Chapter 12

*PUFF*

A gang member of the Tài Clan appeared in the middle of the room.

Everyone stood up and took out their swords, the disciples stood in front of their Masters to protect them, everyone was prepared for what may happen.

GM (raised hands): "Easy easy! I'm here in peace! I just have a message for the Clan Leaders that's all. *Eyes at Xichen* Especially for you."

Everyone kept their swords ready, and kept their eyes on the gang member. The gang member then took out a letter and started reading it.

GM: "Ahem!... Greetings to all Clan Leaders. I write to you this letter as to make a deal with you. Since I am now officially connected to Crystal Heart, I have the power to destroy you all, but I shall make an exception and let you all live... *Eyes at Xichen* If you give Lady Lan to me."

Everyone gasps and 'tch' at this, the gang member continued.

GM: "If you give her back, I will let you all live, the Lan Clan being the most protected, since they will also be family..."

Lan Xichen clenched his sword and exhaled sharply at this.

GM: "... But if you deny this offer and refuse to make the deal, then I suggest you all to bow to me rather then try to fight me. I shall destroy you all immediately and take her away myself. You're future ruler, Tài Yǎzhù."

The gang member closed the letter and smirked under his mask, enjoying the conflict on all the Clan Leader's faces.

GM: "Here."

The gang member extended his hand with the letter to Lan Xichen, making the Lan disciples raise their swords at him.

Lan Xichen (skeptical): "Why are you giving me the letter?"

GM: "In case you don't believe my words."

Xichen still had doubts to whether take the letter or not, but he wanted to see it with his own eyes. Keeping an eye on the gang member, he put away his sword and extended his hand to grab the letter. But once he came to contact with it, the red letter turned into a snake and quickly wrapped itself on Xichen's wrist. Panicked (and scared), Xichen pulled back his arm immediately and tried to push away the snake, dropping his sword and taking a few steps back in the process, but after a few seconds, it turned into a tattoo of a snake wrapped around his wrist. Xichen's sudden actions caused everyone to panic and point their swords at the gang member who quickly stepped back and raised his arms, a smirk on the GM's masked face.

Lan Xichen (breathing heavily): "What did you do?"

GM: "Don't worry, this is how long-distanced deals work. The sent letter wraps around the person's wrist and, depending on the answer, the deal is either accepted or not."

Lan Xichen: "I refuse to make any sort of deal with your Master!"

GM: "Are you sure about that? After all, we're not just talking about you're Clan..."

Xichen looked at everyone while they looked at him.

GM: "Look *grabs Xichen's attention*, if you want to make a deal, focus a bit of your core's energy on to the snake's head, the snake will then be replaced by a bite mark and the deal will be oficial. If you still refuse, you have until sunset of the third day, when that time comes, the tattoo will disappear..."

"... but so will your chances to live."

The gang member then disappeared/teleported away.

Jiang Cheng (angry): "QUICKLY! Search for the gang member! Don't let him escape!"

Jiang Cheng ordered his men as well as Jin disciples to go look for the gang member and capture him, in which they quickly left while the disciples of the other Clans stayed by their Leader's sides as to protect them from any possible danger. The Leaders then walked towards Lan Xichen and saw the snake tattoo wrapped around his wrist (it was very visible, especially when it was a bright red). Xichen clenched his jaw and glared at the tattoo on the wrist of his hand.

Lan Xichen (serious): "I won't give her away."

The Clan Leaders looked at each other with worried looks, Jiang Cheng snapped.

Jiang Cheng (furious): "Why are you looking at each other like that?! Speak this instance!"

Lan Xichen couldn't believe what the two Clan Leaders in front of him were thinking. Huisang stepped by his Gēgē's side, looking at them with a serious yet shocked face.

Clan Leader Yao: "N-now... I know this is unfair b-but..."

Ouyang Zizhen: "Father... You wouldn't..."

Clan Leader Ouyang looked at Ouyang Zizhen and then looked away, a bit ashamed from what he's showing to his son.

Lan Xichen (shocked/shaky): "How dare you?... Why?..."

