AUTHOR NOTE: Just a head up for you guys, this is going to be a long chapter, the longest that I've written honestly, but it is a chapter fill with...sadness...just utter sadness T^T
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"Do you want to talk about the hierarchy with me? Let me teach you what the hierarchy is! I am the superior. You are the inferior!"

Jiang Cheng and the Wei twins watched in amazement at the power that Madame Yu holds over Wang LingJiao.

So as well as the few Wen soldiers that came with the girl as they all stared in disbelief before snapping out of it and charging toward Madame Yu.

Unfazed, Madame Yu turned her back to her and simply unravel Zidian before omitting strong purple static electricity that blast the Wen soldiers away.

Hearing the sound of a pathetic whimpering, Madame Yu turned and saw Wang LingJiao staring at the scene in horror as she shakily crawled back. "I-I'm Young Master Wen's woman. If you dare lay a finger on me, he'll definitely—."

Purple electric energy sparked from Zidian. "He'll do what?" Madame Yu demanded before swinging her whip and it wrapped around Wang LingJiao's throat. She was then ruthlessly dragged toward Madame Yu 'till she laid helplessly in front of her.

Madame Yu then stomped on her wrist. "Cut off my hand?"

Wei WuXian helped his sister stood up as Jiang Cheng looked at his mother. "A-Niang!"

But then, sounds of pained screams interrupted the conflict as a tall figure bragged into the room with red energy circling around him. Wen Chao's right-hand man and servant, Wen ZhuLiu.

Wen ZhuLiu leapt toward Madame Yu with his right hand glowing red as he aimed at her. The latter gasped in surprise before she swung her whip to strike him.

The attack misses as Wen ZhuLiu skilfully dodged in mid-air before he landed back on the ground and continued charging.

The two fought in purple and red energies fiercely before he managed to get past the whip and aimed.

Luckily, Madame Yu blocked it with her left wrist before she was pushed back by Wen ZhuLiu's spiritual energy. "Wen Sect's Core-Melting Hand." She acknowledged.

"Go." Wen ZhuLiu simply said, glancing over to Wang LingJiao. The woman getting up and booking it without hesitation.

"Wen ZhuLiu never leaves Wen Chao's side. Why...?" Jiang Cheng questioned before trailing.

Wei WuXian's eyes widened in realisation. "Oh no! Stop them!"

Wei WuHui did so without a moment of hesitation as she command WuJi to go after them. It flew past the fallen Jiang Disciples' bodies that Wen ZhuLiu has killed and fortunately, her sword managed to slash Wen Chao's concubine at her shoulder, causing her to let out a pained shriek and falling down. However, it was already too late as Wang LingJiao has just pull off the flare's top and the dreaded Wen Sect's motif was fired into the dark sky.

Immediately, all hell went loose as all the disciples hurriedly readied themselves with their swords and positioned in battle formation.

Overlooking the residence, Madame Yu, Jiang Cheng, Wei WuXian and Wei WuHui stood at the upper deck as they spotted the multiple white spots flying toward them. "Initiate the shield formation!" Madame Yu commanded.

Instantly, a few of the disciples on that task came together and form a circle as they channeled their spiritual energy to form an array that activated the Jiang Sect's powerful protection shield.

Red arrays was then beginning to strike at the shield repeatedly.

"A-Niang, this..." Jiang Cheng started worriedly.

"Don't fret. Our Yunmeng Jiang Sect's shield formation will not be breached by the Wens," Madame Yu stated firmly.

A few dreaded minutes has passed and the shield was still holding strong.

Wei WuXian gripped onto the crimson sword of his sister's tightly. "If damned Wens keep attacking like this."

"The shield won't be able to hold on much longer." Wei WuHui finished in agreement as she stared at the attacks sternly before turning to Jiang Cheng. "Where's Uncle Jiang? When will he be back?"

"A-Die won't be back until the end of Xu Shi." Jiang Cheng replied before sneering. "These damned Wens! They picked a good timing!"

A flash of red then caught her eye as Wei WuHui turned to the shield array and they immediately widened. "The Core-Melting Hand! He's trying to disrupt the formation!"

However, her warning came too late as they watched Wen ZhuLiu mercilessly strike down a couple of the disciples with his ability. Successfully, taking away the shield.

Now...the real hell breaks loose.

Blazing arrows immediately illuminated the sky as thousands came raining down from the darkness. Killing many in the process and setting the Lotus Pier on crimson flames.

Madame Yu glared at the blazing battlefield before her fiercely. "Just some damned Wens! How dare you mess with my sect!" And with Zidian in her hand, she began to walk toward the battle. Uncaring about the splatters of blood flying across her vision as she, Jiang Cheng, Wei WuHui and Wei WuXian walked out the flame with rage and bloodlust clouding their eyes.

The wave of Wen disciples spotted them and began charging toward them.

