Transcendent

Chapter IV: Pitfall

***A/N: I just found out that even though MXTX kind of "mixed" the ancient Chinese period in MDZS (a.k.a. not taking place during a specific dynasty), chairs seem to be rare during those periods and people usually sit/kneel on the floor (cmiiw).

It may or may not be significant, but if I ever write that there are chairs in this entire fanfic, both in previous and next chapters, I apologize. At the time I was writing this story, I had no idea. m(__ __)m

---------------

Wei Wuxian stirred in his bed. Softly, his eyelashes trembled and his eyes fluttered open. The sight of the inn's room was the first thing he saw; dim and cool as all of the windows were closed and the curtains shut tight. Still swaying in drowsiness, he remained lying, unmoving for a while. For some reason, his mind was telling him that there was something odd about his current situation.

"Strange... Last night, wasn't I...?"

Suddenly realizing the source of the bizarre inkling he felt, the half blood demon nearly jumped from his bed, yet a burning sensation on his chest halted his movements. Wei Wuxian groaned and curled, finally remembering that his body was still marred by three scalding wounds, courtesy to a vicious Qishan predator. The pain had considerably lessened compared to yesterday, however, and it was at that time he remembered his injuries had been tended to with powerful medicinal herbs.

"...That Lanzhan really didn't spare any effort when taking care of others," pursing his lips, Wei Wuxian shook his head as he mumbled to himself, "Bad Lanzhan. Here I am trying to repay you, and yet you keep adding to my debts. What am I going to do with you?"

It wasn't just about mending his injuries. He remembered that he fell asleep when Lan Wangji was still in the middle of playing Cleansing and did not wake up until this morning, hence the only plausible explanation as to how he could wake up on his bed now was that the only other person in the room must've taken him there. And if simply putting him to bed wasn't enough, he was placed in a comfortable position that would not irritate his wound and was neatly tucked under the blanket.

"Lanzhan, my dear Lanzhan. You really are too kind. What would you do if you meet someone who would take advantage of your good heart?"

Wei Wuxian sighed and shifted his sight to the pillow where his head had been resting before. The rattle drum was still there, safely hidden where he had placed it last night. It seems that Lan Wangji did not notice it when he put him to bed, thankfully, the half blood thought as he picked it up and kept the old toy safe once more. Although, even if he did, there was no guarantee that Lan Wangji still remembered about it.

"Now, then... How do I tell him about what Wen Ning said last night without making him suspicious?"

He rose from the bed and headed for a nearby window. Pulling open the curtain, he was immediately attacked by a blast of sunlight he couldn't help but avert his eyes. It was at that moment he realized that the day had grown late; the sun already up high in the sky. In what could only be called as a mad dash, Wei Wuxian quickly packed up what little belongings he brought and rushed out of the room, heading downstairs.

"Not good, not good. Lanzhan's not gonna be happy about this!"

Arriving at the restaurant on the first floor, he didn't need a long time to find the person he was looking for amidst the crowd. Dressed in Gusu Lan Sect's signature white attire and forehead ribbon, Lan Wangji's exceptionally beautiful appearance stood out so much like a precious diamond shimmering among ordinary rocks. He noticed Wei Wuxian's arrival, turning towards the stairs with the most subtle, gracious movement. When the half blood approached his table, the young cultivator looked at him without any sign of change in his expression.