During the Sunshot Campaign, stories of praise were told about all three of the Venerated Triad. The ones of ChiFeng-Zun were about how he swept over all obstacles, leaving not even a trace of the Wen-dogs after he finished. ZeWu-Jun—Lan XiChen—however, was different from him. After the situation of the Gusu area had settled down, Lan QiRen was able to defend it with great tenacity. Thus, Lan XiChen often travelled to aid others, saving lives from danger. In all of the Sunshot Campaign, he had countless times recovered lost territory and assisted narrow escapes. This was why people were ecstatic whenever they heard his name, as though they gained a ray of hope, a powerful trump card.

"Oh, it must be him who is going to visit." said MianMian.

"I am curious of what is my brothers doing during that time." said Jiang Yanli.

"Gaining power." said the juniors.

Everytime Lan XiChen passed Hejian as he was escorting other cultivators, he would rest shortly, with Hejian acting as some sort of a transit station. Nie MingJue led him to a spacious, brightly-lit hall. A few other cultivators also sat within the hall.

Although Lan XiChen looked almost exactly the same as Lan WangJi, Wei WuXian could tell them apart with just a glance. Yet, when he saw the face, he still couldn’t help but noting their similarity, thinking to himself, I wonder what’s happening to my body right now. If the paper body is invaded by resentful energy, would anything happen to the real body as well? Would Lan Zhan notice that something’s wrong?

"He did, he noticed everything when it comes to you." said Lan Xichen.

"Of course, my Lan Zhan always focused on me." said Wei Wuxian.

"And yet you're not." said Jiang Cheng making Wei Wuxian glare at him.

After an exchange of small talk, Meng Yao, who had been standing by Nie MingJue’s side, walked up and offered everyone teacups. In the frontlines, one person was used as though there were six; there wasn’t any space for maids and servants at all. And so, these everyday trivalties had also been willingly accepted by Jin GuangYao, his deputy. A few of the cultivators hesitated as they saw his face, their expressions varied. Jin GuangShan’s “intimate tales” had always been widespread conversation starters. Meng Yao had been a famous joke for a certain period of time, which was why a few recognized him. Likely thinking that the son of a prostitute perhaps also carried some unclean things with him, the cultivators didn’t drink from the cups that he had presented with both hands. Instead, they put the cups to the side and even took out white handkerchiefs. As though it felt too uncomfortable, they repeatedly wiped the fingers that they’d touched the teacup with, either intentionally or not. Nie MingJue wasn’t someone mindful to such things. Wei WuXian, though, caught sight of this through the corners of his eyes. Meng Yao acted as if he didn’t see anything, his smile unfaltering as he continued to pass around tea.

"What is there problem?" asked Jiang Yanli.

"They're unbelievable." said Wen Qing.

"That's quite so impossible of them to think like that. Why would they? The man is clearly doing his best to satisfy them." said Lan Xichen.

"Even if I hate him, I will never think something like that just because his mother is a prostitute." said Nie Huaisang.

As Lan XiChen accepted his cup, he looked up at him and smiled, “Thank you.”

He drank a sip of the tea immediately afterward. Only then did he continue to converse with Nie MingJue. A few cultivators began to feel uneasy as they saw the scene.

"Of course he would do that." said Jiang Cheng with a scoff.

"It's part of there rules to not decline something like that and brother-in-law here always shows respect." said Wei Wuxian.

"People should learn from him." he added.

Nie MingJue had never been one for humor. However, in front of Lan XiChen, his expression eased, “How long is your stay?”

Lan XiChen, “Brother MingJue, I will have to stay at your place for the night. I am departing on the next morning, then meeting with WangJi.”

Nie MingJue, “Where to?”

Lan XiChen, “To Jiangling.”

Nie MingJue frowned, “Isn’t Jiangling still in the hands of the Wen-dogs?”

Lan XiChen, “Not since a few days ago. Currently, it is in the hands of the YunmengJiang Sect.”

"Yunmeng Jiang Sect? Us?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"Yeah, you guys are quite powerful during that time." said Jin Ling.

"How I want to see that. Will it show how brave my brothers are?" asked Jiang Yanli.

"Maybe. Lets just wait." said Jin Ling.

"If it is under our hands, then why is Lan Wangji there?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"Because of me. My Lan Zhan is there for me." said Wei Wuxian.

"Mn." said Lan Wangji.

