Chapter Eight

Four years had passed since Wei Ying's death, and everything was the same for Lan Zhan except for his children growing up.

Lan Xichen sat alone in his study, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. The news he needed to share with his brother, Lan Wangji, was heavy, and he knew it would not be received well. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for the difficult conversation ahead.

As he made his way to Jingshi Lan Zhan's quarters, Lan Xichen's mind raced with memories of the past few years.

The loss of Wei Wuxian had left a deep scar on his brother, a wound that never seemed to heal. Lan Wangji's anger and grief had turned into a cold, unyielding hatred for Jiang Wanyin, the man he blamed for Wei Ying's death.

Lan Xichen paused outside Lan Zhan's door, gathering his resolve.

He knocked softly and waited.

"Enter," came Lan Zhan's voice from within.

Lan Xichen stepped inside, his eyes immediately finding his brother seated by the window, a distant look in his eyes.

"Wangji," Lan Xichen began gently, "I need to talk to you about something important." Lan Zhan turned to face him, his expression unreadable.

"What is it, Xiongzhang?"

Lan Xichen hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's about Jiang Wanyin." At the mention of Jiang Cheng's name, Lan Zhan's eyes darkened.

"What about him?"

Lan Xichen took a deep breath. "I have decided to marry him."

Lan Zhan's reaction was immediate. His eyes widened in shock, and then narrowed in anger.

"You what?"

Lan Xichen remained calm, despite the storm brewing in his brother's eyes. "Jiang Wanyin is my mate, Wangji. He is my omega, and he is carrying our children."

Lan Zhan stood abruptly, his hands clenched into fists.

"How could you, Xiongzhang?

How could you choose him, of all people? He is the reason Wei Ying is dead!"

Lan Xichen's heart ached for his brother, but he stood firm. "Wangji, you know as well as I do that what happened was a tragic accident. Blaming Jiang Wanyin will not bring Wei Ying back."

Lan Zhan's voice was cold and hard. "I will never forgive him. Never." Lan Xichen took a step closer, his voice softening.

"Didi, I love him. And I believe Wei Wuxian would not want us to live in hatred. Please, try to understand."

Lan Zhan turned away, his back rigid with tension.

"Do what you want, Xiongzhang. It is not my business."

Lan Xichen sighed, feeling the weight of his brother's pain.

"I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive, Didi.

For your sake, not for his."

Lan Zhan did not respond, his silence a clear indication that the conversation was over.

Lan Xichen left the room, his heart heavy but resolved. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he also knew that love was worth fighting for, even in the face of such deep-seated pain.

Lan Xichen stood on the balcony, looking out at the serene landscape of the Cloud Recesses. The air was crisp and clean, the morning sun casting a gentle light over the mountains.

Today was the day he would officially announce his union with Jiang Wanyin to the Lan sect.

As he turned to go back inside, he saw Jiang Cheng approaching, a soft smile on his lips. Despite the turmoil, seeing Jiang Cheng always brought a sense of peace to Lan Xichen's heart.

"Good morning, Wanyin," Lan Xichen greeted, his voice warm.

"Good morning, Huan," Jiang Cheng replied, his hand instinctively moving to rest on his slightly rounded belly. "Are you ready for today?" Lan Xichen nodded. "I am. And you?" Jiang Cheng's smile widened. "As ready as I'll ever be."

They walked together to the main hall, where the elders and disciples of the Lan sect had gathered. Lan Xichen's heart beat steadily, his resolve unwavering.

He knew this was the right path. As they entered the hall, all eyes turned to them. Lan Xichen felt the weight of their gazes but remained composed. He stepped forward, his hand gently resting on Jiang Cheng's.

"Thank you all for gathering here today," Lan Xichen began, his voice carrying through the hall. "I have an important announcement to make." There was a murmur of curiosity among the disciples, and Lan Zhan, standing at the back, watched with a stoic expression.

"I have chosen to marry Jiang Cheng," Lan Xichen continued. "He is my mate, my omega, and he is carrying our children." The hall fell silent, the news sinking in.

Lan Xichen glanced at his brother, hoping for a sign of understanding, but Lan Zhan's face remained impassive.

"I understand that this may be difficult for some to accept," Lan Xichen said, his voice steady. "But I ask for your support and understanding. Love is a powerful force, and it can heal even the deepest wounds." And anyway, we're destined to be.

There was a moment of silence before one of the elders stepped forward. "Sects leader, you have always led with wisdom and compassion. If this is your choice and destined mate, we will support you." A wave of relief washed over Lan Xichen, and he nodded gratefully. "Thank you."

As the disciples and elders began to offer their congratulations, Lan Xichen felt Jiang Cheng squeeze his hand. He turned to see a look of pure happiness on his mate's face.

