A-Qing called Hua Ying as he walked into the bird paradise hall
What are you doing here! Growled Wen Qing
Here to lend a helping hand, what should it be guzheng or guqin asked Hua Ying
Guzheng sighed Wen Qing.
Hua Ying went up to the podium and at down at the spiritual Guzheng that was used by Wang Fang, sure Hua Ying created the scores, but it was Wang Fang that played as he listened and corrected where it needed to be corrected, Hua Ying never wanted to touch either because it reminded him too much of Lan Zhan, but it is needed here.
He sat there frozen with his fingers just above the strings and yet he couldn't bring himself to play, Wen Qing saw this and decided to bring the curtain down so that he could not only play but be able to let out his emotions, in FengHuang no one judged or asked questions about why he played for Wen Qing with the curtains drawn, they all knew the history, but no one treated him different to them he was their teacher, their founder and apart of the family that they all needed.
Once the curtains were drawn Hua Ying started playing, putting enough spiritual essence into the score to start the healing process so that they could leave in the morning, he did not want them here, as he played the tears ran down his face as he remembered the score he had played when he first took Lan Zhan to the red-light district, he remembered that night with clarity, whenever he touched a zither this pain is what he felt, every time after each melody the strings would shatter as his heart and he would scatter into his butterflies and leave and sit in Tonglu's Kiln waiting for the next opponent to make their way in, sometimes it would be the mountains that would attack him so he could unleash his pain, he knew what it was doing to him and he knew how to heal but it was hard to face the man that betrayed him not only in flesh but heart and soul as well. The words he spoke still rang in Hua Ying's ears:
I have never loved you; it was all a trick you used, you disgust me, I wish I had never met you; I am glad your demons have been exorcised now there is no trying us together. I want you to leave my sight and never show yourself in front of me again because if you do, I will kill you!
He is here now and no one knew, if they knew I wouldn't be here
Once the score ended Hua Ying heard Wen Qing sighed and muttered her thanks.
If you want me, I will be in the passionless valley checking on my uncle said Hua Ying as he scattered and left to the border of Fenghuang.
He could've flown but why when the walk was better, in the midmight sky when life was sleeping, everything was always better. it also meant that they would have left by the time he returns the would be gone as the run reached its peak.
Sect leader bowed Lan Zhan as he came in.
If you are looking for A-Ying he had just left said Wen Qing as he turned and looked, she saw that his ears were still bleeding, and that Hua DiSung was just about to walk up smiling mischievously.
DiSung, a moment said Wen Qing as Hua DiSung made his way to her.
Is Sect Leader Lan here as well asked Wen Qing
Yes, Aunt Qing he is in mother's room with father said Hua DiSung
If anyone wants me, I shall be there for a time said Wen Qing as she grabbed her medical supplies and dragged Lan Zhan along with her.
I am not sure if you have noticed that when A-Ying is in his phoenix form her screech is deadlier than her claws you and your brother are busy deviating explained Wen Qing
I have not noticed said Lan Zhan
No, you wouldn't as Wang Fang gave you a potion but unless we deal with it you will weaken, and your brother will die said Wen Qing as they reached the doors of the Inn.
Sect leader what are you doing here asked Kai Huang
Not to stick needles in you, can you make the tea for me please and have it bought up to the room asked Wen Qing
Weird, DiSung had already asked, and it was taking in not too long ago said Kai Huang
What a filial boy smiled Wen Qing
He is too good said Kai Huang, and it is your fault he growled as he pointed.
He wanted to learn I taught him, I see nothing wrong with that, when A-Ying learned the medicinal way before he learned the sword countered Wen Qing
Well go up if anyone comes for you, I shall send them said Kai Huang
Kai Huang went back behind his station as Wen Qing and Lan Zhan went up to Hua Ying quarters.
Why does he have a room at the Inn asked Lan Zhan
Because he drinks to get drunk then passes out it is not only here it is everywhere said Wen Qing
Is it bad asked Lan Zhan as they reached the door.
