Back Again

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/33376501.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: M/M, Multi
Fandom: 山河令 | Word of Honor (TV 2021)
Relationship: Wen Kexing/Zhou Zishu
Character: Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu, Gu Xiang (Faraway Wanderers), Zhang
Chengling, Jing Beiyuan, Wu Xi (Qi Ye), Han Ying (Word of Honor),
Children - Character, Ye Baiyi
Additional Tags: Time Travel Fix-It, Angst, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Some Crack, Character
Death, Hurt/Comfort, Learning how to be parents to little children,
Temporary Character Death, Child Death, Those related to a whole
Sect being wiped out
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2021-08-20 Updated: 2023-01-19 Chapters: 9/? Words:
27583

Back Again
by Duochanfan

Summary

Everything Wen Kexing had gone through over the last ten years was for one goal: that his
A-Xu would live forever.

But when Zhou Zishu opened his eyes to find the life gone from his soulmate, all he wanted
was to be back in the sun, looking across the street to where Wen Kexing was sitting with
Gu Xiang again.

Moments later, their eyes met once more across the street.

Notes

Hey all!

So here is my new fic. I have a few more WoH fics in the works and plotting stages. So I
do hope you enjoy this one!

See the end of the work for more notes

 Chapter One

Chapter One

Wen Kexing looked at Zhou Zishu, a soft warm look on his face as he pushed his Qi into the man.
Letting it heal Zhou Zishu's meridians, just as Ye Baiyi had told him. But he could feel his own
being burned, the pain beginning to reradiate through him. But he didn't care, this... this was what
everything was leading to. Wen Kexing knew that now.

Smiling fondly, he thought back to that very first meeting with him, not when they were children,
but full-grown adults. It had taken him a while to realise what he was supposed to do. That first
time that he had seen Zhou Zishu, his A-Xu die before him and he ended up back in that restaurant,
with Gu Xiang across from him. His eyes met Zhou Zishu's, who was resting in the sun. And
everything played out as it did before. Then the second death, watching A-Xu die again in front of
him. He had fallen to the floor and wailed, closing his eyes to take a breath, he had opened then
and once again he found himself in that same restaurant.

Each time he went back, he changed a little more. Watching as his A-Xu would die before him and
then going back to that day in the sun. It hurt, but he got better, able to talk that little bit more about
things. Do things that little bit differently. But he still knew he made mistakes in this go around.
Though this time, he was giving his life. That Zhou Zishu would live a very long life. Wen Kexing
wouldn't be next to him, but Zhou Zishu would live. Zhou Zishu would go back, rebuild the Four
Seasons Manor and teach Zhang Chengling to be a good and just man. No matter where he went in
the afterlife, it would be worth it to know that his A-Xu would be alive.

Wen Kexing took a breath, shuddering slightly in pain, "I love you, A-Xu," he whispered as he
gathered what Qi was left in his body and pushed it to Zhou Zishu. Pouring all that he could into
his love, he could feel the world around him beginning to dull. This was what he had to do, to
protect Zhou Zishu from death. He had seen him die too many times to count. Now, he wouldn't
have to see it anymore. His energy was running out, he had no more strength left to give his A-Xu
as he slumped over. His breathing slowed down until it finally stopped.

XxXxX

Zhou Zishu could feel his body starting to heal. The strength it once had returned to him. He
smiled, eyes still closed, he would finally be alright. He would be able to spend his days with Wen
Kexing and teaching Zhang Chengling, and the others. He would have what he wished. He opened
his eyes as he felt the trickle of energy coming from Wen Kexing stop. His hearing and sense of
smell returned to him. He smiled for a split second before he realised what he was seeing across
from him. Wen Kexing was slumped over. His hair was now silvery-white, but that wasn't what
shocked him. He could tell that Wen Kexing wasn't breathing. Hand's started to slip from his, he
grabbed on to them, "No," he whispered to himself, eyes starting to tear, "This... no," he muttered
again, shaking his head as he then pulled Wen Kexing towards him.

Wen Kexing's body fell against him. Zhou Zishu shook him a few times, "Come on Lao Wen,
you... you can't leave me, you can't. We're supposed to go home, to the Four Seasons, to make sure
Chengling grows up well. I can't... I can't do that without you, I can't." His voice was shaking as he
tried to revive Wen Kexing. But nothing was working. Zhou Zishu folded himself around Wen
Kexing's body and closed his eyes. "Lao Wen, A-Xing," he murmured, holding on as tightly as he
could.

Zhou Zishu went silent as he felt his body shudder and something pressed in on him. He felt
weakened once more, his senses as dull as they had once been. He didn't care, the only thing he
really cared about was the body that was in his arms. He went to open his eyes as he felt his arms
suddenly become empty. Only to feel as though a bright light was shining on his face. It was warm,
nice even. He opened his eyes, raising a hand to cover his eyes a little and almost shouted. He was
lying outside, the sun was shining down on him. He could hear voices all around him. He didn't
understand, they... they were in the armoury, why were there people around them? There was even
the taste of strong alcohol on his tongue. He jolted as he heard a sharp voice he didn't think he
would hear again.

"He is enjoying the sunshine," the voice was smooth. Another higher voice was replying to them, a
voice he knew just as well as the first. The argument that the two were having carried on until he
felt coins being thrown onto him.

"How?" he mumbled under his breath, making sure that no one heard him. He brushed them off
him, he of course didn't need them. And barely spared Zhang Chengling a glance. He wondered
why he was dreaming.

"Beggar!" came the sharp voice of Gu Xiang, "I'll treat you to a meal!" she called out.

Zhou Zishu paused for a second, opening his eyes and looking at Wen Kexing, all he wanted was
to go over there. But he felt compelled to carry on how he had done that first time he had met the
man, "Kind lady," he began, looking at Gu Xiang, standing tall. He could see it now, the stance she
had, her body ready for an attack, even though there was no real threat around them at that moment
in time. Wen Kexing beside her looked just as relaxed, fanning himself, but he knew how deadly
that man could be with his weapon of choice. He grabbed for his gourd of wine, remembering that
it was practically empty, he called out, "How about you treat me to a drink?" He suppressed the
smile as he heard her words to Wen Kexing.

Zhou Zishu looked at the two of them. Gu Xiang looked as he remembered her from this day.
Sharp and coiled, but acting carefree. She never really relaxed around him until later on. Wen
Kexing hadn't glanced at him properly yet, but he was waiting. He just needed to see him properly.
See that smirking smile that was on his face.

"Okay! I'll treat you to a drink," she said, standing up straight with her arms folded in front of her.
She then moved quickly, grabbing a jar of wine and jumping over towards him, "Here," she said,
holding it out for him.

He took it, instead of grasping for it as he had done the last time. Pouring some into his mouth, he
could taste the tartness of it, the gentle burn of it down his throat. His sense of taste was slightly
dulled at the moment, but he knew in a few more months, he wouldn't be able to taste anything
again. He heard Gu Xiang talking to him again, and he shook his head.

"It's good wine," he muttered to himself, no enthusiasm in his voice. The wine did start to taste
better to him after that night on the roof with Wen Kexing before they had that argument. He
glanced over at her, seeing the cautious look in her eyes, but also the curiousness within them.
From what he remembered Wen Kexing telling him, the two had only been out of Ghost Valley for
a few months. The young girl had never stepped foot outside of Ghost Valley in her memory and
she was curious about everything, even naïve in her own way. "It's worth it even if I die from
poison," he told her. And he meant it at that moment. This dream he was in was hurting him so
much. To be back there, to see her and to be so close to Wen Kexing, yet still so far from him. He
wished to be with Wen Kexing, and this dream was hurting him. "Thank you, kind lady," he
murmured, glancing up at her.

Zhou Zishu drank some more of the wine as the young woman had a smug smile on her face. She
talked to Zhang Chengling for a moment before turning back to him.

"Why don't you want money? You want wine but not money," she puzzled, looking at him waiting
for an answer, before accusing him, "You're really picky for a beggar," she huffed, her cheeks
puffing out a little.

Zhou Zishu couldn't help but laugh as her, shaking his head a little he glanced over and looked up
at her, "And who says I'm a beggar?" he smiled, "I'm just here to enjoy the sunshine," he added,
looking once more in Wen Kexing's direction. He vaguely saw Gu Xiang doing the same. His eyes
met Wen Kexing's. Instead of meeting the guarded but curious look on the other man's face. It was
pained, his eyes were full of pain and Zhou Zishu was puzzled as to why. He didn't remember the
pain in them the last time. The man was confident and curious about him in the end. And that was
only because of what happened next. Not now, not before his fight with Gu Xiang. Why was that
different, was something else going on. He barely heard Gu Xiang yelling at him before a hand
came into his sight.

Zhou Zishu moved the jar of wine out of her reach, tossing it from one hand to the other. Having to
lean back from a kick. He rolled out of the way, knowing what he did next would draw Wen
Kexing's attention to himself. He vaguely saw the man standing and watching him intently. The
two fighters exchanged words, but Zhou Zishu was barely aware of what he was saying, and part of
his attention was on Wen Kexing. He moved out of the way as she launched into the air. Making it
look like he had no skills, though those that could, would see his abilities. Throwing his hat, it was
easily kicked back to him as he crashed into the cart. He stood there, watching as Zhang Chengling
went to interfere, the two even arguing as they would do time and time again in the future.

Zhou Zishu paused, remembering for a moment how to get out of a dream, this dream. Though he
wouldn't mind remaining in it, travelling around with Wen Kexing, listening to him flirting with
him again. Maybe this time he would flirt back. The whip came towards him, using the parasol, he
slowed himself enough that the whip caught his hand. The searing pain from it jolted him, but the
dream didn't end. The parasol ripped in half and he moved quickly away from Gu Xiang. He stood
there, staring at her. "A sweet face, but such a fiery attitude," he muttered, shaking his head.

"I don't believe it!" she yelled out, swinging her whip high above and snapping it towards him.

Just as before, a hand grabbed it, stopping it from hitting him. Though this time, his hand was
bleeding, the pain was minimal and easy to live with. He turned and looked at Wen Kexing, who
was slowly pulling Gu Xiang towards him using her own whip. Gu Xiang was pouting at him,
cheeks puffed out as she looked at him. Zhou Zishu took in the sight of the man. There was still a
slight coldness that was there the first time. But he could see that he was glancing at him very
subtly.

He finished coiling the whip back up and handed it to her, "A-Xiang," he said, a soft sigh escaping
his lips, "Stop being so embarrassing," he told her, reaching out and tapping her on the head, "Poor
taste in attacking someone so gifted," he added, his voice quiet, barely being heard by anyone but
the two that were closest to him. Wen Kexing turned to face him, it was well hidden, but there was
a look of longing on the others face, "I apologise for my maid's rudeness, please, allow me to take
care of your injury. I have a little skill with the healing arts," he told him, bowing at the man.

"I will be fine, such a-"

"I know that such a cut for someone of your calibre would be nothing, but let me please take care
of the injury my maid has caused you," he said once again, "Please," he added, an earnest and
longing note within his voice.
Zhou Zishu only hesitated for a second before he nodded, "Alright, I shall let you heal it," he
agreed.

Wen Kexing smiled, it wasn't his genuine smile, but it was the one he would give when he was
trying to be friendly, "I thank you, please, come with me."

Zhou Zishu watched him for a second, Gu Xiang pulling a face at him, before following her
master. He then did the same, slowly walking behind them as they went to a small table nearby.
Wen Kexing gestured to him to sit down. Gu Xiang disappeared for a moment, and returned
quickly, a small bowl of clean water and a cloth hanging partially within it. Zhou Zishu almost
shivered as Wen Kexing took his hand, his fingers long and soft as they treated his injury. His
hands may have been soft but he knew how deadly the man could be with his fan, and even with
his bare hands. Though Zhou Zishu realised, they were the hands of a healer. Soft and gentle as he
cleaned the wound and then sent healing energy towards it.

Zhang Chengling watched, before rushing towards the bridge and picking up Zhou Zishu's hat,
robe and gourd that he had left by the bridge. He walked over to the table, "I'm sorry to disturb you
all," he said politely, a smile on his face, "You're martial arts are really good," he smiled at Zhou
Zishu, "Which Sect do you belong to?" he asked.

"I... belong to no Sect," Zhou Zishu shook his head.

"I'm Zhang Chengling, of the Mirror Lake Sect," he bowed to him as he then placed down the
items he had gathered.

"Young Master, we should go," the servant that was with him said, looking at Zhou Zishu with
distrust.

Zhang Chengling didn't even spare him a glance as he reached into his robe and pulled something
out, "Here, please have this name card, you may come to the Mirror Lake Sect for a stay. You are
a guest of our Sect," he said as he gave it to Zhou Zishu.

This time, instead of letting it be placed on him, he actually reached out and took it. He looked at
Zhang Chengling's name on it and almost sighed. Hearing the servant berate Zhang Chengling for
giving it to him. Though Zhang Chengling argued back. He turned to look at Wen Kexing and
glanced down at his hand, which was almost fully healed.

"You are a good healer," Zhou Zishu said softly.

Wen Kexing looked at him, "I try," he murmured, "There," he said as he finished, "I apologise
again for my maid's rudeness," he repeated even though Gu Xiang was still pouting from behind
her master.

"It is fine," he nodded to the man before looking at Zhang Chengling, "Young Master Zhang, I
thank you for your kindness," he said, not really smiling at him, as he still believed that the child
was too naïve and silly. Reminding him so much of Qin Jiuxiao. He had done for most of their time
together. "I am sure that you are busy, and I will not keep you from your errands," he told him
gently.

"Oh, yes," Zhang Chengling smiled, "I need to get some pastries for my mother. Until we meet
again, friend," he nodded and gave a small bow before disappearing with his servant.

"Young master," Zhou Zishu said as he turned to Wen Kexing, "I thank you for healing me, though
it was not necessary," he told him, "I shall take my leave," he added as he stood up, grabbing the
jar of wine and his things. Going back to the bridge. He poured the wine into the gourd and subtly
watched as Wen Kexing stared at him for a moment more before going back to where he had been
seated earlier. Still watching him with Gu Xiang beside him.

Zhou Zishu shook his head lightly as he returned the ornate jar to the restaurant it came from and
began to walk around the town. It was a busy and bustling place. It held no candle to where he had
come from after all, but still a place to get lost in. He listened to children as they sang out a rhyme,
knowing that part of it was orchestrated by Wen Kexing, a warning to those in the world that
something was coming. Shaking off his thoughts he looked at the name card, "Silly child," he
muttered, but it sounded fond, even to his own ears. He had accepted the child as his disciple, and
while he didn't know that at the moment. He will be going to get him once more.

Standing up and gathering his things, he headed around. Coming to the boatman, the same
conversation and once more Wen Kexing staring at him, offering him a ride. Sitting at the front of
the boat, he looked out over the lake. Leaving behind Wen Kexing. He wanted to see if he could
help save a few members of the Mirror Lake Sect. Maybe a brother of Zhang Chengling, and make
sure the young fourteen-year-old made it as well.
 Chapter Two
Chapter Notes

Hello to you all!!

Wow, so many of you are liking this. I do hope you will enjoy this chapter and also,
have a great weekend!!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Two

Zhou Zishu laughed as he landed, a smile on his face as he heard the anger of Uncle Li sounding
behind him. Though the man would go back and find the three coins waiting for him. The laughter
ended and his smile began to fade. He thought back to Yue, and the Wen Kexing that he had met
there. He was different, but he couldn't put his finger on why and how the man was different.
"Maybe it's all in my head." he muttered to himself, "Maybe I am seeing what I want to see," he
added, looking at the ground for a moment. Closing his eyes and centring himself. "Right," he
nodded, looking up and walking forwards, through the grove of blossoming trees. He stopped,
already hearing the whizzing that was coming towards him. He rolled his eyes as he easily moved
out of the way of the fan.

