Archive of Our Own ^beta

When Wei Ying woke up, he no longer felt the shock of seeing the crimson curtains around his bed or the strange ceiling. He no longer gaped as he watched ghosts in masks move about right outside his window or as they yelled something or the other about wares and dishes.

It's been a week since Daozhang Xie Lian found him and Wei Ying understood what happened. His mother drilled it into his head after all, telling him every month since he was a baby.

“A-Ying,” His mother said, her voice kind as she placed him on her lap. “I need you to remember something. Alright?”

A-Ying nodded quickly, since he still didn't know how to say full sentences. 

“Your A-Niang was raised by a woman called Baoshan Sanren. She is an amazing cultivator, and she is one of the few Immortals who still haven't ascended. She trained your A-Niang to be as strong as she is today.”

A-Ying grinned. A-Niang was the best!

“But did you know, she also had someone who taught her all she knows? She is so strong because she learnt from another Immortal. His name is Xie Lian. He took in my Shizun, and stayed with her up on a mountain in seclusion to teach her all he knew. Once she knew everything, and there was nothing else he could teach her, he decided to leave.”

A-Ying frowned. Leave? Not nice!

“But he left my Shizun a very precious gift,” A-Niang’s voice softened, and she joined foreheads with A-Ying. “He drew a mark on her forehead, that would allow him to be connected to her and know if she was in danger. He was so kind, he allowed my master to do the same to me and my martial siblings. All of us were given the same mark that the Immortal Xie Lian drew on her forehead, and we are all connected to him.”

A-Ying wanted to eat.

“Ah, but do you know what? Just because he would know we are in danger, does not mean he would be able to save us. After all, it would be hardly possible to cross the country in a single stride, now, wouldn't it? So, my Shizun told me one very important thing. Immortal Xie Lian would come, but whether it was on time, even he wouldn't know beforehand. But she assured me that if he did come too late, he would make sure to deal with the consequences.”

He wanted to eat some chili again.

“So, my beloved son. If there ever comes a time when me or your A-Die don't come back, and Immortal Xie Lian comes for you instead, be grateful. He would arrive from his own kind heart and desire to protect. Don't blame him unnecessarily if something happened that was beyond his control. Be happy you get to meet a god, hm?”

“...”

“Does A-Ying want soup? With some chili on top?”

At the moment in time, when Daozhang Xie Lian told him it was his fault his parents were gone, he wanted to be angry. But he just felt tired, and remembered A-Niang's words. 

It didn't mean he wouldn't feel sad about it. Every night, whenever a bedtime story Daozhang told was just a little too boring for Wei Ying, he pretended to fall asleep and then buried his head under the covers to cry silently. He wanted his A-Niang, he wanted his A-Die. He just wanted them back. 

But they wouldn't come back. He knew that. 

At least Wei Ying knew they were at peace now. Moved on to the next life, as Hua-gege explained to him. Wei Ying was glad they did. Even though he wished they were still here, with him.

A knock on the door interrupted his musings. He wiped away the tears that started to gather in his eyes, and sat up straighter when he saw Daozhang Xie Lian come in. He held a bowl in his hands, and gave it to Wei Ying as he stopped beside the bed. 

“Good morning, A-Ying. San Lang made you soup, it's spicier this time, as you requested.” He smiled and sat down at the table, watching Wei Ying quietly.

Wei Ying perked up when he heard it should be spicier. The first time he asked about spice was on the third day of living in Paradise Manor, as the couple called it. They were all having dinner in a lavish room. Everyone who saw Hua-gege either bowed or blushed. (He was in a different form than the one he met Wei Ying in. Hua-gege was hesitant about changing into it, but after Daozhang Xie Lian insisted, and Wei Ying started to get curious, he listened. Wei Ying was not afraid; he thought the man looked very, very cool and made sure to let his opinion be known. Hua-gege looked touched but also incredibly relieved, and he never had problems with changing forms around Wei Ying since.) The man seemed to ignore it pretty well, or he simply didn't care about them enough to even notice. At the time, Wei Ying did not know Hua-gege was the owner of the city, the Ghost King of Ghost City. He would've asked why people were acting so weird if not for the peppers that he found placed out of his reach. He gaped at them, his mouth watering. The food so far was amazing, but he was born on spice. Daozhang Xie Lian noticed him staring at the peppers longingly. 

“Would you like some peppers?” When Wei Ying nodded quickly enough to throw off the red ribbon that tied his hair, Daozhang Xie Lian laughed softly and dutifully reached over and gave him the bowl. 

Immediately Wei Ying stuffed all of them onto his plate, before eating so quickly it looked as though he hadn't eaten in a week. His caretakers were too stunned to say anything as he gobbled up all the peppers in six bites, before pouting and complaining when he found they weren't nearly spicy enough. 

