Lan Xichen sat down with Wangji and Wuxian back at The Jingshi. He placed a privacy barrier around the home so Wuxian could speak more freely. Hearing what Wangji had said earlier, he was a bit worried. Xichen heard Wangji tell Wuxian that he was not a burden and he would tell him that everyday if he had to get him to understand that. He wondered how he even caught that information though.

"Wangji, Wuxian, from what I witnessed during breakfast, I would like some sort of explanation. How did you know A'Xian was feeling troubled, Wangji?" Xichen questioned.

"I heard his thoughts," Wangji answered, "it was unintentional. I did not know I could do that...my guess is because the soul-bond is complete."

"Do you both have soul-bond marks?" Xichen asked.

"It is placed over our dantian where the core would be...we have yet to figure out how this soul-bond works," Wangji answered.

"As a soul-bond, you are connected to each other in a new way. You can sense each other's spiritual energy, their health depending on whether or not they are sick or injured, and you can sense their emotions and hear their thoughts. Once you get a grasp of it, you are able to control what thoughts you wish to share, or have a conversation with each other if you want. The danger of being bonded, your lives are connected, so if one of you dies, the other will too," Xichen explained.

"Is there a reason why our spiritual energy is blended? Like how mine used to be light blue and Wei Ying's energy used to be red, but now it is seen as purple?" Wangji asked.

"That is the blending of the spiritual energy. As you both are immortal, soulmates, and now bonded, you can share your spiritual abilities with each other. Since Wangji can block out resentment it can be used as a shield to A'Xian. That was the reason you wanted to finalize the bond. Not only to be finally married but to be able to help each other with this war that is coming," Xichen answered.

Wangji responded with a nod and turned his attention back to Wuxian, "Wei Ying, are you struggling still?" Wangji asked concerned, "please be honest with me. I will not reprimand you for it either. I never would do that to you. I just want to know why you are still having a hard time. Why are you feeling like a burden? And you called yourself selfish...why?"

Wei Wuxian shrunk into himself a little bit. Wangji did not miss that either. He sighed and pulled his husband onto his lap, "please talk to me, I cannot help you if you do not talk," Wangji said, resting his forehead on the side of Wuxian's head, by his temple.

"I do not mean to be," Wuxian answered quietly, "I am still struggling with accepting help, and asking for it...I do not know if I can go through with this war, Lan Zhan."

Wangji pulled Wuxian's head in so his face was in the crook of Wangji's neck, "I understand, but I believe in you. You are stronger than you think, Wei Ying. I won't let anyone get to you if that is what worries you."

Xichen was quite impressed with how much Wangji has improved in comforting Wuxian. To see Wangji go as far as reassuring him several times, no matter how many times he has been saying it, and then holding Wuxian like he is the most precious person in the world, it let Xichen know that Wangji has grown up quite a bit. He was very proud of his brother for how far he has come.

"A'Xian, as much as we would like it for you to come and help, we will understand if you choose not to come," Xichen told him.

"I cannot do that," Wuxian said immediately after Xichen finished his sentence, "I am not someone who will just sit by and let the world fall apart like this. I want to help, I am just scared."

"I know, it was only a suggestion," Xichen said, "I just wanted to let you know that you have that option."

Wuxian nodded and let out a sigh, "I will come."

"Alright," Xichen said with a nod, "Da-Ge will be here tomorrow to discuss our plans."

"Okay," Wuxian replied, "ugh Lan Zhan, about reading my thoughts?"

Wangji smirked, "we can talk more about it. I think we should get through this war first. I do not want to stress him out with us not being around much right now."

"Talk about what?" Xichen asked.

"Wei Ying's talk of selfishness and burdens came from thinking about asking me on adopting A'Yuan," Wangji answered. Xichen blinked a few times. He needed to take a moment to digest this information.

They were discussing adoption, for A'Yuan, Xichen questioned, internally.

"Why not?" Xichen asked after a few more seconds of silence, "I can see you two as being good parents to him."

"I like the idea of adopting him, but like I said, we should get through this mess with Meng Yao first. I do not want to put any stress on A'Yuan," Wangji explained.

"I understand," Xichen said, "I can bring it up to Wen Qing in the meantime if you want."

"You'd do that?" Wuxian asked.

"Of course," Xichen answered, "she is my fiancée."

"Right," Wuxian nodded.

Wangji placed a kiss on Wuxian's forehead, "are you feeling a bit better?"

"I am," Wuxian said resting his head on Wangji's shoulder, "you are getting better at this comfort thing."

Wangji smirked, "of course, I need to keep my husband comfortable. I want to make sure he has a safe place to go to."

"Lan Zhan," Wuxian said, "what did I say about sweet talking?"

"Can you not handle it?" Wangji teased, "are my sweet words getting you flustered."

Wuxian stared at Wangji for a moment before turning to Xichen, "he has changed."

Xichen chuckled and stood up, "I do not mind this change," he said, "I am going to head out. Wangji looks like he wants some alone time with you," Xichen winked at Wuxian before he left The Jingshi.

As soon as Xichen was gone, Wangji placed a privacy talisman on the wall and a lock talisman on the door. Wuxian knew then what was coming as Wangji stood up with Wuxian in his arms and placed him on the bed. Then, Wangji pounced.