Xiao Zhan had just woken up when he heard the gentle knock and opened the door. One glance was all he needed to tell that Lan Wangji was troubled by something. Yawning in his sleep clothes and in the midst of putting on his outer robe, he invited him in.
Despite seeing this sight almost daily for the past few weeks, Lan Wangji still couldn't stop himself from admiring the naturally handsome young man in the loose attire. It made him momentarily forget his dilemma as he gazed at the man while they both took their seats at the table.
Xiao Zhan raked his fingers through his untied hair. The long, dark hair fell luxuriously to the side of his head, framing his gorgeous face. He spoke in a half-whisper as Xue Yang was still asleep. "What's troubling your mind, Lan Zhan?"
Lan Wangji had to pull himself out of that distracting view to utter a reply. "I had a dream."
"Another one? What is it about?" Xiao Zhan asked curiously.
Lan Wangji concisely worded his speech to gauge the other's reaction. "The pledge. Nightless City."
Xiao Zhan hummed, squinting his eyes to gather his thoughts before recognition dawned upon him. "Oh. That. When all hell broke loose." He looked at Lan Wangji, analyzing his expression before he spoke softly, "That must have been a horrible sight to see in your sleep."
Lan Wangji was quite certain that the event was not merely a dream, but he still needed further confirmation. He requested, "Please tell me about it. In detail."
"Hmm... Where should I start?" Xiao Zhan paused to tie his hair and drew in a long breath. He began, "So... This is how it went..."
Lan Wangji listened to his detailed story of the pledge conference scene as requested until the part where the two fought on the roof. He interrupted, "I fought against you?"
"Technically, it's not me but Wei Wuâ" Xiao Zhan stopped talking when he saw Lan Wangji hang his head low. His expression looked like he had committed the worst sin. Xiao Zhan loomed closer to his side. "What's wrong?"
Lan Wangji answered bitterly, "That was what I dreamed of. And I wasn't on your side."
Xiao Zhan finally realized that Lan Wangji's dream was a glimpse of the 'future' event. Feeling bad for him for getting another tormenting nightmare, he coaxed, "Lan Zhan, listen to me. That 'future' is not about me, and I promise it won't happen this time around. So, don't beat yourself up for things you never did. Besides, I have yet to come to the most important part of this story."
Lan Wangji lifted up his head. "Which is?"
"You actually never left his side. You saved and hid him away after that rampage." Xiao Zhan halted briefly to contemplate whether he should continue or not. Eventually, he decided to be truthful. He spoke again, "Lan Zhan, I will be brutally honest with you. For him, you even got punished severely. You went against your uncle and thirty-three of your clan elders. Due to that, you got thirty-three disciplinary whips. That was how far you went for him."
Lan Wangji's eyes widened slightly at the statement with a mixture of disbelief and confusion. He stayed silent for a while, his turmoil of emotions apparent on his face.
Xiao Zhan went over to sit next to Lan Wangji's side and patted his shoulder, comforting him with physical affection, "Now, that is not the future we are going to have. I will not allow it to happen, alright?"
Lan Wangji hummed noncommittally before he turned his head to face Xiao Zhan and asked, "How many people died that night?"
"There wasn't an exact number, but somewhere around three thousand." Xiao Zhan answered, giving an estimation based on what he knew. He shuddered at the thought of the enormous casualties that happened in the novel. Bloodbaths were not uncommon in this ruthless cultivation world. He told himself that he would not end up like Wei Wuxian, albeit he knew that one day, he might have blood on his hands as well. It was inevitable since he chose to live as 'Wei Wuxian'.
Lan Wangji closed his eyes and pressed his lips together. His mind replayed the scene that he had seen in his dream like a broken record. He spoke in a low voice, "If you keep practicing the cultivation, everyone may turn against you one day."
Xiao Zhan sighed deeply. He tilted his head slightly as he gazed into the light-colored irises, asking, "And what about you?"
Lan Wangji answered in a heartbeat, with burning determination shining in his eyes. "Always by your side."
