the thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break

by Rose Thorne

Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Untamed, and make no money writing fanfiction.

Chapter Twenty Three

Despite Lan Wangji's best efforts at exhausting Wei Ying carnally in the hopes he might sleep deeply and well, he finds himself awakened in the night, his husband jerking and trembling in his sleep, his breathing panicked, having rolled to the opposite side of the bed.

"Wei Ying," he murmurs, levering himself up on an elbow, hovering, afraid he will make it worse if he touches him. "I am here, Wei Ying."

Almost as soon as he speaks, Wei Ying shifts in his direction, curling toward his voice in his sleep, and he remembers his husband speaking of his time in the Burial Mounds, how he heard Lan Wangji's voice calling his name, and decided to fight to see him again. Overwhelmed with the need to comfort him, Lan Wangji gathers him close, heart aching as Wei Ying clings to him, rubs his back in circular patterns, whispers his name into his hair until he relaxes completely with a soft sigh back into a more gentle sleep.

It takes much longer for Lan Wangji to settle back to sleep, unsettled that Wei Ying still suffers—he knows, rationally, that he cannot heal his husband by virtue of simply being here, that the stress of the remedies being put into place is almost certainly reopening wounds that never healed properly. Regardless, seeing him like this, knowing how much he went through alone while Lan Wangji stood aside self-righteous in his ignorance, is unspeakably painful. What matters is that his presence comforts Wei Ying, and he will offer all that he can to help him as he should have to begin with—not out of penance or guilt or pity, but out of love.

But love can't solve everything.

Nightmares make sense, given the events of the day; Wei Ying was blindsided by the decision by Jiang Wanyin to make the reason for the loss of his core knowledge among their visitors, and the decision to make it common knowledge to all threw him terribly. He was very withdrawn the rest of the evening, though he made an effort with A-Yuan when preparing him for Popo to take to bed. And he had been present during sex, Lan Wangji had ensured.

Ultimately, he drifts off to sleep by focusing on Wei Ying's steady breathing, the weight of his head on his shoulder, arm across his belly, one leg tossed over his, the end of his braid against his wrist where his hand rests on Wei Ying's hip.

Lan Wangji knows when he wakes that he has slept later than hai shi, but with Wei Ying drooling on his chest, he doubts he would have left the bed anyway, reluctant as he is to wake him.

Eventually Wei Qing comes to check on them, looking exhausted. While he wasn't certain how yesterday had gone for her, she gave Chifeng-Zun a tour of the Burial Mounds and so he was certain it was as fraught as Wei Ying's, in some ways.

"It's nearly time for breakfast," she says while checking his sleeping husband's meridians. "After, he needs treatment—I want to work on repairing the damage the resentful energy has been doing before it gets worse."

Lan Wangji knows he needs to have a conversation with Wei Ying, and perhaps her as well, about how much of this damage is from injuries that never healed right, how much is the Seal, and how much is from simply wielding resentful energy, combined with the resentful energy needed to control the Seal.

There are multiple factors to consider, in that Wei Ying's use of resentful energy seems far different from that used by Wen Ruohan and other demonic cultivators of the past, based on his comment to Xiongzhang yesterday. Where most demonic cultivators inflame the resentment in resentful ghosts until the resentment consumed the soul and it can no longer return to the earth, which was why they were reviled, Wei Ying's cultivation allows resentful spirits liberation after their resentment is purged or resolved, and no souls are destroyed. In fact, Lan Wangji questions whether his cultivation could be considered demonic at all. While it has been labeled such because it involves wielding resentful energy, it is a different path entirely, and as such he wondered if the path itself is not bringing harm to Wei Ying at all, if his condition is actually entirely caused by prior injuries and the energy required to suppress the Seal.

He knows Wei Ying has avoided talking to him about his path because he had reacted by conflating any use of resentful energy as demonic cultivation, and he likely fears any discussion will involve that continued assumption. He needs to assure him somehow, since he does wish to discuss it. Many of Wei Ying's talismans and inventions are amazing in their innovation, and knowing inventing them and walking this non-demonic path may not be causing him harm relieves much of Lan Wangji's concerns about the matter.

Wei Qing looks thoughtful when he voices his thoughts, but ultimately shakes her head.

"It's a good theory, but we can't know until we handle the other issues that we know are hurting him—and if it is a new path don't let him name it or he'll come up with something ridiculous."

