Lan Qiren's eyebrows scrunching up together in consternation, "Lan Wangji! Why does your loyalty towards Wei Wuxian outweigh your duty to the sect?" He asked in a disappointed voice, "You should be the exemplary example of morality and proprietary, you should not be so easily swayed by whatever feelings you have towards that boy! Don't you see how he is a bad influence to you?"
Lan Wangji was quiet for a moment as he thought over what Lan Qiren said before answering, "The righteous must serve the good, even if that means sacrificing their own interests or self. Wei Ying did exactly that for the sake of others and he did not ask for any repayment in return. How is that evil?"
"His method of cultivation is evil!" Lan Qiren countered back. "It is against the way of Dao! It is morally wrong!"
"Just because one chose to walk in a single plank bridge, it does not mean that the path is wrong." Lan Wangji stood still; his knuckles turned white from clenching his sword too hard.
"Wangji!! What kind of ideology that Wei Wuxian had planted in your head has driven you to being a rebel!" Lan Qiren was fuming. "That boy is evil. Just see what he had done to your temperament!"
Lan Wangji didn't waver under his glare, staring right back with all the steel behind his eyes, "Uncle, it is in our doctrine to not to make assumptions about other and we shall not judge people without knowing them from inside out. Wei Ying has done nothing wicked like you've just suggested, Uncle. He had never harmed anyone before and he went all out to protect those who needed his strength, including our clan."
Lan Qiren looked like he was about to combust but Lan Wangji did not give him a chance to talk, his eyes turned hard as he asked, "So, I dare ask Uncle, what is right and wrong, what is black and white?"
Lan Qiren looked shocked at his challenging tone, but recovered quickly enough and gave him an icy stare, he remarked sarcastically, "Perfect! Just perfect! That's the good student that I taught! Wangji, you disappointed me so much."
Lan Xichen finally opened his mouth, "Wangji, please, sit down. Let's all calm down first." He looked at Lan Qiren, "Please, Uncle."
Lan Wangji complied silently and sat back down.
Lan Qiren just huffed in disdain and begrudgingly took his seat.
Lan Xichen cleared his throat before continuing. "Uncle, I believe that Young Master Wei's intentions are good and because of that we managed to avoid a catastrophe." He then turned to look at the rest of the elders, "We should not forget that Young Master Wei is an official envoy from our two allies and it is not up to us to judge him let alone punish him." He paused to take a breath before he said with finality, "Father had always vouched for him and his integrity, and we shall respect that."
Lan Qiren's expression was sour but he couldn't say much against such a strong argument. "Very well. I will take your words into account, Xichen." He then turned to Lan Wangji, "Wangji, I will overlook your disrespect in favor of the welfare of the sect for now. But please do not forget our clan's rules as you are still a Lan." He fixed his nephew with a stern stare. "The rules are the rules and there shall be consequences if you break them."
Lan Wangji simply nodded to indicate his acknowledgement, albeit it was mostly out of his remaining respect towards the elder.
Lan Xichen sighed internally and took on a slightly more placid demeanor, "We should not be focusing on this matter for the time being. Our top priority now is the upcoming war." He turned to address Lan Qiren again, "Uncle, I understand your concern. However, Young Master Wei is the most important key player in leading our forces." His eyes were serious as he spoke, "We shall respect him in every way no matter how we may feel privately. It would be dishonorable of us to condemn someone who risked himself so much to bring aid to us."
Lan Qiren was not obviously pleased by the decision but he could not deny Lan Xichen's solid rebuttal. His expression soured further as he said with a heavy sigh, "Fine, we can continue with this discussion another day when the world is in order once again."
Lan Xichen looked relieved as he continued, "This matter is now dismissed and we shall gather once again later this evening to discuss strategy." After that meeting, everyone started to leave except Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, who remained sitting quietly together.
"Brother, are there rules set for everything in the world?" Lan Wangji asked suddenly. His voice held none of its usual firmness, but instead sounded almost plaintive.