That seemed to snap the two out of their shock. Hua-gege was the one who first started to laugh, while Daozhang Xie Lian looked torn between laughing and watching Wei Ying in disbelief. 

Since that day, Hua-gege was the one making his meals, adding more spice each time to see how high his tolerance was. Which was high, alright! Like he said, he grew up on spice! He wanted some real kickers, and soon!

He didn't expect much while trying the soup, but then he felt the familiar burn on his tongue and he couldn't help but let out a pleased laugh. “Now that's spicy!”

Daozhang Xie Lian continued to watch him with a smile, though he did chuckle quietly. “I'll let San Lang know. Should he stop adding more spicy ingredients now?”

“No!” Wei Ying said quickly, “It's good, but not nearly enough! I need something that will burn off my tongue!”

Daozhang Xie Lian just sighed, but he was still smiling. “Alright, A-Ying. If that is what you wish.”

That was definitely what he wished. Wei Ying continued to eat the soup happily, thoroughly distracted from his previous painful thoughts. 

The first time Wei Ying met Daozhang Xie Lian’s friends, he watched them with a dubious look. Daozhang looked pleased at their presence, while Hua-gege twirled his chopsticks in a clearly annoyed manner. Wei Ying hadn't been seen yet, as he was sat next to Hua-gege in one of the restaurants in Ghost City. They had just been having a nice conversation when Daozhang Xie Lian heard his friends and excused himself to greet them. 

Wei Ying looked at Hua-gege questioningly. 

Hua-gege’s expression softened the moment his attention turned to Wei Ying, and a small smile spread across his face. “Those are Feng Xin and Mu Qing, A-Ying.” He pointed at the respective people with his chopsticks, not looking away from Wei Ying. “They were your Daozhang’s closest friends back when he was the Crown Prince.”

Wei Ying considered his words, tilting his head. “And now?”

Hua-gege's expression soured slightly, but since he was still looking at Wei Ying, there was no annoyance on his face. “They… Still are, I suppose.” He said grudgingly, and rolled his eyes. “They made some mistakes, and Gege forgave them. Unfortunately.”

Wei Ying giggled quietly, getting the feeling Hua-gege wasn't quite fond of the pair. 

“Is that a child?” A voice Wei Ying recognised as one of Daozhang's friends said, interrupting his and Hua-gege's conversation, now closer than before. 

“Holy shit, it is. Why is he sitting next to Hua Cheng?” 

Wei Ying looked up, and was met with Mu Qing, looking at him with undisguised shock, as well as Feng Xin, who stared at him in horror. Wei Ying, ever the polite boy, waved and sat closer to Hua-gege with a serene smile. 

Mu Qing turned towards Daozhang Xie Lian with a demanding look and a finger pointing at Wei Ying, “Xie Lian, when did you two steal a child?”

Daozhang Xie Lian looked slightly offended, “We didn't steal him. He's family.”

The two gods (Wei Ying felt as though he ought to be more shocked at meeting three gods in less than two weeks, but he really wasn't feeling like it.) looked at Daozhang Xie Lian as though he had lost his mind. Rude , Wei Ying thought. They're the ones freaking out over nothing.

“How come we've never heard of him?” Asked Feng Xin, who looked torn between disbelief and hurt. 

“Haha…” Daozhang Xie Lian rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. “Well, back when I was banished, I took on a disciple. Later she took on hers, and A-Ying is the son of one of them.”

Mu Qing rolled his eyes. “Of course you did.”

Feng Xin frowned, “But then why is he here and not with his parents?”

Instantly, Wei Ying's good mood vanished. It's been some time since he thought about his parents, mostly because he wanted to avoid the pain that came with it. Wei Ying didn't think he would cry when he eventually did, but apparently he underestimated his emotions. 

Wei Ying's hands clenched into fists, his shoulders shaking slightly. A-Niang , he bit his lip. A-Die—

A gentle hand landed on the top of his head, pulling him out of his mind. He looked up to see Hua-gege watching him with concern, his mouth moving silently. It took a few seconds for Wei Ying to understand what he was saying. 

“-Ying? A-Ying, look at me. Yes, that's right.” Hua-gege lifted him onto his lap, allowing Wei Ying to bury into his chest. He was cold, but Wei Ying felt warmed anyway. “It's okay, A-Ying.”

Right, he wasn't alone. His parents were gone, but he still had Hua-gege, and Daozhang Xie Lian. 

That had to be enough. 

He breathed heavily, his little hands finding purchase in Hua-gege's robes. They stood up, and if Wei Ying wasn't suddenly so tired, maybe he would have protested, but at the moment he just held on tighter.