Wen Kexing appeared and began to attack, eyes locked on his as they moved. Once again, the
moves were easy, but somewhat tiring as they almost danced around each other. Zhou Zishu stared
into Wen Kexing's eyes, seeing the delight that was there, the curiosity as well. Though the moves
never got too hard. It was more teasing. Reminding him more and more of the fight they had on the
water when his disguise had dissolved. The testing, the teasing way the other was moving. He was
using his Qi to keep up with him a little, but nothing worth noting. Though he had wanted to try
and save as much as he could for when the Ghosts would attack the Mirror Lake Sect. Wen Kexing
caught his fan, spinning to face Zhou Zishu, a little smirk on his face and his eyes full of delight.

"My apologies, please don't take offence to my... attack," Wen Kexing let his fan close as he put his
hands together, "Your footwork was so elegant and graceful. I was rather impressed and just had to
follow and see more." The smile on the man's face reminded him a lot of before they were truly
friends. It was guarded.

"Really Lao Wen," Zhou Zishu muttered under his breath not thinking he would be overheard.
"What... what did you call me?" Wen Kexing demanded to know, taking a startled step towards
him. His eyes were wide as they looked at him.

"I-" Zhou Zishu winced internally, not sure how he could recover from accidently spilling the
man's name when he hadn't even introduced himself yet.

"A-Xu," his voice was shaking. The nickname that was whispered was low, almost inaudible to
him, but Zhou Zishu looked up, his own eyes going wide as he stared at Wen Kexing.

"You..." Zhou Zishu muttered, shaking his head, not wanting to get his hopes up that the Wen
Kexing in front of him was his Lao Wen.

"Did you really just call me Lao Wen?" he asked him, staring at him.

Zhou Zishu sighed, there was no denying what he had called him. "I did," he answered him, only to
find himself grabbed and held tightly with the other man. He could feel Wen Kexing shaking.

"It failed, I failed," Wen Kexing muttered over and over again, "How... it shouldn't have, the old
monster told me what to do," his voice was shaking badly.

"What do you mean Lao Wen?" Zhou Zishu asked him, wrapping his own arms around the man.
Wen Kexing was alive in his arms, how it should have been last time.

"Monster, he told me that to cure you I had to give my life for yours. That's.... that was how it was
supposed to work. You were supposed to live, you had to live. All the time, each time I saw you
leave me, and I didn't want to see it again. I couldn't," he babbled almost, shaking as he moved
back a little to see Zhou Zishu's face, "I don't like the mask," he muttered.

"It stays on for now," he told him, "And what were you thinking!" he yelled, punching him hard on
the arm, "Do you really think I would want to carry on living without you. You're my soulmate!"
he berated him.

"A-Xu, you don't get it," Wen Kexing said, tears in his eyes as he stepped away from him, "I
watched you die... over and over again, I saw you die in front of me. Sometimes I would go to
sleep and wake up back in that restaurant with... with A-Xiang," he cried, tears falling from his
eyes as he crumpled to the ground, "I couldn't do it again. I had to save you."
Zhou Zishu went over to him, kneeling, "Lao Wen, A-Xing," he murmured, gathering him into his
arms, "What do you mean when you said that you watched me die over and over again?" he asked
him, his voice low, curious.

"This... this is the first time that you've remembered," he muttered, sniffing and wiping his eyes, "I
watched you die at Mirror Lake twice and even a time before I even decided to follow you. When I
didn't really know you," he added, "Then you lived longer and I got to know you more and more,
but still you would die before me, sometimes in my arms, sometimes before I could even reach
you. I would go back to that restaurant. To meet your eyes as you relax in the sun. And I would
start again, learning each time which actions to take, which to not do. To make sure you would
live."

"And what about you? How was I to live without you?" Zhou Zishu asked him, "You are my
soulmate, my lover, the one that I wanted to spend my life with. We were to go back, rebuild the
Four Seasons Manor and train Chengling and the others. How could I do that without you by my
side?" he continued.

"So you died, you had to have died for me to come back to the start again," Wen Kexing said.

"No, I didn't. One minute I was holding your body in my arms, mourning you, the next I was in the
sunshine and you were across from me," he explained.

"I don't understand," he shook his head, as he looked at him, "If you didn't die then why are we
back again?"

"Maybe it was because you did. This time you died, but this time I also remember," he sighed,
leaning closer and resting his forehead against Wen Kexing, "I never wish to be without my
soulmate by my side," he murmured.

"A-Xu," he murmured, "I'm sorry," his voice was so quiet.

Zhou Zishu smiled, "I know, but never do that again to me," he told him.

"I won't," he promised, "I won't. A-Xiang is alive again, she's alive," he sobbed again.
"She is, and so is Cao Weining," he added, "They have a second chance as well. This time when
they marry, we'll make sure no one will harm either of them."

"Yes," Wen Kexing nodded, moving back slightly and looking up at him, "We'll make things right
this time. With… with both of us remember it will be better," he said.

"It will, no more fake deaths, no more fake Glazed Armours," he muttered, looking at him.

"I only did those because if I didn't you would have ended up dead. I told you once, what I was
going to do. That was your death before the last go through. You died because you pushed yourself
too much to help me. So this time I didn't tell you, and you lived, but then I found out that you had
pulled the nails and had to save you. Ye Baiyi, that monster, he told me what I had to do to save
you and I did it, and we still came back. But because of me this time," he told him, "And as for the
Glazed Armor, without the fakes out there, that bastard Prince Jin comes after you a lot sooner and
kills you. Han Ying... he dies sooner as well. I had hoped to stop his death," he murmured, "He
was your friend and..." he trailed off, shaking his head.

Zhou Zishu closed his eyes for a moment, a jolt of pain on thinking of his friend and his former
subordinate's death. The man was loyal to him, he had tried to chase him away, but it hadn't
worked, "We'll change things. And the first thing we can do is the Mirror Lake Sect," he said as he
sat on the ground. It wouldn't hurt to get there a little later than planned, as long as he reached there
before dinner.

"We... we can't change it," Wen Kexing shook his head sadly, "I've tried so many times to do so. I
have tried four times to save them, even some of them. I even told you about what had happened
and we worked together to try and save the Sect, but in the end, you died as did Chengling. You
even tried to fight the Ghost's yourself and died. Working together and alone hasn't worked.
Stopping you from fighting and going after Chengling instead is what has kept you alive. I do not
wish to go back again A-Xu, so listen to me on this, please. If you don't go after Chengling, he will
die. They are after him, remember, they know that he will have the piece on him," he added,
staring at him, "Please."

"I will listen, what are you going to do?" he asked.

"I have A-Xiang with me, I will be sending her after you to help like last time. I might arrive a little
later. But I am going to see if I can at least save one of Chengling's family. And to make sure that
the Ghost's that have attacked are wiped out so they can't come after you. I've done that before. I
don't know if I will be able to save anyone. But I will join you in the old temple as before," Wen
Kexing told him.
"I thought you said saving any of them would cost us?" Zhou Zishu reminded him, eyes narrowing.

"I am only aiming to save one or two, not the entire Sect. I would like for Chengling to have some
family. I know that he... was still rather upset about it even after all that time. That he had no one
left. Not an aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling or parent. And while I also know that he thought of us as
parents after a while, he still wanted and craved that blood connection. And I can fully understand
that. I have no one left. The only family I had was gone when I was so young. And while he is
older, he is still a child that will have lost everything. If I can even bring him just one person, it
would be better than none," he murmured quietly.

"Just promise me that you won't get hurt, that you won't end up dying," Zhou Zishu told him,
grabbing his hand.

Wen Kexing smiled softly, "I promise. If I can't rescue one of them and bring them to the temple,
then I won't push it. To save one would be good, of course, we'll save our Chengling, our silly little
disciple."

"Yeah," Zhou Zishu snorted, "he was coming along well," he murmured thinking back.

"He was, and he will again. We will be there for him, though we should start thinking of what we
are to do, he will once again have that piece in him. And then there is Long Tongue Ghost that will
end up with a piece. Though I believe he was able to get that from the Mount Tai Set. I believe that
it is some Ghosts and along with some Scorpions that are working together to get that piece from
the Danyang Sect at this moment in time," Wen Kexing said, he had been piecing together all that
was happening in the Martial World since he started his time looping. Going back each time, he
learned a little more about what was going on in other areas.

"So, the Scorpions are already in play?" Zhou Zishu asked.

"Yes, of course, they are. Scorpion is Zhao Jing's foster son. He will use him until he is a liability
and then gets rid of him. That was why he turned against the man in the end. He found out that
Zhao Jing was planning to kill him as soon as he had the last pieces of the Glazed Armour and the
key. Scorpion was a liability in the end to him. How else do you think I got him to agree to help me
in my fake death. I knew he would turn on us in the end as well. He wanted that power and he
wanted to have one over on his father," Wen Kexing shook his head, "For now, he is very close to
the man. He wouldn't believe that Zhao Jing would want him dead."

"If we get him to believe that he will, then we might be able to turn him in order to help us?" Zhou
Zishu nodded.
"We could, yes, but," he began, a dark look on his face, "If those little bastards go after Chengling
again, I will kill them. They will not touch that child again. He had nightmares about what they
did," he muttered.

Zhou Zishu frowned, "I didn't know that," he murmured.

"You were always telling him off for his tears. So he never let on to you. I found out when we got
to the Four Seasons. He would often wake in the night after getting his own room. He would train
outside, making himself so tired that he would be able to sleep without dreams," he sighed, "A-Xu,
you're too hard on him. He has been... or will go through a lot. He is a child," he reminded his love
once more.

"I... at his age, I was two years away from having the weight of the Four Seasons on my shoulders.
And I thought that would happen to him. I needed to make sure he would be able to handle
everything that was being thrown at him. He had the Mirror Lake to carry on with, Four Seasons
was added as well when he became my disciple. He also," he paused for a moment, "he also had
the Longyuan Cabinet to revive as well. He had so much on his young shoulders and he took it and
was doing his best."

"Tears do not make you weak," Wen Kexing said softly, "I know it always feels like it. But they
are needed. To remind us we are human," he murmured, looking down, "I forgot how to cry for so
long A-Xu. Being in Ghost Valley, takes what shreds of humanity you have and crushes it. You
either live or you die. No matter your age. I don't want that for him," he told him, glancing over at
Zhou Zishu.

Zhou Zishu was silent for a while, "Okay, I understand," he told him, a gentle smile appearing on
his face, "I need to get going, I don't want to take too long in getting there. What are you going to
do?" he asked him, as he got to his feet and held out a hand for Wen Kexing to take.

Wen Kexing smiled at him and took the hand as he was helped to his feet, "I'm going to look
around, see if I can find some good places where I can wait. I will be going back to fetch A-Xiang
as well. She will be with me. I'll try and help where I can in making sure that you and Chengling
are able to leave. I'll send her with you. And I'll take care of those trying to go after you." He felt
like he was repeating himself a little, but he wanted to make sure that Zhou Zishu listened to him
and concentrated on getting Zhang Chengling out of the Mirror Lake Sect safely.

"Right," he nodded, "As I said if you can save someone, do so, but don't put yourself in any
danger," he warned him one last time.
 "A-Xu," he pouted, "I won't," he promised him, his pout turning into a smile, "I love you," he said
suddenly, "I know I never really said it much before. But I do. I love you A-Xu, and I can't wait
until that mask of yours comes off. I don't like it hiding your beauty," he huffed a little as he
reached out poking a cheek.

Zhou Zishu snorted, shaking his head, "I need it, for now when we get Chengling to safety, I'll see
about taking it off this time," he told him.

"Good, I can't stand it," he smiled, "I shall see you later my dearest A-Xu," he told him.

Zhou Zishu shook his head, pulling Wen Kexing close, "I love you A-Xing, I'm sorry I never said
it last time. I was and still am scared of letting someone so close to me in. Scared to lose you. I
never, ever want to have you in my arms and not breathing again A-Xing," he warned him, eyes
flashing.

"I promise, no more dying as long as you promise the same. When you know that you aren't strong
enough, lean on me. I can be strong for both of us at times, as I know you can be for me when I
can't be the strongest," he told him.

"Fine," he nodded, before pulling him into a kiss, "I will see you later, be careful," he told him.

"A-Xu!" Wen Kexing huffed as Zhou Zishu quickly darted away, "Really!t!" he called out to him, a
smile on his face, laughing and shaking his head as he watched Zhou Zishu leave.

"Later my dear!" Zhou Zishu called back, laughing lightly as he jumped away. Leaving the man
standing there as he made his way to the Mirror Lake Sect. He would have to wait until midnight
when the Ghost would attack. He would be weakened, but he knew that he should be fine enough
to fight and keep their silly disciples, Zhang Chengling safe.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you all for the amazing and awesome comments and kudos. YOu are all so
amazing, I adore you all!!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!

I am very much enjoying writing this fic, just finished writing chapter 17 today.
 Chapter Three
Chapter Notes

Hey all!

Hope your week has gone well and that your weekend will be awesome!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Three

Zhou Zishu was in the same woodshed as before, though he didn't mind the rather disrespectful
way that they were treating him. Though he did wish that he had the chance to be nearer to Zhang
Chengling so he could help from the beginning. He had slept and meditated after having a little
something to eat. Ready for the night to come. He knew that the nail would be playing up soon,
though he had done his best to prepare himself for it, hoping that he would be able to hold off the
problem so that Wen Kexing would be able to get to them in time even with what he planned on
doing.

Night came and the Nail's began to try and advance his death once more. Their poison ran through
his veins. He sat up and began to meditate, pushing the pain away as he tried to control the pain
that ran through him. He coughed a little before he took a breath, opening his robe a little he tapped
on some of his main points, numbing them slightly and helping to redirect everything. Closing his
eyes as he finished redirecting he meditated until he heard the noises from outside, the same ones
from before. Zhou Zishu stood and hurried out of the woodshed, the place he had been sent to stay
the night had been the only way he had been saved from being attacked. Since no one would think
to look in the woodshed for someone sleeping.

He jumped onto the roof and started searching for Zhang Chengling and Uncle Li. He almost
smirked as he spotted them. He looked around one last time, seeing the white robes he knew
belonged to Wen Kexing in the distance. He ignored the man, knowing he could take care of
himself for now as he darted after Zhang Chengling. Jumping down, he went after the two, taking
out a few of the ghosts that got too close. Baiyi sang with each movement he made. Easily taking
out those that got in his way as he went after them. He stumbled slightly, cursing the nails. Wishing
once more that he hadn't put them in, in the first place.

"Damn it," he grumbled as he fought, moving in the way of Uncle Li and helping him keep Zhang
Chengling safe. "Get moving, I'll catch up!" he ordered the two of them. He moved quickly to take
out the Ghosts that had rushed up behind him. The old man left, grabbing Zhang Chengling's arm
as he headed towards his boat. Zhou Zishu was about to kill another when he stumbled slightly,
though it didn't matter much as a white fan flew past him.
"Get going," Wen Kexing told him, "I'll take care of these, I will meet you at the temple," he
added, smirking, as he threw his fan once more, taking down several advancing ghosts.

"Keep safe, Lao Wen," he reminded him.

"Of course, how could I die before I got to see your true beauty again," he chuckled as he caught
his fan and jumped away.

Zhou Zishu rolled his eyes and ran to catch up with the old man and Zhan Chengling. The boat
already leaving the dock. With an easy jump, he made it to the boat and turned. He sighed, he
knew that Wen Kexing would be fine, but that didn't mean he wasn't worried about his foolish
soulmate.

XxXxX

Wen Kexing jumped away, a soft smile on his face. Though it didn't last long as he landed in a
courtyard. A number of bodies were lying there, dead already. Shaking his head he carried on,
hearing a scream, he followed the noise to see the main office. Two men were already laying there,
eyes staring at nothing. While a third had a sword through his stomach. Another scream and the
young man, teen from what Wen Kexing could tell, slumped to the ground. With a flick of his
wrist, his fan went flying and the three ghosts were quickly taken care of.

Wen Kexing headed over and knelt down, he could see a lot of similarities between the teenager
before him and Zhang Chengling and knew that this was one of his brothers, "Hey," he said, as he
built up his Qi for a few moments and then pushed it into the teenager. Hoping that he might be
able to heal him. Though it didn't take him long to realise that he wouldn't be able to, "Damn," he
hissed.

