.
Wuxian was forced to eat energy boosters and drink potions until Wangji was satisfied that he's well enough to lead a bunch of kids to hunt monsters and spirits in Phoenix Mountain. After eating breakfast and getting ready, Wangj took a long time brushing Wuxian's hair until it started to annoy him: "Lan Zhan! Stop stalling. It's just a night hunt!"
Wangji sighed and placed the jade head ornament on his hair: "Did you prepare the signal talismans like I asked?" Wuxian rolls his eyes: "I made enough to call an army, not just you."
When Wuxian sees Wangji is done, he goes to get up but is pulled back by his wrist into Wangji's lap. He groans: "Now we're manhandling?"
Wangji embraces him and breathes in his scent deeply then whispers: "I hate not having you in my sight. Please be careful. I sense that Jin Clan Leader might have planned something sinister."
Wuxian smiles, caress his cheek and whispers: "I love you."
Wangji's breath hitches and he tightens his hold a little before letting go.
They arrive at the meeting area to watch the disciples warm up. It's the same place Wuxian shot five arrows blindfolded the last time they were here. This time around, he was sitting with the leaders, sipping tea with his soul-bond by his side.
Nei inches closer and whispers behind his fan: "Psst.. Wei!"
Wuxian looks at him: "What?"
Nie: "I drew Lan Clan last night. Any tips on how to handle the giant?"
Wuxian sighs: "Start by not calling him 'the giant'. His name is Lan Bhao and he's my kid. You hurt him, physically or emotionally, and I will chop the rest of your hair off."
Nie gasps and holds his bun: "That's so mean! I'm the one who needs protection from your disciples."
Nie smiles and looks around before whispering: "Do you want to place a bet on who catches more game?" Cheng from the other side pitches in: "Such a good leader, betting against his own Clan." Nie pouts and looks at him: "I'm not! I just want to make this more interesting." Cheng glares at him: "I would stop talking if I were you. Lan Wangji is about to pop a vein." They all look at Wangji at the same time to see him gripping his water cup so hard it's starting to crack. Wuxian laughs awkwardly and takes the cup from his hand: "Lan Zhan, relax. He's just joking." Wangji grabs Wuxian's hand and kisses it before sending Nie a glare. Nie swallows and hides behind his fan while Wuxian blushes and ducks his head to hide it.
Ziyang announces that the preparations are almost done. Each leader made his way to the group they picked to lead. Wuxian was about to walk away from Wangji towards the Ouyang disciples when he was yanked into Wangji's embrace. He tries to push off: "Lan Zhan, what are you doing? People are staring!" Wangji just closes his eyes and pulls him closer to sniff his neck. Wuxian taps his shoulder: "Again with the manhandling? I am not a big fan." Wangji let go and kissed his forehead, cheek then hands. Wuxian sighs louder: "Now we've evolved to public display of affection?" Wangji smiles down at a deeply blushing Wuxian and whispers: "I love you more." Wuxian coughs and almost runs to get away from this awkward situation.
People around them were frozen, staring in shock at how Wangji was acting. But the moment it was over, he glared at them and they all turned around collectively pretending that nothing happened. Cheng groans loudly: "These two are insufferable."
Ouyang clan disciples bowed deeply to greet Wuxian. He smiles at them and asks: "Linao, how is your new title treating you?" She bows again and smiles back: "It's a big responsibility but I am grateful for the opportunity. I hope I don't let you or our clan down."
Wuxian pats her shoulder: "I am already proud." He greets Lijian, Qiao and Morui then asks: "Where is Zizhen and Mingyi?" Qiao coughs awkwardly and replies: "Mingyi was sent to study meditation in another sect and our Clan Leader forbade Zizhen from coming when he found out you were attending. He said that his son was too embarrassing and he didn't want him to be slaughtered by his Excellency." Wuxian laughed so hard he doubled over: "Your clan leader is a wise man. I miss the little rascal but I don't want to see him dead either."
Ziyang was walking around, making sure all was well with the cultivators and their new leaders. He approached Wuxian and Ouyang junior disciples: "Treasure Wei, are you ready for today's hunt?" Wuxian nods in silence. Wen Ning saw the Jin Clan Leader getting close so he stepped behind Wuxian, wrapping an arm around his waist. Ziyang glared at Wen Ning: "I forgot to tell you, the mountain has been sealed off with wards to prevent spiritual beasts and other unruly things from entering or leaving to ensure the abundance of game. Master Wen has to stay out for the time being."
Wuxian felt like ice replaced the blood in his veins. He looked back at an angry looking Wen Ning and touched the hand around his waist to comfort him before glaring back at Ziyang: "Remove the wards for him to pass. He goes where I go."
Ziyang rubs his chin: "I wish you would've told me before the hunt is about to start. I'm sorry Treasure Wei, there isn't enough time to make the alteration."
