Shit! Shit! Shit!
Pan Wukun tried to move subtly to hide the Library Pavilion's books.
But it was already too late.
Lan Wangji moved swiftly and gathered the books into his qiankun sleeves. "Unauthorized distribution of the Library Pavilion's books. A major breach of the rules!"
Pan Wukun's heart sank. Wei Wuxian was going to get another beating because of her. "It was me! I was the one who persuaded Wei Wuxian to-"
Lan Wangji ignored Pan Wukun. "Wei Ying. Why?"
Wei Wuxian acted as nonchalantly and calmly as possible. "Chun-ge was just helping me carry these books from the Library Pavilion back to my room so I can study."
Lan Wangji was not convinced. "Wei Wuxian, I must bring you in for discipline. Pan-xiushi, you must be present for a testimony."
Pan Wukun and Wei Wuxian had no choice but to follow Lan Wangji.
"Don't worry, Chun-ge, we'll be fine."
Pan Wukun wished she could believe Wei Wuxian's words.
"I believe that Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao would make splendid guest disciples at the Cloud Recesses."
Lan Xichen wasn't surprised by the skepticism on Lan Qiren's face.
"Xichen, Pan Wukun was just caught reading through the Library Pavilion's books without permission by Wangji. Could someone like that be trusted? Especially if he's been spending time with Wei Wuxian?" Lan Qiren's expression turned irritated. "That Wei Wuxian! Always causing trouble! He keeps giving Wangji grief!"
Lan Xichen knew that although Lan Wangji was annoyed by Wei Wuxian's antics, he was also fond of his presence. He had never seen Lan Wangji be so intensely focused on someone before.
If Lan Xichen couldn't convince Lan Qiren to allow Wei Wuxian and Pan Wukun to make amends for the Library Pavilion books affair, then they would be forced to leave the Cloud Recesses.
Lan Xichen would not force Lan Wangji to befriend Pan Wukun. But he knew that Lan Wangji was fond of Wei Wuxian. If Wei Wuxian left the Cloud Recesses, Lan Wangji would be sad. And Lan Xichen could not stand for that to happen. Ever.
"Pan Wukun may have looked at books from the Library Pavilion without permission. But our senior disciples learned from their interrogation that he did not intend to steal them. If he had wanted to take the books for himself, he would've harmed Wei Wuxian and departed from the Cloud Recesses with the stolen books by now." Lan Xichen gave Lan Qiren a moment to reflect on his words. "Rogue cultivators travel around far more than sect cultivators. The disciples could learn much from Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao. We haven't had a rogue cultivator at the Cloud Recesses since-"
Lan Qiren sighed heavily. "Since Cangse Sanren…"
Back then, Cangse Sanren visited the Cloud Recesses. She was a truly unruly cultivator, always pulling pranks on Lan Qiren and arguing with him on night-hunts.
And with Wei Wuxian being the troublemaker he was to Lan Qiren, he really was too much like his mother.
Lan Xichen sought to ease Lan Qiren's worries. "Pan Wukun desired to learn more about cultivation from the Library Pavilion's books. You must admire his drive for knowledge and commend such boldness. Isn't that what you wish to foster within your disciples, shufu[1]?"
Lan Xichen began listing some of the GusuLan sect's rules.
"Learning comes first.
Do not give up on learning.
Nurture aspirations.
Have courage and knowledge."
Lan Qiren, of course, knew other rules to argue against Lan Xichen's points.
"Do not accept disciples without careful screenings.
Avoid imparting knowledge to the wrong individuals."
Lan Xichen smiled amiably. "Honor good people."
Lan Qiren's expression remained stern. "Steer away from bad men."
Lan Xichen did not waver. "Love all beings…"
Lan Xichen poured some tea into Lan Qiren's cup. "It wouldn't be right for the GusuLan sect to force Pan Wukun to leave. Especially after he helped us safely escape from the Waterborne Abyss near Caiyi Town. And he's also been helping our sect's healers with their breathing methods research. He has good character."
