Chapter 8

A/N: Yes, I made the drawing. Thinking of re-doing it one day, depends on how popular this book gets.

A/N#2: Again, this story will start on what happened after Wen Ning was teleported away with the giant and the Princess. Okay? Enjoy!❤

*Puff*

The three people appeared on a cliff side on one of the mountains of Gusu. The giant pushed Wen Ning away and harshly handcuffed the Princess with jade cuffs. Wen Ning saw this and panicked, he quickly pounced at the giant, pushing it to the ground, he then tried to reach Zhēn but the giant grabbed his legs and threw him to the cliff side; Wen Ning hit the ground, his body slighty bounced from the impact and fell to the cliff.

Lan Zhēn: "WEN NI-AGH!"

Zhēn was hit behind her neck, knocking her out by one of the disciples from the giant's same gang, another appeared fast enough to where he could grab the Lan Clan's 'Princess' before she could hit the ground; the same one swinging her unconscious body over his shoulder.

Gang Dc #1: "Come on big guy! We need to go!"

The giant stopped dead in his tracks towards the cliff and looked at the two men who signaled him to come over, he looked back at the cliff, but obeyed and turned towards the two men. Once by their side, the three teleported away...

*pat*

A hand appeared on the edge of the cliff followed by grunting noises, the person being non other than Wen Ning who, thanks to his chains, was able to cling on the walls of the cliff until the giant left. Lifting himself up, he walked to where Zhēn stood on last time and closed his eyes, concentrating as to figure out where Lan Zhēn was located by sensing her core. He opened his eyes once sensing a faint power from the kidnapped girl and ran out front.

Thus being the beginning of Wen Ning's adventure in search of the Lan Clan's kidnapped Princess! (A/N: Cue Captain Toad's Adventure intro!🎵) (The intro/song belongs to it's rightful owner of course)

WEN NING'S POV

~Day 1~

I ran to where I sensed her core, but the more a ran, the further I sensed it. I stopped and concentrated, I could sense her core, but it was everywhere. There wasn't a specific location, it's as if Miss Lan was scattered everywhere, as if she multiplied; maybe the gang knows I didn't really fall off the cliff and are trying to confuse me.

Wen Ning (angry): "Tch!"

I couldn't find her! Just now, the core disappeared completely, I couldn't sense it anymore from anywhere. Might as well look for her in the traditional way, so I started running around the endless forest, stopping once in a while to try and sense her core. I continued running and came upon a village, I backed away. It's not like people are use to seeing someone... No... Something, like me...

???: "Woooow..."

I looked to my left and saw three young boys, most likely on their 8 or 5 years of age.

Boy 2: "Excuse me sir. Are you a walking corpse?"

Wen Ning: "..."

Boy 1: "Of course he isn't! If he were a corpse, he wouldn't be walking around!"

Boy 3: "But my Dad told me that in the past, there were walking dead people that would eat the living one's brains."

The three boys looked at me.

Wen Ning: "N-no, you got it all wrong! I-I mean...Uhh..."

What do I say? I can't lie to three kids; what kind of example would I be giving them?

Wen Ning: "Can I ask you guys a question?"

The three boys looked at each other, then back at me and nodded. I bent a knee to be at their level and asked.

Wen Ning: "Have you seen someone with a snake crest on their clothes or weapon? It's really important."

The three boys looked like they were thinking, until the youngest looking one perked up.

Boy 3: "Oh! Oh! I know! I saw two men wearing red and black clothes with a snake drawing on them!"

Wen Ning: "Were they wearing masks?"

Boy 3: "*nod* They were being mean to Granny Maji. She sells jewelry nearby; I tried to stop them, but they pushed me away. Later on, Granny Maji told Dad and Dad got mad at me for doing something dumb."

I smiled at the boy's courage.

Wen Ning: "You didn't do anything dumb, you were just protecting the innocent. T-the only reason why your father would most likely call your actions as dumb, w-would be because you're too young and inexperienced to fight against a professional. B-but don't worry, I'm sure you'll become a strong man when you get older."

