Wuji: A Promise Kept

74

The group ended up waiting for three days before the day was clear enough for the portal to appear. Iroh showed Wuxian how to summon the portal and then he told him he has to stand on the other side to wait for the others. Iroh would close it when everyone was inside. Once inside, Iroh had to head on his way back to the spirit world. So this was where someone new came to the group.

A young female disciple who looked to be no older than sixteen walked their way. She was a bit different than what others had ever seen. The girl had fire-red hair and beautiful forest green eyes. She had on black and white robes with peach blossoms embroidered along the hemlines. The girl's hair was tied up into a high ponytail and her ears were actually pointed.

"Is she...an elf?" Biyu asked.

The girl smiled, "elves are more considered to be male but females prefer fairy or pixie. The three have similarities in appearance and abilities. But you are very observant, I am Luo Qiang* (name meaning at the end of chapter). I am to guide you to the main hall," she looked at Hua Cheng, "Hua Chengzhu, you have returned as well, along with the crown prince," Luo Qiang greeted.

"No need for formalities," Hua Cheng said, "his highness and I came because we are involved in the current matters."

"I know," she said, "let me take you to the main hall."

Luo Qiang escorted the group through a nice little village. It was not as big as Gusu but not as small as Lotus Pier. It was simple, but everyone seemed to get along. There were many various people and creatures too. More fairies and elves were seen, but also dwarves and even some merpeople. Those who were merpeople, though currently on legs, still had some visible scales their body. There was also normal people who were cultivating, and even non-cultivators.

"Baba?" Haishi questioned.

Wuxian looked down at her. She was walking beside him but she looked nervous. This was to be expected as a young child was seeing such things so suddenly. She was just a bit nervous. Wuxian picked her up and held her close, "it's alright, your A'Die and I won't let anything happen to you," Wuxian assured her.

Haishi nodded and burrowed her face into Wuxian's chest. Wuxian held her tight as he followed the group. Wangji kept his arm around Wuxian's waist as he walked. He didn't want Wuxian to be too far away from him. It's not that he didn't trust Wuxian but he just didn't trust the other creatures they were around. He didn't necessarily feel any threats coming from the creatures though.

Near the center of town there was a large building. It was actually the main centerpiece of the town. It stood out as there was a peach blossom on either side of the entrance. The building itself looked very beautiful. It had a natural look to it, but the wood pillars were oak and had carvings of dragons, foxes, and other mythical creatures. There were vines growing up the walls sprouting not only leaves but different color flowers.

Once inside the floor looked to be made of a darker oak, and mahogany pattern. There was a long black carpet that started at the entrance and went straight down to the end of the hall. At the end in the center sat a large wooden throne. It had a design of a tree on the back rest and the arm rests looked to be as if they were branches.

There was a person sitting in that throne. It was an older woman, but she didn't look to be over forty; Maybe mid-forties. She had on pure black robes with red and white accents. A red ribbon tied within her hair. This was Baoshan. Wuxian could just tell by looking at her.

"Wai Po?" Wuxian whispered.

Baoshan smiled, "it's good to finally see you, A'Ying," she said and stood up. She then walked up to him and stood before him, "you have your mother's eyes, has anyone told you that?"

"A couple times," Wuxian said, "it's nice to meet you too."

"Though I only planned for you and your partner, I am more than happy to see you brought your disciples along with you," Baoshan said and took a good look at them.

"They are good students and quite talented, and I hope they take the opportunity to learn from others here during our stay. This is a once in a lifetime experience," Wuxian said.

"Care to introduce me?" Baoshan asked.

"Starting with the only female disciple, she is also an apprentice as a healer too, her name is Lan Biyu. Two beside her is Lan Rong and Lan Chuanli. Then there is Lan Jingyi, my nephew, and then my son Lan Sizhui, and this here," he bounced Haishi in his arms, "is a new addition my family, Lan Haishi. The man beside me is my husband Lan Wangji, also known as Hanguang Jun."

"Hanguang Jun," Baoshan said looking at him, "I am grateful that you were there for my grandson. Especially when he returned. I know of his past and it was not my place to interfere. I knew we'd all meet eventually but it was hard to watch it all happen, you are a brave man, Wangji."

"I only do what I do, because of Wei Ying," Wangji told her, "and our children."

"And I see that they are very sweet," Baoshan said and looked at Haishi who looked scared, "no need to be afraid my dear. You are safe here."

Haishi nodded, "it's nice to meet you."

"You are such a cutie," Baoshan said and looked at Sizhui, "and I am glad to have you here too, along with your Uncle Ning. I actually look forward to getting to know Wen Ning a bit more later. His story is quite interesting."

"I am happy to answer any questions you may have," Wen Ning said.

"I appreciate it," Baoshan said and turned to look at Hua Cheng, "Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng, and The Flower Crown Martial God, the crown prince of Xian Le, Xie Lian. I'm glad you two could make it."

"You know we never hesitate to come visit," Hua Cheng told her, "especially now as the current situation is because of me."

"No need to be too hard on yourself. It isn't your fault. You did not know that your creation would get out of control," Baoshan assured him.

Hua Cheng nodded, "I have my people searching though."

Baoshan nodded, "I take it you are also here to help Wuxian with some training as well?"

"I am," Hua Cheng said and looked at Xie Lian, "we both are."

"The training can start in a couple of days. After all, you all traveled such a long way. You must be tired," Baoshan said, "let's get you all settled in."

Everyone was brought over to a place that was specifically set up for them. Lan Rong and Chuanli shared a room, Sizhui and Jingyi shared a room, and Biyu had a room to herself. Haishi would room with her if she wanted to. She tended to move from either her parent's room, her brother's room, or Biyu's. Right now, she decided to try being with Biyu.

Since Wen Ning doesn't sleep, he would be watching over the place. Their group was sectioned off so they had a courtyard all to themselves. There was even a barrier that Wuxian placed just for Haishi's sake. Baoshan could easily slip through as well as Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, otherwise no one else would bother.

Wuxian and Wangji had their own space and they took care of their things first before taking a refreshing bath and dressed into fresh robes. Of course, they had their privacy so they had a moment to exchange love for a bit. It's been a while since they had a moment, so Wangji took this chance to take his husband how he wanted. Of course, their room would be soundproof and locked so they wouldn't be disturbed.

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Luo - gauze, to collect, to gather, to catch, to sift; Camel
Qiang - Strong, powerful, energetic