The project that Xiao Zhan was working on was none other than transportation talisman. In other words, those enchanted papers were basically teleportation talismans which involved manipulation of space-time continuum. In general run of things, transportation talismans would require very precise coordinate to be used in order to appear in a specific location and without it, the user might appear somewhere else other than the chosen destination. But for this project he had used an extremely simple method, which required no coordination at all and relied on marked objects instead. All thanks to Lan Wangji who came up with it, this method eliminated the need for accurate location-based spell since all he needed to do was to link the transportation talisman to the communication talisman that he had given out as marked destination. Since the destination is predetermined, the user does not need to worry about not seeing where they are going', a problem with typical teleportation.
For most cultivators, they would avoid using such transportation talismans because, there was a high risk of total depletion of their spiritual energies as casting the spell would drain the energy rapidly. If it happens in the middle of teleporting, one could get stuck in the void between worlds or universes. Also, without proper training, this power can be a danger. For example, if there is a nearby object such as a wall, to their destination, they might teleport into it, causing possibly fatal injuries. Hence, not many dared to cultivate the transportation way and stuck to the safer and most common transportation for cultivators, flying on their swords.
Needless to say, Xiao Zhan was never one for avoiding challenges and he didn't just learn about tele-transportation, which is only a small part in spatial manipulation art. The art on the whole had piqued his interest, and he was deeply fascinated by the subject that he learned the ins and the outs of it. After all, it could be the answer of his transmigration to this world, not that he wanted to go back to the modern time. He loved living here, especially now because he had someone whom he cherished dearly. But still, he was curious about how it happened.
Of course, flying on swords is fun and all but, if he could learn how to literally make something like Doraemon dimensional door, then it would be even more, wait for it, legendary. There were so many things out there in this world of magic that transcend the of the natural laws of existence and he was always a person who is full of curiosity by default. He would take on anything that arouse his interest.
If Jin Guangyao could do it, I can do it too!
But that is another story for another day, for today Xiao Zhan only wanted to finish up the transportation talismans. A lot of work has to go into the creation of such powerful talismans which also meant that it took a lot of his concentration and patience. The pattern was one thing but actually the structure of the talisman itself was quite complex. Each part needed to be imbued with enough spiritual energy to force open a dimensional portal. He spent quite a long amount of time working and perfecting on both the creation process and the spell components. Just like knitting a sweater or making a blanket or even graphic designing, he found satisfaction in those tedious tasks, regardless of the complexity.
To make sure that the teleportation talisman is stable, he ran multiple trial and error simulations on various materials to ensure that they can safely travel through the dimensional portal created by transportation talisman. Starting with inanimate objects, increasing the size and weight as he went on from each phase before he finally moved to living things but nothing inhumane. He would analyze on the flow of spiritual energy into the talismans after they have been successfully completed to estimate the consumption of energy and predict the expanse for the next course of experiment.
"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji called out softly as he reached Xiao Zhan's personal experiment space in the training ground.
"Yes, Lan Zhan?" Xiao Zhan grinned as he lifted his gaze up from the blueprint of the talisman he was currently working on.
"Please stop sending random stuffs." Lan Wangji requested gently, as he held out a pair of white bunnies with black spots all over them, showing them to his beloved. He informed with unamused tone, "They spilled the ink on my table."
Xiao Zhan chuckled as he took the rabbits from him, giving Lan Wangji a quick peck on his lips, "Aren't they cute? I thought you like rabbit?"
Lan Wangji looked fondly at Xiao Zhan who was petting both furry babies before reaching over to stroke Xiao Zhan's hair and replied, "I do. Just not inside Jingshi. They made a mess."
"Sorry about that." Xiao Zhan replied sincerely, although it was hard to control his grin. "Can you forgive me, Lan Er Gege?"
"..."
Lan Wangji had been the receiving victim of his experiments these past two weeks. It started with a piece of love letter, then a book, a few more books next before a lot more things started to appear out of the blue in his space. One of those days, he even received a literal flower shower when he just woke up and on one occasion, a random watermelon suddenly rolled on the table which almost gave him a fright. Almost. Xiao Zhan's bright laughter filled his ears when he served him watermelon slices that day. The most ridiculous of all, a huge plant in a pot that was supposed to be a decoration in Cloud Recesses, appeared in the center of his room one morning.
