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Chapter Text

Lan WangJi clenched his teeth suddenly, stopping his steps and placing a hand over his meridian, where his golden core sat. His brother, who was beside him, turned quickly, reaching out and firmly gripping the younger's shoulders. The usually calm face was panicked, grey amber eyes wide.

"WangJi?"

"Brother," Lan WangJi managed, inhaling deeply and sending his spiritual energy to circulate his body.

"WangJi, are you alright? Perhaps we should head back," Lan Xichen straightened up, eyes running over his younger brother worriedly.

"I'm fine," Lan WangJi nodded, "Come. Sect Leader's are waiting,"

Lan Xichen sighed and nodded. He turned back and the two brothers resumed their stroll through the gray and black buildings, with the head of a beat motif occasionally showing its horns. When arriving at the main hall where the Sect Leader's throne-like chair was kept, the two paused outside the closed doors. Lan Xichen glanced once more at his brother, who gave a firm nod. Getting that answer, Lan Xichen walked forward, two Nie disciples pulling open the doors and announcing, "The GusuLan Sect has arrived!" before receding and closing the doors again.

Inside sat a small group of people. People who had all once known each other only by surnames, but now- were more familiar through the struggles their generation was forced to endure. Inside the room was; from the LanlingJin Sect, Jin ZiXuan, Jin Zixun, Jin Guangyao, and the Sect Leader, Jin Guangshan. From the YunmengJiang Sect was the Sect Leader Jiang Cheng. And from the QingheNie Sect was Nie Huaisang, the planner of a small banquet between gentry families and his older brother and Sect Leader, Nie Mingjue. Jiang Yanli was also supposed to attend, but her son, Jin Ling, had caught a small cold so she stayed behind and urged her husband to go without her.

When their arrival was announced, the heads turned their way, and greetings were overlapped. Lan Xichen and Lan WangJi bowed to everyone to cover all greetings, before sitting down in two empty seats behind Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang. The Jin's took the entire left side of the hall and Nie MingJue sat at his throne in the center.

"Since everyone is here now, we can begin to eat!" Nie MingJue declared, before glancing at his brother, "Huaisang,"

Nie Huaisang stood up, "Since each sect has different tastes, we made sure to make dishes with similar tastes for your comfort. For example, Sect Leader Lan, Huanguang Jun, we haven't provided any alcohol and made sure the food was blander without meat,"

Both Lan brother's bowed their heads and Nie Huaisang sat back down as servants brought in food. Once each tray was placed in front of someone, Lan Xichen smiled, "Huaisang, you've already made this banquet amazing by taking food tastes into consideration,"

Lan WangJi couldn't stop himself from adding, "Thank you for not providing any liquor. It's an unfortunate situation if we are encouraged to drink,"

Everyone was slightly startled by the words. For starters, no one dared to approach Lan WangJi, who wore a stale and cold face, with an icy aura that repelled people. Lan Xichen, while much warmer, was a sect leader, and normal disciples didn't approach him either. The only people who did were other sect leaders or close acquaintances, and those people would know that anyone from the GusuLan Sect does not drink. So, there was only one person that everyone in the room could think of when hearing the younger Lan's words. Eyes traveled to Jin ZiXun, who had a displeased expression on his face while glaring at Lan WangJi who ignored him with ease. 

It was an unforgettable moment more than two years ago, soon after the end of the Sunshot Campaign. The night hunt competition at Phoenix Mountain had just ended with commotion caused by Jin ZiXun and Wei WuXian. However it had seemed to be resolved and Wei WuXian did not show up on time for the Floral Banquet, so many assumed he wouldn't show. 

During the banquet, Jin ZiXun had approached the Twin Jade's and asked them to drink a shot. Lan Xichen, who could use his golden core to get rid of the alcohol, took a sip after the young master's constant and rude prodding. He then moved to Lan WangJi, who sat silent and didn't move to take the cup. Jin ZiXun didn't back down and kept insisting.

It was then the cup had been taken and emptied by Wei WuXian who had suddenly stormed in. It was at this Floral banquet Wei WuXian's demonic powers had put everyone on edge more than usual. Everyone in the hall could clearly hear the enraged and arrogant tone the black and red-robed male had used when demanding the location of the Wen Remnants.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat and changed to topic quickly, "We can agree that Young Master Nie is thoughtful,"

Murmured agreements rang and the words Lan WangJi had said were brushed aside. Eating began along with the buzz of conversations. Jin ZiXuan smiled across the way towards the violet robed cultivator, "Wanyin, A-Li asked me to check on you,"

Jiang Cheng smiled back, a genuine one. Ever since Jin ZiXuan's marriage to Jiang Yanli, he had changed. Jin ZiXuan had been a bit iffy still in the views of Jiang Yanli's brothers, but...they came to realize he had truly changed. At least, Jiang Cheng did since he spent more time with Jin ZiXuan than his older brother could. So, genuinely, he bowed his head, "ZiXuan can tell my A-Jie, that I am doing well. How is A-Ling?"

Jin ZiXuan smiled, "He's doing wonderful. Mother is already spoiling him,"

"A-Ling deserves to be spoiled," Jin Guangyao chuckled, "Such a sweet child. It's no doubt he'll be talented,"

"Of course! He's a Jin and a Jiang!" Lan Xichen grinned warmly.

"Ah, these past few years have been quite relaxing," Jin Guangshan sighed contentedly.

"That's because there's no one controlling everyone with an iron fist anymore," Nie Huaisang laughed.

"Ah, yes, bringing this topic up," Nie MingJue cleared his throat and everyone felt the atmosphere shift into one of seriousness, "It has been two years since Young Master Wei was last seen. He only has less than a year left and he's been doing dutiful,"

"So Wei WuXian can be accepted with caution," Jin ZiXun snorted, "Sect Leader Jiang can confide him-"

"Excuse me?" Jiang Cheng stepped in, the previous friendliness freezing over, "Why would I do that to my brother? Have you forgotten the deal?"

"The deal is fine," Jin ZiXun clarified, ignoring the emphasize on the word brother, "But we aren't actually going to let those Wen-dog's go,"

"ZiXun, its been proven that everyone with WuXian are simple common folk! Everyone there has no spiritual power, except for medical purposes," Jin ZiXuan frowned at his cousin, stepping up to defend his brother-in-law.

"But the Ghost General is there," Jin ZiXun reminded them standing up to speak to everyone, "And Wei WuXian is sticking to the deal now, but once the time limit ends- then what? What's stopping him? I say, we keep the Wen-dogs hostage to keep the Yiling Patriarch under control,"

"Ridiculous," Lan WangJi's cold tone cut through the air like a sword.

Everyone looked at the younger jade, whose golden eyes were searing into Jin ZiXun, "The deal was set. Three years of no misbehavior, Wei Ying and the innocent Wen's are left alone,"

"Hanguang Jun, they claim they're innocent. But how can we check?" Jin Guangshan proclaimed, "They shouldn't even be alive. Their fate is being prolonged,"

"Sect Leader Jin, they're children and elderly..." Lan Xichen frowned deeply, "Plus- this conversation was discussed already. The Wen's will be left alone after Young Master Wei's test ends,"

"Sect Leader Lan, the GusuLan Sect has always seen the best of people. But may I remind you, it was the Wen's that burned down Cloud Recesses and killed your father," Jin ZiXun spoke with no remorse.

The air turned tense.

Jin ZiXuan scolded, "ZiXun!"

"Second Young Master Jin, was one punishment not enough for you?"

For a few seconds, everyone had completely frozen, shocked by the voice that had spoken up. But then, all eyes snapped towards the golden eyes cultivator dressed in white robes.

"WangJi..." Nie MingJue muttered surprised, looking towards Lan Xichen who seemed just as startled.

Jin ZiXun scowled, "Hanguang Jun, what did you say?"

Lan WangJi's gaze darkened and he stated coldly, "Are you deaf?"

"WangJi!!" Lan Xichen hissed completely unsettled by the development, "WangJi, what are you-"

"Second Young Master Jin, Wei Ying has already been cleared of someone who could cast the hundred hole curse on you," Lan WangJi ignored his brother, his emotions twirling and fighting to crack through the neutral expression. The neutral expression that wore a clear streak of hostility, "And may I remind you, that I am in possession of the signed scrolls with the agreement on it. If you want to kill the Wen's- if you try to kill the Wen's, what do you think you'll cause Wei Ying to do? He's been impatient since he was young, with set principles to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Those Wen's saved his life before. It's normal for him to return that kindness and protect them,"

It was the most anyone in the room, other than Lan Xichen, had heard Lan WangJi speak. Jin ZiXun stared at Lan WangJi with a bewildered expression. He then exclaimed in anger, "You- If it weren't him who else would dare to curse me?"

Something dark made its way around Lan WangJi's head and he stood up slowly. With elegant strides that almost made it seem like he was floating, he walked around to the center of the room, until he was a few steps away from Jin ZiXun. Lan Xichen had also stood up, worried about what was going on. Jin ZiXun stared at Lan WangJi with a slight knit in his brows.

Lan WangJi's voice boomed, "Me,"

There was a beat of confusion.

"You....what?" Jin Guangshan asked slowly.

Lan WangJi's eyes didn't stray from Jin ZiXun, even as he spoke, "Second Young Master Jin just asked, if Wei Ying didn't curse him, who else would dare to curse him,"

He then slightly tilted his head, a cold glint escaping and a small, almost unnoticeable smirk curved at the edge of his lips, "So I answered someone who would. Me,"

Everyone was suddenly on their feet from shock and on alert with the confession. Lan WangJi took no mind and added, voice remaining completely calm, but the threat was evident, "If I knew how to curse, I'd curse him. I'm sure a lot of people would,"

Lan Xichen suddenly had an epiphany and he rushed forward grabbing his brother by the arm, "WangJi, do you realize what's going on right now? Why are you so angry? Come, let's go to our room, I'll play Cleansing for you," He turned to Jin ZiXun, who was staring at Lan WangJi with a red face, "Second young master Jin, WangJi had an accident on a night hunt not too long back. He sometimes gets like this. I apologize f-

"Don't apologize," Lan WangJi replied coldly and pushed his brother off, his gold eyes fixing on Jin ZiXun's brown ones, "I don't apologize. Jin ZiXun, if I hadn't been there that day, do you realize what damage you would've caused? Do you realize that even if Wei Ying didn't have Wen Ning there, you would've lost?"

"I wasn't alone!" Jin ZiXun defended himself, knowing well what was being spoken about.

It was the day of Jin Ling's one month banquet, Jin ZiXuan had invited Wei WuXian as he stated Wei WuXian was his brother in law and his wife's younger brother. Jin ZiXun had taken the chance to ambush Wei WuXian at Qiongqi Road, under the thought Wei WuXian had cursed him. It wasn't a split decision either, it was planned as Jin ZiXun had cleared all the corpses in the path, so Wei WuXian was defenceless. Lan WangJi had gone to Wei WuXian to inform him of the agreement and escort him so no minor sects would try anything. He had not expected Jin's to act. But they had and Wei WuXian almost had been forced to use Wen Ning as his only defence, until Lan WangJi stepped in front of him. After a bit of arguing and yelling and Lan WangJi keeping Wen Ning and Wei WuXian firmly behind him, safe, Jin ZiXuan descended. Seeing the stand off, he relaxed, before turning on his cousin and ordering all the bow and arrows down. There was hesitance but Jin ZiXuan seethed and roared with an anger unseen before, which made all the Jin's obey. Jin ZiXun lowered down to his cousin and complained, pointing and accusing. He kept accusing, he kept insulting, and Jin ZiXuan had gone as far as slapping his cousin to make it stop. A conversation had occurred, Lan WangJi silencing Jin ZiXun, and after an agreement, Wei WuXian told Wen Ning to return to the Burial Mounds and activate some defence wards, while Wei WuXian headed to Lanling with Jin ZiXuan and Lan WangJi. Jin ZiXun's claims of the curse had been proven wrong as there was evidence that Wei WuXian hadn't left Yiling and that Jin ZiXun had gotten the curse after Wei WuXian had already taken the Wens.

Anyway, Jin ZiXuan had punished his cousin, ignoring his Father's decision. He took it upon himself and he had seen the way his Mother stood to the side proud, but also slightly frowning at him. Jin ZiXuan had scolded his cousin and punished him to apologize to Wei WuXian at the beginning of the banquet, humiliation at its finest. So Jin ZiXun would never forget the entire ordeal. He would never forget it.

"It doesn't matter if you were alone or not! You're useless!" Lan WangJi spit coldly, "I don't care if you're a Sect Leader. If anyone has a heart and mind like you, they're useless. They don't deserve the wealth and position they have,"

"Hanguang Jun, stand down!" Jin Guangshan ordered, "Why are you getting so worked up over some Wen-dog's?"

"Dog's?" Lan WangJi repeated breathlessly, stepping back unevenly and releasing a small grunt as he grabbed the side of his head.

"WangJi, stop this! WangJi!! Stop! You need to circulate your spiritual energy!" Lan Xichen panicked, his calm expression gone to the wind and fear shining in his grey colored eyes.

Lan WangJi didn't hear him, turning to Jin Guangshan before glancing at everyone in the room. He inhaled, before exhaling and mocking, "Because they're Wen's, they should die...right?"

"Every Wen has blood on their hands," Jin Guangshan nodded and Jin ZiXuan, made a mental note to speak to his Mother about taking more power away from his Father.

Lan WangJi looked at the Sect Leader, expression turning dangerously cold. He seethed, "Okay. If our surnames define us. If our sect leader is responsible for the representation of every person in the Sect, then Sect Leader Jin, do tell me. How many illegitimate grandsons do you want to have? Young Master Jin ZiXuan is married, isn't he? Shall we rope him in as a bastard like you?"

The room stilled and Jin ZiXuan's face turned green at the very idea. Jiang Cheng rushed to his brother-in-law, gripping the male to ground him. Jin GuangYao stilled, his smile faltering and disbelief and a glint of coldness resonated in his eyes. Jin Guangshan stared at Lan WangJi with no words to throw back. His reputation was wild, but no one ever dared to outright mention it! Especially in such a way. 

"Why do Hanguang Jun's eyes look different?" Nie Huaisang squeaked in a panic, as everyone else was half-dazed from the words and slander the esteemed Hanguang Jun was spitting.

"They're....they're red..." Jiang Cheng stepped backward and looked to Lan Xichen who paled, "Sect Leader Lan, what's going on?"

Lan WangJi suddenly gasped in pain, gripping his head with both hands, eyes flickering between blood red and sparkling gold. Nie MingJue summoned Baxia in his hand ordering, "Xichen, use your Xiao and play some s- what the hell?"

Lan WangJi had turned around after Baxia was drawn, staring at the saber with a pained gaze. He then let out a suppressed grunt, eyes turning a light red. Baxia began to shake violently until a black trail of smoke rose from the saber and surged towards Lan WangJi, who went silent, hand's dropping from his head. His eyes began to become darker and darker, as if the gold was bleeding out. The red was terrifying.

Lan Xichen rushed forward, reaching towards his brother, but gasped and flinched back as the black smoke tried to harm him. Jin Guangyao broke the silence, "Th- This is- resentment energy?!"

"Da-Ge!" Lan Xichen spoke with a pleading tone, "Sheath Baxia! Sheathe it!"

Nie MingJue did as told, the trail of black smoke stopping once the saber was sheathed, the last of it joining it as it hugged Lan WangJi. Lan WangJi's eyes closed and his head hung a bit, as the resentment curled around the pristine robes of white. Jin ZiXun exclaimed in horror, "It must be Wei WuXian! He must have cursed Hanguang J-"

The resentment surged into Lan WangJi, who opened his eyes. They were back to their normal gold, but they were different, colder, sharper...meaner. His snow skin seemed paler, the indifferent face seemed colder. Lan WangJi turned towards Jin ZiXun exhaling shakily, "Wei Ying? He can't touch me,"

"WangJi...the resentment energy-"

"Doesn't hurt anymore," Lan WangJi looked at his brother slowly, before glancing down at his hands, gently flexing his fingers and making a fist. His lip twitched into a small smile, but it was in no way kind, "It's...fine,"

"What?" Nie Huaisang choked, "You- what?!"

Lan WangJi scoffed, "Is everyone here deaf?"

"Hanguang Jun...your temperate, your body..." Jiang Cheng tried, knowing just how much the jade worried for Wei WuXian when it came to the effects of resentment, "You told WuXian the same warning..."

"He's fine, isn't he?" Lan WangJi challenged.

"WangJi stop this nonsense. This isn't you, it's the resentment. You've tried resisting it for so long and it's already affected your mind," Lan Xichen tried again, not wanting to succumb to attacking his own brother.

"Why? Because you'll want to kill me too?" Lan WangJi smirked and then stepped forward, "No one in this room can beat me,"

"Look at this, it has to be Wei WuXian," Jin ZiXun glowered, "He's arrogant-"

Lan WangJi unsheathed Bichen and the end of the blade was at Jin Zixun's throat. In an instant, swords were being unsheathed, except for Baxia and Shuoyue.

Lan Xichen gripped his sword's hilt which a shaky grip. He begged softly, "WangJi-

"Wei WuXian...did nothing," Lan WangJi almost growled, glaring amber at Jin ZiXun, whose body had turned as stiff as a board, "You...you keep causing trouble,"

"Hanguang Jun, calm down. ZiXun spoke without thinking," Jin Guangyao recovered and gave a calm smile, walking to stand beside Jin ZiXun, "Please, place the blade down,"

Lan WangJi glanced at Jin Guangyao and then back at Jin ZiXun. He lowered the blade slightly, watching as everyone in the room relaxed. Jin ZiXun let out a breath of relief, before stiffening up when Lan WangJi pressed the flat side of the sword against his cheek. Lan WangJi gave a warning glare, "Second Young Master Jin should think before he speaks,"

Bichen returned to its sheath slowly, the sliding of metal echoing in the room.

Lan WangJi turned slowly, surveying the room and silver blades of swords. He looked towards his brother and then at Nie MingJue. Lan WangJi gave a small bow, before leaving the hall with long strides, sending one last look towards Jin ZiXun.

——————————

My mental health break from the other three still remains, I will not be able to work on those or get out a chapter anytime soon, as much as i hate it. But I really am grateful for all the love and support.

This is an old idea and book I only recently just finished. I worked on this book when I had writer's block for the others. It's much shorter, chapterwise, but it's nice and the plot is decent.

Keep smiling my loves, you're beautiful just the way you are.

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian cursed in frustration, crumbling up another piece of paper and tossing it behind him. He grabbed a fresh sheet, the red cinnabar gliding across the parchment as if it were a skating puppet controlled by the muscles in Wei WuXian's arm. The strokes were bright against the dull paper, standing out to the demonic cultivator, but he took no mind as cinnabar was cheaper than good ink. He was experimenting, as always, trying to come up with useful things for the cultivation world like the Phantom Attracting Flags and the Compass of Evil.

Those were being actively used in the cultivation world and the demonic cultivator had only found this amusing.

The money for these inventions and the mass production all went to the YunmengJiang Sect as Wei WuXian had given the blueprints to Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng sent money earned from the inventions every week to the Burial Mounds, just to make sure his brother was still able to live and get credit, though...it did not get rid of the irony of the situation. All the sects despised him and not many people outside of the Burial Mounds spoke well of him anymore, but if you were a cultivator. You'd be singing with the birds and praising the usefulness of inventions created by himself.

Wei WuXian had addressed this fact to Wen Qing numerous times, the young medic saying something along the lines of, "the cultivation world is immoral,"

Which - through multiple situations both before and after he was thrown into the Burial Mounds by Wen Chao - he agreed on. The cultivation world was extremely immoral and a power vacuum. For a bunch of sects who had been oppressed by one ruler, it didn't take long for them to just...appoint another! In hindsight, he understood the idea of kissing up to the Lanling Jin Sect since its lack of participation during the Sunshot Campaign kept the walking gold platters wealthy and with the most resources. Though it had been almost three and a half years since the war and the other Great Sects had easily regained their wealth and rebuilding had been completed, Wei WuXian's inventions helped the young Jiang Sect Leader in bringing back the wealth of the decimated sect on water.

"A-Die!" A small voice bounced off the walls of the Demon Slaughtering Cave.

Wei WuXian glanced up, turning his head to the young five-year-old who ran into the dark room, a female with bright brown hair and piercing eyes following him. They were both dressed in simple robes, grey outer and an extremely light cream color for the inner ones.

"JieJie! A-Yuan!" Wei WuXian greeted, placing the cinnabar down. He turned himself as Wen Yuan rushed forward, squealing delight as Wei WuXian lifted him up to sit in the demonic cultivator's lap. 

This child was the youngest Wen Remnant here, Wen Yuan. Or in other words, Wei WuXian's unofficial son. It was never properly discussed, but one day, Wen Yuan had called him 'A-Die' and no one corrected him. Sure, Wei WuXian had stilled and his brain had shut down, but he didn't refute it, not minding being the kids father figure if he desired. 

Wen Qing stopped a few feet away, glancing behind Wei WuXian with a confused gaze, "Why are the papers floating?"

Wei WuXian turned back and his eyes grew wide with surprise. The scraps of paper he had tossed over his shoulder were being passed around between a few pale faced spirits. Upon his seclusion in YiLing, one of the many things Wei WuXian had done was communicate with the Burial Mounds and search for the few spirits that had helped him during those abhorrent three months. The Burial Mounds cared for him, he knew that. The spirits did as well, the ones that he had befriended, and they helped protect the Wen's and sometimes just to keep him company. Three of these spirits were playing around like children, making it appear to Wen Qing that the paper was just floating.

Wei WuXian snorted amused, turning back to the older, "It's just a few ghosts playing around,"

Wen Qing understood and rolled her eyes, before hardening her eyes on Wei WuXian, "Come out. You've been barricading yourself for too long,"

"But-"

He stopped his sentence when Wen Qing gave him the signature gesture that was a threat of needles. Wei WuXian sighed in defeat, standing up and lifting Wen Yuan with him. He made sure Chenqing was with him and followed Wen Qing outside.

The Burial Mounds was indeed a dark place, but over two years of living here, Wei WuXian and the Wen Remnants had completely transformed the area they lived in. It was at the top of one of the shorter mountains and used to be barren and dim, but now there were multiple crops growing and many buildings had been built. Wei WuXian had communicated frequently with the mountains and spirits, the resentment curling around and spirits greeting them as a child. Perhaps that's what they saw him as, their child. Whatever the case, it was beneficial and Wei WuXian coexisted easily in the place that once tried to kill him, but also saved his life. 

Everyone here was used to the occasional visits of the ghosts that Wei WuXian had connected to. Only the ghosts Wei WuXian had met and trusted were able to approach them through the wards, or else Wei WuXian would drive them back. If the ghosts refused, a few of the trusted spirits would appear and deal with the mess, protecting those that lived and healed their home.

Other than crops and houses, Wei WuXian had also successfully grown Lotus Pods, giving him a small reminder of Yunmeng and the outside world. It was a small garden in the center of their living area, but one of the Uncle's had been into architecture and worked with another Uncle who worked with mining and blacksmithing, decorating the pond. It was probably the most beautiful thing in their home. He had taught everyone how to use the pods and seeds for food purposes, so now their meal menu was a bit more varied, despite money not being as big of an issue as it was when they had first moved here.

When exiting his cave, Wei WuXian automatically smiled as he heard the buzz and chatter of life. He never could've imagined that the Burial Mounds- the place he had basically died and suffered in, would bring him such joy and warmth...He also never imagined to be accepted by the Burial Mounds as its protector? Healer? Master? Child? Whatever the mountain saw him as, it was good. It was a strange relationship, but it was one Wei WuXian had nothing to complain about.

Wei WuXian placed Wen Yuan down on the ground again, the young boy running over to a couple of the Uncle's who were farming. The demonic cultivator smiled fondly and returned his attention to Wen Qing, who handed him an apple to eat.

Wei WuXian took it without complaint, biting into it deeply. He sighed in satisfaction as the fruit's juices spread through his mouth, claiming the walls, roof, and his tongue. He stood there surveying the place he called home and the people that were now his family, chomping away into the red fruit.

"Ying-Ge!!!!!!" Wen Ning's alarmed voice shot through the air, getting everyone's attention.

The undead boy ran in from the path leading to their occupied land, eyes wide and shocked. Wei WuXian looked at him with surprise, sensing the presence of the spirits that had been in his cave flying behind him, curious, "Wen Ning, what's wrong?"

"I was shopping in Yiling," Wen Ning explained, rushing over closer, "And I passed by a group of people at the inn. They were gossiping about how some esteemed cultivators had booked the rooms late last night,"

Wei WuXian narrowed his eyes at once, tightening his grip on the red fruit in his fingers. He took an aggressive bite and asked, "Which Sects?"

"I'm not sure, but I think one of them is Sect Leader Jiang," Wen Ning frowned.

Wei WuXian's narrowed eyes turned into ones of confusion. Last he checked, he hadn't broken any of the rules set for him. He hadn't left Yiling in two years and for the past few days, he had been working in his cave. Moreover, from what he remembered, it wasn't time for anybody to send disciples to check on him. 

Every two weeks four disciples, one from each of the Great Sects, visited the Burial Mounds to check on what he and the remnants were doing. It was a condition of the test. This test was put in place two years ago and requested by Lan WangJi himself. Wei WuXian felt his heart race a bit as he recalled the white-robed man with molten gold eyes. It was five months after Wei WuXian had 'politically' defected from the YunmengJiang Sect after saving the Wens. Lan WangJi had apparently gathered his older brother, Lan Xichen, Wei WuXian's younger brother, Jiang Cheng, and Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng's brother in law, Jin ZiXuan, to propose an answer in his situation. After a few days of arguing and protests, an agreement had been made. Wei WuXian would spend three years secluded in YiLing, unable to leave the small town for any reason. He was also not allowed to cause any trouble nor interact with anyone from the outside in fear of Wei WuXian doing some terrible deed. 

This test had gone to affect the day after Wei WuXian's nephew's one month celebration. Apparently, though the test had been agreed on, they hadn't actually expected it to be used. But before the official banquet could start, Jiang Cheng had brought out the scroll with signatures and explained to Wei WuXian in front of all the sect leaders. Wei WuXian had known before hand from a certain jade, but played dumb and nodded along listening. In the end, he smiled and agreed that after he left the Banquet, he would adhere to the set terms and a disciple from each great sect could visit him every two weeks.

Finishing the apple and ending his thoughts from straying into the eventful two years ago, Wei WuXian looked at Wen Ning, asking slowly, "Are you sure?"

Wen Ning gave a firm nod. 

"Okay...I'm going to go set up the barricades again. A-Ning, join me. Everyone else, don't worry. If someone visits and we're not around, you all know what to do," Wei WuXian looked around, receiving nods with smiles.

Wei WuXian then raised his eyes to three spirits behind him, smiling kindly and speaking to them. The Wen remnants couldn't see the spirits at the moment, but they had seen Wei WuXian seemingly talk to what they saw as nothing numerous times before, "Take care of them should anything go wrong,"

Wei WuXian looked back to Wen Ning after the spirits assured him to do as he told them to, giving a small nod and following the male down the mountain. When he reached the foot of the mountain where the walls and barriers were set to be placed, Wei WuXian reached into his robes. He pulled out a couple of talismans, sending them out as a red barrier appeared. He then added a touch of resentment energy to further secure this section. He and Wen Ning walked around from the back of the mountain, setting up wards and barriers. 

"I haven't broken anything, and its not time for anyone to check on me," Wei WuXian spoke his thoughts outloud, "I wonder why they're here..."

"Perhaps a visit?" Wen Ning suggested warmly. 

Wei WuXian laughed out loud. 

While he would be honored to entertain the thought of his martial brother visiting him, it was extremely unlikely. Jiang Cheng was a Sect Leader now and couldn't risk inflicting himself with Wei WuXian, especially while the test was still being conducted. Only after the time had ended would it be less risky for any of his old acquaintances to visit or invite him anywhere. 

Jiang Cheng did speak with him and kept in touch using a gadget Wei WuXian had created specifically for himself and the Jiang siblings to communicate with, which was actually a birthday gift for Jiang Yanli after she fussed over him at Jin Ling's one-month celebration. 

It was the last time most of his friends and family had seen him, and he would be lying if he said he didn't know he had changed. 

He was lucky that the four disciples who checked on him at the start and end of each month were quite friendly and nice. Wei WuXian had already acquainted himself kindly, far enough in their friendship that the disciples stayed much longer than they needed during their visits to help around or to chat about. And he trusted these disciples enough to pass on birthday gifts to his friends and family from him.

Of course, he sent one of his most trusted ghosts along to make sure they got to the right person and the disciples were safe from harm on their way back.

So, despite having a few connections to the outside world, no one would visit him. And after an occurrence with a few Lan disciples and a fierce corpse that was not inducted by him, since he was indeed being visited by the four disciples the day it showed up in Yiling, the town of Yiling usually sent any problems that needed cultivation to him. Before- they feared him.

Now, many of the townspeople had grown quite used to him and the Wen's. It was nice to see a warm change and have people he could laugh and talk to without worrying about them shying away. It felt nice to know that when any rude gossip and rumors had reached Yiling, the natives and people familiar with him would shoot them down and bash the rumors.

"Ying-Ge, " Wen Ning called and Wei WuXian glanced at the fierce corpse, "I hear voices,"

Wei WuXian stopped in his place, listening past the wind and shielding his ears from the resentment and spirits trying to call him from the Burial Mounds. While he had control and acceptance, it didn't mean there weren't demons and things trying to make him lose control. Shaking it away, he focused, listening to the whispers fade into a small buzz. Indeed, there were two faint voices and footsteps not too far from where they stood. Quickly, he activated the barriers in this area and began to move. Wei WuXian shared a glance with Wen Ning and the two backtracked, weaving their way through the dead forest and onto a cluster of large boulders, hidden by the shade of a tree. 

Wei WuXian waited silently, watching with narrowed eyes as the voices grew clearer and louder.

"Are you sure this is the only way?"

"No...but it's for the best,"

Wei WuXian's eyes hardened, recognizing those voices. To be sure. he jumped down landing on the patch and walking forward, Chenqing in his fingers. He spotted the two cultivators standing in front of a group of disciples, outside the red ward, one half of the group was dressed in violet, the other in white with forehead ribbons wrapped perfectly around their heads.

It was none other than the Sects and Sect Leaders of Lan and Jiang.

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng.

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian pondered for a few moments, still slightly hidden. Why were they here? And why hadn't Jiang Cheng informed him before that he was dropping a visit with Lan Xichen. A small stutter of his breath made him panic a bit, 'Did he figure out about Lan Zhan?'

No. That would be impossible, they were extremely careful. Only the Wen remnants were aware and Lan WangJi would have sent him a letter or come to the mountains himself with Lan Xichen. He knew this, at least, he forced himself to believe the male would.

He heard the crackle of Zidian and decided that he had done enough stalling. He stepped out from the covering of shadows, the red of his inner robes glittering as the sparse rays of sun stole a peak with the movement of the fabric that enacted from the calm strides. Wei WuXian spoke clearly, voice cutting through the terrain like a sword glare in the sky, "There's no need to forcefully break down my ward's. It's quite annoying to set them up again,"

The two Sect Leaders glanced up at him, surprised. Zidian's inky black body surrounded by purple sparks, vanished, slightering up and returning to its form as an amethyst ring on Jiang Cheng's pointer finger. The disciples behind the sect leaders all blinked, in slight awe of seeing the YiLing Patriarch in person. The Jiang disciples smiled a bit, the leader of the disciples saluting, the others following his lead. Seeing this, the Lan disciples did the same. Jiang Cheng sent an approving smile to his disciples, before focusing back on his brother who looked...different than two years ago.

Wei WuXian smiled seeing the greeting, walking closer and giving a small bow in return. He raised back and looked calmly at Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng from behind the barrier, "And what has the world suspected I've done to send Sect Leaders...and a bunch of disciples?"

"Nothing- at least, I hope not," Lan Xichen sighed and Wei WuXian noticed the tired look in the grey-amber eyes. It made his smile drop a bit, unused to seeing such clear exhaustion on the man whose reputation praised serenity.

"Then why are you here?" Wei WuXian narrowed his eyes, not cutting any corners, "if it was important, Jiang Cheng could've told me to expect you,"

"No, I couldn't, " Jiang Cheng defended himself, "Especially since I was informed of this two days ago when Zewu Jun asked me to accompany him to Burial Mounds. I didn't have the bracelet! Just gathered a bunch of disciples to join us,"

"I told you to always wear it!" Wei WuXian pouted and then processed the rest of the sentence, "Wait- why didn't Zewu jun and the Lan disciples just come by himself?"

"Sect Leader Jiang is your brother, " Lan Xichen explained, "I thought that you would be more likely to listen,"

Wei WuXian glanced between the two Sects with a frown. He couldn't help himself but doubt it. Many small sects would come by and try to make Wei WuXian step out of Yiling or rile him up to attack him. Give some excuse to make sure he could never come back to the real world. Thankfully, he had set up these wards and simply walked away when bored or ignored them.

So- even as he saw his brother and the most honorable sect leader, he couldn't help but fear this was an order since the three years were soon to be over. A test within the test to see if he could adhere to the rules, no matter what. With that doubt in mind, he glanced over and called, "A-Ning!"

Wen Ning ran forward, stopping at Wei WuXian's side. The demonic cultivator took notice as to how many of the disciples went on alert, the Lan disciples gripping the hilts of their swords tighter, while the Jiang disciples just stiffened. The difference illuminated from the fact that Yunmeng didn't shun Wei WuXian, still treating him as their former da-shixiong in gossip. The few seniors that had survived the attack of Lotus Pier due to being away from the sect told stories often of their childish head disciple and stories of all those before. Still, they weren't spared the terrifying gossips of the demon that was the YiLing Patriarch and his right hand, Wen Ning, a sentient fierce corpse.

Wei WuXian snorted in amusement before handing Wen Ning a stack of talisman, "Think you can finish off the rest of the barriers?"

Wen Ning nodded, "Leave it to me! Ah- but what about..."

Wei WuXian glanced at the two leaders before sighing, "If it's Jin Guangshan trying to trick me again, I'll leave like I usually do,"

"This is no trick, " Jiang Cheng spoke after Wen Ning took off, offended by the fact his brother thought he would help that manwhore and slightly confused by how intimately Wei WuXian had addressed Wen Ning, "Do you really think I'm gonna do that?"

"No, I don't. But you'd do anything if someone like Shijie was threatened, " Wei WuXian muttered honestly.

"Young Master Wei, " Lan Xichen stepped forward and Wei WuXian grew surprised at the desperate look he was given, "I need help,"

"Z-zewu Jun, I'm not the best person you should ask for help, " Wei WuXian frowned helplessly. He knew at once this is something he should not meddle in, "Im sorry, but you're gonna have to ask someone with a decent reputation and can freely help you,"

"Aye! Wei WuXian!" Jiang Cheng called.

Wei WuXian gave them a nervous look and began to step back, turning away.

"It's about WangJi!!" Lan Xichen suddenly yelled.

Wei WuXian froze, eyes widening and lips parting slightly. Chenqing also stopped twirling in his fingers. Wei WuXian glanced back looking at Lan Xichen with a startled gaze, "What?"

"Second Master Lan is in a situation, " Jiang Cheng explained and glanced back at the disciples, "it's better to talk privately,"

Wei WuXian stared between the two of them, silver eyes wide with new attention and a growing concern. He heard the deep voice of the second jade in his head, a trickle of moonlight and the presence of a garden. They were staring at one another, talking softly. Wei WuXian glanced up at the fiery orbs, the words dying on his tongue as they maintained eye contact. The whisper of his birth name passed from the lips and Wei WuXian felt his hands fist the white robes and return the soft words, before the gap had closed completely-

Snapping out of his daze, he raised his hand and the barrier opened up slightly, a flurry of red falling away for them to pass, "Follow me,"

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng exchanged eye contact before rushing past the barrier, the disciples following behind them. After the last disciples entered the barrier closed again. The Sect Leaders followed behind Wei WuXian dutifully, but their eyes were unable to keep from straying around the path. Only Jiang Cheng had been here before, but even he couldn't help but glance around as they walked up the mountain. It was dark and cold, resentment purring at the hums of spiritual energy in their bodies. There were multiple corpses as well, the ashen faces peering from between the black trees, talon like hands scratching at the bark as they moaned, heads watching the group. One corpse took a few steps towards the group, approaching from behind. A Jiang disciple saw it and yelped in alarm, causing the seniors to glance back. Quickly, Wei WuXian strode past, approaching near the disciple. He hadn't even gotten to the young boy, before the corpse glanced in his direction and ran into the trees.

The disciples and sect leaders blinked in disbelief. Wei WuXian looked at the young male and asked, "Did it touch you?"

"N-no, Master Wei," the boy managed, but his knuckles were white around his sword hilt.

Wei WuXian nodded and walked back to the front, informing vaguely, "It must be one of the newer corpses that haven't learned to stay away from the path yet. It's a good thing this happened, now I know which area to fix up,"

He then continued on as if nothing had happened. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and continued alongside Lan Xichen, and the disciples hurried after not wanting to be left behind. More alert now, they subconsciously felt around for the spiritual energy in them, reminding themselves they would be fine. They trusted their sect leaders after all...even if it meant walking into the goddamn Burial Mounds.

The atmosphere changed when the smell of dead land was cut through with the warm scent of food. The plantation began to subtly drift down towards them, dead trees becoming more scarce and finding lush ones and spotting a few farms as they fully left behind the dead. Voices began to drift down to them, including some loud laughter. The disciples felt their muscles relax a bit, feeling something familiar and warm in this terrible place. Wei WuXian smiled, "It's Lunchtime. I'll ask Uncle Four to serve you all some food. There's usually much more than we need,"

"Where do the extra's go?" A Lan disciple asked curiously, knowing his Sect had the rule of 'no wasting food'

Wei WuXian glanced back, grinning warmly at the disciple, "We bought some preservation pots and boxes to use, so if we can we use those. But sometimes we'll bring the extra down the homeless people in Yiling,"

Thoughtful hums sounded from the disciples. Wei WuXian turned back to the front and everyone noticed the scenery had changed drastically from the bottom of the mountain. When they got to the top of the mountain, everyone's eyes widened as they saw the sight. It was a large clearing with living trees and greenery sprouting. Wooden building were built around the side, closer to a large stone wall that served as a natural protection. Near the edge of the clearing there was a small opening in the wall that had above it, 'Demon Slaughtering Cave' carved into a sign. More in the center was another opening though it was larger and covered with red and black curtains. There were multiple fire pits dug out and people dressed in casual commoner robes walked around, voices chattering and being thrown across. In the center of the sight was a beautiful pond with Lotus Pods growing.

Wei WuXian didn't realize that the group had slowed down and skipped forward, "Qing-Jie! Do we have extra food today?"

"We always do nowadays, A-Ying, " Wen Qing smiled softly, reaching up and ruffling the boy's hair.

"Great, can we serve out some food to-"

"A-Yuan, stay away!!!"

Wei WuXian and Wen Qing whipped around to see the Lan and Jiang visitors had walked deeper into camp, but still near the entrance of the path. All of them were watching Granny Wen rush forward and pull Wen Yuan far away from them, the old woman rushing backwards and motioning the boy to remain silent. The laughter had all halted and all the Wen Remnants suddenly grew wary and worried.

Wei WuXian walked forward, smiling apologetically, "Everyone, this is my younger brother, Sect Leader Jiang. And this is Sect Leader Lan. They came to talk to me about something important, don't worry,"

He then gave the group of cultivators a dangerous look, voice dropping into revealing an obvious threat, "I'm sure they mean no harm,"

Lan Xichen bowed deeply to the Wen's, pushing away the ugly sensation of guilt for now. He showed his sincerity in both expression and tone, "I'm sorry for disturbing your lunch. Young Master Wei, let us discuss quickly so they feel more comfortable,"

Wei WuXian nodded and Jiang Cheng turned to the disciples. He warned them all, "We're guests here. If any one of you does or says something out of line, I'm whipping you with Zidian!"

One Jiang disciple raised their hand, "M-may we accompany everyone with Lunch?"

Wei WuXian threw a glance to the remnants. They all looked at one another before nodding and smiling (though the smiles were a bit nervous), chatter starting up again. Wen Qing nodded with a small, yet sharp, smile, "Of course, we have more than enough to bring,"

"Jiang Cheng, Zewu Jun, we can talk privately here, " Wei WuXian led the Sect Leaders towards the red and black curtains.

Two spirits reached out and pulled them apart for Wei WuXian, giggling softly as they saw the bewilderment on Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen's face. Nonetheless, they passed through and entered, what they realized must have been, Wei WuXian's living quarters. The inside of the cave wasn't too large. There was a large rock that jutted up from the earth and had obviously been chiseled to shape as a large table. There were shelves and lanterns strung around, the candles all holding gentle sparks that lit up the grey walls. In the back corner of the cave was a simple wooden bed with a cheap pillow and few layers of quilts.

Wei WuXian flicked his hand, clearing off the "desk" and placing all the papers and items on one of the shelves the Wen's had built for him. Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen sat down in two chairs that were near the "desk", Wei WuXian giving a small bow, "Let me get us some food,"

He quickly left and returned with a tray of three bowls of soup and a plate of buns, and some tea. He placed it down, serving his guests before sitting down himself. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng both muttered thanks, the younger sect leader beginning to eat at once. Wei WuXian also began to eat, a soft silence hanging. Wei WuXian turned to Lan Xichen, after swallowing, "You mentioned Lan Zhan,"

Lan Xichen nodded, expression falling into one of despair, "I've been trying to help for a while, but he wouldn't listen to me. And now...he's caught in a terrible situation, a dangerous situation, "

Wei WuXian's heart thumped, worry curling around the flickers of memories in his mind. He glanced at Jiang Cheng who nodded with lips pressed together in a line, "Zewu Jun and all the sect leaders have been trying but no result. Zewu Jun then brought up to me privately to come to you, since you're probably the best-fitted person to help,"

Wei WuXian arched an eyebrow hearing this, he then stated "Hanguang Jun is in danger? The Hanguang Jun? And now Zewu Jun comes to me of all people for help? Exactly how terrible is this for you to turn to me?"

"WangJi is getting corrupted by resentment energy,"

Wei WuXian choked on the sip of tea, turning his head and covering his mouth as he coughed. When he recovered he sat up slightly pale, "He's WHAT?!"

Lan Xichen closed his eyes somberly, "There was an accident on a night hunt. WangJi was by himself and caught by surprise. He defeated the fierce yao but it did something and sent resentment energy into him,"

"But wouldn't his core...help?" Wei WuXian swallowed an uncommon fear and gut-wrenching feeling stirring in his stomach.

Lan Xichen nodded, looking at the demonic cultivator, "It was. When WangJi returned to Gusu, he informed me that something was wrong with him. Uncle and the Lan Elder's figured out there was resentment energy swirling around his core and tried to cleanse it, but nothing was working. So, WangJi began to use his spiritual energy to suppress the resentment until a solution could be found,"

"He tried to suppress the resentment around his core?" Wei WuXian muttered, "If he suppressed it normally it would be fine. But this is Lan Zhan we're talking about which means he probably still went on night hunt's,"

Jiang Cheng nodded, "No one knew what was going on, so Hanguang Jun was requested for many things,"

"Each time, the resentment energy seemed to grow worse. WangJi had managed to bring it away from his core, but now it flowed through the spiritual nerves..." Lan Xichen shook his head with a deep frown, "I don't know what happened, but it began to affect him. WangJi grew more sensitive and his self-restraint seemed to weaken, speaking his mind and arguing more often. With the Lan Elder's and Uncle, and in public with other Sect's,"

Wei WuXian exhaled, deeply troubled. He glanced over to his right where he caught sight of the spirits eavesdropping (or maybe they were protecting him, who knows?). He motioned pointed to a scroll wrapped in a white ribbon with incantations written on it. One of the spirits flew forward and pulled it out, placing it in Wei WuXian's palm. Wei WuXian had to hide his amusement at the looks of the two sect leaders. To them, they saw no spirits. They just saw things fly around.

Getting back on track, Wei WuXian asked as he unraveled the scroll, "How long has he been like this?"

"The night hunt happened three months ago," Lan Xichen revealed and both brothers glanced at the Sect Leader with shock.

"three months?!" Jiang Cheng hissed, "then- one month ago he stopped fighting it?"

Wei WuXian's head spun with the amount of time Lan WangJi had been like this. He shook his head, "Three months of harboring resentment energy and suppressing it. If it's been so long, why are you coming to me now?"

'And why didn't Lan Zhan tell me?'

"We were at Qinghe," Lan Xichen sighed shakily, "Jin ZiXun began to speak about a topic rudely. WangJi's patience and sensitivity level had been high that night. He didn't get good sleep either, too busy trying to get rid of the feeling of resentment...he argued and his eyes flashed red,"

Jiang Cheng added, "He drew his sword at Jin ZiXun and took in resentment energy that had emitted from Chifeng Zun's saber,"

Wei WuXian shook his head in disbelief. His silver eyes traced over the writing on the scroll, lips pressing into a thin line. When he found what he was looking for, he cursed under his breath.

"What's wrong?"

"Lan Zhan and I, while both used to be equal, we have a difference now," Wei WuXian rolled up the scroll again placing it in his sleeve, "I can control resentment energy better than anyone else, because of certain factors,"

"What factors?" Jiang Cheng frowned.

