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Chapter Text

-Cloud Recesses-

Wei Wuxian let out a relieved smile when his feet finally touch the stone stairs of the Cloud Recesses. They arrived at night and it had to be past nine o'clock for the place was rather empty. He glanced at the youngsters who were trying their best to climb up the remaining stairs as fast as possible despite their obvious exhaustion. The first thing he would request from the Sect was a good rest for all of them. Well, maybe some food too, but he could deal with it later.

"Let's visit the infirmary!" Jingyi said, earning eager nods from Jin Ling and Zhizhen once they passed the ward. Wei Wuxian groaned as he felt his aching muscles. Did they not need to rest at all? He was young once and he believed that he took more rest than them. His feet, however, decided to follow the young disciples to the building located strategically in the middle of the main buildings in the Cloud Recesses.

"Good afternoon," Lan Chyou, the Head Healer of Cloud Recesses, greeted them shortly. Wei Wuxian grinned when he saw that she directly stood at the door, effectively blocking their way. The juniors immediately stopped and widened their eyes in fear. Wei Wuxian didn't blame them because Lan Chyou was one of the scariest women he met. It was a respected fear but fear nonetheless. 

"Wei-gongzi," She greeted as her eyes were on him. Wei Wuxin bowed in greeting with a smile on his face.

"I'm surprised you still remember me, Healer Chyou." 

"It's hard to forget the only person Hanguang-Jun ever carried in his arms," Lan Chyou said, raising her eyebrow. Wei Wuxian blushed and his face went redder when the Junior turned their heads to him with disbelief looks on their faces. 

"Why did Hanguang-Jun carry you in his arms?" Jin Ling asked. Wei Wuxian just grinned at him with that pretty blush on his face without answering.

"You four," Lan Chyou's firm voice made the young teens jump, "Go to your rooms and clean yourself. No one is allowed to enter my infirmary with dirt on their bodies."

"But Shizui-"

"Lan Shizui is fine, Jingy. Grandmaster Lan Qiren and I make sure of it ourselves. He is currently sleeping right now so it's better to let him rest. Clean yourself and inform the cook to make something light. He will get hungry when he wakes up," She said, looking straight at them. The juniors nodded their heads before slowly walking away from the building but not without looking back at the building.

"You should clean yourself up as well, Wei-gongzi. Hanguang-Jun must be waiting for you. You can visit later." She said, more gently this time. Wei Wuxian nodded, smiled and bowed at her before walking away as well. He let his mind rest as his eyes as he walked through the beautiful nature of the Cloud Recesses. It had been years since the last time he was in this place but his memory of Cloud Recesses was always clear inside his mind. He held this place dearly inside his heart and head since its peacefulness was medicine to his noisy and chaotic world. Wei Wuxian huffed a laugh. If his young self knew what he was thinking right now, he would call him crazy.

His feet brought him to a familiar secluded house, rather far away from the main building and hidden among the bamboo and gentian flowers. It was Jingshi, Lan Wangji's private residence. 

"Wei Ying," A gentle voice and a soft smile greeted him as he walked into the yard. There, standing in front of the Jingshi was The Second Young Master of Lan in his usual white robes, looking as beautiful as the last time he saw him. It had been three years since the last time they met, sneaking out to smaller sects and unpopular inns, wearing disguises and risking everything just to meet for a few days. Wei Wuxian walked as fast as he could and jumped straight into Lan Wanfji's arms. A pair of strong arms enveloped his smaller body very tightly. So tight that Wei Wuxian felt a little suffocated, but he didn't care.

"My beautiful Lan Zhan! I miss you so much!" He felt Lan Wangji's chest vibrate and a huff near his ear. Oh, how he missed his beloved's laugh. Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and buried his face into Lan Wangji's shoulder. A familiar sandalwood scent of Lan Wangji hit his nose, relaxing his body instantly. Home, he was home. He suddenly felt giddiness blooming inside his heart. He giggled and swayed their still-hugging bodies left and right as if they were dancing to an unheard song. Wei Wuxian giggled when Lan Wangji kissed his neck, ear and cheek. 

"Wei Ying, you need to take a bath." 