Xiao Zhan's excuse was, "Sorry, Lan Er Gege. I was merely testing the weight limit."
It didn't stop there, the first time Xiao Zhan experimented on living things, a cicada flew right out of nowhere and he had to look for it for a long time as he was hounded by the insect's clicking and chirping noises for a couple days.
Xiao Zhan batted his eyelashes innocently as he apologized, "I am really sorry, Lan Er Gege. I can't find any other option of life form."
Lan Wangji was always supportive of whatever Xiao Zhan wanted to do but things started piling up in his quarters and cluttering his space, and sometimes, his lover was merely jesting and pranking him. He simply couldn't handle the chaos anymore. He sighed deeply before saying sternly, "No more next time. Do not send anything else. Especially living creatures."
"Yes, yes. Don't be angry." Xiao Zhan nodded vigorously while flashing his bright smile that always broke down Lan Wangji's resolve in an instant.
"I am not." Lan Wangji denied in a heartbeat.
"Really?" Xiao Zhan asked suspiciously, tilting his head to one side. "Because it looks like you're getting mad."
"I am not." Lan Wangji said again, with more conviction this time. However, he still had no intention to tolerate such things, hence he demanded the termination of any future experiment. "Just stop messing around, Wei Ying. Please."
Xiao Zhan laughed gleefully at his adorable boyfriend's serious face before saying in his usual playful manner, "Okay. I will stop. No more experiment.
"Good." Lan Wangji responded, feeling relieved.
Xiao Zhan looked down at the couple of bunnies in his arms and suggested, " Lan Zhan, let's play with the bunnies for a while."
It wasn't often that Xiao Zhan took a break from his frenzy of experimentation. So naturally Lan Wangji agreed and followed his lover to the green patch where the bunnies lived, each of them carrying one furball in their arms. They gently placed the animals on the ground once they reached the area.
The sun shone brightly above them as the two people sat down, resting beside the large tree nearby. With the gentle breeze blowing gently through the air, they watched the bunnies playing happily and listened to the birds singing in the branches overhead.
"I am tired." Xiao Zhan yawned and lay his head on Lan Wangji's shoulder, enjoying the warmth and the gentle caress of Lan Wangji's hand on his back.
"Did you not have enough sleep?" Lan Wangji asked.
Xiao Zhan closed his eyes as he leaned in closer and mumbled in a sleepy voice, "Maybe but, this is nice."
Lan Wangji turned slightly and placed his left hand over Xiao Zhan's cheek gently. His thumb gently caressed Xiao Zhan's skin as he stated, "You seem exhausted lately. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Xiao Zhan shrugged.
Lan Wangji frowned slightly as he thought of the timing that he received the 'presents' from his beloved. He inquired, "Wei Ying, what time did you wake up today?"
"Hmm." Xiao Zhan rubbed the side of his head as he muttered, "...Technically I woke up yesterday?"
"..." Lan Wangji was taken aback for a moment. He looked at Xiao Zhan for several seconds, before replying, "You didn't sleep last night?"
"I tried." Xiao Zhan smiled sheepishly before confessing, "But I couldn't. So, I decided to make myself busy with something and ended up staying awake all night again."
"Your enchanted robe won't help with lack of sleep, Wei Ying. You should rest properly." Lan Wangji reminded.
"I know. But the nightmares..." Xiao Zhan mumbled while nuzzling his head on his lover's chest.
"You still have them?" Lan Wangji's tone became soft and tender, causing Xiao Zhan to feel very warm inside. He looked up to see that Lan Wangji was looking right at him with deep concern.
"Yes... It's gotten worst lately." Xiao Zhan admitted quietly. The nightmares kept recurring for the past week that he barely got a restful sleep. It would be easier for him to cope with it if Lan Wangji were by his side every night. But, knowing that sleeping with Lan Wangji might lead to even more exhausting nightly activities, he decided to keep it under wraps. For now, at least. As much as the sex was always amazing, his body needed some downtime too. The physical exertion caused by their lovemaking was taking a toll on him and the nightly activities were draining his stamina. Besides, Lan Wangji needed to take care of himself and rest too.
"Why did you not tell me sooner?" Lan Wangji asked in a worried voice.
"I didn't want you to worry." Xiao Zhan murmured. He paused for a few moments, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "It's not the first time I've had insomnia. I can handle it."
