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#wei wuxian's black horse
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Mo Dao Zu Shi Donghua; Promotional Poster
Artist: 何何舞 (He He Wu)
Equines featured: Lan Wangji's grey horse, Wei Wuxian's black horse
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piosplayhouse · 8 months
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Despite Wei Wuxian's archery horse always being depicted as black in art, the hobby horse shown in his child au art is always chestnut/sorrel -- perhaps this is symbolic of his descent onto a single log bridge, ie abandoning the chestnuts and bays of the traditional cultivation world into the dark standouts of demonic cultivation, representative of him becoming a literal dark horse in the sunshot campaign.
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RED AND BLACK TOURNAMENT: ROUND ONE UNDERWAY
Polls will be released every hour throughout the day (10 am - 7 or 8 pm EST) for the next week
Submit character propaganda or descriptions at any time via ask box or reblogging
Tags
redblack tournament (poll tag)
redblack propaganda
round wrapup
round 1 (etc.)
mod speaks
ask answered
character info post
lightning round (prelim tag)
winners
redblack reblog (reminders to vote at one day left)
About the poll, info, and guidelines
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Round one matchups under the cut!!
Bracket 1
Ruby Rose (RWBY) vs. Vanitas (Kingdom Hearts)
Mello (Death Note) vs. Rhaenyra Targaryern (House of the Dragon)
Kuga Yuma (World Trigger) vs. Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Clifford (Clifford the Big Red Dog) vs. Dracula (Castlevania)
Kai Satou (Your Turn to Die) vs. Ladybugs/Ladybirds (real life)
Zuko (Avatar: the Last Airbender) vs. Kuro (Katamari)
Kate (Shadows House) vs. The Cat (Ghost Trick)
Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Marvel comics) vs. Red X (Teen Titans)
Elric of Melniboné (The Elric Saga/Michael Moorcock’s Eternal Champion Multiverse) vs. Naomi Armitage (Armitage the Third)
Alucard (Hellsing Ultimate) vs. Keith Kogane (Voltron: Legendary Defenders)
Lance (Sym Bionic Titan) vs. Panpeus (Gitaroo Man)
Six-Eared Macaque (Lego Monkie Kid) vs. Flick (Animal Crossing)
Watchdog (Jupiter-Men) vs. Crowley (Good Omens)
Eye of Sauron (Lord of the Rings) vs. Ylfa Snorgelsson (Dimension 20: Neverafter)
Razer (Jak X: Combat Racing) vs. Kieran Valentine (Monster High: Why Do Ghouls Fall In Love?)
Wei Wuxian (The Untamed/MDZS) vs. Giant Horse (Breath of the Wild)
Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog) vs. Black Sonichu/Blake (CWC’s Sonichu)
Sailor Mars (Sailor Moon) vs. The Toy Soldier (The Mechanisms)
Ada Wong (Resident Evil) vs. Jack Spicer (Xiaolin Showdown)
Tophat (The Nightly Manor) vs. Marceline the Vampire Queen (Adventure Time)
Parr Family/The Incredibles (The Incredibles) vs. Pioneer 9 (17776 and 20020)
Guilmon (Digimon) vs. Julian Devorak (The Arcana)
Miles Edgeworth (Ace Attorney) vs. Sundancer (Worm - Parahumans)
HAL 9000 (2001: A Space Oddyssey) vs. Eas (Fresh Precure)
Harley Quinn (DC comics) vs. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Scorpia (She-ra and the Princesses of Power) vs. Redcloak (Order of the Stick)
Scarlet Kingsnake (real life) vs. Hornet (Hollow Knight)
Maka Albarn (Soul Eater) vs. Toa Tahu (Bionicle)
Thorn (Scooby Doo and the Witch’s Ghost) vs. Litten (Pokémon)
Maned Wolf (real life) vs. Orko (He-Man)
Rebecca Rubin (American Girl Dolls) vs. Lucifer (Obey Me)
Death the Wolf/The Wolf/Lobo/Death etc. (Puss in Boots: the Last Wish) vs. Joker (Persona 5) Bracket 2
Miles Morales/Spiderman (Marvel comics) vs. Cynder (Spyro)
Edelgard von Hresvelg (Fire Emblem franchise) vs. Sanguine (The Elder Scrolls)
Artegor Nexus (Galactik Football) vs. Beidou (Genshin Impact)
Barb (Trolls) vs. Mao Mao (Mao Mao Heroes of Pure Heart)
Wrathion, the Black Prince (World of Warcraft) vs. Vox Akuma (Nijisanji En)
Romeo (Minecraft: Story Mode) vs. Hua Cheng (Heaven Official’s Blessing/TGCF)
Sharkface (Red vs. Blue) vs. Ashley (WarioWare)
Carmen Sandiego (Carmen Sandiego) vs. Beatrice (Umineko no Naku Koro ni)
Claire Stanfield/Felix Walken (Baccano!) vs. Deathgripper (How to Train your Dragon)
Default Mii Brawler (Super Smash Bros Ultimate) vs. Silver (Pokemon franchise)
Joui Jouki (Ordem Paranormal) vs. Banica Conchita (Evillious Chronicles)
Dreadking Rathalos (Monster Hunter Generations) vs. Black Widow Spider (real life)
Celestia Ludenberg (Danganronpa) vs. Gira/Kuwagata Ohger (Ohsama Sentai: King Ohger)
Garnet (Steven Universe) vs. Black Knight (Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
Scott Summers/Cyclops (X-men) vs. Heather Chandler (Heathers)
Lon (Sendokai champions) vs. Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Darth Maul (Star Wars) vs. Defective Turret (Portal 2)
Easthies (Witch Hat Atelier) vs. Grim (Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy)
Zagreus (Hades) vs. Freddy Kreuger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
Black Rose Dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh!) vs. Marian Hawke (Dragon Age 2)
Michael Burnham (Stark Trek franchise) vs. Mapo Tofu (Food Fantasy)
Flapjack (The Owl House) vs. Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug (Miraculous Ladybug)
Red-winged Blackbird (real life) vs. Pucca (Pucca)
Overblot Riddle (Twisted Wonderland) vs. Quattro Bajeena (Mobile Suit Gundam franchise)
Pyramid Head (Silent Hill) vs. Lord Hater (Wander Over Yonder)
Sigmund Sinclair (The Reckoning) vs. Vash the Stampede (Trigun 98/Trigun Maximum)
Ranma Saotome (Ranma ½) vs. Valerie Gray (Danny Phantom)
Mephone 4s (Inanimate Insanity) vs. Regina (Doki Doki Precure)
Mordecai Heller (Lackadaisy) vs. Sideswipe (Transformers G1)
Satan (Lil Nas X’s Montero music video, and also Christianity or something) vs. Zealot Carmainerose (Epic 7)
Zero (Code Geass) vs. Yor Briar (Spy x Family)
Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy franchise) vs. Ryuko Matoi (Kill la Kill)
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museywrites · 6 months
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Xiantober 2023 - Day 2: Dragon!Xian
Word Count: 3,814 Pairing: Wangxian Tags: Immortal Dragon Wei Wuxian, Sacrifice Lan Wangji, Misunderstood dragon
“The sacrifice has been chosen.”
“Old man Lan isn’t going to like this.”
“He doesn’t have to like it. All of us suffer for this beast!”
“...Right you are.”
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“What?! Wangji? But why? I-” A pause.” I am older so I should be the sacrifice!” Lan Xichen looked at his uncle in disbelief. Of course, no one wanted to be sent to the beast, but he couldn’t stand the idea of his little brother dying at the hands of the old God.
“You know that is not how it works, Xichen.” Lan Qiren mumbled sullenly, his head hung low as his gaze remained unfocused on his tea. He knew it was a chance. Every family that had two or more children were always hit. But his nephews were well past the normal age of sacrifice.
He thought… He thought that they had lucked out. He thought that his nephews were safe. Of course he had been too hopeful.
“We can’t just let them take him, Shufu! We… We can’t… I don’t want to lose him…”
“I know.I do not want to either.”
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Lan Wangji watched his brother and uncle for a moment before he did something that the Lans never did. He stepped forward and pulled them both into a tight hug. “Everything will be okay.” He said softly.
There were tears and lasting embraces before Wangji finally stepped back and bowed to his family before beginning the trek up the winding mountain stairs.
It took almost the whole day for him to reach his goal.
The gorgeous mountain pass had almost made him forget about his impending death. He paused in front of the gorgeous moon gate, noting the delicate plants and twinkling chimes that decorated the entryway.
A soft mist gathered around the gate, swirling mystically as Lan Zhan stepped forward, chimes echoing around as he passed through the archway. As soon as he passed through, the thin air from the mountain top suddenly felt much more breathable, and instead of a mountain top, Lan Zhan found himself standing in a massive field with thick, luscious grass, and wild flowers speckled all throughout the field. The starlit sky was now bright and blue with a blazing sun high above.
In the far back of the field were dozens of trees, speckled across the horizon in a beautiful forest, but just in front of the trees was a beautiful cabin. He briefly wondered what it was for.
In the center, however, was the object of his concern.
Larger than any creature he had ever seen, coiled around itself like a snake, was a massive, black dragon that glittered with flecks of red in the brilliant sunlight. Red horns and a mane trailed along its back. The creature was absolutely stunning. Despite his massive size, the dragon seemed much smaller as he coiled around himself, head resting on top of his own body as he slept.
Lan Wangji remained frozen, watching it for several long moments, but the creature never stirred. So all he could do was sit patiently and wait for it to wake so he could fulfill his role as the sacrifice.
He waited for some time until his own tiredness won out. With arms folded across his chest and his head tipped forward, he fell into a deep sleep, somehow, he didn't feel in danger despite his circumstances.
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Lan Wangji woke when the sky had shifted from a beautiful blue, mid-day, to a shimmering array of blues and purples and pinks. Stars began to freckle the sky and he was sure that he had slept for several hours, though given the shift of time when he passed through the moon gate, he wasn't sure how time worked here.
But his main focus was not on the glittering sky or the fireflies that began to flicker around the field. No. His golden gaze was focused on the massive dragon laying in front of him. His head, easily the size of a horse drawn carriage, rested mere inches away from him.
Large, beautiful silver eyes watched him curiously, never once blinking for fear of missing a movement. The dragon was breathing very slowly, very carefully, as if to not blow the poor human away with his breath.
Somewhere far behind the dragon, there was a heavy sound of something dragging through the grass, and it wasn't hard to piece together that it was the dragon's tail, slowly sliding from side to side in a lazy fashion.
For a moment, Lan Wangji sat very still, his gaze locked on the large silver eyes.
This dragon… really was magnificent, and he was sure fearsome, but the only feeling the human was getting from him, was curiosity.
"...Hello. I… apologize for falling asleep. I did not wish to wake you." Lan Wangji wasn't sure if the old God could understand him or not. But he felt awkward having been asleep.
The dragon huffed a large puff of air through his nose, his two long, red whispers blew out, tickling either side of Lan Zhan.
Then, without warning, a voice emitted from the dragon. It was thunderous, yet somehow gentle at the same time. The timbre was lovely, but Lan Wangji could feel a sense of… resignation… Loneliness, in his voice.
"You did not run?"
"No. I was chosen, so I will fulfill my role."
The dragon lifted his head, easily towering over Lan Wangji.
"Surely, you do not wish to die."
"...I do not, but death comes for all of us. If my death keeps my family safe, then I will accept it without complaint."
The dragon hummed, standing up onto his feet before a bright light emitted from him, quickly followed by a gust of wind. Lan Wangji had to shield his eyes, but when he opened them, he was no longer face to face with the dragon. Instead, in front of him was the most beautiful man he had ever laid eyes on.
"I will allow you to leave." He said quietly, "but you will have no recollection of your life up to this point."
Confusion and shock flickered through Lan Wangji's golden gaze. "What?"
He took a few steps forward and crouched down in front of him. Lan Wangji could see the same, beautiful silver eyes with  dark slitted pupils. His tanned skin was freckled with black and gray scales reminiscent of his dragon form. 
He truly was the same as the magnificent beast he saw.
"You will travel through the forest behind me until you reach the moon gate. When you pass through, you will have no memory of your life up to this point. But you will be alive and safe." He stood and turned to leave, but without thinking Lan Wangji grabbed his hand.
"Why would you just let me go? You demand these sacrifices and yet–"
"I demand nothing." The dragon said simply. "Many years ago, a mortal came to my realm and asked for me to aid in battle. I saw through his lies, painting himself and his people as victims, when in truth, they were the villains. So I destroyed their armies. As thanks, tributes were made to me. At first they were reasonable things, like food or money."
He frowned. "But eventually, they began to send humans. My existence began to warp to the humans of your world. They pray to me for protection, and offer me humans as sacrifice, I do not require any such thing. But I also do not align with any one kingdom in the mortal realm. I protect who is deserving of it."
