A/N: Some parts of this chapter are direct excerpts from the novel.
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Jiang Yanli put on a stiff smile, trying not to show her discomfort over the topic. She knew that Jin Zixuan wasn't pleased about their betrothal in the first place and she wasn't one to force someone into something they didn't want. Still, it was difficult for her to break off the engagement without causing a bigger scandal and losing face. It would bring dishonor down upon both of them and subsequently, their family. So, she chose to keep silent, hoping that Madam Jin would get the hint and drop the subject as quickly as possible. But of course, she couldn't be so lucky.
"A-Xuan is a good kid. He will make you happy." Madam Jin continued.
Jiang Yanli bit her lip, forcing another false smile and said, "But will he be happy with me?"
Madam Jin's expression shifted instantly, "Of course he will, how could he not be?"
During the war, back in the camp, when Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang came to dine, sometimes Jin Zixuan would tag along with them too since they were a team. She would always give them her handmade soup whenever they came and she would give one to Jin Zixuan too, out of courtesy. Apart from that, they never really interact with each other. He barely talked to her, but he certainly made sure to avoid looking at her. She could see that his impression on her wasn't that favorable, no matter what his mother said.
"My child, you know your mother and I only want the best for the two of you. We talked recently about this and we agree that this is the right time for you two to tie a knot."
At her mention of her mother, a slight flicker of unease crossed Jiang Yanli's features before she hid it away again. Her mother never came back to Yunmeng after the incident that caused her banishment from her family and never contacted them afterward either. In truth, Jiang Yanli missed her and had hoped that her mother would reach out to them. After all, it was a long time since they last saw each other. But her hopes were dashed every day. If it weren't for the fact that she and Madam Jin kept in touch and kept in close contact with her mother, Jiang Yanli doubted that she'd have heard about any of this at all. Her eyes turned glassy at the thought. She loved her mother dearly, despite everything that happened between them, but it still hurt that Madam Yu never bothered to reply even once to her letters asking if she was okay.
"Shijie." Xiao Zhan's voice interrupted the conversation, drawing Madam Jin's away from Jiang Yanli as he approached them with Lan Wangji. "I was looking for you." He said with a broad grin plastered on his face before turning to Madam Jin, bowing politely, "Ah, Madam Jin, I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation. I have something important to discuss with my Shijie. Do you mind if I take her away?" He added with a charming smile.
Madam Jin sighed deeply, obviously still unhappy about the duo's sudden appearance, but acquiesced anyway. "Yes, you may." She lightly patted Jiang Yanli on her arm, "A-li, think about it, alright?" With that, she walked back inside the manor, leaving the three youngsters alone together.
"Shijie, are you okay?" Xiao Zhan asked concernedly once Madam Jin left.
"Oh, A-xian, I am fine." She reassured him with a kind smile on her lips. "What did you need me for?" She asked curiously.
"Nothing, actually. You looked rather uncomfortable just now. I just came to save you." Xiao Zhan explained, shrugging casually.
Jiang Yanli chuckled lightly. "You're a really my good brother. Thank you for saving me." She answered, patting him on his arm affectionately, before continuing. "How are things? I heard there are lines applying to be your disciples." She inquired curiously.
"Hmm... yes, there are many. But I don't plan to accept any of them." Xiao Zhan shrugged indifferently. "I had enough with training people. I want to live freely now and pursue some hobbies." He glanced at Lan Wangji who stood by him silently, smiling sweetly, "Besides, I want to spend more time with Lan Zhan."
A faint smile appeared on Lan Wangji's lips as Xiao Zhan winked at him.
Jiang Yanli rolled her eyes playfully, "Come on. Why are you feeding me with dog food? You two are too much." She chuckled.
Xiao Zhan was relieved to see Jiang Yanli's smile and laughed with her. "By the way, what did Madam Jin said just then?" He asked, although he already knew what was the conversation about.
Jiang Yanli's smile froze. "Apparently Mother and Madam Jin want me to proceed with marriage between me and Jin Zixuan soon. I... don't know what to do about it." She admitted quietly.
"Shijie, do you want to get married to Jin Zixuan?" Xiao Zhan questioned her carefully.