The little boy smiled at me, understanding now as to why his father was mad at him. The middle boy then came up to me and asked that question again...

Wen Ning: "Well... I-I'm not really dead... M-maybe... H-half dead?"

The boys looked at me with confused expressions.

Wen Ning: "Uhh... A-anyways! When was the last time you saw those men?"

Youngest boy: "It was yesterday."

Wen Ning: "Really?! Did you see where they went afterwards?"

The little boy pondered and scratched his head.

Middle boy: "I know! They're staying in my family Inn at the village! My Aunt runs the place, me and my Uncle would clean and attend them all the time."

Wen Ning: "Are they still there?"

Middle boy: "*nod* They told Auntie that they'll be staying for three days."

Wen Ning: "Not for long. Can you boys help me? You see, they took someone important from me, and I'm trying to find them."

Oldest boy: "Who?"

I pondered for a moment.

Wen Ning: "M-my sister!"

I didn't notice until now on what I said, but it was too late to change it; otherwise, they'll know I'm lying, and that's bad enough.

Wen Ning: "T-they took away m-my sister. I was fighting a few off, and when I looked around she was gone. I tried to save, but I failed-"

Oldest boy: "You didn't fail!"

I looked up to the boy, his expression being of confidence.

Oldest boy: "You didn't fail. Those people always play dirty. They steal, they push, they do whatever they want because we don't have a Leader."

The boy looked down in defeat, but then straighten with a confident look.

Oldest boy: "But not for long though! When I grow up, I'm gonna make a Clan in this village. And it will be SOOO strong, that the Great 4 Clans will hear of my Clan and even consider my Clan as one of theirs! I already know how to fight with a dagger too!"

Wen Ning (happy): "Really now? Believe it or not, I can already see you as a Clan Leader."

Oldest boy (excited): "Really?!"

Wen Ning: "Yes. As long as you continue being brave, determined, righteous and strong, you'll be a great Clan Leader."

Middle boy: "Sir? I wanna help rescue your sister!"

Youngest boy (jumping): "Me too! Me too!"

Oldest boy (fist on chest): "As future Clan Leader, I will like to help my admirererer in rescuing his sister!"

I smiled at the three kids. Normally, I would tell them that it's too dangerous, but I know better than to say that. I need help right know. I looked at the oldest and spoke...

Wen Ning: "It's pronounced 'admirer'."

Oldest boy: "... Oh..."

I laughed a little. I missed speaking to kids, they're innocence are wholesome and it's just very cute. I need to make sure I don't traumatize them, nor let those men traumatize them either.

Wen Ning: "Ok! First thing's first... Don't tell your families of what we're doing. I know it's wrong to keep secrets from them, but this is an undercover mission for you three. Okay?"

They nodded.

Wen Ning: "Okay. May I know your names? N-no wait, how about we call each other by nicknames?"

Youngest boy: "I want my nickname to be Dumplings!"

Middle boy: "Why Dumplings?"

Youngest boy: "I like steamed pork dumplings."

Middle boy: "That's so dumb, *shrugs* but whatever. I want to be called Wūyā (Crow) because that's the emblem of my family Inn."

Oldest boy (proudly): "I want to be called Clan Leader! Because that's what I'll be when I grow up."

I smiled and chuckled when the kids were naming themselves. My smile grew wider when the youngest boy gave me a nickname too, I'll keep the nickname since I liked it.

Dumplings: "Your nickname can be Huamei (Dried Plum Candy)!

Wūyā: "Why would you give him a nickname after a candy?"

Dumplings: "Because he's dark, sweet, and has dark wrinkles on his neck like Huamei."

Wen Ning (smiling): "Don't worry Wūyā, I like the nickname just as much as I like dried Plums."

Dumplings clapped while laughing, happy that I liked the given nickname.

Clan Leader: "What's your sister's name?"

Wen Ning: "Her nickname is Princess. Sometimes, thay call her as 'Lan Princess' because of how pure and righteous she both looks and acts."

The boys nodded and we all sat down on the ground.

