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Chapter Text

Wei wuxian Pov

Today was relatively quiet. I was glad about it, to tell you all the truth. But I somehow can’t shake the feeling of unease. It was peaceful. Too peaceful. It sounds like the juniors aren’t even here.

…

As if.. The juniors aren’t here..?

Hold on. Didn’t I give them a task revolving around my workshop..?

Shit.

And without any more thoughts, I changed my face of directions and ran towards my workshop. I slammed the door open. Upon entering, I found one measly used talisman laying on the floor, as if it’s taunting me.

Once I took a closer look at the talisman, I realized the serious situation I’m truly in.

Jiang Cheng will kill me!!!

“What the hell did you just do?!” The man clad in yellow suddenly shrieked at his comrade, the man in light blue clothing looked at the other with an annoyed look. “And what makes you think it was my fault?!” He yelled back, annoyed with the reasonable accusations. Their two other friends just let out sighs of relief and contempt when they hear their banters. They’re used to it, after all…

“I don’t know…maybe because it was you who activated the goddamn talisman in the first place, you idiot!?” The man in yellow said, after a few minutes of arguing their other two friend had enough.

“Jin ling and Jingyi please just stop this nonsense. We need to look at what that talisman did to us.” The other man clad in light blue said to them both.

“Well Sizhui, look we’re near Gusu so let's go there first.” A man wearing green robes points towards Caiyi city. The man in present looked over where he was pointing at and just nodded his head.

They hopped on their swords flying towards Caiyi city. Lan Sizhui look around the town, minding the small changes he sees. Albeit confused, he paid no attention towards it. Seeing buildings looking anew and stalls he had never seen before putting him in unease.

“There’s an inn nearby, we all should go there and take a rest.’ Sizhui pointed at the inn, he looked over his shoulder and towards his friends. He waved over at them and led the way.

They entered the inn and went to the register to rent out two rooms for the night.

“What can I help you with tonight?” The lady asked. She looked over the four man clad in various colors of robes. She didn’t try to mind them but she can’t help but look over towards the man in yellow.

“We would like to rent out four rooms for the night, miss.” Lan Sizhui said, turning his hands over to his friends as if to state the obvious fact. The lady internally groaned when she heard him speak, for some reason, she felt some kind of jealousy raging over her when he talked. Being obvious, Lan Sizhui however did not pay any attention towards her actions.

“Would the kind young masters eat as well?” The four juniors looked at each other, telling her that they would like to take some orders also.

After they’re shown their seats, they talk quietly to each other. “Is it just me or the counter lady doesn't seem to like Sizhui?’ Lan Jingyi mentioned it to the group. Everyone looked over at him as he said this and gave their own subtle reactions towards it.

“Yeah, she’s not really hiding it.” but before Zizhen could say more, the lady from the counter came to their table with their food in hand.

"Here you go, young masters.” She gave a smile and a wink at the man in yellow robes before saying her goodbye. And these obvious actions didn't go unnoticed with the juniors.

“Did- did you guys see that…?” Jingyi said, with shock evident on his face, “Maybe you just saw it wrong.” a frown slowly forming on Sizhui’s face. The others were about to refute this, considering they’re just gossipers like any other. But of course, with just a look from Lan Sizhui was enough to have them shut up.

Jin Ling looked over at Sizhui and let out a sigh, “Whatever, let’s just eat. I’m tired already.” He said as he took his chopsticks and continued eating, the others following ahead.

The bustling of the streets can be heard as morning comes. Lans are known to always wake up on a curfew, and not beating these allegations, Lan Sizhui woke up at exactly 5 am. Walking down stairs, he sees his other friend already waiting for him in one of the tables already chowing down on breakfast.

“Jingyi? Are the others still not awake?” He asked as he sat next to him. Lan Jingyi looked at him and nodded.

“Zizhen is awake already, but of course the young mistress is still asleep.” He rolled his eyes as he said it, earning a chuckle from Lan Sizhui in return after his last sentence. “Be careful with saying that near him, Jingyi. You know how he can get when he hears people call him that.” And they were met with a small shock from the words that were heard behind them.

“Call who what?” The two flinched at those words. Not because it was threatening. More like… nervous to know that it was their dear friend. And upon looking behind, they realized that, yes, It was both Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen standing behind them.

They all ate breakfast after that. They decided to enjoy their time for a little more time before finally getting all of their things and leaving for Gusu.

A few hours later, they finally got to the entrance of Cloud Recesses. They showed their token and were let in. The two Lan’s could not help but wonder who those two guards were in the gates, considering that they have never met them before.

They decided to just brush it off but they really couldn’t when they kept seeing people stare at them with curiosity and wonder. Now that’s weird. Why would they give them such looks? Do they have something on them? That couldn’t be it, now could it?

“Why are they staring at us?” Lan Jingyi asked the others, thinking about the group of disciples that they just passed by. Lan Sizhui also wondered, ‘why?’ Why do they seem confused? Do they not know who they are? Who are those people? Why do they look so new and different from the people we once knew?

A lot of questions were left unanswered the more they walked through the courtyard and to the classroom. Upon entering, they’re shocked to see what’s in front of them.

Hanguang-jun and someone whose dress in the Lan guest robes?

…Why do they look so young?

They weren’t able to ponder about it for long when everyone sat up and pulled out their swords pointing at the juniors. “Who are you?” a man that looks like Hanguang-jun asked with malice. The juniors didn’t know what to do. They just stood there with everyone on alert.

Jin Ling was about to speak when Lan Sizhui suddenly pulled him closer to him and the other two followed soon. “I think..” Lan Sizhui whispered, looking towards Hanguang-jun and the other ‘seniors’ “That we’re in the past…”

Chapter Text

"You cannot possibly make that accusation as easily as it leaves your mouth, Sizhui." Jin Ling said in an agile tone. Truth to be told, the concept of them being in the past is a 0.0000000000 to negative infinite sign in once in a million.

