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Chapter Text

The Zhuo manor is truly a sight to behold. Zhu Yan has heard about it both from demons and mortals alike. Its sturdy and massive columns, its beautiful and expensive interior, truly fitting for the great and ancient demon Bingyi. The Zhuo clan is headed by the ancient and great demon Bingyi. He took under his wings the people who had helped him and his son in their times of need and that's how the Zhuo clan came to be and grew. 

The Zhuo clan became an influential family in Tiandu, resulting in the founding of the Demon Hunting Bureau. Contrary to its name, the Demon Hunting Bureau doesn’t indiscriminately hunt demons; it only comes after those who have committed crimes so they can bring them back to the Wilderness, where their crimes will be judged by the Baize Goddess. 

But of course, the crimes also have a specification. After all, a little rabbit lying to a store clerk is different from a fish demon who had drowned a mortal out of vengeance.  This is why, Zhu Yan is not too concerned as he picks up another walnut from a bowl. The bureau is too busy dealing with actual delinquents, surely they wouldn’t mind a young demon helping himself with some walnuts.

Zhu Yan smiles as he inspects the walnut. It’s hard to find walnuts with thin and crispy shells. In the market, it’s expensive too. One bag would have cost him two months' worth of money. 

Zhu Yan puts the walnut inside the bag and—

His eyes widen when he catches a sword glare. He immediately turns around and he finds a young man looking at him with a severe expression. Zhu Yan chuckles nervously.

“Uh, hello.” He manages to say.

The young man looks at him for a moment before his frown deepens. “A demon.”

Zhu Yan looks at the glowing sword the young man is holding. Yun Guang. The legendary sword of the ancient and great demon Bingyi was gifted to his one and only heir. Zhu Yan looks at the man again, swallowing with some difficulty. It seems he’s been caught by none other than the young master of the Zhuo clan. Zhuo Yichen. 

“Uhm, I guess that makes two of us.” Zhu Yan finds himself speaking without thinking.

Zhuo Yichen frowns, raising his sword.

“Wait! Wait!” Zhu Yan cries, “Hold up, Zhuo DaRen! I only took some walnuts! I didn’t have money and I know this is where they bring the best walnuts. Surely, that doesn’t warrant death?! I-I know the rules, you can’t just punish me without seeing the Baize Goddess!”

Zhuo Yichen seems to consider Zhu Yan’s words and lowers his sword.

“Why are you taking walnuts? Markets are filled with them, there are even ones in the wild.”

Zhu Yan couldn’t tell the truth. Zhuo Yichen will think he’s only being picky and possibly surrender him to the Bureau. That would be terrible. After all, how would he explain to his Grandpa Ying why he couldn’t come back? If his grandfather found out he wouldn’t take him out of jail. He’d ask the jail guards to put him in solitary confinement!

“B-Because I don’t have m-money.” He says blurting out the first excuse he could muster. “I-I was really hungry.”

To Zhu Yan’s luck that seems to do the trick. Zhuo Yichen steps back and looks at his bag of walnuts. He nods. 

“You should have asked instead of sneaking inside houses,” Zhuo Yichen says. “It is dangerous.”

Zhu Yan chuckles nervously. This demon is so young, yet he sounds so much like Zhu Yan’s Grandpa Ying. 

“Come.” Zhuo Yichen says as he turns around.

Unsure and in this strange and slightly dangerous situation, Zhu Yan could only follow Zhuo Yichen. Fortunately, following the Zhuo clan’s young master led Zhu Yan to places in the Bureau he had never seen before. The magnificent pillars extend high up. They’re surely made of expensive material with their dark color looking impeccable in the morning light. The decors of the halls are delicate and very well thought of. Zhu Yan had seen those decorative plants in the market and he knows well how much they cost, buying one is equivalent to three years of the coins he gets for Grandpa Ying. 

Zhuo Yichen leads him further into the Bureau and to his surprise he finds himself in a part that looks nothing like the opulent Demon Hunting Bureau. It looks…like a home.

A small bridge between an inner courtyard connected the building to what seems like a more traditional manor. It looks just like the homes Zhu Yan is used to seeing in Tiandu, but bigger. With black roof tiles and light-colored walls. Zhu Yan is fairly certain his Grandpa Ying had told him not to follow strangers regardless of whether they were mortals, gods, or demons, but he couldn’t hold back the strong curiosity drawing him to this magnificent structure.

“Wow,” Zhu Yan gasps as they step inside. It’s so big and warm, unlike their home in Mount Kunlun.

Zhu Yan’s eyes marvel at the different expensive mortal-made decors. Mortals truly have such a way with art. Unable to contain himself, he walks up to a small table in the corner of a room where an exquisite porcelain vase sits. There are flowers painted on it and he can tell by how different each flower is that they are made with mortal hands, not magic. It must have taken a mortal months if not years to finish something so intricate.

“What are you doing?” Zhuo Yichen asks.

“This is so beautiful, what kind of paint do you think this is made of?”

“I…” Zhuo Yichen frowns, he doesn’t know either. But before he could answer, the demon with braided white hair turned around to inspect a wooden shelf. 

“We have this back in the mountain, but it’s much simpler and more boring. My Yeye made them out of a cypress tree’s trunk. It was gifted to us but this is made with tools!”

“How did you know?”

Zhu Yan smiles big and wide, he points at the corner of the shelf, “There are tool marks! Look at their little imperfections, it’s certainly made by tools! It’s beautiful!”

Zhuo Yichen sighs, “Don’t stall. Come with me.”

Zhu Yan sighs. Helpless he could only continue to follow Zhuo Yichen. He looks back at the decors with sad eyes. Ah, if only he could spend more time with them!

After some time, Zhuo Yichen leads him in front of a room. He watches as he opens the door and Zhu Yan’s eyes widen with delight and interest. It’s a kitchen. He had only seen kitchens from little stalls by the road, but a house’s kitchen is something else. Zhuo Yichen steps inside and Zhu Yan follows behind him. The smell of cured meat, herbs, and spices fills the air. 

In the corner of the room there is a shelf full of clay pots, and on the other side are big cast iron pans stacked neatly. Zhu Yan had never seen so many kitchen tools before. 

“There is more food here.” Zhuo Yichen says cutting Zhu Yan from his reverie. 

Zhu Yan looks back and sees Zhuo Yichen taking a basket full of fruits, persimmons, dates and even pears. Zhu Yan walks up to Zhuo Yichen with shimmering eyes. How magnanimous! 

“Can I have them?” Zhu Yan asks genuinely curious.

“Sure.”

Zhu Yan could almost cry with happiness. He accepts the basket and puts the contents inside his small bag. The rumors are true it seems. The Zhuo clan is righteous and fair. The young master of the Zhuo clan heard he was hungry and he gave him more food!

“Thank you,” Zhu Yan says, he might be a demon but he knows manners.

Zhuo Yichen looks unsure of how to respond at first, the tips of his ears growing slightly flushed. He nods. “Be quick, the others will come back soon. They will ask you a lot of questions if they see you.”

Zhu Yan nods. He also doesn’t want that. After all, Bingyi is a very knowledgeable demon, he would immediately recognize Zhu Yan if he saw him and that would be a long story to tell to both Bingyi and Zhuo Yichen.

Zhu Yan follows Zhuo Yichen as he leads him back to the main building. Zhu Yan’s chest is filled with glee. He had saved so many coins from today’s excursion. In fact, he thinks he can buy some little trinkets in the market on the way out without worrying about if he had some to spare for the next trip. 

“Zhuo DaRen, ” he asks. “Can come back again?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Zhuo Yichen looks at him, “It is dangerous. The Demon Hunting Bureau is not a place to take food from. You should learn to hunt for yourself or forage or work.”

Zhu Yan sighs, just as he thought he could get free meals.

“Stop distracting me, they’re coming back soo–”

Zhu Yan’s body tenses as he hears the sound of the main door opening. Turning towards the door, he watches as a line of men dressed in dark-colored uniforms steps in. The Demon Hunting Bureau has arrived. Zhu Yan stands behind Zhuo Yichen not daring to look. Even if he doesn’t see he can feel the intense power of an ancient great demon. 

“Xiao Yi.”

Zhu Yan scoots closer to Zhuo Yichen, holding his bag close to his chest. It seems that his luck already run out.

“Father.” Zhuo Yichen answers with a bow of his head.

“Who is that?”

Zhu Yan thinks his power is quite amazing. He can do a lot of things with it. Unfortunately, disappearing into thin air is not one of them. This is one of the few occasions he feels envious of Li Lun. Right now, he just wants to disappear into the air, becoming leaves and just flying out back to safety.

“No one.” Zhuo Yichen says. “A demon, he was lost.”

Zhu Yan wants to cry, how generous and considerate is Zhuo DaRen . 

“Hm?” Bingyi doesn’t sound convinced.

Zhuo Yichen not knowing better steps aside to try and prove his point. “I was already showing him out.”

Zhu Yan wished he could use his one-word spell to make the earth open up and take him. He lifts his head and looks back at the ancient demon. Just as expected, Bingyi’s eyes widen with recognition.

“You!”

Zhu Yan smiles awkwardly. “H-Hello, uhm Great Demon.”

Chapter Text

Zhu Yan doesn’t even have enough time to react when Bingyi flies and easily grabs him by the back of his collar and lifts him up. His little bag spills its contents on the ground making him whine and squeak with disappointment. Bingyi drags him a few feet away from Zhuo Yichen before finally letting him down. Bingyi stands between him and Zhuo Yichen with a deep frown.

Zhu Yan looks around him and sees the members of the Demon Hunting Bureau holding their swords ready to attack. 

“Father–”

“You must have lied to my son,” Bingyi says cutting Zhuo Yichen off. 

Zhu Yan crouches on the ground, picking up the fallen walnuts and fruits back to his bag. Bingyi frowns, kicking one walnut away from Zhu Yan’s hands. Zhu Yan really couldn’t handle ancient demons, they were too strict. He looks up putting up his best helpless face.

“Why are you here?”

Zhu Yan sighs, “I wasn’t lying! I did just want some walnuts.”

“Father, what’s happening?” Zhuo Yichen asks.

Zhu Yan looks up at Zhuo Yichen. It is striking to see how similar Zhuo Yichen is to his father and yet somehow so different. Bingyi has blue-green hair while Zhuo Yichen has deep jet-black hair almost making him look so human if not for his light-colored eyes, like the color of the sky but vivid and deeper. 

“I will tell you later, go back inside,” Bingyi says. 

Zhuo Yichen looks between Zhu Yan and his father. “But he…Father, what will you do with him?”

Bingyi looks at Zhu Yan, eyes sharp as a blade. “There will be appropriate punishment for him.”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes grow wide. Zhu Yan could almost taste the tension in the air and didn’t dare make a sound. He watches as Zhuo Yichen clenches his hands into a fist and steps back.

No! Zhu Yan cries in his mind as he watches in horror as Zhuo Yichen turns around and leaves. Don’t go Zhuo DaRen!  

Zhu Yan looks up at Bingyi again and almost cries on the spot.

***

“Yeye!”

Ying Zhao follows the sound of Ying Lei’s voice. He really is too old to raise such an energetic young mountain god. 

“Yes, yes.” He responds, “I will be there.”

Ying Zhao meets Ying Lei halfway inside the temple. Ying Lei is now 60 years old in human years, but to demons and gods, he is but a child. His small child-like human form is a testament to this. His cultivation is strong having been born a demi god, but still not strong enough to take an adult form. Ying Zhao thinks that is a good thing, with such tiny legs, he already has so much trouble following him around much more if he has longer limbs.

“Yeye, there’s someone outside looking for you.”

Ying Zhao picks up Ying Lei in his arms to prevent the little mountain god from running off somewhere again. “I don’t expect someone today, did they tell you who they are?”

Ying Lei nods, “Uh, yeah but uhm I forgot what they said.”

Ying Zhao sighs. Oh, well.

He carries Ying Lei as he walks out of the shrine and back to the gates. As soon as he stood on top of the stairs, he feels a familiar presence and to know surprise it is who he thought it would be. He almost topples over with frustration.

“Zhu Yan!” He cries as he sees the demon standing there. “You little–”

“Guardian Ying.”

Ying Zhao was so distracted at the sight of his wayward grandson that he nearly missed the person standing next to his grandson. His eyes widen and his heart begins to beat nervously in his chest. The great demon Bingyi. Ying Zhao immediately lowers his head. 

“Please, you don’t need to bow.” Bingyi says. “I came here to return someone.”

Ying Zhao sets Ying Lei down on the ground, whispering to him not to go anywhere. Ying Lei only nods. Ying Zhao can only hope his youngest ward really does understand.

Ying Zhao climbs down the stairs to meet the two demons. As soon as he is within reach, Ying Zhao grabs his grandson and pinches his ear.

“Ouch! Yeye! ”

“Don’t you Yeye me!” Ying Zhao says as he slaps Zhu Yan’s arm, “I have been looking all over the mountain for you! Did you know I even called Li Lun to look for you?!”

“I’m sorry!” Zhu Yan cries before dashing to hide behind Ying Zhao. “ Yeye I really wasn’t doing anything bad.”

Ying Zhao looks at him with a complicated expression before turning to Bingyi. He cups his hands and lowers his head. “Great demon, this one is still young and curious. If he had ruined something of value, we will compensate for it. But I hope you don’t punish him too harshly.”

Bingyi looks at Zhu Yan for a moment, his expression unreadable. Ying Zhao had not been tasked to raise Zhu Yan for nothing, he knows exactly what Bingyi might be presuming. He feels a sense of protectiveness toward his adoptive grandson, and without hesitation he holds Zhu Yan’s wrist, pulling him further behind him.

“He is no ordinary demon,” Bingyi starts, “It is dangerous that he is alone in the mortal world like that. If something were to happen–”

“He is actively learning to control his powers. Zhu Yan might be young and reckless, but I assure you he is not a danger to others.” Ying Zhao says. “Great demon, I hope you do not take offense, but our Zhu Yan means no harm.”

“It is precisely because he is young that you cannot speak definitely,” Bingyi replies, his tone even colder than the snow surrounding the shrine. “I feel conflicted being called a great demon when there’s another one behind you.”

“Zhu Yan has to cultivate for more years to be worthy of such a title.”

Bingyi looks at Zhu Yan, then at the small mountain god on top of the flight of stairs. “Some demons needed to cultivate for hundreds of years to have a human form, but there are some…who were simply born such.”

Ying Zhao has no response. The truth of the matter is that, unlike other demons, Zhu Yan was born a great demon. He was born from the collected malicious energy in the world, creating a vessel that is Zhu Yan. When the Baize goddess of 300 years ago found him, nobody wanted to take in the newborn demon. It was unheard of. 

There were of course demons who were born without having to cultivate, those were children of two demon parents. But before they could reach such a level of great demon, they needed thousands of years of cultivation. But Zhu Yan is different. He had no parents. It is as if the world itself birthed him. And yet, he is a great demon.

Even as soon as he was born, the gods and other demons contemplated to simply kill him. Most demons are tied to a source of power. A tree demon has its roots, fish demon have water and scales, but Zhu Yan’s source is the malicious energy in the world. Unlike roots, water, scales, or fur, malicious energies are endless and indestructible. Zhu Yan’s power is limitless. And so, naturally, both gods and demons were worried, had it not been the Baize Goddess’ mercy Zhu Yan would have been left in the Wilderness to fend for himself.

“Stay away from Tiandu.” Bingyi says to Zhu Yan. “It is for your own good.”

Bingyi doesn’t wait for the answer and turns around to leave. Ying Zhao doesn’t let go of his grandson until Bingyi disappears from their view. Ying Zhao understands the concern of old gods and demons, but he also hopes they try to know Zhu Yan first.

“I told you many times,” Ying Zhao says as he lets go of Zhu Yan and looks at him. “All my hair are gray now because of you! I used to have a full head of dark hair!”

Zhu Yan smiles awkwardly, “Yeye, I really didn’t mean to make trouble for the Great Demon.”

“You have not yet mastered how to deal with your abilities, why are you in a hurry to go to the human realm?”

Zhu Yan’s smile falters. He knows and understands Grandpa Ying’s concern but Mount Kunlun can get very lonely and when he goes to the Wilderness, even the demons are wary fo him. Few of them would talk to Zhu Yan. In the human world, in Tiandu, he feels more free. Humans and demons alike talk to him like he isn’t any different from them. 

“Forget it,” Ying Zhao tells him. “Go get Ying Lei, ah, he’s been begging me to play with him. Why don’t you go take him to the Widerness.”

Zhu Yan nods as he follows Ying Zhao up to the stairs.

***

“Shh!”

Zhuo Yichen opens his eyes as he hears the unfamiliar voice. He doesn’t move, however, afraid that alerting the intruders would only put him at a disadvantage. He keeps his body still, facing the window with his back facing where the sounds are coming from.

“You owe me for this one.” He hears a man’s voice. “If Ying Zhao finds out I will tell him it is your idea.”

“Yeah, yeah. Okay!” 

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes widen. It’s that walnut thief! Could it be this was that demon’s plan all along? He pretended to be looking for food so he could find out the inside of the Zhuo clan’s manor?

“Geez, you’re always such a killjoy.” says the walnut thief.

“Just hurry up.”

Zhuo Yichen slowly slips his hand under his pillow as he feels the walnut thief walk closer to his bed. He grips the dagger under his pillow waiting for the other to strike.

And he waits.

And waits.

“Are you done?”

“Yes!”

“Sh! You–you’re the worst. Come on, let’s go.”

Zhuo Yichen feels the wind gush inside his room and the sound of rustling leaves. When he sits up to look, he could only see the leaves rushing out of the room. Zhuo Yichen looks around his room for anything missing. But he couldn’t see anything out of place. He looks down on the side of his bed, then to his bedside table.

His hand lets go of the dagger as he scoots closer to look. He picks it up and furrows his eyebrows. For a long time, he tries to figure out what it is. It is made of paper, folded in several ways. It seems to have been through a lot as he can see places where the paper had been folded before. 

“A monkey?” Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help his lips lifting in a small smile. 

The walnut thief had broken into his house again, to leave him a folded paper in the shape of a monkey.

Chapter Text

Ying Lei squeals happily as a branch of a tree wraps itself around his middle and sets him down. He grins happily and jumps up and down.

“Again! Again!” He cries as he raises his arms towards the tree.

“No.” Li Lun says as he scoops the little god in his arms.

Ying Lei sighs but obediently listens. Li Lun shifts his eyes to the suspect of Ying Lei’s misadventure. Ying Lei is still too short, he could have not climbed the tree himself if not for someone enabling him to do so. Said enabler is picking something between the rocks which makes Li Lun only sigh in defeat.

“Hey,” he calls out lightly kicking the other. “Ying Lei almost fell off a tree.”

Zhu Yan turns to him, “He won’t he’s a little ape.”

Ying Lei giggles. “A monkey! Lei Lei is a monkey!”

“He hasn’t cultivated long enough, if he got injured Ying Zhao would make you work for Baize Goddess for three years.” Li Lun says.

Zhu Yan is afraid of very few things as a great demon. One of them is the Baize Goddess, not because she’s violent or harsh. It’s just that Zhu Yan finds her job very boring. The first time Ying Zhao punished him was when he was only a hundred years old. He snuck out of the mountains and didn’t know about mortal currencies. He ended up racking up a tab in a small food stall and running away. Ying Zhao heard the incident and had climbed down the mountain himself to pay for the bill. As punishment, he brought Zhu Yan to the Baize Goddess who gave him a sentence of a year of community service in the Wilderness under her supervision. Zhu Yan cried and whined every day of that year, he was not able to leave or do anything but sit down and read about silly affairs of demons. 

“You won’t dare!” Zhu Yan says as he stands up to take Ying Lei from Li Lun. 

“I wasn’t the one who put him on a tree.”

Zhu Yan huffs, “He’s a little monkey! He needs to climb trees it’s part of growing up.”

Li Lun thanks the heavens and the old gods that out of all the beings put in Ying Zhao’s care besides Zhu Yan, it is a demi-god who has strong enough cultivation. He is certain that had it been a small, frail regular demon, Zhu Yan would have forgotten it somewhere and been eaten by another demon.

“By the way,” Li Lun says as he follows Zhu Yan walking towards the path back to the entryway to Mount Kunlun, “Ao Yin said she wants to go out of the Wilderness.”

Ao Yin is one of the younger demons in the Wilderness. Zhu Yan and Li Lun met her when they saved her from a snapping turtle demon. She’s shy and often enjoys her time alone, in the few occasions she would come out she would see Zhu Yan just to ask some questions. 

“Oh? She finally decided she wanted to go?”

Li Lun nods. 

Typically all demons who wish to go to the mortal world for whatever reasons must acquire permission from the Baize Goddess. This way, the Baize Goddess would know where each demon had gone to. Mortals often mistake this as the Baize Goddess’ way to protect humans from demons with ill intentions, but in reality, it is to protect the smaller demons from the ill intentions of humans.

“Well, good for her!” Zhu Yan says. 

“Though, she’s asking if I had seen the Goddess.”

Zhu Yan pauses, turning to Zhu Yan. “What do you mean asking you ? Isn’t she where she’s always been.”

“She’s not.” Li Lun says. “I looked as well. Which is why I came to find you.”

“What? I didn’t kidnap her!”

Li Lun smacks his friend’s head lightly. “Don’t be ridiculous. That’s not what I meant.” he says, “I was about to ask you if she came to see Ying Zhao.”

Zhu Yan rubs the back of his head where Li Lun lightly him. “Hm. Ying Lei and I went out early, so I’m not sure.”

“Are you going back then?” 

“Mn.”

“Then, I’ll go with you. In case she’s there.”

"You’re awfully kind to Ao Yin," Zhu Yan chuckles, bumping his shoulder against Li Lun’s and shooting him with a teasing smile. "Tell me, since when have you been this considerate, Li Lun?”

Li Lun ignores, making a tree root sprout under Zhu Yan’s feet effectively tripping him.

“Li Lun!”

Li Lun takes Ying Lei from Zhu Yan’s hold, the demi god giggling at the sight of Zhu Yan on the ground with his shoe still stuck under the tree root.

“We’ll see you at the shrine.” Li Lun says before leaving Zhu Yan struggling to pull his shoes out.

“Bye bye!” Ying Lei says as he waves behind Li Lun oblivious of Zhu Yan’s peril.

“Ying Lei, come back here and help me!”

Ying Lei only laughs unable to help as he’s carried off away.

***

Li Lun does find the Baize Goddess speaking with Ying Zhao. They are standing by in the middle of the courtyard when he arrives with Ying Lei in his arms.

“I’m afraid there’s not a lot I can do,” the Baize goddess says with a somber tone. “Guardian Ying, I know he was close to you but it had been the Demon Hunting Bureau who caught him.”

Ying Zhao nods but his eyes are full of sorrow. Li Lun doesn’t dare to step into the conversation.

“Zhu Yin had worked with me to guard the gates of Kunlun for five hundred years. Naturally, I feel pity for him.” Ying Zhao says. “But if the accusations to him are true, and if he had indeed confessed to them then this Ying Zhao cannot stop the long arm of justice and discipline of the Baize Token from reaching him.”

Li Lun had met Zhu Yin, he has not cultivated a human form yet when he first saw him. He was a demon whose powers were considered merciful and kind by humans, thus resulting to them worshipping him. Later on, Zhu Yin became a god of the mountain he was worshipped at. When he came to Mount Kunlun, Li Lun already had cultivated his human form. He didn’t strike him as someone who would go against the Baize Goddess’ rules–much less commit a crime so severe that the Demon Hunting Bureau came for him.

“I hope he learns and changes his ways.” The Baize Goddess says with a small smile. “He has all the time in the world after this.”

Ying Zhao can only bow his head respectfully. “I leave him in your care.”

The Baize Goddess nods before quietly asking to be excused. She meets Li Lun and Ying Lei on her way out and gives them a smile. She reaches out softly squeezing Ying Lei’s cheeks.

“Hello, little one. You’ve grown since I last saw you.” she says.

“Lei Lei can make little shields now!” Ying Lei says proudly with a big smile. 

“Oh! Is that true?” she chuckles ruffling his hair. “Well, in a few more years you’ll be as powerful as Ying Zhao. Do you want to guard Mount Kunlun too?”

Ying Lei tilts his head to the side as if deep in thought. “Uhm, I don’t know.”

Li Lun huffs a small laugh. 

“How are you, Li Lun?” The Baize Goddess asks with a small smile. “Has Zhu Yan roped you into trouble yet?”

“Please don’t jinx it.” Li Lun replies, “Ah, Ao Yin is looking for you.”

“Oh, is she?” The Baize Goddess furrows her eyebrows in concern, “Did something happen?”

“No,” Li Lun says, “She just wanted to know where you are, she wanted to ask permission to go to Tiandu in a for a few days.”

“Few days?”

Li Lun nods, “I think it’s best you ask her.”

“Alright, I’ll go see her.” 

“Zhu Ying…he–”

“I can’t talk about the details,” she says, “But you can rest assure we’ll be fair to him.”

Li Lun nods. 

“Speaking of, where is–”

“Li Lun, you evil shrub!”

The Baize Goddess chuckles hearing the thunderous familiar voice. She lifts her hand over her lips to hide her amused smile as he sees Zhu Yan half hopping and dragging himself towards them while holding one of his shoes. Without care for decorum, Zhu Yan drops his shoe on the ground and puts them on with hungry huffs. As soon as Zhu Yan is back to his feet he points an accusing finger at Li Lun.

“Goddess, you have to punish him!”

“For what crime?”

“F-For…For making fun of me!”

“That isn’t a crime,” Li Lun says with a smirk. “You tripped on a root, how is that my fault.”

“Because you grew that root!” Zhu Yan cries before turning to the Baize Goddess. “My shoe got stuck in it and he left me!”

“You have no proof.” Li Lun says.

“Ah! You!” Zhu Yan huffs again.

“Zhu Yan!” 

Turning his head towards the source of the sound, Zhu Yan sees his Grandpa Ying running towards him with a stick. “You little! You’re bothering the Goddess again!”

***

Bingyi looks at document in his hand and frowns. 

“Wen Xiao can accompany him if that’s your concern.” Minister Fang says with an understanding smile. “Because of the nature of Zhu Ying’s crime, the Prime Minister wants an audience with you. Unfortunately, he isn’t taking the Vice Commander as sufficient representative.”

Bingyi dislikes speaking most with government officials. Many of them pretend to care about the average citizens’ lives but few would dare to get their feet and hands muddy to do their actual job. Many of them care very little with what happens between demons and humans so long it doesn’t affect them. However, Zhu Yin’s issue was difficult for them to ignore simply because the victim had been a court official’s relative. Had it been any other ordinary man, Bingyi is certain they would turn a blind eye on it.

“Is she well?” Bingyi asks remembering the last time he heard of the young girl she was bedridden because of a cold. “You need not to push her.”

“She already recovered three days ago. And she had asked anyway.” Minister Fang says. “Besides, if they are together both of us will be at ease.”

Bingyi manages to smile a bit at Minister Fang’s response. Wen Xiao is one of the few people Bingyi trusts with her son. Zhuo Yichen had taken a liking to her well-mannered and yet cheerful personality. His son seems to smile a bit more whenever she is around.

“I heard he’s starting to train with Yun Guang,” Minister Fang says as he pours Bingyi a cup of tea, then himself. “Will he be joining the Bureau soon?”

Bingyi purses his lips. He looks at his reflection on the tea. 

“I hope not too soon,” he says. “If I can delay the prophecy for much longer this way then I…”

Minister Fang’s congenial smile also falls. As a father, he understands that though they are different from each other–a demon and mortal- they share the same connection to their children. Minister Fang may not share the same blood flowing through Wen Xiao’s veins, but he protected, raised, and cared for her as if she did. Minister Fang knows there is no limits to the things he can do for his adoptive daughter, he knows he would move mountains and dry up seas for her. He could only imagine how strongly Bingyi felt for his son.

“I hope it just made a mistake,” Bingyi says as he lifts the cup to his lips.

Minister Fang doesn’t dare speak. He knows as much as Bingyi does. It refers to a prophecy Bingyi himself had to go through and now passed down to his son along with Yun Guang.

Ying Long’s prophecy.

Chapter Text

Zhu Yan grins looking at his little coin pouch. It’s already noon and he still has all five coins and most importantly, today he is not in a hurry! Ying Lei has to meditate with Grandpa Ying to help him learn more spells, so he doesn’t have to worry about coming back immediately. This time too, the Baize Goddess gave him a mark of permission to leave the Wilderness!

Looking around him, there seems to be some sort of festivities. There are even more stalls in the streets and mortals are extra generous. He was given free pieces of sweets, meat, and even free tea. He made sure this time they are free, he even asked twice. 

Human festivities really are the best. The Wilderness is so boring, they never have festival like this, or candied fruits. No wonder even someone shy like Ao Yin would come out to see Tiandu. Li Lun and Grandpa Ying are the few who like it in the Wilderness.

Zhu Yan puts the pouch back inside his sleeves. With this money he can still buy some trinkets to bring back to Ying Lei. He’d be impressed, and soon he’ll like Zhu Yan more than Li Lun!

“ Laoban ,” Zhu Yan learned that stall owners prefers to be called this way, “what is this?”

“It’s a cloth tiger.” The stall owner says with a cheerful smile. “It’s for children. You look too young to be a father. Do you have a sibling?”

Zhu Yan chuckles, “Somewhat.”

The stall owner doesn’t press further but still offers Zhu Yan to look at his cloth tiger. They have many colors making Zhu Yan marvel. Humans are truly ingenious. Though materials for them to mend and handle with their frail human bodies are limited, they could make so many wonders. 

“It’s two coins.”

Zhu Yan looks at him with a dramatic gasp, “Laoban, how generous! I know these things costs more.”

“Aiyo,” he says with a chuckle. “During mid-autumn, only discounted prices are allowed by the city for stalls.”

Zhu Yan pulls out his pouch and takes out two coins. “How come? Won’t that be bad?”

“Not really,” The stall owner reaches out to take Zhu Yan’s payment. “People come from everywhere to go here because they know prices will be discounted. Even if the goods are discounted, if there's many people buying it’s still good business.”

Zhu Yan nods. Ah, so that’s how business works among mortals, huh. So smart!

“Let me just package it for you.”

Zhu Yan smiles as he waits patiently. 

Human festivals really are the best!

Zhu Yan takes the packaged toy as the stall owner thanks him for his business. Ying Lei will certainly be impressed with this. Finally, he’ll start looking up to Zhu Yan like he would look up to Li Lun.

“Out of the way!” Zhu Yan catches the sound of commotion ahead. He slows his steps. With his sensitive senses he can see a group of uniformed humans trying to part the people standing by and walking. “Have you seen a yao in male form?” One of them asks.

“Huh? There’s a lot of of them.” One of the people says. “What kind are you looking for. Don’t cause problem unnecessarily.”

“This is an official business of the Demon Hunting Bureau, so not make light of it!” Another one yells.

Zhu Yan cringes at their voices. How crass, nothing like Zhuo DaRen. 

“Just take whomever you see! We will investigate everyone.”

Huh?! Zhu Yan turns around as quickly as he could. What ridiculous reasoning is that! Take everyone that fits their vague profile?! How unreasonable! Zhu Yan hasten his walk towards the opposite direction as the commotion grows louder.

“You!” Zhu Yan hears someone yell. “White haired Yao! Do not leave!”

Zhu Yan cries internally, how can he not leave when they’re chasing him! 

Before Zhu Yan could go any further he sees an arrow shot pass him, landing just inches from his feet. He gasps in surprise. Simple arrows may not kill him but that doesn’t mean it won’t hurt if he got struck. 

Zhu Yan feels someone grab him and spun him around. 

“Why are you running?” The vanguard says with a sour expression. 

“You were chasing me,” Zhu Yan say with a frown. “I didn’t want to be involved, I was just passing by!”

The vanguard looks at him for a moment and frowns. “What kind of demon are you?”

“An ape.”

The vanguard looks unconvinced.

“Look! I have the Baize Goddess permission too!” He says as he shows the mark on the back of his hand.

“It doesn’t matter.” He says, “You’re coming with us.”

“Huh?! What for?”

Zhu Yan doesn't receive any more answers as his wrists are bound with metal cuffs and chains and dragged along with several other male demons. 

***

Wen Xiao stands up as she hears a commotion outside the Zhuo residence. Zhuo Yichen looks up from the weiqi board to follow Wen Xiao’s gaze. 

“Why is it suddenly so noisy?” Wen Xiao asks. “Isn’t the Great Demon supposed to be in the capital.”

“I don’t think that’s Father.” Zhuo Yichen says.

He stands up and carefully walk up to the open door leading to the hallway. He can hear a lot of unfamiliar voices yelling. Zhuo Yichen gestures for Wen Xiao to follow behind him and he slowly makes his way to the bridge connecting the residence to the Bureau.

Zhuo Yichen hasn’t reached the main hall yet but he can already hear the complaints clearly.

“This is unfair!” He hears someone cry. “I cannot believe I will receive such treatment from the Demon Hunting Bureau!”

Wen Xiao gasps when they arrive at the hall and finds herself looking at a crowd of demons in metal cuffs. Zhuo Yichen furrows his eyebrows. 

“Silence!” The head of the unit’s vanguards exclaim, “We brought you here to be investigated. You will be spoken to and only then are you expected to speak. Anyone who refuses to cooperate will be detained.”

The room erupts into chaos again.

“How is that fair?!” Someone exclaims. “We came here with the permission of the Baize Goddess and this is how we are being treated? Where is the justice you so proclaim to hold! We were picked up without hearing us!”

“Yeah!”

“We’re not talking to anyone! Where is the Great Demon, he will understand us!”

“Surely! Take him here!”

“Great Demon Bingyi will understand!”

Zhuo Yichen cannot watch any longer without doing anything. He walks up to the head of the vanguards. “What’s happening?” He asks.

The young man bows his head politely in greeting. “Zhuo DaRen ,” he says. “It’s a small matter. We will handle it.”

“Clearly it isn’t small .” Zhuo Yichen says as he looks at the crowd. The hall is full of angry demons. 

“Please explain,” Wen Xiao adds as she approaches the head of the guards as well. “I don’t remember that Father mentioned…detaining demons.”

The young man hesitated before answering in a low voice. “We were transporting a very dangerous demon to the foot of Mount Kunlun to meet bring them to the Baize Goddess when they escaped.” He says. “We do not know the extent of his abilities and he could have shape-shifted into one of these demons.”

Zhuo Yichen’s frown deepens. “How impractical. You’ve created so much commotion. Does Father know what you’ve done?”

The head of the vanguards looks taken aback. His face growing pale.

“Commander is busy—“

“You should have gotten his approval still,” Wen Xiao says. 

Zhuo Yichen looks at the crowd, “There’s so many of them you’ve offended. What if none of them is the demon you’re looking for? Then you’ve wasted so much time instead of looking the actual culprit.”

“I…”

A series of claps makes everyone in the room turn towards the source. The crowd parted as they turn to look who it is. To Zhuo Yichen’s surprise, he finds a very familiar face.

“Zhuo DaRen is indeed correct, as expected.” Zhu Yan says with a smile. 

“Shut up.” The head of the vanguard yells. “You must be Zhu Yi—“

“Zhu Yin has no ability to shapeshift.” Zhu Yan says easily. “If he has, then why would he have committed a crime wearing his own face?”

The head of the vanguard looks at him like a fish out of the water, unable to say a decent retort. 

“Y-You are suspicious! How do you know that!” Another vanguard yells.

Zhu Yan shrugs. “Well, I overheard the Baize Goddess talking about him. And, he used to live with us.”

“See! He has connections with the demon!” One of the vanguards approaches with a sword in hand.

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen and he raises his hand to cast a spell. However, before he could utter a word, Zhuo Yichen steps forward and raises his sword in front of the vanguard.

Zhuo Yichen looks at them with a cold expression. “Is this how the Bureau works without my father?” He says. “Going only by mere hearsay?”

“But Zhuo DaRen he admitted he knows the demon we are looking for.”

“And I know him , would you arrest me too?”

The room becomes filled with tension. Even the demons dare not to speak. They look around nervously, some even hiding behind Zhu Yan.

“Zhuo DaRe—“

“Release everyone,” Zhuo Yichen says with a firm tone. “Or I will go find Zhu Yin myself—“

“Zhuo DaRen!” The vanguards all exclaim in panic. “Please, we assure you it can be handled by the unit.”

“Then release them.”

The vanguards look at the demons, the head of the unit concedes after a moment of hesitation. He gestures for the other to let go of the demons. One by one they uncuff them.

“I’d tell the Baize Goddess about this mistreatment!” One of the demons says with a huff.

Wen Xiao could only look with worry, hoping it is but an empty threat. No one really wants the Bureau to have a terrible reputation, after all, they are expected to keep peace between humans and demons.

“Do not make trouble.” The head of the vanguards say before waving them off.

The demons scoff and huff as they turn and head to the gates. The guards watch them warily. Until few remain, some looking unsure and scared while one is quietly admiring the hall.

“What are you doing?” The head of the vanguards says to the remaining demons. “Leave!”

“Mo DaRen ,” Wen Xiao says with a kind but firm tone, “I don’t think it’s right we speak to them this way after what they’ve been through. We should be a little less hostile, shouldn’t we?”

The head of the vanguards frowns but nonetheless says nothing.  

“We will be heading out.” He says with a curt bow. “Zhu Yin must be found.”