Wen Qing sighed as she opened and entered, second young master Lan, let him say what you have said let him see you with another that was meant to be him then be revived for the sake of his children, if he could kill himself now, he would but he cannot, so he drinks.
I wouldn't blame him for all that we have done said ZeWu-Jun
You are to blame for it, you resented his power, everyone resented that he was stronger than everyone else, you resented that he had a hold of your brother's heart, you uncle resented him because of his phoenix mother and your brother here resented himself for the pain he had caused the love of his life and regretted it explained Wen Qing.
A-Ying... A-Ying doesn't resent or regret what has been done nor who he fell in love with what he does regret is that he was never fast enough, never cunning enough, never ruthless enough, add that with the shattered heart and his mending soul you get trouble.
I am not here to discuss the founder; I am here to give you both these they will help stabilize the deviation A-Ying had caused, and the tea will help with the flow said Wen Qing
Has he changed at all asked ZeWu-Jun as he drank the tea and pills
Yes and no said Wen Qing, he is more shut off from the worlds because we treat him as fragile and shut him off first otherwise with his children by his side the mischievousness is ten-fold, he laughs when he can otherwise, he smiles when he can't, he hides his sorrow and tears from them, but with those three, they are his only source of light in his dark world said Wen Qing
I understand said ZeWu-Jun
Sect leader said a Fenghuang disciple as he bowed, the sweat poured form him as he panted while Hua DiSung walked casually in and bowed to them.
DiSung, Shen what is the matter asked Wen Qing
The founder panted Feng Shen
What of the founder asked Wen Qing getting irritated
What my friend is trying to say is mother has left for the passionless valley said DiSung
That I know why the rush she asked
The land of tender, has taken two caravans said Feng Shen
KAI HUANG roared Wen Qing
Yes, sect leader called Kai Huang as he pounded up the stairs.
All celebrations are halted the land of tender has returned said Wen Qing
I shall let the others know he said as he called his sons and explained the situation
Is there more asked Wen Qing
Mother walked said Hua DiSung smiling
Why would he do that asked Wen Qing
He was injured during the fight said ZeWu-Jun
That is why he felt weak... THAT STUPID BASTARD WHAT THE FUCK WAS HE THINKING?! Shouted Wen Qing
There's more smiled Hua DiSung
SPIT IT OUT roared Wen Qing
Mother walked towards the passionless valley at the same route the land of tender has shown up, mother is in for the night of mother's life if mother can fight that is smiled Hua DiSung ruthlessly
Sometimes I wonder who is the demon among you and your sister Hua DiSung, Shen have two elders wear their veils and search for the founder when they find him have him return so I can tie him to the bed growled Wen Qing.
Hua DiSung almost skipped out of the inn smiling as he tailed a running Feng Shen, Wen Qing started getting a headache.
What is the land of tender asked ZeWu-Jun
It is the only place that is not controlled by anyone and if you pay a high enough price, the land of tender will appear and seduce anyone for their essence said Wen Qing
I am sorry but I still do not understand is it like the vampire corpses asked ZeWu-Jun as Lan Zhan's grip on Bichen tightened
Th land of Tender are female demons with the ability to shape-shift. They naturally appearance in the form of bright, red flowers with poisonous thorns all over the stem, but they can transform into actual women or men depending on what you prefer. The demons have a consciousness and playful personalities, often giggling and teasing the men they encounter.
They are known to gather to hunt for their victims by releasing a potent fragrance, once their victim inhales the fragrance, they start experiencing things. First symptoms include numbness in the limbs, a sudden wave of dizziness and a burning feeling of the insides. The affected person becomes unable to properly speak and walk due to the symptoms. They also become sensitive to sound around them. Following the first outbreak of symptoms, the second sign will begin: mania. This will lead to the rush of blood to a certain organ and desire will take over explained Wen Qing.
