Jin Guangshan looked genuinely surprised by Sect Leader Nie's declaration. He never expected this at all.
After some moment, he cleared his throat and bowed his head slightly in apology, "Please forgive me for my lack of respect, Sect Leader Nie. That is some news to me."
"I will let this go once since you do not know." Sect Leader Nie's tone of voice implied that there was little doubt of his choice of words.
Jin Guangshan merely nodded in acknowledgement, refraining from saying anything else. This conversation wasn't exactly in his favor anyway. There was no doubt in his mind that the three clan leaders had banded together in secrecy without him knowing and had decided to use the knowledge to his advantage when necessary.
Afterwards, all four of them left the dais and went to congratulate the youngsters who had won the top four spots.
As they walked towards the field, Jin Guangshan couldn't help but wonder what else he didn't know. He had believed himself to be one of the most knowledgeable sect leaders, with spies and informants scattered throughout the cultivation world. But here he was, blindsided by three of his fellow leaders. He couldn't help but feel a little uneasy about what else could be going on behind his back. But for now, he had to wait and see which side is more beneficial for him. He was also a pragmatic man who understood that the future of his sect could be at stake here and knew that he needed to keep his wits about him if he wanted his sect to come out on top.
Among all the juniors, there was one figure that instantly caught Jin Guangshan's attention as they got nearer. The teenager who had managed to be at the top spot. Wei Wuxian.
He couldn't help but think about how everyone was talking about the young cultivator. From what he learned through his son's testimony as well as the passing words of rumors, it was said that his swordplay was so exquisite and his cultivation techniques so perfect that could shame even some Sect Leaders. In first glance, the head disciple of Yunmeng Jiang looked like a normal teenage cultivator although he could not deny that there was a bit unusual air around him. His eyes were sharp and clear while his movements were very graceful yet controlled, a clear indication that the boy was highly intelligent despite his seemingly naive exterior. It was only a matter of time before the youth would rise above the rest of his peers.
Just as he was studying the youth from afar, another figure caught his eye. Lan Wangji who was standing tall next to Wei Wuxian had his eyes glued on the latter, looking comfortable with each other's presence. It was obvious to anyone looking that the two were extremely close. In fact, it felt like they belonged together. The way they interacted with each other made it seemed like Lan Wangji would protect Wei Wuxian and vice versa. Even his son seemed to hold the duo who was nicknamed as Yin and Yang demon trainers in immense respect. He couldn't help but wonder what would happen if those two were to ever turn against him. Would it be bad to be standing on the opposite side of these two? He quickly shook off such unpleasant thoughts and moved onto other matters to distract himself.
*****
Meanwhile back to the field, Xiao Zhan finally managed to extract himself from the grip of his junior disciples who was acting like a horde of zombies, wanting nothing more than for give their senior brother the much-deserved fawning and praises for his great feat in a form of physical affection. As he escaped the mass of disciple, he immediately went off to Lan Wangji's side with full intention to use the lover of his as a shield from those bunch of rascals.
"Phew, they are getting worse. Too rowdy! Way too rowdy!", he complained in a lighthearted tone to Lan Wangji.
"Mn." Lan Wangji agreed. He added inside his heart, 'and too touchy!' But he didn't say that out loud because it was not the right place to say it. "You could've pushed them away if you want to."
Xiao Zhan pouted at him as he leaned slightly with his elbow resting on the Second Jade's shoulder, "What kind of person would I be if I just did that? Besides, they could get hurt if I did."
To his defense, he did push them away, but only with little effort. Frankly, it wasn't actually difficult to free himself, but he did not have a heart to fight against the crowd of children who wanted to show their support by hugging their idol and cooing over him. It was quite adorable actually.
Lan Wangji gave him a sideways glance with his peripheral vision before continuing, "They need to know to how respect your boundaries."
"Is that possessiveness talking right now?" Xiao Zhan whispered as he grinned cheekily at him.
