weiyukaixx

[weiyukaixx]

“Jiu-ge!!” Yukai ran towards @niejiulixx the moment he spotted the man. The battle was over, the beast slain--leaving many disciples bloodied and tattered in its wake. However, Jiuli looked good. No, he looked more than good. Standing proudly, his sabre cleaved in blood, he looked positively alive, and Yukai made sure to tell him that. Thus, such were the first words out of his mouth upon his joyful reunion with his sworn brother after a long, fearsome battle-- “Hot damn, you look good!!”

Yukai, on the other hand, was more in line with the others--His robes were charred and his face was caked in residue soot from that little fire-bomb trick he pulled with Xiayi. And what a hair-raising, magnificent, blood-pumping attack that was--at the minor cost of a few aches and pains and burns to his robes.

Of-course, as with everything in life, shit hit the fan just as things seemed to calm. The ground shook and quaked with tremendous force, splitting open a huge rift in the middle. The disciples unlucky enough to be standing over the rift began falling in as the earth split open--some were fast enough to jump out, while others mounted their flying swords in the nick of time; the rest--battle-weary and immobilized from injury--cried as they toppled into the abyss. Yukai barely had time to curse before sprinting forward and diving after a disappearing disciple, snagging him by the collar and hauling him out, his own flying sword wobbling at the weight of two cultivators. Just as Yukai re-emerged with his baggage in tow, a brilliant red glow spilled from the crevasse depths. Yukai shielded his eyes, his proximity to the light nearly blinding. When Yukai opened his eyes, everything was submerged in red. The ruby tinge made the blood caked on the disciples’ faces appear almost black.

All eyes glued to the ascending object, the disciples’ faces ranged from disbelief, to horror, to panic, to sheer awe. 

Yukai recognized this light. He witnessed it before; once, when he was but a child; angry and scared amidst the turbulent rocking of his stowaway boat, miles away from his home-town, witnessing an energy so pervasive that for a single moment, it painted the skies blood red as far as the eye could see.

This was pure evil, the evil which tore his family apart, which destroyed so many families like his. This was the source of his grief and strife, and the grief and strife of countless others, orphaned and abandoned in the conflict. This was the culmination and manifestation of his obsession, his blood, sweat and tears poured over the last ten years trying to locate and destroy the damned thing--the mission he slaved his life over, so the dark artifact would never bring harm to anyone again.

Yukai had spent the last ten years trying to locate and destroy this thing. But now, destroying it was the last thing on his mind.

As if compelled by an irrefutable force, Yukai moved forward, his face mirroring the same trance of those around him, unflinching even when the stone began to shake furiously mid-air. Suddenly, the jewel exploded in a brilliant display of pyrotechnics. With lightening sharp reflexes, Yukai reached out and swiped for a piece. 

[weiyukaixx]

Xiayixx:

(...) 

    “run,”  he utters after a moment, his gaze falling upon the woman’s slain form.  she used to be sickly when she was younger.  qingfeng adored her.  always the kind heart, he visited her daily and poured her tea.  it’s unfair that she’ll get to see him first …  “—are you deaf?”   his eyes snap up to yukai now.  “i told you to run.  go.  now.”

        he shoves him away and in the same fluid motion, leaps onto a branch and draws out his erhu.  there’s no hesitation as he begins to play, the strings vibrating against his fingers, their cords carrying upward to create an invisible barrier.  and just like so, it catches the monster’s attention.

Yukai’s eyes were still on the lifeless figure when he felt Xiayi’s push. A wave of sudden, irrational, fear-driven anger crashed into him as he witnessed Xiayi’s fighting stance-- the demon was this strong, and Xiayi wanted to face it alone?

Yukai suddenly flashed to his parents; their backs towards him as they faced the battlefield, shielding him from danger... It dawned on him then, that whether consciously or not, Xiayi was trying to protect him. If Yukai were in Xiayi’s shoes, he would do the same thing.

Yukai wanted to laugh. How fitting it was for Xiayi to show he cared right when they were about to be eaten.

With a flourish of his arms, Yukai drew his most powerful talismans and aimed at their incoming target. It hit, the air exploding in a flurry of amber flames and sizzling heat. 

“Sorry, Xiayi,” Yukai landed by Xiayi’s side, facing him with a smile. “But I can’t run with my tail tucked between my legs and leave you to fight all alone, can I? Forgive me, I’ll have to disobey your orders this time.” Not that he ever really obeyed Xiayi any other time, but that was a conversation for another day.