Clan Leader Ouyang: "Clan Leader Lan... I want to see my son live."

Lan Xichen: "I also want to see Zhēn live!"

Clan Leader Ouyang: "But unlike Zizhen, she's not your biological child!"

Jiang Cheng: "How dare you! Have you no shame in speaking this way?! How could you say such a thing!"

Clan Leader Yao: "But can't you see?! At least we know his bloodline won't upgrade. Besides! She'll live! Isn't that what you want Clan Leader Lan?"

Lan Xichen (furious): "I want her to live happily! Not as a slave or as a toy! Even less as a baby producer!"

Ouyang Zizhen ran to Jin Ling's side, angry and panicked from this situation.

Ouyang Zizhen (panicked): "What do we do?! If this keeps on going, our Clans will turn into enemies at this point. Again!"

The two teens stayed near the throne, looking at how the adults bickered and yelled at each other. The atmosphere was intense, even the disciples backed away from the other sect disciples, prepared for anything... This was bad news...

Jin Ling gripped his sword with slight fear... His father's sword... He slightly pulled it out, seeing his reflection on the small portion of metal revealed, a surge of bravery and determination suddenly coursed through his body... As he stared at himself, he knew what to do.

Jin Ling: "SILENCE!"

Everyone stopped and looked at Jin Ling with surprised/shocked looks. Jin Ling was about to take a step back until he saw Nie Huisang give him a short slow serious nod. Suddenly, he felt motivated by the least person he thought would've motivated him. He took a deep shaky breath...

Jin Ling: "Look at yourselves... Nothing but cowards. How disgraceful of you both, standing on my family's home. How dare you think of selling a strong woman to an unworthy rat."

Clan Leaders Yao and Ouyang were baffled from what they were hearing while both Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng were just shocked.

Clan Leader Yao (shocked): "Y-you-!"

Jin Ling: "Don't speak to me! I won't allow such a dishonorable man like you try to correct me... I will only say this once. If you're so scared of this Tài Yǎzhù guy, then leave China! Leave this place at once! Get yourselves a new name if you have to!... But I'm staying. My name is Jin Rulan, future Clan Leader of Jin Clan, and I will not allow a pig take my place as if he deserved the world. I will not give away my family throne just because he has a corrupted weapon in his disposition. I will not give away a precious jewel such as Miss Lan to him, even if he had Crystal Heart pointing at my throat! *takes out Suìhuá and points at the sky* I! WILL! NOT! YIELD!"

Clan Leaders Yao and Ouyang remained silent with shame and slight embarrassment, Jin Ling's poisonous words piercing their souls. Lan Xichen smiled warmly and happily at Jin Ling's bravery and speech, Nie Huisang did the same but with a slight grin. Jiang Cheng on the other hand, he was proud... Extremely proud of his nephew's actions, so proud, his eyes were glossy. Jin Ling then lowers Suìhuá (his sword) and points her at the two Clan Leaders, and speaks in a threatening voice that gave the two men shivers down their spines...

Jin Ling: "Leave... If you dare..."

Jin Ling kept his sword pointing at them with a brave and solid stance, his eyes being as sharp as Suìhuá, breathing heavily from the adrenaline. Clan Leader Ouyang then looked at his son, his eyes calling out for him to come and stand by his side, but Ouyang Zizhen had other plans. He stepped by Jin Ling's side... and pointed his sword to the air, and spoke as well.

Ouyang Zizhen (determined): "I will not yield!"

Clan Leader Ouyang stumbled back at this. Jiang Cheng smirked, he walked towards Jin Ling's side and raised his sword.

Jiang Cheng (proudly): "I will not yield!"

The disciples of Jin and Jiang Clan, though keeping their places, they also raised their swords...

Jiang/Jin disciples: "We will not yield! We will not yield!"

The disciples kept repeating. Nie Huisang raised his fan and said the same thing, thus resulting in his men repeating as well. The Lan disciples repeated along side them, this whole event made Lan Xichen feel really happy, but turned serious when seeing how the two Clan Leaders remained silent...