A gentle smile appeared on Lan Xichen's face. "As for Meng Xingyao, he also defended our sect's disciples from the Waterborne Abyss. He even prevented one from losing his sword."
Lan Xichen bowed. "Consider this one of the first major decisions I make as the future sect leader."
"Don't make such words lightly, Xichen."
"I do not, shufu."
Lan Qiren drank the tea that Lan Xichen poured for him. He shut his eyes and stroked his goatee in thought. He was pleased that Lan Xichen remembered six of the GusuLan sect's rules to use effectively in his reasoning. As expected of the future sect leader. With the way he deftly handled the Waterborne Abyss situation and the guidance of the guest disciples, Lan Xichen had Lan Qiren's trust. If Lan Xichen believed that Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao would benefit from his tutelage, then so be it.
"Very well. I will trust your judgment, Xichen. We shall send for Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao soon."
Lan Xichen smiled graciously. "Thank you, shufu."
Pan Wukun lay on her bed in the guest room, curled up under the blankets in dread.
She wasn't sure what the GusuLan sect planned to do with her next.
Earlier, Lan Wangji had escorted Wei Wuxian and Pan Wukun into a room with GusuLan sect's senior disciples.
Pan Wukun had kneeled down alongside Wei Wuxian, stiff as a board. She answered their questions as best as she could, so as not to make Wei Wuxian look bad.
After Pan Wukun finished, she was dismissed and ordered to remain in her guest room until further notice.
Meng Xingyao was informed by the GusuLan sect about the situation. All he could do was wait with Pan Wukun for the GusuLan sect's next course of action.
A knock came at the door.
Pan Wukun opened the door to see a GusuLan sect disciple.
The disciple cleared his throat. "Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao. You have been formally invited to attend the educational lectures offered by the GusuLan sect at the Cloud Recesses."
Pan Wukun blinked. "…Wait. Seriously?!"
The disciple raised an eyebrow. "...Yes. Quite seriously."
Pan Wukun couldn't believe it. "Who decided this?"
"Zewu-jun and Grandmaster Lan did. You have the rest of the day to think over your answer. Please let us know your decision by tomorrow morning."
As the disciple left and Pan Wukun shut the door, she wondered if she had dreamt the whole conversation. She pinched herself. Nope, that had really happened.
Well, this was an unexpected development.
Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao had never met Lan Qiren before. So Lan Xichen must've spoken kindly of them for Lan Qiren to even consider accepting them as guest disciples.
Sure, it probably would've been easier for Pan Wukun to just ask Lan Xichen for an invitation to be a guest disciple. Then she would've had easy access to the Library Pavilion instead of the elaborate scheming with Wei Wuxian. It would've been a just reward for her efforts with the Waterborne Abyss. But she hadn't wanted to stay any longer than she had to.
Did she have to accept the invitation and inevitably have more interactions with the canon characters? Didn't she already do enough damage to Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian's relationship?
But the Library Pavilion was the only place with such a massive collection of knowledge. None of the other Great Sects had it like GusuLan did. She would not get an opportunity like this again. The risk was worth it.
"Xingyao-di. Let's become guest disciples. We can learn much from the GusuLan sect."
"I do not believe it will be wise to continue staying at the Cloud Recesses, Wukun-ge."
This shocked Pan Wukun. "What? But why, Xingyao-di? This is the GusuLan sect we're talking about! We won't get another chance like this again!"
"Is the Library Pavilion really so important that you need to stay in the Cloud Recesses? I thought you despised being in the presence of notable cultivators!"
Pan Wukun sighed. "Look, Xingyao-di-"
"It's that spirit-trapping pouch and Baoshan Sanren, isn't it? You're trying to find the identity of whoever that spirit-trapping pouch belongs to. And you're trying to find info on Baoshan Sanren's whereabouts."
"...Right."
But Pan Wukun couldn't tell Meng Xingyao that she was looking for interdimensional travel methods now, could she?
"I've made up my mind. So why don't you want to stay here, Xingyao-di?"
