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Chapter Text

Note: The prologue is basically just the last scene from the finale and then i start writing about the reunion (so it's very short)

"I will go this way," Wei WuXian points ahead of him, smiling while facing Lan WangJi.

"And I will go this way," Lan WangJi points in front of him again. They gaze at one another for a while longer, unspoken feelings hovering in the air between them.

"Lan Zhan, I will get going now," Wei WuXian nods once and starts walking, holding tightly onto the harness of Little Apple, his donkey. Lan WangJi exchanges the nod and walks as well, the two going their separate ways. As Lan WangJi walks further away, he could hear the sound of a flute, playing their song. Wei Ying's words echo in his mind. When we see each other again...you better have a name for this song.

I've already thought of a name. Lan WangJi thought, repressing a smile as he continued to walk. A part of him did not want to go. He did not want to separate from Wei Ying after going through 16 years without him. Yet at the same time, he had a goal: to handle the role of Xiandu properly and calm things down in the cultivation world in order to protect Wei Ying. His other goal was almost out of the norm: to break Wei Ying's heart enough for him to realize his feelings for him. Perhaps in due time, he will. Wait for me, Wei Ying. I will come find you.

1 year later

Wei WuXian stands near the mountainside, lips pressed to ChenQing, eyes closed in concentration as he played the song that Lan WangJi had written for him. As the notes echo around him and bring a sense of calm over his body, he hears a voice behind him.

"Wei Ying."

Wei WuXian pauses, his entire body suddenly tensing up with excitement. Slowly he puts down ChenQing at his side, almost afraid to turn around. Was he just hearing things? Could he really be here standing behind me? Wei WuXian finally turns around and he sees him. Looking as noble and beautiful as ever in bright white robes. The light blue headband upon his forehead. Bichen in one hand. Wei WuXian smiles, a flood of warmth and happiness flowing through his body. The most he had ever felt ever since he started traveling.

"Lan Zhan...," his voice almost falters as if he was too shocked to get it out. "It's you."

Lan WangJi responds with a "mn" followed by a nod. Wei WuXian swallows, almost trying to keep his excitement back. He had not felt this way in a long time, it was almost unfamiliar to him. There was happiness along with something else, something that had slowly begun to surface over the years since he and Lan WangJi had parted ways. After traveling north for so long, he finally came back south and lingered near the mountain at the foot of Qinghe territory. And unexpected Lan WangJi had found him there. His smile grows wider as Lan WangJi holds out something in this hand: Emperor's smile. Wei WuXian takes it in a delight.

"Will you come back to Gusu with me?" Lan WangJi finally breaks the silence. Wei WuXian looks up, the question feeling familiar to him. Though the last time, he had answered with coldness, this time was different. Going back there after so many years was almost relieving to him. He nods and walks with Lan WangJi, pulling along Little Apple.

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian breaks the silence first as they walk.

"Ah, Lan Zhan. Why don't you tell me what you've been up to? How is the role of Xiandu? Has Ayu- I mean Sizhui been behaving properly?" Wei WuXian starts bombarding Lan WangJi with questions, his perky personality resurfacing after having only Little Apple and cultivators to talk to over the years.

"Sizhui has gone on many night-hunts now. Along with Jingyi and Jin Ling." Lan WangJi responds

"Ey? Jin Ling too? Jiang Cheng lets him go?" Wei WuXian chuckles slightly, remembering how Jiang Cheng constantly scolded Jin Ling for wandering off.

"Clan leader Jiang..has been a frequent visitor at Gusu." Lan WangJi's voice tenses slightly at the mention of Wei WuXian's younger brother. He had never been a big fan of the Jiang Clan leader, though, after the events of Guanyin Temple, some of the feelings of dislike had faded, but he still felt wary. Wei WuXian nearly stumbles in shock. Jiang Cheng? Visiting Gusu? For what reason would he do that? Lan WangJi speaks before Wei WuXian could.

"He has been visiting Xichen in seclusion. I do not know what they speak about as he tends to leave whenever I go visit Xichen." Wei WuXian nods in understanding, though there was still a puzzled look on his face. Since when does Jiang Cheng go visit people?

"What about you? Where did you go after we parted ways?" Lan WangJi asks. Wei WuXian's lips curl up into a smile once more.

"I met a few cultivators here and there. These past few years, I had to rebuild up my golden core, as the one in Mo Xuan Yu's was very weak and low in spiritual energy. I got myself a sword after saving up some money...it's not as good as Suibian, but I'm hoping I can get it back once my golden core is strong enough. I joined night-hunts whenever I could. And..." Wei WuXian pauses, stealing a glance at Lan WangJi. Although his head remained facing ahead, Wei WuXian could see Lan WangJi's eyes flickering over to meet him, waiting for him to finish his sentence.

"I finally met Baoshan Sanren." Lan WangJi stops walking and Wei WuXian does as well. Although Wei WuXian could not see any surprise or shock expression on Lan WangJi's face, he could tell he was surprised.

"Let's rest inside there for the evening. It is getting late," Lan WangJi points to a nearby cave.

After making a fire and leaving Little Apple in the cave, Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi leave to find food. With the sound of his flute, Wei WuXian helps lure prey towards Lan WangJi. The mountains were plentiful with wild chickens during this time of the year as it was summer. They also retrieved water from a nearby stream. By the time they got back, it was already dark out and Little Apple was sleeping in the corner. Only when they had finished their meal, Lan WangJi starts asking Wei WuXian about Baoshan Sanren.

"How did you meet her?" Lan WangJi finally asks. Wei WuXian takes a deep breath.

"Actually...it was an accident. After wandering around so much and far away from the familiar regions, I managed to actually find the mountain she lived on. She stopped me with her sword and asked me who I was and I told her. That I was the son of Cangse Sanren, Wei WuXian. I didn't have much to prove what I said, but somehow she believed me." Wei WuXian begins to explain in depth to Lan WangJi

~

Wei WuXian had just restocked on his food at a nearby village and was heading back up the hill again. After a few hours of walking, he heads towards a large cave to rest. Suddenly, he hears the sound of a sword. He instinctively reaches for Chenqing, but before he could, he saw the tip of the blade at his throat.

"Don't even try," The voice was female, but it was authoritative and stern. Wei WuXian places his hands back at his side again.

"Who are you? What business do you have?"

"My name is Wei WuXian. Birth name Wei Ying. I'm only traveling and stopped here to rest," Wei WuXian answered honestly.

"Wei WuXian..? Your name sounds familiar."

What? Wei WuXian thought.

"May I ask who you are?" Wei WuXian asks nervously.

"My name is Baoshan Sanren." The owner of the voice finally revealed herself, lowering her sword.

"Baoshan?" Wei WuXian stares at her in shock. Not because she was beautiful despite being known to be over a thousand years old, but because he never thought he would ever meet his grandmaster. 14 years ago, he met one of her pupils, Xiao Xingchen who was his mother's martial brother. After what went on in Yi City, Wei WuXian never saw him again.

"My mother," Wei WuXian says without thinking. "Her name was Cangse Sanren...she is married to Wei Changze and," Wei WuXian stops as Baoshan comes closer to him, examining his face.

"You don't seem to be lying. You look very like your mother," Baoshan's voice was soft now.

Wei WuXian bows in respect. "I never thought I would get the chance to meet you in this lifetime."

"And I would never have thought that my pupil has a son." Baoshan smiles. "How about you come into the cave?" Wei WuXian obliges, pulling Little Apple along.

"How did you know if it was truly Baoshan Sanren?" Lan WangJi questions.

"I just...had a feeling. There was something about her presence that helped me know it was her. I told her a lot of things, including being resurrected and stuff about my past life and how I used resentful energy..." Wei WuXian hesitated, his voice faltering as he was unwilling to think back to the events of his past life. He had told himself over and over to leave the past in the past, but occasionally when he slept, the nightmares he had only reminded him of it again.

"You told her about how you used crafty tricks?" Lan WangJi's voice sounded concerned.

"I did, but she was still willing to help me. She was shocked to detect the resentful energy in me, but she also told me she had seen my heart and it was pure. That I had a good conscience." Lan WangJi relaxes. Wei WuXian continues to explain.

"Your spiritual energy is very weak, but there seems to be something off about it." Wei WuXian stiffens. Although he had Mo Xuan Yu's new body, he had still continued to use lower levels of demonic cultivation without the tiger seal. The most he had done was lure prey towards the trap he set in the mountains for food, but he remembered he did use the seal once a year ago when controlling the blade spirit in Baxia. Could she really detect the lingering resentful energy inside of him? Wei WuXian did not know what to say. If he told her about demonic cultivation, she might hate him and kick him out of the cave and at worse, try to kill him due to her own morals.

"Resentful energy," Baoshan finally speaks, her voice heavy. Wei WuXian tenses, almost as if ready to flee. "You've learned how to control it?"Wei WuXian hesitated before nodding.

"But not in this body,"

"What do you mean?"

Wei WuXian swallows. "I was resurrected...by someone through the Soul Sacrifice ceremony." With a deep breath, he begins to explain, but he stops as Baoshan presses a palm to his forehead, her eyes closed. After a few minutes, she opens them again.

"You do not need to worry. I've read your memories and your heart. You used the demonic path, but you used it for selfless means." Wei WuXian's face turned red. Read my memories? What an invasion of privacy. But he did not complain and relaxed. At least he knows that Baoshan is accepting of him and may be willing to help him.

"I apologize for reading your memories without permission," Baoshan says as if she could tell what he was thinking. Stay with me and I will help you restabilize your golden core."

"A-am I not allowed to leave?" Wei WuXian asks nervously. Baoshan smiles.

"I think I will be able to make one exception for my former pupil's son. I am your grandmaster after all. Now rest and training will start tomorrow."

"And ever since then, I've trained with her for a year and managed to be able to wield a sword again."Wei WuXian finishes explaining

"You really live up to your name 'Wei Ying". Lan WangJi gives him a soft smile and Wei WuXian smiles back, recalling the words Lan WangJi had last said to him at Gusu before they went up the mountain and separated. Wei WuXian sits up and leans closer to him

"Ah, Lan Zhan...can you tell me more about what went on with Jiang Cheng? Why is he visiting Zewu-Jun? He's found the time despite being Clan Leader?"

"As I said before, I do not know what they talk about. I ask Xichen and he only tells me Jiang Cheng brings him comfort and gives him advice. He's been trying to help Xichen to get out of seclusion." Lan WangJi responds. He leans back against the cave wall, eyes closing.

"C-comfort?" Wei WuXian sputters. Although he had not seen his shidi ever since Guanyin Temple, he could never forget his bad temper. He had always been cold and snappish towards almost everyone around him. " You're saying...Xichen is fond of Jiang Cheng?"

Lan WangJi's eyes flicker ever so slightly, but don't open.

"I did not say that."

"Bu-"

"It is 9 now. Sleep." Lan WangJi's breathing relaxes after he says his. Wei WuXian makes a pouty face at Lan WangJi despite knowing he could not see it. He grabs a blanket, big enough for two people, from Little Apple's bag and tugs it over them both as he sits down next to Lan WangJi. He leans back against the cave wall next to Lan WangJi and rests his head against the wall. However, as he slept, he could feel his head drooping until they rested on Lan WangJi's shoulders. Wei WuXian pauses, waiting for a reaction, but Lan WangJi doesn't move. Wei WuXian smiles and finally drifts off to sleep. As he does, he dreams about all the times he had spent together with Lan WangJi and smiles in his sleep.

As he does, he dreams about all the times he had spent together with Lan WangJi and smiles in his sleep

Chapter Text

By the time Wei WuXian woke up, Lan WangJi was already tidying up the cave and preparing supplies for the rest of the journey. It was already early afternoon, judging by the sun in the sky. Wei WuXian laughs to himself. Lan Zhan knows I do not wake up early. How patient he is. Wei WuXian stands, folding the blanket that Lan WangJi had left for him and placing it into the bag. The rest of the journey took a few hours and after making several stops in nearby villages for food and rest, they reached Qiting tavern at Yueyang City

"I'd never thought that we'd end up here again," Wei WuXian laughs. "It seems almost as if our destinies are tied to it."

"Mn," was Lan WangJi's response.

"It still seems early, but perhaps it's better to rest. Continue to catch up on things." Wei WuXian leaves Little Apple in the back stables and pulls Lan WangJi into the tavern before he could respond. As always, Wei WuXian orders his liquor while Lan WangJi asks for hot tea.

"I should mention...Jin Ling is the clan leader now." Wei WuXian nearly chokes and spits out his liquor at those words.

"But h-how? He's so young...only seventeen now," Wei WuXian sputters

"Was Jiang Cheng not around that age when he became the leader of the Jiang Clan?

"He was but..Jin Ling...that rascal. I can't imagine him leading an entire clan," Wei WuXian shakes his head, thinking of his nephew. He goes quiet again, thinking about the last time he had seen him. There had barely been time for goodbye or last exchanges. He remembered grabbing Jin Ling after Jin Guangyao released him from holding him hostage, Wen Ning stopping the blade from hitting him as he attempted to regain control of himself after being possessed by the blade spirit. Once the temple collapsed and everyone made it safely outside, the last Wei WuXian had seen Jin Ling was him running over to his dog Fairy. After Little Apple arrived, not wanting to linger near the dog any longer, Wei WuXian had grabbed Lan WangJi and hurried out of there.

"Clan Leader Jiang goes there often to help him with paperwork and scrolls. It's a lot of burden for a teenager like Jin Ling." Lan WangJi says.

"So Jiang Cheng...he helps Jin Ling, leads the Jiang Clan and has time to visit Zewu-jun? Aiya, what has changed since I've last been here?" Wei WuXian shakes his head. He had finished the first pot of wine and was reaching for his second one when the sound of a dog barking made him drop it back onto the table. Immediately, Wei WuXian ducks his head behind Lan WangJi's back.

"Fairy! Can't you shut up for once?" A loud shout came from outside the tavern.

"Fairy, NO!". A young man, looking no younger than 18 is yanked into the tavern by a chubby dog with silverish gray fur. Wei WuXian peeks from behind Lan WangJi to see him. The young man was wearing the usual yellow color of the Jin Clan cultivators, except his clothes were more extravagant from the last outfit Wei WuXian had seen him in.

"Jin Ling?" Wei WuXian finally sits back into a proper position, though he keeps a wary eye on the dog.

"Wei....Wu Xian?" Jin Ling stares at him in shock. He turns to one of the Jin cultivators behind him and hands him Fairy's leash, telling him to take care of her. He nods and leaves the tavern with the dog.

"Xiandu", Jin Ling bows in respect, and Lan WangJi stands and does the same. Wei WuXian stands and greets Clan Leader Jin as well.

"Wei WuXian, what are you doing here? You haven't been seen for nearly two years. We thought something had happened again?" As usual, Jin Ling's tone was sassy, though there was subtle hints of confusion and curiosity in his voice as well.

"Clan Leader Jin, if you have time, please sit and we can discuss." Wei WuXian gestures to the empty seat across from him. Jin Ling obliges and pours himself a cup of tea.

"You...don't need to be formal. Just call me Jin Ling like you always do." Jin Ling says, sipping the tea. Wei WuXian smiles and nods. " Jin Ling, how is it being the clan leader? Is it difficult?"
"It's quite exhausting. Uncle Jiang helps me a lot when it comes to reading scrolls and other paperwork. I've held some conferences and I've begun to get used to talking in front of so many other clan leaders and clan elders."
"Not bad for your age," Lan WangJi states. Jin Ling nods at the praise in acknowledgment.

"So what are you doing in Yueyang City?Night-hunting?" Wei WuXian asks.

"I was heading over to Cloud Recesses....are you going there too?" Jin Ling questions.

"Cloud Recesses? Oh yes. Lan Zhan and I are going there." Wei WuXian responds. "Are you going there for official business?"
"I...am going to visit Jingyi and Sizhui," Jin Ling's ears go red as he says this.

"That's good. A young boy such as yourselves should surround yourself with friends," Wei WuXian teased.

"Boy? I'm not a boy! I'm a man! I lead my own clan!" Jin Ling says loudly in an annoyed voice. Shaking his head, he calls the waiter over and orders a dish. Realizing his stomach was growling, Wei WuXian also ordered several dishes of spicy food while Lan WangJi ordered vegetable dishes. Once they arrive, Wei WuXian picks some of the spicy food onto his plate and eats them with relish.

"How can you eat something so spicy? It makes me cough just looking at it," Jin Ling stares at one of the dishes that looked like it had been drenched in red sichuan sauce

"Young man, I am a man of fine tastes and I enjoy my spices," Wei WuXian says through a mouthful of food.

"No talking while eating," Lan WangJi says calmly, picking some of the vegetables onto his plate. Wei WuXian looks at him, then quickly wolfs down the rest of the spicy food without blinking." Wei WuXian then hesitates before speaking. "About Jiang Cheng...he is doing well?" He could see Lan WangJi side- glancing at him as he asks this. Jin Ling seems to notice it , glancing back and forth at them before responding.

"Yeah. The Jiang Clan is doing well. The Ouyang Clan is led by Ouyang Zizhen now and since Clan Leader Yao is dead, most of his disciples have scattered and joined the new clans. The Yang Clan led by a female cultivator named Yang Qiuyue. She has an all female dominant clan. There's the Zeng clan led by Zeng XiaoQing, he used to be part of the Yao clan. The leader is a bit arrogant as he is young and what?" Jin Ling snaps as Wei WuXian gives him a pointed look. "Don't look at me like that! I'm responsible and serious about my duties! Anyways, the Nie Clan has been quiet, not really rising to power. What do you expect from a clan leader like the one they have now? And Jin Clan...I guess it's been good. Other than all those people who don't support someone as young as me being the leader," Jin Ling mutters.

"Has anyone been giving you trouble?" Wei WuXian was suddenly anxious about his nephew's safety. Jin Ling hesitated, glancing towards the door where several disciples were guarding the door carefully.

"Well...there's been a few...assassination attempts. That is why I have so many disciples traveling with me."

"What!?" Anger fills Wei WuXian's voice as he exclaims in shock and disbelief. Then he quickly lowers his voice, glancing at the other people in the tavern. "Assassination atttemps on a young boy? How can people be so immoral? Lan Zhan! How can you not tell me this?" Lan Zhan opens his mouth to talk, but Jin Ling speaks first.

"This is the first time I told anyone else...besides Uncle Jiang." Jin Ling explains. "And Jingyi..and Sizhui. I haven't told any of the other major clan leaders yet...because Uncle Jiang...," JIn Ling lowers his voice. "Suspects it might be someone from another clan or...maybe someone in the Jin Clan. I don't know who to trust....the guards with me have been chosen by Uncle himself after he observed them carefully. He even sent a few of his own disciples to look after me. He's really protective, you know?"

"And you trust me enough to tell me...and Hanguang-jun?" Wei WuXian couldn't help but be surprised. He thought Jin Ling hated him, but perhaps after what happened at Guanyin Temple, Jin Ling had learned to forgive him.

"Well....so what if I do?" Jin Ling says defensively. "You...saved my life multiple times. So of course I-" He breaks off, shaking his head. "Anyways, it's not like you have any grudge against me. And...Jiang Cheng trusts you..." Does he? Wei WuXian thought bitterly. He was sure Jiang Cheng did not trust him as much as he did when they were real brothers. There was still so much left unsaid when they had parted ways. Would they ever get the chance to truly be brothers once again?"

"Anyways, what was I talking about again. Oh right," Jin Ling remembers. "The Cheng Clan is led by Cheng Shihong. Overall..their clan seems a bit aggressive and ambitious, but I don't think they will cause any trouble. And the Lan Clan, well,"Jin Ling looks at Lan WangJi, expecting him to do a status report of his own clan. For a while Lan WangJi is quiet as if he is thinking.

"Lan Zhan? Lan Clan is doing well, right?" Wei WuXian's voice is concerned now.

"Yes," Lan WangJi replies. "We should be arriving at Cloud Recesses by noon tomorrow. It is already late now." Wei WuXian glances outside, surprised to see that the sun was setting. They had been talking at the tavern for hours now.

"Perhaps we should head upstairs and settle down for the evening. After I order some more liquor though!" Wei WuXian and Jin Ling both fumble for their money in order to pay for the meal, but Lan WangJi beats them both to it. Jin Ling awkwardly thanks him with a bow.

"Hey, Wei WuXian!" He begins. The man looks at him, anticipating what he was gonna say next.

Chapter Text

As they settle down in the room, Wei WuXian takes out ChenQing and begins playing a familiar tune. As if on queue, Lan WangJi takes out his guqin and they play 'Wangxian' together, creating a calm melody throughout the room.

"Lan Zhan, can you tell me more about Sizhui? He's been studying well?" Wei WuXian asks once they were done, reaching for his liquor again. It was his third one now and he continued drinking despite the hint of pink slowly rising up his cheeks.

"Sizhui and Wen Ning went on an adventure last year. They conveniently bumped into one another at a town called Fu Feng near Qishan mountain. They solved the mystery of that town together," Lan WangJi tells him. He keeps his eyes closed as he explains the details that Sizhui had told him once he had returned from his night hunt.

"The yin iron again? I thought it had been destroyed?"

"If with enough skills and patience, someone can cultivate it again." Lan WangJi says evenly.

"Hmm...let's just hope no one from the clans ever does that. We don't want another 'Wen Ruohan' to happen." Wei WuXian finally puts down his liquor

"Lan Zhaaan, it seems like the liquor has gotten stronger over the years....I only had a few drinks and I feel drunk," Wei WuXian's words were slurred as he speaks and he's slumped over the table in their room. Lan WangJi doesn't respond, but looks at him fondly.

"Or..m-maybe it's because this body s-still hasn't reached the level of my old one. I miss my old body...t-this one is still w-weak," Wei WuXian mumbled.

"It is a lot better than from two years ago." Lan WangJi says evenly,as he could sense a much stronger spiritual power from Wei WuXian. "Your training with your grandmaster paid off.

"I s-still want my old body b-back. R-remember how our sword f-fights w-were evenly m-matched?" Wei WuXian stutters. Of course he remembered. Lan WangJi closes his eyes and remembers the time when he first saw Wei WuXian, at the gate of Cloud Recesses, whining about how they had lost their entrance pass and didn't want to wait outside. Later that evening, Lan WangJi had caught him sneaking in over the roof and the confrontation had led to a sword battle.In truth, he just wanted to get a better look at this Wei Wu Xian person. When he saw him at the gate, something woke from inside him. A curiosity. A sense of desperation.

"Why did you not stay longer with her to continue stabilizing your golden core?" "B-because I m-issed you so much
"Why did you not stay longer with her to continue stabilizing your golden core?"
"B-because I m-issed you so much. I w-wanted to see you so so b-adly. I couldn't st-stop thinking about you e-everyday." Lan WangJi's eyes open and he could see Wei WuXian was leaning much closer to him now, cheeks flushed. Lan WangJi blinks, feeling heat rise up his cheek as he realized just how close their faces were.

"A-and e-every night, I played the s-song you wr-wrote for me and I m-missed you s-so b-ad. I w-wanted you t-to tell me to st-stay, I was w-waiting for y-you to r-run after m-me and t-tell me you w-wanted to to come w-with m-me, but you didn't. H-how c-come? D-did y-you n-not l-like m-me?"

No, I do like you! I left because I wanted to protect you. I needed to let you go for a while. So I would be able to make the world a better place for you. It's because I love you that I had to leave you...even if it was just for a few years. The words Lan WangJi could not get out spun in his head.

"Wei Ying...maybe you should sleep. It's late." Lan WangJi tells him. But Wei WuXian squints at him and makes a pouty face.

"No," He whines. "I want to look at your pretty face. Why are you so handsome, Lan-er gongzi?" At this, Lan WangJi blinks and backs away flustered, his heartbeat starting to increase.

But Wei WuXian gets up unsteadily and stumbles towards him on the floor, one hand landing on his white robes, preventing Lan WangJi from standing up.

"D-don't go. I n-need to t-tell you s-something," Wei WuXian mumbles, but before he could do so, he started slumping towards the ground. Lan WangJi catches him, pulls him off the ground, and leads him over to one of the beds. As Lan WangJi leaves to go to his own bed, he feels hand grabbing him and pulling him down. Lan WangJi instinctively throws out his hands to prevent himself from landing on top of Wei WuXian. However as he does so, he only stops himself as their faces are practically inches apart, arms spread out on either side of him.

"Hey Lan Zhan...I like you," Wei WuXian says, suddenly opening his eyes wide.

"...." Lan WangJi was taken back by the sudden statement.
"I s-said I like you. You're amazing. You're awesome and beautiful and you are Hanguang Jun and Lan-er gongzi and my Lan Zhan. You're the best. You're handsome and you fight well. How can I not like you? You're Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian's speech is surprisingly audible despite it being slurred. He reaches a hand toward Lan WangJi's face and gently pats it with the back of his hand.

"Wei Ying, I-" Lan WangJi barely had time to process what he had just said, once he did, he felt something from inside of him. Something he had never felt in his entire life, as if he had been waiting for this very moment for it to finally come out.

"Ah Lan Zhan, do y-you like m-me t-too?" Lan WangJi's heart skips a beat at the question. Breathing hard and heart pounding against his chest, Lan WangJi leans in closer. He could see the details of Wei WuXian's face. The roundness of his face. The sharpness of his jaw. And the soft pink color of his lips. Hands suddenly wrap around the back of his neck and he gets pulled down. The room seemed to disappear. There was nothing in the world but just the two of them. Their lips collided and Lan WangJi could taste the softness of Wei WuXian's lips. The lingering bitter taste of liquor and the burning taste of chili pepper from dinner dances on his lips as he dives into the kiss. He could feel the wetness of the other one's tongue as the kiss became more aggressive and desperate. Wei WuXian's hands slid down his neck to his back, a sound of pleasure rumbling in his throat. Finally after a while, Lan WangJi pulls back, still in shock with what was happening. Wei WuXian opened his eyes slightly when he realized the kiss was over.

"It's late, let's sleep." Wei WuXian mumbles. Lan WangJi gives a faint smile. That's my line, you silly. Lan WangJi starts heading towards the bed at the other side of the room, but Wei WuXian has not released his grip on his robes, despite being asleep now. Lan WangJi sighs. He gently moves Wei WuXian to the inner side of the bed and goes under the cover with him. Wei WuXian was already deep in sleep, having drunk so much liquor as well as the exhaustive journey they took down the mountains. Lan WangJi looks sideways at him on the bed. Everything is perfect now. He had been reunited with the love of his life and now he knew how Wei WuXian felt about him As he watches the gentle rising and falling of Wei WuXian's chest, he smiles to himself and closes his eyes.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Lan WangJi gets up first as usual and starts tidying up the room. When he came back from getting food downstairs, Wei WuXian was already awake and sitting at the table, pouring two cups of tea out. Lan WangJi sets down the food and sits down as well.

"Wei Ying...last night," Lan WangJi began, then he stopped.

"Lan Zhan. I know what you're thinking," Wei WuXian says softly. "You must think I don't remember what happened last night." Silence.

"I do remember. I remember everything. I wasn't...really drunk, at least not super drunk. I j-just...didn't know how else to tell you otherwise," Wei WuXian suddenly looks embarrassed, brushing his nose with his index finger.

"...."

"I wasn't brave enough to tell you properly and last night I was finally able to say all of it-," He breaks off as Lan WangJi kisses him hard, almost pushing him against the back of the wall. Wei WuXian doesn't resist and presses his lips and tongues deeper in intil they were intertwined.

"Wait." Wei WuXian suddenly says, pulling back.

"What?" Lan WangJi looks at him

"When did you first start liking me?" Lan WangJi gave him a blank look, though his lips were curving upwards.

"Eat first. Talk later." Lan WangJi picks up one of the bowls of rice out of the tray and places it in front of Wei WuXian. Lan WangJi reaches for one of the chopsticks, but Wei WuXian grabs both pairs and gives him an annoyed look.

"You always like avoiding questions. Not this time. Tell me." Wei WuXian's face was a combination of "puppy eyes" and a pouty face. Lan WangJi sighs. He had liked Wei Ying since he was a teenager,yet only now Wei Ying was realizing his feelings....unless Wei Ying kept quiet about it.

"Think of it yourself," was his response. Before Wei WuXian could protest, he picked up some rice with his chopsticks and fed it to him.

"Hey, Lan Zhaaaan. Come on!"
"No talking while eating." Wei WuXian gives an exasperated sigh and hurriedly finishes his food. He then tries to think back to when Lan Zhan might have started liking him, however his thoughts drifted off. That kiss...feels almost like deja vu. He did not feel it last night, but after being pushed up against the wall and feeling their tongues intertwine, he felt it.

"Phoenix mountain," Wei WuXian begins. His eyes then light up. Although Lan WangJi did not answer, he heard the slight intake of breath and saw the subtle tense of his muscles.

"That was you? It was, wasn't it?"

"...."

"Oh Lan Zhan, who would have thought you would have been quite bold back then? Kissing me while blindfolded." Wei WuXian teased. He never would have thought someone as rigid and prestigious as Lan Zhan would have liked him back then. Especially when he had constantly bothered him with his mischievous and unruly behavior in Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji had also been agitated when he found out he had started using crafty tricks. He had tried convincing him to go back to Gusu with him, but he had refused, thinking that Lan Wangji wanted to bring him back to punish him. Everyone thought they were enemies, but they had been wrong. Wei WuXian had also been wrong. Lan Wangji had wanted to protect him from the rest of the clans, even then, even if his uncle disapproved, he would have done it anyway and accepted the consequences.

"Let's be cultivation partners." Wei WuXian declares. " Stay together for the rest of our lives." Wei WuXian says, stroking Lan WangJi's cheeks. "Though your uncle...," He is silenced with another kiss. However, before they could go any further into it, there was a knock at the door. Lan WangJi instantly pulls away and stands up. Wei WuXian stands up after him.

"Hanguang-jun, If you're ready to go to Cloud Recesses, shall we walk there together?" Jin Ling's voice came from the door. Lan WangJi straightens his white robe, his face still red and goes to open the door. Jin Ling and Lan WangJi greet each other with polite bows. Spotting Fairy next to his nephew, Wei WuXian immediately retreats to the back of the room, though he waves at Jin Ling in greeting.

"Wei Ying needs a few more minutes. Do you mind waiting for us at the back stables where Little Apple is?"

Jin Ling nods, bowing once before leaving. Wei WuXian helps Lan WangJi clean up the room and the empty liquor jars, then heads downstairs and to the outside. They spot Jin Ling talking to another one of his men from the Jin Clan and handing Fairy's leash over to them. Wei WuXian brings out Little Apple and Lan WangJi suddenly picks him up and places him on the donkey's back. Jin Ling glances at the both of them in surprise, but says nothing. As they walk out of Yueyang City, the three of them do not speak. Jin Ling breaks the silence once they enter Lanling

"Hey Wei WuXian, why are you so afraid of dogs?" Wei WuXian looks down in surprise at the question.

"Well, when I was very young, I lost my parents and I lived on the streets for a while. As a result, I had to fight with dogs for food to survive. If it wasn't for the Jiang Clan taking me in...I don't know where I'd be." Jin Ling was silent. Wei WuXian had seen him tense up when he said 'lost my parents.' He nods as if he understood, then he lowers his voice.

"I'll keep Fairy under more control next time." Jin Ling mutters. Wei WuXian smiles at his nephew's thoughtfulness, but he knew the Jin Clan Leader would be too proud to openly show affection towards him, especially in the public eye.

"So what do you do at Cloud Recesses with Sizhui and Jingyi? Other than "official business" as you say," Wei WuXian gives him a cheeky grin.

"Why do you have to look at me like that?" Jin Ling says hotly. "Can I not visit my friends anymore after I become sect leader? We always go night-hunting together!"

"Well, with that temper of yours, I'm surprised Sizhui and Jingyi can even approach you."
"You! Who said I had a temper?!" Jin Ling snaps.

"I say you got it from your uncle." Wei WuXian laughs. Jin Ling glares at him. "Hey WeiWuxian! Are you going to see Uncle Jiang? Or visit Lotus Pier?" Wei WuXian's expression darkens slightly.

"I don't think he will want to see me. Perhaps by now, he's forgotten me."

"Forget you? Why would he do that? You're his brother...and he still had so many things to say to you that day at Guanyin Temple and-," Jin Ling breaks off, suddenly staring at the floor. Wei WuXian stares at him. Jiang Cheng wanted to talk to me? After Jiang Cheng had found out the truth about the golden core, at first he had vented out his anger at Wei WuXian. About how he felt inferior to him. After exchanging apologies, the two had decided to put their past behind them. Wei WuXian shakes his head lightly and sighs.

"Well if he wants to tell me, he'll tell me." Wei Ying says dryly, though he was trying to hide the curiosity of what his shidi wanted to tell him. As they walked along the streets, he could feel people staring at him as if they recognized him. Trying his best to ignore it, Wei Ying takes out his flute and starts playing a tune. Lan Wangji turns his head slightly to listen. Although this time it wasn't Wuji, but a tune Lan Wangji had never heard before. By the time he was done, they had left the busy streets and were inside woodland territory.

"What do you think of the song, Lan Zhan? I wrote it myself when I got bored in the mountains."

"Sounds nice. But notes need to flow together nicer." was his response. Wei Ying frowns slightly.

"Then how about you teach me how to compose music and I-oh, we're here already." Even after more than 16 years, he recognized Caiyi Town.

"Remember when we fought the Water Ghouls at Biling Lake? That was quite an experience!" Wei Ying's eyes light up as he sees jars of Emperor's Smile on a table nearby. He grabs three and throws a few pieces of silver in its place. He looks around, taking in the familiar surroundings. I remember staying at the inn here with Shijie and Jiang Cheng...then we got kicked out by that peacock Jin Zixuan since he booked the entire inn. Wei Ying opens one of the jars and starts downing it.
"You and your liquor," Jin Ling rolls his eyes. "If that wine was a person, you'd be married to it!"
"Ah no no, Jin Ling. There's only one person I can elope to." Wei Ying glances at Lan Zhan lovingly. Jin Ling follows his gaze in confusion and cocks his head, but decides not to ask. They continue in silence up the mountain to Cloud Recesses.

"Ah Lan Zhan, does your uncle know I am coming?" Wei WuXian distinctly remembers that Lan Qiren was not fond of him, especially not after he had resurrected. Lan Wangji had chosen to disobey his uncle many times to protect him. In the past, Lan Wangji had been punished severely after the events of Nightless City.

"He does."

"Oh and...he is ok with that?"

"...well let's just say, I've convinced him to allow you to stay here until you can earn his approval and forgiveness." Wei WuXian raises an eyebrow. He did not think the strict Lan master was capable of doing that, but then again Master had forgiven his nephew for protecting Wei WuXian during the First Siege of the Burial Mounds after he took over the role of Xiandu. Before passing through the gate, Wei Ying hides the liquor inside his bag. Lan Wangji sees him doing so, but shakes his head slightly with a sigh. Perhaps he would allow it just this once.

"Jin Ling! Jin Ling!" A yell came up from in front of them. Wei WuXian looks up to see Jingyi running towards them.

"Huh? Senior Wei?! Is that you?" Jingyi gapes at him.

"No noise and no running in Cloud Recesses." Lan Wangji says sternly, casting a silencing spell over the junior disciple.

"MMMM," Jingyi protested. Jin Ling starts laughing and Jingyi immediately slaps him across the shoulder. Jin Ling glares at him and starts hitting him in return. Wei Ying steps forward and tries to separate them.

"Cut it out, both of you!" Another voice says. Wei WuXian whirls around and sees a familiar face. A gentle face with soft edges.

"A-Yuan...!" Wei WuXian exclaims.

"Senior Wei!" Despite the rules, Sizhui runs down the steps and launches himself towards him in a hug.

"Hey, how have you been?" Wei WuXian ruffles the boy's hair. "I heard you and Wen Ning went on a nighthunt together?"

"Oh yes, let's go inside first so we can talk and drink some tea. And before Jin Ling and Jingyi beat each other up. He casts a glance at his two best friends who were still glaring daggers at one another, but there was a playfulness in their eyes. Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji lead the way toward Jingshi or the Silence Room. As they walk into Cloud Recesses, Wei WuXian could feel many people staring his way. Many recognize him and when he waves, they awkwardly wave back before hurrying alone.

After Su She was exposed to his crimes and was killed, most of the Moling Su Clan people joined the Lan Clan and others went to join other clans. As they enter the Jingshi, Wei WuXian looks at the room with a smile. This was where Lan Wangji had bought him after Dafan Mountain after he had just been resurrected and Lan Wangji had recognized who he was because of the song he played on the flute. They've had many fond memories here.

"Hey, give it back!" Jin Ling was chasing Jingyi who had snatched up a book from one of his bags. Sizhui was trying to stop them from running.

"You guys...," Sizhui sighed. He bows his head in apology to Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji and hurried after his friends before they could run into Grandmaster and get reprimanded.

"Hey Lan Zhan...I have a question that I never got a response to last time." Lan Wangji turns to him and says,

"Is it about the song I sang for you in the cave?" Wei WuXian tilts his head. It seems like Lan Zhan remembers...

"Yes, I think it's time I knew. I've thought long and hard about it like you told me to. And I think it has to do with us."

Now that the kids are gone, Wei WuXian takes Lan Wangji's hands into his and leans his face close to his.

"It's called 'WangXian," Lan Wangji whispers, taking in the sweet scene of his lover as well as the mix of the Emperor's smile that lingered on his breath.

"Beautiful...I love it. And I love you. Let's get eloped..."
"I would like that." Lan Wangji's face remains unblinking, fixated on his face.

"But your uncle..."

"I will talk to Uncle. You don't need to worry." Wei WuXian smiles and leans in, but just then he hears the sound of running feet from outside the Jingshi. He pulls back immediately and turns to see that A-Yuan had come back, a look of exasperation on his face as he drags his two best friends into the room.

"Jingyi, go to the library pavilion and copy down the rules 50 times," Lan Wangji's expression turns from soft to stern as he turns away from Wei WuXian. Before Jingyi could protest, Lan Wangji had cast the Silence Spell on him again. Jingyi quickly turns and leaves the Jingshi, dragging his feet behind him. Wei WuXian couldn't help but smirk. You only have to do it 50 times...I had to do it a thousand times and more when I was your age. Jin Ling excused himself as he had to talk with Grandmaster about clan affairs and left shortly after Jingyi. With the commotion finally settled, they finally settled down to drink tea and chat. First Sizhui tells Wei WuXian about his adventures with Wen Ning, then he talks about the activities he did at Cloud Recesses and the mischief he and Jingyi got into.

"Ah, it looks like my handsome little A-Yuan can get into mischief just like I did!" Wei WuXian laughs and pats Sizhui on the head, fingers brushing on the headband. Sizhui's face reddens.

"Well...I can't help it sometimes...especially since I have a friend like Jingyi." Sizhui avoids eye contact, but there was a subtle smirk on his face.

"He wasn't nearly as troublesome as you, Wei Ying." Lan Zhan states calmly, pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Oh right...Senior Wei was always up to no good back then when he was at Cloud Recesses, wasn't he?" Sizhui laughs.

"There's something important we need to tell you." Lan Wangji looks up, glancing from Wei WuXian to the young boy sitting between them.

"We...Hangguang jun and I are going to be cultivation partners." Wei WuXian announces, smiling warmly. "And you...A-Yuan...you will be a part of the family too." Sizhui sits there for a few seconds, looking shocked, trying to register what had just been said to him. Then he gets up and wraps his arms around Wei WuXian, smiling tearfully.

"Hey
"Hey...don't cry. What is there to cry about?" Wei WuXian ruffles Sizhui's hair.

"I'm not...I'm j-just happy. I've always considered you and Hanguan-jun family..and now, it can be official." Sizhui wipes back the tears on his face.

"Hey well...both of us helped to raise you..even if it was in different circumstances and time periods. You've been our son for a long time, haven't you?" Wei WuXian reaches out a hand to caress Sizhui's face while Lan Wangji looks on with a smile.

"Senior Wei...no..Xian-baba...when will the celebration be? Have you decided on a date?"
"Before year's end," was Lan Wangji's response. "We will prepare it for many months so it will be amazing."

"Xian-baba, how about I show you the bunnies? Hanguang-jun raised me along with a whole bunch of bunnies." Wei WuXian's heart warms when he hears Sizhui call him 'Baba'.
"Oh the little bunnies...I haven't seen them in a long time. Let's go then!" He grabs Sizhui's hands in one hand and Lan Wangji's in another and they walk quickly out of the Jingshi and towards the backhill of Cloud Recesses.

When they arrive, Wei WuXian sees Little Apple sitting down with bunnies hopping all around him. The donkey however, seemed to like it and was nuzzling one of the bunnies softly. Lan Sizhui laughs and reaches to pick up one of the bunnies and pets it gently in his arms.

"I didn't remember much about my childhood except playing with bunnies and hanging out with Jingyi when I was younger...before I reunited with you of course." Wei WuXian sits down on the grass and places one of the bunnies onto his lap.

"Oh right...I forgot to ask. Where did Wen Ning go after the night-hunt?"

"Wen Ning..oh he most likely went back to Qishan to settle down. Or perhaps he's in Lanling." Sizhui laughs as one of the bunnies nibble at his fingers.

"Lanling? Why there?" He would think that Wen Ning would want to avoid Lanling out of all places. After all, Jin Guangshan had been the one responsible behind his sister's death along with many of his relatives.

"Well..." Sizhui breaks off as he hears someone call his name.

"Sizhui! There you are!" Jin Ling hurries towards them with Jingyi not far behind. He must have finished copying down the Chapter of Conduct.

"Huh? So many bunnies. What's with that?" Jin Ling looks down at the small creatures at his feet with a discontented face.

"Don't tell me you don't like them. They're so cute!" Jingyi picks one up in his arms. Then without warning, he thrusts it at Jin Ling, who catches it out of reflex.

"Hey! What's wrong with you?" Wei WuXian snickers. He had done almost the exact same thing with Jiang Cheng. After Jiang Cheng had complained that it was embarrassing to hold bunnies, he threw one of them at his younger brother. And then after that, they sat for a while with Shijie just petting the bunnies. A pang of sadness went through his chest as he watched the three young teenagers sit with the bunnies, almost a reflection of his own childhood.

"How did you guys even get bunnies here? Aren't animals forbidden in Cloud Recesses?" Jin Ling inquired as he scratched the bunny in his lap behind its ears.

"Well...they're not exactly inside, right? As long as no one sneaks one into their bed!" Lan Sizhui laughs. "So how long are you staying, Jin Ling?"

"Well..Uncle is coming in a day or two to come get me," Jin Ling answers. As he does so, he casts an anxious look at Wei WuXian who had tensed at the mention of his younger brother's name.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji was by his side, sensing the change in mood of his lover.

"It's nothing." Wei WuXian assures him, though he did not meet his eyes and just kept it on the rest of the boys and the bunnies. Lan Wangji knew something was wrong, but he decided not to push it. After a while, Lan Wangji sends Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui back to their studies and tells them to lead Jin Ling to the guest room as well.

"I think it's time we see my uncle." Lan Wangji says, his voice nervous but also determined. Wei WuXian looks just as nervous as Lan Wangji sounded.

"Now?" He gulped, looking down at this robe which was messy and covered in rabbit fur.

"You can change your robes first," There was a hint of laughter in Lan Wangji's voice. "I'll give you something to wear." They head back to the Jingshi and Lan Wangji hands him some folded white robes before stepping out to wait for him outside. As Wei WuXian unfolds the robes, he realized it was the familiar white robing that the Lan Clan people always wore. Smiling, he quickly changes out of his black robes and into the white one, almost feeling like a teenager again when he had first come to Cloud Recesses. Once he is ready,they walk over to Grandmaster's living and work quarters. They step inside and bow in greeting. Wei WuXian couldn't barely bring himself to meet Grandmaster's eyes. The last time they had really seen face to face had been cold and hostile. This time, the hostility was gone, but there were still traces of coldness and suspicion in his eyes. He looks over at Lan Wangji, uncertain, but he only nods back at him. I will do the talking. His eyes said.

"Uncle, I know you are not the most fond of Wei Ying, but forgiveness is important as well as second chances. You forgave me, didn't you?" Wei WuXian glances at him sideways, looking towards Lan Wangji's back. He couldn't see the scars under the white robes, but knew they were there.

"You are my nephew...of course I forgive you," Grandmaster says firmly. "I may be able to forgive Wei WuXian, but can you convince the rest of the cultivation world to do the same?"

"Many of his past crimes had already been cleared. We found out the real perpetrator last year."

"I am very much aware of that." Grandmaster snaps. "But 'many' is not 'all.'" Wei WuXian finally found the courage to speak up and raised his hands with fingers together. Lan Wangji shoots him a glance with anxious eyes.

"Grandmaster...I know that what I did in my...past life is unforgivable. But I was given a chance to live a new life, in a new body. I promise that I will live this life with integrity and once again, use my skills to protect the people in the cultivation world. And I want to do that with Lan Zhan as my cultivation partner...my soulmate..and my husband." He squeezed out those last words with a breath of relief. He could see his lover glancing proudly at him. Grandmaster was nodding slowly.

"Very well spoken. From what I heard...it seemed like you had no choice but to choose...demonic cultivation. Something about your golden core?" Wei WuXian freezes. He knew that Wen Ning had told Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji, but how had the news spread to Grandmaster. Had Lan Zhan told him? One glance at the man besides him told him the answer. Lan Wangji was avoiding his eyes, but his face held determination. He had not regretted his choice. People deserve to know about Wei Ying's sacrifice

Wei WuXian could only nod slowly in response.

"You may have your mother's mischief..but you also have inherited her trait of sacrifice and loyalty." At these words, both of them raised their heads in surprise.

"You have my approval for marriage. Take care of one another. And stay true to your words and your heart." Grandmaster says and to Wei WuXian's surprise, he even smiled ever so slightly, but it was gone so quickly, he couldn't be sure. They both bowed again in thanks, feeling overwhelmed with joy.

"Thank you, Uncle..." Lan Wangji breathed. They bowed once more before. Lan Wangji squeezes Wei WuXian's hands in his.

"Well done. You spoke well...even if I told you I would do the talking." Wei WuXian laughs.

"Who should we tell? How about Sizhui, Jin Ling and Jingyi first?"

"Mn."

"And Lan Zhan...about my golden core. Please don't tell anyone else about the truth...unless I say so, okay? Promise?"
"Wei Ying,"
"Lan Zhan, do you promise?" The seriousness in his lover's eyes was fierce and determined.

"Yes." Lan Zhan sighs reluctantly. Wei WuXian relaxes and smiles again.

"Thank you."

They hurry to find the disciples who were still near the Cold Pond Springs, but this time, they were near the water, laughing and playing. When they spot the two older men, they quickly grab their clothes and dress in a hurry to greet them. When Lan Wangji announces the news, Lan Jingyi squeals in shock and excitement. Lan Sizhui hugs Wei WuXian in joy and Jin Ling stands there staring with his mouth wide open.

"So what I heard last night...that wasn't my imagination. Wha-ouch!" He exclaims as Wei WuXian smacks a hand over his mouth.

"Come on, Jin Ling...no need to tell everyone that." Wei WuXian says nervously.

"I never would have imagined.....you of all people with the Hanguang-jun!" Jin Ling mutters.

"Hey, I'm a great person. I thought you knew by now?" Wei WuXian laughs softly, though it slowly falters away after a while. How did Jin Ling REALLY feel about him? After all, he must have spent most of his years believing he was responsible for his parents' death and hating him. But after Guanyin Temple, he realized it was really Jin Guangyao, the uncle who had cared for him for almost his entire life, who had truly been responsible for their deaths. Along with Su She.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji says softly.

"Hey...Wei WuXian, can I talk to you in private?" Jin Ling says quietly, shuffling his feet while looking down at the floor. Jingyi and Sizhui stop their chattering and glance at Jin Ling in surprise.
"How come?" Sizhui asks, a hint of protectiveness in his voice. It seemed he had not forgotten how Jin Ling had stabbed his now-to-be father, even though it was two years ago.

"It's important." Jin Ling says firmly.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji was looking at Clan Leader Jin warily. Of course Lan Wangji hadn't forgotten either. He had witnessed it .

"Lan Zhan, it's okay. Don't worry. Wait for me in the Jingshi." Wei WuXian assures him. He had expected this conversation ever since meeting Jin Ling in Qinghe. Jin Ling seemed to have wanted to talk to him there too, but knew he wanted privacy with Lan Wangji instead. Lan Wangji and the Lan juniors leave the two of them alone.

Chapter Text

As soon as they were left alone, Jin Ling kept glancing at Wei WuXian then back at the floor, his eyes in concentration as if he was thinking of what to say.

"So hey listen...," Jin Ling begins, his voice nervous. "I spent almost all of my life hating you because...I thought you and Wen Ning were responsible for my parents' death and all..but now that I know...it wasn't your fault..or his, we could get more acquainted with one another." Wei WuXian stares at him for a while. Jin Ling's face was turning redder as he spoke. He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. It was clear that Jin Ling wasn't the best with words. He was very lucky that people like Jingyi and Sizhui and Ouyang Zizhen opened up to him as friends.

"Hey! What's funny? Are you laughing at me?" Jin Ling demanded, his ears turning red along with his face.

"Oh no no! Jin Ling, I'd like nothing more than to...get to know you more. Become like family." Wei WuXian's face softens at the last words. "How about I walk you back to Lotus Pier in a few days? And...just tell Jiang Cheng that Jingyi and Sizhui are going with you." Wei WuXian wanted to see his brother, but he knew that he wouldn't be ready in just a few days. He needed more time to think.

"Then...they can just come along to. And just slip away before Jiang Cheng comes to get me at the gate." Jin Ling says decisively. "I'll send him a message now." With his hands and spiritual energy, he produces a sparkly golden butterfly. He mutters a few words to it then sends it off.

"I'll go now. I promised Jingyi and Sizhui I'd eat dinner with them and hang out with them afterward. Bye." Jin Ling hurries off, his face still slightly red. Wei WuXian chuckles shake his head and heads over to Jingshi. He tells Lan Wangji about his plans.

"Perhaps it's best if I send Sizhui and Jingyi to go with you. Or at least a couple of Lan disciples." Lan Wangji says. He was clearly worried about the danger as there were still unknown enemies after Jin Ling.
"We'll be careful," Wei WuXian assures him. He rubs at ChenQing with his fingers. "Maybe I can summon Wen Ning if we run into any trouble..."
"Wen Ning? Sizhui said he returned to Qishan shortly after their night hunt together. Would you be able to summon him if he's too far away? And...wouldn't using ChenQing weaken your golden core?" There was a catch in Lan Wangji's voice.

"I...don't know. I haven't used it since the day we reunited. My core isn't even close to being strong enough to cleanse the resentful energy...at least not all of it."
"Then don't use it." Lan Wangji's voice was firm. "Unless you absolutely have to," He added after some hesitation.

"Right..of course." Wei WuXian smiles. "Let's just get ready for bed, shall we?"

"Bath first. I've already prepared the water." They walk over to the bath together. As Wei WuXian helps Lan Wangji wash his back, his fingers traced lightly over the scars that were still visible, even after so long. Once they were both done, they closed the doors, dimmed the candles and settled into bed together. However before they could sleep, in the far distance, they heard the sound of laughing and yelling. Lan Wangji sighed, sitting up as if getting ready to scold whoever was behind the noise. Wei WuXian places a hand on his arm.

"Don't. Let them have their fun tonight." He pulls Lan Wangji back onto the mattress, almost too aggressively. As a result, he ended up on his side, face inches away from Wei WuXian's.

"Remember when you walked in on me, Nie Huiasang, and Jiang Cheng drinking wine and being drunk? That was certainly an event, wasn't it?" Wei WuXian whispers, tracing a finger down Lan Wangji's face down to his Adam's apple which shifts as he swallows. Lan Wangji leans in for the kiss and Wei WuXian embraces it. They kiss softly, melting in each other's arms before slowly falling asleep with their heads leaning against each other's shoulders.

On the day Jin Ling and Wei WuXian prepare to leave Cloud Recesses, Sizhui and Jingyi hurry to meet them in the front gate with their swords and bags ready. Lan Wangji hands them both a bunch of flare sparks in case they run into trouble and even gives some to Jin Ling despite him having his own. As Wei WuXian mounted onto Little Apple, his eyes met Lan Wangji's and they held their gaze for a long time. There was no need for dialect between the two. Please be careful and return safely to me, Wei Ying. They've barely spent a few days together and they were separating again, even if it wasn't for long this time. A few Jin Clan and Lan Clan disciples were ready to escort them down the mountain and accompany them throughout their journey. Lan Wangji spoke a few words to Sizhui and then finally waved goodbye to the group. His eyes never left them until they were completely out of sight.

Once they get to the bottom of the mountain and walk onto the forest path, Wei WuXian and Jin Ling walk a bit further ahead than the rest so they could talk privately with one another. Even further in front of them were a few Jin disciples who were observing the surrounding area of woods.,

"Wei WuXian...can you tell me about my mother?" The question made Wei WuXian jerk slightly at the reins of Little Apple, who snorted in response.

"Shijie...I..well...," Wei WuXian's thoughts blurred slightly. His beloved senior sister whom he had lost that tragic night in Nightless City. His eyes close.

"A-xian...have some soup." Yanli's smiling face hovered in front of him.

"I'm sorry...maybe I shouldn't have asked." Jin Ling's voice jolted him out of his thoughts. Wei WuXian looks down at his nephew who was looking upset.

"Jiang Cheng never spoke to you about her?" Wei WuXian sounded shocked.

" I've tried asking...but whenever he tries, he accidentally slips him your name as well and then he gets mad and storms off." Jin Ling mutters.

"Well...your mother was a very amazing woman. She was beautiful, kind and caring. And she was selfless. The very last t-thing she did was," Wei WuXian swallows, suddenly choking on emotion. "Protect me. She protected me that night..." Wei WuXian stops talking, feeling the tightness in his chest and breath. Jin Ling hesitates before speaking.

"It wasn't your fault...we all know it was Su She's fault. He played the flute...made the puppets go out of control. And it was...Uncle's Yao who-," He stops talking, suddenly clenching his fist in anger.

"That's in the past now...Jin Ling. It's done and over." Wei WuXian gets off Little Apple to walk side by side with his nephew. Sizhui, Jingyi, and the others seemed to be very far behind now, but they knew they would catch up soon.

"So Jin Ling, have you ever met with Wen Ning again? Like after Guanyin Temple." Jin Ling blinks at the question.

"I have. Sizhui goes to visit Wen Ning a lot and Jingyi and I join him and we go night-hunt together. Clan Leader Ouyang joins us sometimes too. You remember Ouyang Zizhen right?" Wei WuXian furrows his brows in concentration and thought.

"I do. From what I remember. His father wasn't too fond of me. Same with Clan Leader Yao."
"Well I also remember him defending you after you saved us in the Burial Mounds and in Yi City.

"Yes, but Jin Ling. Are you...okay being with Wen Ning?" There's caution and hesitation in his voice. Jin Ling pause before answering.

"I got used to him...with him being a Fierce Corpse and all. But I don't know if I can call him a 'friend.'" Wei Wuxian nods in understanding. After all, Wen Ning had killed his father, even if it was unintentional. Jin Ling knew what his uncle was thinking. Although he no longer felt a deep hatred for Wen Ning, he didn't know if he could feel compassion either. He knew Wen Ning had nearly sacrificed himself protecting him and Jiang Cheng from Baxia, even while being possessed by the ghost spirit. Jin Ling still recalled the pang of sympathy he felt as he saw the Ghost General using his own hands to prevent the blade from getting close to Jin Ling, despite the blood seeping from his fingers as the blade cut into his skin. It would take a while before he could really consider himself being close to Wen Ning though.

"Hey Jin L-," Wei WuXian breaks off as something flies past in front of them and embed itself into a tree. They freeze, examining it closely before realizing it was an arrow shot from a bow. Up ahead, there were loud whooshing sounds then cries of pain from the Jin disciples. Instinctively, Jin Ling grabs at the bow on his back, drawing back his arm towards the direction the arrow came from. Wei WuXian grabs onto ChenQing, then stops and grabs his sword instead.

Another arrow flies past, this time closer to Jin Ling. Little Apple panics and runs back in the direction they came before anyone could calm him down. Just then, another arrow came from the woods. As Wei WuXian saw where it was headed, he moved without thinking. Then everything seemed to happen at once. He felt a searing pain in his chest as the arrow pierced his flesh. He could hear Jin Ling crying out in a panic, then in fury. Through blurred vision, he sees Jin Ling draws back his arrows and shoot them straight into the trees, three at a time. A loud scream came from the woods, then silence.

"Wei WuXian!" Jin Ling's voice was panicked and desperate. Jin Ling tore off a piece from his robes and pressed it onto his wound, making Wei WuXian wince in pain.

"Jin Ling, I-," Wei WuXian begins, his voice weak.

"Shut up...you're hurt. Don't talk." Though there was anger in Jin Ling's voice, he could also hear fear.

"Y-you're learning from J-Jiang Cheng too much," Wei WuXian mumbles.

"I said 'shut up'! Jin Ling snaps back, keeping his hands firm on the wound.

The last thing Wei Wuxian heard was running footsteps, a sound of a flare being fired, and Sizhui's cry. He heard Lan Wangji's voice calling out his name desperately. He saw a glimpse of white robes and felt strong arms hoisting him up before passing out.

Lan Wangji's perspective (after Wei WuXian leaves)

Lan Wangji watches Wei WuXian and the rest of the group until they disappear down the mountain. He sighs softly and decides to go to the Library Pavilion to read and study. As he does, he passes by the Hangshi, the building where his brother resided. To his surprise, he could hear multiple voices. His brother's. And...Jiang Cheng's. Lan Wangji pauses. When did Clan Leader Jiang arrive? Was it when he was helping Wei Ying pack for the trip? He must have come very early if Jin Ling, Sizhui nor Jingyi saw him. Out of curiosity, Lan Wangji concentrates and tries to listen.

"Clan Leader Lan," Jiang Cheng begins.

"You can call me Xichen," Was the response.

"...Xichen. I know you're not dealing with political affairs right now and I understand that, but I want to know if there was some way you can help me find out who's going after Jin Ling and why. Could it be Jin G-I mean...the old Clan leader's allies? The ones who don't want Jin Ling as leader?" There was a loud sigh.

"Even if they didn't want Jin Ling to be leader, what could they do when their master is...dead. Who else would they be able to choose as another candidate?"
"Jin Guangshan had many sons." Jiang Cheng said quietly. "We don't know if we really cleared out all of...the old clan leader's allies from the clan."
"Indeed. You've helped me a great deal, Clan Leader Jiang. Perhaps I can help you in return."

"Please...you can call me Jiang Wanyin." Jiang Cheng's voice stutters slightly. This makes Lan Wangji physically turn towards the door in surprise. Since when did Clan Leader Jiang...of all people stutter? And in front of my brother? How odd. Not thinking much of it, Lan Wangji enters the Library pavilion to begin reading a book. As he sits down at the desk, he smiles, remembering a rather embarrassing memory of what went on in there. Wei WuXian was being punished and Lan Wangji had been assigned to watch him until he was done. When he had finished, Wei WuXian had gifted him a painting, one that he still had in his room. And later had pulled a rather unpleasant prank on him by switching out his book with another one. Lan Wangji couldn't help but smile slightly. He remembered he had gotten so angry then. But what Wei WuXian didn't know was that the reason he got mad was that he felt embarrassed and nervous. Lan Wangji closes his eyes and continues reminiscing about the past.

