While Mo Yuan was in seclusion, Si Yin did indeed work hard. She continued to make the copies her master had originally assigned to her as punishment. Si Lan watched on while playing a calming tune from her flute. She too had been busy. Die Feng was busy taking care of Ling You and his wounds. So she had taken over a lot of the mountain's day to day paperwork and activities usually handled by Mo Yuan or his first disciple.
Despite being known as a recluse, Mo Yuan got invited to a lot of heavenly parties. She just today she had to send out two written responses and greet three visitors to inform them that the High God was in seclusion and would be unable to attend. When she wasn't busy with that she was reading the many military manuals that Kunlun had in its library.
"Seventeenth." Die Feng walked over to the busy Si Yin. " I have never seen you so diligent in the past 20,000 years. Now that the heavenly trial is past, you know to work on self-cultivation."
"You came at the right time, Senior. I have something to ask you." Si Yin paused to point to the characters on the wooden scrolls she was writing on. "Look here. 'When the East Emperor is brought forth, all shall perish and destruction will devour the world.'" Si Yin quoted the script to him. "Is it saying the Bell of East Emperor is a top magical artifact and one of the finest weapons? It was created by Master and is one of the godly weapons of the Celestial Realm?"
Die Feng smiled. It seems that Si Yin has become a little more enlightened. "Seventeenth, if you were so diligent before you wouldn't have needed Master to suffer the trial for you." However, before the conversation could continue. One of the other disciples came in announcing that Si Yin had a guest.
"I am Bai Zhen, fourth son of Fox King of Qing Qiu." Bai Zhen announced to the Senior Disciple. Both Si Yin and Si Lan quickly stood up to stand in front of their brother.
"Fourth Brother!" Si Yin ran and gave him a big hug. "This is wonderful!" While Si Lan waved from just behind the Senior Disciple with a smile on her face.
Si Yin quickly pulled away from Bai Zhen remembering that her senior disciple was watching. She spun around and took in his slightly puzzled look. "My sister and I have been with Zhe Yan and the others ever since we were young, so we have gotten used to calling him fourth brother." She quickly explained.
"Indeed, but I never would have thought Fourth Brother would visit us at Kunlun." Si Lan stepped up and smiled once again.
Bai Zhen smiled at his two sisters before turning his attention back towards the other male in the room. "Fourth Brother, this is Mo Yuan's senior disciple, Water King of West Sea's second son, Die Feng." Si Yin introduced.
"The environment at Kunlun Mountain is indeed very nice. No wonder Zhe Yan wanted to send you here to learn. Look at how our little Si Yin has grown." Bai Zhen stated before turning away from Si Yin to look more so at Si Lan. "He looks like an elegant and outstanding high immortal now."
Si Lan and Die Feng let out a light laugh. "Indeed no more wild looking clothes or hair style." Si Lan smirked in amusement. Poor Si Yin made it too easy for both Si Lan and Fourth Brother to tease her.
"Why are you crying?" Bai Zhen asked, noticing Si Yin's watering eyes. Surely their light-hearted teasing didn't warrant tears.
Si Yin sighed before responding in a slightly depressed tone. "It's all my fault. I had Master suffer the heavenly trial for me."
"No wonder your aura feels different." Bai Zhen noticed. "You have actually ascended. Your master really does treat you very well. Not many can withstand a heavenly trial."
Si Lan couldn't help but remember her heavenly trial. The lightning bolts were excruciating. She had been alone in the Ten Mile Peach Tree Forest. Zhen Yan and Fourth Brother were out attending some important social function, something she had thankfully managed to avoid attending. She remembered the sky darkening before excruciating pain suddenly wracked throughout her body. Zhen Yan and Fourth Brother found her bleeding body next to one of the larger peach trees. She had been exhausted after the trial and barely managed to move closer to the small hut her brother often stayed in. She slept for several days afterwards.
"You are family. I'll let you two talk. I'll have the kitchen cook more today." Die Feng smiled as he looked between them all. He didn't want to intrude on the reunion.
However, he was quickly stopped by Fourth Brother. "No need to go to that trouble. I am just passing by and wanted to pay a visit to Si Yin who has gone through a trial. I won't be staying long."
Die Feng nodded slightly. "All the more reason for me to take my leave. Enjoy your time."
They all bowed to Die Feng and vice versa before he left. The moment he was out of earshot thought, Si Yin was quick to pull her brother aside to sit. "Fourth Brother, come. You just got here and you already need to leave. Why are you in such a hurry?" Si Yin inquired curiously.
Si Lan moved to sit on the ground just behind them. Bai Zhen's face was in his usual relaxed state, but Si Lan noticed the seriousness in his eyes. "You have some news, don't you Fourth Brother."
Fourth Brother sighed slightly. "I has to do with the Ghost Realm."
"Qing Cang?" Si Yin asked puzzled.
Fourth brother tossed the troublesome girl a disappointed look. "Yes, it is because of Qing Cang. Speaking of which, why didn't you stay at Kunlun Mountain? What did you go to the Ghost Realm for?"
Si Yin sighed in a playful pouty way. "I heard Second Sister-in-law was about to give birth. I wanted to take a look."
Fourth Brother chuckled at the antics of his sister. "You, honestly. You are sure the Fox King's daughter. Just a quick trip out and you've caused great chaos."
"Hey! You make it sound like all of the Fox King's daughters are walking trouble magnets." Si Lan gave her brother a playful push. "Don't forget that I too am a daughter of the Fox King!"
Fourth Brother held up his hands in a surrendering manner, "Yes, yes. But you cause a different kind of chaos. Do you know how many times I had to apologize when my dear little sister couldn't be bothered to attend an event she was invited to?" He laughed.
"They are always so boring and full of rules. I wish they would just stop inviting me." She pouted. "Besides, that is not chaos." Bai Zhen waved his hand with a light chuckle and returned to his original train of thought. "Because of Mo Yuan and Qing Cang's duel at the Grand Ziming Palace the Heavenly Lord has been very concerned and has summoned Zhe Yan to discuss how to subdue the Ghost Realm. I came along to visit you here."
