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Chapter Text

- Story Start –

Ying Lei was dreaming.

It was a good dream with him cooking up a storm (figuratively, of course) in the large kitchen of the Demon Hunting Bureau. To be honest, it was only a quarter of the size of the mountain temple he stayed at, but he didn't want to remember that because it would mean that Wen Xiao lied to him. He had two kitchen assistants, but they only knew how to prepare vegetables and were usually short-changed whenever they bought produce.  Ying Lei had to do the marketing himself, but he didn't mind because he was good at bargaining. All the sellers said so! Besides, the marketplace was full of colours and sounds and smells.

Ahh, he loved the human world!

Ying Lei was bargaining hard for a large basket of freshly picked water spinach when they shifted before his eyes, stems morphing into long snaking vines that attacked him. The marketplace and vendors vanished and all he saw as he desperately blocked and spun were the vines. They lashed at him like verdant, living whips. They pierced his shoulder, his arm, his stomach-

Ying Lei's eyes flew open, a huge breath catching in his throat before leaving his mouth as a silent gasp. He looked around him, heart slamming against his ribcage.

Where was this place?

Then he remembered - they were all fighting Li Lun. Ying Lei had been pierced multiple times by those lethal vines before using the rest of his spiritual power to cast the containment spell to hold Bai Jiu's body captive. After Li Lun’s spirit was transferred to his primordial root, Pei Sijing and Wen Xiao took the unconscious Bai Jiu from Ying Lei’s arms.

He remembered leaning against a rock, body torn and bleeding. He remembered fighting for breath with the taste of blood in his mouth. He remembered hanging onto every word that Zhuo Yichen was saying – that he was amazing and even better than him. Wen Xiao said that he was the best cook they ever had.

And then… nothing.

Ying Lei looked around again and finally realised he wasn't alone. A familiar head was pillowed on the mattress beside him. He stared at the colourful braids woven into the dark shiny hair. His throat hurt and his eyes stung.

Any sacrifice – any! - was worth it for Bai Jiu. He was free of Li Lun's possession at last and he was alive.

"Xiao Jiu," Ying Lei croaked.

Bai Jiu didn't move.

Ying Lei lifted a shaky hand, index finger reaching out to the tiny golden bell. He flicked it. The resulting tinkle was bright and light, just like its owner.

The head moved and stopped. Then Bai Jiu’s head snapped up, eyes round in a pale face.

"Ying Lei! You're awake!"

Never had that squeaky voice sounded so good to Ying Lei’s ears.

"Xiao Jiu," he choked out. Through his tears, he saw Bai Jiu’s shiny eyes and beaming smile, brighter than the sun. There were voices shouting his name, the bed groaning in protest as bodies crowded in from all sides, loving hands ruffling his hair and squeezing his shoulders.

Surrounded by his family, Ying Lei's eyes overflowed with joyful tears.

- o -

Sometime later...

"Xiao Jiu, you saved my life."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did,” Ying Lei insisted. “You're a doctor."

"I was unconscious for a day and night. You would have died just waiting for me to wake up!"

Ying Lei stared at the absolute certainty on Bai Jiu's face before turning the others around the bed. They all nodded solemnly.

“Then who…?”

"It was my mum who saved you," Bai Jiu announced and turned a proud smile on Bai Yan who stood a little further back.

It turned out that an infusion of Bai Yan’s spiritual energy had repaired the life threatening damage from Li Lun's vines and restored Ying Lei’s health.

Clasping his hands together, Ying Lei bowed deeply in thanks.

"What are you thinking about?" Pei Sijing asked, nudging Wen Xiao's shoulder.

"Oh, just wondering if Lady Bai's spiritual energy left any side effects." With a speculative smile, Wen Xiao pulled the pen from her hair and the notebook from her belt.

“You’re writing this down?” Zhao Yuanzhou had one eyebrow raised.

"You mean I could be part mountain god, part red panda demon and part tree demon now?" Ying Lei demanded.

"Given how amazing you are, anything is possible," Zhuo Yichen said. He looked solemn as usual except for the tiny smile on his lips.

 “You don’t mind, do you?” Bai Jiu asked, just a tad anxiously.

“Being related?” Ying Lei grinned at him and patted his hair. “Of course not! I already consider you my younger brother!”

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Pei Siheng didn’t feel any pain when Zhen Mei ripped off his right arm. A wooden puppet couldn’t feel anything after all. Still, he would gladly endure the agony of having a real limb torn off if it meant he could still get up and fight, still get up and defend Pei Sijing.

He couldn’t, not anymore.

Jiejie, it looks like this is it.

Before transferring the final bit of his soul into the puppet, Zhao Yuanzhou had warned him that he could only appear occasionally, and that if his puppet body was destroyed, there was no guarantee his soul would ever reincarnate. Pei Siheng decided it was worth it, to be able to manifest by Pei Sijing’s side when needed, to be both fighting partner and shield. It was everything he had ever wanted, everything he had never been able to do as a sickly younger brother.

Jiejie, a broken armour can no longer protect.

It was still worth it though – all those nights spent with his big sister as they sat side by side and watched the stars, talking about their past with no more misunderstandings or anger between them.

I won’t be able to be your armour anymore.

Pei Siheng was grateful to Bai Jiu for attempting to stop Zhen Mei from getting to Pei Sijing’s unconscious body. It had bought him the precious few seconds he needed to crawl to where his severed right arm lay. He had flung it with the last of his strength, piercing Zhen Mei’s unprotected torso from the back, before falling back to the floor with his right cheek pressed against the wooden boards.

He saw Bai Jiu waking Pei Sijing up, saw her turning in his direction, seeing first his arm and then himself. He saw the fear in her face as she pushed herself up, lurching and stumbling to fall to her knees beside him. His eyes stung, but he tried to smile.

“Jiejie, you finally succeeded. Unfortunately, I can’t be with you anymore. This time, I’m really leaving.”

When tears started falling from her eyes, he felt the same thing happen to his own. Wooden puppets couldn’t cry, but it seemed that he still had some tears left to shed.

“This is my last time protecting you,” he said, forcing the words out as darkness closed in around him. “You must… live on well.”

The last thing he heard was her crying and telling him not to leave her before everything faded into nothing.

- o –

Pei Sijing woke up from a nightmare tinged with blood, battling an abnormally strong Zhen Mei who could neither get injured nor die. Instead of finding respite, waking up just threw her into a worse nightmare, one that solidified when she heard Pei Siheng’s parting words.

“A-Heng! No, you can’t die.”

She looked around wildly for someone… something to save him, heart pounding in her chest, and panic beating at her. Wait - his severed arm! Perhaps if she stuck it back, perhaps that would…

“A-Heng, wait for me.” She was loathe to leave him, but she pushed herself to her feet and went to grab his arm. Then she stumbled back to Pei Siheng and turned him onto his back with clumsy hands.

“Pei-jiejie.” Bai Jiu appeared by her side.

“I have to save him.” Pei Sijing touched the broken off part of Pei Siheng’s arm to the joint of his shoulder, where pale unvarnished wood showed… but it didn’t stick.

“No. No…”

“Pei-jiejie?“

Pei Sijing barely heard Bai Jiu. She pushed Pei Siheng’s arm against his shoulder again and again, but it refused to attach itself.

“Why… why isn’t it working?” Something small and bright caught her eye - tiny glittering motes rising from his clothes, gold against black. Her heart squeezed as new panic swamped her.

“No! No, A-Heng, don’t you leave me!” Sobbing, half blinded by tears, she continued pushing, grinding the arm against the shoulder joint, heedless of the wood chips flaking off onto the floor. “Please, A-Heng, please!”

“Pei-jiejie, try this!”

In the next second, Pei Siheng’s arm was yanked from her grasp and she found herself holding something a lot smaller.

“W-what?” She stared down at the piece of wood, round and smooth. It looked vaguely familiar.

“It’s from the Divine Tree! Wen-jiejie gave each of us one, remember?”

Pei Sijing turned to him, frowning.

“But-“

“Just try it!”

“Right.” Pei Sijing looked back down, heart leaping into her throat at the sight of even more golden sparkles. Holding the stick firmly, she pushed one end to Pei Siheng’s shoulder.

There was a sudden spark and a burst of light, bright enough to make her flinch and close her eyes. She opened them again as soon as she could and felt her breath catch in her throat.

The golden dust that signified a demon’s passing had vanished. Instead of the stick, she was clasping a bare arm complete with hand and fingers that twitched. It was attached to Pei Siheng’s shoulder. And best of all, he was alive and gazing up at her, looking just as confused as she felt.

“… jiejie?”

“… A-Heng?”

“Jiejie, I-I think I’m back.”

“A-Heng!” Pei Sijing fell onto him, laughing and crying and not caring in the least.

“It worked! Pei-gege, you’re back!” Bai Jiu cheered.

- o -

A few minutes later, Pei Siheng sat up with one arm around his sister who was still sobbing into his chest. He held up his new right arm and stared at it with a bemused smile, wiggling his fingers.

“What happened?” He asked. “I felt this warmth in my right shoulder. It spread throughout my body and I could feel it repairing the damages I sustained.”

Bai Jiu grinned at him.

“Wen-jiejie gave each of us a piece of divine wood after cultivating a small sapling for three hundred years. She refused to leave anything to chance after spending a big chunk of her life waiting for that sapling to grow into a Divine Tree.”

“Divine Tree,” Pei Siheng echoed.

Pei Sijing raised her head and turned to Bai Jiu. Her face was wet with tears, but her smile was radiant.

“I’d forgotten about that. But I’m so glad you didn’t, Xiao Jiu.” She pulled him into a tight hug. “Thank you, thank you!”

“Yes, thank you,” Pei Siheng echoed, wrapping his arms around both of them.

Bai Jiu was flushed and smiling happily when they released him.

“But how did you know this would work?” Pei Sijing asked.

“I didn’t. Just that each person Cheng Huang granted a wish to, manifested a wooden puppet in their likeness, remember? He must have had an affinity with the wood element. Who knows, maybe he too, had some divine wood in his ancestry.”

Pei Sijing nodded and turned back to Pei Siheng, her eyes filling with fresh tears.

“If that is true then I’m thankful to him even though he did turn you into a demon, A-Heng. Maybe one day I might even forgive him. Maybe.”

“I already have,” Pei Siheng told her and he meant it. He was still here and he could still protect his big sister. Nothing else mattered.

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

After Wen Zongyu was killed, Zhao Yuanzhou told Zhuo Yichen to rush back to Bai Jiu’s side using the Bi Fang feather, and that they would meet up at the Demon Hunting Bureau. Zhao Yuanzhou himself didn’t leave immediately though. He knew he should go make sure that the others were alright, but something kept him from pulling out the Shanhai portal.

It was probably nothing more than desperation at this point, but he preferred to call it instinct. After all, Zhuo Yichen had survived his one word spell to break Wen Zongyu’s barrier.

Who could blame Zhao Yuanzhou for wanting another miracle?

Paying no mind to the drying tears on his face, he fell to his knees and started searching the ground around him. The snow here was melted from the phoenix fire, leaving behind a layer of black ash.

All that remained of Wen Zongyu… and Li Lun.

Zhao Yuanzhou bit down on his lip hard, shaking with a myriad of emotions that nearly broke his heart. He took a fortifying breath and moved further back where the snow was black grey slush, this time from pagoda ashes alone. Again, Zhao Yuanzhou found himself choking back fresh sobs.

That idiot!

Li Lun had destroyed his last chance of survival by cutting short his cultivation to come to their aid. He had given up his demonic energy and Zhao Yuanzhou’s Truth Eye. He had even tempted Wen Zongyu into shooting his phoenix flames at him despite suffering the torment of the Ever-burning fire for the past eight years.

“I showed you one final act of mercy and you threw it back in my face,” Zhao Yuanzhou muttered. “Idiot!”

Hot tears blurred his vision and his chest heaved, a sob escaping his lips. He wasn’t unaware that without Li Lun’s help, defeating Wen Zongyu would have been near impossible. It was just that the price was too high. Blinded by tears, his robes getting wet from the snow, Zhao Yuanzhou continued to sweep his hands from side to side in an increasingly feverish search.

Li Lun’s true form was a pagoda tree, but he was also the strongest and most determined demon Zhao Yuanzhou knew, one who hated to lose at anything. He might have been burned to death, but it was by phoenix fire and the one thing a phoenix was known for… was rebirth.

Of course, Zhao Yuanzhou knew it was just wishful thinking on his part. It didn’t mean that anyone burned by phoenix fire could return. Li Lun’s current body didn’t even have the Ever-burning fire anymore. Still, Zhao Yuanzhou continued to search.

“Look at me, still trying to delude myself into thinking there’s the tiniest chance you might still be-”

His breath caught in his throat when his fingertips brushed against something solid, something more than just a chunk of ice or a piece of bark. With a watery chuckle that almost a sob, he picked up a stick no longer than his pinky. It had the same black and gold pattern as Li Lun’s robes and it felt warm. He wrapped his fingers around it and closed his eyes, sensing the tiny pulse of a most familiar energy inside.

“You are coming with me,” he said, voice cracking. “This time, I am going to make sure you cultivate properly for a full one hundred years. And don’t you ever pull this sort of stunt again. Please, Li Lun. My heart can’t take it.”

Ignoring the fact that he wouldn’t be around to put his words into action, he pulled out the Shanhai portal and activated it, picturing the Demon Hunting Bureau’s main hall.

When the shimmering gold energy faded away, he saw the Pei siblings restraining a struggling and snarling Fan Ying by the arms while a tearful Wen Xiao looked on.

“What happened?” Zhao Yuanzhou asked at once. “Wen Xiao, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, but a-die-“

“Fan-daren attacked her,” Pei Sijing said without preamble.

“What?”

“A-die didn’t mean to!” Wen Xiao cried at once.

“Zhen Mei is dead,” Pei Siheng explained. “Xiao Jiu asked us to come back here in case Wen-jiejie needed help.”

“Good thing we did because Fan-daren was about to kill himself,” Pei Sijing added grimly. “We were just in time to stop him from removing his demon core.”

“Zhao Yuanzhou!” Fan Ying stared at Zhao Yuanzhou, his irises flickering between dark brown and bright blue. “You must kill me now before I attack someone else! I already hurt Xiao-er.”

“A-die, please. I’m sure we can cure you,” Wen Xiao said.

“You can’t. It’s too late for me. My demon core has already affected my body, but the people of Tiandu can still be saved. Quickly now!”

They were running out of time. Zhao Yuanzhou looked at Wen Xiao’s tearful, imploring gaze and made a decision. Holding his index finger up to his lips, he cast a one word spell.

“Freeze.”

Fan Ying went rigid at once.

“This will stop his demon core from merging any further with his body,” Zhao Yuanzhou said. “I will unfreeze him once we have a solution.”

“Thank you.” Wen Xiao gave him a tremulous smile.

“A-Heng and I will take him to his room,” Pei Sijing offered. “By the way, where’s Zhuo-daren? How did you two defeat Wen Zongyu when he has phoenix power?”

Zhao Yuanzhou forced a smile which didn’t reach his eyes.

“We killed him the first – no, second time with the help of a friend, but he came back. When we killed him the third time and he didn’t come back, Xiao Zhuo and I suspected that Xiao Jiu must have done something to prevent that. Xiao Zhuo has teleported to his side using a Bi Fang feather. I told him we would wait for them here.”

“Who was that friend who helped you two?” Wen Xiao asked curiously.

Zhao Yuanzhou smiled again and this time, it reached his eyes.

“A very dear friend,” he said and patted the front of his robes.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

At Chongwu camp dungeons…

“Pei-jiejie, you need to go back to the Demon Hunting Bureau,” Bai Jiu said urgently. “Fan-daren is a demon now. Wen-jiejie may need help.”

“You’re right. Where’s Zhen Mei?“ Pei Sijing looked around, eyes sharp once more although still reddened.

“Dead.” That single word felt oddly heavy on Bai Jiu’s tongue, as did the sweet with the bloodstained wrapper that he had tucked inside his belt. “Pei-gege killed him.”

“Good job, didi,” Pei Sijing praised. “Let’s go. Wen Xiao could be in danger.”

“You two go on ahead,” Bai Jiu told her. “There’s something I need to do first.”

Before he died, Zhen Mei told him that Wen Zongyu was now immortal and would be reborn again and again from the Ever-burning wood’s ashes. His words prompted a memory in Bai Jiu’s mind, something he had read, something that could help Zhuo Yichen, Zhao Yuanzhou and Li Lun who were battling Wen Zongyu at the Kunlun Mountain Temple right now.

“What is it? It’s not safe to stay here,” Pei Sijing said.

Bai Jiu shook his head, feeling more anxious with each passing second.

“It’s urgent. I’ll explain everything later.” He started backing away. “Please go to Wen-jiejie. I’ll be fine.”

“But-“

“I’ll stay with Xiao Jiu!” A familiar voice rang out.

The trio turned to see Ying Lei hurrying towards them from the staircase.

“I rushed over here as fast as I could,” he says, panting a little.

Despite his worry, Bai Jiu felt the tight knot in his stomach loosen a bit.

“Alright,” Pei Sijing agreed though not without some reluctance. “Take good care of Xiao Jiu.”

“Be careful, both of you,” Pei Siheng added.

As the siblings rushed off, Ying Lei turned to Bai Jiu and rubbed his hands together.

“Alright. What do we need to do?”

“Follow me, quick.” Bai Jiu gave a brief explanation about Wen Zongyu’s phoenix energy and the Ever-burning wood as he led the way, almost running, to the furthest corner of the dungeons.

“What’s an altar doing here?” Ying Lei asked. “That’s a painting of Zhu Rong, the God of Fire.”

He took a step nearer, but Bai Jiu grabbed his arm.

“That altar should hold the Ever-burning ashes, but there’s an invisible barrier here. I can feel the energy.”

“So can I. Right, let’s go!”

In unison, they stepped forward with hands outstretched. Something gold shimmered. In unison, they yelped in pain and snatched their hands back to find their fingertips reddened and stinging.

“Ow. That’s a powerful barrier,” Ying Lei said, shaking his hand.

“It doesn’t matter. We have to get through it.” Bai Jiu pulled out the little bells he had snatched from Zhuo Yichen’s hair ribbon earlier and gripped them tightly in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he stretched out his other hand. The barrier shimmered once more and pain stung his fingers. It reminded him of the time he had accidentally picked up a metal pot of simmering medicine with his bare hands.

“Ow!” Bai Jiu looked at his fingers where blisters were starting to form.

“Xiao Jiu, we can’t get through this.” Ying Lei looked fearful.

“We must! Xiao Zhuo-ge and Da Yao are fighting Wen Zongyu. They’ll die if he keeps getting reborn!”

Clenching his jaw, Bai Jiu thrust out his hand. Fire burned him at once, sizzling through his arm like lightning. He screamed and felt himself yanked back.

“Stop it!” Ying Lei had grabbed him around the waist and was pulling him away from the barrier. “I can smell your skin burning, it’s horrible.”

“Let go of me!” Bai Jiu started struggling at once. “Xiao Zhuo-ge has always protected me. I want to protect him too!”

“Listen - my containment spell should be able to protect you from the barrier.”

Bai Jiu stopped struggling and looked over his shoulder at him, wide eyed.

“Oh.”

“Yes, so stop being so impulsive,” Ying Lei scolded. “I know your Xiao Zhuo-ge means more to you than anything, but there are-“

He broke off and exhaled, releasing Bai Jiu.

“Never mind. Focus,” he mumbled to himself. Putting his hands together, he pointed both index fingers upward. A golden cage slammed down over Bai Jiu.

“Alright. You can move now. Carefully.”

Bai Jiu took a step forward. The cage moved with him and the edge of its pagoda roof touched the barrier, causing a loud spark that made him jump. He stopped breathing and looked around, but nothing else happened.

“Good.” Pressing both hands flat against the inside of the cage, he pushed hard. The barrier resisted with another shower of sparks. With a grunt, he pushed with all his strength, even with his head against the cage, trusting in Ying Lei’s spell to protect him.

With an ear-splitting screech and an explosion of sparks, the cage breached the barrier. Squeezing his eyes shut, Bai Jiu pictured Zhuo Yichen – calm and capable, smiling and reassuring - in his mind’s eye as he forged forward, one tiny step at a time.

All of a sudden, the cage wavered, letting in a sliver of energy from the barrier. Bai Jiu cried out as it burned his face and sleeves.

“Hurry, Xiao Jiu,” Ying Lei cried. “The barrier is burning through my spell, I can’t keep it up much longer!”

Drawing a deep breath, Bai Jiu let out a yell that bounced around the confined space and off his eardrums, and shoved with all he had. For an agonising heartbeat, it felt like nothing happened… and then he was through. The containment spell vanished, causing him to tumble to the floor.

On his hands and knees, he turned to look back at Ying Lei in the sudden silence before turning to the altar before him.

“The ashes!” Springing up, he lunged for the solitary bowl resting on a stand and swept it to the floor, releasing a cloud of fine grey ash. Caught off guard, he inhaled a mouthful before someone pulled him away. Later he would realise that the barrier had broken, but right now, he couldn’t breathe. The powdery ash coated the insides of his mouth and throat, dry and fiery. He fell to his knees, gasping for air.

 “Xiao Jiu!” Ying Lei crouched beside him and patted his back. “Are you alright?”

Bai Jiu shook his head, still making pathetic, wheezing noises.

“You shouldn’t swallow that ash, you’re part tree demon.” Ying Lei sounded panicky as he jumped to his feet. “You need water. There’s a moat here, but I don’t think its drinkable. Stay here, I’ll be right back!”

Dizzy and lightheaded, Bai Jiu barely heard him run off. He rummaged in his belt for one of his medicine bottles. His burned fingertips brushed against something hard and he pulled it out to squint at it. The bloodstained sweet from Zhen Mei. Unwrapping it with clumsy fingers, he popped it in his mouth. The tart citrus taste triggered his saliva glands and moments later, he was able to swallow and breathe once more.

Gasping and coughing, he collapsed on the floor.

You may have saved my life, Zhen-ge, so thank you. Xiao Zhuo-ge, I hope you and Da Yao are alright. But why was Li Lun there?

The last bit of adrenaline faded, leaving Bai Jiu all too aware of the stinging burns on his face and arms. His entire body hurt and he felt so very, very tired. With a sigh, he closed his eyes.

- o –

Zhuo Yichen found himself back at the Chongwu camp dungeon. The eerie silence, coupled with the flickering light from the torches was unnerving as was the unmistakable smell of burnt flesh. Icy dread settled in his belly as he turned the corner. What he saw made his heart lurch and his stomach heave. He looked away at once, unable to face the heart-rending sight of Bai Jiu lying on the floor with his eyes closed and horrific burns on his face and arms.

New tears welled up in Zhuo Yichen's eyes and spilled over. He was too late!

After a few aborted breaths, he forced himself to go over, to kneel down beside Bai Jiu’s body, barely noting the upturned bowl beside him. Gently, he placed a shaking hand on Bai Jiu’s outer robe, his pained gaze following one reddened arm and then he saw something glinting in the tight fist. Carefully, he pried the fingers open and found himself holding the tiny bells from his own hair ribbons.

Memories flooded his mind, Bai Jiu telling him that he felt braver and could move forward with those bells in his hand, Zhuo Yichen giving him leave to hold them whenever he felt scared.

He broke down crying.

“Xiao Jiu, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

I failed to protect you.

Blinded by tears, he removed his cloak with shaking hands and placed it over Bai Jiu.

