Butterfly Effect: Wangxian

25

With the spirits of Wei Ying's parents help, he managed to get a good handle on his cultivation. He managed to learn control over resentment and how to make sure he knew who else could manipulate it. Others who could, didn't have the luxury that Wuxian did. If they used it, they'd be corrupt by it. Not only has Wei Ying gotten stronger, but Wangji and Xichen have as well.

"The last step of your training before I send you home, is immortality...I want to make sure it is something you want. You will still age, but death is not easy. It is possible to kill an immortal but it is nearly impossible to as well, especially if you know anything about the world's elements and essence. Natural death is not possible but there are things you must understand. You can still bleed, get hurt, and feel pain. You will be immune to the world's poisons and venoms, but it will still affect you. Wei Ying and Wangji will be connected more, and they will eventually form a soul bond. Once made, it cannot be broken, no one can take it away and it will be what you make of it. You two will need to rely on each other more. For one cannot exist without the other...as for Xichen, you will still be formidable. You will find your other half someday and when you do, you two will create a soul bond. They will become immortal upon consummation. The bond will set when the love is so deep and precious that your world will become theirs," Baoshan explained, "so I ask you, will you accept this responsibility?"

"I will," Wei Ying said without hesitation, "especially if I have Lan Zhan."

"I will accept," Wangji said.

"Is it possible to wait until I do find my person? I don't want to take away their choice just because they are my soul bond. Immortality will affect them and if I am to find my person, I want to let them make decisions too. I will be immortal but I do not know if right now is the time for me," Xichen said.

Baoshan smiled, "you are wise for your age," she said, "and you can do the change later. That way you and your partner can choose together. In the meantime, I can give you more training to help you. You will be able to protect yourself just like an immortal would, and your strength will be stronger. There are things cultivators can do even if they do not have immortality. I will teach them to you while your brother and A'Ying go through their changes. They will be in seclusion for a few days anyway, so my focus will be on you."

"Okay," Xichen said, "I just want to be able to help protect my sect and my brother more, but still be me. My father is alive for now, but that could change. I want to make sure I am still the leader I people need. I want to be better than my past life. I want to be able to make better judgments and choices. I hate conflict, and I want to learn to be stronger. I was a coward, and I let my brother struggling a lot by himself and I could have done so much more. I will do everything you tell me."

"Then I will help you," Baoshan said, "help me situate Wangji and A'Ying, and then we can get started."

"Okay," Xichen said.

Baoshan then nodded and led the boys to a room within her large home. It was strong in spiritual energy and it was very soothing and was very comfortable, "this room will allow you to transform. Once I leave you two inside, you are on your own. Listen to the guide and follow your heart as well. You will be fine."

"Thank you," Wangji said.

"Yes, thank you," Wei Ying said.

Baoshan smiled at them and left with Xichen, "Will they be alright?"

"Yes, their training will be important. It will set the bond as they cultivate. My dear friend will be helping them in every way he can," Baoshan said, "now, you on the other hand, you wish to learn to be a better leader, to learn the ways of a sect. Let me tell you, each leader is different. But the most important thing for a sect leader is the ability to make sure people are safe. The Lan Sect is not short on money and they have plenty of resources from what I remember. Tell me, what do you think makes a good leader?"

"Well, everything the Lan Sect stands for is righteousness," Xichen said.

"True, but from what you experienced, is that lacking?" She asked, "what have you noticed as a leader in your past life?"

"People are easy to manipulate and fool. I have learned that politics are not a place for niceness. It would be nice if it were kind, but people will always demand something from you. It is up to whether you think is the right decision. While you think one may be the right choice, it also has consequences. That I have learned the hard way. When A'Xian started to become a target, many people were not only afraid, you could see their greed. They wanted A'Xian's power. If A'Xian would not join them, they would do what they could to get what they want. Jin Guangshan made everyone believe that A'Xian was too young to handle such a powerful tool and wanted it for himself. He targeted innocent Wens who were not cultivators and knew nothing of our world, and still make everyone believe that those people were monsters. Anyone who tried to question or oppose, they would get ridiculed," Xichen said, "I watched my brother spiral too. He just wanted to protect A'Xian but everyone made it so difficult. I honestly think people used Wangji's relationship with A'Xian to their advantage."

"Those are all good observations," Baoshan said, "never get lost in who you are. One of the most important aspects to a leader to judgement, truth, honesty. You start making false promises, words will not mean anything. Even if you believe if someone is against you, you have to be strong in order to keep yourself together. Make sure you have good allies and people you can trust. Your Uncle and father have knowledge about that life, and they are your first set of allies. Your sect will follow you as long as you remain strong, but you also have to be yourself. Never lose sight of who you are, and what you wish to accomplish."

Xichen nodded, "okay," he said, "so where are we going?"

"The library, I have many books on politics and world leadership. It may be a bit of a boring read for some but it will be useful for you in the future," Baoshan said.

"I don't think they'd be boring if they are for you to learn from," Xichen said, "I will do as you ask of me."

"I know you will," Baoshan said, "you are a good man, Xichen, never lose sight of that. I will do what I can to find a way to make sure you are able to distinguish who you can trust and who you can't. I have many ideas and things to help."

"Alright," Xichen said and sat at a table once they reached the library. Books magically began to float over to him and one by one, Xichen would be reading them. He wanted to make sure he is being a better leader, but also a better brother too. He will not let others harm Wangji and Wuxian again. Xichen didn't even care about A'Xian's second method anymore. He knew Wuxian could handle himself, especially with Wangji by his side. Xichen will be their biggest supporter and they will be the three Jades they were meant to be.