Chapter 1
-No one's POV-

The sun has just started rising and showering the world with its warm light. The morning air was cold to the touch, the warm sunlight being too weak in the beginning of the day.

In the cultivation world, only one clan was starting to awake to prepare for the day. The Gusu Lan Sect. Said Clan has it written down in its 3000 rules. Over the years, ever since Cultivation started, many different Clans have been founded. The Gusu Lan Sect being one of the first, as years passed the Clans rules started to grow into.

Even through it was still early, most of the Lan elders were already on the run. Preparing for the following day. The younger ones, mostly disciples, were still sleeping but on their way to awaken.

Lan Wangji, the so called Role Model of the Clan, was by the time mentioned ready to start his day. He wore elegant white robes, which the Gusu Lan Sect was known for, his white forehead ribbon with light blue clouds imprinted on it and held his sword Bichen in one hand.

The boy was on his way to anothers room. It was a daily routine he followed in the morning, helping his brother and friend to wake up in the early morning. A few minutes passed, on his way he crossed paths with his older Brother and their uncle.

"Good morning, Brother, Uncle." The younger greeted the two, putting his hands together, still holding Bichen, and bowing to them slightly. This earned him a gentle smile and greeting from his brother.

"Wangji, could you and Wuxian come meet me later? I want to discuss a few things before our guest arrive."

"Of course, Brother."

Afterwards he reached the building he was heading for. He opened the door gently and closed it the same way after the boy had entered. Wangji looked over to his friends sleeping form and sighed. The male in white walked slowly to the other person in the room. Once he reached the bed, Wangji leaned over the boy and gently moved the others black hair out of his face.

The boy stirred slightly and opened his eyes a bit, obviously still sleepy. He glanced up at Wangji and smiled. The still tired male sat up, letting out a soft yawn.

"Good morning, Wei Ying."

"Good morning, Lan Zhan."

Wei Ying, his courtesy name being Wei Wuxian, has been raised by the Gusu Lan Sect. He was taken in by Wangjis Uncle, Lan Qiren. Both boys have been getting along well ever since they crossed paths, they see each other as close friends and brothers.

Wangji laid his sword on the others bed, holding out the other hand to help the male stand up. Wuxian gladly took it with a smile and left his precious bed. The atmosphere around them was pure and glowing. Many thought that both boys were dating each other on the grounds on how they were acting around another. But they were only Friends yet as close as brothers.

"Brother wants to see us."

Wangji voiced out as he tightened the waistband on Wuxians robes. Said boy wasn't very delighted on having to wear the white Gusu Lan Sect robes. On the other hand he promised the Gusu Lan Leader, Lan Xichen, and Grandmaster Lan Qiren to wear them as long as he stayed on the Clans grounds. Outside he could wear whatever he wanted, meaning he could wear his red-black robes freely.

"Did he say what he wanted? Also, isn't today the day the guest disciples would arrive?"

Wangji nodded his head silently to the others questions. The taller male took Wuxians red ribbon and tied a few strands of hair together with it. The red band gives the smaller comfort, no one could force him to leave without it ever since the boy was taken in.

"Lan Zhan..."

"Wei Ying."

"You don't need to worry like this, no matter what I will always stay here with you, Brother Huan and Uncle Qiren."

The taller wrapped his arms around the boys waist in front of him and placed his chin on the shorters shoulder. It was Wangjis comfort. No one but Wuxian could touch him like this. Hugging his friend made him feel safe, helped him multiple times to keep his anger from harming those around him.

"Everything is going to be alright, Lan Zhan."

Wangji nodded once more, they stood like that for a few minutes before the taller one loosened his hold on Wuxian. Said boy took on of the retreating hands, smiled up at his friend and walked with him to where Xichen would presumably be staying.
After the two made it to the Library Pavilion, Qiren and Xichen were going throughout some scrolls and books as the two younger ones arrived.

The elder had a scrowl on his face, reading a report from one of the Lan disciples, written a few days ago, but made no sound nor movement. Xichen was sitting elegantly on the opposite side, reading a book he bought a short while ago. Neither of the two took notice of the younger ones, too infested in their reading.

"Good morning, Brother Huan and Uncle Qiren."

Wuxian greeted them enthusiastically as he bowed with his hands together and held in front of him. The one beside him stood silent, having already exchanged greetings earlier that day. Both stepped into the Pavilion before the other two could look up, but stopped after taking a few steps inside.

"Lan Zhan said that Brother Huan wanted to see us, but he wouldn't tell me what the topic would be."

"It is nothing too important." Xichen let out gently with a warm smile. Looking at his younger brother, even if they weren't related by blood, as his lips formed into an adorable pout, Xichens heart melted. "I just wanted to remind you both to be on your best behavior later today. We are expecting a group of disciples today."

"Wangji, it is important for you to greet the group. I want you to not leave Cloud Recesses until they have entered." Lan Qiren spoke.

As soon as those words left the man's mouth, Wuxian was visibly upset. The boy grew up forgetting things, often more critical than simple things. Like his sword for his own safety. Even now, he left his own space while being safeguarded by Wangji, Wuxian didn't feel the need to carry around sword.
Qiren even taught him together with Xichen the basics on how to properly use a flute.

"Wei Ying, you may leave for the town but only if you take something or someone with you for protection."

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(Words: 1121)

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Chapter 2
-No one's POV-
-Time Skip of a few hours-
-Caiyi Town-

"Do we have everything ??"

A male, clothed in different shades of purple robes, asked the others who were traveling together with him and his older sister. The group has been walking from Yunmeng to Gusu for the last few days. They arrived at Caiyi Town late last night and stayed at an Inn.

"A-Cheng, I'm sure we have everything. We told father that we were to arrive ahead of him." The boys older sister, Jiang Yanli, mentioned as the group stood still at the entrance of said Inn. The Yunmeng disciples haven been outside for quite a while, waiting for the last two to leave the Inn.
"Alright then let's go. It shouldn't take us too long until we reach our destination, Cloud Recesses."

The now complete group continued on their travel through the town. Mostly women and children were seen walking or standing near the open shops. The men of Caiyi Town were found on boats with nets or baskets.

"It's pretty peaceful, huh?"

"Well that's Gusu for you."

"I heard even when the townspeople argue, they keep the others in mind and stay rather calm and composed."

They carried their walking forward until it grew quiet around them. They left the harmonious town and halted in front of a uphill leading staircase. This would be the last step of their long journey, reaching the top of the mountain.
The Yunmeng disciples hesitated for quite a while. Not once did even one think about what they would do, say or how to act once they would have reached Cloud Recesses.

With a deep breath, Jiang Wanyin, took the first step. Yanli soon followed together with the rest of the young males. Wanyi is the young master back in Yunmeng, he would be the one to become Clan Leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect if his father were to retire. Seeing as the others were nervous and scared of the strict clan, Wanyi had to act.

Even through the staircase seemed to reach the blue sky, it took the group merely thirteen minutes until they reached the gate. The gate to Cloud Recesses was there for different reasons. One being the mark on where the protective array starts, another to check on all visitors. Two young men stod on either side of the entrance, standing tall and graceful in all white.

"Good day. We are the disciples sent from the Yunmeng Jiang Sect." Yanli said as she and the rest bowed, hands together in front of them, as a greeting.

"To confirm and to let you enter, we would like to receive the sent invitations."

"Invitations...?"

Wanyin had the feeling they forgot something before they continued on their way. It was the inventions to enter Cloud Recesses. He silently groaned. Said boy knew that they left them somewhere as soon as the youths behind him started to become restless.

"It seems that we have left them somewhere..."

"No entry without an invitation. Those are the rules."

"You can always come back with the invitation, for now please leave the mountain."

Yanli gently pulled at her brothers robes, with a warm smile she gestured for him to lead the way. Knowing her younger brothers characteristics, he was already screaming on the inside. She knew on how those two Gusu Lan disciples were only following their sect rules,so she can't be upset at them.

With an aggressive roll of Wanyin's eyes, he speed-walked back down the stairs. Being aware of their clearly upset young master, the group of disciples silently followed his steps, reaching the bottom in under ten minutes.

They walked a few meters away from the stairs, stopped by a few rocks and trees and sat down there. One was ordered to look around the Inn in hopes on finding the left behind invitations. If they weren't able to do so, who knows what would happen...
The Jiang disciple needed to find that piece of paper.

"A-Cheng. Don't worry, he will find them."

"But sister..."

A few minutes passed before the group could pick up the sound of light footsteps. Wanyin stood up without a second thought, waiting for the approaching figure to turn the corner. His older sister joining him.
As the figure could be seen, clear disappointment could be seen on Wanyi's face.

The silhouette of the person was thin and rather small, a bit smaller than Yanli at least. They were male with dark, long hair matched with a red hair ribbon. He wore white robes, those of the Gusu Lan Sect, holding a basket in one hand and his beloved black flute in the other.
The male stopped, starring at the group in front of him.

"Who are you?"

"We were sent from Yunmeng. We are the disciples from the Jiang Sect." Yanli answered the boy in front of her and the rest.

"If you are... why are you resting here? Cloud Recesses isn't far from here..."

"We lost the inventions."

"Yeah, they wouldn't let us in!"

"They told us to leave and only to come back with them!"

The Jiang disciples were letting out their pent up emotions, feeling embarrassed and treated unfairly. Others started to speak their own opinions, but nothing could be understood with all of them speaking at the same time.

"Ah, but we have sent one of our own to look at the Inn we were staying the night. We will just have to wait."

"I see..." Wuxian said as he looked around. These newcomers are being loud, louder than the normal residents of Gusu. Seeing as no one came to complain, he searched for something to sit down.

"Have you lost something?" Yanli noticed the boy looking around, seemingly searching for something or maybe even someone.

Before she got an answer from the young man, he spotted the body of a fallen tree behind the group. With a light sparkle in his dark eyes, he rushed over to his founding, setting his basket on the ground and settling down on the trunk.

"What are you doing?" Wanyin asked. The male confused him and his mood didn't help him in trying to not appear to be annoyed. He looked like he was part of the Lan Sect, but the way he acted and the missing infamous headband told him otherwise.

"I thought, I would stay with you until your friend comes back. You know, I can get you into Cloud Recesses even without the invention. Rule number 1052 states that one can pass the gates as long as one of the Clan people are with them."

The warm smile and the nice, kind words are nothing like Gusu. Nothing like what everyone sees as the typical Gusu Lan Sect.
Wuxian twirled his precious flute in his right hand, looking up at the Jiang disciples. The kindness he has shown them was not what they had expected, not after their encounter with the two at the gate.

"Who are you?"

Wanyin was rightfully doubting this person. He was a stranger to him, his sister and the ones around him. His mother always mentioned not to trust strangers until they have proven themselves. Wanyin wasn't in the mood to fight right now, but he also didn't want to bring danger upon them.
'Better safe than sorry.'

