Chapter 69 (1/2)

Chapter 69: Departure—Part One

Translated by K of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

It was autumn in the hunting grounds of Phoenix Mountain.

Hundreds of thousands of cultivators chose a place where demons and beasts often lurked. They were to fight for the prey within an allocated period of time. This was what the hunting referred to. Throughout many miles, there were quite a lot of prey. It was one of the three most well-known hunting grounds and had hosted many large hunting compet.i.tions. Such a significant event was not only for sects both large and small to display their skills and recruit talents, but also for rogue cultivators and new disciples to make themselves known.

Phoenix Mountain was a vast square before and around the square ten tall watching towers. On top of them, heads could be seen moving around. Their excited whispers crowded the air. The most quiet tower was naturally the tallest, most embellished one. Those who sat there were mostly elder cultivators, sect leaders, and their families. In the back, rows and rows of maids carried either canopies or large fans. The women in the first rows all covered their faces with smaller fans, reservedly looking down at the hunting ground.

However, when the riding formation of the GusuLan Sect arrived, their reservation couldn't be seen anymore.

In night-hunts, horses weren't actually needed when actually hunting down the prey. However, horsemans.h.i.+p was one of the arts that clan disciples were required to study. In events of such formality, entering the grounds on horseback was not only a symbol of respect, but riding formations could also create an atmosphere of grandeur quite beautiful in appearance. Boiled down, it was for nothing but 'rules' and 'aesthetics'.

Lan XiChen and Lan w.a.n.gJi sat in an upright posture on two snowy steeds as they led the GusuLan Sect's riding formation slowly forward. The two both wore swords at their waists and arrows on their backs. White robes and forehead ribbons flying in the air, they seemed to be deities themselves. Their snow white boots were so immaculate that it could even be cleaner than the other peoples' clothes. The Two Jades of Lan truly were a flawless pair of jade, almost as though they were carved out of ice. As soon as they entered, even the air seemed to have become refres.h.i.+ng.

Many female cultivators had fallen for this. The more reserved ones only let down their fans, their eyes a bit more urgent. The more daring ones, however, had already run to the edge of the watching towers, tossing over the buds and blossoms that they had prepared beforehand. A rain of flowers immediately scattered down from the sky. To toss flowers at beautiful-looking men and women in expression of admiration was a tradition. Since the GusuLan Sect's disciples came from a distinguished clan, their appearances were all excellent. They had long since become used to this. Lan XiChen and Lan w.a.n.gJi especially had been accustomed to this ever since they were thirteen. The two looked completely calm. Nodding at the watching towers in display of respect, they didn't stop and continued to move forth.

However, Lan w.a.n.gJi suddenly raised his hand, stopping a flower tossed over from behind him.

He looked back. Over at the side of the YunmengJiang Sect's riding formation, which hadn't departed yet, Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue impatiently, seated at the front. However, the person beside him sat on a horse with black, gleaming hair. His elbow was at the head of the horse as he looked to the side as though nothing happened, talking and laughing with two slender-bodied maidens.

Lan XiChen saw that Lan w.a.n.gJi had drawn the reins and ceased to move forward, ”w.a.n.gJi, what happened?”

Lan w.a.n.gJi, ”Wei Ying.”

Wei WuXian finally turned around, face full of surprise, ”What? HanGuang-Jun, did you call me? What's up?”

Holding the flower, Lan w.a.n.gJi seemed to be quite cold. His tone seemed cold as well, ”Was it you?”

Wei WuXian immediately denied it, ”No, it wasn't.”

The maidens beside him spoke at once, ”Don't believe him. It was him!”

Wei WuXian, ”How could you treat a good person like this? I'm getting angry!”

Giggling, the maidens pulled their reins and went to the formations of their own sects. Lan w.a.n.gJi lowered the hand that he held the flower with and shook his head. Jiang Cheng spoke, ”ZeWu-Jun, HanGuang-Jun, apologies. Don't pay attention to him.”

Lan XiChen smiled, ”That is fine. I will thank Young Master Wei's kindness behind the flower in place of w.a.n.gJi.”

When they slowly rode into the distance, carrying with them the clouds of petals and fragrance, Jiang Cheng glanced at the colourful sea of handkerchiefs waving on the watching towers before turning to Wei WuXian, ”Why are you throwing out flowers along with the girls?”

