#we have lady jiang to thank for that

[undercover-stories]

I love Jiang Cheng as a character, but I lost a lot of respect for him when he saw that Wen Qing and Wen Ning needed help and did nothing.

[shanastoryteller]

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to open prompts! Could i ask for some lady mo, or anything with wei wuxian? He’s my fave!

a continuation of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

When one of the servants A-jie had brought with her when she married catches his eye and then disappears, Jiang Cheng’s stomach drops.

He leaves Shuchun to deal with the official mingling, which earns him a dirty look, but he refuses to feel bad about it. Wang Yan is hovering at the edges and either she or Jin Ling will save her from any truly obnoxious conversations.

He makes his way to his sister’s rooms, knocking twice before pushing inside. “What’s going on?”

The first person he sees is Jiang Xingyi, which is never good, but A-jie appears whole and healthy. She grabs his arm with both hands, pulling him close before whispering, “Would you be able to get genkwa before the end of the night hunt?”

“Yes,” he says, even though doing it without getting caught is going to be nearly impossible. What his sister needs, she gets. “How far along?”

She doesn’t look any different to him, but then again she never does. But if she needs it before the end of the night hunt, she must have caught it late this time.

This isn’t the first time he’s needed to do this.

A-jie’s body might not be able to handle another birth. He knows that she wants a big family, but none of them are willing to risk her life for another child.  

Well, he and Jin Zixuan aren’t. Jin Guangshan and Madam Jin would do it gladly, which is why they can never, ever know of the times he’s had to smuggle the crushed purple little flowers into her hands.

“It’s not for me,” she says which leaves him blinking. “Maybe we won’t need it, but she won’t stop crying, and I don’t want to offer her something that I can’t carry through on. You’re sure?”

“Yes,” he says, “but who are we talking about?”

If it’s A-jie, everything has to be handled with the utmost secrecy, only Jiangs, Jin Zixuan, and Jin Guangyao privy to her condition. But a servant girl or even a noble’s daughter doesn’t garner enough attention to warrant their normal subterfuge.

A-jie gives him a look so full of grief that he’s already reaching for her before she turns and crosses over to the entrance to her private bath. She knocks then leans against the door, “Meimei, can you come out? There’s someone else here, he can help you. You can trust him, I promise.”

The endearment tells him nothing beyond it’s a woman younger than A-jie.

The seconds drag on and then the door slowly opens, a women clad only in one damp robe stepping out. He lifts his eyes to her face, red and splotchy from crying and her hair a mess all around her, and feels his mouth drop. “Lady Xuanyu?”

The wife to the second jade of Lan is not some servant girl or even just a noble’s daughter.

She sees him and fresh wave of tears roll down her face, but she’s smiling too, and A-jie is relaxing. “Hi Jiang Cheng.”

“Is it his?” he asks, mind spinning. “Lan Wangji’s?”

A-jie glares at his lack of tact, but he’s trying to make sense of this. If she’s sleeping around on Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng is hardly going to blame her for it, but it’ll explain why she needs to end the pregnancy.

She hiccups, lifting a sleeve to wipe at her cheeks. “Y-yeah.”

On the bright side, it’s not like Lan Wangji can hate him more than he already does.

A second reason for her to be so miserable at the news that she’s carrying her husband’s child occurs to him and the rage that sweeps through him is surprising in its intensity. “Does he hurt you?”

He drank with her the night before her wedding and told her that Lan Wangji wasn’t that awful, that he wouldn’t hurt her. He told her that she’d be safe as his bride.

But now she’s sobbing and pregnant and so clearly terrified.

Xuanyu hesitates.

“I’m going to kill him,” he says. It comes out perfectly calm, none of his normal bluster. Both A-jie and Jiang Xingyi pale.

He turns to leave, already planning on drawing his sword first and explaining after. Lan Wangji has made a liar out of him. Xuanyu is young and didn’t ask for any of this and he has a responsibility to protect his bride and Jiang Cheng told her that he wouldn’t hurt her and now she’s here and she’s hurt and he’s going to rip Lan Wangji’s spine out and shove it down his throat.

People don’t like him, don’t get along with him, generally. But she’d sat with him beneath the light of the moon and drank with him and it had been something warm and familiar that he hasn’t had since before the war. He tells himself that’s why he cares his so much when the truth is he doesn’t know why, it’s just that she feels familiar in a way he can’t explain, not when he the first time they met was that night.

“Jiang Cheng!” She lunges forward, hugging him from behind, wrapping her arms around his waist. He braces for the feeling of discomfort, ready to push back agaisnt the urge to shove her off of him. It doesn’t come. “I didn’t mean like that! We spar, a lot, and I get hurt, but I’m always requesting it. It’s not like that.”

He turns in her arms, gently pushing her back but not letting go of her shoulders. “Then why are you crying? It’s okay, you can tell me the truth. I’m not afraid of Lan Wangji.”

“I just,” she sniffs. “I can’t – he doesn’t like me, you know? And – and I’m better than I was, um, healthier, but what if,” she blinks heavily, “what if I’m not strong enough, or something goes wrong, and then – what if I mess it up? And it’s all my fault, because I was weak, and then I’m a failure and he hates me–”

“Oh, Xuanyu,” A-jie whispers. He knows she had a lot of those same fears when she was pregnant with Jin Ling, and she and Jin Zixuan were in love, and he proposed to her fully knowing the state of her health.

Both Xuanyu and Lan Wangji were forced into this marriage.

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” he says firmly. “If you don’t want to have this baby, then you don’t have to. Whatever the reason. And if anyone tries to force you to, I’ll stop them. I don’t care who they are. Understand?” He waits until she gives a wide eyed nod. “But I don’t – I don’t think that Lan Wangji will react like how you think he will. And if he disappoints you, then I will help you take care of it. But I don’t think he will.”

Twice now he has vouched for Lan Wangji to Xuanyu, this girl who feels like another sister even though he barely knows her.

If Lan Wangji makes a liar out of him, he will beat him bloody and not even Lan Xichen will be able to hold it against him.

[yutaan]

Holiday sale!

Hey there, my lovelies! Once again, the end of the year is fast approaching, which means we’re all hunting around for gifts for our loved ones (or to keep for ourselves - after all, you deserve gifts too, my lovelies). And what’s a wonderful present for a fandom-savvy giftee? That’s right, it’s ART!

My INPRNT shop is back open, and all items there are 10% off for the entire month of December with the code "FZE4NF"! And below, we have a wide array of beautiful papercraft originals, pre-made, packaged, and ready to be shipped to YOU! Happy holidays, my lovelies!

(Please note that due to tumblr’s image resizing, the artworks are not necessarily displayed at an accurate size in comparison to each other.)

~

BUSTS (approx. 4″ tall)

Harrowhark (The Locked Tomb) - $70 each [BOTH SOLD]

Lady Amalthea (The Last Unicorn) - $65 [SOLD]

Edgeworth (Ace Attorney) - $65 [SOLD]

Jasmine (Aladdin) - $50

Mirabel (Encanto) - $60 [SOLD]

Meg (Hercules) - $50

Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho) - $55 [SOLD]

Liu Qingge (SVSSS) - $70 [SOLD]

Katara (Avatar: the Last Airbender) - $70 [SOLD]

Ed (Fullmetal Alchemist) - $75 [SOLD]

Yugi & Yami Yugi (Yugioh) - 8" wide - $210

Jiang Cheng & Jin Ling (MDZS/The Untamed) - 6" tall - $200 [SOLD]

~

FULLBODIES (approx. 6″ tall)

Aerith (FFVII) - $85

Kagome (Inuyasha) - $75

Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura) - $85 [SOLD]

Yor (Spy x Family) - $85 [SOLD]

Reigen (Mob Psycho 100) - $80 [SOLD]

L (Death Note) - $75

Vash (Trigun Stampede) - $95 [SOLD]

Howl + Calcifer (Howl's Moving Castle) - $95 each [BOTH SOLD]

Haku (Spirited Away) - $90 [SOLD]

~

MINIS (approx. 3-3.5″ tall) - $30 each, three for $80, five for $125

Jin Ling, Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen, Jiang Cheng (The Untamed/MDZS) [ALL SOLD]

Batman (DC), Anya (Spy x Family) [ALL SOLD]

2B (Nier: Automata), Chat Blanc (Miraculous Ladybug), Hunk (Voltron)

Sailor Moon, Dark Lady (Sailor Moon), Pikachu (Pokemon) [ALL SOLD]

Bakugo (BNHA)

Nezuko (Demon Slayer) [ALL SOLD]

MINI SETS - $60 each

WangXian (MDZS/The Untamed) [ALL SOLD]

Yunmeng Shuangjie (MDZS/The Untamed) [ALL SOLD]

Jin Ling & Jiujiu (MDZS/The Untamed) [ALL SOLD]

HuaLian (TGCF) [ALL SOLD]

BingQiu (SVSSS) [ALL SOLD]

Crowley & Aziraphale (Good Omens) [ALL SOLD]

~

SIMPLE PAPERCRAFT (approx. 5" tall) - $20 each

~

ZINES (5x7")

TALL ♥ small - 20 pages, handmade, personal illustrations, all-ages - $10 [SOLD OUT]

Battle Damage - 28 pages, pro-printed, multiple artists, teen and up - $15

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you are interested in purchasing any of these artworks, please email me at yutaanchan23@yahoo.com with the subject line “Holiday Sale.” In the body of the email, please include:

Which piece(s) you wish to purchase

Shipping address (please note that shipping outside the US may cost extra)

Preferred email address for Paypal invoice

If you have a tumblr username and would like to include it so I can recognize you, you can also do that! :D But it’s not a requirement.

~ 

Pieces are first-come, first-served, so be quick! (Likewise, please note that I cannot reserve a piece for you indefinitely unless you are able to pay for it or place a down payment on it at the time you contact me. Thank you for your understanding!) This post will be updated throughout the month to show which pieces have been sold.

Happy gifting, lovelies!

[grenade-maid]

there's a lot of reasons more people aren't into yuri that are troubling to consider, but equally, I genuinely think it cannot be understated how much of it comes down to most yuri being boring as hell. Like truly. I've been reading the front page of Dynasty Scans like it was the newspaper for 15 years I am not exaggerating I can show you the download file data 15 years.

You know what the complaint about yuri by yuri readers was back in 2009?

"wow that really was just 5 volumes of them blushing at each other and then they don't even kiss"

You know what the complaint about yuri by yuri readers is today in 2023?

"wow that really was just 5 volumes of them blushing at each other and then they don't even kiss"

Don't get me wrong, Yuri has grown a LOT in that time, to the point that most people today wouldn't even understand a Maria-sama reference if it were dropped in front of them (thank God). It's expanded and evolved to encompass more stories about adult women, wider varieties of scenarios, a greater acknowledgement of real life lesbianism, and is more comfortable showing girls kissing with tongue and having sex.

Yuri Manga is maybe the best is it's ever been, and it's also getting the widest readership it's ever had in the English speaking world. The titles we carry at work are always on back order with long queues, and, when I've asked them, most weebs of all gender or sexualities report keeping up with at least a few Yuri series.

At large though? Most of it is still really boring. That's not a bad thing necessarily. I like it because it goes down easy. For the most part any series you pick is gonna be pretty chill. Even shit from Sal Jiang which is PRETTY EDGY for yuri is a pretty breezy read. More serious ones like How Do We Relationship? cover some pretty real subjects about how intimacy is actually quite difficult even when both of you love each other, but it's not like... Exciting. Yuri isn't where you go to pump your fist or get perched on the edge of your seat.

So when the comparison is made to yaoi, well, I mean, have you READ any yaoi? Even in some of the more restrained titles those boys are likely to be sucking and fucking balls and all within the first volume or two. There's gonna be drama, intrigue, shit is gonna get messy, passions are gonna get heated, clothes are gonna be ripped off, people are gonna get sold to One Direction, it's stuff you can sit down with a bowl of popcorn with you know? Stuff you can message your friend and gush Hey Can You BELIEVE? A lot of it is pretty trashy, but that's the appeal. The generic state of yaoi is torrid and exciting and sexy. Ultimately, as a species many of us like to see pretty people fuck. In yaoi you'll get that. In yuri you won't. Nothing wrong with that, but it is gonna be a major contributing factor to their relative popularity.

It's also worth making the comparison to hetero romance manga, which has undergone a renaissance of it's own in recent years. There's now a whole meta around crafting a handful of mean shitty grouchy dysfunctional bully women and flinging them at the protagonist of the day who, unlike in years past, may actually have a face and personality. Most of these are also very trashy and truly scrape the bottom of the bucket in terms of writing.

AND YET?

I would bet money on the fact that you'll have heard of these women and probably even have a good idea what they're like without ever having touched a page of their manga.

I'm sorry but the straights are whipping donuts around the yuri girls in terms of delivering a wide variety of weird compelling fucked up women. How many yuri leading ladies by comparison can you point to as standout recognizable characters even divorced from their story? There's definitely a few, but not many. I'm not talking quality or depth of writing, I'm talking straight up pure recognizability. There are many beautifully written women in yuri, now more than ever. I can't think of many who'd like, get a figure made or have their face splashed on merch, though.

I don't really have a conclusion here. I love Yuri a lot, but at the end of the day this is just kinda the state of things right now.

[jaimebluesq]

always found it interesting that despite the fact he clearly wants the sect to remain in the family, nie mingjue literally never made any attempts at continuing his bloodline, foisting it off on huaisang instead along with the sect leader title. what if it was he couldn't have had kids even if he wanted to, because taking up baxia too early caused him to become sterile? and admitting as much would have been too humiliating? anyway, brotherly scene where he's forced to come clean about it, and whether it ends in a decision to adopt or huaisang agreeing to take up a political marriage in the future just for heirs or whatever is up to you.

Oh Anon, you have no idea how close this idea is to my heart because of my own life experiences. I love that you came up with it, and thank you for sending it to me... now let’s see if I can do it justice.

~ ~ ~

Nie Huaisang stood outside his brother’s office, his hands twisting upon his closed fan. He’d been anxious for days, trying to figure out how to broach a particularly sensitive topic with his brother – had practised with both Nie Zonghui and Jin Guangyao to try and get his words just right. Oh, it was something he’d tried asking many times before, but his brother had always brushed him off and directed him to the training field for saber practice.

Not today. Today, he would get an answer whether his brother liked it or not.

Before he could talk himself out of it, he knocked on the door and entered when his brother called out. He was careful to close the door behind himself before approaching his brother’s desk.

“What is it?” Nie Mingjue asked tiredly, his fingers rubbing at his temple. “Isn’t it time for-”

“Saber practice was this morning,” he replied, “and I actually attended today.” He’d attended only to leave one less thing to anger his brother on the day he came to seek answers – though Nie Mingjue’s fatigue made him wonder if he should have chosen a different day. But then, his brother looked tired most days since the end of the war.

“If you’re asking about-”

“Da-ge?” He waited until his brother finally looked up at him. “I... wanted to talk to you. About something important.”

