theorem of light by nightreii

Attempt the impossible.

Three simple words, one simple phrase, burned deeply into Jiang Cheng’s mind, ever since he was old enough to repeat the words back to his father. He’d tried, even as a child, to discover the deeper meaning, the understand what “attempt the impossible” truly meant. He’s put in effort, trained, developed his cultivation skills to embrace his sect’s motto.

Yet in all his 14 years, his father’s praise was never for him.

“A-Ying, good work.”

“A-Ying, you did well.”

All Jiang Cheng wanted to hear his father say the same to him, or even give the slightest nod of approval. Yet all Jiang Fengmian’s praise went to his dear Wei Ying, saving nothing but lectures and reprimands for his own son. It was almost if, ironically enough, it was impossible for his father to be satisfied with him.

Attempt the impossible.

Jiang Cheng kicked a pebble on the dock. It rolled and splashed into the water surrounding Lotus Pier, breaking the clear surface of the lake. Behind him, Wei Wuxian whistled loudly, carefree as usual. They were surveying the water due to rumours of a water ghoul being spotted in the lake, but had yet to find any solid evidence. The witnesses had given conflicting descriptions of what exactly it was they saw — one said it was frighteningly fast with glowing eyes, but another said it was painfully slow and resembled a deep abyss, and so their task today was to see if it there was indeed a ghoul, and report back to the Sect Leader.

Jiang Cheng’s eyebrow twitched.

“Wei Wuxian, if you keep whistling like that it’ll hear you and go into hiding, and we’ll never catch it. Be quiet.” Jiang Cheng hissed, eyes searching the depths. Shadows waved underneath the surface, but with the lotus plants growing underwater it was difficult to tell whether it was plant or ghoul.

“If I whistle well enough it’ll come up to see who could be whistling such a beautiful song! Then our job would be over and we can go back and eat,” Wei Wuxian replied, flashing a smile at Jiang Cheng.

“As if anything would be attracted to your shrill sounds. Keep your eyes on the water and pay. Attention.” He sighed and quickened his pace. The whistling still did not cease, and Jiang Cheng was losing his patience. They’d already rowed out onto the lake in the afternoon, going around the lake twice and spotting nothing. Now they were tediously checking the sides of the water, dense with lotus flowers, sifting through the plants, which was no easy task, in this place known as “Lotus Pier”. In other words, there was an immense amount of lotus plants, and Jiang Cheng was getting fed up, so much so that he began to think the rumour was false and the witnesses had simply scared themselves with their own shadows. Jiang Cheng slowed his steps and turned to face Wei Wuxian.

“This is taking too long — let’s split up and search. I’ll keep walking along here, and you go back along the dock to double check that we didn’t miss anything.” Jiang Cheng swiftly turned away, and quickened his pace.

“Jiang Cheng! If you find something don’t try to fight it on your own! We’re supposed to report back, not engage in battle.” Wei Wuxian grabbed Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, squeezing it firmly.

“Wei Wuxian, since when do you listen to instructions? I should be the one telling you not to fight it. A report is all they want, so that’s all we need to give them.” He shook off Wei Wuxian’s hand and walked away.

Jiang Cheng returned to the main hall of Lotus Pier just past sundown. Wei Wuxian was already at the door waiting for him.

“Find anything?”

Jiang Cheng nodded. “There were definitely signs of there being a water ghoul, but I didn’t see the ghoul itself. What about you?”

“I felt something was off about the witness reports, so I went to ask them about it again. They both spotted the ghouls at the same time, yet they were on opposite sides of the lake. You know what that means?” Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened.

“There are two of them,” they said in unison.

Wei Wuxian smiled slyly.

“How about we go catch them?”

Absolutely not, is what Jiang Cheng wanted to say. It wasn’t as if they’d never caught a water ghoul before, but it had always been the two of them, mostly assisted by other disciples too, taking down a single ghoul. It would undoubtedly be difficult to handle two. But he could not bring himself to say it, thinking back to the words, attempt the impossible. This could be his chance — water ghouls are familiar territory, and the Yunmeng Jiang Sect’s nets were of the highest quality and unlikely to fail. What more, the two of them ranked within the top five young masters in all the clans. They could handle two water ghouls.

He nodded, agreeing for once with Wei Wuxian’s audacious ideas. He would go attempt the impossible.

The night was still, the moon half-covered by the clouds. Jiang Cheng stood in the shadows, arms crossed across his chest. He tapped his foot impatiently and let out a quiet “tch.” Just as he was about to go leave to find Wei Wuxian, the young man appeared, long hair swaying with the night breeze.

