A Means to an End (WangXian)

Time

"Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian looked up at the man in blue and white robes.

"We need to keep moving."

He sighed and stood up. "I know, they're still tracking us."

"We've got them to lose out trail for the time being, but with how many people they have looking for us, it won't be long before we're spotted again," Jiang Wanyin stated.

Nie Huaisang crossed his arms in concern. "Should be split up?"

"No, that's the last thing we should do," Jiang Wanyin expressed.

Nie Huaisang looked down. "But if we split up, then they won't be able to track us as easily."

Jiang Wanyin shook his head. "We have a rendezvous point to meet with the others. We merely need to make it there."

Nie Huaisang sighed. "I know. Jin Zixuan needed time to head back and prepare before we meet with Da-ge and Zewu-jun, but we still have four more days before we meet with everyone."

"Nie Huaisang's right," Wei Wuxian cut in. "We still have time before meeting everyone. Perhaps it is best that we separate."

Lan Wangji kept his face neutral, but an odd sensation overcame him. Wei Wuxian had this strange faraway look in his eyes. It left Lan Wangji with an aching in the pit of his stomach, one that he could only describe as worry.

"What?! Why would we split up? Where's the logic in that?" Jiang Wanyin complained.

"Lan Zhan and I need to make a separate stop. I think it would best if you and Nie Huaisang continued to the rendezvous spot."

"Where are you going?" Nie Huaisang asked.

Wei Wuxian gave a shaky smile. "Don't worry about it."

This, of course, made Nie Huaisang immediately worry. "Wei-xiong, are you sure you don't need us to come with you? Strength in numbers?"

"What were you just saying about splitting up?" Jiang Wanyin teased. 

Nie Huaisang huffed. "It's complicated! We're not in an ideal location. We're still within Jin territory and we're days away from Gusu!"

"We're safe for now. There's nothing we really need to worry about. I just need to stop somewhere quickly before the Wens finally decide to make their first move."

"If it's a quick stop then we should be able to come with you."

"Nie Huaisang, you can't."

"Why? What dangers are you about to put yourself in? You're not going after the Wens alone are you?"

Wei Wuxian immediately shook his head. "Of course not. You know I wouldn't do that, not after-" he cut himself off, reminding himself of who he's around.

Jiang Wanyin narrowed his eyes in suspicion. 

"Then will you at least tell us where you're going?"

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips. "It has to do with something I found in Xuanwu cave."

Nie Huaisang's eyes widened in understanding and in trepidation. He knew what that thing would eventually become, the sword they found inside of Xuanwu. He continued to look at Wei Wuxian, full of nerves. He flipped his fan open and close several times. 

Finally, he let out a sigh. "Alright. I trust you."

Wei Wuxian gave a gentle smile. "Thank you."

"Well, I don't! What did you find in the cave?"