The air was clearly heavy, and the faces were all grim. The humble merchant was carrying his cargo with radishes in the sacs. His little daughter was singing something by dangling her little legs. The two guards stopped at the entrance and the merchant was being interrogated. The little girl started singing louder and two sacs of radishes begun to move and sneaked into the sect.

Wen Ning and Luo Qingyang successfully entered the Yingchuan Wang sect. They hid behind the bushes and inspected the area. The disciples were all carrying the flags of Qishan Wen sect and it made Wen Ning's heart churn. Oddly enough, they didn't see any Qishan Wen corpses like how that man Yi Weichun had told him to. Wen Ning was glad because he rather not sees his family turn into corpses again. Luo Qingyang sent out her talisman and it distracted the two guards standing in front of the dungeon and they successfully sneaked in. They checked each and every room in the dungeon, avoiding the guards whenever they showed up but they did not find Wen Yuan anywhere. There was not even a trace of him. If he wasn't here where could he be?

"I think I know where he might be."

"Do enlighten me."

What were the odd that Yi Weichun was actually telling the truth? After all, Wen Ning did face few of the corpses in Wen Hanfu. But if those corpses were really of wen then Wen Yuan... Wen Ning didn't want to imagine that possibility with heavy heart he said.

"Nightless City."

The former Nightless city to be more precise. According to the area, Qishan Wen sect was the biggest of them all. After demolishing the sect. The area was distributed among the 4 remaining great sects. Yiling came under Yunmeng Jiang Sect. Well, for two reasons; it was closer to Yunmeng and it was the nest of Yiling Patriarch. The sworn enemy of Sandu Shengshou. Gusu Lan sect, built homes for the orphans and needy in the area which was given to them. Nie Clan built a campaign for war and battle ground. While Lan Ling Jin sect only increased their ornaments. And so, the former Nightless City was under Lan Ling Jin sect.

"Let's hurry then Master Wen."

"Let's make it so we don't have to come back here." Wen Ning looked into the cells of dungeon and thought of something.

. . .

"Wanyin that is not the..."

Lan Xichen couldn't complete his sentence when he looked into Jiang Cheng's eyes. The two had arrived at Mount Dafan and this is where they are to split up to return to their sects. They would have arrived earlier if the rows and rows of corpses were not in their way. Sect Leader Jiang became too impatient and slashed them all away in a swift motion and now he was heading towards Lanling Jin sect.When Lan Xichen didn't realize that at first but when he saw the storm in his eyes, he couldn't utter another word.

"I didn't re built Lotus Pier to crumble overnight."

With the eyes and a tone steady than before he declared,

"Lotus Pier will never fall again!"

And it will not. Everyday Jiang Wanyin of Yunmeng Sect wake up with the fear of unexpected war. With the fear of unexpected loss and with the fear of expected helplessness. Every day, he swung his sword with disciples as if the war is just waiting at their doorsteps. Every day, he planned a new strategy to uphold their barrier. Every day, he taught Jin Ling how to use Zidian and Every day, he walked around the Lotus Pier as if tomorrow would never show its face again.

He was The Sandu Shengshou!

Lan Xichen didn't add anything else, he bowed to the other leader and watched him disappear.

"Wanyin I wish the people could see you the way I see you." Lan Xichen mumbled to himself looking into the direction where the purple lotus had disappeared. Then Lan Xichen picked up his route and went towards his sect.

. . .

The one benefit of Watch Tower was they could predict the enemy attack and prepare themselves in advance. But when Lan Ling Jin sect was in disarray, it was Jiang Cheng who came to aid his nephew and restored the control of Carp Tower. If it weren't for him, LanLing Jin sect would have fallen way sooner. It was also among those many regrets that Qin Cangye had. He should have supported his grandchildren but he was busy mourning his wife and daughter.

Leilin Qin sect wasn't strong enough to uphold the attack. The Jin and Qin disciples were engaged in battle with Qin Cangye leading the cultivators. The Lanling Jin sect was surrounded by rogue cultivators of sects or clans who once existed along with others. The treachery of late sect leaders brought demise to their names and now they had nothing but the desire for vengeance.

