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Chapter Text

"What?! " Jiang Cheng shrieked at the top of his voice, his face almost purple. "What?! " 

Lan Zhan was still, like the jade statue he was rumoured to be, reeling with disbelief over the sheer audacity of himself. He had tied his forehead ribbon around Wei Ying's wrist. He'd bowed in front of Lan Yi (Lan Yi!). Dear Lord, only two more bows and they'd be married. He glanced at his future self. Lan Wangji seemed indifferent to the chaos surrounding him, unfeeling towards Jiang Cheng’s screaming. 

"He can't just tie a ribbon around my brother's wrist and declare them married! What the hell? " Jiang Cheng shouted. 

"Uh, Jiang-xiong, that is kind of how the Lan engagement work. Those ribbons have a purpose and meaning, you know, " Nie Huaisang attempted to placate the fuming Jiang Cheng. His eyes glanced mischievously at Lan Zhan, who was wishing for a hole to just open up and swallow him whole, so that he would never have to see his shufu again. Any of them present here again. 

(Except Wei Ying. Lan Zhan couldn't possibly survive now, not when he'd seen Wei Ying's beautiful smile. ) 

"He has no right! " Jiang Cheng roared, staring around - at his parents, at A-Jie, at his future self. 

Jiang WanYin just rolled his eyes. Initially he'd had a hard time believing that Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi could be anything, that Wei troublemaker Wuxian could fall in love with Lan walking rule book WangJi, but hey, miracles happen. He was just disappointed in himself that he hadn't noticed this whole thing in WuXian’s first life. 

Now that Jiang WanYin was thinking back, everything could have been easily solved if he'd pushed WuXian into a marriage with Lan WangJi. 

The Jin Clan wouldn't have dared to go against a direct member of the Lan Clan, once the ever-so-righteous Lans had seen that WuXian’s so called army was actually a group of the old, non cultivators and children, they'd have provided shelter for the Wens as well. No one would question the righteousness of the Gusu Lan. 

"God, it would have been easier if you just revealed your feelings like a normal person instead of being an idiot." Jiang WanYin grumbled at Lan WangJi, not willing to get into another yelling match with the man, just after he'd accidentally revealed his brother's relationship. 

"If you had actually talked about your feelings, instead of saying just come back to Gusu with me, that moron would have followed you to the ends of the world, " 

Lan WangJi glared at him. "Do not call Wei Ying a moron, " 

"That's what you got from that? You're unbelievable, Lan WangJi, " Jiang WanYin rolled his eyes again. The obsession Lan WangJi had for his brother should alarm him, if he didn't know the WuXian was even more obsessed with Hanguang Jun. 

Lan JingYi who'd been shamelessly eavesdropping on Lan WangJi’s conversation with Jiang WanYin sighed dreamily. "Hanguang Jun and Senior Wei are so perfect. Did you see how in love they had been, even as kids? " 

Jin Ling rolled his eyes. "All I saw was how moronic and stupid my DaiJiu is. In fact, he is so oblivious, it was a pain in the ass to look. How did he think Hanguang Jun hated him? " 

"A-Die told me that it was mostly his fault, " SiZhui said thoughtfully. "Baba had always wanted to be his friend, but A-Die felt that Baba was just teasing him. A-Die always thought Baba was too colourful and bright, for the world, and especially him, " 

Jin Ling looked disgusted. "Then they're both oblivious idiots. Anyone with eyes can see how obsessed Wei WuXian was with Hanguang Jun, " 

JingYi slapped Jin Ling's shoulder. "Don't call Hanguang Jun that, Little Mistress! " 

"Who are you calling Little Mistress? " Jin Ling growled back, leaping towards JingYi and grabbing his lapels to stare angrily into his face. 

SiZhui neatly sidestepped from their childish, never ending scuffle, in favour of standing closed to Lan Zhan, his younger A-Die, who still had the glazed look of horror at the actions of his older self- himself. He stifled a laugh when Lan Zhan just barely acknowledged his presence, staring away, as if he still could not believe that he and Baba were married. 

Lan Zhan nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw Lan Sizhui stand next to him. Lan Sizhui- A-Yuan. His and Wei Ying's son. They raised him together. Lan Zhan swallowed, sneaking glances at the boy with the pleasant smile. His heir. The future of his clan. 

Their son. Their A-Yuan. 

The thought was enough to lift the corners of Lan Zhan's mouth, his golden eyes softening as he regarded SiZhui next to him. Maybe, just maybe, Lan Zhan could work hard to deserve the happiness his older self had found. 

Watching Lan Zhan's soft look as he gazed at SiZhui, Lan Xichen felt his heart swell with affection for the silver eyed boy his didi had so irrevocably, already fallen in love with. His didi deserved the world, and if A-Zhan's world was Wei Ying, then Xichen would make sure no harm would come to him. 

Well, he could always tease A-Zhan for the moony look that graced his face whenever Wei Ying was so much as mentioned. 

And they'd given him an adorable nephew. Xichen beamed at Lan Sizhui, who looked so much like his didi, calm, the paragon of Lan precepts, and he was Wei Ying's son as well, so no doubt with the mischievous streak. 

"Xichen? " Nie Mingjue asked, his heart warming at the sight of Xichen's brilliant smile. 

The Nie Sect Leader knew how much Xichen worried over WangJi, fearing that his brother took responsibilities too much into heart, over his lack of friends, how closed off he was, and now, watching WangJi fall terribly in love with the troublemaker that was Wei WuXian... seeing him build a family with him.. even Nie Mingjue felt relieved. 

"Seeing WangJi so happy..... I'm relieved, Da-ge. Perhaps I haven't failed so much as a brother, " Xichen confided in Nie Mingjue, gaze lingering on Lan Zhan. 

Nie Mingjue smiled. "You never failed as a brother, Xichen, " He reassured the Lan Sect Heir, heart beat rapidly increasing as Xichen's smile brightened even more. 

Huaisang grinned, ignoring Jiang-Xiong's screaming about Wei-Xiong andWangJi-Xiong. Was WangJi-Xiong's romance with Wei-Xiong enough for Da-ge to finally understand his feelings towards Xichen-ge? Huaisang hoped so, but his hopes were very low at any rate. Da-ge had a romantic bone that was practically non existent. Hm... he was sure that Xichen-ge would organise a courtship for WangJi-Xiong and Wei-Xiong after they returned, and Huaisang could find a way to push his brother and Xichen-ge towards each other. 

Otherwise Da-ge would be dying alone, and isn't that just sad? 

Daiyu heaved a sigh as she listened to Xichen whispering to Nie Mingjue. She didn't dislike the Lan Sect Heir, sure, he was naive, placed more trust than necessary on others, and didn't have a backbone to save his life, but still, he was a good person, with good intentions. She knew that Lan Xichen was in for a harsh and rude eye opener, and she didn't quite like it, unlike for some others, like the old goat of a Lan and the Violet Spider. 

She whispered this to Biming, who had also been shamelessly eavesdropping on the conversation between Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. 

"That one is in for a bad time, " She gestured at Lan Xichen with her head. "He may not have directly caused suffering... but his naivety is appalling. " 

Biming sighed. "Exactly why he needs this wake up call. A-Yu, if he had just paid more attention, if he had listened to WangJi, instead of just going with the flow, who knows? Perhaps the Wens wouldn't have been killed. His own sworn brother could have been saved. He needs to learn to step up, " 

"It's sad, but true. Lan Xichen isn't a terrible person... just... sheltered. He believes in people much more than they truly deserve, " Daiyu agreed. 

Meanwhile, Xichen, oblivious to the conversation between the two dieties, turned to smile at Lan Qiren, who was still quite pale after witnessing the conduct of his favourite nephew. 

"Shufu, after we return, may I suggest that we organise a formal courtship between WangJi and Young Master Wei? I think we clearly saw that the two are meant to be, " Xichen suggested, biting back a laugh at Lan Zhan's strangled Xiong-Zhang, and Jiang Cheng’s screech. 

Lan Qiren stroked his beard, gaze flickering between the slightly terrified Lan Zhan, and the composed form of Lan WangJi. His nephew was the symbol of grace and perfection, and if anyone had suggested something so atrocious before Qiren had had the chance to see this, a suggestion for a betrothal between his perfect nephew, and Wei WuXian, infamous for his troublemaking and mischievous nature, he'd have yelled at them for lying and thrown them out of Cloud Recesses. 

As it was, he'd seen the genuine love and adoration, the mutual respect and desire that had overflown between the two, even before WuXian had even realised his affection for WangJi. 

And Qiren felt, in his heart of hearts, that he had somehow wronged WangJi. The adult self of his nephew barely looked at Lan Qiren, and the old man was realising that it was his fault. Grandmaster Lan was dreading, wondering what he had committed so wrong for his filial nephew to distance himself from him. 

He nodded at Jiang Fengmian, who was staring at him expectantly. "I agree with Xichen, Sect Leader Jiang. Clearly, WangJi and WuXian would be a great match. I look forward to the union of our sects, " 

Fengmian beamed. Finally, something he could do for A-Xian. He had been feeling dreadful, praying that Cangse and ChangZe would one-day forgive him for the folly he had committed, the pain and misery he'd let A-Xian be subjected to. He could never right the fact that he had never stood up for A-Xian, in the face of his wife, but Fengmian will allow his son to be wedded to the man he loved. 

