chapter 11

Despite their efforts, the passage was blocked with heavy rocks that could not be moved from the inside. They were trapped, with no immediate way out.

"We're still stuck," Wei Ying said, frustration evident in his voice. "We'll have to go back and wait for help."

Lan Zhan nodded, though his expression remained calm. "We'll make it through this."

They returned to the cave, gathering small branches and twigs to create a fire. The small flame flickered, providing some warmth and light in the dark, damp cave. They sat close to each other, Lan Zhan with his wounded leg and Wei Ying trying to keep warm.

Suddenly, Wei Ying began to shiver uncontrollably. His first heat had chosen that moment to come, releasing an overwhelming scent of lotus flowers and wine into the air.

Lan Zhan's eyes widened as he recognized the scent. His own alpha instincts kicked in, releasing his pheromones of sandalwood and vanilla to soothe and coax Wei Ying.

Wei Ying's eyes met Lan Zhan's, realization dawning on him. Lan Zhan was his alpha, his mate. His heart raced, and despite the pain and exhaustion, he felt a deep connection and longing.

Lan Zhan moved closer, his presence comforting and strong. "Wei Ying," he whispered, his voice gentle yet commanding.

Wei Ying responded to the call, his body trembling but not from fear. He leaned into Lan Zhan, his need and trust in his alpha evident.

Lan Zhan wrapped his arms around Wei Ying, pulling him close. "I'll take care of you," he promised, his voice filled with resolve.

Over the next four days, they shared an intimate bond, their connection deepening as Wei Ying's heat progressed. Lan Zhan tended to Wei Ying with tenderness and care, despite his own injuries. Their pheromones intertwined, creating a cocoon of comfort and belonging.

*******

On the fifth day, as Wei Ying's heat subsided, they were exhausted but content. Lan Zhan held Wei Ying close, his protective instincts still strong.

Just then, they heard voices and the sound of rocks being moved. "Over here!" Jiang Cheng's voice called out.

Rescue had arrived. Jiang Cheng and the other disciples worked tirelessly to clear the passage, finally breaking through to the cave. They found Lan Zhan conscious but weakened, his leg still injured, and Wei Ying unconscious in his arms.

"Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng shouted, rushing to their side.

"Lan Zhan, are you okay?"

Lan Zhan nodded weakly. "We're fine, but Wei Ying needs help."

The disciples quickly carried Wei Ying out, Jiang Cheng supporting Lan Zhan. Despite the ordeal, there was a sense of relief and gratitude among them.

Back in the safety of the camp, they tended to their injuries. Wei Ying slowly regained consciousness, his eyes fluttering open to see Lan Zhan by his side.

"Lan Zhan," he murmured, a faint smile on his lips.

Lan Zhan squeezed his hand gently. "You're safe now."

Jiang Cheng watched from a distance, his concern for his brother evident. "Wei Wuxian, you reckless idiot," he muttered, but there was a hint of relief in his voice.

Wei Ying smile, "I miss you too Cheng Cheng and he fell unconscious again.

When Wei Ying finally regained consciousness, he found himself in his room at Lotus Pier. The familiar surroundings brought a sense of comfort, but there was an underlying ache that he couldn't ignore. He turned his head slightly, expecting to see Lan Zhan, but the room was empty.

His heart sank. Lan Zhan was gone, back to Gusu.

Days passed as Wei Ying recovered his strength. He noticed the worried glances from Jiang Cheng and the concern etched on Jiang Yan Li's face. They hovered around him, offering support and care.

But Wei Ying knew he needed to have a particular conversation with Jiang Cheng.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Lotus Pier, Wei Ying found Jiang Cheng by the lotus pond. The usually stoic Jiang Cheng looked up, his expression softening slightly at the sight of his brother.

"We need to talk, Jiang Cheng," Wei Ying said, his voice steady but laced with underlying tension.

Jiang Cheng's brows furrowed with concern as he turned to face Wei Ying fully. "What is it, Wei Wuxian?"

Wei Ying took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "In Muxi cave... I had my first heat."

The color drained from Jiang Cheng's face as he processed the information. "Your first heat? With Lan Zhan?" His voice was tight with worry.

Wei Ying nodded, his eyes downcast.

Jiang Cheng's panic was palpable. "Wei Wuxian, do you realize what that means? Lan Zhan is an alpha, and you were alone with him during your heat. That's dangerous!"

Wei Ying shook his head, trying to reassure his brother. "Nothing serious happened, "Yes. Lan Zhan is my alpha."

We got intimate, but we didn't... we didn't complete the mating bond."

Jiang Cheng let out a heavy sigh, his worry slowly giving way to relief. "You're sure about that?"