“Did you bring the nets?” Jiang Cheng asked, holding out his hand.

“Of course! I even got an extra one just in case.” Wei Wuxian laughed and tossed a net to Jiang Cheng, who caught it easily despite its weight. He scoffed.

“Don’t be so loud, you’ll wake the other disciples.” Wei Wuxian laughed again, quieter this time. They shared a smile, and turned towards the lake. They moved silently but quickly, silver bells swinging noiselessly. They reached the gate in no time, and after checking that the guards were absent, ran out onto the docks.

They had grown up on this pier, and knew which planks creaked and which were silent. Together, the two boys ran carefully, hopping onto the quiet boards and leaping over noisy ones, swiftly, confidently, assuredly.

And then the water rippled.

Wei Wuxian held his arm out and stopped. Jiang Cheng ceased his movements immediately and reached for the nets on his back, slowing drawing one out. Wei Wuxian put up five fingers.

Four.

Three.

Two.

... ... “Jiang Cheng, get back—”

“WEI WUXIAN!” Jiang Cheng reached his hand towards Wei Wuxian, but was blown back by a powerful burst of spirit energy. Jiang Cheng hit the deck rolling, the nets spilling out around him. A loud crack echoed as the dock split open, and Wei Wuxian’s body was pulled into the water. Jiang Cheng scrambled towards the hole, looking for where Wei Wuxian had gone, but all he saw was his own reflection illuminated by the moon. Angrily, he brought his fist down on the wood.

Jiang Cheng readied himself to dive into the water, but another idea formed in his head. He looked back at the tangled spirit nets and considered his plan. It would take time, and he knew Wei Wuxian couldn’t fight off the ghoul himself, especially underwater, no matter how strong his aquatic abilities were. He grit his teeth and whispered: “Hold on a little longer, Wei Wuxian.”

Jiang Cheng quickly untangled the nets and spread one over the hole in the planks. He inhaled deeply, then cut his arm with his sword, letting the blood drip into the water.

... ... A wave of resentful energy pulsed through the air, and a ghoul leapt up through the hole, entranced by the scent of fresh blood. Jiang Cheng immediately pulled the net shut, trapping the ghoul inside. It thrashed about, but the Yunmeng Jiang sect prided themselves on the strength of their water ghoul nets. It could not escape, no matter how hard it struggled.

“Good riddance,” he muttered, and stabbed his sword through its chest. The ghoul disintegrated before its scream could ring out, but Jiang Cheng did not dare take the time to celebrate. There was still one more ghoul, and he’d seen no sign of Wei Wuxian. The young disciple tossed another net over the hole, letting more blood fall into the water.

Yet there was no movement. Jiang Cheng swore, remembering that water ghouls were fairly intelligent demons. It had probably learned that there was a trick, seeing that its partner never came back.

An idea popped into his head, the words ‘attempt the impossible’ ringing in the back of his mind. There was no time to think of a better plan.

He took a deep breath, lifted his sword high above his head, and brought it down on the deck as hard as he could, cracking the wood and piercing into the water. A ghastly screech rang out, and Jiang Cheng sank into the lake. He had predicted right — the ghoul was waiting beneath the boards to ambush him again. He swung his sword, slicing through the ghoul’s chest. It gave one last muddled scream before fading to dust. Hurriedly, Jiang Cheng looked around, scanning the water desperately, looking for his friend.

Suddenly, he was pulled up from the water, and then there were two boys heaving up water on a tattered dock. Wei Wuxian coughed, and spat out blood.

“Jiang Cheng, I didn’t expect you to make a risky move like that. I guess you’re growing up too huh?”

Jiang Cheng spat out a mouthful of water. “I’m amazed you have time to be sarcastic when you almost died, idiot.”

“Tsk tsk, you underestimate my ability,” the other boy replied. “When have you ever beat me in a swimming contest?” Wei Wuxian winked, then promptly collapsed. Jiang Cheng scoffed and lightly kicked him.

“Lame.” He grabbed Wei Wuxian’s collar in one hand began dragging him back to the gates. As he approached the doors, he paused. There was no way he could just walk into the infirmary in the middle of the night and not raise any questions. He grit his teeth and began walking in a different direction.

“Sister is going to be so mad about this...”

