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Chapter Text

Lan Wangji stared at his small child-like hands in wonder, unable to grasp what had happened. 

It was still before mao, meaning nobody else was awake and the silence allowed him to ruminate on his current situation. 

His memories were blurry, but he was able to eventually piece enough together for the time being. 

In the end, he and Wei Wuxian must have succeeded, yet something was definitely not right. 

He knew without a doubt that he hadn’t formed his golden core when he was only six years old and it left him puzzled. 

Deciding to meditate and inspect his body instead of staying buoyed in confusion, he shifted to the floor. 

Inhaling, Lan Wangji let his eyes flutter shut. 

He was startled when he felt the warm swirl of a fully formed golden core. His golden core. And shockingly, it was the same strength it had been before he ended up in the past. 

There were too many questions with no answers and a pang of longing struck his heart as he wished his genius mate was beside him.

Wei Wuxian had said they would go back to when they formed their cores and Lan Wangji pondered if his silver eyed minx had ended up this far back as well. 

If they both miraculously landed this far back in time then Lan Wangji desperately hoped Wei Wuxian would be careful to avoid Jiang Fengmian—and the YunmengYunmeng Jiang clan all together if possible. 

There was nothing Lan Wangji would not do to keep Wei Wuxian from experiencing the Jiangs’ deplorable actions once more. Even if it meant absconding from Cloud Recesses to search out Wei Wuxian himself. 

However, Lan Wangji was now only Lan Zhan—a child. 

A child who had recently lost his muqin. The sting of her death felt heavier in his small body and he briefly wondered if his mind was going to be impacted by being trapped in his younger self.

He would reflect back on that later, for now, he would focus on the events of the future he knew. He would need to plan meticulously on how to proceed if he wanted to change the terrible future that awaited them. 

Even if Wei Wuxian had managed to come this far back in the past as well, Lan Wangji was not entirely confident he could convince his shushu to take him to Yiling. If that’s where Wei Wuxian was even located, as his mate’s memories of his childhood before Lotus Pier—and even after—were fairly faulty.

🤍🐇❤️

Meanwhile in Yiling, Wei Wuxian was snuggled into an absurd amount of blankets. 

Trying to shove off the mass of fabric, he was startled to find tiny hands—his tiny hands.

He scrambled off the bed, taking care to note the state of his body, only to come to a conclusion that didn't seem real. Couldn’t be real. 

Yanking at his cheek, he hissed from the pain. 

His eyes wildly flicked around the room. He was certainly not in his old room at Lotus Pier. 

Nearly tripping to get to the bronze mirror he spotted, he reached for the handle, bringing the mirror up and gasping.

Wei Wuxian was a child again. An innocent child who had to see the harrowing reality of living on the streets.

Surely, it must be a dream.

Hope warred with confusion, still unsure what he should feel. 

Wei Wuxian’s last moments were a blur, and while he knew his memory was shoddy at best and abysmal at worst, even he could remember the indelible moment of being overwhelmed with bitter disappointment, blaming himself for being too slow to activate the array. 

To save Lan Wangji. To save his beloved mate.

But if the array was never activated, how exactly did he end up as a child again?

His chubby cheeked face staring back at him in the mirror gave him a clear visual of his furrowed brows. 

Sighing, he put the mirror down before settling into the first position of a dance he had seen a traveling troupe perform while on a date with Lan Wangji during the early days of their courtship. 

Unlike his better counterpart, Wei Wuxian did not do well with such rigid stationary meditation. 

No matter how many times he had tried to follow the directions of the head disciple when he was younger, he never managed to achieve the desired quietude. Every time he tried to clear his mind in order to hear utter silence as he tried to follow the flow of qi through his meridians, he always felt outlandish, as if his entire being fought against the ancient cultivation method taught to all disciples in most, if not all, clans. 

He could still feel Zidian slicing through the flesh on his back, leaving a burning sensation blooming along the purple lightning spreading from the lashes every time he was caught inadequately attempting meditation alongside the other disciples donned in purple robes. 

Despite the fact his current younger body had not tasted the sting of Zidian, the phantom pain remained. 

It was unfortunate it had originally taken him so long to understand why he had fallen so far behind the other disciples, but once he eventually grasped what worked best for him, well, his advancement was expeditious. 

Wei Wuxian remembered receiving punishment for that as well, for ‘daring to desire a position he could never attain’. Or so Yu-furen had said as she snarled about him never going to be able to take Jiang Cheng’s position as Jiang Fengmian’s son and future clan leader. 

The punishments were often unjust and that one particularly stayed with him because he had never once aspired for such a title.

Despite the abuse, he continued his new way of meditation. 

Over the years, he learned that he thrived on chaos. On motion. On his ever shifting and flowing limbs as his alacritous mind broke free from the restraints instilled upon him during his more rigid junior disciple lessons.  

Wei Wuxian mindlessly went through the flowing motions of the enchanting dance, a fond smile on his face as he remembered his mate’s fixated gaze every time he performed it. 

Originally when he learned the dance, Wei Wuxian was already without his golden core, but he still loved the feeling of stretching and flexing his body—and Lan Wangji oh so loved it too. 

Now, as he bent his waist and dipped his body, he could feel a familiar rush through his veins. Through his meridians.

The sensation was startling, but he completed the routine without pause. 

When he was halfway through the arrangement, his mind supplied him with the events that unfolded after he drew his last breath. 

Bringing his body through the gentle finale, he panted, musing that his tiny body needed some intense training. 

But of course it did, he was only five!

Finally having insight on what may be happening, the words his parents both emphasized echoed in his head.

‘This time’ they had said. 

Were his parents somehow responsible for him returning to his childhood years? 

Did that mean they were still alive? 

No, that was doubtful. 

Even Wei Wuxian knew the consequences for such a powerful ability would be an enormous price. Potentially even costing someone their life.

But his parents had long since been dead, left only as something resembling spirits as their souls lingered in the world. 

His breath caught in his throat at the thought. Had his parents scattered their very souls to send him back?

Wei Wuxian’s body grew cold. 

But then there was a warm pulse.

A warm pulse swirling in his lower dantian.

Then he remembered the hot rush during his dance that seemed so familiar, yet so bizarre. 

It was familiar in the same way he drew breath, but bizarre because he could barely remember the last time he had felt his qi flowing so steadily through his meridians. 

The removal of his golden core had left his meridians achingly empty and his lower dantian frigidly hollow. 

But now, now, his body was nearly bursting as his meridians thrummed with an abundance of qi. 

In spite of his awestruck state, even Wei Wuxian knew it was odd for him to feel qi at this age, much less a golden core. 

Nonetheless, by some miracle Wei Wuxian remembered. 

It was something he had forgotten about once he was thrown on the streets, long before he was even taken to Lotus Pier—not that it said much with his haphazard memory. 

But he did remember now, and perhaps it was because he was back in the body of his child self that the memories came easily. 

He recalled he had the tiniest flicker of a golden core that was akin to being no larger than a grain of rice before. 

His parents' nomadic lifestyle as wandering cultivators heavily influenced how they raised their son. And so, they each carefully guided him through exercises he wouldn’t have found abnormal at the time, but looking back were basic techniques one would learn as a disciple in a clan. 

Except the little flickering of the nascent core he remembered was no longer so little. 

Now, his golden core was surging with power. 

He felt nearly as strong as he had before he gave his golden core to Jiang Cheng. 

His hands frantically clutched the fabric over his stomach at the memory as stubborn determination filled him. 

Never would he give away something so precious again. 

Not when it had cost Lan Wangji, his alpha, his life. 

And especially after learning the truth from his parents’…spirits?

Wei Wuxian was still a bit puzzled over the entire ordeal. 

Well, what they were didn’t particularly matter; after a thorough deliberation, he thought it was clear they were the reason he was here. 

His parents' constancy even during their afterlife made his eyes burn with unshed tears. 

They had given not only him, but also hopefully his better half, a second chance. 

Wei Wuxian felt a flush of excitement and impatience. 

His parents had, from his deductions, so gratefully sent him back in time, far enough that he could evade Jiang Fengmian—even avoid the Yunmeng Jiang Clan in its entirety! 

Of course he would miss his shijie and Jiang Cheng, but he simply could not return to a place that he did not even realize was his personal hell for so many years due to Yu-furen’s vicious jealousy and cruel ‘punishments’.

He could not return to the place where Jiang Fengmian’s indifference allowed a child to be whipped with a first-grade spiritual weapon for punishments that were not even his own—and sometimes just because Yu-furen felt like it. 

Not to the place where, despite his love for her, his shijie would make excuses for the behavior while trying to placate him with food. 

Not to the place where Jiang Cheng would never be able to grow because his own jealousy would continue to impede him. 

Not to the place he had dedicated his entire life to before due to a misplaced notion of a debt that didn’t exist in the first place. 

So, no. This time, he would never return to Lotus Pier. 

This time would be different, but first, he needed to attempt reaching Lan Wangji. 

Wei Wuxian wasn’t sure if his parents’ words about both him and Lan Wangji deserving better was a hint that his mate would have returned as well, but it was worth the venture to send a correspondence.  

If his mate was able to return with him then only he would understand the message, but if he hadn’t…well, Wei Wuxian would probably cause little Lan Wangji quite the fright. 

Not that the chance of that outcome happening stopped him. 

Wei Wuxian tore through the qiankun pouches and various items his parents had left behind—items the innkeeper had most likely taken last time for payment due to little Wei Ying’s overstay before cruelly kicking the freshly orphaned boy out on the streets. 

“Aha!” 

His gleeful cry was followed by talisman paper fluttering in his hand as he snatched the cinnabar next and began grinding it down. 

With strokes that felt more like second nature than they should to a five year old, the talisman was completed. He smiled down at it before letting his qi flow, sending an infinitesimal amount of his spiritual power out and watching as it activated the talisman with only a minor glow. 

Suddenly, in his hands appeared a white rabbit with bright red eyes. 

It was something he had come up with during the beginning of his and Lan Wangji’s courtship. Regular correspondence by the postal services took too long—and perhaps Wei Wuxian was slightly paranoid of interception—so he designed a talisman after pondering more about the Jin Clans infamous golden butterflies. 

Before, he had used resentment to activate the talisman, but this time a shiver crawled down his spine as he used his golden core’s energy, something he couldn’t do when he designed the talisman. 

Though, the talisman could be activated by either yin or yang, as it was created with he and Lan Wangji both in mind.  

And it wasn’t as if anyone would know about the yin energy bit as the only people who had ever used his talisman were Lan Wangji and himself. Furthermore, because it was just the two of them using the talisman, he thought a cute little pair of rabbits would be fitting. 

Raising the rabbit up, he whispered, “Yiling Laozu is back and awaiting Hanguang-Jun.”

If Lan Wangji did not travel back with him then little Lan Zhan would simply see a strange white rabbit appear from nowhere, but it would be impossible for him to activate the message without being aware of the requirements. 

Still, Wei Wuxian was cautious and decided on using their titles that had yet to have meaning at this time. 

With silver eyes full of yearning, he sent his little rabbit off, watching as it hopped out of his hand and onto the floor before hopping two more times and shimmering out of sight. 

🤍🐇❤️

A woman donned in pale achromatic robes dashed through the inky blue sky, not even the faint twinkling of stars able to smooth the immortal’s severe expression as the mild summer breeze brushed against her cheeks. 

It was not an easy feat to break through her meditation during seclusion, yet Cangse’s message had reached her. 

Despite the rumors that the reclusive Baoshan Sanren forbade her disciples from ever returning to the celestial mountain, the reality was ostensible.

Of course, those who held clashing opinions that veered into dangerous territory were prohibited from ever returning after being forced into an unbreakable oath, unable to ever find the immortal mountain again.

But her disciples were welcomed back, even if Baoshan Sanren made no show of greeting them personally upon their return. Though most found it difficult to stay after experiencing the mortal world outside of the tranquil mountain and soon descended again.

However, her children were always embraced by her loving arms on their homecoming. 

As information about the immortal’s mountain was shrouded in mystery, it made sense that those who were not privy to the life there remained uninformed. 

The celestial mountain was home to few, and even few were ever welcomed into Baoshan Sanren’s arms as family, but that did not mean it never happened.

Cangse Sanren was an exceptional child who had been found by the immortal when the tiny girl was wandering outside the wards barefoot and starved, but with a fire burning in her silver eyes. 

The immortal woman guided her to the top of the misty mountain and soon grew rather attached to the youngest addition. 

It had been many years since there had been a disciple so young living on the mountain and the day little Cangse brazenly called Baoshan Sanren, the legendary immortal, a-niang, nearly made the old soul weep. 

It hadn't taken long for Baoshan to formally adopt the girl and the decision was accepted with a joyous fanfare from the other disciples. 

So, when Cangse had decided to descend the mountain, Baoshan sent her off with a bittersweet smile, knowing her daughter's future was propitious and she could not be the one to stand in her way. Could not be the one to clip her wings before she had a chance to fly. 

Letters came in slow intervals, her daughter’s messy scrawl barely legible, but the immortal could sense the excitement—the unbridled joy. 

The immortal woman had not been the happiest when her daughter informed her she had gone to Cloud Recesses, but the smidge of pride won over after Cangse raved about sneaking into the lectures after breaking through the Lan Clan’s wards. 

What followed was even more shocking as Cangse’s letters spoke of a handsome lad, an alpha, she met during the lectures. 

Her daughter was a strong-willed omega determined to mate and officially marry the youth after crossing blades with him just once, and Baoshan had let out an airy huff full of amusement at the words. It was so very much like her daughter to decide her future husband that way. 

Cangse’s beloved was named Wei Changze and she was sure to tell her muqin about her plans to follow the alpha back to his home in Lotus Pier after the lectures were over. 

The immortal was worried after hearing of Wei Changze’s circumstances—his place in the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. Though not because of his status as a servant, but because she was well aware of how those in the gentry would react. 

After word came of Cangse and Wei Changze’s elopement and eventual departure from Lotus Pier, Baoshan relaxed only slightly, deciding to enter seclusion, hoping to rebalance herself after being updated on her daughter’s whirlwind life. 

In seclusion, Baoshan Sanren had missed both the letters exuberantly announcing Cangse’s pregnancy and later, birth of her son, Wei Ying.  

The name A-Ying only drifted into her ears as Cangse’s splintered soul broke through her meditation, pleas on her lips to help her baby. And then Cangse smiled at her a-niang so brightly, just like she had before she descended the mountain, thanking her for everything before evanescing from her surroundings. 

Baoshan Sanren felt the despair sink into her very bones, but she knew she had no time to mourn when Wei Wuxian, A-Ying, her waisun, was now but a child left alone inside some random inn located in Yiling. 

With a swish of her white spotless robes and a flourishing leap, she mounted her sword, hurtling from the safety of her celestial mountain, destination bound for Yiling without so much of a glance back.

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji paused, chopsticks raised halfway, when he felt a tiny, nearly undetectable spark of spiritual power appear before him. 

In three large bites, he finished his breakfast that had been delivered to the Jingshi. He had nearly forgotten that after his muqin’s passing, he had chosen to break his fast in the solitude of his private room, but it was favorable for his current circumstances.

Especially now.

His golden eyes instantly flooded with no small amount of agonized relief as he took in the white rabbit that hopped into his awaiting hand. 

He nearly had to choke back tears as he listened to Wei Wuxian’s high-pitched and innocent voice. 

Moving with a speed that would definitely get him scolded outside of the Jingshi, Lan Wangji quickly found the materials needed to send a message back. 

With trembling hands, he activated the talisman, watching as a sleek black rabbit with red eyes appeared in his palm, thin lips parting as he reverently spoke his beloved’s name, “Wei Ying,” he paused before asking, “what happened?”

Lan Wangji released the rabbit, watching as it hopped away, his heart longing to follow, but soon the rabbit faded from view, leaving him to squeeze his small hands into fists.

🤍🐇❤️

Wei Wuxian placed the last of the qiankun pouches into his sleeves as his eyes did one last sweep of the room. Dawn was just arriving, the flicker of faint yellow shining through the singular window and illuminating the small space with an air of a peaceful send off.

