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“Grand Master Qiren! Grand Master Qiren!”
The frantic call, a whisper as close to a shout that a Lan would find acceptable at this early hour of the morning, pierces the silence of his room.
Lan Qiren closes his eyes, breathes deeply, and places his tea cup gently back on the table. “Enter.”
The door slides open and Lan Qingting hurries in, billowing sleeves fluttering as she bows deeply in greeting.
“Master Qiren, this disciple apologises for disturbing you so early, but I can’t - but I don’t, it’s… it’s…”
Lan Qiren waits, two, three heartbeats and then frowns slightly at her. “Speak clearly. Concisely. As befitting an inner disciple attending the Sect Leader.”
“Yes Grand Master.” Lan Qingting bows again, visibly steeling herself under his gaze. “I understand.”
“Now.” He lifts the tea cup to his mouth. “ Explain.”
“I went to the Hanshi to check that Zewu-jun had finished preparations before we leave for the Discussion Conference. The Hanshi was still dark, none of the lanterns were lit, and I knocked on the door.” She hesitates, waits for his signal to continue. “There was no response. When I opened the door, Zewu-jun said - “
She stops and stares at the floor between them.
"What did he say?”
She bites her lip, and answers.
Her wince is almost imperceptible as Lan Qiren’s cup clatters against the table, and he strides quickly out towards the Hanshi.
Just as she had reported, it lies dark and quiet in the early morning.
Unacceptable at this time of day. His nephew should be awake.
Without pausing to knock, Lan Qiren enters. A pillow strikes Lan Qiren in the chest, and bounces to the floor.
“Too early. Never disturb me before chen shi! Get lost.”
“Lan Xichen!” The name thunders in the dark from the very depths of Lan Qiren’s being.
“What? What the fuck did you just call me?”
With a wave of his hand, Lan Qiren ignites the lanterns throughout the reception rooms, leaving only the bedroom in darkness. He can make out the shape of his nephew, sitting up in bed, staring at him.
“How dare you. Who gave permission for -“ The objection stutters to a stop, as Lan Qiren moves fully into view, stepping through the shadow from the door. The lantern beside the bed flickers to life, casting a golden pool of light over the white sheets, the blue blankets and silver hilt of Shuoyue close at hand.
Lan Xichen stares at the sword, at the Xiao placed carefully beside it, and then turns to stare at his uncle.
“What the fuck?”
“Lan Xichen!”
“No. No. No no no no no no.”
“Xichen?”
The gaze of his nephew meets his own, his face familiar if still a little thinner than usual from his protracted seclusion, but something shifts uncomfortably in Lan Qiren’s stomach.
“Xichen?”
The man in the bed shakes his head in denial, and Lan Qiren activates the array that will lock the Hanshi under a silencing spell. He moves to stand beside the bed, beside the weapons his nephew bears, and flips his heavy sleeve back over his wrist, ready to summon his own guqin.
“If you are not Xichen, who are you?”
The man takes a deep breath and settles comfortably against the headboard of the bed. “Grand Master Qiren, that might be the only question I am able to answer.”
**
The sound of water lapping gently against the pylons beneath the walkways is the only thing to be heard. At this hour, even the merchants along the river front have not begun to open their stores, and the fishermen have not yet returned from their journeys. The smooth cycle of water striking against the pylons and retreating, only to surge back again is as steady as a heartbeat, and she can feel the balance between the movement of the water, the stillness on the land, and the lingering scent of Lotus on the warm eddies of humid air.
It is her favourite time of day.
Night.
Late Night.
Early Morning?
Chang Jiang is never sure what the exact name for this time is, but it is definitely the time she feels most at home. When Lotus Pier and her disciple are one, senses intertwined and it’s as if each breath that leaves is reflected by the movement of the water.
Each of the Great Sects have their own atmosphere. She has walked along the stony halls of Qinghe and felt the weight of the earth around it, she has climbed the gilded stairs of Koi Tower and seen the shimmer of gold obscure what lies beneath, and felt the air grow thin in the mountains of Gusu.
Her Yunmeng Jiang is as hardy and resilient as the lotus and as constant as the water flowing.
She matches the pace of her footsteps to the river, weaving them together so seamlessly that the slightest disturbance will act like a beacon. The purple Jiang robes of blend seamlessly into the shadows as she walks. Small creatures skitter along the wooden slats and jump onto land or slide back in the water. The air is still and humid and as she passes into her final circuit around the main buildings, and she idly wonders what will be available in the kitchens for breakfast once she has finished her night watch duties.
It is only the slightest creak of wood as she approaches the entrance to her Sect Leader’s quarters, but it is enough warning.
As the ghostly figure steps out of the courtyard, pale robes luminous against the shadows, she swings behind them. A heartbeat later, her knife is at their throat, and their right arm twisted harshly behind them.
“Who are you?” she growls. “Why are you here?”
The figure shrugs uncertainly, and shakes their head, and speaks lowly. “I don’t know.”
Chang Jiang stares at the figure in her grip, as the slowly dawning light grows just enough for her to make out the embroidery on the shoulders of the robe. Purple lotuses, the dark violet thread elegant against the lighter lilac. She knows this robe, has seen it before countless times worn by Sect Leader Jiang when woken unexpectedly to deal with sect issues, night hunts gone wrong, even young disciples needing guidance. It usually hangs on a hook, to the left of the wardrobe, within easy reach when needed.
The height is correct, as is the hair length but something is pulling at her senses, warning her.
She knows Sect Leader Jiang, has followed him for years, knows his voice and his face, has stood at his shoulder in both defence and attack, and will gladly lay down her life at his command.
He will forgive her if she is wrong.
She pushes him against the wall, shifting the knife’s tip under his chin, and turns his face towards her.
“Who are you?” she demands.
“Where am I? Lotus Pier?” is her only answer.
His face, his voice - and yet still, the warning sounds in her ears.
Sect Leader Jiang stares back at her, gaze cloudy with confusion and then smiles uncertainly.
The smile alone is enough to convince her.
The knife tip presses deeper, enough to call forth a single drop of blood. “You are not Sect Leader Jiang.”
His eyes widen.
“I am not,” he confirms.
“Move,” she orders sharply, and steers him forcefully through the courtyard. He offers no resistance at all, pliant in her grip and responding quickly to her directions.
The door to the Sect Leader’s private quarters is standing ajar, as if it had not been closed carefully enough. At her command, he slides the door open enough for both of them to enter. Inside, a lantern burns at the table, and she pushes him down beside it, her grip strong and sure.
“Sect Leader Jiang?” she calls, and waits for a response.
Nothing.
“Sect Leader Jiang?”
The silence stretches into long heartbeats, until finally the man with a knife against his throat says quietly, “There are only the two of us in this room. No one else.”
“Sect Leader Jiang?” she calls again.
“There is no one else.”
She risks a glance across at the sliding doors to the bedchamber, and stares.
The doors are open, and the bedchamber behind them is clearly empty.
“Up,” she orders, and pulls him sharply towards the far room.
The bed is empty, the covers tossed back as if someone had left hurriedly.
Sandu is in place at the head of the bed, Zidian’s silent coils nearby, far enough from the lantern to be hidden in the shadows if one didn’t know where to look.
“Where is Sect Leader Jiang?” The knife presses deeper.
“I do not know.”
“Who are you?”
He draws in a deep breath. “Lan Xichen, of Gusu Lan.”
Her grip finally falters and he raises his hands, and turns slowly to face her. He leans back slightly, allowing her to keep the knife within striking distance.
“You wear his face.”
He waits patiently with a steady gaze; the hostility in her stance and voice clearly demonstrating her opinion about that. He has already told her that he doesn’t know where Jiang Wanyin is, and given his silence, he presumably has no other answers about what is happening.
She asks anyway. “What are you doing here?”
He bows, the elegant gesture causing her stomach to roil in protest at the sight. “That I cannot tell you for certain, Second Disciple Chang. I fell asleep in my own bed in Cloud Recesses and woke up here, as you see me. Sect Leader Jiang was not here when I awoke. Indeed, I didn’t realise this was truly Lotus Pier until I saw the water.”
“You did not notice the lotuses on your robe?” she tests, noting that he had used her own name as a sign of respect and recognition.