"I asked who you people are." The man that looks like Hanguang-jun said. Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui look back at him, contemplating on what to do before Jin Ling decides to take the lead. "Look, we don't know what's happening here either." Jin Ling doesn't even wanna acknowledge the fact that one of his seniors has their swords pointed at them, especially at him.

Composing himself, Lan Sizhui bow down, showing respect to the elders he once knew. "Please, Seniors. Let us explain ourselves." The others followed after him, bowing down to their waist, "Please, let us explain." They said in sync, having their seniors sharing unknowing glances.

Looking over at the newcomers, Lan Xichen gives them a smile and nod, "I agree, we all should give them time to explain."

Not being able to say no, the others sheathed their swords and gave a bow to Lan Xichen before going back to their respective seats. Seeing this, the four juniors look at each other, relief washing over their faces. Now all they need to do is to convince them with their stories, if it sounds convincing enough.

"Please, let us properly introduce ourselves." Lan Sizhui said, waiting for approval before talking again. He stole a glance towards Lan Xichen, who in turn gave him a nod.

"My name would be Lan Sizhui of Gusu Lan." He said, bowing one more time to the elders. "And this would be Lan Jingyi of Gusu Lan." raising his arms, pointing at Lan Jingyi, who in turn continued bowing.

Jin Ling went in front, bowing before introducing himself, " My name is Jin Ling, from Lanling Jin."

"A Jin? How come I never knew you?" He looked over at the voice, shock evident on his face. It can't be? Can it—?No he can't be. But— he looks like his A-die, the man in those portraits he sees in his mother's garden. He looks like him. The only difference is his eyes are from his mom. His mother. A woman who is a stranger yet so dear to him.

Ouyang Zizhen seeing this, formally went upfront, introducing himself as the heir of the Ouyang sect, knowing his sect wasn't still huge enough to be part of this whole escapade.

Jin Ling saw this and went back to his old position, standing next to Lan Sizhui. He looked at Jin Ling, a knowing look and concern evident on his face. Jin Ling schools his expression, he shook his head at Lan Sizhui.

"We came here at peace, for we didn't know what had happened until we saw all of you." Lan Sizhui stood tall, showing he was not scared of being faced by them, by his elders, the people who are far more stronger than him and his friends even though they're older than their age at the moment.

"Why should we believe you?" Someone said, a fierce look was thrown at him by a man clad in Gusu's guest disciple robes. Looking at him, Lan Sizhui smiled and looked back at Lan Xichen, "I myself don't know if my conclusion is correct, but it is the only possible way for us to be here." Stopping himself to give everyone a moment, give himself a moment before letting those words leave his mouth. "We're from the future."

Jin Ling groaned at this, slamming his hands on his face, not even bothering to look at their elders' shocked faces. He knows it's stupid, especially when even Lan Jingyi looks shocked. And Lan Jingyi is the exact replica of Wei Wuxian, his very much annoying uncle.

As he was about to say something else for that matter, he was suddenly pushed aside by Lan Jingyi to make his own statements. "So! Before you guys take out your swords again, please hear us explain everything first!" He wailed, putting his hands out in a praying motion, begging for acknowledgement. He even went all out with his begging that he even fell down and sat up on his knees. He opened one of his eyes to take a sneak at what his seniors were thinking. When he saw them looking at each other and nodding, he let out a breath of relief.

"Tell me, young man. What makes you think that we would even believe your words?" Lan Qiren had asked. The juniors looked at each other, not knowing what kind of proof they could even give their elder to make their point. They were about to give up when Jin Ling suddenly pulled out his sword.

"Will this suffice?" He said, looking over his elders. The elders look at him, a shock expression forming on their faces. "That can't be! No way in hell you have my sword!" A man with a vermillion mark on his forehead stepped forward, "That's just a replica!" He screamed at Jin Ling, grabbing on his collar.

Lan Sizhui, seeing this had a frown forming on his face, stepping forward the scene, he grabbed Jin Ling's wrist, not long before he stepped in front of him. "Let's not rush into doing such irrational thinking."

"If my sword is a replica, why don't you try to use it?" The man looked at Jin Ling, he grabbed his sword, pulling at the hilt, revealing the same sharpness and design of the sword on his table.

He stared in shock, not seemingly believing what he's seeing. "This—! How can you have my sword!" Screaming at Jin Ling.

Jin Ling looked back at Lan Sizhui, disappointment on his face, Lan Sizhui seeing this only gave a small smile, looking apologetic enough for Jin Ling. "As my friend said over here, we're from the future."

"We actually don't know if we're from the future or a totally different universe. We just got teleported here by a talisman." Lan Jingyi stepped in, giving his own understanding and explanation about the whole charade.

"We're only assuming here for the moment." He commented again, smiling a little bit as he said his words, trying to ease out the tension forming between his two friends and the man that looks awfully like his other friend.

Understanding the tension building up around the disciples, Lan Qiren had decided to end his classes early on. The students have started to pack their stuff, leaving the room in groups. Whispers can be heard as the disciples talk about the whole situation.

"Don't you think it's weird how they have our clans ribbon? Maybe, they're actually telling the truth." a Lan member said, whispering to his other member once they stepped out of the room.

"Maybe, but there's two different sect disciples with them, maybe it's just a prank created by these sects?" His friend replied, whispering back at him.

Hearing this, a fake cough was heard, loud enough for other disciples to quickly pack their belongings and leave.

"Now, please elaborate your own explanation. You should know by now, the position you four are in is deeply dangerous." The four men looked at each other, a solemn look started to form on their faces. Lan Sizhui let out a sigh before smiling back at his Grandmaster. "Grandmaster Lan." He said, contributing his words "We know it must sound crazy, but I am a Lan. Lans do not lie, it's against our rules." He bowed down to a kowtow, showing great respect for his elders.

