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Beautiful notes drifted into the air from the moving boat as the melody from the Xiao filled the peaceful air.

Lan XiChen was sitting at the front of the rowing boat, eyes closed serenely as he played his instrument. It has been over a week since he left the safety of Meng Yao's, a young master that saved him from the pursuing Wen soldiers on the night of the attack in Cloud Recesses, home.

Now, he's heading home.

'A-Yang...I hope we will see each other soon'

Unknowingly, the news of Wei WuHui's 'death' never reaches his ears as the Gusu Sect Heir continued to hold hope in meeting his fated one again.

———

"Forgive me, Gege but it have to be done"

"I'm sorry for leaving you once again"

"Mèimei!" Wei WuXian shot up from the bed in sweats as he panted heavily after yelling out for his sister.

"Wei-Gongzi." Wen Ning, who was standing nearby, immediately rushed toward him as the latter was snapping to his right and left. Desperately looking for any sign of his twin.

"Where's Mèimei? Where's my Mèimei?" Wei WuXian exclaimed as he grabbed onto Wen Ning's collar. "Tell me where Wei Yang is!"

"Calm yourself, Wei WuXian or else I have to subdue you." Then, Wen Qing stepped into the room with a stern glare as the thin needles in her hands glinted.

"What happen? Where is Jiang Cheng and Mèimei?" Wei WuXian asked.

"Wei-Gu Niang..." Wen Ning began hesitantly.

"The operation was successful and Jiang-Gongzi was stable after that." Wen Qing explained.

Wei WuXian's eyes widened. "I-It works? So Jiang Cheng was able to have my golden core?" He asked.

Wen Qing and Wen Ning stayed quiet, either confirming his question as Wei WuXian furrowed his brows in confusion.

His eyes then glanced down at his wrist when an uneasy feeling began to kick in, before he slowly reached with his other hand and placed his fingers on his wrist.

...

...

"W-What? Why do I still have my golden core?" Wei WuXian stammered shakily, staring up at the Wen siblings.

Wen Qing avoids the young master's eyes before sighing as she glanced down at the floor solemnly.

"Wei WuHui...it's Wei WuHui's golden core inside of Jiang-Gongzi. Not yours."

———

"Xuanzheng Year 20, Yunmeng Jiang Sect was exterminated. Qishan Wen Sect's flames of arrogance burned even brighter. Setting up Supervisory Offices everywhere. Those who defy their will, will bring about the calamity of annihilations upon their sect. Corpses covering all lands. Blood flowing like stream"

Over to the land of Lanling, in the Golden Carp Tower, a Jin disciple is seen rushing toward the large pavilion where his sect leader was enjoying his time with the company of beautiful maidens.

"Sect Leader! Sect Leader!"

An annoyed expression appeared on the Jin GuangShan's face as he glanced to the panting disciple. "Why so panicky? Lan-Xiansheng trying to persuade us to join the campaign against the Wens again?" He questioned dismissively as he take a sip of his wine. "Tell him I'm not here."

"No, Sect Leader. Qishan...Qishan Wen Sect sent a messenger." The Jin disciple informed nervously.

Jin GuangShan raised a brow. "What did he say?"

"He said that...they will set up the Supervisory Office in Golden Carp Tower. While the Sect Leader shall hand over shield formation of Golden Carp Tower and all top-tier magic treasures in 5 days. Or else...or else..." The disciple began to stammer.

"Or else what?" Jin GuangShan frowned.

"Or else your sect will end up like Yunmeng Jiang Sect."

———

Meanwhile at the Gusu borders, the sound of Pípa played under the night sky as teal specks of spiritual energy floated along the water toward the two figures playing on the land. One of the figures being Lan ChunTao and the other being a Lan disciple.

All the spirits summoned under the melodies of the instrument, gathered around the silver hairpin. Eventually, the spirits began to form into wave-like body as a tiny speck of teal-green gently floated toward Lan ChunTao's Pípa and plucked a single note before beginning to disperse.

"Nothing..." Lan ChunTao said through gritted teeth as she stared at the spirits in frustration.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps were heard.

"Lan-Gu Niang. Somebody's here." A Lan disciple stated cautiously.

The maiden stood up from her spot as she stared at the darkened path and when she saw the unknown intruder beginning to step into view, her eyes widened in sheer bewilderment.