“Ge will take you home.” He bent down and wrapped his arms around the body… which moved.

“Ow.” Then, “Xiao… Zhuo-ge… is that you?”

- o –

“Xiao Jiu, I brought water!” Ying Lei ran up, out of breath and carrying the jug of water he had snatched up from the guards’ quarters. Probably less than half remained in it after his mad dash back here. Then he blinked.

Bai Jiu had tears running down his face, but he was beaming at him over Zhuo Yichen’s shoulder.

Ying Lei came closer, frowning. Zhuo Yichen was crying too, but while he had shed pretty tears when Ying Lei lay dying (he was dying at that time), he was outright ugly crying now - gasping, heart wrenching sobs only half muffled in Bai Jiu’s shoulder.

Ying Lei sighed and shook his head. He supposed he should accept the fact that Zhuo Yichen would always be Bai Jiu’s favourite gege. After all, he considered Zhuo Yichen an older brother too. He went to kneel beside them, putting the jug on the floor so that he could rest a hand on each of their shoulders.

“Xiao Zhuo-daren, Xiao Jiu, let’s go home.”

And by home he meant the Demon Hunting Bureau, of course.

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

At the Demon Hunting Bureau…

Zhao Yuanzhou found himself quite alone in the main hall. Pei Sijing & Pei Siheng were carrying Fan Ying to his room with Wen Xiao leading the way. Zhao Yuanzhou was still exhausted from breaking Wen Zongyu’s barrier earlier using his demonic energy together with Zhuo Yichen and Li Lun’s. Sadly, there was no time to rest and recuperate, only more issues to solve.

Saving the people of Tiandu from turning into demons.

Stabilising Fan Ying since he was already a demon.

Removing Wen Zongyu’s poison from Wen Xiao before her heart failed. His own heart gave a pang at that.

Finding a safe place to store – or plant – Li Lun’s twig. His heart gave another squeeze.

And why were Zhuo Yichen and Bai Jiu not here yet?

Zhao Yuanzhou whirled around when someone pushed open the heavy door.

“Situ-daren. Bai-daren,” he greeted in surprise. “Why are you two here?”

“Zhao Yuanzhou, where is everyone?” Situ Ming looked around. “Where is Xiao Jiu?”

“I felt a terrible burning sensation on my skin earlier so we rushed over here,” Bai Yan said. “My Xiao Jiu could be in danger. Where is he?”

Looking into those ancient, worried eyes, Zhao Yuanzhou felt his stomach tighten.

“He’s at Chongwu camp,” he said, projecting a calm he didn’t feel. “Xiao Zhuo has gone to look for him.”

“Why is he-“ Situ Ming broke off as streams of golden light appeared at the other end of the hall. When it dissipated, Zhuo Yichen stood there with Bai Jiu on his back and Ying Lei beside them. Ying Lei had one hand on Bai Jiu’s shoulder and the other holding up an artefact that looked similar to the Shanhai portal.

“We’re back!” He announced with a grin.

Zhao Yuanzhou barely heard him. He was staring in shock at Zhuo Yichen’s tearstained face and red-rimmed eyes, and at Bai Jiu’s burned arms, white face and closed eyes. His stomach dropped to the floor and a buzzing noise started in his ears. All he could think of was him, Zhuo Yichen and even Li Lun shouting at Bai Jiu to get away as they braced themselves for Wen Zongyu’s fiery attack.

“Xiao Jiu.” Situ Ming and Bai Yan hurried over to the trio. “Xiao Jiu!”

Bai Jiu stirred and opened his eyes. He lifted his head from Zhuo Yichen’s shoulder.

“Niangqing? A-die?”

Oh. He was alive.

Zhao Yuanzhou’s legs gave out from under him and he fell to his knees, not even feeling their impact with the stone floor. Ying Lei was saying something about his Mountain God power numbing Bai Jiu’s pain and how he had found another teleportation artefact among his grandfather’s belongings, but all Zhao Yuanzhou could focus on was Situ Ming cradling his son in his arms while Bai Yan aimed spiritual energy at his burns.

Then something dark blocked his sight with a rustle of silk.

“Zhao Yuanzhou?”

Zhao Yuanzhou blinked to see Zhuo Yichen crouched before him, smiling through his tears.

“Xiao Jiu is alive. The burns are from Wen Zongyu’s barrier – Ying Lei said it had a fire element - but he’ll be alright. He succeeded in destroying the Ever-burning ashes.”

Zhao Yuanzhou took in the stark relief in Zhuo Yichen’s reddened eyes, the same relief he knew was mirrored in his own. He gave a tremulous smile which Zhuo Yichen returned. When Zhuo Yichen once again offered his hand to pull him up, he accepted just as Wen Xiao, Pei Sijing and Pei Siheng returned.

For the next few moments, Zhao Yuanzhou soaked in the happy reunion and committed to memory the tearful smiles on everyone’s faces. How he wished he could stay with his found family forever, safe and sound and happy, but there was a different fate awaiting him. Steeling himself, he turned to Zhuo Yichen who was already looking at him and mutely shaking his head.

“Xiao Zhuo-“

“No.” Zhuo Yichen’s voice cracked. “I know what you’re going to say. Don’t.”

“It’s time,” Zhao Yuanzhou spoke quietly, not wanting the happy group at the other end of the hall to overhear them. “It’s time to fulfil the vow you made when we first met.”

“Zhao Yuanzhou. Please.”

“The people of Tiandu need you. There’s no time to waste if you want to save them.”

Grabbing Zhuo Yichen’s arm, Zhao Yuanzhou activated the Shanhai portal behind his back, but he couldn’t hide the streams of golden light surrounding them. The last thing he heard were the voices of his loved ones, Wen Xiao’s in particular, shouting their names.

- o –

They appeared in the front garden of Peach Blossom House.

“We’re at your home,” Zhuo Yichen stated after looking around.

“Yes. The barriers are still down from… before.” Zhao Yuanzhou gave a wry smile. “Animals just want a safe place to sleep, but humans long for a home to return to. For me, it should be the Wilderness, shouldn’t it?”

“Except that you have always behaved more like a human than a demon,” Zhuo Yichen replied, voice trembling. “Li Lun said that too. More than once.”

"Ah. Speaking of him,” Zhao Yuanzhou reached in his robes and brought out the black and gold twig. He held it out in a hand that wasn’t quite steady. “Will you take care of this for me?”

He had made Zhuo Yichen promise to save Li Lun that time. It wasn’t fair to ask him a second time. Zhuo Yichen frowned down at it and then his gaze snapped up, eyes widening.

“Wait. Part of his soul survived?”

The flare of hope in his eyes – wholly unexpected yet genuine - reassured Zhao Yuanzhou more than a promise would.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid this time,” Zhuo Yichen gave it anyway and took the stick which gave a sudden spark. “Ow. Stop that.”

“Xiao Zhuo is right, Li Lun,” Zhao Yuanzhou said. “You’re in a very fragile state now so be good, hmm?”

Zhuo Yichen wrapped the stick carefully in a blue silk handkerchief and tucked it inside his robes. When he looked back up, his eyes were wet again.

“Zhao Yuanzhou, there must be-“

“There isn’t and you know it. Only with my death will all the malicious energy be released and converted into healing rain by the Baize Token.”

“But-“

“The rain will cure the people of Tiandu, stabilise Fan-daren’s condition, and remove the poison from Wen Xiao.”

“But she’s not here now,” Zhuo Yichen looked so desperate, like he was grasping at straws.

“She doesn’t need to be. We’re still in Tiandu. She will know what to do.”

Zhuo Yichen exhaled at that, a soft, broken sound of defeat. He closed his eyes, but a tear slipped down his cheek and then another. Zhao Yuanzhou reached out to clasp his shoulder, feeling his heart twist inside him.

Ah, Xiao Zhuo, your heart is still too soft.

“The rain. Will it also cure a broken heart?” Zhuo Yichen’s voice was a mere thread of sound.

“Wen Xiao’s?”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes opened, eyelashes spiky with tears.

“Not just hers.”

Oh.

Oh.

Zhao Yuanzhou gulped, hand tightening on Zhuo Yichen’s shoulder before sliding inward to cup a flushed, tear stained cheek. He whisked away the wetness with a gentle thumb. It almost felt like betrayal for Zhuo Yichen to look at him this way, with eyes so wounded and unguarded, and for Zhao Yuanzhou to drink it all in, knowing that they both loved Wen Xiao.

“Ours. I meant all our hearts!” Yet even at such a moment, Zhuo Yichen still chose to glare at him, daring him to refute this.

Zhao Yuanzhou had to chuckle a little, a shaky wet sound. Perhaps denial was best since there was nothing they could do about it.

“Of course,” he agreed and let his hand drop. He took two steps back. “Well, let’s not waste any more time.”

“I will see you again,” Zhuo Yichen said suddenly.

Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyebrows rose at that, but before he could say anything, Zhuo Yichen drew the Cloud Light Sword and plunged it into his heart.

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Zhao Yuanzhou blinked down at the shimmering blue blade embedded in his chest, the shock of being pierced so suddenly numbing the pain for a moment. Looking up at Zhuo Yichen, he smiled even with the warm slide of blood leaking from his mouth.

“Xiao Zhuo-daren, I’m impressed. I thought I would have to run myself onto your sword to spare you the guilt of killing your best friend.”

“I know.” Zhuo Yichen’s voice cracked and he exhaled, long and shuddering. “I know, but I only trust myself to do this right.”

Slowly, he pulled his sword free. Zhao Yuanzhou braced himself for more pain, but there was none, only a sense of weightlessness as he started falling backwards. He heard the rustle of silk, the rush of a small breeze and then he was falling into Zhuo Yichen’s arms like he belonged there.

Zhuo Yichen was shaking, more tears running down his cheeks.

“Ah, Xiao Zhuo-daren,” Zhao Yuanzhao murmured.

“Don’t call me that!”

“Xiao Zhuo, then. Don’t be sad for too long.”

Zhuo Yichen snorted at that and almost choked on his tears.

“I won’t because I will see you again.” It sounded like another vow. Or maybe a threat.

Before Zhao Yuanzhou could ask him what he meant, golden light washed over them, followed by more voices.

“Zhao Yuanzhou!”

“Da yao!”

Wen Xiao dropped down beside them, crying as much as Zhuo Yichen. She grabbed Zhao Yuanzhou from him and cradled him close.

“Zhao Yuanzhou…”

“Wen Xiao, I had hoped to spare you this sight. You know what you have to do.”

She shook her head hard, causing her tears to fall on his face. Two more faces appeared behind hers – Ying Lei and Pei Sijing’s, both white and panic stricken.

Zhao Yuanzhou smiled at them too. He couldn’t seem to draw enough breath. The malicious energy inside him was building, escaping his control. He looked back at Wen Xiao.

“Don’t be angry with Xiao Zhuo.”

“I’m not. I’m angry with you.”

He tried to smile again.

“That’s good then. Don’t be sad for too-“

“Shut up,” she said and kissed him. Her lips were soft and quivering. That kiss was the last thing he felt before the storm inside him burst free.

- o –

Several hours later…

The sun had already set by the time Wen Xiao, Zhuo Yichen, Pei Sijing and Ying Lei returned to the Demon Hunting Bureau. Pei Siheng had vanished into his wooden puppet which was safely tucked inside a pouch at Pei Sijing’s hip.

Wen Xiao walked slowly, almost stumbling over her own feet. She was healed of Wen Zongyu’s poison, but completely drained after using her Baize Token for hours, converting Zhao Yuanzhou's malicious energy into healing rain that fell like a benediction over Tiandu City.

The people would be healed, but there was no healing her broken heart. All their hearts, even Xiao Zhuo's, no matter how much he might deny it. He hadn’t said a word as he accompanied her through the streets, face pale and lips pressed tight. He had put a supporting hand under her elbow earlier. Now that she was exhausted, he had an arm around her waist as she leaned heavily against him.

Once upon a time, she would have teased him for being so daring towards his xiao gugu. There was no such urge now, only a gaping, aching hole in her heart, made bearable only because Zhuo Yichen was still here - and suffering just as much.

"Wen-daren, Xiao Zhuo-daren," Situ Ming greeted them once they entered the main hall. His eyes darted between the four of them. "Where’s Zhao Yuanzhou?”

“Dead." Zhuo Yichen's face twisted with grief. “Wen Xiao healed everyone using Zhao Yuanzhou’s malicious energy, but I… I killed him.”

“Xiao Zhuo, don’t.” Wen Xiao straightened up and turned to him, taking in his eyes puffy and red from the countless tears they had shed, the tiny quivers pulling at his lips, the weary slump of his shoulders. Right now, he looked almost too frail to bear the heavy mantle of commander of the Demon Hunting Bureau.

If Zhao Yuanzhou were still here -

Ah, how easy and seamless they had made it look, taking turns to lead their little group. The initial friction between Zhao Yuanzhou’s easy teasing and Zhuo Yichen’s affronted snapping, the sarcasm and the huffiness, the inevitable push and pull… that had all given way so quickly to understanding and a tacit agreement so instinctive it needed little more than a shared glance.

Except that Zhao Yuanzhou was no more. Him with his ancient wisdom, his generous and unfailing kindness, his quick wit and penchant for stating annoying remarks was gone. All she had left were the memories of his gentle eyes, loving smile and the jade love token he had carved for her.

Zhuo Yichen would have to shoulder the burden alone in the coming days. No, not alone. He still had her, Fan Ying, Pei Sijing, Ying Lei and Bai Jiu.

“Xiao Zhuo-daren, carrying out your vow was your contribution, one no less important than theirs,” Situ Ming said soberly.

Zhuo Yichen hesitated before nodding.

"How is Xiao Jiu?"

Situ Ming smiled.

“His burns are healing well and he’s sleeping. My wife is with him. As for Fan-daren…”

"A-die!" Wen Xiao’s beleaguered heart gave a little leap of hope. "I must go see how he is."

Zhuo Yichen hesitated again, looking between her and Situ Ming. Pei Sijing touched his arm.

"I will go with Wen Xiao. You go look in on Xiao Jiu."

“I want to see him too!” Ying Lei piped up.

- o –

Having reassured himself that Bai Jiu was fine, Ying Lei trudged to the kitchens to see about dinner. His two assistants were nowhere to be found and there was barely anything edible to cook with. He managed to make a pot of soup and even delivered it with the aid of a small trolley on wheels that he found.

Bai Jiu was awake now and asking about everyone, especially Zhuo Yichen. Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing were sitting beside a sleeping Fan Ying. Zhuo Yichen was sitting at the table on his balcony and staring down at his Cloud Light Sword. He thanked Ying Lei for the soup and turned down his offer of company.

Feeling somewhat dismissed, Ying Lei tried to cheer himself up with the prospect of going marketing tomorrow and went to bed.

- o –

The next morning, the people of Tiandu thronged the streets in celebration, singing the Demon Hunting Bureau’s praises for healing them, and denouncing Chongwu camp.

A steady procession of gifts – fresh and cured meats, vegetables and fruits – started arriving at the Demon Hunting Bureau’s kitchens, enough that Ying Lei didn’t have to go marketing for a week. Instead, he was left scratching his head at the baskets piling up around him, wondering what to do with all the extra food.

As day turned to dusk, the streets were lit up with lanterns, and the sky overhead with firecrackers. Inside the Demon Hunting Bureau, the mood was vastly different. Zhuo Yichen, Wen Xiao, Fan Ying, Pei Sijing, Bai Jiu and his parents turned up at the large dining hall, more in search of company than sustenance. They greeted one another with sad little smiles that died before reaching their eyes. Even though they were rested and mostly healed from the various injuries of battling Wen Zongyu, Zhen Ming and fiery barriers, no one had much appetite to enjoy Ying Lei’s hard work.

Zhuo Yichen tried his best to be an attentive host. His face softened in a smile whenever he looked at Bai Jiu, but faded again when he glanced at the empty chair on his right. Wen Xiao dabbed at her eyes when she thought no one was looking. Pei Sijing glared at the dishes before her. Bai Jiu kept his chatter to a minimum. Fan Ying, Situ Ming and Bai Yan followed his example.

Ying Lei hadn’t spent as much time with Zhao Yuanzhou as the others had due to his Mountain God duties, but he missed Zhao Yuanzhou too. Somehow, the Great Demon had endeared himself to all of them - as a leader, older brother, friend, mentor and even soulmate to Wen Xiao. As for Zhuo Yichen whose relationship with Zhao Yuanzhou had gone from hated enemy to best friend, Ying Lei couldn’t imagine how hard it must have been for him to carry out the vow he had made so readily at first.

- o –

The next two weeks were the busiest the Demon Hunting Bureau had ever been. With Chongwu camp disbanded by King Xiang, Zhuo Yichen and Pei Sijing had their hands full overseeing all demon-related cases as well as training the younger recruits they had taken in from Chongwu camp. It seemed like every waking hour was devoted to following up on leads, solving cases, training the juniors, reporting to the new Prime Mister and so on.

Wen Xiao was equally busy traveling between Tiandu and the Wilderness to ensure there was peace in both realms. In addition to treating human patients, Bai Jiu also tended to the large group of demons who had been captured and tortured by Chongwu camp. He even recruited his mother to assist and provide counselling where needed.

Ying Lei did his best to help all of them. He was thankful that Lu Wu and the other Mountain Gods were guarding Kunlun Mountain on his behalf.

- o –

When Zhuo Yichen retired to his rooms each night, he would wash up and don his sleeping robes. Then he would place his Cloud Light Sword across his knees and meditate, no matter how late the hour.

When he stabbed Zhao Yuanzhou that day, he had used the Cloud Leading Technique to extract a part of his soul. That was the good news. The bad news was, he had no idea where it went, but he hoped someone else did. During his battle with Wen Zongyu, there were moments when the Cloud Light sword had glowed unnaturally bright and he had heard the echo of a deep voice coming from within. Since it was once forged from one of Yin Long’s bones, it was possible that a speck from the last shred of his soul had clung to it. It would know where Zhao Yuanzhou’s soul was.

Except that despite his best efforts, Zhuo Yichen was unable to connect with his Cloud Light sword.

I will see you again.

The five words he had uttered with such confidence to Zhao Yuanzhou that day came back to mock him. He sniffled, close to giving in to the tears he had somehow managed to squash deep inside him. Each time he saw Wen Xiao or even thought of her, he felt wretched and guilty all over again. Even though she assured him that it was Zhao Yuanzhou’s choice, even though she spoke with gentleness, it didn’t change the fact that he had killed her beloved.

The Great Demon Zhu Yan whom he had hated for eight years only to get to know him, understand him, respect him and like him, maybe even-

How could he call himself Zhao Yuanzhou’s best friend when he couldn’t even save a tiny part of him?

“Zhao Yuanzhou!” He burst out at last. “Where are you?”

Two weeks had passed. Anything could have happened to that precious spark by now, the only thing of Zhao Yuanzhou that Zhuo Yichen had left apart from his memories, and a black and gold twig he had planted in a small pot on his table. It hadn't sparked at him since that day, but somehow, it still glared.

Two tears fell from Zhuo Yichen’s eyes, followed by more. He started weeping, head bowed over his sword as if in penance. He didn’t see his teardrops falling on his sword… or the blade starting to glow… or the tendrils of blue light emanating from it.

“Very well.”

But he did hear that deep voice. Eyes snapping open, he blinked around at the blue glow surrounding him, right before something grabbed his consciousness and yanked him inside his sword.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

“I should have planned this sooner,” Bai Jiu fretted as he carefully dished out the stir fried cabbage onto a serving plate.

“It’s fine,” Ying Lei told him, smiling. He was hard pressed not to coo at the sight Bai Jiu made, wrapped in the too large apron Ying Lei insisted that he wear. “You know how busy everyone was these past two weeks, especially you. Situ-daren also had his hands full assisting the new Prime Minister in his duties.”

“But Xiao Zhuo-ge said I could still eat with my parents. He could never do that anymore with his father and brother.”

They glanced at each other and then away, both knowing why yet unwilling to say it aloud. Ying Lei gave a theatrical sigh.

“Xiao Zhuo-ge again! Xiao Zhuo-ge this and Xiao Zhuo-ge that - ow!” He pasted on an aggrieved look at the punch Bai Jiu landed on his arm.

“He’s your favourite ge too so don’t complain,” Bai Jiu scolded him. He removed his apron and waved a hand at the tray. “Well, what do you think?”

“I am being bullied and in my domain no less,” Ying Lei declared to the empty wok. Then he crossed his arms over his chest and surveyed the tray, head tipped to one side. “A steamed carp in ginger sauce, stir fried vegetables, egg drop soup and rice.”

Giving a solemn nod, he turned and flicked a finger at Bai Jiu’s bell.

“It’s a perfect meal.”

One that he had helped Bai Jiu to prepare. Grabbing a smaller tray, Ying Lei transferred the three bowls of rice to it and added a small jug of his pomegranate wine and three cups.

“You carry this. Let’s go before the fish gets cold.” He picked up the heavier tray and headed for the door.

“Ying Lei, wait!”

One foot poised to step over the threshold, Ying Lei looked over his shoulder.

“What?”

“Thank you. I couldn’t have cooked all this without you.”

Just for the privilege of being gifted that bright smile – not Zhuo Yichen, not Wen Xiao but him, Ying Lei – he would put up with anything.

Picking up the tray, Bai Jiu marched over to him.

“Now stop blocking the doorway and let's go. The fish is getting cold!”

Even being bullied. Ying Lei sighed and led the way to one of the small side gardens where Situ Ming and Bai Yan were waiting. Setting the tray down on the round table, he smiled at them.

“Situ-daren, Bai-daren. Enjoy this meal that your son cooked.”

“With Ying Lei’s help,” Bai Jiu added, honest in front of his parents.

Ying Lei bowed his head and walked off… only to duck behind the nearest wall and peep out. Bai Jiu was pouring out three cups of wine.

“Xiao Jiu, aren’t you a little too young for wine?” Situ Ming’s quizzical smile faded when Bai Jiu stepped back from the table and knelt on the grass before them.

“What are you-“ Situ Ming broke off at Bai Yan’s hand on his arm. She shook her head at him.

“A-die, I apologise for raising my voice to you before.” Bai Jiu kowtowed, forehead to ground.

“I also apologise for thinking you had killed niangqing,” Again, Bai Jiu kowtowed, ignoring his father’s stupefied expression.

“Finally. I apologise for running away from home and leaving you alone.” Bai Jiu kowtowed a third time.

“Xiao Jiu!” Situ Ming jumped up and hurried over, falling to his knees in front of Bai Jiu. “I told you before, it was my fault for not telling you the truth, for thinking you too young! You don’t have to apologise like this!”

He threw his arms around his son. Even from where he stood, Ying Lei could see something wet glinting on his cheek. Ah, it was too bad Bai Jiu’s face was hidden in his father’s shoulder. Bai Yan gave them a minute or two before going over.

“Xiao Jiu, if you hadn’t run away, you might not have become a famous young doctor,” she teased. “The important thing is that our family is together again.”

“Your mother is right as usual.” Situ Ming dabbed at his face with his sleeve as Bai Yan did the same to Bai Jiu. “Now, let us enjoy this delicious food that you cooked for us.”

Bai Jiu beamed at them.

“With Ying Lei’s help. He’s a great cook!”

It was Ying Lei’s turn to wipe at the happy tears in his eyes as he left them to enjoy their meal.

