Chapter 9

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

WEN NING'S POV

~Day 2~

I really hope I get to see those kids again, I can't wait to see Clan Leader turn into an actual Clan Leader one day, he's got a lot of potential. Maybe I can talk to Zewu Jun about him...

*Stop*

I look down, pulling my lady's favorite ribbon. To think that man has the sword and wants Miss Lan as his wife is crazy. Why would he want a teenage girl as a wife? Is it because she has a diamond core?

Wen Ning: "*Gasp*"

Sacrifice... I remembered now, he decided to turn her into his wife instead of sacrificing her. But on what would he want to sacrifice her for? What else does he need to do that involves sacrificing a diamond core? All of these questions need to be answered, I have to find another gang member and see if I can force them to talk more about the seal inside them; maybe that way, I can finally have answers. I grip her ribbon and tuck it back inside my inner pocket and continued walking; if I want to find her, I need to keep looking.

~Timeskip to 5 hours, brought to you by Jingyi's judging face~

I've been trying to find the energy of her core, but I couldn't find a sign. I'm trying to have hope, Miss Lan is too strong to let herself be killed.

*SCREAM*

I bent down and looked around. Suddenly, the smell of burnt wood reached me, I looked up and saw smoke, so I ran towards where the smoke was coming from.

Once I reached the place, it seemed to now be an inflamed barn.

??? (crying): "No! Please, just give him back!"

I snuck back to the woods and silently sneaked to the sides of the barn to see what was going on.

???: "Your brother should've known what troubles would've been awaiting him if he messed with us. We gave you a chance to pay for his troubles, but you declined. As your punishment, everything you had, is now ours."

I clenched my fists when I witnessed the scene. There were 2 gang member's infront of a kneeled woman.

Woman (crying): "I promise, please... He's the only family I have!"

GM: "This is what your brother gets for stealing, now rut in your family barn's dirt!"

I was about to pounce on them, but they disappeared. I 'tched' at this, loosing what could've been my only opportunity in getting answers. Since they left, I went to help the young woman up.

Wen Ning: "A-are you alright?"

Woman (crying): "No! No I'm not alright! They kidnapped my brother, they stole our money and they destroyed my home! How can I be fine?!"

Wen Ning: "W-what is it that your brother did t-that made him get kidnapped?"

Woman (shaky): "First of all, what he stole was ours to begin with, he just went to get it back... (Whimper) But a day after he got back, they appeared out of nowhere and not only stole it again, they also took my brother away as well as our money and burned our home."

The woman started crying again. Those people played dirty again.

Wen Ning: "What is it that they stole that was so precious to you and your brother?"

Woman (teary): "Our horse."

Wen Ning: "A horse?"

Woman: "(nod) Yes. Our horse has helped us sell our vegetables by moving our cart, she's also been there for us for so long, she's like family to us. We were scared they would kill her because she never let herself be tamed by anyone else but me and my brother. Now... (Cry) Now I lost BOTH of them!"

I felt bad for this woman. I want to keep looking for Miss Lan, but I can't just leave her like this. I bent down and extended my hand, catching her attention.

Wen Ning (smiling): "Let's go get them back then."

The woman looks up and froze. D-did I scare her?... Why is her face red?... Maybe it's because she was crying, her eyes are a bit puffy after all.

Woman (flustered): "S-s-sure."

AUTHOR'S POV

The woman takes Wen Ning's hand, letting him help her up her feet. The woman quickly wipes her face and straighten.

Woman: "M-my name is Měi... N-nà Měi."

Wen Ning (smiles): "It's nice to meet you Miss Nà."

The woman smiled, a tint of pink flush on her cheeks.

Nà Měi: "What's your name?"

Wen Ning froze. It's best if the woman didn't know his name... But what name will he-?

Wen Ning (panicked): "H-huamei!"

Nà Měi (confused): "Huamei? As in, the candy?"

