Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed as he spoke, his voice dripping with barely contained anger, "Lend me your dog."

Jin Ling, still reeling from the shock of the earlier confrontation, hesitated for a moment. Two piercing glares from Jiang Cheng, sharp as lightning, cut through his indecision. With a trembling hand, he raised a small whistle to his lips and blew a short, shrill note.

In an instant, the black-maned spiritual dog bounded over, its muscular form covering the ground in three swift leaps. Wei Wuxian felt his entire body stiffen, every muscle taut as a bowstring. He could only watch helplessly as Jiang Cheng grabbed him with one hand, dragging him along step by agonizing step.

Jiang Cheng located an empty room and unceremoniously tossed Wei Wuxian inside. The door slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing in the suddenly claustrophobic space. The spiritual dog followed, settling itself by the door, its amber eyes fixed unwaveringly on Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian's gaze darted between the dog and Jiang Cheng, his mind racing. He couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Jiang Cheng had managed to render him powerless. It was clear that his former shidi knew exactly how to subdue him.

With deliberate slowness, Jiang Cheng made his way to a table in the corner of the room. He poured himself a cup of tea, the fragrant steam rising in lazy curls. The silence stretched between them, thick and oppressive.

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng's hand shot out, sending the untouched cup of tea crashing to the floor. The porcelain shattered, tea spreading across the wooden planks like spilled blood.

A bitter smirk twisted Jiang Cheng's lips as he turned to face Wei Wuxian. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft.

Wei Wuxian swallowed hard. He had known Jiang Cheng since childhood, had seen him in every mood imaginable. This quiet fury was far more terrifying than any shouting match they'd ever had. He knew there was no way to bluff his way out of this one.

"I... I don't know what to say to you," Wei Wuxian admitted, his usual glibness deserting him.

Jiang Cheng's eyes flashed dangerously. "You truly are beyond redemption," he hissed.

In a moment of misplaced bravado, Wei Wuxian couldn't help but retort, "And you haven't progressed at all."

A humorless laugh escaped Jiang Cheng's lips. "Very well," he said, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Let's see who's truly failed to progress, shall we?"

Without moving from his position by the table, Jiang Cheng let out a sharp command. The spiritual dog immediately rose to its feet, hackles raised and teeth bared.

Wei Wuxian felt a cold sweat break out across his skin. The dog, easily as tall as a man's waist, was suddenly mere inches away. Its low growl filled the room, vibrating through Wei Wuxian's bones. Memories of his childhood on the streets flooded back - the terror of being chased, the searing pain of teeth and claws tearing into flesh. That primal fear, deeply rooted in his psyche, was impossible to overcome.

"Who are you calling for?" Jiang Cheng's voice cut through Wei Wuxian's panic.

Wei Wuxian blinked, confused. He hadn't realized he'd called out for anyone. Jiang Cheng dismissed the dog with a wave of his hand, and Wei Wuxian sagged in relief, his mind still reeling.

Jiang Cheng moved away from the table, his hand resting on the horse whip at his waist. He leaned in close, studying Wei Wuxian's face intently. After a moment, he straightened up. "Tell me," he said, his voice deceptively casual, "when did you and Lan Wangji become so close?"

Wei Wuxian's blood ran cold as he realized whose name he must have called out in his moment of panic.

A cruel smile played at the corners of Jiang Cheng's mouth. "At Dafan Mountain, he went to such lengths to protect you. It makes one wonder why."

He paused, then corrected himself. "No, that's not quite right. Lan Wangji might not have been protecting you at all. After all, the Gusu Lan Sect hasn't forgotten what you and your loyal dog did. Someone as righteous and proper as him couldn't possibly accept you. Perhaps he had some connection to the body you stole."

Each word dripped with venom, layers of meaning hidden beneath false praise. Wei Wuxian couldn't bear it any longer. "Watch your words," he snapped.

Jiang Cheng's eyebrows rose in mock surprise. "I've never been one to watch my words. Surely you remember that?"

"Indeed," Wei Wuxian bit out. "How could I forget?"

Jiang Cheng's expression hardened. "You dare lecture me about watching my words? Do you remember what you said to Jin Ling at Dafan Mountain?"

Wei Wuxian felt the color drain from his face.

Seeing he'd struck a nerve, Jiang Cheng pressed on, his voice thick with satisfaction. "'Born but not raised by a mother,' you said. How very clever of you. Thanks to you, Jin Ling had to endure such pointed remarks today. You may have forgotten your own words, forgotten your oaths, but don't you dare forget how his parents died!"

Wei Wuxian's head snapped up. "I haven't forgotten! I just..."