Wen Xiao gives him a congenial smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course.”

The group leaves, not even bothering to address the remaining demons in the hall. Zhu Yan watches them as they leave. He wonders why a great demon  would leave these kinds of people to handle such a rank when he had someone obviously more capable with Zhuo Yichen there.

“Ah, apologies for everything.” Zhu Yan hears Zhuo Yichen’s companion says. “It is a mistake and it will just happen again. I will ensure of it.” 

Before Zhu Yan could ask, he hears someone muttering behind him. 

“Minister Fang’s daughter really is kind. She reminds me of the Baize Goddess.” 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the next Baize Goddess is Lady Wen Xiao.”

Wen Xiao. Ah, so that must be her name. Zhu Yan cannot deny she does look very beautiful, though he doubts she’d enjoy the work of a Baize Goddess. It is far more boring than the affairs in Tiandu.

“Zhuo DaRen! ” Zhu Yan says with a smile. “We meet again!”

Zhuo Yichen sighs and looks away.

The demons ignores Zhu Yan. Instead, as if scared to be acquainted with him some of them step back while the others just begins to head for the gates.

“Ah?” Wen Xiao says before turning to Zhuo Yichen. “You really do know this person?”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyebrows furrowed.

“We do!” Zhu Yan answers instead. “We met a few days ago!”

Zhuo Yichen throws him a cold look. “Walnut thief.”

“Huh?! Hey! I apologized didn’t you see my gift?”

Wen Xiao’s eyebrows slightly raises at that. She watches as Zhu Yan walks towards them. There’s a bounce on his step, a warm smile on his face. Wen Xiao could only chuckle.

“And I’m not a ‘ walnut thief’” Zhu Yan says as he dramatically puts a hand on his waist. “I’m called Zhu—“

Zhu Yan trips on an even stone on the ground and finds himself falling over towards the two. Wen Xiao steps out of the way but Zhuo Yichen doesn’t. The other instead reaches out instinctively and catches Zhu Yan, holding his arm to steady him.

Zhu Yan finds himself chest to chest to Zhuo Yichen and looking up at the other’s vivid black and blue eyes with a hand on his chest. Wow , he thinks, they’re like the vast sea.

“Ahem.” Wen Xiao says with a knowing smile. “Zhu DaRen, unfortunately I will have to ask you to let go of our Xiao Zhuo.”

Zhuo Yichen realizes the situation too late and he finds himself scrambling to put distance between him and the white haired demon. His face feels warm. How shameless, he has not met a demon this bold. Perhaps he’s a succubus? No. That doesn’t make sense. Succubus could have easily made their way out of troubles like this by just seducing their victims and making them give in to their demands. But Zhu Yan has not done that at all.

“Uhm, ahaha.” Zhu Yan chuckles awkwardly, “I could fly but that’s a lot of energy to do. My Yeye said I should try not to use my powers too often.”

Wen Xiao ignores the ramblings. She’s immediately interested in this very interesting character. Zhuo Yichen is pretty transparent to her but he has not mentioned this Zhu Yan before. Wen Xiao also had been studying different kinds of demons but she couldn’t figure out what kind of demon Zhu Yan is by looking.

“Why are you here again?” Zhuo Yichen asks.

“I was really innocently walking around because I heard there’s some festivities.” Zhu Yan says. “They picked me up and cuffed me.”

Zhuo Yichen’s face fell. “Were you injured?”

Zhu Yan smirks, “Aiya, Zhuo DaRen you really are too kind.”

“You!”

Wen Xiao chuckles, before stepping forward and taking Zhu Yan’s wrist. She looks at his wrist and is relieved to see no injuries. Although demons are stronger than humans, it doesn’t meant that hurting them or injuring them even lightly is acceptable procedure in questioning.

“We’re very sorry about earlier.” Wen Xiao says.

“It’s fine.” Zhu Yan says. “I was a little spooked but as long as everything is sorted out then, I’m good too.”

“Is true?” Zhuo Yichen asks, “That you know Zhu Yin?”

Zhu Yan nods. “He worked with my Grandpa Ying guarding the Kunlun Mountains’ gates for a long time. He asked the Baize Goddess to leave his post when Ying Lei came to us. All I know is he returned back to the mountain he used to live at.”

“He commited a crime.”

“I know, or else the Bureau wouldn’t be looking for him.”

“Did you know what crime?”

“No.”

“Murder.”

Zhu Yan’s body tenses and he looks at Zhuo Yichen’s eyes begging for him to say it’s a joke. But Zhu Yan found no hint of mirth or jest in them.

“H-He…”

“Zhu DaRen.” Wen Xiao says breaking the tension. “I’m sure Zhu Yin will receive a fair trial with the Baize Goddess. If he is truly the one who did it or not, it will be revealed.”

Zhu Yan feels almost his body grow cold with the revelation. He had a guess that it was severe crime but he didn’t think of murder. Perhaps he had offended someone very high, refused to cooperate in an important matter, destroyed or defaced a monument or another shrine, but not murder. Zhu Yan recalls him as a mild-mannered Mountain God who even took Zhu Yan’s side whenever his Grandpa Ying scolded him. How could he done such a thing?

“You scared him Xiao Zhuo,” Wen Xiao scolds the other lightly. “Zhu DaRen, would you like to sit first?”

“What?” Zhuo Yichen says, “No, he cannot stay.”

“Why not?”

“He needs to be on his way.”

“After you traumatized him?”

“I—I didn’t…t-that’s—“

“Enough,” Wen Xiao says before taking Zhu Yan’s wrist. “Let’s go sit down and you can leave when you feel better. Okay?”

Zhu Yan can only nod.

***

Zhu Yan watches as Wen Xiao pours him a tea. Across them is a courtyard with a crooked tree. Zhuo Yichen sits by the tree instead of joining them. His golden and white robes look ethereal in the sunlight. A son of a great demon really is such a handsome creature.

“Xiao Zhuo is not good with people.” Wen Xiao says with a small apologetic smile. “I hope you don’t take offense.”

“I was just shock,” Zhu Yan says truthfully.

“I’m sorry about that too.” Wen Xiao adds with sympathy. “I could not imagine what you might be feeling right now. It must be complicated.”

Zhu Yan nods before taking the warm cup of tea on his hands. He finds himself lost in thought. Suddenly, he is pulled to a familiar but strange sensation earlier. When he had put a hand on Zhuo Yichen’s chest he thought he felt something was not right but he wasn’t able to think much of it then. But now, he understands why it felt strange.

Even the cup is warmer…

Than Zhuo Yichen’s empty demon core.

He lifts his head up to look at the Zhuo Yichen.

How could the son of a great demon, have an empty, powerless, demon core?

Chapter Text

Zhu Yan cannot stop thinking about Zhuo Yichen, specifically his core. Should he bring it up? No, certainly that’s bad manners. Right? That’s what manners means, right? 

“You’re thinking.” Li Lun says as he settles on the boulder next to Zhu Yan.

“And?”

“That’s new.”

Zhu Yan throws a walnut shell over Li Lun, who easily dodges it.

“What’s got in your head?”

Zhu Yan looks at the vast sea of the Wilderness. “Zhu Yin is still missing.”

Li Lun hums, “Or so I’ve heard. I’m sure they’ll find him.” 

Zhu Yan sighs. “Did you heard what he did?”

“No.”

“He killed a human.”

Li Lun is quiet for a moment before humming. 

“That’s it? That’s your response?” Zhu Yan asks in surprise. “Aren’t you even going to ask why he did it or who it was?”

“I’m not interested.” Li Lun says. “If he did it for whatever reason it is his burden alone to bear.”

Zhu Yan frowns. “I’m worried it might be something more. Zhu Yin isn’t a volatile person.”

“So, what are you thinking? That if someone framed him.”

“Yeah, or was there any deeper reason.” Zhu Yan replies as he pulls himself up on the rock to sit closer to Li Lun. 

Li Lun shrugs. Sometimes he’s surprised and amused at how much or how deep Zhu Yan would consider things. Ying Zhao always says that perhaps it’s because of Zhu Yan’s nature. Malicious energy is a collective force from nature, heaven, humans, demons, and even gods. It rose from the chaos that gave birth to the world as they know it, so Zhu Yan’s mind must be the amalgamation of all those feelings and thoughts.

He cannot sometimes follow him. He thinks too much and too complex, considering so many things. But perhaps that is because he is a great demon, and Li Lun is a simple tree pagoda demon. 

“You think too hard.” Li Lun says. “It isn’t your business.”

Zhu Yan sighs. “Humans must think we’re dangerous.”

“We are.”

“But I don’t want to be feared.”

Li Lun purses his lips before looking towards Zhu Yan. Zhu Yan had pulled his knees to his chest, his chin propped up on top of it. Zhu Yan is older than Li Lun and yet he seems so new to the world. Other demons think of it as him being naive, but Li Lun thinks that he had admired humans for a long time and that he had gotten to think a lot like them.  

Zhu Yan didn’t like the Wilderness, he found it too quiet. He envied the vigor of mortals towards simple things, the enthusiasm to chase the impossible, and yet still hope. In the Wilderness, time is nothing to fear. There was no need to chase anything, no need to think too much or consider feelings. 

Li Lun finds humans fickle, small, and delicate. The things Zhu Yan marvels about he thinks are irrelevant. He doesn’t find them amusing or admirable like Zhu Yan does. To them, they are like neighbors who are just a little bit too problematic for their own taste. Li Lun just doesn’t have any reason to care for them.

However, Li Lun also understands Zhu Yan in regard to his worries. Not in a deep sense but in the sense that he is his friend. He knows Zhu Yan longs to be understood by others and by understood he meant not to be feared for what he was born as. Many demons in the wilderness suffer fates like his. Those who were born as omens of plague, famine, and disasters, didn’t choose to be born the way they are, oftentimes they are told never to leave the Wilderness. Other demons run away from them too in fear that they would get infected by plague or be riddled with disasters. 

“Human lives are too fleeting to worry about.” Li Lun says.

Zhu Yan doesn’t answer him. His eyes looking over a distance as if trying to grasp something grander than himself.

***

Zhuo Yichen hears Wen Xiao arrive with her graceful steps on the wooden floorboards of the archive. He lifts up his head to see her walking with a tray of snacks and a soft and familiar smile. 

“You’ve been reading for half a day now,” she says, “I figured you’d like some snacks to go with your reading.”

Zhuo Yichen smiles kindly, “Thank you.”

She sits across from him and sets the tray on side of the table, careful of the documents laid on the surface. 

“What are you looking at?” She asks. “Is it about Zhu Yin?”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t answer for a while which piqued Wen Xiao’s curiosity. Taking a short glance at the books and documents, Wen Xiao’s lips quirks to a small amused smile. Seeing this expression, Zhuo Yichen hastily tries to hide the titles of the documents but fails.

“You’re looking at the wrong section of the archives.” Wen Xiao says. “You should look at the left side, demons who reside around Mount Kunlun and at Mount Kunlun are archived there.”

Zhuo Yichen blinks, “Y-You know about him? ”

Wen Xiao chuckles. Ah, her Xiao Zhuo really is too easy to understand. “Well, he said his name so I looked into him.” She replies. “I wondered what kind of demons Xiao Zhuo had become friends with.”

The tips of Zhuo Yichen’s ears turn pink as he shakes his head, “We are not friends.”

Wen Xiao hums. “Ah, I see. So you’re only interested in him?”

“N-No! N-Not at all.”

Wen Xiao’s smile grows slightly bigger. She doesn’t say anything further and sets the plate of snacks for herself and Zhuo Yichen. Contrary to his words, she can already feel her curious gaze boring down on her. 

“Is he…is he a deceptive beast?” Zhu Yichen quietly asks, unable to contain his curiosity.

Wen Xiao shakes her head. “There’s not much known about the demon called Zhu Yan in here. At least not that are written. But he’s not a deceptive beast. If he is it wouldn’t make sense that he doesn’t have any documents here.”

“You said he resides in Mount Kunlun?”

Wen Xiao nods.

“So he does know Zhu Yin.”

“He does.”

“Do you think he knows where Zhu Yin is?”

Wen Xiao shrugs. “I really don’t know.”

Zhuo Yichen looks down on his plate, his eyebrows furrowed slightly. 

“I don’t think he’s his accomplice if that’s what you’re thinking.” Wen Xiao says reassuringly. “Didn’t you say so yourself, being acquainted with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you are guilty. Your Father is looking for Zhu Yin, if he has met Zhu Yan then wouldn’t he have looked for him too? But he isn’t, is he?”

The furrow in Zhuo Yichen’s eyebrows slowly disappears after hearing Wen Xiao’s reassurance, as if he truly is concerned of the other’s involvement.

“Come on, have something to eat first.” Wen Xiao says gently urging him.

Zhuo Yichen quietly takes a bite out of the food. He could tell Zhu Yan isn’t just a simple demon, he looks very smart for an ordinary demon. His father seems to know him too which isn’t surprising given his father’s job and status, but the way he seems to know him doesn’t exactly tell him he knows him in a good way. But Zhu Yan looks young, how could he be dangerous? He also has not done anything malicious, sure he can be quite talkative and annoying but that shouldn’t have evoked such a reaction to his father. 

“The documents said he is cultivating under the Guardian of the Kunlun Mountain.” Wen Xiao says. “Perhaps he’s a demigod?”

“There seems nothing godly about him.”

“Well, they do come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?”

Zhuo Yichen’s lips quirk to a small smile.

“What about you?” Wen Xiao asks. “What do you think of him?”

“An annoying monkey.”

***

“Achoo!”

Li Lun looks back at Zhu Yan who is rubbing his nose.

“Are you shedding? Your leaves must be getting on me.” Zhu Yan says as he jogs towards Li Lun.

Li Lun rolls his eyes.

Zhu Yan walks towards the shrine. He made sure to come back before the time he told his Grandpa Ying that he will be back. Since Zhu Ying’s escape from the Demon Hunting Bureau reached Grandpa Ying’s ears, he became extra careful and reminded Zhu Yan and Li Lun not to go down the mountain without the Baize Goddess’ blessing, especially Zhu Yan. 

Zhu Yan also understands the danger. With Bingyi handling the case himself, and the crime Zhu Yin supposedly committed, it’s no wonder that the Demon Hunting Bureau is agitated. He doesn’t want to involve himself in that kind of trouble. 

Just as he expects, Grandpa Ying senses his presence and he immediately appears on top of the flight of stairs. Zhu Yan is ready to rush and tease his grandpa when he sees the expression on his face. Zhu Yan immediately freezes.

For a moment none of them say anything. When Zhu Yan rushes to the stairs to meet his Grandpa Ying, the old god immediately pats him around to check on him. 

“What’s wrong?” Zhu Yan asks. 

Grandpa Ying furrows his eyebrows, “Have you two seen Ying Lei?”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen, and he turns towards Li Lun who looks equally alarmed by the question. He looks back at Grandpa Ying and shakes his head. 

“I thought he was staying here for meditation?” Zhu Yan answers.

“He is. He should be,” the old god replies, “But he’s not here. When I returned to check on his progress he was not here. I looked all over the mountains. He's not here.”

Zhu Yan’s heart begins to race. “But, he can’t leave the mountains yet, can he? He’s still far too small. He shouldn’t be able to leave yet.”

“The incense is also missing.”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen. The incense is a treasure of the shrine, it is an artifact that is meant for Ying Lei to inherit once he cultivated it into a stronger, more stable form.  Its power is meant to make a thousand miles become mere inches. It takes demons, humans and gods anywhere in the world that the spell caster thinks of. 

But Ying Lei is far too small. If he used it once to leave, using it again to return would be nearly impossible for the amount of power he can only hold in his small form. 

“I-It’s my fault. This is my fault.” Zhu Yan mutters to himself anxiously. “I-I told him so much about Tiandu, he kept asking me to bring him and I said I can’t h-he—“

“How is this your fault, Zhu Yan?” Grandpa Ying says. “It’s not. Don’t say that.”

“I’m going to find him.” Zhu Yan says without a second thought.

Grandpa Ying grabs his arm, “Where? I’ve searched the whole mountain—“

“The mortal world. In Tiandu.” Zhu Yan says. “I will go down the mountains.”

“You can’t!” Grandpa Ying says, “You have to ask the Baize Goddess—“

“She will understand.” Zhu Yan insists. “She will understand when I tell her why I left. I can’t wait for approval.”

“And the Great Demon? What will you do if he sees you again?”

Zhu Yan steals himself as he pry away his grandfather’s hand from his arm. “If he gets in my way from finding Ying Lei I can’t promise I won’t make trouble.”

Before Ying Zhao could protest, Zhu Yan leaps down from the stairs and rushes away. 

Li Lun knows he too could not stop Zhu Yan. He looks back at Ying Zhao with a deeply concerned expression. He bows politely.

“I’ll go look for Ying Lei in the Wilderness.” He says. “I hid one of my leaves in Zhu Yan’s collar, I’ll know when he’s in trouble.”

Ying Zhao could only sigh in relief. “Please, look out for him.”

Li Lun nods.

***

Wen Xiao sighs. How unlucky. It’s the first time they went out again to the market and sightseeing and they got caught in the rain and unfortunately, they didn’t bring any umbrellas. She really should have believed Zhuo Yichen when he said he felt like it was about to rain. He’s the son of a rain dragon, of course, he knew. He probably didn’t insist because he wanted to be respectful. 

She makes a mental note to listen when a rain dragon’s son tells her she needs to bring an umbrella. 

“Hopefully it lets up soon.” Wen Xiao says.

“Mn.” Zhuo Yichen says. “It’s such a cold rain.”

“It’s nearly winter after all.”

The streets are filled with people running here and there to avoid the vicious downpour. Merchants and passerby rush to find shelter. Puddles are quick to appear on the uneven road. 

Zhuo Yichen looks up at the dark gloomy sky. If only, he thinks, that just like his father he could call onto the rain and make it do his bidding. But alas, he’s only but a defective demon.

“Walk faster.”

“Ugh, ‘m sorry. My legs are too short.”

Zhuo Yichen catches the stray conversation and finds it quite funny. He looks up to look for the source expecting a father and son. To his surprise, he doesn’t see them. Among the rushing people he cannot see an image of a father and son.

How odd—

“This way.”

Zhuo Yichen finally spots the source. A man in a dark cloak is pulling along a child. The child looks about five or six years of age, and the boy, unlike the man, wasn't wearing anything to protect him from the rain. Dressed in yellow, black and orange robes, he looks strikingly different from the rest of the crowd. His bright golden hair also tells Zhuo Yichen this boy isn’t anyone ordinary. 

“Can you carry me?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said so.”

“But Zhu Yan always does!”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes widen. Did he hear it wrong? He could have heard it wrong. It’s impossible.

And yet.

“Ah, Xiao Zhuo!” Wen Xiao exclaims as Zhuo Yichen abruptly stands up and heads out of the restaurant and into the rain.

Zhuo Yichen stands outside looking at where the two figures disappeared from his line of sight. He strains his hearing but he could only hear a faint sound of their conversation somewhere. He cursed his limited demonic abilities. He couldn’t be human and he can’t be useful as a demon, whatever can he even do—

“I don’t like it anymore!” He hears the smaller voice exclaim. “Where is Zhu Yan?!”

The other spoke too quietly and he couldn’t catch whatever the other said. But that's beside the point, it was enough he heard the smaller voice again to find where they are. He runs towards where the voice came from.

After turning towards several alleyways, he finally finds them.

“Stop!” He cries. “Hey!”

The man turns towards him so fast that the hood of his cloak falls.

Zhou Yichen’s eyes widen.

“Zhu Yin?!”

Chapter Text

Zhuo Yichen steps back instinctively, a hand grasping the hilt Yun Guang. Zhu Yin. He cannot be mistaken, he saw the posters the Bureau set out for him and Zhu Yan said he cannot shapeshift. This must really be him.

Zhu Yin looks at him for a long time before grabbing the child and pulling him close to him. 

“Let him go.” Zhuo Yichen says. “What do you plan to do with that one?”

 “Let him go or what, Zhuo DaRen .” Zhu Yin says with a severe expression.

“You know me?”

Zhu Yin scoffs, “Of course. Who wouldn’t recognize the heir of the legendary sword Yun Guang?”

Zhuo Yichen raises his sword, aiming it at the fugitive. “Then you know it can slay even gods and great demons.”

Zhu Yin looks hesitant for a moment before grabbing the boy by the collar and pulling him up on his arms. Holding him there, he looks back at Zhuo Yichen.

“Then you’ll have to kill him too.” He says.

Zhuo Yichen furrows his eyebrows. 

“You—“

“Do you know who this is?” Zhu Yin smirks, “He is the next generation of the Guardian of Kunlun. If he dies here, who knows how long will it take for his next reincarnation cycle to come and replace a newborn demigod for Mount Kunlun?”

Zhuo Yichen glances at the wriggling child in Zhu Yin’s arms. Mount Kunlun is a very important gate between the human realm and the Wilderness. It prevents the two realms from mixing up together and allows both to have separate spaces exclusive for each other where they would feel at peace and safe. Thus, the Guardians of Kunlun, demigods of Mountains are important roles in helping ensure this harmony. These demigods are scarce, and often needed to cultivate for a long time before becoming one. It’s rare to see one in the form of a child. It must mean that this one was born as a demigod already unlike others.

“Unhand him.” Zhuo Yichen says. He can see that the young demigod is beginning to panic. No matter what, demon, humans or god, a child is a child. 

“Why would I?” Zhu Yin says with a dark smile, “As long as I have him I have a bargaining chip. And you can’t kill me.”

“Let go of me!” The boy cries, “I’ll tell my Yeye you’re being mean! A-And the Goddess! I’ll tell on you!”

Zhu Yin ignores the crying boy, his smirk growing bolder as he can see Zhuo Yichen’s hesitation. His stance looks poor, Zhu Yin could barely feel any demonic presence in him. It’s laughable to think this is the son of a great demon. 

He steps back and Zhuo Yichen takes a reluctant step forward.

“Just let me go, you can’t do anything about it.” Zhu Yin says.

Zhu Yin raises a hand, then summons a strong wind with a swipe. Zhuo Yichen gasps as he nearly drowns over the strong wind but with quick thinking, he immediately raises his arm to shield himself from the vicious gale. He closes his eyes, remembering what was his teachers and father taught him. To calm his mind, to let his energy flow in his body like rivers rushing towards the sea.

And then.

Let go.

A loud boom is heard as Zhuo Yichen opens his eyes and creates a glowing field of blue energy. His demonic core may be defective, but all living beings has some form of energy they can use. Zhuo Yichen’s might be limited, but it should be enough to surprise his opponent and create an opportunity to turn the tables from defensive to attacking.

Just as he predicted, Zhu Yin was surprised. Zhuo Yichen leaps up from his position and heads up to Zhu Yin for an attack. Focused on Zhuo Yichen’s attack, Zhu Yin unknowingly let’s go of the child to shield himself from Zhuo Yichen.

Of course, incapacitating Zhu Yin is not the goal. Zhuo Yichen is smart enough to recognize the priorities of the situation. He immediately switches his stance to grab the smaller demigod before taking leap back, putting great distance between him and Zhu Yin.

Zhuo Yichen holds the boy in one arm as he aims the sword back at Zhu Yin. “You’d be surprised how much you can do with little.” He says as he catches his breath. 

Zhu Yin sneers. “You dare—“

“It was you who took a dare first, why can’t I dare in retaliation?”

Zhu Yin’s sneer disappears as he sees the situation. With a small figure in his arm, his lack of demonic powers, how could Zhuo Yichen move fast enough to cover for both of them?

Zhu Yin summons again the winds and directs it toward Zhuo Yichen. Zhuo Yichen raises his arm once more as he gathers the remaining energy in his body to create a shield for both him and the small demigod in his other arm. He grits his teeth as he immediately feels the difference between him and Zhu Yin. 

“Make the easy choice, Zhuo DaRen!” Zhuo Yichen hears Zhu Yin say, “Hand over the demigod and I will leave you alone.”

Zhuo Yichen feels the demigod wraps his little arms around his neck, burying his face on his shoulder. He can feel him shaking slightly in his hold. 

“ DaRen , Lei Lei only wants his DaGe.” He hears him sniffle, “I’ll be good and listen to him, don’t give me to the mean demon!”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t understand well what the demigod is referring to, but he knows he cannot trust Zhu Yin. Even if his arm breaks, he cannot let go. He cannot leave the demigod to Zhu Yin.

He hisses as he feels the strong wind slash through his sleeves, cutting through layers of his robes. He looks towards Zhu Yin, he may be powerful but all things has limits. Zhuo Yichen only has to hold on until Zhu Yin reaches said limit and he could run for it. 

“Ha, you must have a death wish!” Zhu Yin says. “Well then, pardon me for granti—“

“Move!”

Zhuo Yichen could feel all of the hairs on his back stand on their tips as he felt a frightening power surrounding them. It was hot and heavy, he couldn’t see it but he could feel it in his skin—like a lick of fire. He watches as the roof tiles move, lifting itself easily from where they were attached, levitating and angling like countless daggers.

Then, from the sky, a white-clad demon with silver hair descends in front of him. Zhuo Yichen holds his breath as he watches him stand there, his braided hair swaying in the air as his presence pierces through the dangerous gale.

“Zhu Yan.” Zhu Yin stares at the familiar demon.

Zhu Yan’s eyes glow red. “Do not make me do it.” He slowly changes his hand gesture, a spell at the ready. “Zhu Yin. I beg you to leave.”

“Zhu Yan!” Zhu Yin cries, “Was I not the one you confided with? Was I not the one who understood you best—“

“No.” Zhu Yan says, “I confided with you, I respected you. But I don’t think you understand me best. If you had…if you truly had, you wouldn’t have taken Ying Lei. You would have not ran away.”

“The humans had brainwashed you! Look, can’t you see? Everyone here sees us but mere animals.” Zhu Yin cries. “They would lie, they would deceive you like they did to me! And when you know it all, it will be too late!”

“Enough!”

The roof tiles begin to move at incredible speed. Each shattering upon contacting anything solid creating smaller, sharp glass like shards. 

Zhuo Yichen stands there in disbelief. He has not seen a power like this. The ability to manipulate objects with a word and an overwhelming presence, something he has only seen in his father. 

When the chaos ends, Zhuo Yichen can only see broken roof tiles but Zhu Yin is nowhere. He looks up at Zhu Yan whose eyes are still glowing red. 

“He got away.” He hears him mutter.

“Zhu Yan?”

The tension breaks with the soft and innocent voice of the demigod in Zhuo Yichen’s arms. Zhuo Yichen looks at him and finds him wiping stray tears from his doe eyes. Zhu Yan slowly turns around to look at them, and suddenly all the severe darkness that surrounded him disperses like rain clouds blown by the wind. 

Zhu Yan abandons his defensive stance and rushes to pluck the demigod from Zhuo Yichen’s arms, holding him close like he is someone delicate and precious. 

“I’m sorry!” The demigod cries. “Zhu Yan, I’m sorry! I didn’t know! I’m sorry! Lei Lei was bad! I wanna see Yeye! I’m sorry!”

Zhuo Yichen’s heart clenches at the sight. The books says that demons are born naturally aggressive and eventually learn and understand morals. Those who are older tend to know more about the world, they learn sympathy and empathy. They begin to comprehend the complexities of emotions, of fear, of doubt, of anxiety, of despair, of gentleness, sweetness, fondness, of care, of affection. But how can that be? How is empathy and sympathy reserved only to humans and gods? How can softness and gentleness be learned when he is looking at a young demigod cling for his life to a demon who holds him like he is his little world.

***

“You cannot come in.” 

“I will vouch for them.”

“But—“

“Please, open the door for us.”

The door opens and the guards all stand in alert and attention. Their eyes focus on the figure behind Wen Xiao as she steps into the room with him. Wen Xiao turns around to take Zhu Yan’s wrist pulling him along inside ensuring no one would be able to get to the demon without going through her first. 

“With all due respect,” one of the vanguards says as he follows Wen Xiao. “This is the inner chambers of the Zhuo clan, we cannot just allow anyone to come as they please.”

“Zhu DaRen is a guest.” Wen Xiao says with a pointed look.

“He is a demon.”

“And so is Commander Bingyi.”

Wen Xiao pauses to look back at vanguard with a stern expression. Had it not been for Zhu Yan, Wen Xiao doesn’t know what could have happened. When she and the vanguards found Zhuo Yichen he was slumped on the wet ground with his arm profusely bleeding and Zhu Yan was attempting to keep Zhuo Yichen awake while a small demigod was crying and clutching on Zhu Yan’s arm. Zhu Yan had been the one to explain the situation and despite the vanguards’ swords turned to him, he fearlessly asked for their help.

When they arrived, the vanguards immediately separated Zhu Yan from Zhuo Yichen, leaving Zhu Yan and his small companion alone and wet in the middle of the hallway of the Bureau. When Wen Xiao found him, Zhu Yan asked for Zhuo Yichen. Even a blind could see that Zhu Yan meant no harm.

“I-I can just wait outside—“

Wen Xiao holds unto Zhu Yan, form and steady. “No, I’m sure Xiao Zhuo would want to know you’re okay.” She tells Zhu Yan.

“Debatable.” The vanguard says with an equally firm tone. “He is the reason Zhuo DaRen is injured.”

“The reason is because you failed to capture Zhu Yin.” Wen Xiao says adapting her father’s firm tone. “Vanguard Mo, you seem to be forgetting your place. I may not be part of the Bureau but I am still Minister Fang’s daughter.”

The vanguard purses his lips and sighs. He steps back and allows the group to pass.

Wen Xiao leads Zhu Yan and his companion further into the house, and soon they stand in front of a door. Two guards stand by it, looking sternly at Zhu Yan.

“Miss Wen can come in, but he must leave his companions here.” One of them say.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this twice,” Wen Xiao sighs, “Just open the door please.”

“But—“

“If anything happens then I will vouch for it.”

The two guards look at each other before opening the door reluctantly. 

Wen Xiao immediately smells the scent of herbs, ointment and blood. He sees two physicians working around Zhuo Yichen and four other assistants. 

“Commander has been informed.” One of the vanguards by the door says to Wen Xiao. “He will be here shortly.”

Wen Xiao can only nod. She really dislike seeing Zhuo Yichen in his bed with physicians surrounding him. She has seen it way too often than she likes. 

“How is Xiao Zhuo?” Wen Xiao asks as she approaches one of the physicians.

The physician stops from what he is doing to look up and greet her. He steals an apprehensive look at Zhu Yan before glancing back at Wen Xiao, “He has depleted his energy, his internal balance has suffered. I’m afraid his injuries might take more time to heal.”

Wen Xiao frowns, “But the more time it takes to heal…”

“The more energy he will need to recuperate.” The physician finishes her thought, confirming her suspicion. 

“We’ve done what is humanly possible for his situation.” The other physician says. “But his injuries are not caused by ordinary circumstances, it’s not easy to heal.”

“I will do it! I-I can do it.” Zhu Yan says as he steps forward. 

“How come?” The physician asks, “What kind of demon are you?”

“I…”

“Is it important now?” Wen Xiao rebukes. “Zhu DaRen, is it true tht you can do something about Xiao Zhuo’s condition?”

Zhu Yan nods. “I can repair his injuries.”

Wen Xiao sighs in relief. “Then, please. We would owe it to you.”

Zhu Yan shakes his head before he sets his young companion down on the floor. “He helped Ying Lei, we’re the ones who owes him.”

Despite the skepticism of the physicians they know they’re limited. They’re humans after all, and Zhuo Yichen though may appear human, is nothing like that at all. When he was young, he would often get mysteriously ill. He’d be plagued with nightmares that made it difficult for him to get any good rest. He would get fever that were humanly impossible to survive from and it would take Bingyi days to help his son recover.

Now that the Bingyi is away, Zhuo Yichen being injured like this is out of the realm of their expertise. They doubt there is any physician in Tiandu who could help with such a case.

The physicians let’s Zhu Yan sit on the side of Zhuo Yichen’s bed. They watch in awe as Zhu Yan hovers his hand over the injured arm and dark red energy begins to gather over the limb. Zhuo Yichen looks uncomfortable for a moment but after a few seconds, his complexion begins to improve. The thin layer of sweat disappears and his body begins to relax.

When Zhu Yan removes his hand over the injury, the physicians were astonished to see Zhuo Yichen’s unblemished skin.

Zhu Yan sighs in relief.

“A traceless repair,” one of the physicians says in surprise. “How…what kind of demon are you—“

“Xiao Zhuo!” 

Zhu Yan barely hears the end of the physician’s question when Wen Xiao rushes toward the bed. When Zhu Yan looks he sees Zhuo Yichen’s eyes flutter open. For a moment he looks dazed until the deep blue eyes begin to appear to have a semblance of awareness.

“Xiao Zhuo, can you hear me?” Wen Xiao asks, her voice trembling with anxiousness.

Zhuo Yichen turns his head towards Wen Xiao. He looks at her for a moment before suddenly bolting upright.

“The child!”

“He’s fine.” 

Zhuo Yichen blinks as he finds himself looking at the white-haired demon. His face is a mixture of emotions, so intertwined it’s impossible to discern each of them.

“You…You’re here.”

Zhu Yan’s lips curve up to a smile. “Indeed.”

“Then, he…”

Zhu Yan gestures towards where his companion. The young demigod has been quietly observing the people in the room, his eyes filled with unshed tears of anxiousness. As soon as Zhuo Yichen laid his eyes on him, the young demigod climbs up to the bed and throws his arms around Zhuo Yichen’s waist, hugging him tightly.

Zhuo Yichen let’s out a sigh of relief.

“Zhuo DaRen,” Zhu Yan says with a tightness in his voice. “Please don’t do that again. Has anyone told you not to follow strangers?”

Zhuo Yichen huffs, “Had I not, what could have happened to this boy?”

“I assure you, I would have found them just fine and—“

“But then it’ll be too late. What if something happens then—“

“Okay, okay. Enough you two.” Wen Xiao says as she moves to pull the two young men apart. “What is important is that all of you are safe now.”

Zhu Yan nods. 

“Has Zhu Yin been found?” Zhuo Yichen asks as he pulls the demigod up to sit next to him instead of hanging by the edge of the bed.

“That’s your concern now?” Zhu Yan and Wen Xiao reply in unison.

“He is dangerous and—“

“Zhuo DaRen I don’t think he’s important right now, you clearly nearly died!” Zhu Yan says. “Do not chase him! Let others handle it.”

“Zhu DaRen is right,” Wen Xiao says, “If anything bad is to happen to you I would be beside myself!”

Zhuo Yichen, being scolded left and right could only purse his lips and let the matter go. He looks down to see the young demigod by still clutching him. He remembers the relief in Zhu Yan’s face when he held him. For that alone, he couldn’t say he regretted the way he handled the situation. 

“What’s his name?” Zhuo Yichen asks as he brushes a stray lock of hair off from the young demigod’s cheek.

“Ying Lei.” Zhu Yan answers. “Don’t let him get too close, he’s very clingy.”

Zhuo Yichen scoffs.

“Not as much as you, I presume.”

“…”

Wen Xiao clears her throat as she looks away. The physicians all turn around as well and suddenly became very interested about the room’s beams.

Zhu Yan feels his cheeks burn at the comment. “I-I’m not—Zhuo DaRen, after I saved your life?!”

Chapter Text

“I’ve never seen Father sleep.”

Wen Xiao chuckles as she approaches Zhuo Yichen who is looking across the hall where Zhu Yan and Ying Lei are both lying down on the floor. Ying Lei is lying half of his body on Zhu Yan’s chest with one hand on the demigod’s back. Both of them seems to be sleeping.

“Even demons need to rest their form,” Wen Xiao says. “Some do it by meditation, but Ying Lei is young perhaps it’s more effective for him to do it this way. Zhu DaRen might be just humoring Ying Lei, sometimes children won’t do as you say but will do as you do.”

Zhuo Yichen nods. Ah, that make sense. 

Looking at Zhu Yan now, he seems such a stark contrast to the demon that Zhu Yin faced. The frightening power that one could barely describe. Like the vast sea with no shores in sight, like an all consuming fire with its thick smoke choking all other light besides its fire.

 Zhu Yan is no ordinary demon, Zhuo Yichen concludes. 

However, whether that’s relevant or not is up to debate. Zhuo Yichen thinks that it’s only natural there is a strong demon out there. Surely his fathers aren't the only strong demons in this world. And so what if Zhu Yan is another one like them? He doesn’t harbor malicious intentions, so why would that mean anything?

Zhuo Yichen unclasps his coat from his shoulder before making his way towards the sleeping figures. He kneels beside them and covers them with a coat. Ying Lei fusses, clutching Zhu Yan’s robes like a little monkey to its mother.

“They’re quite adorable.” Wen Xiao comments as she approaches them with a small smile. “Would you like me to get them some pillows?”

Zhuo Yichen instinctively ticks the ends of the coat to make sure they’re not cold before looking up to Wen Xiao. “I’ll do it, but I would bother you to look after them.”

Wen Xiao nods.  “Alright, then.”

***

When Zhuo Yichen returns he finds that bringing pillows is useless. Zhu Yan is already up and about with Ying Lei curiously looking at the bun Wen Xiao handed to him. Zhuo Yichen would have immediately walked over to the group if it wasn't for the fact that the shameless demon draped Zhuo Yichen’s coat over his shoulders. 

“Ah, Zhou DaRen, how thoughtful!”

Zhuo Yichen huffs as he takes a seat next to Wen Xiao, “Give it back.”

