"That's right." Nie Huaisang murmured, looking thoughtful. "According to that logic, Lanling Jin sect is the most suspicious at the moment." He stared at the lanyard and asked, "But how would they know exactly what gift Uncle Jiang would give to Father?"
"Maybe they had someone tailing us." Jiang Cheng suggested, crossing his arms over his chest. That thought annoyed him greatly.
"Hmm... that's plausible." Xiao Zhan agreed. After all, Jin Guangshan was known for his underhanded methods. He wouldn't hesitate to go to such lengths to gain an advantage. He also suspected Jin Guangyao to be involved in this set-up as well.
"Still, we need evidence. Without it, we can't really implicate anyone yet." Nie Mingjue reminded.
Xiao Zhan rubbed his chin as he contemplated their next steps. "For the time being, we should include everyone that presented in the banquet in the investigation." He turned to Nie Mingjue, "Can I leave this task of taking the inventory of the gifts received to you, Da Ge?"
Nie Mingjue nodded, "Leave it to me."
"What are you planning on doing, Didi?" Nie Huaisang asked curiously.
Xiao Zhan took a glance at Wang Yibo who was still silently sitting by his side, "We will go to Yunping to visit the store to see if there is any clue."
"We can leave together to Yunmeng tomorrow morning then," Jiang Fengmian suggested, taking account that Xiao Zhan looked a little worn out at the moment. He knew that the skills that his nephew just used took a huge chunk of his energy to perform.
"Yes. Let's do that, Uncle Jiang." Xiao Zhan agreed before stopping Wang Yibo from transferring more spiritual energy to him. He then got up, stretching his limbs a little. "Can we be excused for now?" He asked Nie Mingjue as he gestured to Wang Yibo to follow him. "There's something we need to do."
"Sure." Nie Mingjue said in approval.
*****
The day was draped in a sombre shroud, with a thick layer of grey clouds hanging low in the sky. The tall grasses swayed gently and the leaves from nearby trees rustled with the cool breeze. Wang Yibo trailed behind Xiao Zhan, their steps falling in sync.
"This place is good enough." Xiao Zhan said as he surveyed the area. There were no one else in the vicinity but the two of them. He bent down. With a simple stick he had picked up along the way, he began to etch intricate runes onto the ground. Each stroke of the stick danced effortlessly and the lines formed a complex tapestry of symbols.
"What are you doing?" Wang Yibo asked curiously as his eyes followed the lines on the ground. They looked like a complex set of words, but it did not really make sense to him.
A soft smile tugged at the corner of Xiao Zhan's lips. "You'll see," he replied, his tone filled with quiet confidence. It took about fifteen minutes for him to finish the spell work. When he was finished, he placed his hand over the inscription, a surge of energy coursing through his fingertips. Suddenly, an arcane light emerged from his palm, swirling around the characters and the runes glowed with an otherworldly luminescence.
In that moment, Wang Yibo felt a profound shift in the air and he was no short of awe when he saw a translucent barrier slowly forming overhead, encapsulating the area by several miles in radius. "Wow... so cool." He mumbled in awe. "What is this?"
"A barrier." Xiao Zhan answered simply.
"Hmm?" Wang Yibo looked at him, clearly puzzled. "What is it for?"
Xiao Zhan simply smiled. "Unsheathe your sword." He said, pointing at Bichen that was in Wang Yibo's hand.
"Huh?" Wang Yibo looked at the man with uncertainty. "Why?"
"I want to see what you can do with it. So, try striking the trees." Xiao Zhan instructed, gesturing at the trees before them.
Wang Yibo blinked twice out of confusion, "I thought you said the sword is dangerous."
"Of course, it is dangerous." Xiao Zhan told him, "But at some point, you might need to wield it. I just don't want you to get hurt from swinging it recklessly later on. That's why we are here and why I put up this barrier. I need to see how you fare with it."
"Oh... that makes sense." Wang Yibo looked at Bichen for a moment before unsheathing it.
"Make sure to hold it tight. Focus your energy on your palm and direct it to the tip of your sword." Xiao Zhan said, watching Wang Yibo's movement like a hawk and assessing the flow of the man's energy flow closely. "Make sure to keep your control on your energy flow. Don't put too much out first."
Wang Yibo followed his instruction obediently. With a deep breath, he steadied himself, focusing on the sword in his hand. He closed his eyes momentarily, centering his thoughts and feeling the surge of power coursing through his body, the spiritual energy resonating with his every heartbeat. He concentrated on gathering it to his palm and he could feel Bichen vibrating slightly in his hand, drinking in his energy. The sword glowed a bluish hue under his grasp.
"Good. That's good." Xiao Zhan said approvingly, satisfied with how Wang Yibo grasped his directive. "Now, try slashing it parallel to the ground." He instructed.
