#ghost ashes

Wei Wuxian blinked at the peculiar sight. His face tickled as the butterfly crawled from his nose to his still wet cheek. Right on his tear tracks.

He slowly plucked a nearby flower and offered it to the creature. Trying to coax it off his face. The butterfly wasn’t interested. Instead, it flew away and hovered near a forest path that he was sure wasn’t there before.

The butterfly appeared to be waiting for him.

Wei Wuxian followed.

He was led to a valley and found Wen Ning palming empty air. Wei Wuxian could sense the overwhelming Yin energy permeating from where his subordinate’s hands were pressing. Wen Ning felt his approach and turned to him.

“Wei-Gongzi.” Said Wen Ning. “It appeared again, but it won’t let me through. Look.”

He tosses a rock, the air before them shimmered and the object stopped in mid-air before being dropped to the ground.

Wei Ying watched this with calculating eyes. He glanced at the butterfly, now hovering near his shoulder before grabbing his own rock and throwing it. Once it reached where the entrance is supposed to be, it disappeared.

“…..”

“It seems that Crimson Rain is inviting me.” He remarked. He looked back at the butterfly.

“Can you take me to him?”

After promising Wen Ning that he’ll back within an hour and that he’ll be careful, he approached the shimmering wall.

As soon as Wei Ying passed through the barrier separating the world of the living from the dead, he was met with a sea of red.

He found himself in a street that stretched out endlessly. Bustling stores and stalls line both sides of the street. The crimson lanterns hanging above were painting the night sky in its bold hue. All kinds of supernatural beings crowded the area. Be they ghosts, demons or anthropomorphic beings. Many of them donned masks displaying happy, angry, crying faces. Ghost fires of varying sizes darted between the people, who hardly seemed to notice them.

For a moment, all Wei Ying could do was stare. A child-like part of himself that he never grew out of wanted to do some exploring. He stomped down on the temptation and looked back at where the butterfly was hovering.

It wasn’t there anymore.

While looking around for the ethereal creature, he accidently made eye-contact with what appeared to be a pig butchering meat.

Human meat.

Wei Ying snapped his head forward and walked away.

Nothing to see here. Nothing to see….

He wasn’t left wandering aimlessly for long.

Thin, claw-like fingers wrapped around his bicep and stopped him in his tracks. Wei Ying snapped his head at the hand’s owner and was met with the sight of a ghost lady in revealing clothing. The heavy makeup did little to conceal her rotting face. For a few heart-stopping moments, their eyes locked. He felt a twinge of worry and wondered if she recognized him despite the plain black mask hiding his face -Wei Ying put it on just in case he ran into the people he’s killed here. She blinked at his appearance before giggling coquettishly. 

“Hello, little gege. You seem new around here. Would you like me to show you around?”

Wei Ying forced his shoulders to untense. He gave the lady an impish grin.

“Sorry, jiejie. You’re not exactly my type. But…” He presses a heavy pouch into her hand. “I’d love to hear more about this city.”

The lady’s smile widened.

“Oh?”

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He made his way to the Gambler's Den and was greeted with a cacophony of noise. Wei Ying chose to ignore the shouting of bets being made and checked his surroundings. Nobody inside matched the Ghost King’s description and he couldn’t see a figure sitting behind the red curtain. Crimson Rain’s usual seat was empty.

He spotted another ghost well on his way to passing out on a table. Wei Ying approached the drunk and asked about Hua Cheng’s whereabouts.

“Chengzhu….?” He slurred. “Ya just missed him. Better luck next time.”

“Is there any other way I can gain an audience with him?” He pressed. Now getting just a little annoyed at his situation.

The drunkard just laughed at him in response and threw his drink at Wei Ying, which he barely dodged.

After being laughed out of the building, Wei Ying put as much distance between himself and the den. He stopped at a secluded alleyway and shook off the excess wine from his boots, all the while cursing his luck.

Wasn’t ‘Chengzhu’ the one who led me into the city? Why hasn’t he approached me yet? Or was I supposed to go to him?

