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Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian almost felt numb. Breathing in the smoke of the huts he made with the Wens that are being swallowed by the unforgiving flames. The very people he tried to save were hacked and murdered in front of his eyes like livestock.

I failed them.

Like I failed him.

Maybe Wei Wuxian knew everything would eventually end up this way. They are all living with borrowed time. Wen Qing said so.

Maybe he decided to help the Wen Remnants because he himself wants to run away from all of it. Away from the Jiangs he failed to save as well. They're better off without him anyway.

He was so arrogant. So full of himself, thinking that this time would be different. He failed him. He failed the Jiangs. What could be different this time? Of course he couldn't save the Wens. He can save no one.

Wei Wuxian could only look at the moon helplessly. Shining so brightly despite the smoke surrounding the sky. He wanted to trace the stars surrounding it but he couldn't move, both his arms were crushed, some of the meat on them were bitten off exposing its bones. Just like what I did with Wen Chao. Ha!

The sounds of his flesh being clawed on and devoured by the corpses like he was feast itself fascinates him. He was long past the pain, he just wanted this to end.

Oh heavens just let me die already.

Just..

Just please..

Who knew dying could be this painful?

Is this what the people I killed felt?

Yes it is.

Is this what he felt?

Maybe I deserve this.

Yes… I deserve this. I definitely deserve this.

Maybe then, Hong-er..

Oh God... My Honghong-er.

"Honghong-er I'll be joining you soon." Wei Wuxian whispered, knowing he'll get no reply. No one is left to listen. Everyone is gone.

Just as he drew his last breath, he caught a glimpse of a silver butterfly, glowing and landing softly on his cheek. He gave a weak smile, glad it was the last thing he saw before his end. A tear finally fell as the light left his eyes.

Beautiful.

“....rry.. forgive me…”

“Late..”

“...suffered enough..”

“..s okay now....safe..”

“They...pay…”

“Rest... A-ying....”

An overwhelming sense of safety has enveloped Wei Wuxian. He can't help but trust the gentle voice and rest his weary soul on this stranger's cold but reassuring hands.

—

“Did you hear? The Yiling Laozu is dead!”

“Finally! Great news for all!”

“Even the Burial Mounds sealed itself after the Yiling Laozu died! Most of the cultivators were stuck inside, who knows if they are still alive!”

“It's the Burial Mounds we are talking about, they're dead for sure! No one will survive being stuck inside that hellhole! Luckily some of them successfully got out before it sealed off.”

“What if the Yiling Laozu's still alive? Or worse came back from the dead to raze the entire Jianghu to the ground for revenge?”

That made them pause their ramblings, some deep in thought, some shivered from anxiousness. Everyone was well aware that Wei Wuxian was adopted late into the Jiang Clan, missing the soul-calming ceremony age.

“What nonsense! The young Jiang-zongzhu killed Yiling Laozu himself! And the great sects will of course do something about that before that happens!”

“What I heard was different! They said he was killed because his demonic powers had been nipping at his heels for a while and eventually backfiring at him!”

“Well the rumor I heard somewhere said that Jin Guangshan was the one who killed the Yiling Laozu!”

“Pah! Everybody knows Jin Guangshan would rather spend time under a whore's skirt than lead a siege! If it was his bastard I would've believed you!”

“Aiyo..That Yiling Laozu what a waste of talent! I heard he was a prominent gongzi and a genius one at that. Ended up defecting from the Jiang sect because of some Wen-dogs! The same sect that housed and clothed him. The late Jiang-zongzhu has cursed his sect by adopting that street rat!”

“Hmph! If I were the late Jiang-zongzhu I would've never picked up the bastard and left him to rot to wherever he came from! Not an ounce of gratitude! Justice was served when the current Jiang-zongzhu eradicated the demon!”

“You know my brother has heard something strange from the other cultivators…”

“What is it?”

“There are hundreds.. wait no! Thousands of silver butterflies surrounded the Burial Mounds before it sealed off. It was the most eerie thing they saw.”

“Goodness! Even in death the Yiling Laozu never fails to do something so utterly frightening. The heavens are on our side, ridding us of that demon who's brought down by his own hubris!”

After Wei Wuxian's death, the entire Jianghu was in celebration. Several minor to even outrageous rumors have spread like wildfire everywhere, from prominent cultivators to even commoners in tea houses.

But despite the celebration, unease still lingers.

Several cultivators have attempted to enter the Burial Mounds to summon and completely destroy the dead patriarch's soul. But their attempts to enter were thwarted completely.

The Lans were summoned to try and communicate with some of the souls outside the boundary of the sealed Burial Mounds, asking whether Wei Wuxian's soul still exists in their realm or has he passed on entirely. Only ended up with mockery and words that would tarnish their so-called Lan sensibilities from the stray souls they were lucky enough to even make contact with.

A certain grieving Lan with multiple slash wounds on his back has sneaked out of Cloud Recesses after hearing Wei Wuxian's death. He was met with eerie silence, He was eventually picked up by his brother after days of exhausting himself trying to reach for the dead laozu's soul.

Most have believed that Wei Wuxian's soul has been shattered or lost, never to return again, but some still have doubts.

There is still the mystery of Burial Mounds sealing itself and of course the butterflies. Those damn silver butterflies that make the people who encounter them feel a chill on their backs, like it was promising for their demise. Soon.

—

Wei Wuxian has never felt at peace all his life until this very moment. He feels weightless. It’s like his soul was being soothed with gentle hands. His burdens slowly lifted up.

He just wants to stay like this, with nothing to worry about. Only his fragmented but cherished memories of when he first met him.

It was a very cold day.

The smell of rotten trash and decay surrounded the streets of Yiling.

There curled up and shivering in the corner of the street was a child, protecting his head and neck as a pack of salivating dogs bite and snarl at him.

He did not cry. Crying never resulted in anything. Three years of trying to survive the freezing streets of Yiling, not once was he helped by the people who witnessed this. No one offered a helping hand, no one lifted a finger. Why would they? Yiling is full of scrawny beggars. The town is so impoverished that people cannot afford to help every homeless person they see. No one will bat an eye if a streetrat like him dies in front of them, since beggars dying on the street is a common occurrence.