After sending his rabbit to Lan Wangji, he had decided there was no use lingering in the inn for longer than necessary and began packing with a chaotic organization only he would understand. There were so many qiankun pouches and various trinkets his parents had left in the room. He was careful gathering the items, aware they were the last tangible connection he had to his parents who were now gone from the world.

Speaking of the rabbit, a black rabbit silently hopped into his sight. 

There was no way to stop the lovesick grin from stretching his lips as he listened to little Lan Zhan’s soft voice.

But he still needed to answer, needed to explain what happened, and so he unpacked some paper and a writing set. 

Settling down, he carefully let each brush stroke slide along the paper, aware his calligraphy was more legible than usual, but he wanted Lan Wangji to read it with ease and understand their situation. 

Wei Wuxian succinctly informed Lan Wangji they had unfortunately failed—and if the splotches of tears as he wrote about their deaths made the paper discolored, well, that was his and his alpha’s business, but he would never shy away from his feelings again when it came to Lan Wangji. 

Then, he explained the very mystifying experience of meeting his parents in the afterlife and how they must have found themselves in the past because of Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze. After all, they both had said, ‘this time’. Wei Wuxian went on to speak of his golden core—his golden core!! He once again had a golden core!—and asked Lan Wangji about his own spiritual state, knowing his alpha must have a core as well since he was able to receive and send the talisman message.

Checking over the letter once more for any errors and not finding one, he quickly scrawled out something on the bottom.

After he was certain the ink was dried, he carefully rolled the paper up before snagging the red ribbon out of his hair.

Wei Wuxian was quite tickled by the fact his parents had chosen to use his favored ribbon color for his hair and he was slightly melancholic over the fact he had never remembered that. But he supposed the years on the streets of Yiling hadn't allowed his mind to keep such unimportant details at the time. 

His quick hands activated another talisman, a white rabbit dutifully waiting as he used nimble fingers to tie his ribbon around the middle of the rabbit before securing the letter. 

Feeling mischievous, he professed, “Aiya, Lan Zhan. How can you sound so cute?! Think of your poor Wei Ying’s heart! I bet your adorableness is unmatched! It is simply not fair that I can not lay my eyes upon you yet! Here is a kiss for now, my love. Mwah!”

Satisfied with his message, he crouched down and let the rabbit go before turning towards the door.

He slipped out of the room and into the empty hallway, enjoying the morning silence as he made his way down the stairs to the inn’s common dining room, hoping to order a filling enough breakfast before leaving the town. 

While it may not have been the best decision to try and travel towards Gusu in the body of such a young child, he didn’t see much of a better option. 

For one, he needed to put as much distance between himself and Yunmeng as possible. And secondly, the closer he was to Lan Wangji the better. Those were two simple facts.

As he ate alone in the dim corner of the main dining area, a calm, commanding voice drifted through the quiet inn.

“Tell me, where is the child?”

The innkeeper let out a distressed noise he tried to disguise as a cough when the radiant figure demanding answers from him narrowed her eyes. 

There was but one child currently located inside his inn and the poor beta had no desire to be swept in a fight between cultivators, his eyes nervously bouncing between the sword on the woman’s hip and her austere expression. 

Swallowing, he meekly gestured to Wei Wuxian, who was still sitting in the corner, silently observing the confrontation. 

The woman whipped around, silky locks flying as her brown eyes frantically locked onto his.

“A-Ying…”

Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed, not recognizing the woman who was quickly approaching him with careful steps. 

As she settled in place before him, he examined her more thoroughly, but still drew a blank. Since he still hadn’t presented he also couldn’t infer whether she was an alpha, beta, or omega.

The stranger’s lips pressed together as she stared at him, her gaze heavily focused on his eyes. 

A soft smile settled on her face as she properly greeted him, “A-Ying, I am Baoshan Sanren. Your waipo. I am sorry it has taken so long for this one to meet you.”

Wei Wuxian could not help but let his mouth drop open in shock. He knew without a doubt this was something that had not happened before. 

“My waipo?”

“Mm. Your a-niang sent me to collect you.”

Silver eyes blinked up at her as Wei Wuxian sent another heartfelt thank you to his parents before asking, “Collect me?”

A grim look flashed across the immortal’s face before it smoothed back into a softness he was unaccustomed to as she sat beside him, hands grasping his own as she took a shuddering breath, “A-Ying, your a-niang and a-die…”

Her jaw clenched as her eyes grew distant, no doubt pondering how to break such horrific news to a child, but Wei Wuxian would save her the misery as he hummed, “They have gone where A-Ying can not reach them.”

Baoshan nodded mournfully, “This one is afraid so, little A-Ying.”

Wei Wuxian felt her warm hands gently squeeze his as she gave a gentle smile, “Will you come live with me from now on?”

Utterly flummoxed by the offer, Wei Wuxian could not help but think of his alpha, still alone in Cloud Recesses. Would Lan Wangji understand if he followed Baoshan Sanren to the mysterious celestial mountain? 

Wei Wuxian shoved the thought aside, of course his alpha would understand. He would even likely encourage it, listing out several reasons why Wei Wuxian should accept.

If he followed his waipo, he would likely have a safe and secure childhood, far from what the streets offered him. Because he knew deep inside that even if he made it to Gusu the chances of meeting up with Lan Wanghji were extremely low. 

Lan Wangji was a son of Lan-zongzhu and had recently lost his muqin. It would be unlikely Lan Wangji, now only Lan Zhan, could leave Cloud Recesses without attention.

Perhaps if he went with Baoshan Sanren, this time Lan Wangji could properly court and openly claim him like he had so desperately wanted to do before, only holding back for Wei Wuxian’s sake who had argued the issues—and rejection—the Gusu Lan Clan Elders would without a doubt present to his alpha. 

Before, he was someone Lan Wangji’s clan would have never accepted willingly. It was why they had clandestine meetings and a private ceremony that was made up of just the two of them. 

But now, he could prove that he deserved to stand at Lan Wangji’s side. 

Glancing up at the immortal woman—his waipo—he saw her patient eyes resting on him and he squeezed her hands before straightening his spine, fastening his resolve as he made a crucial decision that would change the course of his fate forever.

“A-Ying will follow waipo.”

He was rewarded with warm brown eyes crinkling as the immortal woman helped him to his feet before setting enough coin on the table to cover his meal. 

“Then let us go, A-Ying.”

The strange new pair set out towards the celestial mountain, the gentle golden rays of the early morning sun illuminated their figures as Baoshan Sanren held Wei Wuxian steadily against her on her sword, the small newly formed family family appearing like a moving painting against the pale orange sky.

Chapter Text

Entering the celestial mountain was an experience Wei Wuxian took in with sparkling eyes full of wonder. From a distance the mountain had a reposeful aura, yet at the same time the towering peaks evoked apprehension, therefore leaving the viewer slightly unsettled the closer they got. 

Baoshan Sanren had slowed their speed to descend in front of the gates that pulsed with a strong spiritual barrier, once again fascinating Wei Wuxian. He would definitely ask about those later.

The immortal brought him through the gate, one hand holding his as she guided him into the grounds that were kept in immaculate condition.

Silver eyes curiously glanced around, silently following along beside his waipo. The flight to the mountain had taken longer than he anticipated, shen already approaching them by the time they landed. 

Due to the time of day, there were a few disciples in identical simple white robes milling about, inquisitive gazes being shot his way before sliding away decorously. 

Wei Wuxian didn’t let the stares bother him, far used to being regarded by condemnatory goggling during his time as the Yiling Laizu. This sort of innocent and curious staring was actually rather welcome compared to that. 

He was led further back into the mountain, nearly stumbling as they ascended a numerous amount of stairs, coming to a stop at the top. 

His eyes widened as he took in three lofty mountainous peaks surrounding the area, forming a natural barrier for the small intermontane plateau nestled between the versants. A gentle burbling of water reached his ears as they approached another gate. 

Wei Wuxian noted that the gate led directly into an empty grassland, which he thought to be odd, but really he could do nothing but follow his waipo.

As he was escorted through the gateway, he felt the thrum of spiritual power from another barrier that he eyed with interest as they passed through the guarded entrance.

His eyes widened as the empty grassland transformed, revealing a secluded area with only three buildings of varying sizes and a moderate sized waterfall that was situated against one of the mountainsides, uncovering the source of the burbling he heard earlier. 

The spot was idyllic for someone with a mind that never slept, his mind instantly soothed by an endless serenade the harmonious cascade of water performed.

Peeking back, he eyed the intricate warded gate with even greater curiosity, but knew it would be odd if a child his age asked about the array forming such a powerful barrier, so instead he asked what just happened.

“That is a very important security measure to assure the safety of anyone residing inside the yǒnghéng de níngjìng residence.”

Everlasting Serenity, Wei Wuxian mused the name fit the immortal woman’s habitation quite well. 

The immortal led him towards the largest of the three structures as they passed over a bridge, a clear stream flowing gently throughout the landscape underneath as it fed into a mid-sized pool of water towards the back of the premises that settled against the second sturdy ridge.

“This is my house, A-Ying. You will be staying here until you’re comfortable enough to have your own rooms.” 

They stopped on the porch, turning as she gestured to the other two buildings in the distance, “You may have your choice between those two rooms when you’re ready; both are currently unoccupied.” 

Baoshan Sanren inclined her head towards the larger of the two, the one situated further back and closer to the serene pool of water.

“That one was your a-niang’s. Though the child was barely ever there longer than to sleep. Always rushing around the grounds like an unruly beast.”

Despite the harsh words, her voice was full of fondness and a hint of wistfulness, letting Wei Wuxian know how much his waipo truly cared for her daughter in all but blood and who was now no longer part of their world.

A nostalgic smile flickered on her face, “She used to love training beside the Shòu Pond under a full moon.”

Wei Wuxian swallowed, rarely having heard anything about his parents and their lives while he lived in Lotus Pier. 

Despite Jiang Fengmian’s words that his fuqin was his best friend, Wei Wuxian always had a morsel of doubt and that made his guilt fester. Because surely, he should have been grateful the man gave him a place to call home instead of questioning things he knew nothing about. 

But as he grew older, he often wondered if Lotus Pier was ever truly his home. Could a place painted in his blood ever be considered a home? 

Once those thoughts began to ooze like a wound one did not properly tend to, it was hard to ignore them. Yet he covered up his dubiety by taking on extra night hunts, training harder with the junior disciples, and convincing himself there was no reason for Jiang-zongzhu to lie to him. 

Except the man had evaded the truth.

It left a hollow feeling in his chest not easily brushed aside. After all, the truth was only unveiled less than what felt like a day ago. 

And was it even that long? He wasn’t sure, with time being nothing but a blur since he drew his last breath.

It was clear his waipo could sense the tangled web inside his mind, as she peered down at him curiously. He felt as if she knew something was different about him compared to other children, but she could not quite figure out what. 

She kept her grip on his hand light, moving them inside her home as she murmured, “Come. Let us get you a proper bath and clean robes.” 

His feet froze at her words, processing exactly what she had said. Wei Wuxian vehemently did not want her to bathe him. He was a grown man for heavens’ sake!

When he originally agreed to go along with the immortal, he had debated telling her about his previous life, but now he felt as if he must inform her before anything traumatic could occur. 

“Waipo, there are some things I should disclose first.”

She eyed him for a moment before inclining her head and tugging him towards a room he assumed was for receiving guests. 

“Have a seat, A-Ying. Let waipo make some tea.”

Wei Wuxian stiffly sat at the table, nervous of the immortal’s reaction—regardless of her being his waipo, how would she react to everything he had done?

Would she kick him out? Blame him for her daughter’s death? Never let him leave the mountain again because she would deem him too dangerous? Never let him reunite with Lan Wangji? Would she shun him due to him having turned to the ghost path?

“A-Ying.”

Her soft call broke him from his spiralling thoughts as she served him a cup of steaming medicinal tea. 

“Here, drink this first. It will calm your nerves. Then we shall speak.”

Wei Wuxian willed his hands not to tremble as he grabbed the cup, taking a delicate sip. 

After several calming breaths, he straightened his spine and lifted his head to stare at his waipo, who was patiently awaiting him to gather his spirit.

“Waipo, do you think time travel exists?”

Her eyes turned serious as she peered at him with a glint of something he could not quite interpret reflecting in her dark eyes, “I believe if the heavens wish it, anything is possible.”

He hummed at her response, but her eyes held a gleam of awareness now. 

Wei Wuxian inhaled, “I have…come back to the past.”

She nodded sagely and with a patient resonance she inquired, “Will A-Ying elaborate?”

And so, Wei Wuxian regaled her with his tale, starting from his original childhood on the streets being attacked by dogs all the way to his slow death alongside his mate. 

Or well, he did his best to tell her everything he could remember, the dark patches in his memory lingering even now. It seemed time travelling could not fix everything.

His waipo did not take the news of him being whipped with Zidian lightly, the air around her growing colder as the grim frown lines deepened on her face as he recounted the times he received punishment in place of another—of the times he was punished for seemingly no reason at all. 

“And Jiang-zongzhu did nothing to stop her?”

“No, Jiang-shu–,” Wei Wuxian stumbled over the familiar address, stomach twisting as he felt the dull ache of betrayal, “I mean, Jiang-zongzhu, never took action to stop Yu-furen.” 

Baoshan Sanren looked visibly flabbergasted by the information, while her eyes swam with guilt. 

Wei Wuxian could probably guess what she was thinking. 

Why had she not searched out for him in that timeline? Why had he been left in the hands of such wretches? 

Well, he didn’t really know the answers to those questions either, but he could thank his a-niang for intervening this time around.   

“A-Ying never has to go back to such a place. Waipo hopes you will find a new home here."

Wei Wuxian took her words at face value for the time being, not quite yet willing to embrace the comforting offer when he had not gotten to the more…harrowing details.

Her expression remained fierce, lips tightly pinched when he made it to the part of his golden core transfer to Jiang Cheng. 

Seeing her face, he quickly reassured, “I will never do such a thing again. Only after I had given it away did I truly realize what I had lost. And in the end, it remains one of my largest regrets.”

She hummed before astutely peering at him, “Dwell not on the past, but embrace the lessons you have learned in order to guide yourself towards a future of unlimited potential.”

Wei Wuxian bowed, “This one is thankful for your words of wisdom, Waipo.”

As he explained his invention of the Ghost Path due to his desire to survive and escape the burial mounds, he attentively watched her expression, body tensing in preparation of her condemnation. 

But he saw none, instead, she reached over, brushing the back of her knuckles along his cheek, “Your waipo apologizes for not being there for you before, but now, I am here. And you have my support, A-Ying, always. It takes a genius mind to create a new cultivation path, no matter how unorthodox it may be to others.”

With great effort, he blinked away the tears threatening to fall as the corner of her lips upturned softly, “While the path itself could be harmful to the user, the intent behind the creation was not done so with selfish desire. Yes, you may have wanted to live, but you wanted to live and get back to those you considered family. To get back and protect anyone you could.” 

He shook his head dejectedly, “And yet, I could not save the person who mattered most…”

“Perhaps not, but that was not your fault, A-Ying. You can not blame yourself.”

“But I still created the Ghost Path.”

Her eyes turned sharp, “You selflessly gave away your golden core and still fought alongside those who condemned you. I dare say not even I would be so benevolent.”

Wei Wuxian absorbed her words, recalling what Lan Wangji had told him so many times before. 

He knew now that he was often too altruistic, but it was like second nature for him to do anything he could to help others, especially those he held affection for…or for those he believed he owed.

Slightly amused, he could already imagine what Yu-furen would have said—had said when he covered for Jiang Cheng’s mistake during a nighthunt once. 

‘Such feelings are a sign of how weak you omegas truly are; completely unfit to learn cultivation when you can not even control your instincts!’ 

Yu-furen’s anger was palpable as she spat out the discriminatory words that she always held inside at official gatherings. 

Wei Wuxian never understood Yu-furen’s particular prejudice towards omegas, after all, there were several well respected omega cultivators in the gentry. 

