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Chapter Text

Grunts of pain echoed softly through the closed doors of the healing quarters in Lotus Pier, as the Madam of the Jiang Sect, Yu Ziyuan, gave birth to her second child. Outside, the wind blew gently and the moon shined brightly in the cloudless sky onto the sparkling clear waters of the lakes surrounding the pier. Inside the room, a woman lay in a tub half filled with room temperatured water, with maids around her, rushing around the room with towels, water and rags, holding her hands and assisting with the birth.

"You're almost there Madam Yu! I can see the head! Just push a little more!" The head healer encouraged her lightly.

Yu Ziyuan cried out sharply in pain a moment later.

"I am pushing you damn imbecile!!! What the fuck else could I be doing?!?!?!" she yelled.

She pushed harder than before, spewing insults at her husband, the maids and even the sect elders and ancestors. Soon though, with a last hard push, she finally felt the last of her baby's body fully exit her own tired body. Yu Ziyuan panted softly in relief at the sound of the baby, her body collapsing in the tub and exhaustion finally taking over her. 

The pregnancy had been long and hard. Her first pregnancy with her daughter Yanli, while exhausting had not been anywhere near as difficult as her second one. Numerous complications had come up, almost resulting in her having to either abort the baby or continue on with a 75% risk of a miscarriage that would likely kill both her and her child. Fortunately, neither of those things had come to pass.

She waited for the loud cries of her baby to echo through the room as she lay in the tub catching her breath but they never came. Fear and anxiety immediately rushed through her. Had something happened to her baby?

"What's wrong?" she asked the nurse maids who were scurrying around her quietly, cleaning the room and wiping her body down with damps rags, soap and new warm water to clean away the blood and sweat. 

The maids glanced at each other silently, none wanting to speak with the Madam of Lotus Pier first, before the head healer re-entered the room from where she had exited to clean the newborn child of blood and gunk. In her arms she carried a bundle of thick, warm cloth containing the newborn baby. She walked over to Yu Ziyuan with a small smile that held a light aura of sorrow, before speaking.

"Congratulations Madam Yu. You have given birth to a beautiful baby boy."

The other maids congratulated her as well, before bowing and exiting the room. They knew that the rest of the conversation would not be for their ears to hear and they'd rather not be at the end of their Madam's sharp tongue, even if she was exhausted from child birth. The head healer, Liang Liu gently rocked the child in her arms as she came to stand right next to Yu Ziyuan on the bed she had been placed to lay down on after her body had been thoroughly cleaned by the maids.

"What's wrong Liang Liu? Why is he not crying?" Yu Ziyuan asked her, voice hoarse and filled with anxiety.

Liang Liu sighed softly before speaking again.

"Madam Yu, please accept my condolences for this bad news that I must inform you of. It is with great sorrow that I tell you that the young heir, even with all the precautions taken to ensure he would be born as healthy as possible, seems to have been born both blind and deaf."

Yu Ziyuan's eyes widened in shock, a cold feeling of dread and numbness spreading over her, as the head healer continued speaking. 

"When my main assistant, Liang Yanhua finished washing and dressing the young master, I laid him down on top of the blankets rested on the table and began my usual checkup to confirm the health of the newborn. As the baby had not made a single sound, I was extremely worried, but when I checked, he was breathing just fine. I moved him around and gently spoke to him, to try to get a reaction, but he only shifted uncomfortably from being moved and then settled down again once I began cradling him gently in my arms. He did not respond to my coos or voice. When he opened his eyes, they slowly moved all over the room but never looked directly at me, even when I spoke a little louder to him. I brushed my finger gently against his cheek softly and he reached for it with his hands but when I moved my hand away he began waving his arms wildly and looking around as if searching for it, even though I kept it in his line of eyesight. I once again spoke to him softly and gently leaned his head in the direction of my hand but he just moved his head away to where it had been before and continued waving his arms around. After a few moments, he gradually stilled and fell asleep soundly before I could feed him. With these observations, I came to the conclusion that the boy is both blind and deaf," Liang Liu finished.

Yu Ziyuan couldn't think. She couldn't. How could this happen? Why would this happen? Why?

Her first pregnancy had been fairly normal, with no hiccups and no larger than normal risks. All the signs had said that the baby would come out healthy and strong, so the only thing to hope for would have been for the baby's gender to be male. - As much as Ziyuan would have liked a daughter, the girl would likely only be a political pawn for her husband to sell off in an arranged marriage - . Instead, she had given birth to a weak and sickly little girl. The doctors had informed her that it would be unlikely for the girl to form a golden core, and even if she did, it would likely not be very strong. Therefore, she'd need to give birth to a second child who would become heir. 

She and her husband Jiang Fengmian had waited until their daughter, who they had named Yanli, to grow a little older before trying for another child. She had successfully gotten pregnant within their second month of trying. Compared to her second pregnancy though, her first was a calm walk in the park. Numerous complications had come up, almost resulting in her having to either abort the baby or continue on with an incredibly large risk of a miscarriage that would likely kill both her and her child. Due to the difficulties, many assumed her second child would be much stronger than her first, no matter what gender they turned out to be. 

Unfortunately, while she had been blessed with a male child, a child that would have been the perfect heir, it seemed that the pregnancy struggles they had both gone through had worn down the child and made him even weaker than her first child, by leaving him disabled and essentially useless.

As she continued sinking into the depths of her mind, Yu Ziyuan wondered if the Gods truly hated her so much, to gift her with two equally useless children, one weak and sickly and the other disabled for life. Or maybe the two children were a reflection of her. 

Meishan Yu, while being one of the largest minor sects, was no where near the size or influence of Yunmeng Jiang, one of the five major sects. When she married into the Jiang sect, Yu Ziyuan had been constantly made fun of and pitied by other cultivators for needing to enter a loveless marriage. They said she was too hot tempered and violent to ever be useful or have someone as gentle as Jiang Fengmian pay her any attention. They were quickly shut up by the crackling of zidian, but never truly stopped speaking of her behind her back in the private of their homes. Of course, when her first pregnancy ended in the birth of a weak, sickly daughter, people immediately blamed her and her 'weak' Yu genes and her 'weak' Yu body, for sabotaging the Jiang Sect's chances of a formidable heir. Because of course the Jiang bloodline, as one of the main bloodlines in the five major sects, held no impurities. Therefore, the fault of having such a weak and useless child, and a daughter no less, fell completely on her. 

Now she had given birth to her second child, and though the baby turned out male, was even more useless and weak than her daughter. Had the heavens truly forsaken her? Or were her children really just a representation of how weak and pathetic she was? Of how incompetent she was? Of how much of a disappointment she was? Had she truly tainted the Jiang bloodline? If news of her second child's health got out, both the Jiang sect and the Yu sect's reputations would be tarnished. 

"Get rid of him then," a voice echoed through the room, pulling Yu Ziyuan out of the depths of her mind.

She turned in the direction of the voice and found her husband standing in the doorway. With the attention of the two women fully on him, Jiang Fengmian stepped completely into the room and closed the door behind him before continuing to speak. 

"We cannot keep the boy. His birth will bring shame onto the Jiang sect, as well as the Yu sect, even more so than his sister's birth already has. It is clear that his birth is a mistake we cannot compensate for. He would be a burden to our family and this sect, and it would also be a waste of both time and resources to keep and try to tend to him as he will not be able to serve us any purpose, either politically or physically as a disciple.  Much less as a sect heir."

So he had heard everything then. Yu Ziyuan did not know whether to laugh or cry at that realization. In the end, she agreed with everything het husband said, though she would never admit it out loud, and could find no faults in his logic. She lightly gestured for the head healer to hand her her baby and leave to summon the handmaid who would be tasked with discarding her second child. She loosely held her baby in her arms as Liang Liu exited the room to complete her task. She couldn't help but look at her son in blatant disappointment as he slept soundly, unaware of the world around him and the people making decisions about the ending of his life.

Liang Liu returned soon after with a servant who looked to be in her late forties. The servant was given a thorough rundown of her assigned task by Jiang Fengmian. Yu Ziyuan felt numb as she watched her husband converse with the maid. Once more, she asked Liang Liu to bring her a small box from her room. The head healer quickly and silently left, returning in the same manner, before handing Yu Ziyuan the box she had asked for.

Yu Ziyuan rested her fingers softly on the cover of the box momentarily, before opening it. Inside of the box, was the clarity bell that she had had carved by the best blacksmith in the entirely of Yunmeng, to be gifted to her son when he grew old enough to know what it meant and the significance it carried. Removing the bell from the box, she carefully placed it securely into the folds of the thick swaddles of cloth wrapped around her son. 

"My Lady," Jiang Fengmian called to her, "It is time."

Yu Ziyuan looked up at her husband for a moment, before handing her baby to the maid who had come to stand next to her. The maid bowed to her before leaving the room with her newborn baby, wrapped securely in thick swaddles of fabric, held safely to her chest. Yu Ziyuan prayed for the best for her child's soul.

***

Lin Ju was a simple woman. She worked as a servant for the Jiang sect, had three beautiful children and a loving husband who worked as a blacksmith for the Jiang sect also. She loved her husband and children dearly and would do anything to keep them safe and unharmed. She usually worked with cleaning, laundry and occasionally cooking, if the cooking staff was overworked and needed extra hands. 

So colour her surprised when she was called to the healing quarters, in the middle of the night no less, and told to kill the newborn heir of the Jiang sect, just because he had turned out to be blind and deaf. She had been shocked out of her mind at the news and couldn't help but feel deep sorrow at the child's unfortunate situation. 

Because she had been told to dispose of the child by the Jiang sect leader himself, she could not refuse, so she swore willingly herself to secrecy so that the sect leader would have no reason to threaten her family. Gently picking up the baby in her arms, she walked slowly, in the silence of the night, to Lotus Pier's main lake. She had decided to drown the baby in the lake, as a body would be less likely to be found then. Just as she was settling the baby into the water, an image flashed through her mind and she hesitated.

What if this baby had been one of her children instead? What if it had been one of her nieces or nephews or one of her best friends' children? Would she be so willing to kill the child just because of his disabilities then? Determination flowed through Lin Ju as she lifted the baby higher into her arms and away from the lake water she had been about to rest him in. She quickly trekked to the docks at the mouth of the main river leading out of Lotus Pier, winding through Yunmeng territory, until it eventually exited Yunmeng territory. She placed the bundled baby into a small boat, untied the rope from the docks and pushed it out until it caught a river current and began floating away.

As Lin Ju watched the boat drift into the distance until she was no longer able to see it, a lone tear dripped down her face. She dropped to her knees soon after, clasping her hands together tightly as more tears followed, and prayed fervently for the baby's safety.

***

The boat floated aimlessly for hours, catching current after current until if reached the edge of Yunmeng territory. The baby inside slept peacefully through it all, only awakening when the boat hit a river bank and its incessant but calm rocking stilled. Moments later, the sharp cries of a baby filled the air. However, there were no villages close enough to the boat for people to hear the newborn's loud cries. The villagers were likely sleeping as well, if they even did hear the cries. After a few minutes, a young woman in white and red robes heard the cries of the baby. She seemed to be in her late twenties and had been tuning her pipa when the cries hit her ears.

She got up and followed the echoing noise, soon coming across the boat at the riverside, carrying a bundle of cloth. She parted the folds of cloth and was surprised to see a baby, and one that looked to have just been born as well. The baby's skin was pale and despite being wrapped in thick cloth, actually felt fairly cold. She let some spiritual energy flow to her hands to warm the child as she walked back to her little cottage in the woods.

At the warmth, the child's cries quieted a bit, though not completely. As she did not have any baby clothes, and the newborn seemed to have been thoroughly cleaned already, the woman did not bother with clothes for the baby. She warmed some goats milk with a heating talisman for the child, poured it into a small bottle and gently coaxed the child to drink. It did not take much coaxing since as soon as the baby realized what was being poured into his mouth was edible and tasty, immediately began to suckle strongly on the nib of the bottle, cries finally going completely silent. 

The woman rocked the child slowly as he fed from the bottle until he was full, burping him afterwards to get rid of any excess air the baby may have swallowed while feeding. The newborn spat up before yawning again. She smiled softly at the child and laid him down on her soft bed, surrounded by pillowed to ensure he didn't roll off the bed and then got to work on sewing clothes for the child. 

Over the next week, the woman diligently worked to take care of the child. As the baby slept, she sewed him clothes, built him a crib and even handmade some toys for him. As she had found him on November 5th, the woman decided that that would be his birthday. She also decided to name him 'Cheng' meaning 'clear' as both the night sky and the river where she had found him that day, were crystal clear. 

"A-cheng," she softly called to the child at night.

Within that week, it also didn't take long for the woman to realize that the child was both blind and deaf, which was likely the reason she had found him discarded in a boat near the end of Yunmeng territory. The child was also likely from Yunmeng as the boat had been facing away from inner Yunmeng territory and because the currents that day had been flowing out of Yunmeng. He was probably the child of a high ranking disciple as well, since a clarity bell had been neatly tucked into the swaddles of cloth surrounding him.

None of this really mattered to the woman though and as time went by, she found herself becoming more and more attached to the baby. 

Though, she had begun to notice something strange occurring with A-cheng. He was not able to see her or hear her physically, yet he always seemed to know the general direction she was in and always looked directly in her direction whenever she was using her spiritual energy or training her golden core. It took her another entire week to figure out what was going on, but when she did, she couldn't help the grin of happiness that spread over her face.

She picked up A-cheng and gently spoke to him, though she knew he couldn't hear her.

"It seems that fate has decided to give you a gift in exchange for taking so much from you, A-cheng."

For despite being born both blind and deaf, the child had been gifted with the ability to intimately see and sense spiritual energy.

And with this revelation, came the feeling that the disabled child she had found in a boat on the river in the middle of the night, would bring a great light to the entire world.

The breeze flowed softly and the moon shone peacefully on the woman and the tiny baby.

Chapter Text

Qiuyue Meiyi was a woman of fairly tall stature. She was 5 feet, 11 inches tall and was fairly slim, with wide hips and an average sized bust. She had lightly tanned skin and short, straight black hair that reached just above her shoulders, with brown eyes, a small nose and light pink lips. She also happened to be a cultivator. A powerful one at that, though no one actually new that. Her cultivation had a very wide range and was not limited to simply the use of a sword or spiritual weapon. 

Both of her parents had been former senior disciples of the Quishan Wen Sect before defecting and going rouge after they had decided to get married. They had been well versed in many types of cultivation and had also been fairly powerful. They had managed to train her enough to form a golden core and cultivate it to an average level before they were hunted down and killed by a small army of senior wen disciples sent after them by the Wen sect leader of that time. The wens had not known of her existence though, so her parents were able to send her away before she was discovered and killed, or even worse, taken back to the Wen sect as a prisoner or slave. 

She had been left on the streets with nothing but a few of her parents belongings and the clothes on her back, but continued the journey her parents had begun after becoming free of the Wen sect, travelling as a rouge cultivator all over the lands of China. She travelled far and wide, meeting many different people who taught her to hunt for her own food, to play instruments for fun and for cultivation, to use, write and create talismans, make medicines, poisons and healing potions, and cultivate her core to be much, much stronger than before. Eventually, she became a powerful adult, able to stand on her own two feet and rely on her own powers to protect herself. 

She had many weapons and instruments that she used to practice cultivation. Her favourite to use though, out of all of the weapons and items she had in her possession, was the fan gifted to her on her eight birthday by her mother, with her Father's pipa coming in at a close second. The items contained memories of her parents, her beautiful loving family of three, that brought joy to her heart and mind even in her darkest times. 

At the age of twenty eight, she chose to stop travelling and returned to the lands where she was born, settling down in a small remote village on the border between Yunmeng Jiang and Quishan Wen. Within the next year, she built herself a medium sized cottage in a small clearing in the backlands of the village, deep in the woods and nestled safely between the shrubbery of the mountain side, with a large garden full of flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables for her to eat, along with whatever animal she managed to hunt.

Ten minutes away, just to the north of the cottage, was a beautiful waterfall, with clear waters that never froze no matter how cold the temperatures got. It would stay warm even during the toughest winters and could be used as a healing springs because of the way spiritual energy flowed through the spring. Not that far off, just about a five to eight minute walk away to the west of the cottage, was a clear stream, that widened as it went further into Yunmeng Jiang territory, eventually joining the main Yunmeng river. She often hunted fish in that stream and used it as her main source of water, as it had the purest flow of water compared to any of the other nearby rivers. It was in this river, seven years later in the middle of the night, that she found a small boat containing a newborn baby.

Qiuyue Meiyi had been cleaning and tuning her pipa after spending hours practicing it earlier that day, when soft but sharp cries hit her ears. The cries sounded far yet close by at the same time. She had quickly decided to follow the cries to see if there was anyone who needed assistance. Worry rushed through her as she got closer and closer, the cries becoming louder and making it apparent that they cam from a baby and not an older child or teenager. Once she parted away the last of the hanging branches and shrubs leading to the river, her eyes immediately landed on the small boat floating stagnantly on the shoreline.

She rushed towards it cautiously, the cries becoming the loudest they had been so far, and peered into the boat, only to find thick pieces of cloth carefully wrapped in a bundle. She gently picked up the bundle, feeling a little surprised at their weight, and parted the folds, only to find a newborn baby laying within them. The baby's skin was pale and despite being wrapped in thick cloth, still felt fairly cold. She gathered some spiritual energy gather into her hands to help warm the baby as she began the walk back to her cottage.

At the warmth, the child's cries quieted a bit, though not completely. As she did not have any baby clothes, and the newborn seemed to have been thoroughly cleaned already, the woman did not bother with clothes for the baby. Within a few minutes, her home came into view. She immediately entered the cottage and walked to the kitchen to get some of her goat's milk for the baby to drink. She warmed some goats milk with a heating talisman for the child, poured it into a small bottle and gently coaxed the child to drink. It did not take much coaxing since as soon as the baby realized what was being poured into his mouth was edible and tasty, immediately began to suckle strongly on the nib of the bottle, cries finally going completely silent.

Qiuyue Meiyi rocked the child slowly as he fed from the bottle until he was full, burping him afterwards to get rid of any excess air the baby may have swallowed while feeding. The newborn spat up before yawning again. She smiled softly at the child and laid him down on her soft bed, surrounded by pillowed to ensure he didn't roll off the bed and then got to work on sewing clothes for the child. 

Over the next week, she diligently worked to take care of the child. As the baby slept, she sewed him clothes, built him a crib and even handmade some toys for him. As she had found him on November 5th, the woman decided that that would be his birthday. She also decided to name him 'Cheng' meaning 'clear' as both the night sky and the river where she had found him that day, were crystal clear.

"A-cheng," she softly called to the child at night.

Within that week, it also didn't take long for Qiuyue Meiyi to realize that the child was both blind and deaf, which was likely the reason she had found him discarded in a boat near the end of Yunmeng territory. The child was also likely from Yunmeng as the boat had been facing away from inner Yunmeng territory and because the currents that day had been flowing out of Yunmeng. He was probably the child of a high ranking disciple as well, since a brand new clarity bell had been neatly tucked into the swaddles of cloth surrounding him.

None of this really mattered to her though and as time went by, she found herself becoming more and more attached to the baby.

Though, she had begun to notice something strange occurring with her A-cheng. He was not able to see her or hear her physically, yet he always seemed to know the general direction she was in and always looked directly in her direction whenever she was using her spiritual energy or training her golden core. It took her another entire week to figure out what was going on, but when she did, she couldn't help the grin of happiness that spread over her face.

She picked up A-cheng and gently spoke to him, though she knew he couldn't hear her.

"It seems that fate has decided to give you a gift in exchange for taking so much from you, A-cheng."

For despite being born both blind and deaf, the child had been gifted with the ability to intimately see and sense spiritual energy. 

***

It had been a few months since Qiuyue Meiyi had found A-cheng in that boat on the river. By that time, both her and A-cheng were practically inseparable. The baby had already begun to babble and lift his head by himself. He could also sit up by himself and was well on his way to be able to crawl long distances. A-cheng loved sitting on her lap so she could cuddle him and largely enjoyed playing with the large soft teddy bear she had sown for him. 

It was bright and sunny outside that morning, the sky almost cloudless as cool breezes wafted through the air constantly, keeping the atmosphere warm instead of hot. Qiuyue Meiyi decided to take her baby outside to the garden instead of cooping him up inside. She packed a small basket with a large cloth mat, bottles of milk for A-cheng and a bowl of chicken soup and a few moon cakes filled with lotus seed paste for herself. She then picked up her baby and walked out of her cottage.

She slowly trudged over to the bed of flowers containing peonies, plum blossoms and the most abundant flower around their cottage, lotuses. She set down the mat carefully, smoothing it out to remove any wrinkles or lumps. She then set down the basket and then sat down herself, with A-cheng right in front of her, caged by her long legs.  Butterflies, grasshoppers, ants and other insects flew and walked about their business around the mat. Qiuyue Meiyi giggled softly as her son excitedly tried to reach for any insect in sight. Unfortunately, and much to the dismay of the tiny baby, the butterflies and grasshoppers simply flew or jumped out of the way. 

