Chapter Text
“Wei Wuxian…”
“... Wei Wuxian…”
“Wei Wuxian!” This startled Wei Wuxian into opening his eyes, The disoriented man flinched at the sudden sunlight that hit his face.
“Jiang cheng…? What are you?” Oh right he's in the past.
“You slob! We've made it to Gusu! Look around” Jiang Cheng waved his hand around, Indeed they were in Gusu now more specifically its harbor, The other boats that the other Jiang disciples were in were mostly empty, it seemed he was one of the last to wake.
Jiang Cheng pulled him up, “ Go prepare yourself, you look like shit” the young boy left to give him his privacy, turning to look at his reflection he almost cringed he did in fact look like shit.
His hair stood up in multiple places making him look like as if he'd just gotten into a fight with a ghostl and dark circles underlined his eyes, 3 days of boat travel have not been kind to them.
He got up and left to get ready.
Later Wei Wuxian had met up with the others, they were finally greated with the Lan disciple that was supposed to lead them to cloud recess, which Wei Wuxian knew was sent by Lan Wangji cause their was no such tour guide last time, on their way to the cloud recess, they passed through caiyi town which many of the Jiang disciples had been interested in, except Wei Wuxian who'd practically lived in the town with how much he'd visited it in his last life
And when they finally reached the accursed stairs to Cloud recess everyone's eyes bulged out of their heads, the Lan had laughed it off as if they'd seen this reaction plenty of times, which they probably did and then explained the courtesy of it to them, every Jiang disciple internally told themselves: These Lans are truly too much! Why climb a thousand stairs when you could just use your sword?
Once they made it up; which took them 10 minutes to do, Their group was huffing and hissing in pain.
Wei Wuxian stood at the front of the crowd with only Jiang Cheng beside him, and and at the worst possible time, an awful realization had hit him.
“Young masters you are required a Jade token to enter” An older man dressed in the gusu clothing said plainly, Wei Wuxian had forgotten their Jade Tokens.. Again!
Jiang Cheng was sweating bullets, “Master, surely you can tell we are disciples from Yumeng?” He said his voice in false confidence, The elder Lan sighed, “Apologies young master. But these are the rules no token no entry”
Everyone turned to look at the Younger Lan who'd been their guide for help, “Apologies Young masters, but, he is correct entry without a token is not permissible”
Just as Jiang Cheng was about to start cursing out everyone in gusu and their ancestors a chill air surrounded them, Wei Wuxian smiled he'd recognize that aura from a mile away.
Wei Wuxian turned to look at his husband picture perfect from his memory with white long robes that resembled mourning clothing, his hair long and proper but not as long as his older counterpart, his golden eyes pierced through the lans before them.
Originally when he first met Lan Zhan at 15, Wei Wuxian had thought that this young master.. was truly beautiful but quite boring, now in his late 30s he couldn't help but admire how the plain style of gusu really made Lan Wangjis beauty much more apparent.
Uncontrollably, Softness immediately took over his features, What Wei Wuxian didn't know though was that Jiang Cheng and some of the near Jiang disciples were eyeing their head discipline weirdly, eyes turning from Wei Wuxian to Lan Wangji, many of them thought: What's this? Shixiong! You just met the stuffy man, why are you suddenly so interested?
The two Lans abruptly bowed, “Young Master” Lan Wangji nodded, “These people are with me” he said as he magically pulled out a jade token from his sleeve.
“O-of course!” The elder Lan stuttered quickly letting them all in, Wei Wuxian internally snorted, even back then the elders feared his Lan Zhan a bit!
Lan Zhan turned to look at them, Jiang cheng and the others all bowed in gratitude except a distracted Wei Wuxian who had to be dragged down by Jiang cheng.
“Thanking, Lan wangji for his assistance” Jiang Cheng politely said, “Mm” The man in white replied his eyes now focused on Wei Wuxian, only Wei Wuxian noticed the brief shock on Lan Wangjis face upon seeing Wei Wuxians Original body.
