at last my hand recovered. this chapter is the longest and to me the grossest and therefore it's the one I've secretly been writing since chapter 3... I tried so hard not write an actual sex scene... because I wasn't even sure we would actually get anywhere like this... I should really just stop lying to myself about how my fics go. because it is usually wtf that's horrible territory or by god that's gay crack and there is no in between

Being a god among men came with a downside in that sheep are both stupid and fidgety. It meant work was both easy but slow. Slow as sludge dripping down a snow-covered mountain in the summer. Slow as the hell that boils frogs in its pot.

Jin Guangyao had fought hard for his name and he would not lose it because of a step placed too quick. Gods are powerful and mighty, but they are delicate. One push and they may shatter.

Which is why he makes a point to act as such. Being slow is what got him here. Being like stone which is slow but sudden. It was how he destroyed Jin Guangshan. It was how he had killed Wen Ruohan. It was how he obtained this glorious life.

Slow but sudden.

Despite what might be believed Jin Guangyao did not feel he was evil. If anything compared to his father he was the compassionate one. He was not a tyrant in the waiting like Wen Ruohan. He did not desire to gorge himself on the flesh or cruelly throw lives away unnecessarily. No. He did not like to be cruel for no reason.

He was not a callous god to his patrons. Just one that worked in necessity. Jin Guangyao was even kind compared to the monsters that came before him. He had only let his anger and desire for revenge fuel him once. Yes, just once!

And it had been deserved. It had been earned! It was not revenge for revenge's sake, but justice on a man who's own debased desire for power had led to such necessity. It was cruel but he deserved it. Deserved it for everything…

Meng Yao had been born unwanted. Unwanted by his father. Unwanted by the world of the cultivators. In general, just undesired by everyone but his mother and even then he wondered.

If I didn't resemble that bastard would you have cared?

When he'd been a child his mother would talk of their father coming to get him and that it was merely a matter of time as he studied. "I'm sure he's just caught in his duties. I'm sure he cares."

Meng Shi was delusional. Delusional in the worst way. Jin Guangshan was never coming for them because he forgot they even existed. Forgot because as he'd put it so bluntly once he'd forced the truth from lips, "I took in so many pets and not even most of them were mine; some paid me to take their children. I never learned the mothers' names let alone the children; I mean who expects to keep track of such matters. Until you showed up I had no idea you existed or were even of my blood."

"And I never cared otherwise."

That woman had been so blindly caught in the fantasy that Jin Guangshan would come for them. That he loved and cherished them despite doing nothing to help them all because he gifted her a pearl that had fallen from his clothing. All because he'd doted with just enough kindness to string her along till she frayed away.

But could he blame her? Meng Yao had also been dreaming of that life and that warm family. Of gaining his father's approval through strength and valor- of being loved by someone other than his mother.

Of being loved.

Even when he'd shown up and should have been sent to those rooms Jin Guanghan kept the other children he'd been rejected because he was too old. Because he was no longer a sweet little duckling that could follow him around blindly like a moron. Because he was just another bastard that wandered in and nothing else.

Because his wife and son had been watching.

He had been rejected entirely by the father that he sought out and thrown away like he was nothing. The shame that curled in him when he was shoved down that stairway. The look of disdain.

In that moment he wanted nothing more than to force that man to respect him. To care about him.

You will acknowledge me!

And so when Lan Xichen landed in his lap in need of his help he jumped into the fray and fire. He needed to become powerful and useful. He needed that for acknowledgment. To be a real Jin like Meng Yao deserved.

To have control.

He will never deny how grateful he is for Wen Rouhan's tutelage during the SunShot campaign. For the power and secrets whispered in his ears that hardened his resolve. That made him realize he did not need to settle for something so simple as to be called a Jin. Nor will he deny that there are moments when he wishes to go back to a simpler time where all three of them as brothers could share laughter and drink. Truly if there was ever a curse on his life it would have been the unyielding need for that approval. That burning hate to bring him down so that he would see him as a god.

As a son.

He truly can't explain what spurred him so fervently for that love. Perhaps he just wanted to win. Perhaps it was because at the time he was weak and therefore human. To dream of being desired by someone so disgusting… the thought made his skin crawl profusely.

But that was before and this is now

In that before, Jin Guangyao had simply planned to make his father into a thrall of his own much like the Yiling Patriarch had done that night to the cultivators in Nightless City. He already had placed his mark on many of the cultivators in the sect.

