Before they knew it, few months had passed and the Yin and Yang duo continued with their routines with some changes here and there.
Qingheng-Jun adjusted to the world well, his presence becoming increasingly obvious as the days passed by and became the pillar supporting their sect with his steady leadership skills. In return, the elders and the disciples grew used to him taking over the reign and most had accepted the way he handled matters in the sect without any complaints since he was efficient in managing the household. He also showed his remorse by spending time often with his sons and sporadically, the always grumpy Lan Qiren would join them. It warmed Xiao Zhan's heart to see Lan Wangji finally received the paternal love that he was deprived of as Qingheng-Jun put a lot of efforts in mending their relationship.
The leader of the Lan Sect was really invested in getting to know Xiao Zhan as the youth always amazed him when he came up with amusing creations and inventions. There was no denying that he was swooning over the talents and skills that young man had to offer. The way he carried himself with such confidence and how his wit never faltered made him so entertaining to be around. He could only admire the younger man endlessly and he enjoyed having frequent conversations with the brilliant cultivator. He trusted Xiao Zhan enough to run his projects and trainings freely in the Cloud Recesses.
The pair never disclosed the nature of their relationship to Qingheng-Jun and as much as he was curious about it, he was respectful enough to not pry on his son's private life. It was none of his business at all, after all. He kept his mouth shut, for both his son's sake and for his own. He got an inkling of it from the way the pair looked and communicated with each other, but he did not dare make an attempt to interfere in whatever their relationship was or risk jeopardizing the current good connection between him and his sons. He was truly content that his family were together once again.
Lan Wangji wasn't exactly secretive about his feelings for Xiao Zhan either. It was as clear as night and day to everyone that he treated Xiao Zhan differently than the others. The elders constantly shot questioning looks at the youngest son of Qingheng-Jun whenever they caught his faint smile while staring at the head disciple of Yunmeng Jiang, but they couldn't say much in the end since Xiao Zhan seemed to be favored by their sect leader too, despite Lan Qiren's obvious disapproval towards the young man. In spite of that, the Elders still acknowledged of the lively young man's talents and they held high regards on his superior cultivation skills.
In fact, the name Wei Wuxian had spread across the cultivation world and his reputation pulled the attentions of many. People were getting curious of him as the rumors of his unvelievable abilities continued to be a topic of discussion. That included the Wen Clan.
Xiao Zhan was not oblivious to all that since he could not possibly stop people from talking. Consequently, he chose to stay still in Cloud Recesses to avoid possible unwanted troubles from anyone but it wasn't easy for him to stay put as he felt more and more restless as the months passed. The same unchanging pattern of daily life bored him to a point that he could no longer bear it.
"Lan Zhan, please. Just let me enjoy the time together alone with you." Xiao Zhan pouted as he complained. He did not really mind the continuous attentions he got from Lan Wangji's father at first. However, after a while of having countless of meetings and discussions with him, be it intellectual or cultivation related topics, he grew a little tired of it. He vented out his dismay, "Don't get me wrong, your father is a wonderful man and all, but I am beginning to question if I am dating you or your father."
"Do you dislike my father?" Lan Wangji asked innocently.
"No, of course not!" Xiao Zhan immediately shook his head before taking a deep breath and continued his rambling with a frustrated expression, "To be honest, your father is just a little overwhelming sometimes. I mean, he's everywhere and I see his face almost as much as I see you. It gets a little tiring to answer his endless questions too! You know how he is when he got excited with liberal arts. If I have to talk about algebra one more time this week, I think I will cry and it would be blood, not tears!"
Lan Wangji looked at him with apologetic eyes, "That bad?"
"Yes!" Xiao Zhan whined. He turned his body around to face Lan Wangji upfront and spoke with softer tone, "Besides, I miss spending time with just you."
Lan Wangji's lips curved into a smile, and he leaned in for a kiss, pulling Xiao Zhan closer by the waist. He whispered, softly, "So do I, Wei Ying."
"Can we go for a night hunt?" Xiao Zhan asked enthusiastically after they broke apart. "We haven't been outside of the Cloud Recesses since forever. Don't you think we deserve a break? A long one!"
"How about the trainings?" Lan Wangji asked plainly. He didn't mind going but he could not abandon his sense of duty.
Xiao Zhan lifted his shoulder in a shrug as he replied, "Your brother can handle it. He has too much of a free time these days."
"Indeed, he does, " Lan Wangji agreed immediately.
Xiao Zhan made his case, "Plus, those boys are steadily becoming stronger, and their teamwork is better now. They no longer need our supervisions or my constant nagging anymore."
Lan Wangji nodded in agreement. He personally had been watching the progress and the young disciples had gotten used to the battle arena methodology. He also noticed the lessening of harsh vocabularies from Xiao Zhan's lips when he gave his feedbacks for the past couple of weeks.
