Chapter 3 - Xiao Bai?

The little rabbit was silently sleeping inside Wei Xiao's clothes. The warmth of his body gave the little guy a comforting place to rest. Before he left, Wei Xiao asked the people of The Plum Blossoms Spring if they knew who this rabbit's master was, but was told that it might be a stray. Nevertheless, Wei Xiao isn't planning on making this little rabbit his pet.

When he arrived at the front gate of their mansion, The red wooden gate inlaid with golden leaf designs, seemed to glow with the night sky. The moon light hit the gate making it feel like the gates to heaven.

Wei Xiao waved at the guards by the gate, and the two guards open the gates to welcome their young master.

The night was still.

The moon was bright.

The cold breeze blew on his hair, making them sway.

It was a peaceful night, but an unknown feeling rose inside Wei Xiao. He cleared his throat and made his way into his side manor.

"Young Master!" A surprised voice came from the west. He seems to have been startled by the sudden appearance of Wei Xiao. "Why are you still out this time of night?"

Wei Xiao turned to meet the young man. He seemed to have seen him before, but he can't remember. The boy was about 180 cm tall, his facial features aren't as handsome as other men, but because he takes after his mother, he looks a bit feminine. He wore a white and blue hanfu which indicates that he is a direct disciple of the Qin Clan. When his eyes met with Wei Xiao, he shrunk a bit.

Wei Xiao wasn't interested in befriending weak people, but he seems to have forgotten a lot of people he met before. The boy should have a status accompanying him to be able to wear such clothing. He asked the boy :

"Who are you?" He asked with a frown.

The boy was startled but still bowed his head with respect. "I am the eldest disciple of Master Qin Wenyan. My name is Mo Lanyu."

Wei Xiao stared at the other with indifference. He seemed to have a vague guess on why he felt uncomfortable when he entered his home. To meet Mo Lanyu after hearing Ran Shixuan's rant about his love seemed ludicrous, but his face only shows a frown. He started walking towards his side manor when Mo Lanyu called him again.

"Is there anything you need from me?" Wei Xiao raised an eyebrow and stare at the other.

The other flinched and said with a cough. "The Mo clan asked me to tell the Qin Clan Leader that if they ever need help with Qin Zuijia, they could always call us." He lowered his head and turned his gaze away. "My father said that if it's too much for the Qin family to lock Qin Zuijia, the Mo clan would help take care of him."

So this is why this boy was outside and was surprised to see him. The boy must have received a message from his family to try and take Qin Zuijia to their clan by using fawning words and words of distress. But how could Wei Xiao not see this. He knew that many clans wanted to take all the credit in killing Qin Zuijia and bite more than they could chew, but that doesn't mean he would be kind enough to give them what they wanted.

"I will tell my uncle about it." Wei Xiao said as he continued to walk to his house. He stopped as he remembered something. "Do you know someone called Ran Shixuan?"

Mo Lanyu raised his head, his eyes wide open. "Ran Shixuan? The eldest young master of the Ran clan. of course I know him." He smiled and added. "He ran away from his home to get out of marriage." He seemed to find it ridiculous as he puffed out a small laugh.

"Do you know him personally?"

"No. It's probably best if I don't get close with someone who shamed his family."

Wei Xiao looked at him, and continued to walk. He clarified that this was merely a one-sided love and dare not intrude with their business.

As he walks leisurely towards his house. The little rabbit began to wake up. The rabbit burrowed his little white head onto Wei Xiao's chest and kicked his leg again and again.

Wei Xiao stared at the little rascal and patted it's head. "Be good, I'll bring you back to my chamber and you'll sleep better there."

The rabbit replied by shuffling his body on Wei Xiao's chest.

Wei Xiao sighed and continued to walk.

Once he pass by the judgement hall, he saw his brother with his uncle.

The two men talking to each other with a very warm atmosphere. His brother said something and his uncle nodded in agreement. Both their stature were tall and strong, although his uncle was older, his brother was a bit taller than him. They were both very handsome; His uncle has a chiseled chin and sword eyebrows. He has broad shoulders and whenever he walks he emits such powerful male hormones. His brother, on the other hand, is defined as a jade. His skin is white and smooth, and is always described as a beauty seen once in a blue moon. Although Wei Xiao and his brother are very handsome, and have similar appearances, people would still say that his brother is more attractive than he is when being compared. This was because Wei Xiao is colder while his brother is warm, people would rather choose the warm type of person rather than the cold and distant one. But these comments never bother Wei Xiao, because he never heard of it.