"That's right, I forgot." Wuxian jumped from the fallen tree, held his flute tightly and bowing to the group in front of him, hands in front of him. "My name is Wei Wuxian. I'm a disciple of the Gusu Lan Sect, it is nice to meet you."

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(Words: 1277)

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Chapter 3
-No one's POV-

"For being part of the Gusu Lan Clan, you are different from what I have heard."

The young Master of the Jiang Clan felt uncertainty bloom on the inside. He had heard from his father, mother and a few rumors that said sect was overly strict and had many rules to follow.
The Jiang Clan followed only one rule- it could also be named a family motto. 'Attempt the impossible'

"I guess..." Wuxian awkwardly smiled at the boy in front of him. He scratched at the back of his neck, trying to think of how to lift the young masters suspicion. "Well, honestly, the Lan Clan took me in when I was younger. That could be a reason on to why I am so 'different'."

As soon as Wuxian mentioned this, the two siblings and himself fell into a light conversation. Seeing as the other wasn't actually from the Lan Family, Wanyi felt safer around Wuxian. He had the feeling that he could put his trust into the other.
The Jiang disciples joined in here and there on the conversation the other three were having.

The conversations were held short. Some questions came from the one in white on how Yunmeng was and if the siblings had also visited other sects, towns. The Jiang siblings were rather interested on how the Lan Clan worked, keeping the many rules in mind. Wanyin was somewhat nervous on how contrasting the other Sect would be but also curious.

Their conversations were broken up and disturbed as another person came up to the settled down group. The group of disciples were a second away with asking their friend what him so long took, but kept the words unsaid once they saw who came up to them.

Before the group stood a male with white Gusu Lan robes, matched with the precious headband. He stood tall white his also white sheathed sword in one hand, the other held against his back in a fist. His facial appearance was blank, his aura was cold.

"Wei Ying."

"Ah! Lan Zhan! Didn't brother Huan say that you would need to stay at Cloud Recesses? What are you doing, are you following me?" Wuxian jumped up from the piece of wood, taking his basket back into his hands.

"Stupid Ying. Come here."

"Lan Zhan! Don't call me stupid! And don't try to dodge my questions, tell me w-mmh... mmmh!"

Wangji used the silencing spell, something which was only taught to Lan disciples, on the other. He marched over to Wuxian in an elegant way until he stood right in front of the smaller. The people from Yunmeng straight away stepped back to give Wangji space to walk by.
They could tell from the way he looked, his aura, his behavior, that this man was the second young master of Gusu Lan Sect. Lan Wangji also known as Hanguang-jun.

Standing in front of the smaller, he just noticed Wanyin and his sister. He knew of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, he knew that those were the young master and young madam of said Sect. But to him, they are strangers and a possible threat to Wuxian. Drawing his sword, Wangji silently let the ones around him know to not move closer. Bichen was being held against Wanyin's throat. His gold-like eyes were staring at the other, not moving his head or body, still standing perfectly in front of Wuxian.

"MMH!"

Wuxian moved forward, taking hold of the robes from Wangji. The smaller was sure that the one in front of him knew who was around them. He knew the Gusu Lan rules and its consequences. But the second young master of Lan was overprotective, mostly towards Wuxian.
Gold-like eyes left the young man clothed in purple and turned soft. Wangji looked down into the dark, gray eyes of his brother and friend. He lifted the silencing spell of the other.

"Lan Zhan! Don't worry they won't do anything."

The sword didn't move an inch, staying by Wanyin's throat. Said boy was sweating, a bit too much for his liking. He never felt so scared in his life, but still tried to hide his fear behind a mask, wanting to not let the other control him.

"Lan Zhan! Take Bichen from young master Jiang's throat." Seeing as Wangji still didn't stir and only continued to watch him, Wuxian used the last thing. The last thing that came to mind, hoping to get Bichen back into its sheath. "Look, Lan Zhan. I have taken Chenqing with me. You would have already heard me playing if they wanted to hurt me."

That seemed to make the male act. The Jiang Heir let out a sigh of relief as the sharp blade left his skin.

"Now tell me, why are you here ?"

"Small problem. Was on my way back."

"What happened that you needed to be there if it was so small ?"

"Don't worry." Wangji was looking down at the smaller's pouting face. His gaze was warm and gentle. It seemed as if he had forgotten what had happened a few minutes beforehand. The Jiang disciples having been long forgotten.

Wuxian knew that he wouldn't get any information from his friend, not now. He inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to keep his calm. Wanyin was one of the only ones the boy could talk to without having Wangji taken him away, at least for a few minutes. Wuxian swiftly glanced at the other, silently asking if he was okay. He got his answer through a nod from Yanli since her brother glared at the broad back of Wangji.

Shortly after a few Lan disciples came their way, holding something similar to a mat and a man laying on top of it. At the sight of the purple and white clothed group, they stopped without hesitation. Halting their steps, waiting for one of the group to notice, mostly one of the young masters.

"Ah, Shi Jing! What are you and the others doing here ?" Wuxian noticed them as he had looked at the Jiang siblings. One of the disciples, Shi Jing, was one of the only people who Wangji approved of being safe around his smaller friend.
Having heard the name, the second young master of the Lan Sect turned his head in the direction. Shi Jing was part of the group which went with him to look into this problem. Soon after said disciples bowed as far as possible while holding the mat.

"Meet later. Be safe."

Wangji turned to the small group, leading them up the stairsto Cloud Recesses. It took a few minutes before someone had said something, not wanting to have the same fate as the young master Jiang.
It was Wuxian who broke said silence.

"I am so sorry, young master Jiang. Lan Zhan is a bit protective at times. I hope you won't take it to heart and forgive him."

"That seemed more than 'a bit protective'."

"Young master Jiang, are you okay?"

"I'm fine and don't worry I won't." Wanyin let out, trying his best to keep calm. The boy in white did nothing, letting his frustrations out on him would do him no good. "And you can call me Wanyin. No need to be so formal."

Wuxian let out a bright smile at his response. Normally people would be to scared of his 'protector' to try and speak to him again. Or he wouldn't even get a chance and time to apologize for his friends behavior, having been dragged away from them. Wuxian felt like Wanyin could become one of his few friends.

The tense air from before had vanished with the simple of the Wei boy. And it didn't take another five minutes until the awaiting disciple had returned with two pieces of paper in hand, yelling at the group from a far on how he got the missing invitations.
Yanli smiled at him, Wuxian went and took his basket, and started walking toward the staircase. He waited until the whole group was ready - until the Jiang siblings were standing near him - and started his way up.

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(Words: 1359)

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Chapter 4
Note:
I want to thank YukiCrosszeria4, TahiyatZara, milkywaynative  for the love up until now ^^.
I appreciate it a lot!

-No one's POV-

"Hey, what should I call you ??" Wanyin asked after the disciples have reached halfway of the long staircase up the mountain. He didn't know much about the other, only how the boy was taken in by the Gusu Lan Sect.

"Whatever you like young master Jiang."

"Wuxian it is then. And you don't need to be so formal."

Wuxian swiftly turned around to face the Jiang Heir, continuing on walking backwards. He held the basket behind him, it hitting the back of his legs with each step he took. The gentle smile on his face taking on a sad form.

"I can't. I would break some rules if I were to talk to you casually, young master Jiang."

A frown found it's way onto Wanyin's face with the others response. He watched as the slightly smaller boy turned back around, not missing a step. The male in white didn't seem like he was from the Gusu Lan Clan, his personality was too warm and bright. But the way he was strict with the Clan's rules showed him that the boy definitely grew up as a Lan disciple.

It was confusing. Not only that, but he felt like he knew Wuxian. Meaning, the Jiang heir felt like he had once met the smaller. But not for a long time, rather a short moment.

"Wuxian, can we talk later on?"

"Young master Jiang, I would love to. But firstly your group needs to settle down after greeting Uncle Qiren and Brother Huan."

"Of course."

Yanli smiled at the interaction between the boy in white and her younger brother. Wanyin has had a hard time showing his emotions ever since he was young. Their mother always putting pressure on him and their father being too kind caused it. Seeing as he asked the other for some time on his own left a warm feeling in her chest.

They continued on their way, getting to the gate the Jiang disciples were albe to enter this time. Wuxian led the group to the Yashi. He was told that Wangji would have to be there to greet the guest disciples.

The Jiang disciples were looking from one thing to another. All the buildings were white in colour, the trees and other plants looked healthy. Everything was quiet and there were only a few Lan disciples slowly walking around in small groups, barely being heard talking.

"Young master Jiang, Madam Jiang. Please wait here,I will go and look for brother Huan and Uncle Qiren." Wuxian let out as the Yashi seemed to be empty. He bowed slightly before leaving the group alone in the quiet room.

Wanyin let out a breath several minutes later, closing his eyes. Shortly after he felt the gentle touch of his sisters hand around his own. He opened his eyes and looked slightly down into her eyes, a bit confused but grateful.

"I know you are nervous. Don't worry."

Both siblings smiled at each other. The silence of Gusu Lan Clan being something none of the disciples of Yunmeng Jiang knew how to handle, they started talking. Some sat down on the steps leading to the Yashi while others stayed on the ground standing.

On Wuxians side, it was not as peaceful. He was in a slight panic and didn't know where to go first. He didn't want his new self-claimed friend to wait for too long, but he himself couldn't recall if Xichen had mentioned where he would be. Wuxian could only remember where Wangji should be when the guest disciples were to arrive.

But he also did not know where Wangji was at. He was seen walking ahead with some Lan disciples before the group from Yunmeng Jiang had started moving towards the staircase. Wuxian also didn't want to receive any kind of punishment, so he couldn't run, only speed-walk.

"Where are you Brother Huan..."

The boy in white had looked around the Library Pavilion, went to the Dormitories set for guests and even had knocked at the doors to the Hanshi. His panic also didn't allow him to ask passing Lan disciples in case it would make the Sect's visitors wait longer.
At this point Wuxian was walking around without thinking. He tried his best to recall if anyone had said something. He thought back to last week, but even than he could not recollect if a certain place has been mentioned.

"𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅?"

The Wei boy stopped and noticed how he now stood in front of the Mingshi. He wanted to hit himself for being stupid. "Stupid Ying."  Wuxian heard Wangji's earlier insult in his head.
Without thinking about his stupidity for too long, he went and knocked on the doors to the Mingshi and entered, not waiting for a response.

"Brother Huan. The disciples of Yunmeng Jiang Sect have arrived."

"Ah Wei Ying. I'll be there, please wait outside for a bit, we can go together."

Xichen had always been this secretive. If he could, his Sect leader would keep everything to himself. He was just as protective as Wangji, maybe it was a Lan thing but the second young master of the Lan Clan would at least mention it if something were to happen.

