The next day, Wei Ying woke up to the soft chirping of birds outside the Jingshi. Lan Zhan had already risen early to attend to some sect duties, leaving Wei Ying in the warm embrace of morning light. He stretched, feeling the soft stir of life inside him.....his pregnancy had progressed enough that he could feel more of the baby's gentle movements. Smiling, he rubbed his belly.
A light knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called, expecting one of the children. Instead, Lan Sizhui, Lan Hua, and Lan Li burst into the room, followed closely by Lan Jingyi and Lan Yu.
"Good morning, Mama!" Lan Hua said with a bright smile, his trio sister Lan Li following behind, carrying a tray of tea.
"Morning, A-Li, A-Yuan, A-Hua, and Jingyi, A-Yu," Wei Ying greeted, sitting up. His face softened seeing all of them together.
"We wanted to check on you, Mama," Lan Sizhui said, always the responsible one. "Father said you were tired yesterday, and we shouldn't bother you too much, but we wanted to see you anyway."
Wei Ying grinned. "You can never bother me, A-Yuan."
Lan Jingyi, full of energy as always, ran up to the bed and poked at Wei Ying's belly. "Is the baby kicking yet?" he asked curiously.
Lan Yu, a little more reserved, stayed by Lan Xichen's side, watching but still concerned. "Are you really okay, Uncle Wei?" she asked, her eyes wide with worry.
"I'm perfectly fine," Wei Ying assured, holding her small hand. "Just a little tired from yesterday. But nothing can keep me down for long."
Before anyone could say more, another knock came at the door, and this time it was Lan Qiren, his usual stoic demeanor softened slightly as he looked at Wei Ying surrounded by the children.
"Lan-er said you were not to be disturbed today," Lan Qiren said, eyeing the group. "But I see that hasn't stopped anyone."
Wei Ying chuckled, waving off the concern. "It's alright, Shifu. The children are my best medicine."
Lan Qiren's gaze softened just slightly before he turned to the children. "Very well, but you must let your Mama rest. You can't tire him out like you did yesterday."
"We'll be good, Shu Gong!" Lan Li promised eagerly, while Lan Jingyi saluted playfully.
Lan Hua, always thoughtful, asked, "Are we going to practice the guqin later, Shu Gong?"
Lan Qiren's lips twitched into a small smile. "Perhaps. After your lessons with Lan-er."
The children dispersed, each excited for their lessons and tasks ahead, leaving Wei Ying to smile after them. He felt grateful for the family around him and the strength they gave him, especially as he prepared for the challenges of the days to come.
~~~~~
Wei Ying's relationship with Jiang Cheng had been strained for so long that he often wondered if they could ever truly reconcile. But after Jiang Cheng had saved him from the serpent's venomous bite, something had shifted between them. While Wei Ying wasn't one to dwell on the past, the weight of their shared history still lingered in his heart. Yet, Jiang Cheng's selfless act made Wei Ying reconsider their bond, especially now that he was on the brink of bringing new life into the world.
As the days passed, Wei Ying found himself visiting Jiang Cheng more often in the Hanshi. Jiang Cheng's health was improving, but the venom had left a mark on him, both physically and emotionally. Lan Xichen was always by his side, comforting him, while Lan Zhan and Wei Ying would come in when they could.
One evening, as the twilight bathed the Cloud Recesses in a soft glow, Wei Ying entered the Hanshi alone. Jiang Cheng was sitting up in bed, looking out the window. His once fiery demeanor had softened, and when he saw Wei Ying, there was a flicker of emotion in his eyes....something that Wei Ying hadn't seen in years.
"Ah, you're back," Jiang Cheng muttered, his voice gruff as always, though not unkind. "Lan Wangji let you out of his sight?"
Wei Ying chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed. "He's out with the children. They're practicing some cultivation techniques, so I escaped while I could."
Jiang Cheng smirked slightly, then looked down. "I wanted to say..." He hesitated, his fingers tightening around the blanket. "What happened... with the snake... I didn't do it for some grand gesture. I just... I couldn't let anything happen to you. Not again."
Wei Ying's smile faltered, his chest tightening. "Jiang Cheng… you didn't have to...."
"I did!" Jiang Cheng snapped, but his voice softened quickly. "I did. Because you're my brother. No matter what happened between us, no matter how much I said I hated you… you've always been my brother."
Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken words. Wei Ying could feel the lump in his throat, the pain of years of separation and misunderstanding weighing on him. But there was also relief—a deep, profound relief that the bond between them wasn't completely broken.
"I know," Wei Ying whispered, reaching out and placing his hand on Jiang Cheng's arm. "I know, Cheng Cheng."
