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The first time Lan Wangji sees him is during the celebration of Jiang Cheng’s presentation as an alpha. As heir to Lotus Pier, everyone of status has been invited to congratulate the family and welcome the boy into the first stages of adulthood. Despite being nearly a decade older than him, Lan Wangji is also an heir, meaning he too must attend despite his reservations. If he had known what sort of golden pearl he would find amongst the reeds, he might not have been so hesitant.The Lan delegation is welcomed into Lotus Pier’s reception hall with all due ceremony. The room is dressed up for the occasion, with the lotus symbol of the Jiang’s scattered around the room, purple garlands decorating beams, and charms for good luck hanging on strings and pinned to the walls. It is accompanied by the tinkling chime of clarity bells attached to the hip of the disciples lining the sides of the hall, arrayed by rank.Most notable is the strong smell of tobacco, spice and an undercurrent of musk that rises from braziers around the room, lending a subtle smoke that gathers near the rooftop. This must be the closest approximation to Jiang Cheng’s new scent, now that he has become an alpha. It is traditional, supposedly to welcome a young man or woman into adulthood, although Lan Wangji suspects it is there to cover any embarrassing losses of control that are typical with new alphas and omegas. Lan Wangji himself had refused the custom upon his own presentation as an alpha, determined to control his scent and not rely upon artificial smells to hide it.The family themselves are gathered at the front, standing on a small dais that helps elevate them from the rest. As is proper, his brother steps forward to introduce themselves, speaking first to show deference and give his respect as a guest. As Jiang Fengmian descends, the rest of his family follow, his wife, an alpha, defies convention by standing at his side, forcing the heir to approach on his left as befits his new position.Lan Wangji takes a moment to observe Jiang Cheng. At first glance he appears to be about eighteen, face unlined, no hints of stubble on his chin, limbs gangly and shoulders narrower than they will be now that he has presented. Cultivators come into themselves later than their civilian counterparts, like their lifespans, a golden core can extend the time it takes for someone’s secondary gender to develop, sometimes even as late as twenty or twenty-one. A fact for which Lan Wangji was grateful for. The thought of teaching students at the Cloud Recesses going through both puberty and a presentation is too horrible to imagine. The rest of Jiang Cheng is unremarkable; a scowl reminiscent of his mother, callous’ on his palms that hint at cultivating the sword path, and fine cloth depicting dragons swimming amongst lotus’ as befitting a clan heir. Truly nothing worth Lan Wangji’s time.When it is his turn, Lan Wangji offers his congratulations to the family, and to Jiang Cheng himself. It is a script he has learned over time, and by the way the scowl on the boy’s face softens, he seems to have it delivered it with appropriate sincerity.“And this is my daughter, Jiang Yanli, and our head disciple, Wei Wuxian.”Like her brother, Jiang Yanli is nothing remarkable. A plain, but congenial face, graced with a warm smile that lightens her features as she greets him with a bow appropriate for her station. But it is not her that causes Lan Wangji to lose his words. Instead, it is the young man who comes forward to greet them, bowing far lower than is needed, such that Lan Wangji can see the nape of his neck as it disappears into his outer robes.“Welcome, Lan Wangji, I am Wei Wuxian! If you or any of your disciples wish to train whilst you are with us, please come to me! All of our facilities are at your disposal!”It is a blessing that Lan Wangji is known for his taciturn responses, as no one bats an eye when he only hums in response, tongue-tied and mute. Around him the procession continues, but Lan Wangji only has eyes for Wei Wuxian as he steps back into line with the rest of the Jiang’s, stationed subtly between, yet behind Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng.He is a vision, and it is all Lan Wangji can do not to stare at him in open wonder. His eyes are silver, and dart around the room, taking in everything at once but never lingering in one place. His mouth a pretty bow, red and inviting. Even now Lan Wangji can see it moving as he whispers something to Jiang Cheng, which gets him a subtle elbow to the side, causing a wide smile to stretch across the boy's face, bright and welcoming.He appears to be of a similar age to Jiang Cheng, but Lan Wangji can spot no clear signs of his designation. His black robes are high quality, tailored to his figure in a way that narrows his waist and broadens his shoulders but is otherwise appropriate for a head disciple; neither modest enough for an omega, nor ostentatious enough for an alpha. Similarly he has no jewellery beyond his clarity bell, and whilst Lan Wangji can picture a collar upon it, his long neck remains bare, begging to be claimed. Lan Wangji is forced to conclude that he must be a beta, or unpresented as of yet. Yet regardless of what he may be, the picture he makes alone is enough to have desire, unfamiliar - yet not unwelcome, begin to coil in Lan Wangji’s gut.The rest of the welcome ceremony seems to fly by as Lan Wangji observes Wei Wuxian, lost in his own world, cataloguing expressions and mannerisms alike. Before he knows it they are being led by Fourth Shidi to guest quarters where they may leave their belongings and freshen up for the meal planned in the evening. His ruminations are interrupted by the sound of his brother's voice.“Wangji?”He blinks a moment and refocuses, taking in the quarters they are in; expensive furniture and sweeping views of the lakes, as well as his brother; regal in his formal robes, expression concerned.“Are you alright, Wangji? It is unlike you to be so distracted.”Lan Wangji is not concerned that he may have appeared so to their hosts; only his brother has ever been able to read his moods with any accuracy. They have always been close. Close enough that Lan Wangji is not afraid to share what is on his mind.“Wei Wuxian.”“Ah. Yes. I had noticed you looking at him. Did he say something to you?”“He is…” Lan Wangji pauses, unsure how to continue. Beautiful. Radiant. Captivating. There is too much, such that he cannot speak them all.“He is the one.” Is what he finally settles on. But it is enough for his brother, whose eyebrows rise in open wonder.“Truly?”Lan Wangji nods, and a smile spreads across Lan Xichen’s face, open and joyful in a way Lan Wangji has never been. Then he is sweeping forwards to wrap Lan Wangji in a hug, drawing him into his chest and cradling him there. This too, is something he only allows his brother to do, and he takes a moment to savour it before Lan Xichen is stepping back, hands still on each of his shoulders, grin even wider than before.“Is he an omega? I was not close enough to notice.”Lan Wangji gives a small shake of his head. “A beta, or not yet presented.”A small frown furrows his brother’s brow before disappearing.“It’s no matter, that can be changed, if you should want.”Surprise runs through Lan Wangji. Not that his brother might offer to manipulate Wei Wuxian’s secondary gender; there is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other, but that it is possible to do at all.“You can do that?”Lan Xichen nods, “If he is not a beta, then there are techniques which can sway the body to become an omega, should you need to.”“I did not know.”His brother’s smile dims for a second, before returning full force. “They are forbidden, but I can grant you access.”The pieces come together, and it suddenly makes sense why his brother, a beta, would be searching for ways to become an omega. A pang of sadness goes through him as his heart wilts for his brother’s plight.“Ge.” The word contains all that he cannot say, and his brother softens in response, his hand coming up to cradle Lan Wangji’s face.“Do not worry, didi, Nie Mingjue, A-Yao and I are happy together. We have found ways to make it work. It was an idle investigation from years ago. Let us instead be happy that the research can help us here and now, if that’s what you want.”Lan Wangji studies his brother’s face but finds no sign of lingering pain, just happiness on his behalf. So he gives him a small smile and nods his head.“It is. I want Wei Wuxian.”Once more he is pulled into a hug. Twice in one day may be a new record, but Lan Wangji cannot resist wrapping his arms around his brother and smiling into his shoulder as excitement burns through him; bright and all-consuming. Wei Wuxian would be his.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Despite his desire to hunt Wei Wuxian down and lay his claim, Lan Wangji resists the temptation. As is their norm, the Lan were the first to arrive, meaning the Jiangs will spend the rest of the day welcoming the other major sects and important dignitaries as they arrive.Instead, he sorts through his array of formal robes, considering what he will wear to this evening's dinner. Normally he is loath to attend any kind of social function, but with Wei Wuxian on his mind, suddenly he cannot think of anywhere else he’d rather be.
Yet as he runs his fingers over the silken cloth and studies the colour and composition of the designs he cannot help the feeling of frustration that wells up inside of him. It is irrational, he knows, the robes are of the finest make money can buy, yet it is hard to quell the alphan instinct that has him wanting to stand out; to be noticed by the omega he craves.This spectacle is made worse by his brother, who watches his uncharacteristic behaviour with a small grin, amused. Finally, after he has been through his outfits twice without picking anything Lan Xichen takes pity on him.“Wangji, is there something I can do to help?”Lan Wangji turns to him in frustration, a feeling that only deepens as his brother’s grin widens in response. He holds up the fabric accusingly.Lan Xichen laughs and comes to stand by his side, taking the robe from his hands and holding it up against himself.“What is wrong with it? This is one of your favourites.”It is Gusu Lan white, with a subtle silver brocade depicting clouds in a repeating pattern over the surface; only visible in the right light. Simple, elegant and refined, it is exactly the sort of thing he would normally wear.“Boring.”His brother gives another laugh, “Well, that won’t do!” And grabs another from the closet; off-white with pale blue piping; understated yet dignified.“Plain.”Lan Xichen continues the charade, but each new outfit is met with similarly terse rejections. Yet despite the criticism he remains undaunted, even when they’ve gone through them all.“Well,” He says, “if there’s nothing here you like, shall we go through mine next?”Lan Wangji blinks in surprise. As Sect Leader and an extrovert, even his brother’s simplest robes are still more extravagant than anything he owns. It would also not be appropriate for an heir to outshine the head of their clan.“Really?” He asks.Lan Xichen nods, and heads towards the door, gesturing for Lan Wangji to follow.“Of course! Would you hunt with arrows made from straw? If you want to catch Wei Wuxian you must be armed with the right tools. That means looking the part!”Uncertainty lingers in his breast, but he trusts his brother, so he follows him out to the hall, and into the adjacent room. He distantly notes the similar, albeit finer furnishings, but he is quickly dragged to stand before a floor-length mirror and can’t take anything more in than his reflection staring back at him.His whole life he has been told how handsome he is and how he should thank the gods for being born so lucky. People freely comment in his presence upon the lustre of his skin, unblemished and smooth as stone, or the golden hue of his eyes, like gilding upon a Buddha. One of the Twin Jades of Lan; he is the spitting image of his brother. Yet it’s not until he dons the robes his brother hands him that he begins to the see the resemblance. In his mind Xichen has always been warm, yet regal, his charm only enhancing and magnifying his looks until he seemed altogether different from Lan Wangji.The robes are a little shorter on him than his brother, a little tighter across the shoulders and biceps; his alpha heritage giving him an inch or two on his beta brother. Yet, as he turns from side to side he can’t help but see the resemblance. He looks like a Sect Leader. The robes themselves are as white as untouched snow, bright to the point that they seem to glow in the light coming from the window. A dragon, embroidered in dark blue stitching winds its way over the shoulder, down the stretch of his chest and curls across his waist such that the tail hangs down the length of his legs, giving the illusion he is even taller than he really is. He runs the tips of his fingers over the length of its body until they bump into something that has him stepping closer to the mirror in disbelief. Woven through its mane and clutched between its claws are dozens, if not hundreds of tiny seed pearls, each one a soft, warm ivory, adding depth and texture to the ensemble.He can’t help but turn to his brother, an objection on his lips, but Lan Xichen is already there, his expression so fond that Lan Wangji stumbles on his words.“You look wonderful, didi. You will have everyone watching you tonight.”“I do not want everyone.”Lan Xichen chuckles, his eyes
warm as they take him in.“Wei Wuxian will not be able to tear his eyes from you. He may present then and there!”Lan Wangji has to fight the urge to blush, even as the idea sparks off a dozen fantasies.“But the look won’t be complete without this.”If Lan Wangji were the type to emote, his eyebrows would be in his hairline, instead, he can feel his pulse race as his brother hands him one of his personal Guans. Reverently, he takes the solid silver headpiece, inspecting the delicate wire-work clouds that encircle a deep blue gem placed in its centre. His throat feels tight as he meets his brother's gaze.“Ge, is this?”“Mn”The hum catches him off guard, startling a small laugh that has Lan Xichen grinning in delight. When their father died, in a fit of rebellion, they had his guans melted down and reforged into something new, distinct from anything he’d previously owned. This is one of them - never before worn - until now.“This is too much.” He says, voice soft, and offers it back to his brother.Lan Xichen makes a noise of protest and takes it from his hands. For a second Lan Wangji thinks he is going to return it to a qiankun pouch, but then his brother steps behind him, gathers his hair in hand, and pins the guan in place atop his head.“There is no such thing as too much between us, Wangi. You are my dear little brother, who I love more than life itself. You have found your mate, there is nothing I would not do to help you win them.”Staring at his reflection, he can barely recognise the figure looking back at him. The being seems to radiate light, like an immortal had descended to walk amongst mortals; wholly different to Lan Wangji himself. He takes a moment to study it a bit longer, before the illusion is ruined as he lifts his hand to touch and the sleeves ride up, exposing the arch of his wrist,
pale and luminescent next to the white fabric.
A flush races across his face, and he quickly tugs the sleeve back down, knowing his ears are burning.“Shameless!”But Lan Xichen is laughing, his long fingers tugging the cloth from his hand, exposing the scent glands that rest there once more!“Don’t be such a prude, didi! You are on the hunt; that means taking a few small risks. You want him to look, don’t you?”To walk around waving his scent in everyone’s face? He may as well be naked!Before he can object Lan Xichen is already reaching out, and fingers made quick from years of playing the Xiao, undoes the tie cinching the neckline closed. Lan Wangji’s hands flash up to clutch the fabric closed, but his brother catches them before he can, holding him in place.“Don’t look so betrayed Wangji. Just look at yourself for a moment.”His pulse is still racing with the urge to cover himself, such that it’s a force of effort to drag his gaze from Xichen’s smirk to the mirror.The heavenly being from before has been replaced with a demon. Wrists laid bare, fabric pulled taunt across his biceps, stretched across the breadth of his chest, such that the neckline seems to gape in his mind, exposing a hint of his collarbones, and gives the impression you can see the mating gland at the junction of his neck. The figure looks sinful. Like a lustful yao has taken his place, body laid bare to the world. He swallows and can see the bob of his Adam’s apple move with it.“Shameless!” He repeats, scolding his reflection as though it were not himself dressed so scandalously.In the privacy of his rooms Lan Xichen has the temerity to roll his eyes.“None of that. Are you not on the hunt? Did I not say you needed to use every tool at your disposal? Well this,” He steps back and gestures to the entirety of Lan Wangji, “is a weapon that Wei Wuxian won’t be able to resist.”He studies himself once more, trying to see anything else but the inches of exposed skin on display. It feels like“Too much!”Once more Lan Xichen grabs his hand before it can close the neckline.“Nonsense! Who here has a lover? Who here has two!?”The side eye he throws Lan Xichen should incinerate him on the spot, but he instead has the gall to grin unrepentantly.“Truly, didi, this is a good thing. It will work, I promise you.”“I look…” He stutters, embarrassment stealing the words from his mouth. “I look…”“You look like an alpha.”The words catch him by surprise, and, this time when he looks at the mirror he can see some of what his brother is talking about. Lan Wangji can’t leave anything to chance. If he wishes to claim his prize, then he must be willing to do whatever it takes. He forces himself to relax, regaining the composure he values so highly. Gone is the lustful figure of before, and in its place is something hungry: a predator ready to snatch its prey between its jaws.By his side Lan Xichen nods approvingly.“Good. Just like that. Now let’s talk.”Lan Wangji turns to face him properly, curiosity piqued.“The forbidden techniques?”A laugh. “So eager! No, didi, you must wait a while longer for your omega. No, first you need to learn how to flirt!”He can’t stop the shiver that runs down his spine at those words.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Hours later a bell rings, signalling the start of the evening's festivities. Lan Wangji had taken a break from his brother’s teasing to gather his thoughts and centre himself. Feeling more confident he gathers his composure like a knight donning armour and exits his room with head held high. He is met by a few startled gasps as the rest of the Lan contingent take in his new appearance, and it is an effort not to flush with embarrassment, but they are easy to ignore compared to his uncle’s surprise.For a long moment, Lan Qiren takes him in without saying anything, a small furrow of his brow hints at his confusion, a raised brow at the loosened knot, but otherwise he’s silent. Finally, he huffs.“This is different.”“Mn.”His uncle purses his lips, and asks, “What are the three treasures?”“Compassion, frugality and humility.” Lan Wangji recites from memory.Once more he takes in Lan Wangji, clearly sceptical. It’s enough to make Lan Wangji feel like a boy again, first donning his ribbon.Finally, he quotes an old Lan proverb: “Do not rush into change. Consider each step carefully before making a decision, neither too fast nor too slow.”Lan Wangji knows the advice is given in good conscience and receives it with the same. But his uncle does not know the full circumstances, and discussing his desire for Wei Wuxian would be unendurable, so he must prevaricate.“It is necessary, uncle.”Lan Qiren hums, but seems willing to let the matter rest, for now. With that, the matter seems to be settled, and Lan Wangji can release a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding. His uncle had always been strict, but fair. With his consent Lan Wangji can finally begin to settle into his new clothes, confident that their risqué nature cannot be as bad as he feared if his stoic uncle had given his approval.From there a servant guides them down the corridor to a door that opens onto a short pier. He is met by a cool breath of air, coming from the expansive lakes sweeping to their left and right, tinged with the sweet smell of lotus’ as the first bloom arrives to greet the spring.As a group they climb into boats, a punter smoothly pushes them away from the dock, sets his pole against the lake bed, and steers them out towards the lake's centre. In the distance he can see their destination; a floating pavilion surrounded by a sea of lotus blossoms and illuminated by lanterns that glimmer in the low evening light. Around them other boats set out, each laden with guests, until a small flotilla makes its way peacefully out onto the water.
