Chapter 23. 槴花

299 20 1
                                    

Jin Guangyao sat at his desk, surrounded by a mountain of paperwork and reports. As the chief cultivator, he was responsible for maintaining the peace and order of the cultivation world, and it was a task that never seemed to end.

As he was sorting through the documents, a messenger arrived, bringing with him a letter from the Jian sect. Jin Guangyao's eyebrows furrowed as he recognized the seal of the sect. He had heard rumors of a fierce corpse gathering around their lands, but he had not expected a formal request for reinforcements.

Jin Guangyao broke the seal and began to read the letter. As he read, his expression grew grave. The attack was worse than he had imagined, and the Jian sect was in dire need of assistance. He knew that he could not ignore their plea, not only for the sake of the Jian sect but also for the stability of the entire cultivation world.

Jin Guangyao stood up from his desk, his mind already made up. He would gather a team of skilled cultivators and head to the Jian sect as soon as possible. He knew that the fierce corpses were a threat to everyone, and he could not allow them to wreak havoc unchecked.

.....

Lan Xichen sat behind his desk, his expression solemn as he reviewed the various reports and documents that required his attention. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, he remained composed and dignified, determined to steer the Lan Sect through this difficult time.

"Sect Leader Lan," a disciple bowed as he entered the room, "the trade negotiations with the Jin Sect are proceeding smoothly. We expect to reach an agreement within the week."

Lan Xichen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Excellent work, disciple. Please keep me informed of any developments."

As the disciple withdrew, another entered, clutching a sheaf of papers in his hands. "Sect Leader Lan, we have received word from the border villages. They request our assistance in dealing with a rogue cultivator who has been terrorizing the area."

Lan Xichen's brow furrowed as he took the papers and scanned their contents. "This is a matter that requires swift action. Gather a team of skilled cultivators and dispatch them to the border immediately. They are to prioritize the safety of the villagers and bring the rogue cultivator to justice."

The disciple nodded and hurried off to carry out his orders. Lan Xichen leaned back in his chair, his mind already moving on to the next matter that required his attention. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he remained steadfast in his commitment to uphold the values and traditions of the Lan Sect, and to lead his people with wisdom and compassion.

Throughout the day, Lan Xichen continued to handle various issues and concerns, ranging from disputes between sects to the management of the Lan Sect's resources and assets. He listened attentively to the reports of his disciples, offered guidance and counsel, and made decisions with a clear and level head.

As the day drew to a close, Lan Xichen couldn't help but feel the weight of his brother's absence. He had always been a source of strength and support, and Lan Xichen missed him deeply. Nevertheless, he knew that he must remain strong for the sake of the Lan Sect and its people. He could only hope and pray that his brother was safe and would someday return home.

With a heavy heart, Lan Xichen retired to his chambers for the night, his thoughts still consumed by the welfare of his brother and the future of the Lan Sect.

.....

The hustle and bustle of the marketplace was a familiar comfort to Wei Jingyi. he moved through the crowds with ease, taking in the familiar sights and sounds as he made his way to his favorite teahouse.

As he settled into his usual spot, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Liu Xin, who was already seated and waiting for him.

"Liu Xin!" Hua Jingyi exclaimed as he sat down, his face lighting up with genuine joy. "It's so good to see you again. How long has it been?"

Liu Xin smiled warmly in response, his eyes bright with affection. "Too long, Jingy'er. It's been months since our last meeting."

Hua Jingyi playfully rolled his eyes. "Well, you have been traveling far and wide in search of rare herbs for your potions. It's good to see you back in one piece." Liu Xin laughed heartily, his deep voice filling the teahouse.

As they sipped their tea and caught up on each other's lives, Hua Jingyi couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through him at the sight of Liu Xin's gentle smile and caring eyes. He had always admired his dedication to his craft and his compassion for those in need.

"So, what brings you back to town?" Hua Jingyi asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.

Liu Xin's expression turned more serious, his gaze meeting Wei Jingyi's with a depth that made Hua Jingyi's heart skip a beat. "I needed to see you, Hua Jingyi. You've been on my mind these past few months, and I couldn't stay away any longer."

Wei Jingyi felt a blush rising to his cheeks, but he couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that coursed through him at Liu Xin's words. They had been close friends, but there had always been a spark between them that neither could deny.

"Liu Xin..." Wei Jingyi began, his voice soft and tentative. "I've missed you, too. It's been hard not having you around."
Liu Xin reached across the table, taking Wei Jingyi's hand in his. "Wei Jingyi, I value our friendship deeply, I hope we can stay friend until we grow old."

Wei Jingyi's heart fluttered at his words, a mixture of hope and uncertainty stirring within him. He had come to care for Liu Xin as his family, and the thought of their being something more to their relationship both excited and scared him.

Wei Jingyi met Liu Xin's gaze, his own eyes shining with a mixture of emotions. "Liu Xin, I feel the same way. Our friendship means the world to me, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. I'm happy to stay friends forever, as long as you're by my side."

Liu Xin squeezed Wei Jingyi's hand gently, his expression softening. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Jingyi'er. You're like family to me, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's company. Wei Jingyi couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him as he gazed at Liu Xin, his heart full of gratitude for their friendship.

As they finished their tea and prepared to depart, Liu Xin turned to Wei Jingyi, his expression thoughtful. "Do you want to meet again tomorrow? We could go for a walk in the gardens and catch up some more."

Wei Jingyi's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I'd love that, Liu Xin. It's always a pleasure to spend time with you."

And so, they said their goodbyes, but with the promise of another meeting the next day. Wei Jingyi couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement as he thought about what the future held for their friendship.

As they went their separate ways, Wei Jingyi found himself reflecting on the depth and richness of his bond with Liu Xin. He realized that their friendship was a rare and precious gift, one that he would cherish and nurture for the rest of his life, no matter what form it took.

.....

Published.

Words. 1244

The Hua Sect | XianWangWhere stories live. Discover now