The White Phoenix

Chapter 38 - Training

Wei Ying was back to his normal self within a week or so. Once he was okay, he was back to training. Zhūhóng took him to an open field that had been set up for him to practice and train. She had targets set up and test dummies as well. Wei Ying alternates each day on what he practices. One day he practices his sword techniques, one day he works on his archery, and another day he focuses all his time on his fire cultivation. He then focuses on his Dizi and guqin on his days he is not outside training. That way he is always doing something.

During his time healing, he focused his time on his guqin, only because it hurt a little when he tried to use his Dizi (flute). Today though, he wanted to work on his fire cultivation. He used it once during the ambush and it was to get him to a safe location. Since Zhūhóng also knew fire cultivation, she wanted to teach him some techniques.

Lan Wangji just spend his time watching Wei Ying learn and improve on himself. Lan Wangji watched as Wei Ying performed out a move. Wei Ying was very agile, stepping with his left foot and threw a punch with his right hand, sending a cloud of fire out in front of him. Then taking and other step immediately after and repeating the action but with his left hand. It was like using the cultivation of fire, even just elemental cultivation, it requires to be fluid in every motion and movement made. It was slightly different from using a sword.

Lan Wangji then remembered that using us guqin in battle, requires a bit of fluidity in his movements. The sword style for Gusu, it was very much a bit more of a solid motion then a fluid motion. That was the beauty of being a cultivator, learning styles and movements. The fluidity in them, the ability to create a dance most suited of that particular person. Sects that have a fighting style, it isn't really allowing individuality in the cultivator. That was why Lan Wangji not only followed his sect's style, but created his own so he can have his own style. It lets him know that he is still a single person despite being within a sect.

Lan Wangji noticed from those he met from the Celestial Realm, all how that all have their own individuality. They all have their own style of fighting. They learn from another, but strive to create individuality. Lan Wangji wanted that for Wei Ying. He wanted Wei Ying to always be his own individual person. It was difficult to really understand as Wei Ying was learning all that Wangji knew, but Wei Ying was learning from others as well. He was learning to be his own person.

"Wangji," Lan Xichen said as he sat down with him.

"Hi," Wangji replied.

"How is A'Ying doing?" Xichen asked.

"He is doing fine, as far as I can see," Wangji answered, "what do you think he is like when he is back to being his normal god form?"

"It's hard to say, I am hoping that he is somewhat the same person. Still kind and humble as he is now," Xichen replied, "you're worried?"

"Mnn," Wangji nodded.

"Cangse said that you two are soulmates, and you are to be rewarded for helping A'Ying. I don't think you have to worry about that. What matters right now, is to make sure A'Ying is happy and is also focused on his training. We have been receiving reports from Tian Jun saying we are doing very well," Xichen told him, "you need to just trust that."

Wangji nodded again, "A'Ying is doing better with his fire cultivation."

"I have noticed, I know you are only having him train for self defense, but now that he has become a target, maybe you should consider more combat training," Xichen suggested.

"I thought you said he was safe here and no one would find him here," Wangji said.

"He is, but he has to learn how to fight, Wangji. Yes he is doing really well, but he needs to spar so he can know what it's like to fight against someone. I know you want to keep him safe and protect him, but he needs to learn," Xichen said.

"As his caretaker, I will decide what is best for him," Wangji told him, "and if Wei Ying wants to, then I will teach him. As of right now, he is fine with the basic skills and structures that he has been learning."

Lan Xichen knew it was useless arguing against his brother, especially on the topic of Wei Ying. Lan Xichen understands that Wangji is extremely protective with him, but he didn't expect Wangji to get this possessive as well. Lan Wangji did have the final say on what Wei Ying would learn and he felt he has been doing fine thus far. Though, watching Wei Ying now, Lan Wangji wondered how Wei Ying would do if he and Wangji sparred for a little while. Lan Wangji would most likely have to take it easy but it would tell him how far Wei Ying has come. There was just that small voice in the back of his head that is telling him no, because he is afraid of hurting Wei Ying.

"You think I'm not doing a good job, are you?" Wangji asked.

"What makes you say such a thing? I think you are doing great with his training," Xichen answered.

"Then why are you questioning my every move or action once it has been made?" Wangji asked, "makes me go back to how well I am to be trusted."

"I trust you, Wangji. I trust A'Ying. I don't ever what you to think otherwise. As an older brother and your sect leader, it is my responsibility and my job to ask how you are doing and asking for progress. You have known that for a long time. If I offended you or upset you, it was not my intention," Xichen told him.

"A'Zhan, GeGe?" Wei Ying asked as he returned from his training, "why are you arguing? Is it something I did or didn't do?"

Lan Wangji sighed and glared at his brother. Lan Xichen could read it in his brother's face, "you made him think it's his fault we are arguing, again," kind of look.

"We are not arguing, we just are having differences in opinions," Xichen told Wei Ying and stood up, "no need to put blame on yourself. I have to go check on the sect. I will see you both tomorrow."

Wei Ying watched Lan Xichen leave before turning back to Wangji, "are you sure?" He asked.

"He is just trying to figure out what has been going on," Wangji told him, "you do not have to worry. You are not to blame for anything."

"If you call me bunny—"

"You will what?" Wangji asked, "huh bunny?"

Wei Ying groaned and let a giggle slip out as he wrapped his arms around Wangji's neck, "A'Zhaaan!" He whined.

"A'Ying how old are you?" Wangji asked.

"A'Ying is three," He answered playfully, "A'Ying is also getting very hungry."

"Well, we cannot have that can we," Wangji said, "should probably feed baby A'Ying."

Wei Ying laughed as Wangji stood up with him on his back. Lan Wangji carried him inside and made him something to eat.