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“Outrageous!”
The Madam of the Jiang Sect is furious. Had it been that the Yunmeng Jiang Sect Leader gifted a commissioned bow—painted with the best kind, etched on it the lotus symbol of the Yunmeng Jiang—to the Jiang Clan’s only ward. Her husband approaches her with a muted coaxing, but the Madam is swift to yank his arm away.
Without removing her deadly scowl from the six-year-old toddler, “Omegas do not engage with weapons!”
The young Wei Ying freezes on his spot, lowering the bow in his hand, one he and Jiang Wanyin had been playing with. The latter, an alpha, refuses to leave the omega’s side. It infuriates Madam Yu. She felt that his own young and flesh, even her husband, are engaged in such fatuity.
Madam Yu grits her teeth, and it makes a sound each time she glances at her adopted’s bow and her son’s sword. How dare a mere orphaned omega lay hands on a gifted weapon, the same league as her alpha son.
“The boy has an innate affinity for cultivation. I will not turn a blind eye and say that he hadn’t shown prowess at such a tender age.”
Madam Yu scoffs, “Of course, you would know that! Having been born to an old friend of yours, he is naturally a cultivator too.”
“My lady, please let her rest.”
His mother’s name wasn’t mentioned, but Wei Ying knew it, for Cangse Sanren had always taken the blame in their fights, despite having been dead for half a decade. “Look at your son, Fengmian. Should I lose him to this unwonted ruling?”
The Madam had been prepared for the day that her husband would take an old disciple’s son into his home to raise, but no warning could’ve readied the lady for a male omega with great aptitude in cultivation and swordmanship. A mere omega that his alpha son couldn’t seem to surpass in proficiency, even when he had executed hard work and determination over Wei Ying, who chose to sit idly by the pier, picking lotus seedpods to snack on.
This omega is too free-spirited and talented for the Madam’s liking, and so she imposes house rules where she best does. “I’ll let this ludicrousness persevere, but the omega will abide by my ordinances. I’ll be sure to regulate it.”
Wei Ying is set to be schooled, traditionally reserved for omega or beta heirs and heiresses of great clans. To better prepare them for the world of bethrotals and a fūrén’s role, not night hunting and subduing ghouls or pheasants.
The Madam hadn’t got a single damn to care if Wei Ying would have to sit alongside his shiejie during boring lectures, learning about dining etiquette, when to tone down a chortle, or the secrets of consummation to secure the birth of an alpha heir. Rather than standing where the stark sun best beams, as disciples gather to shoot down kites flown in the air.
“If he cannot fulfill his studies alongside a-Li, he must bid his farewell to cultivation.”
Or so Madam Yu thought that Wei Ying would have to take his omega duties and classes seriously, where his efforts in cultivation would be left to rot and be in vain. That his alpha son, Jiang Wanyin, would soon be known for his own skillfulness and not simply the second leading disciple of the Jiang Sect.
“My lady, he reaps what he sows.”
“An omega who carries a weapon is impermissible. And yet you’ve rewarded him for it!”
The zidian worn on her finger crackles into small lightning when Wei Ying had been proclaimed the Head Disciple at the age of fifteen. It is unorthodox, nevertheless, everyone can look past an omega who practices swordsmanship. But an omega as the leading disciple of a main cultivation sect? It was unheard of, and the cultivation world is in uproar. Had she purposely led the omega to success?
In the following years, the murmurs do not die down, as the gossip makes its way to her ears.
Their omega tutor, whom the Madam had invited for tea, carelessly speaks out her admiration, “Young Master Wei would make a great addition to any clan. He will be sought after by remarkable alphas, and Sect Leader Jiang will have to let such a prodigy go.”
The teacup falls with a loud thud on the wooden table, and the latter flinches at Madam Yu’s sudden outrage. “He should be grateful to have been indebted to the Jiang Clan's care. A prodigy? An ideal fiancé, you say? Should he have been given the chance to cultivate or even a roof to sleep under if it hadn’t been for the Jiangs?”
Now, given his courtesy name—Wei Wuxian? He should be grateful, not proud.
The tutor stands up and, with a succinct bow, she speaks once more, “I best believe that Yu fūrén may share her sentiments directly to Madam Jin.”
Madam Yu felt as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured onto her. “What do you mean? Surely she is not to nullify the proposed alliance with the Jin Clan, is she not?” Madam Yu gazes at the latter expectantly, “Not at all. It just seems that Madam Jin took more of an interest in your omega ward… than your beta heiress, whom you’ve presented.”
The summer Wei Wuxian turned seventeen, Madam Yu could not look past the evident resemblance he had to his mother.
He was as tall as the alphas in Yunmeng, unconventionally tall for an omega. With constant training in cultivation, his build was toned tantalizingly, his curves patent under the Jiang Clan’s robes. His face was that of Cangse Sanren’s, sweet and dainty. Only his father’s high ponytail was what he wore; the rest was of his mother’s. From his laughter, intelligence, humor, and antics, even his tendency to be wooed.
Yu Ziyuan was again incensed when Wei Wuxian’s scent had developed to that in his favor as he approached his coming of age.
Madam Yu cannot comprehend. How has the loud, obnoxious, and outlandish omega gained such respect and admiration? Even her children are not immune to it. Caring for the omega as if he were their own sibling.
A mere son of a slave who once worked for the Jiangs. How it had slipped her line of sight, that this servant’s son is surpassing her children, one Jiang Fengmian had raised alongside them. Under the same roof, absorbing the same meals, was there any difference in the rice the male omega had been consuming? Ridiculous. Once again, Cangse Sanren takes the blame, as Madam Yu seems just fit.
The Madam admits how Wei Wuxian invariably manages to get under her skin, and the more so when her husband or her children reproach her for it.
Wei Wuxian is not all perfect, considering how rebellious and bold the omega is compared to his peers. Trouble seeks him, and Madam Yu rejoices with another chance to reprimand him. To wipe off that arrogance in his face, which Jiang Yanli recognizes as confidence, yet the Madam derides it indifferently.
“What a place for him to bring dishonor to the Jiang Sect.” Madam Yu scorns. She had learned about the Gusu Lan Sect’s invitation for leading disciples and heirs of influential clans to study cultivation in the Cloud Recesses.
“Watch him, Fengmian. Watch how he offends each sect and leads to peril, endangering Lotus Pier!”
The omega was more than capable. Sect Leader Jiang understood that what his lady had meant was that his ward would bring attention and unnecessary brawls from envy, one he could not control. Wei Wuxian may be bold, but he is smart and rational. Lotus Pier may be more accepting of an omega who exceeds alphas, but not every place in the cultivation world thinks alike, Yunmeng.
Wei Wuxian kept his head low, his knees numb from his awkward kneeling. On his side, his shijie and shidi had been coaxing him to stand up.
“That will certainly not happen, my lady. If unwanted harm may befall him, I will make sure that he is under the Jiang Clan’s protection.” Sect Leader Jiang descends from his dais’ stairs, and Madam Yu is quick to shoot him a glare.