Zhu Yan blinks at him, “What back?”

“My coat.”

Zhu Yan looks over his shoulder and frowns, “I thought you’re lending it to me so I won’t get cold?”

Zhuo Yichen’s face grows warm at the comment. “I-It isn’t for you! I-It was for Ying Lei. He’s small and his cultivation is not yet complete, you’re perfectly capable of warming yourself up.”

“But Wen Xiao said you left it for me, she’s not lying is she?”

“Of course not!” Wen Xiao says, smiling sweetly, “Xiao Zhuo is just shy.”

“I-I’m n-not!” Zhuo Yichen feels extremely embarrassed. He cannot believe Wen Xiao would take Zhu Yan’s side. “If others see, they may think of something inappropriate.”

“Oh?” Zhu Yan says, genuinely curious. “What’s the significance?”

“Boys,” Wen Xiao says as she gestures to Ying Lei to come to her, “There’s a child in your presence, perhaps a different venue to discuss inappropriate things?”

Ying Lei who obediently scoots closer to Wen Xiao before looking at Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen. 

“Zhuo DaRen , don’t scold Zhu Yan.” Ying Lei says, “It was Lei Lei’s fault. Lei Lei will copy scriptures three times to show you he’s sorry!”

Zhuo Yichen’s heart couldn’t stay stern hearing Ying Lei’s innocent declaration. 

“You can’t even hold a brush properly yet.” Zhu Yan scoffs before reaching down and pinching his cheek “Just don’t do that next time, ah?”

Ying Lei puckers his lips to a pout. “I only wanted to see Tiandu! I thought you went there again.”

“I was with Li Lun.” Zhu Yan says before reaching across the table and ruffling Ying Lei’s hair. “Next time go check the Wilderness first.”

“Sorry.” Ying Lei mutters.

“Next time, we’ll ask Yeye together.” Zhu Yan promises. “We’ll go together.”

Ying Lei’s face becomes vibrant again. His smile is so bright Wen Xiao cannot help but chuckle and ruffle his hair too. Zhuo Yichen also couldn’t help the infectious energy. He feels his lips curving to a smile.

Ying Lei then turns to Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen. “Ah, can we come see you Jiejie ? And uhm Zhuo…Zhuo DaRen? ”

Wen Xiao nods, “Ying Lei is always welcome to see me.”

“And what about me?” Zhu Yan says with a cheeky smile.

“Don’t push your luck.” Zhuo Yichen says before grabbing a handful of walnuts from the bowl on the table and peeling them. 

“I’ll properly get permission this time! I even had one last time, your people just treated me badly.” Zhu Yan huffs. “If anything, you owe me something, Zhuo DaRe— mph!”

Before Zhu Yan could finish his words Zhuo Yichen had put a handful of peeled walnuts in his mouth. Seeing Zhu Yan comically try to pick up the fallen walnuts on his lap and chew the ones in his mouth, Ying Lei bursts out laughing. Wen Xiao could only look away to preserve her grace seeing the comedic scene.

“Don’t you get tired of calling me?” Zhuo Yichen grumbles. 

Zhu Yan shrugs, “And Zhuo DaRen has never called this one properly.”

“I already forgot your name.” Zhuo Yichen lies.

“Zhu Yan! I am called, Zhu Yan! I’m an ape demon.”

“Not a monkey?”

“An ape, Zhuo DaRen. I’m a white ape!”

Wen Xiao purses her lips as she attempts to hide her amused smile. It’s quite fascinating to see Zhou Yichen interact with Zhu Yan. They’re not exactly like-minded but something between them seems to simply click with each other. Zhuo Yichen is often reserved, opting to keep his thoughts to himself but now he seems to be able to freely express himself. 

“Fine, then I’ll call you Xiao Zhuo too.”

Wen Xiao watches as Zhuo Yichen’s face turns to an interesting shade of red.

“W-Who is your X-Xiao—you!”

“What? To make it even, you can call Xiao Yan!”

“W-What?! Why would I?”

“If you’re so embarrassed about your name I’ll give you a new on—“

“The Commander has arrived!”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes widen at the announcement. Behind him, Wen Xiao stands up immediately. He could feel Bingyi’s presence even before he could see him. His heart stutters from anxiousness. He turns to Zhu Yan who seems equally as nervous, he immediately grabs Ying Lei and pulls him on his lap. 

“Xiao Yi?!” Bingyi’s voice resounds as he steps into the hall. 

Zhuo Yichen watches as his father’s eyes scan the entire hall as if sensing him isn’t enough, he needs to see him for himself. Bingyi’s blue eyes grow ever so soft as he sees Zhuo Yichen, suddenly it is as if nothing else matters. Bingyi rushes towards him with a familiar expression that Zhuo Yichen had seen him wear a thousand times.

“Xiao Yi,” Bingyi calls as he holds his arm, “You’re okay?”

Zhuo Yichen nods. “I am now.”

“H-How…how were you injured? Didn’t I tell you to stay put?”

“I know and I remember what Father said, it’s just…”

“ DaRen ,” Wen Xiao says as she politely bows her head. “Xiao Zhuo saved a child, he sensed its plight and he rushed. It was not his fault. Please.”

Bingyi shakes his head. It isn’t an acceptable reason for his son to be injured. “You should have called for help instead.” He says, “You have the smoke signal, don’t you?”

“Father.” Zhuo Yichen frowns, “I’m no longer a helpless child. I am training too!”

“You—You are stubborn like your Mother.”

All the words die in Zhuo Yichen’s mouth upon hearing his Father’s mention of his Mother. Bingyi rarely brought up his Mother. When he was younger his Mother was a touchy topic to Bingyi that even Minister Fang or the members of the Zhuo Clan dared not to bring up. Bingyi rarely mentions him but Zhuo Yichen knows him as someone who has held a place in his Father’s heart for thousands of years. And even now.

Bingyi shakes his head, “No matter what,” he says. “Please, just don’t delve much into this. You are only beginning to train with Yun Guang and try for the Bureau’s vanguards. You need to walk before you start running.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Bingyi sighs, “As long as we understand each o—“ 

Bingyi blinks as he looks down on the floor and catches a glimpse of the hem of Zhuo Yichen’s coat. He slowly follows it with his eyes and is immediately taken aback upon seeing a familiar face.

“You!” Bingyi exclaims.

Zhu Yan chuckles awkwardly. “H-Hello, uhm Great Demon DaRen. ”

Bingyi feels all the blood in his form rush to his head as he realizes Zhu Yan is wearing his son’s coat. Shameless!

“You! How dare—I told you—“

“Father, wait!” Zhuo Yichen steps between Zhu Yan and Bingyi. “It was my idea. I-I brought him here.”

Bingyi looks at his son in disbelief, “Have you gone mad, Xiao Yi? Someone like him is dangerous to be with! I told you before, you should not associate with him.”

“Why not?” Zhuo Yichen pushes back, making Wen Xiao gasp behind him. “Everyone is dangerous, I barely know anyone!

“Because it is true!” Bingyi responds, “You are far too young to understand the dangers of this world! If I could, I would have protected you even against myself!”

Before Zhuo Yichen could reply he saw a blur of a figure below his knees rushing forward. 

Ying Lei stands between Zhuo Yichen and Bingyi, eyes brimming with tears. 

“Stop being mean!” Ying Lei exclaims, kicking and punching but unable to make any of it land correctly at Bingyi’s leg. “You make him sad! The Baize Goddess will punish you!”

Bingyi blinks at the child. He wears a shade of yellow a few times darker than what his son is wearing. Bingyi could also sense he’s not entirely just a demon. 

“Who—“

“Ying Lei!” 

Zhu Yan almost trips as he tries pull Ying Lei away. He takes the squirming demigod into his arms before stepping back.

“What…” Bingyi frowns, “Who is this…child?”

Zhu Yan huffs, “My son! I gave birth to him myself.”

A great demon’s son? Then who…

“He’s your grandson.”

Bingyi’s eyes grow wide in disbelief.

“You!” Bingyi and Zhuo Yichen exclaim in unison at Zhu Yan.

The father and son look at each other and realize they’re both being pranked. Zhuo Yichen turns at Zhu Yan first, eyebrows furrowed and cheeks red as a tomato.

“Zhu Yan! Stop playing!” Zhuo Yichen scolds.

Zhu Yan sighs.

“Fine. I’m sorry,” he replies without sounding sorryl. “Everyone is too tense. I can leave, you don’t have to fight.”

“No!” 

“Yes.” 

Bingyi and Zhuo Yichen look at each other. 

“You’re insisting his stay?”

“He has a child.”

“It’s a demon.”

“So am I.” Zhuo Yichen rebukes.

Wen Xiao walks up to Bingyi with a glass of water feeling a little bad for how the Great Demon is currently suffering a demon equivalent of a high blood pressure. Bingyi doesn’t shy away, he takes the cup and downs the water in one go. 

“Great Demon,” Wen Xiao says with a placating tone, “Xiao Zhuo is only worried for Ying Lei, he is Zhu DaRen ’s ward. He was taken by Zhu Yin today and he must be very scared. Zhu DaRen had done everything in his ability to protect Ying Lei but were afraid Zhu Yin might still be nearby and is plotting something nefarious against them.”

Bingyi finally seems to settle with the explanation. He looks at Zhu Yan and Ying Lei for a moment before looking at Zhuo Yichen. 

“Was he the one who treated your wounds?” Bingyi asks Zhuo Yichen.

Zhuo Yichen blinks in surprise. He wonders if the physicians told his father.

He nods.

Bingyi looks back at Zhu Yan and says, “One day. You get one day, and tomorrow you should return to the mountains or I’m throwing you out.”

Before anyone could say anything further, Bingyi turned around and headed out of the hall.

“Xiao Yi, come see me at my office.” He says. “I would like to see those injuries myself.”

Zhuo Yichen settles for that, it is a better option than finding both Zhou Yan and Ying Lei in the streets of Tiandu when Zhu Yin is yet to be seen. 

***

Ao Yin runs up to the figure as soon as she sees him.

“It’s a bad news!” 

Li Lun looks back to see her, “Ao Yin.” 

“It’s Zhu Yan,” she says, her eyes filled with concern. “Wasn’t he with you?”

Li Lun shakes his head. 

He just arrived in Tiandu and got lost three times already. It’s too complicated without Zhu Yan to tell him where in what part of Tiandu they are. Unlike the Wilderness, he can instinctively tell where he is but Tiandu is too busy and too loud. 

Ao Yin appearing here is a relief, unfortunately, she doesn’t seem to share the same sentiments.

“I’m looking for him and Ying Lei.” He tells her.

“Then…” she trails, “Oh no, then it could really be them.”

“What is it?” Li Lun asks urgently. 

“All the demons are talking about it, they said there’s been an incident. The Great Demon Bingyi’s son was injured and there were two other demons in the scene. They said the other one is also a great demon.”

Li Lun furrows his eyebrows. No, it can’t be. Zhu Yan wouldn’t have attacked for no reason. Additionally, Li Lun placed one of his leaves on his collar, he would have felt if something happened to him and his leaf would have immediately alerted him to where Zhu Yan is. But that isn’t the case. He has not felt his leaf move or sense Zhu Yan in danger. 

“I rushed to look for you and someone said they saw you here in Tiandu.”

“Where are those two demons now?”

Ao Yin looks behind her, towards the road leading to the center of Tiandu.

“The others said they saw the demons were taken to the Demon Hunting Bureau.”

Li Lun’s heart sinks to the bottom of his stomach.

“And The Great Demon Bingyi is on his way there now.”

Chapter Text

Bingyi sits in his office surrounded with piles of documents. Minister Fang’s words echoes in his mind. Zhuo Yichen is no longer a helpless child, and no matter how sheltered he is, the world itself will mold him regardless of whether Bingyi allows it or not. Minister Fang has always been considerate of his experiences and is careful when he speaks. But, Bingyi knows though he is younger he seems to have more wisdom than Bingyi in terms of raising a child.

Zhuo Yichen had grown up. When he was younger he is inseparable to Bingyi, always calling for him, always clinging to him. He’s timid and shy. He cries whenever he doesn’t see Bingyi. But now, Zhuo Yichen seems to barely notice his absence. He argues with him and longs for others’ company. 

Even after a thousand years of existence nothing prepared him for raising him.

Raising him alone.

Had Ying Long been with him, he wonders if things would be any different. Surely it will make things different. Ying Long has always been more gentle with his words, he has a humor that Bingyi could never sum up. Had he been with them, he’s sure they would have been happier.

“Father.”

Bingyi pulls himself out of his train of thoughts as he hears Zhuo Yichen knock on his door.

“Come in, Xiao Yi.”

Zhuo Yichen steps inside with a more familiar meek expression that warms Bingyi’s heart. Bingyi gestures for him to sit down on one of the cushions next to a low table. As Zhuo Yichen sits down, Bingyi stands up from his formal work desk and follows his son on the low table. 

“I’m sorry,” Zhuo Yichen starts as Bingyi takes a seat in front of him. “I know you told me not to be reckless but I…I thought I had to do it.”

Bingyi’s heart clenches upon hearing his son’s reasoning. It was awfully familiar. It was just like what Ying Long said that day. 

“Father, I…Zhu Yan isn’t at fault. If you kick him out, who knows what would happen to him and Ying Lei.”

“I already said they can stay,” Bingyi replies. “I do not back down on my words.”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t say anything.

“Come, show me where you were injured.”

Zhuo Yichen shows him his non-dominant arm, pulling the sleeve to his elbow for his father to inspect. Bingyi holds it there, looking at them carefully. All of the injuries are now gone, not a trace of it left.

“Was your arm broken?”

“It was slashed.”

Bingyi’s eyebrows furrowed at the information. In twenty years, he had only seen his son injured a few times and all of it made his mind reel with panic. When a messenger arrived informing him of what happened to his son, Bingyi bolted up from his seat, uncaring of the ministers or men of the court. He felt all the blood in his body draining out of him when the word injury and the name of his son were put in the same sentence. 

He flew as fast as he can back to the Bureau to see Zhou Yichen even with the assurance that he had already recovered. Bingyi doubted the word recovered. After all, without him, Zhuo Yichen’s injuries would be difficult for any physician. 

When he saw his son all well and about, Bingyi already had a good guess who might be the one who had aided his son. There are very few demons powerful enough to heal others, there are demigods and then there are also the great demons. Since Yin Long and himself, there had not been any Great Demons again except for Zhu Yan.

“How do you feel?” Bingyi asks as he puts a finger on his son’s pulse. He could still feel the remnants of Zhu Yan’s demonic energy coursing through Zhuo Yichen’s meridians repairing what might have been left of the injuries. In a few hours, the energy would have run its course and simply be depleted.

“A little strange, like…I’m warmer than usual.”

Bingyi nods, “It’s natural. Demonic energy feels warm as it courses through you.”

“Does that mean I have demonic energy now?”

“No,” Bingyi answers. “He gave you enough to repair your body, once it’s done with its purpose it will simply deplete itself.”

Zhuo Yichen nods in understanding as Bingyi let’s go of his wrist. For a moment they sit together in silence. Bingyi could sense his son’s anxiousness and caution.

“Father,” Zhuo Yichen says again. “About earlier, I really didn’t mean to be hard on you.”

“You already apologized.”

“But you didn’t say if you understood me or if you accept my apologies.”

Bingyi is suddenly brought back to years when his son is still small. Whenever he apologizes to anyone, he waits for them to acknowledge that they’re no longer angry or if they’ve accepted their apology. 

He sighs, “Xiao Yi, about Zhu Yan…he really…”

“Please don’t tell me he’s no good.” Zhuo Yichen says. “If you saw how much he cared for that boy, you would know he’s not evil. He doesn’t have malicious intentions, we just…we bump into each other a lot it’s not his fault.”

Bingyi reaches out to touch his son’s cheek. As a thousand years old demon, his son could be considered an infant among their kind but due to his special circumstances he grows like a human child. But, Bingyi couldn’t help but still see him as his child, as that precious little thing in Ying Long’s arms crying his little voice box out.

“I know.” He says. “I’m not asking him to distance himself just for you. I ask him for his sake too.”

Zhuo Yichen’s furrows his eyebrows in confusion. “But…I…Is there something about me that could cause him harm? But I don’t have even an ounce of demonic energy, I’m probably no different than Wen Xiao is to him.”

Bingyi could only purse his lips, unable to speak of a matter he had buried for twenty years. How could he talk about it? How does he tell his son that fate doomed him to kill that man?

***

Zhu Yan looks nervously towards the hallway where Zhuo Yichen and Bingyi left. He’s not worried about going out at this time, Zhu Yin might not have second thoughts going for Ying Lei, but he will have second thoughts now knowing Ying Lei is with Zhu Yan. Zhu Yin knows him well, he knows exactly what kind of demon he is, after all. 

He is grateful for the shelter and snacks but if he has to leave, it’s not a big deal. Zhu Yan feels a little awkward watching the father and son arguing over his stay. He feels like he’s creating an unnecessary rift between them unknowingly. Despite him making light of it, he’s not the kind to find amusement in breaking relationships.

“Zhu Yan, this place is so big!” Ying Lei says as he tugs Zhu Yan’s sleeves to get his attention. 

“I know,” Zhu Yan says. “Don’t be careless, I don’t have enough coins to pay for anything here if you broke them.”

Ying Lei huffs, puffing his cheeks. “Lei Lei is careful!”

Zhu Yan doubts that but doesn’t argue. 

“Zhu Yan, the Great Demon is scary!” Ying Lei says in a hush voice. “He’s not like you.”

Zhu Yan raises an eyebrow, “Hey, what does that mean? I am scary and powerful too.”

Ying Lei shrugs, “You only make stuff move.”

“You!” Zhu Yan reached out to pinch those offendingly chubby cheeks. “Excuse me! You little ungrateful brat! I saved you and you thank me by making me sound like a useless demon!”

“Ouch! But you are!”

“How dare you!”

Ying Lei manages to squirm out of his hold and run towards the hallway. To Zhu Yan’s surprise Zhou Yichen had just appeared stepping into the hallway. Ying Lei who had been looking to Zhu Yan to see if he’s following, had not notice Zhuo Yichen walking in and promptly bumps himself on the other’s leg surprising both Ying Lei and Zhuo Yichen.

“Are you alright?” Zhuo Yichen asks immediately as he sees Ying Lei rub his nose. 

“Mn!” Ying Lei looks up and his eyes widen with glee. “Ah, Zhuo DaRen!” 

Zhuo Yichen lips curve to a soft and gentle smile. “You’ve been having fun.”

“Uh-huh! Zhu Yan showed me the garden!”

Zhuo Yichen squats to Ying Lei’s height to listen more. Zhu Yan couldn’t help but find it familiar. Zhuo Yichen has the same indulgent and patient disposition to Ying Lei as Li Lun does. They even have the same small secretive smile. If this continues, Zhu Yan doesn’t doubt that Ying Lei would grow up as a little spoiled mountain god. Mount Kunlun is surely doomed.

However, Zhuo Yichen isn’t yet done with surprising him it seems. Zhu Yan watches him as he picks up Ying Lei and holds him in his arm easily. Ying Lei giggles happily as he reaches up to inspect Zhuo Yichen’s headband. 

“Zhuo DaRen has a pretty hair!”

Zhuo Yichen only chuckles, soft and gentle like the delicate windchimes Zhu Yan likes to admire in the city’s market. Beautiful, graceful and expensive . 

“Ying Lei’s hair locks are like golden threads.”

“Does it?” Ying Lei looks up, pulling on his golden locks. “Zhu Yan says they look I have lemon for a head. I don’t know what’s a lemon.”

Zhuo Yichen laughs. Zhu Yan feels a little bitter. How come he laughs at Ying Lei when he’s the one always making jokes. He only gets angry when Zhu Yan jokes. How unfair. 

“I think there’s some lime in the kitchen, it looks just like a lemon.” Zhuo Yichen says. “What do you think? Should we go?”

“I’ve never seen a kitchen!” Ying Lei gasps in astonishment. He looks back at Zhu Yan. “Zhu Yan, can I go with Zhuo DaRen to the kitchen?”

Zhu Yan rolls his eyes dramatically, “Oh? You remember I exist only when you need to ask permission, huh?”

Zhuo Yichen let’s out an amused scoff. He walks over with Ying Lei in his arms.

Zhu Yan smirks, “Xiao Zhou DaRen ,” he says in a teasing tone. “Don’t let the Great Demon see you with him, or else he might think I truly gave him a grandson.”

Zhuo Yichen rolls his eyes and ignores the teasing. “Father will be leaving soon, he hasn’t finished his business with the Prime Minister. He left me in charge of making sure you return to Mount Kunlun tomorrow.”

“Did he?” Zhu Yan rests his chin on his palm, “Xiao Zhuo DaRen you really are powerful! Look how easy you can convince the Great Demon. Not even the Baize Goddess could do that.”

“You have nothing much to do, why don’t you come with me and Ying Lei.”

Zhu Yan’s sparkles with glee. He didn’t have much time previously to look around, now it’s Zhuo Yichen offering! How generous! Without hesitation Zhu Yan nods.

Zhuo Yichen nods. 

The walk to the kitchen feels like a short walk despite its actual distance. Zhu Yan is surprised Zhuo Yichen’s ears hasn’t exploded with how much Ying Lei talks in his arms. Giggling, laughing, crying Zhuo DaRen. How unfair, Zhu Yan always takes him around the Wilderness and even lets him play with all sorts of things, but Ying Lei never seems to favor him. 

After a few turns they arrived at the kitchen. It is busier than the last time Zhu Yan saw it. There are attendants and even cooks inside it. He can smell something cooking from the inside. The scent of soup, herbs, meat and spices are truly something extraordinary! 

“Zhuo DaRen ,” one of the attendants greets him with a polite bow. “You have a guest?”

“Yes.” Zhuo Yichen replies.

The attendant looks at him for a moment, his eyes unblinking. Then, his eyes shift down to Ying Lei before turning to Zhu Yan. His congenial smile seems to falter for a bit when he sees Zhu Yan.

“Uhm, w-what should we address this M-Master?” The attendant asks Zhuo Yichen.

Zhu Yan looks at the two wondering why this attendant sounds so awkward. Zhuo Yichen seems to pick up the strange tone as well and looks back to Zhu Yan. Zhuo Yichen’s eyes grow wide with some kind of realization before he sighs. He turns back to the attendant to answer.

“This is Zhu Yan.” He replies. “He is borrowing some clothes as he had gotten wet in the rain earlier.”

Zhu Yan lifts his elbow and realizes he’s still wearing Zhuo Yichen’s coat. This coat seems to be rousing a lot of confusion, he wonders what kind of meaning is there. Surely, nothing too strange, right?

“Ah, t-then, Zhu Gongzhi .” He says with an awkward smile, “And the little one must be…”

“Hello! Everyone calls me Ying Lei!”

The attendant nods, “ Xiao Gongzhi .”

Ying Lei giggles before turning up to Zhuo Yichen. “I’m a Xiao Gongzhi ?”

Zhuo Yichen gives him an indulgent smile and nods.

The attendant brings them inside the kitchen, expertly dodging the busy cooks. Zhu Yan marvels at the kitchen, it looks so different when it’s filled with people. It’s like a busy street on a festive night. The air is full of different scents and the sound of food cooking. Zhu Yan cannot help but watch the humans cook but it seems like he’s not the only one who is fascinated with all the hustle and bustle. A few feet away, in Zhuo Yichen’s arms Ying Lei’s mouth is hanging open and his doe eyes are wide with glee. 

“Ah, don’t mind us.” Zhuo Yichen tells one of the cooks who turned around to greet Zhuo Yichen. “I just brought our guest to look around.”

The cook, seeing Ying Lei, smiles and nods before going back to his work. 

“What are they doing Xiao Zhuo DaRen ?”

“Cooking.”

Ying Lei makes a sound of surprise. “Wow! That’s cooking?”

“Yes, it’s preparing food.”

“Humans are so amazing! How do they do that without magic?”

Zhu Yan walks up to them and lightly pinches Ying Lei’s cheeks. “Ingenuity.”

“Ingen…that sounds complicated.” Ying Lei says with a frown.

“Things that are good, things that are made with intent, are usually complicated. That’s why they’re special.”

Zhu Yan feels eyes on him, turning towards Zhuo Yichen he finds him looking at him. His ocean blue eyes unblinking, there’s something deep about it, something…something warm.

“Zhuo DaRen,” he says, “Did I say something wrong?”

Zhuo Yichen looks away and does not bother to answer.

How odd, Zhu Yan sometimes finds him too hard to read. 

“I’ll show you what a lime looks like.” Zhuo Yichen says to Ying Lei as he walks over to another side of the kitchen. 

Zhu Yan watches as Zhuo Yichen patiently shows Ying Lei around. A small smile reaches his lips, if it weren’t for Zhuo Yichen’s soft gold and white robes he would have mistaken him for Li Lun. They’re equally so doting to Ying Lei.

“It’s green!”

Zhuo Yichen nods, as he picks up a lime to give to Ying Lei. Ying Lei looks at the fruit with big vibrant eyes. 

“Wow! It’s round!” He giggles. “It’s so small! Hehe! It doesn’t look like Lei Lei!”

“It doesn't. Ying Lei is taller and smarter.” Zhuo Yichen says.

Zhu Yan sighs. He bets when Ying Lei grows up he will absolutely run to Zhuo Yichen for any trouble in his life. Zhuo DaRen this, Zhuo DaRen that. If he doesn’t get attention from Li Lun he will surely come to see his Zhuo DaRen .

“It’s getting a little stuffy here,” Zhu Yan hears an attendant say. “Cook Zhao, can we open some windows?”

“Sure!”

Zhu Yan doesn’t bother to look, too busy watching Ying Lei beg Zhuo Yichen for more information about the fruit in his hand. He has to make sure Ying Lei doesn’t give the Great Demon’s son a headache or else they’ll definitely have to face the wrath of an angry demon father… again. 

“Lemons are like limes but yellow.” Zhuo Yichen patiently explains as he sets Ying Lei on the counter before picking up a yellow bell pepper. “Like this one.”

“Oh!”

Just as Ying Lei finishes speaking, Zhu Yan feels a strong  and very familiar presence breezing through the open window a few feet behind him. Utensils are up in the air and clattering with the gust of wind speeding through the inside of the kitchen. Some attendants and cooks immediately started running towards the door before Zhu Yan could even feel a hand tug on the back of his robes.

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen as Li Lun materializes from the collection of leaves. His eyes dark and determined. Before Zhu Yan could utter a word, Li Lun pushes him back and the younger demon rushes towards Ying Lei and Zhuo Yichen.

Li Lun swiftly grabs Zhuo Yichen by the neck and slams him against a wall.

“Wait!” Zhu Yan exclaims. “Li Lun let him go!”

Li Lun looks back at Zhu Yan, “You two go ahead and—“

“It’s not what you think!” Zhu Yan exclaims as he runs to take Ying Lei from the counter and back to his arms. “Let go of him first!”

Li Lun turns to Zhuo Yichen and immediately realizes that Zhuo Yichen is gasping for air. He didn’t use much of his power, but the demon in his grip looks like he’s already dying? Zhuo Yichen reaches up, clutching Li Lun’s wrist in an attempt to get him to let go. Immediately, Li Lun feels barely any energy in it. 

He immediately lets go of Zhuo Yichen who collapses on the floor. 

“Are you mad?!” Zhu Yan cries as he runs to Li Lun. 

Zhuo Yichen composed himself as he looks up at Li Lun, his blue eyes brimming with pained tears. Li Lun steps back.

“He’s…” Li Lun purses his lips and looks at Zhu Yan for an explanation.

“He found Ying Lei and he saved him from Zhu Yin,” Zhu Yan explains. “The Demon Hunting Bureau was worried Zhu Yin will come back for Ying Lei so this Zhuo DaRen allowed us to stay here until tomorrow.”

Attendants who were standing at the door immediately start to panic. Zhuo Yichen turns to them and gestures for them to stop. 

“I’m fine,” he rasps. “It was just some mistake.”

Li Lun feels terrible for jumping into such conclusions so suddenly. If he hadn’t been careful, he could have killed an innocent demon. Li Lun bends to offer a hand to the demon.

Zhuo Yichen looks up at him and Li Lun is stunned to see his rare ocean blue eyes. 

“Thank you,” Zhuo Yichen mutters as he takes the hand offered to him and slowly stands up. 

“You’re…alright?” Li Lun asks.

Zhuo Yichen sighs but smiles nonetheless. “I was surprised.”

“And injured!” Zhu Yan says before walking up to the two. He passes Ying Lei to Li Lun before walking up to check on Zhuo Yichen. He looks over his neck where Li Lun grabbed him. Seeing no marks, he sighs in relief. “Fortunately, you may have just been hurt but no injuries.”

Zhuo Yichen looks over from Zhu Yan’s shoulder to see Li Lun.

“I’m sorry about him,” Zhu Yan tells him. “That’s Li Lun.”

Zhuo Yichen nods, “Li Lun.”

Zhu Yan sighs, “I can’t believe I’m going to introduce you to each other after you nearly killed Zhuo DaRen.” He says. “Well, Li Lun, this is our benefactor Zhuo Yichen DaRen.”

Li Lun nods, unsure of how customs in Tiandu differ in the Wilderness among demons. 

“I’m sorry.” Li Lun says, “I assumed the worst when I heard that Zhu Yan was taken here.”

Zhuo Yichen gives him an understanding smile despite still rubbing his neck. “It’s alright. I think I understand.”

“Does it hurt a lot?” Zhu Yan asks. “Here let me—“

“No.” Li Lun says as he steps forward. “I injured him, I should take responsibility.”

Zhu Yan looks at Li Lun with confusion. Somehow that sounds very kind of Li Lun. Before Zhu Yan could ask any questions, Li Lun gently hands him Ying Lei who is silently watching the three of them. 

“Show me?” Li Lun tells Zhuo Yichen.

“It’s not that bad.”

“Just show me.”

Zhuo Yichen inclines his head to the side to show the side of his neck where Li Lun’s hand pressed most heavily on. There’s no bruises, but it’s too early to tell. Most demons wouldn’t worry about bruises but weaker ones do heal slower. If he lets it, he wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes red later or sore. 

Li Lun rests a hand on the affected side, the entire length of his hand almost covering the area. Zhuo Yichen flinches but doesn’t move away. Li Lun gets to work and channels his energy to the area, thankfully he didn’t do much damage that needs to be repaired. Soothing the area should be enough, and he could do that. 

After a few seconds he could see Zhuo Yichen’s muscle growing less tense. His eyes slightly glowing with the demonic energy coursing through his meridians.

“Xiao Zhuo I came here as soon as I hea—“

Four pairs of eyes turns to the door as soon as they heard Wen Xiao’s cries. Wen Xiao looks back at them frozen at the door. Her eyes glides from Zhu Yan and Ying Lei, to the two demon pressed by the wall. Her eyes widen and she immediately looks away. 

“I…I—I don’t think Ying Lei should be in this room.” She says with a fake cough, “Also uhm, this is a k-kitchen Xiao Zhuo I don’t think it’s appropriate."

Chapter Text

“You’re lucky the Great Demon had just left.” Zhu Yan says as he takes a seat next to Wen Xiao.

Li Lun looks really regretful and embarrassed for the mistake and doesn’t say anything. Zhu Yan knows Li Lun doesn’t have a thick face. He’s Grandpa Ying’s goody two shoes. Always where he’s supposed to be, always teaching Ying Lei just what he needs to know, no more no less. He always comes to Zhu Yan whenever he’s about to do something Grandpa Ying said he shouldn’t. He surely must have simply panicked, but that doesn’t stop Zhu Yan from teasing.

“Li DaRen , I hope we’ve cleared the misunderstanding.” Wen Xiao says with a wry smile. 

“Just Li Lun would be fine,” he tells Wen Xiao. “I am not used to honorifics.”

“I see, well then we are the same.” Wen Xiao says. “Just call me Wen Xiao.”

“So, it was Zhu Yin who took Ying Lei?” Li Lun asks, directing the question to Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan hands Ying Lei a banana and a pair of chopsticks to play with for distraction as they talk. “Yes and no.” He says. “Ying Lei did leave on his own but it seems that Zhu Yin found him wandering around. He took him and…I didn’t get to ask him what was his plans, but he used him against Xiao Zhuo DaRen and threatened to harm him if he wasn’t let go.”

Li Lun’s expression grows dark, he looks down at Ying Lei playing happily. He already forgot the scare he got a few hours earlier. 

“Luckily,” Zhu Yan says proudly, “I came just in time.”

Li Lun shoots him a look, “Grandpa Ying warned you about using your powers outside the Mountain.”

“It was just small !” Zhu Yan rebukes. 

“Surely it wouldn’t be a problem,” Wen Xiao says, “It was for a good reason after all.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Li Lun says sternly at Zhu Yan, “You know exactly why Grandpa Ying said you can’t use your powers in Tiandu.”

Zhu Yan purses his lips, unable to find an acceptable rebuttal. Although he’s gone through hundreds of years of cultivation, in comparison to the amount of power there is to learn for him to control, he can only be considered just a little bit better than Ying Lei. If he makes a mistake, he could endanger a lot of people and demons. Most times, Zhu Yan strictly abides to his Grandpa’s rules but just Li Lun when he saw Ying Lei in Zhu Yin’s hands crying he forgot everything and thought he needed to take Ying Lei to safety at all cost.

“His actions may be reckless, but had he not done what he did, there could have been more injuries and suffering.” Zhuo Yichen says calmly. 

Zhu Yan turns to Zhuo Yichen, surprised at the defense. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen did you just defended me?”

Zhuo Yichen ignores him and continues. “Zhu Yin had pushed him to do what he has to, to blame Zhu Yan for using whatever it takes to avoid catastrophe is not fair.”

Li Lun frowns but to Zhu Yan’s surprise the expression doesn’t quite match that on his eyes. Amused.

“You sound as if you know Zhu Yan so well already.”

“I don’t need to know someone deeply to judge if they’ve done the right thing or not.” Zhuo Yichen says easily. “I only need to know their motive.”

“How about this,” Wen Xiao interjects, her smile sweet and scheming. “You don’t tell anyone that Zhu DaRen had used his powers to fight Zhu Yin, and we don’t tell the Great Demon you grabbed his son’s neck?”

Li Lun scoffs, “What makes you think I’m afraid of him?”

Wen Xiao hums as she leans slightly towards Li Lun over the table. Zhu Yan looks over Wen Xiao with a new found fear. Who said humans are not scary? Wen Xiao is too good at this kind of game. Zhu Yan didn’t even dare to think about using the Great Demon’s name against Li Lun. 

“Well, then if you’re not you wouldn’t be upset if I report this incident to him.” She says easily. “He will surely ask about the commotion tonight when the attendants mention it. If you don’t mind, then I guess that’s less work for me.”

“You’re bold for a human.” Li Lun says with a dark tone. “You know I could strike you where you sit and no one would be able to do anything—“

“Li Lun!” Zhu Yan exclaims. 

Zhuo Yichen stands up and brandishes his sword. “I dare you.”

Wen Xiao doesn’t flinch. She smiles at him sweetly.

“Go on.” Wen Xiao dares. “The Baize Goddess would know.”

Li Lun’s dark expression subsides. He huffs. “You’re too cunning.”

Zhu Yan immediately deflates when Li Lun returns to his usual tone. Goodness! Li Lun nearly made his heart jump out of his throat from fear. He really isn’t allowed to act, he’s too convincing. 

“Then it’s a deal!” Wen Xiao says.

Zhuo Yichen looks between the two and slowly retracts his sword. “You cannot threaten her like that.” he says.

Li Lun looks at him, raising an eyebrow. “You sound awfully close to her. What is she, your mother?”

“You!”

“Aiya!” Zhu Yan tugs Li Lun’s robes. “Don’t tease Xiao Zhuo DaRen , his father is an ice dragon, they don’t do well with their blood boiling.”

Zhu Yan’s words didn't do well in quelling Zhuo Yichen’s anger, instead it made the other even more irritated. “Zhu Yan, you!”

“Alright, I’ll shut.” Zhu Yan says scooting closer to Li Lun to hide behind him. 

Li Lun shrugs Zhu Yan making him face the wrath of the younger demon. 

“I’m glad we’ve smoothen things out.” Wen Xiao says, “Just think of it as something for the sake of the child.”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t miss the joking tone and looks pointedly at Wen Xiao’s amused smile. 

“So,” Wen Xiao asks, “It seems that Li Lun can go to far distances, would you be taking Zhu DaRen and Ying Lei back tonight?”

Li Lun nods. “Ying Zhao is waiting for us.”

“Oh.” Wen Xiao says slightly disappointed. “I was hoping they could stay the night.”

“We don’t need sleep.” Li Lun says. “Plus, it’s not convenient to stay here for long.”

“Why not?” Zhu Yan asks with a petulant frown.

“Because this is the Demon Hunting Bureau.” Li Lun says as if staying the obvious. “I do not understand what makes it so interesting to you.”

“Eh?” Ying Lei says out of the blue, “Zhu Yan we’re going back already?”

“Well, Li Lun said so.”

Ying Lei crawls over to Li Lun, his big doe eyes shining like a puppy’s. “Li Lun, we can’t stay here?”

“No.”

“Why not.”

“Because Ying Zhao is waiting for you.”

Ying Lei frowns, looking like someone had taken his favorite toy. “I miss Yeye.”

Li Lun hums, “I thought so.”