But the words died in his throat. He didn't know how to finish that sentence.

Jiang Cheng's voice was cold. "You just what? Can't find the words? No matter. You can come back to Lotus Pier and kneel before my parents' shrine. Take all the time you need to explain yourself."

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, his mind racing as he searched for a way out of this situation. While he longed to return to Lotus Pier, the place he once called home, he knew the Lotus Pier of today was not the one he remembered.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps approached, followed by urgent knocking at the door. Jin Ling's voice called out, "Uncle!"

Jiang Cheng's irritation was palpable as he shouted back, "Didn't I tell you to stay put? What are you doing here?"

"Uncle, I have something important to tell you," Jin Ling insisted.

"What could be so important that you couldn't say it earlier when I was scolding you, but you have to say it now?" Jiang Cheng demanded.

Jin Ling's voice took on an angry edge. "It's because you were scolding me that I didn't say anything! Do you want to hear it or not? If not, I'm leaving!"

With a look of exasperation, Jiang Cheng yanked open the door. "Make it quick, then get out!"

Jin Ling stepped inside, now dressed in a fresh white uniform. "I encountered something very troublesome today," he began. "I think I saw Wen Ning!"

Jiang Cheng's hand immediately flew to his sword, his expression turning murderous. "When? Where?"

"This afternoon," Jin Ling explained. "About fifty li south of here, there's an old abandoned house. I went there because I heard rumors of strange occurrences, but inside I found a fierce corpse."

As Jin Ling spun his tale, Wei Wuxian listened intently, knowing full well that every word was a lie. He knew exactly where Jin Ling had been that afternoon, and he knew that if Wen Ning didn't want to be found, a young cultivator like Jin Ling would never stumble upon him by chance.

Jiang Cheng's voice was tight with anger. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

Jin Ling shrugged. "I couldn't be sure. The fierce corpse moved incredibly fast. It fled as soon as I entered, and I only caught a glimpse of its back. But I heard the sound of chains, like the ones Wen Ning had at Dafan Mountain. That's why I thought it might be him. If you hadn't started yelling at me as soon as I got back, I would have told you right away. If he's escaped now and you can't catch him, that's on you for losing your temper. It's not my fault."

He tried to peer further into the room, but Jiang Cheng slammed the door in his face. "We'll discuss your punishment later. Now get out of here!"

"Fine," Jin Ling's muffled voice came through the door, followed by the sound of retreating footsteps.

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As Jiang Cheng turned back to face him, Wei Wuxian quickly schooled his features into a complex expression of shock, dismay, and worry - as if his secret had been discovered and he was panicking about Wen Ning being found.

Jin Ling's lie had been clever. He knew that Wen Ning was the one person Jiang Cheng hated more than anyone, and he had crafted his story perfectly to exploit that hatred. Jiang Cheng, already suspecting that the Yiling Patriarch and the Ghost General often worked together, was inclined to believe Jin Ling's tale. Wei Wuxian's carefully crafted expression only served to further convince him.

Rage boiled in Jiang Cheng's chest. He lashed out with his whip, striking the ground next to Wei Wuxian. "You really do take that obedient dog of yours everywhere, don't you?" he snarled.

Wei Wuxian met his gaze steadily. "He's already dead, and I've died once too. What more do you want?"

Jiang Cheng pointed the whip at Wei Wuxian, his voice thick with hatred. "What do I want? Even if he dies a thousand times, a million times, it won't be enough to quell my hatred! He failed to destroy me then, and that's fine. Today, I'll destroy him myself. I'll burn him to ashes and scatter them before your eyes!"

With that, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. His voice carried as he issued orders to Jin Ling in the main hall. "Keep a close eye on the person inside. Don't believe anything he says, and don't listen to him at all! Don't let him make any noise. If he tries to whistle or play a flute, gag him. If you can't gag him, cut off his hands and cut out his tongue!"

Wei Wuxian knew these words were meant for him, a clear threat not to try anything. By not taking Wei Wuxian along, Jiang Cheng was also guarding against the possibility of Wei Wuxian controlling Wen Ning during the hunt.

Jin Ling's nonchalant reply floated through the door. "I got it. It's just one person, I can handle it. Uncle, what were you doing alone with that dead cut-sleeve? What did he do now?"

"That's none of your business," Jiang Cheng snapped. "Just remember to watch him closely. If he's gone when I get back, I'll break your legs!"

After asking a few more questions about the specific location, Jiang Cheng left with half of his men to pursue the non-existent Wen Ning, leaving Wei Wuxian alone with his thoughts and the looming presence of the spiritual dog.