Meng Xingyao scowled. "Jin Zixuan..."
Pan Wukun sighed and rubbed her forehead. - Stupid. Stupid. Of course, Jin Zixuan is here. How could I forget?
No wonder Meng Xingyao always stayed put in the guest room, refusing to wander around the Cloud Recesses.
Shit! She should've seen this coming. Meng Xingyao and Jin Zixuan should never have met this early!
But even so...
"I must stay here, Xingyao-di. I won't force you to stay and you can leave on your own if you wish."
Meng Xingyao went quiet.
"Whatever your choice, Xingyao-di. Think about it carefully..."
The next morning, as Pan Wukun accepted the GusuLan sect's invitation, Meng Xingyao appeared.
"I shall also accept GusuLan sect's invitation." Meng Xingyao smiled at Pan Wukun. "I will stay here at the Cloud Recesses as well, Wukun-ge."
"You're sure about this?"
"Yes."
"Then I'm glad to have you stay by my side."
Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao were each given a set of guest disciple robes to wear.
Pan Wukun marveled at how soft the robes were. So this was "rich people" clothing. So smooth and silky…
It wasn't coarse and scratchy like her usual commoners' clothing.
But as comfortable and extravagant as they were, the flowy guest disciple robes weren't Pan Wukun's style. She couldn't help but feel out of place. She was a farm girl, not a graceful and elegant member of a cultivation sect. It wasn't a cultivation sect that she grew up with. These clothes did not come from Xuhou. From home.
But she wasn't at home now, was she?
She was going to have to stay at the Cloud Recesses for almost an entire year. It was already bad enough stressing out over spending extra time with the canon characters. But studying and exams too?
Pan Wukun internally groaned.
Fine. She would suffer through school all over again in the name of the pursuit of knowledge.
Lan Qiren was an intimidating man.
Pan Wukun never dealt well with strict school teacher types, even if she had been a Straight-A student (hello, Asian child struggles).
Right after receiving their robes, some GusuLan sect disciples led Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao away to important meetings. As rogue cultivators, they needed one-on-one meetings to assess their education levels. While Pan Wukun was speaking with Lan Qiren, Meng Xingyao was meeting with Lan Xichen. Lucky him.
"Where are you from, Pan Wukun?"
"Small backwoods village in the mountains."
Pan Wukun didn't say more. Lan Qiren didn't need to know Xuhou's name.
"Who were you trained by?"
Pan Wukun didn't want GusuLan sect cultivators knocking on Pan Heng's door. She was sure he didn't either.
"My former master swore me to secrecy about his identity and location. I'm afraid I cannot break my vow and dishonor him."
Lan Qiren simply nodded in understanding and moved on.
"Since you've enrolled as a guest disciple three months into the year, Pan Wukun, I have concerns about whether or not you can learn fast enough. As a rogue cultivator who was never part of any sect, you've had a different education from sect cultivators."
"I understand, Lan-xiansheng. But I assure you that I am fully capable. I have managed to survive this long because I know the cultivation basics well."
Lan Qiren nodded approvingly. "Good. But should you have any issues during lessons, let me know."
"Yes, Lan-xiansheng."
Pan Wukun brushed her fingers over the fabric of the guest disciple robes she wore. "Lan-xiansheng. Is there a debt for the housing and robes Meng Xingyao and I were provided?"
She figured that the other guest disciples were from wealthy famous cultivation clans so they must've had all their expenses paid.
"No. It is the GusuLan sect's responsibility to provide for its students."
Pan Wukun internally sighed in relief. No way these lavish guest disciple robes were cheap. Her wallet was safe.
Lan Qiren stood up and gestured for Pan Wukun to follow him. He led her to the Wall of Discipline.
The etched words on the stone wall stretched as far as the eye can see.
Pan Wukun wondered how long it took to complete. Did the GusuLan sect disciples fly around on their swords while using some kind of hammer and chisel? Or did they hire civilians to do the work?
"Now that you are a guest disciple, you must follow the GusuLan sect's rules." Lan Qiren handed Pan Wukun a very thick scroll. "This contains all the rules of the GusuLan sect. Study and remember them well."