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng stood hand in hand, facing the elders and disciples of the Lan sect. The initial announcement had been met with a mix of reactions, but overall, the sentiment seemed cautiously supportive.

However, Lan Xichen knew there was one more person whose opinion mattered greatly in the sect: their Shifu Lan Qiren.

Lan Qiren had always been a pillar of tradition and discipline in the Lan sect. His approval or disapproval could sway many of the more conservative members. As if on cue, Lan Qiren stepped forward, his expression stern but thoughtful.

"Huan," Lan Qiren began, his voice commanding attention, "this is indeed unexpected news. As your Shifu and an elder of the Lan sect, it is my duty to ensure that all decisions made here are in the best interest of our family and our traditions."

Lan Xichen nodded, respecting his uncle's position.

"I understand, Shifu. Jiang Wanyin and I have thought long and hard about this. Our union is one of love and necessity. He is my mate and the father of my children."

Lan Qiren's gaze shifted to Jiang Cheng, who stood tall and unyielding. "Jiang Sect Leader," Lan Qiren addressed him, "you are the leader of the Yunmeng Jiang sect, a position of great responsibility. Are you prepared to uphold the values of our sect and honor this union?"

Jiang Cheng met Lan Qiren's eyes with unwavering determination.

"I am, Master Lan. I will honor and respect our union and uphold the values of both the Lan and Jiang sects."

There was a tense moment of silence before Lan Qiren finally nodded. "Very well. If this is truly what you both desire, then I will support your decision. However, given the circumstances, it is imperative that the marriage happens swiftly."

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng both exhaled, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Thank you, Shifu," Lan Xichen said sincerely.

Lan Qiren nodded once more before turning to the gathered disciples.

"We will prepare for a ceremony here in Cloud Recesses, but given Jiang Sect Leader's position, there will also be a ceremony in Yunmeng. Let us all work together to ensure these events honor both our traditions and the union of these two leaders."

The disciples and elders murmured their agreement, and preparations began in earnest.

Together, they stepped down from the platform, making their way through the crowd. Lan Xichen couldn't help but glance at Lan Zhan once more, but his brother had already left the hall.

The first ceremony took place in Yunmeng, at Lotus Pier. The atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory, with the Jiang sect members taking pride in their leader's union.

The pavilion was decorated with lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and renewal.

Jiang Cheng stood proudly, a rare smile gracing his features as he awaited Lan Xichen's arrival. As the ceremony commenced, the couple exchanged vows under the watchful eyes of their sect members. Jiang Cheng's bond with Lan Xichen was clear to all who attended, and the celebration was filled with joy and optimism for their future.

Lan Xichen couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the absence of his brother. He knew that Wangji's presence in Yunmeng would have been difficult, but he hoped that time would heal the rift between them.

The second ceremony took place at Cloud Recesses, the home of the Lan sect.

The atmosphere was more subdued, reflecting the solemnity and tradition of the Lan clan. Lan Xichen stood once more, his heart heavy with the hope that this union would be accepted by his people.

As the ceremony began, Lan Zhan's presence was felt by all. He stood at the back, his expression unreadable. The pain of the past was still fresh, but his love for his brother was unwavering.

Lan Qiren presided over the ceremony, his voice strong and steady. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Sect Leader Lan Huan and Jiang Sect Leader Jiang Wanyin. This union is not only a bond of love but a bridge between our two sects. May it bring strength and unity to us all."

As Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng exchanged their vows, Lan Zhan's eyes never left his brother. The love and commitment between Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng were palpable, and even Lan Zhan could not deny the sincerity of their bond.

When the ceremony concluded, the disciples and elders approached to offer their congratulations.

Lan Zhan remained at the back, his emotions a turbulent mix of acceptance and lingering resentment.

Lan Xichen approached his brother, a tentative smile on his lips. "Thank you for being here, Wangji. It means a lot to me."

Lan Zhan met his brother's gaze, his voice quiet but sincere. "I am here for you, Xiongzhang. I may not understand everything, but I will support you."

Lan Xichen's heart swelled with gratitude. "That is all I could ask for."

As the celebrations continued, Lan Zhan found himself watching Jiang Cheng. The man he blamed for Wei Ying's death now stood as his brother's mate and the future father of his nieces or nephews. It was a difficult truth to accept, but for the sake of his brother, Lan Zhan was willing to try.

With both ceremonies completed, Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng settled into their new life together. The bond between the Lan and Jiang sects grew stronger, and the future seemed brighter than ever. Lan Zhan, though still burdened by the past, began to see glimpses of hope.

He watched as his brother found happiness and love, and he slowly started to open his heart to the possibility of healing.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the Lan and Jiang sects flourished.

The union of Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng became a symbol of unity and resilience, a testament to the power of love and forgiveness. And so, a new chapter began for the Lan and Jiang sects, one filled with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter future.