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Feeling like he just cannot take this anymore, Lan Qiren knew Wangji was not going to give up. Lan Xichen said he has also tried to get Wangji to talk to him. Lan Qiren did not want to do this but he said he did not want this to continue. He was to go to the Burial Mounds himself. Lan Xichen was also to go with him. Lan Wangji was under house arrest until further notice. He hated it, but when he was told his uncle and brother were going to the burial mounds, he hoped they would see what he saw, poverty at its finest.
Upon entering the mounds, Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen were quite surprised that the resentful energy here was tamed and held back from them. It meant them no harm as long as they had no malicious intent. When they were just close enough, they were filled with confusion.
"These are Wen soldiers?" Lan Qiren asked quietly, "they are all elderly people, and some even look like normal citizens, no cultivation radiates off anyone. They are not what people have said."
Lan Xichen nodded in agreement, "that elder woman there, she looks like she is bone tired, but she keeps going. Helping the farmers."
"Who said they were evil soldiers?" Lan Qiren asked.
"Well, the Jin sect as they were under their control before they were taken by Wei Wuxian. Even A'Yao told me that Wei Wuxian went too far, but now...I want to hear what Wei Wuxian has to say," Xichen said.
Xichen then felt something weighing on his leg, "you look like Rich-Gege."
Lan Xichen looked down to see a toddler hanging on his leg, "Rich-Gege?" He asked comely.
"Rich-Gege brought me toys, and even some new clothes," the toddler said.
Lan Xichen looked at Lan Qiren, "there is a child here?" Lan Qiren asked.
"A'Yuan!" They heard someone call frantically, "A'Yuan! A'Yua-" Wei Wuxian appeared not even acknowledging Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren right away, "A'Yuan, I told you not to run off like that! Your aunt will kill me if you got hurt!"
"Xian-Gege!" A'Yuan said happily and went over to him, "I'm sorry."
Wei Wuxian lifted him up, "just don't scare me like that! Your Aunt Qing can be scary."
A'Yuan giggled, "no she isn't, you are just afraidy cat," he teased.
"I am not!" Wei Wuxian said, "If you keep this up, I will plant you in the ground again."
A'Yuan giggled as Wuxian set him down. He then went to go sit in a hold, "then plant me, I want more siblings," he said.
Wuxian laughed, "A'Yuan, Aunt Qing will again, scold me for getting you dirty. She even made me go wash your clothes."
"Xian-Gege is scared of Auntie!" A'Yuan laughed.
"You!" Wuxian said playfully chasing the little boy around.
Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren could not believe their eyes. Wei Wuxian wasn't a monster. He had reasons to hurt those people At Qiongqi path to get these Wen people out.
"We were lied to," Lan Qiren said, "and those other sect leaders think this is just a dangerous man waiting to attack them. Wei Wuxian would never harm anyone without reason. I may not like the boy much but I respect him for his values. This here, is his doing and he is doing something right here."
"I think I owe Wangji an apology, he told me that these people are not bad. He told me that are just farmers and healers. He told me there was a child here, and I believed another over Wangji. I feel so ashamed!" Lan Xichen said.
"It's not just you, I had Wangji punished for being here, he had good intentions," Lan Qiren said.
"Zewu Jun? Grandmaster Lan?" Wei Wuxian asked as he approached them, "why are you both here?"
"Wei Gongzi, we will not lie, we were coming here to tell you that this here, needs to stop but..." Lan Xichen looks around.
"It seems we owe you an apology," Lan Qiren said.
Wei Wuxian sighed, "if you are trying to persuade me, I will not turn them over and I will not give in. I will fight until my last breath for these people," he said.
"Xian-Gege?" A'Yuan asked as he approached again, "when will Rich-Gege come back?"
Wei Wuxian looked at the boy and knelt down, "I do not think he will come back, A'Yuan," he said.
"Why?" A'Yuan asked.
Wei Wuxian pulled A'Yuan into a hug, "his world is just different from ours," he told A'Yuan.
Lan Qiren could not take this anymore, "Wei Wuxian, would you be willing to sit down with us and tell us your side of the story? We want to hear you," he said, "from what I see, there is no threat from these people, if anything, it's dangerous for them to stay here."
"I will, but if you want tea, I am sorry but we do not have that," Wuxian said, "best we can do is water."
Lan Xichen nodded, "that is alright."
"Xian-Gege?" A'Yuan asked.
"Can you go to Popo?" Wuxian asked him, "you and I can play later when they leave."
"You promise?" He asked.
"I do," Wuxian replied.
A'Yuan hugged Wuxian again and placed a kiss on his cheek before turning to leave and go to Popo. Upon entering the Demon Subduing Cave, Xichen and Lan Qiren saw so many talismans hanging on the walls.
"Why are there so many charms and talismans?" Xichen asked.
"It's keeping the resentment from going out of control and lashing out on anyone. This cave stores most of the energy, so it is the place where I ward off to keep it from leaving. It listens to me pretty well anyway," Wuxian said.
"How are you able to control it so well?" Lan Qiren asked as he and Lan Xichen sat at the table nearby.