Lan Wangji closes his eyes and continues reminiscing about the past

A few minutes later, his worst fears became realized. A disciple rushed in, panicked, almost forgetting to bow, and told him about the flare signals that had gone up. Without even responding to him, Lan Wangji grabs Bichen and runs out of there, mounting his sword. A few disciples followed him in a haste, telling him the direction of where the flare signal came from. As they neared the sight, Lan Wangji's breath caught in his throat. He could see several bodies in yellow robes up ahead. Then further behind, he saw a young man in yellow robes crouching down beside a man in black robes. Sizhui and Jingyi were beside him as well.

Lan Wangji felt as if he couldn't breathe. Wei Ying! Jin Ling was applying pressure onto the man's chest where fresh blood was still oozing. Sizhui and Jingyi, despite being exhausted, were trying their best to pass spiritual energy to the injured man. Lan Wangji landed and immediately ran over to them, grabbing Wei WuxXian's hand to feel his pulse. It was weak, but still there. Without waiting for anyone else, Lan Wangji rode his sword, carrying Wei WuXian's body steadily on his back and went straight back to Cloud Recesses. Jin Ling and Sizhui followed hurriedly behind while Jingyi walked speedily with Little Apple. As he flew towards the Jingshi, he caught a glimpse of Jiang Cheng staring at him from below.

Once Lan Wangji got Wei WuXian settled onto his bed, he takes out the herbs kept in his room and applies them to the wound. Sizhui and Jin Ling were trying desperately to get inside only to be stopped by a few older disciples who told them they needed to wait until Lan Wangji finished tending to Wei WuXian's wounds.

"Jin Ling!" A voice calls out. Jin Ling turns, quickly wiping his tears away when he recognizes the man in purple.

"Uncle!" Jin Ling calls back, hurrying towards him.

"A disciple told me your party was attacked on the way to Lotus Pier. Why didn't you just let me bring you there? I was visiting Lan Xichen anyways!" Jiang Cheng's voice was angry, but Jin Ling knew it was only because he had been so worried.

"I-I just wanted to go with Sizhui and Jingyi and Wei-." Jin Ling breaks off, casting a nervous glance at his uncle.

"Wei..Wei WuXian?" Jiang Cheng demands. "Why is he here? And...why is Sizhui crying?" There was the faintest hint of distress in his voice. Jin Ling glances at him. He knew Jiang Cheng would never outwardly admit to being worried about his shixiong, but he still cared about him. Before Jin Ling could explain, Jingyi hurried into the courtyard of the Jingshi.

"Clan leader Jiang, it's true that there was someone trying to kill Jin Ling. We...were supposed to be traveling together as a group, but Senior Wei and Jin Ling were walking way ahead of us...we didn't catch up to them until it was too late," the Lan disciple explains.

"Too late? For what?" Jiang Cheng's voice was getting more anxious.

"U-uncle Wei got hurt trying to protect me," Jin Ling finally concedes. "That's why there are so many people inside the Jingshi now." Jiang Cheng's fist begins to clench tightly. As a result, Zidian also starts to spark. Though his actions were not out of anger, but out of suppressed worry. Something twanged in his heart. Jin Ling pauses before speaking.

"He'll be okay...Lan clan has very skilled doctors. He'll be fine," though Jin Ling felt like he was reassuring himself more than his uncle. He had hated Wei WuXian almost his entire life until he saw how different the Yiling Patriarch himself really was. He was not evil and vile and cruel like everyone had made him out to be. Jin Ling only came to realize this after Wei WuXian's identity had been revealed at Carp Tower. He had been shocked, hurt and confused. How could this weird but brave man who protected us in Yi City be the evil Yiling Patriarch? He can't be...! The stab that Jin Ling had inflicted on Wei WuXian had left him crying in confusion and anger in his room the rest of the evening. He wanted to hate Wei WuXian, but after forming an almost close, but awkward bond with him, he just couldn't. Overtime, he was shocked to find himself forgiving Wei WuXian.

After Wei WuXian saved him and the junior disciples' lives once more at the Burial Mounds, he found himself fighting side by side with the Ghost General Wen Ning, though later that afternoon, he had felt rage and anger towards the walking corpse after he had tried to approach Sizhui. After the meeting at Lotus Pier, he ran after Wei WuXian And now that his crimes had been cleared and there was no reason to hate him. And today, he had seen with his own eyes how much Wei WuXian cared about him and wanted to protect him. Jin Ling sits down at a nearby pavilion with Jiang Cheng, his eyes glued to the door. To Jin Ling's surprise, his uncle stayed with him for what felt like hours. His eyes wandered around the forest, but Jin Ling noticed they kept darting back to the door as well, his expression unreadable.

The door to the Jingshi finally opens and Jingyi and Jin Ling stand up and immediately run towards the door that Lan Wangji had opened. Sizhui stood up, staring at him with wide eyes. The man in white looked exhausted, but he gave the disciples a reassuring smile. They breathe a sigh of relief. Sizhui staggers backwards slightly and Jin Ling immediately rushes forward to catch his friend, supporting him with his shoulders.

"Sizhui...you should rest. You..haven't eaten either." Jin Ling says worriedly.

"I..cadon't sleep. Not until I know...if..if Baba is okay," Sizhui insists, though Jin Ling could feel his friend's body dropping even lower. Jingyi hurries to Sizhui's other side.

"You have to rest first...we can't have you collapse. Hanguang-jun can't worry about both of you at the same time. Please...," Jingyi begs.

"I'll have someone send for you when he wakes up," Lan Wangji says reassuringly. "His condition is stable right now. There's no need to worry. A-Yuan, go rest," He makes his voice more firm this time. Sizhui finally nods and with Jin Ling and Jingyi supporting him, they lead him out of the courtyard. Lan Wangji finally notices Clan Leader Jiang who had been standing on the side. As he approaches, they greet one another with respectful bows, something that was very uncommon from their usual meetings. It seems like the events at Guanyin tower had cleared up the tension between them as well.

"I..I just came here to see if Jin Ling was alright," Jiang Cheng stammers, though Lan Wangji could see him avoiding his gaze. As Jiang Cheng turns to leave, Lan Wangji sighs softly and says,

"Wei Ying is fine. Come visit...when he is awake." Jiang Cheng stops walking and turns back around, still avoiding eye contact.

"Thank you...I will try my best but...I don't think either of us is ready for that yet. Perhaps we will be able to meet again in..better circumstances." And with that Jiang Cheng leaves quietly, feeling a pang in his heart. He wanted to see Wei WuXian, but at the same time, something about seeing his brother lying on the bed injured scared him. It would bring back too many painful memories about the past. Jiang Cheng shakes his head and glances towards the Hangshi as he heads towards the entrance. Should he go in again? He had left Xichen in almost a hurry after hearing news about Jin Ling getting ambushed on the way to Lotus Pier. He shakes his head and instead of leaving, he decides to stay in the guest room instead. He would leave with Jin Ling in a few days.

Lan Wangji watches silently as Jiang Cheng walks away, then goes back inside. The doctors finally approached him after they finished checking on the patient's wounds.

"How is he?"

"Second Grandmaster, Young Master Wei is sleeping now, his wounds patched up. His golden core has not been affected but...his flute. Even if Young Master Wei is its master, the resentful energy inside the flute may take advantage of his current weakened state. It is best to keep it out of this room and away from him." The doctor tells him. "Be sure to have him take his medicine and apply fresh herbs. Remember to help tilt his head back when giving him the medicine." the doctor explains the rest of the instructions before leaving. Lan Wangji eyes the ghost flute that had been vibrating and emitting puffs of black smoke the entire time the doctors had tended to Wei WuXian's wounds. Every time more smoke came out, he noticed Wei WuXian tensing, as if in pain. It seems as if the resentful energy was still affecting him, especially when his golden core is not nearly strong enough to cleanse it out while harnessing it. He tries reaching for it, but an unexpected shriek of resentful voices makes him pull his hand back. The flute starts trembling, even more, emitting additional smoke. As a result, Wei WuXian stirs slightly in discomfort.

Immediately, Lan Wangji takes out his guqin, Wangji, and starts playing the Cleansing song. The smoke starts fading and he only stops when he sees Wei WuXian relax and hears his breathing steady again. Lan Wangji sighs and starts playing 'Wuji' gently and softly. Wei Ying...come back to me. Lan Wangji couldn't help but curse silently to himself. He had only been gone for an hour. Maybe even less! Before disaster struck. If only he had gone with them. He shakes the thoughts away and continues playing late into the night.

Meanwhile, Jingyi and Jin Ling help Sizhui into the dormitory rooms. Jin Ling was itching to go back to Jingsih but he knew right now, his friend needed his support.

"Sizhui? You don't need to worry about Uncle Wei. He's the Yiling Patriarch, remember? Jin Ling tries to make a joke. "If he can deal with fierce corpses, then an arrow wound is nothing." Jingyi shoots him a glare but says nothing to reprimand him.

"You're right, Jin Ling. It's just that...I know he's already been through so much. I want him to have at least one happy and peaceful day without something bad happening." Sizhui says quietly.

"He was happy! He's happy that he's here with Hanguang-jun. They've already gotten approval for marriage. And...they've adopted you as their son. Life...doesn't happen without both good things and bad things happening." Jin Ling says.

"Oh, I forgot to ask. Did they...catch the bandits who ambushed you?" Jingyi asks. Jin Ling swallows.

"There was only one...and he's dead. There were no clues on which clan he belonged to. Whoever instigated the attack must have hired a bandit that didn't belong to any of them. The mastermind must have planned this out carefully so nothing would be traced back to them."

"He's dead?" Sizhui sputters.

"I...didn't think before shooting the arrow. Uncle Wei was already injured. I.. was worried about more arrows...so I just shot three arrows into the bushes. It...must have been a coincidence that I shot so accurately." Jin Ling stammers.

"Your shots are almost always accurate, Jin Ling. You're one of the best archers I've seen," Jingyi praises.

"I'm sorry," Jin Ling says suddenly. "If i hadn't panicked...the bandit would still be alive, but only injured. Then maybe we could have interrogated him about who he worked for and-,"

"Don't be stupid," Sizhui snaps, his voice uncharacteristically angry. "If you hadn't killed him, both of you might have been killed instead. "You did what you had to do...you protected Baba in return after he protected you. It's what a true cultivator would have done." Jin Ling blinks, suddenly blushing at being praised by Sizhui.

"Anyways, we should all rest. It's been an exhausting day. Perhaps Senior Wei will be awake tomorrow and we can go visit him." Jingyi scoots off Sizhui's beds and crawls until the blanket of his. "Jin Ling, there's an extra bed in this room. Hanguang-jun arranged the room this way because he knows you visit us often." Jin Ling heads over to the bed at the other end of the room, blowing out the candles as he goes. As he lay down in bed, he didn't think about how Uncle Wei had saved him again, but instead he thought about Uncle Jiang's reaction. He could tell that his uncle really did care about his shixiong, but seemed hesitant to want to approach him again, despite all the misunderstandings between them being cleared up after the events at Guanyin Temple. Jin Ling turns on his side and sighs. Perhaps one day, they will be brothers again, and maybe...just maybe, I will be the one to help make that happen.

Chapter Text

Three days after the incident, Lan Wangji was the first to wake up that morning in Cloud Recesses. His knees were aching after he had ended up falling asleep at Wei WuXian's bedside, not wanting to disturb the injured man by pushing him towards the inner side of the bed. Wei WuXian was sleeping peacefully, his face relaxed and free of pain.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji says softly. He knew he should let him rest more, but his heart was aching for a response from the man he loved so much. When he hears no response, he turns to walk over to his guqin when suddenly he hears someone calling him.

"L-Lan Zhan...," He immediately turns back around, his heart racing. Wei WuXian was slowly stirring awake, his eyes squinting against the bright morning light.

"Wei Ying, you're awake," Lan Wangji moves to help him sit up in the bed.

"H-how long was I asleep?" Wei WuXian asks sleepily, wincing slightly from his wound.

"Three days. The medicine the doctor prescribed helps to regain spiritual energy and strengthen your golden core so your wounds would heal quicker. It seems to be efficient." Lan Wangji says as he observes the dressing of the arrow wound. There was a light knock at the door and then a voice.

"H-Hanguang-jun...I'm sorry to disturb you so early but...I-I just wanted to see him," It was Jin Ling. He had been coming every morning since the incident to check if Wei WuXian was awake.

"Jin Ling?" Wei WuXian asks, straightening up in bed. Lan Wangji stands up and goes to open the door. The young clan leader looked slightly disheveled and exhausted, but there was determination in his eyes. Sizhui was standing behind him, his head peeking anxiously into the room.

"He is awake today. Come in," Lan Wangji says, welcoming the two young men into the room. They hurry in, almost tripping over one another. Sizhui quickly runs around to squeeze his father quickly in a hug, but quickly pulls away after remembering that he was wounded.

"Baba! You're finally awake.We were so worried," Sizhui sounds relieved and cheerful now that his father was awake.

"Don't worry, A-Yuan. A small wound like this is nothing. I'm the infamous Yiling Patriarch, remember?" Wei WuXian ruffles the boy's hair playfully.

"That's what Jin Ling told me," Sizhui says sheepishly. "But I can't help but still worry." Wei WuXian then notices Jin Ling standing quietly in the room.

"A-ling, come here. Why are you just standing there?" he gestures his nephew over.

"U-uncle, I'm sorry. You got hurt because of me," Noticing that Jin Ling was about to tear up, Sizhui and Lan Wangji quietly slipped away to give them privacy, closing the door behind him.

"Jin Ling...it's not your fault." Wei WuXian tells him, swinging his legs over the bed and pulling the young clan leader's hands over. "I wanted to protect you, okay? You're my only nephew and you're my family." Jin Ling starts crying.

"I...don't want my family to get hurt! I only have you and Uncle Jiang as family! I- I don't want to lose another family member!" Jin Ling sobs. Wei WuXian blinks in surprise at being referred to as 'family.' Jin Ling was already beginning to address him as 'uncle', but he thought it had just been a slip of a tongue.

"A-and I k-know I'm over two years late b-but, I'm sorry for stabbing you too...I just-," he breaks off as his crying intenses.

For so long, the only family he ever had was Uncle Jiang and Uncle Yao. Now that Uncle Yao was dead, he only had Uncle Jiang again. And despite having Sizhui, Jingyi and Ouyang Zizhen as his best friends, he still felt lonely. His cousins had never cared for him and teased him about being motherless. After meeting Wei WuXian, who he thought was Mo XuanYu at the time, he felt like he had another family member with him. Mo XuanYu was already blood related to him of course, but the real Mo XuanYu had acted like a crazy lunatic, not a caring adult. Once he figured out who Wei WuXian really was, he had felt angry, wanting to take revenge, but also rejoiced at the chance of having another family member in his life. He felt this joy even more after Wei WuXian was revealed not to have been behind his parents' death.

"Jin Ling?" Jin Ling started up, wiping away his tears hastily. "It's okay. I forgave you a long time ago. I understood why you did that...at the time. But now, we can leave it in the past and we can be a real family, okay?" Wei WuXian wipes away Jin Ling's tears with a finger gently. Jin Ling felt warm all over. When he cried in front of Uncle Jiang, he usually got a scolding and got sent to his room, but he was glad there was someone who could comfort him now. Though at the same time, he felt embarrassed.

"R-right," He stammers. "Just don't dote on him or treat me like a child, okay?" He huffs while crossing his arms. Wei WuXian laughs.

"By the way, where is Jingyi? He's not coming to visit?" There was mock hurt in Wei WuXian's voice. Jin Ling snorted in amusement, his tears stopping.

"Jingyi is still snoring in his bed. He's going to get scolded by Grandmaster if he is late for lecture again."

"And A-Ling...did Jiang Cheng come? I mean...not for me probably," Wei WuXian said hastily. "But he must have heard the news about the ambush and came to see if you were safe." Jin Ling nods then looks at his uncle.

"Uncle Jiang was worried...he stayed with me outside the Jingshi. Almost like he was waiting for news about you." Jin Ling falters, pausing to see his uncle's reaction.

"I see...the news about me being awake should have spread around by now. Is he still in Cloud Recesses?"

"I'm sure he will come visit you soon," A voice says from the door. Wei WuXian and Jin Ling both stare in shock.

"Z-Zewu-jun!" Wei WuXian gasps. He had not seen the older Jade Twin in a very long time. Lan Wangji had told him he had been in isolation. How could he be ending it so soon?

"Zewu-jun!" Jin Ling stands up, bowing in greeting.

"It's nice to see you again, Jin Ling...or no...I should be calling you Clan Leader Jin," The words were spoken out hesitantly as if he had been reminded of the former Clan leader. "And Young Master Wei...Wanyin visited me this morning and told me about the news. I...only came out of seclusion to visit you." Cheng? Jiang Cheng? Zewu-jun is calling Jiang Cheng by his birth name now...what an interesting development. He could tell by Jin Ling's face that he was surprised too.

"I am grateful for your concern, Zewu-jun," Wei WuXian smiles, bowing.

"Is that even how 'seclusion' works?" Jin Ling mutters under his breath. Wei WuXian couldn't help but elbow him at those words. Jin Ling scowls at him, but dared not strike back at him as he was still recovering.

"I heard that...Jiang Cheng visited you frequently. Did you...become close to him?" Wei Wuxian asks the question slowly and hesitantly.

"Well..Wanyin knows what it's like to lose someone whom you trusted and once loved. I can't explain it but I feel like I can really talk to him." Wei WuXian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He certainly didn't expect Jiang Cheng to be a good listener or a conversationalist in return. The first part of what Zewu-jun said though had made him wince. It was true that Jiang Cheng had lost trust in him and had lived sixteen years hating him and anyone who used his ways of demonic cultivation. Wei WuXian after all, had defected from the Jiang Clan, leaving Jiang Cheng to rebuild his clan alone, despite Shijie's help. After the events of Nightless City, he was truly alone and had the burden of taking care of baby Jin Ling. Wei WuXian lets out a deep sigh. I have to leave that in the past...we already made amends at Guanyin Temple yet..it still doesn't feel the same. Will it ever be the same again? Will there be a time when Jiang Cheng and I can become as close as we were when Shijie was alive?

"Jiang cheng is trying," Zewu-jun says softly, as if he could read the latter's thoughts. "He went straight to the Jingshi after hearing about the ambush and that you were injured. He won't admit it himself..but he didn't come just for Jin Ling." Wei WuXian only nods slowly, feeling warmth in his body, though he wasn't sure if Zewu-jun was accurate about Jiang Cheng's feelings. His shidi had always kept his emotions hidden.

"Zewu-jun, are you sure you're just coming out of seclusion for me?" there was a mischievous tone to his voice that he dared use to even Lan Clan Leader. The older jade twin smiles.

"I apologize for not telling the truth. I am indeed out of seclusion. It is...partially because of Wanyin...because he has helped me so much during my difficult time in seclusion, I've decided to help him in return. And it involves Jin Ling."

"Me?" Jin Ling looks startled. "Is it about finding out who ordered those bandits to ambush us and tried to kill me?" As he speaks, he thinks of how Uncle Wei got injured and the fear he felt when he saw the arrow pierce his chest and fell to the ground. His fist suddenly clenched around his sword,Suihua.

"Yes. We will need to discuss and investigate possible enemies. We do not need another tragedy with inside enemies within the clan." Lan Xichen says calmly. "I...couldn't do much to prevent it the first time. I want to be sure it won't happen again so there won't be more unnecessary deaths.

"Brother?" A surprised voice asked. Lan Wangji was standing at the door holding a tray which held food. Lan Sizhui followed suit, holding a bowl of medicine.

"Wangji," Lan Xichen smiles at the sight of his brother.

"You're out of seclusion," Lan Wangji sets down the food to greet his brother with a bow.

"Zewu-jun," Sizhui greets, dipping his head as well. "It's so good to see you out of seclusion. Are you feeling better?"

"I am. And it is thanks Jiang W- I mean Clan leader Jiang," Lan Xichen says hastily. Everyone in the room looks at him in surprise. Wei WuXian's curiosity was rising now. He felt a strong urge to meet his shidi and question him about his relationship with Jade Twin.

"Is Jiang Cheng still here?" Wei WuXian finally asks.

"He is," Lan Wangji replies tersely. "But the doctor has said you should rest until you're fully recovered. It's best not to walk around just yet." Wei WuXian frowns and his expression turns into a pout.

"I feel fine! I've been sleeping for three days. How is that not enough rest? If Sizhui and Jin Ling can visit me, why can't Jiang Cheng?" Lan Wangji ignores him and instead says,

"Food first, then medicine. Eat to regain strength." He hands Wei WuXian a bowl of porridge. He sighs and takes the bowl, realizing how hungry he was as the smell of porridge hit his face. He spoon some into his mouth, being careful not to rush and make a mess in an effort to maintain eating etiquette in front of his future husband. Despite the four thousand rules bounding everyone who lived here, after seventeen years, Wei WuXian found himself willing to endure it all if it meant staying besides the man he loves. Once he finishes eating, Sizhui takes the empty bowl from him. Finally Lan Wangji turns to him.

"If you really feel like you are ready to see him, then I will have someone send for him. Decide for yourself."

"I can talk to him too if you'd like, Young Master Wei. We're very well acquainted after all."
"That would be great...thanks Zewu-jun." Lan Xichen leaves with his brother shortly after. Sizhui and Jin Ling stay behind to talk with Wei WuXian.

"Brother, did you really come out of seclusion because of him?" Lan Xichen smiles at his younger brother.

"I came out because I want to make a difference. One year is more than enough to reflect on my actions."
"Your actions? You were not at fault for what happened," Lan Wangji says quietly.

"Maybe not entirely. But I know I could have prevented it. I don't want to stay in seclusion knowing that I will miss that chance once again. As a clan leader, I must take action to protect the people in the cultivation world and my clan." Lan Wangji nods in understanding. A figure approaches them and they both look up to see the Jiang Clan Leader

"Second Grandmaster, Zewu-jun," Jiang Cheng bows as he approaches the Jade Twins.

"Clan leader Jiang," they both bow back in greeting. As if on queue, Lan Wangji slips away to watch them talk from a distance. Jiang Cheng looks at the Lan Clan Leader who smiles before speaking.

"Jiang Cheng, do you wish to visit your shixiong? Sizhui and Jin Ling are with him right now." Jiang Cheng swallows nervously, not knowing how to answer the question. He wanted desperately to talk to his brother again after two years had gone by but he was worried he would say the wrong thing and end up invoking each other's emotions and bringing up past conflicts that they had told each other to put behind them.

"If he wants to see me, I will go," Jiang Cheng says at last. Lan Xichen gives him an even brighter smile, making his heartbeat suddenly speed up. What is happening with me? Gosh...

"Then I will take you there," Jiang Cheng wants to refuse, but couldn't get the words out and just follows him to the Jingshi. Jiang Cheng could feel Lan Xichen's gaze on him as he walks up to the Jingshi's door. He hesitates for a few seconds, giving himself time to gather his thoughts before knocking on the door. The sound of laughter inside stops abruptly after he knocks. The door opens and Lan Sizhui was standing there. He had only met the young Lan disciples several times during important meetings. From what he heard, the young disciple was one of the best in his clan, following the footsteps of Hanguang-jun closely.

"Clan Leader Jiang," Sizhui greets him with a bow, a hint of surprise in his voice. Jin Ling soon comes to stand beside him.

"Uncle?" Jin Ling stares at him in shock. Jiang Cheng clears his throat.

"A-Ling, have you been here the entire morning? You should at least get some scrolls done if you have the time," His voice growing stern. Jin Ling rolls his eyes and Jiang Cheng could hear a stifled snort coming from inside. Lan Sizhui looks back over his shoulders into the room, then looks back at Jiang Cheng.

"Come on, Jin Ling. Let's go work in the Library. I have some work to do myself," Before Jin Ling could protest, Sizhui had grabbed his hands and practically dragged him out of the courtyard. Jiang Cheng takes another deep breath before stepping foot inside the Jingshi. He had never been inside the building where Lan Wangji resided. As expected from Hanguang-jun, the room was neat and organized, unlike his own room which was often messy with scrolls and paperwork.

"Jiang Cheng, you're here," He turns and looks over at the man he hadn't seen since Guanyin Temple.

"Nonsense! You definitely wanted to say something to Wei WuXian!" Jin Ling's words echoed in his head as he made contact with his shixiong.

"Wei WuXian," he was trying his best to keep his voice steady and his emotions contained.

"You..how are you feeling? And thank you...for saving A-Ling. Don't be so reckless next time." Wei WuXian nods quietly. He says at last, his eyes lingering over the bandages that were visible under his brother's undergarment.

"I'm good...great actually. Lan Clan definitely has the best doctors. And Lan Zhan played the guqin for me to speed up my recovery." Wei WuXian responds. They both swallowed nervously, unsure of what to say.

"You really had to jump in front of a flying arrow huh? What if you had been killed?" A tightness grew in his chest at the thought of his brother dying before they could make amends.

"Jin Ling could have been killed. I did what I had to do." Wei WuXian replies. Jiang Cheng couldn't help but grit his teeth. And if you died? How would Jin Ling feel about losing another family member? How would Lan Wangji feel? What about me? Jiang Cheng wanted to spill out all these questions. He didn't know why he was so angry at his brother's selflessness, especially when he had saved Jin Ling, his only nephew and blood relative. Perhaps it was because of the thought of the possibility of losing the only other person he thought of as family and the one person from his childhood.

"I would have done the same," He said instead.

"Jiang Cheng, how have you been this past year? Is the Jiang clan okay? Are you maintaining it well?" Jiang blinks in surprise at being bombarded by questions.

"Everything's been fine. Nothing big happens at Lotus Pier except when Jin Ling brings his friends to create a ruckus." Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes and leans against the bedside where Wei WuXian sat, though there was distance between the two men.

"What about you? How come you're at Cloud Recesses? I thought you hated all the rules here." Wei WuXian could hear bitterness inching into his shidi's voice and took a deep breath to try to remain calm.

"Lan Zhan and A-Yuan are here, the people I love. I can't hate it," he says simply. "Lotus Pier will always be important to me, but...," Wei WuXian pauses, eyes flickering up uncertainty. "It's not the same." he says at last. After all, the last time he had visited Lotus Pier, it had ended with them fighting and Lan Zhan carrying his unconscious body out.

"You're right. It's not," Jiang Cheng uncrosses his arms and stands until he faces his brother, an unmistakable amount of anger in his face.

"I've had to live through those changes for three months, then for a while, everything was normal again until it changed again and I had to live with them for over a year! Then even more changes happened! And," Jiang Cheng pauses to catch his breath because he was squeezing out each word with effort. "I've been living with those changes for over sixteen years and I know there are certain changes that can't be reversed."

"I know what you went through, Jiang Cheng," Wei WuXian was surprised at how cold his own voice sounded as he spoke. "I had to go through the same. I had no choice because I had to do the right thing. I suffered through it as well."

"It is not the same!" Jiang Cheng said through gritted teeth. "I had to watch you choose the Wens over us! Your own clan and your own family. I had to build up Jiang Clan almost by myself after you broke your own promise!"

"You're right," Wei WuXian snaps back, standing up until they were almost face to face. "It's not the same. Do you know how difficult it was for me to make those decisions? I didn't want to break my promise! But you think I could have just stood by and watched them kill innocent elderly women and children? Yes, they were Wens, but the other clans were willing to justify killing women and children who took no role in the invasion of the clans. In the Burial Mounds, I missed Lotus Pier and Jiang Clan so much. I missed Shijie and thought of her every single day. But Jiang Cheng, do you think she would rather have seen me turn in everyone over to Jin Guangshan and let innocent people die?" I might have broken my promises with her...and you, but I had my own promise to keep to myself! To have a clear conscience and protect the weak! Wei WuXian's fist clench. He did not dare say these words out loud though, fearing it would only anger Jiang Cheng more.

"You had no idea how Jie was feeling! She was constantly worrying and feeling sad without you! Tell me Wei WuXian, in the end, even if Su She hadn't gotten involved, would you have been able to maintain control? I've seen your outbursts! Would you not have lost control and killed Jin Zixuan anyways?"Jiang Cheng winces to himself as he realizes he was repeating the word Jin Guangyao had spoken that day at the temple. A hurt expression came across Wei WuXian's face.

"I did have everything under control..I could control Wen Ning just fine! I would never have intentionally killed Jin Zixuan! He was shijie's husband.!"

"If you lost control, it would have happened. And what if you had ended up killing everyone in Nightless City too?" Jiang Cheng wanted to stop the hurtful words from spilling out, but he was too overwhelmed with anger.

"Jiang Cheng!" Wei WuXian snaps. " I would never...want to hurt you or Shijie! Or anyone else I cared about! Even if I had lost control, I would never have let that happen. My mind is not that fragile. Look, Jiang Cheng...didn't I say to leave this in the past? It's what happened in my past life."

"If you were me, would you forget Jin Zixuan's and A-Jie's death so easily?" Too late, Jiang Cheng realizes he has gone too far and guilt sweeps over him. As soon as he spoke those words, Wei WuXian winces visibly, then his fists clench slightly.
"No, I can't believe you would say that. I could never forget. We both lost so much, Jiang Cheng. Madam Yu, Uncle Jiang, Shijie. I lost them and I lost Wen Qing and Uncle Four and everyone in the Burial Mounds who I cared about! If it wasn't for Lan Zhan, A-Yuan wouldn't be here."
"You chose to suffer alone even when there were still people who cared about you. You kept everything to yourself! The golden core-,"
"Jiang Cheng," Wei WuXian interrupts. "That is what I said to leave in the past, remember? I did what I needed to do." He says quietly, sitting back down. "We said our apologies at Guanyin Temple, but it seems like it wasn't enough. We can't bring back the dead nor can we turn back time. You know why I...gave you my golden core," Wei WuXian said slowly. "We suffered so much, but is that not in the past now? Should we not move on and find happiness again?" Those words agitate Jiang Cheng again.

"For you, it is. You have Lan Zhan and Sizhui, people who you love and love you back! How great it is for you that you were able to find happiness again! What about me? I still live in Lotus Pier with those past events haunting me! Jin Ling may come to visit me, but I am still alone!" Jiang Cheng's chest heaves as he spoke. Even if I have Lan Xichen too, would he ever want me as someone else other than a friend or companion? I'm not good enough.

"H-hey," Wei WuXian's nervous voice interrupts. Jiang Cheng realizes that Zidian was crackling lightning and that Wei WuXian was eyeing it with nervous eyes, his own hand reaching to grip ChenQing. Quickly, he presses his other hand over it, allowing the spiritual weapon to cool down its power. Lan Wangji would be livid if he had been there.

"I don't have family by my side anymore, only memories." His voice lowers until it's very soft.

"Do you think I don't want to go back to Lotus Pier? I haven't forgotten what happened last time! I didn't exactly feel welcomed!" Wei WuXian was angry now, his eyes burning. Jiang Cheng swallows, guilt sweeping over him. Memories of Wen Ning revealing the truth about his golden core came rushing back to him and his fists clench.

"Tell me, Jiang cheng, would you really welcome me back sincerely to lotus pier?" Wei Wuxian looks him straight in the eye. When he didn't respond, his shixiong backs away, the anger in his eyes replaced by tiredness.

"That's what I thought."

"I-," Jiang cheng began but Wei Wu Xian cut him off.

"Just go, Jiang cheng. I have nothing else to say." Wei Wuxian sits back on the bed, his face turned away from his shidi.

Jiang Cheng opens his mouth to say something but couldn't. He turns away as well, his fist clenching in guilt and frustration. This was not how he thought his conversation with his brother would go. Before he could leave, the door suddenly slams opened, startling both of them.

"Jin Ling? What are you doing here? Eavesdropping is not polite!" Jiang Cheng couldn't help but turn his anger and frustration towards his nephew.

"I was not!"Jin Ling said. "I was waiting for you to finish talking with Uncle Wei and- ouch! Hey!"

"Uncle Wei? Who are you calling 'uncle?!"
"Why are you so angry?" Wei WuXian's head turns in surprise at Jin Ling's tone. "He saved my life! And he is family! Why can't I call him 'uncle'? He's your brother! And why were you two yelling at one another? Are you fighting again?"

"Shut up!" Jiang Cheng said angrily, ignoring the pain in his chest. Jin Ling scowls and him, then walks around him to sit next to Wei WuXian on the bed.

"Uncle Wei, what did you two talk about? You sounded upset." Wei WuXian shakes his head, avoiding Jiang Cheng's eyes.
"It's nothing...nothing important," he mumbles in response. To his surprise, Jin Ling stands up and glares at Jiang Cheng.

"Uncle Jiang, did you say something wrong because of that attitude of yours again? You did, didn't you?" Jin Ling's voice sounded more angry than annoyed. Wei WuXian blinks in shock. He had never seen Jin Ling raise his voice like this before, and especially not towards Jiang Cheng.

"You! Is that any way to talk to an adult? What happened between us is our business only!" Jiang Cheng fumes.

"I'm not a child anymore, Uncle! I'm a Clan Leader!" Jin Ling crosses his arms angrily.

"Is everything okay?" Lan Sizhui enters the room, looking at Clan Leader Jiang and Jin Ling with nervous eyes.

"I was just leaving," Jiang Cheng huffs. "And you, if you're going to speak that way to your uncle, then don't come back to Lotus Pier with me!" Jiang Cheng snaps as he turns back towards Jin Ling.

"Fine," Jin Ling mutters. "I have Uncle Wei anyways." Jiang Cheng doesn't respond to this and storms out.

"Did everything go alright between you and Clan Leader Jiang,baba?" Sizhui asks quietly.

"Lan Yuan, what do you think?" Jin Ling says coldly. "Clearly nothing went well. I don't know why I tried convincing him to talk to Uncle Wei today." Sizhui looks a little startled at being called his birth name but decides not to question it. Wei WuXian sighs, leaning back against his bed frame as a wave of exhaustion hits him.

"Lan Zhan was right. Maybe I shouldn't have let Jiang Cheng visit me. After talking with him, everything seems to hurt all over." Sizhui immediately comes to his father's side.

"Are you hurt? Did your wounds open up?"
"No no, not that, A-Yuan. Don't worry. My head just hurts." the man grumbles.

"Do you want us to get Hanguang-jun?" Sizhui asks.

"No...where has he been all day anyways? Teaching lectures?"
"Yes. He gave me permission to leave early to check up on you. Oh, I almost forgot. I have to give you your medicine and change the dressing on your wounds too." He picks up the bowl from the tray he had set on the table earlier and waits until Wei WuXian was done drinking it before putting it back. Wei Wuxian unbuttons the outer layer of his undergarments and the young Lan disciple helps to remove the bandages from the wound. Thanks to Lan's excellent use of medicine, the wound had mostly healed.

"I want to know...when and how did the GuSu Lan Clan become so skilled in medicine? Who taught them?"

"It was Uncle Wen!" Sizhui answers eagerly. "He...still remembers what his sister taught him and he's taught me a few things too. Grandmaster even lets him come to give lessons at Cloud Recesses." Wei WuXian couldn't help but laugh.

"Really? I'm surprised at that!"
"Well..Wen Ning may not have...the best reputation, but even Grandmaster knows about his skills and knowledge and knows it's useful. Similar to using the Stygian Flag that you made." Sizhui laughs. "And your compass of evil." Wei WuXian smiles. He was right. Despite being hated on all the clans after what he did sixteen years ago, the clans had indeed made good use of his inventions.

"Well, I have to go back to lecture now. Hanguang-jun might reprimand and punish me later for staying too long." Sizhui sits up.

"A-Yuan...I'm sure Hanguang-jun will understand. He's your father after all."

"He's..always been a father to me and that doesn't mean I'm free from punishment," Sizhui laughs in response. "I'll visit you again after. And will bring Jingyi with me. Jin Ling, are you staying longer?"

"I think I need to find Uncle Jiang and talk to him. I'm probably going to get yelled at for earlier though," Jin Ling sighs.

"It takes some thick skin to stand up to Jiang Cheng like that. Be careful so he won't break your legs, okay?"

"S-shut up!" Jin Ling snaps, knowing that he was being teased. "I'll go now." He hurries out of there and Sizhui closes the door behind him.

Now that it was quiet, Wei WuXian lies back down on the bed, feeling bored again. He lifts up ChenQing above his head and rubs at the lotus tassel attached to it. Jiang Cheng's hurtful words still echo in his head.

Shijie...will things ever be okay between me and Jiang Cheng again? And...are you watching us from above? I protected your son. I finally got the real chance to do that. Did you see me? Wei WuXian knew his questions wouldn't be answered and felt overwhelmed with emotions. A sudden pain shot through his chest and he sat up, confused. ChenQing was vibrating in his hands and he could feel burning pain against his palm. Panicked, he places it down on the bedside table next to him and stares as the flute starts emitting black, resentful energy.

Chapter Text

"What the hell," he mutters loudly.

"Young Master Wei? May I come in?" Wei WuXian turns his attention away from his flute and towards the door.

"Zewu-jun? Yes, of course." And the door opens.

"Jiang Cheng-, I mean Clan Leader Jiang seemed...upset and angry when he left. I asked him about how it went, but he only muttered 'no' and then said he was tired before hurrying off." Wei WuXian sighs softly.

"I don't want to talk about it," he says firmly, but politely.

"Young Master Wei, what's going on with ChenQing?" The Lan Clan Leader had finally noticed the unusual amount of resentful energy around the ghost flute.

"I'm not sure...it's not me. It's being weird," Wei WuXian mutters, trying not to show that the increasing amount of black smoke was starting to make him feel dizzy and breathe heavier. He backs away from the flute as the smoke starts creeping towards him. However Lan Xichen's keen eyes notice his discomfort and he pulls out Liebing, playing a few notes of 'Song Of Clarity'. The smoke retreats slowly before it gets absorbed back into the flute. Only then did Wei WuXian finally feel relaxed again.

"Lan Zhan told me that...the resentful energy in ChenQing might try to overwhelm me. It's never happened to me over the years though. Perhaps it is because I was injured and I'm using most of my spiritual energy for healing rather than cleansing the resentful energy out of it. Or using demonic cultivation with a weak core makes it more likely for the resentful energy to control me instead of the other way around."
"Perhaps. But your core is not strong enough to cleanse out that resentful energy, right?"

"I have not used ChenQing to control puppets in a very long time. Why would it suddenly react like that?" Wei WuXian had never felt worried about using his flute before. Before his untimely death, he had been quite arrogant and confident in his use of demonic cultivation with ChenQing. At that time, he didn't even have a core, much less a weak one.

"Perhaps that is something to worry about for another day. Young Master Wei, did Clan Leader Jiang say something to you? Or did you say something to him?" There was genuine concern in Lan Xichen's eyes, but Wei WuXian really did not feel like talking about what went on between him and his brother and how badly downhill the conversation had gone.

"We both said things we didn't mean. One thing led to another," Wei WuXian answers dryly.

"And what are you planning on saying once you see each other again," Xichen asks gently. The two of them move over to sit at the table to talk face to face.

"If we see each other again. Will he ever want to see me again? After what happened today?" Wei WuXian's voice was growing bitter, but he did his best to maintain his manners in front of the clan leader.

"Young Master Wei..., I'm sure he will. But what about you? Do you wish for him to see you again? Or rather do you want to see him again?"
"Of course I do...," Wei WuXian whispers. "I just want everything to be okay between us again. What would Shijie think...if she was alive today to see us still fighting after seventeen years?" Lan Xichen was quiet. Jiang Yanli had always been the peacekeeper between the two brothers when they got into arguments. She was gone now and not only that, Jiang Cheng had lived sixteen years thinking that Wei WuXian had been partially responsible for her death, the only blood family he had left after the Wens had slaughtered his parents and annihilated the Jiang clan. He had hated and blamed him for all the lives that were lost that year. Sixteen years of hate and blame could not be erased that easily, even if he knew his brother was not guilty of those deaths now.

"We all figured out the truth behind those deaths last year. Yet, I had a feeling that wouldn't be enough to clear up everything between us." Wei WuXian twirls his flute moodily, his fingers lingering on the lotus tassel longingly.

"Clan Leader Jiang has always had trouble with his feelings. I noticed this while talking with him when he visited me in seclusion. Most of the time he tried to avoid topics about you, so I did not push him. I only asked how his clan was, how Jin Ling was doing as leader and any other major news. But one day, he let slip about wanting to properly talk to you again. To try to make amends."
"Did he?" Wei WuXian tries to hide his surprised feelings. "Does he want to make amends to make himself feel better or is he really sincere about being...family again," Wei WuXian hesitated speaking that word.

"I felt his sincerity. Not only that, but he knows that making amends with you would be able to...please Lady Jiang's spirit." Wei WuXian stiffens slightly, his heart aching at the mention of his senior sister.

"He's contemplated many times about when to talk to you and what to talk to you about. Perhaps he was too eager today. He wasn't ready." Lan Xichen sighs.

One month ago (Jiang Cheng's perspective

Jiang Cheng steps into Cloud Recesses, his heart unexpectedly pounding at the thought of Lan Xichen again. What is wrong with me?? This keeps happening! He's greeted by many Lan disciples along the way, including Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui, both he sees very often at Lotus Pier when they come to visit Jin Ling. As he heads towards the Hangshi, he notices Lan Wangji leaving it at the same time. Their eyes meet and they quickly bow to one another in greeting before walking past one another. Before Jiang Cheng reaches the door, he could hear Lan Wangji turning around to watch him with observant eyes. He knocks lightly on the door, announces himself, and waits until he hears 'come in' before stepping inside. The room inside is dimly lit by candles as all the windows have been shut, only letting small rays of sunlight into the room. Lan Xichen sits at his desk, meditating among the scent of incense burners.

"Zewu-jun, it is nice to see you again. Have you been well?" Jiang Cheng asks.

"Clan Leader Jiang, I have been well. Thank you. The incense powder you gave me last time has been very helpful at night during my sleep." Lan Xichen opens his eyes and smiles. Jiang Cheng felt his heart pound even faster and cleared his throat slightly in case the Lan Clan leader heard it.

"Of course. And uh, Zewu-jun, you're welcome to call me Jiang Wanyin or...Jiang Cheng...no need to be so formal. We're..quite acquainted, are we not?" Jiang Cheng says nervously. He's met with another smile.

"Of course. Your presence has been very welcoming. Despite seclusion being my choice, it has been quite lonely. And you, Jiang Cheng, you can call me Xichen. Now, I assume your nephew has been well? Quite busy being a clan leader at that age, is it not?"

"Oh yes. I was around his age when I became clan leader as well, so I have the experience. I'm glad I am there to help him rebuild the Jin Clan after...," Jiang Cheng hesitates. "After what happened with Liangfeng-Zun," He says the name cautiously. Lan Xichen's expression does not change, but when he speaks again, there is a tightness in his voice.

"Indeed. He had help. While you, with much integrity and chivalry, you rebuilt your own clan almost entirely on your own." Jiang Cheng ducks his head slightly at the praise. He's heard it many times before, but for some reason, his face had turned red.

"I....did get help from Shijie but, I only wish I had had more than that." Jiang Cheng knew where this conversation was going.

"Your brother?" Lan Xichen asks softly.

"I-," Jiang Cheng looks away. He had not meant to steer the conversation towards his shixiong, but it seemed to be too late now.

"You haven't had contact with him?"

"I have not. I remember you telling me that Lan Wangji told you that Wei WuXian was off traveling the world." Jiang Cheng didn't quite understand why Hanguang-jun and his brother had gone separate ways after the younger Jade Twin had stood by him during those months after he came back and protected him even though his reputation and own life was at stake.

"My brother knows what is more important," Lan Xichen says, as if reading the young clan leader's thoughts. "He knew the cultivation world needed to be balanced and rebuilt again and only by taking the role of Chief Cultivator, can he do that. He knows Wei WuXian would not want to be bound by the two thousand rules here during that time while he had important duties to do."
"So then...Wei WuXian will come back?" Jiang Cheng tries pushing away the hint of excitement in his voice.

"I believe so. Wei WuXian cherishes my brother too much to let him go for too long. Although he hasn't quite fully understood the depth of my brother's feelings, he is a smart young man and he will return. He has had too many memories in GuSu as well as Yunmeng to leave it behind forever."

"Yunmeng too...," Jiang Cheng mutters.

"Wanyin?"

"I...don't know if I've given him good memories."
"What do you mean? You and your siblings were very happy at Lotus Pier, were you not? When growing up together, did you not have many moments of joy?"

"We did...but," Jiang Cheng falters. He shuts his eyes slightly.

"Didn't you want to fight? Let's fight now!" Jiang Cheng grabs Wei WuXian's collar, anger and resentment overcoming him.

The scene changes. Wei WuXian is passed out in Lan Wangji's arms while Wen Ning stands in front of him. Jiang Cheng holds Suibian out of his sheath, pure shock overwhelming him.

"The golden core inside you is Master Wei's!"
"Jiang Cheng? Are you alright?" A voice snaps him out of his thoughts. Lan Xichen had left his desk and was kneeling next to him, a hand on his shoulders. Jiang Cheng hastily wipes at his face that was now streaked with tears.

"Yes...I'm alright," Jiang Cheng's face turns red from embarrassment. "Xichen I...I just want everything to be okay between us again!" he blurts out.

"Us? You mean you and Wei WuXian?"

"Yes.., I-," I spent sixteen years hating him! Now I don't know how I feel! I'm so angry and confused and frustrated. I don't know what to do! However, these thoughts never come out.

"I just don't know how to feel. I want to see him again. Talk to him again. But how can I do that? Will he even want to talk to me?" Jiang Cheng sighs.

"He will. You are his brother, his shidi. Young Master Wei has always wanted to do what was right, no matter the means. Even while...descending into demonic cultivation, he was protecting innocent lives. He was doing what cultivators should have done." Lan Xichen shuts his eyes.

" If only I had spoken out more to protect the women, old men, and children of the Wen Clan...,"

"I wanted to...I really did. But I couldn't risk being an enemy to the rest of the clans. I couldn't risk being in another battle against another clan....not when our clan had just been rebuilt." Jiang Cheng states.

"Of course..I understand that. The reason Young Master Wei left the Jiang Clan to protect the Wens was because-,"
"Because he wanted to shoulder the burden himself, that idiot!" Jiang Cheng interrupts, his teeth gritted. Then he says, "Sorry...I know 'interrupting' isn't allowed in Cloud Recesses," he mutters, ducking his head in apology.

"No need," Lan Xichen's hand slides from his shoulder to his arm. "I know it's hard to keep your feelings in. Sometimes it's best to let it out. Not too fast, but at the right pace." Jiang Cheng relaxes and takes a deep breath, turning to look into the Jade Twin's eyes.

"So...whenever I'm ready, I can talk to him?"
"Yes. And whenever he is ready. And Wanyin...I'm willing to help."
"Really?"

"Yes. Whatever you need. You've helped me so much during these past months."

"N-not really. I-I don't think I did that much," Jiang Cheng stammers, looking down again.

"No, believe me. Your advice has helped me a lot." Jiang Cheng tries to remember what he had said that could have had such an impact on Zewu-jun. He knew he had given him advice, but he had such a sharp tongue, he had been worried he only hurt Zewu-jun's feelings more.

"I don't know if I can talk about Jin Guangyao, Clan Leader Jiang." Lan Xichen sighs.

"Zewu-jun, Jin Guangyao wasn't a good person. Even if he didn't want to hurt you, if he was alive, wouldn't he have hurt more people?" Jiang Cheng knew the Lan Clan Leader had been trying to avoid talking about the previous Jin Clan Leader, but he knew that his death was the reason he went into seclusion in the first place. If he didn't talk to anyone about it, how could he let go of the past?

"Clan Leader Jiang....if he never intended to hurt me..I...my actions," Lan Xichen turns away, clearly distressed.

"Zewu-jun...you did what you had to do. What if you had let him live? What then? With all the lies he's told, he could have told one more. He's already taken so many lives....the other clans would not have let him live. Do not fault your integrity. You couldn't have known what Jin GuangYao was really trying to do." Jiang Cheng kept his voice gentle, despite the anger fueling in his heart at the thought of Jin Guangyao's actions.

"Perhaps...,but I'd never know, would I?" Lan Xichen whispers.

"What if he just continued to take more lives? What if he only brings the cultivation world into more chaos?" Lan Xichen only turns away, his eyes closed.

"He told me he wouldn't hurt me. Maybe if I talked to him...," Lan Xichen stops speaking now.

"Don't hide your feelings. I understand meditating keeps you calm while you think about what happens, but what if that doesn't always work? What if you just have to let it all out? I know 'excessive emotion' isn't allowed in Cloud Recesses, but you're allowed to feel angry. You're allowed to feel remorse. They're your damn feelings. You can't just keep it all inside you and let it fester. You have to do something about it!" Jiang Cheng exclaims. He knew what it was like to keep those feelings inside. And although he still had to learn how to let it out himself, he wanted to help Xichen first. He just wanted to help his friend who had helped him so much when he had been suffering himself and wanted to return the favor with sincerity.

"What do you think I should do then? You seem to be quite the expert." Lan Xichen says, amused.

"Scream, shout, yell. Throw something. Cry it out. I'm the only one here. It's okay. No one will hear you but me. I won't judge you. Your feelings are valid, Xichen." Jiang Cheng's voice softens now. Lan Xichen lets out a chuckle.

"I'm not sure if that is the right way to approach it. It seems to be more of your cup of tea, is it not?" Jiang Cheng flushes.

"Then if I tell you, will you listen?"
"Of course!"

Lan Xichen takes a deep breath.

"I trusted and loved A-Yao. He was not only my sworn brother but one of my closest friends. He helped me so much. After a while...I couldn't help feeling something else for him. I didn't tell anyone, not even Wangji. I just let this feeling sit inside me. After Nie Mingjue's death, A-Yao was there to comfort me." Lan Xichen takes a sharp breath. "I never could have known that he had been the one responsible. I didn't want to believe it, even when all the evidence was in front of me. I thought he had a real reason for it. But after realizing all the lives he took to achieve his own selfish goals, I realized he was beyond redemption as well as forgiveness. I ended up losing both of the people I considered family outside of the Lan Clan. And I was responsible for killing someone who trusted me too." Lan Xichen pauses again to take a breath, his chest heaving slightly from talking so much. Jiang Cheng slips closer to him and after some hesitation, puts a hand on his shoulders.

"Don't blame yourself for something you had no control over. You did the right thing. You put an end to the person who brought so much misery to the people around you. You are not at fault. I don't know how else to say this to get my words into that thick ever upright skull of yours but it's the truth. God, Xichen! Do I have to smack some sense into you?" Jiang Cheng suddenly freezes as he realizes what he had just said, but Lan Xichen only smiles at him with twinkling eyes.

"You're right, but...I don't know if I can move on knowing that I killed someone who never wanted to hurt me. Someone defenseless at the time.. and people have been praising it for me as well." Lan Xichen places his face into his hands in frustration. Jiang Cheng swallows in sympathy. He remembered the times when everyone had praised him for putting an end to Wei WuXian at the Battle of Nightless City. He knew the feeling of being praised for a deed and rather than feeling proud, all he felt was hurt and pain.

"Just listen to me, Xichen. You're a good person. I've always admired you for it. You may not feel like that right now, but I know. I've seen what you do and what you did for the people around you. I know you're hurting right now...I went through the same thing after Yanli's death. I'm still going over it. Healing of the heart takes time just like any other wound would. Please don't be so hard on yourself. You told me this once too remember? After....Wei WuXian fell off the cliff, you came to me. You were the one who was there for me when I was having episodes of anger, rage and frustration. You told me not to blame myself."

Jiang Cheng still remembers the comfort the Lan Clan Leader had brought him A few times, he had ended up crying into Lan Xichen's arms and instead of pulling away, Lan Xichen had embraced him, his grip firm, yet still soft and gentle.

"I hated him and blamed him but everything that happened, but I couldn't kill him..." Jiang Cheng had cried. "Why did he shake his arm off? What did I do to deserve losing the only family I ever had? I have Jin Ling, but it's not the same! He's only an infant!"

"Clan Leader Jiang," Xichen rubs his back soothingly. "It wasn't your fault. He chose to fall off...he didn't want Wangji to fall too."
"That idiot..," Jiang Cheng whispers. "Always trying to be a hero." Lan Xichen had continued visiting Jiang Cheng for many months and soon became a familiar face in Yunmeng docks. Even young Jin Ling took an interest in him, knowing that this handsome and uptight man would be visiting his uncle. After all those visits, Lan Xichen held a special place in Jiang Cheng's heart. At all those clan meetings, his gentle smile would make his heart skip a beat or speed up.

"Lan Huan...you've helped me more than you've ever known." Jiang Cheng whispers.

"Huh?" Jiang Cheng looks up and sees Lan Xichen staring at him in puzzlement. Crap! I didn't just say that out loud. I did NOT just call him by his birth name. God I'm so stupid!

"I...think I have to go," Jiang Cheng sputters. He hurries out of there, his face red and nearly crashes into Jingyi and Sizhui as he practically flies out of Cloud Recesses.

Flashback ends

"Wait, he calls you... 'Lan Huan'?" Wei WuXian's voice drops to a low whisper when speaking the clan leader's birth name.

"He did...I did not correct him, but after that...he never called me that again." Zewu-jun looked rather disappointed. After all, he had been told to call the Jiang Clan leader by his birth name. Wei WuXian couldn't help but laugh at his younger brother's boldness and embarrassment.

"Jiang Cheng really sees a lot of you," Wei WuXian says at least. "He hasn't given me details, but both of you have been there for one another at your lowest points, have you not?" Lan Xichen's face reddens slightly.

"Perhaps he does." He responds. "Either way, I want to help you talk to him. The same way I helped him. Can you let me advise you?" Wei WuXian's expression darkens and once again, avoids contact with the Lan Clan leader.

"Young Master Wei, do you not want to make amends as well?" Xichen asks gently.

"Yes, but how can I when Jiang Cheng doesn't cooperate? One of us always ends up making a slip of a tongue. " Wei WuXian sighs.

"Clan Leader Jiang has never been...the best at words." Lan Xichen says observantly. He had seen him enough times to realize this about him. "Even when he was giving me advice, it sounded like a harsh scolding." Lan Xichen laughs.

"Maybe when he's drunk," Wei WuXian snorts, laughter bubbling in his throat.

"If you want to talk to him, I wouldn't rush it. Start off slow. Even if you have to start with simply greeting one another, it would be the best place to start." Wei WuXian gulps, remembering his excitement and eagerness at talking to Jiang Cheng and had bombarded him with many questions.

"Perhaps...I was too eager," Wei WuXian mutters. "I can be like that."
"Indeed. It is not a bad thing. You were like that with Wangji when you first met him, were you not?" Lan Xichen smiles. Wei WuXian smiles back, thinking of the scene when they first met after Lan Wangji had caught him sneaking in with two jars of alcohol in hand.

"In my youth, I was truly quite the troublemaker. I still think of myself as one, though I have more self-control at Cloud Recesses now because of Lan Zhan." They both laugh as if remembering the trouble Wei WuXian had caused when he was a teenager.

"I'll...find Jiang Cheng myself another time. I don't think either of us was ready." Lan Xichen nods then stands up.

"I hope you two will make up soon. I would very much like to see your brother attending your wedding with Wangji." Wei WuXian's heart skips a beat at the word 'wedding'. He had meant Jiang Cheng about his engagement, but he had lost the chance to after the conversation went south.

"Of course." Wei WuXian says. He knew Jiang Cheng would never forgive him or himself if he lost the chance to attend it. The thought of Jiang Cheng being there, smiling at him as he is dressed in his red wedding robes made him feel warm inside. I will try my best. We both will.

They bow to each other before Xichen leaves the Jingshi and everything is quiet again. Wei WuXian is about to lie back down on his bed when the door opens again and Lan Wangji steps into the room.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei WuXian launches himself at him embracing him in a hug. The man says nothing, only lets Wei WuXian stay with his arms wrapped around him for a few moments he places them back down.

"Wei Ying, you've been well today?" Wei WuXian knew he was not just asking about his day, but his injuries as well.

"I've...had a long day," Wei WuXian admits. "But my injuries don't hurt anymore and I have my energy back."

"You met Jiang Wanyin today?" Wei WuXian tries avoiding his eyes when asked the question, but Lan Wangji holds his chin so that they made eye contact again, his eyes firm and unyielding.

"Yes," Wei WuXian admits. "I thought I was ready to talk to him, but I guess neither of us were ready to talk to one another at all."
"Wei Ying,"

"It's fine, Lan Zhan!" Wei WuXian says quickly, knowing that Lan Zhan was worried about his feelings as Jiang Cheng often had a sharp tongue.

"Discretion please," Lan Zhan had said to Jiang Cheng more than once when the Jiang Clan Leader had spoken harsh words to Wei WuXian.

"Both of us said words we didn't mean. I shouldn't have pushed so hard." Wei WuXian shakes his head and then places his hands in Lan Wangji's.

"It doesn't matter now. Why don't you tell me about your day? Did A-Yuan pay attention well in class?"
"He always does," Lan Wangji replies, sitting at the table and pouring out some tea. "Jingyi, however, got scolded for falling asleep again and was sent to carry out his punishment in the Library Pavilion." Wei WuXian laughs, knowing that the junior disciple had a boisterous personality and was quite carefree.

"Jin Ling joined the lecture as well for a while, but he got sent to the Library as well for speaking out too carelessly." Wei WuXian shakes his head and picks up the cup of tea Lan Wangji had poured for him, bringing to his mouth to take a sip.

"He's going to get double the scolding. Jiang Cheng will not be happy."

"Is he ever happy?"

"Good point," Wei WuXian snorts. "He's always scowling at people. How can anyone approach him? I'm surprised Zewu-jun put up with him!" After finishing their tea, the two of them set up a bath and after helping each other wash, they finally settle into bed.

"It's been a long day. I missed you so much," Wei WuXian whines, grabbing Lan Wangji closer to him.

"I missed you too, Wei Ying."
"It was so boring," Wei WuXian pouts. "Jin Ling and A-Yuan kept me company, but they couldn't stay for too long and I just kept thinking about you all day."
"Mn."

"Especially thoughts about kissing you on your soft lips." Lan Wangji's face reddens at this.

"Shameless."

"Oh really, Hanguang-jun? Are you sure you weren't thinking about kissing me too?" Wei WuXian teases. Lan Wangji says nothing, only leans in closer to him, and kisses him full on the lips. Lan Wangji could feel Wei WuXian sinking into the kiss, but there was something about the way he returned the kiss that felt off. Almost different. Wei WuXian's hands on his back were not as tight or rough as before, rather they felt loose and energyless.

"Is something wrong?" Lan Wangji asks, concerned.

"No, nothing's wrong." Wei WuXian says hastily, though as Lan Wangji looks into his eyes, he could see the sadness in them, not the usual brightness he always saw.

"Did Clan Leader Jiang say something that upset you?" Lan Wangji's hands tighten.

"No...Lan Zhan. I said, don't worry about it. Let's just sleep, okay?" Wei WuXian closes his eyes and his breathing deepens. Lan Wangji sleeps too, but he wakes a few hours later to the sound of whimpering. He turns his body towards Wei WuXian. His lover's eyes and mouth were closed, but he could hear soft whimpers coming out of him.

"Shijie...where are you?" Lan Wangji hears, then sees tears seeping from his eyes. Lan Wangji's heartache at the sight of his lover being in pain, even while sleeping. He leans in and gives him a soft kiss on the forehead.

"I'm sorry...Jiang Cheng...we...fight again. Shijie, I'm sorry....,"
"Wei Ying...Jiang Cheng will forgive you. He will always be your brother, you hear me?" Although Lan Wangji wasn't fond of the Jiang Clan Leader, he knew how much he meant to his lover and how close they were before he had to turn to demonic cultivation. He knew that Wei WuXian had given up his core so his brother would be whole again.

"Lan Zhaan, stay with me."

"Wei Ying, I'm here. Don't cry." Lan Wangji whispers. He moves closer to Wei WuXian, embracing him in his arms.

