Lotus Serenade || Mo Dao Zu Shi x Reader

| 二十 |

──❝Echoes of the Unseen❞──

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As they savored their ice cream, Wei Wuxian's nose crinkled in recognition, the redolence of a familiar scent teasing his senses. Inhaling deeply, he pivoted, pinpointing the alluring aroma. "That smells like rice wine!" His fingers delicately entwined with [Y/n]'s, orchestrating a graceful ascent from her seat, guiding her with an effortless allure toward a nearby boat tethered at the quay. [Y/n]'s gaze expanded with rapt fascination, fixated on Wei Wuxian as he deftly guided her toward the shimmering vessel upon the water's surface. Taking the initial, somewhat jolting leap onto the boat, Wei Wuxian grappled with the rough undulation beneath his feet, momentarily losing balance. Extending a steadying hand to [Y/n], he assisted her as she gingerly embarked onto the small vessel. Grateful for his support, she positioned herself beside him, adjusting to the boat's motion. "Don't run so fast. You'll fall into the water!" Jiang Cheng cautioned, his tone laced with genuine concern. [Y/n] acknowledged his advice with a nod, meticulously repositioning herself on the boat and offering a wave in gratitude. "Thanks for your concern!" Wei Wuxian shouted back, employing a bamboo paddle to guide the boat away from the dock. With each stroke, the water lapped against the boat's sides, crafting a tranquil, rhythmic melody as they voyaged further along the river's course.

"A-Xian, why have you ensnared me in this quest for rice wine?" [Y/n] inquired, unfurling her ebony fan, its delicate flutter a relief against the relentless assault of the sun's searing beams. Their surroundings pulsed with oppressive heat, the air thickening with each passing moment, magnifying the stifling embrace of the climate. "Jiang Cheng is insufferably tedious. I crave a bit of merriment," Wei Wuxian retorted, tracking down the elusive rice wine amidst the surroundings. [Y/n]'s brow knitted in a fusion of amusement and exasperation, unable to stifle a snicker at his audacious proclamation. "You're truly unique," she murmured, shaking her head in incredulity. Wei Wuxian chuckled, steering the boat with the bamboo. "I know you're curious about the wine. We're far from the serene confines of Cloud Recesses." [Y/n] suppressed her laughter behind her sleeve, quipping, "Indulge in your whims, Wei Wuxian. Just make sure you don't capsize us in the process." 

"Brother, why do we have to take them with us?" Lan Wangji's voice, a low and glacial timbre, resonated through the room, each word uttered as if carved from ice and delivered with an air of stoic elegance. His eyes, like pools of liquid silver, bore into his brother's back. High above, on the arching span of a bridge, Lan Xichen stood in quiet contemplation, his eyes fixed on the horizon, a serene smile gracing his countenance. Behind him stood Lan Wangji, a stoic figure with a steadfast presence amid the scene. He continued grimly, "Fighting monsters is no joke. And the Emerald Lake monsters are creepy. It's a dangerous journey," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of caution. "Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian have a good reputation in Yunmeng. They are highly capable." Lan Xichen pivoted gracefully, his attention drawn towards his brother, and addressed him with an inquisitive tilt of his head, querying in a voice that carried a sense of gentle curiosity. "What about [Y/n]. Weren't you eager for her to join us? I was aware of the impression that you wanted Li [Y/n] to join us. You even wandered off with her. That's why I agreed," Lan Wangji's brows ascended in incredulity, his eyes expanding in sheer disbelief as he absorbed the uttered words. A labyrinthine perplexity etched across his forehead, his lips parting minutely in a state of profound astonishment. "Is that what you think?"