Chapter 6

All the Clan Leaders were once again reunited at the Yashi, this time Clan Leader Ouyang was present along with Zizhen. Lan Xichen was tensed as to what was going to be revealed, which worried everyone. Lan Zhēn then stood up and walked to the front center of the room, took a deep breath and was noticeably trying to hide her shaking hands; she then spoke:

Lan Zhēn: "Everyone. Please pay attention to my following words. I had a dream last night that our Clans were destroyed my, what it didn't quite seem as a natural disaster. After further investigation, I've come to a conclusion as to what the dream ment. So please, pay close attention to the following information."

"Many years ago, there only existed 5 Clans, each representing an element of nature. The Ice of Lan Clan, the Earth of Nie Clan, the Wind of Jin Clan, the Water of Jiang Clan, and the Fire of Wen Clan. Four powerful elements being balanced by one, but before there was balance, the 5 Clans were enemies for obvious elemental reasons; such the fire melting the ice, the shaking earth corrupting the fluent water, and other elemental reasons.

One day, during a war. The 5 Clan Leaders faced eachother, their final blow being their elemental powers, using it against eachother. This made their el combine, resulting into a beautiful scenery of their elements being one, nothing they've ever thought they could see. Seeing the masterpiece they've created, they formed a peace treaty that united their Clans. Their unity was strong and honest, them realizing how much more they have in common rather than their differences, each element being just as beautiful as their own. After three years together, they decided to create something that would symbolize their friendship; so they left to the top of a mountain that only they could escalate, and they stayed there for 5 years. Returning back to their Clans with a weapon they created with nothing, but their cores. A legendary sword that would strike both terror and relief to the people around. A majestic diamond sword that contained different jewels on the handle as to symbolize each of their Clans. The Ruby symbolised the Wen Clan, the Topaz symbolised the Jin Clan, the Emerald symbolised the Nie Clan, the Aquamarine symbolised the Jiang Clan, and the middle top jewel that balances these gems, a Pearl that symbolised the Lan Clan. The sword was crystal clear and made wholeheartedly by the 5 Warrior Clan Leader themselves, thus symbolizing the transparency and love in their friendship, the jewels being their signature of approval into making this sword. Lastly, when it came to naming the sword, they wanted the name to be easily recognizable and be remembered through many generations; and so, they named the sword...

"Crystal Heart"

The name itself striked the Clan Leaders hearts immediately, one certain Clan Leader was not happy with the name being said... Not happy at all.

Lan Zhēn: "The sword was so strong and precious, it needed strong owners; so, the Leaders decided to train their own special disciples, each of them were able to control their element like their Leaders. Once the Leaders saw their special disciples's immense power, the Clan Leaders decided to build a temple where the sword will stay in as well as those special disciples to guard the sword, naming those special disciples as "The Elemental Guardians". Many years have passed, as well as many descendants of the Great 5 Warrior Leaders have passed. One day, there was a very special festival in which the 5 Clans would celebrate their years of unity every 10 years, where the sword was taken out of the Temple and then placed at the Center of a now extinct field where they would celebrate that special day, so the descendants would play a traditional melody with their ancestor's instruments as to prove once again their unity to the sword... Only for that celebration to be the last one ever made. After years of underground work, the Wen Clan rised with an army to kill the other Clan Leaders and have the sword to themselves, the Clan being tired of being known as the weakest one within the group. While the Clan Leaders of Jin Clan and Jiang Clan distracted the Wens, the Clan Leaders of Nie Clan and Lan Clan escaped with the sword. The two Leaders knew they wouldn't make it to the Temple in time, so... The Lan descendant sacrificed their core to seal the sword's powers by putting it into a deep slumber, after that, the Nie descendant used a learned earth technic and in full force made the earth swallow the sword deep underground, before it's immediate death."

Everyone kept their ears open and listened carefully to the story.

Lan Zhēn: "It's been said that the Elemental Guardians are still in the Temple today, waiting for the next descendants to come. Many came, but they never lasted, some were found and killed before they could go to the Temple and be trained, while other's were killed almost right after leaving the Temple for their last test as to bring peace once more. After many years of pure torture for the Elemental Guardians, only one remains after the others were murdered. It's been written that the last time the sword was seen by a civilian, they made sure to remind everyone that; because of the Wen Clan's ultimate betrayal, the Ruby on the sword was cracked, resulting the sword loosing its glow and balance." "As you already know, this story is only known as a children's story, a fairytale, as to help that child to awaken their adventurous side and to help their imagination fly high; but now.. This is no fairytale, this is history."