Unfortunately, Yukai’s cheer was short-lived. The smoke of his first attack quickly dissipated. The demon was barely harmed, but it sure looked pissed as hell. Thankfully, Xiayi’s erhu was doing wonders in keeping the thing at bay. “Hey, Xiayi,” Yukai proposed, eyeing Xiayi’s weapon, “You’re pretty good at handling that thing, huh? You spend a lot of time practicing? You’ve gotten even better than the last time I heard you.” Yukai was rapidly patching a plan together. It was risky, for sure--but the damn demon was too strong and their attacks were too weak to do any real damage. They had to combine their strengths--and combine them fast.

“Xiayi, in theory, could you shrink the force field on that thing? To the size of a fire-ball, for example? Yukai brandished his last flame talisman, bringing it to eye level. “I have an idea--but I need your help to pull it off.”

— combustion

[weiyukaixx]

xiayixx:

(...)

          and oh, how easy it is for him to envision him there, teetering to the side, his hand outstretched.  he reaches out—and grabs onto someone’s arm.  the fog that clouds his mind does not dwindle.           a-xia.           his hand tightens around yukai’s arm, nails digging deep into fine cloth.  through this all, the whispers haunt the hollows of his ears, rendering him deaf.  focus.  focus.  “—you’re not him.  stop pretending to be.”  he says this out loud while looking directly at @weiyukaixx, but his eyes are glazed over – lost in distance.  there’s someone else here.

As usual, Yukai spotted Xiayi first. He looked uninjured, thank god. Yukai was so preoccupied with Jiuli and their harrowing encounter that for a moment, he had completely forgotten everything else--but now that he saw Xiayi, his worries--and subsequent relief--re-surfaced ten-fold.

Finally certain that Xiayi was overall uninjured, Yukai reverted to his normal charade and lifted his hand for a cheerful wave. This wasn’t exactly the most appropriate time to act jovial, considering the heavy atmosphere and the epic fight they were about to face, but Yukai would argue it was in these situations where positivity was most needed, right? People often sought inspiration from confidence in tense, unsure times, and Yukai was always one to provide a sturdy shoulder to lean on.

But before Yukai could utter a word, Xiayi began, quite uncharacteristically so, to approach him. Straight towards him, in fact. “Xiayi?” Yukai called. No response. “Xiayi!” The smile slowly faded from Yukai’s face. Concerned now, Yukai jogged towards the perturbed Lan, meeting him halfway. “Xiayi, are you alrigh--hey, hey!” Yukai exclaimed, not in pain, but in surprise as Xiayi grabbed his arm, hard. Up close, it was clear that something was wrong--Xiayi gaze was clouded and unfocused--just like how his own eyes looked back in the misty mountains.

Yukai noticed it too late. The damned mist swirled and caressed Xiayi’s heels like creeping tendrils; thinner and more insidious than before.

And with the mist, comes the monster.

“GET DOWN!!” Yukai’s warning exploded right as the mighty beast descended upon them in a thunderous roar, the sheer force of its mammoth beating wings sweeping some disciples clean off their feet. A sharp flash of red was the only warning Yukai caught before he yanked Xiayi towards him, narrowly escaping the sharp claw which smashed a deep indent into the ground where Xiayi used to be. Yukai yanked Xiayi with such force they were both knocked off balance, and he snaked his palm to the back of Xiayi’s head right before they collided with the ground. With Xiayi tight in his arms, Yukai grit his teeth and dug his heels into the earth to slow their descent.

Finally, they rolled to a stop. Yukai looked upwards, panting; they had fallen quite a long way, ending at the bottom of the hill as the chaos ensued up top. He could see his fellow disciples engaged in fierce battle--Jiuli, Jiang Lian, Mingyan, Daiyu--everyone was fighting tooth and nail against the inhumane shrieks which painted the sky crimson with fury.

It really is a big fucking bird, Yukai thought sardonically.

“Xiayi,” Yukai checked the bundle in his arms urgently, palm still cradling the back of his head, protecting him from the fall. “Xiayi, you back with me? Are you hurt?”

— combustion

[weiyukaixx]

@niejiulixx:

(...)

Jiuli would never forget how terrible he felt in that moment, as the servants rushed to comfort their lady, leaving him alone to reflect on his incompetence.

“Do you hear that?” He shook Yukai with force. “Do you? How can you not, it is right there!” Jiuli pointed in the direction of the voice. “She followed us, didn’t she? Stubborn little fool, she is always like this! She never listens to what I say.”

Yukai suppressed a groan at the strength of his sworn brother’s grip. Twenty eight years growing up side by side and Yukai rarely saw Jiuli lose his composure like this. He didn’t blame him. Half a second ago Yukai almost followed his father’s voice and he knew it was a trap. He had to give it up to the demon, Yukai thought bitterly. It was already riling them up like this--normal folk stood no chance against its powers.