"That is a long....painful story," Wuxian said, "I told myself I'd never share with anyone. It would go with me the grave."
"Why?" Qiren asked.
"Because, the truth is either terrible, painful, or boring," Wuxian said, "sometime it is best for everyone if secrets remain secrets."
"Even if they hurt others?" Xichen asked.
Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "I need to know, if I even consider telling you, would you tell others?" Wuxian asked, "I do not want anyone to know, not Hanguang Jun, not my Sh- not Maiden Jiang or sect Leader Jiang, and most definitely, not the arrogant people of the Jin Sect."
"What you say here, will remain between us, and will not leave this room," Lan Qiren said, "you know I would never go back on my word."
"I know, you Lans are very stubborn," Wuxian said, "and persistent, I need to go get someone, I will be right back."
"Alright," Lan Xichen said. They watched Wei Wuxian leave the cave before turning to each other, "do you think he will really talk?"
"If he does, we cannot share it with anyone. We have to keep our word," Lan Qiren said.
Lan Xichen nodded. Before he could speak, Wei Wuxian returned with Wen Qing and Wen Ning, "as they know most of what I will tell you, they will help as well. Especially if you have questions."
Lan Qiren looked at Wen Ning, a conscious fierce corpse, "how did you do it?" He asked.
"Well, it was a long process, but Wen Ning is still here," Wei Wuxian said sitting down.
"Now, tell us from the beginning, whatever you are comfortable with. Whatever is said, will not leave this...cave," Lan Xichen said.
"After Lan Zhan and I were rescued from Xuanwu's cave he and I went our separate ways. I had a fever and was bed ridden for several days when I got back to Lotus Pier. After I was back up on my feet, Uncle Jiang and...Shijie were to go to Meishan to visit some people. Jiang Cheng and I were training disciples at the archery range, and we were called when our sixth Shidi went missing.
Wang Lingjiao, Wen Chao's woman, came to Lotus Pier. She used an excuse that one of our kits resembles a sun, when it was a one eyed monster and thought we were mocking the Wen Sect. Madam Yu felt it was a dumb excuse to come. Wang Lingjiao then said that I had humiliated Wen Chao, stole his sword, and caused problems and asked for me to be punished. Madam Yu was at first hesitant but when Wang Lingjiao started talking about rumors Madam Yu got worked up."
"What rumors?" Lan Qiren asked.
"There was a rumor that spread that I was the love child between my mother and Jiang Fengmian...I find it offensive to my real parents and it always makes me angry when people say such things," Wuxian answered.
"You are most definitely Wei Changze's and Cangse Sanren's son," Lan Qiren said, "I saw them with you once, but you were only an infant."
Wei Wuxian blinked, "I will get back to that but going back to Madam Yu, she went ballistic and struck me with Zidian," Wuxian said remembering the sounds, the smell of burning flesh and blood, and the pain, "she stuck me several times using the strongest energy she could get, she told me I was nothing but trouble, a son of a servant and I am worthless scum, that I should have been left on the streets where I belonged...she went until I was practically immobile. Wang Lingjiao wasn't satisfied and demanded my right arm for compensation. Everything else happened so fast, Wen Zhuliu came in and the next thing I know, Jiang Cheng and I were bound by Zidian in a boat. Madam Yu made me promise that I would protect her children with my life.
We ran into Uncle Jiang and he bound Shijie with us, telling me to protect his kids as well. That was when I knew...I wasn't all that important to them. They just wanted me as a shield for their children, so that was what I became. Later, Jiang Cheng and I went back and we saw everyone dead, everyone. We saw Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian's bodies and then ran. Jiang Cheng nearly joked me to death, saying I should have let Lan Zhan die in Xuanwu's cave, saying that it's my fault everything happened. Before I just about blacked out, he let me go."
Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren were appalled. They were grateful when Wangji told them Wei Wuxian helped him in the cave but they never expected to here Wei Wuxian taking the blame for the fall of Lotus Pier.
"It wasn't your fault," Lan Qiren said.
"What do you mean?" Wei Wuxian asked.
"The Wen Sect had already targeted Gusu and Qinghe. They didn't need an excuse to go attack Lotus Pier. They would have done so without it. They used you as the excuse not the reason. You are not at fault for what happened...and Xichen and I are grateful for you helping Wangji," Lan Qiren said.
Wei Wuxian just nodded and continued, "later on, my sworn siblings and I were hiding but Shijie was sick, so I left to get her medicine. When I came back, Jiang Cheng was gone. So I went after him. I found him back at Lotus Pier as he was captured. Wen Ning helped me get Jiang Cheng out safely, and he was even kind enough to help get Madam Yu and Uncle Jiang's remains for us.
Wen Ning then took us to get shijie and then hid us at a secret supervising office where Wen Qing was located. There we had Jiang Cheng looked over and saw that his golden core was crushed by Wen Zhuliu. I spent several days looking through medical books just to find something to help him...until I found Wen Qing's thesis on golden gore transfers."