How do you know this asked ZeWu-Jun
This is his mother's land where Tai Zi Danxia originated from he was the first to encounter them looks like it is my A-Ying's turn to suffer, if they get to him, well his fourth life is going to painful yet satisfying experience said Wen Qing, plus as the sect leader Tai Zi Danxia made me study all the dangers since we are closer to hell than anywhere else.
Where is it asked Lan Zhan as he got up.
You do realize you are injured as well said Wen Qing as Lan Zhan stared her down.
Tell him, he isn't going to stop until he either finds Hua Ying or gets it out of anyone by any means said ZeWu-Jun
North-west a day and a half on foot on the caravan path, it is the only bricked road that we paved said Wen Qing as she handed a bag of medication, in case he needs it and for you, cover your nose and mouth, do not let them touch you, do not burn them stay away from the juices if you cut them, look for a cavern or he would be in the middle of a blood circle said Wen Qing I pray it is the former, right now I need to go to the temple and let his father know.
Lan Zhan bowed and walked out the door and finally disappeared into the night.
If I did not know any better, I'd say that your brother spoke lies that night of A-Ying's banishment said Wen Qing
He had an additional two talismans on him, one to twist the words he wanted to speak and another to twist his actions said ZeWu-Jun
I see and A-Ying does not know? Asked Wen Qing
He does not for he still has Qishan to do, so my brother is trying a different approach said ZeWu-Jun
As Lan Zhan got outside Hua DiSung was waiting for him.
Father is going to find mother; I know where mother is I just cannot go with pouted Hua DiSung
DiSung, where is he? Asked Lan Zhan
On the border of the passionless valley, on the caravan road you can't miss it, it is the only paved road in BeiMian, mother is in an overturned rickshaw said Hua DiSung
How do you know asked Lan Zhan
We are Phoenixes, telepathy is a gift and difficult to control and if mother wants to ghost walk mother can, it's like... uhm... one minute I am here then he burst into flames and appeared behind Lan Zhan... and the next I am here he said as Lan Zhan turned around and Hua DiSung walked up.
mother, Ruo-Ruo and Mo Mo can me I am not a ghost smiled Hua DiSung and having a twin, secrets are not hidden from each other
So, when A-Ying left you with me asked Lan Zhan
It was to protect you yes, said Hua DiSung, mother loves you, but mother doesn't want to be near you.
Well, this time he has no option said Lan Zhan, thank you DiSung.
As he got stepped on Bichen and sped off
"don't tell mother I told you and don't tell mother I shared my gift... I am already in trouble with Ruo-Ruo"
Having a small voice in your head was unnerving and yet a comfort to Lan Zhan at the same time, he couldn't help smiling as he went and searched for his soulmate.
Passionless valley
The midnight sky was beautiful as Hua Ying walked slowly on the caravan road, although the road itself is manmade it went with the land and did not cut through it like so many others, everyone kept his concept of living with the land and not killing it but here in BeiMian they did not stand the ghost realm. Cuo-Cuo came running as he saw Hua Ying alone and dove to him and wrapped around his neck.
Cuo-Cuo is happy to see A-Ying said Cuo-Cuo
And A-Ying is happy to see Cuo-Cuo, run away from your mother again asked Hua Ying
No father said Cuo-Cuo
Cuo-Cuo, he is trying don't you think you should at least give him a chance? Asked Hua Ying
Heaven is bad snorted Cuo-Cuo
I am of heaven said Hua Ying as he laughed then he came across a caravan that had been overturned.
A-Ying was first of paradise manor then of the demon said Cuo-Cuo
Cuo-Cuo you need to leave; I only have black-Hand with me. Said Hua Ying
Cuo-Cuo will tell mother he said as he ran off
Heading closer to the caravan Hua Ying saw the corpses as he smelt them, the men were all drained of their essence and was mummified but Hua Ying heard sobbing.
Is anyone there? I won't hurt you called Hua Ying as a small girl of seven years came out of the overturned rickshaw.