Xiao Zhan was in fact more than pleased to see such improvements of their trainees recently. It was evident to him that those young men had trained diligently and were making real progresses; their individual combat prowess increased notably, as well as their collective strengths in a team. Their warfare strategies were also improving as the day went by. This was especially true for Nie Huaisang who excelled as a tactician in those mock battles. The young master Nie to be more serious and driven now as if he had found his true calling. It was fun to see his improvisations of battle formations. Even Jiang Cheng was getting better grasp at leading his team, although it could be said that he rarely won against the cunning mastermind. Maybe he would have better chance if the opponent was another person.
Hurm... Do I even need to continue to train them? I am literally spoon-feeding those brats for almost half a year now. Maybe, it's time to let them grow up and learn some things on their own instead. And I need to get out of this place for a while or I might lose my sanity!
After a brief pondering, he made up his mind, " Lan Zhan, I think it's time for them to be independent. To be honest, I have nothing else to teach them in terms of fighting skills anymore."
"What are you implying?" The Second Jade inquired, as he fixed his gaze to the mesmerizing eyes of his lover.
Xiao Zhan flashed an impish smile as he proclaimed excitedly, "Let's resign as trainers!"
"Resign?" Lan Wangji repeated.
"Yep. I am so going to quit!" Xiao Zhan declared once more before placing his hands on Lan Wangji's cheeks. He stated firmly and decisively , "And so are you!"
Lan Wangji's eyes widened in surprise for a second. He was not against that idea. However, a thought came to his mind and he asked anxiously, "Wei Ying, are you still going to stay here in Gusu after this trip?"
Xiao Zhan was tickled by how nervous he was and decided to mess around with him a little. He pointed out, "You do realize that I came here as a disciple of Yunmeng Jiang, right? I suppose to study here for only a year and go back to Yunmeng anyway. There are only three months left now."
Lan Wangji furrowed his brows, gripping both Xiao Zhan's hand securely as he looked directly into Xiao Zhan's sparkly pair of eyes and asked solemnly, "Are you going to leave me?"
Xiao Zhan could not help but laugh softly at his adorable reaction. Triggered by his teasing, Lan Wangji to imprison him in a tight hug that almost squeezed all the air in his lungs. He surrendered immediately, although his smirk still played on his lips, "I have no intention to leave your side, Lan Zhan. Now, please be a little gentler. You might actually break my ribs like this!"
Lan Wangji relaxed his hold slightly, but he still did not stop worrying, "Really?"
"Yes, really. I won't be leaving you. And even if I do leave Cloud Recesses, I probably will bring you along with me." Xiao Zhan professed frankly. He then leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss against Lan Wangji's forehead before adding, "I already promised you, didn't I?"
Hearing those words from Xiao Zhan's mouth eased Lan Wangji's worries. His thumb traced the soft line of Xiao Zhan's lips as he whispered tenderly, "I'll follow you wherever you'll go, Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan's lips stretched from ear to ear with those words. He raised his brows playfully, "Really? What if following me means you have to leave Gusu behind one day? Will you do that for me?"
"I'll do anything for you." Lan Wangji took his hand and kissed his knuckles.
"Anything?" Xiao Zhan echoed, arching his brow playfully.
Lan Wangji nodded his head with sincerity, "Anything."
"Hmm..." Xiao Zhan requested coquettishly, "Then, I want another kiss.'"
A smile tugged on the corner of Lan Wangji's mouth as he cupped Xiao Zhan's cheeks. He leaned closer and pressed his lips on Xiao Zhan's. It felt natural and right when Xiao Zhan wrapped his arms around Lan Wangji's neck in response, pulling him impossibly closer. They pulled away slightly when they needed air.
"I love you, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji breathed against Xiao Zhan's ear before kissing him again on the temple.
"Me too." Xiao Zhan muttered, leaning his forehead against Lan Wangji. The two shared another sweet moment, basking in the serenity in this paradise within the clouds and surrounded by mountains and streams.
"Well, let's just hope the Elders will allow me to stay then," Xiao Zhan sighed as he relished on the possessiveness of the Second Jade of Lan. It was cute and he loved being cherished like that.
"We just have to get permission from Father and I'm sure he will allow it," Lan Wangji replied before pressing a gentle kiss against his temple.
Xiao Zhan hummed as a response as he stared up at the sky. The sun had almost risen from its resting position, painting the morning sky in a brilliant array of colors. The early morning breeze caressed his face gently as the rays of sunlight streamed upon his face. He closed his eyes and savored the peaceful moments.
"Wei Ying, do you have a destination in mind?" Lan Wangji asked, breaking the brief silence between them.
Xiao Zhan opened his eyes to look up at his lover. "Not really. How about we just hunt wherever there's chaos, as we did in the previous hunt. It's a great way to practice against unpredictable movements after all."
