Mischief in Gusu

Chapter 9: The Unexpected Visitors

The sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Cloud Recesses as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji made their way back from the rabbit clearing. The peaceful afternoon had rejuvenated them both, and the gentle chatter of the juniors as they resumed their duties created a comforting ambiance.

As they entered the main courtyard, Wei Wuxian noticed something unusual—a gathering of disciples, their expressions a mix of excitement and concern. Intrigued, he leaned closer to Lan Wangji. “What do you think is going on over there?”

Lan Wangji’s gaze sharpened, scanning the group. “Let us find out.”

They approached the gathering, and as they drew nearer, the hushed murmurs grew louder. The junior disciples parted slightly, making room for the two senior cultivators. At the center of the commotion was Lan Sizhui, who appeared to be explaining something animatedly.

“...and then he said it was an ancient artifact! We should go investigate!” Sizhui gestured enthusiastically, and the crowd buzzed with murmurs of excitement.

“What artifact?” Wei Wuxian asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lan Sizhui turned to them, his expression brightening at their arrival. “Wei-gongzi! Hanguang-jun! We just heard from one of the traveling disciples that they found a mysterious artifact while on a mission near the mountains. They described it as a golden incense burner that’s said to grant visions of the future!”

The mention of the incense burner sent a thrill through Wei Wuxian. Memories of their previous encounters with mystical artifacts flooded back, and his mind raced with possibilities. “Visions of the future? That sounds dangerous! What if it’s cursed or something?”

Lan Wangji’s expression remained neutral, but Wei Wuxian could sense the underlying concern in his demeanor. “Is it safe to investigate?” he asked, his tone carefully measured.

Sizhui nodded. “They said they left it near the cave where they found it. It’s probably still there. We can go check it out! It could be an adventure!”

“A dangerous one,” Lan Wangji interjected, his voice firm. “We should proceed with caution. Gather a small group. We do not want to attract unnecessary attention.”

Wei Wuxian clapped his hands together, his excitement bubbling over. “An adventure! This is exactly what I was talking about—something fun! Let’s go, Lan Zhan! What’s the worst that could happen?”

Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, his gaze steady. “You are aware that danger often comes with adventure.”

“Exactly!” Wei Wuxian replied, grinning. “But what’s life without a little thrill?”

Sizhui grinned, clearly caught up in Wei Wuxian’s enthusiasm. “I’ll gather a few more disciples. We should leave before it gets dark.”

As the juniors dispersed to prepare, Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji. “Are you ready for this? I promise to be careful!” he added, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly unconvinced. “You have a different definition of careful.”

“Details, details,” Wei Wuxian laughed, nudging Lan Wangji playfully. “Besides, I’ve got you by my side to keep me in line.”

With the juniors returning, they quickly assembled a small group, including Lan Jingyi, who was practically bouncing with excitement. “This is going to be so cool! A mysterious incense burner? What if it grants us superpowers?”

“Or shows us the future!” Sizhui added, trying to contain his own excitement.

As they set out toward the mountains, the sun sank lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The journey was filled with light-hearted banter, the juniors laughing and discussing what they hoped to see. Despite the mystery surrounding the artifact, Wei Wuxian felt a familiar thrill course through him—the promise of adventure was intoxicating.