Days passed into weeks but Wei Ying's condition did not improve. Nobody wanted to say the words out loud but the stress of the situation was clearly having an effect on everyone, not least of all Jiang Cheng.

"What about coming back to Lotus Pier?" He even suggested one day.

Wei Ying looked at Lan Zhan who had taken to physically showing his displeasure by tightening his grip on Wei Ying's hand. At this rate, Wei Ying thought, he'd completely lose feeling in it soon.

"I don't think so. If we are to travel, then I want to find Grandmother. You never know, she might be able to cure me."

Before, they might have convinced him to let go of such thoughts, but now, Wei Ying could see that they were considering, and it was ample opportunity to push his goal.

"You know I'm right. It's the best idea."

"We have doctors in Lotus Pier too, you know. And they are excellent." Jiang Cheng scowled.

"The doctor here is knowledgeable too, Jiang Cheng." Wei Ying patted his shoulder. "But I think, if we are to travel anyway, then we should try. Who knows how much time-"

"Fine!" He exploded. "I'll find Zewu-Jun." He stomped out, mumbling under his breath.

"I will come with Wei Ying." Lan Zhan got up to start packing.

Wei Ying was expecting resistance and was happily relieved not to have to argue with him too.

They were interrupted by two youngsters, Lan SiZhui and Lan JingYi, who stumbled over the threshold in their haste to enter.

"Master Wei, can we come too? We haven't left Cloud Recesses in so long, and what if you need us?"

"I can keep you entertained!" Lan JingYi injected, smiling.

Wei Ying smiled back and first looking at Lan Zhan, said hesitantly, "we should ask if you can."

"I will ask Brother."

"Then it's settled. Now come, tell me about your training. What have you been up to today?"

As they both tripped over themselves to answer, Lan Zhan looked over at the three fondly, proud of how Wei Ying was able to bond with the kids as if they'd spent no time apart. Lan SiZhui especially had missed him, and although he refrained from voicing his thoughts and wishes, Lan Zhan was well aware of how their son was feeling right now.

*****

Two days later, Lan XiChen watched their carriage depart with mixed feelings. On the one hand, he knew that there was nowhere else his brother wished to be except with Wei Ying and that elation alone kept him from questioning what would happen if they were unsuccessful in their search for a cure. As for finding Baoshen Sanren, that was a far more lofty goal, highly unlikely as they had no idea where she was currently.

And he was at a loss to explain how disappointed he was that Jiang Cheng was leaving too. These past few weeks had been delightful, if frought with deep emotions for everyone, multiplied for Jiang Cheng, who was so... intense.

The rare moments when they had been alone and sharing  cups of tea, somehow made them both more forthcoming, willing to talk about anything. And without the presence of Wei Ying, who seemed to rile up his brother just by breathing, a much more mature version of Jiang Cheng had come out. The man was surprisingly vocal about his experiences in the rebuilding of Lotus Pier, his difficulties in finding worthy mentors for his disciples and other concerns shared with himself.

Their jobs both as Sect Leaders brought about an understanding that only they could indulge in, that few others could appreciate. As a result, other interests were broached, such as Jiang Cheng's love of horses, something he also shared. Thus, their time spent together was far more enjoyable than Lan XiChen had expected it to be. Jiang Cheng would be missed very much.

*****

Their party of six was small enough not to attract a lot of attention and to travel in speed should they need to. Wei Ying lay inside the carriage with Lan SiZhui for now, who was keeping him entertained with stories of his childhood.

Wei Ying eagerly lapped them up, thirsty for information regarding the teenager's youth when he had been absent. For Lan SiZhui, it was a rare chance to spend time alone with the person who he regarded more as his mother privately, than his Father's friend. He was aware of how his father felt about his friend, but since nobody was willing to talk about it, he saw no reason to mention anything.

The other three rode on horseback and the carriage driver made up the sixth member. The ride itself was rough on Wei Ying's body, and while he never refrained from saying how he felt ever, this time he was aware that they were on a trip that could very well turn out to be fruitless. Every time the wheels encountered uneven ground or loose gravel, he could barely stop himself from moaning out loud.

It was only when Lan Zhan sat with him and noticed, that they began to take more breaks so that Wei Ying could find much needed relief.

As his companions changed, Wei Ying found so did the difference in passing the time. Lan Zhan played his guqin, Jiang Cheng relived their memories and new gossip from Lotus Pier, and Lan JingYi had a talent for making him laugh with his tales of night hunts gone wrong.

Three days later, they arrived on the outskirts of Yilling.

*****

A/N

This is my first time writing a fan fiction so please show some love! Thank you for reading my work and I sincerely hope you are enjoying it.

Please vote and comment, I would love to hear what you think so far. And any suggestions will be considered if they are not too far from what I'm hoping to achieve.