A Means to an End (WangXian)

Fear Sows Strength

Wei Wuxian casted the incantation over Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen and quite a few of the Lan disciples. Final preparations were being made and soon, many of them would be leaving to join the indoctrination.

Wei Wuxian received a letter from Jiang Fengmian telling him that Jiang Wanyin would meeting with him towards the entrance. It is to ensure that Wei Wuxian still represents the Jiang Sect. Another reminder of who he belonged to. 

Or at least, that's how Lan Wangji felt about the letter instructing Wei Wuxian to be at the indoctrination and meet with the Jiang heir. 

Wei Wuxian finished casting the talismans, and he could feel himself relax slightly. 

At least they will have some protection.

He turned away from the group and towards the water he brought with him that was kept on the steps only a few feet away from the gate of the Cloud Recesses. He took a swig of that water, turned away from the others. No one saw his expression become queasy and quite weak. They did not see the way his hands shook or the loss of color in his cheeks.

"I expect everyone to come back in top condition. Heed what the Wen clan has to say, but do not forget our principles," Lan Qiren commented as the party heading towards the indoctrination finally gathered around. 

Lan Qiren then turned to his nephew. "Do not do anything too risky. We already know what the Wen's are planning. There is no need to put yourself or Wei Wuxian at severe risk."

Lan Wangji nodded in acknowledgment. He then turned to his elder brother. 

"We will meet you before you have slain the Xuanwu," Lan Xichen said in a gentle tone, but even Lan Wangji could hear the worry. "We will be prepared for anything that occurs and Wei-gongzi has set up a way for him to signal us if something were to go terribly wrong."

"We will be alright," he reassured his brother.

Lan Xichen only smiled gently. "I know you will be. I have faith."

Lan Wangji nodded and turned to Wei Wuxian, who was still facing away from them. 

"Wei Ying," he called and approached him slowly.

Wei Wuxian turned and smiled at Lan Wangji. "Are we ready?" he asked, but Lan Wangji saw how oddly pale he looked, sick even.

He brought the back of his hand to his forehead. "Are you feeling alright?" Wei Wuxian felt slightly cold to the touch and maybe even a bit sweaty.

"I'm alright. Those talismans just take a lot," he replied, brushing it off. "Nothing I can't handle."

"Wei-gongzi, if there is a risk to your health using that talisman, then you should have warned us," Lan Xichen cut in. "We would never have allowed you to use it on so many of us."

Wei Wuxian only shook his head. "It's no trouble. It just makes me feel a little tired, nothing extreme."

"You are about to leave on treacherous trip. You need to be in perfect health. A little tired or not, your health should have come first," Lan Qiren remarked with narrowed eyes.

Wei Wuxian chose not to respond. He didn't agree with the elder, but if there's anything he's learned, it's not to counteract their claims.

"Wei Ying. We will delay the trip," Lan Wangji commented.

Wei Wuxian's eyes widened. "What?! We can't do that! We're meant to meet with Nie Huaisang, and I have to make sure Jiang Cheng is fine!" he protested.

"You cannot travel like this."

He frowned and crossed his arms. "What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine. Besides, we won't reach the Wen Clan in one day. I'll have plenty of time to rest on the trip."