With a shake of his head, he denies it. “I keep a similar style robe, in a pale blue in a similar position myself. When I woke, I felt uneasy, the air was still and humid, and I felt drawn to the sound of water. I took the robe and then you found me.” He stares at his hands on the table top, then turns over his right hand. He runs his thumb over the callus at the base of his fingers, centred around where Zidian sits. “How did you recognise me?”
“Truthfully?” Chang Jiang smiles ruefully. “Sect Leader Jiang knew I was on patrol tonight. He would never have been wandering alone like that. If he was testing me, he would have waited for me to pass, and subdued me just as I did you.” She tilts her head slightly as a small smile answers hers. She gestures with her knife. “And that. You smiled at me. Sect Leader Jiang would never have smiled at me in that situation.”
The smile falls away as he protests, “Sect Leader Jiang smiles!”
“He does. He has an official smile for official duties, a resigned smile for the end of long days, and an indulgent smile for Sect Leader Jin. He used to have more, but he lost them long ago. Now, he does have an uncertain one that he hides around Wei Wuxian. It looks nothing like the one you showed me.”
“I see.”
“I have known him for a very long time, Sect Leader Lan.”
“I remember seeing you standing at his shoulder during the Sunshot Campaign. You were among the first recruits after Lotus Pier fell?”
“I was.” She meets his gaze squarely. “My older sister fell with Lotus Pier, as did her husband and my nephew. I swore I would help Sect Leader Jiang rebuild it to help honour their memory.”
“It does so,” he offers gently.
“As does the Cloud Recesses,” she replies, and this time the smile that she receives causes her to look away quickly. Sect Leader Jiang had never shown her such a smile, but the genuine understanding in it warms her. The more his familiar face smiles, the easier it is to believe that Sect Leader Lan is truly sitting before her, no matter the body or face she sees. “Do we assume that Sect Leader Jiang is in the Cloud Recesses?”
“It seems as likely as not.” He folds his hands upon the table, and closes his eyes, breathing gently. “I can sense nothing out of the ordinary around us, no curse mark, no array, nothing. No trace of my own spiritual energy either.”
“May I?” Chang Jiang extends two fingers, and Sect Leader Jiang nods, offering his wrist. She presses gently. “His core is stable, and feels as bright and familiar as I remember.” She releases him as he flinches. “What is it?”
“A sudden pressure, here… ” He gestures at his temples. “Fleeting, and now gone.”
Chang Jiang tilts his head up, checking his eyes and face quickly. “No sign of any distress, or change.” With pursed lips, she stands. “Do you feel as if you are connected to his core?”
Immediately, he raises his hands and exhales, light shines around his fingers as pushes down.
“You have access.” He nods, and she moves to retrieve something from across the room. When she returns, she offers it to him carefully. “Can you sound the Clarity bell?”
“I don’t know.” Pensively, he takes the bell and balances it neatly on his palm. “I have no knowledge of how to do it.”
“It’s the final step required to become a full disciple of Yunmeng Jiang. Sect Leader Jiang has known how to do this since he was young - it may speak to how much control you have over his core.”
The bell remains silent.
“Interesting. I wonder if you would be able to access musical cultivation techniques…” Chang Jiang muses, then shakes her head. “If you cannot sound the Clarity Bell, you will not be able to wield Zidian either. You will not be able to pass scrutiny if called upon to use Jiang techniques - ”
“Jiujiu?”
They turn to see the young Sect Leader of Lanling Jin standing in the doorway, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. Behind him stands Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui.
“Join us, A-Ling,” Sect Leader Jiang says gently, and a pained expression that shifts into resignation crosses Jin Ling’s face.
“Sect Leader Lan,” he says, and bows deeply, with the other two following swiftly. “We received a message from your uncle in Cloud Recesses. He said we needed to escort you there with all haste.”
Sect Leader Jiang stares silently at the three young men, all dressed for travel, and noting that neither Jin Ling nor Lan Jingyi will meet his gaze. Lan Sizhui, in contrast meets his gaze calmly, and fearlessly, but even his composure has been rattled.
He smiles, deliberately wide, at Lan Sizhui and notes the panicked flinch he can’t quite hide.
“Well that answers the question of where Sect Leader Jiang is.” Chang Jiang draws their attention by picking up Sandu, and presenting it to the man currently wearing, among other things, the Jiang Sect Leader’s robes. “Flying by sword should present no problems, although I would suggest being polite and firm with Sandu.” He takes the sword, and she lowers her voice. “He can be a little … testy…that one.”
Holding the sword at arms length, he lets his energy connect with the blade. Sandu stirs at the edge of his consciousness, as if being woken too early from his sleep, but as always willing to serve. He pushes further, and Sandu glows lilac for a moment before darkening to an angry violet. Once before, Sandu had been separated from the man who was meant to bear him. Separated and kept contained in a dark place, unable to feel his Sandu Shengshou. Lan Xichen speaks deep within himself. `I mean you no harm. I wish simply to return you to him. He is in my home, in Cloud Recesses. Will you carry me there?`
The sword shimmer grows brighter, and Jin Ling steps closer, laying one hand upon the frog on the hilt of the blade and the other against his uncle’s shoulder. `Zewu-jun can be trusted. I will go with you.`
The light fades back to lilac, and Jin Ling releases them. “Zidian should allow me to carry her to Cloud Recesses.” When Chang Jiang opens her mouth to protest, he adds, “Jiujiu offered me Zidian at the Burial Mounds. She stayed dormant in his palm when he did so, so I think she will accept me. I’ll explain it to her on the way.”
Lan Sizhui coughs quietly, drawing their attention. “We really should go as soon as possible.”
Stepping closer, Chang Jiang takes the sword from Lan Xichen, and bows. “I will inform the rest of the disciples that Sect Leader Jiang has travelled urgently to the Cloud Recesses with the three of you. I will not speak of what has happened here tonight to anyone. If Sect Leader Jiang requires anything…”
Sect Leader Jiang bows. “I am sure he will call on you if necessary.”
With a formal bow, Chang Jiang salutes her Sect Leader, before turning to his nephew. “Sect Leader Jin, you will need to pull together the most appropriate set of robes for him to travel. He cannot go wearing that, and he needs to be seen as who he seems to be.” Without waiting for his answer, she turns to his friends. “Young Masters Lan, if you can accompany me to send a message to Cloud Recesses I would appreciate it. They should know that the situation is under control here.” With a hand under each elbow, she deftly propels the obedient Young Masters Lan out the door.
Behind them, Jin Ling blushes a rather fiery red as he rushes to the wardrobe to pull out suitable robes as he realises that Sect Leader Lan been sitting around in his sleeping robes while on display in his uncle’s body.
A handful of minutes later, they leave Chang Jiang behind on the nearest pier as the four of them head towards Gusu as quickly as their swords can carry them.
***
Grand Master Qiren himself is waiting for them at the entrance to Cloud Recesses.
This deviation from standard protocol has unnerved the disciples tasked with guarding the entrance so much that they actually move behind him when two Sect Leaders and two Gusu Lan Disciples land on their doorstop.
Lan Qiren barely spares them a derisive glance as he steps forward to greet them - although he does make a mental note to look into their training standards if his mere presence is enough to unnerve the disciples tasked with maintaining the security of Cloud Recesses.
He shakes his sleeves into position and bows gracefully. “Sect Leader Jiang. Sect Leader Jin.”
“Grand Master Qiren.” Sect Leader Jin answers quickly, his bow shorter and sharper than appropriate, then he steps back towards Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi to allow Sect Leader Jiang a little privacy.
“Grand Master Qiren.” Sect Leader Jiang bows, a tired smile appearing on his face as he straightens up. “It is good to see you.”
“I am glad to see you are in fine health.” Lan Qiren pauses, and in that moment alone can Lan Xichen see the worry that has plagued his Uncle. “I thank you for coming to Cloud Recesses at such short notice. Sect Leader Lan regrets he could not meet you personally, but he is waiting for you in the Hanshi. Sizhui, Jingyi, if you would quietly escort the Sect Leaders there? Thank you.”
“This way, Sect Leader Jiang. Sect Leader Jin.” Lan Sizhui turns and leads them both away, Lan Jingyi falling into position at the rear.
Grand Master Qiren waits until they are out of sight before turns to the two disciples guarding the entrance. “You will speak of this to no one. Neither Sect Leader Jiang, nor Sect Leader Jin are known to be present in the Cloud Recesses unless I announce it to be so. Is that understood?”
“Yes Grand Master!”
