Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu said for me to look after you, for you to be well! Shouted Hua Ying
Why?! Roared Jiang Cheng
Why what? Shouted Hua Ying
Why did you save Lan Zhan?! Jiang Cheng said as he grabbed Hua Ying by the labels, why did you save Lan Zhan?! Why did you have to speak up?! How many times have I told you not to stir up trouble! Not to strike! Do you really want to play the hero so much?! Have you seen what happened when you played the hero?! Huh?! Are you happy now?! Jiang Cheng said as he shook Hua Ying. Lan Zhan and Jin Zixuan and those people can just die! Just let them die! What's their deaths got to do with us?! To do with our sect?! Why did this have to happen?! Why?! Asked Jiang Cheng
I did what was right and I have no regrets about who I saved I am sorry; I wasn't there when you were attacked but having this same argument over every day you see me is boring. Madam Yu told you to go and what did you do you went back and nearly got your core melted and you would've died yourself if uncle didn't throw you on the water and died himself. Now you, you got a cracked core you couldn't even help save the people from your own sect because you're impulsive and think you are always right. Shouted Hua Ying I will not have this anymore in my mother's temple or village, we are peaceful here!
He turned and walked out... walking up the mountain and into the dark forest the darkness played with him but he ignored them until he fell and could not go further and just cried.
A-Ying, oh my sweet, sweet boy said Jun Wu as he picked Hua Ying up and carried him to his cottage.
After calming down he looked at his grandfather who never left him.
How did you find me? Asked Hua Ying
I followed the darkness that led me after Mei Nianqing came to tell me, for the fourth time that Jiang Cheng was manhandling you and shouting. Said Jun Wu
You still find me foolish for wanting to help, don't you? asked Hua Ying
Yes, I feel as though he will betray you. Said Jun Wu
I feel the same ever since that night but, I cannot sit by and watch him slowly kill himself grandpa, shijie needs him, that's the only reason why said Hua Ying
Why did the sound like that if it wasn't for her, you'd leave him to suffer an almost mortal life? asked Jun Wu
To be honest I would've left him if it weren't for shijie said Hua Ying if uncle was alive, he would've actually have beaten me then tied me up and shipped me off here to protect me said Hua Ying as he laughed
My child no one can ever be as selfless as you are said Jun Wu
And no one is more of a hypocrite than you are grandpa laughed Hua Ying as he got off his lap.
No, I am not you are my only grandson I am allowed loving you more also you visit me.
Don't forget your granddaughter. Said Hua Ying with a smile
what granddaughter? Hua Tianshi, she only visits when she wants to huffed Jun Wu
grandfather I wasn't talking about my sister said Hua Ying shaking his head and seeing the confusing on his face, I was talking about me as he transformed into an otherworldly beauty and he ran out the door laughing
HUA YING YOU...... he said as he spat and coughed up blood
Hua Ying bumped into Mei Nianqing outside, seeing that Hua Ying had his veil on and was laughing again; do I want to know? He asked
Mei Nianqing, I suggest you go help grandfather before he bleeds through his orifices laughed Hua Ying a he continued to walk down the mountain feeling better much better that he started dancing with the darkness and humming a tune he heard before but did not know where.
Changing back, Hua Cheng was waiting impatiently at the door. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU NOT TO USE THAT FORM?! Roared Hua Cheng
Daddy, I love you as he ran up and hugged Hua Cheng
You made him bleed according to him, you're are an otherworldly beauty now said Hua Cheng sighing
I am because my form has matured. Would you also like to see as Hua Ying smiled slyly
NO, I FUCKING DON'T WANT TO DIE EARLY FROM YOUR MISCHIEF Hua Cheng roared once again
Laughing so hard that Hua Cheng had to hold him up; alright, alright enough of that you have to take him and leave and do what you must said Xie Lian
Mommy, would you love to see asked Hua Ying innocently
A-Ying if I see, I won't react like Jun Wu or your father would I would just have you sleep the rest of your mortal life away said Xie Lian
Mm ok you have a point and I have things to do he said as he smiled and skipped inside, what's for lunch daddy, A-Ying is starving as called out.