“A-niang, Wei Wuxian would not wreak any terror in Gusu. He’ll stay closely by my side.” Jiang Cheng comments, in hopes that his mother would let his adopted brother join him in his studies.
“Did I ask what you think?!”
Comparison is the thief of joy. You do not understand that, Jiang Wanyin. The more that Jiang Cheng stays close to him, the more trouble he will attract as well. Her son will be subjected to mockery, having been the alpha heir, but an omega takes his place as the head disciple.
Just one more exceptional headline honoring Wei Wuxian—he might as well take Jiang Cheng’s place as an heir. Madam Yu later realizes that her scent had turned sour and unpleasantly tangy.
“Should it be that your alpha son cleans after your adopted’s mess?!”
“Wei Wuxian will attend alongside Jiang Cheng. Any other arguments will not be entertained.”
Sect Leader Jiang’s voice was firm and resolute. He exits the room, and his children are quick to give him a brief bow. Madam Yu’s lashes flutter, unable to process his husband’s unusual perseverance. Yu Ziyuan is unsure whether Jiang Fengmian was adamant on sending Wei Wuxian to Gusu or to blatantly prove her wrong.
A part of it is truthful. Sect Leader Jiang regarded Wei Wuxian as his own offspring. He wished that during his trip to Gusu, the omega might meet wholesome friends and form alliances or maybe even a potential mate.
One who could take him away, and hide him from the confines of the world’s spiteful remarks and unjust judgment. Even if it meant to seclude him, Jiang Fengmian selfishly thinks.
Lan Qiren’s proudest disciple had just gone out of seclusion.
They say, Sect Leader Lan is pedantic and stern; he despises the wicked path and ungodly ways. He did not tolerate any misdeed or evil and strictly lived, abiding by the three thousand Gusu Lan Clan rules etched in the Wall of Discipline. And yet Lan Wangji, the other Twin Jade of Lan, the only alpha of the pair, is unparalleled compared to his shufu.
Only eighteen, and yet his level of impassiveness was that of a rock-hard statue. A contrast to his beta older brother, who excelled in socializing.
Lan Wangji is exceptionally gifted in both cultivation and magnificence. Blessed with a chiseled face, the god of beauty took his time to carve him to perfection. All that he is, overflowing in impeccability, is what he lacked in expression and to be discerned.
He’d noticed the difference in the Cloud Recesses' usual tranquil ambiance; had it been that the students from many sects had arrived? Lan Wangji is unaware. He’d exited his secluded meditation in the middle of the night and was in nowhere to check if his assumptions were true. He abruptly stops in his tracks when he senses an unfamiliar scent drift over him.
It’s soothing yet tempting. It’s sweet but alluring. It’s calling to him, the alpha quickly realizes that it belongs to a potential mate. Lan Wangji is intrigued—an omega compatible enough to incite a thirst in him even when he’d never been parched before.
Lan Wangji gazes upright where his spotless boots took him. A beguiling male omega greeted him. The alpha didn’t know what to make of the latter, except that he’d already broken at least three clan rules.
“This one’s Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian.” Still atop a roof, the omega bows. Lan Wangji thinks he is rather insincere. He had heard that name before, the only omega in the cultivation history, under the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, to ever be crowned as head disciple. He’ll be sure to ask Lan Xichen for details about him later on.
Lan Wangji reminds him of the rules he is expected to follow, his tone coming out a bit harsher, as Wei Wuxian’s scent sours momentarily. The carefree look on Wei Wuxian’s face proved that he didn’t recognize the alpha as a compatible mate.
“Lan-er-gege, let’s skip introductions and pretend that we are better acquainted! I’ll even let you call me Wei Ying, that is… if you let this slide.” He clasps his hands, pleading, “Just this once?”
“Preposterous!”
Bichen was already out of its scabbard. A minute passed, and they were already dueling in the Cloud Recesses' sacred grounds. They only stopped when a jar of Emperor’s Smile had broken. Wei Wuxian flew a few meters away, and he stood atop a wall, drinking the single unblemished jar in one gulp.
“This wouldn’t count as violating the alcohol prohibition, right?” He giggled, taunting him.
“Wei Ying!”
“Lan Zhan! You really do live up to your name. This feeble little omega couldn’t catch up!”
Feeble? For all Lan Wangji knew, even his brother couldn’t endure battling with him. None of the alpha disciples of the Lan Sect could hold him for under a minute. And yet, Lan Wangji was softly panting, a feeling that was foreign to him, after clashing swords with an omega who dismissed him heedlessly. In Lan Wangji’s defense, he was both combating the omega’s attacks and the alpha in him that forbids hurting Wei Wuxian.
“That’s wonderful news, Wangji.”
Lan Xichen is thrilled when his younger brother informs him of the events that had transpired the night before. He was not enraged by the sect rules that both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had broken. Rather, he was delighted by the news that Lan Wangji had finally met the omega destined for him.
“The time has come, and only this Yunmeng omega could kindle a response in you. You two are practically made for each other.”
Their subject made Lan Wangji a bit uncomfortable. He didn’t expect to have this kind of conversation with his brother so soon. “He doesn’t recognize it.”
It was apparent that Wei Wuxian didn’t reciprocate the same astonished look; it’s not like every day you get to meet a potential mate. Realistically, you can only ever meet one in your entire life. “Young Master Wei hasn’t come of age yet. Sooner, he’ll come to realize.” His brother refutes. Wei Wuxian is almost ten months younger than Lan Wangji.
“Brother, I don’t understand.” The alpha withdraws, gazing out of the Hanshi’s window.
Their discrepancies are too severe to be dismissed. Wei Ying is all that contradicts Lan Wangji’s character.
It’s needless to expect that the new incoming disciples are aware of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s short brawl. Before even coming to Gusu, the disciples didn’t bother to hide their curiosity towards the famous omega head disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect.
Even those who pretended not to care, such as the Jin Clan’s heir, felt inquisitiveness stirred within him upon finding out he’d duelled with the Second Jade of Lan.
In a room full of alphas, there are only two omegas this school year. Second Young Master Nie, who kept returning to Gusu Lan after consecutively failing in his studies, and Wei Wuxian, whose name had brought commotion to the cultivation world at the ripe age of fifteen. The two omegas are better acquainted with each other than the rest, with only the alpha, Jiang Clan’s heir, constantly at their side.
Nie Huisang warned Wei Wuxian of the rules he ought to uphold. Wei Wuxian flaps his hand as he shakes his head in disapproval. Nie Huisang is quick to retort, “Wei-xiong, the Cloud Recesses is nothing like Lotus Pier! Here, everything is calculated, from the time you awake in the morning to the number of bowls you can utilize for meals.”
On the annual day of their classes, Lan Wangji overhears Jiang Cheng giving a cold warning to his older brother, “He’s after you. Hope for the best.” Jiang Cheng was quick to remove his eyes from Lan Wangji, but Wei Wuxian even had his arms waving at him, grinning from ear to ear, “Wangji-xiong, hi!”
