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Chapter Text

He remembers the rippling waters of the lake at Lotus Peer, where he once would dive into the waters and pluck the lotus seed pods and return them to Shijie so she could carve out the seeds and set them out for Jiang Cheng and himself.

He remembers Shijie's pork and lotus root soup she'd make for the two of them, the loving memories behind his favorite dish, the first time he ever had it, and the night that he and Jiang Cheng swore to help each other always.

He remembers the times he and his Shidi would play dead in the lake and scare the passing boats, pretending to be devilish water spirits. Only to be scolded harshly by Madam Yu later, and Wei Wuxian would quickly take the full blame to spare Jiang Cheng from his mother's wrath.

Something Jiang Cheng would later scold him for, but Wei Wuxian had always just laughed at his temperament.

He remembers playing with kites as a young child, seeing who could shoot their arrow the farthest and hit the target the best. Laughing when one of the younger sect disciples would fall into the water after trying to retrieve their kites. And Jiang Cheng scolded him harshly for being an idiot and shooting it so far, though he'd only ever laugh at the scolding.

He remembers the fire, and the horrible stench of death when he and Jiang Cheng had come back after escaping the Wens, hearing the horrible talk of Jiang Fengmian's and Madam Yu's deaths. Only to have to run away again to avoid being captured themselves, despite Jiang Cheng's relentless efforts to fight against him.

And he remembers the relief he felt when he finally returned after killing Wen Chao when they had the Wens on the run, and the Lotus Peer rebuilt after its decimation, finding his Shijie alive and well, Jiang Cheng the new sect leader and having rebuilt their home.

Yet, none of those memories mattered to him at the moment.

Because how could he turn his back from such cruelty happening before his very eyes?

Wen Qing had come for him that very morning, begging for his help because Wen Ning had been captured and taken away by Jin Zixun, it hadn't taken him long to force the information out of the man and Jin Guangshan.

But when he had gotten there, he couldn't feel anything other than anger and disgust. Elderly men and women, mothers, and children.

They were all being carted as no less than slaves by the Jin clan, shamed, and abused. Forced to carve off the engravings of their own clan's history which had once marked the walls of the valley road.

He had interrogated the guards there, only to be lied to. They claimed to have never once killed anyone, that Wen Ning must have been there.

He could not turn his back on such cruelty.

Without a second thought, he pulled Chenqing from his side, playing a sharp and angry tune that awoken those who had died and been buried to cover the guards' abuse.

Including Wen Ning.

He ignored the shouts from the Jin clan as he allowed Wen Ning and his fellow corpses to take their revenge on the guards who had killed them, before he swiftly freed the fifty or so remnants of the Wen clan, and led them into the Burial Mounds of Yiling, offering them his protection.

And Wei Wuxian didn't feel a single bit of remorse for the lives he took that night.

Though, that was not the only reason he felt no remorse.

Children, mothers, and the elderly, only about 50 or so altogether. They were being treated so cruelly. Despite never having set foot on the battlefield during the Sunshot Campaign. How could anyone turn their back on them?

He forced himself to ignore the nausea at the very idea that the other sect leaders knew of this cruelty, at the very thought that Jiang Cheng knew about this.

Or if Lan Wangji had known.

He forced himself to forget the thoughts as he led the 50 or so Wens into the Burial Mounds, along with the now-reanimated corpse of Wen Ning.

The kind young boy he met that day at the discussion conference at Qishan, the one too shy to even draw his bow correctly and hit the target dead on, despite the skill Wei Wuxian had seen of him earlier that day.

The boy that had saved him and Jiang Cheng, he and his sister both risked their lives for him. When they had no reason to.

He didn't sleep that night, or the next. Or the many after.

No, he just couldn't bring himself to close his eyes, he wanted to bring back Wen Ning fully, he wanted to apologize to all of the Wens that had begun to try and start a camp in the dark forest of the Burial Mounds, to apologize for the cruelty he had once believed every Wen dog deserved.

But most importantly, he wanted to understand why the little boy he had seen Granny Wen shield could make his heart ache so painfully, why he wanted to reach out to the child and scent him. Unveil his ears and tails and reassure him.

Wei Wuxian knew that there came a certain territory to being an Omega, especially a Huli Jing, such territory he had only truly cared to learn about through his Shijie, seeing as she was an Omega herself, though it had been a territory that he never bothered himself much with to truly care about, despite Jiang Yanli's protests, but truly it couldn't be this strong.

He had met plenty of children before, and while he loved to play with them, or watch them play, he had never felt something so fiercely instinctual as this. He had teased many children out of their crying fits when they had been injured or scared, he'd teased them long enough to where they either turned their focus on being annoyed at him or just laughed merrily at his antics.

But this felt different, he chose to just blame the situation. Though he just couldn't ignore such fierce instincts.

He'd deal with it later.

At the moment, he still had to be sure that the ones he had taken under his protection would be safe.

Jiang Cheng had come a few days later, cursing and yelling at Wei Wuxian furiously, the infamous sect leader threatening him that he could not protect Wei Wuxian if he insisted on protecting those with the surname Wen. Ignoring Wei Wuxian's angry protests, Wei Wuxian reminded him that they owed Wen Ning and Wen Qing a debt for risking their lives for them.

Though Jiang Cheng only told him to not meddle in the affairs of others, that their problems were not his own to worry about.

In the end, he left the Jiang clan.

They dueled, he broke Jiang Cheng's arm, the sect leader stabbed him and they went their separate ways, he was completely forsaken by the Jiang clan.

He left his home and the only family he had ever known.

But he had helped Wen Qing get her brother back, he would soon help her reawaken his consciousness, he had taken innocent lives into his protection, and decidedly, he chose that was enough.

Though...

He couldn't deny the sense of loneliness he felt.

"Xian-gege..." A soft voice called for him just outside of the cave where he had been trying to correct one of his talismans, only to turn his head to find Wen Yuan, the name of the little boy that had taken control of a fair share of his instincts and thoughts as of late, biting and sucking on his finger anxiously.

"A-Yuan, did you come here to try and scare your gege? And don't bite your finger! You were playing in the dirt!" Wei Wuxian teased light-heartedly, ultimately deciding internally that he only enjoyed seeing A-Yuan either adorably pouty whenever he would tease him or smiling with a childish gleam that lightened the heavy weight on the demonic cultivator's heart.

"No... Granny told me I should talk to you about this..." A-Yuan muttered, shuffling forward awkwardly, something that normally would have made Wei Wuxian laugh if not for his three tails that he chose to regularly keep out began to twitch anxiously.

He was beginning to regret declining his Shi-. Jiang Yanli's offer for further extensive lessons when it came to instincts, he'd likely experience as an Omega.

"What do you need to talk about little radish?" Wei Wuxian smiled, hoping to make the child smile, just so his tails would stop twitching and swaying around in his poorly hidden anxious state.

He'd just blame the lack of sleep if he was asked about it.

"Granny told me that I'm like you, so maybe you could help..." Though before Wei Wuxian could even begin to question what that meant.

Two very soft appearing ears appeared upon the little boy's head, fluffy downy fur sticking out at all sides in a scraggly appearance, clearly not having been groomed properly in a while. Not that he could judge, he was sure his hair looked like a rat's nest. And three tiny fluffy fox tails appeared from A-Yuan's backside as well.

Three.

Three tails were the minimum a Huli Jing could have, it was the number that all Huli Jing were born with, only to receive the rest of their nine tails as they aged, the more appeared the stronger their golden core and their cultivation became.

They were not regular fox spirits, unlike some people, who attained the form of a fox, they were not Huli Jing. They were not from the heavenly bloodline, only to have been known to appear from the celestial mountain where the infamous Baoshan Sanren resided.

He had never once met another Huli Jing.

And yet, there stood before him, the small child that had captured his thoughts for the past few sleepless nights.

He was a Huli Jing.

How? Wei Wuxian had no clue.

He only ever heard of two Huli Jing coming down from the Celestial Mountain. Yanling Daoren and his mother, Cangse Saren.

"A-Yuan, come here." Wei Wuxian called gently, his voice softer than normal, his mind still left in an intense wave of shock. But the instincts that he had been so confused by for the past few weeks compelled him to bring the child closer to himself.

A-Yuan did not hesitate to come forward, quickly sitting at the demonic cultivator's side, while Wei Wuxian allowed his heart to take the lead as he began to groom the downy and unmanaged fur around and on the boy's ears.

Though his mind ran wild from his curiosity, he remembered Wen Qing telling him that A-Yuan was some distant family member, most likely a great-something grandnephew of someone from the main branch of the Wen family.

So, how was he a Huli Jing? Everyone from the main QishanWen family bloodline was a descendant of the heavenly creature, the Zhūquè the heavenly vermillion bird. They were said to rise with the summer season and the sun.

Just as everyone from the main YunmengJiang sect family bloodline was a descendant of the heavenly creature, the Baihu, the heavenly White Tiger. Said to hold the power over armies and influence the tides of any battle they were a part of.

Something Wei Wuxian didn't doubt in the least.

Everyone from the GusuLan sect bloodline was a descendant of the heavenly creature, the Lung, the heavenly dragons. Ginormous beasts that were said to have a body similar to that of a serpent with four powerful legs. Said to have the power of influence over water, rainfall, and typhoons.

Wei Wuxian could admit that he was personally thankful to never have seen a true dragon form, nor the full power they were said to wield. Especially not when he would be on the wrong side of such power.

Perhaps the three thousand rules at the Cloud Recess were slightly necessary. Though he still believed they were a bit excessive.

The LanlingJin bloodline, the Pixiu, the heavenly winged lions that were said to hold the good fortune of wealth, though Wei Wuxian would only address them as peacocks.

The QingheNie bloodline, the Xiezhi, the heavenly one-horned beast that was said to resemble an ox with thick dark fur, was also known to kill anyone they deemed corrupt by spearing them through with their horn.

And the Huli Jing. The nine-tailed heavenly fox. Not much was known about the nine-tailed fox, most everything Wei Wuxian knew was due to the trial and error of his upbringing and the few things Jiang Fengman knew from knowing his mother.

Some said that Huli Jings were promising omens that guaranteed the fertility of the land. Mainly due to the knowledge that Huli Jings were the very few heavenly creatures that could mate with other heavenly creatures and guarantee pure-blooded offspring.

But others called them dark omens, creatures that signaled the call of disease and misfortune. Though as of late, many people have been speculating that they were also the omen of death and demonic cultivation.

Something Wei Wuxian could admit was primarily his fault as of the recent rumors he’s heard.

Though what he couldn't wrap his head around was how. How could this little boy be a Huli Jing? He knew that there were only two even somewhat probable distant family members the boy could have that could explain all of this.

But he also knew that his mother had no other children than him. So that was out of the question.

So, that only left Yanling Daoren.

Wei Wuxian couldn't accurately recall when it was said that the cultivator had descended from the heavenly mountain, but he knew that he had been well respected for some time until he mysteriously went mad and turned against everyone and anyone.

Though there had never been word that he had any children of his own, and if he had, how had Wei Wuxian never heard of them or ever met them? Surely, they heard of Cangse Sanren leaving the mountain, and hoped to meet their Martial Aunt? Or at the very least gone to meet the only other Huli Jing they could have possibly ever heard of?

But aside from the puzzling questions that ran mad within his mind, he knew this also meant that a descendant of Yinling Daoren had married a Wen and had Wen Yuan. Though the fact that Wen Yuan was clearly a Huli Jing, it meant that whoever the descendant married, was human.

And how on earth a human had come to be even somewhat remotely related to the main Wen family bloodline was completely beyond him.

Though just as Wei Wuxian decided that he had thought long enough about all of this, one final thought came to his mind.

Why had Wen Yuan been hiding his form? And how could a child even learn to hide their form so well?

He knew that personally, he had a terrible time trying to hide his natural form when he was a child, Madam Yu always got onto him for constantly having his ears a tail out at "inappropriate" times.

And that had been when he was a least a bit older than Wen Yuan, so how could a literal toddler learn to hide his natural form so giftedly?

"A-Yuan, why did you hide your natural form? Did it ever hurt?" Wei Wuxian questioned, smoothing outside the last bit of scraggly downy fur.

"Granny told me that it was safer for A-Yuan. Or they'd take me away too." The child mumbled, twiddling his hands together while Wei Wuxian froze at the statement.

He didn't need to ask anything else to understand who else it could've been, that had been taken away.

And he refused to ask a child about such things, it was likely Wen Yuan didn't even remember his parents, he was even younger than Wei Wuxian had been when he lost his parents.

It would be cruel to try and make the poor child remember.

"I understand A-Yuan, I had to do that too for a while when I was young." Wei Wuxian murmured brushing out the wrinkles on Wen Yuan's robes to keep busy and his thoughts silent.

"Why did Xian-gege have to hide his ears and tails?" A-Yuan questioned, looking up at the demonic cultivator with innocent curiosity, something Wei Wuxian much preferred over the anxious reluctant expression the boy had been wearing before.

Wei Wuxian laughed at the memories the question brought forth, memories of Madam Yu constantly nagging at him for being 'indecent' during times when it was inappropriate for him to keep his ears and tails out, despite her family and herself all bearing their half-shifted natural states.

"You could say that I was a bit of a troublemaker back then, so I was constantly being scolded for something little radish, and when there was nothing to scold me for, they had to find something to get onto me for!" Wei Wuxian laughed, playfully wagging his tails in front of Wen Yuan's face, tickling the boy's nose as he laughed, reaching forward to grab the tails that were much thicker than his own and hug them to his chest.

The older Huli Jing laughed at the boy as he practically buried himself in his tails, immediately taking the opportunity to attack the child's sides, tickling him mercilessly as Wen Yuan squealed. "So, you think yourself big enough to try and attack Xian-gege's tails! Then let's see how you defend yourself little radish!" Wei Wuxian teased, reveling in the gasps and squeals he pulled from the child's mouth.

"Xian-gege! Xian-gege!" Wen Yuan called, pleading for mercy. Wei Wuxian only laughed as he ceased his attack, hugging the boy close while the child giggled and caught his breath.

"I'll have to bury to make you grow little radish! Maybe then you'll be big enough to catch at least one of my tails." Wei Wuxian teased while Wen Yuan grumbled indignantly for a moment as he righted himself, only to crawl into the older Huli Jing's lap, cuddling closer to him while Wei Wuxian couldn't hold back the smile that broke across his face.

Maybe he wouldn't be as lonely as he thought.

"Wen Qing, can I ask you something?" Wei Wuxian questioned as he walked towards the woman, who was currently trying to plant the few good sprouts that he had been able to get from the market, being unable to leave the Burial Mounds long enough to actually go to a decent market.

Not that it would matter if he could, he was kinda broke.

"If this is about the half-witted idea to use demonic cultivation on the radishes, I will beat you. It's already bad enough that you bought potato seeds when I told you not to!" Wen Qing threatened, the Alpha's feathers along her arms puffing out irritably, though the man only chuckled sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck.

"No, though I still think it would work! It's actually about A-Yuan, I wanted to know if you knew anything else about him." Wen Qing's brow raised at the statement, dusting off her hands as she stood to face the Omega.

"All right, what is it you to know exactly?" Wen Qing questioned, though when Wei Wuxian's tails swayed noticeably behind him, the man gesturing to them slightly. The woman only nodded as she understood his confusion.

"I was never close with A-Yuan's parents, I truly only saw them in passing, since his mother was a distant paternal cousin. I only heard that it had been his father who was taken away because he was a Huli Jing, no one knew why they took him, or what they did to him. But his mother was a cultivator, and she had fought in the Sunshot Campaign." Wen Qing explained, though Wei Wuxian immediately felt a twinge of guilt at the mention of Wen Yuan's mother.

There was more than likely a chance that her end could have been his doing, or at the very least, he had used her corpse to take the lives of the people of her clan.

"That explains why Granny told him to keep his tails and ears hidden." Wei Wuxian mumbled, Wen Qing merely nodding as she crossed her arms over his chest.

"She mourned heavily at the loss of her daughter and her son-in-law, so I know that she didn't want anything to happen to him. From what I know, she wasn't a cultivator herself, but her daughter and A-Yuan's father were. Though he had been taken near the end of the war after A-Yuan's mother had been reported dead."

"But I'm guessing she wasn't sure how to care for a Huli Jing, hence why she sent him my way?" Wei Wuxian questioned while Wen Qing nodded slightly.

"I'm not sure, I would imagine she knows at least a little bit since she was close to his father. Though I'm sure she had the best intentions." Wen Qing stated, the demonic cultivator nodding, having no doubts that Granny Wen had only the best intentions by telling Wen Yuan to go to him.

Not that it truly mattered all that much to him, he was honestly elated to have Wen Yuan more to himself now! The little boy happily came to him for any questions he may have about himself, such as when he'd get all nine tails like Wei Wuxian, or how to properly brush his ears without accidentally poking them.

"Wei Wuxian, I implore you to be careful about whatever you say to that boy, there's not much knowledge on Huli Jings, not to mention your an Omega, while A-Yuan will present fully as an Alpha in the next few years. There could be differences between you two that you don't know about." Wen Qing reminded, cutting off Wei Wuxian's delighted thoughts with the harsh wave of reality.

Not that Wei Wuxian disagreed whatsoever, over the past few days since Wen Yuan had come to him, the older Huli Jing had to constantly remind himself to think carefully about his answers, everything he knew about his own kind was from the little knowledge Jiang Fengmian had, and from his own experiences.

And seeing as he had nothing else to go off of, there was no telling if his own experiences were truly the right or even safest path that Wen Yuan should copy.

"Don't worry, this one knows to be careful, have some faith in me!" Wei Wuxian laughed, though the woman only shook her head at him and reached forward to swipe at his head, the demonic cultivator easily dodging the swipe.

"And why should I!? With your terrible drinking and spending habits?!" Wen Qing chided harshly, though Wei Wuxian only laughed at the Alpha's annoyance.

Many months passed thus. There were no further developments, apart from the worsening of Wei Wuxian's already bad reputation. Seeing as Wei Wuxian couldn't descend the mountain very often. He was the one who kept all the evil spirits on the Burial Mounds in check, so he could not go too far, nor leave for too long.

But he was also an active person, the sort who could never stay in one place for very long, which left him no choice but to make frequent runs to the nearby town in the name of procurement to allow himself the chance to wander around.

Though he'd take Wen Yuan just as often, the older Huli Jing always made the excuse that he didn't want his little radish to be stuck in the Burial Mounds for too long. He didn't believe a toddler should be trapped in a place like that, playing in the dirt where millions of corpses were buried underneath.

Though Wen Qing would always take such words as the opportunity to scold Wei Wuxian for occasionally burying Wen Yuan in the dirt like a radish.

Which Wei Wuxian always defended by clarifying that his A-Yuan needed to grow! And what better way than burying him like the little radish he is!

Wei Wuxian had visited the town countless times by now. He made his way to his usual vegetable stall and turned each vegetable this way and that, inspecting them. Suddenly, he raised one and exclaimed angrily, "This potato is sprouted!"

The vendor quickly went on guard, prepared to face off his new challenge. "Whaddya want?!"

"Make it cheaper!" Wei Wuxian fought with the vendor, Wen Yuan clung to the man's tails as he watched Wei Wuxian and the vendor walk back and forth as they both grabbed potatoes, haggling over the prices.

Wen Yuan did his best to hang onto the tails, though his arms grew sore and when he went to release the tails for a moment to allow his arms to rest, he was immediately swept away by the flowing crowd.

And no matter how hard he tried to find the Omega's long and fluffy tails to cling onto again, or his black boots and robes, he was only met with the muddy boots and trousers of humans who bustled past him unworried, seemingly blind to the small Huli Jing who was growing dizzy as he searched helplessly for Wei Wuxian.

Though the boy then stumbled into someone, pristine clean white robes came to meet his face before he looked up at the tall dragon whose belt was embroidered with rolling clouds, a jade pendant hanging from his belt, after that he saw a meticulously neat collar.

And finally, he came to meet the stern face of the stranger, his gaze was stern and somewhat cold, and the poor boy was seized with fright.

After all that nitpicking, Wei Wuxian decided not to buy any of the sprouted potatoes. He might wind up poisoned, and besides, the stall vendor had scoffed at the very idea of lowering his prices. "Aiya, this is a lesson to you, A-Yuan, some people--." Though when he turned to face the toddler, he was surprised to see that Wen Yuan was gone.

The color drained from his face; he rushed off to scour the streets in search of him. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a young child bursting into tears and hurried over to see.

Not far away, nosy passersby had crowded into a circle to gawk at something. They were whispering to themselves and pointing. When Wei Wuxian finally managed to push through the crowd, his eyes lit up and he sighed heavily in relief.

Not without snickering slightly at the sight before him first though.

At the very center, surrounded by the crowd, was Lan Wangji. And he was standing frozen in place, it was a rare sight to see the great Hanguang-jun looking so helpless, not knowing what to do. Though Wei Wuxian almost fell over laughing.

A child was sitting on the ground, plopped right in front of Lan Wangji's feet, bawling. Tears and snot rolled freely down his face. Lan Wangji couldn't leave, couldn't stay, couldn't reach out to console the child, he was at a complete loss. His face was stern, as though he was seriously considering what to do.

"What's goin' on? That itty bitty bean is crying his poor heart out!" One passerby commented sympathetically, a soft coo to her voice at the pitiful sight.

Another passerby replied to the other's comment, "Probably got scolded by his father."

At the suggestion of Lan Wangji being Wen Yuan's 'father', Wei Wuxian sputtered as he tried to contain his laughter, continuing to hide amongst the crowd. Though Lan Wangji quickly looked up to deny the claim.

"I am not his father."

Poor Wen Yuan didn't understand what was going on, and he was scared, so he did as any child would in such a situation, cry for their parents. "Daddy! Mommy!!"

"Y'hear that! I told you he was his father," commented another passerby who boasted his statement pridefully.

"Their noses are cast from the same mold! It's a sure thing!"

"Oh, poor baby, where is your mama darling?" Another passerby cooed to the weeping child.

"Yeah, where's your wife? Cleary the father doesn't care much, so someone get the mother!"

Though poor Lan Wangji only continued to look between the child and the crowd hopelessly, completely blind to the best solution for this situation, and the growing noise was beginning to aggravate his sensitive hearing, as his frown deepened, and the tip of his long and thick scaled tail began to twitch.

Though as Wen Yuan continued to cry for his 'daddy' and 'mommy', Wei Wuxian's heart wouldn't allow him to find the situation all that humorous anymore, so he pretended to have just walked in on the situation as he stepped forward.

"Ah? Lan Zhan?"

Lan Wangji's head shot up, and the two locked eyes. For whatever reason, Wei Wuxian's eyes dodged away for a moment. Though the instant Wen Yuan heard the elder Huli Jing's voice, he immediately scampered to his feet and ran to the Omega, circling him before going to his three tails and clinging to the fluffy appendages anew, his own smaller, thinner tails tucking in between his legs.

The passersby were in an uproar.

"Oh! The mother, thank goodness!"

"Your poor baby! Don't worry, new parents always have some struggles! Don't blame his father too much!" One of the passersby commented sympathetically.

"Are we sure that's the mother?" Another questioned, receiving a few scoffs in return.

"Of course, he's the mother! Look at those two! They're cut from the same cloth!"

"Alright, alright! Move along, move along!" Wei Wuxian waved dismissively, purposefully ignoring the last few comments. Once the crowd saw the show was over, they all dispersed back to their own activities and lives.

Wei Wuxian then turned to smile at Lan Wangji, keeping himself from laughing at the way the dragon's tail tapped the ground impatiently, waiting for the very last of the crowd to disperse. "What a coincidence. What brings you here to Yiling, Lan Zhan?"

"A Night Hunt." Lan Zhan replied coolly, the tone of his voice was the same as always, with no shred of scorn or contempt or antagonism. Something that instantly made the Omega feel relieved.

"I was just passing through..."

And then Wei Wuxian heard his hesitant questions as he looked around the Huli Jing's tails at the child who only hesitantly looked up from them, dried tears still staining his face as he hid behind the fluffy tails.

"This child?"

And once again, Wei Wuxian's nature took over him as he grinned widely, reaching back to place a hand on Wen Yuan's head, flattening his right ear slightly, though he still petted the fur gently. "I birthed him." He responded with confidence.

Lan Wangji nearly reeled back at the comment, his expression hardly betraying the shock he felt, despite the way his brows twitched, and Wei Wuxian saw his nostrils flare slightly. A reaction he couldn't make much sense of, other than the fact he caught the esteemed dragon off guard.

So, a job well done regardless!

Laughing, he spoke once again to ease the Alpha's shock. "I'm joking. Wen Yuan just happens to resemble me. A rare gift honestly, but he's not mine!" Once again Wei Wuxian petted the boy's head, looking back at the sniffling toddler.

Wei Wuxian understood what he was going through. While Lan Wangji was good-looking, a child of A-Yuan’s age probably didn’t know what beauty was. He could only tell that this person, an older Alpha at that, wasn’t very nice and that he was cold and stern. He was scared of Lan Wangji’s expression, which was engraved with deep-seated bitterness. It simply couldn’t be helped.

The Omega hauled Wen Yuan up into his arms to playfully bounce him up and down and comfort him. Suddenly, he spotted a vendor selling a variety of goods on the side of the road. The man was still watching the three of them with a toothy grin.

The Huli Jing pointed at the trinkets in the vendor’s direction to catch the boy’s attention. “A-Yuan, look over there. Are they pretty?” Wei Wuxian questioned, grabbing the boy’s attention as he sniffled a final time and nodded.

“Do they smell nice?”

“Yes…” Wen Yuan answered softly, Wei Wuxian grinning now that the boy had finally stopped crying, though when the Omega went to walk in the opposite direction, Wen Yuan’s eyes filled with tears again.

Though when the dragon’s gaze met with the toddlers, the younger Alpha shivered and cowered into the older Huli Jing's shoulder. Seeing that the boy might cry again, Lan Wangji pointed at the trinkets. “Which one do you want?” At this, Wei Wuxian stopped and turned slightly to look at the dragon, Wen Yuan still staring at the man frightfully.

After waiting a few moments, Lan Wangji asked again. “Which one from here do you want?” Wen Yuan only stared at him in fear, holding his breath.

Half an incense time later, Wen Yuan had thankfully stopped crying and instead focused on his pocket that was bulging with the trinkets Lan Wangji had bought for him. Seeing that the toddler had seemed to stop crying, Lan Wangji sighed in relief, and then to his surprise, Wen Yuan shuffled over with blushing cheeks and clung to his leg.

When he looked down at his leg and saw the new addition, Lan Wangji was speechless at the sight, confused about how to react, only looking up when Wei Wuxian began to laugh at his poor expression.

“Congrats, Lan Zhan, he likes you! He only clings to the legs or tails of someone he likes. He’ll never let go now.” Sure enough, when the dragon took two steps forward, Wen Yuan was still firmly attached to his legs and showed no signs of letting go. The boy’s grip was surprisingly strong.

The Omega only patted his shoulder, smiling down at the smaller Huli Jing, whose tails were tucked at his side, allowing him to hold them and the Alpha’s leg. “Don’t bother rushing off to your Night Hunt so soon. How about we go grab a bite first?”

Lan Wangji looked at him, “A bite?” He parroted, sounding calm.

“Yeah, let’s go eat together. Don’t be so cold, you might scare A-Yuan again. Besides, it’ll be my treat!” And so, Wei Wuxian half dragged, half pulled the dragon into a restaurant, Wen Yuan still clung to his leg.

Wei Wuxian took a seat inside their private room. “Go ahead, order something.” He beckoned.

After being pushed down into a seat, Lan Wangji skimmed through the menu, then spoke, “You order.”

“It’s my treat, so you should be the one ordering. Get whatever you like!” Wei Wuxian replied, smiling. He hadn’t bought any of those potatoes, so he actually had enough money to pay. And since the dragon wasn’t the type to argue back and forth, he made his selection.

Though when Wei Wuxian heard him speak his selection so evenly, he laughed. “Ah! Lan Zhan, here I thought you Gusu folk didn’t eat spicy food. Your tastes are pretty spicy, do want a drink?” Lan Wangji only shook his head.

“As expected of Hanguang-jun; still sticking to the rules even when out and about, I won’t order a share for you then.” Wei Wuxian commented, chuckling to himself when he looked down at where Wen Yuan was seated at Lan Wangji’s feet, counting his newfound hoard of trinkets and toys fondly.

A little wooden knife, a wooden sword, a clay doll, two straw-woven butterflies, and other such toys were all lined up on a mat. The little boy attached himself to Lan Wangji, nuzzling him so relentlessly that it was difficult for Lan Wangji to even drink his tea.

Wei Wuxian whistled softly to the boy, his long tails flicking in front of the boy to catch his attention, “A-Yuan, come here.” Wen Yuan looked between the Omega and the Alpha for a moment, speculating. One had buried him in the dirt like a radish a few days ago, and the other had just bought him a hoard of toys.

To say the least, the toddler didn’t move an inch.

Scoffing playfully at the blatant, but silent answer, Wei Wuxian tired again. “Come over here, you’ll bother him.”

“It’s fine, let him stay.” Lan Wangji cut in.

Wei Wuxian only laughed as he shook his head, twirling his chopsticks around. “Outrageous, betrayed by my own little radish.”

The dishes and drinks came quickly, filling the table with bright, flaming red. There was a single bowl of sweet soup, which Lan Wangji had ordered for Wen Yuan. Wei Wuxian called for him a few times and tapped on the bowl. But Wen Yuan still kept his head down, mumbling at the two butterflies in his hands.

One moment he was pretending to be the butterfly on the left, saying shyly, “…I like you a lot.” The next, he was pretending to be the butterfly on the right, and replied, “I like you a lot too!”.

Wei Wuxian laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his seat, clutching his stomach he smacked one of his tails into Lan Wangji’s leg, the other only gently flicking across the toddler’s face. “A-Yuan! You tiny little thing, who taught you such things? ‘I like you’, ‘you like me’, do you even know what that means? Come up and eat, you can play more later. Your new dad ordered all of this for you. It’s all good stuff.”

Wen Yuan finally tucked the toys away in his pocket and sat next to Lan Wangji. He picked up the bowl and a small spoon and began to eat the sweet soup. Wen Yuan hadn’t been able to experience much food that didn’t have a foul taste, having previously lived at the Qishan detention camp and later moved to the Burial Mounds. So, after only a few bites, he couldn’t stop himself from eating.

Even so, he still managed to pass the bowl to Wei Wuxian like he was eagerly offering treasure. “…Xian-gege… Gege, eat.” Wei Wuxian chuckled at the offering taking his own spoon and taking a small bite.

“Mmm, not bad, it seems you haven’t completely betrayed your Gege.” Wei Wuxian teased, gently pushing the bowl back over to the toddler and grinning when he watched the boy return to fervently eating the sweet soup.

“Food is taken in silence,” Lan Wangji added. Then to help Wen Yuan understand what he meant, he repeated himself.

“Do not speak while eating.” Lan Wangji repeated in simpler words, Wen Yuan hastily nodded, stopping his chatter and engrossing himself in his meal.

“This is really outrageous, I have to say something a dozen times before he listens to me, but he listens to you the moment you say it!” Wei Wuxian huffed, sticking his tongue out playfully at Wen Yuan, who giggled before returning to his soup.

“You as well, food is taken in silence, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji stated impassively.

Wei Wuxian only grinned, grabbing his cup and taking a drink before fiddling with it. The two broke into a conversation regardless of what Lan Wangji said, the demonic cultivator questioning the dragon about his Night Hunt. Though when the topic of Jiang Yanli’s wedding to Jin Zixuan came up, a sudden emptiness that he had forced himself to forget about these past few months resurfaced.

He would not be able to go, he wouldn’t be able to wish his Shijie the best, no matter how reluctant he would be to do so, he wouldn’t be able to tell Jin Zixuan to do whatever it took to be the perfect husband and mate for Jiang Yanli.

Ah, and once again there was that loneliness he had felt when they first came to the Burial Mounds.

Though when Wen Yuan finished his soup, he went to latch onto Lan Wangji once again, to which Wei Wuxian laughed, pulling him away from his sadder thoughts and he reached over with his sleeve pulled over his hand to wipe at the boy’s mouth.

“Don’t rub your face on him, A-Yuan. You’ll get his robes dirty.” Though just as he wiped away the soup staining the corners of the child’s mouth, the talisman within his robes ignited and he pulled it out swiftly before it burned to nothing but ash.

“Shoot.” Wei Wuxian hissed, quickly grabbing Wen Yuan and tucking him under his arm as he ran out of the restaurant.

“What’s happening? Where do we need to go?” Lan Wangji questioned as he ran after them.

“Demon-Quelling cave!” Wei Wuxian replied hastily before he was grabbed by the waist and hoisted onto Bichen at Lan Wanji’s side as they flew back to the Burial Mounds.

It turned out that Wen Ning had broken out of his array and had begun to wreak havoc, and while Wei Wuxian ended up being injured, he brought back Wen Ning’s consciousness.

But once again, he and Lan Wangji parted on sorry terms after the dragon questioned his resolve, and his ability to contain the demonic arts he was practicing and retain his own control.

And once again, for the second time that day, he felt unbearable loneliness as he and Wen Yuan watched the Alpha leave.

“Will Rich-gege come back?” Wen Yuan asked him, Wei Wuxian laughing at the name.

“Rich-gege? And what does that make me?” Wei Wuxian teased, though Wen Yuan only looked up at him with the straw-woven butterfly in his hand.

“Xian-gege, Poor-gege.”

“Ah! You call him Daddy and now I’m called Poor-Gege! You truly have no love for me!” Wei Wuxian proclaimed, swatting his tails at Wen Yuan, causing the boy to stumble as he walked, his own tails attempting to banter back with the Omega’s larger and fluffer ones, though he ultimately failed as he had to grab the demonic cultivator’s hand to steady himself.

“Granny said that only Daddy would be nice to me!” Wen Yuan attempted to defend himself, only to sputter when the fluffy appendages berated his face.

“And what will you call me? Am I not nice to you?” Wei Wuxian huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and pretending to look away from the toddler with hurt, the boy whined at the reaction as he tried to reach past the older Huli Jing’s tails to tug his arms down so he could grab his hands.

“What have you done to torment him now?” Wen Qing accused as she came forward, both Wen Yuan and Wei Wuxian turning to face the woman as she came forward, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared at the Omega accusingly.

“You have such little faith in me!” Wei Wuxian laughed, though when he looked around, he couldn’t help but stare at the handmade lanterns that hung around the tents, the most prominent having been hung at the largest tent that the demonic cultivator knew to be the ‘dining hall’ of sorts.

“What’s all of this for?”

“It’s for you actually.” Wen Qing answered as she grabbed Wei Wuxian by his sleeve, the man quickly scooped Wen Yuan up once again as they were dragged into the large tent, the rest of the remnants of the Wen clan all sitting around on three large tables.

“Wei-Gongzi, please take a seat.” Wen Ning called slowly, no longer having a stutter as he had to speak slowly, motioning to the head seat of the tables.

“Yes, please sit!”

“Eat with us please!”

A few others called out to him, though Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable at such requests. He knew that the Wens all held some fear toward him, hence why he normally chose to forgo eating meals so familial-like with them.

He could even remember when Granny Wen couldn’t even stand in front of him without her legs shaking out of fear.

“What…”

“They wanted to thank you, you never eat meals in here with them because you told them that you are too busy in the cave, so they never wanted to disturb you by asking you to eat with them… not that you eat as often as you should in general…” Wen Qing muttered the last bit, glaring at the man harshly, though Wei Wuxian could tell it was not a glare born out of annoyance or anger, but born out of concern similar to that of an elder sister tired of her younger brother's frivolous antics.

It was a glare he had rarely experienced when he was younger, but it was also one he could recognize in an instant.

He never knew how much he could miss such an expression.

“Wei-Gongzi, Si-Shu is also well experienced with winemaking, he’s even spent a few days making some.” Wen Ning added, pulling out a sealed jar as Si-Shu stepped forward, grinning as he went on to explain how he made the fruit wine, and he and Wei Wuxian went on to discuss the various kinds of liquor they both enjoyed.

Though they both ended up agreeing that Emperor's Smile from Gusu was undoubtedly the best.

And as everyone began to eat and drink, mingling happily, Wei Wuxian could only grin ear to ear as he enjoyed the atmosphere, though he paused in his delight when Granny Wen and Wen Yuan came over to sit at his side, the little boy on her lap as she smiled at the two of them.

“Granny, can I help you?” Wei Wuxian questioned, simply patting Wen Yuan’s head when the boy passed him the straw-woven butterfly.

“I wanted to thank you for helping A-Yuan and being there for him in ways I could not… We are so fortunate to have you.” Granny Wen smiled kindly, reaching forward to hold Wei Wuxian’s hand within her own, squeezing gently in a way that could nearly cause the demonic cultivator to tear up.

“Xian-gege…” Wen Yuan called, crawling off of his grandmother’s lap to hug Wei Wuxian’s tails, smiling brightly up at the man while Wei Wuxian looked down at the boy playfully.

“Still calling me Xian-gege? And yet you call Lan Zhan daddy.” Wei Wuxian teased, though he noticed that the boy only nodded, rather than becoming adorably exasperated from the teasing.

“That’s because I’d call Xian-gege, Mommy!” Wen Yuan replied proudly, as though he had found the answer to every question that Wei Wuxian had teased him about that day.

And it truly seemed that he did.

Because of the way his tears nearly fell and his heart jumped at the name, the way it felt as though it was the answer to every question, the answer to every problem he could’ve had. Hearing that made it all seem so irrelevant.

Granny Wen seemed to falter for a moment out of shock, though before she could speak out to correct Wen Yuan, Wei Wuxian picked the boy up and set him on his lap, smoothing out the fur around his ears as he grinned from ear to ear.

“Very well then, you can call me that, only if you agree that mommies and grandmothers are better than daddies.” Wei Wuxian countered, Wen Yuan giggling as he nodded, happily turning to look at his grandmother while Wei Wuxian did the same.

Though the woman only smiled, reaching out to pat both Huli Jings on the cheek, her intelligent eyes growing misty as her smile spread so wide her toothless gums could be seen. Wei Wuxian only returned the gesture before taking the woman’s hand and holding it gently. A silent promise that both adults understood, and one that Wen Yuan would never need to hear to know.

No matter what others called this path, no matter how dark it seemed.

It could never be that dark.

Because it truly didn’t seem to be as lonely as he once thought, he was happy here, he had enough.

He had a new family.

Chapter Text

It had only been three days before the cultivation world had learned the frightening news: Wei Wuxian, the Huli Jing who had defected from the Jiang Clan sect and established his own sect on the peaks of Yiling, had refined a fierce corpse of the highest caliber ever achieved!

Many feared that Wei Wuxian would continue to do such things with the fierce corpses, just as he had done for Wen Ning. Rumors spread that the next generation would be influenced by his demonic cultivation and the righteous ways of the past would be forgotten!

Some even speculated that the Wens he had taken were in fact talented cultivators, and they now were training and planning to enact acts of terrible proportions! Groups of people had even begun coming to Yiling, standing at the front of the entrance to the Burial Mounds where fierce corpses guarded the entrance, chanting and calling out for the ‘grandest of grandmasters’, waving a long pennant that read, “The Supreme Evil Yiling Patriarch.”

The first day Wei Wuxian saw the sight he had spat out an entire cup of fruit wine before rolling over laughing.

And while they were never permitted to enter and gain what they sought; Wei Wuxian unashamedly accepted every offer they brought to him, chuckling a few times when he saw that they had brought a few children’s clothes and toys as well, most likely learning what to offer from the few times he allowed Wen Yuan to follow him down the mountain to collect the offerings.

It would be rude to just turn them away after all!

Though that was the farthest thing from the truth.

So, he started taking a different route to the markets, sometimes having Wen Ning carry Wen Yuan whenever they needed to sneak around the grounds or just run for the mountain like madmen, and he didn’t want those youthful barbarians to get a hold of him and Wen Yuan both.

He promised Granny Wen he would be a good Mama after all!

And he wouldn’t lie and say he didn’t love seeing Wen Yuan cheer with excitement as Wen Ning would run much faster than Wei Wuxian could and jump over treetops, finding the whole ordeal to be nothing more than a fun game.

Though one fateful day, he was out shopping in Yiling with his trusty fierce corpse, and Wen Yuan of course in tow, when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure at the intersection of the alley and road ahead. Wei Wuxian squinted, then silently followed after the person. As he and Wen Ning followed, Wen Yuan held onto Wei Wuxian’s hip, they darted into a small courtyard.

As soon as they entered, the gates shut behind them.

A cold voice spoke. “Get out.” Jiang Cheng had been the one to speak, standing behind them, immediately knowing that he was the one being spoken to, Wen Ning quickly bowed his head and went to the front of the courtyard to wait.

Though Wei Wuxian paid him little mind as a woman who stood inside the courtyard, wearing a veiled bamboo hat and black mantle cape, walked forward to him.

“…Shije,” Wei Wuxian called hoarsely, a lump forming in his throat.

The woman removed her hat and mantle, and there before him, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, Jiang Yanli smiled and stood before him dressed in her dignified bridal best, her face bright and vibrant with powdered blush.

“Shijie… What are you…?” Wei Wuxian tried to ask, though he couldn’t form the words, at best, he could only smile with sheer adoration and the beauty that was Jiang Yanli.

Jiang Yanli opened her arms wide to show him her dress, her cheeks flushing pink. “A-Xian, I’m… I’m getting married today! I’ve come to show you how I look…”

Wei Wuxian felt the tears brim at the corners of his eyes, though he forced them away with the widest grin he could muster. But it was tinged with a pang of guilt in his heart. He wouldn’t be allowed to see his own family dressed in bridal finery.

“I know! I heard about it…” Wei Wuxian nodded.

“Who’d you hear it from?” Jiang Cheng questioned.

“What do you care?” Wei Wuxian shot back, grinning when he heard Wen Yuan gasp softly at the tone he used. It sounded a bit rude, but it truly wasn’t! It was all in good nature between him and Jiang Cheng of course!

“But… It’s only me, you won’t get to see the groom.” Jiang Yanli said abashedly.

“I don’t care about seeing him anyways!” Wei Wuxian huffed, circling Jiang Yanli a few times as he nodded pridefully, truly his Shijie was gorgeous!

“You look beautiful.” Wei Wuxian stated pridefully.

“Jie, I told you so,” Jiang Cheng huffed, the tiger crossing his arms over his chest as his tail flicked outwards to nudge Jiang Yanli’s own, hers nearly being completely covered by her bridal ropes.

“It doesn’t count if you’re the ones saying it. You two can’t be taken seriously.” Jiang Yanli smiled soberly; the Omega always having been rather self-aware.

Jiang Cheng was exasperated. “You don’t believe me, and you don’t believe him either. What will it take you to hear for you to believe it?”

Scoffing, Wei Wuxian looked down at the little boy on his hip; Wen Yuan immediately met his gaze, happy to have Wei Wuxian’s attention again before the Omega nodded gently towards Jiang Yanli.

Wen Yuan quickly caught onto what his mother was asking of him, so he smiled brightly and reached upwards to make a grand gesture, hitting Wei Wuxian’s left ear on accident. “Miss looks very pretty! Mama says you look pretty too, so it’s true!”

Wei Wuxian ignored the gentle hit to his ear, smiling happily and nodding approvingly at Wen Yuan, the little boy immediately felt great pride within himself. Though both Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli gaped at the man and the little boy.

That is until Jiang Cheng stormed forward, clutching Wei Wuxian’s collar, nearly shoving Wen Yuan out of the older Huli Jing’s arms as he shouted furiously. “Mama?! What nonsense is this!? Who is the father!? Wei Wuxian! How did you hide this for so long!? How dare you not tell us!”

Choking slightly from the tug on his clothing at both ends, Wen Yuan had to grab onto the backside of the collar of his inner ropes to avoid losing grip, Wei Wuxian kicked Jiang Cheng’s ankle to push the Alpha away. Swiftly, Wei Wuxian set Wen Yuan down, the little boy immediately latching onto the Omega’s tails as he peered up at the fuming tiger nervously.

“Don’t yell like that near him! You’ll hurt his ears; you should as well know that the ears of a little one are sensitive!” Wei Wuxian scolded, his own ears twitching in discomfort at how loud Jiang Cheng had been.

“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng shouted again, steam practically coming out of his ears that twitched irritably, his tail slapping the ground aggressively.

“A-Xian, how long have you had a son?” Jiang Yanli chimed in, her expression calm, if not twinged slightly with a bit of worry.

“I thought we were talking about your wedding, Shijie. We shouldn’t focus on things like this right now! Today is special for you!” Wei Wuxian quickly intervened taking the older Omega’s hands in his own, smiling in the same way he did as a child to ease the tiger’s concerns.

Though the woman quickly took a stern expression as he clamped her own hands around the Huli Jing’s, an expression only a mother, or a concerned older sister could have immediately taken over her beautiful face, while the younger Omega immediately wilted at the look.

Speaking sternly, leaving no room for argument, Jiang Yanli spoke again. “A-Xian,”

“Ah! Okay, okay! He’s only been mine since I first came here!” Wei Wuxian conceded, smiling sheepishly in hopes of his Shijie’s expression going back to her normal calm and peaceful.

“Oh, thank the heavens.” Jiang Cheng huffed, turning away for a moment to pat his own shoulder while Wei Wuxian shouted indignantly at the reaction.

“What is that supposed to mean?! Don’t be so rude to your Shixiong, or my son!” Wei Wuxian shouted, pulling one of his hands away to wave it in the air as a threat to his words.

Though Jiang Cheng quickly turned around, his normal aggravated expression returned to his face as he raised his fist into the air. “We don’t need any mini you’s running around! Not to mention what a poor child will go through being raised only by you! I feel bad for that boy already!”

Wei Wuxian quickly regained his usual attitude, finding an opening to tease Jiang Cheng further. “Just by me? A-Yuan has Wen Ning and Wen Qing as well! And what are you so worried about? Are you concerned I will give A-Yuan a little sibling?”

“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng shouted, the Alpha appearing to be near the brink of his self-control, as though he was ready to strangle Wei Wuxian where he stood.

“Both of you, hush. A-Xian… pick a courtesy name.” Jiang Yanli interfered.

“Pick what courtesy name?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“The courtesy name of my not-yet-born nephew,” Jiang Cheng answered.

Taken aback, Wei Wuxian varied between shocked and excited, the wedding hadn’t even taken place yet and he already had to think of a courtesy name for his Shijie’s future son? While he didn’t find this in the least, he didn’t hold back. It only took him a moment of thought for him to settle on an answer.

“All right, the character for the next generation of the Jin Clan of Lanling is ‘ru’. How about Jin Rulan, for ‘like an orchid’?”

“Sure!” Jiang Yanli said.

“No. That sounds like the ‘lan’ of the Lan Clan. Why does the scion of the Jin Clan of Lanling and the Jiang Clan of Yunmeng have to be ‘like a Lan’?” Jiang Cheng protested.

“What’s wrong with the Lans?” Wei Wuxian chuckled.

“The orchid is the gentlemen among flowers; the Lan family are gentlemen among men. It’s a good name.”

“That’s not what you said in the past.” Jiang Cheng scoffed.

“She’s asking me to come up with a name, not you. What are you being all picky for?” Wei Wuxian scoffed.

Jiang Yanli quickly cut in between the two. “All right, you know how A-Cheng is. He was the one who gave me the idea to have you pick the courtesy name in the first place, you know? Stop your quarreling, I brought soup for both of you, so wait for a second.”

She went inside the house attached to the courtyard to retrieve a pot. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng exchanged a look. Moments later, the tiger emerged to hand each of them a bowl before going back inside. She brought out two other bowls, smaller than the first two, and walked to the front of the gate to address Wen Ning.

Wen Ning had been guarding the gate with his head down, but her gesture overwhelmed him and sent him stuttering. “Ah… I… I get one too?”

“Of course, I brought enough for everyone to share.” Jiang Yanli smiled kindly before turning away to walk over to Wei Wuxian, instead, crouching to be eye level with the little boy who was still hiding within the fluffy barrier that was the older Huli Jing’s tails.

“Here you are, I’m not sure if you’ll like this, but your Mama does.” Jiang Yanli offered Wen Yuan the bowl, though the boy only looked up at Wei Wuxian to see if the statement was true. To ease the boy’s concerns, Wei Wuxian took a large gulp of his soup, humming loudly in appreciation.

Wen Yuan immediately smiled at the sight, looking back at Jiang Yanli to take the bowl. “Thank you!” The toddler immediately took a sip from the bowl, his tails swaying happily behind him as he savored the soup, enjoying it even more than the sweet soup he had not so long ago with his Mama and Rich-gege.

“Thank you, Miss Jiang… Thank you,” Wen Ning added softly. He clutched the small bowl, which brimmed with soup ladled into it just for him, and he didn’t have the heart to say, “Thank you, but I can’t eat this.” Giving a portion to him was a waste, as the dead could not eat.

Jiang Yanli noticed his discomfort. She asked him a few questions on the topic as she walked back over to him, then started chatting with him outside the gate.

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were still standing inside the courtyard. Jiang Cheng raised his bowl.

“To the Yiling Patriarch.”

Hearing the title reminded Wei Wuxian of that long pennant fluttering shamelessly in the wind, and his mind was filled with its huge dazzling words: “The Supreme Evil Yiling Patriarch.”

“Shut up!” He shouted.

Jiang Cheng took a sip from his bowl, then asked, “How’s your injury from last time?”

“It healed a long time ago,” Wei Wuxian replied, taking a sip from his own bowl as he sneaked a glance down at the toddler who was now seated on top of his right foot, the long fluffy tails of his mother fluttering and laying on top of him as he happily ate his soup.

“Hmm.” After a pause, Jiang Cheng asked,

“How long did it take?”

“Less than seven days,” Wei Wuxian said, looking away from Jiang Cheng once again.

“I told you, something like that is no big deal with Wen Qing around. But I can’t believe you fucking stabbed me for real.”

Jiang Cheng ate a piece of lotus root. “You made him crush my arm first. It took you seven days to heal, but my arm was in a sling for over a month.

Wei Wuxian snickered. “It wouldn’t be believable if I wasn’t brutal. It was your left hand, anyway, it wouldn’t have stopped you from writing or wielding your sword. It takes a hundred days for broken bones and pulled muscles to heal, so they say. Even three months would have been normal.

They could faintly hear Wen Ning’s stammered responses from the courtyard’s entrance. After some silence, Jiang Cheng asked a question. “You’re going to stay like this from now on? Do you have any plans?”

“None at the moment. They’re all too scared to descend the mountain, but no one dares mess with me when I head down. It’ll be fine as long as I don’t actively invite trouble.” Wei Wuxian replied.

“Actively? Wei Wuxian, believe it or not, trouble comes knocking at your door even when uninvited. And while there’s often no way to save someone, there are thousands of ways to harm them.” Jiang Cheng sneered.

Wei Wuxian was engrossed in eating his soup. “One brawny brute can take down ten skilled atrial artists. I’ll kill whoever comes.”

“You never heed any of my advice.” Jiang Cheng said quietly.

“There’ll come a day when you’ll understand that I’m right.”

Wei Wuxian sighed at the Alpha’s comment, finishing his soup along with Jiang Cheng in a single mouthful before looking down at Wen Yuan to see if the child finished, only to laugh when he saw the toddler had set his empty bowl down on the ground and had taken to swatting Wei Wuxian’s tails with his much smaller ones, an activity the young Alpha had been finding quite enjoyable whenever he couldn’t have his mother’s full attention, that and chewing on Chenqing.

“This poor boy, I pray for his sake with you as his mother.” Jiang Cheng scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest while Wei Wuxian reached out to punch his shoulder.

“I’d like to see you try and be a parent!” Wei Wuxian challenged the Alpha, Jiang Cheng rolling his eyes in return.

As they got ready to depart, Jiang Cheng spoke. “Don’t bother sending us off. We don’t want anyone to spot us.”

Wei Wuxian nodded. He knew it hadn’t been easy for the Jiang siblings to make this trip. If anyone saw them, the act they’d put on for the rest of the world would be for naught.

“We’ll leave first.” Wei Wuxian said.

Once they left the alleyway, Wei Wuxian still walked ahead with Wen Yuan on his hip while Wen Ning trailed quietly behind. All of a sudden, Wei Wuxian turned to ask a question. “Why are you still holding that bowl of soup?”

“Huh? To bring it back… I can’t drink it, but I can give it to someone else…” Wen Ning explained, unwilling to let go of the bowl.

“…Whatever you want, hold on tight; don’t spill it.” Wei Wuxian said.

