Chapter 13

Once the Leaders were at the Jin Clan, they merely just started their plans in attacking when a gang member of the Tài Clan appeared, giving them the letter that contained the location of the war. The gang member was quite calm and confident, which angered a few Leaders while the others were a bit intimidated. Surprisingly, the battle will be at Nightless City, the former residence of the Wen Clan; it said in the letter that Tài Yǎzhù will claim it and turn it into his new home... Having Zhēn as his Queen... Much for Xichen's obvious disapproval. The man was literally mocking him, he even called him his "Father" in the letter, everyone disapproved just as much. Unfortunately for them, the battle will be the next day at noon, in which is written as "... At noon, the time you admitted your death...". The Clan Leaders barely had any time to come up with a plan, and questions kept bombarding their minds. What if they further investigated about the Nightless City grounds? What if they found a powerful weapon that the Wen people use to have and now will be used against them? There were so many questions, some of them didn't even make sense, but the questions didn't fail in scaring some of them, even Lan Xichen's hope was diminishing by the negativity. Thankfully, Jiang Cheng was there to constantly snap them back to reality. If it weren't for his quite violent motivational words, they wouldn't have come up with a good plan, nor would they have time to spare in training and meditating. Before the end of the day, the Leaders chatted about random things they would've wished to accomplish if this were to be their last time being alive or all together. Clan Leader Ouyang admitted that he wishes at the moment that his son would see him now, ready to fight off a beast at such an old age; and since he didn't know if he was really going to live or not, he revealed to Lan Xichen that Zizhen liked Miss Lan and over how he never stopped thinking about her. Xichen got a little worried about this, but he stayed calm, he knew Childe Ouyang wasn't bad... then Jiang Cheng admitted that he's been suspecting that Jin Ling also may have feelings for Miss Lan... Lan Xichen was quite shocked and dumbfounded over how his daughter captivated two men already. The Clan Leaders shared one final hearty laugh at these news, especially from Lan Xichen's reaction to them. They made sure to have a good time, since they didn't know if this would be their last. After this, they all went to bed and rest, some of them didn't rest at all though, two of them obviously being Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen. Jiang Cheng has always been there to protect and take care of Jin Ling, the feeling of leaving his nephew basically traumatized him, he felt as if he was showing his back to Jin Zixuan and his dear Shijie, as if he were ignoring them... but he stayed strong, he knew why he was leaving Jin Ling. He wasn't abandoning him, he was trying to give his nephew a chance to live. Lan Xichen on the other hand, was suddenly drowned with the memories he made with Zhēn... Of how he found her under the floor boards, hearing her call for him for the first time, the big surprise he had when witnessing her walking for the first time towards Wangji... Remembering every single smile of hers throughout her ages. He was drowning in pure nostalgia and heartbreak, tears escaping once in a while. Lastly, he lulled himself to sleep with the lullaby he would sing to her every night, tears staining his features as he sleeps a dreamless sleep.

In the morning, the Clan Leaders as well as their disciples trained for a bit and meditated, concentrating their energies as much as possible. They ate their last meal of the day, or life even, and left towards Nightless City. There was tension during the entire way there, no one spoke a word unless if it were for directions (it's been a while) or if anyone could stop for a pip stop (we are human after all). Other than those two things, no words were spoken, Nie Huisang would constantly try to say something, but the words would never come out, he only stayed on his horse, shaking in fear and try to fan his frustration away.

It was noon and the sun was almost half way behind the mountains when they reached the Nightless City, they got off their horses and went inside... It was quiet... Too quiet...

???: "Welcome!"

Everyone looked up at the stair case where a man was standing with open arms and a smile.

Tài Yǎzhù: "How nice of us to finally see each other, in person that is."

The said man chuckled, the Clan Leaders stood their ground at the center.

Tài Yǎzhù: "Say... Wasn't there someone from the Jin Clan? Did he chicken away maybe?"

Tài Yǎzhù mocked, Jiang Cheng gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, but keeping in mind to not clench it too hard as to make them bleed (he gave Zǐdiàn to Jin Ling).

Clan Leader Yao: "The boy's life is non of your business! This fight is between you and us! You fiend!"

Tài Yǎzhù then started walking down the stairs in a calm pace, this alarmed the Clan Leaders, making them take out their swords and be prepared to attack. What creeped them out the most, was how that monster's eyes were more and more noticeably vibrant the closer he walked towards them, the man's smile/grin not leaving his face. While walking down though, he spoke...

