XiCheng: The Last Lotus [AU- OMEGAVERSE]

17

Lotus Pier was burning.

The first thing Jiang Cheng noticed, were the flames. A bright yellow inferno towered in the air, smothering in its heat. The red fires blazed to soaring heights, entrancing in its vivid glow. Screams echoed in the air, weaving a haunting melody across Lotus Pier. Bodies littered the Earth as disciples fell in heaps around them. Blood flowed in a steady stream, staining the waters around Yunmeng a deep crimson. Terrified howls wrung through the air, voices blending together in tortuous symphony. Manic laughter drifted through the courtyard, a madman's cackle wrenching through Lotus Pier. The red of Qishan Wen fluttered in the breeze as files upon files- ranks upon ranks of soldiers rushed forward. Banners of the sun hung high in the air, overshadowing the purple enigma of the Lotus. The rotten stench of death draped over the piers, turning Yunmeng into a deserted wasteland. Purple robes fluttered in the wind as a woman danced around her peers. In her right hand, she clutched a whip. In her left, she held a sword. Violet sparks lit up the air as she twirled and twisted, dark ebony locks flowing in the wind.

On the other side, a man in red robes tore through space, hands reaching out as dark energy flew from his fingertips. He moved like the wind, swift and unforgiving in his advances.

Purple and red clashed, and tremors tore through the ground- signifying the beginnings of a terrifying battle.

Amongst the chaos and despair, there drifted a young man's voice- screaming in desperation as he searched for his brother. "Jiang Cheng!" the voice cried, as Wei Wuxian fought his way back valiantly to Jiang Cheng's side. "Jiang Cheng!" Wei Wuxian screeched again, making his way over.

Jiang Cheng turned, relieved to see a familiar face. They had been separated amidst the turmoil, and Jiang Cheng felt comforted in the knowledge that his brother was safe.

"Wei Wuxian," he nodded in greeting, sword flashing as he decapitated a Wen soldier. "What now?" he muttered, spinning around as Sandu pierced in and out through red robes.

"Madam Yu!" Wei Wuxian yelled, pointing a finger in his mother's direction. "She's fighting with the Core-Melting Hand!"

Jiang Cheng's eyes widened.

Wen Zhuliu was renowned for his ruthless tactics and cruel personality. With his ability to melt a golden core- he was the Wen's deadliest weapon.

Jiang Cheng scowled, cursing under his breath as he grumbled. "Well then? What the fuck are you waiting for? Let's go get her!" he ordered, placing a furious look on his face in hopes of covering up his concern.

Wei Wuxian arched a brow, letting him know his intimidation tactic didn't work out. He nodded, silver eyes still glinting in amusement.

Jiang Cheng scoffed. "Shut the hell up," he muttered, shooting his brother a seething glare.

"Whatever you say, Cheng Cheng."

"Will you just shut the fuck up? How many times do I have to-"

"A-CHENG!" a voice cried, ringing across Lotus Pier. "A-CHENG WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?" came Madam Yu's enraged bellow. "GET OVER HERE NOW, YOU FOOL!"

Jiang Cheng whipped his head around, violet eyes landing on his mother's towering figure. He immediately narrowed in on her wounds, cutting deep as they stained her robes red with blood.

"MOTHER!" he screamed, rushing forward to help the Violet Spider. "YOU'RE BLEEDING!"

Yu Ziyuan rolled her eyes, giving an exasperated huff as she glared at her son in irritation. "Well, no shit, I'm bleeding," she muttered, trying to sound infuriated. But exhaustion had taken its toll on her, and her voice gave a feeble wobble.