Being tricked so rudely by Zhu Yan, no doubt, was hard for Ying Lei to swallow, though not completely unexpected, but seeing Bai Jiu's body in such a weak state, pale, sick and barely able to move when he was always so full of energy broke his heart, even when the one possessing him at that moment was his mortal enemy and it pains him greatly to see his best friend like this.
Ying Lei didn't know what to do at a time when his heart yearned to fight to bring Xiao Jiu back to them, but his body was too weak to approach the pagoda demon even when he was at his weakest. He had only recently experienced the great pain and loss of his grandfather sacrifice, but losing someone so dear, so close to his heart and soul, so young and full of vitality with a bright future ahead of him, was almost unbearable, and he wanted to scream in frustration and beg for the nightmare to finally end, so he did.
"Li Lun! Please set him free, he doesn't deserve to die as well... Give Bai Jiu back to me! Li Lun! Release him before it's too late! I already lost my grandfather, please I don't want to lose him too, he's too young..." Ying Lei pleaded from the bottom of his heart with tears in his eyes, hoping that the pagoda demon would at least be moved by his words of loss, but all he got was Li Lun using a spell to silence him for good.
"What good will it do to release him now, little mountain god? Old or young, whether he deserves it or not, the fact is, no matter what, he will die. Blame Zhu Yan for destroying my original body if you want to blame his death on someone else. It's not like I wanted to die either. This is just as painful for me as it is for you." Li Lun said as he returned to where Ao Yin sat on a stone, as in his final moments, he felt quite nostalgic and alone.
It was hard to imagine that his former best friend had dared to burn him alive, after so many centuries of sharing their lives as brothers and as soulmates. But despite the pain, he had seized a second chance at life in someone quite fitting for him, only to lose it in a careless slip, when he had planned his revenge so carefully for years. To be honest, it was all so laughable that it made him want to cry.
So much work and precious lifespan thrown away in a mere moment of ignorance. Betrayed by the very same man that betrayed the dragon princess and now he was as ruined as the princess that gave her life for revenge, unable to fulfill his wish just as much as hers. It was the worst ending he could have imagined, though at least he wouldn't die alone. He would take with him someone those damned mortals and Zhu Yan cared about so much. Serves them right... for all the suffering he went trough at Zhu Yan, as well as that of ambitious mortals.
"My Lord, I was useless. I could not get the scale to save you, I failed..." Ao Yin whisper as regret, pain and sadness assaulted her heart. Li Lun meant so much for her that she will gladly give her life for him and do whatever it takes to keep him alive. She had already lose him once and a second time was something she could not stand it, but still she failed... and she regret it more than anything.
"It wasn't your fault Ao Yin, it was Zhu Yan cunning scheming that fail us. He even risked the life of his mountain god by lying to him, and they dare call me evil..."
"You are not evil! When I was tortured and imprisoned by those despicable mortals, you were the only one who took pity on me and gave me freedom. If there is anyone who deserves to be called evil more than the demons born of malicious energy, its those cunning mortals who kill indiscriminately. What did I do to them to deserve to be caged and beaten? We were all just mere material for their experiments and where was the Baize Goddess when we died unjustly? What right do they have to think they are any better?" Asked Ao Yin resentfully as tears streamed down her face and Li Lun, quite moved gently wipe them away with his fingers.
"Yes, none of them are better, and for trying to change that unjust system, I was locked here. In this cold, empty place that restricts us, while mortals enjoy everything we've been denied. I hated this place so much after realizing how much the gods have failed us, and yet, I was locked here for an eternity of suffering... It's so unfair and pitiful that now, at the end, I've come here because I have nowhere else to go."
"For years, I have lived the freedom of the mortal world at the cost of my life of cultivation with every possession. I travel everywhere and experience the wonders of their creations as well as their lies, their hypocrisy and the darkness of their hearts. However, this cold and barren place that had held me against my will is what remains because I never found another place to belong after he betrayed me.... When we were friends, every place we went to was ours, every moment we lived was cherished, but then he chose those mortals over me and even left me carrying unbearable pain and suffering, while he enjoyed life with Zhao Wan'er before killing her, and then with those low-life hunters." Li Lun confessed to Ao Yin.
"He will also meet his end and at the hands of those he chose." Ai Yin try to console him, but Li Lun only smiled sadly.
"For him is different, Ao Yin. Zhu Yan wants that death quite desperately, so he will die gladly at the hands of Zhuo Yi Chen, even if he now have feelings for him. It will give him release and freedom from all his regrets... while I will die alone and hating it until the end..."
"My Lord, you are not alone, I'm here with you and I will follow you whatever you go."
"Don't you fear death?"
