"How many?" Lan Wangji asked quietly, stepping up beside him.
"A dozen." Xiao Zhan replied curtly before turning towards the direction he had sensed their presence from. "Wen clan's men."
"What do you want to do?" Lan Wangji looked at his partner inquiringly, "Shall we retreat?"
Xiao Zhan's expression hardened slightly as he contemplated on their options. Lan Wangji had yet to recover his spiritual energy fully and retreating would be the safer option. However, he couldn't leave these men alone and risk the safety of the others. He came up with a decision, "No. We need to make sure that they don't get to the others. We shall get to them first and keep a watch."
Lan Wangji nodded his head in understanding, "As you wish."
With that, they sprinted like the wind with their footsteps light yet quick, barely making a sound as they rushed across the landscape and reached the nearby foliage in record time.
The duo stayed hidden as they stealthily observed through the cover of the thick tree line, watching the group not too far away move about the area with suspicious eyes. They knew that facing the men head-on would be foolish and risky, so they resorted to observe their opponents first.
The group wore the distinctive white robes with red hems, carrying the sun motifs that signifying they were indeed from Qishan Wen Sect. Judging from the armory they wore and the weaponry they carried, the pair deduced that these men were guards.
It was a common occurrence for Wen Ruohan to have men stationed at Wen Qing's division as protection since the branch were comprised of mostly medics and healers. Specifically, it was because Wen Qing was his favorite niece, and her safety was paramount to his regime. It only made sense that he would have his men to monitor her and her division as a whole.
The leader stood in front of the group, a tall and imposing figure with a long scar across his face. He spoke loudly and clearly, his voice carrying out over the area like thunder. "You idiots! You're supposed to keep an eye on Wen Qing!"
His anger seemed to radiate off his body in waves, his eyes blazing with rage at their incompetence as he barked, "How useless! How could you lose sight of not only one person but an entire family??"
"It must be the incense she lit up that caused us to fell asleep." One of them answered in their defense, "She has been acting strange recently... maybe-"
"Shut your mouth before I cut it off!" A fierce scowl settled across the leader's face. It was clear he did not tolerate excuses from his underlings. "The consequences will be severe! Sect Leader will not spare our lives even if we explain ourselves!"
Vaguely, Xiao Zhan caught on the context of their conversation. He whispered lowly, "This may prove to be a problem."
Lan Wangji was equally aware of what was happening and nodded grimly.
The scarred face man continued shouting and cursing at his men, "Search the surrounding area! Find them or die trying!"
His subordinates saluted and hurried off to begin their search in rapid succession.
"This is bad." Xiao Zhan muttered under his breath. They would need to take care of this quickly or the men would catch up to the other's trail soon. His heart pounded as adrenaline coursed through his veins. It was time to act. "I'll deal with them."
Lan Wangji's eyebrows knitted together as he looked at Xiao Zhan whose jaw clenched tightly. He knew the look of determination that clouded the man's normally soft features. He inquired softly, "What would you do with them, Wei Ying?"
Xiao Zhan glanced sideways at his lover, "I am just going to incapacitate them."
Lan Wangji took a moment to deliberate in his mind before agreeing, "Do what you deem necessary."
Xiao Zhan took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The look in his lover's eyes made him pause and his face softened slightly at the conflicted look that flashed briefly in Lan Wangji's golden gaze. He smiled reassuringly at the man before whipping up Chenqing to his lips.
A short but loud sharp tune of the flute echoing throughout the forest and sending birds flying and causing them to screech loudly.
The effect was instant, the Wen guardsmen stopped their activity and began to look around frantically. Their eyes scanning for anything unusual in their surroundings before moving towards the direction where the sound came from.
The leader's ears perked up, trying to discern the odd atmosphere. The silence that followed the high pitch note was too heavy and ominous. He raised his hand and halted, asking his men warily, "Anyone hear anything?"
"No." The men answered collectively.
"Exactly." The leader stated, turning around to sweep the area with his eyes cautiously. It was too silent that very minute. He gritted his teeth as he noticed the impending doom that was coming, "Shit! Fall back!"
Before they could, they heard heavy rustling of leaves and movements heading towards them in inhuman speed as the wicked creatures under Xiao Zhan's command made its way past the trees with unnatural gracefulness. They closed in swiftly to surround the group and began circling the group like vultures eyeing their prey as if waiting for them to falter. Some started snarling menacingly, while their eyes gleamed with feral hunger at the human beings before them.