And once a cultivator achieved a strong golden core, they were able to suppress most, if not nearly all, of their secondary gender instincts—even being able to prolong the time in between or entirely prevent their ruts and heats if they chose to.

Looking back now, perhaps Yu-furen’s hatred was more personal than he thought. After all, she despised Wei Wuxian’s a-niang, who was a strong omega cultivator; and while Yu-furen was also a powerful cultivator in her own way, she was a beta. 

Unfortunately, Wei Wuxian could see the pieces falling together. 

Yu-furen’s intense jealousy over Cangse Sanren was widely known. And her arguments with Jiang Fengmian, who was an alpha, were also common knowledge amongst those living inside Lotus Pier. Yu-furen constantly accused her husband of harbouring feelings for another—Cangse Sanren. Her insecurity most likely caused her hostility towards all omegas to grow until it was out of control. 

Knowing what he knew now, her behavior was not only unforgivable, but more flagitious than anything. 

Choosing not brood over such things now, he refocused on the present.

Baoshan Sanren was staring at him, her face giving nothing away as she asked, "Besides, it is not like you plan to pursue the Ghost Path again, right?”

He let out a sardonic huff, "Definitely not. I never would have created such a thing if I had my golden core, but I’ve learned that lesson.”

By the time he got to the moment of meeting his parents in the afterlife, her eyes held a glassy sheen that no amount of blinks could obscure. 

And after repeating his parents’ words about the Jiangs, her composed posture grew stormy and her gaze sharpened, filling with hot indignation. 

“To think the gentry has fallen so far…” She grumbled with displeasure, though she didn’t truly sound surprised.

She clicked her tongue, “For someone as prominent as a clan leader to not only flagrantly dismiss a life debt he owed, but then to act as if you owed him was deplorable. I no doubt believe the heavens agreed, for his karmic retribution brought forth not only his demise, but nearly the extinction of his entire clan.”

The bits of guilt that had still lingered like smoke from a fire began to clear away with her gustful words. A diminutive smile flickered on his lips and the desire to confide in Lan Wangji swelled in his chest. But he would have to wait for now, needing to finish the conversation.

When he spoke of his parents' final echoing words, only then did her clenched jaw loosen as her brows furrowed and her lips pursed in deep thought. 

“It sounds as if they have given you a precious gift, A-Ying.”

Wei Wuxian let his gaze fall to his empty cup, but his waipo continued, “Maybe not all, but most parents only wish for their children to have comfortable and happy lives. Your parents have certainly received the heavens' blessing for their actions or you would have not ended up here.” 

When he glanced up, warm brown eyes were smiling at him. 

“But what if I make the wrong decision?” His voice sounded small and meek—afraid.

“Aiya! None of that, xiǎo tùzi. We can not live our lives based on what ifs. Besides, did you not say your alpha has also come back as well? Your parents must have used this opportunity to flaunt their acceptance of your relationship with Lan Wangji.” 

Wei Wuxian couldn’t stop the embarrassed glow of his cheeks nor the goofy smile tugging at his lips due to her words. 

“Why are you calling me xiǎo tùzi all of a sudden…?” He was amused at the address, little rabbit. 

Suddenly thinking of his handsome alpha who had a love for little rabbits, he considered that maybe the name fit him more than he thought? His mate did unabashedly love him. And they did have similar mating habits compared to the little fluffballs…

“You are much like Yùtù, just as Chang'e gave him a second chance, your parents have given you yours. I believe this time you will have a most auspicious future. Those with your kindness are rare and it seems the heavens concur. So, just accept it and strive to live a long life this time because you deserve it, xiǎo tùzi.” 

Silver eyes sparked with hope, “So, I can stay here?”

“For as long as you desire. And while it will hurt once you decide to leave, I know I can not keep you from your beloved, nor do I wish to.”

Their conversation slowly came to a natural end before she led him to the bath, her eyes crinkling with mischief as she teased, “Is my xiǎo tùzi certain he does not need waipo’s help bathing?”

Face burning, he whined, “Waipo, do not tease me!”

Her laughter was heard as she walked down the hall, leaving him to handle his ablutions on his own.

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji stared at the rabbit delicately sitting in his palm as Wei Wuxian’s voice crooned through the Jingshi. Not that anyone outside of the person the message was designed for would be able to hear the playful sound.

Snowy lobes flushed with the teasing words from his mate and he longed to see a tiny Wei Wuxian as well. 

He shot the rabbit another look, his gaze lingering on the red ribbon securing the letter and quickly untied it from around the rabbit, holding it with something akin to worship. Once the letter was safely set to the side, he released the cute critter and turned his attention back to the ribbon. 

With a motion bearing no shame, he brought the delicate fabric up to his nose, inhaling desperately despite knowing he would not be able to smell his omega’s precious badian scent. 

A distressed muffled keen left his throat at the lack of pheromones. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t expected it, neither child having presented yet, but being unable to smell his omega made his heart lurch. 

Almost reverently, he fasted the ribbon around his wrist, satisfied for the moment at seeing the splash of vivid color against his pristine white robes. Bringing up his wrist, he placed a gentle, quivering kiss to it before reaching for the letter. 

Golden eyes glistened with heartbreak as he read through the first few lines. Just knowing they had died—that Wei Wuxian had died—stole his breath. His fists nearly damaged the paper and he took a steadying inhale, the whites of his knuckles returning to normal as he continued to read what was written.

His lips downturned infinitesimally as he spotted the dried splashes, noting with sorrow that they were his mate’s tear stains. 

As he finished the lines about Wei Wuxian meeting his parents and how it just had to be them who sent them back, he quickly placed the letter aside and kowtowed to his in-laws, hoping their spirits may rest peacefully now.. 

Never let it be said that Lan Wangji did anything half-heartedly, the now trembling boy thanking them for such an invaluable gift—thanking them for giving Wei Wuxian life again. 

He stayed like that for longer than necessary and when he sat up, there were tears streaming down his pale cheeks. 

Sniffling, he grabbed the letter once more, reddened eyes softened as he noticed the familiar messy scrawl at the very bottom. 

Devouring the chaotic brush strokes he so adored, he felt his ears burning and his heart overflowing with affection.

‘Aiya, Lan Zhan, waking up without you was absolutely miserable for your poor Wei Ying. I hope my alpha will best know how to comfort me once we reunite...

Kisses from your Wei Ying’

Lan Wangji let his fingertips rapturously glide across the dried ink, face softening and lips curving almost imperceptibly as he tucked the letter safely inside his robes.

The young second master of Lan did not know when he would be able to meet Wei Wuxian, but once they were together again he would never let him go. 

Feeling determined, he set out to write his own letter, nearly tripping as he was unused to the size of his small body. 

🤍🐇❤️

Wei Wuxian had felt refreshed after washing up and was stunned by the new soft white robes his waipo all but demanded he wear. He peered at the tiny embroidered black rabbit sitting on the spot that rested over his heart.

It seemed his waipo was quite sentimental. Not that he was bothered by the obvious display of affection from the immortal woman.

When he moved into the room she occupied, she waved him over and forced him to sit in front of her before bringing out a comb and hair oils.

The silence was not uncomfortable as she worked the oils gently through his hair, but it did make his mind fill with other things—such as thoughts of Lan Wangji and his well being. Wei Wuxian took a moment, but eventually his quiet voice broke the peacefulness, “Can you tie my hair with a red ribbon?”

His waipo hummed, “Let me see if I have something that can work.”

“Ah, no need. There are some in my qiankun pouch. It seemed to be a favored colour my parents used for my hair.”

“Mm,” she shifted to allow him to move, “then get it out.”

He did so with haste, brandishing a shiny red ribbon as he turned to face her, handing it over with a hint of excitement, only for a black rabbit to shimmer into view and lovingly hop over to him before he could sit back down. 

“A-Ying.”

Baoshan Sanren’s voice startled him as he let the rabbit deposit itself into his hand.

Her eyes were fixed on the rabbit with fascination, puzzlement, and a hint of wariness. Wei Wuxian too was staring at his little rabbit with intriguing eyes, surprised his talisman was able to bypass the powerful barrier over of the yǒnghéng de níngjìng residence.

“What is that?” The question was pointedly aimed at the black rabbit he began cuddling.

Shooting her a grin, he lifted the rabbit a bit higher, “A communication talisman I designed before. It was so that Lan Zhan and I could exchange words and letters with ease, but also privacy.”

His waipo's brows raised and a look of pride painted her features as she asked, “And how does that ensure privacy?”

“Ah, nobody aside from the recipient and sender are able to touch the rabbits nor hear the words.”

He leaned forwards, holding out the rabbit to her, “Here, try touching it.”

She wearily held her hand out, coming close to petting the rabbit’s sleek fur when her hand went right through it. 

“Interesting…”

Wei Wuxian nodded fervently, “I was working on trying to make it invisible for anyone who was not the sender and recipient before…well, you know.”

“And anyone could use this talisman?”

He hummed before clarifying, “Right now this is a personal talisman that nobody could replicate without either myself or Lan Zhan showing the original incantation as it disappears and becomes the rabbit, dissolving once the message has been accepted and the rabbit dismissed.”

“And how did this get through my barriers exactly?”

Chuckling nervously, he rubbed the rabbit’s head, “That is something I am afraid I do not currently have the answer to. Asking waipo for forgiveness.”

She waved a hand, “No need. I am simply curious.”

Clearing her throat, she gestured for him to sit back down, “Let me finish your hair then I shall give you privacy for your letter. Will the rabbit remain for that long?”

“Mm! As long as I don’t dismiss it, it should be fine.”

He plopped down, settling the rabbit against his chest in his arms as his waipo gathered his hair into a neat topknot, securing it in place with the red ribbon. It wasn’t often Wei Wuxian wore his hair in such a style, but he didn’t fuss as she finished. 

“Waipo, may this A-Ying tell Lan Zhan about you and my residence here? I want to make sure he knows I’m safe,” his cheeks ruddying as he smugly announced, “my alpha is just too worried about his Wei Ying!”

Clearly amused by his brazenness that she had told him was so similar to his muqin’s, she hummed indulgently, “Of course, xiǎo tùzi.” 

After a moment she patted him on the head and stood up, “I shall go inform one of the disciples we are in need of our evening meal.”

Wei Wuxian was flooded with appreciation as the immortal smoothly stepped out of the house, giving him the privacy he needed. He sincerely doubted she needed to seek out a disciple in person, but the action was welcomed nonetheless.

His eyes greedily drank in the bright white ribbon holding the letter tightly and he all but ripped it off the rabbit, bringing it to his cheek to nuzzle. He cared not that it was not the same one that would sacredly bind them together later, all he was focused on was that it was something tangible from his alpha.

He lifted the rabbit, allowing Lan Wangji’s embarrassed voice to float into his ears, “Wei Ying. Am certain Wei Ying is more adorable. Will require more kisses later,” his voice paused before the whisper of a “mwah,” could be heard

Wei Wuxian’s head was tossed back as gleeful and fond laughter bubbled out of him. He dismissed the rabbit and returned his attention to the ribbon and letter. 

After fastening the ribbon onto his wrist with ardent delight he unrolled the letter.

Lan Zhan had explained his current situation and Wei Wuxian’s heart ached for his alpha as he stated he was still in the mourning period due to his muqin’s passing—which he had missed this time around. He apologized for only sending a plain white ribbon he had in the Jingshi, the place where he was residing alone during mourning, before elucidating that he had yet to receive his sacred forehead ribbon. 

Silver eyes crinkled, knowing it would be nearly impossible for Lan Wangji to send his sacred ribbon to him without the boy having to explain where it disappeared to—and the last thing he wanted was to cause trouble for his alpha, but his body bloomed with endearment at the thought of his alpha actually sending it if only Wei Wuxian asked. He truly was spoiled by his alpha. 

Catching sight of the words at the bottom of the letter, his lips quirked up as he followed what was written with an almost indiscernible change in the usual graceful flow of his alpha’s beautiful calligraphy.

‘Wei Ying. 

Mark your words. 

Kisses from your Lan Zhan’

Wei Wuxian slipped the letter into his sleeves for the time being, scurrying to the table to write back as quickly as he could. 

He was sure to begin by consoling his alpha before he unashamedly disclosed that he nuzzled his alphas ribbon before tying it securely around his wrist.

Pithily he summarized the whirlwind events of his own day, not leaving out any detail, but keeping in mind not to go off on a tangent. Starting with meeting his waipo, the esteemed immortal Baoshan Sanren, to his revelation of time travel to the woman. 

Wei Wuxian then expressed how he had no evidence to prove it, but his a-niang must have sent her muqin to retrieve him this time around. 

Hesitantly, he divulged that he planned to stay on the celestial mountain until they could meet one another without issue. As of now, they were only children who had to rely on the adults around them. And while his waipo had agreed to be there for him, it was likely the immortal had no desire to leave her mountain again so soon—and he wouldn’t ask her to as the pair of them were also in mourning for his own parents. 

After ending the letter with more shameless words, he swiftly rolled up the paper and sent the rabbit on its way. 

It seemed he was just in time as his waipo announced her presence, stepping in with two trays of steaming food.

Later that night, Wei Wuxian settled into the rooms now declared as his, eyes drooping as he lay on the simple bed his waipo had prepared, his childlike body pushed past its limits as he finally slipped into unconsciousness. 

🤍🐇❤️

Wei Wuxian found adjusting to his new life in the celestial mountains to be astoundingly effortless. 

Of course, it wasn’t without a few complications, but the only true challenge he could say he faced was dealing with the lack of Lan Wangji‘s presence—something he had grown accustomed to after their mating. 

It wasn’t easy dealing with the change and the first few months were arduous, but eventually the pair found their footing. From rabbit delivered letters and small gifts to teasing words only their ears could hear, the two had at last adapted flawlessly to their new everyday lives.

During his first couple of weeks living on the celestial mountain, when Wei Wuxian wasn’t wasting his time pining over his alpha, he was most frequently found scouring through the books Baoshan Sanren had recommended. 

The immortal’s library collection was extensive, with ancient scrolls and detailed secrets long forgotten by the rest of the cultivation world. 

Some of the most fascinating material he had managed to stumble across were the scrolls on arrays and talismans. After asking for permission to study them in greater detail and being granted it right away, he scrupulously researched every similar text he could get his hands on. 

Oftentimes he was so absorbed with his research that he hadn’t even realized he stayed awake all night, only noticing the time when the sunlight leaked through his windows. 

But he had not spent all of his time hiding away behind stacks of scrolls and ancient texts. Wei Wuxian was diligent about his physical training and always found nimbly dancing around the Shòu Pond at odd hours of the day. 

Of course, Wei Wuxian saw nothing wrong with his actions and it wasn’t until he nodded off during an evening meal with his waipo, his face almost landing in the bowl of hot food, that he was finally scolded by the immortal. 

“A-Ying, you must be mindful not to push your body past its limits. You may have a strong core at the moment and the mind of an adult, but your body is that of a child. Be sure to properly rest.”

After that, Wei Wuxian learned to balance his schedule, not wanting to disappoint his waipo—or risk her banning him from the library. 

Weeks blended together as Wei Wuxian’s birthday arrived. 

Lan Wangji had been the first to send him birthday blessings. Wei Wuxian awoke to a black rabbit hopping onto his chest and he sleepily untied the letter as he listened to his alpha's soothing voice. 

“Wei Ying. Happy birthday.”

He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes before opening the letter, as he read over it, his cheeks dusted a faint pink. 

‘Wei Ying, 

Till mountains crumble, till rivers run dry, till thunder rumbles in winter, till snow falls in summer, and the earth mingles with the sky—not till then will my love die.

Forever, only yours, 

Lan Zhan’

It was a romantic poem his alpha had likely come across and wanted to share with him. The thought made him yearn for Lan Wangji’s presence. 

He carefully placed the letter inside the box that held every letter the pair had exchanged so far, closing it and checking over the ward carved into the wood once more before nodding and getting ready for the day. 

Months trickled by as Wei Wuxian poured his energy into talismans and arrays. His waipo had even spared some time to indulge his curious mind whenever he had a question. 

