Chapter Text
Gusu Lan had always been a place spoken of with both respect and a hint of fear. It was famous not only for its strict discipline and rules but also for its beautiful mountain peaks shrouded in mist, the peaceful forest glades, and the untouched beauty of its rivers. The harmony that reigned within its walls was something to behold.
Wei Wuxian couldn’t understand the fear many spoke of when mentioning this place. It seemed exaggerated to him. He could grasp the faint fear and quiet respect with which the elders talked about the lectures at Gusu, but he didn’t understand the gravity and pomp with which they spoke of it. When Wei Wuxian stepped onto the grounds of the Lan clan, a playful smile on his lips, all that solemnity seemed to falter.
Wei Ying was not born an Alpha, like no one else in their society. He earned his second sex during training, developing his golden core, focusing his energy, and shaping his body into something more than the human he had been born as. That was when he became Wei Wuxian. That was when he became an Alpha. Thanks to his effort and dedication, he was now who he was. He was an Alpha. Proud, confident, and a little cheeky, his status left no room for doubt. As the adopted son of Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Feng, he had a clear path ahead of him – to support Jiang Cheng, the rightful heir to the Yunmeng Jiang clan. Wei Wuxian had never had a problem with that. He loved his brother – even if he spent most of his time rolling his eyes and complaining about his antics.
"Wei Wuxian, I swear, if you break any of Gusu’s rules, I’ll personally tie you up and send you back home to your mother," Jiang Cheng said, walking beside him, giving him a stern look. "And then you'll be washing the shore for the next five years as punishment for tarnishing our clan's name. I promise you that."
Wei Wuxian chuckled, waving his hand nonchalantly.
"Aish, A-Cheng! You have so little faith in your own brother? We haven’t even started the lessons, and you’re already sentencing me to punishment. I could be the model student, you know!"
"No. You can’t."
"Alright, you’re right," Wei Wuxian admitted with amusement. "But I promise I’ll be discreet."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and quickened his pace. Wei Wuxian didn’t mind his reaction. He knew that deep down, his brother cared about him – maybe not about his reputation, but about what could happen if he angered the wrong person.
They were far from home, on the territory of an allied clan, one that could just as easily turn into an enemy. Wei Wuxian knew he couldn’t take any risks.
Their arrival in Gusu was formal, full of etiquette and restraint, as befitted official guests. The visiting students were not ordinary guests of the clan; they were the future leaders of clans, the future commanders, advisors, and main disciples of their clans. They were those who would set the path for future generations, and the Lan Clan now stood as the guardians of this future. One word from their teacher could erase a future someone had already planned.
Among the students, older representatives of the Lan family wandered, their looks full of judgment and analysis, watching their every move. Wei Wuxian grinned wider, ready to take on any challenge that this place had to offer.
He didn’t yet know that in Gusu, there was more waiting for him than just study, more than just the challenges set by his teacher, and something far more exciting than reading old books.
In Gusu, his destiny awaited...