Without the heat of the day, the trip is made in quiet tranquillity, the only sounds are the quiet splash of the pole moving through the water and the call of song of waterfowl that make their home here. It helps to settle the nerves that form in Lan Wangji’s stomach as they begin to approach a floating pavilion; and with it Wei Wuxian.The final stretch is made quickly, the punter navigating between lanterns and lotus blossoms a meter wide as easily as if they were on land. Until finally the boat touches up against the pavilion, and a servant lashes a rope to a hook at the front of the boat with quick, sure knots.In front of them is an arched entrance littered with fish talismans, for prosperity, pomegranates, for fertility, and as is traditional for alphas, fresh bundles of snapdragon flowers, symbolising virility. As he takes it all in, the rest of the Lan delegation disembarks, with Lan Xichen politely taking the hand offered to help him off the boat, an offer Lan Wangji refuses on principle. They set off together, hands clasped behind their backs, posture rigid and faces serene. As they pass under the arch Lan Wangji can briefly feel the tingle of wards touch his skin before they are through and into the centre.As usual, the Lan are early, meaning there are only a handful of other guests mingling around, some taking in the view, others stopping to talk. Most gather around the middle of the pavilion, where an opening has been left so that the whole structure forms a ring around a single, thousand-year golden lotus. He knows from his history lessons that it is said to boost one's cultivation, and that it is why the Jiangs originally founded their sect here. Later, Jiang Cheng, as part of his coming-of-age ceremony will eat one of the lotus pods in a time-honoured tradition. Yet whilst most come to gawk at the legendary blossom, Lan Wangji still feels like all eyes turn to gawk at his dishevelled appearance. But his embarrassment is swiftly discarded when he spies the true treasure tonight.Wei Wuxian is across from them, talking with Jiang Cheng and his sister near, but not underfoot from their Sect Leader. Even though his back is turned, Lan Wangji can recognise his silhouette despite the low evening light. He talks with his hands, wide sweeping gestures that draw the eye in, and his laughter is loud enough to carry over the sound of conversation despite the distance.“Go on, give our best wishes to Jiang Cheng.”Lan Wangji meets his brothers' laughing eyes with a sardonic look but takes the excuse to make his way towards Wei Wuxian.It is Jiang Yanli who notices him first, touching her brother on the elbow to catch his attention. Jiang Cheng snaps a word at Wei Wuxian, too quiet for Lan Wangji to hear, then stomps forward to snap a bow, appropriate for an elder.“Lan-gongzi, it is good to see you again.”As he speaks Wei Wuxian spins on his heel, and begins to bow, speaking before finishing his turn.“Zewu-jun -” He begins, before cutting himself off, eyes widening and his pretty mouth dropping open in shock. “Lan Wangji! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to get you confused. Has anyone told you that you look like your brother? Wow, those robes are really –"He’s cut off by Jiang Cheng smacking him on the arm. “Stop rambling, idiot.”As Wei Wuxian’s eyes trail over him he has to resist the absurd alphan urge to flex in response. The fabric would surely rip if he tried.Jiang Yanli rescues them from the awkward pause, stepping forward to place a placating hand on each of her brother’s arms. “Lan Wangji, it is a pleasure to see you again. What my brother,” here she looks at Wei Wuxian, “meant to say, was that you have done your sect proud tonight.”Wei Wuxian nods enthusiastically, grinning at her. When he turns back to him, the animal part of him preens at the way his eyes linger at his throat for a moment longer than necessary. It does not matter that he feels underdressed, so long as it is Wei Wuxian doing the undressing.He is suddenly reminded of what his brother had said about Wei Wuxian presenting at the sight of him. He knows it is impossible, but the thought of triggering Wei Wuxian’s heat and claiming him here, in front of the cultivation world is vivid and powerful. It takes him a moment to clear his thoughts before he can respond to Jiang Yanli.“Thank you, lady Jiang.” He says, voice a little hoarse. He forces his eyes to Jiang Cheng who is scowling at his adoptive brother.“I simply wished to come and give my clan's well wishes.”Then, to Wei Wuxian he inclines his head, “And it is no bother, my brother and I are often compared to each other. It is a common mistake.”Wei Wuxian laughs loudly in response, a hand coming up to rub nervously at the back of his neck. “Hanguang-jun is too kind! I will have to make it up to you.”Lan Wangji can picture a dozen ways Wei Wuxian could pay him back but settles for a small hum of acknowledgement instead. He glances back at Jiang Cheng.“Are you looking forward to tonight’s ceremony?”Jiang Cheng puffs up his chest, clearly eager to be the centre of attention again. “It’s a Jiang family tradition,” He announces, “once a generation the heir to the clan gets to eat from the thousand-year lotus. I was sure I was going to present last year, but eighteen isn’t so bad!”Lan Wangji nods to show he is listening, although he can’t help but notice the way Jiang Yanli winces at the proclamation. It does not take a genius to figure out why; her poor health is widely known amongst the major sects. If she’d been born heir she might have been able to overcome her poor turn of fate. Yet the look is gone quickly, replaced by a fond gaze as she looks at her brother, clearly happy for his success. Lan Wangji’s estimation of her goes up.“It is good to honour tradition.” He says to Jiang Cheng, then eagerly moves back to the other two. “And did you both have a similar celebration as omegas?”Jiang Yanli’s hand comes up to cover her mouth as she giggles.“Oh, no, you have it wrong Lan-gongzi, I am an omega, but A-Xian hasn’t presented yet.”It’s gladdening to hear that he is not a beta, and speaks volumes about his skill at cultivation that the heir to one of the four Great Sects has presented before him.Still, politeness requires him to bow his head in contrition. “Then it is my turn to apologise, Wei Wuxian. It goes against my sects teachings, yet I still made an assumption based on your beauty.”When he looks up through the veil of his eyelashes he is pleased to see the flush on the boy’s cheeks. Many would be offended to be called beautiful, yet he just waves his hand in front of his face in denial.“Lan-gongzi! How can you say such things when your beauty outshines the stars! It is unfair! Leave some for the rest of us mere mortals!”Lan Wangji feels his lips tug up in a small smile at how cute his silly omega can be. He is about to set the record straight when Jiang Cheng scoffs loudly and shoves Wei Wuxian in the side, causing him to flail wildly as he tips precariously to the side.“An omega? Hah! When have you seen an omega so tall? Wei Wuxian is going to be an alpha like me.”Wei Wuxian grins back at his brother, and Lan Wangji resents the look they share. He needs to snuff such nonsense out now before he starts to take it to heart. So, remembering his brother’s advice, he steps into Wei Wuxian’s space, far closer than is appropriate. At once the three siblings quieten at his approach.“May I?” He asks. But, before Wei Wuxian can speak he reaches out and takes him by the chin, tilting his face to either side. His grip is light enough that Wei Wuxian could break free at any moment, but Lan Wangji is pleased to note that he does not pull away from his grasp. The silence grows pronounced at his breach of decorum, but Lan Wangji could no sooner tear his gaze from Wei Wuxian than if lightning were to strike the ground by his feet.Normally he abjured touch, yet Wei Wuxian’s skin was soft beneath his fingers, each point of contact sending a flame of desire curling through him. His bare wrist was inches from Wei Wuxian’s nose, and he could see how his pupils dilated as he took in Lan Wangji’s scent; blowing wide until nearly no silver remained. For a moment their eyes remained locked, then Wei Wuxian’s tongue wets his lips, and he can’t help but follow the movement.They are slightly parted as he draws a breath, slightly moist, and it would take so little effort for Lan Wangji to run his thumb over them to see if they are as plump as they look. He can picture that tongue poking out and licking the pad of his finger, getting it nice and wet. He can see that wet mouth wrapped around his cock, stretched ruthlessly as he struggles to breathe around a knot.Lan Wangji knows he’s going to lose control over his scent if he doesn’t stop, so with a force of will he steps back, releasing his grip on Wei Wuxian. Yet Wei Wuxian doesn’t do anything for a moment, looking slightly dazed.“What was that!” Jiang Cheng finally explodes, voice loud enough that a few people look in their direction, Lan Wangji included. He’d been so absorbed in Wei Wuxian that he hadn’t noticed the thundercloud Jiang Cheng had become, face nearly as purple as his robes.Lan Wangji clears his throat, then gestures towards Wei Wuxian. “You asked if I had seen an omega as tall as Wei Wuxian. I have.”His answer does nothing to satisfy the young man, who bristles in response. “You can see how tall he is from over there.”The air fills with the scent of tobacco and spice as Jiang Cheng’s anger gets the better of him. It is difficult to restrain his alpha in response, but he has had years of practice, and keeps his façade steady.Yet, even then, it is more difficult than usual to stifle the alpha urge to step in front of
Wei Wuxian who, unpresented, remains clueless to the provocation Jiang Cheng is throwing out. Mercifully, Jiang Yanli steps in front of her brother, her own sweet omega scent helping to muffle her brother’s loss of control.“Apologies for my brother’s outburst, Lan-gongzi. This is still new for him, and he is very protective of A-Xian.”At his name, Wei Wuxian joins her on Jiang Cheng’s other side, throwing an arm around his shoulder and nodding with a grin. “Of course it’s ok, you know how I am!” So saying he rubs a cheek against his brothers, scenting him. It is all Lan Wangji can do not to rip them apart, so he is weirdly grateful when Jiang Cheng hisses and shoves him away, Wei Wuxian laughing all the while.
Their antics seem ready to escalate when Jiang Yanli turns to Lan Wangji, a small smile on her face at her brother’s silliness.“Earlier, who did you mean, when you said you knew someone as tall A-Xian?”The question has both boys looking over at Lan Wangji, so it is Wei Wuxian he addresses his answer to.“Your father.”Wei Wuxian blinks in surprise, before dropping his grip on Jiang Cheng’s robes to bound towards Lan Wangji.“You knew my dad?”“Mn.”Lan Wangji gestures to Wei Wuxian’s face, who still does not flinch away from the proximity. “Wei Changze was an omega known for his good looks and his uncommon height. You are also tall, with similarly fine features.”“Really?” Wei Wuxian asks, his fingers coming up to touch his face reverently. “Most people say I look like my mom.”Lan Wangji shakes his head in response. “Your eyes and your cheekbones; they look like his.”As he speaks, Wei Wuxian traces each feature, clearly picturing how he remembered his father.“How did you know Wei Changze?” Jiang Yanli asks.“We met during the war.”This catches Jiang Cheng’s attention, his scent subsiding as curiosity takes hold, eager to hear more about the battles their parents had fought.“It was just before the attack on Lotus Pier. The Wens summoned disciples from all of the clans to attend an indoctrination camp.”Wei Wuxian nods eagerly. “We were just outside Yungmeng when we heard. Mom and dad rushed back as quickly as we could. Jiang Cheng was only eight, too young to attend, so my dad volunteered in his place.” His tone is proud, clearly holding his father in high esteem.Lan Wangji nods, having heard something similar from Wei Changze. What a small world, that he should now meet the man's son a decade later.“That is correct. We had just been attacked, and in order to buy time to regroup I was sent as a representative from the Lans.”All three share a grimace. The attack on the Lan’s was notorious, dozens dead, and centuries of knowledge burned with their library.“I first saw your father at the camp they had set up for us; the only omega among fifty betas and alphas. Yet he showed no fear. It was admirable.”The words cause Wei Wuxian to grin, clearly pleased at the compliment. He wears his emotions so clearly on his face, so different from Lan Wangji that he cannot help but adore him for it.“Dad wasn’t scared of anything! Even when we were wandering cultivators, he never let being an omega stop him from night hunting!”Lan Wangji hums in agreement. “It is true, he was braver than most. When Wen Chao sealed us beneath the mountain, it was your father who allowed us to escape.”As one Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian look at each other, excited. “The Divine Xuanwu!”“Correct. I held it off, whilst Wei Changze led the other disciples through a tunnel he discovered in the lake.”“You held it off?” Wei Wuxian asks, awed. To which Lan Wangji nods.“Then that means…” he trails off, blushing. Lan Wangji’s curiosity peaks, but even when he quirks an eyebrow Wei Wuxian only looks away, embarrassed. Out of the corner of his eye he can see a similar reaction from Jiang Cheng. It is Jiang Yanli who speaks up, her eyes glittering with the same mirth he saw in Lan Xichens this morning.“Wei-gongzi used to tell the story to my brothers when they were younger.” She says, giggling as both boys turn to her with equal looks of horror.In a conspiratorial voice she continues, dodging their attempts to silence her, “They used to take turns as Wei Changze and the Prince in White for days on end. It was one of their favourites for months.”Pleasure runs through Lan Wangji at the story, only deepening when Wei Wuxian refuses to meet his eye.“Is that so? Then please, call me Lan Wángzǐ.”The pun has Wei Wuxian whipping around to look at him, a startled laugh quickly turning into him tipping his head back and cackling.“Ah, Lan Wangji, you cannot be both handsome and funny! The heavens are only supposed to grant one blessing each! It is unfair! I cannot call you that”He cannot recall the last time someone called him funny. If he’d been happy before, the sound of Wei Wuxian laughing has his whole body feeling warm, and a small smile graces his lips. Is this what falling in love was like?“Then please, call me Lan Zhan.”The laughter peters out as Wei Wuxian’s eyes go wide.“Lan Zhan? Is that your personal name? Mine is Wei Ying.”Lan Zhan nods, already treasuring the shared intimacy. No one calls him by name, not even Lan Xichen. This will be something special, only shared between them.Yet the moment is interrupted by Jiang Cheng stepping forward, butting into a conversation he has no part in.“Are you sure, Lan-gongzi? You do not have to humour this idiot. If you give him an inch, he will take a mile.”Wei Ying squawks in indignation, and Lan Zhan has to smother a glare at the intruding alpha.“It is only right. I owe Wei Changze a life debt.”“See, it’s ok!” Wei Ying says, pointing at Jiang Cheng. Then, “You do?”“Mn. After the disciples fled the Xuanwu, I was trapped inside without a sword, food or water to drink. The nearest Sect was a week's travel, and inedia would have let me survive for three or four days at best. Wei Changze took the risk to break into the Wen compound and steal back some of our confiscated swords. If he had not come back, I would have certainly perished. Calling me by Lan Zhan is only fair.”“He never told me that.” Wei Wuxian whispers. “Are there other stories you know of my parents?”Lan Zhan nods, but remembers his brother’s advice on making a good impression: light touches, subtly sharing your scent, and intimate conversation, but do not overstay your welcome. Leave on a good note. So, although he does not want to, he must bring things to a close.“Yes, I fought with both of them. But you must all return to the festivities. Are you attending this year's lectures at Cloud Recesses?”Jiang Cheng gestures between himself and his brother, “We both are. It’s in just over a month right?”“Yes, at the start of summer. I would be happy to continue this conversation then, if that is the case.”Wei Wuxian grins, “Then maybe I should be calling you Lan-laoshi instead!”The thrill that sends through Lan Zhan reveals more about himself than he’d previously known. In his mind's eye he can picture Wei Ying in white Gusu Lan guest robes, prettily calling out for Laoshi as he’s bent over Lan Zhan’s desk. It is a miracle that all he does is smile with the filth that’s running through his mind.He excuses himself, voice rougher than before, and, with difficulty, walks away from the trio, very aware of the weight between his legs. Yet, as he departs, he cannot help but realise that, despite having talked more now than he has in months, he does not feel any of the fatigue socialising normally brings. Even with the burr that was Jiang Cheng, something about conversing with Wei Ying made things easy, like talking with family.So when Lan Xichen meets his gaze and quirks a querying eyebrow, Lan Zhan nods back at him: tonight was a wonderful success.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The rest of the evening proceeds without much of interest. Whilst immersed in talking with Wei Ying the rest of the party guests had arrived, such that the floating platform seemed crowded with the sound of hundreds of voices overlapping with one another. He stays by Lan Xichen’s side, murmuring pleasantries as needed, but otherwise tracks Wei Wuixan’s progress out of the corner of his eye.
A swarm of talented cultivators, wealthy nobles and prominent locals have gathered around Jiang Cheng, yet Lan Zhan can’t help but notice that despite it being the alpha’s celebration, attention naturally shifts to Wei Ying, his natural charisma pulling heads like flies to honey.It is no surprise then to see Nie Huisang sidle his way between the two a bottle of wine held in each hand. At the sight a round of cheers goes up from the youths, with Wei Ying snapping one up with glee, drinking from the neck vigorously, uncouthly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand to a chorus of laughs around him. Not to be shown up, Jiang Cheng is quick to snatch the other bottle and swig from it, decorum forgotten in the spirit of brotherly competition. Soon the bottle is making its rounds with more appearing as servants hurry to keep their guests happy.Having spotted Nie Huisang it is not hard to find the omega's husband. As expected, Jin Guangyao is beside Nie Mingjue, his slight form juxtaposed harshly against the towering man. Even with how fatigued the Qinghe Nie Sect Leader looks, the difference between the two alphas is stark.Resignedly, he nudges Lan Xichen, catching his attention, then gestures in the direction of his two lovers. At the sight, his brother’s eyes light up, and he deftly excuses himself to make his way over, both of the alphas lighting up at the sight of his approach.While he’s happy for his brother, Lan Zhan can’t pretend to understand the mess that is his relationships. He knows Jin Guangyao is only married to Nie Huisang so that he can have access to Nie Mingjue without starting any controversy around two alpha's in a relationship. But it is a headache he's glad he's not a part of. Still, he's glad that, since Jin Guanyao is clearly willing to sleep with siblings, that at least he chose to do with the Nie's rather than pursuing Lan Zhan.
With his brother departed the remainder of the night quickly devolves to tedium. Lan Zhan loiters as long as propriety demands, but nothing holds his attention now that the two people he likes are otherwise engaged. He observes Jiang Cheng, slightly tipsy, eat from the thousand-year lotus to raucous applause, listens with half an ear to his parents speak proudly of this moment, then politely excuses himself as cheers and toasts are made. With the formalities concluded it rapidly becomes apparent that the rest of the night is going to devolve into drinking and back-slapping; neither of which Lan Zhan wishes to be a part of.He gets some odd looks when he asks to be taken back to Lotus Pier, but after a glance at his ribbon understanding dawns on the punter’s face, and before long he is on a boat headed back. As he departs he can feel the fatigue of staying up past nine o'clock settle on him like a weight, yet there is also a relief with having the raucous chaos of the night behind him. The water is pitch black at this time of night, such that he can imagine they are sailing across the night sky instead of a lake. His only company the susurrus of the wind and the swish of the pole through the water.But as they approach Lotus Pier life returns to intrude on his tranquil journey. The mainland is lit up with bonfires and the clamour of voices and instruments, the sound carrying clearly over the still water. With the elite of the cultivation world celebrating behind him, their much larger entourages have likewise descended on Liangzi town with similar enthusiasm. With how much money and wine is flowing he would not be surprised if tomorrow was declared a day of rest to allow everyone to recover.Lotus Pier is deserted in comparison. A few lanterns glow, illuminating the sullen faces of those guards still on shift, clearly eager to sign off so they too can go out and indulge. They pull up at the pier close to the Lan quarters, the punter grabbing a post rather than tying up as Lan Zhan steps out. Feeling energised now that he is amongst the quiet, Lan Zhan hands him a silver as a tip, waving away his gratitude as he makes his way inside. The halls are empty, the only sound the whisper of his clothes brushing each other as he makes his way to his rooms.Once inside he disrobes, carefully hanging the ornate outfit in his wardrobe and storing the guan in a qiankun pouch for safekeeping.