Wei Ying nodded again. "I'm sure. Lan Zhan is my mate, Jiang Cheng. I felt it in my bones. But we didn't take that final step."

Jiang Cheng's expression softened as he placed a hand on Wei Ying's shoulder. "As long as you're safe, Wei Wuxian. That's all that matters to me."

Wei Ying smiled, feeling the bond between them strengthen. "Thank you, Cheng Cheng. I know it's a lot to take in."

Jiang Cheng gave a small, reluctant smile. "Well, I guess I should be grateful Lan Zhan has some self-control.

But seriously, Wei Wuxian, you need to be more careful."

"I will, Cheng Cheng," Wei Ying replied, his heart lightening. "I promise."

As the brothers continued their conversation, the night grew darker, but the bond between them remained steadfast and unwavering.

Wei Ying felt a renewed sense of hope. He knew he had Jiang Cheng's support, and that gave him the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The days following Wei Ying's recovery were marked by a tense but hopeful atmosphere at Lotus Pier.

However, the calm was shattered one fateful morning when Wen Chao and his soldiers stormed the sect, bringing chaos and destruction in their wake. Madam Yu fought valiantly, her whip cracking through the air as she defended her home.

Despite her fierce resistance, the Wen soldiers overwhelmed the sect. Jiang Fengmian fell, struck down as he tried to protect his home. Madam Yu managed to rescue the siblings, leading them to a boat out of Lotus Pier. After telling Wei Ying to protect her children with his life, the three siblings fled, their hearts heavy with grief and anger.

They could hear the screams and sounds of battle behind them, the destruction of their home.

As they reached a safe distance, Jiang Cheng collapsed, clutching his chest.

Hours later, Jiang Cheng returned to the sect, and Wei Ying went to rescue him with Wen Ning's help.

However, Wei Ying soon discovered that Jiang Cheng's golden core had been destroyed. In a desperate bid to save his brother, Wei Ying sought out Wen Qing and Wen Ning, who were sympathetic to their plight.

Wen Qing performed the dangerous procedure, transferring Wei Ying's golden core to Jiang Cheng without his knowledge. The pain was excruciating, but Wei Ying endured it for the sake of his brother.

After the procedure, Wei Ying was weak but determined. He knew what he had to do. Wen Chao had to pay for what he had done to Lotus Pier, to their family. Wen Chao eventually caught up with Wei Ying, capturing him and beating him mercilessly. With a sadistic smile, he ordered his soldiers to throw Wei Ying into the Burial Mounds, a place feared for its malevolent spirits and dark energy.

***

Three months passed, and Lotus Pier was rebuilt.

Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan, both haunted by their losses, searched tirelessly for Wei Ying.

Jiang Cheng was driven by guilt and the hope that his brother had somehow survived.

Lan Zhan, stoic as ever, felt a deep ache in his heart, missing the person he had come to care for so deeply - his Wei Ying, his mate and omage.

One evening, as they combed through the remnants of the sects, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Clad in black, his eyes burning with a fierce, unyielding light, Wei Ying returned as the Yiling Patriarch. His power was palpable, a dark aura surrounding him. The spirits of the Burial Mountains had imbued him with strength and a relentless drive for vengeance.

They saw the hardships Wei Ying faced, the accusations and the betrayals. Yet, through it all, his spirit remained unbroken. He fought for what he believed in, even when the world turned against him.

Boashan's eyes filled with tears as she watched her grandson's resilience and strength.

Finally, they reached the point where Wei Ying met his tragic end.

The Jade Emperor's voice grew solemn as he recounted the events that led to Wei Ying's fall.

Boashan's heart ached as she saw the pain and sorrow etched on her grandson's face.

"Despite everything," the Jade Emperor said, "The mortal never lost his kindness or his capacity for love. He is a remarkable soul."

Boashan nodded, unable to speak as tears streamed down her face. She reached out to touch the projection, her fingers trembling. "A-Ying," she whispered, her voice filled with love and pride.

The Jade Emperor squeezed Wei Ying's hand gently. "He will wake, Boashan. And when he does, he will be stronger for it."

Boashan looked at the Jade Emperor, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you for everything."

The Jade Emperor smiled softly. "It is my duty and my honor. Wuxian is a soul worth protecting."

As the projection faded, Boashan wiped her tears and took a deep breath. She knew that her grandson was in the best hands. The Jade Emperor stood up, extending a hand to her. "Come, Boashan. Let us leave him to rest."

Boashan took his hand, rising from her chair. Together, they left the room, leaving Wei Ying to his peaceful slumber, knowing that his past and his future were both held in the care of those who loved him.

As there figures retreating, a low sound escaped through the bubble ward, his last memory before he fall and died, that two words.

Lan Zhaaan!