"Uncle, I have talked to madame Li, and she said that the five clans should all decide on what would happen to Qin Zuijia." Wei Xiayu (Wei Xiao's brother) shook his head and sighed. "I'm afraid that the others would try everything just to get their hands on Qin Zuijia."

Qin Xuan (uncle) laughed. "Let it be Xiao Yu. The other clans have their own selfish desires and would do everything to get it."

"But this is our family problem. They should just stay out of it." Wei Xiayu sighed.

"No matter what we say, they won't back down." Qin Xuan patted Wei Xiayu on the back. "Don't stress over this matter. Let me and your brother handle this matter. You will be advancing soon, focus on cultivating."

Wei Xiayu sighed. "I know uncle, I just worry about -"

Wei Xiayu haven't finished his sentence when Wei Xiao walked towards them. He had a hand on his back and the other holding the white rabbit. He nodded at his brother and turn to his uncle. "Uncle."

"Xiao-er." Qin Xuan nodded. "Have you eaten yet?"

Wei Xiao shakes his head. "I just came back from the plum blossoms spring."

Qin Xuan saw the little rabbit on his hand. "Xiao-er, what is that in your arm?"

Wei Xiao held the rabbit to the two. "I found him in the spring. He followed me around and I had no choice but to take him." he paused for a moment before adding. "He doesn't seem to be owned by anyone. Nevertheless I still plan to ask around."

Qin Xuan nodded.

Wei Xiayu stared at the rabbit. "This little rabbit. Is it not spiritual?"

Wei Xiao turn to his brother. "I do not know, brother, but he doesn't seem to be special."

Wei Xiayu chuckles. He smiled at his brother. "I will help you search for the owner of the little rabbit." He walked towards Wei Xiao and raised his hand to carry the rabbit. Wei Xiao handed him the rabbit. "I must say, he is certainly adorable. If he doesn't have an owner, shall we keep him?"

"I dare not let the little rabbit run around. He might get hurt."

Wei Xiayu nodded.

"Xiao-er. What about Qin Zuijia?" Qin Xuan infer.

Wei Xiao nodded to him. "He admits to his wrongdoings. I find him difficult."

Qin Xuan smiled warmly. He patted Wei Xiao's shoulder. "That's alright. Qin Zuijia is different from the people you've met before. He is, after all from the original Qin family. I am afraid that they are the only ones who can understand him."

Wei Xiao nodded. He knew that such a person would never be understood by the normal people. He didn't want to dawdle on this thought, and just threw it at the back of his head.

The three went to eat dinner together. They walk towards the dining hall where most disciples of the family eat. They may be the head and the young masters of the clan, but they prefer eating with others. Although Wei Xiao prefers eating by himself, he still comes to the dining hall with his brother from time to time.

They choose an inconspicuous place in the hall where most disciples wont see them. The two brothers may be handsome, but they are heavy eaters. While Qin Xuan doesn't eat much, having to dine with his nephews makes him happy.

The three ordered their favorites. The Wei brother's food consists mostly of spicy food and two servings of vegetables. Qin Xuan's plate only has mild flavored food and some sweets. The differences in palates are quite apparent, which made Qin Xuan feel down. He knew that the two aren't blood related to him, but he still treats them as family. He sighed in his heart and continued to eat.

"Ah-Xiao, What do want to do with Qin Zuijia?" Wei Xiayu asked. "The other clans seemed to be planning on something."

"I am afraid that no matter what they try, we won't give them that person." Wei Xiao replied firmly. He held a small meat covered in red hot sauce and delivered it into his lips. He chewed the meat and eventually swallowed. "As far as I know, this is a family matter, outsiders should stay out."

"But we aren't exactly related to him." Qin Xuan mumbles.

The two look at their uncle.

Qin Xuan continued. "Qin Zuijia and the current Qin clan have no blood relations. We may have the same name, but we can't be considered family."