It wasn’t long until he brainstormed what talisman to create next. Which was quite easy once he recalled Lan Wangji describing the attack on Cloud Recesses and the burning down of their revered library after the pair had reunited in Yiling and begun their official courtship. It was as if his mind couldn’t be shut off after that. 

Wei Wuxian believed his idea would be a perfect birthday gift for his alpha! If only he finished it in time. 

At long last—and after many experiments that may or may not have left singe marks in the lush green grass behind his rooms—he had completed his new talisman. 

A fire-proof talisman was pinched between his fingers as he waved at his waipo who was just making her way inside the gate, beaming at her before sprinting over. 

“Waipo! It’s finally done!”

She patted his head, gesturing for him to walk with her, “This old lady is quite curious to see what you have come up with. Do not think I missed those patches of grass left scorched by your endeavours." 

A playful scoff left him as he laughed merrily, “Old?! You may be my waipo, but you don’t look even a day over forty!” 

Narrowed eyes glanced down at him, “Flattery will not get you out of repairing the damage caused by that little genius mind of yours, xiǎo tùzi.”

“And you think I’m the one flattering you! You’re not fair, waipo!”

Baoshan Sanren led him inside her home, stating they must eat their midday meal first as it was already wu. 

Wei Wuxian bemoaned and wanted to protest, but his waipo was quick to inform him that she knew he had skipped his morning meal, thus he gave up mid-tantrum, demurely taking his seat at the table. 

After proving his talisman did work, he was rewarded with pats on the head and a prideful gleam flickering in warm brown eyes. 

“Do you plan on sharing this talisman with the rest of the world?”

Humming, he nodded, “I think it would be a great help to people, both the commonwealth and gentry would have much less to worry about if they had access to something like this.”

Baoshan Sanren’s brows rose, "You intend to even share it with the commonwealth?”

“Mm. Of course, I’ll have to fiddle with the design a bit more to ensure it’s usable for a non-cultivator, but I believe the fire-proof talisman will be even more beneficial for them compared to the gentry. Think of all the fires that often break out due to natural disasters or simple mistakes that end with an entire home burned down.” 

“That is very noble of you, A-Ying.”

He laughed awkwardly as his cheeks warmed, “Aiya! It’s nothing,” he scratched the back of his head, “isn’t it our duty as cultivators to help the common people?”

“Do not undervalue yourself, A-Ying. Your soul is a kind one. Not all cultivators have such strong morals. Just as there are upstanding cultivators, there are also malefactors. And sometimes even those who believe they are righteous are actually masking their selfishness.”

Wei Wuxian pondered over her words before nodding in agreement, having seen the tragedies and fallout of the Sunshot Campaign he knew not all cultivators were virtuous. 

“I am sure you know this, but still, I urge you to be cautious with your inventions and the hands they fall into. If you plan to distribute them later, be sure they are perfect. Therefore nobody can blame any unfortunate mishaps on you.” 

“Okay, waipo. I thank you for your wisdom.”

“Mm. Now shoo. I know you’re impatient to tell your Lan Wangji all about it.”

Not needing to be told twice, he scurried off to scribble down his shameless words and birthday blessings. 

Once zi approached, a red eyed Wei Wuxian tenderly tied his letters to the white rabbit. One letter was full of his usual coquettish and titillating remarks, while the other contained his talisman along with information about it. 

He promptly passed out after watching the rabbit shimmer out of view. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji blinked his eyes open, a faint smile gracing his lips as he saw the white rabbit comfortably lounging on his stomach. 

He delicately removed the letters as Wei Wuxian’s gleeful voice full of love filled his ears. 

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Happy birthday! I wish I was there to properly celebrate with you, but I’m sure we’ll have all the time in the world later. Once I’m by your side again I fear I’ll never leave. Your Wei Ying misses you dearly.”

Golden eyes lowered as his lashes quivered before he inhaled to gain control of his emotions. He opened the letter next, snowy lobes burning a vicious crimson. 

‘Lan Zhan. My love. My one and only. 

I’ve sent along a second letter that contains your gift. Your Wei Ying’s memory may not be the most reliable, but this time I’ve remembered your words with clarity and hope this brings some comfort to you. 

After all, one day this gift will be protecting our home. 

It is an utter shame that this Wei Ying was not able to wake you with many kisses upon your ethereal face on such a blessed day! 

Alpha, I hope you prepare yourself for when we meet as these lips will be unable to stop themselves from claiming every bit of skin they can.

I can not wait to be claimed by you again, Lan Zhan. To be yours for the rest of our lives. 

With many kisses and a heart of longing, 

Your Wei Ying’

Lan Wangji’s chest moved with each rapid breath as he brought the paper up to place a gentle kiss upon the words before setting it aside to read the second letter. 

Inside was a talisman and a detailed explanation about what it was and how it worked. Lan Wangji’s heart swelled when he read over how his omega had come up with such a genius idea. And it thundered dangerously when he saw the words ‘our home’ again. 

He would cherish this gift forever and be sure to introduce it as Wei Wuxian’s design once he was no longer a child. It would be ineffable to bring such an invention to his shushu as he was now. 

However, Lan Wangji would use the talisman for the Jingshi for the time being. After all, it was to be their home in the future. 

Chapter Text

Time’s silent river flowed as seasons changed and birthdays passed. 

When Wei Wuxian’s eighth birthday arrived, his waipo handed him a stack of scrolls and books, instructing him to begin cultivating in the transportation pathway. 

That was the year Wei Wuxian learned Baoshan Sanren could be quite strict about what she found acceptable. 

The following year, on a few occasions Wei Wuxian would find himself joining the senior disciples during their spars, but tended to only socialize most days instead of picking up a training sword. The time spent amongst the disciples cloaked in the monochromatic robes wistfully reminded him of his previous life alongside his martial siblings in Lotus Pier. 

It wasn’t as if he longed for the days of his past, but more that he missed those he had grown with and trained beside.

At age ten, his actions were seen by most of the disciples as a free-spirited child who didn’t take his training very seriously. While few may have had an issue with his behavior, none confronted him, leaving any reprimanding to their master.

But it seemed Baoshan Sanren had no issues with her youngest disciple’s behavior, causing some to quietly muse that she must have allowed him to get away with such antics due to him being her waisun, but that thought fled from their heads once they ended up face down in the dirt after crossing swords with him.

Soon after that, Wei Wuxian was revered as a prodigy seen once in a lifetime amongst the disciples who welcomed him with warmer eyes. 

Some point after that, Wei Wuxian had officially accepted Baoshan Sanren’s teachings, going under her tutelage as she helped him turn his usual meditation of dancing into precise and deadly strikes with a sword. 

The creation process of the sword technique combined his previous teachings he had learned from the Yunmeng Jiang Clan with the intermingling of his fluid dancing motions. 

Silver eyes sparkled with anticipation once he nearly perfected his new technique, blood singing and excitement building at the thought of surprising Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian could not wait to clash swords with his alpha again. Just remembering the first time their blades kissed under the moonlight made his heart nearly beat out of his chest!

While the new sword technique was an amazing feat in itself, it was not the only thing he learned under his waipo’s guidance. 

Baoshan Sanren’s cultivation techniques were a secret to most, but there had always been rumors that she had an affinity for arrays along with unmatched healing powers. 

After beginning his lessons, Wei Wuxian found both of these rumors to carry a weight of truth. His waipo had informed him of the arrays placed around the celestial mountain, designed to warp a person's perception in order to prevent them from stumbling upon her home. 

She had delineated that those were illusionary arrays while the formation carved into the gate at the entrance was a barrier array. When she led him to the gate of their private residence during one of the first few lessons, she pointed out that the complex formation was a combination of a barrier array and an illusion array. Wei Wuxian was fascinated, eyes sparkling as he absorbed the information with eagerness, mind already working in overdrive as he thought of what he could protect in the future with such a technique.

When Wei Wuxian turned eleven, his waipo brought another child onto the mountain after her arrays signaled someone had gotten close. The boy was younger than him by about five years and his clothes were torn and dirty, but his waipo seemed fond of the boy, announcing she planned to adopt him. His name was Xiao Xingchen and he soon grew on Wei Wuxian too. 

By age twelve, Xiao Xingchen was obsessed with following Wei Wuxian around. Be it in the early hours of the morning when he was stretching around the Shòu Pond or in the evenings after their meal as Wei Wuxian hunched over his desk covered in ink smears, Xiao Xingchen was glued to his side. 

Wei Wuxian had never really had a didi before—he didn’t count Jiang Cheng or any of his shidis from Lotus Pier—but he found he quite enjoyed the small boy’s presence even if the child didn’t understand what Wei Wuxian was mumbling about most of the time.

Baoshan Sanren had also shifted their lessons, introducing the healing arts. While understanding it in theory was quite simple, applying it was much harder as it tended to be rather draining. 

The healing arts his waipo taught was distinctly different from the self-healing one’s golden core could accomplish. For example, it was more than just feeding spiritual energy into another’s meridians to accelerate their healing. While, yes, one must still flood the meridians of the injured with their own spiritual power, they also had to find the injury and personally guide the spiritual energy into repairing whatever the damage was. 

On the first attempt, Wei Wuxian had to heal a cut on his waipo’s arm caused by a sword not imbued with spiritual power. As his waipo had stopped her own golden core from healing the injury, he was tasked with manipulating their spiritual power to target the cut. He broke out in a sweat and there was still a faint pink scar afterwards, but his waipo’s brown eyes glittered with silent praise. 

Upon his seventh lesson, Wei Wuxian beamed as he successfully healed the gash made by a sword glare on one of his shixiongs’ legs. He hadn't even gotten light headed that time nor did he begin sweating!

He enthusiastically wrote to Lan Wangji about his achievement and was lathered in so much praise from his alpha that he was floating on clouds the rest of the day.

After accomplishing such a feat, his waipo had tasked him with studying all texts on healing that were in the library. 

Taking to the assignment like a fish to water, he had devoured all of the works on talismans, arrays, and healing in the library with fervent delight.

Once Wei Wuxian reached thirteen, he had begun researching through all books and scrolls containing anything to do with monsters. The Waterborne Abyss had stayed heavily on his mind ever since Lan Wangji had mentioned Wei Wuxain joining him at Cloud Recesses for the lectures. 

As luck would have it, there were ancient scrolls about Waterborne Abysses. Regrettably, they all stated the same extermination method; draining all the water, digging up all the people and items sunk by the abyss, and leaving the lakebed or riverbed exposed to sunlight for a number of years. 

Not even his waipo could think of a better solution as the monster was notoriously difficult to deal with, though that didn’t stop her from scouring through the ancient texts with him, citing it gave her something new to do in her old age. 

Another year passed in a flash. He may have only been fourteen now, but his golden core was stronger than ever, thrumming with power and life he most certainly did not have at this same age before being sent back in time. 

Unfortunately, no matter how strong a core, it could not stave off his secondary gender presentation.

Wei Wuxian was going through his sword forms at the edge of the Shòu Pond with his didi when it happened.

The lightning fast burst of heat through his entire body and painful curl of desire pooling in his nether regions. The practice sword slipped from his hand as he fell to his hands and knees, gasping as another wave of torturously delicious heat spread through him, his entire chest, neck, and cheeks being dyed a puce color. 

Before he lost his mind to his rapidly approaching heat, he pulled a talisman from his robes. It was the second half of a pair designed for emergencies, something he came up with recently and gave his waipo the other half—by her insistence. Neither anticipated it would be used so quickly, but at least it would be helpful now. 

Xiao Xingchen had landed on his knees beside his now curled up form, the younger’s practice sword tossed to the side, panicking hands flapping with distress as he wailed about his xiongzhang dying! Wei Wuxian groaned as his skin prickled uncomfortably when the boy gathered his tense form in his arms, tears spilling frantically down his cheeks.

Luckily for everyone, his waipo arrived in a dizzying flash, scooping him up and rushing towards his rooms as she told Xiao Xingchen to calm down, clean up their swords, and meet her inside of her home. 

Dark eyes still dripping with tears watched her carry Wei Wuxian off, who barely had the mind to wave his hand and try to comfort the boy, “I’m fine, didi…do as waipo says.”

Once the duo was far enough away, his waipo unleashed her worry.

“Aiya! Didn’t you remember when this was supposed to happen? I’m just glad you were safe behind the barrier here.”

He huffed, sweat beginning to drip down his neck, “It came early! I swear I was a year older when I presented last time! Besides, the other disciples wouldn’t have done anything to me…”

With a sharp flick of her head and eyes narrowing to dark slits, she lectured, “It does not matter what you or I believe. Of course my disciples maintain a high level of self-control, but even those with the tightest self-restraint can lose to their baser instincts in mere moments. It is a good thing there are only two alphas out amongst all the disciples residing here and they are nowhere near the yǒnghéng de níngjìng residence.” 

Wei Wuxian humphed, before another dreadful wave pulsed through his veins, causing him to let out a whine of discomfort. 

Her eyes softened, “We’re here. I’ll put you inside and then set up a scent blocking barrier. I shall only come by to deliver food and water.” 

After ensuring he made it to his bed, she spun around and left his rooms. 

White robes clung to sweat slicked skin, causing him to curse in annoyance as his mind began to feel hazy. His hands mindlessly ripping at the robes, uncaring when the sounds of tearing cloth reached his ears, his only goal to be released from their confines. 

Unlike the first time around, there was no mysterious enshrouded figure without features to help him through his first heat. No, this time, Wei Wuxian imagined only his alpha, causing forlorn whimpers and longing cries of ‘Lan Zhan!’ to escape through his erratic panting. Distress bloomed in his chest as only his heady badian scent enveloped his rooms, desperately missing Lan Wangji’s delectable sandalwood pheromones that should be intertwined with his.

By fifteen, Wei Wuxian’s golden core was stronger than it had been before he gave it away. The strong, uninterrupted flow of spiritual power through his body was invigorating. 

His desire to show Lan Wangji instead of telling through their messages grew by the day.

It was regrettable the lectures at Cloud Recesses were still a year away. But Wei Wuxian tried not to let that wither his spirits too much, instead focusing on another talisman idea that used part of the characters from the transportation talisman. 

He had been experimenting with the teleporting talisman all around the celestial mountain in the last few years, helping his waipo find any weak spots in the illusion arrays when he was struck by the idea to use it to send items instead of oneself. 

The main issue was the massive amount of spiritual power required to use a transportation talisman and the second was figuring out how to attach it to objects that could not direct its own path. 

Of course, the idea had been a slow building one until Lan Wangji made an offhanded comment about a soft blanket he had thought Wei Wuxian would like. 

After that, Wei Wuxian had been in a frenzy to create a talisman that allowed for larger items that couldn’t fit on their rabbit messengers.

Lan Wangji had been steadfast in his courtship, bestowing his first courting gift—a beautiful vivid red ribbon embroidered with rabbits that had made Wei Wuxian burst into tears when he opened the skillfully wrapped box and saw it lying inside—before the pair had even presented. 

With every small gift or letter sent along that was permeated with Lan Wangji’s sandalwood pheromones, Wei Wuxian’s patience was beginning to wane.

Two weeks after that, he was nearly in tears and about to rip his hair out when the latest experiment failed. That failure led to him scrapping the entire talisman idea and forming an array with a similar concept. Instead of the initial talisman design, an array would be carved into a bamboo plaque that could be placed wherever one would want to receive and send items. 

Four days—and two sleepless nights—later, tears of joy sprang from his eyes when he executed his final testing of the paired bamboo plaques with his waipo and Xiao Xingchen. 

His entire body wiggled and buzzed pleasantly after he sent the plaque carved not only with the array, but also two rabbits kissing, alongside one of his letters, relieved it was able to fit on the rabbit—even if it needed two ribbons to hold it securely. 

Wei Wuxian had thoroughly explained the name of his newest invention, yún yóu zhàn. He felt as if ‘cloud postal station’ fit the invention perfectly, as he had shamelessly and adoringly named it for his alpha. 

Once Lan Wangji received the plaque, he showered him with compliments, his voice full of endearment and letter full of praise before promising he would put it to good use. 

And did he ever!