Wei WuXian looked at Jiang Cheng for a few seconds before shaking his head, "Look, Lan Zhan's definitely in a tight situation. We're lucky he's powerful and his golden core is so trained. The spiritual energy buys him more time from whole corruption beyond repair,"

"How much more?" Lan Xichen's voice wavered.

"I'm not sure since I don't know how bad he's already affected. Point is, if we can't manage to pull out the resentment, I'm worried about..." He bit his lip, deciding to not scare Lan Xichen more than he already looked. And for himself, his own heart was thumping widely in fear for the golden eyed jade. He shook his head and sighed, "You'll have to draw out the resentment,"

"How?" Jiang Cheng frowned, "He doesn't listen to anyone anymore and none of the Lan Sect's music is working. Not to mention, he completely went mad and escaped from Koi Tower and now no one knows where he is,"

Wei WuXian froze, mouth drying, "He's missing?"

The two nodded with troubled expressions. Lan Xichen reached over and took one of Wei WuXian's hands, giving a small squeeze, "This is why I came here. Nothing is helping him. No one knows what to do, Young Master Wei...you're the only person I believe that can help WangJi,"

Wei WuXian frowned with regret. He wanted to, of course, he wanted to! He had to help, he had to make sure Lan WangJi was alright. That he was cured, but...

"Zewu Jun, I can't step out of Yiling,"

"I'll cover it. I'll make sure nothing happens to the Wen's or any accusations are pointed at you," Lan Xichen promised, "Just please...come to Koi Tower with us and help us find WangJi. You two are close..."

Wei WuXian's voice suddenly turned tight as he got out awkwardly, "We are?"

"Like it or not, Second Young Master Lan treats you differently than he does anyone else," Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, "He might listen to you,"

Wei WuXian took a deep breath. He let his mind produce an image of the white robed cultivator with piercing amber eyes and stoic expression. The straight back and perfect posture, gazing at Wei WuXian with this look of full attention. Though it looked cold, Wei WuXian could feel the softness of the expression. He could feel the gentle grip of Lan WangJi's hands in his own. He wanted to believe them, he wanted to believe everything that had happened, but he couldn't. Because he was so terrified, that this was all a game and that Lan WangJi's kindness that Wei WuXian had been experiencing for the past two years was all fake. That it was under the ordeal of making sure he was behaving. That he could be kept in check.

The demonic cultivator let out an airy laugh, feeling small. His voice came out quietly, "I hope so..."

"You'll help?" Lan Xichen's eyes sparked slightly.

Wei WuXian smiled warmly, giving a gently squeeze on the Sect Leader's hands, "Of course I will, I'm not heartless,"

"Thank you, Young Master Wei!" Lan Xichen smiled the brightest smile he had since his visit, "I promise, I will help you and the Wen's,"

Wei WuXian bowed his head, "I appreciate it,"

Jiang Cheng stood up and spoke clearly, "Right, when do we leave?"

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you don't want A-Ning to join you?" Wen Qing frowned, watching as Wei WuXian picked scrolls from his shelves and a few of which were floating in mid air (they were being held by spirits, she knew this, but couldn't see them. The spirits seemed to be hiding themselves with the sect leaders and their disciples here. Even the four disciples who visited every two weeks had never seen them.

Wei WuXian nodded without looking back, "Yes. Plus, it's going to be an uproar when everyone finds out I'm back when I'm not supposed to be. It'll be better if A-Ning stays here to protect if anyone were to try something,"

Wen Qing sighed, eyes softening slightly as Wei WuXian turned back after tucking away any important things into his robes. Wei WuXian caught her look and walked forward, placing his hands firmly on the female's shoulder, "Jiejie, if you ever need me...you know how to contact me,"

Wen Qing briefly touched the bracelet clasped around her wrist. Wei WuXian smiled as he noticed, pulling out a silver chain necklace with a pendant that wasn't small, but overly large. It was a simple red pendant cradled securely by black metal leaves. This pendent was connected with Wei WuXian like a spiritual tool, but was used for communicating with those that bonded to the communication devices Wei WuXian had provided for them. Currently, it was only used to communicate with Wen Qing and the Jiang siblings.

When the Jiang sibling's would call, the black leaves would emit a faint purple glow and light scent of lotus. When Wen Qing would speak to him, the glow was red with the faint scent of firewood. It was easily one of his favorite and most complicated inventions. There's a reason he only made one of the necklaces for himself and provided bracelets- which were simpler, for anyone else.

Wen Qing allowed herself to give a small smile and Wei WuXian tucked the necklace to hide again. He didn't need anyone to think it was some demonic weapon. The two siblings walked out of the cave where everyone was waiting. The Lan and Jiang disciples were waiting at the front of the path with Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen. Wei WuXian exited the cave and was met with the slightly worried faces of the Wens. 

He smiled and placed a hand on Granny Wen's shoulder, "I'll be okay everyone. Just remember to alert me if anything is wrong. A-Ning,"

He gave his little brother a tight hug. Pulling back he patted the younger's cheek softly and smiled, "You'll do great if anything were to happen. Don't worry,"

Wei WuXian glanced towards Wen Yuan, tenderly reaching up and running his hands through the boy's hair. The young child was asleep in Uncle Six's arms, the best time for Wei WuXian to descend down the mountain. If Wen Yuan knew he was leaving, he would beg for Wei WuXian to stay or for Wen Yuan to come along. And neither of those options were possible. Wei WuXian inhaled heavily, licking his bottom lip in worry. It pained him to leave the boy who he had come to treat as his own son, it pained him to leave the people who had become his family. And it wasn't like the Jiangs, Wen Qing and Wen Ning weren't at all like Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng. Perhaps it was a bit inconsiderate, but he found it easier to freely address the Wen siblings as his own, rather than the Jiangs.

A voice whispered in his head, 'That's because I was their protector, their shield,'

He was the ward of their Father. He was the male that was to be their subordinate, but had grown much too close for that term to be used freely. He knew, deep down in his heart, he was aware that Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng recognized him as their brother, not a servant. They had reassured him of it countless times, especially the older. But Wei WuXian had always known where he stood in the sect...he knew his place that was bestowed upon him graciously by Yu ZiYuan and Jiang Fengmian.

His somber thoughts must have leaked into his expression because a hand was on his shoulder along with the gentle call, "A-Ying,"

Wei WuXian looked towards the medic, who gave him a worried look, "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Mhm," Wei WuXian smiled but it faded as he added quietly for only him and the wens to hear, "I have to find him,"

Multiple smiles bloomed, all with a small hint of teasing. Wei WuXian took this as a signal to leave and pressed a kiss to his son's head, before backing away and towards the males in white and violet. They had been watching the entire encounter, different feelings swarming in their chests. Wei WuXian paused when he stood in front of the two Sect Leader's, glancing back at the group that gave him bright smiles and waves.

"We'll be okay, A-Ying!"

Wei WuXian grinned and nodded, "Take care of yourselves- and my Lotus pods!"

He then waved and followed the disciples down the mountain, falling in step with Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen. When they could no longer hear the bustle and life of the camp, Wei WuXian's anxiety spiked. It hit him suddenly what he was doing, what he was risking. He clenched and unclenched his fists, exhaling worriedly and glancing back with hesitance. Jiang Cheng placed a firm arm around Wei WuXian's shoulder's, "They'll be fine,"

"I didn't know you cared," Wei WuXian both as a joke and as a statement, "Last time you came here was when we decided it was best for me to defect,"

Jiang Cheng took his arm away. There was a pause before Jiang Cheng forced himself to speak, his voice coming out weak in a way so unlike Sandu Shengshou. It was the voice only his siblings had ever heard. The one of their youngest brother, "We talked with A-Jie when you came to Koi Tower during A-Ling's one month celebration...you know why I was upset,"

Wei WuXian nodded. He did know. He remembered clearly the tears all three of them had ended up shedding just before Wei WuXian had left. The conversation was serious about their current lives. Somehow, Jiang Cheng and him had gotten into an argument about Wei WuXian's life choices and Jiang Yanli had snapped at both of them, making the two shut up in an instant. Jiang Yanli was staring at both her brother's tears in her beautiful eyes.

"What are you doing?!" Jiang Yanli demanded looking between Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng, "Why are you arguing about this? Arguing never fixes anything!! A-Cheng you're a Sect Leader, A-Xian you're a rogue cultivator taking care of a group of injured. Is it necessary for you both to squabble and only make things worse instead of just talking?!"

"S-shijie..." Wei WuXian stuttered as Jiang Cheng also choked out, "J-jie..."

Jiang Yanli inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and gathering herself. She then took both of her brother's hands. She looked at the both of them, "We're separated by our choices and roles. But even if we're physically apart, we can never lose faith and break from one another. We're the closest three. You're my didis,"

Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian looked at one another. There was a silence thick with emotions that they both desperately wanted to leave unspoken. But Jiang Yanli was right, she always was. They weren't the same as they were before, but they were still brothers.

Wei WuXian looked down first, "I'm sorry, I left you both..."

"I don't understand why you want to protect them? Why did you turn away and deem yourself an enemy?" Jiang Cheng complained, pain and hurt leaking into his tone.

Wei WuXian looked at Jiang Cheng, speaking clearly and firmly, "Without them, we would've been caught. Without Wen Qing and Wen Ning you...Jiang Cheng, you would've died! I didn't have the means to try and help you recover from your injuries. They risked everything to protect us from Wen Ruohan! Everyone at the burial mounds are medics, the elderly, and a small child the age of three....I won't just let them get slaughtered because of a surname,"

Jiang Cheng looked at Wei WuXian and reached forward grabbing the older by the collar with one hand, teary eyed. There was anger in those eyes, a familiar expression to both of them. But the tone wasn't angry, it was hurt. It was a voice ridden with betrayal and loneliness...a voice Wei WuXian thought he would never hear Jiang Cheng ever speak with, "You promised...when I would be Sect Leader, you would be by my side. Like your father and my father. That you would rebuild Lotus Pier with me. That if Gusu had the Twin Jades, Yunemeng would have us...The Twin Prides..."

Wei WuXian almost collapsed from guilt. His silver eyes noticeably dimmed, the two Jiang's catching the rare sliver of emotions that resembled pain. That identified that the man in front of them had so, so, many secrets. Secrets he once would tell them, but now didn't even glance their way.

Wei WuXian pulled his hand away from Jiang Yanli and pulled Jiang Cheng's hand from his collar. He turned away to avoid looking at where his golden core spun in Jiang Cheng's chest without the youngers knowledge and closed his eyes painfully, blocking out the window to his demons. He remembered his promise, of course he did. Once upon a time, he had prided himself in keeping it. But he couldn't...he wasn't even supposed to be alive. 

After the transfer, he had been thinking of dying anyway. All he had been waiting for was for Jiang Cheng to show up at the bottom of the mountain. The second he would see those purple robes, he would take off and run, leaving the silver bell for his brother to find. Play dead to the world, perhaps even die for real. But that didn't happen and desperation to ensure those he cared for were safe led him to the thing he was now.

After a small pause, his voice broke, "I'm sorry...I can't keep my promise..."

Wei WuXian then inhaled shakily and swallowed a small sob, looking at Jiang Cheng. Any other time, he would've held back his tears. But he knew that this may be the last time he sees them for three years...and even then, who's to say how much he would change in that time. A few tears passed down his cheeks, "But...I do promise this...that if you ever need my help, I will come. If anyone hurts you, I will hurt them. I promise, Jiang Cheng, that you will always be my shidi,"

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes, his body slumping a bit as the words seemed to flow and unknot the stress and a part of the burden he carried. Jiang Yanli released his hand, the Sect Leader quickly throwing his arms around Wei WuXian, who returned the embrace tightly. Jiang Cheng exhaled shakily, "Heaven, I hate you so much..."

Wei WuXian grinned and laughed weakly, "I love you too,"

Jiang Yanli wrapped her arms around the younger boys, her baby brothers, "In three years...three years everything will be better,"

Wei WuXian glanced over at Jiang Cheng, a delicate smile curling at his lips as he admired his brother. Jiang Cheng noticed and raised an eyebrow. Wei WuXian shook his head with a small laugh, pausing on a smile when the barrier appeared in front of them. The disciples stopped, allowing the Sect Leaders and Wei WuXian to walk to the front. Wei WuXian raised his hand, the red barrier lifting up again. Then with a deep breath, he passed through, Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen on either side of him. 

They walked past the dark forest at the foot of the mountain, Wei WuXian ignoring the pleads and cries of trapped souls and spirits. When he first fell here, the voices had almost driven him mad, but he managed to figure out the resentment energy flowing through and around him. He crafted Chenqing to help him control resentment even better, along with the help of ghosts who felt his yearn to protect, to heal, not harm. When he escaped the Burial Mounds and began to hunt Wen Chao, it took him a while to get used to normal society chatter, which was so different from the cold howls of a mountain that was intrigued with him, resentment healing and harming him until he forced his mastery and proved his intent and kept his promises. Normal society was so different from the company of the dead, a company Wei WuXian was not too ashamed to admit he enjoyed (the good ones. The annoying ones that wanted to kill him were another story).

After living in Burial Mounds once more with actual living company, his control had only heightened and ignoring the usual voices became easier. Of course, sometimes things got a bit too out of hand and Wei WuXian would block himself up in his cave to avoid accidentally injuring someone. Wen Ning and spirits would be the only one able to come in and comfort him as he would suffer through the calls of the demons in the mountains.

The Burial Mounds accepted him, it did, in some way, cared for him. The resentment from the mountain protected him and healed his injuries similar to how a golden core would. It was the only thing keeping him standing on his feet. 

But the Burial Mounds was also a mountain of corpses, filled with monsters rich with resentment. Demons and yaos were in the landscape, he knew it. He had fought with many, and had almost died to a demon.  

He had a love-hate relationship with the mountain of corpses. 

After all, he was the first person to completely control its power and walk out with his conscience and principles still intact. The only thing that had differed was the energy flowing through him. Of course, Wei WuXian had the benefit and assurance he wouldn't completely lose his mind, since he didn't have a golden core. 

Which was also the exact reason he was fearsome of the situation Lan WangJi was in. The light bearer had a golden core. A perfect, powerful, intact, golden core just pulsing with spiritual energy. A perfect place for resentment energy to be attracted to. Thank heavens that Lan WangJi was a Lan and knew how to calm his mind and subconsciously keep the resentment energy from his core. It really was lucky.

When they exited into Yiling, Wei WuXian nodded his head to a few people he recognized and gave a few smiles. As they passed by a wine stand, the uncle at the cart waved over, "Young Master Wei! I haven't seen you around for a couple days!"

Wei WuXian grinned and spoke loudly for those who knew him, "I was holed in my room! JieJie had to force me out today!"

Laughter burst out amongst the stands, the two Sect Leaders exchanging slightly taken aback looks, while the disciples were astonished. A female with a long fan in her hand, clicked her tongue sharply and pointed to the other cultivators, "What's going on here? Don't tell me that golden dick has caused a big scene!"

Wei WuXian laughed loudly at that, shaking his head, "No, no! This is different and my own personal choices. Its a bit of an urgent matter, so, I must be on my way!"

"We'll ensure the Wens get some food, Young Master Wei!" Another man ensured and Wei WuXian bowed as the group resumed walking, Wei WuXian walking backwards as he waved and thanked with sincerity, "Thank you, Uncle!"

Lan Xichen smiled when Wei WuXian turned back around, "Young Master Wei, I heard Yiling had basically accepted you as their protector and now I can see that it's true,"

Wei WuXian grinned, "Zewu Jun is giving me too much credit. The locals here just got used to my presence and came to realize that rumors were rumors,"

"Yilling Patriarch," Jiang Cheng snorted and Wei WuXian glanced at him, seeing an amused expression...but there was something else, something the older couldn't identify, "Before it was supposed to be a bad thing. Now, it's a good thing,"

The group left Yiling with haste, Wei WuXian becoming slightly more aware as he stepped out of the bounds that he was supposed to stay within. As they grew farther and farther from Yiling, heading towards Yunmeng, which would then bring them to Lanling, Wei WuXian couldn't help but glance back warily. His nerves began to act up and pessimistic scenarios began to form in his head, "You sure this won't get anyone in trouble?"

"I assure you," Lan Xichen spoke sincerely and then smiled awkwardly, "Young Master Wei, it will be a quicker journey if we fly,"

Wei WuXian froze, 'Fuck,'

He shuffled awkwardly, "Ah...well...you see, I don't have my sw-"

He stopped when something was thrown at him. On instinct he caught it with one hand, before glancing at the familiar sheath. He swore mentally, looking at Jiang Cheng who stated, "There's your sword,"

Wei WuXian frowned and sighed as he heard the disciples unsheathing their swords ready to fly. Wei WuXian unsheathed Suiban, eyes looking over the white blade with a faraway look. The grip felt foriegn but familiar. He had tried to find a way to use his sword again, he found a way he could use it to fly, but wielding it was impossible without a golden core. Wei WuXian stepped forward, summoning up some resentment energy in his palms, which quickly hugged around his sword. 

"Why don't you just ride it like you usually do?" Lan Xichen asked curiously as Wei WuXian stepped onto the blade which was being controlled by resentment instead of the usual spiritual energy.

"It's more stable for me this way," Wei WuXian pathetically excused, rising up and risking a glance at Jiang Cheng who had stepped onto Sandu and rose up to fly beside the demonic cultivator.

"But you're great at maneuvering your sword?"

"Yeah, well- I'm also a demonic cultivator," Wei WuXian grumbled, ending the conversation as he flew forward.

Frowning, Jiang Cheng stared into the back of his brother's head. Secrets, more and more secrets. Why couldn't his brother just explain things like he used to? Why couldn't he just come home? Why was he so insistent on walking down this path alone?

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng quickly caught up to him, the journey towards Yunmeng beginning. At the current pace and a few rest stops for some snacks, they would reach by nightfall. Lan Xichen had already sent word to Koi Tower to gather all the Sect Leaders again, not mentioning Wei WuXian at all, but under the not complete lie that he had found a more efficient way to find Lan WangJi. This meeting would be held tomorrow at Koi Tower.

Wei WuXian had heard this and spoke amused, "What a fun way to begin my day,"

Wei WuXian spoke with the two Sect Leaders throughout the journey, trying to ease all their tensions. For Jiang Cheng, he could see his brother was exhausted and worried about how things would play out now that Lan Xichen had taken the initiative and looped Wei WuXian into this. Wei WuXian had a similar concern, worried about how this would affect everyone. He didn't care too much for the consequences he would face, but he still had friends and family to consider. And Lan Xichen, well...Wei WuXian could tell that the Sect Leader was worried over his brother. Extremely worried and it increased as every second ticked away. Granted, Wei WuXian was no better, but he tried to avoid falling into the realm of dark scenarios.

Wei WuXian's chatter did seem to work, Lan Xichen smiling and joining in, making sure the two brother's didn't fall if they began to argue and joke around. It was nice, Wei WuXian realized as the night had fallen and he began to see the familiarity of the Lotus Ponds below him, the lights of Lotus Pier shimmering warmly.

Wei WuXian's endless chatter had faded from his mouth, staring at the sight with a painful look. He watched as the rivers and ponds and pink glow of Lotus Petals bled into the land. He watched as the glow of golden lanterns were like stars, speckled amongst the Pier. He could see the new buildings only because he had grown up here. As they descended towards the Sect Residence, the smell of the Pier drifted into Wei WuXian's nose. The smell of the river, of lotus, of a place that had once been his home and his duty. Wei WuXian felt his throat choke up, eyes softening into bittersweetness.

They landed right outside the large residence, Wei WuXian hovered around the entrance, old memories running through his mind. The first time he had been here, when he got his sword, the first time he had successfully shot a target, the time Jiang Yanli taught him and Jiang Cheng how to do their hair...so many memories.

Jiang Cheng led them inside, talking to a few disciples and telling everyone to keep Wei WuXian's presence unknown to the rest of the world. Wei WuXian stood in the Swords hall, silver eyes staring at the Lotus Throne glazed over. He heard Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen exchange a few words, before the Lan Sect visitors were sent into guest rooms. The Jiang disciples had already dispersed when they had arrived, so only Jiang Cheng remained of the group.

Wei WuXian felt a hand rest on his shoulder and he turned to see Jiang Cheng staring at him with a knowing look. A look that spoke of the same memories, of the people they had once lost, the people he had killed. A look of love, "This home missed you, Shixiong,"

Wei WuXian smiled, wrapping one over the younger's shoulders. His one hand glided up to his robes and reached inside, finger tips gliding over cool metal. He pulled out a silver bell with a purple tassel from his robes, small lotus flowers carved into the shiny surface. He held it out in front of them, grinning wider at the soft gasp of surprise and glee Jiang Cheng let out.

"Home,"

Chapter Text

When Wei WuXian woke up the next morning, he had a mild heart attack. Instead of the black walls and blown out candles, with the touch of a small back ache, he woke up in comfortable night robes, tucked under a blanket in a bedroom that was nothing but old memories in his head.

 Wei WuXian sat up, looking around his old bedroom that resonated within the warm walls of Lotus Pier. He sat there silent, just taking in the room. He knew it was his, he saw the childish and silly carvings in the wood he had made years and years ago. But the air felt different...as if it were unreal, not supposed to exist. 

Wei WuXian stood up, slowly basking within the atmosphere so different but so familiar, as he got ready for the day. Jiang Cheng had insisted on providing some new black and red robes for the demonic cultivator, who took them with gratitude. His old robes were simple, black and red, occasionally he wore a dark grey or deep brown hue. But these robes, the robes gifted to him, were high quality. The fabric was strong and Wei WuXian could feel the hums of protective wards and talismans to keep him warm and for the robes to not stain. He also noticed the lotus motif that was sown in a slightly different shade of black. It too wasn't obvious unless you were familiar with Yunmeng stitching as he was or had been informed it was there. A smile crawled onto the pale face, silver eyes sparkling with affection. 

That motif was not just an assurance that he was still considered a part of the sect, despite "defecting", but it was a promise that he wasn't alone. Wei WuXian let himself be selfish and relish in it, letting himself trust the fabric that would hide his thin frame.

Once he had given himself the longest and most thorough bath in years, Wei WuXian adorned his new, but old, robes. He noticed the new red ribbon instead of his old one, another amused smile curling at his lips. He reached for a comb, fingers coming to a stop as a pale hand grabbed it instead. Wei WuXian glanced in the mirror to see two females and one male with glowing and slightly transparent bodies floating around him. Wei WuXian smiled, "You followed me,"

The female who picked up the comb giggled, the laughter pleasant and warm. Her clothes were a minty green color, her black hair ending at her shoulders. In her hair was a simple headpiece with a pale pink flower, matching with the earrings she had on. She was the youngest of the three spirits and her name was Bai Chunhua and when she was alive, she was a simple common woman. Her death was unfortunate, killed by her family as she refused to marry let alone have any romantic relationships with a man. She was not interested in the male gender as she was the female, "Of course, we did, *Xiao Wei"

The second female was the eldest of the three. She wore female cultivator robes, a sword just as transparent as her strapped to her waist. Her black hair was tied back into a high ponytail and her eyes were sharp yet bright. Her robes were dark blue, with white inner robes. The name belonging to her was Ren MingXia, a former cultivator who had died in the Battle that caused the Yiling Mountains to become the Burial Mounds. She raised an eyebrow at Wei WuXian, "As if we'd let you just walk out of Yiling without our company when the cultivation world is out for your head!"

The third and final spirit was older than Bai Chunhua, but younger than Ren MingXia, and his name was Zeng Minsheng. He wasn't a cultivator, but he had a large sword strapped to his back and daggers hidden on his body underneath the dark brown robes, with equally dark grey inner robes. He was a talented fighter, but when he was alive, was nothing more than an orphan who taught himself to fight and survive, doing quick jobs to earn money and living as a street rat, who occasionally resulted in stealing. He had died by getting attacked by a powerful yao. Zeng Minsheng rolled his eyes, leaning against the wall, "Are you sure leaving is a good idea?"

Wei WuXian sat down and let Bai Chunhua do his hair. She had done it multiple times before. Out of the spirits he communicated with, these three were the closest to him. They protected and nurtured him, kept him company at night when the nightmares plagued him. They had warned him multiple times of intruders and cultivators trying to start trouble during the past two years. He spoke with a firm tone, "Lan Zhan is in danger,"

"Right, your beloved," Ren MingXia smirked and the three ghosts all smiled as Wei WuXian's cheeks dusted pink.

"Whatever," Wei WuXian muttered, as his hair was completed. He stood up and slipped Chenqing into his waist belt. His fingers hovered slightly over Suibian, the sword that was nothing more than an extra weight for Wei WuXian to carry. With a deep breath, he picked it up and brought along only because he knew they'd be flying again.

When he turned back, the door was being held open by Zeng Minsheng. He heard the door close behind him, but knew the three ghosts followed him, yet hid themselves away for now. Wei WuXian strolled through the halls of Lotus Pier, taking in the place where he had once felt the safest.

Did he even have such a luxury anymore? To have somewhere he could run to and feel comforted? To feel warm and protected from the world? Even now- as he walked down the halls that had built his entire life...were they the same as they were four and a half years ago?

Were these the same halls where he would get scolded and praised? Walked and ran? Cried and laughed? Slept and woke?

Wei WuXian knew...that it wasn't.

That the carefree boy who had brought the death of almost the entire Sect deserved the torture he had recieved in the Burial Mounds. He deserved to be defected. He deserved to be shunned. That boy who had given up his sword for a flute in order to keep a promise was half dead.  The part of him left was nothing far from broken. Traumatized. Desperate to protect the people who had given him love that he didn't deserve.

The Wei WuXian who fell into the Burial Mounds barely managed to survive. And even then...the changed male that had walked out, had returned straight back to the mountain in the end.

"Young Master Wei, good morning,"

Wei WuXian glanced up, breaking from his depressing thoughts. Lan Xichen stood looking a lot better than the day before, a gentle smile carved onto the jade features. Wei WuXian saluted, "Sect Leader Lan,"

Lan Xichen looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then placed a hand on Wei WuXian's shoulder, "Xichen-Ge,"

"Huh?"

"Call me, Xichen-Ge," Lan Xichen grinned.

Wei WuXian blinked before nodding slowly. He swore he could here Bai Chunhua's teasing giggles and held back glaring in that direction. He returned the smile, "Then you shouldn't address me formally either,"

Lan Xichen hummed in thought, "A-Ying?"

Wei WuXian felt his grin brighten, "I would be honored, for Xichen-Ge to address me so informally!"

Lan Xichen nodded, patting Wei WuXian's back a few times. Wei WuXian then guided Lan Xichen towards the Sword's Hall, where Jiang Cheng was seated on the Lotus Throne reading a letter. Wei WuXian walked over and asked, "What's that?"

"You're up?" Jiang Cheng spoke with genuine shock, "I thought you'd sleep in...more than usual,"

Wei WuXian crossed his arms across his chest and huffed, "I'm wanted dead or powerless to the entire world...I've been forced to adapt,"

There was a stiff pause and the demonic cultivator confessed, "...I also got the best sleep I have in over two years,"

Jiang Cheng trained his eyes on Wei WuXian sternly before awkwardly muttering, "A-Jie's gonna make me send you a proper bed,"

"Anyways," Lan Xichen moved the conversation along, "When should we leave to Koi Tower?"

"Right after this dumbass," Jiang Cheng motions to his brother, "Gets some food in his stomach,"

"I'm fine, we don't need to waste anymore time," Wei WuXian shook his head ignoring the feeling of a hand whacking his head lightly in protest.

"You haven't eaten since a small snack yesterday and we're going to be flying to Lanling," Lan Xichen frowned worriedly, unaware of the fact the three spirits were agreeing with him with extreme enthusiasm.

Wei WuXian shrugged non committedly, "I've been fasting without meaning to. I can go quite a while without food and still be in good condition,"

Another ghost hand smacked his head.

"No wonder you're so thin," Jiang Cheng grumbled and nodded to a disciple waiting for an order, "Three steamed buns, please,"

"A-Cheng!" Wei WuXian protested, "We have to find Lan Zhan!"

"And we'll find him," Jiang Cheng shook his head, already having enough of his brother, "For someone who argues with Hanguang Jun any time you meet, you're freakishly concerned about this..."

"Because I know what resentment can do better than any person in the world!" Wei WuXian defended, forcing himself to not panic and reveal everything. He added, "Plus- he's a great person who has a heart of gold. He's literally called, the light bearer, but now he's harnessing yin instead of yang! How can I not be worried about him...it'll destroy him if we manage to save him and he's done something awful. Lan Zhan isn't me, grandmaster of demonic cultivation,"

Lan Xichen smiled mysteriously, "And the world thinks you two hate each other, how exactly?"

"I don't hate him," Wei WuXian defended much too fast, bowing slightly to the servant who handed him three steamed buns that were wrapped up. He placed two in his sleeve for later, and unwrapped the first as they walked out.

"Oh?" Lan Xichen's smile broadened, "Then...how do you feel about my brother?"

Wei WuXian froze and his mind went on alert, 'Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! Wait- does he know? No, how could he know! There's no way, maybe's he's guessing and being an overprotective brother? That seems possible,'

Wei WuXian coughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact and answering, "I care about him, which is why we should head to Koi Tower,"

He quickly used resentment energy to make Suibian fly and stepped on it while eating his steamed bun. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng followed after him, the trio heading towards Lanling where they would arrive an hour after lunch.

As they flew, Wei WuXian asked, "Do you think Sect Leader Jin would let me see A-Ling, or no?"

"I think A-Jie and ZiXuan would let you see their son and not care if Sect Leader Jin did or not," Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.

Wei WuXian turned to Lan Xichen, "Xichen-Ge, did you know that shijie was the one who suggested I give A-Ling his courtesy name?"

"I did not,"

"And you chose, Rulan," Jiang Cheng shook his head, but smiled at the memory, "Why did you choose Rulan again?"

"The newest generation of Lanling is Ru," Wei WuXian reminded.

"And why Lan?" Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, "No offence Zewu Jun, but I just never understood why you threw in Lan when A-Ling is from the Jiang and Jin Sect's?"

"I didn't choose it for the damn Sect's!" Wei WuXian screeched, before feeling his face warm up in a way he did not enjoy. Zeng MinSheng's teasing whisper made him swat a hand near his ear as he defended to the other two, "Lan can mean many great things like gentlemen and orchid and things like that! It doesn't necessarily have to be Lan as in blue, as in the Sect!" 

Lan Xichen burst into laughter, the younger males staring at him with confusion. The Sect Leader just shook his head and grinned dumbly, "A-Ying, you're quite dense,"

"Huh?" Wei WuXian said at the same time as Jiang Cheng snorted, "That's true,"

When the three entered Lanling, they first spotted the extravagant Koi Tower. The tower sat at the most flourishing part of the city with a large dirt path surrounded by the stories of Jin Leaders and distinguished cultivators. This path was only ever opened for serious occasions such as a discussion conference. Wei WuXian had always groaned at the large number of steps one had to climb to get into the actual residence, passing by bundles of the Sparks Amidst Snow Peonies. 

No one in the cultivation world could deny that the LanlingJin Sect was rich and they weren't short of flaunting their wealth, uniforms the color of gold and each room and pavement of the Koi Tower clean and elegant. Right now, the three cultivators flew past the stairs and landed outside the Fragrance Hall. Wei WuXian had many memories of this hall- the first being when he got the location of the Wen Remnants and left with Wen Qing to find Wen Ning. The second was two years ago at Jin Ling's one month banquet.

Wei WuXian exhaled heavily as he stared at the closed doors. There were no disciples in the court, so Wei WuXian didn't worry about being seen yet. But behind those doors...behind those doors were people that would attack him and curse at him. He felt a soft hand stroke his back, a hand that belonged to one of the three spirits.

"So...how are we planning to avoid a sword getting stabbed at me?" Wei WuXian hissed, glancing at the Sect Leaders on either side of him.

"We'll protect you," Lan Xichen spoke with determination and then nodded to Jiang Cheng, "Sect Leader Jiang, we should go ahead and enter first. I believe A-Ying should enter behind us so chaos doesn't start right away,"

"I'll enter when you call for me," Wei WuXian agreed, shoving Suibian into Jiang Cheng's hands, "Keep it for me. Its practically useless in my hands,"

Jiang Cheng nodded with a confused expression, placing the sword in his sleeves. He glanced at them both and placed a firm hand on his brother's shoulder, "Just- don't lose your cool until we get everyone to realize you're the only person fit for this case,"

Wei WuXian snorted, but nodded and walked forward until he stood slightly hidden from view if the doors were open, but could also observe half of the hall from behind the pole he was against. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng glanced at him once more, before opening the doors. Wei WuXian grimaced at the overlapping voices of Sect Leaders clashed into his ears. He spotted the white figures of the ghosts and saw all three of them have discomfort and annoyance on their features.

"Sect Leader Lan! Sect Leader Jiang!" Nie MingJue's voice boomed, quieting down the hall.

"Er-Ge," A gentle voice spoke which could only belong to Jin Guangyao, "You said this was about the situation with WangJi,"

"Yes, yes it is," Lan Xichen spoke and Wei WuXian inched slightly closer.

"Have you found him?" Sect Leader Yao asked.

"No..." Lan Xichen sighed somberly, "But, I have found a way to save and find him,"

"Really?" Jin Guangshan raised an eyebrow, "And what idea is that?"

"It's actually waiting right outside," Jiang Cheng casually spoke.

"Outside?" Jin ZiXuan's voice repeated, "Why outside?"

"Because we wanted to make sure everything was alright in here," Jiang Cheng answered back.

"Sect Leader Lan, do tell us what this idea of yours is?" Sect Leader Ouyang grinned.

"Yes, it must be wonderful!" Sect Leader Yao agreed.

"Yes, Sect Leader Lan is a smart and capable leader. This idea will most likely work!" someone else praised.

Wei WuXian couldn't help but bite his lip to hold back laughter at the irony of the situation. Yes, yes, the same leaders who spat at him were now praising him unknowingly. Zeng Mingsheng didn't hesitate to hold back his laughter, the sound only reaching Wei WuXian's ears.

"If Sect Leader Lan and Sect Leader Jiang have both agreed and brought this to propose, it must be trustworthy, " Jin Guangshan praised

Wei WuXian lost his shit, no longer able to stay silent. He burst into laughter right outside the doors of the hall. He heard as the hall quieted down as his cackles trickled in. 

"Who is that?!" Jin Guangshan demanded.

"Wait- wait- I know that laughter!" Nie Huaisang gasped.

Wei WuXian took that as his cue and walked to stand in the doorway revealing himself in all his demonic glory. He gave a great grin as the Sect Leaders in the hall watched him, realization slowly falling onto their features, eyes widening and face's paling.

Wei WuXian brought his hands together and bowed respectfully. A playful smile claimed his lips and he was unable to stop himself.

"It's been a while,"

*Xiao Wei = Xiao means 'little' / Wei is the character used in Wei Ying's name, it means 'ghost'. The spirits call him, 'Little Ghost'

Chapter Text

The moment the words escaped his lips, the Sect Leaders were on their feet, hands gripping their sword handles. A few had unsheathed their swords half-way, the silver gleaming menacingly. Wei WuXian straightened up from his bow. His robe fluttered as he stepped in softly, well aware of every eye watching him. When he reached just three steps away from Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen, he spoke again, eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I see the welcome party hasn't changed, " 

"Wei WuXian!!" Jin Guangshan's voice shook with rage, "Have you forgotten that you aren't supposed to step out of Yiling for another year!"

"Nice to meet you too, Sect Leader Jin, " Wei WuXian greeted, giving a small bow.

"You dare show up here?!" a male dressed in the Lanling Jin robes growled.

Wei WuXian stared at him for a few seconds blankly. He then glanced over at Jin ZiXuan, who was the only person other than Nie Huaisang, and the gentry Sect Leaders to not draw a sword. Instead, the heir was standing rather calmly, looking at Wei WuXian with slight surprise. Ever since Jin ZiXuan had invited him to Jin Ling's one month celebration and Wei WuXian saw the tender and gentle way he would gaze at Jiang Yanli, he decided that Jin ZiXuan wasn't too bad. They were on good terms, Jin ZiXuan never holding Wei WuXian to anything of their youth, nor minding the cultivation method he used. Plus, Wei WuXian could never forget the way Jin ZiXuan had defended him in front of everyone, including his Father, at the banquet two years ago after a failed assassination attempt.

When he met the young master's gaze, Jin ZiXuan gave a small bow of the head, which Wei WuXian returned before asking, "ZiXuan, who is that again?"

Jin ZiXuan failed to hold back an amused smile, "It's ZiXun,"

"You- how can you forget me?! You cursed me!" Jin ZiXun roared.

Wei WuXian turned his eyes to Jin ZiXun and quickly understood. This was the man that ambushed him two years ago. The male who had been ready to pelt him, Wen Ning, and Lan WangJi with arrows.  Wei WuXian decided to ignore him, turning his attention elsewhere. Jin Guanyao stepped up, "Young Master Wei. Why have you shown up here after knowing you're not supposed to leave Yiling?"

"I didn't come here to casually make you all act like crazy people if that what you're thinking, " Wei WuXian laughed slightly, "I was invited and requested to be here,"

"By who?" Su She scoffed.

Lan Xichen spoke out, "By me,"

There was a moment of stunned silence. 

Then in a flash, a sword was coming towards Wei WuXian from the side. Wei WuXian glanced over, about to attack, when he saw another sword glare. He quickly twisted on his heel, Jiang Cheng easily responding to the movement they had practiced together numerous times as children, getting a clear block of the blade. Glaring at the Sect Leader that had tried to attack Wei WuXian, Jiang Cheng shoved the male back and sheathed Sandu fiercely.

Another stunned silence.

"Sect Leader Jiang- Sect Leader Lan! Wei WuXian has manipulated them!" someone shrieked.

Wei WuXian looked towards this brother with surprise, "I have? Jiang Cheng, why didn't you tell me? I could've been entertaining myself!"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, "Can you even manipulate living people?"

"I don't know, " Wei WuXian shrugged, "I'd rather never know because that would be mean experimenting on living people, which is absolutely inhuman,"

A scoff, "As if you don't do inhumane things already!"

"Xichen, " Nie MingJue said slowly, reminding everyone of the matter at hand, "You said you invited Young Master Wei here...personally?"

"Da-Ge, " Lan Xichen repeated softly and then glanced at all the swords, "Please, everyone put the swords away. I promise, I was the one who took Sect Leader Jiang to accompany me to the Burial Mounds. I invited A-Ying here,"

"A-Ying?" Jin ZiXun hissed, "Zewu Jun, perhaps you've been misguided,"

"Why would you bring him out?!" Sect Leader Yao exclaimed.

Wei WuXian rolled his eyes and was about to defend the Lan Sect Leader but stopped when Lan Xichen raised his hand and sent him a glance. Wei WuXian frowned, but held his tongue. The Lan then spoke more sternly, "Sheath your swords,"

There was hesitation in the air. Everyone glanced at one another uncertain of what to do. Jin ZiXuan's eyes hardened and his voice snapped, "Sheathe the blades,"

"ZiXuan!" Jin Guangshan hissed but was ignored.

Jiang Cheng seemed to lose his patience and barked menacingly, "If anyone wants any more of an explanation, your blades are sheathed and you're sitting in your seat!"

Having three people, one heir and two Sect Leaders repeat orders was finally enough. The sound of swords slowly sliding into their sheath rang through the hall and the defensive stances dissolved as the Sect Leader's all sat back down.

Wei WuXian smiled a bit and made eye contact with his martial brother in law, "Thank you,"

Jin ZiXuan nodded with a kind smile. Lan Xichen relaxed a bit as the sword blades vanished and Wei WuXian felt bad knowing the extra stress was entirely caused by his presence. He always caused problems...

"Sect Leader Lan...why have you summoned Young Master Wei from his isolation?" Jin Guangshan repeated.

Lan Xichen stared the man in the eyes, "Because he's the only person that has a chance of saving WangJi,"

A beat.

"Wait- that idea you had...its the Yiling Patriarch?!" Clan Leader Ouyang sputtered, "Thats- he's- it's doomed to fail!"

Wei WuXian barked out a sarcastic laugh, crossing his arms over his chest, "Weren't you all just praising the idea?"

"Er-Ge..." Jin Guangyao frowned, "Why would Young Master Wei be the best person?"

Wei WuXian was getting irritated by the absolute idiocy in the room. He placed a hand on Lan Xichen's shoulder to stop him from answering. He then walked in front of the two Sect Leaders that had been standing with him and spoke arrogantly, "Xichen-Ge told me that Lan Zhan was getting affected by resentment energy. You all may be able to find him, but you're all not suited to save him,"

"Wei WuXian! This is a hall of Sect Leaders! Watch your tone!" Jin ZiXun snarled.

"Is he wrong?" Jiang Cheng challenged, the two brothers wearing matching expressions of irritation, "How are we supposed to save Hanguang Jun when we know almost nothing about controlling resentment? My brother is the best suited to solve this and you all know it!!"

"Ridiculous!" Sect Leader Yao thundered, "You would probably make it worse!"

"You can hate and think that all you want, but in the end- no one except one person in this room gets to decide how to save Lan Zhan!" Wei WuXian seethed.

"And that person is?" Su She scoffed like a dumbass.

Jin ZiXuan answered firmly, "Sect Leader Lan, of course. The choice is his and whether you all approve or not will make no difference. Plus- they are correct. A-Xian is the only person that has a chance,"

"You- Young Master Jin, you trust this man!?" Sect Leader Ouyang screeched, multiple people staring at the Jin Sect heir at the intimate call.

Jin ZiXuan didn't back down even as his Father glared at him. He gave a sharp look, "Of course, I do! Wei WuXian is my brother-in-law!"

"But- but- he's a demonic cultivator!!" Someone protested.

Wei WuXian gritted his teeth and spat, "Yeah?! Well so the fuck is the great Hanguang Jun at the moment!!! So listen here you high and mighty shits! I am not here to deal with all of you, nor do we have time to waste squabbling! Lan Zhan is in danger and we need to find him and fix him. So, you all choose if you want to ponder and possibly cause the greatest cultivator of our generation to lose his mind OR you let me do the reason I was summoned out of my little isolation test! AND if it makes you all so fucking happy!! I'll permanently stay away and deal with my shit without all you power hungry Sects trying to get me involved for stupid things such as a bad farming year!!!!!"

When he finished the hall was dead silent, even Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen seemed startled by the outburst. Wei WuXian surveyed the hall with a powerful glare before inhaling and calming down. His voice was tight and controlled, but the annoyance didn't leave his features, "Now, you all can talk about your choices here. I..." he turned and began to walk towards the doors, "am going to see my nephew and shijie, thank you very much,"

The moment he passed through, the doors shut behind him with the help of his dead companions. Wei WuXian took deep breaths as he walked through the Koi Tower, bringing down the racing of his heart and the frustration in his soul. He should be used to this, but he wasn't. And it fucking hurt every single time.

"Xiao Wei," Ren MingXia's voice broke the silence, "Don't let them get under your skin, they're all greedy little boys trying to act like men,"

Wei WuXian smiled a bit. Zeng Minsheng added, facing Wei WuXian and floating backwards, "They're hopeless. The next generation will be better, hopefully,"

"If I live to see it," Wei WuXian reminded them of his life span, the three glaring at him sharply.

Bai Chunhua scolded, "Xiao Wei, Wen Qing is not going to be happy if I tell her your time outside of YiLing is bringing back your self-deprecation,"

"Please dont tell her," Wei WuXian spoke quickly and then looked down, "I'll try not to,"

By now, word had definitely already gotten around the tower that Wei WuXian was here by Lan Xichen's personal honor which means he didn't have to worry about any disciples. It was obvious the ghosts were guiding him somewhere so he let himself follow, finding himself in one of the main gardens of Koi Tower. It was a large garden, with a large sheltered platform in the center, surrounded by a body of water with lotus flowers growing. Many beautiful flowers of different colors speckled around the place, but Wei WuXian knew that half were more common in Yunmeng rather than Lanling. There was a large, yet elegantly made table in the center on the platform, obviously used for seating and meals. There was a large tree in the garden, on one of the branches a swinging bench hung. It was in that direction he heard a familiar voice.

"A-Ling, be careful!"

Wei WuXian's heart skipped a beat and the longing he had kept tucked away in his heart grew. He felt as if he were suddenly growing younger, back to when he was a teen and things were so much simpler than they were now.

He entered the garden and his eyes landed on a stunning female in white robes trimmed with the shimmer of gold. Her black hair had two twin braids on the side, leading up to where half of her hair was held in a simple, yet elegant bun with a gold headpiece, as the remaining half flowed down, fluttering with the light breeze. Her lips were curled in a loving smile, eyes twinkling with affection.

Wei WuXian felt his throat close a bit at the sight of Jiang Yanli. She was someone very close to his heart, someone who he cherished and would, without hesitation, kill anyone who hurt her. Jiang Yanli was seated on the bench swing, while watching a young toddler dressed in small gold robes, a vermillion mark on his forehead, play around with some toys on a blanket. Wei WuXian stared at the young boy, tears swelling up. The last time he had seen his dear nephew was when he had only been born. But now...now...that baby was two or three years old.

Finally, his patience thinned out and he let himself regress, voice calling with fondness and desperation, "Shijie!"

Jiang Yanli's head snapped up, the two meeting eye contact. Her eyes widened and filled with tears quickly, disbelief clear. She rose from the swing slowly and her lips moved, muttering the name in shock, "A-Xian?"