The child gritted his teeth as he felt his flesh being torn up by the dogs surrounding him. He didn't scream. He didn't cry out loud. He has long given up asking for help.

Only when a servant of a nearby inn dumped a bag of trash outside did the dogs divert their attention from the child and to the trash.

With shaking legs, the child slowly rises up, clutching the burnt bread and a half rotten watermelon rind he scoured before he was chased and attacked by hungry dogs. He protectively holds his meager food on his chest with bleeding arms and limps away.

This child is Wei Ying. Born with mercurial silver colored eyes and a smiling face. The warm family he had was ripped away from him three years ago when he was left at the inn by his parents to deal with a nighthunt. Promising they will be back even before he wakes up.

Since the world is unfair like that. They never did.

—

Dogs have always terrified Wei Ying. Their sharp claws, drooling mouths with disgusting yellow teeth. Always ready to pounce and bite whenever they spot him. So he avoids those vile creatures on the streets as much as possible. It’s like he developed a six sense, able to discern if a dog is near (after multiple horrendous encounters with them). Wei Ying swears by it! His last bite wound was last winter ago, it has long been scarred. He always runs the other way if he senses a canine nearby.

So when Wei Ying felt a spine-tingling sensation while he was walking in a dark alley on the way to his little space where he sleeps, his feet automatically walked the other way. He was about to run but froze when he heard loud crying and shouts coming from the place he was about to avoid. Wei Ying trembled, he wanted to help but what can he do? What could a scrawny kid like him do?

With determined eyes he grabbed the nearest weapon he could find which was a thin branch and a rock. Anything can be used as a weapon his mama said, being resourceful is a good survival tactic his baba said. Wei Ying ran as fast as his little legs could to where the sounds came from. When he arrived he saw a kid in a fetal position, his arms covering his neck to protect it (like he used to do), while being ganged up on by five mangy dogs. Swallowing his fear he screamed as he threw the rock he was holding.

“GET AWAY! LEAVE HIM ALONE!”

Despite his fear, Wei Ying screamed as he ran towards the dogs. He swishes his puny stick with no directions and somehow closes his eyes while fighting. His attempt backfired, the dogs changed their target to Wei Ying. A familiar pain was once again felt as he was bitten and clawed multiple times. He doesn’t need to open his eyes to see how bloody it is. Well at least the monsters are not attacking the other kid anymore. If Wei Ying dies here, his mama and baba would be so proud of him because he protected someone.

Wei Ying struggled to open his eyes and looked towards the kid.

“..run”

But to Wei Ying’s surprise the kid screamed bloody murder and dove towards him then kicked the mutt that was gnawing on Wei Ying’s arm. The boy’s face was fierce, half of it hidden with bandages. The kid managed to detach Wei Ying from the clutches of the dogs, a new fire ignited within him, he growled back as he threw multiple rocks. In the end the dogs ran away and whimpered when the kid turned vicious, fighting like he was a beast himself.

Wei Ying was cradling his mangled arm. His legs and torso were bitten and clawed but not severely as his arm.

The boy approached and sat in front of Wei Ying. He removed the bandages on his face and carefully wrapped it around Wei Ying’s injured arm. The boy frowned when he saw how deep the wounds were. When he looked up at Wei Ying’s eyes, he stared unabashedly, entirely captivated.

Wei Ying was the same, he was staring back at the kid’s eyes. One was deep black like the deepest night without a star in sight. But what really stuck to Wei Ying was the other one, like embers almost blood like.

“Wow! Your eyes….” Wei Ying gasped. He has never seen someone with two different eye colors.

This made the boy duck his head trying to hide his eyes.

“It’s so cool! Your eyes are pretty!”

It made him look up again in shock. He frowned at Wei Ying.

“Pretty?” The boy looked uncertain and wary.

“Uhuh! What’s your name? I’m Wei Ying! But mama and baba call me A-Ying.” Wei Ying grinned at the other boy.

“I…don’t have a name.” The boy whispered, his eyes downcast.

Wei Ying tilted his head at the other boy, how could someone not own a name? Even evil mutts like the ones who attacked them earlier have one for sure. Then Wei Ying’s eyes sparkled as he grinned at the other boy.

“How about I make one for you! Well… only if you want me to.” Wei Ying exclaimed while trying to catch the other boy’s eyes.

The other boy scrutinized Wei Ying. After a minute of silence, with Wei Ying’s excitement vibrating off of him the other boy finally nodded.

“Fine.”

Wei Ying grinned so hard his eyes turned into crescents and his bunny teeth showing.

“Well then… let me think..” Wei Ying scratched his nose with his uninjured finger.

“How about Hong? Since your right eye is red and I like red, your name will be Hong! How about it? Do you like it? Because I like it. Honghong-er!” Wei Ying said with the enthusiasm of a kid himself.

“I like it, I like Hong.” Hong-er smiled.

—

Ever since that day, Hong-er and A-Ying have spent their days together. Wei Ying’s wounds healed in a week’s time due to him being taught by his parents early cultivation, he doesn’t have a golden core yet but he was able to gather and generate his own qi. He taught Hong-er what his parents taught him and he was happy that Hong-er has easily adapted.

Wei Ying was happy he isn't alone anymore, his braveness has earned him a companion. His loneliness due to his parents’ absence was somewhat abated. Mama and baba have told him before that the life of a cultivator is rewarding but a very dangerous one. There isn't a single night where he cried himself to sleep, but the presence of Hong-er in his life has lessened this and he was so glad because of it.

Wei Ying and Hong-er were both laying down on Wei Ying's spot at a secluded alley. Hong-er has scavenged tattered blankets in the past days for them to lay down and keep themselves warm. Another winter is approaching, the wind has been a bit bitey recently.

Wei Ying was awoken with a bad dream which left him crying out when he woke up. He opened his eyes with Hong-er's arms around him, patting his back softly while whispering “it's okay, I'm here A-Ying” again and again. Wei Ying whimpered as he cried softly in his companion's chest until he fell back asleep in the warm embrace.

Yes this was the safety he felt before. Wei Ying might have a memory of a goldfish, but this… this he will never forget.

Wei Ying, cursing his bad memory, only remembers a bit when it comes to his Hong-er. He remembers the flowers he picked for him when there were days they played and bathed by the freezing river. The burnt buns and the fruits that Hong-er got from who knows where for both of them to satiate their hunger. Remembers the safety, simple joys and warmness he felt by sticking with each other.