Founder she cried and held onto him, there was so many, giggling and laughing, papa told me to hide, and I hid then I heard strange noises she cried more.
It is fine come; I will open an array that will take you back at FengHuang while I search for your mother said Hua Ying
Mother is dead she said as she pointed to a field of bright red flowers, she wanted the flowers and then she fell said the little girl.
Alright here said Hua Ying as he handed her a butterfly, this is my special friend when you go through the array, he will take you to my sister sect leader Qing she will look after you smiled Hua Ying as he opened the array and held her hand, are you ready? He asked
She looked up and smiled, thank you founder she beamed then walked through.
Hua Ying closed the array and stumbled a bit then he went and kneeled by the body, the flowers were indeed bright blood red and they had poison dripping from their thorns which was not noticeable at night, Hua Ying stood up and made it towards the men, no injuries could be seen on either of them, but they were sucked dry.
What in heaven's name could have done this whispered Hua Ying
Then he tried to stand but he felt his body weakened, thinking nothing of it he got up slowly as his mind reeled from dizziness.
Something is not right here said Hua Ying as he was unsteady on his feet.
The caravan was a small one, carrying a small closed overturned rickshaw which was made for the little girl and her mother and behind the donkey's waited patiently with the cloth. Suddenly Hua Ying heard laughter coming from the field, he then knew why they never harmed the child, first she was a female and second her essence was too small to do anything.
Dear mother, looks like I am in the same situation except you had a cave I have nothing for miles, but an overturned Rickshaw laughed Hua Ying.
Hua Ying turned back to the men and searched for a knife, and he found one then heading back to the rickshaw, sliced open his wrist and walked around the rickshaw to prevent the demons from getting to him, once he was done, he got the cloths and made a small nest inside and took off all his clothing as the sweat had already started seeping through and had Black hand bind him so that he could not walk or move when the mania took over, he was feeling quite happy that he started singing, there were brief moments of clarity as he calmed down and the tears ran down his face. He never heard Lan Zhan even if his hearing was heightened, he cried silently until he heard footsteps approach his barrier.
You will never enter, nor can you ever have me demons said Hua Ying with as much venom as he could muster.
It's me said the voice outside the Rickshaw
Lan Zhan? Don't come in... I am not safe... what are you doing here! Demanded Hua Ying
A disciple came to tell Wen Qing about the land of tender, after brother inquired about it, I came this way to find you said Lan Zhan
Why would you do that? You owe me nothing... I owe you nothing... we severed ties more than two years ago... why would you come here? Asked Hua Ying
The tent flap opened, and Lan Zhan entered, he saw Hua Ying only in his trousers as the sweat gleamed off every part his body, the bandage that was on his chest had come off slightly, there was no mistaking the tears that flowed from his eyes as he sat there bound by his own spiritual tool.
I told you not to enter growled Hua Ying
It does not matter, Wen Qing gave me some things, I am here to help A-Ying said Lan Zhan
Do no touch me said Hua Ying, you will make it worse.
Then how can I help you if I cannot touch you asked Lan Zhan
Leave! Ordered Hua Ying, leave go back to your own! and leave me in peace!
No said Lan Zhan as he started unwinding the bandage touching Hua Ying's frozen skin as little as possible.
Why must you torment me? Do you enjoy it? I have forgiven you a long time ago Second young master Lan, so what more do you want from me that I haven't already given? Demanded Hua Ying
Lan Zhan stayed silent as he applied the salve on the already closed wound where he had been impaled that Wen Qing had given to him, he then took out the pills and placed all five in his cupped hand and bought it to Hua Ying's mouth.
Take them said Lan Zhan as he looked at Hua Ying's eyes.
I would rather die sneered Hua Ying
Lan Zhan had enough as he placed his hand under Hua Ying's chin and one finger one each side as he pried open his mouth and placed the pills in then, he held Hua Ying's mouth closed by keeping his thumb under his chin.