He glanced at ZiYuan, who was going through a similar thought process. The relationship between Second Young Master Lan and WuXian reminded her of the bond between CangSe Sanren and Wei ChangZe. Any fool could clearly see that WuXian worshipped the ground the Second Jade walked upon, and well, as for the Second Jade, he'd fallen head over heels in love, just from these memories! 

ZiYuan had a lot to make up for WuXian, and she could start with arranging a decent courtship for him. Really, the union, apart from WuXian getting the love of his life, was ideal in every aspect. With the Wens, an alliance with the Lans would be blessing, especially as it was clear that Lotus Pier would be targeted. 

With familial relationships with both the Lans and Jins, their position would be very secure. 

"I agree, Grandmaster Lan. WuXian and WangJi would be a wonderful match. A courtship would be perfect, " ZiYuan agreed, smiling when Fengmian placed an arm around her shoulders. 

"A-Jie! " Jiang Cheng said, horrified that his parents were actually agreeing to a marriage between his brother and that Lan WangJi. How could they think that WuXian would be happy among the three thousand something rules?! 

(Jiang Cheng was determined to keep his gege by his side. They were the Twin Prides of Yunmeng. His brother would not be sold off to the Lan, ) 

Jiang Yanli smiled gently. As the memories had progressed, she'd become more and more certain that Lan WangJi was perfect for her XianXian. Her didi deserved someone who looked ready to bring him the moon and stars in a silver vessel. 

And as for A-Cheng... Jiang Yanli chuckled at Jiang Cheng’s desperate face. 

"A-Cheng, " She said. "A-Xian... doesn't he deserve to be happy? We just saw that Second Master Lan is perfectly capable of doing so. If A-Xian wishes to be with him.. then we must allow it, " She giggled into her sleeve, seeing Lan Zhan’s ears positively burn at her words. 

Each time Jin ZiXuan saw Maiden Jiang, he continued to be awed by both his stupidity, and the fact that this perfect woman would become his wife. He then glared at Lan Zhan, suddenly annoyed. They'd just watched him compose songs and just do unnecessarily dramatic acts in the name of his love for Wei WuXian. Now how was ZiXuan even supposed to top that? 

He really set the imaginary bar skyhigh, with no mercy for people like Jin ZiXuan, who couldn't pen a verse to save his life. 

(Jin ZiXuan had no idea about half the sacrifices Lan WangJi had done for Wei WuXian, ) 

"I cannot wait to plan the wedding, " Jiang Yanli cooed, laughing at Lan Zhan who seemed to be on the precipice of passing out. 

Xichen beamed at Jiang Yanli’s admission. "Same goes for me, Maiden Jiang. It will be the wedding of the century, " 

"Xiong-Zhang! " Lan Zhan squeaked, unable to believe his ears. Did his brother just betray him, yet again? Xiong-Zhang was just a traitor. 

Both Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen ignored the dying bird sounds Lan Zhan was making, in favour of continuing their conversation. 

"Please, Yanli would suffice. After all, we shall quite soon be family, " Jiang Yanli requested with a pleasant smile, this time paying no heed to Jiang Cheng’s strangled gasps. 

"Then you must call me Xichen, " Lan Xichen beamed even more. 

Nie Huaisang joined in on the conversation, his eyes glinting, filled with a manic energy. "Oh, please let me help! Please let me help! Xichen-ge, you know I have great planning skills! And I must help with WangJi-Xiong's marriage!" 

Madam Jin, who'd found herself smiling ever since she watched the adoration between WangJi and WuXian joined in as well. "Consider you have the full support of the Jins as well, ZiYuan. It's impossible not to get behind those two, " 

This was it. Even the stern, cold hearted Madam Jin was teasing him now. Lan Zhan no longer had any face left. He was officially the lovesick individual in this group. 

Daiyu giggled into her sleeve, watching the frenzy these ridiculous cultivators were getting themselves into. She almost felt bad, knowing that they would soon have to pull them back and remind them of the misery that had been Wei Ying's first life. One glance at Biming's face told her that their Lady was getting agitated with each moment that passed, meaning they would have to be quick. 

"Alright, settle back down, " She sneered at them. "We still have a lot to complete, " 

Nie Huaisang's face darkened, reminded of the pain and torture Wei-Xiong had struggled through, the memories they'd been forced to witness before the delightful segment of love between WangJi-Xiong and Wei-Xiong. A sense of nausea came to him, reminded of the corpses and blood and gore, and Wei-Xiong's army of the undead, the one he'd commanded so effortlessly. 

"Oh no. " He bemoaned. "Do we have to?" 

"Huaisang! " Nie Mingjue hissed, slapping the back of his brother's head. 

Daiyu smirked at the Nie Heir. However much of a conniving person Nie Huaisang was, Daiyu couldn’t really hate him. Yes, his methods may have been questionable, but he'd been set on revenge, which meant that he wasn't going to follow the most ironclad moral code for it. At the end of the day, it was his scheming that had returned Wei Ying back to Lan WangJi, and Daiyu was a sterling supporter of the two. He'd also always believed in Wei Ying during his evil demon days. 

Biming smiled at the Nie brothers, Nie Huaisang who was whining, and Nie Mingjue, who was glaring daggers at his younger brother, with Lan Xichen attempting on calming the angered Nie Sect Leader. 

"Unfortunately, A-Yu is correct, and we must return to the memories. Our Lady is getting more and more agitated by the moment, and we still have quite a lot, " Biming told them. 

The excited faces the cultivators had worn at the discussion of Wei Ying's and WangJi’s wedding faded, replaced by looks of grim acceptance. The cultivators returned to their seats, anxious, wondering what was next in store for them, but all of them much too reluctant to ask. The juniors were just curious and ready with the flow, as were Jiang WanYin and Lan WangJi, having lived through all of this atleast once, but that wasn't the case with the cultivators of the past. 

So far, nothing they'd seen had been good, except for Lan WangJi’s and Wei WuXian’s unexpected love story, and the next events would be just as horrible. 

"My lady.... what shall we be watching next? " Nie Mingjue asked politely, still laden with curiosity. 

Daiyu smirked again. "The sunshot campaign. In other words, the war against the Wens, " 

A sense of dread enveloped them. 

The scenes began to appear, and the Nightless City appeared. Wen Rouhan appeared, surrounded by a group of his clan elders, and his two sons, Wen Xu and Wen Chao. 

Their appearance made everyone glare and mutter mutinously, particularly at Wen Rouhan and Wen Chao, reminded of what the latter had done to Wei WuXian. Still, Wei WuXian had exacted perfect revenge, Nie Huaisang shuddered, remembering the Second Wen Heir being forced to eat himself. 

Yu ZiYuan glared daggers at the Wen main family, her eyes ablaze with hatred and anger. These bastards had destroyed her home, tortured her children, killed Fengmian and shattered A-Cheng's core. Wen Chao had thrown WuXian into the Burial Mounds. Oh, if only she was allowed some time with them - her and Zidian.... She didn't know if she would have any will power to control herself. 

Not that she particularly wanted to. 

At the sight of Wen Rouhan reclining so casually on his throne, in the comfort of his Sun Palace, surrounded by his faithful worshippers, made Nie Mingjue's blood boil. That bastard had murdered his father, Mingjue had had to watch his strong father fall prey to a beast and succumb to Qi deviation, all because of that power hungry bastard. They should have seen it then, that Wen Rouhan would soon attempt to take over everything. 

Wen Rouhan smirked, his red eyes glinting as he looked around his vast and luxurious throne room. 

"The other Great Clans have been too arrogant. " He hummed. "It is now time to teach them a lesson ; of what is order, and what is hierarchy, " 

"That son of a bitch! " Yu ZiYuan burst out, her eyes emitting sparks of rage. "How dare he! What does he think we are?! To take this laying down?!" 

"Yes, " Madam Jin agreed, her eyes hardening as she took in the scenes, the Wen Leader whose face was stretched with an arrogant smirk. "He clearly has no regard for the other clans. Why else would he allow our heirs to do such menial work? " She scowled, reminded of her ZiXuan being forced to carry manure. 

"Fucking bastard! " Nie Mingjue yelled in anger, startling Nie Huaisang who squeaked and jumped closer towards Jiang Cheng and Jin ZiXuan, though it wasn't an improvement. Jiang Cheng was on the verge of showcasing further of his capability to swear. 

Lan Xichen placed a comforting hand on Nie Mingjue's arm, urging the Nie Sect Leader to calm down. His own face was contorted with worry, as he exchanged glances with Lan Qiren, who's brow had furrowed. 

"Woah, Wen Rouhan sure was scary, " Ouyang Zizhen whispered to Lan JingYi, who frantically nod his head. 

The scenes began to change and an image of the Cloud Recesses appeared. They all smiled involuntarily, reminded of the romance this place had kick started, though it was soon deterred, remembering that this was war they were about to witness. 