Lan Qiren most assuredly did not run. He simply walks with alacrity. He also has decades of experience in making it through the Cloud Recesses as quickly and unencumbered as possible, so if the kitchen staff spot him taking a short cut near the wall of bronze vessels storing rice, the rules against gossip ensure no one would tell anyone about noticing him.
He arrives at the Hanshi before the others, and waits calmly by the door, one hand idly tracing the cloud pattern on his lapel. The look of shock on Sect Leader Jin’s face is quite gratifying; the boy needs to learn to adopt a more circumspect countenance when dealing with crisis situations.
To their credit, Sizhui and Jingyi show no surprise at his appearance there.
The amused smile on Sect Leader Jiang’s face does give him a momentary pause - knowing that Xichen would have anticipated his move is unsurprising, but seeing the usually taciturn Sect Leader Jiang softly amused, an echo of the amusement that Fengmian used to show, gives him pause indeed. How many years has it been since such simple amusement has been shown by that man?
Earlier he had been darkly amused it was true, a laugh bitten off sharply at the absurdity of their positions. Smiles were not a strange expression to find on Xichen’s face, although obviously they had been few and far between since that business in the Guanyin temple…
Still, smiles had not completely abandoned Lan Xichen. The days when the smallest disciples received their ribbons from his hands still brought joy, as did some of the wilder tales from the mouth of that Wei Wuxian. Xichen would even indulge him occasionally when they shared tea, asking about his visits from other scholars and sect disciples.
Seclusion had helped him center himself, find the focus he had needed, but in Lan Qiren’s view the most important aspects had been Xichen’s intention to leave seclusion when he felt it possible to do so, and Wangji’s absolute rejection of the mere suggestion from the Elders Council that he take on the role of sect leader in anything more than a temporary sense.
Lan Xichen had been assured by both word and deed that he would be welcome when he returned.
His seclusion had been a choice, not a punishment - and Lan Qiren knows that each day brings him closer to their world.
“Shall we enter?”
Lan Qiren blinks, realising that he had been standing silently on the threshold, and keeping all of them waiting while caught up in his own thoughts. “Of course.” He steps aside, and slides the door one smoothly. “Sect Leaders.”
Jin Ling stares at him for a moment, turns to the man standing behind him, and gestures for him to go ahead.
The Hanshi is just as Lan Xichen remembers it, dark wood panelling, soft greys and muted blues, the trace of sandalwood and frankincense in the air - and sitting silently there at the table eyes closed in meditation is - himself. Lan Xichen.
The robes he is wearing are familiar and among the most comfortable he owns, even if they are more elaborate than anything he has ever seen Sect Leader Jiang wear before now. The layering of the under robes is slightly different, usually he wears the white robe with silver embroidery with that charcoal over robe the colour of dark thunderstorm clouds but the substitution of the white robe with a sky blue is interesting - a bolder color that somehow brightens the darker over robe. The familiar guan is in place, hair neatly coiled beneath it, and there on a cushion beside him lie Shuoyue and Liebing, carefully placed within arms reach.
It is a disconcertingly odd feeling to be the one on the outside looking in - he knows his own face, has seen it in the bronzed mirror in his quarters daily, but it is quite another to be looking at himself from another angle. His jaw line seems sharper and his face longer from this angle, and he never realised his eye lashes are lush and dark. The hollows under his cheekbones are more pronounced than he remembers, but whether they are from seclusion or the difference in perspective he can’t really tell. His eyes are definitely lighter than he remembers - lighter than Wangji’s…
Ahh.
Sect Leader Lan Xichen stares up at him.
Lan Xichen watches a blush spread across that face and feels an answering warmth on his own face. Or to be more precise, Sect Leader Jiang’s face.
Awkwardly, they stare at each other, and finally, nod their heads in unison, a silent greeting and acknowledgement of their strange predicament.
A hand pushes gently at the small of his back, the familiar touch of his Uncle from years ago when he would send Lan Xichen off to undertake various duties. Heeding the silent cue, Lan Xichen moves to sit down opposite - himself. Jiang Wanyin. Jiang Wanyin who is himself. He can feel a headache starting to build, and before his eyes, Sect Leader Lan’s hand raises to rub at his own forehead.
Sect Leader Jin settles down beside his Uncle, with Lan Jingyi beside him. On Lan Xichen’s other side his own Uncle and Sizhui settle comfortably, and at Lan Qiren’s signal, Sizhui begins to serve tea to them all.
Lan Xichen takes the opportunity to take a fortifying sip, it is his favourite blend and perfectly balanced when drunk slowly and savoured. Opposite him, he watches the graceful way that Jiang Wanyin drinks the tea, his sleeve daintily held in place and the china cup silently replaced before him. His own arms in these tight sleeves with wrist braces feel somehow exposed, his movements so obvious without the obscuring sleeve. At least he can prevent the china thumping against the table, unlike Jingyi apparently, who earns a rebuke from Lan Qiren for his lack of elegance.
Finally, unable to bear the silence longer, Lan Xichen says, “This is bizarre.”
Simultaneously he hears his own voice say the same words.
Jiang Wanyin rolls his eyes and snorts. “We are in agreement, Sect Leader.”
Lan Xichen nods, diverted by the snorting and filling it away for future contemplation, as Lan Qiren glares slightly, but holds his tongue. Even Lan Qiren seems to be struggling to find a way to begin this discussion.
Finally, Lan Xichen settles on the duties that bind them. “Sect Leader Jiang, Lotus Pier was safe and well when we left. Chang Jiang was the only other person aware of the situation, and she agreed to stay silent about this .. change. She intended to tell the other disciples that we had been urgently called to Cloud Recesses for an issue related to Sect Leader Jin, as that seemed the easiest way to explain your absence and the haste. She will give you a full report once you return.”
With a bow, Jiang Wanyin acknowledges the report. “Thank you Zewu-jun. I am sure she will manage things well in my absence.”
Lan Xichen bows in turn, and they stare at each other.
“It is like looking in a mirror, but the reflection acts independently.”
“It is disconcerting.” Jiang Wanyin takes another sip of tea. “At least there is no discussion conference to worry about, or any other public events requiring our presence. ”
“Indeed.” Lan Xichen smiles his thanks at Lan Sizhui as he refills his cup with fresh tea. “This situation could be a lot worse.”
“How are you so calm?! Aren’t you worried at all?” Lan Jingyi demands, and then slaps a hand over his mouth as Lan Qiren frowns at him.
Lan Xichen and Jiang Wanyin stare at each other for a moment. The purple robed Yunmeng leader says gently, “It is odd and difficult to explain, but there is no sense of threat or resentment. There is no curse mark or lingering malevolence. I do not feel like we are in any danger, we are just … like this? When I woke in Lotus Pier, I only felt the urge to confirm that it was Lotus Pier. There was no sense of danger or worry, I felt completely relaxed and rested.”
The leader of Gusu Lan shrugs carelessly, a stark contrast to his usual pin straight posture. “I was woken by Grand Master Qiren. There was no sense of confusion about who I am, my name, my role - in that instant, I knew who I was, and also recognised that I was in Cloud Recesses. How that could possibly be did not seem very important.”
“You were completely calm and completely yourself.” Lan Qiren strokes his beard, fingers tugging gently as he thinks. “You were annoyed at being woken, and then when you were fully awake, perfectly cognisant of the situation.” He pauses and shoots a quick glance towards his nephew hidden behind the purple robes. “Unfortunately, Sect Leader Jiang does not share our early morning schedule. I believe that Lan Qingting may require an apology from our Sect Leader due to the language he chose to use to express his displeasure.”
An eyebrow quirks, and Lan Xichen looks across at a vision of himself who shrugs and says easily, “I may have told them to fuck off until it was time for me to wake. Sorry, Xichen.”
“I see.” Jiang Chang looks across at his own face, and sees the amusement hidden carefully behind the usual Zewu-jun placidness. He is sure that his own face has never before had a similar expression, and yet - even now, it seems appropriate. He can read the sincerity there. “I will apologise in due course for any offence caused by hearing my voice at such a time.”
“Yes, you would have to apologise for your voice and not your words. After all, the words were not yours, even if the voice was, so to claim the words as yours would be a lie.” He snorts, and Lan Jingyi gapes at him for a moment. “Point her out to me, and I will make the apology on your behalf.”