"Then why not tell the humans?! Why accept the sacrifices and then make us lose our memories?"
"I have tried, but they still believe that I will change sides unless they provide sacrifices." He sighed. "Once a mortal passes through the moon gate, they cannot return to the mortal realm without sacrificing something. It signifies birth and renewal. The birth of a new life, in this case." He pulled his hand free.
"So go… you are free to leave."
"...and what will happen if I do not leave?"
"Then you stay here. Just as you are. But what kind of life would that be? A life of solitude is not one I would wish on anyone."
"...do you live a life of solitude?"
He glanced over his shoulder at him before he turned away again. "The path to the second moon gate is straight through those woods. You should go."
The dragon shifted once more, returning to his massive form before he took off to the skies.
Lan Wangji watched him go before he hesitantly stood and headed towards the woods.
It took him an hour of walking before he found the gate in question, yet, he could not bring himself to walk through.
He did not wish to forget his family, but also, he would be lying if he said the dragon did not ignite a curiosity inside of him…. So he turned around and returned to that field, stopping at the cabin near the forest. He could see smoke coming from its chimney, and he wondered if the dragon lived here. 
A quick peek through the window confirmed his suspicion and he decided to leave him be for now, making his own make-shift shelter nearby.
The next morning, the dragon exited his home to find Lan Wangji nearby, and his silver eyes widened. "You are still here?"
"Yes. I do not wish to lose my memories."
"..." the dragon watched him for a moment, never before had a sacrifice chosen to stay. But he would not get his hopes up. He was sure the man would leave shortly. So for now, he invited him into his home.
Lab Wangji learned that the dragon's name was Wei Ying, and he learned that he was very good at hiding who he was.
He spoke distantly, as if trying to keep a wall between them, but when he wasn't careful, glimmers of his true self would slip through.
He got excited when he learned about things from the human world. He grew angry when he learned of wars, no matter how distant.
He spoke fondly of humans, but there was always a twinge of sadness.
With his makeshift home forgotten, Lan Wangji began to live with the dragon. Slowly, he chipped away at that wall, each day growing a little closer to the creature.
He was lonely.
Thousands of years he was confined to this realm, only permitted to leave by the other Gods when he received enough prayers. A punishment for the war he aided in, some several thousand years ago. The war that started the offerings.
When you finally got him talking, Wei Ying really never stopped. He talked about his realm, his cottage, his garden. Oh he was so very proud of his garden. He talked about the humans he has met in the past, he talked about his skills and abilities. He talked about flying, and how feeling the wind in his mane is the most wonderful feeling in the world.
Lan Zhan found himself enchanted by the dragon. The beautiful, lonely dragon, who is surprised to see Lan Zhan there every morning. He loves to listen to him speak, to hear him describe his centuries of life, or to ramble about his plethora of knowledge.
But most of all, Lan Zhan loves when the dragon smiles. Or when he laughs. Both make Lan Zhan feel lost in a sea of adoration.
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By his calculations, he has been in the dragon's realm for three months now, and every morning, he hides a smile as Wei Ying gets excited when he sees Lan Zhan has once again, not left the realm.
The look of surprise that is quickly replaced by a soft happiness and a barely concealed giddiness is what makes Lan Zhan feel weak in the knees.
Lan Zhan takes to making their food for them, delighting in the way his dragon preens and praises his cooking.
There was even a day where Lan Zhan sat there with a brush and brushed out every inch of the dragon's magnificent red mane.
As more time began to pass, the dragon and the human began to grow closer together, relishing in each other's company.
They spent most nights laying in the field, watching the stars as Wei Ying stayed curled up around Lan Zhan, allowing the human to lay comfortably on him.
The more comfortable the dragon became, the more Lan Zhan realized… he was falling in love with him. With his smile, with his laugh, with the adorable little pout he got when Lan Zhan scolded him for talking while eating.
Lan Zhan got to see a side of him that he was certain no one had ever seen before.
There were times he would wake in the middle of the night and find his companion missing from their shared room, and when he would go look for him, he would find him dancing amongst the fireflies, or singing under the stars.
One time, when the human caught him dancing, Wei Ying pulled him into the field with him, spinning around with him and laughing as they swayed to a music that no one but them could hear.
Then one day, Wei Ying seemed to change. He became quiet and distant. Lan Zhan wasn’t sure what was wrong.
He fed the dragon his favorite food, making sure to add extra spice. He warmed him a bath, offered to brush his mane, tried to coax him for a walk… But Wei Ying denied all of it.
Wei Ying even went to bed before Lan Zhan did. In the morning, Wei Ying was nowhere to be seen.
Lan Zhan searched the forest behind their now-shared cabin for hours, he kept his eyes on the sky, hoping to find his sweet dragon, but he saw no sign of him. It wasn’t until much later in the evening when he finally found him.
Wei Ying was sitting against the wall beside the moon gate that Lan Zhan had originally entered through. His dark robes had blended into the deep green foliage around the gate, but he rested against the wall with his eyes closed. He looked… sad.
Lan Zhan didn’t know what was troubling his dragon, but he wanted so badly to take away whatever pain he was feeling. “Wei Ying…” His voice was full of relief upon seeing him. “I have been searching for you, what are you doing over here?”
Slowly, the dragon opened his eyes, letting the silver orbs rest on the human for a moment before he stood. ���I was waiting for you.”
“Waiting for me? Here?”
“Yes.” He closed the distance between them, stopping a mere few inches from the human. “Lan Zhan,” He asked gently. “Do you know how long you’ve been here?”
“I… do not.” He shook his head.
“Almost a year now.” Wei Ying said lightly, and Lan Zhan was struck by the realization.
“Has it really been that long?”
“...It has.” He nodded before carefully taking Lan Zhan’s hand and pressing something small and cool into his palm.
“This is for you, Lan Zhan.” His gaze remained on Lan Zhan’s, but it wasn’t hard to hear the way his voice echoed with something that the human hadn’t heard from him in some time.
He was sad.
He was lonely.
Wei Ying pulled away from Lan Zhan and stepped around him,walking back towards the cabin before he paused and turned back to face the human.
Lan Zhan whirled around to face his dragon, confusion in his gaze before he looked down at what was given to him.
In the palm of his hand was a small jade token with an elaborate carving of a dragon. He closed his fist around the cool stone and looked back at Wei Ying, clearly confused. “What is this for?”
“That token will allow you to pass through the gate behind you. The one you came through. Unlike the gate in the forest, no one can pass through it once they enter my realm. Unless they have that jade token.” He gestured lightly to his hand. “You can return home, Lan Zhan.”
“Return… home…?”
“Yes. You can see your family. You can tell them I do not require nor want any more sacrifices.” He gave him a smile, but it was not the smile he had come to love. It was small and full of sorrow. “I know your family will be excited to see you. You should go. I believe it is early morning on the other side of the gate.” He urged gently before turning, his body shifting into his long, serpent like form before he took off towards the sky, not giving Lan Zhan a chance to ask any further questions.
For a moment, all Lan Zhan could do was stand there. He watched as his dragon flew off, weaving slowly through the air. His golden gaze landed on the token once more before he frowned. Why was Wei Ying so sad? 
He shook his head and hurried through the gate. He had a lot he needed to do.
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Lan Zhan’s return to the village was… unexpected. The confusion and surprise that etched itself into everyone’s expressions was somewhat comical.
“You’re alive!”
“The beast didn’t eat you?”
“Have you slain the creature?!”
“Was he dissatisfied with our pick?”
“What sort of hell will he unleash upon us?!”
The accusations and slander itched at Lan Zhan’s nerves, irritating him more than he had ever felt before. How dare they think that Wei Ying would harm anyone! “He is no beast.” He said flatly. “He has no intention of harming anyone here. But he does not want any more sacrifice.”
“What?”
“He does not want you sending any more of your family to him to appease him. If you want to appease him, send him food or wine. But he said he does not even need those. So please,
no more sending your family to him.”
Confusion swept over the crowd, but the people were quickly ushered aside as two figures hurried forward.
“Wangji!”
“Did!!”
Lan Zhan’s features relaxed and he stepped forward to meet his uncle and his brother, hugging them both tightly as he had the day he left.
Lan Qiren hurriedly ushered his nephew back home, setting him down with tea. “You’re home.. Oh thank the heavens.”
“Wanji, we have missed you so much, we thought… We thought we would never see you again.”
“Mn. I have missed you both as well.” He nodded lightly. “But, I am not here for long.”
“...What?”
“I came to visit, and to get some things, but I need to return to Wei Ying.”
“Wei Ying?”
“Yes… Wuxian the dragon.”
“... You are returning to him?”
“Yes. He has been upset the past few days, and I am not certain why, so I wish to bring some things to him.”
“Wangji, but… you’re… you’ve been returned to us, why would you go back to him?” Lan Qiren frowned, not understanding what his nephew was thinking.
Yet, Xichen seemed to understand. “...Will you return to visit again?”
“Mn. I believe so. Wei Ying did not explain how my token works fully, but I do not think it is a one time use. So I will try to visit once a month moving forward.”
Xichen nodded and gently squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “I am happy for you, didi. You seem happy.”
“I am. Wei Ying makes me very happy.”
Qiren glanced between the brothers, still unsure, but the relief that his nephew was alive and well sated him for now, as well as the promise of future visits.
For the night, Lan Zhan stayed with his family, telling them all about Wei Ying. Then in the morning, he gathered some supplies and made his way back up the mountain.
Stepping through the moon gate this time was as surreal as the first time he had done it. The dark evening sky shifted to the clear blue of early day and the luscious field welcomed him with a gentle breeze.
His gaze scanned the field until he found the large, coiled figure he was searching for. Sound asleep in the sun just as he had been the first time he arrived. How nostalgic.
He heard the gentle chimes from behind him, signifying someone had entered the realm, but the dragon did not stir.
Deciding he should let him sleep, Lan Zhan made his way to their cabin and set his belongings down before he began to prepare Wei Ying’s meal for when he awoke.
When his dragon did not come in by the time the food was done, Lan Zhan went to fetch him, stopping just a few feet in front of him, still sound asleep.
The human took a moment to admire his dragon. His large, imposing form that looked so small when curled up like this, yet still larger than a house. His glittering scales, and magnificent mane. He really was stunning in all forms.
Carefully, he stepped forward and pressed his hand to Wei Ying’s snout. “Wei Ying, it is time to wake up.”
The dragon stirred lightly, shifting in his sleep until his eyes opened slowly, pupils dilating slightly as his vision came into focus.
“Lan Zhan?”
“Mn. It is time to wake, sleepy head.”
“You… came back?”
“Of course. I only went to see my uncle and brother. I also brought a few things for you, but  I can tell you about my visit later, come, it is time to eat.” His hand stroked gently over the creature’s large snout.
For a moment, the dragon was silent, simply watching him before he pressed forward lightly, pressing his snout against the human, nuzzling him gently before he shifted back, his arms wrapping around Lan Zhan tightly.
“...Wei Ying?” He frowned, carefully wrapping his arms around his dragon’s human form, holding him close.
“You came back.” He said much softer this time. Lan Zhan finally understood.
Oh.
That was why he had been upset. He expected Lan Zhan to leave and never return.
He gave him a precious token to make the decision for himself. To decide if he wanted to leave. Wei Ying thought he would be alone again.
His hold tightened around Wei Ying and he nuzzled his face into that soft, black hair of his. “Mn. Will always return to Wei Ying.”
He heard the dragon’s breath hitch before he pulled back slightly, looking at Lan Zhan cautiously, his gaze searching for something.
Thankfully, this time, Lan Zhan understood, and without a word, he closed the gap between them, pulling the dragon into a soft, loving kiss.
Their first of many to come.
From now on, dragon nor human would ever be alone again.
18 notes · View notes
llycaons · 7 months
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ep33 (3/3): lwj earring indulgence
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people rarely make wwx as self-possessed or confident as he is in canon. I'll read fic where he's like 'lan zhan I am so sorry for breathing in your direction thank you so much for giving me a square mat to sleep on I promise to behave' and he'll be SO insecure and hesitant when that's really not him! for the most part he doesn't shy away from confronting lwj or getting into his business
it's just that lwj doesn't tell him shit bc he doesn't want wwx to feel obligated to lwj which is a great impulse but wwx also likes knowing how much people care about him so it's a bit of double-edged sword?