Despite his peers’ constant cautionary advice, Wei Wuxian differed. He displayed his antics during lectures he supposed were boring everyone. He chewed nuts that were secretly slid under his robes, he exchanged meaningful glances with Nie Huisang, who snickered accordingly, and drew puppets to tug on Lan Wangji’s porcelain clothes. Many may find him amusing and surprisingly intelligent.
Albeit his careless remarks about the application of resentful energy for cultivation made Lan Qiren evict him out of the room until he’d transcribed every single clan rule in the Library Pavilion. And it was Lan Wangji’s unfortunate role to supervise his punishments.
“Second Young Master Lan, are you even listening…?” Wei Wuxian whines, his scent bursting across the library. Lan Wangji flinches, too subtle for the omega to capture, his sudden outburst almost made the alpha relent, by means that he would remove his sight from his scrolls and look at Wei Wuxian for once.
Wei Wuxian huffs, cupping his cheek, “Second Young Master Lan?” he calls, yet Lan Wangji doesn’t budge. “Lan Wangji,” he tried anew. “Wangji-xiong!” his tone jumps a pitch higher, “Lan-er-gege!”
“Lan Zhan!”
Lan Wangji shoots him a glare, piqued at his boldness. “Be quiet.” The alpha simply retorts. Delighted by receiving a reaction, Wei Wuxian was already cupping his cheeks with both hands. Lan Wangji rolls his eyes at his improper sitting, one he’d pointed out tirelessly. He returned his attention to his book. “Er-gege, you’re no fun.” Wei Wuxian playfully pouts.
“As much as I want to stare at your devilishly handsome face, I just can’t stay here all day. You don’t even talk to me!”
The burgeoning heat travels to Lan Wangji’s ears. Gaining a bit of self-consciousness, he looks away from his scrolls. In his peripheral vision, he notices the apparent (still) white sheet of paper on Wei Wuxian’s desk, had he been slouching around all this time?
“Your copies.”
“Uh—here.” Wei Wuxian, whose nose crinkled, held up a piece of paper, and on it was a sketch of Lan Wangji. Not a single rule transcribed, just Lan Wangji’s face drawn in intricate detail. The alpha was dumbfounded. It took him a moment to regain his composure. As soon as he did, he stood up abruptly, his knuckles turning white as he held onto Bichen’s hilt.
“You do not feel any remorse.”
“Easy there, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian stands up as well, “They say you carry incomparable courtesy, yet it seems you would rather duel this little omega than talk this out. Not very gentlemanly of you, is it?” he pushes the drawing aside, unveiling the clan rules he’d copied thrice. Lan Wangji internally hung his head in dismay at the omega’s unkempt penmanship.
“I had already finished, yet I remained for half an hour to offer you an apology, but you haven’t even spared me a moment’s attention."
The omega opted to leave, but Lan Wangji’s voice spoke firm.
“Killing livestock within the area is prohibited.”
Wei Wuxian recalled how his supposed genuine apology had drastically shifted to ranting and raving about the prohibitions of the Lan Clan that shackled his roguish spirit, one of it being the bland greens the omega forced himself to swallow. Engrossed in his stories, Wei Wuxian yearned for meat, sharing how appetizing the native chickens who freely roamed around Cloud Recesses were.
“Ah! So you had been listening all along.”
Most definitely. Lan Wangji is always listening but careful not to engage in eavesdropping or unruly gossip. Attentively observing the students, he couldn’t further admit to Lan Xichen, the alpha was drawn to Wei Wuxian. Albeit, he still could not understand why, to someone with a propensity to wage a rebellion or prosecute revolutions.
Wei Wuxian is exceptional in cultivation, but his flippancy and indolence obscured that fact.
To test his skills, the alpha cultivators would challenge him to a match. Jiang Cheng scoffs at the proposals; it was a pathetic excuse to flirt. Wei Wuxian remained oblivious, simply mimicking Lan Wangji’s familiar tone, “Second Young Master Lan says fighting without permission is prohibited in the Cloud Recesses.” But a mischievous smile comes right after.
Instead, Wei Wuxian would dare them to petty gambles or disturbing challenges. A Nie alpha almost puked his insides out when he tried to swallow a handful of chilies, in hopes of defeating Wei Wuxian. But the omega even licked his finger, unfazed.
“Even in death, Cangse Sanren pursues to torture me.” Lan Qiren utters, every time Wei Wuxian’s laughter gets uncontrollable.
Without even finishing his old transcriptions, Wei Wuxian would return to the Library Pavilion with the same rules to copy, stacked on his queue of punishments. “Have you really not read a single book about an alpha and an omega having sex? In your 18 years of existence? Lan-er-gege, you’re making it so hard for me to believe you!”
After so many days of torture, Lan Wangji spent alone with Wei Wuxian, it was that juncture that Lan Wangji cast him out when the omega intentionally replaced his book of poetry with pornography.
“Shameless!”
Upset was an understatement of how Lan Wangji felt. The alpha was livid—he had never met an omega so deranged. For days, he refused to even look at the omega’s way. Lan Wangji forthrightly snubbed Wei Wuxian’s advances to converse with him and extend sincere apologies. Lan Xichen had grown worried that this may sever their blooming fellowship for good.
Still without making amends with the Second Jade, Wei Wuxian had also offended the Jin Clan’s heir, Jin Zixuan. “That beta, Jiang Yanli? I don’t see much in her.” The alpha declared without contrition. Not a single guilt Wei Wuxian felt when Jin Zixuan’s defiance earned him a swift blow. Granted, the omega did ask for Jin Zixuan to atone for the insult he cast upon his dearest shijie.
At last, Jiang Cheng had been supportive of his brother’s behavior.
Shame was drawn all over Jin Zixuan, an omega, who dared to bruise his face? He was beyond agitated, but he chose to back down, not making much of it or drawing further attention. Because in the end, the question would turn upside down—an omega able to land his fist upon an alpha heir of a prominent sect? It is mortifying.
Luck was never on Wei Wuxian’s side. Subsequently, he was sent to kneel in the middle of Cloud Recesses, ahead of him the Wall of Discipline. “Lan-er-gege, don’t just stand there, say something.” Or so Lan Wangji thought the omega was repenting, “Don’t talk to me.” His stoicism was unmatched as he coldly left.
One morning, as they lined up to receive their meals, “Wangji-xiong!” Wei Wuxian calls out across the room when he catches the familiar mourning robes, which he regards as the alpha’s attire. “Lan Zhan, wait up!” he panics as he struggles to catch Lan Wangji’s figure when a bunch of Jin disciples approach his way, obscuring his sight.
Wei Wuxian was blindsided when Jin Zixun, an alpha who had a particular frown on his face, bumped his shoulder with immense strength, “Whore.” He heard the alpha whisper before he dropped to the ground, which came right after the screeching sound of metal, sprawled on the floor with his tray of meals.
“Wei-xiong!” Nie Huisang shrieked.
Wei Wuxian grimaces at the impact, and Lan Wangji feels as though he also took the strike. He caught how Jin Zixun opted to land another blow on the omega with his foot and disguise it as accidental, but Jin Zixuan, shock drawn on his face, caught his cousin’s hand in stern disapproval.
