Chapter Text
Prologue:
He looked below him at the battlefield and saw him immediately. Not only because he was dressed all in white as usual, but because he was always drawn to him.
What had they done to him?
He was in the middle of the battle but he was fighting against his own brother. The Twin Jades of Lan were fighting each other. Wei Wuxian was horrified and filled with pain. What had they done to Lan Zhan that he had chosen this path?
He was grabbed hard by the back of his neck and forced to look into the laughing face of his enemy. "Do you like it? Lan Wangji is under our control. There is nothing you can do!" An ugly laugh accompanied these words. Wei Wuxian was almost torn apart by the pain at not being able to help Lan Zhan. A few hours ago, they had mentally separated Lan Zhan and him, or rather ripped him out of him. Then they had closed Lan Zhan's mind and their connection ended at a mental wall that he could not penetrate at the moment without hurting Lan Zhan.
His enemy's eyes began to glint viciously, "Wei Wuxian. From the beginning, all I wanted was to destroy you. To cause you pain. Had I known earlier that it was Lan Wangji with whom you could be destroyed... oh how much fun we could have had. But now, die knowing he will never be free again, never able to make his own decisions." His filthy laughter filled the air as he pushed Wei Wuxian into the deep abyss of the Burial Mounds.
Wei Ying fell. "Lan Zhan," he cried, reaching his hand up as if Lan Zhan were standing over him and could grasp his hand. He closed his eyes and reached for the mental strand that connected him and Lan Zhan.
Wei Ying had a small amount of energy left and with the activation of his nexus he could either try to survive his fall or....
He didn't want to leave Lan Zhan, but if he did it right, the latter would be able to live freely again. Wei Ying smiled as he thought of the moments they had shared together. Tears made their way down his cheeks as Wei Ying took a deep breath and whispered, "My life for yours, Lan Zhan." He released his Spirit, and it immediately reached for his golden core, for the last remnants of his Qi and the nexus closed. Wei Ying's eyes lit up red and gold and with the last of his strength he pushed that energy through the spiritual bond and shattered the blockage.
Relieved, he felt the icy-blue power of Lan Zhan unfold again and his own Spirit tried to reach out for Lan Zhan's immediately.
Lan Zhan was free! He heard him call his name before he fell unconscious and down into the black abyss.
*
"Wei Wuxian!" the voice of Jiang Cheng, son of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan, thundered across the market. In a large wide-branched tree, Wei Wuxian, adopted son of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan, startled out of his sleep and looked around in confusion. Then he heard his brother's call again, this time clearly resonating in anger.
He leapt from the tree in an elegant arch and ran towards him, yawning.
When Jiang Cheng saw him, he pointed at him and scowled, "
Wei Wuxian, where the hell have you been again? You know very well that we are leaving today." Wei Wuxian stopped short in front of him, greeted his sister, Jiang Yanli, first child of the Yunmeng Jiang clan, and nudged Jiang Cheng’s arm.
"Why are you so excited? We're just travelling from clan to clan for study purposes. And between you and me, the Lan Clan is probably the most boring of them all. I could do better things with my time." Wei Wuxian drew his sword and pretended to fight some imaginary enemies.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at that and took three deep breaths: "You're full of mischief, it's time you learned some discipline and restraint through the Lan Clan."
With his mouth hanging open, Wei Wuxian stared at his brother: "That really sounds like a lot of fun! Can't we skip this clan and go straight to the next one?"
"Of course, since you asked so nicely and everything has to go the way Wei Wuxian wants it anyway, we'll just skip this one. Come, we'll just change a few rules that have been in place for centuries."
"Excellent! When do we start?". Wei Wuxian grinned broadly, which elicited another eye roll from Jiang Cheng. He poked Jiang Cheng in the side with his sword.
After the latter slapped him against the arm, he eyed his brother and tilted his head, asking, "Wei Wuxian, where is... ?"
"She’s staying here," Wei Wuxian interrupted him, "You know how the others react to her. In Gusu, they probably wouldn't even let me in." Jiang Cheng looked silently at Wei Wuxian, who gazed up at the sky.
When Jiang Cheng wanted to object, Wei Wuxian hurried to say, "I brought my sword Suibian. That's all I need."
"Wei..."
"Leave it Jiang Cheng! She's staying here. You know very well that she will always be looked at strangely and end up being feared." Jiang Cheng's face turned grim.
Wei Wuxian put an arm around the other’s shoulders and grinned at him, "Come on, let's spread some chaos in the strict Lan Clan!" A scowl from Jiang Cheng.
Wei Wuxian chuckled, "It's alright, we'll just bring some life to their peace! Maybe you'll find a pretty and virtuous young lady who meets your exaggerated standards there too! If one makes it, it will probably only be from the Lan Clan!" Laughing, Wei Wuxian ran off as Jiang Cheng puffed up indignantly and struck out. The latter ran after Wei Wuxian, swearing and hurling all sorts of expletives at him.
He caught up with him at the pier, where Wei Wuxian took another lotus plant and snacked on its fruit. "This will be the last time for a while," he handed a fruit to his brother. Jiang Cheng took it and twirled it between his fingers, watching his brother closely. "When we get to the Lan's, you're bound to cause some trouble."
"That was not a question."
"Indeed it was a statement." Wei Wuxian grinned his little boy's smile.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes again, "It's about time you found someone who can put you in your place."
"Oh Cheng, I have you after all!"
Jiang Yanli, or affectionately called Shijie by Wei Wuxian, looked at her two brothers with a smile.
Both are so different, Jiang is success-driven, always striving to be better than everyone else, to become an outstanding clan leader later. Yet he has such a compassionate heart, which he tries to hide with stern and biting remarks. Jiang Cheng reacts to emotional hurts with outbursts of rage and lashes out with harsh words because he simply does not know how to deal with them.
Her other beloved brother is wild and impetuous, getting along with everyone and everything. His goal is rather to accumulate more knowledge and skills and enjoys trying new things. He often gets carried away, but you can never stay angry with him for long. Wei Wuxian often acts recklessly, especially when it comes to defending the weaker ones and fighting injustice. Although they bicker constantly and don't look like brothers on the outside, everyone notices that they are closely connected. Just now they both get into the boat together and of course they try to push each other into the water. How old are they?
Sometimes Jiang Yanli wondered if they had only grown 8 years old and then grown. She shook her head with a smile and went to join them.
Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian took the provisions and stowed them away, then helped their sister into the boat. After everyone had found a seat, the boat started moving towards Gusu.
"A-Jie, would you please talk to Wei Wuxian? He is planning to add another clan to his 'will-never-be-let-in' list."
"Our A-Xian will always be a free wild bird. And don't we cherish the free mind in our clan?" Wei Wuxian's warm smile was meant only for his sister.
Jiang Cheng wondered for the umpteenth time why he even asked his sister, for she loved Wei Wuxian and would never say anything against him.
"A-Jie, don't always defend him. We'll get in real trouble again someday because of his untamed behaviour." Wei Wuxian slides over to his brother and sits back to back with him.
"Cheng, I didn't create chaos on purpose. Honestly."
"Wei Wuxian... every single one! Did you have to challenge every single one?" A shrug was the reply.
"Clans are sensitive to being made a laughing stock." Wei Wuxian looked up at the sky. He had fought so many good junior cultivators in almost every province. Each one he had beaten, without exception. None of the junior cultivators had been able to stand against him.
"What do you want me to do? It's definitely not my fault if I'm this good!"
Cheng pushed him violently against his back, "Wei Wuxian your arrogance will be your downfall once again."
A "Pffff" came in reply.
"They will teach you manners in the Lan Clan already. I hear they train in freezing water from a young age and they get up at 5am! The Lan's can master their qi at a young age and I've heard that they all form golden cores. It's never happened that one hasn't made it. The Twin Jades of Lan are widely known for their unique martial arts and,' Cheng lowered his voice, 'their good looks. The women in Yunmeng constantly rave about their elegance and that they are so beautiful and courteous."
Wei Wuxian listened up, "Are they the ones who defeated the Wuldach Ghost in Nayu?" Cheng nodded. When Wei Wuxian did not respond further, he listened up.
"What's on your mind again?!"
Wei grinned cheekily, "Well the Twin Jades are an excellent challenge after all!"
"WEI WUXIAN! Don't you dare bother those two, they are far from what you normally challenge!"
"Exactly!"
Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, "I'm warning you, don't disgrace our family. Keep your hands off the Lan brothers!" he turned to his sister seeking help, "A-jie, now say something! He'll bring more shame on our family and us!"
Indignant, Wei Wuxian puffed out, "Jiang Cheng, you worry too much. Stay relaxed and enjoy the ride. If these two are really that good, you have nothing to worry about."
"How can I enjoy the ride if you're already planning our downfall? Can't you just attend class and not make a mess for once!"
"You two brawlers should stop now. A-Xian may be impetuous, but he's not bringing shame to our family."
"Exactly! Besides, you're here to get me out of trouble, Jiang Cheng," a friendly nudge from Wei Wuxian was met with a grumble.
Wei Wuxian sat back and looked up at the sky again. Someone equal to him, an oath of arms or sworn brother. Jiang Cheng was strong, but he was no match for Wei Wuxian.
He was wild and full of energy for a reason, because he possessed something that not every cultivator had. Besides his Qi, which was in every being, he had a strong golden core, but also a Spirit. This combination of three sources of power was called the Nexus. Wei Wuxian was one of the few who possessed this. Only his siblings, uncle and aunt knew about it. As often as his time allowed, he went out hunting at night to get rid of excess energy.
He rubbed his fist across his chest over the place where his heart was. Jiang Cheng responded to his movement, "Restless?"
"Hm, it seems like something is about to happen. I just don't know if it's good or bad yet. Definitely exciting."
"Your exciting and my exciting are often very far apart!"
