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Wangji planned to leave in two weeks with Wuxian and his disciples. Normally Wangji wouldn't travel with that many people but he wanted to test the new students that are supposed to protect his soul-bond. He will expect nothing but excellence from these young men.
He was passing by the training grounds to watch the new recruits practicing swords when he noticed that most of the people present were crowded together, watching something. He got close to see what all the commotion was about and was surprised to see Wuxian in the middle.
One of the disciples sees Wangji approaching and steps close to explain what happened: "Your Excellency, Treasure Wei challenged his disciples to attempt to grab the ribbon attached to his belt without using weapons. They've been at it for an hour and a half and have yet to succeed in getting even close." Wangji nods and stands closer to watch.
Wuxian was using talismans and spells to avert all attempts at subduing him. His moves were graceful, fast and flexible. He was trained outside of Cloud Recesses so no one could predict his reactions.
Wuxian is currently sitting on a bound Bhao, taunting an exhausted Kaoji and eyeing the three remaining students: "Do you admit defeat?"
Sizhui shares a nod with the other two as they all attack at the same time. Wuxian runs towards the closest, Jingyi, and uses the momentum to aim a strike with his foot at the junction between his neck and shoulder to incapacitate him. This allowed him to jump and land on Taiho who tried to block the attack with his arms and failed, falling to the ground with a groan.
Sizhui uses that moment to grab his father's robes but ends up aiding his turn and receiving a tiny human figure talisman that weighs him down to the ground.
Wuxain turns around and dusts his robes: "Well.. that was fun. Anyone else wants to try?"
He turns to see if anyone wants to take him on and sees Wangji and smiles: "Lan Zhan, want to show these weaklings how it's done?"
Wangji smiles and hands over Bichen to one of his disciples. He approaches Wuxian: "What are the terms of this exercise?"
Wuxian: "Try to take this red ribbon from me without using weapons."
Wangji smirks and then runs towards Wuxian without hesitation.
It was like watching two people dance to a magical rhythm. Totally in sync and well aware of each other's skills. After an hour of this, Wuxian started to show signs of exhaustion.
Wangji, who was careful with his attacks, noticed Wuxian almost slipping, and stopped the duel. He bows his surrender and walks over to Wuxian: "You win."
Wuxian was not happy: "Why are we stopping?" Wangji doesn't give him a chance to continue and takes his hand to kiss it: "I haven't had a good duel in a while. Thank you."
Wuxian sighs when he notices his hand shaking in Wangji's. To silently thank him for not prolonging the fight, he took the ribbon and gave it to Wangji with a smile: "Thank you for making my day more challenging."
Wangji embraces him for a few seconds and walks away to tend to his duties. Wuxian, still blushing from the public display of affection, turns to face his disciples as the crowd around them disperses. They're staring at him with blank faces: "What?"
Jingyi, still rubbing his hurt neck, comments: "We've never seen anyone match Hanguang Jun before."
Wuxian scoffs: "You should've seen our sword fights when I still possessed my golden core. It was epic!"
Taiho strokes his chin and watches Wuxian take his flute from Wen Ning: "You have two first-class weapons but you use only one. Which in a real fight puts you in a disadvantage."
Wuxian looks back at him: "I have three first-class weapons. Wen Ning fights with my sword so Suibian is not useless."
Kaoji: "You have Suibian and Chenqing. What's the third weapon?"
Wuxian smirks while sitting on the ground to rest: "Whoever can guess it can have my extra meal." The boys sit around him. Sizhui glares at his father: "No one is sharing your meals. You need to gain weight!" Wuxian rolls his eyes muttering: "You're not the one being stuffed bland food."
Bhao tries his luck: "Master Wei, do you consider your guardian a weapon?"