"What? I thought Lan Zhan said my post-battle form was sexy." Wei Wuxian broke the hug and gave him a huge pout. He inwardly grinned when Lan Wangji's ears were red. His grin widened when Lan Wangji turned around and walked into the Jingshi, his ears were still bright red. Wei Wuxian took off his shoes and skipped inside, following him.

"I recall you said that Wei Ying looks so sexy with all sweat and enemy's blood dripping from his sexy body and handsome face,"

"Ridiculous."

"Aww, you didn't deny that. See, I'm sexy and very desirable." 

"Wei Ying is very sexy and desirable when he is all clean." Wei Wuxian stopped in his track when he heard that. He shrieked and turned around with a totally red face and shakily pointed his finger at him accusingly. Lan Wangji, who was preparing Wei Wuxian's bath, was looking extremely smug.

"Lan Zhan!! You're a cheater. You cannot say something like that!"

"Lying is forbidden."

"Don't use your rule to justify what you just said. Take that back!"

"No."

"Fine." Wei Wuxian gave his soulmate a huge pout which Lan Wangji gladly ignored. Wei Wuxian let Lan Wangji strip him bare before quickly making himself comfortable in the bathtub. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, enjoying how the warm water relaxed his muscles. He felt hands tugging his ponytail and he tilted his head back, expecting Lan Wangji to wash his hair. True enough, warm water was poured over his head followed by the smell of Lan Wangji's shampoo. Strong fingers massaged his scalp gently, freeing the hair from its messy knots and dirt. A kiss landed on his temple and Wei Wuxian smiled, opening his eyes to see the Second Young Master Lan raising from his seat.

"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, come here. This hot water feels so nice, enjoy it with me." He wriggled his eyebrows as he played with the water. He grinned when he noticed Lan Wangji was looking at his wet body with a hint of lust in his eyes. Unfortunately for him, Lan Wangji quickly turned away and shook his head.

"No, you enjoy it. I'll cook some food for you."

"Aww... Lan Zhan is always so kind. You'll make a good husband."

"Hn. Wei Ying's husband."

"LAN ZHAN!!"

--

The next morning, the pair decided to walk around the Cloud Recesses after breakfast, enjoying their limited time together. Wei Wuxian smiled as his eyes swept the natural beauty of the place. Nothing changed significantly about the place, except for the rabbit field near the waterfall. He almost cooed at the adorable sight of Lan Wangji surrounded by the fluffy rodents.

Their morning walk passed peacefully and wonderfully until they passed the Orchid Hall. Elder Lan Mùchén was standing in front of the building when they passed it. His eyes were fixed on Wei Wuxian with an obvious disdain at made Wei Wuxian a little uncomfortable. He knew how much Lan Elders disliked him for his status and free-spirited behaviour. They thought that he had corrupted Lan Wangji, the shining beacon of the Lan Sect. Their dislike grew, unfortunately, with the reckless experiment he did that caused his banishment for ten years. Unlike Lan Qiren, who openly expressed his dislikes and likes about Wei Wuxian, most Lan Elders were silent, especially when he was with Lan Wangji. They bowed in greeting which was returned, well Elder Mùchén bowed to Lan Wangji before he walked passed Wei Wuxian as if he didn't exist.

Their relationship was not a secret for the members of the Gusu Lan Sect, especially those who lived in Cloud Recesses. The Second Young Master himself made sure that everyone was aware of his fondness for the former Jiang Sect's Head Disciple. Lan Wangji even threatened to defect from Lan Sect if they treated Wei Wuxian badly. It worked so far, mainly because of his banishment no one had an excuse to say or do anything bad to him, but Wei Wuxian couldn't help but with his comeback, and the Elders would start opposing their relationship. Lan Qiren tolerated him but with the Elders' pressure, he was afraid that he would eventually force them to end their relationship. Elders, Wei Wuxian didn't really care, but Lan Qiren was someone important to Lan Wangji. He didn't want to cause a rift between them.

After all Lan Wangji was Hanguang-Jun, The Light Bearer of the Cultivation World. He was the gem of Gusu and shouldn't be with him, a banished cultivator who played around with demonic cultivation.

"What's in your mind?"

"Hm? Nothing."

"Wei Ying, if you're thinking about what elders are thinking about us. You don't need to. They won't do anything to you, I make sure of it."

