After a quick refresh session, Xiao Zhan headed to the breakfast hall. No one else except the Gusu Lan disciples (minus the twin Jades thankfully) were there since it was still practically daybreak. The look on their face was pretty notable as it had been only a couple of day since they last heard Xiao Zhan's 'wake up alarm' which was 2 hours earlier than their usual.
Xiao Zhan eased himself into an empty seat further away from the others.He needed to flood his mind with things that were not related with Lan Wangji. Drinking the soup which by his standard 'healthy but still edible', he started to make his own to-do-list in his mind.
Now with the whole 'the universe has changed' thing going on, the future stretched out in front of him like a blank canvas to be filled in however he saw fit. So much so that he now had no clue what he wanted to do next, but he knew he needed to plan ahead of time to get a good grasp of his next course of action.
For 6 years since his debut in the entertainment industry, he used to have a fixed schedule, and everything usually planned at least six months ahead. Far away not too long ago, he (or his manager) had everything jotted down on the calendars in his phone or tablet. Now, there was no such thing anymore and he needed to do this old school style now. He suddenly missed his manager's nagging and felt grateful for doing those tedious arrangements for him. His mind drifted to the world he used to live in just a week plus ago. He missed it.
However, he did not dwell on it for too long as he couldn't bring himself to think of what actually happened to him that brought him here in this world or if anyone noticed his disappearance and if they were looking for him. He quickly brushed those thoughts off as he didn't want to make a scene and labelled as weird again.
First in the to-do list: Get empty books from the library. Although he had this big genius brain that capable of memorizing details in way he never imagined before, he still preferred to have something on hand to refer and write on. He did ransack and checked Wei Wuxian's belongings the other day and only saw a couple of books which he ended up burning with a fire talisman. In just one day of knowing Young Master Nie, the real Wei Wuxian had already got his hands on those immoral materials. Technically, he had no right to turn those books to ashes as they belonged to Nie Huai Sang but those filthy contents had officially tainted his very soul. He was not exactly a saint himself, but he still had sense of shame. He made a mental note to apologize to that perverted teenager later on although he wasn't sorry.
Second, create a more convenient and portable writing tool, similar to a pencil or a pen. He liked to write with an ink and a brush for a leisure time, but it was not as portable as he would like it to be. First pencil in the world was created in 1565 (this historical chronology information he learned as sophomore in art and design school finally put to use for once). If Wei Wuxian could create a whole new cultivation from scratch, creating a pencil or pen should be as easy as ABC. Plus, he was a former graphic designer. Learning violin should be harder than inventing a writing tool.
With that objective in mind, he began brainstorming some ideas while eating the bland breakfast in silence until it was time to go to the lesson hall.
To Xiao Zhan's surprise, he did not see Lan Wangji in the class the Second Young Master Lan for the entire morning today. He breathed a relief as he did not have to actively find ways to evade the other teen as he was planning to.
His day was not exactly going well as he hoped for. The class was extremely boring that Xiao Zhan struggled a little to keep himself awake and how he wished that he had his smartphone with him so that he could play some games which at least would keep his eyes open and his mind closed. He had to admit, he was a little addicted to the gadget in the past and it was pretty hard on him. He felt like he was having a smartphone withdrawal syndrome at the moment.
I miss my phone. I miss WIFI. I miss games. I miss technology... I'm really pathetic.
The thought caused him to chuckle a bit even though inside he felt bitter and dejected. His inner dialogue continued until the end of the class. Thankfully, the class was concluded earlier today as Lan Qi Ren had to attend an emergency meeting. He could guess the reason of the abrupt class cancellation and a knowing smile bloomed on his lips. Although the smile was quickly replaced with a long-pained groan, as his brain was full of the replays of last night dream. Especially the last part of it.
Why did I have to wake up with a cliff hanger?? I hate these kinds of dreams. They just add another layer of suspense without any kind of happy resolution. How about a nice happy ending, please? Haha... I am the worst... What am I even thinking?