"I fear to be left behind more. If you die, then I will follow." She whisper and Li Lun extended his hand toward her.
"Then, let's find a grander place to die and someone else to die with us." Li Lun mutters as he gathers his energy and get away in a sea of leaves, leaving behind a desperate Ying Lei, unable to do more than wish for things to end differently as he weeps and call Bai Jiu's name in vain.
Back at Mount Kunlun two figures sat on the steps of the temple of the mountain gods in waiting under the cold night air with only a bottle of wine to warm their bodies as Yi Chen was still quite worried about his missing friend. Zhu Yan could only sit as close to his beloved as possible while drinking his wine occasionally as he did not dare to tease him when he had so many things on his mind. Still, the night was cold and his body longed for Yi Chen's closeness, so he satisfied his need by just placing his head on his shoulder to at least breathe in his rich scent of pure spring water.
"Xiao Zhuo, I swear that Ying Lei is going to be alright. Please trust me, I will never do something bad enough that will put at risk our relationship." Zhu Yan whisper as he nuzzle his neck, making Yi Chen snap out of his daze and look back at him.
"Is not that I don't trust you, just that Li Lun is no longer the man you once knew." Zhuo Yi Chen said as he pull Zhu Yan closer.
"His feelings for me may have changed, but the old man's haven't. Ying Zhao was like a father to both of us, so even if he hates me, at least he won't hurt a descendant of his so lightly. If Ying Lei had proven himself too powerful to be a threat to him, he might try to kill him, but Ying Lei is still a young mountain god, a teenager in mortal terms, and his cultivation is of no concern to Li Lun at this point. He won't bother with him unless necessary."
"Then may I ask what kind of relationship you two had before you separated? Were you lovers?" Yi Chen asked out of the blue, more curious than anything else, and Zhu Yan smiled, seeing an opportunity to spice things up.
"Why are you asking now? Are you jealous?" He teased.
"Of course not! It's just that he's very persistent and likes to play with your heart and feelings most of all. It's obvious that something is pushing him to this point, and it's not necessarily a betrayal, if you ask me." Zhu Yi Chen pointed out, but Zhuo Yan simply moved his head to kiss the ice tattoos on his neck.
"Demons don't love the same way as mortals. I doubt love is what fuels his quest for vengeance."
"What do you mean by that? How different can love be between demons and mortals?" Zhuo Yi Chen asked, not minding Zhu Yan's mischievous kiss on his neck, as the sensation over his sensitive skin was quite pleasant.
"Demons aren't born into this world like mortals, so we don't see things the same way they do. A demon can be born from a tree that draws enough malicious energy to cultivate it and obtain a primordial spirit or demonic essence. The more years a demon accumulates that energy, the more powerful it will become, to the point of being able to shapeshift. However, even when a demon takes on a mortal appearance, that doesn't mean it views life the same way. For a demon, there's no need to love in mortal terms, because we become who we are by what we do ourselves. Mortals need connections because that's their way of surviving; they need to gather in large groups for protection, while they need to learn to advance and thrive. They love passionately because their lives are short and out of necessity to preserve the specie."
"We demons are born alone, cultivating and growing with our own power, making us more independent than mortals, and in most cases, we prefer to stay away from other demons and follow our path as we please. Therefore, since we live such long lives and cultivate for centuries, love is not something we seek .As long as there is malicious energy to cultivate, demons will always exist, from all kinds of plants to a wide variety of animals and beasts, so we don't need to procreate to maintain our legacy."
"Of course, fall in love can happen to any demon if their souls are compatible enough to attract each other, but since time is not a limitation, demons like Bing Yi and Ying Long don't feel the need to rush it or even act on it like mortals does. Usually, only demons that have closer contact with the mortal world, like myself, understand passion and desire it. Li Lun and I knew each other since we were kids, and we were both equally strong, living under the same guidance of the mountain gods. However, only I was captivated by the mortal way of life. Therefore, Li Lun's obsession with me is not the kind of love the two of us share, but something else entirely."
"He never understood why I was so fascinated by mortals, nor why I wanted to become one. He was only disappointed that I wanted to be less than what I was born to be and reject his way of thinking when we no longer believe the in same things. It's disappointment and resentment that drives him, for me choosing what he hates so much and hurting him in the process. For someone who thought we were one and the same when we were young, it's hard to forget when you're proven wrong. Will you call that love?" Zhu Yan asked and Yi Chen look up to the stars.
"If time doesn't matter, then maybe yes... Li Lun may have not been as trilled as you with the mortal world, but he had wondering around for long enough while possessing people to understand love now." Yi Chen softly told him and Zhu Yan reluctantly moved away from his position so he could look at Yi Chen better.
