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He spent the day in and out of consciousness. Wuxian didn't know if Healer Shi somehow drugged him or he was truly exhausted. He woke up a few times, finding himself in the company of different people. First, it was Wen Ning, who replaced Wangji and cuddled happily with his soul-brother. Then, he found his hands full of his napping daughter. At some point he heard Zewu Jun whisper to him about meeting later but he was warm and comfortable and couldn't care much about anything other than resting. He didn't even want to grunt to acknowledge the older man's presence.
At sunset, he found himself finally rested enough to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was the concerned face of his father: Grandmaster Qiren. It took a few seconds for Wuxian's brain to process who he's looking at and then he snapped into action. He sat up and tried his best to stand to greet the older man. Qiren placed a gentle hand on his shoulder when he wavered to keep him in bed: "Stay."
Wuxian swallows hard and looks with wide-eyes at Qiren: "You're back."
Qiren pours Wuxian a cup of water and passes it to him. He noticed the slight tremor in Wuxian's hands as he drank the water in his cup in one go. Qiren frowns at his son: "Wei Ying, are you afraid of me?"
Wuxian puts the cup away and looks down, wishing he stayed asleep to avoid this confrontation. Of all the people who were present during Yuxio's grand speech, he feared his father's reaction the most. Qiren reached with his hand to gently lift Wuxian's chin: "You're afraid of me."
Wuxian bites his lips, not sure how to answer.
Qiren sighs and examines the man before him closely. Wuxian was clearly more exhausted than the last time he saw him.. If Qiren was honest with himself, Yuxio was right. The man before him looks nothing like the boy he kicked out of class many years ago.
Qiren decided to share his thoughts with Wuxian: "I don't know what to do anymore. I thought that we had an amazing relationship but upon reflection, I realized how blind I've been."
Wuxian hesitantly grabs the hem of Qiren's sleeve: "You don't like being my father?"
Qiren looks sadly at Wuxian: "I never asked you if you wanted a father or not, I forced that choice on you, like most of the responsibilities that are resting on your shoulders."
Wuxian feels tears well up his eyes: "I.. I like being your son."
Qiren gently takes the hand tugging his sleeve and looks desperately at Wuxian: "Do you truly mean that? Or are you saying it out of fear?"
A few tears escape Wuxian's eyes: "I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid of disappointing you."
Qiren sees Wuxian grimaces and grabs his chest. He knew about Wuxian's current health state. The first thing he did when he returned was demand an update on his son. He helped the smaller man lay down and whispered: "Relax. Take a few deep breaths."
Wuxian complied and when his features softened, Qiren said: "I love being your father. I meant it when I promised you protection and guidance when you joined our clan. I am glad that your senior disciple spoke up when you failed to, even though her colorful words can be toned down a notch. I needed to hear it and after reflection, I believe it."
Wuxian: "She's insufferable. I would punish her but her weird personality is a punishment by itself."
Qiren chuckles: "She's a good woman. All your students reflect some part of your personality and I respect them all for keeping up with you."
Wuxian pouts: "I'm not that bad."
Qiren gently smiles, examining the red ribbon in Wuxian's hair: "You're my son. There is no one better."
Wuxian: "I'm sorry for causing trouble. I will try my best to do better in the future."
Qiren looks into Wuxian's eyes: "Your emotional and mental health is our responsibility. I spoke with Zewu Jun and we have a few revised plans to lessen your workload. You can pick what suits you. I'm an old man and I led this clan for many generations. I got used to giving orders. It will take me awhile to get used to being a father and you need to help me by voicing your needs and displeasures. Deal?"
Wuxian smiles at him: "Deal."
Qiren sits back and sighs: "A few hours ago, Zewu Jun informed me that the Slayer requested entrance into Cloud Recesses in a few day days to fight your guardian on behalf of Shenhua Clan. What's your plan?"
Wuxian: "I don't have a plan. I was genuine in my offer. Wen Ning is undefeated but if the Slayer is stronger then they deserve the title."
Qiren frowns: "Wen Ning was subdued in your vision. You didn't specify any rules of exception."
Wuxian turns to look at a dark corner where he knows that Wen Ning is: "That's a challenge for him."
The younger man slowly emerges smiling: "I will defeat him."
Qiren folds his hands and looks judgmentally at Wen Ning: "Just because you cannot feel pain or get tired doesn't mean you cannot be defeated. Do not underestimate your opponent, especially when they know more about you than you know about them."
Wen Ning nods: "Yes, Grandmaster Qiren. I will do my best and prepare for the worst."
Qiren stayed with Wuxian until evening. Wangji and Zewu Jun joined them later and Wuxian told them about the vision.
Zewu Jun: "Jin Clan Sect is a big area. I'm sure there is more than one town with fortune tellers. Do you remember anything else that can help us identify the time and place?"
Wuxian leans on Wangji, who was sitting next to him in bed, and says: "I was stunned by the lack of colors to notice much. I saw Jin Clan flags and a few banners."
Zewu Jun: "What was on the banners?"
Wuxian closes his eyes, trying to remember: "Annual West Archery Competition."
Zewu Jun nods: "I will meet with Jin Clan Leader privately and seek his assistance. He might have more information about the competition that can help us narrow down the time and place."
Wangji rubs Wuxian's cold hands and asks: "What about the fire and kidnapping?"
Wuxian sighs: "So far, nothing indicates that it will or will not happen. We have to change our tactics as much as possible to guarantee a different outcome than what I saw."
Wangji whispers to Wuxian: "Tell them."
Qiren frowns: "Tell us what?"
Wuxian scratches his head: "I met the Slayer a few days ago outside of Gusu City. We kind of made a deal."
Zewu Jun: "Kind of?"
Wuxian sighs, knowing full well that they will object to this: "I asked him what he wanted in return for leaving Shenhua Clan and possibly being our ally."
Qiren huffs: "We don't want a mass murderer in our midst!"
Zewu Jun disagrees: "Uncle, it is always wise to keep your friends close and your enemy closer. If the Slayer switches sides, Shenhua Clan loses their key player. They will definitely fail in their quest or at the very least resort to compromising rather than murder and kidnapping."
Wangji cuts them off: "It's not what Wei Ying suggested that's the problem. It's what the Slayer asked in return."
Qiren leans closer: "What did he ask for?"
Wuxian: "He wants to confront his deceased father."
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AN:
I was daydreaming the other day and I had a wild thought: If all the main characters in this story had a spiritual animal that represents their personality, what animal would it be? So I thought you guys might enjoy sharing your perspective. This is a list of name, have at it:
Wuxian, Wangji, Zewu Jun, Qiren, Healer Shi, Yuxio, Nie, Lan Ran, Jiang Cheng, Jingyi, Sizhui, Hweiru, Wen Ning (add any other character you like..)
Can't wait to read your creative responses :D
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