It was autumn in the hunting grounds of Phoenix Mountain.

"Now, where were we?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"It's a flashback." said Sizhui.

"Phoenix Mountain? It's in our sect." said Jin Zixuan.

"Good luck, a-die." said Jin Ling.

"I don't if I can defend you." he added making Jin Zixuan frown.

Hundreds of thousands of cultivators chose a place where demons and beasts often lurked. They were to fight for the prey within an allocated period of time. This was what the hunting referred to. Throughout many miles, there were quite a lot of prey. It was one of the three most wellknown hunting grounds and had hosted many large hunting competitions. Such a significant event was not only for sects both large and small to display their skills and recruit talents, but also for rogue cultivators and new disciples to make themselves known.

Phoenix Mountain was a vast square before and around the square ten tall watching towers. On top of them, heads could be seen moving around. Their excited whispers crowded the air. The most quiet tower was naturally the tallest, most embellished one. Those who sat there were mostly elder cultivators, sect leaders, and their families. In the back, rows and rows of maids carried either canopies or large fans. The women in the first rows all covered their faces with smaller fans, reservedly looking down at the hunting ground.

"Niw we're going to watch some hunting. I really like this." said Wei Wuxian.

"It will not end up good." said Jiang Cheng.

"Can you at least for once let me enjoy?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"I will let you, I'm just saying. But really, what if something happen?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"It won't be that bad." said Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng just shrugged his shoulders.

However, when the riding formation of the GusuLan Sect arrived, their reservation couldn’t be seen anymore.

In night-hunts, horses weren’t actually needed when actually hunting down the prey. However, horsemanship was one of the arts that clan disciples were required to study. In events of such formality, entering the grounds on horseback was not only a symbol of respect, but riding formations could also create an atmosphere of grandeur quite beautiful in appearance. Boiled down, it was for nothing but ‘rules’ and ‘aesthetics’.

Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi sat in an upright posture on two snowy steeds as they led the GusuLan Sect’s riding formation slowly forward. The two both wore swords at their waists and arrows on their backs. White robes and forehead ribbons flying in the air, they seemed to be deities themselves. Their snow white boots were so immaculate that it could even be cleaner than the other peoples’ clothes. The Two Jades of Lan truly were a flawless pair of jade, almost as though they were carved out of ice. As soon as they entered, even the air seemed to have become refreshing.

"That's my husband and brother-in-law." Wei Wuxian said proudly.

"So magnificent." said a female cultivator.

"They are." said Jingyi.

"I'm so jealous of the twin prides." said another female cultivator.

"As you should." said Wei Wuxian making the women pout.

"Won't yiu say something, ChengCheng?" asked Wei Wuxian with a grin.

Jiang Cheng just raised his brows at him as he leaned on Lan Xichen's chest making those girls look at him with envy.

"Actions speaks louder than words." laughed Nie Huaisang.

Many female cultivators had fallen for this. The more reserved ones only let down their fans, their eyes a bit more urgent. The more daring ones, however, had already run to the edge of the watching towers, tossing over the buds and blossoms that they had prepared beforehand. A rain of flowers immediately scattered down from the sky. To toss flowers at beautiful looking men and women in expression of admiration was a tradition. Since the GusuLan Sect’s disciples came from a distinguished clan, their appearances were all excellent. They had long since become used to this. Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi especially had been accustomed to this ever since they were thirteen. The two looked completely calm. Nodding at the watching towers in display of respect, they didn’t stop and continued to move forth.

"Why did a-niang didn't toss a flower?" asked Jingyi.

"And why would I?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"To show your admiration." answered Jingyi.

"There's no need for that." said Jiang Cheng.

"I will never toss a flower, I'm not a maiden." he added.

"But you're his wife." said Jingyi.

"There's nothing wrong with not tossing a flower. It didn't stated that it was needed." said Jiang Cheng.

"But, a-niang." Jingyi whined.

"Stop it." said Jiang Cheng in a stern voice making Jingyi stop.

However, Lan WangJi suddenly raised his hand, stopping a flower tossed over from behind him.