Their will bent to him and their once spiteful gazes full of admiration as they watched his movements taken in by his luster.

That's right. You're mine now and as such you will acknowledge me. You will love and adore me.

I am your god

Yes, at first he thought to render Jin Guangshan a smiling puppet who would do as he said to draw away attention. He will build a web deep and dark that made people aware just how worthless he was. At first, he thought he'd let him live like a man. Offer him that dignity.

But then I learned how much more I loathe you

He'd long since learned of the fate of many of his half-siblings and the garden and while that boiled his blood what hurt most was the callousness and carefree nature as the words left Jin Gaungshan's lips. That he truly didn't see himself as villainous. That when he spoke of his actions…

"Do you know why people will turn on their own? It's because they feel morally corrupt and they deserve it. The people with no guilt like those Jiang's that supposedly shift as they please can do it because they have a clear conscious." They had been drinking wine together in the garden that night after being told they needed to speak.

The flock as always huddled joyfully around their sect leader who merely smiled as he sipped, "If the people I changed did not feel they deserved it then they wouldn't scream. But they do."

"They scream and change because their wills and morals are weak. Do you know how many supposedly innocent children I've watched scream? Even my own son deserved his punishment. Everyone talks like its evil but at the end of the day, we rely on their morals being weak. How many villages would starve? How many streams would be filthy and unusable?" He set the cup down and narrowed his eyes, "Where do you think our sect actually gets the money to act with its power and authority?"

"Well, I would assume donations and jobs from towns like most sects." Jin Guangyao truly wasn't that keyed yet into the finances so it had made a fair deal of sense to him.

"Incorrect," The glint of the jewelry as he coaxed at one of the peacocks and plucked a tail feather. Hands tracing over the surface lovingly, "This is our wealth. Do you think our sect could be so austere if we didn't sell our feathers to the highest members of politics and nobility? After all, it can be hard to have incidents worth collecting on when your creatures specifically ward off monsters."

"Every sect profits off the use of their 'treasures' and some more than others. The only reason those that transform men into precious stones or metals aren't more prominent is simply because the value is tied so close to cultivation. Their numbers are small so they have to buy their own product essentially." Jin Guangshan laughed at that. Like it was funny that cultivators had to sell humans off.

"Am I really any worse than other sects that do the same just because I am more open about it?"

Yes

"No, Sect Leader, I think your honesty is a good thing when so many lie- though I do wonder, what about the Wens? What of them? They didn't feel pain."

There was something dark in those eyes, "Reveling in your own corruption will eventually bleed along the surface. The Wens were not just gluttonous, but they were mad and that is the story you tell."

The story that lets Jin Guangshan's methods be a lesser of two evil. That painted his actions as some sort of moral choice compared to the would-be alternative. Jin Guangyao didn't need to be told that this was also the logic the man wanted him to follow.

Yes, this suited his purpose.

"So then Sect Leader, you see nothing wrong in your action?" That you killed your own heir? That you destroyed the lives of children? That you forgot him and his mother entirely?

That even now you are looking down on me. Even when you are already poisoned you fight me

"No."

Reveling in corruption will bleed out

What does your corruption look like Sect Leader?

Even as every part of him wanted to tear the man's heart out in that moment he smiled and merely offered more wine. This was meant to slowly break him. Slowly end every ounce of dignity and respect. He couldn't end it so soon when it just began.

When I'm done no one will ever want to speak your name

The easiest part of his plan was making Jin Guangshan pass his work off onto him. He'd merely say, "Sect Leader you needn't bother with such menial papers. I shall handle them."

The man never noticed he was being compelled for he was so subtle in the touch of his magic. Just enough to make him say yes. Not enough to notice anything would be wrong. No need for a tragic repeat of his last attempt he rushed. Yes, nothing was noticed.

Why would that be? He was a man on top of the cultivating world with a bastard son capable of doing everything needed while he could enjoy his own debased pleasure. He was untouchable and if anything should happen he had a son to blame. The only ever wrinkle had been Xue Yang and even then, once a proper hierarchy was established and Jin Guangyao was able to put him on the shortest of leashes it worked out.

"If you fight me, I'll cut off the supply you need to keep that disgusting pile of meat you call a body in check. You will die a worse end then the Yiling Patriarch and every second that body of yours twists into something new till it's a swollen misshapen collection of everything your black heart conjured up."

And that Cheshire grin as Xue Yang bowed in compliance like he knew what would happen. It worked out at the cost of blood he hadn't wanted spilled, but it was fine. It had been necessary.