Lan Xichen looked thoughtful, but finally shook his head. "I thought with my lifetime finishing reading books in our Lan Sect library, discerning the rules of everything in the world. But I found out even I finished all existing books, there are still so many puzzles in the world. There are no set rules. There isn't a clear line between right and wrong."
"Then, do you also believe that Wei Ying is evil, Brother?" Lan Wangji asked, gazing down on the ground.
"As we evaluate others, we shall not label them as black or white, but instead know their deep intentions within. "Lan Xichen answered after a while, "So, no. I don't think Young Master Wei is evil, Wangji.
But what are you going to do now, Wangji? You know some elders won't change their mindset about his cultivation method." A pause then Lan Wangji answered slowly, "I intend to stay with Wei Ying until the end."
A smile flickered across Lan Xichen's lips, "If that is your decision, I will stand beside you both. As always."
At hearing that, Lan Wangji relaxed. "Thank you, Brother." Lan Wangji answered, returning the smile earnestly which made Lan Xichen's heart soar like a bird in the sky, flying far away from the darkness that seemed to weigh down over their shoulders. His little brother finally smiled at him. He then urged, "Now go to his side. He must be waiting for you. We'll see you both during the strategy meeting."
With a brief nod Lan Wangji turned to leave but Lan Xichen called out to him and made him stop in his tracks. "And Wangji, please remember. If there is anything, anything that you need, anything at all you wish for....you have only to ask."
"Mn." Came the quiet response as Lan Wangji inclined his head slightly toward the older man then turned and exited the hall.
Xiao Zhan awoke from his restless slumber; his limbs were aching and his body achy. His face was damp from tears that ran freely down his cheeks as his eyes fluttered open and he called out desperately, "Lan Zhan!"
"I'm here, Wei Ying." said Lan Wangji as he pulled Xiao Zhan close, wrapping his arms tightly around him. The last remnant of Xiao Zhan's nightmare faded away, leaving him free of the dark thoughts, but he knew that nightmares were never truly gone. Not until the war is over. So, he clutched the front of Lan Wangji's robe in his fists as he buried his head into his beloved's chest, listening to the steady sound of his heartbeat as he breathed deeply. He closed his eyes as he felt peace wash over him, "Lan Zhan...you're safe." His voice was muffled slightly as he spoke against Lan Wangji's chest, still clutching onto him tightly, but not quite in fear anymore but more like comfort.
Lan Wangji inhale deeply as he tightened his grip on Xiao Zhan as well. "I'm here."
When Xiao Zhan opened his eyes again, he realized that the room was filled with harsh sunlight, which was filtering in through a gap in the curtain on the window. "What time is it now ?" He whispered after several long moments of silence, finally lifting his head and looking at Lan Wangji with bleary eyes.
Lan Wangji lifted his hand to wipe Xiao Zhan's tears away as Xiao Zhan stared back at him, "It is almost noon. How do you feel?" He replied as he brushed his fingers along Xiao Zhan's cheek, caressing it lightly with his thumb.
"Noon?? Shi-" Xiao Zhan's eyes widened comically, "...what? What did I miss? Why didn't you wake me sooner?"
Lan Wangji smiled faintly, "You looked tired." He smoothed Xiao Zhan's hair, "Besides, there's nothing important."
Xiao Zhan looked dubious but settled down against his chest. He could read Lan Wangji's well enough to sense something wasn't right. "That doesn't sound like nothing. Something happened, right?"
"..." Lan Wangji was silent. It wasn't as though he wanted to hide anything from Xiao Zhan, unsure whether he should speak up and tell Xiao Zhan what had happened in the past few hours.
"Lan Zhan? What's wrong?" Xiao Zhan gently cupped Lan Wangji's face, worry painted clearly across his face.
Xiao Zhan furrowed his brows and leaned forward slightly to hear better and as he tilted his head slightly to get a better angle to watch Lan Wangji's expression, his expression quickly softened. When Lan Wangji didn't continue immediately, he said, "It's okay. I know what they meant. "Your Uncle said something, didn't he?" He guessed. It wasn't a complete surprise though.