"Lan Qingting is one of our most trusted disciples, and very capable. I would appreciate her being able to look at me directly in the future, without fearing a reoccurrence." The words and phrasing are such purely Lan Xichen that none could question it, but to hear it said in the voice of Sandu Shengshou...
Across from him, Sect Leader Lan nods once more. "Agreed. I imagine Chang Jiang will have some words for me as well when I return to Lotus Pier."
"Undoubtedly. She is a treasure."
"Are you suggesting that we do not treasure our Second Disciple?"
"I was not." Sect Leader Jiang scowls, and Lan Sizhui hides a gasp. The expression is so familiar, but to know Lan Xichen is causing it! "I was merely suggesting that if your Second Disciple wished to experience life in another Sect, opportunities could be found."
"Lan Xichen. Do not poach on my territory." The icy statement falls from lips curved in a harsh sneer, one never before seen on Zewu-jun.
"As you wish, Jiang Wanyin." Sect Leader Jiang lounges back slightly, eyes dancing with hidden mirth.
"Jiujiu," Jin Ling starts, and then trails off into uncertainty, unsure which man to address.
"Yes?" Two voices reply in unison, and Jin Ling stares between the pair of them, wishing he knew how to ask them what they were doing.
"Sect Leaders." Lan Qiren remonstrates simply, and sets his tea cup down. It is enough, both Lan Xichen and Jiang Wanyin nod a little sheepishly. Jin Ling takes careful notice; the Grand Master had not raised his voice or spoken more than two words, and two of the most powerful leaders had followed his lead. If Grand Master Qiren could be convinced to show him how to do that, dealing with some of the members of the Jin Council would become much more palatable...
“Uncle, did you attempt to contact me directly?” The question coming from Sect Leader Jiang causes Jin Ling to start for a moment, before he realises.
“Yes, I did. Once Jiang Wanyin had identified himself, and we had assessed the state of the wards as unbroken and found no immediate danger, we assumed that if he was here, it was likely that you were in Lotus Pier. The message was sent using a Jin butterfly, but it returned almost immediately and presented itself to Jiang Wanyin.”
“You were able to listen to it?” Lan Xichen asks curiously.
“Yes. The talisman recognised me as the recipient it was searching for.”
“There was a moment where I felt a sense of pressure as if something was pressing against me, but it disappeared quickly.” Lan Xichen muses. “It was a fleeting touch against both my lower dantian and head.”
“Interesting, that answers any questions about whether the talisman used searches for the cultivator’s body and core or body and soul…” Lan Qiren nods. “I will ensure that note is added to the file…” He turns towards the three youngest men. “Once the message was returned, Jiang Wanyin remembered that the three of you were also at Lotus Pier, so I sent a message to Sect Leader Jin in his name, explaining that his Uncle was here and my nephew was there, and that it was imperative that they ensure his safety.”
Jin Ling nods. “We went to check immediately, and found him sitting in his quarters with Chang Jiang.”
Lan Qiren lets out a long held breath. “That could have been far worse.”
“There are worse places to wake up than Cloud Recesses,” says Sect Leader Lan with a distinct smirk.
“Such as Lotus Pier?” asks Sect Leader Jiang smoothly, the bite hidden by his stoic expression.
Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi stare at them, heads swivelling between the two as if this is the first time either of them are seeing them. Lan Sizhui finally ventures quietly, “Sect Leader Lan… Sect Leader Jiang… You are not angry at this situation? Really?”
Something in his tone is enough to raise suspicion about who might have caused this situation.
The flinch that comes from Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi confirms it.
As Sect Leader Jiang stares at them sternly, causing both of the young Lan Disciples to bow their heads sheepishly, Sect Leader Lan fixes Sect Leader Jin with a narrow glare and demands harshly, “What have you done now, brat?”
“I didn’t mean to do it Jiujiu, it just happened!”
“What happened?” The demand comes from two Sect Leaders.
Jin Ling flinches and shifts closer towards Lan Jingyi. Lan Sizhui bites his lip.
“We didn’t mean any harm!”
“We didn’t deliberately do this!”
“We didn’t know it could do this!”
The two protests and one feeble explanation come at the same time, leaving Lan Qiren, the one with a wealth of experience from sorting explanations and protests from chagrined students, to choose the one with the best avenue to find an answer. He turns towards Lan Sizhui.
“You didn’t know it could do this?” Lan Qiren holds his gaze, and nods as Lan Sizhui buckles. “It? What did you know it could do?”
“We didn’t know anything about what it could do,” he admits, ashamedly. “It was an accident.”
“It is not Lan Sizhui’s fault.” Jin Ling sits up straighter and squares his shoulders. “I brought it. We were simply talking and then -“
“Talking?” asks Sect Leader Lan with a raised eyebrow and a vast amount of disbelief in his voice.
“Talking while we were drinking Lotus wine,” answers Lan Sizhui, truthful as always, while the other two hiss his name in a vain attempt to quieten him.
“Talking while drinking Lotus wine and then?” Sect Leader Jiang asks evenly, and Jin Ling reaches into his sleeve for a qiankun pouch.
With trembling fingers, he pulls it open and lays a golden rounded box on the table, the lid gleaming with a raised red symbol, the petals of a flower knot pulled tightly closed. “I was showing them this. I found it in the bottom of a chest, and I asked them if they had ever seen anything like it before.”
“We hadn’t seen anything like it before, or even heard about it. We checked and it was empty, no trace of resentful energy or a curse. We thought the white material might be jade, but the black material we couldn’t identify. We left it on the table while we were talking, and then later, it started to glow.”
“Yes, I imagine you have never seen or heard about anything like this.” Sect Leader Jiang stares down at the box, and makes no move to touch it. “As far as I am aware, there is only one of its kind in this world.”
“You really do manage to walk into trouble don’t you A-Ling?” Sect Leader Lan glares at him, but Jin Ling can see the truth in his eyes. “Perhaps you no longer require your legs.” The threat is as empty as it has ever been. “Please tell me no one was touching it while it glowed.”
“No, it was on the far end of the table away from us,” says Lan Jingyi, eyes darting between his Grand Master and the two Sect Leaders. “You know what this box is.”
Sect Leader Lan nods once, as does Sect Leader Jiang in confirmation, but neither of them make any move to touch it.
Finally, Lan Qiren leans forward and picks it up. The box is small enough to fit into the palm of his hand, and as he holds it up to the light, there is a moment when the design on the lid appears to move. “You know what this design represents of course. The flower knot demonstrates the concepts of balance, completeness, and good fortune. Before it began to glow, were the petals of the knot pulled open?”
Jin Ling nods, as his unease grows clearer.
“And as the knot pulled the petals closed, were you talking about Sect Leaders Jiang and Lan?”
“Yes,” Jin Ling whispers, gaze fixed on the box.
“And the glow you saw was the clouds of Gusu Lan and the Lotus of Yunmeng Jiang merging above the symbol?”
Three heads nod in unison, and Lan Qiren takes a very, very deep breath.
“And the three of you had no idea what kind of spiritual tool you were dealing with? As you sat there and drank and talked idly? The three of you are a disgrace to your clans.”
“Uncle.” The rebuke comes softly from Sect Leader Jiang, a single word but it is enough for Lan Qiren to huff and subside.
“You could have died A-Ling. All of you. You know better than to act so recklessly with a spiritual tool.” Sect Leader Lan’s words fall heavily on their shoulders, and all three of them bend slightly under the weight.
Jin Ling bites his lip, cheeks red with shame as he nods.
“We know you wouldn’t deliberately endanger your friends.” Sect Leader Jiang says quietly, and Lan Sizhui wants to sink through the floor. That tone in his voice is worse than any angry shouting, because it speaks of his disappointment that you have not met his expectations. “From the time you are small, you are told not to access unknown spiritual tools for this very reason. The unintended circumstances can be catastrophic.”
“Usually you endanger your own lives with such foolishness.” Lan Qiren’s stern gaze and words are somehow worst of all. “If the tool is strong enough it may also endanger other people nearby, cultivator or innocents alike if proper precautions are not taken. In this case, you endangered not only yourselves, but also the future of two of the major sects. You could have destroyed alliances painstakingly built and rebuilt and caused misery across our lands. All due to your own ignorant actions.”
Lin Jingyi protests. “We didn’t know -“ Jin Ling reaches out and grabs his wrist, squeezing until he falls silent. Lan Sizhui shifts back far enough from the table so that he can bow, hands clasped before him and head bent, in the formal position.