Lan Qiren and Xichen exchanged worried glances. They'd already been suspecting that something had been amiss, when WangJi had attended the ridiculous lectures organised by the Wens, instead of the heir, and WangJi’s injury had rung alarm bells as well. 

The scenes shifted to Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen and Lan Zhan speaking in the Grandmaster's room, seated for a cup of tea. They all wore looks of worry, even Lan Zhan, his brow furrowed as he listened to his uncle and brother speak. 

"The Wens are getting more and more brazen by the day, " Xichen said in a quiet voice. "Hedong Fu Clan and Runan Wang Clan have already been annihilated, along with a few other minor clans, " 

This was a huge blow to the cultivators of the past. The Wen clan had begun to exert their power over the other clans, starting with the minor clans, and they had taken down the Jiang Sect as well. Perhaps, they should have started paying more attention when the minor clans had begun to be annexed, then perhaps they could have prepared more. 

Lan Qiren hummed, his brow furrowed as he mulled over Xichen's words. The Lan Sect heir continued : "Mingjue-ge is furious. The archery contest... " 

"Wait, what happened there? " Jin ZiXuan frowned. 

Biming smiled at them. "Wen Rouhan elevated his seat above the other Sect leaders, " He said simply. 

"He did what?! " Yu ZiYuan exploded, glaring at the scenes. "Why didn't we realise he was planning on this all along? " 

"That bastard- " Nie Mingjue began yelling, not paying any heed to Lan  Xichen's attempts to calm him down only to be quelled by a sharp look from Daiyu.  "Of course he'd been planning this! From the moment my father was killed - " 

"Be quiet, we need to get a move along, " She snapped. 

They were all subdued by her glare, when the scenes changed yet again. 

"Wha- " Nie Huaisang said in horror. 

"Oh my god, " 

"Fucking hell, " Jiang Cheng swore, his eyes widening in shock. 

The Cloud Recesses was burning down. 

The pavilions were engulfed with flames, flickering through the disciple houses, the usual calm and peace associated with the Lan residence destroyed. Dead bodies lay here and there, the ground splattered with blood, the remaining survivors stared helplessly, as the Wen soldiers created havoc, cruel laughter and crude words replacing the usual serenity of the Lan residence. 

The Lans of the past, and the two Lan juniors gasped in horror at the sight of their precious home ravaged. Lan WangJi who'd lived through this once, the pain of losing his home, not to mention his father - not that either Xichen or his younger self knew that Qingheng Jun had lost his life during the Burning of the Cloud Recesses, tightened his lips, hands clenching into skin breaking fists. 

"In the name of Lan An.. " JingYi's voice was trembling, watching his home turn into ashes. SiZhui had paled considerably, his knuckles white with how he was clenching his hand. 

The scenes changed yet again, this time showing a figure watching the smoke billowing over the mountains, the flames clearly visible from even such a distance. 

It was Lan Xichen, his robes torn and bloody as he stood on his sword, staring down in despair as his home was burned down. He hovered around for a moment, and then turned to flee, teats streaming down his cheeks. 

Xichen gasped in horror at his actions, unable to believe that he was running away like a coward, leaving his home, his family, his disciples to the mercy of the Wens. 

"Uncle - I- I  " He stuttered, staring in growing horror as the Lan Xichen in the scenes did not stop and continued to fly away. 

"Uncle asked you to leave, " WangJi said, staring away from his brother, but quite unable to watch Xichen flee either. He'd understood why they had to do it, but the months of suffering that followed, without any idea about his Xiong-Zhang's whereabouts, not knowing of he was dead or alive.... added with Wei Ying's disappearance Lan WangJi had been hanging by a thread. 

"What... ? " Xichen croaked, his hands still clenched into fists. He glanced at Lan WangJi and then turned towards Lan Qiren. 

Before Lan Qiren could answer, Biming intervened.  "The Lan Sect has a number of books and scrolls that couldn’t be allowed to burn. You gathered the original copies of the works and ran away, " 

Xichen still frowned, staring at himself in displeasure. "Even so, I deserted the clan, " He murmured, heart clenching as he thought about how WangJi would have coped without him. 

Nie Mingjue hesitantly placed a hand on Lan Xichen's shoulder, tightening his grip when Xichen did not shrug it away. "Xichen, you did what you had to do. The only ones at blame here are those bastard Wens, " 

Lan Qiren gave an agreeing nod to that, his hands clenched and face pale. The old Grandmaster was too shocked to speak, watching his home be demolished. 

Before Xichen could answer, a soft music began to play, and a gentle voice began to sing. 

"Oh, misty eye of the mountain below

Keep careful watch of my brothers' souls, " 

That wasn't either Wei Ying or Lan WangJi. 

This was Lan Xichen. 

It really wasn't the time to think this, but Nie Huaisang had to admit that if he thought it a shame that WangJi-Xiong had kept his angelic voice hidden, then Xichen-ge was doing even more of a crime. 

That voice was beautiful. 

Deep, dulcet, and filled with sorrow. 

"Wow, I didn't know Zewu Jun could sing, " Ouyang Zizhen whispered to Jin Ling, both of them shuffling awkwardly. 

Jin Ling nodded, eyes flickering towards Lan Sizhui and JingYi in worry. 

"This is Xichen? " Nie Mingjue asked, his eyes widening as he realised whose voice that was. 

Biming smiled at them. "For the Sunshot Campaign, we wouldn't just be relying on Wei Ying's memories. A-Yu and I have contributed as well, " 

"Just get the information we're giving you, instead of speculating on useless things. We are already running out of time, " Daiyu added impatiently, glaring at the cultivators. 

The scenes shifted again, and this time, the Lan Sect disciples were gathered in front of the Cloud Recesses facing an army of soldiers in deep red. The Wens were led by a man in the same robes, along with flame crests, indicating his position as a high ranking official of the Wen Clan. 

It was Wen Chao's brother, the Heir of the Wen Sect, Wen Xu. 

Nie Mingjue glared daggers at the first offspring of the demon Wen Rouhan. The bastard was a loyal dog to his father, evil, conniving and skilled, unlike his brother who was just a moron. 

Wen Xu laughed, staring down at the Lan Sect disciples in glee. Lan Zhan was in the forefront, side by side with Lan Qiren, both of them glaring in fury at the Wen Heir. 

"The Lan Sect of Gusu must yield to the Wen Sect of Qishan. Accept the teachings and leadership of the esteemed Chief Cultivator, Wen Rouhan, " Wen Xu declared, his eyes gleaming as he regarded the blue robed Lans. 

"Wen Xu, you dare?! " Nie Mingjue roared in rage, incensed at his best friend's Sect and home be ruined by those bastard Wen dogs. 

Lan Xichen's grip on Nie Mingjue's arm tightened, as he too stared at the scenes in thinly veiled anger. 

Lan Zhan's frown deepened, and his hands clenched, as they fisted in his robes, the elegant cloth creasing with the treatment. 

"Qingheng Jun has insulted our Wen Sect of Qishan, and they must be punished accordingly. Let the Gusu Lan Sect be reborn from the firelight!" 

Wen Xu continued, and the Wens beside him cheered in support. The Lan disciples murmured among themselves, and whispers of anger and dissonance surrounded them, as they all turned collective looks of disgust and fury towards the red robed cultivators. 

Jiang Fengmian exchanged looks of anger with his wife Yu ZiYuan, who looked ready to explode at the sheer audacity of the Wens. And even more angered by their own stupidity. This had occurred before the Fall of Lotus Pier. Had they really done nothing when the Wens had been this brazen? 

"We must prepare, ZiYuan, " Madam Jin whispered to her sworn sister, forgetting that she was displeased with her behaviour towards Wei WuXian, now concerned with much more pressing matters. 

The scenes changed yet again, and this time, they all gasped in horror, seeing most of Cloud Recesses engulfed by flames. The clash of swords echoed throughout the usually quiet courtyard, and many fallen disciples lay on the ground, blood pooling around them. The Cloud Recesses that had been a haven for peace and tranquility had been turned into a blood bath. 

"What the fuck is going on?! " Jiang Cheng demanded, watching in horror as a Lan disciple standing in a protective stance, guarding a building be murdered by a Wen soldier. 

Biming sighed as he regarded the ashen faces of the Lan Sect members, bar Lan WangJi, whose only reaction to the disturbing events was the slight tightening of his lips. "Wen Xu accused Qingheng Jun.. and as punishment demanded that the Cloud Recesses was burned down, and 'be reborn from the firelight, ' " 

"He accused A-Die? Of what, exactly? " Xichen asked, his voice trembling. Da-ge had often spoke of how the Wens had been acting up, taking over smaller clans, pulling their regions and areas into Wen Rouhan's leadership. He'd remained optimistic and uncaring, until his own Sect was in ruins. True, he had discussed Wen Rouhan's actions with his uncle, but none of them had done anything to strengthen the wards around Cloud Recesses, or even enforce their protective arrays. 

They'd foolishly believed that Wen Rouhan wouldn't dare come against another major Sect. 

Foolish. Stupid. Naive. 

"Wen Rouhan just wanted an excuse. He didn't have any reason, in all cases, " Daiyu said dismissively, though she exchanged worried looks at how pale and shaken the Lan Sect members were, especially Lan Xichen, who looked on the verge of a Qi deviation as he clung on to Nie Mingjue's arm. 