"You're such a bore, Cheng."
"Shut up!" Wei Wuxian laughed.
Again he rubbed the spot above his heart. He took a deep breath and concentrated on his new adventure. The Lan's could be as strict and boring as they were, with a Wei Wuxian even they would be overwhelmed. He grinned and closed his eyes. The Twin Jades of Lan. They were widely known and had been for some years, yet Wei Wuxian knew that at least one of them was no older than him. Perhaps he could join them? First, however, they had to stand up to him. He needed someone who could stand up to him or defeat him.
A sharp pain shot through him. Again. In the last few times, these symptoms had appeared much more often. He knew it was nothing physical, but what it was instead was beyond him.
He preferred to distract himself with thoughts of the coming weeks. Now Gusu Lan Clan, here comes Wei Wuxian, beware.
Further away in the lofty heights of the mountains of Gusu, there were very different problems than an exuberant teenager.
"Is Lan Wangji back yet?" Lan Qiren, clan leader of the Gusu Lan clan, looked anxiously at his nephew. He was one of the Twin Jades of Lan: Lan Xichen, first son of the Gusu Lan clan and elder brother of Lan Wangji. He shook his head and looked no less concerned.
"Did he send a message?" Another shake of the head from Lan Xichen.
"What could possibly bring forth these creatures? Have the other clans responded to your requests yet?"
"Some answers are still missing, but so far only the Qinghe Nie Clan has been able to report similar incidents." Lan Qiren was displeased, this was not the answer he had hoped for. What was going on here? So far the incidents had been harmless, but they were piling up.
"Let's hope Wangji comes back with some new knowledge." he sighed and changed the subject.
"What about the preparations for the students of the other clans? Is everything ready?"
Lan Xichen nodded. And after a moment's hesitation, he said, "Uncle, I think Wangji should attend class too."
Lan Qiren put down his teacup and looked at Xichen in surprise, "Why is that?"
"He should be able to make friends and form his own bonds." replied Xichen quietly. The clan leader stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps you are right. Wangji will certainly be a good influence on the other students and an excellent role model."
Xichen took a sip of tea before replying, "Well I think it would be important if he builds connections with the other clans himself."
It seemed Lan Qiren thought of something and he nodded, "Right. I'm thinking of a certain clan which had made a request some time ago." Lan Xichen looked up in wonder and looked at his uncle. But the latter made no further explanation. Well, Xichen knew only too well that further questioning would produce nothing. Silently, he was glad that his uncle had agreed to his proposal. He agreed with his uncle, his brother Lan Wangji would set a good example. But what was more important to him and he fervently hoped it would come to pass: Wangji was going to make friends. His younger brother Lan Wangji, was introverted and kept a great distance from everyone else. He was an outstanding swordsman and very skilled with his Guqin. But he was worried about him, for the layer of ice around him seemed to grow thicker by the day. Xichen had more and more difficulty understanding his brother and getting close to him. He fervently hoped that someone from the other clans could match Wangji's stubbornness and cool nature. Silently he enjoyed his tea.
What request had been made and by which clan? The fact that his uncle kept him in the dark about this was unusual and set a warning bell ringing inside him. Well, he would have to deal with that later, right now he needed all the patience in the world to wait for his brother and not look for him personally. They hadn't heard anything for days and that was so unlike his dutiful brother.
*
The boats of the Yunmeng clan docked at the harbour in Gusu. Wei Wuxian jumped out first and looked around. The village nestled up against and partly into the mountain, thus it was surrounded by majestic rock formations. It was beautifully green everywhere and further up in the mountains, snow-white clouds hung. It looked like it had been painted. Cheng's voice brought him out of his thoughts, "Will you help here please, don't stare holes in the air!"
"What then Jiang Cheng, have you run out of strength?", his comment was met with an annoyed snort.
"Oh look, there are medlars here!", as he made moves to go to the stall, Jiang Cheng's voice thundered in his ear again. He turned around in mid-motion, helping both the leftover provisions and the passengers out of the boats. The remaining provisions were divided among the clansmen and helpers. Jiang Cheng noticed that a water hose was missing. Wei Wuxian pointed up the mountain, "It's a long way, we should get another one," and he immediately volunteered, "I'll do it!"
"Suddenly so helpful?!" Cheng looked at him suspiciously and as Wei Wuxian pretended not to know what Cheng meant, it dawned on him, "Wei Wuxian. You don't bring alcohol to Cloud Recesses!!!" he pointed a threatening finger at him. Wei Wuxian just laughed and ran away. " Wei...!"
"Leave him, we'll go ahead and change at the boarding house." Jiang Yanli gently pulled her brother along.
Wei Wuxian strolled through the stalls and looked at everything calmly and very attentively. There were many musical instruments to buy. Very different ones. He stopped for a moment and looked at the instruments wistfully, a pity that he had to leave them at home. However, he knew from experience that she always met with disapproval. He missed her every day, a slight tugging made itself felt in his chest. He quickly shook off the trepidation and strolled on through the merchants' street. There were merchants from near and far with a wide variety of goods: there were herbs, umbrellas, children's toys, lanterns, food, amulets, clothing, talismans and much more. But then Wei Wuxian discovered what he had been looking for, among other things of course: the merchant with the famous Gusu Liqueur "Emperor Smile". The bottles were made of high quality snow-white porcelain, so was the cap and there were little ice-blue ribbons hanging from it. If it tasted even half as good as it looked, Wei Wuxian couldn't consider himself happier. He bought two bottles and then went on, because he was supposed to buy a water hose.
He came to the end of the road that literally ended at a cliff. Oh, back there he saw a stall with water containers, next to the well, of course! He headed for it.
Laughing children ran past him, in front a boy with a mask covered with leaves. Two children dressed all in white followed him. Both had sticks that they held in their hands like swords pointing forwards. They ran across the market shouting and laughing loudly. Wei Wuxian watched them smiling, his brother and he had also acted out many adventures and battles of other cultivators. Since Jiang Cheng always wanted to play the hero, Wei Wuxian had always been the "bad guy". This had never bothered him, because it allowed him to get into much more mischief than Cheng.
The "monster" ran past him again, shouting, "You will never defeat me Twin Jades!" The two white-clad children still ran after him with their swords raised high. Wei Wuxian turned back around and went to the stall and purchased a water hose. A strange feeling spreading through his chest, he rubbed the spot with his fist. As he did so, he went to the fountain and fetched up some water. In the corner of his eye he noticed a group coming down the narrow path of the mountain.
A loud "iii- aaaa" from a donkey made him look behind him in wonder. A dog had apparently got between the donkey's legs, because now it barked loudly and the donkey began to run backwards. The coachman yelled at the donkey and the dog in turn.
Suddenly several things happened at once: the dog bit the donkey's leg, one of the children stumbled and fell down. The donkey reared up and lashed out with its hooves. The cart jerked and tipped to the side, the donkey broke free and galloped towards the children, the dog barking all the time. Wei Wuxian ran, took a talisman from his robe and let it loose on the donkey. The donkey made a U-turn and ran in the opposite direction. The cart's goods were hanging on the ropes. But he saw the rope unravelling and the shocked children still sitting on the ground by their stumbled comrade.
Wei Wuxian jumped onto the cart and grabbed the ropes to fix the barrels. The barrels were full and he realised he would not be able to hold them for long. Someone had to move the kids. Three people dressed in light blue, came running and grabbed the children and took them out of the danger zone. Wei Wuxian breathed a sigh of relief, but then the stupid donkey came again with the dog, snapping at his legs. The donkey rammed into the cart and the dog jumped onto it. The sudden jolt and the dog jumping at Wei Wuxian knocked Wei Wuxian off his feet.
He slipped, let go of the ropes and fell backwards. With a twist, he just wanted to land on his feet, but suddenly someone was standing there and he fell on top of him and together they crashed into a stand with jade jewellery.
"Oh damn...," Wei Wuxian propped himself up on his hands and braced himself enough to see who he had landed on. "I'm sorry..." Wei Wuxian stopped in his movement and looked into the startled face of a young man. A very handsome one at that. He had a narrow, slightly angular face framed by long black hair. It was finely drawn and his skin tone was reminiscent of fine white porcelain. His eyes were... very angry right now.
Wei Wuxian swallowed and suddenly realised that he had been holding his breath. He didn't even respond to the angry look because he was distracted by his counterpart's mouth. They were moving and seemed to be forming words, but he was distracted because they looked so soft.
Suddenly someone banged something loudly on the floor and Wei Wuxian reflexively looked into the eyes of the young man below him.
"Get off!" angry eyes fixed him. Wei Wuxian came out of his stupor and his "little young smile" unfolded on his face. Something flitted across the other's face, but the icy stare was back in an instant.
Finally Wei Wuxian stood up and reached out a hand to the young man, but he ignored him. Only now did Wei Wuxian notice that the stranger had landed with his back on the wooden table. Concerned, Wei Wuxian approached the stranger with his hand raised to examine his back. The young man's eyes widened and he immediately dodged a few steps to the side. Dumbfounded, Wei Wuxian stopped: "I just wanted to check if you were hurt. After all, you fell on the stand with your back and my extra weight." Once again he walked towards him, but the latter's ice-cold threatening gaze and grip on his sword, told him it was better to stop.
All at once, all around him were people wearing light blue and white robes. They helped the owner of the stall to pick up and put down everything that was not damaged. Wei Wuxian was pushed to the side and then stood close to the strange man again. He watched the helpers.
Wei Wuxian took advantage of this moment and looked at him from the side. He was about as tall as he was, probably the same age. He was dressed all in white, which really suited him. Although he was lying on the ground a moment ago, he looked as if he had just stepped out of the house. Wei Wuxian only noticed the headband now, the band was light blue and had the clan symbol of the Lan Clan living here on the front. Now it dawned on him, this young man must be a direct member of the Lan family, only they wore the clan symbol of cast metal on their headband.