Yukai grit his teeth and shook his head. “Jiuli, calm down. Calm down and look at me.” Yukai grabbed Jiuli’s face, turning Jiuli towards him instead of searching wildly into the mist for something that isn’t there. “I don’t hear Siying. I don’t hear her at all. Trust me, if I heard her, I’d be bolting up that mountain right behind you. Right now, do you know what I hear? I hear my dad’s voice, loud and clear. Don’t you get it? We’re hearing two completely different things, and the demonic energy swirling off this fog is so pungent my head feels like its splitting.” It was a shame Yukai couldn’t locate where the demon was. His demonic detection was not yet strong enough for that.

Yukai paused, and asked, “Which direction is it coming from? ‘Siying’s voice’”. Yukai closed his eyes and honed in on his surroundings. “I hear my dad’s voice coming from the North, thirty degrees to our right.” If Siying’s voice was coming from the same direction... then most likely, whichever creature imitating those voices was leading them into a trap.

「distress signal.」

[weiyukaixx]

xxxiaojian:

(...)

“I, in no way, asked for so much information about you. If you think it will get more out of me, then you’re wrong. You only gave a strange man things to use against you if the time comes.” He bit into a piece of meat, relishing in the flavor before he turned back to speak. “You talk too much and disturb the meal I’m trying to have. Food first, bath later.”

The only way Jian would be moved from his spot was if someone were to physically drag him from it. Unfortunately, he was uncertain if he possessed the strength to resist, at the time.

“Oh?” Yukai leaned forward, his smile upturned, “Does that imply you intend to use such things against me down the line?” His tone held no trace of defensiveness, only Cheshire curiosity. “I commend your resolve, but there was one factor you didn’t mention, brother dear. Perhaps I only volunteered such information because I’m interested in you.” He winked before chuckling and leaning back. “Alright, alright, I’ll leave you alone for now, before my disciple-sisters glare a hole into me. Despite my own wishes, I can’t stick around all day.” He sighed forlornly, turning to the brown bear of a canine by Jian’s side. “Goodbye, Huang! It was nice to meet you,” He waved farewell to the little pup with a charming grin.

“Oh! By the way, I forgot to mention something.” Yukai added as he reached the door, “I love the stubborn type. If you need any help bathing later, let me know!” He’d be waiting for the man’s presence at tonight’s party, too--after all, Xiao Jian was right. He hardly surrendered anything about himself during this exchange--he wasn’t nearly disarmed enough to do that. There was still much Yukai wanted to pull from this dear mystery man. Indeed, their conversation was far from over.

First Meeting

[weiyukaixx]

Daiyuxx:

(...)

Daiyu watched as the girl appeared to trip on a rock–but before she could fall, Daiyu rushed forward, twirling so she was in front of the maiden and caught the girl in her arms, steading her upright, “Careful now–these roads are unsteady. I’d hate to see someone hurt…” Her voice drifted off as she noticed the others blank and unfocused eyes, feeling slightly unnerved at the lack of reaction. She looked up at Yukai in alarm, eyes wide.

Always the quick-witted girl, Daiyu charged towards the falling maiden before Yukai could utter a single word in reply. In a flash Yukai’s hand flew onto the fan on his hip, then his grip relaxed seeing the two unhurt on the ground. It seemed that for now, his assistance was not needed.

Yukai squatted beside the pair, assessing the situation with a contemplative furrow of his brows. Daiyu’s concern was warranted. This woman appeared as if her spirit had left her body; she did not look in the right of sorts. Nonetheless, he sensed no distress of any demonic sorts coming from her body.

Suddenly, as if snapped from a trance, the girl’s eyes grew bright and she blinked up at the two cultivators in wide-eyed confusion. Perhaps she was shaken out of stupor by the force of that fall. In any case, she felt Daiyu’s arms around her and faintly blushed. 

“Wh-what happened to me? Did I... I tripped?” She blubbered in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me...”

Definitely not demonic possession, Yukai thought, although there was still something amiss about this situation which sat off in the Wei cultivator’s stomach. Nonetheless, Yukai relaxed his posture and flashed a disarming smile to calm the distraught woman. “Don’t mind it my lady, although I must say, it’s not very often we see a person trip on nothing on the streets. You seem to have a lot on your mind, and I wouldn’t feel right to see you off in this state. Perhaps we can offer a sympathetic ear. Care to share?”

The woman was silent for a moment, then she burst into tears. “Oh, its stupid. That bastard husband of mine, he got hurt again...”

A good show

[weiyukaixx]

niejiulixx:

(...)

Jiuli knew Siying always acted up because she wanted more from life and thought she was capable of taking on responsibilities. Had she been a man, Jiuli would have given her more and let her find out - through bumps and bruises, cuts and burns - that it wasn’t easy to be in the leadership role. Unfortunately, she wasn’t a man and Jiuli, who had a soft spot towards his little sister since her birth, did not have the heart to see her covered in scars like the rest of them.

