Chapter 10

Careful! This chapter ALSO moves without permission (the warning for moving chapters is in Chapter 11) Btw, sorry I didn't update yesterday, I forgot. Enjoy!

(Pretend that he's looking at Lan Zhēn, you'll know why later in the chapter)

~~~~~

~At the Tài Clan: Main Hall~

The gang member (from chapter 9) kneeled infront of his Master's behind, 5 meters apart as to maintain distance and show respect to his Master.

GM: "Master, I came to report."

The gang member maintained a low voice and stayed calm. His Master not turning while he's meditating on the cushioned floor infront of the corrupted floating weapon.

???: "What is it?"

GM: "It's Noūmo... He's betrayed you and-"

???: "I know."

GM: "Did he come here already and disrupted your peace with his presence?"

???: "I sent men to end him immediately. Anything else?"

GM: "Unfortunately, Master... Yes. There is more."

??? (annoyed/serious): "Speak."

GM: "Master. There's a menace running around trying to steal your chosen bride. A man I heard of, but I didn't quite believe it. When I saw him, I came here to you and report it."

???: "So you're telling me *standing up* that knowing he's a menace, *turns around* you didn't kill him there?"

GM (scared): "C-childe. I'm sorry, I-I just thought that-"

Tài Yǎzhù (nearing to GM) (gritted teeth): "You thought that it was best to inform me that there was a menace instead of informing me you got rid of the menace?"

GM (scared): "I-I'm s-so sorry C-childe-"

Tài Yǎzhù (angry): "That's Clan Leader to YOU! Or perhaps my father is around?"

The gang member shook his head.

Tài Yǎzhù: "Am I still a child?"

The gang member shook his head once more.

Tài Yǎzhù (serious): "Then you shall refer to me as your Clan Leader. Am I understood?"

The gang member nodded desperately.

GM: "Yes Master. My sincerest apologies for offending you Master."

Tài Yǎzhù: "You should. Now then, *turns to the sword* since you are already here, tell me now who this menace is."

GM: "Yes Master, he's name is Huamei and-"

Tài Yǎzhù (confused): "Huamei? As in, *turns around* the candy?"

GM: "..."

Tài Yǎzhù: "The dried plum candy? *GM nodded* Are you considering me as a fool?"

GM: "Never Master! You are never a fool! I promise you! I've heard people calling him Huamei with my own ears."

Tài Yǎzhù: "What kind of sick woman names their own child after a candy? If he wasn't this much of a menace to me, I would've felt bad for him."

GM: "Yes. He's been fighting your men and helping the people that messes with us. I... I don't think he's human."

Tài Yǎzhù: "Not human... Hmm... That's quite interesting."

Yǎzhù started circling the gang member in a thinking state, this made the gang member fear for his life.

Tài Yǎzhù: "What does he want the Princess for?"

GM: "I don't know, but I heard that he's her brother-"

Tài Yǎzhù: "Impossible. I've done my research on the girl thanks to that Jin trash and I know that the only family members she has are the three Lan superiors of her Clan, she doesn't have any siblings."

GM: "T-that's the only thing I heard of, Master."

Yǎzhù stops infront of the weapon, still thinking.

Tài Yǎzhù: "Find this, Huamei character, and bring his heart to me. Remember Kai, don't fail...*turns and glares at GM* Unless you would like to reunite with your partner."

The gang member shook his head fast and lowered himself.

GM: "I shall not fail you Master."

Tài Yǎzhù: "Good, we need to eliminate as many obstacles as possible. *Smirks at weapon* The time for me to rule all of China... Will be very soon."

GM: "Yes Master!"

The gang member disappears/teleports away, and Yǎzhù let's out a powerful dark laugh that echoed throughout the entire Clan residence.

~~~~~

While Wen Ning walked through the woods, he perked when finally sensing Lan Zhēn after all this time and sprinted off. After an hour, it turned dark and could see a dim light at the distance. Nearing towards the location, he docked and walked stealthily as to not make noise. Near enough, he saw that it wasn't really a simple camp, but an actual campsite with a wooden building and everything; it was quite big too, but very well hidden. Plus, the warning that gang member gave was no joke, there were A LOT of close calls in deactivating a trap, he successfully made it; but Wen Ning made a mental note that he should be careful where he would step on anyway, there were A LOT of guards; the only relieving fact was that there weren't many of those giants. Hidding behind a big tree with bushes, he took a peak as to see if he could move closer, seeing a few members walking away, he took this chance to hid behind a tent near the wooden house.