He turned back around. Deep down, he knew it would probably be a long time before he could reunite with those he’d once known so well, the ones he had called his family.

But… he would soon be reunited with others he also knew well, wouldn’t he?

Chapter Text

"Did you hear about the upcoming celebration for the new young master Jin?" A voice questioned in the crowd, while others around him continued with their idle chatter and gossip.  

"You mean Jin Zixuan's son's one-month celebration? Who hasn't heard of that event!? So many joyous occasions as of late! Even the Could Recesses' opening ceremony for their Library Pavilion last month!" Another voice answered, a few people joining in on the conversation with their own opinions on the grand event.  

"What about the little one's seventh-day celebration? They filled the place with bright colors and fancy things, but the child didn't like any of it and cried hard enough to bring down Pageantry Hall. Instead, he kept giggling when he saw his father's sword, Suihua."   

"Such an adorable sight! I heard the young master is an Omega, like his mother, but they are already saying he will be a skilled swordsman once he is grown!"  

A cultivator woman's voice rang out. "Young Madam Jin really is blessed... She must have forsaken ascension to heaven in her past life to garner such good fortune today."  

"Looks like all the talent and skill in the world means nothing compared to being born into a good family, she's obviously nothing special..." Her female companion commented.  

A few feet away, a man dressed in black robes with a flute attached to his hip, and tails that swished and twitched irritably at the comment, frowned when the sour grape of a woman spoke, only for his relaxed expression to return once others spoke above her, all either ignoring or disproving her jealous statement.  

"As expected of the Jin Clan of Lanling. Even the celebration for a week-old infant is ostentatious."  

"Are you forgetting who the baby's parents are? Do you think they can afford to be slapdash about this? Not only would Young Madam Jin's husband refuse to do a sloppy job, neither her mother-in-law nor her younger brother would accept the celebration being even a tad more subdued. The one-month celebration that's coming up in two days is going to be extravagant!"  

"Speaking of which, did you know that they apparently invited... a certain someone to the one-month celebration?"  

"Who?"  

"Wei Wuxian!" After the name was spoken, a brief silence descended on the Pavilion of Treasures where the gossipers resided.  

"Don't speak such rumors! Jin Zixuan would never allow that miscreant to enter Jin Ling's celebration! Let alone the Jiang sect leader!"  

"I'm telling you, it's true! His attendance was just confirmed today!"  

"What in the world is the Jin Clan of Lanling thinking? Have they forgotten how he indiscriminately murdered innocents at Qiongqi Path?" Another person spoke up incredulously.  

"Now that they've invited someone like him, who would even dare to attend Jin Ling's one-month celebration? I know I definitely wouldn't."   

At the final statement, the man in black's brow quirked. He selected and paid for his purchase, then stepped out of the Pavilion of Treasures. Only a few steps later, he turned into an alley and another figure dressed in black emerged.  

"Gongzi, have you finished your shopping?"  

Wei Wuxian tossed him the exquisite sandalwood box he had been holding. Wen Ning caught and opened it and was greeted by the sight of a white jade pendant decorated with a dangling tassel. Soft light flowed and gleamed through the translucent stone, almost as if it were alive.  

"How pretty!" Wen Ning praised in delight, turning the box carefully to show Wei Wuxian, as though the Huli Jing hadn't been the one to buy the pendant.  

"This pretty little thing wasn't cheap; your big sister's money was barely enough to buy this after getting some new clothes for A-Yuan and you two. Either way, every last penny's been spent. I'm prepared to get beat when we get back." Wei Wuxian chuckled. 

"She won't, she won't. Jiejie won't scold you for getting Miss Jiang's child a gift." Wen Ning hurriedly said.  

"Remember that statement in the future. You'll have to cover for me if she does." Wei Wuxian laughed.  

Wen Ning nodded, handing the box back to Wei Wuxian." The little young master Jin Ling is sure to love this gift."  

However, Wei Wuxian said. "That's not the gift I'm going to give him. It's just a bauble. What good are any of the trinkets from the Pavilion of Treasures, other than as eye candy? What use could a child have for such things?"  

Wen Ning was taken aback. "Then what gift did gongzi prepare?"  

"Heaven's secrets cannot be divulged." Wei Wuxian stated enigmatically.   

"Oh," And so, he did not ask again. Though the Huli Jing held his tongue for a moment, only to then turn to look at the undead man as he could hold it in no longer.  

"Wen Ning, shouldn't you keep pestering me for an answer out of burning curiosity? How can you just stop after a mere oh? Don't you want to know what the gift is?"   

Wen Ning stared blankly at the Omega before what the man had said fully clicked, realizing what exactly it was that Wei Wuxian had been striving to achieve from him. "I do! Gongzi! What exactly did you prepare?"  

Only then did Wei Wuxian proudly produce a small wooden box from his sleeve. He smiled as he waved it in front of Wen Ning, who accepted the box and opened it to take a look.  

"Such an impressive silver bell!" Wen Ning blurted out.  

'Impressive' was hardly acceptable for the exquisite craftsmanship, though its pure silver color and the lifelike nine-petaled lotus etched onto its body could be praised as the pinnacle of artistic perfection. What made Wen Ning marvel was the powerful energy contained in the tiny silver bell.  

"Gongzi, is this what you were making when you locked yourself up in the Demon-Quelling cave for over a month?" Wen Ning questioned.  

"That's right. As long as that little boy of my Shijie's carries this silver bell, not a single low-level evil creature can even think about getting close to him. You can't touch it; it'll affect you too." Wei Wuxian stated pridefully.  

Wen Ning nodded. "I can feel it."  

Wei Wuxian took the tasseled jade pendant and secured it to the silver bell. The two complemented each other well, creating an aesthetically pleasing sight. He was very proud of his work.  

"I was thinking about making A-Yuan one as well, do you think a little Alpha like him would like such a trinket? Or would he be embarrassed by it once he got older?" Wei Wuxian laughed, admiring his handiwork, and already brimming with ideas of a silver bell he could create for Wen Yuan. 

Maybe he’d carve a fox on his A-Yuan’s bell. 

Even if the boy did become embarrassed by the gesture when he got older, Wei Wuxian would still feel at ease to know that nothing could harm his son if he was not with him. 

"No, no. A-Yuan would love anything you gave him gongzi, but he only just turned three a couple of months ago... would he have much use for it now?" Wen Ning questioned, though Wei Wuxian smirked at the question. 

Wei Wuxian placed the jade pendant and silver bell back in its exquisite box, tucking it safely in his sleeve so he could have easy access to it on their way. "What use does a newborn infant have for something like this? A-Yuan will come to use it one day just as Jin Ling will when they begin training to be cultivators. Besides, I can already sense that the little radish has a strong golden core, so it will be easy for him to train it. And so, he will need it one day to protect him." 

"But, since you're attending little young master Jin Ling's full-month celebration, you have to hold yourself back when you see Miss Jiang's husband. Don't get into a fight with him..." Wen Ning stated.  

Wei Wuxian merely waved him off. "Relax. I know not to go too far. Seeing Jin Zixuan was the one who invited me this time, I won't speak badly of him for a year."  

Besides, the Huli Jing hoped that one-day A-Yuan and Jin Ling could become friends, the thought made Wei Wuxian smile, already finding such an idea favorable. A-Yuan needed some friends anyways. 

Wen Ning scratched his head and said with some embarrassment, "When Jin-gongzi sent someone to the foot of the Burial Mounds to deliver the invitation, I was sure it must be a trap. But it turns out it was just a misunderstanding. I was being unfair. You can't tell by looking at him, but Jin-gongzi is a good person..."  

While Wei Wuxian said nothing to agree, he could admit that he too had his greater fair share of moments where he jumped to conclusions about his Shijie's mate, though he'd never admit it outright.  

No need to give that peacock of a winged lion a bigger ego.  

At high noon, they passed through Qiongqi Path. Though it had been stated that it had been renamed after its reconstruction. Wei Wuxian had no idea what it was called now, and it seemed no one else could remember either, so it was still called Qiongqi Path most of the time.  

At first, neither the Beta nor the Omega sensed anything odd. But as they approached the heart of the valley, Wei Wuxian began to feel that something was amiss.  

There should have been people around.  

"Sense anything particular?" Wei Wuxian asked.  

Wen Ning rolled his eyes back to reveal the whites. After a moment, he rolled them down once more. "No." He answered.  

"It's so quiet."  

"Indeed. It's a bit too quiet." Wei Wuxian agreed.  

His ears couldn't pick up even a trace of the cacophony of inhuman noises he usually heard.   

On the alert now, Wei Wuxian hissed under his breath, "Go!" He had only just turned around when Wen Ning suddenly raised his hand and intercepted an object.  

It was a feathered arrow that had been aimed straight at the Huli Jing's heart.  

Wei Wuxian shot his head up, only to see hordes of people emerging onto the cliffs on both sides of the valley. There were about three hundred of them, and although some wore the uniforms of other clans, the majority wore uniforms emblazoned with the Sparks Amidst Snow symbol.  

All were geared up and armed to the teeth, with longbows on their backs, swords at their waists, and wary expressions on their faces. Using both the mountainous terrain and their fellow cultivators to cover, they aimed their countless swords and arrows directly at him.  

The arrow had been fired by the person leading this ambush. Taking a closer look, Wei Wuxian saw the leader was a tall man, a winged lion of the Jin clan, with a dark complexion, and handsome features that looked familiar. 

"Who are you?" Wei Wuxian questioned, looking to his side to be sure Wen Ning didn't sense anyone coming to attack them from behind. 

Though having loosed the arrow, the man had fully intended to make a speech. Faced with Wei Wuxian's question, he forgot all about that plan and dissolved into a rage. 

"The nerve of you to ask me who I am! I'm Jin Zixun!"  

Wei Wuxian remembered the Beta now. This was Jin Zixuan's cousin, whom he had met twice before, but had not cared enough to remember. 

Though when realization set in, his heart sank to the pit of his stomach. He had been on his way to attend the full-month celebration of Jiang Yanli's son, brimming with joy, and now that joyous mood had dispersed like smoke, replaced by gloom and shadow. But he didn't want to dwell too deeply on the situation. He didn't want to speculate why these people had been prepared to ambush him on his way. 

"Wei Wuxian, I'm warning you. Undo the evil curse you casted on me at once, and I will pretend this never happened!" Jin Zixuan ordered at the top of his voice, pointing his swords threateningly in the Huli Jing's direction. 

Though upon hearing the threat, Wei Wuxian was stunned. Though he knew it would be taken as denial, he still had to ask for clarification. 

"What evil curse?" Wei Wuxian questioned. 

Sure enough, Jin Zixun grew even more rageful at the question, believing the Omega to be arrogant and purposefully leading him on by asking what he already knew. 

"How dare you still play dumb! Fine, I'll show you what evil curse it is!" Suddenly, he ripped his collar open, and the man's chest was densely pockmarked with craters of all sizes! 

Wei Wuxian only took a single glance to know what the curse was. "Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes?" 

The curse itself was an incredibly malicious and vicious curse, Wei Wuxian had stumbled upon an ancient book back when he was a teenager at Cloud Recesses' when he was supposed to be transcribing lines in the Library Pavilion. The section he read had detailed this kind of curse, though he had never once thought of using it on someone, the sight of the illustration in the old book he found was enough to make him shiver at the thought of it. 

To think, Jin Zixun had fallen victim to such a repulsive and difficult-to-dispel curse... Wei Wuxian felt a moment of surprising sympathy for him. But though he sympathized, he still considered the man a fool. 

"So, you were cursed. But what do you intend by this ambush? What's the curse got to do with me?" Wei Wuxian questioned, once again Jin Zixun flew into a rage, covering his own chest up once again in disgust at the sight of the sores and holes. 

"Who else would curse me with such a vicious and malicious spell? Who, other than a treacherous crook like you, who's used to employing such deviant arts?!" Jin Zixuan roared. 

(There are more than a few who would do this to you.) Wei Wuxian thought to himself, almost snickering at the idea that Jin Zixun believed himself to be popular or even well-liked. 

But he didn't want to aggravate the situation by saying any of his thoughts aloud and enraging Jin Zixun further. Instead, he said. "Jin Zixun, I don't play these underhanded games, if I want to kill someone, I do not hide the fact that I was the one who committed the act. And even if I did want to kill you, you would look far worse than you do now." 

"Aren't you always running wild? And now you're scared to admit what you've done!" Jin Zixun taunted, clearly trying to aggravate Wei Wuxian enough into admitting his heinous sins. 

Though that was impossible, and Wei Wuxian spoke once more. "I'm not the one who did it, so why should I admit to anything?" 

A murderous glint flashed in Jin Zixun's eyes. "Word before blows. Since you're unwilling to repent your sins, I won't go easy on you!"  

Wei Wuxian stopped in his tracks, a sly smile edging at the corner of his lips. "Oh?" 

It was obvious what was meant by Jin Zixun's threat, there were two ways to lift such a terrible curse such as the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes. The one who cast the curse could dispel it themselves, though the effort of doing so would severely damage their own cultivation. 

There was also another, simpler solution. 

Kill the one who cast the curse. 

"Won't go easy on me? You? With just these few hundred people you brought along?" Wei Wuxian questioned contemptuously. 

Jin Zixun waved his arm, and all the disciples nocked their arrows and took aim at where Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning stood in the lowest point of the valley. Wei Wuxian raised Chenqing as well, and the shrill sound of his flute tore sharply through the silent valley. 

Yet after a brief silence, there was no response. 

"We cleared out the entire area to prepare for your arrival! No matter how many times you play that thing, you'll summon no helpers! This place is going to be your grave!" Jin Zixun declared. 

Wei Wuxian only sneered. "You're asking for this fate!"  

As soon as he spoke, Wen Ning reached out and snapped the red string tied around his own neck, releasing the talisman it secured. The instant the red string broke, he swayed. The muscles on his face began to contort, and strange black cracks appeared on his skin, crawling up his neck to his cheeks. 

Then, he tilted his head back and let loose a long, inhuman roar. 

Everyone in that valley felt a chill crawl up their spines, never once having heard a fierce corpse make such a horrifying sound. Though Jin Zixuan, still blinded by his pride and anger shouted his command. "Release the arrows!" 

And arrows rained down in a torrent! 

Wen Ning tore a boulder apart with his bare hands and raised it high to block the barrage. Over a hundred cultivators leaped from the cliff and charged at the two men in the middle of the valley. Wei Wuxian took several steps back and quickly dodged an incoming sneak attack from the point of a sword. 

While Wen Ning was busy dealing with the hundred attackers, throwing them far out of range, Jin Zixun seized the chance to strike Wei Wuxian down. He laughed aloud when he saw that the Omega didn't have his sword on him, only a flute that was of no use at the moment. 

"This is the price of your arrogance. Let's see how well you do without a sword!" Jin Zixun declared, though with a flick of his hand, Wei Wuxian hurled forth a row of talismans that burned with green flames, dulling Jin Zixun's sword glare. 

His laugh interrupted; a startled Jin Zixun hurriedly focused on dealing with the attack. As the two of them fought one-on-one, something suddenly flew from Wei Wuxian's sleeve. His gaze locked on it, and a sense of dread overtook him. 

It was the gift he had prepared for Jin Ling. 

In the middle of the intense battle, it had slipped loose from his sleeve and had been sent flying toward Jin Zixun. 

Jin Zixun caught the item as it flew, holding the small exquisite wooden box. There was a line of small characters carved on it, Jin Ling's name, as well as the eight characters corresponding to his date and time of birth. 

Jin Zixun was stunned at first, but when he realized what it was, he burst out laughing. 

Wei Wuxian's expression dimmed to a menacing scowl. He spoke each word of his demand slowly and clearly, leaving no room for errors. "Give. It. Back." 

Jin Zixun held up the little wooden box and began to mock the Huli Jing. "A present for A-Ling?"  

 "You don't really think you would be allowed to attend A-Ling's full-month celebration banquet, do you?" Jin Zixun taunted cruelly, and his words made Wei Wuxian's hands tremble. 

Though from the top of the mountainous cliffs, a voice bellowed. "All of you, stop immediately!" 

A figure dressed in white leaped down from atop the mountain valley, landing light as a feather. He stood between Wei Wuxian and Jin Zixun, his expression contorted into a sneer. 

"Zixuan?! Why are you here?!" Jin Zixun blurted when he saw his cousin. 

Jin Zixuan set one hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist. "Why do you think I'm here?!" The Alpha demanded furiously. His tail slapped the ground irritably while the wings on his back twitched. 

"Where's A-Yao?" Jin Zixun questioned. 

"I detained him at Golden Carp Tower. If I hadn't noticed his odd expression and called him over, were you both going to move forward with this absurd plot? Why didn't you tell me that you'd been cursed with the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes curse? You'd rather do something like this than just speak up!?" Jin Zixuan berated harshly, gesturing to the scene around them, Wen Ning continuing on in the fight against the disciples. 

Though Jin Zixun only sneered and clenched his hands tightly at his sides. The Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes was an unsightly curse, and it was a sore subject for Jin Zixun, always the egotistic who was obsessed with his appearance. And to even be cursed in the first place met that his cultivation was low and lacking. So, it was not an easy thing to bring up without admitting to one's own faults in the process. 

Jin Ling's one-month celebration had coincidentally been around the corner, and Jin Zixuan unexpectedly took the initiative to invite Wei Wuxian. Jin Guangshan, none too pleased by this, had suggested Jin Zixun take the opportunity and intercept Wei Wuxian on his way to the banquet and kill the Huli Jing, ridding them both of a problem they didn't wish to have. 

Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan were an affectionate couple. The Alpha tended to tell his wife about almost every little thing, regardless of how trivial it was. Those in the know were worried that he might leak the plan and cause Wei Wuxian to abandon his trip, so they kept him in the dark about their schemes. 

Seeing that their plot had been uncovered, Jin Zixun's conscience pricked with him a measure of guilt. But at the end of the day, he valued his life. "Zixuan, keep this from my sister-in-law for now. Once I get rid of these things on me, I'll come apologize and make amends to you both!" 

"There is still time to salvage this situation! All of you, stay your hands!" Jin Zixuan ordered, his expression grim and dark. 

And Wei Wuxian could admit that the Alpha had grown since the last time he saw him, he used to have the arrogant air of youth around him, but now, since getting married and having a child, he had matured. He had grown as a man. 

Wei Wuxian could actually admit aloud that he was thankful his Shijie had such a mate. 

"What's there to salvage?! Do you not see these things all over me!?"  

Seeing that he was about to reveal his hole-riddled chest again, Jin Zixuan hurriedly ordered him otherwise. "No need! I already heard about it from Jin Guangyao!" 

"Then you know that I can't wait! Don't tell me you're going to turn a blind eye while your own kin's life hangs in the balance, all for the sake of my sister-in-law's shidi?!" Jin Zixuan screeched, letting go of his robes in favor of placing a hand on his sword, while the other still held the small wooden box. 

"You know very well that I'm not that kind of person!" Jin Zixuan rebuffed, watching his cousin's hand carefully. 

"He might not even be the one who cursed you with the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes to begin with! Why are you so impatient?! I was the one who invited Wei Wuxian to attend A-Ling's one-month celebration banquet. When you people act like this, where does that leave me? Where does that leave my wife? Jin Zixuan questioned accusingly, glaring the Beta down harshly. 

Though Jin Zixun only raised his voice in response. "It's best if he doesn't attend! Just who is Wei Wuxian, anyway? Is he even worthy of attending our family's banquet!? Whoever touches him will be stained just as tar! Zixuan, when you invited him, weren't you afraid that you, my sister-in-law, and A-Ling would be marred by an indelible stain for the rest of your lives!?" 

"Shut your mouth!" Jin Zixuan bellowed, taking a step forward as his tail swayed swiftly and uncontrollably behind him, his wings spreading out on instinct as a display of his intolerance. 

Infuriated, Jin Zixun began to clench his hand, though Wei Wuxian's pupils shrank as he caught sight of the action and dove forward, shoving past Jin Zixuan, despite the winged-lion trying to grab him. Jin Zixun shouted in shock as his force on the box relented and he drew his sword.  

Though Wei Wuxian dodged the sword's glare, instead, extending his claws and slicing at the man's hand. Jin Zixun screeched at the pain, releasing the box, allowing the Huli Jing to catch it before it could fall to the ground and face any more damage. 

"Wei Wuxian! Haven't you had enough!? What could be so important about that thing?!" Jin Zixuan roared, grabbing his cousin by the sleeve of his robe and pulling the man behind him, though Wei Wuxian ignored him as he inspected the delicate wooden box, relieved to see that it had faced no serious damage aside from a scratch or two. 

Jin Zixuan saw the Omega halt in his actions, still focused on the box rather than anyone else, so he composed himself. He didn't know what was in that box, but he figured it could be handled later, so he spoke his order sternly. "Make Wen Ning stop first. Tell him to stop going berserk and aggravating the situation further." 

"...Why don't you make them stop first? Wen Ning will only harm those who pose a threat to our safety." Wei Wuxian's voice was hoarse as he spoke, the rims of his eyes had become red, though he did not turn around to face either of the Jin cultivators. 

There was relentless clamor and fighting all around them.  

And Jin Zixuan fumed. "Why are you still so stubborn at a time like this!? Clam down, all of you, and come with me to Golden Carp Tower. We'll talk, deal with the issue honestly, and set the record straight. You'll be fine as long as you weren't the one who did it!" 

"So, I should make Wen Ning stop? The second I tell him to; arrows will come flying at me and swords will pierce my heart. I'll die without an intact corpse! And my son-..." Wei Wuxian spoke harshly, despite his pause in speech, he still glared down both Jin cultivators harshly as he turned to face them. 

He ignored the shock that spread across both of their faces. 

"Go to Golden Carp Tower and talk things over, my foot." Wei Wuxian spat with finality. 

"That won't happen!" Jin Zixuan tried to argue. 

Wei Wuxian scoffed, looking down at the small, exquisite box in his hands sadly for only a moment before he looked up once more and stared down both of the men with a rageful passion. "No? And how can you guarantee that? Jin Zixuan, I have a question. When you invited me, did you really not know of their plan to ambush me on the way?" 

Stunned, Jin Zixuan furiously responded. "You! Wei Wuxian, you-. You're out of your mind!" 

Wei Wuxian forced down his towering hatred. "Jin Zixuan, get out of the way. I won't lay a hand on you, but you better not provoke me." 

Seeing him still stubbornly refusing to concede, Jin Zixuan suddenly made a move as if to seize him. 

But the Huli Jing saw something he didn't. 

"Why can't you yield even the slightest bit, for once in your life?! A-Li is-." Suddenly, Wei Wuxian dove forward, grabbing Jin Zixuan by his collar and throwing him rapidly away from him. The Alpha landed on his knees as Jin Zixun ran to his cousin's side. 

"Wei Wuxian how dare-." 

When both Jin cultivators looked up, they heard a strange, dull sound. 

The sound was in front of them. 

Wen Ning approached sometime during their argument. A few fresh drops of hot blood splattered one-half of his expressionless face, a jarring contrast. 

Jin Zixuan's lips moved on their own, despite the way his pupils shrunk at the sight before him. "...still waiting for you at Golden Carp Tower for A-Ling's one-month banquet..." 

Wei Wuxian's face was just as dazed as Jin Zixuan's. But somehow, he still smiled. 

Even when Wen Ning's hand retracted from the left side of his abdomen, the reality of what had just transpired began to slowly sink in, as though it was a deadly poison. "Ha... then, give this to her and A-Ling then..."  

Wei Wuxian's grip on the box loosened and it dropped to the ground, the small thump of it against the ground was nothing compared to the profuse echo that rang in their ears. And drops of fresh blood splattered on the top of the eloquently carved box. 

For a moment, Wei Wuxian's smile stayed, as though he seemed to believe he would shrug off his wound and continue on, just the same as he had done to all of his others in his past. But his legs gave out in the end, and he fell to his knees. 

"The... the Ghost General... He killed Wei Wuxian!!" Cries of panic and terror rose and fell from the valley. 

"What's happened?!" 

Jin Zixuan and Jin Zixun continued to stare in muted horror, neither knew how to react, or what to do. 

A hoarse cry fell from the dense horde of terrified disciples. "Wei Wuxian saved Jin Zixuan..." 

Though as Wei Wuxian's knees hit the stone path, Wen Ning's eyes rolled back, revealing his pupils and dark irises, and he cried out in hoarse terror at the sight. "Gongzi! Wei-gongzi! Gongzi!"  

Wen Ning cried in horror as he dove to the ground, catching Wei Wuxian's slowly toppling body before he could hit the dirt of the path. And though he could shed no tears, his face could not contort into the horror he felt, the pain and guilt the Ghost General felt was as clear as it would have been if he were still human. 

Reality finally crashed back into everyone in the valley, and Jin Zixun yelled. "Open fire! What are you people waiting for!? Fire your arrows!"  

"No!!" Jin Zixuan bellowed, though it was already too late. Arrows rained down upon Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning. 

But the moment Jin Zixun had turned around to bark his order, Wen Ning grabbed Wei Wuxian and jumped away from the barrage of arrows, using one arm to grab the Omega while the other grabbed the half of the boulder he had used earlier to shield them from the last attack of arrows, and used it once again to shield them before he threw it into the crowd. 

As the boulder was thrown, Wen Ning took the opportunity to run, his immense speed allowing him to escape before any of the disciples could nock their bows once again, or draw their swords, escaping to the safety of the Burial Mounds. 

Jin Zixuan kneeled there, bemused and frozen, Jin Zixun and the other disciples were still yelling, some shouting to catch the Ghost General, others shouting for them to run while they still had their lives, and before an army of corpses showed up to avenge their master. 

Though Jin Zixuan's gaze caught sight of the wooden box. Numbly, he reached forward and took hold of the gift that had been made for his son, though upon opening it, his heart sank to his stomach. 

A pure silver colored bell with a lifelike nine-petaled lotus etched into it's body was attached to a lovely white jade pendant with dangling tassels with powerful energy within the tiny silver bell. Protective energy. 

A gift, Wei Wuxian had wanted to give his son a gift. 

What a terrible day this had become.

Chapter Text

"Now where on Earth are they?" Madam Jin huffed, her foot tapping impatiently on the ground as she paced at the entrance of Golden Carp Tower. 

It had been two days since Jin Zixuan had gone off in such a hurry after interrogating Jin Guangyao over something she hadn't heard directly, rather from the gossip around Lanling of Jin Guangyao having gone silent since he left, giving no explanation as to why Jin Zixuan and as many had realized, many others were missing only days before Jin Ling's full-month celebration. 

And to say the very least, Madam Jin was not pleased. 

Because how dare her impudent son! Late to his own son's full-month banquet! 

"Mother, please, do not worry. Zixuan said he would be back as soon as possible; he only went after Jin Zixun because he was worried something was going to happen. And to retrieve my brother." Jiang Yanli stepped forward, an infant in her arms, who cooed happily as he waved his chubby arms in an attempt to grab his mother's hair. 

Madam Jin cooed at the adorable sight, though her anger quickly returned as she peered at her poor daughter-in-law, left all alone to deal with the guests that were beginning to arrive at the banquet. 

Where was her impudent son!? 

"Oh, A-Li, forgive me! Please, give me A-Ling, my poor girl, you need a break!" Madam Jin ordered gently, carefully taking the child from his mother, though Jin Ling pouted for a moment, he instantly brightened when Jiang Yanli reached up and stroked her baby's cheek in comfort. 

"Please don't apologize, Mother, I am alright." Jiang Yanli reassured though Madam Jin huffed at the statement. 

"No, no! My son should be here for you, it's impudent of him to leave you alone for so long! Not to mention you've had to deal with all of the guests by yourself." Madam Jin quickly disagreed, rocking the baby in her arms as a form of keeping the infant occupied along with herself. 

"I agree, he should be here for you, Jiejie." Jiang Cheng announced his arrival with his agreeance while catching Jiang Yanli off guard slightly, Madam Jin had long since sensed his presence, though hadn't cared enough to call him out on his lurking. 

"A-Cheng..." Jiang Yanli sighed, her ears drooping slightly from her fatigue, Jiang Cheng was quick to step forward, taking his older sister's hand in his and squeezing reassuringly. 

"Forgive us A-Li, but it's wrong of him to keep you waiting for so long, whatever he had to do could not be more important than this." Madam Jin sighed, patting her grandson's back gently to preoccupy herself, lest she want to return to Pageantry Hall where the banquet was being held, and witness her husband's frivolous behavior. 

No doubt already drunk if not just shamelessly flirting with every woman in sight. 

Just then, heavy panting could be heard as a horde of Jin clan disciples, including disciples of smaller clans, dragged themselves up the vast stairs of Koi Tower, a few carrying the wounded on their backs. Jin Zixuan and Jin Zixun lead them, completely filthy and rugged in appearance. 

"Zixuan! What has happened!?" Madam Jin roared, furious at the state of her disciples and her only son. Calming her temper if only for a moment, she handed Jiang Yanli her son, before stomping down the stairs to meet her nephew and son halfway. 

Jin Zixun immediately shied away behind his cousin, though Jin Zixuan glared him down heartfully before meeting his mother's gaze mournfully, refusing to look past the Beta's shoulder to meet his wife's worried expression. 

Furiously, Madam Jin began her verbal assault. "Well? Have you gone mute!? Explain yourself this instant! How dare you act so arrogantly and leave your wife to handle this alone!" 

She then turned to address her disciples and nephew. "And all of you! What could you have been doing to be a part of this!? Why did my son have to go after all of you!?" 

"Mother... please..." Jin Zixuan pleaded tiredly, immediately regaining the woman's furious attention, though once she met her only son's gaze, she halted. There was something different in her son's eyes that she had never seen before. 

Bowing his head remorsefully to his mother, he then bypassed her and climbed the last few flights of stairs to greet his wife and Jiang Cheng. "A-Li..."  

"Zixuan... What happened? Are you alright?" Jiang Yanli questioned, reaching forward to cup her husband's cheek gently, wiping away the bit of grime that still lingered on his normally clean face. 

"What could have possibly happened to make you all appear here so raggedy!? Have you no respect for yourselves or Jin Ling?!" Jiang Cheng berated harshly, looking down the steps of Koi Tower to the tired and humiliated disciples and Jin Zixun. 

Ignoring his brother-in-law, Jin Zixuan pulled out the eloquently carved wooden box and held it out for Jiang Yanli. "A-Li... Forgive me." Jin Zixuan could only say this, for he feared to see his mate's reaction if he were to say more. 

Jiang Yanli inspected the beautiful craftsmanship of the gift before handing Jin Ling over to Jiang Cheng, who held his nephew with extreme caution, seemingly terrified to hold the infant, despite the child's glee in being held by his uncle. 

Jiang Yanli then took the box from her husband, inspecting it further before opening it to reveal the pure silver colored bell with a lifelike nine-petaled lotus etched into its body, attached to a lovely white jade pendant with dangling tassels with powerful energy within the tiny silver bell. 

Immediately, Jiang Yanli recognized the craftsmanship, having seen it countless times whenever her little brother would display his works of art proudly to her as gifts. "A-Xian? Where is he?"  

This caught Jiang Cheng's attention, no longer focused on keeping his bangs out of his nephew's reach, he matched his sister's gaze and locked onto Jin Zixuan, who winced at the question. "A-Li... he... I-." 

"Wei Wuxian is dead! That monster was killed by his own weapon, the Ghost General, at Qiongqi Path when he attacked the disciples and me!" Jin Zixun suddenly spoke up, declaring the statement pridefully as though he was the one to slay Wei Wuxian. 

"Shut your mouth! That is not what happened!" Jin Zixuan bellowed, rearing around to glare his cousin down for his shameless boasting. 

"What did you do!?" Madam Jin roared, raising her hand threateningly as Jin Zixun cowered at the woman's angered expression. 

Though Jiang Yanli's expression only fell. 

"What...? Zixuan?" The tiger uttered, barely able to form her words through the lump in her throat, though her husband couldn't bring himself to look up from his feet, instead keeping his head bowed guiltily. 

"What did you do!?" Jiang Cheng roared, stomping forward to the winged-lion as Jin Ling began to cry, though when Jin Zixuan looked up and tried to reach forward to console his child, the tiger immediately pulled Jin Ling away from him. 

Instead, he handed the baby to his sister and pushed her behind him, ragefully glaring his brother-in-law down. "It was an accident. This should have never happened." Jin Zixuan began, not yet having the words to explain his regret, nor the words to explain the entire situation. 

"No! That monster got what was coming to him! It was no accident! It was fate!" Jin Zixun shouted, a few disciples cheering along with him, though Madam Jin immediately brought down her hand upon his neck, the blow knocking the Beta to his knees as he coughed. 

"Have you no shame! Be silent!" Madam Jin roared, glaring the rest of the disciples into silence. 

"Zuxian! What happened to my brother!?" Jiang Yanli finally yelled, catching everyone off guard, seeing as the Omega was normally calm-natured and soft-spoken, but now, tears were misting her eyes as she clutched the wooden box in one hand and soothed Jin Ling in her arms. 

Jin Zixuan looked down shamefully once again, only to meet Jiang Cheng's furious glare when he looked up once again. "When I arrived, Wei Wuxian and the Ghost General were fighting our disciples and Zixun. I ordered them to stop, but the situation was already agitated. But Zixun held Wei Wuxian's gift for Jin Ling, and he had been about to crush it. So, Wei Wuxian rushed forward to retrieve it. But..." 

"But what!? Have you lost enough of your mind to forget how to speak!?" Jiang Cheng roared, inching forward as his tail slapped the ground furiously. 

"Wei Wuxian saw the Ghost General approach when I did not... He shoved me out of the way and received the blow that killed him in my stead. He saved my life. The Ghost General then ran off with him before I could reach him. But when Jin Zixun, the few disciples that were not already previously injured, and myself went to the Burial Mounds to see for ourselves, we were fought at the entrance by fierce corpses until we were forced to flee." 

Jiang Cheng fell to silence, his fists twitching at his sides while he stared in rageful disgust at Jin Zixun. Though behind him, Jiang Yanli stifled her cries, biting her bottom lip to silence herself. Jin Zixuan bypassed his brother-in-law and went to his wife's side, hugging her close as he cupped his son's cheek, truly appreciating the sight that he would have been forced away from if it had not been for Wei Wuxian. 

"What have you done!? Why did you fight him!?" Jiang Cheng suddenly bellowed, stomping down the stairs with Zidian zapping in a purple fury. 

Jin Zixun immediately cowered at the rage, though trying to put on a brave façade, he stood tall, despite the tremble in weary legs. "He was the one to start the fight by playing dumb!"  

"Playing dumb!? About what!?" Jiang Cheng questioned, shoving his face almost directly into Jin Zixun's, Madam Jin merely watched the sect leader handle her nephew as he saw fit, holding no grievances against Wei Wuxian, she saw no reason for Jiang Cheng to not take his anger out righteously. 

Jin Zixun was quick to defend himself, only able to keep his ground on the stairs of Koi Tower because he had a few disciples crowded behind him in fear, simultaneously keeping him standing. "He pretended to not know me! And then acted as though he had not been the one to curse me! He asked for his fate!"  

"What curse!?" 

Jin Zixun then paled at the question, only then realizing he'd have to admit the disgusting curse he had been damned with, and with that, he'd have to admit his fault in his actions and fate. Though now having his mind cleared slightly, Jin Zixuan turned away from his wife and child to glare down at his cousins from the top of the stairs. 

"Yes, show them! If what you said was true, it will be gone." Jin Zixuan ordered, quickly standing in front of his mate to spare her the unsightly state of his cousin's chest. 

Jin Zixun hesitated as he gripped the front of his soiled robes tightly, looking to his side in hopes of his aunt intervening on his behalf, though Madam Jin only watched expectantly, and when he made no further move to reveal himself, Jiang Cheng growled and reached forward to force the Beta's ropes open himself. 

"What are you doing!?" Jin Zixun screeched, trying to fight against the grip the sect leader had on the front of his ropes, though Jiang Cheng did not dignify him with a response as he tore the front of his ropes open. 

Revealing the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes curse that was still marring his body! 

The disciples' voices then began to cry out in shock at the sight of the winged-lion. 

"It's still there!" 

"But the curse is supposed to go away once the caster is killed!" 

"Wei Wuxian wasn't the one to do it!" 

Jin Zixun quickly covered himself, disgusted at the sight of himself, though Jiang Cheng roared as he took hold of the collar of the man's robes. "You thought Wei Wuxian was the one to do this!? And instead of acting rationally and coming to someone for help, you went off to kill him with no proof in hand, that he was the caster!?" 

Jin Zixun, now humiliated, quickly tried to regain face as he defended himself against the beratement of the Jiang sect leader. "It doesn't matter if he is that caster or not! Wei Wuxian was still a monster; he deserved his fate for his arrogant actions in the past!" 

Suddenly, Jin Zixun was taken out of Jiang Cheng's grip by Madam Jin, the woman holding her nephew by the back of his neck with a glare that could make the dead crawl back into their graves in fear. "You fool! You acted insolently, and you dare still have the nerve to speak so frivolously!? You brought your fate upon yourself!"  

All of the disciples and Jin Zixun fell silent in shame, unable to meet the Madam of Lanling's gaze without quivering in fear. Though at the top of the stairs, the muffled sobs of Jiang Yanli could be heard amongst the silence. 

Immediately, forgoing punishing her nephew for the time being, Madam Jin hurried up the stairs to her daughter-in-law, joining her son in comforting her while Jiang Cheng hesitated between his options of comforting his sister, or taking the punishments of the disciples and Jin Zixun into his own hands. 

Though amongst the aggrieved silence, two men in pristine white robes, whose belts were embroidered with rolling clouds, a jade pendant hanging from their belts, swords in their hilts at their sides, and white forehead ribbons with the Lan clan of Gusu's cloud motif sewn into them stepped outside of Pageantry Hall. Having heard the shouts of the argument with their sensitive hearing. 

The Twin Jades of Gusu had entered the scene, and everyone froze for a moment at the sympathetic gaze of Zewu-jun, and the apathetic expressionless glare of Hanguang-jun "Madam Jin, is everything all right? I'm afraid I do not believe today to be a day for one to cry." Lan Xichen questioned, the sect leader of the Lan clan taking a moment to look around at the poor state of the disciples and Jin Zixun. 

"Ah, sect leader Lan, please forgive us, you see there has been... a grave misfortune." Madam Jin tried to word the pathetic situation with as much grace as possible, while also trying not to reveal the reason behind the state of everyone else present. 

"A grave misfortune? If I may, is there a way I can be of assistance to this?" Lan Xichen asked, a kind gesture in thought, though in retrospect, it was useless now. 

Unless the great Zewu-jun could raise the dead. 

Or better yet, calm the storm of the rage of Jiang Cheng and Madam Jin both. 

Jin Zixun then regained his confidence and spoke up once again. "There is no need for sect leader to trouble himself, the problem has been eradicated."  

"Have you no shame!? At least hold some respect for the dead! Be silent in your boasting when you truly have nothing to boast about!" Jin Zixuan snapped, while Jin Zixun sneered in silent humiliation, expecting some of the disciples to join in after him, though they had all been scared into silence by the zapping of Zidian and the fury of Madam Jin. 

"The dead? What has happened?" Lan Xichen questioned once again, this time true worry crossed over his features as he looked back over to Madam Jin and Jiang Yanli, the Omega still cradling her baby while fruitlessly trying to keep hold of the gift that was slipping through her fingers. 

Madam Jin carefully took the box from her daughter-in-law, making sure to hold it up enough to let the tiger see it if need be. Once again, Madam Jin did her best to explain the situation with the grace of her position. "At Qiongqi Path... There was a fight with Wei Wuxian and the Ghost General that resulted in... an unfortunate casualty."  

"Casualty? Only one?" Lan Wangji suddenly spoke up, startling a few with the suddenness of the question. 

Though Jin Zixun foolishly saw this as his opportunity to regain some face. "No! The Ghost General killed some of our own! One life is not worth the multiple that was lost on our side!" 

Jiang Cheng suddenly raised Zidian into the air and brought the dazzling whip down onto the steps of Golden Carp Tower, the crack resonating in the deathly silence that followed, allowing his voice to be the only one heard. "Those lives were lost not because of Wei Wuxian! But because they foolishly followed you, the biggest fool of them all, into a fight that they had no business being a part of! And into a fight that you had no righteous reason to start!" 

Jin Zixun scowled at the sect leader, though not thoughtless enough to continue speaking, in fear of Zidian coming down upon him the next time Jiang Cheng chose to raise it. 

"What was the one life lost then?" Lan Xichen questioned, stepping forward to the edge of the top of the stairs. 

Only then did the disciples regain their courage and all spoke at once, no longer afraid of Madam Jin's or sect leader Jiang's fury with the clam protector of Zewu-jun so close by.  

"Wei Wuxian!" 

"Yes, it was Wei Wuxian!" 

"The Ghost General killed him!" 

"He had that monster fight us! And then he died by his own weapon!" 

"Silent, all of you!" Jin Zixuan bellowed. 

Though as the silence fell once again, Lan Xichen exhaled heavily as he worriedly turned over his shoulder to meet his younger brother's gaze. But as he took stock of Lan Wangji, most would see nothing more than his regular stoic and apathetic expression. 

Lan Xichen saw the flurry of emotions that flashed in his younger brother's eyes. 

And how heartbreaking they were at that. 

Rage. Of course, that was the first and most noticeable thing Lan Xichen could see, but there was also loss, grief, and mourning. No one else could see it in his eyes the same way the eldest Twin Jade could, but if they were well attuned to Lan Wangji, they could see it in the way his tail quivered at its end and the way the lines between his brother's eyebrows furrowed deeply. 

And finally, pain. Nothing but that. If they would only look closely, they too could see it. In the way the dull claws of the younger dragon dug into his palms and the way his chest constricted, a way to force himself to continue breathing, despite Lan Wangji no longer feeling the need to. 

Some said that to have a dragon love you; was a curse in itself, but to have a Lan dragon love you. Was a death sentence in every right of the term. Not only for the lover but for the dragon themself.

Because once that love was gone, a Lan would never love again, and in some cases, never again see the joy or fecundity of living. 

Lan Xichen of course knew of his younger brother's desire to take 'someone' away to Gusu, to hide them away and keep them safe. Lan Wangji had told Lan Xichen himself, and it was simple for his elder brother to know who he had been referring to that day at the conference. 

In this exact spot, nonetheless. 

Uncomfortable at the aggrieved silence, Jin Zixuan turned to face Lan Xichen, bowing his head in respect, a silent apology for his sorry appearance, though the younger Alpha saw it best to explain the full situation and leave no room for errors of occurrence. "Yes, sect leader Lan, Wei Wuxian was slain at Qiongqi path by the Ghost General, Wen Ning, though it is not what you may think." 

Lan Xichen did not speak, still worriedly watching his brother, though he held enough respect for Jin Zixuan to face him and nod respectfully for the winged-lion to explain further. 

"When I arrived, Zixun had started the fight with Wei Wuxian by firing an arrow at him, Wen Ning was fighting the disciples, and Wei Wuxian and Zixun were battling. Though Wei Wuxian truly did no harm himself, he had lunged at and clawed Zixun to retrieve the gift he crafted for Jin Ling. But... He saw something I had not and rushed towards me and threw me out of the way when the Ghost General approached when I was distracted. He suffered the blow that killed him in my stead. He saved my life." 

At the explanation, Lan Xichen continued his silence, once again looking over his shoulder to Lan Wangji, who still stood silent and tense as a jade statue. But the air of fury around his younger brother was impossible for Lan Xichen to miss. 

Though in the name of respectability, Lan Xichen knew he needed to have every single detail of this situation, seeing as there were two very different opinions on this story. "And the Ghost General killed the multiple lives lost at Qiongqi Path as well?" 

Jin Zixuan merely shook his head as he spoke. "No, they were lost at the entrance to the Burial Mounds, Jin Zixun, the few disciples that were left unharmed, and I had gone after Wen Ning to make sure for ourselves that Wei Wuxian was surely dead, but we were met with a resistance of a horde of fierce corpses that seemed almost completely out of control, and we were forced to flee before any more lives were lost to the monsters." 

Out of pure idiocy, Jin Zixun dared to climb the rest of the stairs past a growling Jiang Cheng to speak once again. "But they were Wei Wuxian's fierce corpses! So, he holds that blood on his hands, and the disciples and I had given him an ultimatum to avoid a fight! He only provoked it further!" 

Jiang Cheng whirled around in fury, Zidian crackling brightly from his rage. "What ultimatum!? One that he could not uphold because he was not the caster of the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes! You went out there to kill! No other reason!"  

Lan Xichen's brow furrowed at this, he was not one to condone thoughtless violence, especially when that violence could result in his brother's despair. But with that, he no longer had to look behind him to see his brother's expression. 

Lan Wangji had moved forward faster than anyone else present could see, molten gold irises glowed a dark and threatening blue hue as he gripped the impudent Jin Zixun by the collar of his robes, beating Jiang Cheng to the grab. 

The air around them was practically frozen from the icy fury of Lan Wangji, no words were spoken, but Jin Zixun could feel his throat drying out as he was forced to stare into the molten gold pools of rage. 

Lan Wangji only spoke one word before, with only a flick of his wrist, sending Jin Zixun tumbling down the stairs of Koi Tower, only barely caught by the startled and skittish Jin disciples. "Incompetent fools." 

With that, Lan Wangji turned on his heels and came forward to Jiang Yanli, the poor woman still weeping softly as the recollection of her brother's fate was retold thoughtlessly around her, he bowed to her and held his gaze with hers for a moment, an apology of her loss spoken without words. 

And with only a spare glance at Madam Jin and Jin Zixuan, both of whom were still startled and bemused by the sudden impulsive actions of Hanguang-jun, he left without a single word. 

No one spoke for a few minutes, the disciples and Jin Zixun still frozen in slight fear that the impenetrable dragon would return to punish Jin Zixun further and begin their punishment for their foolish actions.  

"All of you. Clean yourselves, you're all disgusting. A-Li and I will go freshen up. Sect leader Jiang, and sect leader Lan, please give the guests our apologies for our absences. I expect none of you to speak of this until after Jin Ling's banquet is over." Madam Jin ordered once her voice was found again, gently taking Jin Ling from Jiang Yanli as the woman clutched the eloquent wooden box to her chest, doing her best to wipe away her tears. 

Jin Zixun and the disciples all quickly bowed to Madam Jin before making themselves scarce and scurrying away hurriedly to clean themselves up and prepare their appearances for the banquet that was still in action. 

Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen only nodded respectfully before Madam Jin handed Jiang Cheng her grandson as the two headed back inside to Pageantry Hall to follow out Madam Jin's order. 

"Let us go inside now, A-Li... It will be all right, I promise." Madam Jin reassured as she stroked her head comfortingly, leading her away to her chambers to help her freshen up. 

Though Jiang Yanli could not speak as she gazed down at the gift for her son, the one handcrafted by her beloved younger brother, the little boy she had a hand in raising, the man who had surprised her on her wedding day by introducing her to his own son, and the man she would now never get to see again. 

What a terrible story to hear on what was supposed to be a joyous day.

Chapter Text

He hadn't waited a moment; he didn't have a moment to wait. 

The second he stormed off; he took off on Bichen into the skies towards the Burial Mounds without even so much as a word to his brother or the disciples of their sect that had traveled to Lanling with them for the joyous occasion. 

He felt no need to celebrate at a time like this. 

He'd apologize for his impolite behavior later once he returned with his Wei Ying, this time, he wouldn't walk away, and he wouldn't give the fox spirit the choice of coming with him.  

Of course, he'd be bringing A-Yuan, that was without a doubt. It was clear that no matter what Wei Ying said the last time, he saw A-Yuan as his. And Lan Wangji could see the joy the child brought to him, not to mention, even in the case it could be his own eyes playing tricks on him; A-Yuan looked a great deal like Wei Ying. 

And Lan Wangji was a meticulous planner, he knew exactly what to say and to do this time around, he would not leave the Burial Mounds without Wei Ying and A-Yuan. 

Regardless, it was clear it was no longer safe to keep his offer of taking him to Gusu as an option. 

But then a terrible thought occurred to him. 

What if he was already too late? 

During his eavesdropping, undignified as it may be. Before Lan Xichen had seen him lurking near the entrance of Golden Carp Tower and had asked him if everything was all right, to which Lan Wangji had to quickly conceal his impolite behavior as a mere accident of occurrence of hearing a worrying situation. 

Thankfully, Lan Xichen did not question him, merely writing off his behavior as his anti-socialness taking hold and disarming him from being able to approach the family calmly and without trepidation and offer his help, and instead chose to accompany him so he too could help the situation. 

But all that he had heard from his undignified behavior and from Jin Zixun's mouth itself was enough to make his stomach twist and churn in a terrible brew of poisonous thoughts that he refused to believe. Despite the logic each one held. 

Jin Zixun had made it very clear that Wei Wuxian was dead, if it had not been for Jin Zixuan, Madam Jin, and Jiang Cheng, he clearly would have been running into Pageantry Hall, declaring the 'good' news for all to hear as though it was a thing to celebrate. 

How Lan Wangji wanted nothing more than to tear that disgusting grin off his wretched face, but he restrained himself, just as a Lan should, and for the sake of his future sister-in-law. 

He and Jiang Cheng already were on... less than comfortable terms with each other. But he still had a chance of pleasing his future mate's older sister. 

Whom of which he had learned through his patience, was the only sibling he truly did need to impress if at all to truly win Wei Ying's favor. A task that would prove to be far less difficult than actually getting Wei Ying himself. 

But throughout that sickening conversation, where Lan Wangji questioned his own self-restraint for the first time in his life, the Jin disciples, and Jin Zixun cried over and over that Wen Ning had killed Wei Wuxian, that he was surely dead. As though that statement would save them from the wrath of Madam Jin and Jiang Cheng. 

When it in fact only sealed their doom. 

His wrath was unlike theirs, his was silent. Like the rolling clouds of a hurricane. At times, if you were smart, you could see it coming, pray for your life, and do whatever it took to shelter from such an impending storm. 

But regarding imbecilic, boisterous, impudent rats like Jin Zixun, just retribution came at its own time and collected its well-just price no matter the cost. 

Though regardless of his silent impending plans of retribution, Lan Wangji felt sick at the notion that their insistent cries were correct, that Wei Wuxian was truly slain, and that he was too late. 

But the louder part of his mind, the hopeful—Delusional—part of himself determined it was wrong. It had to be. During the Sunshot  Campaign, Wei Wuxian had been missing, and declared dead for over three months, only to return to win them the war. 

Albeit he returned in a terrible state of cultivation and as a person Lan Wangji almost didn't recognize. But no matter, it was nothing his love could not fix, there was no fruit without labor. 

His Wei Ying, his strong and dependable, self-sacrificial, golden-hearted, naïve, and perfect Wei Ying.

He was strong, he was someone Lan Wangji knew he would have to actually push himself to win in a fight against, he was the smart-witted man that had sent his younger self reeling after only an afternoon with him. 

Ah, his poor unfortunate 15-year-old self was so foolish, he should have known to keep his future mate close by, he should have kept him in Gusu the second he saw him, he should have protected him. 

He would do better this time, mistakes like this would never be made again. 

Though terrible, ugly, disgusting, and morbidly correct thoughts began to cloud his mind, shoving against his restraint to force himself to believe the reality of the situation, to wake up from his delusions. 

And try as he might, Lan Wangji could not stop the thoughts from flooding in. 

He could see it clearly, morbidly clearly. Wen Ning, carrying an unconscious—Dead—Wei Ying back into the Burial Mounds, bringing him back to the Wens, who all crowded around to see the spectacle. Some crying out in fear at the sight of the young man, their savior, dead and mangled by the very fierce corpse—The Monster—who carried him. 

Others were silent, respectable in their grief, others felt nothing at the sight. And then there was a scream. A child's mortifying and heartbreaking cry of 'Mommy', and Wen Qing and A-Yuan's descent from the mountain. Wen Qing being quick to take the damaged—Destroyed—Omega from her dead younger brother. 

Only this time, there was no one there to revive the dead for her.  

He could hear it through his sensitive dragon hearing, as though it was right in front of him. As though the clouds he passed through were her very screams. He could hear her cries, her pleas of rage for the Omega to open his eyes, to stop playing his foolish games, and awaken. 

Only Wei Ying would not wake. He was too hurt—Mangled—to do so. 

Then, A-Yuan would cry, he would beg and cry, just as any child would when seeing their mother unconscious and physically wounded—Lamented—unable to answer him and reassure him that he would be all right. He would be unable to give that poor little fox spirit his wide and reassuring grin. 

The very one that used to make Lan Wangji have to dive into the Cold Springs to collect his thoughts and drive away the urges of his younger self, the very smile that damn near drove him mad. 