Now that they had finally presented, his alpha began sending an influx of items drenched in his pheromones. Nesting materials made of the softest fabrics, a pristine white robe his alpha had worn all day inside the Jingshi so it was not tainted with any other scents, and even handkerchiefs embroidered with two rabbits snuggling in the corner.

Soon, Wei Wuxian was sixteen and his patience was nearing its limit. 

His thirst to reunite with his alpha well-nigh unquenchable. 

Over the years—and especially after he created the yún yóu zhàn—his alpha diligently sent gift after gift. Some were works of art crafted by Lan Wangji’s graceful hands and others were copious amounts of homemade food, ranging from chili oils to delicate sweets.

But not even the courting gifts saturated in his alpha’s deliciously comforting sandalwood scent could stop the ache in his soul. 

Not even focusing on Xiao Xingchen’s growing cultivation could keep his mind from drifting towards Lan Wangji.

It wasn’t long before the cold chill of winter was slowly thawing in the lands outside of the celestial mountain, making way for spring. The impending Gusu Lan lectures were set to begin and Wei Wuxian was preparing for his upcoming departure from the place that had been his home the last decade.

Lan Wangji and he had progressively begun to exchange more messages than before. Their once twice daily messages became all day conversations if their schedules allowed it. 

Even Wei Wuxian could tell his alpha was reaching the end of his patience. Especially once they realized their heat and rut cycles were in sync…

He would be lying if he said he had not just about shot from the mountain to go be embraced in his alphas arms.

Sure, their golden cores were both powerful enough to prevent getting their rut and heat, but they shamelessly indulged in their unique play, allowing themselves to fall into their cycles twice a year. 

Wei Wuxian was glad the rabbits were not real critters and therefore would not be scarred from the filthy words whispered and shouted for one another during those times. 

Shaking hands held a scroll that Lan Wangji had sent three months ago. An official invitation to the Gusu Lan Clan’s lectures. 

His heart thudded against his ribcage, anticipation and elation rushing through his veins. 

Now, he just had to tell his waipo and didi. He had been putting it off, too afraid to upset them and then he had honestly forgotten! And now he was expected to arrive tomorrow!

Deciding to clear his mind before seeking them out, he began several fierce, energy heavy dances around the Shòu Pond.

🤍🐇❤️

Baoshan Sanren had been observing her waisun for months, knowing the time for him to leave was looming, and she had made several preparations. Xiao Xingchen would not handle the news well, having become rather attached to the person he considered his xiongzhang. But this would also be a good opportunity for the younger boy to taste some independence. 

Seeing as Xiao Xingchen was currently training with the other disciples, she thought now was the most opportune time to hand over the items she had been hoarding for weeks. 

“A-Ying, come with me. I have something to show you.”

His head titled, but he skipped over and followed her into her home. She sat him down before turning to retrieve a few parcels and quickly returning. 

“My xiǎo tùzi, my genius waisun. I fear it is time you begin your journey and descend the mountain. I knew this day was coming, so I had a few items made for you.”

With a flourishing wave of her hand, the parcels opened, revealing sets of new robes in varying shades of white, black, and grey. 

“While I am certain your alpha no doubt has filled his home with new robes for you, I thought these would help establish your standing. Never shy away from who you are. Remember, your fuqin was not a servant in the end, he and your muqin had paid for his freedom. Your parents were benevolent wandering cultivators and you are the waisun and disciple of Baoshan Sanren, the immortal. Never forget that.”

🤍🐇❤️

Wei Wuxian blinked away the stinging in his eyes as they roamed over the beautiful, high quality robes. 

He lingered on some outer robes dyed a deep black with little white rabbits embroidered along the trim and hem, “I thought you believed in the simplistic style.”

“I do, but do you not wish to stun your Lan Wangji into silence when he sees you for the first time in this life?”

Her words caused him to chuckle, knowing his alpha was notorious for his silence and more of one for actions over words, but he couldn’t help the flutter in heart, touched by her thoughtfulness. 

His fingers brushed over another set of robes, this one four layers. It was a pristine white with splashings of grey and black dye that resembled flowing water. More rabbits adorned the outer robe, except this time the water-like splashes tapered off in some places to mimic them playfully hopping.

Moving onto another set of robes consisting of three layers, he noted the entire set was nearly pure black, resembling a starless sky. They seemed more appropriate for travel while the other two appeared befitting of a more formal gathering. 

The outer robe was the most interesting as it was split down the center, one side remaining the same deep black as the rest of the items, while the other half was a blend of white and varying shades of grey. On the shoulder of the black fabric side sat an embroidered white rabbit and a silver rabbit was embroidered hopping from the white and grey side towards the black halfway down the front of the robe.

Each outfit thoughtfully had their own matching trousers, sashes, and wrist guards. The last parcel his waipo revealed even had three new pairs of boots!

“Waipo…”

She held up a hand, her own eyes holding a sheen of wetness, “Do not thank me, xiǎo tùzi. This is a gift not from Baoshan Sanren, the immortal, but from Baoshan, your waipo. Let me spoil you a bit.”

Wei Wuxian launched himself at her, squeezing her tightly as he sniffled. Baoshan Sanren was a beta and her scent was subtle, but he could still smell the light soothing aroma of white tea leaves.

Eventually, the two broke apart and she had him take his new outfits to his rooms before telling him to meet her by the Shòu Pond. 

Soon, he was following alongside her as she led him further up one of the summits, ignoring his curious eyes as they stepped inside a cave full of blacksmithing items. 

“Where are we?”

“A smithery.”

He chortled, “I can see that, but how come I never knew about this…? Right here in my own backyard…”

Baoshan Sanren let him have a moment to absorb his surroundings as she walked over to spot draped with a white cloth. 

“A-Ying, come here.”

Trotting over, his eyes widened as she removed the cloth, unveiling the most magnificent sword he had ever seen.

The sword was absolutely breathtaking. 

With its hilt shining an intense black and made of high quality bronze with a matching scabbard that was etched with small rabbits causing his mouth to twitch upwards with amusement. 

“You should unsheath it.”

He blinked owlishly at her, “It’s mine?”

“Was that not obvious?”

Well, he did think it was his, but to be told so filled him with elation and something bittersweet as he remembered his old sword, Suibian.

She stepped out of the way, gesturing towards the sword.

With hands only slightly trembling, he gasped as his hand curled around the scabbard, his golden core pulsing as the blade sang back.

With one hand on the hilt and the other holding the scabbard, he unsheathed the blade, mouth dropping open in awe. 

Its blade was a strange swirling pattern of gleaming black and bright silver making Wei Wuxian compare the pattern to flowing water, much like the design on one of his robes from earlier. 

“Yīshǐ.” He murmured, enraptured by the blade that thrummed happily in his hand. 

“From this moment on, how poetic of you. It is a most befitting name, xiǎo tùzi.”

Baoshan Sanren’s soft voice broke him out of his entrancement. 

She reached her hands out, “Allow me to engrave the name now. It has been waiting for its master and I have no doubt it is just as impatient as its wielder to set out on your forthcoming journey.”

After the emotional ceremony of officially naming his blade, the pair descended back down the mountainside, taking their evening meal in his waipo’s home.

Once they finished their meals, Xiao Xingchen glanced between them, clearly sensing something amiss.

“Xiongzhang, waipo, what is going on?”

Wei Wuxian looked at his didi, his heart heavy at leaving the boy behind, but his love for Lan Wangji would always come first. 

“Ah, didi…”

His waipo inclined her head, urging him to continue, “You see, I’m descending the mountain.”

Xiao Xingchen’s mouth dropped open as he jumped to his feet, “What? Why?!”

“Xiao Xingchen!” Their waipo scolded, gesturing for him to sit back down.

Only once he was back in his place did Wei Wuxian respond, ignoring the hurt clouding in his didi’s dark eyes, “Didi, I have someone I promised to meet, you see. And what has waipo always told us about promises?”

The boy huffed, a pout on his lips, “To always be as good as one’s word…”

“So you can understand why I must go.”

A sniffle cut through the momentary silence, “But you won’t come back.”

Wei Wuxian waved his hands fretfully, “No, no. I promise I’ll come back to visit. And after all, I’m a man of my word.”

Before he could say more, Xiao Xingchen’s smaller body crashed into him, arms wrapping tightly around him as he sobbed into his shoulder. 

Not even waipo reprimanded his behavior this time, letting the boy cry it out. 

After the crying session that Wei Wuxian and their waipo certainly did not join in on, they enjoyed their after meal tea, his waipo casually asked once Xiao Xingchen excused himself to clean his face, “You are already packed, are you not?”

“How did you know that?!” He just about screeched after taking a sip of his tea, silently thankful he was not mid drink.

Her warm eyes twinkled, “You have not been very…discreet with your restlessness. I had thought you would have already come to me, begging to leave.”

His silver eyes peered at her with a hint of worry, “I will come back. After all, you must meet Lan Zhan.”

She inhaled sharply before playfully scolding, “You better not forget to introduce your mate to your waipo, you brat!”

“I’m not that shameless!”

“Mm.”

“I will write to you so much you’ll end up tiring of me.”

The corners of her lips curved up and her eyes lightened as a huff of amusement left her, “I have no doubt about that. Just like your a-niang, you are. You may have your fuqin’s handsome features, but you have your muqin’s passion—and impishness.” 

A solemn air fell across the room as her eyes grew intense, “If you are having a hard time, be sure to inform me right away. I shall do everything in my power to arrive at your side in order to protect you.”

“But waipo, you hate leaving the mountain.”

She inclined her head, “That is true, but when it comes to family, there is nothing I am unwilling to do.”

That night before hai, Wei Wuxian happily prattled on about his day to Lan Wangji, purposefully leaving out that he received new robes, hoping to surprise his alpha. But he did mention his new spirit sword. His alpha praised the name and Wei Wuxian preened under the attention. 

It was far past the regular time for sleep when he heard a faint, hesitant knock on his door. When he slid the door open, Xiao Xingchen stood there in his night clothes, twiddling his fingers and eyes reddened from a fresh crying session.

“Aiya, Xiao Xingchen, get in here.”

Wei Wuxian guided his didi inside, the boy all but clinging to him as they neared the nest full of blankets and pillows. It wasn’t the first time Xiao Xingchen had slept cuddled in his warm and welcoming nest as his didi often had nightmares when he first arrived on the celestial mountain. 

At first, he had slept with waipo, but the immortal did not sleep the same way their growing bodies did, and soon Xiao Xingchen was knocking on Wei Wuxian’s door. Of course, Wei Wuxian tucked the boy safely inside the mountain of blankets and pillows without a second thought and ever since then, whenever his didi had a particularly terrible nightmare, he would seek out Wei Wuxian. 

Once the two were settled, Xaio Xingchen cuddled and clinging to Wei Wuxian, he blew out the candles, falling asleep alongside his didi for one last time.  

The next morning, Wei Wuxian flew out of bed at the start of mao, overexcited to begin his journey towards Gusu. He had barely gotten any sleep, far too jittery and full of expectation at finally reuniting with Lan Wangji. 

He made sure Xiao Xingchen was still resting peacefully as he prepared for the day. 

Choosing the robes that were the split colored set as they seemed more fit for travel, he hurriedly changed, admiring how they perfectly fit his body without any discomfort. He eyed the matching wrist guards, deciding to forgo them before shoving the items back into the qiankun pouch holding his attire and accessories. 

He awoke his didi, waiting for him to dress before they joined their waipo for breakfast, all three avidly ignoring the growing moisture in their own eyes as they ate in a comfortable silence. 

After their meal, she did his hair one last time, twisting half of his hair back and tying it with his favored ribbon, leaving the rest to flow down his back. 

He had been using a familiar vivid red ribbon embroidered with rabbits over the last few years, as it was once again a courting gift from his alpha, and he basked in the gooey feeling as it completed the hairstyle he knew Lan Wangji would love—the one that made his alpha’s golden eyes ogle him during his time as the Yiling Lauzo. 

Noticing her pull a small wooden chest towards her, he asked, “What is that?”

“Just something I was inspired to craft.”

With careful hands, she pulled out a silver hair pin with a rabbit on the end and a swinging red tassel decorated with white jade beads.

Her hands landed on his shoulders before she helped him stand up, turning him to face her, she looked over him and gave a satisfied hum.

Xiao Xingchen’s eyes lit up, “You look pretty, xiongzhang!”

His waipo and didi then walked him to the gate, the three being stopped along the way as the other disciples bid farewell to him—some even shed a few tears.

Eventually, they stopped in front of the entrance, his waipo handing over a wooden token carved in the shape of a rabbit. 

“This will allow you to freely enter and exit the mountain. I crafted it after we checked the illusion arrays.”

He received the token with both hands, warmth flooding his chest as he noticed it was hand carved by her and quickly fastened it to his sash. 

Wei Wuxian bowed deeply, “Thanking waipo for all these years.”

Her hand patted his head and as he stood up from his bow, she kissed his forehead. 

Xiao Xingchen flung himself into Wei Wuxian’s open arms, quiet sniffles mixed with words of encouragement. 

“Aiya, didi, I promise I’ll write, okay? Remember I gave waipo a bamboo plaque so all my letters will certainly be delivered.”

“Xiongzhang, you really promise?”

A low chuckle left him, “Of course, you’re my family after all.”

Before si could begin, Wei Wuxian mounted his sword and descended the mountain. 

As he let the air flutter across his face, his stomach erupted with butterflies. 

He had waited so long for this day and while he was sad to leave his waipo, he craved being back in Lan Wangji’s orbit. 

His waipo had given him vague directions on how to get to Gusu from the celestial mountain, but it would still take hours! He’d likely not arrive until wu! Deciding that was not acceptable, he landed at the base of the mountain, whipping out a teleportation talisman. 

While it wasn’t that long of a flight due to his powerful golden core, he still felt antsy, wanting to be held in his alpha’s arms.

Wei Wuxian diligently scrawled Lan Wangji a message before he activated the teleportation talisman, giving the alpha ample forewarning that he was on the way. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji did not appear different to anyone who was not familiar with him, but Lan Xichen kept discreetly observing him out of the corner of his eye. 

The Twin Jades of Lan were tasked with greeting the arriving guest disciples and Lan Xichen felt as if his didi were keeping secrets. Of course, all adolescent boys deserved their privacy, so he had never pushed the younger to reveal whatever it was that was on his mind. 

If Lan Wangji wanted him to know, he would confide in him once he was comfortable.

But now, he was slightly worried. It was not often his didi looked so impatient; with his golden eyes intensely staring down the stairs and his hands almost imperceptibly twitching in his sleeves. 

There were two major clans they were still awaiting, Lanling Jin and Yunmeng Jiang. The Qinghe Nie Clan had already arrived earlier that morning, their disciples taken to their dormitories after greeting the Twin Jades. All of the smaller clans had arrived the day before and were touring the grounds with their guides while acclimating to their new rules. 

Just as Lan Xichen was about to inquire if his didi would perhaps like a break, there was clamoring coming from further down the stairs. 

A flurry of golden uniforms materialized, announcing the arrival of the Lanling Jin Clan. 

Lan Wangji’s expression pinched indiscernibly and the air around him grew frigid as he stared down the approaching disciples. 

Lan Xichen fought to keep his neutral, genial smile in place, concern rapidly swelling in his chest as he watched his didi harshly gaze at the teenage boy flagrantly complaining about the Wall of Discipline to another adolescent who Lan Xichen recognized as the Jin heir, Jin Zixuan. 

To the relief of Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji’s eyes slid away without anyone the wiser. 

Standing in front of the gate like two jade sentinels, the two were entrusted with checking over and verifying the invitations of all arriving clans. 

“Welcome, Lanling Jin Clan. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. Please allow the guides we arranged for you to lead you to your dormitories in order to freshen up before the evening meal.”

Lan Xichen, gestured to the four guides awaiting their summons, the white clothed Lan senior disciples seamlessly taking over the group.

Right as Lan Xichen was going to ask about his didi’s strange behavior towards the Jin Clan, Lan Wangji’s head snapped downwards to peer hopefully at the stairs as his face illuminated. It was probably the most outwardly expressive Lan Xichen had seen his didi since their muqin’s death. 