With his mood a little sombre, he walked out the hall with Jiang Cheng and Nie Huai Sang, who were busy bickering among themselves.
"Wei-xiong, what's bothering you?" Nie Huai Sang took notice on his gloomy face.
Jiang Cheng raised his brow and nudged him with his elbow, "What is it this time? You looked like you just got dumped."
Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes at that and retorted, "And you look like you can't take a dump for three days."
"Hah! How do you know?" Jiang Cheng challenged, crossing his arms across his chest. He smirked, "Do you keep track of pooping schedule now?"
"Well, you used to have so much problem from being constipated that it showed on your face. As your Shixiong, I am worried for your health in general." Xiao Zhan countered, giving Jiang Cheng a pointed look.
Jiang Cheng snickered, "You're a real piece of shit, you know that?"
Xiao Zhan shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "Yeah, I am. You are too. What's new?"
Nie Huaisang interjected, "I would appreciate it if you two can stop talking about shit. It's not a pleasant topic."
He shuddered in disgust to make his point clear, making Xiao Zhan and Jiang Cheng smirk at each other.
Xiao Zhan felt a tad better after the exchange, although he wouldn't say it out loud. They continued walking together with occasional banter until Xiao Zhan saw the magnolia tree outside the Pavilion Library. He turned his steps towards its direction before he was stopped brusquely by Nie Huaisang who was pulling at his sleeve.
Xiao Zhan looked back questionably to his friend, "What?"
"Where are you going?" Jiang Cheng asked, looking perplexed.
"Library. What does it look like?" Xiao Zhan answered matter-of-factly.
"Why?" The two boys asked simultaneously.
"To study, of course." Xiao Zhan deadpanned.
Jiang Cheng snorted, "You are joking, right?"
"No," Xiao Zhan replied bluntly. He added me, "The test is coming soon. It's only appropriate."
A heavy silence ensued that one could hear cicadas chirped along with it. Jiang Cheng almost had his jaws dislocated from the way it dropped down in shock.
The Wei Wuxian that he knew woke up at nine in the morning and slept at one during the night. He did not practice his sword or meditate; he went boating, swam around, picked lotus seedpods, and hunted for pheasants. He couldn't help but wondered of what kind of liquor Empire Smile was. He didn't get a taste of it since Lan Wangji broke the one remaining jar on the roof and Wei Wuxian had the other one all to himself. How strong was the alcohol content that it changed a person to this extent? Perhaps, it was a good thing that he didn't get to drink it since the new version of Wei Wuxian right now, was scarily similar to Lan Wangji. The perfect disciple. He shivered internally before he spat out, "Since when you are worried about test? You never care about it before. You never even attend the compulsory morning trainings back home!"
Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes and look at them incredulously.
You brats are the one who should be worried!
Nie Huai Sang chimed in, "And yet, you're still number one! You're a genius already, why do you need to study more?"
"Because I want to." Xiao Zhan stated as he gave them both a small shrug.
The two boys stared blankly at each other while they tried to digest what they heard.
Nie Huaisang broke the silence first and asked shamelessly, "Wei-Xiong, can you help me? If my grade lower than yi, my brother would break my leg. Stuff like telling apart direct lineage, collateral lineage, main clan, clan branches... For us disciples from big clans, we can't even distinguish our relationships with our own relatives, randomly calling everyone who are more than two tiers away from us aunts and uncles. Does anyone have enough capacity in their brain to remember those of other clans?!"
I knew it! This grand mastermind could've fool everyone, but I read the novel you smart little devil. You should use your clever scheming ability to pass the test on your own. Wei Wuxian could remember all those redundant stuffs just fine. Huh. Sorry, it's not going to happen. Wei Wuxian might've help you cheat but not me. As much as I like those calligraphy, I still will get bored if I have to repeatedly copy long texts. Plus, I got plenty of world-saving things to do. I have no time for punishments.