Jin Ling scoffed at this, "If none of you would believe us, then so be it. We don't care, we just want to go back to where we were supposed to be."

Lan Qiren sighed at this, looking back at the four newcomers, he gave out an order. " Bring them to a guest chamber. We will talk about this after we all take some rest and eat." He explained, not long before he left the room.

"Well that was a turn of events." Lan Jingyi said as he took a seat on one of the beds that was given to them. " It can't be helped. They have the right to be cautious." Zizhen said to Jingyi. He looked over at their other friends, seeing how they're doing he let out a sigh before going to bed next to Jingyi.

"I wasn't hurt, stop fusing over it." Jin Ling said to Sizhui, who kept checking up on him. Seeing no bruises for the umpteenth time, Sizhui leaves Jin Ling alone, letting the both of them get ready before taking some small rest. It has been a very eventful day, and a good rest would be more than likely to be needed.

"Well... what are we supposed to do now?" Zizhen asked them. The others also tried to ponder what to do, considering they're in a bind at the moment. For all they know, they should be making a plan now on how to make them believe that they are, from the future.

"We should make a plan on what we should tell them or not. It's more likely that they would listen more to us if we're more compliant." Lan Sizhui said. This brought the attention over to him. What he told them gave them a mind of thought. What can they say to their elders and seniors? Totally not their love lives and the important issues in their life like the war and the massacre... right?

"We should tell them about the issues that will take place in the future right?" Lan Sizhui said, looking at them. Jin Ling was about to agree with him but he was suddenly shoved away both by Zizhen and Jingyi, who both suddenly whispered yelled at them both-

"Let's tell them who our parents are and their love stories!!!"

Both Lan Sizhui and Jin Ling were stunned locked in their positions. Are they both really just stupid or are they really in love with gossip so much they're willing to give up private lives just for the sake of—fun...?

"Are you both—!?" Jin Ling was about to retort when Lan Sizhui immediately covered his mouth." Shouting is not allowed.. And besides, this might actually make us more reliable for them because they will know our parents and trust us." Lan Sizhui gave Jin Ling a soft smile, making the other left out a sigh of condemnation.

"See, see! Sizhui gets it!" Zizhen statically said, bobbing his head up and down in a fast manner. Lan Jingyi on the other hand just gave Jin Ling a smug grin.

"Well... So how should we do it then?" Lan Jingyi asked. He looked over at Lan Sizhui, most likely asking him instead of the other two.

"If that's the case, then we should—" Before Lan Sizhui could finish his words a knock on the door interrupted them. "Excuse me? All four new guests are called in the library by Grandmaster Lan." a disciple said behind the door.

"Please tell Grandmaster Lan we will be there shortly." Replied by Lan Sizhui.

"So...? Should we put the plan in action?" Said Lan Jingyi. A sigh left Jin Ling's mouth, not wanting to take a part in all of this. He looked over at Lan Sizhui who in return gave him a small smile. Ouyang Zizhen witnessing the atmosphere that's taking place, he was the first person to leave the room.

"Well there's Zizhen." Saying that, Lan Jingyi ran next to Ouyang Zizhen's side stopping to walk by his side as he ignored Lan Sishui's mention of the 'no running in Cloud Recesses', earning a disapproval look from his friend from within his Sect.

Once they had entered the library, their Sect Leaders in their time were seated in a row, Grandmaster Lan being in front of them, it seems like they're waiting for them. They bowed to their elders before taking their own seats behind their future Sect Leaders. Seeing this, Grandmaster Lan raised an eyebrow before he dismissed the actions from the newcomers.

He let out a fake cough before he started to talk, "Let's hear your explanation, I expect no lies and only the truth coming from you young one's mouths. And I expect no less from the two of you." He looked over at Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi. The two that were mentioned gulp at their Grandmaster, nodding their heads. Seeing the display in front of them, Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen can't help but snicker at their friends' dismay towards their Elders. Though it was lived down when the grandmaster glared at them

"I would like to explain that this is only our conclusion. We sadly don't know the whole truth yet." He stops for a minute, letting his words sink in, he waits before he continues to speak. "We have come here into Gusu after we got teleported from touching a talisman inside Senior Wei's workshop."

"Are you saying that I'm the reason you're here?" a man clad in black and red robes said, pointing a finger at his face.

"No, we're here because someone decided it would be fun to touch and try to activate a talisman that we barely know nothing about." Lan Jingyi looked at his friend in yellow robes with a look of shock before he abruptly stood up and started to 'talk'. "Me?! You're blaming me?! I did nothing but touch the talisman and read out the words!" He shouted while he raised his hand.

Lan Qiren looked at the juniors before anger started to fill him up, "What is the meaning of this?!" He screamed at the two, his face turning red from rage that's slowly consuming him before he continued his words, "A Lan speaking like this?!"

"Grandmaster Lan, aren't you also screaming?" Ouyang Zizhen questioned. The said master was stunned. He couldn't believe he was told off by a child he barely knows about.

"Insolent child! That's no way to speak to your elders that way!" As Grandmaster Lan was about to throw a scroll at the juniors' faces, Lan Xichen had managed to stop him before anything else happened.

"Shufu, please put down the scroll, we don't want anything to happen to the young masters." He explained, seeing this, the juniors let out a sigh of relief before they felt someone looking at them. Once they realized who the person was, they felt a shiver run down their spine from a deadly look they're receiving.

'We are so dead!' They all thought as glares were thrown their way.

"Grandmaster Lan, may I ask why me and Wei Wuxian are needed for this meeting?" A man in purple robes said while he kept his hand in the air, waiting for an answer.

Lan Qiren looked at him, stroking his goatee before he let out a sigh, "I have come to terms that the Jin disciple that arrived with this group is related to Young Master Jin."

