Beyond Control

Chapter 48

When I entered Wen Qing's place, she seemed happy with me there. I was content knowing she was comfortable around me. She poured me a cup of tea as I sat with her at the table.

"So, what does Zewu Jun inquire about today?" She asked smiling at me.

"I assume you might have guessed it's about A'Xian," I stated.

"He is usually the main topic of the conversation," she said.

I chuckled, "at least the conversations have interesting things go discuss...such as his cultivation is so high that he is developing a new form of cultivation called Elemental cultivation...it's a blood related thing. Since he said Baoshan Sanren's descendant, it is through his bloodline that it is coming out. It also means that he is close to ascending to immortality...so I ask, how is it he is so strong this time?" I explained.

She blinked a few times, "that is something...perhaps he has a good spiritual vein. It helped him gain his core fairly quickly and he got to his normal strength very fast. Perhaps he is special. We don't know a whole lot about his family heritage. So maybe he is supposed to go through this. It is said to ascend to immortality, they go through a trial of misfortunate events. He made it through it. He even was gifted a chance to cultivate again. So maybe the loss of his core was a plan. No one really knows. As a relative of Baoshan Sanren's it makes sense for him to be strong. Maybe she planned it all, or foresaw it."

"Those are some interesting theories," I said, "I suggested that he and Wangji try Inquiry and contact his mother's spirit. I thought maybe she would have some thoughts on it."

She nodded, "it would be useful but it is a big ask from A'Ying. We don't even know how traumatic his childhood was. For all we know, he may have witnessed his parents' death. Have you asked him about it?" She said cautiously.

"I haven't, and I'm not sure if he remembers or knows," I said.

"A'Ying knows a technique that is slightly dangerous but it will help in a long run. He knows how to perform Empathy. If he doesn't know, his subconscious will. Accessing those memories may trigger some post trauma, but it may be useful as to what he went through. It would have to be up to him if he wants to go through that," she explained.

"Empathy? Isn't that more used on spirits?" I asked.

"It can be performed in a conscious mind, you just need the permission of that person...but it has its risks too. If not done properly, you could risk harming your soul. But A'Xian he has mastered it and knows how to get through it," she explained.

"How do you know this?" I asked.

"During the time he and his Shidi were hiding at our secret base, I got to know him a little bit. He's a lot different then what people may think. He really cares for his family, no matter how bad he was treated, he loves his Shijie and his Shidi. It explains why he gave up his core in the first place. He also likes to hide his pain until he has hit his breaking point. When you managed to get him to talk to you, he was probably at his limit.

I met his Shijie once, and we talked for a bit. She told me if he gets to his breaking point, he could spiral, self-harm, consider taking his life away, and feeling worthless. It really had me think about the kind of person he was. Behind the smile and bright eyes, he is a broken child. He is so selfless that he doesn't even consider his life or his health. So when you see him truly happy, you know he is doing okay. His laughter only comes out when he is truly happy. You even start to learn the difference between the fake smile and the real one," she explained.

"I know what you mean," I told her, "when I had him staying with me, I really got to know him. How he acts, how he behaves, how he thinks. If you tell him, and honestly mean it, that you want to listen to what he has to say, he will talk to you. Maybe it was just with me, but I have learned to understand him more. It is easier when I help him and Wangji out."

"They are doing better?" She asked.

"They are," I said, "and I'm grateful."

"How about you?" She asked.

"What about me?"

"Have you ever considered settling down with someone? As you are First heir and Sect Leader, I assure you have a lot of people who would love the position," she told me.

I smirked. It was then as if my mouth and my brain did not coordinator so my mouth spoke what my mind did not, "would you consider the position?"

I blinked a few times realizing what I just said. I glanced at her and she was blushing, smiling, "if this is you asking to court me, I'd consider it," she said happily.

I looked into her eyes. She was being completely honest with me, "I...know I have been feeling a bit...different with you around...in a good way," I told her.

"How do?" She asked.

"Before I answer, are you and Jiang Wanyin?" I know Jiang Wanyin has moved on but I don't know about her.

"Don't even go there, I gave him the comb back a long time ago," she said annoyed, "why?"

"It's just, I know he had a thing for you and I don't want to interfere with that...as I am not sure if how I feel for your is wanting to be known yet. I feel like I want to be with you all the time. You are smart, and talented. You care for your Didi just as much as I care for mine. I even find Wen Ning to be a sweet kid. I just want to know how......."

"Lan Xichen," she said, "I am liking you more than I have ever liked anyone. If you are willing, maybe the two of us can go out to town or something for a day. I am not a target anymore and I am free from people targeting me as a Wen. Even if they do, I know you are willing to help me. I think we could spend a day out."

I smiled, "are you free tomorrow? If you want Wen Ning to come he can."

"He can bring A'Yuan to finally meet A'Ying and Wangji. The four can hang out tomorrow and we can spend the afternoon or evening together," she said.

"Alright, if you allow me to set things up, pick out a restaurant," I told her.

"Deal," she said, "I look forward to it."

"It's a date then," I said happily.