"RUOYE!!!"
A beautiful man dressed in flowing white robes rushed through the open door and appeared inside the punishment hall. A white ribbon flew out of his sleeves forming a huge circle around Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji. A translucent barrier was erected were the ribbon stood, making others step back due to the immense spiritual energy radiating from it. The man ran towards the kneeling Wei WuXian, entering through the barrier without any hindrance.
"MA!"
Wei WuXian yelled as soon as he saw his father's face. Xie Lian dropped to his knees without any care for his intricate outer robes, kneeling in front of his son and opened his arms for him. Wei WuXian threw himself into his father's open arms and hugged him tight, clutching onto his robes tightly. Xie Lian wrapped his hands around his son gently and caressed his hair, while tears rolled down his cheeks.
The people watching were all shocked still at the scene in front of them. Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen had unsheathed their swords and were pointing it at the intruder. The Lan disciples present in the punishment hall also pointed their swords at the hugging pair.
"Oh baby are you alright?"
Xie Lian asked cupping Wei WuXian face in his hands gently. Wei WuXian nodded his head vigorously while he wiped away the tears from his father's face. Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen were very confused at the unknown person's identity. Lan Xichen lowered his sword seeing the sight in front of him.
"Wangji"
Xie Lian called, looking at the kneeling boy. Lan Wangji, who was still kneeling a small distance away from Wei WuXian looked at Xie Lian with slightly wide eyes. Xie Lian presented his hand for Lan Wangji to take, and Lan Wangji took it. Xie Lian helped Lan Wangji stand up while Wei WuXian leaned on to his father's shoulder, grinning.
"Taizi Dianxia"
Lan Wangji greeted as soon as he stood up and bowing deeply to Xie Lian, clasping his hands in front of him. Wei WuXian chuckled a laugh while Xie Lian shook his head with an amused smile. Xie Lian stopped Lan Wangji from bowing, smiling at the boy in front of him as he said.
"No need for that."
The people watching were even more confused now. 'Lan-Er-Gongzi knows him? ' A few of the disciples also lowered their swords. Lan Qiren was fuming seeing the man interacting so casually with his nephew. He turned to Lan Wangji and tried to walk closer to him, only to stumble back because of the barrier. He pointed his fingers at Lan Wangji and asked.
"What is happening here? Wangji? "
"Thank you. For standing by A-Xian."
Another voice echoed in the Hall along with a jingle of bells, before Lan Wangji could answer his uncle. A tall handsome man dressed in maple red was standing there with his hand crossed behind his back. He had suddenly appeared in the middle of the room unlike the other who entered through the door.
It took just one glance for Lan Wangji to understand who this person was. This was the Supreme Ghost king, Hua Cheng, Wei WuXian's father. Lan Wangji bowed deeply to him and said in a low voice.
"Xue Yu Tan Hua, Wangji apologize for all of this."
"Don't."
Hua Cheng nodded once at Lan Wangji as he said. His face was expressionless, very much like Lan Wangji's as they looked at each other. Lan Qiren was now tired of trying to get inside the barrier. He yelled.
"Wangji? You know them? Who? "
"Wei Ying's parents."
Lan Wangji replied calmly turning to his uncle and brother who were trying to get inside the barrier. Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen shared a look and then Lan Qiren shouted.
"What? "
Nie Huisang was very curious, so he placed a finger on the barrier and to his surprise it went through. Seeing this Jiang Cheng hesitantly walked through the barrier towards Wei WuXian. He supported Wei WuXian's weight on his shoulder and Xie Lian smiled at Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng blushed at the beautiful smile given to him by the beautiful man. Nie Huisang also walked in and stood by his friends.
Other Lan disciples and Lan elders also tried to get through the barrier created by this ribbon but to no avail. Now the light had dimmed, everyone could see that beyond the open door was a place that they never saw before. It had beautiful bright blue sky and many magnificent golden Palaces. The spiritual energy coming from that open door was truly overwhelming for most of the Lan disciples. Some disciples droped their swords and leaned into their companions because of it.
Hua Cheng walked to the door and closed it with a loud thud making everyone in the room filch. Lan Qiren eyed both men cautiously. He was now standing just outside the barrier, still holding his sword up, looking completely lost when a pitch black long sword clashed into his sword so swiftly that it knocked out his sword.
"How dare you!"