His own amber eyes blinked in the same direction, bewilderment flashing through him as a handsome adolescent sauntered up to them, invitation in a hand that he waved with a playful flutter. 

Twinkling silver eyes were narrowed into cheerful, sparkling slits as his fair cheeks dusted a delicate pink, lifting with the growing curl of his lips.

“Lan Zhaaaaan! I received your invitation!”

Lan Xichen’s heart nearly gave out from the familiar address aimed at his didi and he very nearly pulled a muscle as his head swiveled in Lan Wangji’s direction to see his reaction. 

But what made his legs a little weak was the look of utter adoration on Lan Wangji’s face as his golden eyes devoured the stranger who was suddenly right in front of him. 

For the first time in over a decade, Lan Xichen watched as Lan Wangji’s mouth curled, an infinitesimal smile blooming like the first flowers of spring. 

🤍🐇❤️

“Wei Ying.”

Lan Wangji reigned in his desire to snatch Wei Wuxian off his feet and carry him to the Jingshi, but he could not control the rapturous way his omega’s name fell from his mouth. His ears turned an eye-catching scarlet as he shamelessly let his gaze sweep over Wei Wuxian’s entire body.

He felt a little dizzy. 

After all, this Wei Wuxian before him was glowing. He was certain he was meeting a celestial fairy donned in exquisite robes and smelling of home. 

He inhaled sharply, getting a mouthful of that sweet badian he had only experienced through the small gifts his mate had sent him over the past two years. But to experience it face to face again…his fangs itched to mark—to claim.

His omega was even wearing that hairstyle, the one Wei Wuxian knew captivated him. Lan Wangji was struggling just to breathe with his omega so near, while said omega was raking his eyes down his form, causing a tingling trail of fire to follow the path of those alluring silver eyes.

A delicate hand held out the invitation and Lan Wangji lifted his own to receive it, letting his fingers brush against the soft skin he desperately wanted to nibble on. 

Wei Wuxian let out a soft gasp at the contact and Lan Wangji preened under his omega’s sole attention. 

Their eyes locked in a heated stare down, the air charging with years of heartaching yearning. 

A cough broke them out of their spell and Lan Wangji flicked his eyes towards his xiongzhang, who could read the clear displeasure of being interrupted in his gaze. 

“Wangji, did you invite a-a…friend?”

“Mm. Wei Ying.”

His xiongzhang’s amber eyes glazed over with confusion, but he nodded anyway as if he completely understood. Lan Wangji had a feeling he did not. 

Soon his xiongzhang’s eyes turned to his striking omega, inclining his head in greeting, “It is a pleasure to meet one of Wangji’s…f-friends. I am Lan Xichen, Wangji’s xiongzhang.”

Wei Wuxian grinned radiantly, “The pleasure is mine. Lan Zhan has told me much about you,” he dipped into a respectful bow, “This one is Wei Ying, zi, Wuxian, disciple and waisun of Baoshan Sanren, the immortal.” 

Lan Wangji could tell his xiongzhang was awestruck by such information and he couldn’t help but puff up his chest with pride. 

If that information was shocking for his xiongzhang, he couldn’t wait for his mate to introduce his talismans and arrays. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Xichen’s body itched to twitch every time the pair used their birth names for one another. But the information Wei Wuxian had just revealed made him stare in wonder at the silver eyed teen.

Perhaps his didi was courting this young man? 

Wait, was he getting ahead of himself? Was Wei Wuxian even an omega? Not that it would be an issue if he wasn’t, as Lan Xichen just wished for his didi’s happiness, but things would certainly be harder for all if Wei Wuxian was not an omega.

He noticed Wei Wuxian did not have some of the more delicate features that most omegas sported and began thinking of ways he could convince their shushu that it was fine if his didi were interested in another male that was potentially an…alpha.

In his defense, Lan Xichen mistaking Wei Wuxian as an alpha was extremely reasonable, as the teen was nearly the same height as both Lan Wangji and himself with such handsome features.

He most likely would have continued to think that if it weren’t for the scent wafting towards him, carried on the gentle wind.

Now that he could smell the pheromones faintly twirling in the air, he paused in thought as he realized Wei Wuxian was most certainly an omega.

One who was flaunting his scent rather scandalously at Lan Wangji, but it seemed his didi brazenly rose to the provocation, his own sandalwood pheromones curling teasingly towards Wei Wuxian who flushed in delight.

Yes, indeed, more than friends. 

He wondered how the two had met. His didi was notoriously known for his reserved and stoic personality while Wei Wuxian seemed his complete opposite in that regard. But perhaps that is why they seemed to match one another so well?

Nonetheless, Lan Xichen would support his didi in his romantic endeavors, but perhaps allowing them to indecorously flaunt their pheromones at the entrance gate was a bit too lenient. 

“Wangji, why don’t you take Wei-gongzi for a tour around the grounds? I believe you have already handled his accommodations, so I shall also leave that to you.”

Lan Wangji inclined his head and with barely suppressed delectation, gave an affirmative, “Mm.”

Golden eyes turned towards silver, his didi radiating pure joy as he tucked one of his arms behind his back and gestured for Wei Wuxian to step beside him. 

“Wei Ying.”

The omega slid up to Lan Wangji’s side, beaming up at him, “Let’s go Lan Zhan! You have so much to show me, after all.”

Lan Xichen watched as the pair walked away, barely far enough apart for it to be considered improper. He felt as though there was more to the words spoken—and the unspoken actions of both.

Pulling himself out his ruminations, he shook his head, deciding to trust his didi who had always strictly adhered to the rules both on the wall of discipline and in the matters of propriety. 

At sixteen, Lan Wangji was already well known for his strict adherence to the clan rules and his stoic, reserved demeanor. 

Lan Xichen had vivid memories of his didi’s strict discipline he had placed upon himself, punishing himself for the most minor infractions during their childhood. So, he was quite certain his didi would not do anything untoward to Wei Wuxian. 

🤍🐇❤️

Further into the grounds of Cloud Recesses, on a path leading towards the Jingshi, Lan Wangji’s snowy lobes were a gorgeous cerise as Wei Wuxian leaned closer than necessary, a teasing lilt to his whispered words, “Aiya, Lan Zhan. You were sure to avoid as many disciples as possible on the way here…is it that you want me all to yourself?”

Passionate golden eyes glanced down at Wei Wuxian, but Lan Wangji remained silent and as someone who knew his alpha well, Wei Wuxian giggled airily at the confirmation of his words. 

A hand stealthily snuck up and squeezed a firm bicep before fluttering away as he swayed a bit closer to his alpha, breathlessly inquiring, “Just what do you plan to do to this poor virgin Wei Ying?”

Lan Wangji’s chest rose and fell as his breathing sped up and his golden eyes darkened as he ogled the way Wei Wuxian’s new robes hugged his narrow waist, “Wei Ying.”

The sound of his alpha’s titillating voice almost turned Wei Wuxian’s legs to jelly, his badian scent turning spicier with his growing desire. He knew these robes were the right choice this morning! 

Lan Wangji’s footsteps increased in pace as the Jingshi came into view—not running, definitely not running, towards the door they so eagerly wished to be locked behind.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Wei Wuxian, thrilled when he realized his omega’s ardent gaze was completely set on him once they paused before the Jingshi. 

Smoldering golden eyes caught molten silver as Lan Wangji finally broke the annoying barrier of decency they had been required to adhere to on the way there. 

His large hand that had been aching to touch at long last brushed his omega’s lithe waist before his heated palm slid along the width of Wei Wuxian’s back, hooking around the other side to draw in his mate. 

Of course, Wei Wuxian boldly wiggled closer, sticking himself to his side as his palm remained firmly attached to his omega’s waist, holding him flush against his body. 

“Have you missed your Wei Ying so much that you can’t wait until we’re behind closed doors, Lan Zhan? Whatever would your shushu say?”

With a calm look on his jade-like face, Lan Wangji briefly scanned their environment, confirming the lack of presence nearby before his gaze landed back on Wei Wuxian, burning intensely, “Mm.”

He could smell the sweet curl of his omega’s pheromones once Wei Wuxian noticed his rapt attention on him. Lan Wangji’s mouth watered as sweet badian mixed with a warm spiciness hit his nose as his omega let out a delighted chirp, preening under Lan Wangji’s attentiveness. 

“Am I really so handsome that you’re unwilling to look away, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji inhaled sharply, sure to get a mouthful of the delicacy, his eyes straying from his beloved’s face to the bright red ribbon fluttering in the breeze alongside strands of Wei Wuxian’s dark hair.  

“Mm. Wei Ying is the most prepossessing person I have ever laid eyes on.”

“Lan Zhaaaaaan! Warn me before you say such things! My poor heart can not take it!” 

Wei Wuxian’s cheeks frosted an appealing shade of pink that made Lan Wangji want to lean down and bite. 

“Aiya! Lan Zhan! You can not look at me like that! Like a beast waiting to swallow me whole once you get me alone!”

“Wei Ying is wearing my courting gift,” Lan Wangji coolly stated the words as if he had every right to stare at Wei Wuxian as if he were ready to devour him—and Wei Wuxian did not seem ashamed, if anything his omega looked was rather pleased by the idea. 

Dark lashes fluttered coquettishly, silver eyes burning with a hunger only Lan Wangji knew he could sate as his mate murmured, “Will my alpha finally show this Wei Ying our home?”

“Mm.” 

He did not wait even a moment longer before guiding his bewitching omega towards the door, allowing Wei Wuxian to take in the tranquil grounds that gave them an obvious amount of privacy. 

“It reminds me of you, Lan Zhan. It already feels as if my poor soul is being mended from spending too much time apart!”

“Mm,” golden eyes held a tender expression as he contentedly listened to Wei Wuxian’s voice.

Lan Wangji opened the door, his hand squeezing Wei Wuxian’s waist as he escorted him inside before closing the door behind them, eyes casting a fleeting glance over the talisman stuck to the inside of the door.

Curious silver eyes roamed around the spacious room, drinking in every detail that showcased Lan Wangji’s life during the time they were separated. A low vibrating purr of contentment broke the silence inside as Wei Wuxian inhaled the air thick with his sandalwood scent. 

He saw Wei Wuxian’s shoulders drop slightly as tension seemed to bleed out from his body, loosening his muscles and leaving his eyes blinking languidly. 

Lan Wangji turned to fully face him, his elegant hands taking hold of Wei Wuxian’s, letting the pads of his slender fingers brush teasingly on his omega’s palms. 

His tickling gentle touches soon turned a bit more forceful as he brought Wei Wuxian’s hands up to his mouth, placing delicate, reverent kisses to his knuckles. 

Golden eyes softened as he peeked through his lashes and murmured, “Welcome home, Wei Ying.”

The corners of Wei Wuxian’s lips curled up, silver eyes sparkling blissfully as he pushed onto his toes, planting a kiss so tender and light it felt like butterfly wings tickling Lan Wangji’s cheek. The domestic action had his snowy lobes blushing a soft pink. 

🤍🐇❤️

Eyes twinkling with mirth once he saw the effect he had on his alpha, Wei Wuxian landed another delicate touch of his lips to Lan Wangji’s face, this time barely brushing the corner of his alpha’s mouth. 

Lan Wangji’s eyes dropped down to his face, lashes trembling, and Wei Wuxian knew he was fighting to restrain himself. Not that he wanted his alpha to suppress his desires…

After all, Lan Wangji had been courting him for an entire decade! Wasn’t that too long?! It was most likely the longest courting period in history to exist!! 

Everyone should simply be thankful he hadn’t jumped on Lan Wangji and torn his clothes off right in front of the Cloud Recesses entrance gate! (And Lan Xichen)

Wei Wuxian really hadn’t anticipated being this feral for his alpha, but he wanted to be claimed again. Properly this time. With his now even stronger than ever golden core and healthy body. 

Despite his alpha’s forehead ribbon appearing to be tied extra tightly today, it seemed Lan Wangji was unable to stop himself from meeting Wei Wuxian’s next attack halfway, their lips sweetly colliding in an innocent way. 

It made Wei Wuxian believe his alpha was just as eager to show his affection…and perhaps even reclaim him at this very moment. 

They both indulgently soaked in each other’s presence, simply happy to be in one another’s arms as Wei Wuxian snuggled into his alpha’s sturdy chest—though it was clearly not as defined as before, but that was not surprising as the pair were still adolescents, their bodies yet to catch up to their prior young adult physique.

A low chuff sounded from his alpha and Wei Wuxian responded with his own low purr, practically draping himself on Lan Wangji, whose arms simply tightened around him. 

Eventually, Wei Wuxian pried himself from Lan Wangji, beginning a thorough investigation of the room.

He could feel intense golden eyes observing every minute change he displayed as he set the pace, walking around the room and curiously peering at everything. 

It was clear Lan Wangji had meticulously prepared for his arrival and it made his heart flutter dangerously. Especially as he eyed the mountain of soft and silky looking blankets neatly nestled on the bed. 

“Aiya, Lan Zhan! I didn’t think you’d use so many blankets? Doesn’t that bed seem a bit too large for just you? Did you purposely prepare such a luxurious item for your Wei Ying? What exactly do you plan to do with me here?!” 

Golden eyes darkened with avidity, pinning Wei Wuxian in place as mouthwatering, heady sandalwood flared to life in their private space. 

Releasing his own pheromones to perform an archaic ritualistic dance declaring the intent to mate, Wei Wuxian moaned softly as their scents blended together, creating a potent cocktail he could taste on his tongue. 

It was something he had yearned for and now he was bathed in it once more. 

Powerful hands claimed their places naturally on each side of Wei Wuxian’s waist, tugging as to ensure he bonelessly fell against the front of his alpha’s body, hands landing on Lan Wangji’s solid chest. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji’s head bent as he nosed at Wei Wuxian’s neck, a low groan escaping him as his omega released another strong wave of sweetly spicy badian—all just for him. 

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian gasped as his hot, wet tongue laved at the fair skin of his omega’s neck. 

Teeth scraped along the creamy patch in front of him, a trail of pink left in the wake as the small scratches bloomed from his fangs. Lan Wangji tried to pull him even closer, devotion and desire tangling together as he released a low whispering rumble into Wei Wuxian’s neck, “Wei Ying,” 

Wei Wuxian’s head fell back to give him more access as Lan Wangji licked, sucked, scraped his teeth against his omega’s fair jade skin, assuredly asserting his claim. 

When Lan Wangji finally bit down with more force, teeth piercing through flesh, Wei Wuxian cried out, “Ah! Lan Zhan! What are you, a dog?!”

His words lacked any venom and his tapered off moan, along with the spicy curl of badian, made Lan Wangji fully aware of what he was doing to his mate. 

Lan Wangji was intoxicated, endlessly craving Wei Wuxian. He wanted to hear his omega cry—beg—to be claimed by him again. 

His mind was filled with only thoughts of Wei Wuxian, titillated over the mere fact he was holding his omega in his hands once more.

🤍🐇❤️

Another sharp nip under his jaw made him sob as pleasure shot like lightning through his veins, “Lan Zhaaaan! Do you want everyone to know what a beast you are?! Marking your Wei Ying so shamelessly for everyone to see!”

His alpha continued to alternate between peppering sweet kisses and delivering exquisitely stinging nips. 

Wei Wuxian’s breath hitched as he panted heavily, “Lan Zhan! Lan-er-gege! Is that it?! You want everyone to know exactly who this Wei Ying belongs to?” 

Lan Wangji soothed the bites with languid swipes of his tongue as he hissed, “Shameless!” 

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian’s voice was hoarse as his alpha started pulling at the collar of his robes to reveal more perfectly pale, unblemished skin. 

Another moan tore from his lips as Lan Wangji sucked and bit bruises into the flesh all over his neck, though never actually touching the tender spot that ached for his alpha’s fangs to deeply penetrate into. 

“Lan Zhan, what will your shushu say once he sees what a mess you’ve made of this Wei Ying? It is only the first day and yet here you are unrelentingly scenting and marking me! Everyone will know exactly who left your poor Wei Ying in such a state!” 

The words only seemed to excite his jade beauty further, tongue and teeth inching ever closer to his sensitive gland, “Mine.” 