Lan Wangji looked down and remained silent. He didn't reply.
Xiao Zhan's eyes softened. He nuzzled against Lan Wangji's chest more tightly. "It's okay, I got it. You don't have to tell me. I can tell what he had said. Are you okay?" He asked quietly.
"Mn." Lan Wangji hummed as he rested his chin on the top of Xiao Zhan's head "I shall follow you, Wei Ying. Anything you wish."
Xiao Zhan smiled faintly and reached out his palm to touch Lan Wangji's cheek. "Then I shall rely on you, Lan Zhan."
"How do you want to proceed now?"
"No need to worry about the trivial things for now." Xiao Zhan looked up and met Lan Wangji's gaze with determination. "It's time to execute our battle plan."
Xiao Zhan stood silently beside Lan Wangji as he walked towards the meeting point.
A few paces ahead of him, Lan Qiren stopped mid stride and turned abruptly to face him. "Wei Wuxian." he said, looking Xiao Zhan up and down, sweeping over his attire dark emerald attire. "You certainly made things more complicated than it needed to be."
Xiao Zhan bowed respectfully, trying not to argue with the old man, "My apologies Lanxian-sheng."
Wen Qiren snorted loudly, his displeasure clear from his sour expression and tone. "I don't know how you influence my nephew, but do keep yourself out of his life. You two need to stay away from each other."
"Uncle!" Lan Wangji exclaimed, stepping forward to protest.
"Shut your mouth Wangji!" Lan Qiren snapped back. "Have you forgotten who raised you? Are you determine to disappoint me for him?"
Lan Wangji flinched, pressing his lips into a straight line as he was unable to answer his uncle.
Lan Xichen who happened to walk out the corridor, stepped forward quickly. "Uncle, please. We talked about this. Young Master Wei is here as an official. So, let us move along." He said smoothly, attempting to defuse the situation while trying to hide his disapproval for his uncle's action.
Lan Qiren looked at him briefly before huffing away grumpily, muttering under his breath about insolent young men. Lan Xichen nodded his head slightly as an apology towards Xiao Zhan before trailing behind his uncle.
Xiao Zhan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding after they were out of his sight. He knew that the elder would act like this but he just wished it didn't feel so damn exhausting. He sighed deeply, feeling the weight of responsibilities settling heavily on his shoulders. He needed to ignore this unimportant stuff for now.
"I am sorry for my uncle, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji said to him apologetically.
"It's fine, Lan Zhan." Xiao Zhan shook his head lightly, "Also, you don't have to apologize. You are not in fault."
"Still-"
"Really, it's fine. I can handle that much, okay?" Xiao Zhan smiled reassuringly. "Now, shall we continue walking?"
"Mn."
After passing a few corridors, they saw Nie Mingjue and a few of his subordinates were waiting for them in front of the entrance to the conference hall.
"Da Ge." Xiao Zhan bowed in respect before turning to accept greetings from his brother's underlings.
"How are you doing, Didi?" Nie Mingjue said, looking him over as he noticed how Xiao Zhan seemed pale and tired than usual.
"I'm fine, Da Ge." Xiao Zhan said with a slight sigh as he acknowledged the other's greetings towards him.
Nie Mingjue studied him for another minute before giving him an understanding nod. "I think you should come back home with us after this. Father would worry sick if he sees you like this."
"But-" Xiao Zhan started to object but was cut off before he could finish.
"No but. Look at your condition." Nie Mingjue stated flatly. "You are not in a good shape. Go back and see Maiden Wen. Get yourself checked out."
Xiao Zhan frowned and opened his mouth to argue but stopped when Lan Wangji spoke up. "Yes, Chifeng-zun is right. It's wiser to return, Wei Ying."
His words brought Xiao Zhan up short. In truth, his condition was far from satisfactory. He was exhausted, sore, irritable, and felt nauseous at times. So he simply nodded at both men. "Alright."