She excuses herself to tend to their guests, letting him know Xiongzhang asked her to check in when it passed mao shi and he wasn't about, likely out of concern, and Lan Wangji knows there will likely be a future conversation about his altered schedule, wherein he meditates after waking without disturbing Wei Ying rather than rising and attending to morning ablutions right away. He knows Xiongzhang won't judge his decisions, particularly after he explains them, in part because returning to the Cloud Recesses has been blocked by Shufu. They will both benefit from open conversation about Lan Wangji's priorities, so it's easy to put the matter out of mind so he can start rousing Wei Ying and help him prepare for the day.

Wei Ying wakes slowly, but lets Lan Wangji sit him up and wash the night from his face, comb and put up his hair, the forehead ribbon around the crown along with his usual red ribbon, and is able to rouse himself enough to dress in robes picked out for him. Lan Wangji can't help but choose red under robes, still anticipating seeing Wei Ying in wedding red, and the robes Jiang Wanyin had claimed he bought in Yiling but were far too fine in quality, he could see looking more closely, and too on point in design to have come from anywhere but Yunmeng—which tells him Jiang Wanyin had hoped to bring Wei Ying home before he even knew of his sacrifice, and immediately raises him in his esteem.

The main hall, when they arrive, is filled with the aroma of food, repurposed leftovers from last night into bao, zongzi, jian bing, and congee toppings, and he's gratified to hear Wei Ying's stomach growl. From the titters around the room, he isn't only one who heard it, and Jiang Wanyin can't quite hide a smile as he points toward a table where their meals have been set out for them already.

"My zhizi insisted that we put your favorites together," is all they get as an explanation.

A-Yuan is already seated at the table with Popo, and he immediately comes to them for hugs, babbling happily about making breakfast for "A-Die and Baba," and Lan Wangji feels oddly sated in a way unrelated to hunger. Wei Ying's portion, he notices, includes several dishes and is drowned in chili sauce, just as he likes it. His own has a variety of dishes as well, but without the vibrant red.

Before long the room is filled with the sound of eating and conversation, and he's pleased when Wei Ying immediately digs in. The meal is eaten quickly, though Popo insists Wei Ying eat a bit more before she's satisfied, and then many of the Wei excuse themselves to work in the fields, insisting the crop of radishes be tended to despite the surplus of food, and with more chores to attend to to ensure the settlement lasts the time it will take to move them. They prefer to keep busy, distracting themselves from their worries with work.

A-Yuan climbs into Lan Wangji's lap when he's finished eating, and he cleans the child's face and hands diligently.

"A-Die has needles and music now?" he asks, already used to the routine.

The question garners curiosity from their guests, and Wei Qing explains the new healing technique they developed and its use for dissipating resentful energy that has burrowed into Wei Ying's body and caused damage. Lan Wangji can feel his tension over the discussion, so much laid bare already in a way he knows makes him feel vulnerable, and he joins their hands to offer comfort.

Popo offers them a sympathetic smile when she gathers A-Yuan and makes her escape toward Wei Qing's section of the cave, and he's thankful she's getting A-Yuan away from this discussion and Wei Ying's stress. Wei Qing will likely bring him to lend comfort to Wei Ying when she retrieves her needles.

"We try to treat him twice daily, and have had good results healing injuries, though I also hope to treat some of his more severe scarring," she finishes.

"Does it only work on tissue, or could it be used to clear meridians?" Xiongzhang asks, sharing an odd look with Nie Mingjue that Lan Wangji can't decipher.

"It can be, and I hope to do so for Wei Wuxian once the Seal is destroyed so his meridians can be repaired."

Xiongzhang looks as though he intends to say more, but Jiang Wanyin cuts in.

"If his meridians are restored, could Wei Wuxian cultivate a new jindan?"

Wei Ying jolts, hissing his brother's name with no small amount of irritation at the continual focus on his jindan, but Jiang Wanyin scowls at him.

"If you can develop a new jindan, you won't be stuck with this demonic cultivation hurting you!"

"No," Lan Wangji interjects, sensing that Wei

Ying is nearing a point where he may shut down entirely. "Wei Ying is not a demonic cultivator—the Seal causes him harm, not his cultivation."

Wei Ying goes utterly still, Jiang Wanyin opens his mouth to speak again, and Wei Qing stands to stop any further conversation.

