Chapter Text
Lan XiChen blinked a few times before he could fully open his eyes and observe where he was at the moment.
His eyes caught sight of a place that was somehow familiar to him. A place that he was not going to forget anytime soon. His hands felt the cold floor of the place, accidently bumping into his sword, which was apparently next to him… just like the day he had arrived.
The Temple of the Sage welcomed him again, receiving him from his great adventure, as if congratulating him on having returned. The lamps shone softly, giving him a warm and pleasant atmosphere, nothing like the gloomy and mysterious air it had the day Lan Xichen got there for the first time.
In the same place where his journey had started, right there it also ended.
His head ached, and he felt tired, as if he had finally awakened from a long sleep.
The last thing he could remember was having been with Sect Leader Jiang while the other was sleeping peacefully. Of course, he also remembered the words he said before the younger man… but from one moment to the next he had ended up unexpectedly unconscious.
Now that he was back in that place, a small sense of anxiety was born in his heart.
“Was it all a dream…?”
Just that thought alone was able to terrify him like no other, driving him into a full blown panic
.
He had so many precious memories that he would hate to think had never happened. But fortunately for him, his doubts were dispelled when, as he rose from the hard ground, the sound of something falling reached his ears, stopping him mid-motion.
It was a lovely sound, which provoked many wonderful sensations inside him. A sound that he knew so well, and that led him to touch his neck unconsciously before actually looking at the ground more closely.
The small bell of the necklace shone softly thanks to the light in front of his eyes causing him to let out a relieved sigh, and thus, little by little, his aching heart started to calmed down.
There it was.
The proof of his victory.
He took the small bell gently in his hands, caring for it as if it were the most fragile thing he had ever touched. His fingers´touch so delicate as he gazed at it with a big smile on his face.
Yunmeng Jiang's bells did not produce sound since it was a spiritual tool. The one that Lan Xichen had in his hands at that moment, was one that had been made especially for him in his canine form, with the intention that the sound of the bell would let them know of his location.
Even so, it was made and decorated in the same way as the ones that belonged to all the members of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. Thus implying that they also considered him, Lan Xichen, as part of their Lotus Pier.
And Lan XiChen would be eternally grateful for it.
That bell would stay with him as a wonderful memory, until the day he could give it one day to the person who had it made.
Staring at him straight ahead, he was able to look at the statue that had been there the entire time.
The First Jade of Gusu walked up to it and bowed respectfully in thanks.
Because he now he understood.
The first time he arrived, he was devastated and asked for a solution for his life.
The temple listened to his request and led him to the best example of self-improvement that could exist in the world of cultivation.
The boost Lan XiChen needed.
Jiang Wanyin had given him reassurance, strength, motivation, and most importantly… Love
And even though the scar remained within him, Lan XiChen wanted to try to move on.
Because he still had to return all that was given to him.
To him who had shown that he was not the only person in the world who suffered, but the only one who was giving up.
Because even when the water stagnates, the lotus flower blooms beautifully.
“Just like that person…”
After bowing, the stone entrance opened, giving him the signal that it was, at long last, time to leave. And so, while keeping that precious bell hidden in his clothes and close to his heart, he took Shuoyue and made his way to the exit.
Once outside, the doors closed again, but Lan XiChen paid it no attention at all.
Because, for some reason, the day seemed brighter than any other.
And with his spirits up, he descended the mountain calmly. His body felt light, as if the great burden he felt upon arrival had been locked and left behind the stone door of the Sage´s Temple.
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— It's good to see you again, Mr. Cultivator —Upon reaching the small town, the same woman who greeted him the first time arrived, received him again with a smile, while quietly embroidering on her door— one feared that such an attractive face would be lost forever.
— It´s is nice to see you too — Lan XiChen smiled at her words as he walked over to her and then bowed in gratitude — I thank you for your concern.
— Mm. Several days ago, your brother was here looking for you — XiChen was surprised by the information, but still smiled sweetly. He really had a good younger brother indeed.
— I also made him worry a lot. Did you, perhaps, talk about something with him?
— I only shared some information that remains in this place about that temple — The woman smiled in amusement as she continued embroidering.
— Information…?
