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Lan Xichen stood up from his perch on the boat as they approached the lake of Yunmeng territory. His anxiety started to build up as he looked around the area, he tried to hide this feeling as much as possible however his trusted personal assistant Lan Yun could definitely see through him, they grew up together after all and the man had been always by his side.
“Sect Leader Lan, should we change our route? If we continued our advances we will cross the waters of Lotus Pier” Lan Yun said.
Lan Xichen raised his hand gesturing for them to stop the boat. “Through out the years we never searched this area in Lotus Pier” He murmured
“People in Yunmeng said that place is cursed, they prohibited anyone to cross it’s waters. Everyone who did... Didn’t make it back and so we’re some of the boats we sent to search the area”
“How many?”
“A total of fifteen boats and more than twenty disciples in the course of six years” Lan Yun replied and Lan XiChen sighed. “We’ve search everywhere in Yunmeng, the lands, waters and even the near regions... But there is still no sign of —”
“Until I see no sign of my son I will not give up”
“Apologies Sect Leader Lan ” Lan Yun bowed at him and took a step back to give him some space and he was a thankful for that.
Lan Xichen sighed, ever since that day when he lost his son and wife he had been in constant stress. They are crossing the waters of Yunmeng when they got ambushed by the Wens, the heavy rain didn’t help from making the situation lighter. Their boat overturned while he was protecting his family, however his wife died and his three years old son Jingyi went missing. He felt bad for Jingyi’s Mother, even though their marriage was arranged due to responsibilities and to produce an heir to continue the bloodline of the Lans they had a good relationship. She was kind and helped him a lot, they didn’t have feelings for eachother but when it comes to Jingyi they are both dedicated on looking after him. He was sad and mourned for her death but at least he knew what happened to her giving him a peace of mind however his son is still missing and it’s been six years already and they found no traces of him. Sighing he glance behind him to see Lan Yun looking ahead of them specifically to Lotus Pier. “We shouldn’t venture places that are dangerous, we didn’t bring anymore men with us because you insisted that you didn’t need a lot of people” Lan Yun stated
“How would we know if we haven’t tried it yet?” Lan Xichen asked.
“I just think it’s not safe” He replied “We shouldn’t be reckless” His voice is firm and Lan Xichen knew that there is no room for argument. Even though he knew he could give an order if he wishes too but he decided to listen to his disciple and nodded, he was right and he can’t bring these people to danger.
“Alright then, let’s go” Lan Xichen said, his eyes didn’t leave the sight of the faint structure of Lotus Pier. From what he heard it was once owned by the Jiang Sect who died in a massacre years ago. People avoided the place now, said it’s cursed and the people who died in Lotus Pier haunts the place and the waters, thieves who tried to scrap some valuables haven’t been seen anymore, survivors who went in the place returned frightened and mad even cultivators who tried to get inside the place also shared the same stories.
The place is cursed.
Lan Xichen doesn’t usually believe on these kind of things but he couldn’t deny the danger that it poses and he didn’t want to put everyone on this boat in that situation. With a sigh he was about to return inside when something caught his eyes. There was some movement under the water and he slowly craned his neck to peek but before he could take a closer look the boat swayed startling everyone aboard.
“What was that?!” someone shouted and the rest of his men started looking around preparing their weapons, could it be another ambush?
The water is disturbed and the fog started to get thicker, there was another sway a loud thud could be heard coming underneath their boat.
It was quiet for a while but everyone is on alert, after a few minutes their boat swayed again, harder this time and they could see several movements on the lake. Lan Xichen turned around to see something jumping out of the water and snatched one of his men out of the boat.
“Get down!” He yelled and pulled Lan Yun down with him. The boat continued to move as if someone is shaking it from underneath and Lan XiChen closed his eyes. He was reminded of the events that happened six years ago and he shook his head, there was no time to think of such event now, before he could unsheathe his sword the boat toppled throwing everyone out plunging into the water.
Lan Xichen tried to swim but the fabric of his robe is too heavy for him to actually put some distance between the boat. He discarded his outer robes and looked around he could see some of his men struggling against a dark creature that were pulling them deeper into the lake.
Water ghouls!
He turned away and tried to swim but a hand caught the back of his robes and hauled him up he broke out of the surface of the water and gasped.
“Sect Leader Lan! You need to go! You can’t stay here! You are not safe in the water!” Lan Yun said as he prompt Lan Xichen to swim to the nearest shore. “Don’t look back! Just keep---”
“Lan Yun!” Lan Xichen yelled when his disciple disappeared and he gritted his teeth, turning around to swim he could feel that something is coming towards his direction and Lan Xichen pushed his muscles to swim as fast as he could. He reached the area where the Lotus Flowers are cramped and he could feel the ground on his boots. He pushed against the leaves and flowers as he finally made his way towards the shore, Lan Xichen immediately put a distance between himself and the water. He couldn’t see much from where he came from the fog is thick and the only thing he could do is listen to the yells from the distance.
Lan Xichen walked further into the shore and reached towards the wall, heaving and trying to catch his breath there was no pathway and he had to walk aimlessly for a couple of minutes until he found the gates. Looking up he saw the faded carvings of the word ‘Lotus Pier’. Now he couldn’t help but think that perhaps the rumours are true, It was the first time he saw that many water ghouls in one place they must have triggered something for all of them to come at their boat, perhaps an array that they didn’t notice. He should head back to the shore and see if there is any survivors however he couldn’t help the nagging feeling to go inside. Of all the places in Yunmeng this is the area where they didn’t get any information and just the possibility of Jingyi being alive and inside or perhaps any clue to lead him into his search made him decide to walk towards the gate instead, just a quick peek and leave.
The place had been abandoned, there are still remnants of fire from the dark woods holding up some of the rooms and buildings. He had his sword ready just in case something attacks him he would be prepared. As he ventured inside he stopped after seeing some robes that was hanged, he checked the fabrics they look clean and small it belongs to a child.
