The following dawn broke with an unsettling stillness. As the disciples and elders stirred awake, the air seemed thicker, charged with a sense of urgency. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji rose early, dressed in their cultivator robes, and met with the juniors at the Cloud Recesses’ training ground. Today marked the first scouting mission into the darkened regions.
Lan Sizhui, Lan Jingyi, and a small team of disciples stood ready, their faces alight with determination but shadowed by nervous anticipation. Wei Wuxian surveyed them, his protective instincts on high alert, though he knew he had to trust in their abilities.
“Listen up,” he began, his voice firm yet warm, meeting each of their gazes. “This is a scouting mission, not a battle. Your task is to observe, take notes, and return with information. Under no circumstances should you engage with the enemy. Is that understood?”
Sizhui and Jingyi nodded, their eyes reflecting their readiness. “Understood, Senior Wei,” Sizhui replied, his voice steady. The other juniors followed suit, their expressions filled with respect and resolve.
“Good,” Wei Wuxian said, his gaze softening as he looked at the younger disciples. “Remember, you’re representing the Cloud Recesses. Be cautious, and trust each other. I expect every one of you to come back safely.”
Lan Wangji stepped forward, adding his own words. “Do not underestimate the unknown. We have faith in you, but your lives are not to be gambled. Should you face danger, retreat and report.”
After giving the juniors final instructions, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji watched them depart. The sight of the young cultivators setting off into the mist-filled forest stirred a wave of emotions in Wei Wuxian—pride mixed with a pang of worry. He had been in their position once, eager and brave, unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.
Lan Wangji seemed to sense his concern. “They will return safely,” he assured, his voice unwavering.
Wei Wuxian nodded, drawing strength from Lan Wangji’s steady presence. “They’re capable, I know. But something about this mission unsettles me. It feels… heavier than before.”
Lan Wangji turned to him, his expression contemplative. “The darkness is unlike anything we’ve encountered. Yet, we will overcome it, together.”
As the day wore on, the Cloud Recesses buzzed with activity. The Jiang, Nie, and other allied sects worked together to reinforce defenses and strategize, creating a sense of camaraderie despite the tension. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji spent hours coordinating with Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and the other clan leaders, discussing everything from patrol formations to contingency plans in case of an attack.
Just before dusk, Jiang Yanli approached them with a tray of food, a gentle smile on her face. “A-Xian, Lan Wangji, you both haven’t eaten all day. Please take a moment to rest.”
Wei Wuxian’s face softened. “A-Jie, you’re too kind. We’re just keeping busy.”
“Even cultivators need to eat,” she chided gently, setting the tray down. “The Cloud Recesses may be filled with warriors, but you’re still my little brother, and I don’t want you neglecting yourself.”
Lan Wangji accepted the food gratefully, his gaze respectful as he thanked her. Wei Wuxian, feeling his spirits lift, grabbed a rice ball and took a hearty bite, savoring the taste of home.
After their brief meal, they continued preparing, consulting maps and refining their plans with the other leaders. But even amidst the hustle and bustle, Wei Wuxian found his thoughts drifting to the juniors. Hours passed, and twilight descended, casting an orange glow over the mountains.
Just as they began their evening patrols, a disciple rushed into the courtyard, breathless and wide-eyed. “Elders! The juniors—they’ve returned!”
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji exchanged a glance before hurrying to meet the scouts. As they approached the main gate, they saw Lan Sizhui and the others stumbling into the courtyard, visibly exhausted and shaken but unharmed.
Wei Wuxian exhaled, relief washing over him. “Thank heavens you’re back safely,” he said, striding forward. “What did you find?”
Sizhui, still catching his breath, looked up with a haunted expression. “Senior Wei, Hanguang-jun… it’s worse than we thought. There’s… a presence. It felt like it was watching us the entire time.”
The other juniors nodded in agreement, their faces pale and troubled.
“We reached the edge of the village, where the darkness was thickest,” Jingyi added, his voice shaky. “The air was so cold it hurt to breathe, and there were shadows moving… but not like anything natural.”
Lan Wangji’s expression grew serious, his brows knitting together. “Did you encounter any of the villagers?”
Sizhui shook his head. “The village was empty, but… it felt wrong. As if something was lurking in the shadows, waiting. We didn’t dare go any further.”
Wei Wuxian felt a chill crawl down his spine. He glanced at Lan Wangji, who nodded, understanding his unspoken thoughts. “You made the right choice to turn back,” Wei Wuxian reassured, placing a steadying hand on Sizhui’s shoulder. “The information you gathered is valuable.”
Sizhui and Jingyi nodded, though the fear lingered in their eyes. Wei Wuxian couldn’t blame them; the idea of facing an unknown force that radiated such malice was daunting, even to seasoned cultivators.
Jiang Cheng approached, his expression grim as he listened to the report. “If this darkness can consume entire villages, we’re dealing with something far beyond an ordinary threat. We need a plan to contain it.”
The sect leaders gathered once more, a palpable tension filling the air as they discussed their options. Nie Huaisang, typically reserved, voiced his concerns. “This darkness… if it’s spreading, it could overtake the surrounding villages before we have a chance to intervene.”
Lan Wangji’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Perhaps we need to approach this from within. Wei Ying and I could venture into the darkened village under concealment, seeking its source.”
Wei Wuxian’s heart raced at the suggestion, both eager and apprehensive. “That could give us an advantage,” he agreed, glancing at the others. “If we can find the heart of this darkness, maybe we can weaken it or break its hold on the land.”
Jiang Cheng looked skeptical. “You’d be putting yourselves in direct danger. What if it’s a trap?”
Wei Wuxian smirked. “Since when has a trap ever stopped us, Jiang Cheng?”
Though Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, Wei Wuxian noticed a flicker of concern behind his brother’s stern gaze. He understood the risks, but if there was any chance of finding the source, it was a risk worth taking.
The decision was made. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian would set out at first light, equipped with talismans and concealment spells. As the others dispersed to prepare, Lan Wangji lingered, his gaze intent on Wei Wuxian.
“Are you certain about this?” Lan Wangji asked quietly.
Wei Wuxian smiled, his eyes glinting with determination. “Lan Zhan, when have I ever backed down from a challenge? Besides, with you by my side, I’m not worried.”
Lan Wangji’s expression softened. “Then we will face it together.”
That night, as they prepared for their journey, Wei Wuxian felt a strange calm settle over him. The darkness was looming, closer than ever, but with Lan Wangji beside him, he felt ready to face whatever awaited them. The road ahead would be perilous, but if there was one thing he was certain of, it was the strength of their bond. Together, they would find a way to dispel the shadows and protect those they held dear.
As dawn crept over the mountains, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji stood side by side, gazing out over the Cloud Recesses. They exchanged a final glance, a silent promise shared between them, before setting off toward the unknown, ready to uncover the secrets lurking within the heart of the darkness.
YOU ARE READING
Mischief in Gusu
Historical FictionSummary: When a mishap with the Mysterious Incense Burner transforms Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian into three-year-old toddlers, chaos ensues in the Cloud Recesses. The usually serene and disciplined Gusu Lan Sect is turned upside down as the two tiny...
