Twenty

Today, Wei Ying's heart was set on reaching the top of the mountain. With Lan Zhan occupied with sect matters and giving him an excuse to rest alone, Wei Ying seized the opportunity for some solitary reflection.

Lan Li and Lan Yu, bright and cheerful, were about to head to Jingshi. Lan Li, beaming with excitement, turned to Wei Ying and said, "Mama, we're here to keep you company. Father said we should stay with you so you won't be bored."

Wei Ying's smile widened at the sight of the children. "Great! Let's head up the mountain then," he said. "Lan Li, go and let your uncles or anyone you see know where we're heading. We'll be waiting by the ivory pillars."

As Lan Li hurried off towards Hanshi, Wei Ying took Lan Yu's hand, and they began their ascent.

The mountain path was quiet, the only sound was the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds. Wei Ying marveled at the sight of the sun setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. It reminded him of the sunsets by the lake in Yunmeng, though this moment felt even more special.

At the summit, the three of them settled down, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Lan Li and Lan Yu were filled with curiosity, asking questions about the mountain and the sunset. Wei Ying answered with a warmth that only deepened his fondness for the children.

Just as they were enjoying the serene beauty, a sudden rustling sound made them freeze. The hairs on the back of Wei Ying's neck stood up. The trio turned in unison, their faces blanching at the sight of a large serpent, its scales glistening in the fading light. Its red eyes glowed ominously as it hissed, its tongue flickering menacingly.

Wei Ying's instincts kicked in. He swiftly pushed the children behind him, his mind racing. "A-Li, I'll try to distract it. You and A-Yu need to find help," he whispered urgently.

Lan Li's eyes were filled with resolve. "Mama, I won't leave you. I'll fight with you if necessary." Her voice was steady, betraying no hint of fear.

Wei Ying's heart ached at her bravery, but he knew the danger. "A-Li, please, you must go. This snake is poisonous.... one bite could be fatal. I'm a Celestial immortal; I'll do my best to handle it. Now go with A-Yu, and remember, as soon as I've drawn its attention, run as fast as you can."

With a final glance at the children, Wei Ying moved further away from them, drawing the serpent's gaze. The snake's focus shifted as Lan Li began to pull Lan Yu away, but Wei Ying waved his arms, trying to refocus the creature on him. "Hey, my big friend, over here!"

The serpent's attention locked onto him once more.

As Wei Ying stood on the mountain, the serpent's eyes locked onto his, unblinking and deadly. His heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve was unshaken. He reached into his robes and pulled out a talisman, quickly infusing it with spiritual energy. His plan was simple: distract the serpent long enough for Lan Li and Lan Yu to escape.

With a quick movement, he threw the talisman into the air. It sparked to life, hovering in front of the serpent, glowing with a faint red light. The serpent hissed, momentarily distracted by the talisman's glow.

"Go! Now!" Wei Ying whispered urgently, glancing back at Lan Li and Lan Yu.

Lan Li hesitated for a split second, her eyes filled with determination, but she knew what needed to be done. Grabbing Lan Yu's hand, she bolted towards the path leading down the mountain.

The serpent's head snapped back towards them, sensing their movement, but Wei Ying quickly threw another talisman, this time directly at its face. The talisman burst into a flash of light, momentarily blinding the creature.

"Over here, you ugly thing!" Wei Ying shouted, trying to keep the serpent's attention on him.

The serpent hissed angrily, coiling its body as it prepared to strike. Wei Ying could feel the exhaustion creeping in, his energy draining faster than he anticipated. His pregnancy was taking its toll, weakening his ability to sustain the talismans' power.

The serpent lunged, and Wei Ying barely dodged, his body moving with the grace of a dancer despite his condition.

But he knew he couldn't keep this up for long. He could feel his energy waning with each passing second. He threw another talisman, creating a barrier between himself and the serpent, but he knew it wouldn't hold for long.