Madame Yu swung her whip and with a single wave, knocked the ones in front down in an instance.

Then, Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian dashed from behind to slice and slash through the Wens in perfect unison while Wei WuHui turned to using her martial art tactics to fight the Wens.

A glimpse of static red caught her eye as Wei WuHui noticed the incoming Core-Melting Master coming her way. Gasping, she crossed her arms in front of her as the first attack strike her.

Immediate pain erupted through her arms as she winced before grabbing the still stretched-out hand and pulled him in to launch a spiritual energy-enforced roundhouse kick to his stomach.

"Wei Yang!" And on cue, the latter immediately dived to the side as the powerful wave of Zidian came from behind her and wrapped itself around Wen ZhuLiu's wrist, to which he held on strongly. Both presences clashed with one another, causing dust clouds to appeared.

The fury of Madame Yu and Wei WuHui combined together as both of them fought Wen ZhuLiu. Each taking turns, striking him with either Zidian or punching and kicking him. However, the Core-Melting Master held strong against the furious women.

As Wei WuHui and Wen ZhuLiu was locked in a deadlock with their palms hitting against each other. Madame Yu wrapped Zidian around a nearby statue and rip it from ground as she swung it down on Wen ZhuLiu.

The former backed away as the statue came crashing down but it was what she wanted as Madame Yu swung her weapon again.

But, Wen ZhuLiu then grabbed a random corpse and used it as a shield that caused the blood to fly and went into her eyes.

"Madame Yu/A-Niang!" Wei WuHui and Jiang Cheng called out.

Barely being able to see, Madame Yu blinked away the pain as she faintly made out the figure of Wen ZhuLiu rushing toward her. Knowing what position she is in, Madame Yu deactivated Zidian and evaded Wen ZhuLiu's hand and pushes him away.

"Go!" She then went over to the boys, grabbing their collars. Wei WuHui immediately followed right after them as they went over the wall, leaving the Core-Melting Master to stare after them before he simply walked off, seeing that his job is somewhat finished.

———

Wei WuXian grunted as he was thrown onto the wooden surface of the boat's.

"Wei Ying! You little rascal is more detestable!" Madame Yu began angrily. "See it for yourself. What kind of disaster YOU brought to Lotus Pier!"

Wei WuHui breathed in and out deeply, calming her protective nature as she knew Madame Yu was merely taking her anger and frustration out on her brother, who simply looked down at his feet solemnly.

"A-Niang? What should we do?" Jiang Cheng asked.

"What else? Do you still not see the picture? Damned Wens came well prepared." Madame Yu stated.

"Just like how they invaded Cloud Recesses. It was nothing but all excuses to take over all the sects." Wei WuHui frowned with her fists clenched tightly.

"Today's battle is inevitable..." Madame Yu then pulled Zidian off of her finger and put it on her son's index finger while it lets out small sparks upon contact.

Wei WuHui felt her heart grow heavy as she realised what was going to happen.

Jiang Cheng gasped. "A-Niang? Why are you giving Zidian to me?!"

"I'm giving it to you so that it's yours hereafter." Madame Yu stated while straightening his robes. "Zidian has regarded you as master. Go now!"

"You...won't come with us?" Jiang Cheng stammered.

But Madame Yu avoided his question as she tenderly looked at her son and stroke his hair. "Look for your sister in Mt. Mei. Your sister left two days ago. She should still be on the way. Go...and never come back."

"A-Niang! Aren't you coming with us?" Jiang Cheng exclaimed as he began to panic.

Then, Madame Yu pulled her son into a rare embrace that shock everyone as they knew the woman wasn't an affectionate person and for them to witness this...the solemn feeling increases.

Madame Yu held onto her child for another moment, a tear falling down, as she kissed his hair as she smiled. "Good child."

Wei WuHui walked over to where her brother is as she crouched down in front of him with a sad smile.

"Mèimei..." Wei WuXian tried to speak before he was engulfed in a tight embrace from his sister. Her sword still clenched in his hand as his wide eyes stared in bewilderment...and fear.

"I love you Gege, you were always the one fighting for me and protecting me since we were children. Bad men. Dogs. You fought them all while I stood at the back, helplessly. Now...it's my turn to fight for you...for us." Wei WuHui said as she pulled away, looking at her twin tearfully. "I want you to stay strong, Gege. Survive...for us."

"Mèimei, what-." Wei WuXian tried but was immediately shushed as his sister came closer and they touched foreheads with each other tenderly. Knowing that, this could be the last time they will see each other.

Wei WuXian stared with tears coming out. "No no no no no..." he kept denying, shaking his head as he held onto his sister's waist. Shakily holding her. "Don't leave me..."

Her lip trembled but she kept strong as Wei WuHui cradled her twin's head close to her one more time. "Live long...Gege." And with a last kiss on forehead. She pulled away, just as Madame Yu tossed her son into the boat.