"Grandmaster Lan, may I ask why he would be related to me?" Another man in yellow robes asked.

A response wasn't heard from Lan Qiren, but only his intent to stare was placed on Jin Ling. Jin Ling, seeing how the attention was put on him, he stood up and raised his 'sword'. He speaks after getting a nod from Grandmaster Lan, "This is my Fathers sword. It was given to me when I turned fifteen." He finished his speech before he left a deep bow and took a seat.

"Why would you have my sword at fifteen?" Young master Jin asked. Jin Ling didn't dare look at his Father, keeping his head low. Lan Sizhui, witnessing his friend's solemn look, decided to speak for him.

"We don't know if we can say anything about our timeline, if we expose everything... wouldn't that mean changing what we have in our time now?" He explained through gritted teeth. Even if he never liked what happened in the past, if that was prevented wouldn't that mean he's not gonna be a Lan? If he's not a Lan would he still be friends with Jin Ling?

Would he even meet Jin Ling? What about Jingyi and Zizhen? No matter how many sacrifices their Elders made for their generation, he would never trade his family for anything, even if they're not blood related, he loves his family like his own blood.

"If it's possible... can we at least know which family you four are from?" Lan Xichen asked them. Lan Jingyi, hearing this, light glints in his eyes as he looks at his friends faces before speaking. "Why of course!"

The other three couldn't do anything but sigh, knowing their friend's behavior they won't be able to stop him from running his mouth about their families.

Jin Ling let out another sigh before speaking again, "Well, you all know who my Father is already, being in the same room right now... " he stopped for a moment, letting the information sink in, for who? The people in this room- or the mere fact that he finally knows his Fathers face, that he will see and hear his own Mothers voice?

"Will that also explain who my Mother is?" He looked at his Father's face, his eyes quivering.

"Are you... my nephew?" the man in purple robes asked him.

"Jiujiu.." he whispered before wiping the tears that started to form in his eyes. He stood up and went near him, giving his Uncle a hug, feeling the familiar warmth from his Uncle who hugged him back without question made him sob.

'What if we never managed to get back on our time?' he thought to himself.

"Aren't you my son? Why don't you give your own Father a hug?" The Jin disciple said, raising both his arms in the form of a hug, waiting for him. He hesitated before he went near his Father, hugging him back.

Huffing when he saw his friends looking at him, he stood up and wiped his tears again, before giving them pointed looks. "It won't be fair if I'm the only one who gets to say who his parents are right?" He grinned when he saw the two Lans shivered and looked away.

"Now that I think about it, who are your parents?" Wei Wuxian asked the other three.

"Would I still need an explanation about my family? I mean— I already introduce myself as a Sect heir." Ouyang Zizhen said as he raised his hand.

Lan Qiren rubbed his goatee before he shook his head, "There would be no need for that. So that would leave you two Lans." He looked over at the two Lans.

"Well... aren't you the one who said we should tell them who our parents are?" Lan Sizhui whispered at Lan Jingyi, he received a look of betrayal from his friend which made him chuckle.

'Traitor.' Lan Jingyi thought to himself, he sighed probably a million times today, letting out a cough behind his fist, "Well—would it be ok to say that... Zewu-Jun is my Father...?"

"WHAT?!" 

Chapter Text

Lan Jingyi doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry in the situation that he’s in right now. For all he knows is that people are looking at him with either a shocked look, an angry look and one that is molded into a face of disbelief.

“Lies! Do you expect everyone to believe that?!” Lan Qiren accused him so willingly and without a beat, but Lan Jingyi has his argument towards him.” You say that as if you weren’t the one to tell us that you would not expect us to lie because we’re Lan’s ourselves!”

“What kind of Lan talks back to his own Elder!” Lan Qiren shouted back, his face beet red.

Looking back at his friends, he can’t help but regret his decisions altogether. ‘This is the worst position I’ve been in even with all the punishment Grandmaster Lan gave me…’ he can’t help but pout at the thought.

“Shufu, please let me question him.” Jingyi looks at his Father, his eyes lighting up, hoping to get out of this situation.

Lan Xichen can’t help but let out a sigh, seeing his supposedly son looking at him like that. “If I am your Father, who would be your mother?”

Lan Jingyi smiled at him, as he was about to say his Mother’s name, he abruptly stopped, as Lan Xichen was about to ask him if something is wrong, Jingyi stood up and grabbed all his friends to the side, leaving everyone confused.

“Lan Jingyi! What the heck! Unhand me right now!” Jin Ling shouted at him, Jingyi ignored all of this, and threw them at the far corner, making sure no one would hear them.

He bent over at his friend's level before asking them a question, “Would I die if I tell them who my Mom is…?”

Lan Sizhui felt a sweat drop on his forehead. Surely his friend couldn’t be seriously asking them that question, is he? “Well-” Before Lan Sizhui could even utter a full sentence, once again, Jin Ling stopped him abruptly by smacking Lan Jingyi on the head, earning a shocked gasp from everyone in the room. “Of course you stupid dumbass! JiuJiu would for sure kill you if he even heard a fraction of that information!”

Wei Wuxian suddenly let out a soft gasp, making him sit up right and point at Jin Ling with a shocked face, “Wait… but isn’t?” he questioned, but before he could continue, Lan Jingyi sat up and suddenly yelled, “Yes! My Mother is-” automatically pointing at Jiang Cheng, “Is you!”

“You’re shitting me right?” Jiang Cheng asked him, his eyebrows creased as his frown got deeper, he slammed the tea cup on the low rise table, “You’re lying at this point! All of you! Me? A Mother?! Hah!” He screamed at them, pointing his fingers at all the juniors.

“I told you I’ll die if I tell them!” Lan Jingyi shouts as he hides behind Zizhen, “Don’t hide behind me!” Zizhen said as he grabbed Sizhui’s wrist hiding behind him also.

