WEN XIAO
Leaving the stubborn couple behind, the three returned to the main hall, mostly in silence until Ying Lei had offered to prepare something for them, as Zhuo Yi Chen had woken up and although he was still in the process of turning into a demon, for the time being, the Commander was still human and needed to replenish the energy he had lost over the past three days.
"Ying Lei... I don't think you should interrupt them anytime soon, because, well... they have a lot to talk about tonight. So, how about you get some rest and go to sleep? Tomorrow will be a difficult day for everyone, especially when you help us restore the Kunlun Gate and then right toward the Bing Yi's forbidden area. I'm sure the restoration alone will put some strain on your powers, so the more rested you are the better it will be for you." Wen Xiao told him so and Ying Lei smirked amusedly as he looked at the two women holding hands as if it was the most natural thing in the world between the so-called 'sisters'.
He wasn't stupid, and after what he'd seen and heard, he had a pretty good idea of how things were going, and he didn't care. For gods and demons, there were no rules about who to love, like in the human world. If you had feelings for someone, nothing stopped you from trying to win them over, regardless of their gender. He'd already noticed the attraction between the Commander and the great demon, but he hadn't given them much hope, since Zhao Yuan Zhou also showed interest in the goddess, and she seemed to reciprocate, although her relationship with the huntress seemed closer or deeper.
"Sure, sure... I'm leaving now, have a good night together... I mean, in each other's good company," Ying Lei told them as he headed to the kitchen to prepare something to boost his energy, because it was absolutely right that he would need to be at his best for whatever happened tomorrow.
"Sister Pei... did he just suggest that we..." Wen Xiao whispered as she watched the little mountain god's retreating figure and Pei Si Jing smiled.
"Yes, he did, though it shouldn't surprise you since you were as bold as the Commander back there. I guess he's grown up. He's not as innocent as he used to be, but that is not a bad thing for him at all," Pei Si Jing said, and as they looked at each other, they ended up laughing.
"I guess I really was too daring... ah, poor Ying Lei.... Caught between two troublesome couples at such dangerous times." She laughed some more, but the huntress did not.
"Wen Xiao... Did you really mean that you would entrust yourself to me and leave behind your relationship with the great demon?" She asked the goddess seriously.
"Of course I mean it. Aside from the magic of the token that binds the great demon and me, we only have friendship in our hearts. I suppose that at that time, when he lost control under the influence of the malicious energy, my master feared that Zhao Yuan Zhou would kill me as well, and used the magic of the token splitting it into two to restrain him, ensure my safety, and my future protection. I mistook that magical bond for something other than my true feelings, and Xiao Zhao realized this truth before I did. I'm sorry, Sister Pei... my true feelings are with you if you wish for them." Wen Xiao said as she held her breath waiting for the true answer to her feelings.
"As I said before, I will watch over and protect you with my life, Wen Xiao, not just out of duty, but because it's what I desire. I may not be your best option, but as long as you wish, I swear to be with you for life." Pei Si Jing offered, and Wen Xiao walked over to hug her tightly.
"I gladly accept your offer, and there really is no better choice than you, huntress Pei Si Jing. As I told Xiao Zhuo before, that perverted monkey only brings trouble and pain that I don't need. It's a shame Xiao Zhuo has to deal with that, but I'm sure he'll know how to handle it and find his own happiness. Their destinies have been intertwined since long before we met, and if it weren't for my master's sudden intervention, I would never have come between them." When Xiao assured her and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"Now, let's enjoy each other's company, as Ying Lei says... The night is chilly, and some tea will be most welcome, along with the wonderful company." She smiled and took Pei Si Jing's hand to lead her down the hall, almost playfully running to their destination.
ZHUO YI CHEN
Morning had come too early for Zhuo Yi Chen, who woke up with a sharp pain that seemed to cover every inch of his body, but as duty called, he still got out of bed and took a cold bath and dressed for that day double event, the first being the restoration of the Kunlun Gate. Last time it had been a disaster that still ended with Zhu Yan losing control of himself, even when it hadn't been his fault and he had been a little hard on him at the end of it, but this time everything was going to be different. The second, his journey to the forbidden area of his Clan, where he hoped to find answers to his questions and with a little luck, his salvation, as he was told he may find.