I really did treasure our bond.

If I did not kill you, then you would have destroyed me

you would think I was a monster. That I was just like Wen Ruohan

And I couldn't have that.

Bit by bit he chipped away at Jin Guangshan's place in the sect taking duty after duty till many people started coming straight to him rather than their beloved sect leader. He could not help savoring the rumors that fermented on the disciples' tongues.

"Sect Leader Jin is so lazy these days."

"He leaves everything up to that bastard son of his."

"Well, when you think about it Lianfang-Zun is rather profound in his skills. He's running the sect quite well in fact."

"But the disgrace of our Sect Leader acting such!"

"Did you see his face? I think he must be getting fat or something because he's looking so much softer."

"I heard he's been spending his time at the brothels."

"So shameful!"

"Such lustful behavior."

"Last week I handed him a letter from Gusu Lan on and he just glazed over and told Jin Guanyao to read it to him."

"Leaving everything to one person is bound to dull the mind."

Yes. Indeed it would but Jin Guangyao will admit to forcing it all along. To telling his father that someone such as himself didn't need to read papers let alone write anything. "That work is for other men such as myself Sect Leader. Spending your time with this is a waste for one like yourself."

Even if Jin Guangshan tried his mind had already been blunted of the ability to read or write. Not that he noticed. No, he spent his time lazing around in the sun or enjoying himself in the company of woman usually drinking till he needed to be carted back.

The sect was prospering all while Jin Guangshan was spoiling himself with pleasures of the flesh. Spoil yourself silly father. Rot from the inside out and let everyone take in the man you are for Jin Guangyao planned all of this so sweetly just for you.

Have you not noticed the atrophying muscles? The softness of the face?

Do you truly not notice when you look in the mirror how he is chiseling away at your form?

Slowly. So very slowly breaking away.

For a moment Jin Guangshan seemed to snap awake when he realized there were aches and pains over his body. Seemed to realize something even if he could not place it was wrong and that somehow it was Jin Guangyao's fault. That the man was doing… something to him!

"Something is wrong with me. Something of your doing!" Jin Guangshan hissed at him.

Jin Guangyo merely smiled and approached closer with specially brewed tea in his hands. It was very fresh ingredients. "Sect Leader, you are being silly."

"Don't touch me!" The swipe of his arm almost knocked over the tea tray he was carrying. Heavy panting as he clutched at his aching chest, "Something is wrong with me and I know you did it! What did you do!"

He doubled over his breath so ragged, "Why I am so weak? Why is my mind so clouded?"

"I think it be best if you drank your tea," Jin Guangyao set the tray down and handed over a cup.

The glare as Jin Guangshan took the cup and tossed it against his face hot liquid and broken pottery falling on his body and the ground. All the same, he kept a straight face and smiled. "This is what I think of your tea you disgusting bastard!"

He pinned Jin Guangyao to the ground screaming as he beat into his chest and face. "You did this! I know you did this! I should have never let you in. I should have thrown you in that room with the rest!"

It didn't hurt. Those arms were weak and punching seemed to hurt Jin Guanshan more than anything. Knuckles bloody despite his bastard being unscathed. Wrong. All wrong!

Disciples hearing the commotion had burst in and pulled Jin Guangshan away all while he screamed accusations, "Don't you see he's poisoned me!"

"Lianfang-Zun, are you alright?"

"He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"You aren't bleeding anywhere, are you?"

No, there wasn't a scratch. "I am fine but I believe that my father is becoming delusional. Whatever is happening to him worries me it would be best to take him to the physician."

The nods as they agreed and took away their sect leader as he kicked and screamed, "Blind. All of you are blind! Can't you see he's a bastard. A snake. A rat."

"At least he's not a promiscuous lecher."

"Bastard or not, he's respectable and kind."

"He treats Young Master Jin Ling so sweetly."

Isn't it awful when nothing from a person's lips is treated seriously because they have such a foul reputation? Isn't it horrible to see people who once bowed to you treat you so lowly?

Isn't it terrible when you realize the justification you've crafted backfires like so?

The sect started muttering about how Jin Guangshan was changing on his own and suddenly all their thoughts on the slow shift in his appearance snapped in and they started wondering if his lust and greed was doing him in like Wen Ruohan.

When the man walked the halls of Koi Tower they would turn their eyes and silence all their gossiping but he knew. Oh, how he knew they were mocking him. That his bastard son must be responsible but was also the only lifeline he had.

