Chapter Text
Jin Ling leads their group on the night hunt with the updated Compass of Ill Winds, Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi following close behind, “Hey! I thought you said this version was supposed to tell us what type it’s leading us to!” He yells.
Wei Wuxian looks over from where he’s trailing behind with Lan Wangji, “It is. You’re probably just not using it properly.”
“He is using it correctly. It just isn't showing us the type. I’m not sure why.” Lan Sizhui says, all three of them had checked when the type determination first stopped working.
Wei Wuxian frowns at that and shares a look with Lan Wangji. They catch up and Wei Wuxian takes the compass from Jin Ling to check it. He flips it over to check that all the pieces are still working properly and once he determines that they are he checks it again. Lan Wangji looks over his shoulder at the compass, meeting his eyes when he looks back.
“You kids stay behind Lan Zhan. We’re taking the lead now.” He says firmly, moving in front of them with Lan Wangji beside him, Bichen ready to be sent out if necessary.
“Wei-qianbei… why wouldn’t the compass be working?” Lan Sizhui asks cautiously, doing as they were told and staying behind Lan Wangji.
“Preferably? The prey is very rare and I just haven’t had a chance to add it as a type yet.” He says, his eyes darting around as he looks out for the prey.
“P-Preferably? Then what’s the other option?” Lan Jingyi asks, hiding behind Lan Sizhui as he looks around frantically, starting to get scared.
Lan Wangji glances at Wei Wuxian briefly, “Or it’s evil qi is too strong for the compass to handle right now. If that is the case, Lan Zhan and I will handle it. You three will return to the Cloud Recesses.” Wei Wuxian says firmly, looking back at them to give Jin Ling a pointed look, stopping him just as he was about to argue. He huffs and looks away, crossing his arms.
Wei Wuxian turns back and continues to follow the direction of the compass, eventually they begin to hear footsteps through the trees. He stops immediately and directs the teens to hide as he pulls out Chenqing. He catches sight of red and white robes through the trees, followed by a soft voice.
“San Lang, the citizens really said he was here? They’re sure?”
“Yes Gege, I made all the citizens memorise everything about him… this is the only lead.” Another voice says.
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen hearing them and he drops Chenqing. Lan Wangji reaches forward to check on him, just barely missing him as he takes off running toward the figures. He drops the compass to the floor as he goes. Lan Wangji’s eyes widen slightly in shock and he takes off after him soundlessly.
The figure in red senses them coming and turns, the scimitar at his hip opening its eye and flying out of its sheath to prevent any attack. Lan Wangji sends out Bichen to block the scimitar from attacking, the blades sparking as they clash. Both pairs now finally fully visible to one another as they stand on opposite sides of the weapons.
The man in red with an eye patch over one eye stands protectively in front of the other, appearing to be a rogue cultivator. Lan Wangji does the same for Wei Wuxian, blocking him almost completely from view. The juniors run over, Lan Sizhui had picked up the compass and Jin Ling brought Chenqing, leading the group.
“Jin Ling! We’re supposed to go back!” Lan Sizhui whispers, trying to stop him as Lan Jingyi follows.
“Then go back! This is experience! What was the point otherwise!” He yells back, about to continue when he finds his lips stuck together.
They stop behind them and Wei Wuxian takes the chance to try and slip past Lan Wangji and approach. Lan Wangji catches him with one arm before he can pass him, holding him back.
“Lan Zhan, let me go.” He whispers, looking up at him seriously.
Lan Wangji glances at the swords still fighting, “Wei Ying…” He whispers, concern in his eyes visible only to Wei Wuxian.
The figure in white tries to come out from behind the other, eyes wide and gets stopped as well. He gently pushes the hand aside and takes a step forward, “Excuse me… what is your name?” He asks, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Lan Wangji instantly pushes Wei Wuxian behind him, watching the man. Lan Sizhui steps forward slightly before he can answer, still behind Lan Wangji.
“Why do you ask Daozhang? It would be careless to reveal such information in front of a man with such strong evil qi.” He says, the compass pointing directly at the man in red.
Wei Wuxian groans, “Let me speak for myself. I’m your senior.” He says and jumps on Lan Wangji, trying to climb over him, “Hua Ying! It’s Hua Ying.” He says as he’s pulled back down by Lan Wangji.
“Huh? But that’s not his name.” Lan Jingyi whispers to his friends.
The scimitar falters and the man in red instantly approaches, joining his partner who looks like he’s about to cry, “A-Ying? Is that really you?” He asks, reaching forward.
Lan Wangji looks back at Wei Wuxian, “Please Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian whispers and finally Lan Wangji allows him to pass.
He takes off running and launches himself at them, hugging the pair tightly, “It’s me Baba.” He whispers.
At that the scimitar retreats back to its sheath and the man in white begins to cry. The other pulls them closer, “You look different.” He says quietly, placing a hand gently on Wei Wuxian’s head.
Wei Wuxian laughs and looks up at him, “It’s a long story.”
Lan Wangji steps forward, Bichen back in its sheath, “Wei Ying.” The juniors look at the sight with clear shock written on their faces.
“Did you just call him Baba?!” Lan Jingyi shouts, “He’s even younger than you!”
The man in red turns as he’s reminded of their presence and glares at the group, his hand going to the scimitar. Wei Wuxian steps forward, stopping him, “Yes I did. Meet my Baba and A-die.” He says, gesturing to the two men. He then returns to Lan Wangji, holding his hand, “A-die, Baba, this is my husband, Lan Zhan. Then there's A-Yuan, Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi.” He says, pointing to each in turn.