“Do you hear that?” Jiuli asked Yukai, but did not wait for an answer. He was already moving, towards the direction of the voice and ready to save his sister.

When Yukai last heard his father’s voice, he was eight years old.

The older Wei had been a kind, gentle soul, uncommon characteristics among his Sect peers. Yukai’s deepest impression of the man were his deep black eyes, like a bottomless lake one would drown in if gazed too long, and his low, soothing voice--Listening to him speak was like being lulled to rest by the gentle sway of a calm river-stream. Yukai’s mother was even more-so--a petite, thin-shouldered woman; unlike his father, she wasn’t born on Wei soil. She was an outlier, stumbling into the Sect by freak accident when she was twelve. Among Yukai’s deepest impression of her--from what he could recall in his hazy childhood memories--were the long, jagged disfigurement which ran down the left side of her face (he wouldn’t realize until years later that it was a massive burn scar), and the fact that, aside from the occasional unintelligible utters, she never spoke a single word. Instead, his mother communicated with him through her loving gaze, her fond touch, her sweet smiles. To others, she would perform some sorts of hand gestures, which his father would then interpret--still, Wei Rong was a good boy. Call it mother-son bond, but he never needed any help to know what she was saying, even when she couldn’t say anything at all.

Of those who had suffered the inhumane pain of losing someone they loved, most stated their memories of those loved ones gradually eroded until their voices faded into dust and their faces morphed into blank slates.

It had been over twenty years, yet Yukai still knew his father’s voice by heart.

One minute Yukai was laughing and jesting in good humor with his sworn brother; the next minute, a thick, nearly blinding mist descended upon them, entrapping them in its cool embrace.

A chill ran up Yukai’s back, and it was not from the cold.

A part of him--a deep, painful part yearned to follow the call. The scar he thought had long healed threatened to re-open the longer his father’s voice beckoned. Yukai’s body nearly betrayed him; his legs threatening to disobey his will, to advance on their own, merely to satisfy the orphan who wailed for his parents who had left too soon.

Fortunately, Yukai wasn’t a helpless orphan anymore, and the demonic energy in the heavy mist was so foul it clogged his senses and made his temples throb. With great, stubborn effort he gritted his teeth and steeled himself against the seductive drawl which desperately sought to cloud his mind.

“Wait!” Yukai hissed, grabbing Jiuli’s arm in a vice-grip. “Not so fast. What are you hearing right now? Whose voice is it?” Yukai turned his eyes on Jiuli. For the first time in a long time, they were devoid of humor; the look he gave Jiuli was the same one he always gave when their situation turned serious--or disadvantageous. “I heard my parents’ voice... my dead parents.”

「distress signal.」

[weiyukaixx]

xxweixiaoyu:

(...)

“of course, why else would i come here when i could be at home with the little-ones?” it’s well known that xiaoyu prefers the comfort of being at home around the other sect disciples, especially as he can enjoys spending most of his time with the children of the sect, teaching them about plants and animals and telling stories. even so, though, he knows he has a duty to utilise the skills he has, and he’s getting no braver from telling stories sitting at home.

“the burial mounds, thankfully, are still standing. or at least were before i left.” he lifts his cup to take a drink as he pauses, “but it was rather dull without you there. you mustn’t go off without me again! you know i miss you when you go!” an exaggerated pout forms on xiaoyu’s lips and he weakly bumps his shoulder against yukai’s.

“at least now you’re here, we can work together to sort out whatever’s going on. i’d rather the townspeople didn’t know it wasn’t just animals doing the vanishing though. don’t need them panicking and getting in the way.”

Yukai chuckled, shaking his head in bemusement as Xiaoyu regaled the latest tales at their Sect. It was always good to hear that everyone was doing all right. Yukai still remembered Xiao-tang, a girl with red ribbons in her hair, faster than a fox--with how fast kids grow, she must be taller than his waist by now. And who could forget his favorite, Xiao-pang--little fatty, fed to plumpness by radish granny’s loving, albeit shaky and croaky hands. Little fatty could out-eat his uncle Yukai any day, not an easy feat.

Yukai barked with laughter at Xiaoyu’s cute pout; the sharp liquor was already circulating Yukai’s bloodstream and warming his head nicely. As Xiaoyu bumped his shoulder, Yukai once again took the opportunity to trap his junior under his arm and ruffle his hair. When released, Xiaoyu’s ponytail looked a little worse-for-wear--perhaps Yukai had gone a little rougher than usual out of familiarity and affection for the boy whom he practically raised for the past ten years.

