Lotus Serenade || Mo Dao Zu Shi x Reader

| 二十一 |

──❝Inaugural Dance with the Supernatural❞──

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Before long, the assembly of trout embarked on their slender vessels, employing bamboo poles to navigate toward the congregation of water ghosts convened at Biling Lake. As they ventured forth, the ivory-hued dwellings of Caiyi Town gradually receded into a hazy dreamscape, beckoning them towards an unknown realm shrouded in mystery. The river's course transitioned into tranquility, with the gentle lapping of water against the boat's sides composing a serene melody. Each member mostly occupied their individual boats, although a few had to share due to the limited available fleet. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng piloted their separate boats, engaging in friendly rivalry and vying to outpace one another while monitoring the unfolding events related to the water specters in the vicinity.

This aqueous route navigated toward a vast expanse known as Biling Lake, a significant body of water lying ahead. For an extensive period, Caiyi Town had remained devoid of water spirits. However, recent times have unveiled an unsettling trend: individuals vanishing inexplicably into this waterway and Biling Lake. Boats laden with cargo sank without apparent cause, while blameless souls mysteriously evaporated without leaving a trace. Merely days ago, Lan Xichen rallied the populace to deploy nets in the lake, and their concerted efforts yielded an unexpected bounty—capturing over a dozen water spirits. Nonetheless, upon returning these entities, the locals failed to identify them, resulting in these unknown beings remaining unclaimed. Wei Wuxian pursed his lips, saying, "That's weird. The water spirits are picky about their surroundings. They usually stay where they were drowned and seldom leave. I believe what we just encountered may not be water spirits." Lan Xichen nodded in agreement. "Wei Wuxian and Wangji failed to catch them. It's very unusual," [Y/n] tilted her head fractionally, a quizzical gesture denoting her confusion at their words.

With a crisp snap, she shut her fan, directing her gaze downward upon the folded object. As [Y/n] pondered the complexities of the matter, a contemplative expression settled upon her face, her furrowed brow betraying the depth of her thoughts. 'If it wasn't water spirits, what could it be?' She glanced at Lan Wangji, his unwavering focus fixed ahead as he propelled the boat with the bamboo pole. 'I wonder... Do they roam in clusters or prefer solitude? No, they likely move in groups. To bring down boats and people as they have in the past, it necessitates strength in numbers. At this rate, if they keep hiding hiding in the water, they were just going to search forever.' Lost in thought, she pondered, lightly tapping her closed fan against her lip. Off to the side, Wei Wuxian wore a crestfallen expression, his heart ablaze with an incendiary surge of emotions. Aching and yearning, he cast longing glances from afar towards [Y/n], her poised silhouette gracefully adorning the majestic vessel beside Lan Wangji, while he remained marooned on a separate boat. Questions churned within him—why did she favor Lan Wangji's company? His gaze lingered, ensnared by the seamless rapport between them, his thoughts ensnared within a maelstrom of conflicting emotions, a tempest ravaging his mind and soul.