Nie Mingjue looked him over, then picked up his papers and set them aside. He sat back in his chair, hands on the arms and fingers drumming along the cherry wood, waiting for Nie Huaisang to speak.

The first thing Nie Huaisang did was sit down to face his brother. “I heard from Zonghui that you received a request for an alliance from Yao-zongzhu,” he began, wanting to ease into the subject he wanted to address.

His brother sniffed. “He’s trying to pawn off his sister to anyone who’ll have her, all to tie himself to one of the great sects. I’ve no desire to ally with the Yao.”

“But what about the He,” Nie Huaisang prodded. “Or the Lan – Er-ge told me he has a younger cousin that’s quite lovely and kind and would make a wonderful furen. Or the Jiang – I know Jiang-xiong doesn’t have any blood relatives, but he has some promising lady disciples that would-”

“We don’t need another alliance,” Nie Mingjue ground out through gritted teeth. “Is that why you’re here? To harass me about getting married? Leave it alone – it’s none of your business.”

It was the same answer he had given Nie Huaisang before – but it was one he could no longer accept.

“But Da-ge... it is my business,” he said with a shaky voice that grew stronger with every word he spoke. “It’s my business because this is the reason I’m your heir, and I have the right to know why.”

Nie Mingjue narrowed his eyes, his face turning dark. “If this is just another argument to get out of saber practice-”

“I don’t want this!” Nie Huaisang’s voice broke mid-sentence. He tightened his grip on his fan. “I don’t want to be sect leader one day, you know this. And the Elders don’t want me either – you’ve heard what they say about me when my back is turned.”

“If you would only practice your saber more-”

“It won’t do a thing, Da-ge, because I’m not meant for this!” He took in a shaky breath. “Please, Da-ge, don’t make me do this anymore. You, me, the sect, we all deserve better, don’t we? Please don’t tell me you genuinely think me being heir is the best thing for Qinghe Nie?”

“This sect must be led by a member of our family’s main line,” Nie Mingjue insisted.

“Then why haven’t you started a family to inherit the sect?”

“Because I can’t!!!”

Nie Huaisang felt glued to his seat. There was something in the tone of his brother’s voice... it wasn’t anger, not just anger, but it was painful to hear. And then his brother’s shoulders dropped and he brought a hand to rub at his temple, and Nie Huaisang could have sworn he saw a glint of wetness in his brother’s eyes.

“I can’t,” Nie Mingjue repeated, slower and a little calmer.

When Nie Mingjue looked up, their eyes met. The two of them breathed heavily for several moments, broken only when Nie Mingjue picked up a document and threw it across the room. Nie Huaisang heard a rattling nearby; he glanced over to where Baxia trembled lightly in her stand.

“When one of us becomes sect leader,” Nie Mingjue explained, “there are many different rituals and sect secrets we learn from the Elders and other sect officials. And one of the very first things they tell us is that we need to work immediately on birthing an heir. Because our lives are so short, and one never knows when we’ll be taken out by a Yao or a qi deviation, or some tyrannical sect leader who doesn’t like being opposed.”

Nie Huaisang swallowed hard. His brother had only been fifteen when their father had died... he couldn’t imagine being told he had to become a father when he was only fifteen.

“None of the other sects helped me try to bring evidence against Wen Ruohan for what he did to A-Die, and I certainly wasn’t going to ally with any of them.” Nie Mingjue grimaced. “It was suggested to me that we find someone outside the sect, someone completely apart from the cultivation world, who wouldn’t have known enough to vie for power. I... I had no idea what to do, who to look for. All I’d ever done before was train, and when I did have tender thoughts, they weren’t about the girls they brought before me.”

This didn’t surprise Nie Huaisang – he’d seen the looks exchanged between Nie Mingjue and his ‘sworn brothers’. He nodded.

“So we finally settled on someone to try with,” Nie Mingjue continued. His voice already sounded lighter than when he had first begun explaining, and Nie Huaisang wondered if his brother had ever told this story to anyone else before – if Er-ge and San-ge even knew. “She was kind, and patient. The agreement was that if she became with child, then we would officially bring her in as a concubine. But after a year of trying once a week, every week... nothing happened. And then the Elders insisted on trying with another woman because the problem ‘obviously’ wasn’t with Nie-zongzhu, and before I knew it, I had four women I didn’t want that I had to lay with, all to try and do my duty to my sect.”

By this point, Nie Mingjue was no longer looking at Nie Huaisang, but rather staring out the nearby window. A part of Nie Huaisang wanted to tell his brother to stop, to tell him he didn’t have to say anything more – but the other part of him really wanted to hear the answer, to understand what had gone wrong, both for his brother and himself.

“After another two, three years of nothing, the Elders called in a highly respected physician. He looked me over, did a few tests, and then the Elders discussed the results. And then they told me that I was a rare case – that training so aggressively from such a young age may have made me stronger than anyone else in our sect, but it also had the side-effect of rendering me... barren, so to speak.” He sighed. “We called off the women after paying them handsomely for their efforts, and we helped them find husbands who would honour them properly. And then I named you my heir permanently.”

Nie Huaisang’s shoulders felt heavy even as he tried to roll one of them back. “Why didn’t you tell me, Da-ge?” he asked softly.

Nie Mingjue snorted. “Your voice hadn’t even begun to change when all this happened. The only things you knew about such matters were from spring books – and yes, I know you’ve had them since you were twelve, I’m not an idiot. There was no way I was going to lay this on you.”

“I may have been young, but so were you.” Nie Huaisang tried to offer a smile when his brother finally faced him again. “And... this is something we’ve needed to discuss, for the good of our sect. After all, I’m not a boy anymore.”

“You’ll always be a boy,” Nie Mingjue countered with a wistful smile. “The tiniest little thing that Xiao-Niang brought out to me and told me to protect it for the rest of my life.”

“Da-ge,” Nie Huaisang whined, mostly to break the seriousness of the moment.

Nie Mingjue let out a chuckle. “Well, you know now.”

Nie Huaisang nodded. “And now we can figure out what to do about it.” His brother’s eyebrow lifted. “Because the way I see it, the moment you die – which you’re not allowed to do, by the way, not without my permission – this sect will immediately undergo a challenge to leadership, because there are far too many people who don’t see me as a proper leader. And quite frankly, they’re right. So... I’m presuming adopting is out of the question, or else you would have done it already...” As he spoke, he began counting off fingers from his hand.

“Ideally, the leadership would remain in the main family line,” Nie Mingjue explained tentatively.

“Well, I suppose that leaves us with only one option left,” he concluded with a nod to the growing confusion on his brother’s face. “The only question is, do we work to ally with another sect, or find someone outside the Jianghu? Because I don’t mind getting married or taking a concubine, but I do not want anything to do with Yao-zongzhu’s sister. Just because I enjoy pretty ladies does not mean I want a part of that mess>”

“You can’t be serious!” Nie Mingjue huffed. “You’re just a boy!”

“I’m the same age as Jin Zixuan,” he countered, “and he’s marrying Jiang-guniang in a few months.” He absently chewed on his bottom lip. “And just the other day in Lanling, I was chatting with Madame Qin – she is very much not in favour of Qin Su’s little crush on San-ge, by the way – and she was trying to encourage me to ask her to walk in the gardens. She is rather pretty, and-” He paused at the stare his brother gave him.

“You don’t have to do this,” Nie Mingjue sighed. “Just because I can’t do this, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your life like this.”

He met his brother’s gaze in a way he never would have done as a boy. “I’m a Nie,” he explained, “and we both know we have had to fulfill our duties to our sect. I know I can’t fulfill mine on the battlefield – I was never meant to be a soldier or even a cultivator – but I can do this.”

The corners of Nie Mingjue’s eyes crinkled, and he nodded. “Qin-zongzhu’s daughter does seem like a good choice,” he finally agreed, “but the girl is still enamoured with A-Yao no matter how he has tried to dissuade her.”

“Then I imagine San-ge would have a vested interest in helping her get over him,” he grinned, “don’t you think?” Nie Mingjue nodded. Nie Huaisang stood up and stretched out his back. “I’ll go write him a letter and see what he has to say, and we’ll go from there.” He began walking to the office door, but stopped at his brother’s voice.

“But for the record,” Nie Mingjue announced, his tone steady and strong, “you and the Elders are wrong. You might not be meant for the battlefield, but... a sect needs a different kind of leader in peace-time, and you would make a good one.”

Nie Huaisang swallowed through his suddenly tight throat. He made no sound, nothing to indicate he’d heard his brother’s words, and continued on his way out the door.

But his heart flooded with warmth at one of the few compliments he’d ever received from his brother.

[wangxianficrecs]

lovers be lost (but love shall not) by la_muerta

lovers be lost (but love shall not)

by la_muerta

T, 13k, Wangxian

Part of the Danmei Diaspora Creatives

Summary: When the Jiang family falls on hard times, they are faced with two choices - have Jiang Yanli marry wealthy asshole Jin Zixun to clear the family's debts, or have Wei Ying marry the youngest son of the equally wealthy Lan family. To save his elder sister from a miserable loveless marriage, Wei Ying agrees to the match. There's just one catch - his prospective husband is already dead. Kay's comments: I really loved this story and it was actually one of the first stories I saw that featured a ghost marriage! The setting especially was just great, I'm very weak for the 1910s era and I loved this exploration of this time period. In which Wei Wuxian gets ghost-married to the recently deceased Lan Wangji, but fear not, there is a happy end for them! There's also a mystery to solve and the Lan estate, which has the most haunted vibes (and may be haunted by Lan Wangji). Excerpt:"Thank you, Uncle Jiang. Actually, this is about my brother, Lan Zhan. I'm afraid he passed away a few days ago," Lan Huan says. Wei Ying is so surprised that he blurts out, "A few days ago? Then why would you want to talk about a wedding now? Um, no offence." "None taken," Lan Huan assures him. "Well, my brother and I are the last remaining members of our family line, and because he is younger than me, I'm not allowed to pay my respects to him. He was only 19, and has no spouse or children who can complete the proper funeral rites for him. I have had to leave his body at the funeral home instead of bringing it here, and after everything he cannot be buried in the family grave with our ancestors because by custom there is nobody who can mourn him, and I just-" Lan Huan takes a deep breath, unable to continue talking. Meng Yao urges his employer to drink his tea, brows furrowed with worry as he murmurs words of comfort. In the silence that follows, Wei Ying fits the pieces of the puzzle together. "Why not offer marriage to a young lady instead? Or ask the temple medium if he knows of any young man or woman who has passed away and whose family might find themselves in a similar predicament?" Jiang Fengman asks carefully. Lan Huan puts down his cup, shaking his head. "My brother would not have been happy about being married to a woman. He had few friends and kept to himself, and I was one of the few people who knew him well, but even I underestimated the depth of his loneliness. If there is indeed an afterlife, I do not wish for him to be lonely in it as well, which is why I wished to meet your foster son before we involved a matchmaker or medium." Lan Huan turns to Wei Ying, addressing him very seriously, "I want to make sure that you understand what is being asked of you." To marry a dead man and go through the mourning rites for him as his widower so that he can be buried in his ancestral grave. To promise to be the companion of this man in the afterlife, a man Wei Ying has never met... or has he?

pov wei wuxian, modern setting, modern with magic, 1910s, case fic, ghosts, ghost lan wangji, arranged marriage, ghost marriage, angst with a happy ending, lan wangji/wei wuxian get a happy ending, @la-muerta

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for this hard-working author if you like – or think others might like – this story.)

[ultfreakme]

Danmei ask, what are your top 5 (or top 7) favorite moments from MDZS? Also, can I ask why you love those 3 (JC, WWX , XXC)?

(Riki, I'm so glad when found out you also love Jiang Cheng. You must know how many haters on his character in tumblr and twitter. Like, I was blocked 4 times by MDZS lover blog, when they knew I love Jiang Cheng.)

I love reading your MDZS/ SVSSS crossover, they're so in character.....And yes, SQQ must love Sukuna and Jogo if he ever read JJK...

Thanks for the ask Anon!!

Top 7 moments:

When we find out the Jiang Cheng sacrificed himself to the Wens to save Wei Wuxian. It was dropped so casually and I had to backtrack and go "wait, wait, WAIT! DISCUSS IT PLEASE!!"

The juniors in the Yi City arc, they were so adorable, I loved reading them putting on a brave face and investigating.

Wei Wuxian murdering the crap out of Wen Chao with his sexy undead ladies. Him and Jiang Cheng together torturing him while Lan Wangji was sent out and it's like, LWJ is confused, shocked, and horrified.

The scene where Wei Wuxian's roasting Jin Guangshan at the conference post-war and everyone's scandalized. I love it when Wei Wuxian gets bitchy.

Jiang Cheng's intro scene in the donghua where he emerges from the shadows of that tree, pushing aside the leaves. That's so hot of him.

Wei Wuxian covered in blood in the second siege of Burial Mounds and Lan Wangji is defending him. That scene's so cool and romantic in all its iterations. The donghua went above and beyond and made it seem like a wedding.

Jiang Cheng giving Zidian to Jin Ling ;_; It hurts me. It's so much worse knowing that MXTX was planning on killing Jin Ling soon after to really hurt Jiang Cheng.

Reasons I like:

Jiang Cheng-

He's so complicated! You can't immediately look at him and say he's the good guy or the bad guy. I personally think he leans more towards the good guy category.

He's the perfect opposite of Wei Wuxian, he's not a genius cultivator like wwx, he had to work for every bit of progress he made. He started off simply wanting to keep his family together and at peace, but the war happened and his priorities shifted. He's duty-bound, he's always fighting and scraping to be recognized but no one ever does. He wanted so bad to help wwx, but duty made it so that he was forced to pick between his sect and wwx. Forever chained, closed off.

He's jealous and vicious and so, so angry. I get it, I understand the worst parts of him and relate to it.

Wei Wuxian-

Again, super complicated as a person. Wronged at every turn. He wanted to do good and protect people, and for that he kept sacrificing himself over and over again with little value given to himself as a person. He's got his sharp edges and cruelty too, and I feel like people often forget that Wei Wuxian's traumas and his lack of self-appreciation and value on himself show in ugly and vicious ways.

His story obviously shows a key message of MDZS, which is that when people sacrifice themselves thinking that they're protecting their loved one, they only hurt them in another way. I understood his desire to do good, protect people, but there's no one to stand at his side. The loneliness and fear that comes with fucking up so bad that no one even tries to hear you out, no one's listening no matter how loud you shout.

Xiao Xingchen:

He's like Wei Wuxian but 100% times worse and more self-sacrificial. Too trusting, too good, and everyone kept taking advantage of that without bothering to guide him or be honest with him. Like legit, no one told him what they were truly thinking.

I love that xxc wants to be a good person, i hate that he was ruined for it. God I really wanted him to have a happy ending because he's just, he's so NICE. In a world filled with betrayal and deceit, xxc wanted to spread goodness. And yet.

AAHHHHHH

I think these characters made me see the point of MDZS in a very clear way, or in a way that impacted me most. So they're my faves.