- o -

Zhuo Yichen had to close his eyes against the blinding swirl of silver, blue and grey. As soon as his feet touched solid ground, he looked around, heart pounding. He was back at the Bingyi ancestral grounds with the shallow steps, bare wooden structures, and that empty stone monument where Ying Long’s last dragon bone had once resided for a thousand years. The only marked difference was the lack of snow on the ground and the less frigid air.

Zhuo Yichen frowned to himself. He didn’t expect the Cloud Light Sword’s inner world to be a replica of the Bingyi ancestral grounds. He supposed Ying Long would prefer a familiar landscape, even one he had been imprisoned in for so long.

The sound of soft footsteps had him spinning around, right hand instinctively moving to draw his sword only to stop halfway, frozen in shock.

“Xiao Chen, how have you been?” Zhuo Yixuan stood there, smiling.

Zhuo Yichen stared at him in disbelief, utterly derailed by the last person he expected to see here. How – why - questions tumbled through his mind, one after another, until Zhuo Yixuan opened his arms wide.  Zhuo Yichen hadn’t hugged his older brother in eight years. Longer than that, since he thought it inappropriate to do so after he turned twelve, as clingy as he had been then. There was no such reservation in him now as he rushed over to fling his arms around Zhuo Yixuan.

“Ge,” he choked out, tears already spilling from his eyes as those familiar arms closed around him just as tightly. “I’ve missed you so much!”

- o –

Zhuo Yichen lost track of time. He could have stood there for minutes or hours or days, and been happy to never move again. But at length, those arms loosened so he did the same and stepped back.

“Let ge take a good look at you,” Zhuo Yixuan said.

Too late, Zhuo Yichen realised what he must look like and ducked his head. Two strong fingers found his chin and lifted it and then Zhuo Yixuan was tenderly blotting his tears, ignoring the wetness on his own face.

“Ge, I’m not sixteen anymore,” Zhuo Yichen mumbled, face growing hot.

“I know. You’re twenty four and as tall as I am, but you will always be my beloved didi.”

“How do you know my age? And how are you here?”

Zhuo Yixuan’s smile grew, eyes warm and twinkling with gentle humour. He was dressed in their clan colours of light beige and looked like he hadn’t aged a day since…

Zhuo Yichen’s heart skipped a beat. The questions returned, each one clamouring to be voiced first, and all them centred on someone he didn’t know if he should mention.

“I know you have questions. Come, let us sit down.” Zhuo Yixuan gestured to one side where a small round table stood, complete with tray of wine jug and cups.

They sat across from each other. Zhuo Yichen forced himself to remain quiet, one fist clenched in his lap as Zhuo Yixuan poured them wine.

“One of the things I regretted was not sharing wine with you. Of course you were underage then.” Zhuo Yixuan slid over a cup and raised his own. “To my didi who has grown up strong and capable. I am so proud of him and I know our father is as well.”

Blinking back fresh tears, Zhuo Yichen drank the sweet wine, swallowing it past a throat still tight with emotion. Zhuo Yixuan smiled at him.

“To answer your second question of how am I here. Just before I died, I cut my palm on the blade of the Cloud Light sword and sealed a piece of my soul inside it. It was the only way I could remain behind in case you needed me.”

He shrugged.

“I didn’t know if it would even work, but it did. Just that I wasn’t strong enough to stay conscious. I have been sleeping for the past eight years, unaware of everything that has happened to you.”

Seeing the bitter self-recrimination from his wise and confident older brother left Zhuo Yichen tongue tied, head empty of any words of comfort and reassurance.

“Then how did you wake up?” He finally asked.

“Ah.” Zhuo Yixuan’s smile returned. “Someone else arrived. He woke me up and updated me on what happened.”

Zhuo Yichen’s heart lurched again.

Zhao Yuanzhou.

“Who was it? Who woke you up?”

“I did.”

Zhuo Yichen gaped at the person walking up the steps towards them, dressed in black and white. He was the spitting image of Zhao Yuanzhou except that his hair was jet black with slight waves. On his forehead was a black symbol with two horizontal lines on either side while a single, black line ran from his chin down his throat. His voice lacked the deep timbre of that powerful, echoing voice at the Bingyi ancestral grounds, but Zhuo Yichen knew it was the same one he had heard from his sword.

“Ying Long-daren.” He stood up and clasped his hands together, bowing low.

“Enough.” Two hands closed around his arms and raised him. “You already kowtowed to me thrice before.”

“Y-you look like-” Zhuo Yichen cut himself off, vexed for stammering. “I mean, I am glad a part of your soul made it in here.”

“I don’t know why I decided to cling to this existence,” Ying Long said, “when I had already lived for a thousand years without Bingyi.”

“I am glad you did,” Zhuo Yichen replied, still longing to ask about Zhao Yuanzhou. “So you were the one who updated xiongzhang on everything that has happened?”

“Only what I know.” Ying Long smiled, the sweet familiarity of it giving Zhuo Yichen another pang. “As for the rest…”

He turned to look in the direction of Qijuan Cave. Zhuo Yichen followed his gaze and felt his poor heart skip yet another beat at the sight of the figure emerging from it.

“Zhao Yuanzhou.” He was moving before he knew it, stepping past Zhuo Yixuan and Ying Long, running and then flying down those steps like he had wings on his feet.

“Zhao Yuanzhou!”

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

It was almost two in the morning when Wen Xiao returned to the Demon Hunting Bureau. Yawning and heavy lidded, she pushed open one of the heavy doors and stepped inside the inner courtyard. The sight of two figures sitting close together on the steps of the main hall was a heart-warming one, one that made her smile despite her exhaustion. They jumped up in unison, Pei Sijing approaching her at a swift clip while Pei Siheng followed a step behind.

“You’re late. What happened?” Pei Sijing reached for Wen Xiao’s nearest hand and frowned. “Your hand is like ice!”

“Lu Wu caught me at the Kunlun gates and wanted to go over the rules regar – ahh…” Wen Xiao covered her yawn with her other hand. “Excuse me.”

“Rules can wait,” Pei Sijing told her in a reproving tone. “You need sleep.”

“Wen Xiao-jiejie, I’m glad you’re back,” Pei Siheng said with a smile. “I’ll leave you two to catch up.”

He disappeared inside his puppet body before either female could say anything.

“Pei-jiejie, I’m hungry. Any leftovers from dinner?” Wen Xiao put on a wheedling tone, linking her arm with Pei Sijing and giving her a slight pout.

“No, but I’m perfectly capable of cooking a bowl of noodles. Come on.”

- o –

Zhuo Yichen came to an abrupt halt before he could slam into an increasingly wide eyed Zhao Yuanzhou who looked like he didn’t know if he should stay put or flee. Chest heaving, heart slamming against his ribcage, Zhuo Yichen stared at him with a mind too full of words, yet empty at the same time.

“Long time no see.” Zhao Yuanzhou’s voice was soft, like his eyes.

“Long time no see,” Zhuo Yichen echoed shakily and exhaled, a huff that was one part laughter and one part sob.

“Xiao Zhuo, you fulfilled your vow and saved a piece of my soul.” Zhao Yuanzhou smiled at him. “You don’t have to feel guilty anymore.”

He knew.

Of course he knew of the torment Zhuo Yichen had been in these past two weeks, desperately trying to connect with his sword, often waking up to find himself slumped over his table instead of lying in bed, increasingly haunted by the fear that he had failed to save a piece of Zhao Yuanzhou’s soul after all.

Zhao Yuanzhou knew which was why he looked so calm. Understanding. Even benevolent.

Zhuo Yichen wanted to hit him for it.

“Well, now that you are here,” Zhao Yuanzhou said, “how about a proper greeting?”

Zhuo Yichen punched him in the chest.

“Ow! What was-“

Zhuo Yichen flung his arms around him.

“Oof! Xiao Zhuo?”

“Shut up.”

“I just want-“

“If you’re not going to hug me back, then at least be quiet!”

“That depends. Are you going to hit me again?” Zhao Yuanzhou sounded pitiful.

Teeth grinding together, Zhuo Yichen drew back only for two arms to snake around his back and pull him in again.

“You did it, Xiao Zhuo,” Zhao Yuanzhou whispered in his ear. “Thank you.”

It was the last two words that did it. Zhuo Yichen slumped in his embrace, tears soaking into the soft black and white strands of hair. He was trembling or perhaps Zhao Yuanzhou was. He didn’t care. He was content to remain here like this for-

Someone cleared their throat. It was like being doused in icy water.

Startled, Zhuo Yichen yanked his arms from around Zhao Yuanzhou’s neck and pushed at his chest to put some space between them. Heat rose in his neck and burned in his cheeks, skin prickling all over.

“Xiao Zhuo.” Stumbling back a step, Zhao Yuanzhou stared at him with stunned, hurt eyes like he had no idea whatsoever why they shouldn’t be embracing so shamelessly in front of Zhuo Yichen’s older brother and an ancient great demon.

“At the risk of repeating myself,” Ying Long said with a chuckle, “Bingyi once said that the two most beautiful things in the world are a false alarm and a reunion after a long separation.”

“It wasn’t that long,” Zhuo Yichen muttered, wiping his cheeks.

“It was to me.” Zhao Yuanzhou went to stand shoulder to shoulder with him and even nudged him a little.

Zhuo Yichen nudged him back and regretted it instantly. He glared at him only to be met with a soft smile which teased an answering one from him.

“So...” Zhuo Yixuan began.

Zhuo Yichen froze, smile vanishing as he remembered what had happened eight years ago during the Blood Moon. He lifted almost fearful eyes to Zhuo Yixuan.

What should he say?

I’m sorry, but I now regard the great demon Zhu Yan, who killed you and fuqin and countless others, as my best friend.

I’m sorry, but I have also become a demon, the very thing I had nightmares about.

Zhuo Yixuan smiled at him and Zhao Yuanzhou.

“It’s alright, didi. I have already reconciled myself to what happened in the past. Shall we all go sit down?”

- o –

Again, Zhuo Yichen lost track of time as he recounted the events of the past two weeks to his rapt audience. Never once did he imagine that he would one day drink wine with his beloved brother, his best friend and his benefactor. If he couldn’t stop smiling the entire time and his eyes were constantly wet like Zhao Yuanzhou’s, the other two didn’t mention it.

“So, Chongwu camp is no more,” Zhuo Yixuan mused, topping up their wine from the seemingly bottomless jug. “That is good news.”

“As is taking care of all the demons they have captured and tortured,” Ying Long added.

“Full credit for that goes to Xiao Jiu and his parents,” Zhuo Yichen was quick to say.

“But the credit for taking care of Li Lun goes to you,” Zhao Yuanzhou said, his eyes holding a silent question.

“Don’t worry. His pot sits on my balcony and gets maximum sunshine and rain,” Zhuo Yichen answered it anyway. “I daresay he will sprout his first leaves in a day or two.”

His heart gave a pang at Zhao Yuanzhou’s wide smile, the same way it did whenever he saw Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao smiling at each other.

“Xiao Chen, do you remember what I told you before?” Zhuo Yixuan said. “Fuqin was right to use the word ‘Chen’ in your name. You bear its weight well, providing a roof that shelters all, a roof that makes a home. You have a home and a family again. I couldn’t be happier.”

Zhuo Yichen’s throat tightened as he nodded. He was starting to feel fuzzy and lightheaded. All this weeping – or perhaps the wine - was taking a toll on him.

“Are you alright?” Zhuo Yixuan’s smile morphed into a frown as he touched his shoulder.

“Xiao Zhuo?” Zhao Yuanzhou’s hand clamped onto his other shoulder.

“He has spent too long here,” Ying Long said.

Shaking his head, Zhuo Yichen squeezed his eyes shut, hearing their words muffled as if coming from afar. There was a light touch on his forehead, followed by an odd sensation – icy cold yet burning – rippling through him from head to toe. In an instant, he felt refreshed and grounded with his senses restored. Opening his eyes, he met Ying Long’s gaze.

“You have spent almost four hours inside your sword. Unlike us, your soul is still tethered to your body so you must return now. Besides, your friends are waiting for you.”

Zhuo Yichen blinked, chagrined to realise he had all but forgotten where he was. Wen Xiao was supposed to return from the Wilderness tonight.

“I can come back here?” He asked Ying Long who hesitated before nodding.

“Perhaps once a month and briefly, or your health and cultivation will suffer.”

Unbidden, Zhuo Yichen’s eyes went Zhao Yuanzhou who nodded at him.

“I will help these two to cultivate as fast as possible, to allow them to gain human form again,” Ying Long continued, holding up a hand to forestall Zhuo Yichen’s question. “But I cannot say how long it will take.”

“Thank you, Ying Long-daren.” Zhuo Yichen stood up and stumbled. Two hands grabbed his arms and steadied him.

“I will see you all again,” he said firmly.

“You will likely be weakened when you return,” Ying Long cautioned. “Rest first before resuming your duties.”

“Take care of yourself, Xiao Chen,” Zhuo Yixuan added.

Zhao Yuanzhou didn’t say anything, but his smile was the last thing Zhuo Yichen saw before he was surrounded by blinding blue light once more.

- o –

“… Zhuo? Xiao Zhuo?”

With an effort, Zhuo Yichen opened his eyes, slowly focusing on Wen Xiao’s white face before turning to look at Pei Sijing, Bai Jiu and Ying Lei hovering around him. He was lying in bed and his bedroom was bright with morning sunlight.

“Wen Xiao. Pei-daren, Xiao Jiu, Ying Lei.” Trying to sit up, Zhuo Yichen found he could barely move, his body heavy and his arms weak. Wen Xiao and Bai Jiu pulled him upright and Ying Lei quickly tucked a pillow behind his back.

“Xiao Zhuo, the servants said they found you sleeping out there a few times.” Wen Xiao gestured to the table on the balcony.

“I’m glad you’re back,” Zhuo Yichen told her.

“Don’t change the subject!”

“Zhuo-daren, we have been trying to wake you up for the past hour,” Pei Sijing said, to the point as usual.

“Xiao Zhuo-ge, you scared us!” Bai Jiu burst out. “You were so pale and still, I thought… I thought…“

He broke off and sniffled, still clutching at Zhuo Yichen’s arm. With an effort, Zhuo Yichen raised it and rested his hand on Bai Jiu’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry to have scared you, Xiao Jiu. All of you. Can I have some water, please?”

A brimming cup nudged his lips almost before he finished speaking, a few drops spilling onto his robe. He gulped it down and handed the cup back to Ying Lei with a nod of thanks. A bubble of giddy relief was welling up inside him, growing too big to ignore. Taking a steadying breath, he looked at each of them in turn.

“When I stabbed Zhao Yuanzhou two weeks ago, I used the Cloud Leading Technique to extract a part of his soul.”

Wen Xiao inhaled sharply and grabbed his hand, her eyes going round.

“You did… what? Zhao Yuanzhou, he - he’s…”

Zhuo Yichen smiled at her, proud and relieved and a little tearful at the same time.

“I’ve found him.”

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Wen Xiao pressed her other hand to her mouth, shaking as her eyes welled up with tears.

“He’s still alive?”

“Xiao Zhuo-ge, you saved a part of his soul, that’s great!” Bai Jiu cheered.

“Xiao Zhuo-daren is awesome,” Ying Lei declared.

Pei Sijing didn’t say anything, but her gaze was fixed on Wen Xiao’s tear streaked face.

“Where is he now?” Wen Xiao asked, her fingers tightening like a vice around Zhuo Yichen’s hand.

“I will explain everything,” he assured her, “but first - Ying Lei, please bring Li Lun’s pot over here.”

The last thing he wanted was for it to sulk at him for being left out. The tiny smile on Wen Xiao’s lips likely meant she was thinking along the same lines as she quickly jumped up and made room for the pot on the bedside table. They were all committed to taking care of Li Lun after hearing of his sacrifice during that battle with Wen Zongyu. They also had a few choice words to say to him which resulted in the twig trembling almost violently until Zhuo Yichen told them all – Li Lun included – to stop it.

Once everyone was seated again, he started recounting what happened from the moment his soul was sucked inside his sword up until he returned. Wen Xiao’s smile widened when Zhuo Yichen came to the part where he saw Zhao Yuanzhou, even as tears tracked silently down her cheeks. When he concluded with Ying Long’s promise to help Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan cultivate new bodies, her smile brightened even more, chasing away the sorrow that had shadowed her face for the past two weeks.

“We’ll wait for him – for them - to return no matter how long it takes,” she vowed and flung her arms around Zhuo Yichen’s neck. “Xiao Zhuo, this is wonderful news!”

Zhuo Yichen lifted leaden arms to hug her back, breathing in the flowery scent of her hair, feeling her rapid heartbeat against his own, sharing in her elation. Over her shoulder, he caught a glimpse of Pei Sijing’s despondent eyes and downturned lips before she looked away. His heart gave a painful squeeze and his joy dimmed, arms falling back to his sides.

Wen Xiao drew back and framed his face with trembling hands. Her eyes were still bright with tears, but she attempted a stern look.

“Xiao Zhuo, why didn’t you tell me what you’d done? You let me grieve for two whole weeks thinking I’d lost him forever. And not just me, but all of us!”

“I’m sorry,” Zhuo Yichen apologised at once, glancing at the others to include them. “I had to make sure I succeeded before telling you all.”

“So you hid yourself away every night,” Pei Sijing added, “trying to access your sword.”

Zhuo Yichen nodded.

“You were grieving for him too, weren’t you?” Wen Xiao’s smile was gentle, but her eyes were too keen for his comfort. He dropped his gaze, skin prickling at the thought that perhaps he had been too transparent when talking about Zhao Yuanzhou. Or maybe he hadn’t, but Wen Xiao had always been perceptive.

Sitting back, she wiped her cheeks and took a few breaths to compose herself.

“I just wish I knew how long - I wish I could see him.”

“Me too, Wen-jiejie,” Bai Jiu said, patting her arm.

“Me three,” Ying Lei said stoutly.

“Mm,” Pei Sijing said. Her stomach gave a loud gurgle and she looked embarrassed.

“Say no more!” Ying Lei brightened up at once. “I cooked a big pot of rice congee for breakfast!”

The thought of eating right now made Zhuo Yichen feel nauseous. He shook his head when Ying Lei looked at him.

“You should rest, Xiao Zhuo” Wen Xiao said at once. “No work for you today.”

“But-“

“Wen Xiao-jiejie is right,” Bai Jiu said. “As daifu, I order you to be on bedrest for two days.”

“But-“ Zhuo Yichen tried again.

“Xiao Jiu is right. I will handle things here,” Pei Sijing’s voice brooked no refusal. “Don’t forget, I used to be Commander of Chongwu camp.”

Zhuo Yichen wanted to protest again, but his head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. Truth to tell, he couldn’t even recall what was on his schedule for today and his eyes were already closing of their own accord. Careful hands helped him to lie back down and then the covers were drawn over him. Forcing his eyelids open, he saw Bai Jiu and Ying Lei fussily tucking him in.

“Sleep now, Xiao Zhuo. Everything else can wait.” Wen Xiao’s face entered his vision, blurring when she leaned down to press soft lips to his forehead.

Great - his first kiss of any kind and he was only one step above being comatose. Paying no mind to Bai Jiu’s squeak, Ying Lei’s snort and some scuffling noises, he smiled at Wen Xiao or tried to. He didn’t know if he succeeded before he fell asleep.

- o –

The next time Zhuo Yichen opened his eyes, it was dark and he was alone. He tried to sit up and failed. His body felt even heavier than before. Gritting his teeth, he sucked in a deep breath and turned onto his side, very slowly levering up on one elbow and grunting at the effort.

A soft, almost enquiring spark from his bedside table drew his attention. He squinted at the outline of Li Lun’s pot.

“Sorry, were you here the whole day? I’ll take you out to the balcony in the morning.”

There was a covered cup of water beside the pot, but it seemed like too much effort to reach for it. With a sigh, Zhuo Yichen collapsed back onto his pillow. His earlier elation at finding not just Zhao Yuanzhou, but also Zhuo Yixuan and Ying Long had dimmed, thanks to a couple of belated realisations.

All three were mere shreds of their souls trapped inside the Cloud Light sword. Ying Long had promised to help them cultivate new bodies, but there was no telling how long that would take.

What if it needed a hundred years, like Li Lun?

And was Zhuo Yixuan strong enough to cultivate a new body as well?

Or was he doomed to stay inside the Cloud Light sword forever, unable to leave his prison because he had wanted to watch over his younger brother?

Zhuo Yichen’s breath hitched.

Even the thought of Zhao Yuanzhou’s eventual return was tinged with melancholy. He belonged with Wen Xiao. Once he came back, they would be free to embrace their love and build a new life together.

Eyes stinging, Zhuo Yichen curled in on himself. He used to burn with jealousy whenever he saw them together or exchanging soft smiles with each other. Now, all he felt was wistful envy. He had always known he had a crush on Wen Xiao. He was also aware that his hatred of Zhao Yuanzhou had long since turned into friendship, loyalty, respect and trust. He wasn’t quite sure when it had turned into something deeper, something more.

He missed Zhao Yuanzhou, missed his calm presence and that utmost confidence like nothing on earth could faze him.

He missed Zhao Yuanzhou’s keen observation and analytical mind, his easy teasing and his ridiculous pretence at being cowed by Zhuo Yichen when they both knew he wasn't.

He missed having someone so powerful and capable by his side – by their side - someone he knew would keep all of them safe without being asked, someone who would guard his back without being told.

He missed how complete he felt when Zhao Yuanzhou was with them, like his family was together and whole, with no one missing.

He even – Heaven help him - missed that breathless, fluttery feeling in his chest whenever Zhao Yuanzhou teased him with serious words and playful eyes. He knew he shouldn't be taken in so easily especially when there was no point to it all.

Zhao Yuanzhou was Wen Xiao's. They had known each other before he brought her to stay at the Bureau. They were the strongest Great Demon and the Baize Goddess – destined to be together, destined to bring peace to the Wilderness and the Mortal Realm.

And yet, Zhuo Yichen had still fallen in love with both of them. Closing his eyes, he ignored the slow trickle of tears soaking into his pillow. He was so, so messed up.

How was it possible to love two people at the same time?

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start -

When Zhuo Yichen next woke up, early morning sunlight was stealing through his windows once more. He tried to sit up and groaned, still feeling like he had been run over by a carriage. He was also hungry and thirsty. Rolling onto his side, he pushed himself up, grunting with the effort, only to blink at two tiny leaves on Li Lun’s twig.

“Li Lun, just because I told Zhao Yuanzhou you were going to sprout leaves soon doesn’t mean you have to do it right away.”

Reaching for the covered cup, Zhuo Yichen frowned at how unsteady his hand was. He gulped down the tea, cold but refreshing on his parched throat, and almost choked when he saw a third leaf – even tinier than the previous two - unfurling between them.

“What did I just say?” He huffed, equal parts exasperated and impressed. Swinging his legs out of bed, he tried to get up and almost fell over.

- o -

It was Ying Lei who brought Zhuo Yichen his meals and sat with him while he ate. Pei Sijing and Fan Ying were handling both cases and trainees while Bai Jiu had followed his parents back home despite being reluctant to leave ‘his Xiao Zhuo-ge all alone’, according to a huffy Ying Lei. Zhuo Yichen had to smile at that. The Situ family deserved to spend some time together after being torn apart for so many years. Wen Xiao had also left for the Wilderness to help Lu Wu finalise the rules for demon conduct when in the Mortal Realm.

“She just got back,” Zhuo Yichen said. Inwardly, he was somewhat relieved. The glint he spotted in her eyes yesterday meant that she was going to probe him for more details about his meeting with Zhao Yuanzhou, or his feelings for him, or both.