“You’re quite right, Xiaoyu.” Yukai drained the last of his wine, getting serious. “The lovely folks of this town don’t need that scare quite yet--not until we’ve gotten to the bottom of this thing, right?” Yukai leaned forward, lowering his voice just a pitch, “What do you think it is, hmm? Ghosts?” His grin widened-- it was a bit sadistic of him, but he had teased Xiaoyu ever since the boy was a babe clinging to his robes and it was just too fun not to poke at his junior a little. “Demons? Or a man-eating siren? What do you say we take a little tour of that forest and see for ourselves?”

The townspeople had warned each other against entering the forest for a reason. The forest was so thick that no light nor sound penetrated its innards; walking through the looming trees felt as though one was completely submerged in darkness. Cold, isolated, a maze in which intruders often lost their way--the forest was the perfect nursing ground for foul, demonic energy. Yukai knew of Xiaoyu’s perchance for fright, of-course he did--he was always one to push Xiaoyu to overcome those fears, after all. Of-course, times were a bit more chaotic back in their childhood--for instance, egging the smaller boy to jump off a cliff into the river below to overcome his fear of heights--but the fact that Xiaoyu came to investigate this danger on his own both impressed and instilled within Yukai a warm swell of pride. Besides, Yukai would always watch Xiaoyu’s back, act as his safety net if something went awry. Worst comes to shove, Xiaoyu can just hide behind him--ultimately, Yukai still saw Xiaoyu as his baby, he didn’t mind.

Arachnophobia

[weiyukaixx]

daiyuxx:

(...)

She was drawn to the present but a loud commotion just up ahead, recognizing the voice she approached, resisting a smirk as she settled in amongst the crowd, knowing Wei Yukai from her childhood and well aware of his tricks, made it easy for her to spot what he was hoping to accomplish out of this event. Daiyu offered him a smile when he winked at her before bravely stepping forward at his cue, “Oh, I suppose I will volunteer as tribute, good sir!”

…only he would be able to tell the mocking behind her polite tone.

Yukai’s smile widened as Daiyu stepped forth from the crowd. “My oh my, what a brave little sister!” Yukai declared in good humor. “Please, ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our valiant volunteer!” Yukai beckoned Daiyu close and quickly explained the tricks they would use, providing simple, concise instructions for the girl to follow. Finally, the performance began: Yukai brandished his talismans, the flying objects morphing and bursting into vibrant, heat-less flames before flying at Daiyu from all directions; the girl caught everything with spectacular speed. Such flashy and blood-pumping displays injected the crowd with rowdy delight.

Finally, the pair finished with a flourish. Yukai winked at Daiyu as he bowed, silently commending his partner on a job well done.

Yukai cleared his throat before addressing the crowd, “Good men, women, and children of this town!” He announced boisterously, “In return for this show that took us months and months of bone-grinding effort to prepare, my assistant and I do not ask for your money. Instead, we only ask for one thing... Gossip!! Gossip about the recent unusual, supernatural, and terrorizing events that have been rumored to plague Baijing mountain and its nearby inhabitants. Please, everyone, come forth and share what you know--we are here to listen!”

Still in high spirits, the crowd began to open up one by one.

“Now that you mention it, my friend’s brother had an incident last month...”

“Also, I heard--”

“Well, I’ve SEEN--”

“Actually, I know for a FACT--”

(........)

xxx

The crowd eventually dispersed after a long, arduous discussion. Yukai and Daiyu strolled through the streets, scrutinizing the information that was gathered. They had just turned onto a small, vacant street when they noticed a girl walking far in front of them. Her back was turned to them and she was swaying left and right as if in a trance. One did not need to be a cultivator to see something was wrong.

“What do you think, Daiyu?” Yukai proposed to the cultivator by his side, already knowing her answer. “Shall we approach this hapless maiden and see what she needs?”

A good show

[weiyukaixx]

xiayixx:

(...)

         a breath filters through his lungs, escaping from parted lips.

        “those who are more impressionable may find your persistence and charismatic tongue admirable, but your use of flattery is shallow, if not frivolous.”

        he turns ever so slightly so he can lift his eyes to catch wei yukai’s own.

        “no chance.”

“Xiayi ah, Xiayi...” Yukai shook his head, laughter leaving his lips in a puff of breath. Xiayi’s name sounded endearing on his tongue, hence Yukai liked repeating it often. “You claim I’m not your responsibility, but you’ve stolen my heart. There’s a big hole in my chest where it used to be. Look,” Yukai tapped his chest for emphasis. “Isn’t that something worth taking responsibility for?”

Right as Xiayi seemed like he was about to leave, the cute Lan halted in his tracks, fingers curling as if annoyed. It may come as a surprise, but Yukai did notice these little things, always have. Little ticks and habits were hard to escape his attention, especially when it concerned the object of his affections.

