Sixteen

Wei Ying paused, gazing up at the long, wide mountain. He tapped his nose in thought as he took in the view. From where he stood at the base, he could see the fog spreading thickly across the mountaintop.

The mist wasn't from burning flames but from the coolness that lingered even as spring approached, a season caught between winter's chill and the promise of warmth.

He could easily teleport to the peak, but before doing so, a mischievous grin spread across his face. He closed his eyes and reached out through their mind connection.

Lan Zhan, do you hear me?

"Mm."

"Where has Wei Ying gone?" Lan Zhan's concerned voice echoed in his mind.

Wei Ying chuckled softly. Ahaha… Lan Zhan, I'm sorry! I'm here, behind the hills in the Cloud Recesses. If you're not too busy, I want you to come here with our children. But Lan Zhan… Wei Ying's voice dropped into a teasing whisper. You'll need to teleport them both to the top of the mountain.

Lan Zhan's response was laced with worry. "What is Wei Ying planning? Please be careful, my love. Give us a few minutes, and we'll be there."

I'll be waiting! Oh, and Lan Zhan… Wei Ying's tone turned playful. I love you. He chuckled again before vanishing.

In a mere five minutes, Lan Zhan appeared atop the mountain with their children by his side. The cold breeze stirred the fog around them as Lan Li eagerly called out, "Mama!"

Wei Ying turned to face them, a wide grin lighting up his face. "Ah, my babies!" He rushed over, placing gentle kisses on each of their foreheads before pressing a kiss to Lan Zhan's cheek. His eyes sparkled with joy as he looked at his family.

Lan Zhan's golden eyes watched him fondly. "What is Wei Ying planning?" he asked, his voice carrying both affection and a hint of caution.

Wei Ying laughed softly and gestured toward the vast field spread out on the mountaintop. "Children, why don't we stretch our legs a bit? I haven't run in ages. Besides, our wolves need to run now and then, don't they? And…" He beamed at them. "I want to see your wolf forms."

Excited nods met his suggestion, and without hesitation, the children transformed. Lan Sizhui's wolf was a striking mix of black and white with eyes that gleamed a light gold. Lan Hua's form shared similar colors but held a softer silver in his gaze. And Lan Li's wolf was a beautiful blend of white and black with golden eyes that sparkled mischievously.

Wei Ying's eyes widened in awe. Grabbing Lan Zhan's hand, he whispered, "Lan Zhan, they're so beautiful and cute!"

As the children surrounded him, nuzzling his legs and seeking his touch, Wei Ying crouched down and buried his fingers in their soft fur. Tears of happiness filled his eyes as he kissed each of their heads. Standing, he turned to Lan Zhan with a grin. "My husband, care for a run?"

Lan Zhan's lips curled into a smirk before his form shimmered and shifted into his massive pure white wolf with eyes as radiant as molten blue. Wei Ying followed suit, his wolf lean and sleek with striking crimson eyes.

Author's pov

Since now Lan Zhan and Wei Ying are Celestial Immortals, their eyes change from silver and golden to blue and red.

Through the bond, Lan Zhan's voice resonated in their minds."Children, be careful and don't stray too far. Stay behind us."

With a howl that echoed through the misty peaks, the family took off in a blur of fur and speed. The thrill of the wind in their fur and the powerful rhythm of their paws on the ground brought joy and freedom that only the wild could offer.

As they raced through the field, Wei Ying let out a bark of laughter, darting ahead playfully, challenging Lan Zhan to catch him. Lan Zhan, ever the protective mate, stayed close, ensuring their path was safe while the children followed, their spirits high.

The evening air was filled with the sounds of joyful howls, the rustle of leaves, and the pounding of paws as they ran under the blanket of faded stars, free, united, and finally home.

******

The Celestial Great Hall gleamed with a majestic brilliance, its golden walls adorned with ethereal patterns and delicate jade carvings. Wei Ying's eyes sparkled in awe as he took in the breathtaking beauty, but his attention was quickly diverted when the Jade Emperor suddenly approached him with open arms.

"Oh, my babies!" the Jade Emperor exclaimed joyfully, leaning down to plant affectionate kisses on both of Wei Ying's cheeks. Wei Ying beamed in return, his joy infectious, but he couldn't resist a mischievous grin as he noticed Lan Zhan stiffen beside him.

Before Lan Zhan could even react, the Jade Emperor turned and kissed his cheeks too. Lan Zhan's expression shifted into one of barely concealed discomfort, his stoic demeanor faltering as he clenched his fists.

Wei Ying chuckled softly, finding his husband's quiet suffering rather amusing.

The Jade Emperor, oblivious or simply enjoying the moment, continued with a hearty laugh. "Ah, my boys, congratulations!" He then wrapped Wei Ying in a warm embrace, patting his back in a grandfatherly manner. Wei Ying returned the hug, his heart swelling with warmth.

Lan Zhan, on the other hand, was doing his best to keep his composure. He glared pointedly at the ornate decorations on the walls, trying to distract himself from the odd sense of jealousy bubbling within him.

Boashan Sanren stepped forward, embracing Lan Zhan first. As she did, she whispered in his ear with a knowing smile, "A-Zhan, If I were you, I'd hold back any reactions. His Majesty sees A-Ying as his precious great-great-grandson. He dotes on him, and trust me, he's quite fond of you too, given you're his soulmate. But if he senses your jealousy... he'll only tease you more." She smirked, amused by the slight twitch in Lan Zhan's expression.