- o -

To Zhuo Yichen’s chagrin, two whole days passed before he could walk from his bedroom to the main hall without breaking out in a sweat or pausing to lean against the wall. It took him the rest of the week to complete a basic version of his daily sword practice without feeling like he would keel over. A full two weeks passed before he felt like his old self again.

It looked like Ying Long was right to limit any future visits to an hour and once a month only.

As a form of distraction, Zhuo Yichen threw himself into his work and set about making the Demon Hunting Bureau as strong as possible. He also got the servants to scrub the roof tiles to ensure not a single blade of grass remained, and personally checked the results himself. It wasn’t that he was trying to impress a certain great demon when he returned, but simply a matter of pride. He wasn’t trying to hide from Wen Xiao either. As he suspected, she had developed a habit of looking for him to tease him about liking Zhao Yuanzhou.

It wouldn’t be half as annoying if it weren’t true… or if he didn’t get flustered each time…. or if Li Lun wasn’t within earshot. Wen Xiao thought it amusing when the latter shook his leaves at her only to turn around and scold him when one of them fell off.

- o –

“Now, tell me what he looked like.”

Zhuo Yichen smiled, unable to refuse Wen Xiao’s eager eyes and sweet smile. After all, he had seen Zhao Yuanzhou almost a month ago, but she hadn’t. His next visit, if Ying Long kept his promise, would be in a day or two. He couldn’t wait.

Seeing how eager she was, he took a few moments to enjoy his bowl of stewed snow pear. He also made a mental note to praise Ying Lei for adding a handful of goji berries.

“Xiao Zhuo?” Wen Xiao sounded reproachful.

Zhuo Yichen set down his bowl obediently, lips quirking at the rustling sound from one corner of the balcony. He had moved Li Lun’s pot out there earlier to catch the light rain that started after dinner. He had also re-potted him now that he had grown taller and produced a dozen leaves.

Even though Li Lun was a great demon with excellent hearing, Zhuo Yichen went to carry the pot back to the table.

“Zhao Yuanzhou was wearing the same outfit as when we fought Wen Zongyu at Kunlun Mountain. Half white, half black.” Zhuo Yichen pretended not to see Wen Xiao’s hand clasping the bracelet Zhao Yuanzhou had given her.

“What was the first thing he said to you after you almost bowled him over in your eagerness?”

Zhuo Yichen shot her his most reproving look even as his cheeks heated up.

“Long time no see. I said the same thing back to him.”

An onlooker might think their exchange similar to that of a child demanding to hear an oft repeated tale again and again, one they already knew by heart. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t refuse, not when indulging Wen Xiao made her lovely face light up while happy tears shone in her eyes. Not when he himself relished going over those same moments again and again (and again and again when he was alone).

“And how did he look like when he saw you?”

“… happy?”

“Xiao Zhuo.”

Zhuo Yichen smiled.

“He looked very happy. He was smiling and his eyes…” Trailing off, he pressed his lips together. His ears felt hot. Even in the privacy of his balcony, it seemed too intimate to say such things aloud. Even to someone who loved Zhao Yuanzhou as much, if not more.

“In other words, a sight for sore eyes, right?”

“Wen Xiao!” Zhuo Yichen’s protest sounded feeble even to his own ears. Wen Xiao’s eyes were dancing with merriment, but held that sharp keenness as when she was puzzling over something. He hurriedly looked down, hearing the faint clinks of porcelain as she enjoyed her dessert.

“It’s inevitable, isn't it?” She asked after a while.

“What is?” He sounded defensive, even to his own ears.

“Falling in love with him.”

“Wen Xiao!” He sputtered again, head snapping back up. He had known her for eight years. He should have expected this directness, but he hadn’t, foolishly thinking that she would be more reticent when it came to Zhao Yuanzhou.

"I’m not,” he lied.

Wen Xiao - childhood sweetheart, goddess of his heart, and absolute angel - just laughed out loud like the evil woman she truly was.

“You’re horrible at lying, you know,” she told him with a sweet smile to offset her brutal honesty.

“But I love-“ Zhuo Yichen broke off and looked away, heat pulsing in his cheeks. She had to know how he felt about her, how his heart skipped a beat when he saw her first thing in the morning, how it squeezed tight when she was hurt, how it beat so joyfully when she was happy.

“But you love me too.”

He darted a brief glance at her.

"You always ask me to call you xiao gugu," he muttered, just a tiny bit resentful and feeling all of sixteen when she laughed again with pink flushed cheeks. He was Commander of the Demon Hunting Bureau. He was a Great Demon and a whole head taller besides, but he still felt as awkward as any teenager with their first crush.

"You’re overthinking again."

Gentle fingertips touched his chin and turned his face back. Wen Xiao was leaning over the table with a chiding look on her face. He looked back down as traitorous tears started stinging his eyes.

"Xiao Zhuo. Look at me."

He couldn’t disobey.

"I love Zhao Yuanzhou, but I also love you."

Zhuo Yichen blinked. Right. Of course. One was a romantic love while the other was purely platonic.

What was that line he had spouted to Bai Jiu a while back, about taking care of a rose and being happy just to see it flourish and grow more beautiful?

Well, it no longer applied to what he felt for Wen Xiao.

"I know.” It was hard to smile, but he managed it. Somehow.

"I don't think you do so let me make it clearer."

Wen Xiao’s face blurred. There was a puff of pear sweetened breath, followed by the press of soft lips against his own. When she drew back, he gaped at her, mouth open.

“Wen Xiao… are you – do you – do you mean that?” His heart was pounding away, echoing in his ears.

She frowned at him.

“I mean…” Zhuo Yichen licked his lips, giddy all over again. He reached for her hands and held them tightly in his own shaking ones. “I love you. I’ve loved you for so long, I just never dared to – wait. What about Zhao Yuanzhou?”

“What about him?” Despite the casual tone, there was the tiniest edge to Wen Xiao’s voice, something glinting in her eyes before it was gone, and she was smiling gently again.

 You kissed me!” Zhuo Yichen blurted out and winced. Stating the obvious.

Wen Xiao laughed, soft and deeply fond.

“Xiao Zhuo, Zhao Yuanzhou was ready to die for us, for everyone in Tiandu. Do you really think he would mind? He loves you too, you know.”

Zhuo Yichen gulped, hanging onto her every word like the besotted fool he was.

“He doesn’t mind how I feel about Pei Sijing either.”

“Wen Xiao!” And Zhuo Yichen’s thoughts derailed for the third time in as many minutes. It wasn’t that he was unaware of the something the two ladies shared, or how Pei Sijing had looked when Wen Xiao hugged him, but to have it stated out loud…

“Oh, Xiao Zhuo, your face!” And Wen Xiao started laughing again at his expense.

Zhuo Yichen scowled at her. Well, excuse him for having his world turned upside down and inside out. Then he sighed and thumbed away the wetness on her face, even leaning in to kiss her in return. This was all sorts of mixed up and confusing. He had no idea how everything - or anything - was going to work out, but Wen Xiao loved him too and was sure that Zhao Yuanzhou did as well.

Zhuo Yichen clung to that and didn’t dare hope for anything more.

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

After dinner the next evening, Zhuo Yichen retired to his rooms. Wen Xiao, Pei Sijing and Ying Lei insisted on following him despite knowing they wouldn’t be able to enter the Cloud Light sword’s inner world.

“We just want to see what happens,” Ying Lei said.

“And make sure you return safely,” Pei Sijing added, looking off to one side.

“So you can tell us what happened at once,” Wen Xiao continued with a serene smile. “Including what Zhao Yuanzhou says when he sees you dressed up so nicely.”

“Oh?” Ying Lei looked between them, eyes bright with curiosity.

Zhuo Yichen scowled, ears growing hot. He had used this afternoon’s meeting with the new Prime Minister as an excuse to wear formal robes of silvery blue with shimmering beads adorning the collar and sleeves. His embarrassment faded when he saw Wen Xiao looking wistfully at the Cloud Light sword in his hand. She had tried to connect with it many times through meditation and using her Baize power - but nothing happened.

Zhuo Yichen knew he could since he was its current owner, and both sword and his demon core were fashioned from Ying Long’s dragon bones. He still felt guilty on seeing her downcast expression.

They all gathered around his table with Ying Lei setting down a basket of snacks next to Li Lun’s pot ‘to while away the time while we wait’.

Settling on his cushion, Zhuo Yichen placed his hands on the blade of the Cloud Light sword and closed his eyes.

“Zhuo Yichen.” Ying Long’s echoing voice sounded after a minute or two. “I can sense your impatience to see Zhu Yan again.”

Zhuo Yichen suppressed a sigh and opened his eyes, seeing the excited smiles on the faces of his little audience.

“Ying Long-daren. Yes, I am… ready to see you three again.” He managed to stop himself from using ‘eager’ or ‘longing’ or worse, ‘desperate’.

“Very well.” Ying Long still sounded amused as the blade of the Cloud Light sword began to glow.

“Xiao Zhuo, tell Zhao Yuanzhou I…” Wen Xiao hesitated, almost but not quite glancing at Pei Sijing beside her. “Tell him that we all miss him dearly.”

“I will,” Zhuo Yichen promised.

All at once, the blue glow intensified, tendrils circling around him in a blinding embrace. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to be pulled in.

When he next opened his eyes, Zhao Yuanzhou was standing before him, smiling with arms held wide in welcome.

“Xiao Zhuo!”

A surge of bubbling, giddy warmth rushed through Zhuo Yichen at once, sending his heart racing.

“Zhao Yuanzhou!” He covered the distance between them with half a dozen large strides, arms lifting in turn before he froze. His impetuous hug during his previous visit could be explained by profound relief at having succeeded in saving a piece of Zhao Yuanzhou’s soul. But now-

“Ah, Xiao Zhuo-daren, why so shy?” It was Zhao Yuanzhou who took the initiative this time, eyes gleaming brightly as he wrapped his arms around Zhuo Yichen. “You are such a sight for sore eyes.”

Fighting a pleased smile, Zhuo Yichen hugged him back, reassured by how shaky Zhao Yuanzhou’s breath was beside his ear.

“I’ve missed you.” The words escape his lips unbidden, so much easier to say when he wasn’t looking Zhao Yuanzhou in the eye. “So have Wen Xiao and the others.”

“I miss everyone too.” Zhao Yuanzhou’s voice was choked up, lips tickling the shell of Zhuo Yichen’s ear. “Especially Wen Xiao and you.”

Zhuo Yichen tried not to squirm. It looked like Wen Xiao was right.

“Shouldn’t you miss her more than me?” Again, the words slipped out without his permission.

Zhao Yuanzhou went very still.

“I should?”

Frowning, Zhuo Yichen pulled back. He didn’t care if Zhao Yuanzhou was teasing him, he still didn’t want Zhao Yuanzhou to put him before Wen Xiao.

“You are my closest friend, but Wen Xiao is your beloved. The one you wanted to marry, the one you gifted a love token to.”

Zhao Yuanzhou stared at him, looking a little lost for words.

“Of course I miss her the most,” he said, looking somewhat guilty.

Good,” Zhuo Yichen replied.

“But I also-“

Someone cleared their throat. Zhuo Yichen looked over his shoulder to see Zhuo Yixuan and Ying Long approaching them and quickly took a step back.

“Xiongzhang. Ying Long-daren.” Zhuo Yichen bowed to Ying Long.

“Xiao Chen, how have you been?” A smiling Zhuo Yixuan stepped forward and hugged Zhuo Yichen.

“Zhuo Yichen, you should not stay here longer than an hour.” Ying Long’s words were both a reminder and a warning.

“I know.”

 “Good. I know you are eager to have Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan return to you. I still cannot say how long it will take but there is something you can do to speed it up.”

“Anything,” Zhuo Yichen says at once.

“Ah, Xiao Zhuo-daren is not only handsome and righteous, but also soft hearted and dreadfully impulsive.”

“Shut up,” Zhuo Yichen muttered to Zhao Yuanzhou.

“Zhuo Yichen, do you have another sword you can use?” Ying Long asked, sharing a glance of amusement with Zhuo Yixuan.

“Not a personal one,” Zhuo Yichen replied. “I have only used the Cloud Light sword ever since… it passed to me. But the Demon Hunting Bureau has spare weapons, of course.”

“In that case, take this sword to the Bingyi ancestral grounds and place it inside the stone monument. Those stones have housed my last dragon bone for a thousand years and are saturated with my spiritual energy. They hold a lot more power than this weak speck of soul you see before you.”

Zhuo Yichen stared at him. Was this the rumoured ancient treasure of the Bingyi ancestral grounds?

“I should’ve thought of that,” he said, lips pressed thin in chagrin. They had wasted six weeks already!

“No. I should have, not you.” Ying Long smiled at him. “But before doing that, I would suggest coating the blade with the blood of your friends – a few drops will suffice. After all, you have at your disposal the power of the Baize goddess, gods and divine trees, demons and immortals. And of course, your own blood. This will not only strengthen the sword, but boost the power of my spiritual energy in those stones.”

“We have two others,” Zhao Yuanzhou said.

Ying Long nodded.

“The Pei siblings, of course. They may lack spiritual energy, but make up for it with the strength of martial arts and the will to protect.”

“Thank you for your counsel, Ying Long-daren. I will ask them all,” Zhuo Yichen promised. His eyes went to Zhuo Yixuan who had remained silent during this exchange. “Will this also help xiongzhang in any way?”

The puzzled glances Zhuo Yixuan and Ying Long exchanged made him frown.

“Of course, didi. Don’t forget, I am Bingyi’s descendent as well,” Zhuo Yixuan reminded him with a teasing smile.

“Ah! Right!” Blushing, Zhuo Yichen ignored a snickering Zhao Yuanzhou.

“Shall we sit down with a cup of wine for the remainder of your time?” Zhuo Yixuan suggested. “I want to know everything that has happened this past month.”

- o –

Two days later, Zhuo Yichen led a group of people to the Kunlun Mountain God temple. Among them were Bai Yan who agreed to donate some of her blood and Bai Jiu who was only too happy to be with his second family again. Lu Wu welcomed them and even passed over a small bottle containing a few drops of his blood.

“At this rate, we’ll be blinded by the Cloud Light sword's glow,” Pei Sijing said, deadpan. Everyone exchanged glances, unsure if she was joking until Pei Siheng chuckled and nudged his sister’s arm.

The Qijuan cave looked a little different from before.

“What happened to all the skeletons lying here?” Wen Xiao asked, looking around her.

“I cleared them away yesterday,” Ying Lei replied, looking rather proud of himself. “I buried all the bones in a mass grave nearby and said a prayer for their souls.”

“Thank you. As expected of a true Mountain God,” Zhuo Yichen told him gravely and patted his shoulder. “Let’s go, everyone.”

They emerged into the snowswept clearing of the Bingyi ancestral grounds with the snow falling from grey skies. Ahead of them was the series of shallow steps leading up to the empty stone monument.

Bai Yan, Bai Jiu and Pei Siheng who hadn’t seen this place before looked around with interest while Ying Lei cast a spell which made golden sigils shimmer in the air before disappearing.

“This barrier will alert Lu-daren and me if anyone – demon or monster - comes close,” he promised with a steely look in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Yichen went up the steps to the stone monument. Unsheathing the Cloud Light sword, he made a shallow cut on his palm. Immediately, the blade began to glow blue. He held out the sword to Wen Xiao who ran her palm across the blade. It flashed the briefest gold before returning to blue.

“Wen Xiao, just a drop or two is enough,” Zhuo Yichen protested even though it was too late.

She just smiled at him and removed a small bottle from her belt.

“Diedie wants to contribute too even though he’s considered a baby demon.”

“Of course. Fan-daren is worthy in whatever form." Zhuo Yichen watched her shake a few drops on the Cloud Light sword blade as the others approached them. “Who’s next?”

Ying Lei gestured for Bai Yan to go first followed by Bai Jiu who insisted on donating his blood as well. Then Ying Lei added his and Lu Wu’s. Pei Sijing and Pei Siheng also took their turn. Without being asked, Bai Yan used her spiritual energy to heal all their cuts.

“Thank you, everyone,” Zhuo Yichen said. Without sheathing the sword, he placed it in the rectangular space where it fitted perfectly. A soft humming sound began emanating from the stones.

“All done!” Ying Lei announced.

“What about Li Lun?” Wen Xiao removed a familiar looking pot from her sleeve and held it up.

“Eh?” Ying Lei looked taken aback. He wasn’t the only one.

“You brought him here?” Pei Sijing asked, frowning.

“In your sleeve??” Bai Jiu’s voice squeaked at the last word.

Wen Xiao just smiled at them.

“We thought that Li Lun might also benefit from the spiritual energy here,” Zhuo Yichen explained. “Except there’s no space for his pot.”

“I can’t put him on the ground. He won’t like being snowed under,” Wen Xiao looked around as if expecting a table to appear.

 “Well, I have an idea,” Bai Jiu announced, holding up his index finger before spinning around. “Niangqing!”

He went to pull Bai Yan over by her sleeve. After listening to Wen Xiao’s explanation, she nodded.

“I am no gardener, but I think I have a solution.” Holding out her left palm, she waved her right in a graceful, circular motion. Golden light spiralled out from her fingers, morphing into slender beige vines that intertwined each other on her left palm.

“It looks like a nest,” Pei Siheng said, head tipped to one side.

“A cave,” Pei Sijing decided.

It was both, with the back of the nest curving over like an overhang. Zhuo Yichen caught Wen Xiao’s eye and hurriedly looked away before he could start laughing. He could feel the affronted vibes coming from Li Lun.

“Almost done,” Bai Yan said calmly. Additional vines, thicker this time, tied the nest to the stones, anchoring it on the same level as the Cloud Light sword.

“It’s perfect!” Wen Xiao declared.

“It is also strong enough to hold Xiao Jiu’s weight,” Bai Yan assured her.

Wen Xiao carefully placed the pot in it and nodded, smiling.

“There’s still room to grow. Thank you, Bai-daren.”

Zhuo Yichen echoed her thanks and smiled at Bai Jiu’s proud grin.

“Well, I guess that’s it then?” Ying Lei prompted. “I promised Lu-daren I would guard the temple for a few days while he visits the other mountain gods.”

Li Lun’s leaves rustled.

“We won’t forget about you,” Zhuo Yichen told him.

“We’ll stop by every week to check up on you,” Wen Xiao added.

“I will visit every three days,” Ying Lei promised.

Bai Jiu didn’t say anything, but he took out a small bottle from his belt, unstoppered it and sprinkled a brown powder on the soil.

“A natural fertiliser,” he said, upon seeing their curious looks.

“Sure it’s not just manure?” Ying Lei teased which started a round of Bai Jiu chasing him around the clearing, snow churning in their wake.

Zhuo Yichen saw Wen Xiao gazing wistfully at the softly glowing sword.

“How long do you think…” She trailed off.

Zhuo Yichen shook his head, his mood dimming a little. He took a step closer to her.

“It won’t be so fast.” He forced a smile. “But it shouldn’t need a hundred years.”

Behind them, several looks were exchanged.

“We’ll wait for you two inside the cave,” Pei Sijing said. She touched Wen Xiao’s shoulder before herding the others back down the steps.

Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help brushing off the snow on the stones even though it was a futile exercise.

“Zhao Yuanzhou, I don’t know if you can hear us, but we love you,” Wen Xiao said. “Yes, that includes Xiao Zhuo since he was too shy to say it to you that day.”

A loud rustling reminded them of one more presence.

“You know why I couldn’t,” Zhuo Yichen mumbled. “Xiongzhang and Ying Long-daren were there with him."

Wen Xiao smiled, looking dewy eyed and beautiful despite her ears and nose pink from the cold.

“Fine. You can tell him yourself, Xiao Zhuo.”

Zhuo Yichen sputtered, sure that his face was redder than hers. Wen Xiao turned to the nest.

“We’ll see you again, Li Lun. Be good, now.”

“That means don’t push your cultivation and exhaust yourself,” Zhuo Yichen hastily added.

“I’m sure he won’t,” Wen Xiao said with a serene smile.

Zhuo Yichen’s throat felt tight at once. Truly, Wen Xiao embodied the Baize Goddess, all that was good and pure and selfless and kind in this world.

“… or we might just leave you here after Zhao Yuanzhou returns,” Wen Xiao added cheerfully and laughed at the even louder rustling that ensued. “I’m just joking!”

“He doesn’t need any motivation,” Zhuo Yichen said dryly. “Let’s go. I’ll see you three next month, Zhao Yuanzhou, xiongzhang and Ying Long-daren.”

He took Wen Xiao’s hand in his and together, they left the Bingyi ancestral grounds.

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

The next month flew past with a few notable achievements.

Situ Ming and Fan Ying succeeded in getting the new Prime Minister firmly on the side of the Demon Hunting Bureau. With reports of Tiandu City bustling and prosperous once more, King Xiang was satisfied and no longer interfered. Demons continued to visit the mortal realm, but the Demon Hunting Bureau was quick to take care of any issues that arose, big or small.

Zhuo Yichen got used to wielding another sword instead of his beloved Cloud Light sword. Wen Xiao continued traveling between the Mortal Realm and the Wilderness. Both were impatient for Zhao Yuanzhou’s return so having packed schedules meant they had less time to brood or miss one exasperating, endearing, loving and selfless great demon.

They visited the Bingyi ancestral grounds twice a week. Ying Lei’s barrier stayed strong and the Cloud Light sword continued to glow and pulse within the stone monument. Li Lun grew so fast – either with the stones’ help or his own volition - that after two weeks, his topmost leaves were already sticking out from his home.

“Stop overdoing it,” Zhuo Yichen scolded only to have a new stem appear almost at once, complete with two pale green leaves. He glared at it while Wen Xiao’s merry laugh rang in the icy air. When they brought Bai Yan on their next visit to create a bigger nest, she also added more fertiliser from her son.

Zhuo Yichen didn’t blame Li Lun for wanting to return as fast as possible, nor did he really mind. He would never forget Li Lun’s self-sacrificing act when they fought Wen Zongyu even though he knew it wasn’t for his sake. He and Wen Xiao weren’t the only ones who loved Zhao Yuanzhou after all. Still, he refused to think about how their dynamics would change when Li Lun did eventually return.

On the subject of returning demons, Wen Xiao came back from town yesterday afternoon, gave Zhuo Yichen a quick peck on the cheek and rushed off to the library, throwing a distracted “I saw her pretty face, deceptive beasts don’t take long to reincarnate!” over her shoulder. Instead of going after her to ask, Zhuo Yichen just smiled and continued on his way. They would catch up during dinnertime with each other and Ying Lei, Fan Ying, the Pei siblings and the Situ family if they were around.

There would be a more private catch up later still when Wen Xiao stopped by his rooms to say goodnight. If Zhuo Yichen had never met Zhao Yuanzhou, he would have already asked Fan Ying for Wen Xiao’s hand in marriage. But since he had, loving Wen Xiao was no longer enough. They both felt a Zhao Yuanzhou-shaped space keenly, not between them as Zhuo Yichen had once feared, but beside them. Both agreed not to indulge in anything more than kisses for now. There would be time enough for more… much more once their irrepressible great demon returned.           

- o –

Two months later, an excited Ying Lei appeared in the main hall of the Demon Hunting Bureau, startling Zhuo Yichen, Wen Xiao, Pei Sijing and a squad captain who were discussing a new case involving a rogue demon.

“Ah, you’re all here. Good!”

“Is everything alright?” Zhuo Yichen asked.

“The Cloud Light sword is vibrating!”

Zhuo Yichen, Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing jumped up at once, ignoring the squad captain's curious look.