"Are they going to subdue the Ghost Realm?" Si Yin asked. "Is Qing Cang really raising an armed rebellion?"
Bai Zhen sighed and stood up. "It is just a matter of time." He quickly turned to look down at Si Yin. "You are Mo Yuan's most junior disciple. You probably won't be in any position to step onto the battlefield."
"Once my master, always my mentor." Si Yin said after standing up. "If Master is really going to lead an army to war, I definitely will not run from it."
Both Bai Zhen and Si Lan looked at each other. Both concerned at what the future has in store for their beloved sister. She tended to act rashly and in a war, that could be deadly.
The three of them continue to chat a bit about the past and Si Yin shared some new stories of her time here at Kunlun. All of them were trying to push the inevitable war at the far back of their minds.
"Brother, it looks like it's time for you to leave." Si Lan gestured to Bi Fang, Bai Zhen's mount, who had landed at the just outside to the hall they were in. All of them stood and made their way over to the beautiful one-legged bird. "Fifth, Sixth Sister, I'll be leaving now."
Si Yin grabbed her brother's arm after they took a few more steps. "Fourth Brother, what is the name of my little niece?"
He gave her a confused look before throwing a questioning look towards Si Lan. "Sixth Sister didn't tell you?"
Si Yin looked down and twisted her hands in embarrassment. "I forgot to ask her."
Fourth Brother shook his head in amusement. "Feng Jiu, Bai Feng Jiu."
"Feng Jiu?" Si Yin repeated. "Like the flight of a phoenix for nine days. It sounds like a magnificent name."
"Your interpretation is quite nice." Bai Zhen said in appreciation.
"I just wonder if such a name will negatively affect her marriage." Si Yin pondered. "Has Mother divined her future?"
"She was just born. Why are you worried about her marriage?" Bai Zhen wondered if Si Yin realized that the next female to be married off would probably be her. His sister was known for her beauty, but unfortunately, she was also known for her troublesome nature. "Our Bai family should be most worried about you. Quickly finish your studies and return home so we can find you a husband. So Mother won't nag at me all the time to find a wife."
Si Yin rolled her eyes and laughed. "You go get married first. You alway use me to misdirect them."
"We could always try to get Si Lan married instead." Bai Zhen said peering over towards his youngest sister. She just crossed her arms and gave them a haughty look. "Do you really want to challenge me my dear brother? Remember the last time you and sister thought to use me for misdirection?"
Bai Zhen eyes widened slightly and gave her a sheepish smile before turning to look back at Si Yin. "All right, I really have to go now. Fifth Sister, remember this. As a disciple of Kunlun Mountain if you want to follow Mo Yuan into battle we would be in no position to oppose. Mother and Father absolutely wouldn't stop you. It would be your obligation as a disciple. However, you need to remember you also have four older brothers and a younger sister. No matter what happens, don't try to face it by yourself."
Si Yin nodded. "I know." There was no doubt in her mind that Fourth Brother and Sixth Sister would rush to her side should she but ask. Bai Zhen turned slightly to his youngest sibling. "Keep an eye on her but don't do anything stupid." Si Lan nodded and they watched as he brother hopped on his mount and took to the skies.
Si Lan looked at her sister. "Know that I will always have your back." She gave her older sister a slight pat before walking off to read some more of Kunlun's numerous scrolls.
Si Lan hadn't been reading for a long time before commotion reached her ears. Apparently Si Yin had a guest and that guest was the second son of the Ghost Lord. All but Si Yin and the Ling You were looking for him.
A chill ran down Si Lan's spine. Something bad was going to happen soon and it had to do with her sister.
Si Lan set down the book she was reading and went to look for her troublesome sister. Mo Yuan was still in seclusion. The least she could do was limit how much trouble her sister caused.
She watched as Xuan Nu and Si Yin started making their way down the mountain. "Where are you two off to?" Si Lan ran to catch up to them when they stopped and turned to look at her.
"We are taking a walk down the mountain. Would you like to join?" Xuan Nu sweetly asked. Si Lan nodded and soon they were walking down the grassy wooded terrain near the mountain's base.
"Si Yin, Si Lan, how come you both were in the mood to come down from the mountain with me?" Xuan Nu asked. Usually, the two rarely spoke with her, which was odd considering her dwelling was next to the two's. Si Lan seemed to rather spend time by helping around the temple, talking to the other disciples about various scriptures or playing chess with the Senior Disciple. The young woman didn't do anything normal females did. She didn't embroider, she didn't cook and she didn't gossip. Not to mention Si Lan seemed to avoid any conversations that she tried having.
Si Yin decided to reply to the demure woman's question. "I happen to have free time today, so I'm taking you around."
Xuan Nu smiled and nodded her head. "I heard Senior Disciple had a fight with someone today." Si Yin just made a sound of affirmation. "I heard that person is a prince." After another sound of affirmation for Si Yin, Xuan Nu continued. "Ever since you returned from the Ghost Realm you've been studying texts on immortal powers and Daoism every day. Is it because the Ghost Realm is really going to rebel?"
Si Yin suddenly stopped and looked at Xuan Nu with a serious face. "Why would you suddenly ask that?"
"When I lived at Qian Qian's Den I would sometimes hear her say that the current Ghost Lord has a rebellious heart that will end up bringing a big war." Xuan Nu said with an almost proud look on her face.
Si Yin nodded. "That is indeed the case." She had always suspected that they would go to war with the Ghost Realm. She just didn't realize it would be so soon. "However, they won't be able to revolt. My Master's formation spells are enough to decimate their tribe."
"Formation Spells?" Xuan Nu asked in a shocked tone.
The sound of chimes caused Si Yin to pull Xuan Nu behind her and Si Lan to call forth her flute. "Who is it?" Si Yin called out.
A small little monster appeared before them in a bowing pose. "Immortal."
"Where did you come from, little monster? Don't you know this is Kunlun Mountain?" Si Yin asked in a firm voice. One that let the little monster know that he better be quick.
However, the little monster seemed unfazed. "Immortal, follow me quickly to save my Second Prince."
Si Yin's eyes grew big, realizing who this little boy was speaking about. "Are you speaking of Li Jing?"