Why is this here? Is someone living here?
Hope started blooming on Lan Xichen as he investigated the place. He also saw a boot prints on the ground and followed it, the trail led him into a lake where a dock is located and in the distance he could make out a small figure crouching by the water. Lan Xichen’s steps hurried as he approached the dock his steps echoed on the wooden floors and the nearer he gets the clearer the image of the young boy gets.
“Jingyi?” He asked and the boy looked at his direction.
Its.. It’s Jingyi! He will never mistake it. His son is alive!
Lan Xichen quickened his pace as he crossed the docks, due to his excitement he failed to notice that something leaped out of the water and attacked him. He got tackled out of the docks and into the water pressed by a heavy body Lan Xichen struggled to breath swallowing water at the surprised attack. He tried to open his eyes and could see a blurry form forcing him down the water. Thankfully he still had a strong grip of his sword and Lan XiChen stabbed his attacker on the side.
It must have worked because he heard a loud muffled shriek and he managed to get away, swimming back up the surface before his lungs bursts out from the lack of air. As soon as he broke the surface he took a large gulp of breath gasping for air and he didn’t waste time swimming towards the docks, he hauled himself up and he could see Jingyi still standing at the edge of the dock looking at him. He needs to get him out of here now, whatever attacked him is just out there and harmful too!.
“Jingyi!”
Suddenly something came out behind Jingyi, hauled itself up the wooden boards. Lan Xichen gasped, the creature whatever it was hovered behind his son and he would be fascinated to see such thing.
At first he thought it was a water ghoul but it’s too beautiful to be a water ghoul, it didn’t share the same characteristics. It suddenly occurred to him about the stories and rumours before regarding the Jiang Sect.
Perhaps It’s a siren.
Lan Xichen heard about them from rumours and stories shared by people but he never believed they actually existed or even true until now... For a moment he got caught off guard looking at it, if it weren’t for the sharp fangs and the menacing glare he would definitely appreciate the beauty of that long hair, a defined jaw and pale complexion. but this is not the time for that! Lan Xichen held his sword ready to fight and the siren leaned close to Jingyi whispering something.
Jingyi, his son covered his ears and the siren fixed it’s purple orbs at him before screeching. The sound pierced his ears and he immediately covered it, he looked ahead and saw the siren grab his son and dove into the lake.
“Jingyi!” Lan Xichen yelled and ran towards the edge, but he couldn’t find any trace of them. He was sure the siren was wounded, it could be just around here. Gripping his sword he went back to the shore to scout the area.
It took Lan Xichen a while to track down the location of where the siren took his son, he saw a red patches on some leaves and water and he followed it leading towards the shore, he could make out faint noises from the siren, he immediately ran and approached them pointing his sword and he looked around, Jingyi isn’t here.
“Where is he!?” He demanded, he wasn’t even sure if the siren understood him but the creature glared at him as he clutched at his side. The wound Lan Xichen inflicted is bleeding and it seemed to take a toll on their body.
Just when he was about interrogate him again Lan Xichen suddenly moved his head to dodge something that was thrown his way. He managed to catch the item with his left hand and saw a stone.
“Don’t hurt him!” Jingyi ran and stood in front of the siren shielding them using his body. Lan Xichen panicked and lowered his sword, he tried to approach the child but as soon as he did Jingyi was shoved behind the siren who sneered at Lan Xichen. That’s when he realized something, this siren is not harming Jingyi, it was protecting him.
They are protecting each other.
Lan Xichen sheathed his sword as soon as he realized this and he slowly started to approach them “I’m sorry I attacked you, I was only defending myself.. I promise I won’t harm you” he said observing the siren who still glared at him, he noticed that it was getting tired and definitely fighting off the state of being conscious. He slowly walked towards it however before he could get any closer the siren reached out with their sharp nails and Lan XiChen was quick to dodge and was forced to take a step back. The movement caused too much strain on it’s wound and Lan XiChen watched as it lost consciousness.
“Uncle!” Jingyi wailed and started shaking their shoulder, sobbing as he glared at Lan Xichen who remained frozen for a while before he finally managed to calm down and approach the figure.
“Go away!”Jingyi shouted.
“I’m not going to hurt... “ is it a him? He isn’t sure but Jingyi said Uncle. “.. It’s okay I won’t hurt him, we need to treat his wounds where should I bring him?”
Jingyi looked at him for a while before he pointed at the main gate. Lan Xichen immediately went to pick up the siren, carrying him on his arms while he followed Jingyi who led him inside the compound. Lan Xichen noticed the weight in his arms lightened and he looked down surprised to see a pair of legs instead of the purple tail that was there before, he immediately averted his gaze at the very naked man in his arms.
“A-Ling!” Jingyi shouted.
Lan Xichen looked ahead and saw another child, this one seemed more younger than Jingyi and he was playing with a dog. The child in question paused looking at their direction.
“A-Ling! Uncle is hurt! Get the medicine kit!” Jingyi said and the other child immediately rushed ahead of them. “This way mister!” Jingyi guided him in one of the rooms, he slid the door open and Lan Xichen placed the unconscious man on the bed. He grabbed the blanket and covered him from waist below before inspecting the wound on his side.
“Jingyi can you give me some clean cloth” he asked and Jingyi immediately ran inside and grabbed a purple cloth handing it to Lan Xichen who started to press it against the wound to stop the bleeding.
“I got it, got it!” The child earlier arrived, the dog who followed him carried a basket and inside the basket is a box, Jingyi went to retrieve it and placed it beside Lan Xichen after opening it. The contents were some bandages, vials, medicinal herbs and some unknown containers.
“What happened to Uncle?! Who are you?!” The child dressed in yellow robes pointed at him accusingly and the dog started growling at his direction.
“A-Ling don’t disturb him!” Jingyi huffed.
