CH 59

(A/N This is the final chapter and it was a really hard one to write as I wanted to end it in a good way. I must have rewritten it about four times but eventually got something I was kinda happy with. To all those who have read my story I thank you for all you feedback. This was my first FanFic and I never expected it to go this long. I hope the ending is worth your time reading thus far. Thank you all. )

Wei Ying woke up, the dream as fresh in his mind as it had been when he was asleep. The memories as crisp and clear as the day they had been forged. He groaned a little as he moved his body to get out of bed. It was still dark outside but at his age his bladder was not as it used to be. As expected Lan Zhan stirred as soon as his hand lost contact with Wei Ying's side. Those searching eyes rested on him as he moved to go in front of the privacy screen which separated their bedroom from the rest of the JingShi.

'Bathroom….go back to sleep' Was all Wei Ying said as he disappeared from his husbands view.

He knew Lan Zhan wouldn't go back to sleep until he returned to bed, and as expected when he returned those unflinching eyes were still open and waiting for him. Lan Zhan's face had hardly changed from the days of his youth, but the neither had his own. Cultivators didn't age like normal people. The only outside changes that showed either of them ageing were the small stripes if silver that were scattered through both of their long black hair, and the fact that neither of them moved as fast as they used to. There had been a time years ago when no one on earth was as fast and as deadly as Lan Zhan in a sword fight, and no one as gifted and powerful as himself when using talismans. But both of them had been overshadowed in recent years by the younger generations really reaching their peak in power and performance. It was as it was supposed to be he supposed, the younger generations stepped up to outshine the older, just as he and Lan Zhan had once done to their own elders.

Wei Ying realised he had been stood in the cool night of the JingShi instead of getting back into bed when he heard Lan Zhan call his name with some concern. Snapping out of his reverie he smiled and climbed back into the warm bed, and the even warmer embrace of his husbands arms. Lan Zhan might be getting old but that strong upper body strength of his certainly didn't seem to be fading at all.

'I'm fine Er-ge. Just a dream about some of the journeys we took to get here that's all'

Lan Zhan pulled him closer, their bodies wrapping round each other naturally. Bodies pressed close allowing the other to hear the sound of a heartbeat that was both arousing and soothing at the same time, while at the same time feeling that warmth and touch that had become like second nature over the years.

'We went through a lot to get here.' He said simply.

'I know.' Wei Ying mused. 'Some of it good, some bad….but if we hadn't gone through it together we wouldn't be were we are now….' He giggled slightly….'and I wouldn't have been the Sect Leader's wife for nearly forty years'

Lan Zhan growled gently at the word 'wife' and tugged his hair, making Wei Ying laugh even harder as he continued.

'Who would have thought our son would get my love of adventure.'

'And mischief' Lan Zhan grumbled.

'Ohhh Er-ge are you still grumbling about that!' Wei Ying turned in his husbands arms so they were face to face as he lifted a finger to trace Lan Zhan's eyebrows. 'So you don't like A-Yuan's wife. Does it matter? He's happy and he's settled. Your Uncle never liked me….neither did half the cultivation world for that matter. But you are happy aren't you?

Lan Zhan nodded obviously defeated by Wei Ying's logic on the subject, and pulled him closer before the two once again fell to sleep.

About a decade earlier SiZhui, JingYi and Jin Ling had all gone exploring together. Jin Ling and SiZhui had supposedly gone exploring together as they were both heirs to their respective Sects and wanted some time to see the world. Neither Lan Zhan, Wei Ying or Jin ZiXuan could complain about such a thing as they had had enough adventure's in their own youth, although most not by choice. The three boys had been gone for three years before returning full of stories of the things they had seen and the monsters they had hunted. However SiZhui had bought home with him a fourth person, the woman wasn't a cultivator nor was she from a prominent family. SiZhui had introduced her to both his fathers as his future wife, and when Wei Ying had finished picking his jaw up off of the floor, he had welcomed the girl into their home. The unexpected problem had been Lan Zhan. It had taken both Wei Ying and Lan XiChen reminding Lan Zhan that he himself was in love with an unsuitable match from a young age to even get him to meet the girl officially. Then Wei Ying's work had begun in trying to cajole his husband into accepting the marriage. It seemed after five years of the youngsters being married Lan Zhan still didn't want to let go of his original grumbles on the subject.

The next day as the sun rose over the cloud recess the two were up to watch. It had become a habit for Lan Zhan to watch the sunrise over his home, but he had become astonished when Wei Ying had begun accompanying him as well. SiZhui had taken over the running of the Sect in the last few years and both Lan Zhan and Wei Ying were enjoying a bit of relaxation in their retirement, so having Wei Ying actually get up earlier than he had done before was a little confusing. Of course a little like his own uncle Lan QiRen, Lan Zhan still taught and trained the disciples of the Sect but now in the position of an Elder. Wei Ying also taught, but still taught things like archery and talisman making. Such things were quickly making the GusuLan talked about among the other Sects as they had quickly become a lot more powerful on night hunts.