Wei WuXian walked over slowly, smiling with pain. He saw the way her hands were shaking slightly and she took another step forward towards him. When he was close enough, Jiang Yanli reached up and cupped his face, her other hand covering her mouth in shock, "XianXian..."

Wei WuXian laughed, but the tears sparkling in the corners of his eyes as he nodded, "Im here, Shijie. XianXian's here,"

Jiang Yanli sobbed with a bright smile, the two embracing tightly. Wei WuXian letting himself wilt, he let himself tuck his head into her shoulder. He let her stroke his hair, fist the black robes. He took in the perfume of plums she always wore, even when they were children. He let himself feel as if nothing had changed. As if he hadn't changed. The male smiled and whispered, "I missed you so much Shijie,"

"I missed you too A-Xian, " Jiang Yanli returned with love.

When they reluctantly pulled back from one another, Jiang Yanli held Wei WuXian's one hand and pulled him to sit beside her on the swing. She grinned brighter than the gold she wore, "How? I thought three years hadn't ended- did they release you early?"

Wei WuXian's smile faded and he shook his head, pursing his lips. He then explained what had happened with Lan Zhan and how Lan Xichen had come to him. He told her about returning to Lotus Pier, a topic that made her get misty eyes again. Then he spoke about the commotion at the Elegance Hall and could see the frown on his sister's face when she was informed of the other Sect's reactions. She did break into a smile when he mentioned Jin ZiXuan backed him up.

"Zewu Jun is right, " Jiang Yanli hummed, "You're the best fit,"

"A-Niang?" 

The two glanced towards little Jin Ling who had waddled his way over to them. Jin Ling looked at Wei WuXian, "Who you?"

Jiang Yanli giggled, "A-Ling, do you remember what I've told you about your Daijiu?"

Jin Ling thought for a bit but nodded, "He has to be away from home,"

"This is your Uncle Wei, your Daijiu " Jiang Yanli smiled, "He came back today with your Jiujiu,"

Jin Ling looked at Wei WuXian with wide eyes and repeated, "DaiJiu?"

Wei WuXian smiled warmly, his heart bringing in the little boy, "Hello, A-Ling. It's been a while since I saw you,"

"You saw me before?"

"Yeah, I did, " Wei WuXian chuckled, lifting his nephew into his lap, "When I saw you, you were tiny! But now look how big and handsome you are,"

Jin Ling laughed playfully, already liking his Daijiu. Both siblings were glad to see it. Jiang Yanli stayed on the swing, watching with a lovely smile as Wei WuXian played about with Jin Ling in front of her, lifting him up to imitate flying, running around, joking, it was everything happy.

So beautifully happy that Wei WuXian forgot exactly how fucked up and broken his life was.

Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Cheng found them, the older male moving to his wife and greeting her softly, with a tender peck on the forehead. Jiang Cheng watched Jin Ling and Wei WuXian, who were much too distracted in their game to pay attention to the males. Jiang Cheng walked to his sister and greeted warmly, "A-Jie,"

"You didn't tell me he was here, " Jiang Yanli whined fondly.

Jiang Cheng chuckled and watched his brother and nephew again. He watched Wei WuXian's eyes light up almost the way they had when they were younger. It had been a very long time since he had seen the innocence in his older brother's eyes. When he had found Wei WuXian that day with Wen Chao...he knew he was different. More than just cultivation. He was paler, skinnier, the innocent spark that always remained in the silver eyes was gone, replaced by ruby red. 

He was enraged knowing that his brother had to suffer for protecting people. That his brother still refused to tell anyone what happened in those three months he had vanished during the war. Even after years, his brother still didn't speak of his suffering or troubles and faced the world with a smile. But now...instead of the warm carefree ones. Many of Wei WuXian's smiles were strained or sarcastic, wicked or fake.

Jiang Cheng truly didn't mind his brother's cultivation methods. He knew the older man had never changed his principles. Would never attack unless provoked. Plus...if he, Wei WuXian's own brother, doubted him- who would be left to protect him? To comfort him? To say that he wasn't alone?

Jiang Cheng looked at his sister. He lowered his tone in one of warmth and pain, "Do you see it too?"

Jiang Yanli nodded, revealing the sorrow she was hiding. She looked at the male in black, love and hurt clear, "I wish I could keep him here forever..."

"A-Xian could never leave the Wens alone, " Jin ZiXuan muttered, but he also glanced in the direction with a sad smile, "His heart is the reason he can master resentment. There's so much good and love in him, that even resentment can't take it from him,"

"Oh- A-Cheng! ZiXuan!" Wei WuXian saw them at last.

Jin Ling turned as well, running over, "A-Die! Jiujiu!"

Wei WuXian mentally captured the scene, tucking it safely in his mind. Wei WuXian then recalled Lan Xichen and how his only family other than their Uncle was Lan WangJi. And Lan WangJi was missing and in danger. Wei WuXian watched his own given family and made a pact to himself right there. 

He would save Lan WangJi and bring him home. Even if it means he has to die for it.

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian spent some time playing with Jin Ling and catching up with his siblings and brother in law. It was only 10 minutes after Jiang Cheng and Jin ZiXuan arrived did Jiang Cheng rise to his feet and motioned Wei WuXian to follow him. Wei WuXian knew they had to head back to the sect leaders and sighed nodding. He placed a soft peck on Jin Ling's hair, muttering a small goodbye. Jin Ling was, understandably, a bit unsettled by his Daijiu leaving already, and whined for him to stay. Jin ZiXuan motioned for the two to leave as he and Jiang Yanli used simple and kind words to ensure their son that his DaiJiu would visit him again.

As they strolled through Koi Tower, a silence fell between the two brothers. Unnoticed by Wei WuXian, Jiang Cheng glanced at him with soft concern and confusion. The brother he remembered, the brother he knew was somewhere in the man beside him, could barely sit still for five minutes, let alone keep a silence. But Jiang Cheng had remained in secret communication with Wen Qing after the fiasco at Qiongqi Road, sending medicine supplies should they need it and inquiring about his brother. Wen Qing hadn't told him every detail, which Jiang Cheng was a bit annoyed with, but also understood. Should Wei WuXian learn of this, he would probably lose trust in telling Wen Qing the condition he was in. That being said, he was informed of the times his brother had developed a fever or passed out for a couple days for various reasons. It was another reason he had been so insistent the man ate before they flew here.

Wen Qing also told him the progress of how she was healing Wei WuXian mentally, as well as physically. Jiang Cheng had long since figured out there was unspoken trauma his brother carried around ever since picking up Chenqing and setting aside Suibian, but the confirmation hadn't been any less painful. He had informed his sister, Jiang Yanli, of the confirmation and changes Wen Qing reported to him. Wei WuXian had been extremely self-harming, horrible at taking care of himself. This was something the two Jiang siblings had long since known and tried to fix, but the situation with their parents had always hindered the progress and strained things. So, he had known that the healing had caused his brother to find and be more honest and comfortable in his skin, though Jiang Cheng never realized silence was one of those changes.

Just in case, he said, "How was spending time with A-Ling?"

A smile blossomed and Jiang Cheng saw the spark light up again in the silver eyes, warmth pulled at his heart, "A-Ling is the best, ah...I suppose he'd have to be my second favorite little radish,"

"Really? Who's your first?" Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow.

Wei WuXian smiled at Jiang Cheng, but his eyes guarded up slightly, "I'll tell you when the situation presents itself,"

Or in other words, 'When Wei WuXian could walk around freely,'

Jiang Cheng nodded and the two reached the large Fragrance Hall doors that were white with the gold lines of a Peony on the center of each, along with more golden vines swirling and curving to the edges. The two disciples on the side of the door, both glanced at Wei WuXian with narrowed eyes, but one glare from Jiang Cheng had them pulling open the doors. The brothers strode in side by side, Jiang Cheng purposely matching his brother's pace to ensure the male was beside him not behind. Not only did this show Jiang Cheng's trust in the man that was defected from the Yunmeng Sect politically, but it also made Jiang Cheng proud. His older brother was no servant.

The room was in the midst of a heavy conversation that stopped when their presence, specifically Wei WuXian's, was noticed. The demonic cultivator took no mind, stopping beside Jiang Cheng in the center of the room, gold and black standing beside with identical auras of power. Lan Xichen was sitting down at a seat beside Nie MingJue and seeing the younger males enter, he was about to stand to be beside them, but stopped when Jin Guangshan ordered, "Sect Leader Lan, please, remain there. Sect Leader Jiang, you should sit down as well,"

Jiang Cheng glanced at the Chief Cultivator, his dark eyes as stormy as ever. He looked at Wei WuXian, not wanting to leave him to be the center of attention like some sort of exotic animal. Wei WuXian gave his younger brother a small smile and firm nod, "It was a long journey, shidi, sit down won't you?"

Jiang Cheng smirked a bit at the purposeful use of 'shidi,'. It, once again, reaffirmed their relationship. Though reluctant, he moved to the empty seat beside Nie Huaisang, directly across from Lan Xichen, and sat down gracefully. Wei WuXian was now the center of attention just like those years ago, the same eyes on him, judging him, watching him, ready to pull out their swords from their scabbards and send them to be colored in blood that could only belong to him. Just thinking about the similarity made him chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Jin ZiXun demanded, face dark.

"The way you're all so terrified," Wei WuXian gave a lazy smile.

"You think being cautious of a demon is funny?" Sect Leader Yao hissed.

Wei WuXian's smile broadened, eyes shrinking into the shapes of crescent moons. He looked at the man in brown robes, "Hilarious,"

"Young Master Wei," Jin Guangyao changed the subject, his smooth and gentle tone causing Wei WuXian to look at him with proper intention. He, honestly, didn't think too bad of the third young master of the Jin Sect. His talents were nothing short of being overlooked, despite Jin Guangyao's weak cultivation. Plus, from someone who knows how remarks of your birth status can hurt, he felt some sort of understanding with the man, whose Mother was a prostitute, "You are here to help us find Hanguang Jun,"

"Well, finding him is something you all can do. I'm here to speed up the process and save him," Wei WuXian corrected politely.

"How do you plan on saving him, exactly?" Nie MingJue questioned.

"By extracting the resentment," Wei WuXian spoke as if it were an obvious thing.

"Extracting resentment?" Su She raised an eyebrow, "How does that even work?"

Wei WuXian sighed tiredly and looked over at Jiang Cheng, "Give me my sword,"

"Why?" Jiang Cheng asked, but stood up and pulled out the old weapon.

"I'll show you what I mean," Wei WuXian announced, catching the sword and unsheathing it. 

He tossed the sheathe back to Jiang Cheng and pointed the sword forward. The sight was almost startling. It had been so long since anyone had seen Wei WuXian wield his sword, a sword that had been praised to be used by the infamous swordsmanship skills of the former head disciple. But of course, Wei WuXian walked the heretical path, arrogance with every step and left behind a perfect life.

Unaware of the thoughts others were having, Wei WuXian raised his left hand and pulled forth some resentment energy, the charcoal wisps answering the call of their master. Wei WuXian saw most of the Sect Leader's move to grip the hilt of their swords in alarm and resisted the urge to snort, instead, opting to just shake his head amused. His silver eyes crackled, turning blood red and Wei WuXian took his left hand directly over Suibian's blade. 

The resentment energy flew into the blade, until it was completely gone from sight, Wei WuXian's hand rid of the tendrils. Wei WuXian's eyes returned to silver and he held his sword with two hands, talking while glancing around, "Let's say...this sword represents Lan Zhan. Right now, there's resentment energy in it,"

"But that's a spiritual sword?" Jin Guangshan protested, "How could a powerful weapon succumb to resentment?"

Wei WuXian's grip tightened on the hilt and the part of the blade he was clenching, but not enough to draw blood. He ignored the question, pretending as if he hadn't even heard it, smiling warmly, "Who wants to help me for a few seconds?"

Uneasy glances were shared around the room, no one willing to step near Wei WuXian. He had noticed that Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen seemed more than ready to help, but he gave them both a small glance to have them not move. They couldn't show too much affliction with him either as there may still be others who believe Wei WuXian to have cursed and manipulated them. Which was funny, because Wei WuXian didn't even know if there was such a curse.

Wei WuXian rolled his eyes and looked towards Nie Huaisang, who was looking at Wei WuXian with a very small hand raise, almost unnoticeable. With a small smile, Wei WuXian nodded to the boy, who closed his fan and grinned brightly at his best friend, "Nie-xiong, hold the sword out for me- but away from your body and blade pointed towards me,"

Nie Huaisang stood up, ignoring the disbelief and stern glare Nie MingJue was giving him. He walked over and took hold of the sword, adjusting his grip into something comfortable yet firm. When they were 15 and before Wei WuXian had been kicked from the lectures at Gusu, Nie Huaisang had learned a little bit about sword forms and how to hold one, taught by Wei WuXian himself! Though they didn't work well for a saber, Nie Huaisang never had a particular interest for a saber, not much for a sword either. But, he had realized sword forms came easier than the heavy weight of a saber for him.

Nie Huaisang took the sword and pointed the blade at Wei WuXian his stance obviously comfortable and firm. The sight made many people, including Nie MingJue, blink in surprise. Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, knew exactly why and smiled knowingly. Wei WuXian giggled amused before stepping back and making his eyes red once more, "The sword has resentment in it. Since you all want to know how I can help Lan Zhan, here's a smaller example,"

Wei WuXian extended one hand out towards the sword. He then inhaled and detected the resentment he had placed. The sword that Huaisang was holding quickly had a small string of black smoke of resentment energy trail out and rush towards Wei WuXian's hand. 

Everyone in the room watched in surprise as the resentment energy went straight into Wei WuXian's body, until the trail of resentment ended. The demonic cultivator dropped his hand and eyes turned back to silver. He stated, "Like that. I can find the resentment and transfer it out of Hanguang Jun and take it into me,"

He took the sword back and handed it to Jiang Cheng, who sheathed it again, placing Suibian back in his robes. Nie Huaisang patted Wei WuXian on the back, before returning to his seat, obviously satisfied with being useful. Wei WuXian looked at Jin Guangshan, "Are there any more questions?"

"The Stygian Tiger Seal," Jin Guangshan brought up and Wei WuXian's face that had been warm, darkened, smile fading rapidly and the small friendly glint that had been in his eyes after the interaction with his nephew froze over, "We'll keep it while your here-"

"No," Wei WuXian cut off, feeling the presence of Bai Chunhua, Ren MingXia, and Zeng Minsheng surround him, Bai Chunhua's gently hands placed on his shoulders, to ground him and give him a comforting squeeze, while the other two stood slightly in front of Wei WuXian, glaring at Jin Guangshan and ready to use their swords. They were, obviously, not showing themselves to the cultivators in the room, only Wei WuXian could see them and their presence made him ground himself from getting too defensive and provoke more of an argument. His words were no question, but almost that of an order, "It stays with me,"

Jin ZiXun frowned, "Wei WuXian, you should be thankful you haven't been attacked yet! We'll let you help, but you have to give us the seal,"

Wei WuXian laughed coldly, "Give you my Stygian Tiger Seal? And do tell me Jin ZiXun, how am I supposed to trust I'll get it back if I were to ever agree?"

The tense silence and eyes on Jin Guangshan only gave Wei WuXian the answer. He smiled wickedly, sick amusement in his eyes as he was proven right. His tone was dark and laced with a small threat,"It stays with me until I die,"

He saw the greedy glints of unhappiness, but disgusting determination and hate. Wei WuXian felt the hands on his shoulder squeeze firmer and Bai Chunhua reminded him, "Second Young Master Lan is still in danger, Xiao Wei,"

Wei WuXian calmed himself and his expression changed from anger to cool, "If we're done here...we should start searching for Lan Zhan,"

"Young Master Wei," Su She began, "Don't think that just because you may be the only person able to have a chance, means you suddenly get leeway and trust. You're still going to be on tight watch,"

"That's fine," Wei WuXian shrugged, "I don't trust anyone in this room except for two- maybe three people,"

"Which people?" Sect Leader Ouyang asked.

The black and red robed male smiled mysteriously, "Why should I tell you?"

"Young Master Wei, you would do good to be mindful of the words you say," Another, a more older man, said with a rough voice, "You're only being tolerated since we need to keep an eye on you and ensure Hanguang Jun's safety,"

Wei WuXian's heart twisted a bit, those words hurting him for an entirely different reason that had nothing to do with what was going on right now. Yet, his face remained indifferent.

Lan Xichen rose to his feet almost at once, his voice stern, "A-Ying is not a prisoner here. He's a guest and while this may not be Gusu, A-Ying was invited here by Sect Leader Jiang and myself. Therefore, he is an accomplice of both our Sects and should be treated as such,"

Jiang Cheng had also stood up, a dangerous and unpleasant scowl on his face, "Zewu Jun is correct. Wei WuXian is family to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, brother to myself and my sister. That means he just as family to the Jin's as a brother-in-law like me and A-Ling's DaiJiu,"

Wei WuXian grinned, looking at the red faced Jin Guangshan. The Sect Leader released a long breath of air, obviously weighing his options. He should, politically, have the power to overrule this decision as Koi Tower was his domain and he was the chief cultivator. But in treating Wei WuXian in a way not approved by the two Sect Leaders, it could cause complications internally. Especially since his son had married Jiang Yanli and publicly accepted Wei WuXian as family. Upsetting Jiang Yanli, would upset both his son, who was growing more and more bold, learning the ropes of the sect and obviously making his stands and using his place against Jin Guangshan's interests, rather than for. And upsetting them would upset his wife, which was something Jin Guangshan wanted to avoid on all terfs. Plus, he couldn't exactly argue that they needed a better plan, because even he, through his own personal interests, knew that Wei WuXian was essential.

Jin Guangshan sat up straighter and nodded, coming to a conclusion, "Fine! Young Master Wei is a guest at Koi Tower and will be treated as such. Until this case is dealt with, Young Master Wei's seclusion in YiLing can be put on hold. A-Yao..."

"Yes, Father?" Jin Guangyao answered readily and Wei WuXian couldn't help but frown a bit at the fact that as the third heir to the sect was acting as more of a servant than a young master.

"Have rooms ready. Including one for Yiling Patriarch," Jin Guangshan spoke with the fakest polite tone anyone had heard.

Wei WuXian smiled out of nothing but respect and bowed softly, "Much appreciated Sect Leader Jin," then to add, he turned to Jin Guangyao and gave him a more proper salute, "I also must thank third young master Jin for his efforts in my accommodation,"

Jin Guanyao started, eyes widening slightly, before he rushed and gave a bow in return. Jin Guangshan huffed at the obvious disrespect sent towards him, and the respect the demon had given that bastard. He stood up in a flourish of gold robes, adjourning that the meeting was over. Sect Leaders all stood up and huddled in small groups to converse and gossip. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng walked up to Wei WuXian, with relieved smiles on both their faces.

"Thank you for standing up for me," Wei WuXian looked at the two, before hovering on Lan Xichen's face. His expression turned into a firm promise, yet tone was laced with sincerity, "Xichen-Ge, I'll find him,"

Lan Xichen smiled softly and nodded. Nie MingJue walked over to the group in the center of the room. There was a noticeable gap between this group and the other chatter, but Wei WuXian ignored it. Nie MingJue fixed Wei WuXian with a venomous gaze, "If you betray any trust, I will end you,"

Wei WuXian used to like Chifeng Zun. He really did. He used to admire the man and how just he was. He believed that Chifeng Zun was one of the most just Sect Leader's out there. But that perception was shattered when the Nie Sect Leader said the Wen Remnants should be killed because they were Wens. 

So, Wei WuXian looked at Nie MingJue with an eyebrow raised mockingly, "I see the perceptions of a naive child are far misleading of what those with status truly are,"

Nie MingJue's gaze darkened at the insult, Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen both glancing between the two awkwardly and ready to defuse the situation, "Young Master Wei, tread carefully,"

"As if that will do anything. I'll tread with confidence knowing that I wouldn't kill a child for his surname, unlike most of this entire room," Wei WuXian bit right back, watching as Baxia let out a soft tremble on the man's back.

Jiang Cheng facepalmed beside him mumbling something about 'hopeless' and 'it's not even been half a day'. Nie MingJue stared at Wei WuXian eyes narrowed but he couldn't say anything except, "A child?"

There was a pause and the three sect leaders saw multiple emotions flash through Wei WuXian's face. Shock, disbelief, rage, hatred, and disgust.

"Unbelievable," Wei WuXian spat, but nonetheless informed, not breaking his gaze, which was filled with disgust, "At the Burial Mounds, there's a child of the age of five.  So young and  he should be in school, learning alongside peers, but instead he's stuck, caged, all he is learning is from commoners and our companions because of his own name," Wei WuXian paused and then tilted his head in a gesture that screamed arrogance, "Does he have blood on his hands? Do the elderly and threatened have to be blamed for the bullshit of a bastard?"

The three Sect Leaders suddenly realized where they had heard a similar statement recently. Lan Xichen looked at Wei WuXian with surprise, "You...and WangJi..."

Wei WuXian's expression changed at once, straight into confusion at the sudden question. He furrowed his brows, "What?"

"When did you last meet WangJi?" Lan Xichen asked.

'What? Why is he asking- does he know? No! Lan Xichen is being kind to me...even if its in order to save Lan Zhan, if he truly knew, I'd be dead already!’

"Two years ago," Wei WuXian answered firmly, "He escorted me back to YiLing from Lanling after the Banquet came to an end. We have not met it talked since,"

Ren MingXia snorted, "Liar,"

"That was the last time you two talked?" Lan Xichen mumbled confused.

Wei WuXian nodded slowly, hiding all emotions of unease, "Why is this shocking?"

"No, nothing, I just thought..." Lan Xichen trailed off.

Wei WuXian raised an eyebrow, but let the matter drop. He refused to speak of the truth, the consequences could be dire. For him, Wei WuXian didn't care too much. He would appeal to cursing Lan WangJi if it meant the Lan Sect would be merciful and not dare to punish their second jade. The idea of Lan WangJi being hurt made his blood turn cold, Wei WuXian forcing himself to let the topic switch.

Nie MingJue seemed to also forget about the reason he came over, sharing a glance with Lan Xichen. Jiang Cheng was staring at Wei WuXian with slightly narrowed eyes, obviously trying to figure the older out. The last time they had heard something remotely similar, the words were said by Lan WangJi, two months ago at the Unclean Realm. Wei WuXian glanced at Jiang Cheng, confused, but also let a small amount of unease show. It was something he had been trying with people close to him, something Wen Qing was strict about. He needed to be honest with his feelings, especially negative ones. 

Seeing this, Jiang Cheng's heart softened slightly, but also swelled with pride that his brother was truly trying to heal himself from the damage Yu ZiYuan and Jiang Fengmian, along with many, many others, had inflicted. Jiang Cheng knew he had his own fault for some of those wounds, and he was trying to understand and evaluate the damage and true meanings underneath Wei WuXian's smile, his sister a large help as they began to unravel the damage of their parents. And they were getting better, they were healing. Though apart, they communicated quite often with the bracelets and necklace.

Jiang Cheng placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, giving a firm squeeze as he spoke up, "So now that you're basically free- for a while anyway, what do you wanna do?"

Wei WuXian hummed, "I used to think what I'd want to do, but now that it's happened- I don't know. I've already been to Lotus Pier, seen Shijie and A-Ling. Lan Zhan is missing- and the Wen's are safe for now. I have nothing to do except worry, work, and ignore all these slimy assholes,"

Jiang Cheng snorted at the last sentence. He offered, "Huaisang wanted to catch lunch with me today, why don't you join us?"

"Yes!" Nie Huaisang's voice piped up and the boy showed himself from behind Nie MingJue, grinning widely, "Wei-xiong, join us! It'll be like the lectures at Gusu!"

Wei WuXian smiled at the memory, "Ah, blissful innocence. To think that would be the last bit of youth for our generation,"

Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang both showed expressions of reflection. The older two Sect Leader's shared another glance, before watching the younger three with complicated expressions. Wei WuXian changed the topic, "Okay! Let's go!"

Nie Huaisang beamed and grabbed Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng's wrists, pulling them out of the room before anyone could stop them. The old friends descended down the steps and the dirt path, entering into Lanling City.

Chapter Text

A male with black hair covered by a plain snow white hood walked into a tavern. His entire figure was dressed with the same color, white boots, white robes, both outer and inner, white wrist cuffs, and hidden by the top of the hood, there was even a white finger-length wide ribbon with clouds on it wrapped around his forehead. His demeanor screamed dominance and strength, but was also laced with frost, keeping those unwanted far away. 

The guests and waiters in the tavern could not help but gaze at the hooded man in awe and fear, for they had never seen a male such as him before. Cultivators were a regular sight, but this man...they felt him as different and were wary of offending him. The male walked with long strides of elegance, floating through the tavern without the help of a singe waiter. He sat down at an empty table, claiming it as his throne. His head turned slightly as if to meet all the eyes, which hastily turned away and returned back to the present situation and focusing on the conversations from before. 

The owner looked at his employees, deciding to serve the mysterious man himself. He fixed his robes and wiped his hands down dutifully before walking over. When he approached the man, he realized the fabric of the white clothing was fine. This man was definitely someone important.

Clearing his throat, the tavern owner gave a respectful boy and polite smile, "Welcome, Young Master? May I get you anything?"

"Tea," The man responded, his voice deep and alluring. He pulled the hood back slightly to reveal bright gold eyes.

The owner was startled lightly by the flame amongst the snow. Now that he had had a small glimpse of the man beneath the hood, he could see the stoic expression frozen onto the pale completion. Gathering himself, he informed, "Young Master, we have many different types of tea,"

The white cloaked man looked at the owner intensely, waiting for the options to be told. The owner's brain blanked for a few seconds, until he recalled, "A-ah. Green, Jasmine, Herbal, Black, Rose, Lotus-"

"Lotus?" The masked male couldn't stop himself from repeating.

In his mind the scene of a beautiful but small lotus pond surfaced. A small ruffle of black and red robes passed by the pond, a male with handsome features and silver eyes crouching down. He was extremely handsome, though looking mature, his skin was slightly paler than when a few years ago, and his cheeks were sunken in more, jaw more outlined. Though it was obvious he wasn't eating enough, the man was exceptionally handsome. One hand reached forward, a hand that once wielded a sword with skills far above his generation, but now mastered a power of darkness. 

Despite such history, the fingertips were tender as they brushed the delicate pink petals. The man turned his face fully and smiled a smile worth a thousand ounces of gold, a smile so beautiful, a smile that Lan WangJi had fallen hopelessly in love with, "Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Look! My lotus plants are growing well! They've even got flowers now!"

"Young Master?" The owner called out, confused in seeing the icy gold soften slightly with a faraway look.

Lan WangJi blinked out of his daze, looking back at the owner, eyes hardening again. Seeing that Lan WangJi was back, the owner resumed his talk, "Yes, Yunmeng is known for it's Lotus ponds. The Sect of our area is the Jiang Sect, stationed at Lotus Pier. Even the motif is a Lotus!"

Lan WangJi knew that, but just nodded. He moved his lips, "I'll take herbal,"

The owner seemed to deflate a bit, but nodded, "How many cups?"

Lan WangJi narrowed his eyes, getting frustrated with the owner's presence. The owner saw the glare and paled, bowing his head quickly, "I'll just get a whole kettle,"

He then hurried away from the table, whispering to his employees to stay clear from that table unless called over by their guest himself. Lan WangJi glanced around the tavern, making sure there was no one paying attention to him. He placed a hand in his lap, summoning up the cold feeling flowing around his body and through his meridians. The gold melted away into rubies, a thin line of black smoke twirling around Lan WangJi's fingers.

The cultivator released a deep breath, hiding away the resentment and eyes changing back to their normal color. He had been getting better in controlling it, despite having no clue why such situation was even happening to him. All he knew, that resentment definitely affected the mind and fed off negative emotions, even the smallest ones. 

The cultivator in black and red flashed through his mind and Lan WangJi closed his eyes softly. It wasn't the first time Wei WuXian had breached his mind, especially after Lan WangJi learned of the resentment in his body, and even more so after he had been hiding from the sects, trying to figure out the resentment on his own before risking anything. 

Wei WuXian had assured him resentment didn't affect him, but now Lan WangJi was feeling the effects first hand and couldn't help but worry. His Wei Ying was far too selfless, far too good for a world such as the one they were on, and Lan WangJi knew no matter how much he longed to protect Wei WuXian, the other was stubborn in not going, especially if it meant leaving the Wen Remnants. After numerous visits to Yiling over the past two years, Lan WangJi could conclude that even he had grown a bit attached to the family in the mountains.

'Wei Ying, I'm sorry I haven't visited in three months...' the repetitive thought made its cycle again. He didn't want to drag Wei WuXian to this, no matter the fact that a part of Lan WangJi wanted to burst into Cloud Recesses and prove that the stigmas of demonic cultivation were false. A part of him was greedily ready to secede and stay in YiLing, the Wens and Wei WuXian had accepted him since long ago.

His thoughts were broken when the owner returned, placing an elegant brown pot in front of Lan WangJi, with a matching coaster and cup. 

"Anything else, young master?" 

"Not at the moment," Lan WangJi answered, already pouring himself a cup of tea.

The owner nodded and left again. Lan WangJi let his hearing wander the tavern as he drank peacefully. The cup paused at the edge of his lips when he heard familiar names.

"...Sect Leader Lan went himself?!"

"Yes, yes! With Sect Leader Jiang!"

"Sect Leader Jiang? I thought he and Wei WuXian were on bad terms?"

Lan WangJi was alert at once. The cup was back on the table, Lan WangJi's eyes gazing over at the four men who were gossiping. He furrowed his brows muttering to himself in worry and confusion, "Wei Ying..."

"Everyone did! But turns out, it's the opposite! Yiling Patriarch was even formally addressed as Young Master Jin's brother-in-law!" 

Lan WangJi's confusion grew, but the resentment in him also made him suspicious and angry, 'What had the Sects dragged Wei Ying's name into now?'

"Bullshit! I say that Wei WuXian has probably manipulated Sect Leader Lan! There's no way someone like Zewu Jun would go to the Burial Mounds AND bring that demon out of isolation!"

Lan WangJi's eyes widened and his breathing hitched.

His brother had gone to the Burial Mounds to visit Wei WuXian? And that to- brought Wei WuXian out of seclusion, a year before the terms had ended. Lan WangJi's grip on the cup tightened. Wei WuXian had been pulled out of his test a year before the agreed terms. Just what were the sects up to?!

"He even brought him to Lanling, in front of all the Sect Leaders! He's defending him!" 

'What?'

"But why would Zewu Jun do that?"

'Yes, Brother. What are you doing?'

"Word is, there's something huge going on between Sect's that only the clan leaders are aware of. And because of this, Wei WuXian was called and temporarily brought back,"

Lan WangJi narrowed his eyes, placing a chunk of silver on the table and walking over the four males. The four of them glanced up and Lan WangJi spoke, "When was the Yiling Patriarch let out?"

"Let out?" One of the males howled with laughter, "This is all probably some big scheme of his to end his sentence! A demonic cultivator like him has managed to manipulate the great Lan Xichen!"

Lan WangJi's eyes darkened dangerously, "He wouldn't do something like that when there's only a year left,"

"You believe that filth?" Another man scoffed, "Young Master, I'll give you some advice. That Wei WuXian is immoral and a threat to the whole world! I'd say- that once the chance is given to him, the Sect's won't hesitate to finally strike down the beast!"

Lan WangJi's eyes turned red at that, his anger enlightening at the insults of the man who owned his heart. The four cultivators saw the change and gasped, scrambling backward. Lan WangJi lowered his hood, revealing the forehead ribbon with cloud patterns and drawing a  thin, nearly transparent blade. This blade exuded an air of ice and snow and a light blue glare when drawn. 

This blade is famous in the cultivation world.

The four cultivators had already seen the forehead ribbon, but now with the sight of Bichen in front of them, their suspicions were confirmed. It was the infamous Hanguang Jun, Lan WangJi!

The four cultivators were in awe, standing up and bowing, "Hanguang Jun! You must be traveling and want to know more about your rival's actions, y-"

Lan WangJi's eyes turned more red at the word 'rival' and he grabbed the cultivator by the collar, throwing him at the table he had been sitting at. Shocked screams and gasps were thrown all over the tavern. Lan WangJi shifted his cold gaze to the three cultivators, "How disgusting of you. Speaking of my brother and Wei Ying as if you know them,"

"H-hanguang Jun! Have mercy, please!" One man begged, though he didn't know why he was begging to the light bearer.

Lan WangJi snorted coldly and slashed his sword, sending a gust of spiritual energy at the three, sending them flying back and crashing into tables. Bichen sheathed again and Lan WangJi's eyes returned back to gold, "Where is Wei Ying?"

The sharp tone in his voice made everyone shiver. The first cultivator who had been thrown weakly pushed himself up and answered, "La-lanling..Koi T-tower..."

Everyone in the room, now having the identification of the mysterious male shivered for what would happen at Koi Tower. It was well known that Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi were fire and ice. Black and White. Yin and Yang. 

They were enemies and were always arguing. Even before the Sunshot Campaign and Wei WuXian's turn to the dark arts, the two had contradicting personalities. So, naturally the cultivator who answered assumed the light bearer was going after his old enemy for manipulating Lan Xichen, Lan WangJi's older brother. 

Oh, how wrong they were.

Lan WangJi turned from the destroyed tavern, after placing another piece of silver down. He pulled up his hood again, throwing open the doors and walking into the town. Lan WangJi swerved around people, making his way out of the town and into a small patch of trees. He unsheathed Bichen and stepped on, flying up into the sky and in the direction of Koi Tower. 

Only one goal was in his head, and that was to figure out why the fuck the great sects, his own brother, had brought Wei WuXian into a snake den that was desperate to sink fangs into his beloved's strength. Anything could happen at Koi Tower, and Lan WangJi could only hope Wei WuXian would remain unharmed.

Or else Lan WangJi swears he would burn that golden palace to the ground.

Chapter Text

"Wei WuXian!" Jiang Cheng's voice bellowed through the gardens.

Wei WuXian turned around towards his brother's voice, holding Jin Ling in his arms. It had been four days since his return to the outside world and Wei WuXian spent most of that time with his family and learning more of what he could about Lan WangJi's situation. He also did frequent communications with Wen Qing to make sure everything was food back home.

Jiang Cheng ran into view, his features carrying urgency, "It's Crucial! Come quick!"

Wei WuXian nodded and looked at Jin Ling, "A-Ling, I've got to go, okay?"

Jin Ling pouted but nodded, "Come back,"

Wei WuXian laughed and agreed. He then turned towards Jiang Yanli, who had been sitting on the bench swing watching them with a soft smile as she read a book.

"Shijie, you'll have to take A-Ling, " 

Jiang Yanli nodded with a warm smile, taking her son in her arms. She then said a soft farewell to both her brothers, before Wei WuXian ran towards Jiang Cheng. Once again, they were walking down gold and white corridors, leading to Elegance Hall. 

They walked in, side by side, black of Chenqing and deep purple of Sandu glittering at their waists. The doors closed behind them and Jiang Cheng guided Wei WuXian towards a large table set in the center of the hall with a large map on it. On the map there were multiple markings and small words and phrases across the land, but never straying too far away from the Great Sects. Only the gentry Sect Leaders were looking over the material, with exception of Jin Guangshan being replaced by his two sons and nephew. Other Sect leaders were standing nearby looking troubled, whispers being exchanged and worried murmures, a few glances sent towards Wei WuXian. 

When they reached the table, Wei WuXian smoothly stood beside his brother and Lan Xichen. The atmosphere of the room was tense and worried. Wei WuXian looked down at the map, eyes hardening in concentration as he understood. These were markings of all the places Lan WangJi had been reported seen, the dates written beside each marking. It was spread out, but Wei WuXian noticed a few of the earliest locations were in the YiLing area. Wei WuXian's eyes softened slightly, realizing what it meant. Though scanning around, he realized it was a little over a month ago that Lan WangJi began to hide himself and stay out of reports, large gaps in between dates, in locations far from one another. He looked up at Lan Xichen, seeing the older man deep in thought. Wei WuXian broke the silence, "What's wrong?"

"We got word from a small town in Yunmeng," Jin ZiXuan informed, pointing to the town quite the distance from Lotus Pier, and even farther from Lanling, "Hanguang Jun was seen there and he caused quite the scene,"

Wei WuXian's eyes widened, "Lan Zhan was seen?"

"The cultivators sent word to Lotus Pier, which sent it to Sect Leader Jiang," Nie MingJue explained, "The description was a young, tall male cultivator cloaked in white with the Lan Sect forehead ribbon worn. The cultivators identified Bichen, and added the fact that WangJi showed both gold and red eyes,"

Wei WuXian's expression tightened in worry, "Red eyes?"

Jiang Cheng nodded, "It was also how we realized the resentment had been simmering inside him for too long. Back in the Unclean Realm, when Hanguang Jun was, rightfully, yelling at Jin ZiXun," Jin ZiXun glared sharply, about to refute, but Jiang Cheng's eyes were ten times sharper and more dangerous, "His eyes turned red, flashing between the two colors. After he took in the resentment from Baxia, his eyes stayed red for a while, before returning to gold,"

Wei WuXian frowned a bit, glancing over at Baxia, "Why does Baxia have resentment?"

Nie MingJue's face darkened, "That is not the concern of a rogue cultivator,"

Wei WuXian shrugged, "Okay, not my problem," He then glanced at where the tavern was marked on the map, "What happened at the tavern?"

"He attacked the four cultivators," Lan Xichen's voice came out pained, "He didn't injure them- or fight them- or, thank heaven, kill them. He didn't do much, but he did throw them around and draw Bichen,"

Wei WuXian's eyes widened, brain beginning to churn. The Lan WangJi he knew would never attack unless absolutely provoked or in danger. That too, if he was provoked (which was extremely difficult), Bichen would never be drawn!

"The cultivators also mentioned something very suspicious," Jin ZiXun narrowed his eyes towards Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXian knew that look. It was one filled with accusation and suspicion. Yu ZiYuan had given him that look the first time she laid eyes on him, all the way until the last time Wei WuXian had seen her alive. So many people gave him that look, that he was up to no good, that he was going to cause trouble. Wei WuXian looked at Jiang Cheng, "What did I do?"

"Nothing, but the world has gotten around that you've been brought out of the Burial Mounds," Jiang Cheng assured firmly, "The cultivators were talking about this matter when Hanguang Jun approached them and said at most two sentences before attacking them,"

Wei WuXian paused and then blinked, "Hah?"

He then tilted his head in thought. His eyes brightened in realization, "Oh...were the cultivators speaking...ill of me?"

Everyone looked at him in confusion, but Wei WuXian was staring at his brother. Jiang Cheng frowned and shrugged, but then bitterly muttered, "I wouldn't be too surprised, they were cultivators of the Yao and Ouyang sects,"

Wei WuXian smiled a bit, before he chuckled amused. Lan Xichen blinked, "A-Ying?"

"No, no, nothing," Wei WuXian tried, but his heart was swelling with warmth. 

The last time he had seen Lan WangJi get remotely angry in a tavern, he was visiting YiLing. Wei WuXian and him had been seated in a corner of the tavern to avoid any attention being drawn to them. There was a group of travellers that had come in and were rambling loudly about the latest gossip. Eventually, Wei WuXian had been brought into conversation and the cultivators were spitting and insulting. Wei WuXian noticed the natives and the employees of the tavern had hardened their eyes in displeasure, glaring at the group and starting to speak of the unfavorable rumors surrounding the cultivation world that did not include Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXian had heard it too and tried to ignore it, but to some extent he couldn't help but flinch when he heard the words, "Nothing more than a tainted monster! Disgracing everything he touches! I can't wait until the sects finally run a sword through his heartless chest!"

Lan WangJi saw the flinch and his eyes darkened, the cup slamming into the table loudly. Wei WuXian glanced up at him, surprised, along with a couple other people in the tavern. They were both wearing simple robes, Lan WangJi in light blue, rather than his blinding white, and Wei WuXian in red, rather than black. Lan WangJi's forehead ribbon was also tied around his wrist, rather than his head to further obscure his identity. Lan WangJi glanced over at the men, golden eyes seething with anger.

Wei WuXian understood at once and reached over, taking the other's hand, "Lan Zhan, don't,"

Lan WangJi glanced at him, eyes softening slightly. But they hardened as another spat was barked in laughter, "He's the son of a servant! Nothing special and just the lowest of the lows!"

Wei WuXian grimaced and his grip weakened and his fingers curled away from touching the other. Lan WangJi's face turned colder. Without moving, he pulled out a talisman and sent it straight to the table. Within a second of its landing, the talisman released a large burst of brown powder. It was one of Wei WuXian's unfinished inventions.

Wei WuXian panicked and he yelped, "Lan Zhan! That's itching powder! They're gonna have sores all over their skin and be itchy!"

"I know," Lan WangJi replied, pouring himself a cup of tea and drinking it as he heard the men scream and yell in alarm, asking for help and assistance, but received none, "They spoke ill of Wei Ying, deserved it,"

Wei WuXian stared, "You can't do that everytime,"

"I will," Lan WangJi promised, a small smile curling at his lips.

Wei WuXian shook his head clear and out of his little day dream. He noticed everyone staring at him with puzzlement and coughed awkwardly, "Nothing, I'm just thinking of how much the resentment might've affected him,"

"There's another piece of information that is sort of important," Nie Huaisang squeaked out, "Hanguang Jun asked for Wei-Xiong's location before leaving the tavern and after attacking,"

Wei WuXian couldn't help but groan, but then realized, and beamed brightly, "Wait- no! This is good!"

"How is this good?!" Jin ZiXuan demanded.

"Young Master Wei, Hanguang Jun attacked four cultivators and demanded your location...does that not worry you?" Jin Guangyao frowned.

"Uh- no?" Wei WuXian raised an eyebrow.

"Heartless!" Sect Leader Yao spat and Wei WuXian was reminded of the others in the room.

"The cultivators are perfectly fine," Wei WuXian rolled his eyes, "The good thing is that Lan Zhan asked for my location,"

"How is that good?" Sect Leader Ouyang snorted.

"Perhaps the Yiling Patriarch is prepared to meet his fate at the hands of his fated enemy," Su She mocked.

Fated Enemy

Wei WuXian felt his heart twist, the familiar feeling of doubt and fear curling around his memories. He glared at Su She and clarified, "Lan Zhan has my location and left. So we can assume he's looking for me, correct?"

"Yes..." Nie MingJue nodded slowly.

Nie Huaisang spoke up, "I think I get it! Wei-Xiong, you mean that because Hanguang Jun has your location and is looking for you, we can find him easily!"

Wei WuXian grinned, knowing well how intelligent Nie Huaisang was, "Exactly! And since I'm in Lanling, it's safe to assume that Lan Zhan will show up here,"

There was a pause in the room.

Lan Xichen broke the silence with a grin, "Wonderful, A-Ying! This is good! If WangJi comes here, we might be able to make him listen and fix him!"

Wei WuXian winked, "As long as nothing goes wrong and I don't leave Lanling, it shouldn't be too hard,"

"Leave Lanling?" Jin ZiXun caught, suspicion arising in his eyes again, "Are you scheming something?"

"No, but I know for the past few days, some people have been eager to try and rush to my den..." Wei WuXian spoke coldly, eyes slowly wandering the room, "So...if no one acts- and I doubt anyone would dare to provoke me when I'm outside, everything will be perfectly fine,"

Jiang Cheng, Lan Xichen, Jin ZiXuan, and Nie MingJue glanced around the room. Wei WuXian noticed a few pale faces and guilty looks. After counting an approximate number, he broke into a warm grin again, "Now, let's talk about what we should do when Lan Zhan arrives..."

He halted and thought aloud, "...Why is Lan Zhan looking for me?"

"Because he hates you, why else?" Someone scoffed.

"You two are fire and ice! He must be shocked and suspicious to know your out early and wants to check it out,"

"Everyone knows Er-ge let you out," Jin Guangyao spoke calmly, "Perhaps Hanguang Jun is worried you've- no offence, done something,"

Wei WuXian stared at Jin Guangyao, before glancing at the map, fingers curling into fists in his robes. He felt hurt sprout in his heart and couldn't help but laugh sarcastically, the familiar feeling of hate for the man he was appearing. A familiar snide barked from him, "Yes, that must be it. He must be coming to talk to me about listening to music or coming to Gusu!"

"A-Ying," Lan Xichen started slowly, but Wei WuXian just shook his head, his hair hiding the pain in his expression from everyone.

"Listening to music? Gusu?" Su She raised an eyebrow, "Why would he want to play for you?"

Wei WuXian looked down, regret pooling in his guts.

"Answer me!" Lan WangJi repeated.

Jiang Cheng blocked himself between the two, "Second Young Master Lan!"

Wei WuXian spoke from behind the young Sect Leader, "Second Young Master Lan, what you're asking about really can't be explained in a short amount of time. If it's kind of strange. If I were to ask you about the GusuLan Sect's secrets techniques would you answer me?"

Lan WangJi walked past Jiang Cheng and came straight at him. Wei WuXian crossed his flute in front of him, "That's too much isn't it? Why so unfriendly? Lan Zhan, just what in the world do you want to do?"

Lan WangJi spoke one word at a time, "Go back to Gusu with me,"

Hearing this, both Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng were surprised. 

Quickly after, Wei WuXian laughed, "Go back to Gusu with you? To the Cloud Recesses? Why go there?"