The younger just sighed, a bit disappointed, and bowed to his adoptive family before leaving to wait outside. Standing outdoors, Wuxian noticed just how much time had passed. The cool evening air was gently touching the skin on his hands, throat and face. It was calming for him and helped with the panic from before.
But after having found his brothers and uncle together at the Mingshi new question started to form.

Ever since the Wei boy had been adopted to the Lan Clan, he was to only know what was important. And he was only told things if they had something to do with him. There have been times Xichen and Qiren kept things to them and only said half of whatever was happening. They often did this when either one of them had to leave for 'business' outside of Gusu.

"Wei Ying."

"Brother Huan..."

"Something wrong?"

"Ah... no nothing. But I don't want young master Jiang and madam Jiang to wait any longer."

Xichen smiled at the younger. It seemed to him as if his youngest brother finally got the pleasure to make a friend beside Wangji. He took the smaller hand into his own and led Wuxian to the Yashi. It was quiet. Wuxian had a lot on his mind as he could only stare at the older's back as he was being pulled.

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AN

Yashi - (Elegant Room) – Possibly a place for guests to wait.

Hanshi - (Frost Room) - the clan leader's room (name follows the clan leader's residence).

Mingshi - (Underworld Room/Room of Darkness) - watchtower where spirits were summoned.

(Words: 1159)

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Chapter 5
-No one's POV-

"Wei Ying."

Xichen looked down to his side. He had received no reaction from his youngest brother. Observing the facial expression of the other, he could immediately say that Wuxian was lost in his thoughts. The older didn't want to raise his voice too much and startle to one by his side, he simply tightened his hold on the smaller hand.
With the added pressure on his hand, Wuxian let his thoughts go, they could wait. He tilted his head a bit and locked eyes with his Clan Leader. Soft, gray eyes met warm, brown ones.

"Wei Ying. What do you think of young master Jiang?"

"That is pretty random, brother Huan. Why are you asking?"

"You have met him already, no? What do you think of him?"

Wuxian averted his eyes to the ground. He had to think about what his older Brother had said. What did he think of Wanyin, he did not know. They met accidentally in front of Cloud Recesses, barely talked at all. His mind went over the last hour and over stories he heard about Yunmeng and the Jiang Sect.

"For being part of the Gusu Lan Clan, you are different from what I have heard."
He smiled at the small memory. Xichen noticed this but couldn't tell whether it was out of happiness or sadness, or maybe a mix of both. He was good at figuring things out, like knowing what his biological brother felt and sometimes even had on his mind.

The Lan Clan Leader had trouble with the Wei boy. Ever since he was young, he had the habit of hiding his real emotions. He once confessed that he didn't want to seem ungrateful or like a burden after being taken in and given another family, another chance in life.

"He seems nice and kind. Madam Jiang too."

Xichen smiled at the youngers response. The young boy wasn't one to lie, at least not like this. He would often only say half of what was true, the elder Lan Clan cultivators weren't a great influence on that part. But Xichen himself also usually uses that method, he can't forbid the younger on doing so if the man himself does so too.

Wangji had watched the two leave the Mingshi, standing by the open door. He knew better than anyone on how Wuxian hated to be left in the dark, to not know what was going on around him as much as the others. His protective side couldn't help itself in keeping the recent happenings to himself, and to his biological family. A few senior disciples of Lan knew and helped the three as much as they possibly could.

"Wangji."

Said male silently sighed as he continued to look at his brothers, walking away while holding hands. After a few seconds of starring, he closed the door of the Room of Darkness. The boy in white walked back to where his uncle stayed standing.

A male cultivator from their Clan laid on a wooden table, a thin white cloth covering most of his body, only his face was visible to the two. Qiren took hold of the thin material and moved it a bit to reveal the neck and collarbones of the man. The unconscious person had black-like-veins under his skin but still visible. They have crept up from under the man's robed chest, all over his throat and some had reached his jawline.

"Wangji, you can't keep everything from the boy. He is smart, if you won't tell him he will eventually figure it out himself."

Qiren wasn't fond of Wuxian when they took him in to live his life in Gusu. The young boy wouldn't listen to him or the elders, he would break multiple rules in a day. Only Wangji was able to control the Wei boy when they were younger. Luckily for him and the elder Lan cultivators, Wuxian soon learned that breaking the sect rules would only bring him pain from being hit or sleepless nights from having to write down the rules more than once.
The boy was and still is as innocent as a young child. His mind, heart and golden core were very pure and he gave everyone he met a chance.

"Wangji..." The elder knew how protective his youngest nephew was to his adopted one but keeping the other in the dark could hurt his feelings. He shook his head, stroking his beard a bit before covering the unconscious cultivator completely. "Let's go and greet our guests."

Wangji didn't move at first, simply staring at the man laying in front of him. There was something out there that was turning the cultivators of the Lan Clan turn into Fierce corpses. It wasn't something new, but it had never happened near Cloud Recesses and barely even in Gusu.
The sound of the door opening brought him back. He closed his eyes before turning around and followed his uncle out, having closed the door after himself.

"Wangji, you can't always protect Wuxian."

"Never leave Wei Ying."

"What would happen if you spoil him so much that one day he wouldn't be able to protect himself and his loved ones?"

"..."

"What would you do if that boy were to find himself some friends? Would you chase them away and keep him to yourself?"

The younger couldn't answer his uncle. He needed to think about what the older had told him. Protecting Wuxian was more important to him than his own Clan rules. It was true that he was the reason Wuxian had no friends beside himself.
Shi Jing was a disciple that joined the Clan a few years ago and had studied with Wangji and Wuxian. The younger Lan sibling could trust Shi Jing but he couldn't count as a friend to Wuxian.

Even through the other was kind and very open-minded, he would rather spend time with others, people he was closer with. Shi Jing and Wuxian would mostly only spend their time together when Wangji had to be somewhere else and wouldn't dare to let his best friend to be alone.

"Wangji, I am not here to hurt you or to keep Wuxian away from you. But think about it sometimes."

"Of course, Uncle."

They turned a corner and could already hear their guests talking among themselves. The entrance to the Yashi was only a few steps away.
Qiren sighed before going ahead walking straight to his oldest nephew. The younger one followed him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see his friend talking to the same two as before.

"What would you do if that boy were to find himself some friends?"
He couldn't bring himself to walk and interrupt him. His Uncle was once again painfully right. He had chased everyone away that was too close to the Wei boy.

Instead of staying near Wuxian, Wangji stood silently beside his brother, listening to his conversation with their uncle. He would glance a few times in the direction of the Jiang Heir, his mind was screaming at him to stay with his friend but he couldn't. He couldn't become the reason Wuxian would gave no friends in the future.

"Would you chase them away and keep him to yourself?"

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(Words: 1216)

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Chapter 6
-No one's POV-

Wuxian left the sect leaders side as soon as he saw Wanyin and Yanli. He was going to use the short time he had before his protective friend and brother followed into the room. The small smile grew in size, maybe he could convince the other on letting him befriend the Jiang heir and his sister.

"Young master Jiang. Madam Jiang."

The Wei boy walked up to the pair of siblings, standing beside the male. Xichen halted his movements when the younger let his hand go, slight disappointment over came him. Shortly after a warm smile could be seen on his face as he watched his younger brother joining Wanyin's side. The man closed the door behind him and continued on his way to the front of the room, turning around to look at the first guests.

"The Gusu Lan Sect welcomes the Yunmeng Jiang disciples." The clan leader bowed with his hands held together. The younger ones in front of him followed shortly after with a 'thank you'. Xichen stated that each could speak with themselves. He also pointed out that they would need to wait for his Uncle as he would be their teacher for the upcoming future.

"Young master Jiang, could I talk to you for a bit?" The older Jade Twin came up to his adoptive brother and the Jiang siblings.

"Ah Lan Clan Leader."

"Brother Huan, what do you want to know?"

At that moment Quiren and Wangji stepped foot into the Yashi. Their freshly arrived guests cut their conversations short and placed their attention on the elder and younger Twin Jade. Turning from the new addition back to the young heir, Xichen first looked conflicted but swiftly overshadowed it with a gentle smile.

"I hope I get to talk to you at another time, young master Jiang." Xichen left the three to return to his original spot, before his uncle and younger brother arrived. Wangji kept his eyes on his friend and the man beside him, he couldn't trust him yet. Qiren followed his nephew's movement, now noticing how the Wei boy was absent from the three. He sighed.

"To spare you from getting my speech duplicated, as the other Clan disciples will arrive tomorrow, you are free to roam around Cloud Recesses. Please do refrain from visiting places you are not to set foot into."

Wuxian was actually dumbfounded. His uncle often gave of the expression as if he liked to punish others, no matter in what way. He had the ability to let his speeches and lectures sound boring enough to let someone else break a rule. The boy found himself often in that position, getting punished for sleeping in classes when he was younger or drawing on his papers instead of listening.

Another point that had him stuck to his place was Wangji. He was sure the other would snatch him from the Jiang boy to stay by his side. Or at least let the other notice it himself on how he should keep a safe distance from Wuxian. Instead the young Lan male stood by his uncle's side, only glancing at him.
The Wei boy got pulled out of his slight shock when Qiren left the room and the people around him bowed.

"That was unexpected..." Xichen came back, his facial expression also showing that the latest event was not common. But him being himself, the Clan leader easily hid it shortly after with a smile. "Right, Wei Ying?"

"Ah! Brother Huan... does his behavior something to do with what happened before I got to you? Did you say something to him?"

"Don't worry, Wei Ying."

Said boy just pouted at the response he received. He was hoping on getting his brother to spill some information on what he had walked into. It wasn't a surprise that he did not get anything out of the older but was still disappointed.

"Wei Ying, how about you join our exchange? I'm sure young master Jiang and madam Jiang wouldn't mind."

"Of course, Wuxian, come and join us."

"But what about Lan Zh-"

The deities above must not like him today. Wuxian looked over to the front of the Yashi only to see nothing. Wangji had left him, and without having said anything to him. The boy in white was worried if the older was angry at him, upset with him from the happenings outside of Cloud Recesses. They hadn't said a word to each other afterwards, Wuxian was scared the other was ignoring him, leaving him.

"Wei Ying, Wangji left with Uncle."

"I didn't notice..."

"Come here, how about we walk around and talk some?"

With one last glance at the empty space, Wuxian felt a warm at his hand once again before a tender strength pulled him outside. He cast his sadness filled eyes downward. But his mind was caught on Wangji. Naturally, Wuxian favored the idea on getting to know new people and befriend some. But not when that meant his Lan Zhan to be away from him.