Xiayi returned to face him. Good thing too, because if he hadn’t, Yukai would have chased him down.

“no chance.” The challenge in Xiayi’s stare sent something hot to the pit of Yukai’s stomach. Unfortunately for Xiayi, words of challenge never seemed to discourage Yukai, quite the opposite. The Wei had always been this way, ever since he was little--never one to evade provocation, finding thrill in the chase. Of-course, it wasn’t just about the chase now, with Xiayi--hadn’t been for years now. But perhaps that was how it all started, so long ago--when Yukai fell hard as the lanky boy glared at him for the first time and shot him, proverbially, through the heart.

Yukai sighed woefully, though his perpetually casual countenance suggested anything but. There was an easy grin on his lips, the playful, slightly enamored glint in his eyes never fading as he regarded Xiayi.

“I’m a hopeless man, Xiayi. The more you push me away, the more I can’t stay away. What can I say, it’s just that icy countenance of yours that I love. Alright, alright--” Yukai backed off, giving Xiayi some room to breathe. “I’ll be a good boy and get out of your hair,” Well, for the rest of the afternoon, anyway. Ah, how Yukai wished he could corner Xiayi against a wall right now. The slap mark he’d be carrying for the rest of the night would be totally worth it. “--in return for one favor. Xiayi, do you trust me?” Okay, that may be a stupid question, but Yukai wouldn’t give Xiayi too much time to answer, anyway. “Close your eyes and open your palm. Don’t worry, it won’t be anything bad.” He assured.

Full bloom,◞

[weiyukaixx]

A good show

It was a beautiful, sunny day, the type of weather Yukai liked the most. The sun was beaming and the breeze felt pleasant against his skin. The town itself was filled with life, the streets lined with shops and vendors, children running about wildly as their parents bartered with vendor owners. The bustling atmosphere was truly befitting of the town’s robust reputation.

Strolling through a lively street like this, one would never guess the neighboring villages were being terrorized by a suspected demon. Yukai was among the first to volunteer for this mission--How could he not? Most Weis had an affinity of sticking their noses into unrelated business, and even more possessed a compulsion to help the weak. Proverbially, it was in his blood.

Suddenly, Yukai felt something bump into his leg. The man looked down into a pair of wide, starry eyes.

“A sword!!” The boy exclaimed, pointing at Yukai’s waist.

“Why, yes it is!” Yukai answered with equal enthusiasm.

The boy’s jaw dropped. “Are you here to slay the monster in the mountain??”

“Oh my, a monster in the mountain??” Yukai crouched to the boy’s level. “Why, have you seen it?”

The boy shook his head. “No, its full of mist! But mummy said--” Before he could finish, a pair of arms swooped him up and out of sight.

“A-Tu!” The woman scolded the child in her arms. “How many times did I tell you not to run off, and not to talk to strangers??”

“Worry not, young lady,” Yukai dusted his robes, flashing his most charming smile. “I am a guest disciple sent by the Lan Sect. We noticed some strange happenings in the nearby villages and have come to investigate. Little A-Tu here was just telling me about the mist in the mountains.”

The woman looked Yukai up and down, suspicion in her eyes. From the looks of Yukai, it seemed like he was telling the truth; but that did not mean she was in any mood to share.

“How would A-Tu know anything, he’s just a child!” She snapped. “That mist is just mist; if you really want to know, head up the mountain and see for yourself! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to be home before dark. The day is short and I have mouths to feed!”

Yukai gave the woman space as she stormed off, back-basket full of produce and child in arm. Either Yukai spoke to the wrong person, or some townsfolk were really on edge concerning this topic. Yukai tapped his chin, pondering his options. Lets see... head to the trading port and see whether the local merchants knew anything? Drop by the tavern and grill the uncles there? It seemed that adults were in need of de-stressing, and children were in need of fun. Hmm... what was a good way to ease tension and loosen lips?

Finally, Yukai came to a conclusion.

Perfect.

xxx

“Hear hear, all ye good folks, don’t be shy, step right up!” Yukai announced to the small crowd of curious spectators gathered around him. Yukai’s sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his audience whispering in curiosity and anticipation. “Rumor has it, a mysterious mist has descended the mountains, making life tough and putting the good folk of this town in need of some serious entertainment. Well, wait no further, because I, Wei Yukai, am here to serve! In my hands I possess three ancient talismans from the mystical land of Yiling, capable of wondrous amazement unfathomable to the mind...” Suddenly, Yukai caught a familiar face in the crowd. Shooting a cheeky wink towards his mysterious observer, Yukai cleared his voice and announced even louder, “But to show its true potential, I need an assistant possessing sharp reflexes. Who among you today shall be my valiant volunteer?”

@xxdaiyu

[weiyukaixx]

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[weiyukaixx]

xxdaiyu:

(...)

