Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 19 - Harmony Amidst Complexity

As the meeting concluded at the main building, Yu Yan agreed to accompany Lan Xichen to his discussion conference in Qinghe. She believed it was an excellent opportunity to introduce her tribe to the world of cultivation and offer their healing skills to those in need. She was also eager to explore how to blend her tribe's healing techniques with the healing magic of the cultivators.

Yu Yan invited Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, and Wei Wuxian to join them for dinner since their meeting had finished just before suppertime. Jing Shi asked Lan Xichen if he would like to take a stroll with her to Qing Yi's cabin to fetch the twins for dinner, and he gladly accepted. Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji chose to remain behind and relax in the herb garden behind the main building.

"I'm surprised at how quickly word has spread in just a couple months," Jing Shi remarked as she walked down the road with Lan Xichen toward Qing Yi's cabin. "How did the other clans even learn about us in the first place?"

Lan Xichen smiled warmly. "About a month ago, I was hosting some guests from the Jin Clan of Lanling. Their Clan Leader Jin, is quite young, so he occasionally seeks guidance from our clan. He's particularly close to Wei Gongzi. During one of his visits, he had sustained a shoulder injury on a night hunt. I applied the healing potion from your tribe, which was given to us as a gift, and it completely healed his wound. After that, he inquired about the origin of the potion, and Wei Gongzi took him to the Gusu Sylvatica. I suppose you can piece together the rest. That's how word spread to the other two clans," Lan Xichen explained.

Jing Shi smiled and replied, "I hope these new alliances you're introducing us to will be beneficial for everyone."

Approaching Qing Yi's cabin, Jing Xiang greeted them at the door and informed Jing Shi and Lan Xichen that Qing Yi had fallen into a deep slumber. Apparently, he had struggled to get a good night's rest for the past three days, and exhaustion had finally caught up with him after his bath. Jing Xiang explained that he intended to take a nap and had already fallen into a deep slumber. She suggested they let him rest and mentioned that she would bring him some food later.

The three of them then made their way back to the Koeh Tribal Hall, where Yu Yan, along with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, awaited their return.

"Is Qing Yi not with you?" Yu Yan inquired as Jing Shi, Lan Xichen, and Jing Xiang entered the dining room.

"He was fast asleep, Mother. I didn't want to disturb him, so I'll bring some food to him later," Jing Xiang replied.

The dining room was adorned with an array of delectable dishes. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of bamboo shoot stir-fry, mushroom and tofu soup, steamed dumplings with vegetable fillings, stir-fried greens with garlic, and grilled fish with lemongrass.

The table was beautifully set, adorned with delicate floral arrangements and flickering candles, creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.

Yu Yan, with a smile on her face, gestured for her guests to take their seats. "Please, join us," she said warmly. "I hope you enjoy the flavors of our woodland realm."

Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, and Wei Wuxian took their places at the table, sitting next to Yu Yan on her right side. As honored guests, they showed their respect to the host by occupying the seats closest to her. Jing Shi, and Jing Xiang sat on the other side of the table, next to their mother Yu Yan, on her left side.

The bamboo shoot stir-fry provided a delightful crunch, complemented by the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and tofu in the soup. The steamed dumplings burst with a medley of vegetables, their delicate wrappers holding the savory filling. The grilled fish, infused with the aromatic lemongrass, was tender and flaky, leaving a burst of flavors on the palate. And the stir-fried greens with garlic added a refreshing and vibrant touch to the meal, balancing the richness of the other dishes.

To complement the meal, a selection of refreshing beverages was served. The guests were treated to a variety of fruit juices, each offering a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant flavors. These juices showcased the finest fruits sourced from Gusu Sylvatica's orchards, nurtured by the mystical magic of the Veritasfolia tree. This extraordinary tree not only played an important role in determining the true gender of the Koeh youths, but also fostered optimal conditions for accelerated herb growth and enhanced the development of fruits and other crops, resulting in an abundant harvest of flavorful produce.