He remembers that they have been together for a year, then Jiang Fengmian found him when he was 10 years old, burning with fever, curled up on a spot near the watermelon stand. The moment when Wei Ying struggled and cried out of Jiang Fengmian's arms, not wanting to leave his Hong-er behind.

His poor Hong-er, declared dead, mauled by dogs according to Jiang Fengmian giving Wei Wuxian the bandages as proof. Wei Ying knows those bandages. He cleaned the said bandages multiple times, knows how they feel and knows how the end was singed from accidentally burning it from the fire they attempted to make to keep themselves warm.

If only Wei Ying went with him to forage fruits then Hong-er would’ve been alive. If only his weak body was not burning with fever that day, or even if it did, he should have thrown a tantrum so Hong-er would’ve stayed with him that day.

Hong the boy he named, the first person he saved, and the very first person he failed.

Chapter Text

If you ask the unlucky cultivators who were stuck inside the now sealed Burial Mounds what they saw before their death, they would describe a certain someone, dressed in regal red robes with butterflies illuminating him. After hearing a tinkling sound it was only a split second before their heads were sliced off from their bodies and stumble down the same dirt where they had slaughtered the Wen remnants. They were never graced with more, only their souls being dispersed, never to reincarnate again.

They will never know that the sword or rather the scimitar that sliced their throats, would be feared in the entire Jianghu when the time comes where it bathes in the blood of the people who’ve been involved in the demise of the notorious Yiling Laozu.

Oh the rage that Hua Cheng felt when he first laid his eyes on his A-Ying's mangled corpse. He was too late. His whole body shook with so much fury as he released thousands of butterflies to seal this godforsaken hill and to eradicate the corpses that were feasting on Wei Ying’s body. He will deal with the ones that are left later, for now Wei Ying is his priority.

Gently so as to not cause anymore damage, he lifted up Wei Ying’s corpse. Trying to complete the parts like a morbid puzzle. His fingers trembled as he smoothen Wei Ying’s face, tucking stray hairs behind his ears. He was almost thankful that Wei Ying’s face was spared. Oh A-Ying… his eyes never closed even after dying. Those silver eyes that can even make the moon shy away and hide were now bloodshot and dull. Staring into nothing.

“Sorry I beg of you please forgive me.”

Hua Cheng whispered to Wei Ying’s corpse as he rocks him gently as if he was urging Wei Ying to sleep.

“I was too late.”

Hua Cheng wondered if even a dead heart like his could shatter and splinter through his bloodstream completely tearing him from the inside out because that is what it feels like.

“You have suffered enough.”

Hua Cheng regrets the time where he let himself be ripped away from Wei Ying for the first time. His struggle was not enough. His grit was not enough.

“It’s okay now you are safe, I am here now.”

All these promises, all the pain he endured was not enough compensation for what he has let happen to Wei Ying. He will never forgive himself.

“They'll pay for what they’ve done. They will get their dues.”

And he will never forgive them. Hua Cheng swore to whomever entity is present. He doesn’t care one bit, he will destroy them all.

“Rest, A-ying. Hong-er is here. I will never let anyone lay a hand on you again. I swear to you.”

The world will burn.

—

Hong-er will never be at peace.

He is still out there.

He will crawl out of here if he has to.

He was sure he was transported somewhere. After being thrown at the Burial Mounds, he knew he died on impact with the ground. All he knows, he was sucked into a void somewhere and when his sight went back he saw his own physical body on the ground somewhere unfamiliar, the smell of sulfur and rotten eggs permeating the air. It also looks like the forest he was in was near an erupting volcano.

He stopped his contemplation when he heard someone approaching.

“Oh look! A little ghost fire! Hahaha! Poor little thing! Look at that even its little corpse is with him, looks freshly dead too!” the incomer exclaimed. In Hong-er's opinion, this mouthy ghost looked like an oversized hairball that sprouted up its own ugly face.

Hong-er vibrates with an angry hiss when the hairball drew closer.

“Woah there, little ghost fire, a weakling like you will never survive Mount Tonglu. Let this Shushu end your struggles instead huh? And I'll claim supreme status for you. How about that?” The repulsive hairball uttered with feigned sympathy.

Instead of calming down Hong-er, the ghost fire became ferocious and attacked the other ghost with all his might. Letting his inner instincts take control. No way in hell will Hong-er let this ugly bastard disperse him like that. Not when A-Ying is taken away from him. Not when he'll leave A-Ying behind. He promised A-Ying he would bite all the bastards who dared to separate them. The fight only lasted a couple of minutes with the ugly hairball screeching as Hong-er squeezed its last essence from him until it was dispersed.

Turns out the hairball has already slaughtered almost a dozen other ghosts before crossing paths with him.

After the fight, Hong-er gained a corporeal form. He turned himself taller, into a teen. He doesn’t want to stay as a child in this place. The bandages that used to hide his hideous right eye were long gone, even before he died.

He burned his own remains, put it in a satchel together with the dried flowers A-Ying gave him and wrapped it around his neck with the red ribbon A-Ying had given him as a gift.

“This is my greatest treasure, and now it's yours. It fits my Honghong-er so much!” A-Ying smiled brightly as he wrapped the said ribbon on Hong-er's left wrist, twisting it and giggled when he made a loop on Hong-er's middle finger.

“Why did you give this to me if you treasure it so much?” Hong-er asked.

“Mm.. I overhead the jiejies on the flowerhouse that tying a red string on their lover's fingers means that if they ever part they will eventually find each other. You are now important to me and I don't want to lose you. I only have this ribbon but it's red so I think this will count. Don't you think so?” A-Ying explained innocently.

Hong-er raised one of his eyebrows at A-Ying.

“Even without this you won't lose me anyway. I'll bite off anyone who dares.” Hong-er quipped yet he blushed as he caressed the ribbon wrapped haphazardly on his finger and wrist. A-Ying noticed and laughed brightly.

He will leave this forsaken place and find A-Ying. Those lowlifes will pay. Especially those purple robe wearing bastards.

The forest was swarmed by ghosts, trying to slaughter each other, which in all honesty, Hong-er doesn’t give a single shit about them. All he did was look at them with disdain and they left him alone.

