Empire (Xichen X OC)

Chapter 30

The trip back to Gusu and the Lan sect was continued on foot since the madman refused to leave the donkey behind and the animal could not be carried on top of swords. While the trip could be relatively fast, it took longer since Xuanyu kept stalling.

By the moment they had reached the steps that led to the sect, he was hugging the donkey tightly while repeating four words, again and again.

"I am not going. I am not going"

Tears had started to appear as he kept behaving like a child. Guan-yin's eyebrow twitched slightly at the childish behaviour in front of her. This was getting too old too fast.

"Why are you crying? I thought you liked Hanguan Jun" Jingyi said, both hands on his waist like a scolding mother.

The only female glanced back to her uncle who was already climbing up the stairs. She wanted to follow him but she knew the moment she entered the sect, she would receive scolding alone; if she was lucky enough.

She was not on safe waters yet and by staying with the local madman, earned her time. Enough time to escape her punishment? She doubted it but every earned minute mattered. Yet, listening to the child in the body of a man, she wondered if it was truly worth it.

"I like my dear apple," The madman said, still hugging the donkey and making Guan-yin refocus on this odd conversation. "But I do not leave on a donkey bed"

"What are you talking about? You need to keep it down here. The rules are written on that wall. Better keep it down or you will regret it"

Guan-yin barely gave a glance at the wall with the written rules of the Lan Clan. They were too many, for no reason whatsoever, and many times she wished she could erase some of them. Truth to be told, she had tried but they were protected by a talisman which only ended up giving her out in the end, earning her severe punishment.

Shizui approached the madman, with the same kind smile and understanding eyes. "Mr Mo, Hanguan-Jun is doing this for your own sake. Otherwise, Clan Leader Jiang would have not let you go"

Suddenly, the great Jade spoke; earning the attention of everyone. "Do not bother with him. Let him cry. When he is done, drag him in"

Guan-yin was not surprised by the cold response and plan her uncle had formed. It was very common of him to act in such a way, and she could not remember a time he was anything but that cold persona of the famous Gusu Jade.

Her gaze went from her uncle to the floor for a moment and then to the guest of honour, who had jumped on his donkey and was trying to guide the animal away. "Apple, let's go"

However, the animal simply started to gallop towards Wangji with no intention of stopping, no matter how hard Xuanyu was pulling on the reins. Soon, it was proven why the sudden change of behaviour of the animal. The reason behind all was none other than a juicy red apple that the famous Jade held in his hand.

Simply, and without any trial, the donkey climbed the steps and ended up reaching the top, right at where the famous Lan Sect started. Guen-yin was hesitant for a moment to enter but then she took a deep breath, looked forward with determination and entered.

The very first thing she noticed from afar was two men, a scowl written on their aged faces. She slowed down her pace, letting the other continue. While Xuanyu and Wangji took a sharp turn and moved to a more isolated area of the Sect, the madman on the donkey looked back with curiosity.

The distance between him and Guan-yin was growing but he could still see clearly, her slow but prideful steps as she marched towards the two men from his childhood. The Mighty Grand Master Lan had barely aged a day and his look was as strict and dangerous as the last time Wuxian had met him.