Qiuyue Meiyi once again, for the millionth time since the child had come into her life, wondered what exactly the insects looked like to A-cheng. Spiritual energy flowed through all living things after all. Did they simply look like small blotches of colour depending on what animal they were? Or did they simply look like blots of gold, the general colour of a golden core? How would he be able to tell if something was human or animal? She was genuinely curious and excited to see how her son grow and how his unique skills would develop.

Her thoughts were cut off by a small whimper. Qiuyue Meiyi immediately shifted her gaze to look down at the baby in her lap, only to find the child tearing up. Within seconds, A-cheng began crying in earnest, his yells loud and sad. Worried as to why he was now upset, she hugged him to her chest, rocking him gently and hummed a soft lullaby to him. Looking around, she realized that all of the insects had flown off to parts of the garden that were far out of the reach of her son. 

Ah. Her A-cheng was feeling lonely wasn't he? She couldn't help but feel a tad bit sad for the disabled child.

Qiuyue Meiyi stood up, holding her sobbing son to her chest, picked up a few bottles of milk and walked into the forest. As she walked, she parted the bushes and tree branches carefully to ensure none would make contact with her son. The babies cries slowly quieted, though not completely, as she continued humming to him. A few minutes into the walk, she began singing to him. It was an old Yunmeng lullaby that her parents often sung to her whenever she cries or was feeling sad.

After walking a good bit further into the forest, she came upon small clearing in the dense trees, just big enough for only so few people to lay down in comfortably. She lowered herself into a seiza position and placed her son carefully atop her thighs, still carefully holding him to her breasts and torso. With a burst of qi, she gathered all of the nearby fallen fruit into a pile in front of her, and waited. She didn't need long, only a few moments of silence before a rustle was heard from the bushes close by that definitely wasn't the wind.

She smiled softly as the rustling stopped, only for squirrel to emerge from between the thin emerald leaves, and gingerly approached them. Her son's softened whimpers and cries silenced themselves immediately at the noticeable brand new presence in the small clearing. Qiuyue Shu lowered her hand to grab some nuts from the fruit pile in front of her and offered them to the squirrel. 

The tiny woodland creature scurried up to her hand, sniffing it before carefully taking a nut and stuffed it in its mouth, causing it's cheek to puff up. She then took another nut and placed it in her son's tiny hand, before holding his hand out to the squirrel. The squirrel sniffed the baby's hand just as it had hers, but seemed to like the child more than her as it took the nut, stuffing the remaining space in its mouth with it, and nuzzled his hand. A-cheng giggled at the light brush of fur against his hand. A new but pleasant feeling no doubt. The squirrel scurried up her legs to nuzzle the child's cheek before running off back into the woods.

Qiuyue Meiyi and her son sat in the small clearing for hours, simply feeding the woodland creatures that came across them. They encountered many more squirrels, as well as a few rabbits, a small family of hedgehogs and many naughty monkeys. A-cheng had a fantastic time with all of the different creatures. He was smiling, laughing and giggling up a storm the entire time. It actually felt as if the spiritual energy surrounding them brightened and her own qi flowed easier, the happier the child became. 

By the time A-cheng had eaten and she began standing up to head back to the cottage, the baby was fast asleep. Qiuyue Meiyi smiled softly, kissing the baby's forehead as they headed home, and once there, placed him to rest in his cot. It was just past lunch by then so she ate some congee and smoked fish, before taking up her guqin and moving to sit next to her son's cot. She played soft original melodies and traditional lullabies of both Yunmeng Jiang and Quishan Wen. The wind blew gently through the room as she continued playing, carrying the soft melodies into the woods for the animals to hear, and eventually Qiuyue Meiyi also fell asleep in the peaceful silence of her son's room.

***

Qiuyue Meiyi awoke to the sun shining in her eyes, a small weight on top of her belly and a mouth slobbering all over her breasts. With a groan she gently moves her hand to wipe the crust and sleep out of her eyes, and then moved her gaze to breasts, knowing exactly why they were wet and exactly what the weight on her stomach was. 

On top of her stomach, lay an awake A-cheng, who was hungrily mouthing at her chest through her sleeping robes. She chuckled amusedly.

The night before, she had decided to lay him with her in her bed, as he had spent the previous week sobbing uncontrollably whenever he was left to sleep by himself in his own cot at night. The boy slept soundly. When she thought about it, A-cheng probably felt terrified of the constant darkness around him since he was only ever able to sense her when in close proximity with her.

Now he was mouthing at her chest, likely having mistaken her nipples for the nub on his milk bottle. Qiuyue Meiyi gently lifted him to her neck, cuddling him softly and whispering good morning into his deaf ears. She stood up from the bed and walked to her small kitchen. She grabbed one of A-cheng's usual bottles of milk and heated it with a heating talisman before softly placing it on the child's lips, gently coaxing the nub into his mouth. When a drop of warm milk dripped onto his tongue from the nub of the bottle, A-cheng began enthusiastically sucking on it, calming down and gently wrapping his tiny fingers around the bottle to get as best a grip as he could. Qiuyue Meiyi gently rocked him as he fed from the bottle. 

"There, there, my little one. Eat your fill now," she cooed softly to him. 

-

A few hours passed after they both finished eating, Qiuyue Meiyi having eaten steamed meat buns for breakfast after A-cheng had completely emptied his bottle of milk. She had spent the morning washing clothes, trimming the grass and watering the flowers, before coming back inside and cleaning her hands to start practicing her music. She walked to room first, and retrieved her guqin that was neatly placed in the corner near her bed, before heading to the living room, carefully placing it down and then sitting behind it. 

A gentle melody began flowing through the air as Qiuyue Meiyi plucked the stings of her guqin. The tune was gentle and slow, like a slow breeze on a warm summer day, but gradually became faster and more upbeat like a dance between two lovers. The melody then began to slow down a bit, the song becoming more emotional. And then Qiuyue Meiyi began to sing.

She walks alone deep at night

By the riverside;

Holding her baby

The last light of her life;

The autumn moon shines brightly overhead

Gracefully,

Beautifully,

And oh so brightly;

The river gleams  and ripples

Oh so clearly,

The flowing breeze around them 

Oh so cool;

The animals' lullaby

Caresses them deep at night,

The flowers dance longingly

And the clouds drift over the mountains, 

As she returns to her glowing garden home.

The rhythm of the tune began to speed up a little, and as she continued to sing, Qiuyue Meiyi unconsciously began slowly filtering soft waves of spiritual energy through her guqin, forming soft spirals and patterns of qi in the air. 

The autumn moon shines brightly in the black sky,

Amongst the tiny twinkling stars

And amongst the almost invisible clouds;

And on that night

The night of the birth of that tiny blessing,

A gift was bestowed,

A life was changed,

And a new happiness was granted.

Suddenly a loud thud startled Qiuyue Meiyi out of her calm state, interrupting her singing and pausing her fingers on the stings of her guqin, though her flow of spiritual energy into the instrument below her fingers did not stop. She turned her head towards the direction of the thud and found A-cheng sitting on the floor, a fallen cup of writing brushes laying in a messy pile on the floor just in front of him.

The baby had been peacefully napping on a fluffy mat on the ground, surrounded by soft toys, in the living room when Qiuyue Meiyi had gone out to tend to the garden, but was now, very evidently awake and had begun crawling towards her. She wondered however, how the boy had known the direction of the cup of writing brushes, as they had been set on a small stool well out of the way of the direction she was sitting in.

She got her answer when A-cheng began shifting and moved his body into a crouching position. He then moved his weight onto his hands and pushed off of the ground, bringing his body to stand up fully. Then he took a shaky step foward. Then he took another step forward. And then another. Then another again until he reached her.

Qiuyue Meiyi stared in awe as her son took his first steps and reached out her arms to carefully pick him up once he reached her on the other side of the room. A-cheng stumbled a bit during his walk but eventually made it across the room. Qiuyue Meiyi gathered him in her outstretched arms and twirled him around in the air. She couldn't believe he had just taken his first steps! She finally stilled a few moments later and began cuddling A-cheng to her neck and fondly kissing his forehead and cheeks.

A-cheng however, seemed to have other plans. He began to wriggle and squirm in her arms, reaching for something in the air. Qiuyue Meiyi loosened her grip on her son just a bit and looked up to see what he was reaching for. A smile grew on her soft face when she realized her son was reaching for the stray patterns of qi that had been floating in the air due to her playing the guqin earlier. She nuzzled the baby closer to her, the smile on her face growing more and more.

***

It hadn't been long before that tiny baby that she had cradled in her arms almost all hours of the day became a lively toddler. Qiuyue Meiyi sighed in amusement and exasperation as she watched her now five year old son run energetically around their garden chasing a frog, from the window in their living room. She finished drying all the dishes before she decided to go outside and watch him. As soon as she stepped outside however, her son immediately stopped running and turned to face her. He had sensed her. 

Immediately, a large grin forming on the child's chubby face. He then began hurriedly toddling towards her, like a man on a mission, animatedly waving his arms around and making grabby hands at her. Chuckling, Qiuyue Meiyi stepped forward and scooped the child into her arms and began kissing him all over his face. A-cheng began giggling happily at the attention.

Over the past few years, A-cheng had gotten much better at seeing and sensing spiritual energy. From what she could tell by observing him, he was currently able to see and sense every single type of spiritual energy like spiritual energy from a golden core and pure spiritual energy from nature. 

As was apparent by the way he was attached to the rivers and woodland animals. She had tried teaching him to swim before. However, as A-cheng was blind and deaf, even though he could see spiritual energy, she had no clear way of communicating with him. So it didn't work out. Though it did teach A-cheng that he couldn't breathe underwater and would have to hold his breath to stay under and 'see' all the fishes and plantlife. He usually sat in the shallows playing with the fish that came near him whenever they visited the river, which was quite often. 

Of course, all types of spiritual energy also included demonic energy. Qiuyue Meiyi's put down her son, giving him a little push to play with the rabbit she had seen across be the daisies. The boy moved his face towards her, seemingly looking at her before scampering off after the bunny. Her mood soured a little as she remembered the danger her son had unknowingly ended up in just two a few weeks before.

It had been a regular day in the Qiuyue household, with Qiuyue Meiyi tending to the garden while her son sat a ways ahead of her, though still in her line of sight, gently playing with the lotus flowers that bloomed all around him. 

Qiuyue Meiyi had just finished pulling all the weeds near the chrysanthemum flowers when she glanced over at her son to see what he was doing, only to see him no longer playing with the flowers but staring, in a very focused way, in the direction of the forest on the western side of their house. She moved her gaze to the same direction, looking to see if there was something there. She did not expect to see a fairly large fox demon hiding in the bushes, its red piercing eyes looking directly at her son.

Before she could even get up to run and grab A-cheng, the beast leapt at the boy with a snarl on its lips. 

'No! A-cheng!' she yelled in her mind.

To her immediate shock, the five year old dodged the fox demon's attack. The fox demon continuously swung it's extremely long claws at her son, backing him into the forest. Without another second of hesitation she rushed inside the house, grabbed her sword and rushed back into the forest. She chased the fox spirit and her son a good ways into the forest, following all the broken trees and scattered branches and vines until she found them in between two large trees. The demon had pinned her son to the ground, was lunging it open jaw towards his head and was vigorously attempting to  trying to bite him. 

Her son on the other hand had a strong grip on the longest claws on each of the fox demon's front paws and was dodging every single lunge of the fox's open jaws at his head even if all he could do was twist his neck. She immediately rushed towards them, flowing her qi through her sword and in a single 'SLASH!', cut the fox demon straight down its back, piercing its spine and heart, and killing it instantly.

The body twitched a bit before collapsing to the side. Qiuyue Meiyi immediately ran to her son, pushing the demon's claws off of him and picked him up, cradling him to her chest. She checked him over and was relieved to find that he only had a few light scratches and was covered in dirt. 

She carried her son all the way back home, whispering reassurances she knew he couldn't hear but hoped he could somehow understand into his ears. Her son's fingers clenched her robes in a harsh grip, but he kept looking in the direction of the dead body of the fox demon.

There had never been a doubt in her mind that her son was a fighter, however, she never truly new how much of a survivor he was until then. A determination filled Qiuyue Meiyi as she continued looking at her son. 

She would find a way to communicate with her blind and deaf son, who could see and sense spiritual energy.

His instincts were phenomenal due to him not having his hearing or eyesight. She would teach him, train him, so he could become stronger, and be able to protect himself if she couldn't be there.

She would do her best for her son, and protect him with everything she had from all dangers.

She swore that on her life as she watched the happy five year old play in the garden of their small cottage, a bright smile on his adorably chubby face.

She would do whatever she could to keep that smile right where it was.

Chapter Text

Qiuyue Meiyi held her son's hand securely as she lead him outside to their garden. Only a day had passed since her internal declaration, but she was more than eager to get started on her plans to keep her son safe. Though she knew that she would do her best to always be there for him, she also wanted her son to be able to protect himself. The first step to completing that process was 'Communication and Understanding'. Or at least as something somewhat similar to that. Overnight, she had managed to think of a way for A-cheng to learn about and understand the world around him as best as he could, even if he couldn't exactly talk or listen to her.

Qiuyue Meiyi knew her son was very intelligent, despite his disabilities. At just a mere few months old, A-cheng had taught himself how to laugh by (what she assumed to be) memorizing the feeling of the vibrations her voice box made whenever she laughed or talked, and how it was related to the inhalation and exhalation of air through her nose and mouth. She had always wondered why A-cheng had such a fascination with placing his hands on her mouth or nose whenever she spoke, sang or laughed. He also (somehow) taught himself to smile, as small and rare as those smiles may be, by memorizing the movement of the muscles in her face. She had been shocked when the boy began to giggle one late afternoon as he played with a forest rabbit. Wouldn't you be surprised if your blind and deaf son suddenly knew how to laugh and smile?

And all of that was just beginning to scratch the surface of what her son could do. A-cheng had fast reflexes and sharp instincts, and his potential for cultivation was practically limitless. He hadn't even formed a golden core as yet, but he was so in sync with the spiritual energy around him and within him that it was as if they were both one singular entity, and not separate beings as a human and life energy. Though, he had somehow taught himself how to meditate and was well on his way to forming one.

Qiuyue Meiyi sat A-cheng on the ground before picking up a nearby stick and sitting down next to him. She then used the stick to trace the characters making up his name, Qiuyue Cheng, into the dirt in front of him. Afterwards she placed the stick on the ground next to her and gently picked up her son's hand, using his index finger to trace the characters. Once she had done that, she took the same index finger used to trace the characters and pointed it at his chest, poking it lightly. She repeated the process.

"This," she spoke softly as she once again traced the characters written in the dirt with her son's finger, "Means you," she took A-cheng's finger and poked his chest with it.

Her son looked confused for a moment before interpreting what she was doing as a game. He used his finger and traced random patterns in the dirt. When he was satisfied he took her hand and traced over the lines of the pattern with one of her fingers, then took those same fingers and tapped her on the nose. He then turned to face her, a small smile on his face. Qiuyue Meiyi huffed out a breath that was partly a sigh and partly a laugh. She had known this wouldn't be easy but she was willing to be as patient as necessary.

A-cheng may be blind and deaf, but he could still touch and feel things. He wouldn't be able to read books and wouldn't be able to hear her music, but he could still learn how to write and understand said writing.

Two weeks passed like that, with Qiuyue Meiyi bringing her son outside and tracing characters in the dirt or writing the characters on pages when it was raining or too dark to go outside. Within those two weeks, she traced the characters for leaf, bunny, flower, grass, guqin, paper, table, chair, wall, door, dirt, food, rabbit, her son's name, her own name, characters for different kinds of leaves and the characters for different species of flowers. Other than her own name, for which she took her son's hand and pointed it to herself before giving it a small kiss, she had A-cheng hold and trace the object or plant. She let him feel the textures of the leaves, petals and materials so that he would be able to remember them by touch. She also let him do the same thing for the forest rabbits when she traced the character for bunny on the ground.

Even after that however, her son would simply trace random patterns and then cuddle up to her side as if asking for approval. He still seemed to think of it as a game.

At the end of the third week however, things began to change. Instead of tracing random patterns in the dirt, A-cheng began to retrace the characters she had drawn for him previously. They were out in the garden like normal, after having a lunch consisting of rice, fried fish and some fruit, when he began drawing the character for leaf. He then drew the character for door next to it. And next to door, he drew the character for grass. He gently felt the ground where he had traced the characters, making sure not to mess any of them up, before scooting backwards a bit and continuing to write characters in the empty dirt.

One by one, her son wrote over every single character she had been drawing for him and having him trace for the past three weeks. Qiuyue Meiyi watched her baby in awe. Once he had finished writing all of the characters, she didn't wait for him to tug at her robes, she immediately picked him up and spun him around, giving him a kiss on the cheek before cuddling him in her arms.

"Oh my baby, my beautiful baby boy, you did such a wonderful job! Mama loves you so much!" she cooed at her son.

A-cheng hugged her back and nuzzled against her neck. He didn't smile as he usually did, but the firmness of his grip on her clothes was enough to let Qiuyue Meiyi know how her baby was feeling. A-cheng had made a lot of progress, and while he didn't completely understand the purpose of what she was doing as yet, he had made progress none the less. That was something that filled Qiuyue Meiyi with joy.

Two more weeks passed by silently, without anything overly different happening. It was a partly cloudy morning, the sun's rays not feeling as hot as usual and a chilly wind flowing through the air. Qiuyue Meiyi was making breakfast for herself and A-cheng when she suddenly felt sharp, enthusiastic tugs on her dress. The tugs became more and more frantic as she carefully put down the knife in her hand and brushed the vegetables into a bowl. She quickly looked down to find her son looking at her with wide eyes and an extremely wide smile on his face.

When she tried to pick him up to see what was wrong, he dodged her hands and then began running outside, his rigid grip on her dress dragging her behind him. A smile spread over Qiuyue Meiyi's face as she let out an amused sigh. Her son let go of her skirt once they arrived at the garden. He then rushed off into the nearby forest and she sat herself in lotus position on the ground while waiting for him. He came back a few moments later with a bunny in his hands.

A-cheng handed her the bunny gently before frantically pointing at the small animal and gently petting it. Then he sat down on the ground and began drawing something in the dirt. He angled his body in a way so that she wouldn't be able to see what he was drawing. Once he was done, he moved away to let her see. Her eyes widened as she saw what he had written. It was the character for bunny!

A-cheng then began running around the garden, picking different flowers. He picked a plum flower, a lotus flower, a peony, a chrysanthemum, a lilac, a tulip, a sunflower and an orchid. These were all of the flowers she had shown him over the past few weeks. He then drew the characters for all of those flowers and, after prodding each flower for a few moments and tracing each character, placed each flower by their respective name.

Qiuyue Meiyi watched in shock as her son did all of this. Once he was down, he plopped himself down onto her lap, taking the bunny from her arms and cuddling it. She stared in awe at the writing before her. It was neatly presented too. She wrapped her hands around her son and pressed kisses all over his face. A-cheng smiled wider, showing his teeth, and kissed her back on her cheek before nuzzling into the crook between her neck and shoulder.

"Mama is so proud of you little one."

***

A-cheng had just turned six years old. By then, Qiuyue Meiyi had been able to teach son many new things. He now knew how to dress himself and was able to write a larger vocabulary of words. She had also taught him how to hold and wield a knife. A-cheng had just formed his golden core a few months prior so she had decided to teach him about weaponry and how to wield weaponry, though she was sticking with just a knife for now. She also wanted to teach her son how to play musical instruments but was unsure how to.

At the moment, Qiuyue Meiyi was packing bags for herself and her son. She had been writing letters to an old friend of hers who lived in Caiyi Town for a while now, and ended up telling them about A-cheng. Her friend was a master of manipulating spiritual energy and talismans, though they were terrible at wielding swords and any other weaponry. They had offered to try and teach her son some new things, but was unable to travel far distances due to being pregnant themself, so Qiuyue Meiyi had offered to instead travel to Caiyi Town so her friend could remain safe and healthy in her home.

That lead her to where she was now, packing bags for herself and her son. The sun was only just beginning to lower behind the mountain, signifying that it was around mid evening. A-cheng was napping due to tiring himself out from training. Qiuyue Meiyi had bathed and dressed her son, since he had fallen asleep as soon as he sat down in the bath, before laying him in her bed to sleep and going back to packing. In one qiankun bag she packed clothes and shoes, A-cheng's toys and a pouch of money, in another she stored food and water and in the third qiankun pouch she stored all of her weapons, except her sword and fan, along with her pipa and her guqin.

Once all the luggage was packed, she walked back to her room and changed her pink and white hanfu into a black and grey shirt and pants worn under navy blue robes sewn in a similar way to that of the robes worn by Yunmeng Jiang disciples. Afterwards, she attached her sword holster to her hip and attached her sword to it. She decided to hold her fan in her hands or place it in her robes.