All he has gathered from the ghosts he encountered was the kiln will eventually open, and anyone who succeeded to come out from it will be hailed supreme. He has no choice but to finish this through the end if he wants to be powerful enough to stand beside A-Ying. He was so weak before, that those trash have easily ripped him away from the one thing that saved him from this unfair world. The only person who was kind enough to give him salvation when he himself was in need of one.

As days, weeks, even years passed, A-Ying has never left his mind one bit, there was one day where he crashed out so bad he lost composure, he slaughtered every ghost his eyes landed upon because he can't leave Mount Tonglu and go back to where A-Ying is. In the end he used his claw, (yes he can have claws now if he wanted), to sculpt A-Ying's face on a wooden panel that can fit inside his pocket. He tried to replicate A-Ying's face, but this will never capture those silver mercurial eyes.

—

The path Hong-er was strolling on was unusually quiet. There are no ghosts in sight. He couldn’t sense even a measly ghost fire in the area. Eight years inside this hellhole has taught him that the less ghost in one area the higher the probability that there is a much stronger ghost present.

Hong-er tilted his head once he caught a figure on his peripheral vision.

“Little ghosts are not enough to satiate your hunger? Fucking glutton.” Hong-er mocked as he faced the ghost that he assumed to be consuming the ghosts instead of dispersing them. The ghost looked starved, his face was gaunt, his ribs exposed by the loose black robe, also showing the obviously bony figure. He looks older than Hong-er, but ghosts have the capacity to change forms the way they want. This ghost looks like he doesn’t know how to yet, looking exactly the way he did when he died. This ghost obviously hasn’t settled his head in order yet.

A scoff has escaped Hong-er’s sardonic smirk when the ghost snarled at him.

“I dare you to try.” Hong-er taunted.

And try he did. The ghost pounced at Hong-er which he easily dodged. When the ghost attacked Hong-er for a second time clearly aiming for the red ribbon and satchel containing his ashes that was dangling on his neck, He backhanded the ghost so hard it flew several meters away. Multiple dead trees were uprooted on impact.

Hong-er slowly walked towards the ghost and crouched in front of him. He grabbed the front of the ghost’s robes and slapped him hard several times.

“Who told a trash like you could touch what’s mine huh? Where did you get the guts?” Hong-er growled.

“Why…. is that ribbon from your.. beloved or something?” The ghost even has the audacity to chuckle.

Hong-er’s eyes flashed as he punched the ghost several times more. He grew his claws, about to end the trash’s puny second life, but multiple screams had reached his ears. Hong-er tsked as he let go of the ghost.

“You are not even worth dispersing” Hong-er mocked before walking towards where the loud screams came from.

He arrived near the cave swarming with so many ghosts. Maybe hundreds if he estimates it. He was going to mind his own business and walk the other way but he caught sight of a man, clearly still alive protecting a group of people behind him with just a branch. He gritted his teeth as it reminded him of when A-Ying protected him from a pack of dogs.

Hong-er joined the foray, clawing ghosts as much as he could until he was near the humans, his back at them, blocking the sight of the ghosts in front of him.

“Scram.” Hong-er ordered, his sharp claws elongated.

Some ghosts cowered but the majority of them were snarling back and cackled, clearly emboldened because of their numbers.

One fearless ghost stood up in front of him about to lift his axe to hack Hong-er, but his throat was snapped in a fraction of a second, followed by his soul dispersing.

There was silence for a while, before chaos erupted. Every ghost attacked Hong-er at the same time, swarming him.

“Go fucking hide inside if you value your pathetic lives!” Hong-er shouted at the group of people, which made them run inside the cave. Not one ghost has passed through Hong-er when they attempt to go after the humans.

Limbs were bitten off.

Heads toppled to the ground.

Souls dispersed.

Viscera flew in the air.

There were so many ghosts that Hong-er was almost snuffed. His claws weren't enough. He gnashed his teeth when a ghost stabbed his side. This is getting annoying.

He needs a fucking weapon.

A spiritual weapon.

Hong-er, without hesitation used his sharp claws to gouge out his right eye. The red eye that has cursed his very being. The eye that made people scorn him. The eye that he hated so much yet loved by A-Ying.

Blood started to pour from the sky.

The weakest ghosts extinguished by it.

The ghosts stepped back, stunned at the macabre sight. An obvious display of power, a warning to those who dare oppose him.

Hong-er, covered in blood, now missing one eye was grinning at them as he channeled his demonic energy towards the plucked eye on his hand, creating his very own spiritual weapon.

A long, slender, and curved scimitar that will be known by three realms.

E-Ming.

Hong-er catches the eye of the ghost who he fought before he got into this situation. Deep dark blue eyes returned his gaze. A certain understanding of some sorts. A kindred spirit maybe.

Hong-er was the one who broke eye contact. He laughed maniacally as he turned to the other ghosts.

“It’s time to take out the trash.” Hong-er said with disgust as he tilted his head.

The slaughter begins. Hong-er annihilated the rest of the ghosts, leaving out their pathetic ghost fires for the glutton to devour. Don’t ask him why he let the blue eyed ghost consume the ghost fires, He will never answer you.

After creating E-Ming, it quickly turned into an unfair fight. Some of the ghosts tried to escape but none succeeded. The scimitar was vibrating with delight as it butchered continuously until none was left.

The blood rain has long stopped. Leaving Hong-er and the glutton drenched. He scoffed at the other ghost then turned his back to enter the cave where the humans were.

Their group was huddled and gripping each other. Once they spotted Hong-er, they screamed and prostrated at his feet. Begging for their lives and crying.

“I don't give a damn why you are here. You're all lucky if you survive this place.” Hong-er responded before he walked towards the mouth of the cave.

“If you want to survive, go south. Ghosts can't cross the barrier but living humans can. Now scram.” He suggested without looking back as he stepped out of the cave, not interested one bit if the humans understood or not. This is out of his hands now.

The glutton was leaning his back at the entrance, shamelessly eavesdropping.

“Didn't think you had a shred of humanity left in you.” The blue eyed ghost muttered. He seems composed and looks better than when they first met.

Hong-er was about to snark back when the ground shook. An absurdly bright light covered him.

“What the fu..” Hong-er didn't hear the end of that sentence because he shot up the sky so fast that he couldn't comprehend what was happening to him.

