They take a break for lunch, though no one feels like eating. The rule of no talking is naturally followed, because everyone is too shocked by what these children have told them so far, and instinctively, they know things are going to get worse.
When the dishes are put outside for collection and everyone is feeling sufficiently hydrated, they settle down again to resume the children's recollections.
"I can't believe what you went through," Cangse Sanren says, finally breaking her rare silence. "It was so brave of Wen Qing and Wen Ning to do what they did. Every time I think about it, my heart breaks for them and for you. Both of you," she adds, looking at Lan Zhan. "It's so fucked up. Looking at it from the outside, it seems so clear cut, but the Cultivation world of that timeline built their thrones on a bed of swords, thinking they would escape being stabbed by their own weapons. How naive!"
"I do not know what you're going to tell us now," Wei Changze says, holding his arms open for his son, and smiling sadly when Wei Ying throws himself into them, burying his face under his father's chin, "but I wish to tell you that I'm proud of you. Those circumstances would have made anyone give up, just stop trying to make a difference. But you didn't. You stood up for what was right, and who knows? Maybe that's why the Universe decided to give us all another chance? No one deserves to suffer like that, and I am truly sorry that we could not save you from what happened to you. But the sacrifices you made should be recognised, and as such, I am bowing to both of you. It is not out of simple gratitude alone, but because of the extent of your suffering."
Wei Changze squeezes Wei Ying tightly before planting him in front of both himself and his wife, and they bend to show their respect. Immediately, Wei Ying cries out in alarm and lifts them up out of it, hugging them fiercely.
"This is just as bad," he says vehemently, making them laugh through their tears.
"It is a testament to good principles and being brought up well by his parents that Wei Ying is such an upstanding person," Lan Zhan says, smiling smugly when Wei Ying wails that he's not allowed to gang up on him with them.
"You're supposed to be on my side," he shouts at Lan Zhan, who hugs him in return.
"I am, and always will be. If Wei Ying allows it." Lan Zhan promises.
He bends so that their foreheads join, his headband making an imprint on Wei Ying's smooth, soft skin. Lan Zhan kisses him there, ignoring the cooing noises Cangse Sanren is making behind them.
"Always." Wei Ying whispers, blushing hard and fully aware of his parents behind them.
"Is it possible that an Acting Sect Leader could go into seclusion?" Lan Qiren murmurs, earning a gasp from Lan Huan, who immediately climbs into his lap as if to keep him here.
"Then who will do your job, Qiren?" Cangse Sanren says cheerfully, smiling at him. He's clearly in shock and going through the trauma induced by the kids. She understands, but she's not letting him off lightly.
"I don't understand how you can joke about it. About what they went through." His voice is thick, heavy with his emotions.
"I have to joke about it," she says, suddenly serious, her eyes damp, "because you don't want to see how I'll cope with it, otherwise."
They share a moment, and somehow reach an understanding.
"A-Huan, don't worry. He won't abandon you, too." She tells XiChen firmly, as though she can decide for Lan Qiren.
"Of course not. Their father-" Lan Qiren catches himself quickly before a criticism of his beloved older brother slips out from his lips.
"I thought so." Cangse Sanren continues, quietly. "People cope with trauma in all sorts of ways, and who are we to decide for them which way is best? So let's brace ourselves, and get ready to listen. But I think you might want to declare another day of rest tomorrow, just in case." She winks at him.