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they're helpfully reminding us that this kid's name is yuan too
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this made me laugh so hard. he's standing there with his ORIGINAL FACE in his classic black robes and red ponytale, playing a flute, and he thinks playing badly is a disguise? and THEN lwj gets mad at him for fumbling their song lmao
but wwx needn't have bothered bc lqr didn't realize anyway due to being comatose. until wwx woke him up with his bad flute playing
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lqr having such a strong reaction to a flute is funny bc was he even on the front lines in sunshot? they said he didn't leave the mountain very often and it's not like he's a warrior. he's probably never seen wwx play
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one of his top expressions
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lwj is quite strict with lsz, in his own way. not in an aggressive way, but VERY expectant of obedience
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there's one single female disciple here and she stayed in the back the entire conversation before coming forward for the water basin. what, are female disciples servants who are only used for healing?
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this looks so cool. green suits wwx really well honestly
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perhaps I have been unfair to lsz given how annoying his character is in fanfics and how obvious of a plot device he is. but he's a nice boy, and to my surprise he's also smart!! look at him thinking through problems!
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encouraging to see wwx express sentiments that before his death, he really needed someone to tell him
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coming back, I think he's become in a certain sense resigned to the things in his life that happened. no use getting angry or upset over them, some things you just can't change. and this is really sad, but it's also, hopefully, indicative of a more healthy mindset in his second life
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"I naturally trust you' and that's what he needs to hear, baby
also seeing them standing together makes those 'huge top' fics so funny. they are literally almost exactly the same body type and build. no lwj is not a head taller. no he is not built like a brick shithouse, his hands are not large enough to encircle wwx's waist. if anything he is slightly taller and more slight in build, where wwx is slightly bulkier. but I think his height is because of his heeled boots
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damn the jingshi is really so nice. I love hat porch area and the bridge over there.
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right after wwx said 'it's pointing at the person who told it to commit crimes' ljy jumped and then glared at wwx haha
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omg HORSES! I didn't know they used horses! wwx bouncing like a bobblehead hehe. and all the fics insisting he only uses little apple
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HANGUANG-JUN PIERCED EARS SHOT. taking this to headcanon that lwj wears earrings. let lej be a little gnc. as a treat.
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this was such a strange moment. lwj walked off and left wwx behind entirely. why???
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oh and this was funny. this guy seling ugly portraits that wwx took offense to
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THERE HE IS!!! THE MOST DISASTER BABY OF THEM ALL!!!!
this kid kicked a civilian in the chest for saying the name 'wei wuxian' in public. he might have already been sensitive and prone to fights, but clearly his parenting has been ABYSMAL
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by 'his uncle' he is talking about jc. btw. I originally thought he was referring to himself, but it just makes more sense. ha.
I hate the fairy scene possible more than any other scene in this show. why is his face so comedically twisted? why is his running so stupid-looking? unbelievable that this happened in the same episode that made me cry my eyes out
personal highlights
oh the rite of spring was INSPIRED
all of wwx's crying this episode. all of it. beautiful
cgi sword stabbing a hand my beloved <3 <3 <3
lwj's broken little 'wei ying' at the very end
everything about the jingshi opening scene. the music. the lighting. the atmosphere. the calm
wwx seeing his younger and more innocent self frolic about. as stated, I was inconsolable. I've always liked it but after today, it's going to be a very special scene to me
lwj's sexy whip scars and mysterious chest brand. can't help it. I love them. and wwx's seriousness and care during that scene was really nice too
lqr being roused by bad flute music, yelling at them to stop, then slipping into a coma and wwx sitting there like 😬 'whoops' with that funny face
wwx sitting with the bamboo background looking all cool
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pod-together · 2 years
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Day 3 Reveals!
There's A Dinosaur In The Medbay [text, audio] (The Transformers (IDW Generation One)) written by autobotscoutriella, performed by Gilraina Summary: In which Brainstorm's latest science experiment escapes the lab. Instances of Grace (Flight of the Heron - D. K. Broster) written by Garonne, performed by Luzula Summary: On his first morning in London, two days earlier, Keith had opened a newspaper to learn of the trial of four Jacobite lairds and their condemnation to death. The first name was Ewen Cameron of Ardroy, printed in irrefutable black on white. howling ghosts who reappear (Hades (Video Game 2018)) written by GwenChan, performed by GoLBPodfics Summary: When during a run through Elysium Patroclus finds himself a casualty of cross-fire, Zagreus discovers just how deep Achilles' affection for his companion goes and the old fury that still brews beneath the surface. Torn Asunder [text, audio] (Wiedźmin | The Witcher - All Media Types) written by nemorps, performed by GhostCwtch Summary: "Geralt?" Ciri asked in barely more than a murmur. "Hmm?" "What… What was Roach like?" Roach, the horse, was standing not ten feet away, dozing peacefully. Geralt heaved a sigh, rolling onto his back to stare up at the empty canopy. Only the barest hint of stars made it through the foliage. "She isn't gone." "Isn't she?" Geralt shook his head, though Ciri likely couldn't see it in the darkness. "I can still feel her. In my mind; in my heart. She's there." The Bunny Hop (陈情令 | The Untamed (TV), 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù) written by FlutterFyre, performed by pezzax Summary: In the middle of serving punishment in the Library, Wei Wuxian disappears. Lan Wangji spends the next few days searching unsuccessfully for the missing disciple. Meanwhile there is an adorable bunny who has moved into the Jingshi. Who Let the Constructs Out? (The Murderbot Diaries - Martha Wells) written by CompletelyDifferent, performed by AirgiPodSLV, ArtemisTheHuntress, averytree, blackglass, ffg_podfics, Flowerparrish, GoLBCollabs, horchata, kalakirya, kittona, mistbornhero, and with Summary:
“Why,” Dr. Ayda Mensah asked, “am I looking at a ship full of augmented cats and dogs?” “You aren’t,” said SecUnit. “They’re constructs.” Only approximately 5.9% of my full floorspace is occupied by fauna, said the Perihelion. “Also,” said Three, “six of them are birds.”
Dr. Mensah attempts to piece together one (1) single mission brief from the three oral reports she receives before Iris comes back with more kibble (or anyone needs to use the litter box).
Sink My Teeth (Formula 1 RPF) written by LoveLeah, performed by growlery Summary: Writing the summer menu feels like writing his vows. Sunrise/Sunset (Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types) written and performed by Ghost_writing Summary: A random day of war during the clone wars. 一家人 | One Family (魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù, 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV)) written and performed by dragongirlG and PandaReads Summary: Lan Qiren awaits the arrival of his family members, both old and new, on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Clipped Wings [text, audio] (镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)) written by Mo_on_raccoon, performed by flamingwell Summary: The strange weights move along Shen Wei's back. Heart hammering in his chest, he reaches backward and cannot swallow a cry of surprise that echoes off his narrow prison. His wings. His wings are back. But Ye Zun is nowhere to be found. Zhao Yunlan isn't here either. And Shen Wei is trapped. Wolves of Washington (DC) (Teen Wolf (TV)) written by melly_diamond, performed by readbythilia Summary: It should have been over. Completed, utterly over. Bartley should be a distant memory, spoken only of under a therapist's supervision. Mexico should never be spoken of at all. Special Agent Stiles Stilinski is a shell of a man; abandoned by everyone, he goes through the motions of his daily life, waiting for the end; it has to come sooner or later, doesn't it? But before nature takes it's course, a werewolf comes to his door. Quite literally. Captain Derek Hale of the Elk Grove Police needs his help - his, Stiles' and when he tells him why, Stiles understands that closing the final chapter on that part of his life is one last thing he needs to do. Stiles and Derek return to Bartley to put it all to rest. Everything. Everything.
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arecipeforfeels · 2 years
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tagged by @howdydowdy thank yooouuu 😘
favorite color: basic, but I’m very much enjoying mustardy yellow right now.
currently reading: the bird’s nest by shirley jackson, black leopard red wolf (dark star trilogy #1) by marlon james (tho im technically listening to it…24 hours long!!), and hard contact by karin traviss. nona the ninth comes out tomorrow though, so all of this will presumably be out the window for a hot second.
last song: I’ve been listening to my audiobook all day, so probably slow burn by kacey musgraves roughly three days ago.
last series: started watching the sandman, which is pretty fun. I think I’m on the fourth episode right now? before that it was extraordinary attorney woo.
last movie: knives out! with my girlfriend! I had such a good time and was utterly delighted with daniel craig’s accent. I can’t believe it took me so many years to watch, but here we are
currently working on: nothing editing via transcribing a short story I wrote senior year for one of my last creative writing classes, that’s loosely based on / inspired by Chekhov’s “Neighbors”. Also decorating my new apartment since I moved at the beginning of the month.
share 10 different favorite characters from ten different pieces of media in no particular order, then tag 10 people 🎥🎬📺
Adam Parrish, The Raven Cycle / The Dreamer Trilogy
CASTIEL my little scrunkly angel from u know what
Mosscap, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
Ianthe Tridentarius, The Locked Tomb trilogy. I want to dunk her in the sink and hang her on the line to dry.
Wei Wuxian, The Untamed / MDZS
Sam Gamgee, The Lord of the Rings
Aster from my brain, coming soon to a WIP near you!
Ganseyboy (also TRC, bc I can)
Zhou Zishu, Word of Honor
Holland March, The Nice Guys
Tagging! @fortunatefool @andthentheywilleatthestars @exodusfleet @starlitnaripetal @ta-ether @astrangeroftides @flowersarentjustflowers @mother-of-muses @bog-horse and whoever else wants to! Go nuts, it’s your internet. 💕
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bored2thesequel · 1 year
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Red Ribbon
Wei Wuxian giggled into the sleeve of his silk robe, shyly blinking up at the foreign general. He pointedly ignored the piercing golden gaze he could feel on his back, instead deciding to delicately flutter his fan, as if charmed by the general. 
“And does the sweet Consort Wei know how to ride a horse?” the general asked, leaning closer. 
“Of course I do!” Wei Wuxian giggled, “but I’d rather be riding other things, you know.” The general leaned in even closer.
“Oh? Do tell,” 
Wei Wuxian leaned back a little, almost enticing the man forward. 
“Maybe another time,” he giggled. He saw his attendant, Mo Xuanyu, glance nervously between him and the emperor.
“If you’d excuse me,” he said, hiding a fake smile behind his fan as he fluidly gathered his robes and stood, walking towards his Emperor. 
“Your Majesty,” Wei Wuxian said, “this consort is tired. May I be excused?” 
Lan Wangji’s face betrayed nothing, but his eyes glinted menacingly. 
“Permission granted,” he said, voice calm. But Wei Wuxian could hear the faint tension beneath it. 
When the banquet ended and the guests had been shown their temporary quarters, Lan Wangji settled down behind his desk, extracting one pamphlet from the stack. He reads the first page without truly absorbing anything, before slamming the pamphlet down. 
Wei Wuxian had just finished his bath and was tying on his sleeping robes when Mo Xuanyu knocked on the door. 
“Um, Consort Wei, the emperor requests your presence,” Xuanyu’s voice carried an unusual timidness. Wei Wuxian smiled to himself. 
“I’m coming,” Wei Wuxian called out. He didn’t bother pinning his hair back up, instead grabbing his red ribbon and pulling his hair into a messy ponytail. He threw a cloak to cover his inner robes and stepped out. 
Wei Wuxian knelt outside the emperor’s study, the wind rustling his hair. 
“Your Majesty called for me?” he asked, his tone light and innocent. 
Lan Wangji opened his study door with as much gentlemanly grace as he could. His eyes landed on the kneeling figure of his Consort Wei, his black hair loose, delicately framing his face. 
“Everybody is dismissed,” he said curtly, waving a hand and dismissing the servants. As soon as the last of them rounded the corner, Lan Wangji stepped forward and snatched Wei Wuxian’s wrist. His consort yelped as he was yanked to his feet and dragged into the study, the door slamming shut behind them. 
Wei Wuxian watched in surprise as the usually impeccable Emperor swept everything off the desk with one arm. He opened his mouth to ask why, but firm hands gripped his waist, planting his ass firmly on the wooden desk. 
“Y-Your Majesty,” Wei Wuxian breathed, “are you alright?” 
Lan Wangji’s eyes narrowed slightly. He gripped his jaw with a firm grip, tilting his chin up to meet his eyes. 
“Am I alright,” the emperor repeated, “a useless question.” 
“I一” was all Wei Wuxian managed before three fingers were roughly shoved into his mouth. He gagged as they hit the back of his throat. He tugged on the emperor’s wrist, begging for air, but no relief came. Tears sprung to his eyes as he choked, but Lan Wangji paid no heed. Instead, those golden eyes trailed up and down his body, greedily drinking the sight of him in. Rosy lips, unmarked skin, a delicate waist, long legs. Lan Wangji felt his cock stir.
“Such an attention greedy slut,” Lan Wangji said, throwing Wei Wuxian’s outer cloak aside, “trapezing around the palace in such indecent robes. Walking around looking like you’re begging to be fucked.” He pulled his fingers out of Wei Wuxian’s mouth but gave him no respite as he flipped him over, his consort’s round ass in the air. 