"No"

Everyone turned to the man next to them as the man stood up.

Nie Huisang (serious): "I don't know what the deal is, but I entirely disapprove of your actions just know. There's no need whatsoever as to even say the name of the sword nor it's story."

Lan Zhēn: "Clan Leader Nie-"

Nie Huisang: "NO!"

Huisang's scream alarmed everyone, not used to seeing him this serious nor agitated.

Nie Huisang (serious): "You nor anyone has the right to say that name. (Nervous smile/laugh) You can't just tell this story and not give the impression that THEE legendary sword Crystal Heart is the chosen weapon to be awakened. (Back to being serious) It's just not possible!"

Lan Xichen (standing up): "Huisang-"

Nie Huisang: "No Gēgē! The sword has been sealed and burried. NO ONE knows where it is because the sword constantly roams from under us, there's no specific location, nor an actual location into finding it!-"

Lan Zhēn: "Unless they found the ancestor's union melody!"

Everyone was at their feet at this point, Jiang Cheng would constantly try to calm Huisang down but his hands only gets swatted away. Zhēn's sudden words paralysed Nie Huisang, while the others just stared and witnessed the serious situation.

Lan Zhēn: "Once the melody is played, the sword will react immediately and go to where the melody is coming from. That is, if the song is played with one of the instruments similar to the ancestor's instruments, the sword will not hesitate to find that peace it yearns for and will be awaken once the stolen cores are given to her. Unfortunately, since the sword was made with nothing but the love and core energy of the Great 5 Warrior Leaders, that would mean that the sword itself is an actual heart. Which means that the sword has her own feelings and emotions; so if the sword were to be awaken, and not sense any Wen people around or the Wen Clan in general... She will then be corrupted with anger and despair, her powers growing in an unstable way. One hit on the ground is all it takes to destroy us all."

This panicked everyone greatly, Jiang Cheng then stepped it.

Jiang Cheng: "But we can win the fight somehow before the sword hits the ground, right?"

Nie Huisang: "How are you asking such question?! How are planning to battle water huh?! How am I supposed to battle against an earthquake?! You can't fight back the elements of nature!"

Jiang Cheng: "I'm just trying to come up with ideas! I have a nephew that I want to see grow up for heaven's sake!"

Nue Huisang: "The only way to win is if Miss Lan sacrifices HER CORE!!!"

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Jiang Cheng backed away, not wanting to believe what Nie Huisang just said while everyone just stayed in complete silence, shocked from his words as well.

Lan Qiren (standing up): "You-!"

Lan Zhēn: "You're right."

Everyone looks in shock at Lan Zhēn while Nie Huisang looks down at the floor trying to breath again, gripping his almost crushed fan.

Lan Zhēn: "The only way to free Crystal Heart from her corrupted state and calm her down, is if a strong diamond core is given to her. That way, she'll be reborn again as a new sword; though the Ruby won't be repaired, at least the sword won't be unstable anymore until a Wen descendant rises along the other descendants from the other Clans."

Lan Xichen quickly grabs his daughter's arm and turns her to him, his eyes failing in containing the tears from coming out.

Lan Xichen (low voiced but loud enough to hear): "Zhēn, do you have any idea what you're saying?! You're telling me that you're going to just die like this?"

Lan Zhēn: "Father... This is why I left 8 years ago, so I can train for when this moment comes. (Quivering) Do you think I'm happy with dying at such a young age? Do you think I've never wanted to get married?! Experience my first kiss?! See your proud face when I become the next Leader of Lan Clan?!... *sob*... The only reason as to what is moving me forward and do what I'm destined to do, is me wanting to save the people I care about, especially the man who I call father that saved me all those years ago... This could be the only way to pay you back for what you did for me in all those years; a life for a life."

Lan Xichen: "Zhēn, please... There must be another way."

Xichen shed a tear at this point, a tear filled with pain, Lan Qiren and Wangji's eyes were glazed from their Princess's words while everyone else just stood there in shock and despair. Lan Zhēn gave her loving father a sad smile and slowly shook her head, making Xichen exhale/close his eyes and slowly let go of his daughter, lowering his head while trying to calm him broken heart. There was an intense silence, everyone having a hard time taking all of this information in.

