Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and art used in the story. OOC and AU.

Premises: The story follows events from The Untamed. After bringing Dafan Wen to the Burial Mounds, Wei Ying builds a close sibling bond with Wen Qing. He opens up to her and shares his life in Lotus Pier, including the abuse he suffered from Madam Yu. Wen Qing helps him understand the truth and move on. Wei Ying is much more stable and fully controls resentful energy.

****

Wei Wuxian was staring in disbelief at the hand with sharp nails coming out from Jin Zixuan's chest. How things could end like this? Why did Wen Ning disobey his command to only incapacitate opponents? Then he heard it. A sinister melody creeping into the area. He walked towards Wen Ning and grabbed his arm, then froze. Usually, his clear eyes were foggy, and his faithful friend didn't seem to recognise him. Wei Ying felt panic overtaking him. They needed to get out... he needed to protect Wen Ning. The last thing he remembered was an immense wave of resentment knocking out everyone.

The silver eyes snapped open in the familiar surroundings of the Demon-Slaughtering Cave. The Wen siblings discussed something in hushed voices, but he could understand what they were planning. Someone had to answer for events on the Qiongqi path. He knew the Koi Tower would demand blood.

"Master Wei! I'm sorry... I couldn't reject it...." Wen Ning uttered, dropping to his knees.

Wei Ying smiled and patted his head. "It wasn't your fault. We were set up," he added bitterly. "So they demand I turn myself in and give them Yin Hufu?"

A small hand brushed the back of his neck, and then a sharp pain immobilised him.

"You sacrificed enough for us. Let us repay and take your place," Wen Qing said as she sat beside him and gently caressed his hand. "I'm glad I could have you as my didi... Thank you, and I'm sorry."

He tried to protest and plead with her, but Wen's siblings remained unmoved. In the last attempt, Wei Ying used resentful energy to remove the needle but instead, his consciousness started slipping away. His mind was pulled into an abyss.

****

His head was pounding, the room was spinning, and someone was yelling outside the door. He massaged his temples and finally opened his eyes.

"What the hell?!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, seeing red mist swirling around him. The last time he remembered, the resentful energy was black. His hands were squeezing Chenqing while Suibian was hovering in front of him. After the initial shock, he felt his core... glowing red with spiritual and resentful energy swirling in unison. Then he looked around. "What the hell..." muttered, staring at his old room in Lotus Pier.

"Wei Wuxian, you useless brat! How long are you planning to lounge around?! Useless son of a servant!" an angry female voice came from the outside.

Suibian glowed dangerously as Wei Ying remembered all the abuse he suffered at her hand. It took Qing-jie a year in Burial Mounds to make him understand that Madam Yu was abusing him. Jiang Cheng was always jealous and kept blaming him for his own shortcomings. Yanli would make excuses for both, while Jiang Fengmian didn't care what happened to him as long as he could shield his children from danger. Wei Wuxian sighed, then ignored the yelling and analysed his situation.

The only reasonable conclusion was he somehow travelled back in time. It seemed like he was thirteen, maybe fourteen years old. It would mean he had many years to prepare for war. He could strengthen the barriers, train disciples and... Suddenly his thought chain stopped. And one question flashed in his mind: "why?"

Wei Wuxian helped them win the war, but they slandered, rejected and ambushed him in return. The righteous sects killed innocent civilians for fun and tortured them in camps. Elderly, farmers, craftsmen, even children. His fists tightened, eyes flashed crimson red.

"I'm done," Wuxian said sternly, packed his belongings and money he saved, then left the room, ignoring Madam Yu.

"Where do you think you are going?!" she yelled, Zidian propelled towards his back.

Wei Ying spun around and easily deflected her attack with sheathed Suibian. "Consider it as my resignation," said coldly.

"How dare you?! Is this how you repay a debt to Yunmeng Jiang for taking you in?! You useless, ungrateful brat!" she roared.

He looked at her calmly. His eyes seemed to ask if she was done. "I would say years of abuse and slaving away as head disciple paid it off with interest."

Wei Ying turned around, then vanished with a teleportation talisman.