Wei Wuxian, still dizzy from the sudden influx of oxygen, couldn’t put up a fight as his world spun. He gasped when his chest hit the desk, his legs dangling over the desk. Firm hands skimmed his sides, before finding the collar of his robes. In a show of brute strength, Lan Wangji tore Wei Wuxian’s robe straight down the middle. 
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian gasped. He felt his dick twitch to life, the dominating aura of his emperor awakening the lust inside. 
“Oh, so now you’re calling my name,” Lan Wangji hissed into his ear, “where were you when you and that general were flirting, hmm?”
“I一I wasn’t flirting!” Wei Wuxian yelped again as two fingers prodded his rim. Without warning, Lan Wangji thrusted them forward, breaching him.
“Ah! Wait, Lan Zhan, slow down,” Wei Wuxian cried out as the two fingers pushed further into him. They were too much, too fast, too dry, too rough. Especially since he hadn’t serviced his emperor in two days. 
“I don’t think so,” Lan Wangji mused, before pulling almost all the way out and pushing a third finger in. His consort’s pretty pink lips fell open in a soundless moan as he was rucked up the desk by his fingers. Lan Wangji gave his consort a few more moments to adjust, before pulling his fingers out, ignoring the whimper that came from his consort. He grabbed the oil, putting a barely sufficient amount onto his cock, and aligned himself. 
Wei Wuxian felt the blunt pressure against his barely prepared hole. He squirmed, trying to escape the inevitable, but an unyielding hand grasped the back of his neck, holding him against the desk and forcing him still. His emperor continued pushing his cock into him, not caring if he could take it, ignoring the little pained whimpers and gasps. When Wei Wuxian felt the full length of Lan Wangji inside, he let out a relieved moan. But his emperor noticed. With quick hands, his red hair ribbon was removed and tied over his eyes, plunging his world into darkness. His emperor’s hands trailed back down to his waist, before pulling almost all the way out, and thrusting back in, tearing a scream from Wei Wuxian. 
“Mercy, please,” he gasped, hands struggling to find purchase on the desk. 
“Denied,” his emperor bit the shell of his ear, “I intend to make you scream tonight. Tell everyone who you belong to.” He drove his cock back in. Only Wei Wuxian’s yelp was louder than the slap of skin on skin. 
“Mercy, mercy,” he whined. But his emperor paid no heed, only picking up the pace. Little ah ah ahs punched their way out of his mouth, driven by the force of his emperor’s thrusts. His emperor was avoiding his sweet spot on purpose, he realized, chasing after his own pleasure and ignoring his consort’s. And yet, even without the direct stimulation, Wei Wuxian’s cock leaked, staining the pristine floor of the study. 
“Cruel,” Wei Wuxian cried, “you’re so cruel to this one!” 
Lan Wangji only increased the pace of his forceful thrusts. He knew his consort was close to coming untouched. So he increased his pace, admiring the way his consort’s hole seemed to suck him in everytime.
The first time Wei Wuxian comes, it’s too fast, too hard. His blissful orgasm was cut short because, instead of letting him ride it out, his emperor continued to fuck him hard and mercilessly. When he came crashing down, Wei Wuxian felt the pleasure turning into pain, tears trailing down his cheeks. 
Lan Wangji knew exactly when his beautiful consort came. The scream, the fluttering of muscles and the vice-like grip on his cock made him more aroused. So he granted his consort a brief respite. He leaned down, pressing his consort into the desk and placed a hand on his consort’s neck, tilting his face up. Lan Wangji kissed at the tears and nibbled on the delicate skin. 
A little mewl from his consort set his lust ablaze again. Lan Wangji adjusted his grip on his consort’s waist and pulled him down onto his cock. 
“You’re just a little slut, aren’t you?” Lan Wangji snarled in his ear, “I don’t fuck you for two days, and you’re already flirting with other men. Little whore.”
“ Your whore,” Wei Wuxian gasped around a particularly brutal thrust. 
Lan Wangji’s lip curled in a smirk as Wei Wuxian whimpered 
“Yes, my whore,” he hissed, slamming his dick into the tight heat, “My fault. Can't believe I let you forget your place. Maybe I need to fuck some manners back into you, make sure you know who you belong to.” 
“I’m sorry,” Wei Wuxian’s voice was breathy, “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? I don’t think so.” Lan Wangji purred as he drove his cock deeper into his consort, earning him a small cry, “I’m enjoying this. Your wanton little moans, your tears, the way your hole sucks me in.” 
Wei Wuxian felt the weight of his emperor leave his back. He shuddered and took a breath in, only to have it forced out of him in the next thrust. His emperor’s hands were clamped around his waist, using that has leverage to fuck him hard and fast. His blindfold slipped off, forcing him to blink at the sudden light. His nipples rubbed against the desk with each jostle, but found no relief against the smooth surface. In a desperate attempt to relieve his nipples, Wei Wuxian tried to push himself onto his elbows, only for the emperor to force him down with a firm hand against the back of his neck. Fresh tears sprang to his eyes. His emperor was so rough. Where was the loving gaze in those golden eyes when they wrote calligraphy together and played music together? Instead, those talented fingers were pressing bruises into his skin, adding to the bruises that were no doubt forming from the hard desk. His emperor was always careful with him, always being gentle and taking care of him. And yet, his emperor was now fucking him the way common whores were fucked. 
“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian whined, “mercy, please.” 
“Scream my name when you come, and I’ll consider it,” Lan Wangji said. He pulled out all the way, before thrusting in deep, deeper than before, hitting his consort’s sweet spot. 
Wei Wuxian wailed at the sudden pressure on his prostate. Too much, too fast. Pain mixed with the pleasure as his emperor ruthlessly attacked his walls. Wei Wuxian felt himself rising higher on the pleasure, before hitting the crest. 
“Lan Zhan!” he screamed, “Lan Zhan, ah! Lan Zhan!” 
The world seemed to fade onto the singular sensation of his emperor’s cock in his ass, the sudden heat of his emperor’s come inside him. This time, his emperor was merciful, letting him ride out his orgasm. Just as Wei Wuxian felt his spirit settle back into his body, strong arms swept his feet off the floor, carrying him into the adjacent room, before being thrown onto the emperor’s bed. He landed among the pillows with a little oof before he found himself caged in by strong arms, but the spark returned to his eyes.
“Ah! Mercy, Your Majesty!” Wei Wuxian squealed as he was breached again, “I’m going to be pregnant!” 
“Good,” his emperor hissed, “maybe when you’re big and round, you’d learn to stop flirting with other men.” 
“Jealous, Your Majesty?” Wei Wuxian’s eyes twinkled. Lan Wangji’s only darkened, leaning down and preparing to ravage his consort. 
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izanyas · 2 years
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hi ro!! its so good to see you. you haven't gone anywhere but i've been swamped with work and i'm happy to see you now that i have a bit of time to myself. i've been reading the official translation of mdzs and 1. it's terribly translated 2. i love wei wuxian sooooo soo much!!! totally forgot how much i love him but he's giving me stress headaches. he's so #girl. no way would mdzs have been as popular if wei wuxian had been a girl for real but IIIII would be cured of every disease if he was.
i'm crying at you sending me asks i love it even tho we discord and dm and text regularly. they are on my tl you are in every notif i get on my phone (and in my heart), you are not the same
i knowwww about the translation... i haven't had time for vol 2 of all three but i'm soon done with commissions so i will be jumping on that. thankfully i love the svsss translation.
ISNT HE THE BEST. i also forgot how much wei wuxian slaps in the novel is the most deadpan funny unreliable narrator of all time. what a joy. and yes he is #girl and he shouldhave been at least so we could be free of giant fandom hell. let's just keep reading het webnovels in our corner suwully. i need to catch up with jun jiu ling and finish the black horse and under the power
0 notes
chronomally · 2 years
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Deeply disappointed they didn't give Lan Zhan a white horse
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fannish-karmiya · 2 years
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Was Lan Wangji Deterred from Wei Wuxian by Familial Disapproval?
Lan Wangji's failure to stand by Wei Wuxian in his first life until it was too late is often discussed. He struggled with defying his family and society in order to do the right thing, and he had to learn the importance of following your conscience rather than blindly obeying the rules. All this is true, but I think there's another angle to this which hasn't really been considered: familial disapproval.
After arguing for years over his cultivation and gaining a reputation for hating each other, in reality things were starting to improve between Wangxian in the last few years of Wei Wuxian's life. And yet after the Yiling date, where they got on well and never argued, Lan Wangji vanishes from Wei Wuxian's life until nearly the end.
I'm starting to wonder if a significant factor in Lan Wangji leaving Yiling and not returning for a year or more is actually his growing awareness that his family disapproved of Wei Wuxian, and that he felt there was no way forward for their relationship.
I do want to note that I'm theorising here; we're never given a good look into Lan Wangji's head during this part of the story. But I do think that this theory has textual backing, and will try to explore that here.
Improving Relations
First, I want to lay out that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's relationship was improving during this period. Lan Wangji seems to have been consciously aware of the romantic nature of his feelings for a long time, unlike Wei Wuxian who was much more confused about his sexuality. They also have a history of arguing over Wei Wuxian's cultivation, which was well-known. But their last three interactions before Nightless City are actually increasingly positive.
First, there is the night hunt on Phoenix Mountain. Wei Wuxian is playful and flirtatious, tossing a flower at Lan Wangji along with the maidens:
The more daring ones, however, had already run to the edge of the watching towers, tossing over the buds and blossoms that they had prepared beforehand. A rain of flowers immediately scattered down from the sky. To toss flowers at beautiful-looking men and women in expression of admiration was a tradition.
[...]
However, Lan WangJi suddenly raised his hand, stopping a flower tossed over from behind him.
He looked back. Over at the side of the YunmengJiang Sect’s riding formation, which hadn’t departed yet, Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue impatiently, seated at the front. However, the person beside him sat on a horse with black, gleaming hair. His elbow was at the head of the horse as he looked to the side as though nothing happened, talking and laughing with two slender-bodied maidens.
Lan XiChen saw that Lan WangJi had drawn the reins and ceased to move forward, “WangJi, what happened?”
Lan WangJi, “Wei Ying.”
Wei WuXian finally turned around, face full of surprise, “What? HanGuang-Jun, did you call me? What’s up?”
Holding the flower, Lan WangJi seemed to be quite cold. His tone seemed cold as well, “Was it you?”
Wei WuXian immediately denied it, “No, it wasn’t.”
The maidens beside him spoke at once, “Don’t believe him. It was him!”
Wei WuXian, “How could you treat a good person like this? I’m getting angry!”
Giggling, the maidens pulled their reins and went to the formations of their own sects. Lan WangJi lowered the hand that he held the flower with and shook his head.
[...]
When they slowly rode into the distance, carrying with them the clouds of petals and fragrance, Jiang Cheng glanced at the colourful sea of handkerchiefs waving on the watching towers before turning to Wei WuXian, “Why are you throwing out flowers along with the girls?”
Wei WuXian, “I think he looks nice. Can’t I throw a few as well?”
(Chapter 69, Exiled Rebels translation)
Up next, Lan Wangji seeks Wei Wuxian out while he's blindfolded and kisses him. Wei Wuxian actually rather seems to enjoy it, even though he doesn't know who it is.
From the kiss, Wei WuXian’s entire body felt limp. Energy came into his arms only after he leaned against the tree for some more time.
Raising his hand, he ripped the ribbon away only to be stung by the glare of the sudden sunlight. He finally managed to open his eyes, but nothing was around him. Bushes, trees, grasses, vines—no second person.
Wei WuXian was still somewhat confused. He sat on the branch for a while longer. When he jumped off, he felt weakness under his legs, almost light-headed.
He supported himself on the tree trunk at once, cursing at how useless he was in silence. He had been kissed so hard that his legs were giving out. Looking up, he glanced around the area, but there was no trace of another person. The previous scene seemed to be an absurd yet erotic daydream. Wei WuXian couldn’t help but think of the legends of those mountain creatures.
But he was certain that it wasn’t some mountain creature. It had to be a person.
Recalling what it had felt like, formless tickles crawled up all the way to the tip of his heart. Wei WuXian touched his chest with his right hand, but found that the flower that had been there was gone.
He searched the ground for a while. It wasn’t there either. It couldn’t have disappeared out of thin air, could it?
Wei WuXian remained paused for a long while. He touched his lips unconsciously, finally managing to say a while later, “How could this be… This was my…”
(Chapter 69, Exiled Rebels translation)
He's extremely flustered, and even tries to search for the person who kissed him...and clearly not in anger.
The tension between them continues later when Wei Wuxian comes across Lan Wangji:
He stood still for a while, clenching his sword. His grip was tight, exerting so much strength that his knuckles grew white. As though he had somewhat calmed down, he suddenly looked over again, his gaze pinning Wei WuXian.