Jiang Yanli opened her door to find two soaking wet brothers, one standing sheepishly, one in rough shape on the ground. She blinked, once, twice, in sheer confusion, but nonetheless held the door open for them to enter. Jiang Cheng dropped Wei Wuxian into his sister’s arms and dropped himself down into a chair. She gently laid Wei Wuxian down on her bed.

“A-Cheng, what happened? Why are you two soaked? Is that a cut on your arm? We need to get that bandaged!” Jiang Yanli hurried to her desk, pulling out a long cloth bandage. She took Jiang Cheng’s arm and began slowly wrapping it, her long, gentle fingers well-versed in the action.

Jiang Cheng grit his teeth. “Sister, please don’t tell Father about this. It was a dumb idea, but if he finds out—”

“A-Cheng.” Jiang Yanli spoke softly, and smiled.

“As long as you know you that both you and A-Xian were wrong, and you reflect on what you did, that I will not notify Father. I won’t tell him about your injuries. Okay? Make sure you tell A-Xian this too, once he wakes up.” She put her hand on his and let out a soft sigh.

“Did you go to kill the water ghouls?”

Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened, but his expression softened just as quickly. He nodded. Jiang Yanli lifted her hand and placed it on his cheek instead. “I know you want to prove yourself, but you are still young. There is plenty of time, little brother. For the both of you.” Jiang Cheng looked away, not wanting to be treated as such a young child.

“I know,” he replied. “I know, but I... Even knowing the risks, I had to, had to attempt the impossible.” At the mention of the Yunmeng Jiang sect’s motto, Jiang Yanli immediately understood. They sat in a silence for a moment, the only sounds being the steady dripping of water onto Jiang Yanli’s bedroom floor. She spoke, quietly but firmly.

“A-Cheng, Father is only hard on you because he knows you have potential. And I know you know that. There is still time for you to grow. You—”

“Father never praises me! I just wanted to be able to do something, anything, that would make him acknowledge me. I—” He clenched his fists and looked towards the floorboards, embarrassed at his sudden outburst. “I should go to bed. I’m sorry for bothering you so late. I’ll come back in the morning to pick up Wei Wuxian. Good night, sister.” Jiang Cheng stood up and opened the door, walking away quickly.

“A-Cheng! A-Cheng, I’m proud of your bravery. Good night.” Jiang Yanli called after him, watching her younger brother’s shoulders relax as he muttered his reply. He ran off towards his own room, disappearing from her sight. She stood at the doorway for a while longer, wind blowing through her dark hair. As she inhaled the cool night air, she turned to look back into her room.

“And now, A-Xian. It was your idea, wasn’t it?” She exhaled, finding Wei Wuxian standing over a pot on the floor, wringing out his clothes.

“Aha, I can’t hide anything from you, Shijie.” Sighing, she walked over to a drawer, taking out a soft towel. Obediently, he bowed his head, letting himself be coddled by his shijie. She dried his hair quickly, taking the ribbon out in the process. “Thank you.”

“Honestly, the two of you are such trouble. I know you did it for him, but...” Jiang Yanli sighed, hanging the towel on the back of a chair to dry. “What am I going to do with you two?” She smiled, unable to keep up her scolding face.

“Just be there for us. That’s more than enough, shijie!” Wei Wuxian matched her smile and ran out of the room, quick as a fox. “Good night!” Jiang Yanli made no move to catch him. She was well aware of his free spirit and energy, even in the dead of night. Instead, she simply wished him a quick good night and began cleaning up her room, erasing the signs that two reckless disciples had made a stop inside.

“The water ghoul is gone?” Jiang Fengmian arched an eyebrow at the report.

“Yes... We searched all over the lake but there were no signs of the ghoul. In fact, none of us could sense an evil presence at all. We believe that it were eliminated overnight, but we do not know who did it.” The disciple looked as bewildered as Jiang Fengmian felt. The sect leader brought a hand to his chin, thinking.

“That will be all then. Find out who exorcised it. It is no easy task, and they deserve a reward.”

“Yes, Sect Leader Jiang.” The young man bowed deeply and exited the room.

At the same time, Wei Wuxian stepped inside, and Jiang Fengmian looked at him questioningly. “What is it, A-Ying?”

“Uncle,” Wei Wuxian greeted, bowing. “I have some news about the water ghouls.”

“Ghouls? There was more than one? ...Are you going to tell me that you were the one that killed them?”

“I am not.”

“I see.”

“But Jiang Cheng was.” At his words, Jiang Fengmian’s eyes widened.