"I'm here. I will always be by your side"

Chapter Text

A month later, Wei WuXian had long recovered from his injuries and took the liberty to wander around Cloud Recesses. As he heads towards the Back Hill, he hears the sound of laughing and shouting. Curious, he heads towards the noise and sees Jin Ling, Jingyi and Sizhui playing near the Cold Pond. Wei WuXian watches as Jingyi reaches his hands into the water and splashes it in Jin Ling's face.

"You!" Jin Ling sputters, spitting out water. He launches himself at the Lan Disciple, pushing him backwards into the water.

"How dare you!" Jingyi grabs Jin Ling's robes and pulls hard. The Jin Clan Leader stumbles and falls into the pond as well.

"Lan Jingyi, how dare you! I am a clan leader. You are so going to get it!" Jin Ling says through gritted teeth, but he was smiling.

"Oh I'm so sorry, all powerful Jin Clan Leader." Jingyi jeers. Jin Ling sprays water at him again.

"It's not me you should be scared of! What would Grandmaster think if he knew you disrespected a clan leader by splashing water in his face?" At the mention of Grandmaster, Jingyi's face turns pale and Jin Ling only takes this as an opportunity to splash him again, but this time Jingyi misses and the water splashes on Sizhui instead who is busy playing with a bunny on his lap and had been watching the two play with amusement. Jin Ling freezes as Sizhui stares in shock, water dripping from his face. Then he stands up and rushes into the water, creating a huge splash that hits both Jin Ling and Jingyi. Wei WuXian watches with amusement as the three continue to play in the water until he starts walking towards them. Seeing him approach, the three stand up hastily, squeezing the water from their soaked clothes.

"Senior Wei!"

"Xian-baba!"

"Uncle!"

Jin Ling and Jiang Cheng had left a few weeks ago, with Jin Ling being sent back to Lanling to deal with clan leader duties. However, two days ago, Jin Ling had returned, surprising everyone when he insisted that he was here to attend a lecture. Wei WuXian found it hard to believe and had a feeling Jin Ling had gotten into an argument with his uncle and that it had to do with him.

Jingyi and Sizhui duck their heads sheepishly, as if expecting Wei WuXian to scold them while Jin Ling stands there defiantly with his arms crossed.

"Have fun, you three?" Wei WuXian chuckles.

"Jingyi started it, Uncle Wei!" Jin Ling says defensively.

"Did he now?" Wei WuXian pretends to look stern as he looks towards the Lan disciple.

"Please don't tell Grandmaster! Or Hanguang-jun!" Jingyi begs. "I don't want to be alone in the Library copying out the rules again."
"You don't have to be alone. I'll send all three of you. You will be cleaning the chicken coop. " Wei WuXian turns to see Lan Wangji walking towards them with an expressionless face. "That includes you too, Clan Leader Jin. Don't think you are under exemption simply for being a clan leader. You are still obligated to oblige by the rules of Cloud Recesses as long as you are attending lecture here." Lan Wangji adds as Jin Ling opens his mouth to protest. The three of them bow and sheepishly walk off towards the Library.

"Ah, Lan Zhan! You really have no mercy on them, don't you?" Wei WuXian pouts. "Jin Ling is gonna get scolded by Jiang Cheng later too.

"Wei Ying. There's something I forgot to ask you."

"What is it, Lan Zhan?"

"Have you told your brother about our engagement?"

"I..no..I didn't get the chance to." Wei WuXian mumbles. "I want him to attend the wedding of course...if you're okay with that."

"He is your brother. You decide. I will go along with you. As long as you are happy." Lan Wangji replies.

"I have a lot of time...to make amends. I hope he will be able to be happy for me when he attends."

"No matter how angry he is at you, you will always be his brother. His family."

"Maybe I will try talking to him again today. Where is he?"
"I saw him going to the Hangshi in the early morning. To talk with my brother." Lan Wangji replies. Wei WuXian couldn't help but let out a faint chuckle.

"I've never seen my brother be so close to someone before. Perhaps this is the start of something." Wei Wuxian sits down and picks up a bunny nearby
"Start of what?" Lan Wangji asks, sitting down next to him. Wei WuXian shakes his head.

"You know...something new. Jiang Cheng...as difficult as he is, deserves to be happy. We all do, don't we? You may be surprised, but my brother has been different from the last time we saw one another. Still bad-tempered, but not as much. I can tell." Wei WuXian recalls the conversation Jiang Cheng had had him with that day. Jiang Cheng had always been the kind of person to suppress his feelings, but at that time, he had really tried to express them. It had just been forced out too aggressively.

"My brother has changed too," Lan Wangji admits. Before Clan Leader Jiang visited his Lan Xichen in seclusion, he had always refused to talk, even to Wangji. He had been silent, his face always reflecting the pain he felt at Guanyin Temple after he had stabbed Jin Guanyao,resulting in his death. His brother had felt so much guilt, despite the terrible things Jin Guangyao had done, about killing his sworn brother. Clan Leader Nie's unclear answer at whether or not Jin Guangyao had really tried to attack Lan Xichen behind his back had only deepened that guilt.

One day Clan Leader Jiang had come to Cloud Recesses for diplomatic reasons and had unexpectedly asked to see Lan Xichen. He had explained quietly to Lan Wangji that he was struggling with acceptance and full understanding of the events that took place in Guanyin Temple and after some hesitation, Lan Wangji had allowed him to visit his brother. After the first visit, Clan Leader Jiang became a frequent visitor at Cloud Recesses. Although Lan Wangji only spoke with him when it came to news about the cultivation world, the two of them ended up having awkward conversations where Clan Leader Jiang often asked about the whereabouts of Wei WuXian and when he would be back. Lan Wangji knew his brother had once visited Clan Leader Jiang at Lotus Pier as well, especially after Wei WuXian's death. Lan Wangji never asked his brother about what they talked about though as he often returned to Cloud Reccesses with a grim or tired expression on his face. When Lan Wangji asked his brother what he and Clan Leader Jiang spoke about in the Hangshi, his brother only replied.

"Nothing much. It's just nice to talk to someone who's had similar occurrences and troubled memories. We understand one another." Lan Wangji didn't want to intrude on his brother's private life, but at that moment he understood why he was close to Clan Leader Jiang: both of them had offered comfort to the other when it came to the guilt of being partially responsible for someone they had loved.

"Maybe I can try talking to Jiang Cheng again later." Wei WuXian sets the bunny back into the grass and stands up, Lan Wangji following him. As they walk into the courtyard, they bump into Lan Xichen. They bow to one another.

"Zewu-jun, Lan Zhan told me you talked to my brother again this morning. Have you seen him around afterwards?"

"I have not. Perhaps he is with Jin Ling?"

"Jin Ling is being punished in the chicken coop." Wei WuXian laughs. "For playing around. Jingyi and Sizhui are with him." Zewu-jun smiles.

"Those three remind me a lot of when you and your brother were younger. And Huiasang too." His voice catches at the mention of the Nie Clan Leader.

"Zewu-jun, would you like to join me and Lan Zhan in town? We were planning to uh...buy some preparations. You know, for the wedding," Wei WuXian smiles and Zewu-jun returns it.

"Of course. Shall we go then?" As the three of them head towards the gate, Wei WuXian glances back once to see Jiang Cheng watching them, a hint of longing in his eyes. When he realizes his brother was looking at him, he abruptly turns back around and disappears over the hill. The trio walk past Caiyi Town and end up in Tanzhou.

"Lan Zhan! How about we buy hundreds of bunny-decorated lanterns for the wedding?" Wei WuXian suggests as he picks up one of them and observes the two bunnies that had been painted on it. Lan Wangji shakes his head, smiling softly. The first lantern they had bought was hanging proudly in the Jingshi. They would light it every night before bed.

"We can certainly use some decorations. Bunnies are quite...cute," Zewu-jun says. "If we have any evening celebrations, we can use them."As they head further into the town, Wei WuXian ventures further ahead and disappears into a nearby shop while Lan Wangji and his brother go into a shop that sells red wedding dresses. The storekeeper hurry over to greet them with a bow.

"Let me show you some of our best designs. Who are the lucky woman and man? Are one of your gentlemens getting married?"
"My brother. "Zewu-jun replies. "And there are two lucky men actually."
"Brother-," Lan Wangji began, his face flustered.

"Oh, you don't have to worry!" The storekeeper says cheerfully. "I've had customers preparing for same-sexes before. We have a very special selection for those. Matching dresses!"

"Matching?" Lan Wangji echoes as the storekeeper leads them deeper into the store.

"Oh, I don't mean the exact same dress of course. But they were specifically designed to pair well together in terms of designs or patterns. Take a look at this one." Lan Wangji stares at the dress he was showing. It was red with golden cloud patterns embroidered onto it. It's perfect. Almost too perfect.

"Do you think
"Do you think...we could have two of the same dresses?" Lan Wangji turns to his brother for opinions.

"I don't see why not. How about this?" Zewu-jun addresses the shopkeeper now. "Could we request two different dresses using the same fabric? Would that work?"

"Yes, of course. Though for customized dresses, you'll have to make reservations. Would you like to make one now?" Lan Wangji nods. The shopkeeper goes over to a desk and prepares some ink and paper.

"And when would you like the dresses to be ready?"

"Before year's end. I know it's only the fourth month of the year, but we haven't decided an official date yet and we want to have everything ready so it can be perfect." Lan Wangji says.

"Understood." The shopkeeper bows.

"I will send one of the disciples over to pick it up when it is time." Zewu-jun and Lan Wangji bow in thanks to the shopkeeper and exit the shop.

Meanwhile Wei WuXian had finished his purchase and was watching as the shopkeeper places in a box and wraps it up neatly. He thanks him and he tucks the box carefully into his robes before exiting the shop to look for Lan Wangji and Zewu-jun. However the streets were busy today and he could not see their familiar white and green robes among the crowds. He shrugs his shoulders and decides to wait for them at a nearby tavern while he orders himself a jar of Emperor's Smile. He might have been poor before, but after a year of helping people fight off monsters and other creatures as well as getting himself a well-paid job, he had earned quite a lot of money. He had also gotten money from Baoshan Sanren. As he finishes his last gulp of alcohol, a familiar face enters the tavern.

"Nie-Xiong, is that you?" Wei WuXian stands up from his seat with a grin. "Or I should say Clan Leader Nie." He dips his head in greeting.

"Ah, Wei-Xiong! It's been a while, hasn't it?" Nie Huiasang folds his fan back up and sits at the table with Wei WuXian.

"I'm assuming your clan has been quiet as usual? No more little...adventures right?" Wei WuXian inquires. Nie Huiasang clears his throat.
"No..not really. Nothing major has happened. Who knew being a clan leader can be so stressful and boring?" he groans slightly.

"Ah well..you've heard about what's been happening in Lanling right? Some people...are not so supportive of Jin Ling being head of the clan. Sent assassins after him. Do you think one of the newer clans is responsible?" Wei WuXian dips his voice to whisper.

"I don't know. I really don't know." Nie Huiasang says his famous line. "I've heard about the assassinations of course. And the most recent one too. Have your injuries healed?" Wei WuXian tilts his head. It seems like news spread fast in Cloud Recesses and even faster outside of it.

"Healed a long time ago. Lan Clan has some of the best healers after all! I can't say they're better than Wen Qing though." Wei WuXian's heart pinch slightly as he thought of his deceased friend.

"Ah...well...it was nice talking to you. I should go." Nie Huiasang stands up, bows his head once and turns to leave.

"Are you in a hurry?"
"I..yes..I have to go to Lotus Pier for diplomatic reasons. And since Jiang Cheng has been investigating who's responsible behind Jin Ling's attempted assassination, I've offered to help him as well."

"Really?"Wei WuXian teases. "The famous 'Head Shaker' offering to help with something like this? Didn't you just say you didn't know anything?" Nie Huiasang flushes..

"Well..my followers do. They're the ones I sent out to investigate. Anyways, I'll see you later, Wei-Xiong." and with that he leaves. Wei WuXian takes out a few coins from his pocket, sets it on the table, and leaves the tavern. He finally spots Lan Wangji and his brother and hurries towards them.

"Lan Zhan! Zewu-jun! There you are. Did you buy anything interesting?"
"Mn," Lan Wangji replies. "Did you?"
"I did! It's very special. But I'm not showing you until we get back to Cloud Recesses." Wei WuXian smiles mysteriously. As they begin to head back to GuSu, a young woman hurry towards them with a frantic look on her face.

"Are you cultivators? Please you have to help! There's monsters in the forest near my house."
"Take us to it." Zewu-jun says immediately. The three hurry after the woman into the woods.

"My husband is a lumberjack. He frequently cuts down wood in the forest, but something went wrong today," the woman explains. "The dead trees cultivated into monsters. We had to retreat to a relative's house after my husband got injured." As they venture deeper into the woods, they hear the sound of roaring, causing the woman to shriek in fright. Zewu-jun and Lan Wangji take out their swords, ready to fight. Wei WuXian reaches inside his robes, cursing loudly when he realizes he has forgotten his temporary sword. Out of sheer habit, he had grabbed ChenQing instead. He grips the flute tightly, hesitant to use it, especially after the unusual activity he had seen when he had been recovering.

"Wei Ying." Lan Zhan says, his eyes concerned when he sees the flute.

"I'll use it if things get too bad for you two." Wei WuXian tells him. Lan Wangji nods and together, he and his brother begin attacking the monsters. Wei WuXian stays with the woman, protecting her in case one of the monsters came after her. When he sees a monster sneaking up behind Lan Wangji while he is busy fighting another two at the same time, he blows once on ChenQing, a harsh note. The monster freezes, turning towards the sound. Lan Wangji finishes off the two monsters with a single pluck of his guqin and turns around. Wei WuXian blows another few notes, making the monster stop in his tracks just long enough for Lan Wangji to kill it. He places his flute back down. Although he had barely used the instrument, he felt something shift within his core and a wave of dizziness hitting him. He leans against the tree for support, trying to hide it, but Lan Wangji is at his side in an instance, noticing the change in color in his lover's face.

"Wei Ying."

"I'm fine, Lan Zhan."

"The healer told you...it's dangerous to use ChenQing, especially when your core is weak."

"I managed fine without a core, didn't I?" Wei WuXian's voice comes out harsher than he wants it too. Lan Wangji's eyes hardened.

"Did you? I lost you because of the path you chose back then. You died because of it!" His voice is harsh, but also desperate and pleading.

"I...,"Wei WuXian couldn't say any more, but just shut his eyes.

I've seen your outbursts! Would you not have lost control and killed Jin Zixuan anyways? Jiang Cheng's harsh words ring in his head.

"I'm sorry...Lan Zhan. I'll be careful next time...I promise." Lan Wangji relaxes, placing an arm around Wei WuXian to keep him steady.

"Song of Clarity. I will play it for you. And don't worry about you being immune to it. I've spent years creating a version that would help you."

"Okay,"Wei WuXian nods, knowing that his lover meant well.

"Let's go home."

Back in the Jingshi, Lan Wangji plays the Song Of Clarity and Wei WuXian listens, as promised. When they finish, Wei WuXian sits up from his meditation position.

"Lan Zhan...do you think if I reunited with my sword, Suibian, my core would be stronger and the resentful energy wouldn't affect me as much?" Lan Zhan closes his eyes, hand still on his guqin.

Wei WuXian takes out the wrapped box from the inside of his robes.

"This is for you. My betrothal gift." Wei WuXian says softly, handing it to Lan Wangji. He takes it, carefully unwraps the outside paper and opens the box. He gasps at the sight. Sitting inside the box was a rabbit hairpin, gold in color with flowers.

(imagine this as a hairpin stick and the pink flower being a pale pale blue color instead)

"Wei Ying, this is beautiful!" Wei WuXian smiles lovingly, takes the hairpin and helps to place it into Lan Wangji's hairbun.

"Your turn."Lan Wangji hands him a wrapped box as well and Wei WuXian opens it to reveal a white jade lotus hairpin with clouds.

(imagine the flower is a lotus and replace the butterflies with clouds)

Lan Wangji helps take out the red sash from Wei WuXian's hair and adjusts it so that he could put in the hairpin.

"You look beautiful."
"You too, Hanguang-jun."

"Ah, Lan Zhan! I actually have one more gift for you," Wei WuXian places a folded fan into Lan Wangji's hands. He unfolds it carefully and his eyes travel over the painting on it. Three people sitting together in a field of rabbits and flowers with lanterns hung over them: Wei WuXian, Lan Wangji and Lan Sizhui. On the other side, there are just the two of them. Sitting under a tree in the courtyard of the Jingshi, holding each other tight and sharing a kiss.

"Did you paint this?" Lan Wangji asks in a soft voice.

"Yes. I have a matching one as well." Wei WuXian takes out his own fan to show him. One side had the same painting with them under the tree, but the other side had more people painted with the rabbits. It also included Lan Jingyi, Jin Ling, Lan Xichen, and even Wen Ning and Jiang Cheng. Lan Wangji's eyes linger over the painting of the Jiang Clan Leader. He was smiling. It was a small smile, a hesitant one, but he could see emotion in his eyes even if it was just a painting.

"You painted your brother." Lan Wangji says observantly.

"Yes...," There was longing and sadness in Wei WuXian's voice now. "This painting is more of a wish...for what the future might be." He reaches over to trace his fingers over each person in the drawing.

"Wei Ying."

"I-I think I will try talking to him again. If he is willing to see me. If I don't push myself, I don't know if I can face him.

"Go when you're ready. Do not push yourself if you don't feel comfortable." Lan Wangji leans forward to kiss him. Wei WuXian leans in as well to deepen the kiss, their hands reaching to slip off each other's outer robes. Soon, they are on the bed, their hands running down each other's necks and backs as they make out. When it was finally time to sleep, Wei WuXian touches Lan Wangji's face lovingly.

"We can do this everyday."
"Mn" Lan Wangji kisses him again, feeling overwhelming happiness that fate had given him a chance to spend the rest of the day with Wei Ying. Never in his life did he think he would end up in the situation he was in now. If he went back in time to tell his past self that he would one day fall in love with the optimistic and rambunctious Wei WuXian of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan, he would have scoffed and called himself 'shameless'.

"Everyday means everyday."

Chapter Text

What was I thinking? Have I gone crazy? The morning of Jin Ling's departure to Lotus Pier, Wei WuXian had insisted on coming along. However Jiang Cheng had arrived to pick him up already and clearly being in a sour mood, he ended up yelling at Wei WuXian, practically dragging him out of Cloud Recesses, demanding a fight and Wei WuXian, stimulated by Jiang Cheng's words was ready to fight with his short-term sword, despite his spiritual energy being significantly lower than his brother's. Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were busy teaching lecture and many of the junior disciples feared getting involved and could only wait for the worse to happen.That was until Jin Ling had shoved them apart and practically dragged Jiang Cheng down the mountain.

I can't believe I did that. I told Lan Zhan I would try to talk to him. And I didn't mean with blades!

Downcasted and bored without his son or nephew keeping him company, Wei WuXian spent the day painting on lanterns with the lantern paper he had brought the previous evening. He painted rabbits on some of them, lotuses on others, and clouds as well. Eventually, he decides to go pay Grandmaster a visit. The visit surprised both himself and the old man and although Grandmaster initially acted cold towards him, they eventually engaged in a long conversation.

"I noticed Wangji's new hairpin. From you, I assume?" Grandmaster grunts.

"Yes. Lan Zhan got me one as well."
"Hmph indeed. You have a fine taste in accessories. And you remembered the rule of 'no dangling jewelry'."

Wei WuXian laughs.

"After copying down all 3,500 principles over 300 times, it's hard for me to forget." Lan Qiren shakes his head, his eyebrows crinkling into a laugh.

"Of course. How could I forget the trouble you got into? You really are your mother's child."

"Grandmaster, do you think you can tell me more about her? My mother?" Wei WuXian had wanted to ask this question a long time ago, but had never got the chance to.

"I'd be happy to."

The two of them ended up talking past sunset. Lan Wangji had joined them shortly after and was starting to pour out some hot tea when there was a frantic knock at the door. By now it was half past 5pm, almost time for dinner, so who could be at the door?
"Uncle Wei!" An urgent voice came from outside. Wei WuXian stands up and in one swift motion, he opens the door to see Jin Ling, his eyes worried.

"What's wrong?"
"Uncle Jiang..I haven't seen him since he...since he visited you. He left his sword in his room! And he didn't bring any disciples with him." At this, Lan Wangji stands up from the table and goes to the door as well.

"I'll go with you to look for him." Wei WuXian says at once.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji says in a warning voice.

"Lan Zhan, he's my brother. He could be in danger, especially without his sword. Who knows where he's wandered off to?"

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji says again, his eyebrows furrowing. "It's late. Already past sunset."

"That's only more of a reason to look for him." Wei WuXian insists. Lan Wangji hesitates, his expression still worried.

"Take Ayuan and Jingyi with you."

"I will come as well." Lan Xichen steps into the yard of the Jingshi.

"How about we all go?" Jin Ling suggests. "We need a big party right?"

"That's right," Lan Xichen agrees. "Uncle will look after Cloud Recesses. Let's go." They packed a few supplies for the trip, found Jingyi and Sizhui, told them about the situation, and then they set off onto their journey. When they arrived at Caiyi Town, Jin Ling suggested splitting up into groups of three and using the communication talisman Wei WuXian had made to keep in touch with one another. Wei WuXian, Lan Wangji were in one group, Jingyi and Xichen were in another, and Sizhui and Jin Ling were in the last group. Jin Ling and Sizhui take off in a separate direction as soon as the groups were made. They checked every inn and tavern they passed by and asked a few vendors if they've seen the Jiang Clan Leader. Eventually, they found him at an inn near Biling Lake. He was slumped over at one of the tables which was covered in at least three jars of Gusu's famous Emperor's Smile.

"Uncle!" Jin Ling rushes over, setting down his sword, Suihua as he reaches over and shakes his shoulders.

"A-ling? C-come here," Jiang Cheng is clearly drunk as he grabs Jin Ling's sleeve, pulling him close so the Jin Clan Leader is sitting beside him. Sizhui watches from a distance, not wanting to intrude on the conversation.

"I-I want to t-tell you who g-gave you your c-courtesy name."
"Uncle," Jin Ling begins awkwardly. "Didn't you already tell me who?" Back then, because Wei WuXian had given him his courtesy name, Jin Ling had refused to be called by it. He even lashed out at Wen Ning after he had called him 'Master Rulan'. Now, he did not mind it so much, but nobody had called him that yet.

"N-no, l-let me t-tel y-you m-more. The m-man who g-gave y-you at name. He is brave, selfless and stupid. H-he gave up e-everything and he s-suffered a-alone. He d-didn't t-tell me anything. That idiot...," Jiang Cheng's blabbers had turned from a whisper to a low sob.

"Uncle..."

"He l-let everyone h-hate him. He let me hate him. S-sixteen y-ears of it. W-why didn't he j-just let me h-help him?"

"Uncle, did you really hate him? Truly?" Jin Ling whispers. He pours out a cup of water and hands it to his uncle who took it with shaking hands."

"I d-don't know." Jiang Cheng mutters, downing the water in one gulp. "I wanted to hate him." Jiang Cheng says, his voice clearer now. "But I just felt sadness and anger. I kept asking myself, "Why? Why did he do all of that? Why did he just leave me to be on my own? I had A-Jie, but I needed him too...,"
"Uncle...Uncle Wei says that was in the past. This...," Jin Ling pauses. "This is his new life now. Another body. You can start over, can't you?"

"You're saying the same thing as Lan Huan."
"Who?"
"Clan Leader Lan," Jiang Cheng quickly corrects himself, turning red from the mistake he had made.

"Oh." Jin Ling takes a few moments to process the fact that his uncle had just called the Lan Clan Leader by his birth name. "Uncle, you have to let yourself forgive him first. Uncle Wei knows the things he did back then can't be justified, even if someone else was partly responsible, he still bears the burden. But now Uncle Wei wants to make amends and move forward. Make his life more happy than his past life. Don't you want to move on and be happy too?" Jiang Cheng nods slowly.

"I can forgive him." Jiang Cheng says at last, blinking slowly. "But I need more time." Jin Ling nods in understanding. After all, it had only been a year since he had found out his brother had been set up by Jin Guangyao and Su She. Only a year since he found out that the golden core churning inside him had once belonged to Wei WuXian and that his sacrifice was the reason Jiang Cheng was capable of leading his clan today and the reason Wei WuXian had turned to demonic cultivation in the first place. Jin Ling had not known this when Jiang Cheng had been talking to Wei WuXian that night, but he found out later during one of Jiang Cheng's drinking sessions in his attempt to clear away the guilt and misery he felt from the truths revealed. Jin Ling, had of course been shocked, but after that day, he no longer held hatred for Wei WuXian in his heart. It wasn't love he felt, but gratitude and appreciation.

"Come on, Uncle. Let's go back. Uncle?" Jiang Cheng had stopped responding and was not completely passed out on the table, his eyes closed. Jin Ling sighs. He books a room upstairs and with the help of Sizhui, they help support the Jiang Clan Leader up the stairs and into a room. There was only a one-bed room available and another two-bed room, so Sizhui goes to stay in the one-bed room alone while Jin Ling stays with his uncle. Jin Ling quickly sends a message through the communication talisman to the others, telling them they'd be staying at an inn near Biling Lake.

Halfway through the night, Jin Ling hears a cry of fright coming from Sizhui's room. Instantly, he grabs his sword and goes next door, pushing the door open without knocking.

"Sizhui? Are you okay?" Jin Ling demands, his sword unsheathed in case his friend was in danger. Sizhui was in his bed, tossing and turning, cries of distress coming from his mouth.

"Sizhui!" Jin Ling hurries to his friend's bedside, trying to wake him, his voice growing louder."Sizhui, wake up!" When his friend still didn't wake, Jin Ling grabs his shoulders.
"Lan Yuan! Wake up! Please!" Sizhui jolts awake, his eyes wide. Jin Ling pulls him into a hug, relief washing over him. He could feel Sizhui shaking in his arms.

"Are you okay? What happened?" Jin Ling pulls away from the hug, looking into his friend's eyes with worry.

"It's n-nothing. Just a nightmare," Sizhui sounds shocked and puzzled at the same time, sitting up in his bed with a confused expression on his face.

"Nightmare?" Jin Ling echoes. He knew Sizhui used to have night terrors when he was very young, but he hadn't had them in a very long time.

"I saw black smoke and it was in the form of a wolf...or rather several wolves. It was strange." Sizhui explains. Jin Ling tilts his head to one side.

"I think it was a warning...no...maybe foreshadowing for something that will happen in the future." Sizhui shuts his eyes, as if he was trying to block out the frightening vision.

"Sizhui? What else happened?" Jin Ling knew that black smoke and a snake was not enough to frighten his friend to his extent. Sizhui's eyebrows furrow into a frown.

"It was attacking everyone... the people at Cloud Recesses,Jingyi, Wei-Baba and Ji-Baba, you, Clan Leader Jiang...everyone I knew. Wen Ning too." Sizhui's voice shakes.

"Black smoke....,"Jin Ling thinks out loud. "It can't be...demonic cultivation! Again?" Jin Ling's voice rings out loudly..

"I don't know...," Sizhui says.

"But the Stygian Tiger amulet...hasn't it been hidden away? And the Yin Iron had been destroyed years ago! How could there possibly be another shard?"

"Anyone can cultivate it again as long as they have the manuscript for it. Uncle Wen and I found someone who had it in a town called Fu Feng. He had the manuscript for the Yin Iron. Anyone could have taken it from Carp Tower while we were all at Guanyin Temple. No one was guarding it...at least no one important." Sizhui analyses. Jin Ling nods slowly as if he is still processing what was just said.

"Then what happened with the Yin Iron shard? Did you give it to Grandmaster?" Jin Ling inquires.
"Uncle Wen kept it. I trusted him to keep it safe. There's no way he could have lost it."

"Then maybe...either someone broke into Guanyin Temple and stole the Stygian Tiger Amulet or they are cultivating demonic energy without it. Uncle Jiang has met many of those..uh..when Wei WuXian was dead." Jin Ling said quietly. Jin Ling decides to leave out the details of what his uncle did to those cultivators, not wanting it to change the way Sizhui felt about him or his uncle. He had not agreed with what Jiang Cheng did, despite his hatred towards Wei WuXian at the time, but he dared not stop it to avoid his uncle's fury.

"I heard about it. Clan Leader Jiang was commemorated and praised for hunting down other demonic cultivators, but even if my dream does mean there is one causing trouble, why did I dream about it? Why me?"
"I don't know," Jin Ling answers honestly. "It's like you said, it could be foreshadowing. Why don't we talk about it in the morning? Maybe the others noticed something wrong with ChenQing?"

"ChenQing?" Sizhui echoes anxiously. "What about Xian-baba then? Do you think he felt something was off? What if everyone blames him again...," Sizhui's voice drop to a low whisper. Jin Ling suddenly places a hand on Sizhui's, surprising himself and the latter at the gesture.

"We won't let that happen, okay? Never again." Jin Ling stands up. He was about to leave the room when he hesitates, turning around. "Are you sure you will be alright? I can stay with you if you want to." Sizhui gives him a puzzled look, then his expression turns into a soft smile. The smile that always made Jin Ling's heartbeat increase or skip a beat or made him feel a sudden nervousness.

"Thank you, Jin Ling, but I will be okay. Thank you for listening to me." Sizhui lies back down and Jin Ling dips his head once before leaving the room, closing the door behind him softly. As he goes back to his own room and climbs into bed, he tries to breathe slowly to calm his thumping heart.

Jin Ling didn't know why he felt so worried for his friend. Tonight, while rushing to his friend's bedside with a mixture of fear, anxiety, and worry in his heart, he felt as if something had changed. When he was younger, he would just scoff when the Lan disciple told Jingyi about his nightmares. He remembered the times other disciples made fun of him for having no parents. In most cases, Jin Ling would never back down from a conflict, especially when it involved those who called him a 'motherless bastard' . It always resulted in physical fights. Sizhui had come to his defense and despite him yelling at the older disciple that he didn't want someone else speaking for him, he had never held it against him. And because of Sizhui's patient and kind personality, he managed to help Jin Ling calm down before he could land another kick or punch on those who had insulted him.

One day, when they were night-hunting together, he had told Jin Ling about how his parents were dead too and how Hanguang-jun was the only father-like figure to him. After that, Jin Ling had started growing closer to Sizhui, remembering that both of his uncles had raised him just like Hanguang-jun had raised Sizhui. Both of them had no parents, only parent-like figures. Additionally, after Wei WuXian's return, both of them had found themselves someone else to consider 'family'. Because of their shared family member, Jin Ling felt closer than ever to Sizhui. He closes his eyes and finally sleeps.

In the morning, Jin Ling is surprised to see that his uncle had woken up before him. He was sitting at the table, pouring hot tea into three separate cups. There is also a tray of biscuits and steamed buns on the table.

"Uncle, about last night-," Jin Ling begins.

"Unlike most people, I remember everything after I'm sober," Jiang Cheng interrupts in a curt voice.

"Oh," Jin Ling walks over to the table and sits down, giving a quiet thanks as his uncle hands him a hot cup of tea and a biscuit for breakfast. As he drinks the tea, Jiang Cheng speaks.

"I might have seemed like I was talking drunken nonsense last night, but," Jiang Cheng inhales. "I really meant every word I said. I guess alcohol makes me push out my emotions." He sighs. Jin Ling couldn't help but snort in laughter.

"Alcohol has a strange effect on people. I heard that Wei WuXian confessed while drunk." Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes.

"Wei WuXian doesn't get drunk. Have you seen how many jars of alcohol he can consume in a day?"

"Well..with Mo Xuanyu's body and weaker core, maybe he can get drunk easier. I heard from Jingyi that Clan Leader Lan diffuses the alcohol into his core and prevents himself from getting drunk that way." Jin Ling shrugs his shoulders, reaching for a steamed bun.

"Interesting. I should try that." Jiang Cheng declares.

"Hey, what's going on with you and Clan Leader La-," Jin Ling is interrupted with a knock at the door.

"Clan Leader Jiang, Jin Ling," Sizhui's voice said.

"Come in," Jiang Cheng calls, setting up another cushion seat at the table. Sizhui enters the room, bowing to both of them before sitting down. Jiang Cheng hands him a cup of tea who bows once in thanks.

"I'm assuming you will be meeting up with others later? Unless Lan Wangji allowed his son to look for me alone with Jin Ling?"

"Yes...Clan Leader Lan, Jingyi, Hanguang-jun, and...your brother. We will be meeting them later. Or perhaps they will come here," Sizhui stammers nervously.

"Good. After my...situation last night, I was able to think things over about my relationship with my brother."
"Oh?" Jin Ling and Sizhui say at the same time.

"I will take things slow...like how you advised me, A-Ling. Lan Xichen told me the same thing. As long as both of us take it slow," Jiang Cheng hesitates before speaking again. "I believe everything will be okay one day. Soon, I hope." He gives a resigned sigh and picks up one of the steamed buns from the breakfast tray.

"That's good. I want Xian-baba to be happy too. And I'm sure he will be happy once he knows he has his brother back again." Sizhui says warmly.

"Baba..? So have Lan Wangji and my brother adopted you? Officially?"

"Yes!" Sizhui says happily. "I spent my life being taken care of by both of them, so it's only fitting."

"Lan Yuan is your birth name correct?" Sizhui nods in response. Jiang Cheng looks at him thoughtfully.

"Your name sounds familiar....by any chance, were you that little kid that always clung onto people's thighs? There was a kid I met in the Burial Mounds..wait oh-," Jiang Cheng blinks in surprise as he comes to realization. This kid, Lan Yuan is the same kid that was in the Burial Mounds. No wonder he said he had been raised by both Wei WuXian and Hanguang-jun. Sizhui shifts his fingers nervously.

After discovering his heritage, he had always been self-aware that his former clan, other than the Wens who lived in the Burial Mounds, had been responsible for many deaths back when they were still in power, including the deaths of Clan Leader Jiang's parents. Although Sizhui had only revealed his heritage to his closest friends, including Jingyi, Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen, he had not expected that private conversation to be eavesdropped on by other disciples. As a result, it managed to spread to other clans. Some were angered by his fact, but Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen and even Lan Qiren were quick to jump in to defend him as he had always been a disciplined and well-mannered member of the GuSu Lan Clan. Jin Ling shifts closer to Sizhui, suddenly afraid of what his uncle's reaction would be.

"You are a good kid," Jiang Cheng grunts. "You've always been well-mannered and you're smart. You'll be good for Jin Ling," he casts a sharp glance at his nephew who opened his mouth to protest, but then thought better of it.

"Jiang Cheng," A voice came from the door, making all three of them freeze. It was Wei WuXian. Sizhui hastily gets up to open the door. Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian make eye contact, hold their gaze for a few seconds before looking away.

"Can I talk to him in private?"
"Again? What if he gets mad again and-," Jin Ling quickly shuts up as Jiang Cheng shoots him a fierce glare. He stands up and pulls Sizhui along who follows after some hesitation, they close the door behind them.

"Jiang Cheng," Wei WuXian begins.

"Sit," Jiang Cheng interrupts as he pours tea into a cup and places it near the seat in front of him. Wei WuXian does so and picks up the cup, swirling the leaves in it silently.

"Jiang Cheng listen I-,"
"No, let me speak first." Jiang Cheng interrupts. Wei WuXian nods, nervous at what he was going to say.

"I'm sorry." Wei WuXian's eyes widen as he stares at his younger brother.

"I shouldn't have said those things to you. I always speak without thinking and I end up saying the wrong things when I'm angry. I'm sorry." The words were spilling out from his mouth as fast as the tears coming out of his eyes. "Father was right. There are certain things I shouldn't say even when I am angry. I never understood the Jiang Clan's principles. You did."
"Jiang Cheng, no, stop. You do understand them. I broke my promises, remember?" Wei WuXian reaches to take his brother's hands. "You kept your promise and built up the Jiang Clan stronger than ever after Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu were killed. You were able to follow the Jiang Clan's motto of 'achieving the impossible'. You were only sixteen and you managed to rebuild your clan all by yourself. How could you have been such a great clan leader all these years without understanding those principles?"

"Was I really a good clan leader though?" Jiang Cheng whispers. "Hunting anyone who did demonic cultivation because I thought they might have been your soul possessing their bodies? Convincing everyone in the good cultivation world to hate you? I haven't been a good brother!"

"Jiang Cheng, you are my only brother. You will always be good for me..I was the one to defect. People would have ended up hating me...even without the things you said. Those things in the past, I told you to leave them behind you remember? You can say I might have known the principles of the Jiang Clan better, but you always had more common sense than me, remember? I was fooling around and causing all sorts of trouble while you had to drag me out of it." Jiang Cheng laughs softly, wiping away his tears.

"You were always the troublemaker. I either got dragged into your mess or had to drag you out of it."
"That's right!" Wei WuXian smiles, feeling warm that they were able to share a laugh together. "You've always disciplined me but I was the troublemaker, haha. Guess I wasn't always good for you."

"But you...you gave me your golden core. You might have broken your promise but," Jiang Cheng hesitates. "you were the reason I was able to build up my clan in the first place. If not for your sacrifice...I would just be a mediocre person. I would never have been able to rebuild anything if it weren't for you."

" You were able to build up your clan because of your own leadership skills and strength, please believe me when I say this. Even if we each still had our own cores, I would never be able to lead a clan like you! I don't have the patience, integrity or decisiveness. You're an incredible clan leader. I always knew you would be!" Jiang Cheng stares at his brother, letting those words sink in, the words he had wanted so desperately to hear from his father when he was still alive. A breath hitches in his throat. Those words mean so much to me, you have no idea.

Of course, his brother and sister had always brought him confidence when he had to be under the pressure from both his parents of being the "perfect" heir. However, after Wei WuXian left to live in the Burial Mounds, all those comforting words and promises seemed to have been kicked in the mud. Jiang Cheng shakes away the negative thoughts. He couldn't bring that back up again. It would only end up a mess again.

"Also..thank you for saving Jin Ling." Jiang Cheng knew he had already said them, but he wanted those words to sound as sincere as possible. Afterall, Wei WuXian had saved the only blood relative he had left from certain death at the risk of his own life. In a worse case scenario, both of them could have been killed if Sizhui and Jingyi hadn't come along. I could have lost the only family I had left in this world. Then I would have truly been all alone.

"He's my nephew..Shijie's son. I would give my life to protect him. You would too, wouldn't you? Despite you threatening to break his legs all the time!"Wei WuXian chortles. At this, Jiang Cheng slaps him on the arm, but not too hard.

"How else can I get the brat to listen to me? Always running his mouth off." Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes.

"Patience is the key, Jiang Cheng. It seems you're still lacking it!
"You-,"
"And you're stubborn too!" Wei WuXian ducks as Jiang Cheng swipes another hand at him.

"S-shut up!" Jiang Cheng snaps. Wei WuXian looks into his brother's eyes

"I know I broke my promises, but like I keep saying, it's in the past. My past life. I have a new life now. A new body. I will promise to do better in this lifetime and this time, I will never break this promise. I have so many new opportunities that I don't want to lose. Building a family. Being with Lan Zhan and Sizhui and Jin Ling. And you." He adds, his voice hesitant. "If you'll let me."

Jiang Cheng doesn't reply. He could feel his emotions swirling around inside. Feelings of turmoil and resentment were still there, but now he could also sense feelings of hope and longing. He thought he had lost his family forever after his parents and his sister died. He had Jin Ling, but it wasn't the same as having someone to talk to. An image of Zewu-jun shows up in his head.

"Hey Jiang Cheng. Why don't we start over?" Wei WuXian suggests, breaking Jiang Cheng out of his daydream. "We can be brothers again. Night-hunt together. Share meals together. Just like when we were younger. Let's not dwell on the past any longer, okay? Keep the happy memories only. " Jiang Cheng's eyes soften, remembering all the childhood memories at Yunmeng with both of his siblings.

"I would like that...but it will take time. This meeting..it'll be our first step okay? Let's take it step by step. Just like we did when we were younger." Jiang Cheng agrees.

This feels like a huge step for me to be honest, especially compared to last conversation. Wei Wuxian thoughts

"By the way, I wanted to tell you something." Wei WuXian's eyes are bright now, excited.

"Go for it." Jiang Cheng didn't know whether to feel nervous or excited.

"I'm engaged," Wei Wuxian says. Jiang Cheng's mouth drop. "to Lan Wangji. The wedding will take place before year's end." Jiang Cheng closes his mouth back up. "And...of course you are invited. If..if you can make it," Wei WuXian says hesitantly.

"Are you an idiot? Of course I can make it!" Jiang Cheng scooches forward on the ground, looking as if he wanted to reach over and give his brother a hug, his arms out, but then stops and leans back into his seat again.

"Hey Jiang Cheng, who taught you how to say such words?"
"What?" Jiang Cheng replies, baffled.

"I mean...you've never been good at talking out emotions. I've noticed that. Could it be that it's the alcohol talking?" Wei WuXian's voice has a teasing tone.

"S-shut up! No it's not!" Jiang Cheng huffs. "I've been sober since I woke up!"

"Then...?"

"It was Zewu-ju-,"

A scuffle outside makes them both jump.

"Jin Ling, I know you're there. Come inside now!" Jiang Cheng growls, shooting dagger eyes towards the door.. The door opens and Jin Ling is standing there, arms crossed as usual and avoiding eye contact with Jiang Cheng. Sizhui peeks out from behind him cautiously, his eyes flickering from Jiang Cheng to Wei WuXian.

"Where are Lan Wangji and Clan Leader Lan?" Jiang Cheng questions, standing up.

"Right here." Jiang Cheng's eyes light up as he sees the Lan Clan Leader step into the doorway There was curiosity and question in his eyes, but he did not ask anything. Wei WuXian stands up and bows in greeting.

"Zewu-jun."
"Clan Leader Lan." Jiang Cheng greets, hesitant to greet him by name with so many people in the room.

"It seems like the conversation between you two went well. I'm sensing a different mood than from the last one." Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng exchange glances but stay silent.

"Wanyin, isn't that right?" Wei WuXian's eyebrows raise at the way the Lan Clan Leader greeted his brother and shoots him a questioning look to which he mouths "Shut up" in response.

"Y-yes...I took your advice. I have to thank you for the support you've given me." Jiang Cheng dips his head in thanks. He feels a hand lowering his arms and looks up to see Lan Xichen standing directly in front of him.

"No, A-cheng I think I have to thank you. Everything you've talked to me about in seclusion has helped tremendously." Jiang Cheng tries to hide his blush by ducking his head even lower. He could hear tiny snickers from Wei WuXian and Jin Ling and shot them both death glares until they were silent. Wei WuXian hides his laugh behind his hand. Did the famous Zewu-jun just call him 'A-cheng'??

"Brother," Lan Wangji steps into the doorway. Jingyi is standing next to him.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei WuXian launches himself at the man in white and greets him with a kiss. Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes while Jin Ling scoffs and says,

"You two were separated from one another for less than an hour. Do you really have to greet each other like this?"

"I can't be apart from him for even a minute," Wei WuXian whines in response.

"Ridiculous!" Jin Ling mimics Jiang Cheng's eyeroll.

"Now, let's not get too excited. How about we save this excitement for when we go back to Cloud Recesses? Wanyin, will you join us?"

"I'd love to...but I'm afraid Jin Ling and I have important clan leader duties to discuss. I haven't been able to finish talking to him about it since he practically ran away to attend the lectures at Cloud Reccesses instead," turning to glare at his nephew as he spoke. Jin Ling lifts his chin defiantly.

"I'm getting educated either way, aren't I? And Clan Leader Lan was able to talk to me about clan leader duties as well and-," he silences himself and backs away hastily as Jiang Cheng takes a step towards him, eyes glaring daggers. He only relaxes when Lan Xichen places a hand on his shoulders. Everyone walks downstairs to the tavern and onto the street. He bows to Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen as they get ready to leave. His eyes met Wei WuXian's briefly and then he turned to walk away. Jin Ling pulls Sizhui into a hug.

"I'll see you again soon okay? For night-hunt!" Jin Ling says.

"Yes. See you soon!" Sizhui replies back with a smile.

"Bye, Uncle Wei! I'll try to visit as much as possible!" Jin Ling waves as he hurries to catch up with his uncle, then he is gone, disappearing into the crowd.

"What was that?" Wei WuXian exclaims as soon as his nephew had disappeared from sight.

"What was what?" Sizhui asks, puzzled.

"That! Jin Ling! And you!" Wei WuXian sputters.

"What?" Sizhui is still confused.

"He hugged you. Since when does Jin Ling hug people? I mean, he hugged me as I was recovering from my injuries, but that was different." Wei WuXian blabbers.

"Oh, the hug. I was surprised too." Sizhui blinks as if he just realized it minutes after it had happened.

"It felt...nice," Sizhui admits, his heart suddenly starting to beat faster and his breathing quickening.

"A-Yuan, are you okay? Your face looks like a tomato." Sizhui jolts up, hiding his face when Wei WuXian says that.

"I-it's nothing," he says quickly. "Let's just go back."
"Hey, where did Jingyi go?" Wei WuXian asks suddenly. Sizhui looks around. He swore he had seen Jingyi in the tavern, but now he had vanished.

"Master Wei!" A voice calls. Wei WuXian turns, eyes widening.

"Wen Ning?" He gasps. Wen Ning is running towards them, hobbling awkwardly. Jingyi is close behind him. Many people scatter as the fierce corpse approaches them, shrinking back towards the inner sides of the street.

"Uncle Wen,it's good to see you!" Sizhui runs over to hug him.

"A-yuan, great to see you too! And you've forgotten what I told you again. Call me Senior Wen." Wen Ning ruffles the boy's hair.

"Jingyi, why in the name of GuSu did you wander off so far away?" Wei WuXian scolds.

"Well, everyone was talking so I decided to wait downstairs, but then I thought I saw a familiar face so I ran after him. Turns out, it was the Ghost General, I mean, Senior Wen," he hastily corrects himself as Lan Wangji gives him a stern glance.

"What brings you to Yunmeng, Wen Ning?"
"Well..actually, I was going to visit A-yuan. Oh, and congratulations Master Wei and Hanguang-jun! A-yuan told me about the news." Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji turn to look at one another with loving eyes.

"Thank you, Wen Ning. You, of course, are invited to the wedding. We haven't decided on an official date yet, but we will let you know in due time."

Chapter Text

Another month had passed since Wei WuXian had his more relieving conversation with his brother. They had met up once or twice for nighthunts, bringing along Jin Ling, Sizhui, and Jingyi. Though the three juniors often went off in their own separate group, leaving the adults to talk. Jiang Cheng had not mentioned anything about bringing Wei WuXian to Lotus Pier and Wei WuXian never brought up the topic. He simply asked questions about Jin Ling's childhood and if it was difficult raising him while Jiang Cheng asked him where he had been the past year. Wei WuXian had told him about meeting Baoshan Sanren and how she helped him strengthen his core. When Jiang Cheng jokingly asks if he wanted to duel, Wei WuXian simply laughs and refuses, telling his brother that his core was nearly as strong to have enough spiritual energy to beat his brother.

"My core has been slowly strengthening ...thanks to all these nighthunts and qi meditation practice with Lan Zhan...but it's not even close to being as strong as my ol-, I mean your core." Wei WuXian corrects himself. Jiang Cheng had tensed slightly and Wei Wuxian had looked away quickly, knowing that neither of them liked talking about the topic and tried to avoid it the best they could.

Over time, Jiang Cheng seemed to want to drag Wei WuXian on more and more night-hunts. At first Wei WuXian thought it was because Jiang Cheng wanted to talk to him, but most of their night-hunts were silent with neither of them saying anything. Wei WuXian didn't mind however, as the more night-hunts he went on, the stronger his core became. So much for taking it slow though. I thought Jiang Cheng would be the kind of person to avoid trying to see me all the time.

~

"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan peeks into the room of the Jingshi. "Are you ready?" Wei Ying tucks his flute and his sword into his belt and comes to the doorway.
"I guess...I don't know. The last time I went to Carp Tower didn't turn out too well. And I'm nervous about meeting these new clan leaders. I'm sure they've heard tales about me, both bad and good." Lan Zhan takes Wei WuXian's hand reassuringly.

"You don't have to worry. There's only three clan leaders you haven't met yet at the Cultivation Conference. Clan Leader Yao isn't around any more and you have the support of the Lan, Jiang, and Jin Clan. And I'm sure Clan Leader Nie and Clan Leader Ouyang will support you too. And I want to officially make the announcement to everyone about our engagement." Wei WuXian smiles. The two of them start walking towards the gate entrance.

"Clan Leader Ouyang...is Ouyang Zizhen, right? I remember him, he was a funny kid. I'm sure he'd make a great clan leader. And it'd be interesting seeing Nie-Xiong again."

"Mn. Shall we go then?"

"Is it just us and your brother?"

"Sizhui is coming along. Jingyi is not joining us this time though."

"Is it a good idea to keep him here though? He might wreck all of Cloud Recesses." Wei WuXian laughs. Lan Wangji shakes his head gently.

"Not alone. It's usually all four of the juniors combined before they end up breaking something." Once they meet up with Lan Xichen, they start travelling to LanLing. The Lan Clan leader walks further ahead while Lan Wangji and Wei WuXian walk with Sizhui.

"I have something to tell you...I should have told you last month, but I didn't think it was important. But after it happened again, I think I should tell you now." Sizhui says suddenly.

"A-Yuan, what is it? Tell us what?" Wei WuXian slows down.

"I had a strange dream. It was really weird and I think it's important and may have something to do with demonic cultivation." At this, Lan Wangji was alert, turning his attention towards his son. Sizhui explained the first dream he had first, the one he had told Jin Ling about.

"The only thing that was different this time was that the wolves weren't shaped by the smoke. It was real wolves with their eyes glowing red and I heard the sound of a flute playing"

"Wolves? There can't be any in GuSu, can there?" Wei WuXian tilts his head.

"No. The wards at Cloud Recesses should keep prevent them from entering," Lan Wangji replies.

"To be honest, my dream last night was similar...,"Wei WuXian mutters. Lan Wangji whips his head to stare at him.

"Wei Ying, why didn't you tell me?" he demands

"It slipped my mind," Wei WuXian admits. "I didn't think it was anything usual until Sizhui gave the details of his dream. A-yuan...the flute...could it be ChenQing?"

"That doesn't make sense!" Sizhui exclaims.

"You're right...it doesn't. I've been using ChenQing only for...music purposes for the past month." Wei WuXian's face reddens, looking over at Lan Wangji whose face was also red. The two of them have often been playing 'WangXian' together every night, Wei WuXian with his flute and Lan Wangji with his guqin.

"Maybe one of the other clans will make a report about being wolves in their territory?" Sizhui suggests. "And will warn the other clans to keep a lookout." Wei WuXian nods in agreement, but he couldn't help but still worry and he could tell Lan Wangji was worried too. The details of Sizhui's first dream had startled both of them.

"Wei Ying, do you think you will be able to use Suibian again?" Lan Wangji asks. At the sound of the word 'Suibian', a resentful voice hissed in his Wei WuXian's ear, making his head throb in pain, but he pushed it away. He also felt a sharp pain from where ChenQing touched and made contact with his clothes from its place tucked in his belt.

"One day. Jiang Cheng still has it. Whether he brings the sword to me or I visit Lotus Pier again one day to retrieve it, I will probably get it back someday. I am still its owner after all."
"It may be difficult to use even when you do get it back. Your sword has a spirit and after being abandoned for so long, it may not obey you so easily." Lan Wangji warns. All spiritual weapons had their own spirits, including Zidian, Sandu, Suihua, Shouyue, and Yuanwang.

"Really? Hmm." Wei WuXian shrugs his shoulders casually, lifting his flute out from his belt to twirl it. "It may be difficult for me to use both ChenQing and my sword like how Zewu-jun uses both Shouyue and Liebing. One relies on resentful energy and the other on spiritual energy. Unless I can be a master of both." Wei WuXian gives Lan Wangji a goofy smile. Lan Wangji only sighs and looks at him fondly.

"I don't see why it isn't possible. I have the temporary sword that I use and my flute, though my temporary sword doesn't have much power while using it. I miss Suibian."
"Clan Leader Jiang will surely return it to you one day. He's been keeping it safe for over a month." Lan Xichen's voice cuts into the conversation. Although the Lan Clan Leader was walking ahead of them, he was still able to hear them.

"Oh, I see...ever since he found out?" Wei WuXian didn't need to specify as they both knew what he meant.

"Indeed."

"I'm not sure why he would keep it...I thought it would just make him feel...guilty." Wei WuXian murmurs. Lan Xichen turns to look at him.

"Having gotten to know your brother this past year, I can assure you it was mostly self-guilt. Mainly because he didn't realize your sacrifice before, but this past year he kept the sword so he would always remember what you did."

"I see...or just to remember me I suppose. It's difficult for me to talk to him about this subject. I'm surprised he opened up to you." Wei WuXian says. Lan Xichen smiles.

"We've become acquainted with one another due to past events. Let's just say we are quite close." Lan Wangji turns his head to look at his brother. Although he didn't look surprised, Wei WuXian could tell he wanted to ask his brother more but didn't want to push into his personal life.

"Your brother will be glad to see you."

~

After resting at a tavern for one night, the group arrived in Lanling. They greet Clan Leader Nie, who had arrived shortly before them.

"Sizhui!" The young man turns his head to see another young man dressed in red running over to greet him.

"Clan Leader Ouyang!" Sizhui bows his head in greeting.

"Ah Sizhui, drop the formalities. You only need to do that around my clan disciples and the other clan leaders, okay?" Zizhen looks around.

"Did Jingyi not come today?"
"He's staying behind to do extra studying," Sizhui explains.

"Or is he getting punished again?" Zizhen snorts.

"Probably both!" Sizhui laughs.

Lan Wangji and Wei WuXian leave Sizhui to talk with his friend and they head upstairs to Carp Tower. Inside, he is introduced to the newer clan leaders. Clan Leader Yang was a very beautiful woman. Though she looked delicate and gentle, she has also been known to be a fierce cultivator and was excellent at martial arts. She greets them with a bow and smiles, but Wei WuXian could see a subtle hint of wariness in her eyes when looking at him. He did not think too much of it though. He had been used to people either fearing or admiring the name of the infamous 'Yiling Patriarch'. Clan Leader Cheng is even warier, but greets them politely and glances over Wei WuXian with cold eyes. Wei WuXian thought he saw something else in his eyes but it was replaced so fast with an indifference expression that he couldn't be too sure. Clan Leader Zeng, however, seemed rather eager to meet him and even shook hands with him and offered him a seat next to him.

Wei WuXian politely refuses and goes to sit next to Lan Wangji. Sizhui and Zizhen enter, still talking to one another. When they spot Jin Ling at the far side of the room, they hurry over to greet and talk with him. Jiang Cheng arrives shortly after, greeting the other clan leaders and giving a curt nod to Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji. Once the meeting started, the other clans shared news about how night-hunts activity was, if there were any unusual demonic activity or other creatures they've encountered.

When it was Jiang Cheng's turn to speak, he gave news about the clan first. After that, he picks up a cup of wine and raises a toast to Lan Xichen.

"Clan Leader Lan, I'd like to congratulate you on leaving seclusion and welcome you back to the Discussion conference."

Wei WuXian held back a laugh as he could see Jiang Cheng's cheek reddening slightly from where he sat. Then he picks up his own cup of wine and raises it as well.

"Yes, congratulations, Zewu-jun."

The other clan leaders echo him and raise their glasses as well. What Jiang Cheng did next surprised everyone. He raised his glass towards Wei WuXian.

"I'd also like to welcome back my brother who left to wander the world for the past year. I know we had our conflicts but we are working on slowly improving our relationship. For a while there was silence and then Jin Ling spoke.

"Many people here already know Wei WuXian, but to the people who don't, please make him feel welcomed." There was murmuring and then silence again. Wei WuXian tries his best not to hide his face into his robes. He loved the attention as a teenager but right now he felt embarrassed. He gulps down a cup of wine to distract himself, nearly choking when he realizes how strong it was. Lan Wangji gives him an amused expression while Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes out of the corner of his eye.

"There is one last announcement to make before we continue discussing something very serious," Zewu-jun says. "There will be a wedding before the year's end, the most important one we've had in years." Murmurs start up again around the room.

"Who could it be?
"Maybe a clan leader."

"Could be Zewu-jun himself."

"Maybe his uncle set up an arranged marriage. And that's why he had to come out of seclusion."

"It is my brother, Wangji who is getting married."

He looks over at his younger brother and smiles. Wei WuXian felt Lan Wangji's hand on his and they both stood up.

"Me and Wei Ying. We will be cultivation partners."

For a moment there was silence and then hushed whispers of shock and surprise. Then the silence was broken by Nie Huiasang.

"Ah! Wei-xiong, congratulations on getting married for me." He claps his hands. However when he saw some of the other leaders staring at him, he quickly unfolds his fan and ducks behind it in his usual habit.

"Why is everyone so quiet? A marriage is a marriage and we should celebrate and show our respect." Zizhen spoke up. Jin Ling smiles at his friend and stands up.

"Clan Leader Ouyang is right. We should give our congratulations." After a while, Clan Leader Yang stands and bows towards Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji.

"Congratulations on your engagement. I will be looking forward to the wonderful celebration at year's end. Which is about half a month away." The other leaders soon echo her congrutalions and everyone is quiet again after the meeting starts up again.

"Clan Leader Jin, have you found out who was behind the assassination yet?" Clan Leader Ouyang asks. Though he was obviously concerned about his friend's safety, this was a serious topic that needed to be discussed with the other clan leaders as their clans could be targeted as well.

"I have not. When we searched their bodies, we found no clues as to which clan they belonged to. They seemed to be outside bandits hired by someone. Who, we do not know. But in due time we will find out."

"Indeed! We should find out as quickly as possible as it involves the safety of our clan leader!" Wei WuXian cranes his head to see who was talking. He blinks in surprise as he realizes it was Jin Chan. He almost didn't recognize the young man. The last time he had seen him was over a year ago when he had helped Jin Ling fight him and his friends off. He had a feeling that Jin Ling and Jin Chan had never seen eye to eye in their youth and didn't know if they did now. An older man sat beside Jin Chan. Must be his father. Wei WuXian thought.

"I am willing to be the head investigator. These assassinations were not uncommon when Jin Guangyao was leader." Jin Chan's father spoke up. Did he know Lianfeng-Zun well? Perhaps he was a trusted advisor and was in charge of keeping an eye on other people in case of suspicious behavior. Jin Ling narrows his eyes slightly at Jin Chan, but looks away and lifts his chin higher as he speaks again, this time addressing Jin Chan's father.

"Whoever is behind the assassination attempts is clever, but I have people I know I can trust being on the look out and reporting any suspicious behavior to me," he says tartly. Jin Chan's father narrows his eyes at those words, but simply lets out a huff and doesn't say anything else.

"Clan Leader Jin, if I may, I have something to report." Clan Leader Nie says, his voice nervous. Jin Ling nods to give him permission.

"While on nighthunt s, my men have encountered wolves near the foot of the border between Qinghe and Lanling. They seem to act very unusual and they have red glowing eyes." There was a light gasp in the room and from across the room, he saw his son tense visibly.

"Wolves?" Jiang Cheng echoes. "That's very unusual indeed. Wolves usually live up near the mountain and don't come near civilization. What is making them come now?"

"It's not winter either so they can't be after livestock." Zizhen adds. "Perhaps cultivators are venturing too close to their dens and cubs during their night-hunts?"
"Our cultivators never go up too far up the mountain to encounter wolves." Clan Leader Nie insists. "One of our younger disciples lost their way a couple of days ago, but he never reported seeing any signs of wolves."

"And what do the red eyes mean?" Sizhui asks nervously,looking over to meet Jin Ling's eyes.