Worried about innocent, Wuxian collected Yin Iron from Xuanwu cave, Dancing Fairy and Lady Florist courtyard, then dropped them into the Blood Pool. Wei Ying placed the seal on the cave and spent the next half year in the Burial Mounds cultivating and exploring his capabilities. Spiritual and resentful energy were an inseparable part of his core. His cultivation level improved immensely. Things he once considered a dream, mere fantasy, were at the tips of his fingers. Finally, he had the strength to protect his family.

****

The Dafan Mountain seemed to glow in the last rays of the sun, echoing with farmers slowly heading back home. They looked curiously at a young cultivator walking beside them towards the village. His loose black and red robes seemed to flow with his steps, while tied in the half-ponytail hair danced in the wind. The handsome face had sharp, chiselled lines giving him an aura of maturity, while a cheeky smile made him approachable. Maybe this is why she accepted without hesitation when he offered help to carry Granny's basket.

"Would you like to stay for dinner, Master?" she asked once they arrived at her house.

A young woman emerged from the building then looked at him suspiciously. "Who is it, Granny?"

His eyes twinkled with unspoken feelings. His Jiejie was in front of him, alive and safe. It took all his self-control not to rush towards her and hide her in his arms, apologising for the trouble he caused. Then scold her for the sacrifices she made. But it was different life... they had a second chance. He wasn't planning on wasting it.

"He helped me on the way home."

"Greetings miss, I'm rouge cultivator, Wei Ying, curtesy Wuxian."

Wen Qing was still suspicious of him but couldn't just turn away someone who helped Granny. "Thank you, Master Wei."

Wuxian decided to spend a few weeks with Dafan Wen and gain their trust. He was pleased to discover that A-Yuan's parents were still alive, and the boy wasn't even born yet. Since the war wasn't looming on the horizon, the village had more able men than the remnants he saved. It would be easier for them to build a new settlement far from sects. All his plans were coming along well. Now he had to convince Wen Qing.

One night, he spotted her gazing worriedly towards Qishan. Did Wen Ruohan start to pressure her? Wei Ying finished his archery practice with A-Ning and the children, then rushed to her side.

"If I could protect your family from him," started, nodding towards Qishan Wen territories. "Would you believe me?"

"How did you...." she trailed off, then looked into honest, silver eyes. Somehow, deep inside, Wen Qing knew she could trust him. "Why?"

"I had another life... we... we were cast out. You for being Wen... I for standing by Dafan Wen. We did our best, but we... I failed to protect you, Qing-jie... I'm sorry... and thank you for being by my side."

Finally, his cheerful façade fell apart, and she saw a real Wei Ying behind it. A broken soul doing its best to pick up the pieces. He had no reason to lie to her. After a few weeks, Wen Qing realised Wei Wuxian was honest and hardworking. Following her instincts, Wen Qing pulled him into her arms. "I believe you, Didi."

"I missed you calling me that," he whispered against her chest.

"How long have you been here?"

"Over a half year, there were things that changed about me, and I had to be sure it's safe to be around you."

"What do you mean?"

Wei Wuxian straightened up, then focused on his right palm. Soon a red mist was hovering over it like a flame. He tried to explain everything, but in the end, they decided on empathy. His previous life was too complicated to describe in words.

The things she saw were shocking. The cruelty of esteemed sects was overwhelming. She could not believe only one person stood by their side. She could not believe how much he sacrificed for others. "What are you planning to do?"

"At first, I wanted to stop the war... protect everyone, but then... Is it worth it? I already did it. When my demonic cultivation helped them win the war, they all praised me, but once I stood up for what was right, they all wanted me dead. Wouldn't it be better to take my family away and leave sects to their own devices? My plan was to take all of you and head west. Outside sects territories, maybe look for my Grandmother and ask for help?"

"We don't have much time. Ruohan started looking for Yin Iron and asked our men to join his army. They will be here in a week to collect everyone able to fight."

"There are still two pieces I wasn't able to find. I'm sure they will soon start fighting over them. It's best if we will be long gone by then."

****

It has been years since they met Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan during their journey west. With their help, Wei Ying met his Grandmother, Baoshan Sanren and started his cultivation training towards immortality under her watch. She took him to her cultivation cave, outside time and space. He spent decades learning from his Grandmother and listening to stories about his parents. It turned out she looked for him, but being unable to find him, Baoshan assumed Wei Ying had died with her daughter.