He was foolish in his youth, unable to identify what he was feeling, and too prideful to go to someone else to admit such feelings and ask for an explanation for them. 

Wei Ying would not be able to comfort him, A-Yuan would cry, and someone would have to take the child away. Perhaps that old woman he saw the day he went to Yiling so many months ago? Perhaps Wei Ying would hear the toddler crying, he would try to reach out—The Dead Cannot Reach Out—he'd try to comfort him, even in his state. 

Wen Qing would take him away, back into that disgusting cave with a pool of blood in its middle, she would lay him out in whatever makeshift bed she could create for him, and she would—What would she do? 

How was Wei Ying injured? 

How would he be treated? 

Did Wen Qing even have the instruments, the medicine, the supplies, and even the time to heal him? None of the remnants of the Wens were strong cultivators, not from what he had seen, so none would be able to channel spiritual energy to save Wei Ying. 

Should he have acted more rationally? Should he have grabbed supplies before leaving so suddenly? 

He had only heard he had been killed... 

No one told him how he was killed. Was it by a sword? No, the Ghost General has never wielded a sword. Was it by a rock of some kind? Was he crushed? No, any death that had Wen Ning involved was bloody, and hardly ever deemed merciful or respectable. 

So... Was he beaten to death? Would Wen Ning even realize he was killing the very man that had risked everything to save him and his family? Was he pierced through? Did the fierce corpse even know it was with his own hands that his master was slain? 

Lan Wangji forced his thoughts to silence, he felt sick at every vivid, graphic, morbid, and bloody image that forced its way into his thoughts, he wouldn't think like that. He would keep an open mind. 

Jin Zixuan had said Wen Ning ran away before they could reach Wei Ying,  

So, perhaps the fierce corpse had snapped out of whatever berserk state he had gone into and realized what was happening before it was too late, there was a chance Wei Ying wasn't dead at all! He only appeared that way because he was injured! 

Still, an unfortunate circumstance that Lan Wangji didn't like. But he preferred his Wei Ying only injured rather than dead. 

But then, insistent and morbid thoughts came to him again, he didn't want to let them in. He didn't want to think like this. He wanted to remain hopeful—Delirious—but they struggled their way in until Lan Wangji could see every single one before his very eyes. 

As though they were real. 

The heavens be his witness; he would do anything to make sure they were not real. 

Wei Ying, pale, his natural sun-blessed skin losing its color, his face becoming ashen, his hands cold as his lips turned blue, his eyes forever closed. A deep hole dug within the earth; wilted flowers thrown in at the very bottom with a sorely built casket lowered overtop of them before dirt filled in the grave. 

Would they even bury him with the proper burial rites? Did they even care about him enough to burn the proper incense? Would they burn joss paper for him? Would they even bury him to begin with? 

Then another thought came to him, one just as terrible as the last. 

Ashes, encased in a simple and plain vase held by a weeping person... A child, A-Yuan, Wei Ying's child, their child. The ashes being scattered around the dark forests of the Burial Mounds, just another soul added to the millions of corpses that lurked beneath the grounds of the Burial Mounds. 

Would they even hold a funeral? Did the Wens even care about Wei Ying enough to cremate him? Was he only a tool for them? Someone generous enough to help them, but someone they could not bring themselves to care for. 

These thoughts continued, they boiled something deep within himself, awakening a part of himself that he had always been taught to suppress, to rise over in the righteousness of his cultivation. To be more than the horrors of the ancient dragons. 

The ones who decimated lands for game, the ones whose greed was unsatisfiable, and the ones who held no bounds on their own whims, merciless in practice. Only finally united and controlled by the Lan clan founder, Lan An.  

Though it was known, if only in the Lan clan at the least, that anyone descended from the ancient bloodline of the Lan clan. A descendant of Lan An, and therefore a descendant of the merciless ancient heavenly dragons, had the strongest instincts of any dragon bloodline in the clan. 

This was why Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen had always been raised so strictly, it was necessary. If not, the heavens only know what kind of havoc could have taken place, especially during the war. There was a reason why the dragons were hesitant to join in the war, why they waited only until there was no other choice. 

But now, those instincts were fighting back for the first time since he was a child. Though in truth, he couldn't say this was the first time. Since the end of the Sunshot campaign, ever since he first saw Wei Ying again since they were trapped in the Xuanwu of Slaughter's cave. They had become far more present. 

Especially whenever Wei Ying entered his thoughts. 

Thoughts of taking Wei Ying to Gusu, hiding him away where he would be safe—Where no one else but he could reach him—selfish thoughts he did his best to suppress and ignore, but that was not what he wanted, at least not exactly.  

He knew that Wei Ying would not want that, he would come to resent him if he did such a thing, and the very idea was painful enough to silence his instincts. But that did not stop the insistence of his heart to protect him, to convince him to come with Lan Wangji out of his own free will. 

Upon the sting in his eyes, Lan Wangji finally left his mind, and whether he noted the misting of his eyes as a consequence of the wind and most likely not blinking regularly as he was lost in thought; or as the consequence of his own painful thoughts. He did not note down. 

As the cultivator looked to the ground to check where he was, he saw that he was approaching Yiling. How long had he been lost in his mind? No matter, he descended upon the ground, coming directly to the entrance to the Burial Mound as he sheathed Bichen in the sheath at his hip. 

Where just as they had said, a horde of fierce corpses lurked and growled lowly. 

It was a warning, a threat of retribution if those foolish enough to dare try their luck even came close to the entrance. But Lan Wangji saw the difference in the behavior of these fierce corpses and the way they had acted when Wei Ying had first brought him to the Burial Mounds. 

They were rabid. A far cry from how they acted when Wei Ying was in control.  

When Wei Ying was in control, they were docile, unless thoroughly provoked and sensed the threat of a dangerous intruder. Now, they growled at any sound, snarling at each other and limply dragging their rotting limbs around. 

The dragon did not like the sign of this. 

So, without further apprehension, he unsheathed Bichen and in one flail swoop, cut down the impending forces of the fierce corpses before they could even sense the righteous Hanguang-jun approaching! 

Though just as the ones at the front were cut down. Another horde appeared out of nowhere! 

These fierce corpses were not as rotten, and they moved much faster than the ones Lan Wangji had just slain! Two all at once lunged for him from the treetops, only to be cut down with a single slice of the dragon's sword. 

But more continued to come! 

Just as Lan Wangji prepared to raise his sword once again, unafraid to slay every single corpse that came his way. A long, ear-piercing, inhuman roar erupted from the dark forests. Shaking the trees as ravens cried from overhead. 

But the fierce corpses stopped all at once!  

Immediately, the corpses all seemed to become docile, or at the very least unwilling to move further as the creature who made such a sound ran at inhuman speeds toward the Lan dragon. Though the cultivator only raised his sword in preparation. 

Only, it was not an inhuman creature to approach, it was Wen Ning! 

Wen Ning came to a stop just in front of Lan Wangji, his eyes rolling to the back of his head as he growled further at the rest of the fierce corpses, all of whom scurried away in a murmur of groans. Wen Ning's irises and pupils then returned as he stepped forward to greet the dragon. "Ah... Lan-gongzi, I-." 

Though before the man could even finish what he was going to say, Lan Wangji charged forward and kicked him into the tree line! Wen Ning's body crashed into the trees, toppling down two as the cultivator stomped forward. An air of icy fury surrounded him as he made the move to raise Bichen. 

A voice suddenly broke through the hostile atmosphere, both men turning their heads in the direction of the frantic voice. "Stop! Please!" 

Wen Qing had come sprinting down the mountain after her brother! 

The woman quickly ran in front of her brother, stretching out her arms as her wilted and thin feathers along her arms spread out as well in a feeble attempt to shield Wen Ning. "Jiejie!" Wen Ning cried, pushing himself out of the remains of the trees and feebly reaching upward to pull his sister back. 

Ignoring her brother, Wen Ning declared this. "It wasn't Wen Ning who killed those Jin cultivators! It was the other fierce corpses! We can't control them! So don't come after us! Just leave! We don't have any fight with you!" 

Though Lan Wangji almost wanted to yell at the declaration, the moment he had arrived he had been prepared to be met with some resistance, perhaps by Wei Ying himself, if not by the Wens if they so dared. 

But this!? Pretending to not even know why he was there in the first place!?  

"I am not here for that." Lan Wangji stated coolly, forcing himself to keep the same composed levelness he always had in his voice.  

If the Wens truly cared so little for Wei Ying, then it would be no trouble to take him, and possibly strike a deal with them to allow him to take A-Yuan as well.  

Though the dragon did not miss the way the other Alpha's pupils shrank slightly, only for her to compose herself not even a second after, looking down as she straightened out her robes, stained by her labors in the Burial Mounds. Before folding her hands in front of her and meeting Lan Wangji's expressionless gaze with one of her own. 

Wen Qing held her head high, her chin raised with the same grace she always had about herself and everything she did. She spoke clearly and without trepidation, giving away not a single beat of her heart that was out of place. "Then I do not understand why you are here. If there is nothing else, Hanguang-jun, I ask that you please leave. Now is not the best time. I'm sure if you choose to, the next time you return, it will be far more pleasant."  

Lan Wangji almost wanted to be impressed by this. Almost.  

But in his eyes, this was still a blatant lie, no matter how courageous he could admit the woman in front of him to be. And to make matters worse, it was a lie about the man whose side he had been racing to get to since this morning. 

"Mn." Was the only response he gave before he sheathed Bichen and began his trek up the hill, ignoring the startled cry of Wen Qing and Wen Ning down below, both hurried to get in front of him, though neither dared to blatantly block his path. 

Wen Ning once again tried to speak, keeping his distance as he and Wen Qing, both purposefully walked as slowly as possible up the hill, Wen Ning was a few feet from Lan Wangji's side, while Wen Qing fearlessly walked in front of him. "Lan-gongzi, please... now really isn't-."  

Though once again, Lan Wangji did not allow him to finish as molten gold irises suddenly snapped in Wen Ning's direction, pupils the size of slits, and a dark threatening blue hue illuminated the rage in the dragon's eyes. 

A silent warning that no further talk would be necessary or tolerated. 

But always the fearless one out of the two siblings, Wen Qing sucked in a deep breath and whirled around to face Lan Wangji, once again blocking his path, only this time it would be loud and clear. "Hanguang-jun! You are not permitted to venture any farther! I will ask you only once again to leave!"  

Wen Ning openly gaped at his sister's fearlessness, something he never could have the heart to muster. Both in life and even now in his death. 

Though Lan Wangji did not hold the same admiration for Wen Qing's fearlessness. "And I will tell you only once, move aside." The order was clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding or error.  

Even still, Wen Qing did not move. Instead, she straightened her back and puffed out her feathers as much as she could. It did not matter if she could not win a fight against the cultivator, or even if she was nowhere near his size. 

No one would get her to move! 

Wen Qing spoke unwaveringly, a stern and elegant glare shaping her gaze as she spoke through the confidence of someone who had at least ten times more power than herself. "Do the rules of the Lan clan not dictate one should be polite and respectful to their host? I asked you to leave, so I expect you to do so." 

While Lan Wangji's expression did not change, the subtlest traces of his right eye twitching along with the muscles around his mouth could be seen, but only if you looked closely. And unfortunately, Wen Ning and Wen Qing had never been taught how to look closely at the second Twin Jades subtlest of changes. 

Though, Lan Wangji had said he would only say it once. And he was anything if not a man of his word. 

So, he did not even hesitate a moment as he began to sprint up the mountain! Bypassing both Wen Ning and Wen Qing swiftly, leaving both siblings stunned by the boldness of the action. Though the surprise did not last long. 

Within mere seconds, Wen Ning had gained an advantage and jumped down from the treetops! Spreading out his arms, he made himself into a human blockade, and though his face could sorely show it, the signs of regret and grief were still very clear, even as he spoke. 

"Gongzi! Please, just leave! We do not want to fight!"  

But despite his plea, Lan Wangji ignored him and made a move to jump over the fierce corpse. Only for Wen Ning to grab his ankle mid-air and hurl him back down the hill! Bichen was immediately unsheathed as the dragon used his sword to stop his dissent. 

Though as he stood, there was no longer a subtle shift in the atmosphere around him, his rage was clear as day. Even still, Wen Qing parried his efforts and blocked his path once again. 

"Jiejie!" Wen Ning hoarsely cried, hurrying back down the hill to protect his sister. 

Though her voice was no longer controlled and level, instead revealing the panic she felt. Wen Qing practically screamed her demand. "Lan Wangji! Please, we beg you to leave! Wei Wuxian is not a threat to you or anyone else anymore! So please, have some mercy and just leave him to die in peace!" 

Finally, the icy veil of rage left Lan Wangji and he paused. Stopping only far enough to be at least a foot away from the doctor. But the silence was no better, it was deafening, it was suffocating. And no one knew what to do. 

But Wen Qing had always been brave, and she would continue to be as such, especially when her family needed her. "Please... I don't know what those Jin disciples told you, but Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian only hurt them at Qiongqi Path because they were attacked. But since then, none of us has raised a hand toward anyone! Those disciples were killed because they came here and tried to fight the corpses at the bottom of the mountain, and we can't control them." 

Wen Qing paused in her speech, squeezing her fists tightly to force herself to inhale heavily through her fatigue, and when neither man either behind nor in front of her went to speak, she forced herself. "I know you likely came here to make Wei Wuxian pay for whatever crimes they have accused him. But there is no need now... So please, if you can just leave, and at least allow us to care for him. You can return to Lanling and declare Wei Wuxian dead, that their fears can finally be laid to rest." 

Lan Wangji only stared in horror-stricken bemusement at the explanation, that was all he could do. He wouldn't believe it, not without seeing it with his own eyes, had he truly been too late? "...I am not here to deliver punishment or take him back to face such... I want to see him. Please." 

At this, both Wen Ning and Wen Qing looked up in shock, and complete disbelief, and the resolve of the doctor could last no longer. "See him!? Can you not believe my words!? I know we are as worthless as dogs to the rest of the cultivation world, but can you not believe us just this once!? And allow us and Wei Wuxian the dignity to be laid to rest in peace!?" Wen Qing screamed as she spread her arms out further; Wen Ning hurried forward and pulled her back, doing his best to shield his rageful sister, despite her vehement protests. 

Though Lan Wangji did not agitate the situation further, he allowed the woman to growl and scream at him. Between the demands for him to leave, and for him to show some mercy, he heard it all. So, he waited patiently for her voice to go hoarse as her throat could no longer handle the abuse. 

"I do not seek to cause harm, nor inflict any disrespect... Please, I truly only want to see him. There is nothing more, and then I will leave." Lan Wangji swore calmly, purposefully leaving out the point that when he would leave Wei Ying would still be coming with him, no matter the state he was in, and still both Wen siblings stared at him in slight disbelief. 

Though all turned their focus away from each other when a shrill and horrified cry echoed throughout the dense and dark forest, coming from the Demon-Quelling Cave. With a sudden realization, Wen Ning hoarsely shouted in worry. "A-Yuan!" 

This time, no longer on opposing sides, both Alphas and Wen Ning raced up the hill. No longer trying to stop one another, instead racing to the cave where Granny Wen was already feebly trying to hobble into the entrance as fast as she could. 

"Granny! What happened!?" Wen Qing shouted, coming to the elderly woman's side as her wrinkled and tear-stained face came to meet Wen Qing's worried expression. 

"Ah... A-Yuan, he begged me to let him see Wei Ying... But I didn't have the heart to tell him. I didn't see that he had snuck away until I heard him cry." Granny Wen cried softly, trying her best to wipe her face in the presence of company, though Lan Wangji only bowed his head respectfully to her before heading into the cave himself. 

No longer waiting for either Wen Ning or Wen Qing.

It was as dark as he remembered, halfway finished talismans were strewn across the floor, and the heavy stench of the blood pool almost masked the light and milky scent of a child who had yet to learn how to control his own scent. But Lan Wangji identified it instantaneously. 

And he could only purse his lips as that normally light and childlike scent was diluted and tainted with the unmistakable sourness of hurt. Of the pain of fear and grief. 

It was something Lan Wangji knew personally. 

"A-Yuan." Lan Wangji called gently into the dark corner where the scent was strongest, along with the dull scent markings left behind by the cot on the floor and old robes that had once belonged to Wei Wuxian that were left on top of it, no doubt meant to be a makeshift nest of sorts, and now the very nest the child was hiding under as he sniffled and cried. 

Fearfully, as though it would be a trick, Wen Yuan called back to him. "...Rich-gege?" Three small tails slowly emerged from under the makeshift nest. Clearly having uncurled out of instinct and without the toddler's knowledge, but at least the dragon knew where to kneel in front of. 

"Yes, A-yuan it's me, please come out." Lan Wangji ordered, gently taking the few robes into his hand and pulling them up to reveal the toddler curled up deep within the thin nest. No doubt having run to the safest place any child knew of: Their mother's nest. 

Wen Yuan only cried harder when he saw him, instantly reaching out for the dragon. Who once had no clue how to console a crying child, though now knew how to respond. He took Wen Yuan into his arms and held him protectively to his chest as the boy sobbed into his robes. 

"...Mama! Please... help Mama!" Wen Yuan begged, clutching onto the man desperately as his tiny hand waved into the deeper part of the cave, and Lan Wangji almost feared walking any further inside. 

But in the end, he could not deny Wen Yuan, nor could he deny his own heart pounding against his chest, urging him forward. So, he set Wen Yuan back into the nest, no doubt in his mind that the child had likely seen the state Wei Wuxian was in now. 

Even so, that did not mean he needed to see it again. 

"Stay here for me, I will help Mama." Lan Wangji ordered; Wen Yuan nodded obediently and curled himself back into the nest. 

As he walked further into the cave, dimly lit lanterns, ones he had not noticed before, lighted his way. Only to reveal to him the bloody straw-made bed Wei Wuxian laid upon. 

It felt almost surreal. Perhaps it was his own denial, but what he saw could not be real. Or at the very least, he prayed it was not. 

Wei Ying, his Wei Ying. He lay unconscious on the blood-dried straw bed. His outer robes and the upper part of his inner robes shed; both laid out like a bloody halo around him. But upon inspection, there was only one wound. Albeit a deep and gory wound at that, but it was only one. 

He was pierced through, right through the left side of his ribcage, but from what Lan Wangji could tell, despite the blood-stained bandages that covered the abrasion, it had missed his lungs. If not only piercing them just enough to cause a puncture, and his ribs were obviously shattered on his left side, but there was nothing else. 

It was far less than even one of Lan Wangji's tamest fears. 

And even still, every terrible fantasy that had plagued his mind on his way, held no proportion to the guilt and pain he felt as he kneeled at the Omega's side. 

Just as he had feared, his skin was ashen. The natural sun-blessed glow of his Wei Ying's skin was gone. His lips were pale, nearing blue. And Lan Wangji did not have to touch him to feel the scorching heat of his fever at his head and neck, and the slow chill of death that was slowly seeping into every crevasse of his beloved, drawing into his very bones and preparing to take the fox spirit away to a place Lan Wangji could not follow. 

But he was not dead, at the very least, not yet. 

Then suddenly a point to his inspection became apparent to him.  

Wei Ying should have healed from this. Albeit it would have been slow, painful, and a terrible process altogether. He still would have healed. He should have begun to heal. His golden core should have instantaneously begun to heal him the moment the wound appeared. 

He had watched many situations, all of which he would have much rather prevented at the time. Wei Ying attain an injury such as this. While perhaps not to this level of extreme, it was all the same. He should have begun to heal, not only from his golden core, but as a Huli Jing himself.  

They were notorious for their exemplary healing abilities, not only as omens of fertility but as the natural ability of every Huli Jing to withstand injuries of grave proportion and survive. Lan Wangji had even once compared their abilities to that of dragons as equals. 

So, why was he not healing? 

Or at the very least, why did he look so close to being gone? 

Regulations and structure be damned, Lan Wangji grabbed Wei Wuxian's wrist and turned it over to reveal his pulse point. But as he began to push in as much spiritual energy as he possibly could all at once, he felt something... wrong. 

No. 

He felt something missing. 

"It won't work..." Wen Qing's voice suddenly cut through Lan Wangji's startled and confused state, though as the dragon whirled around to face her. Her head was bowed, and she only walked forward silently as she took her place next to him. 

Neither spoke as she began to untie the bandages around the Huli Jing's torso, revealing not only the ghastly wound but the harrowing scar under the solar-plexus bone in Wei Ying's chest. Lan Wangji did not speak, instead, he aided the doctor in changing Wei Wuxian's bandages with the very few she had. 

"Lan Wangji... do you understand what you've seen?" Wen Qing questioned gravely, still unable to meet the dragon's gaze. 

Lan Wangji only replied with a confused sound. "Mn." 

Almost cracking from her frustration, Wen Qing sighed heavily into her hands as she wiped away the mist from her eyes. Instead, righting her posture and holding her head as high as she could muster. Though still refusing to even look in the cultivator's direction. 

"He no longer has a golden core... because of this, he cannot harness any spiritual power, and the power he has naturally as a Huli Jing are weakened, because for them to ascend to their full power with nine-tails, it depends on their cultivation and golden core. And so, he cannot heal himself." 

Lan Wangji felt his throat constrict, he wanted to ask so many questions, but he did not want the answers from Wen Qing. He wanted them from Wei Ying himself, he did not want to hear the secondhand story of the fox spirit's pain. He wanted to know every detail, so he could do whatever it took to amend every wound that he had not been there to protect Wei Ying from. 

Though, he had too many questions that could not go unanswered. So, he only asked one. "How?" 

The question itself was not surprising, but Wen Qing still hesitated to answer. For she knew personally what Wei Wuxian's wish had been, that he had wished no one would ever learn the truth of his missing golden core. 

But something in the man's gaze, albeit the very little she could see, was familiar, and she understood the frustration he felt at being unable to save the one he loved so dearly. 

It was the same way she felt when she looked at Wen Ning and was reminded that she had been useless in saving her beloved little brother; and the same way she felt now as she realized she was useless in saving one of the closest friends she had ever come to have. 

And so, she saw no point in lying or denying the dragon the truth. "He gave it away."  

Instantaneously, Lan Wangji's head snapped at Wen Qing, who still refused to look directly at him, but she only continued to speak.  

"During the war, as you may know. Sect leader Jiang had been taken by Wen Chao, and he had ordered Wen Zhuliu to destroy his core. But when Wei Wuxian had come to save him, Wen Ning helped them hide until Jiang Cheng recovered enough for them to safely leave. But he had come to me and begged me to help him return sect leader Jiang's golden core. And I told him I only knew of one way to return a golden core, which was by taking away another's." 

Wen Qing paused in speech for a moment, looking over Wei Wuxian with a glare only an older sister could bore. Absolute frustration, but at the same time, sympathy and unresolving respect. 

"Did it hurt him?" Lan Wangji questioned calmly; despite the way it was taking everything within himself to keep himself composed. His hands were shaking as he gripped his robes tightly, he had no clue what he wanted to do, but he knew he had to restrain himself. 

Wen Qing answered in the only way she was able, gravely. "Yes. He had to stay awake for the entire procedure, about two days, due to anesthetics affecting his core and causing the procedure to be even more dangerous than it already was. It was successful, but... you can now see the consequences it bores." 

Lan Wangji truly did want to scream now. Not exactly at anyone, he just wanted to scream in anger, pain, frustration, adoration. He truly had no right to be as furious as he was, this was Wei Ying's decision, one made during a time of terrible sacrifices. 

But that still did not quell his disposition. 

"Does anyone know?" 

"No. He asked that A-Ning and I stay silent about this, that we were to never speak of this again." Wen Qing sighed, reaching forward to place her hand on Wei Wuxian's forehead. Wincing to herself when she felt that his fever was not getting any weaker, and he was still as cold as before. 

Lan Wangji had a final question to ask, though he found that to ask such a thing, he would have to admit something to himself. Something he dearly wanted to deny, but Wen Qing did not need him to voice his question to know what it was. 

And so, she answered it. 

"I told you this, because Wei Wuxian will not awaken to get angry about it. I told you because neither you nor I can heal him." 

He felt the color drain from his face as he squeezed Wei Ying's hand, a desperate attempt to trade his life for Wei Ying's. To give the fox spirit his warmth, to give him his strength, to give him absolutely anything to make him stay, to let him live. 

Wen Qing saw every moment, she felt her hands tremble as her throat constricted to keep her silent, and her eyes no longer could continue to be the barrier between her and her tears. But she still spoke with the grace and elegance of someone much stronger than herself. 

Because in defeat, there is strength. 

"He is going to die. And there is nothing either of us can do to stop that."

Chapter Text

No.

Absolutely not.

He wouldn't accept this. He couldn't accept this!

It didn't matter what had happened to Wei Ying, he would save him. He'd find some way to return his golden core. He'd fight the heavens themselves if it meant he could save the one he loved.

Lan Wangji was only barely able to hear his own breathing as he turned to face the doctor, her head bowed as she strained the muscles of her face to keep the sorrow and grief out of her expression.

"No." Was all Lan Wangji said. Wen Qing practically shouted in frustration as she snapped her head to meet the man's eyes.   

"There is nothing we can do now." Wen Qing tried to explain, though every second she stared the dragon in the eyes, it was as though she could feel ice crawling into her veins. Shuddering, she had to look away.

Lan Wangji stated confidently, "I will find a way."

"Hanguang-jun, he does not have a golden core, he is weak as it is. I have tried everything! I do not have the tools to save him, and we do not have the time to take him somewhere better! He would die on the way." Wen Qing shouted; her resolve gone as she stood. Marching away from the unconscious and feverish Huli Jing and the stubborn dragon.

Lan Wangji did not move. He stayed knelt at Wei Wuxian's side, merely reaching forward to press a cold hand against the man's forehead, grimacing at the temperature of his fever. So, with only himself around to bear witness, he began to hum.

Then a melodious voice filled the desolate and dark cave. The song would be unfamiliar and foreign to anyone outside who could've heard, the tune unrecognizable, and the harmony as whispered as the winds themselves.

To the dragon though, the song was a comfort. A consolation he had constructed himself in hopes of steadying his mind. Instead, it became his testament. A private declaration of his adoration and love that only Wei Ying would ever hear.

At least he so thought.

The small voice came from behind him, and the melodious song halted as the dragon turned to face the small fox spirit who clutched his mother's robes around him as though it were a shield. Waddling forward and dragging the clothes on the ground behind him. "Rich-gege...?"

"A-Yuan..." Lan Wangji did not have the words to speak to the boy. He did not have the words to console him, a child, who was losing a mother for a second time. Nor did he have the words to turn him away, to tell him that he should not bear witness to this.

So, he merely outstretched his hand and beckoned him closer. Wen Yuan stumbled forward, with each step he tried to hide further in what used to be Wei Wuxian's nest. Seemingly, terrified to see the state of the man who had taken him as his son, unable to understand what was happening. Aside from the fact that Wei Wuxian would not wake up, he seemed hurt.

Wen Yuan courteously took his seat next to Lan Wangji, immediately latching onto the man's tail that had been curled up around his knees. Only now held by the child's chubby fingers. Lan Wangji almost instinctively went to scold him, it was against the rules to touch a dragon's tail, horns, or scales without their explicit permission.

But he stilled his voice. Wen Yuan was a scared child, he was confused, and Wei Ying had told him that the toddler was prone to latching onto the legs or tails of anyone he liked and deemed to be safe. So, he would not speak of the rules that were broken.   

Besides, they were not in Gusu, and those three thousand rules did not matter as much here in Yiling.

But they should have been.

They should all be in Gusu, in Could Recesses. 

Where Wei Ying would have been safe.

"When will Mama be, okay?" Wen Yuan spoke quietly, courteous to his volume even at his young age. Though, Lan Wangji couldn't respond. He didn't know what to say, the hopeful— Delusional —part of himself wished to say he would wake up again. That he would be okay.

Truthfully, he didn't know. He didn't know if Wei Ying would ever awaken. If this would be the final state Wen Yuan saw his mother, and the final state Lan Wangji would see of his beloved. But how could he tell a child that? How was he supposed to explain the complexity of death, the complex situation this wholly was?

Finally, Lan Wangji found his voice and the right words to say. "I will do everything I can to make sure he will be."

That seemed to ease the toddler's worries a bit. The grip Wen Yuan had on the cultivator's tail loosened and he nodded. Wen Yuan then shuffled forward, dragging the robes with him as Lan Wangji almost went to stop him. Until the boy draped the clothes over the older Huli Jing and curled up at his side. The scent of blood either going by unnoticed or unconcerned to the toddler.

Lan Wangji didn't know if he should allow this. Would it be safe for A-Yuan to be so close to Wei Ying in his state? Would the fever spread to him as well? But upon continuously peering down at the boy, he relented. He surely didn't have the heart to pull him away regardless.

"Can you watch after him for me? I will go talk to Wen Qing. Call me if anything seems wrong." Lan Wangji ordered; Wen Yuan nodded quickly as he crawled up a bit more and laid himself at Wei Wuxian's right side, curling up underneath the large fluffy tails that lay sprawled out on the blood-stained straw mat.

The dragon stayed still for a moment, hesitant to actually leave. Standing from the ground, he made his way to the entrance of the cave where the hushed conversation between Wen Qing and Wen Ning took place.

"Jiejie... I don't-." Upon noticing the Alpha's presence, Wen Ning quickly silenced himself. Leaving the cave immediately as Wen Qing turned to face the man.

"I will take him with me to Gusu." Lan Wangji stated confidently, Wen Qing nearly screeching at the sudden comment.

Wen Qing, still at the very last threads of her rope of sanity, began to scold the dragon. Her feathers puffed out in irritation at the gal of the stubborn man before her. "Absolutely not! Did I not say that he would not survive travel!?"   

"He will survive with me." Lan Wangji argued, his passive expression unchanging aside from the subtlest twitch of his eye.

He was growing irritated at how insistent the vermillion avian chose to be with this. Could she truly not understand that the safest place for Wei Ying was with him?

"Hanguang-jun. It is not about how fast you can make it there; it is about how much his body can handle. He's already weakened without his core, not to mention what demonic cultivation does to him with how he is-."

Although unlike him, Lan Wangji interrupted at that. "What is it doing to him? Is it not only just affecting his temperament?"

Wen Qing looked away at his question. She saw no point in answering these questions, if there was nothing either of them could do to save Wei Wuxian, why did Lan Wangji have to be so insistent? Could he not just leave well enough alone and let her and her family grieve the man that had become like another little brother to her in peace?

Why did they have to answer to him?

Or to anyone for that matter?

The cultivation world had thrown them out and shunned them. The only one to care whether they lived or died had been Wei Wuxian. He had risked his life for them, he gave up his reputation and the safety of the YunmengJiang clan for them. When he truly had no other reason to, aside from a small debt that he paid well enough by just returning Wen Ning to Wen Qing.

No one else had shown even the slightest trepidation to the abuse of innocents who had nothing to do with the war, to begin with. So, why now. Why now that it was all over, why now that the only person to care for them was dying, that the outside world began to care? All because they wanted to be sure their greatest ' threat ' was truly slain?

Wen Qing had never before been impressed or astounded by heroism. She had always seen such acts as foolish, impulsive, and honestly idiotic. Why involve yourself in the matter of others when it could get yourself or the ones you care for hurt? At first, she had believed her brother and Wei Wuxian to be such things. Foolish, impulsive, idiotic... at times.

Then she had ran to him for help, begged him to help her save her little brother. And he did so much more than that. Not only did he return her little brother to her, but he did the impossible and restored his consciousness. He took the last remaining Wens into his care and left his own family to protect them.

All because he couldn't stand to see injustice.

Heroism. Foolish and impulsive in its own right, but she saw the way it made a person. The selflessness, the kind-hearted spirit that asked for nothing in return aside from the casual antics of his nature. And instead, he was given another family with them. No matter the fact that they had never said it aloud.

Oh, how she wished she would have said it aloud.

But now? Now that he had once again sacrificed his life for another, with no possibility of him ever being returned the gesture or kindness. Only now did others turn their heads. And not even for the reason Wei Wuxian had.

All because they sought to see the bloodshed that would insure their triumph.

It disgusted her in ways she never had once fathomed.

She had seen repulsive things in war, she had seen the countless deaths in ways she never before had imagined, and she had seen families torn apart on all sides. But this made her sick in a different way.

It made her sick with rage.

Because how could they have the gall?

"What is it doing to him?" Lan Wangji questioned again. This time the irritation had slipped into his tone, and Wen Qing almost wanted to scream at the other Alpha. To leave, to forget about Wei Wuxian and the Wens, and just leave.

Why must he be so insistent!?

Wen Qing finally relented and answered the man's question. "It hurts his body. If does not rest enough; which he doesn't. It harms him. Without a golden core, there is nothing to protect his spirit or his body. But with how often he has to keep up the talismans, the barrier, and just the control on the resentful energy here so we won't be affected... It's hard on him."   

Lan Wangji grimaced at the explanation. He truly despised hearing this from another, how he had to learn secondhandedly that his love was facing such challenges alone. What's worse, that no one could offer him help now. Not even him.

Then an idea struck him, it was a slim idea with less than likely chance of success. But it was an idea, which was better than nothing at times like this. So, he opted for his question to come out as clearly as possible, and explain his wishful thinking the best he could. "Is there a way to restore his core?"

Wen Qing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Or at best, just scream and release her frustrations. But she had learned from experience how to keep a straight face. "Of course, there isn't. Once a core is destroyed, it is gone. You cannot rebuild another."

Lan Wangji only grunted and shook his head. Taking a moment to truly word his next statement right. "Wei Ying's core was not destroyed, only transferred. Wen Zhuliu's ability allowed him to destroy the essence that created a golden core. Wei Ying's essence was not destroyed. So, is it possible for him to form another?"

At this, Wen Qing's eyes widened as her stance slackened, her thoughts completely consumed as she humored the possibilities. It was true, without the essence to create a golden core, it was impossible to form another. But she knew her handiwork. She had not damaged Wei Ying internally. Therefore, he still had the essence to cultivate a new golden core.

From what she knew, he hadn't even so much as unsheathed his sword since it was returned to him. Much less actually taking the time to try and cultivate. So, there was no proof against the idea that he could form a new one. 

So... there was a possibility that he could...

No, she couldn't get too optimistic, not yet at least. Steeling her expression, Wen Qing crossed her arms over her chest to address Lan Wangji. "There is a possibility he could cultivate a new core. But in the state he is in now, he's too weak to do so. And the only other way would be for someone to help him form a new one if he wakes up."

Lan Wangji did not show his resentment to the 'if' in her statement, but the small slash of his tail against the dirt could be a solid indication to anyone who may have been paying attention. "Wei Ying will wake up. And I will help him form a new core."   

Wen Qing's brow raised incredulously at that. She still did not fully trust Lan Wangji's reasoning for being here, and now, she truly did not know what to think. So, she voiced her accusations without trepidation. If the dragon was allowed to ask hard questions, then so was she. "Why are you doing this? Are you only helping him so that way he can make a mistake again? You all can lock him up, torture him, humiliate him? What is your gain?"

Lan Wangji almost growled at the questions. Because truthfully, he did not care if Wen Qing was truly one of the sole reasons that Wei Ying had survived what happened at Qiongqi Path. He would not take such scrutiny toward his affections or his efforts regarding Wei Ying lightly.   

With an icy glare, he did not make a move to intimidate. Rather, make his position unwaveringly clear. "I am going to help Wei Ying because he will be my mate. Because I do not care what others say, he will be mine, and just the same as he wishes so, A-Yuan will be our son. And my son will not grow up without his mother."   

The room seemed to freeze after he spoke. It was a miracle enough that Wen Qing had gotten the dragon to speak for as long as he had, instead of just answering in his normal curt fashion. But to hear the esteemed Hanguang-jun speak in such a way, it was almost completely unbelievable.

No one spoke. Wen Qing had no words left to say, and Lan Wangji saw no reason to speak when unnecessary. But the silence lasted for very little as Wen Ning then hurried back inside the cave. Deliberately avoiding the scrutinizing glare of the dragon, keeping close to his sister.

Wen Ning spoke quietly, his lack of expression not hiding the worry in his hoarse and graveled voice. "Jiejie, there are cultivators at the entrance. They haven't gotten close enough to send off the fierce corpses, but there are quite a few."

Wen Qing nearly snapped her neck with how quickly she turned to Lan Wangji. Already knowing the dragon heard every word of what her brother said, she nearly began cursing him. If not for the fact the man walked out of the cave before she could do so.

Wen Qing grabbed her brother by the shoulder once Lan Wangji was far enough away and made the man bend down closer to her height. "Wen Ning, stay here. If something happens, take Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan as far away as possible." Wen Qing whispered into his ear; Wen Ning almost went to argue, if not for his sister's glare that told him doing so would be pointless.

So, he stayed put as she hurried down the mountain behind Lan Wangji. Watching the trees and her surroundings suspiciously. Though as they approached, the few fierce corpses that were still guarding the entrance growled as they approached. But with a simple move of unsheathing Bichen, their growling ceased as they fumbled away in what some could have thought to be fear.

As they came to the entrance, cries of relief and others of shock rained upon them.

"Hanguang-jun!"

"Thank goodness! Someone was already here to confirm it!"

"What is going on? Why is Hanguang-jun here?"

Though among the few that actually dared to call out, only one voice actually caught the youngest Twin Jades' attention. "Wangji." Lan Xichen spoke, silencing all others as Lan Wangji turned to his older brother and Wen Qing felt her heart drop to her stomach.

The Lan clan sect leader stepped forward, politely bowing his head to Wen Qing before smiling at his brother sympathetically. Neither spoke, but if someone would have paid close attention. They would have seen the way Lan Wangji's facial muscles twitched and how Lan Xichen's eyes widened slightly.

With a graceful air of understanding around him, Lan Xichen turned around to face the mob of several Jin cultivators and other sect disciples. "There is no need for any of you to be here. Thank you for your care and courage. But everything is all right."

Many of the cultivators sighed heavily in relief at this, others huffing a bit that they could not complete what they wanted. But all bowed respectfully to Lan Xichen before taking off on their swords. Wen Qing sighed heavily in relief behind the two brothers.

“Wangji, have you already seen…him?” Lan Xichen didn’t want to say his name, already knowing that his younger brother was most likely going through unexplainable grief and loss over this. Seeing as he had rushed out of Pageantry Hall so quickly.

It had been a miracle that he could convince only a few cultivators to go and confirm what Jin Zixun had come into the banquet declaring. Cheering loud enough for his voice to echo throughout the very corners of the grand hall, while many others joined in the shouting.

Some, in celebration, others in fear or disbelief, and of course, the very few who called out in anger at his boisterous audacity. Ordering him and the others who dared to make a commotion to silence themselves while Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan marched forward and dragged the crying Beta out of the banquet as Jin Guangyao and Madam Jin dealt with the rest of the attendants of the banquet.

But there had been a few who rose up after Jin Zixun had been dragged away, declaring to prove his statement correct, calling for everyone there to join in the escapade to the Burial Mounds and see for themselves the dead figure of the infamous Yiling Patriarch, the Yiling Laozu, and finally rid themselves of the paranoia of remnants of the Wen sect.

Jin Guangshan had been among the few who agreed with such declarations. Though Lan Xichen had been quick to offer to take a select few with him to the Burial Mounds to see for themselves, in order to keep a large group away from the Burial Mounds, and as a ploy to keep most of the protestors in Lanling.

He could only hope now that the rest of the banquet was proceeding smoothly, and that no one would question the disciples who returned despite not actually seeing Wei Wuxian's dead figure lying in the dirt where they saw he was fit to stay. And why he nor Lan Wangji had not returned with them.

Though he at the very least held confidence that Nie Mingjue was able to hold down the hall with his absence, no doubt demanding silence and the absence of senseless and disrespectful gossip of the possible dead. No matter who they may be.

“Mn.” Was all Lan Wangji answered before he unsheathed Bichen and headed up the mountain, Lan Xichen quick to follow after him after offering Wen Qing a ride on his sword up the hill. To which the doctor could not refuse, lest she want to leave Wei Wuxian alone with both Lan dragons.

Upon making it to the cave, Wen Qing jumped off of Lan Xichen’s sword, hurrying to the entrance of the cave where Wen Ning stood guard. Keeping his head bowed to the ground to avoid the icy glare Lan Wangji held in his direction.

Lan Xichen then stepped in front of Lan Wangji, trying to block his younger brother’s murderous glare the best he could, though he was sure that the ferocious intent was well understood despite him blocking it. The last thing that they all needed was for Lan Wangji to finally decide enough was enough and handle the situation impulsively.

Lan Xichen had only witnessed his brother act impulsively a few times in his life, but every time had ended with a less-than-fortunate situation, and he doubted this time would be any different. “Wen Qing, please may I understand what is happening?”

Wen Qing did not answer, only looking to her side as Wen Ning met her gaze through his brows. Neither truly wanted to explain the situation to another outsider, much less a sect leader.

But they needn’t do so.

“Rich-gege!!” Wen Yuan came sprinting out of the cave, the three Alphas and Wen Ning all forgoing their staring contest as Lan Wangji rushed forward to grab the toddler who sprinted into his arm. Tears spilled from his eyes freely as he clutched a blood-soaked robe to his chest, staining his already dirt-soiled clothes, and now Lan Wangji’s pristine mourning white robes.

Wen Yuan could only shout one word through his tears, hysterically waving his arms in the direction of the inside of the cave, all the while his tails snapped behind him anxiously, his ears shot back, and his entire body shaking from fear. “Mama! Mama!”

Lan Wangji and Wen Qing both needed no other words to understand what was happening, so both rushed forward into the cave.

Wen Ning quickly hoisted Wen Yuan into his arms as Lan Xichen came forward worriedly and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the child’s face and hands. Reluctantly fighting the ruined robes out of the toddler’s hands to keep them from ruining his clothes any further.

Lan Wangji and Wen Qing both screeched to a halt at what they saw. Wei Wuxian was up, clutching his profusely bleeding wound as he staggered around. Muttering something completely incomprehensible as resentful energy swirled around him, seemingly draining him even quicker than his fever.

“Wei Wuxain!” Wen Qing shouted, bounding forward before Lan Wangji beat her to it and swerved away from what surely would have been a harsh blow from the Huli Jing’s delirious fist. Only to grab the man by his shoulders, his outer robes almost completely falling off of him as sweat soaked his burning skin.

“Wei Ying!”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes were unfocused. Once glowing silver pools were clouded with a storm as red flashed in the pain-riddled irises. And with a hoarse and barely alive voice, he said only one thing. “Get lost!”

Lan Wangji ignored the hurt that bloomed in his chest at the command. So, he ignored it and the Omega’s command. Instead, he tried to force the man to sit, though Wei Wuxian continued to fight him, reaching up to grip the dragon’s sleeves as he tried to wrestle him away.

“Get lost!”

“Wei Ying!”

Wen Qing watched hopelessly for a long moment. Her heart pounded in her ears as she watched the Huli Jing. The man she considered another little brother, wrestle fruitlessly with the dragon who was touching him so gently that the demonic cultivator was actually winning in his delirious and fever-riddled state.

So, she shouted at the top of her lungs, praying at the very least Wei Wuxian would hear her, and she would not have to do the only thing left to do. “Wei Wuxian!”

Wen Qing rushed forward and tried to pry Wei Wuxian’s arms away from the dragon’s sleeves. Though the Huli Jing, even in his feverish state, was still stronger than the woman and flung her away with only a swing of his arm.

For a final time, before Lan Xichen and Wen Ning came running into the cave, Wen Qing called out in a desperate plea. “Wei Wuxian!”

But Wei Wuxian did not hear her. Or if he did, he did not respond. Instead, he clenched his jaw and ground his teeth together as he continued to try and wrestle and shove the dragon away from him.

Completely unfocused and unaware of his situation, only knowing that someone was grabbing him. That he was in pain, severe and unfiltered pain, he was hot. No, he was burning. And he needed it to stop. He needed everything to stop.

He only wanted to take a gift to his Shijie’s son, he only wanted to return a day later to his own son, to begin crafting a silver bell for his A-Yuan.

This was not what he wanted; he did not want the fight that audacious winged-lion brought to him. He did not want Jin Zixuan to get involved. He did not want Wen Ning to lose control like that.

He only wanted to keep his Shijie’s husband away from harm, to keep Jiang Yanli’s family safe and prosperous. He did not care about the cost it would take to obtain such a state.

But now he needed something. He needed this to stop.

It was too much, his ears were ringing, and pain was blooming in every part of his body. Muscles he didn’t even know he had were ripping, burning, and tearing. Bones he didn’t think could break were, they were shattering under the very weight of his body.

And his skin was practically killing him. He wanted to tear it all off. Everything, the muffled noise that was beating into his skull like a hammer, the freezingly scorching touch of someone he couldn’t recognize from his blurred vision, and the breaking of his body. It was all too much.

Wei Wuxian wasn’t sure what sin he committed in this life or his past. But what did he do to warrant this? He knew that every action he took came with consequences. But did he truly do something so terrible to warrant this?

Was every chant and shout for his downfall, every harsh word and reprimand he heard on the street that undoubtedly correlated with his name, correct in their statements? Was he nothing more than the monster that people declared he was?

Is that why he deserved such a fate?

Even so, he could handle his body killing him in such a way as consequence. But why did this person grabbing him have to add to that? So, with every bit of strength he had left, he continued to try and wrestle the ridiculously strong stranger away from him as he shouted. “Get lost!”

Lan Wangji could not bear to hear those words again. So, he did what he didn’t want to. He let go of one of Wei Wuxian’s shoulders and instead wrapped the arm around his waist and swiped the Huli Jing’s feet out from under him. Dropping to his knees as he cradled the struggling Omega as close as possible.

Wei Wuxian practically screamed at the action, his unguarded arm flying to his abdomen as his ruined bandages did nothing to conceal the blood from his wound. Lan Wangji quickly pressed his own hand on top of Wei Wuxian’s, adding agonizing pressure that only served to make the Huli Jing struggle harder and cry out in fear with a voice full of pain.

Lan Wangji cradled Wei Wuxian’s head, curling the man into himself as he pressed his forehead to the man’s scorching one. His tears practically evaporated off of Wei Wuxian’s skin the second they fell from the dragon’s eyes. Whispering, Lan Wangji spoke only reassurances and pleas as he tried to keep the man from squirming out of his arms. “Wei Ying, please stay still. I promise I will not let anything hurt you ever again. Please, I will heal everything that ails you, please do not fight me. Please, my Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian could not hear the reassurances, nor the desperate pleas. He could only hear the stomping of boots as they approached closer. Too close. Everything was too close.

Though one word, one heaven-sent name finally broke through the sea of noise and ringing pain that encompassed the Huli Jing’s hearing. “Mama!” Wen Yuan struggled out of Wen Ning’s hold, the fierce corpse struggling to keep a hold of him without hurting him.

Once he was free, the young fox spirit bound forward, stopping only once he was able to wrap his body around the large thrashing tails of his mother. Holding on with all of his baby strength as he refused to let go of the appendages, even when they slapped him in the face.

Wei Wuxian’s thrashing ceased minutely along with his tails. His bleary vision was barely able to make out the shape of Wen Yuan as he looked over his shoulder, and so, with a blood-stained hand, he tried to reach out to the toddler over the dragon’s arm that was still wrapped around him.

A-Yuan. His little radish, his baby fox. He needed to protect him. He promised Granny Wen he would, that he would be the best mother he could possibly be. Wei Wuxian needed to get him away from here, to make sure that whoever was attacking him would not attack his child.

Because A-Yuan was his son now.

He would not let anything happen to him.

But he could not reach out any further as he fell limp in the dragon’s arm. Three small needles embedded in his neck within only a second of his preoccupied state. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as he fell unconscious.

“Mama!” Wen Yuan cried, no longer having to hold the older Huli Jing’s tails as tightly as they had stopped moving. Though the boy only sobbed loudly at the sight of his mother’s head and limbs hanging limply.

Lan Wangji did not think to restrain his growl as he curled over Wei Wuxian protectively, his rage-filled glare boring into Wen Qing who still held one thin needle in each hand.

Wen Qing only shouted desperately at the glare, stubbornly fighting back tears at the sight she beheld. “We needed to get him to still!”

“Miss Wen, please. What did you do?” Lan Xichen suddenly spoke up, still staring at the scene before him with worry and sympathetic grief for his brother.

Wen Qing took a shuddering breath as she tried to steady her rapidly beating heart, composing herself and her voice as she spoke. “The needles only put him to sleep, he won’t wake up for three days. We can remove them then.”

Lan Wangji seemed to relax at this, turning his gaze away from the doctor and back down at Wei Wuxian. Who still laid limply in his arms, the weak rise and fall of his chest barely noticeable amongst the slightest twitches of his ears, tails, and facial muscles.

Wen Yuan stilled sobbed and sniffled at the sight of his mother, hanging onto the nine tails tightly as he looked between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji fearfully. Hopelessly waiting for the Omega to wake up again or for the older Alpha to speak to him.

Rather, Lan Wangji reached forward and pulled the boy away from Wei Wuxian’s tails. Pulling him into his lap as he allowed the boy to hide in his shoulder. Keeping the Huli Jing cradled in his arms as the toddler kept a steady grip on both adults' clean and bloody robes.

Lan Xichen watched the silent interaction with both worry and surprise. His brother had never once been good with children, not even the ones from their clan and sect. The children had always been so intimidated and fearful of the stern and apathetic glare of his younger brother, normally running in fear of being scolded the second they saw him approach. So, to see him act so naturally with this child, and with Wei Wuxian, despite his rapidly decreasing health, was completely unexpected.

“Jiejie…” Wen Ning spoke softly to his sister, who had her face buried in her hands. Unable to look at anyone as she tried her best to collect herself.

Though when the woman finally did look up, she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. And with the rims of her eyes red, her voice strained and raspy, she spoke.

“You need to take him to Gusu.”

Chapter Text

Taking Wei Wuxian to Gusu was much harder than originally thought.  

Not only was the man's condition severe, but actually moving him proved difficult. One wrong move reopened his wound and left the forcefully unconscious Huli Jing writhing and fighting, even in his unaware state. To add to such complications, since Wei Wuxian's falling from his position, the Burial Mounds were slowly growing out of control again.  

Resentful energy was beginning to suffocate the air, corpses prowled around and tried to attack at any given moment, no longer under strict orders to only attack intruders. Lan Wangji had taken to playing the song of purity, keeping the resentful energy at bay for only a short time.   

But he did not have the power over this place that Wei Wuxian had, and since their arrival, both Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji truly bore witness to the 'fearsome' sect that Wei Wuxian had allegedly been trying to build.  

The elderly, mothers, and non-cultivators. That is what was left of the Wen remnants. The only other cultivators amongst the sect were far too old to be useful, and Wen Ning was a fierce corpse now.  

Every rumor that had spread through the winds was incorrect in every sense.  

The terrifying Yiling Patriarch had no sect training to cause destruction, planning only on domination that focused solely on the dark arts of demonic cultivation. He had feeble and kind people under his care, who all were just as worried for him as Lan Wangji.  

Though upon the realization that without the proper care and supplies, Wei Wuxian would not survive the journey from Yiling back to Cloud Recesses', Lan Xichen had taken his leave in haste. Promising to return as soon as possible with the supplies necessary.  

Two days passed, and Lan Wangji watched every twitch and jerk of Wei Wuxian's body carefully. Taking his time to memorize every line of his face, the expressions he made throughout the days and nights.   

His heart lurched in his chest every time he thought he could no longer see the Huli Jing's chest rise and fall with his breathing, and every time he would dive forward and check his vitals. And every time he would exhale deeply once he was sure Wei Wuxian was settled, only for his thoughts to betray his hope, plaguing his mind with the thoughts that this would be the final way he saw his beloved.  

The terrible thoughts that he would never be graced with the smile that warmed his heart like the sun. He would never again hear the carefree and joyous laughter of the man whenever he found amusement in his antics. He would never know what it felt like to fall asleep at his side, hold him throughout the night and rest assured that he would never lose him.  

Then there was Wen Yuan. The boy helped in every way he could think of, he tried with all of his might to carry as much straw into the cave as he could, laying the pieces down overtop the blood-stained straw bed. He would carry the last few clean pieces of Wei Wuxian's nest with him everywhere, only now having the ends tied around his waist by Wen Qing so they would no longer drag on the ground.  

He would sit at Wei Wuxian's side dutifully, prepared to run to any of the adults for help just in case something went wrong. Despite the state the older Huli Jing was in, the toddler would still talk to him, playing with his straw-woven butterflies and other toys he possessed. He would tell the stories his mind created of his butterflies, determined to keep the demonic cultivator company, even though he could not play with the boy.  