"I've already shared more about Wei Wuxian's treatment than is appropriate, though I would be happy to discuss other applications of this healing method."

She shoos them toward the cave despite Jaing Wanyin's protests, and Lan Wangji is all too happy to obey, concerned about Wei Ying's reaction to his words, and his concern only grows when Wei Ying simply lets him lead him out, his expression a little dazed.

Behind them, he hears Xiongzhang ask about the healing technique and whether it can remove resentful energy that has built up in meridians, which seems to him a very specific question indicating concern for Wei Ying's wellbeing. He appreciates that concern, and even Jiang Wanyin's clumsy way of showing his own concern, though he knows Wei Ying feels laid bare, vulnerable. He has always balked when others show concern for him, and this situation doesn't allow him to avoid it as he usually does, the way he tried to deflect when Lan Wangji had first discovered the absence of his jindan.

When Wei Ying finally turns to him as they reach the alcove, Lan Wangji shutting the curtain partially to muffle the outside world. His expression is wary in a way that doesn't ease his concern, and he's clearly trying to find words to express his thoughts.

"I thought… You don't think I'm a demonic cultivator?" he says, his voice small, as though incredulous, and Lan Wangji wonders how much hurt he carries from his first insensitive comments during the war.

"Demonic cultivators consume resentful spirits until they are eliminated, stoking their resentment to enhance their own power until the souls cannot return to the earth and are instead destroyed," Lan Wangji reminds him. "Wei Ying would never do this. Instead you liberate spirits through siphoning their resentment away for more productive use and providing clarity in a different manner."

Wei Ying's expression, heartbreakingly vulnerable, makes him wonder if Wei Ying doubted him at the hunt, that he still considered him zhiji, thought he'd lost that with his jindan…

Lan Wangji steps close, watching Wei Ying as he looks as though he's drowning, overcome.

"Wei Ying has forged a new path, one not demonic cultivation, as you proposed was possible at the Cloud Recesses, a fourth way of liberating resentful spirits, one that could make Elimination unnecessary."

For a moment Wei Ying is silent, and then he laughs wetly, tension bleeding away into relief.

"I was right back then—we're truly zhiji," he says shakily, sitting on the bed heavily.

The idea that he has possibly given him any reason to doubt makes Lan Wangji even more determined to never fail him again, and he steps forward, one hand moving to caress Wei Ying's cheek, pleased when his husband leans into his touch. His own worry for Wei Ying has been a barrier to understanding, clouded his senses. His poor communication skills compounded the misunderstanding, left Wei Ying feeling alone, and he regrets he caused such pain.

"From the moment we met," Lan Wangji assures him. "If the face says nothing, listen to the heartbeat."

Wei Ying lets out a sigh and leans forward to rest his ear against Lan Wangji's stomach as though listening, arms crossed against the small of his back to hug him closer, and in that moment he loves him so much his heart could burst. He feels as though they are having a conversation without words, have somehow reached a deeper understanding, intimate in a different way, as though they have opened fully to finally see each other.

"It's beating faster," Wei Ying murmurs almost reverently, as though awed by this audible expression of his love.

"I wish to help you carry your burdens, Wei Ying, as long as you need."

Lan Wangji slides his hand behind to pet the fine baby hair on the nape of Wei Ying's neck, something he knows is a gesture that comforts him, urging him to relax against him, and they stay like that, staying in this moment of comfort and love, focused entirely on each other, until the curtain behind them opens and Jiang Wanyin lets out a choked sound.

"Wei Wuxian, have you no shame!" he yells, pulling the curtain mostly shut again, Zidian crackling on his finger, A-Yuan perched on his hip.

Wei Ying turns his head to peer after his brother quizzically, and Lan Wangji's ears heat when he realizes what Jiang Wanyin has assumed they were doing.

"Really, Chengcheng, where does your mind go?" he says, his voice impish. "And anyway it would serve you right, walking in without knocking."

Then he looks up at Lan Wangji with a thoughtful sound and a cheekily whispered, "Maybe later," which forces him to use his jindan to control his body's reaction to that idea.

"Trust me," Wei Qing says with a snort from behind Jiang Wanyin, "you'd have heard them loud and clear if they were engaged in marital activities."

"Qing-jie!"

The true mortification in Wei Ying's voice would make the situation funny if Lan Wangji was not equally mortified.