"I foolishly mourned you while you were right under my nose. I can't believe Jiangs hid you from me and lied straight into my face. They didn't even want you," she added, trembling with anger. "I'm glad we both have a second chance for happiness."

Meanwhile, Wen Remnants settled in the nearby village, Lingjian. Things were much better than in their previous life. The area was rich in resources and fertile soil, allowing agriculture to bloom. The river opened new trading routes, and the small village soon grew into a prospering city.

Once Wei Ying left the Celestial Mountain, they founded Si Ji Sect. Four seasons to represent four founders. They were bound by shared ideals and worked in harmony, just like passing seasons. Within a year, it snowballed in size, attracting many rogue cultivators and young students. In terms of strength, it could compete with any major sect. In terms of principles, it was undefeated.

Surrounded by the beauty of nature, they soon forgot about sects. His past life was put behind him once he made peace with all his decisions. Wei Ying finally understood that he had the right to be happy and didn't owe anyone anything.

****

The Qishan Wen Sect's expansion didn't surprise them, yet it left them powerless. Small sects were swallowed one by one. The LanlingJin refused to take a stance and signed a non-aggression pact with Wen Ruohan. GusuLan, YunmengJiang and QingheNie joined together in the Sunshot campaign against Qishan Wen, but resistance seemed futile. Wen Ruohan had two Yin Iron pieces and set out to burn the world, searching for the remaining two. The piece he took from GusuLan came at a high price. During the fight, his son Wen Xu was beheaded by Nie Mingjue. No matter how much everyone invested in Yin Iron chase, the remaining pieces were nowhere to be found.

Sect Leaders and head disciples gathered in Qinghe for another war council. Jin Zixuan and a group of his disciples also joined. Unlike his father, he was aware of the danger Wen Ruohan posed. They spent most of the day arguing about strategies and looking for solutions, but everyone was slowly losing hope.

"What about looking for help outside?" Nie Huaisang suggested. "I heard recently about powerful sect far west. It's rumoured to be led by an Immortal."

Jiang Fengmian rubbed his chin, trying to hide discomfort. The only Immortal he heard about was Baoshan Sanren, his missing ward's Grandmother. He hid it from Wei Wuxian to tie him to his sect, but the boy suddenly disappeared six years ago. If Baoshan Sanren was to learn how they mistreat him, she would most likely lend a hand to Wen Ruohan.

"Immortal? Is there someone else than Baoshan Sanren?" Lan Xichen questioned. He had never heard about legendary immortal having a sect. She was known for living in seclusion with a few disciples she rescued as children.

Nie Huaisang shook his head, hiding behind the fan. "Merchant said it is her grandson. He seems to be Wangji-xiong's age."

Sect Leader Jiang spat out tea, then started coughing violently. Madam Yu's face darkened while Zidian sparked dangerously. Was it possible Wei Wuxian found out the truth and escaped to look for his Grandmother?

"A-Die!" Jiang Cheng rushed to pat his father's back.

Everyone turned their attention towards him, then Nie Huaisang decided to poke the hornet's nest. "Did you hear anything about him, Sect Leader Jiang?"

"No, no," Jiang Fengmian replied, flustered. "I wouldn't know anything, but I wonder if it is good to bother Immortals with our affairs."

Nie Mingjue sighed. It was a valid point, but they were overwhelmed by Wen Ruohan's puppets and Yin Iron. What other choice did they have? Lan Xichen seemed to read his mind and supported a visit to the mysterious sect.

Finally, it was decided that Hanguang-Jun, Nie Huaisang, Jiang Cheng, and Jin Zixuan, led by Lan Xichen, would travel west. Everyone placed their hopes on the success of their mission.

****

They were on the run for two days, chased by a group of corpses under the leadership of Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu. Shortly after their departure, they encountered Wen soldiers convinced cultivators were trying to run away with Yin Iron. Xichen's arm was injured in the fight, while Wen Zhuliu fractured Jiang Cheng's golden core. He was unconscious and carried on a makeshift stretcher by Zixuan and Huaisang. Battered and low on energy, the group pushed west, hoping to lose the pursuit.

