天官降灾 (heaven official's calamity) mdzs x tgcf (mxtx crossover)

Butterflies Yield to a Bloodstained Lotus

finally motivation to write i spent like a week trying to figure out what happens next but i still have no idea lmaooooooo. i've reached the point where i just choose whatever the fuck look cool as a title though it has little correlation to the actual plot

"Ah, that is really quite strange," Xie Lian said, reacting to the fluctuating trail. How could something with such immense resentment be at peace, and yet suddenly hate everyone again? He sighs, deciding to let it be. He'll get there when he gets there. 

Hua Cheng had reverted to his true form thanks to He Xuan's candy, and could walk as normal, allowing Xie Lian to relieve some of his load. Lan Wangji was slumped on his back, still elegant even while asleep. Xie Lian glanced between Hua Cheng and the rest of the group, reassuring himself that everything was going to be fine. He had two Supremes, four martial gods, a daruma doll wind master, and himself, there was really nothing to worry about. 

Slowly, the group followed the trail, keeping alert as to not get ambushed. The road had been calm, save for the occasional demon rat or wandering ghost. Those were all easily demolished, whether by an arrow to the head by Feng Xin or a quick slice by Pei Ming or Mu Qing. However, soon they felt themselves near the center of the conflict, as the demonic energy near made Feng Xin and Mu Qing oddly jumpy. 

Lan Wangji awoke mid way, getting off Hua Cheng's back and uttering a quick "many thanks". Even though they were far away enough that they couldn't feel any effect, they could hear the roaring wind made by the frenzied spirits and see the black smoke that rose high as a mountain. And Xie Lian didn't know if he heard wrong, but there seemed to be the faintest trace of a flute.

Xie Lian stopped in front of a cave, contemplating his next move. They could return to the outskirts, but if they traveled so slowly, they wouldn't be able to arrive at the kiln in time. However, if they advanced, it would only cause unnecessary injury and time. So far, their best bet was to follow the black cloud as it advanced but keep a safe distance away/

"Gege, should we take shelter in this cave or keep moving?" Hua Cheng asked, looking at Xie Lian.

"I think we should stay here for a while. What do you all think?" 

Nobody seemed to have any dissenting opinions, so Xie Lian decided to slowly enter the cave. Feng Xin and Mu Qing were to go in first and scout the cave of any danger. Before doing so, Xie Lian lent them some spiritual power in case they met any severe danger. When they had finished scouting, they would run back out and report to Xie Lian, and by then, they could go in and seek shelter.

But they had not returned for a long time. Ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes. Xie Lian was almost certain something had happened. After thirty minutes had passed, Xie Lian shook his head, and without another word, he ran inside. However, he felt a pair of arms around him, holding him back. 

"San Lang!" he half shouted, half spoke, exasperated, but also helpless. He knew Hua Cheng was doing it for his good, but he really could handle himself...

"Your highness, please. Those two... officials can make it back." 

"San Lang, it's been an hour! I know you're protecting me, but I can't stand by while my friends might've died! Please, get out of my way."

Hua Cheng stepped back suddenly, his expression both hurt and shocked as he stared at his hands, shivering. Seeing this, Xie Lian softened his expression and immediately went to comfort Hua Cheng.

"No, no, San Lang, I didn't mean it. I was just frustrated, please don't take it to heart I'm so-"

"There's no need to be sorry. I went against his highness's will, which I had vowed to never do."