“Gege, we'll go on ahead.” His voice was pleasant when he spoke to Daozhang, but turned to ice soon afterwards. “You two should learn how to think, before you speak.”

The two gods didn't say another word, while Daozhang Xie Lian spoke gently, with a hint of worry in his voice. “Of course. I'll meet you two at Paradise Manor.”

In one moment, Wei Ying could hear the voices of ghosts and music, while in the next, he was greeted with the quiet and comforting atmosphere of Paradise Manor. 

Later, after he had a nap and ate dinner (Hua-gege was getting better and better with the spice!) Daozhang Xie Lian's friends asked to see him, and apologised. They introduced themselves properly to Wei Ying, and told him he could ask them both to do something for him in apology. 

To be fair, Wei Ying wasn't hurt enough to warrant all that, and forgave them as soon as they apologized in his heart. 

But he also knew when to take advantage of a situation, and this was definitely one that had boundless possibilities for mischief. And Wei Ying loved mischief. (He got it from his mother.)

Wei Ying asked Mu Qing to recite poetry whenever he rolled his eyes, and told Feng Xin he had to compliment every girl he came across, each for a year. 

He still felt gleeful whenever he remembered the twin looks of horror on their faces, catching on to the fact Wei Ying wasn't as much of a polite boy as they first thought. Daozhang Xie Lian first laughed into his fist before he gently tried to get Wei Ying to choose something else (but not shutting down the idea even if Wei Ying would comply without question, which the man knew), while Hua-gege grinned with pride and satisfaction at him from behind the two gods.

(When he had asked Hua-gege to tell him about Mu Qing and Feng Xin after he woke up from his nap, the ghost proceeded to tell him only the embarrassing stories, and nothing else.)

Back when Wei Ying was still settling in Paradise Manor, he was often approached by Yin Yu, Hua-gege's assistant. The god (he learned Yin-shushu was also a god not long after meeting Mu Qing and Feng Xin) regularly asked him whether there was something Wei Ying would want to be added to his room. At first it was the only reason Yin-shushu sought him out, since he had a lot of responsibilities, but eventually they started to stay around each other just to relax. Yin-shushu was nice, because while he was starting to really love Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege, their care was sometimes a bit too much, and they tried to help him with his memories by talking or trying to distract him when all he really wanted was just to lay down and cry. 

Eventually, he learned spending time with Yin-shushu yielded similar results to being alone and crying in his bed. He was a silent presence, and didn't seem to mind Wei Ying not speaking a single word and just sitting down next to him whenever the other was reading, or doing work. They sat in silence for as long as Wei Ying wanted, letting him feel things but not getting lost in memories and forgetting where he was due to the constant turning of pages or the sound of a brush on a scroll.

He was the first one Wei Ying hesitantly called uncle; he grew used to calling Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege what he picked in the beginning, and the things he longed to call them seemed too big, too fast for him. 

Yin-shushu had just smiled and ruffled his hair, even though Wei Ying could see his expression was less practiced than ever before, his eyes shining. (With happiness or tears, Wei Ying did not pry.)

Nowadays, whenever Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege were unavailable, Wei Ying spent his days with Yin-shushu, either staying with him while he worked or walking around Ghost City with the god. He was well known at this point as their Hua Chengzhu’s ward, so the ghosts were all very nice but also sometimes overwhelming. Yin-shushu had a special superpower of being able to completely avoid all of them no matter what they said, and Wei Ying just enjoyed staying in his arms whenever things got too much. 

“Zhízhí,” Wei Ying blinked and looked up from where he was staring at the floor silently. “Are you alright?”

He was listening to another tale Yin-shushu was telling him, about a naïve Shidi of his that was more like a puppy than anything else, always following Yin-shushu in their youth and fighting every breathing thing. Out loud, he emphasized with his shushu. Inside his own mind, though, he had to admit that having a little Shidi that hung from his every word as if it was law was more precious than he would have thought. 

“I'm alright, Yin-shushu.” He grinned at the god, relaxing into the couch again. “I got lost in thought.”

Yin-shushu nodded, knowing that Wei Ying would tell him if there was something bothering him. He never pushed either way. Wei Ying loved that about him. He was just there, a pillar of support that Wei Ying appreciated more than he thought Yin-shushu realised. 

“As I was saying…”

A few weeks after he was first taken in by Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege, they brought him to a shrine dedicated to them. It was in Puqi Village, some distance away from Paradise Manor, but with Hua-gege’s dice they got there in no time. 

It was very nice. Daozhang Xie Lian told him once that they alternated between staying in the shrine and Paradise Manor. Wei Ying understood why. This place felt comfortable and safe, and the people in the village were kind. (They thought he was Hua-gege's little brother, and they all thought it was funny so none of them corrected anyone.)