And finally, he would stick to Lan Wangji's side like glue whenever the dragon ventured too far away from Wei Wuxian, which was not often. The dragon did not comment on the child's clinginess, and Wen Yuan had yet to be turned away, so he did not venture far from his mother or the older Alpha.  

Lan Xichen finally returned on the morning of the third day. He came bearing more than enough supplies, fresh clothes for Lan Wangji and Wen Yuan, and a few extra clothes and other medical supplies for Wen Qing and Wen Ning.  

Lan Xichen passed over the medical supplies and other things to Wen Qing the moment he dismounted his sword, the woman hurried off into the cave with only a quick nod of thanks to the sect leader. The dragon then turned to his younger brother, passing him fresh white robes for both him and Wen Yuan. "How is he Wangji?"  

Lan Wangji answered as curtly as possible, even towards his brother. And Lan Xichen's worried frown pursed into a thin line of his lips. "Mn."    

Lan Xichen didn't question anything else. Instead, he looked down at the toddler who was clinging to Lan Wangji's tail, almost taken back in shock once again at his brother's reactions and behavior toward this child, Lan Xichen only smiled as he knelt to the toddler's height and passed him the clothes.  

An elderly woman walked over to the dragons and Wen Yuan slowly, relying heavily on her wooden cane as Wen Yuan quickly ran over to the woman and hugged her leg. "Madam, are you Wen Yuan's guardian?" Lan Xichen greeted the elderly woman with a polite bow, though Granny Wen only nodded to him. 

Granny Wen smiled down at Wen Yuan, patting his head gently before addressing the sect leader. "I am his grandmother... Though, I'd like to say that A-Ying is his mother now." 

Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji froze at that, neither having given much thought to who Wen Yuan's biological family could actually be. Now to hear that his grandmother called Wei Wuxian her grandson's mother... 

It was a complex situation. 

"Will you be taking A-Yuan with you?" Granny Wen spoke up once again, her question catching both men off guard. Lan Wangji was never well experienced when it came to talking to people, so he truly hadn't the words to explain what he planned to do. 

Lan Xichen on the other hand had always held the talent for keeping up with pleasantries, easing people's worries with his calm and reasonable tone that reassured the masses. But he wasn't as close to the situation to know what to say or do for that matter. He hardly even knew Wei Wuxian aside from what he heard through rumors, all of which he took with a grain of salt. And from his younger brother's rants and statements, all of which he took much closer to his heart. 

So, with neither speaking up. Granny Wen only smiled kindly and bowed her head to look at her grandson. Patting his head and smoothing out the fur of his ears, just the same as Wei Wuxian had shown her how to do nearly two years ago when they had first come here. 

Though never said by any of the Wens, or Wei Wuxian himself, they had all grown to be as close as family. It was true that they were no sect in the making, none of them aside from Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning had any power to fight or protect, all the Wens could offer was their efforts to make the Burial Mounds a home. 

Here, they were all just people. Bloodlines, clans, and sects all set-aside. No matter the species they hailed from, nor the path they were raised to be a part of, they were all equals here. No one ruled above the rest, there was no one true leader. While it was practically unanimous that Wei Wuxian and Wen Qing were the two that they were to go to if there was ever a problem, they all had the power to lead. They all had the power to speak up if they so choose.  

But none of the Wens saw the need, they never had reason to. Because they were only the small remnants of a dead clan, they were not a sect. They were a family. As broken and little as it may be. That's what they were. 

No spoken words were needed to declare it. 

Only now, now they had reason to speak up. In the days passed, Wen Ning had been patrolling constantly to make sure everything was as it should be; Wen Qing hardly slept and was constantly pacing and muttering to herself to work through her anxiety and grief, and Wei Wuxian. The newest addition to their broken family, he was dying, and they could offer no help. 

So now they had reason to speak up, voice their opposing opinions, and lead the youngest of their family through these dark days. The rest of the Wens were all much older, they were parents, grandparents, past fighters, and leaders.  

They had the experience that the youngest of their family did not. 

And so, they had the wisdom that could only come with age. 

While it was not always the easiest choice, nor the most pleasant, if they were the right ones to make; Granny Wen and the rest of the broken clan could rest assured that they made the best decisions for their family. 

"If it will not trouble the young masters, please, take A-Yuan with you." At this, Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen both stared at the elder with great shock. While Lan Xichen didn't know what to expect, Lan Wangji expected at least some resistance from Wen Yuan's grandmother, or at least from the rest of the Wen remnants. 

While still surprised, Lan Wangji had not forgotten the etiquette that he had long since mastered as a young child. Bowing respectfully, the dragon kept his eyes locked with the elder as he stood straight, speaking as gently as he was able. "A-Yuan will be safe with me, I promise." 

Granny Wen only smiled at this, needing no reassurance from the cultivator, though it was appreciated regardless. "I know you will, you've done such a fine job taking care of A-Ying here... When we could not. A-Yuan trusts you, as does A-Ying, so I have no doubts." 

Lan Xichen couldn't help the smile that spread across his face for his brother. Such a compliment from an elder, a grandmother nonetheless, was surely a promising sign. While Lan Wangji's face did not change, still passively emotionless. Lan Xichen could see the seamless twitch at the corner of his mouth, and the way the tip of his pointed ears dusted a slight shade of pink. 

With nothing else to say, Granny Wen bowed her head politely to the cultivators before reaching for the clothes brought for Wen Yuan. Those of which Lan Wangji handed over quickly being sure to hand the garments over as gently as possible to avoid any wrinkles. The elder led Wen Yuan away to get cleaned up and out of his blood-stained and tattered robes, leaving the Twin Jades of Gusu alone outside of the Demon Quelling cave. 

Lan Wangji excused himself for a moment to change himself. He did not know of any place here to cleanse himself properly. But it did not matter all that much to him at the moment, so he went to one of the vacant tents that Wen Qing had shown him the first night he spent here to change into the clean robes. Folding his dirty ones and putting them in his Qiankun bag. 

Upon returning and with no one else around, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji could discuss important matters. The youngest of the Twin Jades led the other into the entrance of the cave, seating themselves at the stone table where unfinished talismans were still laid about. "Xiongzhang, does Uncle know of this?" Lan Wangi asked, smoothing out the wrinkles of his robes from his brother's travels. Lan Xichen only cleared his throat sheepishly at that. While he was sect leader and had prime authority over the Lan sect and clan. There was still only so much he could do. 

"I informed him of Wei Wuxian's... injury and state. The news of the Yiling Patriarch having been slain by his lackey has spread quickly. There are very few who do not know of the news at the moment. Most at home even believe it to be true..." Lan Xichen informed, unable to meet his brother's eyes as the younger gazed at the man calculatingly. 

"Does he know?" Lan Wangji questioned again; a bit more insistent. Lan Xichen only sighed and nodded. 

"I informed him of what we planned to do. Though he was against it."  

Lan Wangji only huffed at this, steam puffing out of his nose at his irritation. He knew of his uncle's disfavor of Wei Ying. But surely, he could put whatever he felt aside for the moment, if not for the sake of the Huli Jing's recovery, but at least for the sake of Lan Wangji's sanity. 

"He already knows that there is no stopping you. He already took the initiative to prepare a spare room in the Jingshi for Master Wei." 

Lan Wangji was actually surprised at this; it was not an unknown fact that Lan Qiren disliked Wei Wuxian for multiple reasons. So, to hear that he actually took action to help prepare a place for Wei Wuxian to recover, let alone in Lan Wangji's room. Lan Wangji took it as a promising sign. 

"Though he does not know about A-Yuan." Lan Xichen added, Lan Wangji only made a small sound of recognition at that. It would not be hard to convince his uncle of letting A-Yuan stay, especially once he revealed that he was taking the boy in as his son. He was still elated to know that getting Wei Ying into Cloud Recesses would prove to be much easier than he originally thought. 

Out of the back of the cave, Wen Qing appeared once again. Holding bloody bandages, her expression was passive, if not a little grim as she approached. Though unwilling to take a seat. Lan Xichen smiled as kindly as he could to her, though she did not return the gesture. "When are you leaving?" Her question was blunt, a bit rude in some sense, but anyone could hear the constriction of her throat that no doubt came from her hesitance to let any of this happen. 

"We will leave once Miss Wen returns A-Yuan." Lan Wangji stated as he stood from his seat, and purposefully ignored Wen Qing's fists clenching into the soiled bandages. Her expression did not betray her emotions, though the contempt she felt was clear as day in her eyes. 

Hoping to break the tension, Lan Xichen spoke up. "Wen Qing, will you and the rest of the Wens be all right here by yourselves?"  

Wen Qing did not answer immediately, because truthfully, she did not know. When they first arrived, Wei Wuxian had forgone sleep and food for three days trying to control and eradicate the resentful energy from this place. And since then, there was very little time he could actually be away from the Burial Mounds before things went south. 

Things had already started to get out of control since the Huli Jing had fallen to his wound, Wen Ning was the only one able to actually fight off the corpses, and even somewhat absorb the resentful energy around them so it would not become overbearing. She did not know how much longer they could last here without Wei Wuxian, but she would not voice this. 

She'd much rather live without the man for a short while, rather than have to bury him. 

"We will manage. We've done so before..."  

Lan Xichen almost began to ask another question, though it was caught in his throat the second the woman's harsh and contemptuous glare came down upon him and Lan Wangji. "... Hanguang-jun, I hope you understand that I hold you completely responsible for A-Yuan and Wei Wuxian now. If anything is to happen to either of them now, the blood will stain your hands alone." 

The air around them seemed to freeze at the doctor's threat. Lan Xichen looked between the two worriedly, unable to tell if this was where a true fight broke out between the two. He knew that he felt a heavy sense of unease and contempt shared between his brother and Miss Wen, but he did not expect something like this to be so brashly said! 

Instead of the fight that Lan Xichen was worried about, Lan Wangji bowed to the doctor! 

Having been caught off guard, Wen Qing said nothing else, and Lan Wangji spoke. "I understand. I will protect them both." With this, Lan Wangji walked further into the cave. Upon seeing Wei Wuxian, his eyes closed and squinted in what was no doubt a restless and painful sleep, his wound tightly bandaged with the new wrappings, and his skin pale and clammy, even worse than the day he had first arrived.   

Lan Wangji took to Wei Wuxian's side, gently pushing aside the strands of hair that stuck to the man's feverish forehead. Only... it was no longer hot. His skin was no longer warm from the fever. 

He was freezing. 

Panic surging into his very veins, Lan Wangji immediately grabbed Wei Wuxian's wrist in an attempt to find his pulse. Though when he was met with the faintest pulse of his heart, the dragon nearly shouted in fear as he grabbed the Huli Jing almost too quickly and adjusted the Omega to be draped on top of his back. 

Running back to the entrance of the cave, Lan Xichen and Wen Qing both startle when they see the man with Wei Wuxian on his back. "What are you doing!? You have to be gentle!" Wen Qing immediately yelled to berate him, though the cultivator ignored it as he unsheathed Bichen. 

Though when he notices the woman trying to approach him to take Wei Wuxian from him, he shouts to stop her. "He is dying!"  

Freezing, Wen Qing goes pale before surging forward and pressing two fingers to the Omega's neck. Crying out in shock when she cannot feel a defined pulse. "What is happening!? His vitals were not like this when I checked on him!" 

Walking up the hill, Wen Ning carried Wen Yuan. The boy dressed in his new Lan sect-styled robes, only missing the forehead ribbon that would complete the outfit. Though such an accessory had been left out on purpose. Tradition dictated that the father or the teacher of any child of the Lan sect be the one to officially bestow the symbol of the sect's self-restraint. 

Though upon hearing the shouting, Wen Ning paused. Cautious to take Wen Yuan any closer, just in case there was a fight occurring that the boy did not need to see. But A-Yuan did not hold such cautiousness, he heard the shouting of his Jie and Rich-gege, and he wanted to see what was happening. 

Squirming insistently, Wen Yuan broke free of the fierce corpse's grip, running up the rest of the way as Wen Ning tried to stop him. "A-Yuan, wait!" Though upon seeing the spectacle. The boy did not like what he saw. 

Wei Wuxian was still on Lan Wangji's back, but Wen Qing was trying to take the needles out of the man's neck, proving to be difficult since the three days were not officially over. They still had a few hours left, and any needle that was removed wrong could do damage far too serious to be taken lightly.  

"Mama...?" Noticing Wen Yuan, Lan Wangji released one of Wei Wuxian's legs to reach forward and grab the boy's hand. Pulling him up to rest on his arm against his chest. The boy whimpered at the sight of his mother's head resting on the dragon's opposite shoulder, completely unconscious and pale. 

Shouting in her frustration, Wen Qing relented her efforts, knowing that to get the needles out would take far too much time. "You need to go now! You'll be able to take them out by the time you get there, but you need to hurry." 

"Mn." Mounting Bichen, Lan Wangji took off as quickly as possible, Lan Xichen following behind him only a few minutes later, likely having talked to Wen Ning and Wen Qing before joining his brother. 

Though Lan Wangji only had his eyes ahead of him. Wei Ying felt cold on his back, the weak rise and fall of his breathing was hardly audible against the wind in his ears, even with his sensitive hearing, and he could hear A-Yuan whimpering and sniffling. The toddler's face tucked into the dragon's shoulder in attempts to not have to face the ashen face of his mother. 

Despite the chill winds of winter beating against him, he didn't feel it. Dragons were attuned to cold weather, seeing as they resided in the mountains of Cloud Recesses and Gusu. But no degree of temperature could affect him at a time like this. He felt cold, but it was not because of the winds, rather the slowly fading man on his back. 

The only presence of heat he could feel was from the little boy on his arm.  

The flight to Cloud Recesses was held in silence. Terrible silence. A-Yuan didn't utter a word, likely too scared to even raise his head to speak. And Lan Wangji knew he would have nothing to say to the boy that could even make him feel better. And the only one that could have broken such a silence was unconscious. 

No, he wasn't just unconscious. 

He was dying. 

Lan Wangji could feel it. 

He could feel each pulse of the fox spirit's heart weakening and slowing down. He could feel the fight his lungs were going through just to inhale the tiniest gulp of air. He could feel his muscles jerking and twitching, his body undoubtedly putting up its final ditch effort to live.  

Lan Wangji could feel his spirit slipping away. He could sense the bright and angelic soul of his love slowly blowing away in the winds of fate. He could feel the cruel claws of death reaching out and taking hold of the Omega and tugging insistently for the man to give in. 

The dragon had never prayed so desperately that Wei Ying would fight with everything he had. 

Just until Lan Wangji could take the lead, until he could step in and fight those battles for him. Just until he could be the shield that Wei Ying needed, the person that Wei Ying deserved. 

He would be all of that and so much more. 

They just needed a little more time, just a moment longer so he could make it their reality. 

Their reality would be filled with nothing but peace. Wei Ying would be safe, he would have a golden core again, he'd never have to resort back to demonic cultivation. A-Yuan would grow up with his mother at his side, he would grow up with Lan Wangji at his side. They would be happy. 

He just needed the time to make it happen. 

A series of different pitches of growls reached Lan Wangji's ear, Lan Xichen was calling to him in dragon tongue. A language that could not be taught to speak by any other creature but a dragon. It was a language that every Lan was born understanding, though it was almost impossible for anyone other than dragons, or those raised by the dragons, to learn to speak it. 

It was a language built primarily on pitches and harmony, just as the Lans' music. It was guttural and a terrible language for outsiders to try and learn. Though it was a traditional and ancestral language that every Lan was taught.  

Distantly, Lan Wangji took note to begin A-Yuan's teachings immediately. 

"Wangji, we are approaching, it will be all right." 

Lan Wangji only made a low guttural sound in response, to those unknowing, they would believe it to be a sound of a threat. Rather it was a sound that Lan Xichen recognized as anxiety and desperation. 

The entrance of Cloud Recesses came into view and both cultivators landed gracefully upon the stairs carved out of the mountain. Despite his normal behavior, Lan Wangji disregarded the rules and ran to the Jingshi, Lan Xichen almost matched his pace as he headed to the medical house where he knew Lan Qiren was already waiting along with a few doctors who were in the know of the situation. 

Upon entering the Jingshi, Lan Wangji quickly set Wen Yuan down in the spare bedroom that had been set up, no doubt meant for Wei Wuxian, although decidedly now being Wen Yuan's for the time being. The dragon then laid Wei Wuxian on his bed, unaffected by the blood-ruined robes that were now touching his bed, something he normally would have had a fit over. 

It was not important right now. 

Like any child, Wen Yuan would not stay in one place, especially when it was a place without the only two people he felt safe with in this strange new place. "Rich-gege?"  

Unsurprised by A-Yuan's approach, Lan Wangji did his best to use his body to shield the sight of Wei Ying. If something was to go wrong... Guilt would kill him if he allowed this to be the final sight A-Yuan ever saw of Wei Ying. 

Though it didn't matter much now, did it? The poor boy had already seen his mother in a half-dead delirious state, a state where blood stained everything, a state where the toddler could only lay at his side and hope that the older fox spirit would awaken and smile at him. 

Because that's all they had, hope. 

Where were the doctors!? They should not take so long, none of them have any time to spare. 

Finding his voice for the first time since they left the Burial Mounds, Lan Wangji turned to face the child. Already feeling that his heart was about to break from the state of Wei Ying, his stomach immediately sank when he saw A-Yuan's expression. 

The poor child had tears running down his face, his ears were pinned back against his head, and his tiny fluffy tails were scraggly in appearance and matted where the boy was gripping them undoubtedly too tightly. He was hiccuping from his struggles to not cry, and he looked like he could be sick at any moment. 

Oh, Lan Wangji truly could feel his heart breaking now. "A-Yuan..." Lan Wangji knelt before the toddler, outstretching his arms in invitation. To which the little fox spirit didn't hesitate to run into. Latching on to the dragon's shoulders again as he cried, hardly comforted when the man picked him up and placed him on his hip. Doing his best to smooth out his hair and the fur on and around his ears. 

A-Yuan wailed regardless of Lan Wangji's best attempts at comfort. "Daddy... Mama, A-Yuan wants Mama!"  

Lan Wangji froze at the name addressed to him; he had heard A-Yuan call him the name once before. Though he hadn't taken it to heart back then, he was surprised by how heavily it struck him now. "Mn. I know A-Yuan. I want Mama too..." 

"A-Yuan will be good... Mama can wake up!" A-Yuan sniffled, peering over the dragon's shoulder fearfully, almost beginning to cry harder if it wasn't for Lan Wangji readjusting the boy to look at him. 

The dragon then cradled the boy to his chest, tucking him underneath his chin as he began to hum softly, before a melodious voice as quiet as the wind filled the silence. The song was riveting, a harmony unheard by any outsider before. A song that was originally meant only for himself and Wei Ying. Though, Lan Wangji supposed that it would only be right that A-Yuan learned of the song that his father composed for his mother. Perhaps one day he could teach the toddler how to play it himself. 

Wen Yuan's crying and sniffling softened, the song doing as it should to comfort the boy. Though the second Lan Wangji heard footsteps approach his door, he halted and readjusted Wen Yuan once again so the boy could hide in his shoulder as he approached the door. 

The door to the Jingshi opened before Lan Xichen or Lan Qiren could even knock, revealing Lan Wangji cradling a toddler in his arms. Lan Qiren almost fainted on the spot. 

Unsurprised, Lan Xichen led the two doctors into the room, leaving Lan Wangji and Lan Qiren to talk. Clearing his throat, Lan Qiren spoke first. "Wangji..." Lan Qiren started, though having not the words to say to his youngest nephew. 

So, Lan Wangji took the initiative. "Uncle, this is my son. A-Yuan, Lan Yuan."  

Lan Qiren truly did pass out this time. 

Though ever prepared, Lan Wangji caught him and helped his uncle to sit at the low table, setting A-Yuan down on the opposite side as he went to prepare some tea, watching the doctors with a critical eye all the while. He wouldn't voice it, but the vinegar he could practically taste in his mouth at the sight of the two doctors, and even his own brother, staring at Wei Ying in his critical state, touching him, prodding at the wound, and removing the needles.

All while, touching him. 

Logically, he knew that none of what was necessary for Wei Ying's recovery could happen without the doctors touching him. But that didn't mean that the dragon had to like it. Or even accept it. 

Coming back over to the table Lan Wangji saw how A-Yuan watched his, now granduncle, curiously. Patting the toddler's head, he took his seat next to his son. Handing the boy and his uncle a cup of tea each. 

Lan Qiren was slow to take it, skeptically watching Lan Wangji and A-Yuan interact. The older Alpha only had to state the boy hold his teacup with both hands while sitting properly once before the toddler followed the instructions to the letter. 

The elder dragon could admit that the boy seemed very well-behaved. 

Trying to start the conversation once again, Lan Qiren took his teacup and drank down the dryness in his mouth before speaking. "Wangji, what are your intentions?" 

"Wei Ying will be my mate; he and I are A-Yuan's parents."  

Lan Qiren nearly choked on his tea.

"Wangji! What is this!? Have I not taught you better!?" Lan Qiren shouted at his nephew, his teacup meeting the table a tad bit too harshly. The man felt slightly guilty when he saw the little boy cower and try to hide underneath Lan Wangji's arm

Allowing A-Yuan to hide under his arm, using his sleeve as a cover as he hugged the dragon's light blue scaled tail close to him, all the while keeping a passive expression, Lan Wangji explained himself. "He is not biologically either mine or Wei Ying's. But he is our son, and Wei Ying will be my mate." 

Lan Qiren visibly sighed at this, far less aggravated at the idea of A-Yuan not being a child born out of wedlock between Wei Wuxian and his beloved nephew. Clearing his throat once again, Lan Qiren voiced his opinion. "Wangji, you should rethink this. There are plenty of other eligible and worthy candidates for you-." 

Though before being allowed to finish his passive-aggressive statement, Lan Wangji's teacup met with the wooden table a bit too harshly, cracking the cup down the middle. "I will take no other. Wei Ying is my mate, and A-Yuan is my son."  

The silence that filled the room was suffocating. Not even the noise of the doctors working or muttering to each other could be heard, neither the two, nor Lan Xichen daring to interrupt the challenging silence. 

Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji held each other's glares for a while, a clear show of dominance. Though when Lan Qiren realized that his nephew would not relent, he looked away with an aggrieved sigh. 

While he personally did not care for Wei Wuxian, he could see that his nephew did. He could also see the same look in his eyes that Lan Wangji's father, Qingheng-jun, had the night that he had come to Lan Qiren to tell him of his plan to marry the woman who killed their teacher. 

He had been unable to talk his brother out of it, and by the looks of it, he would be just as successful in trying to talk his nephew out of this.  

Lan Qiren had raised Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji strictly for this very reason. He taught his nephews to be the pinnacle of self-restraint and respect, so that they may never succumb to a faint similar to that of their father. He had watched his brother slowly drive himself into self-destruction over his love, his greatest fear was that he'd have to watch the same thing unfurl with his nephews. 

The old legend that only a dragon could be safe from another dragon's love was only somewhat correct. The Lan dragons were descendants of the heavenly dragons, the greatest and most powerful of them all. They had powers that were once never beheld by the mortal world, but with those powers came consequences. 

Dragons had once run unfiltered, uncontrolled, and unwilling to concede for no other reason than their own personal gain. Selfish, greedy, obsessive, possessive, and violent. No one could control them, until Lan An. The founder of their clan had railed the dragons together and brought them to the peak of their mountain and restrained them under the 3000 rules of Cloud Recesses. 

But ancestral instincts do not vanish just because of the past, self-restraint still needed to be taught. Hence why the rules of the Lan clan were so strict, and specific. It was to keep the rest of the cultivation world, and the dragons themselves, safe. 

Though the old legend was only partially correct, some dragons not born out of the first great bloodline could love freely without any consequences befalling either themselves or their lover. But they say that when a dragon born into the lineage of Lan A falls in love, it is a curse, not only for the lover, but for the dragon themself. 

Such a love was not normal, at least, not in the eyes of the rest of the cultivation world. For a Lan dragon only loved once. That love was... obsessive to some degree, but also possessive, and protective. Because to be loved by the dragon, in itself was being a part of the dragon's hoard, something of which a dragon was the most possessive over. And once that love was gone, a Lan would never love again, and in some cases, never again see the joy or fecundity of living. 

He had watched his brother fall from grace because of love, he watched as it destroyed him. And he watched as his sister-in-law lived out the rest of her days in seclusion, alone, and miserable. Only allowed to see her own children once a month before she passed. 

Lan Qiren could not stand to see such a fate occur again, whether it be for Lan Wangji's sake, or even Wei Wuxian's. 

The dragon knew Cangse Sanren, he knew the Huli Jing to be a free spirit. He knew that she could not be tied down by the rules of the Lan clan, nor could she stay in one place for very long. He had seen so much of her spirit in Wei Wuxian when he had come to school in Cloud Recesses. 

That is why he knew this could not be a good idea. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji both would be hurt by this, he was sure. And while he did not hold much favor for the fox spirit. He knew that the young man, no matter the crimes that the world said he committed, did not deserve to live out his life the same way that Lan Wangji's mother had. 

And the boy still hidden beneath his nephew's arm did not deserve to grow up the same way Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji had been forced to. 

"Uncle, I ask that you trust me in this." Lan Wangji spoke up, and Lan Qiren could not argue. Not only because it would be fruitless regardless, but because he could not fight against the expression on his nephew's face. 

While to most, they would not see the emotions he did. But if they would only pay attention to the furrow of his eyebrows, the twitch of his frown, and the stubborn resolution of his decision in his eyes. They would see the plea that Lan Qiren saw. 

And he could not deny his nephew. No matter how much he disagreed. 

With a heavy sigh and a silent prayer to the heavens, Lan Qiren nodded in his approval. His shoulders relaxed only slightly when he saw the smallest smile quirk at the corner of Lan Wangji's lips, and the small fox spirit smiling up at the older Alpha. Somehow understanding the slightest quirks in the dragon's expression to understand what was happening. 

Though the peaceful resolution was interrupted when one of the doctors cleared their throat and bowed to the two cultivators when they turned to face him. The man's expression was grim, and he did not dare to look Lan Wangji in the eyes. 

With hesitance, the young doctor spoke. "Young master, we have found that... Master Wei, does not have a golden core." 

At this, Lan Wangji relaxed. "Yes, I know." 

Once again, Lan Qiren fainted.

Chapter Text

Not long after Lan Qiren fainted, the doctors were able to finish their work. Cleaning and sewing up Wei Wuxian’s wound, all while Lan Wangji watched them critically. 

The doctors both instructed that the Huli Jing stay in bed for as long as possible, especially when he woke up. No erratic movements, nothing too strenuous on his body, and only bland and nutritious foods.

Lan Wangji was able to confidently agree to only two of those conditions.

Once Lan Qiren woke up, he immediately demanded that Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji gather with him in the main hall so they could discuss this. While ambivalent about leaving Wei Wuxian alone, Lan Wangji eventually agreed when he watched A-Yuan shuffle around the doctors and climb into the bed, and lay at the Omega’s side.

The doctors nervously tried to remove him, only for a low growl to force their movements to a halt.  “Do not remove him. Leave.”  A clear order that both doctors tried to obey, if not for the hand that Lan Qiren raised to stop them.

Lan Qiren did not comment on his nephew’s behavior, though the small huff he gave was enough for Lan Wangji to take notice. “Someone should stay here with them, Wangji. They need to stay.”

No, no they did not need to stay. The last thing the dragon wanted was for these two guests to overstay their already reluctant welcome. They did not, and should not stay in his den any longer. Especially not around Wei Ying or his son alone.

Ignoring his uncle’s comment for a moment, Lan Wangji turned to his son. “Mn. A-Yuan, will you and Mama be alright?” 

Smiling confidently, A-Yuan nodded. Seated at Wei Wuxian’s side he patted the blanket that had been draped over the man’s legs, his chest still exposed but heavily bandaged. “A-Yuan can watch Mama!”

Lan Wangji nodded at this, A-Yuan practically glowing at the approval. Though Lan Qiren stood and huffed at his nephew. “Wangji, he is a child.”

“He is my son, he knows what to do if he needs me.” Lan Wangji stated, catching Lan Qiren off guard while Lan Xichen only sighed and smiled reassuringly at their uncle.

Upon being told nothing else, both doctors left as hastily as possible. Neither dared to actually run in the presence of either three dragons, though they did not take their time in exiting.

Stepping forward to the bed, Lan Wangji patted the boy on the head. Making a note to himself that when he returned A-Yuan would be given a bath, his hair properly combed, and a forehead ribbon. Out of his sleeve, the man pulled out a talisman and handed it to the boy. “If you need me, tear this talisman in half.”

Nodding A-Yuan held the talisman tightly, Lan Wangji then guided the boy to lie down. It was Si time, barely even midday. But the dragon knew that the boy was undoubtedly tired from the stressful events of the morning. 

With nothing else to say and with no chance to share his disapproval, Lan Qiren nodded to his nephews as they left for the main hall. A few disciples greeted them as they passed by, though no one questioned the scene that a few had witnessed this morning.

They trusted that their Hanguang-jun knew what he was doing!

Even if he was bringing the Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation into their home.

Arriving in the main hall, the doors were immediately shut to avoid any of their conversation being overheard as Lan Qiren and his nephews took their seats. The atmosphere was still a tad bit uncomfortable, if not just a bit awkward. And so, ever dutiful, Lan Xichen decided to start.

“Wangji, how long have you known of young Master Wei’s… condition?” 

“I have known for the past three days since I first went to the Burial Mounds.” Lan Wangji answered, both young dragons pausing when they heard Lan Qiren stutter at the mention of the infamous Burial Mounds.

Grumbling, Lan Qiren began his questioning. “Wangji, you went there?! What is the explanation behind all of this? Gusu has only heard the rumor that Wei Wuxian was slain by the Ghost General, but I want to hear the full story of what has transpired.” 

Expression griming, Lan Wangji did not answer. He still had some unfinished businesses he desired to settle back in Lanling with a few certain Jins. Noticing his brother’s darkening expression, Lan Xichen spoke up for him.

“Uncle, during Jin Ling’s full-month banquet, Jin Zixuan and a few other cultivators had been missing from the party. But when they returned, they shared what happened at Qiongqi Path. When Jin Zixuan arrived, Jin Zixun had started the fight with Wei Wuxian by firing an arrow at him. Wen Ning was fighting the disciples, and Wei Wuxian and Zixun were battling. Though Wei Wuxian truly did no harm himself, he had lunged at and clawed Zixun to retrieve the gift he crafted for Jin Ling, but…”

Watching Lan Wangji’s expression, as dull and devoid of emotion as normal, his eyes only continued to darken. And Lan Xichen would have been a fool if he would have missed how the man’s talons were near the point of shredding his robes that he clutched a bit too tightly. Regardless, he finished the unfortunate tale. 

“Young Master Wei had seen something that Jin Zixuan had not and rushed towards him and threw him out of the way when the Ghost General approached when he was distracted. He suffered the blow that would have killed Jin Zixuan in his stead.”

Startled, if not in complete shock, Lan Qiren spoke not a word as he tried to digest what he was hearing. He knew from his personal experience of having to deal with Jin Zixuan and Wei Wuxian in the same room before that the two did not get along. It was no secret that the infamous Yiling Patriarch and the pride of Lanling had a bit of a bickering rivalry.

So, to hear that Wei Wuxian, the man that had publicly denounced Jin Zixuan’s worthiness to Jiang Yanli’s hand in marriage. Had actually, willingly given up his life for the man, completely unmotivated. It was a hard thought to truly process.

Let alone believe! 

“Jin Zixuan stated this?” Lan Qiren questioned, still in a state of disbelief. Not so much that Wei Wuxian would be the kind to give up his own life, Lan Qiren had known the boy when he was younger and that boy’s mother for the sake of the heavens themselves, rather the idea that Wei Wuxian would give up his life for Jin Zixuan.

It was almost too hard to believe!

“Yes, every word was his own. He even stated that young Master Wei saved his life.” Lan Xichen answered with a solemn nod. Still watching his brother carefully.

He never knew that bloodlust could look so calm in a person's eyes before.

Stroking his beard, Lan Qiren hummed in thought. To hear that the state the Huli Jing was in was because of a terribly noble reason, changed the rumor that was flying around like wildfire drastically.

And if there was one thing that Lan Qiren hated more than anything, it was thoughtless gossip.

“And Jin Zixun had been the one to instigate this fight?” Lan Qiren asked.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji answered, controlling his bloodthirst for the moment.

Once again, details such as this changed everything. The rumor that was flying around made it appear that the Ghost General had gone berserk and killed Wei Wuxian for no reason after the two had been a part of a fight against Lanling. No wonder the rumor was said so joyously, it was falsified and complex in its lies.

Stroking his beard, he thought for a moment what could have led to such an outcome. He had personally only met Jin Zixun in passing, having the experience of witnessing the Beta’s… theatrics a few times only, so he did not know if this behavior was out of his norm.

Regardless, he still disapproved of it.

Finding his words, Lan Qiren placed his hands back on the table. “Why did Jin Zixun go after Wei Wuxian?” 

“He believed that young Master Wei cursed him with the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes.” 

Lan Qiren’s eyes widened at this, though Lan Wangji cut in immediately when he saw his uncle’s expression. “Though it is impossible for Wei Ying to do now. He does not have a golden core, so he could not cultivate such a curse.” 

Lan Qiren only nodded. Truly, such a situation was troublesome. It would be near impossible for Wei Wuxian to prove his innocence in this, even if they did reveal the lack of a golden core.

That Jin Guangshan would probably spread some rumor that the Huli Jing used his demonic cultivation to do it.

Though that sparked another question in his mind. “Wangji, how did Wei Wuxian lose his golden core?”

Halting, Lan Wangji visibly scowled as the answer came to his mind. Something of which made both Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen pause in shock. “Wei Ying gave it away during the war, to Jiang Wanyin. Wen Zhuliu had destroyed his core after the massacre at Lotus Peer, and Wei Ying went to Wen Qing for her help in transferring his golden core to him. He told no one else of this aside from Wen Qing and Wen Ning.”

Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen both were left in shock, no one spoke as the statement was digested. Though Lan Qiren could only let his gaze fall as he stroked his beard. Once again, a terrible situation for Wei Wuxian caused by noble actions.

Did the man never learn from past experiences?

Lan Xichen suddenly spoke once a realization struck him. “Wangji, is that why young Master Wei turned to demonic cultivation?” 

“Mn.”

Sighing, Lan Xichen folded his hands in his lap. “Truly, he had no other choice, didn't he? The war was still apparent and he had no golden core… An unfortunate situation indeed.”

Lan Qiren could only close his eyes and shake his head. He had never agreed with demonic cultivation, though under the circumstances that he was listening to, his mind only supplied him with the reasonable logic behind Wei Wuxian’s action.

Something that had not happened in quite some time.

Though he still had questions unanswered. “How did Wei Wuxian even come upon demonic cultivation in such a way? There is no one to teach him about it, so how could he learn it so quickly?”

Stumped, Lan Wangji did not answer. For he had no answer to give. He truly did not know how Wei Ying became affiliated with demonic cultivation, within those three months of his absence, when not hide nor hair could be found of him, and no one knew where he went.

He told no one what had happened to him.

“I do not know, though I know that he picked it up within the three months of his absence nearing the peak of the Sunshot Campaign.” Lan Wangji answered.

Seeing as there was no way to get the answer at the moment, Lan Qiren only nodded and turned to his next question. “Wangji, what do you plan to do about this? Wei Wuxian is without a golden core, he is in a weaker state, and we cannot be sure that even if he pulls out of his injuries now, he will not succumb to the toll it took on his body later. Not to mention demonic cultivation is already hard on someone with a weak level of cultivation, but for someone who has no golden core, we have no idea what it has done to him.”

Once again, a grimace found its way to alter Lan Wangji’s face, catching Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen by surprise again. “I know it has affected his temperament, that is something that will not be hard to fix. As for the effect on his body, once we form his new core, he will begin to heal better.”

Caught by an even stronger wave of shock, Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen looked at each other and then at Lan Wangji to be sure they understood what he had said correctly. “Wangji knows that after a golden core is destroyed, it cannot be formed again, what do you mean?” Lan Xichen questioned.

“Mn. Wei Ying’s golden core was not destroyed, only transferred. The essence for his body to create one was not destroyed, he can form another one. And I will help him.”

Lan Qiren spoke up at this. “How did you come to this conclusion?” Though he almost regretted his question as he watched his nephew’s eyes darken, thankfully the foul expression was gone from his face, but this was still an undesired reaction.

“Wen Qing told me of the surgery she induced to transfer his core. He had to stay awake for one day and two nights due to an anesthetic affecting the already high results for failure, but once it was over, she knew that he still held the essence for creating another golden core. She agreed that it could be possible for him to cultivate a new one.”

Nodding, Lan Xichen smiled hopefully for the sake of his brother, placing a hand on his shoulder. Lan Qiren thought long and hard on the subject. For most, trying to cultivate later on in life leads to having a weak cultivation level, though for Wei Wuxian, a man who had an extremely strong golden core, and who has clearly not lost the form or internal system for a golden core. Forming a new one that could grow to be as strong as his first could be possible.

“It has never been done before, though neither has a core transplant until Wei Wuxian. So, we will have to see what becomes of this.” Lan Qiren stated.

Lan Xichen then turned to his brother with a hopeful expression. “Did Miss Wen say anything else on the matter before I arrived?”

Shaking his head, Lan Wangji answered. “No. I think it is best that we have her close by for the time being. She is the only doctor who knows of Wei Ying’s condition closely.” 

Lan Xichen thought of his brother’s statement, humming quietly as he tried to formulate the safest plan of action. “It will not be simple, the Wens themselves are still a public enemy. Especially Wen Qing and Wen Ning.”

“We will have to wait for Wei Wuxian to wake up, it is already enough that Wei Wuxian is here. If we draw more attention to ourselves, the situation will become worse.” Lan Qiren cut in, and both of his nephews nodded.

“Wangji, I can tell young Madam Jin and sect leader Jiang about young Master Wei’s whereabouts, it could be helpful to have them in this situation.” Lan Xichen offered, though Lan Wangji immediately bristled.

Shaking his head, Lan Wangji answered. “Mn.”

Surprised, Lan Xichen questioned his brother’s choice. “Wangji?”

“Xiongzhang, it is best that we wait for Wei Ying to wake up and make the decision himself.” 

With a simple sigh, Lan Qiren shared his agreement. “He is right, to add anyone else into this would cause speculation. It is best that no one unnecessarily knows of this until we have everything under our control.”

“Is it not worrisome that his family does know of his condition?” Lan Xichen questioned sympathetically, and Lan Wangji would on most occasions agree with his brother, but not this time.

“Mn. The Jiangs are not his family, Jiang Wanyin announced that their sect no longer has any affiliations with Wei Ying. He is no longer a part of the Jiang sect, and he has no blood ties to them.”

With a worried expression, Lan Xichen nodded. Neither he nor Lan Qiren could talk Lan Wangji out of any decisions he made in this state of mind. And it certainly did not help that Lan Qiren agreed with the youngest Twin Jade on this.

With nothing else left to say, Lan Wangji stood from his seat and excused himself from the grand hall. Walking back to the Jingshi, Lan Wangji took the time to truly think over every step of his plan.

When Wei Ying woke up, he fully planned to explain his condition, and hopefully explain the plan he had to help the fox spirit cultivate a new golden core. He hoped that with the presence of A-Yuan around the man would stay calm, or at the very least complicit enough to stay in bed to allow himself to heal.

Though if not, he did not doubt that Wen Qing’s needle technique could prove useful.

No matter how undesired it may be.

The dragon fully planned to allow the fox spirit his freedom though, he was no captor. If his Wei Ying wished to roam around Cloud Recesses or in the mountains and forests around the area, he would be more than allowed to do so. With Lan Wangji’s care of course. Just until he fully healed.

Though what his brother brought up came to mind. 

The Jiangs'.

Personally, he had never been a fan of Jiang Wanyin. He did not care for the younger Alpha’s arrogance nor his prideful and competitive attitude towards Wei Ying. Not to mention he yelled far too much.

Though Jiang Yanli. He did not know the tiger well, but he had heard nothing but praise from Wei Ying the few times that he and the fox spirit could actually sit down and have a conversation long enough without something or someone interrupting them or causing a disagreement between them.

That undoubtedly would cause them to separate on less than preferred terms.

Regardless, he did not want either of them involved. While he knew that Wei Ying would likely want at least Jiang Yanli present at some point, that reunion would have to wait until he was better. 

Upon returning to the Jingshi, A-Yuan jolted up from his dozed-off state of sleep, looking around confused before Lan Wangji brushed the hair out of his eyes. “Daddy!” The boy cheered as he reached out for the man to hold him, Lan Wangji doing so without question.

He had a feeling that hearing his son address him so affectionately would be his weak point with him from here on out.

“Mn. A-Yuan needs a bath.” The toddler didn’t protest as Lan Wangji went to his basin, pouring the water in and using a talisman to heat it, he helped A-Yuan untie the various layers of robes that all Lans had to wear.

Once setting him in the bath, the baby fox spirit immediately dunked his head under the water. Squealing with laughter when Lan Wangji instantaneously pulled him out from under the water in a hurry of panic.

A-Yuan didn’t voice any complaints when Lan Wangji began to clean his hair, careful around his ears and using a comb to untangle the knots. So, as any child would with nothing else to do, he asked questions. “Does Daddy like to play in the water?”

“Mn. Sometimes, but not in the bath.”

A-Yuan immediately shared his disagreement with the statement. “Daddy, that's the best time to play! Mama always plays with me in the bath.”

A soft chuckle rose from the dragon's throat as he grabbed a small ladle and used it to rinse the boy’s hair. Completely unsurprised by the child’s argument. He remembered the few times that Wei Ying had attempted to play with him during their time in school as teenagers.

The one time that teasing and tricky Huli Jing had followed him to the Cold Springs and did his best to tease Lan Wangji. Completely oblivious to the panic that the dragon had been going through the entire time as he refused to turn around even once to face the fox spirit for the sake of modesty.

“We can play in the springs by the mountain path, but the bath is not the place to play.” Lan Wangji clarified, a ghost of a smile slowly appearing on his face when the toddler only grumbled his agreement.

Though the next question A-Yuan asked made Lan Wangji freeze from where he was reaching to grab a cloth to clean the rest of the toddler. “Does Daddy love Mama?”

His gaze slowly meeting A-Yuan’s, Lan Wangji did not know where he should answer truthfully or order the boy to take the rest of his bath in silence. But when he met the curious and almost hopeful gaze of his son, his answer came honestly.

“Yes. I love Mama, does A-Yuan?” 

Smiling, the boy let Lan Wangji help him finish his bath as he gave his answer. “A-Yuan loves Mama! I love Qing-Jie, Uncle Ning, and Granny.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji grabbed a towel and took the little fox spirit out of the bath, taking his time to fully dry his ears and tails back to their natural fluffiness before taking the comb again and brushing through all of the knots and tangles in the fur.

Grabbing fresh robes, Lan Wangji showed A-Yuan how to tie each robe, though the toddler did his best. In the end, it was best if the dragon tied them. Tying up the child’s hair, Lan Wangji then walked over to a small wooden box on his shelf next to the many books he kept in his room.

Opening it, he pulled out a Lan headband with the signature cloud motif sewn into the fabric.

Walking back to the boy and kneeling in front of him, he let the child hold the durable ribbon and stare at the intricate design. “A-Yuan, this is the Lan forehead ribbon. It is very special and shows people that you are a Lan. You are to wear it at all times and never let anyone but Mama or I touch it. Does A-Yuan understand?” 

“I understand Daddy!”

Nodding, Lan Wangji tied the ribbon around his forehead. The dragon smiled pridefully at the sight. This was his son, his and Wei Ying’s son. 

They would be okay.

He would make sure of it.

Chapter Text

Two weeks passed by slowly.

Agonizingly slowly.

Lan Wangji could at the very least say that he kept himself in a productive state regardless. He had been able to get A-Yuan comfortable and situated in his new home, the small room connected to Lan Wangji’s was the perfect size for him until he was old enough to move into the disciples' dormitory.

For the time being though, he would of course live at home with his father and mother, where he was safe and happy, attending the classes that Lan Wangji had enrolled him into.

Nothing too strenuous, nothing he wasn’t completely certain his son would have no trouble handling. He would learn calligraphy, mathematics, and dragon tongue. But once he got older, Lan Wangji already was planning to look for his son’s sword and guqin.

Though he would wait to look for such things.

He wouldn’t make such decisions without Wei Ying present.

The choosing of a child’s spiritual weapon was incredibly important after all!

Amongst his reasoning for the sake of propriety and respect towards his future mate, he also could not be sure that there were not some things he did not know of when it came to A-Yuan. While there had been no instances… yet in regards to his son being a Huli Jing. He could not be sure that there wouldn’t be in the future.

It was already bad enough that Lan Wangji had been schooled by a toddler on how to groom his ears and tails correctly.

A-Yuan had found the situation hilarious and giggled the entire time as he showed the dragon how to properly care for fur, and not scales, apparently there was much more to it than just brushing the knots and tangles out. But Lan Wangji’s pride had been wounded. If only slightly.

The cultivator absolutely refused for a situation like that to occur ever again! He was A-Yuan’s father, he should know how to properly take care of the boy without having to run to his brother whenever there was an instance he didn’t understand.

It was no mystery that he was not the best with his words, or societal standards for socialness, normally keeping to himself in silence. But since A-Yuan’s and Wei Ying’s arrival, that silence had been cut out drastically.

When his son was not in school, A-Yuan went straight to him for questions, some of which Lan Wangji could not answer. He would ask where his grandmother was, he would ask about Wei Ying, and why he had not woken up yet. He would ask about Uncle Ning, Qing-Jie.

And finally, the worst question yet. He asked if Wei Ying did wake up, and when the Huli Jing left, would he have to leave Lan Wangji?

Lan Wangji would later feel embarrassed over how quickly he had run to his brother for guidance after such a question.

He desperately needed Wei Ying to help balance out the expertise he did not have.

But he had not woken up yet.

His wound had been healing slowly, without a golden core, and his body still weak, there was only so much that Lan Wangji could do to help speed things along.

Despite having no golden core, that did not mean that the dragon would not begin the start of his plans early. Every day, just until A-Yuan would return home from school, Lan Wangji would play the song of purification along with their song for hours. Channeling as much spiritual energy as possible into every note, while it would be up to Wei Ying to fully form his new golden core, the more pure spiritual energy that was channeled into him would make the process quicker and far less strenuous.

Simply, Lan Wangji had kept himself busy.

He had to, or the sight of Wei Ying laying on his bed, unmoving and unconscious would drive him mad.

Despite his best efforts of propriety, every night that he had slept on the guest cot that he had laid out on the ground a few feet away from the fox spirit, no matter how exhausted his body was, and no matter his strict sleep schedule, those longs nights would only drag out longer and he would never find sleep.

And the straw that finally forced the walls to collapse had occurred on one of those very sleepless nights, amongst the silence that Lan Wangji had been trying to meditate in, an effort of convincing his mind to allow him to sleep.

A sharp and painful gasp had broken all of his concentration.

Without a second thought, Lan Wangji sprang off of the cot and rushed to Wei Ying’s side. The Huli Jing had rolled himself off of his back and onto his left side, his own bodyweight applying a painful amount of pressure to his wound that caused the fox spirit’s sleep to be restless.

Though it was not only that, he was having a nightmare.

A terrible one at that.

The first time that Lan Wangji had heard the fox spirit’s voice in over a week since his first awakening from his deadly coma, he was mumbling in his sleep. Almost unintelligible, though Lan Wangji’s sensitive hearing could make out a few words.

“Don’t…”

“...Please.”

“Don’t hurt them…”

Even in his sleep, his beloved’s heart was still reaching out to those he wanted to protect, no matter if he could or not. Heart-wrenching in his chest, Lan Wangji carefully turned the man back on his back, checking his bandages to make sure the uncomfortable pressure had not agitated any of the stitches.

Though when nothing was out of place and Lan Wangji went to walk back to his cot to meditate through his insomnia, another barely-heard whisper forced his movements to freeze.

“Lan Zhan.”

Head whipping around quick enough to snap his neck, Lan Wangji peered down at the still unconscious Huli Jing. The voice used to call his name was different from what he had heard before, when the fox spirit muttered before, he sounded as though he was trying to command. As though he was trying with all of his might to shout, only he could not bring his voice to comply with his wants.

This time, it was purposefully quiet. As though he was pleading, scared of being turned away. Something that would never happen.

And the final shred of his self-control had been snapped.

Lan Wangji readjusted Wei Ying gently, careful in every movement until he knew they would both be comfortable, and he pulled the blanket to cover them both. For a moment, he almost felt guilty. That he should remove himself that very instant and punish himself appropriately for such behavior.

But when Wei Ying’s mumbling stopped and the fox spirit merely stilled in the dragon’s embrace, seemingly finding the peace of sleep. Lan Wangji could not bring himself to move. And for the first time in over a week, he found a peaceful sleep.

Every night since then, Lan Wangji would sleep at Wei Ying’s side. Cuddled close to him with the Huli Jing pressed securely against his chest, and even some nights A-Yuan would sleep with his parents, sometimes on the other side of the older fox spirit. Though more commonly placed safely in between the two of them.

While Lan Wangji kept himself primarily busy, either playing for Wei Ying or tending to A-Yuan. He had other duties to tend to, far more reluctantly so at that. He was not exactly comfortable with leaving Wei Ying alone for very long, though it was also his reasoning behind getting his duties to his sect completed as soon as possible so he could return.

It was one of those times now, Lan Wangji had been called by the elders for his help with dealing with a particularly relentless and violent spirit, and A-Yuan was in school.

So, Wei Wuxian had been left alone in the Jingshi.

Amongst the silence of the near-empty room, a sudden gasp broke through, pained and fearful as the seemingly unconscious fox spirit began to thrash around.

Waves of intense and violent resentful energy surged inside of the man, tearing through the confines of his person as they reached outwards. Reaching out in all directions, the energy slammed against the walls and the door of the Jingshi.

Wei Wuxian’s body was thrown off of the bed and onto his stomach on the ground by the energy, a pained and aggressive shout came from the man as his body spasmed and the resentful energy still attempted to break free.

As though alive itself, the waves of resentful energy then surged toward Wei Wuxian, seemingly trying to awaken its master to follow its violent urging.

With a final surge of energy, Wei Wuxian’s eyes opened.

The resentful energy surged back to him all at once, sending the man flying onto his back across the room with a pained groan.

Slow to reopen his eyes, his head still spinning and blood rushing in his ears, Wei Wuxian hissed as he grabbed his side, pain blooming from the wound. Once the eyes of the fox spirit reopened, the man took in his surroundings groggily.

He took note of the clean interior of the room he was in, everything meticulously placed and properly placed. Could anyone actually live in such a clean space?

Then he saw the pingfeng near the corner of the room. Beautiful paintings of rolling clouds with vast mountains and rolling rivers and streams were painted onto the plaster screen. Bamboo the shade of jade connected each screen.

Though something looked familiar about those clouds on the screen.

Wei Wuxian looked around further, groaning as he forced himself to sit up, there were other paintings that were similar to that of the pingfeng hanging up around the room he was in, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the door to the place and the door to the other rooms connected.

Confused, the fox spirit tried to gain in bearings, though when he saw a bookshelf, he did his best to read the titles of the books, hoping to find a hint to where he was.

The 3000 Rules of The Gusu Lan Clan.

He shot to his feet the second he realized.

(Why am I in Cloud Recesses!?) Wei Wuxian thought to himself before groaning pitifully as he clutched his wounded side, staggering on his feet as he looked around further.

(And whose house am I in?!)

Limping, Wei Wuxian cursed himself and his wound as he tried to look for his outer robes. Whoever had taken him here had dressed him in only pure white inner robes, the top opened to reveal his chest that was heavily wrapped with bandages.

Laughing to himself, Wei Wuxian poked his side, wincing at his own actions. (Scandalous, whoever brought me here kept me in such a revealing state? Did they hope to wait until I was awake so they could enjoy whatever they planned?)

Though when he breathed in deeply, the scent of sandalwood with a tone of amber infiltrated his senses. The scents combined were warm and only slightly sweet, though the richer tones were musky and rich.

He knew this scent, he could recognize it from anywhere.

Lan Wangji!

(Wait! Why am I in Lan Zhan’s room!?) Slightly panicked, Wei Wuxian tried to recall what he last remembered.

Though all that came to him were the terrified faces of the Jin disciples. Jin Zixuan and his arrogant cousin in particular.