“But!” Ying Lei looks over to Zhuo Yichen, “I don’t want to say bye to Zhuo DaRen yet!”

Li Lun sighs. Most days, he is only worried about Zhu Yan but some days Ying Lei sounds just about like Zhu Yan. 

“You’re impossible,” Li Lun mutters. “When you’re older, you’ll be able to come to Tiandu at your will.”

“Eh?! But how long is that?”

“Maybe in 300 years.”

“No!” Ying Lei cries, dramatically flopping himself on Li Lun’s lap. “That’s too long!”

Zhu Yan chuckles at the scene. No matter how well Li Lun can handle Ying Lei, nothing really beats a child’s theatrics. Zhu Yan is about to say something to add fuel to the fire when he hears a familiar pleasant laugh, he turns to see Zhuo Yichen with a hand up to his lips hiding his smile. Ah, how unfair. Even in such a candid moment, a handsome demon still is handsome. 

“I don’t want to wait 300 years! Zhu Yan would be too old then to bring Lei Lei down the mountains.”

Zhu Yan whips his head to the demigod. “Excuse me?! I will not be that old! What did you think I’d be in 300 years! I’ll still be young!”

Ying Lei ignores him in favor of throwing a tantrum on Li Lun’s lap knowing full well the last day would inevitably be Li Lun.

“You can always come see me.”

Zhu Yan doesn’t know why, but the words made something in his chest grow warm. The room suddenly becomes too quiet. Neither him or Li Lun says a word and he finds himself turning to look at Zhuo Yichen with a strange hope that he is looking at him. When he sees him looking at Ying Lei instead he feels strangely disappointed.

“Isn’t that great?” Wen Xiao says to Ying Lei, “When Ying Lei is not too busy he can come here anytime and see us!”

Ying Lei’s eyes turn lively again. “Zhuo DaRen and Wen Xiao Jiejie, really?!”

“Really.” Zhuo Yichen says. “But for now you have to go see your Yeye . He must be very worried. And next time, you can come back and see us when you’re not too busy.”

Ying Lei stands up and throws himself to Zhuo Yichen’s embrace. 

“Zhuo DaRen is the best!”

Zhuo Yichen smiles. “Come on, I’ll give you a wooden token.”

Ying Lei pulls away, tilting his head to the side in confusion. “What’s a token?”

“It’s used to identify yourself.” Wen Xiao explains. “Next time, you only need to show this and everyone knows that you know Xiao Zhuo.”

Zhu Yan doesn’t know why, but somehow he feels a little jealous of Ying Lei. Is this a privilege for children? How unfair. He also would like to come back.

Zhuo Yichen takes a wooden token from his side and gives it to Ying Lei. “Don’t lose it, okay?”

Ying Lei holds it like it’s his treasure and nods.

“What about me?” Zhu Yan asks, unable to help the bitterness. “Can’t I come here too?”

Wen Xiao, hearing the hint of jealousy, chuckles.

Zhuo Yichen only shoots him an exasperated look, “You come here whether we invite you or not, tokens are useless to you.”

Li Lun scoffs.

“Wha—that’s…” Zhu Yan huffs. Even Li Lun is not on his side. What a good friend he has.

After settling with the plan. The three prepare to leave. Wen Xiao dutifully packs a small wooden box for Ying Lei’s treasures, which are a lime, a small porcelain paperweight in the shape of a cat, and a yellow bell pepper. Once everything is set. The three bid their goodbye for the night.

“Don’t miss us too much Xiao Zhuo DaRen .” Zhu Yan teases as he bounces Ying Lei in his arms. 

Zhuo Yichen only nods.

“I’ll come see you soon, Zhuo DaRen! Wen Xiao Jiejie! ” Ying Lei says he waves at them.

“Take good care of yourself,” Wen Xiao says as she waves back.

Li Lun bows to the two before casting his spell. Leaves of pagoda tree gathers below their foot and a gust of wind rushes inside the hall. 

Zhuo Yichen watches as Zhu Yan’s eyes break contact with him and turn towards Ying Lei. And just like that, he feels a strange distance between them. He isn’t gone yet, and he already feels so far away. His hands on his side instinctively clenches to a fist, fighting the urge to walk up to them and stop them from leaving.

The leaves grew in number and soon Zhuo Yichen couldn’t see them. The gust of wind and leaves then moves swiftly out of the hall and into the open door leading outside.

Then, it is quiet once more.

Almost unbearably so.

“Let’s go back, Xiao Zhuo.”

“Mn.”

***

“You’re not going to bed yet?”

Wen Xiao looks up from the document she’s reading and smiles at Zhuo Yichen who brought her some calming tea. She clears a part of the table to make way for Zhuo Yichen’s thoughtful tea. 

“I can’t sleep, I figured I could read some more until sleep finds me again.” She says with a smile. “Xiao Zhuo had an eventful day, you should be resting.”

Although most demons don’t sleep, Zhuo Yichen is different. Because he had no powers and his energy reserves are very limited, just like humans he constantly needs rest to recuperate. 

“I was just heading to bed but I saw the lanterns here are still on so I went to check.”

Wen Xiao nods. “Well, Xiao Zhuo would you like to chat with me for a bit?”

“About?”

“About your new friends.”

Zhuo Yichen chuckles. “They’re acquaintances.”

“You defended Zhu Yan to your Father,” Wen Xiao says, “And you insisted he did what was right, even to his friend.”

“Because it’s right.”

“Mn. Xiao Zhuo is righteous.”

“Trouble comes to him because of me.” Zhuo Yichen says. “Had it not been for me being so…incompetent, he wouldn’t have to use his powers.”

Wen Xiao hums in understanding. “I don’t think Zhu DaRen thinks you’re incompetent. But that’s besides the point I guess.”

“What’s the point?”

“I think your paths always cross.” Wen Xiao says. “Isn’t it quite…fascinating? It’s like, for some strange reason, you always find him. He finds you.”

Zhuo Yichen shakes his head. “It’s coincidences.”

Before Wen Xiao could say another word, Zhuo Yichen is already standing up. He bows politely before heading to the door. Wen Xiao watches his back as he opens the door to leave with a small amused smile on her lips. She doesn’t know whose he telling such thing to, after all, he sounds as if he’s trying to convince himself more than Wen Xiao.

***

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t head back to his room immediately. For a while he stands in front of a room that he has never seen the inside of since he can remember. His mother’s room.

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t have any memories of them. His father rarely ever brings up his mother in any conversation, and when he does he immediately changes his gear. All Zhuo Yichen knows about his mother was that they forged Yun Guang for him and his father. He doesn’t know where they went, why they aren’t with them, why he was born the way he was. Everyone is tight lipped about his mother, even his father.

But, his father kept the room in a quiet side of the home for his mother. It never opens, at least not that Zhuo Yichen sees. It’s always like that. Quiet. Cold. Motionless.

Most days, Zhuo Yichen feels that if his mother was here, he would know the answer to all his questions. 

Wen Xiao told him that mothers are very knowledgeable. They know their children the best and they gathered a lot of experience in the world to impart them to their children. In silence they know, in stillness they feel. 

But his mother isn’t here. No matter how long he waits, the stillness won’t change. There won’t be anyone who will answer his questions.

Zhuo Yichen sighs as he steps back.

“Good night, Mother.” He mutters to the wind and the crisp coldness.

He turns around and heads back to the hallway. 

His quiet footsteps are heavy in the darkness of the night. The Zhuo manor is awfully quiet at night. Zhuo Yichen feels sick to be surrounded by nothingness.

It is as if he’s walking towards a seemingly endless abyss.

Swoosh!

Zhuo Yichen hears a loud breeze, he holds Yun Guang by the hilt as he turns around and—

“Mph!”

His face collided with something solid. When was there a wall there? Zhuo Yichen staggers backwards, blindly reaching out to grab anything for balance. His fingers curl to what seems like cloth and he pulls. 

“Ah!”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes flies open when he feels a warm hand on his back, and another one on his wrist. His blue eyes stare back at what seems like a pair of deep sea black pearls. 

“L-Li Lun.”

Li Lun looks back at him for a long time before pulling him up back to his feet. 

“What are you doing here?” Zhuo Yichen asks.

Li Lun doesn’t answer, he instead looks at the hand on his robes. Zhuo Yichen follows his gaze and is immediately scandalized. He swiftly lets go of his iron grip on the front of his robes that resulted from it coming slightly loose and exposing a bit of the other’s chest. 

“A-Apologies. You surprised me.”

Li Lun nods, fixing the front of his robes as much as he can with one hand.

“What are you doing here?” Zhuo Yichen asks again.

Li Lun lifts something in his free hand, a bundle of fur and cloth. “Zhu Yan said this looks important. And he forgot to take it off.”

Zhuo Yichen recognizes his coat and nods. “He didn’t have to.”

“Well, he insisted.” Li Lun says. “And I already made the trip.”

Zhuo Yichen nods, “You did.”

Li Lun hands him the coat and Zhuo Yichen takes them with both hands. 

“Thank you.” Zhuo Yichen says. 

Li Lun hums. He looks over Zhuo Yichen and finds something. A small amused smile escapes him. What a clumsy demon, he thinks. He reaches out towards him, trying to get the small twig stuck on the other’s hair.

“What is it?” Zhuo Yichen asks as he reaches up to his head where Li Lun’s hand is.

“Stop moving.”

“What are you doing?”

Li Lun plucks the twig and shows it to Zhuo Yichen. “You’d die in the Wilderness if you’re like this.” He says. 

Zhuo Yichen frowns. “I could have gotten it myself.”

Li Lun chuckles. “Sure.”

“You—“

Instead of the twig, Li Lun drops one of his leaves on top of the coat.

“Don’t get yourself killed.” He says. “Use that to call on me.”

Chapter Text

Ying Zhao breathes a sigh of relief when he sees Zhu Yan, Ying Lei and Li Lun arrive at the gate of the shrine unscathed. Ying Zhao rushes to welcome them, pulling them in his arms. His old heart could not settle down until he has them back in his hold. Ying Zhao pulls away to look at Ying Lei who looks at him regretfully. He doesn’t need to hear his apologies, he kisses his forehead warmly.

“I’m glad you’re alright.” He says.

“Zhu Yin found him.” Li Lun says. 

Ying Zhao looks at Li Lun in alarm,”What happened?”

“Nothing.” Li Lun says easily, “That demon from the demon hunting Bureau saved Ying Lei, Zhu Yan came to pick him up.”

Zhu Yan looks at Li Lun, trying to hide his expression of surprise. He knows Li Lun hates lying, but somehow he really stuck to his deal with Wen Xiao. 

“Good. Good.” Ying Zhao says. 

The rest of the night is uneventful. Ying Lei fell asleep, sound and continuous, due to the long eventful night he had. Li Lun quietly slipped back to the Wilderness where he often spent his nights watching the vast seas and meditating. Zhu Yan opted to stay behind and watch over the shrine, he sat by the steps of the shrine looking up at the starry skies.

He always thought fate was cruel to him, having been born the way he is. Yet tonight it feels like there’s a force that has listened to his plea. Suddenly, he feels as if there’s something out there looking after him.

***

Wen Xiao steps inside Zhuo Yichen’s room and is surprised to see the empty bed. She sets the basin on the bedside before looking for him. To her relief he finds him sitting on the floor of his room’s balcony watching the moon rise in the sky.

It has been three days since Bingyi left to deal with Prime Minister’s urgent request. Once he returned he didn't even have the time to stay in the Demon Hunting Bureau and instead met two groups of vanguards before heading straight to another case. It is also three days since Wen Xiao last heard the Bureau lively with the voices of Zhuo Yichen’s new acquaintances. 

“Xiao Zhuo, why are you sitting there?” Wen Xiao asks. “You’re not well, you should be resting.”

“I can’t sleep.” Zhuo Yichen answers.

Wen Xiao sighs. Just a day ago, Zhuo Yichen woke up with a slight fever. He ignored it and practiced his sword forms instead, but before the day ended, his fever began rising. Wen Xiao and the Zhuo family’s physicians considered informing Bingyi immediately but Zhuo Yichen begged them not to.

Getting sick is something that most demons could not fathom. Injuries are something but illness are most of the time unheard of. Some demons would get cursed and have sickness like symptoms in their lifetimes maybe once or twice, but Zhuo Yichen is different. Since he was small, he had been plagued with illness that could be compared to a human child with a weak constitution. He had no power to ward the illness off or heal himself like most demons do. 

“It’s too quiet.” Zhuo Yichen says.

“Is it?” Wen Xiao says. “I thought it’s quite busy today.”

“The physicians are busy.” Zhuo Yichen replies.

It is indeed the physicians who are busy.  As soon as Zhuo Yichen got fever, they are all in his case. The physicians of the Zhuo family came from the Bai family of Tiandu who were known for their medical expertise. When Bingyi was starting to establish the Demon Hunting Bureau, they were one of the first who offered their help after hearing Bingyi’s predicament with his son. Since then, they’ve been working tirelessly to figure out a way to help Zhuo Yichen’s situation. 

“I hate being sick,” Zhuo Yichen says with a frown. “I could never go beyond Tiandu because I’m always sick. I feel…useless.”

“You’ve been improving in health,” Wen Xiao says reassuringly, putting a hand on his knee.

It isn’t just a false hope. When Wen Xiao first met Zhuo Yichen, there isn’t a day in a week that he isn’t sick or bedridden. And his sickness sometimes would last at the minimum of three days. But with the help of the physicians and Bingyi, he gradually became less sickly. He was able to do more, even walk around Tiandu, travel some distances in summer even when it was the most uncomfortable season for him. 

But, once in a while, his sickness returns and the physicians couldn’t tell why.

“Why can’t I be human or demon? Why do I have to stand in between?” Zhuo Yichen says. “If I can’t have a demonic powers, then I should have just been human. If I can’t be human, then why can’t I just be a common demon? I’m defective either way.”

“You’re not defective.”

“But I couldn’t function either way.”

Wen Xiao sighs. “I know what you feel, but you’re not powerless. You can do a lot of things.”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t answer. His eyes gazing at the distance.

Wen Xiao sits with him in silence. Wen Xiao had grown accustomed to days like this with Zhuo Yichen. There are days like he’s the raging rivers, decisive and forward. There are days when he’s like the winter snow, quiet, cold, full of secrets. Wen Xiao wishes she could understand the depths of his heart so that she could lighten his burden but as a human she feels that no matter how far she reaches, there are crevices where he had hidden things in his heart that she could not quite go.

She doesn’t know how long she spent sitting there with Zhuo Yichen until she finally coaxes him back to bed. His skin felt like the surface of a hot plate. Most of the time his sickness goes through these phases, warm to hot, then to extremely cold like a dragon’s frosted scales. When he becomes cooler, no matter how humanly alarming it is, it meant that Zhuo Yichen is beginning to recover.

Without Bingyi, Wen Xiao and the physicians could only help Zhuo Yichen by externally trying to lower his temperature. 

“Would you like some mantou?” Wen Xiao asks as she puts a cold towel on Zhuo Yichen’s forehead. “The ones you like best, the store is still open at this hour. You haven’t eaten anything and you need something to help you recover.”

Zhuo Yichen closes his eyes for a moment as if savoring the coolness of the towel on his scorching skin.

“Is it possible?” He says after a while.

Wen Xiao smiles. Ah, it’s a good sign. Previously, Bingyi usually has to intervene as Zhuo Yichen would have no strength to even stand, let alone eat. This becomes a difficulty as in the absence of his demonic core, he needed other sources of energy to fight off his fever. If he doesn’t eat, his body cannot fuel itself and thus needs the help of another demon’s energy. With Zhuo Yichen having appetite, it meant he could get the energy he needs to break through this sickness.

“Of course it is,” Wen Xiao says, “I’ll go get it, and you rest here while I do.”

Zhuo Yichen nods. 

Wen Xiao leaves but not before informing the Zhuo family's attendants to look after their Young Master. She heads to the market where she often got Zhuo Yichen’s favorite mantou. They discovered the place three years ago just around the mid-autumn festivities. Bingyi was working with Wen Xiao’s father in an official business and both fathers could not make it for the occasion. Wen Xiao decided to use the time to walk around the vibrant market with Zhuo Yichen who rarely left the house, it was then when they discovered the little shop selling only mantou. It was the first time Wen Xiao saw Zhuo Yichen became partial to food. Whenever there is anything good or worth celebrating, Zhuo Yichen would ask someone to get some mantou from that shop.

It’s a busy day, but Wen Xiao doesn’t doubt she’ll find some mantou still available for her to buy. She arrives at the shop and the shop keeper immediately knows what to do.

“How many this time?” He asks with a knowing smile.

“Just four.” She says. “He’s not feeling too well for half a dozen.”

The shopkeeper wipes his hand with a clean towel before walking towards Wen Xiao with a concerned look. “Oh, is Zhuo DaRen sick?” he asks.

“He is alright.” Wen Xiao assures him. Bingyi strictly forbid others to inform the public of Zhuo Yichen’s condition. It prevents those with malice to know when Zhuo Yichen is most vulnerable. “Just under the weather.”

“Oh, well that’s a relief.” He says with a congenial smile. “Four pieces you say? I’ll come get it for you. Why don’t you sit down while waiting, Lady Wen.”

Wen Xiao nods before finding a seat in the small shop. From the shop she can see the bustling market. She can also see a few familiar faces among the crowd, members of the Demon Hunting Bureau. 

After the incident with Ying Lei, the bureau had not seen Zhu Yin again. Some suspected he had retreated to another mountain, others speculated he found an accomplice, others suggest he might have been caught by other organizations and had kept him for their own wicked purposes. Nevertheless, the bureau had not given up in finding him and bringing back to the Wilderness where the Baize Goddess awaits him.

“Apologies for keeping you waiting!” The shopkeeper says as he brings a box of mantou to Wen Xiao. “These are freshly made for our dear patron! Please tell him that I wish him to get well soon! We’ve missed him coming over.”

Wen Xiao smiles. Zhuo Yichen doesn’t do much whenever he does personally visit the shop. He sits there and drink some tea, sometimes he laughs at the shopkeeper’s jokes but most of the time he just sits there and eat. Wen Xiao thinks Zhuo Yichen just has a way of conveying his glee without speaking.

“Sure,” she replies. “I know he misses coming here too.”

Wen Xiao doesn’t idle, she takes the mantou and heads out with a polite goodbye. Had she been with Zhuo Yichen, she knows they would have spent longer time in the market. Zhuo Yichen doesn’t seem like it but he enjoys looking at art. She remembers him explaining his fascination to it as his way of understanding human experience and relating to it. 

She’ll note to bring him out again when he gets better.

“Hm, maybe next time.” Wen Xiao pauses mid step when she hears a familiar voice nearby. “I’ve already bought some stuff so…”

“Aiya, too bad. Don’t sweat it Gongzhi , you can come by anytime.”

Wen Xiao turns around and just as she expects, she finds a silver haired young man leaning over a table of trinkets. Instead of his usual white garments, he’s wearing black today. Wen Xiao walks up to the stall with a smile.

“I’ll pay for it.” She says to the stall owner.

The stall owner grins, “Oh! How generous!”

The silver haired young man turns around and his eyes immediately blossom into cheerful recognition. “Ah, it’s Wen Xiao!”

Wen Xiao smiles. “Hello, Zhu DaRen. We meet again.”

“I’ll pack the jade token,” the stall owner says. “Please give me a moment!”

“What are you doing here?” Wen Xiao finds herself asking just as Zhu Yan asks her the same thing.

“You first,” Wen Xiao says with a smile.

Zhu Yan shows her small bag, “There is an herb being sold here in Tiandu. It’s good for supporting cultivation. We usually have lots of it, but because of the cold, it’s didn’t grow well this year in the mountains. I was told to get some here by my Yeye.”

Wen Xiao nods. 

“Well, I bought something to eat for Xiao Zhuo.” Wen Xiao says gesturing to the box of mantou in her hand. 

“Oh, where is he?” Zhu Yan asks. “Is he here with you? Did he got the coat I sent back? Li Lun didn’t keep it, did he?”

Before Wen Xiao could answer, the shopkeeper brought back the trinket in a small package. Wen Xiao generously pays for it before giving it to Zhu Yan.

“You didn’t have to,” Zhu Yan says. “But thank you.”

“You like jade trinkets?”

“I like jade.”

Wen Xiao chuckles. 

“Ah, about Xiao Zhuo.” Wen Xiao says, “He’s…he’s staying at home.”

Zhu Yan tilts his head to the side. “Is he busy?”

“He’s…” Wen Xiao wonders if she should say it. She knows the rules but strangers are one thing, Zhu Yan is…a friend? 

“Wen Xiao, is he okay?”

Wen Xiao blinks. Oh. Oh . For a moment she wonders why the question struck her. And then, she realizes something. Is he okay , is a question she has rarely ever heard from anyone that isn’t from the Zhuo family. To ask if he’s ill, if he’s busy, if he’s doing anything, is another. To ask him if he’s okay, is something else.

Okay. Okay in terms of his feelings, in terms of his health, in terms of so many things. Has anyone bothered to ask such questions before?

No.

No, because…

Wen Xiao finds herself clutching the box tighter. There had been no one to care deeply for her Xiao Zhuo because he always seemed so far away to others and it wasn’t his fault. But, sometimes…sometimes she wishes people went through the trouble of reaching out too.

“Wen Xiao?” Zhu Yan asks sounding more concerned.

“He’s sick.”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen. Wen Xiao watches as her dark eyes are immediately filled with different emotions, shock, anxiousness, concern.

“Walk with me?” She says.

Zhu Yan follows her as they walk towards the front of the market.

“Is it serious?” Zhu Yan asks. “My Yeye is a Mountain God, he’s knowledgeable. If I could bring him to see Xiao Zhuo DaRen he might know what to do.”

“He’s not in any immediate danger.” Wen Xiao says. “Ever since he was little, Xiao Zhuo had been sickly. It’s why the Great Demon is very careful about who he associates with.”

“But how does he…”

“No one knows. He just gets sick once in a while.”

Zhu Yan doesn’t say anything anymore but Wen Xiao doesn’t doubt that Zhu Yan has a guess of his own. As a demon, he surely knows how rare it is to get sick. 

“Wen Xiao,” he asks. “Can I come to see him?”

“He won’t be able to host you.”

“Does that matter?” Zhu Yan says with a frown. “I’m a Great Demon, maybe I could help with a thing or two.”

Wen Xiao couldn’t help but find a small smile reaching her lips. She nods quietly. 

Ah, she thinks, there is someone who would reach out. Who would have thought it’s a demon known for their fierceness. 

***

“Xiao Yi.”

Zhuo Yichen sees a blur of a figure with long dark hair. They are wearing soft white outer robes and dark inner robes. He couldn’t quite make out their faces, but he felt they were familiar.

“What hurts?” The figure says. “I’m sorry you’re hurting.”

They reach down to him, a thumb brushing over his eyebrow soothingly. Zhuo Yichen tries his best to recognize the blurry image but he could only see their smile and a marking on their forehead. A demon?

“It’s alright. Everything will be alright. Xiao Yi can rest.”

He feels the hand on his face leave, and he sees the figure rest their hand on his. Something warm flows through his body, but unlike his fever, it’s pleasant and soothing. He couldn’t help but sigh in relief. The heaviness in his chest and the aches in his bones begin to fade.

He looks at the figure again and somehow, he feels like the word is on the tips of his tongue.

Mothe—

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes opens slowly. A blurry white and black figure is hovering over him. After a while, his sight finally focuses and he sees someone familiar.

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen, can you hear me?”

“Zhu Yan?”

Zhu Yan smiles, “Ah, good! You scared me there for a bit.”

Zhuo Yichen sits up and looks around his room before looking back at Zhu Yan, “How did you get here? Why are you here?”

“I saw Wen Xiao outside,” Zhu Yan explains, “And I she told me you are sick so I asked if I can come and visit you.”

“Why?”

“Why not?”

Zhuo Yichen is about to pinch the bridge of his nose in exasperation when he realizes he couldn’t lift them. When he looks down, he finds Zhu Yan still holding his hand. The warmth radiates from the demon’s palm to his skin and seeps through his meridians. 

“You…” he looks up at Zhu Yan. 

“Ah, don’t let go yet!” Zhu Yan says. “Zhuo DaRen, don’t be shy! Demons do this all the time with their friends.”

“W-Whose your friend?!” Zhuo Yichen tries to shake the hands off but to no avail. 

“Aiya, don’t waste my effort!” Zhu Yan says, “It’s almost done after all.”

Zhuo Yichen huffs but settles down. Zhuo Yichen watches as Zhu Yan carefully pushes some of his energy. Despite his seemingly careless words and lack of sense of personal space, Zhu Yan seems so…

“What are you thinking so deeply for Xiao Zhuo DaRen? ” Zhu Yan asks, looking up at him. 

“Nothing.”

Zhu Yan isn’t convinced of his answers and says, “You guys…You and Li Lun, your likes are so difficult, you know? You always think of favors and all that. Can’t an ape demon come and see his Xiao Zhuo DaRen?”

Zhuo Yichen shoots him a glare, “Who's your Xiao Zhuo Daren?!”

“If you’re worried about favors then say so.”

Zhuo Yichen frowns. He really doesn’t like being indebted to anyone. Even Wen Xiao, he tries his best to return her care and favor whenever he can. Returning a favor to Zhu Yan is something else. What can he do for someone like him after all? He’s a great demon, he could fly, and he could summon things from thin air. What would he want? Walnuts? Surely not.

“I owe you too much,” he says, “Stop doing things without asking me first if I could pay you back.”

Zhu Yan frowns, “If I asked you if I could help you, you’d say no.”

“Because I can’t repay you—“

“Repayment is in the future.” Zhu Yan says. “How could you be so certain you can’t fulfill it? Xiao Zhuo DaRen , even Ying Lei is more confident than you. Have some faith!”

“Fine.” Zhuo Yichen says. “But you cannot ask something unreasonable.”

Zhu Yan chuckles. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help but feel the corners of his lips curl to a small smile. It must be the soothing demonic energy making him feel at ease.

“Don’t worry about it,” Zhu Yan says. “Just get well soon, Zhuo DaRen. I’m not used to it when you’re not scolding me.”

“You—“

“Then, when you’re better Zhuo DaRen can go back to practicing Yun Guang. So, I’m the future you can protect me and then we’re even.”

Zhuo Yichen scoffs. “You’ll have to wait for a long time.”

Zhu Yan shrugs as he finishes transferring energy. He pulls his hand away. Zhuo Yichen doesn’t dare think about how strangely uncomfortable it is without the wait of another’s hand over his. 

“Time is not a problem. I can wait.”

“And if I never learn?”

“How could that be?” Zhu Yan chuckles, “Aren’t you born to wield Yun Guang? It’s your destiny.”

Zhuo Yichen finds himself smiling at that, how oddly comforting.  

Chapter Text

“Give way! The Prime Minister has arrived!”

Bingyi expression falls at the announcement. He looks up and sees the entourage of the Prime Minister. He pretends to be busy, hoping it would deter the Prime Minister from disturbing him. 

“Commander.”

Bingyi pretends to only notice the Prime Minister’s arrival. He sets his paperwork aside and stands up. He cups his hand in greeting.

“Prime Minister,” he says.

The Prime Minister doesn’t comment on the pile of documents in Bingyi’s desk and proceeds to hand his coat to one of his men as he makes himself comfortable in the room. Bingyi watches him with a calculated look. The Prime Minister is young in comparison to those before him but he is as cunning and scheming. Before he came into power, he was one of the strongest critics of the Demon Hunting Bureau. He did not shy away from voicing his concerns against the way Bingyi ran the Bureau.

For him, the Demon Hunting Bureau only favored demons while humans were left adjusting to their needs. The Prime Minister had been rumored as well to have used some demonic energies and luck to be able to pass the civil service examination. Bingyi of course didn’t believe this easily, but, he could not deny he isn’t at ease with him.

“You only spoke with each other a few days ago,” Bingyi says. “What do I owe the pleasure of speaking with you, My Lord?”

The Prime Minister takes a look around the room quietly. The room is simple, as a small makeshift office in a rented inn, there is not much to see but papers. 

“I have not yet heard of the news about Zhu Yin.” The Prime Minister says. “I thought since I’m on the same way, I might as well ask and see Commander.”

“The Bureau is doing it’s best to make sure he is found soon.”

“How soon?”

“Zhu Yin is not an ordinary demon, he was once even worshipped in a mountain. You can imagine how much demonic powers he possesses.” Bingyi says. “Rest assure we have him as well at top priority.”

“If he’s powerful then why doesn’t the Commander deal with it himself?” The Prime Minister asks. “If ordinary vanguards won’t do then, perhaps the Commander must see to it himself. After all,he is no ordinary demon.”

Bingyi patiently replies, “The Emperor had appointed me to deal with another case, this takes precedence naturally.”

“Mn, indeed.” The Prime Minister gestures to one of his attendants to get him some tea. “Then, if ordinary men won’t do. Maybe, the good Commander’s son could?”

Bingyi’s hold on the paper in his hand falters. His eyes taking a sharp edge to them. 

“How old is he now? He should be 20, yes?” He smiles, “I heard he’s been training as well.”

“He has a long way to go to handle such case.”

“Most his peers in the Zhuo family are already vanguards by that age.”

Bingyi let’s go of the paper in his hand and laces his fingers together. He thinks he knows where this discussion is going.

“Zhuo Yichen is the son of a great demon, it is only natural that he is also the same. Yet, you seem to covet him when there is so much potential aid he could provide for Tiandu.” The Prime Minister says. 

“I am not sure if you’re aware,” Bingyi says. “My son was born in difficult circumstances. Because of it his core wasn’t developed properly and he cannot utilize demonic energy. I am honored you have such high hopes to my son but I also hope the Prime Minister considers our situation and spare him.”

The Prime Minister hums.

“It’s not that his demonic core is damaged,” he says idly as his attendant pours him tea. “Isn’t it?”

“Prime Minister—“

“It’s because it’s empty.”

Bingyi’s eyes glow with apprehension. 

The Prime Minister looks up at Bingyi with a secretive smile. “Am I right, Commander?”

Bingyi refuses to answer. Regardless what he says it would be terrible. The Prime Minister had never met his son personally, nor does have the ability to understand or feel demonic energies or core. So, how could he have known that Zhuo Yichen’s core is not damaged when it is the story he and everyone in Zhuo family tells others?

“It must be sealed somewhere,” the Prime Minister says as he takes a cup of tea. “I’m surprised, the Commander is not looking for it.”

Bingyi holds himself back from letting any of his genuine reactions show. There had been no one aside from the first Baize Goddess who had known of what had happened to Zhuo Yichen before he was given the last name Zhuo. To most of the world, Zhuo Yichen was born in a special and difficult circumstances leading him to having no demonic powers but the reality of course is much more complex.

Bingyi had hidden Zhuo Yichen’s other parentage to those outside of the Zhuo clan. The only ones outside the Zhuo clan who knew would have been Wen Xiao’s adoptive Father. To protect it, he even had omit details to his son.

The truth is a secret Bingyi is willing to take to his grave to protect his son from his cursed fate. A fate riddled with guilty conscience and nightmares.

“Whoever said it to the Prime Minister must have a malicious intent,” Bingyi says, “His demon core cannot hold nor develop its demonic energy, it’s not sealed somewhere. The good physicians of the Bai clan had testified of it, how could it be that they’re wrong?”

The Prime Minister chuckles. “I wonder why the Commander insists such cruel fate to be his son’s when the alternative is far much better?”

Cruel? Bingyi truly doesn’t understand the Prime Minister’s intentions, but to call this fate more cruel than the alternative was laughable. Was it better for him to watch his son be burdened with a fate like his? To walk this earth alone riddled with guilt?

“I don’t know, My Lord.” Bingyi says with a calculated tone. “Perhaps, a Father is simply tired of hoping for any kind of better alternative and only to be disappointed to know the first had been the only answer.”

“Ah, apologies.” The Prime Minister says. “I am not a Father and did not think through my words.”

Bingyi doubts he didn’t think through his words. There is something about him, about this conversation. There is an underlying reason for this kind of question. However, more importantly how he managed to get this information.

“But don’t worry,” the Prime Minister says as he sets his empty cup. “If we do find any truth to it, we will surely inform the Commander.”

Bingyi doesn't reply.

“I’m sure Zhou Yichen DaRen will be as strong and useful as his father.” The Prime Minister stands up and cups his hand. “I hope you can find the fugitive soon, Commander. I’m interested in this Zhu Yin .”

Bingyi doesn’t bother to return the politeness and waits for the Prime Minister to leave. As soon as he steps out of his makeshift office, Bingyi let’s out all the heavy anger he’s been holding, the air in the room dropping to a freezing point. A few vanguards standing by the door flinches as they felt the frightening aura of the Great Demon.

Bingyi stands from his seat, glaring at where the Prime Minister had left from, his hands curling to a fist.

***

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen! ”

Zhuo Yichen stops midway to a sword form to turn around. He finds himself looking at a familiar vibrant smile.

“Ying Lei.” He says with a smile. 

Ying Lei runs to Zhuo Yichen, happily latching on his leg. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help but smile at the infectious giggles of the young demigod. He puts his sword back to its sheathe before scooping Ying Lei in his arms.

“Ah, look at you disturbing the peace and Xiao Zhuo DaRen ’s training.” 

Zhuo Yichen looks towards the source of the voice and finds Zhu Yan walking up to them. He is wearing the same familiar white robes with silver embellishments. Zhuo Yichen holds himself back form saying anything, Zhu Yan is already so full of himself complimenting him would make him even more annoying. Zhuo Yichen tries not to look too hard on the way the silver accents on his hair reflects star-like specks of light on his eyes and face.

“Who let you in?” Zhuo Yichen says trying his best to sound casual.

“Wen Xiao.” Zhu Yan says with a smile. 

Zhuo Yichen sighs. Wen Xiao has become very lenient to Zhu Yan since Zhu Yan had visited him two days ago. It’s like that one day, Zhu Yan convinced Wen Xiao about something important that Zhuo Yichen isn’t aware of. 

“Don’t you have anywhere else to go?” Zhuo Yichen says.

Zhu Yan smiles. “And risk Xiao Zhuo DaRen missing me? Of course not.”

Zhuo Yichen huffs. See? So full of himself. 

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen, Zhu Yan is lying!” Ying Lei says with pout. “Yeye told him to see a demon called Ran Yi!”

Zhuo Yichen blinks. Ran Yi? A demon? 

Zhu Yan clicks his tongue as he reaches out to pinch Ying Lei’s cheek. “You little tattletale!”

Ying Lei sticks his tongue out before pushing Zhu Yan’s hand away.

“Then why are you two here?” Zhuo Yichen asks curiously. He is certainly not disappointed that he isn’t the reason why the two demons had come to Tiandu. Why would he? 

“Ying Lei had been terrorizing me and Yeye since we last saw you.” Zhu Yan explains. “Even Li Lun retreated to the Wilderness because all he hears from this little guy is your name. I figured once he sees you, he’ll calm down.”

“Li Lun didn’t leave because of Lei Lei!” The demigod huffs. 

“So, you’ve seen your Xiao Zhuo DaRen, can we both go now?”

Ying Lei frowns. “So soon?”

Zhu Yan sighs, “I have to go see Ran Yi, and I can’t just bring you along half way across Tiandu! I don’t even know where to start in looking for that guy.”

“Why do you need to see this demon anyway?” Zhuo Yichen asks curiously.

“A demon had been cursed by another demon by accident, their mind is filled with strange and horrific dreams. They came to our shrine to ask if Yeye knows what to do.” Zhu Yan explains, “One of the ingredients for the spell that can help them is a scale from Ran Yi, so Yeye asked me to come here and find Ran Yi.”

“He’s residing in Tiandu?”

Zhu Yan nods. “The Baize Goddess had allowed him to come here every four months in a year. I heard he comes to see his mortal wife.”

Zhuo Yichen has heard of demons having mortal lovers. It isn’t forbidden as long as both parties adhere to the Demon Hunting Bureau and the Baize Goddess’s rules. If the Baize Goddess had proven that both parties are sincere and certain of their relationship they are often given more leeway to spend a certain amount of time in each other’s realm. 

However, in the duration of their stay their partner will be responsible for the other’s wellbeing. For instance, if something bad happens to Ran Yi in the human realm, his mortal wife may be subjected to investigation from the Demon Hunting Bureau while if something happens to Ran Yi’s wife in the Wilderness, Ran Yi might be tried by the Baize Goddess. 

“What’s a wife?” Ying Lei asks in whisper to Zhuo Yichen.

Zhuo Yichen chuckles, “When you grow up, you’ll naturally find out.”

Ying Lei frowns. “That’s too long.”

“Eh, come, give him to me,” Zhu Yan says as he takes Ying Lei from Zhuo Yichen. “Anymore closeness from you two, someone might really think you are father and son.”

Zhuo Yichen ignores the teasing.

“Say goodbye to your Xiao Zhuo DaRen .”

Ying Lei reluctantly waves goodbye. 

Zhuo Yichen silently watches as Zhu Yan and Ying Lei leave. He feels unsettled, it feels too short and yet he knows he shouldn’t ask them to stay. How ridiculous would it be to ask such thing? Zhuo Yichen is no longer a child, he tells himself, he should know better than to expect other’s world to revolve around him.

Zhuo Yichen doesn't know how long he is standing there watching the hallway where Zhu Yan and Ying Lei left from when he hears familiar footsteps approaching.