Wei Ying expressed that he wouldn't mind staying there whenever the other two wanted, and he got two soft but pleased looks in return. As well as hugs that just made him want to never leave their sides. 

(He also thought harder about what he could call them if they allowed him to be… Something other than just their ward. He often caught himself thinking about it, actually. Wei Ying didn't know how to think. He kind of felt as though he was betraying his parents, and he would never want that. But Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege were just so kind, and they felt so safe, and he just wanted them to be family. 

Sure, they said he was a part of their family several times over the course of knowing and staying with them. But Wei Ying didn't have the courage yet to ask the important question. 

If they were willing to be his Baba and DieDie. And if they would mind sharing him with his first parents, because he would never give up his A-Niang and A-Die. No matter how much he wanted the men to be his parents as well.)

That night, they stayed in Puqi Shrine. Wei Ying was nestled in-between them, and covered with both of their robes. His fingers flexed as they slept, wishing to take their hands in his and hold them in his sleep.

Wei Ying wanted to hold them, to keep them close, to bury himself in their arms. He wanted them to be his parents, and he wanted to be their child. 

He wanted and wanted and wanted.

Most of all, he really just wanted to hug them right now. 

Wei Ying didn't think he was that obvious, but eventually Hua-gege opened one of his eyes and glanced at him with a hint of worry. He didn't look as though he just woke up.

“A-Ying?” His voice was quiet, careful not to wake up the one person who was asleep. “Is something wrong?”

Wei Ying forced himself to shake his head and whispered just as quietly, “I'm okay, Hua-gege. I just can't sleep.”

Hua-gege hummed, and then his arm wrapped around Wei Ying’s middle gently, the weight comforting. The man pulled Wei Ying into his side and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Although Hua-gege was cold, Wei Ying never felt warmer.

“Try one more time, alright?” His voice was a deep rumble from where Wei Ying was nestled, and he loved it. “I'll still be here if you can't.”

Wei Ying believed him. So he nodded and tucked his head under Hua-gege's chin, before he closed his eyes and listened to the soft breaths of Daozhang Xie Lian. Hua-gege ran his fingers through Wei Ying's hair, and the gentleness of it lulled Wei Ying to sleep, content with the knowledge that Hua-gege was there and not going anywhere.

In the early morning, Wei Ying woke up to warmth and a weight around his body. When he opened his eyes, both Hua-gege and Daozhang Xie Lian were looking at him, with gentle expressions. 

“Good morning, A-Ying.” Daozhang Xie Lian said, smiling softly. “How did you sleep?”

Wei Ying looked at Hua-gege, who was still holding him close. He grinned sleepily, his eyes shutting close once more. “Amazing.”

He fell asleep yet again while listening to their quiet chuckles and voices. 

Wei Ying was hanging out with Yin-shushu, his head on the man’s lap. He was slowly drifting off due to his shushu’s fingers in his hair when he heard a familiar voice. 

“Fucking hell, how many rooms can that guy need!? It's impossible to find your way around here!” 

Personally, Wei Ying had no issues navigating Paradise Manor. But then again, Feng-shushu wasn't really liked by Hua-gege, so Wei Ying had no doubt that just to be petty, he would've made it so that Feng-shushu and Mu-shushu had to take an absurd amount of turns to get where they wanted to be at. 

Wei Ying blinked his grogginess away, before perking up when he realized he could have another shot at convincing Feng-shushu to teach him how to use a bow. 

He left Yin-shushu with a wave, and left the man's office. In front of it stood a disgruntled Feng-shushu and an annoyed Mu-shushu. The latter was just about to roll his eyes, but then he saw Wei Ying. His expression turned haunted for a split second, before he cleared his throat and pointed at him with his chin. 

“Look, there he is. Now stop yelling in my ear.”

Feng-shushu turned, and grinned when he saw Wei Ying. He stepped closer to him and ruffled his hair. “Fancy to see you here, Zhízhí!”

Wei Ying leaned into the touch, before tilting his head. “What are you two doing here?”

“We're looking for Xie Lian. He's not answering us, and neither is Hua Cheng. Do you know where they are?” Mu-shushu asked before Feng-shushu even opened his mouth to reply. 

He shrugged, “They told me it was classified.”

Feng-shushu looked ready to argue, or maybe whine, but then Mu-shushu had that same haunted look as before, except longer and more pained. He slapped Feng-shushu on the back, and shook his head violently. 

Somehow, Feng-shushu got the message and now both of them were staring at each other, horror-stricken. Wei Ying was growing more and more concerned. They knew something he didn't, and he was worried that it meant something bad. 