Wei WuXian felt a strange, unexplainable sensation. His eyes had been covered by the ribbon for over two hours. The sunlight was still a bit too dazzling for him. After he took off the ribbon, his eyes keep on tearing up. His lips were somewhat swollen as well. Wei WuXian felt that what he looked like right now must be terrible. Being stared at so hard, he couldn’t help but touched his chin, “Lan Zhan?”
“…”
Lan WangJi, “Nothing.”
[...]
Seeing that his expression was finally returning to normal and that he was most likely fine, Wei WuXian finally stopped worrying. Although he was curious about what had happened, it wouldn’t be good if he intervened in it too much, and thus he began to chat. Lan WangJi refused to talk in the beginning. Afterward, he finally replied a few short words.
A hint of heat and a swelling sensation on Wei WuXian’s lips kept on reminding him he had just lost the first kiss that he had been guarding for twenty years. He was kissed until his head was dizzy, but he didn’t even know whom the other person was and what she looked like. Just how could it be?
Wei WuXian sighed slowly. He suddenly spoke up, “Lan Zhan, have you ever kissed someone?”
[...]
Wei WuXian grinned, face full of understanding. He closed his eyes, “You haven’t, have you? I knew it. I was just asking. You don’t need to be so angry.”
Lan WangJi, “How do you know?”
Wei WuXian, “What do you think? With such a stiff face wherever you go, who’d dare kiss you? Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to initiate a kiss either. I think that you’ll have to keep your first kiss until the end of your life, hahahaha…”
He gloated alone. Lan WangJi’s face was still expressionless, but he seemed to have relaxed somewhat.
After he had laughed enough, Lan WangJi spoke up, “What about you?”
Wei WuXian raised a brow, “Me? Of course I’ve had lots of experience.”
Lan WangJi’s face, having relaxed a moment earlier, was immediately covered in a layer of snow and frost.
(Chapter 69, Exiled Rebels translation)
Even though Lan Wangji is still being quite tsundere, there's definitely an improvement in their conversation here over, say, when they were teenagers. And Wei Wuxian also reveals that he doesn't know it was Lan Wangji who kissed him, since he says that he thinks Lan Wangji has never kissed anyone.
After this they run across Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan, and things get sidetracked. However, two months later, Lan Wangji decides to visit Wei Wuxian in Yunmeng, and finds himself inundated with flowers:
Suddenly, however, from ahead of him came a young, grinning girl dressed in vibrant colors. In a hurry, she brushed shoulders with him, but suddenly tossed something toward his body.
Nimbly, Lan WangJi caught the object. He looked down to find the bud of a flower as white as snow.
[...]
One after another, Lan WangJi had already gathered a bundle of colorful flowers, though he still stood expressionlessly in the middle of the streets. [...] As Lan WangJi pondered with downcast eyes, he suddenly felt something weigh onto his head. He raised his hand. A pink medicinal peony, at the peak of its bloom, had landed flawlessly on the side of his head.
From on top of a building came a grinning voice, “Lan Zhan—ah, no, HanGuang-Jun—what a coincidence!”
Lan WangJi looked up to see an airy pavilion lined with layers and layers of gauze curtains. A black-robed man lay on his side over a red lacquer divan. One hand of his slender body dangled down, holding a fine liquor jar made of black clay. Half of the jar’s crimson tassel wrapped around his arm, while the other half swayed back and forth in the air.
Lan WangJi didn’t leave with a cold face, contrary to their conjectures. He only said, “It is you.”
Wei WuXian, “It’s me! Someone who does such a ridiculous thing has to be me. Where did you find the time to come to Yunmeng? If you’re not busy, come up here and have a drink?”
A few girls encircled him, all cramped onto the divan, laughing at those down below, “Yeah, Young Master, come up here and have a drink!”
The girls were the ones who tossed flowers at him earlier on. There was no need to say who was the person that told them to do such a thing.
Lowering his head, Lan WangJi turned around and proceeded to leave. Seeing that there was no reaction, Wei WuXian wasn’t surprised at all. With a click of his tongue, he rolled down the divan and drank a mouthful of the liquor in his jar. Yet, a few moments later, a series of footsteps came, lighter than heavy, calmer than rushed.
With steady steps, Lan WangJi walked up the stairs and parted the curtains as he entered. The bejeweled strings clinked crisply, almost melodically.
He placed the bundle of flowers that had hit him onto the small table, “Your flowers.”
Wei WuXian slanted his body until he could reach the table, “You’re welcome. I’ll give them to you. These are your flowers now.”
Lan WangJi, “Why?”
Wei WuXian, “Why not? I just wanted to see how you’d react to such a thing.”
Lan WangJi, “Ridiculous.”
Wei WuXian, “Ridiculous is exactly what I am. Or else I wouldn’t have been so bored as to get you up here… Hey, hey, hey, don’t go. You’re already here. You won’t have a few sips?”
(Chapter 71, Exiled Rebels translation)
Up next, though, Lan Wangji starts getting on Wei Wuxian's case about his cultivation again:
As he expected, Lan WangJi said, slowly, “You should not accompany yourself with inhuman beings for so long.”
The smiles of the girls who were tittering around Wei WuXian immediately disappeared.
[...]
Lan WangJi turned around and walked a step closer to him, “Wei Ying, it is still best if you come back to Gusu with me.”
“…” Wei WuXian, “I really haven’t heard this in a long time. The Sunshot Campaign is already over. I thought you’ve given up long ago.”
Lan WangJi, “Last time, during the hunt on Phoenix Mountain, have you noticed certain signs?”
Wei WuXian, “What signs?”
Lan WangJi, “The loss of control.”
[...]
Lan WangJi, “It is not too late yet. In the future, even if you regret…”
Without waiting for him to finish talking, Wei WuXian’s expression changed. He suddenly stood up, “Lan Zhan!”
Behind him, red light had begun to glow within the eyes of the girls. Wei WuXian, “Stop it.”
Thus, the girls lowered their heads and retreated, but still they stared unwaveringly at Lan WangJi. Wei WuXian turned to him, “What can I say? Even though I don’t think that I’ll regret it, I don’t like it when people take guesses at how I’m going to be in the future, either.”
After a while of silence, Lan WangJi replied, “I am the one who was out of line.”
Wei WuXian, “Not really. But, indeed, looks like I shouldn’t have invited you up here. Today was because of my presumption.”
Lan WangJi, “It was not.”
Wei WuXian smiled, his words polite, “Really? That’s good, then.”
He finished in one gulp the half cup of liquor that was left, “But, no matter what, I should still thank you. I’ll take it as you’re concerned for me.”
Wei WuXian waved his hand, “Then, I won’t bother HanGuang-Jun any longer. Let’s meet again if the chance comes up.”
(Chapter 71, Exiled Rebels translation)
There's a lot going on in this conversation, and Lan Wangji still makes a mess of it. But he does, I want to point out, recognise that he went too far and apologises, which is a significant improvement over past arguments. He also responded positively to the flowers Wei Wuxian tossed at him. Back when he was a teen, he would have probably stormed off in a huff at this flirtation; instead now, he walks upstairs to greet Wei Wuxian and hand him the flowers back, in almost a reciprocal gesture.
While he still has a long way to go, he really seems to be trying to correct his behaviour.
Finally, their next proper meeting is in Yiling, a few months after Wei Wuxian's liberation of the Wens from Qiongqi Path. Lan Wangji buys A-Yuan a bunch of toys and then is dragged into having lunch with Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan. Their interactions over lunch are all very positive and friendly, and then when Wei Wuxian's warning talisman goes off, he accompanies him to the Burial Mounds to check on things. He then helps him with the released corpses and Wen Ning.
As though he was hit by a large boulder, Wei WuXian flew back from the force, crashing onto a tree. He felt warmth rise up his throat and cursed. Lan WangJi saw this happen just as he returned. His expression changed at once and he rushed in front of him. Wen Qing had just shoved Wen Yuan into another’s arms. She wanted to check on Wei WuXian’s injuries, but he got there before she could. She paused with surprise. Lan WangJi was almost embracing Wei WuXian as he held his hand and passed spiritual energy to him.
(Chapter 75, Exiled Rebels translation)
In the end, the combined playing of both Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian helps Wen Ning awaken, and while he reunites with his sister, Wangxian go into the cave to talk. At this point, Lan Wangji expresses concern for Wei Wuxian's cultivation again:
Whether it was because of the lighting or not, Wei WuXian’s complexion seemed unusually pale. His smile seemed to have some eeriness to it as well. Lan WangJi gazed at him quietly, “Wei Ying.”
Wei WuXian, “What?”
Lan WangJi, “Can you really control it?”
Wei WuXian, “Control what? You mean Wen Ning? Of course I can. Look, he’s already returned to consciousness.” Wei WuXian gloated, “An unprecedented fierce corpse.”
Lan WangJi, “What would you do if he lost consciousness again?”
Wei WuXian, “I already have experience with dealing with him when he’s out of consciousness. I’m the one who controls him. As long as nothing happens to me, nothing will happen to him either.”
After a while of silence, Lan WangJi asked, “But what if something does happen to you?”
Wei WuXian, “It won’t.“
Lan WangJi, “How could you be sure?”
Wei WuXian’s voice was firm, “It won’t, and it can’t.”
Lan WangJi, “Do you intend on staying like this from now on?”
(Chapter 75, Exiled Rebels translation)
Now, some other interesting things go on here: there are quite a few hints that Lan Wangji is starting to suspect something about Wei Wuxian's core, for example. But that's not the focus of this essay, so I want to skip ahead a bit.
Just as everyone is cheering up and chatting, and he is invited to stay longer, Lan Wangji instead decides to leave:
Laughter was just starting to fill the Demon-Slaughtering Cave when Lan WangJi turned around without saying anything and proceeded to walk out of the cave.
Both Wen Qing and Wen Ning paused in surprise. Wei WuXian, “Lan Zhan?”
Lan WangJi’s footsteps hesitated. No emotions could be distinguished from his tone, “It is time for me to return.”
[...]
Lan WangJi stayed silent.
Under Wei WuXian’s arm, Wen Yuan looked up at him, “Brother, you won’t be eating here?”
Lan WangJi glanced at him. He reached out and stroked his head softly.
Wen Yuan thought that he was going to stay. His face brightened up, whispering, “A-Yuan heard a secret. They said that there’ll be lots of good food today…”
Wei WuXian, “This brother here has food waiting for him in his own home. He won’t be staying.”
[...]
A moment later, Wei WuXian spoke up, “Lan Zhan, you asked me if I intended on staying like this from now on. To be honest, I’d like to ask something as well. What can I do apart from this?”
He continued, “Give up the demonic path? Then what about the people on this mountain?
“Give them up? I won’t be able to do it. I believe that if you were I, you wouldn’t be able to do it either.”
He continued, “Nobody can give me a nice, broad road to walk on. A road where I could protect those I want to protect without having to cultivate the ghostly path.”
Lan WangJi gazed at him. He didn’t reply, but both of them knew the answer in their hearts.
There was no such road.
No solution existed.
Wei WuXian spoke slowly, “Thank you for keeping me company today. Thank you for telling me the news about my shijie’s marriage too. But, let the self judge the right and the wrong, let others decide to praise or to blame, let gains and losses remain uncommented on. I, too, know what I should and shouldn’t do. I believe that I’ll be able to control it as well.”
As if he’d anticipated such an attitude since a long time ago, Lan WangJi nodded slightly and closed his eyes.
And that marked their farewell.
(Chapter 75, Exiled Rebels translation)
Here, Lan Wangji may still not accept Wei Wuxian's cultivation, but he acknowledges its necessity, which is a significant improvement over his prior stance. He also tacitly agrees when Wei Wuxian says that Lan Wangji would do the same in his place, and that he thinks he is doing the right thing. The two part ways, and Lan Wangji honestly seems...quite pained.
I always wondered why he never visited again after this, even though at least a year must have passed between Jiang Yanli's marriage (a week after this visit) and Nightless City. Especially since their prior two interactions had been significantly improved over their years during the war, and are also very romantically and sexually charged. Why the sudden shift in tone?
And that's when it occurred to me; perhaps Lan Wangji was saying goodbye, just like Jiang Yanli when she visits later to show Wei Wuxian her wedding dress.
Familial Disapproval
We know, of course, that Lan Qiren has always disliked Wei Wuxian, from the very first day he showed up at Cloud Recesses for the lectures at fifteen. Not only does he dislike him, though; he actively disapproves of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji being friends or indeed interacting at all.
After Lan QiRen left Qinghe and returned to Gusu, he didn’t make Wei WuXian go to the Library Pavilion to copy the Lan Sect’s sect rules again, but simply gave him a harsh scolding in front of everyone. Without the parts where he quoted ancient scriptures, it all boiled down to how he had never seen someone so unruly and shameless before, so please get lost, as soon and as far as possible. Please don’t go near the other pupils, and especially refrain from tainting his favorite one—Lan WangJi.