Wei Wuxian raised his sword and put his hands together in front of his chest and bowed his head in a bow, "Wei Wuxian, Yunmeng Jiang Clan." His counterpart just looked at him coldly. Then he decided to greet Wei Wuxian after all, but without a word. Immediately, he stood stiffly again and continued to watch the aides.
A smirk came to Wei Wuxian's lips, this guy really was a tough nut to crack. He felt a tingle in his hands to upset this stiff stranger. So he seized the moment once more and took a closer look at his counterpart. He had excellent posture, which suggested hard training and discipline, and he carried a soul sword. Wei Wuxian knew whether every weapon had a soul or not, which meant that this young man had a strong golden core. Without this, he would not be able to carry or wield a soul sword. His gaze wandered upwards to his profile and again he could not help but notice that the young man was very attractive.
Then he saw something shimmering in the stranger's hair, or more precisely, in his headdress. Without thinking, he raised his hand and was almost at his head when he suddenly had the sword blade of him at his throat. He didn't dare move, but looked down and saw two very angry eyes that obviously wanted to turn him into ashes instantly. Wei Wuxian already knew that look, even if this one from the young man goaded him rather than warned him. But this time he just smiled innocently and explained, "Something got caught in your headdress." Before the stranger could react, Wei Wuxian plucked the little something out of the stranger's hair. The blade had moved even closer to his throat. But he remained calm and held out his fist to the stranger, then slowly opened it to reveal a small lotus flower made of jade. It was barely the size of his fingertip and very finely worked. A slight shimmer emanated from it, it was completely smooth, but had very finely worked structures on the petals.
He looked up and saw that his counterpart was examining this small flower very closely. When he noticed that Wei Wuxian was looking at him, he withdrew his sword, turned away from him and went to the merchant.
Unexpectedly, small arms reached around Wei Wuxian's leg. "Oops. What's wrong?" One of the white-robed children squeezed him tightly. He bent down to the little boy.
"Well, who are you?"
"I am Lan Wangji!" was the proud reply.
"Oooh Really?!" The little one nodded quite eagerly and Wei Wuxian had to laugh.
"You're a great fighter I hear!" The other children now dared to join him. "And you are?" The other little one in white clothes introduced himself as "Lan Xichen, Great Jade Twin" and the boy in the mask turned out to be Wuldach Ghost! Wei Wuxian bowed his head as a sign of his respectful greeting.
Then the children were suddenly silent.
"What's the matter with you? Are any of you hurt?" Immediately he looked at the little ones more closely, he had thought the helping people had already examined them closely. But the little ones shook their heads. Relieved, Wei Wuxian breathed a sigh of relief, "What is it then? What's with the glum expressions?" the little "Lan Wangji" clutched his leg even tighter.
"We are sorry." Wei Wuxian did not understand. He patted the little one on the head, "What are you sorry for?"
"You fell into the stand with the handsome man and now you are fighting. And the donkey is hurt and the barrels are broken." said the little "Wuldach ghost".
Wei Wuxian laughed: "That's not your fault. All that matters right now is that you are all fine and nothing has happened. Wait..." Wei Wuxian looked at his little leg clip, "Why do you call him 'the handsome man'? What does that make me?" With a twinkle in his eyes, he saw the little one turn all red in the face.
At the same moment, the stranger looked over at them and Wei Wuxian looked at him. He laughed and leaned towards the little boy. "You are right, he is a handsome man." Obviously the stranger knew they were talking about him, because his look turned angry again. Wei Wuxian winked at him and then turned back to the three boys.
"Off you go home, this place needs tidying up."
"So we won't be scolded?" He shook his head with a laugh and the three quickly ran off.
Patting the dust off his clothes, Wei Wuxian stood up and walked to the merchant. He bowed and apologised to him sincerely. But the merchant waved him off and assured him that the Lan Clan had paid for everything and that it was only important that nothing had happened to the children. Then Wei Wuxian remembered the lotus flower. He held it out to the merchant to give it back to its owner. He looked at the little flower in amazement. Then he shook his head.
"If this lotus found its way to you, then she is yours."
"It did not come to me, it was in this young man's hair." He pointed at the stranger who was talking to the aides. He quickly closed his fist around the flower again and walked over to the group.
The helpers nodded to the man in white and walked to the back to another group, which was obviously waiting for them. Wei Wuxian only now noticed that there were many guards with them, as well as cultivators. They were all standing around a stretcher on which an injured man was obviously lying. Before the stranger turned to leave, Wei Wuxian addressed him.
"Wait!" immediately the young man stiffened. "The merchant said that if she came to you, then she was yours." He held his hand in front of him again and opened his fingers. The flower was looked at but obviously he was not willing to take it. The Lan offspring remained standing stiffly. He looked at the flower in Wei Wuxian's hand.
"No."
"Consider it, thanks for your help and for catching me." Wei Wuxian hadn't known it, but the stranger's gaze grew even icier.
"No."
Wei Wuxian smiled and got a dangerous glint in his eyes. This ice-cold stubborn manner of the stranger really goaded him and irritated him enormously. He closed his hand and pretended to give up. As the stranger turned to leave, Wei Wuxian grabbed his arm and just as he suspected, he reacted immediately. He turned to Wei Wuxian and drew his sword as he did so. Wei Wuxian ducked, and as the sword arm was still swinging backwards, the stranger was briefly uncovered and Wei Wuxian took advantage of this. He quickly came back up, grabbed him by the robe and pulled him towards him, bringing his mouth very close to his ear. He whispered something to him, whereupon he had to duck away quickly to avoid being decapitated. The stranger's gaze was murderous and his ears were deep red. Wei Wuxian smiled mischievously at him.
He saw how tightly the other clutched his sword and scabbard and from clenched teeth the latter hissed, "Never." The stranger's gaze grew colder while Wei Wuxian's smile grew more challenging.
"Wei Wuxian!", for the umpteenth time today, he heard his brother's angry voice. His counterpart used the brief distraction to turn away and go to his group. For the first time, Wei Wuxian was looking forward to staying here in Gusu. If this young man was a Lan offspring, he would probably see him again.
Jiang Cheng smacked him against the arm, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Ow!"
"How long were we supposed to wait for you? We thought you were lost. You were only supposed to fetch water! What have you been doing?" Wei Wuxian rubbed his arm.
"I did buy what we needed, then I got distracted by the jewellery stall! Oh... I'll be right there. There's the well over there and also the water hose." Wei Wuxian ran to the jewellery stall and handed the lotus flower to the merchant.
While Wei Wuxian looked around searchingly at the stranger, the merchant looked at the flower. It was shimmering and, surprisingly, had not suffered any damage. He took a small painted bamboo box and put the lotus inside. Then he closed it with a seal and put it in his robe.
Wei Wuxian just saw his handsome stranger turn the next corner with his group. He grinned, what a stubborn block of ice. Beautiful he was, no question, gorgeous even, but cold as ice and just as hard. His sister called out to him and held up the two bottles of the Emperor's Smile. Oh damn, he had forgotten all about that. Laughing, he ran to them and let the usual insults from Jiang Cheng wash over him. Of course he took the liquor anyway. Together they made the long and arduous climb to Cloud Recesses.
*
Far away from this idyllic picture, a secret meeting was held.
"Is it safe here too?!"
"Are you questioning my abilities?"
"Oh no, of course not."
"You are new here and I understand your excitement, but rest assured that everything has been thought of. No one will hear or see us here."
They were all seated in different areas of the room, separated by paper walls so that they wouldn't recognise each other's identities.
"How's the ore delivery?"
"Mining is proving more difficult than anticipated. Many workers perish not only from the hard work but from the bad energy in this place and the changed creatures."
"Then get more workers!"
"Difficult, as the surrounding villages are already suspicious."
"All the better, then they won't be snooping around there. Can someone else send workers?"
"Yes here, our work is finished and I was going to get rid of the workers but at least this way they serve a purpose before they pass away."
"What about the search for the 'Inseparables'? Has any progress been made there?"
"We've been able to rule out a few in the meantime. There are still five possible pairs left.
"This is going too slowly, we need results."
"There seems to be a good opportunity coming up because soon some of them will be gathered in the same place. If our man there is right, six out of nine candidates will be there."
"That plays into our hands. Where will that be?"
"At the Lan Clan in Gusu."
An enthusiastic murmur went round the room.
"We'll send some of us there to keep an eye on things."
"No need, I already have people on the ground."
"Good, then we will soon have results in that regard."
"What about the village?"
"Has started, everything is prepared and in a few days it should be ready."
"Very good."
"As always, you will be contacted shortly before the next meeting with time and place. Prepare yourselves, it won't be long now."
The meeting was over.
*
"Are you serious? We're too early and that's why we're not allowed in?" Wei Wuxian stared at the Gusu clan's guards in disbelief.
"We have a strict schedule. Your companion is not here yet and there is another clan being shown around at this moment. Please be patient and wait until then."
Exasperated, Wei Wuxian stamped his foot, "Gusu and their rules. It's worse than I thought."
He contorted his face and leaned against the rock wall like a petulant little child.
His sister chuckled and said, "A-Xian, it's no big deal, we'll wait here or go check out the surroundings."
"Oh come on sister, even if you think the rule is nonsensical and rude."
She replies, "Coming too early is also rude. We have to respect their rules. Let's look at the area, there seems to be a river back there."
As they turned to leave, Jiang Cheng first noticed someone approaching. Wei Wuxian just shrugged his shoulders. He couldn't care less, these people would have to wait as well. Again, that uncomfortable feeling crept into his chest and he rubbed his hand over the spot. He was in a bad mood when the day had started so well. The climb had been exhausting, but he had only thought about the stranger anyway. All the time he was thinking about how he could break his ice, should luck be on his side and he see him again. The question was when and where....