Standing in front of the Lan Sect library was Lan Zhan, his face covered with grime and robes splattered with blood. He was supporting himself with his guqin, the strings of his instrument broken and useless, nothing more than a stand to keep himself from falling onto his knees. His eyes were spitting sparks of hatred as he stared down at the red robed cultivators. 

Xichen closed his eyes in despair, watching his didi be cornered again by those bastard Wens. 

Wen Xu's cruel laughter echoed as he stepped to the fore, smirking at the sight of the Second Jade of Lan defeated and cornered. He sheathed his sword dripping with blood and walked closer towards Lan Zhan. 

"Lan WangJi! Yield to the leadership of the Wens! Burn down the library so it can be cleansed of corruption and be reborn! " He declared. 

"This bastard - " Lan JingYi began cursing to the high heavens, enraged at the sight. He forgot that he was surrounded by his seniors and even Grandmaster Lan Qiren, as well as Hanguang Jun, as he continued to call the Wen Heir every derogatory name in existence. 

Lan Qiren pretended not to hear him, secretly grateful that his unruly disciple was speaking out the words he so longed to yell out at that Wen Rouhan and his clan of degenerates, but he was much to proper and dignified to use, even at the sight of his home being burned down, and his nephew threatened. 

Lan WangJi glared down at the Wen Heir, and did not budge from the Lan Sect library entrance, attempting to protect his home, even as blood dripped down his fingers onto his guqin, and his limbs trembled after having nearly exhausted his spiritual energy. 

"Is that so? You will not move? " Wen Xu smirked. 

He gestured at his soldiers, and three of them moved forward, taking ahold of the Second Jade of Gusu. Lan Zhan's struggles to escape was pointless after the depletion of his spiritual energy, and the Wen soldiers with a lesser cultivation easily held him down. In that instant, the third soldier lifted his sheathed sword and struck it on to the back of Lan Zhan's leg, making him groan quietly in pain and fall onto his knees. 

"Didi! " Lan Xichen gasped, involuntarily jumping forward as if he could try and protect his younger brother. Even though he wasn't sentient to Lan Zhan's pain, he winced as his didi sunk onto his knees, biting his lip to stiffle a groan. 

Glancing to the side at Lan Zhan, Xichen tried to calm himself down, reminding himself that A-Zhan was here, his didi was here and he wasn't fighting against Wen bastards, getting his legs broken. Then he remembered that the older Lan Zhan, Hanguang Jun had already lived through this once, and Xichen had been unable to save him because he'd been fleeing, and felt his fear be replaced by guilt. Xichen averted his eyes, unable to look at the stoic Lan WangJi. 

Nie Mingjue's eyes flashed with hatred and fury. The Nie Sect Leader longed for Baxia, and the ability to enter the memories. Those Wen dogs had been left to do as they pleased for far too fucking long. That clan of bastards should have been slaughtered the day his A-Die died. 

He cast a gaze at Huaisang, sitting near his new found friends, and felt a hand of fear clutch his heart. This war - Nie Mingjue would surely have been at the heart of it. What would have happened to A-Sang? Had he succeeded, keeping his didi safe? 

Watching the terror in Lan Xichen's eyes, Jiang Yanli suppressed a shudder, the memories of her own brothers' suffering resurfacing. As an elder sister, she knew exactly how both Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue were feeling, if the concerned looks the latter sent at his brother were any indication. Subconsciously, she inched closer towards them, trying to offer Lan Xichen any form of comfort. 

Jiang Yanli had never been anywhere close to either of their cultivation, but what held them together then were the feelings of love they shared as siblings. 

Besides, the Jiang Maiden couldn’t simply watch Lan Zhan being tortured. After the previous memories of how devoted Second Master Lan was to her XianXian, she'd come to think of him as her third brother. 

"If this is to end in fire, then we should all burn together, " 

This was Lan Zhan singing, his voice coloured with determination. The gentle music, coupled with his angelic voice did nothing to calm the tempests raging among the cultivators. 

In the scenes, Lan Zhan was pushed away, his weakened form making it ludicrously easy for the Wen soldiers to subdue him. He could only watch helplessly as they approached the Library, Wen Xu holding the fire talismans. 

"WangJi-Xiong! " Nie Huaisang yelped, staring in horror. He glanced to his side, where Lan Zhan was standing, his face pale at the battle going on. 

Even though Huaisang and WangJi-Xiong had always been forced to spend time together, courtesy of Da-ge's and Xichen-ge, the two had never hit it off. He'd always thought the Second Jade cold, and ruthless, with an alarming love for rules. Huaisang, like any normal person, had been afraid of Lan Zhan, and quite understandably so. 

But these memories... Huaisang had seen a whole new side to the cold Jade statue. Well, credit went to Wei-Xiong, but still. Lan Zhan was definitely now Huaisang's friend, (otherwise why would he allow Huaisang to tease him like that?). The sight of WangJi-Xiong angered the Nie Sect Heir, and he clenched his hands into fists. 

The Wens needed to die. Huaisang would make sure that every part of the main Wen Clan would be burned to the ground. 

Jiang Cheng and Jin ZiXuan exchanged looks of worry and helplessness. Strange as it may be, Jin ZiXuan had come to take Lan Zhan as his friend, which sounded very weird, because Jin ZiXuan had never had any friends, much less the peerless Second Jade. But oh well, now that they had reluctantly joined hands in being the only two hopelessly in love with two of the Jiang siblings, (Jin ZiXuan cast another look of adoration towards Jiang Yanli, ) Lan Zhan was most definitely Jin ZiXuan's friend. Come on, they would be brother-in-laws! 

Jin ZiXuan gulped. He didn't think that there would be a day where he would be actively worried for the Second Jade, because he'd come to see him as a friend. 

Jiang Cheng had a similar thought line. He did not like the Second Jade. He did not like the fact that he'd taken his brother away. Did not like how everyone was planning on giving Wei Ying again to him, like it was so inevitable. 

But he was still Wei Ying's husband. And Jiang Cheng had seen first hand how terribly in love those two idiots was. Besides, he could grudgingly admit that while he loathed the Second Jade.... he was still something of his friend. They couldn't just sit through several hours of their past nightmares and be strangers afterwards. 

Wen Xu laughed as the library Lan Zhan had been valiantly protecting caught fire, the flames flickering through the old wood and sacred texts at an alarming pace. The surrounding Wen disciples laughed and cheered, raising their swords as the precious wealth of Lan knowledge was destroyed by a tyrant's hunger and lust for power. 

"Watch the flames climb high into the night, " 

Lan Zhan sang, and this time, his voice was filled with pain. 

Xichen clenched his hands tighter, and vowed that his A-Zhan would never sound that way again, ever. Not if Xichen could help it. 

The scenes changed again, and now they were back in the cave where Lan Zhan and Wei Ying had slaughtered the Xuanwu. The cultivators looked around, and spotted the duo seated with their backs leaning against a boulder. This was clearly after Wei Ying had done a strip tease for Lan Zhan, for his chest was naked, and the Wen sigil gleamed an angry red on his pectoral. He was doodling something on the ground using a stick as Lan Zhan stared on, his usual icy look even frostier than usual. 

"Mount Muxi is closest to Gusu, right? That means your family will be getting here sooner, " Wei Ying said thoughtfully. 

Lan Zhan was quiet for a moment. Then, he spoke in his usual monotone. 

"They won't be coming, " 

Wei Ying's hand stilled and he turned to stare at him, the question why clearly in his eyes. 

"Cloud Recesses was burnt to the ground, " Lan Zhan said, the slight tremor in his usual monotone betraying the turmoil the Second Jade was facing. 

The Lan cultivators flinched at the reminder. 

"Yeah... but everyone survived, right? " Wei Ying asked anxiously, his eyes darting all over Lan Zhan's expressionless face, trying to discern something from the closed off Jade. 

In that moment, the Second Jade's cold facade cracked, and his lips trembled. "A-Die is almost gone, and my brother is missing, " He whispered. 

Lan Qiren felt his blood run cold at the words. His Xiong-Zhang had closed himself off from the world after the death of his sister-in-law, and left his sons and Sect on Lan Qiren's hands. He hadn't left seclusion in years, not when Lan Qiren had begged and pleaded, asking for help to raise his boys, because, Heavens above, he was not qualified to be the best guardian. 

(He had been clearly correct on that one, and had failed WangJi so grievously. The older one wouldn't even look at him, ) 

Refusal after rejection had hardened Lan Qiren, and he just barely visited his Xiong-Zhang, praying for a miracle that would finally pull him out of the depression his sister-in-law's death had caused. 

And now Lan Qiren had learned that in this future, this horrible, miserable future, his Xiong-Zhang had died. 

"Callin' out, Father, 

Oh, stand by and we will, 

Watch the flames burn on and on the mountainside high, " 

Lan Xichen sounded heartbroken. The music was so much more different than the earlier ones, gentle, soothing, calm even. 