"Wei Ying, I will always worry about you. You are too important to me." Lan Wangji said firmly.
"But you worry too much." Xiao Zhan chuckled lightly.
Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes at him disapprovingly, "I am serious."
Xiao Zhan bit back another laugh as he raised his hand to cup the side of Lan Wangji's face, pressing a kiss against his jaw before answering, "I know that you are. But I don't want you to worry, Lan Zhan."
"What if I told you that your wellbeing is my top priority?" Lan Wangji questioned with a slight frown upon his forehead.
"What happens if I said that your health is also my top priority?" Xiao Zhan challenged.
Lan Wangji remained silent for a few seconds, before shaking his head slowly, "Do you enjoy trifling with me?"
"A little bit." Xiao Zhan smiled as he brushed his lips against Lan Wangji's jaw.
Lan Wangji shook his head in resignation and resorted to pinching Xiao Zhan's cheek.
"Hey, no violence!" Xiao Zhan protested with a pout.
"Fine." Lan Wangji nodded obediently before adding softly, "Since we have a non-violence policy..."
Xiao Zhan's eyes widened comically before attempting flee, only for his boyfriend to catch him easily by his waist and hold him tightly against his body.
"Lan Zhan! You can't do this!" Xiao Zhan exclaimed while trying to escape.
"Why not?" Lan Wangji questioned calmly while his fingers moved to execute the very policy that he had been tormented with in multiple occasions.
"Ah, stop tickling!" Xiao Zhan shrieked, laughing heartily all the while.
He continued struggling futilely in Lan Wangji's arms. His attempt at escaping fell utterly flat because he wasn't able to free himself from Lan Wangji's tight grip. In the end, he surrendered defeat and completely spent.
With a smug expression on his handsome features, Lan Wangji released Xiao Zhan after giving him one last pinch on the cheeks for good measure.
Xiao Zhan panted lightly with a huge smile stretched across his face, "You were just avenging yourself, weren't you?"
Lan Wangji pulled him to his lap and gave him a sweet peck on the lips before replying, "It's only fair."
Xiao Zhan laughed and rolled his eyes fondly, "Of course you'd say that."
Lan Wangji smiled as he stared straight into Xiao Zhan's eyes, "You know I care about you, Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan 's eyes sparkled in happiness as he hugged him tightly, and answered softly, "I know, Lan Zhan."
A yawn escaped him, and he snuggled deeper into Lan Wangji's embrace. He felt extremely tired and the comfortable weight that he was leaning against made everything more pleasant than it was supposed to be.
Lan Wangji was watching him quietly as he held Xiao Zhan close to his chest. "How bad is the nightmare?"
"Bad enough." Xiao Zhan sighed and continued, "Whenever I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, all I saw was massacres and bloodshed. Even though I knew they were just dreams but they seemed so real that my brain was convinced that I saw them happening."
Lan Wangji pulled Xiao Zhan closer to himself, cradling his beloved's head on his chest as he whispered gently into his ear, "It must be hard for you."
"A little bit." Xiao Zhan smiled weakly as he rested his cheek on Lan Wangji's chest and continued, "At least, I can count on you to be here with me every day."
"Always," Lan Wangji confirmed softly. He rubbed circles on Xiao Zhan's back and kissed the top of his head. He could sense Xiao Zhan relaxing into his embrace. "Take a nap. I'll be here."
Xiao Zhan slowly drifted off to sleep while listening to Lan Wangji's heartbeat under his ears. A contented smile bloomed on Xiao Zhan's face as he heard a soft melody drift into the air. Lan Wangji continued humming as his fingers brushed through Xiao Zhan's locks gently, soothing him to sleep. He felt Xiao Zhan relaxing further under his touch and nuzzling closer to him. It was obvious that the man had finally succumbed to a deep slumber with a pleasant dream for a change.
Lan Wangji allowed a small smile to grace his features as he enjoyed hearing the familiar and comforting sound of Xiao Zhan's peaceful breathing. He tightened his embrace around the man in his arms. He really was lucky to have Wei Ying.
Just like that, Xiao Zhan developed a habit of taking power naps afterwards. He would snuggle with Lan Wangji at their and had a shut eye during the short breaks that they took. That really helped with his mental fatigue that was inevitable due to lack of sleep in general.