Wei Wuxian's mouth remained open. The crowd parted and his handsome stranger approached the gate of Cloud Recess. The latter strode past them without giving them a glance. Immediately Wei Wuxian's fingers itched to scratch at his ice again. The Lan offspring stopped at the gate, the guard bowed "Second young master Lan Wangji."
Wei Wuxian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Lan Wangji, jade twin and second son of the clan head. He laughed because he had actually already messed with a jade twin he wanted to get on good terms with. And he cried because Jiang Cheng would kill him if he found out that Wei Wuxian had been causing trouble and angering one of the Jade Twins before their studies had even started. He groaned inwardly. As much as he liked to annoy his brother, he didn't really want him to get angry with him to begin with. And honestly, he wanted to compete against the Jade twins but not incur their displeasure. That would worsen the good relationship between the two clans. He didn't want that, of course.
"What is going on here?" asked Lan Wangji, the guard.
"The clansmen from Yunmeng Jiang arrived a little early. I already told them they would have to wait."
Wei Wuxian eyed Lan Wangji as he spoke to the guard. He didn't really look like he got dirty very often. Did he really fight that well? The talk about him being an outstanding fighter had to have a reason, otherwise this rumour would not be so persistent among the cultivators. He took a deep breath. Yes he looked good, but so were others. Wei Wuxian would treat him with respect and maybe he would get to see him fight or even compete against him. Well, on the other hand, he should probably stay away from Lan Wangji completely and approach the other twin in a friendly manner. At least there would be no prejudice to fear yet. So it really was a darn coincidence to fall on one of the Jade twins.
Again the crowd parted and Lan Wangji's group passed them with the stretcher. Wei Wuxian rubbed his chest, that strange tugging in his chest again. The injured man on the stretcher had strange marks on his neck and face and seemed unconscious. Lan Wangji motioned to the guard to let them through and he obeyed.
Jiang Cheng leaned over to Wei Wuxian and asked, "What do you think he died of?"
"He's not dead. Seems more like he was injured or possessed by something," the latter replied.
Lan Wangji, who was about to leave, turned around at Wei Wuxian's words and looked at him. Wei Wuxian was astonished that Lan Wangji looked at him so directly, after he had skillfully ignored him until just now.
Fortunately, Jiang Cheng was unaware of all this and stepped in front of Lan Wangji. His sister stood at Jiang Cheng's side, who bowed and introduced his sister. But Lan Wangji kept his eyes only on Wei Wuxian, and a very angry one at that. Now Jiang Cheng introduced Wei Wuxian, and after a moment's hesitation, he stood beside his siblings and bowed to Lan Wangji as well. The icy gaze remained on him, but now Lan Wangji also bowed in greeting the Jiang Clan.
When they raised their heads again, the icy gaze was still on Wei Wuxian, who swallowed, for there was something intense about it. The tugging in his chest had subsided, but now it fluttered in his stomach. Damn. He really wanted to know how well Lan Wangji could fight. Yes, he was good looking and yes, the stories and ravings of women and men about him were justified. But looks were not everything, Wei Wuxian was more interested in how good he was in battle. But, no! He would stay away and rather make friends with his brother Lan Xichen, who was said to be the gentler of the two and would certainly not constantly awaken in him the need to annoy and tease him.
Lan Wangji had just denied her wish to enter Cloud Recesses. This clan was unbelievable. What was so bad about inviting them in? What would happen to Earth if they allowed them in before their time? These Gusu rules were really... unique.
Wei Wuxian stepped forward and said with as much respect as he could, "Second young master Lan Wangji", please let us in. We have had a long walk and my sister is very exhausted."
Lan Wangji eyed him and replied, "No, it is not your turn yet."
"Lan Wangji, you could make an exception. The world will not end if they already allow us entry."
His handsome stranger's eyes narrowed, "No." Wei Wuxian did not give up so easily, he never did.
"We didn't know your rules, or we would have taken a rest elsewhere." Apparently Lan Wangji thought the subject was over, for he turned to go.
Wei Wuxian took a step behind him, "Lan Wangji you..." Suddenly Wei Wuxian could not open his mouth. What! h
He knew perfectly well that it was Lan Wangji's doing. If he wasn't so angry, he would have laughed at the fact that Lan Wangji actually forbade him to open his mouth. He gestured wildly and pointed at his mouth, scowled and stamped his foot. Lan Wangji didn't react a bit and kept walking. He was not going to let his handsome stranger off that easily. Wei Wuxian grabbed his sword and pulled it a bit out of the scabbard. Immediately Lan Wangji stopped and his grip on his sword tightened. Wei Wuxian grinned, Lan Wangji was not afraid of challenges. He might look like a prince, but he was a warrior. Very slowly, he turned around and looked directly into Wei Wuxian's eyes. Then he made a minimal movement with his head and Wei Wuxian bared his teeth inwardly. Lan Wangji showed him that he did not consider him worthy of a fight. Wei Wuxian twisted his lips into a challenging smile. At first nothing happened and Wei Wuxian was almost disappointed that Lan Wangji was so easily dissuaded. But suddenly his handsome stranger raised his head, making it look as if he was eyeing him arrogantly and looking down on him from above. The message was clear: "Try it!". At that moment Wei Wuxian's Spirit rose and for the first time they both agreed. He threw his resolution and what he had just decided to keep away from Lan Wangji straight into the emblematic volcano. The hunt had begun and Lan Wangji was the prey.
Without another word, the Jade Twin turned away and left, unaware that he had a very special challenge to face in the coming weeks.
A grin settled on Wei Wuxian's lips, which could not have been wider. Jiang Cheng and his sister stood there somewhat indecisively. They knew that something important had just happened, but they had no idea what it was. They both looked at Wei Wuxian questioningly. When Jiang Cheng saw him smile, he knew trouble was coming.
"Oh please. Wei Wuxian, keep your hands off Lan Wangji! Please don't attract negative attention even before we pass the gate!" Wei Wuxian smirked, poor Cheng, the chaos had already been set in motion a few hours ago.
"I'm pretty sure fighting is forbidden in Gusu!" his brother continued to rant. The days here would be very hard for Jiang Cheng, for he had no idea at all how much Wei Wuxian had it in for Lan Wangji. He had several reasons at once: he had left her out here, despite his sister's failing health. He had cast the "silence spell" on him. His ice-cold manner and the belief that Wei Wuxian was no match for him really brought him up. The anticipation of the coming days grew.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes as he saw a certain twinkle in his little brother's eyes.
"Sister, it's best we leave now since we'll be kicked out in a few days anyway. Look at him, he has that twinkle. THAT sparkles in his eyes!" She giggled and patted Cheng on the shoulder. "Don't worry, A-Xian won't cause any trouble. Right?" The latter looked at his sister and shook his head, thinking to himself, "Not in the early days."
Lan Wangji beware.
*
The next very early morning, all the clan students gathered in the classrooms. In the front sat the Lan clan leader Lan Qiren and next to him the older Jade twin Lan Xichen or rather with the respectful title: Zewu-Jun.
Each student had their own table and were already sitting behind it, eager to see what they would learn here. For they all knew that excellent cultivators always came out of the Lan Clan. How disappointed they all were when Lan Qiren announced that he would read out the 3000 clan rules. Some seemed to have no intention of reading the rules from the great rock wall. So he would read them here now, so that everyone had heard and internalised the rules too.
Wei Wuxian groaned loudly inwardly...this was exactly what he had feared. He took advantage of the time and looked around to see who from the other clans was present. Next to him was Nie Huaisang, youngest brother from the Qinghe Nie Clan. A well-dressed young man who brought his own elegance and good looks. Wei Wuxian suspected that he would get on well with him. Nie held his open fan in front of his face and kept nodding behind it. Wei Wuxian grinned, oh yes they would both get on very well.
Further back, to his surprise, he saw some of the Qishan Wen clan. He did not know their names. There was a young man who looked very shy and a young woman who seemed rather arrogant. It was unusual for the Wen Clan to send students to other clans, for they kept their students under lock and key, just like their teaching methods.
Briefly he looked at Lan Qiren, but he was only at rule 398, so he continued to look around. And was caught by another pair of angry looking eyes. Obviously his handsome stranger was displeased that he was not listening carefully to the teacher. Immediately his fingers itched again to provoke Lan Wangji. So he tilted his head a little and winked at him. Lan Wangji blew him off with a scathing look and looked forward again. He couldn't help a wry smile and resumed his visual exploration of the other clansmen. At the very front sat Lan Wangji and behind him 3 other Lan students whose names he did not yet know. Next to the Lan disciples, Wei Wuxian recognised the members of the Lanling Jin clan. Why were the son and nephew present here? It was understandable that the son Jin Zixuan was studying here, but that the nephew Jin Zixun was also present seemed strange. Well, it was not forbidden to them, but it was unusual.
He looked at both Jin's offspring and wrinkled his nose. They were always dressed in gold and cream. For them, power and wealth was an important attribute and they showed it where they could. Vain peacocks, Wei Wuxian thought. Well, he was biassed because the son Jin Zixuan was engaged to his sister. He thought she deserved a much better husband. Perhaps one could be found before the marriage was consummated, this was still in the distant future anyway, at least if his brother and he had their way. They both had the familial arrogant look, very well on it. Wei Wuxian shook his head, he just didn't agree with this union.
His gaze wandered back to Lan Wangji and he wondered if he was also promised to someone.
"Wei Wuxian!" called Lan Qiren to order. Snapped out of his contemplation, Wei Wuxian quickly looked to his current teacher as if surprised to be counted out by him.
"What rule did I just read out?"
"You are not allowed to share your clothes." There was either a startled intake of breath in the class or they couldn't suppress a laugh. Lan Qiren looked at him angrily. Wei Wuxian wasn't afraid, he just noticed that his nephew had far better command of that look.