Jiang Cheng hurries to Wei Wuxian’s aid, angrily removing the bok choy and grains of white rice that stuck to his brother’s hair and robes, “You dare?!” the Yunmeng alpha scowls at Jin Zixun, instigating a fight. Their domineering scents fill the air, and Nie Huisang hurries to cover his nose before a headache begins.
“An eye for an eye.” Jin Zixun retorts. Wei Wuxian was quick to stop Jiang Cheng in his tracks, gently pushing his shidi’s chest, “No, a-Cheng, stop. Don’t.” Until the day Lan Wangji had met Wei Wuxian, he looked genuinely scared.
“Wei Wuxian!” Lan Qiren exclaims as he enters the room alongside Lan Xichen. Next time he knew, he was already back at the Library Pavilion, copying clan rules along with Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji tried to explain, but Wei Wuxian had already set himself to take the blame. The alpha didn’t like how Lan Qiren had jumped to conclusions, blaming Wei Wuxian for another alpha’s wrongdoing, he’ll be sure to talk to his shufu later. And that Jin Zixun will reap what he sowed. The more he couldn’t comprehend why Wei Wuxian willingly let himself be belittled and disrespected, it was out of his character. Wei Wuxian’s continued silence made Lan Wangji decide to pry.
“You took the blame.”
Wei Wuxian looks up from his desk, unsure if he has indeed heard the alpha speak. “Pardon?”
“Jin Zixun insulted you and harmed you. Why?”
The omega’s eyes momentarily widened, “Honestly, I didn’t expect he had the courage to do that. I thought he would only try to push my limits with what he does best—running his mouth.” Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes. The alpha made an internal note, so Jin Zixun had been harassing Wei Wuxian by calling him names, and Lan Wangji wouldn’t have found out if the Jin alpha hadn’t chosen to humiliate him in front of everyone.
“Jin Zixun had his revenge because I punched his beloved cousin in the face,” Jin Zixuan wore a disturbing blackeye, “and I totally understand where he’s coming from. I mean, if someone tried to hurt Jiang Cheng, Nie Huisang, or you, I would do the same.”
Lan Wangji felt his breath stuck in his throat. He glances at Wei Wuxian, “We are not familiar.”
Wei Wuxian lets out an incredulous gasp, “Come on, Lan-er-gege. Don't do this to me! We always hang out together—”
“You follow me around.”
“—During my stay, you only ever call me Wei Ying, even Jiang Cheng doesn’t do that—”
“You call me Lan Zhan.”
“—We’re practically close friends!”
“Ridiculous.”
That’s right. Ridiculous. This is all ridiculous, Lan Wangji thinks. Wei Wuxian is like the stark sun—stare too long, and you'll be blinded by its brilliance. But like the sun, that radiance is beyond his control. Five times Lan Wangji relentlessly pushed this omega away, and a single time he came to realize that Wei Wuxian is often misconceived, he felt his icy frost facade gradually melt down.
“Lan Zhan, do you even know how excitement feels? Lotus Pier may be a free place, but there are things I can’t do at home that I can in Gusu. Omega this, omega that. The Madam would not allow it unless she’d get the chance to tear me down.”
All the nonsense Wei Wuxian blabbered about, the alpha found himself leaning in to listen, and he grew to understand that Wei Ying is more than what meets the eye.
Lan Wangji found himself waiting at a certain pavilion, knowing Wei Wuxian would walk past it. The comical sketches and puppet talismans Wei Wuxian drew should’ve been rid of, but Lan Wangji kept them under the Jingshi’s tiles. When Wei Wuxian’s knees had bruised from falling flat, Lan Wangji gave Jin Zixun the cold shoulder. The Jin alpha would pay his courtesy to Lan Wangji when he encountered him, but Lan Wangji, under no circumstances, would not bow.
Both Twin Jades are gazing at the vista before them, and the disciples are hurrying to complete their lanterns. With the usual windy weather of Gusu, Wei Wuxian’s long ponytail flows synchronously in rhythm with the cold breeze. Strands of his bangs frame his small, youthful face, and the omega takes his slender fingers to tuck them behind his ear.
To Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian is beautiful. And with this sentiment, he is not alone. Lan Wangji rarely found anyone physically attractive, to others, Wei Wuxian must be extraordinary.
The Gusu Lan Sect’s robes? It must’ve been tailored by the Lan ancestors so Wei Wuxian could wear it. The lotus flower in Yunmeng? Many years ago, it sprouted and bloomed, solely that there would be a flower to resemble Wei Wuxian. It’s all so confusing. Lan Wangji doesn’t know where this affection is coming from.
Is this friendship? He’s never had any friends before… maybe this is what it feels like?
Lan Xichen could read his younger brother like the back of his palm, “Two months left before the disciples return home.” Lan Wangji doesn’t understand this gnawing feeling in his chest. “Shall I look forward to the stillness of the Cloud Recesses, or will the absence of Young Master Wei’s laughter render it hollow?”
“It’s customary.”
“Wangji, you can visit Yunmeng anytime you’d like.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“I believe your presence would bring great joy to Young Master Wei, should you choose to visit.” Lan Xichen suppresses a sigh when Nie Huisang’s lantern fails miserably. Wei Wuxian locates the Twin Jades. He holds out his lantern, and on it is a picture of a bunny, “Lan Zhan, look!”
Lan Xichen subtly smiles, “It would be wise to grow familiar with Yunmeng early on. I mean, that is where all of this is leading, isn’t it?”
In all honesty, the alpha doesn’t know. Lan Wangji is clueless where his elegant boots ought to take him. Each sunset, he grows increasingly worried when the day Wei Wuxian would recognize him as a potential mate arrives. Would he dismiss what fate had brought for him? Wei Wuxian wasn’t particularly thrilled at the idea of marriage. And Lan Wangji confirmed it again when they met by the cold pond.
“Why can’t I, an omega, choose the alpha I wish to marry? That is, if he exists. Besides, alphas are given the privilege to seek the omega they covet, why can’t I?” Wei Wuxian pouts.
“I don’t want to carry the burden of becoming an adult. Might as well savor my stay here in Gusu before Madam Yu marries me off for sect alliances. Maybe I could make a run for it? Lan Zhan, would you accompany me?”
Lan Wangji stiffens, “You do not understand what you are implying.”
The alpha encourages the idea. His mind dwells upon the image of Wei Wuxian asking for Lan Wangji’s aid if he’d be forced to be wed off to some alpha stranger. They’d run away, and Lan Qiren would be furious that his proudest disciple chose to elope with the omega he despised.
The cultivation world would descend into chaos, their names inked across headlines for years to come. Unless Wei Wuxian resolves to honor the clan that once provided him with food and shelter.
Why would Wei Ying foolishly marry someone else when Lan Wangji is there?
“Lan Zhan? Did I say something to upset you?” Lan Wangji doesn’t realize that his unspoken bitterness has manifested from his subconscious to his scent. He was too preoccupied to have noticed the gloomy shift his pheromones had rendered the place. Lan Wangji shakes his head. And it earns a soft sigh of relief from Wei Wuxian.