The little horned boy nodded his head. "Go, I'll follow you." Si Yin told him in a worried urgent tone. Si Lan took off immediately after Si Yin and the young boy vanished. Mo Yuan was still in seclusion and which meant it was her job to make sure her sister didn't cause any more trouble.
Si Lan arrived right when Si Yin entered the cave. "Li Jing!" She heard her sister yell. The sound of large wings flapping drowned out most of the noise. Soon she saw her sister helping a darkly dressed man out of the cave with a large Phoenix chasing behind them.
The bird flew by trying to bite them. When it missed it turned to take another chance. Both Si Yin and Li Jing summoned their weapons. They were successfully blocking it's attacks until a powerful one caused Li Jing to fall to the ground.
"Li Jing!" Si Yin shouted before trying to capture the birds attention. The young boy rushed over to the bleeding prince. "Your highness, Your highness! Are you alright?" Si Lan made her way over to the injured prince, her flute drawn and ready should the bird see her as a threat. "Si Yin, you focus on the bird. Don't worry about these two."
Si Yin fought the creature and after a few more moves, she managed to hit the creature. But before she could land the final blow a voice yelled out "Have mercy!"
All eyes turned to the newcomer. "Lord of Numinous Treasures." Si Yin formally greeted. The lord looked over Si Yin. "You have so quickly and gloriously risen to the rank of high immortal."
"It only happened a few days ago." Si Yin acknowledged. "Are you here to see Master, my Lord?"
"No. I had set a seal on this phoenix. Just now, I sensed unusual activity, so I came to take a look." Si Yin was a bit taken aback by his response, not realizing the creature belonged to someone. "Is this phoenix your mount?"
"Not exactly." The Lord looked down at the injured creature. "The demonic essence in this phoenix has yet to be removed. I planned to have the spiritual influence of Kunlun Mountain rid it of its demonic essence. I did not expect it would injure the two of you. Will you allow me to deal with the phoenix?"
Si Yin looked down at the creature. Not that she looked closely, she could see the demonic essence in the bird's aura. Phoenixes usually were not so hostile, so had wondered why it suddenly attacked. "Since it is your phoenix, then of course you can."
The lord pulled out a circular fan from his sleeve and held it gently. "This is the Cloud Clearing Fan. Although it cannot compare to the Jade Purity Fan of Kunlun it still has its uses. Consider it a gift of apology to the two of you."
"How can I accept it?" Si Yin said after he reached out to give her the object. "There's no need to be polite. Please accept it." Realizing he was not going to go without leaving her this gift, Si Yin agreed to take it.
"Bear this in mind. The amount of power this fan can produce depends entirely on the power level of the user." The lord warned.
"Rest assured." Si Yin looked at the details painted on the front of the fan. "I will not allow this fan to fall into the hands of someone evil and powerful."
The lord smiled in relief hearing that and moved to take the injured phoenix. "Farewell now."
The moment the lord left. Si Yin ran over to Li Jing's side. He was having trouble standing. The blow he took greatly injured his body. "Come." Si Yin guided him back into the cave they had just ran out of. With the phoenix gone, he could take shelter there.
He fell unconscious shortly after they set him down to rest on the stone. The little horned boy was sitting outside watching and guarding the entrance to the cave. "Si Yin, why don't you go back to the temple to get him something to eat while I try to tend to his wounds." Si Yin looked ready to protest but was quickly cut off. "You don't know anything about treating wounds, while I do. Now go."
The Ghost prince had lost consciousness the moment Si Yin left. Si Lan sighed, shaking her head at the recent turn of events before tending to the injured prince.
She managed to heal some of his wounds, but he was still in a very weak state. His injuries probably wouldn't have been as bad if he had received it outside the Heavenly Realm, or at least outside Kunlun. Si Yin returned with the soup just seconds before Li Jing started waking up. "You're awake?" Si Yin asked, holding the bowl of soup.
"A-yin." Li Jing called softly. The name was obviously a loving nickname, which made Si Lan wonder what their relationship was.
"It's good you are awake. Rest now." Si Yin brushed some blood from the prince's chin. "Thank you for shielding me from the phoenix today."
Li Jing scoffed, "Shield? It was no use. I cannot believe it's been twice today that I needed you to save me."
Si Yin scooped up a portion of the soup with the spoon and brought it to the prince's lips. "This is Kunlun Mountain. You are the Ghost Realm's Second Prince. Your powers would naturally be suppressed. There is nothing to be embarrassed about."
"A-Yin, thank you for coming to see me." Li Jing spoke after a brief pause. "After being imprisoned by Father, I braved the chance to see you. When I think of it, even I look down on myself. You are the 17th disciple of Kunlun Mountain and also a high immortal respected throughout the world. Who am I to deserve another chance to see you?"
A light clearing of the throat caused Li Jing to turn his head away from Si Yin. Off to the left of him, leaning up against the wall, was a beautiful young woman. "Sorry to interrupt, but you really do need to finish eating and get some rest." Si Lan gave a slight smile to him. The prince didn't seem like a bad person, but she still wasn't sure she would trust him with her sister.
Si Yin held another spoonful of soup up to the young prince's mouth, but he was still in shock and slightly embarrassed that there was another person in the room. Wait. He recognized her. She was there when they battled the phoenix and when Mo Yuan rescued A-Yin from the Ghost Realm. "Who are you?" He asked before accepting the soup. "Are you another disciple?"
Si Yin pressed another spoonful of soup to his mound. "She is my little sister, Si Lan. She is the one that tended to your wounds."
"Your sister?" He looked between the two in wonder. Were all of Si Yin's family this beautiful? "Thank you."
Si Lan waved her hand before turning to leave the cave to leave the two of them alone. "Don't forget to rest." Oh, she was so going to have a long discussion with her sister after this.
"I'm not going back! I'm not going to marry that black bear spirit." Si Lan heard Xuan Nu's shout as she approached the temple. Stepped into the main hall to see an older woman approach Xuan Nu.
"Do you think you are your sister? She was born from the legal wife, so naturally she could marry into Qing Qiu's Bai family. Your mother is a concubine. Do you understand?" The older woman pinched Xuan Nu's cheeks. "If you are so arrogant, you will only be causing yourself harm in the future."