Both men had thick woollen cloaks wrapped around them to try and keep at bay the winter chill that had just begun arriving, especially this early in the mornings, as they ate their breakfasts and enjoyed the dawn. Life had become so relaxed in the last years since the YiLIngLan Sect had been accepted by the other Sects. There had been no large fallouts between the Sects, no one causing any trouble of note, no Sects trying to take over the world and most importantly to Lan Zhan no one trying to kill Wei Ying. The last few decades had been filled with laughter, on Wei Ying's side anyway, and joy on everyone's. After taking a sip of his tea Lan Zhan realised his husband hadn't said a word to him all morning and spoke.

'Wei Ying! Is your dream still bothering you?'

'Wei Ying didn't respond for a long moment and then shook his head once before replying in an almost wistful tone.

'It's not bothering me Lan Zhan. It's just. It was so real, almost like I was reliving it all again. The pain of being burned in the cave; my sister and I captured by Xue Yang; all the battles all the blood all the attempts to kill me.' Wei Ying sighed quietly but continued. 'But the good stuff was there too like seeing you with A-Yuan for the first time; us getting married; you inside me for the first time and the fun we had on night hunts.'

Lan Zhan tried not to snort as he said.

'You always had fun on night hunts because you were always teasing people, especially me'

Wei Ying grinned as he turned back to his husband, who seemed to be physically glowing in the early morning light.

'I liked teasing you, it was my way of saying I liked you'

Lan Zhan grumbled something about logic which Wei Ying chose not to hear as he finished off his breakfast. Just as the two were going to pick up the dishes and get ready for the day they spotted some movement by the entrance to the JingShi courtyard. Before they could respond to the movement though a high pitched squeal filled the silent morning, a squeal of excitement and joy, and the sound of running feet could be heard. Lan Zhan sighed once again, the sound of a person who had been long suffering from the same ailment.

'Does every child think that as soon as they walk through that arch NONE of the rules apply any more?' He grumbled half to himself.

'Ohh shush' Was the reply from Wei Ying before he gave an 'Ugh' as a small body barrelled into him.

'Morning Grandbaba' The little girl said as she clung to his leg, without the slightest intention of letting go. Her blue eyes shone brightly as she looked up into Wei Ying's own, her beaming smile so innocent as she snuggled closer to him. She then looked over to Lan Zhan, who was stood a few steps away and giggled as she spoke. 'Morning GrandFaFa.'

Wei Ying tried not to laugh as he bent down and scooped the girl up in his arms, Lan Zhan's face was carefully blank but Wei Ying could clearly see the care and love in his husbands eyes at the arrival of their granddaughter. He ruffled her hair, making her giggle and squirm in his arms as he spoke in a mock authoritative tone.

'A-Li you know you don't call him FaFa, its GrandFather. You are old enough now to call him his proper title ok.

The girl nodded so hard she nearly fell out of his arms and he chuckled once more. Every time he saw his granddaughter he couldn't help but feel a bit of his heart heal from the loss of his sister, the one the girl in his arms was named after. His sister YanLi had sadly died about a decade before from complications from childbirth when trying to give birth to a second child. The loss had not only hit her husband and son extremely hard but also himself and Jiang Cheng. Although it was only custom to have a memorial tablet in the ancestral halls of the birth and marriage homes, neither his brother or brother-in-law had raised an objection when he had proclaimed he was going to place one in Gusu as well. Everyone knew how close he and his sister had been so him having his own tablet with which to mourn seemed natural. He had been almost rendered speechless when SiZhui had come to him after the birth of his own daughter and asked permission to name the child after his own beloved sister. Therefore Lan YanLi had been given her name and the expectation from many uncles and relations to live up to that of her namesake.

Wei Ying was snapped back into the present when he realised the weight in his arms had gone. Looking around he found Lan Zhan walking around in small circles with A-Li on his shoulders swinging a small stick like it was a sword. The domestic scene before him was lovely to behold and made him smile.

Eventually though the two men made it out the yard and, after dropping A-Li off at her lessons, they went to find SiZhui in the Sect Leader's office. The way was second nature to them of course, even in the decades they had both lived there the Cloud Recess had actually changed very little. After all the GusuLan liked tradition, changing things only when required. In the centre square now though there stood a building a little separated from the rest which was the home office of the YiLingLan when they came to the Cloud Recess. The building hardly ever used to be used but a few years ago Wen Qing had taken over the role of leader of both Sects after her husband, Lan XiChen had unfortunately died of an illness. Just like with Wei Ying and his sister, Lan Zhan had been affected deeply by the loss of his brother. As expected he has been offered the position of leader of both Sects but had refused it stating that he had no intention of taking a role that his brother would want to go to his widow. Wen Qing now spent many days in the Cloud Reccess doing work and always bought with her the son she had with Lan XiChen, a child they had both named after XiChen's beloved uncle, Lan QiRen.