Even if what Bing Yi had told him didn't end up being his salvation, at least if they managed to restore the Cloud Light Sword, he would not only be able to last a little longer, but also save Bai Jiu from Li Lun's control. It pained him deeply that the young doctor had been trapped in the pagoda tree's power over his body, just like Zhu Yan had been with his malicious energy and he had been trapped under Bing Yi's control. It was the worst feeling he had ever felt, and he hoped he could free his young friend from that all-consuming pain.
Once out of his room, very soon, Zhao Yuan Zhou joined him and looked at him as if evaluating whether to allow him to stay out of bed or drag him back to it. However, given the fact that they needed to finish what they had started for the sake of both the wilderness and the human world, there was no way Zhao Yuan Zhou would stop him from doing what he thought was right, plus he didn't have that much time to rest and recover when his only way to save himself was in another place they could reach that very same day.
"Xiao Zhuo, if the pain becomes too unbearable, I can go to the forbidden area on my own." Zhao Yuan Zhou offered, and Zhuo Yi Chen snorted.
"You're in no better shape than I am. With your senses sealed, your demonic energy is as messy as mine. I can handle it, so there's no need for you to try to play the hero with me." Zhuo Yi Chen rebutted, making the great demon sigh.
"That was harsh, my beloved..."
"I'm not your beloved."
"Are you still denying it? Even when your entire body screams at you not to?"
"My mind controls my body, not the other way around." Yi Chen continue walking ahead.
"What a cold statement."
"I now have Bing Yi's blood, which is as cold as ice, so don't expect anything warm from me." Zhuo Yi Chen mocks the big demon this time, feeling a little less pain when he tries to have fun instead of focusing on what he could not undo.
"Oh, but ice can melt, and I happen to carry an eternal fire, remember? How about we give it a try? I promise you won't regret it." Zhao Yuan Zhou teased him instead and smiled rather smugly when he saw Yi Chen blush before storming off towards the meeting room. So much for being ice cold when he only shows heat right on his face, Zhao Yuan Zhou said to himself as he followed his blushing demon hunter.
As they entered, the rest of the team waited patiently for them to appear and begin planning for what was coming. There were no signs of further attempts to stop the restoration of the Gate, but just in case, they had to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, which they hoped wouldn't involve another red moon.
Last time, Zhuo Yi Chen wondered why Zhu Yan didn't try to kill him like he had the others, when he was on his knees, 'quite vulnerable', pretending that his one-word spell had worked, only to receive two pats on the head, almost affectionately. He wondered if Zhu Yan inner demon was simply playing along with his pretense or with Zhao Yuan Zhou feelings, while locked away.
Whatever it was, the fact was they'd already tried to kill each other more times than he'd liked. Just thinking about another round gave him the chills, and not exactly because of Bing Yi's demonic energy. He was nearly exhausted by all the dilemmas he'd faced since they'd begun to know each other and grow closer, and he desperately wanted it to end. That was just one more question he needed to seek an answer to in the forbidden area of his clan, to find out if there was a way to break the curse and finally have time to heal the wounds of the past.
In the end, they planned everything they could think of and went to Kunlun Mountain to finish the job. Zhuo Yi Chen and Pei Si Jing kept alert to any sign of intrusion as the goddess and the great demon performed their ritual of restoring the Gate and sighed relieved when nothing unexpected happened. It was quite rare that anything would go the way they wanted, so they counted their blessings and focused on their next destination, which was now more concerning, giving the fact that even though Zhuo Yi Chen was a high-ranking member of the Bing Yi clan, his sick body as a child has been robbed of being told about the secrets of the place or the dangers. In that place they walked blind, with only the information that Zhao Yuan Zhou could give them about the rumors he had heard in the wilderness.
However, as they stood before the restored Gate, ready to enter the wilderness, something did happen and Li Lun, inside Bai Jiu body, appeared to try to either stop them from reaching the forbidden area or follow them closely, in search of whatever secrets his Clan offer to those daring enough to set foot on it.
"Mr. Zhuo, go ahead first. I'll stall them as long as I can," Ying Lei shouted as he made a hand seal for a barrier that would hold the intruders and give the rest of the team a chance to enter the forbidden area before anyone else.
"Ying Lei, what are you saying? He's still a great demon, and you might not be able to hold him off for long," Zhuo Yi Chen told him. But the mountain god simply smiled at him.
"I know my limits, but I also know his... Go! I'll be fine!"
"I won't leave anyone behind!"
"You're too injured to fight anyone. I can hold them off long enough for you to achieve your goal. There's no greater honor for me than helping my Commander and friend stay alive!"
