Wuji: A Promise Kept

34

The ten disciples, Wuxian, Wangji, Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen, and Sizhui and Jingyi were at Wei Wuxian's workshop. The ten were sitting in the desks that circled around them and Wuxian stepped forward, "For this next test, this is just a draft. As you can see you have parchment and ink as well as the entire library here at my workshop for you to help you with your research if you need it. This task is something that will test your creativity. It is for you to create a blueprint for either a weapon, charm, or talisman. When being one of Hanguang Jun and I's disciples, you will have the opportunity to explore this opportunity more. I have always taken a liking to creating charms, weapons, and talismans. That is your task for today. You have your entire lecture class time today to do your research and create a draft. We want full details of what the charm, weapon, or talisman can do and we want an example drawn out on paper. You have the entire day today and we will be sharing your work tomorrow morning," Wuxian explained, "you are able to ask me or anyone here questions. Sizhui and Jingyi, if you wish to participate in this activity, feel free. Are there any questions?"

A young male junior raised his hand and Wuxian nodded, "is there anything we should be cautious of?"

"You all know the basic talismans and charms and weapons that are already used. Try not to recreate what has already been done. For example, you can craft a design for a sword but you have to make it so it stands out from your everyday weapon," Wuxian replied, "Also, try to avoid creating anything dangerous. Creating things like this can be dangerous if not done correctly and it can cause serious harm to the person either creating it or using it. Just be mindful of what you want to make. There is a manual on each of your desks to let you know of the standard charms, talismans, and weapons you already use. If you don't have any other questions, you can get started."

After the students got their clearance to start, Wuxian turned to the others, "What had you come up with this idea?" Xichen asked.

"I thought I'd let them explore the depths of their creativity. There are very little cultivators who don't know or like charms or talismans, even crafting weapons because they either don't have the skills to do so or the time, or maybe even the drive to do so. If they want to be our disciples, they will be able to explore that field more as I like to craft things. It also gives them alternatives if they for some reason can't use their sword," Wuxian answered, "plus you did say that it would be good to expand what I know."

"It is, and we are actually curious about what these disciples will come up with," Xichen said, "if you were a student again, what would you attempt to craft most?"

"Either a charm or weapon," Wuxian replied, "talismans are abundant as it is and there are a good amount that one can be used for. As for charms there are not many of them. And as for weapons, it's always a cool idea to make something new. Weapons can give you the opportunity to use or create a charm that goes with it. So it would be either one."

"How about you Wangji?" Xichen asked, "would you craft something?"

"Mmm, maybe a charm," Wangji said, "or a talisman."

Wuxian smiled, "that would be interesting. I'd be curious on what Hanguang Jun would make," he said.

Wangji leaned in and whispered in Wuxian's ear so only he could hear, "I would make something that would be useful for our nightly activities."

Wuxian's cheeks grew flushed, "Lan Zhan, there are kids around," he whispered back.

Wangji chuckled, "maybe a new binding charm?" He thought out loud, "or maybe stimulation charm. Wouldn't that be fun? Watch you fall apart in bed."

"Lan Zhan!" Wuxian said louder, which for everyone to look at them. Wuxian cleared his throat before speaking again, "ugh, get back to work."

Xichen moved over to the two, "you two okay over here?" He asked.

"Tell your brother to behave, we are in public for him to be spewing profanity," Wuxian whispered to him.

Xichen blinked a couple times and looked at Wangji, "is that true?"

"Would I really do something like that?" Wangji asked, "would I really do such things?"

Lan Xichen nodded, "hmm, I think you both should behave. Whether it was true or not."

"Fine," Wuxian said, "don't believe me. If I don't show up tomorrow, just know that I have been bullied all night by my husband."

Lan Xichen laughed and left the two alone, "that seems like something you need to figure out."

Wuxian glared at him before turning to Wangji, "you are so going to pay for all this when we get back to the Jingshi tonight."

"I look forward to it," Wangji said happily, "I am always looking forward to being with you in every possible way."

Wuxian sighed, "yeah, yeah," he said, "we should go check on everyone," Wuxian then went to go speak with the other disciples to see if they are doing okay. Even to see if they are struggling or have any questions.

Wangji smiled and did the same. He was more able to help guide students to a better location within Wuxian's personal library, than to answer questions about charms and talismans. He knows the basics of it but anything more advanced is not in his area of expertise. He was still able to help in some sort of way. In the future with assignments or activities like this, Wangji would have his days to look over assignments or work on other things.

Everyone took a ten minute break after a couple hours, and then another break for their lunch. They had the rest of the day to do more research with a couple breaks as well. When dinner was ready at the dining hall, everyone was dismissed and was to be prepared to present in the morning.