Everything was ready so Qiuyue Meiyi headed to her room to wake up her son. She gently pulled open the door to see her six year old child sleeping peacefully on the bed with his stuffed bunny cuddled tightly to his chest. The scene was just so adorable that Qiuyue Meiyi wanted to just run up to A-cheng and hold him firmly in her arms forever to protect his innocence from the outside world. However, she knew she couldn't do that no matter how much she wanted to. They had to get moving on their journey to Caiyi Town. She wanted to put at least somewhat of a dent into their trip to Gusu before it got too late into the night.

She looked her son over one more time before deciding to not wake him up. A-cheng was a light sleeper and often woke up in the middle of the night from the slightest movements of things around him. It was rare for him to nap during the day at all, so she wanted to let him sleep for as long as possible. She gently picked him up, placing a hand under his bottom and curling the other hand over his back and head, which she leaned onto her shoulder. Surprisingly, the boy remained asleep. 

"He must have been really tired today," Qiuyue Meiyi thought to herself.

After ensuring that her son was stably resting in her arms, she ensured all the qiankun pouches were stored safely on her person before exiting the house. She walked out to the garden, breathing in the fresh forest air before continuing to walk. Once she exited their garden, she activated a protective barrier around their house meant to last at least six months. Only she could disable the talismans.

Once that was done, Qiuyue Meiyi called on her sword, using her spiritual energy to remove it from the sheath. The sword had flower and plant patterns decorating the hilt and was coloured with blues, whites and pinks, with a few touches of black in between, as if representing nature's transition from winter to spring. Ironic, considering she had named her sword 'Méihuā'. 

Because she was holding a child in her arms, Qiuyue Meiyi decided to sit on her sword instead of standing as she normally would. She carefully sat herself on the blade of her sword before taking off. She moved slower than normal due to not wanting to drop her son, but found that she had no issue with that. Her little one's safety was the most important after all. 

By the time night time fell upon the family of two, they had made their way from the border of Qishan Wen to Yiling. A-cheng had woken up just a mere half an hour ago and she knew that both her and her son were happy. They would need to find an inn soon. They flew for about fifteen minutes again before they came to a small town. Qiuyue Meiyi slowly lowered to the ground before dismounting her sword and sheathing it. She held her son securely in her arms as she asked a passing villager where the nearest inn was. Surprisingly, there was an inn just down the street that had good service and decent prices.

She entered the inn, calling out a greeting to the inn owner who stood near the entrance. Qiuyue Meiyi booked a single bed room on the upper floor before ordering one of the dinner specials for her and A-cheng to eat. A servant then lead them to the room, telling them to simply ring the room bell outside their door if he needed anything, before heading back downstairs. Room service arrived after ten minutes. The food honestly wasn't bad at all. It consisted of wanton soup, dumplings, chicken wings, steamed rice and steamed fish, and finally mooncakes and lotus seed buns. 

The prices were really good! Qiuyue Meiyi hadn't anticipated how much food it would actually be though. She ate her own dinner while sitting in front of her son, who was also eating, though much slower than her. When his chopsticks would periodically stop moving as though he was lost in thought, she would coax him along by feeding him with her own chopsticks. It didn't take long for A-cheng to become full, with Qiuyue Meiyi following not long after. They had managed to eat everything except the lotus buns, mooncakes and a few dumplings, so Qiuyue Meiyi stored the food away in boxes before placing talismans on the boxes to prevent the food from going stale.  

When the food was securely packed away in her food qiankun pouch, she looked up and realized that her son was not at the table. Panicking slightly, she rushed into the bedroom sighing in relief before realizing that her son was not looking at her. He was staring directly at the wall separating their room from the room on their right, not moving a single muscle. Before she could go over to him to see what was wrong however, a crash was heard from outside of their room. There was yelling and screaming as if someone was fighting and causing a ruckus. As if a flash of lightning struck through him, A-cheng's head whipped to the direction of the ruckus and he ran to the door and threw it open.

Qiuyue Meiyi followed right behind him and was shocked to see the door to the room on the right of theirs broken off its hinges and the servant that had lead them to their room roughly grabbing a child dressed in grey and black robes and dragging him down the corridor by his hair. Rage ignited with a bright spark in Qiuyue Meiyi's veins. 

"A-DIE!!! A-DIE!!! A-NIANG!! A-NIANG!! PLEASE HELP ME!!! A-DIE!!! A-NIANG!!! PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME!!!" the child screamed and cried, begging for his parents who were very obviously absent.

"Shut up you little brat!!!" the servant yelled back, a dark scowl on his face, "Your parents left you here over a week ago and haven't come back!!! We have no more resources to spare letting you stay in that room for free!!! Other customers need it, not you!! GET OUT!!!" 

The child was then thrown violently to the ground. Qiuyue Meiyi had had enough.

"WHAT IN HELL'S NAME IS FUCKING GOING ON HERE?!?!" she screamed.

The moment she spoke, everything happening in the corridor came to a complete stand still.

"M-M-Ma'am- !" the servant stuttered nervously, their previous attitude flying out the window. Qiuyue Meiyi would hear no excuses.

"How dare you treat a child like this???! Look at him!!! He's basically a toddler!!! How dare you do this?!?!" The boy looked only a bit older than her A-cheng, something that made sympathy spread even more through her chest. She spoke up once more, voice clear as day, allowing no room for arguement.

"This boy is my nephew! My sister's son! She ended up collapsing due to injuries on a night hunt so my brother in law asked me to come retrieve their son for him and ensure his safety! How dare you treat him like this!! The child will be staying with me from now on. If there is anyone here that has a problem with that, please inform me. I will pack my things and go to another inn."

"N-n-no miss, that is alright! Please head back to your room! We will send first aid for the boy and clean this mess right away!" Another servant who Qiuyue Meiyi had not seen before reassured her. She huffed irritatedly, before picking up the child and her own son and entering her booked room. The door slammed loudly behind them.

Sighing dejectedly, Qiuyue Meiyi lay her son down on the left side of the bed and patted his head before seating the boy in gray and black robes next to him. He looked scared out of his mind and was shaking, silent tears still pouring out of his eyes. Qiuyue Meiyi petted the boy gently, calming him down a bit before speaking to him softly.

"It's alright not young one. The scary people aren't here anymore. You're safe now."

More tears poured from the boy's eyes as he launched himself into her arms, silent tears turning to heart-wrenching sobs. She hushed the boy gently, telling him that everything would be alright. It took a while, but soon the boy calmed down. Qiuyue Meiy took out her own personal first aid kit and attended to the boy, bandaging the few scraped he had gained from the altercation. She also poured some spiritual energy through him to ease the pains. She then lay on the bed, hugging each child into her neck and whispering calming good nights to them. A-cheng fell asleep first despite having slept earlier. Just as the other boy was about to fall asleep, Qiuyue Meiyi asked him one last question.

"What is your name, young one?"

"Hmm? Ah. My name is Wei Ying miss," the boy replied, before drifting off into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Qiuyue Meiyi awoke to the sun shining directly into her eyes from a parting in the curtain covering the bedroom window. She groaned, shifting slightly to try and use her arm to block out the light, only to find that she could not move it. She turned her head to the side to see little Wei Ying sprawled out over her right arm while sleeping. She then turned her head to the other side and saw a sleeping A-cheng curled up into the space between her neck and her left shoulder, clinging softly to her hair.  

A small smile grew on her lips. She pressed a kiss to her son's head before twisting her head and doing the same thing to Wei Ying. She then sat up, carefully maneuvering the two boys off of her arms and onto the bed beneath them. She scooted off the bed as silently as she could, and watched with soft eyes as Wei Ying began to cling to A-cheng in her place, and A-cheng in turn softly held onto the front of Wei Ying's robes with his small hands.

Qiuyue Meiyi gazed at them softly for another moment before leaving the bedroom. First, she headed to the bathroom to take a shower. After washing up, she re-entered the bedroom to put on some clean robes, only to find her son sitting silently on the bed with his body facing the bedroom door. Wei Ying had moved again and was now laying on his side while hugging A-cheng's waist, though he was still as asleep as he had been before she'd left the room. Qiuyue Meiyi smiled brightly at her son, though she knew he couldn't see it. 

"Good morning, A-cheng," she spoke softly to him in order to not wake Wei Ying  up. 

She walked over to the bed and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. Her son didn't seem to mind that her skin was still wet from her bath, and wrapped his arms around her in turn, nuzzling enthusiastically into her neck and under her chin. Qiuyue Meiyi tenderly kissed his forehead, before letting him go with one least kiss and walking over to the dresser she had placed the qiankun pouch full of clothes on. She then proceeded to put on a black under robe, grey cotton pants and a deep blue outer robe. 

She was just starting to comb her hair when a groan echoed through the room. She turned to look behind her, to see Wei Ying yawning and rubbing his eyes as he slowly sat up on the bed. 

"Aunty Meiyi?" he called sleepily.

"Good morning Ying-er. Did you sleep well last night?" she responded with a smile.

"Yes I did Aunty. Thank you for letting me stay with you."

"No worries Ying-er."

She picked up her comb and began brushing her hair as she continued to speak to the two children. 

"You two will need to get a bath before we head downstairs to the dining area for breakfast. Wei Ying you can go first. I already prepared new water, some soap and clean clothes for you in there. Do you need any help?"

Wei Ying smiled, "No aunty, I think I can manage."

"Alright, darling. Just shout if you need any help, okay?"

The small boy nodded before sliding off the bed and walking to the bathroom. Qiuyue Meiyi finished combing out the last few knots in her hair and then walked over to her son, gently picking him up and twirling him in her arms, as she began to hum softly.

Her voice waded through the room like a slow moving river as she hummed. Her voice raised and lowered in pitch depending on the note hummed and occasionally changed in volume as certain parts of the song required a crescendo or a decrescendo.  The tune was a fluffy one, full of joy and laughter, as anyone listening could tell by the tones of Qiuyue Meiyi's voice. 

Though she knew he couldn't hear it, Qiuyue Meiyi never skipped out on a chance to sing for her son. It was just something she loved to do. The tune fizzled to an end with the last note being held for a good few seconds. At the same time, the door to the bedroom opened, revealing a fully dressed Wei Ying. His hair was still quite wet so she beckoned him over, shifting her hold on her son completely to one arm and using the free one to thoroughly dry the older child's messy locks. She couldn't have either boy getting sick. That just wouldn't do.

Afterwards, she brought A-cheng to the bathroom, helping him bathe, dress and comb his hair. Once they stepped out of the bathroom, Qiuyue Meiy couldn't contain her small squeal of delight at seeing both boys dressed in identical deep blue and coal black robes. They looked so adorable!!!

Once she ensured that all of their belongings were packed back into their respective qiankun pouches, Qiuyue Meiyi held the boy's hands and headed downstairs to the restaurant connected to the inn to eat breakfast. A soft jingle was heard as she opened the restaurant door. A man wearing simple brown and cream coloured robes welcomed them inside and showed them to a table for three. He left momentarily before coming back with a pitcher of water to fill their cups and give Qiuyue Meiyi a menu. She thanked him and he left small a small courteous bow. She slowly skimmed over them menu, asking Wei Ying about what kind of food he liked, before ordering their breakfast.

Breakfast was quite simple. It consisted of fried rice with steamed vegetables and an omelet, along with a glass of milk. She dug into her own meal, helping A-cheng eat his own breakfast a few times, while Wei Ying seemed content with adding a bit of chili flakes to his food before eating the food himself. Once they were done eating, she paid the inn owner before leaving with a final bow. 

As they walked through the village, Qiuyue Meiyi pondered on what she was going to do with the new addition to their group. She and A-cheng needed to head to Caiyi Town, and she wouldn't mind carrying Wei Ying along. However, things weren't that simple. Even if Wei Ying's parents were theoretically dead, there was still a chance that there were other family members frantically looking for the small boy who was currently holding onto one of her hands and gazing excitedly at the market vendors selling toys and fruits.

"Wei Ying honey, what are your parents' names? Where were you all headed before they left you at that inn?" she asked him, after tugging lightly on his hand to get his attention.

"Hmmmm. My A-die's name is Wei Changze and my A-niang's name is Cangse Sanren. We were going to visit a childhood friend of A-die's, who lives in Lotus Pier. A-niang told me his name is Jiang Fengmian. I remember A-die telling me that he's the sect leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, the sect he used to be a part of before he married my A-niang and became a rouge cultivator. Anyway, we were going to visit his friend, but when we stopped here to get some food and sleep, A-niang and A-die told me that they had something to check on, and that they'd be back in a little while. Then they left to go out, but never came back," he responded. 

His smiled lost a bit of it's shine as he spoke of his parents.

"A-die and A-niang usually leave me from an hour to a day at most sometimes since they have to do dangerous cultivator stuff and can't bring me with them, but they've never been gone this long. Do you think something happened to them aunty?" he continued speaking, the tone of his voice much softer and sadder than before.

Qiuyue Meiyi sighed lightly, feeling a deep sorrow for the little boy standing next to her. She too new what it was like to lose one's parent's at a young age, and completely sympathized with him.

"I won't lie to you and tell you that they're definitely alright Ying-er, but there's no guarantee that something exceedingly serious has happened to them either. All that's left for us to do is to pray for their safety." 

Once Wei Ying answered her question, she made her decision on what she would do with him.

Wei Ying accepted her answer with a nod of understanding. He still seemed a little sad, but he was more relaxed than he had been before she gave him her answer. They continued walking until they left Yiling and began walking on the forest path. Wei Ying's energy returned as they left the village and he began hopping and skipping and asking her lots of questions. He seemed excited by the thought of adventure with his new temporary guardian and the little boy travelling with her.

"Aunty Meiyi is he your son?" Wei Ying asked, pointing to the little boy in blue and black robes identical to his standing on the opposite side of Quiyue Meiyi.

"Yes he is Ying-er."

"But how come he doesn't look like you?"

"That's because we aren't related by blood. Even so, I love him with all my heart and consider him my son. He'll always be my son and my one true family, even if we aren't related by blood."

Wei Ying smiled brightly at her.

"You're a very kind person Aunty Meiyi."

He then began rapid firing questions to A-cheng.

"Hello!"

"What's your name?"

"What's your favourite colour?"

"Do you have a favourite toy?"

"How many toys do you have?"

"Do you like to draw?"

"What your favourite season?"

"What's your favourite food?"

"Do you have a favourite food?"

"Do you want to be a cultivator like Aunty Meiyi?"

"What's you favourite animal?"

"Do you have a golden core as yet?"

The questions continued at a rapid pace for a good few minutes before Wei Ying slowly quieted when he realized that none of his questions were being answered. In fact, the little boy had not even turned to look at him! Wei Ying turned to looked up at Quiyue Meiyi with worried and confused eyes.

"Aunty what is his name? Is he okay? Why won't he answer any of my questions?" He asked, eyebrows furrowed and a small pout on his lips.

Qiuyue Meiyi giggled a little at the young boy's confusion. 

"His name is Qiuyue Cheng, Ying-er, but you can call him A-cheng. He's perfectly alright, so you don't have to worry too much. He just a bit different from you, me and everyone else. 

Wei Ying's head tilted to the side with a questioning look, as if asking her to elaborate. She patted his head gently and smiled at him.

"Well, you see Ying-er, you know how we both have five senses? Taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing?" she asked him

"Uhuh," he replied.

"Well A-cheng only has three of those senses. He can taste, smell and touch, but he isn't able to see or hear," she explained.

Wei Ying's eyes widened in surprise.

"So he can't answer my questions because he can't hear me? And he didn't turn to look at me because he can't see me either? Then how does he play? How does he survive like that?" He asked, worry tinging his voice.

Qiuyue Meiyi hummed, a smile growing on her face, "Even though he can't see or hear us, A-cheng has a special ability that allows him to sense spiritual energy. So he can't see you, but he can see the spiritual energy flowing through you and around you. He goes through everyday just like any other person, but with a strong will and heart. He's a survivor. However, A-cheng does not just survive. He lives. And he lives his life to the fullest not allowing anything to stop him."

At those words, Wei Ying's smile brightened. He then let go of her hand, rushing over to A-cheng's other side and taking a hold of his empty hand. A-cheng didn't seem disturbed by it in the slightest, only turning his head to face Wei Ying before giving him a small smile. Wei Ying squealed at the sight of his small smile.

"Aunty Meiyi he's so adorable!!!" he shouted.

Qiuyue Meiyi giggled loudly at the boy's exclamation.

"I'm glad you think so too Ying-er," she replied.

With that their journey continued. Over the next three days they travelled eastwards, stopping a few times to eat and rest. Wei Ying seemed to have endless amounts of energy, and often ran off to try and explore the forests and villages they passed. He always managed to rope A-cheng into his little adventurous escapades, though he never let himself or A-cheng venture too far away from Qiuyue Meiyi. The woman herself was often exasperated at Wei Ying's mischievous personality. As the only child she had ever really spent time with was A-cheng, she had no experience with a child as hyper and energetic as Wei Ying.

That wasn't to say she didn't enjoy herself. As tiring as it was to play with and take care of two children, Qiuyue Meiyi felt happy and content to see the two boys play with each other. Her son was happier than she had seen him since they left the house, whenever he played with Wei Ying, and Wei Ying was the happiest she had ever seen him whenever he played with her son. That was enough to make her heart overflow with love and joy. 

At one of the market places she visited, Qiuyue Meiyi noticed Wei Ying staring at one of the toys in a middle aged woman's stall. It was a small drum with a wooden handle and two small balls attached to the side of the drum by small strips of string. He looked really curious about the toy, but got distracted by something else and ran in a different direction before she could ask him if he wanted it. Once Wei Ying was mostly out of sight, she walked over to the stall and purchased one, quickly hiding it in one of her qiankun pouches as a surprise for him.

It was around midday when they finally arrived at Qiuyue Meiyi's decided destination. 

Lotus Pier.

***

Yu Ziyuan sat quietly at the pier outside of her private rooms, drinking a cup of green tea. It had been five years since she and her husband had gotten rid of their newborn son. Her daughter, Jiang Yanli, was now eleven years old and a decent cultivator. Since her brother was no longer alive, Jiang Yanli had become the sect heir. Yu Ziyuan sent her to all the best doctors and even sent her to the poison masters in Meishan Yu to help cure her daughter's weak body. In the end, the medications were successful, and Jiang Yanli made a full recovery. 

Once Jiang Yanli's health had been fully cured, Yu Ziyuan sent her daughter to Meishan Yu to form a golden core. It took a year, but she managed to form one. Once her golden core was formed, she was immediately sent back to Yunmeng Jiang, where she lived permanently, with the only exceptions being holidays, celebrations and occasionally meetings where she would temporarily stay in Meishan Yu or Lanling Jin. The visits were always carried out in the company of at least one of  her parents. 

Madam Yu loved her daughter to the ends of the earth and would do everything in her power to keep her safe and healthy. She may not be able to express that love all that well, but she did the best she could to spend time with her daughter, ask her about her day and have decent family meals with her. Jiang Fengmian also adored their daughter to death. He treated her like a mini-princess and spoiled her as much as he possibly could. (They both refused to admit that the treatment of their daughter was due to the lack of their son a certain child.)

Their relationship was more civil now that they spent both focused on providing their daughter the best life they could. They did not love each other and still slept on opposite sides of Lotus Pier, but they had a mutual respect for each other and did not hate each other as all-encompassingly as they had before. Slowly but surely they became acquaintances, and then gradually progressed to becoming friends. Dinners were no longer cold and filled with empty gazes full of hatred. Instead they were lighter, filled with light chatter about each other's day and the boisterous laughter of their daughter. The improvement of their marital relationship also seemed to improve their sect as a whole. Disciples, servants and even vendors seemed happier when they walked about Lotus Pier than they had in the past.

Life had been mostly peaceful in Yunmeng for the past few years, and Madam Yu prayed that things would stay that way as she sipped more of her tea. 

Only a few minutes had gone by before one of her spiders Yu Yinzhu appeared before her.

"Madam Yu, there is a woman at the front gates requesting an audience with Sect leader Jiang. As the sect leader is currently not present on the Lotus Pier compound, due to travelling to Lanling for a meeting with Jin Guangshan, she will have to meet with you. Shall we let her in?" Yu Yinzhu spoke.

Yu Ziyuan sighed. "Send her to the public meeting hall where my husband personally addresses problems from villagers near to Lotus Pier. I will meet with her shortly."

Yu Yinzhu bowed before disappearing to complete her new task. Yu Ziyuan sighed again, finishing the rest of her tea in one swallow, before setting down her tea cup and standing up. She straightened any creases in her clothes made by sitting down, re-adjusted her hairpiece to ensure it was straight and dusted any imaginary dust or dirt particles off her robes. Then she began her swift journey to the meeting hall. The disciples she passed on her way gave her brief greetings before going on with their day. 