A sect leader spoke, “Sect Leader Nie, I don’t think you’ve heard yet. Yunmeng’s Sect Leader Jiang is quite powerful in the area.”

"I never knew that Sect Leader could be powerful." said Jin Zixun.

"Is that an insult?" asked Jiang Cheng with a frown while Jiang Fengmian just smiled.

"I think, the Sect Leader Jiang they are talking about isn't me." he said.

"If it's not you then, who else?" asked Jiang Cheng with an eye roll.

Jiang Femgmian just smiled at him.

Another person added, “How can he not be? Wei WuXian alone can face millions, so who’d he be scared of? He can just sit there controlling his area, unlike how we’re always running for our lives. With such luck…”

"Me? So Jiang Cheng is the Sect Lesder?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"Why me? Isn't it supposed to he a-die? Oh come on, I'm still you to be one." said Jiang Cheng.

"And why not a-die? Don't tell me he died." he said.

The juniors just gave him look making him silent.

Someone noticed that the his words weren’t in a good tone, “Well, good thing that ZeWu-Jun and HanGuang-Jun are helping everyone. Or else, I don’t know how many sects and innocent commoners would fall into the hands of the Wen-dogs.”

"These people are only praising the Lans, what about us?" asked Jin Zixun.

"You're not worthy to be praised." said Jingyi.

Nie MingJue, “Your brother’s over there?”

Lan XiChen nodded, “He took the people over during the beginning of the month.”

Nie MingJue, “Your brother’s level of cultivation is quite high. He should be enough by himself. Then why are you still going?”

"He's going to visit his wife." said Wei Wuxian.

"These two Lans seemed to always wanted to be with their partners." laughed MianMian.

"Tsk! They're still thinking about when you have to survive? Quite shameless." said Su She in a mocking.

"What's is your problem?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"I bet no one has ever been in your side that's you're acting like that." said Jiang Cheng with a scoff.

"What's wrong with visiting his lover? If you ever experience to have one, I know that you will always worry of them unless if you're a person who doesn't care at everything." said Nie Huaisang.

Hearing Nie MingJue praise Lan WangJi’s level of cultivation, Wei WuXian felt a strange surge of happiness, ChiFeng-Zun, what a great eye!

"A great eye, indeed." said Wei Wuxian.

"My Lan Zhan is the best." he added.

Lan XiChen sighed, “It is quite embarrassing, but after WangJi went, it seems that he had some small conflicts with the YunmengJiang Sect’s Young Master Wei.”

"Eh? Why would we?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"We will never." said Lan Wangji.

"I bet they gave me headaches during that time." said Jiang Cheng while shaking his head.

Nie MingJue, “What happened?”

Someone spoke, “I think HanGuang-Jun only had a dispute with Wei WuXian because his methods were too unnatural. They say that HanGuangJun denounced Wei WuXian to his face, how he disgraced the corpses, how he’s cruel and loves to kill, how he forgot his original intentions, and so on. But over there, everyone’s talking about the battle of Jiangling. Wei WuXian is described in such an incredible way. I’d love see it for myself if luck allows it.”

This person’s story wasn’t as bad as some others. The more exaggerated ones even told of how on the battlefield he and Lan WangJi fought with each other as they killed the Wen-dogs. In reality, back then, their relationship wasn’t as utterly incompatible as the rumors say, but there were some trivial clashes. At the time, Wei WuXian went around digging graves all the time, while Lan WangJi always chose the most vexing of vocabulary, such as how it wasn’t a righteous path and harmed both the body and the mind. He even straight up hindered Wei WuXian at times. What was more, they battled the Wen-dogs once every few days, both directly and secretively. Both of them were quite easily angered at the time, so they often parted on bad terms. Now, listening to others bring this up, Wei WuXian felt that it was a lifetime ago, though he suddenly remembered—it was indeed a lifetime ago.

"Something like that really happened?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"Of course, Lan Wangji is a Lan. He will keep talking about righteous path or whatsoever. Can't he see that they are in the middle of a war? Everyone will think of a way to fight back and survive. That's what Wei Wuxian is doing, and it is helpful." said Jiang Cheng with s furrowed brows.

"But, it is harmful to both body and mind." said Lan Wangji.

"You're saying that but, look at the future you who doesn't care and doesn't even mind when Wei Wuxian is using such path in Yi City." said Jiang Cheng.