"The last time we face each other he still didn't understand me, nor why I did those things he hate. Either way, you don't need to worry for another love rival, Xiao Zhuo, I only love you." Zhu Yan said and Yi Chen was on fire as he pushed Zhu Yan away.
"You! Don't say such nonsense, I'm not jealous, you pervert monkey!" Zhuo Yi Chen exclaimed but Zhu Yan only laughed as he pulled him closer.
"Glad to hear that, now, what about a kiss to prove it..."
"Stupid monkey, don't try to take advantage, we are not here to have a romantic date."
"But is such a perfect night, it will be a shame not to enjoy our closeness and the solitude of our surroundings. Here there is only you and me... and the wine that burns in our hearts." Zhu Yan whispered as he approached his beautiful dragon and Yi Chen closed his eyes, quite unable to resist the attraction between the two and just as their lips were about to meet, there was the sound of hurried footsteps approaching, causing Zhu Yan to curse under his breath, as they were so close, so very close, yet, Zhuo Yi Chen regained his composure and stood up to meet the visibly stricken Ying Lei.
"Zhao Yuan Zhou, you evil demon, you gave me an empty box!" Ying Lei accused him, and Yi Chen stepped between them to try to calm him down.
"Are you okay, Ying Lei? Did you run into Li Lun? Did he hurt you in any way?" Zhuo Yi Chen began to ask, and Ying Lei, still wrapped in his emotions, shook his head to answer his many questions, unable to hold back his tears.
"I'm fine... but Bai Jiu... Bai Jiu is dying... and I couldn't do anything to stop it..." The young mountain god said so sadly that Yi Chen understood all too well his pain, so he placed a hand on Ying Lei's shoulder to show he cared, but the young man was too hurt to hold back and hugged the commander tightly as he sobbed into his chest.
Zhuo Yi Chen has always been compassionate, but when it comes to comforting others, he admitted he was not the best, so he only pat Ying Lei's back slightly and he looked over the great demon at his side, expecting him to be at the very least annoyed that Ying Lei had hug him, but instead he saw sadness on Zhu Yan eyes. Was he blaming himself again for what happen to Bai Jiu? Or was it because both the young physician and his former friend were about to die? Perhaps both at the same time.
"Ying Lei... as soon as the sword is restored, I promise we will bring him back. We are not going to let him die so easily, so please... just give us a little more time." Zhuo Yi Chen try to calm him down, but the young god was heartbroken and saw no light at the end of that tunnel that could save the young doctor in time.
"We are out of time... he is really sick... and even Li Lun thinks he is going to die soon." Ying Lei whisper between sobs. The others didn't see Bai Jiu in his current state and how heartbroken it had been to be completely powerless to at least reach the scared kid trapped inside his own body. If he had just been less selfish, more responsible and cultivate properly under the tutelage of his grandfather, maybe by now he would have grown powerful enough to have the strength to save and protect those he cares about.
"Bai Jiu is not going to die so easily, little mountain god. His true power may not be awaken yet, but just like with you, in his veins runs the blood of a god and a powerful one at that, so even if he is poison, is not going to kill him right away. We still can save him, so don't give up on him just yet. It's unlike you." Zhu Yan said and Yi Chen almost sighed in relief. His great demon was most of the time mischievous, but at least when it matters he was quite reliable.
"You're right..." Ying Lei said, letting go of the commander and wiping away his tears. "I won't give up on him until the end."
"That's the spirit, now go and have some rest. Tomorrow we may have all the answers we need and the chance to save him..." Zhuo Yi Chen said to the young man with a gentle smile, and Ying Lei wanted to thank the commander for his kindness, but seeing the great demon beside him looking at him like he wanted to eat him alive, he reconsidered. The last time he expressed his admiration, the great demon warned him not to get carried away, so it was better to appreciate him in silence.
"Commander, I think he may come here and confront the great demon soon." Ying Lei warned them and Yi Chen patted his arm gently.
"Let him come, we will be ready and it will save us time to try find him again when the Cloud Light Sword is back in my hand." Yi Chen whisper reassuringly.
"Yeah, Ying Lei... we still have unfinished business here, so we will appreciate the privacy... you don't mind, right?"
"Zhao Yuan Zhou!" Yi Chen yelled.
"Fine, you are too impatience, great demon. I guess the older you are, the more possessive you become. Is not like there is anyone here that can steal him from you... even the goddess is taken."
"Ying Lei!" Yi Chen yelled again, yet the mountain god simply walked away quite emotionally drained to deal with passionate demons in their honeymoon period.