He immediately seemed to realize, "Oh. I forgot. Your uncle Lan Qiren hates crooked people like me. You're his proudest disciple, so of course you're the same as him, haha. I refuse,"

Wei WuXian felt Zeng Minsheng pat his back and whisper a few reminders in his ears. The reminders made his heart swell again, clinging onto the memories again. He listened to Cleansing quite often because of Lan WangJi, they played music together frequently, the guqin and dizi dancing around one another perfectly. 

Exhaling softly, Wei WuXian let out a light chuckle and shrugged, "Maybe he wants me to copy rules!"

Lan Xichen frowned, while the rest of the group just sighed at the Yiling Patriarch's comments. Wei WuXian knew the way people thought of him, he knew which sentences people would ignore and hit on. And he had longed since learned to play a psychological war with those against him, just as much as a physical one. The slander and cold pride he felt when seeing anger and speechlessness, made up for the gruesomeness that the Yin energy would try and feed him with. 

And it wasn't difficult either.

Wei WuXian was a gifted liar and actor. The demonic cultivator could wear a smile on his face, when he felt like cutting out his heart. Wei WuXian wasn't immune to pain because he communicated with the dead. He had felt pain. He'd seen pain. He had been through more than anyone  in this room could phantom. Would any cultivator in this room survive the torture of watching their golden core pulled from their body? Spiritual energy leaving him and rendering them nothing more of a common man? Would anyone in this room survive in the Burial Mounds that had been the first to feel the true pain Wei WuXian had gone through, using it to both save and curse him?

None of them could.

And Wei WuXian never regretted it. He felt lucky to have Wen Qing at the Burial Mounds, who had become another older sister for him. A doctor, who had been guiding Wei WuXian through his silent depression. Making sure he wasn't going to act rash. The only person other than Wen Ning, who had watched as Wei WuXian lost his powers, giving up cultivation for his martial brother. Wei WuXian had not known, at the time, how to keep it a secret for long. He had planned to ensure the transfer was successful and his brother was healed, before either staying beside Jiang Cheng for a little longer and dying in battle, or run away and play dead. Perhaps he could travel far from the sects and live his life as a commoner, a peaceful life of no judgement and no masters or servants. 

But then, Wen Chao found him, caught him, and beat him. He solved the predicament, made the choice for Wei WuXianby tossing the 17 year old male into the Burial Mounds, where Wei WuXian mastered demonic cultivation out of force and desperation to protect his family. 

Now, he had power. And the rest of the world believed he had chosen the darkness, when it was the other way around. Darkness had chosen him from the moment Wei WuXian was born. From the moment his parents had perished. When he was a street rat. When he caused a rift in the former Jiang Sect Leader's marriage. When he caused the destruction of Lotus Pier. When he caused the death of Jiang Cheng's parents. When Jiang Cheng had lost his core. When he had given up his cultivation. When he was so content on dying and rotting away, the darkness kept him alive. 

Wei WuXian was one with the darkness now. He had been shocked to find how powerful resentment was. But enough practice and his own curiosity, launched into what was now his demonic cultivation. Wei WuXian did not hate his methods. He loved them and was proud of himself for mastering it and not losing his mind. Protecting the innocent and stepping away from his loved one's to protect them. He didn't care.

He had promised himself he would protect the weak. He did so.

He had promised Madam Yu to protect Jiang Cheng till his death. He would and had done so.

He had promised Jiang Cheng he would be his subordinate. The only promise that was not kept was this one, because Wei WuXian was no longer in a position to do so. He had made amends with himself, coping with the guilt by saying, 'I'll always be protecting him and by his side supporting him. A part of me is revolving around him, pulsing spiritual energy and power through him.'

Perhaps it wasn't the way Jiang Cheng wanted the promise to be kept. But Wei WuXian had not given him the choice. He wouldn't tell Jiang Cheng the truth about his core. If the secret of Wei WuXian not having a core was revealed, he would say it was Wen Zhuliu. Anyone would trust that, seeing as he did vanish for three months during the war.

"Alright, so tomorrow, we'll discuss how to make Hanguang Jun stay here," Nie MingJue pulled Wei WuXian back.

Wei WuXian nodded in agreement, stepping back and bowing. He turned away and receded from the hall, walking towards the room he had been given. The moon was already high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the Koi Tower, clashing with the gold. Wei WuXian looked up at it for a few seconds, hovering just outside his room. He loved the moon, adored the night sky. It was a contrast of the day and while many probably would've thought he would prefer the bustle and loudness of sun, he had always loved the night. He loved to bathe in silver, he loved to listen to sounds of nature, the wind, the trees, the leaves, the water. He loved looking up and watching the stars, mapping them and appreciating them mentally.

The moon gave him many memories, beautiful ones. Of the time when he ran away from Lotus Pier after Jiang Cheng's dogs had been sent away, only for Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng to search for him and their bond to be created. Of the time he climbed over the wall of Cloud Recesses and first met the second Jade of Lan, Hanguang Jun. Of that blissful night of Jin Ling's one-month banquet and the lovely night of sweet honest words and comforting touches. He sighed breathlessly, opening up the doors and walking inside. He turned around to close them, his figure freezing a bit and movements of closing the door slowing down.

There was another presence in the room, specifically not too far from behind him. But seeing that the three ghosts hadn't appeared or said anything, Wei WuXian didn't think it was someone about to muder him...but he still wasn't taking any chances. Wei WuXian stepped backwards, pretending to look at something beside the door. He felt the presence move and he twisted on his ankle, grabbing his flute and spinning around. His wrist was caught quickly in a grip far stronger than what he expected. The grip made him quickly push resentment into his wrist meridians, hiding the lack of spiritual energy at once.  Both parties were extremely strong, the clash of their movements sending Wei WuXian stumbling back.

His balance was terrible, along with his former tolerance with his golden core. His back slammed loudly against the door and he was about to yell, before a hand covered his mouth. Wei WuXian was about to use resentment, before he froze, eyes widening, a familiar scent of sandalwood wafting into his nose. 

Only one person he knew smelled like that...

And that was Lan WangJi.

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian snapped his eyes up, seeing the face covered by the white hood. His eyes looked down, finding the snow white boots. He trailed upwards, recognizing the familiar white robes, added with the white cloak. Wei WuXian looked back at the face, catching a faint flash of the golden eyes. He brought the hand, not being held by his wrist, towards the hood, pushing it off quickly before Lan WangJi could stop him.

Lan WangJi removed his hand from Wei WuXian's mouth, grabbing the other wrist and holding the demonic cultivator in place. The two stared at one another silently, Wei WuXian - the more confused one - swallowed thickly, feeling heated under the amber eyes.

"Lan Zhan?" He managed.

"Wei Ying," Lan WangJi said.

Relief flooded him and Wei WuXian relaxed, leaning his head against the door, exhaling deeply, "I thought I was in danger...fucks sake, you should've said something!"

Lan WangJi hummed a bit about to comment, but his eyes flickered to the door and hardened. Wei WuXian yelped in shock as he was suddenly pulled through the room, both their bodies hidden behind the changing screen. Wei WuXian looked up completely off guard, but Lan WangJi was staring in the direction of the door with narrowed eyes, one hand around Wei WuXian's waist, the other gripping Bichen's hilt. 

Wei WuXian got his answer for the reaction when the door clicked open and footsteps sounded, "Young Master Wei?"

It was a male disciple who had probably heard Wei WuXian slam against the door, and later his yelp. Wei WuXian saw Lan WangJi stiffen, the grip on his sword tightening. Wei WuXian frowned, 'He doesn't want them to know he's here...then why did he bring me along?'

"Young Master Wei?"

"A-ah! Yes!" Wei WuXian answered.

"Are you alright?"

"Of course! Why do you ask?" Wei WuXian giggled a bit.

"I heard some noise...a bang and a scream," The man confessed, looking at the screen.

"Oh! Yes, that was me! You see, I'm a bit clumsy sometimes!" Wei WuXian laughed.

"Oh! Are you hurt?" The man's voice slightly moved closer to the screen, soft footsteps approaching.

Lan WangJi's eyes narrowed, Wei WuXian quickly reaching over and placing his hand over Lan WangJi's, keeping Bichen sheathed. He gave Lan WangJi a look, before turning back and speaking, "I'm fine! Just about to change,"

"Are you certain you are not hurt? The bang was quite loud,"

Wei WuXian finally couldn't take it and removed Lan WangJi's hand, shucking off his robes slightly to reveal his shoulders and stuck his head around the screen, showing only his bare shoulder and face. His eyebrow raised, "Young man, do you have another intention here?" he smirked teasingly, "I know cut sleeves exist and have no judgement, but to be bold enough to try and seduce me of all people...I'm quite caught off guard!"

In terms of running wild, Wei WuXian was most definitely a master.

The male turned red, "What?! NO! No! That's not what I- I'm not a cutsleeve!"

Wei WuXian hummed, "Not sure yet? Are you trying to see if I'd let you test around with me?"

The man turned a darker red, "NO, No! My apologies for intruding, I wish you a wonderful night, Young Master Wei!"

The man then scrambled out of the room, closing the door. Wei WuXian's laughter echoed around the room as he walked out from behind the screen, looking in the direction of the door, with a bright grin, "That was more fun than I- hm?"

He stopped when his hand was held and turned around, only for his mouth to be hit with the soft feeling of lips. Wei WuXian's eyes fluttered shut, answering to the familiar gesture of familiar lips on his. Lan WangJi changed his grip to hold Wei WuXian's waist with one hand, the other holding the back of the younger's hair, possessively. Wei WuXian hummed in satisfaction, hugging the males neck tightly. When they parted, they both panted softly, Wei WuXian breaking into a loving smile, "Is my Hanguang Jun jealous?"

Lan WangJi looked down at him, "Perhaps,"

Wei WuXian giggled softly, pressing his lips to the latters again. Pulling back, he muttered, "I missed you...you didn't visit for three months, I was worried,"

Lan WangJi moved both his hands around the demonic cultivators waist, eyes softening, "I'm sorry,"

Wei WuXian just smiled to assure it was fine. He then remembered the entire situation and blinked, "Ah...why are you here?"

"Why are you here?" Lan WangJi repeated.

"I asked first," Wei WuXian stated.

Lan WangJi huffed, but answered, "I heard you were here and came to find you, I was worried,"

"Worried?"

"You have another year,"

Wei WuXian's expression turned bitter, "I know. I'm not supposed to be here. I have another year of being a caged bird, whatever,"

Lan WangJi frowned, "Do you feel trapped?"

Wei WuXian almost laughed, grumbling coldly, "What does anyone care how I feel?"

Lan WangJi's face turned stern and Wei WuXian winced, knowing his mistake. He hung his head, "Sorry, force of habit,"

"You had stopped,"

"Its harder...being out here. Old habits are very tempting," Wei WuXian released his grip and stepped away, avoiding eye contact. 

He heard Lan WangJi intake, the other knowing well what 'old habits' could mean. Wei WuXian swallowed and placed Chenqing underneath his pillow, before peeling off his outer robe, folding them and setting them down neatly. He then turned around and saw Lan WangJi's eyes on him, the gold trailing up and down.

Wei WuXian smiled knowingly and couldn't stop himself from teasing, "Miss me?"

"So much," Lan WangJi answered without pause.

Wei WuXian blushed lightly, before shaking his head and stating, 

"Go away, come back tomorrow morning,"

"Why?" Lan WangJi walked over slowly.

Wei WuXian chuckled, "I have to sleep,"

"This early?" Lan WangJi narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I've got quite the work cut out for me, especially being here! Plus, if they're going to provide me with comfortable beds, I'm going to use them as much as I can," Wei WuXian smiled coldly, "Plus, if I'm even a second late, they are going to be ready to ship me off to a sect for execution,"

"They are trying to do the same to me," Lan WangJi shrugged, coming to a stop in front of the younger.

Wei WuXian gaped up at Lan WangJi, "What? How did you come to that conclusion?"

"They are trying to catch me," Lan WangJi spoke dryly.

Wei WuXian blinked for a few seconds, "Yeah? They're trying to help you...Lan Zhan, do you know what state Xichen-Ge is in?"

Lan WangJi's eyes flashed with confusion and worry, "My brother...is he...not well?"

Wei WuXian was shocked. Has Lan WangJi been so far affected, already?! Worry sprouted in his heart and he let it show on his face.

"He's worried sick about you! Lan Zhan! Your brother came to me because he wants me to help him, help you!" Wei WuXian revealed.

Lan WangJi's eyes widened, "You- You came out to...help me?"

"Yes, you fuddy-duddy! Have you been affected that much?!"

Lan WangJi's eyes turned slightly displeased, "You know,"

"Yes!" Wei WuXian exclaimed and quickly sent you three silencing talismans on the doors to avoid any more guards coming in here due to hearing him talk with someone, "Lan Zhan, what the fuck is going on?"

"Why are you here?" Lan WangJi's voice was cold.

Wei WuXian paused at the hostility in the tone. It was strange, and for some reason, it hurt. Wei WuXian's eyes softened, "Lan Zhan..."

Lan WangJi exhaled deeply, eyes closing. Wei WuXian watched him take three deep breaths, until the gold was back. He let Lan WangJi move closer to hold him, Wei WuXian looking at the jade concern, "Lan Zhan, why are you-"

He was cut off by a soft kiss. Lan WangJi's voice came out slightly pleading, but very gentle, "Tonight, just me and you. Please, let us not worry about...everything,"

Wei WuXian frowned, but he also knew it wasn't just something Lan WangJi needed. Wei WuXian needed the other as well, he had missed him dearly over the past three months. With a sigh, Wei WuXian nodded, "Tomorrow, we're talking,"

"Deal," Lan WangJi muttered, a deep kiss being shared between them.

It was slow and sensual, before growing heated and fast, tongues and teeth clashing. Lan WangJi placed one knee on the bed, supporting Wei WuXian with one hand as he pushed the younger down onto the mattress. Wei WuXian's hands skillfully undid the ties of the white cloak, Lan WangJi throwing it to the ground, along with a sealing talisman on the door.

Wei WuXian closed his eyes, soft exhales of pleasure passing his lips as his neck began to be marked. He warned softly, "Not too high...I'm still the most wanted criminal in the world,"

Lan WangJi huffed in displeasure, but appealed, biting down on the man's shoulder. Wei WuXian sighed in love, pulling the other up to lock lips again, their hands moving across one another to remove the clothing

Wei WuXian really felt like his heart was about to give out. They had been with this relationship for the past two years since the first time they had claimed one another on that very night after Lan WangJi brought Wei WuXian back to YiLing after the Banquet. They did not head to the Burial Mounds, but rather an inn, booking a room and melting into the presence of one another. Wei WuXian showed himself, all his scars, all the damage and physical condition he was in. And Lan WangJi had cherished  him, he always treated Wei WuXian like porcelain, tender, and loving kisses and touches, to every scar, every mark. 

Soon, their robes were both completely discarded and the ribbons that were holding the hair back were set aside. Wei WuXian tangled and gripped the long black locks with the texture of silk, gasping as Lan WangJi traced the scars along his torso. The heavy scent of sandalwood wrapped around the demonic cultivator, intoxicating him and making breathing harder as the touches got wilder and closer. Wei WuXian let out a loud moan, back arching at the feeling he had missed so badly.

Lan WangJi stared down at him, obviously satisfied with the reaction. Wei WuXian stared at him, seeing the smug expression with love and smiled, pulling the other down. They tangled in one another, words exchanged in tones filled with affection, love, and pleasure.

◒

Wei WuXian snuggled closer to his beloved, their bodies covered in the thin material of sleeping robes pressed against one another. Lan WangJi held him softly, rubbing gentle circles on the latter's hips, occasionally placing feathery kisses in the black hair. Wei WuXian placed his own peck on the jade's shoulder. And though he wanted to just relish in this moment, desperate to just live in the present and shove away the situation, he couldn't. Now that they were both down from their highs on one another, months of longing healed in a long night of love, both their bodies marked by the other, bathed and took care of one another, his mind brought him straight into the situation. Wei WuXian tightened his grip, humming a song familiar to both of them. 

At the same time, he searched for the resentment in Lan WangJi, seeing if he could manage to reach for it and-

"Wei Ying, stop searching," 

Wei WuXian's humming cut off as he glanced up, frowning, "Lan Zhan, you can't just harbor resentment in your body,"

"It is not bad," Lan WangJi defended.

Wei WuXian scowled, "Resentment is very bad!"

"You use it,"

"I'm different!" Wei WuXian hissed, "I have something you don't that allows me to control it better than it controls me! Do you understand?"

Lan WangJi's eyes darkened, "I've been learning and working with it, I can control it, I know how to control and use it. I can help you, Wei Ying, I can prove that your cultivation is not bad,"

Wei WuXian's eyes widened in loving horror, "Lan Zhan..."

Lan WangJi just stared at him and Wei WuXian probably had tears of fear and affection, because how was he supposed to respond to that?! Wei WuXian closed his eyes muttering swears, before opening his eyes and speaking sternly, "I'm supposed to be helping you,"

"I don't need help, I am fine," Lan WangJi assured, placing a soft peck to Wei WuXian's forehead.

"No, no, you are not fine!" Wei WuXian protested, "You are harboring resentment energy! You're using it, you're learning how to control it, Lan Zhan, you aren't okay!"

"I am fine," Lan WangJi repeated, "Wei Ying...I had assumed you wouldn't be upset about me using demonic cultivation,"

Wei WuXian screeched, "What?!"

Lan WangJi gave him a look that meant he was completely serious. 

Wei WuXian shook his head in disbelief, "Lan Zhan, how could you think that I'd be happy about this!? You're using demonic cultivation! I tried to ignore it, but I know you're different. Its affecting you, its already affected you! Do you realize what can happen if you keep using it?! Lan Zhan you could die!!!!"

Lan WangJi sucked in a breath, "Wei Ying uses it as well,"

Wei WuXian wanted to throw a fit, "NO, Lan Zhan! I...I'm different, I've learned, I've done things no one should ever do! Yes, I'm proud of myself for mastering resentment, but that doesn't mean I want others to go down this path," He cupped Lan WangJi's face, and his voice became weak, "I don't want you going down this path,"

Lan WangJi stared at him, obviously trying to dilute the faint touches of trauma Wei WuXian still held close to his heart. Lan WangJi had seen the scars, all of them. He had touched each and every one of them. A few, he could figure out where they were from, the Wen brandmark on Wei WuXian's chest, the two faint bite marks from canine creatures when Wei WuXian was still a child, the couple lashes of a whip wielded by Yu ZiYuan that were far too strong at the time to not scar. But there were many others Lan WangJi had no clue where they were from, and had never asked. 

He exhaled softly, bringing the demonic cultivator closer to him and shutting his eyes. He felt Wei WuXian grip him tighter, pressing his forehead to Lan WangJi's shoulder. They laid in silence for a few more seconds until Lan WangJi came to a conclusion. He wanted to get rid of the resentment, but he had a feeling it wasn't as simple. He needed the resentment to be able to find out where it came from, to find out what happened on that nighthunt. He had been attacked, he knew this, there were humans, at least they looked human. But the more Lan WangJi thought back to that night, he realized there were too many factors missing and that the resentment might not necessarily be from the yao at all.

Which made it all the more reason he couldn't have Wei WuXian just extract the resentment. There were too many variables and risks. He refused to have his lover in danger because of him. He nuzzled into the black hair, placing a flurry of soft kisses, "I'm sorry,"

Wei WuXian was confused, "For what-"

Wei WuXian gasped suddenly when he felt gentle hits on the side of his waist, his body going numb. Lan WangJi pulled back, sitting up and his hands slipping away.  Wei WuXian grunted, trying to move, he looked at Lan WangJi with a glare and pleading eyes, "Lan Zhan! Remove it!"

Lan WangJi gave him a small glance, before scooping him up and laying him down properly. Wei WuXian struggled, desperation seeping into his tone and voice. Wei WuXian grunted again, "Lan Zhan! Lan WangJi! Release it!"

Lan WangJi sighed, literally tucking the demonic cultivator into bed. He then sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over to face Wei WuXian's glare, "Wei Ying, they're going to hurt you once you finish trying to help,"

"Let them try," Wei WuXian spat coldly.

Lan WangJi shook his head, "I am fine. I can control it. My core keeps me from getting corrupted,"

Wei WuXian tried to shake his head, protesting clearly, "No, Lan Zhan! No! That's not how it works!!"

Lan WangJi gave a small smile, "I'm fine. Now, you should rest. I'll see you tomorrow,"

"What?" Wei WuXian muttered, words getting eaten by a very chaste kiss.

Lan WangJi pulled back, gazing at the beautiful man in front of him, before raising one hand. He flicked Wei WuXian's forehead with a finger glowing blue from spiritual energy. Wei WuXian's breathing hitched and his head became heavy. He let a weak, "Lan Zhan..." fall from his lips before everything went dark, the last sight being his lover's slightly regretful face.

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian woke up to panicked yells. He could identify four different voices. One worrying, one in rage, one trying to calm them down, and another trying to think. He groaned loudly, the voices all coming to a sharp stop. Wei WuXian grimaced, body aching and head spinning. Opening his eyes, Wei WuXian saw the blurry figure of a female, only able to identify her by the voice, "A-Xian! A-Xian!"

"Sh...shijie..." Wei WuXian groaned, blinking rapidly as his eyesight cleared, "Fuck...my head...and my back..."

"Oh, thank god, you're awake!" Jiang Cheng's voice yelled and Wei Wuxian avoided the urge to flinch, "We thought you died!"

Wei WuXian snapped his eyes open and he shot up, pushing up grabbing his head, "Did you call a healer?"

His voice came out much more panicked than he wanted it to be. Pushing forward, he decided to blink rapidly to wake himself up a bit more. Now that he was sitting up, he noticed who was in the room. Lan Xichen, Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, and Nie MingJue were all in his room. Wei WuXian relaxed when he found no healer, meaning the secret about his core was still untold.

"No, we were about to..." Jiang Yanli confirmed, confused and worried, "Why?"

"Nothing, it's fine," Wei WuXian cleared his throat, "Why didn't you just wake me up?"

"We couldn't," Nie MingJue explained, "You were put asleep by spiritual energy. A powerful one as well,"

Wei WuXian blinked, before the memories of last night crashed over him. In an instant his face slowly began to red and he quickly checked his robes, adjusting them tighter and assuring nothing would be seen. Lan WangJi had listened to some degree, but the marks still littered over his skin, "A-ah...I remember..."

"Are you sick? Why have you gone red?" Jiang Cheng frowned.

Wei WuXian did not answer, moving to rise to his feet, before wincing slightly and sitting straight back down. He really couldn't say anything else, not exactly keen on telling those here he had sex last night, let alone with the knowledge that no one in the entire world, except the Wen Remnants, were even aware Wei WuXian had a...partner? Lover? 

Lover was more accurate, to be fair. He and Lan WangJi had never actually talked about their relationship...nor exactly confessed, but from what Wen Qing and the ghosts told him, they were basically courting! And...supposedly married, since they technically eloped...multiple times over the past two years.

Shaking his head, Wei WuXian looked for Chenqing, before recalling where he had placed it. Reaching under his pillow, he felt his fingers wrap around the black dizi, along with something else that was wrapped around the flute.

"Oh," Wei WuXian said, pulling out his flute, which had a long blue ribbon with cloud's hanging beside the tassel. 

He stared at it for a few seconds, feeling a fluttery feeling in his stomach. Wen Qing knew the meaning of this ribbon and had told Wei WuXian about it. Wei WuXian had then freaked out about it seeing as it was something he touched...often, and Lan WangJi let him. The next time he had seen Lan WangJi, he asked about it, and was rewarded with an extremely shy jade who confirmed the meaning. Wei WuXian smiled a bit, before snapping back into the present moment.

The demonic cultivator unwrapped it from Chenqing and held it up, showing it to Lan Xichen whose eyes widened, "Xichen-Ge...I am pretty sure Lan Zhan will show up today,"

"Is that...a Gusu forehead ribbon?" Jiang Yanli asked, startled.

"It's Lan Zhan's," Wei WuXian confessed quietly, but everyone heard him.

"What?!" Nie Mingjue choked, turning to his sworn brother who was just as stunned.

"Why do you have that?" Jiang Cheng demanded, knowing well that only family members and spouses could touch a Lan's forehead ribbon.

"I came in here last night and someone was in my room. Lan Zhan was in my room and I tried to talk to him, but he did that thing where he jabbed at my waist to make my numb and unable to move, then he laid me down and flicked my forehead," Wei WuXian explained, purposely speaking over...everything, though just the memories were making his face flush red again.

"He visited you?" Lan Xichen repeated, watching the red flush and his mind beginning to piece together things.

Wei WuXian nodded, Jiang Yanli reaching forward,placing a hand on her brother's forehead. Taking it away, she had to force herself to keep the worried expression rather than a teasing smile, "Why are you so flushed?"

His cheeks colored deeper, "I am not!"

"What happened last night?" Lan Xichen asked slowly.

Wei WuXian froze, covering his face with one hand and using the other to slightly adjust his robes. Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen both caught the movement and nearly choked. Jiang Cheng and Nie MingJue were lost and confused, not understanding, nor really trying to. He coughed, lowering his hand when his face had lightened up, "Nothing bad...except for the part where he knocked me out,"

"Are you positive?" Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes, "You two didn't fight because there were three silencing talisman and a sealing talisman on the door,"

Wei WuXian turned red again and the words came out with difficulty, "We did not fight,"

"Then what was the talisman for?" Nie MingJue blinked.

Wei WuXian was half tempted to reveal the bitemarks, but didn't. Instead he looked at his sister, desperation only she could see peaking through his expression. She smiled softly and spoke clearly, "It is obvious nothing bad happened last night. Second Young Master Lan may have come to check if A-Xian was really in Koi Tower or not and the talisman was there to ensure no one else would find him, right A-Xian?"

"Mhm," Wei WuXian nodded and shuffled awkwardly, "I would like to take a bath, if you all don't mind..."

Lan Xichen smiled, releasing a soft chuckle. He gave Wei WuXian a teasing smile and nodded, "We will leave and wait for you in the Blooming Pavilion,"

"Blooming Pavilion?" Wei WuXian repeated, "Where is that?"

"It's A-Yao's living quarters," Jiang Yanli informed, "A-Xuan gifted it to him for his birthday last year,"

Wei WuXian hummed and tilted his head, "Bet his family didn't like that,"

"Not at all," Jiang Yanli shook her head solemnly, "But A-Xuan is trying, but...there's always a tension between them, though it has gotten better,"

Nie MingJue and Lan Xichen nodded in agreement, the older saying, "Young Master Jin's efforts are definitely seen, but A-Yao is also trying to keep off of Madam Jin's glares,"

Wei WuXian frowned and muttered out loud, "Maybe I should talk to Lianfeng Zun..."

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli both winced, while the older sect leaders furrowed their brows confused. Jiang Cheng shook his head but sighed, "Maybe...he might be more prone to speak to someone who..."

He trailed off with a pained expression. Wei WuXian finished for him, "has been in a similar situation?"

He saw the expression turn guilt ridden. Wei WuXian gave his brother a stern look, "Wipe that expression away. Plus, its always been the three of us anyway..."

Jiang Yanli and Jiang cheng smiled slightly, the female clearing her throat and standing up. She motioned to the door and glanced back at her oldest younger brother, "A-Xian, come quick. We're eating lunch there, A-Xuan is already there with A-Ling...and A-Ling wants to meet you again,"

"Lunch?"

"You slept in for some time and we couldn't get in until the talisman deactivated," Nie MingJue informed.

Wei WuXian grinned, nodding. Jiang Cheng reminded, "Just ask a disciple for directions,"

They then left the room, the door closing behind them. It was only when Wei WuXian stood up to strip from his robes did he realize Lan Xichen didn't ask for his brother's ribbon. Wei WuXian blinked and blushed pink, knowing that Lan Xichen must know the meaning of his sect's forehead ribbon and shouldn't have allowed Wei WuXian, of all people, to keep it! But...he did. Wei WuXian's head tilted to the side, before shaking the thought away. He walked over to the screen to find a bathtub filled, the water remaining warm due to a talisman. His robes were on a table not too far from the bathtub, folded neatly, along with a small box and a note. 

Wei WuXian placed the forehead ribbon and Chenqing to the side, deciding to check the note and box after he got ready. Removing the night robes, he caught a small glance of himself in the mirror and chuckled amused by all the marks. But he liked them, he loved what they represented. Stepping into the tub, Wei WuXian groaned softly at the warm water hugging him and waking him up properly. Wei WuXian was quick to wash up and step onto the bamboo mat surrounding the tub in order to not get the floor too wet. Wei WuXian used one of the longer cuts of soft fabric as a towel, patting himself down enough, before turning to his robes. 

He placed the note and box aside, slipping on the red inner robes, and then the black outer robes. He slid Chenqing into his waist belt and pulled his hair back into his regular hairstyle. Then he walked behind the screen, the note and box in his hands as he began to read. He recognized the beautiful calligraphy that belonged to Lan WangJi. On the note, it wrote, 'I apologize for leaving so suddenly, I did not want to. During my travels I found this little trinket, I thought you might like it and planned to give it next time we met. Also, keep my ribbon for me, it's as much yours as mine,'

Wei WuXian's face would be a permanent shade of red by the end of the day, considering how much he's blushed. Smiling, he placed the note aside and picked up the box. Opening up the wooden container, he found a beautiful ring. Just from one look he knew that this was not just some trinket, this was a proper, and probably expensive ring. It had a black body, but the center part was a beautiful blue color with silver patterns swirling. Wei WuXian exhaled breathless and shy, removing the ring from the container and slipping it on his right ring finger.

Placing the box in his sleeve, along with the note, Wei WuXian wrapped the Lan Sect forehead ribbon around his left wrist, the white covered by the long sleeve. He then walked out of his room, searching for a disciple. Before he could call out to a group of servant girls, Ren MingXia appeared in front of him with an eyebrow raise, "You have three spirits hanging around that can bring you straight to the Blooming Pavilion, why are you bothering them?"

Wei WuXian blinked and smiled sheepishly, "I forgot,"

"Xiao Wei!" Zeng Minsheng spoke in mock offence, "How could you forget us?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Wei WuXian smiled, "Please, guide me,"

"This way!" Bai Chunhua flew past them and Wei WuXian giggled, before heading after her.

He bowed his head in greeting to the people he saw, including the servants, who seemed startled by the courtesy and quickly bowed back. Wei WuXian secretly rolled his eyes at the lack of basic manners of the Jin Sect, but what could he say? Out of all the great sects, the Jin Sect has the most hierarchical atmosphere. Eventually, he reached a beautiful white archway with a sign that wrote, 'Blooming Pavilion' on it.

Wei WuXian walked inside, admiring the simplicity, but elegant touches of architecture. There weren't too many flowers, but there were still enough peonies to make it not bland. Wei WuXian saw a large platform with a sheltered roof above it in the center of the pavilion and across the main steps that lead to a room that must've been Jin Guangyao's quarters. Wei WuXian spotted familiar faces and brought attention to himself, "Shijie, Lianfeng Zun, I think your personal pavilions are my favorite places in the tower!"

Eyes looked over to him and Jiang Yanli smiled delightfully in greeting. Jin Guangyao smiled as well, rising to his feet and bowing, "Young Master Wei, I'm thankful you find my quarters as nice as Young Madam Jin's,"

Wei WuXian rolled his eyes and patted the male on the shoulder, not missing the slight surprise that flickered, "Don't mention it, I don't like a lot of things in this tower, its nice to know there's another place that's nice,"

"I've got to agree with Wei-xiong on this," Nie Huaisang nodded, "The pavilion is quite nice,"

Jin Guangyao flustered and bowed his head, shaking away the praises, "It was not my design! I was gifted this, so the credit cannot be mine,"

Jin ZiXuan laughed, "A-Yao, I may have given you the place, but you worked with me to design and add your own touch. I doubt I could make it this nice,"

"I doubt you could too," Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng chorused, sending each other triumphant smirks, while Jin ZiXuan gave them an unamused glare.

Jiang Yanli laughed, "Okay, okay! Stop arguing of this, A-Xian-"

"DaiJiu!!!" Jin Ling squealed and ran from his place he was sitting on Lan Xichen's leg, heading straight to Wei WuXian and hugging his leg.

Wei WuXian's expression brightened up and the venetriad triad couldn't help but stare in surprise, while Nie Huaisang's eyes softened with a tender smile. There was the expression, the expression those who knew Wei WuXian before the war always saw Wei WuXian wearing. Sparkling silver eyes of playfulness and a grin that countered the sun, the expression of that of a child, not the man who shrouded himself in darkness.

Wei WuXian picked up Jin Ling, his grin growing brighter and eyes glittering like diamonds. Jiang Yanli gripped her husband's hand softly, taking it in and exhaling shakily. Jin Guangyao and Nie MingJue both exchanged a surprised glance, the only two that hadn't met Wei properly before the war. 

"A-Xian, come eat," Jiang Cheng spoke softly, breaking the trance, and Wei WuXian nodded, sitting down in an empty seat, Jin Ling placing himself on his Daijiu's lap.

"He likes you a lot, doesn't he?" Jin ZiXuan chuckled.

"I suppose so," Wei WuXian glanced at Jin Ling, gently pinching the chubby cheeks. He muttered to himself in a daze, "Wonder why..."

Jiang Yanli's and Jiang Cheng's expression changed, both of them speaking sternly, "A-Xian,"

Wei WuXian looked at them with surprise, before nodding, "Okay, okay, my fault, my fault. God, I had the same conversation last night with-" He stopped himself quickly, quickly taking a bit of the dumpling he had picked up.

"Conversation with who?" Jin Zixuan frowned and then his eyes became worried, "Did someone try to hurt you last night? Is that why you were limping?"

Wei WuXian choked harshly, gently passing Jin Ling to Jin Guangyao, who was beside him, the male surprised, but taking his nephew as Nie Huaisang asked "Wei-Xiong, are you hurt?"

Wei WuXian was handed a cup of water and drowned it, revealing his red face, croaking, "I'm fine,"

Lan Xichen and Jiang Yanli both caught one another's amused and knowing looks, smiling secretly to hold back their laughter. Jiang Cheng spoke, worried, "You're limping?"

"No," Wei WuXian glared at Jin ZiXuan from the corner of his eyes, the older male just raising a doubtful eyebrow.

"He wasn't attacked," Nie MingJue informed, "WangJi apparently dropped by his room last night,"

Jin Guangyao made a small sound of surprise, "Did Young Master Wei not alert the disciples?"

Wei WuXian cleared his throat, "He was keen on no one else knowing he was there at the time. A disciple had come in to check on me since I was a bit startled and accidentally crashed into the wall causing a loud bang, so he thought I got hurt or something and Lan Zhan had dragged us both behind the screen to hide. He was ready to attack him and I had to make the disciple go away, before we could actually talk...and even then, we didn't talk for too long...he didn't want to,"

Wei WuXian bit his lip worriedly, stroking the ring he had been gifted this morning, thinking out loud, "It doesn't make sense, why is he so keen on keeping the resentment. I tried to begin extracting, but he stopped me rather quick and we talked about him using it-" Wei WuXian's eyes looked at Lan Xichen, not hiding away his concern, "He's learning to use it and control it, he told me could already,"

Lan Xichen sucked in a breath, expression dropping a bit. The mood had downed a bit and Wei WuXian regretted opening his mouth. He quickly added, "...sorry,"

"Sorry? For what?" Lan Xichen asked him.

Wei WuXian shrugged, avoiding his eyes. Jin Guangyao spoke, "Then we should head to the Fragrance Hall in a couple hours, assuming the Hanguang Jun has not gone too far, we might be able to find him,"

(An hour or so [after lunch] later cause I don't want to make this two separate chapters, you're welcome.)

Jiang Yanli spoke up, "I'll go spend some time with Madam Jin in her pavilion with A-Ling,"

Jin ZiXuan nodded, giving her and his son soft kisses on their foreheads as the males all rose to their feet and headed towards the Fragrance Hall. Wei WuXian fell in step beside Lan Xichen, asking softly, "Xichen-Ge, do...do you want his ribbon back?"

Lan Xichen glanced at Wei WuXian, seemingly surprised the other had even offered, "WangJi left it for you, so it is obvious he doesn't want anyone else with it,"

Wei WuXian smiled a bit, but then added, "What about the whole thing that no one is supposed to touch it except family and spouse?"

"You know what it means?"

"...Jiejie told me and I confirmed it with Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian confessed softly.

Lan Xichen blinked and then asked carefully, "A-Ying, are you sure you and WangJi haven't met since the Banquet two years ago?"

"Completely sure," Wei WuXian laughed to hide his awkwardness, "Why do you ask?"

"Hm...no reason," Lan Xichen smiled, patting the demonic cultivator's head softly.

Jin GuangYao and Jin ZiXuan were at the front of their group, the disciples opening the doors of the Fragrance Hall where it seemed Jin Guangshan had been speaking with the other sect leaders. They walked in, eyes turning to all of them and the sect leaders bowing in greeting. Wei WuXian went over to the map, grabbing a brush and making a mark right where Koi Tower was.

Jin ZiXun panicked and rushed forward, grabbing the brush from Wei WuXian, "What are you doing?!"

Wei WuXian leveled him with a deadpan, "Making a mark on Koi Tower since Lan Zhan was here last night,"

"WHAT?!" 

Jin Guangshan raised an eyebrow from his place seated on his throne, "And how do you know this?"

"Because he was in my room," Wei WuXian replied firmly.

Su She scowled, "Isn't that a bit suspicious? Why would Hanguang Jun visit the man he hates the most, rather than his own brother?"

Wei WuXian shrugged, "Ask him the next time you meet,"

Su She withered and Jin ZiXuan looked at Wei WuXian, "Did Hanguang Jun give you any information?"

"...He didn't want to talk about the situation last night, so we avoided it, until eventually, I was in a position to attempt to extract resentment, but he must've figured it out, because he asked me to stop. We conversed and I inquired why he wasn't seeing the consequences this could have on him," Wei WuXian recalled, remembering the sentence that had made his heart both swell but also drop, "He refuted for a while and we went back and forth, him defending himself against the resentment, and me trying to tell him its too dangerous-"

"Aren't you a bit hypocritical to be in that position?" Sect Leader Yao sneered.

Wei WuXian's eyes guarded up and he glared, "Perhaps to some degree, but we're all hypocrites in some shape or form,"

"If you know the dangers of resentment, then why do you continue down this heretical path and refuse your sword?" Jin Guangshan pushed.

Wei WuXian stared at Jin Guangshan, holding his gaze as he felt the emptiness of his dantian. He smiled coldly, "Like I told Xichen-Ge and A-Cheng when they came to request my help, and Lan Zhan last night, I'm not like you all. I have something you do not,"

"And that is?" Sect Leader Ouyang raised an eyebrow.

Wei WuXian's demeanor turned darker and Jiang Cheng saw the walls building up higher, and saw him turn to defence. Jiang Cheng gave a look to Jin ZiXuan, who hardened his eyes and nodded. Wei WuXian answered slowly, "Something you all could never live with,"

"Vague answers, you do know you only add to your suspicion, right?" A sect leader mocked.

"My suspicion? I find it suspicious that you all mock my talents and call me slurs, but have the audacity to be greedy for knowledge about my cultivation!" Wei WuXian's smile was more of a snarl and he glanced up at Jin Guangshan, "Tell me, Sect Leader Jin, just what is your obsession with me? I do hope its not like your other habit,"

The room stilled, Jin Guangshan's eyes darkened, "How dare a son of a servant speak to me in such a way, let alone accuse such an act!!!??"

Wei WuXian's eyes narrowed sharply at the words 'son of a servant'. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Jin Guangyao swallow and freeze as well, keeping silent to not bring attention to him. Wei WuXian laughed wickedly, "Sect Leader Jin, I apologize for my accusation, but its just...its really the only thing I could come up with! I mean, how pathetic would it be if the Lanling Jin Sect Leader's only reason to bring my name into every conflict is because he's nothing more than a greedy pig!?" 

He played on an expression of disbelief and shook his head, "But that can't be right, can it? The Lanling Jin Sect is the top cultivation sect for a reason and they are already so rich. And with two talented heirs such as Jin ZiXuan and Jin Guangyao," Jin Guangyao's eyes widened in disbelief, "Why would the sect in gold want to dabble in the world of the heretical path? It...just doesn't make sense, does it?"

He had trapped him. Everyone had realized it, including Jin Guangshan himself. Wei WuXian had given an excuse that wasn't wrong, and had also complimented the sect. Though no matter which side Jin Guangshan chose to accept, he would be insulting himself or his sect one way or another. Jin Guangshan's face turned red and he smiled tightly, "Of course, of course. Young Master Wei is...well versed,"

Wei WuXian smiled, bowing deeply, "Sect Leader Jin is understanding,"

Absolute bullshit, and everyone knew it.

Jin ZiXuan placed a hand on his brother-in-laws back, giving his father a stern look, "A-Xian, do continue to tell us what happened,"

Wei WuXian nodded and finished up, explaining how Lan WangJi seemed not at all concerned and having Wei WuXian fall asleep to end the conversation and leave Koi Tower. 

'And myself after multiple rounds of heavenly sex and three months worth of longing being released in the forms of both pleasure and teases!'

Last night was both hell and heaven. Lan WangJi knew every button to push and Wei WuXian knew how to rile the other up...though his lover had seemed to be learning and Wei WuXian's teasing seemed to backfire on him sometimes. 

Wei WuXian quickly shook himself out of that thought stream, knowing this was not the time, let alone place. Once again, they were surrounding the map and discussing what to do and where Lan WangJi could be. Nie Huaisang asked after quite some time, "Did you and Hanguang Jun make any arrangements to speak again? You said he didn't want to speak for a while, right?"

Wei WuXian blinked and slapped his palm against his forehead, "My memory is terrible- how could I forget that?"

"Seriously?" Jin ZiXun seethed.

"A-Xian's memory is the worst," Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.

"I told him we didn't have to talk then, but we would tomorrow and he agreed. So, I suppose we can assume he'll show up again today," Wei WuXian grinned.

"Right but when?"

"And how? You said he was still wearing his white robes, he should've been seen easily," Jin ZiXuan muttered.

"That just makes it more suspicious towards the YiLing Patriarch!" A sect leader frowned.

"...true, it doesn't seem right for WangJi to head to Young Master Wei rather than Xichen," Nie MingJue pursed his lips.

Wei WuXian blinked and stated, "This isn't my fault,"

"It might be," Su She muttered, "For the entire world is aware that the two of you hold animosity towards one another,"

"But how would A-Xian even have a part to play in this and why would he be willingly telling us the information of last night?" Jiang Cheng countered.

"It makes it seem like Young Master Wei is doing a good deed and essentially, it clears his name and has the Lan Sect, and the entire cultivation world, indebted to him," Jin Guangyao sighed, "For the way Young Master Wei's reputation is at the moment, its almost believable,"

Wei WuXian's eyes narrowed, "I haven't broken the terms set for me,"

"I did not say you did, there are multiple holes in the accusation of you being responsible," Jin Guangyao replied calmly.

"There is no accusation to be made,"

Everyone whipped around hearing the door of the Fragrance Hall open, along with a deep voice. A male dressed in white with piercing golden eyes walked in, speaking coldly. Wei WuXian turned fully, eyes wide.

"Lan Zhan?!"

Chapter Text

Lan WangJi turned his eyes towards the call, meeting silver with his gold. He smiled, expression softening visibly, "Wei Ying, I told you I would talk today,"

"Y-yeah, but I didn't know you meant it like this..." Wei WuXian mumbled.

"WangJi!" Lan Xichen called in shock and relief.

Lan WangJi glanced at his brother, bowing slightly, "Brother, this one apologizes. Wei Ying informed me that you were worried, that was not something I thought about,"

"And what exactly are you thinking about?" Jin Guangshan asked slowly, "You are becoming a demonic cultivator, the same as the man you argue with,"

Lan WangJi's eyes darkened and the temperature of the room dropped. Wei WuXian panicked and rushed forward, stepping in front of the male's line of sight, blocking Jin Guangshan. His voice came out worried, "Lan Zhan, let it go..."

"No," Lan WangJi stated, "I promised you,"

"You made no such promise and I never asked for one!" Wei WuXian refuted right away, sharpening his own gaze, "Lan Zhan, this is the resentment. Your self-control is weakening, do you understand?"

"Wei Ying uses it and is completely fine,"

"Oh my god," Nie MingJue muttered as gasps of understanding lit up. They now realized why Wei WuXian was unable to refute arguments to Lan WangJi last night. Because the argument the jade refuted was that Wei WuXian used it as well. Everyone knew the two of them were as strong as one another, their golden cores evenly matched since they were 15. It wouldn't be too far off for one to assume that if Wei WuXian could use resentment, Hanguang Jun could as well.

Jin ZiXuan frowned, "Hanguang Jun, A-Xian cultivation hasn't changed him as much as the resentment has you in three months,"

Lan WangJi ignored it and asked, "What is going on and why were you all accusing Wei Ying?"

Wei WuXian's heart hammered and he hissed, "Lan Zhan, I told you to drop it!!"

"Wei Ying, I told you I will not!" Lan WangJi hissed right back.

"See," Jin ZiXun scoffed, "You two are already arguing. Wei WuXian, you already deny claims of cursing me, hurting Hanguang Jun, but you've even disrespected my uncle forgetting your status in-"

"LAN ZHAN!!!" Wei WuXian screamed as Lan WangJi's Bichen shot forward towards Jin ZiXun.