“Write down all we’ve discussed so far. We’ll meet again later,” Pei Sijing told the latter who bowed and left.

Meanwhile, Ying Lei held out the Shanhai portal and activated it.

“Back to the Bingyi ancestral grounds,” he announced and let the golden swirling light carry them away.

- o –

Zhuo Yichen could hear a loud humming sound as they exited Qijuan cave into the snow covered clearing. Up ahead was the bright blue glow of the Cloud Light sword.

“Let’s go.” Grabbing Wen Xiao’s hand, he started up the shallow steps with her, his gaze trained on the stone monument. He didn’t see Ying Lei and Pei Sijing following behind or Pei Siheng manifesting from his wooden puppet and joining them.

They were halfway up the stairs when the humming grew louder and the sword glow intensified.

“Be careful!” Pei Sijing shouted a warning.

Zhuo Yichen swung towards Wen Xiao, eyes squeezing shut and free hand coming up to shield her from the sudden, blinding flash. His heart pounded in his ears as he counted to five before looking back.

Two achingly familiar figures stood in front of the monument, no longer souls trapped inside the Cloud Light sword’s inner world, but possessing real, tangible bodies. Zhuo Yichen’s breath caught in his throat as Wen Xiao inhaled sharply beside him. Then she was running up the rest of the steps, fingers tightening around his own and pulling him along.

“Zhao Yuanzhou… Zhao Yuanzhou!” She shouted.

Zhuo Yichen had no idea how she could still speak when he was speechless, heart pounding in his throat, joy and relief rushing through him like a flood. He simply followed, matching his strides to hers.

“Zhao Yuanzhou!” He finally found his voice again. “Xiongzhang!”

“Wen Xiao. Xiao Zhuo.” Zhao Yuanzhou was beaming at them.

“Xiao Chen. And everyone.” So was Zhuo Yixuan.

They both take a step forward and stumbled, swaying.

One part of Zhuo Yichen’s brain finally realised they had an arm around each other for support. He wanted to catch both of them before they fell, but he wasn’t alone. Wen Xiao was here too. He grabbed Zhuo Yixuan’s arm, trusting in Wen Xiao to catch Zhao Yuanzhou. She did, yet all four of them still ended up kneeling in the snow.

Zhuo Yixuan was shaking in Zhuo Yichen’s arms.

“Ge, you’re back,” Zhuo Yichen choked out as tears welled in his eyes and spilled over. “You’re back.”

Wen Xiao was weeping too, her small fists clenched knuckle white in the back of Zhao Yuanzhou’s robes while Zhao Yuanzhou’s face was buried in her shoulder. Once upon a time, Zhuo Yichen would have felt the sharp pang of jealousy. His chest still ached now, but it was softer. Sweeter.

“Didi, Zhao Yuanzhou and I barely had the strength to manifest our forms. We will need a lot of rest.”

“Of course. We’ll take good care of you both.” Zhuo Yichen pulled back and smiled at Zhuo Yixuan who was as teary eyed as him, and shivering. He was instantly reminded of where they were, and where they could be.

“Come on, let’s get you two home.” Zhuo Yichen got to his feet and pulled Zhuo Yixuan up. He saw Wen Xiao doing the same – or trying to – and Zhao Yuanzhou trying to do his part without falling over himself.

“Go give them a hand, Xiao Zhuo-daren.” Ying Lei pulled Zhuo Yixuan’s arm over his shoulders and grinned at Zhuo Yichen who nodded his thanks.

“Ah, Xiao Zhuo. A little help?” Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes were wet and his face pale, but his smile was beautiful.

Zhuo Yichen pulled him up and, unable to resist, flung both arms around his neck, almost sending them into the snow. He heard Wen Xiao’s tearful laughter, felt her hugging them both, and never wanted to move from this spot again.

“Welcome back,” he said in lieu of all the things he wanted to say.

“It’s thanks to Ying Long-daren that Zhuo Yixuan and I could return so quickly.”

Zhuo Yichen blinked and drew back, looking around the clearing, distantly noting Zhuo Yixuan chatting with Ying Lei and the Pei siblings. His heart felt heavy even though he didn’t know why.

“Where is… is he still inside the sword?”

Zhuo Yixuan turned to them and exchanged a sober look with Zhao Yuanzhou.

“When Ying Long-daren told you to bring the Cloud Light sword here, he didn’t say it would take all he had to harness the residual energy in these stones.”

Zhuo Yichen stared at him in shock before swinging to Zhao Yuanzhou who nodded.

“He’s gone. If you recall, he didn’t want to live on after giving you your demon core. He insisted on doing this to help us return faster.”

“But he…“ Zhuo Yichen trailed off.

“Above all else, he wanted to be with Bingyi,” Zhao Yuanzhou added.

Zhuo Yichen nodded and tried to smile, but it felt more like a grimace.

“What should we do with this?” Ying Lei came up to them with Li Lun’s pot in his hands.

“Is that… Li Lun?” Zhao Yuanzhou had a mix of hope, relief and gratitude on his face as he touched the leaves that rustled happily at him. “You’ve grown so much. Always so impulsive and impatient.”

“He’s big enough to be planted,” Wen Xiao agreed, smiling.

Zhuo Yichen went to retrieve the Cloud Light sword – relishing its familiar weight in his hand - and realised he could still hear the stones humming. He frowned, gaze going to Li Lun’s pot and back to the monument.

“Ying Lei, could you and Pei Siheng pack these stones for me? I want to bring them back with us.”

“Of course.” Ying Lei looked surprised, but nodded. “My bag can store a lot of things, even heavy stuff for easier transportation. I’ll pack the stones tomorrow.”

“What do you want with them?” Wen Xiao asked.

“I have an idea,” Zhuo Yichen said and left it at that for now.

“We should go,” Pei Sijing said. She and Pei Siheng were supporting Zhuo Yixuan between them. “Xiao Zhuo-daren, why don’t you help Wen Xiao take care of our great demon?”

It was just a suggestion, but she was smiling. So were Pei Siheng and Zhuo Yixuan. And Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou when Zhuo Yichen glanced at them. Ying Lei was outright chuckling as he cradled Li Lun’s pot to his chest, which might explain why the leaves were utterly still.

Ears burning, Zhuo Yichen grabbed Zhao Yuanzhou’s free arm and got a mischievous wink in return.

“Let’s all go home.”

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao decided to let Zhao Yuanzhou have the final say in where to plant Li Lun. After almost five months of caring for him, toting his pot here and there to get maximum sunshine and rain while ignoring the guards’ confused looks, Zhuo Yichen didn’t mind allotting him a space in the Demon Hunting Bureau grounds. Zhao Yuanzhou, however, might prefer for his friend to cultivate in the admittedly prettier gardens of Peach Blossom House or even his birth place in Huaijiang Valley. For now, they transferred Li Lun to a basin big enough to hold the stones Ying Lei and Pei Siheng just brought back from the Bingyi ancestral grounds.

“Xiao Zhuo and I believe some divine wood would also help him cultivate faster.” Wen Xiao handed Ying Lei a piece of wood. She had given all of them a piece from the Divine Tree she nurtured in the sundial.

“That’s a great idea! He can have mine too!” Ying Lei started rummaging around in his bag, causing a few carrots to fall out. “Xiao Jiu, hold on. We’re not done so don’t water Li Lun yet.”

Bai Jiu ignored him and continued sprinkling water, ostensibly on the soil but mostly on Ying Lei and Pei Siheng. The latter just played along, looking up at the sky in mock surprise at the unexpected ‘rain’.

“Here it is!” Ying Lei brandished a stick. “Xiao Jiu, where’s yours?”

“I don’t have it anymore, remember?”

“It’s now my right arm.” Pei Siheng waved said arm. “I lost it fighting Zhen Mei at Chongwu camp and almost died. Again.”

He winced when Pei Sijing cleared her throat.

“Sorry, jiejie. I won’t bring it up again, promise.”

“It’s fine. I thought of saving my piece for… “

“Repairs,” Pei Siheng added helpfully with a mischievous grin at his sister.

“… but Li Lun can have it,” Pei Sijing continued steadily. “I’ll go get it now.”

Wen Xiao latched onto her at once, beaming.

“Pei-jiejie, you’re so kind! Don’t worry, I know a place where we can get more if needed.”

“The sundial?” Ying Lei asked and grinned. “Hey, why don’t we plant Li Lun beside the divine tree there and get him back by nightfall? He’ll be good as new!”

When no one said anything, he looked around, smile fading.

“I asked Zhao Yuanzhou about it while he was still in the Cloud Light sword,” Zhuo Yichen replied. “He said it’s not recommended for tree demons.”

“Partly because spending one hundred years alone is a long time,” Wen Xiao continued. “Living it is one thing, being forced to spend it in isolation is another. When I was waiting for the divine tree to grow and mature… I felt so distant from everything and everyone I loved. I almost forgot why I was there, why I needed the divine tree, why anything even mattered.”

Zhuo Yichen reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, not letting go even when Ying Lei and Bai Jiu made big eyes at each other.

“So, we’ll see what Zhao Yuanzhou says first.” Wen Xiao smiled around at everyone. “For now, the stones and the divine wood should help Li Lun cultivate even faster.”

“Wen Xiao-jiejie is right. Look!” Pei Siheng pointed at the top of the little tree where new leaves were unfurling to catch the sunlight.

- o –

Over the next week, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan did little but sleep, exhausted by the tremendously draining shift from spirit to corporeal form. They slept so soundly that Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao in particular, couldn’t help fretting despite Bai Jiu’s constant reassurances that they just needed rest.

Without being asked, Fan Ying and Pei Sijing took over most of the Demon Hunting Bureau affairs to free up Zhuo Yichen’s time. Likewise, Ying Lei and Pei Siheng kept an eye on the demons visiting the Mortal Realm to free up Wen Xiao’s time.

She and Zhuo Yichen spent most of their time in the large guestroom that housed two beds for ease of caring. After all, the invalids weren’t strangers to each other. Even if they were, Zhuo Yixuan was a gracious and easygoing man while Zhao Yuanzhou… well, he could be very charming when he put his mind to it.

- o -

It was sometime after dinner. Late enough that the servants had retired to their rooms. Late enough that the only sounds Zhuo Yichen could hear were the nighttime insects outside the windows, a rather persistent one buzzing around the lantern overhead, and the occasional cough or shuffle from the patrolling guards. And of course, the quiet breathing from two pairs of lungs. Three including his own.

Zhuo Yichen knew his senses were keener after becoming a demon, but it still felt far too quiet. He stared down at Zhao Yuanzhou’s sleeping face, letting his gaze linger on each beloved feature since he was alone. Or at least, the only one awake. That still prompted him to sneak a surreptitious glance at the slumbering Zhuo Yixuan just two feet away, separated by a small bedside table.

Wen Xiao would laugh if she saw that.

“Still so shy, Xiao Zhuo?” She had teased last night after catching him in the act of tracing reverent fingertips over Zhao Yuanzhou’s cheek, which made him snatch his hand back at once and stammer some excuse about wanting to check for fever.

As if annoying great demons could even get fevers.

Zhuo Yichen bit his lip and turned to Zhuo Yixuan. In the soft light, his face looked noticeably thinner than Zhao Yuanzhou’s despite Bai Jiu’s replenishing tonics and Ying Lei’s hearty soups. It shouldn’t be a surprise since Zhuo Yixuan was human. Of course he would take longer to recover, but it didn’t matter. The most important thing, the only thing that mattered, was that both of them had returned alive, and with their memories intact.

Zhuo Yichen turned around at a familiar tinkling sound.

“Xiao Zhuo-ge, I knew I’d find you here.” Bai Jiu went to take his patients’ pulses, one at a time, before leaning against Zhuo Yichen’s arm. He smothered a yawn, heavy eyed with sleep. “Don’t worry, their pulses are steady. They’re fine.”

Zhuo Yichen smiled at him, grateful for the often repeated assurances.

“With you to care for them, Xiao Jiu, I’m not worried.”

“Then go to bed and tell Wen Xiao-jiejie the same thing when you see her,” Bai Jiu retorted, trying not to smile. “I don’t need two more patients to look after.”

Zhuo Yichen’s smile widened – Bai Jiu was adorable – but it faded when he looked back at the other two.

“I know they’re fine,” he admitted. “Just that these two were always larger than life to me. They’re both so capable and strong and knowledgeable. Intelligent and wise. Seeing them just lying here and looking so – so…”

Fragile.

Just thinking of that word was enough to make his chest tighten.

“Don’t worry. They’ll be up and about before you know it.” Bai Jiu patted Zhuo Yichen’s arm, giving him the disconcerting feeling that he was – right now – the younger of the two. “Then you’ll be back to scolding da yao for being annoying again. They just need lots of sleep for now. You know, like a newborn.”

Zhuo Yichen had to chuckle at that. Reaching out, he flicked Bai Jiu’s golden bell. Bai Jiu squeaked and tipped his head away, but purposely a second too slow.

“I don’t think either of them would appreciate being compared to a baby by the baby of our family,” Zhuo Yichen said solemnly and got a laughing ‘Hey!’ in return. “Even if, just between you and me, Zhao Yuanzhou does behave like one at times.”

Busy snickering together, they didn’t see Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyelashes flutter or the tiny twitch of his lips.

- o –

“Xiao Zhuo.”

Startled, Zhuo Yichen snatched his hand back from where it was covering Zhao Yuanzhou’s limp one. Smiling, Wen Xiao sat down on Zhao Yuanzhou’s other side.

“I saw that,” she chided. “You can hold his hand anytime. I don’t mind.”

Zhuo Yichen kept silent as Wen Xiao took Zhao Yuanzhou’s other hand in hers.

“I know he’s alright and your brother too,” she said after a moment. “I still have to come here, to see them with my own two eyes.”

“Me too,” Zhuo Yichen confessed.

Wen Xiao didn’t say anymore which made him thankful. He prayed she wouldn’t ask him about that other thing.

It had seemed logical and plausible before when it was a future occurrence, but now that Zhao Yuanzhou was back, just thinking about it made Zhuo Yichen’s stomach twist in knots. He had been willing to entrust Wen Xiao’s life and happiness to Zhao Yuanzhou not once but twice – first, when he was dying from the power of Bingyi’s blood, and second, when Ying Long asked for a sacrifice. He knew without a doubt that Zhao Yuanzhou would keep Wen Xiao safe, would make her happy, would forever cherish her heart like the precious treasure it was. He just wasn’t sure if Zhao Yuanzhou would do the same with his.

It wasn’t that he was blind to his own merits, but why would Zhao Yuanzhou want him when he has Wen Xiao?

Maybe Zhuo Yichen had just read more into their past interactions than actually existed. Maybe he had just imagined the loving warmth shining in Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes before he died. But even if he hadn’t, knowing that Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan’s return had come at the cost of Ying Long’s last speck of soul…

“Do you still think Zhao Yuanzhou doesn’t love you?” Wen Xiao asked in a low voice.

“I don’t know,” Zhuo Yichen admitted, feeling goosebumps prickle along on his skin. “But for Ying Long to sacrifice the last bit of his spiritual energy…”

“You feel guilty,” Wen Xiao stated.

Zhuo Yichen nodded, picturing again those shining eyes and kind smile. Ying Long’s gentle selflessness was something he could never repay.

“Even though he’s finally with the one he loves?”

Zhuo Yichen avoided her gaze.

“You don’t know that,” he muttered.

She didn’t say anymore, not even when Zhuo Yichen’s hand crept closer to Zhao Yuanzhou’s until their fingers touched. Lost in their respective thoughts, they didn’t see Zhao Yuanzhou peeping at them from beneath his eyelashes.

- o –

Zhuo Yichen found himself standing on the rocky ground beside a river, the same place he had found Zhao Yuanzhou after passing Ying Long’s test.

“Xiao Zhuo, how are you?” Ying Long approached him with his usual smiling demeanour.

“Ying Long-daren!” Words crowded Zhuo Yichen’s throat at once, all clamouring to be voiced. “When you told me to put the Cloud Light sword in those stones, I didn’t realise -“

“That I would vanish for good?” There was a faint teasing note in Ying Long’s voice. “I couldn’t tell you that.”

“But you’re gone!”

“I may have left the mortal realm, but I have no regrets. And I’m not alone.” Ying Long turned to smile at another figure who glided up to stand beside him.

“Bingyi-daren!” Zhuo Yichen gaped at his ancestor who had forsworn his demon heritage. It was like looking into a mirror… and falling short.

Zhuo Yichen didn’t have any false modesty about his looks - the Bingyi line had never failed to produce good looking heirs, both males and females. But Bingyi was breathtakingly beautiful with milky white skin, blue grey hair, deep blue eyes and a regal bearing.

“So this is my descendent and the current master of the Cloud Light sword.” Even Bingyi’s voice was beautiful. “In your hand, it sings.”

“Thank you.” Zhuo Yichen bowed his head, feeling a little tongue tied. Such a sharp contrast to his strident tone when he had first set foot in the Bingyi ancestral grounds.

“Your brother is also a skilled swordsman. He will want a weapon once he is recovered.”

“The Cloud Light sword is his if he wants it,” Zhuo Yichen promised, ignoring the pang he felt.

“Oh?” Bingyi looked intrigued. “But you are the more powerful wielder. It has been with you through noted battles. It has been reforged with the help of your soulmate.”

“It was also xiongzhang’s before mine,” Zhuo Yichen insisted.

Ying Long tsk’ed and nudged Bingyi’s arm.

“Very well. There is no need for such a sacrifice,” Bingyi said. “I forged two Cloud Light swords at the time. You will find the other buried beneath the stone monument in our ancestral grounds.”

Zhuo Yichen gaped at him, heart speeding up.

“So you can put all your worries and your guilt to rest,” Ying Long advised. “After one thousand years of solitude, I am finally with my beloved.”

“So dramatic.” Bingyi nudged him back with a little eye roll, but his lips twitched.

“I got to help your descendants,” Ying Long told him. “I also met Xiao Zhuo’s soulmate. Zhu Yan or Zhao Yuanzhou as he calls himself.”

“I’m very glad you two are together at last,” Zhuo Yichen quickly said. His face was growing hot.

“Thank you. A certain great demon is also very glad to be reunited with you,” Ying Long said, eyes twinkling even brighter.

Zhuo Yichen sputtered.

“Your Baize Goddess is just as happy too, I’m sure.” Ying Long turned to Bingyi. “I’m just glad I don’t have to share you with anyone.”

Face and ears burning, Zhuo Yichen contemplated digging a hole in the ground and jumping in when he heard their laughter.

“I know I’ve said this before, but indulge me.” Ying Long sobered up and repeated his good wishes, of their found family going on many adventures together.

“I echo that,” Bingyi added. “My descendants and their friends are worthy beings, regardless of what they are.”

“So, don’t keep both your beloveds waiting,” Ying Long reminded Zhuo Yichen. “Time is too precious to waste even a second of it.”

“I won’t,” Zhuo Yichen promised and bowed low.

When he opened his eyes, he was lying in bed with happy tears leaking from his eyes onto his pillow.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

A few days later…

“Xiao Zhuo-ge! Wen Xiao-jiejie!” Bai Jiu rushed inside the main hall where the two in question were having a discussion with Fan Ying and Pei Sijing.

“The first batch of juniors can handle-“ Zhuo Yichen broke off. “Xiao Jiu, what is it?”

“Da yao and Zhuo-daren are awake!”

The other four exchanged glances. Every morning and evening, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan were roused to take their tonics and some broth, but both remained more asleep than awake each time.

“I mean, they’re fully awake now!” Bai Jiu’s voice squeaked in his excitement, his bell tinkling as he swung from one to the other.

Another round of glances took place, with far more urgency this time. Then they were jumping to their feet and rushing out of the main hall, Zhuo Yichen’s longer strides putting him in the lead.

- o –

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan were sitting up and leaning against their pillows, looking tired and pale. Knowing that Wen Xiao would make a beeline for Zhao Yuanzhou, Zhuo Yichen went to sit on Zhuo Yixuan’s bed instead.

“Ge, you’re awake.”

“Xiao Chen.”

Zhuo Yichen didn’t need to hear anymore. Leaning in, he hugged Zhuo Yixuan and felt two arms embracing him in turn, trembling hands fisting in the back of his robes. A part of him was still that sixteen year old boy who had idolised his older brother and waited for him and their father’s return, only to receive a sword wrapped in a bloodied cloth instead. Even though he had already met Zhuo Yixuan’s soul inside the Cloud Light sword world, this reunion felt markedly different. Zhuo Yixuan was finally back in the mortal realm after eight years, in a corporeal body that was solid and real albeit thin and weakened.

“Xiao Chen… can’t… breathe.”

“Ah! Sorry, ge.” Zhuo Yichen pulled back with a sheepish smile. “How are you?”

“I’m fine and happy to be back,” Zhuo Yixuan assured him, smiling warmly. “Now, let me say hello to the others while you greet your soulmate. He’s waiting.”

“Yes, off you go and let me check on Zhuo-daren.” Bai Jiu came over and tugged on Zhuo Yichen’s arm to get him to stand up.

Brushing a thumb across his eyes, Zhuo Yichen looked at Wen Xiao who nodded eagerly at him, cheeks flushed pink and eyes like stars. Zhuo Yichen shifted to the other bed and finally met Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes.

“Xiao Zhuo.” Zhao Yuanzhou’s gaze was open and so soft that Zhuo Yichen felt something inside him give. He hauled Zhao Yuanzhou into his arms, muffling his laughing protest in his shoulder.

“I’ve missed you,” he almost growled. “You have no idea.”

“I do, actually.”

It took a few seconds for the words to sink in. Frowning, Zhuo Yichen drew back despite the rather clingy arms around his back.

“You – what?”

Zhao Yuanzhou just shook his head with a little smile playing about his lips. Zhuo Yichen turned to Wen Xiao who just shrugged at him, her hand lifting to cover Pei Sijing’s which rested on her shoulder.

“Fan-daren, Pei-daren. I’m glad to see you two as well,” Zhao Yuanzhou greeted the others.

“It’s about time, Zhao Yuanzhou,” Fan Ying replied.

“Da yao, Zhuo-daren! You two are finally awake!” Ying Lei hurried inside the room, followed by Pei Siheng. “My soups worked!”

“No, my tonics,” Bai Jiu told him, tossing his head.

“Hey!”

“You both did good,” Pei Siheng assured them, throwing an arm around Ying Lei’s shoulders.

The room was getting crowded with zero privacy.

“We’ll corner him later,” Wen Xiao whispered to Zhuo Yichen as she stood up.

Zhuo Yichen nodded in agreement and did the same to give room to the others.

- o –

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan fell back asleep after a light meal of chicken congee. Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao decided to spend the afternoon in their room, one bringing a stack of books from the Archives and the other a stack of reports from Pei Sijing.

They set the books and scrolls down in the middle of the table and got started on reading and making notes. But before long, their chairs moved closer and closer, positioned to afford their occupants a better view of the beds. Then brushes were put down and reading forgotten as brief glances turned into longer looks and then outright gazes.

“We’re hopeless,” Zhuo Yichen finally said with a shake of his head.

“Hopelessly in love,” Wen Xiao agreed and giggled at his alarmed expression.

“Wen Xiao!”

“What? They’re both sleeping. Can’t you hear them snoring?”

“Wen Xiao! They’re not – xiongzhang never snores! And neither does Zhao Yuanzhou!” Zhuo Yichen snapped his mouth shut, chagrined to find himself whisper-shouting at her like they were sixteen again and hiding somewhere after Wen Xiao accidentally spilled ink on one of Fan Ying’s favourite books.