Xuan Nu sobbed helplessly and ran behind Die Feng. "Senior, please help me!"
Si Lan watched trying not to show her displeasure at the crocodile tears that the other young female fox had flowing down her cheeks. No matter how hard she tried, there was something about Xuan Nu that rubbed her the wrong way. She could tell that behind this demure behavior was an arrogant, jealous and manipulative woman. "If I don't find someone I like, I would rather not marry!" Xuan Nue exclaimed from behind the Senior Disciple.
"You…" the older woman tried to grab her daughter to once again shield herself with Die Feng's body.
"Madam, look at how opposed to this marriage your daughter is. Why don't you just let it go?" Die Feng calmly tried to persuade the woman.
"You…" The older woman tried to grab her illusive daughter again before straightening up to address Die Feng. "Daoist priest, I am her mother. It is in my right to take her home and marry her off. Although you are Mo Yuan's disciple, a high immortal revered throughout the four seas, isn't it unreasonable for you to interfere?"
That stumped the senior disciple. He didn't really have an answer to that. "I…"
At that moment Si Yin and Sixteenth appeared walking up to the entrance.
"If this marriage arrangement is delayed I wonder if you would be able to bear the consequences?" The older woman pressed on firmly.
"I…" Senior Disciple started but was interrupted by the madam. "May I ask what your identity was before you came to Kunlun Mountain?"
"I…" This time it was not the madam that interrupted him but Si Yin. "My senior had quite the influential status. He is the second prince of the West Sea."
That caught the older lady's attention. "Does he have a marriage arrangement?" It seemed like the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Si Yin looked to sixteenth not knowing the answer. "No." he told her after noticing Si Yin's questioning look.
The older woman looked back to Senior Disciple. "So your interference just now means you are interested in my daughter?"
"Who can say?" Si Yin quickly responded before Die Feng could respond. Sixteenth quickly followed with "Who knows?"
It appeared that neither of the two notice the not love-sick dreamy eyed girl standing behind their senior, staring at him. All of this nonsense was going to cause problems. It seems that Senior thought so as well. "You two stop the nonsense." Die Feng turned to look at the older woman. "Madam, listen to me…"
"Madam." Si Yin quickly pulled the older woman over to where sixteenth was standing. "Madam, look. It has just started. You can't tear them apart."
"Let them have some time together." Sixteenth added.
"That's right. Senior is one of respected stature. It's inappropriate to ask him directly. It's not good." Si Yin continued, which sixteenth once again added on to further strengthen the idea that their Senior was in love with Xuan Nu. "When the two really become a pair. Are you afraid Senior wouldn't come asking for her hand in marriage?"
"That's why I say you should let Xuan Nu stay here a bit longer. Then…" Si Yin trailed off so sixteenth could finish. "There will eventually be good news."
"Yes." the woman turned back to smile at the young 'couple'. "That sets my mind at ease then."
They all escorted the madam down stairs and bid her a farewell. Before they even started to return, looked to the youngest two disciples. "Have you two had enough?"
"It was an urgent situation, Senior." Si Yin tried to explain.
"Yes." Sixteen said, giving a slight bow.
Si Lan finally decided to speak up. "You two are going to put ideas into Xuan Nu's head." She warned. Senior nodded and made his way over to the young woman. "Xuan Nu, don't entertain any foolish ideas. I don't harbor any improper thoughts about you. They just made it up."
She was a fairly decent actor, hiding her disappointment underneath the lady-like behavior. "I did not think too much into it."
Die Feng bowed slightly to her. "I apologize to you on behalf of the two of them. As the senior disciple of Kunlun Mountain, how can I think of marriage when practicing Daoism? I'll be returning to West Sea when I finish my discipleship. As second prince of the West Sea, my marriage will naturally be arranged by my father."
Senior Disciple turned and pointed at the two troublemakers. "How can it be made the subject of your ridicule?"
Si Yin didn't see the big deal. "It was only to get out of that emergency situation."
"That's right, Senior. Don't be angry. We obviously know you don't have feelings for Xuan Nu. We also know that with your identity and status your marriage will be arranged." Sixteenth was nearly as silver tongued as Si Yin. It made Si Lan wonder if he had some fox in him. However, while they knew that Senior didn't have any feelings for Xuan Nu they should have figured that Xuan Nu was hoping for something more from Die Feng.
Die Feng realized that no matter what he said those two were just going to mock him, so he decided to drop it. "All right, get back to studying."
"Yes." They bowed before turning to walk back up to Kunlun.
—
"You shouldn't be so nice to Xuan Nu." Si Lan stated, startling the Senior Disciple who was busy reading a scripture.
He turned to see Si Lan enter and walk into the room to sit across the table from him. "What do you mean?"
Si Lan sighed. "You might not have feelings for her, but your actions give her hope." She purposely left out the fact that Xuan Nu was hoping to find a husband of status and he fit the bill.
"I treat her no differently than I do you or any other guest." Die Feng narrowed his eyes.
Si Lan shook her head. "No you don't. You treat her like she is made out of glass, you all do."
Die Feng looked offended. "What about you? Do you feel like I treat you differently?"
"You treat me like a sister, not too much different than you treat your fellow brother disciples. In fact, Fourth Brother's last letter mentioned that I was now being called Kunlun's daughter, a little sister to Mo Yuan and all the disciples. However, Xuan Nu is treated like a precious lady that needs to be protected." Si Lan waited to see if he had any rebuttal, but when he didn't she continued. "Xuan Nu also is on the run from an arranged marriage, hoping to find a knight and shining armor to save her."
Die Feng took in what Si Lan was saying. She had a valid point. He would have to be more aware of his behavior when interacting with Xuan Nu. "Thank you."
Si Lan smiled before pointing to the chess board. "Up for a game?"
—
"Brother what are you reading?" Si Lan asked. She was on her way back to her room, when she noticed the candle light illuminating her sister's room.
Si Yin quickly turned and tried to hide the poems. "Sis, what brings you here?" Si Yin nervously responded. Si Lan raised her brow in question before quickly moving to grab the paper that Si Yin was hiding. She managed to grab one and glanced over it.
