A Means to an End (WangXian)

Stay Hidden

There stood a large group, hidden within the dense trees near a small creek. Four different colors stood proud, most within their own groups, eating the first meal they've had in awhile before heading home. 

Some disciples kept scouts in the area, ensuring the Wens did not locate them, but they were already near the border of the Wen territory and were not necessarily worried about being located this far out from Muxi Mountain. 

"What are your plans now?" Nie Mingjue asked of Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian finished the last bite of his food and looked over at the group all staring wide-eyed at him. Lan Wangji sat on his right , his knees brushing against Wei Wuxian's lightly (his brother did not comment on how close the two have become). Jiang Wanyin was on his left, along side Nie Huaisang. He had narrowed his eyes at Wei Wuxian, just as curious. Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen sat across from them, watching Wei Wuxian closely.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath and glanced at the person he would consider his brother. "I'm heading back to Lotus Pier."

Lan Wangji's mood immediately soured. He clenched his robes in his hands and turned more towards Wei Wuxian, waiting to hear more.

"Now you want to come back?" Jiang Wanyin remarked. "Ow! What was that for?!" 

Nie Huaisang had gracefully elbowed him and given him a hard glare. Jiang Wanyin huffed as he turned back to Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian looked at Jiang Wanyin with a grim look. "I didn't tell you this earlier, but I found records in Qishan that document an invasion at Lotus Pier. They plan to persuade you to join them, but if you don't, they will annihilate everyone in Lotus Pier."

Jiang Wanyin's expression immediately turned serious and angry. "Do you know when?"

"Within two weeks."

Jiang Wanyin looked down and did not speak.

Wei Wuxian continued, "I'll head back to help them prepare. It's going to be brutal."

Lan Xichen spoke up. "We can bring in some forces to assist."

Nie Mingjue nodded in agreement. "Yes, we can't allow the Jiang Sect to fall."

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips in concern. "I appreciate the offer for help, but getting two other sects involved could complicate things. You will be putting a target on your backs."

Lan Xichen only gave a reassuring smile. "We have already been invaded once. It would be shameful of us not to lend support. Besides, their numbers outmatch your own. You will need help."

"The Lan Sect and Nie Sect are in strong alliances. Where they go, we always follow."

Jiang Wanyin scoffed. "It's not that I wouldn't mind the reinforcements, but good luck trying to explain all of this to my mother. She does not take kindly to seeking support from outside forces unless it's the Jin Sect."

"What if we don't tell her?" Wei Wuxian suggested.

The others turned to him. "Wei-gongzi, what do you propose?"

"Madam Yu might really stir up a fuss. It's going to be difficult enough to prepare Lotus Pier for the invasion without intervention. Maybe it would be best to remain in the shadows until they invade," Wei Wuxian suggested. "Then maybe we can surround the Wens. They won't know what hit them until it's too late. Though then we need to think about what to do afterwards. The Wens won't stick around, but knowing that three different sects went against them, they won't be happy, and they'll prepare for an all out war, rallying all their allies and overwhelming numbers."