A Bond of Unexpected Solidarity

The sun cast a long golden streak across the horizon, signalling the end of the afternoon. The harsh midday heat had dissipated, allowing a faint warm breeze to blow through the air, stirring up the smell of jasmine flowers and the fragrance of burning incense.

The city was coming alive, as people emerged from their homes and onto the streets. A group of children burst out of a nearby alleyway, laughing, playing, and enjoying the cool afternoon air.

The setting sun splashed the buildings with an array of oranges, pinks, and purples, creating a beautiful backdrop for the bustling city.

The residence of Windswept Willow of North district was bustling with activity as the people of the city gathered in their finest attire to mark the second master's birthday celebration.

Outside, the buildings were adorned with strings of lanterns in all the colours of the rainbow. Jasmine petals were scattered across the walkways, and shimmering silk banners hung from the eaves of the buildings to symbolically greet the guests.

On either side of the entrance, a pair of ornate braziers burned with sweet incense, and lamps glowed in the windows, guiding the way.

In the interior of the house, the grand space was decorated extravagantly. Tapestries, inlaid furniture, and elegant furnishings were scattered throughout. A small orchestra was set on a platform at one end of the room, and they played a lively, cheerful melody. In the centre of the room, a long table was piled high with a vast array of fine delicacies to mark the occasion.

The generous guests began arriving, each with a gift of one kind or another: a box of exquisite jewellery, a set of fine porcelain plates, a bundle of silk, and even a rare lute.

Each gift was delivered with best wishes for the second master Jiang Xudong and his family. As the evening continued, the atmosphere grew livelier with the sound of laughter and happy conversation. The talented musicians had the crowd swaying and tapping their feet, and soon the room was filled with joyful energy.

The room and the atmosphere were perfect, and the second master of Windswept Willow of North District could take it all in, surrounded by the love and respect of those he had called his closest friends and family.

The night air was abuzz with anticipation as everyone arrived at the grand banquet hall of Jiang Xudong's estate. The music was exotic and the decorations were regal and extravagant.

But the humming of the crowd died down suddenly when Wei Liuxian, the young master of Kunlun mountains was sighted right ahead. He strode in arrogantly, his glittering white robe cascading around him majestically.

Two guards were following him with two grand chests, both golden and exquisitely adorned with gems.

A hush descended as Wei Liuxian walked toward Jiang Xudong, wishing him and announcing that these were presents he was bestowing upon Jiang Xudong as part of his birthday celebration.

He then opened both chests and within the first was the most magnificent and profound calligraphy brush Jiang Xudong had ever seen. It was known as the "West Wind calligraphy brush", this was a type of brush crafted specifically for practitioners of Chinese calligraphy.

In the second chest was a powerful set of wooden canvases made with exquisite wood from the Kunlun mountains. The grand hall suddenly erupted into cheers. Everyone was in awe at Wei Liuxian's generous gifts, and some even clapped at his display of power and regalness. Jiang Xudong simply stood in silence, slightly in shock, though a slight smirk played on his face.

Jiang Xudong thanked Wei Liuxian for such a generous gift though he hated Wei Liuxian, he felt happy as this was the only gift he liked of all the gifts he received.

''Master Wei, thank you for this beautiful gift. I will use it well''. Jiang Xudong spoke.

"You're most welcome, Xudong," replied Master Wei Liuxian.

Jiang Xudong was overwhelmed with appreciation although the two of them had always been enemies, this gift was a surprise. He bowed to Wei Liuxian in respect and the people of the room were stunned at the level of generosity between two fierce adversaries.

Sect leader Wang Yuling approached Wei Liuxian, her gaze was piercing as her voice commanded attention. ''Your presence is a blessing, and your words of wisdom will surely enrich the night. We are grateful that you took the time out of your busy schedule to join us''.

Wei Liuxian slightly bowed, ''Madam Wang, it's my pleasure to be here. Thank you for keeping me in your mind''.

Madam Wang gazed at Wei Liuxian, her eyes filled with disbelief. ''You look so much like your mother, especially the eyes,'' she said.

Wei Liuxian straightened his shoulders and met Madam Wang's gaze. ''Thank you for your kind words,'' he replied firmly. ''Shall we proceed?''

Madam Wang Yuling nodded sharply, her voice firm and authoritative. '' There are a lot of people who want to meet the young master of Kunlun mountains, please proceed''.

Jiang Xicheng was not the most inconspicuous of individuals, so his arrival at Jiang Xudong's celebration was marked by a collective gasp of surprise. Instead of making his presence known, though, he took his place at the back of the group and observed from afar.

His gaze locked with Jiang Xudong's, though he remained silent. Jiang Xudong's expression changed, now understood the meaning behind such a presence.

Jiang Xudong walked toward him. As he approached, a hush fell upon the guests. Now all attention was on Jiang Xicheng, though he remained stoic and dignified. With a few words of congratulations, he embraced Xudong warmly and wished him a happy birthday.

''Isn't he master Xicheng, Dao Child, the lord's favoured one?'' One of the guests asked another.

''Yes, he was accused of murdering his brother and his sister-in-law''. Another guest added.

Sect leader Wang Yuling was aware of Jiang Xicheng's temper and she didn't want her precious son's birthday celebration to be ruined. She ordered the servants to bring in more drinks and soon the topic changed, the guests praising the fine liquor being served.

Jiang Xudong blinked softly as Jiang Xicheng wished and hugged him warmly. Today, a lot of unexpected things were happening to him. Though his mother always rooted hatred for his cousins in Jiang Xudong's mind, at this moment he felt this hug very warm and peaceful, as if he needed this.

Jiang Xudong's emotions welled up and he closed his eyes, revelling in the moment. He could feel his cousin's body heat and smell the pleasant fragrance that surrounded him.

In this embrace, the little comforting Jiang Xudong was feeling made him realise that his mother was wrong. With a newfound surge of resolve, Jiang Xudong pushed himself away from Jiang Xicheng and smiled widely, ''Thank You, brother, for coming here''.