Wuxian shifts his gaze to look at Wangji, who's staring at them from afar. He sends him a desperate look. Wangji made his way over and after Ziyang bows his respect, Wuxian says: "He says I cannot take Wen Ning with me." Wangji looks at Ziyang for an explanation: "Your Excellency, the wards we placed around the mountain will not allow him to pass. It's just a simple night hunt and we're all around to assist should Treasure Wei need it. I am sure Ouyang junior disciples are capable enough to not require our aid."
Wangji calmly replies: "Wen Ning is the guardian of the Treasure of Gusu Lan Clan. He goes where Wei Ying goes."
Ziyang smiles sinisterly: "Your Excellency, the monsters and spirits in the mountains are not hard to capture and kill. Treasure Wei has proven his skills with a long list of accomplishments, surely you're not afraid for his safety? Or are you implying that one of the people present in the hunt has ill intentions towards him or your Clan?"
Wangji was a breath away from slashing Ziyang's throat when Wuxian sighs: "Wen Ning can stay." He sees Wangji is about to protest so he cuts him off: "I can take care of myself."
Ziyang smiles and with a bow leaves. Wangji looks worriedly at Wuxian. He grabs his hand: "He is definitely planning something. I cannot allow you to venture into a trap without protection."
Wuxian turns the hand grabbing his to intertwine their fingers: "I won't be alone. You and my brother will be around me should I need help. I trust you both." They share a smile and Wangji returns to his group.
Wuxian grabs Wen Ning's shoulders: "Please don't let Jin Clan Leader's words offend you. You're the most precious thing in the world to me and I cherish you unconditionally."
Wen Ning smiles happily at him: "I don't care about his opinions. I only worry for your safety."
Wen Ning grabs Lijian and starts handing him potions and herbs in a hushed serious voice.
A loud angry voice can be heard around the preparation area: "DON'T YOU DARE TALK BACK TO ME!" Wuxian turns to see his brother, once again yelling at a frustrated Jin Ling. Wuxian yells at him from afar: "JIANG WANYIN! STOP SCREAMING AT MY NEPHEW!"
Cheng turns to glare at him: "YOU STAY OUT OF IT!"
Wuxian groans, shaking his head and ignores them. A few minutes later, Ziyang announces the start of the hunt. His disciples chose a route and started walking towards it. Wuxian looks around and takes his flute out of his belt in readiness. All senses are on high alert.
A few hours in, they were able to collect a decent amount of game. Morui looks at a bored Wuxian and asks: "I heard that you can call monsters and spirits with your flute. Is that true?"
Wuxian nods. Qiao looks excitedly: "Can you do that now?"
Wuxian sighs: "Last time I was here, they complained because I helped capture third of all the creatures on this mountain. I don't want any trouble."
Linao pitches in: "Can you control how many you can call?"
Wuxian nods. She smiles at him: "Then maybe you can call just a few. Or something big to test out skills?"
Wuxian thinks about it for a minute and nods. He plays a sharp fast tune with Chenqing and four large monsters show up. He jumps on top of a nearby tree to continue playing and observe the kids. He feels proud of the noticeable progress in their cultivation skills. Once all monsters are killed, he jumps down to clap for the job well done. They hear someone coming and turn to see an out of breath Jin Ling: "I've been.. following that thing for.. a few hours now. You took my game!"
Qiao looks offended: "We killed it, it's ours to claim."
Ling pouts, stomps his feet and glares at Wuxian: "You're cheating!"
Wuxian rolls his eyes: "Why are you alone?"
Ling looks defiantly: "I'm faster and more skilled. The others will just slow me down."
Wuxian sighs and whispers: "This boy never learns."
Jin Ling looks angrily at Wuxian: "If you have something to say to me, speak up!"
Wuxian glares at his disrespectful nephew and turns his back on him to face his junior disciples: "Let's go."
Ling huffed and followed them a few paces behind.
Lijian steps closer to Wuxian and whispers: "He's following us."
Wuxian: "I know."
Lijian: "Should I ask him to leave."
Wuxian: "Let him be."
Lijian coughs awkwardly and continues: "Master Wen asked me to take your pulse every few hours. Can we take a break so I can fulfill my promise?"
Wuxian stops to glare at him: "I am not that delicate! Just ignore his request."
Lijian looks at him with pleading eyes so he gives up and announces a water break. Lijian smiles and after bringing him a cup of water, sits beside him and takes his pulse. He frowns and without warning, places the back of his hand on Wuxian's neck then forehead. Wuxian groans: "What now?" Lijian looks worriedly at him: "Your pulse is weak and you're cold. Your skin is clammy as well. Do you feel faint?"
Wuxian glared at him: "Do I look faint to you?"
Lijian looks confused and after a few seconds of contemplation asks: "Can I check your arm and chest?" Wuxian frowns: "Why?"
Lijian: "I think you've been poisoned."
Wuxian laughs: "Calm down kid! I've had a slow pulse and cold temperature for months. This is my natural state."
Lijian shakes his head: "Master Wen told me about that. It's the clammy skin and minute skips in your pulse that's bothering me."
Wuxian sighs: "Would it stop you from pestering me for the next two hours?"