******
A week later, he finally ran an actual trial of using the transportation talisman on himself. It was midnight and Lan Wangji was asleep when he felt something tickling his neck and instinctively raised a hand up to grab whatever it was. He felt his breath getting caught in his throat upon feeling the unmistakable warmth emitting from Xiao Zhan's chest pressed against his own.
"Wei Ying, what are you doing?" Lan Wangji questioned, trying to sound indifferent.
"I can't sleep. So, I came to cuddle with you. "Xiao Zhan responded, burying his face deeper into Lan Wangji's neck. He smiled against the soft skin, "Also, I tried the transportation talisman to be here and as you can see, it was a success."
Lan Wangji groaned softly. Of course, it was a successful one. Xiao Zhan's research was nothing short of brilliant. He admonished slightly, "I told you not to mess around, Wei Ying."
Xiao Zhan pouted childishly at that, "You're no fun! How come you are not happy to see me? Should I send you a dozen of bunnies instead?"
Lan Wangji stared at Xiao Zhan and shook his head. He answered plainly, "No."
"Then, are you upset with me?" Xiao Zhan asked with a small whine on his tone.
"Not at all." Lan Wangji replied immediately as he swiftly moved and flipped Xiao Zhan around, successfully trapping the shorter male in between his arms and body. He stared directly at Xiao Zhan, "However, I can't let you get away without consequences."
"Oh, what consequences?" Xiao Zhan smirked, staring seductively into Lan Wangji's eyes.
"Don't tempt me." Lan Wangji warned darkly, "Abd you're supposed to be sleeping right now."
"Mn." Xiao Zhan hummed. "But...I can sleep after cuddles."
"..."
"...and kisses." Xiao Zhan added, a mischievous smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.
The final thread of composure that was holding Lan Wangji down shattered completely. Without wasting any time, he lowered his head and captured Xiao Zhan's lips with his own. They were hot, wet, and full of passion. When Lan Wangji pulled away, his face was flushed, and his pupils blown out wide. He leaned forward again and made Xiao Zhan felt like he was being devoured whole.
"Lan Zhan! Slow down... please..." Xiao Zhan begged breathlessly.
"...You reap what you sow."
"Lan Zhan!! Calm yours-"
And like that quote 'Never in the history of calming down has anyone calmed down by being told to calm down',  Lan Wangji did not calm down. But one thing for sure, Xiao Zhan definitely did not have any nightmare that night when he finally slipped into a blissful sleep in Lan Wangji's embrace a few hours later.
******
Few days later, Xiao Zhan decided to do his last trial run.
"Shall we test it out together?" Xiao Zhan suggested, grinning widely. He had a spark of mischief that flashed through his eyes as he looked at Lan Wangji.
"What are you up to now?" Lan Wangji inquired suspiciously, narrowing his eyes.
"Just come with me." Xiao Zhan commanded playfully as he wrapped his arms tightly around the Second Jade of Lan.
Lan Wangji sighed resignedly and went along with Xiao Zhan's demands, allowing himself to be manhandled around. He watched fondly as Xiao Zhan focused on the talisman before closing his eyes and channeling his spiritual energy through the talisman before throwing it to the ground. A bright blue flash of light erupted from the talisman and engulfed the both of them, leaving no trace except for dust floating in the air.
Lan Wangji blinked rapidly and opened his eyes to find himself and Xiao Zhan standing in a familiar room. The scene before him was clearly Xue Yang's room in Lotus Pier. He quickly glanced at Xiao Zhan's face to notice that he was staggering slightly, obviously struggling to maintain his balance.
"Are you alright?" he asked worriedly as he reached forward to steady Xiao Zhan against him.
"Yeah... Just give me a minute." Xiao Zhan said, trying to hold himself together, grabbing onto Lan Wangji's forearms tightly for balance. The amount of energy he had just spent to activate the transportation talisman in longer range of distance was too much for his current exhausted physical and mental conditions, leaving him with nasty drawbacks. He gritted his teeth and rubbed his temples, feeling like he was standing on floor made out of jelly. The vertigo was intense, his head felt like it was being crushed and his internal organs were being rearranged. It was like the hangover after a night drinking too much, only ten times stronger. It was not fun. Not fun at all.
Lan Wangji, on the other hand, seemed totally fine as if he was unaffected after being transported to an entirely different location. He was calm as he watched Xiao Zhan who looked like he wanted nothing but to throw up.