The only one who would try to reassure him but he knew better. Knew! But he struggled to think- to be mad at Jin Guangyao as long as he should. His body becoming frail and soft…

A mind slow and barely able to focus on anything other than grooming or seeking pleasure.

So he brought Jin Guangyao into his chambers and held with unsteady weak hands his sword held. "Answer me! What did you do to me? I know this is your doing. I know!"

"Sect Leader, you told me yourself that this sort of thing is a sign of your own weak morals and nature? Isn't this a sign that your own immoral actions have become too much?"

"Lies! All of that lies!"

"Are you backing out on your own words? Was what you told lies?"

And the hardest part of it all was that Jin Guangshan had truly believed his words. His belief had let him justify things that were cruel and monstrous. Watching the light fall from those eyes and that sword fall to the floor as the man tore at his face mournfully. "It's okay, Sect Leader I will take care of things."

"Don't touch me! Don't come near me!"

The broken look in those eyes as the man blubbered into sobs and curled on the floor grasping at Jin Guangyao's robe was beautiful. The wetness as he looked up at him his lips quivering. It was exactly as Jin Guangyao had dreamed.

Oh, how he couldn't wait for more!

"Why… why can't I hate you?" That voice shrieking, "I know you did this to me. I know but-"

He held that face that would look down at him with scorn all while a smile rested on Jin Guangyao's lips, "You can blame me all you want but at the end of the day didn't you do this to yourself? Aren't you responsible for how all of this is bleeding out onto the surface?"

"Father, I am ashamed you were truthfully so weak."

You want more than anything to hate me right now, yes? You want to despise me? To ignore me and go back to what you had?

You can't! I won't allow it. I will never allow it!

You going to suffer for everything you did to us

To me

He left the man sobbing on the floor cursing him all the while. Xue Yang found it all rather hilarious when he told him. He still needed the Stygian Tiger Amulet. He still needed that dark power.

I need more control

"When you haven't eaten your skin starts turning green in places. Is that from envy?" Xue Yang would taunt. Jin Guangyao would never answer that. No, to do so was to admit weakness. Admit his form had flaws and that his ascension to being immortal- to being a god- was not complete. Those green stains lining places along his body like infection.

There is no envy! He's better than that.

He is!

He tastes the freshness of blood on his lips as he devours flesh in peace. A taste like gold and victory as he smiles at the thought of what comes next.

Too ashamed to leave his room Jin Guanghsan hid away from the rumors and the disgrace as he lost face. His voice shrill and high and his body so thin and his mind so clouded that the only thing he could remember to think was who was to blame. Who was responsible!

He was still Sect Leader! No matter what those backstabbers said he still was in charge and yet none of them listened. Fools! All of them fools buying into honey words and a smile crafted for a smiling buddha statue and not a man.

Was it always so obvious? Those steps, that skin, those eyes! It wasn't human no matter how close it resembled one. It reminded him of Wei Wuxian and this scared him. It scared him because when that door opened and Jin Guangyao would enter the fog would thicken to choking smoke and he couldn't think.

He could only smile and listen to the words from the bastard's mouth.

From Master

"Why won't you just send me to the gardens? Isn't it obvious enough already? Aren't you done with your revenge?"

Jin Guanyao reveled in the paranoia. The fear because as much as his father would want to believe this was his work, he had no proof to give. Nothing other than his shameful state to show the world and that was assuming his mind stayed clear long enough for him to remember what he wanted to share. "Father, I want you to spend the rest of your time as human as comfortable as possible. Sending you to the garden would be such a cruel thing."

"Don't you dare call me 'Father' you low-life rat!" He'd try to strike his master only to fall on their knees shaking.

"What would you have me call you?" Those cold hands gripping and running over Jin Guangshan's lips gripping his chin. It was all such soft and sweet in gesture but only fear ran in his blood, "Because you're no Sect Leader. No, a Sect Leader is wise and strong- more importantly, could read and work," that stone-cold grip drifting down his neck and gliding just above clavicle daring him to run if brave enough, "And with a body like this you're no man so calling you father is rather silly."

Don't say it! Don't say what he knows! Jin Guangshan sees the breasts, the change of his frame, genitals. He sees it all don't say it! "I am! I'm not a woman! This is your fault! This is your doing!"

