Lotus Serenade || Mo Dao Zu Shi x Reader

| 二 |

──❝Resurrection of the Patriarch: A Renewal❞──

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Within the heart of Mo Village, a vibrant tableau unfolded—the streets teeming with life as the bustling marketplace thrived. A colorful array of stalls adorned the avenues, showcasing an eclectic assortment of wares and produce. The air resonated with animated chatter, a symphony of voices blending seamlessly as vendors bellowed prices while eager customers bargained for the finest deals. Amidst this bustling scene, an enticing symphony of aromas wafted through the throng—a mélange of savory scents from sizzling street food, a tantalizing invitation that beckoned passersby, tempting their palates with promises of delectable indulgence.

In the distance, a vendor engaged in conversation with two men who had just approached his stall. "Demon-hunters are really coming?" One man asked, his voice filled with curiosity. "Of course," the vendor replied confidently. "Zombies have been seen in the back hills. Many have died." As the vendor spoke, blurry figures streaked through the sky—two demon hunters soared overhead, their presence a swift blur against the heavens. Clad in the iconic billowing white robes of the Gusu Lan sect, they navigated the currents with grace, their attire adorned with the sanctioned white forehead ribbons. Each ribbon bore the emblematic cloud motif, meticulously sewn to signify their allegiance to the esteemed Gusu Lan Clan, trailing behind them in majestic undulations, like wisps of ethereal essence weaving through the azure expanse. "The demon hunters have come for them. I've heard they're from a prestigious clan."

The tranquil atmosphere was shattered by the donkey's noisy bray. A collective gasp swept through the bystanders, their attention redirected as Wei Wuxian thundered through the crowd atop the donkey. Chaos ensued as people hastily scattered to make way, a cacophony of surprised murmurs rising in the wake of the abrupt disturbance. The scene unfolded in a flurry of movement and sound—Wei Wuxian crashed into a vendor's stand, jostling merchandise and sending them cascading to the ground. Amidst the commotion, a bottle of wine soared through the air, a fleeting moment before Wei Wuxian's deft hand snatched it from the chaos. 

With a swift motion, he tilted the bottle to his lips, indulging in a long, deliberate sip that allowed the rich, velvety liquid to cascade down his throat. The sensation, long missed, flooded his senses with the familiar, intoxicating taste of a fine vintage. A fleeting warmth radiated through his body, momentarily thawing the tension that had coiled within him from the reckless ride. "Good wine!" he exclaimed with a satisfied grin, his voice carrying a hint of glee. Casually wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his robe, he relished the fleeting respite that the good wine had provided amid the chaotic whirlwind he had inadvertently caused. However, truth be told, it hardly concerned him; he found it rather amusing, after all.

Startled, Wei Wuxian gasped in disbelief, gripping the donkey's reins with greater intensity as it started to buck, attempting to dislodge him. Yet, resolute, he held on firmly, refusing to yield to the animal's attempts to throw him off. "Behave yourself, okay?" he drawled out, only to receive a snort of defiance from the stubborn donkey. Before long, the donkey galloped in the same direction Mo Ziyuan had fled, leaving bystanders in a state of bewilderment as they observed the unexpected spectacle. "Isn't that the crazy elder son of the Mo family?" One bystander asked incredulously. "The abuse he suffered drove him mad. The Mo's are so cruel. I pity him!" Another sympathetic bystander chimed in, shaking her head in disapproval. "I agree."