"Alright, let's do that." Lan Wangji went along with his decision without any hesitation.
Xiao Zhan smiled at his eagerness and continued, "We should do some scouting on the enemy in between our hunts too. Just to make sure they aren't plotting something unexpected that would interfere with our plans. Maybe we can drop by to see Xue Yang on the way too."
Lan Wangji stared fondly at Xiao Zhan's face as he continued with a long elaboration of his devised plan and brushed a lock of hair from his face as he listened intently to whatever he was saying.
"Also, I need to say this. I am going to kick your brother's ass one of these days." Xiao Zhan complained a little. He put an emphasize on the next word, "Hard!"
Lan Wangji let out a small chuckle as he nuzzled Xiao Zhan's hair. "He does deserve it, yes."
Lan Xichen was like a pokemon and had now evolved into a maddening teaser. His constant teasing only made the couple really aggravated for most of the time. He conveniently ignored the concept of personal space or boundaries as long as he could tease the couple mercilessly that Xiao Zhan was so close to snapping on multiple occasions. However, despite how irked he had gotten during those times, he couldn't help but to feel some sort of gratitude for Lan Xichen was very supportive of their relationship. Both of them were grateful enough for his blessing on their relationship that they held themselves back with great difficulties.
Seems like I must endure the teasing in future too. Most probably for my entire life. And those meetings with Qingheng-Jun!
Lan Xichen's jaw dropped slightly as he stared at his brother disbelievingly. "Wangji, what exactly are you saying? You want me to take over the training?"
"Yes." Lan Wangji replied in a serious tone.
He sighed loudly, "Young Master Wei, are you really quitting? Both of you are really quitting?"
"Both of us are." Lan Wangji stated stoically.
Lan Xichen stared at the couple with disbelieving expression on his face wordlessly.
Xiao Zhan smirked unsympathetically at him, "Zewu-Jun, you had some extra time for yourself for few months now. I am just returning you to your old task. Don't worry!"
At that statement, Lan Xichen didn't know whether he felt embarrassed or impressed with his wittiness, "How can I replace the two of you? Do I have to act like a demon trainer too?"
Xiao Zhan bit lower lips to stop a laughter that threatened to explode before stating, "Just be your usual self, Zewu-Jun. The boys are very obedient nowadays. I taught the disciples all that I could anyway. They just need to keep practicing all that they had learned. I'll count on you to supervise them."
Well, you can be your usual annoying self! You might even earn yourself a nickname worse than "Demon trainers" if you do.
Qingheng-Jun looked at the pair a warm smile on his face. He understood their intentions and he could not find any reason not to allow their request. He spoke, "Very well, Wangji. Young Master Wei. Don't worry, Xichen will be in charge of the training. You two can go to the night hunt as you wish and I will leave the matter of duration to your decision."
"Thank you, Father." Lan Wangji replied.
"Just remember that you always are welcomed in our clan, Young Master Wei." Qingheng-Jun's voice was filled with sincerity. "You did great things for us after all."
"It was a pleasure of mine, Sect Leader Lan." Xiao Zhan said smoothly, bowing respectfully. "I appreciate your kind hospitality towards me."
Three days later, the pair swiftly left Cloud Recesses after handing over the training task to a dejected looking Lan Xichen. How could he not? Not only he lost his free and easy time, he also lost his source of entertainment.
Xiao Zhan laughed inwardly in his heart when he saw that. Nevertheless he was more than eager to be out of Gusu and see more of the world after several months of being cooped up in the mountain side. He still loved Cloud Recesses and enjoyed being there, but he missed the outside world.
Sitting under the shade of a tree on a deserted hill, Lan Wangji watched as Xiao Zhan gazed wistfully into the distance. He noticed that Xiao Zhan looked a lot more relaxed now. He interrupted softly, "Wei Ying, what are you thinking?"
Xiao Zhan startled at the sound of Lan Wangji's soft voice, turning his gaze to meet his eyes and answered him, "Just remembering the world I used to live in. Now that I'm here, it felt like a lifetime ago."
"What do you miss?" Lan Wangji wondered as he wrapped his arm avariciously around Xiao Zhan's waist.
Xiao Zhan leaned his head against his shoulder, "My family, my friends, my home, my fat cat."
Lan Wangji rested his chin on top of Xiao Zhan's, and tightening his hold on him, he asked rhetorically, "If you could, would you go back?"
Xiao Zhan was quiet for a few seconds, thinking about the pros and cons of such wish. Then he shook his head, "Even if there's a way, I wouldn't be able to now."
Lan Wangji smiled softly as he listened to Xiao Zhan's reply. He could guess the reason behind Xiao Zhan's answer but still asked anyway, "Why?"