Wang Yibo fixed his gaze to the greenery in front of him and exhaled heavily as he slashed horizontally. A bright blue sword glare flashed and a couple of trees before them crashed onto the ground like waves, cutting them cleanly in half while leaving deep marks on the nearby foliage. He gaped, his jaw almost dropped to the floor and he looked at the sword in his hand, unsure if he should be terrified or be in awe with the destructive power that the sword holds. "What the...?" In the end, he settled with, "COOL!"
"Not bad. Not bad." Xiao Zhan said, clapping lightly. "But now, channel more spiritual energy into your sword, don't hesitate."
"Okay." Wang Yibo agreed eagerly. Without hesitation, he repeated what he did earlier and swung his sword again, pouring more energy into the strike. The air crackled with electricity, and a brilliant blue light erupted from the blade, illuminating the desolate field. The impact of the strike was even more astonishing this time. The ground trembled beneath their feet as some of trees shattered into countless splinters, disintegrating into a cloud of sawdust while more fell heavily to the ground. Even the barrier had a long crack on it.
"You definitely are stronger now." Xiao Zhan remarked under his breath, rubbing his chin in thought.
It's no mistake. His cultivation base grew by a lot overnight. His control is not as bad as I thought. I guess it's a good thing that he received some lesson on cultivation.
Afterwards, Wang Yibo was more than keen when Xiao Zhan asked him to repeat what he did earlier, and after another dozen strikes, he managed to demonstrate a flawless control on his energy flow. The area inside the barrier resembled a barren land now that most of the trees had been cut down by his powerful strikes.
"Alright, that's enough of practices." Xiao Zhan declared, fully satisfied by Wang Yibo's performance. He then stand upright, taking Suibian out from its scabbard before pointing it at Wang Yibo, "Now, you have to fight me."
"Ehhh?? But Zhan-" Wang Yibo cut himself off when he saw Xiao Zhan narrowing his eyes slightly. He corrected, "No, Wei Ying. You can't be serious?"
"I am very serious." Xiao Zhan stated calmly as he took a fighting stance.
"What if I get hurt?" Wang Yibo asked nervously.
"You won't." Xiao Zhan reassured, "I will hold myself back as much as possible, I promise I won't hurt you." He stated firmly.
"If you say it like that... Okay then." Wang Yibo replied, hesitantly and he assumed a defensive stance. He focused his attention solely on Xiao Zhan, blocking out any distractions from their surroundings. The air crackled with anticipation as they stood facing each other.
Without warning, Xiao Zhan lunged forward, Suibian gleamed in the sunlight as it clashed against Wang Yibo's blade. The sound of metal meeting metal rang out through the air, echoing in the desolate field.
Wang Yibo's eyes widened in surprise at the sheer strength behind Xiao Zhan's strike. He struggled to hold his ground, his muscles straining under the force of the impact. "Are you sure you are holding back now?"
"Yeah." Xiao Zhan confirmed, "I won't be able to use my full strength anyway." He pointed out. "So, I will only use about a tenth of what I am used to."
"A tenth? You are looking down on me, huh?" Wang Yibo felt challenged.
Xiao Zhan smirked in response, "Just come at me." He taunted.
"Hah! Fine!" With a burst of determination, Wang Yibo pushed back against Xiao Zhan's sword, retaliating with a heavy strike of his own. A loud sound echoed across the empty landscape, ringing like bells through the air as sparks exploded around them.
Hmm... His attack has some weight to it. I have to stay on my feet then.
The latter did not falter and continued his assault immediately. With a swift movement, Xiao Zhan dodged to the side of Wang Yibo's attack and spun swiftly around. After exchanging several blows, he could feel the immense amount of spiritual energy emanating off of Wang Yibo, the man's moves and sword technique were identical to Lan Wangji's in every way.
What a relief. It looks like he still retains Lan Zhan's skills. This is a good. Now, I don't have to worry about his safety.
Xiao Zhan mused quietly. He continued to parry Wang Yibo's strikes and swings, slowly increasing the intensity of his blows without telling Wang Yibo. He was careful enough not to injure him, but he didn't want to leave any opening to attack either. The battle seemed endless. They exchanged several powerful blows, each one lasting several seconds. It was apparent that the two men knew exactly where the other person would strike next and blocked it flawlessly.
"This is fun!" Wang Yibo exclaimed, feeling the adrenaline rush that fuel his excitement.
A small smile crept on Xiao Zhan's lips as he watched Wang Yibo fighting him with vigor.
Ah, this feels just like sparring with Lan Zhan.
Their series of intense exchanges continued until Xiao Zhan found himself having to duck down to avoid one of Wang Yibo's attacks. His eyes twinkled and smirking as he suddenly lunged forwards, catching the other man off guard and landed a gentle kick on Wang Yibo's chest.