"Uncle. Me and my brother don't have the same name as the clan, but we are considered as family." Wei Xiao defended. "Qin Zuijia is of the Qin clan. They won't be able to use that as an excuse to have all the clans in the Heavenly City gather up and decide on what to do with Qin Zuijia."

Qin Xuan smiled and patted Wiei Xiao in the head. He stood up and said. "I have another matter to attend to. You boys continue." He walked out of the dining hall. His bowl was still half full.

"Ah-Xiao." Wei Xiayu called. "You do not know how vicious the other clans are whenever they see such treasure." He took a bite of his meal and added. "If they had the chance, no matter how small it is, they would take it if it would get them such an advantage in cultivation."

"But this matter should only involve the family."

"Yes. If it was just a normal member of the clan, they wouldn't move, but this is Qin Zuijia. He is the only one left from the original family, and has the highest level of cultivation. Even the noblest of character would be tempted to get him." He sighed and continued. "Having Qin Zuijia in the clan is quite problematic."

Wei Xiao looks at his brother. Indeed the situation they are currently in is a problem to the clan, but that won't mean they would just hand over Qin Zuijia to the other clans. They have to make a decision immediately before the other family moves.

Wei Xiao thinks of a way to solve this issue when the little rabbit hopped onto the table and drank the water in the bowl. His little pink tongue scoop up the water, covering his pink nose with water. Wei Xiao placed a green leaf right next to the rabbit who ate it. Wei Xiao squinted his eyes then turned to his brother.

"Do you think that this rabbit came from the other clan?"

Wei Xiayu Smiled. "Maybe."

The answer made Wei Xiao worrisome. If this cute little rabbit is indeed a spy from the other clan then they would have disclosed such information to it.

"But I doubt the other clan would send a small animal as a spy." He took the last piece of meat on his plate. "The little rabbit would have died before he went back to his masters."

"What if it's master is already here?"

"Then we'll just kill it before it comes back to its owner."

The little rabbit continues to nibble his food. He didn't seem to understand what the two just said. Wei Xiao stares at it as though examining it.

"I don't think it's smart enough to do so." Wei Xiao said firmly. "He might have just gotten lost."

Wei Xiayu nodded.

After eating, the two went separate ways. One went to the peach blossoms pavilion on the east and the other in the side manor on the southwest.

Wei Xiao carried the little rabbit back to his chambers and placed it on his bed to rest. He sat crossed legged on the floor and started to cultivate.

He opened his eyes the next morning and went to see the little hare. The rabbit was still sleeping on his bed. The rabbit was small, but it was fat. Its cheeks were round looking like fresh dumplings. Wei Xiao felt as though he wanted to pinch it's cheeks, but the rabbit woke up and bounced around. It jumped towards Wei Xiao who grabbed it by the ear.

"Be still. I have to come visit the dungeon again." He patted its round behind as if scolding. "Be good and I won't turn you into stew."

The rabbit looks at him with the same eyes. It didn't show any response to his threat.

Wei Xiao put him inside his lapels and went to visit the dungeon.

On the way, he was greeted with young disciples and guards.

The dungeon was as cold and dark as any other. The walls were wet and the ground was covered with several cracks from which weeds grow out. Wei Xiao continued to walk to the end where Qin Zuijia was locked up in. He prepared himself to talk to the other, thinking that this person won't remind him of another.

The person in front of Wei Xiao has his head lowered, his body slumped on the wall. His clothes were tattered, covered with mud and was wet. His skin was pale. His whole appearance was pitiful.

Qin Zuijia raised his head to meet his eyes with Wei Xiao. His eyes were kind with no hint of viciousness like the story says. "Hello." His hoarse voice spread through the dungeon. He coughed and added. "Does young master Wei need me for something?"

Wei Xiao looked at him up and down. He suppressed the burning feeling on his chest when his eyes met with the other. Just then, Qin Xuan came to the dungeon.

"Elder Qin!" He said with a smile. "You might not know me. I am Qin Xuan, the eldest son of Qin Baili, and the grandson of Qin Wanyin."

"Wanyin?" Qin Zuijia looked at the person in front of him. He smiled and said. "He used to borrow books from me back then." He lowered his head as he remembered something. "He always brings me a basket of fruit whenever he wants to borrow a book from me. I didn't understand why he wanted to read them, they were all manuals and recipes that mages use."