The crowd awkwardly stood around them, all of them felt as if they were intruding on something.. except Jiang cheng who grabbed his Brother by the hand, “We better get going we don't want to take much out of your time”
“It is fine” Lan Wangji argued, Wei Wuxian was finally taken outside of his daze and chuckled a little too strongly, “ Thank you. Lan Wangji! Truly the rumors don't lie, your honor and kindness is much apparent and… your beauty has been largely underestimated by the crowds!” He said cheerfully, everyone sent horrified looks towards Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng shivered as if disturbed.
Then Lan Wangji smiled at him! Smiled! Lan Zhan, aren't you being a bit obvious here? “Thank you, brother has told me about you too, Cloud recess is honored to have you”
Someone choked from behind them, he wasn't sure if it was the Lan discipline or one of their own, but that didn't really matter everyone was already gaping at them.
Thankfully a loud cheer penetrated the weird situation, “Wei-gongzhi!!” Jiang Cheng let out a breath of relief, Nie Huaisangs excited figure was quickly approaching with a bunch of Nie disciplines in tow, Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan shared a look. They'll be seeing each other later.
Lan Wangji bowed, “I must leave now”
As Lan wangji left Nie Huaisang grabbed both jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian by the shoulders, “Ay! Was that Lan er gongzhi?” The young master asked as he watched Lan Wangjis descending figure.
Jiang Cheng groaned crossing his arms, “Enough about Lan Wangji! What's so special about him anyway? He just looks like another boring Lan discipline” He complained, Nie Huaisang laughed nervously, “Don't let anyone from Gusu hear you say that! Lan Wangji is their prized discipline! And he's terrifying”
Jiang cheng rolled his eyes, “Ah don't be like that! Lan Z-Wangji isn't that bad! He's very strong, maybe even equal to me, and he's really… pretty” Jiang cheng frowned, “You seem to know a lot about this Lan Wangji” Jiang Cheng accused.
Wei Wuxian coughed letting out an awkward laugh after, “Haha! You know! Rumors!” Jiang cheng squinted at him as if trying to figure something out, “Right.. Rumors”
Nie Huaisang looked between them confused, “What did I miss?” Jiang Cheng sighed, “Nothing you wanna know let's go!”
“But I do wanna know Jiang Cheng” he moaned as he was dragged along to greet the Lan Elders.
…… .. …. … .
Wei Wuxian laid on the dorm bed, A whisper from the back of his mind that sounded suspiciously like Lan Zhan berated him for staying up so late, especially when they start their lessons Tomorrow.
He sat up turning to look at the sleeping Jiang cheng on the other bed across his room, quietly he got up and changed careful not to wake up his shidi, and than finally made his grand escape.
He jumped from roof to roof and felt a tinge of nostalgia pass through him. The day he and Lan Zhan met was just like this, all he needed were two jars of Emperor smile and Lan Zhan himself to complete the picture.
Only stopping his running once landed on the toppest building of gusu, From the view he stood Wei Wuxian could for once marvel at the beautiful scenery before him, The cloud recess was simple unlike LanLing that was colored gold from Top-to-bottom or Lotus pier with its Aged but beautiful style, Though he'd grown to enjoy simpler things over his lifetime.
While distracted by the scenery an expected figure walked towards Wei Wuxian, “Staying up after curfew is forbidden” Lan Zhan says a stoney expression on his face, Wei Wuxians lips twitched. This foolish husband of his trying to role-play a first meeting? A shame he had no Alcohol on him.
He crossed his arms, “Aiya! Then what are you doing here! It can't be that Gusus prized discipline is breaking a rule for me of all people ” He says dramatically, “Mm making sure no disobedient students cause trouble”
“Me? Disobedient? Where have you gotten such an outrageous idea?” He batt his eyelashes at him.
“Wei Ying will have to be punished” He says Although, his voice held no actual threat, Wei wuxian couldn't take it anymore and burst out laughing, “Aiya! Lan Zhan! You're too good at this”
Lan Wangji snorted slowly walking towards Wei Ying, “Missed Wei Ying” Wei Wuxian sighed, “Ah I missed you too! You don't know how horrid being on a boat with Jiang Cheng for days can be”
At the mention of Jiang Chengs name Lan Wangjis face darkened, Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes, “Don't be like that. this Jiang Cheng is still young, spoiled but still Young” He laughed.