Current Sect Leader Jin had successfully made it back to his sect. There was huge impediment between him and Jinlin tai. The cultivators. Jin Ling had never seen those robes or motifs. He had no idea which clans or sects they belonged to, unless they were rogue cultivators? The only possibility he could think was that his late uncle Jin GuangYao must have pissed these people like how he had done to many. Jin Ling heaved a labored sigh. He was not going to forget the warm smile his uncle had showered him. His kind words, even if they were fake. He was a villain for the world but deep down, Jin ling couldn't really hate him. He had also gifted Jin ling a spiritual dog to protect him.

Ah that's right, Fairy!

Jin ling whistled a sound and fairy came crashing the cultivators straight to him. Jing Ling beamed and hugged fairy tight. He had missed her. Jin ling patted its head and smiled with tears escaping his eyes. He didn't know why he was crying?

There were many thoughts circulating his mind. Moli, Feife and Xiaoai those were the dogs his uncle had, Wei Wuxian had told him so much about their childhood and it was pleasing to listen.

Let me remind you Sect Leader Jin, you haven't even apologized for stabbing him and that's the least of your crimes.

The tears that threatened to escape came rushing down. He wanted to see his Jiujiu so bad. He wanted to hug him and cry in his arms. Fairy seemed to understand his pain and started licking him to help him ease it somehow.

"Fairy, am I really a bad guy?" the agony he was feeling was suffocating him. He had been suffering all of his life but he had always blamed it on others but this time, he knew he had to own up to his mistakes and not let anyone influence his weak heart. Fairy only barked in reply. But whatever she said seemed to convince Jin Ling.

He wiped his tears and stood up tall. It was about time, he let them know that he was the Leader of Lanling Jin sect.

He took out his bow and arrow and arched into the air, flaming them getting the attention of everyone. He recklessly exposed himself but that was how Jin Ling had always been. He now knew whom he took after in that regard.

The rogue cultivators directed their attention towards him, with blades in their hands and rage in their hearts. Vast majority of them didn't even know who he was and that was what he was aiming to change.

"I am Jin Rulan, the leader of Lanling Jin Sect. I assume you are not going to settle down for a cup of tea so let's aim straight to the point."

The gold in his eyes was bright enough to reflect his emotions and he had never been so certain of what was right in his entire life.

"I will not let you lay a single finger on my sect."

He was a child indeed but the aura around him send a chill down their spines. They didn't know how they lost the ability to speak so suddenly but they were shocked by the fire of determination burning in those golden eyes.

Jin Ling jumped off of the tree and along with Fairy he walked through the middle of cultivators who unconsciously cleared the way for him.

"A life can never be compensated; I am aware of that more than you can imagine."

Jin Ling continued while keeping his gaze straight towards his home.

"I wouldn't dare to ask you to forgive the crimes which my late uncle and grandfather had committed."

Hearing people talk about his uncle and grandfather where ever he went was like a Karma for him. His whole life, he was among those people who insulted Yiling Patriarch without finding about the truth. He had been mocked for not having mother countless times but he could proudly say that his mother was brave enough to sacrifice herself for the people she loved.

And Jin Ling would gladly follow her footsteps. Stand with what is right even if he had to offer his life for it.

"The crimes committed by the fathers shall not be repaid by the children."

The crowd gasped. Some were shocked, some in fear while others in full of rage. Qin Cangye would certainly have a heart attack by how reckless his Grandchild was being. He couldn't protect Jin Rusong but he would not let the same tragedy befall Jin ling.

"If taking my life or the lives of my fellow disciples would bring back the lives you have lost. I would gladly let you satisfy yourselves."

Taking each step with pride, not knowing which would be his last. He didn't let his conviction reel.

"But let me edify you, the blood of innocent doesn't wash away."

. . .