Pan Wukun carefully tucked the scroll away into her robe's qiankun sleeve. "Yes. Understood, Lan-xiansheng."
She was only going to be able to remember enough rules to appease Lan Qiren. Committing every single one to memory would be impossible and a huge waste of time. She needed to put her focus on the Library Pavilion's books.
"Now that you are a guest disciple, you will have free access to the Library Pavilion. Do not abuse such a gift." Lan Qiren regarded Pan Wukun sternly. "Understood?"
Pan Wukun stiffened, aware that Lan Qiren had not forgotten what she did with Wei Wuxian. "Yes! Understood, Lan-xiansheng!"
"Good." Lan Qiren gestured to a building in the distance. "That is the Orchid Room where you will be attending class." He turned his back to Pan Wukun. "Now go. I shall be with you and your fellow guest disciples shortly."
"Hey, I've never seen that guy here before."
"Which sect is he from?"
"Wait. Huh? There's no sect emblem on his robes."
"Hey…didn't we meet him at Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin's drinking party?"
"Whoa! It is him! The same guy! I can't believe it!"
Pan Wukun adjusted her guest disciple robes, keeping her eyes glued to her desk.
People were paying attention to her. Help.
"Isn't that guy also the one who saved Wei-gongzi by kissing him?"
Pan Wukun's soul screamed from within. - Damn it! That wasn't a kiss!
"Ah! He must've been rewarded with entry into the GusuLan sect's lectures for assisting with the Waterborne Abyss and saving Wei-gongzi's life!"
"Hey, Chun-ge!" Wei Wuxian waved excitedly from his seat. "What a pleasant surprise!"
Pan Wukun stiffly waved back, knowing that Wei Wuxian wouldn't stop if she didn't.
She hoped that Wei Wuxian wouldn't bother her during class. She didn't want anything disrupting her concentration when she was trying to pay attention and take notes.
It didn't help that Lan Wangji was seated right behind her. She swore she could feel his eyes drilling holes into her back. What was he doing here anyway? Wasn't he supposed to be gone from Lan Qiren's classes after the rabbit incident?
It was a good thing that Lan Qiren made sure that Lan Wangji was seated as far away from Wei Wuxian as possible. Otherwise, Pan Wukun didn't think she could take it if she had to sit next to both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.
Pan Wukun looked to the side and spotted Meng Xingyao sitting at a nearby seat. They nodded at each other.
Lan Qiren entered the Orchid Room and loudly cleared his throat, making the guest disciples instantly settle down.
As Pan Wukun listened to Lan Qiren talk, she diligently took notes, not daring to show any slacking off with Lan Wangji behind her.
As the class continued on, Pan Wukun was grateful that Lan Qiren did not call attention to her and Meng Xingyao's presence. No need to make a spectacle out of them being the new students.
Lan Qiren stared Pan Wukun right in the eyes. "Pan Wukun."
Pan Wukun internally sighed. - Never mind.
"Yes, Lan-xiansheng."
"Tell me, Pan Wukun. What is the purpose of cultivators?"
Pan Wukun could feel everyone's eyes on her.
Wow. They were all really invested in seeing the new kid in action…How uncomfortable.
Knowing Lan Qiren, he probably wanted the most textbook moral answer.
"The purpose of cultivators is to exorcize malicious entities in order to maintain peace and harmony."
"Correct. But let me ask you another question. Why do people choose to become cultivators?"
Pan Wukun paused.
There wasn't exactly a clear-cut answer to Lan Qiren's question. Each person had their own motives for becoming a cultivator. Some noble. Some evil. Some plain.
But once again, Pan Wukun was going to play it safe.
"People become cultivators to gain the power to protect the innocent. To defend those who cannot defend themselves."
Unbeknownst to Pan Wukun, at her words, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji looked upon her with utmost intensity.
"Hmmm…" Lan Qiren narrowed his eyes at Pan Wukun.
