Chapter Text
In the depths of a mountain range half-hidden behind thick fog and clouds, sat a lady dressed in red and black. She had assumed the lotus position some days ago, meditating in seclusion. She had in the past and could still, meditate for days on end. Her body knew no hunger or fatigue. She had grown above and beyond these mortal inflictions hundreds of years ago. Most of the time, her meditation had no agenda behind it other than to calm and strengthen her spirit and core. This time around, she did come to the hidden forest with an agenda.
The past few days had been quite troublesome for her, nightmares plaguing her nights and sometimes, even days. And so, she had come to her secluded area with the aim of seeking answers from powers beyond her.
At the same time, across ferocious rivers and sprawling towns and cities, a three-day celebration was in progress. The city of Lanling was in a festive mood. After all, the future sect heir of the Lanling Jin clan was born. Within just the first month of his birth, he had enamoured all those who laid their eyes on him. The boy was a beacon of joy amidst the dangerous times they lived in, with one war behind them and one brewing on the horizon.
To celebrate the boy turning a month old, the Lanling Jin clan had arranged for a three-day festivity, with each and every clan that they knew of, being invited. All, except the boy’s shishu, who was all but his jiujiu in blood.
The shishu being left out was as much a political act as it was a righteous one. After all, who would want the infamous Yiling Laozu to attend such an auspicious event?
In the nursery, the Second Madam Jin, Jiang Yanli sat with her month-old child, watching him sleep peacefully, blissfully unaware of the storm in her heart. Her husband, Jin Zixuan, was thankfully sympathetic to her cause, though in the face of his father, he was powerless. When he failed to convince the sect elders of letting the Yiling Laozu attend the event, he did the next best thing – he ensured to not leave his upset wife alone. And so, even now he sat next to her, an arm loosely draped around her as he watched his son.
There was no love lost between him and his wife’s brothers, but they were all his mates in war and if for nothing else, he would have wished for Wei Wuxian to be present. Moreover, they represented a family to him, a family that he had never had and always wanted.
“Jin Ling,” Jiang Yanli said softly, calling out her son’s given name, “Jin Rulan,” the boy’s courtesy name, already decided, “you were named by your dajiu.”
The fact that the newborn’s courtesy name was given by the most feared individual in the cultivation world, was a secret that only the parents and Jiang Yanli’s didi knew. For the world at large, Wei Wuxian had never been involved in any which way.
A knock on the door made Jin Zixuan sigh and gently guide his wife to the receiving pavilion of the Jinlintai. It was time to introduce their son to the cultivation world.
The tower was teeming with people from all sects. Anyone who was even remotely popular in the cultivation world had turned up. Who would want to miss out on a lavish party anyway?
With the increase in people and most of them famous, there was an exponential increase in the security. Jin guards frequently roamed the hallways, whereas strong sect and clan members stuck close to their assigned elders and leaders.
Jiang Yanli felt slightly suffocated, not just due to the sheer number of people, but also because of the pressure she, her husband, and now, her newborn child, were under. The Jins were the leading cultivation family, followed shortly by the Lans, then the Neis and finally, the Jiangs. The Jiang clan, despite having been completely obliterated, was back in the limelight under sect leader Jiang Wanyin’s leadership.
After a long day of greeting and fake-smiling, she finally found her reprieve in the inner hall of the Tower. While the party outside was still ongoing, close family members, friends, and prominent sect leaders were slowly retiring to the Inner Hall, for a more formal dinner.
“Jiejie,” Jiang Wanyin greeted his sister before bending over the crib next to her and smiling at his nephew. He looked at her and deduced, “Are you upset about Wuxian?”
She sighed, “A-Xian would have been so excited about A-Ling’s birth, and yet he cannot even see his own nephew. It was bad enough that he could not attend my wedding, but missing not only the birth of his nephew but even the one-month celebration…” She trailed off, wondering how her brother was faring in the Burial Mounds. Did he get enough sleep? Did he eat properly? Was he well?
