That night while everyone one was getting ready to retire Hua Ying was feeling nostalgic as he sat in the roof and stared the stars speaking to no but himself
I have seen the stars in three different places but none like tonight. Me sitting in the clouds and missing my home he said as he took out Chengqing and played his lullaby as his wraith butterflies flew out and slowly began to dance. (Everyone thought they were fireflies) Lan Zhan and ZeWu-Jun were also walking by.
The melody is beautiful but if you listen carefully it's filled with sorrow said ZeWu-Jun
mn said Lan Zhan
maybe he was hurt by a certain someone said ZeWu-Jun
he is missing his home Said Lan Zhan as he walked away to wait at the usual spot to see Hua Ying
Exactly on time Hua Ying appeared and this time he was with silver divine because he could at least take out his frustration on a target.
Having his wraith butterflies take the targets that were the size of his palm, he set it at 50, 100,150,200,250,300,350, 400, 450 and 500 paces and in a certain array that looked like a military position, only they were up in the air a black ribbon out and trying it on his eyes and got himself into position.
I really miss rouye in these times sighed Hua ying as the first shot an energy ball towards him.
Both ZeWu-Jun and Lan Zhan was looking at Hua Ying when Lan Zhan wanted to step forward and stopped seeing this his brother decided to ask.
Wangji, can you actually see what goes on in the field?
Mn
And you've been watching him all this time?
Mn
You never said anything
You never asked
Well, how can I see in?
Lan Zhan put his hand on ZeWu-Jun Shoulders surprising him
Look was all he said
ZeWu-Jun looked back and saw Hua Ying maneuvering with a bow in his hand shooting targets the size of his palm at different distances in a confused array with a blindfold over his eyes, his actually looked like his was dancing, he almost took a step forget noticing that these targets was shooting energy balls at him, Lan Zhan held him back but the mistake was already made, pulling bichen out he deflected an arrow that was aimed at ZeWu-Jun's chest.
Realizing something was amiss he quickly lowered his bow as the targets disappeared back into his bag leaving just the wraith butterflies out, removing his blind fold he realized what was amiss as he saw his arrow being cut in half by bichen as it was soaring towards ZeWu-Jun.
I am so sorry Lan Huan Hua Ying said I never meant to shoot at you I truly am sorry, the wraith butterflies were agitated once again because of Hua Ying's emotions
Calm yourself I am fine; I see you have wraiths said ZeWu-Jun said
Yes, they were mine since my first birth and only received on my 5th year after my second birth said Hua Ying
may I ask how is it that Wangji can see what you do and I could not? Asked ZeWu-Jun
Lan Zhan has one of my wraith butterflies as she has taken a liking to him. Said Hua Ying
I see looking at Lan Zhan and smiling I see you can shoot at 500 paces that is quite an extraordinary feat.
It's nothing I at home the furthest I have gone is 900 with silver divine with an ordinary only 700 paces my uncles are more skilled than me said Hua Ying
Shocked 700 and 900 that is truly amazing said ZeWu-Jun may I see your bow?
Hua Ying handed him the bow, it's made from the wood from the silver forest and the string from my first zither my uncle took it when my aunt was changing the string so this bow sings, he smiled fondly
May I give it a try? Asked ZeWu-Jun
Sure, seeing the Wraith butterfly taking out the disc again.
Don't worry it won't discharge this time and I will set it as 50 paces said Hau Ying smiling as he made a talisman to enlarge the disc it a normal size
ZeWu-Jun didn't even feel and resistance in the bow as he pulled the string lightly back and let the arrow fly into the target.
No resistance he said
Of course, a true marksman should know how far to pull how much spiritual energy to put in and all the other variations Hua Ying reciting exactly what his uncle said the first time.