Being a Jiang Cheng liker is a struggle! I was getting into MDZS even before the donghua started airing, like around 2018 and back then Jiang Cheng hate was so bad. I kept waiting year after year for the hate to go down but it just got worse the more popular MDZS got. The misunderstandings built up too. I got black and got into a million arguments too ;_; We have to stick together!!!

i have so many thoughts about Jiang Cheng specifically because, okay I read and watched everything about 3 years ago, so I don't remember much other than my fav, so I'm always thinking about everything he did.

nbsdhfb SQQ's monster-loving ass would go gaga for Sukuna. Four armed man wrecking people??? Yes sir! (side note; big tall powerful man who is called king who is only nice to his close servant and confidante???? SQH come get your boy!)

[incarnadinedreams]

There are a couple common claims about things MXTX has said in author's notes which I just wanted to make a little note-to-self with the exact context/source of because they keep coming up again and again. I find that between general translation issues and then further filtered through summaries and offhand comments and then repurposed for... uh let's just say spirited debate, they tend to be presented as much stronger or more emphatic or more serious statements than the impression I got when reading them in context (the translated versions, of course!).

'Morally perfect' comes from the postscripts (published by Exiled Rebels as chapter 113.5):

Both WWX and LWJ are highly ideal characters, so there wouldn't be too much dispute on their moral standing. They're perfect as the protagonists. Of course, I do like WWX a lot, but if I'm looking for a boyfriend, sorry, I'll only have LWJ please.

This is the same postscript where she talks about the difficulties of publishing on the timeline she did and how she was worried the structure of the novel would do badly in serialized/webnovel format, how Xue Yang was like a has-been internet idol in the comments section compared to the Jiang Cheng haters (lol), how she threw everything she liked about an ancient setting in a pot and changed whatever she liked without any intention of historical accuracy at all, etc. So the focus of the postscript wasn't like a morality essay or anything, just offhand comments and notes and trivia.

'MXTX wants us to be like Wangxian' comes from the final author's note of the last extra (ExR ch. 126):

Without care for anything at all, I shall give the entirety of my soul to the pen and the paper.

I no longer like to tell my readers, 'I love you.' These words are too light, and yet these words are too heavy.

I hope each of you who enjoys this book can be like Lan WangJi in virtue and Wei WuXian in character.

P.S. I received the help of many in the publication process.

There's more before and after, from talking about how she decided the type of story she wanted it to be, outlining process, and then after she goes on to thank her editors, the webnovel platform, supportive friends, etc.

Whether any given person cares what her opinion is out-of-text or not is another matter of course! But since it gets brought up so much as if they're very serious Word Of God proclamations... well... it's probably pretty obvious my opinion/interpretation lands in the 'it's not supposed to be that serious, bruh' category.

Though even if it were meant to be super serious I'd personally still be like, 'well that's just like, your opinion, random author lady.' But at the same time, these quotes tend to be used in a way that gives a distorted impression of how serious and thorough they were intended to be and often add confusion.

Also I don't think MXTX is saying we should go feed a guy's fingers to a ghost child in front of him while he's forced to eat his own leg but that's really just wild speculation and assumption on my part, maybe she would appreciate that idk.

[remma3760]

Without Regret

Chapter 4

Lan Wangji was conflicted. He had never wanted anything more than to go with Baoshan Sanren and Wei Wuxian. To fight evil side by side with his Zhiji. To defend the helpless, as they had sworn to do. But his sect was besieged. Surely it was his place to be a part in it's liberation? As he approached his brother Lan Xichen turned with a wide smile.

“Wangji, I am so proud of you. To be chosen by the Immortal. It's wonderful.”

“Xiongzhang, should I not remain at your side as we reclaim our home?”

“No you should not. I appreciate that you are willing to forgo an opportunity to learn from Baoshan Sanren, but it's not necessary. Sect Leader Wen will be with me. She will give the order to stand down once we reach Cloud Recesses.”

“Will they?”

“Probably about half will comply. That should be enough along with the Nie who will also come with me.”

“You will allow it?”

“You mean will I forgive them?”

“Mn.”

Lan Xichen sighed. “It's hard, I admit. I want them to pay for what they have done, but then what? When will it end if we can't find peace?”

“Still.”

“I know. But I trust Lady Wen to be a good leader. She has promised us a portion of the Wen Library as part of the reparations. That is a start, at least. If we insist on unilateral punishment then it would be impossible to go forward.”

That made Lan Wangji feel a bit better, but he was still unsure.

“You're still unsure Wangji, I can see that, but please, take what is offered to you. I know it's what you want. It will give you the chance to be sure of your feeling for Wei Wuxian. Perhaps the only chance you can have since Sect Leader Jiang has chosen not to join the alliance.”

“Sect Leader Jiang was not happy with Wei Ying's decision.”

“He was not. Baoshan Sanren was smart to put him on the spot publicly as she did. It left him no option but to agree and then leave the choice to Wei Wuxian. Clearly, he had the expectation that Wei Wuxian would choose the Jiang Sect.”

“Mn.”

“But he didn't. Perhaps it means as much to him, to spend time with you, as it does for you to spend time with him.”

“Mn.”

“I'm glad we are in agreement Wangji. I meant what I said, you know. Baoshan Sanren has honoured the Lan Sect by asking for your assistance.”

“I will not let you down, Xiongzhang.”

“I know. You never do. You live your life for our Sect. Give everything for us. It's right that you should get something for yourself. It's what I want for you Wangji so please, go and don't for a moment feel any guilt for being happy.”

Lan Wangji nodded gratefully at his brother. “I will. If there is a problem...”

“Then I will find a way to get word to you and you can come to help, but I really don't anticipate any problems.”

Lan Wangji took a step back to bow to his brother with thanks. “Mn. Do not take unnecessary risks, Xiongzhang.”

“I won't, and don't you, either. Listen to Baoshan Sanren. Stay safe, Wangji. I will see you when both our tasks are completed.”

With a final nod Lan Wangji left his brother to return to Baoshan Sanren.

***

Wei Wuxian approached the Jiangs reluctantly. He had not followed his proscribed role of happy carefree troublemaker. He had not made out that killing the Xuanwu was nothing and really, it was Jiang Cheng who should be praised for getting the disciples out of the cave. That nothing he had done was deserving of praise and he was sorry for playing the hero and drawing attention to himself. He hadn't done any of that. He had accepted the thanks of the sect leaders for being a part of the reason they had the swords back. He had smiled politely at the exclamations of awe for defeating a legendary beast while injured and weaponless. He had accepted praise.

To top it off, he hadn't taken the obvious hints that he should refuse Baoshan Sanren's request and return to Lotus Pier with them. He knew how it would be. Jiang Cheng would sulk, simultaneously wanting him to stay yet also wanting to go with him; just as he had in the quest for the Yin Iron.

Jiang Yanli would tell him that she was happy for him, but would miss him terribly every moment he was away from her. He had never questioned her actions before but now he had to wonder at the subtle manipulation in some of the things she said.

Jiang Fengmian would pretend that he was fine with the situation while he kept asking if Wei Wuxian was sure. Of course, it was fine if he left the Jiang disciples to fend for themselves without their head as long as he was sure that that was what he wanted, all the time implying that he should feel guilty to be doing what he wanted instead of what they wanted.

As for Madam Yu, she would make no secret of her displeasure. She would berate him and blame him and as soon as she got him alone she would punish him.

He sighed. Jiang Cheng punched his shoulder. “You! Why would an Immortal want your help?”

“A-Cheng, that's not fair. A-Xian is very capable.” Jiang Yanli smiled sadly at Wei Wuxian. “Shijie will miss you so much. Will you at least visit?”

Wei Wuxian shrugged. “I don't think I will be able to visit, Shijie. We have a lot of work to do to keep people safe. Jiang Cheng, I'm sure the only reason Baoshan Sanren asked for me is because of my mother being her disciple.”

“Hah!” Madam Yu sneered. “Even dead that woman causes trouble. What if we are attacked, Wei Wuxian? Have you thought of what will happen to us then?”

“I would assume that the disciples we have trained for years will defend Lotus Pier as expected.”

“You!” Madam Yu stepped forward, Zidian sparking on her hand.

Wei Wuxian found he didn't really care that much. The Jiang Sect had the chance to join the alliance, then they would have the backing of almost all the minor sects as well as the Nie, the Lan and the Wen. They had chosen not to do so. Wei Wuxian had done all he could. He had tried to put up better wards, tried to find better protections for the place he called home. Madam Yu had refused every one of his suggestions. Had even punished him for implying that she was not capable of protecting what was hers. Now it was time for her to prove that claim.

Wei Wuxian stepped back and bowed. “Uncle Jiang, Madam Yu, I will take my leave of you. Jiang Cheng, Shijie, take care of yourselves and each other.”

Then he turned and left without another word. He would pay for it when all this was over and he had to go back, but that was later. For now, he would do what he believed was right. He would do as he had sworn to do and live without regret.

***

Jiang Yanli watched Wei Wuxian walk away in wide eyed shock. He had barely even looked at her. Could he still be angry at what she had said to him earlier about Lan Wangji? But she had only said what she had because she was worried about him. Because she didn't want him to be hurt. He had responsibilities, as did Lan Wangji that made any kind of romantic attachment between them impossible. In truth, she found the idea of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji together uncomfortable. It simply wasn't natural. Her mother, probably her father too, would agree.

She just wanted to spare her A-Xian from experiencing the heartache that would surely follow if he pursued a relationship with a man like Lan Wangji. Yes, Lan Wangji was handsome, of course he was, but he was as cold as the jade he was named after. Everyone knew that. He looked at everyone with disdain. Jiang Cheng had told her as much. That Wei Wuxian had tried to befriend him but he had rebuffed her poor A-Xian at every turn. Surely, it was only because they had survived a terrible ordeal together that they now thought themselves in love. It would soon pass.

She frowned. Yet now they would be travelling together. Fighting side by side. That would not go well. If only Wei Wuxian had not agreed to go. He must have missed that Father didn't want him to. That Father expected him to refuse. It was just like her A-Xian. Always throwing himself into mischief because he thought it was his duty. Well, she would talk to him again later. If only they were in Lotus Pier she could make him some lotus root and pork rib soup. He always loved when she did that. Such a shame that that was impossible here.

Later. She would talk to him later when they were alone. He would listen to her. He always did. Later, when he came to bid her a special goodbye she would talk to him and make him see that it really wasn't a good idea for him to leave when the situation was so uncertain. Yes, later.

It never once occurred to her that there would be no later. That there would be no private goodbyes and no persuading. She never once thought that when Wei Wuxian didn't show up for dinner and she went to try to find him, that she would be told that she was too late. That he, along with Lan Wangji and Baoshan Sanren, had already left.

***

Baoshan Sanren patted the central console happily. “I missed you, Baobei. Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, you're both okay with leaving before the feast?”

“Mn.”

“Fine with me. The Jiang's aren't going to like it no matter when I leave and at least if we go now they won't get the chance to guilt me again.”

“What is with those people? They should be proud of having you in their sect but instead they act like you're either a pet or a pest. Oh well, we won't have to deal with them for awhile. Now, Lan Wangji, how long will it take you to learn a new piece of music?”

“Depending on complexity, a day or so to several weeks to be fully competent.”

“Okay, good. I have something I picked up on a planet where music is a dominant factor in their society. I can handle killing the creatures but I will need you to deal with the lingering resentment.”

Wei Wuxian was waving his arm and hopping. “Me too, me too. Can I learn the tune?”

Baoshan Sanren looked over at him with a smile. “I don't know Wei Wuxian, can you? Do you play an instrument?”

“I used to play the flute. I had one that I think might have been my father's but Madam Yu said it was a commoner's instrument so she broke it.”

“Ugh. The more I hear of that woman the more I dislike her.”

“She only...”

“Stop.” Baoshan Sanren put her hand over Wei Wuxian's mouth. “Don't keep making excuses for her. She has behaved abominably. I think, perhaps, you are too used to compromising. Wait here.”

Baoshan Sanren disappeared into one of the many rooms, leaving Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian to look at each other with a shrug. When she came out she had several sheets of manuscript and a long flat box. The box she handed to Wei Wuxian and the music to Lan Wangji.

Curious, Wei Wuxian opened the box and gasped. Inside was the most beautiful flute he had ever seen. Solid black, with silver scroll work along the side, on the finger holes and on the sharp edge. A bright red tassel hung from the end. He laid his lips against the sharp edge and gave a tentative puff. The sound was pure and clear. He stroked it, surprised by the warmth of the body. “This isn't wood.”

“It's not. It's not anything you will have seen. That flute was carved from the heart of a meteor. She's unique, and now she's yours.”

“I couldn't...”

“You could. She's already accepted you.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji agreed. “You must honour her with an appropriate name.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, studying the beautiful instrument. “Chenqing. I'm going to call her Chenqing.”

Lan Wangji nodded. “Mn. A good name.”

Baoshan Sanren nodded too. “It is. Lan Wangji, what do you think of the music.”

“Intricate. It will not be easy to master and must be played precisely to achieve the desired effect. I am not sure that we will have the time we need.”

“Did you forget, Lan Wangji? Time machine. We have all the time. And I know just the place to go.”

***

They stepped out into a dream world. Wei Wuxian stared in wonder. A massive moon filled the horizon, three more behind it. Soft white light bathed them in luminescence, the air warm and sweet. They stood on lush green grass surrounded by drooping white leaved trees. Vivid flowers were everywhere turning the landscape rainbow bright while glowing butterflies flit from one fragrant stem to another. Children's laughter was carried on the breeze. Wei Wuxian turned to Baoshan Sanren in awe. “Where are we?”

She smiled at him. “You might have heard this place called my Celestial Mountain. Although it's more an island than a mountain.”

Wei Wuxian gasped. “You live here?”

“I live in my TARDIS. This is where I come to relax and re-charge.”

“What about the people of this planet?” Wei Wuxian looked around as if expecting a local to pop out of thin air. “Are they friendly?”

“Yes, but you won't be meeting them. This world is more than 90% ocean. Where we stand now is the largest land mass. Consequently, sentient life here is aquatic. They had no problem with this island being colonised, as long as we didn't mess with their habitat. So, I brought my people here. The displaced. The unwanted. The children left to fend for themselves on the streets. This is where your mother grew up, Wei Wuxian. Some, like her, choose to return to their home planets. For others, this is where they will live out their lives.”

“Oh. I'm glad. I'm glad she lived surrounded by so much beauty.”

In the distance the sound of laughter grew closer. Baoshan Sanren smiled. “Ah, our presence has been noticed.” She waved as her people came into view. Many were children, but not all. They were also not all human.

Wei Wuxian gasped. “They're not all from our world?”

“Did you think humans were the only species with orphans? No, they're not all from your world. If there is a child or an abused adult that needs saving then I try to save them and bring them here for a better life.”

“But how do they all understand each other if they're different races?” Wei Wuxian asked. “Do you teach them all to speak the same language?”

“No need.” Baoshan Sanren answered. “The TARDIS automatically gives everyone who travels in her telepathy so they can seamlessly understand what other people are saying, no matter the language they speak.”

