A Means to an End (WangXian)

Memories

"What is the meaning of this?" Her eyes narrowed, lips set on a tight frown. 

Jiang Fengmian had a strained smile. "The Lan Sect would like to discuss the indoctrination with us."

Her lips only curled. "It is highly inappropriate to demand a meeting last minute like this. What could possibly be the importance?"

Lan Xichen stepped forward and bowed. "I apologize for the intrusion, Madam. However, what the Wens had done while our disciples were at their indoctrination was excruciating and demands our immediate attention, lest they act again," he explained.

Yu Ziyuan wanted to scoff, but held her tongue. "Very well." The group ventured off to a meeting room within Lotus Pier. A place where they could have a more private discussion. "Children should not be involved," she demanded, particularly staring daggers at Wei Wuxian as he, Lan Wangji, and Jiang Wanyin tried to follow.

The three stopped in their steps and glanced at Lan Xichen. "Wei-gongzi, I'm sure Wangji would love to be shown around Lotus Pier. Perhaps you and Jiang-gongzi could even demonstrate how training proceeds here. I am sure it is quite different than instruction in the Cloud Recesses."

Wei Wuxian got the hint and nodded. Personally, he was glad to not be part of this discussion. Being around Yu Ziyuan makes him uncomfortable enough as it is, especially knowing now that she intentionally cursed him.

"Lan Zhan! I'll show you my favorite spots!" he cheered, smile bright.

Yu Ziyuan couldn't help gritting her teeth seeing that damned brat acting so cheerfully, despite being in her presence. 

Perhaps the mutt has forgotten his place while gone.

Wei Wuxian pulled Lan Wangji in another direction, Jiang Wanyin hot on their trail.

The three continued on their journey to discuss matters more in private.

Wei Wuxian first dragged Lan Wangji to the lake where he normally would swim and steal the sweetest of lotus pods. He showed Lan Wangji how there was a hidden hole underneath the deck of the lake where he would sometimes hide so the others couldn't find him after he stole the lotus pods.

Then he showed Lan Wangji his favorite tree that he climbed all the time. He told Lan Wangji the memory he had, where he climbed too high as a child and was too scared to come down until his shijie could calm him. It became one of his favorite spots afterwards because after that night, he felt like he was fully accepted by the two siblings. Sometimes, he would sleep up there, if he had a hard time sleeping. It just brought unusual comfort to Wei Wuxian, and he cherished the memories he made here.

Next, Wei Wuxian showed Lan Wangji to the training grounds. "This is where we practice hitting kites with arrows. I've always loved challenging myself to see how far and how many I could hit in a short amount of time." He smiled at the memory. Everything was exactly like it was. The area was rich with plants and trees. Their training equipment was set up everywhere, some might even say messily. Some of the disciples were even practicing as they spoke.

Wei Wuxian stood and watched in silence, seeing how far the disciples have come since he last saw them. Many looked cheerful, making games out of their training to make it more fun, something their Shixiong had taught them a long time ago.

It seems even with Wei Wuxian gone, they tried to keep his teachings alive, despite how much Yu Ziyuan probably tried to squash it.

He continued to watch them. Their techniques had improved greatly. Many would become powerful cultivators one day.

One day.

Wei Wuxian had a bitter taste in his mouth.

There was no 'one day' for them.