May we sit and talk? Asked ZeWu-Jun
Certainly, said Hua Ying smiling
I have noticed you aren't an ordinary cultivator, no, no, I admire you, you have let slip here and there that you weren't that's how I found out and also with your spiritual weapons what I do know is if I cut you, you will bleed. Seeing Lan Zhan stiffen and holding bichen tighter, what I want to know is I have spoken to Shifu about the barrier and Lan Zhan has done research on it but I believe you already know of a way to strengthen the barrier and would ask you to accompany Wangji in this task. Said ZeWu-Jun
I would gladly help said Hua Ying I can actually show the incantation to making the barrier now better and stretch it over the whole of cloud recess, it will harden like a shell while sending a distress beacon to the jade pendants and it uses the spiritual energy from the land and doesn't use much more like a drop in a lake scenario he said as he took out the papers he was working on and giving it to ZeWu-Jun Smiling while looking at it he passed it to Lan Zhan and turned back
May I ask how strong is your cultivation? Some days I fell it so weak that I would mistake you for Huaisang and other days you feel like a master? Asked ZeWu-Jun
If I show you, I need to know you wouldn't treat me differently, I like it here and I want to study the full year even with old man Qiren breaking his rules because of me said Hua Ying sheepishly
Of course, smiled ZeWu-Jun
Doing the incantation on his right wrist, opened his hand an orb of golden silver light appeared and it had black pulsating veins running around it.
It is beautiful and more power than I have ever felt said ZeWu-Jun amazed
Closing his hand around the orb and returning his hand to normal, it takes a lot of energy to do that but I am glad I did he said standing up and bowing Lan Huan, Lan Zhan I am going to retire now thank you.
As he turned around and walked away un steady on his feet not waiting for an answer.
Maybe we should.... started ZeWu-Jn
Shaking his head, let him have his pride said Lan Zhan
I never knew, who exactly is he? Asked ZeWu-Jun
Someone we will never meet again if he dies said Lan Zhan
Wangji I must say your taste is quite amazing but like his uncle said and I quote directly "I just hope in that time, the love that you chose won't be so dim-witted and you dull-witted that you pass each other and die with regrets" ZeWu-Jun laughed as Lan Zhan looked at him surprised
How Long?
How long have I known? Since the first night you spent watching him it was confirmed at the library when he placed his fingers under your chin smiled ZeWu-Jun.
Mn was all Lan Zhan said as he to walked away leaving ZeWu-Jun alone.
Hua Ying walked away he swayed; I must have used to much spiritual energy. Then everything started to spin just as he was about to fall a cool pair of pale hand caught him
Mmm daddy, what are you doing here? Asked Hua Ying softly
I was worried and I was right to, you're going to tell me everything said Hua Cheng
You know this is supposed to be my year away from you and mommy whined Hua Ying
If you have time to whine you have time to eat and speak said Hua Cheng
But daddy I don't want to speak please begged Hua Ying
Fine show me the first said Hua Ying
Pouting and calling the wraith butterfly named 'the first' he never changed you know he still sucks up to you. Said Hua Ying
And that is why I don't need mine to spy on you Said Hua Cheng
Sitting on the roof and watching the scene as Hua Ying ate the very spicy congee. As he finished the big bowl his father just finished watched the past couple of days.
A-Ying just like me you are the biggest idiot I have ever had the pleasure of creating. Said Hua Cheng
Father! How can you say that? Hua Ying whined
First you hide something like this away from us, then you use your spiritual tools, mind you, TOOLS!!! and then you use even more depleting yourself to 10% I should take you back right now Said Hua Cheng
Wait, so you're not mad about what I said just by what? I did let out my frustration and then explaining? Asked Hua Ying shocked
Pushing his head, I course I am not angry this man is your soul mate he kind of reminds me of your mother but, the stoniness is me all the way Hua Cheng laughed.