...They walked out...

Their disciples looked at each other confused, but followed their Leaders anyway. Jin Ling exhaled deeply and lowered his sword, he was still tensed and his hands were shaking from the adrenaline, but he felt... Great? No, he didn't know what he felt, all he knew is that he felt superior than those two men, in a way at least... He didn't know why, but he did. Hearing his Uncle put away Sāndú (his own sword), he hesitated if he should turn to him or not, he then flinched when Jiang Cheng placed his hand on his shoulder, but relaxed at his following words...

Jiang Cheng (gently): "I'm proud of you."

Jin Ling turned around in shock, he soon felt his eyes getting teary, which made him quickly turn/lower his head away from his Uncle. Jiang Cheng chuckled and hugged Jin Ling, the boy hesitated a bit, but nonetheless hugged his Uncle back after putting away Suìhuá, enjoying these little moments of his Uncle being affectionate (in a non violent/aggressive way). Pulling away, Jiang Cheng eyed at Ouyang Zizhen who flinched once he was noticed by the Jiang Clan Leader, he kept his head down even when the said man stood right in front of him.

Jiang Cheng: "It's your father's job to say this, but it seems he doesn't deserve to do so if he's going to act this way. *Places hand on Zizhen's shoulder* Good job, you were very brave standing up to your own father like that. If necessary, you'll always be welcomed here and at Junmeng."

Ouyang Zizhen got teary, but he wiped the tears away and nodded while still looking down in respect, the tears betraying him as they kept falling.

Lan Xichen: "Thank you all for standing up for me and Zhēn."

Nie Huisang: "Gēgē, it's the least we can do after everything you've done for us. Whether it was us... *nostalgic* or to someone we deeply cared for."

Lan Xichen smiled at this, he felt reassured, he had hope.

Jiang Cheng: "So... What are we going to do then? Especially with that?"

Jiang Cheng pointed at the tattoo.

Lan Xichen: "I don't want Zhēn to know of this. Although she would obviously choose to sacrifice herself, I still don't want her to know of what happened."

They all nodded.

Jiang Cheng: "Let's prepare for the war that is about to come then."

Nie Huisang: "I'm thinking of also adding the ones that left swordsmanship, whether they've retired at a more younger age or abandoned the Clan (A/N: like Mianmian). Maybe we can try to convince them in coming back and fight."

Jin Ling: "I'll join as well-"

Jiang Cheng: "No you won't! You'll be staying here. *Eyes at Zizhen* The both of you will stay here."

Jin Ling: "But Uncle-!"

Jiang Cheng: "I said no! I understand you want to fight and I'm proud of your bravery and determination, but if we don't manage to win, I want you to stay and take care of the Clans. Am I clear?"

Jin Ling grunted, but nodded as to not give his Uncle the wrong idea and end up being scolded for an hour, Jiang Cheng then eyed at Ouyang Zizhen, the boy nodded repeatedly, clearly intimidated by him.

Nie Huisang: "Will Hanguang Jun join the battle as well? Or will he stay with Wei-xiong?"

Lan Xichen: "I think it's best if he stayed. If things don't go the way we hoped for, he can be the next one in charge of the Clan."

Jiang Cheng: "That won't happen. We'll stick together and fight for what's rightfully ours."

Nie Huisang nodded with a smile in approval at Jiang Cheng's words.

Jin Ling: "Zewu Jun. *Bows respectfully* Please, since I'm not allowed to join the battle, give me permission to stay by Miss Lan's side and protect her."

Lan Xichen: "I trust that you will keep her safe, but please make sure you remember that she is not much of a 'damsel in distress' type of woman. Respect her, and never underestimate her."

Jin Ling nods and straightens, Ouyang Zizhen shakily sighs and steps forward, slightly shaking.

Ouyang Zizhen: "*Bows respectfully* I too want to protect her, and... If my father were to kick me out of the Clan and push me away due to my betrayal to the Ouyang Clan, *turns to Jiang Cheng* I would like to help Childe Jin by being in charge of the Jiang Clan while he takes care of the Jin Clan if the war were to be lost."