"You told me once the ideal woman is one who doesn't read or write and is simple-minded, who spends her time enjoying pleasures of the flesh and ready to please everyone, beautiful and readying her appearance in the mirror when not needed. Doesn't that sound like how you've been this past year Guangshan? Aren't you not becoming your ideal woman?"

"Lies! Shut up! Shut up!" He screamed pulling away and running to the door only to stop. If he went out there everyone would see but… here he was trapped with a monster. Out! He needed out!

Why though, screamed the fog. 'Why must we leave? Why when we aren't properly dressed and our hair is a mess? Why?'

Wrong. This is all wrong! Jin Guangshan's felt sick in every inch of his body as his hand shook at the door. All he needed was to open it. All he needed was to leave so why this? Why?

"Guanshan you should calm down. Perhaps fixing your makeup would make you feel better."

No it won't! this is a trick

Of course. If Master says it then it's true.

Jin Guangshan felt a stranger in his own body as he took the makeup from Jin Guangyao and set down to apply like it was natural. Like it was something he'd always done.

Have I not?

Stop it! Why is it so hard to think? A giggle comes from his lips along with tears ruining his progress so his hands go to start over. This isn't him! This isn't him! Somebody stop this. Somebody!

"I'll leave you to discover your new self. I can't stand all day I have important work as the Jin Sect Leader." No! That's mine! That's his title! But all he can do is smile and nod.

I don't deserve this! I don't deserve this!

"Of course, Sect Leader."

Shortly afterward Jin Guangyao would inform people of the tragic state of his once father and the misery on Madame Jin's face.

The man Jin Guangshan was dead. The woman though was vibrant. A ditzy idiot who bent over to please anyone she met with glee but he still saw just enough fire of the man he once was trying to break out. Just enough when she walked the halls of the Koi Tower to know she was still trying to resist despite the fog in her brain making her subservient whore for anyone who asked and oh how her old enemies jumped to punish her.

"I always hated you!"

"You took my son! I know it was you! This is revenge you scum!"

"This is karma for everything you did to my family!"

"You deserve this and more!"

"I know you were going to bargain us to the Wens! I saw the paper trail."

Jin Guangyao found her under that pavilion covered in bruises and wet eyes. The stains on her robes and skin obvious as to what happened. "Poor little peony."

"What more do want to take from me?"

"I haven't a clue what you mean."

"You play dumb but I know you're a monster. I don't know what spell you have everyone under but I see you for what you are. I know you're evil!"

He leaned in and cut at her skin so easily, "Evil is a crass word for demons. I am better described as your god."

The blood was warm and sweet, "And from you I will take everything from you."

He brought her to the brothel despite the protests the scream and cries but he just told her a proper woman need not yell and her mouth sewn shut and her eyes glazed. She was crying. Good.

This is revenge. For everything and everyone and even this won't be the end. Your suffering will be never-ending

"She's yours to keep until she stops being human. She'll follow any order without question and she's can't read or write." He tossed the payment to the headwoman for the brothel. This place would go up in flames along with anyone who would suspect him. "You can keep all the profits and do whatever you want as long as it won't kill her."

"This girl got a name?"

"Meng Shi."

I will take everything. Your name. Your life. Your pride. Your legacy. I will take and destroy everything you were.

You thought my mother too sharp a woman to love. So why not see what your infidelity left her in life to live.

Jin Guangshan took her life so why not take her name and let it drag him into the deepest mud. What will people say when he comes back and tells people the horrid news about former Sect Leader Jin Guangshan.

"He is convinced he's a prostitute named Meng Shi. That he's my mother of all people. All of this brings me nothing but the deepest of shame."

Yes, he'll say this and listen to the scorn echo off that brilliant gold lining the walls.

"How awful!"

"How disgusting!"

"Tragic. So tragic!"

"To think the once noble Jin Guangshan would think himself a lowly whore."

"That they would go live in a brothel."

"Does it surprise you? Once she grew a pair of tits she opened up for anyone who asked."

"Disgusting."

"How foul!"

"Do you think that's the end?"

"Of course not! This isn't the first time someone has been so wretched to switch sexes."

When he'd dumped Jin Guangshan in the room that be his new prison he'd pet her hair lovingly as she cried, "Why? You were already my heir. You had power and respect! What more did you want? Why was doing this to me not enough?"

He was growing tired of this so he grabbed her arm and snapped it like a twig. "What I wanted ever since the day you threw me down those stairs was for you to have no choice but to respect me but more than that I wanted you ruined."