The heavenly capital felt the strongest quake they have ever experienced. Even stronger than when Xie Lian (the newly placed heavenly emperor after defeating Jun Wu) ascended. A new god will be ascending. A number of palaces have crashed, the roads have developed cracks, The entire heavens shook as it prepares to welcome the new god.

Multiple gods ran at the entrance to see who this new powerful god was. Their curiosity piqued.

Ling Wen and Xie Lian are already there waiting.

The fact that he ascended as a god only annoyed Hong-er. His lone eye hurt from too much brightness.

“Congratulations, you have ascended as one of the elemental gods as the god of fire. Your honorable sacrifice in exchange for saving the living humans at Mount Tonglu has caught the eyes of heaven. May we have the honor of knowing your name?” Ling Wen asked calmly.

Despite Hong-er's state, robes covered in fresh blood, freshly gouged eyelid exposed, Xie Lian still smiled gently.

Hong-er didn't bother to answer, instead he scoffed before turning his back on them then jumped down the edge. Descending back to Mount Tonglu. The heavens never helped when he was suffering. They never answered his plea before. So why the hell would Hong-er stay and be one of them.

This act caused scandalized gasps and heated comments of someone having the audacity to reject the heavens.

Ling Wen sighed deeply knowing the paperwork regarding this will surely make her work overtime again.

And of course, Xie Lian doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Hong-er both ascended, then rejected the heavens without even an incense time.

—

When Hong-er landed back in Mount Tonglu, exactly where he ascended, he was surprised to see the glutton still there.

“Well that was fast.” The blue eyed ghost commented, unsurprised that Hong-er descended back.

“Why the fuck are you still here?” Hong-er frowned.

“We need to talk.” said the glutton.

“There is nothing to talk about.” Hong-er scoffed

“We both know only one supreme can emerge from the kiln. It'll open soon.”

“I don't give a rat's ass. I'll disperse you if you stand in my way.” Hong-er sneered.

“Look, I know we met each other at odds. I won't stand in your way if you want to go inside the kiln and be supreme. All I ask is you leave the other ghosts for me to hunt and we'll go separate ways.” he reasoned out.

“What makes you think you can order me around?”

“If you spare me, I'll be in your debt.”

Hong-er raised one of his brows at the other ghost. Honestly he really doesn't give a shit if this glutton survives or not, but he might be useful in the future.

“Fine. But if you interfere with my plans, I promise you, I will snuff your pathetic little soul.” Hong-er said in a derisive tone which the other ghost nodded.

“I'm He Xuan.” The glutton hesitated. Expecting Hong-er to introduce himself as well.

But of course, Hong-er the little shit that he is, did not. Hong-er doesn’t want anyone to call him what A-Ying has named him. Only his beloved has the right.

“I don't give a damn.” Hong-er sneered then walked away.

“Asshole.” He Xuan hissed as he walked the other way.

—

Years later a new supreme has emerged from the kiln.

Which will be widely known and feared in the three realms,

Crimson Rain Sought Flower

Hua Cheng.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng felt the weight of Wei Ying's lifeless body in his arms. Kneeling in the filth, eye squeezed shut, he cradled the person who embodied all that was good and pure in his existence. Wei Ying, the kindest, most beautiful soul, had graced Hua Cheng's wretched life with light, now utterly destroyed and slack, like a marionette cut of its strings.

This is my negligence. How could I let this happen?

Hua Cheng's chin rested atop Wei Ying's soot-covered head, a desperate attempt to anchor himself in the present. He could still feel Wei Ying's soul, a faint echo against his own dead heart. He hasn't left me yet.

Hua Cheng inhaled shakily, a ghost of a breath, even though he didn't need to anymore.

Opening his eye, he gazed down at Wei Ying's face, illuminated by the veiled moonlight. Even in death, a peaceful curve lingered at the corners of his lips, as if he were merely sleeping.

Hua Cheng rose, cradling Wei Ying's body with infinite care to avoid any further disturbance.

He surveyed the settlement Wei Ying had painstakingly built, now reduced to ashes. The people he had given his life to protect were gone.

This dirtied world is no longer worthy of Wei Ying’s presence anymore. Hua Cheng will gladly take the sun with him. They don't deserve him. They never did.

With a flick of his wrist, he cast the dice, catching them effortlessly as a portal shimmered into existence, leading back to his own realm.

Stepping through, he minutely paused, snapping his fingers. Flames erupted and licked the ground until it covered the entirety of the Burial Mounds in a fiery embrace.

For a night, the entire Jianghu will witness a glimpse of what a supreme ghost king's wrath looks like.

A promise and a threat, etched in fire.

The portal closed behind his back.

And just like that, this world has lost the Yiling Laozu for good.

—

"Chengzu." Yin Yu, clad in black robes and an eerie ghost mask, bowed as Hua Cheng entered Paradise Manor.

A single glance from Hua Cheng was enough. Yin Yu nodded, understanding the unspoken command, and retreated.

When Hua Cheng reached his quarters, Yin Yu had already placed fresh robes laid out on the bed side, a wooden pail filled with water in the corner.

Hua Cheng gently placed Wei Ying on the bed, his gaze fixed on his beloved's face.

With better lighting, the toll of suffering was evident. Dark circles beneath long lashes, gaunt cheeks, pale, dry lips. Signs of livor mortis are starting to show.

Yet, even in this state, Wei Ying remained beautiful.

His fingers trembled as he reached out, hesitating for a moment.

Instead he gently lifted Wei Ying’s cold pale hand, kissing it reverently.

With only the slumbering Wei Ying as his witness, Hua Cheng's body shook. A single tear traced a path down his cheek, a testament to the grief and regret that consumed him.

Eight hundred years.

Eight hundred years of searching for a way back to Wei Ying.

Eight hundred years of pain and longing.

And when he finally found a way, fate was cruel enough to take him a second time.

There won't be a third time.

With painstaking care, Hua Cheng removed Wei Ying's tattered clothing, each piece revealing further evidence of his suffering.

Every wound, every bruise, felt like a fresh stab wound to Hua Cheng's unbeating heart.

The most devastating blow of them all, is the badly healed surgical scar on Wei Ying’s lower abdomen, just below the navel.