Xiao Zhan waved his index finger in from of second Young Master Nie and declared resolutely, "No, can't do. I won't help or let you cheat."
Nie Huaisang dramatically dropped down to his knees and grabbed his arm sleeves with both hands, begging, "Ah, please, Wei-xiong. Do you have the heart to see me with broken leg?"
If this guy works as a professional actor, he can win a lot of awards. Your brother might hit you a little and burn your stash of porns and fans, but he wouldn't literally break your legs. Don't exaggerate.
Xiao Zhan shook his head slowly while smiling, his words were firm and stern in contrast of his kind-looking face. "If you can pay attention to the fine details of your precious fans and treasured pornographic books, you definitely can dedicate the same concentration and devotion to learn an actual educational material."
Nie Huaisang whined, "Butâ"
Xiao Zhan put his feet down firm on the ground. He was not going to let these boys take advantage of this 'Wei Wuxian'. He then offered, "If you want my help, follow me to the library. I will help you with your study. You too, Jiang Cheng."
Jiang Cheng scoffed at his proposition, "What? Library? No thanks."
Before Nie Huaisang could refuse, Xiao Zhan already grabbed and dragged him into the library with a firm grip that was impossible to escape.
Jiang Cheng had no choice but to follow along. Previously, he was the one who would scold Wei Wuxian and warn him to not make any trouble or bring shame to their sect's name as he was determined to take Yunmeng Jiang's to the top. Now the situation seemed to be reversed. Without Wei Wuxian being the God of Mischief, he himself would be the under the spotlight for bad reps if he chose to escape studying. If he failed the test, he would be the one to ruin his own clan's name. He could not allow that to happen.
Xiao Zhan made the two grumbling boys sit and read the pile of books he picked out from the shelves.
He then began to quiz the two boys, asking them questions after questions about the different topics they studied in class. He was grilling them with such precision that the two of them thought that he was some sort of seasoned interrogator. A merciless one at that.
After half an hour, Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang were utterly exhausted from answering the questions. Their heads started spinning from the constant whirling questions. Jiang Cheng literally slammed his forehead onto an open book as he cursed at his martial brother audibly who was watching them like a hawk. Nie Huaisang almost burst into tears as he tried to listen to the long tutoring lecture from him. The young Nie even had the gut to compare him with Lan Qiren and declared that he found no difference.
Sorry boys. I survived 3 whole years in university and managed to become graphic designer. I didn't have it easy too! This is nothing compared to learning those complicated illustration and publishing software. This can't even compare with basic coding, CSS, JavaScript, HTML etc. Just suck it up!
Barely two hours had passed, he returned to an empty table by the time he came back from getting some other books from the shelves. Those rascals had run away from his tutoring.
He sighed in resignation before setting down another stack of books on his table. Perhaps it was a good thing, since now he had more time for himself. Well, he got the brain so might as well to put it in good use. The author of the novel did not aggrandize when she described it as 'large' library. He then continued reading books after books, in case there were clues that could help with his cases. He also acquired some empty notebook from the library and his first to-do-list now crossed out. As for the next one, he needed some materials. Probably not too hard to find since natural resources are abundant in this magical world.
After reading for hours, he acquired plenty of knowledge of the Xianxia world he currently lived in. There were some pretty good and interesting stuffs, some redundant neglectable information and plenty on music cultivations and scores. However, he had yet to find anything on transmigration.
Lan Xichen knew something was up again when his brother came to his place today. He roughly made some probable theories in his head on what was bothering his brother as he invited his brother to discuss it over tea.
"Brother, I have a question." Lan Wangji did not waste any time to ask as soon as they took their seat opposite each other.
While pouring some hot Longjing tea into both their cups, Lan Xichen spoke in a gentle tone, "What is it Wangji?"
"I had a dream." Words started flowing from Lan Wangji's lips although his face remained still as impassive as ever, "Master Lan Yi appeared in it. She told me of her wish, and I promised to fulfil it. Do you think it holds any significance?"