Qin Xuan smiled. "I do not know much about my grandfather, but I heard he was an amazing practitioner."

"He was." Qin Zuijia chuckles. "I'm sorry about what happened."

"I understand." Qin Xuan replied.

Qin Zuijia lifted his head to look at Qin Xuan. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I understand that you are aware of what you've done, and are willing to compensate."

"I am." Qin Zuijia looks at his with baffled eyes. "Are you going to kill me to repay my debt?"

Qin Xuan shakes his head. "I want to ask for a request from you."

"What is it?"

"Run away from Heavenly City with my nephew."

Wei Xiao looked at his uncle confused. "What do you mean, uncle?"

"Xiao-er, Qin Zuijia is in danger of being stolen by the other clans of heavenly city. Run away with him to a place where people won't know him."

"But-"

"Clan leader Qin!" Qin Zuijia interrupted. "What makes you think that I wont run away if you let me go?"

Qin Xuan smiles at him. "There seems to be a story about you that isn't known to others." He stepped forwards and held the iron bars in front of him. "Elder Qin, you don't seem to be that kind of person to run away after presenting yourself to the clan. I trust that my nephew would help you with the problem you had before everything went wrong."

"Uncle, are you sure about this?" Wei Xiao intervened. "What did the others say?"

"They won't have to know." Qin Xuan looks at his nephew. "Xiao-er, you have to leave tomorrow in the evening, before the rest of the clan notice something."

Wei Xiao looks at his uncle in disbelief. He turned his gaze towards Qin Zuijia. His lips opened but he didn't say anything. He stopped and thought about what his uncle just said. Then he spoke to Qin Zuijia. "What do you say?"

Qin Zuijia looks at Wei Xiao. He lowered his head. "up to you."

Qin Xuan nodded with satisfaction. He left after telling the guards not to say anything about this matter to anyone else.

Wei Xiao stood face to face with Qin Zuijia. "You won't run away?"

"No." Qin Zuijia replied accompanied by a series of coughs. "Your uncle is right. I have already set my mind into receiving punishment from the clan."

"Do you understand what he meant? about the others knowing."

"Do the other clans want to take me for their selfish desires?"

"Yes. Uncle isn't confident enough to say that he can keep this as a family matter. With you as the issue, people would be tempted to intervene."

Qin Zuijia didn't reply. He slumped back to the wall and rested his head on it. His eyes were red and his lips were chapped.

Wei Xiao wanted to leave when the little rabbit inside his lapels suddenly jumped out and rushed towards Qin Zuijia. It licked his nose as if trying to get his attention.

"Xiao Bai?" Qin Zuijia's quiet voice sounded.

"You know this rabbit?"

Qin Zuijia looked at Wei Xiao and smiled. "If I am not mistaken, this should be the rabbit that woke me up that time."

Wei Xiao's chest began to hurt. He felt irritated and a bit confused. He bit his lip and cough to cover up what's happening. "Then take him. He isn't mine to begin with."

"He isn't mine either." He lifted his hands to pat the little rabbit in the head. The chains sounded harsh when he lifted his hand, but the little rabbit didn't care. "He just showed up in my cottage and I gave it a name. I don't intend to keep a pet."

Wei Xiao looks at the rabbit, then at the hand which was playing with it. His Adam's apple bobbed. "I'll be leaving now. I haven't had breakfast, and I should bring something for Xiao Bai to eat."

"Take him with you. This place would cover his fur with dirty water."

Wei Xiao nodded and called the rabbit over. He nodded at Qin Zuijia and left.

____________

Mini theater!!!!

Wei Xiao: Brother I found I stupid Hare.

Wei Xiayu: It's cute.

Wei Xiao: But it is stupid.

Xiao Bai: If I knew how to think, I'd feel hurt. You're lucky I have the mind of a two-month old baby.

________________

Wei Xiao: take the rabbit, i don't want it. *blushes*

Qin Zuijia: It's not mine. And I don't want it as well.

Wei Xiao: *ears still blushing* Okay.

Lemon: *Filming everything* Yes my babies, be gay.

Xiao Bai: I am an unwanted child....*cries in a corner*