"Oh, " Lan Xichen whimpered, biting his lip to keep tears at a bay. That was why A-Zhan had had to go to the Wen indoctrination. That was how his leg had broken. A-Zhan had suffered through so much - their home being burned, A-Die dying, then having to kill the Xuanwu, and on top of it all - Xichen had been missing. 

Never before had Xichen felt so useless as a brother. 

And A-Die... Xichen didn't see him often. Once or twice, even then for Sect business. WangJi saw him even less. Truthfully, he lost both his parents on the day his mother passed. A-Die was nothing more than a shell of the man he once had been. But he was dead. Gone. 

Lan Zhan crept closer towards Xichen, and for the first time in years, took ahold of Xichen's hand. He had to remind himself that his Xiong-Zhang was here, and he was alright, and that he had somehow survived. 

The scenes changed again. This time, cultivators were gathered in front of Nie Mingjue who was wearing a look of grim resolve. Blue, green and purple robes fluttered together, though the Jiangs were significantly lesser in number. Even more surprisingly, the gold of the Jins were notably absent. 

Madam Jin frowned as she noticed this, and exchanged a look of worry with Jin ZiXuan, who felt a sense of foreboding at the lack of Jin cultivators. 

"What's this? Where are the Jin? " Madam Jin demanded, looking at the two dieties. 

"Oh, Jin Guangshan stayed neutral, until it was clear on who would be the victor, " Biming said in a pleasant voice that did not betray how his blood curdled in loathe towards the Jin Sect Leader. 

Daiyu had no qualms making up for that, and snorted in disgust as the air surrounding her practically thrummed with the dieties' rage and hatred. There were some she believed that could find a path for redemption, but Jin Guangshan? If Daiyu had the chance, she would castrate him, quite happily at that. Unfortunately, Biming seemed to understand her thoughts, and sent her a glare, reminding her that they couldn't interfere in that way. 

Such a pity. 

At Biming's words, Madam Jin grit her teeth in rage, wondering why she hadn't realised this earlier. Of course Jin Guangshan wouldn't even dream of contributing to the war effort unless he had clear confirmation on who would be the victor. The bastard. 

(Thankfully, Madam Jin was still left unaware about the many crimes of her loathsome pig of a husband, ) 

Jin ZiXuan closed his eyes in frustration. Why did he ever think his father would have the moral compass to contribute to a war trying to end a tyranny? He truly was a shame to their Sect. Still, was he any better? Had he stayed on the sidelines as well, like a coward? Jin ZiXuan prayed that he had had some foresight to contribute to the war efforts in some way. Still, he stood up, taking a deep breathe and bowed to Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. 

"I ask forgiveness for my father's inaction. Rest be assured, this time, I will personally see to that the Jin Sect will definitely contribute to the war against the Wen dogs, " He declared. 

Madam Jin nodded in approval. Staring at her son, the Jin Matriarch began to wonder, would it be wise to allow the Jin Sect to continue under that pig of a man's leadership? Would it be wiser to allow the Sect to surge against his leadership, and accept A-Xuan instead? 

Nie Mingjue gave a surly nod, though he couldn’t say he was surprised. That Jin Guangshan had always been a slimy creature, and the Nie Sect Leader hated the disgusting pervert as much as he loathed Wen Rouhan. 

Jin Ling scowled at the mention of his perverted coward of a grandfather. Goodness, no one in his family was good. He really was doomed! 

Nie Mingjue in the scenes raised his saber. His sharp eyes scanned the cultivators as he declared in his booming voice : "It is time we took a stand against the Wens! Let the Sun be taken down! This shall be called the Sunshot Campaign! " 

The cultivators in front of him cheered, raising their swords and weapons. 

"Raise a glass of wine for the last time, " 

That was Nie Mingjue's low voice, much to everyone's surprise. 

Nie Huaisang spluttered listening to his Da-ge sing. He had never once heard his brother so much as hum. 

"Da-ge! " He exclaimed. "Why did you never tell me that you can sing?! " 

"Shut up! " Nie Mingjue roared, his cheeks flaming red when he noticed most of the cultivators stiffling laughter. He blushed even more when he saw Xichen bite back a giggle and glared at the dieties. Heavenly or not, what in the world were they doing, embarrassing him this way? Huaisang was never going to let him live this one down. 

The scenes shifted again, and this time, focused on Nie Mingjue speaking with Lan Xichen. The two Sect leaders looked worried as they stared down at a map spread open on the table in front of them. 

"We need more resources, and man power, " Nie Mingjue said gruffly. 

"Has there been any message from the Jins? " Lan Xichen asked. 

"Jin ZiXuan already came with a small troop of his cultivators. Guangshan won't be sending anymore, " Nie Mingjue ground out. "That bastard Wen Rouhan is getting more and more insufferable the more it goes on. He's taken control of nearly all the minor Sect regions, " 

Jin ZiXuan breathed a sigh of relief at the revelation that he had contributed in some way to the war efforts, instead of staying on the sidelines, like his Father had intended. 

"Don't worry, Mingjue-Xiong. We just need to be more strategic. I have already spoken to WangJi and Sect Leader Jiang about retrieving the spiritual weapons, " Lan Xichen's calm tone did not falter at all, but his eyes betraying how exhausted he was. 

How exhausted they both were. 

"Prepare as we will, " 

This time, Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen sang together, the former's deep rumble and the latter's melodious tone melding together and creating a beautiful sound. 

It was determination. 

It was tragic. 

It was weary. 

Looking at the exhaustion on the two Sect leaders, listening to Lan Xichen's soft, tired voice, Jiang Fengmian was hit by the realisation that they were all children. Sect leaders, yes, Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue and by now, his heart clenched, even his A-Cheng. But they were all children, just barely into adulthood, having to face a war with no adult by their side. 

Jiang Fengmian couldn’t help thinking that this was all their fault. They should have seen Wen Rouhan's actions to what it was : the foundation for him to take control of their clans, either willingly or unwillingly. They should have thought of this when the Nie Sect Leader died, when the minor clans were annihilated, when Rouhan became increasingly arrogant. 

Instead they'd stayed complacent, and allowed their children to take the burden. 

"Wait, what's going on? " Nie Mingjue demanded, zeroing in on Lan Xichen saying something about having to retrieve spiritual weapons. 

"During the Wen indoctrination, Wen Chao demanded everyone to handover their spiritual weapons. Lan WangJi and Jiang WanYin collaborated to retrieve them from the Sun Palace, " Biming elaborated. 

"This was most probably when the tides began to change in the Sunshot Campaign. Up until then, the favour was on Wen Rouhan's side, " Daiyu added. 

Suddenly, the scenes changed yet again, and now, they were yet again surrounded by those drunk Wen soldiers whom they'd last seen two or three segments ago. The faces of the cultivators darkened, reminded that these were the bastards that had helped Wen Chao throw Wei WuXian into the Burial Mounds. 

The Wens in the scene continued to drunkenly jeer, raising their glasses of wine in toast of Wen Chao. 

"We even eradicated the Jiang Clan of Yunmeng! " 

"Our boss really is the best! " 

"Ha - ha! You think that dog Wei WuXian can ever crawl back up? " 

If Lan WangJi would grip the arm of his chair any harder, that thing would eviscerate . The look in his face spoke nothing short of his intense desire to return to the scenes and this time, flay each and every single one of them, crush their cores and then throw them into the Burial Mounds. 

"How dare they?! " Yu ZiYuan growled, her hands shaking with rage. She touched Zidian on her finger, wishing she could leave the memories right now to end these sons of bitches. Jiang Fengmian placed a calming hand on her shoulder, though he too was furious. 

This time, the Jiang Sect Leader thought with determination, this time, they would be ready. 

Suddenly, a guqin string came out of nowhere, catching the Wen soldiers by their necks and slamming them onto the towers and columns surrounding the Sun Palace. The Wen soldiers struggled to breath, scrambling at the tight guqin string with futile attempts to loosen it. One Wen soldier rolled onto the ground, his throat slit, blood pooling around him. The few remaining Wen soldiers looked around in surprise and fear, trying to spot who the attacker was. 

"Is it Wei WuXian?! " One shouted, eyes widening with terror. 

Nie Huaisang really appreciated the healthy fear Wei-Xiong had instilled in them. 

However, walking up the large flight of stairs was not Wei WuXian. White robes fluttered in the wind as Lan Zhan arrived, the look of icy rage terrifying the Wen soldiers. 

"Woah. For all we call Jin ZiXuan a peacock, you strut better, " Jiang WanYin observed in mock surprise. He smirked when Lan WangJi shot him an unimpressed look and did not grace him with a reply. 

"It's- it's Lan WangJi! Catch that Lan rebel! " One of the Wens shouted. 

Lan Zhan shot them a glare of pure venom. He looked like some ancient god, in his white glory, his forehead ribbon floating behind him, and the general air of icy righteousness that just seemed to follow the Lan. 

"Kneel, " He commanded, his eyes glinting like golden pools of light, and the Wen soldiers fell onto their knees, trembling like leaves in a summer breeze. 

The juniors were staring at Hanguang Jun with stars in their eyes. Lan JingYi and Ouyang Zizhen practically had their jaws on the floor, as they observed their young Second Jade effortlessly command respect and instill fear, ending these lowlives who'd tortured their beloved Senior Wei. 