Clan Leader Yao: "There's one thing I just don't understand. Why would the sword be in despair for the Wen Clan's extinction? Wasn't the Wen Clan the reason why it's in bad shape?"

Lan Zhēn (turns around/serious): "Maybe it's because not all of them were bad, and yet you all decided to exterminate the innocent Wen people as well, instead of killing the ones responsible for other people's pain."

Clan Leader Yao: "It was necessary though! What if they gang up on us for revenge?!"

Lan Zhēn (triggered): "Clan Leader Yao. Why would they want to have revenge for the people who they know did wrong and deserved to die?"

Clan Leader Ouyang: "So you're saying we should've spared them?!"

Lan Zhēn: "If you really think it's so fair; why don't we kill Childe Jin then?Isn't Jin Guangyao the Leader of Jin Clan? Didn't he kill and frame innocent people? Especially him doing inhumane things and partnering with a murderer behind your backs? Why don't we kill all of the people of Jin Clan?"

Everyone stayed silent.

Jiang Cheng (gritted teeth): "Jin Ling is different, he's the son of my deceased sister."

Lan Zhēn: "Then tell me now who really killed her."

Jiang Cheng's breath hitched for a moment, but he stood his ground.

Jiang Cheng (growled): "Jin Ling is family."

Lan Zhēn: "And so were those Wen civilians to Wei Wuxian."

Jiang Cheng 'tched' at this, glaring at the young girl for involving Jin Ling, but she stood her ground as well and continued.

Lan Zhēn: "You as well as everyone murdered innocent people. Not even caring if they saved your life." (Jiang Cheng tensed) "Just think about how horrible must it feel to see the person you saved starts killing or didn't go and save your people, including your dearest sister who had the option to leave the person to the ground and rot, but ended up saving them just to pay them back for their good deeds."

Jiang Cheng tenses up, clenching his jaw and fists, knowing what she's talking about. This also made Wen Ning while clench his jaw and fists, looking down with glazed eyes; Xichen tried to pull her back but she only pushed his hand away and continued to speak.

Lan Zhēn: "And you have the audacity to complain that Childe Jin turned into an orphan because of the Wens and Predecessor Wei's undoing, when you don't even care about the children you and the other Clans turned into orphans! They didn't have an overprotective Uncle they could feel safe around with, they didn't have a refuge to sleep in nor good food to eat. You know what Clan Leader Jiang? You're absolutely right. Their situation is far more different than Childe Jin's; because unlike Childe Jin, he won't be killed just because of his SURNAME!"

Lan Wangji: "Lan Zhēn!"

She turned to her Uncle, shocked since he barely yells her name like that; he signalled with his angry eyes at someone near the entrance of the room, following his gaze... There was a Lan disciple there, gripping his sword and sniffing away tears, looking away so he wouldn't be seen by the Leaders this way.

Lan Zhēn (regretful): "A-Yuan."

Jiang Cheng turned with wide eyes towards the boy he forgot about that day, remembering right there that there was only one child among the Wen civilians that Wei Ying saved. Torn, Jin Ling took a few steps to his Lan friend when Wen Ning stepped forward to console the broken teenager. Jin Ling turned to his Uncle...

Jin Ling: "You turned him into an orphan?"

Jiang Cheng stayed silent, not knowing what to say.

Lan Zhēn: "No Childe Jin... Everyone here turned him orphan."

Jin Ling exhaled deeply, his eyes starting to glaze a little, having a hard time believing this.

Jiang Cheng slowly turned to Lan Zhēn in anger for turning his own nephew against him.

Jiang Cheng (gritted teeth): "You..."

Lan Zhēn (serious): "Clan Leader Jiang, either you back down now, or I'm gonna start talking dirty. Because just like you, I have no mercy when expressing my anger nor would I care how the other person would feel."

Jiang Cheng was furious... But mainly from himself. Hesitantly and looking down, he stepped back, surprising the other Leaders.

Lan Zhēn: "Now, are you all still confused as to why Crystal Heart would wake up corrupted? Or do I need to make a more detailed example?"

Everyone stayed silent; some looked down while others just looked away, the reason being from both shame and embarrassment.

Lan Zhēn: "That's what I thought. You all better be grateful with my sacrifice; and just to let you all know, that right now? The reason why I would save you all, is because these boys are almost just as cursed as I am in being born in such an unfair world, and I want to give them a chance to change it."