Wei WuXian, ”I think he looks nice. Can't I throw a few as well?”

Jiang Cheng pointed his nose into the air, ”How old are you? Who do you think you are, still playing tricks like that?”

Wei WuXian looked at him, ”You want one too? There's still a lot left on the ground. Should I get one for you?” As he spoke, he pretended to bend down.

Jiang Cheng, ”Get lost!”

At this point, Jin GuangYao's voice rang above the square, ”The QingheNie Sect's riding formation enters!”

Nie MingJue was very tall. When he stood, he gave people an extreme sense of pressure. On horseback, he had to him even more pressuring dignity, as though he could look down the entire square. When men who were high up on the list of cultivators entered, almost all of them couldn't be spared from being showered with a faceful of flowery rain.

As the one ranked seventh, Nie MingJue, however, was an exception. If Lan w.a.n.gJi was ice amid coldness, surpa.s.sing both snow and frost, Nie MingJue was fire amid coldness, as though he could start burning with rage at any moment, making him even more difficult to approach. Due to this, even if the maidens could already feel their hearts bursting from their chests, clutching in their palms sweat-soiled flowers, they didn't dare toss them out no matter what, afraid that they'd anger him and his saber hacked into the watching tower. However, many of the male cultivators who admired ChiFeng-Zun cheered for him. The cheers almost brought pain to the ears. On the other hand, Nie HuaiSang, beside Nie MingJue, was dressed with as much care as always. He wore both his saber at his waist and rings of jewelry, waving a paper fan. At first glance, he was quite the dandy amid the chaos. However, everyone knew that his saber never really got the chance to be unsheathed. Afterward, he'd probably only stroll around Phoenix Mountain, enjoying the view.

After the QingheNie Sect, it was the YunmengJiang Sect.

Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng entered on horseback. Instantly, another rain of flowers had fallen. Jiang Cheng's face darkened, but Wei WuXian bathed within it, feeling quite comfortable. He waved his hand at the tallest watching tower. The best seat on the tower was for the LanlingJin Sect's Madam Jin. The one who sat beside her was Jiang YanLi. Before this, Madam Jin had been holding her hand, talking to her with a loving expression. Jiang YanLi usually had on an almost bland face, her features mild. However, as she saw her two younger brothers wave at her, her face immediately lit up. She lowered her fan. Shyly saying a few words to Madam Jin, she walked to the edge of the watching platform and tossed out two flowers at them.

This used up as much strength as she could muster. For one second, Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng were even worried that she'd fall off. Seeing that Jiang YanLi steadied herself, they finally relaxed. Both of them reached out and caught the flowers, giving her the same soft smile. Head lowered, she returned to Madam Jin again. Suddenly, a row of cultivators wearing white, gold-lined robes rushed out, dressed in light armor and riding on broad stallions. The frontmost person had handsome features, protected by the same armor. It was the sect leader, Jin GuangShan.

Madam Jin immediately patted Jiang YanLi's shoulder. Holding her hand, she dragged her to the edge of the watching tower again, pointing to her the riding formation of the LanlingJin Sect.

Among the neighs, suddenly, one horse went forward and ran in a circle around the square before the reins were drawn. The person atop the horse had a striking figure. Wearing snowy white robes, his features were more vibrant than even the mark of vermilion between his brows. Drawing his bow, he gave off even more of a handsome air.

Immediately, fervor rushed through the crowd on the watching towers. The person glanced in the direction of the watching towers, intentional or not. Although he tried hard to keep his face stiff, unconcealable pride still leaked from the corners of his eyes.

On his horse, Wei WuXian sneered, almost laughing to death, ”I really can't believe him. He's like a peac.o.c.k.”

Jiang Cheng, ”Watch it. Sister is still watching from the tower.”

Wei WuXian, ”Don't worry. As long as he doesn't make s.h.i.+jie cry again, I don't even want to pay him any attention. You shouldn't have brought her in the first place.”

Jiang Cheng, ”The LanlingJin Sect insisted on it. I didn't have the face to refuse.”

Wei WuXian, ”More like Madam Jin insisted on it. After this, she'd definitely find some way to urge s.h.i.+jie and that male princess to one place.”