Jiang Yanli remained silent for a few seconds as she contemplated what to say. She had thought about it and it seemed like that would mean she had to marry someone who didn't love her. "I don't know ." She replied truthfully.
Xiao Zhan nodded slowly before asking, "How about someone else?"
Jiang Yanli gave him a puzzled glance, "Who else do you think I should marry?" She asked softly, confused.
"Well, there is Zewu-jun." Xiao Zhan pointed out casually, as though it was obvious.
Jiang Yanli paused at his words; her eyes widened slightly in surprise as she stared at her martial brother who was waggling his brows suggestively. Lan Xichen and her had been on friendly term recently. They shared some similar interests, had similar personalities and had a mutual respect for each other. When she first met him, she was taken aback by his aura and his beauty. He treated her well and she felt a sense of peace whenever they conversed. Not because of his looks, not because of his noble nature, but because they can talk about anything and everything and he wouldn't judge her or look down on her. Her cheeks became red as she mumbled, "It's not like that! Zewu-Jun and I are just friends." She insisted, feeling very embarrassed.
Xiao Zhan smirked, "Sure." He teased.
"It's not really like that!" She repeated louder this time.
"Mhm..." Xiao Zhan let out a breathy chuckle, unable to hold in his amusement. "I'm sure it isn't."
Jiang Yanli blushed furiously, trying desperately to hide her bright pink face as Xiao Zhan continued to tease her.
"What do you think, Lan Zhan?" Xiao Zhan asked his lover with mischievous grin spread across his handsome features.
Lan Wangji gave him a thoughtful hum, before responding, "Brother is single. If Maiden Jiang didn't mind waiting for two years."
Jiang Yanli almost choked at the comment, while Xiao Zhan burst out laughing loudly, clutching his stomach while leaning against Lan Wangji's solid frame.
"Wei-ge! Wangji-Xiong!" Xue Yang ran toward the couple, a huge grin on his face as he excitedly hugged them both tightly, making them almost fall over. "I missed you!" He yelled gleefully.
Xiao Zhan smiled widely at his antics, "Xue Yang, you are taller now. Seemed like all those sweets you ate helped you grow a lot."
Xue Yang giggled, "Shijie makes the best desserts ever! She makes everything taste so heavenly! It must be her magic!" He said as he basically bouncing up and down happily.
Lan Wangji patted his head as he spoke, "Did you eat your vegetables as well?"
Xue Yang averted his gaze, "Maybe a little... maybe not..." He muttered quietly.
Jiang Yanli couldn't help laughing. "This kid is always hungry." She observed fondly, shaking her head slightly. "He is just like you when you were his age, A-Xian."
Xiao Zhan simply smiled at her statement, "He's a growing child. He needs energy." He said nonchalantly, giving Xue Yang an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder.
"By the way, Wei-ge, the hunting competition is in three days, right? Can I go along with you guys this year? I want to show everyone how strong and fast I've become." Xue Yang said.
Xiao Zhan shook his head with amusement, "You're only ten years old. You shouldn't hunt yet."
Xue Yang whined dramatically, "But I want to prove myself."
"Xue Yang, you have proven yourself. You don't need to do more." Lan Wangji reminded. "It's not safe for you."
The young boy pouted, "Okay...Then... can I watch the event?" His pleading eyes made Xiao Zhan laugh lightly.
"Okay, you can watch it from a distance and cheer for us. Deal?" Xiao Zhan said.
"Deal!" Xue Yang grinned happily.
It was autumn in the hunting ground of the magnificent Baifeng Mountain. Its towering peaks and lush greenery, provided a breathtaking backdrop for hunting competition hosted by Qinghe Nie. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor. The sound of birdsong filled the air, their melodic tunes harmonizing with the buzz of excitement that echoed through the crowd. Hundreds of thousands of cultivators chose a place where demons and beasts often lurked. They were to fight for the prey within an allocated period of time. This was what the hunting referred to. Throughout many miles, there were quite a lot of prey. Such a significant event was not only for sects both large and small to display their skills and recruit talents, but also for rogue cultivators and new disciples to make themselves known.