Go fetch Jiang Cheng, who won't get out of bed then you can eat said Hua Cheng
A-Cheng lets go eat said Hua Ying
Leave me. Said Jiang Cheng
A-Cheng if you don't get up, I will use the same talisman I used on Lan Zhan that night and trust me you won't like doing this against your will and you won't like it and anyway daddy said if you don't eat, I don't get to eat, plus we need to go. I need to meet up with sister Qing and see how she is then, go and get your core fixed.
Wait you can seriously do that? Asked Jiang Cheng
No, no I can't but, grandmother Sanren, can. Said Hua Ying
But she lives on a celestial mountain and doesn't allow her students to come back after they leave said Jiang Cheng
To others yes, mother went back with father after they started roaming, that is my second home, by my grandmother that's normally where I go if I don't want to go to lotus pier and I am always welcome. Said Hua Ying
So, we are going to that mountain asked Jaing Cheng
No Grandmother won't allow that, she doesn't like you with good reason, so when I get to Yiling and meet with sister Qing then, I will receive a message on where to go next and how to proceed I all said Hua Ying so are you coming to eat or you going to starve yourself until we get there because I can guarantee on the third day of inedia people start looking tasty. Said Hua Ying
Getting up and following him why would Boashan Sanren help me if she doesn't like me? Asked Jiang Cheng
Because I am her beloved grandson and only blood member of our clan, she will never deny me with the reason I told her and before you ask it's because I used Shijie's name and she likes shijie said Hua Ying.
How come everyone knows us but, we don't know them? Asked Jiang Cheng
It is forbidden to speak of our families to outsiders. He did once and he got hurt and since then we forbade it with that good reason said Xie Lian now no more talking and eat.
Mommy did Daddy cook for an army again, is my uncle's coming? Asked Hua Ying as Hua Cheng walked out carrying the hot rice
A-Ying you haven't truly healed yet and you eat a lot more than this when you are still healing. besides I made our favorite said Hua Ying as he lifted the pot lid to show the extra flaming hot super spicy melt your skin off hot pot.
Daddy, you realize this I not enough said Hua Ying as his eyes glazed over.
It is enough for you little demon; it is all yours. I am eating with my darling tonight Hua Cheng said smiling
I do not know you can stomach that A-Ying; you truly are your father's son said Xie Lian
Mommy, when have I ever said that I wasn't said Hua Ying as he dug in.
Later that evening as they got ready to set off Hua Cheng and Xie Lian came to Hua Ying
Little demon, Ying Yu is to stay at your side at all times, keep to the shadows, keep in contact and know that we love you Hua Cheng said as he hugged his son
Please keep safe, we know what you are going to do but, Wen Chao is looking for you. We also heard since your letter your beloved has also started searching and has orders from Qingheng-Jun to bring you back to cloud recess. It seems his near-death experience has broken the seal he hasn't spoken to anyone we are on our way to see him now; Lan Qiren has woken and we are going to look and see if his seal is still stable said Xie Lian
Mommy, if his seal is broken then leave him be, if old man Qiren seal is broken seal him I do not trust him as yet and let Lan Zhan search, no one will find me if I do not want to be found said Hua Ying as he checked his Qiankun bag not looking at them.
Do you really not remember what happened in the cave? Asked Xie Lian
Mommy, my brain was fried all I remember is before the battle and the battle he grimaced afterwards it's like a blurred dream with buzzing and I want it that way for once I have been hurt enough said Hua Ying
Holding him tight, I know A-Ying are you sure you won't take anything else besides black hand and chengqing? Asked Xie Lian
I need nothing more besides Yin Yu, mommy I will try be safe I promise.
Walking out and getting onto the cart, Hua Ying sat next to Yin Yu but stood up and waved at his parents sending his butterflies to give them one last comfort before they disappeared into the darkness.