Well, of course Hanguang Jun would punish anyone who dared hurt his Wei Ying, Ouyang Zizhen thought, his eyes filling with tears at the love the two shared, much to Jin Ling's horror and confusion. Ah, such love, such strong, amazing, powerful love! If only Zizhen was fortunate enough to find a love half as pure as Hanguang Jun's love for Senior Wei! 

Sure enough, as soon as the soldiers fell onto their knees and began kowtowing to Lan Zhan, he fixed them with his icy glare and asked coldly, "Where is Wei Ying? " 

Jiang WanYin snorted. "Remind me again why anyone thought you two were enemies. Oh, right. Because someone was so emotionally constipated, " 

Lan WangJi fixed a baleful look on his - god forbid- brother-in-law. "Pot calling kettle black, " He retorted, earning a scowl from Jiang WanYin, which he proceeded to ignore with the grace befitting the Lan Sect Leader. 

Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng really did not know what to make of the weird dynamic they seemed to have in the future, and decided that ignoring it was the best course of action. 

Jiang Cheng still hated his ugh - future brother-in-law, but he could appreciate the man's unwavering dedication towards his gege. As for Lan Zhan, he was suitably not impressed by the Jiangs' conduct towards his precious Wei Ying, though maybe their new stance would be more acceptable. 

The scenes began to change again, just as Jiang Cheng arrived at the Sun Palace. He glared in fury and hatred at the Wen cultivators, raising Zidian, which crackled with lightning and bloodlust. 

Yu ZiYuan looked at Jiang Cheng with pride. Her son was wielding Zidian better than she could have ever hoped for. Seeing that look of approval, Jiang Cheng swelled with pride. He seldom saw his mother look at him like that. Perhaps... things really would be different once they returned home. 

The scenes had changed into a bloody battlefield. Red, blue, green, purple and gold robes mingled together, swords clashed and soldiers fell. Nie Mingjue moved forward, Baxia dripping with blood as he slaughtered Wen cultivator after cultivator that were foolish enough to approach Chifeng Zun. 

"Now I see fire, 

Burning the trees, " 

Lan Xichen sang, fittingly, as whatever remains of the buildings and fortresses were engulfed in flames. His voice was quiet, soft, as if accepting the cruelty of a war that would take friends, family and foes.  

Nie Mingjue was a powerhouse on the field, with the Nie prowess combined with his inherent strength, and his formidable sabre. The Nie techniques focused on strength and power, rather than grace or elegance, and it served him well. If the Lans' duels were breathtaking, then the Nies' seemed invincible. 

"Impressive, Sect Leader Nie, " Lan Qiren said, his face wearing a look of approval. The same look was mirrored in Jiang Fengmian's and Yu ZiYuan’s, as well as Madam Jin's, which Nie Mingjue acknowledged with an awkward bow. 

"He's so cool.... " Jin Ling mumbled, staring wide eyed. His Jiujiu had told him tales about the powerful Chifeng Zun who had devastated the Sunshot battle field, but this was brilliant! His friends echoed his thoughts, now staring starry eyed at Nie Mingjue. Well, Lan Sizhui was more subtle about it, but Ouyang Zizhen and JingYi were slack jawed. 

Nie Mingjue cut down soldier through soldier, until he was faced with Wen Xu. He snarled when he came face to face with the Wen Sect Heir, and raised Baxia. Wen Xu barely had time to raise his own sword in defense, before Nie Mingjue's Baxia came down in a killing blow, separating Wen Xu's head from his body. As the decapitated body of the Wen Sect Heir fell to the ground, the remaining Wen soldiers began to retreat, throwing down their swords. 

"Master Wen- Master Wen is dead! Retreat! Retreat! " 

"Master Wen has fallen! " 

Nie Mingjue raised Baxia, his face stretched with grin of victory. 

"And I see fire, " 

The Nie Sect Leader's voice was victorious, jubilant. 

"Mingjue-Xiong.... " Lan Xichen smiled and touched his arm gently. "Thank you for that. For avenging the Lans," 

Lan Xichen was quite probably the most peace loving person in not just the Lan Sect, but the Cultivation World as a whole. But he had just seen that bastard (excuse the cursing, but some simply did not deserve any sort of respect), break his didi's leg, burn down his family home, nigh murder his father, and force him to abandon his Sect. Xichen was only regretful that he wasn't the one to behead Wen Xu. 

"Indeed, Sect Leader Nie, " Lan Qiren agreed, inclining his head in deep gratitude. 

Grandmaster Lan all most felt ashamed of the vicious satisfaction that bubbled in his chest when Nie Mingjue ruthlessly decapitated Wen Xu. But then he remembered WangJi limping in suppressed pain, and his Xiong-Zhang dying and Xichen fleeing... that evaporated into nothingness. 

Nie Mingjue smiled awkwardly again, flustered with the attention he was receiving. Even Lan Zhan was staring at him squarely, and dipped his head low in gratitude. 

"Ah, it's nothing. I would have cut his head off anyways, " He said in a gruff voice. 

The scenes shifted a bit, and now, Nie Mingjue was standing at a table upon which carefully detailed maps were spread open. 

The viewers looked at the maps closer, their eyes widening when they realised what they were. 

"Is that - " 

"Who found them?! " 

"Did we get a spy in Wen Rouhan's cohort? In Wen Rouhan's cohort? " 

The most valuable information within the Sunshot Campaign: the maps containing the inner details of Qishan. 

Nie Mingjue observed them, his eyes wide with surprise, scanning the pages to make sure that this was not, by any chance, a hoax. 

Just then, Lan Xichen entered the tent, and Nie Mingjue rounded upon him. 

"Xichen! Tell me, how did you get these maps? " Nie Mingjue asked the question every single cultivator of the past had been wondering. 

Lan Xichen just smiled. "Mingjue-Xiong, please trust me on this one. I have full faith in the person who sent me them. However, it is still too dangerous for me to reveal their identity, " 

"Oh? I wonder who that is, " Lan Xichen wondered. Whoever that had managed to infiltrate the Wen were inexplicably capable. Wen Rouhan was famed for his cruel tyranny, yes, but also as a man who valued talent and hardwork. There was a reason why he kept Wen Qing by his side: her being the most esteemed doctress of her generation, and even Wen Zhuliu, the orphaned Zhao Zhuliu, whom he'd he'd taken into his clan and had even bestowed his own surname. 

Not just anyone could infiltrate the Wen. 

"I have full faith, " 

Those words echoed in Lan WangJi’s mind. Jin Guangyao - Meng Yao- that little bastard had wormed his way into Xiong-Zhang's good graces, and Lan Xichen was always quick to see the good in people. Just what had Xiong-Zhang's full faith in Meng Yao cost him? His brother was now a broken shell of a man. The lives of his own sworn brothers. His Wei Ying had died in his relentless quest for Jin Guangshan's approval. 

As Lan WangJi’s gaze lingered on his Xiong-Zhang, worried, upset, but not broken, he wondered what Xiong-Zhang would decide to do about Meng Yao. Would he condemn him to death? Lan WangJi doubted it. No matter what, would Xiong-Zhang's peace loving nature allow him to callously take another's life - especially someone who'd been his closest friend in another life? 

Still, one thing remained certain in Lan WangJi’s mind. No matter how lenient Xiong-Zhang would decide to be on Meng Yao, Xichen should be kept away from him. It had always been easy to appeal to his brother's easy going nature, and for someone as manipulative as Meng Yao, - Lan WangJi doubted Xiong-Zhang could stay immune against. 

But then again, Lan WangJi mused, his eyes flicking over to where the younger Nie was sitting demurely, next to Xiong-Zhang and Jiang Cheng, once Nie Huaisang understood the depth of Meng Yao's betrayal, Lan WangJi doubted he would be allowed alive. 

WanYin was thinking the same, a dark cloud of hatred forming around him as he remembered the vicious snake that had been the reason everything fell apart after the Sunshot Campaign. A-Jie's death, Jin ZiXuan's death - Wei Ying's death - 

(No, he couldn’t possibly heave all the responsibility of Wei Ying's death on Jin Guangyao. That had been Jiang WanYin's fault as well, ) 

It wasn't just Lan Xichen who'd been wondering about the identity of the spy. Many cultivators of the past turned towards the two dieties, as well as Lan WangJi and Jiang WanYin, hoping for some information. 

Before either of them could answer, Biming intervened quickly. 

"Everything shall be revealed as we move forward. Be patient, " He informed them placidly. Next to him, Daiyu snorted. 

A-Ming and his need for theatrics. He was most certainly waiting to reveal that traitor in the most dramatic way possible. 

Still who was she to complain? 

"You just want this to be unnecessarily dramatic, A-Ming, " She sniffed into his ear, and he pretended to be deaf, much to her outrage. 

The cultivators returned their attention to the scenes, but Lan Xichen's gaze lingered on Lan WangJi, just for a moment. His didi's future self may be seated away from him, no longer his little repressed didi, but no matter how much A-Zhan becomes an adult, Xichen would always be able to read him like an open book. 