You have been slowly killing yourself already haven't you asked Lan Zhan as Hua Ying's eyes opened in surprise as he swallowed all five pills.
How do you know? asked Hua Ying as Lan Zhan opened the water canister and placed it at Hua Ying's lips.
Outside the flower woman kept on with their taunts and rants egging them both to come out and to have a good time but they both ignored it.
You know what never mind, I can say that it is either my uncle, Wen Qing or DiSung maybe even all three, A-Yu and Zhiruo would rather lock me up then make the same mistake a third time said Hua Ying
Lan Zhan just stared at Hua Ying as he spoke the words
You want to know the worst thing, I cannot die, every martial god and immortal can die even a phoenix can, but I cannot, I used my four lifetimes already I had given up my immortality for the heavens to name me beloved as my mother and it chose me not to die, the one person that has no reason to live but for my children... four lifetimes, three deaths, one soulmate, to be ridiculed, hated, betrayed, murdered... always choosing my own path instead of the one handed to me, always doing what is right and just... what a fool I am to even think that I could have what my parents had, a ridiculous fool. Said Hua Ying with venom.
Then he looked at Lan Zhan, thank you but you should go back take those that came here, those that do not belong and go home... I will be fine as soon as the sun comes out.
Lan Zhan sat in his lotus position and just looked at the cloth wall as he replied No.
Second master Lan you are not needed here, I do not want you here said Hua Ying, just leave...
Before Hua Ying could even finish his sentence Lan Zhan grabbed him and kissed him, even in his mania Hua Ying knew who this was, Lan Zhan bought Hua Ying up so that he half laid on Lan Zhan's lap, Lan Zhan's left hand, held Hua Ying's head steady and bought him even closer as they both deepened the kiss as he wrapped his right arm around Hua Ying waist holding him there in his embrace.
Breaking off the kiss Lan Zhan looked at Hua Ying's intoxicated eyes, don't ask me to leave because for the world I would rather stay at your side then leave again said Lan Zhan
And for the world I would rather forget then live in a memory said Hua Ying.
You are married and as I have said before I am not a gained experience nor a toy you can toss around when you feel the need, I will not be used again.
Lan Zhan held Hua Ying tighter, I broke of that engagement because I am already married, and I have hurt the person I love the most, I had our children murdered, I had cut off my soulmates hair and spat venom as he looked at me with pleading eyes, I dare not ask for forgiveness because what I had done does not deserve forgiveness, I have searched since for him and only every time caught a glimpse, for once I am selfish I do not want that said Lan Zhan
He let go slightly as lifted Hua Ying's head so he could see his eyes, I want to work on my redemption at your side. No matter what, this is where I want to be said Lan Zhan as he softly kissed Hua Ying.
I do not believe your words and even if they are true... what you ask is impossible said Hua Ying.
I am not of this world nor the martial heavens, I am the son of Hua Cheng and daughter of Xie Lian, both demon and immortal, ghost and martial and I am the balance in the ongoing war. You cannot follow even if you were to ascend because I will not allow it. I cannot.
Why asked Lan Zhan
Because I would rather protect my heart than have it in pieces again said Hua Ying as black hand released him.
Lan Zhan sat Hua Ying up on his lap and held him Hua Ying hissed at the contact making his already boiling blood rush, once again they were locked in a kiss as Lan Zhan gently laid him down on the nest Hua Ying had created and ran his hand on Hua Ying's cold flesh.
Hua Ying arched in response to each touch, each pinch it reminded him of the zither being played, Lan Zhan was playing him, and he was responding willingly. Hua Ying hands slowly untied Lan Zhan's robes and took them off then pulled Lan Zhan closer that their skins touched.
Hua Ying felt frantic as his skin felt like it was on fire. Before Lan Zhan could even go further Hua Ying had pushed him off in a moment of clarity and ran out leaving Lan Zhan behind. Kneeling outside Hua Ying gulped in the cool air as he watched the demons play with each other urging him to come forward, soon instead of pleasured moans the demons were screaming as his father walked forward, blood rain fell from the skies.