A little later, two figures appeared nearby. It was Jiang Fengmian and Jiang Cheng.
"A-Ying." Jiang Fengmian said as went over and gave Xiao Zhan a hug, while Jiang Cheng stood close by observing them.
"Second Young Master Lan, I am so sorry for your loss," Jiang Fengmian said gently to Lan Wangji as he turned to look at the young man by his nephew's side. "Your father was a great man." He added after another moment.
"Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang." Lan Wangji whispered quietly.
Jiang Cheng cleared his throat awkwardly, and glanced at Xiao Zhan before saying to Lan Wangji, "My condolence, Second Young Master Lan."
"Thank you," Lan Wangji said, with a curt nod. He then ushered them forward as there were still matters that needed to be dealt with urgently so they couldn't afford to engage in small talks.
Inside the conference hall, the strategy meeting began. All three sects had agreed upon starting their offensive against Wen Ruohan's forces. The Elder Council of Gusu Lan did not object when Lan Xichen let Xiao Zhan lead the talk. After all, he had been doing just that for months and he was more versed on tactical planning. Their main objective: a siege at Nightless city. But before they could commence that, they had to subdue the supporting forces that were scattered throughout the map and to do that, they had to choose which among the battle plans would be the best one to execute.
"We have to attack before they can send out their troops." Xiao Zhan them, pointing to the map spread out in front of them. "That means, we need to reach there before the dawn breaks. We should move by midnight."
Lan Wangji watched silently as Xiao Zhan's lips moved with each word spoken. Xiao Zhan looked calm and collected, yet somehow the depth of his voice made him look like he was born to be a general in battle.
"We'll start with the smaller branches farther away from the headquarter first. Strike in two waves. One to distract, while the other come in a little later ." He continued. His eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke the next words to himself. "Remain in contact at all times. Transportation talismans are limited and there's a limit of how many people it can transport. So we need to move quickly." His gaze lingered momentarily on Lan Wangji before he continued. "Stealth teams will go ahead, but don't engage until the signal is given."
"Zewu-jun, I mean Sect Leader Lan, your team will take the south." Xiao Zhan said to Lan Xichen before he turned to Nie Mingjue's group of ten. "Da Ge will take the west."
"And our clan will cover the east," Jiang Fengmian spoke up.
Xiao Zhan's eyes scanned over their faces before landing on Lan Wangji. "Lan Zhan and I will take the branches at the center."
Lan Xichen nodded in approval, looking satisfied about this particular part of the strategy. However, he was a little apprehensive about one particular part. "If you do not mind me asking, Young Master Wei. You said Wangji and you will be one team. Are you sure the two of you won't need more people in your team?" His expression was hesitant and worried, almost fearful.
"Yes. We are fine on our own." Xiao Zhan nodded. There was no room for doubt in his reply. He added, "And it's not just the two of us."
"Oh..." Lan Xichen nodded, still looking uneasy. "...Right. I suppose you have an army under you."
"You don't have to worry about these two, Xichen." Nie Mingjue commented from behind Xiao Zhan. "Besides, no one else can keep up with them when they start moving."
Everyone else hummed in acknowledgement at that.
The preparation for attack proceeded quickly since they had long anticipated such circumstances. The various formations were finalized quickly and the teams were arranged accordingly.
Jiang Cheng approached Xiao Zhan when he was sitting alone at back hill later that day as Lan Wangji had to attend to some matter pertaining his clan with his brother.
"So, this battle is why you are staying here, huh?" he asked, crossing his arms in front of him.
"Yeah." Xiao Zhan answered bluntly, "Uncle Jiang had told everything to you, right?"
"Right." Jiang Cheng mumbled, frowning as he added, "I just don't get why you have to keep it a secret from me. Am I not trustworthy enough?"
"Uh..." Xiao Zhan bit his lips, not willing to voice out his real opinion on that.
"I can't believe you didn't trust me! I even gave away my dogs for you, dumbass!" Jiang Cheng scowled, hitting Xiao Zhan right on the shoulder twice. "You're supposed to be the smart and sensible one of the two of us! How am I supposed to back you up like this?"