He doesn’t want to believe what he is seeing. Placing his hand above it, still hoping that it isn't what he thinks it is, left him stricken when he felt the emptiness beneath.

Wei Ying was devoid of his golden core.

Hua Cheng stood up abruptly, leaving the room.

‘Yin Yu’ Hua Cheng hissed through their spiritual communication array.

‘Yes Chengzu'

‘Find out everything that happened to Wei Ying in his world. I want every last detail. Leave nothing out. The butterflies will show you the way.’

‘Understood’

Hua Cheng severed the connection. Feeling utterly hollow. He stood before the room where Wei Ying lay, hands clenched into fists. E-Ming, sensing his master's turmoil, vibrated against his hip.

Just to let out some of his rage he slapped the scimitar hard, making it shake harder.

This is not the time for this Hua Cheng thought to himself. He needed to focus on Wei Ying. His own feelings don't matter right now. Not when his beloved’s fragile soul is about to disintegrate.

Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he returned to the room.

He continued to undress Wei Ying, covering the parts needed for modesty's sake. Then, he gently cleaned Wei Ying's body with a damp cloth, removing every trace of dirt and grime.

The water turned murky afterwards. He sets it aside then dresses Wei Ying in the softest silks, fit for a god. His hair was brushed, oiled and braided with careful feather-like touches.

“Wei Ying… A-Ying… come here.” Hua Cheng’s gently coaxed. His voice was a soft, deep whisper that seemed to vibrate through the very air. He extended his hand, offering it to the faint, flickering soul that was tethered to its decaying body.

“Come to me.. It’s safe out here. You are safe.” he vowed, his gaze intense.

Wei Ying’s soul or now a ghost fire, hesitant and fragmented, floated slowly toward Hua Cheng’s outstretched palm. It flickered uncertainly, like a dying flame in the wind. As it drifted closer, Hua Cheng could see the fissures that marred its surface, the visible wounds of a life lived in torment. It blinked once, before landing gently in Hua Cheng’s hand.

“Thank you for trusting me.” Hua Cheng softly whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

His poor beloved has suffered so much that even his soul developed visible cracks. Carefully he infused both spiritual and demonic energy in increments while weaving the soul into wholeness, afraid to damage the already fragile soul.

Hua Cheng knew it’s going to be a slow process until Wei Ying forms a corporeal body. He will wait even if it takes years.

He has waited for eight hundred years. What's a couple more?

—

“I swear I don't know anything! Spare me!” Hua Cheng was lifting the 33rd heaven official he questioned by the neck. Squealing like a pig about to be butchered.

Hua Cheng was on his wits end. These flies have been annoying him lately. They know he was looking for something, or yet someone. Tried and failed to one-up the Ghost King.

“I swear to you Xuè Yǔ Tàn Huā I wouldn't dare! I do not know where Yiling is!”

“That mouth needs to be silenced then.” Hurling the god aside like he's nothing.

The heavens knew by now not to provoke this Ghost King by dangling fake information just to mock him. Now he is pissed.

That night, tens of thousands of temples were set ablaze. His burning fury wasn't enough to warm his cold aching heart.

Fate really does have a twisted sense of humor of fucking Hua Cheng up.

He should’ve known fate would not be kind towards him. There are signs, even when he was thrown inside the Burial Mounds by those purple robed cultivators who ripped him and A-Ying apart. A tell that he was flung away to another place. The Burial Mounds did not want him there, like it knew he doesn’t belong in that world at all. The world where A-Ying exists.

His early memory of his existence was when A-Ying and him first met. Nothing beyond that. He just opened his eyes one day at the sight of A-Ying battling the dogs with a stick. He found his someone, his reason for existence. Filling the deep void inside Hong-er's heart.

Losing him for being too weak to fight back. Losing him for not being enough.

Now he has all this power, all this strength, but the one thing that he wants, he can't have.

—

“I heard you caused a commotion again.” He Xuan stated deliberately, twiddling with his cards.

“Why the fuck do you even care? How did you find me? Was helping you with that piscine shithole you call your realm not enough? You ungrateful fish.” Hua Cheng snapped as he flicked the card at the table, not in the mood to play anymore.

“It's rather easy to track you down... for me anyway. Lighting up those temples was a nice touch. The heavens look like their ass were set on fire, well you technically did though.” looking up at his fellow ghost king shapeshifted into a teenager with simple maple robes, shuffling the cards.

“Get straight to the point. Why are you here?” Hua Cheng’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin.

“Everyone's well aware you were roaming, or rather, desperately seeking for a certain flower. You know, it's been 100 years, you are still without a realm of your own. Maybe you should start making one, before…. looking for...” He Xuan said, carefully eyeing the red ribbon peeking under Hua Cheng’s vambraces.

Hua Cheng leaned back on his chair. The patrons of the tea house are unaware of the two ghost kings leisurely playing cards on the establishment, though the one in red is close to ramming the other with his fist. How would they know? The said ghost kings were dressed like two rich young masters having a day out.

“Look, I’m not forcing you to make one.” He Xuan sighed as he sulkily placed his losing cards on the table. Heaven knows no one can win against Hua Cheng when it comes gambling. “It’s just that, Zhōng Yuán is approaching, my realm can’t accommodate that much anymore.”

Hua Cheng raised one of his eyebrows, which made He Xuan tsk in annoyance.

“Fine, I want peace and quiet, I don’t like ghosts, accidental or not, randomly appearing in my realm. It’s isolated for a reason.”

“Then what makes you think I wanted that for myself?”

He Xuan doesn’t have a rebuttal for this. No one knows about the overpowered ghost king besides his desperate attempt of scouring the three realms for someone. Most have left him alone to do his thing, others think it was romantic, the rest think he’s a lunatic, searching for someone who doesn’t exist.

Hua Cheng stood up flinging a couple of gold ingots on the table before walking out the tea house to god-knows-where.

“At least think about it!” He Xuan rolled his eyes at the blatant display of wealth.

—

Not even a month later on exactly the day of Zhōng Yuán, a ghost city was rumored to appear between the mortal and ghost realm, ruled by Hua Cheng the wanderer himself. It made multiple ghosts excited and the heavens sweat bullets. Why did Xuè Yǔ Tàn Huā build his realm in the middle? No one knows, only speculations were formed at the unusual location of the said Ghost City.