The Second Jade of Gusu Lan shook his head and replied simply, "I'm just reminding you to maintain proper boundaries. They could hurt themselves."
"You mean you could've hurt them, right?" Xiao Zhan teased and jabbed the taller male's side playfully. "What should I do with your severe jealousy issues? Should I give you counselling?"
Lan Wangji glared at him, though he didn't look angry. Instead, he looked amusedly at his beloved and responded, "If that's what you wish."
Xiao Zhan stared at him incredulously, "That sounds like a challenge, Lan Zhan!"
Lan Wangji nodded and added quietly, "It was meant as such."
This earned him a snicker from Xiao Zhan and a gentle nudge on the shoulder.
On the other side, the juniors of the Yunmeng Jiang didn't dare to pull Xiao Zhan back to their celebratory ritual when Lan Wangji casted a look that sent unknown chills in their spines. It was the kind of look which could make the air freezes and make the snow fall in summertime. The man's jealousy was terrifying. So, they gladly left the two of them alone.
The disciples were used to this kind of thing by now, so they didn't seem concerned about it. Truly, they all had accepted Lan Wangji as the only person who was worthy enough for the Yunmeng Jiang sect's head disciple.
They were a little intimidated with the razor-sharp glaring at first but at the same time, they found that it was a bit fun to see Lan Wangji's reaction every time someone dared to stare at his lover too much or worse, touched his precious. That thought made all of them laugh quietly to themselves.
Looking at the scene from a safe distance, they realized that their senior brother and their favorite future Senior Brother were lost in their own bubble again. They looked so happy and smiling at each other with bright eyes and bushy tails.
'So romantic', they all thought with grins on their faces.
It had been pretty windy and breezy late afternoon. A gust of wind suddenly came along, causing everyone's robes and hair to flutter.
The tails of Lan Wangji's ribbon danced with the breeze, brushing the side of Xiao Zhan's face in a gentle tease. Softer than even the touch of catkin blossoms carried by the wind; the object made his cheek itch.
"Lan Zhan, can you please take care of your ribbons?" Xiao Zhan said as he grabbed the silky fabric that kept on fluttering in front of his eyes without thinking. His intention was only to make it stop from irritating him, but Lan Wangji turned his head at that very moment causing the ribbon somehow loosened up and ended in Xiao Zhan's hand. He exclaimed, "Ah, Lan Zhan! You turned too fast! Your ribbon!"
Lan Wangji simply looked without a change in his expression as it was not unusual for Xiao Zhan to be touching his ribbon.
"Should I tie it back for you? " Xiao Zhan offered without giving it much thought.
"Okay." The Second Jade agreed without hesitation. Xiao Zhan had done that before anyway. In fact, he probably did that a lot of times. His hands moved expertly as he weaved the strip of white fabric securely into a knot while Lan Wangji remained still.
The oblivious couple only realized that they probably shouldn't be doing that when they hear audible gasps from other Gusu Lan junior disciples whose attentions were attracted the moment they heard the pretty loud exclamation from the head disciple of Yunmeng Jiang. There were many of shocked and several horrified looks on the faces. Even some who normally had no interest in gossiping or drama stopped to observe. All of the others seemed similarly serious, glancing at Xiao Zhan with indescribable looks on their faces.
"..." The duo stood there frozen like deer in headlights, awkward beyond words because they just revealed their affection for one another to everyone in broad daylight for the entire world to see.
Oh shit. This freaking habit! Wait, why did feel like this scene is rather familiar?
Witnessing the spectacle, even Lan Xichen looked like he needed some water for his dry mouth. As the captain of the ship, he tried to think of a way to cover up for the young couple's thoughtless act, but nothing came to mind.
"A-Ying." Jiang Fengmian voice breached through the silence.
Perfect timing, Uncle Jiang!
Xiao Zhan sighed and mentally high fived his uncle for that escape. He was very much the meaning behind the Gusu Lan's headband, and he knew he'd need his help to fix this situation. He took a deep breath before turning around to face his uncle who was approaching their direction with the other sect leaders.