"Ow!" Wang Yibo groaned as he staggered backwards, but regained his balance quickly. "I thought you said you wouldn't hurt me!" He exclaimed, rubbing his chest. It wasn't painful but it kind of hurt his pride.
"Oh, does it really hurt, mighty Hanguang-jun?" Xiao Zhan snickered softly. "You should be able a soft kick."
Wang Yibo glared at him indignantly, "...That's not fair!" He proclaimed.
"Hmm? Not fair? How so?" Xiao Zhan asked playfully while he circled around Wang Yibo, making sure to keep his distance as he moved.
"You just kicked me." Wang Yibo protested.
"Well, this is a sparring match. You should expect that you might end up getting hit once or twice." Xiao Zhan laughed lightly. "The world is unfair." He stated offhandedly, "And I didn't even kick you hard."
Wang Yibo huffed irritably but didn't respond further. He instead decided to focus on Xiao Zhan once again, trying to corner the man who was wearing a mischievous smile. Xiao Zhan nimbly evaded Wang Yibo's attempt to grab him, forgetting his worries for a moment as he reveled in the thrill of the cat and mouse game they were playing, of the exhilaration that was coursing through his veins.
Their chasing game of tag finally ended abruptly when Xiao Zhan somehow, due to his current state of exhaustion, lost his footing and stumbled backwards, nearly falling down if Wang Yibo hadn't reached out his arm instinctively, wrapping it around the man's waist, stabilizing him. They came face to face inches apart. Their chests were touching, their breathing mingling together as they gazed into each other's eyes intently. Wang Yibo gulped and his heart pounded in his ears, his body was warm all over. Xiao Zhan stared right at him, unblinking as though he was searching for something inside the depths of his golden orbs. The way Wang Yibo held him protectively was no different than his Lan Wangji and he was having a hard time to concentrate on anything else but how much he wanted to lean forward and press his lips onto those beautiful, chiseled and defined features.
No, no... I shouldn't. Although they are both Lan Zhan, their personalities are different... I should be thinking of how to get Lan Zhan back here if he really switched with Yibo.
With that thought, Xiao Zhan came to his senses and peeled himself away from Wang Yibo's grip. "That's enough for today."
"Oh... right." Wang Yibo stepped back. "By the way, you're seriously strong." He commented after a brief silence between them, glancing at Xiao Zhan while sheathing his sword.
"So are you." Xiao Zhan responded, avoiding to look at the other's direction. "That's why I lost this match." He declared.
"Well, that's just because you were holding back." Wang Yibo pointed out.
"Not really." Xiao Zhan said with a slight shake of his head.
Wang Yibo raised an eyebrow. "You said you would hold back."
"Yes, I did but I stopped doing so halfway." Xiao Zhan admitted with a grin. "If not, I would've gotten hurt. Badly."
"Badly?" Wang Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan questioningly. "What are you saying?" He inquired, his curiosity growing.
"Let's put it this way. You are Lan Wangji and your skills are no joke." Xiao Zhan stated. "Or rather, your body still remembered how to move and fight as well as your reflexes. Plus, your cultivation base has grown."
"Really?" Wang Yibo murmured, taking in what Xiao Zhan had said. Perhaps it was like Xiao Zhan had mentioned, he is currently Lan Wangji and his body still remembered what to do despite the lack of memory. Therefore, thanks to Lan Wangji's level-headedness, he was able to keep calm even when he is now embroiled in this ridiculous situation.
"Yeah, really." Xiao Zhan answered while disabling the barrier. His voice sounded tired.
"Are you okay?" Wang Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan worriedly. After all, the man did used up a lot of his spiritual energy today. Empathy, barrier and sparring. No wonder he was drained.
"Yes, I am okay. Just need to meditate for now. You should try it too." Xiao Zhan waved him off as he sat down on the grass. As the adrenaline faded away from his system, the aches from exertion began to take its toll. His entire body was aching and sore, almost as if he ran a marathon. He assumed a lotus position and closed his eyes, regulating his breathing.
Wang Yibo took a seat beside Xiao Zhan, imitating what the other was doing. He too closed his eyes, feeling his body relax in the familiar sensation of mediation. It was like drinking an ice-cold drink when the weather was too hot for him to handle. It was a refreshing experience that allowed him to clear his mind. The serene tranquility washed over him and he felt himself beginning to drift into a comfortable state.
As he gradually sank deeper into his meditation, he suddenly felt a tap on his arm. Or more precisely Xiao Zhan's head fell heavily on his shoulder. He blinked open his eyes and realized that Xiao Zhan had already fallen asleep. He couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from quirking upward. "I thought you said you just need to meditate." He whispered softly as he stroked Xiao Zhan's hair. "Yet you fell asleep like this." He sighed. Looking at the peaceful expression on the latter's face, he could tell that Xiao Zhan was already in deep slumber. He then picked the man up in his arms carefully, mindful not to wake him up, and walked towards the manor.
