Meet Me Halfway

Arc 2 - Step by step

A/n - I'm sorry for the slow update. Finally I can publish this chapter... enjoy the story. 😊

Caiyi Town as beautiful as he can
remember. It's the third town that he always revisit.

Looking around, he smiles softly reminiscing as he was minding his steps following his adopted siblings.

"Since someone insisted on coming early, should we look for a room first?" Jiang Cheng suggested as he glared at Wei WuXian.

"A-Cheng, don't tease A-Xian like that. Yes, we should find a room or two." Jiang YanLi, their elder sister smiling in amusement at her brothers antics. They always have an argument here and there. But, if one of them in trouble or something similar, the other will be the first to react.

Their way of communication had been established ever since they were very small. Jiang YanLi was their witnessed as they first reconcile after first misunderstanding. Wei WuXian as the elder most of the time will relent or quickly apologize to Jiang Cheng.

Jiang YanLi usually reprimanded both of them, whenever they have an argument that might escalate to worst situation. Because no matter how the situation was explained, once reach Madam Yu, Wei WuXian will be facing the brunt of it.

.
.
.
.

Finally they have arrived at the foot of Gusu mountain. There still a long way up the staircase they needed to hike, but that's all new experience each need to go through. Wei WuXian excitedly lead their group, halfway up through the mountain.

Jiang YanLi called for him to join the others of the group, to rest under the ancient magnolia, but as he approached them, out of nowhere he's surrounded by fog. He took another few steps cautiously, and the fog clears out but instead of his siblings and Jiang Sect's junior disciples, there're two people in white robes with light blue intricate clouds design weaved into their front outer layer clothes and forehead ribbon around their forehead.

They're standing under the blooming magnolia flowers, admiring them in silent. Wei WuXian take another few steps and both turns to look at him. While the younger person smile widely, the elder person unchanging, but there's glow of happiness in those golden brown eyes and he hold out his right hand as an invitation.

'Aren't they beautiful?' asked the younger person excitedly.

'Yes, they are ... the fragrance also very sweet.' I answered in awe.

'Hnn,'

'I'll excuse myself first and let Master Lan know we're already here,' the younger man left and I was pulled into the elder person's arms. Startled by the sudden movement, I braced myself with my hands. The hasty placement of my hands on his lower torso made me flushed in embarrassment. Those abdomen intriguingly nicely packed.

I looked up to see better, but the other's face was too near and a second later, my lips was claimed. My eyes widened in surprised, then closes as my senses overwhelmed me. An arm around my waist and a hand supporting my head prevents me from falling down in a heap as my knees gone weak.

It's a new feeling for my physic but familiar for my soul to cherish it. I'll do anything to preserve the moment if I could. It's heartwarming and nostalgic.

Totally unprepared for such memory to hit him, Wei WuXian unaware that he had fall unconscious and his adopted siblings rushing towards him while anxiously calling his name.
.
.
.
.

The sound of flute fleetingly echoing amongst the trees surrounding the mountain, made Lan XiChen hastily walk out of Hanshi.

'Who is that?' Wondered Lan XiChen as the flute keep being blew.

Following the flute melody, Lan XiChen arrived at the waterfall on the east of Gusu mountain. Standing on the flat rock near the waterfall, with his back straight, was the person that Clan Leader Lan been looking for.

As the cloud was covering the full moon, Lan XiChen unable to see the figure clearly. Slowly approach to avoid making too much noise, Lan XiChen observe the person.

'It's one of the new guest disciples!' he finally recognise the crimson red ribbon that fluttering in the wind. He remembered the slight commotion that occurred because of his arrival in unconsciousness.

"That was very beautiful," appraised Lan XiChen once Wei WuXian lowered his flute.

"Clan Leader Lan XiChen, I'm Wei Ying, courtesy name Wei WuXian. It is an honour to be praised by you."

"Wei WuXian ... You're senior disciple of YunMeng Jiang Sect."

"Yes, I'm hopeful to learn more while in Cloud Recesses,"

"I'm sure that you will. Although we're very strict with rules, unlike Jiang Sect," Lan XiChen encouraged him with light reminder.

"I'm sure I can manage." Assured the young man convincingly.

"If I'm not imposing ... I was wondering the reason you arrived unconscious," for a while, Lan XiChen thought he was being ignored and he prepared to leave until a soft voice reached him.

"Do you mind to spend some of your time with me?"

"You seems troubled by something, Young Master Wei," observed Lan XiChen, getting himself comfortable.

"Do you know of the magnolia tree by the stream?"

"Yes, most outsider will take rest there before continue their journey up or down the mountain," confirmed Lan XiChen, wondering the real issue this young man have.

"Our group stopped by, but as I went to join, suddenly there's this fog in front of me. I saw two people, both with Gusu Lan forehead ribbon. They're admiring the blooming magnolia. I can't say I saw their faces, but I know in my heart they're familiar."

"Do you know their name?" Asked Lan XiChen curiously.

"That's the dilemma I'm having ... I knew I have never meet them, but they felt too familiar ... it sounds silly, right?" Wei WuXian trying to laugh it off, but his voice cracked slightly in the end.

"Are you feeling alright now?" asked the Clan Leader, feeling concerns like he was actually talking to his younger brother, instead of a disciple from another sect.

"I'm sorry that I've taken your time only to talk about some silly things, Clan Leader Lan."

Lan XiChen shakes his head to protest, "Those are not silly things, there must be a reason," advised Lan XiChen optimistic.

______________________________________

Published (774)

Revised (899)

Re-edit (19/10/2021)
1040 words