What should I do daddy? I don't know what I should do. Said Hua Ying with sadness dripping in every word
For now, keep you distance I'm not saying don't be yourself and I am definitely not saying stay away, all I am asking is give yourself space because you are losing control of your emotion's little demon for you that's a bad thing remember, what happened at the Jiang sect when you lost control luckily, they knew who you were and Yin Yu was there, here we can't be not really, we just take chances, so I am is asking please. Said Hua Cheng
Alright daddy said Hua Ying as he crawled over and snuggled up into is father's arms held his robes tight yawned, I promise to give myself space said Hua Ying and with that passed out.
Rubbing his sons head he realized that this is what they both missed the most. Right now he was the happiest with his daughter taking over most the roles in the heavens he has all the time to make up of eleven year of missed romance but, realizing that they both missed their son they watched him more intently, with Xie Lian now doing what he should he saw A-Ying acting strange he never acted impulsively with his spiritual powers before and never has he trained so hard where there were near misses a couple of times no, he decided to see his son, then overheard the conversation between the two brothers before going to his son now he knows his son has found his soulmate and they both have mutual feelings except neither wants to be the first to say it, now laying here in his arms he realized, with twisted guts his son is going to go through the most painful romantic trail of his life and it will be his own doing because he will forever remain selfless. Finally placing him in bed Hua Cheng kissed his forehead and went home and waited for Xie Lian to return home while rolling the memory ball in his hand. Thinking that there is, absolutely nothing they could do but watch and it ripped his cold dead heart right out of his chest.
The next morning suffering from spiritual overload thanks to his father and Wang Fang and hearing a very happy voice calling for him Hua Ying groaned and looked up.
Nie HuaiSang came to him with an overjoyed expression, A-Ying, you really struck it lucky. The old man Qiren went to our sect's Discussion Conference last night, so we don't have classes for a few days! Wow you look like you have a hangover. Said Huaisang
More like spiritual overload, said Hua Ying as he lightened up
Jiang Cheng stood on the side, carefully cleaning his sword, when he comes back, you're still going get your punishment. And how did you get a spiritual overload please tell me you didn't burn anything down said Jiang Cheng
Cheng, Cheng Why would I worry about what happens after I die? I'll just live freely as long as possible. No, I did not burn anything down, I burned myself out. I just was so frustrated so I took my spiritual bow and shot some targets I didn't mean to hit 10% so my father came to my rescue said Hua Ying as they passed through the reception room of the Cloud Recesses. Let's go catch some fish. Suddenly, Hua Ying stopped and exclaimed, look it's Lan Huan and Lan Zhan.
A few people walked out of the room. Of the two youths at the front, both looked as if they were carved out of ice and jade, both wore the same snow-white robes, and both had sword tassels which swayed in the breeze, alongside ribbons on their heads. The only differences were their ambiences and facial expressions. Hua Ying thought one is a river under the ice gentle smooth and still a bit warm well the other is an ice mountain stern, hard and unforgiving could.
As Lan Zhan saw Hua Ying once again leaning on Jiang Cheng a little too close for his comfort and Nie Hauisang stand next to him almost touching what he considered "his" (when did I start considering that he is mine), he scrunched his brows, giving them a glare in an almost "glowering" fashion. On the other hand, ZeWu-Jun smiled, noticing his brothers icy gaze at the two that wedged his beloved in and you are...?
Jiang Cheng showed his respect with a salute, Jiang Cheng of Yunmeng.
Wei WuXian followed, greetings Lan Huan
ZeWu-Jun returned the salute. Nie HuaiSang whispered in the volume of a gnat, Brother XiChen.
Lan XiChen turned to him, "Huaisang, a while ago, as I returned from Qinghe, your brother asked of your studies. How is it? This year, will you be able to pass?"
Yes... said replied looking at Hua Ying for help
Why do you hesitate? Lan Huan he is doing very well in his written studies and the other one I am his knowledge and I did promise Nie Mingjue that I would help smiled Hua Ying as he draped his arm over NIe Huaisang's shoulder.