Tài Yǎzhù: "But of course the fight has to do with him! He's the only heir the Jin Clan has left! The next Clan Leader of Jin Clan! Although he may still be young, this battle can help him learn a thing or two. Besides! *Reached the bottom step* I thought you wouldn't have mind in delivering him to me."

Jiang Cheng (gritted teeth): "What's that supposed to mean?"

Tài Yǎzhù: "Huuuh? You don't know? How irresponsible of that man, after all, you're all a big family... Right?"

Jiang Cheng (angry): "Speak this instant!"

Tài Yǎzhù chuckled at the Jiang Clan Leader's impatiants and desperation for the answer. Tài Yǎzhù then started to calmly walk around the Leaders, circling around them like the cannibal predator that he is, making the Clan Leaders take a defensive circle position; but while he walked, he spoke as well...

Tài Yǎzhù: "The deal of course."

Lan Xichen: "What deal?"

Tài Yǎzhù: "The deal me and a certain Jin man made, many many years ago..."

Clan Leader Yao: "J-Jin Guangyao?"

Tài Yǎzhù: "Yesss... That's him... He promised me the body of a certain dead man, I wanted the full package... The man... And his cursed sword, in exchange for the Ancestor's Union Melody."

Everyone tenses at this, knowing that the only possible answer, would be the deceased Nie Clan Leader, Nie Mingjue. Tài Yǎzhù continued...

Tài Yǎzhù: "... But unfortunately... *Gritted teeth* He failed and decided to give me the corpse alone. I warned him, that if he were to fail, whether it's him not giving me what I want or him dying, his family tree... *Maniacal smirk* Would be the main dish in my menu."

~Flash back to 11 years ago~

(he's telling the story, but I'll write it as Author's Point of View)

Jin Guangyao (angry): "You told me he was easy to convince."

Xue Yang (grinning): "If you give him a good deal."

Jin Guangyao: "Anyways. I'm surprised I didn't get to meet his sons though, I heard they were strong. Maybe I could've convinced them instead."

Xue Yang: "Nope. He only has one son, if he were to have more than one, they get trained and then placed in a death match. Last one standing not only gets his father's full attention *turns to A-Yao*, but the throne as well."

Jin Guangyao: "How do you know of them so much?"

Xue Yang: "I got injured when I came to contact with two of the worst men I've ever met, which I'll be torturing one day for their unfair actions when I get the chance, and then the Young Master found me. We instantly turned into brothers that day, no one else understood us except the both of us. Plus, I learned a saying from him that I consider pretty accurate."

Jin Guangyao (hesitant): "Which was?"

Xue Yang (smirk): "Justice is only a sugar-coated name for Vengeance." (A/N: I don't agree, but every villain needs a harsh quote *sweat drop*)

Jin Guangyao exhaled deeply as to relieve his stress. He failed in convincing the Tài Clan Leader into forming an alliance with him and almost got himself killed for trying.

??? (calm/serious): "It's rude to speak behind someone's back."

The two men turned and looked up, Xue Yang's grin widened while Jin Guangyao only squint his eyes as to try to see who was the person on a swing-formed root (the Tài Clan is underground).

Xue Yang (grinning): "Now Gēgē, it's not like I'm talking bad about you."

Jin Guangyao slightly shook at how the man above's head turned, revealing gold vibrant eyes... Piercing through his soul.

*Puff*

He teleported away which alarmed Jin Guangyao greatly, but made sure it wasn't noticeable, but Xue Yang knew how intimidated his friend was and stepped back with a smirk, wanting to enjoy his friend's fear since he barely gets the honor to witness it. The strange man spoke, but was nowhere in sight, his voice resonating through the cave...

???: "So you're the man Father grew angry off?... I'm not surprised... *Chuckle*

Jin Guangyao's eyes widened, his body froze and breathed heavily... When feeling a hand stroking his two shoulders and finally an arm being lazily placed on them.

??? (smirk): "You look too weak and small to be a Clan Leader."

The misterios man spoke next to the nervous Jin man, lightly wrapping his arm around the said man's neck.

Xue Yang (smirking): "Now A-Yǎzhù, don't scare the poor man like that, you'll end up giving him a heart attack."

Xue Yang mocked Jin Guangyao, but the man stayed still, now knowing who the misterios man is.