"A-Yin?" Si Lan looked towards her sister. "Is this from the Second Prince?"
Si Yin tried to grab the paper out of Si Lan's hands. "Why do you say that?"
"Si Yin, these are love poems!" Si Lan held up the piece of paper. "He is professing his love to you?" Thoughts started to cross through her mind. The Second Prince and her sister? No …. her brother? "He knows your female." she said in realization.
Si Yin nodded before quickly explaining. "He guessed it. I didn't tell him."
"Do you like him?" The blush that crossed Si Yin cheeks was answer enough. Her sister, who for all her life was ignorant of love, was in love with two people or at least had a crush on two people. "Just be careful. The prince is not in a good position at the moment."
Si Lan shut the door to her sister's dwelling and paused to look up at the night sky in thought. Mo Yuan, you need to come out soon or you may lose my sister for good.
—
Si Lan sighed as she made her way over to the lotus pond. Si Yin has been vanishing after lessons. Luckily, the other disciples did not think much of it since Si Yin often ran off. She just hoped they wouldn't discover that her sister was running off to spend time with the Second Prince. She also noticed the small gifts Si Yin brought back and the blushing smile that crossed her sister's face when she saw them.
The Second Prince was not a bad man. She had gone down to see how he was doing a few times. He seemed very genuine and caring. However, it didn't take her long to realize he didn't have the stability her sister needed in a husband. In addition, based on the conversations she had with Li Jing, her sister's affection for Mo Yuan was still stronger. She talked about her master even when she spent time with Li Jing.
Si Lan stared at the golden lotus who was now her only constant companion. Everyone was disappearing. Senior Disciple seemed to have taken her advice to heart and was avoiding too much interaction with Xuan Nu. However, that also meant he spent less time in the public area. So she hasn't been able to play anymore chess with him. Mo Yuan hasn't emerged either. Now Xuan Nu was disappearing too, though for that she was grateful.
"What do I do?" Si Lan asked aloud while staring at the golden lotus. For some reason, she had been feeling extremely anxious today and had no one to get her mind off of it. She sat down on the step next to the pond. "Why do I feel this way?"
The feeling of warmth spread across her body like someone was giving her a hug. This place seemed to be one of the few places she could truly relax. Not many ventured here when Mo Yuan was in seclusion.
A movement caught her eye. Someone walked passed the small doorway, heading towards the direction of Si Yin's room at a fast pace. She stood up and chased after the figure. She entered the courtyard outside Si Yin's room just to see the Senior Disciple enter Si Yin's room.
She just close enough to hear what was going on inside. Had they caught her sister with the Second Prince?
"In my fight with Li Jing last time, you had blamed me for injuring him. I really regret not killing him. He hasn't taken you, but he has taken Xuan Nu." That caught both Si Yin's and Si Lan's attention.
"What did you say?" Si Yin asked Die Feng as he paced her room.
Finally stopped his pacing and stood straight. "I left the mountain just now and saw them from afar, walking hand-in-hand. They looked quite intimate. But speaking of which, it is quite strange. Xuan Nu is a female immortal. Li Jing is truly improper. Why would they pair up together?"
The title prince was what came to Si Lan's mind. Li Jing is a prince, someone of status. He also was good looking and could apparently be very romantic. Not to mention, Xuan Nu was jealous of Bai Qian and since she believed Si Yin to look more like Bai Qian, she had an unhealthy envy towards the youngest disciple.
Si Lan moved out of the way when she heard Senior call out after Si Yin who soon ran out of the room. Si Lan saw Senior walk out of the room looking a little perplexed.
"Seventeenth!" He called out yet again.
Si Lan shook her head in disappointment as she watched her sister ran to the cave Li Jing was staying in. "He is worried about Xuan Nu. Master told him to look after her." Si Lan quickly came up with a lie to curb any worry or curiousity Senior Disciple might have. Her little lie would hopefully convince him to not go after Si Yin. "I will go after them and make sure they don't get into trouble. Can you stay here in case Xuan Nu returns?"
Senior disciple nodded. Si Lan's explanation made sense. Ever since Master entered seclusion, he has been trying hard to me filial. So of course, Si Yin would want to do everything in his power to protect Xuan Nu.
Si Lan quickly took off in the direction of the cave. Si Yin already had a head start. Hopefully nothing bad would happen before she could arrive. She quickly walked past the dragon boy to see what was going on in the cave. There on the makeshift bed was Xuan Nu and a disheveled Li Jing.
"Back then, you said you would be with me regardless of what happens. Now you say you were foolish." Her sister's broken words reached her ears. Si Lan couldn't see her face but she imagined her sister's eyes were tearing up and Si Yin was trying really hard not to break down. Her sister always hated looking weak in front of others.
Xuan Nu quickly moved a little closer, kneeling next to Li Jing. Both looked ridden with guilt, but only Li Jing's seemed genuine. He had a hard time looking at Si Yin, while Xuan Nu didn't move her eyes from her sister. "Si Yin, allow us to be together." Xuan Nu pleaded. "Li Jing and I are in love. In the end, nothing will come of your relationship."
"Then tell me what would be an outcome?" Anger started taking over Si Yin, eclipsing the sorrow in her heart. "An illicit relationship leading to abandonment? Or the end of a relationship?"
"A-Yin, I…" Si Lan didn't know what Xuan Nu was doing by calling Si Yin the adoring nickname that Li Jing called her. That was only going to make matters worse.
"Don't say my name!" Si Yin shouted, pointing a finger at Xuan Nu. Who finally broke her gaze on Si Yin.
Li Jing was surprisingly quiet. When he finally did speak, he sounded very pained. "I am the one who betrayed you. A-Yin, I am the one who betrayed you. I am unworthy of being with you. Go be with Mo Yuan."
So he had noticed Si Yin's love for Mo Yuan as well, Si Lan thought. A part of her felt sorry for him, but he should have broken things off with her sister properly. What he did was uncalled for.
"You dare to dishonor my master?" Si Yin stared at Li Jing with anger burning in her brown eyes. "You said regardless of who I am, you would be with me." The tears that Si Yin's had been holding back now fell down her face, as her emotions finally broke through her strong facade. "But now?….Very well. I'll let you two be."