Wuxian turns around to see Wen Ning standing behind him, blocking the sun for him: "No.. He's a part of me that I cherish and would protect with my life." They share an intimate smile until Kaoji snaps his finger: "I got it! I've seen you borrow and use Bichen from his Excellency. That's the third weapon." Wuxian sighs and lays down: "You guys are not good at figuring things out. It's on me right now. Use your eyes!"
He closes his eyes while waiting for them to guess. Sizhui gets close to grab his wrist to measure his pulse, which earns him a side glare from Wuxian. He looks down to avoid his scrutiny and sees the ring: "Father, is it the ring?"
Wuxian smiles at him: "I knew you were the smartest of them."
Taiho frowns: "How can a ring be used in a fight?"
Wuxian rolls over to look at him: "I don't know yet. I just know it has a lot of energy and can be used as a zither during a fight."
Taiho hums in interest: "Do you mind if we try it out to see how it can fare in a fight?"
Wuxian yawns: "Not today. Maybe next time."
Taiho smiles and helps Wuxian up.
Wuxian was exhausted. After fighting for three hours and being forced to eat more bland food than he cares for, he snuck into the library to sit next to his busy soul-bond. He scooches close and rests his head on Wangji's shoulder and smiles. Wangji takes his hand and interlocks their fingers while he continues to read.
He falls asleep a few minutes later and Wangji lays him down, with his head on his lap. Wangji smiles down at his sleeping soul-bond and couldn't help but stroke his long soft hair, whispering: "Seeing you like this, how can I be faulted when I get jealous?"
He hears a reply from the door: "No one faults you brother. He does attract attention wherever he goes."
Zewu Jun sits near his brother and smiles at the sleeping Wuxian: "From what I hear, he has put up a good show for the disciples today. I hope you didn't go easy on him?"
Wangji, still stroking Wuxian's hair and gently smiling at his sleeping features, replies: "He's my match. I didn't need to diminish my skills to duel with him."
Zewu Jun: "Brother, do you plan to take him with you to Carp Tower?"
Wangji looks back at him with a serious look: "I cannot leave him. He will come with me."
Zewu Jun frowns: "I will guard him well. You don't need to worry about him staying here."
Wangji shakes his head: "The thought of not seeing him hurts my soul. I trust you with him completely. I just don't trust myself without him."
Zewu Jun: "You cannot keep him hidden beneath your shadow forever. He needs to feel free."
Wangji sighs: "I am aware.. but for now let me have my peace as long as he is willing to give it."
Zewu Jun: "He agreed to accompany you?"
Wangji: "I asked. He didn't deny me."
Zewu Jun: "What about his health? We have many enemies and he needs constant protection outside of Cloud Recesses. It is not safe and you will be busy moderating the conference as the Excellency."
Wangji: "I am aware of his bad history and ours. Wen Ning can shield him but I will try my best to keep him close just in case."
Zewu Jun sighs: "You're asking too much of him. Any other man would've complained by now."
Wangji closes his eyes in frustration: "I am aware of my shortcomings."
Zewu Jun pats his brother's shoulder: "It will pass. I am sure Wuxian has enough patience to see you through it."
He then smirks at his brother: "Besides.. Now he has 3 more people that will demand his attention. I hope you have as much patience for their affections towards Wuxian as he has for your clinginess."
Wangji grabs his Bichen: "They try and I end their bloodline!"
Wuxian stirs: "Who are we killing now?"
Zewu Jun, still smirking at his brother: "Your disciples."
Wuxian yawns: "Why are we killing my kids?"
Wangji stops stroking his hair: "Your kids?"
Wuxian looks up at him: "Yes.. my kids. Why are we killing them?"
Zewu Jun moves further to avoid being slashed: "Brother Wei, tread carefully."
Wuxian sits and looks confused: "What now? I can't have kids to love and nurture?"
Wangji glares at him: "How many more people am I going to share you with?"
Wuxian smiles mischievously: "You soul-bonded to a popular guy. That's my blessing and your curse."
Wangji sighs loudly and looks defeatedly at his brother: "I am doomed."
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