Pan Wukun clutched the folds of her robes. Was that not the right answer? She didn't display any hint of mischief! She actually put heart and sincerity into it! Sure, she became a cultivator to find a way home but she also liked being able to help people too!
"Hmmm…Yes…cultivators do perform righteous deeds to help protect commoners from threats they're not equipped to deal with. It would've been better to say that cultivators keep the spiritual balance and order of the world." Finally, Lan Qiren nodded in satisfaction. "However, you provided a simple but effective enough answer. That will be all, Pan Wukun."
Pan Wukun's shoulders relaxed. She was not going to be the object of Lan Qiren's ire. But why did Lan Qiren have to pick on her and not Meng Xingyao?
…Probably to make sure she wasn't going to be a pain in his ass like Wei Wuxian.
Pan Wukun hoped her excellent behavior kept Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji off her back.
After giving more lessons on cultivation history and strategies, Lan Qiren finally dismissed the class.
Upon exiting the classroom, Pan Wukun overheard the other guest disciples muttering about her.
"For a rogue cultivator, I thought Pan Wukun would be a little more rebellious."
"Yeah. I would've said that people become cultivators to become all-powerful immortals! Who wouldn't want to live forever!"
"Not only is he stiff at parties - he doesn't like drinking - but he's stiff in the classroom too!"
Pan Wukun mentally rolled her eyes. – Well, sorry. One class clown Wei Wuxian is already enough.
Then she found herself engulfed in Wei Wuxian's arms. "Oomph!"
"Chun-ge!" Wei Wuxian practically wailed.
Jiang Cheng snorted. "You should've seen how much Wei Wuxian was moping around. He thought you were going to be forced to leave the Cloud Recesses!"
Wei Wuxian tightly clung to Pan Wukun from behind. "I wasn't ready to say goodbye, Chun-ge!"
Pan Wukun sighed. "Lucky for you, I'm still here."
Wei Wuxian grinned, hugging Pan Wukun tighter. "And I'm so happy that you're staying!"
From a distance, Lan Wangji followed the group of guest disciples and kept a close eye on Pan Wukun.
As Meng Xingyao walked alongside Pan Wukun and the others, Nie Huaisang came up next to him. "Hey, you're with Pan-xiushi, right?"
"Yes, gongzi," Meng Xingyao answered politely.
"And that means you're a rogue cultivator as well?"
"That's correct, gongzi."
Nie Huaisang sighed longingly. "I wish I was a rogue cultivator. Then I could travel around all day without Da-ge forcing me to take sword lessons!"
"Your older brother would break your legs to stop you from going anywhere first," one of the guest disciples pointed out.
Nie Huaisang's shoulders slumped.
Meng Xingyao leaned close to Nie Huaisang and whispered, "That was quite the magnificent bird you were carrying in the classroom, Nie-gongzi."
A glint appeared in Nie Huaisang's eyes. "Oh? And how do you know that? I wasn't exactly holding it out for everyone to see. Especially not Lan-xiansheng."
"The way you moved around with your robes. It was as if you were carrying something small and delicate. Something alive that could only fit inside an object the size of a birdcage...And don't worry, I don't plan on revealing anything to Lan-xiansheng."
Nie Huaisang took out his fan, tapping it against his palm. "Come over to my room at the guest disciples' quarters sometime, Meng-xiushi. Let's play a game of xiangqi[2]."
"I appreciate the invitation, Nie-gongzi." Meng Xingyao thought Nie Huaisang was worth getting to know. He was the younger brother of the QingheNie sect leader, Nie Mingjue. Despite appearing frail compared to the other guest disciples, he was calculating. A good potential ally.
Back where Pan Wukun was, she patted Wei Wuxian's arm to get him to release her from his hug. "Wei Ying. I've got to go to the Library Pavilion."
Wei Wuxian was ready to follow Pan Wukun until Jiang Cheng grabbed his shoulder. "A-jie is almost finished with her class. She will want to see us soon."
Wei Wuxian agreed with Jiang Cheng. He waved at Pan Wukun. "See you later, Chun-ge!"