Si Yin turned finally noticing Si Lan there. The anguish in her sister's eyes was heartbreaking. She hadn't even realized she had started crying as well until a tear landed on her hand. Si Yin ran out of the cave, pushing past the little dragon that tried to stop her.
Si Lan turned to glare at the two lovers. "Leave and stay away from Si Yin." She warned them. "You both deserve each other." With that, Si Lan left the cave to find her sister.
Si Yin ran to one place most people never went, the wine cellar. Si Lan could hear her sister's muffled cries on the other side of the closed wooden door. "Si Yin." Si Lan gently called out. "Please let me in."
Within seconds the doors to the cellar creaked open, allowing her to enter the dark room. Her sister was on the ground next to the door with a hand covering her mouth to hold in her cries. Si Lan slowly sat down next to her sister and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Immediately, her sister dropped the hand covering her mouth and buried her head in Si Lan's chest, tightly gripping her robes. Bai We gently stroked her sister's head. "It's okay. Let it all out. I am here."
It took a bit for her sister's cries to subside and turn to hiccups. Si Lan glanced around the room and an idea came to her. "Why don't we have a drink?" she suggested pointing to some of the small wine bottles on the self.
"Si Lan." It was the first words Si Yin spoke after leaving the cave. "Yes, dear sister." came the soft response. "Will you get the poems and trinkets from my room?"
Si Lan gave her sister a puzzled look. Why would she want to look at the tokens of affection given from the man who betrayed her? "Why do you want them?"
There was a fire in her sister's eyes. A deep anger. "I want to burn them."
By the time night came around, Si Yin had burnt all of the trinkets and was working on the last of the poems. She was also very drunk. "How could I have been so foolish?"
Si Lan watched her sister take another big sip of wine after tossing yet another poem into the fire. "You weren't foolish, you just gave your affections to the wrong man." she explained.
"How do you know if he is the right man?" Si Yin slurred.
"He will do everything to protect you and shield you from pain, not cause you more." Images of Mo Yuan taking the lightning bolts flashed through Si Yin's head with her sister's answer. "Like Master?"
Si Lan smiled. Her sister was finally recognizing her affections for her master, at least while drunk. "Yes, exactly." Seeing her sister nearly fall over, Si Lan took the now empty wine bottle from her sister. "Why don't you lay down for a bit?"
Within minutes Si Yin was out cold. Si Lan gently stroked her sister's hair. She should go and make her sister some soup to help with the headache that was sure to come upon waking. She stood up and quietly left the candle lit cellar.
She didn't even get to the kitchen when she noticed a familiar figure. "You shouldn't be out of seclusion yet." Si Lan stated as she approached the mighty God of War. His wounds were still not healed.
He didn't respond to her statement. Hopefully Si Yin would not notice he was still wounded and that he came out of seclusion early. "Where is Si Yin?"
A flash of hurt came across her face which did not go unnoticed by Mo Yuan. "What happened?" Mo Yuan's attention was now completely on the young woman in front of him. Something major had happened while he was in seclusion.
Si Lan let out a breath. This was going to be a long story. She explained to the High God that the Ghost Realm's second prince had come to Kunlun in search of Si Yin and had taken refuge in a cave nearby. Si Yin and Li Jing had become close, sharing mutual affections. However, Li Jing suddenly betrayed Si Yin for Xuan Nu. "I told them both to leave before finding Si Yin crying in the wine cellar."
Mo Yuan had been quiet throughout the entire story, his stoic face unchanging. However, Si Lan had caught the emotions that reflected in his eyes. Hurt, anger and love were the most dominant. "She loves you" Si Lan whispered to him after a while. "and you obviously love her too."
Mo Yuan turned slightly to look over at her. He once again wondered if the woman next to him was really the older of the two sisters instead of the youngest. She seemed to be much older than her actual age. She was quickly becoming a close friend and confidant, much like Zhe Yan. "We are master and disciple."
Si Lan rolled her eyes. "No you are a man in love with a woman. You don't treat any of your disciples like you treat my sister."
He knew that was true. There was something about Si Yin that made him want to protect her from harm. He wanted her to be her fun free self, but at the same time wanted to keep her locked up and away from danger. Maybe the affection he had for Si Yin were more than that of a master towards a disciple. Even so….."It is not the right time." Mo Yuan replied quietly. Si Yin still had to grow, not to mention heal from this heartache.
"If you wait too long to tell her you may miss your chance." she warned playfully. She stood up and turned to the High God with a bright smile on her face. "I will let you deal with my sister. I am going to get some much needed sleep. I leave Si Yin in your care." The last statement she made had more than one meaning and both knew it.
"I will take care of her, you have my word."
—
Si Yin looked much better the next time Si Lan had seen her. Now that Mo Yuan was back, perhaps her sister would go back to her usual happy self. "You both look much better." Si Lan smiled, joining the two on their walk back to the main hall.
"Sis, where did you go?" Si Yin asked. Not that she was unhappy to see her master when she woke up, but she had expected to see her sister.
Si Lan winked. "I figured I would get some sleep and let the Master take care of his favorite disciple." She almost wanted to laugh when a blush crossed over Si Yin's face and Mo Yuan shifted his eyes ever so slightly. They both were becoming more aware of their feelings towards each other. It was so sweet and fun to watch.
Senior Disciple approached the small group with a letter in his hands. "Master, Lord of Numinous Treasures has sent someone with an invitation saying he'll be hosting an assembly and wished you will come. I know you have sent them away in the past, but this time it is the Lord of Numinous Treasures…"
Mo Yuan held up his hand to stop Senior Disciple. "It is time for Seventeenth to broaden her horizons."
"Master, are you really going?" Senior Disciple asked in a shocked tone.
Mo Yuan didn't bother responding, instead he turned his attention back to the two female foxes. "Pack your things. We'll be leaving the day after tomorrow." He made a move to leave but paused before looking back at them. "Please join us Si Lan." Now that he was aware of his feelings towards Si Yin, it would be inappropriate to travel with her alone.
