Mischief in Gusu

Chapter 12: Gathering Forces

The sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the path back to the Cloud Recesses. As Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and the juniors walked, a newfound urgency pulsed within them, fueled by the knowledge of the impending threat revealed in the incense burner’s visions.

“Once we reach the sect, we need to inform the elders immediately,” Lan Wangji said, his tone firm. His usual calm demeanor was tinged with intensity, his expression focused as they neared the main hall.

Wei Wuxian nodded, glancing at Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi, who wore expressions of determination mixed with anxiety. “We need to rally everyone. The sooner we act, the better prepared we will be.”

As they entered the hall, they were met with a flurry of activity. Disciples rushed about, preparing for their daily tasks, but the atmosphere felt different—tense, charged with the knowledge that something was amiss. The juniors shared a look, silently communicating their resolve.

Wei Wuxian stepped forward, raising his voice to catch the attention of the gathered disciples. “Everyone! We need to gather the elders right now! There’s something important we must discuss!”

The chatter in the hall quieted, and eyes turned toward him, curiosity and concern flickering across their faces. Lan Wangji moved to stand beside him, his presence solid and reassuring.

“What is it?” one of the senior disciples asked, stepping forward.

“We’ve seen something… something troubling,” Wei Wuxian said, his heart pounding in his chest. “We discovered an ancient incense burner in a cave, and it showed us visions of a dark future for our sect. We must prepare for whatever threat is coming.”

The gravity of his words sank in, and the murmurs began again, this time filled with concern and determination. The seniors exchanged serious looks, and soon, a ripple of urgency spread through the hall as disciples began to gather.

“Let’s summon the elders,” Lan Sizhui suggested, his voice steady as he stepped forward to lead the way.

Within moments, they gathered in the main hall, the elders arriving with furrowed brows and worried expressions. The head elder, the wisest among them, surveyed the room, noting the tension that hung in the air. “What is this about, Wei Wuxian?”

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. “We found the incense burner, and when we lit it, it revealed visions of our sect under siege, chaos reigning, and darkness approaching. We believe we must prepare ourselves for an imminent threat.”

The elders exchanged anxious glances, their concern palpable. “Visions can be misleading,” one elder cautioned, his tone skeptical. “We must not act on fear alone.”

“True, but we cannot ignore the warnings,” Lan Wangji interjected, his voice unwavering. “If we do not prepare, we risk losing everything we’ve fought for.”

Another elder nodded, “We must investigate further, but how do we prepare? What can we do to combat an unknown enemy?”

“Strength in numbers,” Wei Wuxian suggested, feeling a surge of confidence. “We should send out messages to the other clans and gather allies. We need every skilled cultivator we can find. If this darkness is as powerful as we fear, we’ll need a united front.”

The head elder considered this, nodding slowly. “Very well. We will send messengers to the nearby clans and request their aid. But we must also increase our defenses here at the sect.”

With that decision made, the room buzzed with activity as the disciples began to mobilize. Wei Wuxian felt a rush of adrenaline, knowing that they were taking the first steps toward protecting their home. He glanced at Lan Wangji, who met his gaze with a firm nod, their unspoken bond strengthening in that moment.

“Lan Wangji, Sizhui, Jingyi, let’s gather supplies and prepare a list of allies we can contact,” Wei Wuxian said, already formulating a plan in his mind.

“Right,” Lan Sizhui agreed, his eyes bright with purpose. “We can split up and cover more ground.”

As the group began to disperse, Wei Wuxian felt the weight of the situation settle over him. The time for action had come, and there was no turning back. They needed to confront the darkness together, and he was determined to protect everyone he cared about.

***

Later that afternoon, Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and the juniors gathered in a secluded area of the Cloud Recesses to discuss their strategy. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere surrounding them.

“Who should we reach out to first?” Wei Wuxian asked, spreading a large piece of parchment on the ground. He had gathered a selection of ink brushes and made a makeshift table beneath the shade.

“I think we should contact the Jiang clan first,” Sizhui suggested. “They have a strong force, and Jiang Cheng will definitely want to help.”

“Agreed,” Wei Wuxian replied, jotting down notes. “Next, the Nie clan. Their prowess in battle will be invaluable.”

“I’ll send a message to my uncle,” Lan Jingyi chimed in, a determined glint in his eye. “He’ll have access to additional resources.”

“And I’ll prepare the messages,” Lan Wangji added, his expression serious as he began organizing the supplies.

As they worked together, a sense of camaraderie grew among them, laughter and lightness slowly seeping into their conversations. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but feel uplifted by the energy surrounding them, the promise of unity forging stronger bonds.

“Do you think we should include that fun little joke about how we’re gathering an army?” Wei Wuxian teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Maybe it’ll motivate them to come faster!”

Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “This is not a time for jokes.”

“Aw, come on! A little humor never hurt anyone,” Wei Wuxian insisted, feigning a pout.

“Humor may lighten the mood, but preparation is our priority,” Lan Wangji replied, though his tone softened slightly as he turned to Wei Wuxian. “But if it helps morale, perhaps a light-hearted touch could be beneficial.”

“See? You do see the wisdom in my ways!” Wei Wuxian grinned, and Lan Wangji shook his head, a small smile breaking through his stoic exterior.

As they worked diligently, the sky slowly shifted to hues of orange and purple, the day winding down but their spirits lifting with every shared joke and determined glance. Finally, with the messages ready and the plan set, they gathered around the lantern-lit table to prepare for the next steps.

“Let’s send these out tonight,” Sizhui proposed, his expression serious. “The sooner we act, the sooner we can prepare.”

“Right,” Wei Wuxian agreed, his heart swelling with pride for his friends and their dedication. “Let’s make it happen!”

***

That evening, they sent off their messages, the air filled with anticipation. Disciples hurried about, their faces lit with purpose as they spread the news of the potential threat. Wei Wuxian felt a sense of belonging wash over him, knowing that they were all working together toward a common goal.

As night fell, they gathered once more in the courtyard, the stars twinkling overhead like tiny lanterns in the sky. The air was cool, and the laughter of the disciples echoed around them, a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, hope could still thrive.

“Whatever happens,” Wei Wuxian said, his voice steady as he looked at his friends, “we’ll face it together. No matter what.”

Lan Wangji met his gaze, his expression unwavering. “Together.”

With that promise lingering in the air, they settled in for the night, the bond between them growing stronger as they prepared to confront the challenges that lay ahead. The darkness may have loomed, but in the face of unity and friendship, it would find no foothold.

As Wei Wuxian drifted into sleep, he felt the comforting presence of his friends surrounding him, the warmth of hope igniting a fire in his heart. They were ready to face the unknown together, and that was all that mattered.