Fateful Turn

Jingshi

Lan Xichen stared at Wei Wuxian, totally flabbergasted. He almost fell from his sword but quickly regained himself. His mouth opened and closed as he struggled to form words. Finally, he managed to speak up. " "You...What?" He stuttered, his eyes were wide, "But...How did this happen?"

"It's a long story, Zewu-jun." Wei Wuxian trailed off, shrugging nonchalantly.

But the older man shook his head and insisted. "Well, it's a long journey ahead and we have time. Tell me how you came to lose your golden core."

Wei Wuxian sighed once more and proceeded to tell his story, explaining everything in detail. By the end of telling, his voice sounded hoarse and the rims of his eyes were red. Sacrificing his Golden Core was the hardest thing he had ever done in his life and recounting that moment only brought him unspeakable pain in the depth in his heart.

Lan Wangji pulled Wei Wuxian tighter in his hold, soothing him. Wei Wuxian relaxed slightly under the touch and the hand massaging circles into his back.

After hearing the whole story, the First Jade felt tears prickling his eyes and blinked them away. He had never thought that he would see the day that someone would willingly give their core away for him or anyone else. He then asked, "And does Sect Leader Jiang know about this?"

"No," Wei Wuxian answered, looking down at the landscape below their feet. "He doesn't need to know."

Lan Xichen looked conflicted on whether to agree or disagree with his choice, but after some thought, he settled on an unreadable expression. "Then may I suggest that, at least tell our uncle about this matter?" He suggested after a pause. "It is only fair that he should know what you went through and why you are practicing this cultivation of yours."

Wei Wuxian was quite for a while, unsure if he should heed the suggestion or not. He didn't want to complain about his hardship and he didn't want people to judge him for what he did. After all, that was how things always went for him and he just had to endure everything by himself.

Lan Xichen glanced at Wei Wuxian, sensing the turmoil within him. He understood the reluctance in his eyes, the fear of judgment and rejection. But he also knew that it was time for the truth to be revealed, for the walls of secrecy to crumble. "Young Master Wei, I believe our uncle will come to understand your situation. He might be slightly harsh but he is not that unreasonable."

Wei Wuxian agreed after a moment of pause. "Alright."

Lan Xichen nodded as he turned his attention back to steering his flying sword in the direction of Gusu Lan.

It was already evening when the trio reached the gate. The setting sun cast a warm golden glow over the mountain pass, painting everything in hues of amber and rose.

Wei Wuxian hesitated for a moment; his gaze fixed on the looming gates of Gusu Lan.

"Let's go in, Wei Ying." Lan Wangji said softly.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, summoning the remnants of his courage. He smiled at his husband, taking the hand that Lan Wangji offered. "Okay."

The sound of their footsteps echoed through the silent corridors as they made their way towards Lan Qiren's office.

Lan Qiren was gritting his teeth as he glared at the three of them, with Lan Xichen leading at the front. "Please explain." He asked, trying not to yell at. "What happened at the Qiongqi pass and why is Wei Wuxian here?"

It was evident that he already knew the answer to the second question, though, judging by how angry he looked.

Lan Wangji stepped forward first. Taking one glance at Wei Wuxian, he took a deep breath before kneeling down. "Uncle, Wei Ying and I got married."