"Fuck! What the hell are these things?" The leader growled, pulling out his sword and brandishing it threateningly.
The others had no answer to that as they were baffled too. They had never seen these creatures of darkness working together like this in their whole lives. Their swords were drawn out and pointed in an attempt to defend themselves. There was nowhere to run when the ferocious looking spirits trapped them in that spot.
Xiao Zhan's lips curled upwards in a pleased smirk as he watched the leader, and his men boggle in surprise. His crimson eyes were glowing as he gave out his order under his breath from afar, "Subdue but do not kill them."
There was a chorus of hisses acknowledging the command as the shrill of deathly tune rebounded from Xiao Zhan's flute and echoed across the forest, bringing shivers down the spines to anyone who listened to it.
Before long, the melody was joined by the sound of battle that filled the air. There was a cacophony of noises that consisted of screams of pain and cries of anguish accompanying the clash of swords against the long and sharp claws of the fierce beings. Sparks of bright lights from the sword glares and Talismans being thrown around light up the area in flashes.
"Damnit, what is happening?!" The leader shouted angrily. No one answered as they were busy fighting the shadows shifting behind every one of them.
Lan Wangji watched silently as the battle progressed. He could see the struggle on everyone's faces, both physical and mental. Fear, confusion, and uncertainty clouded each of their expressions. Even though they had managed to kill the spirit that had appeared near them, another would replace its place. The cycle continued for a while, and it seemed like an endless battle between the fierce spirits and the Wen Sect warriors. Against the fearless and maniacal creatures which know no pain, it was almost one-sided, and soon enough, blood stained the ground red.
Xiao Zhan winced slightly at the sight of the Wen men crumpling to the ground, writhing in pain as the malicious spirit clawed through their bodies without mercy. He was already accustomed to seeing blood and gore but, to inflict such cruelty upon fellow humans in such a way was something completely new to him. Despite feeling a pang of empathy, he could not help but continue his assault. It was a 'kill or be killed' kind of world after all.
Most of the men looked like they were severely injured but not to a point of fatality. Frankly, it was only because he wasn't up to kill anyone. At least, not yet and not right now. That being said, he put a tight control of the malevolent beings with the series of note that he was playing. His fingers moved nimbly over the ebony-colored bamboo flute as he blew into the instrument carefully.
When the last man fell to the ground, he called off the attack and released the last note, ending his tune and leaving nothing but some ringing in the ears in its wake. The sudden silence that fell upon the area was deafening, a stark contrast from the noise that had been filling the atmosphere moments ago.
Xiao Zhan removed his flute and lowered his head low, feeling a little sickened at what he just did.
At that instance, a warm pair of hands wrapped around his upper body and an intense sensation of comfort enveloped Xiao Zhan, and he let out a faint sigh in response.
"You did what you have to." Lan Wangji murmured softly against Xiao Zhan's neck.
"I know..." Xiao Zhan answered, still riddled with guilt for hurting those people.
They stayed like that for a brief moment before Lan Wangji spoke up, "Let's get away from here. We don't want to be seen."
"Okay." Xiao Zhan said quietly. The two moved out of the clearing, still keeping to the shadows of the trees.
"We should inform everyone else about what happened," said Xiao Zhan after a short silence. "They probably noticed something is amiss by now."
"Mn."
********
On the other side of the forest, a sharp sound that breached the silence in a distance and followed by a fast-tempo eerie melody. Nie Mingjue's head snapped towards the direction, "What was that?"
"A flute. But I never heard of this song before. It sounds..." Lan Xichen paused, and his brows furrowed in thought as he tried to interpret what he was hearing,"...dangerous."
"Should we investigate?" Nie Mingjue suggested, his instinct told him that there is unanticipated incident taking place. "Something might happen to those two."
Wen Qing immediately interjected in dissent, "Young Masters, Wei Ying told us not to stop no matter what. We have to keep going."
She had already seen the ability of Xiao Zhan's firsthand, and she knew exactly what was going on. She remembered the haunting tune very well and what it meant. She added with a firm confidence in her voice, "I am sure they can handle whatever it is."
"How are you so sure, Maiden Wen?" Nie Mingjue's brow raised in question. He had no idea how close his adopted brother was with the lady or the nature of their relationship, but he was a little skeptical in her knowledge of his brother's abilities.