As they spoke, Jin ZiXuan had already rode to the target arena. The row of targets was an obstacle before the official entry into the mountain. Those who intend on hunting in the mountain could only become eligible to enter if they were able to shoot a target from a certain distance away. There were seven rings on the targets, in accordance with the seven paths of entry. The closer that the arrow was to the center, the more advantageous its respective entry path was. Without dropping his speed at all, Jin ZiXuan took out an arrow and shot. It landed right in the center. Cheers came from all around the watching towers.

Seeing how much Jin ZiXuan flaunted his excellence, neither Wei WuXian nor Jiang Cheng showed any emotions on their faces. Suddenly, a loud sneer came from somewhere near. Somebody shouted, ”If anyone here remains unconvinced, then feel free to try if you can shoot better than ZiXuan!”

The person was tall and broad, his skin somewhat dark and his voice booming. This was Jin GuangShan's nephew and Jin ZiXuan's cousin, Jin ZiXun. Before this, during the LanlingJin Sect's flower banquet, an argument broke out between Wei WuXian and Jin ZiXuan.

Wei WuXian smiled and he noted the enmity. Jin ZiXun was there to provoke him. As Jin ZiXun saw that he didn't answer, he seemed to be pleased. When the YunmengJiang Sect's riding formation reached the target arena as well, Wei WuXian turned to the Two Jades of Lan, who were drawing their bows on their horses, ”Lan Zhan, want to help me?”

Lan w.a.n.gJi glanced at him. He didn't reply. Jiang Cheng asked, ”What are you up to this time?”

Lan w.a.n.gJi, ”What?”

Wei WuXian, ”Can I borrow your forehead ribbon?”

Hearing this, Lan w.a.n.gJi immediately tore his gaze away and didn't look at him anymore. Lan XiChen, on the other hand, laughed, ”Young Master Wei, you may not know this, but…”

Lan w.a.n.gJi, ”Brother, there is no need.”

Lan XiChen, ”All right.”

Jiang Cheng almost wanted to slap Wei WuXian off his horse. He knew that Lan w.a.n.gJi wouldn't lend it to him but just had to ask. He could do anything when he was bored. If not for that the situation didn't allow it, he swore that he'd do exactly just that. He spoke, ”Why do you want his forehead ribbon? To hang yourself and commit suicide? I can lend you my belt, you're welcome.”

Wei WuXian took off the black ribbon on his wrist guard as he replied, ”You can keep your belt. I don't want it even if I don't have his forehead ribbon.”

Jiang Cheng, ”You…”

Before he could finish speaking, Wei WuXian had quickly tied the ribbon over his eyes to cover his sight. He positioned his arrow, drew his bow, and released—it hit!

The series of actions was both smooth and fast. The others didn't even realize what he wanted to do. They couldn't even see his movements clearly before the center of the target had been pierced through. After a moment of silence, overwhelming cheers rang throughout the watching towers, with even greater intensity than those for Jin ZiXuan.

The corners of Wei WuXian's lips curved slightly. Spinning the bow within his hands, he tossed it back. On the other hand, as Jin ZiXun saw how his popularity now surpa.s.sed Jin ZiXuan's, he snorted loudly. It seemed that he was displeased on both the outside and the inside. He spoke again, ”This is only the opening archery event, and you're onto such ostentatious things. You have your eyes covered right now, but can you keep them covered throughout the entire hunt? Later, on Phoenix Mountain, we can show our real abilities and see who's really the better one!”

Wei WuXian, ”Sure.”

Jin ZiXuan waved his hand, ”Let's go!”

All of his cultivators rushed forward, as though they wanted to be the first ones inside to have the first chance and quickly take all of the high level prey. As Jin GuangShan saw that his riding formation was rather well-trained, he was quite proud. Seeing that Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng were still on their horses, he smiled, ”Sect Leader Jiang, Young Master Wei, what, you aren't entering the mountain yet? Watch out that ZiXun might steal all of the prey.”

Wei WuXian, ”No need for the hurry. He won't be able to.”

Everyone around them paused in surprise. As Jin GuangShan pondered over what 'he won't be able to' meant, he saw Wei WuXian dismount his horse and tell Jiang Cheng, ”You can go first.”

Jiang Cheng, ”Take it easy. Back down when it's good enough.”

Wei WuXian waved his hand. Drawing his reins, Jiang Cheng led the YunmengJiang Sect's people away.

Wei WuXian, with his eyes covered, walked with leisure in the direction of Phoenix Mountain's path of entry. It was as if he wasn't here to hunt, but rather strolling around his own sect's garden.

