The atmosphere in the Cloud Recesses was tense as Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and the juniors returned from the cave. The remnants of the earlier adventure still lingered in the air, a mix of excitement and apprehension, but they all knew they had to report what they had experienced.
Lan Wangji led the way, his expression focused as he guided them through the familiar pathways of the sect. Wei Wuxian fell into step beside him, a whirl of thoughts racing through his mind. What had they really seen? And what did it mean?
As they approached the main hall, the elders were already gathered, their expressions serious. Wei Wuxian felt a twinge of unease settle in his stomach. The mood was heavier than he had anticipated, and he knew that what they were about to share would weigh on everyone.
“Elders,” Lan Wangji said, his voice calm yet firm. “We have encountered something unusual.”
The elders turned their attention toward them, curiosity piqued. The head elder, a wise man with a long white beard, gestured for them to continue. “Speak.”
“We discovered an ancient incense burner in a cave near the mountains,” Lan Sizhui explained, his voice steady despite the nerves visible in his eyes. “When we lit the incense, it produced visions… some beautiful, some unsettling.”
The elders exchanged glances, and the air thickened with tension. Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, stepping forward to elaborate. “The visions showed us events from the past—battles, victories, losses. But then… it shifted to something darker. It felt as if it was warning us.”
The head elder leaned forward, his expression serious. “What do you mean by darker?”
“The visions seemed to depict chaos and despair,” Wei Wuxian replied, trying to convey the intensity of what they had experienced. “It was as if something terrible was coming, and it involved our sect. We felt a strong urgency to inform you.”
A murmur ran through the gathered elders, and Wei Wuxian could see concern etched on their faces. “We must investigate further,” the head elder finally said. “Such artifacts can be powerful and dangerous. We must not underestimate their influence.”
“What should we do?” Lan Wangji asked, his voice steady as always. “Should we seek out the cave again?”
The head elder nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, but with caution. Gather a group of skilled cultivators. We will need to protect ourselves if the visions are indeed a warning.”
As plans were made for the next day’s expedition, Wei Wuxian felt a sense of foreboding settle over him. He could sense that whatever darkness was hinted at in the visions, it was not something they could easily dismiss. He glanced at Lan Wangji, who remained resolute, a pillar of strength even in the face of uncertainty.
After the meeting, the group dispersed, and Wei Wuxian found himself lingering near the entrance to the hall. He watched as Lan Wangji spoke with some of the elders, their heads bent in serious discussion.
“Hey, Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian called, trying to lighten the mood. “Want to grab some food? I’m sure we could use some sustenance before diving into danger again!”
Lan Wangji looked up, his expression softening slightly at Wei Wuxian’s playful tone. “Food will help keep your strength up for tomorrow.”
“That’s the spirit!” Wei Wuxian grinned. “Let’s go. Besides, I think I could eat my weight in food after today’s excitement.”
They made their way to the kitchen, and as they entered, the familiar smell of cooking filled the air. Disciples were bustling about, preparing dinner, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Wei Wuxian felt a sense of comfort in the kitchen, as if it were a refuge from the looming dangers outside.
“Look! They have dumplings!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. He made a beeline for the food, filling his plate with the delicious treats.
Lan Wangji chuckled softly, watching Wei Wuxian indulge. It was moments like these that reminded him why he had chosen to be by Wei Wuxian’s side—the joy and light he brought into even the most serious of situations.
After they filled their plates, they found a quiet corner of the kitchen to sit and eat. The warmth of the food was comforting, and for a brief moment, they were able to forget the weight of the day.
“Do you think the visions were real?” Wei Wuxian asked between bites, his expression thoughtful.
Lan Wangji considered this, his brows furrowing slightly. “The incense burner is powerful. It can show us glimpses of the past or warnings for the future. But we must not let fear dictate our actions.”
“Easy for you to say,” Wei Wuxian replied, leaning back with a sigh. “You’re always so calm and collected. I’m the one who tends to jump into things without thinking.”
“You also bring light into darkness,” Lan Wangji said softly, his gaze steady. “That is not something to be taken lightly.”
Wei Wuxian felt a warmth spread through him at Lan Wangji’s words, and he smiled. “You always know how to make me feel better, don’t you?”
Lan Wangji merely nodded, his expression serene.
As they finished their meal, the atmosphere shifted again, the weight of the upcoming expedition creeping back into their thoughts. “What if the visions were warning us of something specific?” Wei Wuxian pondered aloud. “What if we need to prepare for something we don’t even know about?”
Lan Wangji’s expression turned serious. “Then we must be ready for anything. We will gather our allies, and together we will face whatever comes.”
With a sense of determination, they cleared their plates and headed back to their respective rooms to prepare for the next day’s expedition. Wei Wuxian sat on his bed, contemplating the visions they had seen, wondering what awaited them in the cave. The pull of the unknown tugged at his heart, a mix of fear and excitement.
The night deepened, and as he lay in bed, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something monumental was on the horizon. He glanced out the window, watching the stars twinkle in the night sky, each one a reminder of the vast universe and the mysteries it held.
“Whatever it is,” he whispered to himself, “we will face it together.”
With that thought, he closed his eyes, allowing the comforting presence of Lan Wangji’s strength to fill his mind as he drifted into a restless sleep, the echoes of their adventure still lingering in his dreams.
YOU ARE READING
Mischief in Gusu
Historical FictionSummary: When a mishap with the Mysterious Incense Burner transforms Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian into three-year-old toddlers, chaos ensues in the Cloud Recesses. The usually serene and disciplined Gusu Lan Sect is turned upside down as the two tiny...