San Lang, if I am the god of misfortune what does that make our son? Asked Xie Lian
My love, it's like you said he doesn't create misfortune, it hounds him because of his fate we can do nothing but watch and wait. Said Hua Cheng
San Lang, I feel anxious I think his trial is going to happen in the days to come what worries me is that he will be alone. I also feel the this won't be a normal trial either said Xie Lian
My love, he is higher than a devastation class what happens now is up to him not us his soul has to go it has no choice now, if he wants to win the darkness that is inside him and help with the war to come, he is going to have to make a choice and knowing him as we do it will be the right one. Said Hua Cheng comforting Xie Lian
Two days on the road Hua Ying was bored so bored in fact he either willingly chose to practice his calligraphy, paint the scenery, read, meditate or listen to the gossip in the heavens.
A-Ying, Xie Lian would be proud of you said Yin Yu your calligraphy has improved greatly
Yin Yu, you tell mother what I have been doing and I will bury you so deep it will take you a century to crawl out of the pit said Hua Ying
Who's to say they don't already know? Asked Yin Yu
That stupid book Pei Ming wrote would have an accurate picture of my skills wouldn't it asked Hua Ying
Indeed, it would just like all the other colorful works that have appeared. Said Yin Yu
Why did they have to take the book from A-Zhan? Asked Hua Ying
They never did A-Ying, Nie Huaisang took, Lan Zhan's book. They have their own in case something happens again and they can't find you said Ying Yu
Stopping the cart, Yin Yu and Hua Ying sat up and listened Jiang Cheng woke up and was about to ask but Yin Yu reacted and held it mouth before Jiang Cheng could even speak.
Black hand Bind and bring them to me and the black ribbon did as it commanded bringing a boy no older than himself with a dew other people.
A-Ning said Hua Ying surprised as he asked black hand to only release Wen Ning
A-Ying what are you doing here it is not safe said Wen Ning
A-Ning I have come for your sister I need to ask her something important why aren't you at Yiling? Asked Hua Ying.
Please release them they are my followers and our family said Wen Ning I was sent here after a rumor had it that you are headed here, we are to man the post and notify Wen Chao if we captured you said Wen Ning, he does not know that we are family at birth.
A-Ning the guards are they yours there? Asked Hua Ying
No, they are his so seeing sister, is impossible said Wen Ning
A-Ning nothing is impossible for me come now, Yin Yu looks like we need to hide in the trunks and let A-Ning take over.
Finally breathing, you would trust a wen? Sneered Jiang Cheng
I would trust him as I trust A-sang and that would be with my life. I was born in his clan and my parents trusted them too, I grew up with them if we didn't leave I would've been there instead of here, but father wanted me to do the rites and rituals which I still never received and that's one of the reasons why they died, so to answer your question those that you see in front of you is my family, treat them with respect, oh and don't upset sister Qing she will use her needles on you imagine pain but being silent unable to scream, it will shatter your core so think about that said Hua Ying now get in the trunk as he shoved Jiang Cheng in violently and latched it.
I'll send sister Qing a message to expect you with us in a cart of medicinal herbs and tell her which to open so that the pungent smell will deter the guards he said with a rueful smile, A-Ning you and yours may take over and be safe.
"Halt what is in the trunks...
That would be for me.
Wen Qing we weren't notified of a shipment
And when it comes to my things you won't be
I will need to search
Unless you want to die be my guest
*Sound of a trunk opening*
Aaarrrggghhh what is that?
That would be sealed medicinal herbs I keep, when sealed they stink so would you like to go through the rest or may my brother come in and start unpacking?
Fine head in, I don't want to smell that anywhere near me
Continue driving my patience and you will find it in your food.
