Recesses of the Heart

24

I felt a bit nauseated. I stood with Lan Zhan, Xichen-ge, and Jiang Cheng as we were on a night hunt. Wen Chao's stupid plan to bring unarmed people out to hunt for him, and when the prey is just about dead, he makes the killing blow and takes the victory for himself. I knew what we were heading towards, and so did Lan Zhan. We had already dealt with Xuanwu and the sword. Xuanwu was actually a kind creature when not corrupted by resentment.

Lan Zhan and I would help protect it when the time is right. Lan Zhan and I did grow a bit worried as we didn't find Wen Qing at all. I feared she might have gotten in trouble, but I was not sure. I secretly sent a message to Baoshan to tell her but I have yet to hear back from her.

"Those two really are something," Jiang Cheng said.

"A bitch and a troll make for a good match," I said.

Jiang Cheng laughed, "which one is the bitch and which one is the troll?"

I laughed, "you decide, it's the same either way."

"Wuji," Lan Zhan pulled me aside, "any word on Wen Qing?"

I shook my head, "I haven't seen her and I have not heard from Wai Po yet. I know Wen Qing's family is safe but I do not know if she is."

Lan Zhan nodded, "should we speed this hunt along like last time?"

"I could but I do not want to. If things get complicated I will, but for now, everything seems okay so far," I told him.

"Be prepared for a fight soon then," Lan Zhan said.

I nodded, "I know."

We all moved along slowly, eventually settling beside a river to rest for a few minutes. Many disciples took the time to get a drink from the streaming water.

Jiang Cheng stood close to either me or Lan Xichen, "A'Ji, perhaps you could help us move along faster," Jiang Cheng suggested.

"Nah, I'm good," I replied. Though, it was not to be, of course. Even without my guidance this time, we still found Xuanwu's cave. I could already sense the beast inside. It was odd, it was like I could connect with him this time. He was a very misunderstood creature. He just wanted peace. The moment Lan Zhan and I cleansed him, he was free. Now he was at risk because Wen Chao was hunting him. I turned to Lan Zhan, "I want to help Xuanwu."

"We will, just guide me. You can communicate with him, so I will follow," he said.

"The beast inside, you can talk to it?" Zewu Jun asked.

I nodded, "I think it has to do with my...improved cultivation. I could never connect to creatures like this before, but now I can. I can feel his presence. He is calm and happy right now, but he is aware of our presence and is cautious."

"We will help you defend him as long as you tell him not to attack us in return," Zewu Jun said.

"I will make sure he doesn't touch our group of people and these unarmed disciples. I just hope they leave him be. I know the Wens will not," I replied.

"We will do what we can," Lan Zhan said.

I nodded and looked around, "where is Jiang Cheng?"

"Did he go inside already?" Zewu Jun asked.

"Let's go," I said and led them in.

I did not wait for anyone else as we reached a cliff edge. I immediately jumped down where no one could see me other than Lan Zhan and Zewu Jun. I knew Jiang Cheng would be safe if he stuck close to the group. I ran ahead to warn Xuanwu.

"Xuanwu?" I called out.

The ground rumbled and the water in the underground lake rippled. Soon, Xuanwu's head popped out of the water and moved to hover close to me, "Young Master," he said, "you have returned."

"I have, there are people here who want to harm you," I warned, "there are also unarmed people too. Those people will be defenseless. The ones in red are the ones you want."

"I appreciate the warning," He said.

"Xiao Wuji!" I heard someone call me. I turned and saw Wen Chao, he was angry, "I see you can communicate with it."

I turned to face him, "he is angry," I warned, "he will attack you and your men if you dare try anything."

"Tell him to stand down," Wen Chao demanded.

"No," I said, "you brought us all here to die. You brought us all here unarmed and defenseless. You and your men have weapons. Why should I tell Xuanwu to stand down when he is willing to protect us from you."

"You dare go against me? Go against the Qishan Wens?" He spat.

"I do," I said, "your father's reign will end soon, I promise you. And you, your bitch, and your dog Zhuliu will die first."

He huffed out a laugh, "I would love to see you try anything with Wen Zhuliu here," he said.

I grinned, "I fought him once, he should know that his 'gift' does not work on me."

"What?" When Chao looked at Wen Zhuliu, "What does he mean?"

"I aided Wen Xu in at Cloud Recesses," Wen Zhuliu answered, "it is true, I am no match for him."

Wen Chao seemed nervous. I grinned as I summoned Suibian, "it seems you also didn't realize we gave you fake weapons," I said, "well, a couple of us did."

Lan Zhan, Jiang Cheng, and Zewu Jun stood with me in front of Xuanwu with our swords in hand, "please, make your first move," Jiang Cheng said.

"Young Master Jiang, just know your sect is next," Wen Chao said.

"Do not worry, we are prepared," I told him, "you and your people are not leaving this cave today. In fact, I am sure Xuanwu is quite hungry."

Xuanwu lifted his head and let out a growl, "I am actually," he told me.

I grinned, "those of you who cannot fight, get a weapon if you can and make sure no Wen leaves this cave alive. Do not attack Xuanwu, he is on our side."

With that, everyone began to move. Wen Zhuliu stuck close to Wen Chao and his mistress. Lan Zhan and I looked at each other knowing it will have to be use to kill them. We were the only two that would not be affected by Wen Zhuliu's core melting ability. We told Zewu Jun and Jiang Cheng to make sure the others were safe until they had something to defend themselves. Also to make sure the exit is still available. I am sure Xuanwu will allow us to use the underwater exit if we need it.