The man in white bows, “It’s lovely to meet you all. My name is Xie Lian. I do apologise for the way we met. San Lang never would have attacked if we knew who it was.”
San Lang frowns, “Gege…” He whispers and gently wipes away any stray tears from Xie Lian’s cheeks.
He laughs softly, “I’m fine San Lang, just happy.” He says with a small smile, holding onto his arms.
Lan Sizhui steps forward, “Wei-qianbei… the compass still isn't working properly but… it’s pointing at your a-die…” He whispers, showing it to him.
He laughs and takes it, tucking it into the folds of his robe, “Yeah it’s going to stay that way. It turns out it was both options.” He grins, “A-die is a ghost king.”
“A ghost king? Like-Like what Lan xiansheng taught us?” Lan Jingyi asks, eyes blown wide.
“Yup!’ He laughs, “A-die is the ‘Crimson Rain Sought Flower’ Hua Cheng. You’d never guess he’s supposed to be scary when looking at him.” Wei Wuxian grins, nodding over at them where Hua Cheng is still fussing over Xie Lian.
“Wei Ying… your parents.” Lan Wangji says quietly, his brows furrowed slightly as he looks between his husband and the two men.
He laughs and rubs the back of his neck, “Aha Lan Zhan… why don’t we all go back to the Cloud Recesses? We can explain everything there. It’s complicated.” He says sheepishly.
He looks between them again and nods, “Mn… xiongzhang will also want to know.”
“Oh! Right, that makes sense. Do we need Zewu-jun’s permission to let them in?”
“I can allow them in.” He says quietly, “But for them to stay xiongzhang should approve.”
Wei Wuxian grins, “Thank you Lan Zhan!” He says and jumps up, wrapping his arms around his neck and leans in for a kiss. Lan Wangji closes the gap, wrapping his arms around his waist.
Hua Cheng finally stops fussing after much insistence by his husband and turns back, wrapping his arm around Xie Lian’s waist. He sees them and his eye darkens, narrowing as he glares at the man holding his son. Xie Lian sees them and quickly looks away, turning to the juniors.
“So you three are friends of A-Ying?” He asks, trying to divert Hua Cheng’s attention as well.
“It’s a bit more complicated than that.” Lan Sizhui says awkwardly, glad for the distraction.
“Oh? I apologise for assuming.” Xie Lian says, “May I ask about your relationship?” He asks, head tilted curiously.
“Well, I am their son.” He says, glancing at them.
“You are? So you’re the child A-Ying spoke about from the burial mounds?” Xie Lian gasps, “I was under the impression you had died…” He says quieter and glances at Hua Cheng.
“As was I. A-Ying had me looking for his ghost.” He responds with a nod, his attention finally moving from the couple’s developing make-out session.
“He told you about me?”
“Yes. He was heartbroken. How did you survive? From what we heard everyone was killed…” Xie Lian asks.
“I was hidden… Hanguang-jun found me and raised me in the Lan sect.” He explains.
“Hanguang-jun?” Xie Lian looks at him, brows furrowed at the name, “Who is that?”
“Oh! Sorry it’s….” He trails off and gestures over to Lan Wangji, looking away quickly.
“Ah! I see.” Xie Lian says, quickly looking away, “And the rest of you?”
“They’re my teachers.” Lan Jingyi replies.
Hua Cheng narrows his eyes at Jin Ling, “You haven’t said anything this entire time. Why?”
Lan Jingyi fails to hold back his laughter as he notices the tell-tale signs of Jin Ling’s temper rising.
“Hanguang-jun silenced him. He cannot speak at the moment.” Sizhui explains, “He is Wei-qianbei’s nephew. Leader of the Jin sect.”
Hua Cheng laughs, “Now that’s a trick I need to learn.”
Xie Lian lightly smacks his arm, “San Lang! Don’t be mean.”
“Sorry Gege but you have to admit that would be fun.” He grins.
“I… suppose it may be useful.” Xie Lian admits.
Hua Cheng grins and leans down, lifting his Xie Lian’s hand and pressing a kiss to it, “Can gege forgive me?” Xie Lian blushes and looks away earning another laugh from his husband.
“I understand where they get it from now.” Lan Jingyi whispers, “If Wei-qianbei grew up with his parents being like that there’s no wonder he has no problem being in public.”
“Jingyi!” Sizhui turns to him, “You can’t say that!” He admonishes.
Wei Wuxian’s laugh breaks them all out of their individual conversations, drawing their attention. The couple finally as separated from one another as they’ll get. Lan Wangji keeping his arm wrapped around Wei Wuxian.
“Come on, let's go! What are you all waiting for?” Wei Wuxian laughs and leads the way with his husband, knowing full well it’s their fault they haven’t left yet.
Xie Lian follows, trailing behind with Hua Cheng, “I can’t believe we finally found him.” He whispers.
Hua Cheng pulls him close as they walk and nods, “And he seems to have the resentful energy under control this time.”
“I’m glad. Thank you for helping him, San Lang. I was so afraid we would be too late again. I’m not sure I could handle seeing him like that a second time… it was awful.”
“I know gege. But he can handle it now. Besides, it appears he has found someone to keep him sane.” He says, glaring at Lan Wangji.
“Now now San Lang. He seems like a lovely man and A-Ying obviously likes him.” Xie Lian laughs.
Hua Cheng scoffs but doesn’t say any more on the topic.