“Mu-shushu? Feng-shushu? Are they in danger?”

Mu-shushu looked even more pained at that, and Wei Ying was really starting to get panicked now, but then Feng-shushu shook his head. 

“No, no.” His voice was faint, but he seemed to be trying to reassure Wei Ying. “They're fine. They're just…”

There was a moment of silence, and Wei Ying wanted to ask if the man was sure. However, just as he was about to ask, a hand landed on his head and gently patted it. Wei Ying turned, and smiled when he saw Yin-shushu looking as relaxed as ever. 

“They're okay. They're just off at Puqi Village.”

“Puqi Village?” Wei Ying frowned. “But why didn't they take me?”

Yin-shushu shrugged with a bored expression. “Adult stuff.”

“Oh.” Wei Ying thought about that. Adult stuff was the thing that Yin-shushu was doing. He tried to look at it once, to see what it was all about. But it was so boring Wei Ying just couldn't keep reading after the first few lines. Adult stuff was boring. Therefore, “Alright.”

“‘Alright’?” His other shushu's repeated, with confused expressions. 

“Adult stuff is boring,” Wei Ying sighed, leaning further into Yin-shushu’s touch. “I'm not interested.”

Yin-shushu smiled slightly. Feng-shushu and Mu-shushu looked thoughtful, glancing between Wei Ying and Yin-shushu. Meanwhile, Wei Ying finally remembered why he left eariler, and grinned at Feng-shushu. 

“Feng-shushu! Can you teach me archery? Please, please, please!” He did his best pleading expression, practiced exactly for this purpose. (And getting Hua-gege to increase the spice some more. He stopped when it was just getting spicy enough to burn his tongue. He needed more though!)

Feng-shushu groaned, and they all fell back into familiar territory. 

“You're five!”

“Almost six!” 

“That doesn't matter!”

“Yes it does!”

“Hua Cheng will kill me!”

“He won't kill you.”

“You don't know that.”

They stared at each other, at an impasse. Wei Ying brought out his final attack; his lips wobbled, and tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. He sniffed quietly. He was about to start sobbing, but didn't manage to do that as Feng-shushu broke. 

“Fine!” Feng-shushu threw his arms up exasperatedly. “I'll teach you! But you have to ask Xie Lian or Hua Cheng for permission!”

Wei Ying grinned, his expression back to normal. “Deal!”

Feng-shushu groaned, Mu-shushu snickered and mocked him while Yin-shushu hummed. “I will arrange a schedule. Should you be allowed to have lessons.”

Wei Ying's grin turned softer, and he nodded in thanks. “Thank you, Yin-shushu!”

When Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege returned that evening, Wei Ying immediately sought them out. It was better to ask them together, since Hua-gege always melted whenever Daozhang Xie Lian asked him for something. And Wei Ying knew his Baba Daozhang Xie Lian would have his back. 

And just like he believed, he was right and with some smiles and meaningful looks from Daozhang Xie Lian, Wei Ying's archery lessons were approved by a rather reluctant Hua-gege. He still smiled when Wei Ying cheered, and hugged both of them as hard as possible. 

His birthday was coming up. Wei Ying was now under Daozhang Xie Lian’s and Hua-gege's care for half a year. Wei Ying knew he was delaying asking his question. He was fairly certain the answer would be positive, but… 

There was a small part of him that was still worried. That once he asked, everything would fall apart. Daozhang Xie Lian will realize he made a mistake by taking him in. Hua-gege will finally reveal he never accepted him being in his home, and he was just doing it for his husband. Those thoughts kept swirling and floating in his head, and Wei Ying had just about enough.

He was still uncertain. He was still worried he might not be accepted. Or maybe they would take him in as their child, but stop him from calling his first parents A-Niang and A-Die. Wei Ying doesn't want that. He doesn't. He wants all four of them. 

Was he being selfish? 

Who would want a kid that wasn't even their own? Not really, anyway.

Maybe this was all a mistake. Maybe he shouldn't have gotten so attached. So dependent on their every word and action. Maybe they thought he was pathetic? Imprinting on them like a baby. Wei Ying was nearly six. He wasn't a little kid anymore. 

Maybe he was too naïve to think this could ever end in a happy ending. 

“A-Ying?” Wei Ying startled, and looked up. Daozhang Xie Lian was looking at him, with a small frown. Oh. Right. They were having dinner. “Is the food not to your liking? San Lang could make you something else.” 

He looked at Hua-gege, who nodded in agreement. Both of them were looking at him with that same concern. 

Oh, what was he thinking? 