Please call me ZeWu-Jun or Lan Xichen as I already call you A-Ying as you requested said ZeWu-Jun smiling noticed the ever-tightening grip of his brothers on poor bichen
"ZeWu-Jun, what are you going out? Are you going to night hunt? If you are please could we come with? And you remember the first night, I forgot it already. Pleaded Hua Ying
We are going exterminate a water ghoul and was short of hands, so I came back to find WangJi. Said ZeWu-Jun
This matter permits no delay Said Lan Zhan coldly
I know how to catch water ghouls. ZeWu-Jun, please take us along? He asked as he gave his best puppy dog eyes.
It is against the rules declared Lan Zhan
We use to catch water Ghouls every time I went to visit and we don't have classes and which part is against the rules, as we are allowed in town before curfew these days. Who says, I can't venture out on my own Hau Ying retorted as he pouted
That's right. ZeWu-Jun, we'd definitely be of help. Said Jiang Cheng Trying to make up for the reputation that was lost
It is not necessary. The GusuLan Sect is also... Before Lan Zhan finished talking, Lan XiChen spoke while smiling, thank you, your help is appreciated. Do some preparations, and we can depart together. HuaiSang, are you coming as well?
No thank you I have to brush up on my studies, Hua Ying same place as always?
Yes, Huaisang he replied as they went to their rooms.
Staring at them from behind, why did you allow them to join? Asked Lan Zhan
Wei Ying and the son of the sect leader has a remarkable reputation, I even heard that your fearless A-Ying catches them with his hand and drags them out for the younger one to exterminate them, I have yet to see it replied ZeWu-Jun and also you wish for him to go with do you not? That is the only reason why I agreed. Said ZeWu-Jun
A shocked silence fell upon them, as if the air was frozen solid. With great difficulty he finally responded stop trying you will make it worse than it already is. Said Lan Zhan
And whose fault is that laughed ZeWu-Kun as Hua Ying was jumping around Jiang Cheng excitedly arriving at ZeWu-Jun's side (furthest from Lan Zhan to his disappointment) they mounted their swords set off.
Caiyi Town was connected with paths of water. It was either a net of rivers densely covering the town, or dwellings packed on either side of the web-like water paths. The houses had white walls and grey roofs, and the rivers were filled with boats of baskets and people. On the banks, they sold flowers, fruits, bamboo crafts, pastries, tea, and silk.
Gusu was in the Jiangnan area, and all the voices one could hear were soft and gentle. As two boats crashed into each other, and a few jars of rice wine were spilled, even the arguments of the two boatmen sounded like chirps of the oriole. Although Yunmeng had many lakes, there weren't a lot of small towns with so much water.
Twirling looking around everywhere while holding onto Jiang Cheng so he doesn't fall or get lost, Hua Ying found the town to be quite interesting, they speak in such a soft way that even the arguing sounded like they were flirting. Said Hua Cheng
Among the crowd Hua Ying recognized three people up ahead, letting go of Jiang Chen and ran shouting Yin Yu, uncle Feng Xin, uncle Mu Qing and then he jumped as he flew into Yin Yu's outstretched arms and spun him around before setting him down so he could greet his uncles.
What are you doing here? Hua Ying asked beaming
Buying things we miss you, then Pei Ming said that you loved the emperors smile here so we decided to come down and see what the fuss is said Mu Qing
He asked me said Feng Xin
No, he asked at random said Mu Qing
He was looking at me said Feng Xin
Alright I haven't seen you for so long and already my grumpy uncles start arguing
YOU... they said as Hua Ying started laughing and they deflated
We missed you A-Ying said Yin Yu
I will be back soon I won't be gone forever it's just a study opportunity and to see the part of the world my parents forbade me to see when I was young and reckless, he smiled
You are still reckless said Jiang Cheng as he came up to Hua Ying
And bowed in greeting to Yin Yu Feng Xin and Mu Qing
Oh, let me introduce you these are the gusu Lan sect disciples and these two are the twin jades of the Lan sect the one is a river under the ice gentle smooth and still a bit warm is Lan Huan courtesy Lan Xichen or ZeWu- Jun (ZeWu-Jun bowed in greeting) and the other is an ice mountain stern, hard and unforgiving is Lan Zhan courtesy Lan Wangji, Lan Zhan Bowed then glared at Hua Ying
You see, he laughed cold and unforgiving but I treasure worth keeping. He stopped laughing and smiled shyly
And these two hotheads are my uncles Feng Xin and Mu Qing, I call them my grumpy uncles and my father's right-hand man and my guardian brother Yin Yu. And the three bowed in greeting.