Jiang Cheng looked at the scene before him, stopping in his tracks, ‘What is happening…’ he thought to himself, suddenly feeling a headache forming in his head, he groaned and rubbed his hands on his face, ‘Please tell me this is all a dream… am I drunk-?’ Wei wuxian looked at his martial brother, knowing what he’s thinking, he smacked the back of his head, “No ChengCheng… you’re not drunk.”

“Guys… please.” Lan Sizhui said, looking behind him as he saw two of his friends hiding from a very angry and confused Sect heir.

 Lan Sizhui can be called pitiful in this situation right now.

“All of you stop!”

Everyone looks at Lan Qiren, seeing his face beet red from anger while he grips his sleeves tightly. “What nonsense are you four spitting right now?!” Hearing the Elder Lan flitting rage, everyone in the room felt a shudder run down their spines from the sudden loud shrill of his voice.

Before Grandmaster Lan could continue on speaking, Lan Xichen walked towards his ‘son’, “Everyone please, stop shouting at each other.” He stopped to look at all of them, then back at Jingyi, “Can I be sure that I can believe you?”

Lan Jingyi looked at his Father and nod enthusiastically, a grin formed in his face before hugging Lan Xichen, “I knew I can count on you A-die!” He loudly said.

Watching the whole scene unfold Jiang Cheng let out a huff before speaking again, “What about me? Am I supposed to just believe what you have said?”

“Jiujiu, he's not lying. I can assure you that.” Jin Ling stepped up, receiving a scowl from his Uncle. Jin Ling gave him a scowl himself before going back to Lan Sizhui’s side, letting out a huff himself, earning himself a few raised eyebrows.

“How does that even work?!” Jiang Cheng asked, his eyebrows creasing the more time passed by.

“Well… I’m adopted if that works for you…?” Lan Jingyi gave him a sheepish grin, Jiang Cheng frowned at that, “If you’re adopted then how did I become your Mother? It’s obvious you’re a Lan.”

Wei Wuxian laughed at that, “I think It’s very obvious how that happened.” He smiled at his brother. As soon as realization hits them both, Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but stutter his words.

“That- no, no, no. That can’t be. I mean Zewu-Jun? Hah! In my dreams…” he whispered the last part, rubbing both his hands on his face as heat creeped through his neck then to his face.

Wei Wuxian hummed before he spoke again, “Let’s just leave him be, he needs time to accept the future.”

“Shut up Wei Wuxian!”

Lan Jingyi looks at his friend, Lan Sizhui. He grinned at him before turning back to their elders, “Well… now that all of you know who my parents are, it's best to ask Lan Sizhui about his own.”

Letting out a chuckle after witnessing his Friends' hurt and betrayed look, ‘Revenge is so sweet…hm…” he hummed.

Frowning at his friend's words, Lan Sizhui just let out a sigh before being straightforward with his sentence.

“My parents would be Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. For furthermore questions, no I am not their biological child, they only raised me as their own together in some aspect of my life.”

‘He really chose to be straightforward about it…’ Zizhen thought to himself, shrugging at his friend's blatant words, he looked over at their elders who just looked tired.

“This doesn't surprise me.” Jiang Cheng said as he crossed his arms.

Breaking from his shock, Wei Wuxian looked at his younger martial brother with wide eyes, “What?! What does that even mean?!”

“If you don't know, then you shouldn't ask me.”

Lan Xichen looked at his younger brother, Lan Wangi. A smile formed in his face as he saw his brother's ears turn slightly red. Nodding to himself, he spoke to the juniors, “We will finish this discussion after we have eaten our lunch. Please, let's all go now to the dining hall.”

With the Gusu clan rules, eating was very uneventful. No talking while eating has become the norm for the juniors, with how much they spend time together.

Once lunch is finished, the juniors can finally have their rest.

“What should we do now?” Lan Jingyi asked the others.

“Well, we need to know how we will be able to get back home.” Lan Sizhui replied back at him, putting his index and thumb in his chin, trying to think of a possible way to go home.

Seeing this, Ouyang Zizhen raised his hand, gaining the other three's attention. “Didn't we manage to be here because of Senior Wei’s talisman? Why don't we ask him to just bring us back home?”

“For starters, we don't know if he’s capable of doing that when he's not even older than us right now. Secondly, even if he can, what if it failed? We can't rely on him for now, we need to find a way on our own or worse, wait for the Wei Wuxian in our timeline to bring us back. And what If we're not in the past? But rather in a completely different world? Ever thought of that?” Jin Ling counted at him, crossing his arms midway as he stopped walking in front of their room.

“That's… a fair point.” Zizhen said he looked at Jingyi, who was next to him. Jingyi let out a loud groan. “Why did you even say that? Now I'm actually regretting our choice of saying who our parents were!”

“Well, it already happened. We can't change our choice of decisions when we have no way out in the first place.” Opening their room, Sizhui steps inside, sitting on one of the beds, he continued.

“We all should get some rest, we can figure this out tomorrow.”

Waking up at Five am is considered normal in Gusu Lan. With this being one of their most important routines in their daily life.

Lan Sizhui is the perfect example of a Lan in his time, in their generation. Ever since he woke up next to Hanguang-Jun, the man he considered his mentor, his Father. He has been the perfect embodiment of a Lan, following and understanding the rules, respectful and understanding to everyone around him, he eats and sleeps at the exact same time, the same schedule he has been abiding for his entire life.

So now, why can't he fall asleep? Especially when he’s sleeping next to someone dear to him…?

Just watching the Young Sect Leaders face as he sleep, having that softness being displayed in his face as sleep consumes him. It's weird, very weird and wrong for him. Why is he watching his friend in his sleep? Why isn't he falling asleep either? What is this feeling?