???: "Will our Childe come here soon?"

???: "He's our Clan Leader, not Childe; and to answer your question, yes. He'll be coming here in an hour or so, depends if he ends up controlling that sword sooner than expected."

???: "Do you really think he'll turn that girl into his wife? Sure she's powerful, but she's so... Rough and rebellious."

???: "That's how he likes it. After all, he's always up for a good fight, especially when his opponent is slightly stronger than him."

Wen Ning internally hissed in both disgust and anger from their words, but he kept going. Luckily, he was able to go behind the small building without a giant finding him, it was a close call though. The giant sensed his presence, but Wen Ning was able to jump and hide on the ceiling. Once the giant was gone, he silently leaped down and peaked on the window. Wen Ning gasped when seeing Lan Zhēn chained on a chair, mouth covered by a silk ribbon; the chains were made of jade, no wonder she couldn't get escape.

GM: "Don't fret Miss Lan, my Master will be here very soon. Just stay there and look pretty, alright love?"

Zhēn growled at the gang member infront of her, in which he smirked and chuckled in response before leaving the room. Zhēn sighed and lowered her head, feeling beaten by these men she could've won against with ease. Sensing that the gang member is far away, Wen Ning silently went inside the window. Alarmed, Zhēn looked behind her only for her eyes to water, she even tried to speak despite her mouth being shut.

Wen Ning (while he untied her): "Shh. You're safe now, we need to get you out of here and get back to Zewu Ju-"

Once Zhēn was untied, she hugged Wen Ning and silently cried.

Lan Zhēn (whispering): "I thought I lost you."

Wen Ning huffed a small laugh and returned the hug, they stayed like this for a minute or two when Wen Ning gently pulled Lan Zhēn away.

Wen Ning (while whipping her tears): "I need to get you out of here, okay?"

Lan Zhēn smiled and nodded to her dear friend. He placed her on his back so he could carry her while he could climb out of the building; once out, he placed her on the ground and they both ran off... A giant appeared.

Wen Ning & Lan Zhēn: "*GASP*"

They didn't stop running though, on the contrary, they ran faster. Wen Ning quickly ran up ahead and held his hands down and once Lan Zhēn jumped and her foot touched his hands, he helped her jump higher as to jump over the giant. Without the giant realizing it due to it's focused being on the Lan Princess, Wen Ning hit the giant hard on his back, right behind it's heart, thus making the giant fall and Wen Ning jump over him as well. Wen Ning quickly catched up to her in no time, but they were forced to stop when the gang members suddenly appeared they were too much for Wen Ning to fight off without getting Lan Zhēn kidnapped again, so she had an idea.

Lan Zhēn: "A-Ning! (He turns) I'm gonna punch."

Wen Ning nodded and waited for the signal, when she bent down, he leaped high. She soon jumped as well and everything almost looked like slow motion, her in mid air about to punch, Wen Ning up high, and the gang members pouncing on her... She punched the ground. The impact immediately turning the ground icy, the pulsing power she let go pushed the 30+ gang members around her. After her punch on the ground, Wen Ning quickly reached the ground and they both continued running again. Them running away and fighting lasted hours, until they were cornered.

Lan Zhēn (panicked): "Wen Ning? Why did you lead us to a corner of a mountain?!"

Wen Ning (panicked): "I-I don't know. I promise I could sensed a way out."

Lan Zhēn (panicked): "Wen Ning! There's nothing here!"

The two of the gasped when looking behind them. There were 6 giants with big swords on their hands, and 5 normal sized gang members slowly walking towards them.

Lan Zhēn (whispering): "The old man..."

Wen Ning: "What?"

Lan Zhēn: "I just remembered that there was an old man within the camp that can sense people's cores. Since you are half human, he was able to confuse you and make you think that we were going the right way."

Wen Ning: "So he knew I was near."