Xie Lian gritted out each word at Lan Qiren after passing Wei WuXian to a confused Jaing Cheng. He was now pointing Fang Xin at Lan Qiren's throat while still standing inside the barrier. His entire body was trembling with anger and his usually kind face looked really dangerous as he pointed his sword at Lan Qiren's neck.
The sharp tip of Xie Lian's sword was outside the translucent barrier, the pointy edge touching Lan Qiren's skin. Lan Qiren closed his eyes as the sword pressed threateningly at his vital point on his neck. Shocked gasps were heard all around the hall, some disciples even dropped to their knees in shock. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were frozen in their places not knowing what to do.
"MA!!, Put Fang Xin down,Please. A-Diē do something. "
Wei WuXian moved forward and held Xie Lian's sleeve go pull him back. He tugged on the sleeves to make his father turn around but Xie Lian's face was full of anger as he glared at Lan Qiren. Wei WuXian turned his pleading eyes to his A-Diē who was now looking at Lan Qiren with extreme killing intent, his pale face looking menacing.
Wei WuXian gulped and tried to free himself from Jiang Cheng's hold. Jiang Cheng just held him closer and shook his head. Jiang Cheng was confused and terrified of what was happening around him. No way in hell would he let his brother go away from him. He clutched Wei WuXian tightly refusing to let go.
"Gege"
Hua Cheng called gently seeing that his son did not want this to happen. He placed both his hands on Xie Lian's shoulder gently turning him back towards their son. Xie Lian's hands which were shaking from the anger dropped to his sides, lowering his sword. His expression which sent chill down their spine, softened as he turned to face his husband.
"San Lang but he-"
"Lan Qiren."
Hua Cheng interrupted, shaking his head. His voice echoed in the hall which was completely silent. One could clearly hear the malice in his voice as he spoke Master Lan's name. The scimitar strapped to his hip was violently shaking. Hua Cheng placed a hand on E-Ming's hilt and it calmed down. He stepped out of the barrier, his ghostly pale white face looking down at the man in front of him. He spoke, each word said silently but the anger and rage behind it was clear.
"Who gave you the right to punish.
My. Son? That too, for something he didn't do? "
Lan Qiren flicked his sleeve and took a step back, away from the overwhelming spiritual energy he could feel from them. Lan Xichen tried to step in but his uncle gestured him to stay there itself. Lan Qirem looked at the man in front of him, looked him in the eye and said.
"He did those crimes and he knows it. It was only righteous to punish him. "
Hua Cheng huffed a mirthless laugh, causing a shiver down everyone's spine. Suddenly the temperature in the room felt like it lowered greatly, it felt freezing cold. Xie Lian moved closer to Lan Qiren but Wei WuXian caught his hand and pulled him back. Xie Lian sighed loudly but stood by his son, wrapping a hand around him protectively. Hua Cheng turned his back to Lan Qiren and walked inside the barrier. He said sarcastically, venom dripping from his voice with each word.
"Oh I've heard about the righteousness of the Lans.
But. Did you give these children a chance to explain?
Yes! I can totally see the righteousness from your actions."
Hua Cheng walked to where Xie Lian and Wei WuXian were standing. Jiang Cheng and Nie Huisang took a few steps back. Hua Cheng patted his son's cheeks and smiled at him, the cold glare replaced with fond loving gaze. He then turned around, side hugging Wei WuXian, who was now sandwiched between his fathers.
Wei WuXian smiled despite the heated situation, feeling so warm from being hugged by his fathers. Lan Wangji stood where he was, and did not step out of the barrier even though he could see his brother gesturing him to come outside.
"You- How did you enter Cloud Recesses. WHAT??? YOU-"
Lan Qiren's voice was so loud, it echoed through the punishment hall, hearing this the Lan disciples were dumbstruck. Those who were holding their swords also lowered it and stepped away from the barrier a little more. Hua Cheng shook his head in annoyance and said calmly, his voice steady and cold.
"Well I don't need your permission to come here. Or anywhere for that matter.
This was not the first time you punished my son. We've been silent for too long, and now you've crossed the line Lan Qiren."
The last sentence was said in such a way that everyone understood that they are not going to get away from this situation easily. Lan Qiren huffed with his chin raised high he said voice full of authority.
"I did nothing against the moral of Lan sect. He was found guilty and was punished. I do not regret it. "
Lan Qiren spat out these words looking at Wei WuXian who just lowered his head. Wei WuXian placed his head on his Baba's shoulder and stayed silent. Seeing the expression on his son's face, Hua Cheng glared at the man and walked forward as he said, pointing E-Ming at him.