“Stop..” Lan Wangji said as he silenced Wei Wuxian with a kiss, Wei Wuxian blushed, “Aiya! In the open? What if someone sees us!?” He asked, a bit shocked.
“Don't care”
Wei Wuxian huffed, “When did you become so Shameless Lan Zhan?” Lan Zhan did not Answer but his face was amused as if telling him, “isn't it obvious?”
For a moment it was just them and the stars, both enveloped in each others arms, Wei Wuxian sighed Though his face was still snuggled close to Lan Wangjis neck, “Look at us Lan Zhan! We've gotten ourselves into another mess” He complained.
“Mm will have to deal with the war again” Lan Wangji replied, right.
Truthfully… both men have dreamt of a chance to fix the ‘mistakes’ of their past, a chance to make everything better for themselves and others, but dreaming and reality are highly different.
In their hearts they felt only dread for the future, could they truly change fate? They were only young masters at the moment, even as the Yilling laozou and Hanguang-Jun their words were so easily discarded by the cultivation world.
Lan Wangji seemed to have felt his husbands discomfort and tightened his hold, “Should go discuss in Jingshi” Wei Wuxian raised a brow, “Lan Zhan isn't it quite late for you? You don't even sleep this late on busy days!” Wei Wuxian scolded as if his sleep schedule was any better.
Lan Wangji hummed, “Wei ying can sleep in the Jingshi” Wei Wuxian huffed, “Lann Zhannn! That's so suspicious! People will talk!”
“Gossiping is forbidden”
Wei Wuxian couldn't contain his giggles anymore,”Okay Lan Zhan let's get going shall we?”
… .. ….. … …. ..
The night at the Jingshi was comfortable and quiet, when Wei Wuxian first entered their home he was shocked at how similar the jingshi was to its 13 year counterpart before he moved in, Unlike the Jingshi they lived in as sometimes Wei Wuxian would keep his talisman in the wild.
When the morning arrived Lan Wangji had basically forced Wei Wuxian out of bed, “Ugh Lan Zhan how can you wake up at such a time?” He groaned.
They had much time before their classes started so they got to work putting talisman that'll block sound all around the house, and then finally they sat down and surprisingly Lan wangji served him his favorite cakes and tea.
“Should we inform the Sect leaders about our er– situation?” Wei Wuxian finally asked, A thoughtful look spread on Lan Wangjis face, “No. They are not trustworthy” Wei Wuxian let out a sigh of relief, “That's what I thought. The Jiangs are much too comfortable with ignoring the coming war, While the Nies are much too eager to start one, and The Jins are happy to be on the neutral side and the Lans..” Wei Wuxian nervously turned to look at his husband.
Lan Wangji nodded, “Too self-righteous to face any truth” Wei Wuxian sighed, both he and Lan Wangjis eyes showed years of anguish and patience that their 15 year old faces did not reflect.
“The Lans were the first to get attacked, Maybe we can somehow strengthen its army and defences secretly? I can find a way to extend my visit here” Wei Wuxian thought out loud, Lan Wangji hummed, “When the Wens arrived they told us to burn down our libraries or else a battle would begin” Lan Wangji paused, “I was the only one that vocally objected.. then they said they'd make gusu a supervisory office which started the battle” Lan Wangjis face twisted at the horrible memory, Wei Wuxian clenched his hands, “They did the same thing at Lotus pier”
“Should work on defences and evacuation plans” Lan Wangji nodded replying to Wei Wuxians previous suggestion, and that was a good idea.. the sects had only ever taken evacuation drills after the war, not that they didn't have any before the war it was just that.. They were quite lousy.