Since when did Wei Wuxian care about what Lan Zhan thinks of him?
“Wei Ying. Tell me more.”
Wei Wuxian thinks he misheard, “Come again?” Lan Wangji is sure the latter had heard him clearly, “Your sentiments.”
The omega was both in awe of Lan Wangji’s peerless face and sincerity. “Well, let’s say, out of all the alphas here…” Wei Wuxian tilts his head, gazing at Lan Wangji with his frequent grin, “you’re the only one I like.”
“Boring.” Says the one whose ears are reddening.
“You always say that! Haven’t got anything else to add?”
If the alpha had known it would be the final moment he’d exchange words with the omega whose eyes shimmered like silver starlight, Lan Wangji would not have let such words fall from his lips, nor would he have turned away, leaving their conversation unfinished.
“Extremely boring.”
Boredom got the best of the Wen Clan, and what else could they kill it with? To flaunt their power in the cultivation world.
The Qishan Wen Sect gained unknown confidence to publicly terrorize marginalized clans, leaving only the main cultivation sects standing. Albeit, none dared to stand up for the lives of those who have been lost, and are relentlessly oppressed and abused. The Wen Sect instilled fear within the prominent clans; any act of disobedience would lead to war, and any word of objection would result in the sect's heirs being beheaded.
Nie Mingjue and Lan Qiren almost went into Qi deviation, suppressing their ire towards the Wens. Jiang Fengmian? He dutifully turned a blind eye to their misconduct and corruption, so that he wouldn’t endanger the lives of his children. Jin Guangshan, however, differed. He willfully strengthened his alliance with the Wen Sect, pushing all his morality (if he even had any) aside.
The victorious Wen Clan hosted their grand Discussion Conference in Nightless City. Of all the alpha leaders present, only the awful laughs of Wen Ruohan and Jin Guangshan echoed through the banquet hall. The others held their breaths, consuming stiffly the tea and dishes served at their tables, yet the Lan Clan’s food remained untouched.
Lan Wangji was seated beside his older brother when he noticed Wei Wuxian’s absence, as well as the other sect heirs he had been acquainted with during their shared study. It had been three months since they all last saw each other, their last meeting being the day before the Wen Sect attacked the weak clans unprovoked. Lan Wangji waited for a chance to leave before the scent of avaricious and immoral alphas, improperly sitting at the dais, suffocated him.
It was that night before the archery competition when Wen Ruohan’s youngest son, Wen Chao, barged into the extensive hall, capturing the cultivators’ attention.
On his forearm that trickled with fresh blood, he held his broken nose. Wen Chao was groaning like a madman from the pain, and Nie Mingjue almost crinkled with a smile. Before the Wen disciples followed behind, pushing forth familiar young cultivators until Wen Ruohan could recognize their faces. Despite their state, they honored a short bow.
“Young Master Wei…” Lan Xichen turned to pry at his brother’s reaction. To others, Lan Wangji may seem as impassive as he is, but to him, his younger brother was battling the worry that bloomed in his heart.
Jin Guangshan stood in bewilderment when he’d located his son’s face among the captured, “What madness lies before me?”
Jiang Fengmian stood as well, feeling his heart sink when he saw both of his children. Nie Huisang trembled uncontrollably from the anxiety that crept within him as he stood alongside Wei Wuxian, “Huisang..?” He heard his older brother, Nie Mingjue, whisper.
Wen Chao drew his sword with his free hand. “Why don’t we ask your arrogant children if they think they can stand up against the Wen Clan?” The way Wen Chao aimed his sword at Wei Wuxian’s neck—blemished with reddened finger marks—was more than telling that he’d inflicted harm upon the youngest Wen, rendering his nose bloodied.
But the way Wen Chao struggled to walk was a different story. Had it been that Wei Wuxian kicked him in his groin? Lan Wangji doesn’t like to ponder upon the cause as to why the omega had to resort to such an attack. He stood up with his hand tightly gripping Bichen.
Jin Zixuan spoke forth that it was Wen Chao who challenged them unprovoked, in the alpha’s peripheral, he could feel Jin Guangshan cowardly gritting his teeth as his son stood in opposition to his father’s crooked values and morals. Wen Ruohan remained placid, appearing to have been considering Jin Zixuan’s words. This fueled Wen Chao’s anger further.
“Father, you’re not letting them get away with this!” He strolls closer to the throne. Wen Ruohan rolls his eyes at Wen Chao’s childlike behavior.
“Especially this fucking omega. Who does he think he is?!”
He swiftly turns again toward Wei Wuxian, but Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan are quick to block his path, “Don’t you dare try to touch him again!” Murmurs travelled across the room. One that didn’t favor Wen Chao as it should.
“It seems I was mistaken in thinking our designated chambers were off-limits, even to the Wen Clan. Forgive me, Sect Leader Wen, but even I can’t offer your son a bit of respect.” Wei Wuxian finally spoke, his voice hoarser.
Sect Leader Jiang’s eyes widened upon Wei Wuxian’s revelation, and he was about to speak, but Nie Mingjue stood abruptly, cutting the chunters short.
“Wen Ruohan, we have honored your wishes, and in turn, you gave your word that our young cultivators would come to no harm. That vow must hold firm, even your own son is not exempt from it.” Sect Leader Nie did not bother to hide the spite in his statement. “I stand with Sect Leader Nie.” Lan Xichen spoke, standing tall.
“Don’t feed me that rot!” Wen Chao exclaims, “If harm is inflicted, it’s upon me! See for your eyes what Wei Wuxian has done to me.”
Wen Rouhan stood up from his throne, “I suppose you are right, Sect Leader Nie. No offenses are taken, Young Master Wei.” He strides to the young cultivators, and Jiang Fengmian also comes forth, bowing respectfully when both sect leaders meet eye to eye. “Father?” Jiang Cheng mutters absent-mindedly as Sect Leader Jiang stands beside Wei Wuxian, who still looks disoriented.
“An omega for a cultivator? I see why they’re drawn to you.”
Lan Wangji wrestled to keep calm. The way Jiang Fengmian’s scent had tensed wasn’t a good sign; his hand clasped Wei Wuxian’s robes protectively as he pulled him behind his domineering figure. Lan Xichen averted his gaze, his chest tight with anxious pounding.
“How old?” Wen Ruohan inquires.
“He only recently came of age. He’s barely an adult.” Jiang Fengmian intervenes, but his tone is close to pleading.
Jin Guangshan scoffs as if he had anticipated the alpha’s answer, “Sect Leader Jiang, your protectiveness toward your head disciple is so evident, one might begin to wonder—is it your intention to selfishly keep the omega for your sect?”
Lan Qiren retorts, “To protect what is entrusted to oneself is not selfishness, it is duty. Only those who view others as possessions would mistake care for control.” Jin Guangshan threw Lan Qiren a strained smile, but his tongue rolled in his mouth as he looked away.
"Let us not turn against one another. In recognition of the sects’ continued cooperation, this incident shall be tolerated."