I should place a needle in your heart for coming here, Hua Ying scolded Wen Qing
Sister Qing, he jumped and knocked her over as he held her tight, how come you never saved me from the cave? Asked Hua Ying
I could I am sorry A-Ying but, when you got out, I did stabilize you enough to be taken home. *smack* what you go fight that monster for and get branded you are a special kind of stupid said Wen Qing
Ow sister Qing he moaned I thought I was being brave grinned Hua Ying
You are brave my little A-Ying, I am glad you stood up to that grease ball and his whore A-Ning said you were injured in the cell before you went and got stuck in the cave are you alright? Asked Wen Qing as she got up and let Jiang Cheng out and felt his wrist
I have nightmares and I don't sleep unless father knocks me out if that is what you are asking and yes also about the cave. Said Hua Ying
I can help with that said Wen Qing as she came over and did her examination on him, mm more ghost than mortal you descension is upon you *smack* why the hell would you come here so close to your descension she scolded once again
Ow sister Qing, I had to for him he pointed at Jiang Cheng I need your help we need your help said Hua Ying looking at her.
A-Ning put him in the room, I am going to out needles in you to regulate you because you are busy deviating and I will put you to sleep because I don't need to hear you scream and bring me trouble and you, she said to Yin Yu, make yourself useful and make tea ghost can feel pain too especially fallen heavenly officials and lastly you she pointed at Hua Ying when I come back you better explain yourself and with that Wen Qing followed her brother and Jiang Cheng into the next room as Yin Yu got busy making the tea and Hua Ying say at the table and meditated.
Ok speak, said Wen Qing
I need your help by helping me fix his core with a piece of my core before you ask it can be done, he said taking out Boashan Sanren notes and handing it to her.
A-Ying this is by far the stupidest thing you have ever done in your lifetime said Wen Qing as she rubbed her temples
Sister Qing please you are as good as grandmother, I need your help. Begged Hua Ying
And please explain to me why won't she do it? Wen Qing glared
She doesn't like Jiang Cheng she also doesn't want him on her mountain ever again not after what he has said she only agreed because it is for shijie that I am doing this for otherwise I wouldn't even consider it, please sister Qing.
A-Ying have you read these do you understand what needs to be done what you have to do? Do you know that taking a piece out will make you weak as a mortal because the pain is unbearable, you have to do it yourself do you understand that? Asked Wen Qing
Qing Jie, I have had the pain of dog bite, dire wolf bite, I've been thrown against a wall where my head was open and recently broken my wrist, shot by an arrow, stabbed by giant teeth and branded that went bad in my seventeen years if I can handle all that then surely, I can handle this, it can't be worse than the pain that beats in my heart said Hua Ying as he looked down.
A-Ying we shall see, so I guess after this. The seal? Asked Wen Qing
I'm sorry he said as he started crying
You aren't losing us A-Ying just think of us as sleeping ok. We will be fine but, you need to sleep A-Ning is making something that will help calm the nightmares and for a whole day you will sleep said Wen Qing
You are going to put a needle in me, aren't you? Asked Hua Ying
Yes, I am going to put a needle in you smiled Wen Qing
Vicious said Hua Ying
Over baring, protective said Wen Qing
Is he asleep? Asked Yin Yu a while later
Yes, his spirit won't go anywhere unless he had to go for his trial, I have a favor to ask said Wen Qing
After this he no longer does anything for anyone else, no matter who it is for. A-Ying has suffered enough even at the hands of his soulmate no more sacrifices If he can help it, please, I only put him to sleep because he is also unstable, his emotions are everywhere I do not know if that is because of the trial but, I know most of it is due to the heart breaks he had to go through said Wen Qing
I shall so my best, you said his trail is upon him? Asked Yin Yu
Tell crimson rain sough flower that in two days his son's trial in Gu city will happen. His body must be kept in the arena or if it falls in darkness protected there until it passes but, the person I am concerned about is Lan Zhan that is wandering around, he will be with our A-Ying and will need to be protected as well, where one goes the other will follow but only one shall descend while the other will gain strength. Said Wen Qing
Is shall go now and let him know said Yin Yu as he disappeared, Wen Qing went to Hua Ying room and found her brother sitting there as well.