…Her growling stomach drew her attention away from her thoughts and with a sigh, she ordered herself a second bowl. Being cautious to follow the rules. As she was waiting, someone bopped her on the head, and a smile graced her face shortly after, “I’m rather surprised to see that you have passed the exam. You never appeared to be the studious type, Mr Wei Yukai.” Her voice echoed teasingly as she eyed her friend.

“Believe me, its a surprise to us all, Daiyu.” Yukai chuckled, dropping the formalities now that he was chatting with the familiar young girl. “Me, studious? Daiyu-ah, it warms my heart for you to give me this much credit.” Yukai was practically glowing, no humility in his countenance despite his words. “It is merely a stroke of luck--a great stroke of luck that I managed to evade the chopping block and enjoy such cuisine with these fine disciples. Imagine it as... a black crow sneaking itself amidst a flock of pristine white swans.” Yukai guffawed at his own analogy.  “Are you on your way to get another serving? What a coincidence, so was I!” With a cheeky smile, Yukai inched closer to the Huang girl and joined the line behind her. “Do me a favor, Daiyu, keep an lonesome old man like myself company and lets wait together, ne?”

“So~” He tapped the bottom of his chin, as if in a thoughtful manner. “It really has been too long since we last caught up. How is everyone back home? I trust old man Huang is keeping well. Most importantly...” His eyes lit up with his perchance for gossip. “How is that rascal Lian? If he’s doing his part well, then I trust the matrimonial could be any day now, oh ho~” 

Sweet Bean

[weiyukaixx]

Sweet Bean

The sweet bean soup went nicely down Yukai’s throat. Ah, the tang of sugar, what a rare treat from the Gusu Lan Sect. Yukai may not have the best sense of taste, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t appreciate the Sect’s pleasant gesture.

Yukai had abhorrent taste buds, unable to distinguish flavors between good or bad, sweet or bitter. It started when he was little-- His parents were rarely around, and even when they were, they seldomly restricted their son’s diet, seeing how he was all chub and cheer despite the garbage he regularly consumed. Where Yukai was concerned, food was food, whether it be the finest delicacy in the realm, or a tossed banana on the road; so long as it was edible, it was welcome in Yukai’s glutton stomach.

If Yukai were to be honest, he was uncertain about his chances of passing the regulation test for a while there. Sure, he read the list before he came (after all, it was important to respect the rules his beloved’s sect--Yukai took that as a sign of his maturity, oh ho), but he was never the diligent type when it came to studying, even as a student. He was more of the motto: study smart, not hard. 'Reading’ in this case really meant cramming for 30 minutes on the last stretch of the road to Gusu Lan. Fortunately, it seemed Yukai hasn’t grown too forgetful with age and his brain was still comparable to a spry spring chicken.

Ah, the soup was delicious. Yukai’s stomach growled, craving a second bowl. One portion was never enough. What was the rule again-- ‘no more than three servings per meal’? Yukai contemplated whether he could negotiate a second bowl with the server if the sugar was negated. Yukai was debating this predicament when the familiar colors of the Huang sect came into view.

He approached from behind and gently touched the top of her head with his empty bowl in greeting. “Why, if it isn’t the future Lady Jiang.” Yukai’s buoyant voice filled the air. “Long time no see, Ms. Daiyu. You’re looking lovely as ever. You’ve passed the regulation test with no problem, I see~”

@xxdaiyu

[weiyukaixx]

xxxiaojian:

(...)

He did not possess enough hands to reciprocate the other’s handshake, and he didn’t particularly want to in the first place. “Xiao Jian.” The entire situation read like a twisted deja vu. He wondered if he would be subject to the same fate if he left once more. Surely, the other sects would not be as kind.

“I’m not from out of town. I don’t have a town to call home to be referred to as such.” He shamelessly reached for a steamed bun, relishing in the way it filled his cheeks. How long had it been since he had such a fulfilling meal? Not since his release from Lanling, surely. “Are you here to fawn over me, as well? I’m not overly interested in speaking to you if that’s the case.”

“My oh my, was I that obvious? This brother is quite an astute observer,” Yukai replied with a smirk, raising his hands in surrender. He didn’t miss the way Xiao Jian’s hand went to his sword at Yukai’s entry--reaching for one’s weapon at the first sign of an adversary; it was the staple of a well-trained swordsman. It seemed this brother was quite a private one, judging by his answers; which meant he had something to hide. Now, the question was... was that something for his Sect’s interest, or against them? This enigmatic visitor before them--was he friend, or foe? Despite the man’s dismissals--or, perhaps, because of them--Yukai only felt the flames of his curiosity peak.

No matter, Yukai would have plenty of time to unwrap the mystery of Xiao Jian, and he had many methods up his sleeve.