“These disciples apologise. These disciples are willing to accept punishment.” He hesitates, and Jin Ling nods. “These disciples also ask to be told exactly what this spiritual tool is, to ensure their ignorance never again endangers others.”
“It is the work of an immortal.” Lan Qiren raises his hand at their shocked gasp. “One that was already ancient when Baoshan Sanren was a girl. She saw the creation of the Great Sects and wished to temper the chances of strife between them. She created this box, a tool that ties the souls of two people together, exchanging their spirit into the body of the other to allow them to experience the second sect from the inside. We called it the Sect Knot, and the records show that it was used extensively earlier, and built trust between the sects and helped to establish their peaceful relationships. Two Sect members of equal standing, usually the intended sect heirs would be able to exchange themselves.”
“Why don’t I know about it then?” Jin Ling demanded. “I should have known. No one told me!”
“It was used and then lost for over a century.” Sect Leader Jiang says, a gentle remonstrance. “When the position of Chief Cultivator was created, it was assumed that it was placed in their custody, and to be used when necessary.”
“As the Wen sect grew in power, even the idea of its use fell into disfavour. No sect was willing to make their secrets vulnerable.” Lan Qiren sighs. "The Wen line held the position of Chief Cultivator, it was found in the treasury of Nightless City after the Wen Sect fell.”
“It was always intended for two Sect Heirs, of equal power and position, for the transfer to be held in clear view and knowledge of the two of them, to ensure no coercion could take place. The safety of both was considered, as was the possible ramifications on sect security. It was meant to be a sign of trust as much as a signal of good faith.” Sect Leader Jiang shudders, and draws in a deep breath. He looks towards Lan Qiren who nods. “After the Sunshot Campaign, it was found by Jin Guangyao. At the time I do not believe he fully understood its power, but it is possible that there was some scrolls, some documentation with it that described its purpose. There are archival records in each sect of previous uses.”
He bows his head and then admits quietly, “I used it with Nie Mingjue, to convince him that Jin Guangyao was trustworthy in my judgement and that we should form a sworn brotherhood between us to stabilise the Sects.”
“Nie Mingjue was reluctant to do so, but I convinced him that it was the only way, the only way for him to see the truth in my experience and my words, and for me to understand his position. It worked, he saw what my experience of Jin Guangyao’s actions were, how he helped shelter and protect me as I ran from the Wens, how he put himself in danger to protect others and how he volunteered for the task to infiltrate the Nightless City and become a spy. Nie Mingjue saw it from my point of view and was swayed far enough to agree. He continued to hold his reservations, but from what I saw in his memories I was able to persuade him that Meng Yao as he was then had simply made a mistake. That maybe Nie Mingjue had been mistaken in what he saw, that the Meng Yao he knew and trusted had taken a sword in his chest rather than allow danger to approach him. That in his actions the Meng Yao we both knew was his true face, and given the opportunity he would work with us and the Jin sect to make sure another Wen Sect did not arise.”
He grimaces. “I have come to regret many of my actions, but that is among my greatest.”
“He convinced all of us. He hid his true face from all of us.” Sect Leader Lan snorts in derision, his mouth twisted bitterly. “Never forget he was a spy, capable of convincing Wen Ruohan in the depths of paranoia caused by demonic cultivation to trust him. He was a master of manipulation.”
“And I was a fool.” Sect Leader Jiang whispers, and stares at the table, no longer able to meet the gaze of anyone else in the room.
“You were his friend.” Sect Leader Lan says harshly. “You accepted him as a brother. He betrayed you. Along with the rest of us.”
The golden peony on Jin Ling’s chest burns, as he holds back tears.
“This is in the past,” Lan Qiren says heavily. “It does no good to bring this back.”
“I disagree.” Sect Leader Lan says, and shifts his gaze to Lan Qiren. “Perhaps this is exactly what is needed.”
“Wanyin, this will not help.”
“Again, Grand Master Qiren, I disagree.”
“Wanyin! He is in no state to-”
“No. I have stayed silent for three years, and allowed you to recover in seclusion. I will not allow this to drive you back there. Do not forget I was there in the Guanyin Temple as well, as was Jin Ling. We were there. We know what he said, what he did. He had the gall to stand there and say he had never harmed you. After he had held you prisoner with your powers sealed. After he had forced Lan Wangji to seal his own powers while my brother’s life was threatened. After he held that golden string against Jin Ling’s throat. Setting aside everything he had done in league with Jin Guangshan, Xue Yang, Su She, every decision he made to gather more power into his own hands. He betrayed all of us. Do not hold yourself above us in your blindness to his true character. Xichen, he worked very hard to ensure we believed him. Each action was carefully weighed and he was a master at the game.” The sneer that curls his lip mirrors the disdain he usually holds silent within him. “I had reason to distrust him as well. I saw and heard things over the years, whispers and glances and every time I found an answer, or a reason, or an excuse anything to assuage the uncertainty. Looking back, he told me so many things to ensure I saw what he wanted me to see, and did not look further.” He slams his fist against the table. “And who am I? I am not his sworn brother. The betrayal of his sworn brother was greater. Xichen, he used you to kill Nie Mingjue. He used Lan secrets, Lan skills to do so. He used you as a tool because he knew that Nie Mingjue trusted you implicitly, and that his betrayal of you both would be hidden. You believed him. That belief and trust was his weapon just as much as his sword. How can he say he never harmed you?”
Sect Leader Jiang stumbles to his feet and dashes towards the door. Behind him, Sect Leader Lan lurches to his feet, his heavy unfamiliar robes slowing his response. Before the door can open, Sect Leader Lan grabs him by the shoulders and pulls him back against his chest.
Sect Leader Jiang lets out a pained whimper.
“Sorry, I do not know your own strength.” Sect Leader Lan whispers to him, while not loosening his grip. He holds him close, fingers clutched deep in the heavy purple silk of his robes. “You were brothers. You loved him, we all know it, we all saw it. As you should have. Whether a brother by blood or not, when you accept them you hold them close in your heart, and are never to be parted. My sister said that the three of us; her, me and Wei Wuxian would never separate, that we had to be together forever. Then Wei Wuxian left us, my sister married Jin Zixuan and I still hoped every day that I would find a way to make things different. He was always my brother.”
“And he betrayed your trust!” The words are torn from Lan Xichen’s soul.
“He did.” Jiang Wanyin answers.
“He gave you his golden core.”
“He did.”
“He - he turned to resentful energy and made an enemy of all the sects. He killed Jin and Lan cultivators to free the Wen remnants. He lost control over Wen Ning and Jin Zixuan fell. He brought the seal to Nightless City and thousands died.”
“He did.” Jiang Wanyin leans closer and whispers into the other’s ear. “He decided for me. He took my power to choose away. I still considered him my brother.”
“He killed Jiang Yanli!”
The muffled cry torn from Jin Ling almost causes him to falter, to turn and reassure him, but Sect Leader Lan can not allow it. He was right, it is finally time to bring this out and let the truth stand cold and stark in the light.
“He did not.”
Sect Leader Jiang stops struggling and falls back against him, and Sect Leader Lan holds him steady. Behind them he can hear the rustle of Lan Qiren’s robes as he reaches out. Sect Leader Lan turns them slowly, pulling the other man with him so that they can see the other three men.
Jin Ling is staring up at him with huge wounded eyes, Lan Qiren has a firm grip on the golden silk of Jin Ling’s sleeve, and Lan Jingyi has one hand on Jin Ling and the other on Lan Sizhui. Confident that they will keep the others in place, Sect Leader Lan inhales deeply and forces out the words that he has kept locked in his heart since the moment it happened.
“Wei Wuxian did not kill my sister. He was responsible for so many things, caused trouble and strife, made so many mistakes, but in this he was not wholly responsible.”
Sect Leader Jiang feels the shuddering breath that the other manages to take and lays a hand over the one clutching his shoulder.
“My sister ran onto the battlefield. How did she even get there? She was looking for Wei Wuxian, to stop him, to fix things. Our sister…” The silver guan dips slightly as he looks over to meet Jin Ling’s gaze as his own fills with tears too. “Your mother was in her mourning robes. She was unarmed. She was clearly not a danger. She was calling for Wei Wuxian.” He flinches. “I heard her. I thought I was going mad, but I knew her voice. As I looked for her, she was struck from behind by a sword. I ran to her, caught her and she still called out to Wei Wuxian.”