That’s right… he had seen Wen Ning's approach, he didn’t know what the fierce corpse would do, but he had a sick feeling when he saw it. So, he rushed forward and shoved Jin Zixuan out of the way so he could reel in Wen Ning.

Uphold his promise to Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji both that he had everything under control.

Then he felt something… bad. It had hurt terribly, he vaguely remembered trying to walk it off, only for his legs to give out on him anyways. It had hurt worse than when Madam Yu used to bring down Zidian on his back.

Jin Zixuan… He had said something to him, Wei Wuxian couldn’t recall what the winged-lion said, but he knew he replied. He had reached out to give him Jin Ling’s gift.

Then it all went black.

He had been dying.

Wei Wuxian recalled the heat of a fever, and then the freezing claws of death.

He couldn’t bring himself to remember anything else. He had a vague memory of voices, none that he could specify apart from each other, but he also remembered a soothing melody. One that he knew well.

But none of that answered why he was in Cloud Recesses!

Much less answering why he was in Lan Wangji’s room of all places!!

Wei Wuxian knew that Lan Wangji had wanted to lock him up since he took up demonic cultivation. But he had never expected the revered Hanguang-jun to take him when he had been on death’s doorstep.

It hurt a bit to know that the dragon truly did hate him so much.

Shaking away his self-pitying thoughts, Wei Wuxian continued his search for his outer robes. Shouting in indignation when he finally found them, only to see they had been thrown into a pile along with what appeared to be discarded bandages.

Lan Wangji had thrown his clothes in the trash!

Grumbling, Wei Wuxian shuffled to his clothes. Cursing under his breath with each step, especially when he had to bend down to pick them up. “Ah, Lan Zhan… How rude, throwing my clothes away…” Wei Wuxian mumbled to himself, huffing with each move to reclothe himself.

Though once he was fully dressed, the resentful energy that had been the culprit to his reawakening resurfaced again and made its urge well known.

Wei Wuxian shouted in pain as he grabbed his head when a fresh wave of resentful energy washed over him. Slamming into his temples as the energy tried to lead him out the door.

“Gah! What is this!?” Wei Wuxian cried out, trying with all of his might to reel in the violent energy. Though still weakened, he failed as he was practically thrown across the room from the insistent pull.

Eyes turning red, Wei Wuxian gave into the pull and left the Jingshi, following with staggering steps to where he was being led to. It was midday, so he had to do his best to sneak around the buildings, and classrooms that were in session.

Disciples walked the path idly, and Wei Wuxian almost abandoned this whole venture and considered making a mad dash for the entrance.

If he was lucky, once he made it down the steps, his wound wouldn’t have reopened and he could make it back to the Burial Mounds in three days' time on foot.

Though the second the thought came to him, that same surge of energy reared its head. And Wei Wuxian finally felt the connection of what he was being led to.

The Yin Tiger Tally!

Well, only half of it.

But how did it get to Cloud Recesses!? He never carried either half of the object on him. He had contemplated destroying it completely after the war, having experienced firsthand the effect it had on people. Instead, he had only broken it in half, weakening its power slightly.

Regardless, it shouldn’t have been here! He always kept both pieces hidden deep within the Demon Quelling cave, only Wen Qing and Wen Ning knew where both pieces were separately hidden.

Then his stomach sank.

What happened to Wen Ning and Wen Qing?

If the Lans’ had half of the Yin Tiger Tally, it meant that they had gone to the Burial Mounds. It meant that they had searched for it.

But where were Wen Ning and Wen Qing? Were they alright? Were they captured as well? Were they killed? And what about the rest of the Wens? Were they spared? Or were they brought down with him?

Though Wei Wuxian could not get his answers, the terrible thoughts only continued to come to him. Sickening images flashed through his mind of his dear friends’ innocent blood staining the very ground they had worked so hard to maintain and use to grow their crops, to feed their families.

Then his mind supplied him with the most horrific and blood-curdling thought of all.

Where was A-Yuan?

Where was his son!?

Amongst the fear that surged through his heart and the pain that coursed through his entire being. Wei Wuxian felt rage. Blinding and incurable rage.

If anything happened to his son.

The Lans would finally have use for their white mourning robes.

Disregarding his previous attempts of stealth, Wei Wuxian surged forward to the Mingshi where he felt the urge guide him. Shouts of fear and surprise rang out as he rushed by. Some calling for him to cease, and others calling for someone to get help.

As he came upon the doors to the Mingshi, a Lan disciple shouted at him. “Yiling Patriarch! Stop there! You are not permitted to enter!”

Though before he could even acknowledge the presence of the disciple or the presence of the other cultivators who were beginning to arrive. The strongest surge of resentful energy yet broke through the doors!

Those unsuspecting were thrown off of their feet while the other cultivators who had sensed the surge stayed standing, they were pushed back by the force, but Wei Wuxian was not affected in the least.

With a single word, the doors of the Mingshi opened for him. “Open.”

Stepping inside, the doors slammed close behind him. With eyes glowing red, Wei Wuxian peered around the room. Many of the elders of the clan were splayed out on the ground of the room. Most were knocked unconscious by the wave of resentful energy.

The only one to stay standing had been Lan Wangji!

Sensing the presence of someone new, the dragon looked up as he continued to strum his guqin, only to shout at the one he saw. “Wei Ying!”

Disregarding the Alpha, Wei Wuxian stepped past the unconscious cultivators and to the qiankun bag that he knew held the Yin Tiger Tally.

The thrashing bag immediately reacted to the demonic cultivator, trashing even harder to free from the seal it had been trapped in. The song of purification that Lan Wangji had been playing ceased as he shot to his feet. Shouting once again. “Wei Ying!”

Ignoring him once again, Wei Wuxian reached forward and without the powerful song that Lan Wangji had been playing, the qiankun bag flung forward into his hands!

The surge of resentful energy that had been suffocating the room finally ceased, the object of such chaos now finally appeased having been returned to its master.

Though Wei Wuxian’s heart was not appeased. Peering down at the bag in his hands, he recognized the Sparks-Amidst-Snow symbol embroidered on the bag. And with a single swipe of his claws, he shredded the bag!

The unconscious elders began to rise, slow to open their eyes, only to shout in shock at the sight of Wei Wuxian before them. Holding what they then recognized at the Yin Tiger Tally!

In a furious rage, Wei Wuxian bellowed. “Where is the person who took this!?” In his hand, he held one of the greatest spiritual weapons ever created. The very weapon he created, and only he knew how to control and contain. No man in the entire Mingshi dared to speak out for fear of what the Huli Jing would do.

No man, other than Lan Wangji. “Wei Ying, be calm.” Stepping forward, the dragon approached closer. Though Wei Wuxian only growled at the action.

“Tell me! Where is the man who stole this from the Burial Mounds!? Bring him to me!” Wei Wuxian commanded, his ears pinned back against his head while all nine tails whipped behind him furiously.

“Wei Wuxian!” Lan Qiren rose to his feet, watching the fox spirit carefully. Though the Omega only growled as he turned to be able to see both uncle and nephew.

“Tell me!”

Without noticing, Lan Wangji had come to Wei Wuxian’s side. Almost making the man recoil if not for the rage that blinded him. “He is dead, Wei Ying. He was killed by a horde of corpses near Gusu. He was found in the woods and we took him back here due to the amount of resentful energy that had been surrounding him.”

His anger dissipated only slightly. Wei Wuxian stared the dragon down as he spoke slowly. “Who. Was. He?”

Calmly, Lan Wangji spoke, doing his best to send out a calming scent to soothe the fox spirit. “I do not know. He seemed to only be a weaker cultivator of the Jin sect.”

Regardless of the dragon’s best attempts, Wei Wuxian did not calm down, not in the slightest. “Where is my son? Where are Wen Ning and Wen Qing?” Wei Wuxian growled though this was something that Lan Wangji could do to calm the man before him.

“A-Yuan is here, he is alright, Wei Ying.”

The glow of his eyes dimmed, and Wei Wuxian’s posture relaxed if only slightly. Disbelief was clear on his face, though it was a well-known fact that Hanguang-jun did not lie.

“Take me to him.”

With no other words spoken, and a simple raise of his hand, the doors to the Mingshi opened upon Lan Wangji’s command. He and Wei Wuxian walked out of the spirit summoning house, the Yin Tiger Tally still in the Huli Jing’s hand as they passed by startled if not somewhat scared disciples on their way.

Though when they approached the Lanshi, Wei Wuxian eyed Lan Wangji skeptically. Eyes still glowing a fiery red, he held his ground. With a raise of the dragon’s hand, the cultivators who had been standing guard, trembling at the sight of the Yiling Patriarch, both immediately moved out of the way for the two.

The teacher inside the classroom gasped when he saw who appeared with Lan Wangji, a few of the children turning their heads to see what had startled their teacher into stopping.

“A-Yuan.” Lan Wangji called to the boy, who had kept his gaze on the teacher. He turned his head, though when he saw the older fox spirit, the rules of decorum he had been learning were lost to him as he sprang to his feet and ran to Wei Wuxian.

“Mama!!” A-Yuan screamed in delight, only having to run a bit before Wei Wuxian completed the rest of the distance and knelt to catch the boy who came hurtling into his arms.

A few gasps rang out around them, though Wei Wuxian could not care. The glow of his eyes vanished and he hugged his son as close to his chest as possible, ignoring the pain of his wound that was making itself apparent now that the adrenaline was fading off.

“Wei Ying. You need to go back home.” Lan Wangji ordered; a hand on Wei Wuxian’s shoulder leading him up to stand with A-Yuan still held in his arms. The dragon went to take A-Yuan from Wei Wuxian, only to receive a cold shoulder in response.

With far less than a pleased expression, Wei Wuxian nodded in his agreement. “We will, I need to get back to the Burial Mounds anyways. Something must have happened.”

Not even a bow was shared before Wei Wuxian hurried out of the classroom and down the path, leaving behind more than a few startled Lans’, and a confused A-Yuan. Immediately realizing how his words were misinterpreted, Lan Wangji ran after the fox spirit.

“Wei Ying!”

Looking over his shoulder, Wei Wuxian continued his trek. The last thing he needed was to be locked up here. Imagine his poor A-Yuan! Knowing that his mother was a chained man! He’d never get to take him night hunting or help teach him how to become a well-respected cultivator!

He held nothing but immense respect for Lan Wangji, but he absolutely refused to allow the righteous dragon to take away what little he had left of a family!

A frustrated noise left Lan Wangji, rules of not making a fuss and no running forgotten as he sped in front of Wei Wuxian. Blocking his path as he reached out once again to take A-Yuan from the fox spirit.

With a snarl, Wei Wuxian dodged him again and held A-Yuan closer. “Lan Wangji! I am doing as you said! Leave us be!”

Lan Wangji instead stepped forward again, stubbornly blocking Wei Wuxian’s way. “Go back, Wei Ying!”

Huffing indignantly, Wei Wuxian tried to run around the dragon. Only for the man to take the opportunity to snake his arm around the Huli Jing’s waist and hold him still. Much to the Omega’s protests.

“Lan Wangji!”

“Wei Wuxian!”

Though when a cry rose from the suffocating atmosphere, both men halted and stepped back from each other. A-Yuan, who was held almost too tightly in Wei Wuxian’s arms, cried as he watched the dragon and older fox spirit fight. Simultaneously trying to hide in the black robes of Wei Wuxian while trying to reach out to Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian cooed and whispered to the boy, trying to wipe his tears and comfort him the best he could. “A-Yuan, little radish. It’s okay.”

A-Yuan only cried harder. “Mama and Daddy are fighting!”

Shocked at the names he heard, Wei Wuxian looked between his son and Lan Wangji slowly, disbelieving if not for the way Lan Wangji looked at A-Yuan. A stifled chuckle escaped from Wei Wuxian as he shook his head, patting the boy’s head gently.

Wei Wuxian’s demeanor relaxed drastically as he rubbed his son’s back, smiling sympathetically at the dragon. “I didn’t realize he’d still call you that… Sorry Lan Zhan, he is a kid, he didn’t know.”

“Mn… I did not mind.”

With a simple nod, Wei Wuxian turned away again to leave. Stopped only by the hand that grabbed the back of his robes, keeping him in place.

Sighing, Wei Wuxian turned over his shoulder to face the man. “Aiya, Lan Zhan. I need to go back to the Burial Mounds. Thank you for taking care of A-Yuan, but we need to go home.”

Grunting, Lan Wangji tugged the fox spirit closer to him. Wei Wuxian was still far too debilitated to fight against the other cultivator’s grip. “No. Wei Ying will stay here. You’re still heavily injured.”

Glaring halfheartedly, Wei Wuxian tried to tug himself free, though Lan Wangji’s grip did not relent regardless. “Lan Zhan, I am obviously not wanted here, let me leave without causing any more of a scene. I will be fine to make it back to the Burial Mounds, no wound could stop me.”

Suddenly, a new voice chimed in. “Actually, young Master Wei, you are very welcome here. And I would quite appreciate it if you stayed for a while longer, I was hoping we could all talk.”

Lan Xichen had come onto the scene!

Startled by the insistent invitation of the Lan sect leader himself, Wei Wuxian saw that he truly had no way out of this. It was apparent that Lan Wangji would not let him leave without a scuffle, and to have Zewu-jun invite him to stay.

It would be a moronic move on his part to deny them both.

With no way out, Wei Wuxian sighed and nodded. “Very well, I will stay… for now.”

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian knew better than anyone what it was like to be admonished by the masses, he knew exactly what it was like to lose everything only to have to start all over again, but he did not know how to handle this!

He was sitting at the low table in the main hall with Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, and Lan Qiren. A-Yuan had since been returned to the Lanshi for his classes, something Wei Wuxian reminded himself to question Lan Wangji about later.

But they were all sitting in silence!

Tea had been distributed, but the knots in Wei Wuxian's stomach refused to let him take a sip without gagging. A shame really, he rather liked the tea they served in Cloud Recesses.

Lan Qiren seemed just as prickly as Wei Wuxian remembered, taking small sips of his tea as he glared at the Huli Jing. And Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen only looked at each other, as though they could communicate silently.

Something Wei Wuxian wouldn't put past them.

Clearing his throat, Lan Qiren broke the silence. "Wei Wuxian, we must discuss the details of your stay, along with what has happened."

If Wei Wuxian had been drinking his tea, he had no doubt he would've spat it out by now. (Stay!? Old Master Lan! I had prayed that it would be you to kick me out! What happened to my prickly old teacher who waited for any opportunity to shove me out!?)

Crying to himself in his self-pity, Wei Wuxian looked to his left where Lan Xichen only nodded as he set his teacup down, the natural kind smile he always bore still spreading his lips. "Yes, young Master Wei, could you explain what happened in the Mingshi?"

Half of the Yin Tiger Tally was still in Wei Wuxian's grasp, only now he had hidden it in his sleeve. "I wish I could say I know. It's likely it sensed me and wanted to be returned. Though I still have my own questions."

Gesturing for the man to continue, Lan Xichen nodded. "Please."

A dark gleam overcast his gaze, Wei Wuxian's normal cheery and carefree tone was lost as a serious and dark tone took its place. "Why was half of the Yin Tiger Tally in the possession of a Jin disciple anyway? And what happened to the Wens at the Burial Mounds?"

A tense silence fell at that, none of the Lans present had the answers that Wei Wuxian sought. Something that the fox spirit knew. And something he planned to use for his benefit. "Fine. Tell me why I am here?"

Lan Qiren's glare did not falter, though something in his gaze softened when Wei Wuxian asked this, and the fox spirit almost flinched at such an expression.

Was this truly his same old prickly teacher!?

"Wei Wuxian, you were brought here by Wangji. You were near death and you needed the proper medical attention."

"I understand that, and while this one thanks you for the care, I meant why am I being told to stay?"

Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren looked uncomfortable at the question, neither spoke to answer, and Wei Wuxian didn't know if he should laugh or cry when he looked to his right in hopes Lan Wangji would give him a blunt answer as always.

Instead, the dragon was silent and stone-faced!

After a few moments of unbearable silence, it seemed that Lan Wangji took pity on the poor fox spirit. "Wei Ying is here and will stay here because this is where he will be safe."

Wei Wuxian now truly wanted to cry out in frustration. Instead, he prayed that his old classmate would show him mercy. "Aiya... Lan Zhan, I need to go back to the Burial Mounds. Something has gone wrong there, I already know. Who knows what has happened there in the past few days."

At this, Lan Xichen coughed sheepishly, and Lan Qiren shook his head. What did Wei Wuxian say now? "Young Master Wei, may I ask if you have any memory of what has transpired."

Thinking back on the past few days, all he remembered was Qiongqi Path, Jin Zixuan, and his arrogant cousin, and voices. Nothing much to go off of. "No, I only remember Qiongqi Path and hearing voices." The sect leader's expression seemed to dim at this, for reasons Wei Wuxian was completely clueless to.

"Wei Wuxian, for the time being, you will stay here." Lan Qiren chimed in when no one else spoke, and Wei Wuxian nearly cried out in sheer horror and frustration.

What had happened to his mean old teacher!?

Bring back that Lan Qiren, for the sake of the heavens themselves!

With every ounce of self-control left, clenching his jaw so tightly his abdomen began to ache, Wei Wuxian gave what was likely the most strained if not painful smile he had ever expressed. "Master Lan... Please. You have to understand why I must leave."

Scoffing, Lan Qiren nearly slammed his teacup on the table. Glaring the Huli Jing down with a resentment that Wei Wuxian had grown accustomed to since the ending of the war. "To do what exactly? Should you not be grateful that we are attempting to help you rejoin the right path? What is the purpose you have to aid rumors spread of our Gusu Lan sect being affiliated with you?"

"Uncle!" Lan Wangji countered immediately, an expression of anger that Wei Wuxian did not recognize etched onto the jade of his features.

Though he could not say that it was not as handsome as any other bleak and minute expression that he had ever happened upon with Lan Wangji.

Despite Lan Wangji's near-extreme reaction, that is not what caught Wei Wuxian's full attention. "What do you mean, 'attempt to get me to rejoin the right path'? And me being affiliated with your clan? I have no ties with you! If I left now, you could just say that I came to cause a ruckus and then left! No one would doubt your integrity!"

Shaking his head, Lan Qiren did not dignify Wei Wuxian with an explanation. Desperate, and somewhat concerned on a few different levels, Wei Wuxian looked between the Twin Jades of Gusu in hopes either one would be merciful.

In the end, it always seemed to be Zewu-jun. "Young Master Wei, please understand that it is not that simple."

"How could it not be!? Did I not cause a ruckus? What you could claim would have no falsehood! And since I have no ties with the Lan clan, why can I not leave?"

Lan Xichen visibly cringed at the statement, and Wei Wuxian saw the corner of Lan Wangji's eye twitch out the corner of his eye. Why was everyone acting strangely?

Then Lan Wangji commented, or more so ordered. "Wei Ying will not leave. He is not ready."

This time he truly did cry out in frustration, standing from his seat with Lan Wangji following after him promptly. Exhausted and in an amount of pain that was becoming harder, and harder to conceal, Wei Wuxian did not hold back. "Lan Wangji! What could I not be ready for!? Whatever I may have done to offend, it surely can not be more important than the safety of innocent mothers and the elderly at the Burial Mounds! Let me leave!"

Wei Wuxian did not wait for confirmation, he immediately tried to storm out of the main hall, ready to march to the Lanshi and collect A-Yuan before going home.

Though he was promptly stopped by a hand that dug far too painfully into his bicep, an icy and foreboding aura swept over him like a wave of freezing water, and the once light eyes of Lan Wangji were darkened into dark molten pools of gold. "Wei Ying will not leave!"

"Wangji!" Lan Qiren reprimanded, standing and all but shoving Lan Wangji a fair distance from Wei Wuxian.

"Wangji... Master Wei, please let us explain." Lan Xichen stood as well, trying to diffuse the situation as best as possible. Lest the glaring contest between Lan Wangji and Lan Qiren actually turn into something far more serious.

And with Lan Wangji's mental state, he did not doubt the probability.

Still caught off guard, holding his arm, and vaguely registered the fact that there would be bruises in the imprint of Lan Wangji's fingertips there later. Wei Wuxian turned to face the sect leader, desperation clear in his eyes for a clear answer.

"Wei Wuxian, for now, it is not safe for you to leave. For the entire cultivation world believes you to be dead. Many disciples went to the Burial Mounds to confirm this when Wangji was there and awaiting the chance to bring you here. And until we can be sure that everything is restored, it is not safe for you to leave."

Wei Wuxian's face visibly paled at this. The whole world thought him to be dead?!

And Lan Zhan had gone to the Burial Mounds first?

Why would he do such a thing?

He knew he had been dying, but his being out of sight for a few days could not truly convince the entire cultivation world that he had perished!

"Why... Who told them such things? It's only been a few days!" Wei Wuxian argued, perhaps he was more so begging.

All three Lans in the room turned to focus on him again, and the fox spirit stiffened under the glares. "Young Master Wei... It has been far more than just a few days." Having no other way to break the news lightly, Wei Wuxian felt his heart sink.

"How long..."

"Wei Wuxian-."

Crying out in horror that could only be understood by those who have felt such fear, Wei Wuxian screeched as he whirled around to face his old teacher. "How long!? How long have I been away from the Burial Mounds!? What of the Wens!? Where are Wen Qing and Wen Ning!? What has happened!?"

Dumbstruck by the sheer horror in Wei Wuxian's voice and eyes, Lan Qiren had not an immediate answer to give that he was sure could diffuse the situation. And so, Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji.

"Lan Zhan! How long has it been!?" Wei Wuxian cried, frantically clinging to anything he could hold onto, which consequently ended up being the collar of Lan Wangji's pristine white robes.

Unaffected by the man's frantic and horrified behavior, Lan Wangji cupped the fox spirit's face and did his best to send out a calming scent to soothe the Omega.

"It has been three weeks since Wei Ying fell into his coma."

Wei Wuxian thought he would faint, if not for the hands that were cupping his face, something he desperately wished he could say didn't feel as comforting as it did. Not only that, his wound was aching again, and he wanted nothing more than to wake up from this nightmare.

"...Lan Zhan... did you leave them there? Are all of the Wens still there when you left?"

Knowing that his answer was likely to upset Wei Ying more, Lan Wangji moved his hands down to hold the man's shoulders. Wei Ying should not try to run away again.

"Yes."

Practically screaming, Wei Wuxian put all of his strength into breaking out of Lan Wangji's hold, kicking and writhing like a man driven mad. If anyone were to walk by, they would likely believe someone was being brutally tortured if not scared to death.

"Let me go, Lan Wangji! Do you hear me?! Release me!" Screaming, Wei Wuxian did not relent in his assault against Lan Wangji's once clean white boots and the hem of his robes.

Growing irritated, Lan Wangji shouted and held tighter. "Wei Ying is still injured!"

Though what finally made Lan Wangji release his grip, out of pure fear of actually having hurt Wei Wuxian, was the tears that had begun to roll down the Yiling Patriarch's face. His face was a mess, hair stuck to his damp cheeks, his jaw was clenched so tight that the dragons swore they could hear the popping of his jaw, and he was still sickly pale.

Sobbing, Wei Wuxian fell into the man's chest. Pressing his forehead against his shoulder as he weakly beat his fist against the firm abdomen and pectoral muscles. "What does it matter!? Lan Zhan! Hanguang-jun! Please..."

Wei Wuxian's heart was about to stop from his horror, this he was certain of. He hated this, he hated that anyone... Lan Wangji especially was seeing him in such a state. He hated to cry right now, but he felt as though his voice was only good enough to scream, and his eyes held no purpose for his vision any longer.

He hated appearing weaker in front of those he knew could hurt him, it left him vulnerable, and it left the ones he needed to protect at the mercy of those who knew his weaknesses. And here he was, in the Cloud Recesses' main hall sobbing into the revered Hanguang-jun's chest!

But instead of scorn or denial, Wei Wuxian was surprised to feel the dragon wrap his arms around him in return. A gentle hand ran up and down his spine. "It matters because Wei Ying must be in good physical condition to restore his core and for A-Yuan. If it worries Wei Ying, I will go there and relocate the Wens. I will make sure everything is okay."

Lan Wangji only fretted when he felt Wei Wuxian stiffen in his arms, going as still as a statue and holding his breath. "Mn." The question was clear as the cultivator moved one hand to lead Wei Wuxian to reveal his face.

In turn, revealing the dread and horror of his expression.

Shouting, Wei Wuxian found the resolve to shove Lan Wangji, missing the hurt that flashed across his face."...No. Who... who told you that!?"

"Young Master Wei... Please, be calm." Lan Xichen stepped forward, placing a hand on the fox spirit's shoulder while Wei Wuxian clearly held himself back from doing something irresponsible.

"Wen Qing. She told me when I was at the Burial Mounds."

"Why would she... I told her and Wen Ning both that they were never to speak of that again! Why did she tell you!?"

"She told me because I demanded to know why when I tried to channel spiritual energy to heal you, I was met with nothing but an empty chasm." Lan Wangji explained, and Wei Wuxian didn't know who he would be glaring at if Wen Qing was here.

Wei Wuxian spoke coldly and he once again tried to walk away. "Lan Zhan... A golden core cannot be restored. So my physical condition does not matter as much as you think it does."

Though he was immediately intercepted, the poor fox spirit could no longer tell the difference between his laughter and his crying anymore. "I need to leave!"

"I will go for Wei Ying!" Lan Wangji fought back, this time holding the Omega's hand, far more gently.

"You do not know the Burial Mounds as I do, by now it will not respond to you as it would to me! I need to leave!"

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji began to go back and forth, neither relenting nor a compromise in sight. Finally, Lan Qiren stepped in. Severing their hands from one another as he used only two fingers to nudge Wei Wuxian in the direction of the door.

"He will go, Wangji."

At this, no one in the room knew what to make of this situation. To see Lan Qiren not only helping but agreeing with Wei Wuxian, against his nephew's own opinion at that. It was a baffling if not completely outrageous sight.

With gratitude, Wei Wuxian thought to himself as he was shielded by his old teacher's back. (Old Master Lan... I never thought it would be you.)

"Uncle." There was anger in the cold tone of Lan Wangji's voice, but there was also betrayal. While in the past 22 years of his life, Lan Wangji had been the epitome of the perfect Lan, his dear uncle had also always been well in tune and on the same track as Lan Wangji and whatever few desires he might have.

So, this was completely unexpected.

"Wei-gongzi is correct. No one here or in any other sect knows the Burial Mounds as he does, no one but him can control it. To send you or any of our men there, it would likely be sending them to join the mountain of corpses buried there."

Lan Qiren had openly spoken in favor of Wei Wuxian's idea.

Was he dreaming?

Wei Wuxian almost bolted out of the door that very second, as it seemed with Master Qiren's agreement, there would be almost no one to stop him from grabbing A-Yuan and running as fast as he could back to the Burial Mounds if he was fast enough.

Though just as he was about to make his grand escape, Lan Qiren caught the back of the collar of his robes and nearly held him by it as someone would a stray kitten who had been ruffling through the garbage.

"With that being said. Wei-gongzi, you are fully expected to return to Cloud Recesses once the Wens are secure, along with your lackeys if you insist. To be sure of this, Wangji will accompany you."

Betrayal.

Absolute and utter betrayal.

He knew he should have been wary that his mean old teacher was taking his side.

Still being held like a stray kitten by the scruff of its fur, Wei Wuxian almost had hope when Lan Xichen smiled at him sympathetically.

Then all of that hope was immediately lost.

Lan Xichen added to the conversation, relieved now that the tension had dissipated. "While that is true, I believe it would be best for Wangji to join me in Lanling at Golden Carp Tower in three days. They are holding a discussion conference. No doubt Wei-gongzi will be discussed in some way. It may be the best time to announce that he will stay here."

"Mn." Lan Wangji agreed, seemingly far more open to this plan.

Struggling, Wei Wuxian broke free of the elder's grip, and he damn near fell on his face trying to hurry out the door. Once again held back by Lan Wangji and his much faster movements. "Wei Ying needs to rest."

Laughter rang forth from the Huli Jing, hysterical and desperate and his right arm was thrown over Lan Wangji's shoulders. He looked on the verge of passing out.

"Lan Zhan... I must be hallucinating. What is happening?" Wei Wuxian laughed, his words almost slurred as though he was drunk. Lan Wangji used his free hand to try and get the fox spirit to stand in front of him.

"Wei-gongzi..." Lan Xichen muttered in clear sympathy. Though Lan Qiren only watched the fox spirit carefully as Lan Wangji tried to adjust him so they could face each other.

Instead, Wei Ying hissed through his teeth and tried to hunch over, failing as he was still held up by the dragon. His arm wrapped tightly around his midsection, and Lan Wangji immediately understood.

"Mn." Lan Wangji scooped his Wei Ying into his arms, holding him as though he was a bride and all but running to the Jingshi with Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen following behind him.

Setting him on the bed, Wei Ying panted through the pain in his side, vision blurry from leftover tears and the new ones that were forming as Lan Wangji opened the front of his robes as gently as he was able.

Wei Wuxian muttered hysterically all the while, his head leaning against Lan Wangji's. "Lan Zhan... Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan,"

"Mn. I am here, Wei Ying." Lan Xichen then came to his side and helped inspect the wound. Something Lan Wangji preferred far over the doctors– Strangers– coming into their home and looking at his Wei Ying for much longer than necessary.

Thankfully, the stitching hadn't truly ripped, rather just let loose a bit near the top of his injury, and the wound was healing enough to where there was no need to replace them. They would only have to bind the wound to make sure that it didn't bleed.

Regardless, it would not be completely pleasant.

"Wei Ying..." Lan Wangji called, careful to move his head lest the fox spirit all but fall over in his hysterical and sluggish state.

Wei Wuxian did not answer intelligibly, only making a low groan as his response when Lan Wangji changed the bandages, Lan Xichen instructing him gently where he knew the pressure would be needed the most.

Refusing to leave the still barely conscious Huli Jing's side, Lan Wangji sat on the bed with him. Allowing his beloved to rest on his shoulder. Lan Xichen smiled. "Wangji, since we now know it was the Yin Tiger Tally, it is possible that someone else could have the other half. Until we are sure, we will be careful."

Nodding, Lan Wangji reached inside Wei Wuxian's sleeve and took out the half of the Yin Tiger Tally that the man had on him. Handing it over to his brother, Lan Xichen sealed it in a qiankun bag and then set it near the other few spiritual objects that his brother had in his residence.

"It will be best to keep it where young Master Wei can reach it if needed."

Lan Qiren only gave a curt nod to his nephew before he and Lan Xichen took their leave. Lan Wangji sighed once they left, taking the moment to look over Wei Ying's sleeping expression.

He seemed peaceful, off guard, and almost naive in a way Lan Wangji didn't understand.

A far cry from the horrified expression he bore earlier.

He had seemed furious, that much was obvious, but also terrified. Not for himself or what would become of him, but over the people he had sworn to protect.

Sometimes Lan Wangji wondered if he hated or loved his Wei Ying's selfless nature.

He had damn near taken A-Yuan with him back to the Burial Mounds, running purely on adrenaline, fueled by his rageful and terrified mind. He had not eaten a proper meal in over three weeks, and even then, Lan Wangji did not know how terrible his eating habits were before at the Burial Mounds.

Wei Ying had been prepared to charge head first back into the Burial Mounds, running on nothing, thinking of no consequence other than the misfortune of those to whom he owed nothing.

Sometimes he really did hate his future mate's selfless nature.

A soft rampant knocking sounded from the door, having half a mind to turn them away in the slight chance it would be one of the doctors or someone else coming to talk to him. Lan Wangji grumbled to himself but answered politely regardless. "Come in."

A-Yuan came through the door, looking around hesitantly before he saw Wei Ying resting on Lan Wangji's shoulder. "A-Yuan." Lan Wangji called, the boy coming forward with the door closing behind him.

Lan Wangji had forgotten to pick A-Yuan up from school...

"Is Mama asleep again?" A-Yuan asked sadly, seemingly unbothered that he had walked home by himself. That did not mean Lan Wangji was unbothered though.

He made the mental note to punish himself appropriately for forgetting his son at school, no matter the circumstances.

Taking the boy's hand, he led him to sit in his lap as he pushed away some of the hair covering Wei Ying's face, A-Yuan staring hesitantly all the while, as though if he looked away he would lose his mother... again.

Oh, how Lan Wangji knew the feeling.

He would make sure A-Yuan felt no such thing again after all of this was over.

"Mn. Mama is asleep, but not for as long, he just needs as much rest as possible to get better." Lan Wangji explained, A-Yuan nodding as he gingerly reached up to put a hand on Wei Ying's face, giggling when he watched as the older fox spirit's facial muscles twitched at the new feeling.

Pulling his hands down gently, Lan Wangji patted the boy's head. "Mama is getting better? Is that why Xiansheng and Shushu went with you and Mama?"

"Yes, he is getting better. Xiansheng and Shushu wanted to talk with Mama and I about a few things, but it is alright now."

A-Yuan grinned at this, far more at ease knowing that everything was alright. Pressing a kiss on the child's forehead, Lan Wangji apologized for his previous mistake. "Though A-die is sorry for forgetting to pick you up from school."

As though he had already forgotten about it, A-Yuan looked confused before he understood what his father was apologizing for and smiled. "A-Yuan is a big boy, I can walk home! I made a friend walking home too!"

Lan Wangji could tell that A-Yuan was proud of his accomplishment, so he said nothing further and nodded, a ghost of a smile pulling his lips as he listened to his son tell him about his new friend, A-Yi.

While he listened, he formulated his plan. He only had three days before the conference meeting in Lanling, where he would, reluctantly so, drop off Wei Ying at the Burial Mounds and hope to the heavens themselves that Wei Ying would not fight him on going back to Gusu.

Three days.

He could make it work.

Chapter Text

When he had awoken around shen time, A-Yuan had been napping with him on his right side, the boy almost completely curled up on his chest. Something Wei Wuxian would have normally found adorable and then promptly would have teased the boy for once he woke up, but then he had remembered where he was.

Lan Wangji was in the room as well at that time, he had been writing on a few scrolls, Wei Wuxian didn’t care enough to read them, only staring at the precise and clean handwriting of the dragon.

He had laid there unmoving and silent until A-Yuan had woken up and Lan Wangji, seemingly having honed in the skill to know when the boy was awake, immediately stood from his work and promptly left, returning five minutes later with food on a tray.

Wei Wuxian almost wanted to ask how on Earth he had moved so quickly to retrieve enough food and had returned just as swiftly without a single grain of rice falling out of place!

It was almost impressive if Wei Wuxian didn’t immediately recognize the bland and tasteless food before him.

If his wound did not kill him, the Gusu Lan clan’s food would.

For the first time in his life, dinner truly had been held in silence. Not even A-Yuan spoke about his day to the older fox spirit! Dinner was normally when A-Yuan would ramble to him about what he had learned that day, what game he had played, or the stories Granny Wen told him. Instead, his son was completely silent!

Damn the Lan’s clan rules, Wei Wuxian abhorred this silence!

But he did not have the face to speak. He had nothing to say, and he figured that if he tried to crack any joke or even diffuse the silence with a bit of lighthearted teasing, the awkwardness would only increase.

Once dinner was over, Wei Wuxian would later feel ashamed about how he continuously peered over at his son hopefully, praying that the boy would cut through the silence.

But he didn’t!

His son was just as silent as Lan Wangji!

The nightly rituals were still held in silence. Terrible, terrible, awkward silence. Despite Wei Wuxian’s body still making its discomfort and fatigue known, the man had nearly jumped at the opportunity to break free from the uncomfortable atmosphere when A-Yuan asked him to help him get ready for bed.

Oh, how Wei Wuxian wanted to tease his son for how early he was sleeping. But he also figured it was for the best, his poor A-Yuan had to study with his grumpy old teacher now and do well in his classes. His little radish needed all the sleep he could get.

Finally, once Wei Wuxian had gotten his bath ready, A-Yuan reverted to Wei Wuxian’s little chatterbox again! Happily telling the older Huli Jing about his classes, what he was learning, and all of the new friends he had made!

Wei Wuxian felt a twinge of guilt at that, there had been no other children at the Burial Mounds, all of the mothers there had either lost their children during the war, or the babies they once had did not survive the abuse they faced from the Jin clan.

After his bath and getting the little fox spirit situated for bed, Wei Wuxian felt his impending doom in the awkward atmosphere once again. And vehemently refused to turn around to face the dragon he knew was there as he tucked A-Yuan into bed.

Though he could not deny the spark of relief he felt when he had backed away to allow Lan Wangji to come closer, A-Yuan sat up a little to hug the older Alpha as the dragon kissed the boy’s forehead and bid him goodnight.

Lan Wangji truly had stepped into the father figure role that A-Yuan had bestowed him, hadn’t he?

Regardless of the skills both possessed when it came to A-Yuan, they both were left clueless and awkwardly facing each other once they closed the door to the child’s room.

Lan Wangji had then instructed Wei Wuxian to get ready for bed as well before he left the bedroom and entered the separate part of the house, closing the door behind him for the sake of privacy.

Wei Wuxian truly hated the silence.

But he had nothing left to say, no jokes or witty remarks to spur his old classmate on into a frenzy like he had done when they were children. And every time he tried to speak to the man, he felt his chest constrict and his throat close.

Lan Wangji returned only when Wei Wuxian was dressed in his plain white sleeping robes, the Huli Jing sitting awkwardly on the bed as he watched as the dragon took out the guest cot he kept and set it on the ground a ways away from the actual bed.

Wei Wuxian almost wanted to ask where Lan Wangji had been sleeping this entire time, or if he had just been sleeping on the cot and chose to put it away each morning like the neat freak he is.

Though before Wei Wuxian could ask such questions, or he could even offer to sleep on the cot instead. Lan Wangji laid down in what had to be the stiffest and most uncomfortable position Wei Wuxian had ever seen and blew out the candles with a single command of ‘sleep’.

To say the very least, for reasons he blamed purely on the awkwardness, Wei Wuxian did not sleep well that night.

And for reasons unknown, he felt a little extra cold that night.

Day 1.

Wei Wuxian was tired.

Ridiculous he knows, he had already slept for over two weeks!

But the night before had been awful, the awkward silence was enough to make him want to drive his head into a pillar and die, and he could barely sleep that night.

Not to mention that when he had woken up, still feeling the unfamiliar chill of winter in the mountains of Cloud Recesses, A-Yuan had already left for his classes!

And Lan Wangji was nowhere to be found in the room.

All that had been left was a bit of breakfast on the table.

So, with nothing left to do other than bask in the terrible silence around him, Wei Wuxian decided that he would not be held prisoner!

He was the Yiling Patriarch after all, if they did not expect him to cause a bit of mischief, or retaliate against their unjustified demands for him to remain here, then they were the fools.

So, after only eating a few bites of his food, and a bit of rummaging around Lan Wangji’s house, he finally found Chenqing and the Yin Tiger Tally, now safely secured in a Lan qiankun pouch.

He only took Chenqing with him as he left the Jingshi, taking to stroll through the densely packed forests surrounding the buildings and paths of Cloud Recesses.

The last thing he needed was someone to tattle on him to Lan Wangji that he had left the Jingshi.

Though to be fair, he had not been told specifically not to leave the Jingshi, just not to leave Cloud Recesses.

Unfortunately, it was winter, in the mountains. So, as anyone would expect, it was freezing. Wei Wuxian did not exactly have any clothing designed for winter with him, and while he was naturally shameless, even he did not dare to rummage through Lan Wangji’s personal closet for something warmer to wear.

So to distract himself from the chill that bit at his fingertips and made his tails curl around him to keep warm, he pressed Chenqing to his lips and played to his heart's content. He had no plans to call anyone to him, he had no reason to raise the dead of Gusu, and he knew that Wen Ning was much too far away to hear him.

So, he played the tune that had long since been one he hummed or sung to himself in times of distress or moments where he wanted to do nothing more than relax.

The melody that flowed through the trees was gentle, every note played was well placed, and each harmony and crescendo was like the rivers of Gusu flowing steadily and powerfully.

Wei Wuxian could feel his heart steady as he played, each note relaxing his discomfort and willing his soul to release itself to the comfort of the melody.

And while he had no intentions of summoning anyone to him, only having the whim to play to his heart’s content as he strolled through the densely packed forests, coming a bit too close to the borders of Cloud Recesses.

He had no intentions of summoning, and yet, that is exactly what he did. A branch snapping behind him caught his attention as he whirled around to face the person who dared to sneak up on the Yiling Patriarch.

Only to meet the passive gaze of Lan Wangji.

The past awkwardness of the night before seemed to return to him all in one blow, and Wei Wuxian felt his natural wittiness leave him. “Ah ha… Lan Zhan, I was just taking a stroll.”

Lan Wangji did not say anything, instead walking past him before unsheathing Bichen and using the tip to point at the dirt. “Huh? Is there something there?” Stepping forward, Wei Wuxian looked down where Lan Wangji was pointing, only to see nothing.

Suddenly, Bichen was used to draw a line in the dirt before being resheathed at its master side. “Wei Ying does not go past this line.” Lan Wangji ordered, and Wei Wuxian realized that he had been coming too close to the borders of Cloud Recesses.

Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Wei Wuxian tried to appease the dragon. “Ha, Lan Zhan I wasn’t trying to leave, I just needed to get out of the house. I would go stir crazy wouldn’t I?”

With an expression that Wei Wuxian was sure was a pout, Lan Wangji draped the fur-lined shawl that he had resting on his arm over Wei Wuxian’s shoulders before reaching into his breast pocket, Lan Wangji then pulled out the unfinished bowl of rice and fruit that had been left for Wei Wuxian that morning. “Wei Ying did not eat. You will not get better if you are not eating properly.”

Surprised at both gestures, Wei Wuxian took the bowl from Lan Wangji, making a show of eating some of the fruit as he adjusted the shawl to sit a bit more securely on his shoulders. “There, did you see? I ate something. I am alright Lan Zhan, I don’t need to be doted on! I could have my intestine ripped out and I would be alright, I’d just stuff them back in!” Smirking, Wei Wuxian hoped that his teasing had garnered some kind of frazzled reaction from the dragon.

He had always found it rather funny watching as the normally stoic Lan Wangji went from stone-faced to flustered and annoyed by Wei Wuxian’s teasing.

Instead, Lan Wangji’s expression hardly changed. If not for the furrow of his eyebrows and the worried press of his lips. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help the way his tails drooped at the guilt that hit him.

He had always wanted to be friends with Lan Wangji, especially in school. He would also do his best to pester him and make a show of annoying him.

Though he had always been unsuccessful. And in the end, by the time of the war and even far after, Wei Wuxian had come to expect that Lan Wangji would never like him, and they’d never be friends.

But now… after all that Lan Wangji has done to keep him here, after the displays of outright anger whenever Lan Qiren had agreed that Wei Wuxian should leave or be the one to go to the Burial Mounds, he truly wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

At the very least, he could hope that Lan Wangji didn’t hate him.

“I’m just joking Lan Zhan…” Wei Wuxian reassured, watching as the dragon seemed to inspect him carefully before the worried purse of his lips and the furrow of his eyebrows ceased and his regular stoic expression returned.

“If Wei Ying wants, he does not need to go this far to go outside.”

Chuckling, Wei Wuxian took a few bites from his rice and fruit, dearly wishing he had some chili oil before finding his opportunity to tease again as Lan Wangji led him back to the inner parts of Cloud Recesses.

“Really? Tell me Hanguang-jun, where should I go instead? Will you let me go to the training grounds? Perhaps a few of your disciples would do well to learn how to beat up a real opponent instead of those straw-stuffed dummies you use.”

A low sound of disapproval came from Lan Wangji’s throat, not necessarily a growl. Though Wei Wuxian distantly realized that it was dragon tongue.

While he had never learned to speak it fluently, despite what others may have believed or not, he did in fact pay attention during the lectures of his time in Cloud Recesses as a student.

He had learned what different tones meant. He knew that the dragon tongue was like music, complicated and intricate. Even the slightest pitch of difference could change an entire conversation.

Laughing, Wei Wuxian continued to poke fun where he could. “Such a reaction! Hanguang-jun, do you not like the idea of me accepting my just punishment by facing your disciples at the training grounds?”

Though before Wei Wuxian could continue to tease, his sleeve was grabbed by Lan Wangji and he was all but forced to sit on the snowy ground at the base of a magnolia tree. A gentle whistle was sounded and suddenly, a herd of bunnies jumped forth from the bushes! All of them came immediately at Lan Wangji’s command!

Shouting in surprise as he was jumped by a hoard of rabbits, Wei Wuxian caught two in his hands while the others surrounded him and Lan Wangji’s feet. “Ah! Lan Zhan, what is this? Why do you have so many rabbits?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji knelt at Wei Wuxian’s side, holding one of the rabbits as the others continued to surround him, a few jumping onto Wei Wuxian to get closer.

“Wei Ying can come here if he must go outside, safer walking paths, closer to home if you get cold, and you will not get lost.”

Wei Wuxian almost felt himself choke at the word ‘home’.

Had Lan Wangji truly stated that the Jingshi was his home? The very place where he lived? No… he must have imagined Lan Wangji saying it.

Laughing, Wei Wuxian made sure to stay completely still as he felt one of the rabbits jump on his head, nuzzling against his ears before making itself comfortable. “Aiya, Lan Zhan I wasn’t going to get lost!”

“Mn.” With a quiet noise of disagreement, Lan Wangji stood, setting down the rabbit he was holding as he then began to leave. Wei Wuxian shouted for him as he did so.

“Lan Zhan! You’re just going to leave me in this sea of rabbits!?”

“Mn. Wei Ying’s punishment.”

And so, he was left in the sea of rabbits.

Unfortunately, regardless of the rather heartwarming experience they had earlier that day. The awkwardness returned by the end of the day when Wei Wuxian tried to bring up the conversation of the Wens, and once again when it was time to retire for bed it was held in a terrible silence.

Lan Wangji did not utter a word as the guest cot was pulled out once again, and Wei Wuxian watched him awkwardly on the bed.

And once again, Wei Wuxian did not sleep well.

Day 2.

Wei Wuxian woke up earlier this time, able to catch A-Yuan just before he left for school and before Lan Wangji left to tend to his duties as the young master of the Lan sect.

Then he was left alone again.

While he normally thrived by himself, as of late, it felt far too quiet around him.

He hadn’t realized that he had grown so used to having others around him, whether it be A-Yuan, Wen Qing or Wen Ning, or even Granny Wen on occasions when she wanted to teach him a few things about how to care for children.

He never knew how much he could hate silence.

So, deciding to make use of his time. He began to formulate his plans.

He knew that without a doubt the Wens could no longer stay in the Burial Mounds. If he would be unable to be there with them 24/7 as was the usual, there was no doubt in his mind that not even he could make an array or talisman strong enough to ward off so much resentful energy without needing to be replaced or redone every few days.

And he had the feeling that after all of this, it would be unlikely he’d be allowed to leave Cloud Recesses that often.

He didn’t know of many places that would be safe for the Wens, he couldn’t trust that the wrong people wouldn’t find out and take their opportunity to hit him where it hurt the most by coming after them.

They apparently had already tried, seeing as half of the Yin Tiger Tally was here in Gusu.

Regardless, he went straight to Lan Wangji’s shelves, pulling out a map only to realize there was nothing else that could help him with his research. So, he once again snuck out of the Jingshi and headed straight for the Library Pavilion. Uncaring if he was seen or not.

Once there, it took him no time to find the books he needed. Despite its reconstruction, the Library Pavilion was built as a replica of the original. Therefore, due to his excessive time in the original during his time as a student at Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian had no trouble finding what he needed.

Laying out the map and the books he found, he settled closer to Gusu if not outright in the Jiangnan region. There were plenty of small towns that could be a safe option. The only thing he needed to worry about was if they would welcome the Wens.

Of course, he could just have them all lie about who they were, he knew of people who did such things and went by just a courtesy name, tying them to no family or sect.

But he didn’t want that for them, it was already terrible enough that they, who were innocent, were being prosecuted for crimes they did not commit.

Wei Wuxian didn’t have the heart to make them give up the last bit of their old lives, their family, and their clan over the unjustified prosecution of others.

So, he looked into the town around Gusu. The smaller the better. After a few hours of research, looking as deeply as he could into the recorded history of each town, the past problems that they needed to call upon the Lan sect for, the recorded behavior of the townspeople, the ratio of non-heavenly hybrids, heavenly descendants, and regular humans in each town, and finally, how much each town gave into the support of the Sunshot campaign.

Wei Wuxian knew, the more a town or village gave in support of a cause like the Sunshot campaign, the more likely it was that they would hold extreme bias towards any members of what they had been up against. Whether those members actually took part in any misdeeds or even had a choice in the entire affair was always left out, unimportant to the bias.

Caiyi town and a few other smaller, remote villages near the vast Biling Lake seemed to be the safest and only real options that Wei Wuxian had at the moment.

Though with how dwindled the population was in each town, it was likely that the Wens would have to split up amongst themselves. Such large groups as them would bring unnecessary and unwanted attraction to them, and likely cause an unfortunate circumstance that Wei Wuxian wouldn’t have the means to fix.

He hated the idea of it. Every member of what was left of the once mighty Wens was literally all that each person had left. They had no possessions, they had no territory to call their own, no territory where they were free to spread their vermillion wings and fly, and they had no right or free will to live safely wherever they pleased. All they had was each other, all they had was their family.

How could Wei Wuxian even begin to ask them to leave each other? Let alone move so far away, and into a place like Gusu! A place where one of the grandest sects resided! The very sect that held a key part in their entire clan’s and sect's eradication?

And only in what could possibly be a day or two’s time no less!

Wei Wuxian wasn’t told how long he’d be allowed to get the Wens to safety, much less actually move them! All he was told was that he had to return to Cloud Recesses.

He was fine with that, he could live as a prisoner. But only if it meant that the Wens, his family, and A-Yuan would remain safe. He’d be fine as a prisoner for the rest of his life.

Groaning in his own self-pity, Wei Wuxian pressed his head to the table where the scrolls, map, and various books were strewn about haphazardly. From his own shadow cast by the open window, Wei Wuxian could tell that he had been working well into the midday.

And he was starving!

Of course, he had forgotten to eat breakfast, and now lunch was almost gone and passed.

Was he even allowed to go to the Lan dining hall? Or the kitchens?

While he was staying with Lan Wangji for the moment, most likely out of pure pity from the dragon over his wounded and only recently realized, weaker state, and most likely for A-Yuan’s sake.

It did not mean that he was not a prisoner! But he hadn’t been given any special rules or regulations for him to follow! He hadn’t even been forced to stay in the Jingshi.

All in all, it was very confusing, and the fox spirit was very hungry and drowsy, so thinking carefully about the subject would not come easily to him.

A clink against the wooden table made the Huli Jing nearly jump out of his skin, startled into an upright position, only to see Lan Wangji sitting in front of him. A bowl of rice, vegetables, chicken, and similar bland and bitter foods was laid out where the dragon had carefully moved the scrolls and books out of the way.

Lan Wangji stared at each book and scroll carefully, only needing a moment to read a page of its contents before understanding what each one was written to inform about.

Chuckling sheepishly, Wei Wuxian felt a little guilty that this was now the second time that Lan Wangji had to track him down so he would eat. Though when he thought about it, Wen Qing had to do something similar quite often back at the Burial Mounds… perhaps he had a problem.

“Aiya, Lan Zhan, you didn’t have to bring me food… I was just trying to figure out what to do with the Wens, I would’ve been done soon enough.”

A strange grimace appeared on Lan Wangji’s face, not completely unfamiliar, though not easily recognizable either. “Wei Ying did not eat breakfast either. You would not have gotten food for yourself.” Calling out his bluff, Wei Wuxian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Alright, alright! Lan Zhan, you say it so cruelly. Isn’t a good cultivator supposed to be able to go days without food? I would have been fine.” Taking the bowl of rice and chicken, Wei Wuxian once again dearly missed his beloved chili oil.

Lan Wangji made a low noise of disagreement, one that Wei Wuxian recognized, though he could not understand what was actually said in dragon tongue. “Wei Ying is injured. He needs nutrients.”

Laughing at himself and Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian ate his food, almost cringing at the bitter taste of the vegetables and the unseasoned if not also bitter state of the chicken. How did anyone convince children to eat this kind of food?! His poor A-Yuan! He must be gagging through every meal! Their dinner the past two nights wasn’t this bad, what was going on!?

“Ah… Lan Zhan, why are all of the vegetables so bitter? Are they rotten? Don’t tell me you feed A-Yuan this as well?” Wei Wuxian laughed as he cringed.

With a shake of his head, Lan Wangji ate his own rice bowl that he brought. “No. Wei Ying’s is different, given only when someone is sick or needs to heal from an injury.”