When Jiang Cheng reached Lanling Jin sect, he noticed the barrier was up tight. That was a good thing but instead of rogue cultivators, there were corpses. Wen corpses! The memories of Sunshot campaign flashed in his mind but he wasn't a helpless boy now, he was Sandu Shengshou and was planning to fully own that title.

The lightening whip crashed to any thing that hindered its way. Like a thunder on rampage, Zidian danced in its flare. His blazing cold eyes didn't let anything escape and Sandu Shengshou cleared his way like there was nothing but air.

Jiang Cheng entered the Jin lin tai and saw the rogue cultivators inside. They were helping Jin disciples with the barrier outside. Okay that was something, Jiang Cheng didn't expect. He looked around to find any one familiar, so he could ask about the situation and the only person he spotted was the brat, Jin Chan. He didn't like him because he always bullied Jin Ling but lately he had been behaving so Jiang Cheng decided to spare his life.

"Jin Ruchan."

"Sect leader Jiang!" Shocked at first but he made his way to Jiang cheng and bowed to greet him.

"Where is A-Ling?"

"Sect Leader Jiang, he's...there were these cultivators who wanted to attack and Jin Ling- I mean Sect Leader Jin, and he protected us all."

"What exactly happened?"

Jiang Cheng had a dark aura around him. He was ready to face anything as long as Jin ling was safe. Jin chan explained everything and Jiang Cheng was shocked, angry and worried.

The cultivators didn't decide to shut up and listen to Jin Ling just like that, Feng Mengchuan arrived there in time, some rogue cultivators were his clan men. He sided with Jin Ling and informed them about their real enemies. But before they could pick sides, a wave of corpses could be seen in the distance. Jin Ling offered them all to stay inside in protection. Some had too much pride but when their life was on their line, they agreed and took shelter in the place they were going to destroy.

"Where is A-Ling now?"

"He went away." Came the voice of Qin Cangye.

"What do you mean, he went away?" There was clear fury in his voice.

"To the Nightless city, to save his friend."

Jiang Cheng visible slapped his forehead. He was already anxious. Could that kid be any more wreckless? He was just like Wei Wuxian, jumping straight into danger without thinking about people. And that had always been Jiang Cheng's fear, what if he suddenly disappeared like Wei Wuxian leaving him all alone?

The rogue cultivators begun to whisper a lot of things and it didn't escape his ears.

"Talk!" His voice was like countless daggers, butchering their souls. His very presence was terrifying.

"Lan Shizui... he's actually a Wen."

"What?!"

"Wen Yuan is leading these corpses."

"Yeah that bastard Wen had been hiding between Lans."

"He's trying to become next Yiling Patrirach."

"Yiling Patriarch raised him and he killed him."

Like father, like son! They mused. The fragrance hall was echoes with mock and insults. Every word that uttered out of their mouths felt like a needle straight to his heart. Had Lan Xichen been lying to him? Was he again so stupid to trust someone?

The Hiss of the Zidian made everyone shut up.

"Unless you know the whole matter, keep your holes shut!"

There was pin drop silence and they all brought their attention back to their tasks. They made him Sandu Shengshou, they shall see Sandu Shengshou.

"Sect Leader Jiang!" Qin Cangye called when Jiang Cheng was about to mount his blade. He only turned around to look at the Sect Leader Qin.

"Please bring A-Ling back safe and sound."

He didn't need to be reminded; he would bring that brat back even if he had to literally cut his legs off. The Purple Lotus soared to the sky.

. . .

Just like the other sects, the Baling Ouyang Sect was surrounded by corpses. And the disciples were having hard time dealing with this wave. Just like Senior Wen told him, he was perfectly hidden above in the trees. He speculated the scene and checked the supplies he had. He could distract the corpses but that won't last for long. He sent out his talisman that made smoke around the corpses. He slit his wrist and gathered a little blood in guqin pouch and jumped straight into the smoke, slashing the corpses while heading straight towards the gate. He almost slipped and rolled inside. But he managed to enter, safely. Phew.

"Zizhen!"