"I can tell how big his base is and I can assure you that Wei Ying's cultivation level is exceptional, Young Master Nie. I believe you had acknowledged that much, " She answered sternly. "He is much stronger than you think he is and the same applies to Second Young Master Lan. If anything, they should be the one to be feared."
Nie Mingjue's gaze narrowed as he watched the woman speak. She was definitely right. Wei Wuxian had grown incredibly strong since the last time he saw him in Cloud Recesses, even more than he'd been when they first met. It was almost scary how rapid the younger man's progression has been.
Lan Xichen nodded slightly, agreeing to the healer's insight. He turned to Nie Mingjue and reassured, "Mingjue-xiong, Maiden Wen is right. We should trust them to take care of themselves."
Nie Mingjue hummed in contemplation but did not press the matter further in spite of his piqued interests and building up curiosity. With one last glance at the spot where the melody seemed to originate from, he relented and urged the others to continue marching forward, "Let's continue."
Just a few steps later, they halted once again as they heard loud shrieks of cries that currently mixing with the sinister song. There was also occasional bone-chilling cackling that was so unnerving it caused goosebumps to raise all over their bodies along with it.
Pausing to listen for a brief while, Nie Mingjue was hit with realization that he had heard of the high pitch note before. He recognized it. The night hunt, he thought.
Putting two in two together, he came to the conclusion that his adopted brother was the only person who fit the puzzle that he tried to piece together in his head. This discovery made him uneasy. He was sure now that Xiao Zhan was hiding something big; it could be something very important, enough to be kept as a secret. The question was, why his brother didn't seem to fully trust him, or his father, especially considering how protective his family had become over him ever since he showed up. That sentiment left his mind reeling for some reason.
Nie Mingjue frowned at his thoughts. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about it. As much as he wanted to understand the reason behind it, he didn't want to jeopardize this entire operation with his curiosity. Wei Ying must have his reasons, he convinced himself. So, he decided to give his brother a benefit of doubt for now.
"Let's haste along. We don't have much time." Nie Mingjue instructed, turning back and marching ahead. The others fell silent and began following along without complaint or argument, eager to get the hell out of the place as the disturbing sounds continued to play in the background.
"Right..." Lan Xichen's gaze lingered on the spot where the dreadful chilling sound originated for a while longer. He too couldn't help feeling unsettled and apprehensive about the situation, but he decided to brush it off and concentrate on the task at hand. He focused his attention on aiding the elderly ones so that they did not fall behind.
They then resumed their journey, ignoring the commotion that wrecked the silent night and the flashes of lights that illuminated the darkened trees and bushes. As they moved away further and further, the unpleasant sounds gradually faded away and eventually stopped altogether. The night became still and quiet once again.
As it was on cue, one of the communication talismans in Wen Qing's possession shone brightly for a couple second. Her brows wrinkled as she read the message from Xiao Zhan informing that they just took down a group of Wen guards that was apparently noticed their disappearance and was after them.
"What's wrong, Jie?" Wen Ning asked quietly as he stood beside Wen Qing. She looked concerned, scanning their surroundings nervously.
"We must get to safety soon." Wen Qing replied gravely.
Nie Mingjue noticed how tense Wen Qing appeared and the sudden change in expression on her face. "Is everything alright?"
"Wei Ying sent a message. They just disabled my uncle's men." Wen Qing replied, biting back the panic rising inside her and forcing herself to remain composed.
Hearing that made Nie Mingjue frown, "How many?"
"A dozen." Wen Qing grimaced. The incense she put to knock them out the six guards on duty must had been put out earlier than she expected. Considering the numbers of the men chasing after them, she could only assume that the others in the squad made a sudden visit after they left the premise. She added, "They were elites that Uncle placed to guard the branch."
Everyone grew solemn upon hearing what she told them. They had braced themselves from the moment they made a decision to run away from their own clan, but it seemed that they weren't able to do so as efficiently as they hoped.
"Are they okay?" Lan Xichen asked, a little concerned.
"The boys are more than fine." Wen Qing answered flatly. "Their opponents... Well, not so much."
Nie Mingjue didn't know whether to be amazed or to be horrified. Wen clan guards were known for their high-level cultivations and had trained for years and years in combat which meant that even the most inexperienced ones were able to defeat at least several opponents at the same time. He could not fathom how two teenagers could overpowered even when they were outnumbered. But then again, he recalled these two managed to defeat two beasts without much problem. He shook his head to clear it of unnecessary thoughts. They were safe at least for the moment. As soon as this business is concluded, he would interrogate those two mercilessly for information.