Of course they cared. They cared every single day since they took him in. They still sat with him whenever they weren't busy and read him bedtime stories or sang lullabies. Hua-gege adjusted Wei Ying's food to be as spicy as it could be. They went out with him whenever he got bored and played with him. They bought him toys. They allowed him to have archery lessons with Feng-shushu. Daozhang Xie Lian promised he would teach him cultivation. Hua-gege promised he would make him a sword. They were always there when he needed them, and gave him time when he felt too much all at once. 

They loved him.

A smile rose on his face. “I'm okay. I was just thinking.”

Daozhang Xie Lian asked a few more questions, but once he realized Wei Ying wouldn't budge, he let the matter rest.

And Wei Ying believed. 

On his birthday, Wei Ying was allowed to sleep in a little. Once he woke up, Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege told him their wishes for him. They had his favourite meal for breakfast. Yin-shushu gave him some paper for drawing talismans. He was in a hurry due to an issue Wei Ying wasn't privy to, but he still wished him happy birthday and stayed just long enough for Wei Ying to really tell he cared about him. 

Soon after he left, Mu-shushu and Feng-shushu arrived with their gifts and wishes. (Alongside a gift from Ling-yi, who couldn't make it due to the mountain of work she had yet to complete. It was a few books and scrolls about talismans.)

Mu-shushu gave Wei Ying a black handmade cloak. He told him that it was infused with talismans that would grow with him, and some additional protection wards. Wei Ying thought it was awesome . 

Feng-shushu gifted him a beautiful, crimson bow alongside a white quiver that never ran out of arrows. Until then he was using a training bow for their lessons, so Wei Ying was incapable of staying in place at the thought of using his new bow. 

He gave the two of them tight hugs, and whispered that they could stop reciting poetry and complimenting girls like he asked them to months ago. (He received two light-hearted groans at that, as well as hair ruffles.)

They stayed for a few hours before being kicked out by Hua-gege. Soon after, Banyue-jie came by followed by He-shushu a couple minutes later. Banyue-jie gave him some spicy snacks and souvenirs from her travels, meanwhile He-shushu presented him with a necklace which he revealed would protect Wei Ying from various water spirits or ghosts.

In the evening, when every guest left, Wei Ying, Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege went to Puqi Village. There, they had a picnic near the shrine. When it started to get dark, Wei Ying asked if they could watch the stars together, and sleep under the moonlight.

“Of course!” Daozhang Xie Lian laughed and hugged him close. He was sitting in-between the two of them. Both of them had an arm around his middle, and he enjoyed leaning against them. He had no fear of falling. “But how about we give you your presents first?”

Wei Ying perked up and smiled widely. “There's more?”

“Naturally,” Daozhang Xie Lian smiled softly. “We still haven't given you ours.”

Wei Ying grinned and moved so that he was sitting in front of them. “Okay! I'm ready!”

They both laughed at his eagerness, but compiled. Daozhang Xie Lian was the first one to go. He pulled out a small pouch. Wei Ying tilted his head, confused. Daozhang Xie Lian raised his finger in a motion to wait, and then—

“Woah!” He gasped, and skidded closer. Daozhang Xie Lian pulled out a book that definitely shouldn't have been able to fit in the pouch! 

“This is a Qiankun Pouch. It's a bag that can hold many items, even those that are bigger than the pouch itself.” He explained patiently, giving Wei Ying the pouch to test it out. “This is one part of my gift to you.”

Wei Ying gaped, there was more? This was already more than he thought he would get! A bag that can fit something bigger than itself? The amount of mischief he could get up to with it! The possibilities were limitless!

“Calm down, A-Ying.” Hua-gege chuckled, and ruffled his hair. “I know that look, you know.” He said without heat. Hua-gege was always more than willing to participate in his mischief, so Wei Ying didn't pay much mind to the warning. 

“This,” Daozhang Xie Lian turned their attention back to him. He held out the book, and Wei Ying knew just enough characters to be able to tell what it was, “Is a—”

“Cultivation manual!” He gasped, as he yelled out with a delightful smile the same thing Daozhang Xie Lian said. 

He took the book with a gentle grip that was required for a precious thing like this. He flipped through the pages with wide eyes, already trying to learn despite still having trouble with the alphabet. The pictures were already so cool .

“A-Ying.” Daozhang Xie Lian chuckled quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It’s for when you're a little older. It's yours, though. As long as you promise you won't try to figure it out on your own. It's dangerous for you to start for now, alright? Wait until you're at least nine. Can you do that for me?”

Wei Ying didn't like waiting, and he really wanted to start learning now , but—

He believed that Daozhang Xie Lian knew what he was saying. He wouldn't lie to Wei Ying when he knew how much it meant to him. Not only was cultivation his only link to his A-Niang, but it was also something that Daozhang Xie Lian was masterful at. He wanted to make both his parents proud. 