Ouyang Zizhen jumped in surprise. Who else could it be except his dear father? He knew a scolding was coming right up, he closed his eyes to embrace the wrath but he only felt a warm hug. Whaaaaaat? Did his father lose his mind?

"Son are you okay?"

Ouyang Zizhen was blinking continuously while looking at the scared expression of this father. Are those tears?

"Ah. I'm okay. Where's mother? How's everyone else?"

"Everyone is fine, we were so worried about – Gasp what happened to your arm?" Sect Leader Ouyang grabbed his wrist and begun to examine it.

"It's just a light scratch." Zizhen pulled away his arm and rubbed the nape of his neck. He knew his father would get mad.

"The corpses are frozen now, we should head out and tie them before they start moving again and we should also strengthen the barrier." Zizhen escaped his father's grip and begun to elaborate his plan. But his father stood there with anger in his eyes. Oh Boy! Here we go again.

"Zizhen did you perform that wicked technique again?"

"Father, this is not the time to talk about that. We need to secure the premises." Zizhen emphasized the important matter. But to his father the important matter was something else.

"That Yiling Patriarch! It's all his fault! Look what he has turned you into, following his wicked paths."

That was it! Ouyang Zizhen could deal with insults but not that were directed at his moma duck.

"Do you even know what the situation is out there, father? People are dying, sects are burning and clans are disappearing!

And the next turn would be ours if you want to sit here and just insult Wei Qiangbei."

"Zizhen! Don't raise your voice! I'm your father!"

"And I'm the next sect Leader! How long are you going to cower under the strong, spitting sweet poison just to secure your place?"

"Zizhen! I do it to protect this sect and all of you!"

"No father! You do it for yourself!"

Every one gasped at the quarrel they were hearing and Sect Leader Ouyang was having hard to digest. He didn't want to raise high enough to be along side the 4 great sects, nor did he want to be the rock bottom. He aimed for mediocrity. A place which was low enough to stay out of harsh criticism and high enough to cast criticism. A perfect place out of too much trouble. This was part of the reason why Ouyang Zizhen would fight his father. He wanted change. He hated how his father would shower praise out of his mouth without meaning them. He was well aware that was exactly what others were doing but he didn't care about them. He only cared about his father and he didn't want a shallow person to be his father.

The politics of cultivators was harsh. Each of their comments would change the image and relationships they share with each other. Every word counted and every connection was worth a sacrifice.

"How long do you think our sect will survive with same old methods? You can keep licking their feet if you want to but I won't! The cultivation needs to change! Our methods need to change! Don't you see father, I want to improve our sect for better not for others but for ourselves?"

Sect Leader Ouyang was silent. All the disciples went silent. They had seen these quarrels before but this time they understood why their young master was always agitated. He raised too many good points to deny all.

"Zizhen." Came a gentle voice.

"Mother!" Zizhen leaped straight towards her and hugged her tight. He needed a shoulder to cry on. He had let all of his emotions out and if they still didn't except that. He was going to leave the sect. He had enough!

His caressed his back while letting him shed few tears in silence. She broke the hug and caressed his cheeks.

"You have a place where you have to be right now?" His mother asked, her voice was like a lullaby that would put his mind to rest. Ouyang Zizhen nodded while welcoming the warmth of her palm.

"Go perform your duty, Sect Leader Zizhen." She wiped his tears and pecked the injury on his wrist. Ouyang Zizhen hugged his mother and moved out of the gate.

Everyone was still silent not knowing what to say.

"You heard my son, go help him set up a new barrier and follow his lead." His mom declared and every one started to follow their new Sect Leader.

"You have come a long way my son." She whispered to herself while looking at the back of his brave son.

. . .

The Gusu Lan sect was surrounded by mountains from 3 sides and the only possibly entry was through the foot of the mountain which was surrounded by the disciples of Moling Su sects. They were preparing a formation to break the barrier and invade Cloud Recesses. Among the unknown heads, Lan Xichen spotted a similar figure. Lan Jingyi.

Wait what?