A-Ying don't tell me you are going hunting? Asked Yin Yu
You three trained me so what is the worry if I am, oh please let me be just this one I promise I will be a good little demon after please, I am bored. Said Hua Ying with his puppy dog eyes
You brat we could never say no to that face but be careful, one misfortune and your father will cause chaos said Feng Xin
I already know saw him last night he said looking down
That reminds me, YOU DARE DEPLETE YOUR SPIRITUAL ENERGY LIKE THAT AGAIN I WILL PERSONALLY LOCK YOU UP UNTIL A YOU ASCEND roared Feng Xin
You know what happens when you...... so that luckily your father was watching otherwise.... trailed off Qu Ming as he realized they had ears
I was frustrated ok! and I already promised it wouldn't happen again explained Hua Ying not caring who heard, then he smirked at Feng Xin tell me uncle Feng what walls and what incantations can keep me lock in if I want out, I will get out remember? Said Hua Ying with a wicked grin
You have to be careful that is all we ask we cannot lose you a second time said Yin Yu
I will only do what is necessary and nothing more like I have said father knows and he has advised me, I no longer wish to have this discussion said Hua Ying as he stamped his foot down.
Laughing ok, ok you enjoy your hunt and please be careful, we love you replied Mu Qing as he hugged in nephew, then Feng Xin hugged him and lastly Yin Yu as he placed a kiss on his head. Call if you need release again, I am willing to help. Remember the ring he said
Beaming again he nodded his head and turned to ZeWu-Jun as he heard his uncle say now let's try this drink and if tasted like piss, I will beat Pei Ming up that he won't show his face for a month. Hua Ying just laughed
You have an interesting family said ZeWu-Jun smiling as the started walking again
I have an overprotective, doting, controlling family who I love said Hua Ying
(Noticing that the conversation is between them, Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng, the other disciples kept their distance)
May I ask what they meant by you depleting your core he asked
Oh that... well last night I was training as you saw it was my first time using so many at once with the blindfold and my bow, so I kind of only had 10% when I left you after our enlightening conversation but, like I said I didn't mean it I was just overly emotional and wasn't thinking clearly as I tried to get it out. Explained Hua Ying a little embarrassed
I see so when your guardian said that you are just to call him?
They were the ones that trained me so it's easier to fight a living body and not exert so much than act stupidly again. Showing his right hand, this ring allows me to call my guardian whenever, wherever and he will be there said Hua Ying
And your father showing up? Asked ZeWu-Jun
He can do what I can just better so he saw I was in trouble and secretly helped me and reprimanded me at the same time, thus I look like I have a hangover I'm overloaded at the moment and I need a fight or fly to release I was going to go to my place with Huaisang to train but, then this great opportunity came up which is better.