So many questions, yet he cannot answer it himself.

‘Hm…he’s very… No! You shouldn't think about that! That's wrong!’ he shouts in his mind, trying to cancel out the thoughts being spread in his brain, the thought of his friend that way just doesn't seem right.

While pondering with his mind, Lan Sizhui suddenly noticed Jin Ling stirring in his sleep. In his small fright, Lan Sizhui closed his eyes, praying to whatever god out there to make sure that Jin Ling doesn’t wake up, and worst of all, noticed that Lan Sizhui is facing him way too closely.

Realizing no more movement happened, he opened his eyes to look back at his friend. A smile crept up on his face, seeing how different the expression his friend put off from the scowl he had known for years.

Being near the window in the dorm that was given to the four of them, the heat from the sun had hit Lan Sizhui. Looking out the open window, he smiled seeing the birds flying and chirping in the trees, the sky bathed in pinkish hue as the sun started to rise.

Ah– it's five am already? How much time has passed by.

Hearing groans from behind him, he looked over to see Lan Jingyi waking up from his deep slumber.

“Morning Sizhui, you look like you didn't sleep at all by the way.” He mentioned while stretching his body, a yawn escaping from him. Sizhui just smiled at this.

“Time to wake these two up!” He loudly claimed before grabbing his pillow and hitting his fellow friend in the head with his pillow.

“Ow! Jingyi, you know how hard Gusu Lan's pillows are!” Zizhen loudly groans as he touches his forehead, feeling how it starts to swell.

“I didn't even hit you that hard! Be glad I woke you up!”

Ignoring the two of them, Sizhui turned to Jin Ling's sleeping figure. Propping his elbow at his side, he gently shook Jin Ling awake.

“Jin Ling, it's time to wake up.” he mumbled to him, voice soft and tender.

Feeling like someone was talking to him, Jin Ling opened his eyes, humming to himself before speaking.

“Hm…?” Rubbing his eyes open, he looked at the window behind Sizhui. “It's so early…” his voice slightly hoarse from not being used in his slumber.

“We’re in Gusu, remember? We always wake up at Five am.” Chuckling at his friend's obvious frown from the rules of his Sect, he shook Jin Ling again, before both of them left the bed.

Still rubbing his eyes he spoke, “Why do you have a red mark on your forehead?”

“It's Jingyi’s fault!” Ouyang Zizhen pointed at Lan Jingyi.

“No matter, it doesn't change how dumb you look first thing in the morning.”

The wall of rules that Cultivators passed by when coming inside Cloud Recesses is one of the most famous things Lan’s are known for. So, why are Lan’s themselves obviously here breaking the rules?!

Lan Jingyi may have broken the rules most of the time, angering their Grandmaster with his actions, but this? The stares are getting too repetitive, they're too obvious, not even hiding the looks they're giving him and his friends.

He doesn't even know the amount of times he let out a sigh the whole breakfast hour.

Walking to the halls he has known his whole life, the place he grew up in is very weird. With what happened on their Seniors generation, Cloud Recesses had made changes on their construction.

Can you even consider this hall the same one he grew up with? Lan Jingyi doesn’t know himself. The theory Jin Ling gave him and the others last night is still in his mind. What if this is a different world? They’ll never know unless they do something about it.

Entering the classroom, they look for extra seats while they wait for everyone to come inside the hall.

Walking towards the front of the class is Grandmaster Lan, Lan Qiren. Faking out a cough, catching everyone's attention, he spoke to the class.

“For today onwards we will have four new junior disciples among us.” Raising one arm, having his palm open in the air, pointing his hands at the four new juniors.

Standing up, they bow to everyone in the class, showing respect to the people inside the room.

“I expect you four to follow the rules and not go out Cloud Recesses. We still don't know anything about any of you four except your family.” He stopped to take a breather, before continuing his speech. Looking over at the whole class he looked again.

“I do not want words about this to get out. No one will speak about this.”

Hearing the words ‘Yes, Grandmaster Lan’ is enough for Lan Qiren to start the lesson for the day.

Chapter Text

The workshop that's built behind Gusu Lan is always loud, but the screams and shouts from that same building are definitely not normal. The disciples would expect loud crashes and explosions but never the experimenters screams. No, that would mean something bad had happened.

Some disciples flock around the workshop to see what was going on. Amidst the whole fiasco, purple lightning can be seen sparkling inside the workshop, as a whip slash anything that it came across with.

“Wait! Jiang Cheng! I can explain!” Wei Wuxian screams at his martial brother.

“Explain? Explain what?! My son and nephew have disappeared to god knows where!” he shouts at him through slashes around the workshop.

“They opened a talisman that can travel back in time!” He screamed, waiting for the impact of the harsh whip. Silence rang in the room, confusing Wei Wuxian about the lack of pain in his body.

“What do you mean a talisman that can travel back in time?” His ‘Shidi’ asked him.

Realizing why he suddenly stopped from flaring Zidian across his shop, he spoke his thoughts out.

“I created the talisman to see what would happen if you travelled back in the past…”

Frowning at this, Jiang Cheng asked again. “How far in the past can this talisman get you?”

Jiang Cheng, seeing his ‘Shixiong’ laugh awkwardly at his question, his eyebrows furrowed even more, to the point it's almost touching each other.

“That's the thing… this talisman isn’t finished yet so I don't know about that part yet.”

“Wei Wuxian!!”

“I'm sorry Chengcheng!” he wailed as the whip clashed on Bichen.

Wait, Bichen? Looking up from the ground he sees his Husband holding his sword out in front of his ‘Shidi’.

“Aiya! Lan Zhan don’t do anything rash! I’m fine, see!” Wei Wuxian let out a sigh, after his husband sheathed his sword.

“Lan Wangji.” Jiang Cheng spat, his words filled with venom at the name mentioned before him.

