*Lanling*
*Lan XiChen's jingshin*
There is a light tap on the window. Lan XiChen's eyes fall on a glowing butterfly seeking entry.
Lan XiChen let's it in and it lands on his palm and transforms itself into a parchment paper.

Brother,
We are OK. I am in Yunmeng at present. We have come across Tiger Yin Seal. The original was destroyed in Nevernight. The one we found looks like someone has tried to reassemble it. We don't know who did it yet but it has to be either Xue yang or Meng Yao. I killed Xue yang already. The only one that remains is Meng Yao. Please take care of yourself.
LWJ

The letter self combusts once Lan XiChen is done reading it.

'Jiang Cheng was right. They are indeed in Yunmeng. I need to inform Jiang Cheng of the latest development.' Zewu Jun contemplates and leaves his Jingshin.

He has barely crossed the courtyard when he spots Meng Yao.
"Second brother, was there something you needed? You don't have to take the trouble to leave your room. Whatever it is you need I will send it to you... whatever ...you want. Just say it. " Meng Yao chirps in the most fake genuine tone and steps closer to Zewu Jun.
Lan XiChen smiles. He wants to question Meng Yao. The man he truly felt close to, 'How can such sweet face hold such hideous secrets.... Meng Yao... Are you really not what I thought you to be?..  Did you really have a hand in older brother's death?...Why are you always so nice to me then?... Why do I want to trust you when all evidence is against you?'

Lan XiChen doesn't ask anything, he just answers, "A Yao, I was going to meet Jiang Cheng. His hatred towards me and Lan clan is very unsettling. I wanted to explain to him that the Lan clan wants to amend their relationships with Jiang Cheng."
He takes a deep breath and continues, "I was thinking of returning to Yunmeng with Jiang Cheng and put his mind at ease... He thinks Wangji is a threat to him... He hates Wangji. I was planning on changing his mind. I would like you to accompany me to Yunmeng....but I know that you can't right now... I know what Wei Ying did was wrong and Wangji... "

Meng Yao takes Zewu Jun's hands in his and says in the most sympathetic way, "Second brother, I have already forgiven Lan Wangji. I don't blame you or Lan clan... But you are right.. I can't accompany you to Jiang Clan right now. But I understand you may want to mend your relationship."

"Meng Yao, if it's OK with you.. could you not send your men to search Cloud reassess in my absence?" Lan XiChen's tone is genuine.

"Second Brother.... I really want to cooperate with you... but please understand my situation... I am answerable to all the clans... and Yiling patriarch is a wanted man." Meng Yao says smiling sympathetically.
"So I take it you are going to send your men there before I arrive?" Lan XiChen asks just to be sure.

"That maybe the case if you return there later than tomorrow." Meng Yao answers.

"If that is the case, I will return to Cloud reassess at once. You may send your men once I have arrived." Lan XiChen says a little disappointed.

"Second brother, please forgive me for not agreeing to your request...but you were going to go to Yunmeng..." Meng Yao questions.

"I will go talk to Jiang Cheng and inform him that I am planning to come down there in a day or two, once I am done taking care of business at Cloud reassess." Lan XiChen says truthfully.

"As you think suitable, second brother." Meng Yao says and bows to Zewu Jun before leaving.

* Jiang Cheng's jingshin*

Jiang Cheng is sitting opposite to Lan XiChen.
"I have made sure Meng Yao sends his men to Cloud reassess, I told him I am planning to come to Yunmeng once I have dealt with business at Cloud reassess." Zewu Jun informs Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng nods.
"I have just received information that they are not at Lotus Cove anymore. But they are still in Yunmeng. I think they have encountered some trouble that has delayed their return to Lotus Cove. They are planning to return to Lotus Cove tomorrow evening." Jiang Cheng says and adds, " I am planning to return to Lotus Cove tomorrow morning... I am going to keep it a secret.... I don't think Wangji trusts me. If he comes to know that I know about their whereabouts they may not return to Lotus Cove."

"Yes, that's for the best... The trouble they have encountered relates to Tiger Yin Seal... Wangji didn't say much but I can guess that for them to not return to Lotus Cove it must not be a small matter." Lan XiChen informs.

"Tiger Yin Seal?...but it was destroyed... How.. " Jiang Cheng says and his grip on Sando tightens.

"I don't know...from what I understand, they were as surprised as we are at it's appearance in Yunmeng of all places." Lan XiChen sighs.

"When do you plan on coming to Yunmeng?" Jiang Cheng asks pacing back and forth.