Pan Wukun silently thanked Jiang Cheng from the bottom of her heart.
Upon entering the Library Pavilion, all the librarians' heads turned in Pan Wukun's direction.
She was immediately met with suspicious and disdainful eyes.
A bead of sweat ran down Pan Wukun's brow.
One of the librarians stepped forward and saluted her. "May I assist you, gongzi?"
"Oh! Uh…yes! I need books on cultivation history, artifacts, spells, techniques, and teleportation." Then Pan Wukun remembered to hurriedly salute back. "And no need to address me as 'gongzi'. 'Xiushi' is fine."
"Very well. Please follow me, xiushi." The librarian perused the shelves and picked out the books with rapid speed as if he knew every book in the Library Pavilion by heart. "This one, this one, and this one."
As the librarian piled books into Pan Wukun's arms, she caught a glimpse of something that made her heart jump to her throat.
Was-was that Lan Wangji peeking out from that bookshelf over there?!
The figure had moved so fast to hide from her sight. But Pan Wukun had no doubt that it was Lan Wangji watching her.
Was he monitoring her after the book incident?
All right. All right. She could deal with this. All she had to do was act as naturally as possible so Lan Wangji didn't have any reason to manhandle her out of the Cloud Recesses.
"Per the Library Pavilion's rules, patrons are limited to five books each. As librarians, it is our duty to ensure that the Library Pavilion's books are not misused." The librarian gave Pan Wukun a pointed look.
Pan Wukun shrank back. "Ah…yes! Understandable!"
"And do be so kind as to properly care for the books and return them, will you?"
"Yes! Of course!"
The GusuLan librarians really didn't like people borrowing books without their authorization.
For fellow bookworms to be so suspicious of Pan Wukun, it kind of hurt. But she also couldn't blame them after the stunt she pulled with Wei Wuxian.
Even as Pan Wukun left, the librarians didn't take their eyes off her, watching her like a hawk.
That day she was reminded never to mess with librarians and their books.
"Pan Wukun! Oh, thank goodness, you're still here!"
Upon seeing Pan Wukun appear to attend her usual duties in the infirmary (albeit less frequently due to her studies as a guest disciple), the healers rejoiced.
In direct contrast to the librarians, the healers welcomed Pan Wukun with open arms.
At least someone was happy that she was at the Cloud Recesses.
Well, the healers and someone else including…
A bright smile appeared in Pan Wukun's mind.
Chun-ge!
She pushed Wei Wuxian's face out of her head.
A half-month passed of Pan Wukun attending classes and studying books, all while Wei Wuxian latched onto her like a koala, literally and metaphorically. And Pan Wukun still caught Lan Wangji hovering just within the corner of her eye sometimes.
Lan Qiren had assigned the guest disciples essays and exams, making Pan Wukun nearly cry. - Long essays and closed-book exams? No! Not this again! Nooooo! - With keyboards not existing, her hand grew sore from writing so much. Was this how scribes felt before the printing presses were invented?
Meng Xingyao had sent a letter to Sisi, telling her about everything that happened. Sisi sent a response back, exclaiming that she was happy that Pan Wukun and Meng Xingyao were able to receive such an opportunity. The news made for good gossip and gave the brothel bragging rights. "That's right. A former resident and bodyguard of ours are both guest disciples at the Cloud Recesses! Try not to be jealous!"
Pan Wukun only sent letters to Pan Heng through the couriers in Gusu City instead of directly from the Cloud Recesses' mailing services. She didn't need the GusuLan sect to know where she and Pan Heng lived. Then no one would ever stop bothering them.
One day, Lan Qiren took the class to a wall of windows carved with engravings of the GusuLan sect founder, Lan An's life.
Lan Qiren had Lan Wangji stay close to his side.
As Lan Qiren described Lan An meeting his fated one, Lan Wangji glanced briefly but meaningfully at Wei Wuxian.
After Lan Qiren dismissed the class and had Lan Wangji leave with him, the boys chatted away in the Orchid Room.