"There isn't a door to knock on," Jiang Wanyin mutters petulantly.

Wei Qing rolls her eyes and pushes past him, and Wei Ying giggles, letting go of Lan Wangji and leaning back. A-Yuan wriggles until Jiang Wanyin puts him down, and then he joins Wei Ying on the bed, leaning against him happily, tapping his butterfly on Wei Ying's arm.

"Jiang-zongzhu insists on observing your treatment," she says wryly.

She hands Lan Wangji a small earthen pot of salve, likely made with more potent ingredients.

"You'll apply that to his back after he's rested. It has a numbing agent that will hopefully help. While I'd prefer not to use this as a long-term solution, it will help in the short term. Managing pain stresses the body and delays healing."

Jiang Wanyin seems to remember himself and steps in, pulling the curtain fully shut behind him. Wei Qing lights the alcove candles with a wave of her hand. Wei Ying has gone still again, and Lan Wangji wonders if this will be the first time Jiang Wanyin will see the scars left from Zidian and the core transfer.

"I'd like to see the effect treatment has had on the scar tissue, if it's healed more in the aftermath, but for treatment today we're going to focus on easing pain, since those may be areas infected by resentment."

Her expectant look quails Wei Ying, who never likes to speak of his own pain, and Lan Wangji is aware any confession of problem areas would need to be drawn from him—only Lan Wangji knows; he's mapped his husband's body on a nightly basis, and he's spent his days keeping him from injuring himself further than he has.

"Back, along the spine—Wei Ying cannot pick up A-Yuan until he is in less pain," Lan Wangji answers for him, earning a pout from his husband.

Keeping A-Yuan from being lifted by Wei Ying has been an ongoing task, one he's been joined in by various people who have noticed his difficulties, even Nie Huaisang. Lan Wangji knows, however, that Wei Ying wants to carry the boy and swing him around, that he'd ignore the pain in his body to do it if not for people looking out for him, but he doesn't need to do that anymore.

Wei Ying seems oddly shy to undress, and when he quickly glances toward Jiang Wanyin and away again, Lan Wangji immediately knows he was correct—his brother has not seen his scars, the injuries he has carried and that are in some places healed poorly, and he likely has not seen the lashes from Zidian on his back, nor the incision scar down his lower dantian.

Wei Qing likely knows this as well, but she still bullies him into stripping to his zhong yi and then removing his shirt, leaving him nearly naked, his scars clearly visible in the dim light of the cave. She makes him turn so she can examine the area of scarring they worked on, and Jiang Wanyin gasps softly at the sight of his back. He'll realize, just as Lan Wangji did, that Wei Ying was thrown into the Burial Mounds with those lash marks fresh and barely scabbed, without a jindan to speed his healing.

Fortunately, he says nothing, stewing over the revelation in silence as Wei Qing examines the treated area. Lan Wangji hopes if he has an outburst it happens away from Wei Ying.

"Better, though more will need to be done. It's likely there are pockets of resentment in the scar tissue, as well as infection, so it will be a process."

Given that Wei Ying healed while in the Burial Mounds, her theory is unsurprising, but Lan Wangji's heart aches for his husband. Not pity—he doesn't need or want that—but a wish he had not suffered so.

She spends a few minutes examining his muscles before having him lay face down on the bed and bringing out her needles. A-Yuan sits at the head of the bed, patting Wei Ying's hair as though trying to comfort him. Despite everything, he still manages to smile at the child.

Once the acupuncture needles are set to Wei Qing's satisfaction, Lan Wangji manifests his guqin and begins playing songs of healing, directing his qi through the music toward the needles, letting Wei Qing funnel it into them and into Wei Ying. He plays for half a shichen before she motions for him to stop. As per usual Wei Ying is deeply asleep, requiring only that Wei Qing remove the needles and draw the blankets over him.

A-Yuan climbs off the bed as carefully as a four year old can manage, clutching his butterfly, and comes to Lan Wangji for attention. He lifts him onto his lap and lets him watch as he plays 'WuJi' for Wei Ying, hoping to spark pleasant dreams for him.

Jiang Wanyin is clearly still stewing when they finally exit the alcove, leaving Wei Ying to get much-needed rest, but he doesn't seem like he's going to explode. Eventually, as they leave the cave for the tepid sunshine of the Burial Mounds, he turns to Wei Qing.