Lan Xichen smiled from how righteous the boy was acting, but then curiously eyed at Jiang Cheng, wanting to know his answer.

Jiang Cheng thought for a moment, but could only come up with one answer, which he was a bit hesitant off.

Jiang Cheng (semi-hesitant): "*sigh* If Jin Ling trust you with his life, then I trust you with my Clan. I'm sure you'll do good, just make sure I won't regret it in the after life."

Ouyang Zizhen looked up surprised, but his features soon changed to determination and confidence; after responding with a nod, he bowed one more time and stepped back. Lan Xichen pulled his sleeve, revealing the snake tattoo wrapped around his wrist.

Lan Xichen (serious): "I need to cover the tattoo, I can't have Lan Zhēn know of this."

Jiang Cheng: "I'll go look for those two and at least make them keep quiet about what happened."

With this said, Jiang Cheng excused himself and left, Nie Huisang suddenly perked.

Nie Huisang: "Gēgē! Why don't you cover it by wrapping your wrist with bandages? We can at least let Miss Lan know that a gang member came and hurt you. I mean, you weren't physically hurt, but you were hurt emotionally in a way... So technically, you aren't exactly lying to her?"

Nie Huisang said this while scratching his head with his fan, not knowing if the excuse was acceptable. Lan Xichen chuckled at this and nodded...

In those three days, they prepared for anything that could possibly happen before, during, and after the battle. Their soldiers multiplied in great numbers in a matter of three days, even the people from the villages who could fight joined the army. While everything was being prepared, Lan Xichen left to Gusu, bringing Zhēn and the two boys along with him, and spoke to Wangji alone at the Cold Cave, a bit far from Wei Wuxian's sleeping form.

Lan Xichen (whisper): "Wangji, I'm going to fight along side Huisang and Clan Leader Jiang against Tài Yǎzhù. If we end up losing the fight, leave China with Zhēn, Childe Jin and Childe Ouyang. If I truly were to die in this fight, I want you to be in charge of the Clan and be it's new Leader."

Lan Wangji: "But Xiongzhang-"

Lan Xichen (whisper): "Wangji. Please... This is my last wish to you. Take care of the Clan and guide Childe Jin and Childe Ouyang into Leadership, they'll be taking caring of both Jin and Jiang Clans if Clan Leader Jiang were to die by my side. *Eyes at Wei Wuxian* Maybe Young Master Wei can help them manage the Clans... Please Wangji, do this for both the future of our Clan, and the future of the other Clans."

Lan Wangji gulped down, his eyes started watering, he took a deep breath and bowed respectfully at his brother. Jiang Cheng  came to Gusu a few hours (2 or 3) after Lan Xichen & company, but he wasn't going to stay long since the war is coming soon. He only came to not only bid farewell, possibly for one last time, to Jin Ling... But to his still unconscious brother as well. At this moment, he's sitting beside Wei Wuxian on the ice bed, tucking him a bit better with the given heavy blankets and removing little bits of snow/ice from his sleeping brother's face and head, seeing how much time has passed as he noticed how his brother was starting to grow facial hair.

Jiang Cheng: "Wei Wuxian. There will be a war soon, and I'm joining the fight. When you wake up, I want you to keep that promise you made that day, not to me... But to Jin Ling. Protect him and guide him, help Childe Ouyang as well if he truly were to be kicked out of his Clan, I gave him permission to manage the Jiang Clan if I were to die in the fight. Please, Wei Wuxian, I give you my last wish as your brother, don't go on dying again... Alright?"

Jiang Cheng then stood up and left... Leaving without seeing a tear escape one of Wei Wuxian's eye. He met up with Lan Wangji outside the cave and they stared at each other.

Jiang Cheng: "Make sure he doesn't end up killed again."

Lan Wangji nodded. Jiang Cheng stood there and his breath semi hitched...

Jiang Cheng: "Take care of Jin Ling too. I trust that you and Wei Wuxian will guide him properly."