He takes a moment to enjoy having the weight removed, stretching his neck and running his hands through his hair in relief. But excitement has him quickly changing into a new outfit. This one, unlike his usual, is a deep navy, dark enough to appear black in poor light, the white embroidered clouds barely visible unless viewed up close. Perfect for his clandestine plans this evening.Ready, he peers out of his window, and, confirming there is no one watching, grabs the ledge above and swings onto the roof. With his new outfit, he is nearly indistinguishable from the dark tiles that cover Lotus Pier, but caution has him remain in place for several heartbeats, eyes scanning his surroundings for any signs of alarm. The evening's celebrations work in his favour however, with the guard reduced, and attention cast outwards instead of in, it is simple to begin to make his way unnoticed. He is still careful to walk lightly, making sure to stay below the ridgeline, lest his form appear silhouetted against the sky, but in no time he has crossed from the guest quarters into the inner sanctum.As expected, this section is more heavily patrolled, but it serves as no barrier to a cultivator of Lan Zhan’s talent. With patience borne of thousands of hours of meditation, he waits in the deep shadows of the gabled roof, counting down until bored eyes gaze away from his direction, then darting to the next hiding spot. He repeats this process across the length of Lotus Pier until the familiar sight of a training yard appears before him. With one last glance to check his surroundings he drops down onto the dirt floor, years of training serving to muffle the sound of his landing.He is quick to duck under the roofed walkway that surrounds the courtyard hiding him from view of any patrolling Jiang’s as he takes a moment to orient himself. Whilst the architecture is slightly different, overall, this is familiar territory to Lan Zhan who has years of training with a sword. Behind him leads back into the main Jiang family residences, to the side is a building that can only be the infirmary, and opposite him is a larger structure that has to be the barracks.Swiftly he circles the yard, staying under the roofed overhang the entire way until he reaches a set of double doors. Here he lingers, calming his breathing as he casts out his senses. This must be the dormitories where the Jiang disciples sleep, and, presumably, where their head disciple would dorm. After a few long minutes, he hears the murmur of voices coming from a window to his right; presumably, the disciples are too young to join the party and not yet old enough to patrol. His direction he confirmed, he more carefully makes his way to the left, away from the sound until he reaches a dark window, thankfully left open in the heat of early spring.He waits a few moments, then peers inside. His suspicions are immediately confirmed as a room too large to be anyone other than the head disciples is revealed. But Wei Wuxian is talented and clever, so Lan Zhan does not dart inside as his heart wills him to. Instead, he studies the windowsill for traps.As expected, he finds two talismans: the first scratched obnoxiously into the wood, and the second tucked away in the corner, which is harder to spot. The more obvious one is a standard alarm array, which he quickly covers with a silencing talisman. The second takes him longer to decipher. Lan Zhan has studied the breadth of the clan library and worked with many Jiang disciples before, yet it still takes him a few minutes to recognise the modified cleansing array for what it is. His Wei Ying is so clever!Safely identified he does not hesitate to slide inside. As he does so the talisman flares and he is met with resistance, Qi pounding down upon him not unlike trying to climb up a roaring waterfall. But whilst it may deter most unsuspecting intruders, Lan Zhan can only revel in the feeling of Wei Ying’s Qi scraping over him like a most tender caress. When he is finally inside he almost misses the feeling, and is half tempted to repeat the process just to feel it again.But the urge fades as he slowly takes in the room around him. Everything is cast in greyscale, the light of the moon casting Wei Ying’s bedroom in an ethereal glow. Lan Zhan cannot help but soak in every detail, committing it to memory. The single bed pushed up against the wall is where Wei Ying goes to sleep, the sheets haphazardly thrown into some semblance of order. The desk to the side, covered in papers, is where Wei Ying studies and plans his day. From the robe hanging off the back of a chair to the bookshelf overflowing with scrolls: the entire space reflects its owner perfectly. Lan Zhan cannot help but take a moment to revel in the space, soaking in Wei Ying’s presence. The night is perfectly still, lending the room a serenity not unakin' to a temple, with Lan Zhan its pious worshiper.A noise outside disrupts his admiration. Frustration wells up inside him at the disturbance and he is quick to close the shutters, pitching the room into darkness. A light talisman flares, casting the once greyscale into coloured relief. Now that he can see, more details reveal themselves to Lan Zhan, each a window into Wei Ying’s personality.The first thing that catches his attention is a shelf above Wei Ying’s bed. What were dark shadows before now become wine bottles lined up like prizes at a fair, carefully spaced so that each gets the attention it deserves. Lan Zhan does not drink, so he does not recognise the names on the labels, yet each container is ornate enough that their quality speaks for itself.Curiosity has him lifting one from its place on the end, but it is suspiciously light. And, when he pops the cork he finds it empty, with the next bottle the same, as is the one after that. Lan Zhan can picture Wei Ying back at the pavilion, drinking with friends, tucking the empty bottle into his sleeve to bring back and enshrine here as a symbol of a pleasant evening. Humming to himself, he places it back in its space, careful to leave no sign of disturbance.His fingers trace a line down from the shelf to touch the bedsheets below but pause there, uncertain. It feels too soon to explore Wei Ying’s bed, like an intrusion. So instead he turns and faces the study opposite. He can picture Wei Ying waking, eyes bleary from sleep, stumbling his way to resume his duties, dressed only in his underclothes; unbothered with putting on something smarter to wear. Hanging above it is a banner with, admittedly, sloppy calligraphy boldly proclaiming: “Attempt the Impossible!” Pinned to it are small slips of paper.Upon inspection, they first appear to be Wei Ying’s accomplishments, but when he spies one written in a childish hand ‘eat more chilli’s than Wei-gongzi!’ he can only conclude they are from the shidi’s and shimi’s that he trains instead. He cannot help the fondness that fills him at how proudly they are displayed, always within Wei Ying’s sight as he works. If this is how he cares for his disciples then he will surely be a wonderful mother to their children.Littered across the surface of the desk are a tide of papers, messy, but clearly organised according to some principle only clear to Wei Ying. In the centre is Wei Yings most recent project: Li Taibai, Chuy clan (dangling moustache, ugly goatee) followed by Bai Letian, Xinzheng clan (sideburns, beard down to chest!)…It continues, a list of names and descriptions spanning several pages, written in a cramped scrawl that still takes up most of the space on the page. It does not take long to discern its purpose. It is a compendium of all of the guests visting Lotus Pier for the celebration, clearly created to help Wei Ying remember who’s who, without risking embarrassing his sect should he get someone wrong.As soon as the realisation strikes, he is flipping through the pages, scanning for his name. Finally, right at the front he spots: Lan Xichen, ZeWu-Jun, GusuLan Sect (handsome; dark, gentle eyes and a warm smile). The paper crumples beneath his grasp as he tastes bile in the back of his throat. For a brief moment he resents his brother, the feeling not vanishing even when he tries to smother it. Driven by emotion, he cannot help but search for his own name, desperate for reassurance, until finally: Lan Zhan, Hanguang-Jun, GusuLan Sect (An incomparable beauty, appearing once in a blue moon).Relief sweeps through him, followed swiftly by a joy he cannot begin to describe. Was this not a sign of their fated connection? If this was how Wei Ying thought of him when they first met, even before he had tried to impress him, then surely he must carry some sort of attraction for him? His fingers trace the letters, wishing fervently that he could sear them upon his memory.An incomparable beauty.The words rattle through his mind, going round in circles. Was that not a mirror to what he had thought when he saw Wei Ying? The urge grows too strong, and almost without thought he has ripped the page from the book and is sliding it into his sleeve for safekeeping. He quickly flips back to where Wei Wuxian had left it opened to, a meagre disguise to cover his theft. Yet Lan Zhan cannot bring himself to regret his actions. It would not do for this to be thrown away carelessly, not when it is proof that his love is not unrequited. He has to keep it safe.After that discovery, the rest of the desk’s contents feel far less captivating. To the side are a dozen iterations of a talisman, surrounded by three reference books, held open by paperweights, their spines crying out in distress. Lan Zhan gives them a mental apology but cannot close them; he has already tampered enough.At a glance, they appear to be used for damming floods and purifying water, with the new talisman some variation on both. Yungmeng is a waterlogged region, with vast rice paddies and marshland, meaning the Jiang’s are constantly trying to improve their techniques to minimise the damage of heavy rain and pooling resentment. Once more he feels a flicker of pride for Wei Ying's talent, although he cannot help but smile when he notices the doodles littering the edges of his work, evidence of boredom, distraction, or both.Inside the desk are more notebooks. He does not have time to inspect them all, but he does idly flip through to get a sense of their contents. They appear to be ordered by year, so he grabs one from the middle and opens it to the front page. His eyebrows raise slightly as Jiang Fengmian’s face stares back at him, rendered in careful detail on the page. On the right are sketches from different angles, a few of just a hand or an eye, practicing poses. On the left is a sketch of a fill pose, lines loose with practice.When he flips the page he finds several pages have been torn out. Curious. The next is of Jiang Cheng, with quite a few doodles of him pulling silly faces. Then there are many of Jiang Yanli, more than the rest combined, each capturing her gentle smile with a delicate touch. Following that are people whom he can only assume live in and around Lotus Pier. Notably, there are none of Yu Ziyuan. Once more he flips back to the ripped-out pages, thumbing the torn edges as he processes the profound lack. Very interesting.Humming quietly to himself he turns away from the desk, scanning the rest of the room with a light gaze. A sword rack sits at the end of the bed, within easy reach should Wei Wuxian be disturbed in his sleep. As expected the top rung is empty, presumably he has his spiritual weapon on him at the moment. Below it are a series of training swords, each getting smaller as they go down; presumably these were Wei Ying’s as he grew up, still useful for training the younger disciples.Of interest is a wooden stick on the very lowest rung. As he approaches he can see rough grooves carved to form a handle, and when he leans in close, small stains in the shape of a child’s hand. In his mind’s eye, he can see Wei Changze, the wandering cultivator, carving this for a young Wei Wuxian, whose sticky fingers will brand themselves on the wood for years to come. It is a sweet image, and he can’t help but hope it’s correct.There is not much else of note in the room, beyond the door leading to a bathing area and the wardrobe near the door. He is pleasantly surprised to find a dizi when searching the pockets of the robe hanging from the chair. It is a simple thing, grooves showing in the bamboo from the knife that made it, but the notes sound true when he blows into it gently. He did not know that Wei Ying could play an instrument, and he looks forward to getting the chance to play with him. Music is at the core of Lan Zhan’s identity, it makes sense his mate would have talent for it.There is only one thing left to explore. The wardrobe opens without a creak, the hinges well-oiled, revealing an array of outfits for Wei Wuxian to wear. There are the usual Jiang purple training outfits, hung next to more personal robes of black and red. It’s these he traces his fingers over, imagining how they would hang off of Wei Ying. He peels back the black outer robe and traces the red inner one with his eyes, easily picturing how the colour would look on Wei Ying at their wedding. It is enough to make his heart speed up, the vision of Wei Wuxian sprawled upon his bed in the Jinghsi, red veil demurely in place, taunting Lan Zhan to remove it.So it is no wonder that he finds himself pulling open the drawers below, his heart echoing loudly in his ears at the sight. Thrown in haphazardly are Wei Wuxian’s underclothes, the most intimate garments worn directly against his skin. His hand hovers over them, the violation of privacy causing his cock to begin to harden as he dares to intrude. It’s just his imagination, but he can swear he feels the heat of Wei Ying still clinging to the fabric. It is too much temptation to resist, and before he can truly think through the action he’s already pulling Wei Ying’s pants to his face and breathing in deeply.For the first time he can smell Wei Ying's scent. Muffled from his lack of presentation, only here, amongst his most private belongings can he catch the hint of loquats and spice that hint at what he will smell like in the future. It’s a heady feeling, and he breathes in again, light-headedness taking over as he crushes the fabric to his face, huffing it like smoking tobacco. With the other hand he traces his way down the front of his robes to thumb at his erection, straining painfully from where it's concealed. The touch sends electricity tingling through his body, lighting up his nerves like nothing ever has before. Unable to resist he rubs the flat of his palm against his head, the rough drag of fabric against the sensitive tip drawing a stifled moan from his throat.At some point he must have closed his eyes, so lost in savouring Wei Ying’s scent that he’d shut out all other distractions. It is only as he opens them that he notices the strange lump amongst Wei Ying's other underclothes. Loathe as he is to stop, curiosity has him move them out of the way, revealing the square shape of a book hidden in the drawer.Intrigued, he cannot help but flip it open, the book falling naturally to a dog-eared page. Immediately heat rushes to Lan Zhan’s face, such that his ears and neck grow hot. Quick as lightning he slams the book closed, turning to gaze at the wall in shocked embarrassment, heart thumping in his chest as he clutches Wei Ying's underwear within a tight fist.For several moments he breathes deeply, trying to settle himself even as the pornography dances lewdly behind his eyelids. But, even as he recites the Lan principles, he cannot push out the image of a thickly veined alpha’s dick plunging into an omega; their faces flushed with ecstasy as they couple together. Nor can he ignore the weight of his own cock, which seems to have thickened further at the sight.Feeling like a teenager again he touches himself, a pleasant shiver running through his body at the barest contact. Facing away from the illicit material he can see Wei Ying’s bed and all the connotations it contains. So easily he can picture Wei Ying lying there, red inner robes parted slightly to reveal his tanned chest, his perky nipples just visible where they push up against the thin fabric.One hand would slide down, lightly tracing a firm peak, pinching it briefly until it hardened so he can rub it between his fingertips. With the other he would flip through the pages of the book, eyes riveted as he bites his lip, imagining himself being taken by a strong alpha in a dozen different positions. Only when he’s found the perfect page would he press his hand lower, tracing over his abs like a tease, skirting past his cock without a thought, before reaching between his own beautiful legs to drag his fingertips over his folds, a moan tearing it’s way free at the touch.Without thinking he grabs the book from its hiding spot and moves over to climb onto Wei Ying's bed. The frame creaks briefly beneath his weight but quietens as he settles onto his side, weight upon his elbow as he leans over the closed book. Like this, it is easy to imagine Wei Ying doing the exact same thing and the knowledge has him bringing the underwear once more to his face to breathe in Wei Ying’s scent, feeling like his mate is truly here with him. But after the first time it’s not quite enough.Feeling debauched, he turns the cloth inside out and breathes deeply from the crotch. Here, where Wei Ying’s scent is thickest, here he can finally taste what Wei Ying’s slick will be like. Loquats and spice overwhelm him, sweet heat rolling over his tongue like the most delicious of deserts, heady and all-consuming. Yet amongst the scent is another note. His brow furrows in concentration as he tries to pierce through what his senses are telling him.Musk. Subtle, barely there, is the undeniable smell of musk. Consternation fills him as he places the scent. He inhales again, and this time it’s clear: Wei Ying is beginning to present as an alpha. Anger sudden and violent has him wanting to rip the fabric apart, a primal part of him wishing simply to reject this new reality. This will not do. Wei Ying cannot be allowed to become an alpha; Lan Zhan will not allow it.Resolve settles firmly inside his chest like a lodestone. He will simply have to push forward with their plans. He cannot wait until the lectures begin, instead Wei Ying’s transformation into the perfect omega must begin immediately. If he delays then Wei Ying could present as an alpha, making everything more complicated. No. It will have to start here.Fuelled by the thought he flips the book open and pushes his robes apart with the other. It is the one from before; the omega on their back, the alpha gazing down upon their prey with hungry desire.He pulls his pants down so they catch under his heavy balls and takes his cock in hand. His breathing picks up as he smears precum over the tip, the heat of his palm electric. His eyes trace the picture, latching onto the stretch of the omega’s cunt as the alpha forces his way inside.It’s easy to picture Wei Ying in the omega’s place, his legs thrown wide as Lan Zhan kneels between them. This is how it would be at first; Lan Zhan would drag his tip through Wei Ying’s slick; just enough to ease the way. His eyes latch on the omega’s face, thrown back in ecstasy and can see Wei Ying in their place, his mouth gasping for breath as Lan Zhan begins to push inside. A juddering gasp tears its way from Lan Zhan’s mouth as he strokes his cock at the thought. It’s a little too dry, but the slight twinge of pain only adds to it, and his pace begins to pick up.It would be a stretch, Wei Ying is a virgin, and newly presented, but Lan Zhan would take care to be gentle for his first time. Already his cock is dripping at the thought, more precum leaking from his slit, helping to get his cock wet. It would be so much easier with Wei Ying’s slick working to guide his way inside. It would only take a few thrusts to bully his way in, pushing into the heat and warmth of Wei Ying’s body.His fist flies over his cock, and he breathes deeply from Wei Ying’s scent. It feels like a preview of what is to come. As an omega Wei Ying would be sweeter, like a drug made just for Lan Zhan, enough to drive his alpha wild as he takes what is his. The omega’s cunt is stretched wide, the folds gripping tight to the cock ravaging it. Wei Ying would be tighter still as Lan Zhan thrusts into him, over and over again, reshaping him around his cock.Heat pulses through Lan Zhan at the thought, and he can feel the swell of his knot begin to form as his hand strokes over it. He should slow down, stop before he cums. But the memory of Wei Ying’s musk has his alpha howling in protest. Rolling onto his back he pumps up into his fist, squeezing the knot tightly with each thrust of his hips. Eyes closed he can picture Wei Ying below him, writhing on the end of his cock, pussy lips catching on his knot as he bullies his way inside. He’d squirm and moan, pleasure warring with pain as Lan Zhan plays with his cocklet, a hand thrown over his face as he loses himself in the sensation of being taken for the first time.They would cum at the same time; Lan Zhan’s knot expanding inside Wei Ying, tying them together as he fills the omega up, his pussy tightening like a vice around his cock as he orgasms. The thought sends Lan Zhan over the edge, and with what little thought he has left he brings Wei Ying’s pants down onto his cock, the fabric soaking up his load as his balls pull in tight. He lays there, shaking as the orgasm rolls over him like a wave, hand squeezing his knot hard as he cums for what feels like forever. Finally, sweating and gasping for breath, it stops. He takes a while to recover, feeling like his body is tingling all over.When he glances down he’s pleased to see he’s coated the inside of Wei Ying’s underwear with his spend, the white cum painting patterns across the fabric. Animalistic instinct has him bring it to his nose. When he inhales satisfaction rolls through him at the joining of their two scents. Loquats and sandalwood mingle and conjoin in imitation of what it will be like when they are mated. Now the only musk he can smell is his own, completely overriding any hint of Wei Ying’s own emerging alphan scent.Satisfied, he tucks himself back into his pants, and sits up, careful not to get any of his mess onto the sheets. The room smells like sex, his alpha scent cloying the air with his strong pheromones. It makes something in Lan Zhan preen as he stands up, book in hand to return it to its hiding place. There he is confronted with a conundrum as he looks at the cum rag in his hand.Logic tells him to take them with them; if any alpha or omega found them they would know immediately what had happened. Yet the thought of Wei Ying putting them on, wearing Lan Zhan’s seed so close to his body has him purring in satisfaction. It is too much temptation to resist, so he balls up the underwear and returns them to the drawer. The cum would be dry by morning, and maybe Wei Ying would simply mistake it for his own spend? He is an eighteen-year-old boy after all, this must be a frequent occurrence. Mind made up he shuts the drawer and turns to inspect the room.Aside from the bed, little else has been disturbed, and even the bed does not look far off from how Wei Ying had left it. With a few tugs he straightens the top cover, not quite perfect, but enough to give the impression of an attempt. From there he opens the shutters, careful not to stand where anyone can see him. A breeze comes in, stirring up his scent. By the time Wei Ying returns the smell would have faded, Wei Ying’s undeveloped sense of smell too poor to pick up what will remain by morning.Lan Zhan would admit that there is some frustration as he slips out of the window and into the shadows. This isn’t how he had planned this evening to go, and the knowledge of Wei Ying’s designation is frustrating. But, as he darts his way over the rooftops, that resolve sits inside his chest like a guiding compass. He already planned on crafting Wei Ying into his perfect omega. Whilst this may throw a wrench in his plans, nothing has really changed. If anything this is a good thing; Wei Ying will be his even sooner than he’d previously imagined.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Lan Zhan awakens buoyed by a new sense of purpose. He has a deadline now, and a certain sense of urgency comes with that. It would not be correct to say he rushes through his morning’s ablutions, but there is no delay as he goes through the motions. In no time he is dressed and ready.It is only three steps to cross the hall and knock on his brother’s door. Like him, Lan Xichen is a creature of habit, such that despite no longer being disciples, long years of strict discipline mean that both still awaken with the sun. So it is quite a surprise when there is no immediate call to enter.It is forbidden to drink alcohol in the Cloud Recesses, and whilst Lan Zhan does not indulge, he knows that his brother will occasionally enjoy wine when outside of their sect. With that in mind, he knocks a little louder.There is another pause, the sound of movement, then Lan Xichen’s voice calls through the door.“One moment!”Going off of the slight sound of strain Lan Zhan can detect, his hypothesis must have been correct.“It is me, Xichen.”“Wangji?”“Yes. May I come in?”“No!” The voice shouts, startling Lan Zhan. He can count on one hand the number of times his brother has raised his voice. Feeling nervous, he reaches for the door handle, but it is locked.