“Ooh, a shy one, eh? That’s alright, I’ll introduce myself first, as proper!” Yukai declared, boisterous but good-natured. “Wei Yukai, 28 years old. Yiling Wei sect local, born and raised. I know these roads like the back of my hand, so if you ever need a tour guide around town, you know who to call. My hobbies include singing, dancing, drinking, playing around, and petting cute things. Like this pup right here!” At this, Yukai leaned down to offer some food to the friendly creature. “I’m sure our Sect leader already briefed you, but-- now that you’re here, you must join us for a drink. It’s Wei Sect tradition--all visitors should stay for at least one fortnight and bump cups with everyone--” actually it wasn’t tradition, but it happened fairly often that Yukai liked to think he wouldn’t be lying by claiming it as such. “--or at least, until our lovely ladies wrestle you into a bath.” At this, Yukai winked at his disciple-sisters, some of whom giggled beneath their sleeves and others who shot him dagger-like glares. “You should come, I insist.”

First Meeting

[weiyukaixx]

xxsiying:

(…)

“Mnn… Stop teasing me for my height, would you…” Her eyes flickered back and forth from Yukai to her older brother, quietly gauging the atmosphere before acting. It was a technique taught to her to be utilized in battle, but playing games was far more amusing. She took clumsy steps towards them, arms outstretched until they wrapped around Yukai’s center.

“I missed… y ㅡ uh. I mean… Where’s the gift you promised? Did Jiuli get his first?” As usual.

Yukai’s jaw dropped as he froze in Siying’s arms. For once, he didn’t know what to do with his hands. This was the first time in Yukai’s memory of Siying initiating a hug… with him… of her own accord… To say that Yukai was over the moon would be an immeasurable understatement. When the initial shock of Siying’s soft, delicate, pretty arms wrapped in silver and pink enveloping around his frame subsided–every particle of Yukai’s body felt like it was floating on clouds. Ah… his little darling sister whom he’d adored since the beginning of time, dressed like a cute little fairy with flowers in her hair, looking up at him like a baby chick and pouting over his presents… Yukai felt a stray tear well up in the back of his eyes. Was this… was this what ascending to nirvana felt like? Was this the ninth gate of heaven every monk, cultivator and postulate toiled their lives to achieve? If so, Yukai could see the worth… With a doting expression, Yukai reached out a hand and gently patted Siying’s hair.

“Ah, Ying-er, you silly goose. Of-course big brother wanted to give your present in person. Its just that when big brother arrived, he was kicked out of your room by your scary handmaids, hahaha.” There were practically hearts shooting from Yukai’s eyes, now. “It goes without saying that my little Siying will always be my number one. No one can unseat you in big brother’s heart~” Ah, yes, heaven. This was what heaven felt like. Yukai could see @niejiulixx from the corner of his eyes, but he said nothing of it and surrendered to the dopey smile washing over his face.

Even if I die… I can die a happy man.

Reunion.◞

[weiyukaixx]

xxxiaojian:

(...)

“Wei Yukai… It has been a long time, indeed. I would have hoped you would have forgotten me a while ago, along with all the lovely ladies of your sect. Hung up over someone who looked like a stray dog. Is that the type over there?” Instead of drinking, Jian fiddled around with a bowl of peanuts, cracking them open to bite the time in between words. It made for a delicious method of forming coherent thoughts. “And… Did you miss me so much you came all the way to Gusu looking for me? Unless… the Lan sect really invited you to the lectures? Or you wanted me all to yourself.”

All questions were posed in good jest. He was more than certain Yukai would properly follow the cues.

A playful glint shined in Yukai’s eyes at Xiao Jian’s invitation, his smile widening like a chesire cat. Oh, his dear friend wanted to play, so it seemed. In the department of mischevious flirtation, Yukai was always eagerly up to the challenge. He picked up the other man’s hints, alright; and follow the cues, he will.

Yukai heaved a deep, forlorn sigh, like a pitiable maiden mourning after her scorning lover. “Jian, you’re so bad. I was trying to play it cool to preserve an odium of modesty, but... as always, you see right through me. Its true, I won’t deny it. Your rugged charms send me into a frenzy; you drive me up the wall! How could you just up and leave after that... night of passion we spent together? Your absence left an un-fillable hole in my heart. Take responsibility.”

The “night of passion” Yukai referred to was, of-course, something which occurred during Jian’s visit at the Yiling Wei Sect. The sourly-faced cultivator was a textbook private grump, but alcohol sure did the trick in opening him up. Both men had gotten smashed by nightfall and somehow ended up wrestling on the floor. From what Yukai heard the next morning, his poor disciple-sisters had to step in and pull them off each-other.

In other words, it was one hell of a party.

Drinking buddies