Lan Zhēn: "Most likely."

Seeing that they were forced to fight, the looked at each other and nodded. Wen Ning would try to get the attention of all the giant's there and leave the weaker ones for Lan Zhēn even though she knows how to fight. While they were fighting, a gang member was waiting in the shadows, the same one the soon-to-be Tài Clan Leader ordered in getting Wen Ning's heart, he was ready with a special spear in hand as to make distance and avoid getting killed first. But he knew Wen Ning, whom he knew as "Huamei", wouldn't be easy to stab; so he tried another way, it was extremely risky, but he knew it would most likely be the only way. Turning around, Wen Ning saw how a gang member was about to stab Lan Zhēn with a spear, she was cornered and didn't have anywhere to go. She was froze in her position, unable to comprehend what was going on, her eyes only seeing the sharp end of the spear. Panicked yet determined, Wen Ning's next move was obvious...

*STAB*

Wen Ning shielded Lan Zhēn... By using his body. Lan Zhēn breath hitched, silently starting to cry. Wen Ning fell on his knees and then to the ground, struggling to breath. Shaking and out of shock, she stayed still, not knowing what to do after seeing her dear friend get stabbed from behind with an odd looking spear. She called out to him, but he wasn't responding, he was just trying his hardest to breath. The last thing he heard...

... Was his name being called...

.

.

.

Lan Xichen: "Wen Ning?"

Wen Ning: "Y-yes Zewu Jun?"

Lan Xichen: "I wanted to ask you something. I hope you don't mind."

Wen Ning: "N-not at all! Please, ask me anything."

Lan Xichen: "Ever since Zhēn came back, you often get a bit clingy and overprotective towards her. You sometimes barely let any other male get close to her and scare them away. Is there something I need to know?"

Wen Ning looked down and played with his skirt a little, he took a deep breath and spoke while still looking down.

Wen Ning: "S-she r-reminds me of S-Shijie..."

Lan Xichen looked down, sadness taking over his heart at Wen Ning's response.

Wen Ning (looks up): "I-I promise I don't mean any wrong! She just... (Looks down) She reminds of her, but in a younger version. *Head shake* I can't help it! She's so overprotective of me, she worries over my well being, and even protects me when I'm the one who should be protecting her..."

Wen Ning quivered a bit, Xichen listened.

Wen Ning: "Whenever I see her, I see S-Shijie. On how she makes medicine, how she smiles, how she sometimes acts... Over how she... Stays by my side..."

Xichen looked down, feeling bad for asking in the first place. He looked up and smiled.

Lan Xichen: "I'm guessing that, you also feel guilty from that time... Right?"

Wen Ning crouched a little, closing his eyes as to prevent them from burning. Since he can't cry, his eyes would burn a little instead (A/N: Or at least that's what I think). Xichen then gently patted the poor man's shoulder, catching his attention.

Lan Xichen: "Now you have a chance to protect her then."

Xichen smiled and signaled for him to look behind. When he turned, for a mere second... He saw Wen Qing's back, but soon turned into Zhēn when she turned around. Zhēn gave When Ning a smile, he smiled in return with glazed eyes. Zhēn was too far to see how glazed his eyes were, so she just smiled brighter and turned back around to speak with her maiden friends for a minute after she excused herself. She turned around and ran towards him.

Lan Zhēn (happy): "When Ning!"

.

.

.

Wen Qing: "... Wake up."

.

.

.

"... Wen Ning..."

"... Wen Ning!..."

"..."

"WEN NING!"

Wen Ning: "*GASP*"

Wen Ning woke up to sudden shaking, gasping for air. The first thing he saw was Lan Zhēn with a wet face, all red and shaking. Wen Ning sat up a little, he looked down where the spear was, but it wasn't there anymore. He looked back at Lan Zhēn and saw how dirty she was, but taking a closer look, he saw a bit of dried blood on her head and a light bruise on her right side of her face near the eye.

Wen Ning: "P-princess, w-what happened?"

Immediately, Zhēn hugged Wen Ning and cried loudly. Holding him tightly and not showing signs of letting go. Not knowing what happened, Wen Ning hugged her back almost as tightly as her.