Jiang Wanyin nodded. He shared her sentiments. Wei Wuxian may have chosen the wrong path of an unorthodox cultivation, but he had never harmed anyone who didn’t deserve it. The only thing that Jiang Wanyin didn’t understand was his brother’s choice of company. Why would Wei Wuxian ever protect those Wen-dogs?!
“I had a chance to speak with Zewu-jun, jiejie. He says that while it is not confirmed, Wei Wuxian should be able to return to the cultivation world on the condition that he never goes down the path of demonic cultivation and turns over the Wen-dogs to the Jin sect.”
“He won’t, A-Cheng,” Jiang Yanli said with conviction. “I will speak to him. He always listens to me, doesn’t he?”
“Of course he does.” Jiang Wanyin smiled at his sister. “You are the only one he would listen to. If he doesn’t, I’ll break his legs!”
Jiang Yanli laughed softly at the age-old threat that her didi used. At this point, it was more of a catchphrase than an actual threat. She smiled brilliantly at her husband, who joined her side and offered her a glass of water. How had he known that she was thirsty?!
“I just saw Lan Wangji!” a Nei sect disciple said to his companion as they walked past the trio.
The companion gasped dramatically, “Hanguang-jun actually came? That’s… Wait, is he here because the Yiling Laozu isn’t?”
Another group of gossipers said amongst themselves, “What was that rumour about Hanguang-jun? That he favours the Yiling Laozu?”
“I thought it was that the two had a secret relationship.”
“I thought they hated each other.”
“No, no, they were in love!”
“Were or are?”
Jiang Wanyin could not help the growl erupting in his throat. Sect Leader or not, he would not stay still when some idiots slandered his brother’s name! It was only because of Yanli’s hand on his arm that he stayed stock still next to her.
“They know not of what they speak,” Jin Zixuan assured his wife. He himself was not sure of the actual matter but he had at least seen Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian interact with one another, which was more than what he could say for the gossipers in the room. He could say that the two powerful men had some sort of a relationship but no one knew the details, no one could confirm if it was love, hate, or camaraderie.
A hush descended upon the room and Jin Zixuan followed everyone’s eyes to the entrance of the Hall. The Twin Jades of Gusu Lan sect entered the room in unison. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji looked just as mesmerising as they had the first time he had seen them in the Cloud Recesses, 6 years ago. It had not been truly the first time he had met the two brothers, but before that Lan Wangji had been just a kid, like the rest of them, and though his stoic nature remained the same over the years, as he matured, his facial features and his height started to resemble the elder brother. If it hadn’t been for Lan Xichen’s current hair style and a slightly sharper facial structure, the two could pass for twins.
Behind them, entered Lan Qiren, who still inspired an age-old fear amongst any student of his, old or current. Even Jin Zixuan, who had mostly been a model student other than for that one fist-fight he got into with Wei Wuxian, could feel himself clam up as the Grand Master made his way towards them. Right, the three Lans had arrived later due to bad weather in Gusu, and had not been part of the earlier greeting ceremony.
Jin Zixuan helped his wife get up to greet the three. He knew she must be getting tired. Pregnancy had been a difficult journey for her, considering all her familial issues that plagued her days and nights, not to mention, her general constitution. Their physician had advised both of them to let her get as much rest as possible. The three-day’s festivities were the last thing she needed. As it was, she was starting to look a bit pale. As he bowed to the Lans, he thought to inform the servants to start the dinner service at the earliest.
“We apologize for the delay caused, Jin-gongzi, Jiang-furen .” Lan Xichen greeted the two new parents and then turned to greet Jiang Wanyin, “Jiang zongzhu.” Lan Wangji and Lan Qiren greeted in similar manner.
“No apologies needed, Lan zongzhu, xiansheng, and Lan-er-gongzi.” Jin Zixuan said smoothly. “You must have had a long journey. Was it all well?”