Wen Ning: "Y-yes!... I-is there something w-wrong?"

Nà Měi (panicked): "No no! Not at all! I-I think it's an amazing name! I-is suits you! I'm sure you're just like the candy too!"

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Wen Ning (awkward): "Uhh... Sure! T-thank you! Y-you're very kind."

Wen Ning: "W-well... M-maybe we can start by speaking about your situation."

Nà Měi (embarrassed/flustered): "S-sure... Those men were always around, but they seemed to be more interested in bothering me and my brother. They would sometimes even be flirty towards me, but I know I deserve better men then those baboons, so my brother would 'shoo' them off. That's when the rivalry started; they would break our cart, they would try to scare our horse, they sometimes even try to be alone with me, but my brother would always try to fight them off. That's when they decided to steal our horse, as a way to tempt us in doing their bidding; but my brother knew better, so he searched for our horse for a few days and came back with her by his side. That was yesterday, and as you already know, just now they kidnapped my brother, took away our money, stole our horse again, and burned our family barn."

Wen Ning/Huamei: "What did they mean by 'pay for his troubles'?"

Nà Měi: "It's just them saying in another way that, this is what I get for not spending the night with them."

Wen Ning grew angry and disgusted by this, but tried to remain calm as to not scare her.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Do you have an idea as to where they could be staying at?"

The woman slowly shook her head while looking down. Wen Ning silently sighed at her action. He looked up seeing that the clouds where gathering, the day still just starting. Knowing it will rain soon, he left to get supplies, only to be stopped by Měi.

Nà Měi: "W-where are you going?"

Wen Ning/Huamei: "It's going to rain soon, it's best if we start making a shelter for you while I go and investigate around the area, to see if I can find any clues about your brother's whereabouts."

Měi nodded and he told her to stay here while he gathers wood and vines, but she was able to convince him in letting her get some food from the crops that survived the fire. Everything was done right before a rain drop touched the ground, and like Wen Ning said, he will go and investigate about the whereabouts of her brother or horse. He had to remember their names though...

Wen Ning/Huamei (whisper): "Yí (brother) and Bǎo (Horse)."

It was pouring at this point, not that he was complaining, it's not like he felt cold or anything, or at least just a little.

Wen Ning/Huamei: "Bǎo! Bǎo!"

Wen Ning constantly called the horse, but never got a response. It's been 2 hours and there still wasn't a sign of them both. Not finding a single soul around the area, he walked back to meet up with Měi. Once there, Měi panicked when seeing how soaked Wen Ning/Huamei was and hurriedly gave him a thick cloth.

Nà Měi (panicked): "OH! You're soaking wet! Why didn't you bring something to cover yourself with?!"

Wen Ning/Huamei (calm): "It's okay. I'm not bothered by the rain."

Nà Měi: "But you'll catch a cold!"

Wen Ning/Huamei: "I promise you, it's oka-MPH!"

Měi covered Wen Ning/Huamei's face and started to roughly dry his head against his will. After that small and slightly aggressive event, he kept her company for an hour as to not get her to panic from Autophobia and then left again to see if he can find any clues. After walking through the mist, he found two people walking with an old, carrot-filled wagon, Wen Ning soon realized that it was an elderly couple once getting closer.

Wen Ning: "E-excuse me. C-can I ask you a few questions?"

Elderly man (smiling): "Of course of course! What are your questions young man?"

Wen Ning: "W-well, a friend of mine lost her horse. The horse is a honey yellow with wavy white hair, it's eyes are brown and it's a female."

Elderly woman: "Did your friend lost it? Or was it stolen?"

Wen Ning: "Yes! It was stolen."

Elderly woman (to husband): "See? I told you that horse was most likely stolen!"

Elderly man: "But sweetheart! What can WE do about it? What can an old man like me do? What if they steal our crops, or worse, hurt YOU?"

The woman looked away in anger and slight disappointment, remembering how those men treated the horse. The Elderly man turned back to Wen Ning with a sad smile.