Just as the serpent was about to strike again, a flash of purple lightning shot through the air, striking the serpent's side. The serpent recoiled in pain, hissing furiously. Wei Ying looked up, relief washing over him as he saw Jiang Cheng standing there, Zidian crackling with energy around his wrist.

"Get back, Wei WuXian !" Jiang Cheng shouted, his voice filled with concern.

Wei Ying stumbled back, his legs trembling from exhaustion, as Jiang Cheng stepped forward, unleashing another strike with Zidian. The serpent thrashed violently, its movements becoming more erratic as it tried to fight off the powerful strikes.

But just as Jiang Cheng landed another blow, the serpent twisted its body with a surprising speed, sinking its fangs into Jiang Cheng's arm. Jiang Cheng cried out in pain, but he didn't let go of Zidian. He continued to fight, even as the venom began to course through his veins.

Seeing his brother in danger, Wei Ying's heart pounded in fear. He couldn't lose Jiang Cheng, not now. Summoning the last of his strength, he reached out with his mind, calling for Lan Zhan.

Lan Zhan, help! We're in trouble at the top of the mountain outside Cloud Recesses, my energy drained and Jiang Cheng is hurt trying to help me!

The connection between them flared with urgency, and within moments, a blue light of his Qugin surrounded them. Lan Zhan appeared, his expression calm but deadly as he took in the scene. Without hesitation, he drew Bichen and with one swift motion, he severed the serpent's head from its body.

The serpent's body convulsed once before falling still, the life drained from its eyes. Lan Zhan sheathed his sword and immediately rushed to Wei Ying's side, cradling him in his arms.

"Wei Ying, are you hurt?" Lan Zhan's voice was filled with concern.

Wei Ying shook his head weakly, his hand resting on his belly. "I'm fine, but Jiang Cheng…"

Lan Zhan's gaze shifted to Jiang Cheng, who was now on his knees, breathing heavily. The venom was spreading quickly. Without wasting another second, Lan Zhan placed a hand on Jiang Cheng's shoulder and teleported them all to the infirmary.

As they arrived, the healers immediately rushed to Jiang Cheng's side, working to neutralize the venom. Lan Zhan gently laid Wei Ying on a nearby bed, his hand never leaving Wei Ying's as he watched over him with protective eyes.

"Rest, Wei Ying. Everything is going to be alright," Lan Zhan whispered, his voice soothing, and he start sending him energy.