Si Lan eyes were big as she stared at the high god. She was not expecting to be invited. "Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to attend? I am not a disciple of Kunlun nor was I invited."
The normally rule and etiquette focused Senior Disciple was the one to respond. "I don't think it would be inappropriate. You are known as the Daughter of Kunlun. Like you told me once before, many people see you as the adopted sister to Master and all the disciples here."
"Indeed." Mo Yuan agreed with a nod of his head. Even if anyone had a problem with it, they wouldn't say anything. He was very respected and known to be a little different than the other gods. "Besides, I am sure many would like to meet the young woman who took over Kunlun Mountain's affairs while I was in seclusion."
Si Lan tossed him a playful glare. She hated parties and his statement had a clear message: she was going to attend.
"Seventeenth, Master never used to accept these sort of tedious invitations. This time, he must have seen you depressed so he's taking you out to lift your spirits. You are not a child anymore. Stop worrying Master so much. That is the virtue of a good disciple." Senior Disciple handed the invitation to Si Yin.
"I know. Don't worry, Senior."
"We all know you are so heartbroken because Li Jing took Xuan Nu with him. Because you are fond of Xuan Nu." Si Lan almost broke down in a fit of laughter hearing what Senior Disciple had said. That and her sisters face upon hearing it. They thought that her sister was in love with Xuan Nu.
"I…am fond of…" It was rare that Si Yin was so caught off guard that she couldn't come up with a response.
Senior Disciple put a comforting hand on Si Yin's shoulder. "Say no more. I understand."
When he finally left, Si Lan broke down in a fit of laughter. "They….You..and Xuan Nu…" she was laughing so hard she could hardly speak.
"Mo…It's not funny." Si Yin pouted before stomping away from her laughing sister. How could they possibly think that she like Xuan Nu, she wondered.
Heaven was very different than she imagined. It was so clean and proper looking. Where was the green grass and fields of flowers? Si Lan sighed. This trip might not be as fun as she originally hoped.
"Mo Yuan?" The Lord of Numinous Treasures was shocked to see the elusive God of War. "I never expected you would come in person." He was not the only one to be shocked. The two gods that were previously talking with the Lord of Numinous Treasures had also stopped to see Mo Yuan.
"I just came out of seclusion. It happens that neither Si Yin nor Si Lan have ever visited the Realm of Supreme Purity. So, I brought them along." Mo Yuan gestured to the two behind him. Si Yin was dressed in her typical Kunlun robes, while Si Lan was dressed in a simple purple robe. She wasn't hiding her gender, so she needed to conceal herself as much as possible. Thus a very simple dress and her hair pulled up into a plain braided hairdo. She doubted anyone would recognize her as the Fox King's daughter since she hardly ever left the forest, but she wanted to be extra careful.
"Si Yin. We saw each other just a few days ago. We have the chance to meet again today." Lord of Numinous Treasures smiled before turning his attention to the young female. "You were also there I recall. Si Lan, was it? The rumored Daughter of Kunlun. It is nice to formally meet you."
The other two men approached and gave the traditional greeting bow. "Mo Yuan." The both respectably greeted each other.
Mo Yuan turned to his two companions. "Si Yin, Si Lan, greet the Second Prince and Third Prince of the Celestial Tribe."
"Second Prince, Third Prince." They both greeted. Si Lan remembered her father telling stories about the two princes. One of them was known as their father's favorite.
"Second Prince is greatly doted on by Heavenly Lord. A few days ago, Heavenly Lord even wanted to ask Zhe Yan to ask Bai Qian of Qing Qiu for her hand in marriage to Second Prince." the Lord of Numinous Treasures told them.
"Huh." Si Lan quickly stepped on her sister's foot before she gave away any more hints as to who she actually was. If Si Lan hadn't already suspected that Mo Yuan knew who her sister was, his reaction to her outburst would have sparked some. He didn't seem to be shocked, unlike the Lord of Numinous Treasures. "Si Yin, why are you so alarmed? Do you know Bai Qian of Qing Qiu?"
"No, I don't." Si Yin said after clearing her throat a few times. Si Lan decided to step in and help her poor sister. "But we do know Zhe Yan."
"Si Yin is a wild fox that Zhe Yan picked up and sent my way to learn from me. Si Lan is his little sister. He must have been happy to hear his savior's name." Mo Yuan informed them, helping Si Yin.
"Yes." Si Yin nodded relieved that her Master had managed to save her. The news of her impending marriage had really startled her. She could only hope that Zhe Yan, or her parents, wouldn't arrange a marriage for her while she was away. "I'm happy.
The Lord of Numinous Treasures seemed to accept this. "Since you know Zhe Yan so well. Do you think he will help Heavenly Lord to ask for Bai Qian's hand in marriage?"
Si Yin let out a small laugh while she thought hard on how to respond. "I don't know. I think Zhe Yan isn't someone who likes to meddle in others' affairs."
Si Yin let out a sigh of relief when the Second Prince shifted his attention to Mo Yuan, changing the topic. "Father said if you did come to ask you to make a trip to the main hall. The Ghost Tribe's rebellion is near at hand. You are needed in discussions of the military plan."
With the mention of the Ghost Tribe, Mo Yuan became very serious. "Ok, I understand."
Sometime during the trip, Mo Yuan had pulled Si Lan aside. "I will be taking a trip to the Heavenly Lord's hot spring. Can you keep Si Yin entertained?" he asked. Si Lan knew that he did not want her sister to worry and if she found out that Mo Yuan was going to the spring to help heal from her trail, she wouldn't take it well. She nodded and then walked off to find her sister.
"Si Yin." Si Lan whispered to the bored looking woman. "Let's grab one of the wines and find a good spot to drink. I am sick of these ladies gossip." She gestured over to the cracked door leading to the small storage room containing jugs of wine.
Mo Yuan managed to make it back before Si Yin started to inquire about him. He looked better, but Si Lan knew he was still not healed. Hopefully the war with the Ghost Tribe would not happen until the God of War was fully recovered.