"Settle down, everyone. Please."Jin Ling says firmly as voices began to fill the entire hall. "It seems like we have one more issue to deal with. I advise everyone to avoid night-hunting between the border of Qinghe and Lanling and any area near them until we have a clear understanding of what is happening. If that is all that is to be shared today, I would like to end the meeting early today. There are family affairs I must discuss." His eyes linger over to Wei WuXian and to Jiang Cheng.

"Lan Zhan, you come too." Wei WuXian tells him. "After all you are my fiance and are part of the family as well."
"What about Sizhui?"

"I think Jin Ling has already invited him into the conversation. Look." Wei WuXian gestures with his head over at his son. Sizhui had walked over to Jin Ling as soon as he got up from the table and was leaning towards the Jin Clan Leader and talking quietly with him. Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji follow Jin Ling, Jiang Cheng and Sizhui as the Jin Clan Leader leads them towards his private room. As he walks, he could hear snippets of Sizhui's conversation with Jin Ling.

"Sizhui, are you sure you want to tell everybody today?"

"I already told my fathers...I'm just telling one more person...it's fine. They need to know. It could help us find out who's behind the assassination."

"Honestly...it could be any of the Jin Elders. A lot of them were opposed to a teenager taking over an entire clan." Jin Ling mutters. "If it wasn't for Uncle Cheng helping me, I never would have gained the skills to make the clan as it is today. After all, Lianfeng-Zun's leadership created a lot of mistrust and ruined the reputation of the Jin Clan."
"You make an excellent leader, Jin Ling." Sizhui smiles and Jin Ling's face flushes with red at the praise.

"Hey young kids," Wei WuXian cuts in. "My br-, I mean...Clan Leader Jiang had to rebuild his entire clan all by himself when he was your age. He really did do a great job at helping you, Jin Ling. It's been awhile since a Conference Meeting was held at Carp Tower, hasn't it?" He feels Jiang Cheng staring at him as he speaks, but doesn't turn his head.

"It has." Lan Wangji replies.

"Of course I know that!" Jin Ling huffs. "He's my uncle and he's always been praised for the achievement since before I was born. Anyways, let's get down to business. Sizhui, you have something to say?" The young disciple looks around nervously before explaining the details of the dream he had had last month.

"After hearing what Clan Leader Nie said, I realized that what he was talking about...the wolves...were the same ones in my dream. C-could it be that my dreams...are premonitions?" Sizhui asks nervously.

"Have you ever had vivid dreams before?" Wei WuXian asks.

"W-well...to be honest, I've had had dreams that have come true. But I only started having such dreams after I turned eighteen. I didn't think much about it..so I didn't tell anyone." He looks over uncertainly at Lan Wangji whose expression was unreadable.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier." Sizhui begins. "I didn't think it would turn into something serious."
"No need. I'm glad you're telling us now when it's important." Lan Wangji responds. Sizhui nods.

"If everything that happens in the dream is true...that means someone might have cultivated another piece of Yin Iron again. But this time, they've found a way to control animals," Jiang Cheng mutters.

"And it means we're all in danger...or the cultivation world is," Wei WuXian adds, twirling his flute in one hand with a serious expression.

"Just when it's calmed down, another situation appears..and regarding the same issue.When will it end?" Jiang Cheng says, frustration in his voice. Wei WuXian looks over at his shidi, understanding him. For years, the yin iron was the reason he had lost his family and why he had suffered so much and now just when everything seemed fine, it might have shown up again and his family was once again the target of evil.

"There'll always be evil people in this world," Jin Ling says firmly. "It's our jobs as cultivators to defeat them."

"A-Ling...do you suspect anyone in your clan that might be the schemer? Is there anyone that has had a grudge against you? Either from the past or the present?" Wei WuXian was hinting at Jin Chan right now, knowing that he had been Jin Ling's nemesis only a year ago. Jin Ling looks around cautiously before speaking.

"Jin Chan. We've never seen eye to eye as kids and we fought a lot as teenagers. It's only been a year since I've become leader, but I've never been sure if he ever supported me. His father, from what I heard, was very close to Jin Guangshan. He was never a fan of Jin Guangyao, but kept his resentment hidden to avoid being killed or banished."

"Interesting..."Wei WuXian murmurs. Perhaps he had seen Jin Chan's father when he was in his prime at past Conferences. Of course he can't remember since it was over sixteen years ago.

"But is Jin Chan really capable of hiring assassins?" Sizhui inquires.

"Not Jin Chan," Wei WuXian corrects. "But his father."

"I've never had suspicions about Jin Chan's father. He always emphasized his support for me and rebukes Jin Chan any time he tries disagreeing with me."
"Skeptical points remain," Lan Wangji says shortly.

"Indeed. Clan Leader Jin, do you really trust him that much? More than Jin Chan?" Wei WuXian inquires. Jin Ling looks thoughtful and uncertain.

"No," He admits. "But he hasn't given me any reason to doubt him yet. Jin Chan may only be a teenager but he's intelligent. His friends have parents with power within the clan. It's not the first time someone goes against their father and does something behind their backs."

"Mmm." Wei WuXian nods.

"I had the chance to talk to Clan Leader Ouyang briefly after the meeting. We've agreed to meet near the area of the reported incident to investigate further during our next night-hunt together."

"A-ling," Jiang Cheng fumes. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"Uncle, I can and should handle it in my own way. I'm a clan leader now!" Jin Ling protests.

"Yes, you are. But you are still my nephew. It is still my job to look after and protect you. Especially now!" Jiang Cheng fires back.

"Why don't we all go?" Sizhui suggests, looking back and forth between Clan Leader Jiang and Jin Ling nervously, noting the tension that had arisen. "Who knows if these wolves are only following orders to go after Jin Ling? All the clans could be targets." Jiang Cheng glares over at him.

"It's domestic affairs only between the Jia-," He begins, but is interrupted by Jin Ling.

"Let's do that." He glances over at Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji. "If you are willing to join." They both stand and bow in acceptance.

"Of course, Clan Leader Jin." Wei WuXian nods. "Although, you really think I won't tag along anyways when it involves my only nephew?" he teases. Jin Ling rolls his eyes in response.

"It's decided then. Let's meet in three days time at the border between Qinghe and Lanling. Sizhui, you'll let Jingyi know?"

The latter nods and Wei WuXian, Lan Wangji and Sizhui turn to leave. Jiang Cheng stays behind, though Wei WuXian could feel his gaze following them as they exited the room. A few moments later, they hear footsteps behind them.

"Wei WuXian...can we talk?" A voice asks. Knowing who it was, Wei WuXian smiles and turns back.

"Yes."

"We will wait at the bottom of the stairs." Lan Wangji tells him and walks down to catch up with Sizhui.

A/N: I noticed that I never explained the locations of the newer clan! Here is what I planned out based on this map I found:

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gdc_map_9.png

Cheng Clan- Located in Liyang

Yang Clan- Located in Moling

Zeng Clan- Qishan (where Wen clan used to be)

They never mention where the Ouyang Clan is so I will just say they're located in Baling

Chapter Text

"Jiang Cheng, what's up?" Wei WuXian walks over to his shidi, who is standing near the watchup balconies next to the stairs.

"Are you sure you're up for the night-hunt?" Wei WuXian is taken aback by the question.

"What do you mean?"

"Well...Zewu-jun told me about what happened with ChenQing..and well. I know the night-hunts we've been going on have helped to strengthen your core but is it enough?" Wei WuXian could hear the slight hint of concern and anxiety in his voice. Had he...been inviting me on those night-hunts just to help me with my golden core?

"It is enough. I can feel it," Wei WuXian tells him a reassuring voice, while feeling slightly warm inside that his brother was beginning to slowly show his care for him again.

"When I was with Baoshan Sanren, she helped me tremendously. Though the meditation exercises we practiced were far more difficult than the ones I do with Lan Zhan." Wei WuXian laughs nervously, reaching up to brush a finger against his nose.

"Well of course...she's practically ancient. How come you didn't ask her to just..you know, make you a golden core?" Wei WuXian laughs.

"She may be ancient but she's not that capable. The things we've heard about her were mostly only rumors. Our golden core belongs to ourselves and no one else. There's really nothing she can do except help me build it stronger."

"Is the 'golden core transfer' thing true....or was that simply a bluff?" Jiang Cheng huffs.

"Well...no one else has ever been willing to give up their golden core before so I don't know for sure." Wei WuXian shrugs. "Anyways, you have nothing to worry about. I have Lan Zhan to protect me too. And we'll have Clan Leader Ouyang and his disciples with us as well and I'm sure Zewu-jun would come along as well." Wei WuXian nudges Jiang Cheng with an elbow.

"I'm sure Clan Leader Lan is busy with catching up with clan affairs after being in seclusion." Jiang Cheng replies, ignoring the heat creeping up his face. "Why not invite Clan Leader Nie?" Wei WuXian blinks.

"Mmm...well, I'm not sure if he will be much help on a night-hunt."
"You're not still underestimating him aren't you?" Wei WuXian is taken aback by the question.

"No...of course not. Well, maybe we could use his brain in the group. It has been a while...hasn't it?"
"A while since what?"
"Since the three of us have been together."

There was silence, but Wei WuXian knew what they were both thinking of.

The three of them sitting at the table of the living quarters for guest disciples at Cloud Recesses.

Each of them holding a cup of wine while peanut shells were scattered across the table.

"Beauty, natural beauty." Wei WuXian laughs. Jiang Cheng jumps to his feet, his finger pointing accusingly.

"Wei WuXian!"

"Virtuous and caring, comes from a good family." Wei WuXian is running now, with Jiang Cheng hot on his heels.

"She Should not be too chatty."

"Stop it right there!"

"And should have a gentle voice but not too capable."

"Wei WuXian! Stop running!" Wei WuXian ducks behind Huiasang who tries blocking Jiang Cheng.

"She should not burn through money."

"We were just teenagers messing around back then. How can we possibly go back to those times?" Jiang Cheng sighs.

"You're right. After all, everything has changed. I guess instead of fooling around, we have to be the ones to stop the kids from doing the same thing we did. Jin Ling, Sizhui, Jingyi and Zizhen."

"Jin Ling and Zizhen are both clan leaders." Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. "They'd never fool around like we did."

"You'd be surprised." Wei WuXian laughs. "Jin Ling, Sizhui and Jingyi all got reprimanded by Lan Zhan after they were playing in the Cold Pond."

"I wondered who started it. Was it your brat or the other one?"

"Hey, Sizhui is a good and well behaved child! Who are you calling a brat?" Wei WuXian huffs. "Anyways, if you want Clan Leader Nie to come along, you can send him a message."

"Do you not want him to come?" Jiang Cheng asks, puzzled. Wei WuXian shakes his head.

"It's not that..it's just....after all those years we didn't suspect anything. None of us did! We never knew what he was capable of. Now that we've seen his true colors, aren't you nervous?" Jiang Cheng's expression is thoughtful now.

"You're not suspecting he's the one after Jin Ling right?"

"No....well I'm sure he has no grudge against Jin Ling. Have they ever quarreled before?"

"No," Jiang Cheng says. "They only speak to one another about political affairs. Oh that reminds me. Did you notice how the other clan leaders were looking at you?"

"Oh, they were? I'm used to that much attention by now. I'm sure even the newer clans know about my infamous past."

"Well the Yang and Cheng clan seemed friendly, but I don't know about the Zeng Clan."

"What about them?"

"I'm sure Lan Wangji might have told you already, but Clan Leader Zeng used to be part of the Yao Clan and was basically former Clan Leader Yao's right hand man."

"Oh right, I did hear about it, but it was Jin Ling who told me. Lan Zhan and I bumped into him a day after we reunited." He adds quickly as Jiang Cheng's expression turns into confusion.

"Ah well. I'm sure Clan Leader Zeng won't cause any trouble for me. If he does, he'd have to be dealing with Lan Zhan and Zewu-jun. Either way, I'm used to it. I either have people with old or new scores with me or occasionally bump into groups of admirers." Wei WuXian shrugs.

"Right," Jiang Cheng mutters. "Just don't do anything reckless, okay?"

"You're worried about me?" Wei WuXian grins toothily.

"Yeah, right!" Jiang Cheng grunts. "I just don't want to get dragged into another mess of yours again. And Jin Ling might get dragged into it too like last time."

"Except, he's already dealing with his own mess and we are as well. Family...stick together, right?" Wei WuXian's voice catches slightly on the word 'family'.

"Mmm, well if this villain is a major threat to all the clans. We will end up teaming together anyways." Jiang Cheng replies, trying not to reveal the emotions that swept over him when Wei WuXian spoke that word.

"Of course. Anyways, I should get going. Lan Zhan and I have to discuss the plans for the wedding since it's so close. If Jin Ling comes to visit Cloud Recesses again, be sure to stop by and say hi?" Wei WuXian gets an eye roll and a grunt in response. Laughing to himself, he goes down the stairs to where Lan Wangji and Sizhui were waiting.

By the time they reached Cloud Recesses, it was already late afternoon and it was nearing sunset. Jingyi was waiting for them and Sizhui eagerly walked over to him, telling him the details of the meeting as well as the information about the night-hunt. As they headed toward Shadow Black Pavilion, where the Jingshi was, Lan Xichen was waiting for them already. They greet each other with bows before Lan Xichen turns to speak to Wei WuXian.

"Wangji told me you were talking to Clan Leader Jiang before leaving Carp Tower. How are things between you two?"

"It's doing better than I expected, but it's still a little awkward. I can feel a coldness and distance between us. But I'm hoping that over time, we'll be closer again." Wei WuXian tells him.

"I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure that is what Clan Leader Jiang wants as well." Lan Xichen smiles.

"Oh right, Zewu-jun, Jiang Cheng seems to be very well acquainted with you. If I may ask, did something happen? Wait no...I mean, I know he's visited you in seclusion, but I wondered if there was something more." Wei WuXian shuffles his hands nervously. He could feel Lan Wangji's eyes boring into his skull as he asked his questions. Lan Xichen smiles even wider.

"Clan Leader Jiang and I have indeed become very close. We've both given each other advice on how to...express our feelings."

"Right, Jiang Cheng did mention you helping him when I spoke with him at Caiyi Town. I assume you helped him to pick out the right words?"

"Yes. And he has helped me with that as well."
"I see. How so?" Wei WuXian feels shock travel all over him as Lan Xichen's face flushes with embarrassment.

"Well...it was something along the lines of "letting all my emotions out at once". He also mentioned screaming and throwing something." Wei WuXian holds back a snort of laughter. Typical Jiang Cheng.

"Have you...tried it?"

"Well umm," Lan Xichen looks around nervously. "When my uncle isn't around, I go walking to the Back Hill and sometimes yell." This time, Wei WuXian couldn't hold back his laughter and starts cackling. Even Lan Wangji feels a smile creep up his face. Who knew his normally calm and quiet older brother would be capable of doing something like that?

"The Lan Clan is truly full of surprises, Zewu-jun. I love it." Wei WuXian wheezes once he's done laughing, wiping a tear away from his face.

"Other than me and Wangj, has anyone else impressed you?" Lan Xichen asks warmly.

"That young disciple...Jingyi. He's so carefree and mischievous sometimes. He's very different from most Lan disciples. Almost the opposite of Jingyi."

"Jin Ling and Sizhui have more opposing personalities." Lan Wangji states.

"You think so? They get along very well though. I'm happy to see Jin Ling making friends. He has the temper of a lady so I'm surprised Sizhui can tolerate it. He argues with Jingyi a lot though."

"Well, I have duties to do, so I wish you a good day, Master Wei. Wangji." The three of them bow again and Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji are left alone.

"What should we do, Lan Zhan? Early bath? Play some music together?" Wei WuXian asks thoughtfully.

"I have duties to do as well. Wander around if you want. I'll be back shortly." Lan Wangji says evenly. Wei WuXian sticks his lips out in a pout and opens his mouth to protest but only gets a kiss in response before Lan Wangji departs. Wei WuXian sighs. He sits at the outside pavilion next to the Jingshi and brings his flute to his lips, playing out a tune that was so familiar to him. He could almost imagine the sound of the guqin that always accompanied it. He leans back, closing his eyes to relax.

"Master Wei."

Wei WuXian's eyes fly open as he hears a voice. However, he is no longer at Cloud Recesses. Instead he was sitting in an unfamiliar field, with fog all around him.

"Master Wei. Won't you come back?"
"Who's there?" he asks nervously.

"You don't remember me? It's me, Suibian."

"What?" He's confused now.

"Your sword. I need you. Come back to me. Have you forgotten about me?" The voice had a hint of hurt.

"It's been years...maybe you have forgotten about me. After all, you have HER now. You don't need me!"

"Do not speak for him. And do not blame me." Another voice echoes around Wei WuXian now. A female one.

"ChenQing, you stole him from me!" The male voice was harsh and hostile now.

"No, he created me when he needed me the most. I saved him." The female voice hisses back.

"I've saved him more times than you!" The male voice snaps back. The two voices echoing around him are making his head hurt and his ears ring.

"Yes, but why are you blaming ME? He chose to give up his golden core for his brother. Doesn't that mean he didn't value you?" There was a sudden silence now.

"But he did come back to me. I was mad for a long time because of his decision. I thought he thought I was useless. But after living at Lotus Pier all these years, I realized I was wrong. He is my master. I am one with him. I should have understood his decision. Now he has a chance to come back to me. He doesn't need YOU anymore."

"How dare y-,"

"Stop!" Wei WuXian's voice cuts in. "I'll find a way! So I do not have to lose either of you!"

"Don't be ridiculous. If you have your sword, why would you need me? You no longer need to summon puppets or fight with resentful energy. Suibian, you haven't heard the last of me. I won't let you take him from me. This is WAR." The last word screams out so loud that everything turns black around Wei WuXian. His eyes snap open and he is back at Cloud Recesses. He's breathing hard and sweat dots his forehead. Shakily, he stuffs his flute back into his belt and stands up, walking back inside the Jingshi to pour himself a cup of tea to calm himself down.

What the heck just happened?

"Senior Wei, are you alright? You look like you just saw a ghost!" Jingyi's voice startles him, making him almost spill his tea in the process. He and Sizhui are standing by the door.

"I'm alright." Wei WuXian tells him, trying to keep his voice reassuring and calm.

"What's wrong?" Sizhui akss, concerned.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. I dozed off and had a nightmare."

"Hmm." Sizhui replies, still not looking convinced. "Well, anyways, Master Lan has asked for you. Both he and Father are waiting for you in the Yashi." Wei WuXian puts his flute down on the table and heads towards the Yashi. He knocks politely before he hears Master Lan's voice telling him to come inside.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji walks over to him as soon as he enters. "We're here to discuss the wedding plans."

"Firstly, the place where it will be held will be Cloud Recesses, correct? I do not know of any other place and err..Lotus Pier is not an option I would assume." Lan Qiren says stiffly. Wei WuXian's heart aches at the thought of the place where he grew up. Noticing his expression, Lan Wangji turns to his uncle.

"Yes." He tells him.

"As for decorations...we can do the traditional Lan banquet banners and if you want some decorations of your own choice, feel free as well." Lan Qiren is talking to Wei WuXian now. His voice is emotionless and cold, with a hint of remaining grudge, but not hostile.

"Thank you, Master Lan." Wei WuXian bows in thanks.

"As for guests, we should invite all the clan leaders and any important officials and disciples in their clan. We should make this wedding an important one. It's been years since the Lan Clan has had a marriage ceremony as big as this one. We will want to emphasize it so as to...create a positive image for the cultivation world." Wei WuXian feels his to-be husband stiffen beside him. Wei WuXian knew his future uncle in-law meant well and he knew he didn't want anyone to look down upon his nephew when he was marrying someone like the Yiling Patriarch, known to the world for being infamous. Although his name had been cleared, his reputation still remained prominent as many people either feared or admired him.

"I won't let anyone criticize us." Wei WuXian says firmly. "I don't care what other people think or say. I love Lan Zhan and I will show the world how much he means to me.We will be a couple unlike any other!" As he speaks, he grabs Lan Wangji's hands, making him stiffen in shock before their fingers close around one another.

"Do what you can to win the hearts of the people. I'm sure you have your....charms. If you are able to convince my nephew to be your cultivation partner, then I am sure you are capable of impressing others. Do your best. That will be all. I've given a fair amount of money from the clan's treasury so you two may go out and buy the decorations that you like. Have a good rest of the day."

As he finishes speaking, he sits down in a lotus position and closes his eyes. Lan Wangji and Wei WuXian exit the room and head back towards the Jingshi. Lan Wangji sits down at the guqin, positioning his fingers over the delicate strings of the instrument. He plays one note, then another. Soon music fills the room. It is a different tune from the one he played every evening. Wei WuXian picks up his flute, sits down on the bed, places his lips on ChenQing before closing his eyes. Although he hadn't heard the song before, the notes he played were in harmony with the guqin.

A few minutes later, the duet was interrupted by a loud growling. Wei WuXian pauses, realizing it was coming from his stomach. It grows again and Wei WuXian stifles a laugh.

"I must have not eaten much at the Conference Meeting. How about I cook something?"

"Mm." Lan Wangji nods.

"Lan Zhan, are you okay with spicy food? I bought a bunch of spices secretly the last time we went to town." Although he had heard from Sizhui and Jingyi that his tastes were very mild, he wanted to ask anyway to double check. Lan Wangji only gives a small nod in response.

"I'll bring some to A-Yuan and Jingyi too then." Wei WuXian smiles. As he leaves the Shadow Black Pavilion and towards the kitchen area. He saw Sizhui and Jingyi scurrying out of sight out of the corner of his eye, sheer panic on their faces as they realized that Senior Wei was about to cook food. Wei WuXian smirks. After making a series of dishes, with both vegetables and meat, he adds on the spices at the end, making sure that everything has a tint of red. Then he places the dishes on a tray and exits the kitchen. He tries to find Jingyi and Sizhui first but discovers that they were already eating an early dinner along with a few other Lan Disciples in the dining area. Both of them avoid looking at Wei WuXian as they hurriedly stuff rice into their mouth. Despite their protests, he leaves them a dish of spicy meat and heads back towards the Jingshi.

As they ate, Wei WuXian closes his eyes in relish as the spices tingle among this tongue. Meanwhile Lan Wangji eats silently, only showing the smallest reaction through the slight twitching of his mouth and eyebrows. When he's done eating, he pours himself a cup of tea However what he didn't notice was that through the hurry to quench the spice, he had grabbed the white jar of Emperor's Smile instead.

"Wait, Lan Zhan. That's n-," Wei WuXian tries warning him, but it was too late. Lan Wangji had already downed the drink in one gulp.

"Ah, Lan Zhan." Wei WuXian groans, remembering the chaos that had unfolded the last time he had been drunk. To make things worse, he was Cloud Recesses this time. If Master Lan found it, he would be furious. And Wei WuXian had just barely begun to earn his approval and trust. So much for making a good impression. Wei WuXian thinks bitterly as he hurries to close all the doors of the Jingshi in case any unwelcomed eyes were to see the sights that were about to unfold.

It wasn't long until Lan Wangji had passed out from the alcohol. Sighing, Wei WuXian puts one of Lan Wangji's arms around his shoulder, hoisting him up and supporting him over to the bed. Once he tucks him in, he tries walking away, but a hand has a firm grip on his wrist.

"Lan Zhan, let go. Sleep." Wei WuXian tells him. He tries pulling the hand away but the grip only tightens. Before Wei WuXian could fight his way out of the grip, Lan Wangji sits up from the bed, gets off, and starts pulling him towards the bathtub on the other side of the Jingshi.

As soon as the two were undressed, they settled into the bathtub together, despite it being barely big enough for two people. As the warm water embraces them like a blanket, Lan Wangji begins feeling sleepy and rests his head against Wei WuXian's chest. Being drunk though, he nearly pushes him under the water. The only thing that prevented that from happening as Wei WuXian's arm supporting himself against the edge of the bathtub. However, he could feel the weight of the two of them making the bathtub tip dangerously on its edge.

"Lan Zhan! Careful...we don't want the tub to tip over. Come on, sit up." Wei WuXian says nervously, pushes him upward slightly, so that his head leans against his shoulders instead. With the weight being shifted, the bathtub is steady again and Wei WuXian lets out a sigh of relief. He grabs the wooden water ladle and uses it to wash Lan Wangji's back. Then he teasingly splashes some over his head, making him turn around with a glare.

"What? Are you sober already? That was quick." Wei WuXian laughs. Lan Wangji shifts his body in the bathtub to face Wei WuXian. His face was still red, either from the wine or the heat of the water. Then he snatches the ladle away, scoops some water and splashes it onto Wei WuXian's face. For a few seconds, Wei WuXian sat there, face dripping with water, his eyes widened in surprise. Then he uses his hand and splashes back.

"Oh, you want to play that game, don't you, Hanguang-jun? Then let's play!" he continues splashing water at him. Lan Wangji could only shield his face or splash back. When they were worn out, the entire floor was wet with water. Wei WuXian sighs, finishes washing himself then steps out from the bathtub, being careful not to slip on the water on the floor. He dries himself off, then fishes out a talisman from the inside of his robes and aims it at the water. The talisman instantly absorbs the water. Once the floor was clean, there were symbols on the talisman.

"Now this will come in handy if I want to attack anyone else with water." Wei WuXian says satisfyingly. "Lan Zhan, are you coming out? Or are you going to sit there until the water becomes cold?" Lan Wangji doesn't respond. He simply stares ahead, flicking his wet hair back from the front of his face.

"How can you still be drunk after that bath?" Wei WuXian groans. "I thought water made people sober...but then again, only one cup of wine makes you drunk and you just drank half a jar." With a sigh, Wei WuXian helps Lan Wangji out from the tub, dries himself and even puts his nightgown on for him.

~

Meanwhile, Sizhui and Jingyi are getting ready for bed as well.

' "Hey Sizhui! What are you thinking about? Sizhui!" Jingyi snaps his fingers in front of his best friend who was staring off into the distance.

"Huh? Oh..it's nothing, really."
"I've known you since we were little kids. Do you think I can't tell if something is wrong? Spit it out!"

"I'm thinking about A-Lin-, I mean... I'm just worried about the night-hunt. I don't want anything bad to happen or anyone to get hurt. I don't want everything in my nightmares to become reality." Jingyi blinks. A-Ling? Does he mean Jin Ling?

"Ah Sizhui...we'll be okay, don't worry! We have Master Wei, Hanguang-jun, Zewu-jun, Clan Leader Jiang, some of the most powerful cultivators coming with us. What could possibly go wrong?"

"Jingyi...even if we have them, something could still go wrong. They may be powerful, but everyone has their weak points right? What if they're betrayed again? Remember the situation with Lianfeng-zun?"

"Sizhui, you worry too much." Jingyi interrupts. "And of course I remember. How could I forget it? Anyways, who could possibly betray them? Zizhen and Jin Ling would never turn their backs on them."
"What about Clan Leader Nie? I heard from Zewu-jun that he might be coming along."

"Well..he doesn't have any reason to betray any of them. We all know what lengths he went to in order to avenge his brother and he's already done that. No one else has tried to hurt the people he cares about...I don't even know if he even has anyone.." Jingyi's voice becomes quiet.

"You're right. Maybe I am worrying too much. I believe it was Clan Leader Jiang's idea to invite Clan Leader Nie along. I wonder why. I know from Xian-baba that all three of them hung out together at Cloud Recesses in their youth, but Clan Leader Jiang and Clan Leader Nie were never super close."

"Go to sleep." Jingyi mumbles, already climbing under his covers. "You're talking more than me right now and that's saying something." Sizhui laughs softly and climbs under his covers as well. His eyes linger longingly towards one of the extra beds in the room, the one where Jin Ling usually sleeps at.

"I hope that once we catch the culprit, Jin Ling will be able to spend more time here and relax." Sizhui says sleepily.

"Oh keep dreaming. He's still a clan leader with so many duties to take care of. He's not a carefree teenager anymore. Now shut up and sleep before I throw something." Jingyi says grumpily and pulls the blanket over his face." Sizhui finally closes his eyes to sleep.

~

(Back in the Jingshi)

As Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji settle into their bed, Lan Wangji turns in the bed so that both their faces are inches away from one another.

"There's one thing I want to know."

"What is it, Lan Zhan?"

"How come Jiang Wanyin keeps taking you out for so many night-hunts? I thought you two were taking it easy, but it seems like he's taking you out for night-hunts almost every day of the week."

"I'm not sure...I guess he could be impatient? What, Lan Zhan. Are you jealous that I'm spending so much time with my xiongdi?" Wei WuXian gives him a teasing smile which makes Lan Wangji shift his body so his face is in the other direction.

"Ah Lan Zhan! You don't need to worry, okay? Jiang Cheng and I are taking it slow. We don't talk too much on these nighthunts to avoid argument from popping up or in case either of us say something provoking. But I'm planning to figure out some kind of conversation we can actually have so these nighthunts aren't that awkward an-," Wei WuXian pauses, realizing that Lan Wangji was already asleep as his breathing had eased and his body had relaxed. Wei WuXian too, closes his eyes to sleep.

However that night, he kept hearing the voices from earlier that evening. The voices of the spirits within ChenQing and Suibian. As a result, he was restless in bed and couldn't fall asleep. Soon, Lan Wangji wakes up from the twisting and turning next to him.

"Wei Ying? What's wrong?" There was concern in his voice. Wei WuXian hesitates, not knowing how to tell Lan Wangji what had happened.

"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji's voice turn more serious and worried.

"It's nothing to worry about...I'm just nervous about what might happen during the nighthunt." Wei WuXian mumbles. "Sizhui's descriptions of his dreams about the black smoke brings back bad memories."

"Nothing will happen. I will protect you." Lan Wangji reassures him. Wei WuXian sighs.

"I wish I could have Suibian back. So I can fight side by side with you rather than having someone else to shield me from danger. But I haven't mentioned anything about Lotus Pier to Jiang Cheng just to be on the safe side. Maybe he will bring Suibian himself to me one day."

"Yes." Lan Wangji replies, his eyes linger on his own sword, Bichen, which rested on the sword holder near the bed.

"Hey Lan Zhan...do you remember what you said to me a long time ago? When you said that my sword had a spirit?"

"Mm."

"Do you think Chenqing also has a spirit? And Bichen too?"
"They do. When the owners fully connect with their spiritual tools or swords, they release its full potential. When you first forged Chenqing, it recognized you as its owner, did it not?" Wei WuXian nods.

"And your connection with the sword was powerful enough for the sword to seal itself and not let anyone else use it except for you. That was also because...your golden core was powerful too."

"Indeed. I know it is possible to use two spiritual tools at the same time like your brother, Zewu-jun..but what would happen if the two spirits from the tools...clashed against each other and refused to let the owner use both of them?" Lan Wangji's eyebrows furrowed in the dark.

"Wei Ying, what is this about?"

"I heard voices earlier today," Wei WuXian finally admits. "One was from the spirit of Chenqing...or so she claimed to be and the other was Suibian. They sounded mad...like they wanted to fight each other to become my spiritual tool." Lan Wangji was silent for a moment, his expression confused and serious. His eyes linger on Chenqing as he spoke, noticing the small billows of smoke coming out of it after he had mentioned the word 'Suibian'.

"We shall ask my brother about it in the morning." He said at last, his voice heavy. "For now, let's hope Jiang Cheng doesn't return Suibian to you anytime soon. It may not end well."

Chapter Text

The next two days seemed to pass by like a breeze and soon, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were preparing to meet up with Jiang Cheng, Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen. They had invited Huiasang, but he had quickly come up with an excuse to not be included, claiming he had very important business to attend to, though Wei WuXian suspected he just had a deep fear of wolves. Sizhui and Jingyi begged to come along and assist them, despite Zewu-jun, Wei WuXian and Lan Qiren warning them of how dangerous it would be. In the end, they gave in to the pleas after Lan Wangji pointed out that it would be a very good experience for them. They begin heading north toward Lanling. They took a short-cut and as they headed into a particular dense part of the forest, a low growling could be heard from the treeline. Everyone froze in their tracks. Wei WuXian grips his flute while Jingiy, Sizhui, Xichen, and Wangji unsheathe their swords. Zewu-jun nudge the juniors so that they were inside flanked by himself, Lan Wangji,and Wei WuXian. A dark shape suddenly jumps from the trees, aiming right towards the unprotected side of the juniors. Wei WuXian spins around and jabs his flute straight into the flank of the creature, sending it flying to the ground stunned.

"A wolf!" Jingyi gasps, trying not to show how scared he was.

"Why is it here? Did it follow us back to Gusu?" Sizhui demands.

"I didn't notice anything following us." Zewu-jun responds, his sword pointed at the creature as it struggles to its feet.

"It's masking its presence with strong demonic energy." Lan Wangji says.

"How is that possible? I never heard of demonic energy being able to possess animals." Wei WuXian mutters.

"Maybe you haven't tried it yet, Master Wei." Jingyi responds
"Why would I-," Wei WuXian stops speaking as the wolf lunges again. Instantly, Lan Wangji slices down his sword. As his sword collides with the wolf's neck, it disintegrates into black smoke, flies away and begins reshaping again. This time the wolf howls and more wolves appear from the woods.

"What the hell." Wei WuXian mutters. Despite being the founder of demonic cultivation, this was something totally unheard of or perhaps like Jingyi said, he hadn't dove deep enough into harnessing its power in this way. Of course, he had never intended to use demonic cultivation for evil purposes. Whoever was behind this was.

Being surrounded by all sides now, Wei WuXian wanted to use Chenqing to try to control the wolves, but he was hesitant. What if the master of these wolves manipulates the music like in the past? And hurts the people I love again. Looking at the people around him, he wanted nothing more than to protect them and couldn't bear the thought of them being hurt. He didn't want to lose another one of his family when he just found himself a new one. He puts away ChenQing and takes out his sword instead. Although it wasn't Suibian, it would suffice. They begin taking down the wolves one by one. However the more they killed, the more appeared. Sizhui and Jingyi were fighting back to back, despite their spiritual energy dwindling on them as the wolves kept coming. Suddenly Jingyi stumbles backwards. Instantly, Sizhui turns to support him, but as he does so, a wolf lunges towards his leg. Wei WuXian turns, trying to get to him but more wolves surround him, slowing him down. As he struggles to kill them all, he watches with helpless eyes as a wolf closes in on his son.

Then from a far away distance, an arrow embeds itself into the wolf's neck, killing it instantly, its body falling to the ground with a thud. Wei WuXian looks in the direction the arrow came and sees a young boy in yellow robes running towards them, bow and arrow in his hands. Jin Ling!

Jin Ling hurries to Sizhui's side, helping him to his feet.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"he demands.

"I'm okay..thanks to you, Jin Ling." Sizhui smiles at him.

"Enough talk! We're here to fight, aren't we?" Another voice, gruff and annoyed, came from the distance. Several Jiang Clan and Jin Clan disciples follow close behind him.

"Jiang Cheng!" Wei WuXian stands up, pulling his sword out from the wolf he had just killed.

"Hey." Jiang Cheng nods at him, then scowls. "Why did you decide to take this shortcut where there are no people around? You should have known it was dangerous!"

Wei WuXian laughs slightly.
"Well...we didn't realize wolves would be near here.They must have been sent here by their master."

"Whoever that master is, let's hope we find out their identity today." Zewu-jun spoke.

"Can we chat later and fight now?" Jingyi interrupts, annoyed. "There are still wolves coming." As he speaks, he slashes down another wolf.

Jin Ling readies his bow and arrow, narrowing his eyes as he shoots with precision at the wolves. Jiang Cheng's Zidian had already uncurled itself from his wrist, ready to use.

"Hey, Wei WuXian! Catch!" Wei WuXian turns to see Jiang Cheng throwing his sword, Sandu at him.

"Huh? What?"

"Just use it for now! I have Zidian. It's enough!" Jiang Cheng says gruffly, then before Wei WuXian could respond, he runs towards a bunch of wolves. With a much stronger sword in his hand, Wei WuXian is able to bring down more wolves. Lan Wangji had switched to using his guqin, his fingers flying forward aggressively on the string, bringing waves of energy upon the wolves. With the creatures coming from all sides now, all of them were fighting for their lives. Jin Ling, Jingyi, and Sizhui all fight back to back, attacking any wolves that try to come at each other's vulnerable sides. Not far away, Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen fight as well.

"Jiang Cheng," Lan Xichen says. "You holding up alright?" Jiang Cheng's heart jumps when the Lan Clan Leader calls him by birth name.

"Of course." Jiang Cheng replies, whipping away a wolf with Zidian as he speaks. "What about you...L-lan Xichen?" His voice stumbles slightly.

"Never been better. I have someone like you fighting by my side.What do I have to worry about?" Jiang Cheng's face turns hot at those words, but manages to keep his concentration on fighting the wolves and resists the urge to see Xichen's face. Suddenly a shrill whistle pierces the air. The wolves freeze from their attacks and immediately turn back into black smoke. Jiang Cheng flies up to try to attack it, but it flies past him, knocking him back down and over the trees. Strong hands catch him from under his arms and hoists him back up.

"Don't go after them, A-Cheng. I have a feeling we will meet them again." Jiang Cheng turns around to find Lan Xichen standing by his side, supporting him. Jiang Cheng hastily stands back up, trying to hide the fact that his face was bright red. A-Cheng? Did he really just call me that? Lan Xichen glances from the rest of the group back to him quickly, then smiles.

"Let's go check if the others are alright, Lan Huan." Jiang Cheng's eyes linger over to where his shixiong was standing next to Jin Ling, Jingyi and Sizhui, anxiously checking to see if they had injuries. Normally, Jiang Cheng would have left Jin Ling's side in a situation like this, but seeing that Lan Xichen had been surrounded and temporarily separated from the rest of the group, he was quick to come to his rescue.

"Lan Huan?" Lan Xichen says questionly. Jiang Cheng freezes as he realizes what he had just called the Lan Clan leader.

"I-," Jiang Cheng begins.

"Don't worry, A-Cheng. I called you by your birth name too. Why don't we just call it even that you addressed me that way too." Lan Xichen says reassuringly. "Now come on. I've brought herbs and medicine and we must tend to the injured with necessary." Lan Xichen walks over to his younger brother first, asking him if he was hurt. Jiang Cheng goes to Jin Ling's side, using his hands to turn his nephew around and feel for any blood loss.

"Stop, Uncle. I'm fine." Jin Ling tries back off, but Jiang Cheng holds his arm firmly, ignoring his complaints until he was sure his nephew was completely fine. Jin Ling shoots him an annoyed glance then goes to check if Sizhui and Jingyi were alright.

"Hey Jiang Cheng, why is Jin Ling here? Wasn't he meeting us near Qinghe?" Wei WuXian walks up to him.

"Well...after everyone left the conference, I overheard Jin Ling getting into an argument with one of the Jin elders. He didn't look very happy when he left so I asked Jin Ling to stay with me at Lotus Pier in case anything happened."

"And I said I was fine because I have disciples guarding my quarters and I should be able to sleep there since I'm a clan leader now and should stay with my clan." Jin Ling cuts in, scowling. "Why must you still treat me like a three-year old kid?"

"Well, no matter if you are a clan leader or not, you are still my nephew. And I am still your elder. Is that any way to speak to your uncle? And to a clan leader." Jiang Cheng snaps.

"Well...I thought it was fine to drop formalities when we're family." Jin Ling mutters.

"Alright, alright," Wei WuXian cuts in. "Just settle down, both of you. We still have a long way to walk. If everyone is patched up, we should get moving.

"Maybe we should split up." Jin Ling said suddenly.

"What?" Jiang Cheng demands. "Isn't it better to stay in a large group if the wolves attack again?"

"Well..if we move in too large of a group, it may raise suspicions. The wolves knew to come after Wei WuXian and Hanguang-jun, but they didn't expect us to come too. The instigator might not know we've all teamed up since I made sure no one would overhear our conversation that day."

"Why would they come after Wei WuXian and Hanguang-jun though?

"I mean, they were famous for finding out Jin Guangyao's crimes weren't they? Now that another major problem has arisen, it only makes sense that they'd get involved, right? Especially since Jin Ling is involved." Jingyi pipes in.

"Maybe." Jiang Cheng mutters. "Should we split into groups of two?" As he spoke, he made eye contact with Zewu-jun.

"Three for us," Jingyi says, looking at Sizhui and Jin Ling. Wei WuXian frowns.

"You three are going alone? I don't think that's a good idea," He looks at Lan Wangji for his opinion, but he only says, "Let them go. It will be a good experience for them."
"If anything happens, be sure to send out flare signals. You have more than enough this time, right?" Wei WuXian presses. Jingyi rolls his eyes. He was clearly still remembering the time at Dafan Mountain when they had used up all their flares after battling the sword spirit at Mo Manor.

"We all have at least five," Sizhui reassures him.

"I still don't think this is a good idea. The last few times you youngsters were left to night-hunt or explore by yourself, Wei WuXian was the one to save your butts." Jiang Cheng mutters. At this, Wei WuXian starts laughing so much that he had to hold his side.

"Well true, but it's been two years already. They have to learn to be independent. Jin Ling has a point, we can't always treat him like a little kid." Hearing this, Jin Ling raises his chin in satisfaction, his eyes defiant.

"Fine well...I assume you're going with Lan Wangji? Guess I'll be with Zewu-jun then. We'll all take different routes. See if there's anything suspicious along the way and report anything when we meet up, alright?"

"Wait, here's your sword back." Wei WuXian waves Sandu in the air. Jiang Cheng hesitates, biting his lips.

"You sure you don't want to hang on to it for now? I was going to bring you back your sword, but it slipped my mind. Just keep it for now. I have Zidian and Xichen will be with me." Wei WuXian shrugs.

"Alright. We'll be on our way then." The three groups depart, going in separate routes.

As Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng walk, the Lan Clan leader notices Jiang Cheng kept looking back uncertainty.

"Jiang Cheng, are you worried about your nephew, your brother or both?" He asks gently.

"I-, I-I guess I'm worried about both." Jiang Cheng admits, suddenly feeling more relaxed around the calming demeanor of Zewu-jun. "It's just that. I thought life was finally settling down. There was a year of peace until this year when enemies, whom we don't even know the identity of, start coming after Jin Ling and I feel stressed again. The only time I ever felt relaxed was," Jiang Cheng pauses. "Was when I talked to you about my problems."

"I felt the same. When you came to visit me in seclusion, I felt very happy. I was happy that I could talk to someone who would give me helpful advice." There was a sudden silence as the two pause, looking at each other.

"You went through a lot after Young Master Wei fell off the cliff that year. I was stuck between both you and my brother suffering from that loss...but I never felt burdened. I was always happy to try and help you. But then when I fell into the abyss two years ago, you were there for me as well...and," Xichen takes a deep breath. Jiang Cheng watches him, his heart pounding and hands shaking.

"You were helpful to me. I was going through so much...losing A-jie, taking care of Jin Ling...and I..like you blamed myself for the death of someone we loved..and well," Jiang Cheng swallows

"Thank you." They both say at the same time, then laugh. Then Xichen suddenly reaches to place a hand on Jiang Cheng's wrist, making his entire body tense at the touch.

"I need to tell you something. Now that we are alone together. Should we walk?" Jiang Cheng nods, feeling as though he was unable to move any muscle in his body as Zewu-jun slowly pulls him along. Only then does he feel his legs moving.

"You were the most helpful to me during seclusion. During the times we spent together, I realized how much you meant to me. At first I was thankful for your presence, but over time...it became something more."
"Do you really think we have a chance?" Jiang Cheng's voice was barely a whisper, but there was a deep longing in it.

"What makes you think we can't? You're worthy to me. No matter what you think about yourself, you mean the world to me, you understand?" Xichen's hand moves towards Jiang Cheng's and grips in gently, but firmly. Those words, the ones Jiang Cheng had wanted to hear for so many years had finally been said.

"And you mean the world to me too." Jiang Cheng turns his body and pulls Xichen close into a kiss." It went by like a flash, it was quick, but desperate. Jiang Cheng pulls back, feeling heat rush up his face.

"Sorry..I.. don't know what I was thinking." He turns to walk, but Lan Xichen pulls him back and kisses him back, this time more hard and more firmly.

"A-cheng, you don't need to apologize to me. Not for this." A-Cheng..Jiang Cheng swallows in emotion. No one had called him that for years...not since his parents and sister had died.

"We should keep moving or else everyone will be worried when we arrive late." Xichen smiles. They continue walking, making conversation as they do.

"Are you ever going to tell Young Master Wei the real reason you've been dragging him out on so many night-hunts?"

"The r-real reason? What do you mean?" Jiang Cheng stammers.

"Is it not because you want to help him build up a very strong golden core? Or is it to spend more time with him?"

"I..well..helping him with his golden core is what I should do...do you think I'm rushing it too much? I did tell him we would be taking it slow."

"I think he knows you mean well. Though he has mentioned you two don't talk much during the night-hunts."

"We do talk..but oftentimes we don't know what to talk about. We avoid talking about the past so I update him on what's been going on at Lotus Pier." Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath, suddenly feeling nervous again.

"What is it?" Lan Xichen asks gently.

"I-I've been meaning to ask him to...come back and visit Lotus Pier, but I don't know when the right time is."

"Whenever you yourself feels ready." Xichen tells him.

"But what if...what if he's not ready? What if he can't bring himself to go back there after...after his last visit." Jiang Cheng shakes his head, trying not to think about what had happened in the Ancestral Hall two years ago.

"Wait for the right time to ask him. When you feel ready to ask him, I'm sure he will give you a satisfying answer. From what I've heard from Wangji, he's simply been waiting for you to ask him, rather than asking you himself if he can return. I'm certain he will not refuse." Lan Xichen says reassuringly.

"Right...I hope so." Jiang Cheng says, trying to sound convincing.

"Anyways, what do you think this whole issue with the wolves is about? To me...it seems like someone has created a new type of demonic cultivation, but one that can control animals."
"A new type? Is that even possible?" Jiang Cheng echoes

"I don't see why not. Young Master Wei is the only one known to be able to cultivate resentful energy successfully. And throughout the years, even after his first death, people have tried to do the same as he did. Looking to him as a role model. I wouldn't be surprised if there was another intelligent mind out there who figured out how to wield resentful energy in a different way...though this time, it's not for the good of the world."

"My brother is amazing, isn't he?" Jiang Cheng finds himself saying. "Being able to harness resentful energy for so long and not let it overwhelm him. He's strong."
"Indeed. Young Master Wei has always had a good and righteous and pure heart.After all, he only chose to walk down the path of Demonic Cultivation because he had no choice if he wanted to protect everyone he loved." Lan Xichen adds.

"I will give him his sword back soon." Jiang Cheng declares. "Perhaps the spiritual energy inside will benefit him greatly. I've...been taking good care of the sword all these years. I think it's about time it went back to its rightful owner." They arrive at a small town and head towards a small tavern to rest.

"You're ordering wine?" Jiang Cheng asks in surprise. "I thought it was forbidden."
"I once had a drink like this with Young Master Wei. I think it is only fitting that I have one with you, A-Cheng." Lan Xichen smiles as he pours him a glass. Jiang Cheng takes it and they clink their cups together before drinking. Then Jiang Cheng laughs softly.

"A long time ago, the night when we got caught drinking by Lan Wangji, I told Wei WuXian that he would be able to find his partner by following the fragrance of alcohol. Now I think it applies to the both of us."

"That is an interesting statement." Lan Xichen laughs as well. "Even in your youth, I knew you had the potential to be a great clan leader. Just like your father." Jiang Cheng's breath catches in his throat.

"You and your brother were the gems of Yunmeng. You were diligent, confident, stern, but still free-spirited while Young Master Wei was always free-spirited and bright, but also fierce on the inside. I've always admired you both, but especially you."
"Because I built up the Jiang Clan by myself?"

"Not only that, but your determined spirit to keep on trying...those are one of the many reasons why I cherish you. And all the times you kept me company, you were passing on that determined spirit to me." Jiang Cheng laughs lightly.
"You mean when I told you to shout and scream and let your emotions out? I wouldn't say that was sharing my determined spirit, more like the fiery spirit."

"You don't hesitate to show your emotions. I did not grow up like that. But seeing people like you and Young Master Wei willingly state what is on your mind is what makes me admire you."

"Except...my big mouth can get me in trouble sometimes." Jiang Cheng says bitterly

"A-Cheng, there are some words you shouldn't say even when you are angry. If you say them, it means you still do not understand the Jiang Clan motto." His father's words echo in his head.

As if Lan Xichen could read his mind, he says, "Achieving the impossible also includes speaking out and fighting for what is right. Regardless of if people disagree with you."

"You're right...it's just that..I can speak my mind when I'm angry but how about to the people I care about? It's harder for me."

"The things you said earlier about worrying about your brother. Have you forgotten? Or did you say them out without realizing?" Lan Xichen laughs.

"Oh right, perhaps it's because I feel comfortable about you, A-Huan."

"Well, now that we're all rested, shall we get going? We can get a horse if you want to so we can arrive early."

"Sure let's go."

~

"Stop walking so fast, Jingyi!" Jin Ling groans as he struggles to walk up the hill, holding up his gold silk robes to prevent them from dragging on the ground. How does he have so much energy?"

"He's always been like that," Sizhui laughs. "Even I had trouble catching up with him as a kid. He had so much energy, every other disciple thought he dropped down from the sky rather than have been born into the clan." Jin Ling snorts.

"I can believe that."

"Stop talking and catch up!" Jingyi shouts from on top of the hill. "If we walk fast, we can beat the adults!"

"We're all adults," Jin Ling hisses back. Jingyi rolls his eyes.

"I mean the clan leaders, Hanguang-Jun and Master Wei. Come on, Jin Ling! Don't you want to arrive faster than your uncles?" Jin Ling doesn't reply but speeds up his pace slightly, but makes sure not to leave Sizhui behind.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" A hostile voice from up the hill makes Sizhui look up in concern. He walks a bit faster, hurrying past Jin Ling who speeds up even more to catch up. When they arrive at the top of the hill, they see Jingyi and Jin Chan standing nose to nose with narrowed eyes. Two of Jin Chan's friends stand at the side with arms crossed.

"Jin Chan?" Jin Ling demands. "Why are you here?" Jin Chan turns his head, purses his lips but bows his head in greeting at his clan leader. His friends copy him.

"Father sent me out to investigate the disturbances at the border."

Without consulting me? Jin Ling seethes.

"We are doing that as well," Sizhui says, though his voice was cautious.

"With all due respect, Clan Leader Jin, why did you decide to team up with two disciples from the Lan Clan instead of disciples from your own clan?" One of Jin Chan's friends ask spitefully.

"They're my friends," Jin Ling says, his voice hard.

"Jingyi, I'm sure you can trust, but what about the other one? Did you not know that he is a Wen?" Sizhui flinches visibly and steps forward but Jingyi speaks first.

"So what if he is? He grew up in the Lan Clan! He had no memories of ever being part of the Wen Clan or remembers his family members before Master Wei came back."

"So he says. How do you know he wasn't just hiding his identity this entire time? Or plotting some kind of revenge?"

"Jin Chan," Sizhui says, keeping his voice calm. "I assure you that I do not remember the earliest years of my childhood. Hanguang-jun told me I was sickly when he first brought me to Cloud Recesses, which was the reason why I had no memories of the past. Whatever happened is in the past. Most of my blood relatives may be dead, but I still have a family. If I ever want to seek revenge, it is for the people I care about now." His eyes dart over to Jingyi then lingers on Jin Ling before he looks back at Jin Chan.

"Why should I trust the word of a 'Wen'? They are nothing but evil!" Sizhui clenches his fist now, but Jin Ling speaks first, stepping forward until his face was barely an inch away from Jin Chan.

"Don't you dare say that! What do you know about Lan Yuan? Why are you judging him simply because of his blood" Jin Ling's voice was seething with anger. "And don't you forget! The Gh-, Master Wen saved our lives back in the Burial Mounds." Jin Chan opens his mouth to speak, but Jin Ling cuts him off.

"Do not forget who you are speaking to. You may not respect me as Clan Leader, but I will not tolerate rudeness toward the two most prominent disciples of the Lan Clan." Jingyi turns in surprise at those words but stays silent.

"I never said I didn't respect you...," Jin Chan's voice was quiet now. "I was simply worried about who you associate with as clan leader."

"Then don't. I've known Sizhui for almost two years now. I know what he is like. And he's been kind to me during my childhood as well." Realizing he was saying too much, he simply grabs Jingyi's arm then Sizhui's and pulls them along as he walks around Jin Chan.

"Now we have to get going. We've been delayed for more than enough." Jin Ling says tartly.

"Sizhui, you okay?" Jingyi moves to walk beside his friend. "That Jin Chan is too much. Why is he bringing up such issues now? Is he trying to scapegoat you for what's happening?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm fine. These rumors have been floating ever since I told you guys," Sizhui says softly. "They will go away soon."

"They better," Jingyi snorts. "You've been nothing but loyal to your clan in all the years you grew up there. Why should anyone doubt that when you only just recently discovered your identity?"

"Guys, be quiet for a second," Jin Ling says suddenly. He had heard something move in the bushes. And from the sound of it, it was another person. Jingyi and Sizhui place one hand on their sword hilt in preparation to sheathe it. Jin Ling had his bow and arrow drawn already, his eyes narrowed as he glared into the trees.

"C-clan leader Jin? Wait, please! Don't shoot." A timid voice came from the woods. Jin Ling immediately lowers his bow, recognizing the voice.

"Master Wen?" Jingyi calls.

"Young Master Lan...and A-Yuan, you're here too!" Wen Ning steps out from behind the trees.

"What brings you here?" Jin Ling asks.

"Master Wei...summoned me..to..trail you," he added awkwardly. Jin Ling rolls his eyes.

"Man, does he really not trust us to travel on our own? It's not like we couldn't cope for the past two years he was gone."

"Yes well...did you face any real danger on your night-hunts though?"

"We encountered a few beasts, but nothing we couldn't handle," Jingyi replies.

"We worked together as a team." Sizhui adds.

"Well..we would have worked together perfectly," Jingyi begins, annoyance filling his voice, "if Young Mistress Jin didn't try to get ahead of everyone and attack the beasts before we gave the signal and- ow!" He breaks off as Jin Ling elbows him in the ribs.

"Watch what you say," Jin Ling retorts. "Do you always forget that I'm a clan leader?"

Jingyi rubs at his ribs and just turns away with his arms crossed. "Weren't you the one who told us to drop any formalities when we were alone?"

"Eh..Clan Leader Jin, A-Yuan, and Young Master Lan, shouldn't we get going? Master Wei and Hanguang-jun will be waiting for us."

"Right." Sizhui says, his voice authoritative. "We've wasted enough time as it is. Let's go." They continue walking down the path together. Wen Ning and Sizhui keep watch at the back while Jin Ling and Jingyi walk in the front.

When they arrive at Lanling, they decide to get two horses, each big enough to ride two people and hurry their way toward the border of Qinghe. Their destination meetup place was the former house of the Chang Clan. Over the years, it had been cleaned up and refurbished, turned into an inn. To their surprise, they were the first one there. As they were about to enter the inn, something in the sky caught Sizhui's eye. He stiffens.

"A flare signal!" He exclaims. Jin Ling whips his head around.

"From which clan?" He squints at the symbol in the sky.

"The J-jin clan?" Sizhui responds, his voice puzzled. Jin Ling blinks. "But why?"

"I don't know...but we should go." Sizhui says firmly. They mount back on the horse and ride towards the location of the flare signal.

Chapter Text

"Wait! Shouldn't we wait for backup?" Wen Ning protests from the back of Sizhui's horse.

"We can take care of ourselves," Jin Ling says firmly.

"But we don't know what dangers we will face," Wen Ning says worriedly.

"Sizhui! Jin Ling! Wait up!" Sizhui pulls on his reins to halt the horse as a voice calls out from behind them.

"Zizhen!" Jingyi calls, waving his hand in greeting as Jin Ling pulls his horse around to face him. The Ouyang Clan Leader stops his own horse in front of them with a few of his disciples following close behind him on foot.

"Where are you going? You're riding past the meeting place." Zizhen inquires.

"There was a distressed flare signal," Sizhui explains. "We were worried someone might be in trouble. We couldn't wait around. It might be too late by the time the others arrive." Zizhen frowns as if he was deep in thought. Then he turns to look at his disciples.

"A few of you will stay here and inform the rest of the party where we have gone. As soon as they arrive, come after us. I will leave markers behind for you." Zizhen tells them. The disciples nod their head. "Yes, Clan leader." Five of the disciples dip their heads before heading back the way they came.

"We will do the same," Jin Ling says, turning to his disciples. "Five disciples." When the disciples had been picked out and they had gone, they began heading towards the area of the flare signal again. The direction leads them towards the forest where the trees only get thicker and thicker as they continue riding deeper into it. It was still late afternoon, but the thick leaves above made it seem as if night had already fallen. Wen Ning suddenly jumps off the horse and keeps on the alert, his eyes narrowing as he scans the treelines for danger. The horses had slowed their paces, nickering nervously, almost as if they knew something wasn't right and that going further into the forest meant danger would await them.

"Let's continue on foot here," Zizhen says. "We leave the horses."
"Are you sure?" Jingyi asks, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice. "What if something attacks us from the ground?"

"Then we would be more prepared and have proper footing to fight," Sizhui responds, getting off the horse with Jin Ling jumping off after him.

"Are you sure it was a good idea to come here instead of waiting for the adults and coming together?" Jingyi huffs.

"What? Are you scared?" Jin Ling snickers.

"Of course not!" Jingyi snaps back, sticking out his chin. "But what we're dealing with is completely different from fighting those beasts on our regular night-hunts together. Why do you think Senior Wei and Hanguang-jun gathered so many people? Actually...wasn't it your idea in the beginning, Jin Ling?"

"Well...if we see trouble, we can't just wait around until it's too late." Jin Ling replies indignantly.

"Be quiet!" Sizhui hisses at them, his sword suddenly drawn.

"Yeah..if you two don't quiet down, you'll be leading danger straight to us." Zizhen adds, his voice barely a whisper.

"There's something coming," Wen Ning says, his voice cautious.

"I can't see!" A disciple suddenly cries out. "Where is everyone?" The four of them froze at the voice. The fog around them began getting thicker and thicker. However, it wasn't regular fog. It was black, almost like smoke. The same smoke that creeps out of Chenqing. The few disciples that had been following them had gotten lost already.

"Stay together and don't get separated." Jin Ling says, the tone in his voice serious and low now.

"Where's Jingyi?" Sizhui asks suddenly. "And Senior Wen?" Jin Ling turns around and curses loudly. Both Wen Ning and Jingyi had disappeared from sight. Zizhen was gone as well. Jin Ling pulls Sizhui closer, gripping his sleeve of his robes.

"Jin Ling?"

"Sorry....this might be the only way to not lose each other," Jin Ling says, red creeping up his face, though luckily it was too dark for Sizhui to see it.

"We have to find them," Sizhui says shakily, his voice thick with fear for his best friend.

"We will..don't worry," though his words were encouraging, Jin Ling could feel his confidence fading. He quickly shakes his head. No, I can't back down now. My friend is in danger and as clan leader, I have to be brave no matter what.

"Jingyi! Where are you?" Sizhui calls out desperately. They go deeper and deeper into the trees. Sizhui takes out a talisman, activates it with his spiritual energy and thrusts it up ahead. Instantly, a light glowed from the symbols on the paper, relieving them from the darkness.

"We have to hurry. That talisman won't last long." Sizhui says, picking up his pace. Jin Ling follows close behind

"Who's there?" A harsh voice asks. Instantly, Sizhui slits the talisman in half with his sword, plunging them into darkness once more.

"Who was that? Who dares invade our hideout? Show yourself!" Sizhui and Jin Ling duck down behind a bush,keeping their mouths covered.

"Father? Why are you here?" A shocked voice.

Jin Chan! Jin Ling could barely keep himself from springing up from his hiding space. If it weren't for Sizhui, he would have done so already.