“A-Ling. I have held him responsible for her death since that day, and have done you a disservice. Wei Wuxian did not lay a finger on her. He did not cause her death with his own hands. She laid her hand on his cheek, and over his shoulder she saw a cultivator approach. She saw him raise his sword at Wei Wuxian’s back and she pushed him aside. She took the blow herself. His sword ran through her chest, striking her heart and she died in my arms. I blamed him. For years, I blamed him. As did the world. I blamed him for years because the only way it made sense was if he allowed it to happen. She pushed him aside. Her cultivation was so weak compared to his, she should not have been able to do that. The only way it made sense was if he allowed it to happen. If he did not protect her, the way she protected him.”
The tears sliding down Jin Ling’s cheeks match the ones on Sect Leader Lan’s face. “It only made sense when I discovered the truth about his core. Without his core, his physical strength was no different to hers. Her heart was so full, she loved so deeply, when she pushed him away from that sword it makes sense that he could not stop it. Or react in time to block the strike.”
“You were wearing Zidian.” Jin Ling’s lip trembles as he forces the words out. “You had Zidian.”
“I was. It was on my hand. I held her in my arms, and saw the same thing she did, and I did not strike that cultivator with Zidian. Unlike them, I had a golden core, and still, she died in my arms from that sword strike that I did not block.”
“Not your fault,” Sect Leader Jiang mutters quietly. “You don’t know that you would have been able to do so.”
“And you don’t know if Nie Mingjue would have had that qi deviation without the influence of the corrupted song of clarity. You don’t know if he would ever have been weak or vulnerable enough at Koi Tower for Jin Guangyao to have taken him down.” Sect Leader Lan mutters in return.
Jin Ling yanks his sleeve out of Lan Qiren’s grasp and runs towards them. He burrows against Sect Leader Lan’s side, sliding his arms around his waist, and Sect Leader Lan releases the other man, to pull his nephew close. He cradles Jin Ling carefully, the extra height making it more difficult to pull him against his chest as he usually did once upon a time. Beside them, Sect Leader Jiang places a gentle hand against his shoulder for a heartbeat, long enough to register as comfort, and then he steps aside, and slowly moves back towards the table.
Lan Jingyi has moved around the table to sit beside Lan Sizhui, their entwined arms hidden by their long sleeves as they sit with their shoulders pressed together. He gives them a soft smile, forgetting how foreign it will look to them, until their pinched expressions remind him. Lan Qiren has commandeered the tea service, and is preparing tea with the graceful, polished movements of a life long connoisseur and a Lan who has witnessed another in a highly compromised emotional state. A cup of perfectly brewed tea settles in front of him, and he reaches for it. When he does, Lan Qiren grasps his wrist, fingers clutching around purple silk and leather and squeezes.
The room is quiet, not entirely silent, as the Lans pointedly drink tea amongst themselves and ignore the whispers from near the door as Jiang Wanyin and Jin Ling talk. Finally, after tears have been spent and the evidence wiped from both their faces, they return to the table, a heavily embroidered sleeve tucked firmly around golden shoulders.
Without comment, two further cups of tea are placed before them, and silence reigns until they are ready to speak.
Lan Qiren breaks it eventually. “The Lans do not gossip. Nothing revealed here in this room will be spoken of outside of it. All present shall swear to it.”
In agreement, each man raises their arms, hands clutched together as they take the vow.
“How do we fix this? There has to be a way!” Lan Jingyi looks at Lan Qiren. “Grand Master?”
“Of course there is a way,” Lan Qiren huffs. “Do you really think an immortal would create this and not leave a way to sever the connection?”
“Then can we do that please?” Jin Ling asks in a small voice. “No offence Zewu-jun, but I would really like to hear my Uncle’s words in his own voice right now.”
“Understood,” Sect Leader Jiang says and smiles at him, as Jin Ling represses a shiver, at the sight. “There is only a small complication. How on earth did you manage to make this exchange in the first place? For the exchange to work, Nie Mingjue and I had to be physically present, join hands over the knot symbol and agree to it. The reversal required us to repeat the process and ask for the link to be broken. Given we didn’t agree to it, it may not work.”
“Let us try that first.” Lan Qiren says, shaking his sleeves out and pushing the box in front of them. “Perhaps it will be that simple.”
“Whenever, in the history of our world, is it ever that simple?” Sect Leader Lan grumbles and Lan Jingyi hides a grin at the way Lan Qiren forgets himself enough to poke him in the ribs. “Ready?”
They join hands, and the symbol on the lid of the box shifts quickly, the knot blossoming from the tightly pulled design into the open loops of a flower. Lan Xichen asks for the link to be broken, and nudges Jiang Wanyin to repeat the words after him. They wait, hearts beating, for the change to happen.
Nothing.
Another heartbeat.
Still nothing.
Sect Leader Lan raises an eyebrow and stares wordlessly at Grand Master Lan.
Lan Xichen pokes the box in outrage, then lets out a slightly undignified yelp as the symbol on the box sparks red and black and the symbol pulls the knot tight again.
They wait another few heartbeats before Jin Ling dares to ask, “Did it work?”
The expressions on their faces are easy enough to read for everyone else present to tell that it did indeed not work.
“That’s all it took last time,” Lan Xichen says.
“The creation of the link was different this time,” Lan Qiren says.
“The last time it was used was not by yourself and Nie Mingjue,” Jiang Wanyin says.
“What?” Four Lans and one Jin voice shout in unison, and then stare in astonishment at each other.
Sect Leader Lan grimaces, and tugs at his sleeve, pleating the fabric between his fingers. “The last time it was used was probably by myself and Jin Zixuan.”
“But - “ Jin Ling hesitates, looking between Sect Leader Lan and Sect Leader Jiang. “My Father was never a sect leader. You were a sect leader after Grandfather Jiang died.”
“Yes. That is true.” He reaches out and pats gently against Jin Ling’s hairline, the same way his A-Jie did to her younger brothers, and Jin Ling’s eyes widen and then slide closed. “Now that I think about it, and with everything we have discovered since, I can guess what the real intention was, and I am sure that what happened surprised them as much as the two of us. This also involves your Mother, and I imagine will be news to our friends from the Lan sect here.” He pats once more and then withdraws his hand, letting Jin Ling straighten his shoulders in preparation.
“Once the title of Chief Cultivator passed to Jin Guangshan, most of the spiritual tools that were associated with the position or deemed dangers were also passed to Koi Tower. Jin Guangyao was in charge of that I imagine.”
“Yes,” Lan Xichen confirms. “I remember asking him at the time if the Lan Sect could be of help but he said it was unnecessary.”
Jiang Wanyin continues. “After Jin Zixuan finally found the courage to confess to my sister and build that Lotus Pond and actually ask her properly to marry him, I had to go to Koi Tower to oversee the betrothal arrangements because of course they wanted to amend the previous arrangement to their own benefit. As part of the amendments, Jin Guangshan suggested that we use the Sect Knot as a sign of trust between our sects, as a way of demonstrating to each other that we could rely upon each other. He arranged for the ceremony to happen immediately, that day in Koi Tower, with myself and Jin Zixuan and a handful of Jin witnesses.”
“That is not appropriate,” Lan Qiren frowns. “You were a seated Sect Leader, and Jin Zixuan was the named heir, but your status and responsibilities were different. Although the ceremony could have taken place previously, when you were both here for the lectures at Cloud Recesses, for example, by the time that final betrothal was agreed to, it was inappropriate as there is information in all sects that is accessible only to the sect leader. The ceremony should also be overseen by representatives of both Sects, and with members of the others to act as witnesses and ensure no coercion occurs. As I remember telling my nephew when I heard of his escapade with Nie Mingjue.”
Lan Xichen coughs and looks sheepishly at his Uncle.
“As I was saying,” Sect Leader Lan continues with a little frustrated huff, “The ceremony didn’t work as anticipated. We asked for the link to form, and joined hands, and the symbol began to change and then it became unstable. We tried to break apart, but could not move.” Jin Ling is watching, and he can’t resist leaning over to pet him again, regret filling his heart that he had not found the strength to share any of these stories previously. Much as they hurt, as deeply as they cut to remember, Jin Ling deserved to know about his parents, and he had shared so little. “My sister had insisted on being present at the ceremony, and no one could gainsay her. When she saw what was happening, she stepped forward and put her hands on top of ours, and the link switched to her.”
“She was the Jiang Sect heir.” Jin Ling whispers.