Lan Xichen asked Jingyi for a bowl of water and the kid immediately moved and returned afterwards with the requested item. Lan Xichen cleaned the wound and looked inside the kit for something to use but he doesn’t recognized these medicines that was until Jingyi picked up a small container and opened it.
“Use this, it will help his wound heal faster” Jingyi offered and Lan Xiched looked at the green salve before thanking the child he slowly applied it on the wound before securing a bandage around it. He pulled the blankets up to the other man’s chest and escorted the two kids outside the room but before he could take any further step the two immediately stepped in front of him glaring.
“Who are you!?” The smaller one pointed at him and Jingyi crossed his arms.
“How do you know me? And why did you hurt my Uncle?!”
Lan Xichen forced a smile, as a Sect Leader no one dared to raise their voice against him or demand answers from him however he found himself here... Scolded by children. “I.. Well he attacked me first and I just defended myself, I thought he was going to hurt you but that was my mistake. I apologise for causing harm to.. to him”
The two looked at him a little sceptical, Jingyi pulled the younger child as they both turned away and started whispering among themselves.
Lan Xichen pretended not to hear them but he had a high cultivation and he could hear them loud and clear.
“We shouldn’t trust him” the younger one whispered.
“But he helped us”Jingyi countered.
“After he hurt our Uncle! We should kick him out”
“That’s a little rude, we should wait for Uncle to wake up”
“What if he hurts him!?”
Jingyi glanced at his direction before turning back to the other. “We should look after Uncle, Fairy will guard him too then we should interrogate this Mister”
Lan Xichen smiled at the two when they finally faced him and the younger one crossed his arms. “Should I leave?”
“We still don’t know why you came here, for now we will watch over you” Jingyi said. “What’s your name?”
“ My name is Lan Xichen and how about you two?” He asked.
“I’m Jingyi and this is Jin Ling” Jingyi replied.
Lan Xichen nodded and followed the two as they led him to where he would temporarily stay. He couldn’t help but wonder how did Jingyi ended up here, who is the other child? Were they taken away? But it doesn’t seem to look that way, both children are protective over the other man. He had so many questions right now but he could only focus to Jingyi.
A sudden thought occurred to him.
He could take Jingyi now and leave, he had a feeling that once the siren woke up he would have to fight him to take his son back, he could do that just pick Jingyi up and leave this place. However, he decided against it, he didn’t want to leave such a bad impression to his son and also he was curious about that siren. He wanted to learn more about him and how did he had these two children here, so he decided to gather some information first.
“I heard you call him Uncle, are you a siren too?” Lan Xichen asked.
“No I’m not, but A-Ling is” Jingyi said.
“My Uncle found him on the lake and took him in!” Jin Ling replied to him and Lan Xichen nodded. At least now he knew that his son was not forced to be in this place.
When they arrived at the room Lan Xichen blinked, it was a little dirty there are no decent furniture and it wasn’t very pleasant to be honest. The two kids pushed him inside before they shut the door and Lan Xiched sighed. He could make do of this.. He will manage, just a little cleaning would be nice enough.
It took him a while before he was satisfied with the state of the room, while he was cleaning he noticed that it was not dirt that was covering the woods in the room but charred flooring and walls were from a fire. He did remember that the Jiang Family and Lotus Pier specifically had been burned and slain by the Wens with no survivors left this place became a scary attraction in Yunmeng.
Now if the rumours about this place is true then how could someone stay in this place unharmed? He and his men were attacked immediately when they crossed the waters.
That’s another mystery he needs to figure out but he would do it tomorrow, he needed rest and its been late already, hopefully that beautiful siren would wake up to answer some of his questions.
.
.
.
Lan Xichen woke up early, the sun is barely up when he got up and left his room. The place is too silent devoid of any life, the kids are probably still asleep. Upon realising this he headed towards the direction of the room where the siren is resting, he should check those wounds, it might need fresh bandages.
When he arrived at the front door the dog who he remembered Jin Ling called Fairy is guarding it. Fairy started growling at him and Lan XiChen took a step back.
“I’m here to check his wounds, I won’t harm him, you can come with me if you like” He tried to reason out and he felt a little silly talking to the dog but its worth the shot anyways.
Fairy still growled at him, her eyes is assessing him looking for any ill intentions. After a while the dog side stepped and Lan Xichen was surprised but he thanked the dog and slid the door open, Fairy followed him inside. Lan Xichen looked at the sleeping man in the bed before slowly reaching down to check on his wounds. But before he could pull the blanket away he was surprised when he felt a hand around his throat and his world spun for a moment and found himself pinned into the bed with a heavy weight settled on top of him.
Lan Xichen looked up and saw the siren straddling his waist, his hand gripped his neck tightly while his other hand is raised in the air, sharp nails ready to strike.
“Who are you!?”
He tried to pry the hand around his neck but the other seemed strong despite the injury he got. Lan Xichen’s eyes shifted looking at the bandage he could see faint traces of blood, the wound must have reopened during the sudden movement. His eyes followed the lean body, taking in the sight of a pale skin, chest covered with scar and finally to the handsome face.
“... Lan Xichen... I’m not here to harm you.. I.. I’m going to check your wound” Lan Xichen managed to say.
The siren stared at him with his purple glowing eyes, observing him and probably looking for a hint of lie. After a while the hand on his throat loosened and Lan Xichen coughed, gasping for air. “I didn’t mean to scare you” Lan Xichen added.
“I’m not scared, you stabbed me, I am being cautious” The siren replied and slowly moved away from him, hissing slightly as he sat on the bed.
“You attacked me first, I was trying to defend myself”
“You invaded my territory! And tried to take my child away!” he hissed.
Lan Xichen sighed, there had been a misunderstanding here and he should make this clear now. “Once again I apologise for that, I will explain myself but let me check your wound first or your children will be upset”
“.... “
The siren slowly move to lie back down the bed but his eyes didn’t leave Lan Xichen, following his movements as he checked the box containing the medical supplies. Once he found a fresh bandage and the salve he used yesterday he returned to look at the injured man. Lan Xichen tried to focus on the wound and avoided looking at the barely covered skin so he decided to focus on other things as he unwrapped the old bandages.