So, even though he really didn't want to, Wei Ying nodded. “I promise.” 

Daozhang Xie Lian smiled gently, and they both knew he meant it. Unfortunately, Wei Ying was incapable of lying to either of the men in front of him. 

“Thank you, A-Ying.” He smiled and pressed a kiss to Wei Ying's forehead. 

Wei Ying carefully put the book away, hiding it away in his Qiankun Pouch. He still marveled at how it worked. Then, he turned to Hua-gege with a big grin, still holding on to the pouch, hugging it like a stuffed toy. 

“Guess it's my turn, huh?” Hua-gege laughed, a little nervously. Daozhang Xie Lian placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. Hua-gege took a deep breath, and with a flick of his hand, a long robe appeared in his hands. Wei Ying still couldn't believe how amazing the ghost was. He stared at the robe curiously, it was crimson, the same colour Hua-gege usually wore. It shined in some places; silver butterflies were etched onto the sleeves and on the back in a swirling pattern. Wei Ying's heart started to beat faster; this robe felt important, as though he would be declaring to the whole world just who his family was when he wore it. 

Hua-gege's voice was soft when he spoke, while his eyes were pointed downwards towards the robe. “This robe is made from a special kind of silk. Butterfly silk made from my silver butterflies provides protection; normal blows won't damage it, and the robe itself is a shield. Spiritual attacks are able to graze it, but not enough to hurt the one who wears it. It will get weaker over time, but it would require a large about of spiritual energy to get through it completely. It can't be torn, and it adjusts to the wearer, so one can't grow out of it. When hit, the attacker is blasted away with the same power that went into the attack meant for the robe.” 

He paused to look at Wei Ying's reaction, which was… Not much. Because he was just gaping, jaw low and eyes wide. Hua-gege laughed at his reaction, some of the tension leaving the ghost. Hua-gege playfully grabbed Wei Ying's chin, and closed his mouth. There was a chuckle from the side, but Wei Ying was too preoccupied being amazed to pay attention to that. 

“That– This is—” He couldn't find the words; Wei Ying didn't expect to get a robe that was basically a weapon . 

“There's more,” Hua-gege smiled, dropping his hand. 

“ More ?” Wei Ying asked with a faint voice. 

“Yes. This robe can also serve as a connection between you and me. I can see through my butterflies whenever I want to, and something similar is woven into the robe, as well.” Here, he paused again. “Obviously, I don't have access to that unless you give me permission. I won't spy on you through this.” 

Wei Ying wouldn't really care either way, honestly, because to know that if he was in danger Hua-gege would always know? That was a big comfort. 

But, well, he guessed that once he was old enough, perhaps he might care a little bit. 

“Whenever you call out my name while wearing this robe I will be able to hear you. It will work both out loud and in your head, though it will take a little longer wordlessly. Thanks to this, whenever you want me to see something, you can call me to allow me access. Furthermore, once you say my name I will know where you are, so that if you were ever in danger I would know immediately.”

Finally, Hua-gege quieted down and there was silence for a few moments. With each second during which Wei Ying did not say a word, Hua-gege grew more nervous. At some point he started to fidget with his sleeves and grinned, terribly fake. 

“But, uh, of course you don't have to wear it. It's not. You don't have to take it if—”

He was not allowed to finish, because Wei Ying rushed into his arms at full speed and held on to him so hard Wei Ying's knuckles were white. 

“I want it! I want it, I want it!” He repeated a few times, so that they were all clear. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're so amazing! I love this, it's the best gift ever!” 

He would've felt bad about saying that right in front of Daozhang Xie Lian, but when he looked to apologise quietly the man had a soft smile on his face, and was looking at them fondly. So Wei Ying didn't worry about upsetting the man anymore. 

Hua-gege went rigid for a couple of seconds, enough to make Wei Ying hesitate, but just when he started to pull back Hua-gege wrapped his arms around him and hugged him back, just as tight. 

“You're welcome,” His voice was muffled, as he placed his face in Wei Ying's hair. It was also slightly watery. “I'm so happy you like it.”

Wei Ying smiled and stayed in the hug for a few more moments before he pulled away. “Can you help me put it on?”

Hua-gege's expression was just as fond as Daozhang Xie Lian's. He nodded, and helped Wei Ying out of his old robe. They gave the fabric to Daozhang Xie Lian, who folded it neatly. Then, Hua-gege carefully dressed Wei Ying into the new robe. In just a few short moments, Wei Ying was standing in his new favourite piece of clothing. It matched him perfectly, and was soft on the inside, just as he liked. Nothing scratched his skin and nothing restricted his movement. He could still run and jump. He grinned, and hugged Hua-gege once more. 