"That's because a-die is sure that he can protect a-niang and will never fail. He still think that it was harmful though." said Sizhui.

"How did he come from hating to accepting it just for his beloved?" asked MianMian.

"Love can make you do everything." said Jiang Yanli.

Someone spoke, “From my opinion, HanGuang-Jun really doesn’t have to do this. Even the living are close to being dead, so why should we care about those corpses?”

Another person agreed, “Yes, we’re in harsh times, right? Sect Leader Jiang is right. In terms of evil or not, who’s more evil than the Wen-dogs? He’s on our side anyways. I say it’s fine as long as he’s killing the Wendogs.”

"Of course, Jiang Cheng will defend me." said Wei Wuxian with a smile.

"Look at how hypocrites they are." said Sizhui with a cold voice.

"They never changed." said Jingyi.

Wei WuXian thought, Well, that wasn’t what you guys said when you brought the siege on me.

"Yeah, they are really hypocrites." said Zizhen.

"That was to be expected." said Wen Qing.

Soon afterward, Lan XiChen and the rest stood up. They were brought to their resting areas by Meng Yao. Nie MingJue, on the other hand, returned to his room. He fetched a slender-bodied saber and carried it with him as he went to find Lan XiChen.

"Da-ge." said Nie Huaisang with a pout when he saw the saber.

Nie Mingjue just scoffed at him.

Yet, before he was even close, he could already hear the two conversing inside the room. Lan XiChen spoke, “What a coincidence. You joined MingJue-xiong’s force and became his deputy.”

Meng Yao, “I’m too lucky to have earned ChiFeng-Zun’s approval.”

"You knew each other?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"How did you two meet?" he added.

"I have only met him during this time when are transported here. In the future, I don't know how." answered Lan Xichen.

"Oh." said Jiang Cheng.

Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang gave him a look.

Lan XiChen smiled, “MingJue-xiong has quite a fiery personality. It must have been truly difficult for you to have earned his approval.”

After a pause, he started again, “In these days, the LanlingJin Sect’s Sect Leader Jin has been managing with much difficulty in the Langya area. As of the current, he is trying to recruit more personnel.”

Meng Yao hesitated shortly, “ZeWu-Jun, you mean…”

Lan XiChen, “There is no need for such reticence. I remember you once told me that you hoped to earn a proper place in the LanlingJin Sect, receive the approval of your father. Now that you already have a position and a future under MingJue-xiong’s branch, does your wish still stand?”

Meng Yao seemed as though he considered the question closely, holding his breath. After a while of silence, he replied, “Yes, it does.”

"Is this how Jin Guangshan recognized him as his son?" asked Jin Zixuan.

"Why aren't you calling me father?" asked Jin Guangshan.

"Because, I don't to be your son anymore." asnwered Jin Zixuan.

"Way to go, peacock." said Wei Wuxian.

"I don't think, this manwhore will recognized him just like that." said Madam Jin.

"I agree." said Wen Rouhan.

Lan XiChen, “I would assume so as well.”

Meng Yao, “But now, I’m already Sect Leader Nie’s deputy. I owe Sect Leader Nie a debt of gratitude. No matter what remains of my wish, I cannot leave Hejian.”

Lan XiChen was silent for a moment, “That is indeed the case. Even if you want to leave, it would likely be difficult for you to bring up the topic. However, I believe that if you choose to ask, MingJue-xiong would respect your decision. Should he be unwilling to let you leave, I can attempt to convince him.”

"He can leave however he wants." said Nie Mingjue.

"Are you always that kind?" asked Jiang Cheng.

Lan Xichen just gave him a smile.

"It depends on the situation and to the person, sister-in-law." said Lan Wangji.

"I didn't expect you to say that, Lan Zhan." said Wei Wuxian with a laugh.

Jiang Cheng frowned at them.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Lets just focus on the screen, can we." said Jiang Yanli with a small smile.

"I advice you to stop being innocent, ChengCheng." laughed Wei Wuxian.

Nie MingJue suddenly asked, “Why would I not let you leave?”

He pushed the door open and entered the room. Lan XiChen and Meng Yao sat facing each other, both of their expressions solemn. Seeing his appearance, they were rather surprised. Meng Yao stood up at once, but before he had the chance to speak, Nie MingJue spoke, “Sit.”

Meng Yao didn’t move. Nie MingJue spoke again, “I’ll write you a recommendation letter tomorrow.”