"Then allow me to make you regret."
"A-DIĒ!!! Calm down. I'm fine aren't I?Really. Just look at me. See. "
Wei WuXian called his father hastily stopping him in place. He stood straight and showed his lightly swollen hands and legs to his fathers, with a wide smile on his face. He turned around in circles and made them see that he really was unharmed. After turning for two rounds, he winced and staggered. Xie Lian caught him in his arms before Jiang Cheng could. Xie Lian caressed his face and said.
"Baby we are so sorry. We are so sorry. We came late. "
Wei WuXian shook his head and was going to speak when he heard Jiang Cheng, his Didi calling him quietly.
"A-Xian, what's going on?"
"Jiang Cheng it's- I'll explain it to you later I promise."
Wei WuXian said with a smile, nodding his head towards Jiang Cheng. He smiled at Nie Huisang and nodded to him to show that he will also be given an explanation soon. Nie Huisang brightened up immediately and smiled back at Wei WuXian. During this exchange Hua Cheng managed to calm down a little, his eye was full of killing intent as he looked at Lan Qiren and then at Lan Xichen. He said, his voice dripping with mocking.
"So what you are saying is that my son was lying after hurting someone? Well that can't be tolerated, can it?"
Lan Qiren flicked his sleeves and looked away. Lan Xichen was panicking more and more as he tried to guess who these people were. If his guesses proved correct, then they had offended people who should not have been offended. Hua Cheng turned to his son and asked, his eyes softening in an instant while looking at his son.
"A-Xian did you try to hurt Lan Wangji?"
"I did not."
Wei WuXian replied without hesitation looking straight at his father. Hua Cheng nodded once and asked again.
"Did you attack the disciple without provocation? "
"I did not."
Hearing Wei WuXian saying this convinced Lan Xichen that Wei WuXian would never do something like that. But Su Minshan was so elaborate with his explanation, with many details. It made no sense. On the side, Lan Qiren spat out his words once again.
"How can I just believe his words? He-"
"You stop it right there. You believed your own disciple without any second thoughts. Why did you do that without any proof or confirmation from your nephew?
Xie Lian asked loud enough for the entire room to hear yet his voice calm enough to make one shiver. He hugged his son closer and galred at Lan Qiren. Lan Qiren opened his mouth to speak.
"I-"
"Now I understand that you are deliberately targeting my son! I don't care why! But I want you to know that we've had enough! This ends now!"
Xie Lian said, anger evident in each word, he was panting fists clenched ready to strike any moment. Xie Lian's voice was louder this time making the disciples really want to escape the room desperately. Lan Qiren shut his mouth instantly and said nothing more. Hua Cheng turned to Wei WuXian and said.
"A-Xian. The wraith butterflies."
"A-Diē? But you can't- Won't people will see?"
Wei WuXian asked in confusion looking between his A-Diē and Baba and then looking around the room. Xie Lian smiled at him and caressed his hair and said softly.
"It's alright baby, it's alright. Let them see. We don't care. "
Wei WuXian looked around at all the people watching them closely. He gently ran his hands through his hair and hundreds of silver butterflies flew out of it. They flew around him a few times then went straight towards Hua Cheng who was standing close by. The disciples gasped loudly at the spectacle before them. The butterflies flew around Hua Cheng just like they did with Wei WuXian. Then one by one disappeared into silver dust around Hua Cheng leaving behind just one.
Lan Wangji was once again mesmerised by the sight of hundreds of butterflies flying around Wei WuXian. His face looked even more beautiful in that silver light, just like the first time they met, face bathed in the silver moonlight. Lan Wangji could not look away from Wei WuXian even after the butterflies all went away and disappeared. His gaze softened unconsciously as he just stared at the boy in front of him. He caught himself staring and lowered his head to stare at the wooden floor instead.
"These are mine. And they help me sometimes."
Hua Cheng spoke unhurriedly as he showed the silver butterfly sitting on his index finger to Lan Qiren and to the rest. The entire room was too shocked to react because of the sight they had just witnessed now. Hua Cheng continued, a devilish smile playing on his lips.
"I wanted A-Xian to keep them so they'll protect him if there is any threat to him.
Fortunately they can also record what they hear. How great! So why don't we hear what happened today?"