Wen Ning: "Okay, here's the plan..."

~Night time~

AUTHOR'S POV

Gang member 1: "We're back!

Wūyā's Aunt: "*bow* Welcome back gentlemen. *straighten* Your beds are ready as well as your baths, my nephew will be bringing your food in a few minutes. It will be on your table right when you finish bathing."

Gang member 1: "Good! I'm starving..."

Gang member 2: "This place better give us better food than yesterday's. It'll be a shame if you end up loosing your family Inn."

The woman gulped and nodded while bowing her head. The two men then left while laughing, enjoying the power they have. Wūyā arrived earlier as to not only spy at those gang members, but to also give his Aunt a good reputation.

(GM = Gang Member)

GM1: "So, is the boss really thinking about claiming the girl and not sacrifice her?"

GM2: "Yeah. Why you ask?"

GM1: "I don't know, if he's not gonna sacrifice her; wouldn't she look better as a slave or as a pet? There are so many beautiful women out there with such heavenly bodies. Why does he want some flat-chested teenage girl as a wife?"

Wūyā cringed at the man's disgusting words, but kept listening.

GM2: "I don't know man. What worries me is the idea that she ends up killing our Leader and we all perish."

GM1: "Not when he has the sword. He's not like before anymore, it's not like the Lan Princess can fight him back now."

The boy covered his mouth as to hold his gasp back. They were talking about Huamei's sister! When he heard water and clothes noises, he immediately scurried off and prepped the room some more.

GM1: "Hey! What do you think you're doing kid?"

Wūyā: "Oh! My Aunt told me to put these flowers in your rooms. They're mixed with other plant essences, it's a specialty in the Inn. It helps calm the mind and body while you rest; we didn't place it yesterday because we ran out. Please forgive the inconvenience."

Wūyā bowed and waited. He saw on the corner of his eyes how one of them went to the plant and smelled it.

GM2 (convinced): "Not bad... Not bad at all."

GM1: "Hmm... Alright, we forgive you. Now scram!"

Wūyā bowed once more and left the room. He ran out of the Inn to go buy more ingredients to make bread for his Aunt. When he reached the market, he met up with Clan Leader and told him what he found out. Clan Leader then ran towards an alleyway where he'd meet up with Wen Ning and Dumplings.

Clan Leader: "I'm guessing your Dad hasn't come back from work, right?"

Dumplings shook his head with a smile, clearly enjoying playing spies. Clan Leader then turned to Huamei and told him what Wūyā found out. Wen Ning got angry from the information, but he needed to remain calm as to not scare the kids. Now that the part 1 of the plan was a success, now they needed to wait so they can start plan 2.

Clan Leader: "Huamei? What was that plant made off again?

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Chamomile and Lavender flowers inside a liquid I made with lemon balm, valerian root and a few other ingredients so the gang members wouldn't suspect anything. Those aromas are sleep inducing and relieves the body very quickly. I also gave a little bit of the liquid to Wūyā so he can put a few drops in their tea, at least enough to the point the aroma of the sleeping tonic isn't revealed, yet it's still a bit potent."

Clan Leader nodded, and so, they waited.

~Timeskip to 1 hour later, brought to you by Wen Ning's luscious hair cause it's worth it~

The 3 boys went to the side of the Inn, Wūyā had to stay in with his Aunt as to not only avoid her from suspecting anything, but to keep her busy; before Wūyā could go though, he made sure he told the boys which floor the gang members are sleeping in.

And so, the part 2 of the plan begins...

While Clan Leader keeps a look out for any passerbys, Wen Ning picked up Dumplings and climbed up the Inn until reaching the gang member's room (it was a bit high). At the window, Wen Ning slightly opened it and looked around to see if the men were asleep. With his sensing ability (sensing their cores), he knew they were knocked out, but decided to hurry anyways. He looked at Dumplings in his arm and spoke softy and lowly.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Now remember Dumplings, you've gotta take away their belts that are on that rack, and if you see they have the same pieces of paper on them, come to me and warn me after you've retreated the belts. If you see they're waking up, come to me immediately without making a single sound, alright?"