After a short while, Jin Ling's arrogant voice echoed through the door. "You, go over there. You, stand guard on the side. The rest of you, position yourselves at the main entrance. I'm going in to deal with him myself."

The disciples of the prominent sects dared not disobey, each acknowledging the order with a respectful "Yes." Soon after, the door creaked open, and Jin Ling poked his head in, his eyes darting around the room with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Wei Wuxian sat up, watching as Jin Ling raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. The young cultivator crept into the room, his hand hovering over Zidian. He muttered a brief incantation under his breath.

Zidian, recognizing its new master (Jiang Cheng must have bound it to Jin Ling as well), immediately responded. The crackling purple energy condensed, transforming into a silver ring adorned with an amethyst, which fell softly into Jin Ling's pale palm.

"Let's go," Jin Ling whispered, his voice barely audible.

With Jin Ling's chaotic orders scattering the Yunmeng Jiang disciples, the two of them managed to sneak out, climbing through windows and over walls with the stealth of seasoned thieves. Once they were clear of the inn, they broke into a silent sprint.

As they entered a wooded area, Wei Wuxian heard an unusual sound behind them. He turned, and his heart nearly stopped. "Why is it following us?!" he hissed, panic rising in his voice. "Tell it to go away!"

Jin Ling let out two short whistles. The black-maned spiritual dog, its long tongue lolling out, whined softly. Its pointed ears twitched twice before it turned and trotted away, looking somewhat dejected.

"You're such a coward," Jin Ling scoffed. "Fairy never bites people. She just looks fierce. She's a well-trained spiritual dog, only attacking evil spirits. Did you think she was just an ordinary dog?"

Wei Wuxian froze. "Wait. What did you call it?"

"Fairy. That's her name," Jin Ling replied, matter-of-factly.

"You named a dog 'Fairy'?!" Wei Wuxian's disbelief was palpable.

Jin Ling defended his choice indignantly. "What's wrong with that name? When she was little, I called her Little Fairy. I couldn't keep calling her that when she grew up, could I?"

Wei Wuxian shook his head vigorously. "No, no, no, the problem isn't whether it's 'little' or not! Where did you learn to name things like this?!" He didn't need to ask; it was obviously his uncle's influence. He remembered how Jiang Cheng used to name his puppies things like "Jasmine," "Princess," and "Lovey" - names more suited to courtesans than dogs.

Jin Ling huffed, "A real man doesn't fuss over such trivial matters! Why are you fixating on this? Anyway, stop. You've offended my uncle, and that usually costs half a life. I'm letting you go now, so we're even."

Wei Wuxian regarded him curiously. "Do you know why your uncle wanted to capture me?"

"Of course," Jin Ling replied. "He suspects you're Wei Wuxian."

Wei Wuxian thought to himself, "This time, it's not just a suspicion. He's got the right person." Aloud, he asked, "And what about you? Don't you suspect me?"

Jin Ling shrugged. "It's not the first time my uncle has done something like this. He'd rather capture the wrong person than let the right one escape. But since Zidian couldn't pull out your soul, I'll assume you're not him. Besides, Wei Wuxian wasn't a cut-sleeve, but you, you dare to pursue..."

He trailed off, his face contorting in disgust. He made a shooing gesture, as if warding off evil. "Anyway, you have nothing to do with the Lanling Jin Sect anymore! If you want to indulge in your perversions, leave my family out of it! Otherwise, I won't let you off so easily!"

With that, Jin Ling turned to leave. After a few steps, he looked back. "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go, unless you want my uncle to catch you? Let me tell you, don't think I'm grateful just because you saved me, and don't expect me to say anything sappy to you."

Wei Wuxian sauntered closer, hands clasped behind his back. "Young man, there are two phrases in life that you must say, no matter how sappy they seem."

"Which two?" Jin Ling asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"'Thank you' and 'I'm sorry,'" Wei Wuxian replied, his tone suddenly serious.

Jin Ling scoffed. "I won't say them. Who's going to make me?"

"One day, you'll say them with tears in your eyes," Wei Wuxian predicted solemnly.

Jin Ling spat in disgust, but before he could retort, Wei Wuxian suddenly said, "I'm sorry."

Taken aback, Jin Ling stuttered, "What?"

"For what I said to you at Dafan Mountain," Wei Wuxian explained. "I'm sorry."

Jin Ling had been called "born but not raised by a mother" many times before, but no one had ever apologized to him so earnestly. This unexpected apology hit him like a slap to the face, leaving him unsure how to feel. He found himself suddenly uncomfortable.