"Da-ge won't hold you nor stop you from getting your dreams and wish to be with your father." said Nie Huaisang.

"If Sect Leader Nie did that to help him, then how did they end up being enemies?" asked a random cultivator.

"It makes me wonder too." daid his friend.

Meng Yao, “Sect Leader Nie?”

Nie MingJue, “You can take the letter to Langya and find your father.”

Meng Yao hurried, “Sect Leader Nie, if you heard everything, then you should’ve also heard me say that…”

Nie MingJue interrupted him, “I promoted you not because I wanted you to give back anything out of gratitude. I simply thought that you should stay in this position, since you are capable enough and your conduct is to my liking. If you really want to pay me back, just kill a few more of those Wendogs on the battlefield!”

"They seemed to have good relationships." said MianMian.

"Where did it all go wrong?" asked Nie Huaisang.

"Maybe he did something your brother dislikes the most." said Wei Wuxian.

Hearing this, Meng Yao was speechless despite his usual way with words. Lan XiChen grinned, “Look, I told you that MingJue-xiong would respect your decision.”

Meng Yao’s eyes were tinged red, “Sect Leader Nie, ZeWu-Jun… I…”

He lowered his head, “…I really don’t know what to say.”

"Then, don't say anything." said Nie Mingjue.

"It's more like you will say that." laughed Nie Huaisang.

Nie MingJue sat down, “If you don’t know what to say, then don’t say anything.”

"See." said Nie Huaisang.

"He's right though. Why force yourself to say something when you don't know what to say? It's better to silent." laughed Jiang Cheng.

He put the other saber in his hand onto the table. Lan XiChen smiled as he saw it, “HuaiSang’s saber?”

Nie MingJue, “Even though he’s safe there with you, he shouldn’t neglect his studies either. Tell others to supervise him when they’re free. Next time we meet, I’ll examine his saber and heart scriptures.”

Lan XiChen took Nie HuaiSang’s saber into his qiankun sleeve, “HuaiSang has been using the excuse that he left his saber at home. Now he will have no excuses for lazing around.”

"You two are teaming up against me." Nie Huaisang said with a pout.

"Next time, train with us so that you won't be bored." said Wei Wuxian.

"More like to cause trouble together." said Nie Mingjue.

Wei Wuxian just smiled at him sheepishly.

Nie MingJue, “Speaking of it, what, have you met before?”

Meng Yao, “ZeWu-Jun, I’ve met him before.”

Nie MingJue, “Where? When?”

Lan XiChen smiled as he shook his head, “Let us not talk about it. It is the shame of a lifetime. MingJue-xiong, please do not ask any further.”

Nie MingJue, “Why would you be afraid of losing face in front of me? Meng Yao, speak.”

Meng Yao, “If ZeWu-Jun doesn’t want to say it, then I’ll have to keep the secret as well.”

"It makes me curious too." said Jiang Cheng.

"You should've tell me. It's not like I'm going to reveal it to anyone." said Nie Mingjue.

"What could have happened to you that you will call it a 'shame of a lifetime'?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"Well, a-die is only willing to lose face when his with a-niang." laughed Jingyi.

"That's because Lans are shameless." muttered Jin Ling and Zizhen.

The three chatted back and forth, at times serious, yet at times light. The conversation was much more relaxed than when they had been in the living room. Listening to their chatter, Wei WuXian often wanted to get a word in as well, yet he was unable to do so.

He thought to himself, At this point in time, their relationship really isn’ t bad. ZeWu-Jun is actually quite good at holding conversations, so why is Lan Zhan so bad at it? Well, although this is the case, being quiet is great as well. I do all the talking, and he can just listen along and add in a few ‘mnn’-s. What was this called again…

"You really planned that." laughed Nie Huaisang.

"Because, its more fun to have someone who listens to you all the time." said Wei Wuxian.

"His 'Mn-s' has different meaning." laughed Jiang Cheng.

"Right. Next time, I will do my best to understand that." said Wei Wuxian.

"I can help you, Wuxian." said Lan Xichen.

"No need. You can just busy yourself with my brother." said Wei Wuxian with a teasing grin.

A few days later, carrying Nie MingJue’s recommendation letter, Meng Yao set off toward Langya.

"I just hope that nothing bad happened." said MianMian.

"There's really something that is going to happen." said Jiang Cheng.

"Maybe it will be the reason why da-ge and him became enemies." said Nie Huaisang.