Dumplings nodded with a determined look, soon climbing in. After getting in, Wen Ning made a quick glance to Clan Leader as to assure he was okay. Clan Leader so happened to make a quick glance towards Huamei, making their eyes come to contact. Clan Leader nodded while giving an 'OK' sign to Huamei as to assure him that everything is going good so far. Wen Ning nodded and looked back to Dumplings and panicked.

Wen Ning/Huamei (whisper/yell): "No! Dumplings! Leave the beef alone! The belts Dumplings, the BELTS!"

Dumplings stopped and, unwillingly, let go of the left over fried beefs and slowly walked to the belts. He took them and made sure he gripped at them well as to not make any noise. He started walking away but saw something gleam almost on one of the gang member's pocket, so instead of going to Wen Ning like he was told to do... he went towards the sleeping gang member. At this point, Wen Ning regretted trying to work with a 5 year old in something this serious. He panicked even more how he saw Dumplings climb up the gang member's bed.

Wen Ning/Huamei (panicked/low): "D-Dumplings! No no no you can't!"

Wen Ning was a panicking mess seeing how the child was moving the gang member; not seeing the child retreaving something that may help Wen Ning out in the future. Dumplings then climbed out of the bed and slowly backed away-

*CLASH*

Dumplings knocked over the ceramic tea pot.

GM1: "*Snore* Mrgg... Whaa?..."

Dumplings gasped and leaped towards Wen Ning's arms. Wen Ning grasping him, he quickly let go of window ledge, dashed towards Clan Leader, wrapping his free arm around him and dashed out the alleyway right before the gang member groggily looks out. Seeing no one around, the gang member yawns and leaves back to bed. Once on his bed he looked back at their belts as to make sure they are there, nodded when seeing their absence and laid back down...

GM1: "GUAH! MANG!"

GM2: "WHAT?! WHAT?!"

GM1: "OUR BELTS ARE GONE!

GM2: "What?"

GM1: "WAKE UP YOU IDIOT!"

GM1 throws a pillow at the man making him fully wake up. They both dressed themselves until...

GM1 (annoyed): "What's wrong now?"

GM2: "I can't find the ribbon."

~Back to the 'spies'~

Wen Ning placed down Dumplings and Clan Leader once they were safe and then turned to Dumplings.

Wen Ning/Huamei (sternly): "Dumplings. Why did you get on that gang member's bed? What was is that you saw that made you do something so risky?"

Dumplings put his hand in his pocket after dropping the belts and retreaved something familiar.

Wen Ning/Huamei (shocked): "That's..."

Dumplings gave the object to Wen Ning, the object being non other that Lan Zhēn's favorite lace ribbon.

Dumplings: "The man had that in his pocket."

Wen Ning stared at the ribbon in his hand, remembering Lan Zhēn's back image. Her long white hair swaying with her favorite blue silver lace ribbon. Wen Ning looked up to Dumpling.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Are you saying they had this?"

Dumplings nodded, Clan Leader neared to see the ribbon and then looked at Huamei.

Clan Leader: "Huamei. Do you know this ribbon?"

Wen Ning/Huamei: "It belonged to my sister, this is her favorite ribbon."

Before Clan Leader could say something.

???: "HEY!"

The three turned around, Dumplings quickly grabbed the belts again and held on to them tightly.

GM1: "You... You're that guy that follows the Lan Princess around."

Wen Ning (serious): "Where is she?"

GM2: "Just give me back the ribbon, the smell of the mountains calms me down."

The gang member's perverted words triggered Wen Ning immensely. Clan Leader then stepped up with courage beside Wen Ning.

Clan Leader: "Let go of Huamei's sister or you'll suffer the consequences!"

The gang members laughed at this, which angered the boy very much.

GM1 (looking at Dumplings): "Hey chubby, do us a favor and give us back our belt."

Dumplings look down at his stomach with a sad look, Clan Leader snapped.

Clan Leader: "How dare you! Yuuta isn't fat! He's most likely much healthier than you monsters!"

