The White Phoenix

Chapter 20 - Annchi

It's been about a week since Wei Ying had gotten sick. His fever has passed but he now has developed a cough, snotty nose, and sneezing. It was a bit chaotic at the moment too. Anytime Wei Ying would sneeze, a piece of Jingshi caught fire with golden flames. Luckily, Lan Xichen had fire proofed the entirety of Jingshi so nothing would burn down, but it was still a slight issue as it frightened Wei Ying anytime he saw a fire.

Wangji saw it as a problem, he needed to learn a little bit about fire cultivation so he can help guide Wei Ying into controlling his power. Lan Xichen went to the library to look around for books, as well as asked his uncle for advice as well. That was when Lan Qiren sent a message to Wei Ying's parents asking about the fire cultivation and how to help him control it at such a young age.

Annchi and Yīnuò copied scripts brought them to Cloud Recesses. They also wanted to check in on the young toddler, as they were told he was sick. They brought some herbs from Yīnuò's herb garden that can be used to make medicine for Wei Ying. As he was born differently, he needs special treatment. Annchi ang Yīnuò were happy to help out whenever they could.

Annchi always wanted an excuse to get away from her strict mother. Annchi's mother was in charge of all of the Valkyries, in turn, she was always extra strict on Annchi when she trains. Annchi wanted to be a Valkyrie but she always had to live up to high expectations. When her mother wasn't around, Annchi would be the next in charge, as she would one day, take her mother's place.

When Annchi arrived to Cloud Recesses with the copied scripts, her anger towards her mother seemed to have dissipated for the time being. She hated that her mother never trusts her to make the right choices or to train right. She just wanted her approval more than anything. Annchi sighed as she was just about to approach Jingshi. She started to ease her mind and then became a bit more happy.

Despite Wei Ying being sick, Annchi was excited to see the little firebird. Annchi knocked on the door and waited. Lan Xichen greeted her and led her inside. Annchi sat at the tea table with Lan Xichen after handing him the scriptures.

"How was your trip here?" Lan Xichen asked her.

"Not too bad," Annchi replied, "I might have been here a bit earlier in the day but I decided to fly here. Flying helps me clear my head."

"Are you doing okay?" Xichen asked.

"Nothing too serious really, just...family stuff," Annchi said, "can I ask you something? Maybe advice?"

"Of course, but as you are way older than I am, I do not know if my advice would hold up," Xichen answered.

"I think it's just that, I wanted your opinion because you are not from where I am from. You have different experiences than I do," Annchi said.

"I see," Xichen said, "but I am willing to try to help if I am able."

"It's just that, I have to ask, have you ever been questioned about your capabilities? Told that you are not going to be as good as you may think?" Annchi asked.

"As I became a sect leader so young, I get questioned about that all the time, but I have support and guidance from my Uncle. Without him, I would be struggling more. I have other friends who are sect leaders as well, but it is different from an outsider's perspective," Xichen answered, "why?"

"I became head Valkyrie at a young age, but many believe I only got it because my mother is the leader of the Valkyries herself. She questions my every move and always tells me that I am never going to be strong enough to take her place one day. No matter how hard I try, she never seems to be impressed," Annchi explained.

"Families are complicated," Xichen told her, "have you tried to sit down and talk with her?"

"Ha, she never listens to me," Annchi said.

"Have you tried to find a way to get her to listen?" Xichen asked.

"I guess not, but I don't think she will listen, even if I keep trying," Annchi said.

Before Xichen could say anything more, Wangji came out from the bedroom with Wei Ying cradled in his arms. Wei Ying was wide awake, even though he was sick, he was smiling as he always had.

"Annchi," Wangji greeted as he sat down at the table beside her, "Wei Ying, this is Annchi."

"A'chi," Wei Ying said.

"I think I like A'Chi better," Annchi said, "it's good to see you little one."

"You are pwetty," Wei Ying said, "not as pwetty as A'Zha, but pwetty."

Annchi giggled, "such a flirt already. Even comparing me to Lan Wangji."

"Yan Wan-ji?" Wei Ying asked.

Wangji smiled down at Wei Ying, "do not worry, I am still A'Zha."

Annchi was liking what she was seeing. She liked that Wei Ying was being raised with love and care. So much better than his last life. She hoped that even with just the right amount of teaching, that Wei Ying will become a wonderful person. He will gain his god form again and have such a great amount of humility, and love and respect. She was curious as to how Wangji and Wei Ying's relationship will progress later.