While Lan Zhan was deeply entrenched in his role as a father, the Jade Emperor would periodically check on Wei Ying's condition from afar in the Celestial World. One day, as the Emperor placed his hand on Wei Ying's forehead to gauge his progress, he decided to delve deeper.
With a wave of his hand, he invoked an empathic spell, allowing him to see fragments of Wei Ying's past.
The visions unfolded like a vivid tapestry, taking the Jade Emperor to Yunmeng, Lotus Pier. He saw Jiang Fengmian, the head of the Jiang clan, and his wife, Madam Yu.
The couple had two children: Jiang Yanli, a kind and gentle girl, and Jiang Cheng, a fiery and stubborn boy.
The Emperor then saw a young Wei Wuxian, full of life and mischief, who was taken in by Jiang Fengmian, though not formally adopted.
Madam Yu's disdain for Wei Wuxian was apparent. She saw him as a burden and treated him harshly, often punishing him with her spiritual weapon, Zidian, for the slightest infraction or even for things beyond his control.
Despite this, Wei Wuxian maintained his spirited and carefree nature, always managing to find trouble and fun in equal measure.
Jiang Yanli, the embodiment of kindness and a mother figure for Wei Wuxian, loved both her brothers dearly. Despite her low and not strong core, she often mediated between them and Madam Yu, offering comfort and understanding to Wei Wuxian whenever he faced her mother's wrath.
Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, had a complicated relationship with Wei Wuxian. He loved his brother deeply but found it difficult to express his feelings. Instead, he resorted to shouting and rolling his eyes, his tsundere nature masking his true emotions.
His gruff exterior often clashed with Wei Wuxian's mischievous antics, leading to frequent squabbles.
Through these glimpses into Wei Ying's past, the Jade Emperor began to understand the complexity of his life. He saw a boy who, despite the odds, managed to bring light and laughter into the lives of those around him. A boy who was fiercely loyal and protective of his family, even when he was not always treated with the same kindness in return.
These revelations stirred something in the Jade Emperor. He felt a profound feeling for Wei Ying, recognizing the strength and resilience that lay within him.
Though Wei Ying remained in a coma, the Jade Emperor knew that this young man was far from ordinary. He decided to strengthen the protective wards around Wei Ying's chamber, ensuring that he would be safe and undisturbed until the time came for him to awaken.
With a renewed sense of purpose, the Jade Emperor continued his vigil, determined to see Wei Ying restored to his full strength, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Back in the mortal realm, the Cloud Recesses remained a bastion of knowledge and tranquility. The towering ivory pillars and pristine white walls stood as a testament to the Lan clan's dedication to cultivation and learning.
One day, three young cultivators and their disciplines made their way towards Cloud Recesses: Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, and Wei Wuxian, who had journeyed from Lotus Pier, eager to gain further knowledge and training under the esteemed Lan clan.
As they approached the entrance to the Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian was in high spirits, chattering animatedly and occasionally teasing Jiang Cheng, whose face was already showing signs of irritation.
"Did you really have to bring all your talismans, Wei Wuxian?" Jiang Cheng grumbled, rolling his eyes. "We're here to learn, not to show off."
Wei Wuxian shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You never know when they might come in handy, Cheng Cheng. Besides, it's better to be prepared."
Jiang Yanli, ever the peacemaker, smiled gently at her brothers. "I'm sure Xian means well, Cheng. Let's just focus on making a good impression."
As they reached the gates, they were met by two stern-looking Lan disciples who immediately asked for their invitation card. Wei Wuxian's eyes widened in realization.
"Oh no, I think we left them at the Tavern in Caiyi Town," he said, glancing at Jiang Cheng, who was now glaring at him. "How could you forget something so important?" Jiang Cheng snapped, his frustration boiling over.
Before the situation could escalate further, a commotion drew their attention. A group of Lan disciples, led by none other than the Second Jade of the Lan Clan, approached. They carried someone who appeared lifeless, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Lan Wangji, with his majestic presence, walked with an air of authority and grace, his expression as stoic as ever. His cold aura and the way he carried himself commanded respect and attention.
Wei Wuxian's eyes widened as he saw Lan Wangji for the first time, his heart skipping a beat. He had never seen anyone so beautiful and handsome, and for the first time in his life, he felt something stir within him, though he didn't fully understand it.