"Just so we are clear, this wasn't something I wanted to do, but A'Ying begged me several times. I told him there were risks to it and he said he wouldn't regret his decision. So, we tricked Jiang Cheng into going to a secluded mountain in Yiling. A'Ying used the excuse that it was were his old master was secluded," Wen Qing explained.
"Who?" Lan Qiren asked.
"Baoshan Sanren...as she was my mother's, mother and Master, which would make her my grandmother and grandmaster," Wuxian said, "I didn't actually know where she was located. He was blind folded and Wen Qing had him smell a fragrance to have him pass out. After that, I transferred my golden core to him."
"What were the chances, the risks, and the process?" Lan Qiren asked, "I've never heard of such a thing before, let alone someone going that far as to giving up their core for someone else."
"The golden core is very fragile. So there would not be any risks of dissipating, A'Ying could not use pain medication or anesthetics, he had to be awake the whole time. To say that it isn't painful would be a complete lie. He was awake for two nights and a day while I cut him open and removed his core. The chances were only fifty percent but for A'Yinh and Jiang Cheng, it was successful," Wen Qing explained.
Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen could not fathom what they were just told. Thinking about how painful that would be and even feeling that energy from the golden core slowly leave you, must have been terrible. Yet, Wei Wuxian was so selfless that he gave his up.
"Why?" Lan Xichen asked Wei Wuxian.
"Jiang Cheng was dying and he was depressed. He had Lotus Pier to think about and run. I felt if I could do anything to help him feel better, I would do it. I felt it's what I owed the Jiang Sect anyway. I wouldn't have been a cultivator if they had not taken me in," Wei Wuxian said.
"You don't owe those people anything, not after how they treated you," Lan Qiren said.
"But I did, it was also because I promised their parents I would protect them," Wuxian said.
"So that explains why you cannot pick up a sword...the resentful energy wasn't really something you wanted to pick up, was it?" Xichen asked.
"After the procedure, I waited at a tea house at the bottom of the mountain for Jiang Cheng. I waited for several days and he did not show. Upon entering the tea house, I was captured by Wen Chao. I was thrown around, beaten, tortured, spit on, mocked, and humiliated. I told him since I wasn't born in a sect, I never went through a soul cleansing ritual, so if I died, I would turn into a resentful spirit and I would haunt him for the rest of his life. So the more he tortured me, the more viscous I would become.
He was nervous after I said it but he chose to ignore it. He and his goons took me up and flew me over the burial mounds. The next thing I knew, they tossed me in. I fell from such a high place and I knew I was dead. It was odd, as I was suddenly grabbed by the resentful energy and it set me down gently. I stayed here for three months on my own. It had such heavy wards, so I spent those three months learning how to cultivate this energy.
It is actually like how you cultivate spiritual energy but it's a bit more intense and torturous. It's colder, and it feeds on emotions. I could hear screams and crying of spirits that were tortured before their deaths, I could feel their pain. I needed a way to channel it so I can control it better and I needed a way to keep my emotions in control. Since I do not have a golden core, I found that it does not harm me, Wen Qing had checked me over so many times. It even healed me of my injuries and even though it is cold, it is like, as long as I am its master, it will remain calm and in control. It likes my temperament as I am not someone who likes to get angry. It would be the only time when it would be hard to control is if I am provoked.
Lan Zhan has helped me calm down numerous times now, and using Chenqing, and having him properly teach me your music techniques, it helps me control it more. I don't even need the Yin Hu Fu anymore, as I destroyed it and threw it's remains into the blood pool over there. It helped me actually form a new core, as it will help me control it much better. The core isn't golden though, but red. It is a Yin energy type core. I have used this energy long enough where it doesn't what to harm anyone. It wants someone like me to keep it in control, but the spirits have been restless as someone is trying to take control over them that isn't me.
I promise you I do not want to harm anyone, but if it comes down to protecting these innocent people here, who are not cultivating but are healers and farmers, I will do everything I can to protect them. They took me in as a part of their family, and they have treated more like I am family then I have ever been treated in Lotus Pier," Wei Wuxian explained.
Lan Qiren was in deed, very impressed, "If we are to do everything in our power to help you, will you allow us? You do not have to stop using this method, as it is helpful to you. Seeing what you are doing here, is a good things. The other clans and sects think these people are dangerous but, there is no danger here. The problem here is that everyone needs more food, water and care. We have plenty of space back in Gusu that has yet to be filled and it is much more secluded from the rest of the main area, would you all consider moving there? We will tell these sects that you are not harming anyone, you do not have to share any of those secrets with anyone...I might suggest you talk with Wangji but that is all."
"You would do that?" Wuxian asked, "I asked Jiang Cheng to help but he is more worried about his reputation as a new sect leader than helping his so called brother."
"He will learn what we know, but what do you say?" Lan Qiren asked.
Wen Qing agreed if they swore on their words. That they will be protected. Having everyone moved to Gusu that night, it was less likely for others to notice. Upon arriving to Gusu, Lan Xichen had taken Wei Wuxian to see Wangji.
"Wangji," Xichen said entering his room, "I owe you an apology."
Lan Wangji looked at him confused, "What for?"
Lan Xichen turned to the door and Wei Wuxian entered, "Wei Wuxian has a lot to say."
