Lying down on the thin mattress, Xiao Zhan felt his whole-body sore like he just had a continuous three-hour gym session of weight training. He was thankful that Second Young Master Lan let him go back to the room for after their fight.
Sighing heavily, he contemplated on how to gain Lan Wangji's trust. Objectively speaking, he didn't need him to believe his outrageous story, but that ice prince could be an impeccable ally in this changing-the-future journey. He was smart, strong and loyal. Not to forget, good-looking as hell too. There were plenty of advantages of making him his partner-in-crime.
Xiao Zhan always believed; honesty is the best policy and he tried to uphold to this belief whenever he could. He told only the truth earlier before their duel. It irked him a little when Lan Wangji did not believe him, although the second Jade of Lan never exclusively said he did not. Honestly, if the situation was reversed and someone came out to him saying he came from thousand years away or different dimension, he would definitely brush it off as crazy talk too. Lan Wangji had done his best to tolerate a mad man's jabbering until the end of the story. Until he pulled that stunt with the sword.
Although, he understood why Lan Wangji wanted to test his skill through that sparring and he could not refute his arguments. Apart from the age, eye color, personality and his 21st Century memories, he possessed all Wei Wu Xian's memories, knowledge, skills and even appearance. He was the perfect embodiment of Wei Wuxian. Whatever Wei Wuxian could do, he could do it as well. Hundred percent without no doubt like the original body owner himself. Taking that into consideration, Xiao Zhan himself could not deny that some part of him is indeed Wei Wuxian. The only difference was, this 'Wei Wuxian' had been upgraded with his mental fortitude, modern world knowledge and his own capabilities. In conclusion, he was Wei Wuxian version 2.0.
That made him questioned his own identity and he had a moment of existential crisis. The doubt opened up the dam of all the possibilities, inquiries and plausible theories.
What if he was Wei Wuxian who had forgotten himself? Maybe the young cultivator somehow ended up time travelling to 21st century and then something happened which caused this mishap that he was facing?
Or maybe reincarnation? Transmigration? Which was the future? Which was the past? If this was fictional, then what was the reality? There was no such thing as absurdity anymore. Nothing was impossible when the impossible had already happened.
Even in the novel, which world he currently in, the dead could come back to life and Wei Wu Xian could control the dead. So, screw logic. Even rationality was just an ambiguous concept now.
Hey, then why was that Hanguang-jun spouting nonsense this, ridiculous that?? People here can fly on their swords. Even quantum physics can't explain that mechanism. Which one is more absurd? There are literally spiritual energy, ghouls, fierce corpses and spirits here. It is more nonsensical than my story, right? Reincarnation was acceptable but transmigration was totally unbelievable. Well, h e is the ridiculous one!
Annoyed and confused with his own thinking processes, Xiao Zhan threw a fuss and kicked his limbs around, like a child throwing a tantrum. Grappling his hair with his hands, he groaned in annoyance, "Now, even this bratty attitude is infecting me."
Xiao Zhan swiftly sat up in a proper manner and composed himself, embarrassed with his childishness. He reminded himself that he was a fully grown 30-year-old professional singer slash actor and a matured man. He scolded himself, he needed to stop acting like a young-bloodied teenager with raging hormones and tendency to do reckless things. He needed to stay calm and keep a clear mind. Instinctively, Xiao Zhan changed his posture to sit in a lotus position and closed his eyes to meditate.
Be matured, Xiao Zhan. Keep calm. Breath in. Inner peace. Breath out. Inner peace.
The warmth that slowly enveloping his every sense made him relaxed his muscle and he melted into the soothing sensation. Gradually, his soreness went away with every pulse of comfortable heat billowing from his golden core.
Wow. This is a cheat skill. Too bad it does not help with my sleepiness. Anyway, that guy wanted a proof. Sure. Let's give him the taste of future knowledge then!
The next day, everyone else in Cloud Recesses thanked the heavens that they were not jolted awake by his screaming at the harrowing hour of three in the morning.
Feeling refreshed with new determination in his bones, Xiao Zhan hummed a happy tune as he walked to the lesson hall. He saw Jiang Cheng and Nie Huai Sang and approached them from the back in quick steps. Wrapping his arms around their shoulders, he happily greeted them. "Good morning! Did you two slept well?"