Lijian nods. Wuxian takes his arm guards off to pull up his sleeve. They're both shocked to see blue spots on his forearm and upper arm all the way to his chest. Lijian looks at them in wonder: "These look like bruises. Do you remember hurting yourself Treasure Wei?"
Wuxian was perplexed: "No. I didn't see these this morning."
They both look worriedly at each other. Linao senses the tension and joins them: "What's the problem?"
Before Wuxian could silence Lijian, the boy blurts out: "Treasure Wei was poisoned!"
Linao shouts in shock: "WHAT?"
Her scream attracted the attention of the others, including Jin Ling. Lijian showed them the bruises: "These are not caused by trauma. I've seen this kind of poison before in books confiscated from Qishen Wen Clan after the siege."
Morui looked worriedly: "You think Master Wen poisoned him?"
Wuxian covers his wrists and chest and scoffs: "Never! If I die, he dies."
Qiao: "Then who would do such a thing?"
They all look around to stare at Jin Ling. He takes a step back: "Why are you staring at me?"
Morui: "You're the only one around with a grudge against Treasure Wei."
Wuxian sighs loudly: "Let him be. He hasn't done anything."
Lijian nods: "This drug has a long dormant effect. It stays in the blood for five days before it starts showing symptoms. It couldn't be his doing."
Wuxian strokes his neck and whispers: ".. five days?"
The memory of the snake bite brings a violent shiver through his body. Lijian notices it and takes his outer robes off to wrap it around Wuxian: "You need to stay warm. Your temperature will go down gradually as the poison continues to spread."
Linao looks around and says: "We need to call someone for help."
Wuxian looks at Lijian and asks: "How long will it take for the poison to incapacitate me or be a danger to my life?"
Lijian: "A few more days."
Wuxian smiles at Linao: "No need to panic the others. Let us finish the night hunt and I will fix this mess after we win. Alright?"
Qiao protest: "Treasure Wei! You've been poisoned! How can you be so calm?"
Wuxian laughs: "Not my first time and I highly doubt it will be my last. Just relax."
The junior disciples reluctantly follow Wuxian when he gets up to continue the hunt.
When the sun reached its peak, the group had caught and vanquished many beasts. Linao was feeling proud of her clan's bounty and can't wait to show her uncle their progress. She looks over at Wuxian, who's still wrapped in Lijian robs and notices the bruising has formed on his neck. Qiao steps next to her to whisper: "His Excellency will murder us when he sees him. Should we force him to stop?" Linao shakes her head and they continue the hunt.
Wuxian helps them a few times by summoning more monsters and spirits. Jin Ling quietly decided to join their group and no one protested.
An hour before the end of the night hunt, Wuxian sways and grabs Lijian's arm and whispers: "I need to sit down for a minute." Lijian signals for his cousins to stop and eases a faint looking Wuxian on the ground. He becomes anxious when he takes his pulse and finds it irregular: "Treasure Wei, we need to call for help. Your pulse is very worrisome." Wuxian nods and slowly takes out a talesman. He hands it over to Lijian who activates it. A light flies up the sky and creates small white butterflies that fly in different directions. Wuxian whispers: "I.. I need to lie down."
Lijian helps him to the ground and starts giving orders: "Qiao, hand me your outer robe. We need to keep him warm. Morui, stand here to block the sun. Jin Ling, fetch us water from the stream we just passed." He looks at Linao with worried eyes and she stands guard. No one is going to harm Treasure Wei on her watch!
A few minutes later, Jiang Cheng shows up running followed by Jin Clan disciples. He sees a shivering Wuxian and kneels next to him demanding: "What happened?"
Lijian: "He has an irregular heartbeat and he complained of being faint. I think he's been poisoned a while back and the symptoms are now showing."
Lijian drew the robs to the side to show him the deep blue bruising.
Cheng groans and looks at Lijian: "How long does he have before this becomes fatal?"
Lijiain looks worriedly at Wuxian: "He should've been fine for a few more days. I don't know why he's deteriorating at this fast rate."
Cheng touches his brother's arm to get his attention: "Wuxian, can you hear me?"
Wuxian opens tired eyes and nods. Cheng smiles down at him and says: "Everything will be fine. Just hang in there."
He gets up to instruct the disciples: "We're going back to Carp Tower now!"
He sees Jin Ling lurking behind him and throws his sword at him. He turns around and places a hand under Wuxian's knees and another under his shoulder and lifts him up with ease. He instructed one of the Jin disciples to ride his sword and inform the healers and Ziyang to prepare for their arrival.
Cheng runs without stopping towards the city. A few minutes into the journey, the land underneath them starts to shake. He stops, tightens his grip on his brother and looks around in confusion. The disciples surround him protectively with swords out trying to locate the source of the disturbance. All around them, trees start to move, shifting shapes into bear/wolf-like creatures with red eyes. Surrounded, with a shivering Wuxian in his arms, Cheng lets out a groan and yells: "GET READY TO FIGHT!"
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