Lan Zhēn (crying): "Don't scare me like that again! I truly thought I lost you!*high inhale* Why must you be so reckless sometimes?!... You're like a brother to me you know? How can a carry the guilt of getting you killed?!"

Wen Ning: "B-but Princess-"

Lan Zhēn (crying): "How do you intend in keeping Papa's promise in protecting me if you're dead Wen Ning?!"

Wen Ning froze, his eyes glazing from the guilt of worrying his lady this badly. He then held her tightly, trusting that they are on safe ground and just stayed there, holding his lady and comforting her. After hugging it out, Wen Ning looked up and saw it was almost night time.

Wen Ning: "How long was I out?"

They separated and Zhēn wiped her face while still sniffling, but calmed down.

Lan Zhēn: "You were unconscious for 4 hours."

Wen Ning (shocked): "!!!"

Lan Zhēn: "I didn't have a choice but to kill them all... That way, I could escape with you on my back alive. After we escaped, I was able to pull the spear from out of you and heal you; even though you were healed, you still didn't wake up."

Wen Ning looked down, he was going to speak, but Lan Zhēn continued.

Lan Zhēn: "I further investigated the spear the member of the Tài Clan used. The seal it had on originated from Japan. It was a containment seal; if you still had the spear within, you'll might as well consider yourself chained."

Wen Ning: "Oh... B-but... Are you hurt? From what you went through?"

Lan Zhēn sighed.

Lan Zhēn: "I always considered myself independent, strong, and brave... But... Even though I AM those things... Why am I wishing to be with Papa?... All I'm thinking about right now, is being back in his arms."

Wen Ning stood up and looked around, he turned and knelt down. She was still on the floor with a sad face.

Wen Ning: "Princess. Are you hungry?"

She shook her head.

Wen Ning: "Did you hunt for something while I was unconscious?"

She nodded.

Wen Ning: "Well then *stands up/extends hand*, let's take you to Zewu Jun."

Lan Zhēn smiled/nodded and took his hand. They then started walking, even though they would like to walk on their way back home, Wen Ning wanted Lan Zhēn to rest tonight, so he was able to convince her in searching for a cave where she could rest while making sure they didn't run into anyone at all.

~~~~~

~At Jin Clan: Main Hall~

Lan Xichen: "Any signs of them?"

Jiang Cheng: "No, but me and Jin Ling will leave Lanling and search a bit further away. Maybe then we'll be able to find something, or better yet, find them."

Lan Xichen: "*sigh* I got letters recently from the other Clan Leaders, but they also have nothing. The week hasn't even ended and I'm already having a hard time breathing."

Jiang Cheng: "Please calm down, we'll find her sooner than you think we will."

Lan Xichen: "Please Clan Leader Jiang. Don't make empty promises, especially with this situation."

Jiang Cheng: "At least remain calm. I understand what you're feeling; I may not be a parent, but I am guardian. I lost Jin Ling once, and he returned all dirty, but at least he was safe. With all due respect, may I remind you that Lady Lan is a strong and independent woman, she can fight on her own, even better if she's with Wen Ning."

Xichen sighed and nodded at this. It was true, Lan Zhēn is stronger than all the Clan Leaders combined; but as a father, he can't help but still see her as the child she was once when she was almost kidnapped by Xue Yang. Small, delicate, smiley... Then beaten, scared, and scarred. Jin Ling couldn't help but hear their conversation from outside the Main Hall, he barely knew the girl... But he wants to save her. He couldn't save the girl from that time, but he WILL save this one, and he'll make that not a single scratch will make it on her skin; even if it's the last thing he'll end up doing. During most of the night, he trained hard and meditated once in a while until a bit late at night when Jiang Cheng found him awake instead of resting for the next day's search.

A/N: When I mentioned the thing about Wen Ning's eyes, it was because, since he cant cry, maybe his eyes burn because his body forbids it? In the live action, whenever his eyes are glazed, they get red, so I just assume that's the reason; it may not be painful, but maybe it just bothers him. If not, let's pretend that's why his eyes get red when glazed for the sake of this fanfiction.

A/N#2: The book will soon come to an end, so prepare yourselves for the coming ending!

"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!❤