Taking roots after the misty rain

Ch-15

The source of the sound got closer. The player must be headed toward them. Lan Xichen drew his sword and took a defensive stance. A young man, probably younger than him, came into view playing a black dizi.

The flutist played no attention to anyone except Wei Xiaojie. Gradually, her features that has been scrunched up in pain eased back to normal. She managed to sit up after a while. The sword stopped spinning in the air and dropped into her hand. The Flutist put down his flute and rushed towards her. However, Lan Xichen stepped in with his sword drawn.

"Lan Gongzi, it's alright." Wei Zixian said in a weak voice. "I know him."

Lan Xichen reluctantly let the violet-clad flute player pass. The latter, on the other hand, made sure to shoot him a furious look before helping his sister up.

"What the hell were you even thinking?! Wandering into the Burial Mounds with a bunch of strangers, don't you know that your sword can't be used in fights?!" He thundered.

"Ge, I didn't mean for it to turn out this way."

"Do you have any idea what could have happened today? The blood pool is volatile. That is the reason I never allowed anyone in here, ever. Had I not been able to make Chenqing in time, then Heaven knows what might have happened!"

"You did what?! Chenqing?! Did you make it? Already? I wanna see it! I never got to see it before."

"Don't try to change the topic!"

"Wei Xiaojie, who might this be?"

"I am her brother." Wei Wuxian hissed with a stare that said 'Don't you dare have any improper thoughts about her!'

"Wei Gongzi, a pleasure to meet you."

"It's a pity that I can't say the same." He grumbled.

Lan Xichen knew he wasn't welcome here. Or anywhere near Wei Xiaojie for that matter. He donned a practiced smile and stood silently. Wei Zixian knew that she needed to intervene or her brother will chew Lan Gongzi alive.

"Are you two done yet? Can we go out now?" She scolded.

"Xiao Chi, I am letting you off now. Just wait until we get back."

Wei Wuxian played a small tune on Chenqing and two corpses came into the cave. They picked the two unconscious cultivators and carried them out as Wei Xiaojie and Lan Gongzi watched bewildered. 

"Hey! What are you doing standing like that? Never seen a fierce corpse before?" Wei Wuxian asked with a smirk. 

It is no exaggeration to say that Wei Zixian and Lan Xichen didn't quite regain their composure until they were out of the Burial Mounds and quite the distance from Yiling itself. 

"Wei Xiaojie, our paths shall be parting here, I am afraid. May we meet again if we have the fortune." Lan Xichen said and bowed. Wei Wuxian gestured to Zixian to go ahead as he had something to discuss with Lan Xichen in private. Zixian naturally followed. 

"Lan Gongzi, it would do both of us good if you do not mention today's events again. We mean no harm to innocent people. Neither of us is a Demonic cultivator. And please, for my sister's safety, please maintain distance from her." 

"Wei Gongzi, I shall comply with your first wish. But I do not know what inspired your second one." 

"Zewu Jun, please don't misunderstand me. I am, by no means, prejudiced against you. My sister may appear strong and resilient, but she is very delicate and sensitive. What she has gone through has scarred her soul irreversibly. As a brother, it is my responsibility to ensure her safety. I do not believe that you are just having fun at her expense. But if you were, then please refrain from doing so in the future. She won't be able to handle the realization." Wei Wuxian requested earnestly.