Lan Xichen felt the same way. He got so many questions and he needed to learn the answer from the young couple once they got back from this mission.
Everyone continued moving at a brisk pace afterwards and the journey was smooth from thereon and they managed to reach their destination without a hitch before dawn.
Both Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue returned to the camp once they completed the mission successfully.
*******
The pair found a tall peak that was overlooking the landscape, but still hidden from anyone's line of sight. Their black clothing made them blend in with the night seamlessly as they kept surveillance on the area. A few hours had passed since they left those guards sprawling on the ground in heavy injuries. So far, there was no signs of reinforcements or backups coming to their rescue.
Xiao Zhan's eyes were closed but his vision was pretty much clear even in the dark of the night thanks to low night vision that was provided by his owls. He had one owl following the movement of the other group earlier to ensure their safety. He breathed a relief knowing that the group was still moving forward in smooth manner. He informed, "They are almost there."
Lan Wangji, who was sitting in a lotus position to speed up the replenishing of his spiritual energy hummed in acknowledgement.
"Ah, I am hungry..." Xiao Zhan complained slightly, regretting not bringing some snacks with him.
Lan Wangji fished out something in his pouch and handed it to the man next to him. "Here. Eat."
Xiao Zhan cracked his eyes open to see a carefully packed buns in his hand. He smiled widely in delights and exclaimed, "Lan Zhan! You are really the best!"
A soft, loving smile adorned Lan Wangji's feature as Xiao Zhan gave a quick peck on his cheek before the latter proceeded to unwrap the package.
Xiao Zhan chewed slowly to savor every bite of the sweet doughy bun, sighing in contentment. He turned to look at his lover and offered him one of the buns with a happy grin. "Don't make me eat alone now."
"Okay." Lan Wangji accepted it, taking a small nibble.
Xiao Zhan watched how Lan Wangji ate it with such a soft look in his eyes while munching on his own leisurely.
"Have some water." Lan Wangji offered when he finished eating, handing him a water skin he'd prepared beforehand.
"You're spoiling me rotten, Gege~" Xiao Zhan giggled softly as he took it gratefully, sipping some to wash away the sweetness that coated the edges of his mouth. He let out another sigh of satisfaction, "Thank you, Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji gave him a smile and placed a hand around his waist protectively. "No need to thank me."
Xiao Zhan leaned into his touch, resting his head on the broad shoulder that had always been his safe haven. He asked in a daze, "You really care about me a lot, don't you?"
"Yes," Lan Wangji affirmed quietly. His tone was warm, gentle, and tender.
It filled Xiao Zhan's heart with joy, and he basked in its radiance, wishing for more moments like that. It made him forget the heavy feelings in his chest that had haunted him since they left the scene earlier.
"Wei Ying, can you promise me something?" Lan Wangji asked suddenly.
"Of course, what is it?" Xiao Zhan answered, looking up curiously at him.
Lan Wangji turned to face Xiao Zhan, he gazed deeply into the sparkling grey eyes before saying, "Promise me that you will not sacrifice yourself for someone else's sake."
Xiao Zhan smiled softly at his lover, "That goes without saying, Lan Zhan. I will do my best to keep myself alive."
Lan Wangji's heart clenched in his chest. He shook his head and squeezed the man's side firmly, clearly not satisfied with his answer. "That's not it. Please promise me that you won't risk your life. Not even for me."
"Ah! Lan Zhan" Xiao Zhan said in surprise, pulling himself back slightly. He then cupped the man's handsome face gently with both his hands before leaning in closer until his forehead touched Lan Wangji's, whispering earnestly, "I love you; I'd do anything for you. So, don't ask me to promise you something I might break."
Lan Wangji stared back, taking in each of the man's features in deep concentration, as if committing them to memory. He rephrased, "Then, promise me that you won't throw yourself into danger. "
"Lan Zhan..." Xiao Zhan began. "I-"
"No." Lan Wangji cut him off sternly, not bothering to listen to what the other man had to say. His tone brooked no arguments as he continued, "I will not allow you to hurt yourself unnecessarily from now on. You know I cannot bear it if anything were to happen to you. So, promise me, Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan sighed. He really didn't want to promise Lan Wangji that, but he felt obligated to. Lan Wangji was such a worry wart. He conceded, "I promise not to throw myself at dangers. There. Are we good now?"