He felt a prickle at the back of his neck. There was a presence right behind him. He quickly turned around and saw a youth in rich maple robes watching him with hooded eyes. The youth curiously titled his head to the side.

“You seem to be new around here, Gongzi. Would you like me to take you somewhere you can stay for a while?”

Wei Wuxian arched a brow. “I can hardly believe you’re helping me out of kindness. What do you wish in return?”

“Oh, nothing much. Merely a moment of your time.” The youth smirked.

Wei Ying examined the stranger for a moment. Something was off about this man. Deciding to test the other male, he called out:

“Chengzhu?”

The youth’s smirk widened.

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They were at an inn that has clearly seen better days. The only individuals occupying the building were them and the innkeeper who seemed determined to put as much distance between himself and the two powerful ghosts.

Both Calamities were sitting at a table opposite from one another. Gazes constantly assessing. Wei Ying took in the sight of Crimson Rain. The older ghost was often described as a devilishly handsome man, wearing an eyepatch, blood-red robes with silver vambraces and a red pearl dangling from his hair. As of this moment, the man in front of him resembled a rich merchant’s son and not the Ghost King of legend. He didn’t even reveal his true form despite them sitting somewhere private.

Maybe he just really likes putting on disguises?  He mused. Not sure what to make of him.

He doesn’t think that the dark eyes trained on him were supposed to be intimidating, though. Wei Wuxian felt like an art piece being inspected rather than a wild animal carefully watched for sudden movements. It wasn’t frightening, per say. But he felt oddly…open. He refused to let his discomfort show and took a swig of the wine served to them.

“So…” Crimson Rain drawled. “What exactly is your type?”

He nearly spat out his wine.

What the….?

The bastard let out a snicker at Wei Ying’s expression.

He was trying to fluster him!

Two can play at that game, Chengzhu.

“Why? Think you have a shot?” He snarked back with a smirk.

The other man’s eyes widened for a moment before he let out a surprised laugh. Strangely enough, Wei Ying felt some of the tension leave his shoulders at the sound.

“Why did you let me wander around your city? Why not just meet me right away?” Wei Ying asked curiously.

“Judging by your attempt at a disguise…” Crimson Rain began while briefly glancing at the mask Wei Wuxian had put aside. “Me coming to you directly would’ve attracted a lot of unwanted attention. So, I led you here. You wanted to remain innocuous, no?”

Huh.

It never crossed Wei Ying’s mind that Crimson Rain could be considerate.

“I still haven’t mastered shapeshifting yet.” He admitted sheepishly. Might as well return the man’s kindness with a little honesty. He knew the mask made for a poor disguise, but what else could he do?

Crimson Rain snorted.

“It appears that the Yiling Laozu isn’t brilliant at everything.” He remarked laughingly. “You’ve been causing such a ruckus, you know.”

“And yet, you still decided to meet me?”

“Hmm. Call me curious. You’re quiet the intriguing case.”

Wei Wuxian arched a brow.

“Am I truly?”

The Ghost King leaned forward. Dark eyes glittering beneath the low candle-light.

“People have had their eyes on you for some time. Many from the Ghost Realm and even some from the Heavens.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in surprise. Hua Cheng’s lips curled upwards. Humoured by the other ghost’s shock. He leaned back in his seat and continued:

“First, you were the only living being who founded and mastered demonic cultivation. Then you became the first Calamity born after near a millennium. One who didn’t even take the usual route to gain Supreme status.” Wei Wuxian blinked owlishly at that.

“There’s another way for ghosts to get this kind of power?”

“There are. But you becoming a Supreme after only being a dead for a few months would be considered…. highly unusual.” Wei Wuxian could practically hear the silent question within the older ghost’s words.

“Guess I’m just special.” He deflected. Wei Ying had a pretty good idea on how he gained such power so quickly and he did not want to open that particular can of worms. Hua Chengzhu was just gonna have to live with his curiosity unsatisfied.

Crimson Rain let out an amused huff, but didn’t press any further on the matter.

Wei Wuxian decided to stop beating around the bush.

“I’m not here to talk about my rank as a ghost.”

“Of course. We’re here to discuss on whether you and your people can stay here in my city.”