“Not right now, didi. I am occu- Ugh” A gasp has him try the handle again, but it only rattles.“Xichen? Is everything alright? Are you hurt?” Lan Zhan asks, worried.It takes a few seconds before Lan Xichen replies.“Fine. I’m fine. Just… occupied right now.”With his heightened senses he can hear the creak of his brother’s bed and the rustle of the sheets through the wood of the door. His brother must have overindulged if he has a hangover that’s left him bedridden even this late into the morning.“Alright. I wanted to invite you for tea.”“That sounds wonderful didi. I will join you in ten –Ugh “ A pause, “thirty minutes.”“Mn.”Leaving his brother to gather his faculties, Lan Zhan sets off to find a servant. Despite the hour, several are hurrying about and it’s no hassle to flag one down to ask for directions. In no time he’s led through to the main complex and up a flight of stairs to the second floor.By and large Lotus Pier is all one level, choosing to spread outwards from the main complex in a series of buildings on stilts connected by bridges rather than build up. This is clearly one of the few exceptions, as he can see right over the complex without interruption.The dining space takes up most of the floor, with tables spread out evenly across the room. All around the edges circular windows open out onto panoramic views of the great lakes.He’s guided to one with the early morning sun peeking through, causing the green waters to glitter like diamonds as far as the eye can see.Seating himself on the cushion he breathes in the clean air coming in through the open arch. Aside from him, there are no other guests allowing him to take in the scenery in peace. As he suspected, there is very little activity coming from the town lining the shorefront. There are a few plumes of smoke rising above the houses, and he can spy some women washing clothes amongst the reeds, but otherwise the town seems to be recovering from the previous nights' festivities.The water is a bit busier, if only marginally. Returning in the dark, he hadn’t been able to spot the many boats and pleasure barges lining the edges of the lake.
From his vantage point, and in the clean light of day, he can spot a half dozen clan insignia, including the golden Jin Peony stamped across no less than three different hulls. Lotus Pier rests upon the Yangtze; the largest river in the world, stretching all the to what once was Nightless city.Although the Jin might be the wealthiest Sect, more trade moves down this river than any main road in the nation. Even in the short time it takes servants to bring him his tea, he can see a few entrepreneurial merchants on small punters laden down with fresh fruit and fish hawking their wares to the captains of the ships.Like this, he whiles away the time, sipping his tea whilst he watches the world go by. True to his word, his brother arrives almost exactly thirty minutes later.Despite his delay, his appearance is pristine, with no visible signs of his overindulgence. But they are as close as two brothers can be, and it is this that allows Lan Zhan to spy the delicacy with which he walks, belying his previous night's intoxication.Lan Zhan is not one to tease, but it is a brother’s prerogative to chide one another.“Long night?” He asks, voice light.Lan Xichen raises a brow in return, and delicately seats himself opposite Lan Zhan, if a little more genteelly than he normally would.“There was much to talk about.”“Mhmm.” Lan Zichen replied, his scepticism audible to anyone who knew him well.A slight flush colours his brother’s otherwise pale cheeks, and he pointedly avoids Lan Zhan’s gaze, instead indulging in the view outside. Then the corner of his lips quirk, and he looks back at his brother.“Not quite a long night as yours though, I imagine.”“What makes you say that?”Lan Xichen hums and the slight smirk turns into a grin.“I could not help but notice you leave the festivities early, brother. Imagine my surprise, then, when upon my return, you did not respond to my attempts to wish you a good night. Indeed, when I opened your door, you were not in your room whatsoever!”Like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar, it is Lan Zhan’s turn to avert his gaze, his ears burning as he studies the grain of the table.Lan Xichen continues, “In fact, your bed had not been slept in at all!”“Maybe I went for a walk?” he deflects.Lan Xichen’s eyes crinkle, and he hides his mouth behind a sleeve.“And did your midnight stroll take you near Wei Wuxian’s quarters by any chance?”His ears felt hotter, but he tilted his chin up in defiance.“It might have.”Lan Xichen’s eyes sparkled with mirth.“So impatient, didi! How unlike you!”“Mn.” Lan Zhan rebuked, yet Lan Xichen had the audacity to laugh.“I am not judging you, Wangji. It is the way of young love to be reckless. I would be more surprised if you showed more restraint! But you were careful, I hope?”Lan Zhan gave that a dour look, as if a cultivator of his skill would be caught over such a simple endeavour. Lan Xichen had the temerity to ignore it.“Good, I expected nothing less. How was it?”If Lan Zhan had been blushing before, now he felt as though he was on fire. He had gone to Wei Ying’s room simply to learn more about the man he loved, he’d never expected himself to lose control. Yet he had learned more than he expected.With that in mind, he explains his suspicions that Wei Ying is beginning to present as an alpha.Lan Xichen hums, absorbing that information and all of its connotations. Then, rather than tackle the issue, a mischievous look crosses his face.“And how did you discover such a thing?”Memories of defiling Wei Ying’s underwear flash behind Lan Zhan’s eyes. And rather than answer the question, he diligently begins to poor his brother tea whilst ignoring his chuckling.“Still, that is concerning. But do not fear didi, the process can still be reversed even at this stage.”Relief floods Lan Zhan, even though he had already suspected that was the case based on what his brother had told him previously.“What do I have to do?” He asked, cutting to the chase.Rather than continue to tease him Lan Xichen became entirely serious.Over the next hour, and several cups of tea, his brother explained all that he could remember on turning someone into an omega. More than once, both of them had to take a break, the embarrassment too much to bear. Yet, for their love of each other, Lan Xichen overcame the awkwardness to explain, in detail, what would be needed. As much as possible, he kept simply to the facts, using technical or euphemistic language where possible to separate themselves from the crassness of the conversation. This suited Lan Zhan just fine, who was partial to dealing solely with unedited information, devoid of flowery verbiage.“Of course,” Lan Xichen continued, “I do not remember everything. There are some herbs and Songs that can also sway someone’s temperament toward one designation or another. You will have to investigate those when we return.”Lan Zhan inclined his head in acknowledgement.“I shall.”Lan Xichen, glad to finally be finished, leant over to rest his hand on Lan Zhan’s. Whilst he may normally spurn touch, he could not help but appreciate his brother’s care in this moment, fully aware that Lan Xichen was going in defiance of not only their Sects teachings about morality but also their uncles.“It will be enough for now, Wangji. At least until he begins attending your lectures at Cloud Recesses.”“Thank you, Xichen.”Discussion concluded, they settle back and simply enjoy each other’s company without the need to fill the air with talk. A simple instruction has a new pot of tea and a collection of snacks brought for them to enjoy.Whilst they had been talking, the rest of Lotus Pier and the town surrounding it had begun to liven up. It is a sharp juxtaposition compared to their home in Cloud Recesses, as though Caiyi town had been transplanted up the mountain onto their doorstep. The hustle and bustle has its own charm, although Lan Zhan prefers the calmness that comes from home.A few tables have been filled with other cultivators, all of whom politely gave the two brothers some privacy, choosing to sit at their own private tables. From his vantage point he can see disciples in purple robes scurrying about the open walkways, some holding their heads in a way that suggests that they’d rather still be asleep despite it being close to ten in the morning.It is because he is paying attention to their surroundings that he hears a shout, followed by a large splash. Together, him and his brother peer out of the window in curiosity looking in the direction they’d heard the yell. It is a bit hard to see, purposefully kept hidden from view, but Lan Zhan can still see a pier stretching out from the inner part of the sect, where the Jiang family reside.It is a long way off, but with their level of cultivation, both him and Lan Xichen are able to discern young master Jiang Cheng coming up spitting and yelling from the water. Although exactly what he says is inaudible, judging by the fist he shakes in the air it is nothing good. And, standing on the pier, laughing at him, are a group of disciples decked in purple, one more recognisable than the rest.“Speak of the devil.” Lan Xichen murmurs at his side.It is Wei Ying, bent in half as he cackles at his brother, pointing at him as he flails like a wet cat in the water.Jiang Cheng yells something short and sharp, then, with a heave, sends a wave of water towards the group soaking them to the bone.Lan Xichen chuckles as the group falls silent, Jiang Cheng's laughter ringing out loud at the sight of their stupefied expressions.“A bit more rambunctious than we were at their age, huh, didi.”Lan Zhan hums as he watches Wei Ying recover from his shock. He can almost read his mind just by his body language. Wei Ying looks down at his soaked robes, to his brother, then to the younger disciples around him, and, before they can react, grabs the littlest by the shoulders and shoves him into the water.A squawk of indignation comes from Jiang Cheng, who awkwardly tries to get out of the way of the child’s flailing limbs. Once more, Lan Xichen huffs a laugh to himself as the rest turn to face each other, like soldiers on a battlefield. All sect allegiances are cast aside as a new game presents itself.For a drawn-out moment, the disciples study each other, caught in a stalemate, then, with a cheerful yell, Wei Ying launches himself forward, and mayhem descends as they all begin trying to push each other into the lake.His observations are interrupted by Lan Xichen clearing his throat.“I actually had something else I wanted to discuss with you, Wangji.”Pulling his gaze away he faces his brother again, tilting his head in question.“Last night, whilst you were talking with Wei Wuxian, I took the liberty of speaking with Jiang Fengmian and Lady Yu.”Lan Zhan continues to wait as his brother gathers his thoughts. It is hardly unusual that two Sect Leaders would speak, especially at such an important event.”“It is forbidden to gossip,” his brother recites.Lan Zhan pauses, then nods his head in understanding. “It is forbidden,” he agrees.“It was about Wei Wuxian.”Lan Zhan leant forward; curiosity peaked.“We are only here for a short time, and with Jiang Cheng already presenting, I figured it might not be long until Wei Wuxian presented as well.”“What did you do, Xichen?” Lan Zhan asks as a cold feeling replaces the curiosity.Lan Xichen gives a gentle shrug and looks out at the playfighting happening in the distance. Things seem to have escalated, with Jiang Cheng now on the dock as well. Most of the younger disciples are cheering from the water, as the few remaining have teamed up with Jiang Cheng to face off against Wei Ying. Despite being outnumbered, the Head Disciple is masterfully dancing away from grasping hands, careful to keep at least one person between him and his brother the entire time; using them as obstacles in Jiang Cheng's path.“I may have insinuated that the Lan’s were interested in what designation the Jiang’s thought Wei Wuxian might end up being.”The disciples have finally caught Wei Ying who has quit struggling as they each take hold of a limb. The sight of his wet robes clinging to the length of his slender limbs is almost enough to distract Lan Zhan. But not quite.He glares at his brother, who raises his hands defensively.“Ah, do not look at me like that. I did not mention your name. I made it sound like a simple enquiry, one Sect Leader to another.”He leans forward, elbows resting don't he table, eyes sharp. “Interestingly, while Jiang Fengmian was quite certain that Wei Wuxian was going to be an alpha, Lady Yu did not share the same sentiment.”That catches Lan Zhan's attention, and he fully turns away from the spectacle happening outside.“In what way?”Lan Xichen leans back and makes a non-committal noise. “Nothing certain, but when I enquired as to whether he might present as an omega, she suggested it was possible.”Whilst the forward nature of his brother’s politicking is not to his taste, he can’t deny its effectiveness. If Wei Wuxian was to present as an alpha, anyone he married would likely join him in the Sect. Considering his position as Head Disciple and obviously close relationship with the heir, Jiang Fengmian would naturally prefer to keep such a talent for Lotus Pier.The fact that Lady Yu would insinuate Wei Ying might not present as an alpha, contrary to her husband’s wishes, speaks volumes. If Wei Ying were to become an omega then tradition would dictate that he join his alpha’s sect instead. Lan Xichen allowed him a few moments to think, sipping his tea quietly as Lan Zhan processed this news.Finally, Lan Zhan spoke up.“It is forbidden to gossip.”One corner Lan Xichen's mouth quirked up.“It is forbidden.” He agreed.So absolved, Lan Zhan went on to describe what he’d found in Wei Ying’s rooms. Or, more specifically, the notable absence of a portrait when the rest of the Jiang family had received one.The news does not seem to surprise Lan Xichen. He surreptitiously looks around, confirming that no one is within hearing distance before continuing in a whisper.“That is not the first I have heard of strain within the Jiang family. Indeed, I may have overheard someone suggesting that Lady Yu does not look favourably upon Wei Wuxian.”He does not need to ask who Lan Xichen had heard such a thing from. Nie Huisang was a notorious gossip, and his husband Jin Guangyao collected secrets like they were rare treasures.“For what reason?” Lan Zhan questions baffled that anyone could not like Wei Ying“Apparently,” Lan Xichen says, “Lady Yu suspects that her husband might have harboured more affection to Cangse Sanren than was appropriate.”Lan Zhan’s eyebrows rose in shock at the audacious claim. Seeing it, Lan Xichen raises his hands in supplication.“Of course, nothing is confirmed. I would never claim such a thing based on hearsay.”“Of course not.”
“But,” Lan Xichen continues, “my source suggests that it may not have been Cangse Sanren that the Sect Leader favoured.”Lan Zhan blinks, lost. “Then who?”“Wei Changze.”Lan Zhan puts his cup down before he can spill any of it. As if pulled by an inexplicable force, he finds himself searching for Wei Ying, as though he can spot Jiang Fengmian’s features across the vast distance between them. From his memories of last night, he cannot say one way or another if that was the case.He spots Wei Ying, and all questions flee from his head as all of a sudden his heart begins to pound like a drum in his chest.“Wangji?” His brother asks, suddenly concerned by his brother’s prolonged silence. “Forgive me, I did not think you would take the news so badly.”Lan Zhan tries to tear his gaze away, but cannot.“What is it? What are you looking – Oh! Oh my!”Lan Xichen has spotted what has distracted Lan Zhan, and he suddenly has the absurd urge to cover his brother’s eyes.At some point, whilst they were talking, some of the younger disciples have shucked off their sodden robes; Wei Ying included.Miles of tanned flesh glimmer under the morning’s sun, decadent and wanton beyond speaking. He cannot see the individual droplets on Wei Ying’s skin from this distance, but as the light catches them it creates a halo that highlights the span of his shoulders and gilds the length of his limbs in soft gold.He has gone so far as to remove even his undershirt, leaving him in nought but his trousers, a sight reserved to only children and the unpresented. At his age it skirts upon the scandalous, only the thinnest line of modesty upheld by the fact he has yet to show as alpha, beta or omega.For Lan Zhan, it is a feast that leaves him wanting. His mouth feels dry, and his robes tight as he strains his eyes to take in all of Wei Ying that he can from his vantage point.Long black hair sticks to the younger man's back in a dark wave that halts just above his buttocks. The weight of the water has tugged Wei Ying’s trousers down such that they sit low on his hips, revealing a sliver of white that pulls Lan Zhan’s gaze like a moth to a flame. He feels hooked upon that inch of pale skin, unable to look away at all that it promises. Unbidden he imagines tracing that sliver of untanned skin with his fingers, or even his tongue, as he explores all the parts of Wei Ying that have never seen the sun.Then Wei Ying is running, feet slapping on the dock as he sprints down its length, and, with a single heave, launches himself into the air. Arms come together above his head, and like a bird of prey, he dives into the water with only the barest ripple upon its surface to indicate his passage.Lan Zhan does not realise at what point he had started to hold his breath; perhaps the moment he’d laid eyes upon Wei Ying’s wanton appearance. But he becomes aware of it when he starts to feel lightheaded and Wei Ying still has not surfaced. Longer and longer he waits, until concern starts to rise within his breast, a feeling of anxiety overtaking him when even after minutes Wei Ying still has not arisen.He meets his brother’s gaze, who seems similarly disconcerted. He is considering catching a servant's attention when a cry goes up from the group of disciples. Spinning back he spots movement far off in the middle of the lake. They were already far, but now Wei Ying is nothing more than a dot on the horizon, arms waving above his head. Little more than a blur. Spotting Wei Ying seems to be some sort of signal, and as one heaving mass, the other Lotus Pier disciples sprint down the pier and launch themselves headfirst into the water.Baffled he turns to his brother. Lan Xichen seems similarly confused, and can only guess at what they’re seeing.“Lotus Pier is credited for how long they can hold their breath?”Lan Zhan turns back to where Wei Ying is a shadow amongst the lotus blossoms that cover the lake's surface. It is a remarkably far way to go without stopping for air. Even whilst he marvels at Wei Ying’s talent, the alpha in him can’t help but picture that pretty mouth wrapped tight around his cock, knot locked behind his teeth as he struggles to breathe around the girth in his throat. Unfortunately, Lan Xichen seems to be having similar thoughts, which ruins the image.“Maybe a-Yao could learn…?” He murmurs, barely audible“Brother!” Lan Zhan scolds, horrified.Lan Xichen turns away from him, ears glowing red.“Apologies, didi, I did not mean to say that out loud.” Then, eager to change the topic, he continues, “It is quite unlike the Cloud Recesses, is it not?”Lan Zhan happily accepts the olive branch and hums in agreement.“Uncle would disapprove!”Lan Xichen laughs at the understatement. “We would have filled the library twice over with copies of Modesty and Decorum.”“Mn. Two months minimum.”Lan Zhan cannot imagine himself running around the somnolent grounds of their home in nothing but his underclothes, neither as a seventeen-year-old nor as a child. There is no appeal. But as he watches the disciples catch up to Wei Ying, and, unsurprisingly, begin to wrestle right their in the middle of the lake, he cannot help but wonder if things would have been different if he and Wei Ying were closer in age when they’d met.What might have happened if they’d both attended the Lectures at the same time? Would the wild boy have held the same appeal as he does now? Could that playful, uncontrollable spirit have persuaded even the reticent Lan Zhan into breaking his family's strict rules?As he watches them splash and play, he can so easily imagine something similar in the cold pond back at home. It is such a powerful image that he cannot help but make a mental vow to recreate it when Wei Ying does come to visit.He goes to take a sip of his tea when he realises that he has finished his drink. Glancing at the pot he sees that too is empty. His brother seems to come to a similar realisation and finishes the last of his cup before placing it back on the table.“The Sect Leaders will be having a private meeting this evening, but there is nothing planned for the rest of the sects.” A small frown mars Lan Xichen’s brow as he says so, clearly wishing he could relax after last night's festivities. But, alas, the duties of a Sect Leader are numerous and cannot wait.“Perhaps you could visit the town and find a few gifts?”Lan Zhan raises a brow, puzzled. “Gifts?”His brother pouts, “Come now Wangji! How are you to court your omega if you do not give him any presents?”“Ah.” The idea hadn’t occurred to Lan Zhan, his mind still focused on making sure Wei Ying became an omega at all, that he had forgotten the basics of romancing him in the first place. Yet the alpha in him liked the idea, already preening at providing for Wei Ying.Suddenly the slow start to their day felt like a burden, and Lan Zhan couldn’t help but glance at the sun, perched high above, and wonder if there was still time to find the perfect gifts before the shops began to close.Seeming to sense his brother’s anxiety, Lan Xichen stifled a laugh.“Run along didi!”“Really?”Lan Xichen nods, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Yes, hurry along now.”Lan Zhan stands smoothly and bows his head to his brother in gratitude for allowing him to depart in such a rush. He is just stepping away from the table when Lan Xichen calls to him.“Just in case I do not see you when you return, do not forget that the Lotus Pier disciples will be putting on an exhibition match tomorrow morning.”Lan Zhan pauses, soaking in that information, unsure if there’s something he’s missing. His brother rolls his eyes in exasperation, “Find something to gift Wei Wuxian for winning, didi.”How easy these things seem to come to his brother! Once again he bows his head in gratitude, but Lan Xichen just waves him off.“None of that. This is what big brothers are for. Now get going!”Lan Zhan takes the dismissal, and hurries off, mind filled with thoughts of Wei Ying.