She just laughed again, eyes dancing with merriment. Whatever reprimand Zhuo Yichen intended to say next fizzled out. He would gladly take a joyful Wen Xiao who laughed at his expense over a poisoned and heartbroken one.

- o –

The sun was starting to dip in the west when Zhao Yuanzhou finally stirred. With nothing more than a glance, Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao went over to sit on his bed, one on each side.

“Zhao Yuanzhou, you’re awake.”

Slowly, Zhao Yuanzhou opened his eyes and smiled sleepily as he saw them. Then he looked at the window where the evening sunrays were slanting in.

“It’s almost sunset,” Zhuo Yichen said. “You and xiongzhang slept the whole afternoon. He’s still sleeping.”

Zhao Yuanzhou cleared his throat.

“Water?”

They helped him to sit up. Zhuo Yichen poured a cup of water and held it to his lips while Wen Xiao arranged the pillows and helped him lean against them.

“I hope you two weren’t waiting here the whole time,” Zhao Yuanzhou said, voice husky from sleep. “We still need rest, but we feel better already.”

“Where else would we be?” Zhuo Yichen countered at once.

“Xiao Zhuo is right. Besides, we brought our work.” Wen Xiao nodded her head at the table strewn with books and scrolls. She didn’t mention that very little work had gotten done.

Zhao Yuanzhou smiled, but it was fleeting and almost shy, vanishing before it reached his eyes.

“What are you thinking?” Zhuo Yichen asked, a frown pulling his eyebrows together.

“Is anything wrong?” Wen Xiao asked at the same time. She reached out to hold Zhao Yuanzhou’s hand, making Zhuo Yichen wish he dared to do the same.

Zhao Yuanzhou started to shake his head and then he nodded.

“Xiao Zhuo, when you stabbed me that day, I thought that was it - a fitting end for me. Yet because your heart is as soft as Bingyi’s, a part of my soul survived and I’m back. So much sooner than I imagined or deserved.”

“Don’t say such nonsense!” Wen Xiao scolded him.

“Wen Xiao, you know my death wasn’t just to cure the people of Tiandu, but also to atone for my sins.”

“Which you already did.” Wen Xiao gave a righteous little nod. And then a sniff.

Zhuo Yichen didn’t have to look at her to know she was tearing up. He fisted his hands in his lap.

“She’s right, you already did,” he told Zhao Yuanzhou. “There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be given a second chance. Li Lun has one too.”

“Li Lun!” Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes lit up. “I should go talk to him.”

“When you’re strong enough to walk without falling over,” Zhuo Yichen retorted.

“But-“

“Don’t worry, we’ll bring you to see him tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Zhao Yuanzhou smiled at him, but again it vanished when he turned to Wen Xiao.

"Don’t forget, it was because of me that you don’t have your shifu anymore. I killed-"

“That’s enough!” Lifting her free hand, Wen Xiao smacked his cheek – gently, more like a push that turned his face to the side. “We agreed not to talk of that anymore, remember?"

Zhao Yuanzhou shrank against the pillows, looking chastened, only this time, Zhuo Yichen wasn’t sure if it was feigned or not. He raised an eyebrow when Zhao Yuanzhou turned to him as if seeking his support.

“I swear I will slap you much harder than Wen Xiao if you mention my family. Besides, xiongzhang is back.”

Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes went to Zhuo Yixuan in the other bed.

“But…” his voice hitched.

“Zhao Yuanzhou, listen to me.” Zhuo Yichen grabbed his shoulder and got a wide eyed stare in return. "You and xiongzhang are back with us. It’s already more than I or Wen Xiao or any of us expected."

Despite his best effort, his voice shook.

“Do you remember the conversation we had just before I extracted the Ever Burning Fire from you? That since I chose to be your closest friend, there’s no need to talk about this anymore.”

Zhao Yuanzhou’s breathing caught, eyes turning glassy.

"And do you remember what you said in return?" Zhuo Yichen continued, gazing into his eyes.

"Having a soulmate makes this life worth it. I hope that in the future, in this vast world, our group will walk side by side forever,” Zhao Yuanzhou recited, voice just as unsteady. A single tear rolled down his cheek.

“Exactly.” Zhuo Yichen gave a pleased nod.

“But Ying Zhao-yeye’s…”

“Da yao, I’ve never blamed you for yeye’s death.” Ying Lei entered the room and marched up to them, carrying a laden tray. “It was his decision. Not yours.”

“But…” Zhao Yuanzhou gulped. A second tear rolled down his cheek, followed by another.

“I’ve never blamed you for shifu’s death either.” Wen Xiao’s voice was equally firm. “We all know you were controlled by malicious energy.”

More tears fell.

Zhuo Yichen realised that Zhao Yuanzhou must have looked like this, sitting on the steps in front of the Kunlun temple on the night of Ying Zhao’s death. When he had sliced open the back of Zhao Yuanzhou’s robes and saw the eight jagged scars on that white skin. When he had heard his sobs, felt his grief, and tasted his remorse.

Zhao Yuanzhou had wallowed in misery like this after each blood moon.

Zhuo Yichen hadn't offered comfort on that fateful night. They couldn’t afford to have Zhao Yuanzhou go to pieces then. They had needed him to be strong so Zhuo Yichen had given him a stern talking to. But that was in the past. Zhuo Yichen could offer that comfort now. In fact, he desperately wanted to only he wasn’t alone with Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao.

Ying Lei was here too. Then Fan Ying and the Pei siblings entered.

“Zhao Yuanzhou, you were never that evil great demon you painted yourself to be. None of us believe that,” Fan Ying said. “In fact, when I told Xiao Zhuo that the previous Prime Minister had ordered your death, he outright refused and insisted that you are a kind and compassionate demon.”

Silence.

“Oh?” There was the tiniest smile on Zhao Yuanzhou’s lips, the briefest gleam in his eyes.

Zhuo Yichen bit his lip and decided that Zhao Yuanzhou no longer needed comfort.

“What a coincidence!” Bai Jiu chimed in, grinning brightly. “When Li Lun imprisoned da yao, before he could put his demon core inside me, Zhao Yuanzhou told him all our good points. He said that Xiao Zhuo-ge is a perfect and upright gentlemen with a character like gold!”

Another silence.

“Oh?” Zhuo Yichen said, raising his eyebrow at Zhao Yuanzhou who ignored him and gave Wen Xiao a pleading look.

She smiled at him, loving and kind, before turning to Bai Jiu.

“Xiao Jiu, please tell me everything he said about everyone later,” she said and ignored Zhao Yuanzhou’s look of betrayal. Then she nodded at Pei Sijing who started chivvying the others out, paying no mind to Ying Lei’s protests.

“Don’t forget to drink my soup before it gets cold!” He called before the door shut on all of them.

“Zhuo-daren is here, but he’s still sleeping,” Wen Xiao said lightly. “We can finally have a nice chat, just the three of us.”

Her smile was sweet and innocent, but Zhuo Yichen felt his heart skip a beat.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

A minute of silence passed during which Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen exchanged awkward glances while Wen Xiao’s expectant smile slowly turned into a bemused frown.

“Zhao Yuanzhou?”

“Right. What kind of chat?” Zhao Yuanzhou asked, voice bland and face perfectly innocent.

Zhuo Yichen wanted to punch him in the face. He settled for a scowl instead. Wen Xiao shook her head and gave him an encouraging smile.

“Xiao Zhuo, you first then.”

Zhuo Yichen blinked at her, conscious of a muffled snort and a wave of heat traveling up to his face.

“Uh. What kind of chat?” His voice sounded strangled even to his own ears.

Wen Xiao stared at him in disbelief while Zhao Yuanzhou went into a coughing fit. Zhuo Yichen shoved him in the shoulder, lightly, face now hot enough to fry an egg.

“You two…” Wen Xiao threw up her hands and rolled her eyes. “Say something!”

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen’s gazes met and darted away again, lips parting only to press shut with no words uttered.

“Xiao Zhuo?” Zhao Yuanzhou prompted. You first, his eyes said. Evil demon.

No, you. Zhuo Yichen glared back at him.

Surely a thirty four thousand year old demon who had proven himself to be a smooth talker – truths and lies falling from his lips with equal ease - wouldn’t have problems with this, right?

Zhao Yuanzhou sighed as if he had heard that silent admonishment. Or read it in Zhuo Yichen’s eyes.

“Very well. Let me start by sharing a memory with you two.”

Smiling again, Wen Xiao shifted closer to him. So did Zhuo Yichen.

Raising his right hand – Zhuo Yichen noted the tremble in those graceful fingers – Zhao Yuanzhou drew out a wisp of energy from his forehead and sent it to both of theirs.

- o –

Zhuo Yichen found himself standing at a vast seaside with rocks beneath his feet. It was a majestic if barren looking landscape that had to be somewhere in the Wilderness. Sitting atop a cluster of vertical rocks were two people, close enough that their robe sleeves touched. One was Zhao Yuanzhou in a plain black robe with a white fur collar around his neck. Tangled locks of hair fell about his dejected face, almost hiding the demon markings visible on his cheeks. The other was a young woman in pure white robes with a regal air and a compassionate face.

It had to be Zhao Wan’er, Wen Xiao’s shifu.

“Do you believe in destiny?” She asked.

“What I want to destroy is what the Goddess is destined to protect,” Zhao Yuanzhou replied in a monotone, looking and speaking like he had given up on life. “This is not destiny. This is my karma.”

She gave a resigned smile, like she had expected no other answer.

“I know I can’t persuade you, but I believe that one day, you will meet the person who makes you want to live.”

Zhao Yuanzhou didn’t look like he believed her, but Zhuo Yichen smiled as the memory ended.

He has, Baize Goddess. It’s your disciple, Wen Xiao.

When he opened his eyes, Wen Xiao was smiling at Zhao Yuanzhou, her eyes glittering with tears.

“Thank you. I miss her,” she said simply.

“Me too.” Zhao Yuanzhou’s smile was wistful. “She was right in saying I will one day meet someone who will make me want to live. I have.”

He reached out to cup Wen Xiao's cheek, his eyes deep and tender. Zhuo Yichen’s chest ached, soft and sweet with no sharp edges that could hurt.

“But she was also wrong because I met two someones.” With his other hand, Zhao Yuanzhou cupped Zhuo Yichen's cheek.

Zhuo Yichen’s heart skipped a beat. Zhao Yuanzhou had done this right before he stabbed him at Peach Blossom House. His hand felt cool, but it still burned like a brand. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help placing his own hand over it as he held that solemn gaze, rich with promise.

“Do you know what I mean, Xiao Zhuo?”

“Tell me.” Zhuo Yichen almost winced at how breathless he sounded.

Zhao Yuanzhou blinked, taken aback.

“You don’t know what I mean?”

“Tell me,” Zhuo Yichen insisted and decided he didn’t care how desperate he sounded.

Zhao Yuanzhou glanced at Wen Xiao and what he saw made the corners of his lips curve upward. Zhuo Yichen glared at him.

“Ah, Xiao Zhuo-daren is determined to make me say it first,” Zhao Yuanzhou demurred, ducking his head like a shy maiden.

Zhuo Yichen wanted to hit him for it.

“I am.” He clenched his jaw – uncaring that Zhao Yuanzhou could feel it through his palm – and waited.

Zhao Yuanzhou looked up then, eyes gleaming bright.

“Come closer then. I must whisper it in your ear.”

Heart thumping in his chest, Zhuo Yichen leaned in, causing the tiny bells in his hair to tinkle. Zhao Yuanzhou’s hand slid down to his neck to pull him close and then closer still until their cheeks touched.

“You first, Xiao Zhuo,” Zhao Yuanzhou whispered in his ear.

Zhuo Yichen jerked back with a scowl, face burning.

“You…!”

“Xiao Zhuo? What did he say?” Wen Xiao looked between them.

“Ask him!” Zhuo Yichen tossed his head, back ramrod straight and arms folded across his chest.

“Zhao Yuanzhou?” Wen Xiao turned to the evil great demon who just chuckled, looking so mischievous that Zhuo Yichen – despite his annoyance – still felt his heart turn over. Heaven help him.

“Fine, fine, I’m sorry,” Zhao Yuanzhou apologised. “Just that Xiao Zhuo is so fun to tease.”

Lips pressed tight, Zhuo Yichen narrowed his eyes at him.

“Seriously though, thank you, both of you for not giving up on me,” Zhao Yuanzhou continued.

“Never,” Wen Xiao vowed and squeezed his shoulder.

Zhao Yuanzhou raised his other arm and gave Zhuo Yichen a hopeful smile. Zhuo Yichen didn’t recall moving, but they were in a tight three way hug again with hands fisted in the backs of robes and cheeks pressed against each other.

“Wen Xiao. Zhuo Yichen. I love you both.”

Zhuo Yichen exhaled a trembling breath as the last of his doubts fell away and his eyes overflowed with tears.

“Love you,” he mumbled. It was so much easier to admit when he wasn’t looking Zhao Yuanzhou in the eye.

“Finally,” Wen Xiao whispered with a catch in her voice. Then she kissed Zhao Yuanzhou.

Zhuo Yichen jerked back in surprise, mouth falling open as the kiss went on and on, complete with sounds that made him squirm. He looked away, face flushed and heart pounding.

“I love you,” Wen Xiao said when she drew back.

Zhao Yuanzhou nodded, looking flushed and a little dazed.

“Xiao Zhuo? Your turn,” Wen Xiao continued with a mischievous smile.

“Xiao Zhuo?” Zhao Yuanzhou turned to him, looking so hopeful, it almost hurt.

Zhuo Yichen obliged with a light kiss, a mere brush of their lips. He pulled back just in time to see the twinkle in Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes.

"I finally get to kiss that pretty, scolding mouth of- mpff!"

Zhuo Yichen kissed him again to shut him up. Harder this time, conscious of nothing, but this infuriating, irrepressible, irresistible great demon, and Wen Xiao's delighted laughter. When he finally managed to pull away, Zhao Yuanzhou looked even more dazed, mouth open and lips shiny and pink.

“I love you,” Zhuo Yichen told him and even smirked a little. Then he turned to Wen Xiao and kissed her for good measure. He didn't have to look to know that Zhao Yuanzhou was smiling at them, that he had never felt the bitter sting of jealousy Zhuo Yichen had.

"Uh." Zhao Yuanzhou sounded hesitant, like he didn’t want to interrupt them. "The fourth person has awakened."

Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao froze mid kiss.

“Oh, please don't mind me," said a familiar, laughing voice.

Zhuo Yichen turned to Zhuo Yixuan, lips tingling and his entire body flushed with embarrassment.

"Ge, you're awake!"

- Chapter End -

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Zhuo Yichen could count on one hand the number of times he had wanted to crawl inside a hole and never come back out. This had to rank as the highest. He cast a swift glance at Zhao Yuanzhou who – thankfully - also looked embarrassed with cheeks flushed a most becoming pink, and then at Wen Xiao whose face was turned away, her shoulders shaking.

His embarrassment took a backseat at once. Wait - was she crying?

“Wen Xiao? Are you alright?”

Zhao Yuanzhou peered at Wen Xiao’s face and nodded, lips twitching.

“She’s fine, don’t worry.”

“She is?” Zhuo Yichen asked and that was when he heard muffled giggles which just made his face burn hotter. “Wen Xiao!”

“Xiao Chen?”

Zhuo Yichen froze before turning back to Zhuo Yixuan, shoulders squaring under his robes.

“Ge, I uh…“

“I would like to sit up,” Zhuo Yixuan told him, still smiling.

“Right.” Zhuo Yichen jumped up and grabbed his arms to pull him upright before arranging the pillows behind him. Meanwhile, Wen Xiao hurried around Zhao Yuanzhou’s bed and poured a cup of water for Zhuo Yixuan.

Out of the corner of his eye, Zhuo Yichen saw Zhao Yuanzhou pout at being ignored and had to press his lips together to keep from grinning.

“Zhuo-daren,” Wen Xiao began, daring to look contrite with her lips still quivering. “I’m sorry-“

“Wen-guniang, please,” Zhuo Yixuan interrupted her with a gracious smile. “If my didi is in love and being loved in return, I have nothing else to wish for.”

“He is,” Wen Xiao assured him.

“I’m right here,” Zhuo Yichen mumbled, face burning again.

“To be honest, I had no idea how he felt,” Zhao Yuanzhou said, looking at Zhuo Yixuan with round eyes.

“Nonsense!” Zhuo Yichen burst out at once. “How could you not know?!”

Zhao Yuanzhou turned those innocent eyes on him next.

“You’ve only ever referred to me as your most hated enemy or your closest friend.”

“I…” Zhuo Yichen snapped his mouth shut.

“He’s just teasing, Xiao Zhuo.” Wen Xiao patted his arm while shooting a reproving look at Zhao Yuanzhou.

Zhuo Yichen huffed and made no other reply.

“Actually, Ying Long-daren and I could already see how you two felt about each other while inside the Cloud Light sword,” Zhuo Yixuan said to Zhao Yuanzhou. “And I could tell how you three felt about each other when we returned at the Bingyi ancestral grounds.”

Zhuo Yichen realised with chagrin that he had given himself away with all those impulsive hugs.

“Zhuo-daren, does that mean you approve of Xiao Zhuo having not one, but two lovers?” Wen Xiao asked with a directness that made Zhuo Yichen want to hide his face in his hands.

“Oh, I approve,” Zhuo Yixuan said, smiling, “although you should inform Fan-daren too. He’s your adopted father, isn’t he?”

When Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen turned to each other in dismay, Wen Xiao sighed, smiling.

“Don’t worry, I’ll tell a-die myself.”

“No. We will tell him together,” Zhuo Yichen said firmly even though the very thought made him cringe. “Right, Zhao Yuanzhou?”

Zhao Yuanzhou nodded, looking as discomfited as Zhuo Yichen felt. His stomach gurgled just then followed by Zhuo Yixuan’s.

“I’ll go see if dinner is ready,” Wen Xiao said cheerfully and made to get up.

“No – I will,” Zhuo Yichen told her. A walk would give him a much needed opportunity to process his emotions and cool his flushed cheeks at the same time.

“Hurry back.” Something snagged his sleeve. Startled, he looked down to see Zhao Yuanzhou holding a fold of the fabric between two fingers, warm eyes looking up at him.

At once, that bubbly and giddy feeling returned, making Zhuo Yichen feel like he was floating. Smiling, he pulled his sleeve free, brushing his hand against those fingers and then along Wen Xiao’s shoulder.

“I will.”

- o –

A delighted Ying Lei insisted on bringing the dishes to the invalids’ room so that they could all eat together. Fan Ying was having dinner with the Prime Minister while Pei Sijing was leading a hunt for a demon causing a ruckus at Tianxiang Pavilion. Even then, the small table was crowded with six people, including Bai Jiu.

It was like one of Zhao Yuanzhou’s fantasies come true, sharing a meal with some of his favourite people, flanked by Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen, and seeing them pile his bowl high with choice morsels. Zhuo Yixuan opposite him had to feel the same way, judging from his bemused smiles and the way his gaze travelled around the table, from one face to another.

In the past, Zhao Yuanzhou’s high cultivation and malicious energy were more than enough to sustain him. He dutifully drank jade wine to keep the latter in check and was seldom tempted by even the most sumptuous of dishes. If he ate or drank at all, it was just for the taste. Now, he enjoyed each bite, chewing slowly, still not wholly believing that he had a happy future to look forward to with his two loves beside him.

Even though the trio didn’t mention the latest development, it still showed in their self-conscious smiles, in Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao plying Zhao Yuanzhou with food, and in him thanking them with sweet smiles. Zhuo Yichen also served his brother sitting on his other side, but it didn’t take long for Ying Lei and Bai Jiu to nudge each other with meaningful grins even if they didn’t say anything.

By the end of dinner, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yixuan started yawning, whether from the full meal or their still recovering bodies. They were ushered back to bed with minimal protests while Ying Lei’s kitchen assistants cleared the dishes.

“I want to see Li Lun,” Zhao Yuanzhou protested, only to yawn again right after. He rubbed his eyes and didn’t see an enchanted Zhuo Yichen staring at him or Wen Xiao biting her lip to keep from laughing. None of them saw Bai Jiu grabbing a snickering Ying Lei’s sleeve and dragging him out of the room.

“We’ll take you to see him tomorrow,” Zhuo Yichen promised.

Since Zhuo Yixuan was already tucked into bed and obligingly turned the other way, Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao gave Zhao Yuanzhou a goodnight kiss before leaving the room.

- o –

The next morning…

Zhao Yuanzhou could hardly believe his eyes when he saw Li Lun with his topmost branches at chest height and his roots pushing past the stones and pieces of wood embedded in the soil. The large clay basin that housed him was already cracked in three places.

“Li Lun! It’s only been a week since I saw you and you’re already three times as tall!”

Li Lun’s branches shook, leaves rustling a happy greeting.

“The stones from the Bingyi ancestral grounds and the divine wood work wonders.” Ying Lei grinned at them, hands on hips like a proud gardener. “We’ve been taking good care of him, haven’t we?”

“We have,” Pei Siheng agreed, smiling.

“Now, you need to decide where to plant him,” Zhuo Yichen told Zhao Yuanzhou in a solemn tone.

“We didn’t know if you want to let him to cultivate in the Wilderness or at your Peach Blossom House,” Wen Xiao explained.

“Right.” Zhao Yuanzhou reached out to touch the nearest branch and the rustling stopped at once. “Li Lun, do you want to stay at the Huaijiang Valley to cultivate? One small spark for yes, two for no.”

A pause and then two tiny sparks.

“I didn’t think so,” Zhao Yuanzhou murmured. “Well, what about Peach Blossom House? The gardens there are beautiful, more so than here.”

“They are,” Zhuo Yichen agreed readily.

Li Lun rustled his leaves again, except this time he sounded agitated. Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyebrows pulled together.

“I will visit you, of course,” he added, but two louder sparks sounded, followed by more rustling. “Why not?”

Li Lun gave three sparks this time which only deepened Zhao Yuanzhou’s frown.

“I don’t understand.”

“I do,” Wen Xiao said. “He wants to be with you, of course.”

Zhao Yuanzhou looked at her and then at Zhuo Yichen.

“But I will be with you two… uh, with all my friends here.”

Ying Lei and Bai Jiu gave theatrical sighs at that, complete with head shakes.

“Da yao, we know you consider Wen-jiejie and Xiao Zhuo-ge closerthanthis,” Ying Lei held up three fingers close together, “but the rest of us are not friends, we’re family!”

“You’re right, Ying Lei. My family, of course,” Zhao Yuanzhou agreed hastily. He turned to Li Lun who went very still.

“Do you want to cultivate here at the Demon Hunting Bureau? That is, if Xiao Zhuo doesn’t mind.”

“If I minded,” Zhuo Yichen told him steadily, “I wouldn’t have cared for him for almost five months. I wouldn’t have asked Ying Lei and Pei Siheng to bring back those stones.”

“If I minded, I wouldn’t have added all the pieces of divine wood we have,” Wen Xiao added.

“If I minded, I wouldn’t have helped to care for him and water him every day,” Ying Lei said, grinning.

“If I minded, I wouldn’t have spent my free time formulating special fertilisers for him,” Bai Jiu added with a decided nod.

“Jiejie and I don’t mind either,” Pei Siheng said, nudging Pei Sijing in the shoulder. She nodded silently.

Zhao Yuanzhou swallowed, eyes now wet with tears.