******
Meanwhile, in the other world.
"Hey... Hey! Lan Zhan! Wake up!" Wei Wuxian's frantic voice entered Lan Wangji's ears. Lan Wangji slowly opened his eyes only to close it again for the lights was too bright. "Wei Ying?" he muttered.
"Ah! You're finally awake!" Wei Wuxian said, sounding relieved. "You kind of scared me for a while there!" He exclaimed, hugging the man tight and nuzzling into the crook of his neck.
Lan Wangji was still in a daze but his hand still wrapped around the other's waist, rubbing his back gently. "What happened?" He asked, trying to recall what took place earlier that made the other anxious like this. His hand came to an abrupt halt when he noticed something, his focus instantly turning into alertness as a sudden realization hit him. He sat up promptly, pulling away to look at the man who was clinging on him properly. His eyes widened, feeling like his heart just jumped down from his throat. The man was still Wei Ying. But his hair... was short and his attire...
Wei Ying...?
"Why do you look at me like you are seeing a ghost?" Wei Wuxian blinked, tilting his head to the side. "Are you feeling alright?" He asked worriedly.
The man who was now Wei Ying looked so different than he used to, and Lan Wangji found himself unable to speak. He took a glance at the room he was in and what he saw caused fear to spark within him. "Where are we?" He managed to say finally, his heart thumping painfully against his chest.
"What?" Wei Wuxian blinked at him. "What do you mean where are we? We are in my room, of course."
Lan Wangji's brows furrowed even more in confusion. "Your room?" he echoed; his voice was barely above a whisper.
Wei Wuxian nodded, looking at Lan Wangji with concern, "Yes? Why are you asking me such a question? Is something wrong?"
"But... how?" Lan Wangji stammered out, his head spinning with what he was seeing. This wasn't right. It couldn't be happening, and yet here he was. This was the very room that he saw once in Xiao Zhan's mindscape during the telepathy session. The modern world.
"What do you mean how?" Wei Wuxian's expression turned more puzzled by the second. He then narrowed his eyes, "Wang Yibo, you are not pulling any prank on me right now, are you?"
Wang Yibo?
Lan Wangji felt another shock run through him upon hearing the name. Before he could question anything, an influx of memories flooded his mind like a broken dam. He clutched the sides of his head, feeling like his brain was about to explode with so many images flashing before his eyes, he didn't know which to focus on first. He groaned, squeezing his eyes shut tightly, trying to endure the pain that came with the years' worth of memories that did not belong to him. They didn't make sense; they made no sense at all.
"Lan Zhan? What's wrong with you?" Wei Wuxian panicked, reaching for Lan Wangji who flinched at his touch. "Huh?" He gasped in disbelief at the other's reaction.
Lan Wangji didn't respond as he was occupied with the overwhelming information that forcefully merged in his brain. Cold sweats appeared on his forehead and his features paled slightly.
"Lan Zhan..." Wei Wuxian sounded desperate now. He reached up and cupped Lan Wangji's face with one hand, stroking lightly over the other's cheekbones with the other. "Tell me what's wrong. Please." He added as he lifted up the handsome face to look at him.
The pain stopped almost immediately. Lan Wangji slowly opened his eyes to meet the warm brown ones. "Wei Ying ..." He murmured.
"Yeah?" Wei Wuxian prompted.
"I am not..." Lan Wangji closed his mouth, unsure how to finish the sentence. From Wang Yibo's memories, he grasped that Wang Yibo was his reincarnation and he was currently in Wang Yibo's body in the modern era.
"You are not what?" Wei Wuxian pressed softly.
"... that Wang Yibo." Lan Wangji finished eventually.
There was a long pause. Then, Wei Wuxian pulled away and broke into a laughter that seemed a little hysterical to Lan Wangji. "You are not Wang Yibo, you say?" He chortled. "Okay, you got me there for a second." He laughed harder.
"I am not joking." Lan Wangji said seriously, staring intensely at Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian wiped away a few stray tears from his eyes before asking, "Then, tell me. Who might you be?" The remnants of laughter still clear in his voice.
"Wei Ying, I am not who you think I am." He repeated, hoping that the other would understand the implications behind what he just said. He was never good with words and this peculiar situation made it harder for him to convey his means.
"Who am I supposed to think you are then? Hmm?" Wei Wuxian replied, leaning closer. Their faces were very near together now, inches apart.
It was not until Wei Wuxian had done so that Lan Wangji became aware of their proximity. He stood up from his bed abruptly, taking a step backwards and creating distance between them.
"Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian asked hesitantly, finally sensing something was off.
"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji started, "I am not from this world."
"Huh?"