Alright then ZeWu-Jun smiled
Now boarding the boats and heading out towards the lake Hua Ying kept thinking about the questions from last night and today and jumped to ZeWu-Jun's boat
Noticing that all the questions was basic and not at all interfering he smiled
Thank you, said Hua Ying
Whatever for? ZeWu-Jun asked
Allowing me to answer what I can truthfully and not prodding me into something I can't Hua Ying said
Why would I ask for more if I haven't gained your trust yet? He asked
Surprised by the answer Hua Ying smiled up, until now I have trusted you and I still do otherwise I would not have come nor call me by my family name, but it's difficult for me to speak about something that not a lot of people know and once they know their views changed, I learned that when I was younger, Hua Ying said sadly
the Jiang's know do they not? Asked ZeWu-Jun
Only Jiang Cheng's father and mother. Said Hua Ying
And my brother? Asked ZeWu-Jun
He knows enough to form the picture but not the whole of it. Replied Hua Ying
How come? Asked ZeWu-Jun
He saw something on me that I was hiding, so I told him a story. Said Hua Ying
Would you tell me? Asked ZeWu-Jun
When you have the time and smiled Hua Ying
Then I shall make time ZeWu-Jun smiled back
The water path led to a large lake ahead of them, named Biling Lake. Caiya Town hadn't been haunted by water ghouls ever since tens of years ago, yet, for the past few months, people had started to disappearing on this path and Biling Lake. Boats which carried goods also sunk no reason.
A few days ago, ZeWu-Jun casted a few nets and was surprised to find dozens of them, he cleaned the corpses and carried them to a nearby part of the town, only to find that some corpses were not familiar to any of the local people, and remained unclaimed. Yesterday, he set up the net formation again, and caught even more.
If I am not mistaken water ghouls tend to haunt the place of their drowning and prefer not to leave as it is their sacred ground, if they are not form here then maybe and this is just a guess that they were pushed out from where they came for some unknown reason said Hua Ying
That is correct. This was why I thought that it was no trivial matter, and asked WangJi to come along, in case something happens. Said ZeWu-Jun
ZeWu-Jun water ghouls are very clever and tricky they won't show themselves as there are many boats gathered, so what if we cannot find them asked Hua Ying
We will wait until we find them. After all, we do what we must. Said Lan Zhan
Just by using nets? Asked a surprised Hua Ying
That is right. Does the Yunmeng Jiang Sect have other methods that we are not aware of asked ZeWu-Jun
Hua Ying smirked well no but Jiang Cheng, myself and the other older disciples would jump in and drag them out the water for the younger ones to cleanse them, of course the first couple of times it was me alone and they thought I was crazy fighting a water demon in its environment until I taught them how and got permission first. Doing it here and old man Qiren finding out I'm afraid he will first qi deviate then punish me with writing again and also sent a letter to uncle Fengmian and that is not something I want. Writing lines hurt my back and butt and plus it's boring. said Hua Ying
Now silently thinking as he looked at the water then turned to Jiang Cheng, hey Cheng, Cheng It'd be great if there's something that can attract the water ghouls like a fishing bait. Or something that can point out their directions, like a compass.
Look down at the water and concentrate on finding them. You're letting your imagination run again. Said Jaing Cheng
Cultivation and riding on swords also used to be just imagination! I just might use you as bait Hua Ying said as he laughed.
Looked over at the handsome tall figure that was standing and a breeze flowed through his hair, father is right he reminds me of mother, but then Not mother rubbing his chest for the first time today then looking down at Lan Zhan's boat and suddenly he had an idea
Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan look at me he shouted as he jumped up and down.
Lan Zhan who was keeping a look out for any signs of displacement in the water heard Hua Ying and looked up to see Hua Ying's bamboo pole sweep up water what he didn't notice though was the pole catching the bottom and flipping the boat over as he dodged the spray of water by jumping to ZeWu-Jun's boat.
Pathetic is said angrily as he turned around to catch the boat flipping over revealing three ugly swollen ashen water ghouls clinging to the boat below, then a flash of red as Hua Ying used his sword to kill them smug that he caught Lan Zhan's attention.
ZeWu-Jun smiled how did you know they were under the boat A-Ying? He asked
Easy displacement, Lan Zhan was the only one on the boat yet the boat load was heavier and thus sank to match the appropriate weight smiled Hua Ying
You are indeed knowledgeable praised ZeWu-Jun as Hua Ying paddled over.