Lan Wangji nodded solemnly, "Yes. I will hold onto that."
"But..."
"But what, Wei Ying?" Lan Wangji shot him a disgruntled glare.
"But-"
Lan Wangji didn't let him finish. "No buts. End of discussion."
Xiao Zhan looked at him with a pout and objected indignantly, "Can you at least listen to what I want to say?"
"No. I don't want to." Lan Wangji blatantly denied his objection.
"Well, I still want to say it." Xiao Zhan insisted defiantly, crossing his arms in front of his chest to make a point. He challenged, "So, you can either silence me or listen to me."
"..." Lan Wangji looked at him sternly for a minute, refusing to budge. He said with conviction, "There is nothing that you can say that will convince me otherwise."
Xiao Zhan smirked. It would appear that he would be having none of Lan Wangji's stubbornness today. He started, "You asked me not to throw myself at danger. But..."
"Just say it." Lan Wangji demanded, getting impatient.
"...But, Lan Zhan, you are the most dangerous person to me right now. Do you know how charming you are? Absolutely dangerous!" Xiao Zhan could not hold his chuckling back as he finished his sentence.
"..." Was all that the usually stoic man could do as his expression morphed to one of utter bewilderment.
"Ah, you are so damn cute!" Xiao Zhan continued his teasing, clutching his chest dramatically as he exclaimed, "And that make you dangerous to my heart, Lan Zhan. Really dangerous. I'm not kidding. My heart rhythm is going haywire now whenever I see you. I may end up with a heart attack someday if you continue being so adorable and so deadly attractive!"
A look of irritation appeared in Lan Wangji's eyes as he grumbled, "You are being ridiculous."
"And you're just adorable. Cuteness is not something to be ashamed about, Lan Zhan." Xiao Zhan said cheekily. Then, he reached up and caressed the side of his face before adding, "You look like a puppy, you know that?"
"Puppy?" Lan Wangji echoed. His frown deepened into a confused scowl. He could only tolerate so much teasing and listening to Xiao Zhan comparing him to a tiny dog only pushed him over the edge. He retaliated by pinning the other man down firmly to the hard surface and kissing him thoroughly, effectively shutting him up.
It went on for several long moments until Xiao Zhan pushed himself his lover's chest slightly, gasping for breath and trying desperately to regain his composure.
"Stop provoking me, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji warned in a low voice.
"Or what?" Xiao Zhan whispered in return, looking into those piercing, golden eyes that he adored so much and feigning innocence. "What can you possibly do to me with that adorable threat of yours?"
Lan Wangji's gaze darkened momentarily; his lips pursed tightly together. He looked down on him briefly, before raising his capturing those lips again, passionately.
"Lan Zhan... you are really killing me here. I'm dying...You're depriving me of oxygen." Xiao Zhan managed to speak between kisses. He was breathless from Lan Wangji's fervent display of affection.
"Shut up, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji chastised, but there was no anger behind it, and he leaned down to trail languid kisses on Xiao Zhan's neck causing his beloved to shudder and squirm underneath his embrace.
"We are supposed to be staking out. We shouldn't do this now..." Xiao Zhan muttered, attempting to sound stern even though his words came out as a whisper. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed the sensation Lan Wangji was providing him.
"The owls are efficient tools for surveillance." Lan Wangji mumbled against his skin.
Xiao Zhan laughed softly at his remark, "Now you just prove yourself to be the most dangerous thing to me!"
"Mn." Lan Wangji replied noncommittally while kissing at Xiao Zhan's collarbone.
"You are so shameless." Xiao Zhan chuckled.
"I am aware." Lan Wangji responded nonchalantly.
"I can't win against you, can I?" Xiao Zhan gave up on resisting and surrendered willingly under Lan Wangji's ministrations.
For a moment, they just lay tangled together as they basked in each other's company. Their moment of bliss, however, did not last long as it was interrupted when Xiao Zhan received a message from Wen Qing, informing them that they made it to Impure Realm safely. He spoke, sounding a somewhat reluctant, "We should go back now, Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji withdrew himself from Xiao Zhan, sighing lightly as he sat up slowly and pulled Xiao Zhan up with him. His fingers stroked through Xiao Zhan's hair, smoothing it out before saying, "Let's go."