He could feel resentment approaching their area, worried Wen Ruohan had found them; Wei Ying had left alone to investigate it. The rest of the founders began preparation for the eventual invasion. He travelled fast, swiftly jumping through the tree crowns, hidden from potential ambush. Then his eyes landed on familiar-looking uniforms.

"I guess one can't outrun fate," whispered, bringing Chenqing to his lips.

All hope seemed lost when an eerie melody resonated through the forest while crimson red mist rushed towards puppets. They watched a young man gracefully landing in front of them. Loose black and red robes flowed in his wake while crimson red eyes commanded the area. He looked young, but his features were more defined and clean-cut, full of calm maturity. Long, slender fingers were wrapped around an enchanting black as night flute with crimson red tassel. He glanced at the group with unspoken feelings in his eyes.

"What did you do to my puppets?!" Wen Chao shrieked as he caught up with the group.

The crimson red eyes leisurely turned towards Second Master Wen and his faithful companion. His posture was relaxed, almost nonchalant.

"Zhuliu, take him down!"

The Core-Melting Hand rushed towards the man in black, ready to destroy his core. Wei Ying swiftly dodged him. Then with a gentle-looking push sent the Wen Zhuliu flying. Red tendrils wrapped around his neck before the body hit the ground and lifted him up. With the guard incapacitated, crimson red eyes turned towards Wen Chao.

"What brings you here, Second Master Wen?"

Wen Chao shrank under the cold gaze while a voice full of silent ferocity sent shivers over his spine. "I-I... am pursuing criminals who stole my sect's possession."

Lan Xichen finally found his voice and protested. "We were ambushed during our journey to seek help. Did you hear about the sect led by Immortal?"

Wei Ying sighed. He would rather stay out of it. "Si Ji Sect remains impartial, you won't find help there, but perhaps they can treat your wounds."

"If you help them, my father will destroy you!" Wen Chao threatened.

Wei Wuxian smirked. "Let him try."

Before anyone managed to react, the crimson red mist turned Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu into the dust.

Everyone was shocked at this display of power. Nie Huaisang suspected this was the Immortal they looked for, but Wangji stepped and grabbed the man's arm before he could say something.

"How dare you use demonic cultivation! There is a price to pay for it," his stern voice rang through the forest.

"Let go," Wei Ying hissed, feeling familiar pain. Seemed like Wangji would always hate him, no matter what the circumstances were. He saw Lan Zhan as his soulmate in his previous life, but was he really? Once, he spoke about it with his uncles. He still remembered Song Lan's words: even if the whole world would turn against him, I would never leave his side. It seemed like Wangji and his paths would never join. He never saw me as a friend. It was me running after him like an idiot. We were strangers back then. We are strangers now. "Who are you to judge me?"

"One shall not follow the evil path!"

Wuxian raised his eyebrow, then pulled out his arm with ease. "It's a shame that GusuLan doesn't teach their disciples to show gratitude. I guess I will take my evil ways with me and let you deal with puppets. Good luck!" he added with a cheeky grin, then disappeared within the red mist.

The few remaining puppets started to move sluggishly towards the group. Their attacks were weaker and less coordinated without Wen Chao's commands but still troublesome for wounded cultivators.

"Wangji-xiong! What were you thinking?!" Huaisang yelled once the situation was under control. He could not believe Hanguang-Jun would destroy their chances with Immortal so quickly.

"I need to side with Second Master Nie, Didi. Why did you attack the person who saved us? No matter what his methods are, he saved us."

Wangji looked at them, then spoke with his indifferent voice, "His ways are wrong!"

Jin Zixuan sighed. He couldn't believe how inflexible Second Master Lan was. "You don't know anything about him. How do you know he is wrong?"

"He follows the crooked path."

Zixuan mentally rolled his eyes. "Yet he saved us... strangers he happened to run into in the woods. Following your logic Hanguang-Jun, he should have sided with Wens. So how come we are alive while there is not even a bone left from Wen Chao?"