— Well, it's something I didn't tell you before, since it could had ruined your whole experience and that would no longer be interesting. He and the young man who accompanied him planned to enter the temple to look for signs of you. But the door was not going to open. Do you know why?
The question aroused Lan XiChen's curiosity — I'm afraid I do not know the answer. Please, enlighten me.
—That's because they don't need anything— XiChen looked at her even more interested— You desperately wanted something, did you not? But sometimes, what is wanted and what is needed are not the same. Therefore, the temple never fulfills wishes, but guides the lost one to what they need.
— May I ask how you know all of this? —XiChen was both fascinated and intrigued about everything that surrounded such a mysterious temple.
— My late husband went there before— She stopped the movement of her hands for a moment and closed her eyes with a nostalgic smile, trying to remember those events — Just like you, one day, he suddenly disappeared. We were in a difficult situation, and I even thought that he had abandoned me. But the temple had done its thing on him, just as it has on you.
— Did he tell you all that?
— Yeah, he came to that conclusión by himself. When he came back, he seemed like a completely new person, but he never told me where he went during all that time. Curious about its history, I also went there but I never could enter — She let out a soft sigh and opened her eyes slowly.
— Your husband must have been a wonderful person — Xichen smiled at the nostalgic, and still full of love, expression in that kind woman´s face.
— He really was ... You know? I have lived here for many years, so I have seen several people go down this road, just like you. But many did not return. When people are submerged in despair it is difficult to see the valuable things in front of them, and when that despair overtakes us, we can lose our way forever. So the fact that you are here talking to me again… I really consider it a blessing.
— I believe so too…— Xichen smiled kindly at her one last time — I think that, like your husband, I also feel like a new person.
— Did you find what you were looking for, then?— The woman smiled at him with a proud and relieved look.
— No— Lan XiChen responded, feeling hi slips stretch in a smile that no longer his usual one, but that actually came from the bottom of his heart — Something much better…
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— Did you find them?— Lan Shizui searched for JingYi with his eyes, hoping that he had been more successful in his search. It was the second time that week that the rabbits had escaped and, as their keepers, it was their duty to find each one and take them back to their designated area.
— Nothing around here — JingYi approached with a sigh of exhaustion. And who wouldn't? If they had practically been looking for those adorable yet mischievous creatures since morning. — Can't we take a break? It's not like they're going to get out of here anyway— the young Lan dropped to the ground and rubbed his head, trying to get rid of the sudden headache
— I'm also a bit tired, but let's look a little more, yes? — Shizui smiled as he helped his friend up from the ground.
— Tell me one day that Grandmaster Lan is not in the mood — JingYi carefully shook his clothes as he got up.
— We should be more understanding. He's had a lot of work lately
— He should try to relax a little from time to time. Hanguang-jun- and even Master Wei!- have been helping him these days, haven't they?— Lan JingYi stretched his body carefully as he let out a small yawn.
— I heard Master Wei complaining that there was too much work to do, so it must be much more difficult than we can see. — Both youths were so invested in their “conversation” that they did not notice when a third person joined them with calm and light steps.
— Then I suppose I should try to help too, right? — Upon hearing that voice, both youths were so surprised that they even made a little jump in their place, like a pair of startled rabbits, before looking in the direction of the owner of said voice in an almost frantic way.
— Oh, my god! Zewu-Jun!— Lan JingYi looked at him with bright eyes. Blinking a few times to make sure that what he was seeing was not an illusion of his poor mind.
— It's nice to see you again — Lan XiChen greeted the two young disciples with a smile. Although, for him at least, it hadn't been that long since he had last seen them.
— Is it really you? — Lan Shizui asked the question in surprise, not believing what his eyes were seeing.
— Mmm? Do I look like some kind of impostor?— XiChen laughed simply as he observed the changing expressions of the two young men.
— No! No, no, no! How do I-…? You look somewhat diferent that´s all. — Shizui rushed to change his words with a slightly embarrassed expression on his face.
For them, who had known their Sect Leader for most of their lives, it was a big difference.
The last time Lan Shizui and Lan JingYi had seen their Sect Leader, he was in a state that could only considered painful.
