Lord Black Water's Second Chances: Twisted Wonderland

Timeskip: He Xuan's invitation to Night Raven College

Years would like time had run a race so fast had Crewel and Crowley's children grown. From changing diapers and playing to exercising their spiritual growths and spiritual practices from Chèn Yao. Xie Kěwàng and Méi Lìliàng visit from time to time.

He Xuan grows with his shidis and Shimei. Each cultivated their spiritual growth and adaptation. Now Crowley and Crewel's son is invited to attend Night Raven College. Crowley comes running as he receives the invitation. Crowley hums as he takes out the mail from the envelope, his heart swelling with pride at the thought of his son following in his footsteps. He can't wait to see how his son will flourish at Night Raven College, just like he and Crewel did all those years ago.

"He Xuan!" Crowley calls as he walks into the living room. where his son is sitting with his shidis and Shimei. He Xuan looks up at his father, his eyes questioning. "You have been invited to attend Night Raven College," Crowley announces with a big grin on his face.

He Xuan gapes "Me? But Ba, I thought Night Raven College is a place for magicians?"

Crowley grins "It seems the Dark Mirror has a special interest in you, my son. They see potential in you, just as I do"

Crewel sighs "We're going to have a talk about this, Dire"

Crowley smiles "Understood, darling"

Yes, he and Crewel had gotten so used to each other that when He Xuan was ten, secretly he and Crewel held feelings of love towards each other since their high school years but never went for it often referring to each other as married to their work but now it's both.

So they arranged a private marriage, inviting only co-workers and the Spirit Guide and his husband and Chèn Yao and family, they still speak to.

Crowley reminisces of that day, goofily, until he hears Crewel snapping his finger, "Dire? Are you listening to me?"

"Forgive me, dear. I believe the Dark Mirror wants to allow our son to be...I suppose different approach. After all, it's his spiritual journey and growth that matters the most"

He Xuan elegantly sheathes his sword, the familiar hum of its energy fading into the air.

Among his shidis and Shimei, a mix of excitement and nerves simmers within him.

As the renowned Night Raven College is synonymous with breeding formidable magicians, He Xuan's determination to excel shines through.

Turning to his parents, he bows deeply, his voice resonating with a resolute promise, "A-Die, Ba, I vow not to disappoint. My dedication will be unwavering, balancing my studies and cultivation with utmost diligence."

He packs up, with his shidis and Shimei supporting him, and yet sad to see their senior brother go. He hugs them all. Then he leaves.

    Shen Jiu stands on the veranda, watching the setting sun cast a golden hue over the serene landscape. His chest tightened with each passing moment, the imminent departure of his gege, He Xuan, looming like a dark cloud over his heart.

He sees a dark carriage coming over to them and He Xuan steps in. He waves goodbye to his family and sits back on the coffin.

    "Xuan-ge," Shen Jiu whispers, his voice heavy with unspoken pain.

"Don't worry son" From behind him, Crowley's laughter rings out, a stark contrast to Shen Jiu's somber mood. "He Xuan is going to shape the history of Night Raven," Crowley says, his tone filled with fatherly love. "He has potential. He wouldn't have if the Dark Mirror hadn't summoned him."

    Shen Jiu turns to face Crowley. "I know," he hums, trying to mask his inner turmoil.

    Crewel approaches them, his expression unreadable. "He Xuan has come a long way with his cultivation journey and still has a long way to go, but I'll no doubt he'll become a strong young man," he murmurs, his eyes betraying a fatherly pride.