"Come. Sit down." Lan Wangji instructed softly, gently helping Xiao Zhan to sit in meditative position before transferring some spiritual energy to the pale looking man, helping him stabilize his core.
Xiao Zhan closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, slowly regaining his equilibrium as his reservoir was being replenished. Once he was certain that he wouldn't collapse at any moment, Xiao Zhan opened his eyes slowly and straightened his posture.
"Better?" Lan Wangji asked gently.
"Much better," Xiao Zhan nodded slowly as he gave Lan Wangji a thankful grin. He then asked curiously, "How about you? Do you not feel any discomfort anywhere?"
"I'm fine." Lan Wangji replied honestly.
"Really?" Xiao Zhan asked incredulously as he studied Lan Wangji's expression and demeanor closely as if he were seeing him through completely new lenses.
Lan Wangji merely nodded in affirmation, smiling faintly as he observed the way Xiao Zhan's lips pursing in thoughts. The man did not seem to show any sign of uneasiness or disorientation in the slightest. Being transported with the talisman usually came with side effects such as nausea and dizziness as they went through the spatial dimension to reach their destination. The further the distance they travelled through it, the more severe the side effects. But then again, considering that Lan Wangji is a disciple of Gusu Lan who was accustomed to doing handstands, he had probably got used to the feelings of being upside down by now. Therefore, it would make sense why he was not affected at all.
Xiao Zhan shrugged his shoulders, thinking to himself that he didn't think much about it. His lips stretched into a smile as he praised the man he proudly called as his, "You're really admirable, Lan Er Gege."
"I see that you are feeling well enough to be ridiculous now." Lan Wangji replied curtly. He reprimanded sternly. "You are really reckless sometimes, Wei Ying. "
"It's just the essential last test to see how much distance the talisman can cover." Xiao Zhan protested and justified, "Besides, it's for the greater good. A necessary sacrifice for the advancement of cultivation."
Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes as he said disapprovingly, "If anything, you should be grateful that there is no backlash due to using that talisman."
Xiao Zhan pouted at that remark, but he understood Lan Wangji's concerns. He may have done something incredibly foolish this time but if they don't learn from the mistakes, then who knows what will come next time?
"You nag too much." Xiao Zhan muttered as he crossed his arms petulantly.
"And you are usually meticulous in doing things. Have you not considered your condition is not the best for this amount of exertion?" Lan Wangji retorted. "You could get hurt, Wei Ying."
"But you are here to make sure that won't happen, aren't you?" Xiao Zhan teased.
"..." Lan Wangji sighed tiredly, giving up with the argument. He was going nowhere anyway.
"Oh, come on, Lan Zhan. Can you just tell me that I did a good job?" Xiao Zhan grinned cheekily; his eyes were practically glittering with excitement.
"Good job." Lan Wangji stated simply, making Xiao Zhan chuckle a little.
Xiao Zhan moved to sit on Lan Wangji's lap and wrapped his arms around his neck, he requested as he raised his brow suggestively, "Now, can you say it a little more enthusiastically?"
"Good job. Very well done. You did a perfect demonstration." Lan Wangji responded as he glared pointedly at the incorrigible lover of his.
"Wow! You're really very good at giving compliments that it is almost scary!" Xiao Zhan exclaimed teasingly.
"..." Lan Wangji's glare intensified even more, and Xiao Zhan started giggling uncontrollably, clutching tightly to Lan Wangji.
"Stop laughing, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji said sharply, frowning at him.
"I'm sorry," Xiao Zhan snorted between laughs. "The way you look while glaring at me like a ferocious beast is kind of cute."
Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes threateningly. Xiao Zhan laughed even louder, not able to contain his amusement at the sight of a Lan scowling so hard.
Lan Wangji didn't give up and proceeded to physically shut the man up with his mouth which was proven very effective. He muttered in between kisses, "Let me handle the next activation."
"As you wish." Xiao Zhan accepted his suggestion readily, sighing in contentment before closing his eyes in satisfaction as Lan Wangji showered him with affection. They were so caught up in each other that they barely heard the sound of door opening.
Xue Yang who just returned to his room from having breakfast almost choked on steamed bun he was currently wolfing down. He stared at the couple like he just saw ghosts or something. When he finally managed to swallow his food and not choked on it, he exclaimed in shock, "...Wei-ge? Wangji-xiong?"