His dull eyes, his pale skin and muffled voice…. It formed a strong image that would be etched in their minds for the foreseable future.
They were also really worried when their Sect Leader suddenly disappeared. And participated together with other disciples in many search parties, but they hadn´t been able to find anything.
Because of that, seeing this refreshed and smiling newcomer and comparing him to the person they had seen last… it made it all seemed like it had been some kind of bad hallucination.
— I feel different… I think that's good— XiChen looked away and took in everything around him. Cloud Recesses was still exactly the same as the last time he had been there, running around like Xiao Bai. He wouldn't lie saying that he didn't feel a little strange now that he was returning as Lan XiChen. He had gotten too used to Yunmeng. But being here again, it felt like he was finally moving forward, little by little.
— We are so glad to have you back, Zewu-Jun— Both disciples smiled at each other and bowed to their Sect Leader respectfully — Welcome back.
— Thank you very much. I would like to speak with my uncle first though. Could you tell him about my arrival? I'll be waiting in the Southern room — In his mind he could already imagine his uncle's expression when he received the news. He was afraid that he would faint from the shock if he suddenly arrived at his study, so the best option was to announce his arrival. Lan XiChen had made his poor uncle carry too many of his own burdens for him, so if he really wanted to advance, he had to talk to him first.
— Right away! — Both young men hurried out, with Shizui stopping JingYi from running away. Of course, they were excited to make this particular announcement, but that was not reason enough for them to break the rules -at least not in front of their newly arrived Sect Leader-.
Xichen watched the two young men leave for a few seconds until they had finally disappeared from his sight.
He smiled on his way to the living room where he would wait for his uncle. As he passed by, all the disciples he encountered looked at him in surprise and excitement, he was sure that soon the news of his arrival would spread like wildfire among all Cloud Recesses.
Xichen quickened his steps, trying to get to the room faster and thus avoid being stopped by some of the disciples who seemed to want to greet him.
It's not that he didn't want to dedicate some time to them, but his priority at that moment was another.
To his surprise when he arrived in the room, Lan Qiren was already inside. His eyes shone when he saw XiChen's silhouette enter the door, he could swear that some small tears shone in his uncle's eyes before they disappeared and he threw himself to hug his nephew, something that he had not done since a long time ago.
Lan XiChen reciprocated and hugged him silently, lamenting in his heart that he had made his uncle worry for so long.
— Xichen, where have you been all this time??— Was the first question that came from Lan Qiren's lips after releasing his nephew.
Of course that was the biggest question of all.
Where could a famous and well-known cultivator as himself go to find any clues about him?
Unfortunately that was Lan Xichen's secret and he did not plan to reveal it anytime soon.
— I'm very sorry to have worried you so much, Uncle… — Before explaining, Xichen prostrated himself on the ground in apology, hoping to show his sincere regret to his uncle. Not just because of his sudden disappearance, but because of all the work and pressure he had put on the older man's shoulders while he was in his pathetic state of weakness.
— What do you think you are doing?— Lan Qiren immediately rushed to pick him up off the ground, carefully shaking his nephew's clothes — I don't need your apologies. There is nothing to forgive. Then? Where have you been?
— I can't say the exact place, but I was on a trip, which ended up been just the one I needed to clear my mind— Lan Qiren saw the expression of peace and tranquility that was reflected on his nephew's face and was finally able to breathe calmly.
— Are you okay?— Lan Qiren asked just to confirm.
— I am. Much better now, I promise— The smile on Lan Xichen's face was all the confirmation he needed.
— I see... It's really a blessing of heaven to have you back — Lan Qiren tried to regain his composure and patted Xichen's back gently — What do you plan to do now?
— If you agree, I would like to regain my place as the Leader of this Sect— Xichen bowed gently, hoping that his uncle would agree to his request.
— What are you talking about? You have never lost that place — Lan Qiren played with his beard happy to hear of the intentions of his nephew — But are you sure? If you need, you can rest a little more, Wangji and I can take care of it.
—I have rested for too long now. Do not worry. Besides, at this momento, I really want to work.
— I won't object if that is truly your wish, but why the sudden rush? — Lan Qiren was really curious at the change in attitude of his nephew. What could have happened on that trip?
