Dwelling In The Past

The sky seemed so much bluer here, and every time he breathed in it felt as though the fresh air was cleansing his soul. A gentle breeze, filled with the sweet scent of jasmine from the nearby hillside, kissed his skin and stirred up the memories buried deep within. He hadn't been here in five long years, ever since he'd left his home so suddenly and mysteriously.

But now, here he was, with the towering mountains in the distance, lush greenery everywhere and the distant melody of the song of a magpie playing on the breeze. He had never expected to feel such a connection to this place. He suddenly felt grounded and found himself in a sort of peaceful trance.

He continued walking, and the further he went, the more he felt as if he was coming home. He had no idea what was in store for him, but he knew he had to face whatever it was head-on.

He walked slowly, taking in each sight and sound with renewed appreciation; surrendering his worries to the wind as he walked, until he saw his home in the distance. And he knew, without a doubt, that he was exactly where he belonged.

Jiang Xicheng arrived near the graves of his extended family with a heavy heart. Despite living far away, he had grown up hearing his family's stories and knew the significance of this place. As he walked down the path, Jiang Xicheng could feel oppressive energy around him; and it soon became accompanied by the sound of footsteps.

Jiang Xicheng turned his head to find Wei Liuxian strolling towards him. The two had been acquaintances for years, but this was their first time meeting in person after five years. He could immediately tell that something was off about his companion, as Wei Liuxian seemed to be filled with sadness and grief. Wei Liuxian stopped before him and Jiang Xicheng could see that his eyes were full of tears.

Jiang Xicheng opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, but Wei Liuxian simply shook his head before clearing his throat and saying: "This place is very significant for us both. We are here because this is where our families had their final resting place."

The two then stood silently before the graves, before joining hands and bowing in respect. Jiang Xicheng knew that this meeting had been a long time coming, and he vowed to stay true to his ancestors and uphold their legacy.

The two were silent for a few moments before Wei Liuxian suggested they continue their journey. They walked on in companionable silence, and for the first time in many years, Jiang Xicheng felt at peace.

''You came alone this time?'' Jiang Xicheng asked him.

Wei Liuxian shook his head slowly, ''No, my sister accompanied me''.

''How's your grandfather Master Wei Jiantai?'' This time Jiang Xicheng looked straight at Wei Liuxians face.

Wei Liuxian's expressions remained solemn. ''The injury near his stomach worsens and heals from time to time''.

Jiang Xicheng frowned in sympathy, knowing it must have been hard for Wei Liuxian to come here alone. He silently offered his support, while Wei Liuxian nodded in understanding.

The two of them continued in silence, eventually arriving at a small tavern near the edge of the city. They sat down and ordered tea, and Jiang Xicheng looked directly at Wei Liuxian, yearning for an explanation.

''Why have you come back to the capital this time?'', he asked.

''To meet you''.

Wei Liuxian's response made Jiang Xicheng furrow his brows but he let the latter continue.

Wei Liuxian poured the tea as he spoke. ''My grandfather received an important piece of information about your arrival back on Earth. I have been sent here to assist you this time''.

The people of Kunlun Mountains were famous for receiving messages from the heavens.  Master Wei Jiantai grimly received news of a treacherous plot against the royal palace. Since Jiang Xicheng was sent to Earth to repent and solve the matters on Earth, Wei Liuxian was sent by his grandfather to assist him and together they need to find the conspiracy going on behind the curtains.

"What do you mean?" He replied, a confused look on his face. Jiang Xicheng fixed his gaze on him. "Do you have any idea what's been going on around here?" he demanded.

"Master Jiang," Wei Liuxian declared, "Your efforts in quelling that conspiracy were truly remarkable." He paused, eyes widening with excitement as he continued. "The rumours about the Battle of East Sea Ramped Ocean are wild- a mysterious figure with superhuman speed and remarkable skill wielding a glaive!"

Jiang Xicheng ground his jaw as he cast his gaze on his glaive. He snapped his head back to Wei Liuxian, his tone suddenly authoritative. "Be precise with your words''.

"Have you heard the tale of the forsaken 'Goddess of the Moon'?" Wei Liuxian asked him.

Jiang Xicheng released an irritated sigh. "Enough with that stupid love story! I'm tired of hearing about it from every God!"

Wei Liuxian smiled and started telling the tale of the Moon Goddess who was sent to exile because of her love affair with the demon.