The younger Jade Twin was like his childhood savior. He was the one that noticed him. He wouldn't leave him even when he was threatened to be punished later on. He came up with the decision on taking him to Gusu. If Qiren hadn't taken Wangji with him all those years ago, who knew what would have happened with Wuxian.

Wangji was important to the Wei boy. Losing him would take his motivation to continue life away. Not one newly made friend could change his mind.

"Wei Ying."

"Hey Wuxian!"

"Loud noises are prohibited in Cloud Recesses."

Wanyin was relieved when the other responded. He couldn't stand the look of sadness on the others face,he liked the bright boy more. He was happy that he got the other away from his daydreaming when the boy's sect leader couldn't. Even if he had to break one of the strict rules. It was worth it. Sadness didn't fit Wuxian.

"Say, have you ever been to Yunmeng?"

"Huh?" The younger looked at the heir as if he had grown another head. But begann on going through his childhood memories before Wangji came and saved him. "I'm not sure... I have trouble recalling my childhood memories from when I was still with my parents."

"If I may ask, what makes you think Wei Ying ever visited Yunmeng, young master Jiang?"

"Zewu-Jun... I have a feeling of being familiar with Wuxian. I think I have met him when I was younger once in Yunmeng."

"Maybe Father will know." Yanli threw the detail into the conversation. She too felt like they had met once.

"Ah that's right. Clan leader Jiang will be arriving tomorrow I presume, as he wasn't with you when you came."

"I completely forgot about it..."

The group of four walked around aimlessly. They had some small topics to talk about, mostly on how the other sect reacted and acted. The conversations were kept between Xichen and Wanyin. Yanli was listening to them talk, only giving her own opinion once in a while. Wuxian had started to walk behind them, still thinking about his friend and brother.

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(Words: 1198)

AN

I'll be honest, I love the affection this book has received  up until now. But when the idea came to mind,my imagination never got father than Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian meeting at the staircase to Cloud Recesses.

Originally they were also to meet each other halfway and Wuxuan was supposed to let the group in when they lost the inventions.

Thank you for the support up to now!!! ♡
Stay safe!

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Chapter 7
Update request: YukiCrosszeria4
-No one's POV-

"Clan leader Lan, may I ask when the curfew begins?"

"Oh, young master Jiang knows about the curfew already? I'm sure Wei Ying hadn't had the chance to inform you yet."

"You are right, Wuxian has not. But rumors spread fast."

Xichen was amused. He knew of most of the rumors which were traveling from one city to another. Although it was one of the many rules of the Gusu Lan Sect to not gossip and to not speak about someone behind their back, he possibly can not help himself. The young man likes to listen to the older generation and their stories, even if a lot of imagination had been put to it.

It was also impossible to walk through any town and not hear some gossip from some of the locals living there. And may he add, those rules are for Cloud Recesses. No one would know.

"I see. Well at 9pm everyone should get ready to sleep, at five in the morning one should start to awake."

"I see..."

"If I may, would young master Jiang like to do something before the curfew?"

The young clan leader was not stupid or one to be easily fooled. He had observed how the eyes of both siblings turned gentle and warm whenever the Wei boy was around. The man felt happiness blooming in his heart seeing such an act. Even if Wuxian was very oblivious to this and Wanyin would never admit it.

"Nothing." 'I want to get to know Wuxian a bit more.'

Wanyin was embarrassed of himself. He had nearly forgotten that he had already asked the other if he had ever been to Yunmeng. But the feeling of being familiar with the one in white robes hadn't left him yet. He would have asked what the names of the boy's parents were but he couldn't.

"I'm not sure... I have trouble recalling my childhood memories from when I was still with my parents."

The Jiang heir could not forget the sadness and disappointment hidden in Wuxian's voice when he had said that. He felt like the boy's parents were a awfully sensitive topic. The young Jiang was not someone to force another person into anything they would feel und with. Another reason he wasn't good in expressing his feelings and thoughts, Wanyin would often overthink every situation possible.

"I was just curious."

To say Xichen was dissatisfied on how the younger responded was not hard to say. The man was trying to push here and there, but it seemed like it didn't work the way he had wanted it to. Even through him being obviously unsatisfied, he was also a bit relieved.

Wuxian hadn't said much - barely anything - since they had left the room and begun their walk. The boy was deep in his own thoughts, not paying attention to anything. If he were to be forced to do something now, the results were the same as when he had first stepped into Cloud Recesses. A complete catastrophe.

"Well then, I will leave to retire early. If anything would be needed later on, place ask Wei Ying or Wangji. Good night."

"Huh? Ah, good night brother Huan."

"Good night, Clan leader Lan."

"Young master Jiang, Madam Jiang. You too a good night." Wuxian bowed to the two, a small smile could be found on his face. But the ones in front of him could tell it was not genuine, it hadn't reached his eyes at all. Even if the Jiang siblings didn't know much about the Wei boy, they could tell that much.

Said boy stood back up straight and turned around, walking away from the two. He held his small hands close to his chest, the smile instantly vanishing. He felt guilty, he felt like he had betrayed his friend and brother. It was eating him alive.

"Wuxian wait."

Yanli stepped forward and looked over the boy who stopped. A gentle smile found itself on her face. She had called out to the younger as her brother was hesitant.
Worry could have been felt in her heart for the younger. She had noticed it. The way the boy was rather quite ever since they had left the Yashi.

"But what about Lan Zh-"

"I didn't notice..."

His voice had been void of any kind of emotions except for disappointment and worry. She blamed it on the fact that back in Yunmeng her role was being the older sister, but Yanli grew concerned. The younger Jade was obviously someone important to Wuxian.

"Wuxian, can I call you A-Xian?"

"Huh?" The one in white turned around at the question. It was pretty random. "Sure, I guess."

"Then, A-Xian, could we meet again before our father arrives? Maybe early in the morning."

"If Madam Jiang wishes to meet me, of course."

Wuxian left shortly after. The pair of siblings had looked after him, waiting until the boy had turned a corner and could not be seen anymore. Wanyin had led his sister to their assigned Dormitory.

Meanwhile, Wuxian was making his way to the Jingshi, Wangji's bedroom. It was already pretty late to Gusu Lan standards, he needed to know if he had made the other upset. Wangji had never left his side without saying anything and it was bothering him. What if they were talking about something very important and he had disturbed them in Mingshi?

The boy stood outside of the Jingshi now. The curfew would start in a few minutes, but the boy was ready to take any kind of punishment later in the morning. He needed to know what he had done wrong.

"Lan Zhan..." Wuxian had knocked on the doors to the Quiet Room, speaking with a normal speaking volume. He only had to break one of the many rules, not two. "Lan Zhan, are you there?"

The boy had waited several minutes. Feeling sleepy, he guessed it was already time for him to be in bed, 9pm. Sadly he knew himself and knew that he couldn't sleep well. He could not tell what reason his brother must have for him to ignore Wuxian. He would ponder the whole night, hoping to find a reason.

"Lan Zhan... I'm sorry."

No response.

The boy in white felt tears building up at the corners of his eyes. He was feeling a bit desperate. Desperate to know what he did, what Wangji was thinking of him now and how he could fix this. And he was determined to stay outside of the Jingshi until his brother would be coming to talk to him.

He would be getting punished without a doubt. The curfew rule was one of the most important ones. It stood in the top 100 when it came to being a Lan and staying inside Cloud Recesses, no matter what your rank or position in the world was.

"Lan Zhan... I'm sincerely sorry for whatever I did. Please don't leave me."

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(Words: 1166)

AN



The cutest way to ask for an update BDFRQU443 ♡
I also have to add that I somehow can write more in a shorter time for this Fandom, than for any other. I personally find that kind of funny, because I have written Fanfictions for certain series that I have known for nearly 3-4 years... But The Untamed is something I have started in October 2020.

Anyway, stay safe.

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Chapter 8


That is sweet thank you, glidingshadow2 !!!
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Update request: wangxian198344
-No one's POV-

The following morning, Wuxian woke up earlier than usual. He felt slightly uncomfortable in the position he was, laying on his back with his legs straight and his hands above his covered stomach. He usually slept curled in on himself and on one of his sides. The mattress under him was kind of hard, it was not his own. The boy complained when he was younger on how he could not fall asleep in the usual Lan hard mattresses, they had bought him a softer one.

Confused, the Wei boy sat up. A white blanket falling from his chest and dropping into his lap. His head was still fuzzy, his sight still blurry but he could easily tell that this was not his room. Wuxian had his beloved black outer robe openly hanging on a wall, the right inner robe in red beside it. This room was lacking in colour.

Wuxian rubbed one of his eyes with a hand, the other supporting his sleepy body. Going by the bland choice of colour, he could safely say that he wasn't kidnapped and was still inside Cloud Recesses.

"Where exactly am I even...?"

After a few minutes of just scanning his surroundings and trying to adjust, his memories from the previous night came back. Rapidly both hands were shielding his now red face, his body leaning slightly to the front. The young man was embarrassed.
He remembered how he stubbornly waited in front of the Jingshi and how even the strict rules were not as important than seeing his friend.

"Lan Zhan... I'm sorry."

"Please don't leave me."

Taking in what he had said the night before, Wuxian just wanted to run from wherever he was. He did not know where to, maybe leave for the Back Mountain or for Caiyi Town. In Caiyi he could wander around and let his thoughts be forgotten. At the Back Mountain he could play with the Bunnies.

The Bunnies were Wangji's and his secret as pets weren't allowed inside of Cloud Recesses.

"But if I leave without saying anything... Lan Zhan is already upset with me..."

"Not upset with Wei Ying."

Wuxian was more or less taken aback but not entirely suprised. He should have guessed that was staying inside the Jingshi, Lan Wangji's room. He now also saw the seven-stringed Zither, Wangji, on top of a low table.
The youngest Lan stood by the door frame to his own room. The male musst have come in as the other was being embarrassed.

"You certainly were." The man with the red hairband let his legs on the ground, sitting with a straight back and locking eyes with gold-like ones. Wangji was starring at the seated one, holding a tray with food. He walked fully inside his room, closing the door behind him.
Wuxian had not taken his eyes of the taller, the Lan's face was in its regular emotionless facial appearance. But the Wei boy had spend most of his life around the other, he could easily tell the emotions his friend felt. The eyes were the key, they would always be a hint.

"You were ignoring me ever since I had entered the Mingshi." Wuxian wanted to yell his frustration out, wanted to let the other know how his actions affected the Wei boy. But like last night, he didn't need to break another rule. He had already broken one and had a punishment waiting for him. "You left me without saying anything, Lan Zhan. If you weren't upset with me, then why were you behaving like that?"

"Not upset. Protect A-Ying."

"Why protect? From young master Jiang or the disciples which came with him?"

Wangji left the questions open, taking the tray and setting it on a table near the bed. He placed its contents off, putting the tray away. He positioned the contents on the right places. While doing so his Uncle's words of 'advice' were haunting his mind.