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The morning finds Lan Zhan seated in a boat large enough to rival one of the Jin pleasure barges. In an overt display of wealth that offends his sensibilities, the four Great Sects have been afforded the entire second floor: an enormous space currently filled with layered seating so everyone is afforded a view. A sweeping, curved roof provides shade from the early morning sun, and an army of servants on the floor below ferry drinks and snacks up for their honoured guests to enjoy.More diminutive boats stretch off on either side forming a large circle, each containing other visiting cultivation sects and notable individuals who have come to enjoy the Jiang family’s entertainment.They surround a rectangular platform floating in the centre, on which sixteen disciples in purple stand. They all appear to be young adults or in their late teens, with the broad shoulders and casual grace that belies years of training the sword path.But, two stand out to Lan Zhan: Wei Ying, and his brother, Jiang Wanyin. Unlike the other times he has seen his mate, Wei Ying is unusually serious, clearly feeling the combined weight of the assembled guest’s attention. Yet, when Jiang Fengmian gives a signal to begin, he still cannot resist giving a small grin as he discreetly elbows his brother in the side, which only grows as Jiang Cheng scowls at him.But despite his brother’s antics, Jiang Cheng still steps forwards with the solemnity of an heir from one of the Great Sects. With a deep breath, and what Lan Zhan assumes is a hint of Qi, he projects his voice loud enough to be heard by all. Immediately he can tell it is a rehearsed speech, his usual curt demeanour and gruff attitude absent.“Good morning and welcome everyone! I am Jiang Cheng, heir to the Lotus Pier Sect, and I wanted to thank you all for choosing to attend my presentation ceremony. It means much to my family and I that such honoured guests would travel from near” he looks at some of the boats to either side, presumably vassals clans or important local figures, “and far to join us for our celebrations.” This last bit is directed to the Great Sects, gaze politely scanning over the assembled Sect Leaders, and pausing on Jin Guangshan, Chief Cultivator.“We are overjoyed to welcome you into our home and hope that you have enjoyed the fruits of our hospitality. Over the next few weeks, what is ours, is yours. For now, though, we hope to entertain you with a demonstration of our most talented disciples.”In perfect synchronisation, the disciples draw their swords and give a salute towards Jiang Fengmian, who bows his head toward Wei Ying as Head Disciple.Jiang Cheng continues, “Today we will be hosting a friendly competition amongst our senior disciples. Four rounds will be held, with the losers eliminated, until only one remains. If you enjoy the fights, you are of course welcome to join in afterwards. We will be welcoming challengers once the tournament is concluded.”Whispers go up at that news, young cultivators clearly looking excited to show off their skills. Discussion Conferences are always a good place to demonstrate your talents, but they are only held every few months, and not every small sect is invited.It is even rarer that non-cultivators are invited, and Lan Zhan can see the local politicians and wealthy merchants murmur in excitement. It all seems very droll to Lan Zhan, who only cares to watch one competitor.Jiang Cheng waits for the conversation to peter down before continuing.“Whilst this is a competition, it is still here for your enjoyment, so please try the refreshments. We have local dumplings, rice cakes, and a variety of drinks on offer.” He waves to the various servants and merchant boats plying their trade around the edges of the circle. “And, most importantly, feel free to place your bets on who you think will win!”At his words servants begin to spread out, some on small punters, to begin explaining what the odds are on the favoured disciples. If his words before had generated interest, the prospect of gambling has it rise to a fevered pitch. Mercifully, the servants avoid the Lans, clearly forewarned their Sect prohibits any games of chance.As money begins to exchange hands Jiang Cheng turns to his disciples and they all bow to him, then split into pairs, heading to the corners of the floating platform, leaving him and Wei Ying in the centre. As one they step forward and bow to Jiang Fengmian, Wei Ying slightly behind the heir, and his bow a fraction lower.Jiang Fengmian is about to speak, when Jin Guangshan’s voice rudely calls out, interrupting him.“Will you be competing as well, boy?”His voice is shrill and piercing, drawing attention from all around. Jiang Cheng pauses awkwardly for a moment, glancing towards his father for permission, who nods back at his son.
Clearing his throat, Jiang Cheng speaks up, his polite tone edged with some of his usual attitude.“Chief Cultivator, Jin Guangshan, this one is honoured by your attention. As this is part of my coming-of-age celebration, it is expected that I participate in the competition.”At the announcement Jin Guangshan laughs in delight, and, without standing, leans over to slap Jiang Fengmian on the back, ignorant of the way his face goes carefully blank in response.It is forbidden to judge another man unfairly, but Lan Zhan thinks that it is not unfair to say that the Chief Cultivator is lower than scum. Both his appearance and his behaviour seem to only have declined with time.Years of indulgence have begun to break through the youth of cultivation; wrinkles have formed like cracks splintering across the man’s forehead, whilst red veins line the bridge of his nose reminiscent of crawling worms. When he looks over to the platform and speaks, spittle flies from his lips in small droplets.“As expected of the Jiangs! It would be an embarrassment for a young alpha like yourself to shy away from a fight! Well then, I know who I shall be placing my money on!” He says, laughing loudly at his jest. Around him, the rest of the Jin join in, with a few nervous laughs spreading from his sycophants.Then, before Jiang Cheng can speak, the Chief Cultivator continues, wagging his finger at the other Lotus Pier disciples as though they were disobedient children.“Of course, as for the rest of you, just because the heir is competing doesn’t mean you can throw the fight! We are here for a show after all!”The laughter cuts off abruptly at the accusation, and Lan Zhan can see Jiang Cheng’s face begin to purple as his features curl with anger at the insult. What little false composure he’d put on for his speech rapidly fading as he clenches his hands into fists, knuckles white with restrained force.Similar expressions spread across the Lotus Pier disciples, clearly outraged that their honour would be brought into question. Some even drop their hands onto the pommels of their swords, as though they wish to draw their blades against the head of the cultivation world.Before things can escalate, a bright laugh echoes across the water, and Wei Ying steps beside his brother, one hand coming to gently rest on his elbow, holding him back.“Thank you, Chief Cultivator, for your concern! We are very grateful that you are so attentive regarding the fairness of our friendly competition. The Jin are, after all, well known for their integrity!”Nervous titters of laughter fill the air at the back-handed insult. Mercifully, Jin Guangshan does not seem to notice.Wei Ying continues, smiling, but with a hint of reprobation in his tone. “You need not fear, as Head Disciple you can be assured that this one will push Jiang Cheng to his limits!”Jin Guangshan pounds the armrest of his chair with his fist with glee, his face split with a smile that reveals slightly yellowed teeth. “Excellent! Excellent! Then 10 silvers on you, boy, and 100 on the heir! Either way, the Jin win.”Murmurs break out at his declaration, and the Jin beside him look smug at casually flaunting such a display of wealth. Lan Zhan is halfway to standing, ready to place 100 silvers on Wei Ying when a hand lands on his arm, halting him in his seat. It is Lan Xichen, who gives him a small shake of his head.“It is forbidden.”Grimacing, Lan Zhan forces himself back into his chair and tries not to let his displeasure show. Inside, he is still displeased that Jin Guangshan would undervalue Wei Ying to such an extent. 1000 silvers would not be enough!
Still, Lan Xichen is right, this is not the place to break the rules for his omega, no matter how much he wants to.As the murmurs fade, Jin Guangshan makes a final spectacle of himself. Swiping a glass from the table beside him, he holds it up, uncaring of the liquid that sloshes over the rim.“A toast to Yungmeng Jiang! May the best disciple win!”All around people scramble to grab a drink, and the toast goes up in staggered cheers as people hurry to show support for their Chief Cultivator, regardless of his breaches of propriety.Lan Zhan joins in with the rest of his clan, sipping from the water they’d been served. He cannot help but notice that the bottle Jin Guangshan is drinking from is rice liquor, despite the day only having just begun. He withholds a grimace, restraint not shared by Madam Jin; whose glare could flay her husband where he stood.As he drops back into this chair, Yu Ziyuan nudges Jiang Fengmian, her face as angry as her friends. He quickly waves a hand, signalling Jiang Cheng to begin.With the formalities over, the fights are quick to start.The first round begins with four pairs of disciples, including Jiang Cheng, facing off against each other from the corners of the floating platform. Lan Zhan will acknowledge their skill, all of whom are clearly the best the sect has to offer. Yet they do not compare to Jiang Cheng.As the call to begin comes, an explosion of movement drags all attention to the heir. In a flurry of movement and a shout, he falls upon his opponent like an avalanche.Within a blink, Jiang Cheng is at the other disciple’s side, sword already swinging towards his unguarded flank. Steel screeches as the man desperately moves to parry, and just as quickly flees from the enraged heir, haphazardly manoeuvring around the treacherous terrain.Jiang Cheng follows, nearly step in step with the other man, like a hound after the scent of blood. With a cry, the other disciple is forced to sweep his sword in front of him in a wild slash, anything to push back Jiang Cheng’s aggression.It is the opening Jiang Cheng needed. Quick as lightning, he knocks the sword off course, throwing the other disciples' guard wide open. The poor boy tries to recover, eyes wide with adrenaline, but Jiang Cheng is too fast, and in three quick steps has his blade at his throat.Silence permeates the air, and then a thunder of applause erupts from the crowd at this dominant display. All around shouts go up as bets are made, and Jiang Cheng turns to bow to the crowd, a triumphant expression on his face, grin vicious, and dripping alpha aggression.The rest of the fights seem tame by comparison. They are all clearly skilled but do not have the generations of breeding nor privileges afforded to rival his level of training.Whereas a common swordsman would exhaust themselves in just a few minutes of fighting, a cultivator shares no restrictions. It is nearly fifteen minutes before the next fight finishes, with one of the disciples ducking in and under the other’s flagging guard, their sword coming to rest at the other’s jugular.Claps erupt from the audience, and Lan Zhan even offers his own more restrained applause. A few whistles go around, which he does not join in on, as presumably someone bet on the winning disciple.Like a signal, it is not long before the other fights come to a conclusion. There is more showing off than would happen during a Lan exhibition match, with flourishes and flips that do little to close the fight, but the skill is undeniable. As the final match ends, both disciples gasping for breath, sweat glistening on their foreheads, the applause is much louder than before.Drinks and food are quickly brought out as the disciples move to the sides of the platform, freeing the stage for the next sets of four.Even as Wei Ying takes his place, Lan Zhan can’t help but smile as he cheers the winning disciples on, and consoles the losers as they step off. Despite having lost, they light up under his attention, like flowers before the sun. A far cry from the flinches from Jiang Cheng’s scolding. It is little wonder why Wei Ying is the Head Disciple and not the heir.Soon, as tea is set out in front of him, the next four are ready to begin their fights. But, before they can do so, the platform begins to change.As he watches, seams begin to appear in the platform's foundation. What he had previously thought was a single piece of wood is instead a collection of blocks lashed together. Before his eyes parts of it begin to sink under the water, leaving dark holes in the platform dropping down to the water below.He is not alone in standing up to peer into the surface of the lake. Only by standing can he glimpse the bamboo supports extending like a scaffold beneath the placid surface. The whole platform is a series of cubes, each only a handspan across, all of which can be sunk by some clever mechanism he cannot deduce.Having figured out the trick, he is happy to sit back and enjoy the show. What was once a large square, has now been riddled with holes, each a hazard that could trip up a distracted opponent.Around him new bets are laid, excited chatter filling the air at the marvel before them. And, with no more delays, the next round begins.Wei Ying is paired against a disciple who appears to be a few years his senior. They stand a little taller than the slim youth, with a longer reach to go with it. His thick brows and grim countenance suggest he might be an alpha, and recessive instincts have Lan Zhan wishing to protect his omega.Yet Wei Ying does not need to be coddled. Although his opponent might be older, with more experience to go with it, it is him who looks nervous, eyeing Wei Ying furtively.Exclamations and shouts begin to arise,
coupled with the high-pitched whine of swords scraping across one another as the rest of the Lotus Pier disciples face off against one another. But they might as well have been phantoms for he cannot tear his eyes away from Wei Ying.Whilst Jiang Cheng’s fight was a stampede,
this is more akin to two friends testing one another’s defences for the thousandth time. They exchange blows, leap back, then re-engage, clearly getting a feel for the battle.After a few minutes, Wei Ying pauses with his back to Lan Zhan. He can’t hear, but Wei Ying appears to say something to the other disciple. His sword, several feet of spiritual steel, comes up to salute the older man, who sheepishly scratches the back of his neck and dips his head towards Wei Ying as if accepting praise.A less honourable swordsman would take advantage of the opening in his guard, but Wei Ying just laughs and once more settles into his stance.This time, when they come together, the probing tactics of their opening are gone, and it appears more akin to a dance. One that has Lan Zhan leaning forward to soak in every detail.Wei Ying fully deserves his title of Head Disciple. Whilst his opponent is skilled, it is clear who is in charge of the fight. Almost without trying, Wei Ying leads the older man around the field, less seeking to end the fight like his brother and more working to show off both their skills to the maximum.As they continue, it becomes clear who taught the previous round's disciples to fight. Whilst they occasionally showed off with flourishes, Wei Ying seems to live and breathe showmanship.Spins, twirls, and flips are woven into his style as seamlessly as though they had always been part of the Yungmeng style. Whilst his opponent puts up an admirable example of how to defend against a more skilled foe, it is Wei Ying who draws the eye. Slowly, not dissimilar to how they reacted to Jiang Cheng, more and more mouths begin to say Wei Wuxian’s name.As the minutes crawl by, one fight ends, then another, until only Wei Ying is still fighting. With all eyes on him, he begins to ramp it up a notch, somehow becoming even more theatrical.Where he had previously tailored the fight to his opponent's skill level, now he begins to speed up by increments. No longer does he allow him to regain his footing, instead unleashing a flurry of attacks; constantly changing direction to keep him off balance, unsure of where the next one will come from. It is all the other man can do to keep up, his sword a blur as he tries to parry and weave between Wei Ying's assault.So focused on stopping Wei Ying’s sword, that he loses track of his surroundings. Even before it happens, Lan Zhan can see that Wei Ying has been steering him towards one of the openings in the platform. And, like a cow to the slaughter, the older disciple stumbles into the trap.With a cry, he loses his footing and begins to topple backwards. It would be simplicity itself to finish the fight now, but Wei Ying cannot hold himself back from showing off.Like a viper striking, Wei Ying disarms the man, his sword flying up from his loose grasp, glinting in the air as he falls back. In the same motion, Wei Ying jumps and snatches the blade from the air in his off-hand.As the disciple hits the ground, legs splashing into the water below, Wei Ying lands behind him, both swords coming down in a cross around his neck, causing him to freeze in place. Wei Ying offers him a wink, then looks up, a radiant grin on his face, as he sweeps his gaze over the crowd.In that moment, he is more beautiful to Lan Zhan than any of the other times he has seen him. Victory lights up his face, the sun dancing across his hair, eyes wide with joy, such that no one can compare to him in that moment.Lan Zhan is the first to his feet, his hands coming together in a clap that is quickly followed by those around him. As if drawn by the movement, Wei Ying's gaze locks with his. Time seems to pause for that moment as they stare into each other's eyes, the moment dragging as Wei Ying basks under his attention. Then, with exaggerated humility, he dips into a deep bow, coming up smiling.It sets Lan Zhan’s blood on fire. Already the fight had excited him, but seeing such open happiness is like a spark to kindling. Even though he knows there are more fights to come, in that moment all he wants to do is leap down onto that platform and draw blades against Wei Ying.But he cannot. Not right now. So instead he continues to clap, the only praise he can give whilst stuck here amongst all the other Great Sects.Slowly the applause dies down, forcing Lan Zhan to restore his decorum and sit back down. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see his brother looking at him, a grin lighting up his features. Steadfastly, he ignores him. Even more keenly, he feels his uncle’s gaze boring into the side of his head. He ignores that too.More refreshments are brought, more bets are made. This break is much longer, allowing the disciples to recover and even enjoy some drinks and food before their next round. It also allows the betting to become more fierce now that everyone debuted their skills.After half an hour, the platform begins to shift again, more sections of it sinking into the water below. What was once a solid length of wood is now riddled with holes, adding further danger to the battles to come.Yet whilst some disappear beneath the waves, others begin to rise, bobbing precariously a few feet in the air, supported tenuously by bamboo stilts below them. Until the whole platform is transformed into a jungle with footholds at different heights.This new arena fills with the previous winners who seem unperturbed by the change in circumstances. Whilst many cultivators could fight under such conditions, it serves to highlight the agility which the Jiangs are famed for.As the fights begin, the disciples jump and drop between the unstable platforms as easily as when they were a flat surface. Even when they leap up onto one of the raised stages and it dips under the weight, they simply adjust their stance and continue on to the next one, chasing their opponents.Jiang Cheng is in this round, and once more he launches himself at his opponent in a burst of speed. The other disciple seems more ready this time and accomplishes an impressive defensive retreat. Even navigating backwards, he manages to keep his footing steady, darting from one platform to the next, and avoiding the water lurking below.But Jiang Cheng is not the heir for nothing. As the disciple jumps up, aiming for a higher platform, Jiang Cheng’s sword lashes out, cutting the bamboo supporting it. With a clatter and splash it falls into the lake, and the other disciple's eyes widen in surprise.In a remarkable display of flexibility, the disciple manages to spring off the cut section of bamboo and propel himself to another platform. But Jiang Cheng senses weakness and follows with a shout, meeting him at his destination with a barrage of attacks.The disciple’s skill shines through as he continues to block and parry, despite his poor stance, managing to whether the assault for several seconds. For a moment it seems like he might recover, but one wrong parry sends him off balance, and, without pause, Jiang Cheng disarms him.Without a sword, and no place to retreat, the disciple holds up his hands in defeat. Once again, Jiang Cheng is the first to win his bout and turns to raise his sword above his head, face flushed with his success as he looks to his father, who stands to applaud his son. At the sight, Jiang Cheng’s smile blooms, and he salutes, pride written across his face.Yet, whilst Lan Zhan can appreciate his skill, it is still too long until the rest of the fights conclude and the platforms change again.Wei Ying is first to the mark, striding forward with a casual swagger that seems to define him. A thrill runs through Lan Zhan when, out of all the people in the crowd, Jiang Yanli amongst them, it is him that Wei Ying looks to. For a brief moment their eyes lock, and Wei Ying's grin widens further, before he is forced to continue as he makes his way to his starting position.Somehow, despite being even more treacherous, this chaotic battlefield seems to suit him more than the flat ground ever had. He is a wonder to behold, dancing across the different levels of the platform with casual grace.As with his first round, he probes his opponent's defences, letting both of them warm up into their match. Once the other disciple seems to have their bearings he begins to escalate.Like he did before, he matches their level of skill, working less to win and more to allow one of his disciples to shine before the assembled crowd of cultivators. Even when the other boy goes on the offensive and pushes him back, he does not look upset by the turn of events. With his characteristic good cheer, he dodges and weaves his way through the swings and slashes coming at him, using the terrain to slowly gain distance from the onslaught.It’s clear to Lan Zhan that he could win faster, like his brother did, should he choose to do so. However, it serves the Jiangs better to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their up and coming disciples in such a public event. Idly, he wonders if Wei Ying was ordered to do so, or if it is simply his nature to help others shine.It is not the Lan way to try and market themselves, preferring to handle problems that arise naturally within the borders of Gusu Lan. However, as second in line to the main branch of his family, he has some understanding of how Lotus Pier operates as a Sect.Whereas the other Great Sects have been around much longer, and grown to their size over time, the Jiangs are the youngest and smallest of all of them. With most of the resources, Qi-dense regions and arable land taken by the other four Great Sects, the Jiang’s had to settle Yungmeng as the leftovers. A region known for its large swathes of marshland, rivers, and steep mountains, it did not lend itself well to civilisation.Unlike with Lan An, or Wen Mao, the Jiangs were a collective of smaller clans that came together to form their sect. This culture still exists today to some extent, with many of their disciples choosing to operate as wandering cultivators rather than full members of Lotus Pier. Of all of the Great Sects, the Jiangs technically have the lowest number of disciples, in part because of this system of spreading out their cultivators across their territory.It suits their geography well though. With many of the civilians unable to navigate the marshlands easily, having a decentralised system of cultivators allows the Sect to respond to threats much more easily than if they all operated out of Lotus Pier.Wei Changze was one such wandering cultivator; technically not a part of the Jiang clan but always welcome to return or be recalled if the sect is threatened.Wei Ying will know all of this, and as Head Disciple he clearly wishes to allow his students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills here, where many potential wealthy clients can get a sense of what they are capable of.As such, it is little wonder that once again, Wei Ying drags his fight out until they are the last ones still going. Only then does he take charge of the battle and pull out more of his tricks. With clever uses of Qi, he leaps between platforms with startling ease, even going so far as to ricochet off of the bamboo scaffolds as well, allowing him to attack from oblique angles.There are still unnecessary flips, but this disciple is more skilled than the last. Clearly having learned from Jiang Cheng, Wei Ying’s opponent tries a similar manoeuvre; chopping through one of the platform's supports that Wei Ying is about to land on.Yet, Wei Ying is unconcerned. As though expecting this, he allows his momentum to carry him past, and, mid-air, chops the bamboo into chunks, then, with a flick of his wrist, he sends the improvised projectiles flying at the other disciple. They are not dangerous enough to injure them, but they have to pause their attack to slap them out of the way, allowing Wei Ying time to regather their bearings.From there the battle quickly goes in Wei Ying’s favour as he begins to fight more seriously. Lan Zhan knows that of his generation, he has one of, if not the strongest golden core amongst all of the cultivators his age.Watching Wei Ying batter the opponent’s sword hard enough to make their arms shake with the force of his blows, he suspects that Wei Ying might be comparable to him at that age. It makes him buzz with nervous energy, desperate to finally cross blades with his mate.
