Setting Things Right

*Boom* Kidnapped

(a/n: FYI, this is about a year or so before wwx's return)

It should have been a peaceful day... Jiang Wanyin thought. A nice, uneventful day. Lotus Pier was doing well. His nephew was progressing with his training, and Fairy was sitting on his lap as he gazed at the tranquil waters surrounding his home. Then that thing spoke.

[System ready. All Cultivators, please get ready for transportation.]

" ... What? "

[Failure to comply will lead to disappointment. Teleportation sequence to begin in 10. 9. 8.]

Damn it. What God did he upset today? Jiang Wanyin turned around to find that many of his sect members were gazing up in confusion.

"Jiu Jiu! Did you hear the voice too?"

He nodded once in response. "A-Ling, stand close to me."

[3. 2. 1. You will experience slight discomfort during this process.]

It was supposed to be a nice day...

********************

Jiang Wanyin winced as he hit the ground, immediately overwhelmed by nausea. He could sense that the ones with him did not fare any better if the retching sounds were anything to go by. Jin Ling slowly stood up, leaning on his uncle for support. They had landed in a vast room, their only light source being a glowing... wall? What the hell is this?

Jin Ling gripped his uncle's arm as he gasped in shock. " A-Ling?"

"Jiu Jiu, I can't access my golden core!"

"What the hell!" he muttered. Jiang Wanyin scanned the crowd, locking eyes with Hanguang Jun, and found his way to the Lan sect.

"Sect leader Jiang. I suppose you cannot access your golden core either? It seems that we are all having the same problem!" The Lan sect leader frowned, "Do you perhaps have any idea why we came here?"

As he began to answer, a roar rose from the crowd. "Who is behind this blasphemy, huh? Show your face! You won't get away with this!"

"Sect leader Yang, please calm yourself. We are all trying to figure out what is happening." Lan Xichen reasoned.

"What is there to figure out? This is the work of some demonic entity! We need to get out!"

Hearing this, Lan Qiren rubbed his temples. He had just wanted to get some rest and instead needed to deal with people. Of course, he would not say anything about it... a Lan must be courteous. He looked at the juniors who glanced around the room and hoped they would learn not to act like that. He was saved from the noise of the other sects as words suddenly appeared on the white wall as the disembodied voice returned.

[Teleportation successful.]

The cultivators stood in shock as Sect leader Nie yelped in fear. "Who are you, demon?!" Sect leader Yang waved his sword at the ceiling, "Answer me!" Jiang Wanyin contemplated stabbing him.

[System will not comply unless spoken to with respect.]

The Yang Sect leader began to yell but could not open his mouth. He glared at the Lans furiously. Who would dare?!

"Enough."

Everyone froze. Hanguang Jun barely spared a glance at the seething man, instead looking at his brother.

"Lan Wangji is right. We don't know who summoned us here or what they intend to do. It is best if we do not cause trouble." Zewu Jun bowed to the Sect leader.

A soft voice piped up from behind Lan Wangji. "Excuse me, uhhh... System? Could you tell us who you are and what you want from us... please?"

[Subject identified. Lan Shizui. I am simply the System, and you may address me as such. As for your purpose, you only have to watch what I tell you.]

Shizui blushed at being singled out amidst everyone but continued after Zewu Jun gave him an encouraging smile. "Could you please provide more information?"

[Loading. Information found. You have been brought here to watch something important. All spiritual energy has been blocked to prevent violence. Only the bare minimum will be used to keep you alive. None of you shall be harmed during the viewing.]

Zidian whipped through the air at this, cutting off the sounds of displeasure that erupted from the crowd. Jiang Wanyin snarled, "And why should we listen to you, huh? How are we to know that we are safe and you have no ulterior motives?!"

[Jiang Wanyin. It seems that you are displeased.]

"No Shit!"

[I see. I was told there was a 98% chance you may say this. You will stay no matter what, but I shall make you an offer. Would you like to bring back those whom you lost?]

It seemed as if the world had stopped spinning. Lan Qiren finally spoke. "That is impossible. You cannot bring back the dead. Enough fooling around, the rest of our clans have been left unsupervised."

[Please answer the question, Jiang Wanyin. Will you watch what will be shown if the dead return?]

The man gulped. If this thing was telling the truth, then... "Yes."

[Understood. Reviving six people.]

At first, nothing happened. Just as people began thinking it was all a sham, a blinding flash of light filled the room. As it vanished, no one dared to breathe.