Zewu Jun can feel the nervousness and apprehension emitting out of Jiang Cheng in waves.

He stops Jiang Cheng by placing a hand on his shoulder and smiles, "I will be in Yunmeng day after tomorrow...Jiang Cheng, no harm will come to your people. I promise that Lan clan will stand with you."

'Why is he so considerate?... I have never been even remotely polite to him or his sect... But he continues to be like this...handsome...beautiful and gentle....Wait!...what am I thinking?' Jiang Cheng drops his gaze and steps away from Zewu Jun.

"Thank you, but Jiang sect doesn't need anyone else to take care of it's own" Jiang Cheng says without looking at Lan XiChen. His tone is sincere.

Lan XiChen nods and bows graciously before leaving Jiang Cheng alone with his thoughts.

He immediately starts writing a letter as soon as he is alone. He addresses it to Yenay. She is the only one he trusts.

He calls for Chu who is waiting outside his room and dismissed him after handing over the letter.

Chu walks out of the jingshin fully intending to fulfill his duty. He has hardly crossed the courtyard when he stops dead in his tracks, he closes his eyes. When opens his eyes after a few minutes he doesn't remember ever having stopped. He walks towards his destination confidently.

*The Cottage*

"Lan Wangji... Lan Wangji... I will rest if you join me."

Lan Zhan puts his partner down on the bed and sits next to him.
"Wei Ying, tomorrow is a big day and I need you to be strong. Conserve energy. Rest recuperate." Lan Zhan says softly, stroking Wei Ying's cheek.

"Lan Zhan ...you can help me relax." Wei Ying says holding Lan Zhan's hand and pulling him towards the bed.

Lan Zhan resists, "Wei Ying, you know I have exhausted my spiritual energy as well. I need to meditate and stabilizes my core... but if you really want me next to you now... " Lan Zhan says and starts removing his outer robes and adds, "I am willing... but I won't let you return to Yunmeng tomorrow."

Wei Ying wants... He really wants Lan Zhan... But he knows their time for taking action is limited. He stops Lan Zhan from disrobing.

"Why are you always so practical Lan Zhan!? You are absolutely no fun....Can you at least join me here till I fall asleep." Wei Ying says patting the space next to him sounding disappointed. Then he pouts for dramatic effect.

Lan Zhan is not strong enough to resist the pout. His brain fills with thoughts he has no business thinking about at this time, 'I want... So gorgeous...Do I really need to stabilize my core.... Do I need to power up my core???...yes you do Hanguang Jun .. You need to be strong to protect him... You need to think with your brain not with your... '

"I am not in the mood to rest... Ammm.. I think I will go outside for a bit. I won't bother you. Wen Ning can keep me company." Wei Ying says and starts to get out of bed.

'MINE!' Lan Zhan's brain screams, he removes his outter robes and is next to Wei Ying in an instant. His fingers slide between his partner's and pin them on top of his head.

"Don't say his name." Lan Zhan growls.

"Then...make sure of it yourself." Wei Ying says smiling mischievously.

'Damn it Wei Ying...' Are Lan Zhan's last thoughts before his lips land on Wei Ying's.

Lan Zhan tries to pour all his feelings and emotions and love into the way he kisses Wei Ying. The kiss is soft ...yet hot ...passionate yet gentle...moist yet restrained... Giving in to desire... yet, not completely devouring.
Their breaths mingle together and soft moans escape their lips.
Lan Zhan breaks the kiss. His heart feels like it can't contain so many emotions. Tears roll down his eyes.

"Wei... why are you like this?.. Why do you make me feel like this?" Lan Zhan mutters against his husband's lips and  brings his hand down to rest on Wei Ying's hips.
"Don't say his name...don't mention him... Please." Lan Zhan continues to say softly, "I will stay with you till you fall asleep." Lan Zhan adds releasing Wei Ying's hands, taking him into his arms and gently making small soothing circles on the younger man's back.

Wei Ying wipes Lan Zhan's tears and says in a small guilt ridden tone, "I am sorry Hanguang Jun, I will not say his name to make you jealous again. I will be good... I will do as you say." Wei Ying puts his hand on Lan Zhan's heart and closes his eyes.

{Note :- A totally innocent update... kinda.
This chapter is more about what is happening with the two brothers more than my boys... but this is a story afterall and other characters have a role to play.
But... It's the calm before things happen.
WangXian feels keep hitting me at inappropriate times. It's very distracting TBH.
OK, my small rant is over.
Please Vote and comment if you have enjoyed it.
Thank you for reading.
Have a nice day.}