Mischief in Gusu

Chapter 17: A Dark Warning

As Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji made their way back to the Cloud Recesses, the oppressive chill had faded, replaced by the familiar sounds of the forest returning to life. Birds cautiously chirped in the trees, the rustle of leaves filled the air, and the warmth of dawn broke through the canopy, bathing them in a gentle light. For a brief moment, the world felt at peace, as though nothing had happened in the village.

But the remnants of dark energy lingered, and Wei Wuxian couldn’t ignore the feeling that this was just the beginning.

They reached the Cloud Recesses by noon, where a group of disciples and elders awaited them. Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi were the first to spot them, relief washing over their faces as they ran forward to greet their teachers.

“Senior Wei! Hanguang-jun! You’re both safe,” Sizhui exclaimed, bowing respectfully.

Wei Wuxian grinned, ruffling Sizhui’s hair with a chuckle. “Of course, Sizhui. We’re not that easy to get rid of.”

Lan Wangji acknowledged the juniors with a nod, his calm demeanor restoring a sense of order and reassurance to the disciples. Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and the other sect leaders approached, their expressions filled with curiosity and concern.

“What did you find?” Jiang Cheng asked, his gaze intense. “Is the threat truly contained?”

Wei Wuxian’s face grew serious, his voice dropping. “We dispelled the curse and severed its connection to the village, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of this darkness. Whatever caused it feels like part of a much larger force—one that won’t be stopped so easily.”

Nie Huaisang’s usually mild expression turned grave. “Do you think this could be related to the strange occurrences we’ve heard about from the other sects? Reports of resentful energy and unexplained disappearances have been increasing.”

Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, his brow slightly furrowed. “It is possible. This force felt coordinated, as if directed by a conscious will.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. A chill ran down Wei Wuxian’s spine. It reminded him of the way Wen Ruohan once operated, controlling dark forces to achieve his goals. Yet, this felt different—colder, more insidious.

Jiang Yanli approached, a calm, steady presence that grounded Wei Wuxian. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “A-Xian, you both must be tired. Come, let me bring you something to eat and rest. We’ll discuss what must be done after you’ve had some time to recover.”

Wei Wuxian smiled, feeling a familiar warmth at her concern. “A-Jie, you always know how to take care of me, don’t you?”

With Jiang Yanli’s gentle insistence, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were led to a quiet room in the Cloud Recesses. True to her word, she brought them a simple but hearty meal, and Wei Wuxian ate gratefully, the comforting flavors reminding him of simpler times.

Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian with a faint smile as he ate. “You are as lively as ever.”

Wei Wuxian chuckled, offering Lan Wangji a piece of lotus root. “Don’t pretend you’re not hungry too, Lan Zhan. Fighting spirits burns a lot of energy.”

Lan Wangji accepted the offering, and they shared a quiet meal, a rare moment of peace amidst the storm brewing around them. For a little while, the weight of their recent discovery faded, replaced by a sense of calm, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

Once they finished, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian returned to the main hall, where the sect leaders had gathered to discuss a plan of action. The mood was somber as they relayed the details of the village’s curse and the possibility of a greater force at play.