Jiang Cheng looked at him, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the anger in his eyes was replaced by something softer. "You're going to be a father again. Don't… don't do anything reckless."
Wei Ying laughed softly. "You sound just like Lan Zhan."
"Someone has to knock sense into you," Jiang Cheng muttered, but there was no malice in his words.
They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, both knowing that their relationship would never be perfect, but that it didn't need to be. They were family, and family....no matter how broken....always found a way back to each other.
As the months passed, Wei Ying's pregnancy progressed smoothly, though the anticipation of the birth began to weigh on everyone. Lan Zhan was constantly by his side, ever-watchful and protective, while the children eagerly awaited the arrival of their new sibling.
It was early one morning when Wei Ying woke up with a sharp pain in his abdomen. He sat up, clutching his stomach as the pain intensified. "Lan Zhan… Lan Zhan!"
Lan Zhan was by his side in an instant, his calm demeanor hiding the worry that flickered in his eyes. "What is it, Wei Ying?"
Wei Ying winced, gripping Lan Zhan's arm. "I think… the baby is coming."
Without wasting a moment, Lan Zhan gathered Wei Ying in his arms, teleporting them directly to the infirmary. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng were already there, having sensed something was amiss. The children were kept safely away, though they were brimming with excitement.
The healers rushed in, preparing for the birth. Wei Ying, despite the pain, looked up at Lan Zhan, his face pale but determined. "I'll be fine, Lan Zhan. Don't worry."
Lan Zhan kissed his forehead, holding his hand tightly. "I'm here, Wei Ying. I won't leave you."
The birth was difficult, more so than either of them had anticipated. The energy drain from Wei Ying's pregnancy had left him weaker than he let on, and despite his Celestial Immortal status, the pain was overwhelming. He could feel his strength fading, and for a moment, fear gripped him.
"Lan Zhan," he gasped, his vision blurring.
Lan Zhan's grip on his hand tightened, his voice steady despite the panic he felt. "Stay with me, Wei Ying. You're strong. You can do this."
Wei Ying cried out as another wave of pain hit, but then....finally.....a soft cry filled the room. The healers smiled, lifting the newborn for Wei Ying and Lan Zhan to see.
"A daughter," the healer announced, placing the small bundle in Wei Ying's arms.
Tears welled up in Wei Ying's eyes as he looked down at his newborn daughter, his heart swelling with love and relief. Lan Zhan knelt beside him, his usually stoic expression melting into one of pure adoration.
"We did it," Wei Ying whispered, exhausted but happy.
Lan Zhan smiled, brushing a tear from Wei Ying's cheek. "You did it, Wei Ying. You're incredible."
The moment was perfect, filled with the warmth of family. Lan Sizhui, Lan Hua, and Lan Li were soon brought in to meet their baby sister, their eyes wide with wonder and excitement. Even Lan Jingyi and Lan Yu were allowed a brief glimpse before being ushered back out by Lan Xichen.
Jiang Cheng, standing at the door, looked in at his brother and his family. There was a soft smile on his face—one that spoke of pride, acceptance, and a quiet acknowledgment of the bond they had begun to rebuild.
And as Wei Ying looked around the room at the people he loved, he realized that no matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together.....as a family.
THE END...
~~~~~
Epilogue
Years had passed since the birth of Wei Ying and Lan Zhan's youngest Daughter Lan Ji Ying, and life in Cloud Recesses had returned to a comfortable rhythm. The children grew up surrounded by love, guidance, and the teachings of the Lan Sect, though with Wei Ying's influence, there was always a little mischief woven in.
But today, there was something special in the air. Wei Ying stood at the highest point of Cloud Recesses, gazing out at the horizon as the soft wind brushed against his face. The familiar scent of the mountain's flowers filled his lungs, grounding him. Behind him, Lan Zhan stood with their children, all of them gathered for this important moment.
Today, they weren't alone. Baoshan Sanren, Wei Ying's mysterious grandmother who had saved him all those years ago, stood beside the Jade Emperor. Both were rarely seen by mortal eyes, and even Lan Zhan and Wei Ying's children marveled at the radiant power they emanated. The presence of the Celestial beings, especially His Majesty, felt like a reunion of two realms....the mortal and the divine.....bridging together in this one serene place.
Baoshan Sanren stepped forward, her gaze soft as she took in the sight of her great-grandchildren. "You've done well, A-Ying," she said, her voice filled with a gentle pride. "Your family is as strong as I knew it would be."