"Wei Ying?" Wangji asked.
"Hanguang Jun," Wuxian greeted with a smirk.
Lan Wangji went over to him and pulled him into a hug. Lan Xichen was not expecting that. Lan Wangji was not someone who initiated touch, let alone hugging someone. It was something Lan Xichen tried for years, to accomplish but failed. Seeing Lan Wangji openly hug Wei Wuxian in front of him, made him realize that Wei Wuxian was a lot more important to Wangji than he ever expected.
Wangji pulled Wuxian to sit, "What happened?"
Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian told him everything. Wei Wuxian felt he could no longer lie to Lan Wangji. He did not care about telling his Shijie or Jiang Cheng, they won't ever know. Lan Wangji, though, he care about so much, that he had to know everything. Lan Wangji was in tears by the time he heard everything.
"So will you still accept me as I am even if I continue with this cultivation? It is what helped me heal, and cultivate again. I can use Suibian again. I destroyed the amulet and it is no longer a problem. I told Zewu Jun that any corpses that are found are not under my control as someone has been tampering with the energy. Since they have a golden core, most likely anyway, it is more dangerous for them than it is for me," Wuxian explained
"I accepted you long ago," Wangji said, "I am afraid of your rejection."
"What do you mean?" Wuxian asked.
"I..fell in love with you the first night we met...I didn't realize it until you went missing for those three months. I kept it to myself because I didn't want to risk losing you," Wangji explained and did not look at him or Xichen.
Wei Wuxian was blushing and looked at Xichen, "Zewu Jun, can I have your blessing to court your brother? I love him with all my heart, and because if him, I will do everything I can to be better."
Lan Xichen smiled, "A'Xian, You do not have to change anything about yourself. You are more than worthy of courting my brother. You have such good and true intentions. We would love to have you apart of the Gusu Lan Sect."
Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji, "Lan Zhan, Lan Wangji, Hanguang Jun, will you let me court you? I like you, I love you, I fancy you, and I whatever you. I would love to spend the rest of my life going on night hunts with you and being by your side for the rest of our lives."
Lan Wangji pulled Wuxian into a hug once more, but his lips met with Wuxian's in the process. Wuxian gently held Wangji's face as he kissed him in return. They kept it chaste as they both knew that Lan Xichen was there. Wuxian pulled away but remained hugging Lan Wangji.
"I will have to get a courting gift for you..when I can get some money somehow...and I owe you for paying for that meal that we had with A'Yuan," Wuxian said.
"No need to pay me back," Wangji said pulling out of the hug and looked at his brother, "Can we help him with the money issue?"
Lan Xichen smiled, "Of course, he will be apart of the family soon, I know you both only now started courting but I imagine you'd like to marry someday."
"Yes," Wangji answered immediately.
Wei Wuxian blushed, "What are we going to do about the other sects who still thing that the Wen's and I are a threat?"
"We will have to tell them that the Yin Hu Fu is destroyed, and we will do what we can to make them understand. I wrote to Chifeng-Zun to meet with me here so I can show him what we know. I promise you, we will protect your Wen family."
"They actually not long ago, started going by Wei's instead of Wen's. So it is Wei Qing and Wei Ning, Granny Wei, and Wei Yuan. They are all Wei's," Wuxian explained.
"I will remember that," Xichen said and stood, "Did you get checked out by one of the healers?"
"Not yet, I have been with you and Grandmaster Lan the whole time," Wuxian answered.
"Well, Wangji, why don't you escort him to the infirmary to have him checked over and then he can stay here with you if you both want that," Xichen said.
"Okay," the two said together.
Lan Xichen smiled.
"Zewu Jun?" Wuxian asked before he left.
"You can call me Xichen if you like," Lan Xichen said.
"Okay, Xichen-Ge, will you help me find out who is trying to take control over the resentment?" Wuxian asked.
"Of course," Xichen said, "Wangji will also help. We will find out who is trying to target you."
"Thank you," Wuxian said before he and Wangji went to the infirmary, "...I hate doctors."
"They don't mean you any harm," Wangji told him.
"I know, but when you have dealt with Wen Qing as your healer and then also going through what I have, you can see why I am not a fan of them," Wuxian said.
Wangji wanted to slap himself, of course Wei Wuxian doesn't like healers or doctors. Having to go through such pain it made sense, but Wei Wuxian knew they were important people. He just decided to humor them and go see them.
"Well, you are a bit underweight and dehydrated, but other than that, you are doing fine," the healer said, "your energy flowing in your body is very strong and it's circulating normally. Your Qi is normal and you are pretty much good to go. All I advise is to eat more and drink more fluids."
"Okay," Wei Wuxian said and left with Wangji, "how can I eat more?"
"Easy, just put more food in your mouth, chew, and swallow," Wangji said.
Wei Wuxian couldn't help but laugh, "you are funny."
"I wasn't being funny, I was being honest," Wangji said.
"Well, I thought it was funny. Whether you want to admit it or not, you do have some humor in you," Wuxian said, "if I'm the only one to experience that, then I am honored. If I am the only one to make you smile or laugh, then I will make sure they are only reserved for me."