Two female ghosts were trudging the path towards the entrance of Ghost City.

“I wonder what made him decide to finally make his own realm? Did he find what he was looking for?” The younger one wondered.

“How would I know? What’s important is that we can visit today!” The other ghost with a slit neck answered.

“I still think it was romantic, searching for his lover as soon as he became a ghost king.” the younger female ghost sighed dreamily.

“Everything is romantic to you meimei! Even if someone gave you dogshit you’ll still see that as romantic. And why are you so sure that what he was seeking for was his lover?”

“Oh come on jiejie! Who would search that desperately for something or someone? It is even rumored that a cheap red ribbon was wrapped around his wrist! And a red string on his middle finger no less! That is a lover he was searching for I tell you.”

“I still think he was a foolish madman if he were really searching for his lover, who might’ve reincarnated by now, it’s been a century for heaven’s sake!”

“Aiya jiejie we are going to the madman’s city! Mind your words! There really is not one bit of romantic bone in your body.”

“Of course, the romanticism was long sliced off of me by my pathetic philanderer husband.” She scoffed, a bitter edge on her voice.

The younger ghost was about to reply but stopped short. She couldn't help but gasp in awe when they passed through the entrance of the famed Ghost City.

What welcomed them was the lively streets. A myriad of hawkers selling their wares. Ghost children laughing and running around the streets. Stalls with diverse ghost shopkeepers.

Several ghosts roam the avenue. Some wore masks with twisted or exaggerated expressions, most were grotesque looking with both animal and human traits.

Multiple red lanterns illuminated the whole city. In the middle of it was the large structure of the gambling den, the main attraction of Ghost City.

The younger ghost pulled excitedly at the older one towards the large building, where the loudest of noise and laughter can be heard.

—

Despite the joyous opening of Ghost City, its master was absent. No one has seen even a glimpse of his shadow.

There on the quiet side of Ghost City where no one dares to go was a massive opulent Pavillion with unknown floor numbers, located near the lake illuminated by glowing red spider lilies and silver butterflies. It was the owner of the city’s personal residence. Paradise Manor.

Hua Cheng sat on the top floor balcony gazing towards the rowdy city, it did not improve his mood one bit. He built this place for a person, a safe place for him, though that person is not even present, but he still hopes-

The sounds of chewing beside him made his jaw clench even more. His morose gazing was interrupted by a shameless starved leech.

“You really are begging to be dispersed so badly.” He gritted out without looking at the nuisance beside him.

The sounds of chewing paused.

“Can’t blame me for eating if a feast is right in front of me.”

“And that feast you are currently devouring will be added to your debt. Twice.” Hua Cheng threatened.

“Stingy bastard.” the other Ghost King murmured.

“Thrice.”

“Fine! Alright!” He Xuan surrendered. His plate of food was placed on the table momentarily. “I can’t believe you built this place in just a month’s time.” He commented.

“You’re just that incapable of making one by yourself.” Hua Cheng mocked.

Hua Cheng can feel the other Ghost King’s glare but doesn’t care.

“Are you in need of a servant?”

“Why? Are you offering yourself? I thought you already were my servant.” Hua Cheng snarked.

“You…” He Xuan with infinite patience sighed deeply and continued. “There is a banished god currently looking for a sanctuary. I told him to find this place. I think he’s on the way to this place as we speak.”

Hua Cheng tilted his head and pressed his lips. Someone doing the bulk of his workload instead of him is tempting. And if housing the banished god enough of a payment while he does the brunt of Hua Cheng’s work it really is a good deal. He can focus more on finding a way to go back to his A-Ying’s world than dealing with useless things.

“He is competent and diligent in his work.” He Xuan added.

This stalker of a fish, despite his annoying existence, wasn’t entirely useless.

“Not competent enough to avoid banishment I suppose.” Hua Cheng can’t help but scoff.

But He Xuan knows despite Hua Cheng’s snarky way of talking, he always gives a serious thought to things specially if it matters.

“Try him. He might surprise you.” He Xuan said before he slowly retrieved his plate from the table. Eating quietly this time so as not to catch Hua Cheng’s ire again.

—

Damn that fish. Yin Yu is competent. Really competent. Not as competent as Hua Cheng himself, but still…

A lot of management and brunt work when it comes to Ghost City was dealt by Yin Yu, effectively clearing Hua Cheng’s schedule.

Hua Cheng can now focus on important things.

Most of the time he’s at the Paradise Manor working on multiple experimental travelling arrays or he’s roaming outside the Ghost City searching for knowledge in regards to dimension travelling.

All of it is of course in theory only, but that doesn’t mean Hua Cheng won’t try.

He is still hell-bent on searching for clues, artifacts, and scrolls, not leaving a single stone unturned.

Every time Hua Cheng went back from his travels, the richer in rare treasures he acquired, the less happier he became.

There are times when he graces the gambling den with his presence, his silhouette visible through the silk curtain. The fate of the gamblers always depends on their Hua-Chengzu’s mood which is rarely good. So most of the times he gambled with someone, whether it was a visiting mortal gambling with his life or a ghost with enough grit, he was ruthless.

—

The Ghost City became well known throughout centuries, a terrifying place for some and a haven for the rest. Hua Cheng has successfully established his power and influence within the three realms, both feared and respected.

His hope and devotion are still burning bright, never once failing despite the years passing.

One day his efforts will be worth it.

Like this very moment.

He felt it–

A portal opening at the edge of Ghost City.

Presence of two beings that Hua Cheng is sure not from this world.

Hua Cheng tensed on the divan he was lounging on at the gambling den. The ghosts present were silenced when they also felt their Chengzu’s unease? Anticipation?

Yin Yu appeared beside Hua Cheng.

“Make sure those two who just arrived are brought to the Paradise Manor. Do not lose them Yin Yu.” Hua Cheng ordered before disappearing. Yin Yu didn’t have a chance to reply and proceeded with his task.

Hua Cheng was pacing impatiently. Every second of waiting fills the entire manor with tension.

The Ghost King relaxes a bit when Yin Yu arrives at the hall, followed by an elegant scholar holding a fan with a youthful visage wearing a refined set of green robes. The other was a taller youth with waist length curly hair, a flame print the color of vermillion on his forehead, wearing black robes that matched his starry dark eyes.