Elderly man: "Unfortunately, as of what my dear wife said, some badly educated men were hurting a horse with those specific features. The horse seemed untamable too! But as I said before, there was nothing we could do to save the poor creature."

Wen Ning: "Where did you see the horse?"

Elderly man: "Follow the trail my wagon left behind. Up ahead when the trail disappears, you'll reach a rocky forest. It's a little slippery, so be careful."

The man warned, after a nod from Wen Ning, the man continued.

Elderly man: "So you enter the forest and follow the sound of flowing water until you find the river, and then, all you have to do is to follow up the stream. The men who have the horse must be camping somewhere near the river, since we saw smoke a bit aways past the other side of the river."

Wen Ning: "*nod* Okay. Is there anything else?"

Elderly woman: "Be careful deary, those men aren't normal thieves. They're from a very dangerous Clan. Lastly, despite their poor education in manners, they are still very strong and we'll trained."

Elderly man: "Ah! Please! Take some of my carrots, maybe it will help you get your friend's horse back. If not, you might as well keep your strength. A young man like you needs vitamins!"

The Elderly woman smiled and picked a batch of 5 carrots inside an old bag and happily handed them to Wen Ning, in which he smiled and bowed in thanks.

Wen Ning: "Umm. Would you mind telling me more of the Clan?"

Elderly woman: "Yes, the quite underrated Tài Clan. They've always worked either underground or within the shadows, they are basically snakes in human form. Their persistence, power and agilities are remarkable."

Elderly man: "*nod* But that's not the worst part... I've heard that if you make a deal with them, you'll have two choices... One, you do what you promised them or, second, they kill you and your people whether it's a Clan or village. The people in the Clan are very dark sonny, and if things couldn't get much worst... *Whispers* I heard the heirs of the thrown are cannibals."

Wen Ning let out a small gasp, the Elderly man nodded with a worried look. He was truly shocked by this information, it was only natural that he was now even more panicked with the idea of his lady being in the hands of said beast. With a last "Good luck" from the old people, the two elderly couple and Wen Ning waved good bye at one another until they were unable to see each other anymore. After that meet up, Wen Ning did what he was told to do and followed the Elderly man's directions. He felt bad over how much the elderly couple had to walk with such a heavy wagon that was filled with carrots. He even asked himself if the couple had any children, and if they did; where were they? Snapping out of his train of thoughts, he reached the forest and carefully walked on the slippery rocks; he soon heard the sound of water and followed it. Finally reaching it after a few close calls (falling), he followed up the stream and continued to walk until he finds any signs.

It's been 20 minutes of walking until he finally heard the 'neighs' of a horse. Careful as to not slip and make noise, he walked closer.

???: "Why doesn't that d*** horse shut up already?! I can't even nap!"

???: "You weren't supposed to nap in the first place you goof!"

As Wen Ning got closer, he saw two members of the same gang he's been looking for the entire time; he stood still and listened closely.

GM#1: "Look, I'm just tired alright?! Jeez, a little nap never hurt anyone."

GM#2: "I can't believe our Childe partnered me with you, out of ALL people, it HAD to be you."

GM#1: "Hey! I may have some cons, but I still got some pros!"

GM#2: "I've been with you for 5 years and I STILL can't find a SINGLE pro in you. Honestly, it's a MIRACLE you're even here!"

Bǎo: "*Desperate neighing*"

GM#2 (at the horse): "And can you PLEASE just SHUT UP! You're gonna turn me deaf!"

GM#1: You know you're talking to a horse... Right?"

GM#2 (furious): "UUUGH! I'm going for a walk! Keep an eye on the horse, (glares at GM#1) and make sure you don't disappoint me."

GM#1: "Yeah yeah. You have my word, I promise."

