Wuji: A Promise Kept

90

There is about a month left before Tan Lan is expecting to meet with everyone. Hua Cheng wanted to take Wuxian to where they would be at and let them get used to the area. Wuxian went alone and promised to meet up with Wangji after to discuss things. Wangji was to stay at Gusu to prepare for their trip. Their disciples will need to have things to do. There is not telling how long the two will be gone, so they are preparing for the long term

"What is this place?" Wuxian asked.

The area was desolate, sandy and rocky. There was nothing living other than a large tree that sat almost in the middle of the area. One would say it gave the vibes of Nightless City, but no cliffs in sight, or lava.

"This is where the spirit realm meets the realm of the living. We call it the rift. The tree is said to be millions of years old," Hua Cheng explained, "this place existed before humans did and it will long after. It's the only vibrant being within this desolate land."

"So unlike the spirit realm where I would be defenseless as I wouldn't have my abilities, I am free to use them here?" Wuxian asked.

"Yes," Hua Cheng explained, "the tree is actually also considered a portal. Normally, spirits are not strong enough to pass through. Tan Lan is a spiritual beast so he can pass through both realms...a flaw in making this creature. He will meet his end soon. I advise you to keep Haishi in a safe location until everything is over."

"Since Baoshan is expected to be here with us, Haishi should be safe in Gusu. Spirits cannot get past the barriers of Cloud Recesses," Wuxian explained, "Lan Zhan and I will make sure she is safe with her Uncle and brother."

"Good," Hua Cheng said, "now, tell me what you noticed most about this place."

"I have noticed how much spiritual energy is within the area but also has a lot of resentment too," Wuxian answered.

"There was once a battle here, it is like the burial mounds...where there are a lot of unrested souls here," Hua Cheng said, "it's harder to cleanse than the Burial Mounds."

"That doesn't matter," Wuxian said, "cleansing a place takes time. We are still trying to cleanse the mounds."

Hua Cheng nodded, "let's get back to our husbands before they worry," he said.

Wuxian smiled, "true."

Hua Cheng brought Wuxian back to Cloud Recesses before teleporting out to meet with Xie Lian who was currently at Puqi Shrine. Wuxian went inside to find Wangji. It didn't take long as Wangji was in the Yashi with Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen.

"Hello," Wuxian greeted and joined them, "Hua Cheng took me to the rift."

"What was it like there?" Lan Xichen asked.

"Desolate, sandy, rocky," Wuxian explained, "the only living organism there was a tree that has been there for centuries. It is considered the portal between the two realms. It is equally balanced in resentment and spiritual energy, but I can tell resentment overpowers it sometimes."

"Do you have a plan set?" Lan Qiren asked

"Xie Lian went to speak with Jun Wu, and he will be there to help as well as Baoshan," Wuxian replied, "though, there is no telling what will happen."

"You are worried that Tan Lan did not keep to his word about Jin Zixuan's soul," Lan Qiren said.

"Is it wise to ever trust a demonic entity other than Hua Cheng?" Wuxian asked, "I have learned a lot from my past experiences when it comes to trust."

"Usually, even though there can be trickery involved, spirits usually have to keep their word," Lan Qiren said.

"Tan Lan isn't one hundred percent spirit. Much like Wen Ning, but Wen Ning is different as he still has his conscience and humanity. Tan Lan knows nothing of humanity. He was created to devour corrupted souls and went out of control," Wuxian explained. He then turned to Wangji and smiled, "why are you so quiet? Not even a hi from you?"

Wangji glanced at Wuxian and his lip curled to a small smirk, "Hi Wei Ying."

Wuxian huffed out a small laugh, "playful today?" Wangji didn't say anything. His smile stayed as he took a sip of his tea. Wuxian turned to Lan Xichen, "You were with him most of the day, what did you do?"

"I did not do anything," Xichen replied, "must be something you did."

"I was only away for about twenty minutes, half an hour at most," Wuxian said.

"You thought it's only been about thirty minutes?" Xichen asked.

"Yes, why? Was it not?" Wuxian asked.

"I wonder if Hua Cheng forgot to mention if time moves differently at the rift? You have been gone most of the day. I would say it's nearly dinner hours," Xichen explained.

"Huh? But I clearly remembered leaving right after breakfast," Wuxian said. Wuxian summoned a silver butterfly and asked for Hua Cheng. He appeared within a few minutes.

"Wei Wuxian, is something wrong?" Hua Cheng asked.

"Does time move differently at the rift?" Wuxian asked.

"Oops...I forgot to mention that it does," Hua Cheng replied, "it may have seemed we were only gone a few minutes, but it's been several hours here compared to the rift."

"Alright," Wuxian said and looked at Wangji, "You can't blame me for not knowing this."

"Mnn, I will still deal with you later," Wangji told him.

Wuxian looked at Hua Cheng, "you got me in trouble."

"Sorry," Hua Cheng said and teleported out.

"I'm sorry Lan Zhan, I didn't know I was gone that long," Wuxian said, "if I had known, I would have told you."

Wangji could see the despair in his husband's eyes. He then thought back at the time where he wrongfully punished Wuxian before and how badly it went. He didn't want a repeat of that. He sighed and took his hand, "It will be alright."

"If you even dare do anything like last time, you will sleep alone tonight," Wuxian warned as he folded his arms to his chest and pouted like a little child.

Wangji smiled at how adorable Wuxian looks while pouting, "I will not."

"Huh?" Wuxian asked, confused.

"I cannot punish Wei Ying for something he had no control over," Wangji said, "I apologize."

Wuxian stood up and pulled Wangji up with him, "will you excuse us, we have some things to discuss?" Wuxian said to Xichen and Lan Qiren. The two just smiled and let them go as they liked to see the dynamic of the two.

"I will have to continue to have Wangji deal with Wuxian's punishments," Lan Qiren said, "He seems to have it under control."

"I agree," Xichen replied.