"Wangji, you can't always protect Wuxian."

"What would you do if that boy were to find himself some friends? Would you chase them away and keep him to yourself?"

The Lan never wanted to leave the others side, it was never his intention, he never wanted to hurt the other with his actions. 'I am the one. I am protecting you from me.' Wangji didn't want to answer the smallers questions. If he did, he would only hurt the other with his words. And he could not lie about the matter, telling anything but the truth was prohibited.

"Breakfast. Come eat."

With a low sigh, Wuxian stood up and walked up his adoptive brother. They sat down at the same time, Wangji keeping his eyes anywhere but the person opposite of him and started eating. The Wei boy followed eating silently.
One should not talk while eating.

The Lan sect followed a certain diet when it came to food. What was sitting in front of both boys wasn't much but enough to keep them from starvation until the next meal. Wuxian had no appetite through. He only ate a bit of the rice and half of the vegetable like soup. His current mood didn't let him eat his share completely.

He sat there, waiting for the Lan to finish his own food before speaking. Wuxian was determined to find out what was wrong and he wouldn't leave the Jingshi until then.

"Lan Zhan... tell me what is wrong?"

Wangji responded with silence, taking a cup of still water and drinking it.

"A-Zhan." It was a nickname Wuxian rarely used as it remind the Lan boy of his deceased mother. The boy used it usually when it got personal between them, a situation like this. "Can you at least tell me why I was in your bed?"

"Wei Ying was asleep outside. Brought you inside to rest."

Wuxian could only smile at the response, whatever had happened yesterday it didn't seem to have caused something to happen in their relationship. But before he could counter that, Wangji continued.

"It was cold. A-Ying could have gotten sick. Need to be careful."

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(Words: 1034)

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Chapter 9
Update request: wangxian198344
-No one's POV-

After having finished their out of the ordinary breakfast together, as Wuxian often skips it to sleep slightly longer, the duo departed from the Jingshi. They had not said another word after their latest conversation. It was normal for Wangji as the boy was not one of many words. Wuxian was engrossed in his thoughts, looking at the ground they walked on, the last few moments were not what he was expecting.

"Not upset. Protect A-Ying."

He believed that the older was mad at him. He couldn't explain it in any other way, why would Wangji leave without notice?

"Need to be careful."

If the Wei boy could do as he wanted, he would hit his head against a random wall. Maybe then he could think clearly again. Maybe it was because he stayed up until late at night or as Wangji mentioned - the night before had treated him with cold winds, even if Wuxian did not care about it - maybe the cold was the cause of his disorganized mind.

The young Lan was a mysterious being, at least to Wuxian when he was still young, a mere child. He never could understand his first friend - as far as he could remember. Xichen could tell what his biological brother thought, no matter the situation. The Wei boy now believed to know what the other may be thinking, but the last 24 hours proved him wrong.

"Wei Ying." He could feel a force holding him back. The younger could do nothing as his adoptive brother held his arm, standing a meter away from himself, his long arm not fully outstretched. Wuxian looked at the older, but didn't dare to meet the others eyes. The Lan boy looked unbothered at the smaller, worry obvious in his gold-like eyes. "Speak."

Wangji didn't like the silence. Obviously, the young Lan never liked to speak much, not even around family and Wuxian. But he liked listening to his friends voice talking without a too long break.
This kind of stillness between them was bitter. Simply uncomfortable. The younger Jade Twin needed the other at his side but he also needed to hear the others voice to stay sane.

"Lan Zhan... are you, well are you sure that you are not, you know, mad at me?" Wuxian didn't know why, but for once he was feeling quite nervous. It was nothing new, but he hadn't had the need to be nervous ever since childhood. Cloud Recesses was his home, he didn't need to be on edge here. Yet he felt that way. "I mean, if not mad you would be definitely disappointed right? I did break one of the rules yesterday."

The smaller did not know what to say, he tried to think of all of his own wrongdoings in the last few hours. He tried to think of reasons for Wangji to me upset with him. Maybe it was because he had left the day before to visit Caiyi Town without the Lan. Maybe it was because Wuxian took his flute instead of his sword for protection. Maybe it was because of the Jiang Heir.

'No...' The Wei thought to himself. 'I should not drag young master Jiang into my problems...' He had looked back to the ground. The boy suspected if he were to stare at the older for much longer, he would break. He didn't want to be weak in front of his friend, not in an open place.

"A-Ying. Not mad. Not disappointed."

"Then what is wrong? Do you not trust me?"

"Want protect. Worried about Wei Ying."

"Lan Zhan, you know that I can protect myself if needed. But I would appreciate if you could show more trust and just tell me."

Wuxian was known to be kind to everyone around him. He loved to help the ones in need and treated everyone as an equal. It had happened that others took advantage for this, taken his helpfulness for granted. But even then he would appear to be cheerful, always trying to keep a smile on his face.

Now it was different. There was no smile. There was no eye contact. Wangji could only guess the others current mood Judging by the voice of Wuxian. It was hard. The younger knew how to act properly, how to hide his emotions behind a facade. It was hard because Wangji didn't know what to do. He wanted to help, have his smiling Wuxian back, but... he simply did not know how to do just that.

It got worse when the Wei boy pulled his arm away from the Lan and had just walked away. There was o eye contact, Wuxian was holding his head into the direction of the ground just like his eyes. Wangji could do nothing than just stand in the open, his arm slightly stretched out into the nothingness in front of him. He could only look after the retreating figure of his adoptive brother.

"Do you not trust me?"

He did trust the other. But he didn't want to put the other in obvious danger. Not if he could prevent it from happening.

"Wangji, you can't always protect Wuxian."

His uncle had been painfully right once again. He can't protect him. No when the other wanted to know what was going on.

"But I would appreciate if you could show more trust and just tell me."

Wuxian felt horrible. He knew he had hurt the older with what he said but the Lan needed to know. The younger had been kept in the dark for several years now. He could still remember the first time, the first time Xichen had practically lied to him. The time the Jade Twin's mother had passed away.
Wuxian didn't know her for too long, but she had been the only mother figure after his parents had left him. They had told him that she had left Cloud Recesses to visit distant relatives. And he had believed it until the time with Madam Lan had reached one whole month.

He had left Wangji standing. He had left the other without knowing where to next. It felt terrifying. He did not know what to do. Visit the rabits in the Back Mountain? Meet up with the Jiang siblings? Run away for Caiyi Town?

"Then, A-Xian, could we meet again before our father arrives?"

No he could not run away. He had promised Madam Jiang to meet up with her and her brother. Before their father, the Jiang Clan leader, would arrive. He knew that they had asked Wangji to be there no matter what, when the Clans would arrive. But Wuxian felt like he should also be attentive, he was part of the main Lan Family in a way.

The Wei boy halted his movements. It was still early in the morning. As Yanli had not mentioned a place for them to meet up, he would have to find them. He had hoped for both siblings to still be either near their Dormitory rooms or still inside of them. It would be a hassle to look throughout the whole estate of Cloud Recesses and it would not help his low spirits.
Although he had that in mind, Wuxian stayed still. He wanted to just, just leave. Not for too long, for others to worry about him, but long enough for his confused mind to calm down.

"No... I shouldn't think of that, I would probably bother someone." Wuxian headed to the Dormitory, head held low and his eyes not focusing on the path in front of him. His arms were held over cross, each hand gripping the opposite side. "I promised madam Jiang to meet up with her."

Having walked through Cloud Recesses without actually looking ahead, the Wei boy had on the spur of the moment walked against a tree. He had almost apologized and bowed to the object until he had actually looked in front of him. It was embarrassing. Looking around, he hoped for no one to have seen his mindless act. Unfortunately for him, he noticed to figures - one tall the other a bit shorter - standing a few meters away from the tree.

"A-Xian, what are you doing?"

"Ma-Madam Jiang... Young Mas-Master Jiang..."

It was embarrassing. Heat started to form on his face as Wanyin started laughing at him, Yanli trying to hide the urge to join her brother too. He tried to hide behind the plant, not wanting to embarrass himself any further. He had already done so more than once in the last 24 hours.

"Wuxian, how could you walk straight into that poor tree? What if you had hurt it?"

"Young master Jiang, you are so mean." Wuxian came out from behind the tree and moved closer to where the siblings from Yunmeng stood.

"Wanyin."

"What?"

"Call me Wanyin."

"Young master Jiang, I simply can't. The rules are to be followed, one punishment is enough, I wouldn't want to double it."

"Than at least call me that when we are alone. We are friends, are we not?" The Jiang heir huffed. He didn't like it if others were unnecessary formal with him. He wanted to know more about the adopted boy in front of him, and not in a creepy way. He would rather befriend him instead of letting others search the other up like they would with an enemy.

"Young- Wanyin then." Wuxian shyly let out, a small smile present on his face and the previous events forgotten for now.

Yanli smiled at the interaction. She had proven her younger brother that the Wei could be a potential friend. Her brother was not good in befriending others mostly because of his short temper and his lack in showing his emotions freely. Wuxian seemed like a nice person. "A-Xian, let's go sit somewhere and than talk."

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(Words : 1653)

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Chapter 10
Update request: wangxian198344
-No one's POV-

Three youths could been seen walking away from the main part of Gusu's Cloud Recesses and towards the Back Mountain. The adopted Lan was leading the two cultivators from Yunmeng Jiang, keeping mostly quite. Yanli had noticed his behavior as it was the same like the night before. Her brother had also taken notice of the unexpected behavior.

Wanyin had heard stories about the Lan Clan since he was just a toddler, not knowing anything about the world. He remembered rumors about the strictness and the heavy silence from Lan cultivators. He was quite glad after having met the Wei boy. Wuxian seemed like nothing he had heard before, being cheerful and kind hearted.

The silence radiating of the younger felt wrong and it worried both Jiangs.

"A-Xian, could you tell us where we are going?"

"Madam Jiang, we are going to a place were we are going to have as much privacy as needed." The male answered the question, trying to sound cheerful. He felt blessed to have been walking ahead of the other two, Wuxian didn't know if he could muster a smile with his thoughts swirling around in his head. "No need to worry, I won't let you get hurt or in trouble."

"Oi, Wuxian. Are you okay?"

Mentioned teenager stopped moving, not knowing how to react. He disliked to bother others with his emotions and feelings of discomfort. Xichen always told him that it was alright and that he would lend the younger an ear if he needed it. Wangji could tell apart the smallers faked cheerful expressions from the real ones, most of the times. But these two weren't here. And he was slightly happy the latter was not around him now.

"Do you not trust me?"