"Ling-Di... where..." the teen gasped out, eyes wide and frantic as he glanced around.

"He's safe, my husband is with him, guarding him," he reassured him quickly, using his Qi to help
ease the pain that the young teenager was in. He didn't look to be older than eighteen, maybe just
on the cusp of adulthood.

"Safe, is he really safe?" he asked, breathing starting to slow.

"He really is, I'll make sure and promise you that he will always be as safe as I can make him," he
reassured him.

He nodded weakly, eyes closing, a grateful look on his face as he breathed his last. Wen Kexing
sighed as he laid the young teenager out respectfully, doing the same with the other two bodies in
the room. He could see that the two of them had gone through horrendous torture before their
deaths. Getting up, he knew he would have to hurry up, Gu Xiang would be waiting for him
nearby, worried about him. If he took too long she would end up taking part in the fight and they
would be too late to save Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling from the Ghost that had gone after
them.

Wen Kexing moved around the compound quickly, all he was finding was the bodies of those of
the Manor Lake Sect. He was about to leave to meet with Gu Xiang when he heard a small
muffled cry coming from one of the buildings nearby. He almost didn’t hear it. Going over, he
went to investigate. Walking inside he could see the slumped over form of a woman, her back
covered in blood. He heard crying coming from underneath her. He carefully moved the body and
found a small baby underneath. They were wrapped in a blood-covered blanket. "Ah," he
murmured, carefully picking the baby up and nestling them in his arms. "So, I wonder what your
name might be," he added as he left the room and headed to where Gu Xiang was waiting for him.

Wen Kexing landed smoothly, the baby still whimpering in his arms, "Hush now," he said as he did
his best to try and soothe the child in his arms.

"Master, why do you have a baby in your arms?" Gu Xiang exclaimed, eyes wide at the sight.

"Just someone I was able to save," he told her, "come, we need to hurry," he added as he headed
towards the temple, "I'm going to have to ask you to do your best and fight, I have my hands full,"
he added, looking at the young woman. He may have gotten her to call him brother during his last
time loop. But he thought of her more as his daughter than his sister. He had raised her from when
she was around three when he found her lost and alone wandering into Ghost Valley all those years
ago.

"Okay," she shrugged, looking rather pleased. Gu Xiang always loved a good fight, it wasn't often
one wanted to cross paths with her. While she didn't have a sword, her whip could be just as sharp,
along with the knives she liked to carry all over her body.

The two travelled over the water, heading to the shore on the other side of the Lake that separated
the Mirror Lake Sect from the nearby town. Landing, "A-Xiang, head to the temple I showed you
before," he told her, "Help the three people in there, keep them safe," he added.
"I will Master," she grinned and darted away.

Wen Kexing looked at the whimpering baby in his arms, "I supposed I should check you over
properly," he murmured as he sat down, laid the baby in his lap and began to check the child over.
"A, a little boy," he murmured, not able to find anything bar a soiled cloth. He frowned, as he then
shook his head, ripping up part of his robes so he could fashion a new one for the child before
swaddling them once again. He pulled a face as he remembered the blood that coated most of the
blanket around the baby boy. Wen Kexing then hurried to the Temple himself. Jumping up, to
avoid the ghosts, the baby was no longer whimpering, but he was still rather restless and he
wondered if he was hungry. "There's not much I can do for that," he mumbled as he looked down
on the fight. He pulled out some walnuts and with a bit of Qi he shot them at speed at some of the
Ghosts getting too close to those fighting below him.

Wen Kexing watched as the last Ghost was killed and Zhou Zishu swayed on his feet, the nail's
caused him trouble once more. Jumping down, he used one arm to keep the baby close, and the
other to catch his husband. Instead of reacting and trying to attack him, Zhou Zishu rested against
him, letting the other carry his weight for a moment. That was until a whimpering got his attention.
Opening his eyes and standing up, feeling tired and drained, but not as bad as the last time he had
gone through this.

"Lao Wen?" he asked, as he spotted the bloody bundle in Wen Kexing's arms.

"I seemed to have picked up a passenger," he said, a soft smile on his face, "Don't worry," he
added, gently handing the baby over to him as he then went over to the boatman, "let me see," he
said kneeling and grabbing a wrist. Sending a small pulse of Qi through the man, he assessed his
health. Bowing his head, it was the same as last time. He was dying. The only thing he could do
was the same as Zhang Chengling's older brother, ease his pain so he would pass peacefully.
Settling behind the man, he sent his Qi into him as the man bargained with Zhou Zishu in taking
Zhang Chengling to the leader of the Tai Lake Sect, at Sanbai Manor.

The man died the same as last time, with Zhou Zishu agreeing to help Zhang Chengling. Though
he hadn't agreed to take him to Sanbai Manor this time. Just to keep him safe. Gu Xiang was left
holding the baby as they took care of Uncle Li's body. Going back inside, she had already settled
the baby down next to her as she started a fire and pulled out the food from the bag she carried.

"Master, what are we going to do with the baby?" she asked as soon as the three of them walked
inside.

"Keep him, of course," he answered her easily.

"That's Aunt Lihua's son," Zhang Chengling murmured as he stared at the grizzling baby.

"Do you know his name?" Wen Kexing asked as he picked him up from the ground, cradling in his
arms and rocking him.

"Ye, Zhang Ye, he's my cousin," he murmured, looking down, "Did you... did you find the other
children?" he asked, biting his lip a few times, his eyes filling with tears.

"Other children?" Wen Kexing asked him, sitting up straighter, "I wasn't able to find any more. I...
I did find your brother, he asked about you, wished to know that you were safe," he added quietly.

"He... he's gone, they are all gone," he muttered, tears finally falling, "I... the other kids, they...
they would have been hidden in the secret room. I wanted to get to them but Uncle Li, he wouldn't
let me go back," he shook his head.

"Chengling," Wen Kexing called to him, "Tell me where it is, I can go and see, check at the very
least," he told him, moving closer, reaching out a hand.

Zhang Chengling looked at him and nodded slowly, wiping away his tears, "There is a building,
near the north of the main buildings. It stands alone, almost like an old woodshed that has been
abandoned," he began, "If you go inside, there is a mechanism. You need to spin the statue inside
three times to the right and once to the left. Two more will pop up, the left one spin twice left, four
right, the left one, three left and one right. There will be a click and the ground will open, inside is
a small tunnel. They... they should be in there."

"Thank you Chengling, I'll go and check, you all remain here," Wen Kexing stood, "A-Xiang," he
called to her.

Gu Xiang jumped up, "I'll come-"

"No, you'll stay here, protect them," he ordered her.

Gu Xiang pouted but nodded at her master's order, "Yes Master," she huffed and sat back down.
"Good," he smiled, "A-Xu, I'll leave you with the little one," he nodded to him.

Zhou Zishu wanted to protest as the man walked over to him and handed him the baby, "Alright,"
he murmured unsure as he glanced down at the grizzling baby, "What's wrong with him?" he
asked, frowning.

"He's hungry," Zhang Chengling was the one to answer, "I... we don't really have anything that he
can have," he murmured, looking away.

"I'll see what I can find while there as well," Wen Kexing nodded, not holding out hope of finding
anything that would suit a baby as young as Zhang Ye.

"Milk, some milk is needed," Zhang Chengling told him, "If you don't, there... there's nothing to
do, until morning and we can go to the town," he added, slumping somewhat.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," Wen Kexing said as he hurried from the building. He jumped and
went as quickly as he could back to the Mirror Lake Sect. The fires that had started to rage were
now slowly burning themselves out. Shaking his head he landed near where Zhang Chengling had
said. He looked at the building, most of it was now just a shell, the statue was still standing, though
damaged.

Walking through the ruins, he began to do as he had been instructed, hoping the mechanism still
worked. He grinned when it did, but stopped when no one came to the opening. He moved down
into it, and stood there, eyes going over the ten children that were huddled together. They were
still, too still. Walking towards them, he knelt. Reaching out a hand he checked each of them.
Closing his eyes and whispered, "I'm so sorry, I wish I had known," he paused for a moment,
opening his eyes, glinting with steel as he vowed, "I will make sure that they all pay for this. I
promise."

Wen Kexing stood up, leaving them where they lay. He knew that the Yueyang Sect would be by
soon enough. For now, while it was late. He might be able to get some milk from the nearby town.
Some places should still be open. The Inn would be a good place to go, they usually have some of
everything if they were good. He rushed there, not wanting to be away from everyone for too long.
Getting some milk and even a few more food items he went back to the old ruins of the temple that
they had taken shelter in. They would be avoiding the towns as they travelled, as they had the last
time. Though when they finally reached a town far enough away they had still encountered the
Beggar Sect.
Reaching the temple he walked inside, hearing the screaming cries of a baby, "Ah," he said, seeing
the distressed look on Zhang Chengling's face, the frantic wide eyes of Zhou Zishu and the
annoyed but also upset pout on Gu Xiang's as all three of them were trying to calm the baby that
was still in Zhou Zishu's arms.

"Master!"

"Lao Wen!"

"Wen Gonzi!"

The three cries of relief at the sight of him almost made him laugh if it wasn't accompanied by the
distressed cries of a baby, "I have milk," he said. He had asked at the Inn where he got it from what
to do with it. They had given him something else to help with feeding the child when he told them
that there was no other around. He knew that they had thought him a widower with a newborn. He
went over, "A-Xiang, warm the milk up slightly, do not let the holder become hot," he warned her
as he handed over what he had been given.

Gu Xiang looked at it curiously, it was small, almost like a cup, but there was a spout coming from
the bottom of it. "Okay," she nodded as she poured some of the milk that she had been given into it
and warmed it near the fire.

"Do you know how to feed a baby?" Zhou Zishu asked him, curious as to the answer.

Wen Kexing shook his head, "No, but the innkeeper's wife talked with me about it, told me what I
should do," he murmured, looking a little unsure, but determined.

"Just make sure that you let him burp afterwards," Zhang Chengling said from where he was sat
nearby.

Gu Xiang brought over the cup and handed it over. Wen Kexing took it, letting a few drops of the
milk tip from the spout and onto his hand, nodding that the temperature was warm but not hot,
along with that of the cup itself. He began his attempt at feeding Zhang Ye.

The baby was crying until the first drops of milk touched his touch. His tiny mouth grabbed onto
the spout and began to suckle at it. The cries stopped, his little red face, calming now that he had
 what he wanted.

"There should be enough milk to last till morning as well," Wen Kexing said softly, almost afraid
to speak too loudly and disturb the child. Doing as directed, with a little help and advice from
Zhang Chengling, the baby was burped and settled in Wen Kexing arms sound asleep.

The rest sighed in relief as they all settled down to sleep, though Wen Kexing would remain
awake, as he had the last time, to watch over Zhang Ye and in case of danger.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you all for the awesome comments and kudos. I love and appreciate every
single one of them, and while I may answer a few of them, I do read and love them all.
I wish I had my brain working enough to answer everyone.

Hope you have all enjoyed this chapter!

I did actually research what baby bottles would be like in old times... had to guess a
little of what they would be like at this point. It was really hard to find them, but if you
want to look up what they should look like or rather the one I used as a reference
lookup ancient baby bottles. You'll see pictures of them, it's rather fascinating and I
spent WAY TOO LONG looking around the webs at them.
 Chapter Four
Chapter Notes

Hello to you all

Awww, so many of you liked the little addition of Zheng Ye, he is an adorable baby.

Hope that the week has been good for you and that the weekend is a great one for you
all!

Enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Four

Wen Kexing rocked little Zhang Ye in his arms soothing his cries, they were only murmured cries,
but they echoed in the old temple. The two teenagers were still asleep, but Zhou Zishu had woken
and was now sitting beside him.

"He alright?" Zhou Zishu murmured, not wanting to wake Gu Xiang or Zhang Chengling up at all.
They were safe where they were for the moment. Even though they were still too close to the
remains of the Mirror Lake Sect.

"Yes, he was wet, I changed him but he's taking a moment to calm down. I'm more used to dealing
with toddlers," Wen Kexing answered him, "There we go," he smiled softly as he looked down at
the slightly red face, "He's wrapped in a blanket that's covered in blood, most likely not
comfortable. And on top of that he is with strangers. The only one he might know is Chengling," he
added, "Wouldn't you be crying?" he rolled his eyes a little before sighing, "What do you think we
should do next?" he asked him.

"Well, for one I'm not taking Chengling to Sanbai Manor, I'm going to put off letting him near
Zhao Jing for as long as possible," he added, glancing at Wen Kexing, "How... how many times
have you gone through this?" he asked him.

"If you... if you add all the time I spent doing this, it comes to around ten years, maybe a little
longer," he sighed, "Sometimes we lasted a few weeks, and other times we lasted almost a year
before something would happen and we would end up right back here. With only me remembering
and neither you nor Chengling knowing who I am. This... this is the first time I was able to save
someone else from the Mirror Lake Sect," he added, looking down at the now sleeping Zhang Ye.
"Lao Wen," Zhou Zishu said, reaching out a hand and resting it on his soulmates, "I'm here now, so
we should make a plan of what we should do. We know some things, we can... we can make things
better," he said, looking to where Gu Xiang slept.

"Do you know, that there are two men out there that would take her heart and hold it gently," he
said, "And both of them end up dying," he sighed, "I want her happy, I truly do, but I can never
decide which of the two would make her the happiest," he muttered, shaking his head.

"Oh?" Zhou Zishu blinked, "Who... who was the second?"

"Your Han Ying, they met because she followed us to Sanbai manor when we were keeping an eye
on Chengling the one time. She decided it would be a good idea to see why he was there and
basically fought him and held him hostage for a day. He ended up following her back and finding
you, he never went after Chengling that time," he said, "But someone else did and he died that
time," he sighed, "We were with Gu Xiang and Han Ying."

"Right," he nodded, pulling a face as he tried to piece things together in what he knew of the past,
future, "This is all so confusing," he snorted.

"You have no idea," Wen Kexing snorted before shaking his head, “you have no idea,” he repeated
softly.

"So, travel to Yueyang, get Chengling there so he can hand that over," Zhou Zishu murmured,
"Expose Zhao Jing?" he asked.

"We could do that," Wen Kexing nodded, "Only once have I ever been able to expose him. Though
I had a few more ideas on how to do that. Also... I wish to..." he trailed off shaking his head.

"What?" he asked him.

"Ghost Valley, there are some there that don't deserve the fate that lies ahead of them. Those
working for the bastards, yes, take them out. But those of the Unfaithful, they've done nothing.
They are the most innocent there. Some of those that work for the Unfaithful are survivors from
Healers Valley, some children and a couple of adults," he told him.
"How many?" he asked, trying to think how many people that Four Season's Manor would be able
to hold. Most of it had been empty rooms when he was still there after taking over.

"About just over one hundred in Ghost Valley should leave it. Some from Healer Valley, Aunt
Luo... she may not leave, but I could make an argument about it. Same with Liu Qianqiao. They
have around seventy working for them, and then there are the abandoned children that end up with
us. Which makes up the rest," he murmured, trying to think of all those that could be saved from
Ghost Valley, that most of them never even got a chance to be free from what had dragged them
there in the first place.

"Four Seasons can handle those then, they can go there. You know that's where we'll go. As soon
as we finish at Yueyang, we can leave. Put everything behind us," he told him.

"I tried to do that," Wen Kexing sighed, "I tried, got us to Four Seasons as soon as we got
Chengling back from Yueyang, they followed us. Or rather, they followed me," he added, "They
were after the key. Only-"

"Zhao Jing is the only one that knows about it?" Zhou Zishu asked him, curious as to who else
would know.

Wen Kexing shook his head, "No. He isn't the only one that knows about it. The Old Chief was
told, which was one of the reasons that I was kept safe. In case I knew about it. Zhao Jing knows,
of course, as does Gao Chong knows there is a sixth part to the Glazed Armour. If Zhao Jing
knows, you can bet Scorpion does as well," he murmured quietly.