Finally, Wei Ying is victorious. Once more Lan Zhan is the first to his feet, and again, he is rewarded with Wei Ying’s full attention. It is a heady feeling, having such a powerful mind turned in his direction. Yet there is nothing uncomfortable about it, rather he craves to have Wei Ying study him like this forever, so long as he can do the same in return.It feels like a betrayal when Wei Ying is forced to bow to Jiang Fengmian, leaving Lan Zhan feeling bereft.The rest of the matches go by in a blur. Unsurprisingly, it is Wei Ying versus Jiang Cheng in the final match. The rounds had proceeded similarly to the pattern so far, with Jiang Cheng dominating his opponent, crushing them in the opening seconds of the match starting. Whereas Wei Ying has continued to be the last man standing in his rounds.This serves the Jiang well, with their heir garnering a reputation of brutal efficiency, and their Head Disciple as unusually talented. But it also means that Wei Ying is noticeably more tired than his brother. His long, drawn-out fights have forced him to rely on his stronger golden core much more than Jiang Cheng, and it is clear that fatigue is beginning to set in.As they line up in front of the Great Sects barge, they are met with thunderous applause. Cheers and shouts come from all sides as cultivators and civilians alike call out their favourites for the match.Forgoing modesty, several omega’s throw out flowers to the two competitors. These go ignored by Jiang Cheng, but Lan Zhan has to grit his teeth as Wei Ying snatches as many from the air as he can, winking back into the crowd as he does so, sending male and female omegas alike swooning.By the time he’s done tucking the flowers into his hair and clothes, he is more bouquet than man. He only stops when Jiang Cheng swats him on the shoulder, and he turns to laugh, only to get swatted again when he tries to put a flower behind his brother’s ear. For once, Lan Zhan is grateful to the other alpha.Mercifully, the spectacle is brought to an end when Jiang Fengmian stands and offers his congratulations to the two for making it to the final round.“Standing here, I am pleased to see both my son and Lotus Pier’s Head Disciple, Wei Wuxian, make it to the end of today’s competition.” He looks out to the defeated disciples and gives them a warm, fatherly smile. “Congratulations are in order to those of you who all competed today, I think we can agree that you were all exceptional.”Further applause comes from the crowd, and the disciples in purple wave and bow in thanks, some receiving their own garlands and a few snatching coins tossed their way.“But, it goes without saying that you two represent the finest our Great Sect has to offer. You have both made our clan proud, and I am not alone in saying that I look forward to seeing who will win.”As he says this he sees Yu Ziyuan scowl and focus a beady eye first onto Jiang Cheng, as if daring him to lose this fight, then onto Wei Ying as if threatening to flay him should he win.Jiang Cheng’s smile fades and he puffs his chest in response, a look of determination coming over his features.Wei Ying however, seems to recede within himself at the look, as though by making himself smaller, she might overlook him. It makes Lan Zhan grind his teeth even harder than before.Whilst he was distracted Jiang Fengmian has come to the end of his speech.“Just remember, fight with honour, with courage, and above all else, do not be afraid to attempt the impossible.”At their clan motto the two salute their Sect Leader, and once more cheers go up from the crowd as they turn and jump to opposite ends of the arena. It is no longer recognisable as the floating platform from this morning. Instead it is a jungle, with bamboo stalks rising from the surface of the water like reeds along the shore. Even their starting platforms dip and sway under the two boys’ weight, further enhancing the difficulty of fighting in this terrain.As the two fighters settle into position across from each other, a hush comes over the crowd as though they were holding their breath. It is nearing midday, and the sun beats heavy and hot, sapping strength from limbs, barely offset by the whistling breeze that plays across the water.Nothing happens at first, as the two carefully study one another. This fight must have occurred ten thousand times before, re-enacted across a lifetime of playfighting turned into sparring. Yet this carries more weight than all of those previous engagements, the burden of Jiang Cheng’s coming of age looming over the victor like a sword.Something seems to pass between the two, and they salute each other with a formality that jars against their usual behaviour, as though to say ‘Let the best man win’. A cloud passes across the sun, the shadow painting the water black, and as one, they fly towards one another.The opening ten seconds are a blur of steel, as Jiang Cheng’s ferocity is matched by Wei Ying’s impenetrable defence. Unlike all of the previous disciples, Wei Ying holds his ground. Lan Zhan can see the pinch of his brows, and the look of concentration upon his face as he does all he can to hold off Jiang Cheng’s onslaught. It seems to take everything he has, but as time ticks on and he refuses to give in, the flurry starts to slow, petering out as Jiang Cheng begins to run out of steam.Finally, with a wide slash, Wei Ying is able to drive off his brother, forcing him to disengage.Around the circle, the audience seems to let out a collective sigh of relief, as though they were the ones under attack. Yet, despite it all, Wei Ying did not take even a single step backward. At the sight, the civilians start to clap and cheer, and, as though it were infectious, first the younger cultivators and then the seniors join in.Wei Ying seems to soak up the praise, back straightening and a smile gracing his face. With all the attention on him, he forces his breathing to slow and gives a cheeky wave that has Jiang Cheng’s scowl reappear in an instant.The moment the cheering stops Jiang Cheng launches himself at his brother once again. This time, rather than staying in place, Wei Ying begins a fighting retreat. Like a born acrobat, he flips backwards onto a floating support, using it’s dip and sway to dodge a slash, then springs off to swing around a bamboo pole and come at Jiang Cheng from the back.For a moment it seems like it’s going to land, but then Jiang Cheng spins in place, standing on a platform no wider than a handspan, and pushes the blade to the side. His retaliatory strike goes wide though, as Wei Ying is already dodging back, mild laughter following his fleeing footsteps.The scowl deepens and Jiang Cheng follows with a bellow of rage. The subsequent chase is as comedic as it is vicious. Lotus Pier is known for their agility, and Wei Ying does his best to embody the concept, ricocheting from platform to platform, never staying still for even a second. Jiang Cheng on the other hand, more resembles a Nie in a berserker rage as he follows behind, hacking and slashing through bamboo posts as he goes.It's a clever strategy on Wei Ying’s behalf. Jiang Cheng has had much more time to rest than Wei Ying has, and by forcing him into a rage he wastes his energy on wild, inefficient swings that were never going to hit. And it only gets worse the longer the hunt goes on. With each miss, Jiang Cheng only seems to get angrier, and with his loss of control, so too does his technique begin to suffer.He is without a doubt one of the best disciples in their cohort, able to go toe-to-toe with the Head Disciple when he’s at his best. But now he becomes more sloppy, his style devolving with every second as his anger begins to peak.Finally, he seems to lose control, and with a snarl he launches himself directly at Wei Ying, completely unguarded.For a moment he thinks that Wei Ying is going to win. It would be childsplay to take advantage of such a headstrong rush. Then he catches sight of Jiang Cheng's face, and fear grips his heart."Ge." He can't help but gasp."I know." Lan Xichen replies, worry tinging his voice.In that moment, between launching himself forward and Wei Ying preparing to take advantage of it, Jiang Cheng's face has contorted with uncontrolled rage. He has lost himself to his instincts: completely overwhelmed by his alpha aggression. Like this, Jiang Cheng will not know friend from foe; brother from enemy. Lan Zhan is halfway to his feet, a snarl beginning to form when his brother wrenches him back down.
Wei Ying does not let the opportunity go, immediately reversing his retreat and jumping to meet Jiang Cheng’s charge. It is his first mistake. He may have fought his brother a thousand times before, but never whilst he was in an alphan rage. His sword comes up in a text-book slash, but in a blur of movement, Jiang Cheng knocks to the side, far faster than he was expecting.Wei Ying’s eyes widen in surprise before a punch sends him flying backwards. Recovering in mid-air he flips to land on his feet, but is immediately sent flying again as Jiang Cheng catches up to him in an instant.What was a tactical retreat turns into Wei Ying dodging for all he’s worth. Body pumped fill of adrenaline and testosterone, Jiang Cheng is an unstoppable force, bullying Wei Ying backwards. It is all he can do to hold his brother off, pushing aside blows that cut and slice away at his disciples robes, flecks of blood dotting the edge of Jiang Cheng’s sword.Finally, after minutes of unending attacks, Jiang Cheng’s assault begins to flag, and Lan Zhan is able to loosen the death grip he had on his chair’s handrests, small indentations left in the wood from his grip.As sense returns to Jiang Cheng, exhaustion seems to come with it. Sweat sticks his hair to his forehead, and his chest heaves with the force of his panting. But Wei Ying is no better. Having fought much longer fights throughout the day, and now being chased to his limits, he too seems to be on his last legs. His hands shake on the pommel of his sword as he holds it in guard position, and his shoulders seem to droop with fatigue.Yet neither seems ready to give up. Once more they stand opposite each other, eyes racking in every detail of their opponent, a clear mockery of how the match began. They are not the only things left ravaged by their fight. All around them the platform has been reduced to shrapnel. What was a jungle has been cut down, bamboo left floating in the water.If he hadn’t been lost in a mindless rage, Lan Zhan would have congratulated Jiang Cheng on his foresight. By cutting down the various platforms, he’s limited Wei Ying’s mobility. Quite literally, levelling the playing field.Slowly, Jiang Cheng’s sword comes up, causing his brother to tense, bracing himself for the next attack. But Jiang Cheng only salutes him. At the sight, Wei Ying grins, and he is quick to return the gesture, as though they are both agreeing that this next clash will decide the match.Once more the crowd hushes, an unnatural silence taking over the space as everyone prepares for the final fight.By some unspoken signal, they launch themselves at each other. Both are too tired for theatrics, resorting to the basics as they trade blows back and forth. It is a familiar sight to Lan Zhan, recalling long hours spent on the battlefield, fighting past your breaking point, until the only thing keeping you going is determination alone.It is rare to see outside a fight to the death, but here, with their pride on the line, neither seems willing to give up.Harsh breathing is broken up only by the sound of swords coming together in a harsh screech of metal on metal. Wei Ying tries for a sweep towards Jiang Cheng’s feet, which he is too tired to block, forcing him to jump over. But in the same movement, his sword comes down in an overhead slash, causing Wei Ying to dodge to the side before he can follow up on his advantage.They parry back and forth, some hits going through, as their tiredness causes them to slip up. With so much going on, it is inevitable that someone finally makes a mistake. They come together once more, swords flashing through the air. Wei Ying dipping low and coming up in a lunge even as Jiang Cheng strikes from the side in a wide, sweeping blow.Time seems to slow for Lan Zhan as his golden core floods his system with Qi. In that moment everything seems crystal clear, and he is thrown back to fighting the Wen across the continent. Wei Ying’s blade springs forward, blunted tip aimed perfectly to catch Jiang Cheng under the armpit, a lethal blow in a real battle. At the same time, his brother's sword comes to his unprotected flank, a strike that could cleave a man in two if charged with Qi.Yet, at the last moment, Wei Ying’s blade shifts to the side. It could be exhaustion causing him to fumble, or tiredness dragging his hands down like a weight upon his wrist. Whatever the reason, he misses, and at the last second Jiang Cheng pulls his blow, the flat part of his sword hitting Wei Ying in the side. It is still enough to send him flying, and with a splash he lands in the water, dipping below the surface.It all happened in the blink of an eye, too fast for the average cultivator to notice. But Lan Zhan is no ordinary cultivator, and he is certain that Wei Ying pulled his strike, letting his brother win.Jiang Cheng staring at the water uncomprehendingly, seemingly as surprised by the fights outcome as Lan Zhan is.But in the next moment, as Wei Ying resurfaces with a gasp for breath, his hair dripping around his face like ink, the crowd roars with applause. It is like force, as they stand on their feet to cheer and shout their approval. For many long minutes they continue, Jiang Cheng spinning in place, beaming as they call his name. But all the while, he keeps shooting small glances at his brother, an indecipherable look upon his face.That grows when he spots Jiang Fengmian doing the same. For a moment Jiang Cheng's smile fades, as his father looks to where
Wei Ying is pulling himself onto a platform. In the next moment Jiang Cheng's grin is back in place, eyes fixed upon his mother who is smiling nearly as widely as he is. It softens her normally austere expression, and she seems to glow all the brighter for it.Lan Zhan cannot say he feels the same, as anger pulses within his breast. All of his attention is on Wei Ying who finally pulls himself out of the water, flopping onto his back, arms spread wide, sword still held in a death grip as he tries to recover.Only as the applause begins to die down does he force himself to his feet. It is a laborious process, as he has to use one hand on his knee in order to prop himself up. But finally he’s standing. And whilst Lan Zhan seethes, he only has eyes for his brother, a soft, proud look on his face.As if sensing the gaze, Jiang Cheng turns to see Wei Ying and stares at him for a long, awkward moment. Then he laughs with all of his body at his brother’s bedraggled appearance. Yet rather than be offended, Wei Ying is the first to join in, throwing his head, wet hair flipping through the air as he laughs just as loudly.In three quick leaps, Jiang Cheng is at his side, an arm coming round to rest on his shoulders, perhaps tighter than it should be, all while ignoring the water that soaks into the side of his robes. Together they raise their swords up and spin in place, and the crowd roars louder at the sight of the two finalists’ camaraderie.Now that Jiang Cheng is the winner, he turns to gesture at those disciples who had lost, getting another cheer from the crowd in support. As a group, the Lotus Pier disciples seem to preen under the heirs attention.
Lan Zhan tunes out the final congratulations that Jiang Fengmian doles out. Instead focusing on slowing his breathing and pushing his anger down. For several long minutes it is all he can do to not leap down and denounce the outcome of the fight, knowing that without his level of cultivation, no one else will have seen what he did.He is numb even as Jin Guangshan chooses to speak up, only to spew insults and compliments in equal measure. So lost in himself that it is only when food is being served that he becomes aware of how much time has passed.When he looks up, his brother seems to notice that he has returned, and gives him a questioning look, clearly asking if everything is alright.Lan Zhan hesitates, studying his emotions, then gives a tentative nod in return. All is not well, but he is back in control of himself. Lan Xichen dips his head, seemingly appeased, and chooses not to pursue further, for which Lan Zhan is grateful.They eat in silence as is tradition, even if those around them speak loudly enough that it feels a bit pointless. All around people regale their favourite moments from the fights, Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng’s names coming up throughout.If Lotus Pier had put this on to draw attention to their excellent disciples, then it is a resounding success.For Lan Zhan, it is only a reminder that it is Wei Ying who should be crowned champion. Each time Jiang Cheng’s victory is mentioned, it is like a barb under his skin. Not only is Wei Ying his future mate, but it goes against every principle the Lan’s stand for to allow a falsehood to perpetuate uncontested.But there is nothing he can do. If Wei Ying threw the fight, then no good will come from Lan Zhan drawing attention to it. In all likelihood Wei Ying will deny any such thing, saying he simply was too tired and lost fair and square. Still, the knowledge eats at Lan Zhan throughout the hour-long break, such that, when the food is taken away, a plan has begun to form itself in his mind.As the tables are cleared, and alcohol is being brought out, once more Wei Ying, Jiang Cheng and their disciples spread out across the remains of the arena. It is time for the visiting cultivators to challenge their hosts.Others also begin to notice the Lotus Pier disciples lining up, and several of the visiting sects begin elbowing each other, including some of those who’d been drinking with Wei Ying on the first night. Lan Zhan will not allow another to take his place.He stands effortlessly, smoothing down his robes as he does, so that they lie flat. His movements cause his uncle to glance in his direction, but he turns back to his conversation with Lan Li, seemingly assuming that Lan Zhan is returning to their residences, as is his wont when he attends the Disciple Conferences.So he is not able to protest when Lan Zhan, with a hint of Qi, jumps from their barge to the platform below.He is vaguely aware of the quiet that descends over the audience at his arrival, but it is secondary to his focus on Wei Ying, who stares at him with an open look of shock. It only increases as Lan Zhan draws forth Bichen, settling into a guard position.“Wei Ying.”The chatter of the crowd is dwarfed by Wei Ying’s squawk of surprise. He nervously glances around, as though there might be some other Wei Ying lurking around the corner that he might be talking about. Spotting no one, he looks back in disbelief.“Lan Zhan! What are you thinking? Have you come to challenge me?”“Mn.”More awkward shuffling, as Wei Ying takes a moment to process the words.“But I am no match for a peerless cultivator such as yourself!”“Irrelevant.”“Irrelevant? Aiyah, Lan Zhan, you cannot say such things! Did you not see me lose my fight? Someone of your skill should challenge the winner!”So saying he gestures at Jiang Cheng beside him. Lan Zhan does not look away. He is not here for Jiang Cheng.“Wei Ying is talented.” He says in response.Wei Ying fans his face, flustered. “Really, Lan Zhan, this is too much. I’m going to get a big head if you talk like that to me. But, please, you have to think of my poor reputation. What will all of the pretty omegas think when they see me get destroyed by Hanguan-Jun?”It is hard not to snarl at the mention of anyone, omega or otherwise, looking at his mate, but he perseveres. “Will not destroy Wei Ying.” Then, before Wei Ying can spout any more nonsense, he continues, “Do you accept?”Once more Wei Ying looks around, suddenly seeming to notice that everyone is looking in their direction. He technically can say no, Lan Zhan is a decade his senior and a full cultivator at that, whilst these exhibition matches are typically for disciples. Yet, it is also a great honour that someone of Lan Zhan’s status would challenge him, especially doing so over the heir.But none of that seems to matter to Wei Ying in the end. Instead, a look of excitement appears on his face as he realises he can finally fight someone who he surely cannot beat. A determined fire ignites in his eyes, and he draws his sword, settling into his own stance.“I may not win, but don’t think I’m going to go down easily!”With the duel accepted the rest of the disciples quickly clear the space, until it is just the two of them.Even surrounded by hundreds of spectators, the world seems to narrow until nothing else matters except Wei Ying, their swords and the scant distance between them.There is no clear signal to start, but the moment Lan Zhan moves Wei Ying is already leaping backwards into the mess of bamboo behind him. His footwork is as flawless as before, but it is childs-play for Lan Zhan to follow him, pausing only briefly to touch down on a broken platform before moving to the next, catching up quickly to Wei Ying.Seeming to realise that Lan Zhan is as comfortable among the debris as he is, Wei Ying changes tactics quickly and turns to meet him whilst he’s still in mid-air.It is a clever idea, trying to take advantage of Lan Zhan’s reduced mobility. But years of fighting aerial battles from sword back lets him counter Wei Ying's strike with relative ease. It is the first time their swords have touched, and it brings their faces within inches of one another. For a brief moment they hang in the air, and Lan Zhan can study the delighted twist of Wei Ying’s lips as he is matched for the first time.Then they are forced back, the strength of their golden cores enough to throw them apart.But Lan Zhan does not linger, instead gliding towards where Wei Ying has landed, Bichen forming a silver streak through the air as he does so. Wei Ying only just diverts the strike, pushing it wide at the last moment with a twist of his body. Again he vaults back, and again Lan Zhan follows.It is unusually aggressive for him, but a fire seems to have been lit in his gut, such that he feels tethered to Wei Ying, no more able to resist following him than the moon can resist orbiting the Earth.For several moments they dart across the battlefield, exchanging blows from one side to the other. It is clear that Lan Zhan is a superior fighter, but Wei Ying keeps up with flawless skill and cunning ingenuity.