“I didn’t get your name”
“Wanyin... “
“Oh, such a nice name... “ Lan Xichen murmured and looked at him, smiling before cleaning the wound.
“So are you planning to tell me why you decided to invade my place just like everyone else!”
“It was an accident. We are travelling in Yunmeng, looking for my son and we didn’t notice that we crossed the waters of Lotus Pier, we got attacked first and I found myself on the pier” he said as he slowly applied the salve on the wound, making Wanyin groan.
“Haven’t you heard the rumours?”
“I did and as I’ve said the water ghouls attacked us first.. And now I put my men in danger, I’m not even sure if they are alive” Lan Xichen paused and looked down, he still felt bad for that, he shouldn’t have insisted in coming here but then again if that event didn’t happen he wouldn’t have found Jingyi.
“Your men are safe, those water ghouls just tend to scare around people so they wouldn’t get near the place”
“Really?” Lan Xichen sighed in relief.
“You said you are looking for your son?” Wanyin replied to him ignoring his first question.
Lan Xichen nodded as he wrapped the bandage around his waist. “Mm.. I lost my son six years ago, we were ambushed when we are travelling in Yunmeng, I searched all over for him during these years and found no traces of him until...”
Their gaze met and Lan Xichen saw the realization in Wanyin’s wide eyes.
“.... Your son is Jingyi?”
Lan Xichen nodded. “Thats why I ran towards him”
“I thought you wanted to harm him” Wanyin murmured.
Now that the misunderstanding is clear he shook his head and took Wanyin’s hand holding it “No, I am grateful that you are trying to protect him, for keeping him safe and alive” Lan Xichen said.
Wanyin tugged his hand back staring at him with slight disbelief “H.. How would I know you are telling the truth?”
“Jingyi is from the Lan Sect, when he was lost he was wearing a white robe, he had a forehead ribbon and a jade token where his name is carved”
After saying this Lan Xichen finally saw the gears on Wanyin’s head started to turn and he made a small sigh before nodding, he was about to say something when the doors suddenly busted open and Jingyi went inside followed by Jin Ling, they immediately crowded around Wanyin.
“Uncle! Are you okay?!” Jingyi asked and Wanyin placed a hand on top of his head.
“I’m fine” he murmured “Have you all eaten?” he asked and turned to glance at Lan Xichen as well waiting for his answer.
“Not yet” Lan Xichen answered and Wanyin snatched the robe near him, slipping on it he slowly stood up to tie the sash around his waist. When he tried to walk Lan Xichen immediately stood up to block his way.
“You are still injured, you shouldn’t walk around” Lan Xichen said.
“He is right!” Jin Ling chirped.
Wanyin gave them all a disapproving look “Well.. Anyone of you knows how to cook?” he asked and suddenly stared pointedly at Lan Xichen who looked away.
No one was able to answer him.
“Thought so.. You” he pointed at Lan Xichen “Come with me in the kitchen and you two, behave” He gave them a small pat on the head before walking out of his room, Lan Xichen is following behind him.
When they arrived at the kitchen Wanyin sat down and started giving him instructions on what to do. Lan Xichen at first is stunned he was not used being ordered around and it took him quite some time to actually move, he grabbed the pot and the ingredients needed. Some of the items Wanyin mentioned doesn’t sound familiar to him, he was making such a mess in the kitchen when Wanyin finally sighed and tapped his arm a little too harshly.
“Move, You are making things worse”
“I apologise... “
“You haven’t been in a kitchen before haven’t you?” Wanyin asked before salvaging whatever remains the carrots had that he was peeling earlier.
“I... Well that’s true” Lan Xichen admitted.
“From your looks and behaviour you must be someone with a position” Wanyin said as he prepared the vegetables.
Lan Xichen could only watch him and assist him from time to time because he might just be in the way. “You could say that” he responded and Wanyin only gave him a small hum before focusing on his task at hand. It seems that they are making a congee and judging from the smell it seems to be delicious, that or he was just hungry he haven’t eaten yet since yesterday, his last meal is before their departure in Gusu.
“This will be done in a while, can you call those brats here?” Wanyin said while checking the pot.
Lan Xichen left the room and searched for the two boys, he was almost out of the main compound when he saw two figures running towards his direction. Jingyi and Jin Ling are carrying stalks of Lotus pods.
“Hello Mister Xichen!” Jingyi said stopping in front of him.
“Wanyin called for you two” He said and the two immediately ran towards the kitchen, Lan Xichen following behind them, trying not to run he decided to speed up his pace to catch up with them.
Once he arrived at the kitchen the two boys carried their trays and Lan Xichen went to take Wanyin’s tray carrying it for him as they headed to the dining hall. He looked around the place silently observing it. There are still traces of burnt woods, the place is barely fixed aside from the tables that looks like newly made everything in the hall had a clear evidence of fire. He placed Wanyin’s tray down and tried to help him sit however he insisted he could manage and so Lan Xichen just placed the tray before he went to his own table.
He silently ate his food while the two kids chattered, his gaze stayed at Jingyi and how much he missed him, he was too young when Lan Xichen looked after his son and perhaps he couldn’t remember that much of those years. But he was truly grateful that Wanyin is there who looked after his son.
Speaking of who.. He glanced at Wanyin who was silently eating. The man didn’t mention his surname so he isn’t sure if he belongs from the Jiang family since he heard none of them survive or he was just living at the remains of this place. His attention turned towards Jingyi that was peeling some seedpods, he stood up and placed a small plate full of seeds on his table.
“Try it”
“Thank you” Lan Xichen smiled.
“Jingyi! Why did you give him that?” Jin Ling pouted with a small huff “He hurt Uncle!”
“A-Ling.. Manners” Wanyin called out and then turned to Lan Xichen “What happened is a misunderstanding, he didn’t mean to hurt me..”