"Since you don't like having the rules recited to you, perhaps you should copy them down to internalise them." Wei Wuxian tilted his head slightly, as if uncomfortable with his spontaneously given answer. But a sideways glance at the young Nie and his wry grin, clearly showed that he was not the least bit sorry. The back of his neck prickled and he knew one of the Jade twins was glaring at him. He put on a concerned expression and looked at Lan Wangji. As he thought, Lan Qiren could learn a lot from Lan Wangji's gaze.
Lan Qiren slapped the table with the flat of his hand, "Three hundred times you will copy the Gusu rules and do not think you can escape it. Someone will control you. Wei Wuxian looked at the clan leader and thought to himself: no matter who it was, he got along with everyone and usually he had his overseer on his side after a short time.
But then Lan Qiren said, "Lan Wangji, you will supervise him." Okay, that meant he would have to copy down the rules 300 times. Wei Wuxian already suspected that Lan Wangji would not be so easily swayed by him. He looked at him and suddenly, he didn't find the idea of having to copy down the rules 300 times so terrifying. For he would be in the library with his handsome stranger.
Lan Wangji seemed to suspect something, because his eyes became even darker and Wei Wuxian thought that this was no longer possible.
No sooner had the last lesson ended than Wei Wuxian jumped up, stretching and stretching exaggeratedly, which earned him a laugh from Nie Huaisang. In the corner of his eye he had Lan Wangji in view, who calmly stood up, bowed to his uncle and turned to leave. When he was level with him, Wei Wuxian turned and elbowed him on the arm as if by accident. If he hadn't been watching closely, he wouldn't have noticed the minimal flinch. With a smile, he turned to Nie Huaisang, who seemed to have been watching him.
Wei Wuxian nodded at him, "You've been here for a while. What can you do here after class?".
Instead of him, Jiang Cheng replied, "Have you forgotten that you have a punishment to serve?!" he scowled at his little brother.
"Really in the first lesson? That's a record even for you!" Jiang Cheng folded his arms in front of his chest. Wei Wuxian screwed up his face. Right, he had to go to the library after all... to his handsome stranger. He started grinning and immediately Jiang Cheng was suspicious. He grabbed his brother by the arm and pulled him out of the classroom. On the way to the library, he scolded and Wei Wuxian took it calmly.
"Please, would you at least try not to turn every single person against you?"
"I think the young man from the Nie Clan seems to like me." Abruptly, Jiang Cheng stopped and looked at him as if he was thinking about something. Then he gestured with his head towards the library, "Behave yourself!".
He left Wei Wuxian standing and walked away.
Wei Wuxian took one deep breath and then entered the library. In the front seemed to be the study area and in the back were a great many shelves of books and scrolls. In the front area along the walls were several tables spaced far apart. Lan Wangji sat in the middle of the room. There was a pedestal in the centre of which were more shelves with more books and scrolls. Around this were 3 tables, also at a great distance from each other, so that one could pursue one's studies undisturbed.
Lan Wangji did not even look up when he entered the library. He looked around briefly and saw the thick rulebook already lying on the seat opposite his overseer. Actually he wanted to go directly to Lan Wangji, but he remembered his brother's words and just went to his seat. He sat down and began his task. Every now and then he looked at Lan Wangji and watched him. With a book in his hand, he sat completely motionless. Somehow this made Wei Wuxian ... he couldn't find the right word, but to see him sitting like that without any movement suggested that his training had been very hard. Following an impulse, he stood up and walked over to him. Even now Lan Wangji did not respond, so he stood in front of his table.
"Lan Wangji, tell me at what age do your start training?" Paper rustled as he turned a page and continued reading as if he had heard nothing.
"Is it true that your bathe in ice cold springs from infancy?" no response.
"Do your little children get up at 5 a.m. too?"
The longer Lan Wangji remained silent, the more uneasy he became, a strange feeling creeping over him, so he asked, "Do the parents bring their children here and stay nearby, or do some parents leave their children here alone?" Lan Wangji seemed to freeze for a moment and hold his breath. It was only a split second, but Wei Wuxian had noticed and this time his face darkened. He took a breath to ask another question, but found he could no longer open his mouth. Oh, this stubborn Lan offspring was beyond belief. Wei Wuxian waved his arms around and stamped his foot. Lan Wangji put his book down on the table and slowly raised his eyes to Wei Wuxian, who paused in mid-motion. He swallowed and had to realise again that Lan Wangji was the only one who could literally pin him to the wall with his gaze. He had met so many teachers, trainers, warriors and other authoritarian people, but none held him with their stern gaze like his new overseer. They stared at each other and neither was willing to give in to the other. Unexpectedly, Wei Wuxian felt a twinge in his chest again, he broke eye contact and rubbed his fist over his heart. He closed his eyes for a moment, then Lan Wangji came to mind and he turned away from him and walked to his seat. After taking a few deep breaths, he sat down and continued copying down the Gusu rules.
This time he stubbornly kept his eyes down on his papers. If he had glanced at Lan Wangji from time to time, as he had done before, he would have seen that he was watching him thoughtfully.
The soft ringing of a bell told them that evening had come and with that Wei Wuxian was done with his punishment task for the day. He stretched and stood up. Again he followed an impulse and joined Lan Wangji at the table.
This time he leaned on it and looked directly at him, "Lan Wangji," he pronounced his name extra softly, "may I sit next to you tomorrow?"
Lan Wangji didn't even raise his eyes as he replied, "Boring."
Wei Wuxian's face was beaming. As he stood up to leave and took his hands off the table, he lightly brushed his hand over the fingers Lan Wangji held his book with. The angry look only hit Wei Wuxian's back, who walked briskly towards the exit. As he left the library, he was pleased to have tickled a reaction out of Lan Wangji in the end.
*
Wei Wuxian was awakened the following night by a strong pull in his chest. He sat down cross-legged, took a few deep breaths and let his gaze wander inwards. His Spirit was unusually active. Not aggressive and not agitated, but clearly perceptible. As if he was aware of something that was not or not yet threatening, but needed his attention. For three years, his Spirit had been clearly more active and he occasionally had this strange feeling in his chest. The stabbing pains only came in the last few months, but were completely independent of places, people or things he was doing. He couldn't find a common denominator, which really frustrated him, because first of all it was painful and secondly it was important, of which he was absolutely sure.
The pulling in his chest didn't get any less and his spirit didn't really calm down either. If he were looking for a comparison, he would compare his spirit to a large predatory cat that paced vigilantly up and down its cave entrance. No meditation seemed to calm his Spirit today.
Unexpectedly, Lan Wangji came to his mind, sitting completely motionless in the library. Dressed entirely in white, his hair flowing black down his back and his gaze highly focused. Wei Wuxian let out a small sigh as he thought of how he had met Lan Wangji, or rather fallen on him. To his great good fortune, he had then met his handsome stranger here again and he would spend some time with him. Such very pleasant coincidences were welcome to happen more often.
His Spirit became more relaxed and finally rested within himself. The feeling in his chest was no longer so strong, but still there.
It didn't help, he needed fresh air and a bit of exercise. He preferred to be higher up, close to the stars, so he jumped onto a roof and walked a few steps. However, it wasn't long before he felt a tingling on the back of his neck, he was being watched. And sure enough, when he turned around, he saw Lan Wangji standing in the courtyard with his sword Bichen in his left hand and his right resting on his back. Needless to say, he looked at him disapprovingly.
"Lan Wangji, what is the Lan clan's flagship disciple doing out of bed at this hour? I am sure I read that this is forbidden in Cloud Recesses." Wei Wuxian sat down on the roof and looked challengingly at his handsome stranger.
"You are too. Without permission."
"Oh, but I have a good reason." Lan Wangji just looked at him, obviously waiting for his explanation. Wei Wuxian smiled and again his fingers tingle to tease him.
"I couldn't sleep and so I wanted to see you. Because I thought to myself, Lan Wangji will surely read me the clan rules so I can fall asleep quickly."
As expected, Lan Wangji's expression darkened and he replied, "Come down. Lan Qiren will determine your punishment." Wei Wuxian pouted, "Lan Wangji, I'm afraid I won't come down for that. If you had suggested that you help me fall asleep, I would have come to you immediately. This way I'd rather stay here o..." he looked puzzled for a moment. Then he looked angrily down at Lan Wangji and gestured wildly with his arms again that he should take the silencing spell off him. He jumped from the roof and landed close to Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji looked at him blankly and Wei Wuxian felt the urgent need to do something very stupid.
Suddenly an energy-charged wind arose and the familiar stabbing pain shot into Wei Wuxian's chest. Lan Wangji and he both looked towards the main house at the same time. They both ran and rushed into the room.
There, Lan Qiren and Zewu-Jun stood at the camp of the injured man Lan Wangji had brought here. Both looked up startled as they came rushing in to them.
"What are you doing here?" came the thunderous question from Lan Qiren. But neither Lan Wangji nor Wei Wuxian answered. They both went to the injured cultivator and looked at him closely. Again pain shot up Wei Wuxian's chest, the candles flickered and the injured man sat up abruptly.
"White eyes, no pupils." Wei Wuxian pulled his collar a little to one side, "Wounds that don't bleed and," he palpated the arm and leg, "cold and stiff limbs." he frowned thoughtfully.
Lan Xichen stepped up to him, "What do you think?"
"I can't describe it exactly. It is... empty, but not dead." "Not a ghost, not undead, not a zombie."
"Not a soul..." said Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian unconsciously rubbed his fist across his chest again, nodding in confirmation.
"Yes also, but he has no mental energy left either, he's like...".
Lan Qiren drew in a sharp breath, "A puppet or marionette?"
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian nodded simultaneously. "Yes exactly! It is a shell with no mind of its own, no qi or soul."
While Wei Wuxian pondered what this meant Lan Wangji turned to his uncle and brother.
