The next days were really peaceful for Laoshi Qiren. Wei Wuxian had stopped causing troubles. He deliberately avoided any mistake and no longer had to copy those freaky rules ... Especially under the supervision of that fuddy-duddy. The days went peacefully. He chose to remain dormant which had really impressed master Qiren.

The classes are finally over.

Master Qiren, "Today you all have to go for night hunting. Everybody should reach the orchard room exactly 10 minutes after now. You will choose and pair up with your partners. Am I clear? "

" Yes, Laoshi. "

Five minutes later they reached the Orchard Room.

Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were already present there, and everybody greeted them.

Wei Wuxian successfully ignored Lan Wangji after greeting him with a curt bow and without even sparing a glance he slide past him and went to greet Lan Xichen.

The golden orbs never left his sight - following him until his figure disappeared among the deluge of white Gusu robes.

"As you were informed, all the disciples have to go for night hunting today. I will dictate out your partners' names. Please pair up with your respective partners".

Huh. Were they not supposed to choose their own partners? Wei Wuxian thaught.

"Shen Xiang and Li Cheng. "

"Nie Huaisang and Mei Haoxuan..."

.... "Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. " He announced the last pair.

" If anyone has any issues with the pairing, please feel free to express."

"I want to change my partner Zewu-Jun." Wei Wuxian's steady voice rang within the room.

Lan Wangji stilled.

Almost baffled, Lan Xichen composed himself quickly and asked "Young master Wei, please feel free to share your issue."

"I am still injured due to the punishment I received."Well, it didn't even feel like he was beaten. All the injuries were long gone after Haoxuan treated him with his medicines.

Lan Wangji stiffed. Concern and guilt clouded his mind, and Lan Xichen was utterly surprised.

"Young master Wei, I am surprised that you were injured so gravely. We don't punish any disciple that harshly. Do you need medical care? I will arrange our clan experts..... "

He was cut off by Wei Wuxian.

"Thanks for your concern Zewu-jun, but that won't be necessary. Haoxuan had been treating my injuries, and we are very close. I am sure we would do better in the night hunting with our coordination. He could also give me medical attention if I need any, he has great medical knowledge. "

Lan Xichen went silent for a moment and glanced at Lan Wangji.

"Okay young master Wei. Wangji are you okay with Young master Nie being your partner? "

"Hmm."

" And young master Nie do you..."

"Yes yes Zewu-jun, I don't have any problem. " Nie Huaisang cut him in the middle of his sentence.

" Very well then. Good luck to you. Stay safe and well. Lan clan will always stay alert about your safety. " Saying this he dismissed the disciples taking a final look at Lan Wangji.

They all reached the hunting ground and roamed there along with their partners in search of prey.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

"Hey Haoxuan, did you fight with the Wens in the Sunshot campaign? "

" No. I was too young back then. But I tried to protect my clan members as much as I could with my powers, but still many of them..... " He didn't continue. A streak of sadness smeared his face.

"It's ok, don't be sad anymore. We all have lost many of our close ones. But you have tried to protect your clan members at such a young age... I am proud of you!!"

Well, Haoxuan was more than a year younger than Wei Wuxian.

Mei Haoxuan blushed. "Thank you Wei-Xiong. You are such a nice person. I really like you a lot." Saying this he clutched the end of Wei Wuxian's right sleeve.

Wei Wuxian just laughed at the gesture and tangled their hands together.

"You are really cute didi. Ahh, I have started missing my idiot brother already."

**Achcoo. A purple-robed youth sneezed at yunmeng.

"A-cheng are you having cold?"

"No no Shijie I am fine."**

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

The night hunt was going well. With one of the strongest young cultivators and a well-skilled archer from the Mei clan, Wei Wuxian and Mei Haoxuan did a great job in catching a total of 7 beasts.

" Ahh, I am tired. Let's take some rest. I can see a Waterfall there. Do you wanna catch fish? "

"Yes, Wei-Xiong. " Haoxuan smiled sweetly.

" Do you know how to catch fish? It's not that easy. You need to have an extremely talented brain and marvellous skill and agility like me. " Wei Wuxian bragged.