(Chapter 18, Exiled Rebels translation)
Furthermore, Lan Qiren eventually instructs Lan Wangji to stop attending classes; specifically to keep him apart from Wei Wuxian:
On the second day, Lan WangJi finally stopped having classes with them.
Wei WuXian’s seat changed three times. [...] When Lan QiRen was teaching in the front, Lan WangJi sat as straight as a wall made of iron. Behind him, Wei WuXian would either sleep like a log or draw scribbles as he pleased. Aside from Lan WangJi occasionally blocking the crumpled pieces of paper he threw toward other people, it was an excellent place to be at. However, soon afterward, Lan QiRen became aware of this trick, so he switched their seats. Ever since then, whenever Wei WuXian’s sitting posture became a bit tilted, he could feel a cold, sharp gaze staring at his back. Lan QiRen would also throw him a glowering look. It was extremely uncomfortable for him to be monitored by the old one and the young one all the time. Moreover, after the Pornography Case and the Rabbit Case, Lan QiRen was certain that Wei WuXian was a basin full of jet-black dye, and feared that his favorite pupil would be stained, which was why he hastened to tell Lan WangJi to stop going to lessons.
(Chapter 18, Exiled Rebels translation)
Meanwhile, I've actually discussed Lan Xichen's feelings on Wangxian's friendship extensively in another essay, so I won't repeat myself and instead will direct you there. The gist of it is that while he starts off being supportive of a friendship during the lectures, he becomes more ambivalent afterwards and seems to eventually come to dislike Wei Wuxian.
However, Lan Xichen tends to cover his feelings with a smile, and I don't think Lan Wangji was aware that Lan Xichen didn't like Wei Wuxian and would disapprove of a relationship between them...until the banquet at Koi Tower when Wei Wuxian arrives to ask Jin Zixun to tell him where Wen Ning is.
Before Wei Wuxian arrives, the Twin Jades have this conversation:
With a twist of his wrist, Lan XiChen swept over one of the snow-colored flowers, its petals in full bloom. The motion was so gentle that not even a dewdrop fell. He spoke, “WangJi, is there something on your mind? Why have you been so tense?”
Of course, in most people’s eyes, the ‘tenseness’ probably looked no different than Lan WangJi’s other expressions.
Lan WangJi’s brows sunk low as he shook his head. A few moments later, he replied in a low voice, “Brother, I want to take someone back to the Cloud Recesses.”
Lan XiChen was surprised, “Take someone back to the Cloud Recesses?”
Lan WangJi nodded, his expression pensive. After a pause, he continued, “Take him back… and hide him somewhere.”
Lan XiChen’s eyes immediately widened.
Ever since their mother passed away, this brother of his had gradually become more and more withdrawn. Apart from going on night-hunts, he’d shut himself in his room all day long, reading, meditating, practicing calligraphy, playing his guqin, and improving his cultivation. He never talked much to anyone except for him, his elder brother. Yet, this was the first time that such words found their way outside of his lips.
Lan XiChen, “Hide him somewhere?”
Lan WangJi frowned softly. He began again, “But he is not willing.”
(Chapter 72, Exiled Rebels translation)
Given their parents' marriage, it's likely that Lan Xichen at this point may have even started to suspect that Lan Wangji felt more than friendship for Wei Wuxian.
After Wei Wuxian obtains the information he needs, he leaves, and this exchange happens:
Lan XiChen was the only one who exclaimed, “Brother!”
Jin GuangYao, “I’m fine, I’m fine. Brother, please be seated.”
It was unsuitable for Lan XiChen to comment on Jin ZiXun, so he took out a snow-colored handkerchief and passed it to him, “Go retire and change your clothes.”
Jin GuangYao took the handkerchief, wiping away as he forced a smile, “I can’t leave, can I?”
He was the only one left to clean up the mess. How could he leave the scene? He reassured the crowd as he ranted, completely exhausted, “Young Master Wei really is too impulsive. How could he speak in such a way in front of so many sects?”
Lan WangJi spoke coldly, “Was he wrong?”
Jin GuangYao paused almost unnoticeably. He immediately laughed, “Haha. Yes, he’s right. But it’s because he’s right that he can’t say it in front of them, correct?”
Lan XiChen seemed as if he was deep in thought, “Young Master Wei’s heart really has changed.”
Hearing this, pain flashed across the light pair of eyes under Lan WangJi’s knitted brows.
(Chapter 72, Exiled Rebels translation)
There are quite a few things to note here. Firstly, of course, is that Lan Xichen speaks negatively of Wei Wuxian in front of Lan Wangji, also expressing disapproval of his actions. Lan Wangji reacts to this with pain, and his earlier cold challenge to Jin Guangyao ("Was he wrong?") shows that he is not this time pained because he agrees with Lan Xichen or is worried about Wei Wuxian's cultivation. He thinks that Wei Wuxian was right to make the accusations he did (about the mistreatment of the Wens and the hypocrisy of the cultivation world).
Instead, it seems to me that Lan Wangji is pained...because his brother expressed disapproval of Wei Wuxian.
His uncle has always been disapproving, but as far as Lan Wangji knew, his brother was at least vaguely supportive. But suddenly, after they had a conversation where Lan Wangji intimated that he wanted to bring Wei Wuxian to Cloud Recesses (and given the parallels to his parents' marriage, conducted to save Lan-furen's life, this clearly has an undertone of romantic intention), Lan Xichen then turns around and openly expresses disapproval of Wei Wuxian.
It is entirely possible, I think, that at this point Lan Wangji realised, to his dismay, that both members of his nuclear family disapproved of Wei Wuxian. If he had the support of his brother, perhaps his uncle could be persuaded. Especially since, as sect leader, Lan Xichen technically has more authority. But now it has become clear to Lan Wangji that he cannot rely on his brother's support, either.
Perhaps he feared that there was no way forward for him and Wei Wuxian, hence the sense of finality to his visit in Yiling, and his lack of any subsequent visits.
At this point, there would have only been two ways forward for him in the face of familial disapproval: pursuing a clandestine affair, or leaving his sect entirely in order to join Wei Wuxian in the Burial Mounds.
I don't think that Lan Wangji at this point in his life was ready for either one. Both are things his family would heavily disapprove of, which could damage or ruin his relationship with them. Lan Wangji is only twenty one right now, and he's had a far more sheltered life than Wei Wuxian. To that younger Lan Wangji, things must have seemed very hopeless.
So, I posit, he visited Wei Wuxian in Yiling only to see him once more and check how he is doing. He didn't visit again because he never intended to visit again; he thought any chance between them was lost.
Of course, then Wei Wuxian's life was endangered, and finally his priorities shifted and he realised what really mattered: standing by the man he loves, no matter what. His actions at Nightless City show that.
And Lan Xichen's rant at Guanyin Temple shows that indeed, Lan Wangji's family likely would not have approved (the deaths at Nightless City irregardless; Wei Wuxian acted in self-defence and defense of the fifty innocent Wens the sects gathered there to kill in the first place, and need I note that the Lans were in attendance at the pledge conference with that agenda?):
“Thirty-three whip scars! He was punished in one go, once for each person. You should know how much it hurts when it lands on your body, for how long you have to rest to recover! After he went out of his way to send you back to Burial Mound and returned in such low spirits to receive his punishment, how long he kneeled before the Wall of Rules! I told him when I went to see him, Young Master Wei had already made a grave mistake, there was no use augmenting it. But he said… that he could not say with certainty whether what you did was right or wrong, but no matter what, he was willing to be responsible for all of the consequences alongside you."
[...]
“With the ways in which he looked and talked to you when he saved you and hid you in that cave, even someone who was blind or deaf could perceive his feelings, which was why my uncle was in such anger. WangJi was a model for the disciples when he was young, and a prominent cultivator when he grew up. In his whole life he had been honest and righteous and immaculate—you were the only mistake he made!
(Chapter 99, Exiled Rebels translation)
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Mo Dao Zu Shi Novels; Cover for Volume 3
Artist: Qianerbai
Equines featured: Wei Wuxian's black horse, Lan Wangji's grey horse, background chestnut horse
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drama--universe · 2 years
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Wei Wuxian x Wei!reader
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Requested by anonymous: Hello! I can ask Wei Wuxian x reader where he discovers he has a twin sister (they were separated after birth) and he goes to look for her. WWX finds out that her little sister (reader) was raised by the Wen clan and she is very close to Wen Qing and Wen Ning. Being kind, she is often bullied by Wang Lingjiao. How will WWX react when he meets her and she finds out about her family?
Pairing: Wei Wuxian x sister!reader (platonic)
Warnings: I feel like Wang Lingjiao is a warning itself
Word Count: 951 words
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Your eyes were closing slowly, your whole body tired from the constant training you had to go through. Wen Ning was beside you, completely oblivious to your exhaustion as he drank from his water flask before offering it to you. You took it, taking a big swig from the flask before handing it back.
"Since when do you practice sword fighting so much." You asked the younger and he looked at you, smiling brightly.
"Wuxian-ge taught me!" He said happily and you frowned.
"Who?" "Ah, Wei Wuxian-ge." He explained and your eyes widened.
"Wei?" You asked and he nodded, a pout forming on his face in confusion. "Do you know him?" He asked and you nodded softly, but not continuing the conversation any further than that.
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Wuxian sighed, twirling his sword in his hand as he held onto the letter, reading it slowly before freezing on the spot as he read the first sentence.
"What are you doing?" Jiang Cheng said, pushing his brothers shoulder softly before looking at the letter.
"Who's is that?" "I have a sister..." He mumbled, still staring at the letter with a slight smile now.
"You have a what now?" Jiang Cheng asked again and Wuxian smiled more brightly, looking at his brother.
"I have to go! See you later!" He exclaimed, running off and leaving a confused Jiang Cheng behind.
Wei Wuxian ran into his room, grabbed his bag and filled it with some stuff before racing back out of his room and out of Lotus Pier, only receiving glances from his youngers and some even snickered, thinking that he was pulling some shenanigan's once again.
By horse, it only took him 5 days to get there and soon enough he was standing at the gates, Wen Qing smiling slightly as she had just returned from something with a bag in her hands.
"You should've told us you were coming. Wen Ning wouldn't shut up about you." She spoke and Wuxian smiled back brightly as he dismounted his horse.
"Well, I wasn't going to wait after finding out I have a sister." He said, smile brightening once more as he walked inside by Wen Qing's side. It was only 3 minutes when Wen Qing suddenly paused, her eyes moving to a figure in the distance. Wuxian followed her gaze and it landed on a girl in black and red clothes, much like himself. He couldn't help but stare, feeling like he knew her from somewhere.
The girl was held back by two men as another woman in purple was screaming in her face before slapping the girl. The girl lunged to the side, but the 2 men that held her up pulled her back. She was basically hanging down in their arms, glaring at the woman in purple before being slapped once again.
Wei Wuxian didn't know why, but he felt anger bubble up in his chest. Wen Qing noticed, but didn't seem to care as she was already marching towards the 4. Wuxian followed her, the yelling becoming more clear before he watched Wen Qing glare at the guards, making them let go of the girl.
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You felt your knees buckle from underneath you as the guards let go of yours arms, but you didn't hit the ground as someone helped you back up. You looked up, seeing a man with long black hair and black and red robes much like you. You stared at him for a few seconds before standing on your own and letting go of his arms. He gave you a small smile before looking at Wen Qing, who was glaring at Wang Lingjiao with a passion.
"Don't touch her." She said before turning to you, ignoring Lingjiao's screaming. Wuxian couldn't help it when he heard the name Wei fall of her lips and suddenly everything clicked. You were his sister, that's why he felt familiar around you. The three of you walked off, Wen Qing leading you both to her house.
"So, who is he?" You asked, pointing at Wuxian behind you and Wen Qing chuckled. "Your brother, of course." She explained and you frowned before looking at the man who was standing right behind you. He was smiling at you with a dashing smile and you looked back at Wen Qing.
"You're sure?" You asked before laughing at Wuxian's expression.
"Don't stay there, come on in. I'm just joking." You said, pulling him in and he turned even more confused.
"Are you not surprised at all?!" "Not really. A-Ning talks about you all the time, you're his role model." You said with a small smile and he awkwardly laughed back.
"That being said, we should go out of here since A-Qing has to work." You said as you noticed Wen Qing gathering ingredients and such. Wuxian nodded and followed you out.
"So, where did you end up?" You asked as you followed the road in front of you, walking backwards so you could look at your brother.
"Yunmeng. They took me in when I was about 5 years old..." He said before looking at you again, stopping and leaning forward.