It only took about five minutes for Yu Ziyuan to arrive at the meeting hall. She opened the doors and walked inside, greeting her guest with a deep bow that was immediately reciprocated. She then moved to stand at the front of the room, and briefly observe her guest. The woman standing before her had lightly tanned skin, short black hair tied in a small bun with a cream coloured ribbon and brown eyes. She was fairly tall for a woman, and had a curvaceous figure that was likely to catch the attention of any man. Two small children stood behind the woman, both wearing blue and black robes, with their hands intertwined. After deeming her observations adequate, Yu Ziyuan addressed the woman. 

"Good afternoon. What brings you to Lotus Pier this evening? I am the mistress of Lotus Pier, Madam Yu, and I will be receiving you due to my husband's current absence," she spoke.

"Good afternoon Madam Yu. Thank you for complying with my request and allowing me into your home. I also do not mind speaking to you in place of your husband. This matter can be settled with either of you," the woman replied.

"My name is Qiuyue Meiyi. I have come to speak with you on behalf of this young boy, Wei Ying. I found him in an inn alone while travelling with my son. He told me that his parents, Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren, had been travelling to Lotus Pier to visit Sect Leader Jiang. When they had stopped to rest, his parents went on a short night hunt, leaving him in an inn, but never returned."

Yu Ziyuan's eyes widened in shock. Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze were missing? What?

The couple and their child had been scheduled to arrive the next day. It was the first time in two years that they had decided to personally visit Lotus Pier and it would be one of the many times they would be visiting since the birth of their son. The last time Yu Ziyuan had seen Wei Ying, he was just a tiny little baby now learning how to walk and talk. 

Because the relationship between her husband and her husband had improved so much, Yu Ziyuan's jealousy and hatred towards Cangse Sanren had also depleted, slowly and surely, until none of it was left. The two women had both decided to speak with each other about their feelings and insecurities towards each other and their husbands, and though there were many tears, they came out much more satisfied with both themselves and each other afterwards. It didn't take a long time for the two to become friends, which in turn, rekindled the fading friendship between Wei Changze and Jiang Fengmian. 

The four of them ended up bonding and becoming great friends. So now to hear that Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren had gone missing was a great shock to Yu Ziyuan. 

"I have no problem taking Wei Ying under my wing as my own child. However, I did not want to do so without trying to find out if he had any other family members or family friends that would want to take care of him in his parents' stead. As their family had been heading to Lotus Pier to visit Sect Leader Jiang, who Wei Ying said was his father's best friend, I decided to come here to enquire on whether or not you would be willing to take care of him," Qiuyue Meiyi continues, lightly pushing Wei Ying forward a bit, so Yu Ziyuan could have a better look at him. 

Wei Ying stepped forward a little but still kept a tight grip on the hand of the shorter boy standing next to him. Yu Ziyuan looked at the young child, who had been but a mere baby the last time she saw him. He looked almost exactly like Wei Changze but definitely had his mother's eyes and button nose. Yu Ziyuan slowly walked towards her three visitors and kneeled down in front of Wei Ying, raising her hands to gently place them on his cheeks. A deep sadness filled her as she softly gazed into Wei Ying's eyes, though she did not let it show on her face. He was the last thing she had of her two friends, the two friends that despite only being involved in her life for a short time, meant the world to her. 

She gently wrapped her arms around Wei Ying, patting his head softly without saying a single word other than a soft "I'm sorry". Yu Ziyuan was not a woman of kind words and sympathetic emotions. She spoke with her actions, not her words. But in that moment, it seemed that that hug and continuous head pat explained everything she wanted to say very clearly, as tears formed in Wei Ying's eyes and he wrapped his arms around her neck. The next thing she new, she had a small child clinging to her, sobbing loudly with streams of tears running down his face while rubbing his face into her shoulder. 

Yu Ziyuan was not one for touch and intimacy, even if she were the one who had initiated it. However, there was something about the sobbing boy in her arms that just made all of the walls she'd placed around her heart begin to crumble. She wrapped her arms completely around the boy, before picking him up and cradling him in her arms. She whispered sweet nothings into his ear, soothing him gently with words of "It's alright" and "Do not cry it'll be okay" just as she had done for her daughter in the past. Though the situations between Wei Ying's tears and the tears of her daughter were different, Yu Ziyuan cradled the small boy just as she would her own child. 

She briefly shifted her gaze back to the woman in front of her, Qiuyue Meiyi she said her name was, and gave her a grateful nod. 

"Thank you for bringing him to us. Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren were dear friends to me and my husband, and I will honor them by taking care of and raising their son to the best of my ability," she spoke, forcing her voice to steady as much as possible. 

Qiuyue Meiyi nodded in return. 

"No thanks are needed Madam Yu. Wei Ying is a sweet child, and I am glad that I got to spend time with him. He brought joy to both me and my son, and I will be forever grateful for that."

Yu Ziyuan nodded again, eyes briefly, and for the first time, glancing over the second child in the room, whom she now knew was Qiuyue Meiyi's son. Her attention was quickly shifted away as Wei Ying suddenly began to squirm in her arms. She gently set him down on the floor and unwrapped her arms from around him.

Wei Ying then rushed over to Qiuyue Meiyi, wrapping his arms around her waist in a strong hug. He smiled brightly up at he woman before speaking.

"Thank you for everything Aunty Meiyi. For saving me from that inn, for giving me food and a place to stay and for giving me a new friend."

He then turned his attention to Qiuyue Meiyi's son. He wrapped the smaller boy in a gentle hug and waited as the other tensed briefly before melting into the embrace and returning the hug enthusiastically. 

"And thank you A-cheng! For being my friend, for spending time with me and having fun with me! I was really happy when we played together!" 

The adults in the room watched silently as the two boys had their last moment together. 

Qiuyue Meiyi then wrapped her arms around both boys. 

"No thank you Ying-er. For bringing happiness to our lives and making us smile." 

She briefly let go of the two boys, and reached into one of her qiankun pouches to pull out something. It was a small drum with a wooden handle and two small balls attached to the side of the drum by small strips of string. Wei Ying gasped as he laid his eyes on the toy.

"I got this for you in the market place, Ying-er," she told him, "As a little souvenir from our time together."

Wei Ying unwrapped one of his hands from around Qiuyue Cheng to grab hold of the toy.

"Thank you so much Aunty Meiyi! I'll never forget you and A-cheng! I promise!!!" he replied enthusiastically. He then pulled Qiuyue Meiyi into his hug with Qiuyue Cheng and wrapped his arms around the two of them as best as he could.

The three embraced for a moment longer, before separating, Wei Ying hesitantly letting go of Qiuyue Cheng's hand to return to Madam Yu's side. He immediately latched onto the purple-robed woman's hand, another look of sadness overtaking his features.

Quiyue Cheng also latched onto his mother's robes, his face scrunching up as if he was confused as to why the presence of the young boy who had been with them for the past few days was suddenly so far away. Qiuyue Meiyi gently picked up her son, resting his head over her shoulder before giving Madam Yu one last bow and leaving Lotus Pier's meeting hall. 

 Yu Ziyuan stared one last time at the boy whose eyes were pinned on Wei Ying from over Qiuyue Meiyi's shoulder, and couldn't help but wonder, 

Why does he look so familiar?

Have I seen him before?

The thought faded from her mind as soon as it came, and she brushed it off, bringing her attention back to the young child clutching at her robes.

"Would you like to meet your new older sister?" she asked him. 

Wei Ying's eyes brightened at the mention of an older sister, and he nodded his head enthusiastically. Yu Ziyuan refused to acknowledge the slight upward twitch of her mouth at that moment. 

"Let us go then."

-

Jiang Yanli was overjoyed about having a younger brother. As soon as Wei Ying introduced himself she was all over him, squealing about how adorable her new didi was. She showed him around Lotus Pier as her mother organized a new room for Wei Ying. She introduced him to all of the other junior disciples, and spent the morning playing with him. Yu Ziyuan decided to let the two be, cancelling all of her daughter's lessons for the rest of the day to let her spend time with her new brother and to let Wei Ying spend time with his new sister.

Wei Ying was very shy at first, opting to only observe the younger disciples and his new sister play together, but as time passed, they managed to encourage him to play with them. They showed him how to fly a kite and told him stories of Lotus Pier and its ancestors. By the time lunchtime came around, Wei Ying had befriended almost all of the junior disciples. She called her two children in for lunch just as her husband returned from his business in the Lanling Jin Sect. 

He was initially confused at the Wei Ying's presence in his family's private meal hall, but when Yu Ziyuan explained who he was and why he was there, tears formed in Jiang Fengmian's eyes and he nodded in understanding. He rushed over to Wei Ying, introducing himself before engulfing the child in a hug. More tears were shed, until the two parted and mealtime began. 

Throughout the meal, Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Fengmian, Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian, all participated in a calm conversation, bright smiles on the children's faces and smaller ones on the adult's faces, as the children told the adults how they spent their mornings and adults told them exaggerated stories about their day. As Yu Ziyuan looked at the occupants of the meal hall, now consisting of four people instead of three, a warm, fulling feeling bubbled in her chest. She couldn't help but wonder, 

Is this what it's like to finally have a son a family.

***

It took about six days, swapping between travelling on Meihua and walking on foot, for Qiuyue Meiyi and A-cheng to arrive at Caiyi Town. After about fifteen minutes of walking through Caiyi Town, the two of them made it to the bottom of the mountain that Cloud Recesses was built on. There was a series of houses spaced a good few metres apart, along the bottom of the mountain. After walking passed five small houses, they came to the largest of the houses on the mountain side. It had two floors and looked pretty old, though the exterior of the house wasn't rotting or falling apart.

The front garden of the house was also  very wide and spacious. There was an extensive array of flowers, vegetables, mushrooms, fruit trees, and rice plants. It was more like a mini forest than a garden really. There was a dirt path leading from the entrance of the garden to the house, and multiple other ones leading around the humongous garden. Qiuyue Meiyi entered the garden to head to the house, her son in her arms absentmindedly playing with her hair, and came across a woman watering a patch of sunflowers when she was halfway there.

The woman was short in stature, only measuring about five feet two inches in height, with thin shoulders and small hips and curves. She had long blonde hair that reached her hips and was kept in a loose braid. She wore white robes with a flower pattern sewn on it in gold and silver coloured thread. The most noticeable thing about the woman though, was her large protruding stomach, which was being patted gently by one of her hands while the other hand was holding a water talisman over the sunflower plants. 

The woman noticed Qiuyue Meiyi and her son just a moment later, looking up with a bright smile on her face, seeming unsurprised by their arrival.

"A-mei!!! It's so good to see you again!!!" she exclaimed happily while waving her left hand enthusiastically.

"It's good to see you too, Fang Li," Qiuyue Meiyi greeted in return, with much less energy than her companion, though no less joy. 

"Come now A-mei! We've known each other two long for you to call me so formally!!" the woman, now named Fang Li exclaimed again, her eyebrows furrowed and her arms folding into an exaggerated pout.

Qiuyue Meiyi let out an exasperated huff before replying.

"I guess your right A-li," she responded, a small smile forming over her lips. 

She stepped forward, adjusting A-cheng in her arms a bit, before wrapping Fang Li in a hug, one which was eagerly returned. 

When they parted from the hug, Fang Li lifted her hand and gently patted Qiuyue Cheng's head. They young boy tensed before curling into himself in his mother's arms to try and get away from the intrusive touches of this new person in front of him. Fang Li immediately removed her hand, an apologetic look coming over her face.

"So this is the son you told me about in your letters. He looks so precious! You said he was six right? He's pretty small for a six year old. Though he's just as adorable as my little ones."

Qiuyue Meiyi nodded.

"Yes he's six years old right now. I know we have much to discuss A-li, but let's go inside first. A-cheng has been a bit cranky since waking up a few hours ago, and we've both been travelling for a long while now. Plus, you're seven months pregnant. I doubt you should be kept standing for so long."

Fang Li hummed in agreement, and led her guests inside of her house. 

The main room inside of the house was mostly bare, with cushions and cloths laid around the room, seemingly in place of chairs. There was only one wooden rocking chair in the corner of the room. On the right side of the room was a staircase leading to the second floor, on the left side of the room was a door leading to a bathroom, and to the back of the room was an archway leading to a kitchen, with an attached dining room. 

"I know this isn't much, but it's all we have. Our house was ransacked a few months ago by a group of thieves so there isn't much left," Fang Li said as she gathered a few of the cushions from the floor and arranged them in a small pile near the rocking chair. She then carefully lowered herself onto the rocking chair, letting out a loud pained sigh as her weight was taken off of her feet.

"Our family had very little money in the first place though. Because of that, we grow all of our own food to eat, and sometimes even sell for a bit of money. All of the bedrooms are upstairs, which is where all of the kids are right now. I'll call them all down to meet you in just a minute."

"Thank you for allowing us to stay with you despite your living situation A-li," Qiuyue Meiyi thanked her again, before sitting down on the pile of cushions Fang Li had arranged next to her rocking chair. 

"Even so, you could have just sent me a letter and I would have assisted you A-li. You know you're like a sister to me, I would have gladly helped you and your children."

"Oh no no I couldn't do that A-mei! You had your own son to take care of, and with him being the way he is, I know taking care of him would need a lot of patience, kindness and dedication. Speaking of which, why don't we discuss A-cheng's training regime for your stay here. I can call him that right?" Fang Li spoke.

"That sounds like a good idea. And yes you can call him A-cheng," Qiuyue Meiyi responded, "It might just take him a while to warm up to you."

"Alright then. Firstly, has A_cheng formed a golden core as yet?" Fang Li asked.

"Yes he has. He formed one just before he turned six years old," Qiuyue Meiyi replied. 

Fang Li's eyes widened in surprise.

"He actually formed a golden core? And at such a young age too! How did he do it?" she asked, shocked.

Qiuyue Meiyi smiled softly and shifted her gaze down to look at the little boy in her lap.

"I'm actually not completely sure. From my own knowledge, golden cores are used to store and control spiritual energy. They are formed in the lower dantian through a process often called Core Formation. Though core formation is usually referred to as a singular practice, there are in fact, many different ways to form a golden core. For example, I formed my golden core at eight years old through the continual practice of martial arts and meditating everyday to control the flowage of qi through my body. I started training at eight years old and to this day, I still take at least an hour everyday to meditate. 

With A-cheng however, things are different. He is physically blind and deaf, however, I deduced that he can still see and sense spiritual energy. In fact, spiritual energy seems to gather around and within him constantly, almost as if it is attracted to him. Since he learned to walk, A-cheng has come to sit beside me as I meditate. He does not sit in lotus position like I do since he cannot see me, but I realized after the first few times that he joined me, that he had begun gathering and flowing spiritual energy specifically throughout his lower dantian, just like I do whenever I meditate. The control of flow was much slower and weaker than mine, but it was there none the less.

At four years old, I started physically training him. We would do strength training, speed training, flexibility training and stamina training. Currently, A-cheng picks up easier on flexibility, stamina and speed training than he does strength training. He's very flexible and agile and has good instincts. I started teaching him different sword forms using a knife at five years old. He picked up on the how to use the knife very quickly but it took him a lot longer to pick up on the sword forms. 

Through this constant practice of meditation and martial arts, just like I did, he formed his golden core just a few days before he turned six. I couldn't believe it myself at first. I want to teach him how to use multiple weapons and multiple fighting styles, which I know I can do. But when it comes to spiritual energy,  I'm not sure what to do. It resonates with him so deeply that I feel like I'll ruin him if I try to teach him anything involving qi or spiritual energy. Which is why I contacted you. 

You're the only person I know who is so deeply in tune with their qi. I was hoping you could help me teach him," Qiuyue Meiyi explained. 

Fang Li looked at her friend, who was gazing softly at the dozing child in her lap. She had never seen A-mei look so emotional and caring before. She immediately knew how much the little boy meant to her best friend. Fang Li smiled at the two brightly before responding.

"Of course I'll help you A-mei, it would be my pleasure. Plus, this means I'll have a little nephew to look after as well."

"Thank you so much A-li," Qiuyue Meiyi thanked her, immediately receiving a bright smile in return. 

Afterwards, Qiuyue Meiyi and Fang Li continued their conversation, catching up on each other's personal lives. 

Soon after, lunchtime came around and one of Fang Li's children, a seven year old girl named Fang Miyu, came to tell her mother she was hungry. Fang Li tried to get up, but Qiuyue Meiyi forbade her from leaving her rocking chair, getting up herself and leaving A-cheng, who had somehow fallen asleep again, curled up in the cushions. She then gathered vegetables from the garden, took out spare food she had in her qiankun pouch from the journey to Caiyi Town, and made lunch. 

When the food was done, she woke up A-cheng while Fang Li called the rest of her children from upstairs. She had seven children in total; Fang Miyu, a seven year old girl, Fang Lei, a four year old boy, Fang Ru, a ten year old boy, Fang Chi, an eight year old boy, Fang Ju, a twelve year old boy and Fang Lin, a nine year old girl. (The child in her womb was the seventh. Fang Li had determined it was a girl, and decided to name her Fang Liu). 

Everyone gathered and ate lunch at the dining table. All the children were excited to meet Qiuyue Meiyi and asked a lot of questions about A-cheng. Qiuyue Meiyi smiled at the loud conversations going around the dining room table. She couldn't wait to see her son interact with, who would hopefully be, his new friends. She kissed her son's forhead once more and continued eating her food.

Chapter Text

Six months had passed and Qiuyue Cheng and Qiuyue Meiyi slowly became accustomed to living with Fang Li and her children. It was a lot of work for Qiuyue Meiyi to keep track of the kids, since there were so many of them, but she eventually adapted to their daily routines and personalities. 

Fang Ju was the eldest of the bunch at twelve years old, and as such, was the one with the most responsibility. He had brown hair that reached just below his shoulders and was typically kept in a low ponytail, pale skin, brown eyes and a slim yet sporty build. He was playful and loved to smile and spend time with others, but immediately became more serious if the situation called for it. He always took it upon himself to care for the younger members of his family and was extremely protective of his siblings. Qiuyue Cheng was no exception to this, immediately moving up to the top of Fang Ju's list of people he'd protect with his life once he began living with them. Due to Qiuyue Cheng's disabilities, he often needed a lot of help to do things like bathe, put on his clothes, brush his teeth and even eat meals, so Fang Ju had taken it upon himself, with a smile that seemed all too happy, to be Qiuyue Cheng's primary caregiver after Qiuyue Meiyi herself. 

Fang Ru was the second oldest at ten years old. He had green eyes, pale skin, shoulder length blonde hair and was considered the most beautiful of the children. Despite the fact that he had a handsome face and slender body, Fang Ru often behaved very sassily, and most of the time, spoke using sarcasm and rude comments.  He seemed to loath being around others and spent most of his time by himself reading books if he didn't have chores to do. Despite his chilly exterior, once you got to know him, Fang Ru was actually a fairly friendly person. Just like Fang Ju, he had a deep protective and caring nature when it came to his family, but instead of showing it through smiles and playing games, he showed it through subtle acts of kindness. One often had to look beneath his antisocial exterior to see the caring young boy underneath. It took Fang Ru a while to warm up to Qiuyue Cheng and Qiuyue Meiyi, but he eventually bonded with them. Once he did, he began to spend a lot of time with Qiuyue Cheng, reading his favourite books to him and describing the weather for him, despite the fact that the small child could neither see nor hear him. 

Fang Lin was the eldest daughter and the third eldest child in the Fang family at nine years old. She was a very gentle and soft spoken person who loved to cook and had a deep connection with nature. She had long brown hair reaching her mid-back that was usually tied into a side ponytail on the right side of her head with a blue ribbon, blue eyes and pale skin. Fang Lin usually spent most of her time tending to the Fang family's enormous garden or helping Fang Li make meals for the rest of the family. She was the first person to warm up to Qiuyue Meiyi and Qiuyue Cheng, which only took a span of one hour. She loved talking with Qiuyue Meiyi about her adventures as a wandering rouge cultivator, and was often one of the first children to volunteer to help her take care of Qiuyue Cheng.

Fang Chi was the fourth child of the Fang family. He was eight years old and had short brown hair, pale skin and blue eyes. Fang Chi was a very playful child who loved spending time with others. Though he could be very shy when meeting new people, once he warmed up to you, he became an excitable ball of energy. He took on his chores with a large level of enthusiasm, and loved helping his mother around the house. Usually though, Fang Chi, spent most of his time with Fang Lin. The two of them had been born on the exact same day, exactly one year apart, and were almost inseparable. The two were most often seen together, Fang Chi holding onto his sister's skirt as she watered the garden or Fang Lin helping her brother hang the curtains to dry.

Fang Miyu was the second female in the family, and the third youngest child at seven years old. She was a fairly quiet child that didn't speak much and often spent her time with Fang Ru, listening to him read books aloud, or with Fang Li, following her like a little duckling around the house while holding onto her robes. She had shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes and pale skin. Fang Miyu also loved to take naps. She and Qiuyue Cheng often took naps together, sleeping soundly next to each other during the day. 

Fang Lei was the second youngest child in the Fang family at four years old. He was the baby of the family and was considered the family sunshine. His smiles were bright enough to light up a room, and he loved spending time with others. Because of his age, he spent most of his time clinging to Fang Li or Fang Ju, or napping in the siblings' room. When he wasn't doing that, he was out in the garden playing with the animals that sometimes wandered down from the mountain. Fang Lei absolutely loved animals, and would often bring Qiuyue Cheng outside and have him hold and feed the animals, and sometimes even play with them. 