"If you are with me then I am sure I can do great. "

" That's like my didi. " Wei Wuxian said and laughed.

It was really fun. Catching fishes in the waterfall after such a long time... It felt nostalgic. Young cultivators of his generation have really lost a large portion of their youthful joys. Recollecting about the horrible war where many young cultivators fought and also lost their loved ones always made him shiver. He considers himself to be blessed that his family is still there with him.

His train of thoughts came to a halt when someone splashed water at him. He turned to his side and saw Haoxuan giggling mischievously. He immediately splashed water on Haoxuan in return....and the two started playing - laughing and giggling from time to time; All the fishes ran away from their wildness, and they played for a quite long time.

Suddenly Haoxuan paused and stared at Wei Wuxian with inexplicably melting eyes.

"What happened? Is there anything on my face? " Wei Wuxian asked with confusion, and his smile changed into an amused one.

Haoxuan remained silent and kept on staring at him... At his body.

Wei Wuxian was drenched from head to toe.Earlier they had taken off the outer robes, keeping only the inner robes intact.

The wet inner robes were glued to his body, exposing his perfectly built lean muscles and the firm body carved out of hard training. He had a slender body, but the abs and the muscles didn't fail to emit vigour and manliness.

Haoxuan couldn't take his eyes off. The perfect body glowing like a pearl from the gleaming drops of water rolling about his skin - dazzling his whole frame.

He slowly approached Wei Wuxian without breaking the eye contact with him.

Wei Wuxian could sense an alien emotion in the younger's eyes, something which he couldn't decipher. The affection in his eyes emitted neither brotherhood, nor something like friendship- affection either, but...

"Hey what happened to you suddenly? Are you possessed or what? Wait... Why are you looking at me like that? "

"Yes, I am possessed Wei- Xiong."

Haoxuan's voice softened - the emotions in his eyes as fragile as glass. He kept on nearing Wei Wuxian until they were only ten centimetres apart and suddenly held Wei Wuxian's face with both of his palms which were soft like a bun dough. The hold was too gentle and soft - as if holding a fragile glass statue.

" What happened man? What's with this behaviour? "

He suddenly felt uncomfortable with the whole situation. That look in Haoxuan's eyes...

" I like you Wei-Xiong."

And before Wei Wuxian could even proceed with what he has said, Haoxuan suddenly threw himself at him, clutching his hands around Wei Wuxian's neck, he was about to crash their lips together when a shaft of blue energy pierced through the space between them and both were thrown 6 feet apart from each other.

"Owwww!! " Wei Wuxian exclaimed. "What the fuck is happening?"

A pristine looking white-robed man and a green-robed man were staring at them. No need to mention whose spiritual power attack it was.

Both of their eyes were flaming - one with surprise and curiosity, and the other pair with anger or....was it jealousy? Not sure. Must be a wrong interpretation of the expression.

"Improper conduct of behaviour is prohibited in the Cloud Recess. 50 hits for Young Master Mei. "

The wet pair hurried towards the land.

Lan Wangji grabbed Wei Wuxian's robe and strode towards him.

"Are you hurt? " Lan Wangji asked in a worried tone, putting the outer robe back on Wei Wuxian's body.

" No, I am fine Lan Zhan."

Wei Wuxian turned to look at Haoxuan but his view was blocked by Lan Wangji who stood suddenly very close to him - directly in front of him. He took out a cloak from the Qiankun pouch and silently deposited it over Wei Wuxian's frame.

Wei Wuxian was surprised and touched at the concern shown by the jade.

"Thank you, Lan Zhan. We should check whether Haoxuan is alright or not."

He walked past Lan Wangji and went near where Haoxuan and Huaisang were standing. Huaisang seemed a little impatient and Haoxuan had a complex mixture of emotions written on his face.

" Are you alright Haoxuan? Are you hurt anywhere? " Wei Wuxian asked worriedly, checking for any injury on Haoxuan's body hurriedly with burrowed eyebrows and an unusually serious and keen eyes. Only after confirming that the younger was fine did he calm down. Haoxuan's eyes went soft and grateful as he witnessed the brotherly concern within his senior's eyes.