“So they’re trying to poison me when I’m already dying!? Lan Zhan! If you all want me dead so bad, end me with mercy! Poisoning someone slowly is so cruel!”

Lan Wangji seemed to scowl when Wei Wuxian brought up the pretense of him already ‘dying’. Setting down his bowl, the dragon reached forward to grab Wei Wuxian’s chopsticks, startling the man when he used them to take a bite of his food.

“Not poison. Wei Ying needs to eat.”

Stunned, Wei Wuxian looked between Lan Wangji and his chopsticks that now held another portion of the meal in front of his mouth. The two stared at each other for a moment before another soft, almost gentle guttural noise came from Lan Wangji’s throat.

While Wei Wuxian didn’t understand the dialect completely, he understood the synopsis of the message. A plea, he was using the softest pitch that Wei Wuxian knew of to ask Wei Wuxian to eat.

No longer hesitant, and no longer feeling the need to convey his dislike for the bland and bitter food. Wei Wuxian ate what was given.

Though each time he tried to reach for his own chopsticks back, in hopes of allowing Lan Wangji to actually be able to eat his own food as well, a louder noise of disagreement and disapproval made its way to Wei Wuxian’s ears, making the answer well known.

Once his bowl was empty and Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji had not once broken the tie between their gazes, only then did the dragon allow Wei Wuxian to hold his own chopsticks again, returning to his, now cold, meal.

The rest of the meal was held in silence.

“Where is Wei Ying looking to relocate the Wens?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, and feeling slightly embarrassed that he had just been fed like a child, Wei Wuxian pursed his lips as he slid over the parchment that contained the list of five small towns that he had chosen.

Lan Wangji looked over the list and the place each one held on the map. “They will be safe in these towns, and they are close to Cloud Recesses. They’ll be under our protection.”

With a new sense of confidence at that, Wei Wuxian took the list back and tried to begin sorting how many people went into each town. He already knew that it would be safest to split them up into groups of ten, but he also had to factor in how close each person was to one another, would he be separating family?

Groaning, Wei Wuxian rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hand, looking back down at his work with a vendetta the man swore that he could practically hear it taunting him.

That is until pristine white robes fluttered around him as the dragon took his new seat at the fox spirit’s side. “What is troubling Wei Ying?”

Surprised by the new proximity, Wei Wuxian almost wanted to begin to tease, that is until Lan Wangji reached around him and grabbed the map and parchment he had been using.

He only felt a strange chill shudder up his spine.

Shaking himself out of the strange feeling, Wei Wuxian began to explain. “I don’t want to separate immediate family, so I have to try to factor in who is closest to whom. Then I want to be sure that if I can’t keep the entire close-knit families together, I can at least put them in two towns closest to each other.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji then took the list of five towns from Wei Wuxian and grabbed another fresh sheet of parchment and a bamboo pen.

“Wei Ying, create a family tree, it will be more efficient for you to remember who must stay together.”

Wei Wuxian visibly perked up at this idea. His ears, once droopy, now stood high and alert while his tails swayed around happily at having found their solution.

“Aiya! Lan Zhan! That’s perfect, I wonder why I did not think of that.” Wei Wuxian laughed as he took the pen and parchment from the dragon, easily writing out the family tree of the Wens.

“Wei Ying is tired and injured, he should be resting.” Lan Wangji stated.

Wei Wuxian only laughed dryly at that, continuing to write out the family tree before sorting them appropriately. After a few hours, he had finished.

“Once you and Zewu-jun go to Golden Carp Tower, I’ll start relocating the Wens, it could take us a few days, how long is the conference?”

“Xiongzhang said that the entire conference should be at least three days, two at the least.” Lan Wangji stated, looking over Wei Wuxian’s plans.

“That should be enough time, with Wen Ning’s help, and if I can get the Wens to the docks quick enough, getting them to the towns won’t be all that difficult.”

Suddenly, a dark thought came to the Huli Jing as he stared directly at the dragon. “Did the Jins make any announcement of any of their cultivators going to the Burial Mounds? What they might’ve been trying to do?”

Shaking his head, Lan Wangji thought over his answer, sensing the fox spirit’s anxiety. “No. They made no announcements of what they were trying to accomplish. There is a chance that the cultivator who took the Yin Tiger Tally acted on his own accord without any orders from Jin Guangshan.”

Huffing, Wei Wuxian grumbled a few meager curses under his breath. “I doubt that. When I confronted him about Wen Ning and the other Wens during their private banquet, he tried to convince me to hand over the Yin Tiger Tally. I told him off in front of everyone else, so I can imagine now that everyone believes I am dead he would take the opportunity.”

“Mn. I remember.”

Surprised by this, Wei Wuxian vaguely remembered seeing Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen, he had drunk the alcohol that impudent Jin Zixun had been trying to force on them, though he had been so caught up in his cause that he hadn’t even truly noticed.

“You were there… Aiya, Lan Zhan, my memory must be the worst there is. I can never seem to remember anything…”

With a gentle hum of acknowledgment, Lan Wangji did not speak anymore as he stood. And while Wei Wuxian was certain that he was going to be left alone again, now that the dragon had accomplished what he had come to do. Only for a hand to grip underneath his arms and hoist him up.

With meticulous and swift movements, Lan Wangji cleaned up the entire table, putting away the books and carefully grabbing the parchment and map as he handed them to Wei Wuxian. “We will go pick up A-Yuan.”

Knowing there was no room to argue, Wei Wuxian followed Lan Wangji out of the Library Pavillion with the map and his work tucked under his arm. That night at dinner, the tense atmosphere of the past two nights was no longer present, rather a comfortable silence was occasionally broken when A-Yuan would speak of his day.

But once again, Wei Wuxian went to bed that night, feeling the uncomfortable chill of the mountains during the winter, and with an empty feeling that something was missing.

Day 3.

This time, Wei Wuxian awakened alongside A-Yuan and Lan Wangji!

He not only was able to barely get a word out to his son before he left with Lan Wangji for school, but he was able to eat breakfast with him and help him get ready for school!

Wei Wuxian was just finishing tying A-Yuan’s hair up into a small ponytail as he smoothed out the fur around his ears when A-Yuan almost jumped up from excitement. “Will Mama walk with us to school today?”

Wei Wuxian was hesitant to give his answer, while he had been allowed to pick A-Yuan up from school the day before, Lan Wangji had almost immediately dragged them away from the eyes of the teacher or the other students and parents when A-Yuan came to them.

It wasn’t that much of a surprise, Wei Wuxian had already figured that his stay with Lan Wangji was some sort of punishment for the dragon. He didn’t blame Lan Wangji for being embarrassed to be seen with him, he already did enough for Wei Wuxian by taking care of A-Yuan for him.

There was only so much he could ask of him.

Lan Wangji answered for him anyway. “Yes. Mama will come with us this morning.”

Surprised, Wei Wuxian turned to look at Lan Wangji curiously. “It’s alright Lan Zhan, I wouldn’t want to cause trouble for you.”

For the second time since his awakening here, Wei Wuxian was almost certain that the expression he saw on the esteemed dragon’s face was a pout. His expression was still completely stoic and unchanged aside from the tiniest purse of his lips and furrow of his eyebrows.

Regardless, Wei Wuxian was almost certain he was looking at a pout.

“No trouble. Wei Ying will come.”

With no way of arguing, Wei Wuxian allowed A-Yuan to lead him to the door, Lan Wangji handing him the fur-lined shawl that had since become Wei Wuxian’s to use before A-Yuan took his hand, his own shawl wrapped around his shoulders, and led him to the Lingshi.

“Lan Zhan, are you not cold?” Wei Wuxian questioned, while he knew that the Lan’s wore enough layers of their mourning robes to keep themselves dignified, it did not mean that there was no way that Lan Wangji was not at the very least a bit cold.

“Mn. Not cold.”

Scoffing, Wei Wuxian unclasped the shawl on his shoulders, grabbing one side and trying to drape it across the dragon’s shoulders as they walked. Lan Wangji’s expression shifted immediately, what could be assumed as shock turned to something else, only hardly recognizable by the light dusting of pink on the tip of the dragon’s pointed ears.

Grabbing the other end that the fox spirit was offering, Lan Wangji allowed himself closer as he pulled it around himself. Wei Wuxian grinning triumphantly all the while.

Finding his glorious moment to tease, Wei Wuxian seized it without hesitation. “See how much better that is? Who knew I would have to scold the imperious Hanguang-jun to wear a winter’s coat?”

“Mama! I wore my coat!” A-Yuan chimed it, lifting its edges slightly to show off to his mother.

Wei Wuxian only patted his head with a laugh. “Well done little radish! See, even a child was better about it than you Lan Zhan! Will I have to remind you every day?”

Lan Wangji only hummed at the question, the slightest twitch of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth when Wei Wuxian went on to tease further, A-Yuan giggling as composedly as possible.

In all truth, dragons did not need to wear as many layers during the winter. It was only young children who truly needed to bundle up to avoid the cold. But older, mature dragons, such as Lan Wangji, needed no such measures.

A dragon’s natural temperature fluctuates depending on their environment. They could endure terrible heat and blistering cold. Young dragons were like everyone else though, depending on the weather they needed to take different precautions.

Though, as a dragon grew their golden core, their endurance would increase exponentially, and as long as they were well cultivated and healthy, they could withstand even the harshest of blizzards for a good while before needing to take precautions upon themselves.

Lan Wangji would not tell Wei Ying that. Not yet at the very least.

While he was unsure of how the past few days had affected Wei Ying, he knew that he could feel it taking a toll on him. It was already terrible enough that he had to leave Wei Ying alone for long during the day, only to return to the Jingshi empty and have to track down the Omega.

Once again finding that he had not eaten.

And then came the arrangement of their sleeping locations.

Lan Wangji could confidently say that the past two nights had been the most uncomfortable and downright sleepless nights he had ever experienced.

But today, today seemed to be going differently! And in a better direction at that!

Wei Ying had eaten with them, one problem already taken care of! And he was partaking in their daily rituals, talking as spritely and cheerfully as Lan Wangji remembered in his fondest memories, even going as far as to initiate the close proximity between them!

All in all, incredibly good signs!

Upon their arrival, Lan Wangji still felt incredibly confident, taking into account that they were getting a few stares from the other parents and some of the students, and the teacher. But Wei Ying was not pulling away, and he of course did not care. So, his confidence did not dwindle in the slightest.

That is until the teacher began to address the students and parents as they walked in.

“...Good morning Lan Yuan.” Lan Wangji was sure he felt Wei Ying stiffen at the name.

“Hanguang-jun, young Master Wei.”

Lan Wangji bowed his head respectfully to the teacher, Wei Wuxian was only barely able to copy the polite action before the dragon was already leading them back to the Jingshi.

The estranged silence once again returned, though this time, Wei Wuxian truly couldn’t bear to stifle within it. “Lan Zhan… he called A-Yuan…”

“Mn.”

They entered the Jingshi with words on the tip of their tongues, though neither had the power to speak.

Regardless, Wei Wuxian did so. “Did you… did you know? Did you tell them to call him that?”

Lan Wangji was not a liar. It went against the rules of his family, the very rules he had always prided himself upon since he was a young child. But many of his once staunch values had long since begun to change, and readjust, all in the name of Wei Ying.

He had found himself caring less and less for the rules, only when it came to Wei Ying. And so now, he did not know where he stood on his discipline.

Though, at the end of the day, he knew that no lies could last forever. “Yes. I told them that is his name. That he is my son.”

Wei Wuxian felt an incorrigible amount of blood rush to his head at that. Noticing immediately, Lan Wangji helped to steady him, guiding him to take a seat at the low table.

Not knowing whether to cry out in frustration, shock, or outrage, all of which seemed wrong in every sense, Wei Wuxian forced his breathing to deepen, calming the pounding of his heart.

“...Lan Wangji… Why? Why would you do this?”

“I’m sorry, Wei Ying.”

Laughing through his hysteria, Wei Wuxian shook his head. “No… No, Lan Zhan, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant… Why would you bother yourself like this? You could have told them that his surname was Wei. It would have made no difference, you did not need to trouble yourself with the burdens we bring.”

A gentle hand was placed on top of Wei Wuxian’s, the soothing circles rubbed into his hand guided him to calm himself, looking back at the dragon whose expression was unreadable.

“It was not troubling. I wanted to do it.”

Wei Wuxian was sure now that he would cry, but he did not want to, so he held it within himself. “Lan Zhan… How could you want to do something like this? Taking my son as your own? Troubling yourself with our burdens when you are not required? I know us staying with you is already troubling enough, so why continue to do this to yourself?”

Lan Wangji was not good with his words, he did not know what to say to Wei Wuxian without wholeheartedly admitting to his desires and plans, and he knew that such answers were not what the fox spirit needed to hear.

So, he spoke as truthfully as he could. “Wei Ying, I am willing. I am not troubled. I care for you and A-Yuan. Neither of you trouble me, you are not a burden to me, my actions are my own.”

Wei Wuxian could feel his throat constrict at that.

When had anyone ever told him he was not a burden? That he was not a fault and not the one to blame?

When had anyone truly gone to such lengths to care for him like this?

He had been so sure that he had been brought here to be locked up, to be controlled and quelled. He had always thought that every time Lan Zhan had come to him, telling him to come back to Gusu with him, he was just trying to shackle him.

But now… now, he was so unsure.

Feeling the tears come to his eyes, Wei Wuxian laughed at his own sensitivity. “Ha… Lan Zhan, you truly are too noble.”

Though he did not prepare himself to be pulled into a sturdy chest, his head tucked under the dragon’s chin while the smooth scaled tail of Lan Wangji’s encompassed Wei Wuxian’s fluffy nine.

He did not prepare to feel a comforting hand massage down his back.

And he could not prepare for the effect it had on him. The tears that came were rough, they were powerful, and they were unavoidable. Lan Wangji did not pull away, he only continued to comfort. The silence held aside from the quiet sniffles and cries of the fox spirit was calm, it was well understood, and it was comforting.

Wei Wuxian breathed himself back to a steady headspace, distantly wishing that he could stay like this forever, peaceful and safe. But he was not that shameless, he could not do such a thing to Lan Wangji.

So, he righted himself, wiped his eyes, and sitting up, he smiled as well as he could. “Thank you, Lan Zhan… I promise I won't make it difficult coming back to Gusu, I’ll repay you somehow.”

Lan Wangji seemed to stiffen at this, his lips pursing as the ghost of their rapport still lingering. Though he only shook his head in return, “Wei Ying does not need to thank me.”

Laughing, Wei Wuxian poked the corner of the dragon’s mouth teasingly. “Then how else could I tell Lan-er-gongzi that I am appreciative of what he has done?”

Lan Wangji’s thoughts answered for him. (Be with me Wei Ying, in every way, for the rest of eternity. That is all you’d ever have to do. I will take care of the rest.)

Though, Lan Wangji did not reply outwardly, only staring at Wei Wuxian as the fox spirit laughed.

The truth of their promises would be revealed soon enough regardless.

Chapter Text

They had left early that morning, deciding that it would be unwise to leave Lan Yuan at Cloud Recesses, even if it would be with Lan Qiren. Wei Wuxian had packed for Lan Yuan and himself, despite all he had were the clothes that Lan Wangji had given him and the Yin Tiger Tally. Chenqing tucked at his side.

Though Wei Wuxian didn’t have the heart to bring the child back to the Burial Mounds, just in case his worst fears were proven right. It would be inhumane to allow a three-year-old to see such things.

So, they decided that Lan Yuan would go with Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji to the conference. If anything, it would give Lan Wangji the chance to not only announce that the infamous Yiling Patriarch was now in the ‘custody’ of the Lan sect, but he also now had a son.

Whether that son was with the aforementioned Yiling Patriarch was left to be unsaid.

“Mama…” Lan Yuan mumbled, still sleepy from being woken up even earlier than he was used to. Wei Wuxian smoothed out the bunches on the child’s shawl, tucking him as securely as he could into his chest. The cold winds snapped against them.

It had been a great while since Wei Wuxian had rode atop a sword, and he quickly remembered just how vehemently he despised flying in the winter. Lan Wangji had an arm wrapped tightly around his waist, and the very end of his tail wrapped snugly around his ankle as well.

Though neither mentioned nor paid notice of their proximity.

Once the Burial Mounds came into sight, the cultivators touched ground. Though, Lan Wangji was still hesitant to remove himself from the fox spirit.

Wei Wuxian on the other hand, held no such hesitations as he passed the sleepy child over to the dragon, tucking in the ends of his shawl as he pulled the hood of the winter coat back over Lan Yuan’s head, smiling when the boy mumbled a drowsy goodbye to his mother.

Lan Wangji could feel his chest constricting at every loving action. Surely he didn’t have to leave. “I can stay with Wei Ying.”

Laughing, Wei Wuxian patted the dragon’s shoulder, far more relaxed with him than his first awakening only a couple of days ago. “Lan Zhan, this is something I have done before. It will be alright… besides…”

Taking a long, almost pained look at the toddler in his arms, Wei Wuxian felt his chest become heavy from his anxiety.

“If something… has happened. A-Yuan does not need to see it.”

Lan Xichen then stepped forward, passing Wei Wuxian a few talismans. “Wei-gongzi, if something does go amiss, simply tear these. Wangji has a few of his own, so he will be alerted if you need help.”

Bowing, Wei Wuxian placed the talismans in his robes, before heading to the entrance of the Burial Mounds, where fierce corpses still guarded the front, only now far more feral.

The corpses shrieked and growled as they approached, immediately charging at them, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji immediately drew their swords, but with a simple whistle, the corpses stopped.

As though they were frozen by fear.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes glowed a fearsome red, and with a single step forward, the corpses fled. Groaning as they hurried back into the tree line, behind the wall of stone.

Smirking, Wei Wuxian turned only once to look back. Waving gently before he headed off into the dark forests. Lan Wangji almost went in after him, if not for his brother’s hand on his shoulder.

Lan Xichen gave his younger brother a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder, smiling at Lan Yuan who had raised his head to see where Wei Wuxian had gone. “He will be alright Wangji. We must head to the banquet now.”

With a sigh, Lan Wangji nodded and the two cultivators took back off into the sky and headed for Lanling.

“Daddy…” Lan Yuan mumbled drowsily, Lan Wangji only answering him with a simple noise of recognition.

“Will Mama be back?”

After a moment of silence, with the wind rushing through his ears, Lan Wangji inhaled deeply in hopes to steady himself and give his answer. “He will. He would not leave you.”

After a few hours of flying, the sun rising higher into the sky, the Lan clan representatives had arrived at Koi Tower!

Upon landing, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were quick to split up. The first day of any conference such as this was slow starting. Very few notable discussions would be held until tomorrow, and the dragon was not in the mood to exchange pleasantries with other cultivators who would only be bound to annoy him.

“Where are we?” Lan Yuan questioned, looking around at the marvelous designs and eccentric designs of the courtyard.

Almost everything was either painted white or gold!

Truly the Jin’s lived up to their reputation as the direct bloodline of the Pixiu, holding the power of good fortune and wealth.

“We are in Lanling, home of the Jin clan.” Lan Wangji answered, setting Lan Yuan down on his own two feet while the boy still held onto his father’s leg, looking around in awe at the sights of such astonishingly crafted and designed architecture.

It truly was a lot for an outsider to take in! Especially a toddler!

“Will Mama come to meet us here?” Lan Yuan questioned as he took Lan Wangji’s hand as the man led him to the guest houses.

“No, we will see him back at home.”

Huffing, Lan Yuan did not complain, though his pout made it clear that he was not pleased by those circumstances. Seeing this, Lan Wangji changed course and began to lead the boy around the courtyard and gardens.

Lan Yuan took in every sight, cheering every time he saw an animal of any kind amidst the thin sheet of ice that covered almost every flower in the gardens, pointing them out excitedly to Lan Wangji who indulged him in every happenstance.

It was not yet late enough into winter for it to snow as heavily in Lanling as it did in the mountains of Cloud Recesses, so the cold was nowhere near as harsh, but that did not mean that Lan Yuan was not still required to keep his shawl around him snuggly.

The gentle footsteps against the snow caught the cultivator's attention, still holding Lan Yuan close, he turned around to face the one who had come up from behind him.

From behind, Jiang Yanli approached.

“Young madam Jin.” Lan Wangji greeted, bowing to the woman respectfully while Lan Yuan looked between both adults before parroting his father, if not a pit clumsily as he almost slipped into the snow if not for Lan Wangji grabbing him swiftly.

Laughing gently, Jiang Yanli copied the gesture, folding her hands into her shawl and thick gloves to stave off the cold.

“Hanguang-jun, it is a pleasure to see you. I am glad to see I am not the only one avoiding the conference until tomorrow, and who is this little one with you?” Jiang Yanli made polite conversation, which Lan Wangji could handle.

“Mn. Lan Yuan, my son.”

Though before she could start up a conversation outside of politics, she finally took a long look at the toddler clung to Lan Wangji’s side…

The second she saw his eyes, the very eyes she would have sworn belonged to her Shidi if she didn't know better, the small fluffy ears that reminded her of the ears that she used to brush as gently as possible to manage the fur around them, and the three small fluffy tails that were curled up around the boy due to the cold.

If she didn’t know better, she would have sworn her grief had finally managed to make her lose her mind. That she was seeing her dear little Shidi as a child again, the little boy her father had brought home, starved and battered once again, only this time, in GusuLan robes.

Except she knew better, she knew who she was looking at.

A-Yuan, the little boy her Shidi took in as his own.

He was with Hanguang-jun.

Why was he with Hanguang-jun?

So many questions flew through her mind, she couldn’t wrap her head around them all. She had been so worried when Jin Zixuan had returned and told her of her Shidi’s fate. She had feared the worst for the little boy that Wei Wuxian had taken in.

What would happen to him?

What would happen to the Wens her Shidi gave his life to protect?

Suddenly, her frantic thoughts were cut off by a deep voice. “Young madam Jin, are you alright?” Lan Wangji questioned.

Jiang Yanli went to answer, only for her husband’s voice to rise above the blood rush in her ears. “A-Li!”

Jin Zixuan came forward, his infant son wrapped up snuggly in his arms as he wrapped an arm around Jiang Yanli, only greeting Lan Wangji with a head bow.

“A-Li, are you okay?” Jin Zixuan questioned worriedly, only sparing a glance at the stone-faced dragon before him.

Jiang Yanli quickly shook away her thoughts, now was not the time to question these things. She would get her chance to speak to Lan Wangji about these matters at an appropriate time. Unfortunately, that was not now.

Smiling, she answered. “Yes, I’m sorry. I’m afraid the cold gave me a headrush.”

“Miss Jin should go inside until it reaches midday, the cold will not be as harsh then.” Lan Wangji stated, taking Lan Yuan’s hand again as he bid them goodbye.

“Goodbye, Miss Jin!” Lan Yuan called politely, keeping up with his father’s stride as Lan Wangji continued to show him the sights of Lanling.

Hesitantly, once the Lans had left, Jin Zixuan turned to his mate. Who now held Jin Ling in her arms, cooing to the infant softly, the winged-lion stared at his wife worriedly, catching Jiang Yanli’s attention.

“A-Li, did something happen? Who was that boy with Hanguang-jun?”

With a worried press of her lips, the tiger sighed as she looked in the direction of where the two Lans had left. “He is his son, and I’m alright. I just… I think I should go inside.”

Without another word, Jin Zixuan led Jiang Yanli away. Though the woman couldn’t get the image of the boy’s smile out of her mind.

How she longed that it had been A-Yuan and her Shidi who had smiled at her that day.

The next day, the true conference began.

“Zewu-jun and Hanguang-jun of the Gusu Lan clan have arrived!” Someone announced as Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen entered Golden Carp Tower.

Jin Guangyao immediately came forward to greet them, smiling kindly as he bowed to his sworn brother, almost ignoring Lan Wangji completely until a cheerful voice greeted him.

“Good morning, sir!” Lan Yuan grinned, not having forgotten his manners to greet those older than him respectfully, so he bowed his head, unable to actually bow to the winged-lion.

Stammering over his words, Jin Guangyao looked between Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji stunned for a moment before composing himself and greeting the child just as respectfully. “Hello, young master. May this one have a name to call you by?”

“I’m Lan Yuan, sir.”

“Lianfeng-zun.” Lan Wangji stated softly.

“Lianfeng-zun!” Lan Yuan parroted cheerily.

“Lan…?” Jin Guangyao once again looked between Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji stunned, though Lan Xichen only smiled at his sworn brother, placing a hand on his shoulder as he held out a hand to Lan Yuan.

“Lan Yuan, my nephew.” Despite trying to keep the calmest expression he could, the dragon couldn’t help but laugh when Lan Yuan grabbed his hand and held it happily.

“My son.” Lan Wangji countered, expression as stoic and apathetic as always.

Jin Guangyao was stunned by this, almost wanting to ask brazenly, how? With whom?

Though his decorum demanded better of him, so he did not ask. He would be able to get his answers from Lan Xichen later anyways.

A loud voice then cut through the quiet of their conversation, Lan Xichen only grinned wider while Jin Guangyao visibly shrunk away to shy behind the elder dragon.

“Wangji, since when have you had a son?” Nie Mingjue came forward, unashamed and unfiltered as he questioned the younger of the two Lan brothers.

Lan Yuan shied away from the large one-horned beast. Clinging to his father’s robes as his tails swayed anxiously. While the boy was always friendly, he still was just a toddler, it was expected that he would be a little hesitant in front of such an outwardly aggressive man. Especially an older Alpha.

Lan Wangji only patted his son’s back upon noticing his hesitancy, unaffected by Nie Mingjue’s presence. “He has been my son as long as I have declared him as such.”

Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen both looked between Nie Mingjue and Lan Wangji skeptically, it was no mystery that the great Hanguang-jun was stoic, regularly unaffected by even the most domineering of evil spirits and that Chifeng-zun was just as stoic, only far more aggressive, and easily prone to anger.

So, when silence fell between them, neither broke their glare from the other. Both Zewu-jun and Lianfang-zun watched with a cold sweat. That is until a low chuckle escaped from Nie Mingjue.

“As stone-faced as ever, Wangji. Very well, we can discuss such things after the conference. It is a pleasure to meet the little young master regardless.”

Lan Wangji only nodded at this, tapping Lan Yuan’s back gently, and nodded towards Nie Mingjue. An instruction to greet him.

Lan Yuan raised his head from the dragon’s shoulder, bowing his head respectfully. “It’s nice to meet you too, sir.”

“Chifeng-zun.” Lan Wangji corrected.

“Chifeng-zun.” Lan Yuan mirrored.

“A polite one. Good, we can discuss things like this later. That Jin Guangshan has been getting irritating trying to get things started as soon as possible.” Nie Mingjue scowled, brazenly announcing his annoyance with the head of the Jin clan.

Jin Guangyao quietly groaned at this, already knowing he would be dealing with the backlash of such behavior. “Let’s go sit down then, shall we?”

Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji took their seats at the tables for the Lan sect. Nie Mingjue took his seat next to his brother Nie Huaisang, and Jin Guangyao climbed the steps up to his father’s seat, standing at his side while around them Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli sat at their table with Madam Jin next to them.

“I thank everyone for coming, there is much to discuss.” Jin Guangshan announced, a few murmurs of questioning arose from the large crowd that had gathered.

“I believe we have all heard of the… rumors speculating of the Yiling Laozu. And I am here to lay down the truth of them all.”

This caught everyone’s attention, Lan Wangji visibly scowled while Lan Xichen sent a knowing look over to his brother, but in between them, having been eating one of the steam buns that had been served, Lan Yuan looked between his uncle and his father curiously.

“What is the news of that devil!?”

“I heard that he went on a killing spree against the Jin clan when they went to confront him at that demonic mountain of his!”

“No! I heard he’s dead! Killed by his own monsters!”

“Wouldn’t that just be karma!? You reap what you sow!”

Voice all around began to sew the discontent, many shouting about the atrocities that Wei Wuxian, the terrible Yiling Patriarch had committed. All of which were false in every sense.

Others shouted of his death, that he was killed by the Ghost General, and that not even a shred of his soul was left and his body was torn into pieces, mauled to the very dust of his bones.

It took every ounce of self-discipline and control that Lan Wangji processed to remain calm. His hands threaded into his robes so tightly that his already pale hands were going ghostly white from his iron grip.

Though at his side, Lan Yuan whimpered at the terrible things said. He knew who the Yiling Patriarch was, while it was rare he heard the name, he knew who they were discussing.

And why would they discuss his mother like this?

His mother was kind, yes he could be mean when he buried A-Yuan in the dirt to make him grow big and strong, and he liked to tease A-Yuan a lot too. But that didn’t make him anywhere near as bad as what these people were saying!

They spoke of him as though he were the terrible monsters from his nightmares, the very ones that his mother would battle away when he would scoop him into his arms and comfort him through the night.

A-Yuan knew who his mother was! And this monster they were cursing was not him!

Suddenly, the presence of his father was reminded when the dragon’s tail wrapped around him protectively, the man’s hand cupping the back of the boy’s neck as he led Lan Yuan to lean against him, covering his ears with his robes and his hand.

Where Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli sat, the Alpha was already snarling at the rumors and falsehoods that were being thrown around the room by his father’s words.

Though at his side, Jiang Yanli only watched with a deep frown etched onto her normally calm and serene face. She felt as though she could cry.

The boy that she had a hand in raising, the little boy that she cared for like a brother, the man that had given up his own life to save her husband. He was already dead, why must they spew such hatred?

Not one of them spoke the truth of what happened that day, not one spoke of his sacrifice, and not a single person spoke up for him. They all spoke violently, as though they were calling for him to die twice.

What was the point?

Just in front of where Jiang Yanli and her husband sat, Jiang Cheng sat with his head disciple. The man glared and scowled at everyone in the room. They all were so shameless! How dare they speak so brazenly! Could they not see the truth in front of them? At the very least, could they not see how their terrible words were affecting his sister?

“If you ask me, one death isn’t good enough for him!”

“Exactly my thoughts! Such a monster should face a thousand deaths for retribution!”

Finally, someone spoke over the raging cultivators. “Everyone, everyone! I agree with you all. But for now, it is with a humble position that I declare that the Yiling Laozu is dead. He was killed by Wen Ning, the Ghost General!”

A few gasps echoed across the room, a few pleased huffs of air. As though they had a point in the so-called ‘death’ of the Yiling Patriarch. And a select few looked almost remorseful at the announcement.

“What will be done then? What about that sect he was trying to form?”

“Yes, those Wen remnants and his army of the dead! What will they do without their master?”

“I heard that he gathered every single strong cultivator left in the Wen clan to form his sect! Even raising the strongest of their dead that he could!”

With a single hand raised, Jin Guangshan smirked triumphantly as he spoke. “Without their master, they will be weak! We will storm the Burial Mounds and eradicate the demonic remnants of the Yiling Patriarch!”

A few cheers sounded across the room, a few gasps, and a few terrified expressions.

Suddenly, a loud and violent slam was heard. Freezing everyone in the room when a freezing and suffocating aura rose, silencing the entire room as the frosty aura was then located from Hanguang-jun.

The dragon’s eyes were glowing a dark and menacing blue, as though ice itself was creeping from his irises. His unblemished jade skin seemed to frost over with ice, creating an otherworldly and terrifying picture.

Hanguang-jun had slammed his foot into the ground, creating a crater from where his foot had been. Lan Xichen appeared unfazed by this, as though he had long since expected his younger brother to snap.

And Lan Yuan, the boy still clung to his father’s leg desperately, uncaring of his terrifying display of power.

“You speak nothing but lies.”

The entirety of Pageantry Hall was held by their throats, none could dare to speak out against the impervious Hanguang-jun, and truthfully, none would ever dare try regardless.

All except for a fool. “M-My, Hanguang-jun. I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean.” Jin Guangshan spoke nervously, trying to feign confidence, though the tremble in his voice made it clear of his true position.

With a clear scowl, something which had scarcely or never been seen before by many of the eyes of Pageantry Hall. Hanguang-jun gave his verdict. “You speak of the rumors you hear, all of which are born out of lies. You use these falsehoods and your own lies to justify your unjustifiable actions. You are frivolous and shameless in your audacity.”

Gasps rang out from the crowd, everyone looked to Jin Guangshan for his reply to such a scolding. Having lost quite a bit of face at the insult, Jin Guangshan smiled like a viper as he bit back.

“I once believed Hanguang-jun to be respectable. I’m afraid that my judgment was wrong, and he is nothing more than a headstrong young man who has trouble holding his tongue.”

Lan Wangji countered immediately. Unfazed by the insults. “Your judgment is regularly wrong. You are unqualified to speak to me. And you are unqualified to hold the name of Wei Wuxian in your mouth.”

Jin Guangshan scowled at the insult, already losing a considerable amount of face, he continued to spout his own unjustifiable verdicts. “Are you trying to tell me that the impervious Hanguang-jun associates with that devil? What can be said about you in return then?”

It was already enough that Lan Wangi had stood before the entirety of Pageantry Hall, speaking out against the masses, when many in the masses had never once actually heard him speak before.

This was already a moment for the history books.

But what was said next only further stamped its place.

“I associate with Wei Ying. Because he is honest, unlike you. You say that he planned destruction. When it was the opposite. He wanted nothing more than to live a peaceful life, one of which you among many others continuously stole from him without cause other than you feared the power he had. The very power you tried to steal from him.”

Murmurs broke through the crowds, whispers and mutterings of what Hanguang-jun meant. Some questioned him, others agreed.

Because that’s all these masses were to him. Sheep.

They agreed when the strongest person in the room spoke, too afraid to think for themselves and to find the facts, and easily influenced to change their minds at the drop of a hat when the next strongest spoke.

But Lan Wangji ignored them. He never cared for the masses anyway.

“You say that you will rally everyone here to storm the Burial Mounds, to eradicate the demonic remnants of the Yiling Patriarch. But in truth, you would be attacking defenseless and innocent bystanders. Mothers and the elderly, all of whom had never once seen a day in war and never held any part of it.”

At this, conversation rose louder in the hall. Many people showed their shock at this information. Many not having known the true state of what was left of the Wen remnants, only knowing what they had heard from rumors.

“Truly? Is that all that’s left? Mothers and the elderly?”

“But was he not trying to create a sect? How could one create a sect with only that?”

“Are any of them even so much as cultivators?”

Jin Guangshan only grew more rageful at this, humiliated, he only added to the fire. “And tell us, how does the great Hanguang-jun know this? Are you only believing the words that the devilish Yiling Laozu said to trick you?”

Many fell silent at this, knowing that the answer could change the course of the argument.

Answering honestly, Lan Wangji stared the Jin sect leader dead in the eyes as he spoke. “No. I know from going there. I witnessed them with my own eyes. I was around them for three days.”

The silence was broken immediately.

“Hanguang-jun saw it himself!?”

“When was this?”

“Yes! I remember seeing Hanguang-jun leave the Burial Mounds that one day when we went to investigate after Jin Zixuan’s return!”

“Does that mean Hanguang-jun saw the death of the Yiling Patriarch?”

Infuriated by the voices surrounding him, many calling in favor of Hanguang-jun, Jin Guanghsan spat the only insult he had left. “If Hanguang-jun is so perilous as to stay on the side of the wicked. Tell me, did he not die? Did he not deserve his fate?”

The dragon sneered openly at this, the muscles of his face contorted into a nightmarish sight. It was rare to see many from the Lan sect, especially the main clan, openly show extreme emotions.

Lan Wangji especially. Many in the room could count on one hand how many times they had seen the esteemed cultivator's face bare anything but an apathetic and stoic expression. If they ever even had been so misfortunate to bare witness.

So with his hackles raised, eyes glowing a threatening hue of blue, and the scales along his jawline, his tail, and the plane of his neck into the expanse of white robes seemingly glowed with his eyes. Many in the room dearly wished that their previous blessed fortune of never having witnessed such a chilling sight would return.

It did not.

“I did not witness his death, because he is not dead. And the fate you speak of, the fate of the injury that could have killed him was inflicted by his actions of saving your son.”

Silence fell again, all looked to Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli. Both wide-eyed and speechless. The tiger felt as though she was going to sob right then and there. Her Shidi? He was alive after all?

On the other hand, Jin Zixuan squared his expression. Standing before the crowd, he stared solemnly at Lan Wangji, a silent agreement shared with only a look.

From his place at his father’s side, ignoring the piercing glare of the Jin sect leader, Jin Zixuan spoke clearly. “That is right.”

An uproar nearly brought down the very pillars of Pageantry Hall.

“Wei Wuxian saved Jin Zixuan’s life!?”

“Yes! I was there, he shoved him out of the way of the Ghost General!”

“So, he almost died by his own weapon!?”

“How did this occur in the first place!?”

Suddenly, a furious voice rose above the loud conversations. “All of this happened because Wei Wuxian chose to converge on the dark path! He deserved his fate and worse! It is his fault lives were lost in the first place!” Jin Zixun had shouted above the crowd, standing in a furious rage.

“Be silent!” Jin Zixuan bellowed, glaring at his cousin, who still had the gall to stand against him.

“Have you no shame!? Sit down!” Madam Jin chided harshly, reaching from her table to hit her impudent nephew.

Suddenly, the terrifying crack of a sparkling whip forced the entire room still and silent, as though the fear of the spectacular weapon, Zidian, was enough to freeze them all in place.

Jiang Cheng’s imperious wrath and impatient temper only added to the dangerous atmosphere. “You impudent dog!”

Jin Zixun shrunk back at this, humiliated and hesitant to face the Jiang sect leader. Everyone knew of his characteristically unbridled wrath and short temper, most who were knowledgeable knew better than to provoke such easy outrage.

Jin Zixun did not seem to be knowledgeable. “That situation happened not because of Wei Wuxian! But because they foolishly followed you, the biggest fool of them all, into a fight that they had no business being a part of! And into a fight that you had no righteous reason to start!”

Jin Zixun, humiliated and angry, shouted without thinking. “Well since he is alive, we know he is the one to blame!”

Lan Wangji raised an incredulous brow at this, and before anyone could question Jin Zixun, he brazenly outed him. “It is impossible for Wei Wuxian to have cursed you with the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes curse. He is not the one to blame.”

Shocked murmurs broke out once again, and Jin Zixun seethed in his humiliated fury, clutching the front of his robes as though they were see-through. “You-!”

Jin Guangshan, just as angry as his nephew, spoke up at this. “How could it have been impossible? Did you witness the casting yourself?”

Scoffing quietly at the sect leader, Lan Wangji shook his head. “Wei Wuxian bore none of the side effects of casting the curse. Just as the person cursed is to be disfigured, as is the caster. And his skin held no disfigurations.”

A few people openly agreed with the Lan cultivator, shaming Jin Zixun and Jin Guangshan for questioning the esteemed Hanguang-jun’s statement. Though a few others caught onto the implications said in his statement. But they did not outwardly voice it.

Embarrassed into silence, neither Jin Guangshan nor Jin Zixun had any room left to argue. Every stone they had once possessed to throw at anyone who openly disagreed with them had already been used and diffused by Lan Wangji!

But fools never did learn to shut their mouths when facing defeat. “Well, what about that little demon behind him!? How can we be unsure that the Yiling Patriarch has not trapped Hanguang-jun with a child!? Look at him, he looks exactly like-!”

Before the very name could be said, Lan Wangji had already flown across the room. Seizing the presumptuous Jin Zixun by his throat. The very ice that had seemed to be freezing over top of the dragon’s jade skin seemed to creep from his hand to the foolish winged-lion.

No one dared to step in to stop him.

Even if Lan Wangji had not been openly defending the Yiling Patriarch, the situation beheld at that moment would have been no different. To insult someone like Lan Wangji was a high offense in itself.

But to insult, if not threaten, the child of someone like Lan Wangji. The child of a dragon, a Lan dragon.

Was all but a death sentence.

Jin Zixun choked from the hold around his neck, his strongest efforts leaving not even a stumble in Lan Wangji’s domineering stature. All fell silent at the scene, an empathetic type of fear spreading throughout the hall.

Jin Zixuan, who stood only a meter or so away from his cousin and the enraged dragon, did nothing to step in. Merely standing in front of his wife protectively, hoping to spare her from the scene that could become far more gruesome if Lan Wangji’s self-restraint truly had been completely spent by his father’s audacious insults and taunting and his cousin’s vulgar declarations.

He truly knew that this was well deserved.

He had warned his cousin to stay silent, not speak impudently, just stay out of trouble for a good while until everything could be settled.

So, no one could say that he had not given a valiant effort.

While Jiang Cheng had started to ascend the steps to the tables where the Jins sat, he stopped midway as he too was frozen in shock and his own hesitance at the sight.

Finally, with a simple clearing of his throat, the trance of murderous animosity that had fogged Lan Wangji’s sight lifted. And the man dropped the limp and strangled body of Jin Zixun.

For a moment, no one could tell if a murder had truly taken place before their very eyes.

Then the Beta’s body convulsed and ragged hacking and coughing could be heard, desperate gulps of air were sucked in through a battered throat, only to be shoved out by violent dry heaving.

Lan Xichen had stepped forward to the savage display.

While if they had been in Cloud Recesses, it would have been imperative that Lan Xichen uphold his position as sect leader and detain Lan Wangji and divulge the appropriate punishment.

Thankfully, they were not in Cloud Recesses.

With the same smile that had convinced the masses to proclaim their trust in the compassionate Zewu-jun. Lan Xichen set to work weaving through the tatters of what they had hoped to be a simple excursion.

It was nothing he could not handle regardless, and nothing that he was not willing to handle. It was for his dear little brother after all! Wangji had never truly cared for anyone aside from him and their uncle as deeply as he did for Wei Wuxian.

Honestly, now that he truly thought about it. Wei Wuxian had truly been Wangji’s first technical ‘friend’ no matter how strained that friendship had become ever since the war.

It was his duty and excitement as an older brother to make sure that he made sure his brother’s relationship worked out! It was for his brother’s sake after all. Not to mention he enjoyed A-Yuan as his new little nephew. The boy was just so sweet!

Lan Xichen smiled through every word he spoke. “Jin-Zongzhu, I hope that you understand. We did not come here to declare any issues or create any strain between our sects. We merely wished to divulge to you that young Master Wei, was now in the custody of the Lan clan. And therefore Jin-Zongzhu could rest easier knowing that an issue had been taken off of his table.”

Though his smile; did not reach his eyes. The natural gentle flint shade of his irises had been shrouded by the shadow of his expression. While he smiled, just as always, his eyes spoke of the consequences that he did not dare to speak of out loud.

“This one merely implores Jin-Zongzhu to understand that while the Lan sect prides itself on self-restraint and discipline. If anyone of our clan perceives that a… threat of sorts has been proclaimed against those we deem as needed, it is quite difficult to diffuse such urges.”

Jin Guangshan appeared to be paralyzed in his seat. Staring at Lan Xichen with eyes as wide as saucers. In his case lucky enough to not be foolish enough to miss the subtle threat in the Lan sect leader’s words.

With great difficulty to clear his throat, looking between the still-smiling Zewu-jun and the stone-faced Hanguang-jun fearfully, with the fiery glare of his own wife at his back, Jin Guangshan addressed them. “Of course, we did not mean to offend Hanguang-jun or the Lans in any way. I hope Lan-Zongzhu understands where my nephew and I came from.”

“It is understandable, we do not hold any resentments. I am just glad that the situation can now be understood in a clearer light.”

With a polite bow from both Lans, and a servant coming forward to Jin Zixun’s aid, everyone returned to their seats. For a long while, no one dared to speak, still hesitant in case the thin thread of peace that had been reestablished would snap once again.

After a few minutes of silence, the subtle conversation started again. Conversing over what had just occurred, others tried to change subjects quickly, hoping not to incur the newfound known imperious wrath of Lan Wangji.

Though at their tables, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji conversed quietly. As though the events that had just occurred were nothing more than a slight strain in their lives.

Lan Yuan still seemed fearful, having just witnessed a side of his own father that would have made children four times his age cower in fear. Sensing his son’s discomfort, Lan Wangji gently scooped Lan Yuan into his arms and set him on his lap, feeding him steam buns as he apologized.

“A-die is sorry for scaring A-Yuan.”

Munching on his food, he swallowed his bite before addressing the cultivator. “A-Yuan is not scared! I’m brave, just like Mama said. Daddy… was just cool is all!” Lan Yuan deflected, making Lan Xichen laugh next to them, though Lan Wangji did not converse further on it. Instead, handing the child a bowl with a few more steam buns in them as he and Lan Xichen spoke.

Over an incense time passed with the chatter of Pageantry Hall filling the space before Lan Wangji felt the subtle flare alight in his robes. Almost knocking Lan Yuan in the side with his elbow, Lan Wangji reached into his robes and pulled out the last shred of the talisman before it crumpled completely to ash in his hand.

His face fell ashen with worry, only sparing a glance to his side for his brother, who had already noticed the situation.

No words were shared, only two in-sync nods before Lan Wangji collected Lan Yuan in his arms and left the banquet hall without so much as a polite address to those present.

Though his departure did not go unnoticed.

Just as he made it to the guest houses. Packing up his and A-Yuan’s things in a blur of movement, the door to their room was opened unceremoniously.

An enraged Jiang Wanyin stood in their doorway.

A slight glare furrowed the dragon’s brow, though he did not outwardly display his disdain as he had earlier. Only infuriated further by the man’s lack of expression, especially now knowing that it was actually possible for Lan Wangji’s facial muscle to contort into anything but his stoic expression, Jiang Cheng snarled openly.

Jiang Cheng did not care for greetings, and he has always been quite brazen, which was why Lan Wangji was not shocked by his question. “Where is Wei Wuxian?”

Going on silent, Lan Wangji collected their things and placed the bags over his shoulders before taking Lan Yuan into his arms. Scowling, Jiang Cheng stepped past the threshold and blocked their way.

“He is not yours to take into custody! Return him to Yunmeng.”

Lan Wangji only stared at him stoically, stepping past the sect leader to leave before what the man said next forced him to halt. “That boy is not your son either. He is only Wei Wuxian’s, they both should be returned to my YunmengJiang sect.”

Only turning over his shoulder to meet the infuriated tiger’s gaze, Lan Wangji glared directly into the sect leader’s eyes. “Wei Ying is not a Jiang. He is not a part of your sect. He was not a part of the Jiang sect when A-Yuan became our son. They do not belong to you. They both belong in Gusu.”

With nothing else to say, leaving behind a flabbergasted and fuming Jiang Wanyin, Lan Wangji left the guest houses. They mounted Bichen and took off for Wei Ying.

So they could go back home to Cloud Recesses.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian had expected quite a lot when he entered the Burial Mounds, leaving behind Lan Wangji and his son, who flew away only moments after. What he had not expected was for the entire little village they had created to be in shambles!

Everything, every crop, every house, it was all completely destroyed!

Wei Wuxian felt his heart plummet.

He had been too late.

A part of him wanted to call out for anyone, anyone who may be alive. Though something told him to call out so brazenly for the dead, the very dead that would still be alive if he had acted smarter, if he had been stronger, would be nothing but disrespectful.

Because he had been the one to fail them.

Not the other way around.

He had no right to speak their names.

Feeling his stomach churn and his heart ache, Wei Wuxian held no discomfort for crying. He once again lost another family. A family that he had just been growing into.

While he cried, he kept quiet. Paying his respects by not crying out like a maiden in distress. He remembered when Granny Wen would pat his cheek when he was caught crying in the dead of night during one of the many nights when his mind betrayed him and denied him sleep.

She had not asked why, she merely sat with him. Wiping his cheeks with her sleeve as she regaled him in the humorous stories of her late daughter and son-in-law. Telling him of the adventures she used to have as a child before meeting her soon-to-be husband.

By the end, Wei Wuxian felt as though he had known the woman himself. And he felt better. Granny Wen had told him that night, that to cry was to be a person, to have a heart. It was the strongest of all who could cry and stay silent.

For their grief was beyond words, beyond even the barest of sounds.

She told him, to truly mourn and grieve, was to be silent. For when one was silent in their grief, only then could they hear the final passing of those they loved. Only then could they find their solace.

So, he stayed silent. But he cried.

Moving like a ghost on the mountain, he searched through every shambled hut, going to the small dining hall that the Wens had built. He found nothing, only abandoned clothes, and a few trinkets.

There were no corpses, there was no sign of fire, there were no ashes.

Had the Jins truly been so cruel as to take the corpses? To take the ashes and leave nothing to mourn over? Leave nothing to bury and honor?

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian felt the surge of energy sweep over him.

It was the recasting of a seal.

It came from the Demon-Quelling cave.

Within his grief, rage struck out. Had those who dared to enact such sinful deeds truly been so shameless as to take shelter in his cave? In his home!?

Near blindly, his eyes turning a blood-lusting red. Wei Wuxian bound forward. Whoever had enacted the seal used one of his very own. Most likely the one that was still drawn out near the blood pool.

But it did not matter, it was his creation after all, and no creation could withstand the will of its master.

With a simple beat against the seal at the entrance of the cave. The seal was broken by his very hand, and just as he was about to hurl himself inside, fully prepared to seek retribution.

Hoarse and terrified cries echoed throughout the cave.

It was the Wens.

The red of his eyes vanishing, leaving behind misty silver pools of relief and grief all at once, Wei Wuxian hurried inside desperately. Grabbing one of the discarded talismans, he bit his thumb and drew out a spell.

With a simple flick, the talisman lighted up the cave, revealing the Wens who were all huddled together in the very back of the cave. Wen Qing and Wen Ning standing at the forefront prepared for a fight that Wei Wuxian mourned to think they would have lost.

“Wei… Wei-gongzi?” Wen Ning spoke first, apprehensive but hopeful. The stiff muscles of his face were barely able to quirk his lips enough to reveal a small smile.

Laughing in hysterical relief. Wei Wuxian bound forward and took both Wen Qing and Wen Ning into a tight hug. “I thought you all were dead! How dare you scare me so much! What did you think you were doing letting the Lans take me!? Who was going to protect you!?”

Scoffing at his scolding, Wen Qing pushed him back and shoved an accusing finger into his chest. “Protect us!? You were a step away from death yourself! They would have killed you first! You would have been useless!”

Wincing, the fox spirit knew she was right, he would have been useless to the Wens if he had been there when whatever happened, happened. In all likeliness, he would have been the first to die.

“Is everyone okay? Has anyone been lost?” Wei Wuxian questioned, looking over the avian woman’s shoulder to check on those behind her. The rest of the Wens smiled in relief at the sight of their young master.

“No. A few have been injured, but nothing detrimental. The Jins came in a large group of cultivators, and they immediately began destroying the houses. I don’t know if they were searching for you or if they had alternative motives.” Wen Qing stated while Wei Wuxian snarled at the very idea.

“One of the cultivators that got away took half of the Yin Tiger Tally, but he was killed and brought to the Lans. So, they now have half of it. Do you know if the other half was stolen as well?”

Wen Qing seemed shocked by the statement, growling softly as she shook her head. Strolling over to the wall of the cave where she ripped down some of the rocks in the wall, revealing the other half of the Yin Tiger Tally.

Handing it over to the demonic cultivator, Wen Qing sighed. “Thankfully they didn’t. A-Ning had been able to throw the rest of them out, for what we know, none of them were killed but we all took shelter in here and used your seal to keep them out if they tried to come back.”

Growling under his breath, Wei Wuxian looked back to the entrance of the cave. Knowing now that there was no doubt that those cultivators had been under the orders to either retrieve Wei Wuixan, the Yin Tiger Tally, or both.

“It does not matter now. We need to leave, Lan Zhan has helped me find places for you all to go.”

Wen Qing looked at him skeptically, already sensing the catch to this deal. “And what did you have to exchange for his help?”

Already feeling the storm brewing, Wei Wuxian looked away helplessly and took a few steps back as he gave his answer. “I agreed that once everyone is settled, I will return to Cloud Recesses with him with no trouble. And from there on, I will be under the custody of the Lans.”

Gasps rang out, and Wen Qing looked furious. “What!? He never told me of that! He said that he never wanted to lock you up in the first place! And this is what he goes and does when no one is there to check on him!? Esteemed and righteous my foot!”

The woman continued her aggressive shouts, walking away to take her anger out on the dirt beneath her feet. Though Wen Ning and a few of the other Wens all stepped forward and shared their worry.

“Wei-gongzi… You don’t have to do this, maybe there is something we can do.” Wen Ning offered helplessly, though Wei Wuxian only patted his head gently in return.

“No, these are the conditions. I won’t risk your safety for my freedom that was never guaranteed in the first place.”

Wen Ning only looked on helplessly, as though he wanted to continue to argue further, his guilt clear in his dead eyes. Wei Wuxian came forward and hugged the fierce corpses tightly. “Besides, I have already done enough damage. Perhaps it is better this way, it is not your fault Wen Ning, it is no one else's fault but my own.”