Xiao Zhan's face brightened as he smiled at Second Young Master Lan. He propped his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his palm, his eyes still locked onto Lan Wangji's. He said cheerfully, "Then, it's not everyone. For me, just having your support is enough, Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji was content to hear that statement, and the corners of his mouth quirked up. "Mn."
They stared at each other intently, allowing silence to reign in the room for a while. They did not need any words to convey their loyalty toward each other, with smiles on their faces.
A few moments later, Lan Wangji opened his mouth again to ask, "Wei Ying, the other half of the story. Tell me the ending."
Ah shit. What should I say? The two got married? Became cultivation partners? Lived happily ever after? Every day is every day ? He isn't old enough to hear this kind of thing, is he? But seriously, every single day? Were they rabbits in their past lives? What am I even thinking? It's bad enough that I can't control my feelings and my body whenever I am near this guy. I can't even control my own thoughts now.
Xiao Zhan felt a little jittery about the monologue he had in his mind, and a flush crept up on his face. He restlessly drummed his fingers on the table to cover up the reddening blush as he stated, "It was a happy conclusion, I promise."
A line appeared between Lan Wangji's brows as he heard the short answer. He probed further, "Wei Ying, are you hiding something?"
Obviously, Lan Zhan. Obviously.
Xiao Zhan could feel a headache coming on soon. He rubbed his temple and admitted, "Yes, I am. I promised you that I wouldn't lie to you. But I never said I wouldn't hide some things from you."
"..." Lan Wangji was rendered speechless. He then looked at Xiao Zhan with sad eyes, "...are you saying that death is a happy conclusion?"
Xiao Zhan stiffened and recalled the traumatizing dream about the cliff scene that Lan Wangji had once experienced.
When he told him about his future knowledge near the waterfall, he stopped his storytelling at the Nightless City massacre. He had yet to tell Lan Wangji that Wei Wuxian would be reincarnated again. Thus, it was the only logical thing for the man to think like that. After all, it was true that death was the end of the first half of the story in all versions.
"Hah..." Xiao Zhan let out a long exhale before speaking quickly, "Alright. I'll give you a snippet, okay? Years after his death, he came back to life, and you two met once again. Happy ending. There. Satisfied?"
"..." Lan Wangji blinked at him.
Xiao Zhan ignored the questioning gaze and rose from his seat swiftly in an attempt to escape further inquiries. However, before he could take a step, he lost his balance when a dissatisfied Lan Wangji grabbed his wrist and tugged him in one forceful move, causing him to tumble onto Lan Wangji's lap. He let out a squeal of surprise and glowered at Lan Wangji.
"Yah! What are you doing?!" He slammed a slap onto the broad chest and pushed away. He then tried to stand up, but Lan Wangji's arm was already wrapped like an iron belt around his waist. He spun his head in his direction, and his eyes bored into Lan Wangji's in protest. "Lan Zhan! Why are you being like this?"
"Tell me the ending," Lan Wangji demanded, looking at him intently. Their faces were mere inches apart.
Too close! Too close!
Xiao Zhan squirmed as he could feel Lan Wangji's hot breath on his face, and the aroma of sandalwood entered his nose. He could feel himself getting flushed as blood rushed to his face. He shoved his hand at his chest a little harder to create some space between them as he whined, "You are being shameless! Let me up, Lan Zhan!"
Lan Wangji could care less about shame at this point. He closed their distance again and murmured, "Wei Ying, you must trust me."
"..." Xiao Zhan stiffened at that, feeling butterflies start to fly around his abdomen. He tried his hardest not to stare at the beautiful golden eyes as he answered, "I do trust you."
"But not enough to tell me the ending?" Lan Wangji, however, was a stubbornly persistent person to begin with, and he refused to give up on getting the answer to his curiosity at this moment.
"Oh, come on! You're awfully tenacious!" Xiao Zhan protested and attempted to escape again. "Let me go, Lan Zhan. This is inappropriate!"
"..." The Second Jade of Lan kept his mouth shut while his other hand circled the narrow waistline, closing the gap between them. His expression was a clear indication that he could be more than tenacious when he wanted to.
When did he learn to be this brazen?
