The Untamed (Season 2)

Chapter 23

Wei Wuxian's P.O.V

It's my birthday, yes! The Yiling Patriarch is celebrating another year, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement as I embrace the inevitable passage of time.

Earlier, Lan Zhan had been instructed by Zewu Jun to convene a meeting with the other Sect Leaders. He suggested I take some time to wander around, and I readily agreed. In a playful moment, I leaned in and kissed Lan Zhan before pulling the younger cultivators away from his serious demeanor.

As we strolled through the bustling streets, a particular restaurant caught my eye. A large poster displayed outside had a striking image that made me do a double take. Wait—hold on a second. That's my name!

"Happy Birthday to the Yiling Patriarch," it proclaimed. A wave of warmth washed over me. I couldn't believe it—so many people actually remembered my special day! Giggling with joy, I continued to meander about with Jingyi, Sizhui, and Wen Ning by my side. Although my relationship with Jin Ling has been rocky lately, I chose to set those concerns aside, reveling in the festive atmosphere.

While browsing a quaint little shop, I decided to buy a new hair clip to celebrate. As I searched the display, I noticed Sizhui, my dear disciple, looking unusually downcast. Concerned, I snapped my fingers to catch his attention. "Are you okay?" I asked, tilting my head to get a better look at him.

"Y-yes, Master Wei," Sizhui stammered, quickly straightening his posture. But I could see through his façade; something weighed heavily on him. After all, he was dating Jin Ling, and I knew their relationship had its complexities.

Still, I didn't press him for details. I've learned over time that sometimes it's better to let things be, especially since my own energy was starting to wane. Today was meant to be joyful, after all.

I turned to Wen Ning and asked him what he wanted, and after a moment of thinking, he shyly admitted that he was craving some snacks. Understanding his simple desire, I decided to treat him and picked up a variety of goodies that I hoped he would enjoy.

Next, I approached the two junior disciples, curious about their wishes. They exchanged glances before one finally spoke up, expressing a need for new hair brushes, their current ones having seen better days. With a smile, I obliged and bought them each a brand-new hairbrush, all courtesy of Lan Zhan's generous funds, which made me chuckle to myself.

As we gathered our things to head back, Sizhui hesitated, then broke the silence. "Master Wei," he called out, and I stopped in my tracks, curious. "What is it, A-Yuan?" I asked, focusing my attention on him.

He bit his lip nervously and bowed slightly, his expression serious. "Can I at least see A-Ling today? I feel ready to move on," he confessed, a mix of hope and trepidation in his eyes.

I gently patted his head and let out a soft sigh. "A Yuan, I know deep inside your heart," I said, my fingers lightly tracing over his chest. "You still love him." With a playful wink and a bright smile, I watched as Sizhui's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. He quickly looked away, and the juniors erupted into laughter, joining me in the teasing.

As we made our way back to the Mansion of A Ling, I was taken aback by the sight before me. Outside, a vibrant gathering awaited, with Nie Huaisang holding a vividly lit lantern that flickered in the dim evening light. The air was filled with cheerful greetings as everyone chimed in with a heartfelt, "Happy Birthday!" My heart swelled with joy at the sight of so many familiar faces.

Glancing around the festive scene, my eyes were drawn to the long table adorned with a bountiful array of delicious foods, each dish more tempting than the last. Among the crowd, I spotted Lan Zhan, who stood quietly holding a beautifully decorated cake. My excitement surged, and I hurried over to him, my heart racing.

He looked at me with tender eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Happy Birthday again, my soulmate," he said, his voice warm and sincere.

Unable to contain my joy, I beamed up at him and leaned in for a kiss, completely unbothered by the amused glances from those around us, including the stern gaze of Master Lan Qiren. The world around us faded for a brief moment, wrapped in the warmth of our shared affection.

Afterward, I closed my eyes, made a silent wish, and blew out the candles on the cake, feeling hopeful and grateful. As the celebrations kicked off, everyone began to gather in the banquet hall, laughter and cheer filling the air as we all came together to honor my special day.