“... What do you mean by that?” Jiang Fengmian clenched his fists. Wei Wuxian brought his hands together and lowered his head.

“I suggested that we go kill the water ghouls together, but got caught by one when it attacked. Jiang Cheng was the one who saved me, and he killed both of them in the process. Given that I was a little... preoccupied while it was going on, I believe you should talk to him yourself to find out the details.” Jiang Fengmian inhaled deeply.

“Where is he?”

Head still bowed, Wei Wuxian let himself smile ever so slightly.

The bridge trembled gently as Jiang Cheng ran towards the pavilion on the lake. A summon from his father was rare, As he approached, he slowed his steps, straightened out his clothing, and smoothed out his hair.

“Father, you called for me?” Jiang Cheng bowed, and stepped into the pavilion. Jiang Fengmian motioned for his son to sit down across from him, and Jiang Cheng did so obediently.

“So, you took care of the water ghouls?” Jiang Fengmian asked, looking his son, expression indecipherable. Father and son made eye contact, neither wanting to look away.

“...” Jiang Cheng paused, thinking over his words carefully. “...Yes. Last night, Wei Wuxian and I went out to hunt them down.” He slowly recounted the events of the night, leaving no parts out. “I take full responsibility for not opposing Wei Wuxian’s idea, even though I knew it was dangerous. I was also the one who used the nets without permission, so please do not punish him for that.” He bowed his head deeply, forehead nearly touching the table. Unexpectedly, Jiang Fengmian let out a small laugh. Jiang Cheng froze, unsure of how to deal with the current situation.

“How unexpected of you, A-Cheng, to go along with A-Ying’s ideas without protest.This might be the first time you’ve acted so rebelliously. Give me your hand.” Jiang Cheng winced, already anticipating his punishment. Jiang Fengmian raised his hand in the air, and brought it down quickly. But just before he made contact with Jiang Cheng’s palm, he stopped, then slowly pat the young man’s hand.

“Perhaps your growth is not as stagnant as I had believed it to be,” he said, voice softer than Jiang Cheng remembered it ever being. Jiang Fengmian removed his hand, stood up, and

placed a firm hand on his son’s shoulder instead. “Things turned out fine this time, but you are still young. There is still plenty of time. Nonetheless, I’m glad to see that you are learning to take risks — you are growing closer to understanding what our sect’s motto means. You are free to go now.” He gave Jiang Cheng a light smile, and turned away to survey the lake. Jiang Cheng bowed deeply, holding it for a few quick seconds, then spun around and walked away. His lips quivered as he tried to hold back his smile.

Finally, finally, he’d earned his father’s approval. He gripped his shoulder, still feeling the weight of Jiang Fengmian’s hand.

He had not earned this approval by himself though, and so he took a small detour before returning to his room.

Wei Wuxian woke up with a jolt, nose twitching. A fragrant smell floated through the air, one that he would recognize from anywhere. The smell of street vendor pies was one that was difficult to mistake, especially the specialty pies that could only be purchased at the Lotus Pier. He leaped out of bed, and cheerfully opened his door, holding his hand out expectantly. “Jiang Cheng~ What’ve you got there? Some pies from the local street vendor maybe?” He laughed, flashing his brightest smile. Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue and dropped a bag into the other boy’s waiting palms.

“This is. Thanks for yesterday. Bye.” Jiang Cheng left as quickly as he had arrived, having finished showing his appreciation for Wei Wuxian’s help. Wei Wuxian grinned. He quietly stored this memory into his list of embarrassing moments to bring up at social events, and popped a pie into his mouth.

“Mmny fanks for the giff, Young Mafer Jiang,” he said, barely coherent through his chewing. Jiang Cheng scoffed and kept walking, very ready to be alone in his room.

Or perhaps he would head to the training field to practice his sword, or to the pier to do some patrolling. Perhaps even the library or archives. He didn’t rule out spending time with the other disciples and civilians either. Ideas whirled through his mind as he held onto the motivation born from the morning’s events. There were so many things he could and wanted to do. But somewhere within his thoughts, a new phrase resonating through him.

There is still time.

He still has his whole life ahead of him, to do everything he wants and more. There is no need to rush through his youth, to burn through the days in pursuit of a motto he still can’t fully grasp.

He will still struggle and fight in order to learn, but finally a light has been lit. A spark to ignite his matchstick heart, one that he will nurture and treasure for as long as he can.

There is still time.

Name: Mai Twitter: nightreii