“It’ll only be temporary.”

“Oh?” He can hear the faint note of surprise in Crimson Rain’s voice. “I was under the assumption that you couldn’t create a realm of your own under the risk of attracting attention from your former allies.”

“I came up with a few ideas on how to make a ghost village. Undetected.” He revealed. They were only ideas, unfortunately. Who knows how many experiments it’ll take until they bear fruit?

“Have you now?” Wei Ying can see the sparks of interest shimmering in the other man’s eyes. “Ah, but I shouldn’t expect less from the Yiling Laozu.”

Hua Cheng held out his hand. Wei Ying looked at it confusedly.

“May I see the inventions that you’re hiding in your right sleeve?”

Wei Wuxian felt a spike of frustration, along with a hint of worry. The conversation seemed to be going around in circles, yet Wei Ying knew that he couldn't simply refuse Crimson Rain -completely forgetting that Hua Cheng just asked for his consent. He pulled out the pouch and handed it to the older man. Trying to not let his agitation -and nervousness- show. Judging by the amused glint in Hua Cheng’s gaze, he was doing a poor job.

Hua Cheng pulled out an emerald marble from the pouch. The sphere was emitting faint whiffs of green smoke. He held it up against the candle light. Inspecting its pulsing shell.

“Did you come up with this while on the run?”

“No. It’s an old invention from the Sunshot Campaign. Why so fascinated with my weapons? Don’t they seem amateurish to yours in comparison?”

“I might be looking for a tinkering partner.” Hua Cheng replied vaguely. Wei Ying’s expression twitched disbelievingly. “Why didn’t you use this weapon in your war?”

Have I had his attention all the way back then?

Wei Wuxian… wasn’t sure on what to feel from having someone fixated on him like that.

“I didn’t have precise control. It would’ve affected both my enemies and allies.” He reluctantly admitted. “Why the need for a ‘tinkering partner’?”

“Does there have to be a need?” Hua Cheng asked rhetorically. “Perhaps, I’m just bored and you can keep me entertained.” He smirked before putting the marble back in its pouch. The elder ghost began examining a jar full of black seeds.

“Last I checked, you had around fifty Wens under your protection. Now, you seem to have twice that number.” Wei Wuxian smiled humourlessly.

“I have a habit of picking up strays.” He remarked dryly.

“Who knew Yiling Laozu would be so charitable?” Hua Cheng asked, amusedly.

“Who knew Crimson Rain would be such a curious cat?” Wei Ying retorted. Hua Cheng chuckled in response. He put aside the spiritual tools and turned back to the younger ghost.

“I have no issue with the Wens residing here in my city.” Wei Ying connected the dots.

“But you need to keep a powerful ghost close to you. If it’s under the guise of a tinkering partner, then the residents won’t panic.” Hua Cheng’s eyes crinkled in delight.

“I figured you’d catch on fast.” He commented, clearly pleased. “This place runs on gossip. Half the city is already aware of your presence here. Despite your…. less than stellar disguise.”

Wei Wuxian winced in slight embarrassment.

I should really improve on my shapeshifting skills.

“I can’t take you up on your offer.” He stated. A part of Wei Ying felt oddly guilty for his answer.

“No?” Hua Cheng looked faintly disappointed. “Not even to trade blueprints or theories?”

“I can’t.” Wei Wuxian stressed. Thoughts on the Yin Tiger Tally and the disaster it spread on the forefront of his mind. He tightly gripped his thighs. Knuckles turning white. Never again was he going to carelessly create such a weapon.

“You’re afraid.” Crimson Rain observed. Expression softening slightly. “You needn’t worry. I won’t force you to create anything harmful.”

Wei Ying still shook his head no.

“Even if I were to create something without the intention to harm, someone smart enough could still find a way to weaponize it. I don’t mean you.” He hurried to say after noticing Hua Cheng’s frown. “I’d just like to keep my ideas to myself for now.” Wei Wuxian swallowed before continuing:

“Chengzhu.” He addressed respectively. “From what I understand, you need incentive to show the people of Ghost City that I’m not a threat, yes?”