"I am fine Wei-Xiong. Are you al...."

"Wei Ying you are coming with me. " Lan Wangi said abruptly and the three snapped at him. It was unlikely of the second Jade of Gusu to cut someone off and speak so abruptly.

"Where Lan Zhan? The night hunt is not over yet."

"You are injured. You need to rest." Lan Wangji said indifferently.

Oh. He forgot about his act. And certainly, he had also forgotten that he was angry with Lan Wangji.

"Ok ok. No need to act so stern Lan-er-gege~"

All the three looked at him in disbelief. Lan Wangji' ears were beet red and he got frozen at his place.

"Wei-Xiong... You should go with Young master Lan. You are injured after all." Nie Huaisang said with a wink.

"Ahh yes yes." Wei Wuxian said making a teasing face towards Huaisang.

"Haoxuan are you al... "

"Wei Ying we are getting late"

"Ah, Lan Zhannnnnn can't you wait for a bit? I am not dying yet man."

Lan Wangji was as impassive as ever.

"I am alright Wei-Xiong... And I am sorry." Haoxuan said with an embarrassed and guilty face. He could not look into Wei Wuxian's eyes.

"It's ok. Take care of yourself. The night hunt is going to end soon I guess. We did a great job in catching those beasts. We would have surely got top rank if it was a competition". Wei Wuxian said smugly.

" Ah yes, Wei-Xiong. You are very talented and strong. "

Wei Wuxian offered a toothy smile but did not further any conversation with Haoxuan.

"Shall we go? " He asked Lan Wangji.

" Hmm"

Just when he was about to hop on Suibian, a mischievous thought crept into his mind.

"Ahhhhhh... I can't walk... My poor back." He screamed dramatically and staggered five steps back to exaggerate the well ployed act.

"Will you carry me Lan-er-gege?"

He had expected a funny reaction from Lan Wangji and uttering of some 'ridiculous', 'pathetic'... Etc etc. But what he didn't expect was....

" Hmm."

Oh my heavens. Is this fuddy duddy really going to carry me?

Before he could say anything further a strong hand snaked around his waist.

He was stupified. Didn't this man hate physical contact?

A pair of golden eyes filled with guilt and concern looked at him. Wei Wuxian heart was ambushed with a sense of pity and countered guilt.

Wei Wuxian bid Huaisang and Haoxuan goodbye and Lan Wangji flew him away along with Bitchen.

A pair of shiny black eyes looked at Wei Wuxian's retreating figure in the air - the orbs were full of melancholy and longing.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian reached cloud Recess within 15 minutes.

"Lan Zhan... Thank you very much for carrying me here. "

"Thanking me...won't be necessary." There was a certain genuinity in Lan Wangji's voice which made Wei Wuxian flash his soft, silky smile as his heart went soft at the kind gesture from the usually cold Jade.

"I should go to my dormitory. Bye then?" Wei Wuxian flashed a beautiful smile at Lan Wangji and was about to leave when Lan Wangji told him to stop.

"Follow me." Saying this Lan Wangji started walking away and Wei Wuxian sprang after him without questioning further. He saw an opportunity to acquaint with the jade through in this little forthcoming trip with the pristine fuddy duddy.

They reached a small pond at the back hill of Cloud Recess that seemed to be burning with coldness.

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji questioningly.

"This is the cold pond. Best medic water body with healing powers, and known for calming minds and stabilizing temper. Golden cores are greatly purified by its holy powers."

This is the longest sentence he has ever heard from Lan Wangji.

So he caught the reason for the outburst on that day. Sharp.

"You can calm down your mind here and also soothe your injuries. I will wait nearby".

" Sure. "

Lan Wangji left.

Wei Wuxian went into the pond. Holy shit! It was fucking cold. It took 15 minutes for him to adjust to the cold water. After some moments he really felt relieved. The anguish, the homesickness, the anxiety due to the demonic cultivation effects... All were ebbing away.. As if calming down his soul. The soothing and healing effect of the pond felt heavenly. No wonder it was called the healing pond.