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji with a fond smile. The beautiful man was so stubborn when he had made up his mind. "Lan Zhan, they are your elders. We have to respect them, not threaten them."

"I respect them but it doesn't mean that I have to agree with everything they say or decide. The elders are known to see everything in black and white. They don't want to listen to reasons, especially from those they consider beneath them." Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian with his cold golden eyes seriously. "They have no right to judge Wei Ying based on their own bias. Even if Wei Ying is at fault, they should listen to the reason first, not immediately draw their own conclusion."

"I don't blame them, really. The first impression I gave them wasn't great after all." Wei Wuxian sighed. The first time he had arrived had been one of many actions he would regret in his whole life. He was injured at that time and his mind was in complete disarray. Holding Gusu Lan's most prized Young Master while demanding help wasn't something he should do. But he was Wei Wuxian. He was careless and stubborn and arrogant for his own good. It was a miracle he wasn't punished or executed back then.

"That's not an excuse."

"I know, Lan Zhan. I know." Wei Wuxian took Lan Wangji's hand into his and intertwined their fingers. The couple headed to the guest dorms where they knew Jingyi and the others would stay. Together with the teenagers, they would visit Shizui. It wasn't the best time to visit and would be kicked out by the healers, but Lan Wangji's presence would give them an exception. Lan Wangji knew how worried those young cultivators were and before they managed to sneak into the healing ward, which he was pretty sure would happen with Jingyi among them, it'd be best if they came with him instead. They were halfway to their destination when they saw Jiang Fengmian walking past them in hurry.

"Uncle Jiang, you're here!" The sound of the rough cultivator halted the old man from his journey. Jiang Fengmian looked relieved when he saw the son of his late friend had arrived safely. Judging from his calm appearance, the young cultivators were fine and Jiang Fengmian was extremely grateful for it.

"Hello, Wuxian. It's great to see you here. Jin Ling and others, are they okay?"

"We were attacked and Shizui was stabbed. He's okay now according to Lan-Daifu. The others didn't have any injuries at all."

"That's great." Jiang Fengmian closed his eyes and patted Wei Wuxian's shoulders. He opened his eyes and looked at Lan Wangji who stood silently beside his ward. "Now, I have to see Grandmaster Lan Qiren. It's important."

"Shufu is at his study. I'll send you there." Lan Wangji offered politely but Jiang Fengmian shook his head, forcing a smile.

"Thank you, Lan-Er-gongzhi, I know my own way." With that Jiang Fengmian walked as fast as he could to where Grandmaster Lan Qiren was. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian shared a worried glance as they knew what topic Jiang Fengmian wanted to talk about with Lan Qiren. Wei Wuxian tightened his grip on their joined hands and silently led Lan Wangji to where they were heading to.

--

Inside Lan Qiren's study, Jiang Fengmian drank his tea with a shaky hand. The Grandmaster of Gusu Lan was staring at the floating Yin Iron in the middle of the room. Lan Qiren's eyes were clouded and his lips were pursed in disappointment after hearing the news from the Sect Leader of Jiang. 

"So Jin Guangshan refused to help?"

"He said he didn't want to risk Lanling and its people." Jiang Fengmian rubbed his face. "I have tried my best, Grandmaster Lan, but nothing could convince him otherwise." 

Lan Qiren didn't say anything as he moved to sit in front of Jiang Fengmian and poured himself a cup of tea. The soft breeze that entered the room from the large window beside the sitting room played with his long blueish-white ribbon. The man nodded his head in understanding. He didn't really expect anything from the coward Sect Leader of Lanling Jin. Lan Qiren looked out the window and saw Jiang Wanyin walking confidently with some Jing disciples behind him, then a group of red-robed cultivators of Ouyang Sect and brown-green robed of Yao cultivators followed soon after them. His eyes, however, caught golden-robed cultivators walking fast across the courtyard.

"Is that Jin Zixuan? Jin Guangshan allowed him to come here?" He asked softly, his eyes never leaving the group.

"Yes." Jiang Fengmian confirmed. There was pride in his tone as he gazed outside. "My son-in-law saw my desperation and agreed to help us against his own father's wish. He brought some men with him and one of them was unfortunately Jin Zixun."