“Yes, Jin-gongzi,” Lan Xichen answered, “It was just the seasonal storm. However, it did come a bit early this year.” He glanced at the sleeping child in the crib and asked, “You have been blessed with a beautiful child. Have you both decided upon his name?”
“Yes, we have, Lan zongzhu,” Jiang Yanli said with a smile. “His name is Jin Ling. The official communications would be sent out on his 100th day.”
“Of course,” Lan Qiren said. “That is a beautiful name. One day he will grow up to attend my lectures.”
“And he will benefit from them,” Jin Zixuan said.
“Due to our late arrival, we will not be able to present you with the Lan Sect’s gifts,” Lan Xichen said in an apologetic tone, “We would present them tomorrow.”
The new parents accepted it with a slight bow and watched as the three Lans were called away by other sect leaders. Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren went ahead while Lan Wangji lingered. His expressions gave nothing away but they had a feeling that he wanted to say something. In the end, he gave a slight nod and said politely, “Congratulations on your son.”
Before he could leave, Jiang Yanli asked, “Hanguang-jun, have you met with A-Xian recently? I…I heard some rumours.”
Lan Wangji had already turned away but twisted his head around to look at her. “He seemed well,” the younger Lan brother assured the worrying sister. Then, with a slight bow, he left to join his brother.
Jiang Wanyin huffed, the puff of air disturbing the lock of hair that framed his face. “He could have said something more. Maybe Wuxian gave a message or something.”
“If A-Xian had a message for us, he would have found a way to get it to us.”
Jiang Wanyin whined, sounding much like a younger brother rather than an esteemed sect leader, “Jiejie, you could have let me decide A-Ling’s name. Why did you let Wuxian decide the courtesy name?”
His tone held no ill feelings considering that it had been his suggestion for Wei Wuxian to select the courtesy name. The childish display was only for his sister’s benefit. Jiang Yanli giggled, patting her brother’s face lovingly. She said, “Go on, both of you. I know you both need to meet with all leaders. I will be right here with A-Ling.”
Jin Zuxian nodded and said, “I will ask the servants to arrange for dinner first. My Lady, you should eat and then get some rest.”
“I will, A-Xuan.”
True to his word, Jin Zuxian first arranged for dinner to be served and ensured that his wife ate to her heart’s content. Once the two of them had eaten and it seemed like a decent time for his wife to take an early leave, they started bidding farewell to all those who attended. He would anyway return to the party after ensuring that his wife and son were well settled in their room, but he had to bid farewell as a couple.
It was then that the grand doors to the Inner Hall opened and a lady strode in. She was tall and looked like a common, middle-aged woman, but the way she held herself spoke of a far better upbringing. She was dressed in a simple green dress and a black outer robe, making her look distinguished. Her intelligent and sharp eyes roved over those in attendance even as a hoard of guards surrounded her.
“Madam,” a Lan guard greeted her politely but strictly, “this is a closed event. You are not allowed in here.”
“I am not here for the party,” she said as she continued looking around the room, clearly searching for someone. Her voice sounded as clear as bells but held a lilt that hinted that she spoke some other dialect or language. It was not something that anyone could easily recognize. “I was told that all prominent figures of the cultivation world have gathered here. I search for someone.”
“Well,” Jin Guangshan said, stepping forward, “since anyone is yet to recognize you, I assume that the person you search for, Madam, is not here. You should leave at this instant.” He then thought of something and asked, “As a matter of fact, you do not adorn the uniform of any sects in attendance. Which sect do you belong to?”
The lady paused in her search and looked at Sect Leader Jin. With a raise of an eyebrow that felt extremely familiar to most people in the room, she answered, “None that concern anyone in attendance.”
“Then how were you allowed inside the Jinlintai?” Jin Zixuan questioned, moving to subtly stand between the intruder and his wife and son.
“Teleportation,” she answered off-handedly. “Do not fret about your protection wards. They remain intact.”