He meditated in the water for quite a long time.

After feeling much better, he came out of the pond. Putting the dry robes on (which were kept there by Lan Wangji) he decided to call Lan Wangji.

"Lan Zhan". He called loudly and after a moment, a pristine white figure appeared from among the forest trees.

" I am done. Shall we go? "

" Hmm. "

For some reason, Lan Wangji stared at him... As if studying the clothes on him.

But this time he didn't feel uncomfortable or awkward as it was the case with Haoxuan".

"Am I not handsome Lan er gege?? See these white robes suits me so well. Though they are a bit oversized, and a bit more dully mourning type too much clean, but still it does look good on a handsome man like me. Haha. " He babbled.

"And see it is a bit long and the size is also big.. As if it was made for you. Lan-er-gege~ did you lend me your clothes to wear?? ~~~" He sing-songed the last sentence. "

Lan Wangji was tomato red and looked visibly nervous. But stayed silent.

What's with that reaction. Did he really let me borrow his clothes?.

" Hahaaa kidding kidding.. Please don't start scolding again now." Wei Wuxian pouted.

"I won't. " Lan Wangji replied hurriedly.

Wei Wuxian flashed a whole-hearted toothy smile.

" Shall we go then? " He asked.

"Yes" Lan Wangji replied impassively. But he seemed to be pleased. For what?

They decided to walk through the forest since Wei Wuxian wanted to relish the pleasant woody smell and the fresh aroma and alluring beauty of the wildness. The forest is so refreshing. The chirping of the birds along with the silvery sound of a flowing waterfall could revive even a dead soul.

"I love this place Lan Zhan. Why is no one taken here? Students can have a good relief time after those deafening lectures of your uncle. "

" This is a forbidden area. Outsiders are not allowed".

"Huh! But I... "

"You are an exception, Wei Ying."

" But your shuf... "

"I have taken permission from brother and Shifu".

"....... "

Wei Wuxian was speechless. Why does this stoic man care about him so much? Didn't he hate him?

"Do not overthink." Lan Wangji said suddenly.

And.....

Wei Wuxian started laughing loudly. So unbridled, unruly, un-Lan-ly, but still free-spirited, heartwarming and joyous. He is laughing, and along with him, the forest is also laughing. The sun rays bathed him, making him gleam with a warm golden hue, making him look like a God of happiness - an unearthly being who is there to distribute a piece of warmth and joy.

Lan Wangji could not take his eyes off him.

"Have you seen yourself Lan er gege? You act like such a wooden strict fuddy-duddy but in reality such a softie inside. Tell me.. Do you care so much about me? "

"Hmm " Lan Wangji replied without fazing and tarting walking again.

Wei Wuxian stilled. This fuddy-duddy has changed a lot. I see.

Wei Wuxian sprinted after the younger jade, following the fluttering robes looking like ruffling feathers of dove wings.

After walking for a while they reached a clear area, embellished by gentian flowers. There were also different types of other beautiful flowers. A cottage stood alone among all the flower shrubs and magnolia trees.

No one seemed to live here. But the place was well maintained - the sunlit illuminated beauty of the flowers dazzled the whole place making it seem like untouched heaven.

"Which place is this Lan Zhan? "

"Gentian cottage. My mother used to live here."

Wei Wuxian was surprised a little. He never heard much about Lan Wangji's parents. He only knew that his mother died when he was very young and his father had always stayed in secluded meditation since then. That means he never got the warmth of his parents. But this is for sure that his uncle has brought up both the Lan brothers with utmost care. Though he is strict, he never left a single chasm in the upbringing of the two Jades. No wonder they are the 'Twin Jades Of Gusu', two strongest cultivators in the world. Their moral values are also unpaired. He has heard about the twin Jades' heroic deed in the war but didn't get the chance to formally associate with them since they fought at different fronts.

When he looked up at Lan Wangji, he saw a pair of beautiful golden eyes rippled with melancholy.

"I was allowed to meet my mother only once a week. I used to knock at her door and she would always open with a smile. Until one day the door ceased to open. I still used to wait for hours but the door never opened again."