“I love it!” He repeated, while in his heart quietly adding, and I love you, too.

After some time, they pulled away and Wei Ying noticed Hua-gege was fully relaxed now. He pointed at his Qiankun Pouch, smiling as he added another piece of information to the pile. “You can put it into your sleeve. Look,” He reached out and slid the Qiankun Pouch into Wei Ying's left sleeve. “It won't fall out no matter what you are doing.”

Wei Ying's eyes widened, and he immediately tested that claim by swishing his arms around in big circles, his grin turning into a smile full of teeth once he realized that Hua-gege was right. 

“ So cool .”

Now, Wei Ying had both of his parents’ caretakers’ gifts for him on his person. He felt immensely proud. He couldn't help the delighted laugh that escaped him, as well as barreling into them both. He tried to hold his tongue, but he really couldn't anymore. 

Wei Ying already decided what he would call them if they gave him the chance. He already told himself he would do it on his birthday. He knew they loved him. 

Now he just had to say it out loud. 

So he took a deep breath, pulled away just enough to have a clear view of their faces and gave them a shaky, and what he was hoping to be confident, grin. 

“Baba,” He looked at Daozhang Xie Lian. “DieDie,” He looked at Hua-gege. He swallowed, and blurted out before he could back out, “ I love you !”

For a moment, he thought that was it. Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege were staring at him with wide, shocked eyes and expressions that he couldn't read despite his best efforts. They did not say a single word for what felt like centuries, but couldn't be longer than a few seconds. Wei Ying's grin began to fade, his heart threatened to jump out of his chest, and the world seemed to stop moving completely. He could almost hear his heart breaking, if he really thought about it. 

Stupid, stupid, stupid ! 

He had something good, but he ruined it! He got too confident, and now they would throw him out, and take away everything they gave him because he was a stupid, pathetic—

Warm hands. Soft, but slightly panicked voices. Wetness on his cheeks, pulled away by warm fingers. His eyes focused again (When did everything get blurry?) and he saw Daozhang Xie Lian and Hua-gege frantically say things that he couldn't make out, rubbing his cheeks and hands and squeezing his shoulders, and he realized—

They didn't mind. 

They grew even more panicked because Wei Ying was really starting to sob now, but, but—

His parents wanted to be his. His. His.

He only heard, “Oh, A-Ying, our sweet boy, we don't mind, you can call us that, we can be your Baba and DieDie, we can be yours, we love you too, just don't cry, okay? Sweetheart, please don't cry—” and Wei Ying's world felt as though all colour returned to it. Ever since his A-Niang’s and A-Die’s deaths, the world seemed so dull and colourless. Now, knowing that he had parents again, his Baba and his DieDie, it all seemed so bright, his eyes hurt. But no, his eyes hurt because he was crying because he was so happy because they wanted to be his parents.

This was the happiest day of his life. 

He was held by his parents, who finally realized that he wasn't crying because he was scared, but because he was happy . And they cried too, and they kept saying how overjoyed they were that Wei Ying wanted them to be his parents, and that they loved him more than anything in this world, and that he had always been their son. 

Wei Ying was so happy.

Once they were all done crying which, admittedly, took a while, he was sitting once more in-between them, their arms around his middle and in his hands. He looked up and saw his parents, smiling oh so softly at him, widely and happily, and Wei Ying knew he would not trade anything in the world for this. 

All that said, there was still the matter of his first parents. He hoped, with all of his heart and more, that Baba and DieDie wouldn't mind. But he wouldn't know until he asked. 

They immediately sensed his nervousness, and squeezed his hands, and Baba smiled reassuringly. “It's okay, A-Ying. You can tell us anything.”

He nodded, and took a deep breath. He looked between them, before his eyebrows furrowed in a determined manner. “My— My parents are A-Niang and A-Die, too. So, so you won't ask me to stop calling them that? Right?” He turned a little uncertain at the end, his heart pounding again. 

DieDie’s eyebrows rose, and Baba widened his eyes. They said at the same time, with the same tone, and same furrow in their eyebrows. “ Never. ”

And Wei Ying, despite the seriousness of the matter, laughed. It was free and unrestrained. It was thrilling. Exhilarating. It felt like being alive. It felt like love. 

“Good!” 

His mind was finally clear from the doubts he harboured over those last few months. Now he knew all the facts;

Daozhang Xie Lian was his Baba. 

Hua-gege was his DieDie. 

They were his parents now, and didn't mind sharing him with his A-Niang and A-Die at all. 

He was loved. 

That was all Wei Ying needed to know. 

His sixth birthday was really the best. Hopefully, it will only get better from here. But if getting Baba and DieDie took all of his luck in this lifetime?

Wei Ying really couldn't complain at all.