Wei Wuxian watched, captivated, as Lan Wangji passed by. His admiration was interrupted when one of the Lan disciples addressed them again.
"Without an invitation, you cannot enter the Cloud Recesses."
Jiang Yanli stepped forward, trying to explain their situation. "We are here to study under your esteemed clan, but it appears we have forgotten our invitation card."
Lan Wangji, overhearing the conversation, paused and turned his gaze towards them...specifically towards Wei Wuxian. His cold eyes assessed him briefly before Jiang Cheng intervened.
"Second Childe Lan, I am Jiang Cheng from the Jiang clan of Yunmeng, son of our clan leader Jiang Fengmian. This is my sister Jiang Yanli and my senior brother, Wei Ying, also called Wei Wuxian."
They bowed to him, and he bowed back, before they explained their situation.
Lan Wangji spoke, "No invitation, no entry."
Wei Wuxian, unable to contain himself, called out, "But we came all this way to learn from the Lan clan. Can't you make an exception?"
Lan Wangji's expression didn't change.
"Rules are rules," he said firmly before turning away and continuing his way into the Cloud Recesses, leaving them at the gate.
Wei Wuxian watched Lan Wangji's retreating figure, feeling a strange mix of disappointment and determination. "We'll find a way in," he muttered to Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. "Just you wait."
As Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Yanli stood at the gate of the Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian quickly decided to go back and retrieve their invitation cards. "I'll be back in no time," he assured his siblings before sprinting off, determined to correct his mistake.
While Wei Wuxian was away, Lan Wangji returned to the entrance of the Cloud Recesses.
He noticed Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli still waiting and seemed to reconsider.
"Follow me," he said in his usual stern manner, leading them inside despite the earlier refusal.
When Wei Wuxian finally returned, he was surprised to find the entrance deserted. No guards, no siblings...just the imposing ivory pillars standing silently.
Confused but undeterred, he decided to proceed.
Approaching the entry, he encountered an invisible ward. Undeterred, he pulled out a talisman and muttered a few words, successfully bypassing the barrier.
With two jars of Emperor's Smile in one hand and his sword in the other, Wei Wuxian clambered onto the rooftop, hoping to find his way inside unnoticed. As he reached the top, he suddenly froze.
There, staring straight at him, was Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji's expression was as cold and unreadable as ever. "What do you think you are doing?" he asked, his voice like ice.
Wei Wuxian grinned sheepishly, trying to mask his surprise. "Oh, just enjoying the view. Beautiful place you've got here."
Lan Wangji's eyes narrowed slightly, not amused. "This is not a place for mischief."
Unfazed, Wei Wuxian held up one of the jars. "How about a drink? Emperor's Smile, the best there is!"
Lan Wangji remained silent, his stern gaze unwavering.
Wei Wuxian sighed and lowered the jar, realizing his attempt at friendliness was futile.
"Alright, alright, no drinking. But seriously, I'm just trying to find my siblings. I went back to get our invitation card, and now they're gone."
Lan Wangji considered this for a moment before speaking.
"They have been allowed entry. You should not have bypassed the ward."
Wei Wuxian scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit sheepish. "Yeah, I figured that out a bit too late. Can you show me the way in?"
Lan Wangji turned, motioning for Wei Wuxian to follow him.
As they walked, Wei Wuxian couldn't help but admire Lan Wangji's composed demeanor.
Despite the cold exterior, there was something about him that drew Wei Wuxian in.
"Thanks," Wei Wuxian said as they walked through the corridors. "I really appreciate it."
Lan Wangji didn't respond, but Wei Wuxian thought he saw a flicker of something...maybe curiosity?...in his eyes.
When they arrived at the guest rooms, Lan Wangji showed Wei Wuxian the room where he would sleep.
"Rest. Tomorrow, you will be punished for breaking our ward, entering with alcohol, and roaming around past curfew. Three rules broken; you must be punished."
Wei Wuxian stared dumbfounded at the retreating figure of Lan Wangji before yelling, "Where are my siblings, Lan W... hmmmm"
But suddenly, he found himself unable to move his lips or part them.
"Too noisy," Lan Wangji said, his voice too low from the darkness. "Shouting is forbidden in Cloud Recesses. Another rule broken."
Lan Wangji vanished into the darkness, leaving Wei Wuxian with tied lips.