Wuji: A Promise Kept

54

~*Wei Wuxian's POV*~

I sat there in the Jingshi at the table with two items in front of me. One item belonged to Wen Qing, her needles she used to use when she practiced, and the other belonged to Shijie, which is the tassel she gave me that day she showed me her in her wedding dress. Lan Zhan sat beside me for support, his arm resting around my waist, and Wen Ning and A'Yuan were both here because they had the opportunity to see Wen Qing again through me.

"If you aren't ready, you don't have to do this yet, A'Yuan and Wen Ning would understand," Lan Zhan said calmly.

"I know, but you were right, I have to do this if I want to move on," I said, "I need to do this."

"Did you want to start with your Shijie?" Wen Ning asked.

I looked down at the tassel. It

It was greenish blue and white with a lotus flower and lotus pod Jade token. I let out a deep breath before picking it up and waited.

"A'Xian?" She said calmly. It did feel good to hear her voice again...it just hurts, "open your eyes, A'Xian. It's just me."

I slowly opened my eyes. Tears were already falling as I looked at her, "Shijie?" I said softly, "I am sorry."

"A'Xian, you have nothing to apologize for. I am sorry that I freaked you out last time," she said.

"I wasn't ready or expecting to see you," I said honestly, "I still don't know if I am."

"Why are you avoiding me?" She asked.

"You died for me, and many people have—"

"Many people, or Jiang Cheng?" Shijie interrupted, "I don't blame you for what happened. It's long since happened and I am with him in this new world now. He doesn't blame you. We are actually glad that you were able to help Jin Ling when you did. He needed your guidance... he still does."

I nodded, "Shijie, I have to ask, how did you get to Nightless City?"

"I heard about the meeting from Jin Guangyao and his friend Su She helped me get there. He said he'd help me find you," she answered, "but he disappeared as soon as I got there."

"He and Su She brought you there?" I asked, "they knew you'd come for me...they used you to get to me."

"I should have known and I am sorry, but I do not regret taking that sword for you," she said.

"Even if it took you away from your son? Even if it led to Jiang Cheng hating me for the rest of his life?" I asked.

"I regret not being there for Jin Ling, and I wished Jiang Cheng was there for you when you needed him, but we can't change it," She said, "you have to promise me that you will move forward."

I nodded, "take care of yourself, I found out that there are spirits disappearing."

"I will, I promise," she said, "now call Wen Qing."

She left and I set the tassel down. My hand was shaking. Lan Zhan took it and pulled me closer, "you did good, Wei Ying," he said and wiped the tears away.

"From the beginning...Jin Guangyao and Su She," I said.

"I know, as I can see spirits too, and I heard what she said. They are both gone so there isn't anything we can do about it," he said.

"I guess," I said and picked up Wen Qing's needles. A'Yuan and Wen Ning took my hand this time as she appeared, "Qing-Jie."

"A'Ying, I was wondering when you'd call me," she said.

"Didn't you come to haunt me in a dream not long ago?" I asked.

"I can't haunt dreams," she said, "did I say something to you?"

"You said you were..."

"A'Ying, please, will you tell me?" She begged.

"You were disappointed in me that I couldn't save you or your family. I couldn't help Wen Ning properly, and I left A'Yuan alone for a while...if Lan Zhan hadn't found him, he would have died," I explained.

"I'm not disappointed in you," she told me, "you did everything you could for us. You fought for us when no one else would. You have A'Yuan now as your adopted son with a husband who loves you. And Wen Ning," she looked at him, "he looks good. I am glad he has you."

"I wish you were still here, they shouldn't have killed you," I said, "a girl here wants to use your scriptures to continue your practice."

"She can use them," she said, "I heard that A'Yuan has an interest in her," she looked at him, "you look good."

"It's good to see you again, Gūgu," A'Yuan said, "and what makes you think I like her?"

"When A'Ying mentioned her, you smiled," she said, "it's the same some A'Ying used to make when Wangji's name was mentioned."

"Qing-Jie, don't out me like that," I said.

"Why? You two are married now," she said, "and I see you are cultivating again."

"I had help," I said and explained the process to her, "Lan An helped me. He is a powerful spirit."

"I am just glad you are doing better, but please take care of yourself...surely Wangji has picked up on that by now that you are terrible at doing that," she said.

"No need to worry, I am taking care of him," Lan Zhan said.

"I know," she said and looked at Wen Ning, "I am glad you are doing well."

"I miss you Jie," he said, "and I am always thinking of you."

"As you are half dead, you can call upon me anytime," she said, "and you and I will see each other more."

"I appreciate it," Wen Ning said.

"I should go," she said, "doing this probably takes a lot of energy out of you."

"I am still figuring that out," I said, "my grandmother will help me soon."

"Good, see you again," she said and disappeared. A'Yuan and Wen Ning left after a while and I just remained snuggled up to Lan Zhan. I just needed his comfort right now. I did feel good to talk to her and Shijie again. Lan Zhan was right, I really needed that closure to move forward.