Her response left everyone gaping at her. Each sect’s stronghold was protected by hundreds of protection wards, barriers and seals. Not even sect members could travel through the wards without the proper talismans or objects. The Lan clan used Jade Tokens, while the Jiang clan used a Lotus Pendant, and so on. Even those who were in attendance, were given temporary talismans that allowed them entry into certain parts of the Jinlintai. No one had ever been able to break through any protection wards before. So, the question on everyone’s mind remained the same. How did this lady manage to teleport right into the heart of the Tower?
Sensing an imminent outburst from Jin zongzhu, Jin Guangyao stepped forward and asked politely, “Madam, if you may introduce yourself and perhaps whom you search for? Maybe someone here can help.” Simultaneously, he motioned for some of his clan members to ready themselves in case of an attack. Though it was only a simple lady, everyone could tell that she had a really high cultivation.
The lady blinked and nodded absent-mindedly. The gesture seemed oddly familiar to many of the younger cultivators in the room. She introduced herself, “I am Baoshan Sanren, and I search for my grandson, Wei Ying. Would the Jin clan know of his whereabouts? Though, I was under the impression that his father belonged to the Jiang clan.”
Murmurs immediately broke out in the room. Snippets of them could be heard overlapping one another.
“Baoshan Sanren? The Baoshan Sanren?”
“Grandson?”
“Wei Ying? Isn’t that Wei Wuxian’s birth name?”
“The Yiling Patriarch?”
“How are they related?”
“Absurd.”
Jiang Wanyin cleared his throat and spoke up, his voice somehow quieting all whispers. “Baoshan Sanren, this one is Sect Leader Jiang Cheng, courtesy name, Jiang Wanyin. Perhaps, we could talk outside?”
“No,” Sect Leader Nei Mingjue protested immediately. “If there are to be any talks of Yiling Laozu, it must be in front of all sects.” He was backed by like-minded people, which was most of the room.
Jiang Wanyin gritted his teeth but agreed. He had to agree, though he didn’t want to talk about his brother in public. He wondered if Baoshan Sanren figured out already that it was him who had approached her to heal his core, and not Wuxian. It was only a bit later in the night that he realised that she had not immediately thought of him as Wuxian. After all, that was how he had introduced himself to her a few years ago. Maybe she didn’t remember. Who was he to be remembered by an immortal anyway?
“Very well,” Jiang Wanyin conceded and informed the immortal, “Wei Wuxian is not in attendance. He is currently at the Burial Mounds.” Curiously, he asked, “If I may, why do you search for him?”
A frown marred the immortal’s features as she considered the information. Instead of answering his question, she countered, “Why is my grandson at the Burial Mounds? That location was closed off for a very specific reason.”
“Well,” Sect Leader Ouyang said, “Wei Wuxian opened up the Burial Mounds and created Modao! He now protects the Wen Remnants there. Thus, he is no longer welcome in the cultivation world.”
“Modao?” Baoshan Sanren repeated slowly, as if in shock, though her tone betrayed nothing. A smile graced her face, confusing all, “You seem to be mistaken, esteemed member of this world, but Modao was eradicated by the gods themselves and any instance of it, is closely monitored.”
Sect Leader Su of the Moling Su clan scoffed and said, “You seem to be mistaken, Baoshan Sanren, for Yiling Laozu controls fierce corpses and ghosts with his demonic cultivation.”
Baoshan Sanren crossed her hands behind her back as she walked further into the room. None of the cultivators could get within 5 meters of her. Those who stood in her way, were compelled to move away and make space for her. She tutted as she walked towards Su She and said, “Years have passed and yet basic understanding is lost to many. It may seem similar but there is a vast difference between Modao and what you just described.” Her tone made most remember their masters and teachers. She continued, “One who uses Modao cannot control fierce corpses and ghosts. They instead control living beings. That is prohibited. What you described was Ghost Cultivation, Guidao, which uses energy of dead beings rather than the living ones, and is not prohibited. Though, it was only practiced during The Heavenly Strife, and that too, by the gods in dire situations. The knowledge was never passed on to mortals.”