“Yes. The only other Jiang Sect blood member left.” He runs his thumb over Jin Ling’s cheek. “The Jin witnesses were very unhappy that they lost their chance at access to Jiang Sect secrets.” A short laugh, almost like a bark escapes. “They spent the afternoon together, their souls exchanged. By the time they were married, Madam Jin would joke that A-Jie could read Jin Zixuan’s thoughts so clearly that he didn’t need to speak. I am sure part of that came from her experience with the Sect Knot, and the way people addressed them that afternoon.”
“So the last time the ceremony took place, members of the Jiang and Jin sect took part. What went wrong this time?”
“Apart from the fact you had no idea what the box was or the danger it posed?”
The words come from Sect Leader Jiang and Jin Ling’s eyes widen.
“Jiujiu?”
“Sorry, brat.” Sect Leader Lan says with a conciliatory smirk. “It appears that you have frustrated even the Lans to overt annoyance.”
“He has been taught by the best,” Sect Leader Jiang adds and shifts his gaze to his two junior disciples across the table. “You must have been touching over the box when this happened?”
Lan Jingyi blushes a little. “We were umm discussing the box and our hands may have met.”
“Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi were yelling at each other and fighting for control of the box.” Lan Sizhui corrects a little grimly. “You each had one hand on the box, and the other was flailing at each other just so.” He demonstrates with a flailing hand, like a large cat attempting to bat away an annoying toy.
“Well that accounts for the touching.” Lan Qiren muses. “What did you say? You must have said something to cause the exchange?”
“I don’t remember,” Jin Ling blurts out and Lan Jingyi briefly looks like he is going to be sick all over the table.
“Sizhui.” Sect Leader Jiang says.
“I am not certain I remember precisely what was said,” he hedges, avoiding looking at anyone directly and attempting to radiate Lan serenity.
“Then you should start with what you do remember,” Sect Leader Lan says.
Sizhui casts a frantic apologetic glance at both of his friends and then tries a last ditch attempt at deflection. “They were both drinking Lotus wine!”
“Noted.” Lan Qiren says. “Do continue.”
Lan Sizhui realises the inexorable conclusion is upon them, and winces. “Jin Ling said that Sect Leader Jiang was the best sect leader ever, and Jingyi said he wished that his uncle was half as good as Zewu-jun, and Jin Ling said no one would dare compare themselves to Yunmeng Jiang and Gusu wished that their Sect Leader knew what it was like in Yunmeng, and Jingyi said Cloud Recesses would win that dare, and that is when the box started to glow with a purple Yunmeng Lotus and a blue Gusu Cloud, and then it sparked red, yellow and green and kind of pushed us away.”
Sect Leader Lan buries his face in his hands, and Sect Leader Jiang stares in horror. “You could all have died!” He yells at them.
Lan Qiren pales, and his hands start to shake. “The Jin Sect Leader, and two Lan disciples killed at Lotus Pier, while Sect Leader Jiang slept in his own room. You must be more careful.” He wills his hands to stop shaking. “You are young, we understand that. There are things that we have not shared with you yet, or have not realised you need to know, so this falls upon us as well. You found this in a chest of Jin Guangyao’s effects, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” Jin Ling mumbles. “Everything else was sealed with talismans, or had notes attached to it. So I thought this box was just empty and harmless.”
“If it was harmless, he would have kept it separately.” Sect Leader Jiang says grimly as Sect Leader Lan nods.
“I ordered for the room beyond the mirror to be thoroughly catalogued.” Sect Leader Lan says, and across the room Zidian sparks for the first time. “I should have known that little rat bastard had more secrets hidden away in his lair.”
“Let us help you this time,” Sect Leader Jiang says. “We can send scholars from Gusu, and Wanyin can send experts from Yunmeng to help you evaluate everything, and check for danger, and make things safe. You can trust us to help you with this. We have no reason to seek a different leader in Lanling Jin.”
Jin Ling nods twice, jerkily, then says “please.”
“He does trust you. He does believe your words. If he didn’t the exchange wouldn’t have worked, and they would have died in the backlash.” Lan Qiren narrows his eyes at the three youngsters. “The reason why the box wasn’t labelled is because Jin Guangyao assumed it could not work, and discarded it until he had any future need of it. Young Master Jin here is the only living blood heir in his generation. No one else is of similar standing. Wangji is the only blood heir of the preceding generation, and as Hanguang-jun and the Current Chief Cultivator he was beyond reach.” Jin Ling nods his head in automatic frantic agreement. “You hold both Jin and Jiang blood in equal measure, but you are the Jin Sect Leader. Jingyi has neither Jin nor Jiang blood, but the blood of the Lan clan flows within him. When the Sect Knot searched, it found a young man who was the leader of a sect praising his uncle as the leader of another, and found that they shared blood. If you had not been touching Jingyi, whose blood called to the box as a Lan representative, you might have succeeded in exchanging with Sect Leader Jiang, or more likely, have become a lost soul as the box sought an equivalent host.”
Sect Leader Lan opens his mouth to protest, but Lan Qiren waves him to silence. “He is the Jin Sect Leader but he is also your blood heir to Yunmeng Jiang, isn’t he? Wanyin?”
Jiang Wanyin nods. “Yes.”
“The Sect Knot demands certain protocols, and its limits were never deliberately tested according to our records. Perhaps if Wen Ruohan had tried to use with either of his sons, we would have had a better idea of its strengths.” His fingers scratch at his chin. “The box demands equal stature and position. Jin Ling is a Sect Leader in his own right, so only a Sect Leader from one of the other Great Sects, Qinghe, Gusu, Yunmeng or Qishan would have been equivalent. The box demands the choice to take part in the exchange be freely made, but they did not follow the ceremony. It must have adjusted to include the fact it was in Yunmeng as permission from Yunmeng, and then a representative of Jiang blood and one of Lan blood freely agreed to the exchange of their Sect Leaders. If either Lan Jingyi or Lan Sizhui were officially recorded as Sect Heir, or if they shared blood with Qinghe Nie, the Sect Knot would have tried to adjust to that situation as well, and possibly it would be Sect Leader Nie sitting here in my nephew’s body.” He leaves unsaid that if there had yet been a Wen Sect Leader…
“If I break their legs, will it ensure that this never happens again?” Sect Leader Lan muses.
“Their legs didn’t activate the link, or nominate us for this adventure, Wanyin,” answers Sect Leader Jiang.
“That is true. Xichen, what do you propose?”
“I am sure we can think of an appropriate punishment once we have resolved this situation. Possibly one involving hours of handstands while copying lines and possibly refinishing the floors of each pavilion in Lotus Pier by hand?” Sect Leader Jiang rubs his forehead. “It is becoming even more disconcerting to hear my thoughts in your voice.”
“The exchange is meant to be undertaken after weeks of meditative practice,” Lan Qiren states. “I imagine if you had not been in seclusion for so long that both of you would be feeling much worse.”
“Let us resolve this,” Sect Leader Lan says grimly, and raised his hands towards Sect Leader Jiang. “We tried the ceremony as previously performed and it was unsuccessful. If the link has not formed as usual, we are going to have to forcibly break it.”
“Zidian,” Sect Leader Jiang answers.
“Yes. Zidian should force our sprits out as we did not give permission for this exchange to take place, regardless of the Sect Knot’s interpretation.”
“We will need something to act as a tether, so our spirits do not drift.” Sect Leader Jiang frowns. “If we link minds, we should at least be able to tether to one body in the worst case scenario.”
“A mind link?” Sect Leader Lan asks and Sect Leader Jiang sighs.
“Yes, it is temporary and allows us to communicate with our thoughts. There is no possibility of reading the other’s mind or intruding on their thoughts. You hear the projected words in your mind… but it is a Lan Sect technique and I am not sure if I can initiate it using your core.”
“Allow me,” Lan Qiren places two fingers against Lan Xichen’s forehead and another two against Jiang Wanyin’s. A blue glow appears as he establishes the link, using himself as a conduit, then he steps away folding the paths of blue spiritual power together.
“Wanyin?” “Xichen?” They silently ask each other, and nod.
“What color am I thinking of?” Lan Xichen asks.
“Amethyst purple,” Jiang Wanyin answers, and then silently adds, “the color of the under robe you are wearing.”
“Yes,” he answers, with a small frown and a silent admonishment to behave. “We will need to link hands over the Sect Knot, ask that the link be broken, and then strike with Zidian.”