Wangji couldn't help but smile at him, "very well, only for Wei Ying, will I smile."
Wuxian giggled and pulled him into a hug, "such a sweet man you are," he said.
"You are sweeter," Wangji said, "taste like lotus seeds."
Wuxian blushed, "well, you taste like tea," he replied.
Wangji smirked and placed a kiss on Wuxian's lips. He then pulled away, "we should go speak with Shufu and Xiongzhang about our next plan."
Wuxian nodded as Wangji took his hand and pulled him to the Yashi (Elegant Room), a place where small meetings are usually held. Either with elders of the sect or families of the disciples, or other sect leaders to visit them. They were surprised to see that Chifeng Zun had arrived so soon. Apparently he was in the area with Nie Huaisang looking into some things about resentment and corpses in Gusu, but they did not find anything. It was when Chifeng Zun received a butterfly message from Zewu Jun that he was needed for some urgent business. Without giving him too much on Wei Wuxian's secrets, they explained to Chifeng Zun what they witnessed in the burial mounds and why they are all now in Cloud Recesses.
"These Jin's think they own everything, before it was just Wen Ruohan manipulating everything, but these Jin's, they all seem to have some sort of issue with control and ownership," Chifeng Zun said, "The amulet, where is it now?"
"Destroyed," Wei Wuxian answered upon entering with Wangji, "I destroyed it when I was able to heal from some old wounds and mend my impaired spiritual energy. There was a place in the mounds called the Blood pool. It was filled with Resentment and once the amulet was destroyed, I threw the shards and dust into the pool."
"Wei Wuxian, I see you are carrying a sword again, but also your flute," Chifeng Zun said.
"Can you be trusted not to spread rumors?" Wuxian asked.
"You have my word," Chifeng Zun replied.
Wei Wuxian then felt okay enough to share his story and experiences with Chifeng Zun. Why he could not use a sword long ago, but how he is managing to now. Wei Wuxian knows that even though he wants to take all this to his grave, it may have to come out to the public for others to really understand what he was doing and why. He knows that Jiang Cheng may hate him more than what he may already does, but he knows that these secrets of his would either end up having to come out someday, or he had to die to keep them a secret. Since he was now with Lan Wangji, he has no desire to ever think about ending his life again. It was an option for him for so long, but he has his chance to move forward and live happily. He just has to get all this out.
"I see, and the people you saved, they were in labor camps and they were not soldiers at all. They were healers and farmers and elderly," Chifeng Zun said.
"A child is also involved," Lan Xichen said, "He is only a toddler."
"A labor camp or the mounds is no place for a child!" Chifeng Zun boomed out.
"We want to find out what the Jin Sect is really hiding and if they are really trying to manipulate things to make Wei Wuxian look like a bad guy. He hasn't caused any trouble since living in the mounds, and even before that, he didn't really cause any trouble. Because resentment relies heavily on emotions, if he is easily angered or provoked, would be the only time he'd potentially lash out. Nowadays he has been really keeping everything under control and Wangji is helping him with that by teaching him some new techniques and methods," Xichen said.
"The next conference meeting is in Lanling in three days. I think we should try to get the Jin's to confess...and I think we should have Wei Wuxian there. Seeing him there with his sword, and even going as far as, if he is comfortable with it, being searched to prove he does not have the amulet anymore, and see how the Jin's take it," Chifeng Zun said, "Plus, they are holding a one month celebration for Jin Zixuan and Lady Yanli's son."
"Son?" Wei Wuxian asked, "She has a son?"
"You didn't know?" Xichen asked.
"Since my fight with Jiang Cheng went public, I have not heard from him or Shijie," Wuxian said looking at his hands, "To think that it was only a staged fight though...and to make it believable, he and I both got injured. Me probably worse then him. He had a broken arm, but I was stabbed in the abdomen, and nearly bled out before QingJie could stop it. I praise her for that though, she is the reason I am still standing, basically."
"It was a fake fight?" Lan Qiren asked.
"We had to make it look believable, I did see Shijie once and it was just before she got married. She showed me her dress and let me pick out a courtesy that will probably be announced at the one month celebration if it has not been announced yet," Wuxian explained.
"It has not been announced, can you tell us?" Xichen asked.
"Well, the next generations for the Jin's is Ru, so I said Jin Rulan," Wuxian said.
Lan Xichen smiled along with the others, "Jin Rulan, that sounds nice."
"Jiang Cheng argued against it but Shijie kept it," Wuxian said.
"Why?" Lan Qiren asked.
"Because he said it makes it sound like he is from the Lan Sect. I then argued saying, "What's wrong with the Lan Sect? Lan means Orchid, a gentry of flowers," and Shijie liked it anyway."
"You argued for the sect and you were not apart of it," Lan Xichen said.
"I respect this sect. Aside from the rules, there is a lot of good things here. I may be a playful person, but this place seemed to make me a bit more tame," Wuxian said.
Lan Xichen smiled, "Well, with you and Wangji now courting, you are now family and this is now your home."
"Courting?" Chifeng Zun asked.
