Boashan Sanren stood before them, her presence commanding yet gentle. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying listened attentively as she began to explain the nature of their new existence.
"As Celestial immortals," she started, her voice calm and soothing, "you possess powers far beyond those of the cultivators.
You can teleport anywhere you wish, simply by thinking of the place you desire to be. You will also be able to hear the thoughts of others unless you consciously block them.
This ability is both a gift and a responsibility. The more you bond, the stronger your powers will grow."
Wei Ying exchanged a glance with Lan Zhan, the depth of their bond evident in their eyes.
Boashan continued, "Your connection to one another is now even more profound. If one of you is in danger or experiences pain, the other will feel it. This bond is unbreakable, and it will serve to protect and strengthen you both."
She paused, her expression becoming more serious. "You are now disciples of the Celestial realm, which means when the Jade Emperor summons you, you must go. Any mission he assigns must be fulfilled, for it is your duty as immortals to maintain the balance between the realms."
Wei Ying nodded, absorbing the information. But a question lingered in his mind, one that had haunted him for years. "If you are so powerful, Grandmother, why didn't you come for me when my parents passed away? Why didn't you save me then?"
Boashan's expression softened with a mixture of regret and understanding. "A-Ying, I did search for you.. She told him everything.
Wei Ying's heart ached at her words, but he understood. He could see the wisdom in her decision, even if it had caused him pain. "I see... Grandmother, I forgive you. I realize now that everything happened for a reason, and because of you, I'm here with my family."
Boashan's eyes softened with relief, and she embraced her grandson warmly. "I am so proud of you, A-Ying. And now, let us enjoy this moment together as family."
The atmosphere lightened as Wei Ying and Lan Zhan introduced their children to Boashan Sanren. The warmth of family surrounded them, filling the room with a sense of peace and unity. Boashan's heart swelled with pride as she watched her great-grandchildren interact with their parents, the bond between them all stronger than ever.
As the evening wore on, the warmth of family surrounded them, but the quietude of the night eventually brought Lan Zhan and Wei Ying back to their quarters, Jingshi.
The moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over their room. The children had been settled, the day's emotions had begun to calm, and now, it was just the two of them.
Lan Zhan stood by the window, his gaze lost in the distance. He had spent 15 long years yearning for this moment, for the return of his beloved Wei Ying. Now that he was here, alive and well, Lan Zhan could hardly believe it. The ache of those years was still fresh, but the joy of reunion had begun to soothe it.
Wei Ying approached him quietly, wrapping his arms around Lan Zhan's waist from behind. He rested his cheek against Lan Zhan's back, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath his touch.
"Lan Zhan," he whispered, his voice soft and filled with emotion, "I'm here now."
Lan Zhan turned slowly, his eyes meeting Wei Ying's.
There was a depth in his gaze, a mixture of relief, love, and something else... something more primal, more urgent.
He cupped Wei Ying's face in his hands, his thumb brushing gently over his cheek.
"Wei Ying," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, "I missed you every single day. Every moment felt like an eternity without you."
Wei Ying's heart swelled with love for the man in front of him. He could see the pain that Lan Zhan had endured, the longing that had almost consumed him. He reached up, placing his hands over Lan Zhan's. "I know, Lan Zhan. And I missed you too. More than words can say."
Without another word, Lan Zhan leaned down, capturing Wei Ying's lips in a kiss that spoke of all the years of longing, all the unspoken words, and all the love that had never waned. The kiss was deep, passionate, and filled with the intensity of their bond.
Wei Ying responded eagerly, his hands sliding up to wrap around Lan Zhan's neck, pulling him closer.
They moved together towards the bed, their movements unhurried yet filled with urgency. The world outside ceased to exist as they focused only on each other, on the love that had sustained them through the years of separation. Their hands roamed, rediscovering the familiar planes of each other's bodies, and their breaths mingled as they deepened their connection.
Lan Zhan's touch was reverent, as if he were afraid that Wei Ying might disappear if he let go. Wei Ying, in turn, poured all his love and reassurance into his touches, reminding Lan Zhan that he was real, that he was here to stay.
