The world is still such a bright place

Chapter 65

Jin Zixuan was still fuming with ager at Jiang Cheng for his inconsideration. How could he have forgotten yet again about Wei Wuxian's condition? He could see that the Gusu Lan sect disciple was very bothered at the moment. All his previous happiness disappeared in an instant and what was left was sadness. Wei Wuxian clearly tried to not let anything show on his face, but Jin Zixuan was able to read him like an open book by now.

He did not spring into action already only because the other had squeezed his hand and shook his head almost unnoticeably. He was apparently not about to reprimand Jiang Cheng himself. And then, as always, Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen tried to make peace between them. "They should really stop doing that. It is not the first time either! Jiang Wanyin is just too harsh with Wuxian... I should really do something. But Wuxian enjoys spending time with him, what should I do?"

In the middle of his contemplation, he was not paying attention to the topic of the conversation. He only realized what an excellent chance to show off in front of the Gusu Lan sect disciple he would have if Wei Wuxian agreed to come on a night hunt with them.

It had been clear to him that the other was very careful about taking his sword in his hand and using it, too afraid of possibly hurting others by mistake. However, if it was just them going, and on an easy night hunt too, it would be fine. They all knew about Wei Wuxian's condition and would be careful to not come in the way of his sword.

He was already looking forward to Jiang Cheng discovering just how good of a swordsman the Gusu Lan sect disciple was. He would surely be very surprised. Jin Zixuan was sure that the Yunmeng Jiang sect heir was actually nowhere near Wei Wuxian's level when it came to both the cultivation and sword arts, the only thing he had bigger was his pride and self-confidence. The Lanling Jin sect heir could not wait to see him being put into his place.

He turned towards Wei Wuxian, excitement clearly showing on his face. But the other could not see it. His expectant smile immediately fell off his lips when he saw that Wei Wuxian did not look happy at the prospects of a shared night hunt at all. He seemed extremely troubled, most probably still worrying about unnecessary things.

Then he spoke in a small, uncertain voice: "But I would only be a burden. Night hunts are not a child's play, they are dangerous. If you will have to take care of the walking corpses and watch me at the same time, someone can get hurt. Or even worse, I could hurt you. I should not come."

"At least he did not outright say he does not want to come," Jin Zixuan was only slightly relieved. "As I was afraid, he is still worried about us... He should worry about himself instead, I can hear that he actually wants to come. Poor Wuxian, I bet he had never had a chance to do what he really wanted. How could I convince him that it will be fine?"

Jin Zixuan was at his wits' end. He wanted to help convince the other, but he did not want it to sound as if he was commanding him to come or begging him, he did not even know which of those two options would be worse. So he only squeezed the Gusu Lan sect disciple's hand tighter and was thinking hard what he could say at a moment such as this.

***

Nie Huisang watched how Wei Wuxian very visibly gave up on his wish to participate in the night hunt to protect the others from himself. It was pitiful, just as all those times he had done the same or similar thing before, like telling him to stay away from him because he had been convinced that it could somehow damage the Qinghe Nie sect disciple's reputation.

"Brother Wei sometimes cares more about others than himself... He should really go. He always listens to stories about night hunts with so much enthusiasm and when he realizes that he could not experience the same, I can see the light in him dying out... This is a golden opportunity, if only he would be brave enough to seize it. How can I make the choice easier for him?"

Then he got a perfect idea: "Brother Wei, I do not think I will be joining you, and Jiang Yanli as well. So it will only be you, Jin Zixuan, Brother Jiang and your brothers. Since you can tell apart everyone's spiritual energies, I am sure there is no reason for you to worry about accidently taking them for a fierce corpse and attacking them. If you are not confident enough about recognizing Brother Jiang's always angry aura, perhaps you can spar with him for a bit to see if you can get a hang of it. Certainly such raging and pouting energy cannot be so hard to learn."

He knew he was just guessing based on his gut feeling, but his intuition had always been quite spot on. And it seemed like this time was luckily no exception. Nie Huisang saw how Wei Wuxian perked up immediately and turned his head his way, hopeful expression on his face.

"That is true, I am pretty sure I will not mistake anyone for a fierce corpse. I already know how resentful energy feels. But will not others be inconvenienced by having to watch out for me nevertheless? I have literally no experience, I am certain I will be terrible..." It looked like Wei Wuxian was now debating more with himself than asking the others for their opinion.

Jiang Cheng apparently did not understand this concept as he immediately stated, completely unbelieving and of course angry: "Who do you think we are? You will hurt us? You wish; we can take care of ourselves and of you at the same time!"

Right then, Lan Wangji also tried to reassure his brother: "Wei Ying, you will do just fine."

Nie Huisang did not know whose words exactly convinced Wei Wuxian, or it was the combination of their reassurances and his own desire to actually participate, but the next moment, the Gusu Lan sect disciple grinned widely and said with confidence: "Alright, I trust you. I will join the night hunt. I will finally be able to say I am a true cultivator who can help the weak and helpless, just like you do every day."

Nie Huisang was happy for his friend, although he wished he could correct Wei Wuxian that he was already an outstanding cultivator even without going on any night hunts.

Jin Zixuan must have also been happy with the Gusu Lan sect disciple's decision. Despite all conventions and regulations, he apparently could not hold himself back and he hugged the Wei Wuxian tightly. It took a discreet clearing of throat from Lan Xichen for him to let go, his cheeks bright red.

"That settles it, we will depart tomorrow morning," the First Jade concluded while looking at his youngest brother with fondness and pride.