Wen Tang Changpu and Wen Qing leave the next day with little fanfare, promising to visit again before the Lan Cultivation conference. As soon as they go, Lan Qiren asks Wei Ying to replicate the freezing talisman he drew a few months ago. Wei Ying complies, already guessing why the old man wants them.
Then, Lan Qiren calls for four of his fastest sword fliers and tasks them with the mission to bring back at least four of the special leaves that provide sustenance for a year, advising them to use the freezing talismans to ensure their freshness.
They only have to wait a week, during which time Wei Ying comes up with the notion to use a battery in the containment array, using it to concentrate the amount of spiritual energy it can hoard before distributing it equally across the array. The battery means he can cut a significant portion of Cultivators out of his equation.
When the scouts return, the children are gathered and taken to a special series of buildings without any windows. Ventilation is provided through strategic holes in the walls, enough to allow a constant fluctuation of air but also to minimise distractions. This allows the occupants of the rooms to be able to cultivate and use meditation to the best of their abilities.
The children have already said a fond farewell to Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze, for once, allowing themselves to be kissed and loved unlimitedly. Now, they just have to say goodbye to Uncle Qiren.
He crouches down and offers each boy one leaf. Wei Ying's freezing talisman allowed the leaves to remain fresh and tasty, just as green as the day they were plucked from the tree.
Then he hugs A-Huan and wishes him well. If A-Huan clings to him a little longer then that's just between the two of them. A-Huan waves at everyone before entering the first room. When his door closes, Lan Qiren does the same for Xue Yang, who honestly wasn't expecting a hug and had resigned himself to a cold farewell.
"Remember, concentration is imperative. Here," Lan Qiren presses a warm finger to the centre of his body, where his dantian is, "here," he moves the finger to the centre of his forehead where the third eye is, "and here," he presses at the crown of Xue Yang's head. "It is all about learning yourself, learning how to channel your own unique brand of energy to move through your meridians and to collect at these strategic places. Think of it like a water cannon, where you need to build up the supply of water enough to be able to shoot it specifically at a target. You will know what to do next."
Xue Yang gives him two finger guns. "I like the sound of that," he grins as he saunters away, murmuring words like, "shooting" and "targets".
"That boy...far too cocky for his own good," he mutters fondly, staring until Xue Yang disappears behind closed doors.
He's become quite charmed by the young boy recently, endeared by his inquisitive nature and eager questions, though the penchant for murder is mildly disturbing. Hopefully, this secluded meditation will help him control those urges, even though Lan Qiren can understand wanting to shut people up permanently. It goes hand-in-hand with the job of being a Sect Leader, acting or otherwise.
Then he turns to the last two.
"I suppose you both will need only one room." It's a statement, not a question.
"Mn." Lan Zhan grabs Wei Ying's hand for good measure.
"We can meditate together," Wei Ying agrees.
"Someone will take your laundry and leave fresh clothes every day. There will be provisions should you need them, including water."
"Yes, Shufu."
"Yes, Shifu."
They both bow together, and that's when Lan Qiren can't take it any more. He crouches again and takes both of them into his arms, hugging them fiercely.