Lan Wangji’s hands moved to his hips, squeezing with a bruising force full of possessiveness that had him trembling with need. 

It had been so long since his skin bloomed with loving marks from his alpha. 

Wei Wuxian’s arms came up to drape across broad shoulders—though not as broad as they had been before slip back into the past, he noted fleetingly—fingers digging into his alpha’s white-clothed back before entangling in his luscious locks as Lan Wangji’s lips led a trail of fire from his neck to his cheek to his chin before finally claiming his mouth with bruising force. 

“Mmnh!” Wei Wuxian moaned unabashedly as their lips slotted together in a gratifyingly filthy way for the first time since reuniting, perfectly sliding against one another with ease due to the saliva being exchanged between them. 

Tongues tangled as Wei Wuxian’s hips rocked forward, rubbing sensually against Lan Wangji’s. 

A heavy, thick bulge brushed against his own smaller hardened member, causing a high pitched keen to warble from the back of his throat as a gush of slick dripped from his agonizingly empty hole, permeating his trousers. 

Lan Wangji pulled away slowly, teeth nibbling on his plump bottom lip before soothing the sting with a skillful tongue. 

Wei Wuxian chased after such sinful lips, earning another fierce kiss.

Strong hands squeezed hard enough to leave bruises, rewarding his alpha with a choked moan from him. Lan Wangji eagerly caressed his hips before gliding down possessively, grabbing firm handfuls of his plump backside. 

“Ah,” Wei Wuxian sighed softly before he breathlessly divulged, “your Wei Ying has missed bearing your marks, Lan Zhan. I hope you’re ready to make up for lost time.”

Wei Wuxian’s quickly slipped a playful hand from Lan Wangji’s back to catch the long silky white ribbon that had been enticingly tickling his fingers during their…passionate scenting session that was careening dangerously towards Wei Wuxian being claimed and filled by his alpha—or at least he hoped it was leading in such a direction. 

“Oh, but we shouldn’t…what will everyone say? I just arrived…only to defile their strict prodigal Lan-er-gege.”

Fingers curled teasingly around the ribbon before tugging hard, drawing a stuttered gasp from Lan Wangji. 

Golden eyes flashed dangerously, “Every day means every day.”

Nimble fingers yanked again from his alpha’s amorous declaration, the white ribbon loosening. 

Glaring at the stubborn white fabric with clouds lying neatly across Lan Wangji’s forehead, Wei Wuxian finally reached both hands up to untie the knots with an efficiency of someone with experience in such a task. 

He slowly pulled the ribbon, watching as it slid from Lan Wangji’s forehead, a mischievous glimmer in his silver eyes as held his prize in his hand. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji was both in awe and impossibly hard watching as Wei Wuxian coyly shuffled back, bringing his sacred ribbon up to plump lips to tease little kisses along the embroidered clouds as his omega’s sultry silver eyes stayed fixated on him. 

With that, his restraint scattered like ashes in the wind and Lan Wangji pounced. 

Wei Wuxian’s self-control was no better as he wantonly accepted the weight of his body crashing into him. 

Both hastily removed their swords and boots, uncaring where they landed as hands roamed and ravished one another, searching for the ties to their robes. 

His omega waltzed backwards towards the bed before grabbing him by the robes and dragging him down to connect their mouths. 

“Hnngh!” 

Wei Wuxian groaned as Lan Wangji’s hands began shoving his omega’s outer robe off his lithe body, letting it drop to the ground before unfastening the tie of his next layer, the silky black material sliding down his shoulders before joining the pool of growing fabric on the floor. 

Soon, only his black inner robes were the last obstacle between Lan Wangji’s mouth and Wei Wuxian’s fair skin that he ached to mark. 

Lan Wangji’s half-lidded gaze feasted on his work. Wei Wuxian was a vision. And Lan Wangji wanted to worship every inch of his omega who appeared like a divine being, with his kiss bitten lips, glassy eyes full of want, ruddied cheeks, and a canvas of proprietorial marks decorating his neck. 

Just as Wei Wuxian lifted his hands to tear the inner robe from his body, Lan Wangji intercepted the action, trussing up his omega’s impatient hands in his sacred forehead ribbon. 

“Ah! Lan Zhan! Lan-er-gege! Don’t you think this is a bit much for your innocent Wei Ying?!” 

His omega wantonly shook his hips, his inner robes loosening as a perk pink nipple flashed salaciously. 

“Why did you stop me? Does my Lan Zhan not wish to fill his Wei Ying already?” 

Lan Wangji’s eyes darkened at the provocation, hands rucking up Wei Wuxian’s inner robes to pool around his hips before he curled his fingers into the waistband of his omega’s trousers. With what little control he had left, Lan Wangji stripped the last barrier preventing him from seeing his omega’s glistening puckered hole. 

🤍🐇❤️

The cool air suddenly hitting his drenched backside caused Wei Wuxian to grumble, but his words were cut off as he felt Lan Wangji’s hands hook underneath his knees, forcing his body to bend in half as his alpha dove between his legs. 

“Ah!” Wei Wuxian gasped as a hot tongue greedily lapped at a trail of his slick. 

He twisted his arms that were tied above his head, unable to stop his body from convulsing as Lan Wangji prodded his wet and inviting hole with that wicked tongue of his. The sting of the fabric holding his wrists tightly together made him squirm as a carnal heat thrummed in his lower body. 

“Mercy, Lan-er-gege! Have mercy on your virgin Wei Ying!” 

Lan Wangji ignored his pitiful pleas, clearly too intoxicated by the taste of his slick being gulped into his awaiting mouth. When Wei Wuxian jerked again, trying to hook his ankles around his alpha’s head, Lan Wangji nipped his pale thigh reprimandingly.

But his alpha didn’t stop there. His lips continued on their path, sucking blooming bruises into soft thighs. Whenever Wei Wuxian tried to urge him back to his twitching and wet entrance, he received a sharp stinging bite to one of his scent glands on one his thighs that made another wave of slick dribble out of him. 

“Lan Zhan! Please, alpha!” Wei Wuxian sobbed, voice guttural as he begged. His wrists blooming a pale rosy red as he writhed under the ministrations of Lan Wangji’s skillful mouth. 

The words seemed to push Lan Wangji over the edge. 

He released Wei Wuxian’s legs before disrobing in what had to be a world breaking record amount of time before ravishing his figure with burning golden eyes. 

“Please, Lan Zhan! Your Wei Ying is so empty.” 

Wei Wuxian’s lips formed a pout with his words, drawing smoldering golden eyes to his face. 

Lan Wangji slid his bare body over him, his alpha’s sandalwood pheromones thoroughly cocooning around him completely, drowning him in lungfuls of Lan Wangji’s obsessive love. 

His alpha’s pheromones made Wei Wuxian’s body thrum with sharp arousal and he released a beckoning purr aimed at Lan Wangji, suggestively shimmying his hips, allowing the scent of his succulently slicked covered hole to waft into his alpha’s nose.

As he squirmed, Wei Wuxian’s twitching and leaking shaft rubbed against Lan Wangji’s more endowed length. 

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji groaned before leaning down to capture Wei Wuxian’s lips, letting him taste himself on his alpha’s tongue. 

Mewling, Wei Wuxian pulled away first, tears dripping from his eyes as he beseeched, “Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Do you really wish to hear this Wei Ying beg so pitifully to be filled by you?”

Lan Wangji’s golden eyes darkened further as he exposed him heartlessly, “Wei Ying loves to speak. He should tell his alpha explicitly what he desires.”

Biting his bottom lip, Wei Wuxian swung his bound arms up, locking them around Lan Wangji’s neck and bringing him closer, peppering kisses upon his beautiful face and eyelids as he declared, “I like you. I fancy you, I love you, I want you, I can’t leave you, I whatever you.”

His badian scented pheromones wrapped around Lan Wangji, showcasing his own possessiveness in the height of his passionate confession.

He laid a wet sloppy kiss onto thin, delicious lips as he continued fervently, “I don’t want anyone but you—it can’t be anyone but you. You can do anything you want to me, however you like it. I’ll accept everything my alpha gives me-”

Lan Wangji cut him off with his mouth, making Wei Wuxian feel as if he were being eaten alive before his alpha pulled away, nuzzling into his neck and nosing at the sensitive gland awaiting his alpha’s claim. His hoarse voice whispered into Wei Wuxian’s ear, “...fancy you…”

“Yes,” Wei Wuxian hissed with delight.

Teeth nibbled and tugged at his ear before Lan Wangji placed a delicately sweet kiss below the lobe he was bullying, “...love you, want you…”

Wei Wuxian rubbed their hardnesses together, whimpering, “Yes.”

Lan Wangji shifted, holding himself up with his impressive arms (that Wei Wuxian would freely ogle later) as he rested his bare forehead against Wei Wuxian’s, lashes trembling as his eyes held a soft glow, “Cannot leave you…do not want anyone but you…it cannot be anyone but you.”

The words caused Wei Wuxian to gasp, hole clenching down on emptiness as his silver eyes were imbued with love. He fondly bumped their noses together, “Mark me, Lan Zhan. Make me yours all over again.”

🤍🐇❤️

With hastened movements, Lan Wangji repositioned himself to settle between Wei Wuxian’s thighs, slipping the trussed up arms from around his neck as his omega desperately spread his legs further apart to invite his alpha inside. 

Leaning back on his knees, Lan Wangji’s hungry gaze swept over the body laid underneath him, making quick work of untying the only piece of remaining clothing, letting it fall open sensually to completely reveal Wei Wuxian’s glorious svelte form. His deep-set collarbones…the lines of his torso flowing smoothly…his slender legs with his thighs white as jade, lined by smooth muscles…

It was such a tantalizing sight of his soon-to-be reclaimed mate, flushed and panting while covered in freshly blooming love bites, spread out on his—their—bed. 

One of his large palms enclosed around both of Wei Wuxian’s wrists, holding them captive as his other hand dipped between his legs, lining up his length as his eyes held Wei Wuxian’s gaze.

A small smirk settled on Wei Wuxian’s face as he purred, “Claim your Wei Ying, alpha.”

Lan Wangji’s pale lobes burned cerise at the words and with a powerful thrust forward, he was entirely sheathed inside his omega’s quivering warm walls. With a low growl of, “Wei Ying,” due to the sensation of being wrapped in the familiar wet silken warmth of his omega. 

🤍🐇❤️

Pain laced with pleasure, not having anything but his own fingers inside of him since slipping back in time, but euphoria still shot through his body, making him dizzy. 

“Nngh!” Wei Wuxian’s breath hitched at feeling Lan Wangji fill him base to crown, his alpha dispersing his intense sandalwood pheromones. 

Silver eyes fluttered open, only to see his alpha staring down at him with uninhibited love and devotion, causing him to tighten around Lan Wangji’s thick, jade pillar. 

The action caused Lan Wangji’s pupils to dilate and finally give in to his instincts, hips pulling back before snapping forward with such intensity it caused Wei Wuxian’s body to jolt every time their skin met. 

Wei Wuxian moaned, screaming out his alpha’s name as his head and hole were stuffed with nothing but Lan Wangji. 

“Ah! Ah! Ah!” Wei Wuxian’s ardent cries only spurred Lan Wangji on. 

His alpha set a brutal pace as his one hand continued to keep a possessive grip on bound wrists while the other reached down to hook one of his legs onto his alpha’s shoulder, allowing him to drive deeper into his sopping cavern, hitting Wei Wuxian’s prostate with expert precision. 

The decade apart had not dulled Lan Wangji’s abilities to bring him to his peak. 

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Ah! I love being filled up by you like this,” Wei Wuxian slurred as clenched down hard with his words, causing Lan Wangji’s hips to stutter.

“...Shameless!”

Lan Wangji showed no mercy as he lifted Wei Wuxian’s other leg, now both resting on broad shoulders as he was nearly bent in half. His alpha leaned forward to capture plump lips, plunging even deeper as the filthy sound of slick coated skin slapping against each other echoed in the usually quiet room. 

When the head of Lan Wangji’s arousal kissed Wei Wuxian’s womb, he twitched violently; his hole gripping tightly as a wave of slick gushed out around the jade pillar rocking in and out of him with a punishing pace as a his back arched and hot, thick, milky white ropes shot from his weeping member, painting his chest obscenely. 

Panting, Wei Wuxian felt his face flush from his alpha’s fierce gaze. 

Despite his recent release, he could feel himself swelling again, years of pent up sexual frustration being freed from its confinement, on top of a powerful golden core keeping his refractory period startlingly short. 

“Lan Zhan. Ah! Mark me. Ah! Claim me. Ah! Please, alpha.” Wei Wuxian ardently cried out between thrusts that kept him moaning. 

Lan Wangji hummed, leaning down to bite and kiss at his unmarred chest before sucking his way up Wei Wuxian’s neck, his alpha taking his time in reaching his own impatient lips. 

His alpha teased at his yearning kiss bitten mouth with his tongue before delving in for a slow, sensual battle of dominance that Wei Wuxian happily lost in the end. 

As Lan Wangji pulled away, he left Wei Wuxian gasping for air as his alpha unsheathed himself, strong arms and heated hands easily flipping him onto all fours, finally giving him what he’d been craving.

With his alpha’s muscular body over his back, skin to skin, and caged under strong arms, he felt as if everything was right in the world as his body prickled with anticipation. 

Lan Wangji nibbled and sucked down the side of his neck before he nosed his long hair away from the spot that had been craving his alpha’s fangs—the place that would receive his alpha’s claiming bite—before peppering kisses along the fair skin yet to be ravaged by him. 

“Are you certain?”

Wiggling his backside enticingly, Wei Wuxian enthusiastically purred, “Yes, alpha. My love. My Lan Zhan. Please, do not make your Wei Ying wait any longer.”

Lan Wangji’s breath hitched, a hushed groan blowing over the sensitive scent gland that made him moan in tandem. 

Long, slender fingers caressed the gland lovingly, Lan Wangji soaking in the half-moan half-gasp he drew from him. 

Wei Wuxian released a whimper from the teasing, “I’ve been so patient, alpha. Doesn’t your Wei Ying deserve his reward now?”

Wordlessly, Lan Wangji sank back into his tight soaking embrace. This time, releasing a pulse of his spiritual power that made both of them groan. Wei Wuxian, unable to do so in their last life, rushed to send his own pulse of power too, feeling their qi twisting around one another in an ancient dance.  

“Lan Zhaaaaaaan!!” Wei Wuxian wailed as the pleasure became too much, drool dribbling from his mouth and chin, pooling onto the silk bedding beneath him. 

Once again, his alpha began unrelentingly pistoning in and out of him while Wei Wuxian could only cry out in ecstasy. 

“Circulate my qi through your meridians,” Lan Wangji’s guttural voice demanded and Wei Wuxian blinked, trying to focus on the task while his mind was buoyed in a euphoric haze. 

Gathering his bearings, he began to welcome in his alphas qi, feeling the cool rush of spiritual power that belonged to Lan Wangji—he almost sobbed. He never had the chance to feel this in their last life when they mated. 

“Doesn’t this feel, ah! ah-amazing, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian cooed before choking on a gasp as Lan Wangji cycled more qi between them. 

“Ah! Why did we never do this the first time I came to Cloud Recesses?!” 

Hips slapped harshly against his jiggly bottom that was coated in a thin sheen of slick, his alpha’s own pelvis smeared with the translucent glaze as Lan Wangji bent his waist, dipping down as his lips and tongue began to map Wei Wuxian’s creamy back. 

Lan Wangji’s grip tightened on his hips as his quivering lips softly kissed over the unblemished skin—pale, smooth, unblemished skin now saved from the scars of Zidian. 

Voice thick with the strain of holding back tears, Lan Wangji breathed, “Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian could scent the relief curling through his alpha’s scent, baring his emotions to him. Despite knowing they had already changed things from their past life, Wei Wuxian knew Lan Wangji still often felt distraught since until now, he could not physically check over Wei Wuxian’s condition. 

Not that Wei Wuxian didn’t feel the same way, constantly swinging between thankfulness for being back and worry over not being able to confirm with his own eyes that his alpha was okay—alive. 