He looked back. Over at the side of the YunmengJiang Sect’s riding formation, which hadn’t departed yet, Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue impatiently, seated at the front. However, the person beside him sat on a horse with black, gleaming hair. His elbow was at the head of the horse as he looked to the side as though nothing happened, talking and laughing with two slender-bodied maidens.

"See, Wei-jiujiu even tossed one for Lan-shushu." said Jingyi with a pout.

"That's Wei Wuxian." said Jiang Cheng.

"It's because I can openly show my admiration to my lover." said Wei Wuxian.

"And openly flirt with maidens after throwing a flower." said Jiang Cheng.

"I am not." said Wei Wuxian.

"Really? Then, see for yourself." said Jiang Cheng as he glared at his son who keeps on pestering him.

Lan XiChen saw that Lan WangJi had drawn the reins and ceased to move forward, “WangJi, what happened?”

Lan WangJi, “Wei Ying.”

Wei WuXian finally turned around, face full of surprise, “What? HanGuang-Jun, did you call me? What’s up?”

Holding the flower, Lan WangJi seemed to be quite cold. His tone seemed cold as well, “Was it you?”

Wei WuXian immediately denied it, “No, it wasn’t.”

The maidens beside him spoke at once, “Don’t believe him. It was him!”

Wei WuXian, “How could you treat a good person like this? I’m getting angry!”

"You're clearly flirting." said Jin Zixuan.

"Either with the maidens or with Lan Wangji." said Jiang Cheng.

"It could be both." said Nie Huaisang.

"Traitors." Wei Wuxian muttered as Lan Wangji gripped his waist tightly.

Giggling, the maidens pulled their reins and went to the formations of their own sects. Lan WangJi lowered the hand that he held the flower with and shook his head. Jiang Cheng spoke, “ZeWu-Jun, HanGuang-Jun, apologies. Don’t pay attention to him.”

Lan XiChen smiled, “That is fine. I will thank Young Master Wei’s kindness behind the flower in place of WangJi.”

"It will be more fine if my wife also tosses a flower for me. I will gladly keep the flower with me forever." said Lan Xichen.

"Yeah, a-niang should have really done it." said Jingyi.

"Want me to bury the two of you in flowers?" asked Jiang Cheng and the two just smiled at him.

When they slowly rode into the distance, carrying with them the clouds of petals and fragrance, Jiang Cheng glanced at the colourful sea of handkerchiefs waving on the watching towers before turning to Wei WuXian, “Why are you throwing out flowers along with the girls?”

Wei WuXian, “I think he looks nice. Can’t I throw a few as well?”

"You can." said Lan Wangji.

"Only if it's for me." he added.

"Yeah, only for you. Besides, you're the most beautiful person for me." said Wei Wuxian.

"I will give you a lot of flowers." he added.

Jiang Cheng pointed his nose into the air, “How old are you? Who do you think you are, still playing tricks like that?”

Wei WuXian looked at him, “You want one too? There’s still a lot left on the ground. Should I get one for you?” As he spoke, he pretended to bend down.

Jiang Cheng, “Get lost!”

"I'm going to kick if you do." said Jiang Cheng as Wei Wuxian laughed out loud.

"Oh come on, you also look nice." said Wei Wuxian with a grin.

Jiang Cheng just glared at him.

At this point, Jin GuangYao’s voice rang above the square, “The QingheNie Sect’s riding formation enters!”

Nie MingJue was very tall. When he stood, he gave people an extreme sense of pressure. On horseback, he had to him even more pressuring dignity, as though he could look down the entire square. When men who were high up on the list of cultivators entered, almost all of them couldn’t be spared from being showered with a faceful of flowery rain. As the one ranked seventh, Nie MingJue, however, was an exception. If Lan WangJi was ice amid coldness, surpassing both snow and frost, Nie MingJue was fire amid coldness, as though he could start burning with rage at any moment, making him even more difficult to approach. Due to this, even if the maidens could already feel their hearts bursting from their chests, clutching in their palms sweat-soiled flowers, they didn’t dare toss them out no matter what, afraid that they’d anger him and his saber hacked into the watching tower. However, many of the male cultivators who admired ChiFeng-Zun cheered for him. The cheers almost brought pain to the ears. On the other hand, Nie HuaiSang, beside Nie MingJue, was dressed with as much care as always. He wore both his saber at his waist and rings of jewelry, waving a paper fan. At first glance, he was quite the dandy amid the chaos. However, everyone knew that his saber never really got the chance to be unsheathed. Afterward, he’d probably only stroll around Phoenix Mountain, enjoying the view.