“Still...” Jin Ling shrunk on his seat and Lan XiChen smiled at Jingyi before picking up a seed and ate it.
He could feel that he will be staying here for quite a while.
.
.
Lan Xichen stayed for the next two days, doing the same routine of checking Wanyin’s wound, helping him in some of the chores and what he enjoyed the most is bonding with Jingyi, he could forget everything just by spending time with him. What’s hard is getting close to Jin Ling who still looks at him with suspicious.
The next is Wanyin, the man is healing fast he thought that perhaps because he was... not human, maybe he had like special abilities to heal it and right now he seems to be walking around without any problem, he was currently fixing Jin Ling’s kite mumbling under his breath, Lan Xichen walked towards them observing Wanyin with his purple robes, his long braided hair draped over his shoulder. He was well aware of how attractive Wanyin is but he usually sees him with his messy bun or ponytail, this look caught him off guard.
“Mister Lan!” Jingyi called out gaining the attention of the other people.
“Jingyi” he greeted and then turned to the other two “Jin Ling, Wanyin”
Wanyin only nodded at him before handing Jin Ling his kite and stepped back and stood beside Lan Xichen.
“You look after them so well” Lan Xichen commented “If you don’t mind me asking... Is Jin Ling also someone you found?”
“No, He is my nephew, a relative”
“Oh, I see” Lan Xichen nodded, he actually had more questions but he didn’t wanted to be nosy, so he decided to settle on that question however Wanyin had other plans.
“You look like you had more questions to ask”
“I actually do... “ Lan Xichen gave him a small smile.
“What a coincidence me too” Wanyin said and turned away from him before motioning to follow him.
Lan Xichen silently followed him and he took another glance at Jingyi before he increased his pace to walk beside Wanyin. The other man remained silent and he was led into the part of the compound that he had never been before and what he saw made him gasp. There was another section of lake covered by lotus flowers, pink and looking more bright compared to the one outside the main gate. In the middle of the lake is a pavilion connected by a wooden pier, the pavilion also looked nice there was no traces of fire.
“This place didn’t reach the fire” Wanyin suddenly said as they reached the pavilion he sat down and Lan XiChen sat across him placing his hands on the table. He was surprised when he suddenly said that and it probably showed on his face because Wanyin shrugged.
“Alright.. So let’s start this, Are you planning to take Jingyi?”
“Yes” Lan Xichen immediately replied, of course that was his main objective after all, the purpose of this journey. “I haven’t told him anything yet, I don’t want to just suddenly tell him I’m his Father and I’ll take him back, I can see he is attached to you and Jin Ling”
Wanyin contemplated for a while “I understand.. But I wanted to make sure what kind of person you are before I agree on that, If you truly mean well then I have no objection with that... He deserve to grow up in a better environment” he looked around and had a small melancholic look.
“I do not wish to be disrespectful and you can choose not to answer this... Are you... Well this place is owned by the Jiang Sect”
“Yes and I am a Jiang, and I’m the only one who survived in that night and Jin Ling” Jiang Wanyin said.
“I see... I was just wondering is all” Lan Xichen said, so Jiang Wanyin is being honest with him. He should do the same and also to prove that he had no ill intentions to them “I am actually the current Sect Leader of Gusu Lan” Lan Xichen said, it’s better to be honest specially if he wanted to earn Jiang Wanyin’s trust.
“Oh... I heard about Gusu Lan but I’ve never seen anyone from that sect before, what happened though how did Jingyi ended up in our territory?”
Lan Xichen retold the story of how he and his wife travelled in Yunmeng and got ambushed by the Wens and just by hearing the surname Jiang Wanyin’s fist clenched and gritted his teeth.
“Those damn Wens” Jiang Wanyin hissed.
“From what I heard they are the one who also attacked your home... I didn’t understand it since the Jiang Sect doesn’t even involved themselves outside their territory and always stayed in Yunmeng, so that news was so sudden“ he gestured at the surroundings.
Jiang Wanyin stood up and glanced at the water “Hn.. That we do, to detach away from the other sects, and it’s with big reasons”
“Is that because.. “ Lan Xichen glanced at his leg before lifting his gaze back to Jiang Wanyin’s face however Jiang Wanyin seemed to notice it and crossed his arms, he was about to apologise but Jiang Wanyin spoke.
“Yes that’s right”
“I heard stories and rumours about it but I didn’t indulge it further” Lan Xichen said and also stood up walking towards Jiang Wanyin.
“The main family inherited this ability passed on for generations and kept it a secret. Unfortunately the Wens found out about this after my Father took in the younger child of Wen Rouhan, he was rescued when his body was found in our territory, he was nursed to health however he found out about our secret and told his father. The intention was to capture us alive, work under them, use us as they pleased but my Mother refused and so that night happened”
Lan Xichen listened carefully surprised as to why Jiang Wanyin is telling all of this to him. “Why are you telling me this? I am nothing but a stranger who invaded your territory and hurt you in the process.”
“You are trying to defend yourself.. Besides if you truly had ill intentions you would have taken advantage of it while I was injured, you could have taken Jingyi away, or kill me even but you did none of those and also... You don’t reek of greed, I met people who stinks of greed, like Wen Chao and I warned them about it but... well” Jiang Wanyin turned to face him before he sighed. “Aren’t people looking for you? An important person like you can’t go missing for too long”
“I was thinking of writing a letter for them to inform them about my safety however I don’t know how should I send that letter” Lan Xichen made a small sigh, as much as he wanted to stay here and spend time with Jingyi he can’t leave the Sect unattended, they probably in chaos right now searching for him.. Its been almost four days without contact and if someone already inform them of what happened it wouldn’t take long for his Uncle to send out some people to search the area.
“Write your letter and come with us tomorrow we will go to the market place, however I need to read your letter beforehand I wanted to make sure you are not mentioning this place or anything about us” Jiang Wanyin said before turning away leaving him alone in the pavilion.