“And the Wens.. we can't let what happened last time happen again” Wei Wuxian crossed his arms, He leaned back down to his seat, “This is getting us nowhere”
“We need outside help” Lan Zhan agreed, Wei Wuxian bit the bottom of his lip, “But who? we already agreed the sect leaders are not trusting enough, and i don't think i can get a hold of contact with Wen Qing so soon ”
A thoughtful look spread on both their faces, suddenly Wei Wuxian slammed the table, “Wei ying” Lan Zhan admonished, “Lan Zhan! What about Nie Huaisang!”
Lan Wangji quirked a brow, “He is still a child” He simply said, and it was true.. while Nie Huaisangs older counterpart had been behind the fall of the Jins, there was no telling if this Younger version of him held that same power.
Wei Wuxian clicked on his tongue, “Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, you more than anyone should know that flowers do not grow without seeds” He smiled, Wei Wuxian knew this version of Nie Huaisang, They'd been close friends since childhood as the Nies often visited for meetings at the pier, Which meant Wei Wuxian knew that even at this age Nie Huaisang had his smarts and knew his way around authoritative figures, he didn't secretly sell yellow books in the cloud recess for years with just his title.
Wei Wuxian waved at his husband's concerned look, “Besides, even if he's not much help, we both know he can keep a secret. So it will be no trouble”
Reluctantly Lan Wangji agreed, “after classes I'll call for him we can talk together”
And that was it, after that they headed to their first class of the day.
…. ….. ….. ….. …..
And like in the previous timeline Lan qiren held one-sided anger towards Wei Wuxian, targeting him with every question he had.
Which was a bit of surprise to Wei Wuxian, He was not stupid he knew in the past Lan Qiren did not like him, but he'd always thought it was simply because he was such a troublemaker and that he'd somehow ‘tainted’ his nephew.
But this time he had yet to cause any mischief.. well non that Lan Qiren was aware off.
Wei Wuxian was happily staring at Lan Wangji when Lan Qiren yelled at him.
“Wei Wuxian!”
Wei Wuxian turned to look at Lan Qiren, “Yes Grandmaster?” He asked in confusion, Jiang Cheng groaned from beside him, “I was asking you for your presence Wei Wuxian” the man gritted out, Wei Wuxian blinked at him, “Present”
Lan Qiren humped, “Since it seems you know so much of the material that you do not need to focus in class, than let yourself be thr first to be questioned” Wei Wuxian smirked at that, with a bit of cockiness he confidently replied with a polite, “Of course Grandmaster”
The people in the class who knew Wei Wuxian sent him suspicious looks, clearly this troublesome master was up to something!
“Are Yao, demons, ghosts and monsters the same thing?”
Wei Wuxian frowns, “No”
Lan Qiren raises a brow, “Why not? How are they differentiated”
“Yao are formed from living, non-living beings; demons are formed from living humans; ghosts are formed from dead humans; monsters are formed from dead, non-human beings” He proudly says.
“ ‘Yao’ and ‘Monsters’ are often confused. What is an example that distinguishes these two?”
“I will explain simply," Wei WuXian points at the tree standing outside of the room and
replies, "If a living tree was tainted with the energy of books, and then cultivated into a conscious being, and causes mischief, it would be a 'yao'. If I took an axe and cut it in the middle, so that only a dead tree-stump was left, and then it grew into a being, it would be a 'monster’.”
As he answered Lan Qirens face turned even more tight, “What was the profession of the ancestor of Qinghe Nie Sect”
“A butcher..”
“The heraldry of the LanlingJin Sect is a white peony. Which type of white peony is it?”
“Sparks Amidst Snow”
“Who was the first to focus on the rise of his clan rather than sect?” Lan qiren finally asked.
“The ancestor of Qishan Wen sect, Wen Mao”
A stunned silence briefly took over the room, Some people were looking at him starry eyed while others in shock even Jiang Cheng blinked at him dumbfounded, While Lan Zhan sent him a proud look.
Unlike the expected cockiness Wei Wuxian thought he would feel, he blushed, this surely happened in the past. Why is it now he feels so embarrassed? He thought to himself.