The Lan disciple quickly realised who he saw and instantly smiled. "Lan-Da Gongzi."

Lan ChunTao's eyes began to glisten with tears as she covered her mouth.

Standing in front of them, alive and breathing, was her eldest brother. Lan XiChen. "ChunTao. Hope you've been well."

Lan ChunTao sniffled. "Xiongzhang."

"I could hear this song of Inquiry from afar. Once I heard it, I knew it was you who played it." Lan XiChen spoke then he frowned as he turned toward the spirits with visible confusion on his face. "But...why are they saying that they can't find A-Yang?"

Lan ChunTao stiffened in shock as she stared at her eldest brother. 'Xiongzhang...he doesn't know?'

Lan XiChen noticed how quiet his sister has gotten and began to worry. "A-Ling? Is...is A-Yang safe?" He asked hastily. "I thought she was with you last time we saw each other."

Lan ChunTao blinked back her tears as she sniffled, looking down to avoid her brother's worry eyes.

"A-Yang...A-Yang is dead."

Everything seem to froze for Lan XiChen. His sister's words echoed in his mind as his breathing become more and more erratic. His breath being more visible due to the cold air and sweats appearing on his face.

"-zhang...xiong...XIONGZHANG!"

Lan ChunTao and the Lan disciple rushed over to the Gusu Lan sect heir as he began to crumble down to his trembling knees.

"Xiongzhang..." Lan ChunTao gasped as she wrapped her arms around her brother. "Please, calm down."

"A-Yang...it can't be...she can't be dead. Wei Yang." Lan XiChen stuttered breathlessly.

"There were no reports of Wei-Gu Niang's body being seen or found so maybe the rumour is false," the Lan disciple reassured. "Moreover, we've already found Jiang-Gongzi's whereabouts. Wei-Gongzi though, whether he had fallen into the claws of the Wens or not, there should've been news for now."

Lan ChunTao noticed her eldest brother slowly calming down as his breathing return to the normal pace as well as feeling his heart going back to normal.

"Lan-Gu Niang has been inquiring the living and the dead," the Lan disciple continued as a pale hand reached down to picked up an all too familiar silver hairpin. "But nothing came from it. Could he possibly disappear into thin air?"

"Xiongzhang." The sound of Lan WangJi's stoic voice spoke as Lan XiChen looked up to found his gift to Wei WuHui right in front of him. "I found this on a nearby forest in Yiling. Where there were the sightings of Wei Ying and Jiang-Gongzi."

"Then...why would my gift be there when it should've been on A-Yang?" Lan XiChen inquired as he grabbed the hairpin from his brother's hand.

"Xiongzhang, no matter living or dead, marks of Wei Ying's trail will be left behind. Somebody will answer the inquiry." Lan WangJi stated before he waved his arm to the side, officially dismissing the spirits as he saluted to them respectfully.

"And once we find Wei-Gongzi, we can find out the truth behind A-Yang." Lan ChunTao smiled in reassurance as she helped her brother up.

"Wei-Gongzi is highly skilled and intelligent. A good person will be blessed by Heaven." Lan ChunTao continued, turning toward her twin and going up to his side as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Dada, you don't have to worry too much."

Lan XiChen stared at his younger siblings before smiling slightly. "I received news last month, that uncle and you have been travelling around to rally for the campaign against the Wens. How is the situation now?" He asked.

"Most of the cultivation sects are hesitant. Wavering in resolve." Lan WangJi replied.

"It is only normal to waver. Qishan Wen Sect is like the blazing sun. Even Yunmeng Jiang sect was wiped out in one night." Lan XiChen frowned solemnly as he clutched on the hairpin in his hand. "Not every sect has the courage for a fight to the death."

Then, the surrounding began to brighten as the full moon was slowly being uncovered. Something in the distant behind Lan XiChen caught the attentions of Lan WangJi and Lan ChunTao as the latter gasped softly.

"However, no matter how mighty the blazing sun, it will eventually fall to dusk." Lan XiChen declared sternly.

———

"Everyone, Qishan Wen Sect has oppressed us to this state. And you still want to watch by the sidelines while others burn?" Lan QiRen began as he turned to looked at the Sect leaders sitting around him. "Guarding against this fire, lest it burns onto yourself?"