"I wanted you destroyed." Her scream was wonderful as she yowled clutching that broken bone in such pain. "So I came up with this punishment specifically for you father. Death is easy. Death is quick. Death means you can reincarnate into something just as good as your old life. But, this was you don't get to escape torture. You don't get a way out and even if you did- even if a scrap of the you who could call himself Jin Guangshan remains there will be no to care for you."

"You think you'll get away with this! You disgusting brat. I'll kill you! I'll rip your limps off and feed you to ghouls for this! The moment I get out of this enchantment I will find and destroy you! All your lies will be exposed and people will see for who you really are."

"You spent all this time framing these transformations as the manifestation of crimes. You spent a month openly spreading your legs and taking beatings. A year giving every duty to me. Everyone knew you were lustful bastard of a man. So who is to say that you wouldn't end up a mewling whore for all of these feelings?"

It was easy to force his hands around her neck and place the belled collar on her. "No one believed you before and they won't now or ever. You look very lovely, Meng Shi."

So much rage and fire that quickly burst to fear as much as she tried to hide, "You will no take my name. You can't! I will kill you before that!" That weak free arm pulling out his sword only for it stop just before his neck. "This isn't right! This isn't fair! You can't- you can't."

"You see, Meng Shi I can." He yanked the sword away and pulled a peach from his pouch. "Eat."

And she did hesitantly crying the whole time and once she finished the first he dropped another and another and watched her mournfully lap at it all greedily. The tears and snot dripping from that once arrogant face.

"I want you to spend the rest of your life as the whore of the animals. Wanton and filthy with everyone knowing that the thing that slinks around Koi Tower was once a proud sect leader whose own debase urges rendered them an animal. So the moment I leave this room you will slowly forget yourself till the only thing left is cat named Meng Shi."

That limp arm dangling as she cries into her food. "I wanted to make you a rat but it's hard to cultivate proper stock in them but this should be good. A cat will do. They have kittens quickly enough."

You can try to hate me. You can try to burn me with your gaze but you can't. everything will break until there's only love and then when I bring you back and let you have enough sense of self again after enough time the one you'll hate is your shameful self.

And I will laugh as you beg each time.

"You should be thanking me really because you can keep producing your bastard offspring that can be pawned around. It's simply this time you'll be the whore raising them."

With that he left.

Jin Guangshan tried to hold onto herself and that first night it was easy. It was easy and he was used to… she was used to taking it as a woman. It even felt good. Addicting.

Enough that sometimes she'd mewl at the client to hurry up.

Enough that that she didn't notice the colors fading. That Jin Guangshan ears were pointed and fur covered. She needed to leave! She needed to get out of there!

But then the owner would drop her food tray and she'd forget everything as she lapped it up.

There was something important. Something.

What?

What was it?

The slapping of flesh on flesh? Yes. That must be it, Meng Shi thought stretching her claws happily across the mates back.

Calico splotches and the tinkling of the bell as she circled on her bed howling. She's in heat! Where is her mate?

The food bringer should have delivered one already.

Meng Shi licks at her fur in annoyance.

Get out.

Why?

Get out.

But why should she leave? She was fed here. She had mates and a nest. Everything was good.

Get out!

But this was a good place.

Get out?

Get… where?

The tail swished back and forth across the ground.

Jin Guangyao picked him up and tossed him one of the rooms he used to hold his children in along with other tomcats. All known for being promiscuous in the Jin sect. A few even old allies of Jin Guangshan.

Anyone could find this room. Anyone could come and see.

And he had a new food source and could bask in the glory that he ruined all of these people.

And they deserved it

But Things of late were not going smoothly. The remains of Nei Mingjue had escaped along with the Ghost General. He breathed softly and took his morning tea politely. No need for such fierce emotions so early in the day. Not when he expected to be in good company today with Lan Xichen visiting him.

And oh, how wonderful that company was. To have tea and talk fondly. "Lan Wangji brought home a visitor. I was quite surprised."

"Oh who?" That is unusual the man doesn't care for company or really anyone.

"A man named Mo Xaunyu."

The shock that reverberated in him. But he smiled joyfully as he bit into the flesh of the rabbit. "How interesting."

remember when I said this entire fic is because of the rabbits with headband in the untamed and I thought 'yeah turning people into rabbits to use as magic batteries makes perfect sense'. Also... you pay close attention you can guess what Meng Yao is because I am fond of puns that relate to mythology and name meanings. also the mamal with the fastest gestation period is the possum