Lan Zhēn walked away but stopped at the entrance to look at Shizui, who she gently grabbed his hand, giving a final glare towards the adults, she walked away with Shizui by her side. Wen Ning turned to everyone with glazed eyes, but either way bowed in respect and followed his Princess.

Jiang Cheng: "Jin Ling!"

Jiang Cheng called when seeing Jin Ling walk to the entrance with Lan Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen by his side, Clan Leader Ouyang being just as surprised as Jiang Cheng when seeing their children go.

Jin Ling: "How could you?... (Turns around with tears) You KNOW how much the word 'orphan' p****s me off!... Just leave me alone."

After that, Jin Ling and the two other boys walked out to follow Lan Zhēn.

Everyone felt many things there, some were still confused, some felt guilt, sadness, and anger; Lan Xichen on the other hand was still shaking from the fact that his own daughter who he raised through all those years, will die so soon. He slowly turned to his Uncle and looked at his eyes, Xichen's eyes filled with utter pain. As harsh as the Grand Master is, that doesn't mean he won't hurry to his nephew's side and try to comfort him, Wangji did the same and stayed by his pained brother's side, the other Clan Leaders (except Jiang Cheng, he was still in shock) decided to jump to another topic and tried to come up with a plan to defeat the enemy without Miss Lan being sacrificed, for the sake of their humble friend. But Nie Huisang only scolded at them, saying that her sacrifice was truly the only way to win the fight, he kept trying to convince them that he wasn't saying it 'just because', it really was the only way unless someone else with a strong diamond core.

Meanwhile with the juniors, Lan Zhēn took Shizui to the Back Mountain, the three boys and Wen Ning following close behind them. Zhēn sat Shizui down while she sat infront of him, Jingyi sat by Shizui's right side rubbing his back and gently gripping his shoulder to comfort his friend, the other two boys who were on their feet infront of Shizui didn't exactly know what to do nor say, and Wen Ning gave them a bit of space but was still very near (practically still right there).

Lan Zhēn: "A-Yuan... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I let my anger get the best of me and brought up a sensitive topic. But they just had to know that what they did was wrong!"

Shizui was still trying to calm himself down, but he nodded nonetheless.

Jin Ling (softly): "So... You really didn't have anyone?"

Lan Shizui: "*shook head* Not exactly. I had Hanguang Jun, he was barely there though, but he would be around a few times. Jingyi was with me, basically the entire time."

On that moment, Shizui signalled to Jingyi with a smile. Jingyi returned the smile and playfully (and gently) pushed Shizui, making him lightly laugh.

Lan Shizui (smiling): "The princess was also there, even though it wasn't for too long, I still had a fun time." (Lan Zhēn held his hand with a smile) (back to normal) "As for actual relatives, I've never had any... well, except Wen Ning, but I only knew about it last year when Predecessor Wei appeared after 13 years."

Everyone stayed silent, not knowing what to say. Until Lan Zhēn noticed the bunnies approaching.

Lan Zhēn (smiling): "Look Shizui! The bunnies sensed your sadness!"

Everyone then looked at the swarm of bunnies approaching, this made everyone smile, even Jin Ling. Lan Zhēn then picked up a bunnie and showed it to Shizui, making sure the bunnie covered her face.

Lan Zhēn (high pitched): "Don't be sad Shizui, or else, I'll be sad too."

Shizui laughed at this, Jingyi picked up a bunnie too and followed the princess's steps.

Jingyi (high pitched): "That's right Shizui! If you make her sad, I'll..." (Doing a think) (Suddenly smiled) "I'll bite off your nose!"

This made Shizui laugh even more.

Lan Zhēn (high pitched): "Noooo! I'll make Shizui happy!"

Lan Zhēn then moved the bunnie to Shizui's face and made kissing sounds; Shizui laughed and took the bunnie from Lan Zhēn's hands and petted it lovingly. At this point, everyone was a smiling mess with a bunnie in hand, enjoying the now comfortable silence and petting the bunnies around (AN: Yes, that includes Jin Ling). Wen Ning couldn't help but smile throughout the entire moment, seeing how his nephew was comforted by such good people, and enjoyed the wholesome view of the 5 teenagers petting and playing with the bunnies.

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Wen Ning: "PRINCESS!!!"

"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!❤