"Right, so they will come after you as soon as they know that you are the Ghost Valley Chief," he
nodded.

"Yes, as they know that Zhen Yan is the one that holds the key," he agreed, "There is no way to
fully escape them. But..."

"Maybe having Four Seasons as a place to rest while going here and there and sorting it all out
would be better," Zhou Zishu murmured, "Just..."

"Let's hope we can stop that bastard from trying to burn it down," Wen Kexing growled, "And we
can also send for Jing Beiyuan and Wu Xi to come and sort you out," he added, glancing at the
others' chest.
Zhou Zishu nodded, "Yeah, I'll send something to them as soon as we reach Yueyang, telling them
to head to Four Seasons."

The two went quiet, each of them thinking of the things that they could do to change what would
happen. Wen Kexing felt some relief to know that he wasn't alone this time. His eyes shot to Zhang
Chengling as the young teenager gave a small whimper in his sleep. Shuffling closer to him, he ran
a hand over his head, "It's alright, you're safe, you really are safe with us. Shush," he murmured a
few times. A melancholy smile appeared on his face as he remembered doing the same with Gu
Xiang a few times as she grew up. Some of the things she had seen within Ghost Valley had given
her plenty of nightmares as a child.

Zhang Chengling woke slowly, to some running a hand over his head. A word was on his lips, but
he dared not speak it, as he knew that was no longer possible. His dreams had been filled with the
death of all those that he loved. Shuddering, he felt pain radiate from his side. Pressing a hand
there, he pulled it back, glancing at it and seeing blood.

"You really should have that seen to," Wen Kexing said, as he looked at the blood on the teenager's
hand, "I can heal you," he reassured him.

"No, it's fine," Zhang Chengling shook his head as he forced himself to sit up. Not showing a wince
as his injury pained him with each movement.

Wen Kexing looked worriedly at him, "I want to help Chengling," he told him.

"I..." Zhang Chengling shook his head again.

"I know, you don't trust us at the moment, I can understand that. We're going to be taking you to
the Yueyang Sect, not Sanbai Manor," he told the teenager as Gu Xiang began to wake up.

"Master!" she called out as she began to look around for him, "Should I do something to eat?" she
asked brightly, already wide awake and alert for danger. It was something all those that had lived
within Ghost Valley could do. To go from sleeping to full alertness as soon as they wake. It was
often needed when you would be attacked as you slept.

"Please, and get some milk ready for this little one, he'll be wanting some more soon," he added.
Zhang Ye had woken them a couple of times during the night to be cleaned and fed.
"Of course, Master," she grinned as she grabbed the back and the small jar of milk and the cup that
they used to feed the baby and set about warming up some food.

"A-Xu," he called to his husband, "Take A-Ye," he said as he stood and went over to him.

Zhou Zishu nodded and looked rather scared as he glanced down at the baby that was being
handed over to him. "How..." he murmured.

Zhang Chengling was the one to correct his hold on the baby, "You need to make sure you support
the head, their necks aren't very strong at this age," he told him, "He won't be able to hold it up
properly for a while longer yet."

"You know a lot about babies?" Wen Kexing asked him.

Zhang Chengling nodded, but looked away, "I... I was always the one to look after the children
instead of training or studying. I was the oldest of them, older than the others, so it fell to me. I... I
didn't mind so much," he shrugged, "I... my martial arts aren't the best. I've barely practised," he
added, murmuring the last bit.

"When we are young we wish to do nothing but play and have fun, especially when we have what
we need to learn. But when that opportunity has passed, that is when we want to learn, when it's no
longer available to us," Wen Kexing nodded, he had been the same as a child. Wanting to have fun,
that was until he and his parents had been chased away from Healer Valley.

"Yeah," Zhang Chengling murmured.

"Chengling," Wen Kexing said as he turned to face the teenager, making him look at him, "I know
right now that the world seems so dark, that there can not be a sun to light the way. That at this
moment in time you feel alone and that all the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you
have no one to share the burden with. Just know that A-Xu and I are here for you, and no doubt A-
Xiang will be as well. When you are ready, we'll be here should you wish to speak to us, tell us
anything you wish to," he told him, "Now, go and sit by the fire, A-Xiang should be able to get you
something warmed up to eat."

"Not going to push him to be my disciple?" Zhou Zishu murmured.

Wen Kexing smirked, "Not yet, give him a little time before I do such things. He needs to come to
terms with what has happened before he will wish to be your disciple," he told him.

"Hmm," he nodded, looking down at the baby in his arms, "I still can't believe you were actually
able to save someone else," he murmured.

"I was only able to because you knew what was going to happen here," he pointed out, "Otherwise
I wouldn't have been able to search through the compound. He wouldn't have lasted much longer,
his mother's body was covering him, pressing down on him. He would have suffocated in the end,"
he murmured gently as they made their way over to the fire.

They settled down to eat a little something, with Zhang Ye waking after they were almost done.
Zhang Chengling helped Zhou Zishu in feeding the baby, as he had used such a baby cup before
when looking after the baby for his aunt and she wasn't around.

XxXxX

They walked along the dirt paths between the trees, they had already stopped by one of the
villages, getting a few more supplies that would last them a couple of days. Though they would
need to go to those along the way for more milk for the child. Wen Kexing looked at the baby that
was in his arms again, "We're going to have to go into a town," he murmured, looking up at Zhou
Zishu.

"Why?" he frowned.

"We need to gather a few things for him," he answered, "A Mei Tai (1), since we can't keep
carrying him in our arms," he added as he started to make lists in his mind of what they would
need.

"We could always go back to the village?" Zhou Zishu suggested.

Wen Kexing shook his head, "The village was a few homes and a farm and two stalls. Nothing
more there that would be of use to us. The next town will be before us tonight, so we could stop
there for a night," he added, "It isn't the same town as the last time," he whispered.
"Doesn't mean we're not being followed or that the town and villages aren't being watched," he
pointed out.

Wen Kexing sighed, "Then we won't stop for the night then, we'll go in and get what is needed and
leave," he compromised. He didn't think there would be much of a difference from being on the
road to spending the occasional night within an Inn.

Zhou Zishu shook his head, "I just want us to get further away from the Mirror Lake area and
closer to the Yueyang Sect before we stop somewhere like an Inn," he told him softly, "I need to
make sure we're not being followed, and I believe that we are at the moment."

"I know, but we would be able to defend ourselves just as well at an Inn as we would out in the
open," he pointed out.

"Better defence maybe, but you're able to fight better without being restricted," he pointed out.

"I learned how to fight to save my life. Without a given weapon," he reminded him sharply, "I
know how to fight in a small room just as I do in a field. I would have been dead several times over
if not," he added.

Zhou Zishu sighed, "I know, but that doesn't mean that you need to anymore," he added softly,
"Look, we'll pass through a few more and in three nights we'll stop at the next town and stay at an
inn. For now, there are some following us. I've no doubt that they will attack at some point. And
you need to sleep as well."

"I know," he sighed, he was a little tired, but it wouldn't be the first time he would have to remain
awake for a few days.

"Right, we'll find the creek and settle there for the afternoon, eat and I shall sleep a little," Wen
Kexing told him, "If they are Ghosts or Scorpions, they will not attack until nightfall," he reminded
him.

"All right," he agreed.

"Master," Gu Xiang said, turning to the man, "What are we doing with them?" she pouted, almost
glaring at Zhou Zishu.
"A-Xiang," Wen Kexing began, only to stop, not knowing what he could even say, "This is
someone that I am very close to."

"Husband," Zhou Zishu told him, "May as well start with that," he shrugged, smirking a little at the
incredulous look on Gu Xiang's face.

"Master!" she exclaimed, "You... he... you..." she pointed between the two of them.

"A-Xiang," he began again.

"Lao Wen and I have known each other for a long time. We are husbands, it took a while to get to
that place, and I am not about to let go," he said, as he looked at Wen Kexing, "And if you fear for
your Master's safety, know this Gu Xiang, I would give my life for him any day. I would rather not
spend another minute in a world that didn't have Lao Wen within it. But I would also live each day
for him, making sure he knows he is the light in my life, my zhiji," he added, eyes still locked onto
Wen Kexing's.

"A-Xu," he whispered, looking at him before a beautiful and warm smile lit up his face, he leaned
closer, careful of the baby in his arms as he whispered, "We'll take our bows as soon as we can," he
murmured.

"I'm counting on it, don't... don't leave me again Lao Wen," he told him, kissing him gently.

"What!" Gu Xiang exclaimed, eyes wide as she watched her master and the man that they had only
just met. "How... how can you already know each other?!"

"I'm in disguise," Zhou Zishu told her, "Your Master is very good at seeing beyond them," he
snorted.

"Of course Master is," she huffed, arms crossed, "Stupid Sick Dude," she muttered.

"A-Xiang, be nice," Wen Kexing told her in warning, giving her a look.
 "But-" she began only to stop when she saw the look on her Master's face, "Fine," she huffed
turning around and stomping in front of them.

"It's fine Chengling, she isn't used to playing nicely with others yet. Give her time and she will
warm up to you. Though... she may just be a rather harsh jiejie to you," Wen Kexing told him,
"Now, come, we're going to find a nice place to rest and have something to eat and let me sleep for
a while before we carry on," he said, telling the teenager their plan.

Zhang Chengling nodded, still a little unsure of those around him. For now, he had no choice but to
trust them and follow their lead.

Chapter End Notes

(1) - Mei Tai - baby carrier. Usually a cloth wrap with ties.

Thank you all for the amazing comments and kudos, I love and adore you all soooo
much!!!

Hope you have enjoyed this chapter as well as the story so far!
 Chapter Five
Chapter Notes

Hey all!!

Sorry for disappearing for so long. Fatigue and then a cold got me in the last three
weeks. The cold is still kicking me somewhat, but I have more energy now.

Hope you enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Five

They made it to the town. A little faster than they thought, mostly because Wen Kexing didn't
sleep for long when they had stopped around lunchtime. The man was too worried about what
could happen to relax. His mind going over as many different possibilities now that Zhou Zishu
was with him. Wen Kexing had sent Zhou Zishu to the inn, the man had given it to his demand of
staying there the night. It wasn't the same inn that Wen Kexing had rented out the last time. But it
was one he had done so another time. It had been the wrong inn he had gone to that time, one that
had led to the death of Zhou Zishu and Chengling that time. Ghost had attacked them as they had
slept.

Wen Kexing was going around the marketplace, Gu Xiang beside him as they brought what they
would need. Enough to last them on the road for a couple of days at the very least. "I need to find a
few things to help A-Ye," he murmured to Gu Xiang.

"Oh, why?" the young woman puzzled as she looked at her master.

Wen Kexing glanced over, "While milk is good, it is not as good for the child as a mother milk
would be. But there are things that can be added to milk to make it better for him," he said, some of
the things he had learned from those that had survived Healers Valley, and some from Wu Xi when
they had met. He had met the man a couple of times during his go throughs. Twice he had taken to
learning what he could from the man. The only thing that the man hadn't taught him was how to
get rid of the Nail's that Zhou Zishu had within his body. He had tried to learn, but the man hadn't
said a thing about them.

"Right," she nodded slowly, still looking just as puzzled, "Milk is just... milk," she huffed and
pulled a face, "Okay Master," she sighed as she followed him to an apothecary.
Wen Kexing was easily able to get most of what he needed, "there," he said, "Believe that we have
all that we need for this," he murmured, looking at his purchases before heading to the inn. "A-
Xu," he called out, hearing the mumming cry of a distressed baby and the soothing tones of Zhang
Chengling as he spoke to the child.

"I am not good with babies," Zhou Zishu bit out, pulling a face when Wen Kexing laughed at him
lightly.

"No one is until they are handed one and told to sink or swim," Wen Kexing said, "You'll be able
to do it over time, now I have something clean to put him in as well as a few things that he can
wear. Have got some more robes for all of us, especially Chengling," he added as he looked over at
the child that was still in the robes he had worn the night he had escaped the Mirror Lake Sect
massacre.

"Thank you," he smiled softly. Hearing a mumble of distaste from behind as he kissed Wen Kexing
lightly.

"A-Xiang," the man grumped as he looked at her, "Go and sort out things we need for bathing and
food to be brought to the main room in a while," he said.

"Yes Master," she huffed, taking his money and leaving the room.

"Always firey," Zhou Zishu laughed lightly.

"Yes, she is," he smiled softly before heading over to Zhang Chengling, "Here, give him to me, A-
Xiang is sorting out bathing for us all, and I'll take care of this little one while you clean up," he
told him.

"Thank you Wen Gonzi," he nodded.

"You don't have to call me that," he told him.

"Uncle Wen..." he said after hesitating for a few moments.

"If you wish," Wen Kexing smiled, taking the baby from him, "Now let's see about getting you
bathed, dried and into nice fresh clothing," he said, tapping the baby gently on the nose.

The group quickly separated to bath and redress before they come together quickly, to eat a meal.
Zhang Chengling sat there, holding his bowl and just looking at the food before them. Wen Kexing
had easily noticed that he didn't have much of an appetite. Part of that was because of what he had
been through. And the other, would be the presence of the piece of Glazed Armour that was in his
side.

"Chengling, try and eat a little," Wen Kexing coaxed as he fed Zhang Ye the milk he had mixed up
and warmed.

"Yeah, you never know when you might be able to eat again. With how far we're going to have to
go, we could be days without food," Gu Xiang said, almost trying to scare him.

"A-Xiang," Wen Kexing said, shaking his head at her.

"I..." Zhang Chengling said, and those around the table could see that he was near tears again.

Zhou Zishu somewhat wished that Gu Xiang had carried on her tirade against the teenager, but he
knew that Wen Kexing didn't quite like it when she had done it the last time, "Eat what you can,
she is right that we are going to be out on the road for a while. Though while food won't be as
abundant as this, there will still be some."

Zhang Chengling nodded and looked at the food before he took some of the sides and added them
to his bowl of rice before he began to eat.

"Don't eat too fast Chengling," Wen Kexing admonished gently, "You'll have plenty of time to eat
before you go to sleep," he said softly.

"Are we all going to stay in this room or over the two?" Gu Xiang asked as she turned to look at her
master.

Wen Kexing was silent for a while, "You shall room alone, the rest of us will be in one room," he
answered, getting a sharp nod from Zhou Zishu. They both feared an attack on Zhang Chengling
while they slept.

"But Master!" Gu Xiang protested, "You shouldn't?!" She huffed looking between Wen Kexing
and Zhou Zishu.

"It will be fine, sleep well tonight, A-Ye will stay with us, I have what is needed for him during the
night, so you don't need to worry," he reassured her.

"I will protect him," Zhou Zishu said, knowing that was what she was worried about. She had
always been close by, usually in the same room when spending the night anywhere. He had learned
that it was the same in Ghost Valley. With Wen Kexing being the Chief, he was in danger almost
all the time. The Devils, especially those that had aimed for leadership, would often try their luck
and attack him while he slept. Gu Xiang had refused to wander from his side while he slept. Often
wanting to remain awake all night to keep watch so her Master could rest. Not that he rested well,
but he felt reassured that she was there most of the time. The two of them had taken down a few
that had tried their luck.

Gu Xiang narrowed her eyes as she stared at him, stabbing her chopsticks in his direction as a
threat she said, "You better, if I find out he's been harmed in any way, you'll wish you were never
born," she growled in warning.

"A-Xiang!" Wen Kexing reprimanded, "You don't have to worry."

"Master," she whined, "Of course I'll worry," she said, looking sad and pouting at the man.

"I know you will, but take this opportunity to rest properly for once," he said, shaking his head,
"Now finish your food. Sleep waits for us," he reminded her, a soft smile on his face.

"Yes, Master," she grumbled as she began to eat.

Wen Kexing smiled and began to eat. Only once had he seen her die in front of him. One time he
had learned that she had been killed by Scorpion along with Han Ying. The rest of the meal was a
little quieter before he shuffled the younger ones off to bed. Making sure that the staff had brought
something into the room for Zhang Ye to sleep in as well.
"How are you?" Wen Kexing asked as he went over to where Zhou Zishu was sitting near the
window, a jar of wine in his hand.