What was that idiot doing mingling with the Moling Su Disciples? They had the same color of their robes so he perfectly blended it. Lan Xichen was having a hard time between chuckling and mentally slapping himself. That boy was too much.

Lan Xichen secretly sent out his dangdinghe which was a butterfly. He had seen his mother make these dangdinghe when he and Lan Wangji would visit her. They loved seeing beautiful creatures made of pure qi. Lan Wangji didn't show it but Lan Xichen could see clearly in his eyes how much he loved her dangdinghe bunnies. He asked his mother from where she learnt that and Madam Lan replied

From a very dear confident.

Madam Lan looked at the window as if reminiscing the happening of past. Lan Xichen was too young to understand that back then.

The butterfly dingdinghe flew closer to Lan Jingyi. He immediately excused himself from his fake sect mates, probably told them Nature's call. He followed the butterfly to where Lan Xichen was perfectly hiding between the trees and the rocks.

"Zewu Jun!" Lan Jingyi whisper yelled and jumped straight into his arms. His friends had been telling that this angelic creature had lied to them about the Heavens Gate but he refused to believe it. He had full faith in his sect leader. He was the closest thing to a father for him.

"Jingyi, is everyone alright? How's Wangji? Did he wake up?" Lan Xichen patted the back of younger Druzy and didn't break the hug. Lan Jingyi was his pride and joy in the sect full of stiffness and cold. Don't get him wrong, he loves Gusu Lan Sect but if he wasn't that reserved in the name of righteousness, he wouldn't have lost too much. He wanted the freedom of thought without any restrictions. But him being the sect leader put him on pedestal with chains. The year he spent in seclusion was a study for him to be righteous but not gullible. Be kind but not dumb.

When Lan Jingyi didn't answer his question and nor did he break the hug, Lan Xichen realized that something was very wrong.

"What is wrong Jingyi? And where is Shizui?"

When Lan Xichen felt something wet on his robes, he pulled away to see Jingyi crying. Worry washed over him. Lan xichen cupped his face and wiped his tears with his thumb.

"A-Yi look at me, tell me what's wrong?"

Lan Jingyi burst into a loud sob, Lan Xichen immediately sealed the area around them, not letting his cries escape. Lan Xichen hugged him tight and caressed his back, allowing him to cry all out.

Crying is prohibited in Gusu Lan.

Lan Xichen laughed without humor. After Lan Jingyi calmed down, he didn't let go of the bright jade.

"Tell me what's wrong?"

"They got Shizui."

"What?"

"They captured him and used his blood to summon the Wen corpses."

Lan Xichen was quiet. It felt like his senses were being blocked. With much difficulty he asked,

"D-do you know where he is?"

"Senior Wen went to look for him at Yingchuan Wang sect but I don't think he's there."

"Where do you think he is?"

"Nightless city."

"How come?"

"I just feel it. And he's hurt." Tears begun to roll down his cheeks again.

Just like how Lan Xichen was able to read Lan Wangji, feel his emotions and even feel his pain. Lan Jingyi and Lan Shizui were no exception. The had been raised like brothers and the two had always been together. The Twin Druzy of the Gusu Lan Sect.

As a sect leader Lan Xichen had to make a choice. Lan Jingyi told him that he was helping the Moling Su desciples make a formation to invade the cloud recesses but every time they made a formation, Lan Jingyi would secretly distort it, making their efforts futile but they would learn the truth before long and Lan Jingyi would get hurt.

Lan Xichen didn't spend 40 years of his Life in Cloud recesses for nothing. He knew every nook and cranny and so he guided Lan Jingyi to the back of the mountain and then into the cloud recesses without breaking any barriers or causing any alarms.

He found his uncle running after something. Well he's breaking rules I wonder who's gonna punish him?

Lan Xichen went to his uncle and greeted him.

"Xichen! Thank Goodness you're back."

"Uncle what's wrong? Why are you-"

"It's Wangji."

"Wangji? where is he? Did he wake up?"

Lan Qiren pointed at a figure disappearing into the distance. It was Lan Wangji! He woke up!