"Idiot! I want everyone to stay alive, not just me!"
"Of course you do, and that's precisely why you need to be saved. Such a noble soul deserves nothing less. Zhao Yuan Zhou, take him and save him for me! I'll wait here for your successful return!" The mountain god shouted and before Zhuo Yi Chen could protest further, the great demon did as he was told and grabbed Yi Chen as he pressed his hand on the entrance of the Gate at the same time Wen Xiao and Pei Si Jing did and they disappeared inside the Gate.
"Ying Lei!" Zhuo Yi Chen shouted as soon as he returned to the other side, and Zhao Yuan Zhou pulled him close and held his face with both hands.
"Xiao Zhuo, he knows what he's doing. Everything will be okay." But Zhuo Yi Chen was not having it and pushed Zhu Yan away.
"No! It's bad enough losing Bai Jiu, I won't lose another friend!"
"He's Ying Zhao's grandson, Yi Chen, and no matter how far Li Lun has strayed from his true self, he will never kill anyone related to our former master. Please, we have to move on..."
"He's right, Xiao Zhuo... we have to go! Please, before Li Lun and Ao Yin come to get us..." Wen Xiao also pressed on, and Zhuo Yi Chen cursed under his breath in frustration. He wished he wasn't so weak, so he could protect his loved ones from their enemies and keep them together properly as it should be.
However, that was only his wish, while the reality was that he was in no condition to fight Li Lun without his sword, of all his enemies. They were already fortunate that the tree demon hadn't prevented the restoration of the seal, and if it was because Li Lun wanted Bing Yi's hidden treasure, then he must keep him away from him at all costs.
"Fine... lead the way and let's get this over with." Zhuo Yi Chen said as he tried to calm himself down. There was no point in getting angry, when there were still things to do and friends to return back as soon as possible.
Most of the journey to Qijuan Cave, where the Bing Yi Clan's forbidden area was located, was spent in silence, as Zhuo Yi Chen was still visibly shaken by leaving Ying Lei behind. Everyone understood his hesitation, but to them, his life was also precious, and the little mountain god only wished to preserve it. Even so, Zhao Yuan Zhao guided him as close to his beloved as he dared, just in case he tripped over any of the many bones lying in the snow at their feet.
"I'm guessing many demons have tried to seize Bing Yi's secret treasure over the centuries, judging by the number of bones left behind," Wen Xiao said as he gripped Pei Si Jing's arm tighter than she intended.
"Of course, demons of all kinds will try to seize what the great dragon left here. No human in his Clan seems able to remove it or even want to have it around, as Bing Yi's true nature, before asking Nuwa to make him mortal, was too powerful for his descendants to use," Zhao Yuan Zhou said as he walked through the cave.
"So, do you know what it is, Xiao Zhuo?" Wen Xiao asked curiously.
"No. Most of my clan's secrets have escaped me since I was a sick child, never destined to lead it." Zhuo Yi Chen replied sadly, and Zhao Yuan Zhao closed his eyes in pain for a second.
"Do you know, Zhao Yuan Zhou?" Pei Si Jing asked the great demon to distract him from his sudden guilt.
"From an ancient treasure that could grant eternal life, or a thousand years of cultivation in one fell swoop, to granting a single wish, anything was possible for demons risking their lives. The only certain thing the legend of the wilderness has, is that it is closely guarded by an ancient beast," he said as he looked straight ahead.
"I suppose that's true, and it seemed quite busy fending off intruders," Wen Xiao observed.
"Ancient beasts were on a league of their own. They were closer to gods than demons, which was why Bing Yi was revered as such by the mortals he protected," Zhao Yuan Zhou explained, suddenly holding Zhuo Yi Chen when he tripped over a larger bone, breaking his fall. He expected the young Commander to break free from his grasp faster that he could blink, but to his surprise, the young man let him hold on as they continued deeper, until he stop.
"I think it's best if I walk the rest of the way alone. I'm a descendant of Bing Yi, plus his blood runs through my veins, which should protect me from any beasts lurking about. I feel a sort of pressure very similar to the one I felt when Bing Yi had me under his control, and it's... incredibly strong. You can wait for me here, and if I don't return within the hour, go and look after Ying Lei for me..."
"No," the three of them told him at once, causing him to look at them in resignation.
"Why do you always oppose my decisions? Am I still your Commander?" Zhuo Yin Chen protested, and Wen Xiao smiled.
