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21 - Free

Ever since Shufu took the forehead ribbon and GusuLan robes, I felt as if a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I felt...free. I never knew this feeling existed. I did not want to ever lose this feeling either. Another feeling I loved was the weight of Wei Ying laying on top of me like this. His head was on my chest and his arms were wrapped around my torso. I had my left arm wrapped firmly around him with my hand rubbing his back. My right hand rested on his head, rubbing my fingers gently across his scalp and tangled within his hair. I then was humming the tune he heard from the cave.

"Lan Zhan, when I asked for the name, I did not hear you properly," Wei Ying said quietly, "can you tell me again?"

I smiled, "Wangxian."

He slowly sat up as his legs were now on either side of me. He was straddling my lap, "Wangxian?" He asked.

"Wang, for Wangji. Xian for Wuxian," I explained, "Wangxian...I wrote it with only you in my mind and my heart."

He stared at me for a good moment in pure amazement. The look he gave me was the cutest look I had ever seen. His eyes slightly widened, and his mouth gaped open slightly. He was slightly taken back by my sudden confession. Though, he knew my heart lies for him, I always liked to remind him of that.

I gently brushed my finger against his nose, "why so quiet, Bunny?" I asked him.

"Bunny?" He asked.

"Yes, my bunny...you are as cute as one, if not cuter," I said.

His cheeks started turning a light pink, "Lan Zhan," he said beginning to tease me, "my heart could burst out of my chest with all these sweet words. I do not know how much of it I can handle all at once."

I smirked, "well, I guess if it bursts out of your chest, I will have to catch it and put it back where it belongs," I said, "even if I want to hold such a treasure in my hands."

Wei Ying hung his head back as a sigh escaped his mouth. He then lifted his head back up and looked at me with a cute smile, "Lan Zhaaann?!"

I laughed and pulled him back into my chest with a warm and comforting hug, "My bunny, I have never seen you so lost for words before."

"And I have never expected so much sweet words coming out of your mouth," he said wrapping his arms around my neck, "did leaving your sect have such a big impact on you?"

I smiled softly, "I think so," I said, "I like feeling this way. It is new for me and I do not want to ever lose this feeling...feeling free and open."

"I am happy for you, Love," he said, "I would love to leave Lotus Pier with you and just become rogue cultivators with you. It sounds so nice. It was how my parents lived before they passed away, and I remember smiling with them. Remembering such an easy life. No sect rules, no conformity, and no high expectations."

"Well, why do we not do so?" I asked, "my leg is almost healed, and traveling with you sounds so nice. We could find our own way of ruining the Wen Sect."

"That sounds fun, and all too much like a dream for me. I would have to do a lot of convincing with Uncle Jiang," Wei Ying said.

"I will remain by your side for the rest of my life," I told him, "I promise you."

"You are too good for me," he said shyly.

"I think it is the other way around," I said lifting up his head by his chin, "I would do anything to be by your side. To love you, and to protect you."

His hands reached up and held my face. It was then, our lips connected. Our lips together, made it seem like they were meant to be there. His lips on mine and mine on his. Such a beautiful sweet taste of lotus seeds lingered from his tongue as it brushed against mine. A rush of warmth ran through me as our tongues swirled and clashed. A quiet moan was heard from Wei Ying as I gently bit down on his bottom lip.

"A'Xian? Lan er Gongzi?" I heard maiden Jiang Yanli day with a knock at the door. It caused me to pull away from the kiss very abruptly.

Wei Ying moved to sit beside me and snuggled into me, "come in," he said loudly. Maiden Jiang entered with Xiongzhang behind her. She had a tray with a couple bowls on it. She must have made us something to eat, which was very kind of her.

"A'Xian, I brought your favorite," she said.

Wei Ying sat up, "Lotus Root and pork ribs?" He asked.

"I even made some of Lan er Gongzi," she said handing me a bowl, "normally I make it spicy to adjust to A'Xian's preference of taste, but I made yours less spicy then his. I made it with the help of your brother who let me know how you prefer seasonings. Instead of pork though I used vegetables, as you do not eat meat that often."

"Thank you," I said taking the bowl from her, "please just call me Wangji. At the moment, I am not affiliated with the Lan Sect...a disagreement came up with Shufu and me."

"Xichen already informed me. I thank you for giving me your permission to call you by your name," she said, "call me Yanli, or if you are comfortable, call me Shijie as A'Xian would call me. After all you two are to be engaged. I think allowing you to call me your sister is acceptable at this point."

"Thank you...Shijie," I said with a slight blush wash over me.

Her and Wei Ying stared at me as I took a bite of my soup. It was as if they were curious if I liked it. It was, beyond what I expected, meaning I loved it. I can see why Wei Ying likes it. A touch of sweetness but also a good amount of savoriness.

"This is delicious, that thank you," I said.

"Now you see why it is my favorite?" Wei Ying asked.

"I do," I said and looked at my brother, "Shufu? Any news of the Wens?"

"The Wens have been quiet, which I find suspicious," Brother answered, "we have extra wards and security in place. Between the Lan Sect, the Nie Sect, and the Jiang Sect, the Wen Sect would have to really consider their course of action...as for Shufu, he will not let me see him at the moment. I will try again tomorrow when he settles down a bit."

I nodded, "Just let Shufu sulk."

"He will come around," Shijie said, "on the bright side, Father and Jiang Cheng are happy for the engagement. Mother...we have yet to hear from."

"Do not expect anything good out of her," I heard Wei Ying mumble to himself.

"What?" I asked.

"Huh?" Wei Ying questioned and looked at the three of us, "oh...it's just that Madam Yu is very stubborn and may not be as easy to persuade. She always thinks I will cause an end to the sect or loose face."

"You should have gained face by killing Xuanwu with me," I told him.

"They only thing she cares about is making sure A'Cheng is in favor," Shijie said, "she is more strict with A'Xian. She is fine with me...other than being a bit disappointed in me for not being a strong cultivator like her."

"You have your qualities, Shijie," Wei Ying argued, "you are kind, you care for the sect, and you are an amazing cook. You know medical care, and you know how to work with the children when they are in distress. You do things that your parents do not have time to do."

"I appreciate the support," Shijie said.

"I will do what I can to help out," I said, "...once my leg is fully healed."

"I will actually go get the healer for you, just to get you checked over," Shijie said taking care of our empty dishes, "are you staying, Xichen?"

"I am," he said.

"Alright, I shall return shortly," Shijie said and left the room.

Just as Brother sat down to chat, Jiang Fengmian and Jiang Wanyin, entered the room. The two wanted to check of on Wei Ying, but I did not realize how much of an interest Jiang Fengmian had over the engagement with me and Wei Ying. Though, I have always heard such decent things about Sect Leader Jiang Fengmian. I know Wei Ying talks good of him most of the time. So, I was curious as to why Jiang Wanyin was also here.