Ah, I spoke too soon! Wrong timing, Uncle Jiang!
Everyone in attendance immediately bowed in greetings towards the elders, the pair was no exception.
"Uncle Jiang." Xiao Zhan managed to say, looking flustered at the knowledge that the older men might had seen that scene as well. Whereas Lan Wangji maintained his cool as cucumber mannerism, looking rather unfazed with the circumstances.
"Is there something wrong, Young Master Wei?" Qingheng-Jun asked with his hands behind his back. There was amusement written on his face.
"Uh," Xiao Zhan swallowed heavily.
What should I answer? I boldly touch your son's sacred headband in front in public? And help him tie it back like it is the most natural thing to do? What excuse would be able to justify my actions? Should I just make an official announcement right now or pretend like nothing happened?
"Nothing is wrong, Father." Lan Wangji answered for him with an impassive expression. It wasn't a lie. In his opinion, that is.
One cannot give another permission to touch their forehead ribbon unless the person is the fated partner. And to him, Xiao Zhan is none other than his fated one and the right will forever belong only to him. In brief, really nothing's wrong. He didn't even have a shred of guilt in this case. In fact, he looked like he was waiting for this moment to happen.
Qingheng Jun had no idea whether to laugh or cry at his youngest's response. He nodded as though it was acceptable and then continued, "Alright, if you say so."
He then dismissed the rest of his junior sect members to Xiao Zhan's relief.
Sect Leader Nie had a wide smile on his face as he tardily addressed his youngest son, "You did great, Ying'er. You never fail to exceed my expectations. Congratulations. "
That term of endearment made Xiao Zhan snap back to reality. His eyes flickered at Jin Guangshan who stood at one corner silently watching his moves like a vulture waiting for a piece of meat. He perceived that this meant that the man had already discovered the connection between him and Sect Leader Nie. They meant to disclose their relationship right after this conference anyway. So, it didn't matter if it came to light sooner. Xiao Zhan returned the smile and inclined his head, "Thank you for having faith in me, Father."
Walking up towards Xiao Zhan like a proud big brother he was, Nie Mingjue did not miss to interject at this point "Good job, Wei Ying."
"Yes, good job indeed, Didi!" Nie Huaisang piped in from somewhere behind his brother, wearing a smug grin on his face as he declared, "You are really the best!"
Jiang Cheng who was dragged along by Nie Huaisang snorted loudly and rolling his eyes slightly, but also slight pride.
Jiang Fengmian joined in the praises for Xiao Zhan as well with an indulgent smile on his face, "You did marvelous, A-Ying."
Even Qingheng-Jun couldn't hide his adoration as he gave a compliment with a pleasant smile, "Very well done."
Xiao Zhan was feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the amount of praise that seemed to come forth without warning.
"Now, my precious baby brother, call me Er Ge." Nie Huaisang demanded unashamedly. He wanted to use their father's presence more to get Xiao Zhan to say the word that he always wanted to hear.
Xiao Zhan gave him a pointed look before turning to Sect Leader Nie, and smiled brightly at him, "Father, may I have your permission to give Er Ge a lesson on archery?"
Two can play this game, Huaisang.
Hearing this question from him, Nie Huiasang looked surprised as if his whole body stiffened. Then, he blinked twice at Xiao Zhan, as if processing what had been said, and finally broke out in a hysterical laughter, "Good one! How witty of you, Didi!"
His laughter came to abrupt stop when he heard his father's answer, "Do as you please. Teach him a lesson or two if you want. It will be good for Huaisang to toughen up a little."
"Father! That... that is preferential treatment!" Nie Huaisang whined, feeling betrayed at this unexpected response. "That's not fair at all!"
Xiao Zhan smirked and replied indifferently, "Nothing is fair in this world, Er Ge."