All the Sect Leaders glanced at each other with mixed emotions.

"Lan-Xiansheng. Since we are all here, of course we earnestly want to discuss this matter. However..." Jin GuangShan then spoke up as he placed down his cup.

"Sect Leader Jin, would you like to share your wise idea?" Lan QiRen asked.

Jin GuangShan chuckled, flapping his fan nonchalantly. "Not some wise idea. Just that in my humble opinion, attacking the Wens rashly at this time is rather inappropriate."

"Exactly. Now there is still room for negotiation. If we really provoke Wen RuoHan, then the way for retreat might be totally gone." One of the Sect Leaders from the Yao sect stated.

"Where is the room for negotiation? Where is the way for retreat? Surrender our shield formation and magic treasures, then drag out a feeble existence in the Supervisory Offices?!" Lan QiRen retorted.

Then, a mocking chuckle erupted from the side as everyone turned to where the Nie Sect Leader, Nie MingJue, and his cousin, Nie MingJian, sat. "Forgive my frankness. Once you surrender your weapons, in Wen RuoHan's eyes, you are no different from livestock waiting to be slaughtered!"

"Might as well die as a cultivator than dying as a cowardly dog." Nie MingJian added, raising a brow at the flustered man while taking a sip of her tea.

Sect Leader Yao's face contorted with anger. "You!"

"Everyone please calm down. What I mean is that don't contend against brute force using the same. Qingheng-Jun was highly skilled in formidable arts. Gusu Lan Sect ranks top tier among cultivation sects. But look at the results." Jin GuangShan stated.

"Thank you Sect Leader Jin for your acknowledgement of our sect's strength. But I believe that the gap in strengths is not excuse for retreating from an enemy." A new voice joined the conversation as all eyes turned to the entrance and to their surprise, it was Lan XiChen and by his side was a hooded guest.

Lan QiRen, Nie MingJue and Nie MingJian's faces beamed with rejoice at the sight of the Lan Sect Heir.

"According to Sect Leader Jin, Lanling Jin Sect is prepared to surrender without a fight?" Lan XiChen inquired with his usual gentle smile.

"Well..." Jin GuangShan was dumbfounded before coughing softly as he turned away.

"Greetings to Shufu. Greetings to all Sect Leaders." Lan XiChen saluted to his uncle.

"XiChen. I have received news of your return for quite a while. Why did you show up this late?" Lan QiRen asked.

"I made a detour to handle some affairs, therefore I was late. Sorry to have make you worry." Lan XiChen replied.

Lan QiRen simply placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "All's well as long as you're back. This few months must have been hard for you."

"While I was away during this few months, it must have been for Shufu instead." Lan XiChen replied.

"Lan-Gongzi. You can speak of it with ease. But look at Yunmeng Jiang Sect. Resisting rashly brought it to such an end!" Sect Leader Yao proclaimed.

Lan XiChen's eyes narrowed into a glare as he clenched his hands tightly. Being reminded of the fact, that he still cannot get over, of Wei WuHui is not out of this world anymore.

Another person who also feel the exact same as the Lan Sect Heir was Nie MingJian, who lowered her head, glaring down at the floor angrily. 'A-Yang'

"Just because it's a long shot, you'd rather be Qishan Wen Sect's lackeys?" The unknown person in the hood spoke as he stepped forward.

"Who?!"

Then, the person pulled off the hooded cloak that they bore in and out revealed the presumed 'missing' Jiang Sect Heir, Jiang Cheng who gave everyone the grin of pure determination.

"Jiang Kid?!"

"Of course you'd say that. Yunmeng Jiang Sect is no more, but I still have the lives of my whole sect on my shoulders." Sect Leader Yao huffed.

Jiang Cheng glared at the leader before chuckled. "That's right. Everyone has different priorities. Perhaps Sect Leader Yao wouldn't mind even if his sect were forced into slavery and prostitution, being worked like dogs and treated like dirt! It doesn't matter as long as they are alive."

"You! Jiang Cheng! Don't go too far!" Sect Leaded Yao bellowed in anger as he pointed at Jiang Cheng. "You spoke of justice, but you just want to drag us down, so we can help you take revenge!"