Did Cuo-Cuo reach Aunt Lan asked Hua Ying
Guess I missed her as Wen Qing demanded that I come and save you grinned Hua Cheng as he came through and the flowers wilted under the blood rain.
I do not need saving, you and the one in the tent has a saving complex when it comes to me growled Hua Ying
and you little demon have a sacrificing complex as my love, except he seeks redemption another way said Hua Cheng
Everything foretold is a lesson gained, now I will head to uncle you two head back and take him with you, I want them gone on my return said Hua Ying
Little demon, a broken heart can only be fixed by love said Hua Cheng
AND HOW MUCH OF THIS POISONED LOVE SHOLD I ENDURE BEFORE I FIND A WAY TO TRULY END MY LIFE Shouted Hua Ying as Hua Cheng paled
That's right father, it is best to kill emotion every single one of them... if I cannot end my own life and mother knows the pain of not being able to die, it's a curse I never wanted. he sneered. With that he changed into a phoenix and flew off.
San Lang, he doesn't mean it, it is just the mania it will wear off as soon as he gets there said Xie Lian as he touched Hua Cheng's back
He has too much venom in his heart and that what has spoken said Hua Cheng as Lan Zhan came out.
Are you alright asked Xie Lian as he saw Lan Zhan
What did he mean by I cannot be with him even if I were to ascend asked Lan Zhan
Is that what he told you sighed Xie Lian.
As a heaven's beloved we ascend to upper heaven it is where immortals roam that do not need for worshipers and such, we just exist like the ghost realm, I chose to stay in the lower court because I enjoy helping the people, whereas A-Ying chose to stay because he loves the mortal world and his family here and his people said Xie Lian
When little demon and you had your time within the mountain you both combined your souls, this has never been done before but when he died you ascension started but because he chose to remove his memories of you it was never completed, you Lan Zhan at the time was neither mortal nor immortal...
Then when you were attacked by the darkness, he showed up again to help you and to stop your ascension again said Hua Cheng
Then what of the war he said something about him being the balance asked Lan Zhan
This is the reason he does not want you by his side, he is once again protecting everyone us included, it is an immortal war that he has left me out of because he knows if I join San Lang joins, if you join then the children will too, if he loses us then what does he have left? Only ZhiRuo and DiSung can be reborn, you would have to spend another 100 mortal years before ascending if your essence isn't shattered. Hua Ying learned how to hurt a person with words from all of you and he uses it not to break them down but rather to push everyone away to keep them safe said Xie Lian as he drew a short-distancing array.
I dare say my son had said a lot to dissuade you from seeing him again.
It doesn't matter I will not leave his side said Lan Zhan
After this he will only be back in the mortal realm once he clears Qishan said Hua Cheng, it is best to either start clearing or wait for him to return.
Then I shall help in clearing and wait said Lan Zhan
Then let us go Xie Lian said as the portal glowed, he does not want the cultivational world here any longer.
What of my answer asked Lan Zhan
Wen Qing already has your answer, they will join the conference but not the studies as there is nothing you can teach them that A-Ying has not taught them, dare I say that A-Ying's sects are better than yours said Xie Lian
Xie Lian if he stops my ascension... does that mean... it means struggled Lan Zhan
He does not want you at his side as he is protecting you. If anything were to happen at least your children will have one parents to watch them grow while he is unable to said Xie Lain smiling sadly
He has made you like what I use to be an immortal banished to the mortal realm and there is nothing you can do about it, A-Ying is heaven's voice until DiSung is ready to take his crown and you cannot die as A-Ying Is the voice of the Diyu so there is no rebirth for you and no death until ZhiRuo takes her crown... so in the words of A-Frayer... A-Zhan my son you are truly fucked said Hua Cheng grinning