Wei Ying nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. He knew he was safe now, with Lan Zhan by his side. As he closed his eyes, he felt the warmth of Lan Zhan's love surrounding him, and he finally let himself drift into a deep, restful sleep.

~~~

Morning in the Jingshi was peaceful, with a soft glow of early light filtering through the curtains. Wei Ying felt significantly better, his usual energy returning.

Lan Zhan, ever the doting husband, kissed Wei Ying's forehead gently and said in a low, soothing voice, "Wei Ying should not go out today. Rest more here in the Jingshi."

Wei Ying, of course, wasn't having it. He pouted, his lips curving into a small frown, "But Lan Zhan, I want to check on Jiang Cheng. You know he saved me at the last moment..." His voice trailed off with a hint of sadness, his eyes pleading.

Lan Zhan's gaze softened, but he still maintained his stance. "Rest, Wei Ying," he said before stepping outside to attend to sect matters.

The moment Lan Zhan was out of sight, Wei Ying huffed. One minute passed, and without wasting time, he darted outside too, heading directly for the infirmary.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense. The Healer sighed deeply, watching Lan Xichen, who was sitting by Jiang Cheng's bedside, his face lined with worry and love for his husband.

Before the Healer could speak, Wei Ying hurried into the room, his eyes locking onto Jiang Cheng's pale, green-tinged face.

"Why is he this... green?" Wei Ying asked, his voice shaking slightly as he approached the bed.

The Healer looked at him gravely. "It's the venom," he began. "We've never seen poison like this before. The serpent that bit him isn't an ordinary one."

Wei Ying nodded, recalling the terrifying creature. "The serpent was huge... its eyes were red. It must be magical, or from another realm. When we were children, Uncle Jiang Fengmian read us stories about such creatures. I never thought they could exist outside of fantasy."

Lan Xichen, standing by his husband's side, his eyes full of worry, asked, "What are we going to do?"

The Healer took a moment before responding. "I believe white energy..... immortal energy.....could heal him. We tried sending him energy, but it hasn't worked. Not even Sect Leader Lan's."

"White energy?" Wei Ying questioned, his brow furrowing.

"Immortal energy," the Healer clarified. "Pure immortal energy might burn the poison out of his body. But it has to be very strong... very pure."

Lan Xichen turned to Wei Ying, desperate. "A-Xian, I know things aren't the same between you and him, but...."

"Of course I'll help," Wei Ying interrupted, his heart softening. "If he hadn't saved me, I'd be the one lying there. That venom was meant for me."

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng stirred, his body twitching as he mumbled, "Wei Wuxian... don't you dare let anything happen to you... I'll help you... I..." He coughed up blood, his body convulsing. Lan Xichen quickly took Jiang Cheng's head and rested it on his lap, gently wiping the blood from his lips.

"Cheng Cheng…" Wei Ying whispered, his worry deepening as he moved closer to the bed. He glanced at Lan Xichen, who nodded in understanding, while the Healer stepped aside, giving them space.

Wei Ying took Jiang Cheng's hand and began focusing, channeling his celestial energy into his brother. Minutes passed, and soon, sweat formed on Wei Ying's forehead, his body trembling as his energy waned.

The Healer quickly intervened, moving Wei Ying to a nearby bed to rest.

Lan Zhan burst into the infirmary at that moment, his eyes wide with panic as he rushed to Wei Ying's side. "What happened to him?" he demanded, glaring at the Healer.

"I'm okay," Wei Ying mumbled, weakly. "Just tired…"

Lan Zhan immediately began sending his own energy into Wei Ying, while the Healer explained the situation to him.

Jiang Cheng, now conscious, blinked weakly, his breathing shallow but more stable. The Healer examined him and shook his head, regret heavy in his voice.

"I'm sorry to say, Sect Leader Lan, but Master Wei's energy is not enough to burn the poison out of him. It only slowed it down. His pregnancy is taking too much of his energy."

"Pregnancy?" Wei Ying and Lan Xichen said in unison, their voices laced with shock.

The Healer nodded. "Yes... I'm afraid Master Wei cannot continue. The only way now is another pure white energy. And with only 48 hours left before the venom overtakes him…"

"No!" Lan Xichen cried, his hands shaking as he held Jiang Cheng close. Tears filled his eyes, his heart breaking at the thought of losing his husband.

Wei Ying, struggling to stand, whispered, "Lan Zhan… I need to try again. I can't let him die... He's my brother." His voice cracked as tears welled up in his eyes. "He saved me…"

Lan Zhan pulled Wei Ying into his arms, holding him tight, whispering soothingly into his ear. He kissed his forehead and gently laid him back down, tucking him into the covers to rest.

On the other side of the room, Lan Xichen was trying to comfort Jiang Cheng, who, with tears in his eyes, whispered, "Huan… Wei Wuxian called me his brother again..."

Lan Zhan stood nearby, his sharp ears catching Jiang Cheng's whispered plea. He rolled his eyes, controlling the urge to smirk.

Lan Xichen nodded and whispered, "Wanyin, it's okay. Lan Zhan will help now. He and Wei Ying are the only immortals here, and Wei Ying can't do much in his condition."

Jiang Cheng, still clutching his husband, whispered urgently, "Stay with me. Don't leave me alone with him."

Lan Zhan, hearing every word, simply rolled his eyes again. He moved closer, taking Jiang Cheng's hand....not so gently thou.... and began pouring his powerful celestial energy into him, his face calm but focused.