Everyone present in the punishment hall were wide eyed now. Lan Qiren just huffed and turned away while Lan Xichen genuinely looked intrested. Feeling a little more daring, Jiang Cheng and Nie Huisang walked a little closer to Wei WuXian.
Wei WuXian smiled at his friends, then he caught Lan Wangji looking at him. He titled his head to the side and smiled brightly at him. Lan Wangji glared at Wei WuXian and then turned his face away, with burning red ears. He then concentrated on admiring the architecture of the punishment Hall for the time being. Wei WuXian frowned and tried to wave at him to get his attention. Soon sound echoed in the Hall seemingly coming from the little butterfly.
Knock knock.
"Ah?"
Clothes rustling. Footsteps.
Pounding on the door. Door rattling.
"Wei WuXian!!! You? Are you dead? Open the damn door. Wei WuXian. "
Footsteps. Yawning.
"Ah! Yes I'm coming."
"So you're awake. How was the wine? How's Lan Wangji?"
Chuckle
"Hm? Is there anything you want?"
"Why are you blocking the way Wei WuXian? Step aside let me in. Let me inside won't you? I said step aside!"
"Why? Let's talk here."
"Move aside Wei WuXian."
"Hey dont-
Footsteps.
"Ha. Lan Wangji is still here. I didn't see him leaving last night so here he is, sprawled on your bed. Look at the pristine Jade now! "
"Leave Lan Zhan out of it. And please step outside, let's talk there. "
"Why should I listen to a nobody? Why should I leave him out of it? He only knows how to look down on people and think that he is somehow above everyone. "
"Stop it. Lan Zhan is not that kind of person. Don't talk like that."
"Both of you are. Arrogant. Saving me yesterday was only for getting praise from others. But look at the situation now. I have the upper hand. "
"You? Its you. Lan Zhan saved your life yesterday. Why are talking-"
"I've had enough of his arrogance, that's why. Looking down on me. That Old man too.
Anyway, I saw you sneaking in wine so I got this opportunity. I was waiting to catch you so I could get some praise too but who could've thought I could see Lan-Er-Gongzi sneaking into your room after curfew too. Both of your so called friends are getting ready for punishment too. Why don't you and the famous Lan-Er-Gongzi join them?"
Laughing.
"You can leave now. I will come to the punishment Hall after grooming myself."
"No. No. No. You don't understand I'm going wake up Lan Wangji now and lets go together. I want you there just like this. That will be much better image, don't you think? I already sent my friend to inform Master Lan and ZeWu-Jun about your deeds~. They'll decide a wonderful punishment for you."
"I'll accept the punishment."
Sword unsheathes.
"Wait! Don't! Why are you taking your sword for? I said I'll come to the punishment hall. There's no need for it. Please sheathe it. "
"I saw you using this trick last night. I understood that you only let Lan Wangji see these butterflies.
Are you trying to hurt me with these? I knew it! I knew this is how you got your name in cultivation, using underhanded tricks. Are you afraid to take your sword and fight? "
Footsteps.
"Please sheathe your sword or they'll hurt you. Don't come any closer or it will be dangerous for you. Are you provoking me into fighting you?
Lets just talk outside. "
"Why should I- aaah"
Sword swinging. Sword striking the floor. Sound of footsteps.
Gasp.
"Ah! Why are you doing this? Don't attack.
Hey, Don't go near Lan Zhan! Leave the bedside. If you have to fight so badly Let's go outside. Leave the room first."
Another attack. Striking the floor.
"I do this because I want to. I want to fight you here. When you are without your sword. Hahaha. You can't fight back with a sword. Hahaha. "
Sword swinging.
"You stop it!!!
I can't control them any longer. They'll hurt you. Sheathe your sword quickly!"
"Son of a servant!!! You are giving orders? All the little power you have is because you suck up to that Jiang Cheng and that Nie idiot. Now you have Lan Wangji too. "
"You can't talk about them like that. I said I will come to the punishment Hall as soon as Lan Zhan wakes up. Please leave."
"Why should I listen to you. Tsk. I can and I will talk about those idiots like that. What can you do about it? I -"
Clothes rustling.
Cough cough
"Ah! Lan-Er-Gongzi. Good morning.
I came here to call you and Wei-Gongzi to the punishment Hall on Master Lan's orders. Master Lan is waiting for both of you. I'll leave now. "
Footsteps.
Door closes.