Xiao Zhan noticed it and just humored his obvious intention, he grinned, "Because of you, of course! I don't think I will be able to live without you. That's how much you meant to me now. Happy?"
"Very. And you belong here now, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji said as he placed a kiss at the top of Xiao Zhan's head.
Xiao Zhan chuckled lightly at Lan Wangji's words. "You mean, I belong here with you?"
"Yes. With me." Lan Wangji reiterated firmly as he squeezed Xiao Zhan even tighter, "I don't think I will ever let you leave even if you want to."
"Oh my, how possessive! I think you're a little obsessed with me!" Xiao Zhan teased and tried to escape Lan Wangji's hug while laughing heartily. Lan Wangji knitted his brows together as he held onto him as tight as he could without hurting his lover until the laughing came to a stop.
Xiao Zhan then turned his face to look at Lan Wangji, he promised earnestly, "Once the war is over, I promise, I'll stay with you in Gusu, Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji smiled, "Thank you, Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan already knew that he would never be able to leave Lan Wangji's side for good. He sighed but his lips remained in a radiant smile, "I guess I have to put up with you irritating brother and never-ending curiosity of your father too."
"Mn."
"And your cranky uncle."
"That too," Lan Wangji agreed solemnly and kissed Xiao Zhan's forehead lovingly, he added "And other elders as well."
"Yeah. And please, for heaven's sake, ask your father retract the thousands of rules." Xiao Zhan whined childishly. "Half of it were just too ludicrous."
Lan Wangji shook his head in amusement before pointing out, "You never followed them anyway."
Xiao Zhan argued, "But that doesn't mean it would've been less annoying! And the Elders keep insisting that the rules are necessary for a righteous life. Like, why can't I eat more than three bowls of rice? Who even put it up there? What if I just eat from a pot instead? It's not against the rules, right?"
"You always find a loophole in every rule." Lan Wangji shook his head lightly.
"Well, I have to find them somehow or else your uncle will be happy to punish me." Xiao Zhan pouted even further.
Lan Wangji just chuckled in response at his childish behavior, "I don't think he will. You always fight back and won."
"That's true." Xiao Zhan nodded, agreeing with himself. "I'm pretty rebellious, huh?"
"Mn." Lan Wangji agreed.
"But you love me being a rebel, don't you?" Xiao Zhan smirked.
"Mn." Lan Wangji nodded in agreement. He kissed Xiao Zhan's cheek, "You made me see how life is not just black and white."
"Good!" Xiao Zhan said as he looked at him with tender eyes before leaning back into the warmth of Lan Wangji's body. A moment of comfortable silence lingered between them.
A moment later, he noted that they got some companies who stepped into the array that he laid out earlier. His eyes lit up with excitement as he released Lan Wangji's grasp and sat up straight, stretching a little while he spoke, "It's time to hunt, Lan Zhan."
"Mn." Lan Wangji answered nonchalantly and grabbed Xiao Zhan's hand to stand up from their spot.
They went on the hunt with an ease of familiarity although it had been a long time since he filled the flute with dark energies. He almost forgot how good it felt to manipulate the spirits using resentful energy. Summoning the spirits was surprisingly easier this time than last time. To a point that it almost felt natural for him, like he had practiced this skill all his life.
"Don't use it too much." Lan Wangji cautioned as some ghastly looking spirits slowly appeared one by one in front of his lover.
"Yeah," Xiao Zhan murmured, concentrating on drawing upon the resentful energy and channel it to the ghost flute as a fast tempo melody flowed out from the instrument effortlessly. The wind carried the eerie tune through the darkness of the night and sent chills down Lan Wangji's spine. Regardless of that, he got to work as well, sending several beasts to their demise with his sword, not letting any of them came near his beloved Wei Ying. A while later he looked around him, satisfied with the progress they were making and noticed Xiao Zhan was looking rather engrossed in his own little world of commanding. Whenever he saw the haunting and terrifying red glow within Xiao Zhan's pupils, a strange feeling settled in his heart. He couldn't help the urge to protect his lover every time he used this particular ability of his so he stayed close to him, keeping a careful watch.
A faint sinister smile spread across Xiao Zhan's lips and his eyes lighted up in the hue of scarlet as he controlled those numerous spirits, sending them flying toward various parts of the hunting ground to chase for the one-legged beasts lurking in the woods. For some reason, he felt liberated by his control over the spirits, as if something was freeing him from the shackles of his past and he felt like a different person. He wasn't afraid of the demonic energies surrounding his spiritual power anymore, instead he felt excited and powerful, not that he wasn't strong to begin with. He could feel his strength grew exponentially every second and those power was further amplified by the enchanted robe that had been tuned for countless of time now.
After a little over three hours, the last beast was disposed of, and it could be said there was not a single beast left alive at the vicinity.