Lan Xichen took a while to think over before he answered, "Wangji, I am not an expert in dream interpretation but in my opinion, it could be simply a dream. If you want more answer, why not we ask Master Lan Yi through 'inquiry'?"
"I tried. No answer." Lan Wangji spoken in response.
Lan Xichen's interest was piqued, "What do you mean? What exactly happened in your dream?"
Lan Wangji summarized briefly, "Master Lan Yi told us that, a war is coming. It will start here in Gusu. Her wish was for us to stop it and protect the clan."
"Us?" Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow at the use of word. He asked again, "Wangji, this is most likely a premonition dream. Were there any other details that you remember?"
Lan Wangji kept his silence for a while, he looked conflicted as he was thinking on how to put the words out. Lan Xichen understood that he needed a little more time to articulate the words in his mind before saying it aloud. His younger brother always found it hard to say what was on his mind due to their strict upbringing. So, he decided to break it into an easier question.
Lan Xichen started as he studied his brother's facial expression, "Wangji, you said you don't think our ancestor would answer to 'inquiry'. Why is that?"
Lan Wangji replied immediately, "Master Lan Yi mentioned she had no reason to stay after delivering her wish."
Lan Xichen nodded as a sign of understanding and continued with his next question, "When you said 'us', who was there with you?"
Lan Wangji quietly sipped his tea, evading the question.
Lan Xichen could read him well and made a guess, "So, it was Young Master Wei?"
Lan Wangji coughed and almost choke on his tea at that spot-on guess.
The older Jade of Lan reached his hand to his brother's shoulder and patted it lightly, providing some superfluous comfort. From the way his younger brother had reacted, he could confirm the answer to his question, but he did not press on it further. His younger brother would open himself up if he wanted to talk about it. Otherwise, it would be only resulted in futile efforts to learn about the details.
After a moment, Lan Wangji regained his usual calm demeanor and raised another question, "Brother, what about the waterborne abyss?"
Lan Xichen did not mind the sudden change of topic as he had already gotten use to Lan Wangji's habit of redirecting the conversation if he did not wish to continue. He smiled lightly before he answered, "Ah, yes. I was planning to talk about it earlier. You were right. There is one in Biling Lake."
Lan Wangji nodded. Wei Ying was right.
Lan Xichen exhaled a heavy breath as he continued, "However, it would be difficult task to handle. It seemed like it was chased out to Gusu by Qishan Wen Sect."
Lan Wangji frowned slightly as he thought on something. He then posed a hypothesis, "Could this be what Master Lan Yi meant with 'it will start in Gusu'?"
Lan Xichen gave much thought on the matter before replying, "It made sense."
Lan Wangji nodded again. They sat in silence for a long while as they both brooded over what Lan Wangji had mentioned.
Lan Xichen then spoke up in an earnest tone, "Wangji, I will ask those who had experience in prophetic dream soon and if it is deemed to be one, then I am afraid, a war is coming."
With that statement, the unbelievable stories that Wei Ying had told started to flow back in Lan Wangji's mind. Honestly, he only asked his brother about Caiyi Town incident because Wei Ying reminded him repeatedly to do just that. He even daringly put a bet on it the other day. He couldn't help but to think that many weird occurrences had happened since Wei Ying appeared in his life.
He had been trying to keep those tales and at the back of his mind after the sword fight as it was too unrealistic and unimaginable. Combined with the peculiar scene of the mental breakdown he saw, he mostly thought of it on probable alcohol poisoning or spirit possession. There was also the nightmare he had still yet to leave his mind and last night he had another dream about the head disciple of Jiang clan.
Even if he was unwilling to face that troublesome person, he knew he needed to find his heart troublemaker again soon. Lan Yi voice started to ring in his head, and he could sense something foreboding coming in his way.
"Avoid making the same mistake of the past. Trust each other."