Entropy (WANGXIAN FanFic)

8 - Breakfast With The Lans

Wuxian managed to get a decent amount of sleep that first night in The Jingshi. He fell asleep about five minutes after his head hit his pillow. Even though he slept at the normal 9 P.M. he woke up at about 2 A.M. He didn't have a bad dream per-say, but it was not pleasant either. His sleep was peaceful until he saw a visual of himself falling. Falling into complete darkness, swirls of resentful energy welcomed him and collected him so he wouldn't break when he hit the ground. The sudden crash into the ground caused Wuxian to shoot up in his bed. He was drenched with sweat and he could barely keep his breathing steady.

He took a deep breath and turned to face the open space of the Jingshi. Of course there was a divider between him and Wangji, so he could not tell if he accidentally woke him up or not. To calm himself, he adjusted himself and sat in a lotus position to meditate. A sudden nudge caused Wuxian to remove himself from his peaceful meditation. When he opened his eye, he saw Lan Zhan standing before him.

"Sorry to disturb you," Lan Zhan said, "I let you meditate as I normally meditate for an hour after I wake, but breakfast is being served at the dining hall."

"Oh, it's fine, I've been meditating for a while anyway. Plus I am starving," Wuxian said as he stood up gathering Chenqing and Suibian.

"How long?" Lan Zhan asked as he grabbed his sword Bichen*.

"I am not sure, sometime in the middle of the night," Wuxian answered as he followed Wangji out and to the dining hall, "Probably a few hours at the most. If I lack sleep or have bad dreams, meditation helps me a lot. I sometimes have a habit of falling back to sleep while meditating."

"You had a bad dream last night?" Wangji asked in concern.

"It wasn't bad, but it wasn't nice either. All I remember is that I was falling from very high up. Before I hit the ground, resentful energy grabbed me and made sure I didn't hit the ground too hard. I woke up as soon as I hit the ground," Wuxian explained.

"Do your dreams show you a glimpse of what is to come?" Wangji asked.

"Ugh, not that I know of," Wuxian said as they entered the dining hall, "We can talk about it later. As I am told, dining in Cloud Recesses is quiet."

Wangji nodded. Wuxian stood there and watched Wangji take a seat next to his brother and sect leader, Lan Xichen, or Zewu Jun as many call him. His uncle, Lan Qiren, or Grandmaster Lan, was seated on the other side of Zewu Jun. As Wuxian stood there, he caught Lan Zhan glancing at him and waved him over. Wuxian became a bit nervous.

He had heard stories about Lan Qiren. He is known to be a virtuous and prestigious elder in the GusuLan Sect. People would often describe him as a perfectionist, stubborn, and a strict teacher who produced outstanding students. Knowing only that information alone, it made Wuxian anxious. Wuxian took a deep breath and made his way over. When he approached the table he bowed at them and Wangji grabbed Wuxian and forced him to sit.

"A bit aggressive, huh, Lan Zhan," Wuxian mumbled quietly.

"What did you call me?" Lan Zhan Asked and looked at Wuxian.

"Uh, Lan Zhan," Wuxian said in a teasing kind of way, "If you don't like me calling you that, you can call me Wei Ying. Did we not discuss this already?"

Wangji rolled his eyes and turned to his meal. Wuxian chuckled and started eating his meal as well. He could definitely say that the food was as bland as people said it was. Food was good though, he didn't like it but he tolerated it. As he ate, he felt like people were watching him. He slowly looked up and scanned the room. Some disciples seemed to be shocked that Wei Wuxian was sitting here, and some seemed to mind their own business. Wuxian then casually scanned those who he was sitting with. Lan Qiren every once in a while, glanced at him in curiosity but also somewhat of a scowl. Wuxian just ignored it.

He then caught a glimpse of Zewu Jun. Zewu Jun gave a nod to Wuxian and gave him a gentle smile. Wuxian could tell that Zewu Jun was a very kind man. Wuxian managed to get a good glance at his character. He was tall and slender and bears a strong resemblance to his younger brother. His eyes are gentler and darker than Lan Wangji's and Lan Xichen's face usually bears a smile, while Lan Wangji remains stoic. Wuxian could see why Lan Xichen ranked as the most handsome young master in the cultivation world, with Lan Wangji ranking second.

Something that Wuxian also knew of Zewu Jun was how treats everyone with the same courtesy regardless of status. He tends to wear a smile on his face, and is polite to everyone he meets. To Zewu Jun, he seems to believe that most people act with good intentions despite their actions. Wuxian did not like the not talking while eating rule. He would love to speak with the two other Lan's that sat with him and Wangji. He had to get past that. Once the food was gone though, people still had time before the greeting ceremony so they allowed other disciples to talk among themselves.

"Young Master Wei," Zewu Jun gently called out, "how was your first night? I trust my brother did not give you a hard time."

Wuxian shook his head and let out a chuckle, "Your brother was fine," Wuxian answered, "We had some time to talk about some things of course. He just wanted to know my background a little bit."

"I imagine you have a similar personality to your mother," Lan Qiren stated, it almost seemed as if he was already annoyed with Wuxian.

"From what my Grandmother has told me, she was a very mischievous but kind person. She did not stick to status or rules," Wuxian stated, "Although I do not remember much about her, I still remember the last time I saw her."

Lan Qiren gave me a stern look, "and what might that be?"

"Well, aside from witnessing how my parents died, I remember there was one good memory I remember. I was sitting on a donkey and my parents were on either side. All I remember is having a nice time, smiling and laughing," Wuxian answered and found himself holding back tears.

"I am sorry," Lan Qiren stated. Wuxian looked at him slightly shocked. He was not expecting an apology, "I did not know you were there when your parents died."

"It is alright," Wuxian said, "Because of them though, I want to follow their legacy, assist the weak, curb the violent, and have a clear conscience."

"That's a good legacy to follow," Zewu Jun said, "if you do not mind me asking, how did your grandmother allow you to leave?"

"She had two others come along with me, they are staying at an inn at Caiyi Town for now until they find a place for the time being. They are here only to make sure that I am behaving and have someone familiar nearby," Wuxian answered.

"Do you misbehave often?" Zewu Jun was the one who asked. Wuxian was actually expecting Grandmaster Qiren to ask that question.

"At home yes, when I am out of the mountain, no," Wuxian answered, "My grandmother usually gives me a hard time if I goof around in public."

"I see," Zewu Jun smiled. Wuxian could tell Zewu Jun knows that Wuxian is going to be an interesting companion for his brother.

"Well, I am going to make my way to the ceremony," Wuxian said standing up and gave them a bow, "I am sure we will speak again soon."

Wangji watched Wuxian walk out of the dining hall, "Brother, I will head out as well," He said standing.

"I have a feeling Young Master Wei is already to your liking," Xichen teased his brother.

Wangji felt his ears start to heat up as they started to turn pink, "Ridiculous," he said with a huff and walked out at a quick pace. Xichen couldn't help but laugh at his brother.

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Bichen - 避尘 bìchén – lit. to avoid dust; to avoid worldly matters; with a thin, nearly transparent blade gives the impression of a lightweight sword, it is actually strong enough to cut through iron and heavy enough for non-cultivators to be unable to wield it. The blade exudes an air of ice and snow and a light blue glare when drawn. It is capable of unsheathing a few inches without Lan Wangji's touch

Zewu Jun *- 泽芜君 Zewu-jun, Lan Xichen's title, has a really rough time in translation; I've seen it translated as "Brilliance Overgrowth Lord" or "The Lord of Munificent Waters"