"Why is he here?" Jin Ling demands."Did he follow us?" Then his voice gets angry. "Is he the one behind this mess?" They creep closer.

"Is this the one who was outside our campsite? I was sure I saw someone else...someone in white robes too!" says an unfamiliar voice.

"Didn't we already capture him? The wolves caught him trespassing and wandering around outside."

"They've got Jingyi...," Sizhui says shakily.

"Guys? We have to go, now!" They nearly jumped out of their skin as Zizhen pops up behind them. He grabs them both and yanks them to their feet before running.

"Stop! We have to save him!" Sizhui yells, struggling to free himself from his friend's grip.

"After them!" Shouts of multiple voices came from behind them. They continue running, footsteps running closely behind them. Then they heard the snarling and felt the hot breaths at their ankles. Zizhen screams and Jin Ling and Sizhui felt his grip on them being forcefully ripped away. Jin Ling and Sizhui turn around to see four giant black wolves at their feet. One of them has Zizhen's robes in its teeth.

"Let him go! Leave him alone!" Jin Ling draws his bow and arrow, getting ready to fire. Before he could do so, a blue energy wave shoots out from the treelines and blasts all four of the wolves away. Sizhui hurries to help Zizhen to his feet.

"Hanguang-jun! Uncle Wei!" Jin Ling calls as two familiar figures step towards them.

"You are in big trouble!" Wei WuXian snaps angrily, stomping towards him. "Why did you run off into danger without waiting for us?!"

"I..," Jin Ling avoids his gaze.

"Just wait until Jiang Cheng arrives. You're in for something big!" Wei WuXian's eyes were angry and hard, compared to the usual mischief and smiles.

"Where's Jingyi?" Hanguang-jun asks, his eyes narrowed.

"We...got surrounded by this thick fog and we got separated. Wen Ning too. We're lucky Zizhen managed to find us." Sizhui mumbles. Wei WuXian's hands clenches into a fist, his eyes closed as if he was struggling to keep calm. Then he pulls Chenqing out from its place next to his hips and blows a few notes. Instantly, the trees and bushes rustle and a figure hurries towards them.

"Master Wei! A-yuan, Clan Leader Jin, I finally found you!" He says breathlessly.

"We can't stay," Wei WuXian says abruptly. "The wolves would have heard those notes too. Though I didn't summon them, they are controlled by the same thing that created Chenqing."

"What about Jingyi?" Sizhui asks desperately. Wei WuXian's eyes clouds.

"We have to regroup and figure out a rescue mission and-,"

"JIN LING. You little brat!! Get over here!" The voice was so loud that everyone flinches backwards, except for Lan Wangji.

"U-uncle Wei," Jin Ling whispers, his voice desperate.

"No, I'm not covering for you this time." Wei WuXian says sternly, once he had regained his composure. "You are getting it from the both of us this time." Jin Ling groans as Jiang Cheng's purple robes come into view.

"A-Cheng! Wait, calm down please! I'm sure they have an explanation!" Lan Wangji frowns suddenly. Lan Xichen's green robes came hurrying after the Jiang Clan Leader. He seems to be holding him back and trying to calm him down. Wei WuXian raises an eyebrow and exchanges a look with Lan Wangji.

"A-Cheng?" Wei WuXian sputters.

"JIN LING, how can you go running off like that?!" Jiang Cheng yells angrily. "You knew what type of danger we were facing and you still went off alone!"

"The same goes for you, A-Yuan...I thought you were the most reasonable one of the group. How can you follow along with this foolish behavior?" Wei WuXian says sternly. Sizhui looks away, his expression upset.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji says softly. Wei WuXian sighs, turning back towards him.

"We need to find Jingyi first," He tells his husband. Wei WuXian nods.

"I'm sorry...my friend got captured because of my behavior," Sizhui starts to cry softly. Zizhen crouches down next to him and rubs his back.

"We'll save him...he'll be okay, he has to be....,"

"I w-was worried someone was in danger...that's why I went off alone with Jin Ling and Zizhen." Sizhui says through his sobs. Zizhen stands up and turns towards Wei WuXian and Hanguang-jun.

"As a clan leader, I acted recklessly and I put all of us in danger. I am sorry," he dips his head.

"Me too." Jin Ling says, stepping forward from where Jiang Cheng had been reprimanding him.

"See..this is what happens when you act recklessly," Jiang Cheng barks. "You-,"
"A-cheng...don't. They already blame themselves enough for what happened..please don't make it worse." Lan Xichen soothes. Wei WuXian blinks, staring from his brother to the Lan Clan leader. What had happened when those two were alone?

"Hey..Uncle Wei. Weren't we supposed to leave? You said the wolves might be coming." Jin Ling says, staring nervously towards the woods.

"It's a bit too late for that." Jiang Cheng says, whipping out Zidian. Everyone draws their sword while Wei WuXian keeps a firm grip on ChenQing. There had been a rustling in the woods.

"You're using Chenqing?" Jiang Cheng asks. "I thought they couldn't control the wolves."

"It's worth a try, isn't it?" Wei WuXian mutters, but he puts the flute back into his belt and takes out a sword instead.

"Wait! It's only me! Don't attack!" A voice cries out.

"Him again? What does he want?" Sizhui says irritably. Jin Ling doesn't speak, but he could feel himself shaking and this time it wasn't from fear. It was from rage. He keeps his sword sheathed and pointed towards the location of the voice despite everyone else having lowered their sword.

"Jin Ling? What are you doing?" Wei WuXian asks. "You don't recognize the voice? It's-,"
"Jin Chan! Why are you hiding? Come out now!" The fury in Jin Ling's voice makes him stop speaking abruptly. The figure steps out from the bush carefully. Wei WuXian inhales sharply at the sight in front of him. Sizhui gasps while Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng look on in silence and distress. Jin Chan was supporting an unconscious Jingyi with his shoulders, whose robes was torn.

"He's bleeding!" Zizhen exclaims, ready to hurry forward, but Jin Ling grabs him backwards, his sword still pointed at Jin Chan.

"I can explain...it's not what you think," Jin Chan says desperately as he carefully lowers Jingyi down and props him up against a tree. Sizhui immediately kneels down next to him while Jin Ling shifts himself over until he is standing between them and Jin Chan. Zizhen looks on with an uncertain expression. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng hurry over to check on Jingyi's wounds.

"Jin Ling," Wei WuXian said cautiously.

"What is there to explain?" Jin Ling snaps. "I've seen and heard enough to see the truth."

"There's always more to situations than meets the eye," Lan Wangji's voice was calm, but Wei WuXian could see the slight distress in his eyes.

"First, we need to get Jingyi to a medic," Jiang Cheng speaks firmly. He watches anxiously as Lan Xichen pass spiritual energy to the young boy. Some of the color was coming back to his face as a result. "The wolves...whoever they are controlled by don't seem to be showing much restraint, even on a young boy. His legs are bleeding badly." Wei WuXian clenches his fist in frustration. I thought I would be able to live a normal life with Lan Zhan and A-Yuan when I came back but turns out...danger and evil are always at every corner.

"Jin Ling, we need to go." Wei WuXian says firmly. "Before the wolves track us. Lan Zhan set up a barrier, but it won't hold them forever." Jin Ling doesn't move, his eyes still fixated on Jin Chan who shifts his feet nervously.

"Take him with us. That way we can keep an eye on him," Jiang Cheng says, his eyes narrowed.

"Fine," Jin Ling finally speaks. "You," he points to Jin Chan. "Stay at the front of the group and don't try anything." Then he turns around and goes over to help Zizhen and Sizhui support Jingyi.

"We're fine, Jin Ling. Zizhen and I can handle it." The uncharacteristic coldness in Sizhui's voice makes him freeze in his steps.

"Sizhui, I-, I want to help." Jin Ling begins, but the hardness in Sizhui's eyes, the eyes that were always filled with warmth, took him aback. He watches silently as Sizhui and Zizhen walks past him.

"A-Ling, what's wrong?" Jiang Cheng frowns, looking at his nephew and then looking at where the other juniors were walking away.

"I'm fine...it's nothing. We should hurry before-,"

"Before what?" A voice answers him. Jin Ling spins around, hand on his sword at once. A masked figure in a hood is standing in the bush. Sizhui and Zizhen stop in their tracks, looking behind them. The voice was low and calm,but not too deep either. It was difficult for the others to tell whether it was a female or male.

"Go!" Lan Xichen calls out suddenly. "Take Jingyi first and go! We'll hold them off." Sizhui opens his mouth to protest, but Zizhen says, "Come on! We have to get Jingyi to help first!" Sizhui hesitates but then speeds up his pace,walking quickly, but being careful not to bump Jingyi's injuries and keeping him propped up between him and Zizhen.

"Pity...my test subject got away." The masked figure sounded disappointed.

"Who are you? Why are you attacking innocent people? And with what powers do you use to control those beasts?" Jiang Cheng demands.

"Do you always ask this many questions? It's annoying," The figure responds tartly. "Anyways, if I wanted anyone to know my identity, why would I be hiding behind this mask? As for the wolves...well, let's just say I am ambitious." Wei WuXian rolls his eyes.

"Another power-hungry cultivator, I assume?"

"Ah, the famous Yiling Patriarch, isn't it?"

"Yes, and? What are you trying to do? Follow in my footsteps with demonic cultivation?" Wei WuXian crosses his arms. "It's not a very good idea especially for folks like you. Though I wouldn't recommend anyone doing it." He twirls his flute absentmindedly. It was Jiang Cheng's turn to roll his eyes.

"And why not? Weren't you the one who created the infamous Stygian Tiger Amulet? To control puppets and the living dead?"

"I was, but I have no need to do such things anymore. After all, this body has a golden core and I can use it to cultivate with a sword again. Although, I'm not sure what your goals are though. Your spiritual energy seems strong so I see no reason why you had to go down another path."

"Ha...what my goal is is my own business. I am simply using a different method to get rid of my enemies and seek revenge. Using the sword would be too boring...and besides, just because you can do demonic cultivation without a core, doesn't mean you have to not have one do cultivate that way."

"Revenge? Against who?" Lan Xichen demands. "All of the clans? The Lan Clan? Even if it means hurting an innocent boy?"

"Aren't you Jin Chan's father? I..I heard him ask why you were here," Jin Ling pipes up.

"That's not my father...can't you hear his voice?" Jin Chan speaks in a shaky voice. "I told you to hear me out sooner, didn't I? If it wasn't for him, I never would have gotten Jingyi out."

"Of course he did. He would never have let anyone hurt you. He had no choice but to let you and the other boy go. After all, you were refusing to let him out of your grasps, despite being outnumbered and outmatched." The anger in Jin Ling's eyes fade away as he gazes at Jin Chan.

"I did what I had to do," Jin Chan speaks boldly. "Saving a fellow cultivator when they're in danger. I would never have left him behind to save my own skin." The masked figure laughs.

"Keeping you alive is his plan, but it isn't mine. Your father letting the boy escape will not go unpunished. After all, he works for me in order to make his own plans work out."

"Plans? What plans?" Jin Chan sounded hurt and confused. He felt Jin Ling staring daggers at him out of the corner of his eye.

"What..what do you mean?" Jin Ling demands.

"He and I made a deal with one another. He wanted to make sure your position was safe in the clan, especially with Jin Ling as leader. He clearly knew the differences you two had as well as the conflicts."

"I never would have hurt him!" Jin Ling snaps. "As clan leader, I protect my people."

"But you two had always been at each other's neck. Who knows what you would have done with Jin Chan had continued to butt heads with you once you became leader?"

"How do you know so much? Are you part of the Jin Clan?"

"No," The person laughs. "Don't be ridiculous. No one in your clan would dare try something like this. Not within LanLing, at least. After all, you and Clan Leader Jiang put so much effort into rooting out anyone suspicious and getting rid of those who threatened you. You had too many trusted spies everywhere because you were paranoid after what happened with Liangfeng-Zun."

"Paranoid? I wasn't paranoid," Jin Ling said hotly. "I wanted my clan to trust that I could be a good leader and fix the clan's reputation after my former uncle's rule. Jin Chan's father never did anything suspicious either. I put him in charge of the clan's treasury because I wanted to improve my relationship with him as well as Jin Chan. I wanted to trust him," He said the last words through gritted teeth.

"Jin Ling...," Wei WuXian said warningly. "Don't talk to him too much. He could have ulterior motives."

"What if they're stalling us?" said Jiang Cheng. A chill ran down his spine at those words. Jin Ling tenses, his hands gripping tighter on Suihua.

"Oh, don't worry. They are unharmed. They have to be." Although Wei WuXian couldn't see their face, he could imagine them smiling behind that mask. The words did little reassure anyone as they immediately. became more alert to what the masked person had to say next.

~

"Something's following us!" Zizhen's urgent voice made Sizhui tense but he didn't stop walking.

"It's the wolves?" he asked breathlessly, struggling to one of Jingyi's arm over his shoulders.

"It could be...but they're not attacking us."

"Wolves stalk their prey and wait for the right moment to attack...when we're vulnerable," Sizhui said shakily.

"We're almost to the town...Jingyi will be fine." Zizhen said firmly.

"They're tracking us....through Jingyi's scent." Sizhui had only felt this much fear one other time. When he saw Jin Guangyao holding the string around Jin Ling's throat at Guanyin Temple. He had wanted to go save him, but he knew that if he made any sudden movements, it would only put his friend in more danger.

"A-Yuan! Clan Leader Ouyang!" A shout behind them made Zizhen loosen his grip in Jingyi and reach instantly for his sword.

"Senior Wen!" Sizhui shouts back, relieved. He also saw a few Jin Clan and Ouyang clan disciples behind him. They all looked battered, but as far as Sizhui could see, they were uninjured.

"W-what happened to Young Master Lan?" Wen Ning asks worriedly.

"We'll explain later. We have to get into the town as soon as possible."

"We found the horses. Let's go to them so Young Master Lan won't worsen his injuries." One of the disciples spoke up. They found the horses and Wen Ning gently lifted Jingyi onto one of them while Sizhui hops on behind him. With the horses, they were able to reach the town much faster.

"Follow my lead. I know an excellent doctor who lives around here." Wen Ning says. They keep on riding through the town until they reach a house at the edge of town. Once they mount the horse, Wen Ning carries Jingyi inside while calling out for someone.

"A-Qing! We have a patient!"

"Bring him here quickly!" A soft female voice responded. Zizhen and Sizhui exchange looks but follow after Wen Ning swiftly as he lays Jingyi down onto a bed.

~

"What do you want with them?" Wei WuXian demanded.

"Like I said before, my plans are my own business."

"You stay away from them," Jin Ling said icily, his hands ready to pull his sword out. Jiang Cheng grabs his arm before he could do so, giving him a warning glare.

"Why are you telling us so much?" Jiang Cheng said, stepping forward.

"I haven't told you anything about my plans. I've only been speaking about Jin Hong, have I not?"

Jiang Cheng fell silent, frowning. Wei WuXian scratches his chin thoughtfully.

He's revealing Jin Hong's plans but not his own? Why though?

"Jin Hong's plan was to try and get the clan elders' favor to make Jin Chan clan leader instead. He may be the same age as Jin Ling, but everyone knows he's far more capable and mature of leadership."

"What do you know? I had no choice but to be more mature for the sake of my clan. Even if it wasn't alone, I spent months repairing my clan's reputation and gaining the trust of the other clans again." Jin Ling snaps. "And for your information, I managed most of the clan on my own. Uncle only gave me advice during the first few months."

"And yet, you thought you rooted out every traitor and you didn't."

Jin Ling hesitated, going quiet.

"What you said about Jin Hong still doesn't explain why he captured Jingyi. And the rest of the disciples." Lan Xichen shakes his head. "What does making Jin Chan leader have to do with the Yin Iron and the wolves?"

"Oh, that wasn't part of his plan either. It was part of mine. He didn't want to do it, but I convinced him it was necessary. In order to get Jin Ling to cooperate."

"Then... did he even get his hands on the Yin Iron in the first place ?" Wei WuXian asks, keeping his voice calm.

"Oh, he didn't. Again, that was my own plan. And also it's not the Yin Iron like you all thought it was."

"What? If it's not that, what else could it be?" demands Jiang Cheng.

"Sizhui and Wen Ning recovered a piece of Yin Iron when going on a nighthunt together. What's to say there wouldn't be more?" Jin Ling adds.

"Fools, do you really think the Yin Iron is the only object in the cultivation world to be able to wield dark powers? Are you really that naive?"

Wei WuXian squints thoughtfully. "Chenqing has never reacted strangely before. Could you have forged another Stygian Tiger Amulet?"

"Impossible. They would need more than just one piece for that." Lan Wangji said.

"Right..," Wei WuXian mutters.

"He's being used and manipulated." Lan Wangji had been silent this entire time, but now he finally spoke.

"Oh I wouldn't put it like that. We both have our own goals and we're helping one another achieve it. That's all."

"Jin Chan's father has always been well respected despite his unstable relationship with my father in the past. Although he couldn't speak out against Liangfeng-zun in risk of being banished from the clan, he did contribute to rebuilding the clan." Jin Ling said quietly.

"Of course he had to do that. He needed to protect his place inside the clan for the sake of his son. But, Clan Leader Jin, do you really think those inside your clan were the only ones against you becoming leader?" Jin Ling's eyes widened at those words.

"Even if they were against you, they couldn't do anything. Especially not after your cleanse of the clan and your extra security measures. Placing your most trusted supporters at top positions so they would be able to root out anyone suspicious and report to you." the masked figure continues speaking. They step forward slowly. Everyone tenses, their hands ready on their weapons. Wei WuXian moves to stand next to Jiang Cheng, partially shielding Jin Ling behind them.

"Why would Jin Hong work with some outsider? What influence could you possibly have that would be able to convince the clan elders to support Jin Chan instead of Jin Ling?" Jiang Cheng asks sharply.

"Like I said...the people inside the clan are not the only ones unsupportive of a young reckless teenager to be seated in the clan leader's position."

"I won't be the first one to do it," Jin Ling snaps

"Why isn't he attacking us? He's been talking to us for so long," Lan Xichen frowns.

"Do you really trust that he didn't send people after Sizhui, Clan Leader Ouyang and Jingyi?" Jiang Cheng says quietly.

"He has no weapon," Lan Xichen said quietly. "He hasn't made any suspicious moves since he showed up.

"Well observed," The masked figure laughs. "If I tried any hand to hand combat, my identity would be exposed the second any of you aim your sword at my mask. It's not worth the risk."

"Your voice doesn't sound familiar. Or have you put some kind of talisman on that mask to hide your true one?" Wei WuXian inquires.

"Catching on fast, aren't you? Though, I shouldn't be surprised. After all, both you and Hanguang-jun are well-known for tracking down the culprit who was responsible for crimes from sixteen years ago."

"We didn't know the true mastermind behind his demise was though," Wei WuXian, twirling his flute dismissively.

"No one suspected him," Lan Xichen said, his voice sounding tight.

"Not surprising. He certainly knew how to play dumb," said the masked figure.

"Why should we trust anything you just told us?" Jiang Cheng says hotly.

"Oh, I never said you should. That's entirely up to you. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be making my leave...but we will see one another again. I have a feeling." Even through the mask, Wei WuXian could feel the person staring straight at him.

"When the moon turns red, the world will be flooded with it as well." Those last words sent chills down everyone's spines.

Just as Wei WuXian was going to ask them what they meant,Jiang Cheng finally uncoils Zidian and aims it at the masked person, but when the whip touches them, they vanish like smoke and shadows.

"He only sent a projection of himself? How come we never noticed?"

"His cultivation power is very powerful," Lan Wangji responds. "He even used it to disguise his voice so we wouldn't recognize it."

"How can we be sure that it's a male?" Jin Ling asks.

"We can't be sure." Wei WuXian tells him, his eyes troubled. "We're facing an entirely new threat than before. I can feel it."

Chapter Text

"Who are you? You are a doctor?" Sizhui asks the woman as she bent down to clean Jingyi's wounds with a wet towel.

"Yes, my name is Liang Qing. And you..you are Lan Yuan?" Sizhui blinks.

"Y-yes...how did you know?"

"Wen Ning has told me a lot about you," She finishes cleaning Jingyi's leg and begins observing Jingyi's injuries.

"Hmm, his wounds are quite unusual."

"Unusual? What do you mean?"

"There's...something in it..like some kind of darkness or evil, but I should be able to expel it." Lian Qing says calmly. She closes her eyes in concentration as she hovers her two fingers over her patient's legs, passing glowing blue spiritual energy into them. Sizhui could only watch anxiously.

"A-Yuan, come here. A-Qing will take care of Jingyi. You need some rest too," He felt Wen Ning's hand on his arm. "Come eat something. You'll need your strength." He urges when Sizhui wouldn't move. Finally Sizhui follows Wen Ning, following him to the kitchen where there were already plates of food set up on the table. Another woman stood by the stove, stirring something inside a pot. The smell was achingly familiar to him and as she turned around to smile at him, bringing over a bowl of soup for him. Once Sizhui got a closer look at her, she looked like she was his age. Sizhui nodded in thanks, realizing just how hungry and exhausted he was once he had fully embraced the smell of the food. Zizhen sits down next to him just as he was shoving food into his mouth.

"Whoa, slow down. Don't eat too fast," Zizhen says, laughing lightly. Sizhui slows down, feeling a bit guilty as he remembered that one of the rules at Cloud Recesses was to not eat too quickly. As Zizhen eats, his gaze keeps drifting over to the young woman who has started preparing herbal medicine now, the bitter smell filling the kitchen.

"Zizhen, what are you thinking about?" Sizhui jolts him out of his dreamy gazing.

"N-nothing! Just keep eating your food!" He sputters. Sizhui laughs softly, the bad occurrences that had happened that day slowly drifting from his mind.

~

"I still don't understand why he would tell us so much if he was lying. If he was stalling us to send his men after the kids, we would have heard something for sure." Jiang Cheng leans against the wall. They had checked themselves in at an inn and everyone was sitting in Jiang Cheng's room.

"They are safe. I received a butterfly message while the masked person was still talking to us. I just didn't open it," Lan Wangji replies. Wei WuXian twirls his flute casually, his eyebrows scrunched thoughtfully.

Then suddenly, he drops it back onto the table and stands up, looking at it with a strange expression on his face. Both Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji turn to look at him with a questioned look on their face.

"It...got really hot..the flute...," Wei WuXian rubs the fingers of the hand that had held the flute. Immediately, Lan Wangji takes his hand to inspect it while Jiang Cheng stands up and walks over to the table.

"Don't touch," Lan Xichen warns, holding him back with one arm and pulling out his own flute with the other. The black ghost flute had started shaking violently. Lan Wangji frowns at it, then opens his spiritual pouch to take out his guqin. Jin Ling looks on with a curious expression on his face. Wei WuXian could feel his head aching and spinning and he only felt steady again when he felt someone's arm supporting him from behind. The hand on his shoulder was light, but firm. Jiang Cheng. A rare unspoken message passed between Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng gives him a small nod and leads Wei WuXian out of the room with Jin Ling following. As soon as they left the room, the pain in Wei WuXian's head resided and he felt relaxed again.

"What was that? Do you know?" Jiang Cheng asks, his voice casual.

"No...to be quite frank, it happened earlier in the woods, but I thought it was because of the resentful energy in the area we were in. They were in Wei WuXian's and Lan Wangji's shared room in the inn now. Wei WuXian leans against the wall while Jin Ling stands near the door, casting glances between his two uncles as if he wasn't sure if he should be there. After a while, he left to go to the room he had grudgingly agreed to share with Jin Chan. They were now alone in the room.

"Hey...I thought you were afraid of dogs. You weren't afraid of those shadow wolves?" The question takes Wei WuXian by surprise.

"Well...here's the thing. I don't think they were wolves."

"What? Then what were they?"

"They looked like wolves but...they seemed more like wolf-like demonic beasts to me. Unless whatever dark cultivation powers there...the perpetrator really did turn real wolves into something...demonic." Wei WuXian says carefully, leaning against the bedpost.

"Either way...they seemed very dog and wolf-like so I assumed...," Jiang Cheng stops speaking. Wei WuXian closes his eyes.

"In the given situation, what could I do? Run away in fear in the middle of the battle? Leave behind everyone to fend those creatures off by themselves? I may be afraid of dogs, but losing the people I care about...that scares me more than anything else, especially when I've lost so much in my past life already." Jiang Cheng says nothing, then lets out a small snort.

"I thought you were going to say something sappy like, "Lan Zhan was by my side protecting me so of course I wasn't afraid."" Wei WuXian rolls his eyes.

"I might not be good with words, but I'm not that bad. Also, you seem to have gotten very closely acquainted with Zewu-Jun, so I assume you're not bad either, right?" Jiang Cheng's ears turn red, but he quickly changes the topic.

"I thought I would finally be able to relax again after....the events from two years ago, but trouble arose again after Jin Ling became clan leader," Jiang Cheng mutters. Wei WuXian looks at his shidi. His face seemed worn out and tired and he looked older as if the years had aged him. While I was out relaxing, exploring the world and rebuilding my cultivation base....the people I cared about still had their own troubles to deal with. Lan Zhan had to take over the role of his excellency, Zewu-jun was in seclusion and Jiang Cheng...Jiang Cheng also had to recover.

"There will always be trouble in the world...peace is seldom permanent," Wei WuXian says at last. "Lan Zhan and I only wanted to relax and plan our wedding with feelings of joy and excitement but now...it is difficult to do so. There are always obstacles to true happiness." His eyes clouds over.

"...at least you've found a family," There was a slight hint of bitterness in Jiang Cheng's voice. Wei WuXian turns to look at him

"Family is more than blood." At this, Jiang Cheng raises his head from the ground to meet his shixiong's eyes.

"You have..Zewu-jun now, don't you? Just like I have Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian's voice had a slight teasing tone, but he kept it subtle. Jiang Cheng's face goes red regardless.

"I-, you-, how did you know?"

"Well...you're my brother and I still do notice these things," Wei WuXian grins widely. "You seemed quite different after your short little journey with him and ouch!" Wei WuXian ducks to one side as Jiang Cheng digs his elbows at his ribs.

"Shut up," he grumbles. "I never tease you about you and Lan Wangji."

"You've forgotten. You wouldn't stop complaining about it when we were teens," Wei WuXian rolls his eyes.

"Ha...," Jiang Cheng huffs.

"You...we may have lost a lot of people...but we both have a chance of starting over...making a new family. Your family took me in when I was younger and they became my family too. Now, you can have me and Lan Zhan and A-Yuan as your family... and Zewu-jun too."

"You were always my family," The words took Wei WuXian by surprise. "But I will accept the rest..of them." Jiang Cheng was staring away as he spoke, but Wei WuXian felt the sincerity in his words.

"Will he let me become family?" Jiang Cheng asks, his voice uncertain.

"Who? You mean Lan Zhan?"

"Yeah..and Sizhui," Wei WuXian's brows dip.

"Lan Zhan will come around...you're my brother after all. Why would Sizhui have a problem though?"

"Well..I'm just..not sure. Like will he accept me now that he's figured out his true heritage?"

"Will you? He's...a Wen after all." Wei WuXian falls silent.

"He's dedicated himself to the Lan Clan all his life. I have no grudge against him. He was an orphan and a child. But what I mean is...will he forgive me for the things...we..the other clans did to his people?" Wei WuXian stiffens, his eyes clouding.

"He doesn't...he won't blame you. Either way, what can be done about it? Sizhui just wants to live his life with the Lan Clan. Be together with Jingyi and Jin Ling. There's no need for such unhappy memories to be dictating his life, even if he knew all the details."

"What does he know? He knows which clan participated in the First Siege?"
"Jiang Cheng," Wei WuXian interrupts. "You don't need to worry. He...learned about it in his lectures. He knows everything."

~

Sitting against the wall outside his room, Jin Ling could hear snippets of their conversation. The realization that his clan, his uncle's clan, and the Nie Clan had been responsible for the deaths of his friend's family had suddenly hit him with full force. Sizhui...I'm sorry. Was this why his friend had acted so cold towards him? Because he didn't want the Jin Clan to once again be responsible for hurting the people he loved? Jin Ling's fist clenches and he finally goes into the room. He doesn't even spare a glance at Jin Chan as he climbs into his bed, putting his sword directly next to him on his pillow.

"Clan leader Jin, please. I need to speak with you." Jin Ling's eyes flew open, his piercing glare making Jin Chan take a step back.

"I'm sorry, okay? I knew I shouldn't have said those disrespectful words to you. I didn't know what I was thinking."

"You weren't," Jin Ling said coldly. "Usually, you would never act out like that. You've always been neutral when showing me support. You neither speak against or for me. Why did you do so then?"

"To be quite frank...,I felt like some unseen force was making me say it. I was...filled with anger and frustration..because I was remembering the times we fought in our youth and everything just spilled out of me." Jin Ling sits up, his eyes narrowing

"Unseen force? You mean...the resentful energy was making you say it?"

"I don't know...maybe?" Jin Chan looks confused as Jin Ling begins to pace the room,thinking deeply.

~

Jiang Cheng, "Hey,maybe it's about time you got your sword back. After all, you'll need it if you truly want to restore your cultivation base. You should...find a day to come to Lotus Pier."

Wei WuXian blinks, his eyes widening as he stares at him. Jiang Cheng had a look of hope and nervousness in his eyes. He had not told Jiang Cheng about what had happened the day he heard the spirits of Suibian and ChenQing fighting with each other. If he did, Wei WuXian didn't know how his brother would take it. After all, inviting him back to his old home was a huge step in trying to make amends and he didn't want to lose that change.

"I will," Wei WuXian says at last. "When everything is more...settled, Lan Zhan and I will come. And we'll invite Zewu-jun too." Relief washes over Jiang Cheng's face.

"G-great! I'll..be looking forward to it then."

There was silence.

"A-Cheng," Lan Xichen's voice came from behind the closed door. "Everything has calmed down now. You can bring your brother back to this room if you'd like." Jiang Cheng opens the door. Lan Xichen hands him the flute and Jiang Cheng passes it to Wei WuXian.

"It's close to 9pm. Sleep is important," Lan Wangji's mild voice came from just behind his brother. Wei WuXian sighs.

"Right. It is time to sleep. Come on, Lan Zhan. Zewu-jun, you have a good evening. And you, Jiang Cheng," Wei WuXian gives him a small wink who gets a glare in return before the door closes again."

"Lan Zhan...about the flute," Wei WuXian begins.

"The occurrence was strange," Lan Wangji replies, his voice indifferent. "Perhaps it had to do with your vision you had last time?"

"It's never happened before...so I'm not sure. Why is it happening now?" Lan Wangji closes his eyes as if he was thinking.

"I wasn't born when it happened but I've read a book in the Forbidden Chamber...about how once every hundred years, we would be able to interact with spirits...the ones inside our weapons of spiritual tools."

"Interact...as in..we'll be able to see them."

"Yes...and hear them."

"Perhaps this also has to do with the upcoming eclipse as well." Wei WuXian turns his gaze out the window at the moonlit sky.

"In more ancient history books...whenever an eclipse happened, it was believed to be because a dog was eating the sun. But now rather...I believe it's because demonic or resentful energy has become more powerful."

"Where does all this energy come from?"

"It's believed to come out of the Burial Mounds. People usually hide in their homes and protect themselves with talismans during the eclipse, in fear of getting affected by the resentful energy.

"I see...I guess it will be scary and amazing seeing it then? It only happens so rarely and it's awesome to get a chance to see it but...if only it didn't represent a bad omen." Wei WuXian mutters sleepily.

"Mn."

"We'll discuss more about it tomorrow," Wei WuXian snuggles closer to his beloved. The strange occurrence from his flute earlier had exhausted him because of the headache it gave him."

~

"Sizhui, stop worrying and just sleep," Zizhen tugs at his friend's arm. He had been sitting by Jingyi's bedside ever since he finished eating dinner.

"But-," Sizhui protests.

"Sizhui, listen to me," Zizhen's voice hardens. Sizhui blinks at him. Zizhen rarely speaks in such a serious tone to his friends and usually maintained a more casual relationship with them.

"Look, it won't do you any good if you collapse right after Jingyi wakes up. We'll just be bringing more work to Lian Qing because she'll have another patient. Jingyi is sleeping fine now because of the medicine he was given. He'll be awake by tomorrow. Go rest, please. We need to be well rested and energized if we want to offer any help to Senior Wei and the rest of them." Sizhui finally stands up, staggering slightly from sitting for too long. Zizhen catches his arm and leads him to the guest room where the mattresses had been set up for them.

"I'll send a message to my clan, tell them to send more men to us. You should do the same in the morning," Zizhen says as he lays down on one of the mattresses. Sizhui didn't respond; he was already fast asleep."

~

"Clan leader Jin, it's late. We should discuss what we've found out tomorrow," Jin Chan says carefully.

"Why didn't you speak up before?" Jin Ling snaps back.

"I-I thought you would refuse to listen to me,"

"I won't accuse anyone of being responsible for what's happening unless I get more concrete evidence," Jin Ling says drly. "I'd never convict someone innocent."

"Yes but-,"

"But what?" Jin Ling interrupts. "Yes, we may have had a bad relationship from before I was clan leader, but I would never treat them badly for that unless they give me a reason to not trust them. You...your dad was overthinking things," Jin Ling looks away. "He thought I would be like my uncle...getting rid of those he didn't like because of how they treated and insulted him."

"I'm sorry...I just never knew my dad would go this far," Jin Chan says quietly.

"Forget it...we still need more information. Someone...whoever was behind that mask might have tricked your father into this. But, I'm afraid it can't go unpunished." Jin Chan said nothing, his face only falling. Jin Ling turns back to his bed and slips under the cover. He hears Jin Chan blowing out the candle, then going to bed as well.

The next morning, Jin Chan tells everyone about his conversation with Jin Ling, apologizing for having not spoken up earlier. Lan Xichen gives an understanding, but still cautious smile while Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian listen on with stone faces.

"Really couldn't have said this earlier, huh?" Jiang Cheng mutters into Wei WuXian's ears. He only nods in response

"Where are we going today?" Jiang Cheng speaks, addressing everyone in the room.

"Wherever, Sizhui, Jingyi and Wen Ning are. They've sent us their location. We meet up with them to regroup and then go back to Carp Tower." Lan Wangji responds.

"Carp Tower? Why there?"

"To confront my father perhaps," Jin Chan's eyebrows furrow. "But what if he fled? Shouldn't we track down the masked man..or woman first?"

"How about Lotus Pier then?" Jiang Cheng speaks up. Wei WuXian shoots him a glance. Is he that eager to invite me to go back? Lan Wangji looks at Wei WuXian, his eyes questioning, eyebrows dipping slightly.

"If everyone is up for the journey," Lan Xichen eyes Wei WuXian with a worried expression, the events from last night still fresh in his mind.

"Wei Ying...did you not tell Jiang Wanyin about when you heard the spirits of Suibian and ChenQing?" Lan Wangji's voice drops to a whisper next his ear.

"I...it slipped my mind," Wei WuXian mutters. Lan Wangji doesn't respond to this.

"We can gather more men from my clan as well. We need as much help as possible, right?" Jiang Cheng's eyes move to meet Wei WuXian's with a hopeful look.

"Isn't it better to stay close by to where the culprit is?" Jin Chan asks.

"We found out where their camp was. They must be long gone by now. We need to figure out what we are really facing before we move forward with a plan," Jin Ling says. Jiang Cheng nods in agreement.

"The overall situation seems connected with demonic cultivation, but like the masked person said, that's not the only dark power someone can use. Even music can be used for evil means. We've been thinking too narrow-minded."
Jin Chan, "The resentful energy that took over me temporarily...it seemed to feed off my negative emotions and feelings, even ones that were in the back of mind and in the past. Whatever took over me pushed all those emotions out into something more aggressive." Jiang Cheng's face change to a look that was a mixture of fear and concern. Wei WuXian could see him physically edge away from him, immediately avoiding his gaze. Jiang Cheng...

"If what you said is true, what we're dealing with may be more dangerous than we think." Lan Xichen says, his eyes clouded.

~

"Jingyi's awake!" Wen Ning's relieved voice wakes up Sizhui with a jolt. Zizhen had already woken and had left the room. Sizhui sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and hurries from the room.

"Jingyi, you're okay!" Sizhui runs over to him, holding himself back from squeezing his best friend into a hug.

"Of course I'm okay! You think some wolf creature biting me would leave me bed-ridden for that long," Jingyi crosses his arms, then winces and rubs his arms. Sizhui shakes his head, a smile on his face.

"Did Jin Ling not come?" Jingyi looks around the room. Sizhui immediately looks at the floor.

"He's with my father and the others," Sizhui replies quietly. Zizhen gives Sizhui a look of concern.

"Can I talk to you?" Zizhen tugs Sizhui into the other room.

"What is it?"

"Are you mad at Jin Ling?"

"What? No..I'm not..I'm just-,"
"Just what? Are you sure you're not angry? I saw the way you reacted to Jin Ling the other day."

"It's not him I'm angry at," Sizhui shakes his head and tries walking away but Zizhen holds him firmly by the arm.

"Zizhen, s-stop, I j-just can't lose any more family, okay?" Sizhui shakes the arm off, finally letting the tears spread down his cheeks. Zizhen stares at him, his eyes softening.

"Isn't Jin Ling your family too? And me?"

"He is...but I..I just don't know what to do. I wanted to be happy with my family...with Senior Wei and Hanguang-Jun, but everything changes so fast," Sizhui sniffles. Zizhen hugs him close.

"You don't want to lose Jin Ling, so instead you're pushing him away?" Zizhen murmurs. Sizhui doesn't respond.

"Jin Ling doesn't have much family either, you know? He has Jiang Cheng and Senior Wei now and he has us as well. He cares about us just as much as we do." Sizhui closes his eyes, remembering the time when he was younger. It was during the days right after Guanyin Temple when Sizhui and Jin Ling were finally starting to get acquainted with one another. It was also the day after the rumor had gotten out that Sizhui was a Wen. Not only were there murmurs along the other junior disciples, but also among the adults.

"You were an orphan as well, weren't you? Hanguang-Jun raised you just like how Uncle Cheng raised me." The question had taken Sizhui back.

"Yes...Senior Wei took care of me initially and then...well,"Sizhui swallows. "Hanguang-Jun took on that role afterwards." Jin Ling had not asked why, but he had looked at Sizhui with a subtle sympathy in his eyes.

"I...just can't see anyone I care about getting hurt anymore," Sizhui says, his voice shaking.

"We'll get through this together, okay? We'll have one another's backs and protect one another. No one is alone." Zizhen says, his words flowing with wisdom of a true clan leader.

"We'll..get through it soon, right? And then we'll be able to see Hanguang-Jun and Senior Wei get married."

"Yes, everything will be okay," Jingyi's voice came from behind. Sizhui spins in surprise.

"Jingyi? What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting!
"Relax. My leg got bitten, it's not broken and I haven't lost a limb," Jingyi says, rolling his eyes slightly, though he was leaning against the doorframe for support.

"Jingyi-," Sizhui was cut off as Jingyi threw his arms around both Zizhen and Sizhui.

"We'll get through this. I promise. Together with our friends and family."

Chapter Text

"What would happen if resentful energy takes over one of us?" Jiang Cheng asks anxiously.

"Playing Cleansing Song may not work....this is a different form of resentful energy than the one we dealt with in the past," Wei WuXian murmurs, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Hmph, well you're the expert on that stuff, so if you're the one saying that, it must be true," Jiang Cheng huffs, sitting down at a table. Wei WuXian rolls his eyes.

"I am not an expert simply because I've had experience with it. I'm only saying that because it feels different this time."

"Resentful energy is unpredictable after all. No one truly knows everything it's capable of because no one has been able to control every aspect of it. And it's possible it could have different forms and capabilities." Lan Xichen agrees. "Even our Forbidden Chamber has very little knowledge about the true extent of resentful energy."

"So how do we deal with it? Can we really go in with just our past knowledge?" Wei WuXian starts spinning the string of the Qiankun bag that held ChenQing in it on his finger.

"We know about the eclipse. We should attack before then," Lan Zhan says quietly.

"Then I say we meet up with the others, then head back to Lotus Pier to form a new plan of attack," Jin Ling says. "We still need to make sure Sizhui and the others are alright.

"He sent a letter last night. He is safe. He sent his location as well," Wei WuXian reassures him.

"Let's head over there now while we have the advantage of light," Jiang Cheng stands up, picking up his sword. "Is Sizhui's location on the way there?"

"It's near Moling. We should pass by it." Lan Zhan tells him.

"Traveling by horse would be faster, right?" Jin Ling suggests.

"Yes, but the stables nearby won't have enough for all of us. Unless we share," Lan Xichen's eyes flicker briefly over to Jiang Cheng before coming back to meet Jin Ling's gaze.

"We can do that," Jiang Cheng nods in agreement, trying to hide the fact that his ears were turning red. "But is Jin Chan coming with us? Surely, we can't send him back to LanLing?" At this, Jin Chan backs away, staring at the floor. Jin Ling purses his lips.

"It won't be safe to send him back. And I'm saying this for his safety, not because I'm suspicious of him." Jin Chan looks up in surprise at these words.

"He doesn't want to be dragged into his father's plan anyways so sending him back would only make him into a victim and we don't want false accusations against him." Wei WuXian smiles to himself at the wise words his nephew spoke. Just two years ago,he had been someone who spoke impulsively and a bit arrogantly. Becoming clan leader had changed that. Although he can still be hot-tempered. Wei WuXian thinks to himself.

"If you say so and if you think you can trust him then, we bring him along. It never hurts to have an extra hand, does it?" Wei WuXian finally says.

"Right," Jiang Cheng says, but his eyes were still narrowed as he looked at Jin Chan. They head outside and walk over to the nearest stable to rent horses.

"I'll share a horse with Lan Zhan then." Wei WuXian says as he reaches to stroke the head of a brown horse. They give money to the owner and climb onto the horses. Jiang Cheng and Xichen rode in front while Lan Wangji and Wei WuXian rode near the back. Jin Ling and Jin Chan were in the middle. The clan disciples walk alongside and behind them. They arrive at their destination within an hour. Wen Ning was already waiting outside in the house's courtyard to greet them. Jin Ling jumps off his horse immediately and is about to run inside when he slows down. Sizhui was standing at the doorway, glancing in his direction but avoiding eye contact. Jin Ling doesn't move, his eyes falling to the ground.

"Oh come on, you two! Isn't it about time you kissed and made up?" Jingyi's loud voice comes from behind Sizhui as he appears in the doorway.Both their faces go red.

"Jingyi! Be quiet!" Sizhui sputters.

"Jingyi! Are you okay?" Jin Ling hurries over to his friend.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine. I just got a battle scar," Jingiy smiles cheekily.

"You jerk...," Jin Ling mutters. "You scared me! And are you really making jokes about this? What if we hadn't found you in time?!"
"Well...," Jingyi pauses. "You'll have to thank Jin Chan this time for getting me out of the enemy's hideout. They saw me escaping, but didn't dare attack when they saw him. Someone...probably their boss ordered them to stop when they drew their swords." Jin Ling looks over at Jin Chan who was helping to feed the horses.

He was telling the truth. Jin Ling thinks to himself.

"Did you recognize the voice?" Jin Ling asks.

"It sounded familiar...I think I've heard it before at one of the Conference Meetings at Carp Tower, but I can't be too sure."

"The person we met in the forest had a mask on that hid their voice, we can't be sure of who it is, but judging them by the tone of their voice and their body language, it doesn't seem likely to be Jin Chan's father. I suspected it was him in the beginning, but after further thought, I took out that possibility," Jin Ling tells them. He quickly explains what had gone on after Sizhui, Jingyi, and Zizhen had left the scene.

"Look, I know you and Jin Chan have a complicated relationship, but he wouldn't do something like this. Not sure about his father though," Jingyi admits.

"The masked person said he was being manipulated, but unless we hear it from Jin Hong himself, we won't really know the truth," Zizhen says. "When will we be traveling to the next destination?"

"We'll have to wait until Jingyi recovers more," Sizhui says, but Jingyi cuts in, "I'm fine. I've received some of the best medical help...Lady Qing seems more skilled than our Lan healers."

"Really?" Sizhui laughs softly. "Her friend Liu Yue ...or perhaps it's her sister..she's a very good cook. But Wen Ning says she's a very good cultivator too." Wei WuXian hears the conversation as he approaches the house .

"Yue...by any chance, is she related to Clan Leader Yang?"

"Well, we are near Moling, so it's quite possible," Zizhen replies. "It's good to see you again, Senior Wei."

"And you, Clan Leader Ouyang," Wei WuXian dips his head politely. The last clan leader, who had been Zizhen's father, had been far from friendly towards him. Now with Zizhen as leader, he knew he had another ally by his side.

"I happen to be one of Clan Leader Yang's daughters," Wei WuXian looks towards the doorway to see a young woman standing there, smiling.

"Oh, I see. Is there a reason you are living here rather than your clan residence?"

"My mother has given me permission to live here. My goal is to help non-cultivators who get sick often and can't afford a doctor." Wei WuXian smiles back at her.

"It's always wonderful to help those in need. I admire you." Her face reddens slightly.

"I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Liu Yue. You must be Master Wei...or better known as Yiling Patriarch," She smiles. Wei WuXian lets out an exasperated sigh.

"Why must that still be my title after so many years?" He complains.

"Does it not ring nicely on the tongue?" Jiang Cheng's voice makes him start.

"You're only saying that because you were partially responsible for coming up with it," Wei WuXian wacks him on the arm.

"I did not," Jiang Cheng says, exasperated. "Other cultivators did that."

"Hmph, anyways. I hope one day, I'll be referred to as Hanguang-Jun's partner!" Wei WuXian says longingly.

"Mn. So do I," Lan Wangji says as he approaches them. His brother was close behind him while Jin Chan lingers back, still uncertain. Jin Ling hesitates, then calls him over.

"Oh Jin Chan! There you are! I never got the chance to thank you so..thanks!" Jin Chan only shuffles his feet in response. "I did what I had to do...no big deal."

"It is a big deal," Jin Ling says quietly. "You saved my best friend...someone who I consider family as well. I want to thank you as well and I apologize for my behavior earlier." Jin Chan shrugs.
"Don't worry about it. You had the right to be suspicious, especially after what I said earlier that day."

"A-Yuan," Sizhui looks up when his father calls his name."

"We're going to stay in an inn nearby since we don't want to give too much trouble to Lady Qing with this many people and-," Wei WuXian stops as Lady Qing interrupts.

"Who said you were giving us trouble? Everyone, just come inside. No need to spend money on another inn. Our house isn't as small as you think," She laughs, gesturing everyone inside.

"There's really no need," Jiang Cheng says. "We have many of our disciples with us as well."

"Then at least let us treat any wounds you have and give you all some food," Lian Qing says as she steps out of the house. Jiang Cheng exchanges a look with Lan Xichen and they nod, bowing in thanks. The clan leaders go inside the house followed by Wei WuXian, Lan Wangji, and the juniors. A few disciples from each clan station outside the fence that led to the house while others stand near the front and back of the house. Although they were miles away from where they met their enemy, they could never be too careful. Wei WuXian could see that Wen Ning had changed a lot, but he was still cautious when he was near Jiang Cheng. Wei WuXian looks over at his brother who keeps glancing over at Wen Ning as if he wanted to say something. Jingyi, Sizhui, Jin Ling and Zizhen are helping him and the women in the kitchen, and despite his friends' insistence that he rest, Jingyi remains helping them.

"Jiang Cheng, you're not going to say anything to him?" Wei WuXian finally breaks the silence.

"What could I possibly say?" Jiang Cheng says dryly. Two years ago, he had felt his blood boiling and Zidian crackling at his wrist at the mere mention of Wen Ning's name. Wen Ning had been the one to expose the truth about his golden core. He had had everything thrown in his face at once, leaving him in disbelief and anger as he had watched Lan Wangji carry Wei WuXian away from Lotus Pier that night.

After seeing what he did at Guanyin Temple, some of that anger and hate had lessened. But he didn't feel as if he could forgive the fierce corpse the same way he did his older brother. Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen exchange looks and step into another room, leaving the two Yunmeng Brothers to talk in private.

"I'm not sure," Wei WuXian admits. "You'll have to think of that yourself. How did Jin Ling first start talking to Wen Ning?"

"He...went on night-hunts with Sizhui often so when Jin Ling tagged along...I guess they must have talked. I'm not sure because he never gave me the details. He...never tells me things anymore other than for diplomatic stuff," Jiang Cheng's eyes sadden slightly.

"He's really grown a lot, hasn't he? He's the clan leader now. He had no choice. You had to do the same, didn't you?"
"I did..., but times were very different then."

"Are they? We're dealing with...demonic cultivation again. It feels...," Wei WuXian falters, his eyebrows dipping.

"We...won't let anyone else die again. We're all working together now," Jiang Cheng feels the words pouring out of his mouth. "We'll have each other's back this time, no matter what." Before he could think, he reaches out his hand to squeeze his brother's which had been curled up into a fist. Wei WuXian starts at the touch, then relaxes, his face widening into a soft smile.

"Master Wei...Clan Leader Jiang, the meals are ready," Wen Ning's head peeks into the room.

"Thank you, Wen Ning. We'll be coming shortly," Jiang Cheng says, giving a small dip of his head in acknowledgement. Wen Ning looks surprised at the gesture, flashing a glance at Wei WuXian before backing out from the room. Wei WuXian reaches down at his belt for his flute, wanting the feeling of twirling it in his fingers then pauses, realizing he had placed it inside the Qiankun pouch.

"Do you still not know why your flute reacted that way?" Jiang Cheng asks, concerned. Wei WuXian swallows and Jiang Cheng picks up on it immediately.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Jiang Cheng's voice had hardened, but not out of anger, only concern. The last time Wei WuXian had decided to keep everything to himself, it hadn't ended too well.

"It's not important," Wei WuXian says, starting to turn towards the doorway. Jiang Cheng immediately stops him.

"Are you sure? Does it have anything to do with your sword?" At those words, Wei WuXian tenses slightly, but relaxes again before Jiang Cheng could realize.

"Wei WuXian," his voice is insistent this time.

"Alright...I'll tell you. Do you know how our weapons have spirits?" Jiang Cheng looks confused.

"Spirits? As in ghosts?"
"No, more like a form of energy. Zidian and Sandu both have one. So do Zewu-Jun's weapons. And my flute as well. Suibian had a spirit which was why my sword was able to seal itself."

"I thought it was because your cultivation base was strong," Admittedly, Jiang Cheng had, over the years strengthened his cultivation base to be just as capable of having his own sword be able to seal itself.

"Yes, that is also another reason. For you, Zidian recognizes you as its owner. It's because of the spirit inside the weapon."

"What does this have to do with what happened?"

"It seems as if the spirit inside my flute isn't too happy with me being reunited with Suibian," As soon as he spoke the name of his sword, he could see puffs of black creeping out from the Qiankun pouch attached to his belt. It couldn't burn him as if it was inside the pouch, but he immediately felt a wave of dizziness. Jiang Cheng reacts quickly, pulling the pouch away from his brother and tucking it into his own belt directly next to his sword.

"Uncle Wei! Jiujiu! Are you coming? The food will get cold!" Jin Ling's voice calls them.

"We'll talk about this more later," Jiang Cheng says, trying to avoid the panic and tension in his chest. He hears his brother call his name, but he had already walked out of the room and found his way to the kitchen. Wei WuXian soon follows suit and they sit at the table. Lian Qing and Liu Yue had set up a separate smaller one for themselves. As Jiang Cheng reaches for the food with his chopsticks, he freezes as his eyes rested over a pot of soup. The smell was so achingly familiar. Wei WuXian had paused in his movements as well. Lotus roots and ribs soup? Who knew the recipe for it? Other than the Jiang Clan and Wei WuXian, there shouldn't be anyone else who knew how to prepare lotus root. Even Jiang Cheng himself had attempted to make the soup, but had failed miserably. It had always been A-Jie who did the cooking.

"Clan Leader Jiang,is something the matter?" Liu Yue asks, her voice worried.

"No, it's nothing. But I'm curious to know how you made the soup. Usually, it is something that is specific to Yunmeng and our clan."

"Oh, the lotus roots and ribs soup? It was Wen Ning who helped us perfect the recipe over the years."
"Wen Ning?" Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng said in unison, their voice incredulous. Jin Ling stares at a soup with deep longing. This is the soup my mother made. He sucks in a breath.

"I...faintly remember the taste of the soup...so I told Lie Yue about it and over time, we were able to recreate it. It's not perfect, but-," Wen Ning stops speaking as Jin Ling stands up and reaches over to put a spoonful of the soup into his bowl. Jiang Cheng was silent, but Wei WuXian could see anger and confusion filling his face. Lan Xichen seemed to have sensed it as well as he immediately reached over to place a hand over Jiang Cheng's. Jin Ling grabs his uncle's bowl from across the table and spoons him some too.

"You-," Jiang Cheng begins but he stops and takes the bowl from his nephew's hands. Wei WuXian had already put some into his bowl as well, his hands hesitating as he lifted the spoon towards his mouth.

"It tastes...so much like the one I had when I was very little," Sizhui says, his eyes filling with emotion. Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian take their spoonfuls in unison. The familiarity of the flavor that filled their mouths took them by surprise. It was too similar. It indeed had its own unique flare to it but Wei WuXian knew that both he and his brother were thinking about the same thing.

Shijie....

Ignoring the heaviness in his chest, Jiang Cheng only slowly drinks the rest of the soup. Then after that, it was as if everything was normal again. Everyone was eating and drinking. Although Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling were silent while the others chattered loudly, the atmosphere of the kitchen was lively. After the food, the juniors help clean the table while the adults went to town to buy supplies for their trip home. Wei WuXian had practically dragged Jiang Cheng to town after dinner while the two Twin Jades went off together as well.

For a while they were silent, simply strolling in the streets with their hands behind their backs. When they got into a quieter and less crowded area, Wei Wuxian finally spoke.

"Did you enjoy the soup?" Jiang Cheng stares at him for the strange question.

"I...did. The soup is a speciality in Yunmeng and I shouldn't be too surprised to see it, but the taste..," Jiang Cheng's voice is shaky now.

"It tasted like ho-, I mean Lotus Pier, didn't it? It's not a taste I could ever forget," Wei WuXian says softly. Home. Jiang Cheng knew what his brother was going to say, but he had backtracked. He feels something pull at his chest.

"How do you think Wen Ning knew?" Jiang Cheng mutters.

"How to make it? Well...I..when Shijie gave it to him, I suppose he still remembered the ingredients...or perhaps he found the recipes I had tried to write down in order to recreate my own version while I was living in that dingy place."

"Lan Sizhui remembered too. The taste of that soup. I never thought I'd ever taste a soup...so similar to the flavor...that A-Jie used to make." Wei WuXian slows down his pace to look over at Jiang Cheng, whose eyes were shimmering with emotion. Here they were, walking down the street together, having a peaceful recollection of their older sister's soup. The soup that she had made for them almost every single day. Even if they were to focus on the future ahead, they'd never forget the happy memories the three of them had shared together.

"I told Jin Ling it tasted almost exactly like his mother's soup. I've never seen him so emotional. I could hear him crying in the other room after dinner," Wei WuXian sighs.

"If that's the way Jin Ling can have a taste of his mother's cooking, then we should ask for the recipe," Jiang Cheng lets us a soft smile.

"Let's do that then," Wei WuXian smiles back.

"You...you're not mad at Wen Ning?" He then asks.

"Why would I be mad...he saved Jin Ling's life, did he not?" Jiang Cheng's voice comes out as more of a grunt. " And now he's partially responsible for the soup. I'd give him credit for that." Wei WuXian blinks but doesn't push it any further. Perhaps it would indeed be too much to ask Jiang Cheng to fully forgive Wen Ning, but over time perhaps, he would be able to.

"Hey uh, by the way, what I was talking about earlier....should I give you more details?"

"It seems as if you don't really know much about the subject either. If Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen don't have a solution to it, it must be something big," Jiang Cheng replies.

"Well..yes...although it's not the first time someone has possessed two different kinds of spiritual items, because ChenQing is full of resentful energy, it's not something they have expertise in."

"Aren't you the expert...or you have the most knowledge about demonic cultivation, I mean."

Wei WuXian lets out a sigh. "My form of using resentful energy doesn't fall into the same category of true demonic cultivation, so it's hard to say. What I can say is that ChenQing...the spirit inside of it I mean, seems to be possessive of this body and mind. If I try using another weapon in its present, it'll try and prevent it. The only reason it hasn't reacted that way to the sword I have right now is because this sword doesn't have a strong spiritual presence."

"What about when I lent you Sandu?" Jiang Cheng looks back at his brother with a questioned look on his face.

Wei WuXian swallows. "I felt something, but it wasn't as bad."

"What I don't understand is how your flute can react to the name of your sword.Almost as if it's a living being...,"

"The spirits inside our weapons can interact with one another," Wei WuXian pauses, thinking of the vision he had had.

"Were you going to tell me about this before we went to Lotus Pier?" The question took Wei WuXian by surprise.

"I...was going to tell you eventually," He says.

"After getting your sword or before?" Wei WuXian could sense the rising volume and distress in his younger brother's voice. He didn't know what to say.

"What if you hadn't told me this? What if getting the sword would have caused you harm, then what?!" Wei WuXian tries to place a hand on his brother's arm but Jiang Cheng moves it back and starts walking away from him, ignoring him when his name is called

The sword was going to be the final step. The final patch up. If he had gone ahead and gave his brother back the sword without knowing what might happen, something would have gone wrong. Everything would have been ruined! Jiang Cheng thinks, his head spinning.

"Jiang Cheng, stop!" He finally stops walking, letting Wei WuXian catch up to him.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner! Lan Zhan and I...we were going to figure something out. Really, we were! Do you think Lan Zhan would have let me take my sword back if he knew there was the possibility of it harming me?"

"You should have told me too! I care as well," Jiang Cheng snaps, but this time the anger in his voice had ceased.

"No more secrets. I promise," Wei WuXian pats his brother's arm. "You too, okay?" Jiang Cheng only nods numbly.

"Let's go. We might as well buy some Emperor's Smile and enjoy it!" Jiang Cheng looks after his brother as he walks away, then follows closely behind him.

No more secrets....does this mean I need to tell him the truth?

Chapter Text

Earlier that evening...

"Sizhui, can I talk to you?" Sizhui stops at Jin Ling's voice, drying off the last of the dishes.

"Sure," he replies.

"Listen earlier," Jin Ling begins, but Sizhui speaks first.

"No, wait, let me speak first. I...I'm sorry I snapped at you. That was wrong of me. I shouldn't have done that, especially not when you were trying to help."

"It's alright...I...should have been keeping everyone together. It's my fault," Jin Ling mutters.

"No...it's not. The fog we encountered creates hallucinations. I only noticed it after Jingyi disappeared and I cast a protection spell before anyone else could be separated. If it weren't for Jin Chan finding Jingyi, I don't know what would have happened," Sizhui's voice trembles.

"We really owe him, don't we," Jin Ling says quietly.

"Anyways, I'm sorry again. Everything was happening so quickly and I was just freaking out. First, Senior Wei got hurt, then Jingyi," His voice was shaking so much now. Jin Ling leans closer, pulling his friend into a tight hug. Sizhui relaxes in his grip, but Jin Ling could feel shock go over his body. It was a rare sign of physical affection from Jin Ling. Although he loved all his friends dearly, he'd never been this explicit about it. But for Sizhui, he could be. He could say so many things in front of Sizhui and he would listen and understand.

"I forgive you," Jin Ling says quietly, sincerity in his voice.

"Thank you," Sizhui says back, pulling Jin Ling tighter into the hug.

"Jin Ling!" The two of them immediately pull back and spin around at the voice.

"Uncle!" Jin Ling sounded annoyed and angry.