‘This two will never get along…’ Wei Wuxian thought to himself.

The tension in the room can be felt around the four people. This situation is bad. Definitely. Lan Xichen looked around his brother and his husband. ‘Did something happen to them?’

Ignoring what's happening around him, Lan Xichen decided to no longer beat around the bush anymore.

“Do you have any idea on how to get the children back in our timeline?”

Hearing his brother-in-law's words, he can't help but feel disappointed. He doesn't have any idea on how to bring the kids back, at all. Which, can one person say a very bad thing to say in front of Sect Leader Jiang, especially when it involves both his son and nephew.

“Nothing? None at all?” Jiang Cheng said, his voice raising as the seconds went by.

“As I said the talisman was still at work, we don’t even know what timeline they went to.” He paused for a second, thinking about his next words. “Plus! That talisman was only supposed to bring you to the past for about only five minutes and not longer!” He stopped for a moment, looking at his ‘Shidi with wide eyes. With a pregnant pause as soon as realization dawned on him, he explained again. “Unless… They were sent back five minutes before but are now in a completely different timeline and situation—Chengcheng I screwed up!”

“Well no shit!”

It has been two days since they went off to a completely different timeline, or in Jin Ling’s words “A different universe” . Ouyang Zizhen doesn’t honestly know what to do in this situation. So far, his life in this timeline has been peaceful. But that doesn't really matter because now he’s bored, and is stuck between trying to not get Jin Ling to burst out in tears with Lan Sizhui because his Mother smiled at him, or his Father talking to him, no matter how awkward it was, or Stuck trying to keep it peaceful by not wanting to lash out in the Lan Disciples who keep making harsh comment about how obnoxious his friend Lan Jingyi is.

I thought gossip and discrimination isn’t allowed in Cloud Recesses? It seems like the students don't mind breaking their own rules.

It upset Zizhen the thought of the Elders who helped Lan Jingyi out in his studies and training with other people their generation act like his a nuisance when they're the same age at the moment.

“Zizhen!”

He heard someone calling out to him. Looking around,he saw the man that was just in his thoughts not a mere seconds ago.

“Jingyi, hey! Seems like your punishment is over now.” He said as he went over to where his friend was at.

“Well, I speedrun it! They can’t get mad when my writing is already perfect either.” Lan Jingyi said to Zizhen.

Hearing those words brought a smile on Ouyang Zizhen’s face, seeing Jingyi smile would never stop him from being happy.

As long as he is smiling and doesn't care about what others say to him, Ouyang Zizhen would always love to accompany his Dear Friend. Even if- that friend is not minding his feelings for him, he's gonna be okay with it. Because at the end of the day, being with Lan Jingyi is enough to ease out any frustration and anger in his system.

“Four Juniors that came from the future huh? This surely would be interesting.”

Chapter Text

Two days.

Two days.

Since they’ve been stuck in this timeline or universe. And Lan Sizhui is tired. Everything that couldn't have gone possibly wrong had gone possibly wrong.

First with Jin Ling being oblivious in his flirtatious ways of courting then comes his Family being protective of him. Jingyi keeps getting in trouble while Zizhen is excusing all of the problems they have caused themselves.

‘This day can't get anymore worse than it already is.’ thinking to himself, as he left out a sigh for probably the hundred times today.

“So, my dear A-Yuan, what brings you here in my humble abode.” He looked up as ‘Senior’ Wei asked him, while he brought in the tea and snacks.

“Want some more love advice?” He winked at him. For two days, Lan Sizhui has been asking his Senior for advice on how to be paired up with Jin Ling. And… It’s safe to say none has been working on their favors lately. He might as well consider giving up on asking Wei Wuxian for advice and look for someone else. Who can probably give better ones and not end horribly and make himself look like a complete fool like he has been doing for two days straight.

Straightening his back with that perfect Lan posture of his, he can’t help but let out a sigh. Again. “It’s…been a long day. But- thats not why I'm here.”

Letting out a small hum, indicating that he's listening while he pours both of them some tea that Gusu can offer. ‘Senior’ Wei smiled at him waiting for him to continue. Not waiting for any longer than it already has, he spoke with his honest and sincerest words.

“I would like your help to create a talisman to bring me and my friends back home.”

While waiting for his Senior, he can only see a look of shock and disappointment. His words definitely leave a deafening silence between the two, the birds chirps being the only noise echoing around the whole room.

“No.” Wei Wuxian said, after getting himself together.

Shocked at his words, Lan Sizhui looked at his ‘Senior’. Confusion evident on his face. “What? But why not?” he frowned at this.

Seeing the dejected look at Sizhui, Wei Wuxian can’t but let out a sigh. Maybe there are more people that's tired today…?

”Listen, I’m not like the Wei Wuxian in your timeline, I don't even know what's the purpose of that talisman. Yes, I might be smart and have created inventions during my time here. But that doesn’t mean that I’m fully capable.” Hearing the explanation didn't really change anything for their situation, gosh I sure hope nothing will happen to us and that our Seniors would be able to manage to bring us back.

Understanding the situation at hand, Lan Sizhui knows it will be too much to ask his Senior about this, hence why he was hesitating for a while now. Creating a time talisman is very hard, considering you’re messing with time itself. The only thing he can do for now is apologize and look for more solutions.

“Oh…I’m sorry for wasting your time then.” He went and got up from his seat, walking out of ‘Senior’ Wei’s dorm room, while he ignored his calling. ‘This is gonna be a problem.’ he thought to himself.

After some time Lan Sizhui finds himself walking around Cloud Recesses, seemingly being in a deep thought. He has been walking past a few disciples and visiting students from different sects already, maybe it’s time to talk to his friends about what ‘Senior’ Wei had said.