Lan Xichen reacted just in time, Shuoyue unsheathing and meeting his brother's blade as Jin ZiXun yelped in shock, scrambling away from the clash. Everyone was pale, eyes staring at Lan Wangji in disbelief. 

'It was true!' they realized,  'The resentment had truly changed Hanguang Jun!'

Lan WangJi's lips were twisted in a snarl and his voice was dripping in ice, "Jin ZiXun, I warned you to think before you speak, especially about Wei Ying,"

Wei WuXian's heart twisted and he inhaled. Lan WangJi was getting too far gone, Wei WuXian couldn't afford for him to just sit and let Wei WuXian remove the resentment. His eyes turned red and he hardened them in focus. He searches for the faint touch of resentment and after a few seconds finds it intertwining with spiritual energy. He extends a hand, and pulls. 

Lan WangJi's feels it at once and turns his golden eyes fading to red. Wei WuXian's eyes widen in disbelief, but he continues his task, only for a burst of resentment to exceed from the other. Wei WuXian scowled in frustration. Lan WangJi was blocking him.

"Lan Zhan, you fuddy-duddy!" Wei WuXian yells, sending his own resentment out to try and over power the other.

Cultivators all had their swords out, watching the scene in disbelief. It was...unbelievable! Hanguang Jun and the Yiling Patriarch had clashed before, but never like this. It had always been tough words and piercing glares, but no one could recall a time the two were actively clashing against one another with their powers!

Lan WangJi replied calmly, "I told you to not extract it yet,"

Wei WuXian retracted his resentment slightly, but the tendrils licked and lapped at his robes and body. His eyes remained red, staring at the equally ruby ones of the light bearer. Wei WuXian spoke carefully, stepping forward, "Lan Zhan, don't make me fight you..."

Lan WangJi's Bichen flew back into its sheath, the jade's head tilting playfully, "Fight me?"

Wei WuXian hated how hot he found that. Just for his own sake, he extended his hand again, stepping closer towards the jade, "Lan Zhan, we're trying to help you. Why-"

He stopped cold, eyes widening in shock. The resentment around him spasmed and shot towards Lan WangJi without his command. Lan WangJi's eyes widened and he opened his own palm to stop it, but the material went straight in. Wei WuXian dropped his hand and glanced down, feeling his body drain and the feeling of resentment voices fighting in his head. He gripped his head, staring at Lan WangJi, "What are you doing?!!"

"Nothing!" Lan WangJi exclaimed, seeing more resentment pull from Wei WuXian, and flow towards him.

Lan WangJi saw Wei WuXian try to bring back control, only for his complexion beginning to pale and outright fear and panic cracking through. He begged loudly, "LAN ZHAN, STOP TAKING IN RESENTMENT!!!"

"A-XIAN!!" Jiang Cheng yelled, running towards his brother, but the resentment burst and blocked his path. Wei WuXian's body was filtering out resentment, the energy trying to stay near him, only for it to flow towards Lan WangJi. Wei WuXian grimaced, stumbling back trying to pull out of range, but the pull only seemed to grow worse and more resentment left him.

He saw the three spirits staring at him with horror and fear. They knew, he knew, no one else here did. The resentment was the only thing keeping the injuries together as they healed, but without a core, the process was taking years, as these were injuries from the time he fell into the Burial Mounds, from the three months he spent there. 

His body had been broken beyond repair, multiple, if not half of his bones had been in some form broken, whether just a fracture or fully shattered. And fighting the war after had not helped the healing process. He never got moments to sit and heal, he was expected to do things and he was avoiding duties he couldn't perform but had promised to uphold. It wasn't until he moved with the remnants did he begin to properly feel the effect of the bones healing.

So, some of the broken bones hadn't healed yet, like his lower spine and hips. Those were held together by resentment as his body healed them naturally. But this...whatever this thing inside Lan WangJi was, it was drawing resentment from Wei WuXian. It was picking him apart, literally. Wei WuXian spat out blood in pain as he felt his fire shoot up around his spine, legs losing ability to walk.

Lan Xichen turned to his brother in worry, "WangJi!!!"

Lan WangJi saw the other fall, he saw the blood, his eyes which had faded into gold, became red again. Lan WangJi felt his love for the other overtake him and he ordered, "STOP!!" 

The resentment froze and Lan WangJi blocked out the resentment from filtering in or out, panting. The resentment was still twirling around and being absorbed, but no more was leaving Wei WuXian. 

Wei WuXian weakly choked, coughing up blood, "La-Lan...Zhan..."

"I'm here, I'm here!" Lan WangJi promised, cultivators still in shock and fear from what just occurred, yet saw the fear and worry on the normally stoic expression as he crossed the distance and reached for Wei WuXian, "Wei Ying, stay awake!!"

Upon being moved, Wei WuXian's gasped in pain, choking on blood, coughing and his eyes shutting in pain. It hurt so much, he had forgotten this feeling. He whimpered, his weak hand gripping the white robes as more blood began to drip. He felt old scars open up, blood running down his torso and arms, droplets of red appearing on his other hand. Wei WuXian tried to look, but his shoulder was hurt and he grunted, holding back a sob.

"Wei Ying!" Lan WangJi exclaimed again, his expression too expressive for the outsiders. He quickly reached for the black sleeves and pulled them up. Eyes widened as rivers of red were pouring from cuts in Wei WuXian's arm. Cuts that Lan WangJi knows were not there last night.

Lan WangJi's eyes sharpened and he picked up Wei WuXian, seeing the male in terrible pain. Bichen unsheathed and he stepped on it, giving a look to his brother and Jiang Cheng that urged them to follow. He then flew out of the room. Jiang Cheng had already stepped on Sandu, yelling to Jin ZiXuan to inform Jiang Yanli.

It was chaos and no one could stop any of them. Jin ZiXuan flew out of the room on Suihua, while Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen flew after Lan WangJi. Nie MingJue flew after as well, wanting answers and seeing as he had a guess where they were headed to. Nie Huaisang followed as well, grabbing his brother and giving a glare that left no room for arguments, the older bringing him as well.

Ahead, Lan WangJi glances down at the man in his arms, guilt and confusion pooling. Wei WuXian was in terrible shape and Lan WangJi could see it. He could see the extremely shallow breaths, he had noticed that even the slightest movements could hurt him. He cursed, muttering, "Wei Ying, I'm so sorry, I don't know..."

Wei WuXian could barely hear him, but he forced a small smile and whispered, "...good...Lan Zhan...is...good,"

Lan WangJi just smiled affectionately, leaning down and pecking the male's forehead. His expression hardened when he heard his name being called and Lan Xichen appeared at his side, "WangJi!! What are you doing?"

"What are you doing?!" Lan WangJi looked at his brother, "Why would you risk bringing Wei Ying outside?!"

"What?"

"Those sect leaders are all after him and ready to kill him!! The reason I came to Koi Tower after running for so long was because I was worried he would be hurt!!!" Lan WangJi yelled.

Lan Xichen looked shocked, "That wouldn't happen, A-Ying-"

"A-Ying?" 

Lan Xichen ignored that and continued, "A-ying is under the protection of the Lan and Jiang Sect, plus Young Master Jin made it very clear that he was family to the Jin's as Jin RuLan's Dajiu,"

"Lan WangJi!!!" Jiang Cheng's voice screamed and he appeared with a terrifying scowl, "What the fuck was that shit in the Hall?! What did you do to my brother?!"

"NOTHING!!" Lan WangJi spat, resentment and love clouding his senses, "I did nothing!! Both of us did nothing!! The resentment acted on its own!!!"

"Really, thats hard to believe considering my brother is the one who invented this cultivation!" Jiang Cheng seethed, the state of his brother distracting him from being shocked by the way Lan WangJi was speaking and acting.

Lan WangJi glared and heard two more people. He scowls, "Why are you here?"

He glances back at the Nies. Before they could answer, Wei WuXian's body lurched upwards, a pained whimper passing his lips, "...Zhan...my back..."

Lan WangJi blinked and muttered, voice softening, "My apologies,"

"Where...we going..." Wei WuXian managed, trying to figure things out and find his mind, keep himself awake.

"A-Xian, stop talking, you're wasting energy from whatever the fuck happened," Jiang Cheng's voice was laced with clear worry.

Lan WangJi informed, "I'm taking you home. Lady Wen will know how to heal you. And I don't trust any other doctor with your life,"

Wei WuXian cracked a weak smile, "How sweet of you..." he then realized, "Wait...no. Lan Zhan...egh...stop. Lan Zhan, don't,"

"A-Ying?" Lan Xichen frowned.

Lan WangJi frowned as well, "We're not stopping, you need a healer. I'm giving you some spiritual energy, while also holding back...the resentment from filtering out or in of my body,"

Wei WuXian shook his head and he sucked in a large gulp of air before speaking quickly, "Its not regular resentment in you, resentment doesn't do that. You...you shouldnt be able to just absorb resentment, especially the way you did. Its not...possible, especially with a core as strong as yours. And if you absorbed my resentment, who knows what could happen if you go to the Burial Mounds," he paused and took in a shuddering breath before speaking quickly, "You can't go near that place or we risk everything! You just absorbed a shit ton of resentment, but the Burial Mounds is the mother load. And I...I can't help you, Lan Zhan...please stop...I can't have you dying, do you hear me? Lan Zhan, stop flying!!" 

He coughed up blood and Lan WangJi cursed, earning looks of bewilderment. He ignored it and stopped flying, the group pausing as well. Wei WuXian gasps at the sudden jerk and Lan WangJi glances at him, "Wei Ying, where are you hurt?"

Wei WuXian didn't hear him, the pain overloading. He looked up desperately, seeing his eyesight blurry, "I can't... see... clear... ngh... it hurts...it hurts,"

Lan WangJi's expression turned worse, Jiang Cheng's face no better. Nie MingJue frowned, flying over to take a pulse. Lan WangJi flew back glaring at the man, "Do not touch him,"

"WangJi..." Lan Xichen's expression was worried and pained.

Jiang Cheng yelped, "A-Xian!!!"

They all looked back at the male in black and to see his head fall limp and eyes shut. Lan WangJi's eyes widen in terror and he's about to continue flying, before remembering his lover's words. He swore again, conflict clear in his eyes. 

"A-Cheng!!!"

The group glanced back to see two figures in gold flying towards them, Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Yanli. Before Jiang Cheng could throw a fit, Jin ZiXuan explained, "She refused to stay behind,"

Lan WangJi turned to Jiang Yanli, "Young Madam Jin, Wei Ying must be taken into the care of Lady Wen and the Wen Remnants at the Burial Mounds, they're the only ones who have a chance at dealing with this sort of...thing,"

Jiang Yanli nodded, paling as she saw the bloody and pale body of her brother, "Of course!"

Lan WangJi turned to his brother and flew over. He glared his brother in the eyes, "Take care of him, I will see what I can regarding the matter, privately,"

Without waiting for a promise, he gently laid Wei WuXian in his brother's arms. He then flew back and caught sight of the black and blue ring. He smiled a bit seeing it and the glimpse of his ribbon, before shooting down to the trees below, ignoring the alarmed and shocked calls of his names.

The group stayed there in shock for a bit, until Jiang Cheng spoke up, "Let's go!"

They flew in the direction of YiLing at full speed, cutting over the top of the town and landing just outside the entrance of the Burial Mounds. Lan Xichen frowned, glancing around, he looked at Jiang Cheng, "Does...something seem different?"

Jiang Cheng nodded, Sandu tight in his hands, "It seems darker,"

Jin ZiXuan held Jiang Yanli's hand firmly, all their swords out, Nie Huaisang and Jiang Yanli in the center as they walked forward. Jiang Cheng led the way, reaching towards the wards and yelling into the mountains as he the wards, "WEN NING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Did you have to scream that loud?" Nie Huaisang winced.

Jiang Cheng glared at him and kept walking, reaching the wards. But he knew something was wrong, instead of the beautiful clear red, it was pulsing and seemed lighter. Jiang Cheng walked forward and passed right through, eyes widening in horror, "The wards are fluctuating,"

Quickly, the rest of the group passed by. Only after Lan Xichen had passed by with Wei WuXian did the ward seem to pulse and become a solid red again. Concerned, the group quickened their pace. Shrieks and wails of fierce corpses echoed down the forest and their grips on their weapons tightened. 

"Who’s there?!!" A voice screamed and the group paused, looking forward and seeing a male with black veins on his neck walk forward.

"Wen Ning!!!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed in relief and Wen Ning's eyes became surprised, "Sect Leader Jiang, why are-"

He stopped seeing Wei WuXian. His pale face turned into horror and he ran forward at high speeds. He took Wei WuXian's wrist and searched for a pulse. His face became paler than it already was and he screamed, taking Wei WuXian from the sect leader, "What did you do to him!?!?!?!"

He then let out a large roar in the direction of the path and glared at them with protective fury, "Be fast!!!"

He began to run and the others ran right after. All the fierce corpses had backed into trees, just watching, feared by Wen Ning's yell. As the path winded up and began to get closer, Wen Ning screamed, "JIEJIE!!! YING-GE'S HURT!!!!"

Jiang Cheng startled slightly by the way his brother was referred to, but recovered when Nie MingJue stabilized him from behind. They arrived at the entrance to the living area of the remnants and found Wen Qing running over there, fearful, "What did-" she froze and her voice turned enraged, "I knew he shouldn't have left!!!!"

 They ran into camp and the group entered after. Only after they entered did they see the other remnants and those who had never been here before gasped in shock. Elderly, disabled. That's all there was. No cultivators, no soldiers, nothing like those were supposed to be in the camps. Nothing like what they had been told.

Jin ZiXuan covered his mouth in horror, his wife squeezing his hand in comfort, knowing well the heir was taking the blame for his entire sect on his shoulders. The Wen Remnants saw them and panicked, but their fear was put aside as they caught glimpses of Wei WuXian. A few uncles began to bark orders, referring for fire pits to be lit quickly.

The group of cultivators walked forward slowly, following the Wen Siblings and glancing around. A few people bow in greeting, before muttering "excuse me's". That too, they aren't sent to all of them, Nie MingJue and Jin ZiXuan being avoided like a plague. Nie MingJue couldn't help but feel something like shame and guilt churn in his guts as Wei WuXian's numerous words began to echo in his mind.

"They're Elderly and a child! They didn't participate! They're innocent!"

"Why should they be punished because of a surname?"

"I see the perceptions of a naive child are far misleading of what those with status truly are,"

Nie MingJue's chest began to hurt. He forced his gaze away and to the front as they entered the cave where the Wen siblings had passed through. Wen Ning and Wen Qing were at the back of the room where Wei WuXian was laid on the bed, his flute to the side and Wen Qing taking his pulse and frowning deeply, "His resentment levels are too low,"

Wen Ning looked shocked, the two siblings, obviously unaware of their audience, and said, "That's why the mountains and corpses and the wards are fluctuating. It knew something was wrong with him,"

"What do you mean it knows?" Jiang Yanli blurted out and the Wen siblings snapped their eyes over to them, the worry hardening into protection and turning guarded. Wen Ning spoke strictly, "If Ying-Ge has not told you, then its obvious you do not need to know how our home works,"

"This isn't a home," Nie MingJue scrunched his nose, "This is more like a hide out,"

"And I wonder who we're hiding from?" Wen Qing threw right back, before turning to her brother, "MingXia, Minsheng, and Chunhua didn't show around when A-Ying left, they might have accompanied him. See if you can find them or the others,"

Wen Ning nodded and rushed out, the group parted for him. Jin ZiXuan grabbed Wen Ning's arm, the fierce corpse glancing at the heir startled. Jin ZiXuan's expression turned awkward, "Are...did my cousin..."

Wen Ning's expression softened slightly, "Yes, Young Master Jin. Jin ZiXun was the one who initiated the death of many of our family, including myself,"

Jin ZiXuan whimpered, hanging his head and releasing the male. Wen Ning rushed out of the cave. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli moved forward, but Wen Qing snapped at them, "Do not come closer! I need space!"

"He needs spiritual energy," Lan Xichen replied calmly.

"With all due respect, Sect Leader Lan. No one here knows how to take care of A-Ying better than me," Wen Qing glared and then sighed, "But, it would be helpful if I know what the hell happened,"

And they recited, Nie Huaisang telling the story with extreme detail. When they spoke of the resentment filtering out, Wen Qing's expression turned into pure horror, the blood draining out of her face. She couldn't even try to hide it and dread-filled those present. Wen Qing's voice screamed with shrill desperation, "A-NING!!!"

Answering to the call, Wen Ning ran in, "What's wrong?"

"When he clashed with WangJi," multiple surprised faces showed at how familiar Wen Qing addressed the Second Jade, "WangJi's body absorbed resentment. A-Ying's resentment. He's draining, he's broken, literally!"

"Shit," Wen Ning swore, panic on his expression, "Do we have to take him in..."

"YES!" Wen Qing nodded, "I can't do anything, but the mountain knows something is wrong with him. Only it can heal him,"

The cultivators felt their head spins, Jiang Cheng looking at the older two, "What?"

They gave him expressions that showed they were just as lost. Wen Ning carefully picked up Wei WuXian's body and left the cave again.

"What are you doing?" Nie Huaisang asked.

"What am I doing? I'm sending him back to the heart of the Burial Mounds so he can replenish the resentment," Wen Qing explained and chased after her brothers.

The cultivators looked horrified.

'WHAT?!'

Chapter Text

Wen Qing follows after her brother, hearing the footsteps of the sect heirs and leaders following her. Jiang Cheng walked beside her, speaking in disbelief and protest, "To the heart of the Burial Mounds?! Wen Qing, are you insane?! That amount of resentment could kill him!!"

Wen Qing laughed bitterly, "Correction, it should have killed him,"

"Should have?" Jiang Yanli squeaked, "Are you saying you've sent A-Xian in there before!?"

"No, Wen Chao threw him down here and he lived here for three months during the war," Wen Qing revealed, taking note of their horror.

"That's...what?" Lan Xichen choked.

"For goodness sake, you nobel sects are all the same!" Wen Qing scowled, "Why do you think we live here? Why do you think he dared to bring us here? Why do you think cultivators can walk in here all of a sudden, but couldn't before? Because A-Ying learned demonic cultivation here! He's cleansed the burial mounds to make it habitable for us,"

"Resentment is harmful to the mind and temperament," Nie Mingjue spat, "WangJi may have done something strange, but he cleansed Young Master Wei and now you're daring to just have him become corrupted again?!"

Wen Qing glared fiercely, "Cleansed him?! As if! All WangJi did was bring A-Ying closer to the doors of death!! Listen here, Sect Leader Nie, I know very well what I'm doing and I know more about A-Ying's cultivation than anyone here!"

They had left the camp and were heading down another path, a path that was hidden off to the side but had been used multiple times before. As they walked farther away from the camp, they could feel the resentment becoming heavier.

"Lady Wen, the less resentment Wei-Xiong gets, the better it'll be for his core to heal him," Nie Huaisang retorted.

"Yes, that's right. A-Xian's core is extremely strong," Jin ZiXuan agreed.

Wen Qing's face turned extremely twisted and she spat, "Fools, all of you. Why does A-Ying bother to waste time providing hope for the cultivation world?"

"Lady Wen," Lan Xichen tried, "I can play music for him, it'll be much more-"

Wen Qing snapped and turned around, stopping, "Alright, Shut up!!"

The group stilled staring at her and Wen Qing surveyed them with a protective glare, "Preach all you want, but you don't know him. You do not know what he has gone through, all any of you see is a demonic cultivator who freed the terrible Wen-Dogs! All any of you, and those bastards in charge, see a weapon! You used him as a weapon in your Sunshot Campaign, and then what did you do?!" 

She looked at Nie MingJue and Lan Xichen with disgust, "Did you even try to see past his cultivation?! Did you even remember he was missing for three months?! Did you even realize he was malnourished and is still underweight?! Did you even look at him and see the praised head disciple of the Jiang Sect or did you just see the thing that helped you win a fucking war!!?"

"Lady W-" Nie MingJue tried but was cut off as she began to walk again, but her speech continued, glancing over her shoulder to glare.

"Sect Leader Nie, you call yourself just, but please enlighten me what of anything the cultivation world has forced A-Ying into is just?! Tell me why none of you stood up for him, the moment he wasn't benefiting you as a weapon and saving lives?! You all owe him your life, the cultivation world owes him their lives, but they threw him aside and forced him to politically defect and separate from his family in order to protect them!!" 

She turned her glare to the Jiang siblings, "You both are his siblings!!! I know you talked two years ago, I am aware things are a little better, but that doesn't mean you were powerless before! Granted, I understand the political strain and position your sect was in. I understand the physical power was not available, but A-Ying has sacrificed so much for you and what did you do?"

She looked at Jiang Cheng, "You let him defect? You got mad at him for running away and avoiding duties? Did you ever look deeper into thinking why? Why after fighting and winning a war he was running from you and the sect duties? Did you ever think that maybe he had been hurt too? That those three months he has not told you about did something to him and yet he still had the heart to win a war, knowing he would be judged for it later?!"

Jiang Cheng gulped and Wen Qing glared at Jiang Yanli, "And you...Young Madam Jin. Sometimes I really want to wonder what you were thinking or if you took into consideration A-Ying's feelings? You knew the Jin's were berating him, he told me you stood up to Jin ZiXun, but then the moment he's at a disadvantage, you married straight into the sect that hates him! I am happy for your marriage, only because of how thrilled A-Ying was when he heard you would be married. And you came to visit him, oh, how wonderful!"

She then turned away, laughing pathetically, "You want to know the state he was in during the day of your wedding? The wedding he couldn't attend? The wedding of the woman he called his shijie? He was terrible! He was broken! He didn't eat and I had to distract him to eat enough the night before, because I knew he would not be able to on the day of the wedding!! He felt terrible, but he tried to be happy! He didn't even wear black or white that day, not even red because he claimed it would be ill of him to wear those colors on the day of your wedding!"

Jiang Yanli's heart shattered, eyes widening and her throat choking up. She hadn't known...she hadn't thought...

Wen Qing shook her head, "I could rant to you all forever, but A-Ying is more important to me than all your shitty decisions and my only consideration is that A-Ying still believes the cultivation world can see its faults," She sneered at Nie MingJue and to further emphasize it she said with all the protective rage she harboed, "My Ying didi still believes the sects can stop acting like Wen Ruohan,"

The effect was like a slap to their face, paling in terror and shame. She hurried forward, feeling a weight in her heart lift. Her worry and fear for her second brother had gotten to her and she snapped, but she didn't regret it in the slightest. She saw the red barrier and her brother, Wen Ning, already crouching beside it, removing the contents from Wei WuXian's robes and placing them in his own. One of Wei WuXian's hands was past the barrier, the resentment gripping it and curling.

Behind the barrier was a sight that made the others freeze and gape in disbelief. The resentment was immense, they could hear the shrieks and wails of corpses and perhaps even some demons and yaos! Wen Qing looked at Wen Ning, "Did you get everything?"

He nodded and handed her Chenqing, Wen Qing taking it and sliding it into her waist belt. She then stepped back and Wen Ning carried Wei WuXian up. He then walked into the barrier, the resentment swirling in response and parting slightly. The cultivators moved forward to watch in disbelief as a path cleared for the fierce corpse. As the resentment cleared up, it led Wen Ning not too far from the barrier, so he was still in sight. 

The resentment dispersed revealed a simple structure made of stone and black bamboo. There were various old candles near the edges and a dirty dark colored fabric. Upon further inspection, Jiang Cheng realized it was actually a very deep purple. These were his brother's old robes from before his cultivation method changed.

Wen Ning laid Wei WuXian down on the robes, backing up and waiting. The resentment swirling, pushing Wen Ning backwards and the fierce corpse frowned but rushed back and passed through the barrier exchanging a look with his sister. They all then turn to the sight, the resentment echoing with a loud boom and the candles suddenly lighting green.

The resentment swirled upwards, curling around Wei WuXian and lifting his limp body up. Multiple faded figures showed up and the cultivators realized with a start that they were ghosts and spirits. The expression of these ghosts were worried and they flew around Wei WuXian, guiding the resentment around him and towards his body. It was terrifyingly beautiful.

The resentment pulsed, tendrils upon tendrils whisking around and tugging at the black robes and caressing the dips and curves of the thin figure Wei WuXian had. Wei WuXian's body burst with resentment as it absorbed more and more, the cracks hidden behind flesh slowly slotting back into place held by the cold cast. Wei WuXian hovered limply, ghosts flying around and controlling the amount of resentment, keeping it from absorbing straight into the male's head and the area over his heart. Instead, the cultivators noticed most of the tendrils entered Wei WuXian from where his dantain was. 

The mountains screamed with glee and relief as Wei WuXian's finger twitched and his mouth opened slightly, taking in both air and resentment. The dark wisps swirled, a few entering straight from the mouth, before the ghosts guided them away. They watched as the blood flowing down the pale arms began to fade, wisps and pale hands cleaning away. The cultivators could only stare, having no words for the event in front of them. The resentment, the burial mounds, was fixing Wei WuXian.

The resentment began to calm down slightly, lowering Wei WuXian down gently, the ghosts swarming around their master, voices overlapping softly. Despite the amount of ghosts, only three ghosts went very close to the male and cradled his body, the female in minty green robes brushing her ghostly hand through his hair.

Zeng Minsheng glanced upwards at the cultivators, "Wen Ning! Come forth. Wen Qing, stay there for just a little longer," Wen Ning obeyed and passed through, the resentment letting him pass and easing slightly, but this time not clearing away for him as most of it was still licking and kissing Wei WuXian. 

"Who...are they?" Jin ZiXuan muttered, meaning the main three.

"The closest spirits to A-Ying, they protect him and help him in controlling the more troublesome spirit. Its a two-way relationship, A-Ying gets friends who can help him control the resentment and comfort his connection when the mountains get too agitated, and they get both someone to look over and protect, plus ability to travel out of the mountains alongside A-Ying," Wen Qing explained, not glancing away from the sight behind the barrier, "The male is Zeng Minsheng. He's not a cultivator, but he can fight quite well. The female with the sword is Ren MingXia, she was a cultivator and died in the battle that made this mountain what it is now, she's the eldest of the three. The youngest and third female is Bai Chunhua, a simple common woman who was killed due to her love preference being woman,"

The group exchanged astonished glances, their minds barely working to absorb the amount of information they were getting. Ren MingXia smiled brightly in relief, along with the other ghosts surrounding the group. Multiple voices chorused, "Xiao Wei!!"

The cultivators noted, 'Little Ghost..'

Wei WuXian opened his eyes and exhaled softly, smiling slightly when he heard the voices. His eyes met Ren MingXia's relieved one. He curled towards her, the translucent figure kissing his head protectively. Jiang Yanli recognized the gesture, recognized the comfort her brother seeked- was seeking from the dead. The others did as well, they all were quick to understand that Wei WuXian found safety in the presence of the dead.

No one knew what to say to that.

Zeng Minsheng stood up and crossed his arms with a relieved smile, "You're goddamn lucky,"

Wei WuXian laughed weakly and tried to push himself to sit up. He glances around and finds Wen Ning and speaks, "Are we in the heart?"

"Mhm, Jiejije said it was inevitable. The mountain responded almost at once," Wen Ning nodded.

Wei WuXian exhaled softly, before yelling out, "Thank You, Luanzang!!"

The cultivators stared in disbelief, only becoming more confused and lost when the resentment pulsed, a few tendrils reaching out and swirling around Wei WuXian, tugging at his hair and robes. Wei WuXian chuckled softly as Zeng MinSheng clicked his tongue and gave a firm flick of his hand, the tendrils retracting back again.

Wen Qing sent the cultivators a glare, silently ordering them to stay put, while she walked forward, the bracelet on her wrist allowing her to pass through the barrier. When she passed through the resentment recognized her, quickly parting far so she could easily move towards Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXian tries to stand, with the help of the spirits seeing Wen Qing come near, but his legs fail and he crumbles to the floor, Wen Ning rushing forward and catching him with one arm, plus the help of the three spirits.

"Idiot, what are you doing?" Wen Qing scolded as the ghosts let Wen Ning lift Wei WuXian firmly, Wen Qing doing a quick survey of his condition with her eyes, some tension leaving her, "Come on, let's get back so I can do a proper examination,"

Wei WuXian smiled and they walked towards the barrier, the spirits following and not bothering to hide them. Upon seeing those behind the barrier, Wei WuXian's smile falls and he pales slightly, tensing. The change makes the group sober quickly, the dawning of the situation hitting them. Suddenly, they recalled that they were no longer in their domain. They were no longer in a place where they could freely come and go. They were not welcomed. 

The resentment reacts whirling around faster. A few launch towards the barrier, faltering back when Wei WuXian whistles sharply, calming it. They pass through the barrier and Jiang Yanli can't keep silent anymore, "A-XIAN! Are you alright? What just happened? Lady Wen told us-"

"Ahem," Ren MingXia floats in front of Jiang Yanli, the woman startling backwards, Jin ZiXuan catching her from stumbling over.

'Not Welcomed' the phrase clings once more, seeing Jiang Yanli of all people, denied by a ghost.

Wei WuXian reaches over and tugs at Ren MingXia's hair, the ghost whipping around to give him a look of disbelief, "MingXia-Jie, be nice to my shijie and our...guests,"

"Oh, what wonderful guests," Zeng Minsheng scoffed and Wei WuXian glared at him.

Nie MingJue and Lan Xichen look at one another, similar conflicting emotions bubbling in them. Nie MingJue had rarely felt uneasy, but here, in this domain, with the feeling of being disliked hitting him from all sides with such intensity, he was feeling the nerves, the weight of Baxia grounding him.

Bai Chunhua smiled softly, "Let us return, Xiao Wei must rest and I believe there is much to discuss,"

The group stared at the ghosts floating around with them obviously unsure of how to react. Wen Qing rolled her eyes and moved forward, followed by Wen Ning. Wei WuXian clears his throat and changes the topic, "Shijie! Why are you here?"

"Because I was not going to let you go alone without me! Especially after A-Xuan told me what happened with Hanguang Jun and your condition!" Jiang Yanli scolded softly, "How could I leave my XianXian in such a way? Hm?"

Wei WuXian giggled delightfully, but his face hardened slightly as Nie MingJue spoke up, "Young Master Wei, what the hell is going on in this mountain? Lady Wen spoke of the Burial Mounds as if it were a living thing,"

A cold smile curled at Wei WuXian's lips. The ghosts burst into laughter, but it was bitter and Zeng Mingsheng, Ren MingXia, and Bia Chunhua flew over to Nie MingJue surrounding him and piercing him with icy gazes. It made the group of outsiders shiver and glance around at the other residents of the Burial Mounds, who were chuckling and giggling at the words.

Ren MingXia sneered with a mocking smile, "Did you hear that everyone? A sect leader of a great sect wants to learn about the Burial Mounds?"

The ghosts laughed harder, the laughter causing the cultivators to subconsciously step closer to one another, eyes flickering around wary. Wen Ning smirked and Wen Qing chuckled. Wei WuXian had amusement on his face as well, before asking innocently, "What do you think she means, Sect Leader Nie? After all, I'm sure the Nie Sect has had its fair share of resentment energy since your sect is prone to qi deviation..."

"Not to mention the resentment WangJi took in from his blade," Bai Chunhua sing-songed and the ghosts flew away from the sect leader who was staring at Wei WuXian with a tight expression.

Nie Huaisang himself had been informed of his sect's secret only half a year before and fanned himself softly. He spoke carefully, "The Burial Mounds, it's sentient, isn't it?"

The ghosts, Wen siblings, and Wei WuXian looked at Nie Huaisang surprised. Zeng Minsheng flew closer, now floating backwards as they traveled. He took a look at Nie Huaisang up and down and whistled, "I see, this one is extremely intelligent,"

"He is," Wei WuXian agreed and smiled at Nie Huaisang, "In a way, but its not too dangerous. I used to think it was, but after I was locked away in here for two years, I've adapted and had some heart to heart sessions with the mountain. We've got a relationship now,"

"What type?" Jin ZiXuan asked, very creeped out by this.

Ren MingXia answered, "The mountains respect Xiao Wei, like most of the corpses and spirits. It cares for him and heals him and protects him. We protect him. While most spirits, including ourselves also have a master and follower relationship with Xiao Wei. The Burial Mounds also looks at Xiao Wei as a sort of child, its a very complicated thing and saying it out loud makes sound a lot more creepy and messed up than it actually is,"

The last part was added quickly at seeing how they all paled and looked slightly weirded out. A ghost they had not got the name of rolled his eyes, "Cultivators go around flying on swords and playing around with paper, stabbing everything not human and energy protecting someone is weird?"

"Isn't it obvious?" A female girl floated upside down, "It's because Xiao Wei isn't like them,"

"Of course not!" Another one piped up, "Our Xiao Wei is the only decent mortal minus our Sun Remnants!"

"That's a fact, but that's not what I meant," 

"Yes, she meant his power," Another rolled his eyes, "Xiao Wei isn't a normal cultivator, remember. He doesn't do all that spiritual nonsense,"

Wei WuXian grew uncomfortable at the conversation and curled into Wen Ning, trying to avoid the looks the group from outside were sending him. Bai Chunhua noticed and her expression quickly turned tight, turning to the group and snapping, "Shut up! What are you gossiping about such things at a time such as this? Go off now! Xiao Wei needs to rest,"

"But the-"

"We will take care of everything," Ren MingXia's voice was cold as her eyes swept up the undead with a glare, "Now run off or I'll trap you in quiankun pouch!!"

At once the ghosts scattered, throwing messy farewells and flying into the scenery or fading away. Wei WuXian smiled in thanks, speaking out to Wen Qing, "Jiejie, are we almost there?"

Jiang Yanli blinked and she looked at Jiang Cheng, who seemed just as startled as her. They both couldn't help but feel slightly bitter and guilty. It was obvious that their brother was not only theirs. It seemed he had truly built a home here with the Wen remnants, a family. And, while they were thankful that their brother got a family that would not hurt him and understood him, a family that he was opening up and speaking of his struggles with, it didn't mean they didn't feel slightly hurt. They had known Wei WuXian since they were children, but they didn't have the same treatment. Of course, this was just another thing their parents had done. Separate them from being true siblings, despite them all thinking of one as close as blood.

Returning back to the camp, the Wen Remnants all cheer and smile, relief overlapping one another as they see Wei WuXian in a much better state, the blood long since cleaned from his face by the resentment from before. Wei WuXian grinned and declared, "I'm home!"

The ease of calling such a place home made something tight twist in the hearts of those that saw this as a prison.

The Remnants laughed, one Uncle scolding, "A-Ying, you really are something! You haven't even been gone for a month and you already came back on the edge of death!"

Wei WuXian was dramatic, though Wen Qing was practically forcing her brother to keep walking and not let Wei WuXian talk for too long, though it didn't stop him from answering, "What can I say? I really do admire my grandmother and understand why she doesn't descend from her mountain! Its terrifying!"

The Remnants laughed joyfully, a few waving to the ghosts. Wen Qing barked dryly, "Alright, alright, we can have a nice meal later. A-Ying needs to rest and get checked out. Maybe send A-Yuan in," As they entered the cave, Wen Qing looked at Wei WuXian, "A-Yuan cried for hours when he realized you left. He's basically been throwing a large tantrum the past week and refused to leave his room, so he eats and plays and sleeps in there,"

Wei WuXian's expression turned guilt ridden and pained, "Oh my poor little radish,"

"radish?" Jin ZiXuan repeated, "you call this person a radish?"

Lan Xichen giggled, "My mother used to refer to me and WangJi as bunnies,"

A collective amount of understand ran through the ghosts and Wei WuXian, the living male muttering, "That explains why he loves bunnies so much,"

"And why he loves-"

Wei WuXian grabbed a random trinket on the bedside table and chucked at Zeng Minsheng, the ghost turning his body intangible so it passed right through him as he laughed joyfully.

Wen Qing turned to the group, "I am going to have to kindly ask all of you who do not live here to leave. Its late and we don't have time to set up rooms, so if you want to learn things, you'll have to wait tomorrow and book an inn in YiLing,"

"You're kicking us out?" Nie Huaisang blinked.

"Kindly," Ren MingXia corrected, "Kindly kicking you out,"

Wei WuXian snorted, before coughing at the pressure it emitted from his lungs. Bai Chunhua flew around and wrapped her arms around Wei WuXian, stroking his head softly, "Xiao Wei, what would you do without us?"

"Die again, probably," Wei WuXian answered without thinking, leaning back into the cold embrace.

"What?" The outsiders repeated and there was a small pause, the ghosts stilling and exchanging a couple of looks.

Wei WuXian looked at Wen Qing, who informed, "They know you were here for those three months...I may have let it slip..."

Wei WuXian's eyes hardened slightly and turned towards the group. He then sighed, defeat crumbling his mask and his body slumped with exhaustion and pain. Bai Chunhua flew again, pulling off the black outer robes and folding them. Wei WuXian nodded and muttered, "Go on, I'll give you five minutes before you'll need to leave so Jiejie can check me,"

"I have too many questions for five minutes," Jin ZiXuan mumbled.

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms over his chest, "You were here? For three months?"

"Surprise," Wei WuXian weakly made a flashy gesture.

Jiang Yanli frowned about to walk forward, but the three ghosts seemed to anticipate and float slightly closer to Wei WuXian. They were keeping all of them except the Wen siblings away. Jiang Yanli questioned, "Why did you not tell anyone?"

"I told someone," Wei WuXian defended with a pout.

Wen Ning spoke underneath his breath but everyone heard him, "You had already defected at the time,"

Wei WuXian stuck his tongue out at the fierce corpse, "Lan Zhan was in the wrong place at the wrong time-"

"More like the right place and brilliant time," Ren MingXia smirked teasingly and Wei WuXian tried to swat her, but Zeng Minsheng flew forward and snapped, "Do not move so wildly! You're still healing!"

"WangJi knew?" Lan Xichen exclaimed surprised and then glanced at Nie MingJue, the nie sect leader narrowing his eyes and saying, "Young Master Wei, are you sure you and WangJi haven't met the past two years,"

All eyes turned to Wei WuXian, ghosts and Wen siblings included. Wei WuXian glared at all of them, "Stop staring at me like that!" he then turned to Lan Xichen and smiled, "Why would he visit?"

"I don't know...something doesn't really add up considering the last time you and Hanguang Jun met, you weren't on the best terms, but now he comes to visit your room secretly, leaves you his forehead ribbon- yes, I noticed it," Nie Huaisang looks suspicious and Wei WuXian freezes slightly, no one failing to catch the snickers erupting from the ghosts, "And after what happened with your resentment, he panicked and worried about you, before carrying you and flying straight here! He didn't even let anyone touch you, until he handed you to Er-Ge,"

Wei WuXian coughed lightly about to speak, but Wen Qing, the angel disguised as a demon, spoke sharply, "Five minutes is up, its time for you all to leave. A-Ning, see them out will you,"

Wen Ning nodded and he softly began to nudge the group towards the exit of the cave. Wei WuXian turned from them, giving his attention to Wen Qing and completely missed the gaze of the Jiang siblings, both of whom were worried and confused. Walking outside of the cave, the curtains closed behind them, effectively blocking the view of the inside.

"Wen Ning-"

"Sect Leader Jiang there is not much I can answer, especially without Ying-Ge's permission," Wen Ning stopped him as they walked down the path they had first come up, "It's already enough you are all now aware of the secret of the Burial Mounds, along with the identity of our undead friends. But I must remind you, you are all people my family is wary of. There are reasons Ying-Ge refuses to speak of his cultivation and you know too much already,"

"Too much?" Jin ZiXuan repeated, "This is the first time anyone has found out anything,"

"And for good reason," Wen Ning admitted, "But we do not trust those outside the mountains. Even with WangJi-Xiong-"

Wen Ning paused as he saw the group give him startled looks. He frowned confused, "What?"

"WangJi-Xiong?" Lan Xichen repeated, "I was not aware you and your sister were close with my brother,"

Wen Ning realized his mistake and his eyes widened slightly, before he nodded and explained, "He visited..." then remembered the words from before he added, "Before the test. He came to YiLing for a nighthunt and then he escorted Ying-Ge to Young Master RuLan's party,"

Then switching the topic he continued, "Even with him, Ying-Ge didn't tell him everything- still has not. He is wary of exploiting himself again,"

"...he did it before?" Jiang Cheng furrowed his eyebrows trying to recall a time.

Wen Ning smiled a bit, but it was sad, "You probably don't see it that way, but Ying-Ge does now. I probably should not tell you, so...you didn't hear this from me!"

The group nodded and Wen Ning explained seeing the barrier near, "The war. On days Ying-Ge is not in a good mood or something ill happened, he closes off and becomes very cold. On various occasions, especially when he's drunk or his anger heightens, he will rant on about the world, specifically the world," his words turned a bit sharper here, "that used him and then threw him away,"

They flinched, Wen Ning pausing at the barrier, while the others passed through seeing a small gap open for them. They looked at Wen Ning, wanting to hear the ending of this before leaving. Realizing this, Wen Ning resumes his words, "Multiple times he expresses his anger in himself for participating and winning the war,"

The group's eyes widen in disbelief. Nie Huaisang couldn't help but blurt, "What? But during the war Wei-Xiong was ready to get revenge for the Jiang Sect,"

Wen Ning nodded and gave a helpless shrug, "Yes, but he made the choice to use his cultivation in the open, showcase his power and let everyone know the path he now stood upon. Ying-Ge isn't a fool, he had admitted to Jiejie he was aware that after the war, his life was uncertain. He was very aware the sects were deploying him as some weapon. But he didn't say anything and kept quiet, did his job and won a war. I mean look at your brother, Jin Guangyao," Wen Ning pointed out, "He just stabbed Wen Ruohan in the back and provided information that the sects would have managed fine without because they had Ying-Ge. He didn't do anything else but got acknowledged and his efforts are praised, despite the scorn of his birth. Ying-Ge's efforts amount to much more valuable and it's obvious you were losing without him, but he didn't get the same sentiment at all. Instead he was hunted and was constantly forced to run. When he met my jiejie that day in Lanling...I do not think he only did out of pure kindness, but because he was aware doing this would have given him a path away from the cultivation world,"

The group in front of him were silent, obviously taking in the words with seriousness. Wen Ning shook his head and gave a sheepish smile, "Aiya, but of course, what's the point? Even after the three years were over, he doesn't expect anything but maybe a couple of visits,"

"The terms were set..." Nie MingJue frowned, "He saw them, he signed the scroll for his agreement as well,"

Wen Ning raised an eyebrow,"Well what else was he supposed to do. If he denied it, the situation would've become worse. And yeah, part of us, all of us, hold onto some hope, but its not a lot. Ying-Ge's the most optimistic. My family and I have sometimes had conversations of how admirable and good of heart Ying-Ge must possess to keep giving chances and still have faith of a world that just keeps hurting him,"

Nie MingJue opened his mouth to retort, but nothing escape him and he closed it again. Wen Ning smirked on the inside turned to glance into the trees where he detected the presence of a spirit. Ren MingXia floated down and gave a deadpan, "Still here?"

"They were leaving just now," Wen Ning answered, giving a small smile to the group, before turning to Ren MingXia, "Are you here to close the barrier?"

"Yup," Ren MingXia nodded and the two undead beings exchanged a few bows of farewell, Ren MingXia doing something to seal the red barrier again. Despite the group having not exactly left from the front of the barrier, Wen Ning and Ren MingXia turned around and walked back, the ghost informing the corpse, speaking slightly louder on purpose, "Xiao Wei wanted you to join him and your boy's sister in his room. Something about, having to inform his siblings of all the details,"

Wen Ning knew what she was doing and sent a quick glance back to the barrier behind them, noticing the group looking back at them and speaking with one another softly. Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng were staring back the most, exchanging a glance with one another. And Wen Ning could see the guilt, pain, but also bitter understanding. Wen Ning sighed and burst into a run, not wanting to deal with anything, the ghost following after him.

With the cultivators, they stayed at the barrier for a little longer before finally turning and walking towards the town. Lan Xichen muttered, "You know...what the Wen siblings said...about how our sects, the cultivation world, treated- treats A-Ying...it wasn't that wrong,"

"It wasn't wrong at all," Jin ZiXuan stated firmly and then looked pained, "And the stuff about A-Yao. That's correct as well. They're both war heroes, but the sentiment they received is completely different..."

"Young Master Wei's cultivation restricted him. Everyone knows the dangers..." Nie MingJue tried to reason, but even he knew it didn't excuse everything.

Nie Huaisang just shook his head as they entered onto the streets, "Let's just get some dinner and sleep...thinking and pondering will do nothing, nor will it change anything,"

The group agreed and found an inn with enough rooms for all of them, granted Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Yanli would share. They all had dinner in the lobby, but no one talked, their minds all busy and swarming with words and the verbal slaps the wen siblings (and ghosts) had given them. Eventually, they all retreated to their rooms to sleep...

Sleep came easy for none of them.

*Luanzang - The pinyin form of what the Burial Mounds is in Chinese. Its called the Luanzang Gang (or Luanzang Hill)

Chapter Text

The following morning, the group of nobles all woke up with leisure time, the strain of the earlier day sticking them to their beds. Except for Lan Xichen's impeccable body clock, but he did meditate for longer than usual. They met up a little after eight in the downstairs lobby where the inn owners had already gotten dishes ready, keeping them warm by talisman any of them could realize was the work of Wei Wuxian.