"Eh, we're going to town for a bit, do you want to come?" Jiang Cheng blinks as he realized he had interrupted a tender moment. Jin Ling was glaring daggers at him. He turns back to Sizhui, grabs his friend's hand and storms past Jiang Cheng with a loud huff while Sizhui gives me a awkward glance.

"Tsk tsk, don't you know to knock before bursting in like that?" Wei WuXian scolds teasingly.

"There's no door. What do I have to knock on?" Jiang Cheng snaps back, but he was staring after his nephew as he and Sizhui disappeared out the yard. Wei WuXian sighs.

"At Cloud Recesses, any disciple knows that if Hanguang-Jun and I are in a room alone together anywhere, they should knock. Doesn't matter if there is a door or not."

"Shameless," Jiang Cheng mutters. "I'm surprised Master Lan hasn't boiled over in frustration and disguise yet."

"Actually, he definitely knows. He just chooses to ignore it," Wei WuXian grins. "After all, I have been trying to get in his good graces. I wonder who's teaching the disciples while I'm absent."

Jiang Cheng blinks. "He lets you teach?"

"Hanguang-Jun does," Wei WuXian corrects him. "I don't just sit around all day drinking Emperor's Smile if that's what you thought I did." Jiang Cheng snorts in response.

"Anyways, let's go to the town. Stock up on what we need". They head out together.

~

"I meant to ask you this sooner, but does fighting off those wolves..or resentful energy creatures, improve your cultivation base?"

Wei WuXian frowns. "I don't believe they do. I have been trying to avoid using crafty tricks as resentful energy will only worsen my core with this body. Going on night-hunts with you though..has definitely made my core stronger. Also Lan Zhan and I-," He breaks off as Jiang Cheng wacks his arm.

"Stop! I don't need those kinds of details." He grows.

"I wasn't going to say anything," Wei WuXian insists, but the cheeky grin on his face said otherwise.

"Sure you weren't! Jin Ling has to shut you up every single time you try and say something about the things you do with Lan Wangji," Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes.

"Well, you have Zewu-jun now too don't you? And- ow ow ow, okay I'll stop," Jiang Cheng lets go of his pinch-hold on his brother, ignoring the fact that his face was heating up with red.

"We are not even close to being as shameless as you both are," Jiang Cheng says hotly.

"So you say," Wei WuXian teases. "Anyways, have you noticed Sizhui and Jin Ling?" Jiang Cheng stares. "What about them? Those two already made up if that's what you're worrying about. I didn't mean to overhear the conversation...Jin Ling actually yelled at me for it," He added hastily.

"Did he now?" Wei WuXian raises an eyebrow, finding it hard to imagine Jin Ling talking to Jiang Cheng in such a tone.

"Don't be too shocked. You should know he's grown a lot ever since becoming clan leader. That includes the fact that he got better at smack talking. I suppose he got practice after having to stand up for himself to those who opposed his rule."

"Do you mind that?"

"What? Oh...no. He has to grow up and take care of himself, doesn't he? Well, I'll always be there looking out for him, but he's clan leader now." Jiang Cheng's eyes softened. "He was my age too when I first became clan leader."

"Jin Ling has a lot of people backing up. We shouldn't worry too much," Wei WuXian says, nudging Jiang Cheng in the side with his elbow.

"I always worry," He murmurs. Wei WuXian understood why. After all, for those thirteen years during his death, Jiang Cheng had been all alone at Lotus Pier and he only had Jin Ling left as his family member. He wanted to tell Jiang Cheng that even while he was away traveling, he had been thinking of him all this time. Not just Hanguang-jun, but Jiang Cheng, Jin Ling and Sizhui as well. Even Jingyi and Zizhen had found a soft place in his heart. Instead he said,

"Things are always changing. It's natural. Sometimes, we can't prevent changes from happening."

"You're right," Jiang Cheng sighs. "But let's just hope we are able to prevent things before it's too late to change them." They had walked so much, they lost track of time. Wei WuXian sees the wine stand and drifts off towards it while Jiang Cheng heads towards another stand. He buys two jars, tucks one under his arm, and tips the other into his mouth.

"By the way, are you going to tell me the real reason you didn't give me my sword earlier?" Jiang Cheng jumps when he hears Wei WuXian ask the question behind him. He tucks something into his robes, turns away from the stand he was at, and gives him a confused look.

"What do you mean?" He asks, smacking his lips nervously. Wei WuXian rolls his eyes.

"There's no way you kept forgetting the sword on every night-hunt we went on. It was a night-hunt." Jiang Cheng blinks.

"Uh well, you never mentioned it either," He sputters. Wei WuXian snorts.

"Don't tell me you expected me to hunt with Chenqing?" He sighs. "The point of those night-hunts was so my core could be strong enough to use and ride a sword again.

"Fine, I'll tell you," Jiang Cheng grumbles. "The sword was getting rusted and old so I brought it to a blacksmith to repair and renew. I also knew it would take more than just two or three night-hunts for your core to get strong so I didn't see much point in bringing it."

"Finally you tell the reason," Wei WuXian wraps an arm around Jiang Cheng's shoulders and ruffles his hair. "I thought you were trying to keep the sword for yourself." Jiang Cheng snorts at the thought as well as his playful behavior, but feels a growing warmth inside of him.

"As if!" He mutters. "Are we going to head back soon? We need enough rest for tomorrow." He realizes that Wei WuXian had stopped walking and had a strange expression on his face. Jiang Cheng walks back towards him.

Suddenly he throws his arms out to steady his brother who had staggered forward.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Jiang Cheng's grip on Wei WuXian's arms tightened.

"Something..something's happening. Back at the house," His voice was faint. "I left ChenQing back there." Jiang Cheng feels surprised.

Back then, his brother carried his flute with him all the time. It had never left his side. He even prevented other people from touching it.

"We need to go back. Before something happens," Wei WuXian says, his voice desperate now. Jiang Cheng looks his brother over. He looked as if he could hardly stand, much less walk. He guides him over to a quieter area and taking Wei WuXian's arm, he mounts Sandu.

"Hang on tight, okay?" Despite saying this, he keeps a very firm grip on Wei WuXian's arm as he wraps both of them around Jiang Cheng. He was still holding one of the wine jars in one hand, which made Jiang Cheng's neck ache from the weight, but he did not complain.

"We're flying?" His voice was right next to his ear, but it was so faint, he could barely hear it. Jiang Cheng moves his hand down and passes a warm stream of spiritual energy to him.

"Jiang Cheng?" Wei WuXian sounds surprised, but his voice was already sounding stronger.

"Don't talk and save your strength," There was a fear in his voice that he tried to push away. He hardly knew what was happening to his brother and why. He knew it had to do with his demonic cultivation or crafty tricks. And all while realizing this, he kept remembering how his brother had only turned to that form of cultivation because he had given up his golden core. For him. His brother had done so much just to protect him. Perhaps now, it was his turn. He had lost his core to protect his brother the first time, but now, he didn't want to feel like his effort was in vain. Not again.

They arrive shortly at the house and Lan Wangji was already there waiting for them, a look of worry on his face as he saw Wei WuXian's condition. He hurries over to help Wei WuXian off the sword, steadying him on his other side. He ignores Wei WuXian's protests as he passes more spiritual energy to him. It's strong but not as impactful as Jiang Cheng's energy. Perhaps it's because of his golden core. Wei WuXian thinks.

"The Qiankun pouch that held ChenQing started spitting out black smoke. I had to put a spell on it to prevent it from hurting someone," Lan Wangji tells them.

"I think I've been away from it for too long," Wei WuXian says. His voice sounded stronger now, but the color in his face hadn't returned completely.

"It seems as if the spiritual connection between Master Wei and Chenqing is strong, despite being in a new body," Lan Xichen says observantly. He takes out the pouch from his robes and hands it back to Wei WuXian. As soon as he took it, he felt normal again.

"What the hell?" Jiang Cheng mutters loudly, startling everyone. "It harms him if he uses it, but also if he doesn't use it? Why?"

"It's like how Zewu-jun said. The spiritual connection between me and Chenqing. I never felt it when I was first resurrected. Perhaps it was because of Mo Xuan Yu's weak core and the adjustment to the new body. Or it's because the energy inside the flute has become more aggressive due to the added power of the golden core."

"Make sense on all accounts," Lan Wangji says.

"Also," Lan Xichen says, turning to Jiang Cheng. "When you and Master Wei were away, I got a message from Cloud Recesses. Jin Ling received a message from Carp Tower as well. The original plan we made needs to be changed." As he speaks, Sizhui, Zizhen, Jingyi and Jin Ling all walk over as if on queue.

"What happened?" Jiang Cheng asks. He hadn't received a message from Lotus Pier but it would be a matter of time until he did.

"We should go back and give each of our clans a proper account on what we discovered. Sending messages is too risky in case the enemy intercepts it."

"How about holding another conference meeting then?" Sizhui suggests.

"The enemy could still be hiding among the clans," Lan Wangji interjects. "If we tell each clan individually, it may be easier for us to pick up who has betrayed us."

"Jin Ling, are you going back alone?" Jiang Cheng frowns.

"I have people who will meet me halfway," Jin Ling reassures him. "They'll bring along Fairy." Wei WuXian hiccups slightly at the sound of the dog's name but says nothing.

"I also have more news," Lan Wangji says. "I sent a message to someone who may have expertise in dealing with angry sword spirits...or resentful spirits in swords and spiritual tools." Lan Xichen tenses besides Jiang Cheng and he steps closer to the older Twin Jade.

"Oh...," Wei WuXian had realized who Lan Wangji was referring to.

"Wangji...," Xichen says warily. "Are you sure that was..that he can help us?"

"I apologize for not informing you first," Lan Wangji lowers his gaze. "But the thought occurred to me suddenly." Lan Xichen sighs, but doesn't push it any further.

"Lan Zhan and I should go back anyways. We...still have a wedding to plan." Wei WuXian's voice was bright but his expression was troubled.

"We should have it earlier."

Wei WuXian blinks in shock.

"What? Are you sure?" Of course Lan Zhan is sure. He wants to do this before the fight happens again. Before things may become uncertain. Lan Xichen is silent, but gazes at his brother with a warm expression.

"Why even ask that, idiot," Jiang Cheng nudges him in the side. "To Lan Wangji of all people."

"I know, it's just that...the timing seems uncertain...," Wei WuXian shakes his head and gives Lan Wangji a wide smile.

"We should go back as fast as possible to prepare then." Then he looks over at Jiang Cheng.

"Jiang Cheng...are you going back to Lotus Pier?"

"I'll...go back there first and then come to Cloud Recesses a few days after," Jiang Cheng tells him. "But you're not getting your sword until after, alright? I have something more special for a gift than just your old sword." Wei WuXian smirks.

"Sure, alright then. Jin Ling, how about you?"

"I'll do the same. I should...observe people in my clan. I'm sure Jin Chan can help me." The other boy had been silent listening from the side all this time and he started at his name.

"Me? I-," Jin Chan begins, then stops. "I'll..try my best." He says, straightening his shoulder.

"Will Wen Ning be staying?" Lan Wangji turns his gaze back towards the house.

"That's up to him. We should go inside and rest. Will the disciples be okay sleeping outside?" Wei WuXian looks at the other clan disciples.

"The night isn't too hard. They will be alright," Lan Xichen says. They head inside to rest at last.

"Wei Ying, did you tell him?" Wei WuXian pauses from taking off his outer robes.

"About...the spirits of the flute and sword? I did." He responds.

"Everything?" Lan Wangji presses.

"I...had no reason not to. I don't want to keep secrets from him. He was going to give my sword back to me. He had to know." Wei WuXian thinks back to how upset Jiang Cheng was that he hadn't been informed sooner about the spirits basically declaring war on one another.

"If he had to give it back to me, there would have been consequences. He would...blame himself." Wei WuXian says, his voice softening. Lan Wangi doesn't say anything, but the soft touch of his arm on his told him enough.

"Let's rest. You're feeling better?" His eyes search Wei WuXian's for any sign of discomfort or pain.

"Yes," He reassures him. With Chen Qing by his side again, the dizziness and pain in his head had faded. He had even taken the flute back out from the pouch earlier and tucked it into his belt.

~

"You'll be alright when you see Clan leader Nie again?" Jiang Cheng's eyes dart back and forth as Lan Xichen takes off his outer robes. Due to the limited amount of space, Jiang Cheng and Xichen had chosen a room together. Clan leader Ouyang, Jingiy, Sizhui and Jin Ling shared one next to theirs.

"I..I'll be okay," Lan Xichen tells him, but the look in his eyes said otherwise.

"Don't...blame him too much, alright?" For once, he was feeling something other than wariness for Nie Huiasang. After all, Jin Guangyao had been responsible for the death of his own family. This was something Jiang Cheng and him shared.

"I've been thinking of ways to forgive him," Lan Xichen says. "I have to speak with him eventually. I can't keep avoiding everything." Jiang Cheng couldn't agree more. When he finally had a proper conversation with Wei WuXian, he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his chest.

"Speak to him when you're ready," Jiang Cheng says, remembering how his first conversation with his brother had gone. "Don't push yourself, there's no need for that. If you miss this chance, you have other ones."

"I know...thank you, A-Cheng," Their eyes soften as they drink in the sight of one another. The kiss was soft and gentle, almost like the touch of a butterfly. As the night went on, entwined in each other's arms, running their hands through each other's hair with only a single layer of robes. With just the two of them alone in the room, it was almost if they had shut out the rest of the world. If every night could be as perfect as this one, it would be enough.

A/N

I know this was waaaay back in Chapter 4 BUT I meant the word 'engage' and not elope. I hope nobody got confused! :")) Also like I hope the chapter wasn't confusing. Tbh I've been busy with college recently and as a result i might have forgotten what I've written in earlier chapters or contradict something. If i did do this, please private message me or comment below so i can fix it!

Chapter Text

The next morning, everyone was awake by 10am. Wei WuXian as usual had protested against being woken up at 9 and Lan Wangji had given in to let him sleep for another hour.

"Is..Wen Ning coming with us?" Jiang Cheng looks over at where he was talking to Sizhui.

"That's up to him," Wei WuXian answers, twirling his flute in one hand. "If..if he wants to fight alongside us, he can do that too." Jiang Cheng only nods in response. He could see Jin Ling walking over to Sizhui and Wen Ning, nervously shuffling his hands as he spoke.

As he speaks, Lian Qing and Liu Yue come out of the house with more supplies and push them into their arms despite their protests that they'd already brought supplies themselves.

"There are herbs in case you need to apply more medicine. Young Master Lan's leg has healed enough for him to walk, but make sure he doesn't strain it, alright?"

"We'll make sure. Is his spiritual energy recovered enough to mount the sword?" Wei WuXian tilts his head at the question.

"We're flying back?"

"Mm," Was Lan Wangji's response.

"I'll be fine," Jingyi says reassuringly. Sizhui looks over at his friend

"If you get tired, then we're stopping," Sizhui adds. "I'll fly next to you." Jingyi purses his lips but doesn't protest. Everyone quietly bid one another farewell. Jin Ling and Sizhui linger to one side, whispering to one another before they depart with Sizhui gazing after him longingly as he walks away.

"Don't go anyways, alright? I'll come visit you soon," Jiang Cheng says to Wei WuXian who only smiles in response.

"Where would I go? Cloud Recesses is my home." His words mirrored the ones he had once said at Lotus Pier so much that Jiang Cheng tenses, but relaxes soon after.

"Remember it's not your only home." He turns away, ears turning slightly red before his brother could respond.

Jiang Cheng finally mounts his sword, his disciples following close behind on theirs. Lan Xichen returns back to the others. Clan leader Ouyang had already left. Jingyi gets onto his sword carefully with Sizhui mounting on his close by. With Lan Wangji holding Wei WuXian steady, they mount onto Bichen together.

"Let's go then," Lan Xichen checks to make sure everyone was secure before they took off.

~

"Clan leader Jiang!" He was greeted as soon as he landed. The head disciple, Jiang Xun runs over, his face serious.

"Is something wrong?" Jiang Cheng could hear the anxiety in his voice.

"Something strange happened with...Wei WuXian's sword last night." Jiang Cheng curses under his breath. Why didn't I think about what might happen back at Lotus Pier? Especially when the sword is kept here. I'm so stupid.

"What happened? Was anyone hurt?" He demands. Jiang Xun shakes his head.

"It was rattling uncontrollably in the storage room. We were worried something would go wrong so we locked the room and placed talismans on the door." Jiang Cheng relaxes slightly, but can't dispel the rest of his worries. The eclipse drawing close really is arousing the spirits. Even when holding onto Sandu now, he could feel more power than usual surging under his grip. Zidan's energy on his wrist was almost overwhelming.

"Clan leader?" Jiang Xun asks hesitantly. "Are we still going to give Wei WuXian the sword? It's his, is it not?"

"Eventually," Jiang Cheng answers. "But not anytime soon. Send a letter to Clan Leader Nie to come to Lotus Pier. Let him know we can't wait any longer."

~

Lan Wangji, Wei WuXian, Xichen, Jingyi, and Sizhui had finally arrived back at Cloud Recesses. To their surprise, Lan Qiren was waiting for them, his stern face softer than usual.

"Lan Jingyi, your leg," His eyes narrowed as Sizhui helps him off his sword, Yuanwang. Jingyi was only limping slightly but that was enough for Lan Qiren to notice. They all bow in greeting. Lan Qiren looks over at Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen expectantly. Lan Xichen quickly gives him a brief account of what had happened. They were speaking at the gate, away from where other disciples could listen in on their conversation.

"How interesting that Clan leader Yang has a daughter that's such a gifted healer, yet doesn't reside in her own clan," He murmurs after they have finished. Wei WuXian could sense a hint of surprise and a faint bit of disapproval from him.

"Take Jingyi to the Lan healers," Lan Qiren orders Sizhui. "We should make sure the wound is checked on after such a journey." Lan Sizhui bows and takes Jingyi's arms as they head up the stone steps. Lan Xichen exchanges a look with his uncle and follows them. Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji were now left alone.

"I heard that you wanted to push the wedding date to be earlier. I believe we should start preparing today if you both aren't too tired. Wei WuXian cautiously moves his gaze to make eye contact with his future uncle. His uncle's icy gaze had faded after moving his gaze over to his nephew. It had, instead, been replaced by a rare look of warmth and fondness that Wei WuXian never in his life, thought he would see from Lan Qiren. When his eyes return back to Wei WuXian, his eyes only spoke one message: As long as Wangji, my nephew is happy, then that is enough. Wei WuXian feels relaxed. Both he and Lan Wangji knew what it meant. They give a deep bow to him and only raise themselves up again after he places a hand each under their arms. Wei WuXian looks back at Lan Wangji, feeling his heart swell. There was a mixture of relief and joy in his eyes. They finally head back up the steps together. They head towards Lan Qiren's room where they discuss the details of who to invite. Lan Qiren agrees with them of not inviting too many people from each of the clans in case of the risk of an attack or assassin sneaking in.

"If it's alright, I want the ceremony to take place at Cloud Recesses, but the banquet at Lotus Pier...I'm sure Jiang Cheng will be happy to host it." Wei WuXian looks over at Lan Wangji who gives a tiny nod in agreement. As it was still early, they sent out a few disciples to run the errand of passing the invitations to each clan. The invitations would then be received by the clan's messenger.

"You're inviting Miamian?" Lan Wangji sounds surprised as he watches Wei WuXian write the characters onto the letter.

"Why not? She's...she was great." Wei WuXian replies. For once Lan Wangji doesn't need to push away his jealousy. Lan Qiren frowns in thought.

"She..isn't she the one who left the Jin Clan all those years ago?" Lan Wangji answers with a 'yes'.

"I'm not even sure if she'll want to come," Wei WuXian says honestly. After all she had left because she had been sick of the clans' unjustifiable and unfair behavior. The cultivation world, however, had changed a lot since then with Lan Wangji as Chief Cultivator. Still chaos was sure to show up and Lan Wangji was known to be there to stop it whenever that happened.

"She will for you." Lan Wangji says simply. "Are you going to invite Lady Qing and Lady Yue?"

"They can come too. I want to repay them for helping us. And healing Jingyi as well. And Wen Ning....," He falters, looking at Lan Qiren. The hair in his beard almost looked as if they were standing up from the tension that had fallen over his body.

"He can go for the banquet," His voice comes out more as a grunt. Wei WuXian nods and gives a small dip of his head. He understood why Lan Qiren would not approve of Wen Ning, a fierce corpse, walking into Cloud Recesses. The Clan Elders wouldn't react positively either and the overall appreciation for the ceremony would go down. He needed this ceremony to go perfectly and the banquet as well.

"Has Clan Leader Jiang updated you on how you will get your sword back?" Lan Qiren questions. Of course he knew about the whole conflict between the spirits for ChenQing and Suibian by now.

"Perhaps it'd be best for him to give it to me after the eclipse. The eclipse is the gap between our world and the Spiritual world is the smallest, right?" Lan Qiren nods though he was stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"Our knowledge about the spirits inside our cultivation tools is limited. We only know about how swords can seal themselves if their owner's cultivation is very powerful, even after death. Right now, without Suibian by your side, the spiritual connection isn't as strong, while ChenQing," Lan Qiren clears his throat slightly. "with its resentful energy, is stronger, despite you using it for only a few short years."

"Both spirits are fighting to establish that connection," Lan Wangji adds in. "It is...indeed strange." Wei WuXian nods.

"It's almost as if ChenQing's spirit can sense that I have the desire to establish my connection with Suibian again. That is why she is riled up." Lan Wangji looks over at him when he uses the word 'she', but doesn't question him. Wei WuXian wasn't sure how he was going to stop the conflict. Maybe he needed to let them fight it out until a victor appears.

~

The next morning, Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji begin helping to set up decorations and banners for their upcoming wedding. With the date pushed closer, there were a lot of preparations to be done, including physically sending out invitations, preparing the food, and setting up the scenery for the ceremony. Sizhui and the other disciples help to put up the decorations and despite their protests, Jingyi helped as well, but with only the light-load work on Lan Wangji's orders.

When Jiang Cheng, as promised, comes to visit a few days after. Although he is slightly hesitant to come after the rather embarrassing display he put on last time, he doesn't hold back when Wei WuXian practically drags him inside.

When he sees jokingly grumbles and complains about how there were no Lotus symbols on the decorations and the following day, Wei WuXian had gone out of Cloud Recesses for a few hours and came back with a handful of red lotus banners.

"I was only kidding," Jiang Cheng had muttered at the sigh of Wei WuXian carrying the banners in, but there was a warm fondness in his eyes as he helped his brother set up everything.

Soon the usually blue themed Cloud Recesses was covered in red. Unexpectedly, Zizhen and Huiasang had also come to help, bringing along a handful of disciples. Jin Ling joins them as well. With people from each of the major clans in one place, Cloud Recesses was a lot livelier than usual. For once, Lan Qiren doesn't shout at the disciples to settle down, only watching the situation unfold with his mouth in a set line.

For the next few days, it seemed as if the ominous cloud of danger had been forgotten, but everyone knew. Despite keeping the happy atmosphere, security had been raised. Lan Qiren ordered that only people with a token would be allowed into Cloud Recesses to help with the preparations or if they came with their clan leader as a personal escort. Even with this new rule, Wei WuXian, Jiang Cheng, Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen, and Sizhui keep a protectively close watch on Jin Ling. In fact, Sizhui and Jingyi never leave his side and Zizhen had personally ordered his own disciples to look after Jin Ling instead. With so many people wanting to protect him, Jin Ling was also irritated at the idea, despite knowing they meant well.

"It's not like I can't fight!" He complains. "I'm not helpless!"

"We know that," Jingyi tells him in an exasperated voice. "When it comes to swordsmanship, yours is still better than mine. But we need to look after one another. They're specifically targeting you."

"Well...do you think they also want to come after Senior Wei?" Sizhui says hesitantly. Jin Ling narrows his eyes.

"Well...it's a possibility. Many still hold hate in their hearts for him. If it weren't for the Lan Clan protecting him, they'd surely be sending people after him."

"The Ouyang Clan has his back too...or most of my clan at least," Zizhen sighs. "My father's supporters are still holding grudges against him." Sizhui sighs. Both his father and his best friend were in danger. No...everyone I love could be in danger. Jingyi already got hurt...

"Uncle has been going back and forth all this time trying to keep an eye on both me and Uncle Wei. Something must be bothering him," Jin Ling sighs.

"Clan leader Jin and Clan leader Ouyang," Lan Xichen walks over to them, bowing his head in greeting. They return the bows.

"Clan leader Jiang needs to speak to both of you. Clan..leader Nie has something to report to us."

"Us too?" Sizhui asks anxiously. Jingyi looks at his clan leader with a hopeful look on his face,

"I'll fill you in later," Jin Ling promises them. Lan Xichen leads them to the Hanshi, where Jiang Cheng, Wei WuXian,Nie Huiasang and Lan Wangji were already waiting for them.

Chapter Text

Sizhui paces impatiently around his friend.

"Sizhui, will you sit down? You're making me dizzy," Jingyi complains.

"Why are they taking so long? I don't see why I can't be at the meeting!" Sizhui protests. He throws up his hand in frustration.

"Well clearly, it's a clan leader meeting only," Jingyi points out.

"How much will Jin Ling tell us? What if he's not allowed to disclose all the details?" Sizhui bit his lip nervously. "I think Senior Wei won't let him tell us everything in case we're put in danger...or if we worry too much." Jingyi crosses his arms.

"That's ridiculous. We went through so much already. Besides, we're not small children anymore!"
"But you are still young," Jingyi swings around, startled to see his clan leader standing a few feet away from him.

"Zewu-jun," Jingyi and Sizhui greet him.

"We will, however, fill you in on the details that you need to know."

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji calls after Wei WuXian as he comes out from the Hangshi, but he disappears around the corner of one of the buildings. Lan Wangji watches with a sad and worried expression.

"Where's Senior Wei going?" Jingyi asks. Lan Xichen is silent and Jiang Cheng didn't say anything as he came over to stand beside. Jin Ling looks as if he wanted to run after his uncle but Jiang Cheng holds him back with one arm.

"Leave him be. I'll talk to him later," Jiang Cheng tells him sternly, but Jin Ling doesn't miss the worried look in his eyes.

"It's not his fault...this was happening even before he came to live at Cloud Recesses." Jin Ling says, his voice sad.

"The world is unforgiving to him. He's been used as a scapegoat too many times." Lan Xichen says in a soft voice. "They're using him to elevate their plan."

"That'd probably make him feel worse," Zizhen murmurs. Sizhui looks away. All Sizhui wanted right now was for all this to be over soon and he could be happy with both his fathers and enjoy night-hunting with them as well as his friends. And he would be able to get closer to Jin Ling as well.

"Let's not get too worried now. We already figured out what the enemy is capable of. How we're going to combat them will be saved for another day."

"Clan Leader Jiang, a letter came for you," A Lan cultivator hurries up to him with a letter in his hand. . Jiang Cheng accepts the letter and opens it to read the content.

"Strange activity has been detected in the Burial Mounds. No fierce corpses, but only wolves guarding the entrance to something hidden behind a wall of black smoke or fog." Jiang Cheng reads outloud.

"The Burial Mounds again?" Jingyi groans. "We'll have to go back there, don't we?"

"It seems like we always keep getting pulled there," Jiang Cheng murmurs.

"The Burial Mounds is full of resentful energy and anything as a medium for it. Now we know they really are Demonic Cultivators. We should find Young Master Wei as soon as possible."

~

Jiang Cheng walks around Cloud Recesses, looking for his brother. Lan Wangji had had an errand to run for his uncle but the look they had exchanged earlier in the Hanshi meant only one thing.

"Jiang Cheng, I'll join you," He perks up hearing Xichen's voice.

"I can't believe I said that. I didn't know what I was thinking," Jiang Cheng shakes his head.

"You didn't mean it," Lan Xichen tells him, his voice kind. "He'll understand."

"I reminded him of his worse memories....and they're my memories as well." Jiang Cheng swallows, thinking back to the past again about how Su She had caused the death of Jin Zixun. Of his sister. All because they took advantage of his brother and the world's hatred on him. A hatred he had contributed to.

"Where'd you think he went? What if he left Cloud Recesses?" He asks Xichen, who shares his worry.

"He...he'll be okay," Xichen doesn't sound convinced. Young Master Wei may have left ChenQing back in his room again. He wasn't supposed to be away from it for too long or else it might react again.

"Let's check the backhill," Xichen suggests. He knew how much that place meant to Wei WuXian and his brother. It had always been a source of comfort and happiness for them. As they headed towards the Back Hill, what guided them there wasn't the bunnies, but the mellow tune of a flute. Jiang Cheng freezes. The song was familiar. Though it was one he hadn't heard since he was a little boy. Despite this, it was still clear in this memory.

"A-Cheng, we won't let it happen. We won't let the past repeat itself."

"No, we won't," Jiang Cheng agrees. This time he would be able to protect everyone he loves. His nephew, his brother, and his lover. He would protect everyone else too. He had seen Wei WuXian protect people who weren't even his blood kin and family, but they were important enough to him that he'd protect them equally as such.

"We won't go through that kind of pain ever again. After this is all over," Jiang Cheng looks up at Xichen. "We'll spend more time together...right?" He didn't know why he sounded uncertain.

"Yes, we will." There was a twinkle in Xichen's eyes. The flute hadn't stopped playing yet so they followed it to the Back Hill. However, despite being at the location where the sound was loudest, there was no sign of Wei WuXian anywhere near the bunny field. Jiang Cheng sighs and squints his eyes above him and there he was.

Wei WuXian was sitting on an upper branch in a tree. His back was against the trunk of the tree and facing Jiang Cheng and Xichen as well. He didn't seem to have noticed them as he only continued playing his flute, this time, a different song.

"Wei WuXian, how long are you going to be sitting up there?" He calls up to him. The music stops. There was no response.

"Just...as long as I have to," was the response. His voice sounds dull and upset. Jiang Cheng swallows.

"What I said back there..my tongue slipped. I shouldn't have said that."

"You don't have to apologize. I was just overreacting...and it's something I've been worrying about all this time." Wei WuXian sighs. "I just...didn't want to worry everyone with another issue. We need to be focused on finding out who's after Jin Ling as our first priority." Jiang Cheng looks up at him. Once again, he's being selfless. Doesn't he care about what might happen to him on the day of the eclipse? Or the consequences of the spirits of ChenQing and Suibian fighting?

"Like Zewu-jun said...he could be after you as well. If he finds out about the unstableness you've been having, he could take full advantage of it to make things go his way."

"I don't want to be the reason the people I love get hurt again!" There was a bitterness and frustration in Wei WuXian's voice now. He clenches ChenQing at his side. He sits up suddenly and pushes himself off the tree. Startled, Jiang Cheng instinctively moves forward but Wei WuXian lands on his two feet easily.

"Staying away from Suibian isn't going to be a benefit for me. If ChenQing can react like that when I'm not even a town away from her, how do you think Suibian will act? I..I can almost feel him calling to me." Wei WuXian shakes his head. Him and her? Jiang Cheng thinks. Did the spirits have genders?

Jiang Cheng wasn't sure what to do. What was more dangerous? Keeping Suibian away from Wei WuXian could have an effect on both his mind and body but letting the two spirits clash didn't seem ideal either.

"To me, it seems like the only possible time to actually communicate with the spirits is on the evening of the eclipse, but eclipses only last for about an hour or two, so I am not sure if that is enough time to settle the conflict."

"I don't know if it'll be just an hour." Jiang Cheng mutters.

"Huh?" Wei WuXian looks over at him.

"The amount of dark spirits and demonic beasts being controlled by seemingly just one person is unsettling. Can it affect the eclipse in some way?"

"I...don't really believe someone can hold enough power to change nature...that seems a bit...," He trails off.

"I don't mean that. I mean, the eclipse is when the pathway between our world and this spirit realm world is opened right? What I meant to say was, the dark spirits might be helpful in this case if it can influence that gap to remain open a little longer."

"There's bad things and good things," Wei WuXian interjects. What if dark spirits do something inside the Spirit Realm. We already know the possibility of them controlling our weapons. Even if our conscious minds and connections can prevent that, we don't know what will happen if the Spirit Realm is overflooded by dark energy.

"Not if we're protecting it from the outside. Anyways,I wanted to tell you something important. I received a letter from a disciple earlier. They...found something at the Burial Mounds." Wei WuXian's eyes widen

"There again?" Wei WuXian groans, a similar reaction to Jingyi's earlier. "People either who go there either want to aspire after me or scapegoat me."

"We should head there first tomorrow then." Jiang Cheng says but Wei WuXian shakes his head.

"No, I have another plan. I'll go there with Hanguang-Jun and we'll meet back at Lotus Pier. I can simply have fierce corpses or ghosts be our eyes and ears. It'll be much less obvious than sending people."

"We..we should stay together." Jiang Cheng begins but Wei WuXian shakes his head again.

"Working in such a large group will make it far too obvious that we're tracking someone down.. We need to split into groups. I'll ask Wen Ning to protect Jin Ling and Sizhui. Clan Leader Ouyang can be in his own group if he wishes to."

"Hey hey! You should be discussing this with everyone, not just keep it between yourself!" A loud complaint comes from above the hill. Jin Ling, Zizhen, Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were all making their way toward him. Nie Huaisang follows a little ways behind.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji approaches him, their eyes meeting.

"I'm alright," Wei WuXian tells him and he nods quietly. Jiang Cheng explains everything again to them though noticeably, he had left out details on the conversation about the two spirits. I'll just tell Lan Zhan later. Wei WuXian decided. The others didn't necessarily need to know more than they already knew. They should be focusing on the threat against Jin Ling only.

"I also have something to report from a letter I received from my men." Huiasang says quietly. " The wolves..or demonic beasts have become active again. Some of my men tracked them and discovered that they've been lurking around YiLing, Caiyi Town, and YunMeng as well. And something happened at the Blade Shrine as well."

"The Blade Shrine? Oh you mean the Stone Castle. What happened?" Wei WuXian inquires.

"I don't know how it happened but, somehow we found one of the sabres missing. People from my clan were sent there after a villager reported strange activity and when they went to check out the problem, they detected a heavy amount of resentful energy escaping from the shrine." Lan Wangji frowns.

"The evil spirits the sabres were meant to fight. They escaped?"

"Well er...yes. Back then, when a corpse was destroyed it'd be replaced by the trespasser who went into the temple. But we've never had a sabre go missing before. So we don't know how to handle it. Not only that, it wasn't the entire blade that was missing but only half of it."

"Have the evil spirits been dealt with?" Jiang Cheng demands.

"Yes..Nie Zonghui handled it...but about the missing sabre. Is it in the hands of the enemy?" Nie Huaisang shifts himself nervously.

"They wouldn't be able to wield it with only half," Lan Xichen says, puzzled. "And either if they had the entire sabre, only the owner would be able to wield it so it'd be no use to them."

"Maybe they want the metal pieces. How long ago did this happen?" Wei Wuxian narrows his eyes.

"It was quite recently." Nie Huaisang replies. A confused look passes over Wei WuXian's face.

"Odd...I thought they were using the metal pieces as an alternative to the Stygian Tiger Amulet to control the demonic beasts."

"Enhanced power." Lan Wangi states.

"Right! They're probably doing that to prepare for the eclipse but...that means we still do not know what they are using right now."

"Could it be a flute?" Sizhui murmurs.

"What? A different flute? What makes you think that?"

"My dream," Sizhui says, suddenly remembering. "I remember hearing one in my nightmare. I told you about a few months ago."

"We never heard a flute when we first got attacked by them...," Jiang Cheng begins. "Unless...they were being controlled from a distance."

"Why must they always try to copy me?" Wei WuXian sounds irritated. "Or clearly, they are trying to make people assume it's me again."

"You bring too much attention to yourself." Jiang Cheng huffs.

"Huh, what's that supposed to mean?" Wei WuXian's face changes into a pout.

"You're too popular for your own good." Jiang Cheng steps backwards to avoid being wacked in the shoulder.

"Alright, both of you. Settle down." Lan Xichen says, though there's a glimpse of amusement in his eyes.

"Right, well this issue aside," he continues. "We should be on the alert for the next few days. Especially on the day of the ceremony. We'll have cultivators coming from everywhere." his voice turns serious.

"We'll need to heighten security," Jiang Cheng agrees. He was thinking of how to split the disciples evenly between guarding Lotus Pier and Cloud Recesses. There wouldn't be anything important for them to guard other than Suibian during this time. Wei WuXian taps his chin, then turns to Lan Wangji with a teasing smile.

"Do you need me to have an army of fierce corpse guards?" Lan Wangji sighs.

"Don't joke around." Jiang Cheng shakes his head.

"You're going to scare the life out of your future uncle-in-law if you do that." Lan Xichen hides his smile.

"'Fierce corpse guards'?" Jin Ling echoes. "Wen Ning is the strongest there is. Why would you need other ones? They'd be cut down easily." He rolls his eyes.

"Haha, you're right. Don't worry. There won't be anything happening with so many eyes around."

"Nothing will happen, Young Master Wei. We'll make sure of that. We're sending each of the invitations with a special seal. Only people who have that invitation can pass the barrier."

"Setting up the barrier during the day seems like the best kind of security," Jiang Cheng nods.

~

Chapter Text

Now that you've seen the images, on to the story!!

Because the union ceremony was only a week away, everyone stayed at Cloud Recesses instead of traveling back to their clans and continued to help set everything read for the big day. With all the extra helping hands, they soon prepared everything in just a few days. They hung up red lanterns, bows, paper cut outs. The blue tapestry hung up around Cloud Recesses.were replaced with red ones.

"Where did Senior Wei go? Don't tell me he went to the kitchen?" One of the Lan disciples asks in a worried voice. Jingyi and Sizhui pale visibly at the idea of Senior Wei cooking.

"Is that something to worry about?" Jin Ling blinks in confusion.

"You haven't tried his cooking?" Jingyi gapes his mouth at him.

"Well no. We..we never spent time in Cloud Recesses. We always go out for night-hunts or eat food at restaurants. He does order spicy food though. Is that what you're going off about?" Jingyi sighs.

"He's going to prepare quite a feast. It's his own ceremony so of course Hanguang-jun will allow him to cook the dishes of his own choice." He swallows nervously.

"Can it really be that bad?" Jin Ling cocks his head. He had had plenty of spicy food at Yunmeng when he visited Lotus Pier.

"Oh great. Wei WuXian is cooking, isn't he?" Jiang Cheng exclaims as he walks up to him with Huaisang and Xichen following. "Uncle, you're worried about it too?" Jin Ling says incredulously. Jiang Cheng coughs.

"Well, it's not like I miss his cooking, but," he huffs and shakes his head, not continuing his sentence. "I can't say I wouldn't want to try if he's...improved or not."

"It must have been really bad if you can't handle the spice either," Lan Xichen says fondly.

"Tell me about it," Jiang Cheng grumbles. "I prefer to keep my taste buds for at least another decade."

"Now, hopefully not all the dishes are that spicy. We should at least make sure our guests can eat well," Xichen chuckles.

"I'm sure Hanguang-jun will cook some regular Gusu dishes as well," Jingyi declares.

"Eh well, I'm sure it'll be okay if I help as well? Have you kids tried food from Qinghe before?"

"Only a few times when we eat at inns there after night-hunts," Zizhen replies. Nie Huaisang grins.

"Well, Unclean Realm certainly has some unique dishes. I'll be off then." Jiang cheng notices Lan Xichen watching as he disappears towards the kitchen.

"Have you two spoken?" Jiang Cheng drops his voice down to a whisper.

"Well, we have. There wasn't much to talk about, but we talked," Xichen sighs. "He's like the same Huaisang that I thought I knew, but of course things have changed a lot as well."

"He's becoming a fairly impressive clan leader," Jiang Cheng observes. "People no longer call him 'Head-Shaker'. Although he doesn't handle most of the intense political affairs in this clan, the Nie Clan has a fairly stable standing."

"He has Nie Zonghui as his right-hand man. That man is one of the best that Nie Clan recruited these past years. Huaisang doesn't have strong leadership skills so he trusted Nie Zonghui. I think he was a friend of Nie Mingjue as well. He left shortly before ChiFeng-zun became clan leader. He wanted to travel the world instead of being tied down by a clan. But he seems as if he's changed his mind now."
"I wouldn't be surprised if Huaisang simply let him stand in as clan leader, though I'm not sure if there are rules against that." Jiang Cheng chuckles.

"Of course there would," Xichen says lightly. "Though, perhaps if there is no apparent bloodline to be heir, you can choose a good successor. As long as they are born or were raised in the clan."

"A heir...," Jiang Cheng murmurs quietly to himself. "I wonder how I will choose one in the future."
"Well, you're still young. You have plenty of time to make a decision. For me, I am still young as well but there are some promising young disciples in the clan."

"Are you talking about Sizhui?" Jiang Cheng blinks. Xichen's eyes crinkle into a smile.

"Perhaps."

There was the sound of laughter that unexpectedly rings across the courtyard. Jiang Cheng sees Lan Qiren narrowing his eyes in disapproval at the noiset and walks back into one of the nearby classrooms.

"How can he be so lively in every single situation?" Jiang Cheng sighs. It wasn't that he was complaining, but he more or less envied his brother's ability and tendency to be happy. But these past few months, he had felt a lot less lonely than he did for a very long time.

"When we hold another banquet at Lotus Pier, I'm not letting him anywhere near the kitchen. He may hold back for holding spices here, but definitely not back there." Jiang Cheng huffs.

"Is it the cooking that's bad or the excessive amount of spice?" There was amusement in Xichen's voice.

"Both. Either way I'd prefer to keep my tastebuds intact and functioning."

"Why does everyone say that?" Wei WuXian complains. "Come on, have a try of the food!"

Jin Ling, Sizhui, Jingyi, and Zizhen immediately disappear out of sight before he could even reach them. Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen slip away as well.

On the day of the ceremony, Xichen, Jingyi, Huiasaing, and Sizhui help Lan Wangji get ready while Jin Ling, Zizhen, and Wen Ning help Wei WuXian. Jiang Cheng, grumpy, initially refuses to help, but later returns with a handful of Emperor Smile's Jars an hour later. The disciples behind him also held more of them. He could see Lan Qiren's face turning bright red at the sight of so much alcohol inside Cloud Recesses. Xichen smiles, speaking quietly to reassure him that it'd just be for this ceremony."

"Wangji allows him to drink it here anyways," Lan Qiren grunts in response. "He gets off with breaking the rules either way."

"But he follows most of them at least," Lan Xichen remarks. Jiang Cheng raises an eyebrow.

"'Most of them' out of three thousand rules means ten or twenty for Wei WuXian," Jiang Chen snickers.

"Isn't gossiping also against the rules?" There was a teasing tone to Xichen's voice. The guests were starting to gather into the courtyard. It was a strange sight for Jiang Cheng to see so much bright red in the usual blueish white decorated halls. All the Lan guest visitors were not wearing their usual white color and instead had on, lightish blue colors. As he walks around, he hears some of them whispering.

"Hanguang-jun is getting married to a man? Who'd thought a prestigious man like him would be a cut-sleeve?"

"Do you know who it is he is marrying?"

"I hear it's the Yiling Patriarch."

"What really? He used to be quite infamous didn't he?"

"No no, it was Jin Guangyao who did all those bad things, remember?" Jiang Cheng sighs, resisting the urge to yell something at them. He finds himself walking back to his room and taking out the light blue robes he had brought with them. He runs his hands over it. He had not worn his shade of blue since his teenage years. He had also worn it for a bit after he had just returned back to Lotus Pier. He shrugs off these thoughts and changes out of his purple robes. He takes a wrapped up piece of silk cloth from the purple robes and slips it into his blue one.

~

He made his way to the main hall, which also held the ancestral shrine of the Lan Clan. It was much smaller compared to the one at Lotus Pier, but with an elegant demeanor to it like everyone else in Cloud Recesses did. The guests sat in the courtyard just outside the ancestral shrine. He makes his way towards the front line of guests, where Jin Ling and Sizhui were already sitting. The two were leaning their heads towards one another, whispering something. They quickly straighten themselves as Jiang Cheng approaches, staring forward instead. Zizhen and Jingyi snicker at them, but quickly go silent when Jin Ling glares in their direction. Lan Xichen stands on the opposite side, representing Lan Wangji's side of the family. Huaisang seemed unsure of where to sit, but in the end, just ended up sitting near the other guest disciples. Lady Luo, her husband and her daughter arrive shortly. Jiang Cheng blinks in surprise. He had not seen her for a very long time. In fact it had almost been twenty years. She looked older, but just as beautiful as she was in her youth.

"Lady Luo, it's been a long time," He turns around to greet her as she takes a seat behind him. "Have you been well?

"Clan Leader Jiang," She seems surprised to see him here as she greets him.

The disciples and guests had begun to set out fireworks, signaling the arrival of the two grooms. He pushes away the serious thoughts and turns his attention towards the entrance of the courtyard.The sight of the two people walking in took his breath away.

Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji step into the room, both draped in red. The striking elegance of the cloud patterns fill the room with a silent awe. Wei WuXian's own dress had been customized with black in the middle along cloud patterns on the cuffs. There was a hairpin that Jiang Cheng had never seen before tucked neatly into his hair bun.

Just his style. Jiang Cheng thinks, feeling a smile begin to form on his face. He had not seen anyone in such an elegant wedding gown for a very long time. It almost hit him with a wave of nostalgia. Lan Wangji's dress was red with cloud patterns on the crossed collar and the cuffs had the same similar cloud patterns, embroidered with gold colored thread. His usually blue headband was replaced with a red one. Both of them wore jade pendants at the belt. On close observation, Jiang Cheng could see they were in the shape of a bunny.

"Uncle," Jin Ling leans up to whisper in his ear. "Are you crying?" Jiang Cheng stiffens, not even realizing his face was wet and hastily wipes in dry.

"No, I am not," He snaps back in an angry whisper. "What about you? I can see your nose running!" Jin Ling hastily turns away his face, scowling. Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji were making their way down the tables to serve everyone tea. When Wei WuXian reaches his table, he smiles and winks down at Jiang Cheng who makes a face at him in response.

Soon,they had reached the ancestral altar, where Lan Qiren stood, waiting for them. For once, there was no annoyance or anger in his eyes when looking at Wei WuXian, but a look of fondness so faint that Jiang Cheng thought he had imagined it. They began the bai tang (1). Now, Jiang Cheng could hear sniffling next to him. Not only from Jin Ling, but Sizhui, Jingyi and Zizhen as well. Jiang Cheng exhales sharply to try to maintain his composure, but out of the corner of his eye, he could see Xichen's eyes tearing up as well and that finally made him let go as well. The final kowtow is done to each other. Soon everyone gathers into another hall for the banquet.

"We're really having two banquets for our wedding, Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian laughs, pouring himself some Emperor's Smile.

"Mn."

"Jingyi, stop it," Sizhui says sternly as Jingyi tries to take Jin Ling's cup away.

"I'm only smelling it!" Jingyi insists.

"Gross, go away!" Jin Ling shoves him away.

"Honestly you guys," Zizhen sighs.

"There's so much Emperor's Smile. Don't tell me it's only for Senior Wei!"

"Stop being so noisy." Jin Ling hisses back.

"Do you think Senior Wei will let us drink some?" Zizhen whispers.

"Maybe he will, but what about Hanguang-jun? Do you really want to be in the library writing down the disciplines while doing a handstand again?" Sizhui sighs, pouring himself some tea

"Why are we worrying about the drinks when we should be worrying about the food. Why did you pick the table with the spicy food?!" Jingyi looks at Jin Ling in annoyance.

"I couldn't tell! There's barely any red," Jin Ling retorts, coughing at the spice on the piece of chicken he had.

"No talking while eating," Lan Wangji's piercing voice quickly makes them fall silent. Wei WuXian eats his spicy food in delight. Surprisingly, the entire hall wasn't filled with people coughing. Lan Wangji must have made most of the dishes mild, while conserving the spicy dishes for Wei WuXian and his side of the family (2). After everyone is finished with their meal, they begin playing a series of games. The first game involved trying a series of different flavored foods; bitter, sweet, spicy, sour. The chefs had already prepared the dishes beforehand. For once, Lan Qiren had no complaints against this, though everyone had a feeling he was secretly raging it all out inside his mind. Lan Wangji had always been used to the plain flavored food palate of the Lan diet, but after Wei WuXian moved to live in Cloud Recesses, he had begun to cook spicy food especially for him.

"Bitter soup first," Lan Wangji brings the spoon to Wei WuXian's mouth, ignoring his protest and scrunched up face.

"Ahh Lan Zhan. It's so bitter, it makes me cry," Wei WuXian groans. He grabs the spoon and scoops some soup to Lan Wangji's mouth as well who drinks it without a change of expression.

"Spicy is next! I'll get some reaction out of you with this," Wei WuXian lifts the extra spicy congee he had made earlier. The juniors shift their seats away slightly at the mere aroma of it and Jiang Cheng himself could feel his nose twitching. Just how much spice did he put? Lan Qiren frowns at how unnaturally red the congee was. Lan Wangji's eyebrow is twitching slightly, but his face remains indifferent. However, he did reach to pour himself a cup of tea right after finishing it.

"Honestly, the only thing that can really get a reaction out of him is alcohol," Wei WuXian mutters under his breath. The salty and sweet dishes were more enjoyable.

The banquet goes on late into the night until eventually, with everyone tired and exhausted, the guests start to return back to the guest quarters. Jin Ling, Sizhui, Zizhen and Jingyi stay to chat more.

"Wei WuXian, this is for you," Wei WuXian looks up to see Jiang Cheng standing in front of his table with something in his hand. It's the Clarity Bell.

"This is-," Wei WuXian begins, but doesn't continue.

"Take it," Jiang Cheng says impatiently. "Or do you want me to keep it?" He picks up Wei WuXian's hand and pushes it into his palm before walking back to his table.

"Is that what you spent half the month making last month?" Jin Ling cocks his head.

"Shut it," Jiang Cheng hisses. "I didn't spend half the month making it!" Jin Ling scoffs but doesn't tease him any further. He can see Wei WuXian looking over towards Jiang Cheng with a soft smile on his face. Jiang Cheng's face reddens and he hastily excuses himself before leaving the main hall.

"Ah, Jiang Cheng, come back!" Wei WuXian protests. Jiang Cheng sighs, slowing down his pace when he hears footsteps behind him.

"What?" He grumbles. "I'm tired and sleeping early."

"Yes, but it's too early. Come and have a few drinks with me at least!" Jiang Cheng complies to his demands and goes back into the hall. Though he noticed that Jin Ling and his friends had disappeared.

"They went back to their rooms?" Wei WuXian looks around.

"Mn. Jin Ling says he was tired. He dragged Sizhui and the others along with him."

"They still seemed to have quite a lot of energy though," Lan Xichen chuckles. Wei WuXian narrows his eyes suspiciously but only snickers a little.

"Let them have their fun. It's good to know they still have the spirit to have fun."

"Though, I think one jar of Emperor's Smile is missing," Lan Xichen points out.

"Really? You sure it wasn't me?" Wei WuXian laughs.

"It's a good thing I had disciples bring some of them to Lotus Pier before coming here. I didn't realize you were going to drink that many," Jiang Cheng stares at the empty jars on the floor.

"It's a celebration. You're not going to drink with me? Also I wanted to say 'thanks'...for the Bell."

"Mm well yes...I suppose you don't have your old one anymore so I got you a new one."

"Did you really make it yourself? I didn't know you had handy craftsmanship." Jiang Cheng snorts.

"Do you always know everything about me?"

"No...but should I?" Wei Wuxian's voice is hesitant. Jiang Cheng goes silent. There's no way I'm saying it here. This really isn't the right time. A loud distant crash interrupts their thoughts.

"What the-," Jiang Cheng turns, his eyes narrowing. The four people in the room exchange a glance before getting up from the hall and heading towards the source of the noise. It was coming from the residence dorms of the junior disciples.

"Sizhui, calm down. You're drunk." A voice hisses.

"Let go of me!" This was Jin Ling's voice. The only response was another loud crash. Jiang Cheng clenches his fist in annoyance. Lan Wangji's brows furrow.

"Way to cause trouble on our big day,huh?" Wei WuXian says lightly, though there is a laughter in his tone. Lan Wangji sighs.

"What are we going to do, Lan Zhan? It doesn't feel right to give punishments today." Lan Wangji purses his lips.

"Mn. I will go talk with them." He steps towards the dorm and knocks on the door. Immediately, there is the sound of panicked voices and shuffling. Jingyi opens the door, looking dishevelled and nervous.

"H-Hanguang-jun, Senior Wei, oh and Clan Leader Jiang, what can I do for you?" He stammers.

"Where's Jin Ling?" Jiang Cheng's voice is stern, but not angry.

"He's in-," A loud crash interrupts Jingyi. Wei WuXian steps into the room after Lan Wangji. He hadn't expected to see such a mess. The plants were all knocked over, scattering soil all over the ground. On the far side of the room, Jin Ling is struggling to get out of Sizhui's grip. Wei WuXian covers his hand with one mouth. Sizhui's headband was no longer wrapped around his forward but tied around both of Jin Ling's wrists, locking them together. Wei WuXian couldn't keep it back anymore. He bursts out laughing and Jiang Cheng has to prop him up with his shoulder to prevent him from rolling onto the floor.

When Sizhui sees who is at the door, he tries to scramble off the bed, but forgetting that his headband was tied around Jin Ling's wrists, he ends up pulling them both onto the floor. Zizhen let out an exasperated sigh and had a look on his face that said Maybe I should have stayed in the same quarters as my disciples and where the other clan leaders are staying. He gets up from the table, unties Jin Ling's wrists and hands the headband back to Sizhui who only takes it with a blank stare. Lan Wangji had been silent this entire time, watching the scene unfold.

"Stop laughing and get off me," Jiang Cheng complains, pushing Wei WuXian with his elbow.

"Lan Zhan, let's just help them clean. We don't want your uncle to find this mess."

"Goodness...I swear these four cause more trouble than when you were at Cloud Recesses." Wei WuXian had almost forgotten that Lan Xichen had followed them.

"Now that is certainly a statement."Jiang Cheng mutters.

"I told you not to take the Emperor's Smile, didn't I?" Zizhen says, pressing the palm of his hand into his face.

"Well, it's not like they noticed it was missing. There were so many empty jars anyways," Jingyi mutters. The disciple was unusually quiet and submissive in a drunken state as he

"Ey, Lan Zhan. Don't be mad," Wei WuXian puts a hand on his arm to stop him from stroming further into the room.

"This is just the kind of chaotic wedding I expected you to have," Jiang Cheng snickers.

"It wasn't me who caused the chaos," Wei WuXian shoots back. He was right and Jiang Cheng was very tempted to punish Jin Ling for causing trouble on Wei WuXian's wedding day. He'd make sure their nephew apologized later. They help the juniors clean the mess.

The four of them head out afterwards and take a stroll around Cloud Recesses, as it had not reached 9pm yet.

~

Meanwhile, back in the juniors' dorm...

"This is your fault, Jingyi," Jin Ling snaps. "Why did you have to sneak that bit of wine into his water?" He helps Zizhen lift Sizhui back onto the bed who was still passed out.

"Well," Jingyi sputters, his cheeks still red from the alcohol. "You know he wouldn't have drunk it any other way. Also I didn't want him to go telling Senior Wei and Hanguang-jun and interrupt their wedding night."

"We interrupted it anyways!" Zizhen cuts in. Usually he was the reasonable one and tried to break up conflicts before it started, but tonight he was annoyed and tired after drinking.

"Senior Wei didn't seem to mind at least..." Jingyi mutters. "It seems like we added some entertainment to his big day."

"My Jiujiu is going to punish me later, even if Hanguang-jun and Senior Wei don't!" Jin Ling says angrily.

"Alright, stop arguing. If we get any louder, Master Lan will hear us and he won't be as lenient." Zizhen warns.

"What are going to do about Sizhui?" Jingyi looks over at his friend on the bed.

"Just let him sleep on the bed. I'll just sleep at the table."

"I'm just going to go back to my own quarters," Zizhen decides. "I'll see you in the morning." He leaves the room, rubbing his head and sighing in exasperation and embarrassment.

"Jingyi, you can sleep on the other bed. I'll be fine." Jin Ling insists.

"If you're sure....thanks," Jingyi says and goes over to the other bed, pulling the blankets over himself.

After half an hour of sleeping on the table, Jin Ling feels his neck and shoulders aching. At first, he's ready to scooch in next to Jingyi, but remembering how the Lan disciple often kicked in his sleep, he goes over to Sizhui's bed instead. He pushes Sizhui to the inward side of the bed as carefully as possible and positions himself next to him. Trying to ignore the heat creeping up his face, Jin Ling closes his eyes to sleep. Jiang Cheng, Lan Xichen, Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji head back to their own quarters to sleep.

"Ah Lan Zhan, come and sleep! It's our first night together as husbands. Don't you think it was quite something?" Wei WuXian laughs as he plops himself onto the bed. He takes off the blue rabbit hairpin from his hair bun and places it carefully back into its box. Lan Wangji nods, closing the door of the Jingshi behind him.

"Mm."

"Now, how exactly did Sizhui get drunk? It must have been Jin Ling or Jingyi, don't you think." Lan Wangji's brows furrow.

"Ah, don't look like that. I know you wanted to punish them, but why ruin the mood of such a beautiful and important day?"

"Maintaining discipline everyday is important."

"But why let me drink so much Emperor's Smile? Ah..that's such a silly question from me. Lan-er gege will always let me drink that anyways. And you always buy me delicious food from town, so I won't have to deal with the plain tasting food from your GuSu meals. Now come here and don't leave me all alone in the bed." Lan Wangji complies. He leans over in the bed, his lip inches away from Wei WuXian's. Then the space between them closes. Unlike their many many other kisses, this one was slow, not desperate, yet still held a sense of deep longing. Wei WuXian could feel Lan Wangji's lips twitching slightly at the taste of alcohol still stuck to his lips.

"Lan Zhan, you're not going to get drunk from the drops of alcohol on my lips right? I know you're a lightweight."

"Don't be silly." Lan Wangji presses his lips harder against Wei WuXian's to prevent him from talking even more. Their hands fumble over one another, peeling away the first layer of their red robes. As the night goes on, they tangle into one another, both arms and legs until they fall asleep in each other's warm embrace. As they did every night. And every day.

Chapter Text

It took them two days to clean everything up at Cloud Recesses. By that time, the eclipse was only a week away. Jin Ling and Nie Huaisang had returned back to their sects together, promising to meet back at Cloud Recesses a day or two before the eclipse.

The urge to go to Lotus Pier was imminent. With some further discussion, they decided ending the conflict between the spirits as soon as possible would be the better choice rather than let it affect Wei WuXian more. After the celebration, lectures began to start up again for the junior disciples. Wei WuXian, wanting to contribute more as he is an official member of the Lan Sect now, begins joining Lan Wangji at every lecture, helping him to grade papers, and even giving lessons. Surprisingly, Lan Qiren has no complaints about him teaching as long as it did not involve his demonic cultivation techniques. Jingyi and Sizhui are extra diligent during these lectures, trying to make up for the embarrassing situation they had gotten themselves in during the wedding night. Noticeably, Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen assigned both the disciples extra work as they couldn't go completely unpunished for breaking the rules.

Jin Ling ,as promised, returns back to Cloud Recesses, giving reports on whether anything had happened while they were away. Although Huaisang can not participate in the fighting himself, he sends Nie Zonghui and a few dozen disciples to protect Jin Ling in case there was another attempt on his life. He still had a way to contribute and help despite not being able to fight himself.

Jin Ling had administered several Jin council officers to take charge as Jin Chan's authority was only temporary and proved to be ineffective as he was not used to leading.

Jiang Cheng, Wei WuXian, Lan Wangji and Jin Ling meet up near the backhill to hear his updates.