“Telepathy? Like the sharing of thoughts? Lan Zhan and I did something similar when we fought the Xuanwu but all it meant was that we could speak directly into each other's minds. How can it help us understand people who speak a whole other language?”

“True telepathy allows you to read minds, so maybe that isn't exactly the right word. It's more that the TARDIS facilitates communication between multiple species, allowing for instant translation.”

Lan Wangji looked interested at that. “Useful.”

Wei Wuxian was nodding. “It is. Oh, do we have that now?”

“You do.”

Wei Wuxian was thoughtful. Could this be responsible for his different understanding of his Shijie's motives when he spoke with her? After all, she always urged him to simply accept Madam Yu's abuse and Jiang Cheng's jealous anger and he thought nothing of it. This time though, he could see the self interest behind her implied concern. “Would it change our perception of people?”

“Hm. Interesting question. Not exactly but it might make their true selves more easily discernable. You would be able to see straight to the heart of what they were saying instead of accepting their words at face value. Could you feel a difference then?”

“I think maybe I could. What about you, Lan Zhan?”

“Xiongzhang was as he has always been. Nie Mingjue also. I did not speak to anyone else.”

Wei Wuxian laughed. “And Jin Guangshan has always been a pig so no change there.”

Baoshan Sanren shuddered. “That man is the absolute worst. Why does anyone put up with him? I did like your brother though, Lan Wangji. Sweet boy. Seemed very genuine if a little naïve. I liked Nie Mingjue too and that Wen girl has potential. Those three give me hope for the future of the cultivation world. Not sold on your Jiang's though, Wei Wuxian. Is that why you asked me about perception? Are the cracks showing?”

Wei Wuxian sighed. “I'm not sure. I've always thought that Shijie, at least, really cared for me but now I'm beginning to wonder because if she really saw me as the brother she calls me wouldn't she want me to be happy? The things she said to me, it's like she wanted to keep me manageable and I think she might always have been that way and I just didn't see it. Didn't want to see it.”

“People are complicated, Wei Wuxian. Bad people can still do good things while good people sometimes do bad things. You will have to decide for yourself how to deal with them. Just know that you have options.”

The children had reached them. They gathered around Baoshan Sanren, laughing and hugging. She turned to Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian with a laugh. “I'm going to spend some time catching up. Why don't you two get started on learning the music?”

With a final wave she was off, children swinging from her robes.

***

Lan Wangji had settled under a tree, his guqin in front of him while Wei Wuxian sat nearby familiarising himself with his new flute. He was delighted with the instrument, the tone and range unlike anything he had ever experienced. After awhile, he rubbed his neck, standing up to stretch his limbs. Impossible to tell how long they had been working since the light hadn't changed at all. Lan Wangji was still playing. Wei Wuxian sighed and picked up Chenqing again.

Baoshan Sanren had gone to catch up with her people but now she was back. She lay back in the grass with a happy sigh. “Why don't you take a break, boys? You've been at that for an age. Remember, the days here are a lot longer than you're used to.”

Lan Wangji obediently took his hands away from the guqin but he still sat rigidly, almost as if waiting for permission to return to their task. Wei Wuxian looked at him with a laugh, then turned to Baoshan Sanren. “I'm afraid that Lan Zhan is not good at relaxing, especially when there's work to be done.”

“The best thing about being able to travel in time is the luxury of not being rushed. Lan Wangji, you don't have to worry. We will arrive back in Nightless City only hours after we left the Unclean Realm. No lives will be lost or people harmed because you took a nap.”

“I am unused to a life without responsibility. I will try.”

Baoshan Sanren smiled at him. “I'm not trying to punish you by advising you to slow down. Not at all. The task I pledged us to will be a hard one. I need you both at peak performance so that we may more easily accomplish it. You don't have to be lazy. If meditating helps you relax, then do that. Or go and play with the children for an hour or two. I want you both to enjoy your time here. Be happy.”

As if to prove her point, Lan Wangji felt a small weight on his lap. A tiny child had settled there. He was an odd looking little thing to human eyes, like a small potato with eyes. The child put their hand on the guqin strings and looked hopefully at Lan Wangji.

Baoshan Sanren chuckled. “I think Stren would like for you to play for him. He's surprisingly fond of music for a Sontaran.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji thought for a moment and then began to play a tune from his childhood. A sweet lilting melody. The child hummed and swayed, finally curling up into a ball and falling asleep.

Wei Wuxian watched with a smile. His Lan Zhan really was the best.

***

This life was idyllic. Wei Wuxian couldn't remember a time when he had felt so content. He and Lan Wangji spent their days learning the musical score. Wei Wuxian had insisted they name it as a sign of respect. Due to it's formidable intent, they settled on Purge. It was challenging, especially for Wei Wuxian who hadn't played a flute for some time. Fortunately, Lan Wangji was not only infinitely patient with him, but also a good teacher. Between the two of them they were even able to add harmonies that strengthened the effects of the already powerful music. It was exhilarating.

But, as Baoshan Sanren had suggested, they took frequent breaks. Wei Wuxian played games of chase with the children while Lan Wangji watched indulgently. The small Sontaran child, a boy, had attached himself to Lan Wangji, liking nothing more than to sleep on his lap or leaning against his side. Lan Wangji didn't mind.

Wei Wuxian ran up to throw himself into the grass at Lan Wangji's feet. “Lan Zhan, it's good here, isn't it?”

“Mn.”

“Is your little friend asleep again?”

“Mn.”

“He's going to miss you when we leave.”

“I will miss him also.”

“I'll miss all of this. I'm so glad Baoshan Sanren brought us here. That I got to see the place my mother grew up.”

“You do not regret leaving the Jiangs?”

“No. I...it's strange but I don't miss them at all. Not even Shijie. I always thought I would and it's a little disconcerting to find that I don't.”

“Perhaps in time.”

“That's just it. I don't think more time away will change anything. It's actually a relief to be away from Jiang Cheng's constant jealousy and possessiveness, from Madam Yu's abusive hate and Uncle Jiang's ineffectual complacency. Even from Shijie's urging to constantly forgive the people who hurt me because 'they don't mean it'. I should feel guilty for it, for not doing what they wanted and expected of me, but again, I don't.”

“What will you do when out task is completed?”

“I don't know, Lan Zhan. I really don't, but let's not think of that now. Come, lets practice some more.”

***

Eventually, as all things do, their time on the Celestial Mountain came to an end. Baoshan Sanren had listened carefully as they played through the music they had mastered. When they finished she gave a satisfied nod. “You've got it. Well done. Come along then, we're ready.

Both rose. Little Stren, who had been playing nearby looked up with a sigh. “Going now?”

“Mn. We must.”

Sighing again, he put a hand in his pocket and pulled out a shiny stone. He gave it to Lan Wangji. “Lucky rock. Keep you safe. Bye.” With a wave, he ran off to join his friends.

Lan Wangji stroked the rock thoughtfully then tucked it into his robes. When he looked up, both Baoshan Sanren and Wei Wuxian were smiling at him. “It is a good rock. Smooth.”

Wei Wuxian laughed. “It is. It's a sweet gift. Shall we go”

“Mn.”

***

Once they arrived in Nightless City Baoshan Sanren told them to wait a moment then disappeared into one of the back rooms. She emerged holding what looked like a sword hilt but lacking a blade. Wei Wuxian frowned at it. “What is that?”

She chuckled. “You'll see. Now, when we go out there stay behind me until I deal with any creatures in the main hall.”

“But we're here to help.” Wei Wuxian was confused. “What have we been doing all this time if you're going to take care of everything alone?”

“You will be helping. I'm relying on you to deal with the resentment. As soon as I clear a space the two of you need to start with the playing. That should pull any other monsters in hearing distance to us so I can kill them also. Ready?”

They both nodded as Baoshan Sanren flung open the door, striding out with her weapon at the ready. Only a few fierce corpses remained, the rest having gone in search of prey. The weapon she held sent out a beam of light that cut right through anything it touched. Consequently, the monsters that had converged on her were nothing but a pile of limbs in no time at all. Turning with a smile, she urged Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji forward.

Wei Wuxian was wide eyed and gaping. Even Lan Wangji looked a little startled. “That was...wow. Is that a weapon of your people?”

“This? No. It's called a laser, a concentrated beam of energy that can cut through even solid rock. I picked it up on my travels. Useful to have.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji sat at the centre of the room, guqin in front of him. He began to play Purge. Wei Wuxian pulled out his flute and joined in. The dark resentful energy around them boiled, drawing back then striking forward but never quite touching them. The music they played created a wall of sound that pushed back the resentment, trapping it and gradually tearing it apart.

As Baoshan Sanren had predicted, more monsters came rushing towards them. She dealt with them all as efficiently as the first few.

As they played on, the black clouds of resentment tried to escape, retreating to the ceiling but there was no getting away from the relentless wave of sound. None of them could have said how long it took, but eventually it was over. A new brightness filled the hall, sunlight streaming in through the open doors and the hole in the ceiling caused when the Yin Iron passed through it. The place felt lighter, even the smell of sulphur that always lingered there seemed less offensive.

Baoshan Sanren looked around, satisfied. “That went well. What was it you called the tune?”

“Purge.” Wei Wuxian told her.

“Good name. It was even more effective than I had anticipated. This place is actually liveable now.”

They turned, swords drawn at a sound from behind the throne. A head poked out of a hidden door, followed by a scared man. By his clothes, he was clearly a servant. Baoshan Sanren beckoned him forward. He approached warily, staring at the dissected monsters in awe.

He dropped to his knees, kowtowing before them. “Please spare this lowly one, honoured cultivators.”

“Get up, man. We can't talk with you scrabbling about on the floor.” Baoshan Sanren told him. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

“This one is Fu Tong. I am the household manager.”

Wei Wuxian stepped forward. He had not expected anyone to still be alive, but of course, while it had been weeks for them, for the people here it had only been a matter of days since Wen Ruohan's death. “Did any more of you survive?”

“Yes, Master. The cultivators and family died here but almost all the servants hid when the calamity occurred. We thought we had been abandoned but then we heard the music so I came out to look and I have seen that you have saved us!”

He began to drop into another bow but Baoshan Sanren stopped him. “No more of that. You need to go and get everyone. Get this place cleaned up for your new Sect Leader.”

“May this lowly one ask who that will be?”

“What was her name again, Wei Wuxian?”

“Wen Qing.”

Fu Tong brightened. “Lady Wen? She has always been kind to us.”

Baoshan Sanren nodded, pleased that her positive impressions of Wen Qing had been correct. “Then you can repay her by serving her well. She is currently travelling with Sect Leader Lan to assist in liberating the Cloud Recesses and will be recalling her disciples immediately.”

Fu Tong shook his head sadly. “I fear not all will comply. Many of those recruited by Wen Zongzhu were...unsavoury in nature.”

Baoshan Sanren waved off his concerns. “Not to worry. I'm sure the Nie and Lan along with their allies can handle any dissension in the ranks. All you need do is see to Nightless City and make it ready for her return. We will inform her of your good service when next we meet her.

He bowed again, happy to be given instruction. “I will go and bring out the rest of the staff. May I offer you refreshment and accommodation?”

“Very kind, but no. We need to be off now; work to do, monsters to kill. I assume we can leave the clean up in your capable hands, Fu Tong?”

“Of course, Madam. Please, may this one know who has saved us?”

“I'm Baoshan Sanren, but it was mostly these two. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.”

He was down kowtowing again, much to Baoshan Sanren's annoyance. Still, if it gave him comfort she wouldn't interfere. “This one thanks you for our liberation, Immortal Lady and esteemed cultivators.”

“Okay, no problem. Off you go and fetch everyone out.”

“The dungeons.”

“What about them, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian turned to him with a frown.

“Wen Zongzhu indicated that all those who opposed Wen Ruohan were imprisoned. Some may remain.”

“Oh, good point.” Wei Wuxian turned to Fu Tong. “You should send someone down to check.”

Fu Tong gave a worried look over at the piles of detached limbs. “This one will do as instructed.”

“It should be safe.” Baoshan Sanren reassured. “The music you heard will have drawn all monsters in the vicinity to us and purged the resentment.

Looking happier, he gave a final bow and disappeared through the door from which he had emerged.

“Huh. That was unexpected. Well, I'm glad the servants survived. They were innocent in all this and at least we don't have to deal with this mess. Come along, children. Let's go before that man comes back and starts bowing again.”

***

Wei Wuxian watched with interest as Baoshan Sanren set the dials on the console. “Do you have a way for us to locate Wen Ruohan's creatures?”

“I do. The Yin Iron had a very specific signature which all those created using it share. The TARDIS filed it away for later use when we retrieved the Iron earlier. Now all I need do is feed it in here and...there. Hmn, that's a lot.”

Wei Wuxian peered over her shoulder at the screen that showed a large number of red dots. “That is a lot. But we've been hearing about his puppets and walking corpses for well over a year now so I expect he's been experimenting for far longer than we realised.”

“Despicable.” Lan Wangji had joined them to look at the display. He pointed at an area close to a small group of dots. “Dafan Mountain is here.”

“Oh, Lan Zhan is right. We should go there first since Wen Qing...Sect Leader Wen's people are unprotected.”

“Okay, that's a plan. I can also scan for resentful energy so after we take care of the ones we know to be near people, we can head for the biggest concentrations of resentment. It's a bigger job than I had expected, but not impossible. Oh, by the way, I would rather not make my laser known to the cultivation world so when we fight near people I will use my sword. Wei Wuxian, I might need you with me at first while Lan Wangji plays Purge. Is that a problem?”

"None at all."

***

As soon as the door opened they heard the fighting. Several Nie cultivators had engaged the monster horde attacking the village. They were losing. Baoshan Sanren surged forward, sword in hand. Wei Wuxian was beside her with Suibian while Lan Wangji began to play. The Nies turned to them with surprise and relief as the battle continued.

“Take off the heads if you can.” Baoshan Sanren advised. “Or aim to remove their legs and arms. It's the only way to fight these things.”

They took her advice and the tide began to turn. Wei Wuxian drew back, putting away Suibian to pull out Chenqing instead and join Lan Wangji in playing Purge. Waves of resentment rose from each defeated creature, rising up to strike at the cowering villagers. The music caught and held it in check, battering at it until it dwindled and was gone. By the time the area was clear the Nie stood in a circle around Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, watching them work in astonishment.

The leader came forward with a bow. “What was that? I've heard Cleansing and that wasn't it.”

Wei Wuxian gave him a small wave. “It's new. We call it Purge. What are you doing here? We weren't expecting to find any cultivators in Dafan Village.”

“Chifeng-Zun sent us. He said since Wen Zongzhu would be fighting with him and Zewu-Jun that her people needed to be kept safe.”

“Hah. Knew there was a reason I liked that man.” Baoshan Sanren declared.

Wei Wuxian recognised the old woman coming toward them. He remembered her from the first time they had been here, on their quest for the Yin Iron. He bowed politely. “Madam, your village is safe now. We will take our leave.”