"The nail's are fine at the moment, though..."

"I know, they are due to play up soon. A-Ye is back asleep, Chengling didn't even wake up when
he cried. He must be so tired," he murmured as he glanced over to the other bed in the room where
the young teenager was sleeping.

"He's been through a lot, for us, this has happened before. We're well removed from what has
happened," he sighed, "He... is grieving."

"I know," he murmured, taking the wine from the man and taking a long pull from the jar before
handing it back, "We shouldn't really drink so much," he reminded him.

"Just this one to share," Zhou Zishu shook his head, "I'm not going to... drink as much as last time,"
he added, seeing the happy looking on Wen Kexing's face. The two of them had spent more on
wine than on food at times.

"Good, th-" he began only to see Zhou Zishu wince, grabbing the wine jar before it could fall. He
set it aside and moved behind the man. He built up his Qi for a moment before pushing his hands
against Zhou Zishu's back and began to push it into him.

Zhou Zishu coughed a little as he felt the Nails trying to kill him once more. It was always the
same, though he knew that they were getting worse. It was three months since he had the last one
put in by Duan Peng Ju. Pain radiated through him as he felt the poison that was made by the nails
sweep through him. His senses dulling slightly before coming back a little bit. He knew that his
taste was going, but would have another few weeks before that went fully. His sense of smell was
fading in and out most of the time. Being able to feel anything would happen in almost a years
time, around the time they had made it to Four Seasons Manor. When Zhou Zishu had taken out
the nails, his hearing had come and gone a few times. He shuddered as he felt Wen Kexing's Qi
entering him.

Zhou Zishu smiled slightly, the Qi was smooth and calming. The poison was almost destroyed
within his body as his meridians healed that little bit. His senses sharpened slightly. Not much, but
enough that it would take that little bit longer for them to fade. He frowned, "A-Xing?" he asked,
confused, "What... What are you doing?"
Wen Kexing snorted, "Do you really think I wouldn't have learned a few things in all the times I've
been through this. While I won't be able to cure you, I'll be able to slow things down enough that it
will take twice as long to kill you," he told him, "I'm... a healer still. One of the times that Wu Xi
found out who I actually was he dragged me to the side and taught me a number of things. I even
asked about this," he said softly, pouring that little bit more Qi into his husband's body, through his
meridians before he stopped, a little tired but with a small nap, he would be just fine again.

"You did?" Zhou Zishu said, he felt better than he had since he had put the third nail into his body.
He turned around to face his husband and smiled, "You really asked him?"

"I did, I didn't know if this was going to be the one where we would carry on, or if we would end
up dead again. So I asked. How to slow it down, to heal you. Wu Xi said I wouldn't be able to heal
you alone. That he would need to do a lot. But... he did teach me what I should have done to help
you. So... here I am," he answered him, smiling softly.

"Thank you," Zhou Zishu smiled back.

"Welcome, always," he told him.

"After this, we're going to have to make a plan of where we're going. Travelling with a baby is
going to mean we need to be able to get into a village at least twice each day," he said.

Wen Kexing nodded, "It's going to take us a little longer to get there, but I think we should get a
carriage to aid us in that. We know that we're being followed," he murmured glancing out of the
window, not seeing anyone out there, but knowing that they were.

"We'll look into it in the morning. The town here should have something available for us. There are
seven villages and two larger towns on the way to Yueyang from here," Zhou Zishu said,
remembering the maps that he had seen over the years.

"We should be fine. By carriage, it should take us about four, maybe five days to get there. We
should stop at the town's for sleeping as well, and the other times at villages. I don't think we
should be out in the open, too many can attack at once," Wen Kexing said, "better able to defend."

"Better able to fight while out there as well," Zhou Zishu argued back.
"We're not going to agree on this," Wen Kexing snorted, "Fine we'll do half out and half in," he
compromised.

"Good, I know you prefer to be indoors, but... it's easier to move around while outside," he smiled.

Wen Kexing nodded, "somewhat, but more can attack at once," he sighed and shook his head,
"Anyway, that doesn't matter. We should see about sleeping, taking turns keeping watch," he
added.

"You're sleeping first," Zhou Zishu said before the other could say anything.

"A-Xu," he grumbled, "I am fine to watch first."

"I know you say that, but you also didn't sleep last night and when we stopped and you tried to nap,
you didn't sleep either. So you're sleeping now. Go on Lao Wen, sleep while you can," he smirked.

"Cheat," he muttered but did as he was told. He had to admit, even if only to himself, that he was
rather tired. He could easily stay up another night, he had done so a number of times in the past.

Zhou Zishu laughed lightly as he watched the man take off his outer robes and lay down. The
room went quiet as the man fell asleep. Setting aside the jar of wine he carried on looking out the
window, watching for anything that was amiss. He would rather be out there himself, patrolling.
The night was quiet, this time. As time passed with only the burning of incense to mark it, he kept
an eye outside and moved around to take care of Zhang Ye when he began to murmur and cry
lightly in his crib.

"Right, back to sleep with you," Zhou Zishu said, still nervous about taking care of the baby while
the others slept. But so far the two-month-old had happily drank his milk and was now clean and
dry once more. Lying him down he covered him and checked on Chengling. The child was still
sleeping, though the quiet murmurs coming from him told of his distressing dreams. He sighed,
knowing that the child would wake from them soon enough. There wasn't much he could do to
help him, he wasn't exactly the best when it came to comforting anyone. He went back to the
window for a while longer before he went to wake Wen Kexing up.

"A-Xu," came the sleepy voice of his husband as he blinked and woke up. He was waking up
slowly, knowing he was safe with Zhou Zishu.
 The man was pleased with the slow wake up of his husband, "You can take over now," he told him.

"Okay," he nodded, getting up and grabbing one of his outer robes to wear. "A mild night," he
murmured as he looked around. Zhang Chengling was now beginning to murmur that little bit
louder as he started moving around frantically in his bed.

Wen Kexing walked over, Zhou Zishu following him closely, "I didn't know if I should wake him,"
the former leader of the Window of Heaven said as he glanced at the teenager.

"Dreams help us cope with what happens to us," Wen Kexing said, reaching out he began to push
the hair away from a pale face. He frowned, "Hmm," he hummed as he placed the back of his hand
against Zhang Chengling's forehead for a moment, "Warm," he muttered as he grabbed a wrist and
sent a small soothing pulse of Qi through the teenager. He sighed, realising the child still had the
Glazed Armour shard within him.

"Warm?" Zhou Zishu asked, "I don't remember that happening last time," he muttered.

"It's only happened twice, that I remember. Though there was one where you took several different
roots, I never found you that time. And I went back to that day," he said absently as he got up, "I
need to gather a few things to take care of him. I'll have to wait until the apothecary is open to get
what will help him best," he told him, leaving the room.

Zhou Zishu watched him go and shook his head. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he looked
down at the teen, he could see the slight redness in his face now. It didn't take long for Wen
Kexing to come back.

The Ghost Valley Chief walked over, "I need to get that thing out of him, it's causing problems this
time," he sighed. Setting everything down, he prepared to wake Zhang Chengling up.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you all for the awesome comments and kudos. I adore you all soooo much.
Hope you have enjoyed this chapter as well!
 Chapter Six
Chapter Notes

Hey all

I'm back after NaNoWriMo. I may stop and start this month on the posting as I get
back into the rhythm of things. But I shall do my best to update weekly again.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Six

Wen Kexing was about to wake the teenager up when he cried out and sat up. "A-Ling," he called
out, wrapping his arms around him as the teenager tried his best not to cry. He shooed Zhou Zishu
away a little, letting Zhang Chengling have a little more privacy as he broke down, "It's okay," he
murmured, rubbing his back as he finally broke down and cried. He had refused for so long that it
was now coming out. Though Wen Kexing knew that he would be silent about his grief if the fever
hadn't taken hold of him.

"They..." Zhang Chengling sobbed, clutching Wen Kexing tightly.

Wen Kexing held him for a while longer before the tears began to stop and the sobs started to fade.
"A-Ling," he said gently, getting him to lay down again, "I know what you have in you, and you
need to get it out. I will not take it from you. I promise you. I will give it back to you to keep. I
want nothing to do with the Glazed Armor. But you have a fever and it could be from that. I am a...
healer as well as other things," he murmured.

"No, you can't, I..." Zhang Chengling's eyes went wide, "You can't, I have to protect it, I have to...
father... father trusted me to keep it safe from... from everyone," he added, shaking his head.

"I know, I know child, but... it is a burden that you shouldn't have had to carry in the first place,
"Wen Kexing tried to soothe the teenager.

"No, he..."

"I know A-Ling, listen to me. It is yours, I will not take it from you and neither will A-Xu. We will
take you to the Yueyang Sect as we do not trust those of Sanbai Manor. But we will take you there,
we will protect you. Do not doubt us about that," he reassured him.

"We'll get you something that you can carry it in, to keep it close to you, but you can't have it
within you, A-Xing knows what he speaks about. He'll be able to help you recover better," Zhou
Zishu said as he moved closer again, "please, let him help you."

Zhang Chengling looked at them both, his eyes bright with fever. He shivered, he didn't know what
to think or what to believe. The letter that his father had given to him had warned him about his so-
called brothers of the Five Lake Alliance. But these two men weren't part of that. They had helped
him, saved him. Even saved his cousin as well. "Okay," he said after a few moments of silence.

"I will take it out in the morning, I need a few things from the apothecary to be able to take it out
and to treat what is now wrong," he said.

"We're going to have to remain here an extra day?" Zhou Zishu asked him.

"Until the afternoon at the very least. If we are going by cart, he can rest within that as we carry on
travelling. I would rather we remain in one place, but I agree that isn't a good idea. We should carry
on with our journey. I'll keep an eye on Chengling to make sure he is healing. For now, go and rest
and I'll take care of him," he said as he turned his attention to Zhang Chengling, "I'm going to clean
the injury for now. I won't take it out just yet until I get what I need, alright," he murmured as he
began to undo the teenager's robes. Pulling the fully red piece of cloth away from the injury. The
cut was jagged and red around the edges. He took the bowl of warm water he had gathered and
pulled out some herbs he had in his robe, adding them to the water. It would ease the pain a little
and help against the infection that was spreading from the wound.

Zhang Chengling began to tense as the man started to clean the injury, part of him still wanted to
panic. Afraid that the shard that was inside of him would be taken. "Should have been Da-ge or Er-
ge, not me. I'm useless," Zhang Chengling breathed, eyes misting over again, "So weak compared
to them. They would have been able to protect it, not me, so... useless," he shuddered.

"Hush child, you're not weak or useless. You've kept it safe, don't worry about that," Wen Kexing
told him, shaking his head as he continued to clean the wound and wrap it up, "A-Ling, try and
sleep for now. I'll be right here, I won't leave you alone," he murmured as he turned to Zhou Zishu,
"can you bring me some fresh water and a cloth for a cold compress. I want to try and keep his
temperature down as best as I can," he said quietly.

"Sure," Zhou Zishu nodded as he took the bowl of bloodied water and left the room.
"Neither of us will leave you Chengling, we'll always be around. We might not be able to be right
by your side, but we will be nearby," he promised the teenager.

"Hmm," Zhang Chengling murmured as his eyes began to close again.

Zhou Zishu returned with a clean bowl of water and a jug of water as well. He placed them down,
"Here," he said.

"Thank you, you should rest for a while A-Xu, I'll keep watch," he said as he wet the cloth and
rung it out, placing it on Zhang Chengling's forehead he settled in for the rest of the night to be by
the teenagers' side.

Zhou Zishu hesitated for a moment before complying with his wish and retiring to bed for a few
hours.

XxXxX

Wen Kexing walked up the stairs back to their room. He had woken Zhou Zishu early that morning
so he could go to the apothecary to gather what he would need. He ordered a few things to be taken
to the room so he could treat Zhang Chengling as soon as he returned and prepared. Walking into
the room he saw Gu Xiang glaring at Zhou Zishu. The young woman hadn't been awake when he
knocked on her door.

"A-Xiang," he said, calling her attention to himself, "I want you to take A-Ye and take him out of
the room. Tell the inn owner that I will be basically performing surgery in here and I need people
to be kept away. I will be giving something to A-Ling to make him sleep through it, so he won't be
in any pain," he added.

"Okay," she huffed as she went and took the baby from Zhao Zishu who had just finished cleaning
him again. She looked and glared at the older man before leaving the room with the baby.

"That's her sorted," Wen Kexing sighed, "She is going to be like that until you have proven that
you'll take care of me right," he added as he walked over to the bed, the door opening as the
servant brought in all that he needed. He quickly made up the tea for Zhang Chengling to drink.
The teenager was barely awake on the bed, the cloth that had been used during the night was now a
fresh one.
"So, he drinks that and goes to sleep for a bit?" Zhou Zishu asked, frowning as he tried to follow
what the other was doing. He wasn't a healer, and while he knew poisons and antidotes, medicines
like that were exactly his speciality.

"It does, he'll sleep for a few hours, around four," he murmured as he let the herbs steep for a while
as he prepared other things that he would need, "When he wakes we should be able to leave. But he
is not to walk at all, don't even think about trying to start his training before he is fully healed."

"I wouldn't," Zhou Zishu rolled his eyes, "You know I wouldn't. I push him yes, but that's because I
know he has it in him to be really good if he tries."

"I know," he looked up, and then checked on the steeping herbs. Nodding to himself he picked up
the small put and went over to the bed, "A-Ling," he called out gently as he helped the teen to sit
up, "I need you to drink all of this, alright," he soothed as he got a small nod. Zhang Chengling
drank the tea, the only complaint about the taste was the face he pulled. Laying him back down,
they waited for it to take effect.

"And asleep," Zhou Zishu nodded, "Works rather quickly," he said.

"Needs to," Wen Kexing said as he brought over the little tray he had prepared and set to work. It
didn't take too long for the clink of the Glazed Armour hitting the tray as the man set about
cleaning the wound. “With the infection, I can't help it heal with Qi, it will have to heal normally,"
he sighed heavily as he finished bandaging it up.

"Right, I'll start to organise a carriage and horse," Zhou Zishu said, "Is there anything else you
need?" he asked before he left the room.

"Blankets and something soft for him to lay on. Extra water gourds, best to keep some on hand to
try and quell his fever at times. It may take a few days for it to subside. But he will be weak and
tired for a while longer. By the time we get to Yueyang, even with the carriage, his fever should be
gone at the very least," Wen Kexing told him as he started to clean everything up and put things
away. The only thing he left out was the herbs that would help Zhang Chengling fight the infection
that was raging within him.

"Right," Zhou Zishu said, smiling as he watched his husband. It wasn't often that he would see him
in this type of situation. It just showed that he was still a Healer at his core, no matter what he
claimed. He turned and left the room, heading outside to find a carriage and horse for their journey.
XxXxX

Wen Kexing climbed out of the carriage after setting the blankets and pillows that Zhou Zishu had
brought down inside. "Done," he nodded, more to himself than to Gu Xiang who was standing
there, "Stay here while I go and get them," he smiled.

"Do we really have to travel with them, Master?" she asked, pulling a face.

"Yes, I'm not going to leave A-Ling or A-Xu at all," he told her, "I know you're unsure of him, you
don't know him. But trust me child he means the world to me as you do. You..." he sighed heavily.
He wanted to tell her not to call him master anymore. But he knew that until he sorted things out, it
wasn't safe for her. If someone found out how close they actually were, it could be used against
him. Already they were somewhat close and the Ghost had tired a few things in the past until he
had killed a few of them. But it was still a worry in the back of his mind.

"Master," she whined, "I'll trust you, but if he does anything to hurt you, he won't just be a sick
dude, he will be a dead dude," she huffed.