Nie Huaisang pouted at the answer, his lower lip jutted out stubbornly in obvious disapproval. Yet, he could not say anything else after seeing Xiao Zhan's playful expression and teasing smirk on his lips. As expected, this young man was really too quick witted. He was definitely better off staying in Cloud Recesses with his beloved Lan Wangji! He would give their relationship his entire support from now on. He would even marry him off to the Lan household as soon as possible if it was up to him.
And with that display of close familial affair, Jin Guangshan now was hundred percent certain that Sect Leader Nie really did adopt the genius boy as his own son.
In Nightless city, as Wen Ruohan sat on his throne, he had the look in his eyes that promised bad news for anyone who was unlucky enough to cross paths with him.
"Father, I apologize for bringing shame to our clan's reputation. I am sorry to have disappointed you," Wen Chao said with his head lowered. "But the head disciple of Jiang clan is arrogant. So, I thought I had to teach him a lesson."
Wen Chao felt his blood drain from his face as he saw something shift behind his icy façade, a spark of fury and a slight narrowing of the eyes.
"Teach him a lesson? How disgraceful! You don't even know what's high and what's low yourself! How unskilled are you that you got toyed by that Wei Wuxian instead!" He spat out the name with an ugly sneer, as though Wei Wuxian's name tasted like poison in his mouth.
"Forgive me for my incompetence..." he managed weakly after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper. He knew he should keep his mouth shut lest he incur the wrath of his father more than he already had, but it was difficult, when his own pride was on the line. "But father, that brat needs to be put in his place. He had no fear or respect towards you and our clan!"
"He has no respect towards me?" his father said, and his expression became even harder, even colder.
"Yes, Father. His actions spoke louder than words ever could!" Wen Chao fanned the fire that was growing steadily in his father's heart. This was what he had come here for. To make his father see how insolent that man was! " He thought his cultivation was better than any of us."
The flames of anger within Wen Ruohan's eyes were already dancing like wildfire. "That fool who thinks he can surpass me in power, huh?"
Wen Chao's lips pulled to a grin. A small victory was enough to make him feel victorious in whatever battle he was about to begin. Wei Wuxian will pay, he thought giddily. "Yes, he holds no regards to the hierarchy that our clan established."
"How impudent! How dare he be that insolent?" Wen Ruohan narrowed his eyes dangerously, but there was nothing behind them except cold calculation. He wanted to strike fear into Wei Wuxian's heart, to make sure he never dared to disrespect his clan ever again. And there was no better way to do it than with a demonstration of power.
Wen Ruohan stood up, his gaze burning with the promise of retribution. He started walking around the hall as he began talking, "I'm curious. I will need to see with my own eyes how good his skills are then."
He stopped at a table where many scrolls were laid out, listing information of notable disciples from the four clans and their strengths. He picked one scroll at the topmost, opening it and reading over its contents. His brows furrowed in displeasure. The only thing useful in this scroll were some general knowledge of cultivation techniques and methods they used. There wasn't much useful information to be found on Wei Wuxian as the youth did not reveal much of himself in public prior to this. Either that or the teen purposely hid his true capabilities. He slammed it down on the table forcefully with a loud sound, his gaze burning with the promise of retribution. He started walking around the hall as he began talking, "I will need to see with my own eyes how good his skills are then."
The discussion conference that was still ongoing would be the perfect time to test how strong Wei Wuxian's potential truly was and to see if his cultivation ability matched his claims of arrogance.
"You are dismissed," Wen Ruohan said curtly to his youngest son. "But remember, if you ever bring shame upon our family again, you will not be forgiven so easily."
Wen Chao nodded, feeling relieved to be let off so easily. He knew better than to push his luck too far with his father. As he walked out of the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction that the talk went in his favor. He smirked devilishly, knowing exactly what he was going to use the next time the opportunity presented itself to him or rather, what he planned on using to teach Wei Wuxian a good lesson as Wen Zhuliu had just been assigned as his personal bodyguard. He was in for a revenge against that head disciple of Jiang clan.
Wei Wuxian was in for a world of hurt, and he couldn't wait to see it happen.