Nie Huai Sang ecstatically greeted and welcoming him back, "Wei-Xiong! Are you alright now?"
Jiang Cheng slapped his hand away and clamored, "Yes, thank you for not screaming like an idiot that got possessed by virgin ghost today! Finally opening your mouth, I see. Did you finally get your marbles back?"
Xiao Zhan laughed halfheartedly, trying to adjust himself to the sneering tone the cranky brat used as he replied, "Haha yes. I am sorry for acting like mad man."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Good! Now, I beg you, please do keep your sanity intact! I was exhausted from having to apologize to everyone on your behalf for your nonsense. You need to stay far away from Empire Smile, you get me?! Also, where the hell were you yesterday?"
Nie Huaisang looked at him with expectant eyes as he asked curiously, "Yes, Wei-xiong! Why didn't you come to the class? The Old Man was making a fuss over your absence."
Before they could hear Xiao Zhan's answer, Lan Wangji walked past the three of them in long strides, his expressionless face as cold as ever despite his usual graceful presence. His silky white robes flowed beautifully across his slim figure. His face seemed to be carved from flawless marble; smooth and unblemished. He gave Xiao Zhan a sidelong glance as he walked past them towards the lesson hall.
Xiao Zhan immediately excused himself quickly from the two who were shell-shocked and chased after the snowy prince. He called out to him, "Lan Zhan! Wait!"
Lan Wangji paused for a second when he heard the other teen calling out his name casually like they were close to each other. He exhaled a heavy breath to calm down. Then, he continued his stroll forward as if nothing happened. He went straight ahead to his table and took a seat.
A second later, Xiao Zhan sat in front of him flashing his bright smile. He waved as he greeted, "Hi."
Lan Wangji acknowledged him with a silent node. He maintained his indifferent expression although he could feel his heart started to thump erratically. A small knot formed in his stomach; the tight feeling he felt made him feel uneasy again. Not wanting to lose his composure, he then spoke in a rigid tone," Go back to your seat."
"Oh, come on. Don't treat me like a stranger. And you should learn how to smile." Xiao Zhan whined slightly.
"..." Lan Wangji just glared at him without a word.
"Okay, okay. Smile or don't smile, do as you like." Xiao Zhan chuckled softly. His bright eyes gleamed with excitement and his lips curved upward in a cheeky grin as he continued speaking, "About yesterday, I can prove myself."
A hint of interest flashed on Lan Wangji's eyes as he asked quietly, "How?"
"I'll tell you things that will happen in future. How's that sound?" Xiao Zhan stated confidently. Looking at Lan Wangji who stared at him expectantly, he resumed in hushed tone, "Caiyi town. There is a waterborne abyss in Biling Lake. It had been going on for a few months. Your brother would probably know this issue by now but mistaken it as just water ghouls. You can confirm this with him."
"..." The Second Jade remained impassive but Xiao Zhan could discern the 'are you kidding me look' in his cold eyes.
Xiao Zhan did not falter and kept his unwavering gaze as he stated, "I am not kidding."
Lan Wang Ji's brows creased tightly together; his eyes still held the same icy look in them. " Wei Ying, go back to your seat."
"Okay. Alright, I am going. I am going. Geez. No need to look at me like that." Xiao Zhan relented easily."
"...."
Xiao Zhan sighed. He knew that if he persisted on pushing the matter, it will be difficult. So, reluctantly, returned back to his table. Before that, he turned his head once more to say, "Don't forget to ask."
Jiang Cheng and Nie Huai Sang had already sat at their seats when he scooted over to his table, keeping his eyes locked on the Second Jade of Lan. They both worn a look of bafflement as they watched Lan Wangji's eyebrows knitted close in a frown, looking like he was displeased.
Jiang Cheng in usual harsh tone, blurted," What did you do to him this time?"
Nie Huai Sang did not forget to scandalize the matter too. He fanned himself as he came out with, "The more important question is, were you with Lan Wangji yesterday? Coincidentally he disappeared too. Were you two together?"
Xiao Zhan insouciantly told the truth, not caring about how they would interpret it. "Yeah."