"I thank you for your protection, silly girl," he shook his head but smiled as he went to get the
others. He walked up the stairs, seeing a few looks from the people inside and wondered if they
were working for anyone. There were so many different factions around that he had to keep an eye
on. Though he hoped that he would have drawn the gaze of the Window of Heaven just yet. They
didn't appear until after they got Zhang Chengling to Zhao Jing. And even then it was when he and
Zhou Zishu were gone from there. There were of course the Ghost that were working for the Tai
Lake Sect Leader, and the Devils that helped him. Along with Scorpion and his lot. Two are
already working for Zhao Jing and another that will fall in line with him in the end. The last two
will follow him their own master as well in the end. Five of his Devils would work for his enemy.

Zhou Zishu looked up from where he sat with Zhang Ye in his arms, the baby had finished eating
and was starting to drift off to sleep with the gentle rocking, "Is everything ready?" he asked
quietly.

"Yes, I have a place for A-Ye to sleep and one for A-Ling to rest upon," he said as he went over to
the bed, "A-Xiang is going to be testing you constantly," he warned him, giving the man a smile.

"I know, she has already made it clear that she doesn't trust me. I... don't remember her being this
bad last time," he frowned standing up as he watched Wen Kexing gently lift Zhang Chengling into
his arms.

"Hm," Zhang Chengling murmured as he blinked away, he panicked for a moment as he felt
himself lifted up.

"It's alright," Wen Kexing soothed, "I'm just taking you down to the carriage and getting you
settled there," he murmured as he carried him out of the room, "Just rest alright. We're going to
take you to the Yueyang Sect there, you can decide what you would like to do."

Zhang Chengling nodded tiredly against him, his temperature was still rather high, but it was a
little lower than it had been earlier that morning. Wen Kexing looked at his husband as the man
followed him. Zhou Zishu walked down the stairs, seeing the looks that they were getting as well.
His eyes narrowed, he hadn't taken off his disguise yet. He was going to last night but had forgotten
when he saw that Zhang Chengling had become ill.

"Do you think?" he whispered as he got a little closer to Wen Kexing.

"I noticed them earlier as well, it does look like they are on the lookout for someone. There were
three tables that I was able to see, that were watching. I don't believe any of mine are here. They
would have scarpered by now if they had seen me," he murmured quietly as he then walked out of
the Inn and to the waiting carriage. Gu Xiang was standing there, playing with one of her braids, as
she did when she was bored, or when she was thinking deeply about something.

"Gu Xiang," Zhou Zishu was the one to call her.

"Sick dude," she snapped, eyes narrowed as she watched him.

"You're up front with me, Lao Wen will be in the back watching the two boys," he told her.

"Fine," she huffed, but seeing the look that her master was giving her she knew better than to argue
with the man.

Wen Kexing settled Zhang Chengling into the back and sat beside him, taking baby Zhang Ye
from Zhou Zishu, "A-Xiang," he called to the woman through the small flap, "I want you to keep a
close eye out as we travel, I believe we may have a few followers," he warned her.
"Yes, Master," she nodded, puffing up a little as she felt a little more important now that she was
given a task to help keep him safe.

"So easy to please," he shook his head as he sat back in the carriage, enough that he could get the
occasional glimpse outside of it. Settled Zhang Ye into the basket that they had brought he then
checked on Zhang Chengling again.

Zhou Zishu waited for a few moments as Gu Xiang got onto the carriage as well. He joined her at
the front and could see that she was now looking around them intently. He shook his head,
understanding that she was keeping an eye out for anything. He gently coaxed the horse to start
and they headed out of the town.

"I don't trust you to keep him safe, I've been with him a long time. I don't know when you were
around him," she huffed, keeping her voice quiet so as not to let Wen Kexing overhear her.

"I know, since you were a toddler, he found you," Zhou Zishu smirked, seeing her shocked look.

"How?" she gaped.

Zhou Zishu almost laughed at the look she was now giving him, "I did tell you that I've known him
for a while. He does trust me as well. I know that you mean a lot to him, even though he doesn't
really say anything about it. He..." he paused for a moment, "He cares about you."

"I... I know he does," she murmured looking away as they left the town behind and were now out
in the open as they headed to Yueyang.

"In time, I'll show you that you can trust me. Not only with A-Xing, but yourself as well. I will
protect you as I do him," Zhou Zishu said softly, he knew that Wen Kexing thought of the young
woman as his daughter. The man had tried to find her a family, one that would protect her and love
her as he did. And according to Wen Kexing that wasn't just Cao Weining, which he had thought at
first, but also his own Han Ying as well. His chest tightened a little as he thought of the young
man. He was loyal and he wondered if he would be able to save him this time. Find a way to get
him out of Prince Jin's clutches, along with the others that would follow Zhou Zishu.

"We'll see," she huffed as she went back to looking around them for threats. Zhou Zhisu shook his
head but carried on. Only occasionally did he look inside the carriage to see how Wen Kexing and
 the two boys were fairing. The afternoon passed them by slowly, only stopping for an hour for
food, before they carried on to the next village on their way to Yueyang.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you all for the comments and kudos, you are all so amazing and awesome.
Love and adore you all!

Hope you have enjoyed this chapter!

 Chapter Seven
Chapter Notes

Hey all, I'm back!!!

Sorry, this was going to be up on Friday, but I kinda got distracted by things.

Happy New Year to you all!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Seven

Zhou Zishu gently guided the horse along the path that would lead them to another village. They
had left a smaller one that morning behind, staying at the only inn in the village. The next one was
a little larger, and they should be able to reach it by nightfall. It had been two days since they had
left the town. Zhang Chengling was still unwell, but Wen Kexing had assured him several times
that his silly disciple would be fine. The teenager was getting better, able to stay awake for a little
longer, though he still had a fever. It was lessening as the days carried on.

Gu Xiang was keeping an eye out, she had spent most of the journey travelling beside Zhou Zishu,
and she still didn't want to admit to herself that he wasn't that bad as a person. But she still wasn't
sure about trusting her Master to him just yet. Glancing around the area as the carriage continued
moving, she kept a keen eye on the little movements that she saw. Frowning, she tugged on Zhou
Zishu's sleeve gently, giving him a direction to pay attention to for a moment.

Zhou Zishu glanced at where Gu Xiang went and nodded slightly. He suddenly smiled, "Lao
Wen," he called out. It didn't take long for a head to poke out from inside near him, "Was thinking
about stopping for lunch for a moment, what do you think," he said loud enough that his voice
would carry around the area. Gesturing slightly, much as Gu Xiang did, he let the younger man
figure out what was going on.

Wen Kexing wanted to sigh at how predictable the Beggar Sect was. They always attacked them
first. No matter where they went or what they did. Each and every time they would be the first one
to attack so openly and in such numbers. The occasional times that the Ghosts did, it was usually
only one of two of them that would come crawling out of the woodwork to do so. "Really," he
muttered, "always them," he huffed

"Right," Zhou Zishu said as began to guide the carriage to the side of the path.
"A-Xiang," Wen Kexing said as he got out, "Take care of the two boys and remain with them," he
instructed.

"But... Master," Gu Xiang said, looking like her world was ending and the man before her had
betrayed her in the worst way possible.

"Silly girl, I trust you with them to keep them safe," he told her gently, tapping her on the forehead
with his fan.

"Fine," she pouted but went back to sit on the carriage, reins in hand in case she needed to take
them out of there.

Wen Kexing had his fan out, slowly fanning himself, though Zhou Zishu knew that he could easily
throw his weapon of choice and take down any that tried to attack them easily. "It is a rather nice
day," Wen Kexing said, looking around the area.

"It is," Zhou Zishu smirked as he began to see people slowly coming out of the woodland around
them, "And who would our visitors be?" he asked, though Wen Kexing was easily able to detect
the eye roll and sarcasm in his voice.

"You have the young master of the Mirror Lake Sect with you," the leader said as he limped
forwards, his scraggly hair and clothes much the same as the others that were with him.

Wen Kexing stood up straighter and took a step forwards, "I'm sorry to say but that is no business
of yours if the child is or not," he told them, he recognised one of the beggars in the back as
someone that was in the last village. Another one near him was one that had been outside the hotel
when he had carried Zhang Chengling to the carriage in the town. They had been watched the
entire time. Though the Ghost Valley Chief expected that. It was the same as nearly every time, the
Beggar Sect would hover around the edges of the villages and towns, looking for a teenager. As
soon as they found one they would watch and follow for a bit and then attack. It wasn't often that
they would attack straight away, they had only done that twice.

"We know that he is with you, we have been asked by those of the Five Lakes Alliance to take the
child and make sure he gets to somewhere safe," he said, taking a step forwards, "Now where is he
and we shall do what we have been asked."
"At the moment the child is ill and I am a healer," Wen Kexing said, eyes narrowed, "You will not
be taking A-Ling from me, we will be taking him to one of his uncles and making sure that he gets
there safely. I thank you for your dedication to helping him, but I will not be letting him out of my
sight," he added.

"We thank you, but we wish to do this ourselves," the man said, eyes narrowing as he clashed his
staff tightly.

"I suggest that you leave, we will not be handing Zhang Chengling over to you," Zhou Zishu said,
this time he wouldn't be going easy on them. They had caused a number of problems in the past...
or rather the future.

With a sharp whistle, the group moved quickly to attack. Wen Kexing huffed as he darted
forwards, throwing his fan and grabbing the one closest to him by the neck and quickly snapping
it. Tossing the body aside as he used his Qi and made his hand razor-sharp and dragged it across a
man's throat. It was a technique that Luo Fumeng had taught him as he grew up. A way to protect
himself, a way to charge items, normal items, like his fan, with his Qi and turn them into deadly
weapons. Luo Fumeng was able to do so with the clothes she wore. She had made sure to teach
him before letting him do anything else.

Zhou Zishu smirked as he watched his husband for a moment. Several beggars headed towards
him, with a sigh he drew Baiyi and darted into the fray. He knew he wouldn't be able to go for as
long as he would like. But he had made a promise to Wen Kexing that if the nails played up at all
he would stop. So he would let Gu Xiang take over when that happened. But for now, he was
going to enjoy a fight as best as he could. He moved quickly, Baiyi singing with each movement he
made. The two of them carried on for a while before Zhou Zishu felt the tell-tale sign of the nails
acting up for him. The tightening in his muscles and the burning through his veins. With a sigh, he
moved back towards the carriage.

"What's wrong sick dude?" Gu Xiang asked eyes narrowed as she looked at him, annoyed that he
was leaving her Master to kill the idiots on his own.

"I'm sick," he rolled his eyes, "What did you expect? Me to be able to fight for hours upon end," he
muttered, "Why don't you go and help him," he suggested to her, looking and watching as Wen
Kexing took out the Beggar Sect with ease.

"I would, but I think I would just get in the way," she pouted, knowing that her master would want
her to watch over the man beside her and the two boys that were still resting within the carriage.
She would love nothing more than to join the fight, but he wouldn't be happy should something
happen to the three she had been tasked to watch over.
Wen Kexing was quick to take out the last of the Beggar Sect. Leaving them all dead on the
ground.

"Really master," Gu Xiang sighed as she took out a cloth and used some of her water to wet it,
"You really made the place so messy," she huffed and cleaned off his hand that was somewhat
bloody from the amount of times he had used it to kill someone.

"Not much of a choice A-Xiang," he said as she cleaned up his hand. He hated to use the Qi Knife
method, it always left him covered in blood. Though he learned through some of his go throughs
that the abelites would come in handy when needing to operate on someone. He had used it a few
days ago on Zhang Chengling after all. Zhou Zishu had asked about it a little later that night, and
he had explained what he could do with it. And how he used it. Zhou Zishu had never really asked
how he used his fan, since it was just an ordinary fan after all.

"We should get going," Zhou Zishu said, settling himself on the carriage seat once more.

"Let me check you over first," Wen Kexing said as soon as his hand was clean. He walked over to
him and looked at the man expectedly.

"Fine," Zhou Zishu sighed but held out his arm so that Wen Kexing could check him over.

Wen Kexing smiled sweetly, though the older man could see the worry within his eyes. The young
healer took hold of his wrist and pushed a small amount of his Qi through him. Letting the way that
it moved around Zhou Zishu's body tell him what was wrong. The nails had aggravated things, but
Zhou Zishu had done as he had promised and not pushed himself. "You'll be fine after resting for a
while, though a small infusion of Qi will help you better. Should be fine for a while at least," he
murmured.

"Okay, you can do that when we get to the Inn," Zhou Zishu told him, "We should get there a little
later than we had planned."

"fine, but you can go in the back and watch over A-Ye and A-Ling," he told him.

"Lao Wen, I'm fine to remain here. So go in the back and watch the children," he shook his head,
waiting for the man to climb on and settle with the children in the back once more.
"A-Xu," Wen Kexing sighed, "It doesn't hurt for you to rest occasionally, you're always the one
driving."

"That's because I'm better at it," he smirked.

"I thought you said I wasn't bad at it?" he pouted, getting in and checking on the Zhang Ye first
who was still sleeping. Zhang Chengling was now awake, staring at him, frowning.

"I lied," Zhou Zishu snorted at the affronted look the man sent him before moving towards Zhang
Chengling. Gu Xiang joined him as he started guiding the horse past the bodies that now littered
the area.

"Mean," Wen Kexing muttered as he turned to Zhang Chengling again, "A-Ling, how are you
feeling?" he asked him gently, helping him to sit up.

"I'm okay," Zhang Chengling answered him, his voice was a little weak. Still shivering slightly. He
rested against the pile of pillows and blankets that Wen Kexing had set up inside the carriage to let
him rest against.

"Truth child," Wen Kexing pushed, "Does your wound still hurt?" he asked him, checking him over
himself.

Zhang Chengling looked down, "Just a little, but it's fine, really," he said earnestly, "The... the
shard... where is it?" he asked quietly clenching his hands. To him, the shard was what had killed
his parents.

"I have it with me at the moment, do you want it?" he asked, pulling out the small shard that had
been put inside of Zhang Chengling, it was in a small sachet that Wen Kexing had spare.

Zhang Chengling looked at it, reaching out slowly, "They... they died for it," he murmured.

"Many have done," Wen Kexing sighed softly, "And many more will do. I don't wish this burden
on you at all," he told him, taking a murmuring Zhang Ye into his arms and rocking him gently as
he settled next to Zhang Chengling.
"I wish I had never heard of it, that it never existed," he muttered, looking away.

"You are not the only one," Wen Kexing murmured softly. If not for the Armory his parents would
still be alive. They had been killed to protect a secret for it.

"Father... father didn't trust my uncles," he murmured tiredly as he leaned against Wen Kexing's
shoulder, "He didn't trust them and I'm not sure if I should either. Do I just give it to them, even
though my father warned me not to do so unless I trust them with it?" he asked, confused over what
he should do.

"A-Ling, only you can decide what you should do," he told him, "No matter what, A-Xu and I will
be there for you. We might not be able to enter the Sect with you, but we'll be just outside of it. As
soon as you want, we'll take you away."

"Why?" he asked, "Why would you go through all this trouble for me? You... you both saved me,
taking me to my uncle.. You also..." he gestured to his stomach, "And you're not even going to keep
the shard when you know so many are after it. You could have given me over to those that you...
you just killed, but you didn't."

"Of course, I wouldn't let them harm you, or take you from us. We're here together, you have your
cousin right here as well. I don't think you want to be separate from them either. Not only that, but
you are innocent in this. This... this is a problem for your parents' generation to deal with that has
leaked over to the younger. We'll be there for you as best as we can," he promised again, "Now,
rest, that's all you need to do, to rest and get better. We'll arrive at the Yueyang Sect in another
three days."

"Hmm," he hummed lightly, sighing a little before resting again.

Wen Kexing smiled as Zhang Ye settled back down to sleep and soon enough Zhang Chengling
was doing the same, leaning against him.

XxXxX

They came to the village that they were aiming to reach as the sun went down. The small inn that it
held luckily had two rooms, as some of them were taken up by other people. Zhou Zishu helped
Zhang Chengling inside, letting the teenager walk a little since he had barely done so the last few
days and he had protested so much in the carriage to not be carried this time. Gu Xiang was still
pouting as she followed them. Wen Kexing went before her after making sure the carriage and
horse were secured for the night. Zhang Ye cried lightly in his arms, hungry and wet.