Jin Guangyao (calm/nervous): "You're the Young Master, Tài Yǎzhù."

Tài Yǎzhù: "That's right, the one and only future Leader of the Tài Clan. If we want something, we get it no matter what... Say Jin Guangyao, aren't we the same in that way?"

Jin Guangyao looked to the side, fearing in turning his entire head around and be face to face with his intimidator.

Tài Yǎzhù: "We kill to win. If not, like my friend here, we enjoy it... Now tell me... *Leans on Jin Guangyao* What is it that you wanted from my father that made you try to convince him in forming an alliance with you?"

Jin Guangyao breathed slowly and tried to calm his nerves, he gulped and inhaled before answering.

Jin Guangyao: "I offered a great number of skilled soldiers and land if he finds something for me."

Tài Yǎzhù chuckled, and then started laughing. Jin Guangyao was confused and looked at Xue Yang, but the murderous man only kept a smirk on his face with arms crossed. Tài Yǎzhù calmed himself and stayed leaning on the Jin Guangyao.

Tài Yǎzhù: "Jin Guangyao, Jin Guangyao, Jin Guangyao... We don't need men, we have enough, after all, we're from the same family tree as the Wen Clan, if not, the ones that survived from the Wen massacre. As for land, we can conquer any if we wanted to, but currently we aren't interested in any at the moment. Now... *he started checking his nails from his other hand*. What is it that you wanted him to look for?"

Jin Guangyao: "The Ancestor's Union Melody."

Tài Yǎzhù stopped, his smirk disappearing from his features. Jin Guangyao tensed and slightly panicked when feeling the man's relaxed arm turn tense.

Tài Yǎzhù (emotionless): "The what?"

Jin Guangyao: "Th-"

Tài Yǎzhù: "The Ancestor's Union Melody?"

Tài Yǎzhù then let go of Jin Guangyao and started walking in a thinking pose towards Xue Yang who remained smirking with arms crossed.

Tài Yǎzhù: "A-Yang?"

Xue Yang (grinning): "Yeah?"

Tài Yǎzhù: "Can you explain to me why this... *Eyes at Jin Guangyao* Friend of yours *turns to Xue Yang* wants the melody?"

Xue Yang: "He plans to find Crystal Heart."

Tài Yǎzhù nods as he lazily draped an arm around Xue Yang, but unlike Jin Guangyao, he remained as calm as ever.

Tài Yǎzhù: "So you're saying that... There's a person with a diamond core around?"

Jin Guangyao's breath hitched, he gave Xue Yang a menacing look, but his smirk only widened.

Xue Yang: "Yeah. *Turns head with serious expression* Unfortunately though, we lost our only chance in getting the core."

Tài Yǎzhù: "Ugggh. How am I not surprised... But still, *turns focus to A-Yao* if there's no diamond core to awaken it, let alone help you find it... *Walks to A-Yao* Why would you need the melody?..."

Tài Yǎzhù stands infront of Jin Guangyao and stares down at him with wide eyes, but Jin Guangyao avoids eye contact at all cost.

Tài Yǎzhù: "Did you both really loose your only chance? *Leans forward*... Or does it belong to someone you care?"

Jin Guangyao looks up with a hint of shock, Tài Yǎzhù smirks at this while Xue Yang giggled.

Jin Guangyao: "H-how?"

Tài Yǎzhù: "*dark chuckle* Jin Guangyao... You come to my Clan for a reason don't you? We have our ways in figuring things out."

Jin Guangyao: "*Shocked/nervous*"

Tài Yǎzhù (smirk): "I like you. You're cold, dark, smart, patient... Things a true Clan Leader should have, you don't even look nor act like the son of a prostitute."

Jin Guangyao flinched at that saying, but stayed frozen, especially when Yǎzhù wrapped his arm around his neck again.

Jin Guangyao: "Find me and give me the melody, and I'll give you whatever you desire."

Tài Yǎzhù: "Huuuh? Are you sure you want me to decide? Will you even be able to give it to me?"

Jin Guangyao then turned his head and looked at Tài Yǎzhù with courage and determination.

Jin Guangyao: "I accept your challenge."

Tài Yǎzhù (smirk widens): "Excellent. I know this won't be much of a difficult task, especially when, or at least I'm sure, you've been yearning to do it lately... Since he suspects of you a lot... *A-Yao eyes him* I want the great Nie Mingjue's body *A-Yao's eyes widen*, but I want the full package. Give him to me with his sword, and I'll find you the melody. If you do this, we'll even have an alliance and work side by side, you'll earn my respect and loyalty. Do we have a deal?"