Lan Xichen immediately dashed towards his brother, not minding that he was the one breaking rules now. He grabbed his brother's hand and made him turn around.

"Wangji!"

Lan Xichen covered his mouth with both of his hands to suppress the loud gasp. It was indeed Lan Wangji but it wasn't Lan Wangji.

"Wangji What happened to you?"

Like always there was no response.

"It's not Wangji, it's just his shell." Lan Qiren cried when he saw the empty sockets in his eyes. Overly glowing body and no heartbeat. It was like a shock after an another and something telling him that it wasn't going to be the last. Lan Xichen knew that Wangji would sacrifice his own soul just to get back Wei Gongzi and thought of it actually happening terrified Lan Xichen.

"Where are you going Wangji?"

The shell of wangji was moving towards the gate. Wangji went out and without even unsheathing his Bichen he made all the Moling Su disciples groan in pain.

"Jingyi, you're in charge!" Lan Xichen addressed him while following Wangji on his shouyue.

. . .

Nie Huaisang removed the extra stroke of the arrays which he laid throughout the Unclean Realm during his coronation. The array he used to protect these cultivators before were now used against them. Despite the lack of spiritual powers, he knew how to use his opponent in their own games. He did plan his every move and like how he promised to Mo Xuanyu and Wei Wuxian. This would be the last time.

The disciples of Qinghe Nie had their doubts but seeing Sect Leader Nie in action, he couldn't help but compliment him. He knew too much they thought.

. . .

"Are you sure you want to die again? I mean it's a very dark place." The unknown voice asked Mo Xuanyu; who was clutching down to his knees with fresh tears in his eyes.

"Dying twice is better than dying every day." Mo Xuanyu let out a grieved sigh.

"I thought dying once was enough." The voice laughed contrary to the mood inside the tomb.

"I want to do one last thing for Sang-Xi." Mo Xuanyu raised his head towards the voice not sensing any apparent danger from him.

When Mo xuanyu stepped inside Xingule Ridge, he already could tell reason behind the resentment and saber spirits. Mo Xuanyu's only flaw was his weak body and golden core, other than that he was quite smart and skilled.

He quickly picked up the astrology of the Green and White Dragon chambers. The Qinghe Nie clan had been trying their best to subdue the saber spirits. They had attempted every possible solution but what they didn't try was Demonic cultivation. After all the best way to fight fire was with fire.

Mo Xuanyu went to the Suoxian pavilion and noticed the same pattern throughout the whole chamber. Mo Xuanyu wanted to laugh. they could have easily sealed the sabers but instead they decided to suppress their wrath. Idiots!

Mo Xuanyu connected the Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin and Ji with their respective ends on the seal of each coffin and voilà! Problem solved.

Except now he had to deal with the immense pain that caused his body to burn from inside. His breath was no where near even and his vison was getting blurry but he would deal with it. It was better than the fake bright future.

"Let me help you a little." The voice said and all the resentful energy followed the whistle of the voice and disappeared.

"Master?"

"..."

"Is that you master?"

"Depends on who you call Master." The voice asked

"Master Yiling Patriarch."

"Now what would give you that idea, huh?" Voice asked mused.

"Because the first time you called to me was also among the screams."

"Touché"

"I see that my brother Nie Huaisang has been giving you trouble." The voice now named Yiling Patriarch laughed.

Mo Xuyanu slanted back in grief. But didn't say anything. Maybe he was too much blinded by love but he really didn't feel that Sang Xi tricked him.

"Can we all agree that he's a douchebag?"

"No!" Mo Xuanyu said dead panned.

"Oh come on! Go ahead and call him that, you'll feel better."

"Master why are you teasing me? And where are? How come it's only your voice?"

"Actually, I was in the process of finding my body but you know how it is, those Gui ate it all."

"Then...are you going to take my body?"

"Mnnn I don't know, it's pretty short."

"Master!"

After his little tease session, his voice become serious with the serious question,

"Do you really want to go back, Mo Xuanyu?"

---------------

Sorry for Errors and thank you for reading.