“Jin Ling. You must wield Zidian.”
“I can’t!” He yelps. “I can’t strike the both of you with Zidian.”
“I cannot do it as long as I am in this body, and we do not know if Zidian will accept Lan Xichen’s touch. Zidian will accept you. Jin Ling, you must do this.”
“Yes, Jiujiu.” He reaches for the silver coils of Zidian, and without any warning Zidian awakes and curls over his wrist, sliding into position as if she agreed with the solution. Lan Qiren gestures for him to stand behind the two, ready to strike across their backs at his signal.
“Shall we?" Lan Xichen asks and extends his hand. Silently, Jiang Wanyin takes it in his own, and their fingers entwine.
“We ask that the Sect Knot sever the link between these Sect Leaders. They have learned and grown from this experience and the purpose is complete.” Lan Qiren looks at them “State your names, rank and purpose.”
“Lan Huan, courtesy Xichen, Sect Leader of Gusu Lan. I thank Yunmeng Jiang for allowing the link and will remember what I have learned.”
“Jiang Cheng, courtesy Wanyin, Sect Leader of Yunmeng Jiang. I thank Gusu Lan for allowing the link and will remember what I have learned.”
The box glows purple and blue, and the red flower knot blooms slowly, the loops of the knot opening.
Lan Qiren nods at Jin Ling who raises Zidian and strikes once, with a shower of purple sparks across their backs.
After the crackle of Zidian subsides, all that can be heard in the silence surrounding them is Jin Ling’s short breaths, Lan Qiren is motionless and kneeling at the table, Lan Xichen and Jiang Wanyin have not moved.
“Jiujiu?” Jin Ling finally calls.
Sect Leader Lan reacts first, pushing away from the table and pulling Sect Leader Jiang up with him. Their hands remain clasped, but Sect Leader Jiang extends his hand towards his nephew. “A-Ling,” is all he says before his nephew throws himself at his chest, hands fisting in the familiar purple robes. Lan Xichen releases him to allow him to wrap both arms around the young man who was grumpily declaring he was not crying at all, and it was all Jiang Wanyin’s fault in the first place for worrying him.
“Xichen,” is all Sect Leader Lan hears before he is engulfed in his Uncle’s embrace for the first time in decades. “Never cause me such fright again,” he demands in an undertone. Lan Xichen nods, adjusting to the fact that the last time his Uncle embraced him he was at least a foot shorter, and now he could lean his chin against the top of his Uncle’s head.
If he dared.
Which he did not.
From this angle the tendency for Lan guans to be silver and spiky seemed far more dangerous than he had realised before.
“That’s because you’ve never been on the receiving end of it. The one you wore during Sunshot was terrifying. I am sure more Wen cultivators dropped to the ground in fear of your guan than your sword.”
Lan Xichen pauses and turns towards Jiang Wanyin, who continues to hold Jin Ling protectively against him.
“Your lotus shaped guan was much more attractive than the one you have taken to wearing lately. Why not return to that other style?” He thinks carefully and clearly, and most importantly silently within his own mind.
“My hair is too long now, it needs the extra support from the -“ Jiang Wanyin trails off and meets Lan Xichen’s silent and pointed gaze over the top of Lan Qiren’s head. “We are still linked?”
“Yes.”
“Well this could be interesting.”
“Let us not share that problem with the others yet. I think one disaster per day is all we can endure.”
“You mistake my meaning, Xichen. I said it could be interesting, not that is is a problem. Although I agree that today has been rather exhausting for all of us.”
“Zewu-jun? Sect Leader Jiang?” Lan Sizhui calls from a short distance away, eyes averted from the emotional display. Lan Xichen feels a surge of affection for this boy who cares deeply enough to understand and protect the pride of his friend and seniors. “It is hours since they would have served the meals in the dining halls. May Jingyi and I go to the kitchens and bring back enough meals for all of us?”
“You may.” Sect Leaders Lan and Jiang say simultaneously. Sizhui nods and kindly once more ignores the awkward silence that follows. With a firm hand on Jingyi’s sleeve he tugs him out the door, as they go in search of food.
By the time they return, Lan Qiren has been stationed once more before the tea service and been plied with a fortifying cup by his nephew. Jin Ling has cried himself out until his eyes are red and puffy and he looks so much like Jiang Yanli that Jiang Wanyin can’t stop himself from sharing that information with him. Which causes him to cry just a little more.
Finally, after enough food has been eaten, and enough theories have been shared and words said that there is little left to say, tiredness begins to creep across the room. When Lan Qiren barely manages to hide a yawn and abruptly stands up, Lan Xichen seizes the opportunity to suggest everyone would benefit from rest and meditation, given the emotional upheaval of the day, and Lan Qiren agrees as he herds the three young cultivators out the door with him.
"Am I included in this general suggestion to leave?” Jiang Wanyin asks, from his place at the table.
“No,” Lan Xichen answers and reaches out to him. Jiang Wanyin hesitates and then extends his own hand, shaking a little as their fingers curl around each other.
“I am glad to see you,” Lan Xichen says gently, calmly, with just a hint of enough raw honesty that Jiang Wanyin understands. “Your letters have helped me immeasurably during my seclusion. They have given me hope and guidance and perspective and a window into the world outside. I do not understand why you reached out to me, but you have my gratitude for doing so.”
“I was returning the favour,” Jiang Wanyin answers a little gruffly. “You do not remember it, but after Nightless City you wrote me letters every second week. You told me how things were progressing in the Cloud Recesses, what was happening in Qinghe and Lanling and always inquired if I was ready for visitors. You promised to come as soon as I was ready.”
“You never were. You never invited me to Lotus Pier again.”
“No.” Jiang Wanyin hesitates. “Your letters gave me hopes, and perhaps in my loneliness and isolation and under the weight of the situation I misread things. I began to hope that perhaps - perhaps you felt the same things I did. Then, your letters became ever fuller of news about Nie Mingjue and the time you were spending with Jin Guangyao at Koi Tower. He married and had a son, and still you shared so much of his life, and I felt foolish. I began to address my letters to Grand Master Qiren and hoped you would notice.”
“I noticed.” Lan Xichen offers, eyes glistening with melancholy. “I assumed my letters were a bother, and did not wish to disturb you if you truly did not wish my company.” He squeezes the fingers curled around his own gently, and the answering squeeze gives him hope. “We have both been foolish, have we not?”
“Perhaps not as foolish as our brothers, but their example is not one to copy.” Jiang Wanyin hesitates. “Lan Wangji waited for him for years, even after death. I would prefer not to follow his example.”
“Agreed.” Lan Xichen leans forward and presses a soft kiss against his forehead, a promise, as warmth spreads across his own face. “We have time, and we have responsibilities, but I wish to also have you in my life in whatever capacity you desire.”
Jiang Wanyin raises an eyebrow and makes a valiant attempt at a smirk. “Will you allow me to share your bed tonight?”
“You woke up there this morning, did you not? I would be a poor host to offer you a different bed if you were comfortable in mine.” With a graceful sweep of robes, Lan Xichen rises and Jiang Wanyin follows him. “If you wish to share my bed, it shall be so.”
“Those robes are the true source of your reputation for grace.”
“They do indeed help,” Lan Xichen agrees and swishes his sleeves teasingly against Jiang Wanyin’s cheek in demonstration.
Jiang Wanyin catches his hand, and holds him still. “One thing I want to make clear.” He reaches up, and places his fingertips beside the ribbon wrapped around Lan Xichen’s head. Lan Xichen tilts his head in enquiry, as Jiang Wanyin speaks deep within his mind. “Your uncle tied your ribbon this morning. He insisted that even if your hands were still your hands, that it was inappropriate.”
“Uncle was correct,” Lan Xichen answers silently, with a fond smile. “It would have been inappropriate for you to tie my ribbon without my presence.” He tilts his head further, and Jiang Wanyin shifts to cradle his cheek, and run his thumb along the sharp cheekbone. “I want to be present when you tie my ribbon for the first time.” Lan Xichen turns his head further into Jiang Wanyin’s hold, and presses his lips softly against his hand.
“We will make our own rules, and our own decisions. We will take a much time as we need as we answer to no one else.”
“As you wish,” Jiang Wanyin breathes out quietly in answer.
“Only if you wish the same,” Lan Xichen answers, and pulls him gently through the door towards his bed.