A Means to an End (WangXian)

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Everyone went silent. That was one of the things they hadn't quite been able to discuss. It was a mystery how they were going to gain an advantage at the indoctrination without bringing in suspicion.

"I plan to get caught," Wei Wuxian stated.

All eyes directed at him. 

"Wei-xiong, you promised-"

"I won't do it alone. Just hear me out. Wen Chao is an easy target. We can use that as our advantage to sneak around. Lan Zhan and I will intentionally anger Wen Chao. From there, we would be free to sneak around and gain intel. We will rejoin everyone shortly after where we will then deal with Xuanwu."

"How will you handle the creature?" Lan Xichen asked.

"I plan to handle it the same as last time, though less casualties," he stated. "We need to make the Wens feel like they have the upper hand. Killing the Xuanwu and making a quick exit will help."

"How is that going to help?"

"If we do it quietly enough, we can get everyone out of there before the Wens realize that we're even gone. They like to gloat, by killing the beast, we can ensure that Wen Chao goes back to his father and claim everything went according to plan. He'll do anything to please his father."

"So you plan on being trapped in the cave again and sneak through the underwater passage. Will you remain behind to kill the Xuanwu?" Lan Xichen asked.

"Yes. If we get everyone out quick enough, then they can get to safety before the Wens surround the area. They will be too busy trying to block up the cave entrance to notice. We will have a secret meeting location not far from the cave to meet up then separate back to our sects to report what they did," he finishes.

"That will leave you and Lan Wangji vulnerable," Wen Qing chimes in.

Wei Wuxian nodded. "It does, but two is better than an entire group. We have to kill the Xuanwu and we have to make sure everyone gets out. This is the only way."

Wen Qing narrowed her eyes. She didn't like this plan at all. She was about to voice her complaint when Nie Huaisang spoke up, "Wei-xiong is right. If we change too much too soon, then things won't go according to plan anymore. We have to do this as close to the original line as possible. At least until the war actually starts."

Everyone went quiet from there. No one liked the idea of following the indoctrination plans, but they had no choice. It is too soon to reveal their knowledge. They have to keep playing in the Wen's hands.

"I can help you gain intel from the inside," Wen Qing stated.

Wei Wuxian quickly turned to her, almost giving himself whiplash. "No," he stated. "That is not happening."

Wen Qing only shook her head. "Once you are locked up by Wen Chao, I can help you escape and look around. After the indoctrination, I can continue keeping an eye on things and give you regular updates," she explained.

"No. That is out of the question. You and Wen Ning are not risking yourselves like that!" he protested.

"It's already decided. We can't allow you to carry all the work. We will help."

Wei Wuxian only continued to shake his head. "Wen Qing, you didn't get involved last time to keep your brother and family safe. If Wen Rouhan finds out, it will mean the death of you all."

Wen Qing went silent, but here eyes were unwavering. "I know."

"Then don't! Lan Zhan and I will come up with a different plan."

"No, Wei Wuxian. Thank you for everything you have done for us, but if we stand by and do nothing again, then we will only die anyways," she stated. "At least this way maybe it won't be in vain."

Wei Wuxian did not like this. He kept shaking his head as a sick feeling twisted in his stomach.

He already lost them once. He couldn't lose them again.

"Wen Qing is right. We would gain important details from this. If things shift off plan, then this allows us to adjust."

"Zewu-jun, you can't expect them to do this. They're putting their lives at risk! You have no idea what Wen Rouhan will do to them, to their family!"

"Everyone here must do their part in preventing the future events from unfolding again. I am sorry Wei-gongzi."

Wei Wuxian felt himself shake in anger. The only reason why the Wen remnants ended up that way was because of the selfish people in the cultivation world. It had nothing to do with Wen Rouhan.

"Zewu-jun," Wei Wuxian's eyes were down casted, spelling rage. His fists were clenched so tight that indents appeared on the palms of his hands, threatening to split apart and spill blood. "You once called me selfish and destructive, yet you didn't know the full story, but when you're trying to convince them to risk their lives for our gain, somehow you don't recognize that you're a hypocrite."

"Wei Wuxian!" Lan Qiren yelled and stood up.

Before anything else could be further said, Wei Wuxian stood up and rapidly left the room. Lan Wangji followed after him quickly, while the others stared at the entryway in complete shock. Lan Xichen more than anyone.