"It's alright little one, we're almost there," he murmured, he had been listening to Zhang Chengling
over the last couple of days while they travelled. The young teenager was well versed in how to
take care of a newborn baby. Wen Kexing hadn't looked after a child that young before. When he
had found Gu Xiang, she was already three years old when he had first taken her in when he was
fourteen. Now the young woman was almost eighteen. He had raised her for the most part with
some help from Aunt Luo when he found himself at a loss.

Walking into the room, he went over to one of the beds and began to change Zhang Ye as Zhou
Zishu settled Zhang Chengling on another of the beds in the room. He finished cleaning the baby
before settling him in the basket that was asked for and going over to the teenager.

"Let me check you over and make sure things are healing well," he told him, kneeling by the bed
and doing so. Taking off the bandage and examining the wounds, "The infection is gone I would
say. The herbs I've been giving you have worked well," he added, smiling at the teenager before
cleaning and wrapping his wound up again, "Just a little more rest," he told him, "You're fever
broke earlier so I'm going to have a bath set up for you to clean. I'll redress the injury when you are
done," he finished.

"Thank you, Uncle Wen," he murmured, giving the man a shy smile.

Wen Kexing smiled back, "Rest up for now, and we'll have you sitting at the table for dinner, let
you build yourself back up again," he said, reaching out and ruffling the boy's hair a little.

"Okay Uncle Wen," he nodded, settling down on the bed and sighing quietly.

Wen Kexing walked over to Zhou Zishu who was being glared at by Gu Xiang again. He shook his
head, "A-Xiang, go and order a bath to be set up in the adjoining room and for dinner to be done as
well," he told her.

"Yes Master," she muttered, sticking her tongue out again at Zhou Zishu, darting away before
anyone could tell her off for it.

"She really doesn't like you this time," Wen Kexing chuckled, "You know," he whispered, "the
 only other time she hated you this much was when you sent Han Ying away to try and save him.
She loved him at the time and worried for him. She ended up following him, watching from the
shadows. She... ended up dead that time as well," he sighed.

"How?" Zhou Zishu asked.

"She killed Prince Jin when he ordered Han Ying's death because he was trying to help you. She
killed him and was caught, I only found out because some of those that came to us last time found
us and told me what happened to them both. They... they were able to bring their bodies back to be
buried. I've lost her three times and it hurts so much each time. She is my sister, my daughter."

"We'll make sure it won't happen this time," Zhou Zishu promised him, "They will all live. This
time we work together, knowing it all."

Wen Kexing smiled and nodded, "We will."

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for all the awesome comments and kudos. Do hope you have enjoyed this
chapter as well.
 Chapter Eight
Chapter Notes

Hey All

Sorry for the long wait, but my mental health took a serious nose dive last year, and
editing anything was a BIG NO. The things I did post were edited by those that I know
in the fandom. I felling a little more on an even keel, but not fully there if you all know
what I mean.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Eight

Another attack by The Ghosts, it was the second one since they had left the Mirror Lake Sect. Wen
Kexing looked down at them and sighed. "Really," he muttered, knowing that Gu Xiang had kept
Zhang Ye and Zhang Chengling safe while he and Zhou Zishu took care of the problem.

"I don't know why you haven't tried to let your Ghosts know what you are doing," Zhou Zishu said
as he cleaned off his sword and put it away again.

"I tried that once, and I only did it once," he said, shaking his head as he pulled a face at the blood
on his hand. He had once again used his Qi as his main weapon, not only with his fan but also on
his hands.

Zhou Zishu looked at him, waiting for him to continue and when he didn't he finally asked, "And,
what happened?"

"You and Chengling were still killed. I thought with them knowing no one would dare attack the
two of you. I found out that nearly all of my so-called Ghosts are working for Changing Ghost. He
holds the power over them. Only when he and the others are taken care of will they fall under me
again. They all think that my mind has changed because I was so intent on wanting vengeance
against the Martial World," he sighed, "For now, we can only fight them when they show up."

"Then we will," he nodded, "Right, tomorrow is our journey to Yueyang, we should reach there by
the afternoon I think," he said, "What are we going to do?" he asked as they headed back to their
room after making sure that the bodies were taken care of. It wouldn't do for a drunk to come
across them after all.

They walked into the room, seeing that all three were still awake, "That will have to wait until
later," Wen Kexing smirked at him.

"Ew! Gross!" Gu Xiang exclaimed, thinking her master was talking about something else.

"Your mind is dirty child," Wen Kexing snorted, shaking his head at the young woman.

Gu Xiang grinned, "Only because I've been around you for so long. Aunt Luo would be rather
ashamed of you," she smirked.

"Aunt Luo taught me much of what I know," he told her, laughing at her wide eyes.

"No way!" she shook her head, "She wouldn't!"

"She would, she would want me to be... safe, after all," he told her, laughing lightly as he went over
to where Zhang Chengling was sitting, rocking Zhang Ye to sleep, "Almost asleep," he murmured.

"Yeah," Zhang Chengling smiled at him, "he should sleep well, he didn't nap earlier either. And
while he might be cranky at the moment it's because he didn't sleep."

"Right," Wen Kexing nodded, sitting beside the teenager.

"Do you think..." Zhang Chengling began and then sighed slightly, "I don't trust them," he
murmured as he looked between Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu, "I know my martial arts are really
weak as well," he added, remembering the attack that had happened two days ago while he was still
recovering, by a pipa player that Zhou Zishu had taken care of in the end.

"That can always be improved," Zhou Zishu said, "I know you said that you haven't done so," he
added, "With intense training, you can catch up, but it will be a lot of work."
"I'm willing, very willing, I... would you be my Master? Please?" he said, eyes bright as he looked
at him, "I know that... that most would expect me to train with Yueyang and with my Uncles but I
don't wish to."

Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu shared a look and nodded, "I will take you on as a disciple," he told
him.

"Do your bows," Wen Kexing said as he gently took Zhang Ye from him, continuing to rock him as
he tried to get him to sleep.

Zhang Chengling nodded eagerly as he went down and kowtowed before Zhou Zishu, much as the
child had done the last time, and several times before that. Though most of the time it would take
at least until after arriving in Yueyang for it to happen. Only once did it happen sooner, and that
was because there had been a major attack from the Scorpion Assassins and Zhang Chengling had
fought as best as he could, which at the time wasn't much but he had also stopped an innocent from
getting hurt during it.

"Master," Zhang Chengling grinned as he stood back up. The teenager was healing well, his fever
fully gone and the weakens that was caused by it clearing up as well.

"Right, bed, everyone," Zhou Zishu demanded of them all, "Tomorrow we will be arriving at the
Yueyang Sect, we'll be there by Lunch time," he added.

"Master, do we really have to go to bed now?" Zhang Chengling asked, pulling a face.

"Yes, bed, both of you two, A- Xing will put A-Ye to bed tonight," he added.

"But Master," Gu Xiang whined as she looked at Wen Kexing.

"A-Xu is right, bed for you both, come on, bright and early tomorrow don't forget," he added as he
pulled the girl to her feet and let her go as he pushed her towards the door, one arm holding Zhang
Ye to his chest.

"Fine," she muttered as she left.

Wen Kexing turned, "And now you, go change and get into bed," he told Zhang Chengling.

"Fine," he moped but did as he was told. As soon as the teenager climbed into his bed and Wen
Kexing had put Zhang Ye down into his, the teen grinned and asked, "How about a... bedtime
story?"

Zhou Zishu sighed and shook his head, "No."

"Please," he said, pulling a sad face.

Wen Kexing gave a small smile. "I shall tell you a small one," he said as he walked over and sat
down, "Now into bed," he told him.

Zhang Chengling snuggled down in his bed and listened to the story that Wen Kexing told. It was
easy for him to fall asleep with the soft voice. Wen Kexing stopped the story part way through and
shook his head. Standing, he went over to Zhou Zishu.

"He did that a few times in the past," Zhou Zishu frowned, "He's fourteen, not a young child," he
added.

Wen Kexing nodded, "Part of it is from the trauma that he has been through. In other go throughs,
he would often forget what happened to him, to his sect. The first time we didn't learn of the shard
in him for a long time. So long that it actually caused him to become very ill. We almost lost him,"
he sighed, "it was hard for him to let this go. It's a comfort to him, makes him feel wanted."

"Right, do you think I should try and tell a story?" Zhou Zishu asked quietly as they went over to
the balcony and sat out on it, leaving the two children to sleep.

Wen Kexing laughed quietly, "No," he shook his head, "Please don't, the last time you told him a
story he was up with nightmares," he smiled, "They were good stories though, A-Xiang enjoyed
them."

"She would, she's like you," Zhou Zishu snorted and rolled his eyes. He sat down, looking out at
the town they were in. This was so close to Yueyang that he had no doubt that Gao Chong had
heard that they were nearby.

"She is," Wen Kexing nodded, agreeing with him as he sat beside him, "I believe that we will have
company on the road, and this time not the ones out to kill us," he added quietly.

"Oh?" Zhou Zishu glanced at him.

"Yes, as we came into the village earlier. A member of the Yueyang Sect was here, they left as we
passed. No doubt by tomorrow as we head out they will come to us," he answered.

Zhou Zishu nodded, feeling a little odd, "You know, when I realised that I had gone back I was
hurt that it wasn't going to be you before me."

"I know, to realise that all the memories that you've made, all the things that we have done together
are only in your mind and no one else remembers them," Wen Kexing sighed softly, an
understanding look on his face, "I do understand that. The first time it happened I have to admit
that I walked away. It hurts too much to be around you. I left the city. That night I turned to look at
Gu Xiang and the next I was back at the restaurant with her calling out to you," he sighed.

"I'm sorry, I wish I could remember all the years that we've done this, that you've done this," he
told him, reaching out and taking a hand.

"What is done, is done," Wen Kexing told him, "You're here now," he pointed out, "We're able to
do this together. Finally be able to make the plans needed to come out on top and make sure that
everyone that we care about is safe and sound," he reminded him.

"Which is what we should do," Zhou Zishu sighed, "Yueyang Sect, we're going to have to let
Chengling go with them."

"Though maybe this time we can both enter the Sect itself and keep an eye on things. I'd rather not
let the rest of the Scorpions go after him, we already took out Qin Song, the other may be out for
our blood," he grumbled, rolling his eyes, no matter which time through the Scorpions had always
been a problem.
"We'll see about taking them out quickly then. Find them while Chengling is in the Yueyang Sect,
maybe before the conference. We're going to have to stay for it. Need to grab Ye Baiyi and get him
on side. If you want to save some of the ghosts we should do so quickly," Zhou Zishu said as the
two of them started to work on what they needed to do.

"Four Seasons is going to need some cleaning, but I know that Qianqiao knows where it is. Master
Qin taught her some of the disguise techniques," Wen Kexing told him.

"I... didn't know that," he frowned, looking at him, "Why didn't you tell me? Was she a disciple?"
he asked, wondering if there was someone else of the Four Seasons still alive.

"She wasn't, Qianqiao told me that he had found her not long after she had been scared. He helped
her to heal and when she was, he showed her how to disguise herself as she had told him she had
feared people would recognise her. In the end she wound up coming and finding a home in Ghost
Valley, like many others do," he answered him, "So she knows those techniques, and I know that
she taught a few of the girls of the Unfaithful the same as well. To allow them to hide if they ever
left the valley."

"I wonder if I can get her to teach at Four Seasons," he murmured, "It... she must have been there
before he passed away," he added, looking down for a moment, "I was... sixteen when he passed
and I took over."

"Must have been, she came to us the year before Gu Xiang wandered into Ghost Valley," he told
him, "She was taken in by my Aunt Luo straight away. I was part of the unfaithful as well. Aunt
Luo had been the one to save me when they killed my parents. If not for her, I doubt I would have
lived long," he sighed.

"We'll get them out," Zhou Zishu promised, "Get word to them while in Yueyang, make sure they
don't take the brats though. It will be hard if they do. It sets Gao Chong up."

"I know, there will still be one dying. He promised marriage to a woman to bed her. Leaving her
pregnant. When she tried to see him, he ignored her, and she killed herself and her unborn child. A
ghost marriage will happen to appease her spirit. I will make sure that they will leave it at that, this
time. No taking the others," he added, "I believe that Changing Ghost was the one that wanted that,
I found out that it was said to have been done on my orders," he huffed, "I found out the last time
that Changing Ghost had been giving out orders in my name a lot. Mostly to help Zhao Jing and his
agender and Scorpion."
"This time, we will take those out sooner rather than later. I don't care if it messes anything up. I
know that you hated some of what the Ghosts were blamed for. Especially those that helped to
harm the Gentle Wind Sword Sect and the others that were killed in your name," he told him,
squeezing a hand.

"Right," he nodded, "We'll do that. Getting the old monster might help with cleaning out the
Ghosts," he agreed, "Though making him understand what is going on and making sure he doesn't
try and kill everyone there," he muttered, glaring out into the distance.

"What?" Zhou Zishu asked, "What happened?"

"I think the fourth time through, we got to this part. Ye Baiyi went straight to Ghost Valley and
attacked, killing everyone there. Those that were from Healer Valley as well," he sighed, "I... I
went after him that time. You were killed trying to protect me and of course when that happened..."
he trailed off, waving his free hand.

"Reset back to the restaurant and bridge," Zhou Zishu nodded, "Right, we'll make sure that he
understands this time." He paused and frowned, "And how the hell do you manage to get him not
to do it after that?" he asked, wondering what the man had done.

"I just had to make sure you would end up on that bridge when he was nearby to ask you about
Baiyi," he grinned, "It wasn't hard. And I have to say each time I find out about the nails still hurts,"
he sighed.

"I'm sorry, I wish that I had never put them there. So much would have been changed if not," Zhou
Zishu said as he stood up.

"I know, but what is done is done," he told him, "All we can do is to make sure that Wu Xi comes
here to heal them up properly."

"I'll send him notice along with Beiyuan to meet me at the Four Seasons Manor, by the time we get
there, they should only be a week away from arriving themselves. If we can get your Qianqiao?"
he asked, getting a nod at the name, "to go there with others before us, they may have a chance of
cleaning it up a little as well," he added, wincing as he remembered the state the Manor had been in
when they had gone.

"This time we'll make sure it doesn't burn," Wen Kexing added, "I know how upset that had made
you when it happened each time."

"It had stood for a long time," he sighed, "To see it gone and the ruins left, yeah, it hurt. How could
it not, it had been my home since my father sent me there to Master Qin. I learned so much there
and became its leader as well. Though I... I didn't do so well with that," he added, frowning.

Wen Kexing pulled him close and hugged him, "I know. You were so young and the weight of it
all. You told me that a number of people attacked the Manor as soon as you took charge of it. No
one was safe there, you did what you had to, to try and keep them all alive."

"Didn't worry," he snorted as he leaned against Wen Kexing, "They all still died."

"I know, but that is on the Prince, you know this. You know now that he was doing a lot to isolate
you," he reminded him.

"What?" Zhou Zishu pulled back, "What do you mean?"

"Shit, we didn't find that out last time did we," he muttered, "Your father had been killed by Prince
Jin when he-"

"I know that part, when he came back without finding the treasure," he nodded, "I know that. What
about Prince Jin isolating me?" he asked.

"Okay," Wen Kexing sighed, "We both ended up as prisoners of his at one point. You're Han Ying
was rather good along with Gu Xiang in getting the both of us out as injured as we were," he said,
shaking his head, "He came to gloat about what he had done, as we were to be executed. How he
had people within the Window of Heaven working for him, taking out those of the Four Seasons
slowly. To make sure that you would be broken and wouldn't dare to leave. Though you did in the
end leave. Which he really wasn't happy about. He even gave you a chance to re-join him, you spat
in his face that time," he snorted, "Was fun to watch him fall apart when you told him that you
would rather die a thousand deaths than to be near a bastard that had caused harm to those under
your care."

"He really did that," he murmured, eyes wide.