"Wen Ruohan's attention is now fixed in Cloud Recesses, Jiang-Zongzhu. I'm  afraid it's just a matter of time until he sends someone to attack us." Lan Qiren said seriously. His eyes glanced at the floating cursed artefact. "Yin Iron cannot stay in Cloud Recesses. It needed to be destroyed."

"I know that, Lan Qiren. But there's only one place it can be destroyed and I'm not sure if someone's willing to endure a challenging journey to the Nightless City. It's a suicide mission."

"Sect leader Jiang, we have no choice. This is our only chance." That silenced the older man as his shoulders slumped in defeat. Lan Qiren was right as usual.

--

"So this is the famous Chenqing. The flute of death." 

Wei Wuxian looked up from a scroll he was reading when he heard an unfamiliar voice. He walked slowly to the source of the voice and saw a man in golden robes looking at a broken flute with unhealthy interest on his face. He didn't know who this Jin cultivator was but his face resembled the main family of the Jins, so he had to be his sister's husband's cousin. 

"It looks no different than a regular flute, just with a red tassel and black colour. What kind of power does it really possess?" The Jin cultivator slowly took the flute into his arms and attempted to blow it. Nothing happened. It sounded just like another flute. "Huh, just a useless flute after all."

The Jin cultivator threw the flute and it fell to the ground with a loud clank. Wei Wuxian shook his head when the cultivator kept on walking as if nothing happened. Wei Wuxian knelt down and took the flute he created gently. His hand caressed Cenqing, feeling the hard bamboo for the first time in years. Sighing, he put it back where it was rested. Soft steps alerted Wei Wuxian that Lan Wangji had returned. Lan Wangji stood beside the black-robed cultivator as they both stared at the black flute that caused the whole chaos years ago. It was Wei Wuxian's fault but this spiritual weapon had assisted him.

"I see Grandmaster Lan Qiren takes care of it very well. I thought he had destroyed it." He broke the silence, glancing at Lan Wangji.

"He was about to but Jin Quangshan forbade it."

"What?"

"After you were gone to fulfil your banishment, many Sect leaders voted to destroy Chengqing. They were afraid that this flute would cause damage if it fell into the wrong hand. After all, they didn't know how you create this dizi. They didn't know its full potential."

"It's just a black flute from regular bamboo."

"Yes, with a really strong resentful energy inside."

"True." Wei Wuxian sighed, looking at the dizi. Events from that fateful day flashed in front of his eyes like it happened just yesterday. "I wish I didn't do what I did. I killed and injured so many people that day. Shijie, Peacock. Good thing Jin Lin wasn't hurt. He was in Shijie's arms."

"It was an experiment gone wrong, you didn't mean to do that."

"I know, but I still did, didn't I? Grandmaster Lan Qiren had warned me, but I didn't listen. I was too cocky because I thought I know how to handle resentful energy just from the books I read. I hurt people."

"And you have been punished for it." Lan Wangji turned to the person he loved the most in the whole world. He put his palm on Wei Wuxian's cheek. "Jin-xiao-furen and Jin-gongzhi have forgiven you. Jin Ling doesn't hate you, does he? If others haven't forgiven you even after you have done your punishment, then it's their problem."

"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, you're really just the best in comforting me." Wei Wuxian chuckled, covering Lan Wangji's hand with his own, "So, you were saying Jin Guangshan refused to destroy my dizi?"

"Jin-zongzhu said that maybe we could do something for Chengqing. Maybe someone with enough talents can use it as a weapon to fight for our cause in the future." Lan Wangji elaborated further. "He wanted to control it for his own selfish reason and he didn't succeed because Chenqing only obeys your command."

"It's not just about obeying my command. Chengqing is a spiritual weapon created deliberately to control resentful energy. If there's n resentful energy then it controls nothing. Like that Jin cultivator tried to do for example."

"Jin Zixun is his name. He is Jin Zixuan's cousin." Lan Wangji supplied his name and Wei Wuxian groaned when he realized that if one day he would like to visit his sister at Koi Tower, there was a chance that he would see him again. He didn't want to.

"Great." 