Wei Wuxian's heart wrenched. He could very well feel the tide of sufferings, emotional turmoil and thousands of untold emotions hidden under this story.

He had also lost both of his parents when he was only four. But for his part, he really couldn't mourn over his parents' death. He never got to accentuate the feeling of loss of his parents' warmth for he was left alone in the street, had to fight with the dogs for food, had to fight with harsh winter with a thin cloth. His hardships of living as a street-child life ended only after Uncle Jiang took him in.

But it was not that simple. It took him years to get acquainted with the new environment until one day he realised the treasure he had lost and cried his heart out on his Shijie's and foster mother's lap. Since that day he had accepted the Jiangs as his own family and they also treated him as a family member. He was proclaimed as Jiang Fengmian and Madam Yu's eldest son.

He can really feel Lan Wangji's sufferings. Perhaps this is also a reason why the reserved Jade decided to share his story with him.

Were they not on the almost same page?

Wei Wuxian tangled his fingers with Lan Wangji's and squeezed the broader hand. Lan Wangji's hold on his hand also tightened.

They did not need any words to comfort each other but each other's presence was comforting enough for the two souls.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇　

Both were sitting on the stairs of the cottage outside the porch, enjoying the cool breeze and the swaying flowers.

"Lan Zhan.."

"Hmm."

"I am sorry. I shouldn't have reacted in such a way on that day."

" Wei Ying should not apologise. I was at fault. I shouldn't have insulted your upbringings. "

"Come on Lan Zhan. It's common among peers. I would never react in that way. But I.... " He didn't continue. Afraid. He doesn't have anything to prove to anyone, but at his moment, a sudden dread assailed his mind - of loosing the comforting presence of the man sitting beside him, and again getting spurned with sheer coldness and indifference from the Jade.

"I know. You do not need to worry Wei Ying. Temper loss is a common side effect of practising demonic cultivation. But in your case it is curable as you do not practise it anymore."

Wei Wuxian released the breathe he didn't realize his vacillating heart was holding, as a jolt of affection and fondness sprang in his heart. A little fond smile played across his lips and grey eyes.

" Yes, Lan Zhan. But you know people at first despised me so much for going on a different path."

"Your contribution was 1/3 in winning the war."

True. And so people now cherish him after brutally trolling and despising him initially, addressing him as 'Yunmeng Demon'. But the Yunmeng clan is now stronger, much more powerful, and influential, and it was reinforced by his ogle-worthy strength and the valour he elicited during the war. It was not that Yunmeng Jiang clan had ever been weak, but his achievements have boosted their influence. Jiang Cheng was really proud of his brother and grateful too, for saving their clan.

"Haha. People say so. Whatever. But didn't you hate me for using demonic cultivation? "

"No. You had your reasons. We can never judge someone by their acts. Everyone has their reasons for their choices."

Wei Wuxian was touched.

True, being captured by the Wens and thrown to the burial mounds, his total clan being savaged, he had no other choice but to lock his golden core and use his flute to control the resentful spirits and gradually master the art of demonic cultivation and emerge as one of the strongest cultivators in the world with a power of both Yin and Yang energy.

"I am glad." He smiled at Lan Wangji. A pure, bright and a warm one.

Like a first ray of the sun that lits the forests, Lan Wangji smiled at him too - a very tiny one, but it melted Wei Wuxian's heart.

"Would you like to go on a trip around Gusu? " Lan Wangji asked.. With a little nervousness.

"Sure!!!!!! " Wei Wuxian replied.

"Will you let me drink Emperor Smile? "

"Hmm."

"Are you going to accompany me? He asked hesitantly with nervousness.

Suddenly, his heart wanted only Lan Wangji to accompany him.

"I will be accompanying you."

When did I become that attached to him? Within these few hours? Wei Wuxian thought.

No one can say when our heart becomes acquainted with someone. Sometimes it is a matter of a few hours and sometimes even a lifetime is not enough.

"You are the best Lan Zhan." He squealed happily and put his head on Lan Wangji's shoulder, holding his arm tightly.

Lan Wangji gladly accepted the propinquity.

The two drowned in the comfort of each other's presence.