On top of the ten tall watch towers, heads could be seen moving around. Their excited whispers crowded the air. The quietest tower was naturally the tallest, most embellished one. Those who sat there were mostly elder cultivators, sect leaders, and their families. In the back, rows and rows of maids carried either canopies or large fans. The women in the first rows all covered their faces with smaller fans, reservedly looking down at the hunting ground.
Their reservation, however, wavered once the riding formations began to enter the field. The more reserved ones only let down their fans, their eyes a bit more urgent. The more daring ones, however, had already run to the edge of the watching towers, tossing over the buds and blossoms that they had prepared beforehand. A rain of flowers immediately scattered down from the sky. To toss flowers at beautiful-looking men and women in expression of admiration was a tradition.
Breaking away from his usual position, Lan Wangji rode his horse right beside Xiao Zhan. For the past years, during this kind of event, Lan Wangji would ride beside his brother. But this time around, he made an entrance with Xiao Zhan next to him and they strode in like the Yin and Yang pair they are. Flowers rained down on them as they passed by the tower.
Xiao Zhan caught one and gave it to Lan Wangji, smiling brightly, "For you."
Lan Wangji's heart bloomed like a garden at his lover's gesture as he placed the flower under the lapel of his robe carefully.
Satisfied with how happy Lan Wangji looked, Xiao Zhan faced the front again.
"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji called him out after a minute.
Xiao Zhan turned around to see Lan Wangji stretched his hands out with a dozen or more flowers in it for him. He chuckled as he accepted all of them with open arms.
"You two are so cute." Lan Xichen commented as he watched the whole affair unfold from the back.
The lovebirds composed themselves again, smiling tenderly at each other, they slowly rode into the distance, carrying with them the clouds of petals and fragrance. They gathered around with the rest of their usual group before the target arena where row of targets was an obstacle before the official entry into the mountain.
Those who intend on hunting in the mountain could only become eligible to enter if they were able to shoot a target from a certain distance away. There were seven rings on the targets, in accordance with the seven paths of entry. The closer that the arrow was to the center, the more advantageous its respective entry path was.
Jin Zixuan was the first to take a shot. Wearing his pale golden robes, his features were more vibrant than even the mark of vermilion between his brows. Drawing his bow on his horse, he gave off even more of a handsome air. It landed right in the center. Cheers came from all around the watching towers. He glanced in the direction of the watching towers, intentional or not. Although he tried hard to keep his face stiff, unconcealable pride still leaked from the corners of his eyes.
Seeing how much Jin Zixuan flaunted his archery skill, Jiang Cheng scoffed. "Wow, he looks like a peacock."
Nie Huaisang nodded his agreement fervently. "A very extravagant peacock."
Suddenly, a loud sneer came from somewhere nearby. Somebody shouted, "Feel free to try if you can shoot better than Zixuan!"
The person was tall and broad, his skin somewhat dark and his voice booming. This was Jin Guangshan's nephew and Jin Zixuan's cousin, Jin Zixun.
Jin Zixuan didn't seem too bothered by Jin Zixun's words, merely waved his hand dismissively, "There is no need to do that."
Far behind the arena, Xiao Zhan raised his brow, looking unimpressed. He nudged Lan Wangji's side. "Lan Zhan, why don't you show what you are capable of?"
Lan Wangji didn't say anything and instead, he took a step forward and raised his bow and drew an arrow. He was shooting from six feet further than Jin Zixuan's initial post. His aim was perfect, the shaft hitting squarely in the middle of one of the targets. As soon as the arrow hit, a series of gasps sounded from the audience, followed by silence. Everyone waited eagerly as Lan Wangji released his arrow once again. Once again, the arrow landed precisely where the first one was, causing it to split in half.
Another round of cheers erupted.
Jin Zixuan looked at his former trainers. There wasn't a shred of enmity in his face but deep respect as he bowed slightly in acknowledgement of their supremacy.
Jin Zixun clicked his tongue while staring at the archer champion with disdain, his arms crossed over his chest. "That's unfair." He complained.
"Don't sweat it. Hanguang-jun is unbeatable in this." Jin Zixuan shrugged.
Jin Zixun rolled his eyes at him. "Why are you defending him?" He demanded. "He clearly wants to show off."