It seemed Lan Qiren was not so impressed, he continued, “As head disciple of the Yumeng Jiang Sect, these are things you were bound to have known to heart, so there's no reason to be so proud, Now let me ask you again, there is is an executioner with parents, a wife, and children, but before he died, he executed more than one hundred people. He suddenly died in public and, to punish him for his deeds, he was left on the streets for seven days. With the repressed energy of resentment, he started to haunt and kill. What should be done?”
Wei Wuxian internally sighed, this master.. so stubborn! Nonetheless, he was growing tired of this back and forth and decided to end this, “First, Liberate; second, suppress; third, Eliminate;, the response should be to contact the relatives and give him his dying wish, if that fails, suppress it. If the crimes were unjustifiably done eliminate it” He shrugged.
A small smile appeared on Lan Qirens face, “Good job, it seems Yumeng Jiang Sect has done well with you, much more restrained unlike your mother” He said carelessly.
At his words the air in the room tensed, A bitter feeling spread through Wei Wuxians chest, the only reason he had not pulled the same stunt he did last time was because it would be a waste of time and do him and Lan Zhan a disservice.
He spoke up, “Actually grandmaster.. at this moment I was thinking of another path..”
Jiang Cheng's eyes widen as he tugs on Wei Wuxians robes to tell him to shut up.
“Continue” Lan Qiren says plainly.
Wei Wuxian eyes the man, “Because the executioner died in such a way, he will naturally turn into a ferocious corpse, Since he executed hundreds of people before he died, why not dig their graves and use their energy to fight the corpse”
“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng yells from beside him.
Lan Qirens face had turned beet red, “You Dare!”
Everyone in the room was now nervously looking at each other, except Lan Wangji who sat there calmly.
“You dare suggest reversing the natural order and blatantly ignore ethics of morality!” The Man continues to yell.
Wei Wuxian let's out a sarcastic laugh, a bitter smile on his face, “Perhaps now you see I am my mothers son? Lan Qiren is interrupted before he can even talk, “Don't you see? Resentful energy is energy. Why not use it for our benefit when the world is overflowing with it!?” He adds.
Gasps echo across the room, “Insolent child! Tell me then! How do you expect to control such energy??”
Wei Wuxian let out a fake sheepish smile, “Hmm no idea”
Lan Qiren grabbed a thick book from beside him, “And it is good thing you don't! Or else the cultivation world would not allow you to live!” He then throws the heavy book towards him.
Before the book could even come near him a hand catches it mid air, a shocked gasp from Lan Qiren and murmurs from the students spread across the room.
“Wangji!!”
“Shufu…” Lan Wangji says with false politeness.
“Me and Wei Ying will be leaving now.. clearly he is not welcome in this class. And by extension neither am I” This is possibly the longest sentence anyone except Wei Wuxian himself have heard Lan Wangji say.
“Lan Wangii!” Shufu says in shock again as he watches the two leaving students, one being dragged away by hand by his own nephew.
…. …. … … ….
Wei Wuxian sighs, “I apologize Lan Zhan.. that was impulsive of me” Lan Wangji shook his head, “What my uncle said is distasteful, you only defended yourself” Wei WuXian smiles.
“Alright then. Where Are you taking me? The library to copy lines again” he raises a brow.
Lan Wangji gives him a look, “Caiyi town.” Wei Wuxian blinks at him and laughs.
“What?” He asks confusion apparent.
“Restaurant at caiyi town. Away from here” Wei Wuxian laughs again, “Aiya Lan Zhan that is Unneeded really I'm fine”
Lan Wangji shakes his head again, “Back when we were younger you invited me to caiyi town. I refused, we can go now” he explains.
A light blush covers Wei Wuxians cheeks, “Lan Zhan! That was so long ago… how do you even remember?”
“Remember everything about Wei ying” Lan Zhan defends, Wei Wuxians eyes crinkle as he laughs, only Lan Zhan would remember a decades old invite and fulfill it after so long.
“And What about my invitation to Lotus pier? Will you go with me this time too?” He teasingly asked, Lan Wangji nodded, “Once war is over I will come to Lotus pier”
“Lan Zhannnn!”