“Immortal Baoshan Sanren,” Lan Qiren spoke up, bowing slightly to her. Though he was still a bit sceptical of her identity, she was everything that Cangse Sanren had once described to him, during their times of truce, which had been only once, during a night hunt. “It is true that Wei Wuxian manipulates resentful energy and controls corpses, creating fierce corpses as he deems fit.”
“He plots to destroy us all!” one cultivator exclaimed, suddenly rousing the sentiments of multiple others.
“He is dangerous and sides with the enemy.”
Sect Leader Jin said, “Immortal one, while we do not know the reason you search for Yiling Laozu, it would be best if you let us deal with him.”
“Those who side with the Wens, must be eradicated!” Nei Mingjue said.
“Silence,” Baoshan Sanren said calmly. Her volume did not rise but her word carried a weight far beyond the understanding of all those present. “I am not here to hear what you think, but to find my grandchild. Can anyone here confirm that he will be found in the Burial Mounds?”
Lan Wangji calmed his internal rage at all those who spoke against his beloved and answered, “Yes.”
“You confirm, child?”
Once again, he simply answered, “Yes.” It didn’t matter what everyone else thought. His clan already knew that he met with Wei Wuxian and had even been punished for it. While his punishment had been carrying out, he had a vague feeling that the next time he met with Wei Wuxian for any reason outside of war, his uncle might just not be satisfied with a simple punishment. But if that was the punishment for trying to save Wei Ying, then he would gladly face it. His priority was Wei Ying. His own well-being at the moment, was secondary. If Baoshan Sanren could help Wei Ying somehow, then he would gladly guide her to his beloved.
“Very well,” Baoshan Sanren nodded once and turned around, walking away as if she had not just disturbed their evening.
The shrill cry of a child crying cut in through the ensuing silence, drawing everyone’s attention to the main reason for the party. Jin Ling cried loudly in his mother’s arms.
Sect Leader Jin glared at his son and said, “Silence that child.” Then he looked at the immortal and said, “Immortal Baoshan Sanren, if you go to aid Yiling Laozu, you make an enemy of the cultivation world. This humble man requests you to not interfere in the matters of the cultivation world like you have not been doing so for the past so many years.”
Instead of responding, Baoshan Sanren walked over to the struggling mother who tried to shush her fussy child. She stopped in front of Jiang Yanli and snapped her fingers. Immediately, golden sparkles surrounded the child, who halted his cries for intently staring at the sparkles. The immortal smiled at the child and spoke softly, but her voice carried over to each and every person in the room.
“Do not try to intimidate me, child, in the name of the cultivation world. Nor should you try to involve me in your petty power struggle. Mind your business and let me mind mine, for none of you would like it if I interfere.”
The immortal looked at Jiang Yanli and asked, “What is his name?”
“Jin Ling, my lady.” Jiang Yanli lowered her voice in the hopes that none other than her husband and brother could hear her question, “Are you truly going to visit A-Xian, my lady?” Without waiting for a response, she requested, “Though I am in no position to ask you for anything, could you perhaps make sure that he is taking care of himself? He is quite terrible at that and I usually take care of him, but I haven’t seen him in almost two years now.” It was not entirely true. She and A-Cheng had spent some time with A-Xian before her wedding, but it was not public knowledge and she would prefer to keep it that way.
“How do you know him?”
“He is my shidi, though he is more like my didi, just like A-Cheng here.”
Baoshan Sanren stared at her for a few seconds before saying, “It is my fault for coming here both uninvited and without bearing any gifts on this auspicious occasion. To make up for my transgression, I will let you make one request to me, and as long as it is under my control, I will grant it.” With those words, she held out her hand and a blank talisman paper appeared in her hand. Handing it over to Jiang Yanli, she instructed, “When you have thought of your wish, write it on this talisman and I will be made aware of it.”
Then she turned around and walked away, disappearing once she reached the door, and leaving everyone in a dumbfounded state.