"We don't really look alike even though were twins." He said and you shrugged, slowing your pace as well.
"At 5... Lucky, I only got found when I was 9. They dragged me here since I didn't want to follow. I screamed the whole way. here" You laughed at the memory, looking down a bit embarrassed as you told the story.
"I was found by my sister. And Jiang Cheng had to lose his dogs because of me, he hated me for a few years but we're pretty close now." He said, giving you yet another smile. You grinned at him before throwing your arm around his shoulders and pulling him down to your height.
"So, do you like pranking people?" You asked and he just answered with a wicked smile.
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Round one matchups under the cut!!
EDIT: ROUND ONE IS CLOSED. CHECK PINNED FOR ROUND TWO
Bracket 1
Ruby Rose (RWBY) vs. Vanitas (Kingdom Hearts)
Mello (Death Note) vs. Rhaenyra Targaryern (House of the Dragon)
Kuga Yuma (World Trigger) vs. Kiki (Kiki's Delivery Service)
Clifford (Clifford the Big Red Dog) vs. Dracula (Castlevania)
Kai Satou (Your Turn to Die) vs. Ladybugs/Ladybirds (real life)
Zuko (Avatar: the Last Airbender) vs. Kuro (Katamari)
Kate (Shadows House) vs. The Cat (Ghost Trick)
Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Marvel comics) vs. Red X (Teen Titans)
Elric of Melniboné (The Elric Saga/Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion Multiverse) vs. Naomi Armitage (Armitage the Third)
Alucard (Hellsing Ultimate) vs Keith Kogane (Voltron: Legendary Defenders)
Lance (Sym Bionic Titan) vs. Panpeus (Gitaroo Man)
Six-Eared Macaque (Lego Monkie Kid) vs. Flick (Animal Crossing)
Watchdog (Jupiter-Men) vs. Crowley (Good Omens)
Eye of Sauron (Lord of the Rings) vs. Giant Horse (Breath of the Wild)
Razer (Jak X: Combat Racing) vs. Kieran Valentine (Monster High: Why Do Ghouls Fall In Love?)
Wei Wuxian (The Untamed/MDZS) vs. Yifa Snorgelsson (Dimension 20: Neverafter)
Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog) vs. Black Sonichu/Blake (CWC's Sonichu)
Sailor Mars (Sailor Moon) vs. The Toy Soldier (The Mechanisms)
Ada Wong (Resident Evil) vs. Jack Spicer (Xiaolin Showdown)
Top Hat (The Nightly Manner) vs. Marceline the Vampire Queen (Adventure Time)
Parr Family/The Incredibles (The Incredibles) vs. Pioneer 9 (17776 and 20020)
Guilmon (Digimon) vs. Julian Devorak (The Arcana)
Miles Edgeworth (Ace Attorney) vs. Sundancer (Worm - Parahumans)
Hal 9000 (2001: A Space Oddyssey) vs. Eas/Cure Passion (Fresh Precure)
Harley Quinn (DC comics) vs. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Scorpia (She-ra and the Princesses of Power) vs. Redcloak (Order of the Stick)
Scarlet Kingsnake (real life) vs. Hornet (Hollow Knight)
Maka Albarn (Soul Eater) vs. Toa Tahu (Bionicle)
Thorn (Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost) vs. Litten (Pokémon)
Maned Wolf (real life) vs. Orko (He-Man)
Rebecca Rubin (American Girl Dolls) vs. Lucifer (Obey Me)
Death the Wolf/The Wolf/Lobo/Death etc. (Puss in Boots: the Last Wish) vs. Joker (Persona 5) Bracket 2
Miles Morales/Spiderman (Marvel comics) vs. Cynder (Spyro)
Edelgard von Hresvelg (Fire Emblem franchise) vs. Sanguine (The Elder Scrolls)
Artegor Nexus (Galactik Football) vs. Beidou (Genshin Impact)
Barb (Trolls) vs. Mao Mao (Mao Mao Heroes of Pure Heart)
Wrathion, the Black Prince (World of Warcraft) vs. Vox Akuma (Nijisanji En)
Romeo (Minecraft: Story Mode) vs. Hua Cheng (Heaven Official's Blessing/TGCF)
Sharkface (Red vs. Blue) vs. Ashley (WarioWare)
Carmen Sandiego (Carmen Sandiego) vs. Beatrice (Umineko no Naku Koro ni)
Claire Stanfield/Felix Walken (Baccano!) vs. Deathgripper (How to Train your Dragon)
Default Mii Brawler (Super Smash Bros Ultimate) vs. Silver (Pokemon franchise)
Joui Jouki (Ordem Paranormal) vs. Banica Conchita (Evillious Chronicles)
Dreadking Rathalos (Monster Hunter Generations) vs. Black Widow Spider (real life)
Celestia Ludenberg (Danganronpa) vs. Gira/Kuwagata Ohger (Ohsama Sentai: King Ohger)
Garnet (Steven Universe) vs. Black Knight (Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
Scott Summers/Cyclops (X-men) vs. Heather Chandler (Heathers)
Lon (Sendokai champions) vs. Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Darth Maul (Star Wars) vs. Detective Turret (Portal 2)
Easthies (Witch Hat Atelier) vs. Grim (Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy)
Zagreus (Hades) vs. Freddy Kreuger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
Black Rose Dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh!) vs. Marian Hawke (Dragon Age 2)
Michael Burnham (Stark Trek franchise) vs. Mapo Tofu (Food Fantasy)
Flapjack (The Owl House) vs. Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug (Miraculous Ladybug)
Red-winged Blackbird (real life) vs. Pucca (Pucca)
Overblot Riddle (Twisted Wonderland) vs. Quattro Bajeena (Mobile Suit Gundam franchise)
Pyramid Head (Silent Hill) vs. Lord Hater (Wander Over Yonder)
Sigmund Sinclair (The Reckoning) vs. Vash the Stampede (Trigun 98/Trigun Maximum)
Ranma Saotome (Ranma 1/2) vs. Valerie Gray (Danny Phantom)
Mephone 4s (Inanimate Insanity) vs. Regina (Doki Doki Precure)
Mordecai Heller (Lackadaisy) vs. Sideswipe (Transformers G1)
Satan (Lil Nas X's Montero music video, and also Christianity or something) vs. Zealot Carmainerose (Epic 7)
Zero (Code Geass) vs. Yor Briar (Spy x Family)
Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy franchise) vs. Ryuko Matoi (Kill la Kill)
THESE ARE OUR CONTESTANTS. NOW WHO'S READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!
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besanii · 3 years
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paper-thin
[ WangXian ; XiXian ]
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The war is won!
Gusu is victorious!
Hanguang-wang is alive!
--
A sizeable crowd has gathered on the streets outside of the palace gates by the time Lan Wangji arrives, freshly bathed and changed out of his travel-weary and battle-worn armour into his formal robes. He dismounts as the guards approach, keeping the reins in his hand as he shows his pass; they grant him passage with a low bow, moving to the side as he leads his horse through the gates as quickly as decorum will allow.
The maids and eunuchs he passes on his way to the Hall of Mental Cultivation pay their respects with low bows and bent knees, lowering their gazes as they murmur his title with something akin to awe. He nods curtly in response but otherwise does not halt in his progress—it would not do to keep the Emperor waiting, war hero or not.
It's been over a year since he went to war, defending Gusu's coast against the invading forces of Dongying. The war had been harrowing and brutal and there were many times Lan Wangji where hadn't been sure he would survive. But he'd fought on with grit and tenacity, acutely aware of his role as a member of the Imperial family to lead and inspire his troops by example. That is, until a well-aimed arrow caught him in the shoulder between the plates of his armour, and sent him overboard in the midst of battle.
He’d survived. Barely.
The doors to the Imperial study are open when he arrives, and the eunuchs kneeling on either side of the door touch their foreheads to the ground in greeting. He walks up to the eunuch standing closest to the door.
“I am here to see the Emperor,” he says.
“Yes, Wangye,” the eunuch replies.  He gets to his feet and turns to the door, raising his voice to announce: “Huangshang, Hanguang-wang begs an audience.”
They do not have to wait long for a response.
“Enter.”
The Emperor is still dressed in his court robes despite the lateness of the hour—the afternoon court session had been over for at least two shichen already—the black silk sleeves stark against the embroidered gold draped over the desk where he works. He puts his brush down as Lan Wangji parts the beaded curtain hanging from the archway leading into the main chamber, a smile already forming on his lips as he watches Lan Wangji kneel in the centre of the room.
“Your humble servant greets Huangshang,” Lan Wangji says, touching his forehead to the floor. “May our Emperor live for ten thousand years.”
“You may rise, Hanguang-wang,” the Emperor says. "We are very pleased to see you returned to the capital alive and well. Your service to the Empire will be duly rewarded."
Lan Wangji rises to his feet, sweeping over the invisible creases of his robe and shaking out his wide sleeves.
"Huangshang gives your subject too much credit," he replies. "I live to serve the Empire and will gladly give my life a thousand times over in its protection."
"Your devotion is recognised, Hanguang-wang, and appreciated," the Emperor says. "Nevertheless, a great victory such as this should be rewarded. Come, brother, is there anything you would wish for? Name it and it shall be granted."
Lan Wangji's hands curl into fists by his side.
"Huangshang would grant anything your subject wishes?" he asks quietly.
The smile on the Emperor's face freezes. A muscle twitches in his jaw as he swallows; he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly. The smile smooths into something cooler, but no less genial.
"Anything within reason," he clarifies.
Lan Wangji exhales and bows his head.
"Your lowly subject dares to presume Huangshang knows what it is I wish for," he says, keeping his voice carefully level. "There is only one wish—one request—your lowly subject would make."
He hears the Emperor sigh, a low, disappointed sound, and his stomach sinks with realisation. But he had not dragged himself out of the depths of hell and back here to give up so easily. In the three months he had allowed himself to be presumed dead, laying feverish and close to death with an infected wound, it had been this one hope, this one wish that had kept him clinging to life. If he survived the war, won the war, then nothing would stop him from coming back and finally—finally—asking for the one thing he's wanted more than life itself.
When he chances an upward glance, the corner of the Emperor's lips are drawn in tight and the crease between his brows have deepened. Lan Wangji has had years to learn the shape of the Emperor's moods, even the ones he hides behind pleasantries and polite smiles, and he knows the Emperor is displeased.
"We would advise Hanguang-wang to make another request," he says finally. Do not continue to pursue this.
Lan Wangji drops to his knees. "Huangshang, you know there is nothing else I would ask for.”
“Wangji, enough!” The room stills. A sigh. “Leave us.”
The eunuchs and maids turn in unison and bow, backing out of the chamber without a word; the door to the study shuts behind them. Lan Wangji curls and uncurls his fists against his thighs, breathing heavily through his nose as he struggles to get his heart rate back under control. He hears the rustle of fabric, followed by footsteps from behind the desk coming towards him, but he dares not raise his eyes.
“Wangji,” Lan Xichen says in an odd, stilted tone Lan Wangji has never heard before. “There is something you should know.”
--
Eunuchs and palace maids alike cower in the wake of his fury, scattering to the winds as soon as he passes. No one stops to question why a male member of the Imperial family aside from the Emperor and his sons is here, unaccompanied, within the gilded walls of the inner palace. Perhaps word had been sent ahead of his arrival, perhaps they had been expecting him--whatever the reason, Lan Wangji knows he would cut down anyone who dares stand in his way right now.
His mind is still reeling as he turns the corner along the once-familiar path that winds through the Imperial gardens, his feet following the route ingrained into him as a child still living within the palace walls.
He hasn't walked this path in close to fifteen years. Not much has changed: the trees and the flowers are the same--still the delicate gentians favoured by the previous mistress of this particular courtyard—only now there are also lotuses surrounding the small pavilion in the heart of the man-made pond, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. And inside that pavilion, an entirely different person is silhouetted against the afternoon sun.
A skirmish arose between Yunmeng and Qishan involving Qishan-hou's second son. 
Wen-er-gongzi was injured in the confrontation.
He takes a step forward, his feet suddenly heavy as though weighed down by boulders, dragging along the gravel. The person in the pavilion is still too far to have noticed him, but Lan Wangji has a clear view of the long black hair twisted up into a half-knot to expose the line of a long, slender neck, held in place by a fanzhan made of silver and set with blue sapphires. The sight of it makes his throat run dry.
Qishan demanded retribution for the injuries inflicted on Wen-er-gongzi. The life of his attacker.
Both Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were each presented with a set the rare jewels at their coming of age, a mark of their status as members of the Imperial family. To see the same jewels adorning the familiar head of hair—
We believed you dead, Wangji. 
He drags his feet another step forward, the breath catching in his throat as the person in the pavilion half-turns at the sound.
We needed to protect him.
