled. "That's exactly what I want."
"Si Lan, guard them." Mo Yuan whispered as the Ghost Lord prepared to attack. Si Lan nodded her head and tightened her grip on her flute.
Soon the battle commenced. The two exchanged powerful blows which were quickly blocked by their opponents weapons. The force of their power caused many to get knocked back and weapons to be sliced in two.
The battle didn't seem to be going anywhere until someone came and interrupted the fight, trying to attack the Ghost Lord. "Li Jing!" Si Yin called out to the new figure who had been knocked to the ground by the Ghost Lord.
"Run! He has the Bell of East Emperor!" Li Jing shouted causing the Ghost Lord's attention to be turned to the Si Yin and Ninth brother. Si Lan quickly stepped in front of them should he decide to attack. However, before she had a chance to defend, Mo Yuan jumped over the Ghost Lord to block the attack.
"Master!" Si Yin looked towards Mo Yuan for instruction. The sky filled with lightning signifying the start of a heavenly trial.
"The Heavenly Trial." Mo Yuan whispered softly, which only the four heard. "Let's go." He knew that they were in no shape to deal with the Ghost Lord and a heavenly trial. They had to get back to Kunlun as soon as possible. Mo Yuan grabbed Ling You and took to the skies with Si Lan and Si Yin following behind.
As soon as they landed in Kunlun, Mo Yuan passed Ling You to the other disciples to help. "Seal the mountain!" he ordered before grabbing Si Yin's hand and running off.
Si Lan watched knowing full well what was going through Mo Yuan's mind. Her sister was in no condition to take on a heavenly trial. While Si Yin was not as affected by the Ghost Realm as Ling You's was, her body was still weakened.
Si Lan stood by the entrance to the area with the lotus pond. She heard her sisters shouting. "Master! Let out Master! Master, let me out! Master!"
Another lightning bolt came and hit Mo Yuan as Si Yin and Si Lan watched on. Had Mo Yuan not chosen to take on her sister's trial, Si Lan would have taken the lightning strikes for her sister. Part of her wished he had, since he still hadn't recovered from his duel with Yao Guang. But perhaps seeing her master suffer would help her sister discover her feelings for the High God.
"Master! I should be the one suffering these lightning bolts! Master! Let me out! Let me out!" Si Yin yelled as she pounded on the energy field Mo Yuan put in place to prevent her from running to him. She paused watching as several bolts of lightning struck Mo Yuan causing him to fall to his knees. "Master! Master! This is my heavenly trial, Master!"
Si Lan knew the moment Si Yin ascended because she stopped shouting and the lightning stopped. Mo Yuan slowly stood up and made his way over to the now unconscious Si Yin. He picked her up and started to carry her out. He stopped once he saw Si Lan standing in the small doorway.
"Let's get her to bed." Si Lan whispered gently.
The two made their way over to Si Yin's dwelling. Mo Yuan gently laid Si Yin down and brushed some stray strands of hair from her face. The loving moment was broken when Mo Yuan turned to cough up some more blood. "Stay with her." Mo Yuan requested as he stumbled to get up.
Si Lan quickly moved to help him. "You need more help than Si Yin does. I may not be as skilled in healing as Zhe Yan, but I know enough that I should be able to help you recover quicker."
Mo Yuan moved to protest but her sharp look quickly cut him off. "Accept my help and then you can go into seclusion to finish healing. This way your disciples won't see how bad you are and Si Yin will never find out."
If Si Yin knew how bad her master was injured, she would never forgive herself. With a resigned sigh, Mo Yuan nodded. Si Lan helped Mo Yuan over to another bed once he was seated; she made some quick hand signs to transfer the energy that would aid in healing his wounds. By the time she finished, Mo Yuan could breath more normally and was no longer coughing up blood.
"Thank you." Mo Yuan whispered as he stood up.
Si Lan nodded before moving to sit next to her sister. "Don't forget you still owe me a game of chess." She tossed the High God a playful smile, hoping to ease the seriousness of the situation. He nodded before leaving the two sisters alone.
She briefly overheard one of the disciples talk to Mo Yuan outside the room. The mountain was sealed off and Ling You was now resting. Mo Yuan had instructed the disciple to aid Si Lan and help Si Yin recover before telling him that he would be going into seclusion.
Si Lan stayed by Si Yin side until morning when the Senior Disciple came in. "You should rest. You have been up with him all night." Die Feng said to the young woman.
She was about to protest, but shut her mouth when her protest turned to a yawn. "Let me know when he wakes."
"Of course." Die Feng watched as the young woman gave her brother a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room.
After several more hours, Si Yin started to wake up. "Master." came the first soft whisper before it became more anxious and worried. "Master! Master!"
Si Yin quickly stumbled out of the bed and rushed to the door calling out for her master. "Master." However, before she could open the door Die Feng had entered the room. He had just stepped outside to get some water when he heard Si Yin's shouting. "Seventeenth, you're awake?"
"Master!" Si Yin tired to push passed her senior, but he held her firm in place.
"Master has gone into seclusion." Die Feng told Si Yin as he looked into her frantic eyes. He guided Si Yin back to the bed as she once again said master but in a soft tone. "Come."
"Master has gone into seclusion?" Si Yin asked in a breathy voice. Apparently, she had not fully recovered from her ordeal in the Ghost Realm and ascension.
"Here." Die Feng helped Si Yin sit on the bed before standing back up. "Master endured three lightning bolts for you yesterday. Seventeenth, you should study and develop your skills properly from now on. It wouldn't be right to have Master face another trial for you for your next ascension."
Si Yin looked down in shame. "Lightning bolts… How is Master right now?"
Die Feng knelt down in front of his distressed younger brother. "Before Master went to the Host Realm to save you two he'd already ordered us to seal the mountain. I had thought something had happened. It seems Master was already prepared to endure lightning bolts for you but was afraid the Ghost Tribe would seek revenge and we'd be no match for them with him in seclusion."
While he was speaking Si Yin was quickly getting on her shoes before taking off towards the door. "Seventeenth! Seventeenth! Where are you going?"
Si Yin quickly made her way over to her master's seclusion area by the lotus pond. The very cave that he had sealed her in when he took the lightning bolts for her.
"Master, are you heavily injured? Master, I have been unfilial. I have caused you harm. I've learned from you for 20,000 years, but I can't even predict the day of my heavenly trial. Master, come out soon! I'll stew myself in soup for you." Si Yin cried. "Master."
Si Lan watched as her brother called out to her master. It was hard to watch him be so emotionally upset. A warmth spread throughout her body, like someone was trying to comfort her. After settling her emotions, she approached her brother.
"He would not want you to cry. He chose to take your trial for you to save you." she said softly as she knelt down next to Si Yin. "If you continue to cry like this you will upset his spiritual balance."
"Sister!" Si Yin turned and quickly hugged her sister. "Was master injured badly?"
Si Lan softly patted her sister's head. "When he went into seclusion it was nothing he couldn't recover from, but he did go through a lot of pain for you. Remember that."
Si Yin nodded into her sister's chest, her tears now just sniffles. "Come let's get you back to bed before your senior brother comes looking for you."