The Fate of my Soul.

Part 8

Arriving at Zhe Yans Peach Tree Woods, I insisted my first disciple leave me, though looking at Die Fengs reaction, I could see he wasn't happy.  "Shifu, lets ensure that Zhe Yan is here first, he might be in Qing Qiu." he suggested, which causes me to frown.  How had he known he might be there?  But I had no time to waste on the thought, instead I continued to walk ahead.

Deciding it was a good suggestion, we immediately made our way to the little hut, where we could see Zhe Yan resting peacefully beside the water, wine in hand and his eyes closed, though I don't think he's asleep.  Turning to Die Feng, I send him back, but not before he gives me a bronze mirror to call him when I am ready to return.

Making my way quickly towards Zhe Yan, he quickly sits up as he becomes aware of my presence.  "Mo Yuan, what are you doing here, and how did you get here?" he asks, surprised at my sudden appearance.

"Die Feng brought me," I tell him before sitting down and facing him.

Offering me wine, I gratefully accept, but I waste no time on the purpose of my visit.  "Zhe Yan, Si Yin showed up today in the wine cellar." I inform him, but before I can say another word, he is on his feet.

"Where is he Mo Yuan?  His betrothed has been waiting for 2 days in Qing Qiu and is becoming restless." he demands to know, and looks ready to leave immediately.

Before I tell him anything, I demand that he sits.  I want answers and if I don't get them, I know I won't last much longer.  I can feel the darkness drawing near again, even as we speak, as another wave of pain assails my chest.  

"Si Yin and I shared the same chest pain that Bai Qian and I shared.  He left immediately afterwards.  What is going on Zhe Yan?  The darkness is drawing me back, and I know it has something to do with the both of them." I say, as the pain suddenly sharpens causing me to fall to my side.

"Mo Yuan." Zhe Yan whispers, before rushing to my side and helping me up.  "You fool!  This is why I need you to stay in Kunlun Mountain Mo Yuan!" he says harshly.  Then realizing he is about to send me straight back, I sit back down and refuse to budge.

"I'm not going anywhere until you answer my questions." I tell him as the pain slowly subsides, and my breathing returns to normal.

Looking at me hard Zhe Yan sits down and sighs heavily.  "Alright Mo Yuan.  I will tell you this.  To prevent yourself from being dragged back, you need to stay in Kunlun Mountain.  It is where it all started." he tells me, then looking as if he is going to leave it there, I hit the table in frustration and anger.

"Where what started!" I yell.  "Damn it Zhe Yan.  We are brothers, talk to me." I plead, feeling myself losing control, so much so, I can feel myself ready to lash out, when I suddenly see movement to my right. Turning, I my heart skips a beat.

Walking towards us is Bai Qian!  Instantly, I my breathing quickens and I can feel myself once again being pulled back, but I bring it under control through sheer will.  She is staring right at me as she draws closer, and once again, her hand moves to her chest, but I can see that she too, is keeping it at bay.

Rising, I wait for her to stand before me, and we greet each other, neither of us taking our eyes from each others faces.   "Mo Yuan, can I talk to you privately." she asks me with a small smile, but I can see there's not only pain, but a deep sadness in it.

By this time, Zhe Yan is on his feet and her grabs her arm to pull her back. "Where the hell have you been?" he demands to know.  "The Crown Prince is still in Qing Qiu waiting." he continues to storm at her, while trying to block her from moving any closer to me.

Yanking her arm from his grasp, she turned to him.  "Zhe Yan, when I am finished talking to Mo Yuan, I promise to go home." 

"Xiao Wu, I swear, if you are not home by this evening, you are going to regret it." he seethed at her, his face reddening with every word.