Lan Zhan I am sorry I tricked you. If I had warned you then they would've disappeared he said hey don't ignore, please look at me. He whined
Finally, Lan Zhan Glanced at him, why did you come?
Feeling hurt by those words, I came to help, I came because I am good at hunting, better than you but next time I will just not say anything he said as he drifted back to Jiang Cheng and said nothing further
A-Xian are you ok? Asked Jiang Cheng
Shidi I am fine, let's just help out as we came here to do then go when it's done, I want to try some food in the market said Hua Ying as he smiled
Shidi? You haven't called...... Cheng trailed off as Hua Ying gave him a don't start look.
A disciple shouted; the net moved!
The water boiled as hands reached up and grabbed the boats Lan Zhan backhandedly drew his sword and severed those that tried to come on the left leaving only their wrists as he was about to cut those on the right a red light flashed and Hua Ying sword was already back in its sheathe as he stared forward once more examining the water.
The water once again became quite and it gave way to Lan Zhan's mind
(His sword attacks are swift that I didn't even see his sword leave it's sheathe it must be of high quality, I think may have hurt his feelings as well but how do I apologize for my behavior?)
What is the name of your sword? asked Lan Zhan coolly
Suibian answered Hua Ying
Lan Zhan just stared at him as Hua Ying looked over and repeated Suibian.
Your sword has a spirit and calling it as one please is disrespectful said Lan Zhan Icily
I am not asking you to call it whatever you want to my swords name happens to be suibian as she so happened to choose her own name from a comment I made when I received her he said then he tossed his sword over so that Lan Zhan can see the engraving, looking at the details of the lotus in bloom the wraith butterflies flying out of the blooming lotus and around the Phoenix in flight and at the hilt in two very ancient letters the word Suibian Shined though and not carved like the rest.
Now that to see what I am saying it true please kindly return her to me said Hua Ying
After passing the sword back Hua Ying paddled his boat to the other side of Jiang Cheng and stayed silent once again
You really hurt him you know and saying this from experience because I have a brother like you that only shows his emotions in his eyes said ZeWu-Jun.
The next moment a dark shadow darted around one of the boats in-between the net, then a few more, as the water started boiling again as the water ghouls grabbed the boats, jumping to Jiang Chang's boat Hua Ying maneuvered Suibian around cutting off the hands helping him get rid of the relentless ghouls as they had already sunk his boat then turning to help the other disciples.
After everything was calm again the disciples dragged the nets in again and realized that they didn't catch the black shadow that darted in between
That's strange thought Hua Ying allowed as he crossed his one arm around his chest and bought his other arm so that he could flick his nose while thinking.
What is it? asked ZeWu-Jun
The shape of this shadow doesn't seem like a human. It's also sometimes long and sometimes short, sometimes large and sometimes small... Lan Zhan, beside your boat!
Instantly, the Bichen on Lan Zhan's back unsheathed and stabbed into the water. After a moment, it flew out of the river with a sharp resonance, taking with it a crescent of water. Yet, it didn't pierce anything.
He held the sword in his hand with a stern expression. As he was about to speak, a disciple on the other side also drew out his sword, thrusting it toward a dark shadow which swiftly swam by in the water.
However, after his sword went underwater, it never came out again. He chanted the sword incantation for a few more times, but nothing was retrieved from the water. It was as if his sword had been devoured by the lake, disappearing without a trace.
Su She, we still don't know what else is in the water so why did you trust your sword in? Asked an older disciple.
I saw that Second Young Master also... Su She began
Realizing his mistake, he turned red and then pale as he though with venom as he glanced that the man who couldn't even spare him a glance, that no one except Wei Wuxian could compare to him.
As the boats glided to the middle of the lake, everyone noticed the color of the water changing except Hua Ying who was still deep in thought. As something clicked in to his mind and turned to ZeWu-Jun get everyone in the air and off the lake.