"Jin Chan is still helping with keeping an eye out on anyone who might be suspicious," Jin Ling explains. "But so far, nobody has tried anything. I am surprised considering how much I am away from Carp Tower."

"I see that as a good thing," Wei WuXian says. "The enemy won't show themselves so boldly if you are surrounded by so many people. We need to lure them out, but at the same time, keep you out of danger." He ruffles Jin Ling's hair who immediately ducks out of the way, giving him a cross glare.

"Madam Lan is teasing Jin Ling again," There is the sound of laughter as Sizhui and Jingyi hurry over to greet their friend. Zizhen is behind them.

"'Madam Lan?'" Wei WuXian tilts his head. "Now who came up with that?"

"Jingyi!" Zizhen complains. "That was supposed to be our inside joke!" Jin Ling and Jingyi only smirk in response while Sizhui lets a smile with a hint of mischief.

"Don't tell me we're just going to call Senior Wei 'Madam Lan' now?" Jin ling snickers.

Wei WuXian makes a face.

"Come now, really?" He sighs. Lan Wangji's lips curl upwards while Jiang Cheng only scoffs and rolls his eyes. Jin Ling, Jingyi and Zizhen walk off to one side to have their own conversation.

"Or would you prefer if I called you 1A-Niang?" Wei WuXian's face turns red at this and Sizhui immediately ducks his head in embarrassment.

"Sorry Senior Wei."

"You can if you want to." Wei WuXian tells him, smiling. "And you're going to call Lan Zhan 'Die-die', too?" It was Sizhui's turn to go red.

"Well I-..do want to."

"Or you can go back to calling me 'Xian-baba'," Wei WuXian says gently. "You were the one who asked me if it was alright."

"Oh right, I guess I was taking time to get used to it."
"He is our son no matter what he calls us. It's up to him," Lan Wangji simply.

"Ah you're right, Lan Zhan. I've never cared much about titles anyways." Sizhui smiles, reaching forward to hug them both once before going to join the other juniors.

"Although I'm sure 'Madam Lan' sounds more pleasant than 'Yiling Patriarch," Jiang Cheng cuts in, snickering. Wei WuXian had almost forgotten Jiang Cheng was with them and held back his embarrassment.

"Not you too," Wei WuXian groans. Jiang Cheng smirks in response. The feeling Wei WuXian had from his shidi's teasing had become a norm again. A year ago, he'd never thought he would go back to teasing his brother like this and having him yell and complain in response.

"Well, wouldn't it be better for your reputation? Be known as Hanguang-jun's husband rather than someone whose names bring fear into young children?"
"Hey!" Wei WuXian protests. "I'm sure nobody tells those kinds of stories about me anymore. Haven't my crimes been all cleared?"

"You still control corpses." Lan Wangji points out calmly. Seeing that even his husband had joined in on the teasing, Wei WuXian simply stops talking and crosses his arms grumpily.

"Maybe I can call you A-Niang if I can call," Sizhui's eyes meet Jiang Cheng's. "'ShuShu." Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng's mouths gape open at the young boy and even Lan Wangji looks surprised. Before they could respond, a panicked shouting from behind them.

"Sect leader! Sect leader!" There were several disciples from each sect; Nie, Lan, Jin, and Jiang hurrying towards them with a panicked look on their faces.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Cheng demands, feeling unsettled.

"Something's happened at the cemetery near Guanyin Temple!" The faces of all four sect leaders paled in unison.

"There are men from three major sects guarding it and people still dare to go near it?" Zizhen sounds shocked.

"When have people been afraid of doing things like that in the past?" Jiang Cheng retorts. "We should go there as quickly as possible and figure out what's going on. It must be serious if it's enough to send a distress call."

"Lan Zhan and I still need to investigate the Burial Mounds. Should we meet back somewhere close?"

"If this person really used to work under Jin Guangyao, then maybe he's going there to mess with the corpse," Jin Ling looks troubled.

"We know it's a male now?" Jiang Cheng inquires. Jin Ling nods. "Female cultivators would typically have their name tags designed in a different shape and also tie a string at the top. There would be a small hole at the top." He takes out the name tag again and shows it to everyone to indicate there was no hole.

"What motive would they have going there though?" Wei WuXian crosses his arm. "Like I said before, it wouldn't do them much good even if they got their hands on the amulet."

"A trap to avert our attention from their real plan," Lan Wangji says quietly.

"Then we shouldn't go?"

"No, one group of us should go, but rather than fall into their trap. We set our own trap. First, do not go all the way within the distance of the temple. Instead send Fairy and have her bark to lure them out. We have him think that Jin Ling is nearby, but instead we can plan for him to run into us. Even if it may not be him at the temple, if we can capture his men, then we'll have the means to interrogate."

"Were we not going to have her track down him herself?" Jiang Cheng inquires.

"If we do that, he may kill the dog." Wei WuXian says dryly and Jin Ling's eyes go wide. "He obviously won't let the dog lead you straight back to their base. Don't worry. I have another plan."

"Right then," Xichen clears his throat. "How many groups will be splitting up into?"

"Zewu-jun, do you want to go with Jin Ling, Jingyi and Sizhui?" Jiang Cheng knew he may not be comfortable going back to Guanyin Temple, especially considering who was in that cemetery.

"I'll join you," Xichen's voice sounds shaky, but determined.

"Are you sure Sizhui should come along?" Wei WuXian sounds uneasy. "And has Jingyi fully recovered yet?

"We shouldn't leave him behind for this important mission," Jin Ling tells him. "Jingyi seemed to have healed fast. He had so much energy during the banquet. Besides, we'll need all the help we can get." Wei WuXian sighs, still not looking convinced. A part of him still saw Sizhui as a little boy who had clung to his leg. He had a feeling Jiang Cheng felt the same over Jin Ling in a way, always being protective of him despite him being a sect leader now.

Jiang Cheng looks away and towards Lan Xichen instead. There was a dark shadowed look over his face. One that seemed all too familiar to Jiang Cheng.

"Are you sure about this?" He asks him hesitantly.

"Letting go of the past is important." Was his response. "Clan Leader Nie, will he be going as well?" One of the Nie disciples answered him.

"He is already on this way there."

"We will go ahead first," Jiang Cheng says, looking at Xichen. "We've spent too much time here. We should go as quickly as possible."

"Jiang Cheng turns towards Wei WuXian.

"That..Wen Ning will protect them right?" His eyes were sharp.

"Yes, Jiang Cheng. You won't need to worry." Jiang Cheng still looks uncertain.

"I'm not sure about letting him travel alone with so few reinforcements." He mutters.

"We'll look out for each other," Sizhui tells him in a strong voice. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to him." Sizhui glances at Jin Ling with a soft smile who shrinks away his gaze in response, ears turning red.

"I have someone bringing Fairy over. I'd meet them halfway before they reach the top of the mountain," Jiang Cheng adds, noticing Wei WuXian had stiffened beside him. Jin Ling nods in understanding. They all watch as Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen take off before leaving Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji lets out a worried sigh and Wei WuXian immediately turns to him.

"Zewu-jun will be okay. He's strong," He says reassuringly. Lan Wangji only nods.

Lan Wangji sends more Lan disciples with them despite their protests. Wen Ning soon shows up and they disappear down the hill together.

"Are you sure we shouldn't send more people with them?" Lan Wangji asks Wei WuXian.

"They will be fine," Wei WuXian answers decisively. "Something tells me he won't attack them, even when they're alone like this. He won't be that reckless." They go back to their room briefly to gather a handful of talismans for emergencies. Wei WuXian picks up his sword as well. Although it was not a strong one due to being non-spiritual, it'd still come into use. They say their goodbyes to Lan Qiren before flying away on Bichen together.

~

Wen Ning keeps watch from the back. He could feel as if someone was tailing them and he turns around once in a while.

"Master Wen?" Is something wrong?" Zizhen falls back to walk beside him.

"Someone is tailing us," Wen Ning tells him quietly. Zizhen tenses, sneaking a glance back by turning his head halfway, his hands moving towards the hilt of his sword. The Ouyang and Jin disciples weren't directly beside the group but had been following them slowly from behind, more scattered out. However, Wen Ning wasn't sensing the disciples, but someone dangerous.

"Who?" Jin Ling asks sharply, but keeps his voice low. Wen Ning shakes his head, putting one finger on his mouth, indicating for them to keep quiet. He then motions with one hand as he hurries in front of them and slips into a nearby ally. The juniors hurry after him as he runs around several corners and then jumps into a nearby roof. They crouch their on the roof silently, watching the ground with keen eyes. A man comes around the corner, looking left and right in a frantic manner. Jin Ling reaches for his bow and arrows, but Sizhui grabs his hand and shakes his head. Zizhen picks up a nearby rock from a gutter and hurls towards the ground, away from their hiding spot. The man spins around, sword drawn and immediately grounds towards the sound. Once it is safe, they go safely back into the ground and back into the open crowds. A few people jump out the way with cries of fear at the sight of the fierce corpse and there were some confused looks as to why the leaders of the LanLing Jin Sect and Baling Ouyang Sect were walking so casually beside him. A few disciples rejoin the group.

"Isn't that the Ghost General?" A voice hisses.

"I heard that someone is causing trouble again with demonic cultivation."

"What if he got ordered by that Wei WuXian to kidnap the Jin Sect Leader?" Sizhui stiffens as he sensed someone approaching Wen Ning from behind. Zizhen spins around, his swords raised and eyes narrowed. His disciples beside him instinctively do the same. A man holding a knife had been creeping towards them from the side.

"Stay away," Zizhen says sharply, his voice holding steady. "Are you trying to make an enemy of the Baling Ouyang Sect?"

"N-No," the man stammers. "It's j-just...he g-ghost general."
"He isn't hurting us." Sizhui steps forward to stand beside Wen Ning.

"But I heard Sect leader Jin...was in danger and," the man steps back, lowering the knife.

"My uncle isn't responsible," Jin Ling says sharply. "And do you really think my friends and I would be kidnapped so easily? And do you not see the disciples with us as well?" The man doesn't say anything, only bows his head sulkily.

"And also, his name is 'Wen Ning'. It is not polite to address someone in the way you did just now." Jingyi adds in. Usually whenever Jingyi makes a snark reply, Sizhui would gently reprimand him out of habit. This time he remains silent. He wouldn't let anyone hurt his family, not even through words.

"Master Wen," Zizhen asks quietly once they have left the town and gone into the forest. "Do you feel resentful energy coming from those...creatures we saw that day?" Wen Ning hesitates

"I think...originally, they were not demonic creatures, but they were corrupted with 3Yin energy. Some of them were indeed demonic beasts though. Those were stronger for me to take down. I'm afraid the fight will not be as easy as only fighting dark spirits.We have those demonic monsters or creatures to worry about as well."

"By the way, where are we going?" Sizhui directs his question toward Jin Ling.

"To Jin Hong," Jin Ling said simply. They soon left town and entered a forest. According to Lady Luo's letter, she no longer lived close to the Burial Mounds in Yiling but had moved to a quiet village in Yueing, near the south of Gusu.

The men behind them spread out in front of them making sure nobody was hiding in the woods for an ambush while Wen Ning watched their rear.

"That house there," Jin Ling says. There was a lady waiting there for them already.

"Sect Leader Jin!" She hurries to greet him with a bow.

"Lady Luo," Jin Ling returns the greeting. "There's been no trouble, I assume?" She shakes her head lightly.

"Master...Hong hasn't spoken much. But he did say he has something important to tell you. He said you didn't want him to tell you at Carp Tower in case someone might overhear."

"Right," Jin Ling nods. He beckons his friends and they follow Lady Luo inside. Wen Ning stands guard outside.

"Sect Leader Jin," Jin Hong stands up from the table he was sitting at. "Sect Leader Ouyang, you're here too. And the two young masters from GuSu." He bows in greeting. They sit down at the table. Lady Luo joins Wen Ning outside to guard the house.

"The man I was working for, I overheard his conversation with his son once. I heard him mention Jin Guangyao's name

"Uncle Yao?" Jin Ling says, surprised, swallowing nervously.

"Yes. He was saying how he had to escape the sect due to being one of Jin Guangshan's illegitimate sons. He also lied to me when he said he would try to make Jin Chan sect leader. He wanted to make his own son leader...because he was in the bloodline. This was the reason I backed out of the plan. I had a feeling it would put Jin Chan in danger." Jin Ling holds back a sharp retort. He has tried his best to be lenient on Jin Hong, but in the end, he would not go completely unpunished for working with the enemy.

"He had his own son?" Zizhen echoes.

"Yes," Jin Hong nods. "

"Did he never tell you his name?" Sizhui asks.

"He told me to call him 'Master'. Perhaps he was worried his real name would be traced. Other than him having to flee to avoid execution, I also know his wife died giving birth to his son as they were running away."

"What does he have against Jin Ling, then?" Jingyi asks.

"He wants power," Sizhui answers him. "He probably found out what happened with Jin Guangyao and he knew people would be skeptical about another illegitimate son of Jin Guangshan taking power so that's why he wants his son to become leader instead. He probably brought up his son telling him that he had the right to lead Jin Sect." Zizhen nods.

"That makes sense," He agrees.

"Then do we still think he is after Senior Wei as well?" Jingyi adds. Jin Ling isn't sure about this.

"Wei WuXian?" Jin Hong asks. "Well, if he is seen as an obstacle, then in a way, yes. He is the famous Yiling Patriarch after all. He can control ghosts and corpses and the tool that is being used by my...former master," He says hurriedly. "Can only control the spirits of demonic beasts and monsters."

"Can he control the actual beasts as well?" Sizhui asks. Jin Hong frowns.

"Well, I assume that he can, but most of the time when he controls them, they are the spirits of beasts. The ones that have been killed already by cultivators."

"How do we defeat something that is a spirit?" Jingyi shakes his head in disbelief.

"Remember what Senior Wei said? We use the spiritual energy in our swords." Sizhui says.

"Well," Jingyi says drly. "My sword isn't exactly strong in terms of spiritual power. And not every one of the disciples use spiritual swords either."

"Maybe the eclipse temporarily makes them into their original form again." Sizhui says suggestively.

"Maybe. There is still too much we don't know. When we fought them the first time, it was difficult enough, but we were able to hold our ground. Besides even if they were spirits...they weren't like ghosts. We were able to have physical contact with them," Zizhen points out.

"Right! It certainly didn't hurt less when it took a bite out of me," Jingyi crosses his arms. Jin Ling winces slightly at the reminder.

"They are spiritual creatures. Not spirits," Sizhui reminds them.

"Right...," Jingyi nods. "I wonder if they're similar to Jin Ling's dog, Fairy. Except these spirits have been corrupted by yin energy."

"It does make sense. Those spiritual creatures we fought seemed to be intelligent like her."

"I did hear he also recruited men who still hold grudges against him as well as the people who left the Jin Sect after they refused to accept," Jin Hong adds in.

"Of course...we were too naive to think he wouldn't have a lot of people working behind him. Even with the weapons and tools he possesses, he will need backup." Zizhen sighs.

"It's interesting how the Nie Sect uses resentful energy but not with human resentful energy," Jingyi mutters. "Because regardless of using resentful energy, it won't be considered demonic cultivation unless..well..unless you're using it the same way Senior Wei does."

"Right, but he would be one of the few cultivators using it for good deeds."Zizhen adds.

"He could be the only cultivator," Jin Ling emphasizes. The three of them look at him in surprise and he quickly looks away.

"What?" he demands, trying to avoid eye contact but keep his chin up at the same time.

"Nothing,"Sizhui says, laughing softly. "We just think your attitude towards Senior Wei has changed a lot these past months."

"Well, it's been different for longer than that," Jin Ling huffs, his cheeks flushing.

"Well when this is all over, we can join Senior Wei and Hanguang-jun on night hunts together," Zizhen smiles. "I'm sure Sect Leader Jiang and Zewu-jun will want to come along as well?"

"Zewu-jun too? Well, he has a lot of things to do as sect leader, right?" Sizhui says uncertainty.

"Let's get back on topic, shall we?" Jin Hong says. His voice was gentle but also firm.

"Right, apologies," Sizhui says quickly.

"Master Jin, why were you so quick to trust this man? Especially when he barely told you anything about him?" Sizhui looks at Jin Ling. His friend's voice was hard-edged and imposing.

"I-I'm sorry!" Jin Hong falls to the floor on his knees. "I d-didn't trust your leadership. I was worried you'd only cause the Jin Sect to collapse, e-especially after Jin G-guanyao's death." Jin Ling takes a deep breath to keep himself calm and Sizhui, out of habit, puts a hand to rest on his arm.

"So what makes you trust me now? What makes you think I can trust you in the future to support me? I can trust Jin Chan, but what about you?"

"A-as soon as I overheard that conversation," Jin Hong murmurs, his head still lowered towards the ground. "I knew I couldn't trust him anymore. He manipulated and tricked me with his lies. He made me believe you were the kind of leader with no self-control and couldn't handle politics and would be impulsive and dangerous as leader." Jin Ling takes a deep breath and leans down to help Jin Hong to his feet.

"Listen. I would never harm anyone over a childhood rivalry. I know what people say about my attitude and temper, but I still have morals." Sizhui couldn't help but smile. It was the first time his friend had spoken about his own attitude like that without getting defensive as he used to.

"I understand, Sect Leader...thank you," Jin Hong bows, deep and low

"Yes," Jin Ling nods. "But please understand that you can't go unpunished. For now, I have decided to demote your rank as an official and reduce your salary for three months. Additionally for one month, I will have someone keeping an eye on your actions and reporting them to me." There was no protest from Jin Hong. He only bows again

A/N:

1A-Niang- Means 'Mom'

2A-Die/Die Die- Means 'Dad'

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng keeps his grip on Fairy's leash to prevent her from jumping up onto the Lan Sect Leader.

"Sorry," Jiang Cheng apologizes. "She's always like this. Sit down," He orders the dog who was sniffing eagerly around Lan Xichen's robes. She whimpers but obeys, panting with her tongue lolling out.

"Don't worry. I do not mind animals, despite having never owned one myself."

"I guess you're used it when you got Wei WuXian's bunnies around and the donkey that never stops making noise," Jiang Cheng had only see Lil'Apple once when Wei WuXian brought him along on a night-hunt and he had not been amused at almost being kicked into a tree. He takes out the name tag Jin Ling had given him earlier and holds it in front of Fairy who sniffs at it in curiosity.

"Track the scent, Fairy. Lead us to him," Jiang Cheng orders.

"I thought she wasn't leading us to him?" Lan Xichen says, puzzled.

"We're not," Jiang Cheng tells him. "Not exactly. First we need to find him in order to get him to follow Fairy. Remember what Wei WuXian said? We should not go all the way to the temple. Only to have Fairy lure them out with her barks."

"If we do capture one of his subordinates, how do we know for sure they will say anything?" As if on cue, Zidian lets out a small crackle of power. Jiang Cheng slaps his hand over it to make it stop.

"A-Cheng," Lan Xichen begins, but Jiang Cheng only shakes his head. As much as he did indeed want to use Zidan to get information out of them,to know who was after his nephew and as responsible for nearly killing his brother, he wanted to hold back. He didn't want Xichen to see that side of him.

"It's okay to want to protect someone you love," Lan Xichen says, his voice gentle. "You've lost so much already, I understand you're...desperate and worried. But..," His voice falters. Jiang Cheng lets out a sigh.

Lan Xichen had always had a kind heart and gentle personality. He would never imagine resorting to violence to getting answers out of someone. Even when speaking with Jin Guangyao, he had been willing to listen to him to find out the reasons for the things he did. Jiang Cheng on the other hand gets worked up in his emotions. When helping Jin Ling to secure his position at Carp Tower, he had Jiang disciples stationed at LanLing, he had threatened any cultivators who dared say anything about Jin Ling not being capable of becoming sect leader. Yet despite all of his efforts, it seemed as if it had come back to bite him. Perhaps the people who left the Jin Sect out of spite of both him and Jin Ling had gathered together with a greater power to strike back, to seek revenge.

"What if it's my fault?" He finally speaks, his voice trembling.

"Your fault for what?"

"My fault they've come back to hurt Jin Lin again. Because of how aggressive I was...they must have been feeling spiteful and wanted revenge."

"A-Cheng," Lan Xichen interrupts gently. "Why would it be your fault? They were already against Jin Ling from the very beginning. Wouldn't it have been better to kick them out?"

"No..it's just," Jiang Cheng pauses and speaks again. "If instead of being violent, we convinced them by showing them what Jin Ling was capable of. If they left the sect...they would have the power to plan whatever they want to plan and come back with more power to strike back!" His voice was rising up in distress and Fairy had started growling, mirroring the stress his master felt.

"A-Cheng, listen to me. You don't know if they would have been trustworthy. They could have easily tricked everyone," Lan Xichen says, his voice soothing. "They could have had more time to strike from the inside. Isn't that worse? We're going to fight the enemy all together now. Isn't that better than having Jin Ling and you struggling to find out who to trust?" Jiang Cheng begins to relax at those words.

"Y-you're right. I-..thank you..Lan Huan," Jiang Cheng feels almost a sense of relief at speaking that name again. Back at Cloud Recesses, he hadn't dared to. Especially not with Lan Qiren around. He didn't even know if Lan Wangji knew about their relationship.

~

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji's voice jolts him out of his dazy stare.

"Yes?" Wei WuXian is still distracted, his eyes lingering towards the direction of Lotus Pier.

"We need to keep moving," Lan Wangji says gently.

"Right...it's just that. We're in YunMeng now and the tug is even stronger. My mind and body both want to go there." Lan Wangji knew he was referring to Lotus Pier.

"But, my heart is hesitating," Lan Wangji blinks at those words.

"Why? Did you not look forward to returning there?"

"I...did, but under different circumstances. And also, I am not sure if I really do want to go back," Wei WuXian moves his lips nervously.

"Jiang Cheng has already decided to welcome you back. Why hesitate?" Lan Wangji presses. It was rare for him to bring up the Jiang Sect Leader into conversations. He no longer held resentment for the man, but there was still a hint of wariness he could not rid his mind of. Though right now, he was sure that wariness was more so for his Xiongzhang, not his husband.

Wei WuXian sighs.

"Never mind," He said at last. They continue walking.

"I wonder why Jiang Cheng didn't walk with us. We're both heading towards Yunmeng," Wei WuXian says.

"You were the one who said to split into groups, did you not?"

"Oh, right," Wei WuXian nods. "I wonder if Jin Ling, A-Yuan and the others are safe though. They are heading towards Yiling as well, but in a different direction I assume."

"We're all close enough to one another to give off distress signals if necessary," Lan Wangji reassures him. He was right. Lady Luo's residence wasn't too far from the Burial Mounds. Yunping City, however, was further away.

"We're almost there. Stay close to me," Lan Wangji tells him, keeping a firm grip on Bichen at his side. Wei WuXian slips a few attack talismans into his sleeve. He also takes ChenQing out from his pouch and slips it into his belt just in case. He sees Lan Wangji's eyes darting towards it with an uncertain look, but he says nothing.

"Stay low," Lan Wangji says suddenly, bending down and tugging down Wei WuXian alongside him.

Three black creatures guarded the entrance to the Burial Mounds, their eyes glinting despite the sun still in the sky. They could hear voices getting louder and then a man shoving another one right in front of the creatures. They seemed to be made out of black smoke because they shifted into another shape. Wei WuXian stiffens beside his husband, grabbing his robes.

"Shape-shifting?" Wei WuXian hisses under his breath. This time, the creature looked more like a real wolf than a demonic beast.

"The form has become more materialized," Lan Wangji says slowly.

"J-jin Yimu! M-Master Jin! Please! I won't fail you again. Give me another chance!"

"Why have you failed to trace the boys?" The man now assumed to be Jin Yimu snarls. "They are not with the adults. You should easily be able to follow them!" Wei WuXian feels chills run down his spine and Lan Wangji tensing beside him.

"The G-ghost general! He's incredibly keen on hearing and he heard me. They slipped away from me somehow."

"I don't want to hear excuses. I want results. Go back out there or you will be the next blood sacrifice I need to make my beautiful pets stronger."

Sacrifice? Pets? Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji have heard enough and they are ready to slip away when the beasts start growling, as if they had heard something. The noise was enough to make the tiny hairs on Wei WuXian's neck rise up. Lan Wangji has his hand resting on Bichen, ready to draw it out at any moment. Wei WuXian slips one hand into his sleeve. There was no way they would be able to sneak out of here without the beasts noticing them. They had already begun to sniff the air.

"What is it?" Jin Yunmu is talking with the beasts in soft crooning voices. It was almost in the same manner he sees Sizhui talking to the bunnies, but the sheer difference between the situation makes Wei WuXian shudder. "They must smell something," Jin Yunmu straightens himself and then barks an order to the men still inside the Burial Mounds. "Search the area! Do not let them escape!"

"But M-master, they won't be able to get into the Burial Mounds anyways, the protective ar-," The man breaks off as the beasts snarl loudly in his face, causing his eyes to go wide in fear as he scrambles backwards on the ground. He grabs his sword out from the hilt and begins searching the surrounding area. Jin Yunmu turns back towards his other men.

"Men, we're going to find Jin Ling. Keep an eye out on that dog of his. If the dog is around, it is surely to be with him!" Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji watch silently as Jin Yunmu and several dozen of his men fly away on swords. It was going according to their plan. The other man they had left behind comes closer to the edge of clearing and bushes.

Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji could no longer hide. They spring up, grabbing the man's arm and twisting it so the sword blade was inches away from his neck. Another hand covers his mouth to prevent him from calling out. However, the beasts had detected the movement and were running over fast. Cursing softly, Wei WuXian thrusts away his hostage, straight into the pack, causing them to crash into his falling body. Bichen flies forward, cutting towards the necks of the beasts. However, their skins appear to be thick, unlike the materialized creatures they had first fought. The blade only cut through the skin of one beast, who fell to the ground motionless. The others were still coming. Wei WuXian flicks out the talisman from his sleeve, aiming straight towards them. Instantly, a wall of flames spring up, temporarily halting their movement. Lan Wangji sends more attacks out with his guqin.

"Lan Zhan! We need to go!" Wei WuXian shouts. He could see more beasts coming as well as men. Lan Wangji has already mounted onto his sword and he pulls Wei WuXian up by the waist just before a beast leaps up and nearly closes its teeth around his foot.

"Master, are we sending out the spirits yet?" Wei WuXian hears someone shout as they fly further into the sky.

"No, wait for the eclipse. Do not waste their power. We will see them again very soon." Wei WuXian keeps an eye behind them to make sure nobody follows until they lose sight of the Burial Mounds.

"Lan Zhan, they can control demonic beasts as well as spirits? How?" Wei WuXian whispers.

"They were not yao demonic beasts. They are regular demonic beasts but corrupted with an even darker energy. Taken over by dark spirits. Demonic beasts have golden cores as well...perhaps the resentful energy has taken over it as well as the dark spirits."

"How can you tell?"

"We fought dark creature spirits in the beginning. They did not have a form. This time, they've taken a physical form." Wei WuXian recalls the way the creatures looked like black smoke back when they first encountered them.

"Do you really think they'll be able to control our weapons this way?" Wei WuXian asks worriedly.

"We will be fine. So will Jiang Cheng and Xiongzhang. But the children..will have to be more careful."

"A-yuan...and Jin Ling you mean?"

"Yes. The hearts of young people can be easily weakened. Remember what happened with Jin Chan?"

"Yes, something similar happened with Sizhui. We've..I've never seen him get angry like that before." He was recalling

"That was most likely due to stress from the situation. Deep down, Sizhui would never blame Jin Ling like that," Lan Wangji reassures him. He was right. Sizhui was always calm and kept a level head, even in dangerous situations, such as when he was in Guanyin Temple. But this time, the stress and fear from seeing his friend get hurt must have been a breaking point for him.

"Will he be okay? He already lost his blood family and with everything happening...," Lan Wangji stops him.

"He will not lose anyone. We will not lose anyone." Wei WuXian nods.

"Could we go to Lotus Pier now? We need to make reports. We should warn Jiang Cheng and Zewu-jun as well."

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji sounds hesitant.

"Don't worry about the sword. I told you. We'll figure something out." Wei WuXian tells him, but his lips smack nervously even as he speaks. What plan do I have? I don't even know if Empathy works on something that is inanimate...

"Mn."

~

"Sizhui, look out!" Jin Ling jumps forward to slash a beast that had crept up on his friend's back. Jingyi and Zizhen stand back to back with their swords drawn, scared but refusing to stand down. The disciples had scattered as they had hurried off to fight off other demonic beasts in the area. However, the strength of these beasts seemed very different to those Jin Ling and his friends had encountered on nighthunts. They took down three disciples at the same time!

"Wen Ning! Protect Lady Luo and Jin Hong inside the house!" JIn Ling shouts. Wen Ning wants to protest to stay and protect them, but he obliges, hurrying Lady Luo and Jin Hng deep into the house despite their insistence on fighting alongside the younger cultivators.

"Wen Ning! I can help them!" Lady Luo insists.

"Take Jin Hong to the backdoor and we will escape from there." Wen Ning orders.

"We're leaving the children?" Lady Luo sounds horrified.

"They will manage for now. First, we need to get Master Jin out." Lady Luo's eyes are filled with distress but she obeys.

"Jin Ling, do you really think you're fit to be leader?" A mocking voice calls out.

"Who are you?" Jin Ling says sharply. "And what do you know about me?"

"When I was in Carp Tower, you were nothing but a whiny brat. Did you really have to go as far as to kick me out?"

"I-I don't even know you!" Jin Ling snaps back.

"I am Jin Fu. By now, you should know I am your cousin. If you do not know, you know now."

"I..still don't know you," Jin Ling sounds confused. The beasts had stopped attacking, but they had surrounded him and his friends. Another young boy, looking almost the same age as Jin Ling steps through as the beasts made a gap for him. His eyes were hard with anger and hatred. Jin Ling tightens his grip on Suihua and he hears Sizhui, Jingyi and Zizhen coming to step beside him. However, a vicious warning snarl from the beasts made them shrink back tighter against Jin Ling.

"You and I got into a fight when we were little. I must have played a bit too rough...and then later my dad was framed for trying to kill you. So we had to leave. We had to run. My little sister was only 2 at the time. She was sickly, yet Clan Leader Jin was going to execute us anyways."

"I-I, Jin Guangyao?" Jingyi sputters.

"My uncle would not have killed a child that small," Jin Ling says slowly. Regardless of how the cultivation world shamed his uncle, he never stopped believing that the kindness he had been shown had all been fake.

"Really? Then have you forgotten what happened to Jin Rusong? His own son?" Jin Ling's breath catches in his throat.

"How do you know about that? If you weren't in Carp Tower at the time?"
"Oh..I know. Despite having lived outside of clan territory, I know. You see...I've managed to befriend some creatures and I am able to communicate with them. They tell me things." Jin Ling and his friends gasp as they realized what the boy meant.

"You..you've befriended demonic beasts?" Jingyi whispers, his voice scared. Jin Ling has to stop himself from shaking. It all made so much more sense now.

A/N: In case of confusion between my use of using 'spirit beasts' and 'demonic beasts', they are virtually the same. Except in my case, they are evil spirits possessing the beasts so maybe they can be considered as 'devil beasts'.

Chapter 23: The Search

"Then...why was the blade stolen from the Nie Ancestral shrine?" Sizhui asks. "W-we thought he was using the blades to control the creatures."

"That wasn't part of my father's plan. Not until I heard that Wei WuXian would be joining the mission to find us."

"My uncle?" Jin Ling narrows his eyes. "What about him?"

"He would be a nuisance. Luckily, I had a friend that was lucky enough to somehow get his hand temporarily on Wei WuXian's sword. In fact, Clan Leader Jiang delivered it himself." Sizhui trembles.

"The blacksmith...he was working for you?" Jin Ling exclaims.

"The original blacksmith is dead. Zeng Hui told him he was the new owner of the worksop. It was believable considering that the former blacksmith was old and would retire soon anyways."

"What did you do?" Jin Ling hisses, sword raising despite the beasts growling at him.

"It wasn't me," Jin Fu says, his voice innocent. "Zeng Hui did all the work. He left a little surprise for when Wei WuXian finallys unsheathes his sword again after so many months of waiting. Even Jiang Cheng looked forward to the day when his shixiong would carry a sword again. Yet..their expectations will fall," Jin Fu's face turns into a cold smile. Jin Ling could feel hands pulling him back as he feels himself charging forward with his sword.

"Jin Ling! Don't!" Sizhui's voice was distressed.

"We need to get to Lotus Pier!" Zizhen says, his voice desperate. "We have to warn them!"

"No, not before I kill him," Jin Ling could barely hear the beasts anymore. Only the blood rushing through his ears at the anger he felt. "Sizhui, t-they planned to hurt your father!" Sizhui closes his eyes, his hands trembling.

"Is it really the first time?" Jin Fu'voice drips with venom, almost unnatural for an eighteen year old boy. "He lost control at Nightless City because of Su She's interference with his flute. But what would happen if he lost control with his sword? It's something that he's never been prepared for."

"What are you and your father planning?" Zizhen shouts, struggling to keep his voice steady.

"We knew that the major clans wouldn't simply stand by, especially not the Jiang Clan, even if we do kill Jin Ling. We had to come up with a plan to eliminate more than one witness. It's just a pity so many people chose to get involved," Jin Fu frowns. "But it wouldn't be the first time Wei WuXian had been known for mass murder. Or..should I say 'framed'. This time, he would even end up killing his lover."

"No," Sizhui says shakily. "You wouldn't." Zizhen and Jingyi are shaking, but Jin Ling can hardly tell if it's from fear or anger.

"After that, I will be able to claim my place as leader. I have my identification tag to prove that I am within the bloodline of Jin Guangshan."

"And what makes you think that the clans would accept you?" Jingyi retorts. "A stranger coming out of nowhere and claiming to be fit for leader?" Jin Fu only smiles more.

"With the other clans leader dead, what choice would they have? They would be desperate enough to accept anyone to help guide them out from the disaster that has happened. And I will tell the world that the Yiling Patriach was responsible. The world will be quick to turn on him once again. They would turn on anyone within minutes after all." Jin Ling recalls the way the other clans had immediately turned on Jin Guangyao after BiChao and Sisi had revealed what he did. They were so quick to believe. The clans would have Wei WuXian executed."

"We will never let it happen," Sizhui says, his voice strong. Jin Fu sneers and he makes a hand gesture. In an instant, the beasts close in on them, pushing them back towards the house.

Damnit, where did Wen Ning go? There's no way he would leave us. Maybe he went to get help. Jin Ling stiffens as the beasts drive them further into the house.

"Perhaps this will be easier if I finish this now," Jin Fu takes out a fire talismans and aims it at them. They shout in fear as the courtyard is immediately set on fire as well as the surrounding area around the house.

"Jin Fu, why don't you fight me like a real man?" Jin Ling yells through the fire. "We will duel and fight in a real battle. A real swordfight. And you can leave my family out of it!"

"I accept your challenge, Clan Leader Jin," The voice calls back, his voice mocking. "But it is far too late. Stop our plan if you can." And with that, Jin Fu had disappeared along with his beasts and the surviving disciples were trying desperately to get to them but to no avail.

"W-we have to fly!" Jin Ling coughs as smoke fills his lungs. "Sizhui? Sizhui, what's wrong?!" Sizhui had fallen into a crouch on the floor, his hands covering his face and head.

"Sizhui, get a hold of yourself!" Jingyi shakes him.

"There's a barrier," Zizhen says hoarsely. "We can't get through."

"Sizhui, get up!" Zizhen cries. Jin Ling bends down immediately. His friend seemed to be whimpering in fear and was trembling badly. He had never seen Sizhui like this.

"The fire...the heat," Jingyi says. "He hates it. It reminds him of when..when," Jingyi stops, his lips trembling.

"Sizhui, Lan Yuan," Jin Ling whispers. "Breathe. We're going to get out of here, alright?"

"Jin Ling..." Sizhui murmurs, his voice numb. Jingi rubs his friend's arm. Zizhen searches his pockets, one sleeve over his nose to prevent himself from breathing in the smoke until he finds a vial. He throws it at the fire and water spills out and moves around them like a snake, putting the fire out.

Jin Ling gasps as he finally gets a inhale of fresh air and he hears Jingyi gulp in a breath as well.

"Sizhui," Jin Ling says quietly, pulling at his friend's arm. "Stand. The fire is gone now, alright?" Sizhui stands to his feet shakily with his friends supporting him from both sides. The disciples, having now broken the barrier down with talismans of their own hurry in, asking them if they were alright.

"There's a stronger barrier array outside this clearing. We cannot break through it," One the disciples tell them. They walk over the barrier and they try to break it with their talismans but there was no effect.

"What do we do? We need to stop Senior Wei from getting near his sword!"

"Maybe I can send a butterfly message to Uncle Cheng," Jin Ling holds out one hand and closes his eyes in concentration, thinking about what he wanted to say. A golden butterfly materializes in his hand and flutters away. It had made it through the barrier. They sigh with relief. Now all they needed to do was wait.

~

"Master Wei, Hanguang-jun, come this way," A Jiang disciple welcomes them and brings them to a guest room.

"Wei Ying. Are you feeling anything?" He asks, his eyes searching his husband's for signs of discomfort.

"I'm fine," Wei WuXian tells him. Surprisingly, he had not felt anything when he stepped foot into Lotus Pier. He'd expect ChenQing to react to Suibian but it hadn't. He decides not to question it, as Jiang Cheng had probably put a powerful enough talisman to maintain its spiritual energy.

"I think we should get Suibian," Wei WuXian says unexpectedly. Lan Wangji frowns.

"We should not decide anything on our own." Lan Wangji tells him.

"Jiang Cheng already knew I had a plan. Can't I at least test it out to see if it will work?" Lan Wangji sighs and hands him Bichen.

"Try it on Bichen. Not on ChenQing or Suibian. Give the Clarity Bell as well," Wei WuXian sighs and obliges, slipping the bell off his belt.

"I hope it works on spiritual weapons or tools that are not my own...," Wei WuXian runs his hands over Bichen slowly and closes his eyes, focusing on the spiritual energy that he feels through his finger tips.

In an instant, he felt as if he was transported away from the room. The scene had changed around him and although he could still feel Lan Wangji's presence, he could no longer see him. Instead he sees a tall young man with silver hair, his face almost as stoic as his husband's as he blasts beams of energy at another man with loose robes and a messy ponytail. Wei WuXian recognized his voice as the same one he had heard in his vision.

The sword spirit almost acted like him in nature. Laughing as he avoids the energy being blasted at him and blasting some back. Then Wei WuXian realizes the scenery. This was the night he and Lan Wangji had first clashed swords on the rooftop. He steps forward for a better look but the scene changes again. The two spirits were at Biling Lake, fighting side by side this time against the Waterborn Abyss. Then there was darkness and the whispering of other spirits around them. This must have been when the Wens took the swords. Wei WuXian thinks. The scene changes again. Bichen is alone fighting, his eyes seemed to fill with longing.

I missed it when we used to fight side by side. Where did you go?

Instead of Suibian, there was a woman who seemed elegant and beautiful, yet intimidating. Using a dark energy to fight instead of one that was filled with light. Her eyes glowed an eerie red. Bichen was afraid and uncertain. He missed Suibian.

Suddenly, Wei WuXian pulls himself out, blinking rapidly. Surprisingly, his head wasn't dizzy like in the past whenever he did Empathy.

"Wei Ying? What did you see?"
"Past memories...I saw Bichen in human form. Spiritual human form?" Wei WuXian shakes his head, still trying to process what he had seen. "I saw Suibian and ChenQing in human form as well."

"So they really do have a conscience," Lan Wangji's voice was in awe. "They're connected with our souls."

"It's pretty amazing...I guess going to Baoshan Sanren helped a lot. I feel confident I'll be able to reunite with Suibian again...as long as ChenQing cooperates."

"In the end, you are its master. You will get them to listen." Lan Wangji leans forward to give him a soft kiss on the forehead and holds his hand. "There is no need to worry."

I really hope so...

~

"Get down," Jiang Cheng suddenly grabs Lan Xichen and pulls him into the threshold of a nearby restaurant.

"What is it?"

"Look," Jiang Cheng points up. He could see several men dressed in gray-brown robes flying overhead.

"I did not expect our enemy to really be here. Fairy is really leading us right to him?"

"I left behind clues and trails on purpose. Pieces of fur, as well as one of Fairy's bells. There's an engraving on it that specifies who she belongs to."

"We need to check out what happened at Guanyin Temple and then we will go back towards Yiling." Jiang Cheng decides. He starts to walk again but pauses as a golden sparkling butterfly flies in front of him. He reaches out his hand and listens to the message. He curses under his breath.

"Jin Ling and his friends are trapped somewhere. There is a spell array preventing them from leaving. We do not know how many of those beasts are in the area either." Jiang Cheng closes his eyes.

"Should we backtrack then?" Xichen asks worriedly.

"No," Jiang Cheng decides, his voice calm. " Wen Ning will return to them shortly. He must have gone to get help for them. We need to make sure they aren't trying to take the Stygian Tiger Amulet. Even if Jin Guangyao had claimed it is a useful piece of metal now, there's no telling what will happen if they fuse it together with the metal from the blade they stole. They could reactivate the powers. We need to prevent that from happening if we want to save everyone." Xichen nods.

"We need to fly to save time." Fairy yelps in protest and fear as Jiang Cheng hauls her into his arms.

"Will we be able to fly with her?" Xichen tilts his head.

"You won't let me fall, right?"

"Of course not. Let's go."

They soon land at the entrance of Yunping city. Fairy immediately squirms out of Jiang Cheng's arm, whimpering angrily at being carried for so long and out of fear of being so high up. Jiang Cheng takes a few minutes.

"Clan Leader Jiang!" A voice calls to them as soon as he hands.

"Nie-x-, Clan Leader Nie!" Jiang Cheng calls back. The man is out of breath and waving his fan.

"What's the situation over at Guanyin Temple?"
"The Stygian Tiger Amulet hasn't been touched, but it seems like Baxia reacted to something. It took several cultivators to reseal the tomb."

"Is that it?" Lan Xichen narrows his eyes.

"Yes...we saw suspicious men trying to get in so my guards are stationed there right now."

"Suspicious how?"

"They claim to be part of the Jin Clan, but when we asked for identification, they could not show it in time and promptly left. They were heading towards Yunmeng."

"Yunmeng? Wh-," Jiang Cheng stops. Another butterfly message had arrived. It was from Jin Ling again. He holds out his hand to receive it and tenses immediately after."
"Damnit," He says loudly, finally cursing loudly.

"What's wrong?" Huaisang and Lan Xichen ask at the same time. Jiang Cheng does not respond, instead he sends out a frantic message back. His head was spinning.

"I never should have agreed to meet back at Lotus Pier." Jiang Cheng's voice was shaking. "Not with Suibian there.

"It can't be too dangerous....," Lan Xichen begins. "He must have felt the pull at his core when he arrived in Yunmeng. Remember what happened with ChenQing? We agreed that it'd be more dangerous to keep him further away from his sword. "

"It's a trap. We need to go there now. Before they do." Nie Huaisang's face looks panicked but there's a hint of determination.

"If there's anything I can do to help...I will. I'll have Nie Zonghui come with you and my disciples as well."

"No...Huaisang," Lan Xichen's voice was gentle. "Stay here and have your men guard the temple in case they try to disrupt it again." Huaisang hesitates, wide eyes looking up at Lan Xichen, then he nods. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng mount their swords and set off immediately.

Chapter Text

"Wen Ning is back! Lian Qing and Liu Yue came too! And Lady Luo and Jin Hong. Zizhen calls.

"Finally!" Jin Ling complains. With effort, Lian Qing and Liu Yue try to break through the barrier array but it still didn't budge.

"Let's weaken it from the inside as well," Sizhui says. The four of them nod and aim their spiritual energy at a spot on the barrier. The three female cultivators soon caught on to what they were doing and aimed their own spiritual energy at the same spot from the outside. After a while, it began to weaken and eventually collapse.

"Are you four alright? What happened?" Lady Luo demands, her eyes scanning their robes that were covered in ash and the burnt ground around them.

"We confronted...the son," Sizhui wasn't sure how to say it. "His name is Jin Fu. He kept us trapped here."

"Wen Ning, why did you leave?" Jin Ling says loudly. "There were so many of them!" Wen Ning looks away.

"I had to go get help. I knew you four would be able to handle yourself. And...I got a message from Master Wei. I knew they wouldn't use such simple means to kill you, Clan Leader Jin."

"What do you mean by 'simple'? Jin Ling crosses his arms.

"He means, Jin Fu and his father wouldn't make it so the mess would be difficult to hide," Sizhui explains.

"He could have killed us," Jin Ling says shortly. "Nobody was around just now. If he had used more than one fire talismans, Zizhen wouldn't have been able to put it out. It makes no sense that their only goal is to get rid of me. They had plenty of chances to do it."

"Indeed it does seem strange. They only sent assassins with arrows in the beginning, but now everything is so complicated. And what Jin Fu said...don't you feel like this is really a plan to take over the cultivation world? As well as exact revenge upon the Jin Clan,"Zizhen says thoughtfully.

"If you were killed, the others would only come after you. Then again Jin Fu was hardly aiming to kill at that moment we were fighting him. His beasts barely attacked us. They were stalling us." Sizhui pales at Zizhen's words.

"They're trying to frame Wei WuXian again....they'll make it seem as if he was the one who killed his own nephew, especially if the sword gets out of control. It'll be evident if there is blood on Suibian's blade," Jingyi says grimly.

"We need to get to Lotus Pier immediately." Jin Ling says urgently.

"We will need to be careful," Jin Hong warns them. "There may be beasts waiting for us in the forest. Keep an eye out."

"Is everyone...coming with us?" Sizhui looks at them. Lady Luo nods.

"My husband and my daughter already know. They are staying at my husband's mother's house until the danger is over. It's been awhile since I've fought alongside clan members...I'd be honored to fight alongside you, Clan Leader Jin."

"And us," Lian Qing adds in. "If the world is in danger, we will not stand by."

"Thank you," Zizhen smiles at her and she smiles back.

"Let's go," Jin Ling says.

~

"We're under attack!" Wei WuXian's head shoots up at the panicked shout. He and Lan Wangji immediately come out from their rooms. Bichen had already been drawn from his sheath and Wei WuXian could only grip his sword tightly. He was hesitant to use ChenQing with Suibian within its proximity.

"How did the beasts get in?" Wei WuXian hisses. "We saw them fly!"

"The other man," Lan Wangji frowns, then he charges forward to help the Jiang disciples fend the beasts off. Although Wei WuXian's non-spiritual was not as powerful, it was enough to fight off several of the low leveled cultivation beasts. He jumps to one side as a large, more powerful one lunges at him. He slashes at it with his sword, but it's thick skin prevents the blade from doing much damage. A wave of blue energy blasts toward the beast, throwing it away from Wei WuXian. Lan Wangji had summoned his guqin and was attacking the beasts swiftly with the notes he played. The small beasts were blasted to the floor but the larger more powerful ones stood their grounds, their eyes glowing red. They shoot out dark smoke from their mouths.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei WuXian throws out a talisman to counter the dark energy. His core wasn't strong enough for him to fly yet, so he was stuck on the ground for now.

"Well well well, look who's back at Lotus Pier? It's a pity you had to return under these circumstances." Jin Yinmu's voice echoes through the courtyard. Lan Wangji lands back on the ground and is in front of Wei WuXian in an instant.

"Ah, so you finally show your face. No more hiding behind a mask?" Wei WuXian scoffs. Jin Yinmu scowls, then his eyes narrow at the sword in Wei WuXian's hand.

"That sword...it is not your real sword, is it not? What happened to using your ghost flute?" Wei WuXian raises an eyebrow.

"You'd prefer if I used ChenQing to summon fierce corpses?"

"I prefer fighting you if you used your real powers," Jin Yinmu responds.

"And taming demonic beasts is your real power? You do not use a sword. You have something else to use to fight your battles for you." Wei WuXian was intending to stall him until Jiang Cheng and the others arrived. Lan Wangji is side glancing at him with a warning look, as if he didn't want him to say too much.

"I still have my men fighting outside," Jin Yinmu's eyes glinted. "I don't know what you mean. And I do have a sword." As he speaks, the clashing of sword noises became louder and more prominent. There were also more voices.

"Ah look who's here. Your nephew." His eyes glint with glee. Lan Wangji springs forward with his sword, but Jin Yinmu had already taken out a sword of his own and began fighting. Wei WuXian defends his partner from the beasts who try to attack him with his back turned.

"

"Hanguang-jun!" Wei WuXian pauses, looking up after slaying one of the beasts. The juniors as well as Lady Luo, Lian Qing, Wen Ning and Liu Yue were fighting their way towards them. Another man, in faded yellow robes that Wei WuXian did not recognize was with them as well.

"Jin Ling, look out!" Zizhen calls out sharply. At least three swords had flown towards them the second they stepped foot inside the courtyard. Luckily, they were easily deflected by the groups' own swords.

Guess our plan didn't really work. Why did they come to Lotus Pier? Wei WuXian thinks.

"I was initially following that dog of Jin Ling's, but my beasts were able to detect that he was not with them, but there were two different scents instead. I appreciate the effort to throw me off guard, but it seems as if Jin Ling has delivered himself to me either way." Lan Wangji frowns, moving to block Jin Yinmu's view and attacking with his sword again.

"I'm not going to hide from a fight either way!" Jin Ling retorts. "I can fight my own battles, but it doesn't mean I have to be alone!" Wei WuXian and Lan Wangji hurry to the others, ready to fight the other cultivators and the beasts.

Jiang Cheng is late..Wei WuXian thinks with exasperation. Suddenly another sword flies towards them. Lan Wangji swiftly deflects it then his eyes widen as if he is surprised.

"Lan Zhan?" Wei WuXian turns towards him in concern. "Wha-," His eyes widen in shock as he recognizes the sword.

"It's not me," Wei WuXian sounds confused. The sword did not return to him but rather to Jin Yinmu.

"That's Suibian. How did he get his hands on my sword? And it's unsheathed too!" It makes no sense!" Wei WuXian exclaims.

"The blacksmith...the fake one works for him!" Jin Ling shouts as he and Sizhui cut down one of the enemies. A loud panicked cry suddenly rings out along with the sound of splintering wood. Another sword had flown towards them, from one of the rooms within Lotus Pier, and was coming straight towards them. Lan Wangji quickly deflects it but the sword twists back around and attacks again.

"Whose sword is that?" Zizhen shouts out of confusion as the sword comes towards him and his friends this time. Sizhui and Jingyi block the attack together. Wei WuXian could feel resentful energy radiating off this sword. How did they put a blade spirit inside of a regular sword?

"They placed a different sword into Suibian's sheath! That must have been why it reacted strangely after Uncle brought to Lotus Pier.

"They made a replica...but they also added the blade pieces they stole," Wei WuXian says, putting things together. "That explains why it's so violent right now. Blade spirits can hardly be contained in a regular sword so they needed to blade pieces to made sure it stayed."

"You're smart," Jin Yinmu sneers, taking the sword out from behind his back and beginning to unwrap it.

"How can he control your sword?" Lan Wangji almost sounds shaken, but he was keeping his voice steady.

"It seems Wei WuXian was away from his sword for so long that his connection with it has become weakened. I may not be able to pull it from its sheath, but the sword's spirit is not strong enough right now to resist me. Especially not when I've weakened it even further with my powers."

Suibian is dangerous. You only have me now. An eerie voice, belonging to a female, whispers in Wei WuXian's ears. He stiffens and turns around, but there is nothing there. ChenQing spoke? He squints at the sky that was now growing dark. He could see the redness of the moon.

"How is it you can communicate with those beasts? They would never yield to the will of humans," Lan Wangji says.

"I have my ways...it seems as if we understand one another. And it's not the Yin Iron in case you were thinking that. I have another means to control them. Of course, I won't reveal it lest you try to take it from me."

"Dad, how about we send away the beasts and let me fight them with my own skills? I should prove that I am a better clan leader," A voice calls.

"You!" Jin Ling hisses, aiming his sword at the newcomer. Jingyi, Sizhui and Zizhen are quick to be at his side. Before he could do anything, several dark spiritual beasts materialize in front of them, blocking their path. The beasts drive back Zizhen, Jingyi, and Sizhui against the wall while Jin Fu and Jin Ling engage in a one on one sword fight.

"You wanted a real fight. Why don't you stop cowering behind your friends?" Jin Fu mocks. Jin Ling seethes.

"I am not cowering. At least I have real people supporting me, not demonic beasts!" Jin Fu's eyes narrow and attacks with more vigorous movements, but Jin Ling easily blocks his attacks.

"Jin Ling, be careful!" Sizhui calls, his eyes watching his friend's every movement with worried eyes. The beast snarls at him as if trying to get him to be quiet. Jingyi holds his gaze steady with the beast, but Sizhui can feel him shaking .

Seeing his son and nephew in danger, Wei WuXian launches out a talisman, diverting one of the beast's attention towards him. It was the last resort, but he finally took out his flute and played a sharp tune. It was far more eerie and compelling than any other song he had played before. The beast froze, his head twitching from side to side. It growls and steps away, backing towards its owner's side. The other beasts retreat backward as well.

"Wei Ying! The sword!" Wei WuXian turns his attention back forward to find Suibian rising in the air, emitting black smoke from around its hilt. The smoke flies out in multiple directions, knocking out several people including Lady Luo and Liu Yue who had been fighting one of the beasts together. Wei WuXian Lan Wangji swiftly evades the smoke, but it begins to move aggressively around as if it were a wolf trying to sniff out its prey.

"Jin Ling!" Zizhen cries out. The smoke had wrapped itself around the juniors, trapping them in place, all except for Jin Ling. The smoke begins to wrap around his throat, making him let out choking noises. Jin Fu raises his sword to attack him while he is helpless. Wei WuXian begins to run, but a strike of purple lightning beats him to it. The smoke immediately disappears and drops Jin Ling.

"Jiang Cheng!" Wei WuXian breaths out a sigh of relief. He strikes the beasts with Zidian as he goes, making them scatter away with howls of pain. Even if a sword failed to cut through the skin of the beasts, no demonic creature would be able to resist the strike from Zidian, especially not when it was at its full power at the moment. Jin Yinmu curses and tries to flee, but Zidian wraps itself around his throat and throws them to the ground. Lan Xichen is quick to tie him up with ropes and Wei WuXian secures him with golden magic strings just in case. The additional disciples that had come along with Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen were quick to subdue the remaining enemy forces. Jin Fu is backed into a corner with swords at his throat by Zizhen, Sizhui, Jingyi, and Jin Ling. Wen Ning also stands threateningly over him along with several clan disciples. Wei WuXian sighs in relief again. Was it over already? He could feel himself getting dizzy, but pushes away, keeping his face straight.

No...it was not.

Suibian was still out of control and Wei WuXian had barely heard him bark out something to his subordinates that sounded like an order. The moment was too swift for anyone to see. A black talisman had flown in the air towards Suibian and upon contact, it turns its blade right towards Jin Ling, whose back was turned and flew straight towards him. Wei WuXian runs. He pushes away the dizziness and pain shooting through his body and runs. Despite the voice screaming in protest in his head, he reaches his hand towards the sword. Not again. The image of Shijie being stabbed flashes through his mind. His fingers wrap around the sword's hilt, gripping it so tight that his knuckles turn white as he fights back against the force trying to force itself to impale Jin Ling. Jin Ling had only barely turned around with his eyes wide.

"Get out of the way!" Wei WuXian shouts, struggling to keep the sword in his grasp. The resentful energy screams in his head, but he tries to shut them out as well as the pain running up his body from his hands. A wave of blackness hits him. So we finally get to fight. This time the voice was male.

You will not win. A female voice.

"Wei Ying!" The last thing Wei WuXian hears before everything goes black completely is his partner's voice, calling out to him in fear.

Chapter Text

"Where am I?" Wei WuXian blinks at his surroundings. The ground around him looked like clouds. The sky also looked like clouds.

I'm not dead, am I? He thinks, panicked. No...this doesn't seem right. He could hear voices whispering around him, multiple voices. Then the sky flashes as if there had been a lightning bolt.

Master was always mine to begin with. You stole him from me.

He abandoned you!

Screams rip the air, causing Wei WuXian to flinch. ChenQing and Suibian are fighting! I need to find them. He follows the flashes of light, despite knowing he was probably walking straight into the midst of their battle.

~

Jiang Cheng had seen the sword go towards Jin Ling and had meant to deflect it with his own sword. He was confused as to why his brother's sword was going towards his nephew. Wei WuXian had clearly not been in control of it as when he arrived, he had seen the sword going to attack Lan Wangji and Jiang disciples. There was a second sword with a much thicker blade attacking as well. It seemed as if the enemy was in control of both of them.

Wei WuXian had gotten to the sword first, but the second he touched it, he had collapsed and that's when the panic had set in.

"Wei Ying!" Lan Wangji runs to his side within seconds. Jiang Cheng's panic and fear combines with rage as he turns and holds Sandu to Jin Yinmu's throat.

"A-Cheng!"

Jiang Cheng ignores Lan Xichen's voice and glares daggers into the man he had tied up with Zidian.

"What did you do?" His voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough to make Jin Yinmu flinch back.

"N-nothing! I-, It wasn't supposed to do that! There's absolutely no way he could have regained control of the sword!"

"What did you do?" Jiang Cheng repeats the question.

"We used the blade we st-stole to absorb evil spirits and then we put a small piece of that metal into Suibian! It was small but it was enough to overtake the original spirit inside the sword. It was supposed to turn into an evil sword!"

"How did you-," Jiang Cheng stops, his breath catching in his throat. He remembered the young blacksmith that had told him he was the new owner and that the former owner had retired.

"That sword was supposed to go out of control and cause havoc. It was supposed to kill everyone here. But Wei WuXian...he...somehow gained control of it again!"

"Young Master Wei's will is not weak," Lan Xichen's voice was cold. "His will is still connected to that sword, no matter how weak you think the connection is. In the end, the sword will still obey its master."

"How will Suibian obey Wei WuXian when ChenQing is in the way? Suibian is meant to fight evil and ChenQing is a source of demonic energy." Jin Yinmu sneers. Jiang Cheng didn't want to hear him anymore, not now. Instead, he sheathes Sandu and runs to his brother, who was being held in Lan Wangji's arms.

"He's alive," Lan Wangji tells him before his shaking hands could feel Wei WuXian's pulse. His eyes are closed and although he did not look like he was physically hurt, there is a look of discomfort in his expression. He does not stir when Jiang Cheng touches his arm lightly.

"What's wrong with him?" Jin Ling asks fearfully as he crouches beside Jiang Cheng.

Lan Wangji shakes his head.

"Two spirits are creating havoc inside him. That must be why he is unconscious," His voice trembles.

"Then...the only way he will wake up is if he stops their fighting."

"How?" Lan Xichen asks quietly. Lian Qing had left the battle and had come to their side as well.

"Can we give him space and move him into a room first? Then I can see what I can do." Lan Wangji nods. He picks up Wei WuXian gently by the middle and follows Jiang Cheng into one of the bedrooms. It was Wei WuXian's old bedroom, still left untouched after so many years.

Jiang Cheng can only watch with glistening eyes as Lan Wangji sets his brother down onto the bed. Wei WuXian had barely stirred in the past few minutes and the only way Jiang Cheng knows he is still alive was by watching the slow fall and rise of his chest. Suibian had not let anyone else touch it. Instead it had floated after them as if pulled by an invisible string on Wei WuXian's body. ChenQing, on the other hand, was still in Wei WuXian's hand despite his fingers no longer curling around it. Lian Qing finishes her diagnosis on Wei WuXian and stands up. Lan Wangji looks at her expectantly.