Xiao Zhan was triggered by his headstrong antics at this point and decided to fight back. He challenged with a sly smirk on his face, "Are you going to kiss me if I don't tell you the ending?"
Lan Wangji's expression darkened upon hearing his suggestive retort. He took his provocation as a dare. He did not say a word, but his actions were loud enough to indicate 'do not add fuel to the fire.' The light-colored eyes were cast right on Xiao Zhan's unblinkingly as he moved impossibly closer.
He wouldn't have the guts to actually do it, right?
Thinking that the prim and proper Second Jade of Lan would not be daring enough to do such a thing, Xiao Zhan did not budge at first. Besides, kissing was not new to him. He was an actor, after all. He had kissed plenty of times, so he was very sure that he would be unfazed by that level of intimacy.
The tips of their noses almost touched. Their chests began to rise and fall with rapid breaths as the anticipation grew.
Goddamnit, he is serious! He does have guts to do it!
Seeing that Lan Wangji unexpectedly had no intention of actually stopping his bold movement, Xiao Zhan tensed up and turned his head away. He had no choice but to agree now. He grumbled, "God, you are fearless! Fine, I'll tell you! Just not now! I shall tell you, but only after we defeat Wen Ruohan."
Lan Wangji halted his actions, although his eyes were still glued to him. "Mark your words, Wei Ying."
"Okay," Xiao Zhan mumbled.
Their eyes locked once again, and Lan Wangji's gaze fell on Xiao Zhan's lips. Xiao Zhan noticed it and returned the same gesture as if it were an automatic response. The lips looked extremely tempting at the moment.
Xiao Zhan swallowed dryly, barely holding on to the last thread of rationality to resist his unrestrainable desire. He whimpered, "Can you please let me off your lap now? Xue Yang is waking up."
Right on cue, Xue Yang began to stir on the daybed. Lan Wangji frowned, unwilling to let go, but he loosened his embrace.
Grabbing the opportunity to escape, Xiao Zhan immediately sprang to his feet and went straight to where the daybed was. He silently thanked Xue Yang in his heart. He sat beside the boy and flashed his charming smile to cover his racing pulse. He asked with a smile, "Xue Yang, how are you feeling? Any more pain?"
Xue Yang was still in a daze. He sat up and looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. It was his first time sleeping that long and comfortably. He usually had to sleep while leaning against the wall and huddling his knees in some cold and dark alley. He stared at Xiao Zhan, and he recalled the two people who saved him from a beating, which he occasionally got when he was caught stealing food. Feeling a little at ease, he mumbled, "No pain."
Xiao Zhan patted his head. "Are you hungry?"
Xue Yang shook his head, but his thin belly growled, giving a different answer. Xiao Zhan chuckled softly. "Let's get you something to eat then."
They settled on a small eatery that sold light breakfast food just a stone's throw away from the inn.
Xiao Zhan made small talk. "You know, I once lived on the streets just like you."
Xue Yang was munching on a steamed bun with sweet red bean filling. He replied with his puffed cheeks, "You don't look like it."
Xiao Zhan told the story of the original owner of the body. "My parents were rogue cultivators, and they passed away when I turned six. I lived on the streets since then and even fought with wild dogs for scraps of food. Fortunately, a friend of my late father found me when I was nine and brought me to his clan. From there, I learned to cultivate."
Since the incident, Xue Yang thought all cultivators were as bad as the man who caused him to lose his pinky finger, and he disliked those so-called righteous people. But he felt safe enough to stay around these young cultivators sitting beside him. He asked, "Which clan?"
Xiao Zhan casually mentioned, "Yunmeng Jiang."
Xue Yang widened his eyes. "Isn't that one of the big clans?"
"It is. I am actually the head disciple." Xiao Zhan grinned playfully.
Xue Yang started to get curious about the laid-back cultivator who looked only several years older than him. It clicked in his mind that maybe he could be as strong as well, given that their backgrounds were pretty similar. "Are you strong?"
Just finished with his meal, Lan Wangji finally joined the conversation. "He's the best in his clan."
Xiao Zhan shrugged in a frolicsome manner. "Ahem. Can't deny that."