You are also worried aren't you she said with a sigh
Sister, he is asking too much this time replied Wen Ning
No A-Ning, he what he is asking for is enough she said as she caressed his head, you need to be with me because I will need your help. Said Wen Qing as she walked away
The next day after a long journey, they arrived at the bottom of one of the remote mountains in Yiling.
The mountain was lively with green plants. Its top was surrounded by cloud and mist. There was indeed some sense of heavenliness to it.
Alright. Now, I won't be able to go any further up with you. Said Hua Ying grandmother, doesn't want me to learn this art otherwise I will do it myself.
He took out a piece of cloth and covered Jiang Cheng's eyes with it. He told him over and over again,
You must never, never open your eyes otherwise grandmother Sanren won't help. There aren't any beasts on the mountain. I'd rather you walk slower. Even if you fall, you can't pull the cloth away. You must not be curious. Remember, tell the truth no matter how hard.
Jiang Cheng nodded as he turned around and slowly began to walk up the mountain.
I'll be waiting for you in the town back there, then we can go to shijie at Lanling! Said Hua Ying
After he watched Jiang Cheng's slowly moving silhouette for a while, he turned around as well and walked onto another of the mountain paths.
Jiang Cheng had been in the mountain for seven days.
The town that they had agreed to meet in was built amid the mountains. It was rather remote. There weren't many people inside. The roads were both thin and bumpy. There weren't even any street vendors on the side.
Hua Ying was squatting on the side of the road. He glanced at the direction of the mountain. There was still no sight of Jiang Cheng nor of Yin Yu. Hands on his knees, he stood up before feeling his head spin. Wobbling for a few moments, he walked toward the only teahouse in the town.
What would you like? Asked the waiter Hua Ying was immediately alarmed.
In the ten days he not once had the time to clean himself up. He could almost be described as grimy. When most teahouse waiters saw such a look, he'd be lucky if they didn't kick him out right away. Coming over with such enthusiasm seemed a bit too fake. He quickly scanned around the shop. The accountant stood behind the counter, appearing as though he wanted to bury his face into the account booklet. Around half a dozen people sat scattered around ten tables. Many of them were wearing capes, drinking tea with their heads low as if they were hiding something. Immediately, Hua Ying spun around to leave. However, just one step outside of the teahouse, a tall, dark shadow had hovered over him and struck him hard in the chest.
Hua Ying moved a few steps back and kneeled holding his chest, all of the people inside took off their capes, revealing the sun robes that they wore inside. Wen ZhuLiu stepped over the threshold and stood in front of Hua Ying. Looking at how he kneeled with his head to the floor, he seemed to be thinking. Somebody tried to kick him over and failed.
You're down already?! You brat, didn't you jump around quite a bit back in the cave of the Xuanwu of Slaughter? You're finished with just a strike? Hahahaha, keep on jumping, look at how arrogant you were! said Wen Chao his face full of cruel excitement
Quick! Young Master Wen, chop off his hand! He still owes us an arm! Said Wang LingJaio
No, no, no, let's not hurry. We've finally found the brat. Chopping off his hand causes too much bleeding. If he dies soon afterwards then it wouldn't be fun anymore. First melt his core. I want to hear him scream like how that little bastard Jiang Cheng did! Said Wen Chao
Then melt his core first, then chop off his hand! Said Wang Lingjaio
Wen ZhuLiu did you forget me so easily? Did you forget who I truly was, sure bring out everything you have, Wen chao you grease ball but know this I will be back I will avenge lotus pier, I will avenge the Nie sect clan and I will avenge cloud recess but most importantly Lan Qingheng-Jun, Lan Qiren and A-Zhan my A-Zhan whose leg was broken by your brother whose leg was hurt again, by the beast you forced is to hunt. My heart that bleeds will heal knowing those that have tortured my family, will die by my hands when I return but you, You three I will let you watch I will torment you as a cat torments a mouse before I kill you all said Hua Ying laughing as he held his face in one hand as he started losing control
Mark your words. Son of a servant said Wang Lingjaio
Making Hua Ying laugh more mark my word, slut mark yours for I will be coming or you all he said
You're so close to your death and you're still playing the hero! Sneered Wen Chao
It's precisely because I'm close to my death that I'm so happy! My descension is at hand and you tipped it. Hua Ying Laughed coldly
Hearing this, Wen Chao actually hesitated. Hua Ying never went for the rites and why should he, he was the son of crimson rain sough flower the second powerful ghost king and God of misfortune and heavenly emperor crowned price Xie Lian After all.