"What could have caused this?"
His brother replied, "It is too early to guess, we know too little." His gaze darkened, "I hope it is not what I think, though." he smiled reassuringly at his younger brother. "We will go to the village again soon and investigate the cause."
This time the pain that shot into Wei Wuxian's chest was so strong that he almost fell to his knees. At the same moment, that energetic wind came up again and the "doll" began to move. It was fast as hell, but Wei Wuxian was faster. The puppet spun, pushed itself away from the camp and leapt towards Lan Wangji with bared teeth. The teeth buried themselves deep into warm flesh and instantly the white fabric turned deep red. Wei Wuxian did not even flinch as the puppet bit into his arm instead of Lan Wangji's neck. With the flat of his hand, he pushed against the creature's chest, causing it to crack ugly. At the same time Lan Wangji spun, drawing his sword Bichen, and as the doll was thrown backwards by Wei Wuxian's thrust, he swung Bichen, decapitating the cultivator doll. The head rolled across the room and the body slumped lifelessly.
Lan Qiren immediately went to the dead man and checked if there were still signs of any kind of life in him. Lan Wangji guided Bichen back into the scabbard as his uncle shook his head slightly. He turned to face Wei Wuxian. His whole left arm was scarlet, but he made no expression. Lan Xichen had already taken care of him, holding the arm up a little at the wrist and carefully pulling the layers of cloth upwards. An ugly wound was revealed. Obviously these creatures were very strong. If Wei Wuxian had not reacted so quickly, this creature would probably have ripped out half of Lan Wangji's throat.
He looked at Wei Wuxian, who seemed to notice, for he looked up at him. A bright smile spread across the latter's face, "That makes us even!" he smiled wryly as Lan Wangji scowled at him.
"This is not a game."
"Lan Wangji, please don't tell me that the Gusu rules say that you have to ask the person in question before you can save them." he winked at his handsome stranger, who seemed to be getting angrier and angrier.
Lan Xichen surveyed the wound and listened intently to both of them. Why couldn't he shake the feeling that something had happened between the two of them. He looked up and looked back and forth between the two. His gaze remained on his brother. He seemed to be very angry. No. Not angry... more upset. Even though he was enjoying the little spectacle the wound had to be tended to. "Young master Wei please follow me, we have to take care of the miracles. I hope nothing else will happen and this is just a flesh wound."
Lan Wangji took a step towards him with his hand slightly raised but his brother shook his head. He clenched the raised hand into a fist and placed it back on his back. Frowning and pursing his lips, he stood stiffly against the table.
Wei Wuxian looked confusedly at Lan Wangji and then at Zewu-Jun, who smiled at him and said, "Come with me."
As Lan Wangji was about to follow them, his uncle stopped him, "Wangji, get some helpers so we can tidy up here and bury the body appropriately." A moment's hesitation then the latter bowed and did as he was ordered.
Lan Xichen led Wei Wuxian into another house where there were all sorts of herbs, clay pots and crucibles. He told Wei Wuxian to sit down and fetched water, cloths, bandages and a small clay pot. Then he sat down in front of the injured man and gently pushed the cloth aside.
"You treat me personally so the others here don't find out what happened." It was not a question, but Lan Xichen nodded anyway.
"You have a hunch as to what influenced this cultivator. Will you tell me about it?"
Zewu-Jun looked at him, "Will you tell me how you know Wangji? It is obvious that you did not just meet here." They both fell silent. To which Wei Wuxian wondered why he didn't want to tell. And yet there was something in him that resisted revealing it. Smiling, the older Jade twin continued to treat the wound. He cleaned the edge of the wound, looked at it and felt along it. Obviously he was satisfied with the result, because he began to bandage the arm. Wei Wuxian took the opportunity to look at Zewu-Jun more closely.
One could clearly see the family resemblance between him and Lan Wangji. However, Zewu-Jun was taller than his brother. His face was more angular and his nose longer. He had an even face with gentle features. When one saw him, one thought of a fine warm breeze. He seemed to have a very gentle disposition and a lot of patience. Women and men in the other clans praised his courteous and diplomatic manner and his alert mind. They sang songs to his beauty and elegance. He agreed with everything, Lan Xichen was one of the most attractive men he had ever seen, but that left him completely cold. Not in the least did Wei Wuxian notice even a hint of what Lan Wangji aroused in him. Maybe Lan Xichen was just too nice, that's why he didn't feel the need to annoy him. The older brother was much more approachable and certainly smiled more.
"What do you think about the doll?" Lan Xichen's voice mingled with Wei Wuxian's thoughts. The latter put a finger to his mouth and considered. "Nothing different from what I had already said, either. What causes such a thing I have not yet encountered, or rather, have not yet heard what in the offing brings such a thing to light."
"How did you manage to react so quickly? You moved almost at the same moment as that undead cultivator." Wei Wuxian tilted his head and looked at Zewu-Jun thoughtfully. "I was only reacting. Not thought." His counterpart nodded and closed the bandage.
Then he stood up and bowed to Wei Wuxian, "I thank you for saving my brother's life." Wei Wuxian immediately jumped up, "No, no no need. Please do not bow. You are the elder!"
"Wei Wuxian. There is no shame in bowing in gratitude given for the life of a loved one." Wei Wuxian respectfully raised his hands and bowed his head.
Zewu-Jun smiled his gentle smile again and asked again, "And you really don't want to tell me what happened between you and Wangji?" Wei Wuxian bowed his head again and respectfully but clearly declined the renewed request.
"Then let's go, it's late. I want to see the wound again in two days."
They walked out together and walked along the path to the lodgings. Wei Wuxian took the opportunity to ask about the surrounding villages and settlements.
When they arrived at the main house they saw Lan Wangji standing there quietly looking at the moon.
If Wei Wuxian hadn't been aware of it before, he would have been now at the latest. Lan Wangji triggered so many different reactions in him just by his presence, while Lan Xichen left him completely cold. Oh, he liked him, but when he saw him he felt the need to have a cup of tea with him (he didn't like tea) and confess his misdeeds. But Lan Wangji always lit a fire that made him want to tease his handsome stranger to the extreme just to get a reaction from him. He also had to admit to himself that he liked looking at Lan Wangji, he was just ... stunning. A smirk settled on his lips as he thought of their first meeting.
Lan Wangji noticed both of them and turned to them. He looked at Wei Wuxian's arm, who immediately responded and said, "All is well. Just a few days and the arm will be as good as new." he smiled at Lan Wangji.
The latter looked at him for a while and then said, "Your punishment for going out at night without permission is to copy the Gusu rules another 50 times."
Wei Wuxian listened up, he should have known, yet he was not angry about it. Aloud he said, "Lan Wangji can it be that you just want to spend time with me in the library more often? You could have suspended the punishment for once, as compensation for my brave intervention." Lan Wangji's grip on Bichen tightened.
Wei Wuxian chuckled inwardly, "Very well, I'll take the punishment if I get to sit next to you in the library."
Annihilation by ice-cold stare from the youngest Jade twin. "Boring." Wei Wuxian grinned all over his face.
Zewu-Jun cleared his throat, " It is time. Good night young master Wei." The latter said goodbye with a respectful salute, not without giving Lan Wangji his "little boy smile" once more. Then he walked towards his room and Lan Wangji's eyes followed him.
"He is very lively."
His little brother looked up at him. "You should make friends with him." This time he got the annoyed look.
"Wangji, you grew up too fast. Heavy burdens were put on your shoulders too soon. You also need to have fun and make friends. Make your own connections with other clans. I think young master Wei would be a good choice." His little brother's gaze grew more closed and his grip on Bichen so tight that his knuckles stood out white. Zewu-Jun noticed and found this reaction extremely interesting.
As a test, he tried something else: "Speaking of him. Wei Wuxian's wound..." he paused slightly. But it was enough for Wangji to raise his head immediately and he even saw concern in his eyes for a moment. So he hadn't expected that, but he was pleased about it. Did he have a guilty conscience towards young master Wei or did he like him a little after all? "I think we'll know more in two days. Wei Wuxian has a strong core, I don't think this bite will have any effect. Please make sure he comes to me in two days so I can examine the wound." Lan Wangji nodded.
"And you are sure you do not wish to be friends with Wei Wuxian?" Lan Wangji replied by turning and leaving without a word. Smiling, Zewu-Jun also went to his quarters.
*
The next day in class, Wei Wuxian had trouble staying awake. He hadn't slept a wink and had been brooding all night. Besides, it annoyed him that he had been given a punishment in spite of everything.... On the other hand, it meant more time with Lan Wangji in the library. He furrowed his brows, brooding, and stared at his hand. Testing it, he made a fist, opened it again and repeated. Last night when he pushed the cultivator away with his hand he had "shoved" too much energy into it, breaking all the bones in its upper body. Not that this creature minded, but it made Wei Wuxian wonder. Normally he had a better grip on himself. Maybe it was because his Spirit was restless that night or because of the stabbing pain in his chest.
He had to admit it worried him because he couldn't lose control. No matter how you spun it, he possessed a lot of mental strength. However, since that one incident years ago, he had never lost control of it. He continued to stare at his hand and tried to tell himself: it was just a little thing after all. But he knew better, for he knew the extent of his power... of his nexus.
He shook his head, he wasn't in the mood for such negative thoughts, he needed cheering up. Lan Wangji. He wasn't surprised that name popped into his head. Obviously there was nothing else or worthwhile with him at the moment but to tease this jade twin to the extreme. So he reached into his robe and pulled out a paper talisman in the shape of a little man. He drew a few characters on it, took some of his Qi and directed it into the paper figure. The paper figure came to life, pushed itself off the table and sailed towards Lang Wangji.