He was genuinely disturbed to even think about the older not trusting him. They had spend nearly their whole life together. The Wei boy knew that there have been a ton of things he wasn't told in the past and most things have still been not explained. It was childish in a way. He knew that his adoptive family has kept a great amount of information away from him, to get worked up over another one is simply childish.

"You- Ah, Wanyin. Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm just thinking about something."

"A-Xian you can talk to us, only if you want."

Yanli smiled at the other, knowing that he won't even see it. It was the thought that counted. Even if she got to know the younger the day before, she sees them as a younger sibling. She could feel it in her bones that Wuxian was upset.

"Wei Ying, Wangji left with Uncle."
"I didn't notice..."

'Maybe it has something to do with what happened yesterday...' The female analyzed in her mind. The boy was very distracted after they had left the Yashi with Sect leader Lan. 'Maybe A-Xian and Second Young Master Lan got into an argument...'

"Anyway, we don't have to walk all too long until we reach it."

Wuxian continued on, leaving the siblings standing for a short while. They were both worried for the smaller. They didn't know the youth for too long and could not tell if they should rather approach him, speak to one of his adoptive family members or leave him alone for a while. Everyone deals differently with certain situations, how the smaller would is the bigger problem.

Shortly after, the small group of three reached Wuxian's favorite place in the whole of Cloud Recesses, the place were the rabbits lived. He had found them when he was still new to Gusu and the Lan Clan, only Wangji knows about it. It was their secret. Wuxian had repeatedly visited them, mostly when he felt lonely or upset. He rarely showed that side of him, wanting to be as joyful as possible. He would think he was a bother to the ones around him if he were to be honest from time to time.

"Here we are! My special place!"

The smile he had on his face as he turned to the Jiangs was heartwarming. He was truly happy in that moment. Having seen the rabbits for only a few seconds, the boy's mood lifted immediately. They were his comfort person - animal.

"Here, Madam Jiang. Take him."

"Thank you, A-Xian. Please call me Senior Sister."

The former smile changed into a smaller one. He wouldn't look the young woman into her eyes, staring onto the white innocent bunny in her hands. He swiftly sat down, taking one for himself and placed it on his lap. He gestured for the other two to also sit, it would be rude to let his guests and potential friends to be left standing while he himself was sitting down.

"Wanyin, you can pet one too. They do not bite."

"Wuxian, isn't there a rule against pets?"

"There is."

"Then... aren't you breaking it?"

"Ah, young master Jiang, so innocent." The Wei boy laughed lightly at the now embarrassed face of the other. It felt good. To have a conversation with others his age, and not from Gusu Lan or Caiyi Town. "They are not pets. They are wild rabbits, they have been living here even before I got here."

"The Lan Clan took me in when I was younger."

"That reminds me, A-Xian. You have mentioned before that you aren't from here and that you got taken in."

"That's right. Uncle Qiren had taken me in, even if it had been forced in a way." He shyly smiled, looking at the bunny on his lap. It was the only one colored black. He had felt bad for the old man back then, Qiren had to adopt the younger in order to bring his youngest nephew back home. "But that is a story for another time."

"Wuxian, I want to ask you something..."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Then, where hav-"

"Wei Ying. Brother wants you at the gate. Other clans are near." Wangji stood a bit far, knowing Wuxian was still upset with him.

"Of course." His voice changed instantly, his cheerful tone vanishing into a cold one. He sat the black animal back on the ground, standing up and left without another word. He had walked past the Lan without looking at him once.

Wangji would have to ask for his brother's help later on, he didn't want the Wei to stay this way for too long. The Lan looked up at the siblings from Yunmeng. He had barely interacted with them and even threatened the younger one with his sword. Maybe this was another reason on why Wuxian was having trust issues with the Lan right now.

"Young Master Jiang, Madam Jiang. If you would like, I could walk you back."

"Second Young Master Lan, if it is alright we would like to go to the entrance of Cloud Recesses. Our father should arrive today too."

"Of course."

The younger Twin Jade was not good with social interactions. He placed his hands together in front of him and slightly bowed, not fully - halfway. He turned back, hearing rustling from behind he slowly started walking to where his brother would be at. The Jiangs were following him, Wanyin with a frown visible on his face.

They had now reached the white buildings, leaving mother nature behind them. A few disciples clothed in white were walking around, in small groups - never alone for safety.

"Second Young Master Lan, I do not want to intrude on personal matters, but do you know if something happened yesterday with A-Xian? He seemed quite distracted."

"My fault. Made him upset."

Yanli had heard how infamous the others emotionless facade was. From his facial expression to his voice, it was said to be blank and void of any emotion. But she could hear it in the Lan boy's voice clearly. He was hurt and sad. Whatever may have happened, Wangji blamed himself for it. And he was sincere about it.

"Whatever may have happened, I am sure A-Xian is not the type of person to hold grudges."

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(Words: 1360)

AN

I want to thank everyone up until now for supporting this fanfiction. But I'd like to ask to not post requests for an update the day I upload one. Please.

Anyway, there has been more talking in this chapter.

And I want to ask a question. What are you reading on Wattpad at the moment (on Mo Dao Zu Shi Fanfictions)?
I haven't found any new ones that have caught my attention, and I'd like to read something new instead of the usual three or four I go back.
I am not going to force anybody, it is a voluntary question.

Stay safe and healthy.

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Chapter 11
Update request: YukiCrosszeria4, wangxian198344
-No one's POV-

As the Lan boy and the two Jiangs arrived at the entrance gate to Cloud Recesses, they saw a glimpse of a amber colored robe. They had moved to where Xichen stood with his uncle and Wuxian.
The coming disciples in yellow were still a few steps away, meaning Wangji had arrived in time. He had nearly forgotten about his conversation with his family.

"Wangji, I'm glad you made it in time."

"I apologize."

"Wangji, no need for apologies. You are here and that is what's important." Qiren was not sure why but his voice and how he worded his sentence - it was quite soft. He hadn't been like this since the death of his brothers wife. It was unusual. He quickly averted his view of sight from his nephew to one of the invited Clan guest disciples. The Jin Sect from Lanling.

The Lan boy bowed to the elder and walked to stand with his older brother. Both were suprised by the warm tone their uncle had spoken in, but didn't let it show.
Yanli and her brother moved a bit back, they weren't related to the Gusu Lan Sect in anyway and weren't supposed to stand beside them, at least not now. It would have been rude.

The chosen disciples from the Jin Clan arrived at the gate, seeing four people clad in pure white. Three of them wearing their sacred headband. The heir of the sect, Jin Zixuan, assumed the fourth one was simply a junior disciple or a trusted servant. He had not met one from the Lan Clan and didn't trust into the beliefs of mere people - people who are not cultivators. There could be misunderstandings happening if he were to.

"The Gusu Lan Sect welcomes the Lanling Jin Sect." The four in white bowed in a polite manner, even if not everyone was mentally aware of the current situation. They knew what was happening - sort of - but they just couldn't concentrate enough to listen to what has been said.

As time passed, more and more young cultivators stepped through the gates of Cloud Recesses. The Nie Clan arrived shortly after the Jin disciples. Xichen was happy to see a familiar face, the younger brother of one of his only closest friends. Nie Huaisang had also been to Cloud Recesses before, back than he was also send as a student to learn.
Surprisingly both groups have arrived without their Sect leader, even through the information letter for the studies had mentioned that detail.

"Young Master Nie, can I ask where your brother is at?" The Lan Clan Leader asked the younger. Both had been quite close, one could say as close as friends could be. Xichen has been putting the same amount of trust on the Nie brothers as he did with Wuxian and Wangji.

"Ah, my brother had met Sect Leader Jiang in the Inn we were staying for the night. I believe they will be arriving later on together."

"Thank you for the information. I hope Cloud Recesses won't be a hassle for you,  you weren't quite happy when you were here last time."

The usual smile didn't fade off Xichen's face. He hoped for the younger to not feel too pressured, he had found the Nie boy crying near the Back Mountain back than. Huaisang developed some kind of fear, he didn't want to dissatisfy or disappoint his older brother. Sadly the younger could not keep up with the lessons, pushed himself too hard and had failed most of the exams.

"Don't remind me of the past." Huaisang left the older, pouting as he went.

Xichen sighed, he looked over to where his brother stood and didn't know how to proceed. The younger had tried to keep his infamous cold facial expression but had failed with doing so without noticing himself. His eyes were the most obvious part of it. They held worry, pain and sympathy.
Looking over to Wuxian, the older did his best at concealing his suprise. Of course he had observed the silence the other was emitting, it was unusual. It was as if the two friends had exchanged their characters beforehand as Wuxian had a blank expression plastered on his face.

The young Clan Leader turned back to his brother, he assumed his adoptive brother would not answer him. Or not in the way he wanted the other to. But he would never say that out loud or to anyone, Assumptions are prohibited in Cloud Recesses. Instead he moved his body to face his younger, blood related brother.

"Wangji... did something happen between you and Wei Ying?"

"Do you know if something happened yesterday with A-Xian?"

"Is it that obvious, brother?"

"Well, I have been good at analyzing you since childhood."

"Madam Jiang had asked earlier too."

"Is that so... Wangji, how about we talk later on? Just us two." Xichen watched as his brother nodded his head. It was confusing but also concerning. Over the last few years - the years Wuxian had lived with the Lan Clan - both youths had never gotten into a disagreement. Wangji had always been around the Wei boy but since yesterday it seemed as if the older forced himself to keep a certain distance from Wuxian.

-Time Skip-

Later on the three missing Clan Leaders arrived at Cloud Recesses. The disciples of each Clan had gone to their Dormitory rooms to rest, only the main Lan Family with Wuxian had stayed the gates. All three cultivators were formally greeted by the four clothed in white. The three invited ones were led to their own guest rooms by a senior disciple each.

"Brother Huan, Uncle Qiren, Wangji. I'll take my leave now."

'Wangj- he had never done that.' The Lan boy was saddened on how his friend had called him. It was the first time - it was always Lan Zhan. And the bland expression and cold tone of the others voice broke Wangji's heart even more. He had really made the other upset to receive such treatment, huh?

But before he could say anything, Wuxian had already left. Wangji wanted to stop the smaller, stretching his right arm out towards Wuxian. For an unknown reason his arm length was too short and his legs wouldn't move. Standing practically frozen, hand hanging in the air, Wangji felt like breaking down.

"Do you not trust me?"

"But I would appreciate if you could show more trust and just tell me."

It seemed as if his wish to protect Wuxian from any kind of danger had risked his relationship with the boy.

"Wangji..."

"Brother, what have I done?"

"Wangji, you did nothing wrong." Xichen took hold of the youngers arm, gently pushing it down. He had looked from his brother back to their uncle. The young man only had to lock eyes with the elder for the man to know what to do. Xichen wanted to take Wangji to a more private area, letting Qiren take control of the Clan for the time being. "Come on."