As they lay together, their bodies entwined, the glow of their bond enveloped them in warmth.
The bond between them, now even stronger as Celestial immortals, pulsed with a steady rhythm, reflecting the harmony of their hearts.
Finally, as the night grew deeper, they lay side by side, their fingers intertwined.
Lan Zhan pressed a kiss to Wei Ying's forehead, his heart full. "Never leave me again, Wei Ying," he whispered, his voice a mix of vulnerability and determination.
Wei Ying smiled softly, brushing his lips against Lan Zhan's. "Never again, Lan Zhan. I promise."
With that promise, they drifted off to sleep, holding each other close, knowing that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
****
Lan Zhan and Wei Ying sat comfortably in Lan Xichen's quarters, discussing the details of their upcoming wedding.
The Hanshi was bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun, casting a peaceful atmosphere over the room.
Lan Zhan's hand rested on Wei Ying's, their fingers intertwined as they spoke quietly, the anticipation of their future together filling the space with warmth.
Lan Xichen poured tea for them, a gentle smile on his face. "Everything is coming together nicely. The sect is excited to officially welcome Wei Wuxian as your husband, Wangji."
Wei Ying grinned, leaning into Lan Zhan's side. "I'm excited too. It's been a long time coming."
Just then, the door to Hanshi slid open, and Jiang Cheng stepped inside, accompanied by their young teenage twins, Lan Jingyi and Lan Yu. The twins' eyes widened in surprise as they saw Wei Ying, who turned to face them with a curious smile.
Lan Xichen rose to his feet, motioning for his children to come forward. "A-Jingyi, A-Yu, come meet your Uncle Wei Wuxian."
Lan Jingyi, who resembled his father with a calm demeanor and thoughtful expression, stepped forward and offered a polite bow. "Uncle Wei Wuxian, it's an honor to finally meet you."
Lan Yu, who had a more reserved nature, nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with curiosity as she observed the man her father and Uncle Wangji often spoke of.
Wei Ying's smile softened as he looked at the two. "No need for formalities, A-Jingyi, A-Yu. You can just call me Uncle Wei."
Jiang Cheng watched the interaction with a mix of emotions, his heart heavy with the weight of their past.
He took a step forward, clearing his throat. "Wei Wuxian... it's been a long time. Perhaps we could talk?"
But Wei Ying's attention remained on the twins. He gently ruffled Lan Jingyi's hair and offered Lan Yu a reassuring smile. "How about I show you the new tricks your Uncle Lan Zhan taught me? I'm sure you'll find them interesting."
The polite dismissal was clear, and Jiang Cheng's face fell slightly. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Wei Ying's focus remained entirely on the twins, as if Jiang Cheng wasn't even there.
Lan Zhan, observing the exchange from his seat, allowed a small, satisfied smile to tug at the corner of his lips. His golden eyes glinted with a quiet pleasure at the sight of Wei Ying's indifference towards Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng's expression hardened, but he held his tongue. He knew better than to push the matter, especially in front of his children. His heart ached with the realization that his attempts to mend their relationship might be futile.
Lan Xichen, sensing the tension, stepped closer to his husband and placed a reassuring hand on Jiang Cheng's arm. "Come, Wanyin. Let's give them some space. The children can spend time with their uncle while we discuss some matters."
Jiang Cheng nodded stiffly, and together, they left the Hanshi, leaving Wei Ying and the teenagers in the warm, inviting space. Lan Zhan stood up and walked over to Wei Ying, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Wei Ying looked up at him, the cheerful mask he wore slipping just a bit. "It's strange, Lan Zhan. To see him after all this time..."
Lan Zhan leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Wei Ying's temple. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Wei Ying. He's not your brother anymore. You have a family now... our family."
Wei Ying nodded, feeling a surge of warmth in his chest as he glanced over at Lan Jingyi and Lan Yu, who were watching them with wide eyes.
"Come on, then," Wei Ying said with a grin, his mood lifting. "Let's see if you can keep up with your Uncle Wei."
The twins exchanged excited glances and followed Wei Ying eagerly, leaving the tension behind as they embraced the newfound bond with their long-lost uncle.