— I've wasted too much time already, and there is something I want to achieve with all my heart now — His words left his Uncle somewhat impressed, while managing to pique his curiosity. Was that what had changed Xichen? If so, he would make sure his nephew got it
— What is it?
— It´s a secret~ — XiChen smiled in amusement and Lan Qiren decided to put that issue aside. He knew that when his nephew was ready to say it, he would tell him.
— Very well, as you wish— Lan Qiren sighed slightly defeated but still with a small smile on his face — Still, rest for today at least. You have all day tomorrow to work for as long as you want. Wangji has gone out to the city with Wei WuXian— Qiren made a slightly uncomfortable face as if saying just saying his name would burn his throat— but he will probably be here before nightfall. I'm sure he will want to talk to you too.
— Thank you, Uncle. I will take my leave then — Lan XiChen bowed before leaving the room.
—Xichen— Lan Qiren´s voice stopped him — Welcome back— Lan Xichen felt a sweet sensation on his chest again.
He really was a blessed person
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Night had finally fallen on Gusu, the curfew had already been given and all the disciples had gone to sleep. There was no noise other than the sound of the wind running, accompanied by some of the nocturnal animals that roamed around at night.
Silence and tranquility reigned throughout the place, it was the perfect environment to close your eyes and rest deeply, but two brothers watched the night sky while drinking tea together in the Hanshi's courtyard.
Just as he expected, Lan Wangji had gone to meet him as soon as he learned of his return, unlike his uncle's prediction, the Second Jade ended up returning to the evening, just before curfew. .
The former Yiling Patriarch had decided to stay in his room and let his husband talk with his brother, as surely there were many things to talk about.
— It's a nice night, isn't it?— Lan Xichen smiled softly as he brought the cup of tea to his mouth.
— It is— said his brother, looking at the familiar landscape calmly.
— I" said "it last time but I feel the need to do it again — Lan XiChen put the cup aside and looked at his brother.— I'm sorry I made you worry all this time. I have failed as your big brother. I really feel sorry for that— The First Jade lowered his face showing a slightly downcast expression.
— You did not — His brother might not be the most expressive person in the world, but Lan Xichen could feel the emotions he was trying to express in his few words— Long ago, it was me who made you worry ...— Of course, Lan Wangji did not blame his brother for absolutely anything. During the time that he had remained devastated after losing Wei WuXian, he observed a clear expression of pain and concern on his brother's face several times.
When someone you care about suffers, you suffer with him, now it had been Lan Wangji's turn to watch over his brother.
— I heard that you went to search for me at the Xi Village— Lan XiChen smiled moved by his brother's words and decided to slightly change the course of the conversation.
—Mn. Wei Ying and I— said Lan Wangji— Did that woman tell you?
— Yes, she told me that she had spoken with you and talked about her story with that temple— Lan XiChen fondly remembered the words of that nice person.
— Did you find it?— Lan Wangji's lips trembled slightly as he asked that question.
The fact that his brother returned, if the words of those women had been true, was a sign that he had found what was missing in his life. But Lan Wangji was somewhat worried about the answer anyway.
— Ohhh — Lan XiChen looked at him for a few seconds until he finally understood the question — Yes, I did— Lan XiChen smiled
— ... Is it Sect Leader Jiang?— Lan Wangji asked slightly uneasy.
— Yes, It is him — Lan XiChen smiled even more.
— Are you sure, Brother? — Lan Wangji looked at him slightly worried. Lan XiChen could understand that Jiang Cheng was one of the people that his brother liked the least, he had his reasons for not liking him, he knew it of course, but he was not going to let go of his feelings now that he had finally come across them
— Very sure — Lan Xichen pulled the bell out of his clothes and held it gently.
— He is a very difficult person — Lan Wangji warned.
— I know — It was something that XiChen had more than clear, so he knew he had to make double the effort to have the opportunity to reach his beloved´s heart.
— He may not accept your feelings — Lan Wangji looked at him seriously.
— I am aware— Of course there was no guarantee that Jiang Wanyin would reciprocate his feelings, but what was he going to get if he didn't try?
— I do not want him to hurt you
— I know the consequences — He had analyzed them over and over again.