 "I'm sorry A-Xu, I forgot that we didn't find that out last time," he told him, holding him tightly
again, "We'll make him pay once more, he'll never want to be near you again."

"I want to know why," he said, closing his eyes.

Wen Kexing sighed, "He said that it was because he didn't want you to leave, so made sure that
there would be no one that would tempt you into leaving."

"So it was my-"

"No it wasn't. That bastard has been doing this all the time. Trying to find ways to keep people he
sees as a threat close to him. To him, you were a threat, you are strong, have so much going for you
and he wanted you close by to take advantage of that. The moment you left he set out in search of
you, to control you once again. He would have done the same to Beiyuan as well if you hadn't
faked his death," he pointed out to him, "Come A-Xu, we should rest, we're going to need our wits
about us tomorrow."

Zhou Zishu nodded, his mind still whirling over the new revelation as Wen Kexing fussed over
him.

Chapter End Notes

Hope you have enjoyed this chapter!

 Chapter Nine
Chapter Notes

Hey all

Hope you enjoy, and all mistakes are my own, I have tried to edit, but I am not very
good at it.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Chapter Nine

Wen Kexing was on edge as they stood in the receiving hall of the Yueyang Sect. Zhang
Chengling was standing by his side, cooing at Zhang Ye who was awake in Wen Kexing's arms.
Zhou Zishu looked at his husband, "You alright?" he asked, keeping his voice quiet as he glanced
towards Gu Xiang, who was looking around the room.

"Yes," he said, voice tight and almost cold, "I will be fine. I just don't like being here."

"I can understand that," Zhou Zishu nodded in agreement.

The two went quiet as Gao Chong walked into the room, "Chengling!" he greeted the teenager, his
voice loud and carrying around the room. It was enough to cause Zhang Ye to start crying.

"It's alright A-Ye," Wen Kexing said as he brought the child up to his shoulder, and patted his
back, "Shush," he murmured, bouncing and rocking as he tried to calm the child down.

"I am sorry, I did not know that you have a baby with you," Gao Chong apologised as he walked
over.

"Uncle Gao," Zhang Chengling said with a nod, creeping a little closer to Wen Kexing, he still
wasn't trusting of his uncle. His father had written to him telling him to be careful and to not trust
them.
"You've grown so much since I last saw you," he said, patting the teenager on the shoulders, "I'm
sorry to hear about your family."

Zhang Chengling gave a nod and looked away, eyes full of pain as he thought of his family,
"Yeah," he muttered.

"I thank you two gentlemen for seeing him here, and of course the young miss," he said as he
turned his attention onto the others, a little frown as he wondered where the baby had come from.

"Master," Zhang Chengling said, looking at Zhou Zishu.

"Master?" Gao Chong frowned, "What do you mean by that?"

"I accepted Chengling to be my disciple," Zhou Zishu said, "I brought him here to let you know
that he is alive and that he is safe. We will be returning to my home shortly," he added.

"Chengling should remain here, he will be with family here," Gao Chong said, shaking his head, "I
thank you for thinking of doing so but he wi-"

"Listen," Wen Kexing said, interrupting the man, "Young Chengling has been in our care for a
while, we know that he is grieving his family, while one other remain," he said, patting little Zhang
Ye's back, "The two will be coming with us. I believe that you care about him, but you also don't
know him, do you?" he asked him.

"His father didn't trust you," Zhou Zishu said, "I've been entrusted with his care."

"And before his brother passed he asked me to keep him safe," Wen Kexing added, "I promised
him that I will always keep A-Ling safe and well and I will," he said, eyes hard as he glared at Gao
Chong. He was still feeling hostile towards him, though he knew he shouldn't feel as much towards
the man. While most of his memories were there, sometimes they still faded away from him as the
Water of Lethe took hold of him again. He will need to see if Zhou Zishu would let him have some
Drunk Like a Dream to counter it.

"I see," the man said slowly, "I-"

"We heard that there will be a conference happening soon here. We will stay until after that, then
we shall leave. We know that you care about him, but he now belongs with us. He will be my
disciple and I will teach him all I know," Zhou Zishu said, going over and placing a hand on Zhang
Chengling's shoulder.

Gu Xiang almost bounced over, "Master," she said as she looked at Wen Kexing, "Are we really
going to stay here?" she asked him. (1)

"We can always stay at the Inn," he told her, giving her a smile.

Gao Chong was watching them, frowning, "Is she your disciple?" he asked, frowning at the way
that she had addressed him, only a servant would address him as such.

"I'm hi-" she began.

"She is, and my sister," Wen Kexing said, immediately on edge at the thought of the man trying to
say something against Gu Xiang. Said woman was now staring at him, eyes a little wide at the
words.

"I see," he nodded, "You do not have to go to an Inn, I welcome you all here," he added, "I will
have rooms set up for you all."

"If you would please, make sure that our rooms are near each other, we were attacked several times
on the road here. By the Ghosts of Ghost Valley and by the Beggar Sect," Wen Kexing said,
almost absently as Zhang Ye began to cry, "I believe he is hungry," he said as the baby's cries got
louder.

"I will see that a wet nurse is found for him," Gao Chong nodded, "For while you are here at
least."

Wen Kexing was going to protest, but he knew that some mother's milk would help better than the
herbs and milk that he had been giving him. "I thank you," he nodded to him.

"May I ask who the child is?" he frowned.

"Zhang Ye," Zhou Zishu answered him.

"I was able to rescue him," Wen Kexing said quietly, "I was unable to save the other children," he
murmured, glancing at Zhang Chengling, who gave a small nod.

"I know you tried Uncle Wen," he said, moving closer to the man and hugging him awkwardly.

Using one hand that wasn't holding the baby, he hugged Zhang Chengling as well, "You are a good
child," he murmured.

"I shall bring you to some rooms where you can rest, we will have a feast tonight to welcome you
here," Gao Chong said, looking at the group. Zhou Zishu could see the suspicion in his eyes as he
glanced over them all.

"I thank you," the former assassin said with a nod.

Gao Chong turned to Zhang Chengling, "Chengling, I would like to speak with you privately about
a matter of some importance that concerned the Mirror Lake Sect," he said to the teenager as he
was letting go of Wen Kexing.

"What you say to me you can say in front of them," Zhang Chengling said, not wishing to be alone
with the man at the moment. The words of his father's letter still whirling in his mind even days
after reading them.

"This is a private matter for the Five Lakes Alliance, as they are not part of it, I can not in good
conscience speak in front of them. I ask for your discretion in this. I'm sorry," he said as he looked
at the two men, "But this is a rather private matter.

Wen Kexing looked at him and knew as soon as he did so what the man wanted to talk to their
Zhang Chengling about, "Chief Gao," he began, "I understand that you wish to speak with him
about things, but for now, it would be best to be able to rest. He had been ill until recently, which is
why we used a carriage to get here instead of walking," he told the man.

"Of course," he nodded, "Ah, forgive me, we are talking as old friends," he smiled, "But I do not
have your names," he said.
"I am Wen Kexing," the man said, giving a bow of his head since he held a baby in his arms.

"Zhou Zishu," the man said, bowing. He hadn't wanted to give his name, but there was no point
hiding. He had stopped using his mask two days ago as well. No point when those around him
were going to be permanent in his life.

"I thank you, Master Wen, Master Zhou, for your care of my nephew. I will allow you all to rest
for now and see about finding a wet nurse for the baby. You may have to make do with goat's milk
until we have," he apologised.

"That's fine, there are some additives that I can add to the milk to make it a little better for A-Ye,"
Wen Kexing said with a nod.

"Very well, I shall see to it," he said, watching the man carefully.

Wen Kexing gave him a tight smile as he continued to rock Zhang Ye. Zhang Chengling hovering
near him and keeping away from his uncle. Gao Chong finally left them alone and a young woman
that the two men recognised as his daughter came in.

"Hello, I'm Gao Xiaolian, pleased to meet you all," she said with a bow, a polite smile on her face
as she went over to them. "I've come to take you to your rooms," she smiled at them all.

"Thank you," Wen Kexing smiled at her, she was a rather sweet girl in all the lifetimes he had met
her. There was only one time that she had been killed, but he hadn't known how it had happened.

The young girl led the way. It didn't take long for Zhang Ye to be fed and the group settled, "A-
Xiang, try and make some friends," he said, sending her out of the room.

"Master," she said, her voice unsure as she walked over to him, "You... you called me sister and
disciple?" she said, her voice shaking slightly.

Wen Kexing looked at her and smiled softly, "I did," he nodded, "I have thought of you as a sister,
even a daughter for a long time. From the moment I found you. Here, I can finally tell you that.
It's... safe, and I taught you much over the years, of course, you are my disciple," he said, with a
wry grin considering the three times that they had been attacked on the way to Yueyang.

Gu Xiang frowned at him, "But what about," she said, waving her hands around.

It was easy for him to understand what she was on about, "Don't worry about that. I have a few
things in mind," he said, "Now, young Miss Gao asked you to join her for tea. Don't disappoint," he
told her, gesturing for her to leave the room.

"Are you sure?" she asked again.

"A-Xiang, go," he ordered this time, a little bite in his tone that made the young woman stand still
and nod.

"Okay, Master."

"It's brother," he called after her as she began to leave the room, "And don't you forget it!"

"Okay... ge," she said, a shy smile on her face before she almost ran out of the room to find Gao
Xiaolian.

Wen Kexing had no doubt that the young teenager had been told to get to know Gu Xiang and to
find out why they were sticking with Zhang Chengling as they were. But Gu Xiang didn't really
know anything but that Zhang Chengling was now Zhou Zishu's disciple and her master, or rather,
her brother had now adopted another stray in baby Zhang Ye. "A-Ling," he called out to the
teenager who was sitting at the window and watching the training that was going on nearby.

"Yes, Uncle Wen?" he asked, getting up and almost rushing over.

"Why don't you see if you can rock this one to sleep? He doesn't wish for me," he smiled at him,
handing the baby over to the teenager.

"Sure," he nodded, taking Zhang Ye into his arms and already rocking him as he went back to his
seat at the window.
"A-Xing," Zhou Zishu said, his voice a whisper, "Don't you think you should tell him who you
are?" he asked him.

"I have never done so before," he murmured, watching the two cousins, "I admit that I had come
close a few times, but never actually done so."

"As soon as Zhang Ye is asleep, then it might be a good idea to do so," Zhou Zishu said, "I think it
would help more for him to know what is actually going on and what happened to his family
properly. At the moment he thinks that the Chief of the Ghost Valley ordered his family's death,"
he reminded him.

Wen Kexing sighed and nodded, "I know. We will be there for him, and well, he has always
reacted well because he always found out before he saw me again."

The two men waited a while, and as soon as Zhang Chengling had put his cousin down in the small
crib that had been sent to the room the two got him to sit down at the small table.

"What is it?" Zhang Chengling asked, looking between the two serious faces of the men.

"I have something important to tell you," Wen Kexing said, sighing heavily as he wondered how he
should word things. "Twenty years ago, Ghost Valley attacked my family with someone else. My
parents were murdered and I was left alive. Instead of killing me, they took me with them. I
became a Ghost," he said softly.

"You as well?" Zhang Chengling said, eyes wide, "I-"

"That's not all," Wen Kexing said, giving him a sad smile, "Becoming a Ghost means leaving
things behind, for me it was the memories of those that had killed my parents. For a while, I didn't
really remember. But I started to plan to get my vengeance. I killed the Ghost Valley Chief and
several of the devils over the years. Eight years ago, the Ghost Valley Chief threatened to harm A-
Xiang. I would not let that monster near her, so I killed him. I became the new Ghost Valley
Chief."

"You..." the teenager froze as he stared at him, "You... you came for my parents? My brothers?
Why?" he said, his lower lip trembling as he gripped the arms of his chair tightly, his knuckles
going white, "Why!" he demanded.
"I didn't, honestly and truly A-Ling. I wouldn't. Why I don't like the Five Lake Alliance for what
they did to my parents. For how they ignored what was going on among the five of them. I would
not..." he shook his head, snorting at himself, "Once upon a time I would have, a long time ago I
would have," he said, sighing, "I am not the man I once was A-Ling. I have found out that several
of the Devils that work for me are working for someone else. Only two remain that worked for the
Old Chief. One of them is working alongside the one that went after my parents, he has corrupted
the other Devils to work with them both," he said, shaking his head, "Damn this memory of mine!"
he yelled, banging his hands on the arms of the chair as he got up.

"I thought you remembered everything now?" Zhou Zishu asked, frowning at the man.

"No, the Water of Lethe will not lose its grip unless countered. And it's within me again. So..." he
trailed off, not wishing to talk about their travelling back in time in front of Zhang Chengling.

"I'll make some up as soon as we get home," he said, a smile breaking out on his face as he
remembered that the Four Season Manor was whole now, it wasn't a burned-out ruin as it had been
before they had come back in time.

"Yes," he smiled, "please do," he nodded and then turned serious as he looked back at Zhang
Chengling, "A-Ling, I have no doubt that you don't believe me, and I don't blame you for that," he
said.

"I do," Zhang Chengling murmured, looking up at him, "You... you could have let me die when I
got ill, and you didn't. You kept me safe, healed me. The... Armour," he whispered, "If you were
really after it then you would have taken it from me. Instead you left it with me," he said as he
reached into his robes and brought out the small pouch.

"I…” Wen Kexing trailed off, looking down, "You are a bright child," he said, "Thank you for
actually listening to me before you condemned me."

"You took care of me, Uncle Wen, I wouldn't condemn you at all," he said, looking from the
pouch.

"Of course, I would take care of you, you're a child A-Ling, so young," he sighed.

Zhang Chengling paused for a moment before he looked at him again, "How old were you... when
your parents died?" he asked hesitantly.

"I was young, very young. I was eight," he answered him, "there is no age that a child should lose
their parents until they are parents themselves," he told him, "It was hard losing them, and it still
hurts now when their killer walks free and to carry on doing as he had done before and
manipulating people," he muttered, shaking his head.

"You... know who it was?" he asked him.

"I do, but it took me a long time to be able to remember, but even now, I am having trouble with
the memory," he said, glancing at Zhou Zishu.

Zhou Zishu nodded at him, "What are you going to do about the Armour?" he asked the teenager.

Zhang Chengling pulled out the piece that he had. It was so small considering the problems that
came with it, "I... I don't know," he said, "My father trusted it with me, but I don't know what he
wanted me to do. He didn't trust his brothers. That one of them poisoned a good friend of theirs."

"Zhao Jing," Zhou Zishu said, "he was the one that had done so, he is the second brother of the five
I believe?" he added as he glanced over at Wen Kexing.

The man had gone pale, "Hm, yes," he said, wincing as his head began to throb.

"Uncle Wen?" he asked, seeing the pain on the older man's face.

Zhou Zishu got up, kneeling by the others chair, "Lao Wen?" he asked, reaching out.

"Water of Lethe," he muttered, looking at his husband.

"Right," he nodded, "Rest, go and lay down for a bit and rest. We'll decide what to do soon and
then we can take action," he told him, helping him to his feet and getting him to a bed to rest.

"Just a little while," he said, knowing better than to push himself too much with the Water of Lethe
 still within him. He will just end up passing out. While he could bring up the memories it
suppressed, it still caused problems. He could break through it, but it would leave him unconscious
for almost a day, and he didn't trust himself to be in such a vulnerable state around any member of
the Five Lake Alliance.

"Promise," he smiled down at him, glancing at Zhang Chengling who was hovering nearby, worry
etched on his face. "Let him sleep a little A-Ling and he'll be fine.

Zhang Chengling nodded and kneeled by the bed, taking a hand he remained there as Wen Kexing
fell asleep.

Chapter End Notes

(1) There are other types of Master within Mandarin, the one Gu Xiang uses is one a
servant or such would use to address her Master, the other of course is what Zhang
Chengling uses.

Hope you have enjoyed this chapter!

End Notes

Well, thank you all for reading, I do hope you have enjoyed it.

For the longest time, this fic was referred to as my Time Travel groundhog day fix it with a
sprinkle of crack fic.

Snuggles and huggles to you all if you want them!

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