Young Master Wen, don't listen to his nonsense. Not everyone can become ferocious ghosts after they die. Said Wang Lingjaio
Of course not! Roared Wen Chao
Ah my dear who ever said I'd be ranked ferocious? In the ghost realm four kings rule one will die by my hand the other two are devastation and there is wrath one or near devastation, me fierce. Laughing again no I won't be ranked fierce; I will surpass my father and rank supreme.
Enough!" ordered Wen Chao, Wei Ying, you're always thinking that you're not scared of anything, that you're brave and you're mighty, aren't you?
Huh, so even Wen-dogs can speak the human tongue? Said Hua Ying surprised
Grabbing him and pulling him, they took Hua Ying along with him, the Wen Sect's people flew with their swords. The town and the mountains grew farther and farther away. Grinning Hua Ying felt the pull of the dark energy he also knew who waited for him there.
After a while of flying, a black mountain suddenly broke through the layers of snowy clouds. The mountain emitted a foreboding air of death. As though it was a large corpse thousands of years old, just looking at it made one's blood run cold.
Wen Chao stopped over the mountain. Wei Ying, do you know where this is? He sneered; this place is called Burial Mound. Burial Mound is right in Yiling. You Yunmeng people have probably heard of its name as well. It's a mountain of corpses, an old battleground. If you find a spot wherever on the mountain and dig your shovel into it, you'll be able to dig out a corpse. Any nameless corpses would be tossed here as well, wrapped in a mat only. The sword array descended slowly, approaching the black peak. Wen Chao, Look at the dark air. Tsk tsk tsk, the hostile energy is strong, isn't it? And the resentful energy is thick, isn't it? Even us at the Wen Sect weren't able to do anything about it. We could only surround it and prevent people from going in. This is still daytime. At night, really any—-thing can be found in there. When a living person goes in here, both the body and the soul, they cannot return, unable to get out for all of eternity. He grabbed Hua Ying's hair. A grotesque grin on his face, he spoke one word at a time, and you won't be able to get out for all of eternity either!
As he finished, he threw Hua Ying down.
But he didn't fall he floated and finally showed his face, Hua Ying eyes was red as blood.
Although a should thank you, but a crowned prince and titled ghost king does not bow now do, they father? he said as a figure in red walked up and wrapped his arm around Hua Ying
That is right little demon said Hua Cheng with an evil grin
Let me formally introduce myself as the darkness crept up and welcomed Hua Ying waiting for him to come down and start absorbing it, so he could face his trial.
I AM THE SON OF THE GOD OF MISFORTUNE WHO IS THE HEAVENLY EMPEROR XIAN LIAN, TWIN BROTHER OF THE FLOWER MOON GODDESS HUA TIANSHI AND FIRST-BORN SON OF THE SECOND DEVASTATION GHOST KING CRIMSON RAIN SOUGHT FLOWER, I AM HUA YING CROWNED HEAVENLY PRINCE AND TITLED GHOST KING READY TO TAKE MY TRIAL AND RULE BY MY GHOST FATHER'S SIDE. Roared Hua Ying but neither will any of you remember you will have nightmares but you will not remember until the hour of your death he laughed and I will come for you all and avenge everyone.
Happy descension A-Ying now go make us proud he said as the darkness pulled him gently down.
When done daddy, take my body home to the arena don't let mother come near until I am safe, I love you were his last words before he disappeared.