— I don´t like him — Lan Wangji spoke even more seriously.
— It shows— Xichen chuckled slightly at his brother's statement.
— But… You still want him, don't you? — Lan Wangji looked at his brother, who was nodding his head strongly.
— Being with him, I was able to understand so many things. He was the perfect boost that I have been needing for a while now — Lan Xichen smiled wistfully — He is certainly a complicated person and has a difficult personality to deal with… But thank heaven I was able to see through it!
— I don´t like him — the Second Jade repeated with a slight hint of bad humor — But I can bear with it…
— Thank you, Wangji— Lan XiChen reached out with his hand and gently patted the other´s head, just like he used to do when they were children — I am truly fortunate to have you as my family.
— Mmh
— What did Master Wei say about it? — Lan Xichen returned to his place.
— He doesn't know yet — Lan Xichen looked at him in surprise.
— I thought you told him as soon as you found out— Lan XiChen was surprised. After all, the couple would normally tell each other everything
— I wanted to wait and talk to you first…
— So he doesn't know anything about where I was?— Xichen asked curiously.
— No
— Or that I barked at him…?
— No
— I see...— Lan XiChen looked at her brother somewhat embarrassed — I'm sorry I made you hide things from your husband.
— If he's my brother, then it is fine.
— May I ask you to keep it a secret for a bit more?— Lan XiChen asked still with some embarrassment on his face.
— Why?
— Given Master Wei's personality, I'm afraid he would want to interfere.I want to take the first step on my own. Would that be okay?
— Mn — Lan Xichen sighed in relief at his brother's response.
— Thank you, Wangji— The Second Jade nodded silently.
They both stared at the sky for a few more minutes, until Lan Wangji got up to return to his quarters.
— Xiaozhang — Lo llamó antes de irse— I'm glad you're back.
Lan XiChen felt a silent tear fall down his cheek once he was left alone.
It was not a tear of pain nor sadness.
He felt happy
“Sect Leader Jiang, are you seeing the same sky as me?”
He called out in his mind as he stood outside gazing up at the sky.
That question repeated itself in his mind over and over again.
He could imagine Jiang Wanyin sitting silently by the water in that place that he enjoyed so much.
With the wind gently rocking the strands of his hair as he quite possibly hummed some soft song with his endearing voice.
When he sat next to him as Xiao Bai, he could observe his beautiful and fine profile raised up, looking at the sky, as if he was trying to count the stars or as if he was trying to speak with them. In his eyes, Jiang Wanyin looked brighter than all of them.
“I can no longer keep you company at tonight, but I hope you can sleep peacefully…”
With the little bell in his hands, he closed his eyes trying to recreate in his mind every scene that his eyes had seen and that he had come to love so much.
“It's hard to rest if you are not by my side…”
XiChen sighed like a fool in love as he recalled every aspect that Jiang Cheng had shown him.
The sound of his voice when he spoke sleepily, his soft and sincere smile or the soft aroma that emanated from his body.
— I miss him…
He wished he could fly to Yunmeng at that moment and stand face to face with Jiang Cheng, but that was not the right thing to do.
He wasn't planning on showing himself to Jiang Cheng like that, it wasn't enough yet.
He couldn't offer him something as simple as his current self.
Jiang Wanyin deserved the best and Lan Xichen wanted to be the best only for him.
“Wait for me, A-Cheng”
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— Good! We already brought the baskets, it is time to start the recollection
Summer had arrived in Yunmeng Jiang bringing with it one of the favorite activities of the young disciples. The Recollection of the Lotus Pods.
With the hot weather in Lotus Pier, nothing seemed better to young people than jumping into the water, even if they had to work. Gathering Lotus was something most people enjoyed, as they could be used for various things.
Everyone had divided into various groups in order to cover most of Yunmeng's terrain and the group near the entrance was one of the most excited.
— Li Rue! With this we can make lotus buns, right?— Qi Qi looked at her partner with an excited expression, because everything that was about food was enough to get her attention
— Yeah, yeah — Yu Li Rue nodded without paying much attention to the young woman as she carefully entered the water — Just wait for us to finish first.
— Why can´t I come too? — she complained, pouting — We could finish faster that way, right?