"No one is left behind, right, Commander? Those were your words just now," She said sweetly, while Pei Si Jing hid a laugh.
"She is right, Commander... your words, not ours." Pei Si Jing added and this time Zhao Yuan Zhou laughed.
"Xiao Zhuo, you've lost the round, so there's nothing you can do to stop any of us. No matter what happens, we'll face it together, just like we promised," Zhao Yuan Zhou said, making his grip on his arm even tighter, as if he was truly afraid he would do something foolish and separate from them to face danger alone.
"Very well, let's go." He agreed, and they continued their walk until they reached the end of the tunnel, to a larger open space, with falling snow and blue fires that never seemed to go out.
They drew even closer, but upon reaching a wide stone staircase, they stopped in their tracks as a heavy pressure surged from all around them at once, paralyzing them, rendering them unable to take a single step forward. The pressure caused Zhu Yan, who was holding Yi Chen, to let go completely, and they all buckled slightly under the ancient, demonic pressure.
"Who dares to enter another's sacred place?" A deep voice asked and something inside Yi Chen stirred. Was it Bing Yi? Would he take control of him again? Zhuo Yi Chen wondered as he panted, but before he could panic, he felt Zhu Yan's hand on his shoulder, transferring a hint of energy into him to stabilize him. Zhuo Yi Chen could only imagine the extreme strain Zhu Yan felt as he moved his hand even an inch, not to mention reaching all the way to his shoulder. Seriously... he was too much... but his heart flutter nevertheless.
"Who ask?" Zhou Yi Chen dare to ask his captor and Zhao Yuan Zhao almost choked on his own saliva.
"Are you mad? He is a very powerful ancient demon... don't be disrespectful." Zhao Yuan Zhou whisper.
"He is my ancestor, why am I been disrespectful just for asking who he is?"
"There are better and polite ways to ask a beast that can kill you in an instant."
"I just asked..."
"But in a very commanding way."
"I am a Commander, is how I ask things."
"Not here, you don't."
"Then why don't you ask him yourself, oh almighty great demon Zhu Yan..."
"For the heavens sake, shut up, both of you! This is neither the place nor the time for lovers bickering." Wen Xiao did her best to resist the pressure she was under and talk some sense into the two idiots next to her.
"We are not lovers." Zhuo Yi Chen refuted.
"Sure you act like one." Wen Xiao disagree and to their surprise, the voice they had hear before laughed, deeply and terrifying at the same time.
"It doesn't matter who I am, but your eyes look so much like his... so, descendant of Bing Yi, why did you come here so weak?" The voice asked next, and the pressure disappeared, to his immense relief.
"My Cloud Light Sword is broken. I came here to see if there's any way to restore it," Zhuo Yi Chen said, lowering his gaze, a little embarrassed for delivering such bad news to the ancient demon, who had protected his clan's treasure for centuries without fail, while he shattered the precious heirloom in the short time he mastered it.
"Oh, I didnt expect that the Cloud Light Sword could be broken one day." The voice say sadly.
"I'm sorry, it was my fault." Zhuo Yi Chen whisper.
"How was it your fault, when it was me who crack it in the first place. If you need to blame someone for the damage done, I am that someone." Zhao Yuan Zhou said as he looked at the top on the stairs in defiance.
"Even so, I let my ancestors down. I came to ask for help... please. I don't mind what happen to me, but the sword is needed to save someone else. A friend." He pleaded sincerely.
"Is there a way to restore it?" Wen Xiao insisted on her own.
"The five-colored stone can restore it, but as I can see it, you have destroyed that too." The voice said almost in a sight.
"How do you know that?" Pei Si Jing asked as she looked around.
"The demon tattoo on his neck means he had absorbed Bing Yi's blood suppressed in the stone. From that there is no return. The young man will become a demon soon."
"Is there is a way to stop the process? Bing Yi himself is trying to delay it." Zhao Yuan Zhou asked.
"Of course he will delay it, I see the deep connection between their souls. It's a shame that he forced it in the beginning, weakening the young man to this point. However, there is a way to save him, on one condition." The voice said, and for a moment, Zhuo Yi Chen thought he heard Bing Yi growl inside him.
"What condition?" Zhuo Yi Chen asked as he felt Zhu Yan's hand on his.