GM2: "Why you little-"

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Tell me where the Princess is."

GM1: "Make us you corpse!"

Wen Ning turned to the two boys.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Clan Leader, as your second mission as future Clan Leader, you must protect Dumplings and not let anyone take away those belts except me. Alright?"

Clan Leader nodded, filled with determination in protecting his friend.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Good. Now go and hide."

GM2: "HEY!"

The gang member tried running to the two kids, but Wen Ning Lariat striked the gang member to the ground in high inhuman speed, knocking the man down immediately, leaving him unstable on the ground. Wen Ning, despite attacking this gang member first, he kept his eyes on the first one.

GM1: "So you wanna play dirty too huh? Finally, *smirk* someone with my same level."

Wen Ning/Huamei: "I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm pretty sure I'm higher than you."

This angered the gang member, making him unsheathe his blade and launch at Wen Ning in which he immediately blocked with his chains. Thus starting their battle... Meanwhile to the other gang member, he sneaked away from the fight and ran towards where the kids ran to.

Clan Leader: "Hurry, let's go in here."

Clan Leader hurried Dumplings in going towards the same alleyway they were before to try and enter the Inn.

GM2: "Ha!"

Dumplings & Clan Leader: "*Gasp*!"

GM2: "You thought you could get away from me huh? Think again little punks! Now..."

The gang member started walking closer towards the kids, little by little cornering them.

GM2: "Give me my belt back, and both me and my friend will forget this ever happened. Alright?"

*SWOOSH*

GM2: "Wow woooow. You've got some nerve kid, swinging a dagger at me. *Chuckle/laugh* What are you? An acrobat or something?"

Clan Leader: "No... I'm a Clan Leader! NOW CHIMEI!"

GM2: "Wha-?"

*HIT*

.

.

.

*THUD*

Wūyā: "Yes!"

Wūyā succeeded in throwing the heavy/thick pot directly on the gang member's head.

Meanwhile with Wen Ning, he threw the final blow on the gang member making the man fall, half conscious and half unconscious. Wen Ning then grabbed the beat up man by the collar, showing him the ribbon.

Wen Ning/Huamei (dead serious): "Where is she?"

The man gulped at the inhuman creature in front of him, now fearing for his life for tempting a corpse, let alone actually thinking of winning him.

GM1: "L-look... I r-really can't tell you okay? All I can say is that she's going to live and that she's taken well cared off."

Wen Ning/Huamei (still dead serious): "You didn't answer my question."

GM1 (whimpering): "L-look please! I... I... Okay I... She's s-somewhere in the forest. P-please I promise you! I really c-can't tell you! We disciples have a seal that forbids us from revealing a secret from the Clan! This is all I can say I promise!"

The man whimpered under Wen Ning's gaze.

WEN NING'S POV

???: "Huamei?"

I gasped when hearing my nickname and looked up to see the three kids, Dumplings still had the belts in his arms and, like the two other boys, he looked scared and confused. I slowly let go of the man and started walking towards the kids. Much for my heart's dismay, the two youngest hid behind the oldest, the oldest slowly raising his dagger the nearer I came to the them. Barely close to them, I sat on my knees in front of the boys with glazed eyes, not liking the fact I did what I hoped I wouldn't do... Scaring them.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "I'm sorry... I... I didn't w-want you to see this side of me. That's why I told you to run away and hide."

Wūyā (serious): "You really are like those corpses... Aren't you?"

Wen Ning: "N-no, I'm not like them. I'm far from being like them. Unlike them, I would never hurt my friends and the people I care about. On the contrary, I protect them at all cost; that's why I needed your help in the first place, *shows ribbon* to protect someone dear to me."

Clan Leader slowly lowered his dagger, but stayed serious and kept his guard up.

Clan Leader: "Tell us the truth."

Wen Ning/Huamei: "The story is too long to say, but I assure you, you can trust me the same way you've trusted me in the first place. As for the girl... *Looks at the ribbon* She's not my sister, but *clutches the ribbon*... *Looks up with a smile* She's always been like one to me, I swore to her father that I would protect her at all times. But because she's so special, she was kidnapped by the gang we faught against tonight. I can't reveal anymore than what I've already revealed; but I hope that, with my confession, we can still work side by side when you've made your Clan."

