Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 17: Shadows Yet to Fall

As the battle subsided and the clans began tending to the wounded, a dark undercurrent still loomed over them. Despite Wen Ruohan’s downfall, the cultivation world could not breathe easily. There were still shadows lurking—those that Wei Wuxian knew too well. Meng Yao, Xue Yang, Wen Xu and Wen Chao were the harbingers of the chaos that still threatened them, and they had yet to be dealt with.

The day after the battle, the leaders of the great clans convened at a makeshift war tent, erected in the heart of the battlefield. Wei Wuxian was present, though he stayed near the back of the gathering, his eyes scanning the room with a detached expression. He knew the danger hadn’t ended, not yet. Meng Yao, with his calculating mind, Xue Yang, with his insatiable thirst for chaos, and Wen Chao, who still clung to his fragile power, remained at large.

Lan Xichen took his place at the front, his face calm but his eyes filled with worry. ‘‘Wen Ruohan has fallen, but Wen Chao and Wen Xu is still out there. And with him, the remnants of the Wen clan's army.’’

Nie Mingjue gripped the hilt of his saber tightly, his jaw clenched. ‘‘Meng Yao has been gathering resources in secret. His ambitions run deeper than just Wen Ruohan. He's already betrayed us once. He won’t hesitate to do it again.’’

Wei Wuxian could feel the weight of their words, but his mind wandered to the faces of those yet to be defeated. Wen Chao and Wen Xu, Wen Ruohan's arrogant son, and his vicious right-hand man were still a threat. They had killed so many, and their cruelty had only grown over time. Then there was Xue Yang, whose madness knew no bounds. His grin had haunted Wei Wuxian’s nightmares long before the events of this day.

‘‘Xue Yang is dangerous,’’ Wei Wuxian finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tension. ‘‘He isn’t driven by power or revenge like the rest. He just wants chaos. If we leave him unchecked, he’ll cause more damage than any of us can imagine.’’

Lan Wangji, standing a short distance from Wei Wuxian, offered only a soft ‘‘Mm’’ in agreement. His face remained emotionless, but Wei Wuxian could sense the unspoken worry behind his stoic facade. Lan Wangji had barely left his side since the battle had ended, observing him with those quiet eyes, even when Wei Wuxian was sure he wasn’t looking.

Jin Zixuan, who had arrived from the battlefield alongside the others, nodded gravely. ‘‘Wen Chao is weak without his father, but he’s unpredictable. If we allow him time, he’ll consolidate what’s left of the Wen army and become a bigger threat.’’

Lan Xichen shifted his gaze toward Wei Wuxian. ‘‘You’ve been quiet, Wei-gongzi,’’ he said, using a formal tone, though his expression was gentle. ‘‘You don't need to worry so much, you're not alone this time.’’

Wei Wuxian lowered his gaze, unsure how to react to Lan Xichen kindness. After all, no one had believed in him in the future except for Lan Wangji. Everyone hates him for having a powerful tool in his care.

“I know, thank you for reminding me,” Wei Wuxian replied, his tone measured.

Jiang Cheng, who stood beside him, gave him a sideways glance. His voice was low, filled with love and concern. “Why start worrying now? You’re not alone, don't hide from us.”

Before Wei Wuxian could respond, Lan Xichen spoke again, his calm demeanor defusing the tension. “For now, let’s focus on the immediate threat. We need to capture or eliminate them before they can rally their forces. This isn’t over yet.”

Jin Zixuan stepped forward, his usual haughty demeanor softened by the seriousness of the situation. ‘‘I will take Jin sect forces and confront my clan. My father’s actions have been reckless, and the Jin clan must not be seen as aligned with the Wen clan's brutality. I will take responsibility for ensuring our forces remain loyal to this cause.’’

There was a murmur of approval from the other clan leaders, but Wei Wuxian couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that still lingered. Jin Guangshan, Jin Zixuan’s father, had been complicit in many of Wen Ruohan’s schemes, and though Jin Zixuan vowed to lead his clan, Wei Wuxian knew the elder Jin was not one to relinquish power so easily.

‘‘Jin Zixuan,’’ Wei Wuxian called out, stepping closer. ‘‘Be careful. Your father might not be as easy to convince as you think.’’

Jin Zixuan met his gaze, his lips a thin line of determination. ‘‘I know,’’ he said simply. ‘‘But I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure my clan is on the right side of history.’’

Wei Wuxian nodded but remained wary. There was so much more to do, so much more to change. His heart clenched at the thought of how much had already been rewritten and how much could still go wrong. And all the while, Lan Wangji’s quiet, unwavering presence was there, watching him with that same unreadable expression.

Lan Wangji hadn’t spoken much since the end of the battle, save for a few soft acknowledgments and his ever-present “mhm.” But there was something in his eyes—something that told Wei Wuxian that he had noticed more than anyone else. He always did.

Lan Qiren, who had been silent throughout the discussion, finally spoke up. ‘‘We must act quickly. The longer we wait, the more time these remnants of the Wen clan will have to regroup. And the other fragments of the Yin Iron—’’

“They’re still hidden,” Wei Wuxian cut in, his voice steady. ‘‘Wen Ruohan had only one. The rest are still in Cloud Recesses, the flower mansion, and the Slaughter Xuanxu Cave. We need to secure them before anyone else can get to them.’’

Lan Xichen nodded thoughtfully. ‘‘Then it’s settled. We’ll gather our forces and begin preparations. they must be stopped.’’

As the meeting adjourned, Wei Wuxian lingered, his mind racing with the weight of everything still to come. He had changed so much already, but the future was still uncertain. Lan Wangji approached him, standing quietly by his side.

‘‘Wei Ying,’’ he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Wei Wuxian looked at him, his heart heavy. ‘‘Lan Zhan, I…’’

Lan Wangji shook his head, silencing him with a glance. ‘‘Mhm.’’

And in that moment, Wei Wuxian knew that no matter what lay ahead, Lan Wangji would stand by his side. They had changed fate once, and they would do it again.

With the armies of every clan preparing for the final confrontation, Wei Wuxian knew that the battle against Wen Brothers, Meng Yao, and Xue Yang would be their most difficult yet. But with his friends, his family, and Lan Wangji at his side, they might just have a chance to save the future—once and for all.