"True! I do want revenge! As long as I can kill the damned Wens, there's nothing I won't do!" Jiang Cheng fired back as he glared at all of the leaders in the room. "You wouldn't dare kill Wen RuoHan, and would rather be cowards. But let's see whether Wen RuoHan would spare you!"

Then, Lan XiChen raised a hand to the young master, sending a firm glance to him as Jiang Cheng saw and silently backed down.

"Wen RuoHan is a paranoid and capricious man. Everyone knows it very clearly. Your compromise today may still not be able to prevent bloodshed in your sect tomorrow." Lan XiChen explained, baffling them further.

"Well said!" Nie MingJue guffawed, slamming his fist on the table. "Let me get this straight, whether you choose to fight or not, Wen RuoHan's head is MINE!"

Lan XiChen smiled at his dear friend and saluted to him. "Sect Leader Nie is a man of valor and the spearhead of our campaign. Our Gusu Lan Sect will follow your lead."

Meanwhile, the other leaders all sat in tensed silence, some looking away hesitantly.

Lan QiRen glanced back at them stoically. "If we are to fight, we must show our banners to the world. The cultivation world is fair regarding rewards and penalties. Those who choose to sit on the fence now and side with the winning party later, will get what they deserve when the dust settles."

Jin GuangShan thought deeply about the options before giving a nervous smile. "But...how do we go against Wen RuoHan with the strength of just a few sects?"

"Qishan Wen Sect may look formidable, but its vassal sects are disloyal. The root of instability runs deep. We can persuade those sects that were forced into submission." Lan XiChen explained.

"And which sect would take such a great risk under threat from Nightless City?" Jin GuangShan questioned.

Lan XiChen simply waves his hand to the opened entrance. The Sect Leaders sat in confusion before the sound of footsteps were heard as slowly one by one stood up, they was baffled by the sight in front of them.

"Who are these people?"

"Quyang Xin of Baling. Qishan Wen Sect destroyed our ancestral temple and slaughtered our sect. Fortunately, Lan-Er Gongzi saved us on the road. Now I will lead over 100 surviving members to join your cause."

"Wang Jin of Runan. Qishan Wen Sect murdered my family, violated my sisters. We came at the request of Lan-Gongzi. We will not return until Qishan is defeated!"

"Fu Huan of Hedong, also saved by Lan-Er Gongzi but also by his sister Lan-Gu Niang, together with 200 sect members."

Lan XiChen smiled as each story were heard. "Sect Leaders, do you have any other objection?"

"Yang Zaihan of Tangxi."

"Li Tong of Wuzhou!"

"Wu Ye of Shangqiu!"

"Excellent!" Nie MingJue grinned as he stood up and began to walk. "Legend says that in the era of the Five Di, ten suns rose to the sky, scorching the lands and rivers, stripping people of this livelihood. Qishan Wen Sect's tyranny is no less horrendous than the catastrophe of the ten suns. In ancient times, the hero Da Yi shot down nine suns and saved the people."

He made it to the very front and stood in front of the many cultivators. "Today, everyone present is the Da Yi of our time! This campaign against the Wens shall be called..." he raised his cup into the air.

"Sunshot!"

———

The sound of crows cawing and ghostly whispering was what make the pair of eyes flutter opened.

Wei WuHui grimaced in pain as she felt every part of her body twitched in flaring agony. 'My legs...I can't feel them' she looked back at her motionless limbs, felt nothing but numbness.

She then looked back to the front and found herself surrounded in dark mist-like energy. Gaining a little more strength, she began to crawl.

Eerie whispers and laughter began to echoed around her as she crawled past the bones and skulls that lay scattered around her. Unknowingly, something evil began to arise.

The sudden chills that ran down her spine, Wei WuHui slowly glanced back and to her horror, black tendrils of resentful energy was hovering above her.

Then, they strike. Aiming for her back first.

"Ahhhh!" Wei WuHui screamed, feeling the dark energy piercing through her body as she wiggled to get away. "Get lost! Get away from me!"

But her pleas was ignored as the eerie laughter continued, almost like mocking her as she squinted her eyes open, seeing only the dark mists. However, as her vision began to become blurry, a sudden light ignited before it covered her whole sight.

Suddenly, the place of horror was replaced and a wave of