The simple reminder of the man they'd left in the burial mounds seemed to sting at them. After they all had washed up and breakfast had been eaten to their desirable fill, the group sat in silence, blankly looking at one another. They were of all the same generation, only years of age between them. They were the gentry clans of the four great sects and yet it had dawned on them at this moment that none of them had truly interacted so casually until Wei WuXian was pulled from exile for assistance.

Jiang Yanli spoke first, sensing the strangeness and thoughts of the heirs and sect leaders around her. She raised her hand delicately, calling for a servant and requesting for the food to be packaged up. The woman seemed to stare at her confused for a moment, before bowing and calling for another servant to assist her in carrying the dishes to be packaged.

Once they were gone, Lan Xichen asked, "We are heading back to A-Ying, I presume?"

"I am," Jiang Yanli smiles, "We have extra food and A-Xian should replenish his strength, after facing such an injury..."

Jiang Cheng frowns, "I was thinking about it over and over, and I still don't understand what happened,"

"It looked like Wei-Xiong and Lan-Xiong were just talking, but then all of Wei-Xiong's resentment just...flew towards Lan-Xiong," Nie Huaisang fanned himself lightly.

Nie MingJue opened to speak, but he paused when the servant came back with three large boxes with the food organized and separated between them all. Jiang Yanli smiled and bowed, Jin ZiXuan wordlessly paying the bill for them all. With a simple glance, they all got up with farewells and walked out into YiLing's streets.

The morning bustle wasn't as occupied as one would assume, but for such a small town in such a geographical location, they could not be too surprised. Though, the lack of surprise didn't make them ignorant to how those who were out stared at them with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Some even slight hostility.

Jin ZiXuan broke the silence, "We should head to A-Xian. I don't know about you all, but we all don't have the liberty to prolong our visit. And returning to Koi Tower without A-Xian's presence is one the other sects will not take lightly,"

They had been walking quickly, finding the path back towards the Burial Mounds sentiment almost immediately. It was an obvious path they realized now with the more light and fewer things taking their thoughts. They could tell it was traveled frequently.

"I sent a letter to A-Yao this morning, requesting him to control the matter and inform them that we would return soon, however, I gave him no set time nor disclosed anything of what we have heard..." Lan Xichen pauses, as if uncomfortable with the decision he had made. 

Jiang Cheng makes it for him, "Good. Anyone outside of those present can't know what we know. My brother may be an impetuous idiot, but hiding the spirits and the sentient mountains and just how strong this place was and their connection, all of it was a good call,"

None of them could find fault in the statement. They hadn't even fully reached the red wards, before spotting Wen Ning descend from the path on the other side of the barrier, dark eyes watching them with different emotions. Emotions they could not identify before they were hidden away and Wen Ning smiled and answered the question, "Ying-Ge said to be expecting you today. We sent out the alert to keep watch for your presence so I could come down and let you in,"

They all bow in thanks, Jiang Yanli holding up the boxes with a friendly smile, "I hope you do not mind if we brought extra food?"

Wen Ning smiled a little as the barrier opened to let them in, "Your gift will be more than welcomed in our poor settlement, Young Madam Jin"

He closes the barrier after all of them have walked in, turning and leading the way back up the hill. Once again, the overpressing resentment made their cores and teaching strain, Lan Xichen, Nie MingJue, Jiang Cheng, and Jin ZiXuan all gripping the hilts of their swords, Nie Huaisang and Jiang Yanli placed in the middle of their little huddle.

If Wen Ning saw their wariness, he made no comment on it.

When they reached the settlement, they all naturally eased up into the smell of human life. As the village came into view, they saw it already bustling with activity, a few firepits being lit around the camp with people crowding around the main three as the little home began to wake up for the day.

Wen Qing saw them first and rose to her feet from where she was talking with one of the uncles. She walked towards them, flickering her eyes to the group, "You returned,"

Wen Ning, knowing his sister too well, did not let the conversation focus on the fact any further. He refused to wake up his older brother to such an atmosphere, "Young Madam Jin brought food,"

Wen Qing gave her didi a look, before nodding and walking forward. She took the boxes from Jiang Yanli and then turned, walking over, "Come along. Its not the first time we've shared a meal with cultivators beyond the wards of your sects,"

The invitation was said dryly, but the meaning was not missed. Wen Qing had invited them to eat with the Wen remnants, the people they had inadvertently caused to suffer and lose many of their loved ones. It was a jab but also a simple olive branch. Nie Huaisang smiled and applauded, "Thank you! I was getting a bit cold up here anyway!"

The group followed her and Wen Qing spoke aloud, "A-Ying has invited guests and they have been generous to bring us some food, lessening the work for this morning,"

One of the women let out a dramatic sound of relief, "Oh thank goodness!"

Wen Qing rolled her eyes, while the group giggled, the nobles behind her also cracking smiles. Wen Ning sped off when no one was looking to retrieve the needed eating materials. He quickly passed them out, not forgetting their guests and urged them to sit down. At first there was a pause as the group exchanged glances and then looked unsure if they were truly allowed.

One of the uncles laughed, "Ah! You're definitely some of the decent gentry members A-Ying talks about. Same uncertainty and hesitance as he did all those years ago!"

A kind woman, with a scar on her face bridging from her nose to her left jaw, smiled at them, "Sit down children, we won't bite. You are our guests in our humble home,"

Wen Qing added, "And you brought A-Ying here after he got hurt,"

Her hard gaze let up for a brief moment, "He would've died, you realize, if he had gotten treatment from one of your sects,"

Jiang Yanli paled and she was quick to sit down, "It was that serious, even after all the spirits helped him?"

Her husband and brother followed her movements, each on either side of the female. Nie Huaisang moved to sit near Jiang Cheng, while Lan Xichen and Nie MingJue sat on Jin Zixuan's side. The group of Wen's grew and thinned in the huddle as people came to eat and finished their food.

Wen Qing sighed, "Young Madam Jin, A-Ying is not invincible. He has gotten hurt more times than I can count..."

"A-Xian has always been like that since we were kids," Jiang Cheng grumbled, "Reckless idiot that one. The healers always used him to train their disciples as he was in the infirmary so often,"

Wen Qing snorts softly, before saying firmly, "When he fell in here, it was not graceful. He did not come out with such power unscathed, mentally and physically,"

They all noticed how the Wen remnants seemed to wilt at the reminder of why they could stay here. Why they had a hideout. 

"It seems everyone here knew Young Master Wei had fallen in during the war," Nie MingJue verbally addressed.

One of the uncles stabbed his food with the chopsticks, frowning, "He told us when trying to prove to us that he was not fit for something important to us all,"

"What could possibly induce that?" Lan Xichen asked with genuine curiosity.

Multiple people smiled, brightened up and moved to answer when a shriek tore through the air like an arrow. Everyone whipped their hands to see a child staring at them - the nobles - with wide eyes of fear.

The old woman next to him quickly called, "A-Yuan, its alright-"

It was of no avail, because the kid broke into tears and started wailing, "A-DIE!!!!!!!!!!!! A-DIE THE BAD PEOPLE ARE HERE!!! A-DIE!!! A-DIE!!!"

Wen Qing and Wen Ning leaped up running to the boy, "A-Yuan!"

The old woman bent down, "No, no! A-Yuan, darling, sh!"

The child, A-Yuan, kept screaming and flailing. The nobles stared with pale faces, understanding that it was them who invoked the reaction. That to this child, they were monsters. They were threats. 

Everyone froze as the atmosphere suddenly darkened, resentment thickening slightly, and the curtains of the cave not too far from A-Yuan flew open, Wei WuXian running out eyes red and Chenqing gripped, "A-YUAN!"

It was clear he had been woken up, hair wild and his ribbon nowhere to be seen. His outer robes were not even tied properly, hanging off like a jacket and flying behind the running demonic cultivator.

A-Yuan broke from Wen Qing's grip running towards Wei WuXian, "A-DIE!!!!!"

Jiang Yanli let out a choked gasp, while the noblemen behind her jolted, eyes becoming even wider. Their thoughts were further confirmed when Wei WuXian full-on dropped to his knees, huddling the child in his arms and searching the settlement for danger. He stopped when he saw the nobels, red eyes turning confused, before fading away back to silver with a dawning expression of understanding. Chenqing was placed on the ground beside him, Wei WuXian sighing and looking down at the boy who called him father, "A-Yuan, my radish, its okay. We're all okay,"

Jiang Yanli turned towards her brother, who met her gaze with slight surprise. Her voice wavered, "A-Xian has a s-son?"

Jiang Cheng's face pinched, "I didn't know...I saw him, the first time and when Zewu Jun and I came a few weeks ago. But I didn't realize the child was..."

Nie Huaisang looked up at his brother, "Da-ge...there's a child. Wei-xiong's son. Wei-Xiong's been protecting his son,"

Nie MingJue didn't let out any sound, but his face tightened and Jin ZiXuan let out a punched-out noise of horror. Lan Xichen was just staring at the scene, thinking back to his brother. His baby brother who had told him over and over again that the sects were making a mistake in exiling Wei WuXian. His brother who had mentioned a child. But Lan Xichen had not believed him...no, that's not it. He did, a part of him. But a bigger part of him trusted Jin Guangyao and the honor of the Jin Sect.

They would not have gone so far as to put a child in a labor camp...

"At the Burial Mounds, there's a child of the age of five.  So young that he should be in school, learning alongside peers, but instead he's stuck, caged, all he is learning is from commoners and our companions because of his own name. Does he have blood on his hands? Do the elderly and threatened have to be blamed for the bullshit of a bastard?"

Wei WuXian's words drift up into their ears, "Sh, sh, my radish. A-Die is here, A-Die is here. No one is going to get hurt, I promise,"

A-Yuan just gripped the black robes, sobbing and shaking. Wen Qing stepped over, moving behind Wei WuXian and reaching forward, hucking up his robes properly. Wei WuXian smiles at her in thanks, the girl just nodding, before giving a pained glance at the boy. Wei WuXian stands up, carrying A-Yuan, Chenqing in his hand. 

He glances at the nobles and then at his son. He looks towards them and nods, the soft expression hardening over, "I will be back," he gives a look to Wen Qing as he passes, taking A-Yuan back into his room behind the curtains.

There's a silence in the settlement, a silence so thick and heavy with sorrow. Wen Qing inhales, turning and her sharp gaze is directed at the outsiders once more, "That. That is how we found out. A-Ying was worried about becoming A-Yuan's father, he felt unqualified,"

She walks towards them again, Wen Ning helping the old woman join them for some food. Jiang Yanli's voice is terribly soft, "How..." she pauses, closing her eyes and swallowing a lump in her throat, "How long has A-Xian been...a father?"

"Two years," The group of Wen's all chorused.

The old woman from before explained, "A few months after A-Ying returned from the celebration of your own son, Young Lady Jin,"

She should be happy, shouldn't she? She should be delighted that her didi has a son. Yet, all Jiang Yanli feels is pain. She has missed so much of her Xianxian's life. Of the boy, she had raised because the woman set to be his mother figure was unfit for such a job. Was unfit for being Jiang Yanli's own biological mother. Yes, Jiang Yanli loved her mother, but only because she was her mother. She hated Yu ZiYuan for the damage she inflicted on A-Cheng and A-Xian.

And sometimes, she hated that she had to become their mother figure at such a young age.

The same feelings were felt towards her father. Both her parents had failed spectacularly. But Jiang Yanli had always been the one that everyone in their family had gravitated towards. She knew she was the only one in the family that had such a privilege, despite it being so shallow. Her father talked to her, occasionally gave her light praise. But her father had also used her as a mediator. Asking her to check on her mother, to check on her brothers, to do this, to do that. Things he should've done, but never did because he preferred the silence to avoid further conflict.

And her mother, her bitter mother. She never forgot to make Jiang Yanli feel ashamed of her low cultivation, of her uselessness. Of how she was wasting away enjoying cooking like she was some servant as if servants were not important people to function a sect. As if her mother was of any status to speak of such things. Jiang Yanli was very aware that compared to her mother, her birth status had been higher. She was the only daughter of the gentry, she was the eldest child of the Jiang Sect. Now, she was the future Madam Jin.

Her mother had been the third sister, the third lady. She was powerful in cultivation, yes. But in comparison to her own daughter, Jiang Yanli was higher in status. And this was ignoring the disrespect her mother had shown to her father, to Jiang Yanli's own name. Madam Yu. Madam Yu was Jiang Yanli's eldest aunt, the current leader of MeishanYu Sect. It was never her mother's title. Her mother had shunned herself from accepting the Jiang name.

Because of all of this, Jiang Yanli had made it her duty to give her brothers affection. To nurture them. To let them cry. To let them live with a corner of safety. Her Xianxian had always come to her, told her things. But the last two or so years, she had lost so much time. Had been missing for so much. 

She had a nephew she didn't even know existed. And her A-Xian had never even told her.

Some of her emotions must have trickled out, because Jiang Yanli felt her husband take her hand softly. She looked at him and smiled painfully, "A-Xian never told me..."

From the corner of her eyes, she sees the Wen's stiffen and look guilty. She wonders, briefly, if they blame themselves for her A-Xian's situation. She does not know how she would feel if they did.

The silence stretches once more, before Wen Ning breaks it, "It was your robes, by the way,"

The outsiders look at him and then down at their robes. Wen Ning smiles slightly, "Not all of you, Young Master Jin and Young Lady Jin's. Your robes, the color,"

Lan Xichen glances at the gold-colored robes, before realizing, gasping in horror, "The child, he is not A-Ying's by blood-"

Wen Qing snorts, "Definitely not,"

"-Is he from...from the camps?" Lan Xichen finishes, voice almost like a whisper.

The dark faces that show is as much of a confirmation. Jin ZiXuan lets out a noise of pure despair, blood draining from his face and eyes widening. He stares down at his bright robes, at the peony motif on his chest. He wants to rip it all off. His father, his father had really...

Jin ZiXuan chokes suddenly, hand flying to his mouth, "H-how old is- is he?"

"...five,"

That's three years older than his son. 

His wife must be thinking the same because she looks ready to break down. Their horror is put on pause when they hear approaching footsteps and a firm, yet understanding voice speak up, "I do not believe this to be your fault, ZiXuan,"

They all look up, unaware that each noble has glassy and despondent eyes. Wei WuXian has gotten ready, hair ribbon present and robes tied properly, Chenqing at his waist. A-Yuan is in his hands, scrunching the black robes as he gazes at the two in gold with obvious fear. Jiang Yanli whispers, "A-Xian..." she then looks at the child and her pained expression tightens once more.

Wei WuXian sighs, and crouches down in front of the two, A-Yuan screaming and burrowing closer, "A-DIE!!"

"A-Yuan, trust your A-Die. As long as I am here, no one will hurt you or anyone else," Wei WuXian's voice is incredibly tender, eyes glossed over in affection as he strokes A-Yuan's head.

A-Yuan glances up and then at the two in gold, bottom lip quivering. He whispers, "Bad yellow people,"

Wei WuXian nods, "Yes, there were bad yellow men who hurt you...but these are not bad yellow people," 

Jin ZiXuan stares at Wei WuXian, the younger meeting the gaze calmly. He offers a smile and then gently pries A-Yuan from his robes and holds the little hands in his larger ones. He turns his son towards the two, speaking as he does so, "These are good gold people,"

A-Yuan frowns, "Gold?"

Wei WuXian nods, "Yes. These people won't hurt you...that is why they are here. Because they are good,"

A-Yuan still looks wary, but he is not shaking anymore, clearly listening to the words. Wei WuXian shifts forward, placing a hand over Jiang Yanli's and giving her a soft squeeze.

He smiles at her for a moment, before turning back to his son, "A-Yuan, do you remember my shijie?"

A-Yuan is quick to perk up at the familiar name, nodding, "She's really far away and A-Die can't see her, but A-Die misses her lots and lots! A-Yuan tried to help A-Die fly to see her, but A-Die and A-Yuan don't have wings like birds so they can't fly,"

Jiang Yanli grips Wei WuXian back, smiling lovingly at her brother and his son. Wei WuXian giggles, nodding, "Yes, but my shijie came to see me,"

"Really?!" A-Yuan says.

Wei WuXian nods and then tugs A-Yuan closer to Jiang Yanli and Jin ZiXuan, "My good A-Yuan, this is my shijie. Your Guma and the gold man is her husband, your Gufu,"

Wei WuXian looks back towards Wen Qing when he says the titles as if checking if this was alright. The Wen remnants smile at him endearingly, Wen Qing softening her eyes just a bit with a nod. A-Yuan looks up at the two with new wide eyes, "Good gold people!"

Jiang Yanli lets out a soft laugh, though there are hints of tears near the corners of her eyes, "Hello, A-Yuan. I'm glad to finally meet you,"

Jin ZiXuan smiles as well, "Hello A-Yuan,"

A-Yuan giggles and waves his hands, repeating, "Guma and Gufu are good gold people! Not bad yellow people!"

Jiang Yanli laughed a little more, nodding, "Yes, there are very bad yellow people,"

Jin ZiXuan moves forward to crouch in front of the boy. He carefully reaches up to hold the two small hands, smiling sadly, "A-Yuan, those bad yellow people...your A-Die is helping us stop them,"

A-Yuan looks at Wei WuXian who only smiles slightly. A-Yuan grins and nods, "A-Die is very strong! No one can defeat my A-Die!"

Everyone laughed, the atmosphere beginning to loosen up once more, the early resentment summoned by Wei WuXian's panic already faded away. Wei WuXian stood up, "A-Yuan, come. There's more guests to meet,"

 Wei WuXian sat back as he motioned A-Yuan to go and meet people as there was little space. A-Yuan trusted his father, so he moved forward, though with a little hesitance. Beside Jiang Yanli, was Jiang Cheng, so Wei WuXian did him first, "This is your Jiang-shushu. My shidi,"

Jiang Cheng's scowl is nowhere to be found as he welcomes a new nephew,"Hello, dear A-Yuan," 

A-Yuan grinning and waving, "Jiang-Shushu!!"

The three Yunmeng Sibling's smiles turn wistful. Wei WuXian's smile turns slightly guilty as he recalls the fate of his Jiang-Shushu. Shaking his head clear, he moves on, pointing to Nie MingJue and Nie Huaisang, "The big scary man is Chifeng Zun, the sect leader of Nie Sect Sect. The one with the fan is his brother, Nie Huaisang,"

A-Yuan looks at the two brothers with curious eyes. He walks forward and waves, craning his neck to look at Nie MingJue, who stares at him almost blankly. Nie Huaisang chuckles and waves, closing his fan so he can reveal the bright smile, "It is good to meet you, Young Master A-Yuan!"

A-Yuan giggles, "Fan-Gege and Scary-Gege,"

Wei WuXian barks out a laugh along with multiple other people. Nie MingJue blinks and huffs. He reaches forward and pats A-Yuan's head awkwardly, "Hello, kid,"

Wei WuXian finishes, "And the last one is-"

A-yuan looks at Lan Xichen and his eyes brighten, "Baba!"

There's a momentary pause of shock before Wei WuXian screams, "No! A-Yuan, that is not your rich-gege...this is Lan Xichen, Lan Zhan's older brother,"

"Oh," A-Yuan says, looking up with a small giggle, "then...Bobo?"

Lan Xichen lips part in disbelief for a moment, all eyes snapping to Wei WuXian's who is panicking with pink cheeks, "No, no! My delightful radish this is...ah...Xichen-Gege!"

A-Yuan looks at the state of his father in confusion before quickly accepting and smiling, "Hello, Xichen-Gege!"

Lan Xichen gives a smile, though his voice is slightly strangled, "Hello, Young Master Wen,"

He then raises a careful eyebrow, towards Wei WuXian, "Does...does A-Yuan call WangJi...Baba?"

Jiang Cheng whips his head around, "Wei WuXian! Do I have to set a marriage contract because you two dumba-" he glances at A-Yuan and then corrects himself, "idiots adopted a child together?!"

Wei WuXian's cheek turn fully red, "NO!!! It's- it's just a mistake! Back then, A-Yuan got lost in the market and started calling Lan Zhan Baba because Lan Zhan found him!!!"

The Wen remnants all quickly shove food in their mouths or turn away, hiding their amusement and laughter. Behind Wei WuXian, the three spirits are cackling, the sound only heard by the demonic cultivator.

A-Yuan runs back to his father, climbing up into his lap. He then reaches up, squishing Wei WuXian's cheeks, "A-Die is sick? He's red?"

Jiang Cheng starts choking as he holds back laughter. Wen Qing has no such liberty, freely snickering. Wei WuXian glares at both of them, before smiling at his son, "A-Die is fine. Come, lets eat,"

"A-Ying, give him here so you can eat," 

"Its alright Granny," Wei WuXian smiles as Wen Ning passes a large bowl to Wei WuXian and utensils, "I will feed him. I've missed him in my time away,"

A-Yuan sits in Wei WuXian's lap and the nobles watch endearingly as the terrifying YiLing Patriarch indulges and feeds him, whispering jokes and pecking the chubby cheeks. As they eat, Wen's finish and return to their duties, bowing in farewell and patting Wei WuXian's head or shoulder as they pass. Soon, it is just the Wen Siblings, Wei WuXian, A-Yuan, Granny Wen, and the nobles.

Wei WuXian had finished eating a while back, now telling elaborate stories to A-Yuan when the boy had asked about how his adventure was. That was the ruse the other Wen Remnants had told the boy when he awoke to his father nowhere to be found.

"And there was a large lake filled with Lotuses and golden lanterns, its very beautiful," Wei WuXian told of his flight over the pier.

"Like ours?"

Wei WuXian's eyes twinkle, "Better,"

Jiang Cheng shifts over, crouching in front of his brother and nephew. He places a gentle hand on his older brother's knee, smiling at A-Yuan, "One day, I'll take you to see it with your A-Die and everyone else here,"

Wei WuXian, Wen Qing, Wen Ning, and Granny Wen all let out gasps, eyes staring at the youngest sect leader. The meaning flew over no one. Jiang Cheng had said that the moment it was able, the Wen remnants would be brought to the Jiang Sect.

Wei WuXian stared at Jiang Cheng with eyes of shock and hope. His voice whispers, "A-Cheng..."

Jiang Cheng hates the careful tone, but he knows its there for a reason. He gives a firm resolution, "In front of representatives of the four great sects, my word has been set. I already told you that once the test was over you were coming home with your title and everything. Your name is still registered as my first disciple,"

Wei WuXian turns away at that, face twisting before the expression was shoved away. He then giggles, pinching A-Yuan's cheeks, "You here your Shushu. One day, A-Yuan will see every beautiful thing in the world,"

"With A-Die?" 

Wei WuXian swallows nodding, "Of course, baobei,"

Wen Qing shares a glance with Wen Ning. She stands up and walks over, speaking up, "A-Yuan, go with Granny and go study for some time. A-Ying has some very important work to do,"

"What work? Can A-Yuan help? A-Yuan is very helpful!" A-Yuan babbles as the adults all begin to rise their feet, though he relents in letting go, leaving Wei WuXian to lift him up.

"I have to find Rich-Gege," Wei WuXian says after a moment, "He's in trouble,"

A-Yuan gasps, "Oh no!"

"Mhm," Wei WuXian agrees seriously, "A-Yuan can help me by studying very well so he can became very strong and help people in trouble too,"

A-Yuan puts on a determined expression and nods. Wei WuXian kisses his head, eyes closing for a second as he stays there, "Good boy. A-Die loves you very much," 

A-Yuan smiles and places his own peck on Wei WuXian's cheek, "A-Yuan loves A-Die too!"

Wei WuXian's smile is turning wobbly and he places A-Yuan down, watching as he runs to Granny Wen. Granny Wen smiles and bows to all of them, guiding the child away. He turns back and waves goodbye to his new friends, the nobles all cracking smiles and waving back. 

The smiles fall away as Wei WuXian stumbles forward, rushing past them and heading towards the cave again, Wen Qing almost running after him. Wen Ning's expression is twisted into worry, but he still speaks with a friendly tone, "Come,"

They all follow after the two, into the room. Their eyes go to Wei WuXian, who is seated on the bed, face pressed into Wen Qing's arm which he is gripping the robes with white knuckles. Wen Qing's free hand is running through the black hair tenderly, the small glow of spiritual energy present. 

Jiang Yanli's heart leaps and she moves forward, "XianXian?"

Wei WuXian pulls back, smiling softly as Jiang Yanli reaches forward and cups his face worryingly, her thumbs easily finding the remains a few tear tracks, "Shijie, I'm okay,"

His smile falters, "I just missed him,"

Jiang Yanli smiles sadly, "Oh A-Xian. I know, I miss A-Ling every time he is not with me,"

At the reminder of the little Jin Ling, Wei WuXian's face clears slightly. He nods and then says, "Good reminder, we cannot stay here too long,"

"Wei-Xiong," Nie Huaisang asked, "Will you be able to help? After what Hanguang Jun did...will you be able to even get near him?"

Wei WuXian shrugs, "I do not know, let us hope not. I trust Lan Zhan to be able to maintain the control to not anything filter out as he had before,"

"Why did that even happen?" Jiang Cheng asked, "I've never seen you do that,"

"Resentment does not act like it, that is why," Wei WuXian explained, "Whatever is corrupting Lan Zhan, it is not just resentment..." he pauses, looking at Lan Xichen, "I believe its more of a curse,"

Lan Xichen's voice turns tight, "A curse?"

Wen Qing cuts in here, "It is for this reason that the conversation being taken place here, or any of the things you all have learned in your time in YiLing remain sealed to everyone else, especially the Jin's," she turns to the two older sect leaders, "Including your sworn brother,"

Lan Xichen frowns slightly, Jin ZiXuan looking displeased as well with keeping such things a secret from his brother. Wei WuXian explains, "If I had a choice in the situation, let it be known, all you know now would not be the knowledge you would hold. I have kept my secrets for a very long time and I will do so until my death,"

Nie MingJue frowns, "If we're keeping it between those involved, then the Wen's should not be included either,"

Wei WuXian's eyes shapren at once, "If their last name is bothersome to you, Chifeng Zun, you may excuse yourself from my territory,"

The tension of the room is suddenly suffocating as the two stare at one another. "Da-Ge," Nie Huaisang intervenes with Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen, the eldest speaking, "A-Ying, how do you know its a curse?"

Wei WuXian scoffs but explains, "First, the GusuLan Sect was unable to dispel the resentment from Lan Zhan's meridians. No form of Cleansing was working. Two, the absorption of resentment. This is not normal resentment behavior,"

"A-Xian," Jiang Cheng frowns, "No offense, but didn't you take in resentment just yesterday?"

"Yes, but that is different," Wei WuXian says, "Its not just absorbing resentment into my body. Its a symbiotic relationship with the spirits and energy," he hesitates, obviously unsure of how much to reveal of his cultivation. He speaks slowly, "Normal resentment will not just enter from one living being to another, especially one with the core of Lan Zhan's,"

"But then how does it work for you?" Jin ZiXuan furrows his eyebrows together, "You two have always been on par?"

There a moment of silence as Wei WuXian stares at Jin ZiXuan. Wen Qing's hand's curl beneath her sleeve, eyes narrowing, while Wen Ning glances at Jiang Cheng for a few moments. Wei WuXian then lets out a laugh, grinning, "But Lan Zhan was not in here for three months on the brink of death! I made a deal that time ago, I gave myself to the mountain and surrendered myself to the mercy of the bloodlust," a chilling smile curls up, eyes flickering red for a brief moment, "I am a demonic cultivator, founder of this path and the only one with such power. I can take Lan Zhan down if I wanted, could have. Could take you all down with barely a flick of my finger,"

The group stared at him, fighting back to grip their swords from their bodies reflex's ringing in their minds. Wei WuXian softens up, amused, "Do not fret. If I was interested in destroying your sects, I would've done so three years ago when you allowed me to build a home here,"

Nie Huaisang lets out an awkward smile, "Good to know, but I ask again, Wei-Xiong. What are we gonna do about Hanguang Jun?"

"We only have one choice if we want to extract the resentment without Lan Zhan resisting us," Wei WuXian sighs, his face turning dark.

"And that is?" Jiang Yanli asks, not liking the displeased expression on Wei WuXian's face.

"...we have to trap him,"

Chapter Text

Lan WangJi glided in and out of the shadows casted by the trees surrounding him, his footsteps silent other than the occasional crunching of early autumn leaves getting in his way. The white hood was down, revealing the cold face and piercing gold eyes which scanned the area. 

Lan WangJi reached his destination, entering into a clearing he had been in three months prior. This was where he had been on that nighthunt that had led him to this situation.

'That had caused him to almost kill his beloved,'

For that reason alone, Lan WangJi's determination grew to a level unmatched. No one could deter him. Whatever- whoever, was behind this, Lan WangJi swore to destroy them. He says whoever as he had thought back to the nighthunt in his journey here.

Back then, the night hunt was simple beyond reason. An easy thing for someone of his strength and skill. Lan WangJi remembers that while he delt with the yao, he had not been alone. He had thought nothing of it then, too focused on keeping the yao away from the slightly inexperienced group of cultivators in all black. Lan WangJi had assumed they were rouge or those of a minor sect looking for some hunt. Lan WangJi had been meaning to talk to them, but they had only watched him finish the yao off from the sideline, occasionally trying a move, before backing off and letting the Second Jade handle it.

By the time he had finished it off and set the corpse to peace, the cultivators had gone. And Lan WangJi, did not care for it. They had only prolonged his work and had helped in no way. Lan WangJi does recall the assumed time when the resentment had entered him, because he recalls faltering and the sudden burning flare of his meridians, causing him to pause. The yao had launched at him, Lan WangJi dodging just in time, but had cost the hem of his sleeve to rip.

It was then Lan WangJi realized, that the cultivators had snuck back into the shadows of that night, Lan WangJi distracted by the offset of his meridians and the yao. With a frustrated sigh, Lan WangJi sat down in lotus pose, summoning his zither in front of him. He began to strum, calling out for spirits for their help.

The answers were few and mostly unhelpful, just spirits who wished to move on. Of course, Lan WangJi helped them, but it was not what he wanted to do at the moment. He took a break, thinking of how to get aid. It hit him with another stir of resentment the skills he now possessed.

Quickly, his gold irises melted away to ruby ones. Resentment leaked out from Lan WangJi's body, the light-bearer strumming carefully and calling out once more, but this time, he called with the idea of demonic cultivation. What he had learned is that unlike spirtual energy which required control and structure, resentment was more like water. It flowed and was more on empathy and the acceptance of darkness, the acceptance of just how much yin was around each person. 

The effect was immediate, the light translucent figure appeared in front of him. It was a low leveled spirit, one that responded to the commands hidden in Lan WangJi's notes. The spirit was that of a young male, a commoner from the clothes. Lan WangJi spoke up, "Were you here three months ago when I was fighting a yao?"

The spirit nodded firmly, reaching out and strumming a few notes of Inquiry. Lan WangJi could not figure out how to freely discuss with spirits, but he does remember his beloved telling him that free speech and movement might be a factor dependent on what level spirit. Hence, Lan WangJi wasn't too deferred by the lack of verbality. 

'It killed me. Before. Took me from my family,'

Ah. So it was a slightly resentful ghost killed by the very creature. He must've stayed around to watch over his family. Lan WangJi asked again, "Do you know who cursed me?"

The spirit looked confused for a moment and Lan WangJi explained, "I am cursed. I have been harboring unusual resentment since my nighthunt..." he then reaches for the empathic bond, "It almost caused me to kill the person I love the most,"

As expected, the eyes of the spirit widened and softened. The strings vibrated once more, 'There was one who was same as you,'

"Same as me?"

The spirit pointed towards the wisps of resentment. Lan WangJi's eyes sharpened, "One of the six, they could control resentment?"

'Yes,' 

"Do you think you can help me find them?" Lan WangJi asked.

The spirit thought about it and then nodded, 'You killed it. I will repay you'

Lan WangJi bowed his head in thanks. He then questioned, "Do you know how you will track them down?"

The spirit smiled and it was the first streak of cruelty. 

'Followed them when they were running. I can find them,'

Lan WangJi stood up, the zither vanishing, eyes softly returning to gold, "Lead the way,"

◒

Its a slow process, the spirit guides him through the forest and then out of the territory. Slowly, Lan WangJi finds himself communicating with more and more spirits as the spirit guiding him inquires for more information. It is only after three days of steady travel does Lan WangJi reconginze the direction they are heading in, and what exactly their destination seemed to be.

He stops suddenly, staring through the branches at the large city he could see in the distance. His gold eyes were piercing on the tallest building of a similar gold shade, only dotted with grandeur and white petals of a peony. The spirit had paused as well, glancing back and staring silently. 

Lan WangJi looked at the spirit for a moment, "Lanling?"

The spirit nods and then floats closer, pointing to the sword. Lan WangJi thinks for a moment before it hits him and his eyes widen, "They were Jin cultivators?!"

The spirit nods once again. They fly back a bit as Lan WangJi's jaw clenches and his gold eyes flash red. Fingers curl in fury, resentment stirring in his body, a few wisps seeping out of his skin and curling around the snow white robes. 

Cultivators of the Jin Sect has intervened. Cultivators of the Jin sect had cursed him. Cultivators of the Jin Sect had almost made him Lan WangJi kill the person he loves most. Cultivators of the Jin Sect were going to die.

Lan WangJi pulled up the hood and stormed forward, the eyes locked in a light red. The spirit sensed his heightened anger and moved quicker, the two sneaking around the towns edges and alleys. Step by step, they inched closer and closer to Koi Tower. As they get close enough the see the patrols of disciples and glittering details of the gold walls, the spirit pauses in the shadow they are hidden in. 

The spirit turns to him and Lan WangJi pulls out his guqin, before activating a silencing dome around them to keep the strums of the out of the ears of anyone else. The spirit moved forward and strummed, the notes of inquiry easy to understand, though the message made Lan WangJi frown slightly.

'I do not know anymore. Just til here,'

"Thank you for your help," Lan WangJi says after a moment, "Would you like to move on?"

The spirit stays silent before shaking their head and responding with vibrations of seven strings.

'I will watch over my family,'

Lan WangJi nods and bows to the helpful spirit, who smiles and speaks once more.

'I hope you find the guilty one. For your beloved,'

At the mention of Wei WuXian, Lan WangJi softened yet also grew more furious. He promised, "No one hurts him and gets away with it,"

The spirit seems amused and pats Lan WangJi on the head, the weight of such gesture hardly felt, however Lan WangJi had been around spirits enough times to feel something when they initiated such contact. 

'I bless you two a long happy life,'

Lan WangJi bowed in thanks. He released the dome and put his zither away, watching as the spirit flew past him in the direction they had come from, the translucent form turning invisible as they grew farther and farther away. Lan WangJi turned back towards the tower, expression freezing over as he stared and pondered his next decision.

Part of him desired to burn the place to the ground, a sickening urge to watch the lavish gold become nothing but dust under his command. Though, he knows, should he do such a thing, Wei WuXian would probably never forgive him. Especially since this sect is now Wei WuXian's extended family by Jiang Yanli's marriage. 

Lan WangJi sat in the shade, thinking of how he could find the exact culprit. He knew they were of the lanlingjin sect. And he knew they were a cultivator. However, he also knew that one or two of the cultivators had learned to manipulate resentment, though not to the degree Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian seemed to have managed. And by keeping their faces hidden by masks during the hunt meant that they were probably recongizable, or at least feared the Lan WangJi would recall one of their faces should they ever cross paths again.

Which, to be honest, was a fair assumption. Lan WangJi probably would have recognized them. Unlike Wei WuXian, his memory did not allow him to forget people he had no interest in. Lan WangJi hummed a song under his breath to think, a wisp of black twirling between his fingers as he pondered. He paused when a passing Jin patrol were gossiping, names catching his attention, "...They weren't even gone for two days and yet the Yiling Patriarch looks like he wasn't dying at all!"

Lan WangJi's eyes widened and he smiled slightly in relief, a tension in his heart unraveling. Wei WuXian was alive. Wei WuXian was alright and the group had returned back to Koi Tower two days ago.

"I didn't even think someone like him could look so...vulnerable!"

Lan WangJi hardened his gaze at the gold robes. Of course Wei WuXian would look like that! What did the cultivation world expect of his love? To be emotionless? Immortal? No, Wei WuXian was just as human as the rest of them. He bled, he cried, he hurt. His Wei Ying was hurting too much all because of the greediness of the sects. Lan WangJi longed for the end of the test so he could free Wei WuXian from the shackles. So they could finally stop hiding and end those rumors of their hate for one another. The rumors would be replaced with quite the opposite and they could both be happy, with their little A-Yuan.

'A-Yuan...'

Lan WangJi always missed Wei WuXian and their son(unofficial, but the Wen remnants hadn't opposed when Wen Yuan called Lan WangJi Baba) when he was away in Gusu or a nighthunt. His secret visits to YiLing were blessings and Lan WangJi always relished in the few days, if lucky, one week, with them. 

But thinking of the boy now, how was he when neither Wei WuXian or Lan WangJi were around? How was Wei WuXian under the entire situation with his family trapped behind the Burial Mounds and their son left alone, while Lan WangJi was in such situation and Wei WuXian was barely a free man. Once more, the unquenchable fury of those responsible for the curse rushed through him, the resentment spiking and his golden core pulsing slightly to try and regulate it.

As he silently fumed and restrained the black wisps, his eyes flashed a darker red. Lan WangJi gasped and glanced over to the side where he had felt the slight trace of resentment that was not from him. Narrowing his eyes, Lan WangJi concentrated on his surroundings, searching for the trail. Once again, black wisps traced up and towards his fingers and Lan WangJi quickly walked in that direction finding more and more wisps.

Without another moment of waiting, Lan WangJi tracked the trail. He swerved through the alleys, keeping direction of the trail but also hiding in the shadows and from the patrols. He reached closer to the side of Koi Tower and followed the trail to a wall of the tower. Lan WangJi glared and he summoned up spiritual energy, tracing the wall softly and searching. With the small flicker, he found the array of the hidden passage.

The resentment obviously continued past the passage way, but Lan WangJi did not know how to break bypass the array correctly. He looked around for a moment, before summoning forth a heavy amount of resentment energy. Since he could not use spiritual energy, resentment was the only thing he could think of.

With a strong slam, the resentment launched forward into the spiritual array, the imbalance quickly causing the array to flicker and sputter. Lan WangJi's determination was on a level higher than before so he did not stop the manipulation. Did not count the number of rules he was breaking. Did not falter.

The array shattered with a small burst of energy and Lan WangJi used his physical strength to slide open the wall, revealing a dirt tunnel lit with torches. He walked in after a moment of breathing, sliding the wall back into place, before turning and staring down at the tunnel.

He searched for resentment once more, only to find that the tunnel had a denser trail than outside, meaning the presence of it down here, in the catacombs of the LanlingJin Sect, was a norm.

A dark expression clouded over Lan WangJi's face, the hood lowered and his red eyes on full display. Lan WangJi calmly unsheathed Bichen and headed down the tunnel.

After all, whoever had messed with Wei WuXian, would never escape the wrath of Hanguang Jun.

Chapter Text

Kind of short, but for good reason.

please read end note

Lan WangJi walked through the catacombs with light footsteps. Despite the crunch of tiny rocks and gravel, he was as silent as a ghost. He looked like one as well with the white robes and piercing red eyes. Lan WangJi remained walking with a single determination in his mind:

Find out everything.

He would find the demonic cultivator that cursed him. He would find out why such a scheme was initiated against him. And he would bring this all to light. If that meant he had to play a villain in this narrative, then so be it. Lan WangJi could be a villain. 

He was never as selfless or forgiving as Wei WuXian. 

Truly, Wei WuXian was better than him. Lan WangJi felt as his title was misleading and fit Wei WuXian more than himself, but of course, the cultivation world would never see it that way. They saw Hanguang Jun and the YiLing Patriarch as two sides of the same blade. One in elegant white with a discipline admired throughout the land, an epitome of righteousness. The other shrouded in black with an eccentric and heretical personality, feared and used as a nightmare to scare children into obedience.

How far off the rumors were of the truth.

Everytime he visited YiLing and Lan WangJi heard of someone speaking ill of Wei WuXian, it was the demonic cultivator who had to hold the light-bearer from drawing Bichen out. But in this scenario, there was no Wei WuXian to restrain him. Lan WangJi loved him with everything he had, and yet some pricks had almost took Wei WuXian away from him using Lan WangJi's hand.

Lan WangJi would show them his hand for such a daring move. Every choice will have its consequences and Lan WangJi was head of discipline after all.

"Ah- Fuck!"

Lan WangJi stopped moving at once, pressing against the walls which had changed at one point to be a proper walls rather than dirt tunnels. He must've reached a legitimate part of Koi Tower. And if the cell not to far from Lan WangJi meant anything, the second jade assumed it was dungeons.

"Damn it! I'm out of candy!!!"

It sounded like a young male, a teenage boy at most. The problem was that Lan WangJi could feel the heavy strain of resentment in the air. Lan WangJi peered around the corner to find a young man with a childish charm, looking nothing more than a boy. He was dressed in the LanlingJin gold robes which flowed as he looked for something. 

"Aha!!” The boy beamed when finding a bag of what Lan WangJi guessed was candy, turning slightly so Lan WangJi could see his face.

His canine teeth show when he smiled. He had bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips that have a soft red hue. He could almost be described as handsome. He was rather tall even as a junior of his perceived age, yet his eyes are filled with casual contempt. The boy giggled insanely, tossing a couple pieces in his mouth as he lifted up a piece of parchment, glaring at it, "Fucking Wei WuXian. Why can't he just take in that stupid curse so Sect Leader Jin can let me go do what I want!"

With such a conformation, Lan WangJi let rage guide him. With terrifying speed, he burst out, the boy turning around and jumping out of the way, dropping the paper but refusing to release the bag of candy. He switched the bag to his left hand, while a black a sword that seemed to release a dark aura slid from the gold sleeve and into the child's hand. 

"Hanguang Jun!" The child laughed, "What a pleasant surprise for you to grace me with your blinding presence!"

Lan WangJi was in no mood for games. He attacked relentlessly, the child stumbling slightly but managing to get a few powerful blocks. Lan WangJi didn't hold back, using both physical and spiritual strenght. Within a mintute, the sword was knocked far away with the candies. The child didn't even get a chance to yell his protest before Lan WangJi had him pinned to the ground, red eyes glaring and Bichen at the kid's neck.

"My fucking candies!!!" The kid shrieked in anger, glaring with a fury Lan WangJi knew no child should hold.

Lan WangJi growled, "Who are you?"

"You want to know my-"

"I will not ask again!" Lan WangJi let out black wisps at his lessening patience, the boy looking at them with interest.

"You- you managed to control it? So quickly? I've been trying for years with Su Minshan and you got it that quickly!?" The child was in disbelief.

'Su Minshan,' Lan WangJi noted this word down firmly in his head.

Lan WangJi thought about the kid's words and then said, "Fine, how about a deal?"

The kid looked interested and Lan WangJi continued, "You answer my questions, including who you are and everything you are doing here practicing this cultivation. And I'll teach you how to do it properly,"

The kid narrowed his eyes, "And why would you want to teach me?"

"I don't," Lan WangJi spat, "But your nothing but a boy. If you are really going to learn, then you might as well learn properly. If you want, I'll even ask Wei Ying to take you under his wing so you can have proper guidance,"

The kid's eyes brightened at the name of the demonic cultivator, "You'd really let me see Master Wei?"

Lan WangJi pressed Bichen as a warning, "Only if you behave,"

"Throw in an endless amount of candy and its a deal," The kid challenged.

"Fine,"

The kid laughed like a maniac and Lan WangJi just stared at him, demanding answers. 

"I am Xue Yang, a guest disciple of this fucking sect. I've been here for a little over two years and tasked with learning demonic cultivator and after Master Wei's death, the recreation of the Stygian Tiger Seal and other inventions of his," Xue Yang rambled with glee.

"...death?" Lan WangJi spit out, ignoring everything else for now.

Xue Yang laughed, "Do you really think you and Master Wei are so subtle? These past two years, there are people who are completely aware that you visit the Burial Mounds repeatedly and that you and Wei WuXian are close!"

Lan WangJi goes still above Xue Yang, who laughs louder at the reaction. He mocks, "Hanguang Jun, you really think the sects would just let someone of Master Wei's abilities to exile without guards?"

Lan WangJi's patience was slipping, "What do you know about the curse Xue Yang?"

"That? Pfft, Su Minshan and I are the one who cursed you!" Xue Yang said with boredom.

"Why?! Wei Ying almost died because of that!" Lan WangJi's voice was rising in anger.

"He's going to die anyway!" Xue Yang snorted, "It's all part of Sect Leader Jin's and Jin Guangyao's scheme to get to Master Wei and his Stygian Tiger Seal. I was ordered to use demonic cultivation to implant a curse inside you, one that feeds off of resentful energy. It's supposed to be a trap for Master Wei, one that will result in his faithful end,"

Lan WangJi stared, expression paling and his knuckles turning white from the tightening grip on his sword's hilt.

Seeing the great Hanguang Jun paling gave the young Xue Yang an immense power. He kept going, eyes sparkling with cruelty, "Since you don't have resentment in your body, the curse draws in resentment from outside sources like corpses and demons you fights during night hunts. And apparently, Master Wei as well! Haha, it would have been funny if he died then, but then you'd be stuck with that curse and impending death. And Jin GuangYao is still hesitant on hurting you since it would affect Zewu Jun, which is amusing to me since he's already done all of this behind his back,"

Lan WangJi's meridians are flaring as the resentment inside him begins to flail, his anger feeding it and the dark thoughts and voices leaking into his head.

