Useless

Chapter 13

The discussion conference at Qishan was supposed to be a grand event. It would last seven days with all kinds of activities for the various clans to enjoy. Though the clan leaders would hold their meetings, the disciples were all looking for a chance to show off their skills to one another. It was especially exciting to some of the nosy disciples because the Jiang sect was apparently bringing their injured head disciple with them for the first time.

Eyes. That's all Wei Wuxian felt as he stood beside his brother and the rest of the Jiang disciples. The staring had been much worse yesterday when they had first arrived in Nevernight. This was supposed to be exciting for him, but as soon as they had arrived, all of the staring and whispering had started to ruin the excitement.

At least his brother was a comforting presence beside him and so was the blue and white robes of the Lan clan in the distance. He couldn't wait to see Lan Zhan. He had missed the other boy so much. He had caught a few glimpses of him last night at the opening banquet but that was it. Maybe after the archery competition Wei Wuxian could talk to him. That instantly put him in a better mood and he bumped his brother's shoulder.

"Good luck, Jiang Cheng. Don't get distracted out there ok? All you have to do is concentrate and I know you'll be in the top!" He said enthusiastically, cheering his brother on. Jiang Cheng gave him a look.

"How will I be distracted when you aren't there to annoy me?" he asked, making sure his bow and arrows were secured. Wei Wuxian pouted at him.

"Don't be like that. I know you'll miss my face."

"I've seen your face almost everyday for the last ten years. I think I'll be pretty happy without seeing it for an hour."

"Jiang Cheeeng!" Wei Wuxian gasped in mock hurt. "How dare you bully your dear older brother like this!"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "Who's my dear older brother? Get away from me, idiot."

"Ah. Of course you two are arguing," an amused voice said from behind them. The two brothers looked up from their stupid argument to see Nie Huaisang walking towards them, his usual fan in his hand. Wei Wuxian grinned when he saw him.

"Nie-xiong! It's been a while. How have you been?" he immediately jumped into the questions. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes again.

"Wei Wuxian, calm down. At least let him breathe before you pounce on him."

Wei Wuxian stuck his tongue out at his brother while Huaisang shook his head fondly. "It's alright Jiang-xiong. I missed his face after all," he said, winking at Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian giggled and latched onto the boy's arm.

"So Nie-xiong, tell me what have you been up to since we last saw each other."

At that, Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian launched into a conversation about what they did over the summer. Wei Wuxian recounted his boring time in Lotus pier. But he did bring up the one time he and Jiang Cheng had snuck out. Huaisang gave Jiang Cheng a smile.

"Wow Jiang-xiong, who knew you could be such a good brother?" he teased. There was a bit of red on Jiang Cheng's face and he turned away.

"Shut up, idiot," he muttered. Wei Wuxian shook his head at him and turned back to Huaisang.

"He's just being weird again, don't worry. So what did you do?"

Huaisang of course had started on many different paintings and drawings and fans. He even told him how he talked his brother's ear off when he wasn't busy.

"Which one's Chifeng-zun?" Wei Wuxian asked curiously as he looked over the Nie delegation. Nie Huaisang shrugged.

"He's not hard to miss. He's over there with Zewu-Jun," Huaisang pointed to the head table where all the sect leaders were situated. Wei Wuxian's eyes widened when he caught sight of the Nie sect leader. There was only one word Wuxian's mind could supply as he looked at the man. Huge.