“Have you seen Lady Wen, oh, I should call her Wen Zongzhu now. These men told us what happened in the Unclean Realm.”

“Sorry, I can't tell you any more than they have. All I know is that she was going to Cloud Recesses with Zewu-Jun but I don't know what she intended after that. We have been to Nightless City though, and it's clear of puppets now. We spoke with a Fu Ting?"

"Tong." Lan Wangji put in.

"Sorry, yes. Fu Tong. Do you know him?”

She shook her head so Wei Wuxian continued. “He manages the staff. All of them seem to be safe. He promise to get the place in order for Sect Leader Wen as soon as she is ready to take her place there. Can you let her know?”

“I will write, Young Master. On behalf of my people, I thank you for your assistance.”

He shrugged. “No need for that. We saw that some of the monsters were headed your way so of course we came to help but we have to go now. You have the Nie here to protect you.”

They said their goodbyes with much waving and happy cheering.

***

It soon became routine. Wei Wuxian would help Baoshan Sanren with the monsters and then join Lan Wangji in playing Purge until the last hint of resentment was gone. Before long, they began to become known, their presence in the midst of chaos eagerly anticipated. During one such encounter, Wei Wuxian turned to say something to Lan Wangji. Whatever he had been thinking was driven from his mind at the sight that met his eyes.

An ethereal glow enveloped Lan Wangji like a halo, rising up from the guqin strings as he played. He was oblivious, whole being concentrated on defeating the evil around them. Wei Wuxian stared in stunned silence. He had always thought Lan Wangji beautiful but now he looked like a god descended from the heavens. When he could finally pull his gaze away from Lan Wangji, it became obvious that he wasn't the only one who had noticed. Many of the townspeople also stared in awe at his friend.

Suddenly, he was pulled forward. Baoshan Sanren giving him a wry shake of her head. “I know he's pretty but do pay attention, Wei Wuxian. We're in the middle of a battle here.”

He winced. “Oops.”

“Oops indeed. Now go help your boy get rid of this resentment.”

Wei Wuxian did, thinking himself a fool for allowing himself to be so easily distracted.

When the people rushed forward to thank them Wei Wuxian was unsurprised at the name he heard whispered when they spoke of Lan Wangji. Hanguang-Jun. The light bearer. How appropriate. Predictably, Lan Wangji's ears turned red at the name. Laughing, Wei Wuxian stepped in front of him to distract the eager townspeople, assuring them that they were now safe.

Within a month much of their work was done. The most dense pockets of resentment had been cleared and now Baoshan Sanren started to take a back seat. She stood back, watching as Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian dealt with the situation alone. They were fast becoming as legendary as Baoshan Sanren had always been. Lan Wangji's name had stuck, making Wei Wuxian smile and Lan Wangji flush whenever they heard Hanguang-Jun shouted happily. It was Wei Wuxian's turn to be flustered when a new name started being used for him.

Xiwang-Jun, they called him. Hope, desire for a brighter future. He turned to Lan Wangji, open-mouthed. But why? How could he be worthy of that title? “Why, Lan Zhan? I've done nothing to earn being called that.”

Lan Wangji's lips turned up in the smallest of smiles. “Wei Ying always reassures. Brings hope. Wei Ying is deserving of his title. It is fitting.”

***

Almost two months after they began they arrived in a small town just outside of Caiyi. They had finished the job and were taking their leave when Wei Wuxian noticed some whispering going on. He looked over to Lan Wangji and Baoshan Sanren, both of whom indicated that yes, they had also noticed something was up. Wei Wuxian bowed to the town magistrate. “Sir, is there something else we can help you with?”

“Oh no, we couldn't ask you for anything more. You've done enough.”

Lan Wangji stepped forward. This was Lan territory, so if there was a problem it was his duty to see to it. “You may ask.”

The magistrate looked startled, then bowed again. “It is only that the main well has become haunted, but we can manage without it. Hanguang-Jun should not concern himself with our trivial matters.”

Lan Wangji frowned. “Have you applied to Cloud Recesses for assistance?”

“We did, Hanguang-Jun. But then Cloud Recesses was attacked by the Wen. We didn't ask again because even with it being re-taken by Zewu-Jun, we appreciate that there is re-building to be done.”

“Mn. I will see to it. Where is the well?”

Surprised and happy, the magistrate led them to the town square where the well sat. Lan Wangji approached, looking into it. Wei Wuxian joined him, picking up a small stone and tossing it in. “Has anyone seen the ghost?”

“No, Xiwang-Jun. It hasn't approached anyone, but if we try to lower a bucket for water, it's impossible to pull it back up. It's like something is holding onto it.”

“I will play Inquiry.”

Manifesting his guqin, Lan Wangji began. It didn't take long, the spirit answering straight away, almost as if it had been waiting. Lan Wangji nodded, turning to the magistrate. “He is Chen Guo.”

The Magistrate started. “Chen Guo, but we thought...oh no.”

Wei Wuxian frowned. “What do you know about him?”

The man was distraught. “Oh this is terrible. We thought...he and his wife lived just outside of town. She was found dead not long before the haunting began. She had been violated and brutally murdered. She and her husband were known to fight regularly so we thought...we thought it was him, and that he ran away when he saw what he had done. But if he's here and dead, then were we wrong?”

“You were.” Lan Wangji confirmed. “His farm was attacked by Wen soldiers. He was killed and thrown into the well at night. He is not aware of his wife's fate. It is why he has lingered.”

“Wens? We didn't know. I swear, no-one saw anything. They must have been on their way to Cloud Recesses.”

“Mn. I will inform him of what you have told me.” Lan Wangji played again before nodding. “He is ready to move on to join his wife. He asks only that his remains be retrieved from the well and given a proper burial by her side.”

“We will, of course we will.”

“I will play Rest.” Once complete, he rose and put away Wangji-Qin. “You said that Cloud Recesses has been liberated? What do you know of that?”

“Zewu-Jun passed through over a month ago. He led an army of Lan, Nie and even Wen cultivators. He told us that Cloud Recesses was free and that there was nothing more to fear from the Wen and then he left.”

“My thanks. We must also depart. Do not hesitate to contact Cloud Recesses should you require further assistance. Re-building or no, we do not ignore our duty to the people.”

“Hanguang-Jun is wise. We will certainly do as he suggests.”

With a final bow, they left,

back in the TARDIS Lan Wangji was pensive. “Lan Zhan, are you worried about your brother? It sounds like he succeeded in his task.”

“Mn.”

“But you're still worried.”

“Shufu was injured in the initial attack.”

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian turned to Baoshan Sanren. “Maybe we could visit? Put Lan Zhan's mind at ease about his uncle?”

“Of course we can. We're almost done anyway so a break would be no problem.” Baoshan Sanren set the dials. “We'll need to visit in real time though, as they will have heard what we've been up to. I'll land us outside of sight of the gates. No need to scare them so soon after they were invaded.”

***

The guards began whispering as soon as they saw them, bowing low. “Hanguang-Jun, you have returned.”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji bowed back. “Is my uncle well?”

“Lan Xiansheng is recovered, Hanguang-Jun. He will be pleased to see you.” They stepped aside to allow them to enter.

The guards reaction was repeated as they continued on their way. Disciples stopping and staring, the words, “Hanguang-Jun,” repeated endlessly. Wei Wuxian nudged him, laughing at Lan Wangji's red ears.

Word must have spread quickly. Lan Qiren and a small delegation of Elders met them in front of the library. Lan Qiren grasped Lan Wangji by the arms, studying his face. “Wangji I have missed you. You look well.”

“As do you, Shufu. I am glad. I received word that Xiongzhang had liberated Cloud Recesses?”

“He did. Lady Wen, the new Wen Sect Leader was with him. I take it you know about that?”

“Mn.”

“Of course, you were at the discussion conference in the Unclean Realm. Xichen did tell me that. He said that you were travelling with Baoshan Sanren?”

���Mn.” He indicated to her then to Wei Wuxian. “Also with Wei Ying.”

“Yes. We've been hearing of your exploits, Wangji. Hanguang-Jun. A righteous title.”

“Shufu.”

“If even half of what we have heard is true then you more than deserve it. Wangji, I am proud of you.”

Lan Wangji flushed and bowed his head. Lan Qiren turned to Wei Wuxian. “Wei Wuxian. I didn't like your mother. I found her annoying. Yet she always strove to help the common people, as did your father once they were married. I am convinced that they would be glad of the choices you have made.”

Shocked, Wei Wuxian stared at him. “Oh, uhm, I hope they would be. Thank-you for saying that.”

Lan Qiren huffed. “I am sure that the Immortal Baoshan Sanren will confirm what I have said. After all, she taught Cangse Sanren and knew her better than I.”

“I did and I do confirm your words. Wei Wuxian, your mother would be proud of the man you have become.”

We Wuxian squeaked and hid his face on Lan Wangji's shoulder.

Lan Qiren huffed again. “Enough of that. Come to the Hanshi and make a report. I look forward to hearing of your adventures.”

***

Lan Qiren shook his head in amazement once they had finished telling him and the gathered Elders of all that had happened to them since Baoshan Sanren rescued them from the Xuanwu cave. Of course, they left out anything to do with her origins. “This new music, Purge, is it really so powerful?”

“It is, Shufu.”

One of the Elders leaned forward. “Will it be made available to the Sect?”

Lan Wangji turned to Baoshan Sanren. She shrugged. “Up to you, Wangji. I gave it to you, and then you and Wei Wuxian enhanced it. It's yours to do with as you wish.”

“Shufu, I will bring you the sheet music.”

Lan Qiren nodded his thanks. “You will be leaving again soon?”

“I must, Shufu. Our task is not yet complete. I know that we must re-build and regret that I am unable to stay.”

“I wasn't asking you to stay, Wangji. I know what you are doing is important. In truth, you are doing more for our sect by your actions that you realise.”

“Shufu?”

“The people admire you greatly, Wangji. Rightly so. We have received numerous applications to join the Lan Sect solely because of you. You have become an inspiration to so many. There are enough hands to restore the buildings and because of you, we can also build up our numbers.”

“Xiongzhang is also fighting.”

“He is. I am equally proud of you both. But it is you who has caught the imagination of the people, Wangji.”

An Elder chuckled. “There are songs. And also a play, I believe.”

Lan Wangji was horrified while Wei Wuxian laughed delightedly, falling against Lan Wangji. “Songs, Lan Zhan, and plays.” A thought suddenly struck him. “Oh, what about Lotus Pier? Are they getting an influx of new disciple too?”

Lan Qiren frowned. “You haven't heard, then?”

Suddenly worried, Wei Wuxian stopped laughing. “Heard what? We've been moving around so much we haven't really had any news. Has something happened to Lotus Pier? Are they safe?”

Lan Qiren sighed. “Nothing has happened, exactly. In fact, as you said, they too initially saw an increase in applications to the sect.”

“Initially? But not anymore?”

"No, not anymore. Three weeks ago a family arrived here with their young son. Merchants from Yunmeng. The mother was unwell so was instantly taken to the healers. They reported that she had been struck with a spiritual weapon. A spiritual whip, to be more precise.”

“Oh no.” Wei Wuxian clenched his fists as he waited for Lan Qiren to fill in the details.

“Their youngest son showed potential to become a cultivator, and after he heard the stories of you, Wei Wuxian and of Wangji, his greatest desire was to become a Jiang disciple. His parents were happy to indulge him and took him to Lotus Pier. All was going well until the boy made the mistake of praising you.”

“Madam Yu.”

“Madam Yu. She was not happy. It seems she became enraged when the child repeatedly stated the desire of following in your footsteps. She attacked him with Zidian. A nine year old child. His mother threw herself over her son to protect him and was struck in his place. Naturally, the family left immediately. After discussing what to do, they came here. The boy still wanted to cultivate, but not with the Jiang. As for the parents, they are successful silk exporters who had been considering expanding their business so it is no hardship for them to move to Caiyi. I have given them papers of recommendation to get things started.”

“The mother will recover?”

“She will, although she will always suffer from a weakness in her left arm. A shame. I fear that things will not end there for the Jiang.”

“Word got out then?”

“This was a popular family, it would seem, with many trading partners. I do not listen to gossip, but we have been receiving parents here who have pulled their children from Lotus Pier in fear of what the Sect Madam might do. It seems they are haemorrhaging disciples. Many have come here and told their tale. It can only get worse.”

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian sighed. Looking sadly at Lan Wangji. “She will find a way to blame me for this.”

“It is not Wei Ying's fault.”

“I know. Though in a way, it is because of me. I was always her main target. With me gone, she has no focus for her hate so it spills over onto everyone. So yes, she will blame me and want to punish me for her actions.”

“Wei Wuxian.” Lan Qiren looked at him thoughtfully. “You are Wangji's cultivation partner. You will always be welcome in Cloud Recesses should your position at Lotus Pier become untenable.”

Wei Wuxian gaped, turning from Lan Qiren to Lan Wangji and then back again. “Oh, but I mean...you don't like me?”

“I may have been hasty in my assessment of your character.”

“Wei Ying is worthy, Shufu.”

“As you say, Wangji. I will trust your judgement on this since you are better acquainted with Wei Wuxian than I.”

Wei Wuxian blinked, a little tearful. “Thank-you, Lan Xiansheng.”

Lan Qiren cleared his throat, unused to so much emotion. “Now that that is settled, we can have some tea before you leave.”

***

It was done. The last red dot had been eliminated. The evil created by Wen Ruohan was gone from the world and they could return to their lives. For the first time, they accepted the offer of refreshment made by the grateful townspeople. They had been brought to the grandest inn the town could boast and had been plied with all manner of delicacies.

Wei Wuxian tossed another spicy nut into his mouth. “We've really done it. It's over. Lan Zhan, are you going back to...oh, what's happening?” He peered over to the door where there seemed to be a disturbance.

The innkeeper came bustling over. “Terrible news. We have heard that the Yao Sect was attacked by renegade Wens. Sect Leader Yao sent to the Jins for aid but Jin Zongzhu did nothing to help.”

The Yao? They were neighbours of the Jiangs and had chosen not to join the alliance. Wei Wuxian was worried, not realising how close to Yunmeng they had come. "Were there survivors?”

“I'm sorry, young Master, I don't know but the man says that the Wens were heading towards Lotus Pier. I don't know what is best to do. The Jiang Sect should be warned but I'm afraid to send anyone as the Madam is so unreasonable. What if she blames the messenger?”

Wei Wuxian sighed. Whatever he felt for the Jiangs now, he couldn't allow then to be attacked without warning. “I will go. Lan Zhan...”

“I am coming with you, Wei Ying.”

Baoshan Sanren grabbed a stick of candied hawthorn berries as she rose. “We'll all go. Come along. Can't stand that woman but oh well. Let's go save the demented witch.”

***

They materialised just outside of Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian hurried to the gates with a wave at the guards. “I need to see Sect Leader Jiang at once.”

“Wei Wuxian, you're back at last. It's been awful here without you. Madam Yu has been on the rampage since they got back from the Unclean Realm.”

“When is she not? Please, step aside, I have vital information for the Sect Leader.”