While on his walk near his friends and their dormitory, he didn't realize he had bumped into someone until he almost fell on his feet. He surely has been distracted. Looking over who he bumped into, he apologize instantly, not wanting to seem rude. “Oh! I’m very sorry, I wasn't looking where I was walkin—” stopping midway in his sentence, he frowned at the person he bumped into.

“It’s no worries Young Master Lan, this lowly servant does not need any formal apologies.” He smiled at him, his eyes turned into a crescent moon. If Lan Sizhui doesn’t know any better he would have complemented him with his striking features.

He let out a small hum, before leaving that person behind. Quickly walking away without breaking the rules of no running. ‘This day has seriously turned for the worst.’ he said thinking to himself.

“There you are!” He heard once he entered the dormitory where he and his friends reside.

“Jin Ling.” Mumbling to himself, he can't help but smile seeing his friend. One singular look from his friend surely always seems to brighten his days.

“I've been looking everywhere for you! I have something to tell you.” Jin Ling talked while he walked near Lan Sizhui, grabbing his arms he brought Sizhui to ‘their’ bed and made him sit.

“A-Niang said she wants to bond with me and you guys, but as always those two are busy with each other.” he explained, Sizhui doesn't even need to ask who ‘those two’ are, knowing it's their other friends.

He waited for Jin Ling to finish his sentence, looking at him as he smiled seeing Jin Ling's face turn into a cherry, “So just come with me! You can’t say no as it is my Parents!” he said with that arrogant tone of his that Sizhui can’t seem to get enough off.

“Of course I'll come with you Jin Ling, I wouldn't want to leave you all alone.” Smiling at his friend he can't help but snort at his friend's reaction. ‘Ah- Jin Ling's reactions are always so cute.’

“Whatever! Just hurry up and let's go!”

‘Maybe… I can have a peaceful moment with Jin Ling and his parents.’

‘Jin Ling please stop making things worse!’

Lan Sizhui screamed in his head, as he watched his friend desperately trying to wipe off the tea that spilled in his Mother's clothes. Jin Ling’s awkwardness hasn’t left him since yesterday, his hands still shaking whenever he’s near his Parents.

“A-Niang I’m so sorry!” Jin Ling said as he desperately tried to clean his Mother’s robes with a handkerchief. “Oh dear, no need to worry about it. It’s okay.” Maiden Jiang said to Jin Ling as she took the handkerchief from his hands.

Jin Ling has been having a hard time trying to speak to his parents for the past two days. It's understandable, yes, but it's kinda hard to witness. But Lan Sizhui knew that it's not his friend's fault. He never met his parents, losing them at such a young age and all. He of all people understands how that feels, to lose your parents so young.

Not wanting any more problems, he decided to apologize for his friend's mistake.

“I apologize for all of this.” Sizhui said to both of Jin Ling’s parents. Jin Ling turned his head at him, screaming words that went to his right ear and left from his left.

“What are you apologizing for?!I told you to stop doing that for me!” Jin Ling fumed at him.

And Well… it’s better than having his friend stutter to his parents just to make a simple proper apology.

Hearing soft laughter in front of them, both he and Jin Ling looked over at his parents. “Well, this is a disaster.” His Father said. Jin Ling reddened at this, feeling embarrassed at the predicament that they're stuck in right now.

Bearing witness to this whole situation, Lan Sizhui can't help but feel two different types of emotions all at once. Happy that Jin Ling has asked him to spend time with his supposed parents, and anger…? For Jin Ling looking sideways and disappointed at himself? Yet- that embarrassed face is so red, so flush that he can't help but think it's cute. That he's not vocal about his wants but his body betrays him for it. It makes him…wanna see more of it. More of that reddened cheeks, that awkward smile and chuckle.

‘I wanna see him blush like that at me…wait- what? No, stop it Lan Yuan! Don’t think like that!’ he screamed in his head, giving himself a small slap.

Jin Ling, seeing his friend slap himself for no reason, suddenly scorn him with concern. “Sizhui…? You okay?” he can't help but ask.

Embarrassed about what he just did, he felt his cheeks warming not just from his hands but by everyone looking at him like he just grew two heads.

“Yes, I'm fine. No need to worry about me, Jin Ling.”

Not believing what he's saying, Jin Ling could only give Sizhui a side glance.

Wanting to move away from this totally not awkward situation he’s in, he decided to advertise the topic away from him. “Apologise for my sudden movement. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Oh, no need to fret over it. How about we just move on from this matter.” Jiang Yanli said to him.

Before Lan Sizhui could open a new conversation with them, Maiden Jiang decided to make her great resolution public. “So if I may ask? How long have the two of you been together?”

Silence fell over them, the quietness deafening. Birds' chirps can be heard while words are being formed. ‘Why do I feel like being in the same predicament as earlier?’ Sizhui asked himself.

‘Who knew that a simple question can turn everything upside down?’

“What?! No!! A-Niang, that's completely absurd?! Why would I wanna date him! He's a Lan and Lans are stuffy!!” Jin Ling, what are you saying! You knew damned well that you’ve been crushing on Lan Sizhui for so long already! Oh God just shut it Rulan!!

While Jin Ling continues to shout both in his mind and mouth, Lan Sizhui can’t help but feel down. Does he think about me that way? Am I stuffy like the others? Maybe I was too strict and controlling for him.

'What am I doing?! Why am I trying to deny it so much! Why can’t I just accept my feelings for him…’ Jin Ling thought to himself why he desperately tried to convince his parents that he and Lan Sizhui aren't anything of the sort. He should have just stopped, talking more and giving more examples on why they couldn’t possibly be together seems to be proving their point of maybe being in a secret relationship. Why isn’t Sizhui saying anything?! Why am I the only one talking?!

‘Why am I like this…?’ Jin Ling thought to himself.

‘Maybe this day just wants to be a nightmare.’ Lan Sizhui thought to himself.