Yin Yu quietly bowed and walked away. Leaving the three in a tense atmosphere.

The taller one moved in front of the other. Narrowing his eyes in warning at Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng only tilted his head, observing the thrum of demonic power that is circulating inside and around the curly haired youth. His eyes locked on the heavy looking black sword.

E-Ming opened his red eye, looking at the black sword as well.

A clearing of a throat broke the tense silence.

The green robed scholar pushed the other aside gently as he bowed in greeting.

“This one apologizes for disrespectfully showing up to Hua-Chengzu’s domain without invitation with my companion. Rest assured that we have no ill-intent towards this place. We are merely lost and stumbled upon this city.”

“Shizun–” The curly haired youth started.

“Binghe quiet.”

The Ghost King waved his hand. “No need for such formalities. Anyone is welcome to my city if I want them to.”

Hua Cheng walked towards the tea table and sat, offering the newcomers to sit as well. Yin Yu of course arrived with refreshments. Serving tea before leaving again.

“My thanks for your generosity.” The green robed man followed by the other who was still looking at Hua Cheng with suspicion said after settling down.

“I’ll go straight to the point. I do not care why the both of you are in my city.” Hua Cheng smirked. “What I want to know is how you did it. The both of you are not from this world.” slender fingers with a red string wrapped in the middle were tapping at his teacup slowly.

The scholar’s intelligent eyes snapped up, his fan hiding his face, leisurely fanning. “Then you’ll forgive me Hua-Chengzu for my question. Why do you want to know?” his voice filled with curiosity.

“I don’t see why that matters.” his smile sharpened.

“Of course it does. We don’t usually share our secrets to random–” The scholar’s eyes narrowed slightly. “--people. There is no such thing as a free meal. I think you know that better than me Hua-Chengzu.”

Hua Cheng clapped his hands and chuckled. He likes this guy.

The curly haired youth glared and started to draw his sword but immediately stopped by a fan hitting his head albeit gently. “You have to forgive my husband, Hua-Chengzu. He’s quite protective of me.”

With that sentence, Hua Cheng’s eye was filled with longing. Not entirely unnoticed by the scholar.

“I’m looking for someone.” Hua Cheng started.

The scholar nodded.

“He is not from this world.”

A confused frown appeared from the scholar’s forehead. “And that person is?” he said before delicately sipping his tea.

Hua Cheng paused for a long time. Contemplating whether to spill anything or not.

That person is his sun. The reason for his very existence. The one he longs for.

“Wei Ying.” Hua Cheng said, his voice almost trembling from yearning.

The tea that the scholar was sipping sprayed on the table, some of it spilling on his nose. “WHAT THE FU–” he said while being wracked with coughs.

Hua Cheng’s eye sharpened, his dark left eye turning blood red. The couple seems unaware of Hua Cheng’s increasing suspicion. The curly haired man was patting his husband’s back.

“You know him? Are you from his world?” his voice was cold.

“No, not exactly, but– I do know Wei Ying, or rather Wei Wuxian. Yiling Laozu? We stumbled there as well just like we did here.” The scholar said cautiously, still coughing a bit, when he noticed Hua Cheng’s mood.

Wei Wuxian– Yiling Laozu, Hua Cheng’s mind is whirling with emotions.

“Is he still…” Hua Cheng can’t seem to say the word, frightened of the other’s answer.

But the scholar still understood. “Yes, he’s still alive… for now.”

Hua Cheng’s eyes widened, his other hand clasping the red ribbon tied around his wrist. “What do you mean for now?” his voice dangerously low, almost growling.

“Well, inventing something the world fears and covets, makes them turn on you, despite your good intentions. Greed does that.” The scholar vaguely said.

“When is the last time the both of you are in that world?”

“Before we arrived here, we crossed that world, but we did not stay for long. We didn’t want to meddle with their political affairs.”

“It’s been eight centuries, if he’s still alive, either he’s an immortal or he ascended.”

“I don’t think so Hua-Chengzu, from the rumors we heard there, Wei Wuxian is still young, maybe in his twenties?” at Hua Cheng’s silence the scholar continued. “If you don’t mind me asking, how and when did you and Wei Wuxian meet?”

“I was a kid myself when I met him. We got separated after a year of being together. I was killed then, when I woke up again, I was in this world.”

The scholar hummed as he tapped the tip of his fan on his chin. “Hua-Chengzu, this is just a theory, I think you were transmigrated with your body to Wei Wuxian’s world. Maybe you died here before that happened or maybe not. Then when you lost your life for a second time in that world, you were thrown back here again since this was where you originally belonged. Time may have been affected by that because there is no object or instrument involved in that type of travelling, or a chance of fate, which I assumed, thus explains the time difference.”

Hua Cheng clenched his fists. He tried everything. Searched everywhere for answers. Now that he has it, he does not know what to feel.

“How? How do I get back there?”

“Binghe show him Xin Mo.” At first, this Binghe did not move only glaring at Hua Cheng, but with one look from his husband he put the sword at the table. “This was what we used to traverse dimensions. Xin Mo has the ability to open a portal from one world to another, without affecting anything, based on how much we travelled.”

Hua Cheng grabbed the sword without a care for its owner. He didn’t bother to see their reaction. He studied the malevolent sword carefully. It’s eerily similar to his own sword E-Ming. Both bloodthirsty, both have their own mind, both made with sacrifice and desperation. The only difference was E-Ming was a part of him, literally. So why? How?

Then it hits him. Of course E-Ming was a part of him. A part of him that he loathed so much. Of course he would not see a part of him as a way to get back to A-Ying. Because he fucking hated himself. He almost wanted to laugh at how simple it was. He wasted so much time.

He placed the sword back on the table before standing up.

“My subordinate will serve you while I am gone. Enjoy the Ghost City while you are here. I need to go.”

The scholar only looked at him knowingly before nodding.

When Hua Cheng was outside he brandished his sword. Channeled all his yearning, his strong desire to go somewhere with the addition of his strong demonic power towards his sword. Moonlight glinted off E-Ming's sharp curve as Hua Cheng raised it high. He closed his eyes, picturing him, with a quick slash in the air in front of him a portal to the place he desperately looked for centuries had finally opened.