They looked at each other, worried before the senior stepped forward. “Madam Yu said you weren't to be given entry without her being informed of your arrival. I'm sorry, Wei Wuxian. You know I daren't go against her wishes.”

“Inform her then, but make sure Uncle Jiang also knows I'm here and need to see him urgently.”

As the disciple ran off Wei Wuxian turned to the others. “Unbelievable. I'm supposed to be the Head Disciple yet I'm made to stand here like a thief after the sect treasury.”

Before long, not only Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian, but also Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng were confronting him at the gate. Madam Yu, Zidian crackling on her wrist pointed at him with anger. “You! You dare come back here demanding entry after you abandoned your sect to go running off and making a show of yourself, bringing shame on your sect. Because of you we have lost cultivators. By your actions you have damaged the future of the Jiang Sect.”

Wei Wuxian raised his eyebrows in an I told you so gesture to Baoshan Sanren and Lan Wangji before turning back to Madam Yu. “How have I brought shame on the Jiang? Tell me, Madam Yu, because from what I've been hearing my actions did nothing of the sort. Your actions on the other hand have been driving good disciples away from the sect.”

“You!” She unleashed Zidian to strike at him but the blow never landed. Lan Wangji stepped in front of Wei Wuxian to catch the whip on his sword, his anger evident.

Madam Yu tried to pull free but before she could Baoshan Sanren pulled a small tube device from her robes. She aimed it at the base of Zidian and activated. A high buzzing sound echoed as Zidian began to pulse before sputtering out and hanging uselessly.

There was a moment of shocked silence before Jiang Cheng rushed forward, trying to grab Wei Wuxian by the collar. “What have you done!? Wei Wuxian, what have you done?”

Wei Wuxian took hold of his wrists and squeezed, forcing Jiang Cheng to release him. Jiang Cheng pulled his hands back and stared at them as if he couldn't believe they were no longer still attached to Wei Wuxian. This had never happened before. Always, We Wuxian had laughed and made a joke of Jiang Chang's anger but he had never tried to stop him. He looked at his parents and sister. What was going on?

Jiang Yanli smiled sadly at Wei Wuxian. “A-Xian, you know A-Cheng didn't mean it. And Mother is only upset that you were gone for so long and yet you allowed that woman to do something to Zidian. Please, ask her to restore Mother's spiritual weapon.”

Baoshan Sanren shrugged. “Wouldn't help even if he did ask. It's dead.”

“No! Fix it!” Madam Yu was incensed, shaking Zidian, trying to get it to spark again. Nothing helped. Zidian was gone.

“A natural consequence of using a spiritual weapon against innocents. You didn't deserve it so I took it from you. Get over it.”

“Baoshan Sanren is right, Shijie. There's nothing I can do, and even if there was, I wouldn't.”

“A-Xian! How can you say that? You know Mother cares for you.”

“No, I don't know that Shijie. What I know is that she has always blamed me for everything that has gone wrong in her life. She punishes me for things that she knows are not my fault. How did I abandon the Jiang Sect? Uncle agreed that I should go, even if he didn't want to. He said it in front of everyone. How have I brought shame on the Jiang Sect? I have spent months destroying the evil created by Wen Ruohan and making the world a little safer.”

Looking at Yu Ziyuan he continued. “Lan Qiren told us how Lan Zhan's actions brought acclaim and new blood into the Lan Sect. How the same could have been true for the Jiang but you wouldn't allow that, would you, Madam Yu? You couldn't allow the smallest hint of approval for me stand. All you needed to do was say nothing but even that was beyond your capabilities. You had to pull me down and by doing so you brought shame onto the Jiang. You. Not me.”

He turned back to Jiang Yanli, tears in his eyes. “Even Lan Qiren gave us his congratulations. Yet Madam Yu wanted to punish me for doing the right thing? And you excuse her, for this and for every single time she behaves in this way. As for Jiang Cheng, maybe he does care about me, I honestly don't know anymore because there's so much jealousy and venom mixed in with the love that it's just hateful. Shijie, please, for once see the truth. You always ask me to try to get along, to not make trouble, but nothing I do ever makes a difference. Jiang Cheng is still angry and Madam Yu still punishes me for no reason. Nothing is ever going to change as long as I stay here.”

Jiang Yanli covered her face with hand, the tears starting.

“Now see what you've done! You made Jie cry.”

“I'm sorry for it, but I had to stop lying; to myself as well as to everyone else. Every word I said is the truth.”

“It's not...”

“Enough, A-Cheng. A-Xian, if this is how you feel then why are you here? Why did you even come back?” Jiang Fengmian was frowning. Perhaps what Wei Wuxian was saying was the truth but then, it had always been the truth yet he had never objected before. Once again, Jiang Fengmian wished he had refused to let Wei Wuxian go. But that had been impossible in the circumstances without the Jiang Sect losing face.

“Can we talk inside?”

It was Madam Yu who answered. “Anything you have to say can be said here.”

“Whatever. I've come to warn you, Jiang Zongzhu. We have heard that the Yao Sect has been attacked and a force of renegade Wens are moving towards Lotus Pier.”

“Nonsense.” Madam Yu scoffed. “We are a Great Sect. They wouldn't dare attack us. We will not waste time and money on a pointless enterprise.”

“Are you an idiot?” Baoshan Sanren stared at Madam Yu with contempt. “Will you keep your sect defenceless because you refuse to heed the warning brought to you by Wei Wuxian? What about you, Jiang Zongzhu? Are you as foolish as your wife or do you intend to take reasonable precautions?”

“I...I...” Jiang Fengmian stuttered out. He didn't know what to do. On the one side, Wei Wuxian had brought forth a creditable threat. On the other, his wife hated Wei Wuxian and would never agree to do anything on his word alone. Before, it had been easy. He would do whatever would keep his wife happy and deal with the consequences later. Usually, those consequences meant trouble for Wei Wuxian, but that was okay because he would easily laugh it off. Now it looked like he was no longer willing to do that. Appeasing his wife might well cost him Wei Wuxian's loyalty. He took a step back.

Baoshan Sanren shook her head. “Seriously? You aren't going to make any decisions at all? Useless. Completely useless. Wuxian, why did you stay with these people? They'll get you killed with their incompetence.”

“I know. I've had a few close calls already but I can't just leave. I have a responsibility to the disciples as their head.”

“Former head.” Madam Yu sneered.

Wei Wuxian frowned at her then turned to Jiang Fengmian. “Is that true?”

“I...” Jiang Fengmian gulped and looked away.

“Uncle Jiang – Jiang Zongzhu, where do I stand with the Jiang? Am I Head Disciple or am I not?”

“A-Xian, you must understand. You were not here and we had no news and no idea of when you would return. With everything going on, we needed a Head Disciple.”

“Who did you replace me with?”

“The one who always should have been in that position.” Madam Yu threw the now useless Zidian at his feet. “My son has taken his rightful place.”

“Jiang Cheng?” Wei Wuxian shook his head sadly. “Jiang Cheng, if that's true then it's up to you to convince your Sect Leader to take appropriate action in a crisis.”

“I don't take orders from you, Wei Wuxian.”

“I wasn't giving you an order. There is trouble coming and if you are not ready then it will be disastrous.”

Jiang Cheng looked over at his mother then squared his shoulders. “Mother is right. No-one would dare attack Lotus Pier. We're safe here.”

“You are not.” Lan Wangji spoke calmly but with so much authority that for a moment even Madam Yu wavered.

Jiang Fengmian finally made a choice. It was the wrong one. “I am sure you think so, Lan Wangji, but there is no cause to believe that. As my wife said, we are a Great Sect.”

“As are the Lan. That did not protect us.”

“But that was at Wen Ruohan's orders. With him dead his remaining troops are little more than bandits.”

“Well trained. Ruthless. They may not come today but they will come.” Lan Wangji's certainty was disconcerting.

Jiang Fengmian again tried to condescend. “There is no reason to believe so.”

“Wrong. The alliance between the Nie, the Lan and most minor sects is too strong to risk confrontation. Natural that they would target those without support. Smaller clans first. The Yao, Ouyang, Yu. You are a Great Sect but smaller than the Jin. When no lesser targets remain then they will come.”

It was a good analysis. Jiang Fengmian wanted to disagree, but he made it sound not only likely but also inevitable.

“Father, there's a boat coming.” Jiang Cheng was pointing to a small ornate craft headed for the pier.

Jiang Fengmian frowned then gasped. “That's Sect Leader Yao's personal barge.” He called to some disciples, urging them forward to help the boat dock.

Sect Leader Yao hauled himself out, staggering a few feet to fall in the dust at Jiang Fengmian's feet. “Disaster, disaster, such terrible things have come to pass.”

Jiang Fengmian knelt by his side. “Calm yourself. What has happened?”

“All gone! My sect is destroyed. They came in the night and took everything. My disciples were helpless against them. Why? Why has this happened to me? Ah, if only I had joined the alliance. I heard that when Sect Leader He got word that renegades had been seen on his land Chifeng-Zun marched his entire army to Tingshan to investigate. But I had no-one to help me. No-one. And now it's too late.”

Wei Wuxian turned to Madam Yu. “There is your proof. Will you listen now?”

Madam Yu turned her head away, saying nothing.

Jiang Fengmian stood. “A-Cheng. Call back all of our disciples. Station lookouts and put archers on the roof. We will prepare for an attack.”

“Fengmian! Am I nothing that you would take the word of this brat over me?”

“San-Niang, what choice is there? Lan Wangji is right in what he says. We are not safe and we cannot rely on the Jin for help. I cannot risk the whole sect only because you dislike Wei Wuxian. We must be ready if trouble comes. A-Xian, you will act as A-Cheng's second. We can review the situation once the trouble has passed. For now...”

“No.”

“What do you mean, no?” Madam Yu took a threatening step forward. “Do you expect to come back without any notice and take up your previous position?”

“I don't expect anything from you and you no longer have any right to expect anything from me.” Reaching down he removed his clarity bell and handed it to Jiang Fengmian. "Jiang Zongzhu, I succeed from the Jiang Sect. I wish you well but whatever you decide to do you must do it without me.”

“A-Xian!” Jiang Yanli gasped. “You will leave us now when we need you the most?”

“I no longer have a place in the Jiang Sect, Shijie. Perhaps I never did and am only now realising it. Jiang Zongzhu, I have brought you the warning. That is the last assistance I will give you.”

Without another word he turned and left, Lan Wangji and Baoshan Sanren following close behind.

***

Back in the TARDIS Baoshan Sanren clapped her hands together with glee. “I thought that woman's jaw would dislocate it dropped so far when you walked out. Well done Wuxian. That can't have been easy. If it's any consolation I think you made the right choice.”

“You're right. It wasn't easy but you're also right that it was the right choice.”

“Mn. Wei Ying deserves better.”

“Now that you're free of those people, how would you feel about becoming my Companion? Wangji too of course. What do you say boys? There must be somewhere you want to go, someone you would like to meet? We can go anywhere in any time.”

“We can come with you?”

“I have a duty. I cannot...”

They spoke at the same time, Wei Wuxian breathing sharply at Lan Wangji's denial. If Lan Zhan wouldn't come then what would he do?

“Wangji, you and Wuxian have already helped stop a war from happening. You have saved thousands of lives.” Baoshan Sanren spoke kindly to Lan Wangji. She liked this boy. Both these boys. She very much wanted them as Companions, for them and for her. “What more could be asked of you?”

Lan Wangji was hesitant. He could see that Wei Wuxian wanted this but all his life Lan Wangji had been told he had a duty. To his sect, to his family. He was the heir, the Second Jade of Lan. How could he ignore that to follow his own desires? He shook his head. “I cannot. Cloud Recesses was burnt down. Now that our task is complete I am needed. My brother...”

“Time Machine, child. Remember?” Baoshan Sanren nudged him. “You could travel with me for a decade and I could still have you back only days after you left.”

“There, see, Lan Zhan? You wouldn't be taking anything from anyone.”

“Wei Ying could still go, even if I chose to remain.”

“No, Lan Zhan. I couldn't. Not without you. I don't know what this is between us but I do know that I want to explore what we have. If you still feel the same...”

“I have not changed. Wei Ying is my Zhiji.”

Wei Wuxian smiled. “That's how I feel too. Lan Zhan, I won't force you, but please, don't reject this just because you feel you have to. It's not a bad thing to want something for yourself. And we could do so much. Do you remember our promise Lan Zhan? To stand with justice and live without regrets? And I know, in my heart, that if we do not do this, I will regret it for the rest of my life. I think you would too.”

To stand for justice, to help people and live without regrets. Yes, that is what he had promised. Could it really be possible? Because Wei Ying was right. No-one would be hurt by this. No-one would lose anything. His brother wouldn't even know he was gone. It was terrifying for him to live outside the rules but he would not be alone. He would have Wei Ying by his side and Baoshan Sanren to guide them. They could learn so much and help so many. To live without regret.

Lan Wangji looked at the twin looks of hope directed at him. This, too, was new for him. To be wanted. Only his brother had ever shown him this level of understanding. For everyone else, even his uncle, acceptance was conditional. Always, he had done what was expected of him but to make this choice? This would be for him. What he wanted. And he did want this. Quite desperately. Could he take this one thing for himself? To live without regret. That's what it came down to in the end.

His lips tilted up in the tiniest of smiles, decision made. “I will come.”

***

Notes:

In a sense, this is like the pilot episode of a new series. This part of the story is now complete. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian have agreed to become Companions and will go on many adventures. I will probably write further stories in this universe, adding them on the end of this one as I think of them. They will be complete stories in themselves much as with the Doctor Who series. So, if anyone has anywhere they want them to go, drop me a line and I'll start a list.

[juniperjellyfish]

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND PEOPLE, I PRESENT TO YOU THE WINNER OF THE FIRST ANNUAL NINJAGO SEXYMAN TOURNAMENT AND THE SUBJECT(S) OF MY FIRST EVER DTIYS!!!!

DRRRRRUMROLL PLEEEEEEEASE…

LORD GARMADADD- GARMADON IS THIS YEAR’S NINJAGO SEXYMAN!

IN SECOND PLACE WE HAVE NYA SMITH/JIANG

AND IN THIRD PLACE WE HAVE KAI SMITH/JIANG

Some honorable mentions are:

Dareth

The Great Devourer

Skylor Chen

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and those who participate in the DTIYS!

And especially @woffles-4-waffles, without you and the Garmadaddy group chat, this would not have been possible.

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

First meet

@gwyndal thank you for your adorable prompt! I loved writing this!

The prompt: Wangxian meeting LXC's and his spouse's firstborn

Wei Wuxian walks anxiously through the jingshi, drawing imaginary circles all over the place with his steps. His hands are folded behind his back, but his fingers still wring against each other, betraying his nerves.

Lan Wangji would try to comfort him if he wasn't restless himself. He's been sifting through the same book for the past two or three hours, unable to focus.

"Why's it taking so long?!" Wei Wuxian bursts, tired of the silence and his own thoughts spiralling. "I wonder, did something happen? I know Ming Xiang's pregnancy has been difficult, but... it's been over 10 hours, why haven't we received any news?"