"It's very unusual. He is alive and his vitals are fine. But his conscience seems to be...away from his mind. No...not gone, more like...it's locked away somewhere."

"His spirit is in the Spirit Realm then?" Lan Xichen's brows furrow.

"It's possible....ChenQing and Suibian's own spiritual power must have pulled him in." Jiang Chen agrees.

"Spirit Realm?" Lian Qing frowns, her eyes questioning but she doesn't ask.

"Either way, we need to find a way to calm the spirits or they could affect his core," Lan Wangji's head shoots up.

"His core? How?"

"They're fighting over control for it," Lian Qing explains. "The havoc is affecting his core as well as his mind. That is why he is unconscious."

"Let us in!" Jin Ling's protesting voice came from outside. "We want to see him!" Jiang Cheng walks over to the door and barely stops Jin Ling from shoving his way inside.

"He needs space," Lian Qing says sternly. "Do not crowd him."

"Is he alright?" Sizhui's voice is desperate. Lan Wangji answers him.

"He will be fine," though his voice holds a tremor as if he wasn't sure himself. He's holding onto Wei WuXian's hand with one hand and another is stroking the man's face.

"Where is Jin Fu and his father?" Jin Ling asks, still trying to peer around Jiang Cheng and into the room.

"They are being guarded carefully for now. The rouge sword has been apprehended as well. I'm surprised Zewu-jun's Liebing was able to soothe it after he played 'Song of Clariy'. The evil spirits were quickly dispelled."

"It has worked on saber spirits before," Lan Xichen says quietly.
"Stay outside and keep an eye in case more danger comes. Those beasts might come back. Are you, Sizhui and the others still in good shape?"

"I can check them over. Their spiritual energy must be low after the battle," Lian Qing walks over to the door. "Master Wei still needs to rest. You four will need your strength in case anything else happens and you will need to help protect him." At those words, the juniors follow Lian Qing to another room. Jiang Cheng walks back over to the bed. His eyes drift over to Suibian which was floating next to it.

"A-Cheng, don't," Lan Xichen begins as he reaches for it. Jiang Cheng doesn't stop. He hears a sharp intake of breath as Jiang Cheng's fingers close around the sword.

"There's one thing we've forgotten. Suibian has more than one "master"," Jiang Cheng says quietly.

"You can unsheathe it but does it obey you?" Lan Wangji's eyes move away from his husband's face and towards the Jiang Clan Leader.

"I don't see why not. Especially when," Jiang Cheng doesn't finish his sentence, but Lan Wangji gives a small nod of understanding.

"I need to find a way to go in after him," Jiang Cheng declares. "I don't think anyone else will be allowed to step foot into Suibian's and ChenQing's proximity."

"You mean....project your own spirit and mind into the Spirit Realm as well?" Lan Xichen asks, his voice worried.

"If I can find a way," Jiang Cheng replies slowly.

"You don't think it'll have an effect on your core?" The question makes Jiang Cheng tense, but he doesn't want to back down. He had risked his core before to protect his brother. Just now, his brother risked his to protect Jin Ling.

"It's best if we find a way for you to enter before the eclipse starts. I believe that is when you can enter it freely," Lan Wangji says thoughtfully. Lan Xichen looks away, clearly conflicted about Jiang Cheng's decision.

"He's right. And...we need to both get out before the eclipse ends. When the gap closes."

"And what if you can't?" Lan Xichen says, distress in his voice.

"We will," Jiang Cheng says determined. "The Clarity Bell may assist us in case of emergencies as well." Lan Xichen says nothing, but he turns around and walks out of the room. Jiang Cheng is quick to go after him, leaving Lan Wangji by his brother's side.

"Lan Huan, wait, please," Jiang Cheng catches up to him, holding onto his arm.

"I don't want you to risk your own life," Lan Xichen tells him, his voice soft.

"I know. But...I have to save him. Would you do the same for Lan Wangji?" Lan Xichen is silent, but Jiang Cheng knows his response.

"Why does...it have to be you?"

"I don't know," Jiang Cheng admits. "But..my core..I mean I have a connection with Suibian as well. It's not as direct as my connection with Zidian or Sandu, but it's enough."

"How exactly do you plan on getting in? Young Master Wei seemed to have been pulled in against his will."

"I think," Jiang Cheng says slowly. "I will get in by doing Empathy. That was the original plan, was it not? Perhaps we can test out if it really works."

"Empathy works on the sword," Lan Wangji's voice startles him. "He's tried it on 'Bichen'. It allowed him to see past memories."

"Is there any risk then?" Lan Xichen asks his younger brother.

"For 'Bichen' no. However Suibian's spirit right now is aggressive. I will keep watch over his body." Jiang Cheng feels surprised, but as he looks into Lan Wangji's eyes, he understands. Up until recently, the two of them had never had any close bond, but now, they both had someone they loved whose life is at risk. They'd be willing to put aside their differences any day for that.

"Don't tell the children..I mean Jin Ling and the others. They have enough to worry about for now."

"Liu Yue, Lian Qing and I will keep an eye on them," Lan Xichen tells him.

~

The next day, Nie Huaisang had arrived at Lotus Pier after they had sent him a message telling him the enemy had been secured. He was shocked to hear about Wei WuXian's condition, but couldn't do much except visit him. Lan Wangji had stayed by his bedside for the entire night and is still currently in the room right now. The juniors desperately ask to see him several times and eventually Lian Qing allows them to, only telling them that Wei WuXian needed to recover his spiritual energy as the reason that he is unconscious.

Jiang Cheng visits the guard where Jin Yinmu and Jin Fu are being held. There are at least a dozen guards from each clan, guarding it. Wen Ning is standing guard there as well and bows his head in greeting to him. Lotus Pier had never had a need for a prison cell, unlike Unclean Realm and Carp Tower. He goes inside, closing the door behind him. Jin Yinmu and his son are secured tightly by chains at the far end of the room.

"There is no need to torture me for answers, Clan Leader Jiang. I will happily answer all your questions," Jin Yinmu says calmly. Jiang Cheng had barely noticed that Zidian had startled crackling and quickly withdrew it back onto his wrist.

"How did you tamper with the sword? What was your motive with stealing it?"

"The evil spirit is one that seeks revenge for its user. The spiritual tool I used is a rare artifact that I found in the Burial Mounds. It was buried somewhere. I call it the 'Fu Chou' because when I touched it, it spoke to me how it'd help me in seeking revenge, so I accepted its offer.

"I have never heard of such an item...how did it even come into this world?"

"The resentful energy in the Burial Mounds created it over time. It twisted together to form such a powerful weapon. Who knows if there'll be more items such as this one in the future?"

"Get to the point," Jiang Cheng snaps. "Was the sword purposely aiming for Jin Ling?"

"Of course it was," Jin Yunmu snaps back. "If you had arrived only a few minutes later, the job would have been finished. And how would you, Clan Leader Jiang have reacted when you see your brother's sword impaling your nephew?" Jiang Cheng's fist clenches and he takes a deep breath with closed eyes. This was their plan all along? To make it seem as if my brother killed Jin Ling.

"I would have asked someone what happened," Jiang Cheng asks calmly, but Jin Yinmu only laughs coldly.

"Of course not. You are the kind of person to jump to conclusions. You would have been too full of anger and grief to even ask anyone anything. You are the one to react on impulse, are you not? Just like you did that night during the Bloodbath of Nightless City."

"Shut up," Jiang Cheng clenches his teeth. Zidian had started crackling again and had completely uncurled itself and was now at his side, sparkling purple lightning.

"Your brother's will and mind is surprisingly strong, I really thought I could take full advantage of it, but it seems as if he was able to stop the evil spirit from carrying out its deed at the expense of his own life."

"What?" Jiang Cheng asks shakily.

"The evil spirit got pulled into the Spirit Realm with him. I'd hurry if I were you, Clan Leader Jiang. I'm sure ChenQing and Suibian are too busy fighting to protect their master. It's a shame."

"How did you know about their fight?" Jiang Cheng demands. "No one knows about that except for the others."

"The spirits tell me things....the spirits of those demonic beasts can sense it as well." Jiang Cheng struggles to keep himself calm. This was all too much to take in.

"How can you have such a strong connection with spirits?"

"The 'Fu Chou' gave me many abilities. And I learned my own way to be sensitive to the spirits, resentful or not, just like Wei WuXian. Of course...my skills with demonic cultivation can hardly compare to his. I was only able to control the resentful spirits of demonic beasts after all." By the time Jiang Cheng is done asking questions, his head was spinning. Jin Yinmu's level of cultivation is indeed different from Wei WuXian's but it is powerful in another more unique way. Being able to manipulate and control demonic beasts is something no one has ever heard of.

Jiang Cheng can only go back to Wei WuXian's room and prepare himself. As he holds Sandu in one hand, he can feel the spiritual energy surging through his fingertips. When he enters the room, he can see Lan Wangji passing some spiritual energy into Wei WuXian's wrist, perhaps as a precaution to keep his mind from slipping away completely. Looking at Lan Wangji, he looks exhausted as if he hasn't rested well since last night as well as still being worn out from the fight yesterday. He hardly looked like he had enough spiritual energy to share.

"I can look after him. The eclipse is tonight. You will need to be alert," Jiang Cheng tells him. His voice isn't imposing, but firm. Lan Wangji hesitates for a few moments, his honey eyes gazing down at Wei WuXian before standing up. He tells the cook to make food and has Lan Wangji rest in his brother's room.

~

Wei WuXian's perspective (inside Spirit Realm)

Where are they? Wei WuXian thinks. He was following the flashing light, but it seemed like he had been walking in circles and the flashing light was only making his head hurt more rather than be helpful.

"They do not want you to disturb them" A menacing voice makes him freeze in his path. He turns to see a dark humanoid shape made out of shadows.

"Who-, what are you?" Wei WuXian demands.

"I am the spirit that was hiding inside Subian. Leading him into temptation and fueling his desire to fight ChenQing."

"You...you're from the Blade Shrine. You're one of the spirits who escaped!"

"Well...no. I am a different resentful spirit. One who wanted revenge against you."
"Against me? Then why did you attack Jin Ling?" Wei WuXian narrows his eyes.

"It would be revenge either way would it not? The pain of losing a family member...is that worse than death for you?"

"You can do whatever you want with me. Just leave the others alone."

"Are you sure? You'll be trapped with me for some time. Let's just hope...your brother can get you out on time."

"J-Jiang Cheng is coming here. Why? And how?"

"To save you, of course. But your main goal here is to stop the two spirits from fighting, so I'd hurry if I were you."

"You're not going to stop me?" He asks cautiously.

"No....I'll see just far you can go to try and stop them. Don't think it is easy." The dark humanoid disappears into thin air, leaving Wei WuXian alone. He turns and runs towards the flashing light again.

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng takes his place at Wei WuXian's side, his eyes watching the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathes.

The only source of comfort was the steady pulse under his hand as he held his brother's wrist. When I wanted you to return to Lotus Pier, I did not want it to be like this. The day he was so anxious for had turned sideways. He had plans to show his brother around Lotus Pier. To go shooting kites with him again just like they had done when they were younger. He had many plans for them. But now, he'd have to save his brother first. The hours seemed to go back swiftly as the sun soon set and the moon came out. An eerie red light fills the room from the window.

Jiang Cheng takes the Clarity Bell in one hand and Suibian in another. Sandu is tucked at his side. He doesn't know if he would be able to encounter the spirits of his own cultivation tools, but if he did, they'd only assist him in case he runs into danger. Lan Xichen comes instead of Lan Wangji as his brother is still resting. Jiang Cheng closes his eyes, focusing on the gentle energy from the Clarity Bell and the spirit inside Suibian. Lan Xichen plays 'Song of Clarity' on Shouyue. They did not know if it would do much help but they speculated that it would let him concentrate more and keep his mind steady.

Soon, Jiang Cheng feels the air shifting around him and he opens his eyes

"That...was easier than I thought," Jiang Cheng says to himself. He looks around him, no longer in Wei WuXian's room. He puts his arm up to cover his face instinctively as a blinding flashing light fills the sky followed by a loud humming noise that makes his ears hurt. No wonder why Wei WuXian is unconscious. Is this what it sounds like when two spirits fight? He looks around his surroundings for any sign of his brother. He could only see fog and smoke around him.

"Jiang Cheng," A voice startles him to spin around. He stares in confusion at the two figures in front of him. One is a woman in dark purple robes. She has a sharp face and eyes and curly hair. Curled around her neck and shoulders is a snake. A man stands next to her with dark brown eyes and his short hair neatly tied in a bun. Without them speaking, Jiang Cheng feels like he already knows who they are. Zidian and Sandu

"Do..do you feel where Suibian and ChenQing are?" Jiang Cheng asks them. The two of them nod, beckoning him to follow them and he does.

"We need to find my brother first," He hurries to catch up to them.

"We must hurry," Zidian speaks in an urgent voice. "The Spirit Realm is not safe for a human soul to be alone."

"Why isn't he with them?"

"They are fighting...and Suibian got corrupted with dark powers. Neither of them will know if he is in danger. Their minds are too set on their own bloodbath."

"Th-that's," Jiang Cheng can't help but feel a surge of anger. They're too obsessed with fighting to protect their own master?! What good are they if they can't do the thing they're supposed to do!

Jiang Cheng starts calling out for Wei WuXian, hoping to hear some response in the void around him, among the continuous clashing humming noises along with the flashing lights in the sky.

"Careful!" Zidian suddenly shoots forward, her snake shooting forward into an attack. A dark spirit had gone into the realm. No...it was more than one. The resentful energy corrupting Suibian must have caused them to appear. Sandu is in front of him, fighting alongside Zidian. There was not much Jiang Cheng could really do except watch them fend off the spirits together. Their attack style was almost like the way Jiang Cheng used his weapons, but at the same time it was different. Zidian used the snakes to attack at the same time while wielding lightning abilities that come from her hand. Sandu attacks with purple energy beams. Once they fend off the evil spirits, they begin running, blasting them away as he runs. Just ahead, he can see someone walking towards them. They speed up and Jiang Cheng's breath catches in his throat as he recognizes who it is. The figure wavers from where he stands and Jiang Cheng runs just in the time to catch him in his arms.

"Hey...you," Wei WuXian murmurs softly, squinting up at him.

"Hey...," Jiang Cheng doesn't know what else to say. "Are you alright?"

"I had to run from a bunch of angry spirits just now, but I'm fine," He steadies himself and looks up at the flashing light that had been endless raging.

"Where?" Zidian speaks, her eyes narrowing in the direction where Wei WuXian had come.

Wei WuXian blinks at her and then Sandu and gives Jiang Cheng a questioning look. Jiang Cheng gives him a quick explanation and he nods in understanding.

"Let's keep going...I had to run back just now because it seems like these dark spirits are out to get me or something."

"Well, if they're the angry spirits of people, or ghosts you'd tell them, it'd make sense. What better way to take revenge as a ghost and," Zidian pauses. "You're vulnerable here. You're not a ghost, but simply your soul has been temporarily projected here."

"I thought ghosts were different from the spirits inside our weapons?" Jiang Cheng is confused.

"They are. But with the eclipse going on, well, let's just say there can be some interference. The gaps between the worlds are opened after all."

"We should get going then," Jiang Cheng says hastily, keeping an arm on Wei WuXian to support him.

They keep walking with Zidian and Sandu protecting them from any dark spirits that came their way. They finally came across something that seemed like a huge clearing. In the middle, there seemed to be a giant ball of light. However inside, they couldn't distinctively see two shadowy figures moving around, attacking each other with energy powers. Everytime their powers collide, a bright beam flashes out of the ball of light.

Jiang Cheng grabs Wei WuXian's arm again as he had seemed to waver from the impact. In spiritual form, he seemed to radiate a translucent light as if he was a soul. However when the two spirits inside the ball of light had collided, the light seemed to have flickered as if the soul was getting weaker.

"I think I will have to do the talking," Jiang Cheng says, his eyes observing his brother.

"W-What? But why would they listen to you?" Wei WuXian's voice is faint. "I'm their master, I should be the one to talk to them!"

"Are you sure you'll get close enough to them without collapsing?" Jiang Cheng says sharply. "Everytime they fight, you can feel it, can't you?"

"It's too dangerous...what if they attack you?"

"They won't," Jiang Cheng tells him despite the faint hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I'll bring Sandu with me. Zidian will stay with you." Zidian looks like she wants to protest but simply dips her head.

"And me," Another voice makes Jiang Cheng jump and causes one of Zidian's snake to give a loud hiss of warning.

"Bichen?" There's astonishment in Wei WuXian's voice. "How....!"

~

Give it up, ChenQing. You cannot win. Good energy will win over evil energy.

Oh Suibian, what makes you so sure of that? And who says I am evil? I have done nothing evil!

Really? You who damages Master's body and mind with resentful energy...damaging his soul.

The spirits collide, fury driving their every move

"I was the only one who protected him after what he did. He gave you up. He gave up his core for his brother. He never cared about you!"

"Never cared? I was by his side for years longer than you! He no longer needs you now that he has a new core. You'd only damage it and prevent it from growing stronger. You will corrupt it with resentful energy. I won't let you do it." Suibian's eyes glow a bright red. Something was fueling his rage.

"He needs me!"

The voice turns into a shriek and they blast each other with their powers once again.

~

"Bichen, how did you get here?" Wei WuXian looks around as if expecting Lan Wangji to be here as well. The man with silver hair smiles.

"I do not need to enter with my master. As long as I feel his will to help Wei WuXian, I will be summoned here. It is afterall,where we reside in a way. I have a connection with Suibian. Wangji is here as well...the guqin spirit." He gestures with his hand at another man with gray hair.

"I will go to Suibian with Jiang Cheng. The rest will stay," Bichen says. Jiang Cheng doesn't argue and follows the sword spirit down to the ball of light. The impact from the fighting nearly blasts them back several times but they push through.

"Suibian! Stop this. I am here now!" Bichen calls out. A male voice answers

"Bichen?"

"What?" A female voice

"Listen to me!" Jiang Cheng didn't mean to sound so aggressive. "You both need to stop fighting! Do you understand the damage you are causing?"

"Damage?" The male voice answers. "I am protecting Master from the damage!" The two spirits appear out of the glare of the white ball of light. One wore a brownish-black outfit while the other wore a pure black one. There was an unsettling red glow in Suibian's eyes.

"No," Jiang Cheng's teeth grit. "Both of you fighting is causing more damage. Do you understand? Wei WuXian doesn't need one or the other, but both of you!" He is coming up with things on the whim now, but he hopes it'd work. "Wei WuXian still needs to control fierce corpses, yes, when going on night-hunts. But he needs you too, Suibian. You need to work together! You can work together to protect your Master."

"If you don't want to listen to him, then listen to me," Bichen says softly, his eyes warm and pleading. Suibian pauses, the red in his eyes fading slightly. ChenQing suddenly looks over near the top of the clearing.

"Wangji....is here too," She says, her voice no longer cold, but soft. Jiang Cheng is surprised at the reaction of the two spirits. It was almost as if they were humans falling in love or forming a bond with others.

"There's something....near Suibian," Sandu says sharply, narrowing his eyes. Bichen looks up as well, noticing the black wisps of smoke attached to Suibian.

"It's....true that I felt abandoned," Suibian admits. "But...I felt as if ChenQing was the reason so I...," He looks over at the ghost flute spirit. There is no hostility in his eyes, only sadness. ChenQing doesn't meet his gaze.

"Come with us," Bichen says softly.

"We need to return to him," Sandu says, looking back from where they came. "He is in danger." Jiang Cheng stiffens and follows his gaze. The evil spirits were surrounding the area where they had left Zidian, Wangji and Wei WuXian. ChenQing and Suibian exchange a look and then give a small nod. They hold hands and fly straight back to where their master was. Jiang Cheng hurries to keep up with them.

However he's immediately filled with fear when he sees Wangji sitting on the ground and supporting Wei WuXian's body with his legs. Zidian stands on guard, her snakes hissing threateningly every time an evil spirit tries to step close to them. Her hands crackle with lightning.

Where the hell did all these evil spirits come from? Is this normal? He speeds up his pace.

"It is not normal," Sandu answers his thoughts. "It is because of the eclipse. These spirits work for Jin Yinmu...how he has collected so many spirits I do not know. He must have taken great lengths. They all seem like angry spirits who want revenge against Wei WuXian."

"From...Nightless City then?" No one had stepped foot near that territory in years. The resentful energy that filled the place from the bloodshed that happened kept even the strongest cultivators away. It was almost like another Burial Mounds.

Suibian and ChenQing hurry their pace towards their master. The dark spirits scatter without them having to lift a finger, feeling the strong presence of their combined powers. Wei WuXian stirs in Wangji's arms.

"Are you two done fighting?" he asks wearily.

"Why is he in this condition? Even in here?" Jiang Cheng demands.

"We must return him to his body soon or there will be consequences," Wangji answers. He then looks over at ChenQing and Suibian. The two nod and place their hands on Wei WuXian's arm, spreading a warm light through his body. After a few seconds, he no longer looked as if he was fading and gets back on his feet.

"Now we can go back to where we belong," They say. "Fighting by your side. You may not see us, but we are here." Wei WuXian takes their hands, a warm light emulating around them.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Jiang Cheng could feel the evil spirits creeping up on them again. Zidian and Sandu immediately push him behind them, readying their attacks. Bichen, Wangji, ChenQing and Suibian join them, creating a protective circle around both Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian.

"It feels so strange watching them use their powers like this," he says, a hint of awe in his voice. "But amazing at the same time."

"It's...indeed extraordinary," Jiang Cheng nods then his eyes glisten. "Sometimes I wish we could really talk to the spirits of the dead here, not like the Lan Clan does with Inquiry, but really talk to them."

"Spirits do not linger on Earth unless they have a reason to," Wei WuXian says softly, as if he knew who he was referring to. "They would not be here either...only the angry and resentful spirits are here. Spirits who move on have the chance for resurrection."

"Do you think....Lian Qing....the soup she made...," Jiang Cheng's voice catches in his throat.

"What can we do even if it's true?

"How long do we need to hold them off?" Suibian says as he fights back to back with Bichen

"We need to wait until the eclipse ends...or else the spirits can follow us back through the gap," ChenQing replies.

The combined power of six spirits were more than enough to overcome the evil ones.

"I'll see you in a bit," Wei WuXian smiles at Jiang Cheng and he nods. They fade along with Wangji and Bichen. Jiang Cheng looks over at Zidian and Sandu who give deep bows to him.

"It is as they both said. We will be here. The next time you fight, you will feel us. Now that you know of our existence."

"Yes...and thank you." They extend a hand out to Jiang Cheng who takes it. The Spirit Realm fades and reality returns.

*I'm guessing the Spirit Realm can look like this except with more stormy/gray skies as well as more fog/mist (due to the fighting). They're basically walking on clouds. sorry if it is confusing, I had a lot of difficulties finding a good visual for it.

sorry if it is confusing, I had a lot of difficulties finding a good visual for it

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian stirs back awake. His head is pounding, but he squints around the room. Lan Wangji is leaning over him.

“Wei Ying,” He breathes. “You’re awake!” Jiang Cheng’s face appears next to him. 

“Yes,” Wei WuXian murmurs in reply. “My head hurts...but I think everything is alright now.” He sits up slowly with Lan Wangji supporting him with his arms. 

“Your sword and flute were glowing earlier,” Lan Wangji tells him. 

“It’s a good thing,” Wei WuXian tells him. “I feel different after that journey.”

“In a good way?”

Wei WuXian nods. “Feel my core.” He extends a wrist to Lan Wangji who takes it, feeling his pulse.

“Your spiritual energy is stronger.” 

“Yes, I can feel that my core is stronger. Though, it will get even stronger after I actually start using Suibian.” 

“You won’t have to use that terrible sword of yours anymore. Does that mean we can have a real sword duel?” Jiang Cheng has a teasing hint to his voice.

“As if,” Wei WuXian rolls his eyes. “You still have years more experience than me. It won’t be fair.”

“You’re saying you won’t be up for a challenge?” At this, Wei WuXian smirks.

“Fine, but you better not go easy on me.”

“You wish! But first,” Jiang Cheng fixes him with a firm glare. “You still need to rest.”

“Didn’t I just do that?” Wei WuXian says in an exasperated voice.

“Rest,” Lan Wangji tells him. 

“Fine, but only if Lan-Er gege rests with me,” He grins. 

“Mn.”

“You two really got to be mushy after every reunion huh,” Jiang Cheng huffs, but there’s affection in his voice. Jiang Cheng leaves Wei WuXian to rest and goes to his own room to sit down. Jin Yinmu’s words at him before he had left still flash through his mind.

“If you were willing to raise your sword against your brother that night in Nightless City, what makes you think you wouldn’t have done it if our plan had succeeded?”

Jiang Cheng had flinched as if he had been slapped. He had never meant to. He had never expected Wei WuXian to rip his hand away from Lan Wangji’s grip. 

“Was your plan ever about taking over the Jin Clan? Or was it about revenge?” He spat back. Jin Yinmu only sneers at him.

“Caught on fast, did you? We wouldn’t need to go this far simply for throwing Jin Ling off his high horse. Of course it was about revenge! Our family was torn apart all because his uncle framed us for his little plan to gain power. What is wrong with us doing something similar? Tearing apart the only family Jin Ling had. It would have broken him to the point where he could no longer hold his position.”

“You!” Jiang Cheng takes a threatening step towards him, but Jin Yinmu holds his gaze steady.

“The ‘Fu Chou’ would have done its work. Filled your mind with thoughts of revenge just like it did for me….but of course your work would have been done much faster.” 

“No,” Jiang Cheng’s voice was steady. “Wei WuXian would never hurt Jin Ling, not deliberately. His sister’s son..he cared for him and protected him countless times. Also, you didn’t stop to think. The sword was attacking everyone, including Lan Wangji and his son. I knew something was wrong.”

“Perhaps that was a flaw in my plan that I had forgotten to consider. The sword was meant to aim for Jin Ling only. The sword wasn’t attacking others. The others simply interfered.”

“What use is talking about this now? Your plan failed. It was a mistake to go up against so many clan leaders.”

“I never thought so many would get involved….I thought I would be able to deal with the Jiang and Jin Clan, but I never expected the Lan and Ouyang clan to get involved. Is meddling with other clans’ business a common thing?”

“No clan would have stood by. Not even the minor clans.”

“Perhaps you’re right. I hope you know what you’re doing, having a boy lead the clan. He isn’t anything like you from when you first became clan leader.

“No, he isn't. He has support from his friends and family. Rebuilding the clan almost entirely by myself wasn’t easy, but I pushed through.”

“I wish the Jin Clan luck then. Perhaps he can be a good leader, perhaps not. It’s a pity I will never get to see the outcome. “ Jiang Cheng is silent. He knows Jin Yinmu would not be allowed to live after committing so many atrocities and he has no reason to feel sympathy. 

“But, if you can talk to your nephew….convince him to spare my son. He was only following the beliefs I fed him.”

“A-Cheng, what are you thinking about?” Lan Xichen’s voice jolts him out of his thoughts. 

“I was thinking about….what the sentence would be for Jin Yinmu’s son.”

“That is up to Clan Leader Jin, is it not?” Lan Xichen says gently.

“It is but...,” Jiang Cheng trails off. “I do not know if he will know what to decide.”

“Will you support him no matter what decision he makes? I know you guided Jin Ling from when he first became clan leader. But after a few months, he did push to be  more independent. You should trust him.”

“I do,” Jiang Cheng says at last. “He will be a good clan leader. I believe in him.”

~

The next morning...

Jin Ling looks back behind him. Jingyi and Zizhen were standing guard outside. Jiang Cheng is with Lan Xichen while Liu Yue is in the kitchen. This was his only opportunity. He is  planning to pay Jin Fu a little visit and ask him some questions. My uncle would break my legs for this but I want to know why he did what he did . Jin Fu was not much younger than him. He gives money to the guard and slips inside. 

“Be quick, Clan Leader Jin,” The guard tells him before he closes the door and he nods.

“Why are you here?” Jin Fu’s cold voice fills the room as soon as he enters.

“Tell me why you did what you did,” Jin Ling asks. “Why did you have to go so far? And,” He clenches his fist. “What did my uncle have to do with all of this? What was your true motive?”

“I’m sure your other uncle is asking my Father the same questions. But all I need to say is...this was never really about becoming the clan leader for Jin Clan.” Jin Ling blinks, but he doesn’t feel surprised.

“I guess that much. You wouldn’t go this far for something like that, would you?”

“Perhaps...perhaps not. But either way, this was about revenge. Because of what your uncle, Jin Guangyao, did to my family.”

“Why would you blame that on me?” Jin Ling narrows his eyes. “I know it wasn’t fair for him to kick you and your family out, but I was an innocent kid. What did I have to do with it?” He can’t help but feel a pang of guilt and sympathy for Jin Fu

“It wasn’t my fault you picked a fight with all the kids your age!” Jin Fu snaps. “I was defending myself. But you were spoiled too much by Jin Guangyao and had an arrogant attitude. I never meant to get so rough…,” His voice trails off and he sounds more upset now. 

“I only followed my father’s orders,” he says, his voice softening. “He told me my entire life about how the Jins were responsible for the death of my mother and little sister.  He told me it was my birthright to save the Jin Clan from poor leadership so nobody like my father...an unknown son of Jin Guangshan would ever be kicked out simply for power.”

Jin Ling takes a deep breath.

“If you had both come back, I would have welcomed you back.”

“Would you have?” Jin Fu shakes his head. “ Even if you did, it wouldn’t have made a difference. My father would still be set on revenge and letting him in would only give him more of an opportunity. He already knew about your attitude when you were a little kid, he thought no different of you when you became the clan leader. He assumed you were still the brat you were back then and would be irresponsible with holding power. When he knew Wei WuXian was going to be part of the mission, he took full advantage of it. He wanted you to feel the pain of losing another family.”

“Haven’t I lost enough?” Jin Ling’s voice is shaky, thinking of his parents as well as his uncle.  “Uncle..Yao is already gone. Why must you take out your revenge plan on me?”

“Have you been listening?” Jin Fu’s voice is cold. “ You were the main reason Jin Guangyao kicked us out. I told you this the other day, didn’t I? My dad was framed for trying to harm you and it only happened days after I fought with you. My dad told me I hurt you pretty badly and he was worried about me being punished so he protected me back then. But Jin Guangyao must have taken advantage of that to blame both me and my father for trying to deliberately cause harm to the heir of the Jin Clan and that is no simple crime.” Jin Ling shuts his eyes. Just how many people had suffered at his uncle’s hands.

“I’m sorry,” He says slowly. “I wish I could have done something. But now the damage has been done. We could have worked something out if you had talked to me. Now I can not forgive either of you for your crimes.”

“So what will be the punishment this time? Execution?” Jin Ling winces. He did not want other clan leaders to point him out as soft-hearted and unable to make decisions. This was the criticism he had received when he had first become clan leader. Yet Jin Fu was barely older than him. How could he execute him?

“You will know in due time,” Jin Ling says. “Your father’s crimes were worse than yours so his punishment will be far steeper.” Jin Fu looks away from him, anger and sadness in his eyes. Jin Ling walks out, his head spinning.

“How did it go?” Sizhui walks up to him immediately the second he has returned back to their shared room.

“As about as good as you’d expect it to be,” Jin Ling replies dryly, plopping himself onto one of the beds.

“Give us an account or something!” Jingyi insists.

“What else could I tell you?” Jin Ling sighs. “Bad people trying to use Wei WuXian to frame him for their crimes.”

“People are unbelievable,” Jingyi mutters. 

“I expected something was off. So this was basically a revenge plan?”

“I can’t tell if it is revenge against me or Wei WuXian. What was that whole nonsense about ‘trying to take over as clan leader’? Why did they have to use Wei WuXian for such a thing?” Jin Ling shakes his head.

“People have used him before,” Sizhui says quietly, his eyes filled with a certain exhaustion. 

“It was about revenge the entire time,” Jiang Cheng’s voice makes all four of them jump. “Taking the position of clan leader was only a bonus.”

“U-uncle!” Jin Ling stares at him guiltily.

“What? Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” Jiang Cheng says crossly. “Leave the interrogating to me next time, alright? I was going to tell everyone what I found out anyways.”

“I want answers as well. The target was me after all,” Jin Ling insists. 

“He wanted to drive us apart, didn’t he? If you had come in only a few minutes late….” Sizhui flinches and stops speaking.

Jiang Cheng is silent for a few moments before speaking again.  

“I am not really sure what they truly intended to do. Perhaps they were going to use the beasts to subdue us while the sword attacked Jin Ling. Or if they used the demonic beasts to kill us when the eclipse eventually came, they would slay the beasts and say they sought revenge for Jin Ling. For all the people who would have died.”

““They attacked earlier than intended because that was our plan in the first place. We were able to get them to attack earlier. To attack before the eclipse. If we had fought on the day of , their plan would have….a higher chance of succeeding,” Zizhen says, his voice nervous. “Those beasts were already difficult to fight without the eclipse heightening their powers.”

“Yes, I am not sure why they did not choose to retreat. Perhaps it was because they wanted to get the job done earlier. Or they thought they would be able to succeed because the beasts were already extremely difficult to kill,” Jiang Cheng recalls the way his blade had barely grazed over the skins of those creatures.

“But what about the sword? What was the point of the sword then?”

“Wei WuXian was the one who interfered, but there was a consequence there as well. They probably intended for him to collapse. When he touched the sword,” Jiang Cheng says, remembering how Jin Yinmu had told him he had found out about the conflict between the two spirits. They clearly had more than one goal,” Jiang Cheng explains, “….in the end, they probably would try and claim to be the heroes by pretending to clean up their own mess while blaming the evil deeds on innocent people and by making it seem as if Jin Ling is unable to clean the mess up while they could. By teaming up with resentful spirits who hold grudges against Wei WuXian, both sides benefit from their revenge,” Jiang Cheng explains, his eyes drifting to the walls.

“But his son...was raised outside of the clan. Would they really be desperate enough to accept someone who’s basically a stranger?” Jingyi tilts his head.

“The clan officials would have wanted someone within the bloodline. Jin Fu would be that candidate once they both reveal their true identities. If they were deemed as heroes, the likelihood will be higher,” Jingyi agrees

“Even if he’s not capable of leading? How can they be so sure he would be qualified?”

“They can’t be sure,” Sizhui replies. “But if they need a leader. He obviously would not take the position right away until he further proves himself worthy. A clan official could easily be leader temporarily, but considering that they’re part of the bloodline, it wouldn’t be that difficult for them to have a chance.”

“It’s way too complicated!” Zizhen complains. “Who would put this much thought into a revenge plan?”

“Plans take a lot of thinking, especially when they involve going after a clan leader. Think of what happened in the past….people will be sneaky and do many things to get rid of...obstacles in their lives,” Jiang Cheng’s eyes flicker over to Jin Ling who stares at the floor.

“It might have worked...if I had lost...the people I considered family, maybe I really would have been too weak to be a leader,” He mutters. Sizhui’s eyes flash and he comes to Jin Ling’s side on the bed.

“Don’t say that! You are not a weak leader. Besides, you think we’d be taken down that easily? It’s like Jingyi said. They underestimated our strength. We wouldn’t be torn apart that easily!”

“Our wills may not be weak, but they can be...faltered. Manipulated,” Jiang Cheng says quietly. “They are not immune to being wavered.” The juniors didn’t say anything at that. 

“Hey wait, where’s Fairy? Wasn’t she with you?” Jin Ling looks around

“She’s with Clan Leader Nie. You really thought I’d bring her here ,” Jiang cheng gives him a pointed look. “With Wei WuXian in the same place?”

“Oh right,” Jin Ling blinks. “Has he woken up yet?” Sizhui, Jingyi and Zizhen all turn their heads, looking at Jiang Cheng expectantly.

“Of course I’m awake! How long can a man sleep for?” A cheerful voice comes from outside the hall. Jiang Cheng hadn’t realized how long he had been talking to the younger cultivators.

“Senior Wei!” Jingyi and Zizhen jump up from their beds and hurry over. Sizhui is quick to follow while Jin Ling is more slow, his eyes staring at the floor.
“Don’t knock him over if you’re going to hug him,” Jiang Cheng calls to them as he leaves them to catch up with each other. 

Chapter Text

Sizhui wraps his arm around Wei WuXian’s waist.

“A-Niang, I was worried,” He says softly. Wei WuXian hugs him back, not used to seeing Sizhui sound so vulnerable when he was usually the most resilient of the group among his friends.

“A-Yuan….,”

“Senior Wei, were you really just resting?” Zizhen says, his eyes worried. “Jin Ling told me you collapsed.”

Wei WuXian swiftly tells the four junior disciples about what had really happened. 

“Uncle didn’t tell us the truth because he didn’t want us to worry,” Jin Ling huffs. “But we had the right to know! Especially when he went there too!”

“Trust me, you didn’t miss out on anything big. I wouldn’t want to go back to that place again,” Wei WuXian leans against the wall.

“Really? It wasn’t interesting seeing your sword spiritual counterpart? I would want to see what mine looks like,” Jingyi says eagerly.

“It’ll probably look like you, but dumber,” Jin Ling tells him and receives a punch on the arm in return.

“Mine looked almost like me. He even had the ribbons,” Wei WuXian says as he twirls his flute in one hand.

“Hey wait, you have your sword on you,” Jin Ling looks at his belt. 

“I do...it’s really been a while. It feels heavier after not carrying it for so many years,” Wei WuXian taps it with one finger. 

  “But it must feel good to be able to use it again. Now we can finally go on a real nighthunt together,” Zizhen says eagerly.

“It was cool before too though! Senior Wei summoned all the beasts to us,” Jingyi adds.

“How come you couldn’t control the beasts we fought?” Jin Ling cocks his head. 

“They weren’t mine to control to begin with. Remember how I couldn’t control the corpses in Yi City? It was because Xue Yang controlled them, not me.”

“Oh, right.”

“Anyways, I’m not always going to use my flute to help you night-hunt. The point of them is using your own skills to find them. So if you want to learn, you can’t rely on me all the time,” Wei WuXian chides.

“As if we need it!” Jin Ling rolls his eyes. 

“Who was it who almost got bit by that Measuring Snake?

“Why are you bringing that up?!”

“Because he saved your life that day?” Jingyi hits Jin Ling lightly on the shoulder. 

“Right,” Jin Ling mutters. 

“He saved our lives more than once when we first met him,” Zizhen points out, grinning at Wei WuXian. 

“A-Niang is just that amazing,” Sizhui smiles sweetly. 

“Wei Ying, come eat your food,” Lan Wangji’s holding a tray of food at the entrance of the room. Wei WuXian’s eyes light up.

“Ah! I haven’t had this type of food in a very long time. Jiang Cheng let you use the kitchen?”

“Mm. The others should come eat as well,” Lan Wangji looks over to where the juniors are. They follow the two adults towards the main hall. Despite not having walked around Lotus Pier for many years, the familiar twist and turns of the hallways were left in his mind. The main hall of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan was rarely ever used for banquets or parties, unlike the Lanling Jin clan who always had them. The amount of food prepared for them for a late morning, early afternoon meal was surprisingly abundant. Lady Luo, Lian Qing and Liu Yue were there as well, helping to set out the dishes.

“Come sit. Why are you standing around like a frozen deer?” Jiang Cheng’s impatient voice jolts him out of his daze.

“You should have let me help. There are a lot of mouths to feed,” Wei WuXian says as he sits down.

“ You are not allowed anywhere near the kitchen or the stove. I don’t think anyone appreciates being food poisoned right after all that fighting last night.”

Wei WuXian gives him an offended look and immediately reaches for the dish that looked the most red at the table and spoons an abundant amount onto his plate. On the other side of the table, there were more “plain looking” dishes with less color. It looked similar to the vegetables Wei WuXian often had to eat at Gusu. Lan Xichen must have helped Jiang Cheng with the kitchen. For this celebration, even Nie Huaisang had joined them. Despite the tension between the Nie Clan leader and the two Twin Jades of Gusu, neither of them were short of hospitality. 

Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui had eagerly gone for those dishes while Zizhen, out of curiosity had tried for the more spicier dishes. Wei WuXian holds back his laughter as he sees the young clan leader frantically drinking cups of tea to calm the spice and Jin Ling thumping him on the back as he coughs. 

Jiang Cheng had gone out of the room and come back with jars of wine. It was not Emperor’s Smile but as the jars passed down the table to Wei WuXian, he could sense the smell was familiar. This was the Hefeng Wine Wei WuXian had brewed so many years ago. 

“This wine...you still have it?” Wei WuXian feels stunned. 

“Of course I do. Why would I waste perfectly good wine?” Jiang Cheng’s voice is exasperated. “I was never much of a drinker. Not as much as you...but I found it and thought I’d save it for...you know, if you came back here, that is,” Jiang Cheng finally sits down to eat. He pours himself some wine and holds up his arm in a toast. Wei WuXian automatically reaches for his cup as does everyone else, though he noticed that out of the corner of his eye.

“First, a toast to finally defeating another bad cultivator. This time...we didn’t have to battle alone, but rather together as friends...and family,” Everyone cheers and clinks cups together before going for a second cup.

“And second…., “ Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath, keeping his voice as steady as possible and looks down at Wei WuXian with the biggest smile he has seen from his shidi in many years.

“I want to welcome my brother back officially to Lotus Pier. I know his arrival here probably wasn’t what he expected, but at least we were able to get to this point together.” Wei WuXian can tell Jiang Cheng is nervous, but he doesn’t think much of it. Because he feels the same way. He looks over at his husband whose warm honey eyes were filled with love and happiness. Jin Ling avoids his gaze as his eyes sweep across the table, but Wei WuXian could see the glint of happiness in his eyes. 

The rest of the banquet went well and Wei WuXian felt as if he hadn’t been a banquet this lively for years. Even his and Lan Wangji’s wedding banquet at GuSu had been more relaxing than loud. Even when he lived at Lotus Pier, there had never been such a lively banquet. He wonders if Jin Ling held banquets as much as the past clan leaders had. 

“Jingyi, we’re not letting you drink,” Sizhui says firmly, taking away the cup from his friend’s hands.

“Too late. Did you not see how many cups he had?” Zizhen snickers. His face is red from the alcohol. 

“Why are you drinking when Hanguang-jun and Zewu-jun are sitting right there ?” Jin Ling exclaims, his voice irritated, though his words were also slurred from the alcohol.

Wei WuXian instinctively looks over to see his husband’s reaction, but as always, his emotions were masked. He simply takes a sip of tea from his cup. Lan Xichen however looks on with an amused look. 

“The four of them remind me of certain people when they were younger and were guest disciples at Cloud Recesses,” He says softly. His eyes twinkled with a look of nostalgia and sadness. 

“A new generation of troublemakers. And this time, we are the ones who have to deal with it,” Jiang Cheng sighs.

“Will they be as bad as we were when we were their age?” Wei WuXian laughs.

“I certainly hope not! You were already too much for me to deal with back then,” Jiang Cheng huffs. 

“But you also raised Jin Ling,” Wei WuXian points out, sticking out his tongue playfully. 

“Who was harder to deal with?” Jin Ling tilts his head. 

“Don’t answer. I rather not know,” Wei WuXian laughs nervously. Jin Ling crosses his arms.

“Scared to know the truth, I see,” Jin Ling rolls his eyes.

“And you’re not?” Wei WuXian raises his eyebrows at him.

“I already know I was a difficult kid,” Jin Ling mutters.

“Ah, so you’re admitting it!”

“Yes, but!” Jin Ling hurries defensively. “I know all about the chaos you caused too!”

“Did you only hear the bad things about me?” Wei WuXian laughs. “What did Wen Ning tell you about me?”

“He told you about how you and Hanguang-jun killed the Tortoise of Slaughter together,” Zizhen pipes up. 

“Everyone knows that story,” Lan Xichen says mildly. 

“Master Wei has always been that amazing in fighting,” Lady Luo adds, giving him a sweet smile who he returns. 

“Wei-Xiong, you and Hanguang-Jun and Clan Leader Jiang have always been the most skilled in martial arts. I’ve always envied you all. I was only able to start forming a core earlier this year.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself, Clan Leader Nie. We all know you are skilled in many other things as well. And I don’t mean arts and craftsmanship,” Jiang Cheng says, his voice calm. Nie Huaisang blinks and only gives a small incline of his head.

“Tomorrow we should double check the Burial Mounds to make sure nobody else is lurking there, shouldn’t we?” Nie Huaisang is quick to change the subject.

“We already sent men there,” Lan Xichen answers him. “The men there turned themselves over and they’ve been brought back to Lanling.”

Everyone finishes up eating and Wei WuXian helps clean up before wandering off around Lotus Pier. This time, he knew he could do it without anything troubling him. As he walks around, his feet bring him to the outside of the Ancestral Hall. His last visit here had been an unpleasant one, still vivid in his memory. Though this time, despite knowing it’d be different, he hesitates to enter. He wasn’t sure how to face his senior sister, Madam Yu or Jiang Fengmian after so many years of not coming here. Perhaps he should have come here sooner. So his sister’s spirit would be at ease seeing him and Jiang Cheng finally reconciling.

“I thought I’d find you here. I was looking for you,” Jiang Cheng’s voice startles him out of his thoughts. To Wei WuXian’s surprise, Lan Wangji was with him.

“I was going to bring you both here after we ate, but it seems as if we found you in the right place anyways.” Jiang Cheng inclines his head and walks into the ancestral hall. Wei WuXian looks at his husband who takes his hand and they follow Jiang Cheng. 

Eventually, Wei WuXian begins walking in pace with Lan Wangji, the gentle touch of his hand encouraging him to go forward. Jiang Cheng lights his incense first, paying his respects to his sister and parents by bowing three times. When he’s done, he looks back over at Wei WuXian.

“I’m sure you may have a lot to say to them. I’ll leave you two alone,” Jiang Cheng walks out of the ancestral hall. Wei WuXian swallows as he approaches the two pillows but with Lan Wangji by his side, he feels more confident. They light the incense burners together and bow three times. 

“Shijie, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here last...but,” Wei WuXian pauses. “Things are better now. Jiang Cheng and I aren’t fighting anymore...well, we’re about as close as we were back then,” Wei WuXian laughs softly. “Either way, Lan Zhan and I are here again, as cultivation partners….we have a son as well. If you met Sizhui, you’d like him for sure. He’s very close to A-Ling and your son has met many friends who will support him as well. And he has us and Jiang Cheng looking after him. Things will be better now. We’re a family.” Wei WuXian smiles over at Lan Wangji. “We may not be blood related, but we’re a family and we will protect one another no matter what.”

~

  When they head back to the main courtyard, Jin Ling is there speaking with his friends. Jin Fu and Jin Hong are there as well, closely guarded by at least a dozen disciples, despite their hands already tied up. 

“Once everything is settled down, we’ll be able to go nighthunts again in peace. With Wen Ning too of course. Speaking of whom, where is he anyways?” Jin Ling looks expectedly at Jiang Cheng.

“He’s near the docks playing with Fairy, the last I saw him,” Jiang Cheng replies back. Wei WuXian starts at the mention of the dog.

“Wen Ning is playing with a dog ?” Wei WuXian blanches at him. Jin Ling lets out a sigh of exasperation.

“What about it? I’ve told you before, haven’t I? She won’t bite people if she knows they’re good. Wen Ning has gone on so many nighthunts with me, she’s probably recognized his scent by now. She won’t attack him, even if he was a fierce corpse.”

“That is the least of my worries,” Wei WuXian mutters.  “Anyways, are you heading back to Carp Tower right now?”

“Yes, we have to deal with these two,” Jin Ling jerks his head towards the two prisoners. “Uncle Cheng isn’t coming with me, but he’ll be sending disciples with me just in case.”

“As will the Lan Clan and Nie Clan,” Lan Xichen adds in as he walks into the courtyard. “We’re heading back today as well. We have much to report to Uncle and the clan elders,” He looks over at Lan Wangji who nods. Jiang Cheng glances at Wei WuXian, looking as if he wanted to ask him to stay for a day or two.

“A-Cheng, I’ll come back and visit a lot, okay? You won’t miss me for long,” Wei WuXian pokes him playfully in the arm.

“Who said I was going to miss you?” Jiang Cheng snaps back, rolling his eyes. Jin Ling hides his laugh with his sleeve.

“Everyone will be going home. As things are peaceful now,” Lan Xichen smiles. “And...I will be seeing much of you, I assume,” He glances over at Jiang Cheng who looks away shyly, but nods his head. 

“We’ll be taking our leave as well,” Lie Yue, Lian Qing and Lady Luo walk into the courtyard.

“My husband will worry about me, so I will leave first,” Lady Luo says, dipping his head.

“It’s been..an honor fighting beside you. I’ve never been involved in such a fight, even when I was a Jin Clan disciple. It brings back many memories,” She smiles warmly at Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian. They walk together to the main gate.

“Will we be seeing you again?” Wei WuXian calls after her as she turns to get onto a boat.

“I’ll always be happy to see you, Master Wei. Feel free to come visit me anytime!” She calls back. Wei WuXian feels Lan Wangji stiffen ever so slightly next to him and he had to suppress a laugh. Even when we’re married, he can still be jealous….oh Lan Zhan. Wen Ning, Liu Yue, and Lian Qing leave together and they wave goodbye to everyone. The Nie Clan, Ouyang Clan  and Jin Clan leave next, leaving the Lans and Wei WuXian standing on the dock. Lan Xichen, Sizhui and Jingyi get on one boat first. As Wei WuXian turns to get onto a boat, he can feel Jiang Cheng’s lingering gaze on his back, a pining he had felt before. Yet this time it was different. The pining would be shortlasting. Wei WuXian hears Jiang Cheng say one last thing, just as the boat drifts away from the docks.

“No matter what road you decide to take, no matter which direction you choose, Lotus Pier is forever your home.”

Chapter Text

“Hey come on, don’t tell me you forgot how to balance. Keep yourself steady,” Jiang Cheng keeps his hands firm on Wei WuXian’s shoulder to prevent him from wobbling off Suibian.

“I know how to balance! I just...haven’t done this in over twenty years or something, give me a break,” Wei WuXian grumbles. 

“No talking. Concentrate.”

“You’re sounding like Lan Zhan now. Has Zewu-jun rubbed off you too much?”

“You-!” Jiang Cheng pushes him playfully. Wei WuXian wobbles on the sword again but manages to stay on. As Jiang Cheng expects, Wei WuXian is a fast learner. In just a few minutes, he looked like someone who had been able to mount a sword for many years. Seeing his brother fly through the sky with the wind blowing his hair back, Jiang Cheng mounts his own sword to join him.

“We haven’t done this since we were younger,” Jiang Cheng says, his voice softening unexpectedly.

“We....did this a lot as kids. We always held races to see who would fly faster,” Wei Wuxian adds.

“I’ll win this time then!” Jiang Cheng flies past Wei WuXian suddenly, sticking his tongue out playfully behind him. 

“Hey!” Jiang Cheng scoffs lightly at his reaction. It was at times like these when he could let go of the demeanor of a clan leader that he held in public. Lan Xichen really had rubbed off him. But not in the way Wei WuXian thought. 

He felt as if he could be more honest with the people around him now. Sometimes it was still difficult to let out every single detail. But he could do it. It was a step.

“Look at meeee,” Wei WuXian shouts in delight as he zigzags in the air and even does a few twirls in the sky.

“Stop messing around. You’re going to fall off,” Jiang Cheng says in exasperation.

“No, I won’t-whoa!”  Jiang Cheng turns back at the shout of alarm from Wei WuXian.

“You might want to turn to the left-,” Jiang Cheng begins, but unfortunately it was too late and Wei WuXian had ungracefully crashed himself into a tree. The sword falls to the ground. Jiang Cheng holds back his laughter and hurries to check to see if he was alright.

“Ugh, this is embarrassing…,” Wei WuXian huffs as he scrambles down from the tree. Leaves cover his clothes and there are scratches all over his hands.

“What was I just saying before you crashed? It was your own fault!” 

“Yeah yeah,” Wei WuXian picks up his sword and puts it back into its sheath. “It’s not about my balancing skills, I think Suibian is being mischievous. I swear, ever since we got back from the Spirit Realm and we found out our spiritual swords basically have their own conscience, carrying a sword feels way different.”

“It does feel different...it’s almost like there’s someone else with us whenever we fight.”

“They’re a part of us, but separate at the same time,” Wei WuXian tucks his sword under his arm and goes over by the lake to wash the cuts and dirt from his hands. 

“Let’s go back. Tomorrow, we’ll have a real race. Like what they’re doing,” Wei WuXian indicates at the water with his hand. Jin Ling, Jingyi,Zizhen and Sizhui were flying with their swords inches away from the water, having their own race. Jiang Cheng gets startled by the sight.

“A-Ling, don’t you fall down or I’m not swimming to rescue you!” Jiang Cheng yells. 

“I can swim fine!” Jin Ling shouts back.

“Honestly….he’s supposed to be acting like a clan leader. What happened to giving off a good impression?” Jiang Cheng says impatiently.

“Let him have his fun. You, on the other hand, became too rigid when you became clan leader. Let me show you how to have some fun!” Wei WuXian says playfully.

“Oh please. Who says I’ve forgotten? I’m simply too busy for sucb matters!”

“Don’t be like that. You still have time to meet up with Zewu-jun, don’t you?”

“For political matters,” Jiang Cheng says defensively, though his ears were turning red.

“And besides! You don’t always have time for fun either. You’re the chief cultivator’s husband. You have responsibilities at GuSu now!”

“Yes, I do,” Wei WuXian sighs. “But Lan Zhan is there and I want to help him. But either way, I’ll never be too busy to see my brother. We can have all the fun we want at Lotus Pier.”

“Sure, sure,” Jiang Cheng huffs back. His tone is annoyed, but his face is warm.

Lotus Pier felt almost as lively as it had been when Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian were younger and playing with the younger disciples. Now, there was Jingyi, Sizhui, Jin Ling and Zizhen running around Lotus Pier, making it their playground. Perhaps, Wei WuXian would be able to do that with Jiang Cheng again as well, flying on their swords with the wind blowing back their hair.

Chapter Text

“This is all your fault, Jingyi! Why did you have to be so curious?”

“You wanted to come too, Young Mistress Jin!”

“Hey, how dare you still call me that?! I’m a clan leader now, don’t you forget it!’

Sizhui sighs and examines the cave around them, ignoring the bickering voices of Jingyi and Jin Ling.

“ So sorry to offend you, Clan Leader Jin,” Jingyi cackles.

“You two, cut it right now!” Zizhen says sternly. “How about you use that head of yours to figure a way out of here instead of thinking of insults to throw at one another?”  It took a lot to make Zizhen upset, but this time, he was really too annoyed with them.

“Right...sorry,” Jingyi says quietly. He walks around the cave once, his eyes examining the tunnels in the dark.

“I can feel a breeze coming through!” Jingyi says suddenly. Jin Ling, Sizhui, and Zizhen hurry to his side. He was right. The breeze was faint, but it was enough to shift their hair.

“Stay on alert. We don’t know what could be lurking in the dark,” Sizhui tells them. They nod and keep their swords in front of them as well as a torch they had lit with a fire talisman.

“I hope the signal got sent out before the rocks caved us in completely,” Jingyi sighs. 

“Quiet,” Jin Ling says suddenly. “I hear something.” He tightens his hands on Suihua and goes to the front of the group until he’s standing in front of both Sizhui and Jingyi. Zizhen steps in beside him. Despite being the youngest of their group,  as clan leaders, both of them felt the sense to protect the other disciples behind them. 

“I can see something moving. Is it a human or a monster?” Jingyi hisses, keeping his sword drawn out in front of him. Something scurries near his feet and all four of them let out a shriek of surprise.

“It’s just a rat,” Jin Ling says, his voice irritated. “What’s there to be afraid of?”

“You also screamed like a little girl just now, Young Mistress!”

“Did not! That was just your voice echoing because it’s so loud!” Sizhui sighs, holding back his smile as he watches his two close friends bicker. Even when he became clan leader, Jin Ling didn’t change much. Jin Ling leaves Jingyi behind and falls into step with Sizhui in the front. 

“Are you okay? I know you’re not a huge fan of caves or the dark.” Jin Ling’s question takes him by surprise. Sizhui indeed disliked both of them. Other than his fear of large fires, the thought of caves also gave him flashes of bad memories from his past. He had tried not to show his fear earlier as he was trying to be the level-headed one of the group in order to get everyone out. How had Jin Ling noticed? Especially when he was bickering with Jingyi

“I’m alright,” Sizhui tells him. Jin Ling nods in response but Sizhui can tell he’s still looking at him.

“Oh you two lovebirds. Why won’t you just become cultivation partners already? It’s not too soon for an engagement!” Jingyi says loudly. Jin Ling spins around and sputters,

“W-what’re you saying? We’re not even of marrying age yet!”

“Jingyi!” Sizhui exclaims. “Why are you saying such things?” 

“He must have hung out with Senior Wei and Hanguang-jun too much. He really observes these kind of things too well,” Zizhen sighs.

“I can see a bit of light up ahead. We’re almost there!” Sizhui says to quickly change the topic. As the light grows brighter, the sound of a dog  barking gets louder and more excited.

“Fairy!” Jin Ling exclaims and hurries up ahead. 

“A-Yuan! Clan Leader Jin!” Wen Ning’s relieved voice greets them as they come out from the cave. 

“A-Yuan, why is your face red?” Zizhen glances over at Sizhui and Jin Ling.

“O-oh! It’s nothing. It was just a bit hot because Jin Ling was holding a torch,” Sizhui says hastily. He can see Jin Ling crouching down next to Fairy, but Sizhui can tell his face was also red. 

“Thank goodness you found your way out! What would I tell Clan Leader Jiang and Master Wei if you got trapped in that cave somewhere?”

“Let’s just..avoid exploring caves from now on, okay?” Jingyi groans. 

“But what if there are monsters we need to night-hunt in caves?” Zizhen points out.

“We shouldn’t worry about that now. Let’s go. Next time we take a shortcut, we won’t go through some unknown cave, alright?” Sizhui sighs. “Now we should hurry. We mustn’t keep A-Niang, A-Die, and the others waiting.”

“Oh? You’re really calling Senior Wei ‘A-Niang’ now?” Zizhen teases. 

“Well..they’re both my parents, right. Anyways, no more talking. Let’s go.” Leaving Fairy with one of the Jin Clan disciples, they head towards Caiyi Town.

They ended up eating at one of the spiciest restaurants in Yunmeng. Although they request the least spicy dishes, Jingyi, Sizhui and Zizhen all end up scrambling for several cups of water. Jin Ling however, is able to handle the spicier dishes, having eaten so many of them during his stays at Lotus.

“Your alcohol tolerance is surprisingly good, Sizhui. Jingyi passed out after one cup,” Zizhen gestures at Jingyi’s form slumped over the table. Sizhui smiles.

“Well…,considering I wasn’t born inside the Lan Clan, I assume that is the reason.”

“You do strange things when you’re drunk,” Jin Ling mutters. Sizhui looks over at him with a confused look.

“Don’t tell me you forgot what you did?” Zizhen gapes at him. Wei WuXian nearly chokes on his wine out of laughter. Jiang Cheng simply focuses on eating with his eyes staring straight ahead. 

“It was something,” Lan Wangji says mildly. Sizhui is itching to know the details. When Jin Ling tells him what had happened, Sizhui feels so embarrassed, but he couldn’t help but laugh along with his friends. 

Later that night in the inn, he lies awake, thinking about the story Jin Ling had told. He may have been drunk when he had tied his forehead ribbon to the other’s wrist, but that was not the reason he had been embarrassed. He had been embarrassed because he had exposed his feelings in such a way. Maybe one day, he would be able to tell him straight. Sizhui turns his body to face the other side of the room where Jin Ling sleeps on his own bed.

I’ll tell him one day. I’ll be like my father and be honest with my feelings.