Both Lan brothers left, leaving Qiren to stare at their retreating figures with soft eyes filled with worry. It was the first time for the elder man to see his nephew in such a state, close to tears and barely focusing on everything going on around himself.
The man wondered if his words of advice from the day before were taken too seriously and had been the first step for the disagreement between the Wei and the Lan.

"Would you chase them away and keep him to yourself?"

"You can't always protect Wuxian."
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(Words: 1272)

AN



I wanna thank everyone for supporting this fanfiction up until now. ^^
I was actually afraid that it would not get all that much attention seeing as there aren’t a lot of Mo Dao Zu Shi Fanfictions out there (in my opinion).

Stay safe and healthy.

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Chapter 12
Update request: wangxian198344
-No one's POV-

"Father, may we come in?"

A female voice could be listened to from inside a rather spacious room. A guest room. One designed especially for higher ranked ones. It was quite plain, the usual white everywhere, the decor was kept simple and to a minimum but it gave off a elegant undertone.

"A-Li, who else is with you?"

Yanli stood with her brother and another before the doors to her fathers room. Both siblings were wearing the given robes, white robes with the Yunmeng Jiang Lotus embodiment on one side. As students of the Gusu Lan Sect they are expected to be wearing them. It was like a signature in a way and a way to tell under whose protection they are now under.

"Father, A-Cheng and a friend are here with me."

"Come in."

Jiang Fengmian, The current leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, stood from a nearby table. He had been hesitant on sending both of his children away from home to study at Cloud Recesses. He wasn't too close with both of them and had barely time to spend with them. But they were invited and it would have been seen as utterly impolite to discard it.

Another factor - at least since now - would be that there could be a chance for his children to befriend others, others from different Clans. It would seem like it had worked, going by what his daughter mentioned before entering his room.

"It is good to see you, Father." Both of his children bowed their heads as a greeting. They had walked a bit into the room before stopping - waiting for the third to enter.

To say the elder was shocked would be the right expression to call it, i could be seen on his face clearly. But who could blame him? It was not everyday that one of the Lan disciples were to enter ones room. They were known to follow strict rules - to be rather hard to approach and befriend. And Fengmian would have missed it, a small detail, if the boy in white would not have bowed as a greeting. A red hairband.

"This one greets Clan Leader Jiang."

Fengmian coughed a bit to control his facial expression once again, he didn't want to appear rude in any way. The young boy stood up, back perfectly straight, shortly after the act. The still unknown boy, in the Clan leader's case, was trying to not let his inner turmoil be shown on the outside. He didn't need others to question him, worry about him. Fortunately for him, the boy was an excellent actor and could hide it easily with a smile.

"Young man, what is your name?"

"I am called Wei Wuxian, Clan Leader Jiang."

'Wei-'

"Wei Wuxian... what are your parents names?"

"Clan Leader Jiang... that is very personal. Why would you like to know such information?"

'Ah... I shouldn't be so direct on the first meeting.' Sadly that realization came a bit late for the Jiang. Asking such a question was truly insensitive. He looked from the boy to his children, them looking in between him and the other. He sighed, hitting himself on the inside for not thinking twice, before going back to Wuxian.

"Please forgive my ignorance. I was simply wondering as your name has Wei in it. A good friend of mine had the same one."

"Please do not apologize Clan Leader Jiang." The Wei boy was too formal in the olders opinion. There was no need for it. Thinking once again, Cloud Recesses was quite strict in any aspect. He wouldn't be astonished to find a rule about politeness and respect towards elders. "And to answer your question. Well-"

"A-Xian, I am sorry to interfere but why don't we sit down and than continue?"

"Ah, I completely forgot about it. Please sit down."

Fengmian gestured over to the table he had been sitting by before. His daughter went beside the seemingly smaller boy and they had walked over together. The Jiang heir had already been seated, the Clan Leader sitting down beside him. As Yanli and Wuxian neared the table, the older took the other seat beside her father. The Wei had been forced to sit opposite of the Jiang head.

"Please continue, Wuxian."

"Of course, Sect Leader Jiang. To your earlier question, I'm sorry but I do not remember much about my past, mostly the time with my parents."

"Say, have you ever been to Yunmeng?"

"I have trouble recalling my childhood memories from when I was still with my parents."

Wanyin could remember the night before, maybe they should have stopped their father from questioning the younger about his parents or Wuxian from answering them. The said boy was looking at the wooden table, head held low. He was visibly uncomfortable. The Jiang boy moved his sight of view from the Wei to his father.
Fengmian was in a slight panic. He had asked a very insensitive question and made a friend of his children upset.

"I'm sorry, Wei Wuxian. I shouldn't have asked."

"Please do not apologize Clan Leader Jiang."

"No, you could not have known it anyway."

"Wuxian, my father clearly made you upset. At least try to be mad at him, and don't start with your crazy rules again."

"Young Master Jiang, as far as I am concerned, no one actually knows what happened to my parents. Because of my lack of memory, I couldn't tell if my parents had simply left me in that village or if they had died. Growing up, both on the streets of Yilling and here in Gusu, I got over their disappearance. There is no need to be upset."

The smile was fake. The smile on Wuxian's face was fake. It did hurt. He missed his parents and he hated himself for forgetting their faces, their voices, their names. He was glad for the Lan family for taking care of him and adopting him into their family. He should be thankful and grateful, but he still felt like a burden from time to time. Wuxian couldn't stop that feeling.

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(Words: 1030)

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Chapter 13
Update request: wangxian198344, Kri0307, YukiCrosszeria4
-No one's POV-

Wuxian had left the private guest room of the Clan leader soon afterward, not wanting to let basically newcomers see his lowest. He disliked the feeling around his family, he would not start doing it in front of a random person. To add, the silence was quite distressing. The Wei boy felt like he wouldn't get enough air in his lungs unless he would leave.

Being the polite person he is, Wuxian had apologized for having to leave but refusing to say exactly why. He couldn't explain it. If he were to mention that the first conversation he had with the Jiang Clan leader was pretty upsetting for the boy, he would definitely won't be taking seriously. He would probably break another rule depending on the person who would also hear of this. To respect the elders.

"At least try to be mad at him..."

How could he?
Growing up in Gusu had it's positive but also negative sides. Looking back, having been adopted by the Lan Family was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He was cared for, found a friend, found a family. Most importantly, Wuxian wouldn't have to worry about getting enough food for himself to survive.
But one of the first rules the elders of Cloud Recesses had forced upon the young boy, was to not show unnecessary emotions. It was better if he were to show as little as possible, like Wangji.

Wuxian couldn't get angry. He may have been at some point in his life, but if he was once he couldn't remember it now.

That rules had been the reason why the Wei boy liked to visit Caiyi Town or just leave the grounds of Cloud Recesses for a few hours. Once outside, he could freely walk around, he could let his emotions get the better of him.

"You were ignoring me ever since I had entered the Mingshi."

Yes, Wuxian had been upset with Wangji. In all honesty he still was. But the only thing he could was keep calm and ignore it. Just like earlier when they had greeted the guest disciples at the entrance gate.
It may be his character and how he lives his life, but Wuxian had always disliked fighting. Not fighting to protect himself and others, but to him unnecessary fighting. As example he could only think back to his time on the streets in Yilling. Back than he would ask a big amount of people for food, but would avoid those who showed a negative reaction to his questions and needs.

After having walked without looking, the boy arrived at the small cross road leading to the back mountain, and stopped for a few minutes. He didn't know how he had gotten so far without missing a step or having walked into someone or something. Or how no one had approached him.
People loved to meddle with affairs which are not their own. He had his fair share of that one, maybe a reason Wangji had been around him as long as he had.

'Maybe... Lan Zhan is fed up with me...' If the boy himself had heard the other say these words out loud- no. Wangji was already upset and probably disappointed with him, there was no need to think like that.

The boy sighed as he looked around, turning in a small circle. He could not spot another person nor spiritual energy. Only the white elegant buildings, and the limited nature inside of Cloud Recesses. There were birds flying around, letting others hear their voices. Other than that, it was very silent. It was suspicious even for a sect who avoided noise.

"I don't feel like worrying about this now. I'm probably overthinking it once again." Wuxuan left to go to the back mountain, to the hidden rabbits. It hadn't been all too long since his last visit, but they had a calming effect on the youth. He could talk about everything and anything, let his emotions out, and they wouldn't interfere. Not like they actually could to begin with.

"A-Xian you can talk to us, only if you want."

"Madam Jiang... I'm not sure if that is what she actually meant."

The boy said as he sat down with his favorite bunny, holding it in front of his own face gently. The animal could do nothing but to let the human hold him.
The rabbit also favored the Wei boy instead of the Lan. The animal liked the smaller human and had felt like a protector of some sorts. Wuxian often came and complained, the bunny had always listened to him.

"Maybe she only said so to be nice. Lan Zhan did say that others would take advantage of my kindness. But..."

"At least try to be mad at him, and don't start with your crazy rules again."

"Ah... I don't know anymore. Why does everything have to be so confusing and complicated?" Wuxian didn't expect a reply, how could he? The animal couldn't talk to him, he doubted if they could even understand what he had said to them over the past few years.

Sometimes he would like a reply.

"A-Ying."

Sometimes forgetting that he was accompanied with the presence of a herd or animals, Wuxian would ask questions.

"A-Ying."

Questions that required answers. Answers he needed to be told or else his mind would tell him what was wrong, what was right. Black and white. Where starts the difference?

"Wuxian, I want to ask you something..."

"What did Wanyin want to ask earlier...?"

"A-Ying."

Being pulled out of his thoughts, he finally registered the voice. A voice he grew up with. Someone who tried to be positive about every possible situation, trying his best to help when needed.
Wuxian didn't notice when two slim but strong arms circled his waist before holding on tight. He didn't notice how he had first tensed but shortly after relaxed in the hold. Something he needed. Something a bunny could also not give him.

"A-Ying, are you okay?"

That was all he needed. Someone who seemed to care was enough.

Turning around, after having got the arms around him loose enough, the Wei boy wrapped his own arms around the older ones neck. He laid his head on the shoulder and collarbone on his left side. He didn't care at this moment. It was something he needed desperately. Not like the sudden downpour of tears could have been stopped and forced away.

Wuxian cried. The Lan let the younger do as he pleased.

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(Words: 1105)

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Chapter 14
Update request: Kri0307, wangxian198344
-No one's POV-

"A-Ying, are you okay?"

The Lan hadn't received a verbal response, but a head turning from right to left. Having sighed at the reaction of the younger, the person tightened the hold, using one hand to draw circles on Wuxian's back. The touches were kept gentle, wanting to comfort the crying youth.

"A-Ying, tell m- tell me what is bothering you."

The voice was warm, hesitant. It felt familiar, the way they had spoken his name, but it would not have been possible.