"I've asked the doctor to let me know when something happens, good or bad. No news should be good news."

"Except it's not! Do you know how many things can go wrong in childbirth?! It's terrible, she could even die!"

"Wei Ying, I don't think that is the case. We would have been told."

Wei Wuxian sighs, frustrated. "I just want to know or nephew or niece is okay... This is nerve-wracking!"

"It is, but we shouldn't be so-"

There's a knock at the jingshi's door and Lan Wangji springs to his feet, nearly knocking himself over as he runs to open up. A disciple that can only be described as happily distraught manages a half bow and hurriedly says, "Come quickly, lady Ming has given birth to twin boys!"

Lan Wangji nearly knocks the disciple over as he runs out the door, and it happens again when Wei Wuxian follows. They all but fly their way towards the lanshi, and only when do they arrive at the door reality hits them.

They're uncles now! They're going to meet their niece or nephew now!

But they can't just barge in - this is an intimate moment, perhaps Lan Xichen and his wife want to spend it together without outside interference. Perhaps they should wait to be called in or -

The door opens to reveal Lan Xichen beaming, a smile so bright it nearly lights up the night. "Come on in, A-Xiang was just about to send me after you."

Suddenly, both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian feel incredibly small as they walk in. The lanshi looks the same as always, yet it feels different - it feels different with Ming Xiang's soft voice humming a lullaby as she lays in the bed, two bundles of embroidered blankets in her arms.

There are bags under her eyes and her updo is more mess than hair - but she looks so softly, so lovingly to the little ones she's holding that she appears otherworldly, a goddess among mortals, the primordial image of Mother.

Wei Wuxian's eyes tear up, but it is Lan Wangji that cries first, two rivulets of tears falling symmetrically down his face at the image. A step behind them, Lan Xichen himself struggles to hide his tears.

Ming Xiang smiles, tired, proud, relieved, motherly. "Looks like you'll both get your very own nephew."

Wei Wuxian laughs, wetly, as he approaches the bed and tentatively sits on the edge. He sees his own mother holding him, he sees Jiang Yanli holding Jin Ling, he sees A-Yuan's mother holding him - he sees all mothers there, in the image of Ming Xiang, and there is a knot in his throat that refuses to dissipate.

He looks at the two babes, snuggled in their expensive furs and silks, so small and vulnerable, so very precious, so long waited on.

Lan Wangji joins his husband's side and Lan Xichen stands at the foot of the bed, looking on at his family, now whole. He hasn't even realized, until today, he has been missing something.

Two little somethings.

"Would you like to hold them?" Ming Xiang asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji nod all too eagerly, and Lan Xichen takes the cue to help his wife hand over the two little boys.

She makes a relieved sound. "They're so heavy... Those pregnancy cravings fed them well!"

Lan Xichen watches as the two hold his sons like they are gold incarnate, their touches delicate and fearful. He shares a look with his wife, a discreet smile between them, until-

"He's moving!" Lan Wangji exclaims, overwhelmed and uncharacteristic, eyes wide as the baby in his arms opens his eyes and lifts a tiny hand towards him.

"Of course, he's moving." Wei Wuxian replies, gently rocking the other one. "Babies tend to do that."

Lan Wangji smiles, warm, his fingers gently adjusting the blankets around the little boy. "Mn."

The baby seems to be analyzing Lan Wangji, blue eyes scanning over his face before his little nose scrunches as if in disapproval, and he closes his eyes to sleep again. Wei Wuxian's heart leaps at the adorable sight and he knows he wants this for himself too, for both of them.

He turns to look at the baby he's holding himself, sleeping soundly, and can't help running a finger over his plump cheeks. He knows he'd die - again, over and over - if his little nephews asked, he'd turn the world upside down and sideways for them. He'll be the uncle he never got to be for Jin Ling, he'll be the uncle he wished he had himself when he was younger.

And so, on that cold winter day, Lan Yichen and Lan Haoyu were born, the future Twin Jades, the pride and joy of their parents and uncles, the hope for a future as bright as their father's sword and as beautiful as their mother's smile.

(And as spoiled as Hanguang-Jun and the Yiling Patriarch could get away with.)

[shanastoryteller]

Happy happy Valentine 💖💕🥰 As always, I’d love some more of thee MDZS Identity Porn (with the masks and LWJ getting jealous of all of his husband’s “husbands”) (Or JC traveling back in time?) Thanks!

a continuation of 1 2 3 4 5 6

At the dinner portion of the banquet, Wen Qing gets her seat stolen by Jiang Yanli.

The advantage of the talisman on his chest, and being seated between them, is he can see the way Wei Wuxian looks to Meng Yao beseechingly to do something about it. Wen Qing has also finally been cornered by Jiang Cheng and is being herded towards Jiang Yanli's empty seat by a half dozen Jiang disciples that are pretending to be oblivious about what they're doing. Madame Yu is giving the whole affair a nasty glare while Sect Leader Jiang seems to be deliberately ignoring it.

Meng Yao, instead of jumping into action and rearranging everything as he's so skilled in doing, snorts and deliberately turns his back to them to start chatting with one of the cultivators they'd brought with them.

Wei Wuxian's mouth drops open and his eyes narrow in outrage.

Lan Wangji wants to help his husband, but this really isn't his strong suit. At least without veering into deliberate rudeness, which he hasn't mind employing in the past, but he's still unsure of Wei Wuxian's relationship to Jiang Yanli. He almost died for her. Surely he doesn't want Lan Wangji to be rude.

"Lady Jiang," he says, "it's good to see you again. Perhaps we can speak after the banquet?"

Jiang Yanli is usually a strict adherer of propriety, but she just smiles at him brightly and says, "Oh, why wait? The Jin aren't formal like that."

The Jin aren't formal like that because Jin Guangshan likes to move amongst the clans and hit on the youngest and prettiest women in the room.

Wei Wuxian's sour expression makes Lan Wangji think he's having the same thought, even though he didn't seem to interact with the Jin much during the war. Then again, Meng Yao would certainly be aware of all of his father's worst habits and would have told Wei Wuxian about them.

"Patriarch," she continues, voice almost imperceptibly softer. "It's good to see you again."

Wei Wuxian is looking right at her, even though the enchantment on the mask means she probably can't tell, and there's an ache and a longing on his face so deep that Lan Wangji feels it in his own chest.

He looks across the room to see Jin Zixuan glaring in their direction.

At least he's not suffering alone.

[aitchnkay]

Jiang Guniang Made A Change Part 9

Jiang YanLi was feeling restless after her conversation with her youngest brother. She decided a walk along the beach would soothe her soul. But upon nearing the shore, she heard Jin ZiXuan shouting. “Do you know who I am?”

And Wang Ping, the YunmengJiang senior disciple in charge of water safety, responded. “We all know who you are.” There was a noise that sounded suspiciously like someone hocking up and spitting snot onto the ground. “You’re the ass who insulted our lady, and caused grievous harm to our Head Disciple. You’re here only by the grace of our lady. If it was up to us? We would all have left you to flit around in your golden tower until the Wen ground you under their heel.”

“How dare you speak to me in that manner!”

“I’ll dare to speak to you in any manner I please,” Wang Ping retorted. “You may be a sect heir back there. Here? You’re nothing more than a common soldier under Wei Gongzi’s, Jiang Guniang’s, or Jiang Gongzi’s command. And since I’m their senior officer here, that means you’re under my command, too. When I say you don’t fucking go in the water, you don’t fucking go in the water.”

“We know how to swim.” Jin ZiXuan protested.

“You can swim in ponds and lakes, maybe a slow river. This is the ocean. None of you have set foot in it before. You don’t know how to handle its currents, any undertows, nothing. If your cultivators want to learn, they may ask me, politely and respectfully, if I will give them lessons. But unless I personally give the go ahead, not a one of you does more than dip your boots into the water. Do you understand?”

Jiang YanLi left them to argue it out. It was interesting that Wang Ping placed her between her brothers, with A’Xian listed first. Shouldn’t A’Cheng be first in command for the YunmengJiang? After all, he was the heir...

Her walk took her to the makeshift sparring grounds where A’Xian was still playing with Lan WangJi. Playing, not fighting, because they were using wooden practice swords instead of their spiritual swords. “They look good together, don’t they,” Lan XiChen murmured quietly as he joined her.

“Lan ZongZhu.... They appear to be equally matched,” she agreed. “In temperament as well as skill.”

“Temperament, Jiang Guniang?” Lan XiChen smiled gently. “They appear to have opposite temperaments.”

She partly agreed. “Your brother is a settling influence on mine. A’Xian so very much wants Lan ErGongzi’s approval. It makes him want to work more carefully and purposefully instead of just charging ahead with no plan.”

“And WangJi wants Wei Gongzi’s approval as well. He has allowed Wei Gongzi... liberties he barely allows me to have. So... I guess you correct.”

“I will encourage their friendship; will you?” Jiang YanLi gave her companion a frank look. “My brother will need all the support he can get if he is to survive this war. To me... nothing is more important than my brothers living through this as unscathed as possible.”

“I think Wei Gongzi is a good influence on WangJi. I think they can assist each other to cultivate to immortality. I would like that. Thank you, by the way, for sending Wei Gongzi to WangJI earlier. He has been understandably upset at our father’s passing.”

“I am sorry for your loss. If A’Xian can relieve your brother of any of his negative feelings, I am happy.”

“I think those negative feelings are more that he doesn’t mourn than that he does. Neither of us have seen our father from before the day our mother died until just before we activated the talismans to come here.” They continued to watch their brothers spar for a while. “Ah. Wei Gongzi has just won this match.”

“How do you think that”

“GusuLan sword forms are elegant and measured. What I have seen of YunmengJiang sword forms are that they are more adaptable, more fluid. WangJi has successfully used the same stroke against Wei Gongzi three times now. Your brother just figured out how to defend against it. Which means he will soon figure out how to defeat it.” He smiled at the woman at his side. “WangJi doesn’t know what to do in that situation. Losing that attack, yes, just like that,” he pointed out as his brother moved one way, Wei WuXian moved in an apparently unexpected way, and one sword clattered to the ground. “Good form, Wei WuXian!”

Wei WuXian brushed sweaty hair away from his face. “That was a great match!”

Lan WangJi looked furious. “Show me what you did. No one has ever....”

Wei WuXian’s grin was unrepentant. “Attempt the impossible! Sure, Lan Er Gege. I’ll show you what I did.” They stepped back into position, going through the moves slowly.

Jiang YanLi smiled warmly at the pair. “They really are good for each other.”

[killerandhealerqueen]

Oh Stand By Me...I enjoyed that cute little republican era drama.  I really liked Feng Guanyu and Huang Weijie, they reminded me a lot of like...a younger Zhan Junbai and Yu Tangchun, if Yu Tangchun was more of a gremlin.  I really thought these two were going to give me Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi, so I’m pleasantly surprised that they gave me Junchun instead.  And I’m not complaining.

And Miss Li Taotao, I mustn’t forget our leading lady.  She’s a reporter and I was like “Oh, here we go” because I hate reporters in cdramas so I’m like...are we gonna be a Bai Youning or are we gonna be a Chu Ran and bitch, she was a Chu Ran and I loved her.  She put up with so much shit with Weijie and Guanyu, the poor thing.  But she was so bad ass, and her fighting in the wedding in her wedding dress?!  Ma’am.  I loved her.  Another win for a good female character in my book.

I thought the premise of the drama was interesting, the whump was *chef’s kiss*, bruh, the whole fucking romantic ass scene where Weijie and Guanyu ran from Songshan and then found each other again at the dilapidated house where they first went to hide?  The whole *heart eyes* and relieved/happy smile of seeing each other again?!  Come on, just fuck me up why don’t you.

Towards the end, with the whole pretending to die thing for Songshan with the poison...I need people to stop pulling a Killer and Healer because my heart can’t take it.  Like, I was about ready to rip the director’s throat out with my teeth until we got the flashback.  God, thank god for the flashback or I would have lost my mind. 

Also, the wedding.  Oh my god, the wedding.  Look, the shootout was ridiculous, but I don’t even fucking care because I loved seeing Guanyu and Weijie fight together and the whole *grabbing you by the wrist and holding you so you can slide and spin on the floor while shooting at someone* thing?  Immaculate.  And then when Songshan shoots Guanyu and thinks he can just escape?!  Not on Weijie’s watch!  (Though JAIL for Feng Guanyu for pulling what Weijie pulled on him, I thought we were getting another ep. 37 and I was about to riot)

And the ending...my Grim Reapers of Shanghai...

I really liked this drama.  I really, really did

[jaimebluesq]

ship ask! Yu Ziyuan/Wen Zhuliu and/or Yu Ziyuan/Jin-furen

also xisang

Yay!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!! I very very rarely get any of these ships in ask games, so I'm going to answer them all (because it's my blog and I can :-p).

Yu Ziyuan/Wen Zhuliu

Ship It

What made you ship it? - We know there is a history - he's the only person to ever refer to her as something other than YZY and Madame Yu. What is the story behind the Violet Spider and the Core Melting Hand??? Like, okay, MXTX probably didn't intend it to be sexy, but damn, when you look at YZY's marriage, the idea of her having some secret past before JFM where she really got to live, but gave it up for duty... That's the kind of thing I eat up!

What are your favorite things about the ship? - THE NAMES. Seriously, Violet Spider with a sexy purple whip, and hand that could crush your golden core, two seriously dangerous people that one-on-one you would NEVER want to mess with!!! *Sighs* yeah, definitely sexy.

Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship? - Are there any *popular* opionions about them? /s When I think about it, I guess it would be that they would be no better for each other than YZY and JFM, that there is a reason their history is history, having much to do with the sects they ended up in, and they were never a "meant to be", just a "could have been, maybe, had the world been different".

Yu Ziyuan/Madame Jin

Ship It

What made you ship it? - Because there is a history between them we know so little about, two women who were so close they pledged their firstborn children into an arranged marriage (and you know Madame Jin would have had to fight JGS tooth and nail to arrange it, because logically JGS would have wanted to choose the most politically/economically advantageous option, and while the Jiang had some political clout at that time, I'm sure JGS would have preferred an alliance with someone like the Wen). And because I think they'd be sexy together :D

What are your favorite things about the ship? - To a certain degree, the ship is a blank slate because we know so little about Madame Jin (including her effing name), but what we do know is that both of them are strong, opinionated women who can be vicious in their own ways, particularly when they believe they're protecting their children, even if they don't always show it in healthy ways (this is fiction, who cares about healthy ways lol). And again, the actresses in CQL are gorgeous and remind me I'm bi over and over again.

Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship? - That, personally, I find them more interesting and engaging than any other femslash pairing in the fandom? Because I can enjoy various groupings of Mianmian, Wen Qing, and Jiang Yanli, but to me they just don't have that tooth, that bite that the older ladies do. But that's just a personal opinion - I'm very ship and let ship so enjoy your ships :D

XiSang (for this one, I'm going to borrow a format I saw on one of @fortune-maiden's responses to one of these).