“Father! This is unfair—!” Wen Chao’s mouth had deliberately shut, like it had a mind of its own. Everyone turned to the Lan Clan. It was likely their famed Silencing Spell, yet the Lan disciples appeared as bewildered.
“Wangji…” Lan Qiren turned to the Second Jade. Lan Wangji kept his posture straight with his hand tucked behind, and he remained impassive. Lan Xichen could only see Wei Wuxian’s figure beneath the golden irises his brother harbored. Nothing else.
Jiang Fengmian’s parental protectiveness remained heightened. He still could not waver from the apprehension. “Perhaps it is best we turn our attention to the junior archery competition tomorrow.” Wen Ruohan is indecipherable, and he scarcely took anything as lightly unless he could turn it to his own selfish benefit. “Shall we make a wager?” Wen Ruhan lifts his chin.
“Whichever sect's disciple outshines the rest shall earn the right to take the omega home.”
A heavy silence settled over the hall, broken only by the faint rustle of robes. Several elders exchanged glances, some alpha cultivators amused, others visibly displeased. Wei Wuxian’s brow creased, his smile fading into something unreadable that even his peers felt their breaths stuck in their throats.
Every fiber of his being, once hailed as a prodigy, had been reduced to that of a prize.
A Wen servant marches with a golden platter, and Wen Ruohan nonchalantly takes the glass of liquor from it. “Allow me to raise a toast to Sect Leader Jiang, in honor of his unwavering devotion. Please, Fengmian, accept this as a humble token of my gratitude.” It was not a suggestion; it was a proclamation. He was purposely putting Jiang Fengmian in a difficult position, and, condescensionly, Jin Guangshan appeared pleased.
Wei Wuxian snickers, and it stirred some unease within the Wen Sect Leader.
“Tell me, Young Master Wei, does this gesture not sit well with you?"
Wei Wuxian thought Madam Yu had his poor life planned in the palm of her hands the moment he arrived in Yunmeng. If she didn’t excuse herself early along with his shijie from the banquet, Wei Wuxian wondered how she’d react. The haughty Lady Jiang stood no chance against the terrifying Wen Ruohan—his life had just been decided by an alpha he had just met.
Wei Wuxian bows, and like the first time Lan Wangji had met the omega, his courtesy was just as insincere, “This feeble omega humbly accepts.”
The rules never stated that the prize could not compete for itself. After all, one can play a game for two.
The mechanics of the game are simple.
Whoever gets to display their archery skills outstandingly among all gets to own the omega as a sect member, servant, a prisoner, a slave of any kind (Jiang Yanli physically recoils at the thought of it), or even the next fūrén.
“Zixuan,” Jin Guangshan pats his son’s shoulders with a proud look, “I’m confident you’ll bring the omega to Lanling.” Jin Zixuan immediately shoves his father’s hands, it took Jin Guangshan by surprise, and had it been the first time his alpha son was evidently disappointed in him.
Wei Wuxian doesn’t care.
Jiang Fengmian urged him to run away—shoving a qiankun pouch with gold nuggets in his robe’s pockets—which Madam Yu vigorously disagreed with. It will bring shame and jeopardize the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. The omega shook his head, “Sect Leader Jiang, Lotus Pier is my home. And I ought to honor it.” And hell, would he do anything crass to endanger it?
The night his life was decided on, in the chamber they shared at Nightless City, he still cracked jokes to his visibly pale siblings. Jiang Cheng hissed, “I’ll think of Wen Ruohan’s head while I tear that fucking target! And then I’ll bring you home to Lotus Pier, where you rightfully belong.”
Fifteen hours left. Wei Wuxian didn’t care. That’s what he chanted to himself as hours passed by before daylight emerged. But when he had exited their room, where the argument between Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan became awfully overwhelming, he didn’t realise he’d stridden near the Lan Sect’s room.
He planned to eavesdrop, but one sentence rendered him deaf to all that occurred in his surroundings except for the ringing sound in his ears.
“No. I will not compete for Wei Ying.”
It was Lan Wangji’s icy tone. Wei Wuxian could not mistake it for somebody else.
He had known somehow, back in the Cloud Recesses, when he handed Lan Wangji his lantern and their fingers brushed against each other. His senses shouted at him that they were compatible. Too compatible that even before Wei Wuxian came of age, he already felt it. Back at the banquet, while Wen Chao was tortured by the Lan Clan’s Silencing Spell, Wei Wuxian finally confirmed it as he looked at Lan Wangji’s golden eyes. They were undoubtedly potential mates, and you can only meet one in your entire life.
Wei Wuxian’s parents were soulmates, hence, he valued fated pairs and wished it upon himself.
Must Lan Wangji break his heart like this? It’s undeniable, the alpha did not harbor interest in him despite the red string that keeps their subgenders intertwined. Lan Wangji, better yet Hanguang-Jun, can easily (it is not an assumption but a fact) defeat every single cultivator in the archery competition. Wei Wuxian tried his best not to care, but the only alpha he had regarded as his soulmate wanted nothing with him.
I will not compete for Wei Ying. His voice struck him like poison darts.
“A-Xian?” His sister calls at the front door, enduring the cold as she waits for her younger brother, “Oh, my dear, you do not look well. You should rest, good thing I told Second Young Master Lan to come back tomorrow morning, he stopped by looking for you.” She smiles, but her tear-stained cheeks are too noticeable.
“Shijie…” the younger one lays his head on his sister’s shoulder, and his scent catches her off guard. “A-Xian, you reek of… disillusionment.” she concludes.
Jiang Yanli held her brother’s hand tightly. Even tighter the following day as they sat beside one another on a canopy dais, the Wens prepared for the archery tournament. The fury in the omega’s heart is undoubtedly foreign. Wei Wuxian's scent was bursting with exasperation, and Madam Yu called him out for it.
“You ought to keep your scent in control. Your anger comes far too late, it won't save you from this predicament. You weren't like this yesterday. What changed? Nevermind. I’ve no desire to scold you over something so foolish.”
Before the tournament started, he had unexpectedly encountered Lan Wangji, “Wei Ying. I—” It was evident that the alpha wished to talk to him, but Wei Wuxian was quick to disregard his presence, “Hanguang-Jun." he bows, coldly walking past the alpha, who was left stunned.
When he’d approached the canopy, Lan Xichen was waiting for him, “Young Master Wei,” he bowed with urgency, “Wangji’s been looking for you since yesterday. I hope the two of you had a chance to talk.”
A small talk won’t make a difference, Wei Wuxian thinks. The archery competition was set to start, even if Lan Xichen hoped Wei Wuxian would say they did, he was already urged to return to his respective seat.
He is the Head Disciple of Yunmeng Jiang, the strongest omega cultivator amongst his generation. He should be marching under the sun along with cultivators who carried their bows, not sitting pretty next to Wen Ruohan. It felt eerily uncomfortable. In fairness, the Wens outdid themselves. The target would take an incredible cultivator to hit precisely. One thing Wei Wuxian hadn’t expected since their youngest master is completely deficient.