Xue Yang kept talking.

"Anyway! Wei WuXian would obviously be called out to help since he's the only one with such an ability! Jin Guangyao was the one who subtly suggested it after all to Zewu Jun. And once he did, he'd take in your resentment, the easiest method and safest after all! Hence, the curse would go directly into him.  Then, he'd return to the resentment filled burial mounds, or maybe he'd lose control in a few days!"

"Lose control?" Lan WangJi barely got the words out.

"The curse will make him lose control and almost have a qi deviation but using resentment instead. Once there's enough resentment, it begins to poison cultivators meridians and cores. It kills them slowly and basically turns them agitated. The agitation would eat him alive from the inside out, leading to death of himself and Master Wei losing his mind!" Xue Yang grinned at the horrified expression on the jade, "HAHA! Hanguang Jun, aren't you pale now? Are you mad? Are you hurting? Did you really think you could save such a man? Wei WuXian has brought this upon himself with flaunting goodness!!! In the end, everyone around him will suffer!!! After all, aren't you and him hiding everything? Aren't you in such a position because of him?!"

"Shut up!!" Lan WangJi roared, senses overloaded with anger and restraint.

Xue Yang laughed crazily, "Did you really think you could save him?! You're nothing but the second jade! Even if you could do something, do you really think your sect would help? They'd kill him and you know it! They've never liked him, didn't he get kicked out back then?! Doesn't your uncle hate him?! Don't you?! Who are you trying to fool Hanguang Jun? You're nothing but a sad man lying to himself that he can save a broken man who has been brought up as a fucking shield!!! You are all as naive as your parents when they believed Wen Ruohan wouldn't dare to start a war! Look at how that turned out!"

"Xue Yang, be quiet!"

"Guess what Hanguang Jun, in the end, none of you will ever save him!! You will all fail and then, you'll blame him for it all! You never care, that's how you nobles work! You will never grasp the full extent of suffering as a servant's son, a prositutes son, a street rat! You think just because of Wei WuXian's title as a head disciple he should be lavished? How blind are you?! He's a servant's son, the boy brought into the Jiang Sect yet never added into the registry! He is nothing but a servant!! And yet he's stronger than all of you combined and you can't handle that!! After all, isn't that why you're trying so hard to please him with your changed relationship?"

Xue Yang's mocking tone and words make Lan WangJi freeze, staring down at the boy, who cackles, "You're feeling guilty for everything you've said and yet deep down, you still want to keep him all to yourself. Just how selfish can you be?! Us lower class are nothing to you all that you think you can just trap us anywhere we want and expect us to be complicant by goods!! Ahaha!"

"NO! BE QUIET!" Lan WangJi screams.

Xue Yang's laugh is infuratiang, "HAHAHA!" he pauses and his voice drops into a cruel whisper, "For all you preach and feel, it'll be you who will kill him,"

The resentment snaps and Bichen moves. The splatter of red stains the white robes and the clear blade, Lan WangJi shaking in fury, resentment leaking out from him.

'Wei Ying. Wei Ying. Wei Ying. They were going to kill Wei Ying. They tried to kill Wei Ying. They almost killed Wei Ying,'

His thoughts were swarming and the emotions Xue Yang had manipulated into his mind deafened him to the approaching figure. It blinding him by the short man in gold with a brown gauze, who stared at the scene with alarmed horror. With quick movements, Jin Guangyao shot forward, hand glowing with gold spirtual energy. Lan WangJi was too out of control to detect him in time. By the time he moved to defend, Jin Guangyao had already slammed a powerful hand on the second jade's neck, effectively knocking the man out. 

Jin Guangyao looked around the room for a moment, avoiding the scene and messing with the items. Hiding the demonic transcripts and letters of his and his father's involvement. Then with a fake fear and panic, he ran out, screaming for help.

The rumor spread faster than anything had ever before.

When it reached a certain group, the shatter of cups that were dropped in shock and paling expression were all that followed the words they were given.

"Lan WangJi has killed a child!!!"

Chapter Text

Wei WuXian could not breathe when he and the rest of their group burst into the Fragrance Hall where they had been informed Lan WangJi was brought, along with the body of the victim. Lan Xichen was running at a speed no one had ever seen a Lan move before, but of course, no one could even phantom a tease. Wei WuXian froze as he saw Lan WangJi's knocked out figure trapped tightly in golden deity binding rope while not to far was a covered figure. 

No one moved.

Wen Qing, who had joined the group on their return back and disguised with purple robes of the Jiang Sect, was the first to break. She walked towards the covered body and with a deep breath pulled back the sheet.

Wei WuXian heard himself release a choked sob at the face of the young boy. How...Why would...

'Lan Zhan, oh my beloved...'

Nie MingJue scrambled forward as Lan Xichen's knees buckled, Jin Guangyao running over as well, the two sworn brothers supporting the Lan Sect Leader who looked terrified. He whimpered, "Didi...A-Zhan...no, no..." a few tears fell down the First Jade of Lan's cheeks, "He's never going to forgive himself..."

Wei WuXian looked over at his lover who was bound so tightly, Bichen far away. He moved towards the male, gently sinking to his knees, aware of the eyes of everyone on him. They were not alone in the halls, everyone had come to witness the truth of the gossip. Wei WuXian could hardly keep the regret off of his face but he reached forward, holding Lan WangJi softly and reaching up, brushing the black hair tenderly. He whispered with a trembling voice, "Lan Zhan, its not your fault,"

An accident. Truly, that was all anyone could say of the situation for no one believed that Lan WangJi would kill a child. Wen Qing covered the child up and rose to her feet, "He was killed by a clean slash to the neck..."

The stains of blood on the white robes of Lan WangJi looked too bright for Wei WuXian to be near any longer. He called to Lan disciples over with a wave of his hand, handing their heir to them too care for her. He stood up, expression hardening over and turning back. He walked forward and sank to his knees in front of Lan Xichen, "Xichen-Ge...I am not willing to wait any longer. Something has happened to excel the rates of the resentment- the thing, inside Lan Zhan. As his sect leader and his older brother, I am asking you. Will you be able to deal with the mental consquences this will have on Lan Zhan..." he paused, "Because we both know he will lose it the moment his head is cleared,"

Lan Xichen inhaled deeply, before nodding. He then muttered, "such a thing will be left into the privacy of the great clans,"

Not a single sect seemed to protest. Jin Guangshan nodded to Jin Guangyao, who rose to his feet, "Please move Xue Chengmei's body and guide the sect leaders out of the room,"

The Jin disciples act without hesitation. The dead body is moved from the room and the sect leaders of the minor sect quickly filter out.

Wei WuXian stepped back as well, walking over to Wen Qing. His eyes were hardened but they softened slightly when he caught her gaze. She whispered softly, "A-Ying, must you extract it into you?"

"There's no time to find a better way. I can control resentment, things that derive off of it. I've battled demons and yaos from the Burial Mounds for months," he speaks softly, though he knows Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli are listening from where they stand a couple steps away, "Plus, you are here,"

"A-Ying, if something goes wrong-"

"Then you are to kill me," Wei WuXian says, cutting her off.

"What?!" Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, and Wen Qing all chorus.

"What happened?" Jin ZiXuan asks from where he and Nie Huaisang are bring Lan WangJi's unconscious body forward, resting him in a comfortable kneeling position.

Wei WuXian huffed and spoke up, "If this curse caused this, and I am to extract it there will be a risk. If I am losing control, if I seem to hurt anyone, you all are to kill me," he looks at all the startled faces with a fierce glare, "Without hesitation,"

"Young Master Wei-"

"Sect Leader Jin, do you have any opposition to my death? Last I recalled, it was your nephew that attempted to kill me two years ago?" Wei WuXian raised a sharp eyebrow up.

Jin Guangshan just raised his hands with a nervous laughter, "No, no, I was not opposing anything. We are to follow your lead for this anyway, whatever you want,"

Jin Guangshan wanted Wei WuXian dead anyway, and everyone in the room knew it. Wei WuXian gave a sarcastic smile at the male, before speaking and leaving no room for arguments, "Xichen-Ge, let me tell you your part in the extraction process,"

◒

Lan WangJi heard muffled voices and the distant sound of arguing between a man and a woman. His eyes cracked open, his meridians jolting with resentment and spiritual enregy, shocking him into alert as he registers the restraints he is trapped in. He looks up, eyes wide and takes in his current setting.

He is in the Fragrance Hall, and he is not alone. Jin Guangshan is on his throne, Jin Guangyao standing at the foot of it. Around the room are Nie Huaisang, Nie MingJue, Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, Jin ZiXuan, Wen Qing, Lan Xichen, and Wei WuXian. He stares at Wei WuXian, eyes taking in his figure as the memories assault him.

For a brief moment, he is frozen in place as he remembers what he had done to Xue Yang. To the delusional kid. 

He..he had killed him. Bichen had made a quick slash to Xue Yang's neck without his full awareness. Lan WangJi was hit with the sudden revelation... 

He had lost control. 

Not only of his emotions but his actions. The perfectly crafted self restraint he had built up to perfection for 23 years had snapped. Snapped and a life had been lost. No, not lost. Taken.

Lan WangJi inhaled shakily, glancing down carefully at the splatters of blood. Of a child's blood. He had taken the life of a young child.

The horror and disgust flushes through him. He shuts his eyes tightly to avoid to red stains.

'What was I thinking...what have I done?'

His meridians flail and Lan WangJi is hit with the dark reminder, 'He tried to kill Wei Ying. He cursed me to get to Wei Ying,'

 That's right...

Lan WangJi slowly opened his eyes again, expression steeling into acceptance.  Xue Yang was hardly innocent. He had done massive crimes under the Jin Sect, such as cursing Lan WangJi and an attempt to murder Wei WuXian. He found himself coming to a steady resolution, breathing slowly falling back into ease. His ears focus onto Wei WuXian's voice where he talking to Lan Xichen, "...give him spiritual energy while I absorb it into me,"

Lan WangJi knows exactly what's going on. The memories of the plan and the words Xue Yang had said make fear rush through like an arrow. The guilt and regret is shoved aside, the matter at hand thrusted forward with alarm. He calls out, "Wei Ying!!"

Everyone in the room snaps their attention to him, Wei WuXian's eyes widening at the feared expression he sees. Before he can speak, Lan Xichen has already ran past and towards his brother, crouching beside the boy. Lan WangJi stares at his brother, seeing guilt and pain etched into the features. He frowns in worry, "Brother?"

Lan Xichen only gives a wobbly smile, before gently cupping Lan WangJi's face and asking softly, "Didi, do you remember? Do you remember what happened to Young Master Xue?"

Lan WangJi grimaces at once. He deadpans, "He's dead. I killed him,"

Lan WangJi wonders if everyone was expecting him to panic, for there to be obvious remorse and regret. There was some, but the alarm about the curse in his veins was enough to hide it. Lan Xichen seems to realize the lack of feeling and demanded bluntly, "Why did you kill him?"

Lan WangJi narrows his eyes suddenly and glares towards Jin Guangyao and Jin Guangshan, "He was experimenting on things, dangerous things that could hurt a lot of people. He was trying to master resentful energy and harness its power,"

Everyone in the room froze, before gazes whipped towards Jin Guangyao. Wei WuXian exclaimed, "You didn't tell us this!!"

Jin Guangyao shook his head frantically, "I had no idea!"

"Liar!" Lan WangJi snaps.

"WangJi..." Lan Xichen calls softly.

Wei WuXian turns back to Lan WangJi, when he is addressed again, "Wei Ying, you must trust me. You must not extract anything,"

Wei WuXian frowns and then steps forward, standing a good distance away from the restrained cultivator. He extends an arm, eyes turning red, and Lan WangJi feels the pull as black wisps begin to leak out. Lan WangJi screams out, "WEI YING!"

It doesn't convince any of them, in fact, it only seems to edge Wei WuXian on! Lan WangJi curses, begging Wei WuXian to stop. The other seems to turn a deaf ear, and Lan WangJi hates how he can feel himself untense as more and more of the curse leaks from him. As his head begins to feel lighter, he registers the spiritual energy Lan Xichen is pouring into him from behind. 

"Wei Ying, Wei Ying, please listen!" Lan WangJi begs softer this time, sounding similar to his usal self.

"Lan Zhan, you've killed a child. Demonic cultivator or not, this thing has caused you to do something you'd never do," Wei WuXian speaks calmly.

"It's not a thing, Wei Ying! It's a curse!!!" Lan WangJi exclaims and for a moment, he can see how Wei WuXian had needed the conformation. The words didn't stop him though, so Lan WangJi reveals one more thing, "Not only that, but its a trap! A trap targetted at you!!!"

The moment the words register, the resentment freezes, along with Wei WuXian. Everyone in the room seems to still as well, Lan Xichen's sharp gasp coming from behind him and spiritual energy halting. Wen Qing rushes forward, eyes wide with alarm, taking hold of Wei WuXian's free wrist, coming along for this very reason. The fear of something going wrong. As she checks, she relaxes at nothing going wrong....yet.

"A trap..." Wei WuXian says slowly.

Lan WangJi nods his head, "Yes. On my night hunt, there was indeed a yao. But I was not alone. There was six cultivators, masks covering their faces and robes of colors I did not recongize. They seemed inexperienced, but now I wonder if that had been a ruse to make me lower my guard. Whatever the case, I was more focused on killed the yao. They had helped at time, getting a few hits in, but they mostly watched. I remember the moment the curse settled in me, I remember because my meridians had flared. I had managed to beat the yao, but the cultivators were gone by the time I had. The moment I realized the nature of this, I sought to find answers. Xue Yang, the strange kid, he told me, explained to me how it worked. It fed off of resentment and worked to corrupt one's core. I had no resentmnet, so I drew things in. It would draw it in and begin to taint the cultivators meridians, corrupting the golden core leading to something similar qi deviation. They knew you'd be summoned out if I got the curse. They knew you would not hesitate to help me," he emphasizes on the last word, repeating with a firm yet vague sentence only the two residents of the Burial Mounds would understand, "Wei Ying, people know," 

Wen Qing sucks in a sudden breath, while the rest of the room shares confused yet worried glances. Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen meet gazes, for a moment, understanding dawning between them. They had figured it out back then, but to think the two were adamant on hiding it…

Wei WuXian's expression pales suddenly, "A-about..."

"Yes, they knew that if I were in danger with such a situation, you would be brought to inquire. And they knew that you would never deny a moment to assist me. Wei Ying, I was a trap for you and it has worked up until now and I am begging you to not continue this. If you extract this curse, it will cause you to lose control, it will cause you qi deviation. You have been a genuis with keeping resentment and your spiritual energy at bay, but this curse will disrupt it. I know, I've felt it disrupting mine," Lan WangJi has never spoken this much in one go, but he has to make sure Wei WuXian will not go through with this, "I regret upon my impulsive reaction to what I learned, and the death of Xue Yang, though I will not say it was not deserved. You cannot extract it, we need another option,"

As Lan WangJi speaks, his gold eyes are constantly throwing furious glares towards two frozen Jin's in the back. Lan WangJi moves to reveal who had done it, but pauses when he feels the resentment move again and Wei WuXian speaking softly, "Nonetheless, it is too dangerous for it to reside in you any longer,"

"A-Xian!!" Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng scream in opposition, their sentiment echoed by Nie Huaisang and Jin ZiXuan. 

Nie MingJue speaks up as well, "Young Master Wei! What are you doing?!"

"It will be fine," Wei WuXian assures, Wen Qing silent beside him.

She is staring at Wei WuXian, understanding on her face. Of course, the curse requires one's core. But her A-Ying has no core. His meridians have no spiritual energy to taint. He is but a common man with the power of yin. Such a curse is nothing to him. But they do not know, even Lan WangJi, who has become apart of their poor family in YiLing does not know. Wei WuXian had found a way to hide it, flushing resentment into his meridians. Lan WangJi had commented on it multiple times, but Wei WuXian had always deterred him, a lie falling so easy from his lips, though Wen Qing had always known how much the secret had pained him. She had tired, multiple times, to convince him to reveal the truth to his lover, but Wei WuXian never went through it. 

"Tell him that I am but a common man that will soon wither away with age or sickness? Tell him that our time is limited? Put more guilt that all this time of him convincing me to pick up my sword was only a jab at my inability to? How can I dare, Jiejie? How can I do that to him? Is he not the reason I even stand here? The reason I got to see my family the last time? I cannot tell him that, I will not have him burdened by such a thing. It was my choice. It is my burden to carry,"

Lan Xichen speaks from behind Lan WangJi, "A-Ying! Please halt for a moment! There has to be something we can do!"

"Trust me," Wei WuXian remained calm.

Lan WangJi did not. He did not understand, staring at the love of his life with horror. He found his voice screaming, "Wei Ying, stop!!!"

At once, Lan WangJi began to thrash in the binds, despite knowing how useless it was. Such bonds could only be broken by a spiritual sword, yet he was desperate. He begged, "Wei Ying! Please for once, listen to me!!!! You will not die because of me, do you understand!!!! WEI YING!!"

"Lan Zhan! I will not die, I promise!! Just trust me!!!" Wei WuXian's agitation has begun to grow.

"A-XIAN!!" Jiang Yanli's voice hurts him with the amount of fear and pain in it, "A-XIAN! Please stop!"

She's begging him and Wei WuXian grits his teeth to avoid looking at her, "A-Xian!!! A-Cheng and I have already lost Mother and Father, please...please don't make us lose you too!!"

Jiang Cheng runs forward but Wei WuXian glares at him with hostility and snaps, "JIANG WANYIN!!"

At the sound of his formal name, Jiang Cheng goes still but his expression is horrified, "SHIXIONG!!!"

Wei WuXian falters slightly, but he pushes through, "Nothing will happen!!!"

Lan WangJi stares with fear and he snaps, "WEI WUXIAN!!"

"Lan WangJi!" Wei WuXian yells right back, red meeting gold, "It will be fine!"

"No, it will not!! Wei Ying, please think!! You will die by the tainting of your core!!" Lan WangJi pleads, thrashing a bit more.

"Nothing will happen, I promise!!!" Wei WuXian says stubbornly.

Everyone opposes, except Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao, who are just watching unsure of how to react to such a situation. They had been panicking earlier, terrified of just how much Lan WangJi seemed to know, but who knew that despite knowing it was a curse that would kill him, Wei WuXian would continue anyway!

Such nobility was almost hilarious.

"WuXian!" Nie MingJue drops formalities, "Think about the child for a goddamn second!!!"

Wei WuXian grits his teeth, "What do you care?! Is he not just a Wen-dog!?"

"NO!" Nie MingJue yells, "I've been wrong, you have shown that. We are all wrong and we have condemned you for doing good. So for fucks sake, will you please not be such a heroic fool and give us time to think and figure out a way to help both of you!!!"

Wei WuXian laughs slightly, "Chifeng Zun, this is the only way to help this situation!!! I am honored you will help us, maybe free us. I am glad to be of service to change your mindset, very few have been able to change mine,"

"Wei Ying!!!!!!!!" Lan WangJi screamed again, this time there are tears of fear, "Please, please, please, my dear Wei Ying..."

Wei WuXian falters as do the others by the wording. Wei WuXian stares at him with slight shock, surprised by just how far Lan WangJi was willing to go to stop him. They had kept their relationship a secret to avoid the rumors. Lan WangJi held their fate. If found that he was intimate with Wei WuXian, his word would never be trusted in this situation.

"Lan Zhan, I know what I'm doing," Wei WuXian states firmly, "Its almost done,"

"No! NO, NO!" Lan WangJi begs, Xue Yang's taunting ringing in his head, "You can't die! Wei Ying, please! Will you truly be so cruel to have me live with your death on my conscience. What am I to tell A-Yuan?! What will I tell him if his father died because he saved my life!?"

"You won't have to tell him that. You won't live with that, I will not let you," Wei WuXian grits his teeth, "Nothing will happen, it will not affect me!"

"Wei WuXian!" Jin ZiXuan was furious, "Is this really a time to be brave?!"

"I am not trying to be brave!! I'm only-"

"You are only doing what is right?" Jiang Cheng mocked, "A-Xian!!! When will you understand that you don't have to save everyone at the cost of your fucking life!!!? FOR ONCE- LISTEN!!"

"I'm almost done, just shut up and don't make things difficult!!!"

"Are you trying to die?!!!!" Lan WangJi cannot help but demand with fury.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei WuXian glares at him, "You know I am not!"

"This curse will rip you from the inside out!! Do you not understand how painful this will be?!"

"It won't be painful!" Wei WuXian was almost done, just another minute or two.

"Wei Ying, stop trying to play hero!!!!" 

"I'm not!!!"

"Then why are you so insistent on extracting this curse that will leave resentment to corrupt you from your core out!!??"

"BECAUSE-" Wei WuXian catches himself.

"Because what?!" Lan WangJi screams.

Wei WuXian grits his teeth, struggling to not snap. The others see it as the curse beginning to work and Lan WangJi turns more to angry fear,  "Because of what Wei Ying?!!!! You are not a god!! You are not immune to everything!!"

"I know that!!!" 

"Then why are you being such a fool!!!!!???"

Wei WuXian snaps just as the last of the curse is extracted out, black wisps floating straight into him as his eyes crackle with a dark red.

"BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A GOLDEN CORE!!!!!!!"

Chapter Text

Its like cold water had been dropped over everyone in the room. The words were screamed with such emotion that it was almost as deafening as the actual statement. 

Almost.

Wei WuXian's eyes widened for a moment, the red fading into silver. He stares directly at Lan WangJi, who looks like he had been hit. His golden eyes are wide, lips slightly parted in shock. He is staring, just silently staring, at Wei WuXian, the earlier thrashing nowhere to be found. 

Wen Qing softly tightens her grip and grounds him, Wei WuXian closing his eyes and lowering his head, the defeated whisper sounding like a gong in the silent room, "..damn it,"

He turns away, avoiding the eyes as Wen Qing moves forward to check him. Her expression is hard but she glances up at the defeated expression on her brother now and again. The silence breaks with the sound of a sword flying through the air and returning to its sheathe. Wen Qing glances over to where Lan WangJi had freed himself of the restraints with Bichen, slowly rising to his feet with his brother's help, despite the frozen expression on the sect leader's face. 

Jiang Cheng's shock fades and he gets out a word laced with confusion, pain, and rage, breaking the silence, "What?!"

Wei WuXian closes his eyes, jaw clenching for a brief moment. He looks up at the ceiling for a moment and then down at Wen Qing. She speaks softly, but she knows they've all heard her, "My answer has always been the same,"

Wei WuXian sighs and then repeats softer, "I...don't have a golden core,"

Lan WangJi's voice ensures another silence does not follow, "No..."

Wei WuXian turns to him, finally making eye contact with someone, "Lan Zhan..."

"No, no, that's not true..." Lan WangJi shakes his head, but he's taking small steps forward, "I would know...I would...How have I..."

Wei WuXian winces, choking painfully, "Lan Zhan..."

Lan WangJi suddenly quickens forward and Wei WuXian tries not to flinch as his wrist is grabbed and he is pulled forward. For a moment, the two of them freeze, glancing at the white ribbon around Wei WuXian's forearm. Lan WangJi then resumes his goal, finding the right point on the wrist and raising his eyes to the silver ones. The two stare at one another with expressions of pain. Lan WangJi sends spiritual energy into the younger's merdians and Wei WuXian steels himself to not flood his meridians with resentment to hide the gaping hole in his dantain. 

And so he watches. Watches as the realization hits Lan WangJi. Watches as the man senses how the spiritual energy has no where to go. That it does nothing in Wei WuXian's broken body. The Second Jade of Lan chokes, "No..."

Wei WuXian's other wrist is grabbed and the same thing happens once more. Lan WangJi's golden eyes are wide with unshed tears and a whimper escapes him, "Wei Ying..."

And just like that, the rest of the room is hit with the conformation of the awful truth. Wei WuXian had no golden core. Wei WuXian was a common man.

Nie MingJue speaks, voice shaky, "...no wonder,"

Everyone glances at Nie MingJue, except the the light bearer and demonic cultivator, "...no wonder you never carried your sword, you can't use it,"

Jiang Cheng inhaled sharply, "thats why you used resentment to fly it..."

"...no wonder you fainted when WangJi had pulled out all that resentment or why Lady Wen said you would die if we had treated you here instead. Resentment is keeping your wounds closed..."

Jiang Yanli falls slightly into her husband, who holds her quickly, yet the two are incredibly pale.

Nie Huaisang suddenly chokes, "I thought you looked different, you know, but I thought it was because we hadn't seen you for so long. Its not that...you look different because...because..."

Its Lan Xichen who gets it out, "...you're aging,"

Lan WangJi's breathing hitches suddenly and a tear hits cheek. Wei WuXian's eyes widened, about to speak, but he goes still as Jin ZiXuan makes the next connection.

"Then, the reason you've been using demonic cultivation isn't because of some arrogance or anything else..." 

Jiang Yanli lets out a sob, tears streaming, "You don't even have a choice,"

Lan WangJi's hit with the reminder of all the words he had said. All the times he had asked the younger to pick up his sword. All the times he had asked. All the times had shared physical contact yet never noticed. 

How could he not have noticed?!

Lan WangJi abruptly releases Wei WuXian, stepping back shaking his head, "Impossible. This...this is not real..."

"Oh, Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian says softly, "It's very real, I didn't want you to know...not like this,"

Lan WangJi stares at him, "Why?"

"Hm?"

"Why did I not..." Lan WangJi hesitates, but then he takes one look at Wei WuXian, truly looks at him. He looks at the sharp jaw line, the sunken cheeks, the loose robes. He thinks about all the scars he'd traced numerous times. He thinks about all the joy he's had with this man. Somewhere, he registered that there was a risk in his next words, but he shoved it away. Fuck it all. Fuck every risk.

Lan WangJi raised his voice slightly, "How many times have I seen you? How many times did you lie to me, Wei Ying?"

Wei WuXian's eyes widen and Wen Qing jolts behind the demonic cultivator. Lan Xichen snaps his eyes to Lan WangJi, "What?"

"Answer me," Lan WangJi ignored everyone else.

"Lan Zhan,"

"How did I not know?" Lan WangJi hisses.

Wei WuXian stares at him, before his expression falls and he sighs, "How would you know if my body is flooded with resentment? How would you find the emptiness of my dantain if I clogged my meridians with resentment and told you it was because of where I now live? Lan Zhan, how could you have possibly known when I was so determined on not letting you know?"

Lan WangJi freezes.

"Wei Ying?" Lan WangJi asked, pausing suddenly and glancing at where he was holding Wei WuXian's wrists.

The male glanced as well and he blinked, before laughing softly. Wei WuXian cupped his face, pulling him down into a soft kiss, "Mm, resentment swims through me, always will as I use this strength of mine and keep the Burial Mounds habitable for us,"

"Wei Ying..."

"Shhh, my Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian smiled at him, a delicate thing, but there was a slight fear in his eyes, "Please, I do not wish to talk about this. Not now,"

Lan WangJi had obliged him and had continued pleasuring the younger, continuing removing the black and red robes.

Lan WangJi felt a rush of anger and his tone dropped, "When?"

"When what?"

"When did you lose it?"

Wei WuXian smiles. It is a sad one, a weak one. Wei WuXian confesses, "Before Wen Chao threw me into hell,"

Jiang Yanli lets out a loud sob of horror, her hand covering her mouth as it all comes crashing over them. Wei WuXian had survived the Burial Mounds with no core. Wei WuXian had been fighting in the war without a core. 

"You could have died," Jiang Cheng whimpered, "You could have died so many times!!! You- you-"

Zidian begins to crackle on his finger and Wei WuXian turns to them, "A-Cheng, please-"

He's cut off by a sudden roar of disbelief. Eyes are brought towards the man on the golden throne, who seems to have an expression of absolute fury on his face. Not too far, Jin Guangyao's ever perfect politeness is shattered as he stands shellshocked. He had planned so carefully, so surely. And to think everything had been spoiled because Wei WuXian was without a core...

With such reactions, Lan WangJi's rage finds a new target and he recalls everything. Suddenly, he feels slightly relieved and speaks coldly, "Well, at the least the failure of your plan to kill Wei Ying seems to be the only good thing of this moment,"

Lan Xichen frowns, "WangJi, what do you mean?"

Wei WuXian blinks as well, but he has always been quick to piece together a puzzle. He slowly looks between the two and he asks slowly, "Lan Zhan...where did you figure out what the curse was meant to do?"

"When I left you to have them take you to Lady Wen, after you had fainted, I headed towards the same location of the night hunt. I performed inquiry and with the help of resentment, I found a little spirit guide who told me he had watched the scene. He told me that one of the cultivators could use resentment and I asked if they could lead me to the people who did it, they led me to Koi Tower," Lan WangJi never released his glare, which only seemed to grow colder with each sentence, "I found a trail of resentment, followed it into the catacombs. I broke through the array to get in and found dense resentment. I found Xue Yang near the dungeons and I disarmed him. I made a deal and he explained to me, gave me names. Su Minshan and Xue Yang were learning to control resentment, Xue Yang had been under Lanling for two years now and was set to wait until Wei Ying's death so he could attempt to recreate the Tiger Seal-"

Wei WuXian inhaled sharply.

"-and he told me he was acting under the orders of Sect Leader Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao,"

The dawning sense of understanding was beginning to wash over them again. Jin ZiXuan's jaw dropped as he stared at his brother and father- no, his father he could grasp to a degree, but A-Yao? 

Lan Xichen felt no better as his eyes widened, staring at his sworn brother with eyes filled with betrayal. He choked, "You...you cursed my brother?"

Jin Guangyao panicked, "No! Er-ge! I did-"

"Of course you did!!!" Jin Guangshan suddenly yelled, causing Jin Guangyao to stare at him in shock, "You kissed up to Wen Ruohan's feet and gained all the glory by backstabbing him! Of course, I should've been more careful around you. After all, you'd want to be in my position after all! And to think you went as far as to drag my name through the mud?! How dare you?! I gave you my name and let you in as a son of mine and yet this is how you repay my kindness?! What should I have expected from the son of a whore!!"

Wei WuXian stares at the two with growing anger, but the scene in front of him made him snap. He screams, "Jin Guangshan you greedy pig!!!!"

Jin Guangshan stands up, "Excuse me?!"

"How dare you!!!? You truly are so thick faced as to try and weasel your way out of this!? Of course, I should have known this would be your doing!! Of course you would try and dump all the blame on Jin Guangyao!! Of course you'd try to look as shiny as possible!!! You have gotten on every nerve of mine, but this- THIS-" he points directly at Lan WangJi, "You laid a hand on him?! On the people that matter most to me?! You have gone far past my patience!! You want my amulet? My power?! Why don't I rip out your golden core and leave you in the heart of the Burial Mounds for three fucking months!!!!"

He then whips his glare to Jin Guangyao and it tightens. Not with anger, with terribly sympathy. Because he knows...he knows.

"A-and you!" Wei WuXian's voice trembles, "You are such a fool for someone so goddamn talented. I know- Meng Yao-"

Jin Guangyao stares at the sound of his birth name, the words hitting him right where it hurt most.

"I know exactly what its like to be in your position, to crave the acceptance of a parental figure!! Do you think I do not?! My parentage was never even a part of my fucking life!!! My parents names were banned from the YunmengJiang Sect!! I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THEM!!" Wei WuXian yells and then inhales suddenly, tears brimming at his eyes. His voice softens but is choked with emotions, "Yu ZiYuan whipped me everyday since I was 9 years old. I was 17 when she died, Meng Yao,"

Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng flinch violently, tears slipping down as Jiang Cheng tries to control Zidian's lightening sparks.

Wei WuXian steps forward, unaware of how his resentment has Jin Guangshan restrained and silenced. He glares at Meng Yao, "My uncle? Jiang Fengmian? The man who promised me a home? He never stopped her. Let me tell you something, Meng Yao. I know, to people like us, I look like I got so goddamn lucky. But that was hardly it. What I got was the conditioning to be a weapon. To let others use my strenght in a way that benefited them. I am flesh shield. A weapon used in a war. You didn't need his acceptance, I don't know why you desired it so much when everyone knew just how much of a scum Jin Guangshan was. But then again, I always yearned for Yu ZiYuan's acceptance,"

Meng Yao is shaking, staring at Wei WuXian with wide eyes of horror. As if he's only just realized how far he has gone. What path he has chosen and can never come back from. Wei WuXian laughs in anger, "To the world, to the view of everyone and the words from my mouth, they were my sect leaders. She was my Madam. In my heart? In my heart, she was always my aunt. The closest goddamn thing to a mother I ever got,"

Jiang Yanli is sobbing into her husband's shoulder, Jiang Cheng crying as well, while Nie Huaisang holds the younger boy with his own teary eyes. Nie MingJue swallows and turns away, Lan Xichen just staring with the overwhelming choke of guilt and betrayal. Wen Qing was holding back her tears, glaring at the ground. Lan WangJi just watched his beloved let it out, despite the agonizing pain in his heart. He had known this, Wei WuXian had told him this before.

"I don't know why you crossed lines, Meng Yao. I don't know why you threw away yourself for that pig, but you did and you have risked so many lives in doing so," Wei WuXian glared with furious red eyes, "And that will be your consequence to carry,"

The resentment bursts and Jin Guangyao and Jin Guangshan both let out screams of fear as they are shoved to their knees by Wei WuXian's resentment. For a moment, Jin Guangyao stares up with begging eyes, "WuXian! WuXian! I- I-"

"Do not speak to my brother!" Jiang Cheng practically spits, stepping forward and pulling Wei WuXian back a few steps.

Jin Guangyao looks at his sworn brothers, "I did nothing! I promise! I- I- there is lingering resentment! I would not have hurt WangJi! I promise!"

Lan WangJi looks at his brother, who glances at him. Lan WangJi knows how much his brother cares for Meng Yao, sees the boy as another didi. His brother had chosen Jin Guangyao's word over his once before. He wished for it not to happen again.

"I swear," he says, "I swear, Brother,"

Lan WangJi turns fully and speaks with his heart, "I swear it on every pointless visit I made hoping that door would open,"

Lan Xichen's eyes widen and then soften. Lan WangJi sees when Lan Xichen steels himself, when Lan Xichen turns to stare at Jin Guangyao, before waving his hand and sending two bursts of spiritual energy to knock the Jin Sect Leader and his sworn brother out.

There's a pause, though the resentment is hardly gone, Wei WuXian still shaking. Whether it was in anger of the situation or from the expulsion of his deepest feelings, no one knew. Jiang Yanli pulled from her husband and went to her brother. Gently, yet firmly, she pulled him into a hug, crying into his shoulder softly, "My good XianXian...you've been so strong,"

Wei WuXian trembled before leaning into her and taking deep breaths. The resentment pulled back, red fading into silver once more. He hugged Jiang Yanli firmly, the older women pulling back after a moment and brushing his hair to out of his face. She looked at him, looked at the features that were developed due to the curse of aging her brother was in, had been in for years. 

"Good XianXian," she whispered, "My sweet didi..."

Wei WuXian gives her a helpless smile. She chuckles and gently brushes his nose as she did when he was still a young boy, "A-Xian, you've been very strong. But you've been a bit reckless, haven't you?"

"Maybe," Wei WuXian whispers with a dry laugh, before his demeanor abruptly shifts.

He steps out of Jiang Yanli's hold and whips around, expression once again and angry glare. This time, it is directed at Lan WangJi, who stills slightly.

"And you!!" Wei WuXian yells walking forward and jabbing a finger into the taller's chest, "You absolute idiot!!! I've been reckless but what about you?! Who told you could sneak around Koi Tower with such a powerful curse killing you?! HUH?! Just what in heaven's name were you thinking!!! What if you had fucking died!!! And using demonic cultivation with a goddamn golden core- Hanguang Jun, are you insane?!?!"

Lan WangJi stares for a moment, "Wei Ying-"

"Don't you dare Wei Ying me Second Young Master Lan!!!" Wei WuXian screamed and the group watches the demonic cultivator scold the Second Jade of Lan, the atmosphere slowly unwinding of tension as a growing sense of amusement of began to trickle into all of them, "I am furious at you and your idiocy!!! You promised me you wouldn't do anything stupid and not get hurt!!! You didn't even send me a letter for three goddamn months!!! I waited every day for your stupid face to drop in- but NO! Not a word!"

And there was the assurance that Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi had lied about not meeting each other for the past two years. Lan Xichen would have to have a long conversation with his brother it seemed.

"I assumed you were busy, I told myself that- but instead- I find out- you were being a FUCKING IDIOT and going on goddamn night hunts with resentment in your fucking merdians!!!" Wei WuXian gave Lan WangJi a few hits on the arm, the jade looking mildly amused by the situation, "You're so annoying! You can't do a single logical thing and have to say nice sentences that make me unable to speak and do reckless shit like this because your too much of a good person to-"

He stops when Lan WangJi closed the gap and pulled him into a firm embrace. Wei WuXian kept his glare for a moment, before it twisted into pained relief as he tightly hugged back, hiding his face in the taller's shoulder. He grumbled, "You're such a fuddy-duddy..."

Lan WangJi let out a small smile, hardly caring anymore. He hugged the younger tighter as he caught sight of the unconscious Jin's. To think they had gone so far...

"My Wei Ying," he whispered, a million things in that one name.

Wei WuXian just held tighter, returning the same sentiment, "My Lan Zhan,"

Chapter Text

The moment they had all calmed down into some emotional stability, Jin ZiXuan had taken charge of the sect and called for disciples. He ordered his father and brother to be taken down to the dungeons, asking for disciples of the other three sects to guard them. Jin ZiXuan didn't know who to trust at this point, except for those of other sects. 

Jiang Yanli rushes to find Madam Jin and Jin Ling, while the males all assist the sudden position they'd shoved Jin ZiXuan into. Wen Qing has Lan WangJi sit down so she can properly assess him, Wei WuXian never standing too far away from either of them. 

They had solved the situation with Lan WangJi's curse, but now they had to clean up the political mess. Madam Jin was brought in by Jiang Yanli, who cracked a bright smile and laugh as Jin Ling shrieked in absolute delight, "DAJIU!!!"

Wei WuXian, who had been crouching beside Lan WangJi to check his meridians, startled, turning around only to yelp in shock as he was fully tackled by a two year old. He hissed slightly as he hit his head, "Ow..."

Multiple voices called in alarm, Wei WuXian wincing slightly. Of course, now that they knew, every injury was a painful one to him. Without a golden core, every bruise needed to be looked at. Every meal needed to be eaten. Every season needed the appropriate medicine. 

"A-Ling!" Jin ZiXuan scolded slightly, "Don't tackle your Dajiu like that, what if you hurt him?"

Jin Ling blinked and then glanced down at the man that hadn't even bothered to attempt to get up, laying on his back, "Hurt?"

"No, I'm okay. You just startled me," Wei WuXian chuckled, before smirking mischievously and grabbing the boy, yanking him into a tight hug while tickling him, "And now you have to suffer the wrath of the terrible Tickle Patriarch!!!"

Jin Ling screamed in delight and fear, the young boy's laughter lifting the mood along with the sparkle in the silver eyes. Madam Jin watched the scene, only to turn to her son when he approached her with the leaders of the other three great sects. They told her everything.

Within two hours, Madam Jin's wrath had gotten the entire situation under control, everyone knowing exactly what had happened to an extent. Of course, details were kept to the privacy of those involved, but the very exposure that Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao were arrested under the charge of cursing Lan WangJi...well...that was enough damage by itself.

◒

"I'll give you a chance," Jin ZiXuan spoke with a soft, yet firm tone, "Father- Jin Guangshan, is of no use, he will only throw you under the rug. So, I'm giving you the chance to confess everything,"

Jin Guangyao was a smart man (though apparently not smart enough) and he knew, he had lost. Miserably. He glances up at the three men in front of him through the bars of his cell. Jin ZiXuan is in the center, shouldered by Nie MingJue and Lan Xichen. Jiang Cheng was not there, most likely keeping charge above.

Jin Guangyao stares at Jin ZiXuan for a moment, before sighing, "Alright,"

Jin ZiXuan hums softly, but Jin Guangyao could see right through the tough front. He knew just how uncomfortable Jin ZiXuan was. Jin Guangyao asks him softly, "How would you like me to present this to you? In chronological order of events or do you want to know about a specific thing?"

For a moment, there's a silence. Jin ZiXuan's expression tightens, "I had meant the curse...but it seems I have severely underestimated just how far you'd gone,"

"You're telling us...there's more?" Nie MingJue glared at him, "More than risking WangJi's life?"

Jin Guangyao adjusted himself and simply hummed, "Of course. Da-Ge, Young Master Wei has been Father's target ever since the war...you don't really think this was the first time such a plan had been orchestrated, do you?"

Lan Xichen's jaw clenched, "Tell us everything,"

Jin Guangyao's smile faltered for a very brief moment, but then he nodded, "As you wish, Er-Ge,"

And so he tells them. He tells them that the first thing he had done was the handlement of the Wen Remnants. He tells them without filter the things done in the camps. He tells them how they were used as experiments for the Jin sect's experimentation of demonic cultivation. He tells them how when Wei WuXian had broken into the Qiongqi Road settlement, they were sure to clean up the scene and dispose of the dead. He tells them of the people in the camps, the age ranges. He watches as they pale as just how young and just how old the victims were.

Jin ZiXuan asks with a shaky tone if there are more camps. Jin Guangyao gave him a silly smile and nods, "Of course. QishanWen was huge,"

He then says, "But I don't know if any of them still have residents,"

He ignores their expressions and continues. He then brings up two years ago at Jin Ling's one month celebration. At the mention of his son, Jin ZiXuan's heart seemed to have frozen and any sympathy he seemed to have, washed away, "My son?"

"When Young Master Wei was invited, ZiXun ambushed him. You were set to die, ZiXuan. Supposed to die along with ZiXun and everything was to be framed on Wei WuXian, who would have ordered the Ghost General to perform such acts as the area had been cleared of any other corpses," Jin Guangyao says.

Jin ZiXuan freezes, before saying, "That's...that's why you told me about the ambush..."

Nie MingJue glared, "WuXian would not have killed Young Master Jin. He would never harm his shijie,"

"Hm, of course not. But Minshan could. Hidden behind the rocks with his own flute, he could interfere," Jin GuangYao informed and then sighed, "But Hanguang Jun was there and barely an ounce of resentment was used,"

"Minshan? Su Minshan, sect leader of MolingSu?" Nie MingJue clarified.

"Yes. He's also the original caster of the hundred hole curse,"Jin Guangyao smiled.

Lan Xichen suddenly spoke, "What if A-Ying had still evoked Wen Qionglin. Would you have killed WangJi too?"

Jin Guangyao looked at Lan Xichen, "I would not have ordered it. But if such a situation came to be? Sure, Minshan would have. And father wouldn't have cared,"

He smiles at Jin ZiXuan again, "Father was willing to go very far to get what he wanted. He kept saying it would've been easier if Young Master Wei had just obeyed quietly or come into the Jin Sect,"

Just the thought of his brother-in-law as a prisoner of the Jin Sect made Jin ZiXuan lose the last bit of remorse he held for his father and brother. His gaze hardened over, "Keep talking,"

Jin Guangyao hummed, "Of course, Father had other interests as well. He asked another thing of me and that was Da-Ge's death,"

For a moment, none of them said anything. Lan Xichen broke the silence with a pained whisper, "...what?"

And then Jin Guangyao explains with simple words. The Guqin, the Sound of Clarity, the Collection of Turmoil. It was a newer plan by Jin Guangshan, the effects had barely set in. Jin Guangyao said as much, only to glance over at Lan Xichen when the sect leader turned around, back facing Jin Guangyao. His voice is firm, "Young Master Jin, for Jin GuangYao's punishment, please ask my brother to speak for the Lan Sect. I want nothing to do with this decision,"

Jin Guangyao blinks for a few moments, staring after the receding back. A dark mocking laughter makes him glance towards Nie MingJue, who is glaring at Jin Guangyao with hate. Though that's not what surprises him, its the slight brimming of tears.

"I hope your proud of yourself, Meng Yao," Nie MingJue spat, "I hope your so fucking proud of using Xichen when he had truly cared for you. When he had seen past your blood," he paused, "Many of us did...but you just had to prove us wrong, didn't you?"

Jin Guangyao feels like he had been kicked down the steps of Koi Tower once more, the humiliation eating him from the inside. He physically winces and wilts, a break in his mask. Jin ZiXuan doesn't even give him sympathy any more, Jin GuangYao knowing he had lost more when the emotionless order was spat, "Keep talking Young Master Meng,"

◒

A few days later, three apprehended subjects were kneeling in the Fragrance Hall of Koi Tower. Jin Guangshan was thrashing in his binds, face red with anger as he glared at his son who had taken the mantle as sect leader just a day earlier. Jin ZiXuan sat at the front of the Hall, Jiang Yanli beside him. Jin Ling was with their nursemaids, guarded by loyal disciples of the YunmengJiang Sect - and a few ghosts of Wei WuXian's. Just a step below them stood the Sect Leaders of Nie, Lan, and Jiang. Nie Huaisang stood beside his brother, fan nowhere to be found as he stood with an uncharacteristically hard gaze as he glared down at Jin g- Meng Yao, who only faced the ground silently. Near Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen were Wen Qing, Wei WuXian, and Lan WangJi.