Neutral Ship

Why don't you ship it? - I'm trying to put my finger on it. Because I HAVE read a handful of fics, and I can appreciate the stories and the writing, and it's a perfectly fine ship! How can I not appreciate a love for NHS and LXC. I guess it just comes down to me not feeling it. They don't reach into my chest and grab my heart and scream at me that their story needs to be told in every variation possible.

What would have made you like it? - I dunno, really. As I said, I've read a few fics and tried, so I'm not sure what would shift it over from neutral to ship. I can see the potential, it's definitely there, I just kind of... *shrugs*

Despite not shipping it, do you have anything positive to say about it? - The biggest one is the shippers - a lot of the people I started following on Tumblr when I first got into the CQL/MDZS fandom were XiSang shippers, and they're all such awesome people that I will defend the ship on their behalf at the first sign of attack ;) And the characters are both ones I enjoy (NHS more so, he's my MAJOR BLORBO), and I can at least see the potential in the ship! It's one of those things where all the ingredients are there and correct, but it's just not the cake I want to eat.

[aishangotome]

Main Story Chapter 18-01: Among All of Nature (在萬物之中) | Light  and Night 光與夜之戀

Further than life, I want to tell you of love with death. Further than love, I want to tell you of love with forgetting.

♡———♡

In the confidential archives of the Lianshan Society, Minister Jiang flipped through the documents in his hand. Since that first meeting, this had become his regular place to listen to Jesse's reports.

Jesse: Sun Taizhong's death has nothing to do with the supernatural.

Jesse: One of the suspects, Zhou Weicheng, used to work with Sun Taizhong at Yuda Academy.

Jesse: In addition, there are signs of a third person's presence at the scene, also suspected of murder.

Jesse: Minister Jiang, this is all I know at the moment.

This is what I learned from my young lady, Jesse added in his heart.

The two of them huddled on the sofa, piecing together the messy situation and writing a full page of notes. Recalling this scene, a warm smile appeared in his green eyes, but it quickly disappeared.

Minister Jiang remained silent for a moment, slowly closing the folder in his hand.

Minister Jiang: Zhou Weicheng again, has his location been determined?

Jesse: Not yet. As far as I know, the blood clan are also tracking him down.

Jesse: Therefore, I believe that before taking action, we should first consult with the Lianshan Society.

Minister Jiang nodded. During this time, he had done a more detailed background check on Jesse.

The French Lianshan Society branch in Paris claimed that Jesse was impeccable in his abilities, but due to family changes, he often showed an unusual enthusiasm for blood clan-related events.

This should have been a disadvantage. However -- he looked at the young man in front of him, whose words and deeds did not show any signs of impatience.

Minister Jiang: I will discuss the follow-up plan with the various departments in a meeting.

Minister Jiang: Jesse, you have done a great job. With this interim result, the police can also provide an explanation to the public.

Minister Jiang closed the report Jesse had brought him, smiled, and then sighed.

Two cups of steaming tea were on the table, and he pushed one of them towards Jesse.

Minister Jiang: Don't be so restrained, have some tea.

Minister Jiang: Was everything smooth during the process, did you get hurt?

Jesse: Thank you, it was smooth, and I didn't get hurt.

Minister Jiang: So, your idea of joining the Lianshan Society hasn't changed?

Jesse: Well, I'm afraid I'll still need some time to completely solve this case.

Minister Jiang: It's good that you haven't changed your mind. Otherwise, I'll have stamped this application in vain.

Jesse took the paper handed to him, his expression changing from doubt to surprise, his eyes sparkling.

Jesse: This is my application form, and it has been approved. But --

Minister Jiang: Your qualifications and your way of handling cases have been recognized by the Lianshan Society.

Minister Jiang: Solving a case is never done overnight. I didn't expect you to achieve such results in such a short time.

Jesse nodded, stroking the red seal on the form, making one wonder if he hadn't even had time to listen to the second half of the sentence.

Still a young man. Minister Jiang relaxed his shoulders and leaned back in his chair.

Jesse: But Uncle Jiang, you said that if I don't make progress, there will be no way to explain to the public?

Minister Jiang: We will do our best to maintain our credibility with the public. But if public opinion ferments, it will be impossible to contain.

Minister Jiang: The Lianshan Society is also prepared for the excuse that "the victim's family retaliated against Director Sun".

Jesse: That's good, that's good.

Jesse let out a sigh of relief, looking a little scared. He picked up his teacup, the curling white mist almost obscuring his entire face.

As he had expected, no, even more easily, he had achieved his goal.

The Lianshan Society did not expect him to catch the real culprit immediately. How much truth and how much falsehood were there in these excuses about qualifications and the way he handled cases?

Minister Jiang: According to the rules, everyone who just joins the Lianshan Society starts as an officer.

Minister Jiang: But you are already very experienced, so why not directly investigate the case as an inspector?

Xia Mingxing raised his head, looking a little puzzled.

Jesse: As an inspector?

Minister Jiang: It's a title, it can make things a lot easier for you to do your job with the police.

Minister Jiang: Of course, the treatment will also be a little better.

Minister Jiang joked, laughing heartily. Jesse was taken aback for a moment before laughing as well.

--

You: Tangyuan... Tangyuan, what's wrong?

Jesse: Ah, oh, sorry, I was lost in thought.

Jesse shook his head, took a sip of the mint tea in his hand, looked up from the rim of the cup, and curved an innocent arc.

Jesse: Where was I?

You: You were talking about how the Lianshan Society approved your application.

I crossed my legs and sat opposite him on the floor, hugging a round pillow in my arms. It was a sunny afternoon, and it was our "weekly meeting" day.

Since I couldn't find a suitable house, I temporarily moved back to my grandmother's house.

On the day of the move, Jesse insisted on helping me, acting spoiled and saying that it had been a long time since we went back together. It seemed like he was still thinking about Osborn's casual remark of "not paying attention."

After setting up the bedding in the bedroom, he asked indirectly if he as the only one who had ever been in this room. After getting my affirmative answer, he openly requested a "weekly meeting" agreement.

Of course, I was willing. Now that I think about how proud he was that day and how hard he tried not to show it, I still find it very cute.

The so-called weekly meeting does not mean that we can only meet once a week. It means that no matter how busy we are, we should take time to share our recent situations with each other honestly.

Jesse's hair is a little shorter. It seems that he went to get a haircut sometime in the past two days.

There was a faint bruise on his leg, from being hit by a prop during rehearsal last week. The situation was serious at the time, which is why it still left a mark.

Also, he recently fell in love with mint tea, bought a new T-shirt I designed, and got a little tan from walking Eddie every day... and so on.

But this was the first time I heard him talk about how he was able to join the Lian Shan Society.

You: Anyway, congratulations to our Tangyuan, the "new official" has officially taken office. I have a gift for you!

I took the lumbar support pillow that I had prepared. Ever since I knew Jesse was working hard to join the Lian Shan Society, I had prepared a gift in advance, just waiting to congratulate him at any time.

You: You're prone to lumbar muscle strain from dancing, and now that you'll be traveling and working in an office, you need to pay more attention.

Jesse took the pillow but didn't rush to open it. He held it in his arms and rubbed it, making a rustling sound.

You: You're not going to hide it again, are you? I could fill a warehouse with the things I've given you.

Jesse: Am I that obvious?

You: It's all over your face.

He moved closer to me, looking mysterious.

Jesse: That's because my waist is actually quite resilient. You can touch it if you don't believe me.

Jesse took my hand and naturally placed it on his waist. I felt the supple and warm muscles under my hand. My face felt a little hot, but I still touched it.

Jesse: Isn't it very strong?

Jesse: At least it's no problem to give you a steady princess hug.

He had already answered his own question, but he still wouldn't let go of my hand. His curved eyes looked at me, as if waiting for a positive response.

You: Okay, okay, it's very strong.

Jesse: Why do you look like you don't believe me? Shall we try it out?

He made a move to stand up, and I quickly grabbed his sleeve.

You: No, no, no, I was just teasing you.

Jesse: But I'm taking it seriously.

Jesse put his arm around my shoulders, turned sideways, and gently hooked his other hand behind my knees, easily lifting me up.

Before I could even gasp, my hands instinctively wrapped around his neck, perfectly matching his strength.

Jesse: How do you feel now? Anything special?

He lowered his head, and his drooping bangs brushed against the tip of my nose, tickling it slightly.

You: I feel like you're very stable... and your heartbeat is so fast.

Before I finished speaking, I felt his even faster heartbeat against the part of his ribs that was touching my chest.

Jesse: Slow down.

You: What did you say?

Jesse: I said, is that all? Nothing else?

Jesse: Like, Tangyuan is so amazing, you want me to hold you forever?

His voice was low, and I couldn't tell how much of it was playful and how much of it was serious.

Warm breath spread along my ear, making my entire head and face tingle. I looked up and met his sparkling eyes.

My heartbeat... seemed to be getting faster too. I quickly looked away and pretended nothing happened, poking his chest.

You: Tangyuan is so amazing, put me down first.

Jesse: Thank you, miss, for the compliment.

Jesse seemed very excited. He spun me around one last time and then placed me safely on the sofa.

Then, he picked up the pillow and held it in front of his chest, looking very solemn.

He cleared his throat as if he was giving a speech at an inauguration ceremony.

Jesse: Ahem, first of all, thank you, Y/N, for awarding me this prize. This is the best inauguration gift.

Jesse: Secondly, thank you for your continuous support, help, and companionship throughout my application process.

Jesse: Finally, there's no particular reason, just thank you, Y/N.

Jesse: I will definitely live up to your expectations and fulfill my mission in the future.

I cheered and clapped vigorously. The sound was a bit thin, but Jesse smiled, slightly raised his head, and squinted his eyes as if he was in a hall of hundreds of people, receiving everyone's praise.

After a moment, he waved his hands and held one of mine in each of his, preventing them from clapping again.

Jesse: Enough playing, enough playing. Your hands will get swollen.

Jesse: Actually, I did join, but this case isn't over yet. I always feel that the real murderer isn't Zhou Weicheng.

In that boy's memory, although I didn't see it very clearly, there was a distorted face that undoubtedly belonged to Sun Taizhong.

In the image, a figure was watching the knife in Sun Taizhong's body. Maybe it was the boy, maybe it was someone else. He walked over, crouched beside the still-breathing person, and stabbed the knife deeper.

You: Your feeling is right. Zhou Weicheng may not be the murderer, at least not the only one.

Jesse didn't seem surprised. He pondered for a moment.

Jesse: I applied to the Lianshan Society to continue the investigation, but they refused. The risk of public opinion has been resolved, and that's all they wanted.

Jesse: This case will probably be closed soon.

He raised his hand high and stretched, his face mostly covered by his arm, but I still saw a trace of unwillingness flash across his green eyes.

You: Do you want to continue investigating?

Jesse: How should I put it? I just feel like I should continue investigating, it's a gut feeling.

I also raised my hand and clapped with him in a one-sided high-five.

You: If you need my help in the future, just let me know.

Before Jesse could answer, I quickly made a swearing gesture.

The corners of Jesse's mouth lifted. He picked an apple slice from the fruit plate on the table and held it to my mouth. I tacitly leaned over and took a bite. It was so sweet.

Jesse: You don't have to say it, I know.

Jesse: There's no better partner than you. Who else could I ask for help if not you?

His voice was relaxed and confident, different from before, without any sense of reluctance.

He also knew a lot about me, which days I stayed up late, which days I ate at amazing new restaurants, which days I argued with colleagues, and which days I worked hard to exercise.

The dangerous situations I encountered were naturally included.

Jesse: By the way.

Jesse took out a brooch emitting a faint blue light.

Jesse: I've used a spell to check this. I can't track his whereabouts just by the residual aura.

Jesse: But I can see that his soul state is not bad at the moment. You don't have to worry too much.

You: Ah...

This was also a week ago.

*flashback*

You: After separating from Osborn, I spent many restless days. One morning, I opened the door and found a familiar laurel brooch hanging on the doorknob.

There was still dew on the brooch from the night, but it was warm to the touch. Osborn had infused it with flames again. I searched around but couldn't find anyone.

Reason told me that he was able to use his abilities freely and should be fine, but the scene that day was too tragic to not worry about.

It wasn't until the afternoon, when Jesse visited again, that he clearly pointed out that this was Osborn's brooch because it had the aura of a split soul.

Only then did I know that their previous "chance encounter" was Jesse encountering Osborn at the old house and temporarily helping him suppress the pain caused by the other soul.

Jesse: Might as well help him all the way. Besides, it was he who reported the case to my father back then, so we have a connection.

You: But using spells to find Yangyang had side effects for you before...

Jesse: This kind of small spell is no problem for me. I'm much stronger than before.

*flashback over*

Before leaving that day, Jesse offered to take the brooch and try to cast a spell.

I looked him over carefully and found that there were no signs of fatigue, discomfort, or concealment. I was completely relieved.

You: It's good that he's okay.

Jesse: Yeah, and the power attached to this is also very strong.

The corners of Jesse's mouth turned down slightly, and I gently poked the back of his hand.

You: What's wrong?

Jesse: It's nothing. It's better that there are more people to protect you, of course.

Knowing him as I do, with this kind of tone, there must be a "but." Sure enough, two seconds later, Jesse fell onto the pillow in my arms, almost knocking me over.

Jesse: But, I'm still a little annoyed!

He rubbed against the pillow, messing up his orange hair, and I couldn't help but laugh.

You: Then how can I make Tangyuan happy?

Jesse: Don't you know?

You: I know?

Jesse: Yeah, you know.

He raised his head. His high nose bridge, well-defined jawline, and calm eyes, with the childishness gone, were all revealed.

Jesse: It's been a week. Have you missed me?

You: Of co--

Of course. This question wasn't difficult to answer at all, but our eyes met at that moment, and I felt a little hot for some reason. My voice also involuntarily became softer.

You: Of course, I have.

Jesse: How many times?

You: How many times... How can I remember that? Who would count that?

Jesse: That means many, many times.

We didn't meet, but the messages on our phones never stopped. If sending a message meant missing each other once, then it must have been many, many times.

I smiled and nodded. Jesse rolled over and lay on the sunlit wooden floor like a contented cat, looking at me sideways.

Jesse: This morning, the Lianshan Society held an initiation ceremony for the new members.

You: Did it go well?

Jesse: It went well, but that's not the point.

Jesse: After it ended, I tried it out and found that there was a new database within my data access permissions.

Jesse's tone was still relaxed, but a serious look flashed across his face.

Jesse: It records various talents. Their manifestations, strengths and weaknesses, and countermeasures.

I couldn't help but sit up straight. I had seen the Lianshan Society's search system before, and its detail was already frightening.

Jesse: Most talents are associated with specific people, while some are not recorded, and the completeness of the records varies.

Jesse: Although I don't know if this is good news, I thought I should let you judge.

I stared at him blankly. Jesse extended a finger and hooked it around my pinky, which was resting on my leg.

Jesse: Miss, I found a description in the database similar to your talent.

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Chapter 18-03

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