“Second Young Master Wen of the Qishan Wen Sect!” As Wen Chao aimed with his usual bad posture, he didn’t even hit the target. Wei Wuxian and Madam Yu scoffed in unison when he threw a tantrum. His older brother, Wen Xu, shot his arrow better, but it did not impress anyone.
“Young Master Jin of the Lanling Jin Sect!”
Wei Wuxian had learned from Jiang Cheng that Jin Zixuan wished to compete fair to keep Wei Wuxian away from creepy alphas. The omega wondered how an alpha like Jin Guangshan sired a dignified young man. Wei Wuxian could feel Wen Ruohan’s irritation when Jin Zixuan marched with confidence, and his performance garnered him applause. Jiang Cheng patted Jin Zixuan on the shoulder. Wei Wuxian wondered how the two alphas who used to sneer at each other had gotten close.
“Young Master Jiang of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect!” Before Jiang Cheng could even march to the center, Wen Xu brushed past him with abrupt force, causing Jiang Cheng to stumble. Before his shidi could fight back, Jin Zixuan forcibly pushed Wen Xu, instigating a fight.
Wei Wuxian shuts his eyes in disbelief. And they say omegas are undeserving to be heirs, for they are too emotional to rule.
Jiang Fengmian sighs, opting to glance at Wei Wuxian, but he finds Jiang Yanli sitting alone. There were amused gasps and looks of astonishment within the crowd, and Jiang Fengmian thought his youngest son might’ve knocked Wen Xu’s teeth out, but it wasn’t the case.
“Wei Wuxian, get back here!” Madam Yu berates. Wei Wuxian fishes out a talisman he had invented beneath his robes, and he throws it towards the alphas who emit unpleasant pheromones. They were put to a halt as a blue string bound them together.
For a second, Wei Wuxian locked eyes with Lan Wangji, who stood far from the competition grounds.
“I am Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei Wuxian. Senior Head Disciple of the Jiang Sect. Firstborn and only son of Cangse Sanren, the disciple of the esteemed Baoshan Sanren!” He recites with great pride, letting the silent murmurs trail off before he proclaims without a second thought. “Hence, I am deserving to compete.”
Wei Wuxian knew he didn’t need an introduction, but it felt gratifying to remind every single cultivator present who they were looking at.
“I will shoot for my own hand.”
The omega was not wearing his usual high ponytail. Most of his healthy hair was let down with only a crimson ribbon tying the rest, whereas two strands framed his face. It was like witnessing Cangse Sanren’s silver eyes all over again. Wen Ruohan could smell the determination and fury that ignited in Wei Wuxian’s heart.
A Jin disciple broke the silence, “Sect Leader Wen, you wouldn’t allow such a farce, would you?”
He’ll fail. Wen Ruohan convinces himself. It’s blatant that his sons aren’t the victors. The least he cared about the competition was when his sons’ inferiority caused his clan to lose face. Might as well make the omega ashamed he’d even been born and had the privilege to cultivate. He’s just an omega, at the end of the day.
“If you lose, you belong to Qishan Wen.” Wen Ruohan was just beginning to get excited again. Why wouldn’t he let this take place?
“Bind his eyes.”
The crowd threw incredulous glances at one another, yet Wei Wuxian differed with his solemnity.
He was handed a barely decent bow, a couple of arrows, and he gladly took them. He took one arrow, then another, until he held four arrows in his hand. He froze for a moment to contemplate, and the audience almost thought he realized his mistake and was about to return the arrows, but to their surprise, Wei Wuxian gazed directly at Wen Ruohan as he took another arrow to add.
“This brat.” Madam Yu mutters, suppressing her amusement.
Finally, he took a step back, stopping at the center where he allowed the Wen disciples to cover his eyes with a jet black cloth. Wei Wuxian opted to defeat them all in a single blow, to the point that even the alphas who still didn’t get their turn won't stand a chance against him. It’s impossibly hard to land five arrows simultaneously, not to mention that the omega is in utter darkness.
As Wei Wuxian’s arrows were poised to fly, he already knew this would be his last time stepping afoot in Qishan.
Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan looked at him in horror. Nie Huisang had to look away, not bearing the weight of his anxiety. Jiang Yanli, on the other hand, had tears streaming down her cheeks in early triumph. She didn’t have to wait because she firmly believed that Wei Wuxian would be returning to Lotus Pier after all.
As the arrows flew, Lan Wangji didn’t bother to move his eyes and pry at the results, only zeroing in on Wei Wuxian’s figure. The alpha is far more concerned with the omega’s sheer coldness towards him than with whether he’s digging his own grave, devoting himself to Wen Ruohan for good.
Because Lan Wangji knows that not one of Wei Ying’s arrows will stray.
Before the audience could even react to his precise shots, the blindfolded Wei Wuxian turned to the canopy dais and bowed.
Lan Wangji straightened from his bow with quiet grace.
The alpha is restless, utterly anxious, the moment Wen Ruohan thought he had the authority to take control of them with his puppeteer strings. It was past the alpha’s bedtime routine, but here he was at the front door step of the Jiang’s chamber. Jiang Yanli returned his courtesy, suggesting he should return tomorrow if he desired to talk to Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji is troubled, for someone famed for his unparalleled stoicism. His restlessness equates to tenfold of what Wei Wuxian may be experiencing, yet there was nothing he could offer to ease his worries. Lan Wangji is asking for Wei Wuxian, but he has no clue what to say.
Lan Xichen didn’t have the same heightened senses, having been a beta. He could not smell his younger brother’s pheromones, but the way Lan Qiren’s eyebrows had furrowed at the sight of Lan Wangji returning, he had already guessed the distress he carried. Lan Qiren was on the verge of confronting Lan Wangji, but Lan Xichen was swift to stop him.
“Wangji, I’m sorry.” That we can’t do anything was left unsaid. His brother felt apologetic for something he wouldn’t even wish on his worst enemy.
Lan Wangji knew he might just be the one to apologize to his clan and ancestors if things turned out for the worst. He was already considering the grievous consequences he was willing to undertake if Wei Wuxian asked them to flee. He had a plethora of ideas, but none of them suggested shooting an arrow.
Years of training in becoming a respected and reserved alpha, Lan Wangji can throw it all away if it means Wei Wuxian will be safe. Let them see him as the tainted second heir of Lan. If his destined omega is to be bound to someone undeserving, then so be it. Wei Wuxian just needs to ask, to consent to it.
“Wei Ying. I—” It renders Lan Wangji speechless. Because in truth, Wei Wuxian had never asked to be saved. “Hanguang-Jun.”
Lan Wangji ruminates. Had he done anything wrong? Was there a flaw in the way he had approached Wei Wuxian? The omega made it clear that he did not harbor any contempt for the alpha back in the Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji is not particularly skilled at communicating; in fact, he might be one of the worst. But he hasn’t even spoken a full sentence yet. Wei Wuxian brushed past him like Lan Wangji was the least person he wanted to see. And that alone left Lan Wangji standing far back from the competition grounds.
There were piercing shouts, audible gasps, and prolonged claps as Wei Wuxian slowly rose.