He better start writing that letter then.
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“Alright check if everything is in the wagon already” Jiang Wanyin ordered and the two boys climbed inside the wagon peeking at the contents of it. That was the scene Lan Xichen saw when he walked towards the courtyard, he saw Jiang Wanyin on his usual purple robes but this time half of his hair is tied up in half bun.
“What are you all doing?” Lan Xichen asked and saw some containers pilled on the side and a sack of seed pods on the other side.
“Preparing to sell!” Jin Ling chirped “Uncle everything is here!”
“Alright sit still, Fairy come on!” Jiang Wanyin whistled and Fairy ran towards him, he held the handle of the wagon and started pushing it.
Lan Xichen immediately stepped beside him “Let me help you with that, you just recovered”
“I heal fast that’s not an issue”
“Still.. It will be easier with both of us” Lan Xichen smiled and glanced at the two boys on the cart while Fairy followed them. “What are you selling?”
“Seedpods! We harvested It!” Jingyi showed him one of the seed pods and Lan Xichen smiled at him praising them for their hard work.
“How about those” he looked at the small containers that was piled on the side.
“Those are Uncle’s Lotus buns! They are good and gets sold out immediately!” Jin Ling said proudly and Jiang Wanyin only rolled his eyes as they pushed the wagon. The two boys continued talking until they started humming a song that Lan Xichen is not familiar with.
“Uncle! Sing us the little lotus please!” Jin Ling turned around to face them.
“No.” Jiang Wanyin answered however Jingyi turned around as well joining his nephew.
“But you always sing it when we go to the market place” Jingyi huffed, his lips forming into a small pout.
Jiang Wanyin glanced at his direction and Lan XiChen realized that the other must be feeling uncomfortable to sing because of his presence. “Oh, please don’t mind me” he said and smiled, he was actually curious, they said Sirens had beautiful voices and he wondered if those stories are true.
Jiang Wanyin gave him another look before turning his eyes away and started humming first before he started to sing. Lan Xichen tried to focus on the road but his ears are picking up the way Jiang Wanyin’s baritone voice echoed in the empty road until the two kids joined him singing happily as they made their way towards the market place. It’s been a while since Lan Xichen felt this adoration, seeing Jingyi happily swinging a stalk of Lotus seedpods and Jiang Wanyin singing with them with a small smile on his lips.
They continued their travel until they reached the market place and the two kids jumped off the cart and started preparing, Jiang Wanyin also helped them taking out two small wooden chair for the kids which was barely used since they are more enthusiastic in calling in some customers, Fairy is sitting beside the cart guarding it. As the day progress people started to stop by and Jiang Wanyin greeted them talking them into buying more, attracting people just by standing there. Most of the customers were regulars who immediately spotted them and bought the containers consisting the lotus seed buns which as Jin Ling said immediately got sold out.
“Come here you two! Sit down, look at you all being sweaty” he pulled out a white cloth and started wiping Jingyi’s forehead and then Jin Ling. He went back to the cart taking out the last container and he gave the two boys a Lotus seed bun, also one for Fairy before he stood up and handed one to Lan Xichen.
“Here you go”
“Thank you... Even though I wasn’t much of a help” he gave him small smile, though he did feel bad because all he did is stand and help on handing some of the items.
Jiang Wanyin turned to Jingyi and Jin Ling who smiled at each other. “No not at all, actually your presence made it easier to get people glance at our direction” he shrugged.
“You get so many big sisters asking about you” Jin Ling said chomping on his bun.
“What....”Lan Xichen blinked.
“You are getting quite an attention that’s why most people approach my cart, are you not aware most of customer’s today were women?” he chuckled before shaking his head.
Looking back at it, he had been chatting with most of the customers.
“Alright that’s enough for today, we still have some few seedpods I can use that, let’s go home” They started packing up and the two boys climbed inside the cart, Lan Xichen had to carry Jin Ling placing him inside, after a while Fairy joined inside. “We will stop by to drop your letter first”
“Thank you” Lan Xichen smiled before they left.
As Jiang Wanyin promised they stopped by to drop his letter but Jiang Wanyin read it first before giving an approval. Once it was done they headed back to Lotus Pier, had some dinner and had a small story telling for the kids before they went to bed.
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Almost the same routine had been established since his extended stay, it’s been two weeks and for some reason he started finding himself liking this... This simple life, helping with making Lotus seed buns, chasing after Jin Ling when he refuses to take a bath. Picking up seedpods with his son, playing kite with the kids also Jin Ling started to warm up to him and then there’s Jiang Wanyin who is also an another whole new thing.
They got closer day by day, he learnt how to cook a proper meal, congee and dumplings is a start. They spend time talking while watching over the kids and during those days Lan Xichen found himself starting to realise that he must have fallen in love with the man. He didn’t feel like this when he was with Jingyi’s Mother, the way he observes his movements, memorising his handsome features, loving the way he sings when they travel towards the market place.
This was all plaguing Lan Xichen’s mind while he was walking to the wooden docks, as much as he enjoyed his life here he had been gone for so long.. He knew he should return but he didn’t have the heart to bring Jingyi with him seeing that his son is happy.. He haven’t even told him about it yet, just thinking about these things made him sigh and he stopped on his tracks when he saw a purple robes neatly folded on the table inside the pavilion.
It was Jiang Wanyin’s.
“Can’t sleep?”
“He--!!” Lan Xichen gasped, surprised at the sudden voice. He whipped his head around and found the source of it.
Jiang Wanyin is in the water, the light from the moon is giving a shine on purple scales littered on his temple and collar like amethysts.
“Yes” Lan Xichen walked out of the pavilion and went to the docks, he slipped his shoes off and rolled his pants up pulling his robe out of the way he sat down the pier and dipped his foot on the water. He saw Jiang Wanyin dive down and after a few seconds he resurfaced in front of Lan Xichen. Now that he could take a closer look he was immediately enchanted by his beauty. His skin is fair making the scales standout, his pointed ears twitching slightly and his eyes bright purple under the darkness. He also started to notice the purple streaks on his hair.