"A-Niang? Wei WuHui? What are you doing?!" Jiang Cheng proclaimed, trying to jump out but ropes of purple sparks appeared from Zidian and restrained both him and Wei WuXian.

"Mèimei!" Wei WuXian cries, struggling against the bond.

"Once you get to a safe place, Zidian will release you." Madame Yu explained before glancing over to Wei WuXian. "Wei Ying. Listen to me clearly! Protect Jiang Cheng well! Protect him with your life! Do you get it?!"

"Madame Yu..."

"Do you hear me? Don't tell me any nonsense! I'm only asking you, do you get it?" Madame Yu repeated.

Wei WuXian gritted his teeth as he bowed his head. "Yes!"

"A-Niang! A-Die hasn't come back. No matter what comes our way, can't we shoulder it together?!" Jiang Cheng protested.

Madame Yu only clutched onto her sword tighter. "So what if he doesn't come back? Can't I live without him?!" And with the final say, she released the boat from the dock and turned her back toward the boys.

"A-Niang! A-Niang!"

"Mèimei! Mèimei!"

Wei WuHui watched tearfully as she stared the fading figures of her brothers. "Stay safe...Gege, A-Cheng."

"Despite everything that I've done to you and your brother, you still remain loyal to me?" Madame Yu then spoke to the maiden.

Wei WuHui wiped her tears away before turning around to look at Madame Yu's back. Then, she performed her salute respectfully for the last time. "Even though you hated us, you're still our mentor. You trained me personally when you didn't have to. And for that, I will lay my life down for you, Madame Yu."

Madame Yu stayed silent as she processed the words before huffing as she flicked her sleeve. "Ridiculous. You're just like your father." And with that, the females went back to the bloody battlefield.

"A-NIANG"

"MÈIMEI!!!"

———

Felt like an eternity has passed, Zidian finally released the boys from its restraint the moment their boat was far from the burning Lotus Pier that looks tiny from their spot.

Knowing the responsibilities on his shoulders, Wei WuXian stood up. "Jiang Cheng..." he whispered looking at the sorrowful boy before turning to the burning residence of the Jiang Sect that once stood strong. Then, moving figures in the sky caught his eyes as he looked up. "It's Uncle Jiang!"

Jiang Cheng went to stand up but when he did, his sect's Clarity Bell snapped from his belt and fell with a soft clank. Dread filling his heart as he looked up. "A-Die."

———

The boys decided to go back to Lotus Pier immediately after seeing Jiang FengMian returning as they jumped off the boat to swim their way back.

Jiang Cheng's trembling hand reached out to pick up a bloodied banner of his sect's motif as he stared at it hopelessly.

Then, he was pushed down by Wei WuXian as they hid from an incoming patrol boat of the Wens'. Coming back up once it was clear.

Wei WuXian turned to Jiang Cheng. "Madame Yu and Mèimei are highly skilled, so is Uncle Jiang. Uncle Jiang is back now, everything will be fine." He said with hope, trying to encourage Jiang Cheng. "There's a waterway to the training field. Let's head there first."

And they went off, cautiously evading the Wens as they managed to get behind a crumbled wall that was still standing. Jiang Cheng peeked over and immediately, he regretted it.

Mound upon mound of lifeless bodies of his sect members all stacked in a ruthlessly way. Wen disciples continuing to drag every last of the bodies as crows flew above the carnage.

Fear clutched at his heart. "A-Niang...A-Die...Wei WuHui..."

Then, the sound of crying drawn them in. Followed by "Don't cry sweetie, tears are staining your pretty face."

It was Wen Chao and of course, Wang LingJiao and Wen ZhuLiu.

"You wouldn't like me anymore if my face is stained?" Wang LingJiao sobbed.

"How could I? I will always like you no matter what."

"Young Master Wen, you'll never imagine how brutal Bitch Yu was~"

That set Jiang Cheng off as he made the attempt to charge but Wei WuXian luckily grabbed a hold of him before he could.

"I almost couldn't live to see you anymore."

"Everything's gonna be okay. Don't worry, JiaoJiao."

Wiping her tears away, Wang LingJiao then turned her glare to the bloodied figure in front of them, smirking deviously. "That Bitch Yu really deserved it. She forced the man to marry her using her family's influence. As a result, she ended up a deserted wife for over ten years. People were mocking her behind her back but she never learned to restrain herself."

And just as she went to grab Madame Yu's hair, a sword came flying in between them, almost taking her fingers with it as it flew past and struck itself into a pillar.

"Eek!" Wang LingJiao squealed pathetically and immediately ran back into Wen Chao's arms as Wen ZhuLiu and the other Wen disciples readied in battle formation.

"Who dares?!" Wen Chao growled as he looked in the direction of the sword before stiffening as his beady eyes made contact with a bloodthirsty pair.