"If you're not looking scary, da-ge maybe I have a sister-in-law by now." said Nie Huaisang.

"So please stop being like that. You're scaring the maidens away." he added.

"Shut up. I don't need a wife." said Nie Mingjue.

"I need a sister-in-law who could tame you. Oh, but if you want, you could also give me a brother-in-law. It's not a problem." said Nie Huaisang.

Nie Mingjue looked at him with a glare.

After the QingheNie Sect, it was the YunmengJiang Sect.

Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng entered on horseback. Instantly, another rain of flowers had fallen. Jiang Cheng’s face darkened, but Wei WuXian bathed within it, feeling quite comfortable. He waved his hand at the tallest watching tower. The best seat on the tower was for the LanlingJin Sect’s Madam Jin. The one who sat beside her was Jiang YanLi. Before this, Madam Jin had been holding her hand, talking to her with a loving expression. Jiang YanLi usually had on an almost bland face, her features mild. However, as she saw her two younger brothers wave at her, her face immediately lit up. She lowered her fan. Shyly saying a few words to Madam Jin, she walked to the edge of the watching platform and tossed out two flowers at them.

This used up as much strength as she could muster. For one second, Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng were even worried that she’d fall off. Seeing that Jiang YanLi steadied herself, they finally relaxed. Both of them reached out and caught the flowers, giving her the same soft smile. Head lowered, she returned to Madam Jin again.

"We will make sure to keep the flower." Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng said at the same time.

"It's from shijie after all." Wei Wuxian added.

Jiang Yanli smiled at them.

"But why did a-die didn't toss a flower to a-niang?" asked Jingyi.

"Of for f*ck's sake stop thinking about that." said Jiang Cheng.

"So bad, it's only Maiden Jiang's flower they caught." said a female disciple.

"Because she's the only maiden who is important to us." the two said.

"And add to that, we already have an apple of our eyes." said Wei Wuxian with a smile.

Suddenly, a row of cultivators wearing white, gold-lined robes rushed out, dressed in light armor and riding on broad stallions. The frontmost person had handsome features, protected by the same armor. It was the sect leader, Jin GuangShan.

A lot of people scoffed while the Jins are looking proud of their sect.

"How I wish I was there. I would've grazed the place with my bright red robes." said Wen Rouhan.

"And my Lan-shufu will toss a flower for you." Wei Wuxian whispered to him.

"That's impossible." said Wen Rouhan.

Madam Jin immediately patted Jiang YanLi’s shoulder. Holding her hand, she dragged her to the edge of the watching tower again, pointing to her the riding formation of the LanlingJin Sect.

Among the neighs, suddenly, one horse went forward and ran in a circle around the square before the reins were drawn. The person atop the horse had a striking figure. Wearing snowy white robes, his features were more vibrant than even the mark of vermilion between his brows. Drawing his bow, he gave off even more of a handsome air.

Immediately, fervor rushed through the crowd on the watching towers. The person glanced in the direction of the watching towers, intentional or not. Although he tried hard to keep his face stiff, unconcealable pride still leaked from the corners of his eyes.

"Is he showing off?" asked Wei Wuxian as he looked at Jin Zixuan.

"He looks like a male princess." he added.

"I'm not a princess." said Jin Zixuan.

"You look like one, act like one." said Wei Wuxian.

"Look at him, full of arrogance." said Jiang Cheng.

"He's really arrogant." Wei Wuxian agrees.

"Poor Jin-xiong." laughed Nie Huaisang.

On his horse, Wei WuXian sneered, almost laughing to death, “I really can’t believe him. He’s like a peacock.”

Jiang Cheng, “Watch it. Sister is still watching from the tower.”

Wei WuXian, “Don’t worry. As long as he doesn’t make shijie cry again, I don’t even want to pay him any attention. You shouldn’t have brought her in the first place.”