--

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji sat side by side as the conference was starting. Beside the white-robed Hanguang-Jun was his son, Lan Shizui, looking so out of place as he was the only teenager there. Across from them were Sect Leaders and their right-hand men sitting and murmuring about the special occasion. Jiang Wanyi was sitting silently beside Jin Zixuan and they were staring at Wei Wuxian silently. The black-robed man grinned and waved which made the two men roll their eyes simultaneously. Lan Qiren cleared his throat and the murmurs stopped as everyone gave the Grandmaster their attention.

"Welcome to Cloud Recesses. Today we're going to discuss the return of the most dangerous demonic artefact we just read in a history book. The Yin Iron." Lan Qiren looked at Lan Shizuin and spoke gently. "Bring fort the Yin Iron, Shizui."

All eyes turned to the nervous teenager sitting beside his father. Shizui looked at his father and Lan Wangji nodded reassuringly at him. The teen slowly stood up and took out a black-red rock from a spiritual pouch. Gasps rang in the meeting room as eyes were fixed on the object. La Wangji put his palm on his son's cheek as the teen sat back. Shizui offered him a shaky smile, trying to be strong.

"It's a gift." Wei Wuxian turned his attention to the speaker and had to stop rolling his eyes when Jin Zixun was the one who was talking. The Jin cultivator looked around excitedly. "We could use it to fight Wen Ruohan."

"We cannot do that, Jin Zixun. It corrupts, people." Wei Wuxian cut him. Jin Zixun turned to him and smirked arrogantly when he recognized who the man was.

"Of course, you know about demonic cultivation, son of a servant. I still remember the day you almost killed my cousin using it."

"Zixun!" Jin Zixuan warned. The man scoffed at his cousin, eyeing Wei Wuxian with clear disgust on his face.

"What? It's true. The son of a servant who thought himself much better than everyone has done more harm than good in this world. Maybe we should banish him forever instead."

"Lan Zhan, no." Wei Wuxian grabbed Lan Wangji's hand as the man almost jumped on his feet. 

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's destroy it!" Sect Leader Yao said loudly. His eyes narrowed to the thick stone on the table. "We have so many spiritual weapons here."

Lan Xichen smiled and spoke softly. "There's only one place that can destroy the Yin Iron once and for all, Sect Leader Yao. The Nightless City's volcano."

"One does not simply walk into the Nightless City." Jin Zixun said, shaking his head. "It isn't just the place, but the journey to Qishan is a dangerous one."

"Didn't you hear what Zewu-Jun just said? The Yin Iron had to be destroyed." Jiang Wanyin snapped at him. Jin Zixun narrowed his eyes and snapped back.

"Oh, and you'll be the one who brings it there? You? A useless sect heir who is overshadowed by the Sect's former first disciple?"

"Jin Zixun, stop insulting my brother-in-law. We're here to figure out how to destroy it, not to pick a fight." Jin Zixuan held his cousin together. Jiang Wanyin's Zidian sparked as its owner's fury reached it.

"A-Cheng." Jiang Fengmian warned softly, but his son was too much of his wife to back down.

"You think you Jin will take it there? Your own Sect Leader is just a coward who bends down to Wen Ruohan's will. Your Sect Leader is just a selfish man." Jiang Wanyin roared and Jin Zixuan almost lunged to him if Jin Zixuan didn't grab the back of his robes. Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen closed their eyes when shouting matches began as Sect Leader Yao and Ouyang joined. Such a fruitless action that brought nothing to the discussion.

"I'll take it." Lan Shizui's small voice silenced the arguments between the high-ranked members of the present Sects. His voice was shaking, clearly terrified. "I'll take the Yin Iron to the Nightless City's Volcano even if I don't know the way."

"Shizui, you know how dangerous this mission is."

"I do, but no one can hold the Yin Iron like I do, Granduncle. I'm the only one who can and this is our only chance. We have to-we have to-" Shizui's eyes were brimming with tears. He took a deep shaky breath and said confidently. "I'll take it. Even if I don't know the way."

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian looked at their beloved ward in horror as he volunteered to a suicide mission. Wei Wuxian walked toward Shizui and put his hand on his shoulder. He wouldn't be alone on this dangerous journey. He wouldn't. "A-Yuan, you won't be alone in this journey. My sword will protect you from all harm."