The crowd grew confused. Could it be that he really wasn't going to take off the ribbon over his eyes until the hunt ended? How could he partic.i.p.ate in the hunt like this?

They looked at one another. In the end, they felt that it was none of their business and would simply be a good show to watch. Each of them set off.

As Wei WuXian walked for sometime, he finally found a spot deep into Phoenix Mountain that was comfortable for resting.

It was a branch that was extremely thick, growing out of a tree trunk that was even thicker, blocking his path. Wei WuXian slapped the dry, wrinkled bark a couple of times. He felt that it was quite st.u.r.dy and easily hopped up.

The noise of the watching towers had long since been blocked from the mountain's forests. Wei WuXian leaned against the tree. Under the black fabric, he closed his eyes. The sunlight poured onto his face through in between the leaves.

He held up Chenqing and blew into it, fingers s.h.i.+fting. The clear sound of the flute rushed into the sky as though it was a bird, lingering as it echoed through the mountain.

As he played his flute, Wei WuXian dangled one of his legs down and swayed it softly. The tip of his boots brushed against the gra.s.s under the tree. He didn't mind that it was dampened by the dew on the blades of the gra.s.s.

After the song finished, Wei WuXian crossed his arms and leaned against the tree in a more comfortable position. The flute was between his arms, while the flower was still at his chest, emitting a crisp, quiet fragrance.

He didn't know how long he had been sitting for. He had almost fallen asleep when he woke up with a start.

Somebody was approaching.

But the person had no killing intent. Thus, he remained slanted over the tree, too lazy to get up. He didn't even have the energy to take off the ribbon over his eyes. He only tilted his head.

A few moments later, having received no answer, Wei WuXian couldn't help from speaking up voluntarily, ”You're here for the hunt?”

The person didn't answer.

Wei WuXian, ”You won't be able to get anything good from around me.”

The person was still silent, but walked a few steps closer.

Now, Wei WuXian's spirits were lifting. Most cultivators were somewhat afraid when they saw him. They didn't really dare approach him even when many people were around, much less being in the same place as him alone and even approaching. If not for how there was no killing intent on the person, Wei WuXian would definitely think that they had hidden intent. He straightened up his body a little and tilted his head, looking in their direction. Curling his lips, he smiled. Just as he was about to say something, he was suddenly pushed forcefully.

Wei WuXian's back smashed against the tree. Just as his right hand was about to pull off the ribbon, his wrist was twisted back. The force was quite strong; he couldn't even struggle out of it, but there was still no killing intent. Wei WuXian's left sleeve s.h.i.+fted. As he was about to shake out the talismans, the person noticed his intent and caught him like before. They pressed both of his hands onto the tree, movements stiff. Wei WuXian raised his leg and was about to kick when he felt a warmth on his lips. He immediately froze.

The touch felt both strange and unfamiliar, moist and warm. In the beginning, Wei WuXian couldn't even understand what was going on. His mind went entirely blank. When he finally realized, he was shocked.

This person, holding his wrists back, was pressing him onto the tree and kissing him.

He suddenly struggled, wanting to fight out of it and pull away the ribbon, but he failed. He wanted to move again, but he somehow stopped himself.

The person kissing him seemed to be shaking softly.

Wei WuXian couldn't struggle anymore.

He thought to himself, It seems that even if the maiden is quite strong, her personality is both fearful and easily embarra.s.sed? She's already so nervous. Or else, she wouldn't have chosen to sneak up to him at such a time. She probably mustered up all of the courage she could find inside of her. Besides, it seemed that her cultivation wasn't low, meaning that her self-esteem was even higher. If he pulled off the ribbon and accidentally saw her, how ashamed would the maiden feel?

The two sets of thin lips turned from side to side, careful yet inseparable. Wei WuXian hadn't even decided what to do when the soft lips suddenly became aggressive. Wei WuXian's teeth weren't clenched, allowing the other to intrude inside. He was suddenly powerless. He felt that it was a bit difficult to breathe, wanting to turn his head away, but the other person squeezed his face and turned it back. Between the swirls of the lips and the tongues, he felt dizzy as well, until the other finally bit down on his lower lip. After a moment of lingering, the lips finally left reluctantly, and he finally managed to recover.

From the kiss, Wei WuXian's entire body felt limp. Energy came into his arms only after he leaned against the tree for some more time.