Lan Wangji added, "He started late and is still stronger than everyone."
Xiao Zhan lightly slapped Lan Wangji's shoulder to stop him from starting the rainbow talk. "Okay, now stop talking, Second Young Master Lan."
On that note, Xue Yang stopped chewing. "Lan? From Gusu Lan?"
Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you've heard of Gusu Lan before?"
Xue Yang tilted his head to look at the cultivator as if he had just asked a ridiculous question. "Who here doesn't know the five prominent sects, mister?"
Xiao Zhan didn't mind his crude way of speaking. He continued to gush about his partner, "And he is currently the strongest disciple in Gusu Lan."
Xue Yang took a good look at both of them. Although he was just a young boy, he could feel the powerful cold aura emanating from Lan Wangji, who looked calm and composed, and even his sword looked extraordinary. On the other hand, the good-humored and bubbly young man was more amiable, but his stances gave away the same kind of vibe as the other guy. The pair was not the normal kind of cultivators that he had ever encountered before, and they were on a different level of strength. They were first-rate. He voiced his wariness. "Why did high-level cultivators save me? Do you need something from me?"
"No, we don't need anything. We just happened to pass by, and we couldn't possibly sit still after seeing the cruel deeds done to a young boy." Xiao Zhan put it plainly. "We want to help you and get you off the streets, Xue Yang."
"..." Xue Yang dropped his head. No one had helped him before, and no one wanted to. He had only been treated like an eyesore of society all his life and was the object of brutal pummeling by unsympathetic adults. Would he finally be free from all this suffering?
Xiao Zhan stroked Xue Yang's hair affectionately and proposed, "Xue Yang, do you want to come with us?"
Shocked by the offer, Xue Yang lifted his chin and blinked his large eyes. "Where to?"
Xiao Zhan replied with a cheerful smile, "We're going to Jiangzhou for a short and fun trip."
Xue Yang took a few minutes to think and made his decision. He just wanted to get away from the cold nights and hunger, and the pain and torture. "Okay."
After breakfast, they went back to the inn to pack up their things and get ready to leave for the last pit stop on their journey to the west. To keep Xue Yang occupied, Xiao Zhan asked, "Do you want to learn how to cultivate your core?"
Xue Yang was unaware of this and questioned back, "I have one?"
"Yes, you do have one," Xiao Zhan replied and looked briefly at Lan Wangji, who instantly understood his gesture. He came nearer and briefly shared some of his spiritual energy to let the boy feel his core. Xue Yang was surprised when he felt the comforting warmth emerging from the center of his body. He blinked his eyes and spoke with an amused tone, "Is that it?"
"You can actually feel it yourself. Just follow what I do." Xiao Zhan sat in a lotus position. "Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the energy."
Xue Yang was a fast learner and soon entered a meditative state. Xiao Zhan let the boy cultivate for the first time in his life, in peace.
Lan Wangji pulled Xiao Zhan to his side and, in a low whisper, asked, "Wei Ying, what is your plan for the boy?"
Xiao Zhan responded nonchalantly, "For the moment, I'm just going to recommend him as a guest disciple at Yunmeng."
Xiao Zhan elaborated on his plan to the Second Jade of Lan. He could not let Xue Yang stay with them for now because he did not want the boy to see him practicing his dark arts, as that might have a bad influence on the quick-witted boy.
At the same time, it would be good for Xue Yang to build his foundation properly through orthodox teachings. He had given thorough deliberation and come to the conclusion that the Yunmeng Jiang Clan was the best option when it came to the clans that could nurture Xue Yang's personality and abilities for now. Firstly, it was due to the fact that Wei Wuxian himself was taken into the clan at the same age as Xue Yang and still managed to master the sword skills and six arts within a short period. Given Xue Yang's intelligence and talent, he would definitely achieve the same level of basic training. Jiang Fengmian was a good leader, and the rest of the disciples were friendly. Second, Jiang Yanli was a good sister to Wei Wuxian and she was one of the few people who made him feel loved despite their lack of blood relation. Her gentle demeanor and kind personality would be a good influence on Xue Yang. Perhaps through her care and good nature, Xue Yang could see that there were still good people in the cruel world and rebuild his childhood. Third, it was also the clan with the most freedom and closer to the normal population than the rest of the cultivation clans. Yunmeng Jiang's disciples were known for their honest and unrestrained ways. That being said, Xue Yang would not be as bored. The only issue was Madam Yu, and probably Jiang Cheng as well. Nonetheless, it wasn't a big issue that Xiao Zhan couldn't solve.