Lang Wangji only noticed the paper figure when it landed on his shoulder. He looked at Wei Wuxian, for there was only one person who behaved so insolently towards him. The paper figure ran up to his neck, but before he reached it, Lan Wangji grabbed it. While holding it in his hand, he looked very angrily at Wei Wuxian, who smiled at him.
It was only silly that Lan Qiren didn't miss it and he slapped the table with a scroll, "Wei Wuxian. Clearly you have no desire to broaden your horizons today either." Lan Wangji lifted the paper manikin, which was currently nestled against his thumb, and crumpled it in his hand. Wei Wuxian seemed to wince painfully for a moment, and Lan Wangji wondered how close he had been to that paper figure.
Again Lan Qiren slammed the scroll down on the table, obviously not used to being ignored by his students. Wei Wuxian looked at him again, waiting for the next question or instruction, whatever it was he would take it. Teasing his handsome stranger was worth it to him.
Lan Qiren asked general questions about the different clans, its characteristics and main clan heads. Then came questions about ghosts, undead, monsters and all sorts of basic cultivation knowledge. Most people didn't suspect it, but Wei Wuxian had a memory palace that stored a lot of information. He liked to read a lot and he exchanged ideas with other cultivators whenever he could. He was also always eager to learn more, for he found that a clever mind belonged to a strong fighter. One without the other did not make much sense in his eyes and was even dangerous in some respects. Besides, his art of talismans required a lot of mental work, especially when he created them himself to suit each situation.
"The least you should know as a member of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan." was Lan Qiren's response to all of Wei Wuxian's answers. Jiang Cheng and his sister nodded to their brother, who held his ground.
"Now explain to me the difference between soul and spirit."
"The soul is what makes you alive, feelings and so on. It makes the difference between a human being and a zombie, for example. A Spirit is an inner force. While Qi is our life energy, a Spirit is an additional energetic force similar to our mental energy. Each Spirit is unique and only very few have one. They are almost like independent beings, but they cannot live without their host and form a close connection with it, while the host can also live without Spirit. Soul and Spirit can influence each other and different things happen when one or the other is destroyed, influenced or contaminated. Some Spirits bestow other abilities on their bearer, in addition to the soulsword-wielding ability."
"What is the golden core?"
"It directs our Qi, amplifies it or can dampen it. Depending on the strength of your golden core, you are a sword bearer or not. If your golden core is very strong you can wield a soul weapon if it accepts you."
"What do you call the connection of qi, golden core and a Spirit?"
"Nexus."
"What makes the difference between an impure or disturbed Spirit and an evil Ghost?
"The Ghost is capable of doing harm without a body, the Spirit needs a body to act. However, the diseased Spirit in a body is more dangerous than the raging Ghost without a solid form."
Lan Qiren looked at Wei Wuxian warily. He had not expected the latter to hold so much knowledge.
"I also have a question," Wei Wuxian looked directly at Lan Qiren, "How do you define a 'bad' Spirit? When do I know if a spirit is tainted and when is it not? Energy is energy, whether it's good or bad is irrelevant, after all, it's the use of that energy that matters."
"Nonsense! You can't use bad energy in a positive way."
"But you can use positive energy badly. Is the energy then bad or the one who uses it?"
A murmur went through the class. Some students looked horrified, others couldn't help laughing.
Lan Qiren raised his voice, "The moment the Spirit is abused, the energy is bad."
Wei Wuxian didn't give up, "But the energy is good, why is it suddenly bad when the owner uses it for evil?"
By now Lan Qiren had stood up and was pacing back and forth in front of the class. As he did so, he waved the scroll around wildly. "Because the owner and the Spirit are one, one conditions the other. A person with bad energy will never achieve anything positive with it."
Wei Wuxian folded his arms in front of his chest, "And someone with good energy will never do anything bad? Then how come we have evil cultivators?"
"Positive energy can be affected negatively."
Jiang Cheng tried to stop his brother from talking further, but the latter paid him no attention. Nie Huaisang hid behind his fan, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian closely and although he scowled at him, he followed his every word carefully.
Wei Wuxian continued to engage in a war of words with Lan Qiren, "If positive energy can be affected negatively, why can't so-called dark energy be used positively?" The clan leader threw his scroll at him. "Bad must be fought. What is the 53rd rule?"
Nie Huaisang startled as Lan Qiren pointed at him and replied quietly, "Never ally yourself with evil."
"There is no way to use evil energy for good. There are no good black demonic cultivators. No good cultivators with evil or bad Spirit's."
As Wei Wuxian started to say something again, another scroll flew just past his head.
"Get out of here!", Lan Qiren pointed his finger towards the exit. "Write down the rules a thousand more times! And an additional 600 times the rules about demonic and evil energies and their cultivators! Outrageous to even think of such a thing."
Wei Wuxian bowed, picked up his sword and as he turned to leave, he looked Lan Wangji in the eye. He could not interpret what he saw in them.
After he had set foot out of the room, he heard Lan Qiren call out again: "Wangji, you will supervise him. Make sure he also internalises what he is copying. I have never experienced anything like it."
Wei Wuxian quickened his steps, he didn't want to go to the library right now. So he used the power of his qi as soon as he was out of sight and jumped over the rooftops and ran into the adjacent forest.
After a while, Wei Wuxian passed a large waterfall. He stopped and admired the power of the water and this wonderful sight. The waterfall flowed into a lake, which in turn divided into several rivers. It was truly a magnificent sight. As he walked along, he discovered a side branch of the waterfall, obviously a rock had to split the river branch further up. This was more like a pond than a lake, but it was secluded, hidden and quiet. To his great delight, Wei Wuxian discovered a big old peach tree. He immediately climbed it and looked for a comfortable place to lie down. He let one leg dangle down, the other he placed on the branch and exhaled contentedly. He crossed his arms behind his head and looked at the clouds.
Only the second day and already he had got into trouble again. Jiang Cheng's sermon would take hours.
"Wei Wuxian."
In shock, he almost fell out of the tree. Not surprising, really, that he of all people should find him here.
"Lan Wangji. When someone shirks his punishment, you find him everywhere don't you?"
"Let's go." Briefly Wei Wuxian considered resisting him, but he really shouldn't turn the Lan Clan against the Jiang Clan. So he jumped down and landed in front of Lan Wangji, who didn't move an inch.
"This is the tree of our ancestors." said Lan Wangji.
"I'm sure many generations have sat on it." Wei Wuxian grinned.
Lan Wangji looked at him disapprovingly again, "Impudent." he turned and led the way. Laughing, Wei Wuxian followed his overseer.
*
The following day, Wei Wuxian went with Lan Wangji after class as usual, but this time he did not lead him to the library.
Questioningly, he raised an eyebrow and looked at Lan Wangji.
"Checking your wound. Right, Zewu-Jun had asked him to do that. How had Lan Wangji known about this? Before he could ask the question, they were there and entered after a short knock. They greeted Zewu-Jun and Wei Wuxian sat down at the table where there was already a small clay pot and a new bandage.
"Wangji, will you please pass me the small bowl behind you?" the latter did as asked and then stopped beside his brother and watched him. Wei Wuxian pushed the cloth up his arm and Zewu-Jun pulled his arm a little towards him. He started to undo the bandage when someone called his name from outside. With an apology, he rose and went outside the door for a moment.
After a moment he came back in and excused himself, "Wangji please take over my duties here, something urgent needs my presence." Briefly his little brother stiffened, but then nodded. Zewu-Jun left and Lan Wangji sat down with Wei Wuxian. He looked at him attentively.
Carefully Lan Wangji took Wei Wuxian's arm and began to unwind the bandage. When the bandage was off, he looked at the wound, of which only a strong redness and the clear imprints of the teeth could be seen. He saw no discolouration or other unnatural changes. He breathed a sigh of relief, so there had been no poisoning of Wei Wuxian by the doll. Even though Lan Wangji was pleased, he wondered why this deep wound had healed so quickly. While he mixed some herbs together, he thought back to that moment.
Even before he realised that the cultivator puppet had become active, Wei Wuxian had been there to stand in front of him. Then, when he saw his arm covered in blood, it shook him. He wanted to go to him and see for himself how he was. But his brother was already there. Then Wei Wuxian started saying stupid things again and he was torn between anger and ... worry. When he wanted to go to him, his brother stopped him. Why wasn't he allowed to help Wei Wuxian? Then his uncle also stopped him from following his brother and Wei Wuxian. Again he was torn, he did not know this about himself. Actually, he knew why his brother stopped him from healing Wei Wuxian and he also knew that his uncle's instruction was logical. And yet the urge inside him to be by Wei Wuxian's side was so strong that he did not know how to deal with it. It was a completely new feeling. In general, Wei Wuxian seemed to activate something in him that had previously been locked in ice. It had only been a few days since he first met him. Nevertheless, Wei Wuxian had already triggered so many different feelings in him in the few hours that others had not managed in a year.
As he turned to pick up a bowl, he suddenly felt Wei Wuxian's fingers on the back of his hand. Immediately, startled, he turned around and pulled his hand away. Wei Wuxian's eyes fixed on him and this caused an inner flutter. His eyes were so full of life and intensity. They seemed to be able to see to the bottom of his soul every time. Quickly, he tightened his ice layer around himself and glared angrily at this impudent person.
Something changed in Wei Wuxian's gaze and it gave him goosebumps. He knew very well that Wei Wuxian was plotting something. Actually, he couldn't have known, because he had no experience in this, as he stayed away from other people as much as possible. But with him, he knew. Just as he knew that what was going on in Wei Wuxian's head at the moment would probably upset him. He had also had that twinkle when he had fallen on him and looked at his mouth. As if Wei Wuxian knew what he was thinking about, his gaze lowered to his lips and his stomach suddenly fluttered. Lan Wangji might be inexperienced, but he still knew what was going through Wei Wuxian's mind. But what really scared him was the realisation that he would love to have this experience with Wei Wuxian. This thought immediately froze him to the core. There was a reason why he stayed away from people. Why he wrapped himself in ice and why he trained so hard. That one night had changed everything.