Lan Wangji nodded with a "hm". Jiang Cheng then left, not wanting to look back. Once Wangji was inside of the Cave, his eyes widened when seeing a slightly frozen tear placed on Wei Wuxian's face. Upon closer inspection, he saw that it belonged to Wei Wuxian, seeing a glazed trail from where the tear is placed to the eye.

After bidding farewell to Wangji, Lan Xichen went to visit Zhēn one last time, not that she knew it would.

Lan Zhēn: "Father please, I don't need to rest anymore, I'm alright."

Lan Xichen: "Zhēn, you spent a lot of your energy, the Doctor said you need more rest. I promise that after this nap, I'll even allow you to train at night."

Lan Zhēn (jokingly): "Huh? Generous are we?"

Lan Xichen: "*Chuckle* Yes, but only if you rest some more."

Lan Zhēn then laid down on her bed and placed the blankets on herself, Xichen  helped her tuck in and sat on the edge. Before she would close her eyes though...

Lan Zhēn: "Papa?"

Lan Xichen: "Yes?"

Lan Zhēn giggled and booped his nose right before saying...

Lan Zhēn (smiling): "I love you!"

Lan Xichen exhaled and tried to remain calm from her heart wrenching words. He smiled and started stroking her head as her eyes slowly closed. Right when he felt her relaxed, he gently tapped her forehead with his middle and thumb finger (A/N: like what Wen Qing did to Wei Wuxian to put him to sleep), this caused her body to go limp... Putting her in deep slumber. He shakily kissed her on her forehead for one last time and softly whispered to her...

Lan Xichen (teary): "... I'm sorry..."

The two teens then entered the room, witnessing the heartbreaking scene.

Ouyang Zizhen (worried): "For how long will she stay asleep?"

Lan Xichen: "A week unless she were to be awakened. *Stands up* I trust her safety to you."

Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen bowed respectfully to Lan Xichen who bid them farewell afterwards. Xichen met up with Lan Shizui and Lan Jingyi at the entrance of Lan Zhēn's room.

Lan Shizui (sad tone): "Zewu Jun."

Jingyi also had a sad face.

Lan Xichen: "Shizui... Jingyi... My last orders to you both is to remain always by Zhēn's side, no matter what. Please."

Lan Shizui and Lan Jingyi, still filled with sadness, bowed in respect to their master.

Lan Xichen, Nie Huisang and Jiang Cheng were now at the entrance of the Lan Clan when the Sun was about to set. Lan Xichen soon removed the bandages on his wrist and the three of them saw how the snake disintegrated away from the Sunset's last shine.

Jiang Cheng: "It's time."

Xichen turned around to his two disciples and Uncle behind him and nodded. With sad looks, they bowed one last time to their Leader and soon performed a seal. There were other Lan disciples around the area, so when they saw the ones performing the seal by noticing a beacon up on the sky, they performed the seal as well. Seeing the seal being completed, they were all going to walk down to Gusu, but before they did...

Lan Xichen: "I'll be back, I promise."

Lan Qiren (shaky): "I know."

After this said, they went down and bid their farewell to the other Lan disciples and stayed until another seal was formed, but this time, it was for Gusu. Once done, him and his two Leader friends walked towards their horses, mounted, and left back to Jin Clan to discuss the plans. On their way there, they ran into Clan Leaders Yao and Ouyang. After further thinking, they told them how ashamed they were in actually thinking of handing over Miss Lan, and as a way to show how sorry they were, they've also prepared soldiers of great numbers for this war, which gave the three men hope.

~At the Tài Clan territory~

Tài Yǎzhù stands on a hill, watching how the Sun was setting and waiting to see if a bite mark appeared on his wrist...

...Nothing happened...

Tài Yǎzhù: "They think they can win? Against me?"

He glares at his wrist with hate as if it were Lan Xichen's. He then turned to the Sun which was half way behind the mountains.

Tài Yǎzhù: "Fine then. I'll make them regret their decisions."

*Evil chuckle*

"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!❤