If he would have been able, Wen Ning would have burst into tears, crying and apologizing. Though he could do no such things. So, he merely hugged the demonic cultivator as he mumbled his apologies.

Granny Wen then came forward, placing a hand on the middle of Wei Wuxian’s back. A sad and remorseful smile tugged her lips apart. “We all thank Wei-gongzi for his sacrifices for us. He has done much more for us than what we could have ever asked for. This one especially thanks Gongzi for taking care of A-Yuan, and giving this old woman something to smile for in the future.”

With nothing else said, all of the Wens bowed deeply in respect to Wei Wuxian. And the man could feel the tears return to his eyes. Instead of crying once again, he wiped his eyes hastily and reached forward to place his hands on Granny Wen’s shoulders, leading her to stand tall once again.

“This one does not need nor does he deserve your thanks, all I have done is what is right. And I promise Wen-lao-xiansheng that A-Yuan will always be safe with me as my son. And I hope you do not mind that Lan-er-gongzi has also taken to calling the little one his own as well.”

Granny Wen seemed surprised at this, as though thinking of who Wei Wuxian had mentioned, she suddenly smiled widely, revealing her toothless gums, as she patted Wei Wuxian’s cheek reassuringly.

“Our A-Yuan will be well taken care of and loved. That is all that I am concerned about.”

Smiling at the approval and only barely dodging the accusing glare of Wen Qing, Wei Wuxian nodded before addressing the rest of the Wens as he pulled out the parchment that concealed his plans.

And from there, he conducted his plan thoroughly.

It had been a hassle, he refused to sleep for the two days and one night that passed. Somehow, through pure luck, and a bit of searching, Wei Wuxian had found the horses that he stole from those Jin cultivators the night he took the Wens into his care.

He, Wen Qing, and Wen Ning loaded as many of the Wens onto each horse as possible. When there were no horses left, Wei Wuxian showed his plan to Wen Qing and Wen Ning. Ordering Wen Ning to carry two Wens at a time to the towns they were assigned as he followed behind with another Wen on his back to make sure everything went smoothly. Leaving Wen Qing to lead the rest to their destinations.

Multiple trips were made between Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian both, taking the time to help the Wens they carried, settle into their new towns. Thankfully, each town they went to didn’t question them, and if they recognized Wei Wuxian, they didn’t mention it.

They only asked for the appropriate amount needed to be paid to set the Wens in their new homes. Which Wei Wuxian had purely due to Lan Wangji’s generosity, having been sent off with a hefty money pouch in tow.

He swore he would pay him back eventually, how? He had no clue. But he would do it!

By the time Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian had fixed up the Wens who were unable to travel by horseback, Wen Qing had already come close enough to the border where the Wens would separate by family to go to their separate villages.

Wei Wuxian was exhausted, though he refused to show it, Wen Ning still watched the demonic cultivator carefully. “Wei-gongzi should rest with Jiejie…”

Laughing, Wei Wuxian waved him off, pushing himself further as he helped a few of the elderly off of the horses, sorting them with their families and friends who’d be going with them.

That is until Wen Ning grabbed his sleeve and as gently as he could, pulled him away from the horses. While his face could not show it, and his eyes still were that of a dead man’s, the tiniest purse of his lips and the furrow of his brows was enough to let Wei Wuxian know of his faithful companion’s anxiety for him.

“Aiya… Wen Ning, don’t look at me like that, I’m alright.”

Wen Ning only shook his head, bowing at the waist as he still clutched Wei Wuxian’s sleeve. “This one will not let Wei-gongzi be injured by my fault again.”

“Your fault? Wen Ning what are you-.” Suddenly, the memory of how his injury transpired came to him.

Wen Ning had been aiming for Jin Zixuan, but Wei Wuxian had surged forward and shoved him out of the way, taking his place. Though he never once blamed Wen Ning!

The fierce corpse had been heavily influenced by his emotions, he was attacking the one he presumed to be a threat based on his master's emotions. And at the time, Jin Zixuan and his boorish cousin had been the main cause of his terrible spike in demeanor.

With a heavy sigh, Wei Wuxian stepped forward and forced Wen Ning to stand correctly before patting the man’s head reassuringly. “Wen Ning should not apologize or feel at fault for what happened. You were merely following my command. This master of yours is to blame. I, as your commander and your friend, should have had better control. I had made a promise to Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng after all.”

If tears were possible, there was no doubt that Wen Ning would have shed them by now. Instead, with his already hoarse voice being uncooperative, he surged forward and hugged Wei Wuxian. “...Thank you, Gongzi.”

Chuckling, the fox spirit merely patted his back. Though out of the corner of his eye, he caught the sight of Wen Qing visibly relaxing, a heavy sigh of relief leaving her chest.

Had they truly been so worried that he would fault them?

Clearing his head, Wei Wuxian sought back to work preparing the last remnants of the Wens for the final part of their journey. Wen Ning followed in tow as they helped the rest of them onto the horses.

“Wen Ning, you, Wen Qing, and Granny will all go to Caiyi Town with the rest. There you will give them this amount to help you prepare your residents’. I will lead the others to Hu village, it’s not too far from Caiyi Town, just like the others. So, it will be no trouble for you all to visit each other and make sure everyone is alright.”

Just as he was about to turn away, having given Wen Qing the money. A soft and wrinkled hand reached down from one of the horses, catching his cheek while nearly falling off of the animal’s back.

“Granny!” Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian shouted in unison. The man surged forward to steady the woman before she could fall. Despite the scolding tone of the youngsters, the elderly avian woman only smiled.

“We all thank Gongzi again. There truly is no way for any of us to repay you, but I hope he is reassured that you will always be beloved and safe in our spirits and hearts.”

Wei Wuxian felt his tears return at the kind words, instead of letting them fall in the sights of the Wens, he bowed to them deeply. “And this one hopes that you know that there is no debt between us. I do not hold debts amongst my family. And I am the one who should be thankful, for the family you gave me, and for the forgiveness of my sins.”

A few choked cries came from amongst the younger mothers in the groups, some of the uncles attempted to make strong grunts in return, though they too were watered down by their shared grief.

“Wei Wuxian!” Wen Qing shouted, dismounting her horse as she surged forward and whapped the Huli Jing on the back of the head.

With a furious resolution, despite the hot tears that burned in her own eyes, Wen Qing made her demands. “You will return to Caiyi Town once you finish it. Whatever business those Lans have can and will wait.”

Laughing, Wei Wuxian nodded his head before they parted once again. The fox spirit took the reins of the horses to lead the last group of the Wens to Hu village.

The early morning of the second day had already arrived once Wei Wuxian had settled the final group into the village, paying their dues before departing with a few tearful hugs from the Wens.

He took his time to stroll through the woods leading to Caiyi town. He would’ve taken a river boat, but he figured that in broad daylight, no matter how welcoming the previous towns had been, he didn’t want to risk being recognized by any cultivators who could be staying in the area.

He was tired, but he had his promises to keep, and he miserably hoped that Wen Qing had already fixed up their arrangements so he could shamelessly lounge in their new residents’ before hiking up the mountains to Cloud Recesses.

It was times like this that he dearly missed being able to fly upon his sword.

Though at the sorrowful thought, he realized that he did not possess his sword any longer. Distantly, he wondered if he had left the damned thing in the Burial Mounds, or if he had left it at Lotus Peer?

It did not matter anymore regardless, he had no use for it now. It would be nothing but dead weight on his hip.

Upon entering the borders of Caiyi Town, the sun shone brightly despite the cold of winter, creating a delightful balance that Wei Wuxian enjoyed. Wei Wuxian quickly went on the hunt for Wen Qing and Wen Ning, only for a loquat to hit him in the back of the head.

Catching the descending fruit, Wei Wuxian whipped around to find the perpetrator, only to find Wen Qing tossing another in her hand. Conveniently enough, with Wei Wuixan’s sword, Subain in her other hand.

Catching his surprised look, Wen Qing rolled her eyes. “Did you expect me to leave it there? You’re terrible, how you ever became such a cultivator with your forgetfulness is astounding.”

Laughing at her scolding, Wei Wuxian took a bite of the loquat and followed the silent order to follow her to the humble house where the Wens would be staying.

Scornfully, Wei Wuxian searched the exterior before making his way inside. There were two floors, each with two rooms, which was technically enough. But he still couldn’t help but inspect it judgingly.

Wei Wuxian turned to face the Wens, the elderly resting at the worn-down low table while Wen Ning and Wen Qing stood near him as he inspected. “Will this be alright for you all?”

With a simple flick to his forehead, the Alpha rolled her eyes. “Of course, enough with your mindless worrying. Sit down, you look on the verge of collapsing.”

Mumbling his pitiful whines of injustice, Wei Wuxian followed the doctor's orders as she and Wen Ning followed suit. Though he couldn’t argue that the urge to lean back against the wall and take a long nap sounded incredibly appealing.

Especially with the way his abdomen felt like it was on fire.

Truly, he never remembered his healing process taking this long before!

Suddenly, Subian was dropped in his lap, and Wei Wuxian ran his hand over its sheath before looking up at Wen Qing curiously. “You’re going to need that. Especially if what Hanguang-jun said is true.”

Wei Wuxian raised an incredulous brow at the statement, his tails flicking behind him curiously. “What did Lan Zhan say?”

“Lan-gongzi said that because your golden core was removed via surgery, the essence to create one is still within you. Nothing internally has been damaged, so you could form a new one.” Wen Ning spoke up hopefully.

Though Wei Wuxian couldn’t believe it. He didn’t know if he wanted to. He had given up any hope for him to go down the holy path of cultivation, he had resigned himself to the demonic arts, and he was okay with that.

Because those he loved were safe and protected.

So, he was okay with it. It didn’t matter to him if he could never feel Subian’s spiritual power again. If he could not form a mating bond as strong as any other cultivator. If he could no longer fly through the skies, and if he could not join his family on the path to immortality as every other cultivator sought.

It didn’t matter to him. He made sure that he let go of all of that.

So to be suddenly told that it was possible for him to form a golden core again, it seemed almost too good to be true, and he didn’t know if he wanted to believe it. He didn’t know if his heart could handle the blow it would be dealt with if their hopes turned out to be wrong.

His thoughts were interrupted when Wen Qing nudged his cheek with her finger. “I can hear you thinking in there. I’ve looked through my research, it’s a possibility. Your essence is still strong, that’s why you can control demonic cultivation. And Hanguang-jun swore to us that he would help you.”

That was another thing.

Why was Lan Zhan helping him like this?

What goal was he seeking? Wei Wuxian knew Lan Zhan, he knew that the righteous man never acted without proper cause and intensive thought first. So, why help him? Why help the man that the entire cultivation world scorned?

Did he not fear for his reputation?

It was already enough that he showed as much generosity as to take in A-Yuan as his own purely on what Wei Wuxian could only assume was pity for the poor boy. Being raised solely by a near-extinct sect and the founder of demonic cultivation. Who wouldn’t feel bad for such a child?

He had done enough for them, he allowed Wei Wuxian to stay with him as well, sleep in his bed, instead of having him locked up in whatever cell the Lans surely would rather him be in.

So, why help him further? Why help him regain his power that could prove to be his downfall? Why not just let him rot in whatever cell was prepared and wait for him to die?

He had to know that Wei Wuxian would not fight it, that he had no reason to. He had accomplished all of his promises, there would be no one outside of Cloud Recesses waiting for his return, hopeful to see him again.

Wei Wuxian would have no reason to fight back, Lan Zhan had to know the truth of the matter, he was too intelligent to be ignorant of it. Even the fact that, given time, A-Yuan. No, Lan Yuan would forget about him as he grew up.

His childish memories of the mother he once had would fade, he would only recollect faint memories if any at all of the Wens, and he would know of only one of his parental figures, his father.

There truly was nothing stopping the Lans, stopping Lan Wangji, from just locking him up or killing him as they saw as righteous compensation for his sins. He could only fight against all of them for so long with his cultivation until he would have no choice but to give in.

Why not just cut the line short? Why prolong the inevitable?

“Why is he doing this?” Wei Wuxian’s question was curt, if not a little painful. Wen Ning and Wen Qing shared a glance at each other, truly unknowing of the right answer to give.

Seeing that they had no answer to give, Wei Wuxian sighed and waved it off. Rising to his feet, he stepped outside and pulled out the talisman that Lan Xichen had given him.

For a fleeting moment, he wondered if he should just leave it. Run away while he could and disappear off of the face of the Earth. If he tried hard enough, he knew no one could find him.

But he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. He had to stay around, for as long as he was allowed to make sure that the Wens would be taken care of. To make sure that his A-Yuan grew up happily and safely.

Even if his time was cut short, it would be worth it in the end.

So, he ripped the talisman, staring in a state of numbness as he watched it burn in his hands before crumbling into dust.

“Will Lan-gongzi be here soon?” Wen Ning came up from behind him, watching his master, the very man who he still called a friend, and the very one who still called him as such, with worry.

Wei Wuxian crouched to the ground, looking out at the river near the little house that the Wens were staying in. The water was undoubtedly cold, just like the snow beneath his boots. And yet, he still had the urge to plunge himself into those icy depths.

“I suppose he will…”

Wen Ning followed Wei Wuxian’s gaze to the river, he copied his friend’s actions and crouched next to him. “The water would be incredibly cold Gongzi.”

Laughing in a muted hysteria, Wei Wuxan nodded as he stepped closer to the river, pulling off his boots. Disregarding Wen Ning’s worried mumbling behind him as he jumped into the shallow water that went up to his knees.

Laughing, Wei Wuxian looked behind him at the worried Wen Ning, smiling through the biting burn of the icy cold water. “You’re right, Wen Ning. It is ridiculously cold. Even though we are not in the mountains, the winters in Gusu are so harsh.”

“Gongzi… please get out. You’ll get sick.” Wei Wuxian only laughed at his worries.

“Wen Ning, don’t doubt me! I know what I am doing! Don’t you know the fish in Gusu are especially delicious, they can survive the winters here, and they taste the best!” Wei Wuxian declared as he eyed the water carefully before shouting in victory as he plunged his arms into the water, retrieving two fish with his bare hands.

“Gongzi!” Wen Ning cried again, though Wei Wuxian only acknowledged him by throwing him the fish he caught, returning to his hunt to catch a few more.

Having heard the commotion, Wen Qing stepped out of the house. Immediately shouting at Wei Wuxian the second she saw him. “You idiot! What are you doing!? Get out of there this instant!”

Wei Wuxian ignored her for a moment as he caught two more in his hands, raising them in the air triumphantly. “I’m catching us lunch!”

Growling, Wen Qing stomped forward and grabbed the Huli Jing by the collar of his robes, dragging him back onto the land as he laughed. “Wen Qing! Jiejie! Don’t be mad at me! I knew everyone had to be hungry, so I caught us food!”

“You have no sense of self-preservation do you!?” Wen Qing chided, smacking Wei Wuxian on his shoulder when he passed the rest of the fish to Wen Ning.

Though before Wei Wuxian could answer, the signature shrill of air slicing through the skies alerted him that someone was approaching on a sword. Pushing Wen Qing into the house, he slammed the door shut as he looked up, cursing the clouds that had since turned the once-sunny weather overcast.

Pulling Chenqing from his side, he raised the hell flute to his lips, preparing to fight whatever cultivator that have followed them. Though when a breeze suddenly wafted behind him, he spun around to face the one that had attempted to sneak up on him.

“Mama!” Lan Yuan jumped down from Lan Wangji’s arms and ran forward to the older fox spirit. Wei Wuxian grunted at the force the boy came hurtling at him with before he looked up at the dragon who had approached closer.

“Ah, Lan Zhan. It’s just you two. I thought someone had followed us.” Wei Wuxian sighed in relief, only to chuckle nervously when Lan Wangji did not respond. Instead, the man almost seemed to stare straight through him.

“Lan Zhan?”

Before Wei Wuxian could process what happened next, Lan Wangji came forward and pulled the fox spirit into his arms, hugging him tightly. Shocked and incredibly confused, Wei Wuxian wrapped an arm around the dragon as he kept one on Lan Yuan’s shoulder.

Unknowing what to say, Wei Wuxian gripped the Alpha’s pristine robes tightly, pressing his forehead against the man’s shoulder as a show of compassion. “...Lan Zhan, are you alright?”

Lan Wangji did not remove himself, instead keeping pressing closer to Wei Wuxian as he placed two fingers at his collarbones to check his meridians. Only once he was sure nothing was amiss, did he answer. “Mn… Worried I was too late again.”

(Again? What does he mean again?) Wei Wuxian thought as he looked down at his son, though the boy only hugged his leg happily, seemingly oblivious to the worry his father had faced.

“What does Lan Zhan mean?”

A hesitant silence overcame them, Wei Wuxian, still curious, tried to pull himself away a bit to look the man in the eye. Only for Lan Wangji’s grip to tighten, effectively trapping the Huli Jing.

Though when the door to the small house was opened, Wen Ning at the front with Wen Qing holding a bucket over her head, prepared to use her makeshift weapon, they both were shocked by the sight they caught.

“Aunt Qing! Uncle Ning!” Lan Yuan cheered, running to the two siblings, and hugging them as both adults looked at Wei Wuxian curiously.

Still trapped by Lan Wangji, who was seemingly unaffected by the presence of the two vermillion avians, Wei Wuxian only shook his head as he waved his hand for them all to go inside.

Once the small audience was gone, Lan Wangji pulled himself away only slightly. Still keeping a hold on Wei Wuxian as he met the fox spirit’s gaze. “When Wei Ying was injured… I had been too late to prevent it. He almost died, I was worried that something similar happened again.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but wheeze out a guilty laugh, lowering his head and staring down at his black boots and Lan Wangji’s pristine white ones. Shaking his head as he reached up and patted the dragon’s head. “I am alright Lan Zhan. I’m sorry to have caused you to worry, thank you.”

Lan Wangji’s nose scrunched at the thanks, though he did not show any more than that. He merely took Wei Wuxian’s hand into his own and wrapped his resting arm around the fox spirit’s waist.

“Wei Ying does not need to say that to me.”

Chuckling, Wei Wuxian nodded as he continuously patted the man’s shoulders. “Then Lan Zhan does not need to say those things to me either. No ‘sorrys’ or ‘thank yous’ will be shared between us, okay?”

“Mn.”

For a moment, the fox spirit lost his inhibitions, his worries, everything. And he slumped into the warm embrace that he was willingly trapped in, closing his eyes and greedily inhaling the scent of sandalwood and amber. Finding that not even the freezing and soaked lower part of his robes were felt in comparison to the warmth that radiated off of the dragon.

For a moment, everything seemed right.

Then his sense came hurtling back to him and he stiffened. Lan Wangji quickly noticed the change and released the fox spirit, looking him over before Wei Wuxian waved him off in an almost unnaturally bashful way.

“Let’s go inside Lan Zhan, it’s cold out here.”

With only a second of hesitation, Lan Wangji headed into the small house, Wei Wuxian trailing after him as he kept his head bowed. Desperately trying to ignore the pounding of his heart.

Even still, the scent of sandalwood and amber clung to him and he desperately wished that he could soak it into his very skin, to make sure that no matter where he went, it was still with him.

He truly was a fool wasn’t he?

Chapter Text

“Thank you for the meal.” Lan Wangji bowed his head to the elders who had cooked the fish Wei Wuxian had caught. Si-shu, who had grilled the fish, smiled. Him and his wife bowing their heads respectfully in turn.

“We are happy to have a meal with you, Hanguang-jun. We would like to thank you for your help, and for helping our Gongzi.” Si-shu’s wife, Lian-Jie stated, passing Lan Yuan a plate along with Wei Wuxian, having served Lan Wangji first.

The others at the small table nodded, it was a little cramped, having to seat nine people all at one table that was made to accommodate a family of at least six. And with the Wens already sporting seven members, it was already going to be such.

Though, Wen Ning was more so behind Wen Qing than beside her. He did not need to eat, so there was no reason for him to take up room at the table aside from being included in the time together.

“It is no trouble.” Lan Wangji stated, though he glanced at Wei Wuxian when the man placed a few loquats next to his plate.

Taking his opportunity to tease, Wei Wuxian pretended to wave away steam from the dragon’s plate. “Be careful Lan Zhan, I don’t know if your bland taste could be able to handle any spices!”

Si-shu openly laughed at the teasing, though his wife was quick to swat at him. Wei Wuxian then took on a thoughtful expression, smiling down at Lan Yuan who had already begun to eat his fish. Trying to scarf down his food quickly so he could eat the loquats that Wei Wuxian had promised him once he finished. “Now that I think about it. Lan Zhan, you would be able to handle spice right? Last time we had a meal together outside of Cloud Recesses, you ordered nothing but spicy food!”

While Wei Wuxian’s true intent was to tease, it wasn’t exactly the spices he worried over with Lan Wangji. While he couldn’t remember for sure if all of the Lans were vegetarian by the law of their rules, or by choice. He could distinctly remember hardly ever seeing Lan Wangji eating meat.

Most of the food served at Cloud Recesses was bland and flavorless if not completely bitter. And while he knew that as dragons, incredibly powerful and large dragons at that, the Lans would need a great deal of protein.

But protein could be found outside of meat. Maybe they just didn’t eat regular meat, but they ate fish?

He honestly wasn’t sure, and he sorely wished he would have asked before Si-shu had started cooking. Wei Wuxian was hoping to give him an out with the spice excuse.

Though when Lan Wangji held his gaze and took a bite from his plate, the Huli Jing could feel his worry dissipate.

“Food is taken in silence.” Lan Wangji reprimanded, leaving Wei Wuxian’s teasing to itself, and if anyone saw the slightest dusting of pink on the dragon’s pointed ears, then no one said a word.

Wei Wuxian whined at the lack of reaction. “Lan Zhan! This may be Gusu, but we aren’t in Cloud Recesses yet!”

“Wei Wuxian! Eat your food! Your own son is more well-behaved than you!” Wen Qing chimed in chidingly. Wei Wuxian made an audible sound of hurt, pretending that he had just been blown in the heart as he pretended to hide behind Lan Yuan as though he was truly scared.

Lan Yuan, who was far too young to understand sarcasm. Quickly rose to climb into Wei Wuxian’s lap, standing on the man’s legs as he acted as a shield. Childishly glaring while the rest of the table all cooed and laughed.

“My sweet little radish! You would protect your mama wouldn’t you?” Wei Wuxian laughed as he wrapped his arms around the boy, pulling him down to sit in his lap rather than stand between his legs.

Lan Yuan giggled and cuddled closer to Wei Wuxian. The rest of the meal truly was held in silence, much to Wei Wuxian’s dismay. Thankfully, his son gave him enough entertainment throughout their meal to keep him sane.

Not for any reasons regarding Lan Wangji of course!

Once all was said and done, Wen Qing led them all but Lan Yuan to go outside with her. Leaving the boy inside with his grandmother for the time being.

With a scornful glare, Wen Qing zeroed her focus in on the dragon. “What are your plans now, Hanguang-jun? You never once told us about you locking Wei Wuxian away.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He could already tell everything as was on thin ice. But to outwardly and crudely call out someone like Lan Wangji?

Wen Qing, please! You’re meant to be the smart one among us!

Doesn’t anyone here know better than to outrageously poke the resting dragon!?

With the calmness of any esteemed cultivator with his renowned reputation, Lan Wangji handled the situation as though it meant nothing. “Not locking Wei Ying away. He stays with me, we will return and begin the process to form a new core. You are invited to come and help.”

Wen Qing wasn’t completely satisfied. Crossing her arms over her chest, she continued her interrogation. “What about the other Lans? Do they know of your plans, even the ones you refuse to speak aloud?”

At this, Wei Wuxian looked between the two Alphas curiously. What other plans could Lan Wangji have? His gaze traveled over to Wen Ning, who stood behind his sister with his gaze downcast.

Did everyone here know what was going on but him!?

“Yes. They have given their blessing, no one is in the way.” Lan Wangji replied smoothly, and finally, Wen Qing seemed to be satisfied.

For the time being.

“Very well, I cannot come just yet, but I will make the journey up there.” Wen Qing stated, and with only a nod, Lan Wangji revealed a jade pendant and handed it over to the doctor, along with a small money pouch.

“It will allow you to enter Cloud Recesses. It will be no trouble for you to find work here as a doctor, Caiyi Town has been needing one since their previous head passed away in the spring.”

Left in a state of shock, Wen Qing and Wen Ning both could do nothing but bow to show their thanks to the cultivator. Wei Wuxian on the other hand, smiled brightly and took Lan Wangji by the hand, squeezing with a fair amount of strength to display his gratitude.

With the tips of his ears dusted a shade of pink, Lan Wangji called for their son. “A-Yuan. We will be leaving now.”

Granny Wen emerged from the house with Lan Yuan holding her hand, the two shared a final and long hug as the boy kissed his grandmother’s cheek before accepting the arms that hoisted him onto his mother’s hip.

Wei Wuxian was quick to soothe the baby fox spirit’s worries. Smoothing the strands of hair that had fallen into the boy’s face as he bounced him on his hip. “Don’t worry, little radish. You will see Granny very soon when Aunt Qing comes to visit.”

Though just as Lan Wangji unsheathed Bichen, Wen Qing made a startled noise as she rushed inside, returning only a moment after with Subian and Wei Wuxian’s various notes in her arms.

“Wei Wuxian! Stop forgetting your things, especially your sword!” The doctor shouted, handing the weapon over to Lan Wangji when the man extended his hand to grab it and passed Wei Wuxian his many notes.

All of which were still sealed the same way Wei Wuxian had left them, sighing in relief that they had not been forgotten, the man tucked them into his robes before smiling at Wen Qing.

“Aiya! Jiejie, how am I supposed to remember it after all this time? You can’t blame me for being forgetful!” Wei Wuxian whined, making a show of his teasing.

“Can’t blame you? Don’t make me laugh, you’d forget your own head if it weren’t attached to your very shoulders!” Wen Qing retorted, Wei Wuxian gasping in mock offense.

Lan Yuan giggled at the display before him, only laughing harder when his mother stuck his tongue out at the doctor. Only barely avoiding the hand that had lashed out to whap him on the back of the head. Hanging onto Wei Wuxian tightly as the two mounted Bichen along with Lan Wangji, Lan Yuan said his final goodbyes. “Bye Aunt Qing! Bye Uncle Ning, bye Granny!”

It took them no time to return to Cloud Recesses after they took off, landing at the entrance with a graceful entrance, courtesy of Lan Wangji. Though, surprisingly enough, there to greet them was Lan Qiren.

“Wangji, Wei Wuxian.” Lan Qiren greeted, his normal icy demeanor seemingly colder as Wei Wuxian looked at him.

“Uncle.”

“Master Qiren.”

“Hello, Xiansheng!” Lan Yuan called, waving to Lan Qiren happily. Wei Wuxian was only barely able to hold back his laughter when the old master barely held back a smile at the boy and waved to him in return.

His old prickly teacher really did have a soft spot for little children after all!

“Lan Yuan will go with his peers. Wangji, we must talk. I will see you at the main hall.” Lan Qiren ordered, and with the singular glare sent his way, Wei Wuxian could tell that even though he was not outwardly invited. His presence was still very much mandatory.

There was his same old prickly teacher.

And if Wei Wuxian took his time dropping Lan Yuan off with his little friends, he did not say much about it. Though he had no choice but to meet with his old teacher regardless, and when Lan Wangji took him by his hand, he knew he had no choice but to follow.

Upon entering the main hall, Wei Wuxian was surprised to see that Lan Xichen was not there as well. “Where is Zewu-jun?”

“He is still at the conference.” Lan Wangji answered, leading Wei Wuxian to take his seat at his side as he sat down.

Sighing, Wei Wuxian outwardly cringed. “Ah, I didn’t think they would drag it out for this long.”

With the clarity of his speech, Lan Qiren drew his nephew’s and Wei Wuxian’s attention. “Jin Guangshan no doubt planned something for such regards. Though, it is not what is of the importance here.”

With a confused glance at Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian realized that without Lan Xichen as a friendly mediator, he would be stuck with the stoic Hanguang-jun and the icy glare of his old teacher.

How unlucky!

“What is of importance, Uncle?” Lan Wangji asked.

“The word of your… outbreak at the conference has already broken out. Even with the conference still in session, word has already spread. What do you plan for this, Wangji?”

Wei Wuxian only became more confused at this. Outbreak? Lan Wangji? Surely they had to be confusing him with another stoically handsome, mysterious, and sophisticatedly reserved cultivator!

Because Lan Wangji, the revered Hanguang-jun, having an outbreak? In public? At a conference held by the Jins? It was too outrageous to be even considered possible!

No doubt this had to be some false and fabulous rumor that some awestruck person spread because they perhaps saw Hanguang-jun display some kind of expression.

Looking at the dragon’s face, Wei Wuxian knew that surely there had to be some mistake! Lan Wangji still appeared to be calm, as though what was being said was nothing but a tall tale that he could sweep aside with a single brush of his hand.

Not even his breathing was different.

Lan Wangji was sure to dismiss what his uncle had said, explaining the true nature of whatever gossip has been heard, and clear his name!

“I will handle the consequences, Uncle. A lesson was needed, and so, I indulged in teaching it.”

(What!? It actually happened!?) Wei Wuxian thought, flabbergasted as he stared unabashedly at Lan Wangji.

Lan Qiren, while appearing as though he had something to say to that, merely shook his head with a quiet grumble beneath his breath. “Very well, I trust that the lesson was understood and will not need to be repeated. It is left to you now, Wangji.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t believe what he was hearing!

Not only did Lan Wangji actually have an outbreak, but he was admitting to it without fault! Even somewhat pridefully in some regards.

Not only that, but Lan Qiren was okay with it!? If not somewhat encouraging!?

Had he fallen into that river when he was catching fish earlier and hit his head!? What in the name of the spirits themselves was going on!?

His confusion was visible, and not being one to lie, Lan Wangji cleared the air. “At the conference, Jin Guangshan tried to start an uproar calling to storm the Burial Mounds, and they went out of line. I made sure the situation was handled.”

Lan Qiren grumbled audibly, finding Lan Wangji’s statement to be a far cry from the few things that he had heard actually occurred. Though Lan Wangji pointedly ignored his uncle’s reaction.

Wei Wuxian almost wanted to continue questioning Lan Wangji on what had happened at the conference, that is until Lan Qiren spoke up again. “Regardless, Wei Wuxian will begin his training here immediately. The sooner we can cease the use of demonic cultivation, the better.”

Wei Wuxian choked on the very air that gave him life.

The fox spirit voiced his confusion outwardly, unbothered that his tails had fluffed out aggravatedly. Because why should he? He had no clue what was going on, and now all of a sudden training of some sort was being mentioned, training that seemed to threaten his very means of cultivation! “I’m sorry, excuse me!? What training are you speaking of Lan-lao-xiansheng?”

His voice was laced with a twinge of malice, not enough to be considered dangerous, but enough to voice his aggrieved state. As though he was expecting this, Lan Qiren’s expression did not falter and he continuously glared at the Huli Jing.

“Wei Wuxian. You will begin meditation training immediately to reform your golden core.” Lan Qiren stated with finality.

Though the discussion was far from over.

With an aggrieved shout, Wei Wuxian held up his argument. “Why must I do such a thing? I know Wen Qing said it was possible, but surely, Lan-lao-xiansheng knows that it is impossible. And who is to say that even if it isn’t, I would give up my cultivation?”

“Wei Wuxian!” Lan Qiren shouted scoldingly, quickly intercepted when Lan Wangji placed his hand in the middle of the table, shielding Wei Wuxian blatantly against his uncle.

Turning to face Wei Wuxian. The dragon and fox spirit held their gazes for a few moments of silence. It was a silence full of tension. “Wei Ying will reform his golden core. I will help, it is for his health above all.”

Wei Wuxian wanted to continue arguing. Not because he disagreed or because he had nothing left to say, purely just because he did not want to lose the argument this quickly.

Unfortunately, he was outnumbered and outwitted.

With a heavy sigh, Wei Wuxian voiced his questions. “And with this training, who will be my instructor? Why help me gain my golden core back? Why not just lock me up as you see fit?”

Lan Qiren reeled back at the questions, a scowl becoming present on his features as he looked between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, as though waiting for a proper explanation.

Though Lan Wangji was just as startled as he was, and Wei Wuxian still glared at him coldly.

Clearing his throat Lan Qiren addressed his questions. “We are helping you because your health from here on out relies on the ability that you can reform your golden core. You will not be locked up because from henceforth you have yet to commit any heinous deeds worthy of such punishment.”

Smirking as he shook his head disbelievingly, Wei Wuxian almost started laughing. “No heinous deeds worthy of such punishment? Was it not you amongst many others who called for my downfall due to my cultivation? Here I thought you despised the very air I breathe Old Master Lan.”

Lan Qiren did not respond vocally to the statement, though as the tension in his brows eased and the corners of his mouth downturned further into a deeper frown, one could almost see guilt in such an expression.

Surprised by the lack of scolding or exclamation from his shameless statement, one he meant as a taunt of sorts, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but notice the emotion in his old teacher’s expression.

Surely his old prickly teacher didn’t feel remorseful?

“Wei Ying will mediate with me until we return your core. By then you will be permitted to cultivate in isolation if you choose.” Lan Wangji spoke up, his expression still pinched in a nearly unnoticeable show of discomfort and remorse.

Something that confused Wei Wuxian greatly.

Having nothing else to say, and thinking back on what had been shared between them when Lan Wangji first arrived at the Wens' small house, Wei Wuxian only nodded.

He knew there was no point in saying ‘sorry’ or ‘thank you’. Lan Wangji had told him directly that he did not wish to hear such things from him. They both had made the promise that they would not be shared between them.

So, what more could he say?

Seeing that no further arguments would be put up, Lan Wangji rose from his seat, offering his hand to Wei Wuxian who took in gingerly. Still confused, if not skeptical of what had since occurred.

When would he ever get a break?

Lan Qiren did not speak a word as they rose. Instead, waving them off as they both bowed in a respectful departure of greeting. The walk back to the Jingshi was silent, if not a bit uncomfortable.

But Wei Wuxian’s thoughts were not silent, not in the least. They were roaring, loud, and unmanageable.

He still had so many questions. He had so many things he wanted to say, he wanted to understand why.

Why was he being helped by the Lans, the clan he had once been so sure hated him the most? Aside from the Jiangs perhaps. Why did Lan Wangji only continue to place himself in harm's way for him? Why did his heart ache whenever he saw the worry pinched in the smooth jade of the dragon’s expression?

What was the reasoning? What could have possibly happened to make Lan Wangji feel indebted to him in such a way that he would go to these lengths? What had he done to deserve such loyalty from someone who owed him nothing?

Did he not once hate him? Did the past consequences of his actions mean nothing to the noble dragon?

After all of these years, had he finally broken through Lan Wangji’s walls? Had he finally found a friend in him? When he hadn’t even been trying?

How had his life come to this?

On the last ‘normal’ day he had, had been at Qiongqi Path when he had been ambushed and nearly killed. His final conscious thoughts had been of the fate of his Shijie and her family, and the fate of his own son.

He had been so sure that would be the day he died.

He did not expect to wake up again.

Then he did, he woke up again in Cloud Recesses. He woke up in the Jingshi, he woke up and Lan Wangji was there. He had been there from there on out. The man he had once thought wanted to lock him up for his actions.

When instead he was the very man who saved him. The very person who stood in front of him like a shield without a single word of complaint or a single negotiation of compensation.

He wanted nothing from Wei Wuxian in return.

How could one person be so selfless? How could one person be so perfect?

“Wei Ying.”

And he was right there in front of him, calling out his name in the very voice that pulled Wei Wuxian from his sleep. His expression was pinched with worry, and Wei Wuxian could feel his stomach churn.

He hated that expression on the dragon’s face.

He hated that he was the cause of it.

They were at the door to the Jingshi, Lan Wangji had waited to open the door to check on Wei Wuxian. Only to find two soft, yet calloused hands cupping his face.

The fox spirit’s nose was scrunched as he stared at the dragon, his thumbs stroked the scales underneath his eyes and the scales that traveled the expanse of the man’s cheekbones. The scales were smooth, if not cold to the touch. Though the Huli Jing did not notice.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji called a second time, his voice quiet as he hesitantly reached out to cup the man’s jaw.

Though he immediately stiffened when he saw the tears form in Wei Wuxian’s eyes.

His voice was hoarse, and with every word spoken a tear fell. “Lan Zhan… Why are you like this?”

Lan Wangji was at a loss, he did not know what to say, and he did not know how to properly react to the sudden change. Helplessly, he called out for the man again, neither moving himself nor Wei Wuxian from their position. “Wei Ying…”

Laughing bitterly at himself, Wei Wuxian began to pull his hands away, only for Lan Wangji to press them back to his face. A sudden determination overcasting his worry.

Laughing through his tears, Wei Wuxian did not hold back on the questions that had long since been weighing heavily on his heart. “Lan Zhan… Lan Wangji, why do you care so much? Why care about me like this? Don’t I just cause you problems? Why not just throw me away? I won’t try to take A-Yuan from you again, I’ll visit him often, but he’ll be safer with you. So, why not just get rid of me?”

At his words, Lan Wangji growled.

Audibly growled.

Wei Wuxian, caught completely by surprise, once again tried to pull away. Only for the dragon to reach forward and wrap his arms around him tightly. Encompassing him in the warmth and safety that was becoming increasingly familiar.

With a stubborn determination, Lan Wangji did not loosen his grip, nor did he relent in every effort to make the fox spirit understand. “I will never throw Wei Ying away. He will stay here with A-Yuan. Our son will not grow up without his mother. You will get your golden core back, and I will let nothing ever hurt you again.”

Wei Wuxian could feel his heart clench at the declaration, he could feel the near irresistible urge to let himself go, to allow himself to be as he wanted with the one who held him so securely.

Though his thoughts still ran rampant and unforgiving. “Lan Zhan, even now I’m causing problems. I’ve caused problems between you and your uncle haven’t I? I’ll only keep causing you problems. Why not just let it all go? I won’t blame you, I won’t speak out against you. I understand.”

With every last thread of his resolve snapping, Lan Wangji reeled back and all but threw Wei Wuxian into the Jingshi, closing the door unceremoniously behind him as he clutched the Huli Jing by his shoulders. “You do not understand!”

Startled and a bit disoriented, Wei Wuxian could only stare, mouth slightly agape as he watched awestruck as the dragon’s once stoic expression shifted to that of fury.

Though it was true rage that shifted his features, it was desperation, pain, and longing. All of which Wei Wuxian could feel sympathy for deep within his heart.

“...Lan Zhan.”

With the realization of his outburst, Lan Wangji let his head hang lowly, refusing to meet the fox spirit’s eyes as he tried to explain himself. “Wei Ying does not understand. He does not understand that I…”

He could not bring himself to say the rest.

Lan Wangji had never been good with words, and at that moment, no matter how deep the ache in his heart was, that truth would never change.

Though it did not need to. Surging forward, Wei Wuxian wrapped his arms around the dragon’s shoulders and cried as he spoke. “Lan Zhan, my memory may be bad, but I promise to remember every word you say from now on. Even if I have to write it down a thousand times to remember, I will. So please… tell me.”

Pulling the man closer to him, Lan Wangji did not allow his face to be seen, though their chests were flush against each other. So, their rapid heartbeats were clear. “There is no problem you could ever cause that I would not face with you. No matter what others think, I will never leave you, Wei Ying. Wherever you go, I will go. I want to keep you safe. Even if you want to leave Gusu, I can’t leave you… I-.”

With a stifled cry, Wei Wuxian found the strength to push himself away only slightly, allowing him to press three fingers together in a solemn vow. He pointed to the heavens, then to the earth, then to his own heart.

“Lan Zhan, I love you. I’m not saying this on a whim or because I feel like I owe you anything. There is nothing like that between us. But I want you, no one else but you, it can’t be anyone but you. I feel safe whenever I’m with you, and I will stay wherever you are. I may have promised to return to Gusu because of the deal with your uncle and brother. But I swear that I will stay here, because I love you, so long as it’s you I’ll-.”

Before he could speak another word, Lan Wangji seized him and pulled him impossibly closer. Shakily, he repeated every word under his breath, as though disbelieving.

Finally, he said the single phrase that made Wei Wuxian cry out in tearful joy. “I love you.”

Unable to help the tears that continued to fall, Wei Wuxian reached up with all of his strength to cup the dragon’s face. Only to find tears slipping down jade cheeks, past azure scale, and past a sharp jaw. “Lan Zhan? Are you happy? We both are crying now.”

Unable to express what he felt through words alone, Lan Wangji winded his hand into the silky raven locks of the fox spirit and surged forward, seizing the man’s running mouth with a meaningful kiss.

Wei Wuxian, who did not wait a moment to reciprocate the action, clutched the collar of Lan Wangji’s pristine mourning robes, wrinkling them with his grip.

When oxygen finally became prevalent enough to force them to separate, Wei Wuxian once again reached up and cupped the dragon’s face, wiping away the last bit of tears that had spilled.

Laughing at the both of them, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but smile at the sight before him. “Gege, you love me too? Then why are we both crying?”

Silencing the Huli Jing’s jabbering with a kiss far gentler than the first, Lan Wangji tightened the hold his arm had around the fox spirit’s waist. Pressing their foreheads together. “When the heart is overfilled with joy, some may slip out through the eyes.”

Wei Wuxian could only nod through a breathless laugh as the few final tears he had slid down his face. “Lan Zhan, are you happy with me?”

“I will always be happy with Wei Ying.”

Chapter Text

If there was one thing that Wei Wuxian was grateful for, it was that he no longer had to use his tails as his means to keep warm during the cold nights of winter.

Since the revelation that Wei Wuxian personally thought took far too long. Lan Wangji no longer slept on the guest cot. Instead, sleeping in the same bed as the fox spirit, and being his personal warmer.

Of course, the nights that Lan Yuan would sleep with them in bed also helped!

Though since the day of revelation, Lan Wangji had taken to his duties as a helpful instructor and now future husband overtly seriously.

Not that Wei Wuxian was complaining at all!

Though he had since begun to train himself rigorously, not only for his own sake but for the sake of Lan Wangji and his son.

It was a known fact amongst cultivators, that whenever a bond of any kind, whether it was a platonic soul bond such as a bond of sworn brothers, or a mating bond. Without the existence of a golden core in any of the parties participating in such a bond, it would be feeble and easily broken.

That was something Wei Wuxian would not accept.

And he knew very well that it was something that Lan Wangji would not accept either.

They had discussed his training further that night, going into detail on how they planned to form his new core. It was very well known that whenever someone started cultivating later in life, they would undoubtedly have a weaker golden core.

Though with the help of dual cultivation from a prominent and esteemed cultivator like Lan Wangji, they had no doubts that they could restore Wei Wuxian core to its previous state, no matter how long it would take.

Wen Qing had indeed fulfilled her promise and came a few days after they returned, she brought every one of her notes and books that she had left and spoke with Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian for hours, trying to devise a plan.

The very idea of forming a new golden core was just as unheard of and near impossible to believe as the doctor's theories on surgical golden core transfers. But they had pulled the latter off, hadn’t they?

Wei Wuxian hadn’t added much to the discussion, he still felt like he was in some sort of dream state. Barely even a month ago, he and the Wens were living in the Burial Mounds, working with all they had to make the desolate land their own.

Then he had nearly been killed, and he had accepted his death.

Lan Wangji on the other hand hadn’t. Which brought him to his life now, the Wens all had safe homes in Gusu, under the protection of the Lan clan, all in exchange for the Yiling Patriarch.

Something Wei Wuxian could hardly call a fair deal, at least on the Lans' part. He would have come back regardless, he just gained far more than what he gave.

By the end of the day, and hours and hours of discussion later, Lan Wangji and Wen Qing had devised a plan.

Which is what led him to this.

Meditating in a secluded part of the forest, a heavy shawl that once belonged to Lan Wangji wrapped around his shoulders, as he used the very energy around him to cultivate and maintain his body.

When he was younger, back at Lotus Peer, Wei Wuxian used to sit at the docks and meditate for hours, or if he was being punished, he would kneel in the grand hall and meditate for what could turn into days if Madam Yu’s mood was sour enough.

So, he was not unfamiliar with meditating, the only issue he had was that he was an adult now! And he had far more responsibilities and distractions. Such as, his son! While it was not uncommon for cultivators to go into seclusion for a long period of time to meditate and strengthen their cultivation, whether that period be a week or a few years, Wei Wuxian did not hold such resilience!

He had ventured into the woods far past a few weeks ago, searching for the richest and most spiritual environment that his own instincts could lead him to, and while he knew that his son was far safer with Lan Wangji than he could ever be anywhere else.

It did not mean he did not want to see him!

They had spoken about it for a day or so before Wei Wuxian ventured off, Lan Wangji had made the point that his core would likely form in isolated meditation, due to the serenity of Cloud Recesses and the Huli Jing’s natural stability in solitude.

And yes, while that may be true. It did not mean that Wei Wuxian was okay with it!

His son had to see him dead to the world for three weeks! Only to have him for three days before being pulled away again, and now here they were, another few weeks or so apart!

Not to mention he had only gotten to enjoy the absolute peace and comfort of sleeping with Lan Wangji wrapped around him for two nights before he had set off!

Lan Qiren had been there that morning, lecturing the two of them on how Wei Wuxian should go about this time before returning, what he needed to wear since he was unfamiliar with the harsh reality of meditating during Gusu winters, what areas of Cloud Recesses were the most spiritually powerful, and the proper form he should use to meditate.

As though Wei Wuxian hadn’t been one of the top ten cultivators of his generation, even before losing his golden core!

Then when he caught sight of the shameless lack of distance between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, along with the dragon’s tail securely wrapped around his ankles, he vehemently scolded the two of them on the proper etiquette of a courting couple, how they should behave when alone, how to behave in public, and most of all, modesty!

The lecture itself was almost completely ignored by Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

Once his old prickly teacher left, Wei Wuxian laughed at the lecture they had been given and made a point to make Lan Wangji’s personal space his own. Something that was happily accepted by the dragon.

Lan Wangji had followed him out to the densely forested area that Wei Wuxian had chosen, making sure that the heavy shawl was warm enough along with securing the area as a safe place for him to meditate.

Wei Wuxian had laughed at his nitpicking, though he did not ignore the way his heart swelled at such obvious devotion and care.

Before leaving, Wei Wuxian did not miss the sight of Lan Wangji placing a few well-hidden talismans on the trees surrounding his area. No doubt something to alert the dragon if anything were to go wrong, though the Huli Jing did not feel inclined to call him out on it.

It was incredibly sweet after all.

The area was just as Wei Wuxian assumed, silent and secluded. Not even the rare rustle of the leaves from the wind was loud enough to disturb the silence. It was just as anyone would hope for it to be, peaceful.

But despite its silence, Wei Wuxian could feel himself come no closer to forming his core.

He was stuck in a terrible state of limbo, as though his spiritual energy was awaiting a strong wind to finally blow it over the mountainside and send it into his core.

What was he missing?

Though that silence was broken when the heavy footsteps of an outsider approached, along with the snapping of dead leaves and twigs underneath heavy boots.

Eyes snapping open with a furious red glow, Wei Wuxian sprang to his feet. He did not have Chenqing on him, having feared that the tool for his demonic cultivation could disturb the sanctified aura around him.

No matter of importance to him regardless, he could do just as much damage as necessary with even less.

When the footfalls came closer, the fox spirit jumped into one of the trees, staring down from above to see who dared to approach so crudely.

But as the figure approached, Wei Wuxian gasped and lept down from his hiding spot.

“Wen Ning!” Wei Wuxian called, the fierce corpse spinning around to face him. While his expression was as bleak as always, the slight crease of his lips was enough to clue the fox spirit in that something was amiss.

“Gongzi! Please come with me!” Wen Ning urged, already beginning to lead Wei Wuxian out of the forest before even explaining what was happening.

But that was fine by Wei Wuxian, he followed quickly and didn’t even think to ask how Wen Ning had gotten into Cloud Recesses without being spotted or stopped, or at the most, thrown out!

When they finally made it out of the forest, they came upon the various buildings used for teaching. The Lanshi was close by, and from the sun’s place in the near east of the sky, he could tell that the classes had either just started or were already heavily in session.

Which meant Lan Yuan was in school, good. Whatever was happening that had Wen Ning worried like this, his son needed to stay as far away from it as possible.

“Wen Ning, what is going on?” Wei Wuxian questioned, stepping forward next to Wen Ning, only for a familiar voice to catch his attention. Now no longer needing the fierce corpse to explain why he had so urgently retrieved the Huli Jing.

Once again, Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning took off to where they heard the voices, only to come upon the entrance of Cloud Recesses. Where Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were dealing with the furious guest.

Lan Xichen stood at the front of the small blockade he and his brother had created with their own bodies, with a compassionate smile and a sympathetic tone, he tried to soothe the situation. “Jiang-zongzhu, please be calm, I’m sure we can work this out.”

Jiang Cheng did not speak brazenly to him, though his attention was still drawn away from the other sect leader by Lan Wangji. The man stood like a jade statue, cold and impervious. Unmoving. And it only served to stoke the flames of the Jiang sect leader’s rage.

“Hanguang-jun. Answer me now, where is Wei Wuxian?”

Though only a few meters away, Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning stood hidden behind one of the buildings, listening closely to make sure they did not have to step in.

Caught by surprise at the question, Wei Wuxian looked over his shoulder at Wen Ning, hoping for an explanation. Though hoping to stay undetected, Wei Wuxian whispered. “Wen Ning, what is going on?”

“Jiejie was on her way here with some medicine to help the last stage of your healing, I was helping her carry it up here when we were spotted by Jiang-zongzhu. He demanded to know what we were doing before Lan-gongzi stepped in. Jiejie went to fetch Master Qiren, and I went to find you.”

Grimacing, Wei Wuxian peeked once again to witness the situation. He knew better than anyone the extent to which Jiang Cheng’s fury could take him, though he had never expected the sect leader to barge into Cloud Recesses alone causing such a scene!

No matter how much he hated Wei Wuxian, even this was too much!

Lan Xichen was still trying to diffuse the situation, only now trying to stand in front of Lan Wangji to avoid an actual fight. Though the younger dragon matched each aggressive step Jiang Cheng took, while his stoic appearance did not shift, it was clear that he too was not unaccepting of the possibility of a fight.

Hissing through his teeth, Wei Wuxian looked down at his feet as he tried to think. It was clear that Jiang Cheng was furious, he would not back down no matter what Lan Xichen said, and Lan Wangji did not appear to be in the mood to back down either.

Though he couldn’t be sure that it would all smooth over if he revealed himself! He didn’t doubt the possibility of Jiang Cheng trying to start a brawl with him the second he saw him. Though he couldn’t be sure that Lan Wangji wouldn’t try to join in!

And the last thing the cultivation world needed was another feud and war between sects!

With an aggrieved sigh and a quiet curse under his breath, Wei Wuxian pushed himself out of the cover of the building. (Damn it, Jiang Cheng. Why must you always drive forward with your temper leading!?)

“Jiang Wanyin!”

The sudden shout caught all three Alphas off guard, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji spinning around to face the approaching fox spirit. Though Lan Wangji moved swiftly to Wei Wuxian’s side, taking the man by the shoulder and trying to lead him away.

No words were needed to understand what Lan Wangji was demanding of him.

‘Go back now, I will deal with him.’

Only furthering Jiang Cheng’s rage. “Hanguang-jun!”

Taking the dragon by the hand, Wei Wuxian smiled as reassuringly as possible. Though the dragon did not appear to be convinced at all, he ceased in his efforts to drag the man away, still staying by his side.

Jiang Cheng charged forward, his face drawn into a snarl as he came far too close for Lan Wangji’s liking, the man only barely able to hold back on the urge to draw Bichen to force the sect leader back.

“Jiang Cheng, have you no shame? Coming here causing such a stir! What do you think you’re doing!?” Wei Wuxian immediately scolded. While he may no longer be a part of the Jiang Sect. Jiang Cheng would always be his Shidi to him.

Though before it could continue, Wei Wuxian turned to face Lan Xichen, while he knew that he could not get Lan Wangji to leave, it was for the best that Lan Xichen left, sparing them all from the backlash of humiliation that would occur once all of this was over.

The least Wei Wuxian could do was try to make sure Jiang Cheng saved some face in the eye of the Lan sect leader. “Zewu-jun, if you don’t mind, can you please go check on Wen Qing, she went to Master Qiren. I’d hate it if there happened to be a misunderstanding.”