Meanwhile, Wei Ying was perched high on the branch listening to their conversation. "I guess I shouldn't call him a Peacock anymore," he muttered, then headed towards Celestial Mountain. Wuxian wished to speak with his Grandmother and ask her why Wangji's reaction hurt him. It has been a long since he left his past behind. All nightmares were gone, yet his rejection hurt more than ever.

****

After a couple of hours of walking in dreadful silence, the group arrived at the city surrounded by a tall fence with gates in four directions. Delicate crimson red trickles glowed in the sun, emphasising an immense barrier protecting the area. As they approached the eastern gate, the guard in a black uniform stopped them.

"State the purpose of your visit."

Zewu-Jun stepped forward, introduced them and explained the reasons for their journey, then asked for medical help. It didn't escape their attention that merchants and farmers freely flowed through the gate.

****

The Si Ji Sect was rich, but its exteriors and interiors focused on showcasing the craftsmanship and beauty of their surroundings. It was located on the mountain within lush greenery, overlooking a waterfall and crystal clear lake. The disciple led them to the simplistic but elegant main hall. The wooden throne with intricate carvings was surrounded by four seats. Besides the guards outside, there were three people in the room. A woman in deep red robes sitting on one of the chairs, and two male cultivators standing in front of her. They were engrossed in hushed conversation when the disciple announced the visitors.

Xiao Xingchen, Song Lan and Wen Qing turned towards the cultivators they knew from Wei Wuxian's memories. Even unconscious, Jiang Cheng instigated their hatred. None of them could forgive how he treated his adoptive brother.

As a calmer and peaceful one, Xiao Xingchen stepped forward. "I can't say you are welcomed here, but we will let you rest and treat your wounds."

"Thank you, Sect Leader," Zewu-Jun replied, saluting him.

Song Lan and Wen Qing chuckled, exchanging amusing glances.

Xingchen hid a smirk behind a wide white sleeve. "Oh, there has been a misunderstanding. You met our Sect Leader in the woods. I must say, he wasn't impressed."

Their faces fell. It seemed like any chances of getting help from an Immortal were gone. Lan Xichen shot a disappointed look at his brother. "I would like to extend our sincere apologies to your Sect Leader."

"Oh, but you are not the one who offended him, right? It's not like esteemed Hanguang-Jun is mute or shouldn't take responsibility for his actions," Wen Qing explained, her voice stern and cold. There was one thing she could not tolerate. It was an offence towards Wei Ying.

"He should be punished for following an evil path."

The atmosphere in the hall hit a sub-zero as Song Lan unsheathed his sword. "The audacity! How dare you come to our sect and offend our leader?!"

Before anyone could react, a delicate golden chain bound Wangji, locking his spiritual energy. Then despite Xichen's protests, his brother was taken and placed in confinement. Neither of them was strong enough to fight them. They were wounded and in urgent need of medical help. If the Si Ji sect wanted to punish Wangji for his offence, there was nothing they could do.

****

Wangji was stubborn and refused to apologise. Gusu's teachings forbade crooked paths. Why was he punished for following the rules? He was placed in the small cottage outside the sect, surrounded by an unpenetrable barrier. Visitors were not allowed. They wouldn't even share news about his brother and companions. Despite favouring solitude, Lan Wangi felt lonely.

He was sitting on the steps to the garden, stargazing, when a gentle flute melody disturbed the silence of the night. Wangji looked towards the roof and froze. Black robes blended with the sky, while silver eyes seemed like stars. 'Empheral...'

"What did you do?"

His voice teasing, inviting. Against his firm beliefs, Wangji found himself on the roof beside the flute player. "I offended the Sect Leader."

"Oh? How come I'm not offended?"

"YOU?!" Wangji exclaimed, jumping away.

Wei Ying chuckled. "I can't believe you didn't recognise me."

His eyes turned crimson red, and swirling mist flooded the area, but what changed the most was Wei Wuxian. A teasing spark in his eyes was gone. His aura was full of silent ferocity. Everything about him was screaming: dangerous. Then in an instant, it was gone, leaving a handsome youth with a bit nonchalant smile.

Wangji was speechless.

"You should not judge people without knowing their story, Lan Zhan."

The way he said his name stirred something inside his heart. A warmth he did not feel since his mother died. "How do you know my name?"

"I also know that you like rabbits."