With that being said the furious gang member (GM#2) stomped away, the lazy gang member (GM#1) looked behind him as to see if his partner left; once they did, he smiled. He got comfy, and fell asleep in a matter of seconds. Wen Ning took this chance to act and started his plan. Wen Ning got out of his hiding spot, thus alarming the horse, but Wen Ning softy shushed her while placing his finger on his lips, showing the horse he will not harm her. The horse, even though she didn't trust him, she kept quiet, but he could see she was curious as to what he's doing. Wen Ning grabbed a rope while making sure he only turned to look at the man and not at Bǎo; otherwise, she'll think he's going to harm her, so the times he would look at her, would only be him silently telling her to remain quiet. Finally near the sleeping gang member and with the other being nowhere in sight, he tied the sleeping gang member to the tree with the rope he picked up and took away the man's teleportation belt, soon ripping the teleportation papers off the belt and burning them in the fire. Once all of them were burned, he checked if the other gang member was close before he starts walking towards the horse.

Bǎo: "*Insecure huffs*"

Wen Ning: "Shhh... It's okay, Miss Nà sent me to save you and her brother."

Bǎo still was insecure and was starting to panic. Wen Ning slowly backed away and tried thinking of a plan, he then remembered the carrots the elderly couple gave him. He slowly took out the bag, taking a carrot out and slowly giving it to Bǎo, but she only backed up, her eyes still filled with judgment. Wen Ning then took a bite of the carrot as to show her they were harmless; seeing that her eyes turned a bit more curious rather than judgment, he pulled out another carrot and neared it to her, but this time, he looked away. He held back his smile when feeling the carrot being pulled away and hearing the crumbling sound of munched carrot, he turned to look at the horse only to see her quite content. He showed her the carrot he took a bite of and she happily ate it, instead of retreating his hand, he gently caressed her snout. At first she flinched, but she soon calmed, finally sensing she was safe around him. He took this chance and untied her from the tree trunk, but before he left, he looked at the gang member and came up with a new idea...

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GM#2: "So you were finally able to calm the hor-?... Noūmo?"

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GM#1: "MPH! MMM!"

Wen Ning: "Keep quiet, it's not in my plans to hurt you. As long as you do as I say, I won't let Bǎo stomp on you."

Bǎo neighs at this in approval and continued to gallop back home. Wen Ning decided on last minute to take that chance in bringing the gang member with him since the gang member was knocked out cold.

Nà Měi (cheerful): "Bǎo!"

The horse neighed in happiness and galloped faster, making the gang member shreak in fear since he can't grab unto something, he's only tied to Wen Ning's waist. While Měi and Bǎo are having a friendly reunion, Wen Ning took the man a bit further away. Already far enough, he placed the member on the ground, getting him to lean on a tree. Once Wen Ning stood up, he spoke...

Wen Ning: "Where's Miss Lan?"

GM#1: "Who?"

Wen Ning: "Miss Lan Zhēn! The daughter of the Lan Clan Leader, Lan Xichen. Where is she?"

GM#1: "Oooh, the white haired girl. It's funny cause, despite her nickname being 'Princess', she's nowhere near being one. I mean, Captain only had to get closer to her so she could immediately kick his groin... Wait... What am I saying?! I won't say a word, and even if I wanted to, I can't do it!"

Wen Ning: "I know. That's why I'm asking you now, how do I undo the seal?"

GM#1: "How are you so sure I have a seal? Secondly, why should I tell you? *Mocking attitude and face* What would a corpse like you gonna do about huh? Eat my brain?"

*STAB*

GM#1 (scared): "*Screach*"

Wen Ning stabbed the tree supporting the gang member right on both sides of the man's head. Once the man looks up, he regretted his teasing.

Wen Ning (furious): "How do I undo the seal?!"

GM#1 (panic): "I don't know okay?! If I speak! My tongue will be burned to ash!"

Wen Ning took the hint and bent down, ripped the gang member's mask off and forced it open against the man's will. Indeed, there was a seal right on the back of the tongue, but Wen Ning internally gleed when seeing that the seal wasn't something he couldn't take off. He looked at the scared gang member with a sympathetic look and spoke softly.