Whay what is it? Asked ZeWu-Jun
It's a waterborne abyss it's purposefully led the boats here said Hua Ying. Just as he finished his words, everyone suddenly felt their boats sinking.
Hua Ying finally noticed the water wasn't green anymore but black, and in the center a whirlpool was forming as the boats started circling around being sucked in as the whirlpool got bigger.
Everyone up in the air now Hua Ying shouted as a clang of swords could be heard as everyone mounted their swords and flew up in the air, hovering beside Jiang Cheng he saw the disciple that lost his sword in the lake already knee deep inside the water, frozen with panic without thinking twice he dove down and caught him by the waist. Suibian was made for speed not strength the tussle that his uncle gave him wasn't meant for flying either and having already spend an excessive amount of spiritual energy fighting because he was upset he couldn't use anymore so he sped across the water toward Jiang Cheng who noticed something was wrong as he came down half way Hua Ying used the last of his strength as he flung the stupid disciple into the air and Jiang Cheng caught him as the water abyss reached up and caught Hua Ying making him fall off his sword andinto the water and disappearing.
A-YING
WEI-WING
A red array appeared just above the surface and the water once again turned calm and green, the waterborne abyss was gone but where was Hua Ying?
Down in the depts floated Hua Ying into the darkness he reached out and as he did screaming filling his head with pain clutching his head his eyes tuned red.
You dare try take me?! I am the only son of the ghost king crimson rain sought flower, your loyalties should lie with him and with me as he pushed the Waterbourne abyss towards the surface, your punishment for being made is death, your punishment for greed is death and your punishment for taking me is death. With that the array activated and killed the waterborne abyss, finally silence no more tortured screaming, I just want to close my eyes for a bit and enjoy it...
No little one you don't get to fade so easily said Shi wudu as he pulled Hua Ying and cradled him as he sent a water leaf to Yin Yu who was in the town at this very moment.
The group travelled on their swords and evacuated Biling Lake as fast as they could. When they landed, Lan Zhan ears heard a roar WHAT THE FUCK IS MY NEPHEW...
Yin Yu...
Forgetting all etiquette both he and ZeWu-Jun ran to the voice with jiang Cheng stopping Lan Zhan's heart dropped
Hua Yin was laying down and not breathing. Just then an older man pushed through, you bloody bunch of fools, he said as he kneeled down feeling a pulse then checking his dantian then finally turning him to his side and smacked his back hard.
Finally coughing up the water and breathing, the old man sat down and put Hua Ying's head on his lap as he took out a cloth and started wiping him down as he continued to reprimand the two uncles
Both of you knew there was something in that water and yet you let my poor nephew go with the Lan sect clan, DO YOU WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED IF THE WATER TYRANT DIDN'T BRING HIM BACK!!! I do not care for the mortal's life when it comes to my nephew. Yin Yu thank you for notifying me in time I want to see everything that has happened I need to notify his parents, hell he needs an infirmary not this cold floor, this boy is running a fever again AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!
Excuse me I am the sect leader of the gusu Lan clan Lan Huan Courtesy Lan Xichen or ZeWu-Jun you would please come with me I would gladly take you to our infirmary said ZeWu-Jun he is after all left in our care. Said ZeWu-Jun
Then please do and be quick. Said Wang Fang
I shall inform my master and have them come as soon as they are able said Yin Yu
Yin Yu tell Xie Lian first otherwise it'll be the end of the world as Wang fang stood up and bowed, they call me Wang Fang, as he tried giving Hua Ying to Jiang Cheng but Lan Zhan moved and took Hua Ying instead and began walking up to cloud recess leaving them behind.
He that boy...
Yes, replied ZeWu-Jun knowing what was about to be said
And my nephew? Asked Wang Fang
Yes, but once is oblivious about the other and the other as A-Ying would put it an ice mountain cold and unforgiving said ZeWu-Jun with a smile
Laughing my nephew has a way with words that are true and straight to the point Wang Fang said as they followed at a distance.