"I want to know his full condition, and what is needed for his treatment here and at Lotus Pier. I sent another team of disciples to check the Yiling supervisory complex for your manuscripts."

As he and Wei Qing discuss creating a catalog of the books and how they should be stored in the humidity of Lotus Pier, Lan Wangji decides to leave them to their conversation, walking with A-Yuan to seek his brother.

They have precious little time before Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan reach the Burial Mounds and the swearing of brotherhood, and he isn't quite certain what must be done to prepare. He was playing for an unconscious Wei Ying while others prepared for the brotherhood swearing at Nightless City, and thus was uninvolved.

He enters the main hall to find it somewhat transformed, with drapery, ribbons, and other decor in the colors of all four sects being hung on the wall by a resigned Nie Mingjue, a nonplussed Wei Ning, and an amused Xiongzhang.

Nie Huaisang is nearby pulling bolts of bunting and what look like actual tapestries from a qiankun pouch, leading Lan Wangji to wonder just how much information he gleaned from spies in such a short time to be so prepared, how much he hides behind his fan.

Though the implications could be troubling, Lan Wangji perhaps selfishly cares only that he is an ally, that he wishes to help and protect Wei Ying.

"Pretty!" A-Yuan chirps, immediately dropping Lan Wangji's hand to run and touch one of the decorations with a sort of childlike reverence.

A couple of the Wei uncles bring in a large altar that is clearly newly-constructed, and Nie Huaisang directs them on where to put it, then starts arranging offerings while his brother and Xiongzhang hang tapestries behind that denote each of the four sects.

All the while, Nie Huaisang natters away about the things he wants to buy to make their remaining time living at the Burial Mounds as comfortable as possible.

"And fans and paints for Wei Yuan… Oh, and lots of talisman paper for Wei-xiong!"

This reminds Lan Wangji of the book of talismans Wei Ying compiled to serve as dowry for the Lan clan, which they should present to Xiongzhang when he wakes.

Nie Huaisang notices him as he finishes setting up a plate of offerings and waves, and A-Yuan immediately runs to "Ershu," though he's intercepted by Nie Mingjue, who lifts the giggling boy onto his hip.

"Is Wei-gongzi well?" Xiongzhang asks.

"Sleeping," Lan Wangji explains with a nod. "I am here to help with preparations."

"No, you're not," Wei Qing says as she enters the hall with Jiang Wanyin. "Your only job is taking care of Wei Wuxian, especially since this whole thing is stressful for him."

She isn't wrong; Wei Ying feels vulnerable and exposed in a way that makes him tense and withdrawn. Though Lan Wangji can do little to help, he can at least be there.

Xiongzhang pats his shoulder reassuringly.

"We can take care of preparations, Wangji. We know what is needed. Your duty is to your husband."

"I'll help get Wei Yuan presentable—really, something needs to be done with his hair," Nie Huaisang says, plucking at the boy's messy bun. "We'll make you look nice for your guma."

A-Yuan looks skeptical until his guma is mentioned, then is suitably distracted and on board. Lan Wangji decides to leave him to Nie Huaisang, given his transformation of Wei Ning.

"I—I will let you… let you know when lunch is ready," Wei Ning offers.

In truth, Lan Wangji is relieved for the excuse to be at Wei Ying's side, to hopefully revisit the conversation about his cultivation, to learn more about the fourth path his brilliant husband forged when he wakes. He offers his thanks with a shallow bow and heads back to their quiet alcove, pleased that so many people are offering help that will ease Wei Ying's burdens. He would help him alone if necessary, but strength in numbers cannot be denied.

Wei Ying is still asleep when he reaches the alcove, and he sits beside him on the bed, drawing the blanket more firmly around him, before returning to his task of copying the book of talismans, which is so far along already it takes very little time. By the time he's finished, stowing the one for Xiongzhang in his sleeve so it can be presented, Wei Ying has shifted to curl around him slightly, his slumber undisturbed. After watching him sleep for a bit, Lan Wangji catches sight of the qiankun pouch his brother gave him, and determines that going through it would be a good use of his time.

