Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 20: The First Strike

As dawn broke over the valley, the first rays of sunlight revealed a sea of cultivators, ready for battle. Every clan had answered the call, from the smallest sects to the great houses like the Jiang, Nie, Jin, and Lan. Wei Wuxian stood at the forefront, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the enemy. Beside him were Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng, and Nie Mingjue—each one of them battle-hardened, resolute, and prepared for the fight ahead.

The tension in the air was palpable. Warriors stood in ranks, weapons gleaming in the early light. The banners of each clan fluttered in the wind, their symbols a testament to their unity and strength. This was a force like none Wei Wuxian had ever seen in his past life. It filled him with both hope and fear—hope that they could change the future, fear that even this might not be enough.

Jin Zixuan approached, his face set in a determined frown. Despite his initial arrogance, he had become a leader worthy of respect, and his love for Jiang Yanli had only strengthened his resolve. ‘‘The Jin forces are ready,’’ he reported. ‘‘We’ll take the northern flank.’’

Wei Wuxian nodded, grateful for the man Jin Zixuan had become. ‘‘Good. Stay close to the Nie and Lan clans. We’ll need to be coordinated when the attack begins.’’

As Jin Zixuan moved away to give orders, Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji, who stood silently beside him. The quiet strength that radiated from Lan Wangji was calming, even in the midst of chaos. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but his presence was enough to ease some of the anxiety building in Wei Wuxian’s chest.

‘‘Mhm,’’ Lan Wangji murmured, his eyes scanning the horizon, ever watchful. Despite his silence, Wei Wuxian knew that Lan Wangji was keeping a close eye on him, concerned for his well-being after everything that had happened.

‘‘You really don’t talk much, do you, Lan Zhan?’’ Wei Wuxian teased softly, though his heart wasn’t in it. There was a nervous energy coursing through him, one that no amount of light-heartedness could dispel.

Lan Wangji glanced at him, his expression unchanged, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something that Wei Wuxian couldn’t quite place. ‘‘Focus,’’ Lan Wangji said simply, his voice low but firm.

Wei Wuxian smiled faintly. ‘‘Of course.’’

Jiang Cheng approached, his expression dark and stormy as usual. ‘‘Wen Chao’s forces will be here soon. We need to move into position.’’

Wei Wuxian gave him a curt nod. ‘‘We’re ready.’’

As the three of them prepared to move, a scout came running up the hill, his face pale with fear. ‘‘They’re here!’’ he shouted breathlessly. ‘‘Wen Chao’s forces are approaching from the east!’’

The entire camp stirred to life. Weapons were drawn, orders were shouted, and warriors moved into formation. Wei Wuxian’s heart raced as he glanced toward the eastern horizon, where a dark cloud of dust signaled the approach of their enemies. At the head of the enemy forces, Wen Chao’s banners flew high, and behind him marched his army of loyalists and undead.

The corpses—those twisted, soulless beings that Wen Chao controlled with his dark arts—moved in a grotesque, jerking motion. Their eyes glowed with an eerie, unnatural light, and their presence sent a chill down Wei Wuxian’s spine. He had seen these creatures before, but knowing they were coming only made their arrival more terrifying.

‘‘Lan Zhan, stay close,’’ Wei Wuxian said, his voice steadier than he felt. He wasn’t afraid of dying—he had already faced death once before. But the thought of losing his friends, his family, and Lan Wangji again was unbearable.

Lan Wangji nodded once, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. ‘‘I will, Wei Ying’’

The forces of the cultivation world moved as one, fanning out to meet the approaching enemy. The air was thick with the hum of spiritual energy as the cultivators prepared to fight. Wei Wuxian positioned himself at the head of the Jiang forces, with Jiang Cheng beside him, and Nie Mingjue leading his men to the north. Jin Zixuan’s forces were to the west, and the Lan clan held the eastern flank, their shining white robes a stark contrast to the dark tide of Wen Chao’s army.

As the two armies clashed, the battlefield erupted into chaos. Swords clashed, spiritual energy crackled in the air, and the sound of battle echoed across the valley. Wei Wuxian moved like a whirlwind, his flute in hand, controlling the spirits around him to strike down the undead that Wen Chao had unleashed. He fought with a fierce determination, knowing that this was the moment they had been preparing for.

Wen Chao  himself together with Wen Xu led the charge, his eyes burning with malice as he directed his forces toward the allied clans. But Wei Wuxian had already warned them about the Yin Iron and its influence over Wen Chao. The Wen heir was powerful, yes, but without the full set of Yin Iron pieces, he was not invincible.

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue fought side by side, their blades cutting through the undead with precision and grace. Lan Xichen, always calm and composed, moved with the fluidity of water, while Nie Mingjue’s strikes were as powerful as thunder. The two leaders were a formidable pair, and together, they held the line against the oncoming horde.

Wei Wuxian caught sight of Meng Yao and Xue Yang, the two traitors who had aligned themselves with Wen Chao. They moved through the battlefield like shadows, their eyes glinting with malice. But before they could reach Wei Wuxian, Lan Xichen stepped in their path, his sword flashing in the morning light.

‘‘I won’t let you harm him,’’ Lan Xichen said coldly, his usual warmth gone.

Meng Yao sneered, his eyes narrowing. ‘‘You’re a fool, Lan Xichen. You can’t stop what’s coming.’’

Lan Xichen’s gaze hardened. ‘‘We’ll see.’’

The battle raged on, and despite the overwhelming number of enemies, Wei Wuxian could feel a shift in the tide. The united forces of the cultivation world were holding their ground, and the Wen clan was beginning to falter. Even Wen Chao, with all his power, was struggling to maintain control without the full set of Yin Iron.

Jin Zixuan fought with a fierceness that Wei Wuxian hadn’t seen before. His love for Jiang Yanli and his desire to protect her had made him into a warrior worthy of leading the Jin clan. He moved through the battlefield with precision, his sword flashing as he cut down enemies with ease.

Wen Xu, Wen Ruohan’s son and the new leader of the Wen clan, screamed orders at his men, but even he seemed to realize that their forces were being overwhelmed. His eyes darted around the battlefield, looking for an escape.

‘‘Lan Zhan!’’ Wei Wuxian called, his voice rising above the din of battle.

Lan Wangji was already by his side, his sword glowing with spiritual energy as he cut through the undead. ‘‘Wei Ying,’’ he said quietly, his eyes never leaving Wei Wuxian’s face.

‘‘We’re winning,’’ Wei Wuxian said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Lan Wangji’s gaze softened ever so slightly. ’’Yes, We are.‘‘

With the battle nearing its climax, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji fought side by side, their movements perfectly in sync. The forces of the cultivation world were united, their strength overwhelming the Wen clan. And as the sun rose higher in the sky, it became clear that Wen Chao’s reign of terror was coming to an end.