Wei Wuxian knew that something had just happened in Lan Wangji. Somehow the layer of ice suddenly seemed even thicker. A hard expression appeared in the latter's eyes, somehow it pained Wei Wuxian to see it on Lan Wangji. Perhaps he had pushed it too far? He had only known him for a few days and to know him was too big a word, because he didn't really know him. All he knew was that Lan Wangji felt familiar. But now he had locked him out, literally slammed the door in his face. He felt he had to act very carefully now.
"Thank you for tending to my wound." he smiled gently at Lan Wangji. The latter only responded by resuming his work. Highly concentrated, he mixed the herbs, filled them into a small bag and put it down in front of Wei Wuxian. Then he stood up and put everything away. Wei Wuxian didn't ask for a bandage, he didn't need it any more and yet he would have liked Lan Wangji to look after him a little longer. Without another word, he left the room. Wei Wuxian said nothing and did not follow. He knew it was better to leave him alone at the moment. I don't know how he knew, but his gut told him that if he pushed Lan Wangji now, he would lose him. He took Suibian and made his way to the library, albeit taking a detour of about an hour.
*
Over the next few days, Wei Wuxian tried to behave in an exemplary manner, which, despite his efforts, he failed to do in the library as soon as he was alone with Lan Wangji. His fingers were always itching to tease him and to get some kind of reaction out of him. And when the silence spell was cast on him, he retaliated by touching Lan Wangji as if by accident. He liked that even less than Wei Wuxian's talk. So they engaged in a battle alternating between silence spells and touching. Wei Wuxian enjoyed getting so close to Lan Wangji that he sometimes brushed the back of his hand or bumped his leg against his. His handsome stranger flinched every time, that never changed. But he became more adept at keeping away from him or else anticipating his movement. Wei Wuxian responded by sleeping in the peach tree almost every day and letting Lan Wangji pick him up, so to speak, or rather drag him to the library. Here he had even more opportunities to bring his handsome stranger up.
When Wei Wuxian was at copy 502, he looked up and saw Lan Wangji copying an old book to archive it. He had been watching him closely for the past week when they were not in the library.
Lan Wangji was no friend of words, no friend of superfluous movements, or friend of anyone. He often heard him playing his Guqin and when the moon was in the sky, he knew by now that Lan Wangji was standing somewhere looking at him. Lan Wangji actually knew more than one facial expression: number one: angry and very angry and number two: disinterested and definitely disinterested. Facial expression number three, at least Wei Wuxian believed, had been adopted just for him: "Burn to ashes immediately!" He was often sparkled at angrily by him, but this rolled off him. What nailed him every time, though, was the intensity of his eyes. If Lan Wangji was trying to get him to stop with that look, he was bound to disappoint him bitterly. On the contrary, Wei Wuxian was always provoking Lan Wangji anew. By now he also knew that Lan Wangji had a very rare musical talent and he was very well read.
It was time to find out how good the youngest Jade Twin really was at sword fighting. A plan was forming in his mind and he would put it into action tonight. Unfortunately, he couldn't suppress a grin and of course Lan Wangji looked over at him at that very moment. Immediately his gaze darkened and he knew Wei Wuxian was plotting something.
Wei Wuxian left Cloud Recesses and wandered down to the village. He looked around and listened to people's latest gossip, because if you took your time, you learned amazing things. It wasn't long before his patience was rewarded: they talked about missing cultivators in the area and about a small village where there had apparently been an attack by the undead. A wanderer told them that cultivators had also disappeared in other clans and never returned. Worried, Wei Wuxian wondered if this was also the case for them in Lotus Cove. He decided to send a message and ask. Normally, people did not make such a fuss about missing cultivators, because it often happened that they disappeared for days or weeks and then reappeared either dead or alive. But this was clearly more than normal when cultivators disappeared without a trace everywhere in different clans at the same time.
When the conversation brought nothing new to light, he continued on his way and went to the merchant with the Emperor's Smile. Lan Wangji would not like that at all and that was exactly what Wei Wuxian was after.
Suddenly he had the feeling he was being watched. He stopped and let his senses roam, his Qi was strong and he could amplify many things with it. Especially when he carried his power outwards. But he didn't notice anything unusual. Now if this someone should follow him to Cloud Recesses, he would notice.
Full of joyful anticipation, he set off to put his plan into action. Halfway there, he made sure he was not being followed. The feeling was no longer there and apart from a couple of resident animals and lower spirits he sensed nothing. The sun had already set when the gate to Cloud Recesses came into view. Even before he reached the gate he saw Lan Wangji standing on a rock nearby, obviously he had been waiting for him. Inwardly Wei Wuxian smirked and he was also a little surprised that his handsome stranger could size him up so well. Inwardly, he was getting ready to mess with this jade twin.
"Oh, Second young master Lan Wangji, I'm surprised to see you here."
"You're out past the allowed time. And you have alcohol with you."
"Excellent Second oung master Lan Wangji, it seems you really know the rules by heart. Now if you don't mind I would like to go to my room and have a sip of this excellent drink."
"Alcohol and its consumption is strictly forbidden." Wei Wuxian raised the bottles in Lan Wangji's direction. Of course he knew the latter would never break a rule, but if he wanted to achieve what he was here for he had to tease him further.
"If you not betray me, then you may join me for a drink." And there it was again, that angry look, that intensity left a tingle in his stomach. It was time for the next step.
He walked towards the gate and was about to write a talisman in the air to break the seal. That's when the blade of Bichen came to his neck.
"Bribery double punishment." Wei Wuxian's Spirit rose like an animal that had been waiting for the right moment. He felt his energy level and joy rise , for what was about to come would be much fun.
"Lan Wangji..." he pushed Bichen away from his neck with two fingers, "you don't really think you can stop me." He pushed himself off to run over the rocks to the side, but Lan Wangji was already there with Bichen. Wei Wuxian had to yank Suibian up quickly to avoid a very painful wound. The swords clashed, for a moment it seemed as if both fighters were floating in the air, then they pushed each other off and landed expertly on the ground. Lan Wangji immediately went for Wei Wuxian again, he parried and dodged the next sword strike that quickly followed.
Lan Wangji was very fast and agile, he kept Wei Wuxian on his toes and the swords met so often that one had the feeling they would sing together. Over and over again the Jade Twin attacked Wei Wuxian and he parried or dodged and used his Qi outwards to jump from rock to rock or tree. Lan Wangji followed without difficulty and very quickly, Wei Wuxian was pleased to note. It was time to get serious. In a smooth turn he left the liquor on a rock and now it was his turn to attack Lan Wangji. He dived under the latter's sword arm as he brought Bichen against him and sent Suibian hurtling down on him. But his opponent was very agile and was able to dodge his attack with a quick turn. Lan Wangji was truly an excellent fighter, no matter what Wei Wuxian did, he was always one step ahead of him.
As Wei Wuxian leapt towards Lan Wangji, the latter jerked up bichen and the clashing of swords resounded throughout the forest. Both were thrown backwards by the impact, but came to a halt effortlessly. They stared at each other. Then, with a jerk, Lan Wangji turned his sword into an attack stance and pushed himself off the ground. The clouds parted and bathed him in silvery moonlight. His robe seemed to glow and Bichen took on an energetic glow. Wei Wuxian was unable to react, he was spellbound by the image that presented itself. Lan Wangji's front body was in shadow. Wei Wuxian saw an ice-blue glow and it seemed to come from Lan Wangji himself. At the very last moment, he was able to disengage his gaze and turn away to the side before Bichen could slice open his chest. Lan Wangji landed near him and nailed him again with his gaze. There was no longer any sign of the blue glow, perhaps he had imagined it.
Wei Wuxian was thrilled, even if he didn't fight with full strength he knew that Lan Wangji was his equal and even better in sword fighting. He had no problems acknowledging the abilities of others. Everything that was said about the young Jade Twin was true. Finally he had found what he had been looking for so long. Lan Wangji put Bichen back into the sword sheath.
"Become my oath partner!" Lan Wangji stopped in mid-motion he actually seemed startled. Wei Wuxian couldn't blame him, he too was surprised by his direct outburst. He had actually intended to convince him with arguments and logic. But there they were with this impulsive request.
"No," Lan Wangji turned and left.
"Hey. Hey, wait," he ran after Lan Wangji, stowing Suibian in his sword scabbard as he went.
"Lan Wangji wait!" But the latter just kept walking, ignoring him.
"Lan Wangji!!!", no response.
"Second young master Lan Wangji!" this stubborn block of ice simply would not listen to him.
"Lan Zhan!" abruptly the called one stopped and Wei Wuxian almost ran into him.
Lan Wangji slowly turned to face him, glaring at him indignantly.
Wei Wuxian swallowed, "You didn't react. You can call me by my birth name if you like." Before he could retort, he quickly added, "Lan Zhan, take the oath of arms with me." Time seemed to stand still while Wei Wuxian tried to read what Lan Zhan was thinking in his eyes. Briefly it seemed as if the latter's eyes sparkled ice blue, but a blink later it was gone.
"Never."
Wei Wuxian wanted to contradict, but this was prevented by the silence spell. Angrily, he stamped his foot. This was truly an annoying ability from Lan Zhan.
Wei Wuxian in turn tried to stare Lan Zhan down angrily, but he only said, "Boring." He turned and made his way back to Cloud Recesses.
A sulking Wei Wuxian stomped after him. However, he also grinned to himself, for he had found a worthy fighter, after so long and so many clans, he had someone to compete with. Not only that, he was sure Lan Zhan could even defeat him if necessary. Now he just had to convince him to take the oath of arms with him. Somehow he knew that was no easy task. But he loved a challenge and Lan Zhan was just that, in every way.
*