.
A/N:
I want to clarify, even though many have answered this question in the comments, I have only seen the TV show and my interpretation is:
Wuxian died twice..
(1) When he was thrown in Burial Mounds after his golden core was removed
(2) When he jumped off of the cliff in Nightless City.
Since my perspective is now clarified, let's get on with the story..
#NoRegrets
Enjoy :B
.
They arrived at their destination on time. Thankfully, no one else attempted to stop them. Wangji found himself needing some space to process what just happened. Someone took his soul-bond from right under his nose and he was helpless to do anything but arrive late. People might not have noticed but Wangji saw the subtle change in his mate's behavior. Wuxian insisted on keeping his hair braided or tied at all times. He flinches when someone moves close to him if he isn't paying attention. Wangji even noticed his restless movement while he slept. Wuxian did not speak of what happened when he was held captive but the bruises and wrist wound did not paint a pretty picture.
Wangji stared at the sleeping man in his arms. He was glad that Wuxian did not fight him when he suggested they rest for a day in the city inn before diving into what they came here to do. His soul-bond was subdued most of the day and Wangji was starting to get worried. Wuxian frowned in his sleep and reached out with his hand to grab Wangji's robes. The taller man rubbed Wuxian's waist to reassure him and he heard him sigh before loosening his grip and relaxing.
Wangji's thoughts were running wild with what could have happened. He leans close to his sleeping mate and whispers: "You're safe."
He was surprised when he heard a sleepy response: "Hmm?"
Wangji: "I am here. You're safe."
Wuxian blinks his eyes open and stares at Wangji for a few seconds before whispering: "Why are you still awake?"
Wangji traces his fingers over the sleepy man's skin: "I was trying to comfort you. Did you have a nightmare?"
Wuxian sighs, closes his eyes and snuggles closer to Wangji: "Memory.."
Wangji stealthily starts to release strands of hair from Wuxian's braid: "Tell me.."
Wuxian felt a shudder go through his body: "It's not.. It's not that bad.. He didn't really do anything drastic.. It's just.. The feeling of having no control.. It suffocated me. I hate being helpless."
Wangji plays with the few strands he freed: "You are in control."
Wuxian chuckles darkly: "I wish I could believe you."
Wangji sits up, pulling his mate with him. He places his warm hands on Wuxian's cheeks and smiles at him: "We all have weak moments. It does not define us. We control the amount of influence it has on our lives. We either overcome them and persevere or wallow in regret and drown."
Wuxian swallows hard, looking into the supportive eyes of his mate: "I know.. I just.."
A sob robs Wuxian's breath and a single tear travels down his cheek: "He wanted to take my eyes out.."
Wangji felt his blood boil. Wuxian continues sobbing lightly: "He.. He stripped my clothes looking for spells or whatever to explain my appearance. He slit my wrist to prove that I don't bleed.. Then he was going to take my eyes out.. And all I can think of is not seeing you ever again and I broke down.. I screamed and begged.."
Wuxian wiped his eyes in frustration: "Do you know how humiliating that was? To beg a simpleton and a bunch of kids to have mercy on you.. I don't deserve this.. I'm not a bad person.."
Wangji pulls the crumbling man into his arms: "I wish they were still alive so I can skin them for you.."
Wuxian sighs loudly: "Every time I feel like I have a good handle on these new blessings, something pops up and makes me feel worse than dirt."
Wangji was at a loss for words. He just rubs Wuxian's back to silently comfort him.
Wuxian sighs: "Why do I feel like I'm being punished?"
Wangji: "I'm sorry."
Wuxian: "Why are you apologizing?"
Wangji leans back to look sadly into his soul-bond's eyes: "I failed. I did not protect you like I should."
Wuxian shakes his head: "We all failed this time. I'm sorry too."
Wangji nods and without thinking returns to pulling strands out of Wuxian's braid. The smaller man watches him and a small chuckle escapes: "Do you want me to untie my hair?"
Wangji nods slowly, low-key begging with his eyes. Wuxian shakes his head over Wangji's obsession with his hair and lets it loose. Wangji grabs a few strands and gently brings it close to kiss it. Wuxian felt his heart swell. He was grateful that Hweiru found him when she did. Seeing these small gestures of pure love and devotion from Wangji is what gave him hope in life.
Zewu Jun sat with Leader Ziyang after breakfast to discuss their plan. Ziyang was feeling restless: "The city council are demanding answers. They have never seen that many clan cultivators here, even during the competition season. They know that something is up."
Zewu Jun: "Grandmaster Qiren made it clear that Brother Wei should not be exposed unless it's necessary. It is only feasible to announce our arrival if it somehow doesn't put him in danger or deters the faceless man."
Ziyang rubs his chin in deep thought then says: "What if we say that I invited him to judge the archery competition. He is known as the best marksman so it will not sound odd. These people are pretty docile and never create any problems in our sect. I'm sure they will behave and be happy to have him here to bless their festivities."
Zewu Jun was surprised by his suggestion: "How does that serve us?"
Ziyang: "If they know he's here, he can move around freely. He is respected to the point of worship. If he invites the fortune teller to stay here as a host, the teller won't turn him down. Why look for someone when we can lure him in?"
Zewu Jun was impressed: "That's.. creative."
Ziyang smirks: "I have a good idea from time to time."
Wuxian steps into the room, followed by Wangji. Zewu Jun offers them tea and explains Ziyang's suggested plan. Wangji frowns: "Can you guarantee the city's cooperation?"
Ziyang: "Nothing in this world is guaranteed, your Excellency. I can tell you that the people here are calm and wise. They are not easily swayed and the city council has a good grip on them."
Wuxian plays with the bandage covering his wrist: "Do I have to compete?"
Zewu Jun shakes his head: "You don't really need the prize or the title. You will just attend and help score the competitors. You are after all the best archer we know."
Wuxian turns to look at his soul-bond. When he receives a nod of approval he smiles and says: "That sounds like fun."
Wangji says: "Your disciples should join the competition."
Wuxian smiles at him: "YES! I want to brag about my kids' progress!"
Zewu Jun chuckles over his enthusiasm: "It's a cover, brother Wei. It will help them look around without being suspicious."
Wuxian pouts: "But I want to see them fight for my approval.."
Zewu Jun: "Your daughter and Jingyi almost set our home on fire for you. Is that not enough?"
Wuxian shakes his head: "I wasn't there. I didn't see it so it doesn't count."
Wangji pats his soul-bond's back: "I am sure they will do well."
Ziyang: "Once we have the fortune teller, how can we recognize the faceless man?"
Wuxian shudders over the memory of the last time he saw him in person: "He made a mistake by coming too close to me last time. Now I know how to recognize him.."
.