"Yes," Wangji said, finally speaking after sitting silently the whole time.
"Oh, you do talk," Chifeng Zun teased.
Wuxian giggled, " Yes he can, when he wants to."
"Mnn," Wangji replied.
"So in three days, with me and Wangji as escorts, Wei Wuxian should be safe for when we go to Lanling. We will do what we can to protect you," Xichen said.
"You have my word, I will protect you as well," Chifeng Zun said.
After talking plans for so long, they had dinner before turning in for the night. Wei Wuxian was staying in the Jingshi with Wangji for the first time. He was nervous and shy about it but he was happy to be by Wangji's side.
"I know that I can protect myself, but can you promise me not to leave my side?" Wuxian asked as they laid down in bed.
Wangji pulled Wuxian close to him, "I will be beside you through this and even afterwards, I am here for you," Wangji told him.
Wuxian kissed him before resting his head against Wangji's chest. The two slept together peacefully that night. For Wuxian, it was the first time he had a good nights sleep in a long time.
When the day came for them to go to Lanling, Wuxian explained that he was nervous of flying so Wangji ended up carrying him as they flew on Bichen. The landed at the main gate and made their way up the stairs to Glamour hall. Wei Wuxian stood between Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji. When everyone saw Wei Wuxian there, they were shocked, even frightened. Lan Wangji kept his arm around Wuxian to let other's know that Wuxian was not a threat but to also show that if anyone tries to hurt him, Wangji will not hesitate to fight back.
They walked over to their seats, Wuxian sitting next to Wangji, Xichen to the right and then Lan Qiren to the right of Xichen. Wuxian was seated between Xichen and Wangji. Because he was there, Wuxian had some new supplements that Wei Qing made. They were clear gels, and once dropped into a liquid, it will either change to a dark brown color to show that it has been poisoned or tampered with, or it will just dissolve and not effect the drink. The moment one of the servants served him a drink, he dropped one in his cup, and it immediately turned brown.
"Looks like I really am a target," Wuxian said quietly.
Xichen and Wangji looked at his cup, "Poison," they said.
"I am not eating or drinking anything from this sect," Wuxian said.
"Wei Wuxian!" He heard someone yell.
Wuxian looked and saw Jiang Cheng standing there, "What do you think you are doing here?" He asked.
"Sitting with my new sect," Wuxian said, "See my new robes, they were made just for me, dark blue and black robes with cloud motifs, and I am sitting next to my fiancé."
"He must be cursed or something," Jiang Cheng said, "You dare come here when you know you are a target to everyone here."
"Yes, I came here to enjoy the show," Wuxian said as Wangji gave him a clean cup of water that has not been tampered with.
"What do you mean by that?" Jiang Cheng asked.
"You will find out later," Wuxian said and looked at Lan Xichen, "Zewu Jun, I apologize if Jiang Cheng is disrespecting you in any way."
"No need to apologize for him, you are just fine. He needs to learn how to respect others," Xichen said.
Jiang Cheng scoffed and went to his seat. Wei Wuxian took a couple deep breaths as he was doing really well keeping his nerves under control. With Wangji holding his hand, it was a lot easier.
"I see the Yiling Patriarch has decided to come out of hiding," Jin Zixun said as he and his family entered. Jin Guangshan sitting in the main seat up front and then Yanli and Jin Zixuan sitting across from the Lan Sect closes to the front. Yanli was surprised to see Wuxian there. Madam Jin was away looking after the baby until after the meeting is over.
"Mnn," Wuxian replied.
"How did the Lan Sect convince you to come out?" Jin Guangshan asked.
"Why do you want to know?" Wuxian asked.
"You are wearing their robes," Jin Guangshan said.
"Well they offered my Wei family refuge at Cloud Recesses so they are safe and sound, the Amulet is destroyed, and I am courting Hanguang Jun, that is why I am out," Wei Wuxian said.
"Wei Family? You mean those Wen Dogs?" Jin Zixun asked.
"The amulet has been destroyed?" Jin Guangyao asked before Wuxian could say anything.
"It is," Wuxian said, "It is no longer available for anyone to try to get, It has been destroyed into a million pieces and scattered into dust," Jin Guangyao didn't look too pleased, and neither did Jin Guangshan. Wei Wuxian smirked, "You do not look to happy hearing that such an evil tool is destroyed."
"Of course I am displeased, I wanted to have it," Jin Guangshan said and looked at Jin Guangyao, "You illegitimate bastard son of mine, you told me you had it all under control."
Jin Guangyao was surprised to hear Jin Guangshan not only out himself but drag Jin Guangyao down with him, "You wanted my help. Plus I have my own amulet."
"You have an amulet and you said nothing!" Jin Guangshan yelled.
Wei Wuxian sighed and stood up. Now being a full master of demonic cultivation and cultivating it as is main energy source, he started to summon some energy and used it to make tendril like ropes, binding not only Jin Guangyao and Jin Guangshan, but also Jin Zixun, "It seems there is a lot you three have to say."