“Thank you, everyone,” he said. “It’s decided then. You stay here with us, Li Lun.”

Li Lun replied with a single, hopeful sounding spark.

“And I know the perfect place for you,” Zhuo Yichen added.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Zhuo Yichen brought them to one of the inner courtyards not far from the main hall. A huge tree stood there with a horizontal bend in its lower trunk that provided a natural seat. It was large enough for its branches to shade the table they usually sat at, next to a tiny waterfall and koi pond.

“This is the perfect place, Xiao Zhuo!” Wen Xiao beamed at him. “It’s in the centre of the Demon Hunting Bureau yet still secluded.”

“Agreed,” Zhao Yuanzhou said.

“It’s settled then.” Zhuo Yichen led him over to the table to sit down since Zhao Yuanzhou was leaning more heavily on him than before. If Wen Xiao noticed, she didn’t say anything.

“Is this the tree, Xiao Zhuo-ge?” Bai Jiu went over to pat the tree trunk.

Zhuo Yichen nodded.

“Yes, the one I used to sit on while waiting for my father and brother to return home.”

Not just sat on, but also talked to, confided in, slept against and even hugged. Still, he would prefer not to repeat all that in front of the others and was grateful when Bai Jiu didn’t say anymore. 

“It’s been a loyal friend to me all these years,” he told Zhao Yuanzhou. “I’m sure it’ll be a friend to Li Lun as well.”

- o -

The resident gardener, an elderly man Zhuo Yichen had known all his life, instructed his two attendants to prepare a corner of the garden and to transfer Li Lun over. Ying Lei and Pei Siheng then buried the stones and divine wood around Li Lun while Bai Jiu added more fertiliser and water.

After that, the group dispersed – the gardeners to their other tasks, Ying Lei to the kitchens to oversee lunch preparation, the Pei siblings to train the new recruits, and Bai Jiu to his clinic. Zhuo Yichen, Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao sat at the table for a while, sipping hot tea and enjoying the breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees and nearby bushes.

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?" Zhao Yuanzhou asked idly, chin propped on one hand as he stared at the pagoda tree bathed in sunshine, its young leaves a vibrant green.

“Back to bed,” Zhuo Yichen said.

“I’ve been doing nothing but sleep,” Zhao Yuanzhou protested at once.

“A bath then.” The words slipped out before Zhuo Yichen could stop them. Resisting the urge to wince, he tipped his chin up instead. That should teach great demons to think they were already recovered when they weren’t.

Hadn’t he told Bai Jiu that Zhao Yuanzhou sometimes behaved like a child?

Zhao Yuanzhou turned to Wen Xiao seated beside him, but she just nodded and smiled. Pouting, he lifted an arm and sniffed at his sleeve.

“Do I need one? I seem to recall someone sponging me down and changing my robes a couple of times.”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“How did you-” He broke off and scowled in realisation. “You were awake all this time? That’s why you said you knew when I said I missed you!”

“Guilty as charged.” Zhao Yuanzhou offered a sheepish smile. “Actually, I thought that you and Wen Xiao would handle this task yourselves. Granted, it’s a bothersome, menial one so perhaps-“

“I wanted to, but Xiao Zhuo here said it wasn’t proper,” Wen Xiao said with a sniff. “He asked his two most trusted male servants to attend to you and Zhuo-daren.”

"It was an invasion of privacy seeing as we hadn’t… I wasn’t sure…" Zhuo Yichen trailed off, voice as stiff as his posture. “It wasn’t because we… didn’t want to.”

The meltingly tender smile from Zhao Yuanzhou made him clear his throat as heat spread from his cheeks to his ears.

"Our Xiao Zhuo is wonderfully righteous and upright, a perfect gentleman-“

“Shut up.”

"I'm serious," Zhao Yuanzhou insisted although his lips twitched.

Zhuo Yichen just huffed.

“So, what’s it going to be? Bed or bath?”

“Bath, of course,” Zhao Yuanzhou said and smiled at both of them with easy confidence. “Permission granted. Not that it was ever needed.”

“Let’s go then.” Zhuo Yichen set down his cup and stood up.

“Wait - now?” Zhao Yuanzhou looked faintly alarmed.

“Now,” Wen Xiao said cheerfully. She stood up and tugged at his arm. “Up you come, da yao!”

- o –

Zhao Yuanzhou had never stayed long enough at the Demon Hunting Bureau to use its bathhouse. The main one, not the smaller ones stationed inside the guards’ and servants’ quarters.

A wooden tub dominated the room, half filled with hot water which had a small pouch floating in it. Beside the tub within arm’s reach was a bench with soap, brushes and folded robes. Large pails of hot water stood nearby. The air was slightly humid and fragrant from the herbal bath.

“Did you two already plan this?” Zhao Yuanzhou asked, looking around him.

“Of course not,” Wen Xiao assured him. “This bath was for me, but I can order another one later.”

Zhao Yuanzhou couldn’t stop the sudden tremble of his hands, tucked securely in the crooks of Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao’s elbows. His shivers could easily be attributed to his current weak condition, but not the sudden wash of heat rising to his face.

He felt… shy which was both odd and silly.

Wasn’t he a supremely confident great demon who had thought nothing of racing naked through the vast forests and plains of the wilderness?

Wasn’t he the one who had caused an exasperated Ying Zhao to chase after him and Li Lun with their robes clutched in one hand and stick in the other, hollering for them to stop embarrassing him?

But that was centuries ago. A different lifetime. Despite the thousands of years he had lived through, Zhao Yuanzhou felt awkward, self-conscious and uncertain. As if all those years of living had been wiped clean after he died. He still possessed the memories of course, but they lacked clarity with their edges blurred and their colours faded.

He, Zhu Yan, one of the two youngest and most powerful legends in the Wilderness together with Li Lun, felt about as old – or young – as the two very special persons flanking him. Who were also looking at him in growing concern, tiny frowns appearing between their eyebrows.

“Zhao Yuanzhou?” Zhuo Yichen gave his arm a little shake. “Are you alright?”

“Would you prefer to go back to bed?” Wen Xiao asked.

Zhao Yuanzhou breathed the fragrant steam deep into his lungs and let it out. Shaking his head, he smiled at them in turn.

“No. Not when I have two lovely and willing bath attendants waiting to pamper me.”

Zhuo Yichen gave a snort, but it sounded more amused than annoyed.

“Let’s get you stripped and into the tub then.”

“Uh,” was all Zhao Yuanzhou had time to say before Zhuo Yichen made good his word – removing his hairpin, robes, boots and socks. In seconds, he was left standing on bare feet and clad only in his trousers, hair loose around his face and shoulders.

Then Zhuo Yichen rose to his feet and looked him up and down, eyes bright and hungry looking. Zhao Yuanzhou had to resist the very childish urge to cover his chest. Bah, such a ridiculous thought would have never entered his mind before. But he had been lithe and muscled then; now he was slender, almost skinny. It was to be expected, of course, but still –

Zhao Yuanzhou’s thoughts broke off when Zhuo Yichen stepped around him and pushed his hair to one side. His heart lurched when he remembered the eight jagged scars of his self-inflicted punishment.

“No scars,” Zhuo Yichen reported and came around to stare at Zhao Yuanzhou again.

“Oh.” Zhao Yuanzhou was relieved. Zhuo Yichen had already seen them from afar, but he would rather they not inspect his marks of shame, and up close.

“Well, the water isn’t going to stay warm forever, you know,” Wen Xiao said with a wink at Zhuo Yichen. He pulled the ties of Zhao Yuanzhou’s trousers at once, causing the garment to fall to the floor.

With both their gazes now riveted on a different part of him, Zhao Yuanzhou almost wanted to flee. He blushed instead.

“Beautiful.” Zhuo Yichen’s voice was almost a growl.

“Very,” Wen Xiao agreed, her voice catching in her throat.

Goosebumps rippled along Zhao Yuanzhou’s skin again, making him shiver. Whether from being exposed or being subjected to such ardent gazes, he wasn’t sure.

“Right. Let’s get you inside the tub.”

- o -

It was the height of decadence to be pampered like this, Zhao Yuanzhou decided, scrubbed clean from head to toe with four loving hands, fragrant soap and lots of hot water.

“I could get used to this,” he said, a little breathless, as Wen Xiao massaged his neck and shoulders and Zhuo Yichen paid very, very close attention to every inch of him.

“We could ask you to return the favour after you recover,” Wen Xiao teased and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

“Consider it done,” Zhao Yuanzhou reassured her at once. His toes curled, back arching a little as Zhuo Yichen’s hand moved dangerously close to sensitive areas before drawing away. “Uh…”

Zhuo Yichen shot him a regretful look, his cheeks now flushed with exertion.

“You look like you’re about to fall asleep,” he muttered. “Later, when you’re stronger.”

Zhao Yuanzhou blinked.

“You two have each other, you know,” he said after a moment.

Wen Xiao moved around to face him, crouching beside Zhuo Yichen.

“It wouldn’t be right without you,” she said.

“… what?”

“Wen Xiao is right,” Zhuo Yichen said steadily. “We both agreed to wait for you.”

Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes widened in shock.

“But you had no idea how long…”

“Good thing you returned early then,” she said lightly. “Right, Xiao Zhuo?”

“Right.”

Zhao Yuanzhou’s vision blurred. He grabbed their arms with wet hands and pulled them close, kissing one and then the other.

“Love you both,” he managed.

“We know,” Zhuo Yichen said. “Now, let’s get you to bed before you fall asleep in the tub and I have to carry you naked to your room.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I would.”

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

After dinner that night, Wen Xiao went in search of Fan Ying. She had seen how his gaze sharpened at her, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen’s interactions during the meal. It wasn’t fair to keep him in the dark any longer. Besides, Fan Ying possessed an analytical mind which excelled in piecing clues together, and the three of them… hadn’t been subtle.

Perhaps Wen Xiao shouldn’t have giggled when Zhuo Yichen poured Zhao Yuanzhou’s tea and was smiled at so charmingly that he blushed and muttered “Shut up” which made Zhao Yuanzhou protest that he hadn’t said anything. And perhaps she shouldn’t have pouted at being ignored which resulted in both males grabbing the teapot and almost knocking it over instead. And Ying Lei and Bai Jiu definitely shouldn’t have nudged each other and snickered behind their hands throughout dinner.

Well! Anything that made her task easier was good, right?

Wen Xiao pressed her palms to her burning cheeks and hoped so.

- o –

“Are you out of your mind to be accepting both of them, Xiao-er?”

“A-die,” Wen Xiao began, but Fan Ying held up a hand.

“I know how they both feel about you, and I have no doubts they’ll cherish you and protect you with their lives if necessary. They’ve both given ample proof of that.”

Silence.

“But?” Wen Xiao prompted with a smile which earned her an exasperated frown.

“But Xiao Zhuo and Zhao Yuanzhou are destined to be enemies – the Bingyi heir and the strongest da yao. They’ve clashed right from the start.”

“A-die, that was only when they first met.” Wen Xiao gave him a reproachful look. “It’s been many months since they have considered each other best friends.”

“But Xiao Zhuo made a vow to kill Zhao Yuanzhou and carried it out.”

“He did and it broke his heart,” Wen Xiao said softly. “But you know it was Zhao Yuanzhou who insisted on it.”

“So the blood feud between them-“

“Was already resolved when Xiao Zhuo became a demon.”

Another silence in which Fan Ying frowned at her and she looked back, serene and smiling. Then one of Fan Ying’s eyebrows rose.

“So… are they just best friends?”

Wen Xiao giggled.

“No, they’re more than that.”

But instead of being appeased, Fan Ying jumped up and started pacing.

“Then what if, one day, their feelings for each other outgrow their feelings for you?”

Wen Xiao just smiled.

“I’m sure that won’t happen, but in the extremely unlikely event it does, Pei-jiejie will still be with me.”

Fan Ying stopped mid-pace, one foot lifted, to gape at her. Then he groaned and even smacked his forehead.

“I really don’t know what is going on with the youth of today!”

Wen Xiao swallowed back another giggle, wondering if being turned into a demon increased one’s penchant for the dramatics. She plastered a placating smile on her face and held out a hand.

“A-die, come and sit down.” She pulled him to sit beside her and poured him a cup of tea.

“Wait - what about children?”

Wen Xiao had thought of that even if both Zhao Yuanzhou and Xhuo Yichen hadn’t brought it up. But they had confessed to each other just yesterday. There was quite a lot they hadn’t gotten around to discuss yet.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” she said calmly.

Fan Ying drank his tea and put down the cup. Then he heaved a sigh and patted her hand.

“If this be the case, Xiao-er, then you three have my blessing. After those two great demons come to ask me for your hand in marriage and not hide behind you!”

“A-die, they are going to ask you. I just wanted to pre-empt you first!”

“To test the waters?” Fan Ying asked, deadpan.

Wen Xiao laughed again. She was giddy with delight, face flushed and eyes wet.

“Very well, tell them to come see me now,” Fan Ying ordered, “before I change my mind.”

“I will.” With her heart overflowing with love, Wen Xiao jumped up and hugged him. “Thank you, a-die.”

- o –

A few minutes later…

“Come in.”

Zhuo Yichen and Zhao Yuanzhou entered Fan Ying’s study and bowed their heads… as if they all hadn’t sat down to dinner less than two hours ago.

“Fan-daren,” they greeted in unison.

Zhuo Yichen knew without false modesty that if Zhao Yuanzhou had never turned up, Fan Ying would have no issues at all with him marrying Wen Xiao. But seeing as how Zhao Yuanzhou had not only entered the picture but stolen both his and Wen Xiao’s hearts, he wasn’t so sure of Fan Ying’s reaction.

“Xiao Zhuo. Zhao Yuanzhou. Is there something you want to ask me?”

With Fan Ying looking graver than Zhuo Yichen had ever seen him, his heart started to beat even faster. There was a brush against his knuckles and he glanced at Zhao Yuanzhou only to see a tiny “Go on” jerk of his chin.

Zhuo Yichen shored up his crumbling courage with the reminder that he was the Commander of the Demon Hunting Bureau. Taking a deep breath, he started speaking.

“Fan-daren, Zhao Yuanzhou and I, uhm... we w-wish – that is, we would like-”

Heavens above, why was he stammering and stumbling over his words like he was sixteen all over again?

“Xiao Zhuo, you’ve tried your best. Allow me,” Zhao Yuanzhou murmured with twinkling eyes – evil demon - before turning to Fan Ying and speaking with his usual charm and eloquence.

Zhuo Yichen stewed by his side, but he needn’t have worried. Fan Ying cracked a smile soon after and gave his blessings.

“I don’t need to remind you how dear Wen Xiao is to me and how protective I feel about her despite her power and status as the Baize Goddess. But I am curious as to your plans for your combined future.”

“Ah. Be assured, Fan-daren,” Zhao Yuanzhou said with an even more charming smile, “that I have never harboured any intention of taking over the Demon Hunting Bureau or anything boring and tedious like that.”

“Zhao Yuanzhou,” Zhuo Yichen muttered, nudging him with his elbow.

Zhao Yuanzhou blinked at him, round eyed and innocent, before turning back to Fan Ying.

“Besides, Zhuo-daren has returned so you have two – three including Pei-daren – very capable candidates to take care of things. I just plan to be a lazy freeloader from now on, living off everyone’s good graces, and Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao’s love, of cour– ow.”

Having dug his elbow into Zhao Yuanzhou’s ribs, Zhuo Yichen followed up with a glare. The temperature around them dropped a few degrees.

Fan Ying chuckled.

“In that case, it’s a good thing the people of Tiandu consider you a hero for sacrificing your life to save them. We should start arranging for the wedding.”

“You have our deepest gratitude, Fan-daren,” Zhao Yuanzhou said and bowed which Zhuo Yichen hastily copied. “The sooner the better.”

- o –

A few days later, Bai Jiu brought his parents to the Demon Hunting Bureau. While Situ Ming went to meet Fan Ying, Bai Yan followed her son to visit Li Lun. Her eyes widened at the sight of the pagoda tree which rustled its branches at their approach.

“Li Lun, you are growing faster than any tree I have ever seen. Please allow me.” She pressed her hand to his trunk for a moment before nodding. “You have been able to see and hear for some time, and I think you are strong enough to speak a little. I can help you if you want.”

She felt a single pulse against her palm and smiled.

“Very well.”

- o -

Over the next two weeks, several changes took place.

Zhao Yuanzhou insisted on moving into the empty room beside Zhuo Yichen’s to give both Zhuo Yixuan and himself more privacy. Zhuo Yixuan recovered at a slower rate, but was strong enough to sit in a few discussions with Fan Ying, Zhuo Yichen and Pei Sijing.

Lu Wu had insisted on more demon-friendly rules which would allow demons to visit the Human Realm from more entry points than just Kunlun Mountain Temple.

Since Wen Xiao would spend more time traveling between the two realms with Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen accompanying her, Zhuo Yixuan and Pei Sijing would run the Demon Hunting Bureau together with Fan Ying acting as advisor. The Prime Minister was helping them to petition for more resources to expand the Demon Hunting Bureau and hire more guards for patrol.

Meanwhile, wedding decorations started appearing all over the place. Zhuo Yichen was sure that Ying Lei was the mastermind behind it, only to be taken aback when Ying Lei shook his head and said that Zhuo Yixuan had pretty much bought out all the auspicious decorations in Tiandu City.

“Xiao Zhuo-ge will not be the most sought after bachelor for long, right? Xiao Jiu and I think that Zhuo-daren will be next,” he confided in an exaggerated whisper, grinning from ear to ear.

When Zhuo Yichen went to his brother to protest – about too many decorations, not the title he didn't care about - the latter just told him to sit down to enjoy a cup of tea.

“Xiao Chen, do you remember me telling you about how one can’t fly with one wing, but can soar with two?” Zhuo Yixuan’s eyes twinkled. Zhao Yuanzhou had told him every detail of their previous battle with Wen Zhongyu.

“Now, not only do you have two wings to lift you high, you also have a family to keep you grounded. I could not be more proud of you, didi. I know our parents are just as proud.”

Whatever protests Zhuo Yichen had intended to make died in his throat as his eyes burned. Smiling, Zhuo Yixuan thumbed away the single tear slipping down his face.

“I hope you won’t blame ge for wanting you to have the wedding you deserve. The wedding you three deserve.”

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

With the Demon Hunting Bureau turning into a sea of auspicious crimson décor, including the main entryway, courtyards, gardens and numerous pathways, the about-to-be-wed trio escaped to Tiandu City for a few hours. They were in the people’s good graces again and greeted with genuine smiles and respectful bows. It was a marked difference to how they were treated at Tianxiang Pavilion a mere half year ago - shouted and cursed at, while Zhuo Yichen and Ying Lei were pelted with raw eggs and rotten vegetables.

When the trio reached the market place, a very pretty girl with large round eyes and a rosebud mouth darted up with a happy cry of “Wen Xiao-jiejie!” Eyes narrowing, Zhao Yuanzhou immediately put an arm around Wen Xiao. Undaunted, the girl batted her long, curling eyelashes at him. Zhuo Yichen, standing on Zhao Yuanzhou’s other side, frowned and put his arm around him. The girl looked from one to the other and pouted, turning to Wen Xiao who just giggled behind her hand. Tossing her head, she flounced off.

“A deceptive beast,” Zhao Yuanzhou said, slipping his hand from Wen Xiao’s waist.

“Do you know her?” Zhuo Yichen asked Wen Xiao, slipping his hand from Zhao Yuanzhou’s waist. “Wait – is she the one you said reincarnated a few weeks back?”

“The one and the same,” Wen Xiao said with a laugh.

The trio turned around to see the demon walking up to Ying Lei and Pei Siheng, the latter carrying a basket of vegetables. While Ying Lei gave her a surprised smile, Pei Siheng stepped closer to him and looked down his handsome nose at the deceptive beast until she went off in a huff.

Snickering, the trio turned back and headed for the marketplace. They took their time, looking at fresh produce and browsing through trinkets until they passed by a jade seller. His round face lit up with recognition at once.

“Daren!” He greeted Zhao Yuanzhou. “Daren, I have new stock of the plain jade pieces you like! Please take a look.”

“Ah. Not today, thank you.” Zhao Yuanzhou gave him a polite smile and they walked on.

“I used to buy jade from him to make the jade wine,” he explained to his companions.

Zhuo Yichen looked over his shoulder at the crestfallen seller.

“You have no idea how relieved I am not to have to drink that bitter concoction anymore.” Zhao Yuanzhou gave a light laugh.

“It was terrible,” Wen Xiao agreed and linked her arm through his.

“Although I can’t guarantee if another vessel will still be created in the future.”

“We’ll deal with it if and when it does,” Zhuo Yichen said simply.

They walked on a dozen steps before Zhao Yuanzhou stopped.

“Actually… I’ll be right back. Just wait here, please.” He darted back to the jade seller and came back after a couple of minutes.

“Another token for Wen Xiao?” Zhuo Yichen asked as Zhao Yuanzhou showed them an exquisite heart-shaped jade in pure ivory. Then he froze, belated realisation hitting him.

“Xiao Zhuo.” Zhao Yuanzhou gave him a reproachful look. “I’ve already given Wen Xiao a love token, remember? This one is for you.”

For one usually so soft spoken, his voice carried. Zhuo Yichen’s eyes darted around, shoulders hunching at the amused smiles aimed their way.

“I think some townspeople didn’t hear you,” he muttered and regretted it the instant the words left his mouth.

“I SAID, I’VE ALREADY GIVEN WEN XIAO A LOVE-“ Zhao Yuanzhou obliged at once.

“Shut up!”

- o –

As the wedding day drew even closer, Zhuo Yichen found sleep increasingly elusive. Contrary to what he hoped would be a private affair, attended only by his found family and fellow Demon Hunting Bureau members - with perhaps a small ceremony in the Wilderness for Lu Wu and the other Mountain Gods to witness the Baize Goddess’ union – the guests now included the Prime Minister, several other ministers and even featured a horse ride through the streets of Tiandu City to receive congratulations from everyone.

It was all thanks to Zhuo Yixuan whose unexpected return from the dead was hailed with joy and cheer, particularly by the young maidens of Tiandu City. He had made no secret of the fact that his beloved didi was getting married to the Baize Goddess and the previously infamous, but now respected Zhao Yuanzhou.

Zhuo Yichen knew they had saved hundreds of people from being turned into mindless demons, and that Zhuo Yixuan was both charming and charismatic, but to get an entire city to celebrate the wedding was still nothing short of a miracle. Or maybe the true miracle was the Prime Minister persuading King Xiang that Commander Zhuo Yichen and Baize Goddess Wen Xiao marrying Zhao Yuanzhou was not only Very Beneficial to the people of Tiandu, but also the Best and Most Effective Way to keep a strict eye on him.

“That’s impossible,” Zhuo Yichen said when Fan Ying told them about it.

“I would agree with you except that I’m holding the royal decree as we speak,” Fan Ying replied.

“It’s still impossible,” Zhuo Yichen declared.

“But good,” Wen Xiao hastily added.

Zhao Yuanzhou just smiled and didn’t say a word.

Regardless, the approaching celebrations made Zhuo Yichen jittery with a mix of excitement and nerves, especially at night when there were no missions or training to distract him or occupy his thoughts. He took to reading in the library – past cases, different kinds of demons, even medical books - but the quiet only served to make him feel more agitated. So he turned to going through his sword forms instead in the hope of exhausting himself enough to get a few hours’ sleep.

It wouldn’t do for one of the bridegrooms to sport panda eyes on their big day.