Wen Ning: "I'm sorry, but I'm going to get rid of the seal and... It will hurt a lot."

The gang member flinched/whined at this, and after Wen Ning's warning, the man had to support at least 5-8 minutes of pain. To the point where  he was wishing his tongue was ripped off already, but he made it.

Wen Ning (stern): "Now, tell me what is your Childe planning?"

GM#1 (teary/pained): "He's... He had two choices... Either sacrifice the Lan Princess... Or use her..."

Wen Ning: "What kind of sacrifice and on what will he be using her for?"

GM#1 (shaky): "Sacrifice her to bring someone back to life... Or use her by upgrading the next generation of our Clan."

Wen Ning: "Be more specific!"

GM#1 (scared): "M-My Childe wanted to bring an ancestor back to life or something!... But... When he saw her, he wanted to keep her and... Since she's the only female with a diamond core..."

Wen Ning (angry): "No..."

GM#1 (shaky): "*nodded* He wants her to carry his children, and upgrade his bloodline."

Wen Ning was furious by this, he already knew that nothing good would happen... But this? This is beyond what he could ever imagine. An adult? Doing such things to a teenage girl? For power?

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

GM#1: "She's most likely still at a small camp a few kilometers away from here. But it's no use going there! We have traps everywhere! You'll alarm everyone and the girl will be taken away somewhere else!"

Wen Ning: "Well then, now that you're being so cooperative and willing to speak, plus me finally having the information I needed. Tell me where is Mister Nà."

The gang member didn't hesitate and cooperated with Wen Ning, telling him everything. It's not like the gang member could escape, besides... He was weak and kind of a coward in Went Ning's book. Wen Ning took the man with him to find Nà Yí tied up in an abandoned shed close to where he saved Bǎo, he took Yí back home where the elderly couple were also there. Turns out that their families are good friends and they would constantly help each other out, and the couple were shocked when knowing the fact they never noticed the family horse after working together for so long. Wen Ning couldn't help but think how funny the elderly couple are , but his attention was shifted to the woman  nearing towards him.

Nà Měi: "Oh Huamei, how can I ever repay you?"

Wen Ning/Huamei (smiling): "It's nothing. I'm always willing to help."

Nà Měi (blushing): "Why don't you stay for a while? M-maybe we can talk and... Know each other more and... You know..."

Wen Ning/Huamei (awkward/scared): "O-oh! I-I'm sorry! B-but I have places to go and w-work to do! Take care!"

Nà Měi: "Wait! Huamei! Come back!"

Nà Yí (teasing): "No wonder you're still single, you scare every man alive."

Nà Měi (angry): "I'm starting to regret ever asking Huamei to save you."

After escaping, Wen Ning let the gang member go with a message to his Childe...

"Give back Miss Lan cleanly, or face the consequences of your actions."

Once he let the man go, he bolted towards where the gang member told him where Lan Zhēn was still most likely held captive, soon completing his second day looking for her and starting his third.

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GM#2: "Tch! That Noūmo was pathetic... Traitor... I'll make sure he gets the punishment he deserves... And I'll also make sure, that this Huamei guy is eliminated."

The missing gang member was disgusted when he witnessed what his partner did just to stay alive. He then disappeared/transported away to report to his Childe before the now traitor gets to him first.

Words with meanings

The barn family's surname:

娜 (nà) meaning "elegant, graceful, delicate"

The barn girl's name:

美 (měi) meaning "beautiful"

The barn girl's brother's name:

宜 (yí) meaning "suitable, proper"

The barn siblings horse name:

宝 (bǎo) meaning "treasure, jewel, precious, rare"

- Autophobia: Fear of loneliness. Fear of being alone. Even when being in somewhere comfortable, the person can go through severe anxiety because they feel safer when someone else is there with them.

"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!❤