Fang Liu was the youngest in the family, having just been born four months prior. She did not have much of a personality as she spent most of her time either eating or sleeping. As she was only four months old, she spent all of her time being held or carried around by Fang Li, though sometimes when Fang Li was busy, Qiuyue Meiyi would take care of the Fang Liu for her. She was quite energetic for a four month old when she was awake, and had a stuffed rabbit she loved to death.

Qiuyue Cheng himself took a while to warm up to the Fang family. He spent most of his time clinging to Qiuyue Meiyi, whether that was by training with her or clutching her robes as she cooked dinner. As time went on, he slowly came out of his shell and began to interact with the other children more, though he was still a bit shy most of the time. He got along well with all of the other children, and they loved him greatly in return. The person who loved him the most out of all the children, however, was Fang Ju. 

Fang Ju was extremely protective of Qiuyue Cheng, and tended to hog him from the rest of his siblings. Out of all of the siblings, he was also one out of three of the children who had training in cultivation. Fang Li had started training him when he was seven years old and he was well on his way to being a decent cultivator. He mostly trained in spiritual cultivation, just like Fang Li, but also knew the basics of sword cultivation, which he learned from a passing rouge cultivator who had stopped in Caiyi Town for a short while during his travels. When Qiuyue Meiyi found out Fang Ju had some training in sword cultivation, she offered to train him, which he gladly accepted. 

Fang Ju loved to train with Qiuyue Meiyi and Qiuyue Cheng. When he found out that Qiuyue Cheng had started to train in cultivation and had already formed his golden core, he gushed excitedly to Qiuyue Meiyi about all the things he would like to teach his new brother. 

Fang Ju wasn't the only child going through training with a new teacher though. Qiuyue Cheng also began his training with Fang Li. Over the past six months, he was able to learn how to properly circulate qi through his entire meridian system while meditating and how to circulate his qi through weapons and other inanimate objects. He had even begun learning how to play musical instruments. Fang Li would spread her spread her qi through the instruments in order to demonstrate to Qiuyue Cheng how to play them. The speed in which he was learning spiritual cultivation genuinely shocked Fang Li. 

On top of that, Qiuyue Cheng also fully began training in sword cultivation with his mother. Sword cultivation forms took a good while longer for Qiuyue Cheng to pick up than spiritual cultivation, which surprised Qiuyue Meiyi a bit. Of course he did eventually learn the forms she showed him but it took him much longer than she thought it would. Qiuyue Meiyi took a mental note of that, and made a few plans in her head for the future. 

Currently, Qiuyue Cheng and Fang Ju were together in a clearing on the side of the hill behind the Fang family house with Fang Li. They sat in a circle on the ground, posture straight and legs folded into lotus position.

"Today, we are going to be learning to flow qi through leaves, in order to use them as weapons," she spoke out to the two of them. 

As she was teaching both Fang Ju and Qiuyue Cheng for this particular lesson, she called out detailed instructions before demonstrating using her own spiritual energy. 

"Firstly, close your eyes and take a deep breath to clear your mind of all thoughts and then centre yourself. Focus on the qi circling through your golden core and feel how it ebbs and flows through your meridians, reaching every single cell of your body," she explained before doing so herself. 

With her eyes closed, she continued, "Now, take ahold of the spiritual energy running through your meridians and slowly spread it through your surroundings. Feel the way it flows through the grass, the dirt, and the plants. How it intertwines with the natural qi running though the forest. Once you've done that, find any leaf, whether fallen or still on a tree, within the range of where you've spread your spiritual energy and focus on it. Instead of trying to flow your energy through everything you feel, focus it on that one leaf and intertwine your qi with its own, in order to take control of it. After you've finished doing that, picture the leaves floating in front of you, and your qi will respond to the command and make the leaves float. This relies heavily on your focus and the strength of your will. If your focus is weak, the spiritual energy will not obey you."

Fang Li then spread her own spiritual energy throughout the clearing, feeling how it interacted with the qi of the two children in front of her, as well as that of the surrounding nature, before directing it into a few leaves from the Sakura tree behind her. She then instructed the leaves to float in front of her before opening her eyes to observe the two young boys. 

Fang Ju's eyebrows were furrowed in concentration, and he had a few leaves hovering some inches off the ground in front of him. Fang Li smiled at this. While Fang Ju had an amazingly large potential for sword cultivation, his aptitude for spiritual cultivation was average. Despite this, he worked extremely hard to be as proficient in it as he was with a sword, and his mother couldn't be anymore proud of him.

Fang Li then turned her gaze towards Qiuyue Cheng, and what she saw did not surprise her in the least, although it did cause her to giggle at bit. The six year old had an almost curious expression on his face as he gazed us at the alarmingly large cloud of leaves he had hovering above his head. He moved them all about in random patterns and shapes, although Fang Li had yet to demonstrate how to do so with her own leaves. She smiled fondly at him, before glancing back at Fang Ju, who had now managed to bring about five leaves level with his face and wore a small smile of satisfaction at the achievement, before continuing her demonstration. 

"Great job A-Cheng, A-Ju. Now I want you to picture your leaves as a blade. Imagine how durable you want this blade, how strong you want it to be, how sharp. Focus on how you want that blade to be then open your eyes."

After a few moments, Fang Ju opened his eyes. As Qiuyue Cheng couldn't see or hear them, his eyes had been open the entire time, so once Fang Ju was ready, Fang Li continued speaking. She then picked up a few pieces of cloth that she had brought with her and used her spiritual energy to make them float. 

"Now I want you to imagine yourself shooting that blade and cutting these pieces of fabric in half." She then demonstrated with one of her own leaves, and Fang Ju watched in awe as one of Fang Li's small leaves cut cleanly through one of the pieces of cloth.

He then attempted to use his own leaves to do the same. His first leaf passed clean through, making a small hole, making him clap his hands excitedly. Fang Li ruffled Fang Ju's hair in congratulations. It took three more tries for Fang Ju to cleanly cut through his piece of cloth. Once he did he threw himself back onto the grass and sighed in relief, yelling a satisfied "I did it!". His remaining leaves fell to the floor as he stopped concentrating on them. Fang Li came to sit next to him and he cuddled into her side as they watched Qiuyue Cheng cut through the three remaining pieces of cloth in one go and then slice a branch off of the Sakura tree behind them. 

"A-Cheng is amazing isn't he?" Fang Ju stated fondly to his mother as the younger came to cuddle into Fang Li's other side after leaving a big hold in the middle of the Sakura tree. 

"He sure is A-Ju, though you're just as amazing as he is. You're both special in your own way and I'll always love you both," Fang Li smiled as she softly petted both children's hair. 

The trio cuddled together for a few more minutes before getting up and resuming practice for the rest of the day.

*** 

Another six months passed, and Qiuyue Cheng had turned 7 years old. It had only been a year since Qiuyue Meiyi and Qiuyue Cheng moved to Caiyi Town, yet to Fang Li, it felt like only a day had passed. Qiuyue Cheng had improved by leaps and bounds in his spiritual cultivation. Not only was the amount of qi he could store within his golden core frighteningly massive, but the range in which he could spread and use it was even more gigantic than that. His range currently took up the entirety of Gusu and his technique when it came to controlling said spiritual energy was almost at perfection. Not only that, but A-Cheng had also improved himself in his personal life as well. He could now eat with chopsticks properly and dress by himself, once the clothes he had to wear weren't anything too intricate or complicated. He had also memorized the layout of their house and the forest behind it, although he hadn't done so for Caiyi Town as yet, as they rarely ever went to visit the heart of the small city. 

Today however would change that. The entire Fang family, including Qiuyue Meiyi and Qiuyue Cheng, would be going on an all day trip through Caiyi Town. The Fang children were all extremely excited for the trip. It had been a while since they'd all been able to travel through Caiyi Town together, and now that they had the addition of their new baby brothers Fang Liu and Qiuyue Cheng, as well as Qiuyue Meiyi, they were all even more excited than usual. Qiuyue Meiyi and Fang Li made sure to pack a good amount of money, as well as a few changes of clothes for the children and some napsacks of water, into their qiankun pouches before ensuring everyone was properly dressed and ready, before leaving the house. 

The group of ten walked calmly down the dirt path, Fang Ju holding onto Fang Li's left hand with Qiuyue Cheng holding onto his left hand. Fang Lin held onto Fang Li's right hand while Fang Chi held onto her right hand. Fang Liu was comfortably nestled in a cloth harness on Fang Li's chest, fast asleep. Qiuyue Meiyi held onto Fang Miyu with her right and and Fang Lei with her left, while Fang Ru walked just a few inches in front of her while reading a book. As they walked, a few people from the neighbouring houses waved them hello.

"Hello Miss Fang Li how are this morning?"

"A-Ju did you get the turnips I sent you yesterday?"

"Good morning Miss Qiuyue Meiyi, you look as lovely as ever!"

"Hi kids! Did you get the new books I sent? I hope they were alright."

"Have a lovely day in town everyone!"

Every neighbour they passed wished them a good day, and their sentiments were returned with the children's bright smiles and small bows of courtesy. The further they walked, the more people they passed until they reached the crowded centre of Caiyi Town. The main street was located near the primary river of Gusu, which was used for trade, travel, recreation and even training for the disciples of the Gusu Lan Sect. The noise around them heightened as the crowds grew, waking Fang Liu from her short nap. She yawned loudly, rubbing any residue of sleep from her eyes and clearly energized yet not willing to move her comfortable perch on her mother's chest. 

Once they entered the thriving marketplace, filled with food stalls and shops, the group of ten separated after agreeing to meet up in that exact spot once it was time for lunch. Fang Li gave Fang Ju a small pouch of money to spend on himself and some of his siblings, and the boy in question then ran off into the crowd with Fang Lin and Fang Chi holding onto each of his hands chanting about building kites. Fang Li wandered off to a small stall selling candy, with Fang Liu on her chest and Fang Lei and Fang Miyu holding onto her robes. Qiuyue Meiyi held onto Fang Ru, who had put away his book a bit earlier to observe the market place, as well as Qiuyue Cheng, who always seemed to wander away whenever he was left unattended, and walked towards a stall selling hairpins and small pieces of jewellery. 

She let Fang Ru wander around the stall for a bit so he could choose what he wanted, while she chose a hairpin that she thought Qiuyue Cheng would like. She carefully handed A-Cheng each piece of jewellery she thought would look good on him, and the one that he seemed to like holding onto the most was the one she chose, which ended up being an intricately carved white jade hairpin, with a large blooming lotus flower at the top end, and two smaller, closed lotus pods hanging from just below the lotus flower, each by a single,small, short jade chain. Fang Ru ended up choosing a single green jade earring, that could also double as a bookmark for him to use while reading his favourite novels. None of the items at the stall really caught Qiuyue Meiyi's eye, so she decided to simply purchase the items the boys had liked before moving onto another stall. She let go of the boys' hands in order to take out her pouch of money, and was able to haggle both of the items down to half the price before packaging them and storing them safely away in her qiankun pouch, along with the remaining money. When she reached out to take ahold of the boys' hands again however, only one pair of hands came in contact with hers. Qiuyue Meiyi's head shot back in surprise, and she clenched her hands into fists when she saw only Fang Ru standing behind her, nose buried in the novel about a prince and a dragon that he had been reading on the walk to the market place. 

She lightly shook the boy's shoulder to get his attention and once he noticed her, she looked at him with eyebrows furrowed in worry, before inquiring, "A-Ru, where is A-Cheng?"

***

Lan Xichen held onto his little brother's hand tightly as the two of them explored Caiyi Town's main market place. It was where all the merchants who travelled through Gusu came to finalize their trade, and where farmers and other citizens came to sell fresh produce, baked goods, or even handcrafted trinkets. Lan Xichen always had fun whenever he visited Caiyi Town, and he wanted his antisocial brother, who was deeply grieving from their mother's death, to experience that enjoyment as well. He hoped it would help the younger to settle his feelings a bit more, and maybe allow him to come out of his shell. 

The 13 year old carefully lead his 9 year old brother to one of his favourite stalls. The lantern stall. The old man who ran the stall immediately recognised him, and smiled brightly at him, gesturing his hand for them to come inside his stall.

"Young master, welcome! It's been a while since you visited this lowly merchant's shop! And I see you've brought me a new customer! thank you for visiting my stall today, second young master. What lanterns would you all like to make today?" the old man inquired, bowing politely to the two young Lan sect cultivators. 

"Good morning Mr. Hwa. We've stopped by your shop today to decorate the new rabbit shaped lanterns that you have on sale. I've brought my brother with me this time because he's been a bit down lately and I wanted to do something to cheer him up. Visiting Caiyi Town was the only thing I could think of," Lan Xichen told the older man. 

"That's no problem Young Master. Come to the back so you both can choose which lanterns you like best!" Mr. Hwa laughed. 

The two boys then followed the stall owner into the back of his shop, hand in hand, to choose their lanterns. Lan Zhan was mostly silent during the procedure, only letting out soft hums or nodding his head along to his brother's questions and inquiries on which lantern he liked best, and what paint and brushes he wanted to use to decorate it. 

He ended up choosing a relatively small, circular shaped bunny lantern, along with blue and white paint to decorate it with, while his older brother chose a square shaped bunny lantern that was a bit larger than his own, and decided on purple, blue, green and white paint to decorate his own lantern with. 

The two then sat at a low table set up in the right corner of the shop and began painting their lanterns. They sat in comfortable silence as they did so, not a single word disrupting their self made peace. Lan Zhan painted his lantern with a mix of bold and soft strokes, giving the illusion of an open sky with a strong breeze blowing. Lan Xichen on the other hand, painted his own lantern with soft and meaningful strokes, depicting a vast lake with lily pads and flowers floating on its crystal waters. 

Once they finished painting the lanterns, the shop owner instructed them to hang the lanterns outside so they could dry. While doing so however, Lan Xichen spotted a strange sight in his peripheral vision. A small boy who looked to be a few years younger than Lan Zhan was aimlessly wandering the streets, constantly gazing from side to side as if he didn't know where he was. The child could have simply been looking around in curiosity with his parents nearby, but something in Lan Xichen told him that wasn't the case. He glanced over at Zhan only to find that he had also noticed the boy. 

They finished hanging up the lanterns to dry, making sure to tie them properly, before making their way over to the small child. 

"Hello!" Lan Xichen introduced himself with a serene smile as he crouched down in front of the boy, "My name is Lan Xichen. I saw you wandering by yourself and was wondering f you were lost and needed help finding your parents."

To Lan Xichen's surprise however, the child did not respond to his statement. In fact, while the boy did focus his gaze on the older once he came to stoop right in front of him, it did not seem as if the younger had heard what Lan Xichen said. His gaze was intense, yet it seemed as if he was looking through the older instead of directly at him. Lan Xichen repeated himself a second time, yet still garnered no response from the small child.

Looking at the younger, something did seem a bit off with him. Not only did he not respond to the noise of the bustling crowds around them or the older boy's voice, but his eyes also seemed to be glazed over, unfocused and extremely dim. 

Could he neither hear nor see them?

It made Lan Xichen want to wrap him up safely in his arms so that no one could ever hurt him. A shadow suddenly appeared over him and he looked to he side to see his younger brother standing beside him. Lan Zhan gently took the young boy's hand into his own before guiding him out of the middle of the street. Lan Xichen was shocked to see that his brother had taken the initiative, but followed them none the less, back to the side of the streets where they had hung their lanterns to dry.

Without saying a word, Lan Zhan bent down and began to trace the characters for his name into the dirt, his older brother curiously watching over his shoulder to see what he was doing. Once he completed writing his name, Lan Zhan took ahold of the small child's hand and traced the characters for his name before poking himself in the chest in the chest with the boy's hand to gesture to himself. He repeated that process one more time before the boy perked up, as if finally understanding what the younger Lan was trying to do. 

The boy then began gently patting Lan Zhan's face as if to map out what he looked like before stooping down himself to draw something in the dirt. When he was finished he felt around for the younger Lan's hand, and once he had ahold of it, used it to trace the characters he had drawn before pointing to himself. The two Lan children shifted next to the small boy and read what he had written in the dirt. 

"Qiuyue- Qiuyue Cheng? That's his name? How adorable," Lan Xichen muttered softly, Lan Zhan humming in agreement next to him before softly speaking himself, "A-Cheng."

Lan Xichen smiled softly at his younger brother before repeating the same thing he did, tracing out out the characters for his name 'Lan Huan' and allowing A-Cheng to gently map out his face before the younger retraced his name with Lan Xichen's hand to show him what his name was. 

After all the introductions had concluded, Lan Xichen and Lan Zhan glanced at each other and immediately decided that they would keep A-Cheng with them until they could find his guardians, so they gently clasped their hands with his, Lan Xichen on his right and Lan Zhan on his left, and took him on a tour of the market. 

Their first stop was a stall that sold tanghulu. They bought one tanghulu stick, which had five pieces of candied fruit on it, for each of them and the old aunty running the stall even gave them an extra one for free. It was clearly A-Cheng's first time eating tanghulu, as he sniffed the snack first before determining that it was edible and taking a bite. He immediately perked up at the taste, a small smile spreading on his face. Lan Xichen giggled at the excited expression on his face and Lan Zhan gave out a fond huff, his own lips twitching upwards. The Lan brothers had no problem giving the younger the extra tanghulu stick.

Next they headed to a toy stall. On display were a variety of different toys that came in many shapes and sizes. There were kites, rattle drums, tops and even diabolos. and cloth animal dolls hanging around the stall. Lan Zhan liked the rattle drum the best, and Lan Xichen was quite intrigued by the complicated looking ring puzzles on display. A-Cheng himself was most enamored with the burr puzzles, out of all the different toys they handed him. Lan Xichen had no problem buying the toys for the three of them, even purchasing a small cloth bag to place A-Cheng's items in separately. 

For the next shichen or so, the group of three happily explored the market place. It was about time for lunch so the Lans decided to walk near to the river, when they heard a yell behind them.

"A-CHENG!" a female voice called out. 

They turned around to see who was calling out to the small boy holding their hands, when a young woman barreled into them, grabbing A-Cheng from between them and pulling him into her chest. She clutched at him desperately, her hands shivering slightly. A-Cheng seemed to recognize her as he immediately relaxed into her hold. Just then another boy a bit older than Lan Zhan but still younger than Lan Xichen appeared next to the young woman and began checking Qiuyue Cheng over to make sure he was alright. 

Once the two newcomers were assured that Qiuyue Cheng was fine, they turned towards the two Lan brothers. 

"Are you the ones who found him?" the woman inquired. 

"Yes miss. He was wandering alone in the streets so we decided to take him with us while we toured Caiyi Town" Lan Xichen stated. 

The young woman huffed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you boys so much for taking care of A-Cheng. I'm Qiuyue Meiyi, his mother. I had been paying for some jewellery that I bought for him and A-Ru and let go of his hand for a second to put the things away, but when I turned around he was gone! I was worried that something bad had happened to him after I couldn't find him when more than half a shichen had passed, even though I know he can defend himself just fine. So thank you again!" the young woman, Qiuyue Meiyi, thanked them profusely. 

The two brothers bowed in response, introducing themselves when she asked their names. Lan Xichen then handed her the bag with the burr puzzles A-Cheng had liked and she thanked them a final time for looking after her son. She allowed A-Cheng to wave them goodbye before the two groups parted ways. 

The Lan brothers walked in silence through the crowded streets, hands clasped together after parting ways with the boy they had grown so fond of. Lan Xichen glanced at his brother who had been especially down since their mother's death. Lan Zhan looked much calmer than he had before they left Cloud Recesses, even a bit happier, and Lan Xichen smiled at that. Not only did they make a new friend, but his little brother had also been able to feel a semblance happiness in the despondent time he was going through. And for that, Lan Xichen couldn't be more grateful and full of joy.  

Chapter Text

Qiuyue Meiyi kept a tight hold on Qiuyue Cheng and Fang Ru once they said goodbye to the two young masters of Gusu Lan. She couldn't believe that she had lost A-Cheng for so long. Even knowing that Qiuyue Cheng could defend himself perfectly fine against a variety of monsters, she was completely unsure how he would take care of himself within the world of humans. 

As they walked through Caiyi Town to meet up with the rest of their group, she noticed that A-Cheng's hands were dirty. 'He must have used the dirt to show his name to the Lan boys,' she mused. She would have to show A-Cheng how to trace characters onto other people's hands so he wouldn't have to get dirt under his nails to introduce himself to others. 

Once the rest of their group came into sight, Fang Ru took ahold of A-Cheng's hand and ran towards the others. They were sitting at a large table on the outdoor porch of a small restaurant. Qiuyue Meiyi sighed exasperatedly at the energy of the two children, one whom she had just spent  shichen looking for, and the other whom she had been searching around town with. She sped up her walking to keep the two kids in her line of sight, greeting the owner of the restaurant before joining Fang Li and the rest of the kids at the table.