“You look beautiful” Lan Xichen said and Jiang Wanyin blinked, he was caught off guard at that.
“Oh.. Sorry the enchantment must have been working on you” Jiang Wanyin said.
“Enchantment?”
“Sirens had this ability to use enchantment on people” Jiang Wanyin said and Lan Xichen was a little stunned at this revelation... Is he being charmed? All these time?.
“Have you been... using it?”
“No, not really I can only use it on this form my abilities can’t be use on my human form” he said and after hearing that Lan Xichen smiled, relieved from what he heard because that would mean that whatever he was feeling towards Jiang Wanyin is real, he had never seen him in this form since the time they fought in the lake.
“Wanyin.. Those water ghouls that attacked us that day?” Lan Xichen asked. “I see them playing with the kids sometimes” after asking the question he saw a small frown on his face.
“The Water ghouls.. ” Jiang Wanyin said as he looked around. “They listen to me and at the same time protecting Lotus Pier from outsiders.”
“I see.. however them staying here, isn’t it better if.. ” Lan Xichen frowned
Lan Xichen said and looked down at the water surrounding his feet the towards Jiang Wanyin.
“What?”
“Nothing, just admiring you” Lan Xichen smiled at him and saw Jiang Wanyin who slowly swam closer to him until he was right in front of Lan Xichen’s feet.
“Are you flirting with me right now?” Jiang Wanyin asked looking up at him.
“Aren’t we these past few days?” Lan Xichen slowly spread his legs as Jiang Wanyin advanced towards him, wet hands gripped the wooden floor of the pier bracketing Lan Xichen’s lap, the siren pulled himself up so they could see each other face to face. Lan Xichen felt the wet skin pressed against his dry robes, his feet could feel the purple scales.
He waited for Jiang Wanyin to say something however the other only stared at him. Lan Xichen didn’t want to break the tension right now by saying something so he only smiled and stared back at Jiang Wanyin. He had no idea who leaned in first but before their lips touch Jiang Wanyin pulled away.
“I think this is not a good idea..” he murmured before diving back into the water.
“Wait! Wanyin!” Lan Xichen jumped into the lake as well to chase after him, he didn’t expect that the part of this lake is deeper and it took him quite some time to resurface until he felt strong arms around his waist and he was hauled up to the surface.
“What the hell!” Wanyin stared at him in disbelief “What are you doing—”
Lan Xichen didn’t wait for him to finish his words when he pressed his lips against Jiang Wanyin who froze in his place. When he felt that the other didn’t move he realized that he must have offended Jiang Wanyin and so he decided to pull back however the moment their lips parted Jiang Wanyin chased his lips and kissed him.
He was surprised when it happened because he thought that he offended Jiang Wanyin but that seems to be not the case here. He wrapped his arms around him and pulled him closer pressed against each other.
“Xichen..” Jiang Wanyin murmured after they parted.
“Wanyin.. You are so beautiful” He murmured and reached out to stroke his cheek pressing another kiss on his jaw. “I know that this is too fast, but I never felt this way towards someone before. You make me happy, these past few weeks I know that what I feel towards you gets stronger in every passing day” he took Wanyin’s hand and pressed s kiss on his palm. “So I will not demand an answer when you are not ready but please don’t push me away, I want to show you that I am sincere and what I feel is true”
“... Hn.. I will do that”
“For now let’s just stay like this?”
Jiang Wanyin looked at him, he didn’t say anything but didn’t push him away either so Lan Xichen took the opportunity to spend the night with him.
They stayed in the water for a while and swam around, exchanged a few kisses here and there and when it’s getting too late they finally climbed back to the pier. Lan Xichen carried Jiang Wanyin towards the pavilion, waiting for his tail to dry up he helped him slip the robe around his body and sat beside him staring as Jiang Wanyin fixed the belt around it before looking up at him.
“What are your plans now Xichen?” Jiang Wanyin asked “You couldn’t possibly be staying here for too long aren’t you?”
“... I need to return to Gusu”
“Are you taking Jingyi with you?”
Lan Xichen shook his head “No, not yet.. I will return alone to fix things in my end and return here for you and Jingyi.”
Jiang Wanyin looked at him, there was clearly a look of doubt on his eyes as he sat there now with his two legs. “Are you really returning?”
“I promise you I will.” Lan Xichen cupped his cheeks stroking it lightly with his thumb “I will have to tell Jingyi tomorrow the truth, at least in my absence he will have time to actually process it, I don’t want to take him away so suddenly when I know how happy he is here with you and Jin Ling”
Jiang Wanyin still looked at him for a while “Are you really gonna come back?”
“I will, I promise”
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This particular morning Lan Xichen and Jingyi went harvest some lotus seed pods and he was thankful that Jiang Wanyin took Jin Ling with him so he can have a time alone with his son and talk to him.
“Jingyi.. Can I talk to you for a while?” Lan Xichen said and Jingyi blinked at him for a while before nodding.
“Okay”
They went to the shore and picked up the basket where their harvested seedpods were stored and made their way inside the compound. “Jingyi, You know I didn’t answer you when you asked why I came here right?” He started.
“I think?” Jingyi looked at him with a small raise of his brow, probably something he picked up from Jiang Wanyin.
“I was looking for someone for a long time now, I searched everywhere to find him until I arrive here” Lan Xichen said “I have a son but we got separated and I am here looking for him” he stopped walking and stood in front of the boy. “And you know what? I found him.... Here”
Jingyi stared at him but he can see the gears turning on his head, he was a smart kid and he immediately understood whay Lan Xichen meant judging by how his eyes widened.
“.... Mister Xichen you are.. my Dad?”
Lan Xichen nodded.
Jingyi stared at him for a while “Are you going to take me away? I don’t want to leave Baba or A-Ling!”
