Later, they were back to the clan four hours ago.
Successfully changed and acted like they had just woken up from a great nap or were busy on their own works in their chambers. The disciples had glances on them from up to down, especially surprised that both of the young masters caught a cold at the same time and..on the same day.
But still—Lìngxiāo managed by reminding them that they were also human, and the weather nowadays was like that. Besides, since he was around Chóng Fēi a little, 'perhaps' that's why they both got sick at the same time.
Especially Chóng Fēi.
He sneezed so hard that the clan shook like an earthquake had given a wave.
The young man is growing. And he sneezes harder than Lìngxiāo.
Well, he doesn't even care who sees or hears. He found it easy to just be himself, and he doesn't even look weird—somehow.
And here, Lìngxiāo feels like people would be disturbed. They would look at him with that look he doesn't like, and he feels like falling from the pillars he has built so far.
Thankfully yet suspiciously—Chóng Féng had sent a message to the clan just two hours ago that he would not return to the clan today, but after three days due to any argency. He wondered why he suddenly changed plans while he hadn't left looking like he had left with the intention of staying.
And here they were, hurrying because he would come back soon and both of them would be in trouble.
Not because he feared being caught sneaking out, but because it would be another layer of pressure to question and answer, spent his most spotless analysis while he was dull due to energy release and that sickness which was even worse than the head spinning he was having—like he was dizzy, drank, yet he didn't remember when he had touched wine at all.
Just once when he turned twenty—at his birthday. More likely in sorrow for his uncle.
Not out of interest.
But right now the main problem in front of him was four: Chóng Fēi's eye, the mission, his own goals, and keeping his powers a secret.
And nothing really took proper progress.
It was like the universe itself was throwing things at him and making things flow slower.
So while Chóng Fēi was taking a warmer bath again and collecting himself back, maybe even still thinking about whatever had happened there, Lìngxiāo sat at his desk while his chin was on his palm, looking at an exorcism book. Now wearing his usual golden robe, his hair laid open, still a little wet, and his eyes half-lidded—out of boredom, almost hopeless.
And also those five invitation scrolls Mō Qīn brought. Not randomly but got given since he was stuck here.
He should have received it during his daily roaming around.
He just stared at the symbols without actually reading, turning pages. First two pages back and then ten pages front.
Then he drank his casual warm tea, put the educational scrolls aside, and read those already read invitations. All were beautiful, royal looking. Those silver half-moon seals pulsed with authority on each of them.
Hàngwō never missed a celebration.
Each one had its own subject but were given early though it comes late. the wax going from deep to lighter based on days—five shades in total.
The first one is deep violet wax while the last one is faintest violet. The deep violet one's ceremony comes first and then others.
The Invitations are:
· For the award of returning from the ritual for the first time as the youngest heir—which has two parts. It was for the ritual celebration itself too, a beginning. So this is two all at once.
· Invitation for the second official coronation of Wàng Wùjī receiving the throne after his highness Hàng Wàng Fèng.
· for the ninety-fifth anniversary of being Hàngwō, not Gù Yùe clan. This would be celebrated for the hundredth anniversary after five years too.
· And lastly—For passing all the rounds of proving black peacock yào are harmless and can be tamed and used for core cultivation—if handled carefully. This one is the only one going to start after six months of other ceremonies when this year ends.
Also some more rounds of the testing still being continued within the clan with no open updates yet.
The reason was Gusu cultivators too who were strictly against it but also might try to take benefits like the history repeating itself.
But also, The clan even planned right after those events, Wàng Wùjī's future bride would be decided too so that the rest of remaining years they stay arranged. This has another event which would not be paused either.
Things seem heavy over Mō Qīn too. He sat quietly beside his hand, his tail slowly moving left and right almost thoughtfully. He looked less active visibly right now than before since the ritual, but fine somehow. He looked more numb and bored than Lìngxiāo right now. "Hm.."
The reason for both of their hopelessness was what he had sent Mō Qīn to Wàng Wùjī for.
The words from Mō Qīn from just earlier spun into his memories:
"Wàng Wùjī Gōngzǐ has been gone for the Huīxiě Lín city for the Lòu Hēiyǐng sealing ritual practice with his zhù fù and other important disciples. Might take a week for him to return."
"When I got a bit of a moment with his distant cousin Wàng Hùa—who sensed me around—he told me that there are still more small and big arrangements Wàng Wùjī would go through and nobody would be allowed to meet him. Unluckily, he was free last week before we even stepped in."
"Since we don't fully trust that guy, I didn't tell him the actual reason for my approach there. Just said you were nearby."
"He looks out of place sometimes to me. Do you not? Like those extra polished jades among gusu cultivators."
"Damn. This month would pass by all ten days for each mainly planned ceremony. a This Wàng Wùjī boy seems a celebrity already."
"Great. They are even too confident about passing the remaining rounds that they have already invited people."
"Also because of this information collecting, I have gone a little late because a few things were collected from his younger twin Làn Sùjī who..you know, another version of this clan's heir. But he spins more. He could not even remember that I am not any typical curse but your assistant."
"But still he was safer than that guy from Hàngwō. The fact that he did not receive the throne because he did not have his damn zhù fù but Wàng Wùjī is going to have it..it already feels like he might not take it easily. Theory though. Almost all seem the same here."
Of course, this young boy—Wàng Wùjī was also growing up. Others were not much safe.
His clan had high—creepy expectations on him. So they were preparing him for what he would do next after five years. He had to do it alone this time. So he had a lot of work to do.
Hàngwō was stricter with duties more than the rule binding to no reason.
That day was more important.
It was when the infamous curse system—Lòu Hēiyǐng—was sealed. The whole Gusu celebrates it.
Not only Yínglòu Chéng.
Because it was achieved when Gusu was still whole, more than five hundred years ago, yet they had parted just a hundred years ago.
And about those other events..maybe he would be invited too but as a guest and have to watch from far only.
He would not miss.
Wàng Wùjī was being celebrated, again—coronation, awards, the black peacock yào proving. And Lìngxiāo was here, stuck in a cursed town, with no answers.
Ten days for each upcoming ceremony. That would take the whole month even if the last one takes place much late.
And the red robe case would still be unsolved.
Wàng Wùjī felt like his little brother—someone he had seen when tiny too. Also kind to children from a young age, even handles some orphanage organizations by his father's help. Làncǎi adores him.
So does he.
The bunches of invitations were full over his table but not what needed.
Basically, Lìngxiāo didn't get clear evidence of anything which might have happened at the store chamber with the burned piece of body.
And he didn't knew what next he would do with plan by plan is being destroyed by his own destiny here—as if the town even recognized him.