Wei Ying smiled, bowing slightly. "I owe you much, Wei Po. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have this life. I wouldn't have them." He gestured toward his children and then toward Lan Zhan, whose hand rested on Wei Ying's shoulder in a quiet show of support.
The Jade Emperor, with his celestial robes flowing in the wind, nodded in agreement. "Your journey was never an easy one, Wu Se Zhe, but you proved that love, loyalty, and resilience can overcome even the greatest trials. For that, you are deserving of peace."
Wei Ying, always one to joke, grinned mischievously. "Well, I didn't do it alone. Lan Zhan had to put up with me the whole time."
The children giggled, while Lan Zhan's lips curved into a rare but genuine smile. He remained silent, as always, but his eyes spoke volumes, filled with warmth and affection for Wei Ying and their family.
Baoshan Sanren's expression softened further as she turned to the children. "Lan Sizhui, Lan Hua, Lan Li," she addressed them directly. "You carry the legacy of both your fathers and the power of the Celestial realm. It is now your choice whether to embrace your destiny as disciples of the immortal world, but remember—whatever path you choose, you will always have the strength of those who came before you."
The children exchanged glances, uncertain but intrigued. It was an immense responsibility, but one that their upbringing had prepared them for. Lan Hua, ever the curious one, stepped forward. "Does this mean we'll be able to travel between realms like Mama and Father?"
Baoshan Sanren smiled at her great-grandson's eagerness. "If that is your choice, yes. You will have the ability to serve both the mortal and celestial worlds, just as A-Ying and A-Zhan have done."
Wei Ying looked at his children with pride, though he was content to let them decide their own fates. "Whatever you choose, we'll support you."
The Jade Emperor took a step forward, his celestial aura glowing in the setting sun. "Your children's futures will unfold in due time. But for now, let us speak of your own."
Wei Ying raised an eyebrow, curious. "Our own?"
"Yes," the Jade Emperor replied. "You and Ai Da Zhe have fulfilled your duties to the celestial realm. You have honored your mission and protected your family. The bond between the two of you has strengthened beyond what any of us could have imagined."
Wei Ying looked up at Lan Zhan, whose serene face showed the faintest flicker of surprise. "So… what does that mean for us?" Wei Ying asked.
The Jade Emperor's smile deepened. "It means that you are free. Free to live the rest of your days as you see fit, without the burden of celestial missions. You may remain in the mortal realm, or you may ascend to the Celestial World. The choice is yours."
Wei Ying was momentarily stunned. The idea of no longer being bound to the duties of the immortal realm was freeing, but it was also bittersweet. He had grown so used to the unpredictability of their missions, to the late-night summoning and the danger, that the thought of having no more responsibilities felt foreign.
Lan Zhan, always a stabilizing force, spoke softly. "Wei Ying… what do you want?"
Wei Ying smiled, his heart swelling as he looked at the family they had built together. "I think," he said slowly, "I think I want to stay here. With you. With the children. Right here in Cloud Recesses, where we belong."
The Jade Emperor inclined his head. "Then so it shall be. The Celestial World will always be open to you, but your lives here will be your own. You are no longer bound by duty."
Baoshan Sanren stepped closer to Wei Ying, placing a hand on his arm. "You've earned this peace, A-Ying. Take it, and cherish the life you've fought so hard to protect."
Wei Ying felt a weight lift from his shoulders that he hadn't realized he'd been carrying. The threat of danger, the looming missions—they were gone. He was free to simply be Wei Ying, husband to Lan Zhan and father to their children.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for everything."
Baoshan Sanren nodded, her eyes filled with pride. "Live well, my grandson."
With that, she and the Jade Emperor turned, their forms shimmering as they began to fade, returning to the Celestial World. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the mountains in warmth as they vanished from sight.
Wei Ying let out a breath, feeling lighter than he had in years. He turned to Lan Zhan, who was watching him with those deep, unwavering golden eyes.
"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying said with a grin, "looks like we're finally just ordinary husbands now. No more divine responsibilities."
Lan Zhan's lips twitched. "As long as I have you, Wei Ying, I need nothing else."
Wei Ying chuckled, leaning into Lan Zhan's side. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."
Their children ran up, surrounding them with laughter and excitement, asking questions about the Celestial World and their futures. But Wei Ying's heart was at peace.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in a golden glow, Wei Ying knew that their journey wasn't ending.....it was simply beginning anew, full of love, laughter, and the promise of a future they would face together.
The End.
Hope you really enjoyed the book my dear friends? Till we meet in another WANGXIAN.... But a different one, not like The Untamed or Mo Dao Zu Shi. Do not worry it is still a Wangxian a Historical One. 😂