His ears turned pink, earning him an amused smirk on the youth's face. "I never told that to anyone...."

"I will bring you some tomorrow," Wuxian said, jumping off the roof.

"Wait... your name...."

"You can call me Wei Ying, Lan Zhan," replied with a charming smile, then disappeared in the darkness of the night.

Wangji stood on the roof with his hands pressed towards his thundering heart. He didn't know why, but as soon as a slender figure in black disappeared, the loneliness returned. Did he judge him too soon?

****

For the first time in years, Hanguang-Jun woke up full of excitement. It had been weeks since Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen placed him in confinement, but he didn't feel lonely anymore. During the days, two rabbits kept him company. He loved watching them play while studying books sects provided him with. Meditation and training fulfilled his days, yet he would find himself waiting for nightfall. When the moon and stars ruled over the sky, Wei Ying would always find the way to his rooftop and play a soft melody on Chenqing.

Late night conversations made him realise how wrong he was to judge Wei Ying. Once he got to know him better, Wangji understood his mistake. Yet, he refused to apologise. He was worried they would send him back to Gusu once the matter was resolved. Despite his brother's pleading, Wei Ying declined to get involved in the war. The delegation, including unconscious Jiang Cheng, was sent back and ordered to never return. While Hanguang-Jun would remain a prisoner until he admitted his mistake and made amends with Si Ji Sect Leader Wei Wuxian. Still, shortly after, Wen Ruohan and Yin Iron suddenly disappeared.

****

Several months later, the small cottage on the outskirts of Si Ji Sect started to feel like home. Wangji started to change. Slowly rules he always lived by lost their importance. His logic was simple. If he slept at nine, he wouldn't be able to see Wei Ying and spend time with him on the rooftop. It made him question the purpose of thousands of rules. He agreed with some, but most seemed to limit disciples' lives. Gusu lacked freedom. It was Wei Ying who showed him that. If you never stay up late, you can't see how beautiful the stars are. If you don't talk during meals, you can't share your day with busy sect members. But most importantly, can't you think for yourself about what is right and wrong?

It wasn't just about rules. Wei Ying did all sorts of things to him. He made him feel again, care about someone and miss them with every fibre of his being. Was there a way to convey all these feelings? Wangji summoned his guqin and gently strummed a few notes.

****

Wei Wuxian finished his paperwork and stretched his stiff neck. His room was basked in moonlight, which meant work held him back longer than usual. If someone told him five years ago that he would be a responsible sect leader, Wei Ying would laugh in their face. Yet now, he shouldered this responsibility with ease. Eighty years in a cultivation cave with his Grandmother changed him. He no longer was a mischievous teenager. It was only natural he matured during his training. Wei Wuxian was confident and respected himself, but most importantly, he lost his self-sacrificing tendencies. He learned there is only so much one can protect and focused his attention there. But now there was someone else... someone he wished to keep by his side and protect. Was it possible? Wei Ying sighed. Probably not. Lan Zhan stubbornly refused to apologise despite their somewhat friendly relationship. It led Wuxian to believe that Wangji didn't accept him. Maybe he should stop visiting him before his feelings spiral out of control?

Wen Qing knocked at the doorframe, then entered the office with a tray full of steaming hot food. Her eyes were gentle and loving, but her voice was stern, nearly scolding. "You missed dinner, A-Ying."

"Sorry, Jiejie," he apologised, taking the tray and setting it on the desk. "There is still a lot to sort out with civilians. I relocated most of them to nearby villages, but it's not enough. I'm drawing plans to set another village by the sea. Our fisherman could share the knowledge, and the area has fertile soil. Unfortunately, it will take time. They have been cramped in the camp for months."

"DiDi."

Even sterner voice caught his attention. Wei Ying followed her gaze and finally picked up chopsticks, then continued, "Our supplies are acceptable. We can support them for another half-year, but we can't put any strain on Lingjian. As much as I want to help innocent Wen, our sect and city come first." Wei Ying rubbed his eyes, trying to fend off tiredness. Chopsticks and dinner were forgotten again. "If we provide them with resources and help with construction, do you think the remaining refugees..."