They had stopped briefly on their way home. Si Lan watched as her sister and Mo Yuan talked. "Foolish sister. Can't you see how much he is willing to suffer for you?" Si Lan whispered. She was becoming very anxious. While in Heaven there were a lot of rumors of war. It was inevitable and it seemed like it was going to happen sooner rather than later. A warmth surrounded her, the same warmth she usually felt when sitting by the lotus pond. This was not the first time she felt this warmth when away from the golden lotus. She wondered if it had to do with the fact that Mo Yuan was feeding the golden lotus his spiritual energy, creating a bond.
She saw Mo Yuan hide a couch from Si Yin before he sent her sister away. She quietly moved next to sit next to Mo Yuan. "Are you worried about the upcoming battle?" she whispered. The only response she got was a glance through slightly opened eyes. "Would you let me try to heal you again?"
"You have already helped enough." He finally responded. "For that I am grateful."
She sighed and moved to sit on another rock away from her other two companions. They each seemed like they needed time to gather their thoughts. She was just grateful to have the comforting warmth of the golden lotus to keep her company.
—
Mo Yuan was alerted by Sixteenth that the Heavenly Lord and the Dragon Lord had come to speak with him. He quickly bid goodbye to the two before heading to the main hall, leaving Si Yin and Si Lan alone.
"Sister." Si Yin asked as the two made their way back to their dwellings. "Do I make you worry often?"
Si Lan stopped walking to look back at her sister. Apparently, her sister had some deep thoughts when they were traveling. However, she didn't want her sister having negative thoughts. She was finally starting to look more alive than she was prior to the journey. "Why would I need to worry? You have a Master and many brothers to keep you out of trouble." Si Lan playfully remarked. Even though she said she didn't worry, she did. Bai Qian was very oblivious to consequences, which often made her very reckless.
"Do not mention this in front of Seventeenth. Otherwise, he'll blame himself and drink to drown his sorrows." Senior Disciple's voice came from the lotus pond area. Second Disciple was the first one to notice the Si Yin and Si Lan.
Si Yin motioned for her Second brother not to mention her return, while Si Lan nodded her head in the direction of her sister, hoping that he would realize they had overheard part of their conversation.
"Maybe Seventeenth is still thinking about Xuan Nu." Second Disciple quickly changed topics. It was apparently another thing on Senior Disciple's mind if the large sigh was any indication. "Speaking of Xuan Nu, after Li Jing brought her back to the Ghost Realm they had a wedding with great fanfare. The Ghost Tribe celebrated for nine days. I'm afraid Seventeenth will be upset again if he hears of it."
Si Yin grew tired of the direction her brother's conversation was going and decided to join them. "Seventeenth." Ninth brother called out noticing her.
"Hello, seniors. I have escorted Master safely back." Si Yin said with a more cheery disposition that she was actually feeling.
The change alleviated her senior's worries. "Not bad, not bad. When you left, you were nearly soulless. Now you're the same old Seventeenth." The Second Disciple smiled at Si Yin as he approached her.
"I've experienced so much on this trip with Master. I thought Master had no interest in Buddhist or Daoist doctrines. But when he starts debating, he speaks so eloquently. Every time an immortal stepped up, Master would come out triumphant. It truly makes me want to sob." Si Yin smiled proudly. It was so cool to see Mo Yuan out smart all those pompous immortals.
The happy atmosphere was quickly broken when one of the young children at Kunlun came running to them. "Senior, Second Disciple. Xuan Nu has been left outside our gates."
Senior Disciple took one step forward to fully look at the young boy. "What?"
"You three go and see what is going on. Si Yin and I will gather some medical supplies, should Xuan need any attention." Si Lan told the three disciples who nodded before following the young boy.
Si Lan turned to look at her sister. "We need to stay alert. This development can only lead to something bad."
They had prepared Xuan Nu's bedding and had medical supplies standing by when the Senior Disciple entered with a bleeding Xuan Nu, still dressed in her wedding attire. Second, Ninth and Sixteenth entered just behind. "Place her here." Si Lan pointed to the bed. "I am going to change her clothes. Make yourselves useful and get some warm water."
Si Yin and the rest of the disciples left the room. Xuan Nu had once again fallen unconscious. As she worked on undressing Xuan Nu and tended to her wounds, Si Lan couldn't help but overhear the conversation outside. Something about what Xuan Nu told the disciples seemed off. Li Jing seemed like the kind of person to protect an innocent. Why would he allow this? Also, how would Xuan Nu know about the movements of the Ghost King? Si Lan doubted the king would tell anyone his military plans, let alone a female that just left Kunlun, a celestial holy place.
"You better not betray Si Yin again." She warned the sleeping woman. "If you do, you better hope we never meet again."
She exited the dwelling to see that only the Senior and Sixteenth disciple remained outside. "Thankfully you were here, little sister." Sixteenth Disciple warmly smiled at her. "You are the only other female in Kunlun."
Senior Disciple nodded. "Yes. It is also nice to have another with knowledge in medicine." Si Lan smiled at the two of them. "Did she say what happened?" She asked. "Why did they suddenly go from happy wedding to dropping her off at our gate?"
Senior Disciple shook his head, "In any case, she is still the official Second Princess Consort. How could they beat her to such a state? How could they bear to?"
"There will soon be a war. What wouldn't they do?" Sixteenth more or less stated rather than asked. Still why would the Ghost Realm allow the marriage only to beat the bride after it ended?
"By the way, Heavenly Lord and Dijun were here today. You were the only one assisting at the main hall. Did you hear anything?" Senior Disciple looked towards Sixteenth with a serious and concerned expression. "What does the Heavenly Lord plan on doing?"
Sixteenth shook his head. "I couldn't tell that Master was worried at all. Dijun was the same. He was very relaxed. The Heavenly Lord seemed deeply worried and kept asking Master what should be done. But Dijun kept talking about the teacups with Master. I reckon Dijun and Master don't think this war is a serious matter." Sixteenth sighed.
The Mo Yuan that he described was different than the one she saw. He was greatly concerned, but didn't want anyone else to worry. She wondered if Dijun was the same way.
Senior Disciple turned around in thought. "Although I do not know the Heavenly Lord or Dijun very well, I know Master. The more relaxed he is before battle that means the more difficult the war will be."