But now, what Wei Wuxian felt at knowing—confirming—Lan Wangji’s safety this time around was overwhelming reassurance that his alpha had been truly safe and healthy all this time. 

And that fact that Lan Wangji still craved him too made him feel as if the second half of his soul was home. 

Lan Wangji’s tender kisses along his back made his stomach swoop pleasantly from the delicate handling. The unguarded emotions of his alpha made his heart swell and he bared his own feelings through his pheromones, hearing Lan Wangji inhale his scent and moan. 

His body tingled as he amorously murmured, “Lan Zhan.”

“Wei Ying,” another kiss landed on his back, “Wei Ying,” another, “Wei Ying,” another followed by a gentle nip soothed by a languid tongue. 

It truly felt as if he were being worshipped.

The devotion made Wei Wuxian a little misty-eyed as he sighed in pleasure from Lan Wangji’s handiwork. 

A mewl of distress tore from his throat as Lan Wangji withdrew from his body before rolling him onto his back, golden eyes filled with adoration and tenderness stared down at him. His alpha placed a slow, passionate kiss onto his lips as he slid his thick length back into his awaiting, quivering hole. 

Lan Wangji broke their kiss, his mouth trailing down the side of his cheek before sweeping down the column of his neck. 

Those thin soft lips continued their journey down before gliding across his sensitive gland, causing him to clench down on Lan Wangi’s pulsating length and gasp as white sparks of pleasure shot behind his eyes.

Wei Wuxian could feel his alpha’s jade pillar twitch before swelling, the tempo of his thrusts turning erratic as he neared his own climax.

Though he wasn’t alone, the pressure that had been building back up in Wei Wuxian’s lower body began to throb wildly, sending a delightful buzzing under skin. 

“Wei Ying.”

“Yes!”

“Wei Ying.”

“Ah! Lan Zhan! Too much! Don’t stop! Ah! Too deep! You’re too deep, Er-gege!”

At the base of Lan Wangji’s jade pillar was his fast swelling knot, eager to stretch and fill his hungry hole. 

Feeling the swollen base of his alpha’s length starting to bully its way past his leaking rim, Wei Wuxian’s back arched as he cried out, “More! Ah! Too much! Ah! I’m already so full! It won’t fit, Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji’s ears burned as he relentlessly pounded into his pliant body, Wei Wuxian’s intoxicating sounds eliciting a fierce reaction as usual from his alpha. 

“How could you bully your Wei Ying like this, Lan Zhan?! Can’t you feel how full I already am?!”

Low, excited growling filled Wei Wuxian’s ears, electricity sparking through him as his alpha’s jade pillar struck against the special spongy spot deep inside of him as Lan Wangji’s knot got caught on his tight rim, causing a delicious searing sting.  

“Ah! No! Ah! Yes! I can’t take it! Give me more, Er-gege!” 

Despite his contradictory words, his hips canted up, his greedy sopping hole trying to swallow everything his alpha was giving him as another deluge of slick gushed from him, leaking down around his alpha’s knot and his fluttering rim, “Claim me, alpha!”

Lan Wangji’s hips stuttered, releasing a barely muffled half-cry half-growl of, “Wei Ying!” 

His alpha tilted forward, sinking his fangs deep into the scent gland on the side of his neck at the same time Lan Wangji’s knot popped inside with one last powerful thrust. Wei Wuxian’s own mouth opened to reveal small fangs that he instinctively used to bite into the side of Lan Wangji’s neck, claiming his alpha’s scent gland—his body spasming deliciously as he felt their bond snap into place. 

At the same time, Lan Wangji groaned, mouth still latched onto his neck, no doubt intoxicated with the taste of his addictive badian pheromones now reserved for only his alpha as well as finally being marked in return. 

He felt as Lan Wangji poured his own sandalwood pheromones into his claiming mark, causing a broken moan to vibrate around the skin still in his mouth as he followed suit, sending wave after wave of his badian pheromones into his claiming mark. 

Concurrently, Wei Wuxian was delirious and drunk on Lan Wangji’s pheromones and the feeling of their bond forming; pearly white spurts shot out explosively from his untouched member, sticking between their abdomens as he felt his drenched cavern be painted with hot gushes of his alpha’s release. Lan Wangji’s hips twitched as he rode out his orgasm before his knot locked them in place, keeping him gloriously plugged and purring with satisfaction. 

In tandem with their orgasms, the qi they had been mixing the entire time flashed fiercely in their meridians before being absorbed by their golden cores. The indescribable pleasure it caused extended their rapturous climax as Lan Wangji instinctively ground into Wei Wuxian, who whined as his sensitive body convulsed minutely with the aftershocks. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji was diligently lapping at his claiming mark with reverent devotion, soft rumbles vibrating against his mate’s chest that earned him a warble full of adoration from Wei Wuxian, whose body had turned into a dazed puddle of goo. 

His strong arm wrapped around his omega’s back before he carefully repositioned them, now lying with his back on the bed and Wei Wuxian bonelessly draped over top of him, mindful of his knot locking them together. Not that Lan Wangji was eager to leave his mate’s tight warmth and he knew it brought delightful glee to his omega to wake with them still attached. 

Carefully nuzzling his nose into Wei Wuxian’s neck, Lan Wangji released an exultant croon as he noted their pheromones fusing together, becoming the familiar blend he grew accustomed to before coming back to the past. 

He allowed himself to bask in the afterglow, prodding at the bond he had yearned to restore over the last decade, at long last feeling as if the missing half of his soul had come home. 

For the moment, he felt at peace; hugging Wei Wuxian tightly against his chest as his omega drifted into a light nap. 

This wasn’t exactly how they talked about their mating happening this time, but Lan Wangji was not unsatisfied and he doubted Wei Wuxian had any regrets on the matter. 

As he gently untied his forehead ribbon from Wei Wuxian’s wrists, his omega grumbled sleepily, helping him move his arms to a more comfortable position.  

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian mumbled drowsily, eyes peeking open as he turned his head to pucker his lips. 

Placing a gentle kiss on awaiting lips was second nature to Lan Wangji, who would never deny Wei Wuxian anything. 

“Rest,” he murmured as he maneuvered a blanket to cover their nude bodies, his hands working to untangle the hair pin from Wei Wuxian’s mussed up hair. He decisively left the red ribbon in place. 

He fiddled with his own ornate hairpiece next, still careful not to jostle their joined bodies too much. With a wave of his spiritual powers, their hair ornaments were placed on the nearby table. 

“Mm,” Wei Wuxian sighed as strong, slender fingers massaged his scalp, snuggling comfortably against Lan Wangji’s chest as he was lulled back into a light slumber. 

Golden eyed reveled in the sight of scattering fresh love bites and teeth indents littering smooth skin. His body loosened, satiated and smug at reclaiming his territory. 

Lan Wangji continued to admire his dozing omega and he silently thought to himself that he was glad he had the forethought to place the silencing talismans—that his genius mate had created—around the Jingshi earlier today. He was even more thankful he hadn’t completely lost control and forgot to activate them in the heat of their passionate reunion. 

Deciding he would wake Wei Wuxian before it was time for the evening meal, he allowed his body to relax, soaking in the marvelous aroma filling their home. 

After half a shichen, Lan Wangji’s knot had deflated and it was unfortunately time to get back to their responsibilities, but he was reluctant to part from their bed, from Wei Wuxian—from his mate. 

Nevertheless, he tenderly brushed Wei Wuxian’s damp hair away from his face before leaning down and peppering small kisses onto his omega’s head and face. 

Shifting them to sit up, his mate still limp and pliant against his chest, he ducked his head, pressing a firmer kiss on the newly reclaimed scent gland that made Wei Wuxian shift, sighing something incoherent as silver eyes blearily opened. 

🤍🐇❤️

Lan Wangji continued his advance, lips faintly touching Wei Wuxian’s cheeks, leaving the feeling of butterfly wings tickling soft skin.

Wei Wuxian slowly turned his head, a dopey expression on his face as the corners of his lips curled with fondness. He drew his face closer to his alpha’s until their noses brushed one other, his eyes fluttering shut in bliss when their lips finally connected. 

His alpha’s lips were featherlight before his tongue unhurriedly traced the seam of his lips and Wei Wuxian opened his mouth as a shiver rocked his body. Lan Wangji’s tongue swirled with his, in no rush to pillage and claim, but instead dote and caress. 

Soon, Lan Wangji leisurely retreated, resting his forehead on Wei Wuxian’s as his hand cupped his jaw, “Mine.”

Wei Wuxian nuzzled the warm hand, eyes alight with love and looking perfectly ravaged, “Yours.” 

Golden eyes sparkled. 

A tender kiss was placed on Wei Wuxian’s forehead, followed by a light one on his nose, and finally a venerating kiss on his lips that left him breathless. 

Lan Wangji’s thumb skimmed his cheek, looking discontented as he said, “We must get ready.”

“I suppose we should,” Wei Wuxian sighed dramatically as delivered one more kiss to unexpecting lips. 

Despite the grumbling Wei Wuxian continued to let out as he was carried to the bath, a goofy grin full of endearment was stuck on his face as Lan Wangji cleaned them both. 

With his forehead ribbon tightly secured back in place, Lan Wangji was clearly fighting to restrain himself from allowing his hands to wander any more than necessary as he expertly washed away any dried and sticky essence from their afternoon activities.  

But no amount of scrubbing could remove their heavily saturated pheromones from another—especially now that they were mated and mutually claimed. Not that either even wanted that. 

“What are you going to tell your shushu, Lan Zhan? The evidence on this Wei Ying is quite an explanation in itself.” 

Snowy lobes burned bright red, but his alpha’s face was as calm as ever as he stated, “Wei Ying is mine. I am his.”

Water splashed wildly as Wei Wuxian wiggled giddily, hands flying up to cover his flushed face, “Lan Zhaaaaannnn!! You have to warn me first! Think of your Wei Ying’s poor heart!”

“Mm,” his alpha lifted them from the bath, drying them before moving with efficiency around the room.

He returned a moment later with two new sets of robes, quickly donning his own usual pristine white layers, except this time with a pale blue inner robe, before dressing Wei Wuxian with movements that were almost worshipful.

Wei Wuxian saw that his inner robe was light grey while the outer robe was a familiar white, though it lacked a shoulder motif signifying his clan. However, he thought that made sense, as the celestial mountain was not really a clan, therefore, no symbol existed. 

“Lan Zhan, you’re so sneaky! You’ve even prepared the required white disciple robes for me? You must have been yearning to see your Wei Ying in such clothes!” 

“Mm. Sit,” Lan Wangji finished tying Wei Wuxian’s light grey sash, gently guiding him over to the dressing table and helping him to the floor before removing the red ribbon that had become crooked due to their fervent mating. 

As Lan Wangji combed through his thick strands, his eyes inspected the silky robes. He came to the conclusion that they were far too luxurious to be the normal guest robes he wore in his last life. 

He rubbed the fabric between his finger tips, nearly purring in delight at the pleasant texture. On closer examination, he noticed a pattern on the outer robe’s trim. The flowing water design was embroidered using silver thread and looked to be done by an expert craftsman. 

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but notice the similarities to Lan Wangji’s own robes, only instead his pattern was the expected Gusu Lan clouds and embroidered with a light blue thread. 

A mischievous sparkle entered his eyes as he teased, “Don’t you think these robes will be too conspicuous directly beside one another, Lan Zhan?” 

“No.”

“Ahahaha! Lan Zhan, you really want everyone to know this Wei Ying is claimed, don’t you?”

With practiced hands, Lan Wangji retrieved a simple bright white ribbon, tying it around Wei Wuxian’s forehead. 

Soon, he recreated the hairstyle Wei Wuxian had when he arrived, proudly fastening the rabbit decorated red ribbon back around the hair he gathered and returning the hair pin to its rightful place. 

Golden eyes took in the copious amounts of visible love bites and teeth marks on Wei Wuxian’s neck and his alpha was unable to stop himself from sweeping his inky locks to one side, dropping a possessive kiss onto his mating mark. 

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian gasped airily as he trembled. 

Satisied—for now—Lan Wangji hesitantly pulled away, smoothing Wei Wuxian’s hair back into place. 

Once finished, Lan Wangji offered his hands to help Wei Wuxian stand. His alpha appraised his handiwork, golden eyes bright, only to pause on the plain white ribbon, a flash of discontentment appearing before fading away as he shifted his attention to the embroidered red ribbon and then to Wei Wuxian’s neck. 

“You look quite smug, Lan Zhan. Do you like what you see?” 

Slender fingertips touched his neck, rubbing over the love bites littering his fair skin, “Mm.”

With mock outrage, Wei Wuxian gasped, “Lan Zhan! I can not meet your xiongzhang again like this! He will know for certain it was you who defiled me in such a manner…”

Golden eyes remained on Wei Wuxian, unashamed of his actions. 

Though Wei Wuxian knew that perhaps parading around with so many obvious love marks left by his beloved alpha would not be appropriate, he was reluctant to heal them. Especially with how Lan Wangji was staring at him. 

Huffing softly with resignation, Lan Wangji moved to retrieve a bronze mirror, holding it up so Wei Wuxian could see the result of their coupling on his neck. 

Wei Wuxian scanned his reflection, mirth glimmering in his eyes as he playfully teased, “Aiya! Lan Zhan, you really are a beast! Look at the amount of marks you left on your Wei Ying!”

Lan Wangji didn’t give a verbal response, merely unapologetically continued gazing with love-struck eyes. 

A slight pout slipped onto Wei Wuxian’s face as he bemoaned, “I suppose I can’t walk around with these for now…” 

Gathering his spiritual power, he focused on his neck, the blooming bruises fading quickly—even his mating bite had healed, but it would still be visible if his robe collars were low enough—due to his powerful golden core and strict lessons in the healing arts. 

Thinking about his golden core, it felt strangely stronger than when he arrived. 

“Wow! Lan Zhan, does your core feel stronger as well?”

Giving a small nod, Lan Wangji stated, “Dual Cultivation.” 

“Fuck, I can’t believe we missed out on this before,” Wei Wuxian lamented before a determined twinkle settled in his eyes, “We’ll just have to make up for lost time, isn’t that right, Lan-er-gege?”

Returning the mirror to its rightful place, Lan Wangji simply responded, “Wei Ying, language.”

Snickering, Wei Wuxian moved closer after spotting his alpha’s pink ears, “That wasn’t a no…”

Lan Wangji made quick work of cleaning up their discarded clothes on the floor before gathering their swords, dotingly attaching Yīshǐ to Wei Wuxian’s waist before equipping Bichen to his own. 

“My Lan Zhan pampers me too much! What if I become addicted to it and can never live without you?”

Golden eyes lit up, clearly pleased by the idea as he secured a jade token for guests onto Wei Wuxian’s sash along with the wooden rabbit from his waipo.

Feeling playful, Wei Wuxian exaggeratedly pouted, “But what if I become useless?”

“Never useless. Wei Ying is a genius,” Lan Wangji rebutted calmly, helping Wei Wuxian put on a pair of boots that he had prepared at some point. 

Wei Wuxian noted they were also a pristine white and brand new—and perfectly his size. 

“Ah, my Lan Zhan spoils me too much,” affection warmed his tone as Wei Wuxian moved closer, running his hands over Lan Wangji’s chest to smooth out imaginary wrinkles. 

Lan Wangji preened under the attention Wei Wuxian was giving him, heart pounding from the domestic action. He caught one of Wei Wuxian’s hands, bringing it up to place a kiss on the back of it before interlacing their fingers and making his way towards the door. 

“We must go.”

The pair walked through the private grounds, shamelessly still holding hands. It would definitely have turned a few heads if anyone were around to see them, but since they were not, the lovers indulged in the afterglow from their afternoon activities. 

Only once they made it to the gate separating the main grounds from the private, did they relinquish their hold on one another. 

Returning to the distance they maintained on the walk to the Jingshi, the two continued on their way to the dining hall, Wei Wuxian quietly bemoaning the Gusu Lan food choices as Lan Wangji contentedly listened to his voice.