— No — Li Rue immediately denied — You can´t enter the water.
— WHY?!—The young woman complained loudly — Hey, Ru Yi, help me! — Qi Qi asked the young man who was also inside the water.
— If Li Rue said no then leave it like that, it is not good if he gets angry — Yunmeng's main disciple shrugged at Qi Qi's request causing more frustration in her.
— Why can´t I get into the water?!?— She demanded to know looking at who had denied her first — If I want to enter, who are you to prevent me? — Liu Qi Qi approached the edge ready to enter the water when Li Rue quickly approached to stop her
— You are a girl! You should worry about yourself more — he reprimanded her immediately.
— What does it have to do with me being a girl? Su Mei is in the water too and I don't see you trying to get her out! — the young doctor pointed in the distance to one of her female friends who was happily playing in the water.
— I don´t care about her! Why would I ge-…?! — Li Rue stopped mid-sentence and looked away slightly embarrassed.
— Eh? What kind of discrimination is happening here? — Qi Qi, without understanding anything, looked confused at the young man while Ru Yi laughed after them
— Too bad, uh?— The Head disciple mocked.
— Shut up — Li Rue made an annoyed face and turned around to continue with his work. Liu Qi Qi was about to complain again when a laugh sounded behind her.
Turning around, he found a person wearing well-known white robes with cloud patterns on them.
— Ahhh!— She recognized him immediately — Sect Leader Lan— When she spoke those words the other two boys immediately rushed out of the water to greet the newly arrived visitor.
— Good Morning — Lan XiChen greeted with a smile. The youngsters looked as lively and energetic as ever — Sorry to interrupt when you are all so busy…
— Do not worry — Ru Yi as the main disciple rushed to welcome the guest even though his body was wet and his clothes were dripping water — What brings Gusu Lan´s Sect Leader to our Yunmeng Jiang Sect? — The three young men bowed as a show of respect
— I'm looking for your Sect Leader. Is there a chance that he could meet me? — Lan XiChen laughed inwardly at the disheveled appearance of the young men but made sure not to show it to avoid making them feel more uncomfortable.
— I'll go call our Sect Leader immediately, please wait for a moment — Ru Yi immediately went to find his Sect Leader without worrying about his wet robes, leaving the other two to keep Lan Xichen company.
— What were you doing? — Xichen asked the two young men, trying to ease the tension, although he already knew the answer.
— Eh... We were collecting Lotus Pods— Answered Li Rue.
— Well, you did — Qi Qi muttered annoyed, earning a blow to the arm. Action that only made Lan Xichen laugh
— I see… It mus be fun — Lan XiChen smiled and both disciples relaxed a bit.
— It is, it is one of our favorite activities — Lan Xichen recalled several disciples mentioning the activity during the time he was in Yunmeng. In their words, it was what they most expected from the summer.
Half a year had passed since then and that was the first time he had stepped foot on Lotus Pier since that time.
It had been a difficult wait. He had to control himself multiple time to not travel to the grounds of the Jiang Sect before he had achieved his goal. There were always moments when he wanted to put everything aside and look for Jiang Wanyin, because, despite the days passing by, his feelings did not diminish in the slightest.
In that half year that had passed, he had worked very hard to raise his name again and earn the fame that he once had.
Returning to Yunmeng was like a dream for him, and seeing those young people again brought back fond memories.
— Sect Leader Lan— Ru Yi quickly returned accompanied by another young woman who he quickly recognized, she bowed in greeting upon seeing him — Our Sect Leader agreed to see you now. She will guide you — Xichen thanked and followed the young woman
— Oh, wait…! —Lan XiChen stopped and went back to where the there disciples were to their upmost surprise.
From his robes he took out four small bags and distributed them to each one of them, including the other young woman who had come to guide him.
— What is this…? — Qi Qi was the first to ask without understanding.
— It is but a small gift — The four young people looked at each other over and over again confused.
— Ehhh? Why? — This time Ru Yi opened his mouth, unsure of whether he should accept the gift or not
— It's a small compensation. At least for now— Lan XiChen smiled pleased and turned around asking the young woman to lead the way. Confused, she accepted and led Lan XiChen to the room where Jiang Wanyin was waiting for him.