He can tell immediately that Xiongzhang discovered and included the items he kept hidden under the floorboards, including the collection of artwork and notes he had kept from Wei Ying's time in the Cloud Recesses. His collection of literature is included, as well as several loosely bound manuscripts that pique his curiosity and turn out to be copied texts on dual cultivation, which sets his ears aflame at his brother's sheer gall. Lan Wangji does not know that dual cultivation is possible without a golden core, but he doesn't think Lan Xichen would include them if he didn't think they would be of use. He sets those aside for later perusal.

Aside from that, his calligraphy sets, inkstones, blank parchment, other writing supplies, his incense and several burners, the contents of his wardrobe, his linens and towels, and all manner of first aid supplies, medicines, and toiletries—not just from the jingshi—are also included. All of these will be useful in making Wei Ying more comfortable, and can also be shared with the rest of the settlement for the comfort of all. Wei Qing will undoubtedly appreciate the medical supplies, though he has no doubt more has been brought by Jiang Wanyin and possibly Nie Huaisang as well.

He removes what will be useful, in particular a collapsible desk for travel and toiletries for later use, but leaves much in the qiankun pouch to save on space. Their alcove is spartan out of necessity, after all.

Wei Ying stirs as he sets the pouch aside, blinking at him languidly, still half-asleep and utterly relaxed, and Lan Wangji leans over him to run a hand through his hair. He receives a sleepy smile, which turns to a wince when Wei Ying moves to stretch and his body remembers its pain, tensing and making it worse.

Lan Wangji can see Wei Ying's frustration as he grits his teeth, only relaxing when he's able to push past it; it mirrors his own at not being able to ease that pain but for a few precious hours. They are limited in options until they move to Lotus Pier, until the Seal is destroyed and Wei Ying can be cleansed of its effects, only able to keep him from being further harmed by it.

He remembers the salve, retrieving it from beside his guqin and applying it in gentle strokes, rubbing it in while maintaining minimal pressure, and is relieved when Wei Ying starts to relax under his ministrations. His fingers tingle a little before his golden core starts to neutralize the numbing agent, but it lets him know it will numb his skin, perhaps even act as a muscle relaxer so that the tension of being in pain no longer adds to Wei Ying's ambient pain.

His cheeks have become less hollow since Lan Wangji's arrival at the Burial Mounds, and his clothing hangs less, his frame no longer as emaciated. More is needed, but food, sleep, the addition of comforts such as a bathtub, and some healing have helped considerably.

Despite his pain and exhaustion, Wei Ying voices no complaints, only sighing softly in relief when Lan Wangji finishes applying the salve and retrieves his zhong yi shirt to help him dress.

"Need to help set up," he murmurs. "Shijie will be here soon."

"The others have it handled," Lan Wangji tells him, removing his belt so he can put his robes on properly. "They wish to ease your burdens, as well."

Their desire to help him should by now be clear, given the presence of so many sect leaders and the impending siblinghood, but Lan Wangji has learned Wei Ying is willing to help others to his own detriment, yet has difficulty accepting help. He has found it is far better, and easier, to simply help him without asking permission, as much as he dislikes removing his agency; it is too close to his father's behavior for comfort.

Wei Ying only nods, helping to straighten his robes, but he seems pensive and tense, and when no words seem to suffice, Lan Wangji instead sits beside him and takes a comb to his sleep-tousled hair, opting for physical comfort. His hair is still damaged, though his ministrations over the last several weeks have helped, and he's happy to continue helping every part of Wei Ying heal. Slowly he can feel him relax bit by bit, and he lingers, combing far longer than necessary to help ease him as much as possible.

Eventually, Wei Ying reclines with his head in Lan Wangji's lap, looking up at him with a sleepy smile, his expression filled with so much adoration that Lan Wangji feels stripped bare. Every moment with Wei Ying since his decision to stay, to admit to their marriage, despite the difficulty of the situation, has brought him more pleasure than he can voice.

They stay like that, Lan Wangji softly massaging his scalp with guqin-calloused fingers in the way he knows Wei Ying enjoys, Wei Ying utterly relaxed, eventually rambling on about ideas for the conversion or transformation of resentful energy, openly discussing his cultivation with him for the first time.

"I don't know that it can be converted directly into spiritual energy, but there might be a series of transformations that would work. If it's possible, at least, and I'd like to at least look into it—so far I've been able to shift the focus of resentment, siphon it off for direct application, and leech it out of contaminated soil, but transformation is an entirely different option."