"Zhu Yan, you... that was rude and inappropriate." Yi Chen admonished him, but Zhu Yan only had one thing on his mind and that was to finally kiss his cold dragon and so he brought the dragon back into his arms and, taking advantage of his surprise, kissed him passionately. Yi Chen was usually more controlled than that, but in the hands of the man he had grown to love, he had no choice but to surrender to Zhu Yan until they had enough to clench the mutual passion.
Elsewhere, there was another couple who also shared a profound moment where all truths were told and the feelings were equally heartbreaking. Pei Si Jing was already aware that something was wrong with Wen Xiao, but she never expected it to be poison and in the Baize token no less.
"Wen Xiao... Were you going to tell me about this, if the others haven't figured it out before?" Pei Si Jing asked as she looked at her with her usual impassive face, but deep inside her a storm was brewing in her heart that threatened to break out at any moment.
"No." Wen Xiao said honestly to her beloved, hoping that she will not take it the wrong way.
"Why?" Pei Si Jing asked calmly staring at her joined hands and waiting patiently for her answer.
"How can you tell the person you love that you are poison and with the possibility to die sooner or later? I have already said it aloud when all of you thought it was acting and to be honest it didn't feel any less painful."
"Can it be detoxify?"
"I don't know yet. Maybe there is an antidote somewhere in the Chongwu Camp, because all this scheming most be the work of Wen Zongyu."
"If there is something there I will find it, I promise."
"Pei Si Jing, you are not really a spy, right?" Wen Xiao asked and Si Jing smiled at her.
"No. I have instructions from the great demon to keep a eye on them and act from time to time when is convenient for us, but I'm done with them for good. I will never work for those who love destruction and hate so much."
"So Zhao Yuan Zhou is the one behind all those suspicious actions? No wonder nothing takes him by surprise. That cunning monkey is always a step ahead of all of us. It only amaze me that Bai Jiu was able to fool him so thoroughly."
"He is so young and appear so innocent that is hard to believe he can do so much harm. None of us really expect that... not even I."
"Yeah, but I feel bad for how things turn out. It must be hard to lose control of your own body and be manipulated by someone else and go as far as to try killing your own friends."
"It's the same with the great demon and the commander. All of them were victims of possessions in some way."
"That's right. We seem to have the worst luck in life, all of us. I don't think that none of us was spare of tragedy at some point in our lives."
"But we survived and united. This time will be no different, Wen Xiao. Whatever it takes, I will find a way to save you, though I know it won't be just me who thinks that. Knowing the taunting demon and the commander, they won't stand idly by while your life is in danger."
"As long as is not the use of the scale, I will be glad with anything else."
"Zhao Yuan Zhou had the scale now, right?"
"Yes... but he will not risk Xiao Zhuo's life, not now that the contract between us is gone."
"You have many years of friendship with him in the past, he will not let you die and nor will I." Pei Si Jing assure her as she kiss the crown of her head when Wen Xiao placed her head on her shoulder.
"I wonder if we will get to enjoy a happy ending..." Wen Xiao whisper as she squeezed her hand gently in search of comfort and warmth.
"I'm sure we will. That's why we have been fighting against all odd for quite sometime now. The two great demons have their curse to break, Ying Lei have a friend to save and I a lover. With enough determination and will, we should prevail."
"I hope so... all Baize Goddess have end up tragically."
"If Zhao Yuan Zhou and Zhuo Yi Chen can break their long cycle of curses, so can you. I believe we all can." Pei Si Jing said and Wen Xiao's heart flutter in her chest. Even if she end tragically, at least she was glad to have by her side not only someone who loves and cherish her, but also a great little family that will go to any length and pain to keep them safe.
"I'm a bit tired..." Wen Xiao whisper as she closer her eyes.
"Go ahead and sleep. I'm strong enough to carry you if I need to." At that Wen Xiao smiled.
"Bridal style?" Wen Xiao asked dreamily.
"More like on my back..." Si Jing burst her bubble without any mercy.
"That's too bad..." Wen Xiao pouted.
"Then, do we give it a try?" Pei Si Jing offer, but the goddess moved away faster than the huntress imagine she could.
"No thanks, I don't really want to fall." She said as she stood to walk back, but before she could turn around, she find herself been lifted off her feet, not by Pei Si Jing, but by her brother Pei Si Heng, who appear out of nowhere, just like the last time.
"Don't worry, sister, I got you... we are family now, after all." He said to the goddess while winking at her and Wen Xiao laughed quite moved.
"Fine, brother, take me away..." She said as she grab him by his shoulders and smiled happily as they walked back.
AN: This one was quite long, but it builds their relationship as they faced hardships. This is my first time writing girls love, so if it feels too forced or not believable, please forgive me. Still, I hope you like it and until next time take care.