Qiuyue Meiyi let out a sigh of relief as she sat in the last remaining chair, and Fang Li chuckled from next to her. 

"You sound like you've had a long day A-Mei," she snickered.

"Indeed I did," Qiuyue Meiyi replied softly, "A-Cheng decided to run off while I was paying for some jewellery that I bought. I spent a shichen looking for him with A-Ru. I was lucky that the two young masters of Gusu Lan happened to come upon him, and took him with them to explore Caiyi Town, instead of some creep taking him up and running off with him, since I doubt A-Cheng can tell the difference between good and bad people. He can only see their spiritual energy, which, for the most part, should look the same for all humans, no matter whether they are good or bad. Unless they are possessed by a malicious spirit or they are experiencing some other spiritual circumstance that causes a change in their spiritual energy."

Fang Li nodded in agreement.

"The world of people is a nasty place, and A-Cheng is even more vulnerable than the average person there. At least A-Cheng isn't part of any of the major cultivation clans," she sighed, "I can't imagine how they would treat him, or how he would even cope living a life with politics controlling his every breath. He'd probably be hidden away like something to be ashamed of."

They both turned to look at A-Cheng who was munching happily on some spicy tofu while Fang Ju loaded more side dishes into his bowl, and smiled silently. Fang Miyu and Fang Ru huddled together around Fang Ru's book, Fang Liu was napping again and the rest of the children were happily munching on their lunch. The two women couldn't help but smile at the sight of their little mishmash of a family. They would make sure that all of these children grew up happily, with bright futures ahead of them, regardless of what path they chose in life.

The journey back to their house was much shorter than the journey to Caiyi Town. Fang Lei, Fang Miyu and Fang Chi all looked about ready to drop into a dreamless sleep. Fang Lin, Fang Ru and Fang Ju were walking together while whispering to each other, softly, fully awake although filled with much less energy than they started off the day with. Fang Lei was once again asleep, although this time she lay comfortably in Qiuyue Meiyi's arms, while Qiuyue Cheng lay comfortably in Fang Li's arms, eyes drooping after filling his belly with food. 

Once they arrived back at the house, the two adults swiftly put all of the children to bed, coaxing then into bathing and changing their clothes before they truly fell into a deep slumber. Afterwards, they washed themselves off and tidied up around the house a bit. Qiuyue Meiyi collected all of the dirty clothes to washed the next morning, while Fang Li wiped down the kitchen and made some tea.

Once the tea was ready, they brought the teapot and two cups to their dining table and sat down. The two women sipped at their hot tea in comfortable silence for a while before Fang Li spoke up.

"A-Cheng has been progressing exponentially in his spiritual cultivation. He's already reached a point that most others wouldn't be able to reach until their adult years, and he's only seven years old."

Qiuyue Meiyi smiled at those words. Her baby was so strong, and she knew that he would only continue to grow stronger.

"I want to start training him with spiritual weapons, as well as start him on strengthening his golden core itself," Fang Li explained, Qiuyue Meiyi nodding along in understanding as she picked up her teacup to sip from it.

"Because of his proficiency in spiritual cultivation, as well as his high aptitude towards cultivation in general, I'd like to start him on the training methods that my master showed me in my young adult years."

At the mention of Fang Li's master, Qiuyue Meiyi froze, her cup of tea hovering just in front of her lips which were paused slightly ajar. 

"Your master? You don't mean- "

"Yes I do. He's ready A-Mei. He can't learn more high level techniques if his core is not resilient and strong."

Qiuyue Meiyi's face scrunched in worry.

"He can do it A-Mei," Fang Li reassured her, "I believe in him. And I know that you do as well. Just think of it as him experiencing a fated trial. He's going to need to be strong if he we want him to survive in the outside world with no assistance. There's been strange movement within the lands of Qishan Wen recently, and I need him to be prepared for anything that will inevitably try to harm him."

Despite her worries, Qiuyue Meiyi knew the reality of the words falling from her friend's mouth.

"I understand A-Li. But even with how strong I know he is right now, and with how strong I know he's going to become, A-Cheng is still my baby. I can't stand to imagine anything happening to him," She explained, "And he's still so young. I want to give him the chance to enjoy his childhood too."

Fang Li nodded, understanding the weight of Qiuyue Meiyi's words and a faint smile touched her lips. 

"He does enjoy it, in his own way. He loves the challenge, the way the spiritual energy flows through him when he practices. It's his way of connecting with the world."

"I understand A-Li. However, even with my worries, I will trust you on this, my friend. If you believe he's ready, then he's ready. But please, be careful A-Li. The both of you." 

Fang Li smiled warmly at the woman across from her.

"Of course."

***

The next morning, once all of the children were awake and finished eating breakfast, Qiuyue Meiyi took all of the Fang children outside to the back of the cottage, where an area had been cleared and paved for sword training, in order for them to practice some basic conditioning with for the younger ones, and to continue learning more sword forms with the older ones. 

Fang Li, on the other hand, took Qiuyue Cheng back to the clearing in the forest. For the next few months, she planned to teach A-Cheng how to perfect the most efficient technique to absorb surround spiritual energy, in order to directly strengthen his golden core. 

Ordinarily, cultivators absorbed spiritual energy from the surrounding environment by sitting still and using a specific type of breathing while meditating. Once an undisturbed stream of focus is created, while simultaneously maintaining a specific pattern of breathing, cultivators are able to willingly absorb surrounding qi through their meridians.

Despite this being the most standard and the most well known method of absorbing spiritual energy, it had a single, major flaw; The fact that it took an incredible amount of time to take effect. 

As the method specifically relied on the meridians for spiritual energy to be absorbed, only a thin amount of qi could be absorbed at any on time, since a person's meridians were only about the size of the a human's veins. Not only that, but because the meridians were only being used as a route to take spiritual energy to the golden core, they themselves were not being strengthened.

Fang Li had been using this method, in order to help A-Cheng build a good foundation and understanding of how spiritual energy connected to one's own body. Now that he had progressed so far, his deepening connection to spiritual energy evident simply by sensing how the environment reacted to him, Fang Li decided that it was time to show him a much more efficient way of absorbing surrounding qi.

This method had been shown to her by her master, who came from an ancient cultivation tribe that resided deep in the snowy mountains of the north. Aside from her and Qiuyue Meiyi, she was unsure if there were any other people out there who were aware of the existence of the ancient tribe's method. However, even if they did somehow know of it, the complexity and difficulty of the method ensured that they would not be able to perform it, or pass it on. If they even happened to survive, that is.

The method that her master used had been crafted by the people of the ancient Northern Tribe for the people of the ancient Northern Tribe. It had been created to complement their people's specific brand of cultivation, making the method near impossible to learn for anyone who did not grow up in the tribe. Even she and Qiuyue Meiyi, who were masters of spiritual cultivation and sword cultivation, could only afford to practice the method for short periods of time each day, despite it initially being created for constant use even while sleeping, lest they permanently damage their meridians, golden cores or even their bodies from the excessive strain that using the method brings.

With all of that in mind, Fang Li sat in front of the Sakura tree that was in the middle of the clearing, Qiuyue Cheng following her and sitting a few feet in front of her, immediately settling into the Lotus position. Looking at the young boy in front of her, Fang Li couldn't help but smile tenderly. It was always inspiring to see the way A-Cheng learned, formed habits and interacted with the world around him, in spite of his disabilities. 

Fang Li then settled herself into Lotus position as well, before taking a deep breath to prepare herself, before beginning to demonstrate the new qi absorption method to A-Cheng.

It required intense amounts of concentration, as instead of absorbing the spiritual energy directly through the meridians, it required the practitioner to phase the surrounding qi through their skin and into their bloodstream, before directing it through the body using the circulatory system, which would allow the practitioner to willingly use the energy they were absorbing to strengthen their inner organs. After this part of the method was completed, the spiritual energy would be collected and absorbed directly into the golden core, before being pushed outwards into the meridians in order to strengthen them as well.

This complete process would take much longer to complete and maintain than other more regular processes. With it's complexity, came major risk. One wrong push of the spiritual energy into the wrong direction, or even one millisecond of a loss of focus could cause the user to rupture an organ, stop their blood from flowing through their bodies, or even cause a major qi deviation, effectively killing the practitioner from the inside out.

The benefits would certainly outweigh the risks however, if one were to successfully master the method, as it not only strengthens the golden core in a short period of time, but it also hardens and reinforces the body to a high degree, making it impossible for even metal swords to pierce your bare flesh. 

Unfortunately, Fang Li could not explain all of this to Qiuyue Cheng, so she could only demonstrate it to him and hope that he understood.

Instead of immediately copying what she was showing him, as he usually would, A-Cheng paused and took a good few minutes to seemingly observe how she was using the spiritual energy around her to reinforce her body and golden core. After a while, she began to hear him inhale deeply, when suddenly, her vision violently shifted. Fang Li immediately lost her focus and abruptly stopped absorbing the surround qi.

It was so sudden that it left her deeply disoriented, her vision obscure as she felt the spiritual energy around her move in enormous waves towards the boy in front of her, as if being pulled by an imaginary force. With a hand on her head, Fang Li willed her vision to clear so that she could observe Qiuyue Cheng as he attempted the new method. When she was finally able to see him clearly and fully sense the path of his spiritual energy, Fang Li couldn't help but drop her jaw in shock.

She could feel the spiritual energy phase through his skin. She could feel him manipulate the spiritual energy to surround and strengthen his organs, with such ease that you would think he was slicing tofu. She could feel him pull it this way and that, to reinforce his meridians and core, as if were no harder than simply breathing.

'Amazing' she couldn't help but think.

Unlike her on her first try, Qiuyue Cheng did not struggle to concentrate, he did not become distracted by the sound of moving animals in the background and he did not collapse from becoming too mentally enraptured by depth of the spiritual energy running through her veins.

Qiuyue Cheng continued practicing the method even though she herself had stopped demonstrating it, as if entranced by the flow of spiritual energy both around him and within himself. Watching the little boy in front of her, she couldn't help but remember her master's words.

"Remember A-Li. Only someone who is truly one with spiritual energy, will be able to fully embrace this technique and all it beholds."

***

Time passed as the sun rose high in the sky before beginning to dip below the clouds, resting just above the horizon. Long shadows were cast across the courtyard where the Fang children practiced their sword forms. The golden light filtered through the trees, dappling the ground with a warm glow. Qiuyue Meiyi stood nearby, her eyes watching each child's movements with a critical yet gentle gaze. She was particularly focused on Fang Ju, who was practicing with a wooden sword. His form was precise, and his movements fluid, but his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to match the rhythm of his peers who had yet to reach his level.

As Qiuyue Meiyi continued to observe them, a soft rustling noise momentarily distracted her. She looked to the side, slowly reaching her hand towards the sword on her waist, only to see Fang Li returning with her son beside her. 

"A-Li you've returned," she greeted the other woman, before bending down to pick up A-Cheng.

He was getting a bit too old for her to be carrying him, but she can't help but crave the feeling of his small body in her arms, and close to her chest where she can protect him from any danger that may befall him. 

Fang Li stood a few paces away, observing her children with a mix of pride and elation. 

"A-Mei," she called softly, drawing Qiuyue Meiyi's attention, "A-Ju is improving quickly isn't he?"

Qiuyue Meiyi smiled and nodded in response. 

"He's shoulders above the others, not just because he's older, but also because of his speed in learning and his effort. The effort he puts in by training every day really shows his discipline and maturity, for someone so young."

Fang Li hummed in agreement as Qiuyue Meiyi continued.

"Not many of the other children are interested in cultivation, but I still want them to be able to use something to defend themselves, so I will continue to teach them basic conditioning, in order to strengthen their muscles, before moving onto teaching them martial arts. I know a few different styles, and a few people who can teach them if they want to learn a style that I'm not familiar with."

Fang Li hummed once again, a hand on her chin as she thought about something.

"How was A-Cheng?" Qiuyue Meiyi enquired. The other woman's smile grew at that question.

"He's truly one of a kind A-Mei. He figured out how to utilize the method to its full extent on his first go, and kept it up for two hours straight! I think he realized that the method is meant to be used constantly, as if it is another basic bodily function like breathing, because after taking a break to eat he started using again and hasn't stopped since."

Qiuyue Meiyi's heart burst with pride. 

She had felt something different about her son's spiritual energy, but now that she had confirmed what it was, she couldn't help but once again be filled with awe.

Her son was truly astonishing, wasn't he?

As the Fang children finished their final form, she allowed them to end their training for the day. They immediately rushed over to Qiuyue Cheng, and Qiuyue Meiyi put him down so he could play with the others. 

Fang Lei, the second youngest of the Fang children, bounded over to Qiuyue Cheng from the side of the courtyard with a wide grin. He was holding a small, colorful kite. 

"A-Cheng, look what I made!" he exclaimed, even though he knew the other boy couldn't hear him. Qiuyue Meiyi smiled warmly at the sight, tracing a quick "play" on Qiuyue Cheng's palm before guiding his hand to the kite string.

She wanted to begin incorporating the tracing of characters on her son's palm as a form of communication, so he would no longer have to look for dirt to trace in if he wanted to communicate with someone else. 

Qiuyue Cheng's face lit up with a rare smile as he recognised the character  traced on his palm, and felt the string in his hand. Fang Lei beamed and took his other hand, leading him to the open area where the wind caught the kite and sent it soaring into the sky. The other children joined in, their laughter echoing through the courtyard. Even Fang Ru, usually quiet and reserved, was running alongside them, his serious expression replaced with one of joy.

Fang Li and Qiuyue Meiyi watched from the sidelines, their hearts warmed by the sight of the children playing together. For a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift, replaced by the simple happiness of a family at peace.

***

The following months were peaceful, but interspersed with rigorous training sessions. Qiuyue Meiyi dedicated time to improving Qiuyue Cheng's ability to communicate.

She had noticed, once they were indoors, how he often sat silently while the other children talked, and though they made every effort to include him, there was always a barrier between them. It wasn’t a lack of affection, they adored him, but rather the absence of a common language.

So, she took Qiuyue Cheng aside, sitting with him in the warmth of their home while the snowflakes drifted lazily outside. She took his hand and gently traced the character for "flower" on his palm. Qiuyue Cheng furrowed his brow in confusion, unsure of what she meant. With a patient smile, Qiuyue Meiyi repeated the action, then guided his hand to hers. Slowly, she traced a simple character, "home," on his palm. Qiuyue Cheng’s eyes widened in understanding.

They practiced for hours, Qiuyue Meiyi patiently guiding him through the strokes of each character. Qiuyue Cheng took to it quickly, his natural affinity for learning evident in how swiftly he grasped the concept. Soon, he was able to communicate simple ideas, tracing words on Qiuyue Meiyi’s hand with a newfound eagerness.

When the children discovered this new method, they were thrilled. Fang Chi immediately bombarded Qiuyue Cheng with short, one to five word questions, holding out his hand for him to trace his answers. Fang Lei, though quieter, was equally enthusiastic, often sitting with him in the evenings to "talk" about their day.

The method wasn’t perfect, there were still many things that were difficult to convey through simple characters, but it was a start. It gave Qiuyue Cheng a way to improve how he connected with the people he cared about, to share in their lives in a way that hadn’t been possible before.

Qiuyue Meiyi had also begun teaching Qiuyue Cheng how to wield different spiritual weapons other than the sword, starting with the spear. The long, slender weapon required a different set of skills compared to the sword. Fang Li demonstrated the basic stances and movements, then guided Qiuyue Cheng's hands along the spear to help him understand its weight and balance. Qiuyue Cheng quickly adapted, his movements becoming more confident with each practice session. 

When Fang Li introduced the spiritual fan, a weapon that required both physical and spiritual dexterity, Qiuyue Cheng took to it as if it were second nature. The fan, when wielded correctly, could manipulate the flow of spiritual energy, creating barriers or directing powerful gusts of wind. Qiuyue Cheng, despite his young age, learned to control these effects with remarkable precision. 

As his training progressed, so did his relationship with the Fang children. They looked up to him, not just because of his abilities, but because of his quiet strength. Fang Ju, in particular, was always by his side, ready to assist him or playfully challenge him to a game. Fang Lin and Fang Ru often sat with him during breaks, their calm presence a soothing balm to his otherwise intense focus. Fang Chi and Fang Miyu loved to spend time flying kites or doing chores with him. Even the babies of the family, Fang Lei and Fang Liu, cuddled together with him whenever they went to bed. 

But as Qiuyue Cheng's skills grew, so did the challenges he faced.

It was a crisp autumn day when Qiuyue Cheng wandered into the forest behind their home after a spear training session. He had been following the familiar flow of qi that flowed from the woodland animals around their home as they moved through the underbrush and trees. The forest had always been a place of comfort for him, the spiritual energy thick in the air, vibrant and alive.

But today, the forest felt different. The energy was restless, disturbed. Qiuyue Cheng paused, sensing the shift. He reached out with his spiritual awareness, feeling the pulse of life around him. Suddenly, the comforting energy of the forest was overshadowed by something darker, something malevolent.

He tried to turn back, but the ground beneath him seemed to shift, disorienting him. Trying to regain his focus, Qiuyue Cheng focused on his training. He remembered Fang Li's teachings, the way she had shown him to manipulate spiritual energy to sense his surroundings. He extended his awareness, letting the energy flow through him like a river, mapping the terrain in his mind.

That's when he felt it. A sharp, cold presence slithering through the undergrowth. A pile of dark grey shadows squirmed a small distance from him. The shape of the shadows reminded him of an animal his mama had showed him called a snake. But these were not like the friendly snakes he sometimes saw in the forest. A dark, sinister energy rolled off of them, just like that strange four legged creature with giant claws from a long time ago. On top of that, he sensed not one, but an entire nest of them.

The first snake struck without warning, its fangs glinting in the dim light as it lunged at Qiuyue Cheng. He moved instinctively, the spear in his hand whipping around to block the attack. The snake recoiled, hissing in fury. But more were coming, their scales rustling like dry leaves as they surrounded the young boy.

Qiuyue Cheng stood his ground, pulling the spiritual fan from his qiankun pouch and holding it in his left hand. He could feel the energy surging around him, the fear and the adrenaline sharpening his focus. He channeled his spiritual energy into the fan, creating a barrier that deflected the next attack. But the snakes were relentless, their dark energy pressing against his defenses.

With a deep breath, Qiuyue Cheng remembered the new technique Fang Li had shown him, the one that allowed him to draw in spiritual energy from his surroundings. He focused, pulling the energy into his body, feeling it strengthen his core. The fan in his hand glowed with a soft, ethereal light as he directed the energy outward, creating a gust of wind that sent the nearest snakes tumbling backward.

But they quickly recovered, regrouping for another attack. Qiuyue Cheng knew he couldn’t keep them at bay forever. With a fierce determination, he switched tactics. Instead of defending, he went on the offensive. He moved with the fluidity of a stream, the spear and fan working in tandem as he struck at the snakes. His blows were precise, each one guided by his spiritual awareness rather than his eyes or ears. The first snake fell, then the second, then the others until only the largest one remained.

This final snake was different. Its energy was more potent, more dangerous. It circled him, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Qiuyue Cheng didn’t wait. He channeled all of his remaining energy into a single, powerful strike, driving the spear forward with all his might.

There was a sharp, piercing sound as the spear found its mark. The snake thrashed violently before collapsing to the ground, its dark energy dissipating into the air. 

Breathing heavily, Qiuyue Cheng stood still for a moment, regaining his composure as he allowed his body to relax and continue absorbing spiritual energy. He could sense the forest calming, the malevolent presence fading away. But he was still lost, far from the safety of his home.

He closed his eyes, not that it made a difference, and focused on the spiritual energy around him. He reached out, feeling for the familiar presence of him mama or Fang Li. But the energy was faint, distant.

Then he remembered something he had learnt recently. How to use spiritual energy to navigate. He extended his awareness, feeling the subtle currents of energy in the air, the way they flowed towards the source of life and warmth. It was like following an invisible thread through the maze of the forest. 

Slowly, carefully, Qiuyue Cheng began to move, following the path laid out by the spiritual energy. It was a long and arduous journey, but eventually, he emerged from the forest, tired but unharmed.

Qiuyue Meiyi was the first to spot him, her relief palpable as she rushed to his side. She hugged him tightly, her heart pounding in her chest. Fang Li joined them moments later, her worried expression softening as she took in the sight of the boy, safe and sound.

"Where were you?" Qiuyue Meiyi traced on his palm, her hand trembling slightly.

Qiuyue Cheng hesitated, then traced the word "forest" in return. Fang Li and Qiuyue Meiyi exchanged a glance, understanding the danger he must have faced. 

Fang Li knelt down beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. 

"You did well," Fang Li traced gently on his palm. She didn’t need to ask more. She could feel the remnants of the battle still clinging to his aura, the faint echo of offensive spiritual energy lingering on his skin. 

