Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 18: A Future Foreseen

The tent remained filled with a sense of grim determination after the discussion of strategy. However, one thing had become clear: there were no more secrets between them. Wei Wuxian had already revealed the whole event —the future he had come from, the disasters they would face, and the tragedies that would unfold if they weren’t stopped. Everyone had accepted it, no longer surprised by Wei Wuxian’s worrying every single time of the events that had yet to happen. everyone forgive him, everyone accept him without any questions.

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms, his expression tight as he glanced toward Wei Wuxian. ‘‘I suppose there’s no need in keeping a secret to us, is there?’’ His voice was sharp but edged with something softer—concern.

Wei Wuxian gave a tired smile. ‘‘I told you, Jiang Cheng. i will try, but i will keep in mind that i have you all by my side. It’s just... i just need more time to adjust.’’

Lan Xichen, standing nearby, nodded thoughtfully. His serene expression had grown more somber since the truth had been revealed, Wei wuxian just did what he knew the right and that's protecting the innocent. ‘‘What matters is that we prevent the tragedies Wei-gongzi spoke of. If we act quickly, we can stop them before they ever come to pass.’’

Lan Wangji stood close to Wei Wuxian, as he had throughout their meetings. He didn’t speak, but the look in his eyes said everything. He believed in Wei Ying—he always had, and that belief had only grown stronger since learning the whole truth. his Wei Ying is a brave cultivation, he respect him for standing up for what's right.

‘‘Mhm,’’ Lan Wangji agreed quietly, a rare hint of emotion flickering in his gaze as he looked at Wei Wuxian. There was no surprise anymore, no doubt—only certainty.

Lan Xichen shared a glance with his brother, a small smile tugging at his lips. He, too, had noticed the shift in Lan Wangji. While he didn’t speak often, it was clear that Lan Wangji’s feelings for Wei Wuxian had deepened, much like his own feelings for Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng, however, seemed unaware of Lan Xichen’s gaze. His focus remained on Wei Wuxian, his worry for his brother shining through despite his usual gruffness. ‘‘We can't relax yet, it's not certain that we can stop all the events you told us to happen.’’

Wei Wuxian’s smile faded, his mind briefly clouding with the memories of his past life. He remembered the destruction, the loss of the Jiang clan, and how he had given up everything—his own golden core—to save Jiang Cheng and all the wen—his second home. ‘‘We can stop it,’’ he said firmly, though the shadow of doubt lingered at the edges of his mind. ‘‘We have to.’’

Yu Ziyuan, Madam Yu, had remained silent until now. She stepped forward, her usual fierce gaze softened. ‘‘The Jiang sect will fight,’’ she said, her voice steady. ‘‘We will not let our family fall again.’’

Jiang Fengmian nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. ‘‘The Wen clan’s power is not what it once was. With Wen Ruohan defeated and the remaining fragments of the Yin Iron still hidden, we have the upper hand.’’

It was true. Thanks to Wei Wuxian’s knowledge, they had secured the Yin Iron before the Wen clan could use it to fuel their domination. Wen Ruohan had been weakened in the final battle, and now Wen Chao and his allies were scrambling to retain control. But even without the Yin Iron, Wei Wuxian knew that Xue Yang and Meng Yao were cunning and ruthless. They would stop at nothing to rise to power in the shadows of the Wen clan’s fall.

Lan Xichen, no longer bound by the deep bond he would have formed with Meng Yao in another timeline, was able to see the threat clearly. His heart, now drawn to Jiang Cheng, had kept him from becoming too close to Meng Yao. ‘‘Meng Yao is already a danger,’’ Lan Xichen said quietly, his eyes flicking toward Jiang Cheng. ‘‘He’s ambitious, and he’s already betrayed the Nie sect. We’ll need to act swiftly to stop him before he can do more damage.’’

Nie Mingjue grunted in agreement, his strong presence a force of confidence. ‘‘Meng Yao is no longer trusted by my sect. He’ll be eliminated, and the Wen dogs who follow him will fall too.’’

Wei Wuxian glanced between them all—his brother, his sister, the Lans, Nie Mingjue—and felt a strange mix of relief and dread. This time, they were all united, standing side by side, ready to prevent the nightmare of the future. But there were still battles to fight, and the wounds of the past—both physical and emotional—still weighed heavily on him.

Lan Wangji’s quiet presence was a comfort to him, even without words. Wei Wuxian often found himself looking to the side, knowing that Lan Wangji would be there, with that unchanging, stoic face. The silent support in his eyes gave Wei Wuxian strength when he needed it most.

‘‘Mhm,’’ Lan Wangji murmured softly, catching Wei Wuxian’s gaze for a moment longer than usual. In that brief exchange, Wei Wuxian felt a flicker of warmth. Lan Wangji believed in him—more than anyone else.

As the leaders continued their discussion of battle plans, Jin Zixuan approached. The young heir had grown more serious over the course of their battles together, his arrogance giving way to a sense of responsibility. Though he wasn’t a natural warrior, he had proven himself capable in combat, and his devotion to Jiang Yanli had given him even more reason to fight alongside them.

‘‘I’ll be leading the Jin sect’s forces against the remaining Wen soldiers,’’ Jin Zixuan said, his voice firm. ‘‘But I’ll stay with you for now. This battle is ours to finish together.’’

Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow, surprised by Jin Zixuan’s willingness to stay. ‘‘I thought you’d be eager to return to Jinlintai.’’

Jin Zixuan glanced toward Jiang Yanli, who remained quietly by her brother’s side. His eyes softened. ‘‘There’s more at stake here than just the Jin sect,’’ he admitted. ‘‘I’m not leaving until the Wen clan is no longer a threat.’’

Wei Wuxian smiled, a hint of his old mischief returning. ‘‘Looks like you’ve changed too, Jin Zixuan.’’

Jin Zixuan huffed in response, but there was no malice behind it. Instead, he straightened and offered a curt nod. ‘‘I’ve learned a lot from being here.’’

The atmosphere in the tent shifted as the final plans were laid out. Every clan would be involved in the next battle, joining forces to take down the remnants of the Wen clan and the traitors who still followed them. It would be a decisive moment—one that could either save the cultivation world or plunge it into chaos once more.

But Wei Wuxian had hope. This time, they were united. This time, they knew what was coming.

And this time, they would be ready.

As the group began to disperse, Lan Wangji lingered beside Wei Wuxian, his usual stoic expression softened by a subtle warmth in his gaze. ‘‘Wei Ying,’’ he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

Wei Wuxian smiled faintly, meeting his eyes. ‘‘Lan Zhan.’’

They stood there for a moment in silence, and for the first time, Wei Wuxian felt a sense of calm amidst the chaos. No matter what happened next, they were in this together—bound by the future, by fate, and by the choices they had made to protect each other.