Afterward, she turned to Wei Ying and hugged him tightly, her eyes suddenly sparkling with joy. "A-Ying, my dear, you're pregnant!" she announced, her voice full of surprise and delight.

Wei Ying's mouth dropped open in shock, but a moment later, his face broke into a radiant smile. He whirled around to face Lan Zhan and leaped into his arms, squeezing him with uncontainable happiness. "Lan Zhan! We're going to have another baby! I can't believe it!"

Lan Zhan's serious expression melted into one of tender joy as he wrapped his arms around Wei Ying.

"Mn," he murmured softly, his eyes shining with happiness. "I'm happy too, Wei Ying."

The Jade Emperor watched the scene with a satisfied smile, his eyes twinkling. "I didn't summon you both for any mission today," he confessed. "I simply missed you and wanted to see how you're doing."

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan exchanged a glance, their hearts warmed by the affection of the Celestial family that had embraced them so fully. Despite the teasing and the challenges, moments like these made everything worth it.

As they stood together in the grand hall, surrounded by the love and support of those who cared for them, they couldn't help but feel that this was exactly where they were meant to be...together, forever, with even more joy awaiting them in the future.

After hearing the news from Boashan Sanren, the Jade Emperor couldn't hide his delight. "A new addition to the family! This truly calls for a celebration." He clapped his hands, and instantly, the great hall was filled with shimmering lights, celestial music, and a soft, golden glow that seemed to dance along the walls.

Lan Zhan, still slightly stiff from all the affection being showered on Wei Ying, couldn't help but feel his heart soften as he saw the genuine happiness on his husband's face. The normally stoic Lan Zhan even felt a small smile tug at his lips.

Wei Ying was glowing with excitement. "I still can't believe it! We're going to have another baby! Lan Zhan, do you think it'll be a boy or a girl?"

Lan Zhan gently brushed a strand of hair away from Wei Ying's face. "No matter who it is, they will be loved and protected."

The Jade Emperor, overhearing their conversation, chuckled. "I have a feeling this little one will bring even more joy to your lives. Perhaps they'll inherit both of your strengths and virtues."

Lan Zhan gave a slight bow of respect. "We are honored by your words, Your Majesty."

Wei Ying, unable to hold back his mischievous nature, leaned closer to the Jade Emperor. "Your Majesty, would you like to place a bet? I'm guessing it's going to be a girl this time!"

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily. "You always bring such liveliness wherever you go, Wu Si Zhe. Very well, I accept the challenge! We shall see."

Boashan Sanren shook her head with amusement. "A-Ying, you truly never change. But that's what makes you special."

Lan Zhan, now more relaxed, took a deep breath and said, "Thank you for sharing this moment with us. It means a lot."

The Jade Emperor waved a hand dismissively. "You are family now Da Ai Zhe. And family is meant to celebrate every blessing together."

As the atmosphere grew even more joyous, celestial beings appeared with offerings, filling the hall with light refreshments and delicacies made from the finest ingredients in the immortal realm.

Lan Zhan stood protectively beside Wei Ying as they accepted the offerings, but every now and then, Wei Ying would sneak a teasing glance at his husband. "Lan Zhan, you're still jealous, aren't you?"

Lan Zhan raised an eyebrow. "Not jealous, just protective."

Wei Ying laughed, leaning in to give Lan Zhan a quick kiss on the cheek. "Well, there's no need for that. You're the only one I belong to."

Before they could share another tender moment, the room shimmered with a soft glow as Boashan Sanren reappeared, and this time, she wasn't alone. Standing beside her were their children, along with Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren.

"Mama, Baba!" Lan Li exclaimed, rushing toward Wei Ying with excitement in her eyes. "We heard you're having another baby!"

Lan Sizhui and Lan Hua quickly joined in, surrounding their parents and hugging Wei Ying's waist. "We're going to be older siblings again!" Lan Hua squealed with delight.

Wei Ying grinned, bending down a little to hug them. "Yes, you all have to help look after your new sibling when they arrive."

Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren approached with warm smiles, congratulating Wei Ying and Lan Zhan. "A-Xian, Didi, this is wonderful news. The Gusu Lan family continues to grow stronger," Lan Xichen said with pride.

Lan Qiren gave a small, approving nod, his stern expression softened by the joy of the moment. "It is indeed a blessing. Congratulations to both of you."

Boashan Sanren looked at the happy family and said, "I couldn't let them miss this special moment. I made sure to teleport them all here so we could celebrate together."

Lan Zhan looked at his family, pride and contentment radiating from his eyes. "We're truly blessed."

Boashan Sanren smiled warmly. "Indeed, you are. But don't forget, being part of this celestial family also comes with great responsibilities. You'll need to continue your training and uphold the duties given to you by the immortal realm."

Wei Ying straightened up, determination flashing in his eyes. "We'll be ready for whatever comes our way."

The Jade Emperor nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. But for now, let's focus on the joy of this moment. There's plenty of time for duties later."

As the evening continued with laughter, love, and the bond of family growing even stronger, the immortal realm was filled with the echoes of their happiness....a sound that even the heavens couldn't ignore.

Author

Wu Si Zhe means "The Selfless One", "Da Ai Zhe means" The Great Lover". I Google it, if there's any mistake please correct me.