"Show off?" Xiao Zhan chuckled humorously when he heard that from Jin Zixun's mouth. "He deserves to do that with his skill set. Don't you agree?" He pointed out, shrugging casually. "How about you? Why don't you try show off what you got?"
Jin Zixun huffed indignantly. "l can even do it with my eyes closed." He retorted with an irritated look.
Xiao Zhan grinned in response. "Really?" He challenged him.
"Of course." Jin Zixun rolled his eyes but made no move to attempt to shoot the target, avoiding the potential to embarrass himself.
"Are you sure?" Xiao Zhan responded with an easygoing laugh.
Jin Zixun glared at him, scoffing ."Alright then let's see what you can do first!" He said sarcastically.
Xiao Zhan gave another chuckle, before shaking his head in amusement. "Should I cover my eyes?" He questioned innocently.
Hearing that, Jin Zixun snorted. "Sure!" He agreed immediately. "If you want!" He replied sarcastically before turning away.
Xiao Zhan turned to Lan Wangji and grinned, "Can I borrow your ribbon?"
Lan Wangji didn't hesitate in passing the ribbon to him. It was nothing new to the Gusu Lan disciples to see such spectacles now.
With his eyes covered, Xiao Zhan nocked three arrows and pulled the string taut. He took in a breath, before letting it out slowly. Then he released the string. The arrows flew in different directions, landing neatly into the three rings right at the bullseyes.
Jin Zixun was taken aback when he saw how accurately Xiao Zhan had shot those arrows. During war, he never really saw Xiao Zhan's prowess in battle since he was only participating in the flank. But now, seeing Xiao Zhan's accuracy and ease at taking down the targets, it seemed that he was displeased on both the outside and the inside. He spoke again, "This is only the opening archery event, and you're onto such ostentatious things. You have your eyes covered right now, but can you keep them covered throughout the entire hunt? Later, we can show our real abilities and see who's really the better one!"
Xiao Zhan's lips formed into a smirk at the predictable challenge Jin Zixun put forth. "Alright." Was all he replied.
Jin Zixun waved his hand, "Let's go!" he commanded his subordinates arrogantly, turning away.
Jin Zixuan bowed his head towards the pair, looking slightly ashamed by his cousin's antics before he entered the mountain.
Nie Mingjue looked at his youngest brother with a shake of his head, "You'll keep your eyes closed throughtout, huh?"
"Yes. I'm a man of my word, Da Ge." Xiao Zhan answered, sounding completely unfazed.
Jiang Cheng simply rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Let's get started on the actual hunting." He said nonchalantly before drawing his reins and led the YunmengJiang Sect's disciples away.
Nie Mingjue went in to the forest as well with his subordinates following him after giving a short bow to Xiao Zhan.
Nie Huaisang, on the other hand, happily stayed behind without any shame whatsoever, and moved toward the watch tower. He wasn't even dressed for hunting, looking dandy amidst the chaos.
"Your youngest son is something else," Jin Guangshan said under his breath, observing the scene from the top.
"He is indeed." Sect Leader Nie agreed with a proud smile.
Jiang Fengmian agreed with a nod. "That boy is a prodigy. He is so mature beyond his years."
Jin Guangshan's brows twitched imperceptibly. After a brief moment of pause, he finally said, "I have no doubt that he is truly talented."
As the competition commenced, cultivators scattered throughout the mountain as they navigated through treacherous terrains, each step accompanied by the rustling of leaves and the gallops of their steads. Adrenaline coursed through their veins as they relied on their instincts and skills to track down and capture their prey, wanting to be the first ones inside to have the first chance and quickly take all of the high-level prey.
Meanwhile Xiao Zhan dismounted the black stallion he was riding and Lan Wangji followed suit. With his eyes covered, he walked with leisure in the direction of path of entry. It was as if he wasn't here to hunt, but rather strolling around his own sect's garden and having a date with Lan Wangji.
The crowd grew confused. Could it be that he really wasn't going to take off the ribbon over his eyes until the hunt ended? How could he participate in the hunt like this?
They looked at one another. In the end, they felt that it was none of their business and would simply be a good show to watch.