Wuxian sniffed, pulling away from the hold softly and slowly. He tried the last few droplets of tears away with his sleeve. After having finished his small task, a few tears couldn't be stopped right away, the boy in white looked toward to person.
At that he noticed the gentleness he had felt came from a woman standing in front of him. She wore white, not like Gusu Lan, more like mourning clothing. Her hair wasn't kept together by accessories or even a band. But her hairstyle wasn't messy, it looked quite beautiful.

"Who are you?"

"Aiya, has my little sunshine already forgotten me?"

She laughed a bit, her eyes closing and her robe-covered had was placed in front of her mouth, wanting to hide it a bit. The person, Wuxian was sure she was a Lan. Over the years, had not met a lot of people and even fewer that were female, but they all acted like the one in front of him. He was told that it would be very rude for a woman to laugh openly and loudly.

"A-Ying."

"Miss... I-"

"Aiya, A-Ying, no need to be formal. You can call me Wuming."

The female analyzed the others facial expression after her harmless demand. The rules of Cloud Recesses were very strict and that old man Qiren made sure that everyone was following them. But... she had hoped for Wuxian to not be too fixed on them.

She could remember all the moments she had spent with the youth when he was still a child. He was quite carefree and liked to have fun, even if it meant for him to break a rule or two. With his arrival, Wuxian brought more light and a feeling of warmth into the cold, strict Gusu Lan Sect. Her nickname for him was sunshine. Little sunshine.

When the boys eyes widened, switching between random objects, she knew that he won't do it. He would not call her by her name.

"Miss, I cannot do that." Wuxian bowed to her, hands held together, as an apology. "That would be rude of me."

"Call me Wanyin."

What was with people these days? Why did they all want him to call them by their name, to be rude towards them? Maybe it was something the people liked to do. To be more open-minded and to show more kindness to others.

"A-Ying, tell me what's troubling you. Come and sit next to me."

The woman sat down, taking a white bunny in her arms. Wuxian hesitated at first. He didn't know this person but she knew him, maybe he simply forgot?
She didn't look like she would harm him, but he was told to not trust easily. His sword laid in his room, together with his flute. He would have to trust his instincts and strength if she would do something to him.
Skeptical, he sat down by the rabbits. He left two arms length of space between him and the female, just to be safe.

"How can I trust you?"

"My little sunshine... A-Zhan had been too protective, huh? You can trust me, I won't hurt you."

"A-Zhan? You know Lan Z- Wangji?" Wuxian was still upset, not as much as before but he wasn't over it. The crying and the comfort from this woman had helped.

"Yes... Sadly, not as much or as long you have, my little sunshine. But I guess you aren't a child anymore, sunshine."

"Why do you keep calling me sunshine? Have met before? I am very sorry if I had forgotten you, miss."

"No, we didn't meet directly and we had not known of each others existence for long." Wuming said with longing in her voice, her eyes turning sad in a moment. She kept holding the bunny, sometimes petting its smooth fur, her stare focused on a tree in front of her.
The boy in white didn't know what to do. He made this unknown female sad. He felt like he just let another person down, he felt guilty.

Looking around him, he noticed how none of the other rabbits had hopped in the direction of the lady, they kept a distance from her.
Before Wuxian could do or say anything to try to cheer up the woman, a shout rang through the mountain. He looked up, stood up instantly and turned to where it came from.

He could make out silhouettes of a few human beings walking slow. The shouting came from them. As not many knew of this secret spot and only members of Gusu Lan were allowed to step on it, unless given permission. They must be searching for something or someone.

Wuxian looked back. Nothing. There was nothing there. The woman disappeared into thin air, the animal she was holding was now placed there were she had been seated. He turned around, hoping to see the flow of her pristine white robes somewhere, but no.

"WUXIAN!"

Going back to the silhouettes, he could make out the Jiang siblings with the Lan siblings.

"Wei Ying..."

"Lan Zhan..."

The three stopped a few feet away, Wangji ran up to the smaller hugging him. It was unusual. The young Lan would soldem do anything that would go against the rules they grew up with. Yet here he was. He had been running until he tightly hugged him. His face showed his worry openly.

"Lan Zhan, I'm sorry."

"There is no need for 'sorry's and 'thank you's between us, Wei Ying."

Wuxian wrapped his arms around his friend and brother, new found tears falling from his eyes. Wangji wasn't angry or upset with him, the smaller noticed. He was purely worried for the other.

"I'm sorry."

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(Words: 1048)

AN

Thank you for all the support up until now, and the small support on my other fanfiction for this Fandom (even if it still has no description and only a few chapters).



I guess neither of you were right, nobodysheresorry and shadiamondsgold8. But it was cute.
I hope it could be clear who I meant and that it was okay to bring this character in like this.

Wúmíng (無名) - Nameless

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Chapter 15
Update request: wangxian198344, Kri0307, JoylynnHuang, yoonkiiity
-No one's POV-

"Are you alright, Wei Ying?"

"Lan Zhan~"

The boy had not been left alone. Wangji made sure to be by the others side at all times - he couldn't risk losing his friend and brother. It hurt even thinking about it. After they had found Wuxian with the bunnies, the group walked back. As lunch time had passed without the Wei boy noticing, the group of four went to eat dinner together. Wuxian wanted to spent some more time with his newfound friends and who was Wangji to say no to that?

As of now they were seated around a table, one that was barely enough to fit them all. A Jiang and a Lan disciple had volunteered to go and bring the small group their share of the food. Although Wuxian had tried to argue back. He had a healthy body, he could go and bring back his own dinner. The hand holding his own didn't let go through.

"Lan Zhan, I swear I am fine. You worry too much."

"Made A-Ying upset."

"No... that was my fault..."

The Jiangs could only watch the two with curiosity but also confusion. Yanli had already noticed the younger acting unusual the day before - unusual from what she could tell. Her brother would have put the blame on their father. He had asked inappropriate questions which made the Wei boy obviously uncomfortable, upset. Maybe that just added fuel to the fire.

The female took notice of the behavior the young Lan has shown them. He seemed quite protective over Wuxian. He had been in distress when he couldn't find the other, breaking his Clans rules without thinking twice. Running around, nearly yelling. Now holding Wuxians hand and the soft gleam in his eyes while he looked at the boy.

If she would have seen the two outside of Cloud Recesses and without knowing their past, she would have thought they were courting each other.
But those two were friends - and family throughout adoption.

"May I ask why A-Xian was upset earlier?"

"I would appreciate if you could show more trust and just tell me."

"Madam Jiang... you needn't worry about this one. It wasn't important."

Wuxian was an excellent actor. If this was a great talent or simply a bad habit was debatable. Ever since young, Wuxian liked to keep his problems to himself - feeling as if he were to bother someone else if he were to let everything out. The boy did not have any worry the female would question him any further. Or at least for now.

Wangji looked at the one beside him, still holding the small hand, as said person turned to the entrance of the dining hall. He was waiting for the two disciples to return. The young Lan knew. Speech was prohibited while dining at Cloud Recesses. He knew the other was going to be making good use of this specific rule. Because than no one could question him.

The Jiang heir wanted to say something. It was very clear - noticeably written in his face as he starred at Wuxian. His sister had been worried for the boy - he himself also. He wanted to ask so many things, question many more. But... Wanyin didn't want to upset the other any more than he was already. And no one could convince him of the opposite, Wuxian was definitely upset about something. Yanli told him so too.

After nothing but silence, the Jiang was getting anxious and inpatient. He snapped when Wuxian turned his head to the entrance.

"Was it something my father said, Wuxian?"

Wanyin watched as the Wei turned his head slightly, as if he had to think before he was to face him, and than more into his direction. At first the grey eyes were blank, empty. His expression held no emotion. Very unlike for Wuxian - Wanyin concluded even with only knowing the other for barely two days. It was enough to know that Wuxian was rather high spirited than his current mood.

Wuxian only help this kind of facial expression up for mere seconds. It instantly vanished into a warm smile with gentle eyes. It was like a switch had been done - like a talisman had been put upon the other to mask his expressionless appearance.

"Sect Leader Jiang did nothing wrong, young master Jiang. Your father does not need to be blamed."

"BUT IT WAS INSENSITIVE!"

"Young master Jiang, please refrain from yelling."

"Lan-"

"Speech is prohibited while dining."

Before the male could defend or even question everything, the two disciples arrived at their table, barely managing to hold up everything for the four cultivators. As they set everything down, Wanyin was somewhat embarrassed. He unknowingly broke one or even two rules in his short stay in Cloud Recesses.

He internally debated if he should speak up and apologize for not thinking about the rules set in literal stone or to just stay silent.

Closing his eyes, the Jiang sighed and decided to just keep his mouth shut. He looked back at the Wei. The boy bowed as much as he could while staying seated, presenting a warm smile. The Jiang and Lan disciple left in different directions, going back to their respective friend groups. Wanyin began overthinking. It was like a hobby - it was only happening in his mind through. No matter how concerned or confident he may be about a certain subject, the heir had always problems in expressing those feelings and his own thoughts the right way.

Wanting to put his focus on something else - he looked away. His eyes found interest in the food placed in two bowls in front of him. Plain rice and vegetable soup.

'This is going to be hell. I'm used to nothing but spices and meat.'

Yanli too was a bit hesitant on eating her served food. She could survive without meat or the regular spices they used in Yunmeng. But it wasn't easy.
She was definitely going to eat anything they had to offer. She was never a picky Eater and wasn't going to start with it now.

Wangji and Wuxian ate in silence while the other two still hesitated. The taller often stole small glances to his brother, to make sure he was okay. To make sure was still there.

The Wei noticed the hesitation in Wanyins movements. Why the other acted this way was unknown to the boy. Sure the soup with the rice was a bit bland for his taste, but eventually he got used to it. Not that he had a choice in the matter. If he wanted to be adopted by the Lan Sect he had to adapt to their food preferences.

"Young master Jiang, is something wrong?" He asked as quietly as possible, loud enough for the other to hear.

Wanyin raised an eyebrow at that. Wasn't he the one to mention said rule - to not speak? What was he doing talking or whispering to him?

"Just not used to this."

"It is not as bad as it seems. You get used to it in no time."

The Jiang boy looked skeptical. His eyes swiftly switched over to Wangji. Simply to see if the other were to mention something about the clearly broken rule.

But nothing.

"Why are you even asking? Weren't you the one that said to not speak?"

"Pft. I'm already getting punished, this nothing."

"Wei Ying."

"Alright, Alright. I'll stay quiet."

Dinner took longer than it should have in the Jiangs opinion. The forced silence definitely played a huge part in it.

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(Words: 1269)

AN

I am sorry it took so long. And I don't think school can be used as a good excuse...
Anyway, stay safe and healthy.