And WangJi’s behaviour had been so puzzling. Xichen could understand A-Zhan ignoring Shufu. He was without doubt that it was a misunderstanding due to WangJi’s affection towards Wei Ying, and his shufu's natural and - unfair - dislike to him, which would hopefully be resolved in this life time. 

What he didn't understand were the looks of heartbreak WangJi offered him, from time to time. Looks of pure grief and righteous anger, whether it was for him, or directed to him, Xichen could not understand. 

What had happened? 

(Unbeknownst to them, a certain Nie Sect Heir had been paying utmost attention. He had caught Hanguang Jun's and Jiang WanYin's reactions when the so called spy had been mentioned, ) 

The scenes changed yet again, and this time, Wei WuXian was standing in the middle of a battlefield, his lips stretched in a cruel smirk. War was raging around him, with cultivators falling in battle, the harsh clang of swords and screams of pain echoing. 

Wei WuXian raised his hands, and on his palm was an intricately carved silver metal piece with a red tassle on it. Like Wei WuXian, the tally was dripping with resentment. His eyes flared crimson, and suddenly, every single corpse that surrounded him stood up. If the Wens appeared to be winning the battle, now, there was no doubt who the victor would be. The fierce corpses slashed through the remaining Wen armies, taking them apart like puppets. They clawed their bodies apart, tore into their skin and bit into their muscles. 

With Wei WuXian using his tally, it was no longer even a battle. 

It was simply a massacre. 

The cultivators were stunned, suddenly overwhelmed by the resentment coursing through them. With the scenes focusing more on the war, and others apart from Wei WuXian, they'd almost forgotten that they were sentient to Wei Ying's pain and emotions. It was a shock when they suddenly felt oppressed by the sudden onslaught of resentful energy that challenged every ounce of self control in them. 

Voices screamed in Wei WuXian’s mind, jumbling and tripping over one another, melding together to form a cacophony of screeches. The blood thirst in those voices were overwhelming, and it was a miracle Wei WuXian was holding himself together. 

"Kill! Kill! " 

"Kill them all! " 

"THEY ALL MUST DIE! " 

"And I see fire, 

Hollowing souls, " 

Wei WuXian sang, his voice nothing like the dulcet tone filled with love and joy, when he'd sung to his beloved. No, this one spoke of cold revenge, vengeance, retribution. Of his rage that had led him to create amasses of mindless killers. 

Even cultivators with strong cultivation, like Lan Xichen and Lan WangJi were finding it hard to control the resentment that bubbled into their hearts, the anger and hatred that was battling for dominance in their minds. Jiang Yanli and Nie Huaisang felt almost faint with the domineering resentment that coursed through them, through Wei Ying. 

Lan WangJi hated his Wei Ying look like that. Hated the exhaustion he hid so expertly, the last dredges of pride that kept him from requesting help, the burden he chose to bear, as the price for his siblings' safety and joy. 

Himself, for being a blind, rigid fool - for never seeing his beloved. Seeing everything his precious Wei Ying tucked away into the darkest corners of his heart, until it was too late. 

In a matter of seconds, Wei WuXian had slaughtered the entire army of Wen soldiers. He stood in the middle of the battlefield, surrounded by corpses, of both his allies and enemies, twirling his flute in his hands. With his eyes gleaming blood red, the cruel and vicious smile that seemed to have replaced his sunshine smile permanently, his red-black robes, the seams splattered with blood billowing around him, Wei WuXian looked like Death himself reincarnate. 

"And I see fire, 

Blood in the breeze, " 

"... so when you said we were losing the war, but Wei WuXian turned the tides... " Nie Mingjue said, his face pale at the steady thrum of resentment. 

Jiang WanYin smiled bitterly. "That thing he created- the Yin Tiger Tally  was what led us to victory. It could control every single fucking corpse within an area, " 

"A weapon of mass destruction... " Jin ZiXuan said in awe. No matter how dangerous that weapon was, Wei WuXian had created that. A whole ass weapon. Good Lord. 

Jiang Yanli felt the telltale signs of tears welling in her eyes. No matter how what, she couldn't get used to seeing her brother like that. A-Xian was meant for light. For happiness and joyful smiles. For sunshine. Not darkness and resentment and hatred. 

"It was also what became his downfall, " Biming sighed. 

It shouldn't have been so. 

Wei Ying created that to ensure they won the Sunshot Campaign. It wasn't his fault that pervert Jin Guangshan was a power hungry loathsome bastard. 

Daiyu scowled when she was reminded about the manwhore of a man named Jin Guangshan. Her hands curled into fists. "That bastard, " She snarled. "Do you think Our Lady will allow me to curse him? I know quite a lot of creative curses, " She hissed. 

Biming shook his head in exasperation, but did not actively refute her, considering he himself would love to see that worm be crushed. In a myriad of ways that included plenty of pain and torture. 

The scenes began to change again, and soon they were watching a young woman pacing around an office with barely concealed agitation. Dressed in the deep red of the Wen Clan, it was Wen Qing. 

Nie Mingjue scowled when she came into view. His feelings towards Wen Rouhan's niece was problematic. On one hand, she was Wen Rouhan's niece, his most trusted doctor and had a highest position within the Wen Clan. If anyone asked him before this memory watching, then he'd have firmly said that she deserved the very same punishment every Wen dog did. 

But Wen Qing had helped Wei WuXian. She'd kept the Jiangs safe when they'd been fleeing from her own family. She'd done that god forsaken core transfer. She'd helped Lan WangJi in the little way she could. It still did not excuse the fact that she'd done nothing during the war, but the idea of just condemning her to death simply did not sit well with Nie Mingjue. 

Goddamn it, why couldn't this be easier? Justice was supposed to be black or white! How could he navigate when he came to fucking grey areas? 

(Nie Mingjue still had no idea just how difficult it was going to get, ) 

Wen Qing was holding a letter in her hands, which she read and reread with growing frustration. Her eyes darted here and there as she clenched her hand in anger, crumpling the letter. 

"Wen Rouhan... " She muttered under her breathe. "How dare you?! " 

Just then, the door opened, and Wen Qing spun around, her eyes widening with a sudden flicker of fear, wondering whether her rage filled whisper was heard. Her breathing eased when she saw that it was just her timid brother, Wen Ning, who looked surprised by how startled she had become. 

"Jie- jie, " He said, his voice stuttering just a bit as he moved closer to Wen Qing in concern. "A-are you alright? " 

"Uncle Ning is so adorable! " Lan JingYi stated firmly and Ouyang Zizhen agreed vehemently. How could anyone call him evil? Uncle Ning was so timid and shy and precious that it seemed unreal, in Lan JingYi's humble opinion. 

Jiang WanYin sighed, his heart twisting painfully with guilt. One regret he could never escape from was the fact that he had done nothing to help them. Even after Wen Qing and Wen Ning had gone out of their way to help them. It was only because of this Wen Ning did he even have his Father's and Mother's ashes. Wen Qing was part of the reason a golden core - his gege's golden core - thrummed happily in his chest. 

And what did Jiang WanYin do? Abandon them - and his own brother- to the mercy of the other clans, until he too had lost all sense of gratitude and had attacked their lair, despite knowing that only the elderly, women, and non cultivators resided in the Burial Mounds. 

Jiang WanYin looked down in shame, unable to look at the Wen siblings, and prayed his younger self would make better choices. 

Wen Qing stared at her younger brother, the hard look in her eyes softening as she regarded her beloved didi. She sighed and shook her head, the hand holding the letter crumpling it even more into a ball. 

"Wen Rouhan has requested our presence to aid against the Sunshot Campaign, " She informed him, her voice steady, making sure none of her anger bled into it. 

Wen Ning's eyes widened and he grew even more anxious, if his fumbling hands or stuttering words were any indication. "J-jie? Then... what are w-we doing? J-join? " 

Wen Qing's gaze turned sharp and she tossed the balled up letter into the fire. "No, " She said, her voice becoming colder. "We are healers, A-Ning, we do not kill, " She clenched her hands into shaking fists, enraged that Wen Rouhan would actually push against them joining the war. 

"Like I have always said, what the Wen Sect does, that does not concern us, " She intoned, disapproval lacing every syllable, disapproval against the blatant cruelty in the actions of her Sect. 

Nie Mingjue's eyes widened, and he exchanged startled looks with Lan Xichen. They'd suspected that Wen Qing did not support Wen Rouhan's actions, but this was blatant proof. 

"Mingjue-Xiong, " Lan Xichen whispered, "What shall we do? " 

The Nie Sect Leader clenched his hands into fists, trying to think of a solution to a problem he never thought he'd face. Wen Qing was part of the Wen Sect. A highly valued member at that. She can't just say that those actions did not concern her. 

Her last name was Wen. 

She shared blood with that bastard Wen Rouhan. 

How could it not concern her? 

"She doesn't want to be a part of Wen Rouhan's megalomaniac schemes," Nie Huaisang mused, tapping his chin with his fan. The Nie Sect Heir had been thinking. Thinking, specifically, of ways to make sure the Sunshot Campaign went their way from the beginning. 

