Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 16: The Bonds We Forge

The battlefield was a chaotic mixture of Wen soldiers and corpses reanimated by Wen Ruohan’s dark energies, creating a grim and terrifying sight. The air was thick with the stench of death as corpses mindlessly attacked anything that moved. But despite the horror surrounding them, Wei Wuxian’s determination burned brighter than ever. He had come back to change their fate, and he wouldn’t stop until they were all safe.

Each swing of his sword, each formation he drew with talismans, was infused with purpose. Around him, his comrades fought with equal resolve, fending off the mindless corpses and Wen soldiers alike.

Jiang Fengmian’s calm and commanding presence was a source of strength for the Jiang disciples. His sword moved with practiced ease, every strike carefully calculated. Yu Ziyuan was at his side, her Zidian whip crackling as it tore through the battlefield. Her ferocity was unmatched as she destroyed the corpses in their path, but Wei Wuxian could see the toll it was taking on her. Even now, she was fighting not just for herself but for the family she so fiercely protected.

Nie Mingjue, with his massive blade, led the charge of the Nie clan, cutting through corpses and soldiers with terrifying power. Beside him, Lan xichen was directing troops, ensuring that their strategy remained intact. He was a far cry from the carefree boy Wei Wuxian remembered, having matured into a leader his brother could rely on.

‘‘Focus! We’re almost there!’’ Lan Xichen called out to his disciples, his voice calm but urgent. He moved with graceful precision, striking down the enemies before him. His leadership was a source of steady reassurance, bringing a sense of order amidst the chaos.

Wei Wuxian glanced over at Lan Wangji, who fought just ahead. Lan Wangji’s face was emotionless, his eyes cold as ice as he dealt with the enemies around him. His swordsmanship was flawless—each movement controlled and precise, with no wasted effort. Even in the chaos of battle, Lan Wangji remained the calm center, unwavering and steady.

But Wei Wuxian knew that Wen Ruohan was not invincible—not without the Yin Iron.

Wen Ruohan’s dark powers, once feared by all, were considerably weaker now. He only had one piece of the Yin Iron in his possession, and Wei Wuxian knew that the rest were still hidden—the one in Cloud Recesses, another in the Flower Mansion, and the third deep within the Slaughter Xuanxu Cave. Wen Ruohan had always drawn his strength from those sinister artifacts, but now, without the full power of the Yin Iron, he was vulnerable.

Yet the corpses still came, mindless and relentless.

As a group of corpses lunged at them, Wei Wuxian barely had time to react. He raised his sword just in time to deflect a strike, but one of the corpses managed to grab his arm, its decayed fingers digging into his flesh. The pain shot through him, but he gritted his teeth and slashed through it, sending the corpse crumpling to the ground.

Jin Zixuan, gleaming in his golden armor, arrived just in time, slashing through the corpses with his sword. He fought with fierce determination, his movements sharp and precise. Though their past had been full of misunderstandings, Wei Wuxian could see how much Jin Zixuan had changed, especially since he had learned that Jiang Yanli was involved in this war. He was fighting not only for his clan but for her.

‘‘Are you alright?’’ Jin Zixuan asked, his brow furrowed in concern as he blocked another attack.

Wei Wuxian nodded, though his arm ached where the corpse had grabbed him. ‘‘I’ll live. Keep going.’’

Jin Zixuan gave a quick nod, his expression serious, before charging forward once more. Together, they fought side by side, pushing back the endless wave of corpses.

Suddenly, a dark, swirling energy surged from the distance—Wen Ruohan was attacking again. His eyes gleamed with fury as he unleashed more corpses onto the battlefield, though his power seemed less menacing than before.

‘‘You cannot stop me!’’ Wen Ruohan’s voice echoed through the battlefield, though the confidence in his tone was now forced. ‘‘This world will be mine!’’

‘‘Not if we have anything to say about it,’’ Wei Wuxian muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on his sword.

Wen Ruohan moved to strike again, dark energy swirling in his hands, but before he could unleash his attack, a flash of lightning shot through the sky. Yu Ziyuan’s Zidian whip coiled around Wen Ruohan’s wrist, pulling him back with a snarl. ‘‘You will not harm my family!’’

Seizing the opportunity, Lan Xichen stepped forward, his sword cutting through the tendrils of dark energy that surrounded Wen Ruohan. The severed dark energy dissipated, and Wen Ruohan staggered back, visibly weakened.

Jiang Cheng, who had been battling corpses at the rear, saw the opening and shouted, "Now! Press the attack!"

With renewed strength, the combined forces of the Jiang, Lan, Nie, and Jin clans surged forward, pushing Wen Ruohan’s forces back. The corpses faltered without Wen Ruohan’s direct control, and the tides of battle shifted in their favor.

Despite the victory on the horizon, Wei Wuxian felt his body growing weaker with each passing moment. His vision blurred, and the pain in his arm where the corpse had grabbed him grew worse. But he couldn’t afford to stop now. Not when they were so close.

Lan Wangji appeared at his side, his eyes scanning Wei Wuxian’s injuries with a rare flicker of concern. He didn’t say anything, but his presence alone was enough. They had fought together, side by side, and survived this far. Together, they would win.

‘‘We will finish this,’’ Wei Wuxian whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lan Wangji gave a brief nod, his eyes hardening with resolve.

As they pushed forward, one thought remained at the forefront of Wei Wuxian’s mind: they would change the future. Wen Ruohan’s reign would end, and the bloodshed would stop. Everyone—his family, his friends—would survive.

And this time, they would all live to see a brighter tomorrow.