It's a relief to see him focused on an idea for an invention, talking out the logic of potential ideas, and even asking for his input at times, his mind keeping itself distracted from the stress. And able to, now that he no longer fears Lan Wangji's reaction to his cultivation. There's a domesticity to it, both of them relaxed on the bed, needing to be nowhere more than with each other, simply enjoying their time together, a sort of oasis.

He's in the middle of idly pursuing the idea of removing resentment contaminating and corrupting living creatures when Wei Ning approaches and announces lunch has been prepared, and he's even kind enough to ask if they'd rather he bring the meal to them.

"No," Wei Ying says with a sigh, sitting up regretfully, his tension returned. "I can't hide away."

Wei Ning nods.

"We—we decorated the main hall f-for the ceremony. Ever—everything is r-ready."

Wei Ying clearly doesn't expect the transformation of the hall, with bunting and tapestries, with the altar for their collective ancestors, and the amazement on his face is satisfying. Bunting is even hung from the ceiling, cascading from four different corners to come together in the middle, each done in the colors of a sect, swirling together and positioned in a way that resembles a multicolored camellia, a potent symbol of loyalty and purity, apt for the swearing of siblinghood.

Nie Huaisang has outdone himself.

A-Yuan is spinning under the flower, but runs to them as soon as he sees them, chattering excitedly. He, too, has been transformed, his normally-messy hair pulled into a smooth bun held by a red ribbon, his hair brushed and oiled until it gleams, and he's dressed in turquoise and lavender robes that were sent by Jiang Wanyin, even carrying a small fan, clearly gifted by Nie Huaisang. He looks like a proper young master.

"Bofu picked up Ershu to make the flower," he tells them with a giggle.

It's enough to make Wei Ying laugh, relaxing him again just a tad, though Lan Wangji prevents him from trying to pick up A-Yuan by doing so himself so he can squeeze their son's cheek.

"Aiya, I can just imagine Nie-xiong doing that. I'm sorry I missed that!"

Wei Ying surveys the room again as several uncles and aunties enter with bowls of food to distribute to the tables, and he seems just as tickled by the decor as imagining the process of decorating. Lan Wangji hopes this helps him at least tolerate their desire to help, somehow.

Lan Wangji pulls him toward a table, where they're quickly joined by Popo and Wei Qing, which means Jiang Wanyin sits at the table directly adjacent with the Nies and Xiongzhang.

With Popo filling Wei Ying's plate with the best bits as she has taken to doing and reminding him to, it's almost like any other meal, only with more food and extra company, tangible proof of the changes Xiongzhang has been able to help make—the biggest one being the orchestration of the coming sworn siblinghood that will afford protection for Wei Ying and his adopted relatives.

He is assured things will only continue to improve.

Lan Xichen, while concerned for Wei Wuxian's health, is actually hopeful that this new healing technique could save Nie Mingjue's life. Lan Wangji is unaware of this, hence the misinterpretation.

There is a ton of meta on Wei Wuxian's cultivation path and how it differs from demonic cultivation. In the book, he refers to it as gui dao, or the ghost path. Lan Wangji is coming to realize it differs, and is doing his best to understand. He's realized that keeping the Seal under control is what is harming Wei Ying because it keeps him steeped in resentful energy.

Jiang Cheng is trying, but the guilt about the golden core is making him put his foot in it. It's a sort of obsession, because he sees the jindan as a sort of panacea that will fix everything, when in reality it can't. Not saying it wouldn't help, but it's not a cure-all.

My birthday is June 2, and I'm turning 40. I don't really have any feelings about it because I'm not in the best of places.

My health isn't great due to switching doctors and my childhood doctor taking me off maintenance medication that was keeping a chronic condition at bay, which has also flared another chronic condition because of course it has. Having burnt out doesn't help much, and I spend a lot of time in bed with very little brain. It's really frustrating.

Family has been helping significantly, and I do what I can to function. I'd like to recover to the point where I can do something other than rest.

This fic in particular is slow writing because it's slower-paced. But generally it's hard to write right now, so I appreciate everyone's patience. You can follow me on Tumblr, where I participate in Six Sentence Sunday and WIP Wednesday by writing bits of fic, at rosethornewrites.

Many thanks to adrian_kres for the beta!

Glossary:

Ershu - second uncle

jindan - golden core

shichen - 2 hour period of time

zhizi - nephew