"Since Bing Yi left to the mortal world, I was left alone and it's cold and lonely here. Every minute is like an eternal torment. Bing Yi's descendant, listen carefully. My condition is for you to chose one of your travel companions to stay here with me. Then I will tell you how to restore the sword and how to save yourself." The voice said and Zhao Yuan Zhou pressed his grip on him further.
"What that suppose to mean?" Wen Xiao asked next.
"Freeze one of them and let that person here forever. What do you think of that?"
"I won't leave anyone behind. I rather die and let the sword remain broken before that." He answered and as soon as he did, a strong, freezing wind began to swirl around them, trapping the feet of the other three in deep ice.
"Then all of them should stay." The voice said as more cold wind started to freeze them over.
"Xiao Zhuo!" Zhu Yan cried, anticipating what was going to happen next. But since his feet were also trapped in the ice created by the demonic energy, he could do nothing but watch as his beloved resigned himself and spoke his last words to his friends one by one until he turned to him.
"Don't be angry with me, Zhu Yan... if you were in my place, I know you would do exactly the same. In a way, this is a better ending for me than going through the pain of having to kill you with my own hands."
"I'll free you from the oath! I promise! Please don't do this to me..."
"I have no choice! I'm dying anyway, so saving you is better than everyone dying here!"
"I won't allow it! We promise to face everything together!"
"And we did it while we could, but even you can't withstand this power! So let me be your hero for once!"
"I don't need a hero! I need you!"
"Not this time... I'm sorry, but not this time. Once I'm gone and the Cloud Light Sword is reforged, find the next sword master and ask him to save Bai Jiu."
"There will be no other master, Yi Chen! If you die, so will the rest of the world! I will destroy it with my own hands!"
"Empty words won't work with me, Zhao Yuan Zhou. I know you care too much for you to even think about it and knowing that I will hate it... I wish there was another way for this to end with the happy ending we wanted, but since it's come to this, live for me, please..."
"No! I said no! I won't lose you..." But the rest of his words caught in his throat as Yi Chen clung to him in a desperate embrace and kissed him with all his might. He didn't care that Wen Xiao and Pei Si Jing were watching him as he poured out all his pent-up feelings in the kiss, because there wouldn't be a next time. No more chances for Wen Xiao to pull out the aunt card and scold him for kissing someone else so blatantly.
"Live for me..." Zhuo Yi Chen repeated once he ended the wet kiss, as both of them had shed tears while kissing.
"Yi Chen!"
"I'm sorry... Wen Xiao, take care of him..." He whisper as he turned and walked up the stairs like a prince ready to die for his country. The wind make his dark silky blue robes flutter around him, making Zhu Yan yearn for him even more. His noble beautiful man that could not be replaced for anything.
"Yi Chen! Stop it, Yi Chen! Please... Yi Chen!" He struggle to get out of the ice as his beloved keep walking up without looking back. Wen Xiao and Pei Si Jing also try their best to get free and stop their Commander.
"I chose myself!" He hear Yi Chen yell and to everyone horror, they watched at the same whirlwind of cold air envelop him in a cocoon, freezing him up little by little and Zhu Yan struggle harder and harder to free himself from the ice.
"I Zhu Yan, the great demon, vessel to all the malicious energy of the world, ask the heavens to release Zhuo Yi Chen from the oath he took under my influence and my desire to die in his hand. As a punishment for the broken vow, I will offer my life. If he can't leave, then let me die along with him." Zhu Yan said and ignoring the desperate pleas of the goddess, he keep forcing his energy into the ice until he got free of it and follow his beloved steps.
"Zhu Yan! What are you doing? I ask you to live for me!"
"I can't. Not without you!"
"You promise me before not to seek dead!"
"There is no real life without you!"
"Stop it! I want you to live!"
"I wanted to die, what better way to do it than with the man I love!"
"Don't! Idiot, please don't!"
"Maybe in our next reincarnation we can break the curse..." Zhao Yuan Zhou whisper as he was about to touch his shoulder and commanded for the spell to break, both of them were trapped in the ice... frozen in time and deep feelings.
AN: Sorry I didn't include his goodby to Wen Xiao and Pei Si, but this chapter was turning too long. Bellow, the first two pictures, are one of those scenes that make me love this drama so much. It was such a lovely touch. Thanks for reading and soon we will come to something tangible. Also, I didn't like they dismiss Ying Lei as not part of their group as he obviously was, so in return I will give him the place he deserve it and try my best to save him this time. Who's with me?