The world is still such a bright place

Chapter 67

Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen hurried back to the others who they left scouting the area. In the town, they have learned just what they had expected, a small group of walking corpses was lurking around the neighbourhood. Although they were basically harmless, only scaring some people but never actually hurting anyone.

"It is good, a very easy night hunt that even someone inexperienced or unskilful could manage. I have seen Wei Wuxian spar only that one time and it was more for him to learn how to read our spiritual energies than to actually show me how good he is with the sword... It is fine even if he is not good at all. This will be so easy we could fight them off even without our swords. I could probably take care of this by myself while keeping an eye on Wei Wuxian.

But that would be no fun for him, I could clearly see that he was very excited when we were leaving the Cloud Recesses this morning. Sister will not like it if I would be selfish and not let Wei Wuxian to also take part in it. Well, whatever... I can go on a more challenging night hunt anytime I wish."

When they arrived into the clearing where they had left the other three, Jiang Cheng froze in the middle of his step. He was surprised by the scenery in front of him. Wei Wuxian and Jin Zixuan were sitting with their backs against a tree, hugging each other completely indecently while Lan Wangji was meditating with his eye also closed just a few meters away from them.

It still baffled Jiang Cheng at every opportunity just how much in love those two seemed. He had been angry at them for showing their affection this openly in the beginning, he did not want his sister to have a hard time seeing her former fiancé with someone else. Jiang Yanli however assured him that she actually liked to see them that way, she was happy for them apparently. So he let it slide, by now, he was even getting used to it.

And so was Lan Xichen for the Gusu Lan sect heir only smiled fondly while looking at the two sleeping disciples and gestured to Jiang Cheng to come sit down on the other side of the clearing. He did not object, they still had at least one hour before nightfall. They could let Wei Wuxian rest for a while longer, gathering his strength for the Yunmeng Jiang sect heir had been convinced that the Gusu Lan sect disciple did not sleep too well with how excited he had been. Jiang Cheng surely did not close an eye for the whole night before his first night hunt.

Once it was time for them to prepare, Lan Xichen gently woke up the sleeping pair of disciples while Lan Wangji prepared everything else. The night fell quickly and only minutes after the sun had set, they could hear a sound of dragging feet getting closer. Also the smell of rotting flesh was getting more noticeable. The walking corpses were coming.

They drew their swords and formed a loose circle, their backs to each other. Wei Wuxian was standing opposite to Jiang Cheng, between Lan Wangji and Jin Zixuan. The Yunmeng Jiang sect heir noticed that the hand with which the Gusu Lan sect disciple was holding his weapon was shaking slightly, making the tip dance in the air. He was not sure whether Wei Wuxian had just lost his courage and was now shaking out of fear or if the tremors were caused by his excitement.

He had no more time to think about it more as the corpses were already stepping out of the tree line and into the clearing illuminated by the full moon.

"Here they come," he informed the others. The warning had not been necessary as the rest of the party was already on high alert, ready to fight. The white robes of the three Gusu Lan sect disciples were shining in the darkness as they all moved as one, stepping out of the circle and going to affront the enemy.

Jiang Cheng completely forgot that he should do the same. His eyes could not leave Wei Wuxian's dancing figure, he was utterly captivated by his careful yet graceful movements. The Gusu Lan sect disciple's fighting style was very unique, perhaps because of his condition, but it was very effective against the walking corpses.

In only a few minutes, there was just a handful of corpses left. Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen and Jin Zixuan stilled one by one, having taken their part of the enemies out and they were all now watching Wei Wuxian fight off the last remaining corpses. They were falling down to the ground and being released of their resentful energy one by one.

"It really is nothing short of incredible how Wei Wuxian can fight. I wonder how he was able to learn when he cannot see anything? He must be a genius; I have trained hard ever since I could hold a practice sword, but I am nowhere near his level. Not that I would admit it aloud though. And he had been so nervous about not being able to participate earlier. He should have more self-confidence..."

Just as Jiang Cheng was praising him, the said Gusu Lan sect disciple defeated the last walking corpse and put his sword back into its sheath. After that, he turned towards them, his lips parted in a big smile. He was panting a bit but his happiness and satisfaction was radiating from his whole being. Jiang Cheng had to smile as well, the triumph was infectious despite the fact that he did not really get to fight at all. If it made Wei Wuxian smile like this, it was well worth it. And he had been thinking that the Gusu Lan sect disciple could not take care of himself!

Then Wei Wuxian started running towards them. Well, more like tried to run because once the corpses had been freed of the remaining resentful energy, he could not feel them anymore and he tripped over the nearest one. Before he could fall down, Jin Zixuan was already on the move and he caught him into his arms and embraced him tightly.

The next thing he did, to Jiang Cheng's utter horror, the Lanling Jin sect heir kissed Wei Wuxian. It was very brief and they both seemed startled by it for a fraction of a second. Then the Gusu Lan sect disciple returned the kiss, this time it was longer and even more indecent.

The Yunmeng Jiang sect heir could not look at it anymore, his cheeks flared bright red, he was glad that no one could see because of the dark. He turned his back to the kissing pair of disciples and ostentatiously looked the other way, waiting for them to finish celebrating Wei Wuxian's triumph so he could also go congratulate him for his achievements.