Wei Wuxian playfully nudged Pan Wukun's arm. "So Chun-ge, got your eyes set on any of the pretty sect girls here?"
"No, Wei Ying."
Wei Wuxian chuckled. "Any boys?"
"My answer is still no, Wei Ying."
Then someone in the class asked Jin Zixuan who he thought the best girl was.
Pan Wukun's attention sharpened.
Jin Zixuan expressed his distaste for his fiancée Jiang Yanli, pissing Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian off. Then things went downhill from there.
Wei Wuxian rushed forward and threw his fist at Jin Zixuan.
Only to have his fist caught by Pan Wukun's hand instead.
Wei Wuxian's eyes widened in shock. "Chun-ge!"
Pan Wukun's arm shook from the force of Wei Wuxian's punch. She released his hand and he stepped back.
Pan Wukun stared sternly at Wei Wuxian. "Wei Ying. There's a time and place for everything. You still have an image to uphold for the YunmengJiang sect."
Pan Wukun turned to face Jin Zixuan. "Jin-gongzi, you are the future leader of the LanlingJin sect. Jiang-gongzi is the future leader of the YunmengJiang sect. You two will have to be allies one day."
Both Jin Zixuan and Jiang Cheng scowled.
Pan Wukun continued. "Perhaps you should meet Jiang-guniang and get to know her better before making your decision regarding the betrothal, Jin-gongzi. Hearsay isn't exactly trustworthy. As the future leader of the LanlingJin sect, it's important to see and judge things for yourself."
One of Jin Zixuan's companions stepped forward and snarled, "Who do you think you are? Lecturing Zixuan-xiong like this?"
Jin Zixuan placed his arm out, stopping his companion. He frowned at Pan Wukun. "What do you know about sect affairs? You're a rogue cultivator. You're the last person who should even be speaking about such matters concerning the LanlingJin and YunmengJiang sects."
"You!" Wei Wuxian almost tried to punch Jin Zixuan again but Pan Wukun held him back.
Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and Jin Zixuan stood still and glared at each other.
The silence became incredibly tense and awkward for Pan Wukun.
So she did the best thing possible in this situation.
She bowed respectfully to Jin Zixuan. "I apologize for overstepping, Jin-gongzi. Please excuse me."
She began to walk away.
Wei Wuxian reached an arm out to her. "Chun-ge! Wait!"
"No, Wei Ying. I need some time alone right now."
And then Pan Wukun promptly got the hell out of there.
Her hand twitched as it ached and throbbed.
She held her hand up, turning it over to look at her palm.
It was bright red.
"Damn, Wei Wuxian…you've got one hard punch."
Glossary
1. shufu - uncle (father's younger brother)
2. Xiangqi - Chinese chess or elephant chess
A/N: Poor Pan Wukun being plunged headfirst into a Cultivation High School Arc.
My niece came back from visiting family in Vietnam near the end of June. She and an older niece of mine got me all 4 volumes of the Vietnamese edition of the MDZS novels. They hunted down copies in local bookstores but they couldn't find any so my older niece had to order them online. Now I just need to learn how to read Vietnamese to fully enjoy the novels.
My dad got two Sriracha bottles from our relatives in Vietnam. Apparently, there's a Sriracha shortage happening? That's news to me.
My dad and I also got Covid. It took 3 years for it to finally get us. If you or anyone you know starts to have the symptoms of a common cold (like runny nose and sore throat), please wear a mask and get tested (don't worry, DIY/take-home test kits don't involve shoving a cotton swab deep down your nostrils). It just might be Covid.
For me, the sore throat started before the coughing and runny nose came next. It was worse for my dad since he had also lost his sense of taste. Luckily, my dad and I have recovered by now (I'm no longer Covid positive but I'm still suffering from a slight cough and stuffy nose at the moment). Thank goodness we took the booster vaccine shots back then. Otherwise, our symptoms probably would've been a lot worse. Neither of us had to go to the hospital and my dad recovered in about ten days.
Be careful, everyone.