He always practised at his favourite spot – the garden with the huge tree he had spent so much of his youth with. It was far enough from everyone’s rooms that he wouldn’t disturb their sleep… but the sight of the young pagoda tree at the far corner made him hesitate.

Did Li Lun sleep at night?

Would Zhuo Yichen disturb his cultivation or his rest?

His keen hearing soon picked up the almost silent footfalls approaching. A swift glance at his sword hilt revealed a familiar, brighter glow.

“Can’t sleep?” Zhao Yuanzhou came up to him, close enough for their arms to touch, for Zhuo Yichen to feel his body heat.

“Sort of.” Zhuo Yichen glanced at him.

“Aha, cold feet.”

“They’re not in the least bit cold!” Zhuo Yichen’s soft glance turned into a glare.

Zhao Yuanzhou made no reply and just waited with knowing eyes and a gentle smile. Zhuo Yichen heaved a sigh, knowing it was near impossible to take umbrage at Zhao Yuanzhou when he looked like that.

Besides, he was right.

Sort of.

“Well then. It must be because you’re marrying the beautiful, kind hearted and virtuous Baize Goddess. It can’t possibly be because you’re also marrying the handsome, skilled and wise-”

“White ape?” Zhuo Yichen cut in, deadpan.

“Exactly,” Zhao Yuanzhou said with a sage nod.

An amused huff escaped Zhuo Yichen’s lips before he could stop it, but his smile faded when his gaze fell on the pagoda tree once more.

Was Li Lun awake and listening to their inane conversation – and mentally rolling his eyes - or was he asleep like all growing things should be?

“If you’re going to practise your sword routine, I’ll keep you company,” Zhao Yuanzhou offered.

“I was, but I didn’t want to… disturb…” Zhuo Yichen trailed off, lips pressed together. Saying it aloud made it sound silly.

“Li Lun doesn’t mind watching you practise.”

Zhuo Yichen turned to him at once.

“How do you know?”

It was Zhao Yuanzhou’s turn to huff in amusement.

“How do I know it was what you wanted to ask? Or how do I know if he minds?”

“… both.”

“Because I know you. And I know Li Lun appreciates beauty.”

“Zhao Yuanzhou!” Zhuo Yichen felt a wave of heat sweeping up to his face.

“I was talking about the Cloud Light sword.” Zhao Yuanzhou blinked at him, the very picture of innocence. “It is a very beautiful sword, don’t you think?”

Zhuo Yichen sputtered, face burning. He turned away, wishing he had just practiced in the balcony outside his room despite the lack of open space. Infuriating demon!

“The Bingyi sword dance is also very beautiful and graceful.”

“Zhao Yuanzhou!”

Zhao Yuanzhou laughed, soft and so very fond.

“Although neither dance nor sword can ever compare to the beauty of its wielder - the elegant, incomparable Zhuo Yichen.”

Biting his lip, face still pulsing with heat, Zhuo Yichen dared a glance out of the corner of his eye. There was no trace of amusement in Zhao Yuanzhou’s face now, only a loving warmth in those dark eyes and an expression of wonder.

“And the true miracle is not that he loves the Baize Goddess, but that he also loves… me.”

Zhuo Yichen was moving before he knew he was, turning to fling his arms around Zhao Yuanzhou, heart racing with the force of his emotions.

“Ow. Except that he sometimes underestimates his strength,” Zhao Yuanzhou’s soft laugh sounds pained, “or forgets that I’m just a weak demon now.”

Zhuo Yichen drew back just enough to kiss him before releasing him, but Zhao Yuanzhou followed and kissed him in return, long and deep. When they finally broke apart, a little out of breath, Zhao Yuanzhou smiled at him.

“Go ahead, Xiao Zhuo. Li Lun can sleep during the day. Besides, it’ll relieve him of boredom.”

Zhuo Yichen frowned, unsure if he should feel pleased or insulted.

“I wasn’t aware I was a form of entertainment.”

“The very best kind.” Zhao Yuanzhou laughed and kissed him again before heading for the pagoda tree, standing close enough to place a hand on its trunk.

“Go ahead, Xiao Zhuo.”

Zhuo Yichen made sure to grumble under his breath before obliging.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Zhuo Yichen is both righteous and resilient.

Li Lun only allows this thought to take place in the privacy of his mind, safely hidden behind the smooth bark and shiny leaves of his tree form. Zhuo Yichen not only managed to empathise with his father and brother’s murderer, he also forgave him. He even understood the single most important thing Li Lun craved, something Li Lun wasn’t even sure if Zhao Yuanzhou realised. It was… disconcerting to be so clearly seen by someone else, someone he had thought beneath him. If Li Lun possessed a human body right now, it would be prickling with goosebumps from head to toe. 

Zhuo Yichen is also respected and responsible.

Li Lun witnessed to the absolute loyalty and respect Zhuo Yichen commanded on a daily basis, from Advisor Fan Ying down to the lowliest stable boy. He had also experienced Zhuo Yichen’s strict sense of responsibility firsthand - carried from place to place, provided with sun, rain, nutrients and energised items to cultivate faster, and included in the conversations about Zhao Yuanzhou although he couldn’t utter a single word.

“Maybe that’s why?” A voice whispered in his mind. He ignored it.

In the past, he would have taken such personalised attentions as his due. Now, they only served to highlight his past behaviour. He had referred to Zhuo Yichen and his friends as lowly creatures, unworthy of Zhao Yuanzhou’s friendship and protection. He had shattered the Cloud Light sword and ground Zhuo Yichen’s face in the dirt. Anyone in Zhuo Yichen’s shoes would have crushed Li Lun’s primordial root the first chance they got. Yet Li Lun not only lived, but flourished in the Demon Hunting Bureau gardens.

Zhuo Yichen is… beautiful.

Again, Li Lun felt the phantom prickles of figurative goosebumps and grimaced. Zhuo Yichen had blossomed even more with the awakened power of Bingyi’s blood... and the love of both Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao. Li Lun ignored the odd squeeze in the chest he didn’t have as he gazed at the graceful figure under the moonlight, long hair flowing and sword blade glittering. With each slash and thrust, with each leap and spin, powerful waves of energy shook branches and leaves, including Li Lun’s. He didn’t have to look at Zhao Yuanzhou to know he was staring, just as mesmerised.

"Such an enchanting sight, don’t you think?”

If Li Lun was nearing the end of his cultivation, he might have fallen out of his tree in shock. As it was, he sent out an eager spark and had to suffer through Zhao Yuanzhou’s knowing laugh and conciliatory pat on his trunk.

- o -

The wedding day dawned bright and clear. Golden sunlight reflected off the polished roof tiles and shining floors, highlighting the auspicious red décor stuck to every surface in between.

A ridiculous eyesore of an otherwise elegant compound with its graceful buildings and nicely laid out gardens. Li Lun blamed the garish crimson décor on Zhuo Yixuan who had apparently returned without the common sense and maturity one would expect of an ex-Commander. He glared at what could be seen of the main hall, past the branches of the huge tree and the large koi pond. Too many humans crammed inside that building. Inconsequential creatures, all twittering like birds as they awaited the wedding feast.

Li Lun wanted them gone already.

A splash of red caught his attention - two figures dressed in embroidered robes. Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen looked resplendent in red and gold as they walked up the path towards another figure in red. The veiled Baize Goddess, accompanied by Pei Sijing.

When the four drew close, there were wide smiles from the two grooms and some dialog that Li Lun wasn’t interested to hear. Then the four of them walked off, presumably to Fan Ying’s rooms for the wedding ceremony.

The faster the better. Li Lun wanted those noisy guests gone so that the Demon Hunting Bureau would be quiet again. Or as quiet as it usually was with the guards and servants going about their duties. He had grown used to this place - the garden he occupied, the passage of the sun and moon across the sky, the trill of the birds, the friendly rustling of nearby trees and the occasional rumbling snores from the huge tree presiding over the garden.

With an inward sigh, Li Lun settled down for a mid-morning snooze in the warm sunlight… only to be startled awake by the horrendous cacophony just in front of the main hall. He lost a handful of leaves from the shock.

Firecrackers, no doubt to celebrate the wedding. His eyes twitched, one after the other.

How long did it take to say a word or two of welcome, feed those troublesome guests and send them on their way?

If Li Lun had already cultivated his human form, he would make very sure they would be more interested in getting out alive than in getting food in their bellies.

- o -

“How are your feet, Xiao Zhuo?” Zhao Yuanzhou murmured.

“Warm and toasty,” Zhuo Yichen replied without missing a beat. “How are yours?”

“As toasty as yours are.”

Walking between them, arms linked with theirs, Wen Xiao giggled. The two males exchanged solemn looks over her head only to burst into sheepish smiles right after.

They didn’t see Pei Sijing, leading the way, rolling her eyes so hard they almost fell out. As they approached Fan Ying’s study, the door was pulled open and Fan Ying stood there with a smile of anticipation. The half hidden demon marks on his neck emitted a faint glow which meant he was nervous or excited, or both.

Well. He couldn’t be more so than Zhuo Yichen whose markings behaved the same way, much to his chagrin. Right now, he felt like they were blinding.

“Well, don’t stand on ceremony.” A smiling Situ Ming popped up beside Fan Ying. “Come in, all of you!”

- o –

Fan Ying’s spacious study looked rather cramped with almost a dozen people inside – he, the Situ family, Zhuo Yixuan, Ying Lei, the Pei siblings and the about to be wed trio.

“Xiao Zhuo-ge looks so handsome, right, Xiao Jiu?” Ying Lei said, grinning as he nudged Bai Jiu’s arm. Despite the scowl and nudge he got back, he was undeterred.

“I’ve been reading up about the three wedding prostrations in the Mortal Realm,” he announced. “I can officiate this ceremony!”

“Shh! A-die will do it.” Bai Jiu pulled down his arm.

- o –

The ceremony passed in somewhat of a blur to Zhuo Yichen who was only conscious of three things – the sniffling sounds from Wen Xiao, the wondering smile on Zhao Yuanzhou’s face, and the beaming one on Zhuo Yixuan’s.

After the three prostrations, everyone burst into applause. Traditionally, the groom would remove the bride’s veil in private, but with a quick glance at each other, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen lifted Wen Xiao’s long veil off her head right then and there. She blinked in the sudden light and laughed when her two husbands kissed her cheeks to more applause. Then it was time for a quick toast of marital wine, eschewing the traditional linking of arms – much to Ying Lei’s disappointment – before everyone adjourned to the main hall where their guests were waiting.

- o –

A few hours later…

The wedding feast was over and the last guest had left. At long last, Li Lun grumbled to himself. To his annoyance, he heard one servant telling the other that the decorations were to stay up for a full month; some superstitious nonsense about ensuring the newlyweds enjoyed a whole lifetime of marital bliss. Li Lun gave a mental sigh, his gaze returning to the newlyweds sitting hand in hand in hand at the koi pond.

- o -

“I’m glad that’s finally over.” Zhuo Yichen let out a long breath of relief.

“Me too,” Zhao Yuanzhou said. “Except that we still have another ceremony at the Kunlun Mountain Temple to get through.”

“Me three,” Wen Xiao added. “Did you see all the death glares I got from the young unmarried females for daring to snatch away their darling Commander Zhuo Yichen?”

“I received just as many if not more.” Zhao Yuanzhou affected a pout.

“Nonsense! Xiongzhang is still single and available,” Zhuo Yichen muttered with ears blushed pink.

“Well, since we’re waiting for Ying Lei, let’s go talk to Li Lun.” Wen Xiao stood up and smoothed down her robes. “He must be grumpy after having so many guests disturb his peace.”

- o –

“Zhu Yan. Zhuo Yichen. Wen Xiao.” Li Lun was gratified to see the trio’s mouths drop open.

“Li Lun, you can talk!” Zhao Yuanzhou burst out.

“Thanks to Bai Yan.” Li Lun spoke slowly with a tiny pause in between each word. “Only a little, but better than sending out sparks. I want to…”

He couldn’t quite remember the short speech he had thought up.

“Zhu Yan, thank you for not giving up on me. Zhuo Yichen, thank you for taking care of me. Wen Xiao and everyone too.”

Zhao Yuanzhou teared up at once, Zhuo Yichen blinked a few times and Wen Xiao smiled.

“Like Xiao Jiu said, you deserve a second chance.” Zhuo Yichen gave a prim nod, somehow managing to sound sincere and patronising at the same time.

Annoying.

“By the way, that old tree over there told me a few things,” Li Lun said in retaliation. “He enjoyed seeing a tiny sapling like you grow up… except for the tears you shed on his trunk while waiting for your fuxiong to return.”

“I – I did not!” Zhuo Yichen blustered, darting mortified looks at Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao.

Chuckling, they put their arms around him while Li Lun mentally rolled his eyes.

“He… calls me Lun-er,” he admitted.

“I’m glad you have a friend, Li Lun,” Zhao Yuanzhou said softly. “I don’t think you’ll need a full hundred years to cultivate a human form.”

“Of course,” Li Lun smirked. “Wen Xiao should watch out that I don’t take her place.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he wished he could retract them. The trio blinked at him and at each other.

“Take her place?” Zhuo Yichen repeated, blinking.

“You mean, with Xiao Zhuo and me?” Zhao Yuanzhou asked.

Wen Xiao just smiled, seemingly unconcerned.

“You’re welcome to try,” she replied, causing her two husbands to swing to her in shock. “But out of the three of us, I’m the only one who can get pregnant.”

“Wen Xiao!” Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen chorused, looking rather scandalised.

“The Baize Goddess speaks utter nonsense,” Li Lun growled, praying that his leaves hadn’t turned red with embarrassment.

“Doesn’t sound like a no to me,” Wen Xiao teased and linked her arms with her husbands. “For now though, these two are mine.”

“Oh, there’s Ying Lei now! We uh, we should get going,” Zhuo Yichen said briskly. “See you tomorrow, Li Lun.”

“Rest well,” Zhao Yuanzhou added.

“Bye.” Li Lun watched the newlyweds walking off to join Ying Lei who waved at him.

To be honest, he wasn’t sure if he had said those things just to rile them up or if he had meant it. He just knew that after eight long years, he wasn’t alone anymore.

He had a home now.

- Chapter End –

Chapter Text

- Chapter Start –

Ying Lei wore an excited smile on his face as he beckoned Zhao Yuanzhou, Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao over, holding aloft the Shanhai portal in one hand.

“Stand closer, it’s almost time for the ceremony,” he urged and activated the artefact.

When the streams of golden light faded, they were standing before the two huge statues that guarded the entrance to the Kunlun Mountain temple.

“Follow me, please!” Still grinning, Ying Lei darted between the statues only to stop short. “Ah, they’re already here.”

The newlyweds followed him through the entryway. The snowswept path leading to the temple itself was bracketed by huge stone pillars with numerous brass charms strung between them, tinkling in the wind. Five figures stood in a row at the top of the furthest set of steps, watching them. Even from afar, Zhuo Yichen’s demon senses tingled at the ancient power emanating from these five Mountain Gods.

A not so distant memory tried to intrude, but he squashed it flat at once. He didn’t want to think of that fateful day when two powerful Mountain Gods had fallen, and they had almost lost Zhao Yuanzhou to malicious energy. Today was a happy day, a day to celebrate the union of Wen Xiao, Zhao Yuanzhou and himself.

Ying Lei made an elaborate bow once they reached the base of the steps.

“Respected elders! I, Ying Lei, thank you all for coming here. You have already met the Baize Goddess Wen Xiao, but may I present her two husbands - the great demon Zhao Yuanzhou, and the descendant of Bingyi, Zhuo Yichen.”

The trio clasped hands and saluted.

“This is Lu Wu-daren from Mount Zhong who now guards Mount Kunlun with me,” Ying Lei continued, “followed by Dongyue Dadi-daren from Mount Tai, Li Tieguai-daren from Mount Heng, Lü Dongbin-daren from Mount Song, and He Xiangu-daren from Mount Hua.”

“Greetings, Baize Goddess,” they chorused in unison. They acknowledged the presence of Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen with nods, but did not greet them by name.

“Young Ying Lei, we should get the ceremony underway,” Dongyue Dadi prompted.

“Yes, the sun will set soon,” Li Tieguai added, looking rather impatient.

“Of course, of course,” Ying Lei hastily said.

The other gods held up their respective teleportation artefacts and activated them. The resultant show of light was bright enough for the trio to turn away, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen quickly lifting an arm each to shield Wen Xiao.

When Zhuo Yichen could see again, Ying Lei gave a little bow.

“Ah, don’t mind Li Tieguai-daren. His disciple allows too many demons through to the Mortal Realm so he wants to get back as soon as he can.”

“In that case, we shouldn’t make them wait,” Wen Xiao said.

“Right!”

This time, Ying Lei teleported them to the site of the withered Ancient Tree. The last time Zhuo Yichen was here was when Zhao Yuanzhou used the Ever Burning fire in his core to help repair the Cloud Light sword.

“The Baize Goddess is tasked with the peace, safety and wellbeing of the Wilderness. It is only fitting that the vows of her union be performed here,” Lu Wu announced. “As with all vows in the Wilderness, a small amount of blood is necessary.”

He held out a small silver knife with an elaborately carved blade to Ying Lei.

“Place your hands on the White Emperor stone when you recite your vow.”

Wen Xiao took the knife and made a small cut on her palm. She gave a little hiss as bright red blood welled up at once.

“Wen Xiao, just a bit is sufficient,” Zhuo Yichen muttered in concern, taking the knife from her.

“I only made a tiny cut,” she muttered back.

Following his own advice, Zhuo Yichen made a small cut on his hand and grimaced. The blade felt like fire and his blood started flowing at once, dripping from his hand onto the ground.

“Eager much, Xiao Zhuo?”

Zhuo Yichen shook his head at Zhao Yuanzhou who dared to wink at him before taking the knife and cutting his own hand. Stepping up to the stone, the three of them rested their bleeding palms on the top and exchanged sober looks. Whether their combined sincerity was good enough for the Wilderness remained to be seen.

“With our hearts and minds converged as one,

Our love and souls shine bright like the sun,

With heaven and earth in harmony,

We protect this realm eternally.”

Their mingled blood spread across the top of the stone and flowed down all four sides, lighting up the words carved there.

“Your vow worked!” Ying Lei cheered and then he frowned. “Eh?”

There was a low rumbling sound coming from deep underground. The place started to shake as the rumbling grew louder. Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen grabbed Wen Xiao’s arms to steady her and themselves. With the exception of Ying Lei who looked around with wide eyes, the other Mountain Gods remained calm and stable on their feet.

The ancient tree began to shake as if awakening from a long slumber. Strips of blackened bark peeled from the enormous trunk and a wealth of smaller branches erupted from the large ones. Vibrant green leaves began to sprout, followed by large pink and white flowers.

“The tree has revived!” Ying Lei exclaimed, walking backwards with his head tilted up to take in the magnificent sight.

“It’s beautiful!” Wen Xiao smiled happily at Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen. “I had no idea this would happen.”

“This tree grew when Li Lun and I made a vow here to protect the Wilderness,” Zhao Yuanzhou said. “That was a very long time ago.”

He turned to gaze at the tree, face going soft with awe and what looked like nostalgia. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help picturing how it must have looked, to have this huge tree erupting from the ground while Zhao Yuanzhou and Li Lun looked on.

“But there were no leaves or flowers like now, only branches.” Zhao Yuanzhou turned to smile at Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao.

As if taking umbrage at his words, the huge tree shook its branches, causing a heavy shower of pink petals to rain down upon them, delighting Ying Lei and startling the other Mountain Gods.

“Well done,” Lu Wu announced. “Only when you three are of one heart and one mind – to protect the Wilderness with all your power - will this tree revive and be filled with life once again. My congratulations to the Baize Goddess and her two husbands.”

“Congratulations.”

“Yes, congratulations.”

The other gods echoed his words with great solemnity. Then, without further ado, they nodded at Lu Wu, activated their artefacts and vanished in another brilliant show of light.

“Wait, I prepared refreshments!” Ying Lei gave a despondent sigh and then he brightened up again. “Never mind, we can still drink a toast to your nuptials with my pomegranate wine!”

“The two of us will return to the temple first. Leave your Shanhai portal here,” Lu Wu told him.

“But why?”

Zhao Yuanzhou gave Lu Wu a gracious smile while Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao hurriedly looked away, hiding their smiles.

“Thank you for your understanding, Lu Wu-daren. We will join you and Ying Lei later to enjoy that wine.”

With a nod, Lu Wu teleported away with the still puzzled looking Ying Lei, leaving the newlyweds alone.

“Our little Mountain God still has much to learn,” Zhao Yuanzhou said cheerfully and nudged Zhuo Yichen. “Right, Xiao Zhuo?”

Meanwhile, Wen Xiao started walking towards the ancient tree.

“Zhao Yuanzhou, Xiao Zhuo.”

They followed her at once, picking their way through the roots that sprawled along the ground, some as big as a man’s arm and others no wider than a finger. When they passed under the shadow of its branches, Zhuo Yichen felt his breath catch. It was like walking into a different realm. The air was humid and redolent with the heady perfume of the large flowers. He looked around and saw the surprise he felt mirrored on Zhao Yuanzhou’s face.

“Xiao Zhuo?"

Turning back to Wen Xiao, Zhuo Yichen felt his heart skip a beat. She had grown from a pretty girl into a beautiful young woman. Right now though, she looked like a goddess, stunning and mysterious and wise, and all his.

Well, his and Zhao Yuanzhou's.

"Wen Xiao, you – you look beautiful!” Zhuo Yichen had to bite his lower lip right after, awkward down to his bones at giving his new bride such a trite compliment. Then he frowned and looked her up and down, even taking a step or two back. It finally hit him that,

"You're glowing!" He burst out.

Indeed, Wen Xiao’s entire being was gilded with a soft red-gold radiance that seemed to emanate from inside her, turning her hair a rich brown, rendering her skin translucent, and giving her eyes a luminous shine.

“Don’t forget, our ceremony isn’t quite finished yet.” She held out her arms, smiling.

Zhuo Yichen obliged at once and lost himself in the softness of her lips and the sweet taste of their wedding cake on her tongue. When they finally drew apart, he was breathless and warm. His heart started racing faster when he saw Zhao Yuanzhou staring at them, standing very still with eyes that glowed with hunger.

“Zhao Yuanzhou?” With a wide smile, Wen Xiao beckoned him over.

Zhuo Yichen got to witness the equally passionate kiss that followed. Zhao Yuanzhou even looked startled at first before taking control, tilting Wen Xiao’s head to the side to make their lips fit better. When they finally broke apart for air, their cheeks were flushed, eyes bright and hot.

“My turn,” Zhuo Yichen said. He didn’t have to feel the chill at his neck to know that his ice marks were burning bright. Stepping close to Zhao Yuanzhou, he wrapped his arms around him for a kiss that went on and on.

“Oh my,” Wen Xiao said with a little laugh.

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen broke apart with sheepish smiles and tingling lips.

“Too bad we’re not at the Demon Hunting Bureau now,” Zhao Yuanzhou sighed. “We should-“

“We should return to the temple for that toast,” Zhuo Yichen said firmly although not without regret.

“Otherwise Ying Lei will be disappointed,” Wen Xiao said reluctantly.

“And then we’ll return home to continue celebrating?” Zhao Yuanzhou asked with an innocent smile that was anything but.

“Agreed,” Wen Xiao said, smiling.

“Agreed,” Zhuo Yichen echoed and returned their smiles.

With a final glance at the ancient tree, the newlyweds teleported away to begin a new chapter in their lives.

- Story End –