The only other change to the main square was that the famous Gusu library had now been extended to encompass the range of materials from not only the YiLingLan, but other Sects who wished to keep copies of their most valuable texts safe. Turning their backs on the rest of the square the two opened the door and walked into the office. It looked the same as it had when XiChen had been in residence there, Lan Zhan had not made any changes and it seemed SiZhui was following in his fathers footsteps. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan shut the door to keep the chill out before finding seats in front of the desk. They were used to SiZhui finishing whatever he was working on before speaking to them so they just sat quietly. After a few moments SiZhui looked up and smiled at his parents, that smile had never faded no matter how old he got, neither had the cheeky side he seemed to get from Wei Ying.

'How can I help you Father, Baba?' He asked, using the form of address he only used in private.

'You have only been in office a few years so we haven't mentioned it.' Wei Ying began 'But you are more stable now, you have your feet underneath you. So it's time we look at getting some of the old traditions back'

SiZhui looked from one man to the other, a little confused, knowing better than to ask. He might be Sect Leader in front of anyone else but in front of these two he always seemed to be a three year old again.

'The Cloud Reccess open training' Lan Zhan said explaining.

SiZhui's eyes lit up as he understood what was being asked. He nodded a few times and spoke in a voice that didn't belong to a Sect Leader but rather a son speaking to his parents.

'I won't let you down I promise.'

A few months later winter had passed and spring was in full bloom. The Cloud Reccess was abuzz with young cultivators from all the different Sects who were pouring in for the three months of training they would receive at the hands of the now legendary HanGuang Jun and YiLing Patriarch. When these children had been too young to pick up a sword they had been raised on tales or heroism and sacrifice about these two men that sounded to exaggerated to possibly be true. Yet here they were, in Gusu itself and about to be taught by two of the most legendary names in cultivation. The Cloud Recess had not had one of these training sessions for many years so the other Sects were rushing and scrambling to get their most promising young cultivators admittance. Once in they were split into groups and given allocated rooms before a Lan disciple gave them a tour of the Cloud Reccess and specific instructions about where they were, and were not, allowed to go.

Many of the young students wanted to go and see the JingShi where the legendary couple lived, but of course that was off limits. So was the library unless they had a specific purpose for being there. However the famous cold pool of Gusu was open so they all poured down, nearly overflowing the pool with the mass of bodies as they all tried to get in at the same time. Amid the chattering of teeth and the trembling of limbs, as the cold pool lived up to its name, the visiting disciples began sharing the stories they had heard about the times Wei Ying and Lan Zhan had spent in this exact spot.

The next day was the greetings and much to everyone's disappointment it was SiZhui who turned up to accept the greetings. There was no sign of the famous pair anywhere, so some grumbled as they walked back to their rooms to get ready for the first days lessons the next day. The next day in the hall the grumbles got louder as more disciples were complaining that they had come to learn from HanGuang Jun and the YiLing Patriarch. If the two didn't bother turning up then their time here was a complete waste. The voices got so high and the boys so animated that everyone missed the steps behind them at first. The steps seemed to indicate just one man but in fact there were two, just in perfect unison. Both of the men wore the Lan headband as if it was a second skin, and the robe not of the Lan Sect but of the Lan Clan. Both had long dark hair with just a sliver of silver running through it which showed their ages, despite that though their gate was more of a glide than a walk, and both men held themselves with a dignity than demanded respect.

The boys were young but they were not foolish, it didn't take them more than a few seconds to realise who had just appeared in their midst. Some of the boys scrambled to their seats, others tried to get closer to the two men gliding down the middle of the isle while others simply stared dumbly. Eventually Lan Zhan and Wei Ying reached the teachers end of the room and turned to face the class. As if by magic all the boys fell silent and sank onto their cushions, some missing them completely and sitting on the floor as they still stared. Wei Ying tried not to laugh as he smiled pleasantly and spoke.

'Welcome to the Cloud Recess. Many years ago I was where you are now, a visiting junior cultivator who was not sure what I would be doing for the next few months. I can tell you something that I learned the hard way, despite someone trying to tell me many times…..' he glanced at Lan Zhan and smiled. 'For the next few months try to learn all you can and try not to mess around too much.'

Wei Ying paused before continuing, once again trying not to laugh at Lan Zhan's face as he said 'try not to mess around'….

'I will be taking you for subjects such as archery and talisman making, HanGuang Jun will be taking the more academic subjects. Therefore for today I will be leaving all of you and will see you all on the archery range in a few days.'

With that Wei Ying bowed his head slightly to his husband and walked gracefully out the door. Lan Zhan stood up and addressed the students who had turned their attention back to him as soon as Wei Ying exited. He took a slight breath, remembering his own training in this very room and the young cultivator he had met who didn't follow by any rules. The one who changed his life forever! Lan Zhan forced himself to focus back on the students in front of him, on the here and now.

'Today I will familiarise you with the rules of the Cloud Recess. Listen well as you will be expected to abide by them.' He said in his best imitation of his uncle and brother. 'Let us begin!'