“Ah, how did go?” Wen Xiao says as she walks up to Zhuo Yichen. She stands beside him with a cheerful smile. “Did he like it?”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t answer. 

Wen Xiao's smile falters and she looks at him, “Xiao Zhuo, surely you’ve given Zhu DaRen the jade token you’ve made for him?”

“He’s too busy.”

“Huh?” Wen Xiao blinks. “But…didn’t he just…”

Zhuo Yichen turns around heading towards the Zhuo Manor’s training grounds. 

“ Xiao Zhuo where are you going?”

“I’ll look for someone to spar with.”

Wen Xiao watches his retreating back in confusion. Boys are truly odd. After having gone all his way out to find a craftsman and specifically finding an exquisite jade to make a jade token, then waiting for days for Zhu Yan, now that the demon had come Zhuo Yichen refuses to even acknowledge the said gift. 

Well, what can Wen Xiao say? Her Xiao Zhuo is known for a lot of things, one of them being stubborn.

***

It is almost sundown when Wen Xiao finishes her personal affairs and returns to invite Zhuo Yichen to a dinner at her family’s home. After his last sickness, Zhuo Yichen’s health seems to have improved significantly. His internal strength seems to have become more resilient to external interference and he is able to train longer. The physicians attributed it to Zhu Yan’s demonic energy, as Zhu Yan’s powers are abundant and exist in all forms of life making it easier for Zhuo Yichen to retain the demonic energy. Hearing this, the head housekeeper and attendant suggested inviting Zhuo Yichen to a small celebratory dinner.

She heads to the Bureau with a slight bounce in her step. She reaches the familiar hallway towards the main hall when she finds a group of vanguards standing by the steps leading to the main hall.

“Lady Wen, you’re here!”

“Is there something wrong?” She asks as she approaches them.

One the vanguards steps up and nods.

“There’s a demon who rushed here, he’s currently being treated. We’ve sent someone to call on the head of Unit 4.” He says. “We’ve also sent a word to Zhuo Yichen DaRen .”

Wen Xiao furrows her eyebrows in concern. “Did the demon say his name?”

The vanguard nods.

“Ran Yi.”

Wen Xiao runs. She heads straight to the Bureau’s infirmary.

“I have to go see Ran Yi…” Zhu Yan’s voice echoes in Wen Xiao’s mind. Her heart beating wildly in her chest.

She could already see two vanguards standing in the hallway leading to the infirmary as she reached the corner. She rushes to the infirmary. And without waiting for the vanguards to explain to her what happened, she opens the door herself and steps inside. 

Among the several beds, there she sees a demon with long ink black hair, his skin has patches of iridescent scales. Two physicians are next to him wrapping his chest and arm in bandages.

Wen Xiao walks up to him and he looks back at Wen Xiao.

“Are you with the Demon Hunting Bureau?” Ran Yi asks.

Wen Xiao nods.

Ran Yi pushes the physicians away before reaching and clutching Wen Xiao’s sleeve.

“You have to save him.”

Wen Xiao looks at him feeling her heart beat begin to race. Quietly in her mind she prays that the next words in his lips isn’t what she think it is.

“Who?” Wen Xiao asks, “W-Who did this to you?”

Ran Yi tightens his grip in despair.

“Zhu Yin. Zhu Yin came, he took my wife.” Ran Yi says, his eyes are filled with panic. “He used her to threaten him, h-he said that if he didn’t go, he will hurt her.”

Wen Xiao kneels on the side of the bed to hold Ran Yi back.

“Who?” She asks. “Who did Zhu Yin threatened?”

Ran Yi swallows with difficulty.

“Zhu Yan.”

Wen Xiao feels as if her heart just lurched to pits of her stomach.

“You don’t understand.” He says, “Zhu Yin plans to use him for his revenge. Zhu Yin can summon the blood moon, and Zhu Yan cannot be outside Mount Kunlun on a blood moon.”

“What do you mean? Why can’t he be outside the Mountain on a blood moon?”

Ran Yi looks intently at Wen Xiao. “Because he will kill .”

Clank!

Wen Xiao turns around upon hearing a sound of something dropping on the floor. Wen Xiao’s eyes widen as the figure by the door immediately turns away without speaking, a rush on his frantic steps.

“Xiao Zhuo, wait! Xiao Zhuo you can’t go alone!”

Chapter Text

After some whining, crying, and begging, Zhu Yan is able to convince Ying Lei to stay behind in the Mountains why he finishes the chores his Grandpa Ying left him. His Grandpa Ying rarely gives him tasks down the Mountains, but he believes this is a sign of confidence. Previously, his Grandpa Yung would do it himself so he leaves looking after Ying Lei to Zhu Yan. But now he is asked to do something in Tiandu. Although not grand, it is still a progress.

Without his little ward, Zhu Yan is able to fly back to Tiandu easily. His only concern is looking for Ran Yi now. Zhu Yan met him twice in the Wilderness, all by accident. He’s a mild mannered demon, soft-spoken, often recluse and doesn’t have much to say if it isn’t about his mortal wife. 

From what Zhu Yan knows, the two initially met when Ran Yi’s wife got lost in a mountain. While waiting to be found by her maids, she stumbled upon Ran Yi who was injured by a demon snake who thought he was a regular fish and tried to

eat him. Guilty and panicked, the snake demon spit him out and ran away, leaving him there alone and bleeding on the river bed. The mortal lady rescued him and placed him in a jar filled with water which she brought with her back home.

After weeks in a protected, cool and big pond, Ran Yi eventually recovers enough to return to his human form. He slips and escapes the household to disguise himself as some scholar to repay the kindness of the noble lady who rescued him.

They became close and eventually fell in love. She found out soon after that he is a demon but it didn’t deter her from pursuing their relationship. Her father, however, is another story.

The noble lady’s father already arranged for her to marry a wealthy merchant’s son, and could not stand for anything that is between said plan. So, when he found out, he had broken them up and even accused Ran Yi of kidnapping her daughter. Ran Yi was taken by the Demon Hunting Bureau and was asked to refrain from seeing the noble lady.

Her sadness over their separation became evident. She lost all interest in life, retreating in her room at most of the day and refusing to speak to anyone but her maids. She became weak and often contracted illness from refusing food and not leaving her room. After she had contracted a serious illness that left her bedridden for two weeks, her eldest brother rode three hours to see her. And by some fortunate twist of fate, her older brother understood her and took her side.

The noble lady’s eldest brother argued to their father that his youngest sibling is obviously unhappy with the match and wanted independence. When the father threatened to disown them, the eldest brother stood firmly and accepted it. After all, the eldest brother had made a name for himself in a small town where he grew businesses with his wife. 

Thinking the siblings would eventually come back to him, the father ruthlessly disowned them, sending the noble lady away with her eldest brother. But instead of misfortune, the noble lady’s fate became brighter. In her brother’s care, she became a businesswoman herself, making expensive and important silk dresses and wedding attires. And soon, his brother asked her if she would like to re-appeal Ran Yi’s case.

Due to the number of cases handled by the Bureau it took three months for a representative of the Demon Hunting Bureau to return her correspondence. She came to the Bureau and explained the situation and after the report had been filed, it was sent to the Baize Goddess. And in no time, Ran Yi was able to reunite with her.

They married in a small town with the noble lady’s brother’s blessings and built a small but comfortable home. When Ran Yi is in Tiandu, he works as a scholar teaching young children calligraphy while his wife continues her seamstress business. 

The difficulty is that, in all the things Ran Yi had shared in the two instances he met Zhu Yan, none of it gave a clue to where he resided. Grandpa Ying also doesn’t have much to go by, except that the house is nearby a river, but the rivers in Tiandu are long and numerous. 

Zhu Yan combs through every house near a river with a married seamstress living in it. Asking other demons who upon recognizing him scurried off and pretended they have no idea whose living in where. After almost four hours of searching, Zhu Yan finds a young mortal bride who pointed him at a cabin near a riverside.

“Miss Qi?” 

The door opens revealing a beautiful mortal lady, she smiles at Zhu Yan. “Oh? I didn’t expect a customer today.”

Zhu Yan smiles awkwardly, surely he doesn’t seem like he has bride to be. “Ah, no. Uhm, I’m here for someone. Uhm, Ran Gongzhi . My grandpa sent me here, Grandpa Ying. I would just like to ask a favor if he’s not too busy?”

Miss Qi nods in understanding. “Please come in. I’d call him over. He’s at the back of the house.”

Zhu Yan follows her inside the house where she leads him to their simple living room. After settling down,, she heads out to the back of the house where Zhu Yan assumes leads to the riverside. Zhu Yan had heard of humans and demons cohabiting but it’s really different to see it up close. At first glance there seems nothing special, but the idea that the house has a direct access to the river where Ran Yi could rest after a long day of maintaining a human form is an obvious well thought of adjustment to the couple. 

After a few minutes, Miss Qi returns with Ran Yi. 

“Zhu Yan.” Ran Yi says with a polite greeting. 

“I hope I didn’t bother anything important.” He says in return.

Ran Yi only smiles as he takes a seat across Zhu Yan.

“I’ll go boil some water for tea.” Miss Qi says, “Zhu DaRen, do you have any preferences for tea?”

Zhu Yan shakes his head, “Anything would do.”

She bows her head politely before making her way out of the living room. 

Since hearing about her from Ran Yi, Zhu Yan had always been curious about Ran Yi’s mortal wife and how such a relationship works. There is a saying amongst humans and demons that demons are naturally distant, they crave independence and don’t work well as a group. Factions often lead to trouble in the Wilderness, so very few demons even look for companions or allies. Meanwhile, humans are social. They not only crave but they need bonds. Their relationships with each other are powerful and it often stabilizes their world. How could two opposite principles meet halfway?

But now, Zhu Yan can see how.

Both parties had adjusted to each other’s needs. They seem to allowed each other to have a piece of themselves in this home, belong with each other instead of belonging to .

“What brought you here?” Ran Yi asks quietly. “Is Mount Kunlun alright?”

Zhu Yan nods, “It’s okay, but Yeye sent me here for something. It’s a favor really, so feel free to say no if you’re uncomfortable.”

Ran Yi nods. 

“A few days ago someone asked Yeye for help. They’ve been cursed with nightmares and it has been affecting their internal power. Yeye asked me if we could ask for one of your scales for a spell.” Zhu Yan explains.

“You came all the way from the mountains to ask for one scale?” Ran Yi asks in disbelief. 

“Just one will be enough.” Zhu Yan says. “And it’s not that far, because I flew.”

“Alright, then I—“

Crash!

Zhu Yan immediately perks up at the sound of potteries crashing and breaking. Ran Yi stands up in alert.

“Miss Qi?” Zhu Yan calls. “Miss Qi, do you need some help?”

Another crash.

“ Airen ?” Ran Yi calls.

Zhu Yan follows Ran Yi and stands up as well, just as he does he hears Miss Qi cries and he feels another demon’s presence. Ran Yi makes a dash for it and Zhu Yan swiftly follows. Zhu Yan sees a blur of two figures quickly heading out to the back of the house. 

Ran Yi continues to chase while Zhu Yan lifts a hand and casts a spell.

“Move!” 

Chopsticks, needles, and knives all rise into the air and follow Zhu Yan out of the house and into the backyard. However as soon as Zhu Yan sees the situation, he finds himself unable to move. There across the river, Zhu Yin is holding Miss Qi by the neck.

“Who are you?!” Ran Yi cries. “Let go of my wife, what do you want?!”

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere since I last saw you.” Zhu Yin says as he looks past Ran Yi. 

Zhu Yan feels all the hairs on his back stand, he could sense there is something nefarious behind those words. 

“Why do you always have to take someone as your shield?” Zhu Yan says trying to sound compose. “Miss Qi has nothing to do with your crime nor your business with me. If you want to settle your grievances from the last time with me, then don’t involve others.”

Ran Yi looks at Zhu Yan, “Do you know him?”

Zhu Yan nods in response to Ran Yi’s question. “He is Zhu Yin.”

“Zhu Yin?”

“He is a fugitive.”

Ran Yi’s eyes widen. He looks back at his distressed wife who is doing her best to keep herself calm. 

“If I don’t involve others, you won’t care.” Zhu Yin says. “Without the likes of her, you wouldn’t do as I say.”

“Take me then!” Ran Yi cries, “If it’s bargaining you need, just take me!”

Zhu Yin glances back at Ran Yi, expressions of disbelief and disgust painting his face. “ You would rather I take you instead of her ? Have you gone mad? Have you been bewitched too?”

“She is my wi—“

“Is that what she told you?” Zhu Yin laughs humorlessly. “You’ve been lied to!”

“That’s not true!” Miss Qi cries before looking at Ran Yi pleadingly “ Airen, please don’t listen to him. Stay put, don’t do anything rash.”

Zhu Yan looks between the two parties. If he acts without thinking he could endanger Miss Qi, but if he doesn’t do anything either Miss Qi could still be in trouble. 

“They’re all the same,” Zhu Yin says as he tightens his hold on Miss Qi’s neck, making her gasp for air. “Humans are liars. Just as the sun rises in the east, humans cannot help but lie.”

“ You are the one blinded!” Ran Yi responds. “My wife did not do anything to you, we don’t know who you are and yet you blame her for your misfortune!”

“Blame?” Zhu Yin laughs. “Oh, I don’t blame her. I’m simply telling you, that like every single one of them, she will lie to you. Maybe she hasn’t yet , but she will and then you’d be just like me .”

“Zhu Yin!” Zhu Yan cries, “Enough of this, aren’t you ashamed? You were a Mountain God and you allowed to debase yourself like this?!”

Zhu Yin looks back at Zhu Yan with a haughty smirk, “You could say that because you’ve never truly known them. Zhu Yan, ah Zhu Yan. Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve admired them. You think, everything you ever wanted they had. Bonds, empathy, passion, enthusiasm, ah but they’re all just in the surface. You have yet to seen the truth about them.”

Ran Yi seems to have worn his patience thin and he rushes to leap across the river to save his wife. But with a flick of his hand, Zhu Yin summons an angry and powerful gale. Zhu Yan lets go of his spell in favor of rushing to support Ran Yi before he hits the ground and cause more injury.

“ Airen!” Miss Qi cries miserably. “ Airen, please!”

Zhu Yan holds Ran Yi up as he looks back at Zhi Yin and Miss Qi. The distressed wife looks at her husband with fear in her eyes. Zhu Yan could feel her heart breaking.

“What will make you stop?” Zhu Yan asks Zhu Yin without a preamble.

Zhu Yin smiles. “I want you to do something for me.”

Ran Yi grabs Zhu Yan’s sleeve, “Don’t. Zhu Yan, you cannot listen to him.”

“I want you to kill someone for me.”

Zhu Yan’s heart drops to the pits of his stomach at Zhu Yin’s declaration.

Ran Yi coughs up blood as he glares at Zhu Yin, “Despicable! To use someone’s hands to do your dirty deed!”

Zhu Yin ignores Ran Yi’s remarks and stares back at Zhu Yan. 

“It doesn’t have to be hard, Zhu Yan. You won’t even remember a thing.”

“W-What…”

Zhu Yin smirks, “If you come here, I will let this woman go.”

Miss Qi shakes her head, desperately telling Zhu Yan not to listen to her captor. But Zhu Yan realizes that had he not found the couple, they wouldn’t have gotten into this trouble. Miss Qi’s life wouldn’t have been in danger if Zhu Yan had not sat in their living room. It was his fault, and there shouldn’t be anyone else involved but him.

As if hearing his thoughts, Ran Yi clutches his sleeves tighter.

“Zhu Yan,” he says. “Don’t do it.”

Zhu Yan looks back.

“When he lets go of her, take her far away.”

***

“Zhuo Yichen DaRen.”

Zhuo Yichen pauses misstep when he hears a call for his name. He looks at his teacher and silently asked permission to stop and speak with the vanguard now standing by the side of the training ground. The elderly martial arts teacher nods to silently signaling for him to proceed. 

Zhuo Yichen puts his sword back to his sheathe to walk over to the vanguard.

“What’s wrong?” He asks.

“ DaRen,” the vanguard says in greeting, “Apologies for disturbing you. A wounded demon arrived at the doors of the Bureau. We’ve sent him to the infirmary. He said he’s looking for the Commander.”

“Father?” Zhuo Yichen frowns, “Did he say why?”

The vanguard nods. “He said he has something very important to tell the Commander.”

“What kind of something ?”

“He refuses to tell us, he said he wanted someone from the Bureau, not just guards.”

Zhou Yichen sighs. He has encountered many demons like this before, all worried the human members of the Demon Hunting Bureau will not understand them. Though he wishes they would just tell the vanguards, Zhuo Yichen also understands their apprehension. There are unique circumstances when it comes to demons and they fear being misunderstood.

“I’ll go see him.” Zhuo Yichen says.

The vanguard nods and follows him to the infirmary. 

“Where was this demon from?”

“From the town of Wei.” the vanguard says, “He has a household registry in the Bureau.”

A household registry? Zhou Yichen concludes this demon must have either an employment in Tiandu or strong tie in Tiandu. Household registry are given only to special cases for demons, those who find employment are allowed to live in Tiandu under a household registry, there are also special cases such as children who are half-human and half-demon are also registered under their mortal parents’ registry. 

Zhou Yichen decides to ask question later when he sees the demon for himself.

Before he could even reach the infirmary, he could already hear the muffled voice of two people talking. One of them is Wen Xiao. Unsure what is happening, Zhou Yichen hurries to the door.

“Zhu Yin. Zhu Yin came, he took my wife.” Zhuo Yichen hears someone say. “He used her to threaten him, h-he said that if he didn’t go, he will hurt her.”

“Who?” Zhuo Yichen hears Wen Xiao ask. “Who did Zhu Yin threaten?”

Zhuo Yichen finally reaches the open door to the infirmary and he sees Wen Xiao kneeling on the bedside of an injured and frantic demon.

“Zhu Yan.”

Zhuo Yichen finds himself frozen on the spot. A few hours ago, he had just seen Zhu Yan teasing, laughing, and messing around like his usual self. He was just there a moment ago. He should have made an excuse, he should have given him that jade token, if he had then he would have stayed. If only he didn’t let him leave. Zhuo Yichen reaches inside his breast pocket where he kept the token, holding it tightly.

“You don’t understand.” The demon says, “Zhu Yin plans to use him for his revenge. Zhu Yin can summon the blood moon, and Zhu Yan cannot be outside Mount Kunlun on a blood moon.”

“What do you mean? Why can’t he be outside the Mountain on a blood moon?”

“Because he will kill .”

Zhuo Yichen’s eyes widen at the word. His whole body feels cold and every fiber of his being screams for him to move, to do something, anything. He turns around not waiting for anyone’s command or say-so. He hears a loud clank but he doesn’t even bother to look as the token fell on the floor. 

“Xiao Zhuo, wait! Xiao Zhuo you can’t go alone!”

Zhuo Yichen ignores the call for him nor the vanguards asking where he is going. To him, it is clear what he should do. He needs to find Zhu Yan.

***

Zhu Yan looks at the cuffs in his hand. Unlike the ones used by the Demon Hunting Bureau, the cuffs are no ordinary item. Though it is made of the same wood and iron materials, Zhu Yan can see an array underneath the cuffs, an array created with something Zhu Yan couldn’t quite tell. With the cuffs on, he couldn’t seem to use his one-word spell, his usual demonic energy seems contained as well. It’s something he has never seen before and it’s a surprise Zhu Yin managed to get his hands on such thing.

“Aren’t you even going to ask?” Zhu Yin says. 

“Ask what?” Zhu Yan replies. Frankly, Zhu Yan was interested in his case before. He wondered what might have pushed Zhu Yin to commit the said crime he was being accused of. But, after he had taken Ying Lei, Zhu Yan lost the care he still has for him. “Fine, if you want me to ask. I’ll ask.”

Zhu Yin looks at him with a knowing smirk.

“What spell is in this cuff?”

“It’s a secret.”

“What a–that’s cheating!”

“I didn’t say I will give you the answer you like, did I?”

“Then I’m not gonna ask anymore.”

Zhu Yan wouldn’t say he doesn’t find it pitiful that Zhu Yin had become like this. Way back when, he would humor Zhu Yan about his experience before he guarded Mount Kunlun with Ying Zhao. He lived for a long time in the Tiandu in a mountain and encountered different kinds of people. When he left to return to his shrine after Ying Lei’s birth, he even missed him and thought Ying Lei would learn a lot from him. But now, Zhu Yan could only see a sliver of the Zhu Yin he used to know.

“Now it’s my turn,” Zhu Yin says. “What did the Demon Hunting Bureau told you about me?”

“That you murdered someone.”

Zhu Yin’s expression fell.

“Ah, so it’s the same.”

Zhu Yan frowns, “So it’s true?”

Zhu Yin laughs, “True? You believe the humans, Zhu Yan?”

“Then what should I believe?”

Zhu Yan watches as Zhu Yin’s vengeful eyes look glassy for a moment, as if they’re flooded with deep emotion. Anger, regret, betrayal. Zhu Yan could see the thick malicious energy surrounding Zhu Yin like a heavy cloak.

“Zhu Yin,” he says, “Did you kill someone–”

“ He killed my temple keeper and blamed it on me!” Zhu Yin says his voice trembling slightly. “He came into our temple and we welcomed him. A mortal. With his innocent wishes and noble hope, we were naive to think of him kindly. But he lied . They all lie to you, Zhu Yan. He wanted a dragon scale to achieve his ambitions and when my temple keeper wouldn’t let him, he poisoned me and killed him.”

Zhu Yan’s whole body grows cold from the frightening revelation. He couldn’t tell how true is Zhu Yin’s story but he could feel the fierceness in his words like sharp blades cutting through skin. 

“He trapped me in my own temple until other humans found my temple keeper. By the time the word was out, he had achieved his ambition.” Zhu Yin says through gritted teeth. “And no matter how much I repeat it, no matter whom I spoke to, they wouldn’t believe.”

In the back of his mind, a voice tells Zhu Yan it is for his best interest that he doesn’t know. And yet, he finds himself asking.

“Why?”

Zhu Yin looks at him as if he’s pitying him for his ignorance. “Because he’s the Prime Minister now.”

The Prime Minister? Zhu Yan’s eyes widen, the Prime Minister of Tiandu? Zhu Yan may be ignorant about a lot of things about the mortals but he was taught early in his years about the mortals who are most important to know. There was the Baize Goddess who maintains the harmony between the Wilderness and Tiandu, then there was the Emperor who leads the mortals and ensures order among his subjects, then there was the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is a powerful mortal who has the power to preside over court ruling among his mortal subjects, and in certain occasions, even demons. 

“But it’s fine now,” Zhu Yin says, “I may not be able to reach him, but you can, isn’t that right Zhu Yan?”

Zhu Yan shakes his head, “No, you’re mad Zhu Yin. If anything happens to the Prime Minister in the hands of a demon, all of us will be doomed!”

“What are you scared of? Humans, we don’t need their validation.” he says. “Zhu Yan is young, you don’t have to be scared, you never remember what happens during a Blood Moon after all.”

Zhu Yan’s heart begins to race as Zhu Yin’s eyes start to glow. In just a few seconds, the vibrant orange skies begins to grow darker. Zhu Yan looks up as the night sky seems to appear over the horizon. Zhu Yan could feel the malicious energy everywhere, drawn towards the darkening skies. 

Every single part of Zhu Yan feels restless, dying to be away from him, anywhere else but here. He may not remember what happens to him every Blood Moon, but his Grandpa Ying always looked more tired and concerned whenever he wakes up from it. There is a reason why he cannot be outside Mount Kunlun on a Blood Moon, and he can feel it in his bones. The malicious energy hovering over him like a sharp sword ready to pierce through him. He doesn’t know why, but somehow he knows even death would be kinder than whatever it is to come.

His vision begins to swim as the moon begins to rise, it’s pale white glow used to comfort Zhu Yan in the night but now it’s a vicious threat.

“You don’t have to fight it. Zhu Yan.” he hears Zhu Yin’s voice becoming more and more distant. “Just let it all g–”

Before Zhu Yin could finish his words a sound pierces through the eerie rumble of the woods and rivers nearby. Then, like a spring breeze blowing the night’s fog, Zhu Yan’s vision returns to focus and he could see the moon slowly retreating. The malicious energy remains but like a spooked beast, it seems to waver. Zhu Yan then becomes very aware of a new presence.

He turns his attention back to Zhu Yin whom he sees clutching his shoulder where a dagger was lodged to. Before he could turn to look, he sees a blur of black and blue fabric steps in front of him.

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen. ”

Chapter Text

“Zhu Yan!”

Zhu Yan looks up to find his Grandpa Ying running to him. His face is full of worry lines. As soon as Zhu Yan is within reach he looks at his little hands full of cuts. Seeing the concern in his Grandpa’s eyes, Zhu Yan uses his powers to heal himself.

“You went to the Wilderness alone again,” Grandpa Ying says. “You know it’s dangerous, you’re still so small.”

Zhu Yan furrows his eyebrows in guilt, “I’m sorry, Yeye. I just wanted to see.”

Grandpa Ying sighs, “Zhu Yan, Yeye is not young and strong anymore. You need to learn to be strong first because the Wilderness can be difficult place for those like you.”

“Like me?”

“Mn.” Grandpa Ying sighs as he wipes off the dirt on Zhu Yan’s cheek. “When Yeye isn’t there for you, who would have your back? I worry who will be there for you.”

Zhu Yan looks at the black and blue robes elegantly swaying in the winds. Breathe caught in his throat, he watches him stand there like a celestial magpie that descended before him. A stroke of luck from heavens. A fortune that broke through the blood moon. 

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen. ” Zhu Yan almost gasps his name. 

Zhuo Yichen unsheathes his sword and takes a defensive stance, standing between Zhu Yan and Zhu Yin. 

Then, Zhu Yan recalls something. He scrambled on his feet, struggling to stand up with the cuffs on his wrists. He shamelessly grabs Zhuo Yichen’s robes as he tries to get his attention.

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , you can’t be here!” Zhu Yan says.

“Shut up.”

“S-Shut up?!” Zhu Yan pulls on his robes, shaking him to get his attention. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen, you need to leave! You—“

Zhuo Yichen looks at him with a stern expression. Without saying a word, he grabs Zhu Yan’s arm and pulls him behind him. Zhu Yan lets out a surprised squeak as he finds him nearly plastered to Zhuo Yichen’s back.

“W-What are you doing Xiao Zhuo DaRen ?” 

“Stay put.”

Zhu Yan feels his face warm up, he’s not used to being treated like this. It’s one thing to be scolded for, to fight and get hit but this situation is something else. Aside from his Yeye, there only had been Li Lun who defended him before. But, something about Zhou Yichen’s fierce determination made his heart skip a bit.

“You…” Zhu Yin rasps as he struggles with the dagger lodged on his shoulder. “What’s in this blade?!”

“Hualing powder.” Zhuo Yichen answers. “It’s not poisonous, but it can cause drowsiness.”

Zhu Yan looks at Zhuo Yichen in disbelief. Did he always have something like this in him? He’ll have to remember not to annoy the Great Demon’s son too much. 

“Someone like you dares to defy a Mountain God?”

“You’ve stopped becoming one when you reduce yourself to this.” Zhuo Yichen says firmly, “You had your chance to prove your innocence in front of the Baize Goddess, and instead you chose to run away and continue committing atrocities.”

Zhu Yin snarls at him. “A demon no older than an infant telling me what is right and wrong, how laughable.”

“You—“

“Don’t say anything anymore!” Zhu Yan cries as he tugs Zhuo Yichen’s robes. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen, this is between me and Zhu Yin. What he wants has something to do with me, so please, stop getting yourself killed!”

“You should listen to him.” Zhu Yin says with a sinister smirk. 

With a determined gaze, Zhu Yin grabs the dagger’s hilt. He takes a deep breath before pulling it out without hesitation. Although Zhu Yan could see he has significantly been having difficulty staying up, Zhu Yin still appears no less daunting than a few moments earlier. Zhu Yin looks back at them, and without a warning, he swings his arm and summons a fierce gale.

The cold wind sweeps out of the blue, Zhuo Yichen tries to summon what’s left of his internal energy but it takes a longer time to form a shield. Zhu Yan could feel Zhuo Yichen resisting the gale, planting his boots firmly on the riverbank as hard as he can. Zhu Yan stands behind him unable to do anything with the cuffs on his wrist and Zhuo Yichen’s other hand holding him in place.

The wind is relentless and the riverbank is too slippery, Zhuo Yichen loses his footing and Zhu Yan feels his weight against him as they are pushed and tossed by the gale. The two tumbled uselessly on the muddy ground feeling every sharp and hard stone on their bodies. Zhu Yan feels himself collide with something harsh and he lets out a pained cry. Before he could open his eyes, he feels hands on his back helping him up to a sitting position. When he finds the strength to open his eyes, he sees Zhuo Yichen holding him up. Zhou Yichen’s dominant arm is full of scratches and cuts from the gale but he doesn’t seem to care for it. Instead his blue eyes looks over at Zhu Yan, as if he was something delicate.

“Zhu Yan!” Zhuo Yichen calls, “Zhu Yan, can you hear me?”

Zhu Yan nods slowly, his body feels heavy with the spell on the cuffs. Unable to go anywhere, his demonic energy feels cramped and weighted inside him. It’s as if he’s carrying two sacks of potatoes inside him. He feels breathless easily.

It’s terrible, Zhu Yan thinks, with the cuffs on him, he wouldn’t be able to do anything for Zhuo Yichen and if Zhu Yin tries to summon the blood moon again he wouldn’t know what he would do to Zhou Yichen. 

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen ,” he says, “Listen to me, ah. I know you’re a righteous man but, please you have to go. If something were to happen to you I wouldn’t know what to do. What would I tell your the entirety of Tiandu?”

Zhou Yichen grabs his cuffed wrist, “Do you see that? You can dare talk like this?”

“At least leave the trouble to me, I’ll handle the trouble alone.” Zhu Yan says pleadingly. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen, if something were to happen to me what’s the worse that cou—“

“There will be no ifs.” Zhuo Yichen says firmly. “I won’t let that happen.”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen, suddenly he’s filled with fear. Fear of knowing what happens to him on a Blood Moon, between the days he couldn’t remember. Fear that Zhuo Yichen may change the way he thinks of him when he truly sees him. 

No, Zhu Yan cries to himself as he watches Zhuo Yichen fix his grip on Yun Guang, you should leave before it’s too late . Ever the stubborn man, however, Zhuo Yichen turns to Zhu Yin with no lesser of determination than he has when he first arrived. 

“What could you do besides to shield him with your frail body?” Zhu Yin says, “In a few strikes, I could peel the skin off your body easily, and by then, even a Great Demon like your father will not be able to save you.”

“Who said I could only stand in defense?”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen as Zhuo Yichen leaps and heads for a swift attack. 

“ Xiao Zhuo!”

Zhu Yan realizes what Zhuo Yichen is doing. He leapt through the air to gain momentum and time, time to gather all the organic energy he has in his body. He’s using qi just like he did the first time he came in to save Ying Lei, but this time he’s directing it to his sword. Zhu Yan could see the faint glow the energy rushing to the sword in his hand, the sword drinking it like a dry land during a rainy day. 

And for the first time, Zhu Yan sees Yun Guang glow ever so slightly.

Zhuo Yichen manages to split the first gale that Zhu Yin summons surprising the former Mountain God. But it isn’t enough, Zhu Yin calls forth another gale, this time fiercer, harsher than the first. An ear piercing howl of the wind resounds as the wind pushes Zhuo Yichen back without mercy. 

Zhu Yan stumbles and falls on his knees as he attempts to run and catch Zhuo Yichen to no avail. Zhu Yan could only watch helplessly as Zhuo Yichen hits his back against a tree, and tumble on the riverbanks. Everything suddenly feels all too quiet, if Zhu Yin is saying something, Zhu Yan couldn’t hear him, the wind, the river, the woods all become silent to Zhu Yan. All he could see was Zhuo Yichen’s form slumped on the ground unmoving.

He pulls himself up, ignoring the numerous times he tripped on a rock or two. He ignores the stains on his silver and white robes as he walks up and kneels next to him. 

“Xiao Zhuo DaRen. ” Zhu Yan shakes his shoulders. “ Xiao Zhuo , please don’t joke like this. You’re a terrible at pranks. Open your eyes please.”

Zhu Yan feels his heart beating rapidly. He doesn’t what hurts him but he aches. He feels something wet rolling down his cheeks as he continues to shake Zhuo Yichen.

“ Xiao Zhuo, please. Open your eyes.”

Zhu Yan suddenly feels Zhuo Yichen move, his body seemingly tensing up, the hand with Yun Guang curls up, gripping the hilt very tightly. Zhu Yan shakes him a few more times trying to get him to open his eyes. Then, he does.

Glowing blue eyes stares back unseeing.

***

“Wen Xiao DaRen!”

Wen Xiao rushes to meet the lead of the unit of the vanguards, “What took you so long!” she cries in panic. 

“Apologies, we tried to come as soon as we received the information but there was a commotion in the road because of an accident.” The man says sounding genuinely apologetic. 

“There’s another problem,” Wen Xiao tells the man. “You have to take more men, it seems that Zhu Yin is behind this and he’s planning something malicious. And Xiao Zhu–”

Before Wen Xiao could finish speaking she feels a frigid air on her back. Looking back, her eyes grow wide as she sees a thin sheet of ice creeping across the marble floor. Noticing the same thing, the head of the vanguards gently pulls Wen Xiao back to avoid the ice. Both of them looks towards the source, the circular pond in the middle of the hall.

Wen Xiao couldn’t believe what she is looking at. The pond is covered with an inch-thick ice, while the rest of the hall appears normal.

“What…” Wen Xiao mutters in disbelief. “What is that?”

***

Zhu Yan stares mutely at Zhuo Yichen as he pulls himself up. He could see it, the faint blue glow of his qi has disappeared replaced by a pulsating bright blue energy. The cuts on Zhuo Yichen’s arms begins to disappear as well. Zhu Yan hesitantly reaches to him, but instead of a harsh push as he expects, Zhuo Yichen holds unto him as if trying to ground himself.

“ Xiao Zhuo?”

Zhuo Yichen’s previously unseeing gaze, shift towards Zhu Yan and he sees recognition in them. Zhuo Yichen lets out a cough, and another. Zhu Yan could only compare the way he’s gasping to someone drowning, as if he couldn’t get enough air.

“H-How…” Zhu Yan hears Zhu Yin mutter. “I-It can’t be…but he…”

Zhu Yan has no time to listen or bother about Zhu Yin’s internal conflicts, Zhuo Yichen is drowning in dry land and he needs to find out how to help him. 

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen, I-I don’t know what to do if you don’t tell me what is wrong. You have to speak to me.”

Zhuo Yichen only coughs up and turn his head away as if trying to get an angle to breathe. Zhu Yan reaches out to try to turn his face back to him when suddenly he catches a glimpse of something. On Zhuo Yichen’s neck there is a demon mark, branching on his skin and glowing black and blue.

Zhu Yan is so focus on the strange mark that he doesn’t notice Zhu Yin had approached them. Zhu Yin grabs him by the arm and with his demon strength he flings Zhu Yan away, separating the two. When Zhu Yan comes to it, he finds himself staring at Zhu Yin standing in front of Zhuo Yichen. In Zhu Yin’s hand is the same dagger Zhuo Yichen had used to attack him earlier.

“Zhu Yin, don’t do this!”

Zhu Yin turns to look at Zhu Yan, “You would thank me for this in the future, Zhu Yan.”

Zhu Yan watches in horror as Zhu Yin grabs Zhuo Yichen by the neck, raising the dagger.

“No.” Zhu Yan looks at the cuffs on his hands, he has to get out of it. He closes his eyes as he concentrates all the heavy demonic energy in his body into a fiery ball in his wrists, trying to brute force himself out of his restraints. “Please work, please work.”

His demonic energy explodes in his wrist making him cry out in pain, he looks down hoping to see the restraints to be undone but much to his horror and despair–it is not undone, only leaving his wrist bleeding. Zhu Yan’s fear begins to melt into tears, he looks up in despair.

“Zhu Yin! Stop I’ll do it! I swear!”

Zhu Yin doesn’t stop.

The dagger thrusts downwards.

Zhu Yan sees blood spraying and he falls on his knees.

With his heart beating on his ears, Zhu Yan watches as Zhu Yin collapses on the ground. Zhu Yan doesn’t know how long it took until he finds the strength back on his legs and he runs towards Zhuo Yichen who is emitting a pulsating blue demonic energy. He is no longer thinking clearly, everything is murky. He disregards the pain on his wrists and he throws himself in front Zhuo Yichen holding him as much as possible with his wrists still bound.

“Don’t shoot!” he cries, “Don’t shoot him!”

Zhu Yan needed only one short glimpse to recognize the demon hunting bow from the Chongwu Camp that the woman hiding on a tree is used.

Chapter Text

The first time Zhu Yan knew of the Chongwu Camp was when he first brought Li Lun down Mount Kunlun. They had been casually strolling when they came by a group of uniformed men and women who was dragging along a fox demon and her kit. Her distress cries to onlookers made Li Lun rush to her aid, but instead of listening the group of men had aimed their bows at Li Lun. Zhu Yan remembers well the special structure of that bow, just by looking at it, he knew it was designed to hunt demons.