Raising his hand, he ripped the ribbon away only to be stung by the glare of the sudden sunlight. He finally managed to open his eyes, but nothing was around him. Bushes, trees, gra.s.ses, vines—no second person.

Wei WuXian was still somewhat confused. He sat on the branch for a while longer. When he jumped off, he felt weakness under his legs, almost light-headed.

He supported himself on the tree trunk at once, cursing at how useless he was in silence. He had been kissed so hard that his legs were giving out. Looking up, he glanced around the area, but there was no trace of another person. The previous scene seemed to be an absurd yet erotic daydream. Wei WuXian couldn't help but think of the legends of those mountain creatures.

But he was certain that it wasn't some mountain creature. It had to be a person.

Recalling what it had felt like, formless tickles crawled up all the way to the tip of his heart. Wei WuXian touched his chest with his right hand, but found that the flower that had been there was gone.

He searched the ground for a while. It wasn't there either. It couldn't have disappeared out of thin air, could it?

Wei WuXian remained paused for a long while. He touched his lips unconsciously, finally managing to say a while later, ”How could this be… This was my…”

He didn't see anyone even after he looked around the area. Wei WuXian didn't know whether to laugh or worry. He knew that the person was most likely hiding from him and wouldn't appear again, so he could only give up on searching. He began to walk randomly around the forest. After a while, he heard a loud noise from in front of him. As Wei WuXian looked up, he saw a slender figure clothed in white. Whom could it be but Lan w.a.n.gJi?

Wei WuXian found it strange, ”Lan Zhan! What are you doing?”

The person spun around. It was Lan w.a.n.gJi after all. However, right now, his eyes were bloodshot, his expression almost frightening. Wei WuXian was startled, ”Wow, so scary.”

Lan w.a.n.gJi's voice was harsh, ”Go!”

Wei WuXian, ”I just came here and you want me to go. Do you really hate me that much?”

Lan w.a.n.gJi, ”Stay away from me!”

Except for the couple of days spent in the cave of the Xuanwu, this was the first time that Wei WuXian had seen Lan w.a.n.gJi lose his composure so badly. But back then, the situation was special, and it was still understandable. Right now, everything's well, so why would he be like this?

Wei WuXian walked a step backward, 'staying away' from him. He continued to ask, ”Hey, Lan Zhan, what's wrong? Are you okay? If you're not okay then say you're not okay, yeah?”

Lan w.a.n.gJi didn't look him in the eye. He unsheathed b.i.+.c.hen. A few rays of blue light slashed across the trees around the area. They collapsed a moment later.

He stood still for a while, clenching his sword. His grip was tight, exerting so much strength that his knuckles grew white. As though he had somewhat calmed down, he suddenly looked over again, his gaze pinning Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXian felt a strange, unexplainable sensation. His eyes had been covered by the ribbon for over two hours. The sunlight was still a bit too dazzling for him. After he took off the ribbon, his eyes keep on tearing up. His lips were somewhat swollen as well. Wei WuXian felt that what he looked like right now must be terrible. Being stared at so hard, he couldn't help but touched his chin, ”Lan Zhan?”

”…”

Lan w.a.n.gJi, ”Nothing.”

With a clang, the sword was unsheathed. Lan w.a.n.gJi turned around to walk away. Wei WuXian still found that something was wrong with him. After he thought about it, just in case, he followed him, lunging in attempt to feel his pulse. Lan w.a.n.gJi dodged to the side and looked at him coldly.

Wei WuXian, ”Don't look at me like this. I just want to see what's wrong with you. You really were too strange. You really haven't been poisoned? Or has something happened to you during night-hunts?”

Lan w.a.n.gJi, ”No.”

Seeing that his expression was finally returning to normal and that he was most likely fine, Wei WuXian finally stopped worrying. Although he was curious about what had happened, it wouldn't be good if he intervened in it too much, and thus he began to chat. Lan w.a.n.gJi refused to talk in the beginning. Afterward, he finally replied a few short words.

A hint of heat and a swelling sensation on Wei WuXian's lips kept on reminding him he had just lost the first kiss that he had been guarding for twenty years. He was kissed until his head was dizzy, but he didn't even know whom the other person was and what she looked like. Just how could it be?

Wei WuXian sighed slowly. He suddenly spoke up, ”Lan Zhan, have you ever kissed someone?”