Rebound

19

Today was the day we decided to try and visit Gusu. Lan Zhan and I barely had much time out of our little honeymoon to really do anything together but we had to do this. We had to talk to Lan Qiren at least. He looked as if he was at least a bit more upset about what happened, even more so at Lan Xichen than at me or Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan and I have more spiritual energy now that we are bonded and we can teleport to and from Baoshan's Mountain whenever we want.

We teleport right to the main courtyard of Cloud Recesses. We stood just a few feet away from the door of the orchid room and Lan Qiren was there. There were no disciples with him as it must be break time. He seemed very uneasy. He looked as if he had not slept well in a while. He looked lost in his own thoughts but he glanced up at us. He must have seen us moving within his peripherals.

"Wangji?" Lan Qiren questioned, "You came back?"

"Mnn, just visiting," Lan Zhan told him, "Wei Ying and I wished to sit and talk with you. Maybe work out some things."

"Come," Lan Qiren said and led us inside. He even led us into a smaller room and I could tell it was just a small space for Lan Qiren to correct students papers and relax outside of classes. We sat down at his desk and he had tea already brewed.

"Master Lan, about how we parted..." I began.

"No explanation is needed," Lan Qiren said, "I should have spoken up about it. Xichen had no right to say such things and even try to marry Wangji off to someone else. I may not like how Wangji and his father are so similar in their perspective of relationships but that isn't a bad thing either. I was still supportive of my brother in every aspect. When I saw how dedicated Wangji is towards you, especially to hide you away for so long without us noticing, I just wanted him to be happy. You spoke your truth that day and I have wronged you greatly. So, Wei Ying, I am truly sorry for my actions and behavior towards you."

"I am not really upset over you in any way," I said, "you were just doing your job as a sect member...as for Zewu Jun, his actions and words are already forgotten."

"Even so, bringing up your parents like that was not right," Lan Qiren said, "I may not have gotten along with your mother but I know she would not want to hear someone say such things to her own son."

"I appreciate that," I said.

"I take it you two have made your bows?" He asked.

"We have," Lan Zhan replied. It took him a good while for him to finally speak but I know Lan Zhan well enough now that he isn't one to talk much, "we are actually fated soul-bonds. Baoshan tested it herself."

"I can see that," Lan Qiren said, "I can also tell that you, Wei Ying have newfound energy radiating from you."

"I got my golden core back," I said, "Sect Leader Jiang might not be of use going forward anymore. Unless he can change his behavior."

"You took your core back?" Lan Qiren asked.

I nodded, "it wasn't necessary ideal but he doesn't have a single ounce of regrets towards me. I know that he and I grew up together and he should have at least tried to listen to me more clearly but he didn't."

"That is on him," Lan Qiren said.

"Shufu, Xiongzhang?" Lan Zhan asked suddenly.

Lan Qiren sighed, "he has been in seclusion since you left. That girl he brought in was wearing a disguise talisman the entire time and actually happened to be Jin Guangyao. So Xichen didn't have to say much when Jin Guangyao saw you for himself."

"I didn't expect Zewu Jun to be that upset with me to try and do something like that," I said.

"I have been trying to get more answers out of him but he refuses to talk," Lan Qiren said.

"I could have a try," Lan Zhan said, "maybe he will talk to me. I want to understand his actions more clearly."

"He might tell you," Lan Qiren said, "but I don't know if he will with Wuxian in the room too."

"I can hide away somewhere so if Lan Zhan lands in any trouble, I will be right there," I said.

"Your brother is in the cold caves," Lan Qiren told us.

"Shufu, we will visit more, but we want to clear Wei Ying's name too," Lan Zhan said, "it was only a coincidence that Jin Zixun ambushed Wei Ying that day and he so suddenly lost control and everything else happened afterwards."

"I know," Lan Qiren said, "I have to admit, Wei Ying, you are too much of a kind person to ever hurt your loved ones on purpose. Even if you didn't like someone, I know you wouldn't go as far as to kill them."

I nodded, "when I lost control at Nightless City, it was a similar situation. My control was taken away from me. I only meant to scare people not harm anyone or kill anyone. Whoever altered my orders has been hiding in the shadows while I take all their burden and blame. I have this feeling it has to do something with Jin Guangyao but I have no proof,"

"How so?" Lan Qiren asked.

"It's only a mere coincidence that he became the next in line for sect leader after the death of Jin Zixuan and Jin Zixun," I explained.

"That is true," Lan Qiren said as he stroked his beard, "I recently received a letter from an elder of the Jin Sect the Sect Leader Jin Guangshan has fallen ill. Now that you say such things, do you think Jin Guangyao would go as far as kill his own father?"

"There is no telling, but did that person say what Sect Leader Jin got sick of?" I asked.

"No, that is what worries me," Lan Qiren said.

I nodded, "I once claimed the Jin Sect was going to turn into another Wen Sect. I wanted to be wrong but now I'm not so sure."

"You may not be wrong," Lan Qiren said, "it has been a very difficult sect to deal with lately."

"Anything from Qinghe?" I asked.

"No," Lan Qiren replied.

I nodded. The conversation with Lan Qiren was greatly needed and I could tell Lan Zhan felt a bit better after seeing him. I knew that he was anxious about seeing his brother. I would be too if I were him, but I won't let him go about it alone.