Li Lun nearly got in trouble but thankfully, before anything happens another group arrived. It was the Demon Hunting Bureau. The Chongwu Camp and the Demon Hunting Bureau are comparable to two ends of a spectrum. The Chongwu Camp works within the assumption that all demons are violent by nature, thus their first purpose is to restrain and detain demons who are accused of creating chaos in Tiandu. And unlike the Demon Hunting Bureau, much of their resources are used to create weapons that not only can withstand demonic energy, but are also fatal for demons. 

The two parties had been in disagreement since the founding of Chongwu Camp. For a few years the two sides played what felt like to the residents of Tiandu a metaphorical tug-of-war. When the Chongwu Camp gets into a case, the Demon Hunting Bureau would come in and plead the demon’s case by proposing investigation. When the Demon Hunting Bureau gets the case, the others would say they are taking too long and need them to make the decision themselves. However, the Chongwu Camp eventually fell out of favor when the new Emperor came into power. The Emperor has a high regards to the Baize Goddess and since the Baize Goddess favored the methods of the Demon Hunting Bureau, by default the Emperor sided with them as well. 

The Chongwu Camp continued its activities but it’s power soon decreased. Zhu Yan has not heard of them for a long time, but he isn’t willing to take the risk.

“Please don’t shoot!” Zhu Yan tells again. 

Zhuo Yichen is shaking in his hold, his body too cold to the touch but Zhu Yan doesn’t budge. If he lets go, who knows what the woman on the tree would do. 

The woman doesn’t say anything, her silence is making Zhu Yan very uncomfortable and scared. 

Zhu Yan decides to look back at Zhuo Yichen and he looks like he’s not getting any better. The marks on his neck are growing and it seems like it’s giving him tremendous pain. He feels helpless and desperate, he wanted to do something but he couldn’t. 

Next to him he hears Zhu Yin heaving. Zhu Yan turns to look at him. It happened very fast. When Zhu Yin was about to bring the blade down on Zhuo Yichen, a swift and steady arrow shot through the tree and down to Zhu Yin. The arrow sped through with so much force Zhu Yin nearly got pushed down the ground. The arrow pierced down and through his clavicle making it impossible for him to move his arms. 

Blood pours out of his mouth as he lie there on the ground looking at Zhu Yan and Zhou Yichen. 

Zhu Yan already misses him, misses the Mountain God he was before he was consumed with fury and vengeance. 

“Don’t…” Zhu Yin gasps as he tries to move his other hand. “He’s…he…k-kill…”

Zhu Yan couldn’t understand him. Zhu Yin continues to seemingly babble incoherently, until the light in his eyes slowly disappears. His body begins to glow as it turns to dust. The wind he summons becomes a gentle breeze carrying him and spreading his soul back into the world.

He isn’t in any place to judge whether Zhu Yin’s actions were justified or excessive. But he wonders about a life where Zhu Yin wasn't brought to such a breaking point. He wonders if he will be reincarnated again as a Mountain God, or a lesser demon, or perhaps a mortal. Zhu Yan may not understand him now, but he still treasures the days that he laughed with him and thought of him as a good friend.

“Zhu Yan…”

Zhu Yan blinks out of his reverie when he hears Zhuo Yichen’s voice. He turns to look at him and finds his glowing eyes is slowly returning back to its normal color. His breathing is becoming less desperate too.

“ Xiao Zhuo!” He cries.

Realizing the improving situation, Zhu Yan looks back to inform the Chongwu Camp’s vanguard. However, Zhu Yan finds the tree empty. The woman isn’t there anymore.

“Blood.” Zhuo Yichen rasps. “Why…there’s blood.”

Zhu Yan sighs, his Zhuo Yichen DaRen has regained some awareness and now wouldn’t let him scan their surroundings for danger. He turns to him and realizes Zhuo Yichen is looking at the blood on his clothes, blood that Zhu Yan accidentally got on him when he panicked and placed his arms over his shoulders. Zhu Yan removes his arms around Zhuo Yichen’s shoulder feeling sorry for the garment that might never be able from recover the blood soaked in it. 

“Your…wrists.” Zhuo Yichen rasps. “They’re…”

“Fine.” Zhu Yan assures him. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , they’re nothing like the beating you got.”

“You’re fine?”

“Well, yes and—“

Zhuo Yichen slumps his whole weight on Zhu Yan, his head resting on his shoulder. 

“Good.” He says. “That’s good.”

Zhu Yan shakes him, “ Xiao Zhuo , I’ve gotten enough of this fainting from you. If you close your eyes again I might lose my mind.”

He hears him chuckle. His throat sounds so dry and painful.

“You won’t.”

Zhu Yan is about to scold the other for assuming when Zhu Yan hears something. One, two, no, its seven. Seven pairs of feet running towards their location. Zhu Yan internally curses himself, he is far too tired, he doesn’t know if he could keep up against seven Chongwu Camp vanguards. He could only pull Zhou Yichen protectively to himself.

Bracing for the rain of arrows, he closes his eyes.

“They’re here.” A female’s voice says.

Then, he hears the sound of boots against the wet ground. 

“Thank heavens!” Zhu Yan’s eyes snaps open when he hears Wen Xiao’s voice. Turning around, he sees a group of Demon Hunting Bureau vanguards along with Wen Xiao and the female archer from earlier.

Wen Xiao tearfully rushes to them. She kneels next to them and pulls Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yichen to a tight embrace.

***

Zhu Yan wakes up to the sound of familiar voices, and despite the aches in his body he finds himself feeling comfortable and almost drowsy. Wait, why does he need to wake up? Wasn’t he in the riverbanks with Zhuo Yichen? Zhu Yan opens his eyes and he finds himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling of what appears to be a house. He pulls himself up to sit and take in his surroundings.

He’s never been here before, that’s for sure.

“Zhu DaRen?” 

Zhu Yan looks towards the source of the voice and he sees Wen Xiao walking up to him followed by that archer. Despite Zhu Yan’s wariness to the archer, he couldn’t find it in himself to distrust Wen Xiao. Wen Xiao sits on the side of his bed and gives him a small smile of reassurance.

“How are you feeling?” She asks. 

“Sore.” Zhu Yan says, “I feel like I’ve been shoved under a carriage wheel.”

Just as Zhu Yan finishes speaking, something occurs to him. He can regulate his demonic energy again. He looks down on his wrists and the cuffs are gone. His wrists also already healed itself.

“We took the cuffs away,” the archer says. “Once it was removed your body naturally repaired itself.”

Zhu Yan looks at the archer suspiciously, she’s from Chongwu Camp and he’s not sure if he could trust her just yet. 

“Her name is Pei Sijing,” Wen Xiao says, “It’s fine, she’s with us.”

“But she’s…”

“The Pei family is a family of elite archers. The design of the bow for the Chongwu Camp had been a replica of our family’s bow and arrow designs, modified to be used against demons.” Pei Sijing tells him. “Some of us were forced to work for the Chongwu Camp.”

“But Pei- jiejie is a little different.” Wen Xiao explains, “She works for the Demon Hunting Bureau and posed as a Chongwu Camp vanguard.”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen. “You’re a spy.”

“Pei- Jiejie helped the Demon Hunting Bureau solidify their jurisdiction on handling demon related cases by gathering intel while she was with the Chongwu Camp.” Wen Xiao explains further. “Since the Chongwu Camp had lost their influence, Pei-Jiejie had been free from them.”

Zhu Yan finally settles at the explanation. If Wen Xiao says so, then it must be true.

“And Xiao Zhuo?” Zhu Yan asks, “Is he here too?”

“He is.” Wen Xiao assures him. “He’s resting but he’s okay.”

Zhu Yan lets out a sigh of relief. He doesn’t know what he will do if he heard anything other than Wen Xiao assuring him that Zhou Yichen is fine.

“Did Zhu Yin happen to know where he obtained the cuffs he used?” Pei Sijing asks.

Zhu Yan shakes his head. “I’ve been wondering what kind of material it is that was able to do what it did. I’ve never found something that contained my demonic energy like that. I even tried to brute force my way off of it but it didn’t even work.”

Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing looks at each other as if communicating in silence. 

“Why? Do you know what it’s made of?”

Pei Sijing nods. “The cuff itself are ordinary. It’s made of standard wood and iron nails. But, the array on it is something I’m not familiar with, though…”

Wen Xiao sighs and continues for Pei Sijing, “The array is made of some precious materials from the Wilderness, and most importantly…mixed with demon blood.”

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen, “W-What? Are you sure?

“Yes.” Pei Sijing says. “Whoever is doing this must have some sinister reasons. After all, how else would they obtain a demon blood.”

“Zhu Yin did he…”

Pei Sijing shakes her head guessing that Zhu Yan is wondering if Zhu Yun had made the item himself. “Zhu Yin has not been out of Tiandu for several years, he cannot have gathered the materials himself.”

“We’re afraid there’s someone making these things behind our backs. We will need to inform the Bureau.” Wen Xiao says.

Zhu Yan nods. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to Commander Bingyi.” Wen Xiao assures. 

Zhu Yan has hardly thought of Bingyi’s reaction, however now that the Great Demon is mentioned, Zhu Yan could not help but worry. He could hardly count how many times Bingyi told him to leave Zhuo Yichen, he ignored it thinking it was only an exaggerated warning. But now, he wouldn’t be surprised if Bingyi turns him to minced meat and feeds him to the carps on the Bureau’s pond.

He won’t be surprised if Bingyi asks the Baize Goddess this time not to allow Zhu Yan back to Tiandu. If that’s the case, then he should at least see him before he gets permanently suspended from leaving the Wilderness and Mount Kunlun.

As if reading his mind, Wen Xiao smiles at him, “ Xiao Zhuo hasn’t woken up yet, but would you like to see him?”

Zhu Yan nods.

Zhu Yan struggled to walk due to his still healing body, but he really doesn't want to wait until Bingyi arrives to see Zhuo Yichen. Zhu Yan realizes halfway through their walk to Zhuo Yichen’s room that the house is someone else’s. It certainly isn’t the Zhuo family’s home. 

“It’s my family’s place,” Wen Xiao says, noticing Zhu Yan looking around. “The Commander was informed and he said until we’ve cleared everything it’s better to stay elsewhere than the Bureau.”

Zhu Yan looks back, “The Great Demon already knows?

Wen Xiao nods. “He’s making a sweep through everyone connected with the Bureau.” she answers. “He said he wants to make sure Zhu Yin has no accomplices connected to the Bureau that could come near Xiao Zhuo.”

The Great Demon truly treats his son favorably. Zhu Yan argue that sometimes he treats Zhuo Yichen even more kindly and gently than the Emperor to his children. Zhu Yan heard the Emperor had sent one of his sons to exile for disobedience, but he doubts Bingyi would even raise his hand on Zhuo Yichen. 

“Pei- DaRen ’s home is big.” Zhu Yan says. 

“Comparing it to the Zhuo family it’s nothing.” Pei Sijing casually replies. 

Pei Sijing leads them to Zhuo Yichen’s room. Wen Xiao opens the door for Zhu Yan who steps inside with careful steps. He sees Zhuo Yichen in the bed sleeping soundlessly. 

Zhu Yan takes a seat on his bed side and sighs in relief when he sees Zhuo Yichen looking a lot better than he last remembers. There’s no cuts on his arms, and his complex looks normal again. There’s no marks on his neck which still baffles Zhu Yan but he decides not to dwell on it. After all, what’s important is that Zhuo Yichen is well. 

“Is it alright if I check on his meridians quickly?” Zhu Yan asks, looking back at Wen Xiao.

Wen Xiao nods, “Sure. Though we’ve called physicians and they assured us he has no injuries.”

Zhu Yan reaches out to take Zhuo Yichen’s hand. He remembers how cold it was when he touched him but now it feels warm again like a human skin. For a moment Zhu Yan sees the image of Zhuo Yichen’s vivid glowing blue eyes in the back of his mind, they are like the pure unblemished snow when the sun hits them. It was both enchanting and eerie. He looks down on Zhuo Yichen’s hand and realizes they were slightly bigger than his. How masculine and—

Slap !

Zhu Yan pulls his hand away and nurses the slapped hand. 

“What are you doing?” Zhuo Yichen glares at Zhu Yan.

“ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , are you faking sleep?” Zhu Yan pouts.

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t answer him and instead sits up. He looks at Wen Xiao and then at Pei Sijing. “Where is this?”

“Pei Family Residence.” Pei Sijing replies. “We brought you two here after you both lost consciousness.” 

Zhuo Yichen furrows his eyebrows.

“ Xiao Zhuo, what do you remember?” Wen Xiao asks.

“I remember…I remember Zhu Yin attacked and…I blacked out.” Zhuo Yichen looks at Zhu Yan, his expression morphing from collected to concerned, “I remember I couldn’t breathe, and there was blood on my clothes. Zhu Yan was…injured.”

“And that’s it?” Wen Xiao steps closer to the bed.

Zhuo Yichen nods. “I…I feel there’s things I missed.”

“Don’t dwell on it.” Zhu Yan says, “Pei- DaRen came to help us. Zhu Yin he’s…”

“Dead.” Pei Sijing finishes.

“Is he?” Zhuo Yichen asks, “Is he really dead?”

Wen Xiao nods in affirmation. “Zhu DaRen is right, at the moment what matters is that both of you are fine.”

“Reserve the questions later.” Pei Sijing says. “When the ones who know better are here, you can ask.”

“Knows better?” Zhuo Yichen asks.

“The Commander.” Before Zhuo Yichen could panic, Wen Xiao assures him, “He’s not here yet , but he knows and he’s the one who made this arrangement for you and Zhu -DaRen. ”

“Father did?”

“The Commander was worried that if he kept you two apart you’d go to wherever the other is even if it mean crawling and dragging yourselves across Tiandu.” Pei Sijing says as she crosses her arms over her chest.

Zhu Yan feels his cheeks warm at the implication. Well, if he had to know if Zhuo Yichen is alive, of course he’d drag himself across Tiandu if he has to!

“Besides,” Pei Sijing says, “We could only keep that guy waiting for sometime.”

“That guy?” Zhu Yan tilts his head to the side

Pei Sijing looks at Wen Xiao, Wen Xiao chuckles before shrugging.

***

Zhu Yan immediately hides behind Wen Xiao. No, he does not want to sit across the very upset tree pagoda demon in the Pei Family’s living room. In fact, he would rather go back to being kidnapped by Zhu Yin than this. If Zhuo Yichen could sit in front of Li Lun, that’s because he’s Bingyi’s son and everyone knows only those who has a death wish would try to harm the son of the Great Demon Bingyi. But what about Zhu Yan? 

“Wen Xiao, you sure this is necessary?” Zhu Yan whispers.

“Zhu DaRe—“

“Don’t make me come and drag you to your seat.” Li Lun shoots his friend a glare.

Zhu Yan sighs as he abandons the safety of Wen Xiao’s back and marches to his death. He sits next to Zhuo Yichen feeling the fiery glare of the tree pagoda demon.

“I’ll get someone to bring some drinks.” Pei Sijing says as she turns around and heads to the door.

“Ah, Pei Jiejie let me go with you!” Wen Xiao says as she runs after her leaving the three demons in the leaving room.

Zhu Yan wants to hide under the table. Li Lun hasn’t said anything yet and he could already feel that he’s not going to get out of this easily. 

“So,” Li Lun says, glancing at the two. “You tell me why you two had decided to run off instead of asking for help.”

“I really don’t want to get anyone involved,” Zhu Yan answers honestly. “I thought I could talk Zhu Yin out of his plans.”

“You’ve never been a good negotiator.”

“Wha—You don’t know that!” Zhu Yan huffs. “Plus, I was in a hurry to find a way to save Miss Qi.”

Li Lun shifts his sharp eyes to Zhuo Yichen, “And you? You have no demonic energy and you thought you could take on a Mountain God alone ?”

Zhuo Yichen looks away, “I cannot wait for people to move, I knew the situation was dire. If I wait, who knows what could happen?”

“Didn’t I tell you to call on me?”

Zhu Yan whips his head to Zhuo Yichen, “Wait, how did you two—you can call on each other?!”

“And you!” Li Lun glares at Zhu Yan not letting him change the topic, “You didn’t think to send me a distress signal at all or told Ran Yi to come and get me.”

“Oh…oh, yeah that’s…” Zhu Yan had genuinely forgotten he could have done that.

Li Lun sighs. “You are both impossible to deal with.” 

“Did Wen Xiao tell you?” Zhu Yan asks.

Li Lun lifts a finger and a leaf tucked between the collar of Zhu Yan’s clothes slips out and flies towards Li Lun. Li Lun snatches the leaf midair and turns to show it to the two. The leaf had some damage in it from possibly all the tossing and tumbling they did earlier. 

“I was alerted to this.” He says.

“You put that on me?! Since when?!”

Li Lun ignores Zhu Yan’s questions. This situation is precisely why putting his leaves on Zhu Yan secretly is necessary. Zhu Yan would dive head first into trouble thinking he could resolve everything by himself because if he asked for aid he’d only be dragging others into unnecessary difficulties. Li Lun doesn’t know why Zhuo Yichen didn’t call for him, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the reason was panic. After all, they’ve only met recently he might not be as familiar to him as he is with Zhu Yan.

“Wen Xiao told me what happened.” Li Lun says. “You two…look pretty well for someone who they thought was in big trouble.”

Zhu Yan shrugs. “ Xiao Zhuo saved me.”

Li Lun looks at Zhuo Yichen, “You…”

“He’s fine.” Zhu Yan says suddenly. He doesn’t know what to tell Li Lun. He doesn’t know if talking about what he saw to others is fine. He doesn’t even know if Zhou Yichen knew what happened. It is better if things are kept low for now, right? “Pei DaRen came in time before Zhu Yin could do anything.”

Li Lun nods. “That’s good then.”

“It’s not Zhu Yan’s fault, he didn’t intend to cause you this trouble if that’s a problem.” Zhuo Yichen says in a soft voice. 

Ah, a true gentleman! Zhu Yan couldn’t help but let out a shy smile at the other’s defense.

“Of course not.” Li Lun says, “Zhu Yin followed Zhu Yan to Ran Yi’s place to purposely use Ran Yi’s wife to make Zhu Yan follow his plans. How is that his fault?”

“Then—“

“But I don’t like that you two both went ahead without thinking about the people around you.” 

All the words dies in Zhu Yan’s tongue. When he glanced at Zhuo Yichen, he appears remorseful too. 

“When I felt the trouble through the leaf, I came to inform Ying Zhao. Yung Zhao was beside himself. If I didn’t stop him, he would have come down the mountain himself to see you. He blamed himself for asking you to do him an errand.” Li Lun tells Zhu Yan. “Ying Lei was inconsolable. I had to convince him that we’ll bring him here and show him that you and Zhuo Yichen are fine.”

Li Lun’s gaze shifts to Zhuo Yichen.

“Don’t tell me.” Zhuo Yichen mutters.

Li Lun frowns, “Don’t tell you? Why not? Between the two of you, you’re the one who has the most people waiting for your return. You’re the one who shouldn’t be in that mess in the first place. Do you really want to die that much?”

“Li Lun!” Zhu Yan cries. “Stop it.”

Li Lun does end his scolding there. He sighs and says nothing further. 

“Well, we’re okay now so don’t be upset anymore.” Zhu Yan says meekly.

“ Now you two are.” Li Lun says. “I do not know what to do with you two.”

Zhu Yan feels a small smile tug his lips despite the heavy scolding. Both demons and humans alike think Li Lun is someone who is aloof and difficult to get along with. But in reality, he’s a very dependable individual. He isn’t at all always composed. Instead he’s a big worry-wart that Zhu Yan sometimes wonders how he managed to be friends with Zhu Yan after the kind of things Zhu Yan gets himself on a regular basis. 

Li Lun is like Zhuo Yichen, Zhu Yan realizes, they have a strange but unique way to show their emotions. Li Lun’s concern sometimes appears in a sharp tone. He is fiercely protective of those he cares for.

“Stop looking like a kicked puppy,” Li Lun tells Zhuo Yichen, “They might think I bullied you.”

“You are bullying him.” Zhu Yan sighs. “ Xiao Zhuo, don’t mind him. He just talks like that normally, but in reality he’s just very worried.”

“Shut up.” Li Lun kicks Zhu Yan’s shin under the table.

Zhuo Yichen looks up at Li Lun, “I’ll keep in mind what you said.”

Li Lun looks away, “Y-Yeah, sure.”

“ Xiao Zhuo, Li Lun here is not used to warmth and sincerity. You should calm down your charm a bit.” Zhu Yan teases.

Li Lun kicks Zhu Yan under the table again and Zhuo Yichen pushes him making Zhu Yan fall off his seat with a loud thud.

***

“Make this area off limits.”

The Vice Commander nods. 

“Brief everyone who saw the pond.” Bingyi adds, “Make sure nothing slips.”

“Understood.” 

The Vice Commander turns around and heads outside the grand hall. Bingyi stands there watching until the Vice Commander is no longer in the line of sight before looking at the pond behind him. The pond has returned to normal though its marble edges are still wet with the ice cold water.

He looks over the pond watching the carps who had been momentarily frozen return to life. Beneath the water there were ornaments where the fishes swims on, between, and through. But among them, hidden in plainview is a special stone. To others it looks nothing different from the rest of the ornaments, but to the person who placed it there several years ago, he could not mistake the shimmer of the Five-Colored Stone.

Chapter Text

Zhu Yan has survived Li Lun, but what he thinks he couldn’t survive is Pei SiJing’s little brother.

Li Lun left in a swirl of leaves before sundown and returned with Ying Lei. He insisted he needed to show Ying Lei that his Xiao Zhuo DaRen and Zhu Yan had not been reduced to ashes. As predicted, before Ying Lei found Zhu Yan or Zhuo Yichen he was thoroughly distracted by the fact he wasn’t brought to the familiar Demon Hunting Bureau. When Ying Lei is brought to Zhu Yan he already forgot how worried he was and is now more interested in the wooden puzzle Pei Sijing gave to him. 

But, that isn’t Zhu Yan’s problem. Zhu Yan’s problem is that a pair of eyes has been staring at Ying Lei from behind a pillar unblinkingly for a whole incense time. Pei Siheng.

Pei Siheng was introduced to Zhu Yan, Li Lun, and Zhou Yichen a few hours ago. He is Pei Sijing’s half-demon brother. Pei Siheng’s mother had been Pei SiJing’s beloved stepmother who unfortunately passed away shortly after giving birth to Pei Siheng. She had been struck by a curse that forced Pei SiJing’s father to join the Chongwu Camp to find a cure under the impression that the Camp’s archives on demons would help. Against all odds, she gave birth to Pei Sijing’s younger brother but due to the curse, she passed away soon after.

Pei Siheng was born with a slightly weaker condition than other demons due to the circumstances of his birth mother’s curse. Pei Sijing explained that it is what contributed to his shyness. However, Zhu Yan believes that it shouldn’t be an excuse for the mortal kid to be eyeing Ying Lei like a cat ready to pounce on an unassuming little bird.

“Stop that,” Li Lun says as he hits him lightly over the head. “Don’t you have shame? His sister is letting you stay in their home and you’re fighting the little brother?”

“I’m not saying anything,” Zhu Yan says as he squints his eyes menacingly at the little half-demon behind the pillar.

Pei Siheng finally catches the sharp glare on him and the shy half-demon deflates, pressing himself even closer to the pillar. 

“You’re threatening him.” Li Lun says. “You’re giving him that look.”

“Huh? What look?”

Li Lun scoffs, “Like he’s stealing your precious cabbage.”

“W-Wha—“ 

Unfortunately for Zhu Yan before he could think much about the comment, Ying Lei has noticed the pair of eyes still looking at him. Seeing another kid, Ying Lei instantly shifted his interest. He abandons his puzzle and runs up to the pillar.

“Hello?” Ying Lei grins.

“Oh! You!” Zhu Yan stands up but Li Lun grabs his arm forcing him back to his seat. “Don’t stop me! He shouldn’t be talking to random strangers.”

“You do that all the time.” Li Lun tells him, “It’s a child his size, what’s the worst he can do?”

“You should never underestimate your opponent, Li Lun!”

“That’s a child. You are three times his size. What opponent?”

“Opponents come in all shapes and sizes, didn’t Yeye taught that to you?”

“Ying Zhao didn’t teach me to fight a five years old half-mortal child.”

“You—“

“Zhu Yan look!”

Zhu Yan turns to his side and his eyes widen. Ying Lei is grinning up to him while pulling along Pei Siheng. The shy boy looks away with his cheeks dust with bashful pink. Zhu Yan is speechless.

“Look what I found!” Ying Lei says proudly. “Can we play together?”

“No.”

Ying Lei frowns. Li Lun looks at Zhu Yan with an exasperated look.

“Why not?!” Ying Lei pouts.

Zhu Yan leans and pinches his cheek. “You dare ask? You forgot about me the second Pei DaRen gave you a toy and now you would rather play with some random kid.”

“He’s not random!” Ying Lei says as he pushes Zhu Yan’s hand, “He said his name Simeng!”

“Siheng.” The boy corrects.

“Yeah, that!” 

Zhu Yan pinches his other cheek, “You don’t even remember his name!”

Li Lun steps between the children and the oversized child, pushing Zhu Yan’s hand away in the process. He turns to Ying Lei and ruffles his hair. “Go on,” he says, “Just don’t leave the house. Don’t follow strangers too.”

Ying Lei’s eyes shine with glee and he nods. He hugs Li Lun’s leg before turning to Zhu Yan and sticking his tongue out in revenge. 

“This little—“

Before Zhu Yan could finish, Ying Lei is already off. For a tiny demon he sure is fast when he wants to, Zhu Yan thinks. Zhu Yan tries to chase but Li Lun stops him by grabbing him by the back of his collar. 

“Ying Lei! You come back here, aren’t you worried about me at all?!”

Li Lun sighs as he drags Zhu Yan back to his seat. 

“Why did you just let him off to a random kid huh?” Zhu Yan says crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re the one who always says I should look after Ying Lei properly! I am doing that now and you’re stoppi—Ow!”

Zhu Yan nurses his forehead where Li Lun had flicked him. 

“Do you hear yourself?” He says as he stands in front of him with raised eyebrows.

“Do I hear what?”

“It’s the pot calling the kettle black.” Li Lun says.

“What?” Zhu Yan frowns. “Why am I a pot and—“

“Don’t you do the same?” Li Lun cuts him, “Forgetting everything and dragging  Zhou Yichen all over Tiandu?”

Zhu Yan opens his mouth but he couldn’t find a right rebuttal. Li Lun looks at him, challenging him to refute him. That’s an unfair comparison, Zhu Yan thinks as he huffs. He isn’t easily distracted! Zhou Yichen just has a lot of interesting things to say, he’s smart after all. He’s not like a silly bashful half-demon child!

As if Li Lun could hear his thoughts, he rolls his eyes. 

“If that’s true, Xiao Zhuo would be here.”

“The only reason he’s not here is because Wen Xiao brought him to the back so he could eat in peace.” Li Lun refutes. 

“Don’t be like that,” Zhu Yan frowns, “I’m only trying to make the most out of it, while it lasts.”

Li Lun looks at him strangely, “What are you talking about now?”

“I’m sure after this the Great Demon will send me back to the mountain and tell the Baize Goddess not to allow me back to Tiandu.” he replies. “ Xiao Zhuo is too nice, but that’s not a character flaw he’s–”

“It is a character flaw.” Li Lun interjects, “One day that would get him killed. Or you.”

“You agree with the Great Demon?”

“Zhou Yichen isn’t like us, he’s more human than a demon.” Li Lun says somberly, “He should think about himself more than others. Our kind and his likes don’t mix.”

“Li Lun, you sound like every other anti-demon mortal, you know that right?”

“And maybe some of their fears are right,” Li Lun replies. “If he keeps sticking his nose to our business, this won’t be the last time he’s hurt.”

Zhu Yan doesn’t say anything for a while. Something sounds different about Li Lun’s words. Just listening to it, the words easily come off as standoffish but Zhu Yan senses something more. 

“You’re…you’re worried about him too?”

Li Lun averts his eyes. “Why would I be?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.” Zhu Yan says teasingly.

“I just don’t want us getting wrongfully blamed for his foolishness.”

Zhu Yan smirks at him knowing it isn’t the full extent of it at all.

“Stop looking at me like that,” Li Lun pushes him lightly.

“Just admit it, you care for u–”

“Zhu Yan!”

Zhu Yan turns to see Ying Lei running towards him holding what looks like a crooked flower crown. 

“Look what I made!” Ying Lei says with a giggle as he stops right in front of Zhu Yan and Li Lun. He proudly presents the crown made of flowers. 

Zhu Yan has not seen a flower crown before. Though obviously made by the clumsy hands of a child, Zhu Yan couldn’t help but find it quite endearing. It is nothing like the ones the flower demons would make with their magic, it looks personal and adorable with its little mismatched colors and little errors.

“That’s well done,” Zhu Yan compliments.

“Come, lean down, Lei Lei will put on you!”

Zhu Yan may have grudges for Ying Lei running off with Pei Siheng instead of fussing over him, but for now, he’ll set it aside for this flower crown. He leans for Ying Lei to place it on top of his head while standing on tiptoes. Zhu Yan pulls away with a smile.

“I look good, don’t I?” Zhu Yan says proudly. “Flowers look good on demons too!”

Li Lun scoffs.

Zhu Yan looks at him with a pout, “What? Don’t be so smug just because you have flowers*.”

Ying Lei giggles, “Pei DaRen says brides have flower crowns! Zhu Yan is a pretty bride.”

Li Lun scoffs louder .

“I-You!” 

Zhu Yan is about to pinch the little demigod again when he sees in the corner of his eyes a small figure hurrying towards them. Pei Siheng runs to them in a speed Zhu Yan could only compare to a duckling. He stops next to Ying Lei who immediately gives him his full attention. 

“Sorry,” Ying Lei says, “I will get back, I just wanna show Zhu Yan the crown! Isn’t he pretty?”

Pei Siheng looks at Zhu Yan once and then immediately looks back at Ying Lei as if he doesn’t really care about what he looks. Zhu Yan has never felt antagonized by a five-year-old half-demon in his life, and one that has not said a single word too! Zhu Yan knows how to return favors but this little half-demon is making it hard for him not to want to fight a half-demon three times less than his size.

Pei Siheng tugs Ying Lei’s sleeve, then without a word the half-demon just like Ying Lei did, stands on his tiptoes and puts a crown of red little flowers on Ying Lei’s head.

Zhu Yan’s jaw drops.

The audacity?!

***

Zhou Yichen looks up from his bowl of soup to Wen Xiao. Though she is smiling Zhou Yichen can sense something behind said smile.

“There’s something you’re not telling me,” he says quietly. Zhou Yichen sets aside his bowl. “There are bits missing in my memories, something happened, but what exactly it is I’m not sure.”

“What makes you sure I know what happened?” Wen Xiao says idly.

Zhou Yichen pushes the bowl of soup to Wen Xiao’s side, “Why did you put a restorative supplement in my soup?”

Wen Xiao sighs in defeat. She takes the bowl and looks at the half-empty bowl, “You still ate it.”

“It’s a supplement, not poison.” Zhuo Yichen says, “What happened to me? I don’t have any injuries, but I don’t remember Zhu Yan using his powers to heal me.”

“You healed yourself.”

Zhou Yichen furrows his eyebrows in confusion. “I…healed myself?”

“I didn’t see it for myself but it’s the only logical conclusion we could arrive at.” Wen Xiao tells him. “When we arrived, Zhu Yan was still restrained and his wrist was bleeding and broken. Your clothes looked like they were slashed in some places and you both appeared to have been thrown off to distance. But, you have no injuries. If Zhu Yan had enough strength to heal you, he would have healed himself, right? However, you’re the only one with no injury.”

“How is that possible?”

Wen Xiao hesitates for a moment before replying, “I think you used your demonic energy without knowing it.”

Zhuo Yichen looks at her as if she’s grown another pair of limbs. “That’s not possible–”

“I know,” Wen Xiao cuts him off. Of course, she knows. She watched Zhuo Yichen go through illness after illness when he was young. She watched him grow like a human child, unlike a demon. “But then how do we explain it?”

“Every single physician that had seen me told Father I don’t have a demonic energy. My core is empty. Why suddenly out of the blue I could conjure demonic energy?” Zhou Yichen asks, “Maybe Zhu Yin did something.”

“Or Zhu Yan?”

Zhuo Yichen frowns, “But you said–”

“He’s healed you before, I was wondering if demonic energy might have awakened your core?”

Zhuo Yichen has not heard of that before, though granted he is certain he doesn’t know everything about demonic core.

“Zhu Yan would have seen it.” Zhou Yichen says. “Does he know?”

“I don’t doubt that he knows but he…he didn’t mention it.” Wen Xiao says. “Though, maybe he was as confused as you.”

Zhou Yichen looks at his hands. He doesn’t understand it, for so many years he lived without demonic energy. Every physician in Tiandu both human and even those who has experience with helping demons, said that Zhou Yichen has no demonic energy. His core does not work as it should and it’s simply empty. How could he suddenly manifest a power like demons do?

“Do you–”

Before Zhou Yichen could finish he hears someone by the door. Looking to the doorway he sees Li Lun looking at him with a dark expression. Instinctively, Zhuo Yichen flinches as Li Lun walks up to him, still unsued to the demon’s seemingly serious expression.

“What are you doing?” Zhuo Yichen asks as the other approaches.

“Come with me.”

Li Lun grabs him by the elbow and pulls him out of his seat. Wen Xiao tries to say something but before she can find the right words the two are already out the door.

Zhou Yichen looks at Li Lun thoroughly confused. However, soon enough, Zhou Yichen’s questions are answered when they arrive at a pavilion. 

“Make them stop.” Li Lun says as he nudges Zhou Yichen forward.

Zhou Yichen stares at a scene that he thought one could only do in a child’s storybook. A full-grown adult, crouched on the floor, seemingly playing a glaring game with a five years old boy while wearing a crooked flower crown, while another boy is holding hands with the five years old looking absolutely confused. 

“What is he doing?” Zhuo Yichen asks Li Lun.

“Pei Siheng challenged him to a blinking game,” Li Lun says, “The first one to blink leaves the house.”

Zhuo Yichen suddenly wants to hit his head on the nearest solid surface so he can forget that he knows a demon called Zhu Yan. Zhou Yichen turns around and tries to escape but Li Lun grabs him and turns him back to face the embarrassing scene before him. 

Zhou Yichen looks at Li Lun, “Why don’t you stop them.”

“Didn’t you save him ,” Li Lun says as he nudges him again forward. “ You go take responsibility.”

Before Zhuo Yichen can argue he sees a movement in the corner of his eye, he looks and sees Zhu Yan trying to tickle Pei Siheng. The poor kid steps back, surprised by Zhu Yan’s sudden attack. And blinks.

“Eh!” Zhu Yan says gleefully like the cheater he is.

Zhou Yichen has no doubt. He is a little monkey.

“ Xiao Pei DaRen you blinked!” Zhu Yan teases, “You’re gonna leave in the streets and you’ll hand over Ying Lei!”

As expected, the little child’s eyes begin to be filled with tears. 

Li Lun sighs.

Zhou Yichen steps in and smacks Zhu Yan on the back of his head. He scoops up the tearful Pei Siheng and wipes the poor boy’s eyes. 

“Xiao Zhuo!” Zhu Yan complains, “I won fair and square! We had an agreement.”

“You cheated.” 

“I didn’t!”

“You did!” Ying Lei grabs at Zhuo Yichen’s leg, “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , Zhu Yan is bad!”

“He is.”

“We had an agreement between men and he lost!” Zhu Yan huffs as he looks pointedly at Pei Siheng. “Just because you can cry pretty and cute, you think you’ll get your way.”

“Unbelievable.” Li Lun mutters in the side.

“Ying Lei, you’re supposed to side with me!” Zhu Yan says with a frown. “We’re a team.”

“But I want to play with him more.”

“I can play with you!”

To Zhu Yan’s surprise, Zhuo Yichen crouches on the ground facing Zhu Yan, their knees almost touching.

“The game is unfair, I’ll play in his stead.” Zhuo Yichen says as he arranges Pei Siheng in his arms so that he’s on his hips. Zhuo Yichen smirks as he looks Zhu Yan in the eyes. “The first to blink losses.”

Zhu Yan suddenly feels frozen in his place, the blue eyes staring deep into his soul, gripping him. Suddenly he feels self-conscious, he was only goofing around, who would have thought the timid and no-nonsense Zhuo Yichen would stoop to his ridiculous antics and actually play a child’s game with him?

“A-And what does the winner gets…?” Zhu Yan says, suddenly feeling his throat all too dry.

Pei Siheng leans to whisper something in Zhuo Yichen’s ear before Zhuo Yichen answers, “You let Xiao Pei DaRen to play until sunset with Ying Lei.”

“And the loser?”

A small smile appears on Zhuo Yichen’s lips, Zhu Yan has not seen it this close and he couldn’t deny it does have the same intimidating air to it as Bingyi’s presence. Zhu Yan suddenly feels like a cornered prey. It’s all too new, all too close.

Zhuo Yichen leans forward making Zhu Yan’s eyes widen and–

Thud!

“You blinked!” Ying Lei cheers as he flops next to Zhu Yan poking his cheeks while Zhu Yan is half lying on the floor looking back in disbelief at Zhuo Yichen.

Zhuo Yichen stands up, Pei Siheng on his hips, with a triumphant smirk. 

“ Xiao Zhuo, you cheated!”

Li Lun sighs. What a pair, truly a match made in chaos.