The Great clans had been debriefed, Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng almost going completely ballistic when they heard of the Qiongqi Path incident. Of course, they were quickly calmed down, unlike Jin ZiXun who was seething in rage beside Madam Jin as he glared daggers at Su Minshan, who was glaring at everyone in the room.

"Alright," Jin ZiXuan picked up the scrolls he was handed, "These are the crimes of Jin Guangshan, Meng Yao, and Su Minshan,"

Two protested to the "informal" title, one did nothing at all. Jin ZiXuan was really too tired to deal with this. Not to mention he was barely managing to process everything he stupid sect had done. God knows how long it will take to flush out every snake. He looked at the scrolls in his hand and then at the three males. With a sudden idea, he called out, "A-Xian,"

Wei WuXian noticeably froze for a second, turning around with a gaping mouth. Jiang Cheng raised a slow eyebrow, while Jiang Yanli let out a happy gasp. Jin ZiXuan focused on the excited gasp of his wife. He held out the scrolls, "You deserve the honors. They've caused irreversible damage to you,"

Wei WuXian lets out a soft hum, before taking the scrolls. Then, because he is Wei WuXian, he all but drops to sit arrogantly on the steps to the golden throne. Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing roll their eyes in tandem, Lan WangJi, Jin ZiXuan, and Nie Huaisang biting back amused smiles. Nie MingJue, Lan Xichen, and Jiang Yanli all chuckled softly under their breaths. The other sect leaders were in disbelief.

Jin Guangshan, predictably, roared, "YOU ARROGANT SON OF A SERVANT!!"

Wei WuXian glanced at Jin Guangshan for a moment, while everyone around him lost their smiles and glared furiously. Wei WuXian enjoyed watching the man lose his anger from sudden fear. He chuckled, opening up Jin Guangshan's scroll. It was far longer than Wei WuXian had thought.

He blinked, scanning it over and his eyes widening, "Holy shit,"

He glanced towards Madam Jin, who didn't even have the mercy to look apologetic. She had obviously been waiting for this moment. Wei WuXian snickered, before beginning, "Alright! Crimes of Jin Guangshan, and...stay with me. This is quite the collection: Fraud-"

"I have done no su-mm! Hm? MH! MMPH!!!"

Wei WuXian didn't even need to look to know who was responsible, "Thank you, Lan Zhan,"

"Mn,"

"Rape, sexual assault, bribing, robbery, forgery, murder, genocide, child abuse, physical and mental abuse, child neglect, attempted murder, erasure, manipluation, specfically mental, pyramid schemes, kidnapping, drug trafficking, sex trafficking..." Wei WuXian pauses for a second before getting the next words out, "child trafficking,"

The room collectively gasps and this time, Meng Yao reacts, snapping his head to Jin Guangshan with a pale expression. Even Su Minshan had stopped his glaring to look at the former sect leader with utter horror.

"Drug possession, drug production, and drug selling," Wei WuXian finishes off with barely hidden disgust. He then rolls up the scroll, slamming it down beside him. He speaks with pure disgust, "What sort of sentence will be for all that?"

Jin Guangshan just glared. 

"You know...I was just going to execute him," Jin ZiXuan muttered, "Now I think that hardly covers anything,"

"Here's one that I believe many people will enjoy," Nie Huaisang said, "Castration,"

"Yes," Madam Jin doesn't even waste a second before she is moving forward, "I will gladly do the honors,"

"Mother- we have the correct people for such a thing," Jin ZiXuan pales slightly.

"No need," His mother has a terrifying grin on her face.

Wei WuXian shudders, "No wonder Jin Guangshan was so terrified of her,"

"You grew up with that?" Jiang Cheng looked at Jin ZiXuan.

Jin ZiXuan looked at Jiang Cheng, "You had Yu ZiYuan!"

"Yeah, but she didn't smile," Wei WuXian hissed.

"Hanguang Jun, please release the silencing spell,"

"...mn,"

Jin Guangshan started begging the moment his mouth was released. Madam Jin just smiled sweetly, reaching out and patting his cheek, "Well, dear husband, let your wife take care of you, hm?"

"Madam-"

Jin Guangshan cuts off with a horrifying scream as Madam Jin doesn't even bother with derobing him, sending her sword down with terrifying accuracy. Every male in the room noticeable paled, Wei WuXian laughing nervously, "...women are terrifying,"

Wen Qing and Jiang Yanli share amused smiles. Madam Jin returns to the spot she was standing with a satisfied smile, sharing her sword without hesitation. She asked with delight, "What else?"

"Jie?" Wei WuXian looks at Wen Qing.

"Hm, I just want him to suffer the darkest pits of hell. But I don't even know if hell would let him in," Wen Qing sneered.

Wei WuXian suddenly grinned slyly, "It might not, but I know a place that would have a wonderful time picking him apart,"

"Of course you would," Sect Leader Yao scoffed.

Wei WuXian gives Jin Guangshan, who is still whimpering from pain and staring down at the red stained robes, a lazy smile, "Jin Guangshan, wouldn't you like to know where I got so strong? My friends in the Burial Mounds would love to meet you,"

Jin Guangshan pales, as does most of the room. Jin ZiXuan thinks it over before deciding that such a punishment was hardly anything. His father would die, Wei WuXian had fought for three months without a core. 

"Jin Guangshan is sentenced to imprisonment of the Burial Mounds til his death. A-Xian, we shall build a cell in a place where you deem appropriate," Jin ZiXuan declares. 

Wei WuXian lets out a delightful giggle. It has the sect leaders far from him shiver in fear, while the people around him find it endearing. Lan WangJi, especially, finds it adorable.

"You can't! A-Xuan, I am your father!" 

"Hardly," Jin ZiXuan responded blankly, "You never spared me a glance, except when I benefited you,"

Jin Guangshan looks panicked as he sees Nie MingJue nod to his disciples to take hold of Jin Guangshan. The man suddenly lurched forward, throwing himself in front of Wei WuXian, head pressed to the floor. The demonic cultivator stares at the bowing man, blinking to see if it was real or not.

"Wei WuXian! Wei WuXian! I'm sorry- I never meant to hurt you! What do you want? I'll give you anything, just please, please, don't let them do this to me,"Jin Guangshan begs.

Wei WuXian stares for a moment, before frowning with boredom, "You never hurt me. You hurt those I love, that will never earn my forgiveness,"

He then yelled in shock as Jin Guangshan grabbed him, yanking him down by the lapels of his robes, "Please! How could you- what do you want? Women? Sex? Riches? I'll give you everything and you don't even-GAH!"

Jin Guangshan is yanked away by Lan WangJi and then kicked back by Jiang Cheng, the latter standing with Zidian crackling, "Gag him when you throw him in a cell,"

The Nie disciples hurriedly rush forward to do so, everyone watching as Jin Guangshan is dragged out flailing. Lan WangJi's face was his usual, but Wei WuXian could see the fury in it. He whispers, "Lan Zhan?"

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" Lan WangJi crouched beside him, yet didn't even wait for an answer, "How dare he even come near you after all he's done,"

Wei WuXian laughs lightly, wishing to gift him a kiss, though with such an audience, he could only give a playful shove, "I was saved by the great Hanguang Jun, how could anything have happened?"

Lan WangJi gives him a dry look that makes Wei WuXian cackle. When he relaxes, he pulls out the next scroll, "Su Minshan; conspiracy, treason towards the GusuLan Sect when you were an outer disciple, you set the Hundred-Hole Curse on Jin ZiXun and attempted to murder him, Jin ZiXuan, and Lan WangJi,"

Wei WuXian placed the scroll down. This time, Su Minshan didn't even get to speak before Lan WangJi had silenced him. Jin ZiXun demanded, "Execute him! I want this fucking curse off!"

Indeed, after two years, the hundred hole curse had done quite the number. Jin ZiXun couldn't even wield his sword yet he still ran around flaunting. He had lost quite the weight and throughout the ordeal, had been pale and never staying in the hall for too long. It was Wen Qing who had sent the ingredients for the toxin that slowed down the holes, though the ghost of soon death would never be lifted until the caster released the spell or died. In such a case, Su Minshan's golden core is what had kept him alive with the backlash as he had no access to the medicine.

Jin ZiXuan granted the sentence, "Would anyone like the honor?"

"Yes," Jiang Yanli's voice made everyone whip around to stare at her.

"A-Jie?"

"Shijie?"

"A-Li?"

Jiang Yanli stood up with a hard smile, "Su Minshan almost killed my husband and attempted to frame my didi for it. Had he succeeded, A-Xian would have faced a fate I do not even wish to entertain. No one will lay a hand on those of my family and not pay such a consequence,"

She walked around and slowly stepped down towards the male who was glaring at her with disgust. Su Minshan then forced his lips open, breaking the silencing spell and spitting out blood, "Don't you lay a hand on me, women!"

Wei WuXian was at Jiang Yanli's side in a moment, Jiang Cheng already prepared to conjure Zidian. The three Jiang Siblings stared down with harsh gazes. Jiang Yanli smiled unkindly, "Do not worry, I do not wish to,"

She then pulled out a dagger from her sleeve. After all, she is Yu ZiYuan's daughter, her maternal sect connections falling into the great MeishanYu. Jiang Yanli smiled and then with a firm throw, she sent the spiritual dagger flying. Su Minshan didn't get to flinch, resentment tendrils holding him in place as the dagger pierced his chest. There was a moment of silence as Su Minshan all but dropped dead at the hands of Jiang Yanli.

Jiang Yanli smiled softly, walking back to her seat with her husband, the man staring at her with awe filled eyes. Wei WuXian did not return to sit, grabbing the last scroll as Su Minshan's body was dragged away, "Meng Yao: murder, genocide, attempted murder, robbery, breaking in, fraud, accomplice,"

Meng Yao nodded to the charges. Jin ZiXuan didn't even ask anyone else before saying, "Hanguang Jun? Chifeng Zun?"

"Just kill him," Nie MingJue sighed.

Lan WangJi glanced at his brother beside him. He nodded, "But not here,"

"Let him die alone," Nie Huaisang said, "After all, isn't that what was the end result for him?"

Meng Yao flinched. Wen Qing spoke softly, "If I may...an appropriate method would be the use of a guqin string..."

Jin ZiXuan nodded, "Locations?"

"Anywhere as long as he's alone except for the executioner from the Nie Sect," Wei WuXian sighed.

They had agreed which sect would look over the executions. Jin Guangshan's had been left open ended. The result of his trial would be his death landing to Wei WuXian and by extension, the Jiang Sect. 

"Is there anywhere you wish to go Meng Yao?" Jin ZiXuan asked. At the surprise lift, he added, "You gave us answers to everything we needed. I told you I'd give you some mercy,"

"...then, Yunping. I would like to die beside Mother," Meng Yao whispered.

"...granted,"

The Jin disciples come forth and Meng Yao rises, though he pauses for a moment, "...WuXian,"

Wei WuXian tilts his head in response, his hardened gaze softening slightly as the boy bows to him and says, "You are worth more than her acceptance would have ever been..."

Wei WuXian watches him go, silver eyes glossing over. He looks down at himself, at the red and black robes, at Chenqing.

'You were worth more than his too...'

Chapter Text

After Meng Yao was guided away, Jin ZiXuan moved on to the second order of business, "Then, as everyone is already here, I will state this now. As sect leader of the Jin sect, I deem all allegations against Wei WuXian and the Wen Remnants dropped, and their names innocent,"

"The Jiang Sect agrees,"

"As do the Lan,"

"And Nie," Nie MingJue's voice is what pauses any protest, "We have all seen first hand the settlement. There's no cultivator, everyone is innocent,"

Wei WuXian and Wen Qing are frozen in shock. Jiang Cheng announces, "They will be brought to Yunmeng as A-Xian is my right hand and older brother,"

Lan WangJi takes Wei WuXian's hand softly, "Not only that, but everyone in the cultivation world owes Wei Ying their life and favor. Without him, we would all be under Wen Ruohan's tyranny and lost the war. Not to mention how the cultivation world uses his inventions greedily, yet never gives him the appropriate credit,"

Wei WuXian is speechless. He stares at Lan WangJi, eyes wide. Silence follows, despite the shameful expressions and lowered heads. Jin ZiXuan ends the meeting and everyone is quick to leave. Madam Jin takes Jin ZiXun out so he won't cause trouble, giving a nod to her son as she left. Soon the hall was empty except for the young group of gentry. 

Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Yanli rise to their feet, the group standing in a circle in the middle of the hall. There was a comfortable silence around them, all their minds going over the last couple weeks. Wei WuXian breaks it first, smiling and placing a gentle hand on Wen Qing's shoulder, "Well, it was a pleasure to see you all again,"

Frowns blossom at once. Nie MingJue asks, "Why are you saying it like that?"

"Lan Zhan is okay, everything is okay. I've done what I needed," Wei WuXian smiled and then glanced at Wen Qing who nodded to him, "We should head back home- to YiLing,"

"What are you talking about?" Jiang Cheng scowled, "Were you not paying attention? You're free, you're all free. You don't have to live behind the Burial Mounds. You can come home, the Wens can all come to Yunmeng with us,"

He speaks a little softer, "We're the Twin Prides of Yunmeng, after all..."

Wei WuXian winced, "A-Cheng, I can't be by your side, you know this. Not without a golden core,"

Jiang Cheng's face sours at the reminder. Nie Huaisang looks at Wei WuXian, "When did it even happen? If you got caught back then by Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu melted your core, Wen Chao would have bragged the same way he bragged about throwing you into the Burial Mounds," Nie Huaisang shook his head, "Damn it, Wei-Xiong. How did you manage to convince us he hadn't,"

Wei WuXian didn't say anything, shifting awkwardly. He glances at Wen Qing, who is glaring sharply at the younger. She's telling him silently to tell the truth, to explain what happened. Wei WuXian turned away and gave a harmless smile, "Its in the past, who cares?"

Jiang Cheng snapped at the sentence, his brother's lack of self-preservation always ticking him off, "How could you not tell me such a thing?! For so many fucking years!!!"

"If I had told you, if I had told anyone, I wouldn't have been able to fight," Wei WuXian defended.

Lan Xichen frowns deeply, "For good reason. A-Ying, you shouldn't have been fighting at all,"

Wei WuXian feels a familiar anger and defense rise in him. Not fight? Not fight just because he could die? Wei WuXian hadn't been conditioned that way. He had to be a service. If he could not fight or protect those he loved, he was useless! What other point did his life have?!

"I survived years without a core, I suffered through the Burial Mounds without a core, I won that war without a godamn core!" Wei WuXian exclaimed, "I don't need a core anymore! And I don't want it back!"

Jin ZiXuan furrowed his eyebrows, "...want it back?"

Wei WuXian freezes, expression suddenly paling.

"Why are you saying it as if its an object you gave away?" Nie Huaisang blinked.

Wei WuXian opened his mouth to fix it, but it was too late. The moment Nie Huaisang had spoke, Jiang Cheng goes pale, releasing a sharp gasp. All eyes snap towards the young sect leader, Jiang Yanli calling worriedly, "A-Cheng?"

Wei WuXian went stiff, staring at Jiang Cheng with wide eyes, the male shaking slightly as he reaches up towards his dantain. Jiang Cheng knew he had a scar there, a perfect scar that he doesn't quite remember how it got there. It's very faint, but its there. Jiang Cheng had known it was there.

"No...no, no, no," Jiang Cheng shakes his head, "Please tell me I'm wrong, you didn't..."

"Jiang Cheng..." Wei WuXian begins but his words fail him.

"Sect Leader Jiang?" Lan WangJi asked slowly.

"When Lotus Pier fell," Jiang Cheng swallowed, "When A-Xian and I were running, I had gotten caught by Wen Chao. I lost my core, melted by Wen Zhuliu,"

Multiple faces of shock lit up. 

"But- you have a core?" Lan Xichen said breathlessly.

"Because A-Xian found me. He told me...he told me that he took me to Baoshan Sanren to fix my core," Jiang Cheng's voice is shaking as Wei WuXian begins to wilt as everyone begins to slot the pieces together, faces slowly losing color as they look towards Wei WuXian, "We were with Lady Wen and her brother, they had sheltered us. I got knocked out after a while of climbing the mountain, I had been blindfolded. When I woke up, there was a golden core in my dantain. B-but A-Xian was gone. He wasn't in town and I couldn't find him anywhere,"

"A-Xian..." Jiang Yanli whimpered.

Wen Qing snaps and she inhales sharply, turning to face Jiang Cheng directly, "Breathe," she pauses before saying firmly, "It can't be undone,"

"WEN QING!!!" Wei WuXian screams as the doctor all but confirms the assumption.

Wei WuXian had given his core away. And it was revolving in Jiang Cheng's chest.

Jiang Cheng lets out a choked sob, before feeling sick. Sick of the feeling of spiritual energy. He can't- it shouldn't be there! It's not his! He doesn't want it! Jiang Cheng's breathing goes erratic and he crumbles to the ground as his body suddenly tries ot reject the spiritual energy, upsetting the flow . Jiang Cheng falls to the ground and Jiang Yanli screams, Wen Qing running forward to assist the minor qi deviation she was expecting.

Jin ZiXuan yells for doctors as the group steps back to give Wen Qing space to work. Lan Xichen had already pulled out his xiao and begin to play Song of Clarity, the notes drifting around the room. Nie MingJue watched over the doctor's shoulder, inputting now and then about his knowledge in qi deviation despite Wen Qing not needing it. Wei WuXian is all but frozen in place, staring at his pale and unconscious  brother with a heavy heart.

He suddenly moves, turning around and running. His movement catches the attention of others, Lan WangJi yelling after him, "Wei Ying!"

Wei WuXian doesn't stop, just running out of the hall. Lan WangJi doesn't look back to tell anyone anything, only chasing after him. Wei WuXian swerves through the halls hearing the rushing footsteps behind him and the calls of his name. He screams over his shoulder, "Leave me alone!"

"Wei Ying!"

"Get lost!"

The thing is, Lan WangJi was faster than him, especially with the assistance of his golden core. They reached the back of Koi Tower and a familiar garden, Wei WuXian going to escape through one of the back entrances, only to yelp as Lan WangJi grabbed his wrist, forcing him to stop. 

Wei WuXian struggles, "Let go! Let go! Let go!"

"Wei Ying-"

"Get lost! Get lost!" Wei WuXian begs, tears brimming his eyes, "I have to leave- I have to-"

Lan WangJi pulls the other in, halting the words by capturing Wei WuXian's lips with his own. Wei WuXian lets out a small gasp, before closing his eyes and returning it. His struggles stop and he grips the lapels of the white robes tightly as Lan WangJi holds him close by the waist and releasing his wrist. 

They part softly and Wei WuXian lets out a choked sob, pressing himself into the older man, shoulders shaking as he whimpers into Lan WangJi's shoulder. Lan WangJi only holds him tighter, placing a loving kiss to the younger's temple, "I am here,"

Wei WuXian grips tighter, shaking his head as his whimpers become sobs. Lan WangJi speaks with a tender tone, "Are you worried about Sect Leader Jiang?"

Wei WuXian confesses, "He wasn't supposed to know...n-no one was supposed to know,"

"Wei Ying," Lan WangJi frowned, but he stays silent as Wei WuXian lets out a broken sob.

And he's suddenly talking. The demonic cultivator is spilling everything of the procedure, of what he had done. He explained how he found the surgery, explained how Wen Qing had been so against it, explained how he had convinced her. He told Lan WangJi about the conditions, how he had to be willing and completely awake for two days. He tells him how he knew Jiang Cheng would never forgive him, how Jiang Cheng would hate Wei WuXian for doing such a thing. Lan WangJi has his own tears falling, his grip on the younger so tight that it will surely bruise.

"What were the chances?" Lan WangJi asked, voice choked by his tears.

"...50 percent,"

Lan WangJi let out a strangled sob and Wei WuXian pulls back, glancing up to see the effect his words had. His face falls, "Lan Zhan, oh Lan Zhan, I didn't mean to make you cry, I'm sorry. I'm-"

"Stop, please," Lan WangJi cuts him off, "Stop apologizing..."

Wei WuXian obeys, lips pressing together but his eyes are shining in worry. Lan WangJi looks at the man he loves with all his heart. He takes in a small breath, moving one hand up to cup the younger's face, "I love you..."

Wei WuXian's eyes widen a fraction, before softening. He smiles, "I love you too,"

Lan WangJi speaks softly, "I missed you. These three months, I wondered how to tell you. Of what to tell you. I worried of A-Yuan as well, wondering what you would have told him when I had not visited...I was very scared of what assumption you would make,"

"I made a few," Wei WuXian whispered, "One's that hurt a little,"

"They are not true," Lan WangJi said simply.

"...are they not?" Wei WuXian asks carefully, "What are we Lan Zhan? We've stolen secret moments for two years ever since we kissed in this garden at A-Ling's full month festival. I have let you see me, all of me, see my home and buy me gifts. You have such a control over me that sometimes its scary. But I trust you with my life and I would do anything you ask of me. Lan Zhan, if I were to ever lose control, if I were a threat, or if the sects had really willed themselves to face me...dying by your sword would have been worth it,"

"Wei Ying..."

"No, no, let me speak," Wei WuXian shakes his head, "Lan Zhan, I like you. I really like you, you're great. I love you, I want you, I favor you, I whatever you. I want to be with you, it cannot be anyone but you. I am not saying all of this out of gratitude, I never have. All these nights, all these visits, all our moments, I have cherished them and I have faded into believing that this is real and that one day, I can truly be yours and show everyone the man I wish to one day call my husband..."

"Yes," Lan WangJi exhaled, "Yes. Wei Ying..."

Wei WuXian lets out a tear, "I never told you about my core because I never wanted you to carry the burden of it. I never wanted you to look back at all our misunderstandings and miscommunications and realize the effect they would have had on me. I never wanted to tell you because then I'd have to face the truth that our time is limited,"

Lan WangJi inhaled sharply, "No,"

"Yes, Lan Zhan. Yes, it is," Wei WuXian pressed their foreheads together, "I have no golden core, I will age. I will wrinkle, I will grow old. I will die young, the effect of war and the price of this cultivation path tax me every moment I am alive. My son, our beautiful son, if I can watch him grow, then that is enough. If I can be happy with you, that is enough of a life. I will be content, even if I wish I could be here forever,"

"We can find a way," Lan WangJi refuses, "You have your meridians, there must be a way..."

Wei WuXian laughed sadly, "Don't say those things. If its from your mouth, I'll believe it..."

"Wei Ying..."

"Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian smiled brightly at him, despite the tears, "Stay by my side, okay?"

Lan WangJi stared at him, a pain in his heart at the truth and weight of the words. He took hold of Wei WuXian's hands, pulling back the black sleeve to reveal the forehead ribbon the jade had refused to take back. He placed a kiss to the fabric and then a kiss to the ring Wei WuXian wore, the same one that matched his own. Wei WuXian's was black and blue, Lan WangJi's was white and red. He then moved to place a deep kiss on the demonic cultivator's lips, mumbling against them, "Always...I will always be by your side, my love,"

They stared there, in each other's embrace and sharing gentle kisses. They talked, talked about many things, the past three months. The experiences they each had faced. Wei WuXian told Lan WangJi of their son, of how the visit had gone when the other nobles had realized. Lan WangJi smiled amused when he heard of how Wei WuXian lied to them about when they had last met and the reaction of everyone when A-Yuan had referred to Lan WangJi as 'Baba'. 

After a few hours of just spending time together, Wei WuXian muttered, "Lan Zhan...I want to check on shidi,"

"Mn," Lan WangJi hummed, interlacing their fingers together. 

Wei WuXian smiled softly, the two sharing a quick peck, before walking out of the garden. As they headed towards the compex, Wei WuXian turned his head to the side where three familiar ghosts appeared beside him. Lan WangJi glanced at them as well, bowing his head in greeting.

"Nice to see you three again," Lan WangJi said.

"Nice to see you and Xiao Wei finally sementing your relationship," Zeng Minsheng responded.

Wei WuXian glared, "Drop it. What do you want?"

"Jiang Wanyin is awake," Ren MingXia informed.

Wei WuXian froze beside Lan WangJi, "Oh,"

"This way," Bai Chunhua flew in one direction.

Lan WangJi followed, pulling Wei WuXian with him. The journey seemed to go by far too quickly for Wei WuXian, as soon they were standing in front of a door, the ghosts once again hiding themselves. Wei WuXian stared ahead, blankly for a moment, before glancing up.

Lan WangJi looked at him softly, leaning down to kiss him, "I am here,"

Wei WuXian smiled, nodding slowly. He reached forward and slid the door open, his other hand squeezing Lan WangJi's. When the door opened, every head in the room turned to face them. Once it was registered who exactly stood, all the eyes shifted to Wei WuXian. Wei WuXian swallowed, glancing towards the bed to find Jiang Cheng glaring at him with rage and pain marking his face.

Wei WuXian sucked in a breath and hesitantly stepped towards him. His hand slipped from Lan WangJi's and returned limply to his side as Wei WuXian pushed himself forward and walking to stand in front of his shidi. He then hangs his head, waiting for the anger, the yelling, even a punch.

He receives nothing as Jiang Cheng just stares at him.

"Why don't the rest of us leave? This is a family matter," Lan Xichen suggests softly.

"Good idea," Jin ZiXuan nodded, giving Jiang Yanli a small squeeze on the shoulder, "I'll go to A-Ling,"

Jiang Yanli just nods, her eyes trained on her brothers. Lan WangJi glances worriedly at Wei WuXian, "Wei Ying?"

"I'll be okay," Wei WuXian said, voice small, yet his head never raised, "Qing-Jie will be here,"

Wen Qing blinks softly, before looking at Lan WangJi and giving a nod, "You have some conversations to have with your own siblings anyway, WangJi,"

Lan WangJi glanced at Lan Xichen, before nodding. The group files out of the room, Nie Huaisang closing the door behind them. Left behind in the room is Wei WuXian, Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, and Wen Qing. The four of them stay silent for a minute longer, until Jiang Cheng finally opens his mouth, voice coming tight with controlled anger, "How could you..."

Wei WuXian hung his head further.

Jiang Cheng's voice turned more hurt, "Why would you not give me a choice? Why would do such a thing?"

He glares and laughs darkly, "Do you really think so little of me that I would let you? That I want your core in my fucking chest?!"

"No," Wei WuXian shakes his head, "I knew you would never let me. It was why I did it in secret,"

"Why did you do it at all?!" Jiang Cheng screamed.

"I promised the Madam and Sect Leader," Wei WuXian speaks with a tone that is so careful, so emotionless. The tone that belongs to a servant, "I owed the YunmengJiang Sect my core, my sword, my cultivation. You were the future of the Sect. The person I was to serve for the rest of my life. Your protection, Shijie's protection, was my responsibility..."

Wei WuXian lets out a pained smile, "But above it all, you are my shidi. As your older brother, your shixiong, I would have done it alone. Your life was always more important to me,"

Jiang Cheng looked more furious than before, screaming, "You're so fucking reckless!!!! Why can't you understand that you are not replaceable! That you are not expandable!!! Why don't you realize how much you mean to us!?"

"A-Cheng...now and then are different," Wei WuXian looked up, a tired gaze in his eyes.

"Lotus Pier wasn't your fault!!!!" Jiang Cheng screams, "Mother was wrong!! I was wrong!! I didn't mean it and I so sorry if you think I did! I was angry- I was hurt- I was grieving- but I knew! I knew it was not your fault! Mother shouldn't have asked you to protect me like that! Father shouldn't have told you to protect A-Jie and I as if it was a final order! I don't know why he did when he should've told us to protect each other!!"

"Your parents loved you, Jiang Cheng," Wei WuXian shook his head, "Your father always loved you. I was never a son, hardly a nephew,"

"A-Xian-"

"No, shijie, it's true. I know everyone saw it as something else. As favortism. It was hardly that. Uncle never saw me as a son or nephew, he cared for me, I know he did somewhere. But I know he also saw me as a reminder of his friends, as a memoir of grief," Wei WuXian looked at Wen Qing, who had a small glitter of support and pride in her eyes as Wei WuXian actually addressed his emotions.

"Our parents did awful things, taking their miscommunication with each other on us! We didn't deserve it, WuXian. YOU didn't deserve it!!!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed, "Mother tried to make me hate you, but I couldn't! I never could truly hate you WuXian! Why the fuck do you think I lost my core?! Because I saw the Wen troops! They were sneaking up behind you! I had just lost my home, my parents, I was not ready to lose my older brother too!!!!"

Wei WuXian snapped his head up with a horrified face, "...what,"

Wen Qing's eyes had blown wide from the confession, while Jiang Yanli went still. Jiang Cheng looked defeated, a few tears passing by his eyes, "I distracted the guards, A-Xian. I didn't want them to get you. I could not let them get you..."

"You..." Wei WuXian's body trembled.

But before the guilt could be expressed through words, a frustrated scream tore through the room, "YOU BOTH ARE ABSOLUTE IDIOTS!!!!"

Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng turned their heads to Jiang Yanli, who looked more furious than either of them had ever seen before. They were frozen in place as they stared at her, her yells seemed to physically beat them down, "You two love each other so much so why the fuck can you not express it properly?!!?! Why can't you just communicate with each other instead of doing shit like this?!!?!"

A silence falls her outburst, every person in the room unsure of how to respond to Jiang Yanli cursing her brother's stupidity without mercy. Jiang Yanli panted as she came down from her anger, glaring darkly at her brothers, who felt genuine fear in their hearts. Wen Qing huffed amused, speaking up, "A-Ying, I told them everything. How it worked, the chances, everything,"

Wei WuXian glares at her in betrayal, but Wen Qing calmly ignores it and continues, "They brought up points, you know. How it might not be impossible for you to cultivate a new core. You still have your meridians, though clogged with resentment. With the right amount of cleansing and determination, it isn't impossible for you to form a new core,"

Wei WuXian is hit with the reminder of Lan WangJi's earlier words. He looks away, "Its impossible,"

"You've done the impossible before," Jiang Cheng speaks firmly, "I think you're just afraid to hope and fail. A chance is a chance, isn't that what you told Lady Wen when she told you the success rate of the surgery was 50%?"

Wei WuXian grimaced, "I'm in my twenties...far past the age to form a good core,"

"Dual cultivation will be an effective catalyst," Wen Qing deadpans.

Wei WuXian turns red with shame, while Jiang Cheng looks shocked, "What?!"

Jiang Yanli giggles softly, "I had known since I caught you two in the garden last time,"

Wei WuXian let out a strangled screech, "You saw?!"

Jiang Cheng looks confused before catching sight of the white ribbon and ring. A dry expression crosses over his face, "Ah, it's Hanguang Jun, isn't it?"

Wei WuXian's sister's give matching hums of amusement. Jiang Cheng sighed and then rolled his eyes, "Alright, I'll draft an engagement letter,"

Wei WuXian is mortified.

"WHAT!?!"

Chapter Text

"Airen," a soft call came from the doorway of the small, yet comfy house, draped with soft colors of white and blue, a few splashes of red and black standing out.

Such a splash was the man dressed in robes of those colors, who glanced back to the voice with silver eyes. Wei WuXian smiled lovingly at his husband who was dressed in the regal white robes, Lan WangJi crossing the distance between them and placing a tender kiss on the younger's lips.

"Yes, my love?" Wei WuXian answered, just as soft.

"They're all here, your siblings, Wei and Jiang. ZiXuan, Chifeng Zun, Huaisang. Yanli-Jie even brought Rulan and the twins. A-Yuan has gone ahead to meet them with Brother and Uncle," Lan WangJi informed, holding out a hand.

Wei WuXian's smile sparkled at the mention of their friends and family arriving in Cloud Recesses. He took his husband's hand, before looping his arm through Lan WangJi's. Then, they both walked out of their home, the Jingshi. As they walked towards the Elegance Hall to meet their guests, Wei WuXian found himself reflecting on the time that had passed.

It had been nearly five years since the peacefulness had graced their lives. Five years since that dreadful curse and the execution of Meng Yao, Su She, and Jin Guangshan. Many things had happened since then. The first of the changes had been the permanent relocation of the residents of the Burial Mounds, the Wens, as they had gone by back then. After the transition to Lotus Pier, they had changed their last names.

It was not an easy decision, to change one's surname was to abandon once's ancestors, but Popo, the wisest of the group, had spoke with the promise, "Our ancestors would wish us the best. I believe they would understand,"

The final unanimous decision was then made, all left had been to pick a name. Wei WuXian remembered the day he had been brought to the hall, confused and worried something had gone wrong. Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were standing there, Jin ZiXuan off to the side with a sleeping Jin Ling in his arms. Beside him was Lan Xichen, Lan WangJi, Nie MingJue, and Nie Huaisang. 

"...what happened?" Wei WuXian asked after shutting the door firmly behind him.

At his entrance, Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli exchanged a nod, before slowing moving forward to him. Wei WuXian frowned farther, eyes darting around with confusion. He spotted A-Yuan, Lan Yuan, as they had decided a week before, his and Lan WangJi's soon to be official son, the benefit of the Lan name enough one of the biggest deciders of that, near Lan WangJi's leg. 

"Stand here, do not move," Jiang Cheng told him, while Jiang Yanli gently pushed Wei WuXian further into the room so he now stood only a few steps away from Wen Qing and Wen Ning, who were at the front of the crowd of Wen Remnants.

They then moved to the side, leaving Wei WuXian alarmed. He stared at the Wen's, "What? Qing-Jie, A-Ning, has something gone wrong?"

"No, not at all," Wen Qing said, her voice uncharactiaclly soft...no, that was wrong, hesitant.

"You..." Wei WuXian looked even more worried, "Suddenly speaking like this, I'm actually getting scared,"

Wen Qing rolled her eyes loosely while Wen Ning giggled. Then, the two Wen siblings glanced at one another, and then at their family. A chorus of nods were sent to the Wen siblings, who turned back to face Wei WuXian. Before he could ask again, he was shocked into stillness, eyes blowing wide.

Their arms came to clasp infront of each of them, bodies bending at the hips. The bow was shocking enough, but Wei WuXian let out a small squeak of alarm as Wen Qing and Wen Ning lowered themselves completely, heads against the floor.

"What are you- What is this- get up! Get up!" Wei WuXian yelled, moving forward to force them, but then stopping as Wen Ning spoke.

"Ying-Ge, we will never be express our full gratitude to you for all these years. The isolation you suffered for us, the misunderstandings that had arisen. But we all we never feel sorry for the home we had build with you," Wen Ning said with such confidence Wei WuXian had never heard from him before.

Wen Qing picked up, "A-Ying, you are our brother, a member to our home. Though you will marry WangJi and move away to Gusu, you will always be a part of this family. Thus, we would like to honor you and all you have done..."

"I- I-" Wei WuXian looked like he didn't know how to react, glancing frantically at the others for help.

"Listen," Lan WangJi mouthed to him.

Wei WuXian frowned, but looked back, "Won't you stand? I'm scared, what are you doing?" Seeing them unmoving he called desperately, "Wen Qing-"

"No," Wen Qing cut him off sharply, rising her head, with Wen Ning, and going to kneel, the other Wens rising from their bows as well, smiles of love on each of them, "Not Wen Qing,"

"W-what?" 

"Wei," she said with a smile, "Wei Qing,"

Wei WuXian blinked. Once, twice. 

Wen Ning smiled, "And I Wei Qionglin, Wei Ning,"

Slowly, it began to hit him. Wei WuXian stepped back, his eyes filling with tears and mouth tearing out a gasp. Popo gave him that sweet smile she always did, "Wei Popo,"

"Wei JiaLi,"

"Wei DongFeng,"

Slowly, each of them spoke their names following the surname 'Wei'. Wei WuXian had tears on his cheeks and his lip was shaking to the upcoming sobs threatening to burst. He choked out, "What...what is...Why..."

"Do you reject it?" Wen- Wei Qing asked, slowly rising back to her feet with Wei Ning.

Wei WuXian shook his head, "If- I- are you sure? My name gives nothing, there is nothing connected to it,"

"There is you," Wei Ning smiled.

Wei WuXian sobbed, "I've never...I don't have..."

Wei Qing and Wei Ning smiled sadly, coming forward and hugging him, resting their heads on one of his shoulders each. Wei WuXian's body trembled and his voice whispered, "Wei Qing...Wei Ning...A-Jie, Didi,"

They hugged him tighter. Wei WuXian smiled, really smiled, and began to laugh and cry, hugging them back, hands fisting their robes. The other Wen- Weis swarmed forward to Wei WuXian, burrowing him in a group hug. 

Since then, there were no more Wens. The entire fraction had changed to Wei, and would only respond to it. The Wen name was lost to time, lost to them. 

They had become permanent parts of the pier, even more so when a year ago, Jiang Cheng and Wei Qing had announced their courting, and a few months ago, the official engagement. 

As they reached the Elegance Hall, Wei WuXian tightened his grip on his husband, "Do you think they'll be shocked?"

"I think they'll be happy," Lan WangJi told him, "Uncle especially,"

Wei WuXian giggled softly, "I've turned him soft, just like I did you,"

Ever since their marriage and Wei WuXian became a permanent residence of the Cloud Recesses, Lan Qiren had seen a lot more of him. Of course, he had also defended their marriage when the elders opposed to the union. Even if it did happen with Wei WuXian granting Lan Xichen permission to tell Lan Qiren everything, including the lack of core and choice in cultivation path. Once Lan Qiren had found the possibility of Wei WuXian regrowing a core, he was one of the biggest supporters, helping Wei WuXian with everything and anything. The two had formed a bond, rambling about teaching and theories, Wei WuXian thriving in the environment of someone listening and actively discussing and counting his ideas with him.

Lan WangJi only smiled, opening the doors. When they walked in, joyous smiles and greetings exploded the usually silent room. Jiang Yanli patted the heads of two four-year-old girls in gold robes near her legs, "A-Hua, A-Mei," she raised a hand to the young boy in Jin robes beside a slightly older boy in Lan robes, "A-Ling, go greet your uncles,"

At once, the three Jin siblings, beamed, turning to the sight of their Dajiu and chorusing, "DAJIU!!!"

Wei WuXian released Lan WangJi running forward and opening his arms, "My nephews and neices!"

The three dashed forward, crashing into his hug, Wei WuXian happily welcoming them and pecking each of their heads. The twins, Jin LiHua and Jin LiMei, were born a year after Jin ZiXuan had taken over the LanlingJin Sect, six years younger than their older brother Jin Ling, who was now 10-years-old, and nine years younger to their cousin, Lan Yuan, who was 13-years-old. 

(Funfact: LiHua is beautiful pear blossom. LiMei is beautiful plum blossom)

Jin Ling had recently received his sword and courtesy name of Rulan, while Lan Yuan had received his three years prior, going more commonly by Lan SiZhui now.

They all pulled back, Wei WuXian grinning up at the adults. He walked forward and compliments flowed out like candy, "Shijie! You look as lovely as ever, and your husband looks like a peacock!"

Jin ZiXuan rolled his eyes fondly, while Jiang Yanli simply giggled, "You look handsome too, A-Xian,"

"Pfft- I didnt even get much sleep last night," Wei WuXian joked.

"It better because you were reading a scripture or else I will cut you and that ice-block husband of yours," Jiang Cheng sneered.

Wei WuXian just winked and Jiang Cheng almost launched at him, if not for Wei Qing placing a hand on him in time, "A-Cheng,"

The sect leader wilted, looking at her with exasperation, "But-"

One eyebrow raise and Jiang Cheng was quick to comply. Wei WuXian felt his heart warm at the scene. Lan SiZhui stepped forward, a polite yet bright smile pulling at his lips, "A-Die, Baba said you called everyone for a surprise?"

"Ah, as quick as always my radish," Wei WuXian pinched his cheek lightly, silver eyes softening furhter at the shy giggle and whine, "A-Die..."

"SiZhui is right!" Nie MingJue nodded, "I'd like to know why we've been gathered?"

"It is a good surprise, right?" Nie Huaisang fanned himself lightly.

"Yes," Lan WangJi answered, wrapping one arm around Wei WuXian, "Very good,"

"Well, don't have us guess!" Lan Qiren exclaimed.

"Is it a new invention?" Jin Ling asked, finding great pride of his Dajiu’s inventions.

"Mm, no," Wei WuXian smiled.

"A new theory?" Lan Xichen asked.

"No," Lan WangJi answered.

"Ying-Ge, with you two, its impossible to guess!" Wen Ning complained.

Wei WuXian laughed and then glanced at Lan WangJi for a moment. The two exchanged a look and Lan WangJi, nodded, "As you wish,"

Wei WuXian motioned for the group to spread out as he walked to the center of the room. They exchanged confused looks, but obeyed, spreading out in a sort of circle around him. Wei WuXian closed his eyes with a smile on his face. He reached inwards, finding the warm cluster of spiritual energy that had lit in his dantian two months ago. 

Back then, it had been small, but Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi had been diligent. When they had begun the process five years ago, Wei WuXian had hated it, the frustration of doing things children were doing and meditating. But Lan WangJi - and their friends and family - had been there every step of the way. They had kept encouraging him, helping him step back from his dependency of resentment, helped Wei WuXian with leveling and balancing the Burial Mounds, helped with spirits.

It was a process of patience and support, something Wei WuXian had strived for out of desire to be whole again, to have more time with those he loved. Wei Qing had mentioned dual cultivation, and indeed, it had helped. Lan WangJi was diligent in everything he did, extra in cases regarding his beloved. 

The beautiful flow of spiritual energy spread through his merdians, the feeling making Wei WuXian breath easier. Out of pracitce, his eyes opened to watch as his hands began to glow a beautiful red color, a color he had not been able to produce for years. For a moment, he let them stare at it, let them understand the phenomena. 

Wei Qing let out a gasp, soon followed by Nie Huaisang, Wei Ning, and Lan Xichen. Jiang Cheng and Nie MingJue both had wide eyes of realization, staring at Wei WuXian silently. Jiang Yanli blinked before calling softly in hope, "Xianxian..."

Wei WuXian let out a happy laugh and with a burst of energy, he sent his spiritual energy to every corner of the room, the strength - though not as strong as his old one - felt by everyone. Lan Qiren was the first to vocalize the thoughts, "You...your core...?"

Lan SiZhui and Jin Ling both gasped, staring at the smiling man with matching faces. They had been explained briefly, the condition Wei WuXian was in. It was a situation that had been bestowed after an attempted assassination of the Jin heir and former Wen by a few remaining snakes and followers of Jin Guangshan. Wei WuXian had been the only adult with them at the time, the man taking them both out to avoid the discussion conference they were too young to attend. 

The attempt had sent Wei WuXian into protective fury, his eyes a terrible red and black wisps seeping out. Wei WuXian had looked at Jin Ling and Lan SiZhui, both of who were shocked by the attackers and sight in front of them. The older holding out his sword, but eyes darting around in slight fear, keeping firmly behind his father. With an order, they had sent off the signal, but Wei WuXian had already engaged in battle. When the sword had been sent their way, Wei WuXian had dove in front of them with a fearful yell of names, the blade cutting straight through his torso.

The assassins had frozen for a moment, before the alarm of an incoming group of Lans and Jins had been spotted. They fled and the two children had began crying their hearts out as Wei WuXian, bleeding heavily in front of them, pleaded for them to breathe. The assassin had taken out the blade with no mercy. Wei WuXian had been close to death, they had been told, when everyone assumed they weren't aware. They had been aware, they knew from the way Lan WangJi had all but screamed, when he had caught sight of his husband who has passed out before his arrival with Jin ZiXuan and Jiang Cheng. From the way Jiang Yanli's usual tender features had become cold and furious. From the way Lan WangJi had to be dragged out of the room by Lan Xichen when Wei Qing had ordered for space and shoved everyone but the doctors and Jiang Cheng out. From the way everyone reacted to their story. From the way Jin ZiXuan had stormed from the room, voice yelling in rage through the gold halls, Jiang Cheng at his side with Zidian crackling.

They would never forgot the horror when Jiang Yanli and Wei Qing had sat down and explained to them.

"Is A-Die awake?" Lan SiZhui asked frantically.

"...he won't be awake for a while, his body, his body is fragile," Wei Qing said slowly.

"Why?" Jin Ling frowned, "Dajiu is powerful,"

"Yes, he is," Jiang Yanli nodded, "But A-Xian is missing something, something that helps everyone else heal faster,"

Jin Ling was too young, but Lan SiZhui was old enough to know. He was smart, to be expected with his parents being Hanguang Jun, the Second Jade of Lan, and the YiLing Patriarch, the head disciple of the YunmengJiang Sect. 

"Golden core?" he squeaked.

"He doesnt have one, he lost it. But, he's trying to make a new one," Wei Qing explained to him.

Lan SiZhui had cried into Lan WangJi's arms that night, sniffling, "I didn't know- he could- he could- is he going to be okay?" 

Death was hardly a new concept to him. He had memories, nightmares, of death. People he knew were once his family. Of a jiejie he doesnt remember the name of.

"Yes, he would not leave you. Us," Lan WangJi had assured, though having the same fear.

Wei WuXian's boisterous laughter broke the flashbacks. He revealed his wrists, before boasting, "I did it! I have it back! I can use my sword!"

The rules of the GusuLan Sect were ignored, screams and tears of happiness bursted in the room. The hall was filled with joy, hugs and tears, yelling and laughing. It was beautiful. It was chaotic.

It was home.

The End

This is the first MDZS fanfic I finished! It's a quick story that I've been working when i am unable to write on other things. It was never going to be published because i wasn't sure if i was ever going to commit and finish it. But I did! 

Keep smiling my loves, you're beautiful just the way you are.