Lan Xichen was furious, as he was manipulated by Jin Guangyao for so long, even Chifeng Zun was surprised. Out of the corner of Wei Wuxian's eye, he saw someone in white try to sneak out, using his energy, he manipulated Suibian, summoning it out of the sheathe and now at the throat of the person moving.
"Oh, Moling Su Sect Leader, Su Minshan, correct? The one who betrayed the Gusu Lan Sect and are copying their methods for his own sect," Wei Wuxian said, "It seems we have several people who are involved."
"You are all to in contempt," Chifeng Zun said as he and a few other people sealed their spiritual energy, "If there is anyone else involved, we will find out who."
"I, Jin Zixuan revoke my father as His excellency and sect leader of Lanling Jin Sect. I will take over as the new Sect Leader, promising that I will do everything in my power to help clean up this mess my father has created."
Wei Wuxian had to admit, Jin Zixuan, despite some of his arrogance, was a bit more decent than his father. Wuxian saw that Jin Zixuan loved and cared for Yanli. If Yanli was happy, who was he to stand in the way. Wei Wuxian cleared the room of resentment and went over to Wangji after sheathing Suibian, "Are you upset with me? I might have lashed out a little bit," he said.
Wangji shook his head, "You did well," he praised and pulled Wuxian into a hug.
Just as he turned to look at his Shijie again, he felt something sharp pierce his abdomen. He looked down, recognizing the sword, Sandu, "What do you take me for?" Jiang Cheng asked.
Lan Wangji shoved Jiang Cheng way and threw Sandu across the hall. Yanli came over in tears, "A'Cheng! What did you just do?" She asked.
"He is a menace!" Jiang Cheng said.
"Jiang Cheng!" Wei Wuxian said, "You will regret ever hurting me. Especially after finding out all that I have sacrificed for you and your family. Taking the blame for Lotus Pier's massacre, taking blame for your parent's death. Being treated as if I was nothing but a shield for you and Yanli as your parent said I was. My last promise to them was to protect you with my life, and I knew that I was never family, just a toy, a shield. I tricked you into thinking Baoshan Sanren gave you that golden core when it was Wen Qing who cut me open with no pain medication or anesthetics and taking two nights and day to remove my core and give it to you.
Did you know how painful it was to see everything I worked for being given to you? It was never my cultivation anyway, it was like your parents were thinking I would make such a sacrifice for you. The chances were only fifty percent, and I waited for several days after that surgery for you at that tea house, but I was captured by Wen Chao and thrown into the burial mounds. I spent those three months learning how to use a new path, knowing that I would get scolded and even being called arrogant and ill-bred for not being able to use my sword again.
I learned recently, that I no longer needed the Amulet and destroyed it. I cultivated a new core that is known as a Yin core. It will allow me to use my sword again, and it will allow me to cultivate, but you never gave a damn for what I did, whether you knew about it or not. I hope you live happily in Lotus Pier, because I am never returning to that place again."
Jiang Cheng and Yanli were so stunned by what they heard, "Please tell me none of that is true?" Yanli begged.
"It's true, Lady Jin," Xichen said, "We have seen the people living in the mounds. They were elders, farmers, and healers. There was even a toddler there. So Wei Wuxian has been the one who has the biggest heart here and did the right thing. Even if he never said anything about his private life, we should have known better."
Yanli sobbed and Jin Zixuan pulled her into a hug, "Zixuan, please take care of her," Wuxian said.
"I promise," he said.
Wuxian suddenly began to choke out blood. Wangji picked him up and followed Jin Zixuan and Yanli to the infirmary. After being tended to and staying in bed for a couple days, he was well enough to travel back to Gusu. Before leaving, Yanli brought her baby to meet Wei Wuxian, "A'Xian, I want you to meet Jin Ling, Jin Rulan," she said handing him to Wuxian.
"He's handsome," Wuxian said and looked at her, "I am sorry."
"If anyone should be sorry, it should be Jiang Cheng and me. I believed in you, and I want you to know that," She said.
"Thank you," Wuxian said handing Jin Ling back to her.
"I have to ask, You and Hanguang Jun?" She asked.
Wuxian looked up at Wangji who was standing beside them, "He is mine, and I am his. It's as simple as that. I love him."
Yanli saw a soft smile appearing on Lan Wangji's face before looking back at Wuxian, "I am proud of you and I look forward to seeing your wedding."
Wuxian giggled, "Shijie," he whined.
"How about before you head out, I make you your favorite soup, maybe even teach Hanguang Jun to make it for you," Yanli said.
Wuxian smiled, "That sounds nice."
Xichen sat with Wuxian while Wangji left with Yanli to make Wuxian something to eat...meaning his favorite soup. It was a nice time for Xichen and Wuxian to sit and talk for a while.
"I owe you an apology by the way," Xichen said.
"Why?" Wuxian asked.
"Back in Yunmeng, when we talked in that tavern...for what I said to you," Xichen said.
"Ge, you are forgiven," Wuxian said, "if anything you were not only worried for Lan Zhan, but you did have concerns for me. I just wasn't in a good place. I cannot be upset over things that are in the past. Especially since you are Lan Zhan's brother. I respect you. I hope you know that."