.

.

.

Clan Leader: "Good. *Shiethes dagger* You better not play with our trust again."

I smiled with glazed eyes, feeling overjoyed that the kids still trust him.

Dumplings (teary): "Huameiii!"

Dumplings ran into my arms and cried, I hugged him back and looked at the two other boys. Wūyā's eyes were glazed, but his pride didn't let the tears fall down; while Clan Leader crossed his arms with a proud smirk on his face. I let go of Dumplings and looked at the three boys.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "I'm so proud of you three, we worked hard together and succeeded perfectly. Good job!"

The three boys smiled. I walked to the gang member that was standing up, I grabbed his collar and made sure he had a good look of my face.

Wen Ning/Huamei (threatening): "Me and the boys are going to let you and your friend live, but only under a few easy conditions. Got it?"

The beat up man nodded frantically.

Wen Ning/Huamei (threatening): "First, you and your friend will fix anything you both broke and return what you've stolen here. Two, you will leave after you both at least apologizing to the owner of the Inn and never return in this place. Finally, you will tell your Leader that he messed with the wrong guard. If you don't do any of these orders, I will tell those three brave boys to call me, and believe me... You will wish you've taken my words seriously. Am I clear?"

The man frantically nodded again and ran to his partner after I let him go.

Dumplings: "Huamei. Are you really going to leave?"

I smiled and bent down.

Wen Ning: "I'm sorry. But I promise you, the three of you, that I'll visit again when I get the chance."

Wūyā: "With the Princess?"

I chuckled and nodded.

Clan Leader: "Huamei. For no on, we are brothers and we will help each other mutually whenever we would need help."

Wen Ning (smiling): "I'm honored. Thank you."

I bowed respectfully to him, I smiled when he mimicked me.

Wūyā (smiling): "Come back and visit whenever you can. Okay Huamei? You can even stay at my family Inn!"

I nodded with a smile. I then turned to Dumplings who was looking down.

Dumplings: "Huamei... Will you really come back and visit?"

I knelt down and smiled at the child. I took the belts and ripped it with ease into pieces, impressing the children in front of me (the belts were made of leather and thick rope).

Wen Ning: "Dumplings. I promise you, I'll be back whenever I possibly can. Trust me."

I smiled at the boy, he smiled back and hugged me one last time. I walked away and reached the gate entrance of the village, I turned to look at the three boys from a far whom are still in the same place they are standing. I smiled at them and waved goodbye, they waved back, and with this...

I turn and leave, with evidence that Miss Lan is still alive. I clutch the ribbon, rolling it as to fit it in my chest pocket as to not loose it, after all...

... It's her favorite ribbon, and I must take care of it.

~Meanwhile with Lan Zhēn~

(Before any of the events above happened)

LAN ZHĒN'S POV

I was conscious for about, what I assume was for an hour seeing the Sun right above us, and walking by my kidnapper's sides. I wish I could fight these men off and escape, but jade is a diamond core's weakness. It suppresses the energy my core provides me to keep me up on my feet, and I'm already having a hard time walking myself, but I refuse to be carried by these men again.

GM: "Captain! We've got Miss Lan."

The said 'Captain' turned around when called, revealing a big scar on his face across and eye-patch covered eye showing no expression, except now once laying his singular eye on me, his smile growing wider than how a smile is supposed to be. Not creepy at all...

Captain: "Well, look who we have here. I don't think you remember me sweetheart since you were nothing but a toddler; but we've met before."

He bravely walked towards me with a grin.

'At least he's close enough...', I told myself in my head

*KICK*

Captain (in pain): "*SCREEEEEECH*!"

Lan Zhēn: "Stay away from me you disgusting pervert!"

"The Untamed" series as well as their characters belong to their rightful owner, I only own the made up characters and the plot.

Thank you for reading!❤