Waving his hands frantically, Jin Ling finally managed to grunt, "It's nothing. You're not the first person to say that. It's true that I wasn't raised by my mother. But I won't let that make me inferior to anyone! On the contrary, I'll make sure you all see clearly that I'm much stronger than any of you!"

Wei Wuxian smiled softly, about to speak when his expression suddenly changed. "Jiang Cheng?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock. "You-!"

Jin Ling, already on edge from stealing Zidian and freeing Wei Wuxian, spun around at the mention of his uncle's name. Wei Wuxian seized the opportunity, delivering a swift chop to the back of Jin Ling's neck.

As Jin Ling crumpled to the ground, Wei Wuxian gently laid him down. He pulled up Jin Ling's trouser leg, examining the curse mark on his leg. Despite trying various methods, he couldn't make it fade. Realizing the complexity of the situation, he let out a deep sigh.

Though he couldn't dispel some curse marks, he knew he could transfer them to himself.

It took a while for Jin Ling to regain consciousness. As he stirred, he rubbed his neck, wincing at the lingering pain. Fury overtook him, and he leapt to his feet, drawing his sword. "How dare you hit me! Even my uncle has never struck me!"

Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Doesn't he always threaten to break your legs?"

Jin Ling's anger flared. "He only says that! He doesn't mean it! You dead cut-sleeve, what are you really up to? I-"

"Ah! Hanguang-Jun!" Wei Wuxian suddenly cried out, pointing behind Jin Ling.

Jin Ling, who feared Lan Wangji even more than his own uncle (after all, his uncle was family, but Hanguang-Jun was a formidable outsider), panicked. He turned and ran, shouting as he fled, "You dead cut-sleeve! You crazy bastard! I won't forget this! This isn't over!"

Wei Wuxian doubled over with laughter, watching Jin Ling disappear into the distance. As his laughter subsided, he felt a tightness in his chest, followed by a fit of coughing. Once he regained his composure, his mind began to wander, reflecting on past memories.

Wei Wuxian was nine years old when Jiang Fengmian brought him home.

Some of his memories from that time had grown hazy, but Jiang Yanli, Jin Ling's mother, remembered everything and had shared many stories with him.

She told him how their father, upon learning of the death of his old friends in battle, had searched tirelessly for their orphaned child. After a long search, he finally found the boy in the Yiling area. When Jiang Fengmian first laid eyes on him, the child was on his knees, scavenging for discarded fruit peels to eat.

The winters and springs in Yiling were bitterly cold, yet the boy wore only thin, tattered clothes. His knees were raw and bleeding, visible through the holes in his trousers. On his feet were two mismatched, ill-fitting shoes. As he rummaged through the garbage, Jiang Fengmian called out to him. The boy, remembering that his name contained the character for "infant," looked up. Despite his gaunt face and chapped, reddened cheeks, he wore a smile.

Jiang Yanli always said that Wei Wuxian was born with a smile on his face, a natural optimist. No matter what hardships he faced, he never let them weigh him down. No matter his circumstances, he always found a way to be cheerful. Some might call it being thick-skinned or insensitive, but she believed it was a wonderful trait.

After Jiang Fengmian fed him a piece of melon, the boy allowed himself to be carried home. Jiang Cheng, only eight or nine himself at the time, had been raising several puppies in Lotus Pier as his playmates. When Jiang Fengmian discovered Wei Wuxian's fear of dogs, he gently asked Jiang Cheng to send the puppies away. Jiang Cheng was furious, throwing a massive tantrum complete with broken objects, sullen looks, and floods of tears. In the end, though, he did as he was told and sent the dogs away.

Although this incident caused Jiang Cheng to harbor resentment towards Wei Wuxian for a long time, once they became close friends, they were inseparable. Whenever they encountered dogs during their adventures, Jiang Cheng would chase them away, then mercilessly tease Wei Wuxian for scrambling up the nearest tree.

Wei Wuxian had always believed that Jiang Cheng would stand by his side, while Lan Wangji would be his adversary. He never imagined that reality would turn out to be the complete opposite.

As Wei Wuxian slowly made his way to the meeting point he had arranged with Lan Wangji, the streets were quiet and deserted, illuminated only by a few scattered lanterns. He didn't need to search; the figure in white stood at the end of the long street, head slightly bowed, completely motionless.

Before Wei Wuxian could call out, Lan Wangji raised his head and saw him. After a moment of silent confrontation, Lan Wangji began walking towards him with measured steps.

For reasons he couldn't quite understand, Wei Wuxian found himself taking a step back.

He thought he saw a flash of red in Lan Wangji's eyes. He had to admit... Lan Wangji's expression at that moment was truly terrifying.