Jin Guangyao (determined): "I'm a man of my word."

Tài Yǎzhù: "Oh really?..."

Xue Yang then grabbed a torch...

Tài Yǎzhù: "... So where they."

As he said this, Yǎzhù turned Jin Guangyao around a little and Xue Yang lit up a pile of dried wood on the floor, thus lighting up a mural that was filled with flags of many different Clans; a few of which Jin Guangyao heard of it's destruction, but didn't think it was caused by the Tài Clan.

Tài Yǎzhù: "As you can see, they were all 'men of their word'... But did they really keep it?"

Jin Guangyao couldn't help but tremble upon the sight, he recognized some Clans as Clans with extremely strong men and resources... He internally admitted that he was quite scared and wanted to get out... But he was nothing but a Dear being face to face with a giant Python, and like the muscles of the snake, Yǎzhù's strong arm was draped on his neck... He was trapped inside a Snakes den. Jin Guangyao's breath hitched and he gulped when feeling Yǎzhù's arm slither off from around his shoulder, his hand from the same arm then lightly wrapped and gripped his neck, forcing Jin Guangyao to lift his head slightly due to the size of the man's strong hand. A-Yao was internally panicking by now, forced to watch how the flames danced in front of the old almost destroyed flags of the eliminated Clans. As if the entire moment wasn't mortifying enough for the poor frightened man, Tài Yǎzhù neared towards face, he could see his vibrant soul piercing eyes on him on the corners of his left eye, he could even see the reflection of the flames in them... and he refused to look at it.

Tài Yǎzhù: "May I remind you, if you were to fight against me, or die without keeping your promise..."

Yǎzhù then gripped A-Yao's neck, it wasn't enough to choke him, but he knew the Jin man was scared out of his mind... And he knew it when A-Yao failed in hidding the fear and panic he was feeling right now. Yǎzhù leaned into his ear while gripping the man's throat, Jin Guangyao closed his eyes in horror... Yǎzhù finished his last words to him...

Tài Yǎzhù (gritted teeth): "You and your family will be the main dish in my menu..."

With this said, Yǎzhù teasingly/slowly let go of A-Yao's neck and slithered his arm away from him. Jin Guangyao trembled and kept his eyes closed in fear for a minute until he decides to slowly open his eyes, trying to calm down his nerves. Curious, he ever so slowly turns to see if the man was there, but he was nowhere in sight... But as he was calming down...

"RAH!"

Jin Guangyao (fear): "Ghopp!"

Xue Yang laughed at how his Jin friend semi screamed. Jin Guangyao exhaled sharply, Xue Yang's little prank truly scared him, but he refused to admit it, but his trembling body failed him by shaking almost uncontrollably.

Xue Yang (smirk): "Ahh you should've seen yourself! You were quivering like a child! Haha!"

Jin Guangyao: "N-nermind that, let's go."

Jin Guangyao failed to not stutter, his nerves were still a wreck, but Xue Yang nodded nonetheless, he still had a mocking smirk on his face though. While they left though, A-Yao could still feel that man's eyes on him... Without realizing that Yǎzhù was staring at him from the distance, on the root he was sitting on a while back, his eyes glowing and with a smirk on his face.

~Back to the present~

Tài Yǎzhù: "I had faith on the man, I really did, but then I received the news of his death... He failed his promise, so now..."

Tài Yǎzhù stops in front of the stairs, and turned to the Clan Leaders with a worrisome smirk.

Tài Yǎzhù: "... He's got to pay for his failure."

Everyone was tensed, having a hard time believing over how Jin Guangyao actually made such deal with a snake man, one of them being more shocked than the other.

Jiang Cheng (trembling in anger): "You won't reach him."

Tài Yǎzhù (chuckling): "Oh Clan Leader Jiang... I already have!"

Tài Yǎzhù then laughed, and while he did, members of his Clan appeared out of nowhere. Countless of giants everywhere, they could even hear their men starting to scream and the sounds of swords. The Clan Leaders shook in fear from what's happening as they were extremely out numbered, all they could hear the most... Is Tài Yǎzhù's evil laugh.

"Why?..."

"Why didn't he tell me?..."

*Running through the woods*

"Papa... Please be okay..."

"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!❤