The Sunshot Campaign would happen, no matter what. Wen Rouhan had already begun amassing his power. The reason they'd won in the first place had been thanks to Wei-Xiong's demonic cultivation. But that would be out of the question in this lifetime. No way in hell was Wei-Xiong going to suffer, not if Nie Huaisang can help it. And that means he needed to orchestrate a whole new situation. 

He smirked behind his fan. 

(How willing would Wen Qing and Wen Ning be to cooperate with him? ) 

"She still did nothing to help the Sunshot Campaign directly either. Inaction is the same as fighting against us, " Nie Mingjue said, though even he lacked the previous conviction he'd had. 

(Was he beginning to separate Wen Qing and Wen Ning from the rest of the Wen Clan? Nie Mingjue did not wish to answer that question, ) 

"What matters is our clan, A-Ning. I cannot put the countless lives of our family at risk due to reckless actions, " Wen Qing said with firm resolve, her eyes filled with a look of steel. 

"Oh, should my people fall, 

Then surely I'll do the same, " 

The cultivators stared in surprise when a fourth voice, a female one, sang those lyrics, mirroring the conviction and determination laced in Wen Qing's voice. She moved closer to Wen Ning and pulled him into a hug. 

"Don't worry, A-Ning. Jiejie is here, " She whispered. 

Nie Mingjue swallowed. That sweet, stuttering boy reminded him of Huaisang. That look of worry hidden behind bravado wasn't foreign to him. Nor was it to Lan Xichen. Or to Jiang Yanli. Or Wei WuXian. That was the same feeling you shared, whether you were Lan, Nie, Jiang or Wen. 

Goddamn, why couldn't this be easier?! 

"My brother did protect Lady Wen's family, " Jiang Cheng said hesitantly. He hadn't forgotten about the earlier promise he'd made to honour his brother's sacrifices, or their saviors. "Perhaps we should be cautious when making decisions regarding people's lives, " 

"I agree! " Jin ZiXuan piped up, staring at Nie Mingjue nervously, well aware about the Nie Sect Leader's hatred towards everything Wen. And Jin ZiXuan wasn't scared of Nie Mingjue, he just had a healthy respect to the strongest man of his generation. "Lady Wen and Wen gongzi did help with the - the core transfer, " 

He couldn’t help his wince at the words, nor the enormous flinches that made Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, Jiang Fengmian, and even Yu ZiYuan shake. The reminder of Wei WuXian’s love and his sacrificing ability in the name of that love was honestly terrifying. 

Before anyone could agree or disagree with anything, the scenes began to change once more, and the cultivators flinched when Wen Rouhan appeared again. They were again at the Scorching Sun Palace, and a full war had broken out. The armies against the Wens had finally broken into Nightless City, and reached Wen Rouhan's Palace itself. 

"What now? " Jiang Cheng murmured. 

Wei Ying was standing towards the edge of the staircase leading up to the Sun Palace, his eyes glowing crimson as he played his flute, manipulating his corpse army and resentment, slashing through the enemy armies. Lan Zhan was by his side, the ice blue glare of Bichen visible as he slaughtered any Wen soldier that dared come anywhere close to Wei Ying. His white robes billowed around him, as he cut down each Wen who was unfortunate enough to be anywhere near him. 

This really wasn't the time, but oh, look at WangJi-Xiong and Wei-Xiong fighting together. Look at the trust they had in each other. Just look at WangJi-Xiong protecting Wei-Xiong like he was the most precious being to ever exist! 

Nie Huaisang cooed mentally, smirking at Lan Zhan behind his fan. 

Wen Rouhan stepped out, the cruelty lacing his features making him seem like a demon in the glowing firelight, the fire that ravaged through whatever remains of the once glorious Nightless City. He was instantly attacked by two men, one in the Lan blue, and the other in Nie green. 

"Da-ge! Xichen-ge! " Nie Huaisang yelped, his eyes widening when he recognised them. He then scowled. Why couldn't they let him watch his favourite couple without having minor heart attacks? He almost passed out, watching his Da-ge and Xichen-ge suddenly appear, battling against Wen Rouhan, of all people. At least give him a fair warning. 

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue were two whirls of blue and green, as they launched blow after blow, only for Wen Rouhan to deflect each of them with a wave of his hands. 

With each attack Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue launched on him, Wen Rouhan did not so much as falter, raising his arms to produce a powerful blast that threw both of them backwards. 

"Xiong-Zhang... " Lan Zhan whispered, fear gripping his heart for his brother. It was the younger Jade's turn to worry over his brother, even though he knew Lan Xichen would be safe, even if he knew his brother had survived through this. Still, it was difficult to watch his Xiong-Zhang struggle in a fight against the worst demon of their cultivation world. 

Lan Qiren's eyes widened as he began to realise the true extent of Wen Rouhan's power. The other had always been a formidable force, even during their youth, but now he was almost indestructible. Invincible, with how easily he threw both Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen back, considering both the Nie Sect Leader and his nephew were among the highest in cultivation. 

"Remarkable, " Madam Jin couldn’t help but think, watching Wen Rouhan's power displayed at its maximum. She exchanged glances with ZiYuan, both of their minds working zealously to think of better protection for their Sects. If Wen Rouhan was this powerful, who knew how much they'd need to ensure the scale tips in their favour, especially with Wei WuXian’s demonic cultivation out of the question this time. 

The battle raged on. 

"For if the dark returns, 

Then my brothers will die, " 

Nie Mingjue sang, his voice echoing the grief of his fallen Sect members when, as if on cue, the scenes shifted to show the bodies of Nie cultivators, mangled and destroyed, everywhere on the ground, blood pooling around them. 

Nie Mingjue grit his teeth, eyes sparking with rage and hatred. He swore to himself, that he will avenge them, each and every single one of his members who died fighting against that bastard's tyranny and cruelty. 

Lan WangJi wordlessly stood up, and inclined his head, honouring the fallen members of the Nie Sect - and each person that had died in the name of this Sunshot Campaign. Jiang WanYin followed suit, and the four juniors, who truly hadn't experienced war like they had. Their respect towards their Seniors rose to the sky, watching them battle against Wen Rouhan; Lan Xichen's calm strength, Nie Mingjue's invincible power, Lan WangJi’s quiet resilience, and Jiang WanYin's furious energy. 

And Wei WuXian. With his resentment and corpse army. With his inhumane, godlike capability. 

Lan Qiren, Yu ZiYuan and Jiang Fengmian, no matter how worried they were, couldn't help the pride that coursed through them, watching their children devastate the battlefield. No matter how they wished this hadn't been so, that all of them, from Nie Mingjue to Jiang WanYin, were all just children, just merely into adulthood who shouldn't have faced these things in the first place, their capabilities were breathtaking to watch. 

Jiang Yanli, Jin ZiXuan and Nie Huaisang watched, their eyes wide with a mix of fear, worry and awe as the battle raged on, and the cultivators fought, as if blessed by the God of Battle himself. 

"Oh I see fire, 

Blood in the breeze, 

Oh you know I saw a city burning out, 

And I see fire, " 

With the song, the scenes seemed to speed up, as they began to change yet again, and this time, returned the focus to Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue, battling against Wen Rouhan. The Wen Sect Leader smirked,and raised his arms again, to deliver another of those powerful spiritual blasts, when he stopped short, his eyes widening with pain and a hint of surprise. 

"Wha- " 

"Is he dead - " 

"Who - " 

The questions were hushed into silence when Wen Rouhan turned around, blood dripping down his chin, and his eyes widened even more, now, not with anger or rage, but with betrayal. 

"Meng Yao? " He rasped. He fell to the floor, eyes closed and bleeding. Behind him stood a man, holding a dagger in his hand that was dripping with Wen Rouhan's blood. He smiler and raised his hands in salute to Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. 

"Sect Leader Nie, Sect Leader Lan, " He said in a calm voice, as if he hadn't just killed the most feared man in the Cultivation World. As if he hadn't just ended a war. 

"Who was he? " 

That was the question that came into the minds of each of the past cultivators. They stared at the two dieties, searching for answers, but they revealed nothing. 

"He was a spy, " Biming simply said, unwilling to go into further details. 

Madam Jin narrowed her eyes as she regarded the newcomer. She didn't like to admit it, but those features seemed extremely familiar, and she wondered where she'd seen them. Beside her, Jin ZiXuan was wondering the same thing, trying to discern where he'd seen them, and why he felt an unexplainable coldness as he regarded Wen Rouhan's killer. 

Jin Ling, on the other hand, scowled when he saw his Uncle. With his appearance, he was reminded of the whole debacle of his family drama they'd have to go through, and Jin Ling was not looking forward to it. He hoped his grandmother wouldn't start demanding to leave the memories just so she could return and murder his grandfather. 

(Though that would solve quite a number of problems) 

Still, watching Wen Rouhan's body crumple to the ground, Lan Qiren couldn’t help but feel how ironic the man's death was. After being the strongest cultivator alive, what had taken him down was a betrayal, a stab to the back, literally and figuratively. 

It was almost hilarious, that the tyrant of the Cultivation World was taken down because he placed his trust on the wrong person. 

"It is done, " Lan Xichen said, his voice tinged with awe and exhaustion. "The Sun has been shot, " 

And with that, the scenes faded away.