It took Lan Wangji immense restraint not to march towards him, touch his soft lips with his, and claim him in front of the cultivation world. Self-restraint is what Lan Wangji had learned from his honored clan, but Wei Wuxian is absent-mindedly tempting him that it isn’t so bad to break free.
After the show he put up, Wei Wuxian disappeared into the woods, and Lan Wangji followed closely behind.
“Wei Ying.”
Lan Wangji admits he might’ve laced his words with his scent. It works, Wei Wuxian finally halts. “What is there to talk about so eagerly, Hanguang-Jun?” he replies, but Lan Wangji misses the latter’s nervousness when he is too bothered by the way he had been addressed.
Wei Wuxian curtly bows, “I apologize. Is your honorary title still too familiar? Should I start addressing you as the esteemed Second Jade of the Gusu Lan Clan?”
Lan Wangji sighs before he strides closer to the omega, “Stop it.”
Wei Wuxian takes careful steps backwards, panic growing in his silver eyes that had barely adjusted from the sunlight after being covered for half an hour. “No,” the omega resolutely replies. “It can’t be helped. Even if your hatred for me grows tenfold, it won’t change a thing. Fuck, Lan Zhan, you must be devastated.”
Lan Wangji felt delighted that he’d finally been called by his familial name. But the words Wei Wuxian spewed made no sense to him. “I never hated you.” It was a retort. He enunciates with greater emphasis, “What are you saying?”
Wei Wuxian is engulfed in frustration. His scent carried a tinge of fury, but it was not directed at Lan Wangji. He spoke, like his words pulled a knife stake at his heart.
“Back there, I may have defeated that bastard Wen Ruohan—but I still feel like the same pathetic loser I’ve always been.”
The alpha felt like his heart was being squeezed to death at the latter’s words. Lan Wangji was poised to contradict but Wei Wuxian cut him off with a huff, “Lan Zhan… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have thought about treating you so coldly or shutting you out. It’s not your fault.” he now spoke calmly but there was a growing lump on his throat.
“Please, hate me all you want.”
“Wei Ying. I do not hate you.”
Wei Wuxian pleads, “Don’t say that! You’re making it hard for me to despise you back.”
The alpha was at a loss for words. Lan Wangji lifts his hand, as if to touch Wei Wuxian, but the moment is gone, Wei Wuxian pulls away before he can.
“Say it. Go ahead. Just say that you don’t want me. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? I can’t exactly deceive fate or alter the alpha I’m compatible with. So please, Lan Zhan. Reject me now, while it’s just us. Before I lose face in front of my shidi or everybody else. Let me have that, at least.”
Wei Wuxian waits.
He waits for Lan Wangji to falter, to just give in—to say that Wei Wuxian’s absolutely right. But the taller alpha just leans, with his trembling hands, Lan Wangji cups his face and kisses his forehead. Because that’s what Lan Wangji’s mother used to do when his youngest son was pouring his heart out. It’s all Lan Wangji ever knows when words fail to come out and only actions can offer comfort.
It gladly takes its effect. There was an incredulous look on Wei Wuxian’s face and a muted blush on his cheeks, but he no longer resisted Lan Wangji’s touch.
“I would never reject you.” He lets his scent linger, letting it speak in place of words to prove his sincerity, “I thought you would reject me.”
Wei Wuxian needed a moment to register whether the Hanguang-Jun, who loathed those who even accidentally nudged his robes, truly kissed his forehead. Or if he had fallen prey to an apparition.
The omega felt a sense of solace at Lan Wangji’s touch, but what he had witnessed was undeniable. “Cut the act.” Wei Wuxian holds both Lan Wangji’s hands, placing them away. “I heard you spoke the other day that you won’t compete for me. Lan Zhan, make it make sense.” He was almost pleading.
Lan Wangji momentarily averts his gaze. Now he had finally discovered the reason behind Wei Wuxian’s indifference, “Was that all you heard?”
“It was all that I needed to hear.”
Lan Wangji sighs, “Xiongzhang wished for me to compete for you. I refused.”
“And I am in no position to feel troubled over it. I’m so sorry. Lan Zhan, you don’t owe me anything at all.”
It maddens Lan Wangji how little Wei Wuxian thinks of his own emotions. But more than that, he blames himself for not seeing it sooner, for overlooking what the omega had come to mean to him.
Wei Wuxian believes that Lan Wangji is devastated that they’re potential mates? Lan Wangji would wreak havoc across the cultivation world if they weren’t made as two halves of the same soul.
“Wei Ying.” He begins, “You are not a possession. You are not some prize to be won. I will not shoot an arrow for you because that is not who you are.”
Wei Wuxian gazes at him intently from beneath his lashes, his eyes marginally stinging from the water building at its corners.
“Wei Ying. If I ask for your hand, that is solely my choice. Not chance.”
The omega turns away, uncertain if he can endure another second of looking at Lan Wangji without completely unraveling. This is the revered Second Jade of Lan, the peerless Hanguang-Jun, yet he’d allowed himself to become completely vulnerable wholly for Wei Wuxian. Because the alpha likes him. All that fueled the omega’s turmoil, all this time, Lan Wangji liked him back.
Wei Wuxian sighs, “You should’ve just shot that damn arrow.” Before crashing his lips with Lan Wangji’s, he remarks.
“Lan Zhan, we’re fucking idiots.”
What genius puts on a dramatic show just to run off afterward? Brilliantly idiotic. And Jiang Cheng knows only his brother could put “genius” and “idiot” in the same sentence.
“Oy, Wei Wuxian! Where the hell are you at?” He exclaims with his lungs. He had been marching into the woods where Wei Wuxian mysteriously disappeared. The only thing that allowed Jiang Cheng to confirm Wei Wuxian’s location was his boot prints.
Although he furrows his eyebrows as he’s zeroing in on the dirt, since when did Wei Wuxian grow an additional pair of legs?
Jiang Cheng walked along when he heard the rustle of robes nearby. “You’re so dead. Your display of defiance didn’t scare anyone off—except the Wens. Good luck convincing Mother not to marry you off to whichever betrothal letter her hand lands on.” The alpha huffs, envisioning how his argument with his mother would go.
“Tell them I’m marrying into the Gusu Lan Clan!” Jiang Cheng heard Wei Wuxian reply across from him. “Gusu, my foot. You hate it there!”
Jiang Cheng unknowingly rolls his eyes. “Now, come out before I drag your body.” He halts in his tracks and impatiently waits with his arms crossed. Wei Wuxian says, although his voice sounds a bit hurried and muffled, “I’ll come back on my own later! You won’t like to see me right now.”
However, the Jiang alpha isn’t particularly forbearing. With his pent-up impatience tugging free, he sends his sword flying to slice through the bushes that separated him from the omega.
“Wei Wuxian! I don’t have all da—why the fuck are you kissing Lan Wangji?!”
Disheveled robes, crooked forehead ribbon, swollen lips. Granted, the omega did warn him.
Lan Wangji hisses as Wei Wuxian pulls away yet again, “Uh, my dearest shidi, would you mind turning your back?” What came after was the most irritating giggle Jiang Cheng had ever heard.