Chapter Text

By the time Bingyi arrives at the Pei Manor, it is already dark. Pei Sijing meets him at the gates as usual. Bingyi met him about four years ago when he was made aware of the young woman who made the operation against the questionable practices of the Chongwu Camp possible. She is incredibly talented and has an iron will. Had she not preferred her position as a spy, Bingyi would have made her a head of a unit of vanguards. 

“How is everything?” Bingyi asks.

“Well,” Pei Sijing responds casually as she walks Bingyi inside the gates. “No injuries to both Zhuo Yichen DaRen and his companion. Zhu Yin has been neutralized, unfortunately. He posed a grave threat to both Zhuo Yichen DaRen and his companion, so I made the choice.”

“Don’t fret about it,” Bingyi replies. “It’s unfortunate but given the circumstances, it seems that he’s ready to die for whatever it is he wanted to do.”

Pei Sijing glances at Bingyi, “Commander, about Zhuo Yichen DaRen he…”

Bingyi pauses, turning to her. 

“There was something odd about him when I arrived at the scene.” Pei Sijing says, “He had…a marking on his neck.”

“Marking?”

Pei Sijing nods. “Like…cracks on the ice, there were black markings on his neck like that. And though Zhu Yin had fought them he had no injuries.”

“What are you suggesting?” Bingyi asks, his voice tense.

“I don’t know what I saw either.” Pei Sijing says, “I wonder if the Commander might be aware of it?”

“Are you certain?”

Pei Sijing nods. “As soon as we arrived, I made sure to have our physicians check on Zhuo Yichen DaRen, they confirmed he is not poisoned nor does he have any internal or external injuries.”

Arriving inside the house, Bingyi could hear voices talking and laughter. His son’s laughter. For a moment he found himself frozen in place. Zhou Yichen is not a particularly emotional child, of course he smiles and laughs, and cries when he’s hurt or upset, but knowing other children, Bingyi knows in comparison Zhuo Yichen is much more reserved. As he grows up he smiles less, laughs less, cries less. Maybe it is because Bingyi was more busy or maybe it is because Zhuo Yichen thinks more about the future.

When did he last hear him laugh? Bingyi recalls him laughing when he was so young. It was snowing, and Bingyi thought it was comfortable enough to bring his son to play outside. Zhuo Yichen ran with children his age; he even got his coat wet with snow. Then, the same night, he got sick. Bingyi blamed himself for thinking he knew better.

Oblivious to his thoughts, Pei Sijing walks up to the door and opens it for him. The sounds are louder, there are children and four people talking. Bingyi watches as six figures seemingly unaware of his presence continue with their banter. The warm yellow light of the room makes them appear so close to each other.

It is Wen Xiao who seems to acknowledge Bingyi first, though Bingyi knew at least two of the people in the room had already noticed him before the door opened. Wen Xiao smiles at him before nudging Zhuo Yichen next to him, who is holding a boy in his lap. Zhuo Yichen looks up and Bingyi wishes he could freeze that moment forever.

“Father,” he calls him with a smile in his lips. 

There are thousands of worries in his heart, but in a flash, his world narrows down. Suddenly, all that matters to him was Zhuo Yichen is alive. All that matters is that for the first time, there was light behind his eyes.

“Xiao Yi.” he breathes out his name, just like the day he gave it to him. 

Zhuo Yichen’s smile grows, it is as if he is seeing him for the first time.

“I’ll set you down first,” Zhuo Yichen whispers to the boy on his lap. 

The boy nods and lets Zhuo Yichen lift him off. Zhuo Yichen stands up to greet Bingyi, approaching him with the same warm smile.

“I heard what happened,” Bingyi says trying to even his tone, “Are you well?”

Zhuo Yichen nods, “I am. Though Zhu Yin–”

“Forget about him,” Bingyi says, “What is important is that you are well.”

The look of mild concern from Zhu Yan doesn’t go unnoticed from Bingyi. Bingyi knows it isn’t from himself. If Bingyi learned anything about this young demon, it is the fact that being a great demon, Zhu Yan has very little to be afraid of. He isn’t afraid of getting hurt or death. He doubts he’s afraid of getting dragged into a dungeon and tortured. In the back of his mind he knows he would just bounce back complete and healed. But, Zhu Yan is afraid of causing hurt to others and becoming a burden. 

Bingyi realized such way about Zhu Yan when he demanded him to leave Zhuo Yichen. His son was clearly on his side but instead of letting Zhuo Yichen convince him, he readily told him he was willing to leave to end the argument. Bingyi is old, he had met and spoke with thousands of demons and mortals, he knew someone who simply didn’t want to be part of the trouble and someone who just didn’t want to bring trouble. Zhu Yan is the latter.

“Miss Qi and Ran Yi are both safe,” he says before shifting his gaze at Zhu Yan. “Ran Yi’s injuries are now healed but he was advised to stay in the Bureau so he may help with documenting the incident. In consideration, Miss Qi was brought in the Bureau as well for protection and to see her husband.”

The cloud in Zhu Yan’s eyes disappear and his tense shoulder relaxes. “That’s good news!”

“It is.” Bingyi confirms.

Zhu Yan’s eyes widen as he hears the acquiescence with an even tone instead of a frigid tone the older great demon usually uses with him. He nods his head with a small shy smile.

“You did well,” Bingyi adds making Zhu Yan suddenly shy. “The couple are safe because of what you’ve done. Though reckless.”

“He is reckless.” Zhuo Yichen mutters.

Bingyi scoffs before looking at his son, “And so are you.”

Wen Xiao lets out a loud scoff.

“Father–”

“Unimportant.” Bingyi says, “You’re training now and I’m glad it is paying off. However, next time bring more people.”

Zhu Yan looks between the two, then he scoots closer to Li Lun. Li Lun tries to ignore him by busying himself with the children who are playing with the tea cups. Unfortunately for Li Lun, Zhu Yan will not let little children deter him from leaning and whispering to Li Lun.

“Hey, is Ao Yin trying to disguise as the Great Demon?”

Li Lun looks at Zhu Yan with the hope that the skies open up and take him back to the reincarnation wheel so he can be born again somewhere else and take him away from Zhu Yan’s silly antics. “Do you think she’s that bored to impersonate a Great Demon?”

“I don’t know, but I’m not used to the Great Demon being this nice.” Zhu Yan whispers, “It’s kinda scary. It can’t be the real deal, right?”

Zhuo Yichen chuckles again upon overhearing Zhu Yan. Bingyi couldn’t bring himself to look anywhere else but at his son.

“Don’t listen to him Father,” Zhuo Yichen says to him, “He’s being unserious.”

“I know.” Bingyi says.

“I’ll bring some more tea.” Pei Sijing says.

“No need,” Bingyi says before she could leave, “Everyone is resting and eating and I’ve seen Xiao Yi. If you could lend me a room, I’d like to write down the reports for today.”

Zhuo Yichen blinks in surprise.

“Understood, let me lead you then.” Pei Sijing says gesturing to the outside.

Bingyi could sense Zhuo Yichen’s confusion. He tries to soften his expression, he couldn’t remember the last time he smiled. He does the next thing he knows that would comfort Zhuo Yichen, he pats his shoulder. 

“Take your time,” he says, “Come see me when before you go to bed. Let’s leave tomorrow.”

Zhuo Yichen’s confusion turns to fondness. He nods to Bingyi before Bingyi follows Pei Sijing.

There are words better left for a later date, there are words better said never, he remembers Ying Long used to playfully tell him that. He never understood why some words are left in the silence or kept away until he started raising Zhuo Yichen. The world where hope lives with tragedy, he realizes, is not always the place where words are necessary.

“I could have taken the others in a different room,” Pei Sijing tells Bingyi as they walk towards the guest rooms.

“No,” Bingyi says, “Let Xiao Yi spend time with them.”

Pei Sijing couldn’t help the small smile in her lips. Even Great Demons care for their children the same way as mortals and ordinary demons do apparently.

***

Zhuo Yichen was surprised when his father arrived and said nothing about the incident. When he was young, his father always would react frantically when he gets into any problem whether it was getting sick or injured. Zhuo Yichen didn’t like upsetting his father, not because he’d raise his voice or raise a hand at him–he never did. He just didn’t like the look of pain in his eyes. So, when Zhuo Yichen saw him and instead of scolding Zhu Yan or telling how it was dangerous, he settles with knowing all was well, Zhuo Yichen felt a weight on his chest was lifted.

He doesn’t know what happened, but he was glad to hear his father acknowledge Zhu Yan without telling Zhuo Yichen how bad it is to associate with him. Perhaps he found out from Ran Yi and Miss Qi that Zhu Yan only ended up in that situation because of his desire to help them. Zhuo Yichen didn’t like it when they would disagree about Zhu Yan. 

It is new to see his father like that, but Zhuo Yichen doesn’t dislike it.

“What’s a chef?” Zhuo Yichen hears Ying Lei asks Wen Xiao as Wen Xiao hands the little demigod a bun.

“A chef is someone who works at the kitchen, they cook food.”

“Oh!” Ying Lei’s eyes sparkles with wonder. “Jiejie, how do they learn to do that?”

Zhuo Yichen notices Pei Siheng has been quietly sitting next to Ying Lei, one hand on a bun the other clutching on Ying Lei’s robes. Seeing the adorable scene, he immediately realizes the absence of a familiar voice. He looks up and sees Li Lun in the corner of the room, though his eyes are closed Zhuo Yichen could somehow sense that the other is very much aware of his surroundings.

As if sensing his gaze, Li Lun opens one eye to look back at him.

“He’s in the yard.” Li Lun says to him.

Zhuo Yichen hasn’t even said Zhu Yan’s name but it seems that the tree demon read him. Zhuo Yichen stands up and heads to find Zhu Yan. The Pei Manor is a new place, though he doesnt doubt Zhu Yan would be able to somehow figure out his way, he doesn’t trust that he’d do so peacefully. 

The night was chilly which is good, at least for Zhuo Yichen. He always faired better in cold than in summer heat. As he walks towards the backyard, the sound of the children’s voices begins to fade. He could only wonder what Zhu Yan would be doing outside alone, he didn’t expect him to be the kind of demon who faired well in solitude. In Zhuo Yichen’s eyes, Zhu Yan is his opposite. In his mind he pictures Zhu Yan as someone who craves the noise of a loud market and chatter of crowds, he thrives in place where he is surrounded by people. He doesn’t know what he expects to see when he finds him in the backyard. 

Zhuo Yichen finds him easily. His white hair is a stark contrast to the dark blanket of night. He is sitting alone looking up in the sky. It’s strange to see him alone, let alone silent. There with no noise but the rustling of bushes and grass to the wind, Zhu Yan for a moment looks lonely.

The word felt strange to be associated with him. Ever since Zhuo Yichen met him he only saw him with grin and laughter. People and demons seems to easily gravitate to him. And yet there he was. Zhu Yan looks like the moon gazing longing at the earth that he could never reach out to.

“What are you doing here?” Zhuo Yichen calls out as he walks up to him.

Zhu Yan finally looks away from the sky to turn at Zhuo Yichen. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , how did you find me?”

Zhuo Yichen sits next to him. “A tree demon told me where to find you.”

Zhu Yan suddenly pats himself down, unsurprisingly he finds a pagoda tree leaf snuck on his robes. Zhu Yan frowns before flicking the leaf off to the pond nearby.

Zhuo Yichen could only let out a scoff. Li Lun had probably snuck one into Zhu Yan when he saw him stand up. He might have the same thought as Zhuo Yichen, wanting to know where Zhu Yan is planning to go he slipped one of his leaves on him.

“You haven’t answered my question.” Zhuo Yichen repeats his question, “What are you doing out here?”

Zhu Yan shrugs, “Fresh air? I don’t know. It’s usually more quiet in the mountain and…I guess I just wanted to go out.”

Zhuo Yichen hasn’t thought much about Zhu Yan’s home. Wen Xiao did tell him that Zhu Yan cultivates under the supervision of a Mountain God and the shrine where they resides at is at Mount Kunlun. Zhuo Yichen can imagine how quiet it can be, especially in colder days like this where are there less wildlife. 

Looking up at the sky, Zhuo Yichen could see thousand of stars twinkling in the sky.

“Did you know, Xiao Zhuo DaRen ,” Zhu Yan says, “That demons believe that when they die, they return to the world that created them? Some says they become stars, the flowers, or stones or rivers, or rain. Zhu Yin said that he’d like to become one of the stars. Do you think…do you think he is up there now?”

“Maybe.” Zhuo Yichen looks at Zhu Yan, “Aren’t you upset with him?”

“A little.” Zhu Yan answers. “I thought I didn’t care. I thought I stopped caring when he took Ying Lei but I realized that it wasn’t that I stopped caring.I was just disappointed because part of me feels betrayed because I expected him to care. I expected him to scared for Ying Lei too.”

“But he did more than that.” Zhuo Yichen says, “He wanted to harm you too.”

“Doesn’t everybody do?” Zhu Yan laughs, “I know what you’ll say Xiao Zhuo DaRen , not everybody does. Not yet at least but if you give everyone a good enough reason, they will want to kill me too.”

“I doubt Li Lun nor Ying Lei had thought of it.”

Zhu Yan chuckles. “Not yet.”

“So you’re just fine with it?”

“I’m used to it.” 

Zhuo Yichen feels a weight on those four words. Suddenly, this moon feels farther than he thought. 

“I feel like,” Zhu Yan pauses before letting out a humoreless laugh. “I feel like the grandest, kindest, most noble thing I could do in my life for the world is to die.”

There’s something in Zhuo Yichen that feels uncomfortable about the idea of it. He feels like Zhu Yan is making him understand something so silly and yet so real. Somehow he hates the thought of it.

“You’re not suitable for poetic speeches,” Zhuo Yichen says. 

Zhu Yan chuckles, “You’re the one who came here and started asking me questions, Xiao Zhuo DaRen . You brought this upon yourself.”

Zhuo Yichen reaches inside his the breast pocket of his robes. Before dinner, Wen Xiao had returned the item to him saying that thankfully it wasn’t broken when Zhuo Yichen had left it. Without ceremony, Zhuo Yichen sets the item on the space between him and Zhu Yan before carefully sliding it towards the other.

Zhu Yan notices the movement and looks down but doesn’t dare touch it. 

“What is this Xiao Zhuo?”

“Take it.”

Though mildly confuse, Zhu Yan takes the item and brings inspects it. It’s a token made out of white jade. There are delicate carvings in it and in the middle Zhu Yan could see a small ape holding what looks like a moon*. There’s a blue tassel that hands from the token soft and delicate. 

“Wen Xiao said you like jade.” Zhuo Yichen says as he watches Zhu Yan’s expression. 

Zhu Yan’s eyes that previously are full of quiet loneliness were replaced with the glow of wonder. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t but think the latter is a better look on the other.

“Look at that,” Zhu Yan says with excitement, “Look at that small chisel mark, how small is that chisel! How long did it take to make something like this with such raw tools?”

“A good craftsman finished it in three days.”

“Three days?! That long!” Zhu Yan lifts it up to see it in the light of the moon. “Wow, how many of these can be made by a craftsman? This must be expensive!”

“Only one.”

Zhu Yan looks at Zhuo Yichen, “Only one? Why?”

Zhuo Yichen doesn’t answer. He doesn’t know how to tell Zhu Yan the token can only be made once as he had designed it to be so. He knows Zhu Yan would pester him for a reason why he had done such thing.

“There’s no tokens left for those who wish to come visit the Zhuo Manor, the last one is with Ying Lei.” Zhuo Yichen says. 

Zhu Yan seems to finally understand, “So, this is a token for me…so I can also see you without bringing Ying Lei?”

“Not to see me, but if you have business with–”

“I’ll treasure it Xiao Zhuo DaRen !” Zhu Yan says with a big smile. “Ha, Li Lun would be so jealous. Did you know he also only gets five coins for an allowance. He’d never be able to buy a jade like this!”

Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help the small smile that escapes him when he watches Zhu Yan fiddle with his belt to find a good place to tie the token. After watching the other struggle for a good half a minute, Zhuo Yichen scoots closer, leaning down to do it himself. He sets it just at the right height so that even with his long flowy sleeves, the token can be seen unobscured. 

Pulling away, he sees Zhu Yan watching him. The big wide smile is gone but it’s replaced with something else. Something a little different and yet still familiar. He’s still smiling though.

“You should be careful treating me so well,” Zhu Yan jokes. “I might get used to it.”

Chapter Text

Bingyi hears his son come in a few hours before midnight. Zhuo Yichen knocks in his door twice before letting himself in. There is something bright about his eyes that Bingyi decides not to point out. Zhou Yichen takes a seat surprisingly closer than usual.

“You are in a good mood,” Bingyi says.

“Father is in a good mood too.”

Bingyi wanted to say it was because he had seen him smile and laugh, something he barely remembers when Zhuo Yichen last did but he didn’t know if that was the right thing to say. They fall into a short silence, like the breath between the night and dawn, it was both natural and slightly ever strange. Bingyi couldn’t help but await the next thing Zhuo Yichen says.

Deep in his bones, there’s an etched fear for Zhuo Yichen and his future. If he could, he would have drag him far away from Tiandu, far away from where he could brush shoulders with misfortune. But at the same time, he knows it is impossible. He knows even how far he goes, the fate that bound his son will follow them for as long as his blood runs through his veins and bones in his body are made of his. Bingyi knew the second he heard his little voice for the first time that he would do what it takes to protect him from experiencing the same heartache he feels, whatever it takes.

But, it was easier said than done. It’s too easy to say he’d do anything to keep his son away from misery but as years go by and the more he struggles, the deeper the cut he makes on their relationship. As time goes he realizes that he’s choosing between protecting Zhuo Yichen and becoming his father. He has lost count of how many times he chose to protect Zhuo Yichen. But how many times has he been a father?

Bingyi knew when he realized this question. When he heard Zhuo Yichen laugh to the sound of Zhu Yan’s talking, when he saw him sitting there looking like he belonged, Bingyi came to wonder when he last saw him like that. He wondered if it was worth it to deny his son the world to protect him from it. 

“Xiao Yi,” Bingyi starts, mindful of his tone. “Do you really want to be a vanguard?”

“Father—“

“I only need to know if it is really something you want or is it because you feel obliged to.” Bingyi says. “Even if you don’t become a vanguard there’s many things you can still do. You can go to an academy and study, become a scholar or a civil servant. I’m afraid you might feel obliged because of the family name.”

“Are you…dissuading me?”

“No.” Bingyi replies frankly. “I realized now, that dissuading you is no use. You are too far like your mother to be dissuaded. Once you’ve set your mind on one thing you will stop at nothing to see it through its completion.”

“If Father already knows then why ask?”

“I want Xiao Yi to be honest, whether or not he is doing this out of the feeling that he is obliged to carry on the Zhuo clan’s reputation as the head of the Demon Hunting Bureau.” 

For a moment Zhuo Yichen is quiet, but something tells Bingyi it isn’t because he’s hesitating. 

“I do it for myself.” Zhuo Yichen says. “I want to learn to fight, I want to protect both Tiandu and the Wilderness, humans like Wen Xiao and Minister Fan, demons like Ying Lei and Pei Siheng, like myself. I want to be a vanguard for that reason.”

Bingyi finds himself unable to get a word past his lips. He wouldn’t deny that his son looks a lot like him, but whenever he spoke up with such determination, Bingyi couldn’t help but see the reflection of the person he misses in those eyes. 

“Let me be the first star.” He remembers him telling him that fateful day, “So that he may look up at the world with hope for the future, that he may see the light even in the darkest nights.”

“Didn’t you say so yourself? Mother said I was born to protect the world from the greatest evil. I want to fulfill this destiny.”

Bingyi’s hands curl to a fist. “You don’t have to.”

“But I want to.”

Bingyi closes his eyes and accepts his son’s decision. He sighs and looks up at him. “From now on, you will train with the rest of the vanguards. There will be no special treatment or regiment for you. Once you pass the preliminary assessment, you will be sorted out to your own unit, and your rank will be determined depending on how well you did on that assessment. If you fail, you will retake the preliminary assessment and there will be no consideration regardless of your condition.”

“Understood.”

“If you fall ill or you hurt yourself you will only have your unit to depend on,” Bingyi says with a strain in his voice. “You cannot do as you please, you must act in accordance with the law of Tiandu and the Wilderness, do you understand?”

“Yes, Father.” Zhuo Yichen’s expression grows bright. “I won’t disappoint you.”

“You can never disappoint me, Xiao Yi.”

Zhuo Yichen gives him a reserved smile.

“There’s something else I want to ask you.” Bingyi says. “Are you certain you want to follow your destiny?”

“It is a noble destiny, though I’m far from worthy of it as of now, why won’t anyone want to protect Tiandu and the Wilderness if they had the power to?”

“I can tell you why.” Bingyi says. “You will have all your life to think about it.”

“What do you mean?”

“In the past, before you were born, the heaven and earth struggled under the choking cloud of malicious energy. Smaller demons were barely able to survive, and humans could not live in peace. Until the first star pierced through the infinite darkness and leading to the arrival of other stars.” Bingyi explains, “The light drove the malicious energy into the corners of the world, hidden under the rocky mountain or through the thick forest. But soon, it was too much for the world to hold with nowhere to go. As a result, the amalgamation of the malicious energy created a vessel in which all the evil of the world will be kept. Their power is immeasurable, without limits.”

“I know this,” Zhuo Yichen tells Bingyi.

Since Zhuo Yichen was young, the great evil was told to him a hundred times. There are tales and books about this great evil, so much so that even some humans are aware of it though many of them regard it as myth or a legend.

“Where do you think the great evil resides?” Bingyi asks.

“In the Wilderness.” Zhou Yichen answers, “They must be hiding, collecting as much malicious energy as they can.”

Bingyi could sense that Zhou Yichen hadn’t clued in with the reason why he asked such a question. Bingyi wonders if his son is answering with the thought that he’s being asked to see how much he knows. In way that is right, but more than that Bingyi has other reasons.

“No. Xiao Yi, if he had been living in the Wilderness, why do you think you have not heard of their deeds?”

“Because they’re still gaining strength?”

“They don’t need to gain it. They were born with it.”

Zhuo Yichen looks up at Bingyi sensing how his father is leading him somewhere with his questions.

“Xiao Yi, do you know why Mountain Gods are important?”

“Yes.” Zhuo Yichen recalls his early education about the kinds of demons and gods out there. Zhu Yan reiterated it to him when he met Ying Lei too. “They guard their respective territories, but more than that they are known to have a particular ability that no other demons could do. It is why only Mountain Gods can become the Guardian of Mount Kunlun, it is because they can stop any trespassers between the realm using a unique sealing ability.”

Bingyi doesn’t say anything for a moment, he looks at his son waiting for him to understand what he has just said himself. Zhuo Yichen appears to be confused, looking back at Bingyi with uncertainty.

“Father, I don’t understand–”

“Zhu Yan lives in Mount Kunlun not because he was born there,” Bingyi says. “It’s because it’s the only place where someone can contain him.”

As expected, Bingyi is answered by silence. Zhuo Yichen looks away seemingly unable to comprehend what he heard. 

“But the greatest evil is a Great Demon.”

“He is a Great Demon.”

Zhuo Yichen looks at his father, “Li Lun said he’s not even 800 years old, how could he have cultivated to become a Great Demon.”

“He was born one,” Bingyi answers. “With so much power in him, he didn’t need any cultivation to manifest a human form.”

Zhuo Yichen could not say a word and Bingyi understood his silence. He expected it. 

“How could that be?” Zhuo Yichen mutters, “He’s…”

“Different? Of course.” Bingyi says, “Ying Zhao ensures he learns to control his abilities. It is why he isn’t allowed to use them outside Mount Kunlun.”

“But if he doesn’t do anything then…”

Bingyi wishes he knows what to tell his son but he doesn’t. Even after all these years, he doesn’t know the specifics either, which is why in hopes to avoid it, he did what he had done.

“There’s a mistake.” Zhuo Yichen says as he stands up. “Father, I’m certain it’s not him.”

As expected, his son could not easily accept the new information. Bingyi doesn’t press him. In his son’s mind, this demon had saved him twice now. But, it is precisely this reason he needed him to know now. He knows Zhuo Yichen would gain more interest in becoming a vanguard, the more involved he is the harder it will be for him to find out about Zhu Yan’s identity later.

“I’m sorry, Father. I-I need to go think by myself.”

Bingyi only nods as Zhuo Yichen rushes out the door.

If his son chooses to pursue his destiny despite the things he’s experienced today, then it will be easier. But, Bingyi knows the boy he raised. There’s nothing easy that comes for them. If he chooses to go against it then, Bingyi would hold on to the five-colored-stone as long as he can, for as much as he can, if it meant he could give him a better life.

***

The morning comes all too soon than Zhu Yan hopes for. He wanted to talk to Zhuo Yichen as soon as possible hoping to hear about what he and the Great Demon talked about but instead he found himself making sure Pei Sijing’s little brother doesn’t kidnap Ying Lei before they have to go. Zhu Yan doesn’t know what’s up with Pei Sijing’s little brother. Pei Sijing is a reputable and respectable woman, yet her brother is such a suspicious character. He keeps tailing Ying Lei like a short shadow. Zhu Yan doesn’t dare to take his eyes off them.

“Leave them alone, are you creep?” Li Lun says as he hits him with a small dry branch on the top of his head. “Don’t you have nothing else to do?”

Zhu Yan looks up at him and frowns, “You sold me to Xiao Zhuo last night.”

“I sold you to no one,” Li Lun says as he leans against a post to look at Ying Lei and Pei Siheng playing with a couple of dry branches. Li Lun silently apologizes to whatever tree Ying Lei and Pei Siheng had terrorized. “What do I know, you just left. He saved me the trouble of making sure you didn’t make any trouble.”

“Stop weaponizing Xiao Zhuo DaRen on me.” Zhu Yan huffs.

“Speaking of,” Li Lun looks around, “You’re not bothering him, that’s new.”

Zhu Yan narrows his eyes at Pei Siheng who is standing behind Ying Lei now, intently watching Ying Lei who is building something with a couple of dry branches. “It’s that brat’s fault. I heard Ying Lei giggling and I saw them up and about already playing. Whose insane child is up at the crack of dawn collecting dry branches?”

“We’re leaving soon, you should settle any business you have with him.” Li Lun says, “Who knows, his father might seal you under a mountain after this.”

Zhu Yan picks up a pebble and throws it over Li Lun’s direction. “Don’t jinx it!”

Remembering something, Zhu Yan stands up proudly and shows Li Lun the jade token hanging on his waist. 

“Look at it!” Zhu Yan says, “Isn’t it pretty?”

Li Lun raises an eyebrow, “Where did you get it?”

“ Xiao—”

“Ah, there you two are.” 

Li Lun and Zhu Yan looks over to source of the voice. Zhu Yan smiles as he sees Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing approaching them. Wen Xiao is clinging affectionately at Wen Xiao’s arm while Wen Xiao seems unbothered by it. 

“Good morning.” Zhu Yan says with smile, “Wen Xia and Pei DaRen! ”

“How are you?” Wen Xiao asks as she pulls away from Pei Sijing to approach Zhu Yan. “I hope you guys are able to rest well.”

“We’re good.” Zhu Yan replies.

Wen Xiao returns Zhu Yan’s smile when her eyes catches the glint of the white jade on Zhu Yan’s waist. “Oh!” she exclaims, “Oh, when did Xiao Zhuo give it to you?”

Zhu Yan blinks, eyes widening at the realization. He steps forward reaching out to hold Wen Xiao’s hand. 

“Wait, you knew about this? Wen Xiao, you have to tell me about i–ah!”

Zhu Yan feels a sharp pain on his ear when Li Lun pinches his ear and drags him away from Wen Xiao. Zhu Yan tries to slap Li Lun’s hand away but he is only brought farther away. When they are an earshot away, Li Lun gives him a stern look.

“What’s your problem?” Zhu Yan says as he nurses his ear. “Every passing year you’re becoming more and more like Yeye!”

“Don’t you have shame, ah?” Li Lun whispers.

“Shame? Why should I be ashamed?” Zhu Yan huffs.

“Touching her so casually in front of…” Li Lun looks toward Wen Xiao before looking back at Zhu Yan, “Even demons know to keep their respectful distance from other’s partner .”

Partner? Zhu Yan looks at Li Lun in confusion before looking back at Wen Xiao. Wen Xiao smiles back at them and waves. Zhu Yan then finds the figure standing a few steps behind Wen Xiao, arms over her chest, then it occurs to him. Zhu Yan turns back at Li Lun.

“What?” Li Lun says, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Li Lun, did you just think they’re–”

“Well, isn’t obvious they’re very close and at ease with affection.”

“That’s called being a woman.”

“How do you know that? The only woman you know well is the Baize Goddess.”

“Fine, let’s ask the–”

Li Lun pulls him back and covers his mouth with a hand, “Did your brain catch a cold? Why would you ask that?”

“Because I know I’m right and I can’t believe you think Wen Xiao is in a relationship with Pei DaRen. ”

“You!”

Zhu Yan dodges as soon as he sees the arm slap coming. Luckily as soon as he turns he sees Zhuo Yichen walking towards Wen Xiao. Without hesitation, he dashes to Zhuo Yichen who gives him a confused look. 

“ Xiao Zhuo hide me!” 

As expected, Zhuo Yichen doesn’t do anything so Zhu Yan pulls Zhuo Yichen next to Wen Xiao before taking refuge between the two.

“If you’re gonna be like this, I won’t go back to the mountain!” Zhu Yan cries at Li Lun.

“What did you do?” Zhuo Yichen asks as he looks sharply at him.

“Nothing, I swear.” Zhu Yan says.

Zhuo Yichen looks at him unconvinced. Meanwhile, Wen Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle. She has visited the Pei manor a lot of times, and she could admit that this is the liveliest it has been outside the training season for the Pei family. 

“Father wants us to travel back to the Bureau in a few minutes. You should return too.” Zhuo Yichen says as slid his arms away from Zhu Yan’s sticky hold. 

Zhu Yan lets go of Wen Xiao to look at Zhuo Yichen. “So early?”

“Did something happen back at the Bureau?” Wen Xiao asks. She looks at Pei Sijing wondering if she has something to add.

“The Prime Minister had requested a report on the incident about Zhu Yin.” Pei Sijing replies. “We received an immediate request in the middle of the night from the palace, the Prime Minister was requesting an audience with the Commander.”

Zhu Yan’s heart stirs, its pace picking up. Prime Minister. Unconsciously, he finds himself grabbing the hem of Zhuo Yichen’s coat and holding it tightly. He recalls Zhu Yin’s words. He couldn’t trust the Prime Minister. He never found out if Zhu Yin’s words were true after all but then again what would he be getting from lying?

“What’s wrong with you?” Zhuo Yichen asks quietly as he tries to remove his hold from his coat.

Zhu Yan doesn’t let him take his hold away and instead he tugs him, with a whisper he says, “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , I only have one favor to ask of you before we leave. I won’t leave unless you swear it to me.”

Zhuo Yichen looks unsure.

“You have to swear to me that whatever happens, you will not talk to the Prime Minister.”

Zhuo Yichen finally can slide his hands off the coat, “I’m in no status to be worthy to talk to a Prime Minister.” he says.

Zhu Yan’s feels disappointed at the answer.

“I will have to go ahead,” Zhuo Yichen says. “I’ll go say goodbye to Ying Lei.”

Zhu Yan doesn’t understand why suddenly his chest feels heavy. He could hear Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing saying something but somehow it all sounds far to him. He watches as Zhuo Yichen walk up to the children without looking back at him. How strange. He’s only a few feet away from him and yet Zhu Yan feels as if they’re mountains and rivers apart.

“Already?” Ying Lei puckers his lips to a pout. “ Xiao Zhuo DaRen , can’t I live with you?”

Zhuo Yichen chuckles, he ruffles Ying Lei’s hair, “Don’t you miss your Yeye ?”

Ying Lei nods.

“You have my token, you know where to find me.”

Ying Lei doesn’t hesitate to wrap his arms Zhuo Yichen for a hug. 

Zhuo Yichen pulls away before walking back but his eyes don’t meet Zhu Yan’s. He walks pass him without a word.

“ Xiao Zhuo, wait!” Wen Xiao cries seeing the other leave without a word. Wen Xiao looks back at Zhu Yan and Li Lun before bowing politely. “I’m sorry, it seems we’re in a hurry.”

Zhu Yan smiles but he could feel that it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, it seems that you will be very busy soon.”

“Ah, don’t say that.” Wen Xiao replies lightheartedly. She walks up to Zhu Yan and bows, “Please be safe on your way.”

“You too.”

Wen Xiao follows Zhuo Yichen with a slight rush to her steps leaving Pei Sijing behind. 

“AHeng!” she calls. “Come on.”

Pei Siheng looks at Ying Lei sadly before walking up to his sister. Pei Sijing scoops her brother up in her arms before bowing at Li Lun and Zhu Yan. “I can’t see you off, but if you need anything else feel free to tell the attendants and housekeepers.”

“Thank you.” Zhu Yan says quietly.

Pei Siheng whines in his sister’s arms, hiding his teary face on her shoulder.

“If you’re traveling towards the Mount Kunlun, be careful.” Pei Sijing says, “There’s been news of cold winds.”

“It’s fine.” Li Lun says, “We’re flying anyway it won’t matter.”

“You take care too.” Zhu Yan says. “Thank you for ho–”

Zhu Yan’s words are cut off when he sees a familiar figure walking up to them. Pei Sijing turns around in curiosity.

“Did you forget something?” Pei Sijing asks as Zhuo Yichen approaches them.

He stop in front of Pei Sijing to answer her with a nod.

“What is it?” Pei Sijing asks, “I will get an attendant to fetch it.”

“No need.” Zhuo Yichen says, “I can do it myself.”

Zhu Yan watches as Zhuo Yichen walks past Pei Sijing and towards him. Zhu Yan instinctively takes a step back. Zhuo Yichen stops a few feet from Zhu Yan and just looks at him. He says nothing for what feels like eternity to Zhu Yan. Then, Zhuo Yichen finally peels his gaze away from Zhu Yan to unclasp his coat. Zhu Yan could do nothing but stare dumbfounded at the younger demon until he feels the weight of winter coat on his shoulders and the softness and plush of fox fur on his cheeks and neck. 

Zhu Yan steps back, unsure of what to do or happening but Zhuo Yichen grabs his wrist and pulls him back into place.

“Stay still,” he says commandingly, sending chills down Zhu Yan’s spine.

Zhu Yan’s face grows warmer than a furnace as Zhuo Yichen secures his coat with a knot. His hands are careful and slow, and Zhu Yan could feel his warm breath on his nose. How close does someone have to be to help someone else put on a coat?

Zhuo Yichen steps back, “Don’t return it.”

Zhu Yan blinks up at him suddenly hyper-aware of their height difference. “ X-Xiao Zhuo, what…”

“Keep it.” Zhuo Yichen reaches out to secure the knot one last time. 

Zhu Yan sees his lips move as he whispers something so faint that he nearly misses it. His feet freeze in place as he watches him turn around and leave.

“It looked better on you, anyway.”

Chapter Text

“He’s gone insane.”

Ao Yin looks up at Li Lun with a questioning look. She turns to where Li Lun is looking and finds Zhu Yan reading what appears to be a cultivation manual while the other sits on top of a boulder. In Li Lun’s defense, Ao Yin has not seen Zhu Yan touching a book since she met them. He doesn’t appear to be the reader kind of demon.

“What’s wrong?” Ao Yin asks.

“He’s reading, he said he will master control of his abilities before the turn of the year.” Li Lun says as he crosses his arms over his chest. 

“He sounds like he’s in a hurry.”

“He is,” Li Lun says, sounding quite annoyed. “Ying Zhao didn’t allow him to leave the mountain until he mastered his ability.”

“Oh.” Ao Yin looks at Zhu Yan warily. “And he…he’s studying it all now.”

Li Lun has never seen a demon even try to master all of their abilities in such a short period. It’s like forcing a tree to immediately bloom. It will never be good and it will never be as strong. But Zhu Yan is determined. 

When Ying Zhao’s concerns dissipated it was replaced with a stern reminder to Zhu Yan. There is much to learn about himself, much to control. Though Ying Zhao is optimistic, he also cannot deny that in proportion to the power he holds, Zhu Yan has barely understood a quarter of it. To conclude, Ying Zhao told Zhu Yan that under no circumstances is he allowed to leave the mountain or the Wilderness until he has mastered at least half of his abilities. Half of his abilities would be equal to others’ most of which to no one’s surprise Zhu Yan objected to. However, Ying Zhao would not be himself if he allowed himself to be swayed. He stood firmly on his ground.

Zhu Yan whined for two days and two nights until he finally accepted his fate. He cannot leave the mountain unless he learns to control his powers properly.

Ying Zhao of course expects him to study it over the course of years, but Zhu Yan unfortunately have other plans.

“Wait, is that even possible?” Ao Yin asks looking up at Li Lun, “I have to cultivate for three hundred years to even gain mastery of changing my face–to gain mastery of copying voices with it too I had to add another hundred years.”

“That’s why I said he’s insane.” Li Lun says. “It’s impossible.”

“You should tell him,” Ao Yin says kindly, “He will be very disappointed.”

Those who know anything about Zhu Yan are aware that the demon gets easily bored and has never taken his cultivation seriously. Most demon thinks Zhu Yan’s level of understanding about cultivation is no better than Ying Lei’s. But Li Lun knows two things are true, one Zhu Yan is easily bored, second, Zhu Yan is certainly not completely dumb. 