"DiDi!" Wen Qing yelled, stuffing a dumpling into his mouth. "If you don't focus on your dinner, I will immobilise you and force feed," she added, waving three needles in front of him.

Suddenly, all his problems disappeared, leaving still warm food. There was no doubt that Qing-Jie would follow up with her threat.

"I still can't believe you destroyed Wen Ruohan and transported all non-cultivators from Qishan here in one night. Unnoticed. I wish I could see their faces when they discovered he is gone."

"I couldn't risk they will abuse them again, and it won't cause trouble to us. We still don't know who ambushed A-Ning and me back then, but if sects come here looking for trouble, I will grant their wish."

The way his voice and gaze changed, Wen Qing knew he was serious. He wouldn't let anyone get close to Dafan Wen and harm them. No matter who they were to him in the previous life. "What about our prisoner?" she asked, making air quotes.

"Still refuses to apologise."

"Did you ask him why?"

Wei Ying shook his head. "I'm pretty sure he simply hates me as he always did."

"I'm not so sure about that. Doesn't he stay way past Gusu's curfew just to spend time with you?"

His eyes widened. Wei Ying never thought about it, but over the last few months, Lan Zhan would wait for him in the garden or on the rooftop.

"I suggest you ask him," she said, then left the room with an empty tray.

****

It was nearly midnight when he finally made his way to the cottage on the outskirts. His feet followed the same path he took every night, but somehow it felt different. He stopped abruptly. His thoughts escaped to Xuanwu cave, and a soft voice humming the most beautiful song he had ever heard. A song he never expected to hear again.

Wei Ying silently landed on the rooftop and gazed at the flooded with moonlight garden. Lan Zhan looked ephemeral in front of guqin, gently pulling the strings. Feelings he tried to ignore for months swirled in his chest. 'I should really stop coming here.' He was about to leave when a familiar voice stopped him.

"Wei Ying."

It felt warm. The way Wangji said his name stirred his feelings even further. It was dangerous to stay with him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on you so late."

"Wei Ying is always welcome."

Now his heart skipped a beat. Was there a chance Wangji did not hate him? "Lan Zhan... why not apologise and leave? You don't have to mean it."

"Does Wei Ying wants me to leave?" Wangji asked, landing beside him on the rooftop.

The sandalwood surrounded him, offering comfort, inviting him to stay. "No, but I don't understand why you prefer to remain a prisoner than return home."

Wangji hesitated. Wei Ying felt different today. Tired, maybe anxious. He could imagine these night visits were taking a toll on him. Unlike Wangji, Wei Ying was busy with his sect during the day, which meant he barely slept. It must have been hard even for Immortal. Yet, Wei Ying never failed to come. Suddenly, his answer was simple. "Wei Ying is here."

"Huh?"

"This place," Wangji started, gazing at the garden. "It feels like home because you are here."

His heart accelerated dangerously. If he wasn't Immortal, he would undoubtedly die. "Lan Zhan, warn me before you say something like that," Wei Ying said half-teasingly, stepping closer to the cultivator in white. "This song you were playing... who wrote it?"

"Me."

His eyes shoot wide open. Over two lifetimes, Wangji wrote the same song. Why? "What's the name?" asked anxiously.

"WangXian."

One didn't have to be a genius to decipher the name... their names combined into one. It almost felt like a love song. But that would mean... Did Wangji love him in his previous life? Did Wei Ying misunderstand him this whole time? Did Lan Zhan ask him to come to Gusu because he cared about him, not punish him? Did he insist on playing the Clarity song because he was worried? How different things could be if they were honest with each other back then. A ghost smile played on Wei Ying's lips. They had a second chance. Wuxian effortlessly dropped to the roof and then patted the space beside him, inviting Wangji to sit.

Wei Ying's lack of answer worried him. He sat beside the person he came to consider his soulmate and peered nervously into silver eyes. Wei Ying still did not say anything, just lifted Chenqing to his lips and the melody he heard during the first night filled the air. It was as beautiful as he remembered, pulling strings in his heart. It felt intimate.

Once the song ended, Chenqing disappeared in his qiankun sleeve. He leaned closer to Wangji. Their foreheads were touching, fingers instinctively interlocked. "It's called Wuji."