Lan Wangji listened to his reasoning and agreed with his points. "If you think that's for the best," he said.
With that conclusion, Xiao Zhan decided, "Since you have no objection, I will write a letter to my sect leader notifying him of our quick visit to Yunmeng before we return to Gusu."
****
Xiao Zhan chatted merrily with the waiter in the region's dialect. It wasn't too different from the current Chongqing dialect that he was fluent in. He expertly placed an order for a few dishes, selecting the spicy ones for himself and the milder ones for the others who couldn't tolerate the heat. Tonight was the finale of his food hunt. The three of them had spent the past few days in Jiangzhou roaming the streets, exploring and relaxing while eating all sorts of delicacies. The duo took a break from the night hunt since Xue Yang was with them. It was truly a short and fun trip, just as he had stated.
Lan Wangji was astounded by what he saw. In front of Wei Ying was a bowl of a dish drowned in red-hot liquid magma. Its surface, scattered with peppercorns, bubbled furiously through a half-inch-thick layer of dark red chili oil. Lan Wangji could smell the spicy heat from his seat.
Xiao Zhan's eyes twinkled with satisfaction as he looked at the bowl of volcanic-looking Shuizhu Yu (*Sichuan Boiled Fish). The tender fish fillets of marinated carp were generously doused in a hot broth, with a layer of red oil flavored with dried chilies and peppercorns on top. As he lifted a slice from its bath, the fillet dragged up through the oil, which gave it a flavorful coating. Pairing it with steamed rice, he ate it with gusto, his eyes glistening with blissful tears. "This is it! The heavenly dish."
"Heavenly?" Lan Wangji questioned. He could only see the fiery hot flames coming from the bright red dish. The adjective definitely did not suit its appearance.
"Wei-gege, are you a demon?" Xue Yang inquired while picking up a glutinous rice ball from his bowl. Xiao Zhan had personally asked the boy to address him as 'brother' before they left Kuizhou four days ago. The boy had become more talkative since then.
"What do you mean?" Answering nonchalantly, Xiao Zhan happily hummed while mixing up Mala Xiao Mian, a bowl of hot noodles served in a thin but flavorful broth flavored with more peppercorns and chili oil, topped with sesame seeds and a bit of steamed cabbage.
"That dish looks like it came from hell." After a few days of being with the two, Yang was comfortable enough with the pair to be cheeky now. Xiao Zhan's friendliness and gleefulness made him lose his guard. Although Lan Wangji was reserved and his face was always stoic, Xue Yang still felt at ease in his presence. These days, Xue Yang managed to sleep without waking up from nightmares and slept peacefully because of the soothing music that Lan Wangji played every night.
Xiao Zhan lifted a spoonful of the dish and offered, "Xue Yang, do you want to try some? Then you'll know whether I'm a demon or not."
"I'd rather die than taste that." Xue Yang replied with a toothy grin. Xiao Zhan teased the younger boy even more, and they ended up bickering like a pair of siblings.
"Behave," Lan Wangji monotonously intoned.
The two immediately quieted down and continued putting food in their mouths while suppressing their naughty smiles.
After that satisfying meal, Xiao Zhan asked in his brotherly tone, "Xue Yang, how do you feel about studying?"
Xue Yang enthusiastically replied, "If I study, can I become strong like you?"
Xiao Zhan let out a soft laugh. "Yes, you can."
Xue Yang maintained his wide-eyed and bushy-tailed demeanor and double-checked, "Same sect as you, Wei-ge?"
Xiao Zhan nodded. "Yes."
"Okay, I will study." Looking up at Xiao Zhan, Xue Yang was in high spirits.
"Good boy." Xiao Zhan ruffled the boy's hair.