"Wei Ying, are you really going to hunt like this?" Lan Wangji asked in an undertone as he watched Xiao Zhan took his steps comfortably as if he wasn't even blindfolded. "Do you need me to guide you?"
"Don't worry, Lan Zhan," Xiao Zhan said reassuringly. "The owls are up."
At his words, Lan Wangji looked up at the sky and saw that Xiao Zhan was right. Xiao Zhan's Dire Owls were soaring above, circling in the air and providing him vision in full definition. Xiao Zhan could see everything that went on around him and was fully aware of what was happening. He was in control of every single situation.
Lan Wangji inevitably let out a small chuckle, his lover's wit always so amusing and captivating. "That's clever." He praised.
Xiao Zhan grinned widely as he hung his arms around Lan Wangji's shoulders. With an expression that was filled with confidence, he said, "Should we go easy on them?"
Lan Wangji stared straight ahead as he thought for a bit. "Fair enough."
The two of them stopped by an old tree, and settled down to enjoy a peaceful moment.
"There are quite a few beasts at six o'clock." Xiao Zhan remarked. Lan Wangji had fully grasped the concept of a modern clock and Xiao Zhan had even gifted him a pocket watch he somehow managed to create during his 'vacation' time.
"I noticed." Lan Wangji confirmed, "Do you want to get them?"
"Well... " Xiao Zhan paused for a moment to consider it for a moment before shaking his head. "It will be more fun this way to gather them together and strike at once!"
Lan Wangji nodded, "Then we shall wait." He said, his tone soft and full of affection.
Xiao Zhan hummed happily and relaxed against the tree trunk.
Lan Wangji couldn't ignore how Xiao Zhan's luscious lips were curving into a gentle curve and his cheeks glowed pink and rosy. He looked utterly irresistible, leaning his back fully against the curvy trunk, almost defenselessly.
"Hey..." Xiao Zhan murmured when Lan Wangji's lips covered his own in an intimate, tender kiss. "We're in public...." He breathed between kisses.
Lan Wangji kissed him deeper and harder, trying to convey his feelings to the man who'd captured his heart. Eventually, he was able to pull away enough to break the kiss. Their breaths came out ragged and fast.
"You are shameless ," Xiao Zhan mumbled breathlessly before pecking Lan Wangji on the lips again.
Lan Wangji smiled sweetly and cupped Xiao Zhan's cheek in his palm. "Mn." He hummed, leaning into Xiao Zhan's touch.
"Oh god... Stop being cute." Xiao Zhan moaned playfully. "Someone might see us."
Lan Wangji didn't bother to move away. "But we are alone." Well, he wasn't wrong. Apart from some preys hanging around the other side of the bushes, they were pretty much alone.
Xiao Zhan let out another sigh as he enjoyed Lan Wangji's warm embrace. They sat quietly for several minutes, savoring each other's presence before Xiao Zhan suddenly perked up. "Okay, we should start moving now. Our targets are approaching our way."
Lan Wangji reluctantly pulled himself away from Xiao Zhan's arms and nodded. "Mn."
Xiao Zhan and Lan Wangji moved with grace and precision. They traversed the rugged landscape effortlessly, their footsteps light and sure and their synergy evident in every movement they made. They moved like shadows, their presence barely discernible as they closed in with calculated precision.
A bright blue glow appeared at the forest edge of the area where the two went. A rumbling then followed that grew in volume, like rolling thunder. At the same time, loud screeching sounds began echoing off the mountains surrounding the valley.
"They are really taking it seriously, aren't they?" Nie Huaisang chuckled as he looked up toward the source of the commotion.
Lan Xichen smiled as he looked up to the sky as well. "They won't hold back on a hunt like this."
"Woah, look at that!" Xue Yang squealed with awe and admirations for his two idols slash 'parents'.
The two hunters moved in tandem as they could sense every single heartbeat of the beasts below them. The fierce, swift movements of the great beasts were so clear to them; they didn't need visual cues. As they hunted, their senses became attuned to the subtle changes of wind pressure, the temperature, the scent of the prey, and they knew exactly what to do next and where to go next.