"Ouch! Don't be dramatic," Xiao Zhan replied dryly, rubbing at his shoulder. "It's just a calculative move, Jiang Cheng. Don't be too upset about it. You know me. I don't do things without reasons."
"So, you really didn't trust me." Jiang Cheng huffed. "Fine! I can play along. But I am going to be watching you from now on."
Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes and retorted, "Just make sure you do what I say or else you'll find yourself fighting someone who can kick your ass."
Jiang Cheng snorted at that. He then looked over Xiao Zhan with a serious expression on his face, studying his features. He asked, "Are you going to be alright?"
Xiao Zhan nodded, a cheeky grin grew on his face. "Are you worried about me, Jiang Cheng?"
Jiang Cheng gave Xiao Zhan a playful shove with a scowl, "Of course not! What makes you think that I care?"
"Ah, it touches my heart that you care so much about me." Xiao Zhan replied sarcastically.
Jiang Cheng scoffed, and crossed his arms. "Whatever. Just remember that I'll be watching you from now on!"
"Okay, okay I got it!" Xiao Zhan said with a soft chuckle before he stopped short. "Ah, that reminds me. I have another thing that I've kept as a secret from you and Uncle Jiang."
Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow at him in question, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Look to your left." Xiao Zhan said, pointing.
Jiang Cheng turned his head towards his left, only to discover a fierce corpse stood idly beside him.
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" he yelled and took a few steps back, nearly tripping over his own feet. Then he cursed at the creature, before turning towards Xiao Zhan, glaring at the latter and exclaimed, "What the actual fuck?!"
Xiao Zhan smirked at his reaction, "Don't be scared, she's docile."
Jiang Cheng looked back incredulously at the fierce corpse who stared menacingly back at him. His jaw dropped. "...Are you kidding me?!" He then realized Xiao Zhan's eyes were glowing in red. "Fuck! Your eyes!" he shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Xiao Zhan.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Xiao Zhan apologized sheepishly, scratching at the back of his neck.
"You crazy bastard! I thought I was insane!" Jiang Cheng said, shaking his head vigorously as if to shake off the sudden revelation. Then he paused for a second before he scowled, "And you got me punished to cover your ass too!"
Xiao Zhan chuckled, "Right, sorry about that too."
"You asshole!" Jiang Cheng yelled once again, slapping Xiao Zhan on his arm. He was about to land another hit on Xiao Zhan, but then stopped when he noticed a chilly aura coming towards their way.
Xiao Zhan grinned, "Lan Zhan, you're here."
"Damn it." Jiang Cheng huffed and distanced himself from Xiao Zhan immediately.
Lan Wangji's brow furrowed as he noticed Xiao Zhan's summon was still standing at the spot, unmoving. "Wei Ying, you should send it back." He said as he reached Xiao Zhan's side, his hand moved to rub Xiao Zhan's arm soothingly.
"Oh, right. I forgot about it." Xiao Zhan smiled at Lan Wangji and sent away the undead that instance; his eyes returned to it's usual color.
"Ugh.. I really hate dealing with you guys." Jiang Cheng grumbled while looking away from the lovey-dovey couple.
"You shouldn't use you ability recklessly, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji admonished slightly.
Xiao Zhan simply grinned at him, "I won't do it again, okay?"
Jiang Cheng scrunched his brows when he heard their conversation. "So, you are aware his ability and his freaking red eyes from early on, huh?" He probed.
Lan Wangji didn't confirm or deny it but it was obvious to Jiang Cheng what the answer was. Instead, he focused his attention on Xiao Zhan. "Let me play 'Cleansing' for you before we start moving out." Lan Wangji said softly.
"Alright." Xiao Zhan agreed easily.
"Hah! You two are really a match made in hell!" Jiang Cheng remarked, shaking his head in disbelief.
****
A/N: It's Xiao Zhan's birthday today hence a fanart ð The bunny is surrounded by bunnies.