— What did he mean by compensation? — Once they were alone, Li Rue was the first to speak.
— I have noidea...— Ru yi scratched his head doubtfully — Why would Gusu Lan's Sect Leader have to compensate us for something?
— I know ... It's the first time I've seen him…
— Hey! — Qi Qi interrupted them with a surprised voice — Open your bags.
The boys, confused once again decided to do what the other said and carefully opened the bags in their hands.
— What…? — Ru Yi looked surprised at the contents in his bag as well as Li Rue.
— Aren´t these our favourite sweets? — Rue asked puzzled. Well, each bag had a different content, but overall each one was filled with the favorite sweet of each one of them.
— They truly are…
— But… How did Zewu-jun know what our Favorite sweets were? — Qi Qi looked at the contents in her bag thoughtfully.
— Is it a coincidence or…?
The three young people were silent for a few more minutes without understanding what had happened.
Lan XiChen walked happily without worrying about the internal conflict that he had created in those young people, he looked at every detail of Yunmeng, commiting it to memory, as he walked behind the young woman who was accompanying him.
After so long, he had finally made it back.
— Our Sect Leader is inside — They finally stopped at the door of a room that Lan Xichen was fairly familiar with, the young woman opened the door carefully and then bowed before leaving — With your permission…
Lan XiChen nodded and entered the room, closing the door.
His eyes immediately went forward and he felt his heart almost leap out of his chest.
Jiang Cheng was sitting across from him. With his face furrowed as always, his hair perfectly arranged and his gaze focused directly on him.
— Welcome to Lotus Pier, Sect Leader Lan — Jiang Wanyin greeted respectfully rising from his seat— It is an honor to receive you.
Lan XiChen had to control himself so as to not explode with excitement at that very moment.
After so long, Jiang Cheng had spoken to him.
— Thank you for your welcome, Sect Leader Jiang. I'm delighted to be here — Lan XiChen walked over and, under Jiang Cheng's signal, took a seat at the other available spot.
— Then, tell me, what brings you to Yunmeng Jiang?— Jiang Cheng handed Lan XiChen a cup of hot tea, which the First Jade gladly accepted without hesitation.
— I have a matter that I would like to talk to you about… — Lan XiChen said with a slightly mysterious touch and then drank from his cup.
— Why with me? — Jiang Cheng looked at him seriously.
— This is something I would like Sect Leader Jiang to support me on — Lan XiChen smiled kindly, causing some curiosity in the other.
—Well, that will depend on what Sect Leader Lan wants...— Jiang Cheng finally drank from his cup of tea.
— I want you to marry me — Jiang Cheng choked at those words immediately and hit his chest hard, trying to make the hot water pass faster
— What did you just say…? — Jiang Cheng asked once more, believing that his ears had misheard.
— I have come to ask you to marry me — Lan XiChen blurted out his words sincerely. He had decided that the best thing he could do was to make his intentions completely clear, since he knew that Jiang Wanyin would not accept the first time, but he wanted to make him understand how serious his feelings were.
“Enough to wish a lifetime by his side…”
— What a good joke… — Jiang Cheng frowned expressing annoyance on his face. His menacing gaze went directly to Xichen, making him tremble slightly.
“Sect Leader Jiang, you are really attractive, even more so like this…”
— I assure you, Sect Leader Jiang, that this is not a joke — Lan Xichen replied calmly, trying to control the situation.
— I didn't think that the great Zewu-jun would have time to come to make fun of me in my own sect — Jiang Cheng rose from his seat furiously.
— Sect Leader Jiang — Lan Xichen called him softly.
— What?! — Jiang Cheng asked threateningly as Zidian began to take the form of a whip in his hands.
Xichen took a deep breath and smiled, a smile so pure and sweet that Jiang Cheng for a moment believed that he would receive a punishment from heaven for touching someone like him.
Xichen stepped forward closer to Jiang Cheng, opened his mouth and his voice came out with such a soft and sweet tone that it made Jiang Cheng freeze at that moment, causing Zidian to return to its normal state.
— I´m completely in love with you…
It was the same voice that had been echoing in Jiang Cheng's head for a long time now.
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