Jiang Cheng, “The LanlingJin Sect insisted on it. I didn’t have the face to refuse.”

Wei WuXian, “More like Madam Jin insisted on it. After this, she’d definitely find some way to urge shijie and that male princess to one place.”

"They look good together." said Madam Jin.

"Your son insulted her a lot if times. How does they look good?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"He won't do it again." said Madam Jin.

"Of course he won't." said Madam Yu as she glared at Jin Zixuan.

"Good luck." Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng said to him.

As they spoke, Jin ZiXuan had already rode to the target arena. The row of targets was an obstacle before the official entry into the mountain. Those who intend on hunting in the mountain could only become eligible to enter if they were able to shoot a target from a certain distance away. There were seven rings on the targets, in accordance with the seven paths of entry. The closer that the arrow was to the center, the more advantageous its respective entry path was. Without dropping his speed at all, Jin ZiXuan took out an arrow and shot. It landed right in the center. Cheers came from all around the watching towers.

"Such a show off." said Wei Wuxian.

"I'm more better than him." he added.

"You're just jealous." said Jin Zixun.

"My cousin is the best at archery, no one can beat him." he added.

"You mean, you can't beat him?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"Don't include everyone." he added.

Seeing how much Jin ZiXuan flaunted his excellence, neither Wei WuXian nor Jiang Cheng showed any emotions on their faces. Suddenly, a loud sneer came from somewhere near. Somebody shouted, “If anyone here remains unconvinced, then feel free to try if you can shoot better than ZiXuan!”

The person was tall and broad, his skin somewhat dark and his voice booming. This was Jin GuangShan’s nephew and Jin ZiXuan’s cousin, Jin ZiXun. Before this, during the LanlingJin Sect’s flower banquet, an argument broke out between Wei WuXian and Jin ZiXuan.

Wei WuXian smiled and he noted the enmity. Jin ZiXun was there to provoke him. As Jin ZiXun saw that he didn’t answer, he seemed to be pleased. When the YunmengJiang Sect’s riding formation reached the target arena as well, Wei WuXian turned to the Two Jades of Lan, who were drawing their bows on their horses, “Lan Zhan, want to help me?”

"You're planning something." said Jiang Cheng.

"I'm going to show that man of what I mean that I'm better than his peacock of a cousin." siad Wei Wuxian

Jin Zixun just scoffed.

"How many times do I have to tell them not to call me peacock?" Jin Zixuan asked in a whisper.

"It's the same with asking Jingyi to stop calling me a Young Mistress." said Jin Ling.

Lan WangJi glanced at him. He didn’t reply. Jiang Cheng asked, “What are you up to this time?”

Lan WangJi, “What?”

Wei WuXian, “Can I borrow your forehead ribbon?”

"Yes, you can." said Lan Wangji.

"What do you need his forehead ribbon for? Motivation? Inspiration?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"To cover my eyes, I guess." said Wei Wuxian as he looked at himself on the screen.

"Why cover his eyes." a random cultivator asked.

"Who knows." said his friend.

Hearing this, Lan WangJi immediately tore his gaze away and didn’t look at him anymore. Lan XiChen, on the other hand, laughed, “Young Master Wei, you may not know this, but…”

Lan WangJi, “Brother, there is no need.”

Lan XiChen, “All right.”

"You didn't lend me it." Wei Wuxian pouted.

"I will, next time." said Lan Wangji.

"You better." said Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji nodded.

Jiang Cheng almost wanted to slap Wei WuXian off his horse. He knew that Lan WangJi wouldn’t lend it to him but just had to ask. He could do anything when he was bored. If not for that the situation didn’t allow it, he swore that he’d do exactly just that. He spoke, “Why do you want his forehead ribbon? To hang yourself and commit suicide? I can lend you my belt, you’re welcome.”

Wei WuXian took off the black ribbon on his wrist guard as he replied, “You can keep your belt. I don’t want it even if I don’t have his forehead ribbon.”

Jiang Cheng, “You…”

"You two can't really talk seriously." said Nie Huaisang.

"That's how we understand one another." said Wei Wuxian.

"Besides, it's good when getting Jiang Cheng riled up." he added.