"And my Zidian as well." Jiang Wanyin jumped to his feet, and his spiritual weapon sparkled as he walked to the duo. Wei Wuxian and he shared a smirk as they stood face to face.

"Then, I'll go as well." The smirks were gone and were replaced by sighs which amused Jin Zixuan as he stood beside Wei Wuxian.

"Then I'll go as well." Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin groaned when Jin Zixun stood up and positioned himself beside his cousin. It was already hard with the peacock with them, now they had to deal with Jin Zixun as well. Lan Wangji was about to walk when his wrist was grabbed and held very tightly that he felt his blood circulation suffer. He turned his head and noticed it was Lan Qiren who prevented him.

"Shufu." Lan Wangji whispered in a betrayed tone but Lan Qiren didn't let go of his wrist. His eyes locked into Lan Wangji before he glanced at Lan Xichen. The Gusu Lan's heir nodded and walked silently to the group, smiling as they looked relieved at his presence. The group stood confidently in front of Grandmaster Lan Qiren as the old man nodded his head. Just as he was about to open his mouth, a blurred of white passed him quickly.

"Shizui won't go anywhere without me!" Lan Jingyi said, standing beside his cousin. Lan Qiren, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji gaped at the sight of him.

"And Shizui and Jingyi won't go anywhere without me!" another blurred of gold robed passed in front of Lan Qiren and now it was Jiang Wanyin, the Jins and Wei Wuxian's turned to gape at Jin Ling who smugly stood beside Jingyi.

"Me too, me too!" Now a blurred of red-robed of Ouyang Zizhen jumped beside Jin Ling, sending his father to a heart attack. Lan Xichen chuckled at the teens and shook his head.

"Of course when Shizui-er was invited to an important meeting without you, you would find a way to eavesdrop, Jingyi. Eavesdrop is forbidden." The Gusu Lan heir raised an eyebrow at the loudest Lan that ever existed.

"I'm not sorry, Zewu-Jun." Jingyi crossed his arms in front of his chest stubbornly. "Where Shizui goes, I'll go with him."

"Sect Leader Ouyang?" Lan Qiren looked at the father of the youngest teen and the old man just sighed in defeat so Lan Qiren nodded and gave his blessing to the group.

"May your journey will be blessed by the Heaven Officials above."

-Jingshi, the night before departure-

The stars adorned the clear sky above the Cloud Recesses as Wei Wuxian packed his belonging in Jingshi. He carefully folded spare clothes, his compass of evil and hundreds of talismans into the spiritual pouch he would carry. Once he finished he walked to the balcony and stared up at the night sky. He turned around when he heard soft footsteps behind him and saw Lan Wangji slowly approaching him. His hair was undone, free from its tight knot. The Light Bearer didn't say anything as he stood in front of the banished cultivator. 

Wei Wuxian gasped when Lan Wangji reached out behind his head and undone the sacred Gusu Lan's ribbon. Lan Wangji took Wei Wuxian's hand and tied the ribbon around the man's wrist in a tight knot.

"Lan Zhan, you can't give me this." Wei Wuxian said softly.

"Wei Ying, this forehead ribbon has been yours since the day we met. This is mine to give to whom I will," He said. His golden eyes stared into Wei Wuxian's silver ones. "just like my heart."

"The elders and your uncle won't give us their blessings."

"Our future is ours to decide. No one else has the right to do that." Lan Wangji cut him, his eyes boring into Wei Wuxian's, "Unless Wei Ying isn't willing to spend the rest of his life with me,"

"No! Lan Zhan is... Lan Zhan is my soulmate. There's nothing more I want in this life than spending the rest of my life with Lan Zhan." Wei Wuxian took both Lan Wangji's hands into his. "I'll come back, Lan Zhan, I promise. I'll come back with everyone, the juniors, Zewu-Jun, Jiang Cheng, everyone."

"And I'll wait here for Wei Ying to return." Lan Wangji said, putting his palm on Wei Wuxian's cheek. Wei Wuxian leaned to the touch before leaning down and kissing Lan Wangji passionately, aware that this would be their last night together. They both weren't stupid to acknowledge that despite the promised they just said, there was also a possibility that the mission would fail.

Wei Wuxian lifted Lan Wangji into his arms and walked into the room, spoiling the Second Young Master Lan before they had to be apart.