“No, I won’t” Lan Xichen knelt down to assure him, reaching out to stroke his small cheeks and seeing that he was already in the verge of crying “I’ve seen how happy you are here I am not going to take you away from here, although I will admit I wanted you to come with me when I get back to our hometown however I’ve seen how you love Jin Ling and Wanyin as for me I need to leave for now but I promise you I will be back” Lan Xichen tried his best to give a smile.
“Why don’t you stay here instead?” Jingyi asked and Lan XiChen could only sigh.
“If only i could.. However I had many responsibilities that I left in my home. I would need to take care of that first” He looked at the boy before he awkwardly opened his arms. “Can I have a hug?”
Jingyi stared at him for a while before he nodded though he didn’t move from his spot, however Lan Xichen went to hug him tightly, he waited for this for a long time. Finally he was able to hug his son who knew him and they could be together finally.
He would have to take care of things back in his family in Gusu first, he looked up and saw Jiang Wanyin in the distance looking at him with a small smile on his face before approaching them.
“Breakfast is ready” he said and Lan Xichen smiled at him before carrying Jingyi on his arms and the basket they had following Jiang Wanyin back inside the dinning hall.
It would be harder to part from them for now.
.
.
The breakfast is well spent and he had a good quality time with Jingyi as they washed the dishes. They did this task before already however its different because he is nothing but a mere stranger to the child and now they are starting to get to know each other. Jin Ling also joined them later and it seems that Jiang Wanyin’s nephew started to like him already.
“You will be back right?” Jingyi asked while looking up at Lan Xichen.
“Of course I will” he reached down to pat his head, as much as he wanted to stay he made his family worried about him, he only sent letters to them and updating that he was safe but he can’t stay for long or he might expose this place to the outsiders if his family searched for him. “I will bring some food and toys for the two of you when I get back okay?”
“You aren’t giving anything to Jiujiu? He is the one who allowed you to stay here” Jin Ling crossed his arms looking up at him.
“Well of course I will give Wanyin a gift” Lan Xichen smiled.
“No need”Jiang Wanyin mumbled and looked at him “Just return”
Lan Xichen glanced at the boat on the side of the pier and sighed before taking Jiang Wanyin’s hands “I promise I will”
“Don’t promise, just do it” Jiang Wanyin looked at him before he untied something from his waist and handed Lan Xichen a silver bell with a purple tassel “Use this if you return, the water ghouls won’t bother you once they sense that item is with you”
“Wanyin this is... “ Lan Xichen felt too overwhelmed when he received the gift and held it tightly on his hand “I will be back I promise”
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It’s been a few weeks since Lan Xichen left and Jiang Wanyin tried to shift his daily activities back to how it used to be before his arrival and as much as he wants to pretend that everything is okay it wasn’t, it felt different without Lan Xichen with them anywhere. Even the kids missed his presence, specially Jingyi and he had been a little down waiting each day for his arrival.
He knew that it wouldn’t be easy for Lan Xichen to leave specially as a head of their family he understands that but the doubt in his heart is still there, the what if Lan Xichen decided not to return anymore? But he wouldn’t abandon Jingyi like that for sure.
With a sigh he dipped his head underwater and stayed there for a while to clear his mind, he always felt better when he stays in the water. Once he was calm enough he swam up and break the surface of the water and he almost gasped when he saw Lan Xichen standing on the pier with a huge smile on his face, Jingyi and Jin Ling stood beside him.
“Wanyin”
“You are back.. “ he murmured and swam closer to the pier to make sure he wasn’t just dreaming about this.
“You’ve been in the water for a while now Jiujiu so you missed his arrival” Jin Ling pointed at Lan Xichen who knelt down to reach out and stroke Jiang Wanyin’s cheek.
“Sorry it took me longer than I expected”
“It’s alright”
“Are you two going to get married?” Jingyi suddenly asked surprising both adults.
“What?!” Jin Ling exclaimed looking at his uncle waiting for an explanation before pointing at Lan Xichen “I like you a little better now but I will still watch your moves”
“A-Ling!” Jiang Wanyin hissed, though his face had a small shade of red from slight embarrassment.
“It’s fine” Lan Xichen chuckled before he removed his boots and rolled his robes up before he sat down the edge of the pier, Jin Ling and Jingyi also did the same thing.
“How did it end?” Jiang Wanyin looked at him a little worried.
“Well not exactly smooth but I spoke to my Uncle about it, Of course they wanted to meet Jingyi.. However I told them that he is not ready yet” He glanced at Jingyi reaching out to pat his head.
“Do you need to go back?”
Lan Xichen looked at him for a while “I would actually like to return but with all of you.. However that is if you all feel comfortable about it. If not I will visit here from time to time, and perhaps when the right time comes, I will stay here” he smiled and reached out to Jiang Wanyin who raised his hand to meet his own.
“Are you sure?” Jiang Wanyin asked once again a little doubtful.
“Yes, wherever you all wanted, in Gusu, in Yunmeng.... Here or anywhere else as long as I am with all of you that what matters” Lan Xichen held his hand tightly, just staring at him until he felt a hard push on his back and a loud bark before he fell into the lake.
“Xichen!” Jiang Wanyin called out for him before Lan Xichen resurfaced looking back at the two laughing kids and Fairy sitting down to where he used to be.
“I’m fine!” Lan Xichen coughed and when he realized what happened he could only laugh at the situation before pulling Jiang Wanyin closer to him. “This... This is what I want, so whatever you decide I will go with it and we will make things work out”
“.... Alright” Jiang Wanyin nodded “I think the same goes for me, as long as we are with you then it should be fine”
“Thank you, we will make this work I promise” Lan Xichen murmured before glancing at the pier seeing Jingyi already removing his outer robe he dove into the water to join them.
That day Lan Xichen found his son after all those years and he didn’t just find his son he also found his new family, with Jingyi, Jin Ling and of course Jiang Wanyin.