Simultaneously, Jiang Cheng and Nie Huai Sang yapped, "You and Lanâ"
"Ahem." Lan Qiren cleared his throat. Everyone went back to their seat. The moment Lan Qiren set his eyes on Xiao Zhan, he scorned. "You are to copy Virtue and Righteousness 5 times. Lucky for you, Wangji had explained reason for your absent.
"My apology for misbehaving. This one will obey. Thank you, Lanxian-sheng." Xiao Zhan gave an obeisance as he spoke in his most polite speech. He could hear Nie Huai Sang's fan dropped on the floor and Jiang Cheng loud breathing.
Now, everyone in the hall looks at him like he is a monkey in the zoo. The mighty and righteous second Jade of Lan was no exception as well. Xiao Zhan cracked a smile at him which caused Lan Wangji to turn his head sharply to the front again.
Cute.
The boring lesson then began. Occasionally, Lan Qiren would pick him out of many others to answer questions that should be tough for most. Each time, he would answer concisely and precisely in his utmost decorum.
Xiao Zhan paid no attention to the whispering and the tittle-tattling as he behaved extremely well. By the end of the lesson, one could only say that he was the faultless guest disciple and almost like a carbon copy of Lan WangJi. Although Xiao Zhan's only intention was to stay out of trouble so he would get more time to focus on planning and finding solutions of his own circumstances. Lan Wangji was nowhere to be found after lunch after the morning session was over.
To his amusement, Xiao Zhan found Lan Wangji at the library when the class was finally overm. Turned out, Lan Wangji was given the same punishment as him for fighting without permission. He almost rolled on the aisles of the magnificent library, shaking with laughter.
"Excessive noise is prohibited", Lan Wangji said with a glower.
"Hahahahhaha.."
"..."
Xiao Zhan only stopped laughing after a while. He grinned like a Cheshire cat "You and your precious rules. Rules are made to be broken; you know?
"..." Lan Wangji ignored him and continued his writings.
Xiao Zhan put down his sword (which he remembered to carry everywhere since Wei Wuxian always left it somewhere and got gossiped for not carrying it) at his side as he took his seat at an available table. He didn't waste time and went straight to the point as he asked, "Have you ask your brother?"
Lan Wangji stayed silent for a brief second before humming, "Mn."
Xiao Zhan, tapping his fingers on the table impatiently as a gesture to urge him to elaborate, "Well?"
Lan Wangji halted his brush and lifted his head up. Looking directly at Xiao Zhan, he answered, "There were incidents in Caiyi Town. Water ghouls."
Xiao Zhan cheerfully remarked, "That's only half part of it. I know I just told you this morning, so Zewu-Jun still needs to investigate it."
Lan Wangji, "Yes."
Xiao Zhan asked with his brows raised, "So, do you think you can believe me?"
"It's not a concrete evidence." Lan Wangji stated firmly, holding onto his doubt.
"Okay." Xiao Zhan suggested, "Why don't we bet on it? Will you believe me if I am right about the waterborne abyss?"
Carrying on with his copying, Lan Wang Ji responded coolly, "And what if you're wrong?"
Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow and suggested, "Well, you can state your demand. Betting goes two-ways."
Lan Wang Ji responded without lifting his face from the paper, "I have none."
Xiao Zhan exclaimed, shaking his head slightly, "You're such a boring person."
Lan Wang Ji spoke coldly, "You talked too much."
Xiao Zhan countered sarcastically, " Wow. I thought you would say 'pathetic'. Thank you for exceeding my expectation."
Lan Wangji raised his head up to glare sharply at Xiao Zhan, "...."
If a look could kill, I might have died a hundred times over now.
Xiao Zhan surrendered, "Fine. Go do your thing. I have 5 copies to do too."
To be frank, Xiao Zhan didn't feel like he was being punished and merrily went on with his copying. For him, since the first time he tried calligraphy, he found out that it was very therapeutic and relaxing.
His sole focus was on creating one stroke at a time. Each stroke slowed down his breathing and relaxed his body. And as he kept writing, his mind started to forget about his astronomically impossible situation. He got lost in his own world soon after and subconsciously started humming softly.
Lan Wangji were used to silence, and he normally liked the peace and tranquility. However, the almost dead air made him even more aware of the soft melody that came out from conscientious Wei Wuxian's lips. He had to admit, it was pleasant to listen to the melodious sound the other produced and he didn't mind that breach of soundlessness at all. Not at all.