As though he was about to ask what Wei Wuxian could mean, Lan Xichen caught onto his implications and smiled. “Of course, I will send her your way once you are ready.” With a simple nod to his brother, Lan Xichen took his leave.

Growling, Jiang Cheng made the move to grab the Huli Jing by his collar, only for his hand to be smacked away by Lan Wangji. Snarling with his fists at his sides, Jiang Cheng held Wei Wuxian’s gaze.

“What am I doing here!? What are you doing here!? If there is anyone you should be kneeling to, if there is anyone you should be under the custody of is the YunmengJiangs! Or have you forgotten all of the trouble you’ve caused!?”

Grimacing, Wei Wuxian held steady. “Jiang Cheng, I’m sorry. I’ve never meant to cause problems for you. But this is where I will stay, I made a promise, I will keep it.”

A dark shadow seemed to overcast Jiang Cheng’s expression, with a furious shout, the sect leader succeeded in grabbing Wei Wuxian by his shoulder. “A promise!? Are you actually able to keep any of those you make!? What about your promise to the Jiangs!? To my parents!? Did you not make a promise to them when they died!? What about them!?”

Choking on his words, Wei Wuxian was unable to answer before Lan Wangji grabbed the sect leader by his hand and shoved him away. “Jiang Wanyin!”

Jiang Cheng once again ignored him as he stormed closer yet again. Though Wei Wuxian met him in the middle and outstretched his arm to hold Lan Wangji back. “Jiang Cheng, you can be as furious with me as you please. But you have no right to act so disrespectfully towards Lan Zhan! Just think of what Lan-zongzhu would have witnessed if he had not left! Apologize to them!”

A furious chuckle broke past Jiang Cheng’s lips, a sick smile pulling at his lips. “Apologize? If anyone here should be apologizing, it should be you! You’re shameless enough to think yourself invincible, you act crassly and you think of nothing else! You said you made a promise here? I wonder just how long you can keep that up!”

Snarling, Wei Wuxian shouted. “Jiang Wanyin!”

“Wei Wuxian!”

“I made a promise here to stay in exchange for the safety of the Wens! I will keep that promise to keep them safe! Whatever you are angry at me for can be handled differently, but you have no right to storm in here!”

Laughing, Jiang Cheng grimaced as he stepped closer, leaving almost no room between him and Wei Wuxian. “Aren’t you noble!? Should I bow down and praise you!? My father had always said that you understood the Jiang motto far more than I did, attempt the impossible!?”

“I never said that! Jiang Cheng, think with your head instead of your pride! You are trying to start a fight that has no reason to exist!”

“No reason to exist!? Say that to my parents' graves! Kneel before them and say that! If it had not been for your attempts back then, when you decided to save him, they would still be alive! Or have you forgotten everything you’ve done!? Everything that the Jiang clan has given you!?”

Unable to find a single word to say in response, Wei Wuxian pursed his lips and looked away. There hadn’t gone a day where he did not feel responsible for what happened at Lotus Peer that terrible night. He had always known that Jiang Cheng still blamed him because he needed someone to blame. And who is better than Wei Wuxian?

But to hear it said so harshly, it still hurt.

The only thing he could think to say was something he knew would not help the situation. “Jiang Cheng, I’m sorry.”

Scoffing, Jiang Cheng continued his verbal assault. “You’re sorry? What about your promise to me? When I became sect leader, you’d be my subordinate? Is that not what you promised me!?”

Sighing, Wei Wuxian glared at Jiang Cheng. “I’m sorry for the promises I broke, you don’t have to forgive me, you can be angry at me. But you still shouldn’t have come here! You’ve insulted Lan Zhan. You should apologize.”

Though Jiang Cheng was never one to let something go so easily. So before Wei Wuxian or any else could prepare for it. Jiang Cheng struck him in his solar plexus, right above his healing injury.

Thrown back by the blow, Lan Wangji surged forward and caught the fox spirit before striking out to throw Jiang Cheng back. Wei Wuxian gasped in pain as he fell to his knees, clutching his abdomen as he tried to breathe through the sudden burst of pain.

Why did that hurt so much!?

“Wei Ying!” Lan Wangji called, supporting the man to lean against him as he tried to feel for his injury, hoping that the last bit of the healing stitches hadn’t opened.

Jiang Cheng, who had righted himself, watched in confusion as Wei Wuxian did not immediately stand again from his blow, confused as to why the fox spirit did not charge back, just as he would have before.

It had not been his most powerful strike, or even most coordinated, but it had a fair amount of spiritual energy surged into it. Distantly, he knew that it was only meant to stun Wei Wuxian, not actually harm him.

So, why did he appear to be in so much pain?

Unable to catch his breath, Wei Wuxian tried to stand, hoping that straightening his back would help. Instead, it only served to make the pain surge upward into his lungs.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji called, hoping to draw the man’s attention, though Wei Wuxian couldn’t focus his gaze. His chest burned, his injury stung, and he just couldn’t breathe.

Then, amongst the broken gasps and chokes, blood spewed from his mouth, along with the other six holes of his face! Stunned by the sudden outcome, Wei Wuxian reached up to wipe at the blood that spilled from his eyes in the form of bloody tears.

Lan Wanji immediately adjusted Wei Wuxian to stand and lean against him fully, barely quick enough to correct his grip before the Huli Jing fell unconscious.

Shocked, Jiang Cheng surged forward to see what happened. Only for Bichen’s tip to narrowly meet the skin of his neck. Snarling, Jiang Cheng went to draw Sandu but stopped only when Wen Ning’s body dropped in front of him, blocking his path as Suibian was held out in front of him.

Jiang Cheng seethed when he saw the fierce corpse, smacking the extended hilt of Suibian away as he shouted at Wen Ning. “Leave!”

“Pull it out!”

Caught off guard, Jiang Cheng looked at the fierce corpse in a confused rage, though Lan Wangji watched the two with understanding, not speaking out to stop the fierce corpse.

“Pull it out!” Wen Ning shouted once again, shoving the hilt of the spiritually sealed sword into Jiang Cheng’s chest as he glared at the sect leader.

Furious, Jiang Cheng grabbed the hilt, prepared to jerk his arm back to grab the sword still intact with its sheath. Only for the scabbard of the magnificent white blade to come loose from the agile sword, leaving Jiang Cheng wielding the blade while Wen Ning held the scabbard.

Dumbfounded and furious, Jiang Cheng withstood the urge to hurl the sword out of his hand as if it would burn him if he held it any longer, instead, Wen Ning took the sword from him once again. “What… What is this!?”

“Suibian recognized you as Wei-gongzi. Because the golden core that resides in your chest is his!”

Jiang Cheng nearly spat out a mouthful of blood, his face ashen as he grounded his teeth so hard it was fair to assume they would crack under the pressure.

“Liar!”

“Wei-gongzi told you to blindfold yourself and climb the mountain, there you would meet Baoshan Sanren. You did not meet her! It was my sister and I. There for two days, and one night Wei-gongzi stayed awake as my sister extracted his core and transferred it to you! That is why you can unsheath Suibian, it recognizes you as Wei-gongzi! Even if you went to every person across the cultivation world, no one else would be able to unsheath it!”

Jiang Cheng was left speechless, unable to regain his voice as he looked between Wen Ning and Lan Wangji, who still shielded Wei Wuxian with his imposing form.

While his pride and fury were evident in his eyes, there was something else there.

Something darker, something… sadder. Grief perhaps? Sorrow, regret, remorse?

He did not know, and personally, Lan Wangji did not care to find out.

With a cold tone that spoke of his grievances without words, Lan Wangji turned his back to the sect leader. “Jiang Wanyin. If you must, the Yashi is welcome. My brother will be there to speak with you.”

He grabbed Wei Wuxian under his knees and wrapped his arm around his torso, the dragon held the fox spirit as a bride and began his descent to the medical house.

Wen Ning followed after them, holding Suibian carefully as he kept his head bowed respectfully. While the fury of the dragon was not directed at him, any sane person would know to stay silent and respectful in the presence of Lan Wangji.

Especially as of late.

In the past weeks since the discussion conference, word of Lan Wangji’s outbreak spread like fire during the dry months of summer. Many called it a tall tale, unbelieving that the ever-stoic Hanguang-jun would be capable to disregard etiquette in such an outrageous way.

Though the cultivators that had been present vehemently pushed their statements and tales of the bone-chilling scene they had the misfortune and seldom chance to bare witness.

Not before long the story and rumors spread and stories of explanation surfaced from the peoples' imaginations.

Many said that Hanguang-jun had spoken out so brazenly because he was sick of Jin Guangshan’s outlandish and shameless behavior, and that he had taken the chance to humiliate him justly.

Others said that there was more to it. That Hanguang-jun had spoken out because the Yiling Patriarch was now in the custody of the Lans, and he had wanted to intimidate the sect leader into backing down so the Lans would not have to hand over custody.

Though the select few who had taken to pay attention to the reasoning and cause of Hanguang-jun’s outbreak knew that there were far more personal reasons behind the dragon’s fury. Such reasons included the Yiling Patriarch himself, and the little boy that had accompanied the esteemed dragon that day.

The very boy that some gossiped looked suspiciously like Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian both.

Wen Ning and Wen Qing both had heard the rumors and had actually heard the retelling from Lan Xichen himself. So they too knew the truth, and so, Wen Ning only state his apologies.

“I apologize for my outburst Lan-gongzi…”

Lan Wangji only acknowledged the apology with a simple, “Mn.”

When the fierce corpse did not speak again, Lan Wangji gave his reassurances. “It had to be done eventually, do not fault yourself.”

Wen Ning relaxed at the reassurance, steadily walking closer with a bit more confidence. Once they reached the medical house, Wen Qing was already there to meet them, Lan Qiren with her.

Forgetting her etiquette in regard to the Lans’ rules, Wen Qing came forward, shouting all the while .“What happened!?”

“Jiang Wanyin.”

Nothing more was needed to be said before Wen Qing sighed and motioned for Lan Wangji to set the man down on the bed. Wen Ning immediately set to assist her, purposefully ignoring the glare sent his way by Lan Qiren.

Lan Wangji watched with determined purpose as he took his place at Lan Qiren’s side. “Xichen has already gone to the Yashi. Will sect leader Jiang be there?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

Lan Qiren made a few quiet remarks about the situation, though nothing else was said as the two Lans awaited for Wen Qing to speak her verdict.

Instead, the woman backed away from Wei Wuxian in shock only a few minutes later when she checked his meridians.

Lan Wangji immediately detected her spike in confusion and shock, stepping forward he studied the spot where Wen Qing’s gaze was solely focused.

His solar plexus.

“Doctor?”

Finding her voice, Wen Qing, with eyes widened in shock, looked up at Lan Wangji with a mixture of disbelief and relief. “His golden core is restored.”

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng was furious, because why wouldn’t he be?

He had been one of the first people to hear of what happened at Qiongqi Path, he had been there to console his Jiejie through her immediate grief while keeping a thick face throughout the rest of Jin Ling’s banquet.

He had endured every brazen question of where Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan were. He held his tongue every time he heard someone mutter some gossip about Wei Wuxian’s invitation and potential arrival, no doubt only trying to stir up unwanted and unnecessary trouble.

He had returned to Lotus Pier, sick to his stomach, contemplating for days on end if he should go to the Burial Mounds. A part of himself didn’t believe that Wei Wuxian was dead.

Because since when did the literal personification of a thorn in his side ever actually live up to such stupid rumors?

Only they weren’t rumors.

Not this time.

But it didn’t matter! Jiang Cheng would not believe it! Wei Wuxian had returned from the Xuanwu of slaughter, he returned to retrieve Jiang Cheng from the Wens at Lotus Pier, and he returned after three months during the war.

Every single time a stupid rumor floated around that Wei Wuxian, the terrible Yiling Patriarch was dead. He’d always come back.

He’d come back this time, just like all the others.

This was something Jiang Cheng was sure of. He’d come back home, just like all of the other times. So, he had waited. He waited to hear the terrified rumors and cries of some lowly cultivators that had gone to the Burial Mounds, only to find the Yiling Patriarch alive.

He expected to hear the word from his subordinates or his head disciple that Wei Wuxian had been sighted coming to Lotus Pier, from there Jiang Cheng would meet him before he could enter, beat him a bit for being stupid, and they’d go back to how things were.

Because every time Wei Wuxian came back, he always seemed to leave behind the stupid and crazy ideas that had undoubtedly caused a part of the problem, to begin with.

So, Jiang Cheng expected this, and he waited.

And he waited and waited.

Until the first week turned into two, and then three.

It hadn’t been right, there had been no news of Wei Wuxian, no news from terrified cultivators that they had seen Wei Wuxian alive after all. The only news was that the Burial Mounds had become just as hellish as before.

No one could enter without either being suffocated by the demonic energy at its entrance or without triggering the response of the fierce corpses around the entire perimeter.

It had pissed him off.

Because why must Wei Wuxian act so brazenly? So stubborn? What was he holding out for? Was he waiting to hear from Jiang Cheng that he wouldn’t be attacked again on his way back to Lotus Pier as he had at Qiongqi Path?

Even then, that didn’t make sense, Wei Wuxian had always been shameless and greatly lacking in self-preservation. Even if he had thought even for a second that he would be attacked on his way, he’d still come. Just to win whatever fight the other party started and successfully piss people off more.

Because that’s just who Wei Wuxian was.

So, why hadn’t he come back already?

Was he worried that Jiejie would be upset with him? Or perhaps he didn’t want to see Jin Zixuan again? Even still! He should have been at Lotus Pier! He should have been there already! Whining shamelessly about whatever kind of injury he sustained to Jiang Yanli and craving her attention, just as he had always done when they were children.

Finally, a fact that he hadn’t even given the time of day to ponder alighted like a blazing torch within his mind.

What if, Wei Wuxian really was dead?

If that impudent and boarish Jin Zixun had been right in his unrighteous boasting.

Wei Wuxian was dead?

He had damn near destroyed his office table when the thought aroused, cussing and yelling all the while as he stormed off to the docks, going straight to the specific tree that he used to always find the aggravating Huli Jing hiding in.

He had half expected to find him there again, laughing at his aggravation and terrifying expression. Making jokes on his behalf before jumping down to pester him more.

Jiang Cheng would beat him up, then yell at him for taking so long to come back.

Then… well, they’d go back to normal. Because that’s what they always did whenever he and Wei Wuxian used to tussle and get into fights like this. They’d stay angry at each other for a week if not much, much longer at a time, then something would finally make it reach its peak, they’d fight and argue for a final time until the matter was dropped entirely and they’d return to normal.

Because that was their normal.

Jiang Cheng had to admit, this whole thing with the Wens and the Burial Mounds had been the longest tussle that he and Wei Wuxian had had, but still, this had to be the peak of their fight.

Wei Wuxian would come back, and they’d argue and fight, no doubt making Jiang Yanli and little disappointed, they’d both give their apologies to her and then they’d go back to normal.

Wei Wuxian would come back, the entire situation would be left behind, and if anyone had anything to say about it. Then they could have a personal meeting with Zidian for all Jiang Cheng cared.

Though when he finally reached the tree, looking up and finding the branch that Wei Wuxian had made his favored perch. He vehemently ignored the way his heart sank when he found it empty… again.

Furious afterward, he had been preparing to be on his way to go to the Burial Mounds himself, wholly building up his vault of vulgar insults so he could cuss Wei Wuxian out for being impudent, stupid, and dangerous. He was preparing himself to drag him back to Lotus Pier himself when he had been given the news that Jin Guangshan had issued a mandatory and emergency conference with all of the sect leaders and other distinguished guests.

Oh, how he had wanted to cuss that shameless man whore out.

Regardless, his duties came before his anger and he had immediately set out to get to Koi Tower, hoping that this stupid conference would end quickly so he could go straight to the Burial Mounds to enact his plan.

The only thing that had kept him even remotely calm the entire time had been Jin Ling, the little cub having been passed to him frequently by Jiang Yanli as if his sister was giving him her baby as a stress toy.

He was only a little flustered to realize that it was almost completely effective.

Though everything had come to its shattering point when Lan Wangji had made his display. An albeit bone-chilling display if Jiang Cheng had to absolutely admit it. But what had been said melted away the freezing aura that had suffocated the entirety of Pageantry Hall and ignited the boiling flames in his blood.

Wei Wuxian, under the custody of the Lan clan!? And why in the name of the heavens themselves was Lan Wangji acting as if Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixun had personally offended him!? True, Jin Guangshan had made some implications, but he was shameless and unreliable in information! Everyone in the entire cultivation world knew this!

So, why did Lan Wangji snap in such a terrifying way!? He had damn near killed Jin Zixun in front of Pageantry Hall because he had started talking about the boy that Lan Wangji brought with him. The very boy that Jiang Cheng had to admit he didn’t even notice until he had been pointed out.

It was completely out of character and random. At first, the tiger had been unable to wrap his head around it, a little preoccupied with the urge to run forward and make sure his Jiejie was spared the sight of the dragon's wrath.

When then, and only then, did it all snap together.

And oh, Jiang Cheng wanted to be sick.

There was no way. Absolutely none that what he was thinking could be correct. Lan Wangji had absolutely despised Wei Wuxian back in the days of their lessons at Cloud Recesses, he had hated Wei Wuxian at the Wen indoctrination camp, and he was absolutely positive that the dragon had despised Wei Wuxian the most during the Sunshot Campaign.

He had been trying to lock him up at Gusu the entire time! He had been there for many of the instances when he tried! And he was there every time Wei Wuxian came back whining about an interaction he had with Lan Wangji that had ended in a similar if not completely replicated way.

No. Absolutely not, he had to be losing his mind to think of such a thing! Not to mention, Wei Wuxian never mention that he liked men! He knew that the Huli Jing wasn’t exactly picky or even at all carrying of second gender, but he always held such a preference towards women!

Jiang Cheng had all but given up on the idea with his conclusion of reasoning, instead chalking up Lan Wangji’s statements and outburst as a result of being fed up with Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixun, and honestly, he couldn’t say that he exactly blamed him. He had been itching to beat the life out of Jin Zixun since the day he had trudged up those stairs, singing for the world to hear of Wei Wuxian’s death.

Though his dismissal of the very idea itself immediately flew out the window when he finally indulged himself in his curiosity and looked behind him to catch a glance at the boy that Lan Wangji had brought and declared as his son.

He felt his stomach rise into his throat.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t forget that boy. Even if he truly wanted to. He knew that Wei Wuxian had said that he wasn’t actually his, but he swore he was looking at a miniature Wei Wuxian, only in Lan attire.

His little fluffy tails were tucked between his legs and his tiny ears were pinned against his head, and while Jiang Cheng could find a few differences, it was the eyes that sealed it all.

Silver eyes, almost identical to Wei Wuxian’s.

Wen Yuan, that’s what the boy’s name was, though he distantly remembered Wei Wuxian using the nickname ‘little radish’ to address him.

The child that Lan Wangji had declared as his son, was Wei Wuxian’s son.

Jiang Cheng saw red immediately.

The entire show ended almost as quickly as it had started, and while Jiang Cheng was already on the verge of snapping, he held himself back as he waited for the conference to end.

Though when he had seen Lan Wangji scoop up the child and leave Pagantrey Hall hastily, he forewent his previous plan of confronting the dragon after everything was finished and followed them back to their room.

He had ordered Wei Wuxian to be returned to YunmengJiang, along with his son, to which Lan Wangji only brushed him off and left anyways.

Jiang Cheng had been in a furious rage for the rest of the conference until he was finally able to leave, and head straight for the Burial Mounds. He expected to find some kind of Lan-style array around the perimeter, no doubt keeping Wei Wuxian locked up inside.

Because there was no way that the Huli Jing had actually stayed with the Lans, he would not believe that he had not tried or actually had broken out of Cloud Recesses and come back to the Burial Mounds, where it was likely the Lans chose to no longer bother themselves and just sealed him inside.

Though when he arrived, he was met with the sight of resentful energy surging as strongly as it ever had, completely uncontrolled. And for a moment, he couldn’t help but think that the Lans had bluffed and Wei Wuxian truly wasn’t in their custody after all.

But that didn’t mean something wasn’t wrong.

So, he cut down every fierce corpse in his path and ran up the mountain to the Wen settlement. Only to find everything completely destroyed, not a single hut, tent, or home was left standing. Trinkets, farming supplies, and torn clothes were strewn out everywhere.

When he could find nothing in the shambles of what used to be a decent and humble settlement, he went straight for the cave. Only to find it in a similar state. A few things were strewn out, and the stench of the blood pool was just as strong as he remembered.

But what made him halt in his tracks, was the blood-soaked hay woven mats that were left on the floor, next to bloody and ruined robes. Robes that Jiang Cheng recognized personally.

It was as if ice had been poured into his veins.

For a moment, he couldn’t help but indulge in the worst thoughts that immediately came to mind. But he quickly snuffed them out. There was absolutely no way that Wei Wuxian was dead!

But that only left one place where he could be, Cloud Recesses.

Honestly, Jiang Cheng couldn’t help the empathetic longing for actual death that Wei Wuxian undoubtedly felt if he was truly locked up there.

Only for the absolute forest fire of a scene to occur once he had gotten there.

Jiang Cheng didn’t know how to feel, other than conflicted. On one hand, he was still furious, on the other, he couldn’t help but feel sick.

Sick with worry and guilt.

He had been sitting in the Yashi for some time now, and his mind would not allow a reprieve from the scene that had played out only a while ago. It did not do well for him every time the image of Wei Wuxian’s pained expression right before he passed out flashed before his eyes ceaselessly.

Finally, the silence was interrupted by near weightless footsteps, Lan Xichen had come into the room.

Jiang Cheng did not greet him, though Lan Xichen had not expected a greeting of any kind, and sat down regardless. “Jiang-zongzhu, if I may ask, why exactly did you come for Wei-gongzi?”

Jiang Cheng stayed silent for a moment, why had he come for Wei Wuxian? Was it just the pure instinct from all of the times he’d come to drag him out of trouble before? To beat him up? Force him to kneel before his Jiejie and apologize for worrying her so greatly?

To finally make him come home?

Knowing he had to answer, Jiang Cheng said the first thing that came to mind. “That impudent bastard belongs at Lotus Pier.”

Lan Xichen looked disappointed at the answer, his hopeful smile dropping immediately. Jiang Cheng watched his disappointment spread across his face curiously, why would the sect leader of the Lans care so much as to why he had come to retrieve Wei Wuxian?

If anything, he should be grateful that Jiang Cheng was taking him off of his hands!

“I see, unfortunately, I’m afraid that won’t be possible for you Jiang-zongzhu.” Lan Xichen sighed, folding his hands in his lap as Jiang Cheng raised an incredulous brow as if daring him to continue speaking.

When he did not, the tiger’s brows furrowed and a scowl stretched across his face. “And would sect leader Lan be so gracious as to tell me why? Would you not benefit from me taking him off of your hands? Why do you want to keep extra problems for yourself?”

“I do not believe it would be for our benefit in the way you believe, Jiang-zongzhu. Also, I am not the one in charge of Wei Wuxian’s placement here, when he is to leave, and when he is to stay. So, I am not the one to negotiate with.”

Jiang Cheng was caught by surprise at this. How could Lan Xichen not be the one in charge of keeping Wei Wuxian here? Who else would hold the authority to say when the Huli Jing could go or stay? “Do I need to speak with Old Master Lan then?”

Sighing, Lan Xichen shook his head. “No, I’m afraid my uncle is not the one you would need to speak with either.”

Finally, the only person that Jiang Cheng could think of came to mind, and he was furious about it. “Lan Wangji then?”

Sensing the growing tension, Lan Xichen inhaled deeply before he answered. “Yes, I’m afraid that is who you need to speak to.”

Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but grind his teeth at that, of course, it had to be Lan Wangji. And why would it even be Lan Wangji in the first place?! Jiang Cheng understood that since it was undoubtedly he who brought Wei Wuxian back that it was predetermined that he would hold some authority.

But to be the only person responsible for Wei Wuxian? When he goes, when he stays? That just sounded like a prison warden or worse….“Then may this one know where he is so I can speak to him on the matter?”

Before Lan Xichen could answer, a cold breeze seemed to enter the Yashi, though it truly was not due to the weather that the temperatures seemed to drop. “There is no need.”

Turning around quick enough to make his back crack, Jiang Cheng stood with a fluid motion to face Lan Wangji. Lan Xichen followed him up immediately afterward, knowing now that it was likely that he’d have to try and stop a fight from breaking out.

Lan Wangji’s expression was cold and apathetic, a sharp furrow to his brows made his displeasure clear. Though Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but smirk at that.

“Lan Wangji, I believe I should take Wei Wuxian back to-.”

Lan Wangji interrupted him before he could even finish. “I have told Jiang Wanyin before, Wei Ying is not a Jiang, he is not part of your sect, our son was never a part of your sect, and you have no right to either of them. They will stay here.”

The vein on Jiang Cheng’s forehead seemed to pop out as he grounded his teeth, his fist clenching at his side with Zidian buzzing from his spike in emotions, as though trying to convince her master to unleash its power.

“And you believe he belongs to you? To Cloud Recesses? Lan Wangji, tell me honestly, do you not know how terrible Wei Wuxian hates it here? He told me himself that he’d never come back here even if he was dead! So, what reason do you have to keep him here? What right do you believe you have?”

Lan Wangji was unaffected by the taunts, his expression relatively calm and impassive. “Wei Ying chose to stay here out of his own free will-” Lan Wangji paused with a simple clear of his throat, which was far too prideful for Jiang Cheng’s tastes. “-And as his courting partner, fiance, and father of our child. I believe I do have the right to say whether my mate or my son leaves our home.”

Jiang Cheng was speechless, utterly speechless. There were at least twenty different insults and vulgar shouts he still wanted to yell out. But none of them could come to mind as he practically felt his brain cramp from trying to process what was just said.

Though behind him, Lan Xichen only appeared ecstatic. “Ah, Wangji, did you finally propose? I had expected you two to court for a while longer, but this is wonderful!”

Jiang Cheng whipped around to stare at the other sect leader, though Lan Xichen was far too elated to notice the pale expression of the Jiang sect leader.

“Mn. We chose to combine them both.”

He was going to pass out from how much blood was rushing to his head. Scratch that, he was going to absolutely flip a table in a moment if he did not get yet another explanation.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, courting, engaged!? Since when was this ever on the table of options!? Jiang Cheng remembered vividly how often and heavily Wei Wuxian used to bother Lan Wangji back in the days of their studying, but that had just been because Wei Wuxian wanted to be impudent and try to rile up the second young master!

Now they were actually engaged!?

How many steps of relationship progression had he either missed or been unaware of!? And how many had Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji just skipped altogether!?

Colors of all kinds flashed across his face, green, black, and white, it would not be far-fetched to say that he looked as though he was on the verge of a qi deviation just from his elevated emotional state.

Lan Xichen finally seemed to notice the crisis that was playing out within Jiang Cheng’s mind and reached forward to place a hand on his shoulder, smiling as sympathetically as possible. “Jiang-zongzhu, I hope that you now understand why Wei Wuxian will not leave, please rest assured that he will be well taken care of.”

Jiang Cheng snarled as he slapped the hand off of his shoulder. It didn’t matter if Lan Xichen promised him ascension to the heavens themselves, he was seething. At who exactly? Well, he didn’t know just yet.

But it did not matter, he would not stand idly and concede purely off of the words of another, especially not Lan Wangji. If anyone was going to tell him this, it better as hell be Wei Wuxian’s shameless self, himself. He would not put it past Lans, or anyone for that matter, to lie to his face in such a way to buy his complacency.

While he’d never speak it aloud, he knew just how highly market-valued Wei Wuxian was. Not only for his head on a spike by his opposers but for his power as a cultivator by those who only saw him as a power grab. There had been many times during various meetings between sects where he propositioned on ‘lending out’ Wei Wuxian’s powers and whatnot in exchange for what normally would be considered an unfair amount of compensation.

Though Jiang Cheng personally thought that every single thing they brought, everything they offered in exchange, was not compensation enough. It never would be. While they assumed they could pull wool over his eyes and only ‘borrow’ Wei Wuxian, he knew very well what they planned to do.

They’d find a way to keep his power to themselves, by whatever means necessary.

And while Jiang Cheng knew that many of those who propositioned such things actually saw Wei Wuxian’s powers as a miracle for their own personal gains. He knew that there were others who, while unwilling to use the demonic cultivation themselves or even associate with it, would be more than elated to get the chance to rid the world of the founder of demonic cultivation or use his name and image for their own gain without having to associate with the cultivation practice or Wei Wuxian themselves.

He had come close more than a few times to unleashing Zidian on those impudent dogs. And while he could only hope for the best, he was prepared and expected the worst.

It did not matter what either of the Lan brothers said or promised, until he heard the words from Wei Wuxian’s mouth alone, out of his own free will, he would believe no such things.

With a harsh tone that did not hide his discontent, Jiang Cheng made his order. “Let me speak to him.”

Lan Xichen appeared conflicted, though Lan Wangji did not change his expression, the aura that surrounded him changed noticeably. Making his rejection of the very idea crystal clear.

“I will not leave until I speak to Wei Wuxian and hear it from him as well.”

Lan Xichen seemed to understand then, smiling as he looked turned to Lan Wangji. Neither spoke a word, though the subtlest twitches in their expression were enough to allow Jiang Cheng to know they were communicating in a way he’d never understand.

With a reluctant sigh, Lan Wangji left the Yashi, Jiang Cheng took the hint and followed after him. The silence was uncomfortable and somewhat hostile, but neither Alpha cared enough to try and amend it.

Once they reached the Jingshi, Lan Wangji stopped for a moment when he began to open the door. A single cold glare at Jiang Cheng from over his shoulder was enough to make his message clear.

“Make no mistakes.”

Jiang Cheng ignored the dragon and headed inside, only to pause when he saw Lan Qiren sitting at the low table with Wei Wuxian. It appeared that the two had been having a comfortable and idle conversation before they were interrupted.

Was this the same Wei Wuxian he remembered?

“Ah, Jiang Cheng. I was wondering when you’d come back.” Wei Wuxian smiled warmly as he stood to greet the sect leader, walking forward and punching him jokingly in the shoulder, receiving a scolding grumble from Lan Qiren behind him.

Jiang Cheng was still stunned for a moment. Whether it be because of the scene he had just walked in on, or the familiarity and warmth he had been met with from Wei Wuxian. While he knew deep down that Wei Wuxian would never openly berate him unless he did something absolutely heinous, he hadn’t expected the comfortable warmth of his old Shixiong’s smile.

Scoffing, Jiang Cheng looked away for a moment. Though then his previous enraged mood returned with a passion and he immediately sought out his answers. So with a reluctant and somewhat disgusted expression, he questioned the fox spirit. “Are you actually engaged to Lan Wangji?”

Wei Wuxian looked stunned at the question, and Lan Qiren made a stifled choking sound. After a moment of his shock, Wei Wuxian let out a belly laugh as he clapped the sect leader on his shoulder. “Haha, Jiang Cheng! You looked so disgusted to say it, haha!”

Flushing in embarrassment, Jiang Cheng scowled as he yelled. “Wei Wuxian! How are you so shameless!? Answer my question!”

Wei Wuxian only continued to laugh at the flustered Alpha, hardly able to contain himself as he watched the man’s face change from green to white to red all in a matter of a minute or so.

Once he was able to contain himself well enough, Wei Wuxian wiped the mirth from his eyes and addressed the situation seriously. “Jiang Cheng, would it not be inappropriate to not be at least in some kind of relationship with my son’s father? Yes, we are.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed at the answer, crossing his arms with a definitive nod. “Fine, we will discuss the logistics later.”

Shaking his head, Wei Wuxian poked Jiang Cheng’s cheek, successfully distorting his grumpy expression. “Logistics? What are we going to discuss then?”

“Idiot! Have you forgotten all traditions together!? Or were you just planning to elope like a fool!?”

Wei Wuxian took on a devilish grin, and Jiang Cheng could feel his blood pressure rising. Though Lan Qiren immediately stepped in at the mention of elopement. “Absolutely not. Jiang Wanyin, we will discuss such things at a later date.”

Lan Qiren gave a knowing look as he stood, nodding at his departure. Jiang Cheng huffed before he looked back at Wei Wuxian, his gaze immediately falling to the man’s solar plexus.

Wei Wuxian raised a brow and followed his gaze curiously, his expression paling slightly when he realized where the sect leader was staring. There was no way Jiang Cheng knew, right?

“Why would you do that?”

He knew.

Wei Wuxian felt his throat go dry, he looked over at Lan Wangji who still stood close by, though the dragon only nodded deeply in response. Having grown agitated at the silence, Jiang Cheng grabbed Wei Wuxian by his shoulder and yelled. “Why would you do that!? Did you think so little of me!?”

The Huli Jing immediately steeled his expression and shoved back at the tiger. “Jiang Cheng, you should know by now that I have never thought little of you. Just call it my repayment to your parents, it does not matter anymore, the golden core is yours, not mine. Forget about it.”

Jiang Cheng ground his teeth as he let go of the fox spirit, everything he wanted to say was stuck in his chest. He wanted to yell further at Wei Wuixan, he wanted to call him an imbecile for doing something so idiotic.

He wanted to tell him that he never needed his sacrifice, he wanted to say that he was strong from his own self-growth, that he never needed Wei Wuxian before and he still did not need him now.

He wanted to thank him, he wanted to tell him the reason why he had been captured and lost his golden core in the first place back then was because he had saw Wens going in the same direction as Wei Wuxian when he had ventured off to get them food, and he had left the alleyway to lead them away from him.

A small and fractured part of him wanted to cry. He didn’t know why, he didn’t know what he’d be crying for, but a deep part of him felt the need, and his eyes began to burn from it.

While Jiang Cheng could never voice his emotions, Wei Wuxian had always been the expert in reading them. So, in one fluid motion, he pulled the Alpha down to bend his knees and rest his head on Wei Wuxian’s shoulder as the fox spirit rubbed his back.

“I know A-Cheng. It doesn’t matter anymore anyways, I have it back. What is inside of you is yours, not mine. You don’t need me, it’s all you.”

Nearly having fallen into a complacent state, Jiang Cheng immediately jerked at the statement and stood straight, grabbing Wei Wuxian’s wrist and sending his own spiritual qi out to search for what he truly prayed was resting safely in Wei Wuxian’s chest.

He found it, a soft pulse of spiritual energy coursed throughout the Huli Jing’s body. It was weak to some extent, nowhere near the level of power that Jiang Cheng knew it used to be, but it was there.

A heavy sigh pushed out of his lungs, placing a hand over his own heart while Wei Wuxian clapped him on the shoulder with a genuine smile, one that Jiang Cheng refused to voice how much he missed.

“You’re seeing Jiejie.”

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian couldn’t sit still, he’d been pacing the Jingshi the entire morning. Lan Yuan had joined him for a while, giggling as they walked around in circles before he got tired and sat next to his father once again.

Lan Wangji was as stoically calm as ever and despite the dragon’s comforting and steady presence, it did not help at all in calming his nerves!
He had yet to see Jiang Yanli since the day of her wedding!

And the last time he saw Jin Zixuan, he had been fighting with his cousin and the disciples of the Jin clan, and their departure hadn’t been on the best of terms.

He had every right to be nervous!

Jiang Cheng had left nearly as swiftly as he came three days ago, swearing he’d be back with Jiang Yanli, though not before he and Lan Qiren talked over certain things that Wei Wuxian didn’t really care to listen to.

He was seeing his Shijie! And meeting her son for the first time!

“Wei Ying.” Having moved as quietly as the southern winds, Lan Wangji appeared in front of Wei Wuxian as he turned a practiced corner in his pacing, his hands found their rightful place on his hips, stilling him while the Huli Jing sighed deeply.

Lan Wangji offered no words of resolution and no instructions on how he should be taking all of this. He merely wrapped his arms around the man’s waist, tucking his head under his chin, a gentle comfort to them both.

Despite the comfort it brought, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but grumble. “Am I overreacting Lan Zhan? Gege, what if she’s angry at me after so long?”

Lan Wangji reassured him with a kiss on his forehead. “Mn. She will be relieved, Young Madam Jin will not scorn you.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but laugh at the domestic gesture, reaching upward to cup the dragon’s face in his hands, kissing him on the lips while the dragon quickly reciprocated

The two broke away only once they heard stifled giggling that was poorly hidden behind a small hand. “Laughing? What do you think you’re laughing at your mama for?!” Wei Wuxian teased as he looked over the Alpha’s shoulder with a playful grin at the baby fox.

Lan Yuan continued his giggling behind his hand until Wei Wuxian maneuvered out of Lan Wangji’s hold and dove to grab the toddler. The boy squealed when he was caught, laughing harder when Lan Wangji once again appeared as swiftly as the wind and wrapped an arm around Wei Wuxian’s waist again.

“Ha! Little radish, I caught you and your A-Die caught me!”

The boy then reached forward over his mother’s shoulder and held onto Lan Wangji’s shoulder, grinning triumphantly. “I caught Daddy!”

Wei Wuxian chuckled at the victorious expression, though Lan Wangji made the show of crouching slightly, appearing as though he truly was caught with a subtle upturn of his lips, “Mn.”

The fox spirit couldn’t help but croon at the sight, finding it all too domestically adorable for his heart to handle. So, he playfully flittered his fingers across his son’s ribs, successfully making the baby fox spirit squirm and laugh. “Our boy will be a good hunter as well Lan Zhan, it won’t be long before we have to send him out on his own night hunts!”

“Mn.” Despite the passive tone, Wei Wuxian did not miss the way the hold around his waist tightened and the dragon made a subtle move to run his wrist across Lan Yuan’s cheek and shoulder, a subtle scenting gesture.

His Lan Zhan was such a protective father! How cute!

A gentle knock on the door of the Jingshi caught the family’s attention, Lan Wangji removed himself and answered the door with the same stoic expression, only to be met with Lan Qiren’s similar if not somewhat identical expression.

Painfully, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but realize the similarity and smile wryly. (They truly do look so much alike with such expressions…)

Lan Qiren looked rather unimpressed when greeted, though Wei Wuxian had learned how to read through that prickly expression. “Wangji, Jiang-zongzhu has returned with Jin Zixuan and Young Madam Jin. Yours and Wei Wuxian’s presence is requested in the Yashi.”

Smiling, Wei Wuxian ignored the multiple lectures that he and Lan Wangji had been given about modesty and proper etiquette between an engaged pair and leaned against Lan Wangji’s side with Lan Yuan on his hip. “We thank Uncle for coming all this way to retrieve us!”

Lan Yuan parroted his mother’s thanks with an innocent smile as he bowed his head respectfully. “Thank you Xiansheng.” Lan Qiren’s expression softened minutely, though he quickly regained his face and cleared his throat.

“Remember your etiquette.” Lan Qiren scolded with a pointed look at Wei Wuxian, who only chuckled and nodded.

With nothing else to scold them for, Lan Qiren left with the intent of meeting the three at the Yashi a moment after he arrived and once they were sure they were ready, the family made their departure to the Yashi. Still attached to his mother’s hip, Lan Yuan began his questioning. “Mama, who is Young Madam Jin and Jin Zixuan?”

“Do you remember Miss Jiang, Jiang-zongzhu’s sister? The kind miss who have you that yummy soup?”

Lan Yuan nodded at the question. “I remember Miss Jiang, she was nice.”

Lan Wangji hummed at this, having heard the story of Wei Wuxian’s last meeting with his Shijie where Lan Yuan met her and Jiang Cheng for the first time. “Young Madam Jin is Miss Jiang, and Jin Zixuan is her husband.”

Lan Yuan’s expression became thoughtful. He nodded at the explanation and asked no further questions, he already knew who Jiang Cheng was, he had seen the man the last time he was at Cloud Recesses. Though due to his father’s influence of increased proximity, he hadn’t talked to the sect leader directly.

When the three approached the Yashi, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but hesitate upon coming closer. But with a reassuring hand placed on the small of his back, leading him forward, the Huli Jing relaxed and stuck close to his fiance’s side.

Trying to move past his own anxiety, Wei Wuxian turned his gaze to the dragon and made his attempts at teasing. “Lan Zhan, isn’t this funny? It’s like an official meeting between our two families, are you excited Gege?”

Though when he truly took a look at the man’s expression, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but see the crease in his brows and the subtle twitch of his pointed ears.

Was… Was Lan Zhan anxious!?

Whispering, Wei Wuxian reached out and wrapped an arm around his future husband’s shoulders. “Aiya, Lan Zhan, are you anxious Er-gege?”

Lan Wangji did not answer directly, though the glance at the fox spirit was enough to give the Huli Jing his answer. His fearless Lan Zhan truly was anxious!

Though, who could truly blame Lan Wangji?

He had every right to be a least a little anxious!

And no, no it was not about that Jiang Wanyin. Nor was it about Jin Zixuan or even his own brother and uncle!

It was particularly about Jiang Yanli.

He had known from the very beginning that when it came to family he would be required to impress to gain his Wei Ying’s as he sought, Jiang Wanyin would be the very least of his worries, his uncle and brother even less so.

While he knew that his uncle would be against it at first, Lan Wangji held no doubts from the beginning that he could persuade him, and Lan Xichen was the very least of his worries. He was somewhat certain that his brother had even been encouraging him from the sidelines to make his move.

Jiang Wanyin, he had known that the sect leader would be against it, for whatever reason there could ever be, he wouldn’t know. He just knew that the tiger would try to cause an issue, one that he could resolve with just as much effort as he would with his own uncle.

Though Jiang Yanli. She was his largest obstacle. While he wasn’t certain that the woman held any favor towards him, nor any discontent, he couldn’t be certain that she would be completely supportive of Lan Wangji as her Shidi’s sutor.

Out of anyone in the entire cultivation world, Lan Wangji knew from personal witnesses that Jiang Yanli alone held the most powerful influence on the Yiling Patriarch, something that could have benefited all of Wei Wuxian’s enemies if they would have only been smarter and paid closer attention to how the Huli Jing practically groveled at the slightest discontent look from the Young Madam of the Jin clan, rather than his deeds that they deemed as ‘evil’.

Lan Wangji could be grateful for their ignorance, it saved him the trouble of having to cut down anyone who stood in his way. Though he knew that he would have to win the favor of Jiang Yanli, he hadn’t been completely worried. Because he had a plan! Or at the least, he used to have a plan. Before the hectic and stressful events of the last two months occurred and his plan was sped up exponentially.

He had planned to slowly begin to gain Jiang Yanli’s favor through conversations and other polite attempts before he would first begin courting Wei Ying. He’d gain the Young Madam’s favor and there would be nothing else to stop him from claiming Wei Ying as his!

Instead, he skipped through at least ten fazes of his plan, and he was now engaged to his Wei Ying with him and their son both living with him in Cloud Recesses! That had been one of the last steps of his plan! And they had skipped through at least sixty percent of the rest of it!

No, no he was not complaining, nor would he ever complain about the turn of events. But, he knew that this could place a snag with his plans of gaining Jiang Yanli’s favor. While he did not know the woman personally, nor had he even held so much as a non-formal conversation with her, he did know that she was just as protective of her Shidi as Lan Wangji was of his mate.

Which, unfortunately for Lan Wangji, meant that she could be a far cry from appreciative that Lan Wangji had already staked his claim to Wei Ying, moved the Huli Jing into his home with their son, and proposed to him without so much as a word of acknowledgment to the Jiangs.

Not that Lan Wangji would completely agree that he truly had reason to. The Jiangs had made their position with Wei Wuxian crystal clear, even before the war.

Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian had made it clear, even to outsiders, that Wei Wuxian was not considered family. Nothing more than perhaps a cherished servant, though such titles would be incredibly generous in the eyes of Yu Ziyuan, who Lan Wangji knew held a ridiculous and petty grudge against his Wei Ying over a past that he wasn’t even a part of.

And since their days of study in their teenage years, Jiang Wanyin had made it clear that he did not view Wei Wuxian as a brother, nor would he even be recognized as someone more than a close friend or trusted servant.

It had made Lan Wangji’s blood boil even when they were teenagers.

Because how could anyone be so foolish as to treat Wei Ying, the strong, smart, and self-sacrificing loyal man, so cruelly? To take him in and raise him, without so much as even recognizing him as anything more than a servant? Never giving him the courtesy of saying that the Jiangs were even truly his family and not the family that he was raised to be terrifyingly loyal to.

The only one that Lan Wangji could say treated his Wei Ying as he deserved was Jiang Yanli. Which was why he had originally intended to earn her favor and her blessing to take Wei Ying as his husband and mate.

Though all of his meticulous planning had been thrown out of the window!

So yes, he was anxious!

While he wasn’t worried about Wei Ying leaving him due to Jiang Yanli, not that he would even allow such an instance to occur in the first place, he was worried for the sake of Wei Ying.

The last thing he wanted was for his love to face any more emotional issues because of the event that Jiang Yanli did not approve of their relationship, and he would, for the first time in his life, have to go against her wishes.

Shaking his head, Lan Wangji fully wrapped his arm around Wei Wuxian’s torso. “Not exactly.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t question it further, though he placed his head against the dragon’s shoulder, a silent yet understood gesture of comfort. One that did not fail to relax the slight tension in the Alpha’s shoulders, along with turning the tips of his ears pink.

A gentle knock resonated against the gorgeously crafted doors of the Yashi, and the heavy doors swung open with little to no trouble, where Lan Qiren was already standing in front of them with his arms crossed behind his back and a stern expression coloring his expression dark.

With respectful bows, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian greeted those present, neither raising their gazes any higher to look anyone but Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren in the eyes.

Lan Xichen nodded at them before he turned back to face the visitors. Where Jiang Yanli, already looked on the verge of tears with Jin Ling in her arms and Jin Zixuan at her side.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Yanli disregarded proper greetings and etiquette and bound forward. Wei Wuxian immediately reciprocated, the two using their free arms to reach out, where the tiger wrapped her arm around his shoulders and the fox spirit held her close by her torso.

The only reason to separate was solely the immediate realization of their children still held in their arms. To which Jiang Cheng stepped forward and took the baby from the woman’s arms, and Lan Wangji took Lan Yuan and set him on his hip instead of his mother’s.

With nothing else in the way, Jiang Yanli reached upward and cupped the Huli Jing’s face, running her hands over his cheeks and through his hair. “A-Xian…” Relieved tears sprung to her eyes, and she did not deny herself the right to cry. While Wei Wuxian immediately began to wipe her tears.

Wei Wuxian immediately put on his best smile, trying everything he could to soothe the weeping woman. “I’m sorry to have made you cry Shijie… This one was reckless, I’m sorry. Don’t cry, A-Cheng and I just might fight if you cry.”

Jiang Yanli could only laugh wetly at the attempts. Instead, she removed her hands to wipe her own tears before taking Wei Wuxian’s hands into her own as she looked him up and down skillfully. “A-Xian, everything is alright now, yes? You’re alright?”

Immediately he understood what she was searching for, and grinned wider. “I am alright Shijie, don’t worry about me! You know I could handle much worse and make it out alive!”

The tiger did not seem to appreciate the joke, her lips pressing into a thin line while Wei Wuxian’s smile immediately vanished as he deflated and leaned down enough to allow him to be at eye level with the woman. “Shijie, I am alright. Nothing is in pain anymore, everything is okay. This one promises you that I would not lie about this.”

Jiang Yanli smiled at this, cupping Wei Wuxian’s cheek in her hand as she pulled him to stand straight again. “Jiang Cheng told me, but I had to be sure.”

Wei Wuxian was startled at this, looking over her head at the sect leader who was pointedly looking away from the two. (Ah… Jiang Cheng, is it truly that hard for you to leave it all in the past?)

Though Jiang Cheng did not look at him, Jin Zixuan did, and while no words were exchanged, only meaningful expressions. A single nod from both parties was enough to exchange their thanks and apologies between them.

“A-Xian.” Jiang Yanli called to him, to which the fox spirit immediately responded as he looked down at her with a smile.

Jiang Yanli patted his cheek at the expression before she took him by the hands again and turned to face the Lans, though she particularly stared down Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, who was still holding Lan Yuan on his hip.

And with a sudden drop in her expression, the air around the normally peaceful woman turned cold and sharp in an instant. “What grievances does the Lan clan have with A-Xian that he and his son are deemed to be required to stay here under your custody?”

At the question, Wei Wuxian flinched and immediately whirled around to glare at Jiang Cheng. (You could tell her about all of that, though you could not bare to mention that I am engaged!? Jiang Cheng! I should slap you silly!)

Though the sect leader only met his glare and shook his head, at his side Jin Zixuan stepped forward and joined his wife at her side with a diplomatically calm expression. “I’m sure it's nothing that cannot be resolved or explained, if it is about what happened at Qiongqi Path, I can assure you that the fault lies solely with Jin Zixun and those who followed him.”

Wei Wuxian felt as though he was going to scream! Not only was he going to have to try to explain to his Shijie that he truly wasn’t ‘under custody’ as how it was made out to be at the conference, but he also had Jin Zixuan speaking up for him!?

Though Lan Xichen only took only a hesitant smile as he peacefully raised his hand. “I’m afraid it’s not exactly that simple Young Madam, and Jin-gongzi, the situation at Qiongqi Path did not directly involve the Lan, so we would not detain Wei Wuxian for any reason regarding that event. And surely it would be terrible for us to try and separate a child from his mother, hence why Lan Yuan would of course be here as well.”

Jiang Yanli did not seem to be content with the answer, so she extended her arm to cover Wei Wuxian, despite it doing little to help. “Lan-zongzhu, I hope you can understand that Wei Wuxian is like my little brother, surely you can understand why I would want him and his son to return home.”
Wei Wuxian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! His poor brother-in-law! How was Lan Xichen supposed to explain the entire situation in a way that would elevate Jiang Yanli’s ire!?

“Regardless of what is understandable, Young Madam Jin, Wei Ying will remain here.” Lan Wangji spoke up as he stepped forward, catching Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli off guard, though Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were less surprised, and Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen were completely unaffected, having already expected the reaction at some point.

Recovering from her shock, Jiang Yanli did her best to keep a respectable expression, though she did not hinder her glare as she stared into the dragon’s eyes. “And may Hanguang-jun please explain to me why? Perhaps there is a resolution we can come to that will settle both parties?”

Lan Wangji did not answer immediately, and while he knew that initially, this was a cruel move, one that was enacted to solely please his inner possessiveness and urge to show his will and right as the Huli Jing’s mate, he did it anyways. The man extended his hand out to Wei Wuxian, who truly didn’t know what was more appropriate, his laughter, or his tears.

Though after a moment of unbearable silence with all eyes fixated on him, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but shake his head with a breathy sigh as he took the dragon’s scaled hand and allowed himself to be led back to the man’s side.

Jiang Yanli was speechless as she watched, completely dumbfounded by the silent gesture of possessiveness that did not go unnoticed by her or anyone else's eyes. “Wei Ying will remain at Cloud Recesses a member of the Lan clan as my mate and husband, he is not bound by custody but as we are already engaged, he is to stay here.”

Jiang Yanli does not speak for a moment, silenced completely due to her shock. Once she recovered, she looked over at Wei Wuxian, and with a gentle hand, she held his shoulder as her expression pinched with worry. “A-Xian is this true?”

Wei Wuxian took the hand on his shoulder and held it in his own as he smiled genuinely. “Yes, it is Shijie.”

“And it is something that you truly want?” Jiang Yanli’s question was blunt, completely uncaring of those around them. It was a question meant to give Wei Wuxian the chance to say no, to say that this was not what he wanted. It was her way of promising him his safety if he said no. It was her way of promising him, that if did not want this, then she would not let it happen.

Of course, Wei Wuxian knew that. Because he knew his Shijie, and he had done the same for her. But why would he say no?

What could ever possess him to say no?

Lan Zhan had been the one he had been fixated with since their days as teenagers. He had been so unrelenting with his pestering, and despite his ignorance of his own feelings, he knew that there hadn’t been a day in years where his heart did not beat for a special place that only Lan Zhan possessed.

Lan Zhan, his soon-to-be husband, the man who had taken in the boy that Wei Wuxian took as his own without even so much as a question or a voice of complaint. The man who was now the father to his son, the one to declare such a fact in front of the entire cultivation world without so much as a breath of hesitation.

Lan Zhan, the one who had and still loved him through the darkest times, the times when everyone else would have turned their backs and let him burn, Lan Zhan jumped into the fire with him, and he gave him something that the fox spirit had always wanted since he was a child.

A home to call his own without fear of it ever being taken away.

So what reason could anyone ever come up with to make him say no?

Without a single breath of hesitation, Wei Wuxian answered with a truly happy expression. “It is, it’s something I truly want.”

With that reassurance, Jiang Yanli could only smile as she took both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian by the hand and held them together. “Then tell me, when is the wedding?”