"He's scary." said Nie Huaisang.

"He's not. It's just normal." said Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng gave the two of them a look and they just grinned.

Before he could finish speaking, Wei WuXian had quickly tied the ribbon over his eyes to cover his sight. He positioned his arrow, drew his bow, and released—it hit!

The series of actions was both smooth and fast. The others didn’t even realize what he wanted to do. They couldn’t even see his movements clearly before the center of the target had been pierced through. After a moment of silence, overwhelming cheers rang throughout the watching towers, with even greater intensity than those for Jin ZiXuan.

"You see that?" Wei Wuxian asked the red-faced Jin Zixun.

"I just gave you a proof." he added.

Jin Zixun is fuming in anger and embarrassment.

"Mn. A-niang is the best." said Sizhui and the other three nodded.

"Can he even hunt with his eyes covered?" asked Jin Zixun with a scoff.

"Lets see." said Jingyi as he glared at the man.

The corners of Wei WuXian’s lips curved slightly. Spinning the bow within his hands, he tossed it back. On the other hand, as Jin ZiXun saw how his popularity now surpassed Jin ZiXuan’s, he snorted loudly. It seemed that he was displeased on both the outside and the inside. He spoke again, “This is only the opening archery event, and you’re onto such ostentatious things. You have your eyes covered right now, but can you keep them covered throughout the entire hunt? Later, on Phoenix Mountain, we can show our real abilities and see who’s really the better one!”

Wei WuXian, “Sure.”

"If I can, what will you do?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"Nothing." answered Jin Zixun.

"Because I know that you can't." he added.

"You messed with a wrong person." said Nie Huaisang.

"Surely, Wei-xiong will really make you lose face." he added.

Jin Zixun glared at him.

Jin ZiXun waved his hand, “Let’s go!”

All of his cultivators rushed forward, as though they wanted to be the first ones inside to have the first chance and quickly take all of the high level prey. As Jin GuangShan saw that his riding formation was rather welltrained, he was quite proud. Seeing that Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng were still on their horses, he smiled, “Sect Leader Jiang, Young Master Wei, what, you aren’t entering the mountain yet? Watch out that ZiXun might steal all of the prey.”

"How would he? He's not even that good." said Jiang Cheng.

"He's just full of himself." he added.

"Watch how I will conquer all the best pret." said Jin Zixun.

"We will. We won't even take our eyes off of the screen to watch you." said Wei Wuxian.

"Poor him, he really messed with a wrong person." said Nie Huaisang.

"One of the reason why I stayed quiet. I don't want to be their target." said Jin Zixuan making Nie Huaisang laugh at him.

Wei WuXian, “No need for the hurry. He won’t be able to.”

Everyone around them paused in surprise. As Jin GuangShan pondered over what ‘he won’t be able to’ meant, he saw Wei WuXian dismount his horse and tell Jiang Cheng, “You can go first.”

Jiang Cheng, “Take it easy. Back down when it’s good enough.”

Wei WuXian waved his hand. Drawing his reins, Jiang Cheng led the YunmengJiang Sect’s people away.

"I will listen to my sect leader." said Wei Wuxian.

"I will hunt the best prey for the sect and after that, I will take a rest." he added.

"Even just one prey, you'll catch none." said Jin Zixun.

"How sure are you?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"I can do everything even if I am blind folded." he added.

"You're just being prideful." said Jin Zixun.

"You're talking about yourself, didn't you?" asked Wei Wuxian making the man grumbled.

He didn't say anything anymore.

Wei WuXian, with his eyes covered, walked with leisure in the direction of Phoenix Mountain’s path of entry. It was as if he wasn’t here to hunt, but rather strolling around his own sect’s garden.

The crowd grew confused. Could it be that he really wasn’t going to take off the ribbon over his eyes until the hunt ended? How could he participate in the hunt like this?

They looked at one another. In the end, they felt that it was none of their business and would simply be a good show to watch. Each of them set off.

"You really entered the hunting grounds like that." Nie Huaisang said in disbelief.

"I thought you were joking." he added.

"We don't back off on a challenge." said Wei Wuxian.

"Watch and see, Jin Zixun." he added with a smirk.

The two glared at one another.