Qiuyue Cheng nodded in response, his expression calm. As they made their way back to the house, Qiuyue Cheng noticed the subtle shift in the energy around him. It was as if the forest was alive, guiding him, the spiritual energy vibrating in harmony with his own. He traced his fingers across the palm of his hand, reliving the sensation of using the energy to navigate. It was like tracing a map, each pulse of energy marking a path that only he could follow. 

That night, after Qiuyue Cheng had washed away the grime of the battle, he sat with Fang Lin and Fang Ru on the back porch overlooking the training area. The two siblings, still buzzing with the energy of the day, chattered softly to each other. Qiuyue Cheng, though silent, felt the vibrations of their voices through the earth beneath him. He smiled faintly, enjoying the peace after the intensity of the day. 

Fang Lin, always eager to engage, reached over and took Qiuyue Cheng’s hand. "A-Cheng," she began, her voice a soft hum against his skin as she guided his hand to her palm. Carefully, she traced the characters for "brave" and "strong." Qiuyue Cheng felt warmth bloom in his chest at the words. He nodded, squeezing her hand gently in response. 

Fang Ru, usually more reserved, hesitated before he too reached out, tracing "proud" on his other hand. Qiuyue Cheng’s smile widened, the quiet support of his friends filling him with warm satisfaction. Even without words, they understood him. More than anyone else ever could. 

The following days were filled with a renewed intensity in his training. Fang Li began incorporating new techniques into their sessions, sensing that Qiuyue Cheng was ready to take on more challenges. She taught him how to fine-tune his spiritual awareness, to feel even the slightest shifts in energy around him. This training was vital for him, as his spiritual energy continued to grow exponentially.

Fang Li also introduced him to a new exercise, which was using his spiritual energy to manipulate small objects that don't usually have much qi flowing through them. For example, rocks. She would place a stone in front of him, guiding his hands to feel its shape and weight before stepping back. He would then focus, channeling his energy into the stone, trying to lift it without physically touching it. With ease, Qiuyue Cheng began to feel the energy around the stone, sensing its resistance, and then, with little concentrated effort, he would make it hover a few feet above the ground.

Just like with the leaves.

Each success brought a new surge of confidence. Fang Li watched these exercises with a mix of awe and concern. 

"A-Mei," she said one evening after Qiuyue Cheng had retired for the night, "His power is growing so quickly. He’s learning things that took us years to master."

Qiuyue Meiyi nodded, her expression thoughtful. "He’s special, A-Li. The energy around him… it’s like it’s alive, responding to him. But we must be careful. With great power comes great danger. We have to ensure he understands that."

Fang Li agreed, and the two women spent long hours discussing how to best guide Qiuyue Cheng in his journey. They knew that the world outside their home was fraught with dangers. Dangers that would only grow as Qiuyue Cheng’s power became more apparent. 

As the seasons changed, so did Qiuyue Cheng. He was growing taller, his once-round face slowly beginning to lose some of its fat. Not much though considering he was not yet a teenager. His training continued, and with it, his mastery of spiritual energy. The Fang children continued to be his companions, their bond deepening with each passing day. Fang Ju, Fang Chi and Fang Lei with their boundless energy, often dragged him into new adventures, while Fang Ru, Fang Lin and Fang Miyu became his quiet confidantes, always by his side during the more challenging moments. 

On the eve of the New Year, the family gathered around the large table, the air thick with the aroma of traditional dishes. Qiuyue Meiyi, always the pragmatic one, ensured that everything was in order, while Fang Li focused on making the evening special for the children. They shared stories, laughter ringing out into the night as they feasted.

When the time came for the fireworks, Fang Ru grabbed Qiuyue Cheng’s hand, pulling him outside into the cold night air. The others followed, bundling up in thick coats as they made their way to the open courtyard. The sky was clear, the stars bright against the inky blackness.

Qiuyue Cheng couldn’t see the fireworks, nor could he hear the loud cracks and booms that filled the air, but he could feel them, their energy vibrating through the air. As the first burst of light exploded in the sky, he felt a surge of joy from the others, their emotions mingling with his own. 

Fang Miyu, unable to contain her excitement, traced "beautiful" on his palm, her hand trembling with delight. Fang Ru, standing quietly beside him, traced "together" on his other hand, his touch gentle and reassuring. Qiuyue Cheng smiled, peace overtaking him.

***

The arrival of spring marked a new year in Qiuyue Cheng’s life. Soon spring bloomed into summer, which melted into autumn, which then gave way to winter. With the shimmering, ivory snow and the cool, chilling winds of winter came Qiuyue Cheng's birthday.

His ninth birthday was a quiet affair, celebrated with just the family. Fang Lin and Fang Ju had spent days crafting a special gift for him. A set of spiritual beads, each one carefully infused with their own spiritual energy. Fang Li had helped them, ensuring that the beads were balanced and strong, a symbol of the bond they all shared. 

When they presented the gift to Qiuyue Cheng, he held the beads in his hands, feeling the warmth of their energy. It was a connection to his family, a reminder that he was never alone. 

Qiuyue Meiyi and Fang Li also had a gift for him. A new weapon, a spiritual sword that could be used in conjunction with his spear and fan. It was a beautiful weapon, the blade shimmering with a faint, otherworldly light. Qiuyue Cheng could feel the power within it, the way it resonated with his own energy.

Lastly, the rest of the siblings gifted him a musical instrument. A pipa, similar to the one Qiuyue Meiyi owned. They wanted him to be able to have a connection with music, even if he wouldn't be able to hear it. 

As he accepted the gifts, Qiuyue Cheng traced "thank you" on each of their palms, the other's hearts swelling as they felt the gratitude in his actions. 

That evening, they all gathered outside to watch the stars, the night air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Fang Ru and Fang Lin sat on either side of Qiuyue Cheng, their heads resting on his shoulders, the other resting around them. Fang Li and Qiuyue Meiyi sat nearby, their hands intertwined as they watched the children. 

There was a sense of peace in the air, a calm before the inevitable storm. But for now, they were content, surrounded by the love and warmth of their family. 

Chapter Text

Fang Li sat quietly at the dining table as she carefully read through the letter she had received from an old friend of hers who worked as a teacher in the Qinghe Nie Sect. It was more of an invitation than a letter really. Her friend, Nie Zhiyu, was inviting her and her family to visit the Qinghe Nie Sect. 

"It would be nice if all of the kids could get a tour around the Qinghe Nie Sect, and experience what daily life might be like in an official cultivation clan. Especially a clan of the major the Five Major Cultivation Sects," she thought, "I will still ask A-Mei if she wants to go as well." 

Fang Li dusted her robes as she stood to look for Qiuyue Meiyi, carefully placing the letter into the folds of her robes.  She found her friend in the garden alone, tending to a patch of camellia flower bushes with a small smile. Fondness spread through her at the sight of her friend looking so at peace. With how difficult Qiuyue Meiyi's life had been for so long, Fang Li was glad to see her finally getting to enjoy her life with her son and her family.

She deserved it after all. They both did. And she couldn't wait to spend in such a fashion, at peace in their small cottage with their big family.

"A-Mei," she called put, slowing stooping down to the left of Qiuyue Meiyi where she had rested her watering can. The other woman hummed at the sound of her name, moving her gaze from the flowers to the one beside her.

"I received a letter from an old friend of mine inviting me and my family to stay at the Qinghe Nie Sect for a week. You and A-Cheng have long since been part of my family, but I still want to ask you. Would you like to come along with us?" she inquired.

"Of course I'd love to," she responded with a serene smile, picking back up the watering can to continue watering some of the flowers that she hadn't tended to yet.

"It would also be a good opportunity for the kids to learn what life is like in an official cultivation sect," she agreed, "Plus it's been a while since we took a trip. I'm sure they'd love to explore Qinghe and discover new things that they haven't seen in Caiyi Town."

Fang Li nodded in agreement before thanking Qiuyue Meiyi and heading back inside to send a letter back to Nie Zhiyu, accepting his invitation. 

Two weeks later, in the wee hours of the morning, the entire house was preparing for the trip to Qinghe which would take at least two weeks, seeing as the adults planned to stop in Yunmeng to check on Qiuyue Meiyi's cottage before heading to Qinghe. The younger kids, Fang Chi, Fang Miyu and Fang Lei turned packing into a game, roping Qiuyue Cheng and Fang Liu into it as well. The older ones, Fang Ju, Fang Ru and Fang Lin packed their things more calmly, quietly giggling as they watched their younger siblings haphazardly shove as many of their things into their assigned qiankun pouches as possible. 

After packing the qiankun pouches, they all began changing into matching light green travelling robes that Fang Lin had sewn from scratch.  Fang Lin helped Fang Liu into her set of robes, while Fang Ju monitored Qiuyue Cheng in order to make sure he tied his robes correctly. The others quickly put on their robes for themselves. Once ensuring that each of them were dressed correctly, Fang Ju lead them to the front porch, where Qiuyue Meiyi and Fang Li were standing, dressed in matching white and grey robes that had also been embroidered by Fang Lin. The two women eyed all of the children carefully to make sure their robes were secured properly, before collecting all of their qiankun pouches to check them through.

Once ensuring that everything they needed was safely packed away in qiankun pouches, tucked safely into a satchel which was fastened to Fang Li's back, Fang Li and Qiuyue Meiyi quickly shuffled all of the children out of the house. They warded the house with a few talismans to keep away people with ill intent, animals and evil spirits, before starting the walk to Caiyi Towne in order to pick up any last minute supplies they may need and buy a mule and cart to make their travelling easier on the kids, who would likely have a harder time travelling suck vast distances on foot. 

The morning air was fresh as they arrived at the entrance of the now waking town, the faint scent of the blooming osmanthus trees wafting in the wind. The cobble stone streets glistened from the previous night's light rain shower, and the group happily waved hello to the vendors they passed who were just beginning to set up their stalls.  Fang Li walked to the front of the group with Qiuyue Meiyi beside her, their beautiful robes gently swaying in the breeze with each step.

Fang Liu and Fang Lei, skipped excitedly while holding onto Fang Lin's hands. Fang Chi, Fang Miyu and Qiuyue Cheng walked right behind them, arms interlocked to prevent each other from wandering off or getting lost. The two older ones chatted quietly while Qiuyue Cheng focused intently on the ring puzzle he held in his hands. Fang Ju and Fang Ru stood protectively at the back of the bunch, not holding hands but walking close enough that they would occasionally touch shoulders and find comfort in each other's presence.

They continued walking until they arrived at the western end of Caiyi Towne, where a house with a multitude of stables next to it stood firm. An older man was standing at the front of the house, sweeping fallen leaves away from his front door.

"Good morning Uncle Chen," Fang Li called out, the kids echoing the greeting from behind her, "I'd like to purchase one of your stronger mules and a cart please."

"Miss Fang, Miss Qiuyue, good morning! Good morning to you as well children," he greeted the large family with a pleasant smile. Lan Chen was a former Gusu Lan cultivator who had turned to raising cattle and selling travelling carts and materials after suffering a severe injury to his golden core from a night hunt gone wrong. He became familiar with the family of ten after helping a lost A-Cheng back to their group a few times, after he wandered away into the market in the early days of living with the Fang family. 

"I think Shanlin will be a good fit for you all," he stated as he left to walk into the stable, coming out a few minutes later with a short but muscular mule with light brown fur everywhere except its chest and the tips of its ears and tail, which were coloured a pale white. 

Qiuyue Meiyi took the reins of the mule from Lan Chen and calmly began to pet the adorable animal, the children happily following her lead while taking a few peaches from the qiankun pouch where they stored their food to feed the mule. Shanlin snorted happily at the fruits, and seemed more than pleased under all the attention he was receiving. Meanwhile, Lan Chen went to retrieve the cart they had asked for. Once he returned, Fang Li carefully examined the cart, checking its sturdiness and asking how well it could bear adverse weather and heavy weight. Lan Chen assured her of the quality of the cart, and Fang Li gave it one more inspection before deciding she was satisfied with it.

She handed Lan Chen some silver coins and a few bronze coins for the mule and cart, thanking him for his service before returning to the rest of the group. The kids quickly piled into the tray of the cart with their belongings, while the two adults sat at the front, Qiuyue Meiyi holding Shanlin's reigns. And with that they were off.

Their journey should take at least a week. Their first stop would be Yunmeng, to check on Qiuyue Meiyi's cottage before finishing the journey to Qinghe, with a few pit stops along the way. As they left Caiyi Towne, the group ventured past rolling fields of golden rice paddies that swayed in the wind. Farmers waved at them from a distance, their straw hats bobbing up and down as they worked. The dirt path was well trodden, bordered by wildflowers in shades of purple and yellow. Fang Li used her qi to pick some of the flowers and place them into the cart with the children.

Fang Miyu and Fang Lin excitedly giggled at the sight, quickly taking the flowers to weave them into intricate flower crowns which they handed to each of their family members. Fang Miyu carefully placed her final flower crown, made of mostly purple wildflowers with a few yellow ones sprinkled here and there, onto Qiuyue Cheng's head, carefully fixing it atop the delicately woven braids in his long hair. At the touch, Qiuyue Cheng gently raised his hands to feel the delicate petals laying atop his head. Qiuyue Cheng smiled once he felt the crown of flowers and then took ahold of her retreating hand with a bright smile, in order to tell her thank you. 

By early afternoon, the group came across a small bamboo grove where they decided to stop and rest. The children chattered among themselves as they unpacked small bundles of rice, pickled vegetables and dried meats. 

"Aunty Meiyi?" Fang Ru asked quietly to the woman sitting next to him, munching on her own food portion, "What is Yunmeng like?"

Qiuyue Meiyi, who had been about to pick up a few pieces of dried meats, sighed softly at the question before carefully putting down her chopsticks. A look of nostalgia filled her as she looked up into the afternoon sky.

"Yunmeng..." she began, her voice filled with a wistful reverence, "...is a land of lakes and rivers. It is a place where water is as much a part of daily life as the air we breathe. The land is vast, stretching across fertile plains, layered with countless rivers and lakes. The largest among them is the great Lotus Lake, which is said to have waters so clear they reflect the sky itself."

"The water that fills those lakes and rivers holds many meanings to the people of Yunmeng. They represent eternity, time, a feeling of belonging, a friend, and even hope. The rivers have been said to have flowed through their lands since the beginning of time, and have been with its people through tragedy and strife. Now, it's almost as if the people of Yunmeng have become one with those waters, reflecting their fluidity, steadfastness and eternal loyalty."

"The people are also all very different. There are fishermen, carpenters, merchants and many others, who all live very different lives, just like in Caiyi Towne. Yet they all hold one similarity. That is, their undying loyalty to Yunmeng and its rivers and lakes who hold the eternally ebbing and flowing blood of their history," She explained.

The kids all awed in amazement, expressing how different they thought Yunmeng seemed from Gusu.

Fang Ju hummed thoughtfully at her explanation. 

"If it's so open and full of water. Isn't it hard to defend?"

Qiuyue Meiyi gave him a small, knowing smile. 

"You would think so, wouldn't you? But Yunmeng's strength is in its cultivators and its natural barriers. The rivers are unpredictable, and only those who have grown up navigating them can use them to their advantage in battle. That is where Lotus Pier comes in. It is located in the largest city in Yunmeng, and is home to the Jiang Clan, one of the five Great Cultivation Sects."

Fang Ru's eyes lit up at the mention of the famous sect. 

"The Yunmeng Jiang Clan?"

"Yes," Qiuyue Meiyi confirmed. 

"They have ruled Yumeng for generations, their sect standing strong through many hardships. Their cultivators are known for their agility, fluidity and flexibility, as well as their unique style of cultivation that combines sword cultivation with water techniques. They believe in loyalty above all else. To them, family is the most important thing in the world."

Fang Chi, who had been quiet until now, piped up. "Have you been to Lotus Pier before?"

Qiuyue Meiyi hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. "Yes, a long time ago. It is a beautiful place surrounded by endless lotus flowers and shimmering waters. There is a street market just outside of Lotus Pier's compound, where there is lots of fresh fish, steamed buns, and spicy Yunmeng delicacies."

At the mention of food, Fang Lei's stomach let out a loud grumble, making the others laugh. 

"I want to try the spicy food too!" he declared.

"Perhaps one day. But we will not be stopping there today. We are only checking on my old cottage near the outskirts of Yunmeng before we continue," Qiuyue Meiyi chuckled.

Though she did not say more, there was something a bit heavy in her voice, something that made the older Fang children glance at each other. They knew better than to pry, but they sensed that Yunmeng held more than just nostalgia for her.

"Does Yunmeng have any cool folklore stories or legends?" Fang Ru asked curiously, trying to lighten the mood a little.

Finishing chewing, Qiuyue Meiyi responded. 

"Of course there are lots of legends and folklore. I'll tell you about a more fun one though. There's a legend from the outskirts of Yunmeng where I'm from, that if you look at your reflection in a Yunmeng river at midnight, a river spirit will appear and grant you a single wish," she explained, smiling faintly.

"Really!?" Fang Ru yelped in surprise. At her nod Fang Ru turned to his siblings with a mischievous smile. He thanked her before returning to his meal, the sight of her smile leaving the older kids feeling a lot better. 

As the days gradually pass by, the landscape around them changed drastically. The air grew from the dry and cold mist of Gusu to the heavier, more humid air of Yunmeng. It became obvious when they entered Yunmeng territory, as the distant sound of rushing water constantly filled their ears. The children's eyes filled with wonder, as they were able to witness the beauty of Yunmeng as they travelled through the heart of the expansive territory, in order to get to the northern section of its borders that separated it from Qishan Wen's territory.

The kids listened carefully, wide eyed and curious, as Qiuyue Meiyi enthusiastically described to them some of the history of Yunmeng, and how it came to be known for its Lotus lakes and expansive network of rivers.

After a week of travel, they finally arrived at Qiuyue Meiyi's cottage in the early afternoon. It was nestled on the outskirts of Yunmeng, near to the border of Qishan Wen, surrounded by a small garden overgrown with weeds, herbs and wildflowers. The barrier that Qiuyue Meiyi had left in place when she and Qiuyue Cheng had left for Caiyi Towne was still intact, creating a transparent, shimmering sphere around the cottage. Qiuyue Meiyi casually waved her hand to the side, and the barrier instantly disappeared, the talismans responsible for their creation burning to ashes in a mere second. The group entered the front garden and Qiuyue Meiyi guided the others to the front door before quickly rushing off to locate and disable the other talismans she had placed around the cottage.

While she did that, the others entered the cottage. When Fang Li opened the door, it immediately became obvious that the cottage had been untouched for quite a long time. A thick layer of dust covered every surface, and another layer even seemed to have permeated into the air, which sat as still as a slumbering bat. The kids all let out dramatic sighs at the amount of cleaning that was surely ahead of them.

“Don’t worry,” Fang Li reassured them, “We will only be cleaning the inside of the house right now, so we can cook dinner and rest. We will do a thorough cleaning of the yard tomorrow morning before departing.”

With that, they all got to work. The kids opened the windows and began airing out the various rooms while Fang Li used her qi to create small but powerful swirls of high speed winds to sweep up most of the dirt and dust that layered the cottage. Afterwards, the kids found a few rags which they dampened by the nearby river and used to do a final, thorough wipe down of all the areas, furniture and appliances Fang Li had cleaned with her wind. Once Qiuyue Meiyi returned from releasing all the talismans, immediately got to work mopping the floors and scrubbing the walls.

By the time the sun had just started to set below the horizon, the inside of the cottage was sparkling clean, not a speck of dust or grime in sight. Breeze flowed calmly through the cottage, smelling pleasantly of the plants and wildflowers out in the garden and the nearby woods, instead of stale air and damp wood as it had before. With the cleaning completed, meal preparation was started.

Fang Ju took Fang Ru and Qiuyue Cheng to the river with him to catch some fish, and Fang Chi and Fang Miyu searched through the garden and nearby forest for some vegetables and fruit. Meanwhile, a few makeshift beds were set up in the living room and bedroom by Fang Lin and Fang Lei, ensuring that everyone had a place to sleep, while Fang Liu accompanied Fang Li and Qiuyue Meiyi as they started on dinner.

The smell of it wafted through the air, creating a sense of anticipation of the meal to come within everyone present. And the mothers did not disappoint. By the time the sun had just set below the mountains, and stars had just begun to appear in the sapphire sky, a beautiful spread of smoked fish, stir fried vegetables, boiled rice noodles and vegetable soup had been laid out on the dining table.

At the sight of the delicious food, the kids quickly said a blessing before happily digging into the meal. The two mothers laughed heartily at the enthusiasm of their children for a simple meal, before digging in themselves. Light hearted laughter and incessant chatter floated through the air as the moon shined brightly in the night sky.

The next morning, Qiuyue Meiyi set out to visit her neighbours after helping Fang li make a simple congee with diced fresh fruit for breakfast. She trudged slowly along the dirt path, a woven basket of fresh fruits and trinkets from Caiyi Towne to share with her neighbours balanced carefully in her arms. Following the sounds of the nearby river, she visited all of her neighbouring villagers who lived nearby.