Xiao Zhan leaped forward, his hand clasping onto his sword which gleamed radiantly with spiritual energy. His hair whipped behind him, making him appear like some sort of dark, ethereal figure that had appeared in their midst. He swung his sword forward as he charged toward the beast herd, sending a powerful shockwave towards the flock of monsters which began shrieking wildly. All the birds flew away from the area instantly as though they were struck by lightning.
In a world where cultivators possessed the ability to slay demons, ghosts and spirits alike, these two were far too powerful and formidable. Their swordsmanship was superb. Their control over their spiritual energy and their speed surpassed those of their peers. They killed more than sixty ferocious beasts within thirty minutes.
Even Jin Guangshan's eyes were widened open as he realized the extent of the Yin and Yang pair's capabilities. He was speechless for a while. Envy burned brightly within the core of his being as he witnessed such an amazing feat being performed before his very eyes. This was nothing like what he imagined it would be like.
Jin Guangyao couldn't help but felt intimidated by the prowess they displayed. It wasn't that he didn't think they were impressive or anything-he knew they were. And he had to admit, they seemed untouchable. The fact that the couple had been blessed with spiritual power and huge cultivation base made him feel inferior compared to them. Despite being officially accepted by his father into the family, he had never been acknowledged by others and never truly felt welcome among the ranks of the inner circle due to his lack of cultivation base and status in the sect. He looked upon the duo's flawless performance, and it took everything in him to keep from showing how envious he really was of them. If only he was like them. If only he could just be as strong. If only his parents had given him that privilege, he wouldn't have been treated this way...
"Crazy bastards." Jin Zixun spoke under his breath and gave a slight shudder as he observed the deadly duo from afar. Rumors that spoke of both the fierce reputation that they held, and their skills were certainly true. His heart was full with jealousy and irritations.
At the other side of the vast forest, Nie Mingjue smirked as he glanced at the direction of the commotion and laughed. "It's been a while since those two are in actions. Looks like they're going to win again."
And just as Nie Mingjue predicted, it was not a surprise when the couple conquered the competition with ease even with Xiao Zhan's never removing the blindfold all the way through the competition.
The hunting competition ended, the crowd cheering loudly, and applause ringing throughout the whole place. Words of congratulations poured into the field as disciples from the Qinghe Nie, Gusu Lan, Yunmeng Jiang celebrated their victory.
Xue Yang gushed over how cool he thought the whole thing was, especially after witnessing their display of skill in the first hand this time. "Wei-ge, how can you hunt with your eyes covered like that?" The younger boy asked, unable to contain himself.
"Well..." Xiao Zhan glanced up at the sky and let out a chuckle, "By intuition."
Lan Wangji smiled softly as he listened to Xiao Zhan's reply. If Xiao Zhan said it's intuition, it's intuition then.
On one side, Jin Zixun's face was black and blue, and his pride was wounded. "Those arrogant brats!" He fumed, and turned around to stomp away angrily without any regard to the fact that someone might have heard him.
Few weeks later, the atmosphere in the Nie family dining hall was warm and inviting. The scent of steaming hot dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of the family members. Xiao Zhan sat at the table, his eyes sparkling with happiness as he observed the joyful scene before him. Lan Wangji, sitting beside him, looked equally content, his gaze focused on Xiao Zhan.
Xue Yang, who was sitting across the two of them, was busy eating, enjoying his food with relish. After all, Xiao Zhan's cooking was to die for and he didn't get much chances of eating them since Xiao Zhan seldom cook these days since the older male was busy training him with all sorts of skills and techniques personally. He was eager to learn when the duo decided that they would bring him with them so that they could teach him more.
Suddenly, the joyful ambiance shattered as a loud thud reverberated through the hall. The clatter of chopsticks hitting the floor echoed in the silence that followed. All eyes turned towards Sect Leader Nie, whose eyes suddenly turned bloodshot and veins stood out on his neck, clenching his jaw tight.
"Father??" The three sons called out simultaneously, concerned by the unusual expression on the sect leader's face.
Sect Leader Nie didn't turn his head. He clamped his fists tightly on the table and stared down with a hard expression, as though he was trying to fight some invisible opponent. "Everyone. Out." His voice trembled slightly, but he managed to speak clearly despite the shaking in his tone.
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A/N: Sorry for the delay.