At Hua Cheng’s nod, Wei Ying undid the ribbon holding up his hair.

“Hold out your hand.” The older ghost raised a brow at that, but decided to humour him. Once Hua Cheng felt the ribbon brush against his hand, his expression transformed from curiosity to shock.

“What’s this…?”

“Insurance. Now I can’t do anything to hurt anyone and your people can rest easy.” He replied as he tied the ribbon off.

“….is this a bluff…?”

Wei Wuxian solemnly shook his head. Hua Cheng stared at him for a few seconds. An unreadable expression on his face. Suddenly, he burst out in a fit of laughter. The Ghost King clutched his sides and curled in his seat. The ribbon now tightly bound to his right wrist. The younger ghost tried not to look too startled at the strange reaction. He waited for the other ghost to calm down.

“I can’t decide if you’re brave or dumb.” Hua Cheng stated, breathlessly. Wiping away at the tears from the corner of his eyes.

Alright. That’s a fair assessment. Considering what he just did.

Wei Wuxian responded with a shrug and a cheeky grin.

If only he knew the meaning behind the act, he’d realize how audacious this looks….

“You do realize that you just gave me the means to destroy you, yes?”

“But you won’t.” He replied confidently. He wasn’t worried. Besides, this is hardly the first time he put his life on the line.

“And what makes you say that?”

“I’m too entertaining for you to toss aside so quickly.” Wei Ying stated with his signature grin.

“How presumptuous of you.” Hua Cheng snickered.

“How can it be presumptuous when it’s the truth?” Wei Ying retorted good-naturedly.

The Ghost King shook his head. Still in disbelief. He looked down at the ribbon and curiously stroked it with his fingers. Wei Wuxian suppressed a shiver at the action.

“You’re even more interesting than I initially thought.” Hua Cheng admitted. A strange lilt in his tone.

“Hope you won’t get bored of me eventually.” Wei Ying quipped offhandedly. Ignoring the weird churning in his stomach.

“I sincerely doubt that.” The Ghost King breathed out. An odd gleam in his eye that the younger ghost chose to ignore.

It was only after Wei Wuxian finished his talk with the city’s lord, did he seriously think back on the older ghost’s strange reaction to the ribbon.

“Little gege!” He heard a familiar voice call out to him as he walked back the way he came. Wei Ying turned to the jiejie he talked to earlier. She smiled at him.

“How did it go? Did you manage to have an audience with Chengzhu?”

“Ah. Yes, I did. Thanks for the help.” He answered before giving into the thought that’s been niggling at him for the past few minutes.

“Say, jiejie. Is there a special meaning behind giving a Ghost King your ashes?”

“Oh, wel- You did what?!”

Chapter End.

Author's Note:

*Galanthus nivalis: known better as Snowdrops. The flower symbolizes hope, new beginnings, resilience, tenderness and vulnerability. This entire chapter is mostly in Wei Ying's POV and we only get a tiny glimpse of HC's inner thoughts near the end. WWX feels as if their first meeting is about to start something quiet new and different compared to what he's used to and he doesn't know what to feel about that. So, he falls into his familiar confident and shameless façade in order to hide his discomfort. HC is willing to offer safety in exchange for a light-hearted companionship, but WWX misinterprets his offer and assumes that HC just wants something out of him. So, he gives him his ashes as both a bargaining chip and a shield against making potentially new weapons. Completely unaware of the social connotations of such an action and that he just opened himself up more to the Ghost King.

BTW: HC will hold this act over WWX's head for the next century. You do NOT just accidently propose ghost marriage to Crimson Rain and expect him to let it slide.

Omake:

HC: *sitting contemplatively at his office. Occasionally brushing his fingers against the red ribbon tied around his wrist*

YY: *walks in, sees that Chengzhu’s ‘busy’ and was about to go and handle the work on his own -again*

HC: Yin Yu.

YY: *halts* Yes, Chengzhu?

HC: Make sure to empty your schedule by tomorrow. I need you to start planning mine and Lord Wuxian’s wedding.

YY: Of cour- Wait, what?!

I also included/edited in omakes in the previous chapters. Hope you enjoyed!

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