His eyes constantly dart around them, seeking advantage wherever he can find it.Without reservation he uses the debris as improvised weapons, and, when that fails, splashes water in his direction, only laughing as Lan Zhan dances around it, already moving away from the follow-up strike.“Wei Ying,” He chides. But it only makes Wei Ying grin wider.“Forgive me, Lan Zhan! It is a hot day out; I thought you might like it!”“Ridiculous.”Once more Wei Ying laughs, ducking and spinning away as Lan Zhan chases him. The sound is like wind-chimes to Lan Zhan, charming, sweet and so very different to the silence of the Cloud Recesses.Everything about Wei Ying seems to be that way. Loud in both voice and personality. When Lan Zhan tries to sweep his legs from under him, he does not simply jump over it but springs into a backflip seemingly just because he can. And when Lan Zhan calls him ostentatious, he only grins wider and does it again. It is ridiculous and could get him killed on a night-hunt, but the sight has the corners of Lan Zhan’s mouth tugging up into a small smile.The Jiang style of sword cultivation reflects their environment; their movements are fluid and graceful, flowing like the waters that surround Lotus Pier. Wei Ying seems to embody it. He never stands still, always moving; either forward to attack, or dancing backwards to avoid a blow. To Lan Zhan, it is as though he is caught in the push and pull Wei Ying’s aura, trapped as readily as the sea is caught by the tides.But whilst the Nie’s are aggressive, and the Jiang’s agile, the Lan’s are stalwart, using their famed arm strength to weather blows until it is time to strike. Yet, even this Wei Ying withstands with admirable poise.
Strikes that could shatter stone are instead caught on the edge of his blade and turned away, dissipating their force rather than directly opposing it. Whilst Lan Zhan may not be using his full strength, it is still remarkable that Wei Ying could do so at all, never mind continuing to do so time and again.After another such blow, Wei Ying springs away from him, and, casual as can be, swaps his sword into his other hand, shaking out the other as though to relieve the tension. Rather than push his advantage, Lan Zhan pauses and gives him the chance to recover. Wei Ying takes it without reservation.“Aiyah!” He whines, “What are they feeding you up on that mountain of yours? For such a refined gentleman, you are as strong as an ox!”Inside his alpha preens at the compliment, but he allows none of that to show, instead simply raising an eyebrow.“Vegetables and rice.”Wei Ying blinks, confusion writ clear across his face at the response. With exaggerated movements he squints at Lan Zhan, scrutinising his face intensely. It is no effort for Lan Zhan to keep his expression placid, allowing nothing to show.Finally Wei Ying pouts, “Not fair! I can’t tell if you are joking or not. Did I not say you can be handsome or funny, not both?”“Then explain Wei Ying.”More blinks, accompanied by a head tilt. Truly Wei Ying wears his heart on his sleeve.“Huh? What’re you talking about?”Lan Zhan gives a small shrug and gestures at Wei Ying with his free hand.“Wei Ying is both.”It takes him a few seconds, then he flushes a fetching red and begins to flail and sputter denials. Lan Zhan ignores his protests and instead enjoys how lovely he looks whilst blushing. It is a pleasing sight and one that he hopes to recreate in the future.The compliment seems to have rendered Wei Ying speechless, and rather than try and deny it, he chooses to go on the attack instead, as though it will spare him further embarrassment. Lan Zhan has other ideas.So off-put, Wei Ying has chosen to go for a frontal assault, his only tactic a brief feint in one direction, before rapidly shifting to strike Lan Zhan from above. For a lesser cultivator it might have succeeded, but since Wen Ruohan’s death, Lan Zhan may be considered the strongest cultivator left alive.With a surge of Qi, he strikes, but not with his sword. Instead his hand lashes out, and with the full strength of his golden core behind him, catches Wei Ying’s blade between his fingers, stopping it dead.For a moment Wei Ying’s eyes widen in surprise, then momentum carries him forward and he all but crashes into Lan Zhan, only just catching himself before he can do so. Lan Zhan mourns the loss.Silence rings out across the arena, even Wei Ying is rendered speechless by the display of overwhelming strength. He gives a futile tug, trying to pull his sword free, but it does not budge an inch, seemingly frozen in place as Lan Zhan refuses to let go.The quiet is broken by Wei Ying’s wail of disbelief.“Lan Zhan!” He cries, “You’re too much! My reputation is ruined! How will I ever recover any face after this? No omega will ever look at me again!”“Good.”His complaining stutters to a halt, and Wei Ying looks at him in confusion. But the thought of an omega looking at his mate has Lan Zhan’s blood feel hot in his veins, so instead of replying, Lan Zhan lets go, causing Wei Ying to stumble backwards. Only just catching himself before he can fall into the water below.Once more they resume fighting. But if the start was akin to a dance, then this is a hunt. Lan Zhan pursues Wei Ying across the arena with a single-minded focus, never giving him a moment to rest. He feels like he’s burning up, his alpha urging him to chase, to pursue Wei Ying until he can think of nothing but Lan Zhan. No omegas. No alphas. Only Lan Zhan.Even as Wei Ying retreats, bounding from platform to platform, Lan Zhan follows, only a step behind him the entire way. He could use Qi to catch up, overwhelm him with his speed, but there is something primal about the hunt. A thrill that calls back to when alphas would run down an omega like prey, ready to throw them down and mate like the animals they are.It has Lan Zhan’s gums itching with the urge to bite; sink his teeth into Wei Ying’s nape and claim him for the world to see. Finally, he manages to steer him to the edge of the arena, with nowhere to escape, and only open water behind him.Seeming to realise he’s trapped, Wei Ying spins to meet him, sword held aloft, breathing deeply from exertion. But even now he seems excited, eyes bright and grinning as widely as when they started. Maybe he too could feel the thrill of the hunt? Was some part of him omega enough to enjoy being chased?Part of Lan Zhan wants to go straight in, but years of strict discipline allow him to regain his composure. With a deep breath, he forces the instincts down and reigns himself in, absently noting that it is harder than normal, something about Wei Ying leaving him less in control than usual. But part of him still seems to thrum when he manages to meet Wei Ying’s gaze.“No more running!” Wei Ying calls out. “I said I wouldn’t let you win without a fight, and I refuse to break my word.”“Mn.”“So few words, Lan Zhan. You ready?”“Mn.”Wei Ying laughs, then settles into his stance, knees slightly bent, and his sword held in front of him, tip pointed at Lan Zhan. In turn, Lan Zhan holds Bichen up in a high guard, its blade level with his face, such that he can see his reflection in its mirrored sheen. The eyes looking back at him do not resemble his own, instead seeming to shine with the fever that seems to be running through his blood. A look matched only by that gaze staring back at him.“Come.” He says, and Wei Ying is quick to obey.In a flash, they are together, each poised and ready to strike. Like before, Qi floods Lan Zhan’s meridians, and the world slows to a crawl. Wei Ying’s sword comes from the side, its edge aimed at his neck, the strength enough to injure even though it’s been blunted.Bichen, in turn, goes to intercept, decades of training falling into place as he moves to disarm his opponent. But, just like with Jiang Cheng, Wei Ying moves at the last moment, shifting his weight so that Bichen is now aimed at his wrist instead. The only difference is that Lan Zhan’s sword does not have its edge dulled for the exhibition.In that slowed-down time, he can see what will happen: Bichen’s razor-sharp edge slicing through the delicate parts of Wei Ying’s wrist, weakening his grasp, but not enough to cause him to drop his blade. With his other hand, he will strike Lan Zhan upon the neck, winning him the fight.He cannot allow it to happen.With a heave, he wrenches his blade to the side, his body straining with the effort. In a rush, Bichen misses its target by millimetres, but there is too much force behind his blow, and with horrified eyes he watches it slice into Wei Ying’s side.So focused on Wei Ying that he doesn’t feel the other man's blade dip and strike him in the shoulder.For a moment, they linger, and then Wei Ying drops to his knees in defeat.All around them cheers ring out as people begin to celebrate. But Lan Zhan hears none of it. His entire focus only on Wei Ying.Like a puppet with his strings cut, he drops down beside his mate, Bichen forgotten by his side as his hands come up to hover over the other, afraid to touch.“Wei Ying? Are you alright?”At his name, Wei Ying looks up, and relief courses through Lan Zhan as he’s met with a smile as bright as any he’s seen before.“Lan Zhan! You got me!”“Reckless!” He chides, “You could have lost a hand!”Wei Ying huffs a laugh, exhaustion settling over his face as he does so. With a pained shrug, he says, “Attempt the impossible, you know?”Anger courses through Lan Zhan as he curses the Jiang motto in his head.His inner spiel is cut off by a hurt gasp from Wei Ying, who suddenly tries to sit up, a hand coming up to cradle Lan Zhan’s shoulder.“You’re bleeding! I thought I’d missed. Does it hurt? We need to get you to the doctor!”Only then does Lan Zhan notice the throbbing coming from his shoulder. And when he looks down, he sees the pale white cloth stained with a small smudge of red, the fabric neatly sliced through.“It is nothing.” He says, already forgetting it. “You are much more injured.”“How can you say it’s nothing? Are you a medic? You could be bleeding out.”Irritation takes anger’s place and he gently pushes Wei Ying back. Already his side is beginning to turn red, noticeable even through the dark fabric.“You are in much worse condition. You should not move.”But Wei Ying ignores him, already trying to take a closer look at Lan Zhan’s shoulder. The irritation flares, and before he can think it through, Lan Zhan grips the fabric and, with a heave, tears it at the seams.Wei Ying makes a startled noise, falling back onto his heels, wide eyes staring at Lan Zhan as though he doesn’t recognise him. Lan Zhan ignores it, instead folding his ripped sleeve in half, and then again, forming a rudimentary compress. With this makeshift bandage in hand, he pushes it against Wei Ying’s injured side, holding it in place.“Stay still.” He commands. For once, Wei Ying listens, seemingly still surprised by Lan Zhan’s actions.For a few minutes they linger, Lan Zhan putting pressure on the injury, even as Wei Ying bores a hole into the side of his head, both two stubborn to move.Then the medics arrive, and things seem to move quickly after that.Lan Zhan is ushered back to where he was sitting before, the Lan’s falling in around him as he arrives. His view of Wei Ying is cut off as he’s led in a different direction, hand clutching Lan Zhan’s sleeve to his side, even as medics hurry around him.Mild voices question him, his uncle’s harsh tone cutting through as he chides him for his brash behaviour, even as he checks his shoulder. Lan Zhan endures it with all the dignity he can, even as he tries and fails to keep track of Wei Ying.Eventually, he’s able to brush them off, explaining that the wound is already healing as his golden core knits the flesh back together. But by the time he’s done, the next round of visiting matches have begun, and Wei Ying is nowhere to be seen.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The rest of the day wears upon Lan Zhan far worse than any injury. Polite society requires him to attend the rest of the exhibition matches, despite his lack of interest in what their outcomes might be.
All the while gadflies buzz around him, not so subtly trying to lure him into explaining what caught his interest regarding Wei Ying. It is an obvious attempt to gather gossip, and as such he gives them exactly as much attention as they deserve: none.Finally, the spectacle concludes. All through the closing remarks, Lan Zhan hovers, nerves wire-tight as he waits for them to finish. Jiang Fengmian is quick and congratulatory, Jin Guanshan less so. After several minutes of prevaricating, the old man finally makes a grand toast, drinking deeply from what is clearly not his first bottle or rice wine, judging by the red flush to his cheeks. Lan Zhan tips his glass of water back, murmurs his thanks, and then swiftly departs before anyone else can dare to delay him further.He is quick to head to his rooms, where he waits impatiently, unable even to meditate as worry for Wei Ying takes hold.
Logically, he knows that he will be fine; Bichen did not cut too deeply, and with Wei Ying’s level of cultivation it should heal rapidly. But emotionally, he cannot help but stew in his anxiety, counting down the minutes until he can flee this charade.Everyone is aware of alpha’s so-called need to protect, but Lan Zhan had only ever experienced it with regard to his clan. Even then that was different. That need was generalised, more of a vague desire than any sort of compulsion; diluted by the many other alphas in their clan to share the burden.This felt much stronger, the urge more precise because it only applied to one person. He had not intended to visit Wei Ying tonight, deeming it too risky, but when he found himself prowling back and forth in front of his window, thoughts consumed with Wei Ying, he realised it was futile to resist.Once more, he donned his dark robes and slipped out into the night. Security was more stringent than last time, but having made the journey before, it was still no difficulty to navigate to Wei Ying’s room.Only when he was at the closed window did he pause, once more stretching out his senses to determine what was going on inside. For several long seconds he lingered, exposed under the light of the moon, before he heard the deep, even breathing of sleep.A silencing talisman lets him open the shutters without any creaks or groans to wake its occupant. Then, as quickly as was safe, he crept across the windowsill and into Wei Ying’s room, not even pausing to enjoy the feeling of the wards brushing over him as he broke in.Once inside, he closed the window behind him, then stopped, listening carefully to the shallow breathing coming from the bed. At first, nothing seemed to have changed, but then Wei Ying gave out a quiet groan. His muscles froze, as tension raced up his spine, and he futilely tried to spy Wei Ying's form through the darkness. But the shadows blended, and as he waited, the sound of movement and rustlign bed sheets had adrenaline rush through his veins.
In a moment of panic, worried he was about to be caught, he did the only thing that he could think of to lull Wei Ying back to sleep; he began to hum a lullaby. Even as he started, it felt reckless and stupid, but with his mate nearby injured and vulnerable, some part of him was pulled back to his childhood when his mother would sing this same song to get him to fall asleep.Wei Ying’s groans grew louder, and Lan Zhan was forced to consider how he might flee before he was discovered. But, then, as the song continued, Wei Ying began to settle back down, the noises falling back into the rhythmic breathing of a deep sleep.Pleasure filled Lan Zhan at his success, and it felt only natural to transition from a lullaby into Rest. Technically a song meant to settle the restless dead, he knew that it was also used to calm nightmares and traumas in the medical ward. So too, he hoped it might help Wei Ying.Only after he had finished this new song did his heart begin to slow, the fear of being caught fading as the music served to calm him as much as his mate.Spurred on, he lit up a small light talisman, eyes already locked onto Wei Ying’s form, studying it for any signs of movement. Mercifully, he saw none. Yet, still, he lingered, holding his breath for fear that any additional sounds might disturb the other. So intense was his focus, that it was inevitable that he'd end up tracing his mate's sleeping form.Asleep, Wei Ying appeared closer to his true age. His face was bereft of a smile, but no lesser for it. Soft cheeks, untouched by freckles or stubble, lead to closed eyes disturbed only by the subtle movements of dreams. He looked peaceful where he lay.He studied Wei Ying’s vulnerable form, soaking in the way he splayed across the bed, arms and legs thrown apart, taking up the entire width of the frame. At some point he must have kicked down the bed sheets, the heat getting too much, exposing a leg that hung nearly off the side of the bed.As he traced his way down the length of it, he could not help but suck in a breath as he spied the way it rode up, revealing the curve of his calf right down to the delicate jut of his ankle bones. Like the day he saw them swimming, this too was as tanned as the rest of him. It was with saintly patience that Lan Zhan resisted stepping closer to push the robes further up, exposing where the tan might transition into pale, untouched skin.He stood like this for several moments, luxuriating in Wei Ying's presence, all while the alpha in him relished being subsumed in his mate's scent. Only, as he breathed in, tasting the sweet scent of loquats and spice that made up Wei Ying’s subtle, unpresented aroma, he was met by a new note. It was no wonder that he missed it coming in, as it was so familiar.It did not take long to spot its source, for, on the bedside table, within inches of Wei Ying’s sleeping face, was Lan Zhan’s torn sleeve.Even now, the sandalwood of his scent clung to the fabric, his blood adding an iron tint to the otherwise familiar smell. Warmth spread through him at the sight, pleased that Wei Ying had kept the article of clothing.Unable to stop himself he crept closer, keeping half an eye on Wei Ying as he did so. But he went unnoticed and was able to pick up the bloody cloth without issue. Bringing it to his face he breathed in and had to suppress the growl of satisfaction that went through him at the way their scents mingled.For a long moment, he just relished in their combined smell, his musk blending so perfectly with Wei Ying’s natural perfume. It felt only natural then, to bring the fabric to his neck and rub it across the scent glands hidden in there. These pheromones were amongst the strongest found anywhere on the body, and by massaging the length of cloth over it, he was able to soak his scent deep into the fabric.It should only have taken a few seconds to have the sleeve reek of him, but still he persisted, running it back and forth; determined to impart as much of his sandalwood scent as he could. Only when it was nearly dripping with the smell of him did he return it to the bedside.But the sight of blood on the sleeve reminded him of why he came here in the first place. Spurned on by this thought, he moved closer, studying Wei Ying for signs of pain. Upon inspection, he looked fine, face lax with sleep, no grimaces or scowls to indicate he might be hurt. But the alpha in him was still not satisfied, it needed further confirmation.
Thankfully he did not sleep like a Lan: arms folded across his chest. Rather, his left arm was flung out, halfway off the bed, exposed and ready for the taking. Worry battled briefly with propriety, before the need to make sure Wei Ying was alright overwhelmed any sense of modesty. Half shaking with nerves at his audacity, he reached out and took Wei Ying's dangling hand into his own.