When Li Lun acquired his human form, Zhu Yan already understood most of the concepts behind usual cultivation. The problem was that Zhu Yan found meditation and other aspects of cultivation boring. He never seemed to bother to learn or practice it when it wasn’t required of him. And even when it is required of him, he finds a way to avoid it by doing something else. He isn’t dumb either despite how he may sound sometimes. Li Lun may have cultivated in Mount Kunlun, but he spent most of his days in seclusion while Zhu Yan was raised instead. As a result, Zhu Yan has an outlook that reflects slightly more what is equivalent to his age in human years. In reality, Zhu Yan’s knowledge about demons is as wide as Ying Zhao whom he learned from.

So, Li Lun knows Zhu Yan understands how insane it sounds to declare that he will master his powers in a few months. But that doesn’t deter him it seems.

Li Lun rolls his eyes, well, it’s still early. He might change his mind in a week.

***

“What?”

“I said, what do I need to do if I have to go in a seclusion?”

He did not change his mind in two weeks. 

Li Lun cannot believe he’s hearing such a question. Since he and Zhu Yan were born, he has never heard him ask about seclusion. Whenever anything close to it is mentioned, Zhu Yan would say that he’d rather sell his demon core than be in one place for even 3 days without leaving or seeing anyone. 

“You won’t survive it,” Li Lun says brushing him off.

“I’m being serious.” Zhu Yan huffs, “You never take my question seriously.”

Li Lun gives him a pointed look, “I will if you ask me a serious one.”

“I am!” Zhu Yan frowns, “Didn’t you see how serious I’ve been in the past few days! Do you still think I’m playing?”

In the past few days, Zhu Yan did everything to seriously cultivate. He practiced his control with Ying Zhao and did not avoid any of their training. He sparred with Li Lun to see how much he could handle and do using Ying Zhao’s teachings. And Li Lun wouldn’t lie. Zhu Yan did improve and he seems more comfortable now with malicious energy around himself.

Deep inside, Li Lun already knew Zhu Yan is serious when he picked up Ying Zhao’s cultivation manual for demons, its just that hearing Zhu Yan consider secluding himself just to hasten his improvement sounded like a fish barking. 

“There are a lot of ways to cultivate, seclusion doesn’t sound like something that fits you.” Li Lun says.

Zhu Yan sits next to Li Lun, “Why do I have to be a Great Demon? It’s too much work.”

“Complain to the heavens,” Li Lun responds, ‘Do you think anyone has a say to who they are born as?”

Zhu Yan sighs, “Do you have to be serious about it? If I could do that I’d tell the heavens to give the title to you since you’re so knowing.”

“Why do you hurry?” Li Lun asks, “A year is nothing to us. It’s not like you’ve never waited for that long. You were able to stay here for hundred of years before knowing the mortal realm, then suddenly you cannot tolerate a few years?”

Zhu Yan doesn’t say anything. Li Lun watches him silently, his eyes looking towards the horizon again. 

“Human lives are so short.” Zhu Yan suddenly says, “I will be the same in a hundred years, but I might not be able to recognize Tiandu by then. Would Wen Xiao and Pei DaRen still be there?”

“You’ve only known them for a short time.”

“Does that matter?”

Li Lun doesn’t know. Truthfully, he doesn’t know. Since he can remember, he only have Ying Zhao and Zhu Yan, he didn’t care much about the short meetings with other demons or the mortal faces that he passes by whenever he’d come with Zhu Yan down the mountain. He thought bonds are held together with the years they spent with each other, so passing faces are simply that, passing faces. He’d has long come to terms about humans’ short lived lives. He has never thought deeply about them, he never see the use to worry about them.

Li Lun stands up, there’s only one way to distract Zhu Yan.

“Come, let’s go spar.”

***

Li Lun never leaves the Wilderness without Zhu Yan unless he is looking for Zhu Yan. He doesn’t find it as fascinating as other demons, he is content with his freedom in the Wilderness and doesn’t care about the trivial things of the mortal world. Going to Tiandu is tedious. He has to ask permission, take the Baize Goddess’ mark, follow all these rules about using one’s powers, interacting with humans, cooperating with the Demon Hunting Bureau. It’s such a lenghty process that just doesn’t appeal to him.

However, Li Lun has to endure it this time. After three weeks of watching Zhu Yan seriously taking his training, something occurred to Li Lun. He wondered if Zhuo Yichen was informed why Zhu Yan is not bothering him. Li Lun heard that demons who lived more closer to mortals think differently than demons like those from the Wilderness. They adapt a lot of human traits including being sensitive to the people they meet. 

Li Lun doesn’t mind whatever other demons think, but he knows he will not hear the end of it if Zhu Yan succeeds in his training only to come down the mountains and find out Zhuo Yichen harbored ill feelings for him for suddenly disappearing. If that happens, Li Lun might really leave Mount Kunlun and hide in the Wilderness lest he’d have to hear Zhu Yan whine about it until the last star burns out of the sky. He wouldn’t take too long, he just has to make sure Zhuo Yichen has not thought that Zhu Yan had fell off the face of the earth and hid. 

Li Lun doesn’t bother walking into the Demon Hunting Bureau’s doors. There’s too many people to talk to and see that he doesn’t have business with. He flew himself into the back of the Bureau where he recalls they stayed in when he came to pick up Zhu Yan and Ying Lei. He follows Zhuo Yichen’s presence in the maze-like manor until he finally sees him.

In the yard he can see several wooden swords lying on one side, personal belongings and items also sat with those swords. However, despite the evidences of people, there is only one person standing in the middle of the yard. Li Lun crosses his arms over his chest as he watches Zhuo Yichen practice his sword forms. Surprisingly, he appears much stronger than he last saw him. His stance is sturdier and his movements are less clumsy. 

Li Lun watches as he misses a step, he stumbles forward almost landing on his knee. He couldn’t but slightly furrow his eyebrow. Shouldn’t there be someone looking if he is doing his sword forms correctly? Zhuo Yichen pulls himself back on his feet as if nothing happened. He then repeats his sword form. He makes it to third form before he slips again. Then, he repeats it all over again.

It is frustrating.

Just as Zhuo Yichen is about to make his first step to the first form, Li Lun stands behind him and grabs his elbow. He feels Zhuo Yichen flinch, he turns his head towards him but Li Lun makes him face forward again. 

“What are you doing here?” Zhuo Yichen asks him.

Li Lun thinks the question is unimportant, he is tired of watching him move like a clumsy duck waving a sword around. He holds his elbow lifting it up slightly. Using his feet he pushes Zhuo Yichen’s until they are in the right place.

“Your arms are weak,” Li Lun says as he pushes against it, as expected Zhuo Yichen nearly stumbles to his side. “Be firmer. You’re standing there like about to dance not to attack.”

Thankfully, Zhuo Yichen seems to understand. He rights his posture and finally he appears more sturdy. To test his posture, Li Lun repeats the push and when Zhuo Yichen’s stance doesn’t waver he nods.

“Do it again.” he says.

Zhuo Yichen nods and proceeds to do the first sword form. However, to Li Lun’s disappointment Zhuo Yichen misses twice. 

“Again.”

Surprisingly, Zhuo Yichen does it again. And again. Then, he finally flawlessly exequites the form. 

“Next.” Li Lun says as Zhuo Yichen takes the starting position for the second form. 

Just like he did the first time, Li Lun stands behind him to corrects his posture. Li Lun realizes Zhuo Yichen is slightly taller than Zhu Yan, but still a few inches shorter than him. His shoulders seems strong but untrained, it must be his demonic blood. Li Lun reaches down to correct Zhuo Yichen’s hold on his sword.

“Look, if you hold it like that it’s easy for someone else to take it from you.”

Zhuo Yichen fixes his grip in way Li Lun could only sigh. This little demon surely need to be thanfkul he isn’t born in the Wilderness instead, he wouldn’t have lasted a day. Li Lun moves his hand from Zhuo Yichen’s elbow to his knuckles, with a hand over his he guides him to hold the sword correctly.

“See? Better.”

Li Lun looks down to see Zhuo Yichen but only sees the back of his head and the red tips of his ears. It takes too long for Li Lun to realize what was happening. He pulls his hand away and immediately puts a distance between them.

He had been too used with kinship with Zhu Yan around him and did not think about the situation too much. He mentally scolds himself, he should have been careful. Even if Zhuo Yichen is a demon, demons are still subjected to customs and it is one thing to be close when you know someone well, holding someone’s hand is another.

“Y-You know what to do, correct yourself.” Li Lun says as he tries not to think too much about it.

“Just tell me what to do.”

Li Lun does tell him what to do, and it’s frustrating seeing him do it all the wrong ways. But he endures, he isn’t as shameless as Zhu Yan who would easily just touch someone so candidly. 

“Again.” Li Lun calls out after the second mistake. “Your feet is wrong, you will fall.”

“I didn’t fall–”

“I don’t care, do it again.”

Zhuo Yichen does it again. 

“Again.”

“What was wrong?!” Zhuo Yichen is beginning to sound frustrated to which Li Lun could only say that the feeling is mutual.

“Your feet. Again .”

Zhuo Yichen repeats it, this time his feet is correct.

“Again.” Li Lun calls out before he even finishes the form.

Zhuo Yichen stops altogether to look at him,”What now?!”

“Your other hand is wrong.”

Zhuo Yichen finally makes a progress by the seventh try. Finally, it is time for the dreaded third form. Li Lun already knows what is he doing wrong. His stance is incorrect pulling his weight forward whenever he makes a turn. Li Lun explains and shows Zhuo Yichen how his feet looks like to make him aware of it.

After a short demonstration, Zhuo Yichen begins doing it himself.

And he trips.

And trips.

“Again.” Li Lun says, “Be mindful of your knees and ankles.”

Zhuo Yichen looks down.

“Don’t look down.” Li Lun scolds, “If this was in the Wilderness, you’re already dead. Do it again.”

Zhou Yichen tries it again. Li Lun clicks his tongue, almost , he thinks. It is almost there. Before Li Lun could tell him to repeat it, Zhuo Yichen is doing it on his own. Zhuo Yichen returns to the first pose and repeats the form. And then another. And another.

“Stop!” Li Lun calls out.

Zhuo Yichen looks back to him while catching his breathe.

“What is it?” He asks, “I haven’t even gotten to the turn yet.”

Li Lun isn’t like Zhu Yan, he understands propriety but this isn’t a situation for that. He walks up to Zhuo Yichen who seemingly very oblivious of his state. Ignoring Zhuo Yichen’s confusion he pulls him to the side where a row of wooden benches are. He pushes him down to sit on one of them.

“What are you doing?” Zhuo Yichen asks in confusion.

Li Lun pulls on his sleeves and tears a part of it. Without another word he kneels by Zhuo Yichen’s side and with his free hand he turns Zhuo Yichen’s sword wielding hand over. Li Lun frowns at the blood soaked hilt of the sword.

“Open your palms.” he instructs Zhuo Yichen.

Zhuo Yichen transfers the sword to his non-dominant hand before opening his palm to show Li Lun it’s state. 

Li Lun wouldn’t notice it if it weren’t for the fact that the red looks so out of place in the silver hilt of Yun Guang. Zhou Yichen also didn’t help as he seems to not even feel the injury. Zhou Yichen’s palm is unbelievably in a terrible state. There is so much cuts and blisters one would think he’s washing his hand on an open flame. 

“These injuries aren’t new.” Li Lun says, “Do you even treat them properly?”

“Bandages gets in the way.”

“When you don’t have a hand, you will get in the way.” If Li Lun can point one similarity between Zhu Yan and Zhou Yichen, perhaps it is this. Recklessnes. “I cannot heal an injury if I wasn’t the one who inflcted them. Especially a cut made by your sword.”

Zhou Yichen doesn’t say anything as Li Lun begins wrapping his hand. 

“If you are in pain, even if you try to ignore it, your body will instinctively move to react to it.” Li Lun says, “No wonder you cannot hold your sword properly.”

“Leave it alone,” Zhuo Yichen tries to pulls his hand away, “Your bandages will just make it harder to hold–”

Li Lun has patience for children. Small, helpless, young demons are stubborn and whiny because they don’t know better. They still have much to learn and that’s understandable. However, what Li Lun doesn’t have patience for, are demons who are no longer children but still acts so stubbornly. 

Li Lun grips his hand tightly making Zhuo Yichen nearly jump in pain. Zhuo Yichen hisses and instinctively turns his head away but Li Lun doesn’t let him. He reaches up and grabs him by the jaw, squeezing his cheeks as he turns his head to face him.

“I just cut off my clothes for you, little demon. If you being coy works on Zhu Yan, then you ought to know it doesn’t do anything to me.”

Zhuo Yichen surprised by the action raises the sword and aims it down on Li Lun’s shoulder. But, as Li Lun expects, the blade doesn’t even touch his clothes. Li Lun lets go of him and gives the younger demon a pointed look.

Unlike Zhu Yan, scolding works on Zhuo Yichen. He’s easily startled but would not dare to act on his anger. He really reminds Li Lun of a spoiled young mistress. He’s used to having things go his way and when someone doesn’t bend to his wishes he gets confused. 

Li Lun scoffs as he continues working on the bandage. He has only done banaged once in his life. When Zhu Yan has yet to learn how to use his powers to heal himself, he would get himself in all kinds of trouble. Once Li Lun had to wrap his knee on a bandage but after seeing the terrible work he did, the Baize Goddess took pity on them and taught him how to do it properly. Li Lun can still remember well how to do it thankfully.

After ensure the knot will not be undone, Li Lun looks back at Zhuo Yichen who for some reason looks like he’s in the brink of tears.

“If it hurts it’s your fault.”

Zhuo Yichen glares at him through his damp lashes. 

“You wouldn’t have shut up and stayed still if I didn’t do that.” Li Lun points out.

“You could have just asked me to.”

Li Lun raises an eyebrow.

“And I’m not playing coy.”

“Then stop pouting.”

“I am not pouting!”

***

Li Lun wonders how long had Zhuo Yichen been training. The blisters in his hand doesn’t look new and there is just an air of exhaustion around him. He looks less put together than Li Lun last saw him. If Zhu Yan was hear, he knows he’d talk about the bags under Zhuo Yichen’s eyes for hours. 

“Where are the others?” Li Lun asks. It is obvious that they’re in a training ground but there’s no other people training or supervising Zhuo Yichen.

“Resting.” Zhuo Yichen answers.

“Then, why are you still here?”

“Everyone is three levels ahead of me.” Zhuo Yichen says in a quiet voice. “If I don’t give in some extra effort, I would be left behind completely.”

Li Lun suddenly recalls Zhu Yan. It is closing to a month now since Zhu Yan started working on his cultivation. Just as he promised Ying Zhao, he really didn’t attempt to leave the mountain. Li Lun only saw him work on himself day and night. 

How coincidental. 

“How is Ying Lei?”

Li Lun scoffs, “Is it really him you’re asking about?”

“Of cou–”

“Ying Zhao forbid Zhu Yan from leaving the mountains.” Li Lun says without waiting for Zhuo Yichen to argue against him. 

“Oh.” 

As expected, Li Lun thinks to himself, it is really Zhu Yan who he wanted to ask about. It is the right choice then to see Zhuo Yichen.

“Don’t think too much of it, he delayed his training it’s nothing as complex as yours.”

Zhuo Yichen glares at him without heat, “Stop patronizing me, I’m not a kid.”

Li Lun scoffs. “Of course not. You’re something else”

The remarkable thing about Zhuo Yichen, Li Lun thinks, is the way it is so easy to ruffle his feathers. No wonder Zhu Yan pesters him at every possible moment. It doesn’t help that he returns the remarks with the most interesting expressions.

Li Lun looks away to study the training ground. It could easily hold maybe 30 trainees all at once. Zhuo Yichen must be frustrated to see himself lagging behind. Li Lun couldn’t say he understand such feeling, but he thinks he sees his point. Being a demon surrounded with humans who appears stronger than you would really hurt a demon’s pride. 

Zhu Yan is so busy nowadays, he wonders if he knows how much Zhuo Yichen is beating himself up here.

“You should go to M–”

Li Lun’s words are cut off when he feels something heavy touch his shoulder. Turning to his side he finds Zhuo Yichen’s head leaning against him, his eyes are closed with the sword still in his bandaged hand. Li Lun couldn’t help but watch him. Unlike demons he has met before, Zhuo Yichen seems so unguarded. His anger, his annoyance, his confusion, his gentleness, it is all written on his face for the world to see, something demons learn at a young age not to do. Even Zhu Yan hides his anger and confusion, but Zhuo Yichen stands there like an open book.

Li Lun sighs. 

“You’re going to be a problem soon, aren’t you?”

Chapter Text

After two months of training, Zhuo Yichen finally earned his badge as a junior member of the 8th unit of the Demon Hunting Bureau. After the assessment, he finished at the bottom of the ranks, but that didn’t matter to him. He finally made progress. He also got comparably physically stronger. He only got sick once through two months, which is a very wide margin in comparison to his previous records. 

And in a week just after joining the Bureau, he finally joins his first assignment. Unfortunately, it isn’t what he expects it to be.

“A plague?” Zhuo Yichen asks quietly as he looks up from the document handed to them by the unit’s lead.

“Yes.” The unit head replies. “Three renowned physicians from the capital already went to the city but there seems to be no breakthrough yet.”

“I don’t understand,” another vanguard says, “Why has this been referred to us?”

The unit head hands out another document, this time it is a portrait. “There is a rumor,” he says, “That before the beginning of the plague, mortals and even some demons in the area caught sight of a plague demon.”

Zhuo Yichen furrows his eyebrows as he looks at the sketch. A bull it seems, but its tail appears to be reptilian, and it has an extra eye on top of its head. 

Zhuo Yichen looks up at the unit’s lead, “Fei?”

The team’s lead nods in acknowledgment. 

“But isn’t Fei not allowed to roam outside the Wilderness?” Another vanguard asks, “Wasn’t there a record of him being sealed by the First Baize Goddess?”

A sigh, “The texts left after the First Baize Goddess’ death are difficult to rely on. It was made by a mortal chronicler who only had secondhand information of what happened between the three years before the Goddess’ death.”

Zhuo Yichen quietly notes this in his mind. It makes sense to him, after reading several documents regarding the first goddess, it seems that the documents changed the way it is written when it is retelling the three years before the goddess’ death and the year after. It is as if someone just took over writing. Zhuo Yichen studied some documents and tales and Wen Xiao even helped him unpack some of them. What he learned then is that some tales do become blurry over the years due to many factors. Some were difficult to distinguish because those who knew of the true story have passed, or because it was passed down so many times it took a shape of its own. 

“Our assignment is to investigate this suspicion,” The lead tells them. “We have a week to sweep the entire perimeter of the town and bring the results back.”

“That’s long.” A vanguard murmurs.

The lead chuckles, “You’d find that a week is short when you’re out there.”

***

The 8th Unit arrives at the town within two days. It’s near a river and Zhuo Yichen understandably expected it to be busy. But, to his surprise, the town is quiet as if a spell was cast on it, reducing all noises to nothing but the gust of wind. The distant voices are murmuring as if those who aren’t ill are afraid to upset the breeze may carry their fear to a vengeful ear. 

The town is unrecognizable, there is an eerie cloud of misery everywhere almost making the forgotten lanterns hanging by the entrance to the city look like an omen. The unit assembled in a small clinic in the middle of the town where a handful of people were being treated. Zhuo Yichen couldn’t help but look at the situation. It seems that both children and adults are getting affected. 

“Ah, hello!” The physician arrives greeting the 8th Unit. The elderly physician looks very worn out. He has bags under his eyes, and his hair is tied haphazardly as if he worked as soon as his eyes opened for the day. “Please, come here. I’m worry there’s no space left.”

“Please, do not worry about it.” The head of the unit says. “It’s unimportant. Lives are more valuable.”

The physician leads them to the back of the clinic. The team barely fits with the rows of tables full of documents, herbs and jars of ointments scattered around. All of them carefully squeezes themselves in the room while avoiding the delicate drawers and jars around them.

“Apologies, I can’t make everyone tea.” The physician says. “I can’t remember anymore where we left our tea leaves.”

“Don’t think much of it.” The lead says, “We understand that Physician Gong is very busy.”

Physician Gong bows his head politely. 

“The Vice Commander said you would be able to provide us with more details?” The head of the unit says.

Physician Gong pulls out a stool for his aging knees before starting. “About half a month ago, there was a festival. There’s nothing unusual but a child reported to his parents that he saw a strange creature in the woods nearby. He described it as a bull but with a strange tail. Nobody thought much of it first until a family of four fell ill with strange symptoms. Then, another one. Then, another.” Physician Gong sighs, “The local physician who was treating them also fell ill, and I went here to help. By the time I arrived the situation was more dire.”

“How many people have been affected now?” Zhuo Yichen asks curiously.

“More than half of the town.” The physician answers. 

“Has there been another sighting of this strange creature?” Another vanguard asks.

The physician nods. “There were multiple but no one dared to follow it. They’re afraid it might be an aggressive demon.”

The team leader nods. “Please continue that, as precaution.”

“Has the Demon Hunting Bureau able to recognize the demon?” The physician says with pleading eyes.

“It’s a—“

“Not yet.” Zhuo Yichen pipes in cutting his team leader. “We hope Physician Gong could hold on for a bit, we will do our best.”

Zhuo Yichen could feel all eyes on him but he tries to ignore his racing heart. He knows what he did is right at the moment. The physician’s eyes that were once full of anxiousness grow hopeful and he nods.

“Hopefully it’s nothing sinister, nothing we couldn’t help with some medication.”

The team’s lead peels his eyes away from Zhuo Yichen in favor of nodding and reassuring the good physician.

After a few explanation of the town’s landscape, the team heads out of the clinic. A few steps away, one of the vanguards turn to Zhuo Yichen with a pointed look. Although, Zhuo Yichen is the young master of the Zhuo family who is upholding the Demon Hunting Bureau, just like his father said, he was given no special treatment. He received criticism and scolding like everyone else.

“That was out of line,” a younger vanguard says. “You lied.”

Zhuo Yichen lowers his head in guilt, he knows in a way it is not good to lie but was it necessary for the situation? He thinks so.

“Junior Officer, Zhuo Yichen?” The team lead asks, firm but kindly, “Could you explain yourself?”

Zhuo Yichen nods, “If Physician Gong finds out that we are looking for a plague demon it may cause panic to the public. If people panic they will run. If they run, the plague will spread.”

The lead furrows his eyebrows, “And you came to this conclusion, how exactly?”

Zhuo Yichen recalls a very vivid memory of his Father handling a case involving a family. The child disappeared following a demon rampaging a small town. The demon would desiccate his victims often with very little to identify them with. Unfortunately even after being caught, the Bureau could only identify four out of his six victims. The family who lost their child looked, and looked and looked. The father left his job as fisherman and spent all his days in the streets asking people if they had seen his son or found clue about him.

Zhuo Yichen remembers him well as he would travel for a whole day to drop by once a week in the Bureau to ask if there is any new information about his son. He held on a shoe that one of the vanguards found in the outskirts of the town. He was convinced his son escaped but circumstances pointed at the opposite. 

Almost a year in the search, Bingyi called the man and told him then that his son is one of the two unidentified remains. The man cried and did not even left Bingyi’s office for a day. He sat there sobbing until he had no tears left. And then, he left.

Zhuo Yichen felt bad, he watched the man left for the last time with defeat in his eyes. 

“Hope,” Zhuo Yichen says, remembering the words his father told him when he asked him why did what he did. “Hope is a double edged sword. It is both what drives man forward, but it is also one’s downfall depending on how it presents itself. If Physician Gong found out we are dealing with a plague demon, he would lose hope. A mortal against the power of a plague demon, what was there to be done? If he gives up on treating these people, people would drop dead faster than we can find evidence of the plague demon.”

Zhuo Yichen is answered by silence. At least for a moment. 

“I agree,” a younger vanguard says as he steps forward. “It might seem unconventional but Physician Gong must keep on going, along with the others. People will panic if they knew what kind of demon we’re looking for, that will only exacerbate the situation.”

“Officer Zhuo Yichen only did what he thought would be best,” another vanguard says, “It is confusing at first but now I understand.”

The lead looks at Zhuo Yichen with an unreadable expression, “But what if I do not agree, Junior Officer?”

Zhuo Yichen lowers his head again, “Then, I’ll accept my punishment.”

“No!” The younger vanguard who stepped up says, “Leader Song, I object to it!”

“And why?”

“Because it’s the right thing!”

“But it’s not a good thing to make decisions on your own, isn’t it?”

Another officer steps up. “With all due respects, if Officer Zhuo Yichen is punished then I would rather be punished with him than to agree.” The officer adds, “Sometimes good things must be delayed so that one could do the right thing. The right things aren’t always good things but it must be done.”

Zhuo Yichen is surprised with the amount of agreement he got. He stands there unsure of what to say. 

The leader chuckles before waving a hand, “You are all too tense, I was just seeing if Officer Zhuo Yichen will be firm with his decision.”

Zhuo Yichen looks up in surprise.

“Don’t sweat it,” The leader says, “I was actually just curious why you did what you did.”

The leader gives Zhou Yichen a smile before patting his shoulder. 

“Calm down, you’re doing good.”

Zhuo Yichen finally breathes out in relief. Holding his head high he looks at the vanguards around him who also nod in respect. 

***

Ying Lei grins with pride as he finds an onion. He knows it’s an onion, it’s what the book said from the ones Li Lun brought back to him. Dusting his hands on his robes he blows over the dirt to reveal the very nice round and purple bud. The lime Zhuo Yichen had given him had turned into a dark color and Ying Zhao taught him how to plant it. He misses his lime but thankfully, Li Lun returned several days ago with a little book, and it showed him how to find a new friend called onion.

Ying Lei carefully scoops the onion out of the dirt. It is a little dirty but nothing a good wash wouldn’t be able to help with.

“I’ll think of a name for you!” Ying Lei says with a grin. 

Just as he puts the onion down he hears a fluttering of wings overhead. Looking up, Ying Lei sees a small bird struggling while perched on a branch. Squinting his eyes he notices the reason why the little thing is struggling. It’s trying to life a walnut.

Walnut?

Walnut doenst belong in the mountain. The only place that has walnuts is the shrine because Zhu Yan brings them over from Tiandu. Could it be—

“Ah! Little walnut thief!” Ying Lei cries while pointing at the bird.

The bird seems startled and it begins frantically trying to fly and carry the walnut with it. It flaps its wings as hard as it can but the walnut is far too big and heavy for it. All of Ying Lei’s shock from seeing a thieving bird disappears when he sees the bird genuinely struggling, it’s wings catches on the curved branches of the tree. Just as it is able to lift itself up with the nut in its beak, it’s wing slams against a big thorn on the tree branch. 

The walnut drops and Ying Lei hears the bird chirp loudly in pain. The bird hangs on the tree with its wing stuck on the branch pitifully. Without thinking twice, Ying Lei leaves his onion and begins climbing the tree.

Zhu Yan had taught him how to carefully thread tall and bushy trees. This tree in particular doesn’t have thorny trunks but its branches have them. They hide under the leaves and Ying Lei has learned to spot them and avoid them. 

After carefully climbing the tree, he reaches out to the chirping helpless bird. Realizing he cannot pull the bird away without hurting it, Ying Lei reaches behind the bird. He ignores the sting of the spikes and thorns scratching his hand and arm as he breaks the thorn that trapped the bird. Unfortunately, Ying Lei only has two hands, one is already holding into the tree, the other had just reached back and broke the thorn from the branch, as a result, the bird falls to the ground.

Ying Lei’s eyes widen as he sees the poor thing unable to flap its wings to safety. He rushes down the tree and to the ground. He picks up the bird, his heart breaks at the sight of it. It’s beautiful green feathers had been tainted with red of blood. Just as Ying Lei’s heart is beginning to sink, the bird flinches and then chirps.

It’s alive!

Without wasting time, Ying Lei rushes back to Mount Kunlun. As fast as his short legs could take him he begins to look for the one person he knows could help.

Ying Lei storms through the door and straight into a familiar dimly lit cave. 

“Zhu Yan!” He cries as he sees him sitting on a platform in a lotus pose. “Zhu Yan, listen to me! Open your eyes!”

Zhu Yan sighs and cracks one eye open. He knew someone was bound to disturb his seclusion, he knew it’s most likely to be Ying Lei. Zhu Yan was slightly counting on it because if he is going to be honest, seclusion may be effective—but it is getting very boring. 

It is driving him insane.

Two days ago he dreamt Zhuo Yichen came to see him. He was that bored and delirious.

“Zhu Yan!” Ying Lei cries as he climbs on the rock platform. 

Zhu Yan feigned seriousness huffs before turning to Ying Lei. “Didn’t Yeye told you not to disturb me?”

“He did, but he also said if there’s something important I can go!” Ying Lei insists, “This is important!”

Ying Lei shows the bird in his hands to Zhu Yan. In the brink of tears he tries to nudge the bird with his thumb but it could only chirp weakly. 

Zhu Yan frowns seeing Ying Lei’s hands full of cuts. “Where did you get yourself in?” 

“It doesn’t hurt! But the bird!”

Zhu Yan sighs, “You got yourself all hurt for a small bird.”

Tears begin to roll down Ying Lei’s face as Zhu Yan seems to ignore the situation. “Zhu Yan please, look at it! It’s going to die! Aren’t you sad?”

Zhu Yan flicks Ying Lei’s forehead, “You might not know this, but I only live in the mountain, but I’m not a Mountain God. The lives of the wildlife here is not my job to handle.”

Ying Lei pickers his lips, trembling with a sob.

“Anyway, what happened to it? How did it got that way?”

Yung Lei frowns, “It was taking a walnut but it got stuck in a thorn in a tree.”

Zhu Yan raises an eyebrow at the weak bird, “You stole walnuts?”

The bird only chirps.

“Fine,” Zhu Yan says, “If I heal all injured animals you bring here the Baize Goddess might give me a new title instead of a Great Demon.”

Zhu Yan straightens his legs and legs Ying Lei set the bird down. Zhu Yan carefully holds it down before pulling the thorn out. It lets out a shriek so loud Ying Lei has to cover his ears. 

“Don’t struggle!” Zhu Yan scolds the bird, “If you try to fly you’ll only injure yourself more.”

As if understanding him, Ying Lei watches as the green bird settles and flops back. Zhu Yan carefully holds its wing and sends some spiritual power on the injury. After a moment, Zhu Yan pulls back, repairing the damage.

The green bird flaps it’s wings happily.

“Woah! It’s alive again!” Ying Lei cheers.

Zhu Yan scoffs, as the bird flies and settles on top of Yung Lei’s head, keeping a distance from Zhu Yan.

“Since you’re well now, maybe you could tell me what are you doing here and stealing our walnuts. Isn’t that right, Qing Geng?”

Chapter Text

Zhuo Yichen frowns as he examines the trail that supposedly leads to the demon. The 8th Unit gathered all the testimonies about the sightings of the strange bull-like creature, totaling 14 sightings around the town. 

“How is it?” One of the younger vanguards asks as he crouches next to Zhuo Yichen. 

When Zhou Yichen touched the wet dirt, he couldn’t feel any trace of a demonic presence. He shakes his head. “It’s an ordinary bull.”

The vanguard sighs in relief, “Goodness. That’s three out of the 14,” he says. “I really don’t want to be facing a plague demon.”

Zhuo Yichen can understand. Even he is nervous about an encounter with a plague demon. According to documents, even the first Baize Goddess wasn’t able to escape the misfortune brought by the plague demon and died from the illness brought by it. If someone who is protected by the power of the Baize token cannot escape it, a measly weak demon like himself would surely not be able to take it either. However, more than that, Zhuo Yichen is afraid that if the plague demon indeed caused the illness of the town, resolving it would be difficult for the people of the town.

“I wonder about the others,” the vanguard next to Zhuo Yichen asks. “Hopefully it’s just a mistake.”

Zhuo Yichen nods. He stands up and dusts his pants before walking towards where the 5th sighting had been recorded. Behind him, the younger vanguard follows. The unit was split into groups of two, each had to investigate the different locations of the sightings of the strange creature thought to be the plague demon. The citizens of course didn’t know about Fei, only those who are knowledgeable would be able to put the name with the image. To the town, it is but a strange creature of possible demon heritage, some even think it could be a kind of beast. 

The situation is quite difficult for the 8th Unit. Despite the town’s hope for a resolution, many of them are too sick to help or even talk about anything. Whether it is gathering information, looking for clues, or following trails, the plague doesn't make it easier.

“Officer, would you like some water?” The vanguard asks as he offers Zhuo Yichen his flask. “You’ve been working hard, I haven’t seen you drink or eat yet.”

Zhuo Yichen nods, grateful for the concern. “I’m fine. If I feel full, I might tire easily.”

The vanguard chuckles, “Oh, that’s just like me. I don’t eat heavy meals when training because it makes me sleepy.”

As a courtesy, Zhuo Yichen stops to let his companion drink and rest. They stand in the middle of a clearing heading to a communal well where an elderly man says he saw a creature. The surrounding woods are not that dense, but for those who are not familiar might easily get lost. The trees are also quite odd.

“What is it?” His companion asks as he lowers his flask. 

“There’s no…moss or weeds on the ground.” Zhuo Yichen says. 

The vanguard looks down as well. “Oh, you’re right.” 

The trees surrounding them are tall but some are nearly balding. Their branches are exposed and their tree trunks look dry. Zhuo Yichen looks around, area close to the clearing looks like it had been through a drought. There were small saplings but that was it. 

It is as if drought only came to that place.

“Do you think…” The vanguard looks at Zhuo Yichen. “Could it be a sign of the beginning of drought?”

“I can’t be sure. But we should keep it mind.”

Zhuo Yichen looks ahead, hopefully it’s simply a coincidence.

***

The team eventually finishes investigating 10 out of the 14 sightings. To most of the team’s relief none of the ten seems to be the plague demon. Two of them were indeed demons but they are unrelated, a passing demon with a bull or cow like appearance. All two had the Baize Goddess’s permission. 

The team lead starts documenting the results of the day’s investigation late at night. This should be enough as a preliminary report to send back to the Bureau. 

“Tomorrow, half of the team will proceed with the investigation on the sightings. Half of the team will join the local physicians to document the symptoms of the illness and cross-reference it to all existing documents of previous plagues.” The leader says. “Hopefully we see some breakthrough.”

Zhou Yichen knows all of them feel the same way about this case. After spending the whole day in the town, they cannot help but hope for the end of this illness for all townsfolk. It is difficult to see children alone sitting outside their homes as their parents are in the clinic unable to pull themselves up off the bed. Mothers begging the overcrowded clinics to accept their sick children. It is truly heartbreaking.

“Where is Officer Cheng?” One of the vanguards ask quietly to Zhuo Yichen. 

Junior Officer Cheng is Zhuo Yichen’s companion during the earlier investigation. Zhuo Yichen returned with him to their makeshift headquarters. However, after sometime, Zhuo Yichen lost sight of him. Thinking the younger officer had just mingled with the others, Zhuo Yichen didn’t give it a lot of thought.

“I thought he was with the others.” Zhuo Yichen looks around and realizes the young officer is indeed not with them. 

“He isn’t with you?” 

“No. We got here together but…”

“Junior Officers?” The team lead calls, “What is all the whispering about?”

“We’re missing an officer,” the older officer says. “Officer Cheng isn’t here.”

The team leader frowns and finally notices indeed the absence of the younger member.

“He was with me when we arrived here,” Zhuo Yichen adds. “But he separated with me, I thought he was going to speak with the others but…”

“Has anyone else seen Officer Cheng?”

The vanguards look and whisper among each other. Zhuo Yichen begins to worry for the younger vanguard as no one seems to come forward. 

“No one?” The team leader asks.

Finally, someone raises a hand. “He asked me where was the bathroom. That was the last I remember.”

Zhuo Yichen stands up. “Allow me to check.”

The team lead nods, “Junior Officer Ding, could you kindly accompany Junior Officer Zhuo.”

Zhuo Yichen leaves the room with another vanguard and heads out to an outhouse. The toilet and bathhouse are separated to the main living facility.  It is typical for bigger houses in the town to have their bathrooms outside. 

Zhuo Yichen feels slightly unnerved as they approach the outhouse. Although it is already dark, there’s no light to indicate someone is in the outhouse. There’s no noise either.

“Do you think he’s there?” Officer Ding asks. “I don’t hear anything.”

“Me too.” Zhuo Yichen agrees, “Still, we better check.”

Zhuo Yichen hopes the younger vanguard has simply forgotten to turn the lamp on, or that he lost track of time doing his business. Officer Ding walks in front of Zhuo Yichen, reaching the door of the outhouse first.

“Officer Cheng!” He calls out. “Officer Cheng, are you here?”

No answer.

“Officer Cheng? Officer Cheng, if you don’t answer we’ll open this door up.”

No answer again. Officer Ding looks back at Zhuo Yichen as if to get his opinion, given the situation and the lack of response Zhuo Yichen could only nod. Officer Ding turns back to the door and pulls it open.

Officer Ding freezes, then he lets out a loud gasp.

Confused, Zhuo Yichen takes a step to the side to see behind the older officer. To his horror he finds the young vanguard slumped on the floor of the outhouse, his face pale and his eyes sunken. Officer Ding backs away, tripping on a rock and falling on his bottom. He backs away from the sight.

“I-It can’t be…he’s…he’s infected.”

***