They all greeted her excitedly once they realised who she was. She told them happily of her brief return and informed them of how her and her son had been fairing since they had left.  At each stop, she carefully handed out the fresh fruits and trinkets she had gathered as small tokens of gratitude for her neighbours, to thank them for keeping tabs on her cottage to ensure it wasn’t damaged or ransacked while she was away.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Fang Li and the kids had finished breakfast, and were beginning to clean up the garden and back courtyard of the cottage. Fang Ju and Fang Ru were trimming the wild hedges and cutting away creeping vines. They used tools that they’d found in Qiuyue Meiyi’s storage closet efficiently, pulling at roots and hauling branches into neat piles. Sweat glistened on their foreheads as they quietly bickered with each other to help pass the time.

Fang Lin and Fang Chi took on the garden beds, where weeds had overtaken the vegetables that once grew there. Fang Lin, careful and methodical, began pulling up the roots one by one while Fang Chi worked in energetic bursts, trying to dig up as much as he could with each scoop of his small spade.

“A-Chi! You’re tossing dirt on the path!” Fang Lin whined in protest, her lips twitching into a barely hidden smile.

“Oops,” Fang Chi grinned, brushing his fingers through the dirt, “I’ll sweep it up, promise!”

Nearby, Fang Miyu and Fang Lei worked together to sweep the front stone path. Fang Miyu directed Fang Lei with quiet sisterly authority, showing him how to angle the broom so the dust wouldn’t just blow back. Fang Lei, ever eager to impress, tried hard to follow her instructions, even if his little arms wobbled with the effort. Meanwhile, little Fang Liu toddled between her older siblings, clutching a small watering can, an expression of serious concentration plastered on her face. Though most of the water sloshed out before reaching the ground, she earnestly poured it over the base of a patch of wild chrysanthemums growing by the door.

Qiuyue Cheng, quiet and calm as ever, stood by the porch with Fang Li, gently sorting through a patch of overgrown herbs. Together, they picked and separated through the overgrown brush into multiple piles based on smell, in order for them to be used for different purposes. Fang Li smiled happily at the fragrant heaps of honeysuckle, cilantro, bay leaf and cinnamon. By the time Qiuyue Meiyi returned from her visit with the neighbors, the yard looked renewed. The hedges were trimmed, the path cleared, and the garden no longer choked by weeds.

She stood for a moment, eyes wide, then let out a slow breath.

“You guys really did all this?” She asked in amazement, having expected just a little sprucing up to be done here and there, not a fully remastered exterior. From the courtyard, to the garden, everything looked even better than when she had left it.

The kids and Fang Li simply smiled at her in return, welcoming her back with gleeful yells and open arms.

After Qiuyue Meiyi helped them pack away the tools they had been using and properly storing the herbs they had collected, the group didn’t linger too long. After a quick meal and a bit of rest, they loaded the wagons again and prepared to continue their journey. The road from Yunmeng to Qinghe Nie would take around seven days. They would do the trip in two parts however, first stopping at Yunping City before continuing to Qinghe.

The route to Yunping City snaked along waterways, crossed lowland bridges, and passed through quiet, rural stretches of different Provinces.

The first day of travel brought gentle breezes and skies streaked with thin clouds. The terrain was flat and lush with fields of green rice paddies stretching as far as the eye could see. Ducks waddled in and out of shallow creeks, and fishermen waved at them as they passed from where they stood within the cool rivers, woven baskets of fish in their hands. Qiuyue Cheng huddled with Fang Miyu and Fang Lei at the back of the wagon, his hand resting against the wooden floor, feeling the rhythmic pulse of the wheels against the earth. Occasionally, they would gently tap his palm and trace a few characters, "Family is safe. Cute ducks. Pretty flowers."

They made camp that evening under a massive willow tree by a quiet brook. Fang Ju, Fang Chi and Fang Ru gathered firewood while Fang Lin, Miyu and Qiuyue Cheng unpacked dried buns, cured duck, and pickled vegetables. Fang Li, Fang Lei and Qiuyue Cheng set up their tents while Fang Liu, too young to help, sat on Qiuyue Meiyi’s lap, half-asleep. It wasn't long before everyone had eaten and gone to bed, snuggled up in their tents.

"Mama," Fang Lei said as he cuddled up to Fang Li's waist, "I think Cheng-ge likes traveling. He keeps smiling."

"Is that so?" Fang Li answered, brushing his hair aside. "Maybe he feels how happy we are too."

The second day, the path narrowed and grew rockier. They began to ascend gentle hills dotted with bamboo groves and flowering plum trees. Birds chirped in the canopy above, and once, a family of deer crossed the path ahead, their coats glimmering in the sun. During one steep descent, the cart nearly tipped over, sending everyone scrambling to shift their weight.

"Hold tight!" Fang Li called out, gripping the reins. "The path turns here!"

By afternoon, they found a small roadside shrine dedicated to a river spirit. Qiuyue Meiyi paused there, lighting incense and offering dried fruit. She placed a hand on her son’s wrist and guided his fingers to feel the etched prayer-stone: Safe travels. Calm waters.

That night, they camped beside a wide bend in the river. Fireflies rose in glittering clouds as the children told stories, or rather, Fang Ju told the stories while the others listened, occasionally added corrections or injecting their own opinions and suggestions.

"-And then the blind swordsman struck the demon down with a single sweep of his fan!" Fang Ju declared dramatically, flinging his arms wide.

Fang Chi scoffed. "That doesn't make sense. How can you aim a fan like that?"

"It’s not about logic, it’s about spirit," Fang Ju countered.

Their mothers sat nearby, giggling faintly as they watched their children fight over the logistics of Fang Ju's stories.

The final day brought signs of more populated civilization. The wilderness gave way to organized fields, stone fences, and tiled-roof villages. The road became smoother, and the sound of conversation replaced the calls of birds. As they approached Yunping City, the scent of fresh bread, oil, and fish began to fill the air.

"We're close," Fang Li said, voice filled with relief. "Just a few more li."

Yunping City stood nestled in a valley, its walls sturdy and watchful. The red-tiled roofs gleamed under the late afternoon sun, and the streets buzzed with activity. Street vendors sold sticky rice dumplings and roasted chestnuts, while lanterns bobbed above the marketplace. They crossed through the city gate and found a modest inn near the southern corner.

As they unloaded their things, Fang Liu was already dozing off in Qiuyue Meiyi's arms, and the others looked ready to collapse. The adults quickly ushered the kids into the inn, paying for two large rooms before getting them to change their clothes, wash up and hit the hay.

 The next morning arrived quickly and without much fanfare. Sunlight filtered through pale silk curtains in their rooms, casting golden lines onto the inn's polished floorboards. A gentle rustling filled the rooms as Fang Li roused her children one by one, the sleepiest being Fang Lei, who groaned dramatically into his pillow, only to be lifted up bodily by his older sister Fang Lin. Qiuyue Meiyi, already dressed in her usual muted robes, sat by the window with Qiuyue Cheng in her lap, running a calming hand through his hair.

With the growth in his connection to spiritual energy, Qiuyue Cheng had grown more perceptive and alert of the world around him. The world was no longer simply blobs of spiritual energy, but instead a detailed landscape that looked as if it had been painted by the most talented of artisans. He could tell the size and shape of everything around him, the intricacies of the spiritual energy within them, and how close everything was to life or death.

Currently, he was looking out the room's window, quietly observing as the blobs he had learned to identify as "people" peacefully walked about their morning.

Before long, everyone had gathered downstairs. They all sat in the inn's dining hall, eating a hearty breakfast of sticky rice, stewed vegetables, and sweet buns stuffed with lotus seed paste. The innkeeper had added a special dish, a light herbal soup with ginseng and dried goji berries, which seemed to warm their stomachs and souls alike. Qiuyue Cheng slowly felt around for his utensils before starting on his breakfast. Fang Liu sat in a special chair beside him, humming an off-key tune between bites. Laughter filled the room as Fang Chi told a joke that made even the innkeeper chuckle under his breath.

After breakfast, the family agreed to split up for some morning exploration. They split into three group: Qiuyue Meiyi with Qiuyue Cheng and Fang Liu, Fang Li with Fang Miyu and Fang Lei, and Fang Ju with Fang Ru, Fang Lin and Fang Chi.

Despite the early hour, the cobbled streets of Yunping City were already saturated with the scents of sesame oil, roasted chestnuts, and fresh ink. Vendors shouted over one another in the morning markets, silk banners flapped gently overhead, and courtyards echoed with children’s laughter and the rhythmic beat of laundry being smacked dry against smooth stones.

Fang Li led the two of her younger children through the bustling heart of Yunping City. They stopped at a tea shop where Fang Miyu admired the porcelain cups and sniffed every tin of tea leaves available. Fang Lei, of course, tried to climb one of the display shelves. The boy could only giggle and smile even as he watched his mother profusely apologise to the shop owner, who didn't seem to mind all that much herself after seeing the seven year old's toothy smile.

As they continued their exploring, they visited a street performance where an old man juggled knives while balancing on a rolling barrel. Fang Miyu clapped politely, her eyes gleaming in amazement while Fang Lei screamed with laughter. Fang Li bought them each a sesame bun, smiling as she wiped crumbs from their faces. They then wandered through the textile district, Fang Miyu eyeing a few delicate silks while Fang Li bargained for a sturdy pair of traveling gloves.

Meanwhile, the older siblings stuck together. They explored weapon stalls, practicing forms with mock-swords and wooden spears. Fang Lin dragged them into a bookstore, where she thumbed through thick texts about cultivation while the boys groaned. Fang Chi snuck out to buy honeycomb candy and returned sticky-fingered but triumphant.

After one and a half shichens, they checked the other side of the city, where they got to watch a pair of tamed spiritual beasts spar in a demonstration arena, glowing feathers and silvery scales clashing in midair while trainers shouted commands.

To the north of the city, Qiuyue Meiyi held onto Fang Liu’s hand firmly while Qiuyue Cheng walked ahead with a string of candied hawthorn stuck in one cheek. They visited an incense stall first, where Fang Liu picked out a bundle shaped like rabbits. Qiuyue Cheng carefully touched the waxy surface of the incense and the smooth containers the incense were stored in, humming curiously at the various textures.

Then they wandered toward the quieter end of the city, where fewer vendors hollered and the breeze carried the scent of medicinal herbs rather than fried pastries. They paused at a paper kite shop, where Fang Liu begged Meiyi to buy her one shaped like a dragon. The woman couldn't find it in herself to say no, at the puppy eyes and incessant tugging from the three year old.

Soon after, they came across a stone bridge where an old woman was painting calligraphy onto paper talismans. She happily handed Qiuyue Cheng some of the talismans, allowing him to feel the elaborate designs painted onto the paper's surface by the ink.

A half shichen passed as they continued along a lesser used alleyway, shaded by overgrown wisteria and leaning wooden buildings. One of the buildings they passed caught Qiuyue Meiyi’s eye. It was a decrepit structure with faded characters barely visible above the door. The smell permeating form behind the door however, was what truly drew her in.

‘Jin’s Ingredients’ The sign atop the front door stated in bold black calligraphy. Curious, Qiuyue Meiyi stepped forward. The door creaked open.

Inside, the air was musty and filled with the sharp tang of aged herbs. Shelves lined the room, many empty or covered in dust, but there were signs of recent use; herb packets tied with fresh twine, a mortar and pestle still damp from recent use.

A boy about fifteen stood in the corner, holding a basket of dried root vegetables. A woman with similar features stood beside him, her skin pale, her eyes tired and her clothes worn thin at the elbows. At the sight of them, she moved to stand protectively in front of the boy.

“We’re not selling anything today,” the woman said quickly, her voice low and wary.

Qiuyue Meiyi bowed, “I apologize. I thought this was a medicine shop. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

The woman studied her, noting the more expensive cut of her robes and the two children clinging silently to her hand and robes.

She tensed. “You’re not from around here.”

“No. We’re only passing through. But… I know the scent of good medicine when I smell it.”

The woman’s expression softened a little at that. “You mix medicines?”

“Among other things,” Qiuyue Meiyi smiled, stepping forward.

Qiuyue Cheng looked toward the young boy beside the woman, noticing a strange swelling mass in the smooth flow of his spiritual energy. He then began pointing at the boy and tugging on his mother's robes. Feeling the tugs, Qiuyue Meiyi looked down at her son inquisitively.

"What is it A-Cheng?" Qiuyue Cheng wrote a single word in her palm while pointing at the boy.

"Wrong."

Confused, Qiuyue Meiyi glanced back at the woman and the boy.

"May I ask for your names?" she enquired. The woman tensed once again, immediately putting her guard back up.

"Why does that matter?" she glared scathingly.

"I do not want to hurt you, either of you. I think something may be wrong with that boy, but I do not want to simply force myself into his space. Therefore, I chose to introduce myself instead" Qiuyue Meiyi responded calmly.

The woman tensed even more, "Wrong? How would you know if anything is wrong with my son?"

Qiuyue Meiyi glimpsed back at her son again, wondering whether to reveal his abilities to the woman in front of her. She needed to gain her trust if she wanted to be able to get a good look at the boy's meridians.

Deciding to extend an olive branch, Qiuyue Meiyi began to explain, "My son is able to see spiritual energy. He thinks something may be wrong with your son's meridians. If I can take at them myself, I can determine the exact damage that is present there."

The woman scoffed.

"His meridians? I'm sorry but my son isn't a cultivator! How can there be something wrong with his meridians if he doesn't even use them!?"

"Just because he doesn't use them to cultivate does not his meridians aren't there. Spiritual energy flows through him whether he has a golden core or not. Cultivators are simply able to use that energy as a power source through intense training and meditation. While illnesses of a spiritual nature are nearly impossible to develop as a non-cultivator, they still do occur. And although I do not know you or your son, I'd rather help him now than simply ignore his potential issue and let him go on his way, knowing that it may very well lead to his future demise," Qiuyue Meiyi argued in return.

Both the woman and boy looked shocked at her reply. It was almost as if they couldn't fathom the thought of someone genuinely wanting to help them without anything in return. Observing their dirty clothes and haggard appearances, Qiuyue Meiyi's heart ached at the thought of what the two strangers before her must be going through.

The two huddled together quietly, mumbled conversation echoing between them. After a moment, the two turned to Qiuyue Meiyi, the woman stepping forward with a defeated sigh.

"I will allow you to take a look at my son. However, if anything happens to him, I swear on my family name that I will make your life a living hell," she stated coldly.

Qiuyue Meiyi nodded in understanding. "Of course."

The boy slowly walked toward her. Qiuyue Meiyi softly asked for is permission before taking ahold of his wrist and pushing her own qi through his meridians. After a minute, she discovered what Qiuyue Cheng had seen. There was a peculiar blockage in the boy's stream of spiritual energy, located near his lower dantian. While not deadly, it was likely prohibiting the spiritual energy from being able to properly flow through the boy's body. If he ever chose to become a cultivator in the future, it could prevent him from being able to form a proper golden core.

Gently, Qiuyue Meiyi used her qi to work through the knots in the blockage, trying her best to reduce the concentration of the blockage without causing the boy physical pain. After a few minutes had passed, she slowed to a stop.

"Your son has a blockage in the path of spiritual energy in his meridians," she stated calmly.

"While not deadly, it could prevent him from forming a strong golden core if he ever chose to pursue a cultivation path. I was able to remove some of the blockage, however, most of it is still there. With a cultivator's help, soothing out the remainder of the know should take a few hours, which you can spread out over the course of a couple days to reduce stress on his body and meridians. If you can't find a cultivator to help, I would recommend that he spend an hour a day at least, carefully meditating, in order to properly sooth out the blockage. That process would take about two weeks, and I can teach him the proper meditation technique if you'd like."

The two in front of her stared at her in shock. The woman quickly regained her bearings and bowed, her son immediately following her.

"Thank you so much for the help, dear cultivator," she replied gratefully, a slight nervousness filling her tone, "I apologise, but I do not have anything on me to repay you with. How can I thank you for your services?"

"No payments are required," Qiuyue Meiyi quickly reassured her, gently pulling the woman out of her bow by her elbows.

"However, I'd still like to know your name and your son's name," she grinned cheekily.

The woman sighed in relief, a thankful expression enveloping her face.

"My name is Meng Shi. This is my son Meng Yao, he is 14 summers old," she introduced them both, Meng Yao politely tilting his head at her.

Qiuyue Meiyi introduced Qiuyue Cheng and Fang Liu to them in turn. With the tense atmosphere gone, conversation between them flowed much more smoothly. Qiuyue Cheng, holding Fang Liu's hand, quietly walked over to Meng Yao. The older boy, though hesitant at first, allowed the child to touch his arm. Qiuyue Cheng then took his hand and gently traced a character onto the centre of his palm. Meng Yao was able to recognise the characters he used.

"Qiuyue Cheng? That's your name isn't it?" he said.

Qiuyue Meiyi smiled. “He can't see or hear, so that is how he learns names.”

A look of surprise appeared on Meng Yao's face before he nodded in understanding. He then traced the characters for his own name onto Qiuyue Cheng's palm, before taking his hand and pointing it at himself. When the younger boy nodded in understanding, Meng Yao crouched in front of him and began tracing some more characters.

“Friend?”

Qiuyue Cheng stilled for a moment before tilting his head upwards and nodding, a small smile on his lips. Meng Yao grinned at him in return, before introducing himself to Fang Liu who eagerly introduced herself in turn.

Meng Shi meanwhile, stood with Qiuyue Meiyi.

"You're too kind," she told the other woman, her lips trembling, "Usually, no one gives us the time of day."

Qiuyue Meiyi simply took both of her hands in her own, offering Meng Shi a look of compassion. Conversation between them flowed softly and naturally after that shared understanding. They swapped medicinal recipes, debating the effectiveness of angelica root in fever medicine, giggling over how hard it was to get young children to take bitter herbs.

“Do you have any biological children?” Meng Shi asked.

“No,” Qiuyue Meiyi answered, “but I consider A-Cheng my own. He is and will always be my son, regardless of the lack of blood between us. My friend and her children are all family to me as well.”

Meng Shi nodded. “I work at… a brothel. My son works there too as a servant. He cleans and runs errands for the brothel owner and clients. I did my best to make sure he wouldn't end up taking my kind of work, but I worry a lot these days. The type of gazes on him have changed, as he is older now. This building belonged to a friend who taught me about herbs. Some days like today, when the brothel is closed, we sneak here to escape the gazes and just take a break from the world.”

“I’m sorry,” Qiuyue Meiyi replies quietly.

“He’s a good boy. Smart. But the world isn’t kind," Meng Shi whispered. Qiuyue Meiyi looked toward Meng Yao, Fang Liu and Qiuyue Cheng, now silently passing herbal bundles to each other, a game forming between their hands.

“Perhaps… it can be kinder, with some effort,” she mumbled in return. Eventually, Meng Shi stood, immediately gaining Meng Yao's attention.

“We must return before someone notices,” she said.

Qiuyue Meiyi nodded. “Thank you. For your company.”

Meng Shi hesitated. “Thank you. For not judging us.”

With a shared smile, they parted ways. Qiuyue Meiyi gathered Qiuyue Cheng and Fang Liu into her arms before heading back to their inn to meet up with the others.

As the sun neared its peak, the families regrouped at the inn's shaded courtyard for lunch. The kids chatted loudly about their adventures and the sights they saw while exploring. Fang Li sat quietly next to Qiuyue Meiyi sipping some plum juice. She offered some to Qiuyue Meiyi, but the other woman smiled and declined to eat or drink anything. Although she was smiling, Fang Li could tell from the slight curl of her eyebrows that Qiuyue Meiyi was thinking intensely about something that was bothering her.

“I have an errand,” Qiuyue Meiyi suddenly told her, pressing a kiss to Qiuyue Cheng’s head and waving to the rest of the kids before standing up, “I won’t be long.”

With that, she disappeared into the alleys of Yunping. Qiuyue Meiyi found the brothel Meng Shi had told her about easily. Gaudy red banners, perfume strong in the air, the sound of laughter just a little too brittle. She entered without hesitation. The brothel owner, a paunchy old man with too many rings, looked her up and down.

“Looking for companionship, madam?”

“No. I’m here to purchase two of your employees,” she states plainly. A toothy grin spread across the man's face.

"Ahhh, you're here to pick up some merchandise for your young master huh? I hope your young master is wealthy because my prices aren't cheap. Would you like to survey the options? " he asked slimily.

"No," she responded coldly, "I came here for myself. And I already know who I want."

The man blinked. “What?”

Qiuyue Meiyi stepped forward, her voice low and sharp. “I’ll make you a deal. You bring me Meng Shi and her son, and you can keep what’s in this bag.”

She took a giant sac out of her qiankun pouch and held it in her hands. She then opened it slightly, allowing the old man to see the endless plethora of shimmering gold coins stored inside. The shine of the gold coins reflected on the man’s face as his eyes widened greedily. Feeling the avarice overflowing from him, Qiuyue Meiyi smirked. Her plan was now in action.

She would get Meng Shi and her son out of this horrid place if it was the last thing she did.