He had held Wei Ying before, but that was quick, rushed under the eagle-eyed scrutiny of Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. Now he took the time to savour this closeness. He paused briefly to savour the warmth of the skin within his grasp.With a featherlight touch he turned Wei Ying's hand over, exposing the palm and wrist tucked below. Wei Ying had a musician's fingers; long and graceful, suited to the Qin, or indeed the dizi he had found the last time he visited. Already, he could picture them dancing over the bamboo reed, fingering the holes with the same reckless abandon he seemed to approach everything else with.Half hidden by the curl of his fingers were the callous’ he’d built from years wielding his sword. They were rough beneath his touch, creating a slight scrape against his fingertips as he brushed over them one by one.He moved from his palm up to his wrist, idly tracing a few white lines etched into Wei Ying’s skin as he did so. In the pale light of his talisman, they seemed to stand out in stark relief against his dark tan, almost seeming to glow under his observation. There weren’t many such scars, but those that remained showed Wei Ying’s history of mistakes, and lessons learned as he trained his way up to Head Disciple.Finally, he placed his middle and index finger against Wei Ying’s pulse point and gently sent a thread of Qi into his meridians.He felt as though he’d been struck by lightning, the mere contact sending electricity raging over his body. Wei Ying’s vital energy thrummed in and around his senses, dragging him into a near trance as he mapped out the sleeping man’s system. Beneath his fingertips, he could feel the pulse and power of Wei Ying’s Qi hum and beat in time with his heart. Each drumbeat seemed to echo out and into Lan Zhan's body until it felt as though his own heart had slowed to match it; his body becoming one with Wei Ying's.He was unsure how long he stood there, lost in the sensation, but it could have been minutes or hours and he would have been unable to say which. With a mental wrench, he forced himself to regain control and pulled back, not qute leaving Wei Ying’s system, but able to examine without losing himself. Still, even then, he felt as though he was tingling, the hair on his neck standing on end.With wrought iron control, he checked for signs of damage. Immediately, it became apparent that the wound had been well tended to. Both expert care and Wei Ying’s golden core had already done great work in mending the cut on his side. A part of Lan Zhan uncoiled as relief swept through him, evaporating the stress he had not realised he’d been carrying.Another part took the liberty to enjoy this moment. It was a tender and intimate experience; one that was only afforded to family, doctors and lovers. How lucky was he that Wei Ying would share this with him?As he expected, Wei Ying was a powerful cultivator, easily equalling or maybe even suprassing where Lan Zhan was at his age. His core was like a burning sun, blazing bright and pure within the centre of him. Even with Lan Zhan’s mediocre medical talent he could tell how hard Wei Ying had to have worked to grow it to such a size by his age. Once more, he could not help but think how perfectly suited they were for each other.Lan Zhan was said to be a once in a hundred year talent. And yet, here before him was proof that there was another.He soaked in Wei Ying’s warmth, treasuring this moment for all it was worth. Few ever got to see another’s golden core, and he was grateful that circumstances had given him this opportunity.But, even this was not enough for him.Feeling reckless, he traced his way down from Wei Ying’s core, to his lower dantian. Like this, he could not help but feel like a pervert, touching what was not his to touch. The feeling was not enough to stop him.It was a small dark void hidden between Wei Yings legs. Only the barest amount of Wei Ying’s Qi spun within his lower dantian, and it was oh so easy to imagine how Wei Ying would look beneath him, writhing on his cock as he flooded it with his Qi.If the thought of combining their scents was overwhelming, the idea of Dual Cultivating was enough to have him grow stiff within his robes. Mixing and blending their Qi together was a closeness he had never thought he’d share with another. A spiritual connection that went so far beyond phycial intimacy could achieve. Of course, that did not mean Lan Zhan would not also enjoy the feel of Wei Ying's lithe body under his own.
Unable to resist, he pulled back and opened his eyes to take in Wei Ying’s trembling form.As good as it had felt for him, the same was true of Wei Ying. A doctor would keep their touch professional, a perfunctory scan to check they were ok. Lan Zhan could not say he had done the same. Beneath his hooded gaze, Wei Ying was flushed, his cheeks rosy and mouth parted as he panted for breath.He traced his gaze down Wei Ying’s body, noting the way his chest rose and fell with his rapid breathing; two small peaks on his chest catching his attention. For a moment he lingered there, unable to move as he wondered if Wei Ying’s nipples were as red as his cheeks had been.Only slightly lower was where Bichen had injured him; just a few inches down and to the side. Surely, it was his responsibility to confirm that Wei Ying hadn’t reopened his wound whilst Lan Zhan had examined him? Accepting your responsibilities was one of the Lan rules that he took very seriously.
With unsteady hands, he let go of Wei Ying’s wrist and reached for the tie on his sleeping robes. It was a simple knot, but it felt near impossible to undo with how much he was shaking.Finally, the knot came loose and without Lan Zhan trying the robes parted, only just exposing the wrap of bandages around Wei Ying’s waist. The rest remain closed, hiding the rest of his body from Lan Zhan’s greedy inspection. But it was enough.For several long moments Lan Zhan stands there, looming over Wei Ying, unable to move. It could be argued that it was to prevent waking Wei Ying, but in reality, the sight of that slim, toned stomach, barely hidden from sight by those thin bandages had him rooted in place.Reverently, he brought one of his hands up and held it, hovering over Wei Ying’s waist. Like this, the size difference was all the more apparent. Even with just one hand he would be able to wrap it halfway around that slim waist, totally encompassing the slighter man.The thought has his cock begin to harden further, until it becomes an uncomfortable weight between his legs. One hand comes down to palm against it, and he has to stifle a gasp at the feeling.He has come this far, it would be negligent to stop now. Using his other hand, he probes the bandages as gently as he can. Carefully, so carefully, he presses his fingers in and around where Wei Ying had been cut, searching for tenderness or the heat of infection. But the only warmth is that of Wei Ying's skin, healthy and firm beneath his fingertips. Yet even that feels like a furnace to Lan Zhan, sending tendrils of heat squirming through his body, until they seem to settle down low, hot and heavy as coals in his stomach.
Feeling more sure of himself, he strokes down the length of the bandages, only to freezes when he hears Wei Ying moan. He lingers for a moment, terrified he has hurt his beloved. But, as Wei Ying lets out another moan, he realises it is not pain that Wei Ying is feeling.
Emboldened, he strokes Wei Ying's side again, and once more Wei Ying lets out one of those eager little noises. At the sound Lan Zhan strokes his cock harder, pressing down on the head to the point it begins to hurt. It is equal parts pleasure as it is pain. But it helps centre himself, and he continues exploring Wei Ying’s side with his other hand.Still being gentle, he traces the edges of the bandages cover, pausing when they reach skin. There are no signs that Wei Ying’s injury has worsened since he began. Yet, he does not wish to stop. His hand hovers in place, as he drags his gaze over Wei Ying’s unconscious body.Like this he has been transformed. When Lan Zhan first arrived he appeared so innocent, sleeping peacefully in his bed. How quickly he has changed, becoming something desperate and wanton.His robes are parted just enough to expose his trim waist, his mouth hangs open as he gasps for breath, the flush on his cheeks having deepened under Lan Zhans touch. It is hard to reconcile this needy omega with the boy that was sleeping here before. The need to
touch, to claim settles like a weight around Lan Zhan's shoulders. Once more his mouth begins to water, and his teeth ache with the urge to push the robes aside and bite deep into Wei Ying's shoulder, to mark the omega as his.
Only then does he realise how close he has gotten to Wei Yng's sleeping form. So lost in his instincts that he'd unconsciously leaned over the boy, such that he could see the pulse in Wei YIng's neck throb as his body responds to Lan Zhan's presence. It jolts him back to reality, and he lurches backward in shock.
It is only his years of restraint that allows him to reign himself back in. He is not some young alpha, desperate and needy, ready to steal what is not yet his. What he is doing is necessary, not some kind of perversion. Nature made a mistake when making Wei Ying an alpha, one that Lan Zhan intends to correct. And, when the time comes, and Wei Ying has been moulded into his perfect omega, he would beg Lan Zhan for his bite. Only then would he sink his teeth into Wei Ying's mating gland, no sooner.
But the need to touch hasn't gone, still lingering like an ache in his bones. He might not be able to bite, but Wei Ying calls to him like a siren song, and he is powerless to resist. He will simply have to control himself. Treat Wei Ying with the respect that he deserves.
So he is careful not to part the robes further when he reaches for Wei Ying; the thought of doing so feels too illicit, like a breach of trust. Already this feels transgressive, taking and taking and taking. But, whilst that thought should bring shame, instead it only makes Lan Zhan want him all the more.Still, he reigns in that all-consuming desire, determined to maintain Wei Ying’s modesty. Instead he slides his hand up Wei Ying’s waist and under his robe, the feeling of his bare skin sending trembles up Lan Zhan’s arm. It is as soft as the rest of him, smooth and bare, lacking even the finest of hairs. As he continues he can feel muscles tense and relax as his fingers skim over the planes of his stomach, firm and strong from years of exercise. The temptation to peek is strong, but he holds steadfast and resists the urge.He has a goal and does not stop until he reaches his target. Wei Ying's nipple is already stiff, forming a peak that pushes up through the fabric covering his chest. As his fingers trace around the edge of it, Wei Ying's breath hitches, his mouth dropping open in a silent gasp. It catches Lan Zhan's attention and he circles the nub again, watching with delight as Wei Ying's eyes flutter behind his eyelids, mouth parting so he can drag in a shuddering breath.He is so sensitive, his body already primed and ready like an omegas should be. With one hand he strokes Wei Ying's nipple, entranced by every shudder and gasp his touch elicits, whilst with the other he rubs at his cock, every sound seeming to only make him harder.Finally, he tries something new and pinches the tip, just to see what will happen. He cannot expect the desperate moan that passes through Wei Ying's lips, nor how he arches his chest up and into Lan Zhan's grip.
Lan Zhan feels undone, the sound ringing in his ears, sending his pulse pounding. Like a puppet with his strings cut, he falls down to his knees until he is eye level with Wei Ying. Simultaneously, his hips come up, thrusting desperately into his hand, rutting like a newly presented alpha.Without thinking he pinches again, digging his nails into the hard peak of Wei Ying's nipple. Once more Wei Ying cries out, desperate and wanton, reacting to his abuse with plaintive cries that stoke the fires inside Lan Zhan to new heights. Recklessly he strokes, teases and thumbs at the nub, soaking in every noise and whimper Wei Ying can make, desperate to catalogue every sound the young man can make. He swore them into his memory like brands upon his skin.As he plays, stroking himself in time with Wei Ying's writhing form, something new catches his attention. Pungent and sweet, with the slightest hint of musk, the smell of loquats and spice seem to soak into the air, suffusing it with the scent of Wei YIng's arousal.Like metal to a magnet, Lan Zhan's head snaps down past the bandages to where a small tent has formed in the fabric between Wei Ying’s thighs. It is similar to a beta's cock; small and petite, and likely to only shrink further as the omega hormones begin to build within Wei Ying.
Involuntarily, his own scent fills the air, and his cock feels like steel within his clothes, straining obscenely against the fabric. All around him, their arousal blends and mingles, sandalwood and spice overlaying into one cloying scent that seems to throb in time with his prick.His tongue brushes over his teeth as though he could taste the scent that hangs heavy in the air. Eyes still caught on that small rise, he begins to undo the buttons on his robes, fingers nearly pulling them off as he rushes to free his cock from its confines.But there is no relief when he finally pulls it out. His thoughts feel slow, addled by the pheromones that lace the room, and it is all he can do to not succumb to his alpha and mount Wei Ying then and there.His touch feels electric when he takes himself in hand. There is no control when he begins to stroke himself, his grip tight as he tugs from the base to the tip in quick, frantic pulls. Already, the head is dripping, the sight and smell of his mate causing precome to swell and bead, wetting his cock as he jerks himself off.With his cock out, a wave of musk pours forth, his body working in overdrive to tempt his mate into accepting him. Wei Ying seems to respond to the rise in alpha pheromones in the air, his own breath beginning to speed up, a mewl slips past his lips as he thrusts his hips into the air.So lost in getting his own relief he hadn't realised he had stopped playing with Wei Ying's nipple. Now he resumes, once more pinching and stroking that little nub, rolling it between his fingers like a toy.And Wei Ying responds so beautifully. Rolling and writhing, twitching and moaning, he is a picture of an omega in heat. The thought makes a new bead of precome leak from Lan Zhan's tip, and he can almost feel the knot at the base of his cock throb in response.
It does not seem normal that someone unpresented could be this affected. He knows that omega's are said to be particularly sensitive, preferring soft, velvety fabrics when making their nests. But this helpless, desperate response to having his nipple played with seems far beyond what an unpresented alpha should be like.Reluctantly, he withdraws his hand, and thumbs it over his own chest, tweaking the nipple through the fabric. At the feeling of coarse cloth rubbing over the nub, a tingle goes down his spine, and his cock throbs in response. But as he does it again, the feeling is only pleasant, nothing like what is happening with Wei Ying.Already missing the feeling of his skin, he slides his hand back under Wei Ying's robe, this time heading for the other nipple.
As his fingers caress the peaked flesh, Wei Ying once more arches into his touch, thrusting his chest up as though to chase the feeling, a high keen slipping from between his lips.The sound is primal and calls to every alpha instinct in Lan Zhan, piercing through his restraint like a sword through paper. It is all he can do to clench his fist tight around the base of his cock, stifling his orgasm by force alone.
There is something about Wei Ying, open and unrestrained that seems to connect to Lan Zhan's most base urges. The way his fingers dig into the bedsheets, clenching and unclenching in time with Lan Zhan's fingers, his mouth a pretty 'o' as he gasps and moans, filling the air with the sound of his pleasure. It all seems designed to loosen Lan Zhan's control, sending him hurtling towards the edge.But, as he teases Wei Ying's untouched nipple beneath the pad of his thumb, scraping his nail over it to the sound of Wei Ying's mewls, he cannot help but wonder if this alone will be enough to make Wei Ying peak. Already he can see a large wet patch over the tent in between Wei Ying's thighs as his cocklet leaks in response to this simple touch.
It feels like a challenge - one that Lan Zhan is determined to meet.Feeling uninhibited, he throws Wei Ying's robes open, exposing his chest to Lan Zhan's lecherous gaze.It is everything and more than he ever could have imagined. A blush stains the tanned skin pink, a light layer of sweat causing it to glisten in the talisman's light. And like two abused cherries, his nipples stand flushed and red on his chest, his consistent abuse having caused them to darken and rise into a sharp peak that just begs to be sucked.Already he can imagine how they might feel beneath his tongue, and once more the urge to bite and claim and mark rises up within him. All he wants is to sink his teeth into that pretty skin, digging deep enough that Wei Ying's chest will be covered with bruises and bitemarks like a mottled tapestry.
But he has to resist. Now is not the time.So instead he redoubles his efforts, touching every part of Wei Ying that is uncovered by bandages, desperate to bring Wei Ying to a climax. With a musician's ear, he listens to the sounds Wei Yings makes, learning which parts of him respond well to Lan Zhan's touch. From the moan as he rakes his nails down Wei Ying's ribs, to the shiver of pleasure as he leans forward to blow over a nipple; all of it is catalogued and stored in Lan Zhan's memory.As he continues, building a rhythm of touches, he can smell Wei Ying's arousal beginning to climb and grow. Like a guiding light Lan Zhan, the scent of loquats and spice signal Wei Ying's rising need.
If he was wanton before, now he is whorish as he begins to twist and turn into every touch and caress of Lan Zhan's fingers. His groans begin to build and build, until they blur into one long, continuous whine that almost resembles an omega's purr. It is like its own aphrodisiac to Lan Zhan, whose cock aches as he strokes it, so hard and flushed with arousal that it almost hurts to touch.He can feel his own alpha rising in response to the display in front of him, instincts long suppressed suddenly unleashed and all the stronger for it. Beneath the callouses of his palm he can feel his knot begin to swell and catch.He is close.At the same time the noises Wei Ying is making start to change. The whine shifts into little, gasping breaths, and his hips twitch and roll in small, desperate motions.He refocuses his attention on those red nipples, puffy and swollen from his relentless assault. All of his restraint is lost as he abuses them, relishing in how Wei Ying seems to enjoy the pain as much as the pleasure, his scent cresting the harder Lan Zhan handles them.Wei Ying's body seems to be lost in sensation, unable to sit still as Lan Zhan continues, unrelenting and without mercy. Every touch has his chest thrusting up, desperate for more, even as he tries to pull away, seeking relief. The two feelings seem to war inside of him, his sensitive body taken to its very limit until it can no longer distinguish what it wants.Finally, with a keening cry, Wei Ying throws his head back into the pillows and cums, hard, his hips thrusting so high his back arches off the bed. Lan Zhan hurtles after him, his orgasm hitting him so fast he sees stars. He wrenches his hand back, catching his release, even as his other hand squeezes and clenches over his knot, pulling every bit of spend he can from his aching balls.The moment seems to drag on and on, Wei YIng soaking the front of his robes with enough cum that it soaks through the fabric, even as Lan Zhan seems caught in a constant loop of pleasure. Never has he come so much in his life, nor for as long. When he finally stops his hand is full, his fingers clasped tight so none might spill onto the floor.As Wei Ying collapses back to the bed, exhausted, Lan Zhan can't help but do the same, falling back onto his heels. It is not dissimilar to how he feels after battle, his body coated with sweat and shaking worse than it has in a long time.It is all he can do to kneel beside Wei Ying's bed, one hand still wrapped around his softening cock, as he tries to regain his bearings.
Finally, after what could only have been minutes, his breathing begins to slow and he can begin to regain his faculties.Like this, he becomes aware of what he's done.Wei Ying is a mess.Those parts of his robes not gaping scandalously, now stick to his skin, clinging to his curves as tightly as a whores. A flush extends down from his face to cover his torso in a fetching red, his achingly raw nipples sticking out like markers from his chest.He is the very picture of debauchery, and the sight sends a feeling of pride coursing through Lan ZHan. He did this. He made Wei YIng look like this. Ravished. Sated. Shameless.
As his skin begins to cool down, he becomes aware of the mess cupped within his hand. For a moment he wonders what to do with it, considering disposing of it, when he remembers his brother's advice.Carefully, he tucks himself away and stands, all while ensuring not a drip spills. Like this Wei Ying looks even more tempting; vulnerable and exposed. Ripe for the taking.It is lucky that Wei Ying seems as exhausted as Lan Zhan since it means that he is gasping for breath. It is as simple as tipping his hand to pour his spend into Wei Ying's open mouth.
At first, it is too much, and he sputters in his sleep, sending drops flying across his lips. This Lan Zhan scoops back into his mouth using his thumb. Only once it's all back in does he resume pouring, this time careful to do it slowly, such that it does not overwhelm the boy.This seems easier on Wei Ying, who, despite a small grimace, begins to swallow, his throat working steadily as he takes in all of Lan Zhan's cum.Lan Xichen had explained that in order to transform an alpha into an omega it was essential that they take in another alpha's pheromones; the more concentrated the better. Everyone produces these pheromones, be it in their sweat, saliva or spend. But nothing is more powerful than those released during an orgasm. It would be better to fuck it into Wei Ying, pumping him full to bursting, but even this will have a significant effect on shifting him into an omega.With every swallow, Lan Zhan feels like everything is coming together. If he just continues this, Wei Ying is sure to become his.He pours until his palm is empty, savouring how Wei Ying's grimace starts to fade, and he even licks Lan Zhan's fingers clean when he puts them close to his mouth. It's as cute as it is erotic, and Lan Zhan has to resist the urge to kiss Wei Ying and taste himself on the other man's lips. That will come later - when Wei Ying is conscious.Only when it's all gone does Lan Zhan stop. He takes a moment to relish Wei Ying's exposed body one more time before pulling his robes closed, tying them back up with deft fingers. Then he tugs the sheets up and tucks the boy in. He is so sweet in his sleep, a small smile settling onto his face, blissful in his post-orgasmic haze.How Lan Zhan wishes he could linger and watch Wei Ying through the night. But sadly he has to leave, lest he get caught where he shouldn't be.With Wei Ying comfortable, Lan Zhan takes in the state of the room. As he expected, his scent suffuses the space, hanging thick and heavy in the air. But other than that, very little else has been disturbed from their activities. He will only have to air out the room, such that the smell will fade before Wei Ying wakes up.With that in mind he heads to the closed shutters, and, with a touch of Qi, breaks the latch. Without it holding them shut the two easily slide open, letting in the fresh air from outside. Part of Lan Zhan mourns how their scents immediately diminish, the alpha in him wishing to stew in their combined aroma.
But that will have to wait until Wei Ying is formally his. For now, necessity overcomes desire.With one more parting look at Wei YIng's slumbering form, Lan Zhan gathers his talismans and makes his exit. The return journey seems longer than the one he took earlier, the pang from leaving Wei Ying's side almost a physical ache. But, it is mitigated by the knowledge that he's taken the first step in turning Wei Ying into his perfect omega.
That thought alone is enough to bring a smile to his lips, and his dreams are filled with the smell of loquats and spice.