Lan Xichen sighed as he pulled an honest smile, "how are you so forgiving all the time?" He asked.
"It has to do with something my mother had me long ago. I still remember it to this day," he said.
"Can you tell me?" Xichen asked.
"'Remember the things others do for you, not the things you do for others. Only when people don't hold so much in their hearts would they finally feel free'," Wuxian answered, "it's something that I have always held onto."
"That's actually good advice," Xichen said, "you should, however, still remember to help yourself every once in a while."
"That has always been a habit of mine, taking care of others more than I do for myself...it is probably just how I was raised in Lotus Pier. Maybe some impact from my parents but, I am trying," Wuxian said.
"Well, you have a stubborn partner, Wangji will make sure you do or he will just do it himself," Xichen said.
"I have noticed," Wuxian said, "he is very persistent, more so than anyone I have ever met. Since we had many misunderstandings, I always thought he hated me, but when he tried helping me so many times I was really getting confused."
"I should teach you how I learn to read him," Xichen said.
"I feel like I am getting there, but any advice that involves him, would be helpful," Wuxian said, "I just want him to be happy."
"Since meeting you, he's been the most happiest that I've ever seen him," Xichen said, "I tried for so many years just to try to comfort him or teach him about comfort again. When he hugged you, I had to admit, I was a bit jealous."
"Baby steps," Wuxian said, "you will get your hugs from your Didi again."
"I better," Xichen pouted.
Wuxian couldn't help but laugh, but stopped from the pain in his abdomen, "oh gosh, this blows. I can't even laugh," Wuxian whined.
Xichen smiled, "we will get you to Cloud Recesses and you can heal a bit faster there. We have Wei Qing."
"Don't you dare tell her! She is so strict and she will force me to be in bed until this heals into a scar, I guarantee you she will be worse than you think," Wuxian said.
"That is not nice," Wei Qing said entering the room, "Grandmaster Lan informed me already and said it was safe for me to come and tend to you and this is how you speak of me?!"
"QingJie," Wuxian said, "I know you mean well."
"Good, because you said such nice things, I will tell your boyfriend that you will be in bed for at least two weeks or until I see you are fit enough to be more active. If you do not comply, you can have a nice date with my needles," she said.
Wei Wuxian trembled as he hid more behind Lan Xichen, "Ge?"
"Ugh, you are on your own for this one, I agree with her, you need to rest and heal. Wangji too, would also agree," Xichen said.
Wei Wuxian pouted and gave in.
"Now, take this or I will have to force it again like last time," Wei Qing said handing him a small cup with medicine in it.
"I bet it's very bitter," Wuxian said and tossed it back, "what do you know, it is."
"That means it's good for you," Wei Qing said.
"Not necessarily," Wuxian said and looked at Xichen, "where your your brother? I feel like I need him here to protect me from you two."
Yanli and Wangji walked in, "he is right here," Yanli said, "he is a quick learner."
"Lan Zhan, Qing-Jie and Xichen-Ge are bullying me," Wuxian tattled.
"How?" Wangji asked.
"Your partner here is to be in best rest for at least two weeks when he returns to Cloud Recesses. If he fails to comply, he has a date with my needles," Wei Qing said and walked out with Yanli who was laughing with her.
"How is that bullying?" Wangji asked, "it's what she recommends, so you are to rest."
"No need to be mean about it," Wuxian said as Wangji handed him a bowl of Lotus Root and pork ribs soup, "thank you."
"Mnn, no talking while eating," Wangji said and sat at the table with Xichen.
Wuxian ate in silence. After he ate Wangji helped him prepare to leave for Cloud Recesses. Wangji carried him all the way back and laid him in bed when they got to the Jingshi.
After a few months, Wangji and Wuxian married, as being together was something they had fully decided on. Wangji wanted to have Wei Wuxian fully married into the sect and it would help him realize that this was his new home. They even adopted A'Yuan as their own.
As for Jin Guangshan, Jin Guangyao, Jin Zixun, and Su MinShan, including confessing that Xue Yang was the one who made their amulet, they were all executed for their crimes. Even if they were to remove their cores and banish them from the cultivation world, there was no telling whether or not they would still find a way to cause trouble.
The Dafan Wen's now known as the Wei's, remained in Cloud Recesses, serving them as healers and providing them with advances in medicine and other services. They even started to work more in the gardens in Cloud Recesses.
Wei Wuxian made amends with Yanli as the two never really had any issues. As for Jiang Cheng, he still remains unsure of whether he wants to forgive Wuxian or not. Though, it should be the other way around, and Jiang Cheng should be the one to apologize to Wuxian, not Wuxian apologizing to Jiang Cheng. They remained distant for a long time. They would be civil if they were in that same space as Yanli and Jin Ling, but otherwise, Jiang Cheng wanted nothing to do with Wuxian and Wuxian wanted nothing to do with Jiang Cheng. Not anymore.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were happy, and they kept to their promise about assisting the weak and defeating the evil, while always keeping a clear conscious and live with no regrets. They remained true to their intentions, and with the Lan Sect behind Wei Wuxian, he finally found a place where he felt welcome and could call home.