“Who goes there?” a eunuch calls, hurrying around the corner along the path around the pond. “This is Wei-xuanyi’s private garden, outsiders are not perm—”
“It’s alright, let him through.”
A lump forms in his throat so large he can barely breathe around it without pain; whatever hope of this being a cruel joke is crushed at the familiar voice. How many times in the past year has he heard it in his dreams? How many times has the memory of that voice called him back from the gates of Hell itself, when the rest of the world thought him dead?
The eunuch drops to his knees on the side of the garden path and bows his head; Lan Wangji takes this as a sign to proceed.
As a child, the garden path had always seemed wide and inviting; it had always led to his mother, the late Empress, the only source of light and happiness and home in his childhood. And yet now all he feels is dread, cold and dark, seeping out through the cracks in the surface of his façade with every step.
Lan Xichen’s words ring in his ears.
Wangji, it was the only way we could save him.
He stops at the bottom of the steps leading into the pavilion. Four steps. Just four steps, and yet his legs refuse to move, to take even just one more step forward; it is as though his body is fighting with everything it has against it. He can't move.
He is unsure how long he stands there at the bottom of the steps boring holes into the paved stones—it is difficult to keep track when one's mind is filled with the deafening roar of one's own heartbeat. It is not until the sound of footsteps, followed by a rush of activity in his periphery as the palace maids and eunuchs fall to their knees in unison, does he finally raise his eyes.
There, standing at the top of the steps, clad in soft, flowing robes of Gusu blue and Yunmeng purple, with Lan Xichen's jewels in his hair—
Wangji. Wei Wuxian—
Wei Wuxian lowers his head and bends at the knees, his fingertips clasped lightly by his hip. A demure greeting, wildly unsuitable for a member of the gentry.
“Hanguang-wang,” he murmurs. He raises his eyes slightly, enough to peer at Lan Wangji from beneath his lashes. Demure. Restrained.
The ground crumbles beneath Lan Wangji’s feet.
—I have taken Wei Wuxian as a consort.
--
Translations
Wangye (王爺) - equivalent of a Duke, usually Emperor’s brother or uncle
Huangshang  (皇上) - the Emperor; as per usual, I only use the pinyin when the term is used when directly addressing LXC
hou (侯) - equivalent of Marquis, second highest rank after 王
xuanyi (宣儀) - lit. ‘Propagator of Deportment’, a variant of the Tang dynasty concubine ranking pin (嬪) that doesn’t use feminine qualities; the second highest rank after furen/zande (夫人/贊德), used between 662-670 (possibly under Wu Zetian’s influence)
fazhan (髮簪) - hair ornament/pin
--
Notes
Title is taken from the Chinese phrase boming (薄命), which means to have an unlucky fate (usually in reference to women). It literally translates to “thin life/fate”. Inspired by a line in the song 雪落下的聲音 (the sound of snowfall; Story of Yanxi Palace OST):  此生 如纸般薄命 - this life, my fate is as thin as paper.
For those of you wondering where the hell I’m going with this—I have no fucking clue lmao. I just wanted to write WangXian angst with a dose of XiXian that doesn’t involve Dark!LXC for once. I also cannot be bothered to look back on this anymore, so any mistakes are purely cos I’ve given up working on this any further hahahahahaha *dies*
Inspired by a mish-mash of Story of Yanxi Palace (Fuheng x Yinglou reunion anyone???) and Empress of China (mostly the OST, but also the gorgeous costuming and setting of the Tang Dynasty).
Will I continue it? Maybe??? It took me weeks to even get my ass into gear to write this one snippet, I honestly don’t know if I will get around to writing more. But if it interests you, send me an ask about the ‘verse and I’ll try and expand more on it, even if it’s just headcanon form and not fic.
--
buy me a ko-fi!
--
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canary3d-obsessed · 3 years
Text
Restless Rewatch: The Untamed, Episode 26, part two
(Masterpost) (Other Canary Stuff)
Warning! Spoilers for All 50 Episodes!
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Content note: This episode has a lot of lightning, but this post does not have lightning flashes--I’m using mostly stills for those parts, or I’ve snipped out the unfriendly frames before giffing.
Qing-Jie
Having successfully ruined Jin Guangshan’s party plan to get the Yin Tiger seal, Wei Wuxian dashes off to tell Wen Qing where her brother is. She hops up to hit the road with him, but then sorta-faints because she’s starving. In a rare moment of tenderness between these two, he catches her and gently sits her down again. 
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Normally they’re busy out-toughing each other, both before and after this moment, but right now Wen Qing is openly vulnerable. Wei Wuxian responds to that, predictably, with all of his kindness and with his usual slew of unwise, impossible-to-keep promises.
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As she eats the bread he’s brought her--a parallel to an important piece of bread in his early life--he says they have to believe in Wen Ning’s survival. Cut to: Wen Ning, not surviving. 
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I mean, yes, yes, he’s only mostly dead, but he’s never going to be fully alive again, so.  
24 Hour Party People
Back at the party, Jin Guangyao, deliberately, I think, goes to offer his pops a drink while his pops is still super furious and looking for someone to take it out on. The servant lady is like, better you than me, pal, and helps JGY get his drink ready. Pops, predictably, knocks the drink onto Jin Guangyao.
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(more behind the cut)
Lan Xichen is standing by with a hanky and a face full of worry. Lan Xichen is so Lanny that he thinks JGY needs to go change clothes after getting clear alcohol spilled on him, rather than just letting it evaporate and smelling pleasantly of booze for the rest of the evening like a normal party guest. 
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JGY launches into a criticism of Wei Wuxian, which Lan Wangji listens to very carefully, frowning. Lan Xichen, Nie Huasang and Jiang Cheng listen as well, and don’t speak up. 
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A Clear Conscience
Then Lan Wangji *literally* steps out of his brother’s shadow, and speaks in defense of Wei Wuxian. This right here is Lan Wangji’s turning point, as far as I’m concerned. Xichen is gazing at JGY, totally on board with JGY’s spin of the situation, and his shadow falls away from Lan Wangji’s face as LWJ steps forward.
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Lan Wangji says, isn’t what WWX said true? JGY puts on his customer service smile and says that the truth isn’t something you’re supposed to go around saying out loud. 
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I’d like to say this is what’s wrong with cultivator society but this is really a universal human thing; every society has rules about upsetting the social order, and they are very frequently at odds with basic compassion and morality. 
Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng stay silent but Lan Xichen goes and throws Wei Wuxian under the bus carriage, saying his character has changed. 
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Lan Wangji nods decisively at this, and bows to Lan Xichen, silently asking permission to follow Wei Wuxian. Lan Xichen grants permission, telling Lan Wangji to do his best. Lan Xichen probably thinks he and Lan Wangji are in agreement, in this moment, but that nod of Lan Wangji’s was nothing of the kind.
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That nod was Lan Wangji agreeing with himself; he is going to try to bring Wei Wuxian back but he is also going to listen to him.  Meanwhile Lan Xichen is tying himself in knots to appease Jin Guangyao. The divergence between the brothers will just grow, from this point onwards.
Lan Wangji leaves to go follow his boyfriend conscience, while Jiang Cheng continues to silently listen to the commentary of others, and gets so mad he crushes a wine cup.
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It Was A Dark and Stormy Night.
Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian arrive at the prison camp, and the first person they encounter is Granny, with a defaced Wen Banner in her hand and Wen Yuan on her back. 
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Whenever I read a meta or a fic that talks about how the juniors are so sweet partly because they are “untouched by the war” I want to point to this moment. A-Yuan endures an absolute truckload of war trauma by the time he’s four years old, and while Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji both deserve a lot of credit for saving him at great risk to themselves, Granny and Uncle Four are the first heroes of A-Yuan’s story. His kind, mellow personality has a lot in common with theirs. 
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This is followed by an eternity of Wen Qing running around asking if anyone’s seen her brother. Eventually Wei Wuxian gets tired of this and gathers the guards together, threatening them with Chenqing. 
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He doesn’t need to play it; just holding it up has every Jin dude instantly kneeling and scared. 
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The guards send him and Wen Qing go to a giant field of corpses, where Wen Qing runs around checking to see if any of them is her brother. Wei Wuxian starts off kind of detached and angry, but eventually snaps out of it, tucks away his flute and starts helping her to search. 
Wen Qing finds Wen Ning, mostly-dead with a lure flag speared into his belly. Wei Wuxian grimly takes in the situation from across the field of corpses. 
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When he arrives at Wen Qing’s side he sees this talisman in Wen Ning’s hand. 
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This is the talisman that Wei Wuxian made for Wen Ning back in Gusu summer school, before the war. It’s the one that Wen Ning was wearing at his waist when they met up after the massacre of Lotus Pier. It’s supposed to literally protect Wen Ning from having his spiritual consciousness snatched, as well as being a symbol of Wei Wuxian’s sense of responsibility for, and affection for, Wen Ning. 
Wei Wuxian, understandably, loses his shit at this point. Less understandably, he is about to decide that the best way to express his sorrow and rage is to re-animate the corpse of his friend, right in front of the corpse’s sister. Like, seriously, dude. Dude. 
Ghost General
This super-questionable decision leads to one of the most badass sequences in the show, which is unfortunately chock full of lightning flashes, so not everyone can watch it. Wei Wuxian and his flute and swirls of resentful energy come marching out of the darkness of the corpse field, back to the guards. 
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The guards have decided to slaughter all of the prisoners and then run away, which would be a good plan except they should really have skipped right to the running away part of things. When Wei Wuxian accuses them of killing the prisoner in the corpse field, they claim that the Wens have a habit of falling off of a hill and dying. Wei Wuxian can relate. 
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At this point Wei Wuxian summons up Wen Ning 2.0, ultra badass edition, who comes flying through the air with his odd, straight-armed fighting stance and cool solid-black eyes and rock-and-roll hair. 
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Soundtrack: *Four Sticks*
Wen Ning proceeds to whale on the guards and scare the shit out of his relatives.
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Then Wen Qing shows up and begs Wei Wuxian to stop. She explains that Wen Ning is only mostly dead. Like, if he was fully dead would she be okay with this? 
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Wei Wuxian tries to reel Wen Ning in and realizes that he is not actually in control of Wen Ning. Ok, see, right from the first day of Wen Ning 2.0, WWX is aware that his control is iffy. Why does he think he’s going to be able to control him later? 
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Anyway, this is where we learn Wen Ning’s grown-up name is Wen Qionglin. Wei Wuxian yells this name, and Wen Ning looks up like a cat hearing the “food noise,” and then proceeds to get control of himself. 
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This is such a nice symbolic moment, that will be replayed later in the temple, when Wen Ning saves Jin Ling from Baxia. 
Wen Ning has a remote-code-execution OS vulnerability throughout the story; his soul is at risk of being stolen, and he is magically controlled by Wei Wuxian, Xue Yang, Su She, and Baxia.  Meanwhile Wen Qing, Wei Wuxian, and random kids on the street mostly treat him as a child, despite his clear adult capabilities. Wen Ning’s journey in The Untamed is at least partly about asserting his full adulthood, and his ability to overcome magical control is directly connected to that journey.  
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After getting Wen Ning to chill, Wei Wuxian calls the floating resentful energy back into his own body, which looks about as comfortable as swallowing a burp. 
On the plus side, apparently resentful energy keeps your hair dry even when it’s raining.
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Wei Wuxian should take a page from the guards’ book and slaughter all the Jin witnesses to this situation, but he decides to be the better person and let them live. They go running off down the road, where they encounter Lan Wangji and give him the 411, saying that Wei Wuxian resurrected dead people.
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Meanwhile Wei Wuxian collects Wen Qing--half-fainted, again, in an echo of the start of their journey--and collects the Dafan Mountain Wen group, who are hiding, wisely. When they see Wen Ning, Uncle Four and some others start to freak out, but Wei Wuxian tells them that fierce corpses are cool, and they all grab horses and mount up.
Where Are You Going?
Lan Wangji is waiting for them, nonconfrontationally indulging in some visual poetry while he waits. 
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In a show where every prop is exquisitely, carefully designed to enhance our understanding character, his Gusu-toned umbrella reveals surprising red and yellow threads woven in, right above his eye line as he looks at Wei Wuxian. 
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Wei Wuxian speaks first, saying “you came to stop me?” Lan Wangji doesn’t answer, but asks him where he’s going. Then Lan Wangji warns him that he’s about to abandon orthodoxy forever, if he follows through. 
Wei Wuxian challenges this idea of orthodoxy, asking if Lan Wangji remembers the promise they made together, back in Gusu. It’s worth noting that they both appear to think of it as a co-promise, even though Lan Wangji didn’t speak aloud at the time. 
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The conversation will continue in the next episode, because what’s better than a rainy romantic cliffhanger?
Soundtrack: Four Sticks by Led Zeppelin
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